It seems like just yesterday I was composing the 2009 year in review, yet here I am reflecting back on the year that almost is history. I haven't blogged as much this year because my life has seemed to accelerate to mach 10 speed with my hair on fire (thanks to my writing mentor, Amy, for that visual) But just because I didn't blog as much didn't mean my life wasn't as full and glorious as ever. To recap it would take way too much time for a wordy gal like myself, so I'm going to hit the highlights. For those that are faithful readers and active participants in my life, some of these may be a memory for you too.
I was privileged to speak at conferences twice this year and published in my first book - One of my dreams has been to do public speaking on a regular basis and to write more (books, devotions, etc.). This year I saw that dream come to reality. At the very time I really wasn't pursuing it. I spoke at my church's women's conference in March and at a Women's Brunch at a friends' church in Knoxville. I never tire of speaking to and teaching women. I am blessed FAR more by their stories afterwards of how God is working in their lives than they will ever be blessed by what I say. If I ever questioned my passion, it got squelched in September after the brunch. I talked to women who were in tears, sharing their hurts, sharing how God was breaking them to make them better. I sat for over an hour listening, crying and praying with those women. I am blessed. This summer, I was published in a Psalms devotional published by Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I am May 23! Not only was that a blessing, but an honor to be on the pages alongside seminary graduates, professors' wives, and women much farther along their journey than I. Lesson learned: Give God your dreams and He'll make them reality in His Time.
My office moved locations in March - Newsflash: I love my job!! Anyone who knows me is fully aware of my adoration for what I do even though there are days when I'm ready to lose my mind. But the one downside of my job was the downtown location. Not a downside for everyone, but for me, the 30-45 one-way commute was a buzz kill. Our offices are now located 10-15 minutes from my home and we have our own parking lot. Having your own parking lot is taken for granted when you park in a parking garage everyday and have to walk down a wind tunnel passing Mrs. Gulch and Toto flying by you. We now have a beautiful office with "real" furniture and more space. Good thing because for 2011 we're projecting to grow revenue by 30%. Lesson Learned: Never take for granted the little things or the things that you love, even when they are frustrating at times.
I have traveled 6 out of 12 months this year - When I looked over my year, I was shocked to see how often I traveled. Granted, they weren't all week-long epic excursions, but still wonderful trips. I went from Virginia to Florida and many points in between. I had one trip to Alabama I canceled or I would have traveled 7 out of 12 months. Some business, some pleasure, but all trips were enjoyable and full of funny stories. (Welcome to my life!) I used to travel a lot for my job about 10 years ago and that got wearisome. But I now am trained to pack quickly and actually get antsy when I don't have a trip planned, no matter how quick a jaunt. Being the competitive soul, I suppose I'll be trying to shoot for 7 out of 12 this year. Lesson Learned: There is no place like home, but a good trip can be refreshing for the soul.
I became a bit more gadgety this year - In June I ordered a Kindle. I love to read and unless I want to have my own library, all these actual books are taking up way too much space. I love the Kindle for travel (see above) because that one device can hold a ton of books. I also became the lucky recipient of an iPod Nano Touch at our company Christmas lunch. I've been too cheap to buy an iPod. I listen to Pandora, so I find no need to "buy" tunes when I have that variety. Now that I've won this iPod, I owe iTunes my next paycheck, I think. I admit freely that I'm a tech geek, and each year, I seem to get a bit geekier. Lesson Learned: The world as we know it is changing and we'll be like the Jetsons in no time.
This year went by blustery fast and sprinkled along with unexpected blessings - Last Christmas, I took my team of three out to lunch and told them that according to the plan, I wouldn't be manager to all of them in the coming year. That all changed. As I took my team of four out to lunch this Christmas, I recounted that statement (with the additional person) and the fact that I'm hiring three more people for 2011. Never in my dreams would I have expected that, but it's a very good thing. That is just one example of the year I've had in 2010. Life moving along like a stream of water that flows, and though some ripples flowed over craggy rocks, it just made the journey more exciting. In the end, I've had a great year...one of the best yet. Were there times I wouldn't have said that this year? Most definitely. As I face 2011, I can face it with fear and trepidation thinking about the unknown, or with high expectations knowing that no matter what the road, in the end, it will be a great year. Lesson Learned: God uses all things - the bad and the good - and works them together for our good. In that, I truly find comfort.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Musings for the Week - The Sing-Off, Shopping, and Surprises
1. I don't watch much television other than a few shows - The Office, Glee - and a random sort of other competitive shows - Top Chef, The Apprentice. But typically they stay in my DVR until I have to watch them or delete them because, well, I just don't have the time or desire to sit and watch as much as I might record. But the singing competition on NBC, The Sing-Off, has won my heart! I love music, most any kind. And music sung in pure acapella with voices as the only instruments is heaven. Although I've been an American Idol fan, I feel their days are numbered. The Sing-Off is refreshing in oh so many ways. It simulates the real-life Glee, which could fill up another blog post on why that is exciting. The judges - Ben Folds, Pussy Cat Doll Nicole Whatshername, and Shawn Stockton from BoyzIIMen - are phenomenal. They actually make sense and don't say "pitchy" ever other word, or make no musical sense at all. There have been two episodes so far and the show has a short run each year so be sure to catch it on Mondays and Wednesdays for as long as it lasts - or online. Otherwise, you'll have to wait a year for that harmonizing goodness.
2. Last Friday, I went to see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at a local high school with my soul sister, Amy, and her daughter Kaela. Once Kaela heard it was a "girls' night" she just had to come and let her brother and Daddy have their boys' night. After one girls' night at my house in her PJs watching Glee, she was hooked on the girls' night concept. Amy will attest that her holiday season can't begin until she sees this production, and this was the first time for Kaela. And you can't beat $5 for an easy way to get into the Christmas spirit. If you've never seen the play, nor read the book, please do so this holiday season. You'll understand the real meaning of Christmas and realize that Jesus came for the misfits, the square pegs, the outsiders. Jesus was born and Mary laid Him in a trough. He spent His Life and Ministry (and death) ministering to those of us who find ourselves in the troughs of life. He truly is the Reason for the Season. Amy and I shed a tear, just like we did when we saw it two years ago. Let Christmas commence!
3. Whilst receiving my DNA when I was created, I missed some of that shopping gene. I shop out of necessity. You won't find me going to a mall to stroll and browse. Partially because it's not my thing, but partially because when I see something I like, it's too tempting that I have a hard time not buying it. But there is one type of retail therapy I love - shopping at Walgreen's. The store has been around for more than 100 years, and it's obvious why. Last Saturday after a long day of household chores, laundry and grocery shopping, it was late...and snowing...and I was on a Benadryl hangover and out of medicine and cough drops. So, at 7pm on a snowy, dark Saturday night, I headed to Walgreen's. (People, I have got to get a life) I needed a few other things - makeup, scarves and gloves for our office Christmas tree - so the trip was well warranted. I even traveled to my favorite Walgreen's, which is about 15 minutes away. I found everything I needed, with much on sale, and a friendly staff who chatted with me as I shopped. I've been to CVS, Rite Aid and the whole drug store lot, but none can compare to Walgreen's. I heart Walgreen's.
4. I just finished a marvelous book - The 13th Hour. My book club opens up windows of books in various genres I would never read on my own. I adore that about being part of my book club. If you are looking for a fast read for the holidays that you just can't put down, I highly recommend this book. In short, it's a mystery about a man who has been accused of murdering his wife. He is given a timepiece that will allow him to go back in time - an hour at a time - for 12 hours to solve the crime and prevent the death of his wife. When you open the book, it starts at Chapter 12...because you are going backwards in time. That's just delicious! And speaking of delicious, the book for this month is The Love Goddess' Cooking School. No, it's not some R-rated book, but a light-hearted story of a woman who has lost a love and assumes the little Italian cooking school her grandmother ran before her death. If you like following a character who is recovering from lost love and talk of good Italian food, this book is for you. It's that time of year when the weather outside is frightful, but curling up with a book and a cup of java is so delightful.
5. When setting up my DVR to record the aforementioned show, The Sing-Off, I caught a listing for the showing of Singin' in the Rain. I've loved that movie for a long time. I noticed it was on TCM, Turner Classic Movie Channel. I heaved a sigh because that has always been a premium channel, untouched by us lowly basic cable users. The channel listing was 608 and I thought, "Hmm, let's just go there and see." Much to my surprise, I have TCM! I know this is quite geeky and classifies me as some sort of movie goober, but that surprise was absolutely wonderful. I heart old movies and much of my Blockbuster queue is filled with movies you can't get at Red Box. Now I have access to those old movies 24 hours a day. The old Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland movie, "Babes on Broadway" was on last night. As I'm winding down for bed and need that "go to sleep" movie, nothing hits the mark like an old classic where men loved women and women adored men. Thank you Insight for finally doing something right.
2. Last Friday, I went to see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at a local high school with my soul sister, Amy, and her daughter Kaela. Once Kaela heard it was a "girls' night" she just had to come and let her brother and Daddy have their boys' night. After one girls' night at my house in her PJs watching Glee, she was hooked on the girls' night concept. Amy will attest that her holiday season can't begin until she sees this production, and this was the first time for Kaela. And you can't beat $5 for an easy way to get into the Christmas spirit. If you've never seen the play, nor read the book, please do so this holiday season. You'll understand the real meaning of Christmas and realize that Jesus came for the misfits, the square pegs, the outsiders. Jesus was born and Mary laid Him in a trough. He spent His Life and Ministry (and death) ministering to those of us who find ourselves in the troughs of life. He truly is the Reason for the Season. Amy and I shed a tear, just like we did when we saw it two years ago. Let Christmas commence!
3. Whilst receiving my DNA when I was created, I missed some of that shopping gene. I shop out of necessity. You won't find me going to a mall to stroll and browse. Partially because it's not my thing, but partially because when I see something I like, it's too tempting that I have a hard time not buying it. But there is one type of retail therapy I love - shopping at Walgreen's. The store has been around for more than 100 years, and it's obvious why. Last Saturday after a long day of household chores, laundry and grocery shopping, it was late...and snowing...and I was on a Benadryl hangover and out of medicine and cough drops. So, at 7pm on a snowy, dark Saturday night, I headed to Walgreen's. (People, I have got to get a life) I needed a few other things - makeup, scarves and gloves for our office Christmas tree - so the trip was well warranted. I even traveled to my favorite Walgreen's, which is about 15 minutes away. I found everything I needed, with much on sale, and a friendly staff who chatted with me as I shopped. I've been to CVS, Rite Aid and the whole drug store lot, but none can compare to Walgreen's. I heart Walgreen's.
4. I just finished a marvelous book - The 13th Hour. My book club opens up windows of books in various genres I would never read on my own. I adore that about being part of my book club. If you are looking for a fast read for the holidays that you just can't put down, I highly recommend this book. In short, it's a mystery about a man who has been accused of murdering his wife. He is given a timepiece that will allow him to go back in time - an hour at a time - for 12 hours to solve the crime and prevent the death of his wife. When you open the book, it starts at Chapter 12...because you are going backwards in time. That's just delicious! And speaking of delicious, the book for this month is The Love Goddess' Cooking School. No, it's not some R-rated book, but a light-hearted story of a woman who has lost a love and assumes the little Italian cooking school her grandmother ran before her death. If you like following a character who is recovering from lost love and talk of good Italian food, this book is for you. It's that time of year when the weather outside is frightful, but curling up with a book and a cup of java is so delightful.
5. When setting up my DVR to record the aforementioned show, The Sing-Off, I caught a listing for the showing of Singin' in the Rain. I've loved that movie for a long time. I noticed it was on TCM, Turner Classic Movie Channel. I heaved a sigh because that has always been a premium channel, untouched by us lowly basic cable users. The channel listing was 608 and I thought, "Hmm, let's just go there and see." Much to my surprise, I have TCM! I know this is quite geeky and classifies me as some sort of movie goober, but that surprise was absolutely wonderful. I heart old movies and much of my Blockbuster queue is filled with movies you can't get at Red Box. Now I have access to those old movies 24 hours a day. The old Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland movie, "Babes on Broadway" was on last night. As I'm winding down for bed and need that "go to sleep" movie, nothing hits the mark like an old classic where men loved women and women adored men. Thank you Insight for finally doing something right.
Friday, November 26, 2010
My Airline Christmas List
There has been much ado about the full-body scanners found at many major airports and the invasion of our personal body space for the sake of safety and security. I can see the hoopla that this can create, but a little x-ray peep of my hidings and/or a pat down is tolerable for me when there are so many other things airport related I'd like to see changed. I'm not a road warrior, but I travel frequently, and just returned from a business trip to Orlando last week and made some observations. None of which were me peeping into another person's body scan. For the record, none of the airports I traveled through had these contraptions installed. If I could have five wishes from the Airport Santa, here is what I'd love to see...
1. No charge for checked bags on any airline - Southwest is the only airline that still allows for free checked bags. Other airlines allow preferred club members to let their bags fly free, but for the common traveler, checking a bag is an additional cost. What doesn't make sense is this just forces some people to haul their larger than life luggage on the plane to stuff into the overhead compartment. After they push and tug and realize it won't fit, the nice flight attendant has to tag it anyway and a poor, overworked airline employee has to stow it with the elite bags that paid to ride in cargo. A lot of hassle that could be saved by letting the first bag fly free.
2. Security line for families - When you enter the TSA security lines, you have choices..."Expert Traveler"..."Casual Traveler"..."Wheelchair Assistance." There should be a line for "Traveling Families." I feel so bad for families with small children who have to lug car seats, strollers and other toddler paraphernalia through security. On top of that, the older little ones have to take off their shoes, put their backpacks on the conveyor belt for scanning...all quite daunting for a little one. This special line could provide assistance to families helping the process roll smoother. Especially if a Mom or Dad is traveling solo. I've seen parents traveling with two or three children by themselves and think "Man, how'd you get through security and get to the gate in one piece?" When I was that small, I could stroll all the way to the gate to see my Dad off on a business trip with no security to hinder me. Times have changed, but we can make it easier for families.
3. Load planes in zones that relate to what type of seat you have, not by your row - All airlines with assigned seating load by zones. Typically the farther back in the plane you are, the quicker you get to load the plane (unless you are first class, of course). This seems to make sense, but practically, it falls a bit short. When loading by zones, the first zone should be all window seats, then zone two all middle seats and the final zone all aisle seats. I always request a window seat, and I inevitably have to make someone get up and move so I can be seated. This could be avoided with my suggestion on zone seating. Plus make loading a plane much quicker. You'd think the whiz bang folks that direct air traffic could pass that logistical tidbit along.
4. A nice little cheat sheet when my boarding pass is scanned - When I board the plane and scan my boarding pass, I'd love for a little paper to pop out that will tell me what gate this plane will de-board at the arriving airport and, if I have a connecting flight, the departing gate for that flight. When you have a tight connection, it would be great to know if I've got 3 concourses to race through when we land or whether my gate is two gates down. I realize those things change from time to time, but with the technology we have in place, it should be really simple to connect all my information from that boarding pass and airports I'm traveling through. I do one search on Google for a product and Google Ads pop up for that product everywhere I go online thereafter. Maybe Google can help airports work out that tracking ability.
5. A mini bottle of water for everybody - I realize in first class, you can get a bottle of water before the plane is even loaded. But, in the interest of good health and keeping your flight participants hydrated, giving everyone a small bottle of water as they enter the plane would be fabulous. Of course, the normal beverage service would still apply (we travelers are thirsty!) and I'd still want my three gulps of diet coke and my six peanuts.
Happy traveling during the holidays! And be sure to tell the Airport Santa what you want for Christmas this year.
1. No charge for checked bags on any airline - Southwest is the only airline that still allows for free checked bags. Other airlines allow preferred club members to let their bags fly free, but for the common traveler, checking a bag is an additional cost. What doesn't make sense is this just forces some people to haul their larger than life luggage on the plane to stuff into the overhead compartment. After they push and tug and realize it won't fit, the nice flight attendant has to tag it anyway and a poor, overworked airline employee has to stow it with the elite bags that paid to ride in cargo. A lot of hassle that could be saved by letting the first bag fly free.
2. Security line for families - When you enter the TSA security lines, you have choices..."Expert Traveler"..."Casual Traveler"..."Wheelchair Assistance." There should be a line for "Traveling Families." I feel so bad for families with small children who have to lug car seats, strollers and other toddler paraphernalia through security. On top of that, the older little ones have to take off their shoes, put their backpacks on the conveyor belt for scanning...all quite daunting for a little one. This special line could provide assistance to families helping the process roll smoother. Especially if a Mom or Dad is traveling solo. I've seen parents traveling with two or three children by themselves and think "Man, how'd you get through security and get to the gate in one piece?" When I was that small, I could stroll all the way to the gate to see my Dad off on a business trip with no security to hinder me. Times have changed, but we can make it easier for families.
3. Load planes in zones that relate to what type of seat you have, not by your row - All airlines with assigned seating load by zones. Typically the farther back in the plane you are, the quicker you get to load the plane (unless you are first class, of course). This seems to make sense, but practically, it falls a bit short. When loading by zones, the first zone should be all window seats, then zone two all middle seats and the final zone all aisle seats. I always request a window seat, and I inevitably have to make someone get up and move so I can be seated. This could be avoided with my suggestion on zone seating. Plus make loading a plane much quicker. You'd think the whiz bang folks that direct air traffic could pass that logistical tidbit along.
4. A nice little cheat sheet when my boarding pass is scanned - When I board the plane and scan my boarding pass, I'd love for a little paper to pop out that will tell me what gate this plane will de-board at the arriving airport and, if I have a connecting flight, the departing gate for that flight. When you have a tight connection, it would be great to know if I've got 3 concourses to race through when we land or whether my gate is two gates down. I realize those things change from time to time, but with the technology we have in place, it should be really simple to connect all my information from that boarding pass and airports I'm traveling through. I do one search on Google for a product and Google Ads pop up for that product everywhere I go online thereafter. Maybe Google can help airports work out that tracking ability.
5. A mini bottle of water for everybody - I realize in first class, you can get a bottle of water before the plane is even loaded. But, in the interest of good health and keeping your flight participants hydrated, giving everyone a small bottle of water as they enter the plane would be fabulous. Of course, the normal beverage service would still apply (we travelers are thirsty!) and I'd still want my three gulps of diet coke and my six peanuts.
Happy traveling during the holidays! And be sure to tell the Airport Santa what you want for Christmas this year.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Decision Points
As a Today Show fan (and Matt Lauer fan), I was fascinated by the latest interview he conducted with former President George W Bush. Unfortunately I missed the hour-long special on NBC, but thanks to Denny Burk, I was able to catch it all online via video. I'm completely intrigued by this book and hope to eventually read it, so hearing snippets of the pages he shared was captivating. Whatever your political persuasion, I ask you to put that aside as you read my blogpost. I want you to read this with an open mind as the reflections I gleaned from listening to his parley with Matt reach beyond the bounds of parties. As I listened to him, I realized that we all would serve as Commander in Chief based on our life experiences and foundational upbringing. It permeates all we do. And it made George W Bush the man, and President, he is and was. How was he influenced?
His life experiences shaped his decision-making - Many people may wonder why he was pro-life. The gripping story of his Mother's miscarriage when he was a teenager and seeing the remains of that child has forever formed his belief that life begins long before earthly air is inhaled. So much so that he even has some disagreements with his wife, Laura's, stand on this same issue. Now all those times I saw him defend the right for an unborn child to live, I'll remember that he saw firsthand the reality of life in the womb. Your feeling on things change when they hit very close to home.
His relationship with his father was something to cherish - As he speaks of his Dad, George, Sr, he gets very emotional. I was enthralled by his explaining all the letters his Dad would write him, encouraging him along the way. They move him so much even today that he can't read them without tearing up. The touching video of his Dad reaching out to grasp his hand after he spoke at the 9/11 Service at the National Cathedral speaks more than a 1000 words. A lot has been said about them being competitive enemies, but he confirms that isn't the truth. It is apparent George, Sr, impacted his son in ways we all benefited from as a country. Such a great reminder of the importance of parental influence in the home. It shapes us now and forever.
His faith in God and love for Laura is captivating - Anyone who knows his history knows George struggled with alcoholism. Through discovering a faith in God and turning his life around, he was able to shake that addiction. I loved that Matt challenged him regarding that vice. He asked him if during all the times of struggle as President - 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, two wars - if he ever faltered. He emphatically said no. This is the evidence of a truly-changed man. We all fail in areas when we are pressured, yet his faith in God and the deliverance he experienced was enough to keep him on the right road. And, he understands what it means to fail. We all need a President that has that kind of humility. When he met Laura, he wasn't the man he is today and was chained by this addiction. Laura is a quiet spirit, but in watching them together and hearing the candidness of his life, I see a strong woman behind that man. I can envision that she lovingly kept him in line when needed, yet supported him 100%. Even in the issues where they disagree, you see in her a love and respect for him that is refreshing. Long before he laid his hand on the Bible to be sworn into office as President the first time, God knew the road ahead for him. Clearly, her love and support in the rough times of their life was exactly what he would need for the road ahead.
One day, he will be remembered as one of our greatest Presidents - The first President I was privileged to vote for was Ronald Reagan. He will always hold a special place in my heart. He was ridiculed for being the Hollywood President and persecuted for decisions he made, but as we look back on his terms in office, we see what an amazing President he was for his time. As a country, we aren't quite historical enough yet to appreciate that in George. But, one day we will. From 9/11 attacks to commanding the greatest military in the world, he faced challenges that not all Presidents must face. And, one day the history books will record the greatness of his Presidency. And we will remember the common man from West Texas who led our country through some of its darkest days.
There is something refreshing about a man who held the most powerful job in the world expressing himself with such candor and frankness. George acknowledges he wasn't the perfect President, nor is he the flawless man. But he loved this country and served it to the best of his abilities. Thanks, George, for the sacrifice of your life to serve our country well.
His life experiences shaped his decision-making - Many people may wonder why he was pro-life. The gripping story of his Mother's miscarriage when he was a teenager and seeing the remains of that child has forever formed his belief that life begins long before earthly air is inhaled. So much so that he even has some disagreements with his wife, Laura's, stand on this same issue. Now all those times I saw him defend the right for an unborn child to live, I'll remember that he saw firsthand the reality of life in the womb. Your feeling on things change when they hit very close to home.
His relationship with his father was something to cherish - As he speaks of his Dad, George, Sr, he gets very emotional. I was enthralled by his explaining all the letters his Dad would write him, encouraging him along the way. They move him so much even today that he can't read them without tearing up. The touching video of his Dad reaching out to grasp his hand after he spoke at the 9/11 Service at the National Cathedral speaks more than a 1000 words. A lot has been said about them being competitive enemies, but he confirms that isn't the truth. It is apparent George, Sr, impacted his son in ways we all benefited from as a country. Such a great reminder of the importance of parental influence in the home. It shapes us now and forever.
His faith in God and love for Laura is captivating - Anyone who knows his history knows George struggled with alcoholism. Through discovering a faith in God and turning his life around, he was able to shake that addiction. I loved that Matt challenged him regarding that vice. He asked him if during all the times of struggle as President - 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, two wars - if he ever faltered. He emphatically said no. This is the evidence of a truly-changed man. We all fail in areas when we are pressured, yet his faith in God and the deliverance he experienced was enough to keep him on the right road. And, he understands what it means to fail. We all need a President that has that kind of humility. When he met Laura, he wasn't the man he is today and was chained by this addiction. Laura is a quiet spirit, but in watching them together and hearing the candidness of his life, I see a strong woman behind that man. I can envision that she lovingly kept him in line when needed, yet supported him 100%. Even in the issues where they disagree, you see in her a love and respect for him that is refreshing. Long before he laid his hand on the Bible to be sworn into office as President the first time, God knew the road ahead for him. Clearly, her love and support in the rough times of their life was exactly what he would need for the road ahead.
One day, he will be remembered as one of our greatest Presidents - The first President I was privileged to vote for was Ronald Reagan. He will always hold a special place in my heart. He was ridiculed for being the Hollywood President and persecuted for decisions he made, but as we look back on his terms in office, we see what an amazing President he was for his time. As a country, we aren't quite historical enough yet to appreciate that in George. But, one day we will. From 9/11 attacks to commanding the greatest military in the world, he faced challenges that not all Presidents must face. And, one day the history books will record the greatness of his Presidency. And we will remember the common man from West Texas who led our country through some of its darkest days.
There is something refreshing about a man who held the most powerful job in the world expressing himself with such candor and frankness. George acknowledges he wasn't the perfect President, nor is he the flawless man. But he loved this country and served it to the best of his abilities. Thanks, George, for the sacrifice of your life to serve our country well.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
I Have Become My Mother
You know you will reach "that age" when you realize that you have morphed into your Mother. Most women discover this when they have children and surprisingly have the same words of their Mother popping out of their mouths. Since I don't have any children of my own, the revelation of becoming my Mother has taken a bit more time. But after some encounters on a recent trip, I can confirm with confidence, yes, I have become my Mother.
My Mom would talk to anyone in her path. In fact, the running joke was my Mom could talk to the wall and not even realize it wasn't talking back. As a young child, this used to annoy me. We'd be in the grocery and she'd strike up a conversation with another shopper and I'd be so embarrassed that I'd crawl on the bottom rack of the grocery cart. It was especially embarrassing when she'd tell stories on me. There was one encounter in a restroom at a restaurant that was quite hilarious. I wasn't with my Mom at the time but she recounted the story later. A woman was in there lamenting to her daughter about some behavioral issues and my Mom, ever the non-stop conversationalist, interjected with affirmation that she dealt with the same thing with me. The woman kindly responded, but interjected a few expletives unexpectedly. Not towards my Mom, but it took my Mom so off guard that she would say that in front of her very young child that I thought it would break her of talking to strangers. Um, not so much.
On a recent trip to visit friends in Virginia, I began to observe this characteristic in myself. Heaven help me, I've become my Mother! I'm single and find myself traversing through life solo quite a bit. I'll chalk up my bent to be like her on the fact that I need somebody to talk to along the way. I found myself making small talk with folks at the airport gate waiting to board. This is when I decided to pay attention to myself and figure out if I truly am my Mother. Here are just a few examples to confirm my findings...
As I left the hotel on day two, the front desk clerk said, "I feel like you've been here for weeks!" Hmm, just checked in yesterday. I told her I'd take that as a compliment, but I'd only been there for a day. She said, "But weren't you just here two weeks ago?" Actually, I was there about six months ago. She said, "Oh, well, it's hard to forget a friendly face." I told her I was glad I could make such an impression and it was good to know I had friendly faces that will remember me when I visit.
I went to see friends in a local community theater production of The Wizard of Oz. As we were waiting for the doors to open the second night of the performance, I struck up a conversation with the family in front of me. In the short time we were standing there, I discovered they had brought their granddaughter to the play, had seen The Miracle Worker at a local theater that afternoon, been rear-ended after that play, and decided to go ahead and come on to the evening production of the Wizard to have a good ending to the day. At intermission, we hooked back up again and discussed the performers and I gave her the background info I knew from my inside connections with the cast. I also found out the husband was native to the area and an alumni of the high school my friend's daughter attends. And, the wife is an Army Brat. After that encounter there was no denying how proud my Mom would be that I'm carrying on her tradition.
As I departed for home, I took my rental back to the airport and as I got out of the car and began to babble on to the rental agents, the very nice rental car jockey, who was an older gentlemen that spoke broken English, said, "Would you like ride to terminal?" I said, "Bless your heart, I'd love that!" The other option is dragging your bags on the rental bus back to the terminal, normally replete with a ga-zillion people with stacks and stacks of luggage in your face. I hopped in the passenger side of the car and off we went. Yes, even on the short ride to the terminal I made small talk. What a sweet man. I tipped him, though I wanted to give him a hug because of his kindness, but thought that was too much. Oh my word, I've not only become my Mother, but I'm going overboard.
Reflecting back on those encounters, and many others that I pay more attention to now, I am not at all embarrassed to say I've become my Mother. She was a precious lady who drizzled her bubbly-ness wherever she went. If I can provide a few drops of bubbly everywhere I go, I will be a happy girl.
My Mom would talk to anyone in her path. In fact, the running joke was my Mom could talk to the wall and not even realize it wasn't talking back. As a young child, this used to annoy me. We'd be in the grocery and she'd strike up a conversation with another shopper and I'd be so embarrassed that I'd crawl on the bottom rack of the grocery cart. It was especially embarrassing when she'd tell stories on me. There was one encounter in a restroom at a restaurant that was quite hilarious. I wasn't with my Mom at the time but she recounted the story later. A woman was in there lamenting to her daughter about some behavioral issues and my Mom, ever the non-stop conversationalist, interjected with affirmation that she dealt with the same thing with me. The woman kindly responded, but interjected a few expletives unexpectedly. Not towards my Mom, but it took my Mom so off guard that she would say that in front of her very young child that I thought it would break her of talking to strangers. Um, not so much.
On a recent trip to visit friends in Virginia, I began to observe this characteristic in myself. Heaven help me, I've become my Mother! I'm single and find myself traversing through life solo quite a bit. I'll chalk up my bent to be like her on the fact that I need somebody to talk to along the way. I found myself making small talk with folks at the airport gate waiting to board. This is when I decided to pay attention to myself and figure out if I truly am my Mother. Here are just a few examples to confirm my findings...
As I left the hotel on day two, the front desk clerk said, "I feel like you've been here for weeks!" Hmm, just checked in yesterday. I told her I'd take that as a compliment, but I'd only been there for a day. She said, "But weren't you just here two weeks ago?" Actually, I was there about six months ago. She said, "Oh, well, it's hard to forget a friendly face." I told her I was glad I could make such an impression and it was good to know I had friendly faces that will remember me when I visit.
I went to see friends in a local community theater production of The Wizard of Oz. As we were waiting for the doors to open the second night of the performance, I struck up a conversation with the family in front of me. In the short time we were standing there, I discovered they had brought their granddaughter to the play, had seen The Miracle Worker at a local theater that afternoon, been rear-ended after that play, and decided to go ahead and come on to the evening production of the Wizard to have a good ending to the day. At intermission, we hooked back up again and discussed the performers and I gave her the background info I knew from my inside connections with the cast. I also found out the husband was native to the area and an alumni of the high school my friend's daughter attends. And, the wife is an Army Brat. After that encounter there was no denying how proud my Mom would be that I'm carrying on her tradition.
As I departed for home, I took my rental back to the airport and as I got out of the car and began to babble on to the rental agents, the very nice rental car jockey, who was an older gentlemen that spoke broken English, said, "Would you like ride to terminal?" I said, "Bless your heart, I'd love that!" The other option is dragging your bags on the rental bus back to the terminal, normally replete with a ga-zillion people with stacks and stacks of luggage in your face. I hopped in the passenger side of the car and off we went. Yes, even on the short ride to the terminal I made small talk. What a sweet man. I tipped him, though I wanted to give him a hug because of his kindness, but thought that was too much. Oh my word, I've not only become my Mother, but I'm going overboard.
Reflecting back on those encounters, and many others that I pay more attention to now, I am not at all embarrassed to say I've become my Mother. She was a precious lady who drizzled her bubbly-ness wherever she went. If I can provide a few drops of bubbly everywhere I go, I will be a happy girl.
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