May 12, 2009 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
Let me tell you—nobody ever warned me what this Mom job would entail. I would probably have taken off running if they had—now, given everything I know today—both good and bad—easy and difficult—enjoyable and painful—I’d probably still choose to be a Mom three times over. But I gotta tell you, that’s not what I was thinking the other night…
Texting is one of the most recent teenage addictions (but that’s a topic for another day). Computers, however, take a close second. Seems I find my teenagers still connected to the computer much later than I would like on any given school night. No one does that much homework. Anyway, late the other evening, when all was quiet in my house, I walked past my middle daughter’s room to find her still on the computer. I said, “That’s enough—time for bed.” Her very calm response to me was, “One more sec.” Already tired, you know I didn’t hesitate to jump on that comment, to which I yelled, “NO—no more secs—now get to bed.” Who says that? Secs—that’s not what it sounds like when you say it, ya know. The look on her face was priceless–afraid to laugh because I was angry–yet laughter absolutely leaking out thru her pores—and MINE.
So, today’s challenge is to remember that while discipline is important, don’t forget to take a minute to laugh at the unexpected. And remember loving those kids is of the utmost importance, no matter how upset they can make us on any given day. As always, you are the Best and good things are coming your way. And don’t be surprised if today might give you an unexpected opportunity or two or three to laugh. That’s not funny—okay, maybe it is. Don’t take yourself so seriously—like me. Think you’re tough enough to take the challenge? As always, I’m in this with you. Make me proud!
May 11, 2009 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
I love you! I love you! I love you! Funny how some of us need to say it and hear it constantly, right? While others seldom say those words, somehow the feeling of love is conveyed without them. Not often that I heard my Mother utter those words, but I did indeed grow up feeling very loved. She expressed her love in great meals, clean clothes, and always knew how important those extras might be to us, and always asked my Dad at the exact right time. She also tucked you in so tight, no bad dreams could possibly get in. It was undoubtedly a good way to make sure we stayed in bed, as well.
Now I had a friend whose mother always said, “I love you” on the telephone before she hung up. Did her Mom love her any more than my Mom did? Must admit that I pondered that question. Everyone has different ways of expressing themselves–all different, yet none of them necessarily wrong. I would often sit on the floor in front of my Mom while we watched TV. She would sometimes comb my hair while we watched or chatted, and when she was feeling particularly spunky, she would say, “I’m gonna squeeze your hair until it screams.” Now, don’t go calling Child Protective Services. I was never in fear of harm from my Mom and I will admit to sitting with a smug smile on my face because no matter how hard she squeezed, my hair was never going to scream.
So, today’s task is to think back to growing up–find some happy memories with your Mom. It is Mothers’ Day, after all. Did I ever tell you that my sister bought me a Mothers’ Day card when I was twelve and she was eight (yes, she was right, it did say “For my Sister on Mothers’ Day”–okay, so maybe I wasn’t a mother yet, but it is the thought that counts. You are the Best–and so is your Mother–as is mine! And today is going to be a day filled with renewed enthusiasm for life and living. Think you’re tough enough to take the challenge? I know you are. And today, just to remind you how much I love you, I’m gonna squeeze your hair until it screams. Feel the love and pass it on. Make me proud!
May 6, 2009 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
Over the years, I will admit that I have lost a lot of things–lost keys, lost phone numbers, lost socks, lost one shoe (???), lost directions, lost my place in a book, lost a child in a store (oh, no, maybe that was my mother-in-law who did that–and she’s not the one who told me), lost a used car lot (okay, I was out test-driving a car in an unfamiliar neighborhood), but there’s one thing that I have never lost before–my sense of humor. You’ll be glad to know that I have found it. Not a fun thing to lose though, because the harder you work to find it– the more it seems to elude you.
Want to know where I found it? It was just taking a little break–it came back slowly when I heard:
- the giggles of my children and their friends (you should meet these characters) as I cooked dinner and washed clothes.
- in silly jokes my friends tell me (you should meet my friends–oh, you’re one of them, aren’t you?) as we chatted over coffee
- in wild stories from my family (and you think your family is crazy) as we reminisce over great memories
- in the antics of my amusing cat (you’d never be the same) as she plays tag with my 17-year old AND
- in renewing my decision to choose to be happy–each and every day.
Think you’re tough enough to make the choice to be happy? It is a choice, you know? If you already live your life with a smile on your face and sunshine in your heart, you are my hero–I will be giving extra credit today if you inspire someone else to make that choice. And if you ever find yourself just a little bit down–or a lot–give me a call. I’ll introduce you to some of my family or friends–or my cat. Or better yet, let me introduce you–to You! Be HAPPY! You are the Best and good things are coming your way. Put a smile on your face! Smiles are contagious. Pass one on. I dare you!!!
