Writing Blog

My "Aunt Val" or should I say my mom's best friend and my namesake, just emailed me this blog that her son wrote. Just thought I would share, as it was something I really needed to read, and something that hit home, especially after just blogging about this yesterday.

So, without further ado, and for your writing and reading pleasure....

http://www.thirdcoastmagazine.com/blog/

Enjoy!

I Want to Be a Writer

Well, in the face of looking for a new job, or even a new career, and on the verge of finishing my bachelor's degree (finally.....), I realized that when I had a Journalism major and a Creative Writing minor about 15 years ago, that the average salaries of journalists in the area should not have scared me away. Granted, while looking online today, those salaries don't seem to have increased much in fifteen years; however, how does one get their foot in the door without that degree and that dirt poor salary experience?

It is just a tad frustrating to realize that "what I want to be when I grow up" hasn't really changed in fifteen years. I've always wanted to be a writer, it's just one of those "where do I start" and "how do I get started" issues. I've spent hours, literally, pouring over online sites for the freelance writer, for the children's book writer, and I've purchased books on the same subjects, but there is really TOO MUCH information out there. All the information, books, websites, and blogs just bring up more questions.

So now, with a little faith, a lot of homework, and even more soul searching, I think that when that 60 day letter makes it's way into my hands, that I will spend my paid time off (thanks dear employer for that) figuring out how to get started on doing what I always wanted. Degree in management in hand as a backup, I suppose... But at least I'll finally have it!

In the meantime, my writing as of now, is limited to blogging and writing in my actual hard-copy, Runner's Training Journal. Although I am NOT an organized person, and keeping any sort of records on anything is way out of my range of talents, I WILL keep this journal on running. My sister has made me commit to a half marathon, and the only way to keep myself accountable and on track is by keeping this darn journal....

Do Hard Things...

My mom got my oldest son this book, "Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris, twin brothers and teenagers. They wrote this book based on their blog http://www.therebelution.com/. The rebelution is "teens rebelling against the low expectations of the world and doing the 'hard' things." I skimmed thru the book and really just read the first two chapters before handing it over to my daughter to read, but besides being good inspiration for teens, this book could be a good challenge for us all.

They bring up the point that most kids/teens are considered "good" kids/teens because they don't do the bad things. Because the don't drink, don't do drugs, don't get in trouble, etc... But shouldn't they be considered good for the things that they do, do... Because they volunteer, or help at church, or get good grades, etc... Don't we want to challenge our kids to be better by doing these "hard" and "good" things, and not by just telling them that you are good by just staying out of trouble?

It is such a simple concept, but so true. And really, applicable to all of us. Do I want to be a good parent because I don't beat and neglect my children, or do I want to be a good parent because I love and support my children. There is really a huge difference between the two, but in the world's view, both can and are considered "good".

This book challenges it's readers (mostly teens) to go beyond and to go further and to strive to do the hard things that society assumes is beyond their reach. Who says that a teenager can't raise money for a worthy cause? If somebody were to ask you, you probably would say it's possible, but why isn't it expected? Why don't we push our children to explore volunteerism and community outreach as teens, instead of being content that they are at home on facebook, but staying out of trouble.

So this is my plug, my little platform to shout from for tonight. GET THE BOOK! CHALLENGE YOUR KIDS! Make them believe that they are capable of things that they never would have thought of, that you never would have thought of. These are our future leaders, and we should expect the best from them, and in return, expect the best from yourselves.

Now go out and do something 'hard,' push yourself out of your ordinary boundaries, and stretch your abilities to your wildest imaginings!

Oh, You Make Me Smile...

This song has been running through my head since last night, Smile, by Uncle Kracker... and of course, got me thinking on all the things that I have in my life that make me smile. My optimistic nature is thrilled with all the little things in life, maybe it's the time of year, maybe it's the fact that I have finally accepted the difficulties at work and the fact that "I'll be okay." I will have to find a new job, but that will be okay... For some reason that was a big hurdle for me. My optimism got crushed under the overwhelming desire to keep doing what I'm doing right now, but the light ahead is full of something else, something new and better. So anyway, I feel like I fully have my optimism back in check, and can face the changes with a smile and that attitude that says "here I come, watch out world."

But, back to the song, it's a good song. It's a simple song, and it's so true. It's the simple, everday things that turn our world upside down, and the same simple, everyday things that keep us going strong with a smile on our face.

My children make me smile a million times a day! Bless all three of them, for they are the greatest kids (yes, I'm biased). I have three kids who are respectful, caring, good students, good leaders, funny, healthy and full of life (and even good athletes)! I thank God all the time for blessing me with my family. Yes, we all have flaws, but a little attitude comes with the teenage years and I'll challenge them and accept them at the same time - everytime.

My husband, who doesn't like to show his emotions due to his introverted nature, but you can read it all over his face every time he sees his children, and seeing him smile with them, makes me smile. He's my best friend in the world, and has been for almost 18 years! How crazy is that, that I'm actually that old....

Just thinking that I really get to spend the next four days with family, no work, just family, makes me smile. There will always be those "family" moments that may be tense, or make you roll your eyes, but even those will make me smile, because that's who they are, and they are a part of us. We are all family and every little part of that makes me smile.

Merry Christmas

Every year about this time it hits me - where has the year gone? Did I accomplish my goals from last year, and am I ready for new goals and the new year ahead?

I've said it enough times, that maybe one day I'll figure out the answer, but why does every year go quicker than the last? It's the 15th of December and I only have about half of my Christmas shopping done, I have one more night of school, two more weeks of work, and so much to do before I feel like calling this year done!

But with all that I feel I still have yet to accomplish this year, I am running short. Just two weeks before the New Years, and only 9 short days until Christmas. Alas, time will not stop for anyone. But as the ever wise Grinch said:

"It came without ribbons! It came without tags!

It came without packages, boxes or bags!

And he puzzled and puzzled, till his puzzler was sore.

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!

'Maybe Christmas,' he thought 'doesn't come from a store.

Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.'"

And thus, the Grinch learned what I try and tell myself year after year... it's not the presents that we worry and fuss about, making equal between all the kids, making sure that lists have been crossed off, cookies baked, and the tree decorated... It's the "reason for the season" that we have to cherish. The gift that was given to us all so many Christmases ago in a lowly stable. And the gift that we continue to give to each other all year long, the love and support that we give to those that we love. Being with family in the overcrowded, loud and sometimes down right crazy Christmas get togethers is at least being with our family. At least we have them in our lives, crazy or not, and at least we have one more Christmas to complain of the bustling around and the gift buying, card making/sending, etc...

Christmas is so many things to each of us... but least of all the gifts under the tree, and most of all, the gifts we don't really see.

First Day with a Teenager

I am now officially the mom of a teenager! It is just amazing how time flies by... Thirteen years ago today I was laying in a hospital bed, only 21 yrs old, and just glimpsing how much love I had for the little baby in my arms... Now, well now, there are 10 seventh grade boys, who found the old boxing gloves in our basement and think it's fun to videotape boxing (no head shots..) matches on their phones. What happened to that sweet little baby of mine?

New Blogs

There are a couple new blogs in my blog list, one from an old friend - 5 Good Griefs - who decided to give the blogging world a try. The other, my husband's football team - HYAA 7th Grade Gold team. If you are interested in all in sports photos, scores and updates check it out!!

Early Morning Run

It's always a big step for me to actually get up and around and out for a run in the morning, it's so much easier to crawl back in bed and get up at 8, just in time to log into work... But, I got up this morning, did dishes, got kids on the bus, then changed and headed over to the workout room for some weights and toning, and then a nice, hilly 2 mile run. And I feel great, inspite of the sore knees....

Now, I just need to store this feeling for the next time when I would rather just go back to bed...

Late Nights and Busy Days

Finally getting back into the groove of school days, work, and football practices, and then reading/doing homework at night, catching up on housework and laundry whenever time allows. I managed to get through sorting 2,472 tubs of cookie dough last week as part of our HYAA fundraiser. I spent plenty of hours counting, tallying and recounting order forms in the couple weeks before, and then last weeks biggest job was getting them sorted and handed out. Thankfully, we have lots of helpful team moms who pitched in and we managed to get it done!

So now, as the clock runs closer and closer to 10pm... I realized that not only do I still have laundry to do, but homework to finish reading, dishes to do, and thank goodness I still have 1/2 a pot of coffee freshly brewed after dinner (which these days is usually after 8pm). So I will go pour one more cup of coffee, throw in the laundry and crack open the books, as I have 2 good hours left in me, could be later, but that 6 am wake up call comes all too early!

Crazy Days Ahead...

The day is finally here! My "brother" from New Mexico and his sweet wife will be here this afternoon, and my sister from Arizona flies in late tonight, and then two days and my parents will have the last of their 5 kids married and on his own! My baby brother, 11 years younger and who will always be a "baby" in my book, is getting married. I'm so glad that it is a happy occasion that is bringing the family home for this short visit.

I am taking this morning to sit here, enjoy the quiet of the morning with my cup of coffee before the craziness begins. I have tux fitting to do this afternoon for my youngest who is the ring bearer, a few football errands, and then dinner at my parents with my brother/his wife when the arrive. Then tomorrow morning crazy will really arrive with my sister and her family. Her three kids, my three kids, and my other sister's two kids are already planning the "who is sleeping where..." slumber parties, and somehow I always end up with the boys, who are the majority of this group. So I can plan on tomorrow night after rehearsal, having 5 boys playing (most likely with nerf dart guns) in my house, while my sister will get the three pre-teen girls who will most likely be quietly giggling and locked in her daughter's bedroom. Somehow, I feel like I might be getting the short end of this stick, but I love it nonetheless. Not sure life would seem normal if there was no crazy.

I know that I need to get up and start cleaning, get another cup of coffee, do laundry, etc... but for now, I am enjoying sitting here, soaking in the peacefulness of the morning, and just reflecting and preparing for the chaotic days ahead! Tomorrow will be filled with all the visiting with family, getting ready for rehearsal and then rehearsal dinner, more family fun, Wedding on Saturday, etc.... Ahhh. I can't wait!