I have a friend that I have known for many years. I met her while working with my dad right after high school. The business was expanding rapidly and she was hired to take over some of the work that I had been doing. Being the only ladies there at the time, we tended to gravitate toward each other. Even better, we got along quite well. In fact, J was in my wedding.
Well, she did something she was told for years she would not be
able to do. She just completed her graduate degree (she still hasn't
gotten her final grades, but knowing her it was just a matter of submitting her final paper on
time - which she did)! Unfortunately, years ago she had someone in her life who convinced her that she wasn't capable of getting her associates degree much less anything more complicated than that so for a time she had actually given up on college.
Luckily, she now has someone in her life (her husband) that has supported her through this process. I am so proud of her for following her dream and for not giving up even though to so do would have made her life so much easier.
And for those of you out there who are listening to those voices (people) telling you that you aren't strong enough, smart enough, rich enough, or X enough to follow your dream... Go find a new voice!
Showing posts with label friendship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friendship. Show all posts
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Friday, January 25, 2013
Juggling Act
Many of you may not know, but the area where I live in Florida is very popular for circus performers to live. Why? Because there are winter homes for the circus animals in the area so they often have circus performances in the winter around here. In fact, the person we bought our house from used to be in the circus.
Well, yesterday I felt a bit like I was in the circus. We had friends from Virginia were vacationing in Florida for a week and we decided yesterday was the day to get together and catch up. We have kids with similar ages so we decided to meet at a tourist attraction the kids would like. We chose Clearwater Marine Aquarium (home of Winter the dolphin).
When I picked this date and put it on my calendar, my work load had been pretty light. There weren't that many new leads coming in and I didn't have many clients who wanted to see properties right away.
That changed two days ago. The FREEZING cold temperatures up north has made it so more people from up north are eager to move now rather than later.
I was not about to cancel my plans, so I had to do some juggling and prioritizing. I dealt with a couple things before I left. Then at lunch, I made a couple phone calls to try to schedule showings for someone to see today. A couple hours later, I made a few more phone calls to new prospects. Then when I got home I made more phone calls, sent emails, and did some research for my clients.
It was a busy day (it seemed more so mentally than physically), but I made it. My clients aren't any worse off, my kids and I got to see our friends who we hadn't seen in a while, and I got to feel like I have at least a little bit of a life. All in all a good day.
Well, yesterday I felt a bit like I was in the circus. We had friends from Virginia were vacationing in Florida for a week and we decided yesterday was the day to get together and catch up. We have kids with similar ages so we decided to meet at a tourist attraction the kids would like. We chose Clearwater Marine Aquarium (home of Winter the dolphin).
When I picked this date and put it on my calendar, my work load had been pretty light. There weren't that many new leads coming in and I didn't have many clients who wanted to see properties right away.
That changed two days ago. The FREEZING cold temperatures up north has made it so more people from up north are eager to move now rather than later.
I was not about to cancel my plans, so I had to do some juggling and prioritizing. I dealt with a couple things before I left. Then at lunch, I made a couple phone calls to try to schedule showings for someone to see today. A couple hours later, I made a few more phone calls to new prospects. Then when I got home I made more phone calls, sent emails, and did some research for my clients.
It was a busy day (it seemed more so mentally than physically), but I made it. My clients aren't any worse off, my kids and I got to see our friends who we hadn't seen in a while, and I got to feel like I have at least a little bit of a life. All in all a good day.
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| My daughter is convinced she will work with Winter one day. |
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| Winter really is an amazing dolphin |
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| Nicholas - the only male dolphin is very entertaining |
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| The van they use for rescues. |
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| "Stay back!" |
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| Run away.... |
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| Cool to see they have bones in their flippers. |
Friday, November 16, 2012
Gratitued Challenge - Day 16
Today I am thankful for my long-time friends. I don't have many of them, maybe 4 that I know from high school and early college age that I still stay in contact with. Today one of them in particular comes to mind because tomorrow is the last day of a hard-earned fight. Tomorrow is the last day of J's college classes to get her bachelor's degree.
This is a BIG deal. A HUGE deal in fact, and I am very proud of her. You see, J has been working on this degree for many years. As someone who took 10 years to get her bachelor's degree I know how hard it can be. There were many days I asked myself why I was putting myself through all the effort, through all the sleep deprived nights so I could get something finished in time.
The last 2 years of my degree I was a stay at home mom with one small child. J has been working on her degree while holding down a full-time job (where she is a supervisor which means she doesn't get to have 9 - 5 hours), being a hands-on mother, and a supporting wife.
She truly is an inspiration. And I want to take this time to thank her for her friendship. To thank her for the inspiration to never give up. And to invite her to visit as soon as she can so that she can relax and get warm, but also so we can catch up.
Love you J!
This is a BIG deal. A HUGE deal in fact, and I am very proud of her. You see, J has been working on this degree for many years. As someone who took 10 years to get her bachelor's degree I know how hard it can be. There were many days I asked myself why I was putting myself through all the effort, through all the sleep deprived nights so I could get something finished in time.
The last 2 years of my degree I was a stay at home mom with one small child. J has been working on her degree while holding down a full-time job (where she is a supervisor which means she doesn't get to have 9 - 5 hours), being a hands-on mother, and a supporting wife.
She truly is an inspiration. And I want to take this time to thank her for her friendship. To thank her for the inspiration to never give up. And to invite her to visit as soon as she can so that she can relax and get warm, but also so we can catch up.
Love you J!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Connecting?
One of the things about being a homeschooler and moving to a new area is the fact that you and your kids don't have the opportunities to make friends in the same way that families with kids in school do. It's only compounded by the fact that our neighborhood is half empty because it's a snow-bird community and very few of the people who are living here have kids (much less kids as young as mine).
We are members of two homeschooling groups, one of which is relatively local. The second is based one hour away. So far, I have made better connections with the people who live farther away. I'm hoping that PE class with the more local group this week will remedy that.
The other way that I've found to make friends is at church. Unfortunately, since moving to Florida we have not been to church. Last week, I was sick and this week the kids both had tummy issues and I wasn't willing to chance it.
We've only been here for 10 days so I'm certainly not going to sweat it at this point. Just an observation that although I've mentioned homeschooling's advantages, it also has some disadvantages.
We are members of two homeschooling groups, one of which is relatively local. The second is based one hour away. So far, I have made better connections with the people who live farther away. I'm hoping that PE class with the more local group this week will remedy that.
The other way that I've found to make friends is at church. Unfortunately, since moving to Florida we have not been to church. Last week, I was sick and this week the kids both had tummy issues and I wasn't willing to chance it.
We've only been here for 10 days so I'm certainly not going to sweat it at this point. Just an observation that although I've mentioned homeschooling's advantages, it also has some disadvantages.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Glutton For Punishment?
Today, the kids and I drove 30 minutes or so to attend a meeting for a homeschooling group. It just so happens to be the group that is most local to us, so I'm hopeful that we will find many opportunities to interact with this group.
In fact, I think the meeting showed me a couple women I would like to socialize with just because of their sense of humor as well as their homeschooling experience. The main speaker said just what I needed to hear. The focus of her talk was on making sure we spend quality time with our children (all the time and not just while homeschooling). She also said some things that helped confirm my conviction to unschool my children (even though she is not an unschooler) as well as why I and others have trouble with the concept (and in my case beginning to institute it fully).
The goal with unschooling is to allow your child to help direct their schooling. They do this by helping determine a subject they would like to learn about and then you just DIG IN. You go to the library and check out books, you go online and do research, and you try to find interesting, hands-on ways to help solidify any abstract concepts.
One of the ways I've decided to do this is by volunteering to be the Scholastic Book Club coordinator for the group I was meeting with today. I've loved reading as far back as I can remember. In fact I still stay up till all hours of the night (ok, morning) reading "just a little more." I want my kids to have that same love. Unfortunately, one of mine is very reluctant and the other still needs to learn all her letters and their sounds. So how do I reconcile that with my desire to unschool?
My kids have participated in Scholastic in the past and they LOVED it. I figured that if it meant that I could allow my kids to be able to order books of their choosing (hoping they will be more likely to read them) while doing so at a discount, a couple hours a month of my time is well worth it.
Besides, this will force me and other Moms to interact. Maybe I'll make a new friend because of it.
In fact, I think the meeting showed me a couple women I would like to socialize with just because of their sense of humor as well as their homeschooling experience. The main speaker said just what I needed to hear. The focus of her talk was on making sure we spend quality time with our children (all the time and not just while homeschooling). She also said some things that helped confirm my conviction to unschool my children (even though she is not an unschooler) as well as why I and others have trouble with the concept (and in my case beginning to institute it fully).
The goal with unschooling is to allow your child to help direct their schooling. They do this by helping determine a subject they would like to learn about and then you just DIG IN. You go to the library and check out books, you go online and do research, and you try to find interesting, hands-on ways to help solidify any abstract concepts.
One of the ways I've decided to do this is by volunteering to be the Scholastic Book Club coordinator for the group I was meeting with today. I've loved reading as far back as I can remember. In fact I still stay up till all hours of the night (ok, morning) reading "just a little more." I want my kids to have that same love. Unfortunately, one of mine is very reluctant and the other still needs to learn all her letters and their sounds. So how do I reconcile that with my desire to unschool?
My kids have participated in Scholastic in the past and they LOVED it. I figured that if it meant that I could allow my kids to be able to order books of their choosing (hoping they will be more likely to read them) while doing so at a discount, a couple hours a month of my time is well worth it.
Besides, this will force me and other Moms to interact. Maybe I'll make a new friend because of it.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Make New Friends, But Keep the Old
Yesterday morning, the kids and I hopped in the truck and drove to a park to meet a friend of mine who I have not seen in 10 years. She happens to have a daughter who is around the ages of both my kids so the kids played while we caught up.
Needless to say many things have happened since we saw each other last, so there was lots to catch up on. That said, she and I have that kind of relationship where we can just pick up like we saw each other just the other day. Facebook has certainly helped us keep in touch over the last couple years, but even before that, we always seem to pick up where we left off.
In the afternoon, the kids and I picked up Jon and headed off to our friends to help them with their air freight pickup as well as some final packing. We also had dinner with some friends of theirs (who happen to be moving into their house once they are gone). They are a very sweet couple and I can certainly understand why they get along so well. If we lived in the area, I would guess we would get together with them on occasion as well.
Days like yesterday just make me so thankful for the friends I have (especially the once I've had for many years and who still like me and "get" me) as well as the opportunity I have of making new friends. Friends have a way of enriching our lives like nothing else can.
Needless to say many things have happened since we saw each other last, so there was lots to catch up on. That said, she and I have that kind of relationship where we can just pick up like we saw each other just the other day. Facebook has certainly helped us keep in touch over the last couple years, but even before that, we always seem to pick up where we left off.
In the afternoon, the kids and I picked up Jon and headed off to our friends to help them with their air freight pickup as well as some final packing. We also had dinner with some friends of theirs (who happen to be moving into their house once they are gone). They are a very sweet couple and I can certainly understand why they get along so well. If we lived in the area, I would guess we would get together with them on occasion as well.
Days like yesterday just make me so thankful for the friends I have (especially the once I've had for many years and who still like me and "get" me) as well as the opportunity I have of making new friends. Friends have a way of enriching our lives like nothing else can.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Never Forgotten... Always Loved
Today is a bitter sweet day for me. With the exception of a few months where I lived in New York for a summer job (where I meet my hubby) and again for 3 months when I lived in Ohio last summer, I have lived the last 27 years of my life in Virginia. I have lived in multiple houses, but all within about a 50 mile radius.
Today, all of that is changing. We are officially moving out of the area. We are still not sure where we will ultimately settle down; at this point we're thinking it could be Florida, Texas, or Australia.
This is exciting because we are one step closer to having our own place again. The time of living in limbo is drawing to a close. It's also an opportunity to find a new house and decorate it. We sold or gave away all of our household furnishings last year, so I get to start from scratch (and let me tell you my tastes have changed a lot since my wedding registry). I will also be able to make new friends, and depending on where we move, get reacquainted with ones I haven't seen in years.
On the flip side, I will be leaving behind friends I've made over the years as well as most of our immediate family. I remember when I graduated from high school a certain song was my mantra. For all my friends and family that I'm "leaving behind" I dedicate this to you.
Friends by Deborah D. & Michael W. Smith
Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can't believe the hopes He's granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends.
With the faith and love God's given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you'll live in
Is the strength that now you show
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends.
Today, all of that is changing. We are officially moving out of the area. We are still not sure where we will ultimately settle down; at this point we're thinking it could be Florida, Texas, or Australia.
This is exciting because we are one step closer to having our own place again. The time of living in limbo is drawing to a close. It's also an opportunity to find a new house and decorate it. We sold or gave away all of our household furnishings last year, so I get to start from scratch (and let me tell you my tastes have changed a lot since my wedding registry). I will also be able to make new friends, and depending on where we move, get reacquainted with ones I haven't seen in years.
On the flip side, I will be leaving behind friends I've made over the years as well as most of our immediate family. I remember when I graduated from high school a certain song was my mantra. For all my friends and family that I'm "leaving behind" I dedicate this to you.
Friends by Deborah D. & Michael W. Smith
Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can't believe the hopes He's granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends.
With the faith and love God's given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you'll live in
Is the strength that now you show
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
The Countdown has Begun
If things go according to plan, we will be leaving Northern Virginia on Friday afternoon. We have a few more things to do but we're confident we can get them done before we leave.
Our trip is starting out pretty low key. We will visit family in Southern Virginia for Easter weekend and then we will proceed to Florida. This trip is exciting for numerous reasons. 1. It means the next stage of our lives is beginning. Hopefully, the life of being a nomad is about over. 2. We are going to be heading South, which means we will get to be warm even first thing in the morning. My kids and I love being outside and being South will allow that to happen more. Hubby has been complaining about VA temps for YEARS. In fact, he wears flannel till the temps go over 70 or 80 degrees. Perhaps now, I will see him in flannel less and maybe even shorts on occasion (that doesn't happen unless the temps are over 90). And 3. We have booked a campsite in Florida near Kennedy Space Center which will allow us to see the shuttle launch without having to steak a claim somewhere hours before the launch.
Just like the shuttle, we've had a few delays of our own. In fact we found an issue last night, but it can be overcome. I'm going to miss Northern Virginia, because it's where I've spent almost all of my life. It's where most of my friends still live. But I've found that those times that I've gone out of my comfort zone have been tough at first, but well worth the leap of faith. So T- minus 65 hours.
Our trip is starting out pretty low key. We will visit family in Southern Virginia for Easter weekend and then we will proceed to Florida. This trip is exciting for numerous reasons. 1. It means the next stage of our lives is beginning. Hopefully, the life of being a nomad is about over. 2. We are going to be heading South, which means we will get to be warm even first thing in the morning. My kids and I love being outside and being South will allow that to happen more. Hubby has been complaining about VA temps for YEARS. In fact, he wears flannel till the temps go over 70 or 80 degrees. Perhaps now, I will see him in flannel less and maybe even shorts on occasion (that doesn't happen unless the temps are over 90). And 3. We have booked a campsite in Florida near Kennedy Space Center which will allow us to see the shuttle launch without having to steak a claim somewhere hours before the launch.
Just like the shuttle, we've had a few delays of our own. In fact we found an issue last night, but it can be overcome. I'm going to miss Northern Virginia, because it's where I've spent almost all of my life. It's where most of my friends still live. But I've found that those times that I've gone out of my comfort zone have been tough at first, but well worth the leap of faith. So T- minus 65 hours.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Venting
"Things will work out. God will not give me more than I can handle." That has been my mantra for the last couple of days. You know what? Saying that over and over has helped, but so was lunch with a good friend of mine today.
On my way to lunch today, I was doing everything in my power to not cry. While leaving the house, one of my children did everything they could to guilt me into staying home (let's just say there was lots of crying and pulling on me). In addition to that, it seemed like all my families immediate travel plans were either being put on hold indefinitely or possibly worse - not going to happen at all.
By the time I was done with lunch, I was feeling SO much better. Have our travel plan issues been resolved? No. But being able to just talk things through with a good friend who really knows how I tick was just what I needed.
Lunch had been planned with my friend for days, but God knew exactly when I would need to see her. Love you J.
On my way to lunch today, I was doing everything in my power to not cry. While leaving the house, one of my children did everything they could to guilt me into staying home (let's just say there was lots of crying and pulling on me). In addition to that, it seemed like all my families immediate travel plans were either being put on hold indefinitely or possibly worse - not going to happen at all.
By the time I was done with lunch, I was feeling SO much better. Have our travel plan issues been resolved? No. But being able to just talk things through with a good friend who really knows how I tick was just what I needed.
Lunch had been planned with my friend for days, but God knew exactly when I would need to see her. Love you J.
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