A Walk

Today during Erynn's acting class, I  decided to take a walk around the block. It turned into more than a block and a nice walk down memory lane.  I bet some of you know where I was.

The beginning-Erynn's acting class location.  

View down the street.

View up the street.

Lovely church at the corner.

Pretty serious about their parking.

Where Scott and I got married!

Yes, this is next door now. Would have been more helpful then.

I worked here when we were married almost 21 years ago.  

Name of the place!  Once had to chaperone and clean up for an Auburn party!  Still tired from it.

The room we were married in - called the Savannah Room is now a salon.

Spots along the path!

You never know what you will see if you look down!

Back to class.

Where I worked on this post.  I really miss a good swing on a front porch!

Take some time.

Pick a block.

Take a walk.

You never know what you might find.

What Do I Want To Do With My Life?

When I was in high school and even in college, this life that I now lead was definitely not what I had planned.  I honestly don't think any of us are the rock stars, writers, actresses or concert pianist we thought we would be.  However, more and more I have been considering what it is I would truly love to be doing with my life besides being a mom.  I think that because I am not doing what I would love to do and have a passion for that it makes the rest of my life seem dimmer somehow.

My job is not difficult in a physical way.  Mostly right now it is difficult mentally and spiritually. Often while working I think about how little I am providing to the world.  This ain't rocket science or brain surgery!  As has been apparent this week, none of us here are irreplaceable.  It could happen at any time and has happened for some good people already.  So based on that, there is very little passion for me in what I do.  Maybe it was there before, I just don't remember.

I see people in our office who do have passion but truly most of the time it is for something outside of our work.  It is a hobby or something else that means more to them.

So what do I really want to do with my life?

I read some things today that made me think differently and helped take limitations away.

If I had a billion dollars what would I do with my life?  Of course, I would move to the beach and get the best condo or house ever, read for days and eat loads of seafood.  But after about a month or so then what?

I once wanted to be a published writer.  But if that is truly my passion, why am I not writing everyday.  Is it because it is not the writing I want to do but the things surrounding it like being able to set my own hours and having people read what I write?

I went to college and planned on getting my doctorate in historical preservation or archaeology. However, I am not digging in dirt or visiting every historical site I can find.  I do still feel a passion for the knowledge in these areas and I think too often I let what I have to do (work, clean house, play with daughter) give me an excuse not to move forward.  There are not a lot of local dig sites either! But ultimately that is still an excuse!

I desperately do not want to be constantly yearning for retirement.  I want to enjoy my time now especially with my family.  So what do I really want to do?  Still contemplating.  Taking suggestions if you have them.

Listening to Your Children

First of all, let me say this is being written to remind me to be better at this not to pick on anyone I know.  I actually had a dream last night about writing this post so obviously I need it too!

I keep hearing from my mom friends that they worry about the communication that occurs between their children and dads.  Dads try to be funny but sometimes don't understand that what is funny to them might be scary from the child's view.  Kids see things so much more black and white and trust you so much that they believe what you say and it takes them until they are older to understand the sarcasm.  

I have talked to dads and moms that admit that there are times they do not hear what their children are saying. They start to tune out the words their children speak.  We all do it from time to time!

Parents, take a moment and think how you would feel if you wanted to tell someone something very important to you and that person had their head in some kind of phone, computer or tablet and never looked up. Would you be frustrated?  Then let's not expect less from our beautiful children. 

It is so important in this day and age that we put focus on our children and listen to them.  They need to feel comfortable to tell us anything and if they feel we are not going to listen they will stop talking.  One day before long they will be at a stage where they will not want to talk to us anyway and that is when we will want to hear from them the most.  Build the relationship now while they are young so you don't lose it later.

Take some time with your child today without some kind of device or other distraction. Hug them next to you. Focus on their smiling faces and listen to every word. You might learn something.