What a weekend...
Thanks to everyone who made the trek down to Alexandria for the birthday festivities, and for those of you who couldn't, Click Here for TONS of pictures (would you expect anything less??).
Friday (Harry's official Day 365) began with quite an adventure... An early-morning rush-hour jaunt to downtown DC for Kim's follow-up visit from LASIK surgery the afternoon before. After quite a few laps around the block (no street parking until after 9:30 am) we headed back home, Kim 's eyes were A-OK, in fact had already progressed to 20/20.
As the South Jersey contingent began to arrive and Kim put some of the final touches on party prep, Harry and I headed to the airport to pick up Grandma Patty. From one mode of mass transit to another, we stopped back at home to pick up Kim & Pop-pop and met up with the Wiley/Decker representatives and Lisa & Christian Ahrens (in for the weekend from Coatesville PA) for most everyone's first trip on the DC Metro to head to the National Zoo to rendezvous with the Coltons (in for the day from Brick NJ), our neighbors Ceri & Owen Fleet, and the new Cheetah Cubs.
A lot of walking in the rain and many various animal displays later (we won't discuss the bird-eating monkey from the Amazonia exhibit here... Maybe another time), we all headed back to the Holiday Inn for an all-you-can eat feast of crab legs & seafood buffet. As it would turn out, Harry's birthday ended up being the latest he's ever stayed up past his bedtime... He made it until about 9:45pm before conking out.
Which is not to say that he slept all morning, as you may have expected (read: hoped). Up at 5:00am, I think he knew that it was time to party. Lots of last minute pickups, deliveries, and setups, all with every available finger crossed to avoid the thunderheads that had been predicted with 80% likelihood. All the while, Harry went for a stroll, and decided to take a nice powernap before his guests began to arrive.
With the rains hitting quite steadily over the previous 24 hours, even the strong sunshine wasn't enough to dry everything up outside, so we set everything up in the house. I think most in attendance would agree that we packed 6510 Cavalier to the gills on Saturday, and the overflow into the backyard was well-timed.
Just as we thought things were winding down, the second wave of guests began to arrive, but unfortunately, the weather had held out for as long as it could. After a few sprints down the front walk to cover convertible cars, all was well again, and the party went on.
As you may have heard, Harry's cake was purported to be a source of wonderment for many of the folks from above the Mason-Dixon line... Vegan? How does that work? My vote for easiest explanation came from Kim's Uncle Bill who deftly explained "...It means there's no meat in it." Well of course it does. Harry had a cake of his own, and certainly had his way with it as soon as his cousin Dominic Jr. helped him blow out the candle. Needless to say, the cake was a hit, even with the Jersey-ites. If you can make it there, you CAN make it anywhere... Even in New York!
No one seemed to notice the line on the invite requesting "no gifts please," but the assumption is that it must have been as difficult to read as the line about RSVP-ing... Regardless, Harry was extremely appreciative of all the crinkly paper and bags (oh yes, and the contents too!).
I'd like to think a wonderful time was had by all, it was really great to see everyone, and based on the never-ending ear-to-ear grin on Master Harrison's face, he had a blast as well. Thanks to everyone for coming, from near and far!
Some more reflections on Harry's first year to follow...
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Why Kevin is the best dad. 350 words.
Based on the date from the itinerary I wrote on the back of, I started this 350 word essay back in early March for a contest titled “Why my husband is the best dad”. I was all set to submit it to one of those parents’ magazines. I LOVE those magazines! Well, I either decided they were not worthy, or I lost the address to submit it to. Nonetheless, Kevin is still the best dad, and the reasons are still worthy of print.
If I could only use one word to explain why my husband is the best dad, it would be: Equality. Kevin and I make every attempt to balance all aspects of child rearing. We believe this is a benefit to ourselves, our relationship, and most of all, our son. We contribute equally to our finances, we both do chores around the house, we spend time with friends, and we discuss all decisions involving our son (thank Zeus for better cell phone rates!)
From the moment I emailed Kevin to tell him the 19 pregnancy tests I took were becoming increasingly positive, he has done more than his fair share to support our choice. He went to doctor visits, researched daycare options and helped register for our baby shower. He baked endless supplies of potato’s, went to 7-11 for hostess cupcakes, and didn’t eat a single piece of sushi in my presence.
At the hospital, he brought his PJs and camped out for 4 days, learning how to diaper, swaddle and feed our little bug even before I did (all while mass emailing baby photos and updating websites!). Oh, and running out to the nurses’ station for ice chips! I was recovering from both a C-section and a back injury, so Kevin would hop out of bed every time Harry cried, even if it was just to hand him to me.
Once home, this support continued, even though he was soon back to work. In the beginning, we would both get up with Harry and keep each other company through those late night and early morning feedings. Soon enough, Kevin decided it made more sense for him to get up with Harry at night, and I would get up with him early morning. I missed the company, but we were both able to get more shut eye this way.
I travel a couple of days each week for work, so Kevin gets to play single dad a lot! He hasn’t complained at all! In fact, I think he grew to become even more protective of Harry. And certainly he became the guru of how to get Harry back to sleep! During my time away though, it’s not all fun and games. I usually work 20 hour days so I can get reports done, and then spend extra time with the little one when I am home. I tried to work in an office (last year, remember? 3 whole weeks!) and I found that I was never home. This job seems to work much better for all of us.
Kevin still plays hockey, and still sees his friends, and I try to do the same. We recognize that it is still important to do things for ourselves. It is usually while Harry is asleep. When Harry is home and awake, I don’t think either one of us are willing to do anything besides hang out with him! We cherish the time we get to spend with the awesomest of little people, and we still enjoy each others company immensely. I couldn’t ask for a better husband. Although Harry seems to butt heads with Kevin about Bailey’s diet, I think he would agree with me that he lucked out in the dad department. He already knows who to go to when he needs a hug…or a new piece of computer equipment! When I am away, I know that Harry is in the most capable of hands. When I am home, we all spend lots of time together, especially on the weekends when Kevin makes waffles- Harry’s favorite!
I try to let Kevin know what a great dad he is at every opportunity. Kevin doesn’t understand why he would behave any other way. He adores Harry, and appreciates all that he is able to do for him. I think he actually finds it empowering.
As if all of this wasn’t enough, after all of his hard work, Kevin found time to present me with a gift for Harry’s birthday: a silver sun pendant (from Tiffany!) to celebrate Harry’s first year. What a guy! And what a great year it has been.
Happy Birthday Harry!
We're less than 2 days from Harry's 1st birthday.
365 days ago, I was apprehensive about the beginning of the rest of his life, and mine.
There apparently are some things that never change.
A year ago, I wondered if he was going to be a healthy kid, whether labor was going to be difficult, how well I was going to be able to sleep on the fold-out chair/cot-type thing?
you know. Big-picture important stuff.
Now, I still concern myself with his well-being and mine.
I guess a big part of this parenting thing is concern for your child and his or her surroundings, how he affects them, and vice versa. I don't anticipate this changing, but it does amaze me that the same type of things seems to be right out front... Is that enough lunch for him? Is that too much lunch for him? Can he climb up that? If he climbs up that and falls, is he going to break? If he breaks, am I going to get in trouble?
Speaking of breaking him... None of the latest pictures of his latest war wound have made their way onto the site yet. For those who haven't heard, Harry managed to wriggle himself away from me last Sunday morning, and decided that it would be much more fun to try to stand on his chin rather than his feet. The floor didn't agree, and several bloodied towels later, he's got a nice wound, just in time for his big day.
That's the first time I've really been scared by the little guy. Sure he's had his share of bumps, bruises, topples and such, but this is the first time that one has bled. I mean REALLY bled. The fat lip that his crib inflicted on him a few months back doesn't really count, if for no other reason, he didn't cry. This time he did. Hysterically. Tough part is though, the hysterical cry is relatively difficult to distinguish from his run-of-the-mill "I don't wanna.." yelp. As I mentioned though, this time the blood certainly cleared things up.
Let's add to this whole scenario that it happened when I was holding his hands... Not Kim (can't blame it on her), Bailey wasn't anywhere near, and he certainly didn't get to that point on his own... All me. Way to go Super Dad. You just let your kid gnash his face up the week before one of the biggest parties of his career!!
After the fact of course, cooler heads (and by heads I mean Kim) prevailed, and all was well. Nothing a bright green band-aid and a bottle couldn't fix. An off to swim class we went.
So now the big weekend is upon us. I can't believe its gone by so quickly (that sounds vaguely reminiscent of a similar comment I made around this time last year regarding Kim's pregnancy), and I really hope I don't look up one day and he's off to college somewhere. I think we've done a relatively good job of savoring this year.
If we have actually forgotten any of it, Kim certainly has enough pictures to prove it all.
365 days ago, I was apprehensive about the beginning of the rest of his life, and mine.
There apparently are some things that never change.
A year ago, I wondered if he was going to be a healthy kid, whether labor was going to be difficult, how well I was going to be able to sleep on the fold-out chair/cot-type thing?
you know. Big-picture important stuff.
Now, I still concern myself with his well-being and mine.
I guess a big part of this parenting thing is concern for your child and his or her surroundings, how he affects them, and vice versa. I don't anticipate this changing, but it does amaze me that the same type of things seems to be right out front... Is that enough lunch for him? Is that too much lunch for him? Can he climb up that? If he climbs up that and falls, is he going to break? If he breaks, am I going to get in trouble?
Speaking of breaking him... None of the latest pictures of his latest war wound have made their way onto the site yet. For those who haven't heard, Harry managed to wriggle himself away from me last Sunday morning, and decided that it would be much more fun to try to stand on his chin rather than his feet. The floor didn't agree, and several bloodied towels later, he's got a nice wound, just in time for his big day.
That's the first time I've really been scared by the little guy. Sure he's had his share of bumps, bruises, topples and such, but this is the first time that one has bled. I mean REALLY bled. The fat lip that his crib inflicted on him a few months back doesn't really count, if for no other reason, he didn't cry. This time he did. Hysterically. Tough part is though, the hysterical cry is relatively difficult to distinguish from his run-of-the-mill "I don't wanna.." yelp. As I mentioned though, this time the blood certainly cleared things up.
Let's add to this whole scenario that it happened when I was holding his hands... Not Kim (can't blame it on her), Bailey wasn't anywhere near, and he certainly didn't get to that point on his own... All me. Way to go Super Dad. You just let your kid gnash his face up the week before one of the biggest parties of his career!!
After the fact of course, cooler heads (and by heads I mean Kim) prevailed, and all was well. Nothing a bright green band-aid and a bottle couldn't fix. An off to swim class we went.
So now the big weekend is upon us. I can't believe its gone by so quickly (that sounds vaguely reminiscent of a similar comment I made around this time last year regarding Kim's pregnancy), and I really hope I don't look up one day and he's off to college somewhere. I think we've done a relatively good job of savoring this year.
If we have actually forgotten any of it, Kim certainly has enough pictures to prove it all.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
So, enough about me. I got to talk to my baby tonight! I noticed last week, after taking off work to spend Friday with him, he seemed even more attached to me.
But, back to me, after spending three straight days with him, I am the one who is super attached right back at him! He is just as cute as can be, and we have so much fun together. Even though I won’t get to see him tomorrow, Kevin dialed my number and handed the phone to Harry (even though, technically, the 911 operator banned him from using it). I got to here all about his day! I learned he did not go night night today, because night night is bad. And he was getting ready to go night night at nighttime. And Ah picked him up and he got to play with Aiey. You could tell he was tired, because it was a pretty mellow conversation, rather than the usual drama and exclamations. This kid gets more fun every single day! I just love him!
I am looking forward to getting his pictures back this week. Susan Hornyak, our wedding photographer, invited us over to take some shots of him last Friday. From where I was standing, I think she got some good ones. He is very practiced in front of the camera! Plus, he had on his very cool green and white seersucker shorts.
Also looking forward to Harry’s birthday next week. First trip to the zoo on Friday, 50 yellow balloons and a big yellow vegan birthday cake for Saturday.
Okay, back to work for me! Must take advantage of my time away.
But, back to me, after spending three straight days with him, I am the one who is super attached right back at him! He is just as cute as can be, and we have so much fun together. Even though I won’t get to see him tomorrow, Kevin dialed my number and handed the phone to Harry (even though, technically, the 911 operator banned him from using it). I got to here all about his day! I learned he did not go night night today, because night night is bad. And he was getting ready to go night night at nighttime. And Ah picked him up and he got to play with Aiey. You could tell he was tired, because it was a pretty mellow conversation, rather than the usual drama and exclamations. This kid gets more fun every single day! I just love him!
I am looking forward to getting his pictures back this week. Susan Hornyak, our wedding photographer, invited us over to take some shots of him last Friday. From where I was standing, I think she got some good ones. He is very practiced in front of the camera! Plus, he had on his very cool green and white seersucker shorts.
Also looking forward to Harry’s birthday next week. First trip to the zoo on Friday, 50 yellow balloons and a big yellow vegan birthday cake for Saturday.
Okay, back to work for me! Must take advantage of my time away.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Serendipity II
I had dinner with my friend Claudia tonight. She said her sister in law asked her an interesting question. She asked, and I am paraphrasing here, what others would find difficult about being in a relationship with her. I could not think of my own #1 difficulty straight off. Kevin mentioned something about being a fan of the Dixie Chicks. Surely there must be something greater.
Well, while googling tonight, I realized my difficulty: I find weaknesses in people and gnaw at it. I think it is probably a defense mechanism of some sort...maybe out of some inherent dislike for emotional weakness? I don't think everyone should be a rock, but I think everyone should be happy. Oh! Maybe it's some sort if disease I picked up at cheerleading camp! Some sort of twisted need to perk everyone up! But isn't that the new flaw of superparents everywhere: forcing happiness and fulfillment on our kids? Why not the population at large?
I am not backing down, though. I think everyone should be happy. I think maybe I just need to deal with this desire in a different way.
I came across something tonight that spelled out in plain words something I have suspected all along. It spelled out that there are people I know who are unhappy. My first instinct is to use the information I have gathered to gnaw at them, subtly making them feel worse. Awful, I know. But my brain kicked in. It told me this was wrong. But then the little evil dude came back. He said that I have not been the only one at fault.
What we need is a compromise. I am just going to be nice. I am going to stop complaining. I am going to enjoy my own happiness. I am going to stop being annoying!
I am sure sleep deprivation doesn't help. It kind of brings out the worst in you. I, and I guess the people around me, am lucky that I have been given the opportunity to get more sleep than many parents of 1 year olds. I am fortunate to have the world's greatest husband ever, a person who is willing to wake up at all hours of the night with his little boy. Don't think I am not grateful! I also appreciate having the energy provided by a reasonably decent night's sleep to play with my little bug at 6am when he wakes up, to crawl around on the floor with him, and to appreciate his giggles! Harry's dad gets to sleep during this time. We need to work on getting him some more sleep though...not that he is complaining. Kevin has not complained for a moment since Harry was born...at least not about Harry! If anyone has stepped up to the challenge of fatherhood, it is Kevin. Not that I am the least bit surprised.
I miss them now. I am in Boston for three days. Three day trips are hard, but I remind myself that traveling a couple of days a month is better than commuting through traffic each day. And Harry is the happiest guy! Willful, but happy. I think, even at this young age, our personalities are very similar. His is pretty basic right now, so it is pretty easy to uncover. I also remember my own thoughts from my childhood. I have not changed that much. At least, I haven't strayed from my basic personality. This fact...well, I am not sure if that will make it easier or harder to mold Harry's personality. No one likes a bully...least of all a psychological bully. It is nice to have the potential insight into his thoughts, but apparently I have not tamed my own all that well. I will have to work on that.
In the meantime, I think we are both lucky to have Kevin in our lives. I have often referred to him as my anchor, that is, until he referred to an anchor as the big heavy thing that weighs you down and keeps you from going anywhere. In DG, our anchor (the one delivered to the Beta Sigma Chapter by way of the Panama Canal) symbolized hope. I interpret it as the grounding force that keeps you from losing yourself.
Yourself.
The person that is always with you. Why not choose to be around someone you like? If you have a problem, fix it. And when you are strong, you can look back at where you have come from and be glad for it all. If your path had diverged, you would have been different. Your life would have been different. The people in your life would be different. Personally, I like where my own life has led me, and I especially like the people who surround me. At the risk of sounding too proud, I am especially pleased that I recognize this. I will try harder to make it known to those around me
Accidents... Fortunate accidents.
May the road rise up to meet all of you.
And may my son not be the type of person who gnaws on peoples spirits.
I had dinner with my friend Claudia tonight. She said her sister in law asked her an interesting question. She asked, and I am paraphrasing here, what others would find difficult about being in a relationship with her. I could not think of my own #1 difficulty straight off. Kevin mentioned something about being a fan of the Dixie Chicks. Surely there must be something greater.
Well, while googling tonight, I realized my difficulty: I find weaknesses in people and gnaw at it. I think it is probably a defense mechanism of some sort...maybe out of some inherent dislike for emotional weakness? I don't think everyone should be a rock, but I think everyone should be happy. Oh! Maybe it's some sort if disease I picked up at cheerleading camp! Some sort of twisted need to perk everyone up! But isn't that the new flaw of superparents everywhere: forcing happiness and fulfillment on our kids? Why not the population at large?
I am not backing down, though. I think everyone should be happy. I think maybe I just need to deal with this desire in a different way.
I came across something tonight that spelled out in plain words something I have suspected all along. It spelled out that there are people I know who are unhappy. My first instinct is to use the information I have gathered to gnaw at them, subtly making them feel worse. Awful, I know. But my brain kicked in. It told me this was wrong. But then the little evil dude came back. He said that I have not been the only one at fault.
What we need is a compromise. I am just going to be nice. I am going to stop complaining. I am going to enjoy my own happiness. I am going to stop being annoying!
I am sure sleep deprivation doesn't help. It kind of brings out the worst in you. I, and I guess the people around me, am lucky that I have been given the opportunity to get more sleep than many parents of 1 year olds. I am fortunate to have the world's greatest husband ever, a person who is willing to wake up at all hours of the night with his little boy. Don't think I am not grateful! I also appreciate having the energy provided by a reasonably decent night's sleep to play with my little bug at 6am when he wakes up, to crawl around on the floor with him, and to appreciate his giggles! Harry's dad gets to sleep during this time. We need to work on getting him some more sleep though...not that he is complaining. Kevin has not complained for a moment since Harry was born...at least not about Harry! If anyone has stepped up to the challenge of fatherhood, it is Kevin. Not that I am the least bit surprised.
I miss them now. I am in Boston for three days. Three day trips are hard, but I remind myself that traveling a couple of days a month is better than commuting through traffic each day. And Harry is the happiest guy! Willful, but happy. I think, even at this young age, our personalities are very similar. His is pretty basic right now, so it is pretty easy to uncover. I also remember my own thoughts from my childhood. I have not changed that much. At least, I haven't strayed from my basic personality. This fact...well, I am not sure if that will make it easier or harder to mold Harry's personality. No one likes a bully...least of all a psychological bully. It is nice to have the potential insight into his thoughts, but apparently I have not tamed my own all that well. I will have to work on that.
In the meantime, I think we are both lucky to have Kevin in our lives. I have often referred to him as my anchor, that is, until he referred to an anchor as the big heavy thing that weighs you down and keeps you from going anywhere. In DG, our anchor (the one delivered to the Beta Sigma Chapter by way of the Panama Canal) symbolized hope. I interpret it as the grounding force that keeps you from losing yourself.
Yourself.
The person that is always with you. Why not choose to be around someone you like? If you have a problem, fix it. And when you are strong, you can look back at where you have come from and be glad for it all. If your path had diverged, you would have been different. Your life would have been different. The people in your life would be different. Personally, I like where my own life has led me, and I especially like the people who surround me. At the risk of sounding too proud, I am especially pleased that I recognize this. I will try harder to make it known to those around me
Accidents... Fortunate accidents.
May the road rise up to meet all of you.
And may my son not be the type of person who gnaws on peoples spirits.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Serendipity
I was at the airport the other day---oh, you've heard this one? It's a different spin, I promise. This is about appreciating where you are, because you never know what sort of fortunate accidents will take shape around you.
I woke up at 2 AM Tuesday for my 5:30 AM flight from BWI to Augusta. I was able to log almost a full day on site, but on the turbo prop from Augusta to Charlotte (where I happened to be the only person on the plane that did not have a baseball cap, a polo shirt and a penis since the Masters' were in town) exhaustion hit. Once we landed I regrouped and sprinted across the Charlotte airport to my gate, only to find that the plane to BWI had not even arrived yet. Once it did, there were mechanical troubles. Once those were fixed, the crew timed out (the FAA allows them to work only 15 hours. Having worked 18 at that point, I was not sympathetic).
So, we had to de-plane. Of course, I was behind the man with the too-big-for-the-overhead suitcase, so by the time I got to Special Services, I was pretty much the last one in line.
If you have ever met me, you would know that I do not like to be the last in line. So, rather then throw myself on the ground kicking and sceaming, I called my travel agent. There was nothing she could do without charging me, but slyly suggested that rather then wait in line to potentially get assigned to the 10:45 flight to BWI, I get myself to the gate for the 9:10 DCA flight. It was 8:40 at that point.
This is where my luck began to change. At the start of my mad dash, I came across a US Airways club. Since I had taken the time to track down my club room card that very morning, I was able to burst in and obtain a seat on the DCA flight. No line! I obtained the very last non-center seat! But, I still had to get to the other side of the airport . Again. I started my sprint. Serendipitously, I was wearing sneakers. The only appropriate shoes I'd had that morning to go with my sweet southern outfit were 4 inch heels, so I'd packed the New Blances.
I ended up passing my actual gate, D1, to go to D10, but I made it back to the correct gate in time to board my row. Whew! I had just enough cell phone power to let Kevin know my fligt plan had changed.
The night was not a complete loss. Harry would have been asleep by the time I got home anyway. Plus, I'd actually had some time in the book store to learn Rebecca Wells had written another book. Ya-Yas in Bloom. This had me thinking some pretty pink and blue thoughts, but I was still pretty cranky, especially when I got to the cab line at Reagan National and found they were in "inefficient mode." Inefficient mode would be when all of the cabs load on one side of the airport, ignoring the line I am in. Inefficient mode would when the dispatcher allows the two peopel behnd me to get into DC cabs and there is not an Alexandria cab to be found. No, it's not all about me...maybe a little more than usual when I am cranky...mostly it is about being fair. Being tired makes my brain stick, and rules and fairness become the order of the day.
To make matters worse, when I finally do get in the cab, he talks to me. THE WHOLE TIME. I'd been awake for 21 hours at this point, I did not want to talk. Instead I listened and politely nodded. It seems the driver, Moe, an Indian man educated in England, was laid off from his job as a flight engineer, a job that paid him half a million when he was doing contract work. Seems computers had taken over the field. He's been interviewing, but was doing what he could to pay the bills.
The next day, Moe picked me up at precisely 11:00 AM to take me to find my car at BWI. We got to chat a little more along the way. He is an interesting man. He has a reasonably thick accent, which was especially hard to understand with all of the windows in the car down, but I followed along fairly well.
As he got to talking, I began to appreciate the conversation more and more. It was a beautiful day, I got to relax for an hour, and was able to enjoy good conversation from an interesting person. All that was missing was a cup of coffee!
Moe has four kids. Mostly grown. All but one went to college on scholarshp. The youngest is currently serving in the military. The oldest is finishing his residency as a reconstructive plastic surgeon. Moe helps him out as much as he can.
He showed me three "love letters" from Mercedes Benz. It seems he know longer has the car, but still owes $20,000 on it. He has decided he can only pay for what he can pay for. He still flies all over the world on interviews. Flights are free but the hotel bills are getting expensive. He goes to work every day beginning at noon, but has offered to pick me up any hour of the day, even at 3AM to go back to BWI on the 29th.
He decided it was important to prioritize. His children are not a burden to him, but he helps them as much as possible, including buying expensive equiptment for his son the surgeon. His son does not ask for these things, but they are things he needs. It is Moe's choice to buy them.
Moe told me another story about how you shoudln't mess with nature. If you do not respect its rules, it will come back and get you. When you are in a hurry, the worst thing you can do is rush. It sounded like your basic story from the wise, old Indian man. He talked about Buddhist monks who have their hair ripped out the first time, before it is later shaved, so that they can experience suffering and learn that the rest of life is so much easier. He talked a bit about Einstein's theories. I don't know enough about physic to recite which ones.
His point: when you are rushing to get somewhere, write down your parking spot so you don't spend two days searching for your car!
Interesting moral! We had a good laugh about it. And then he asked me if I had my car keys!
Luckily, i did. I beleive in karma, and I don't mess with nature whenever possible. I have forgotten things enough times to know I'd better double check.
Moe's story was a good reminder though. It seems he had once been in a hurry, and had once spent two days in a parking lot in Germany walking up and down each aisle, lookingfor his car.
I thanked Moe for the conversation. He thanked me as well, even more sincerely. I think he was relieved to be able to talk about his problems. I promised to call him for my future travels.
Had my flight not been delayed, I may not have found my Ya-ya book.
I may not have been reading my email at 11:45 PM to get a message from ANdrew reminding me to register for the Marine Corps Marathon at midnight. I did it. I got in! I may have been still traveling to BWI, or stuck in Charlotte. I may not have seen my baby the next morning.
I may not have met Moe. I may not have found a new local driver. My old one has disappeared, and since seeing a rat in the parking lot last week at DCA, I have been reluctant to leave my car there.
I was able to enjoyd good conversation, which I don't have much time for these days.
Moe suggested I take a new route back home, using 395, which I usually avoid. It was quicker, and prettier. I was able to see the cherry blossoms, which I probably would have forgotten about again this year,until it was too late.
Moe was able to get a couple of nice fares. A trip to BWI is not chump change! Perhaps he also gained something from the conversation. Perhaps more goodwill will go towards his son, the surgeon, who will complete his education and join Doctors Without Borders, helping children in the third world recover from facial disformities.
I started to think on the way home about how I could relate this for Harry. Perhaps the advice I can realy for the future is to do just what he is doing right now, enjoying the moment. It is important to plan for the future, but also to get the most out of today.
A good friend of mine, Claudette, and I were talking a while back. We both think we are reasonably care feee, spontaneous people. We are both up for a good roller blade at a moments notice on a Tuesday afternoon. Her sister, Sue, a very reasonable woman, pointed out to Claudette that she is the least spontaneous person she has ever met. Perhaps some would say the same about me. But the thing is, we find if you plan well, you are able to get the most out of life, and to some extent, better able to live in the moment. Life truly is about the journey, and not the destination, but when you have completed your travels, don't you want to have had the best journey to look back on?
Kevin has mentioned in a previous blog that we have big plans for Harry. When I mentioned that my biggest plan for him is to be happy, Kevin disagreed. He thinks I want more from him. I think what I want is for him to get as much as he can out of life, and never settle. I want to provide him with the opportunities to know what he wants. I also want these things for him:
* To live a life without regret.
* To learn to do a standing back flip
* To have purple hair (for a short time).
* To listen to people, to hear their story, to learn from them.
* To be kind to his grandparents.
* To think for himself.
* To stop and see the cherry blossoms.
* To write down his parking garage number.
I am enjoying kmy journey...most of the time. I could only do that back flip on a trampoline. My hair has been green, but only from chlorine. There are a couple of peopel I could have been kinder to. I don't like to talk about it, but I try to learn from it.
I was at the airport the other day---oh, you've heard this one? It's a different spin, I promise. This is about appreciating where you are, because you never know what sort of fortunate accidents will take shape around you.
I woke up at 2 AM Tuesday for my 5:30 AM flight from BWI to Augusta. I was able to log almost a full day on site, but on the turbo prop from Augusta to Charlotte (where I happened to be the only person on the plane that did not have a baseball cap, a polo shirt and a penis since the Masters' were in town) exhaustion hit. Once we landed I regrouped and sprinted across the Charlotte airport to my gate, only to find that the plane to BWI had not even arrived yet. Once it did, there were mechanical troubles. Once those were fixed, the crew timed out (the FAA allows them to work only 15 hours. Having worked 18 at that point, I was not sympathetic).
So, we had to de-plane. Of course, I was behind the man with the too-big-for-the-overhead suitcase, so by the time I got to Special Services, I was pretty much the last one in line.
If you have ever met me, you would know that I do not like to be the last in line. So, rather then throw myself on the ground kicking and sceaming, I called my travel agent. There was nothing she could do without charging me, but slyly suggested that rather then wait in line to potentially get assigned to the 10:45 flight to BWI, I get myself to the gate for the 9:10 DCA flight. It was 8:40 at that point.
This is where my luck began to change. At the start of my mad dash, I came across a US Airways club. Since I had taken the time to track down my club room card that very morning, I was able to burst in and obtain a seat on the DCA flight. No line! I obtained the very last non-center seat! But, I still had to get to the other side of the airport . Again. I started my sprint. Serendipitously, I was wearing sneakers. The only appropriate shoes I'd had that morning to go with my sweet southern outfit were 4 inch heels, so I'd packed the New Blances.
I ended up passing my actual gate, D1, to go to D10, but I made it back to the correct gate in time to board my row. Whew! I had just enough cell phone power to let Kevin know my fligt plan had changed.
The night was not a complete loss. Harry would have been asleep by the time I got home anyway. Plus, I'd actually had some time in the book store to learn Rebecca Wells had written another book. Ya-Yas in Bloom. This had me thinking some pretty pink and blue thoughts, but I was still pretty cranky, especially when I got to the cab line at Reagan National and found they were in "inefficient mode." Inefficient mode would be when all of the cabs load on one side of the airport, ignoring the line I am in. Inefficient mode would when the dispatcher allows the two peopel behnd me to get into DC cabs and there is not an Alexandria cab to be found. No, it's not all about me...maybe a little more than usual when I am cranky...mostly it is about being fair. Being tired makes my brain stick, and rules and fairness become the order of the day.
To make matters worse, when I finally do get in the cab, he talks to me. THE WHOLE TIME. I'd been awake for 21 hours at this point, I did not want to talk. Instead I listened and politely nodded. It seems the driver, Moe, an Indian man educated in England, was laid off from his job as a flight engineer, a job that paid him half a million when he was doing contract work. Seems computers had taken over the field. He's been interviewing, but was doing what he could to pay the bills.
The next day, Moe picked me up at precisely 11:00 AM to take me to find my car at BWI. We got to chat a little more along the way. He is an interesting man. He has a reasonably thick accent, which was especially hard to understand with all of the windows in the car down, but I followed along fairly well.
As he got to talking, I began to appreciate the conversation more and more. It was a beautiful day, I got to relax for an hour, and was able to enjoy good conversation from an interesting person. All that was missing was a cup of coffee!
Moe has four kids. Mostly grown. All but one went to college on scholarshp. The youngest is currently serving in the military. The oldest is finishing his residency as a reconstructive plastic surgeon. Moe helps him out as much as he can.
He showed me three "love letters" from Mercedes Benz. It seems he know longer has the car, but still owes $20,000 on it. He has decided he can only pay for what he can pay for. He still flies all over the world on interviews. Flights are free but the hotel bills are getting expensive. He goes to work every day beginning at noon, but has offered to pick me up any hour of the day, even at 3AM to go back to BWI on the 29th.
He decided it was important to prioritize. His children are not a burden to him, but he helps them as much as possible, including buying expensive equiptment for his son the surgeon. His son does not ask for these things, but they are things he needs. It is Moe's choice to buy them.
Moe told me another story about how you shoudln't mess with nature. If you do not respect its rules, it will come back and get you. When you are in a hurry, the worst thing you can do is rush. It sounded like your basic story from the wise, old Indian man. He talked about Buddhist monks who have their hair ripped out the first time, before it is later shaved, so that they can experience suffering and learn that the rest of life is so much easier. He talked a bit about Einstein's theories. I don't know enough about physic to recite which ones.
His point: when you are rushing to get somewhere, write down your parking spot so you don't spend two days searching for your car!
Interesting moral! We had a good laugh about it. And then he asked me if I had my car keys!
Luckily, i did. I beleive in karma, and I don't mess with nature whenever possible. I have forgotten things enough times to know I'd better double check.
Moe's story was a good reminder though. It seems he had once been in a hurry, and had once spent two days in a parking lot in Germany walking up and down each aisle, lookingfor his car.
I thanked Moe for the conversation. He thanked me as well, even more sincerely. I think he was relieved to be able to talk about his problems. I promised to call him for my future travels.
Had my flight not been delayed, I may not have found my Ya-ya book.
I may not have been reading my email at 11:45 PM to get a message from ANdrew reminding me to register for the Marine Corps Marathon at midnight. I did it. I got in! I may have been still traveling to BWI, or stuck in Charlotte. I may not have seen my baby the next morning.
I may not have met Moe. I may not have found a new local driver. My old one has disappeared, and since seeing a rat in the parking lot last week at DCA, I have been reluctant to leave my car there.
I was able to enjoyd good conversation, which I don't have much time for these days.
Moe suggested I take a new route back home, using 395, which I usually avoid. It was quicker, and prettier. I was able to see the cherry blossoms, which I probably would have forgotten about again this year,until it was too late.
Moe was able to get a couple of nice fares. A trip to BWI is not chump change! Perhaps he also gained something from the conversation. Perhaps more goodwill will go towards his son, the surgeon, who will complete his education and join Doctors Without Borders, helping children in the third world recover from facial disformities.
I started to think on the way home about how I could relate this for Harry. Perhaps the advice I can realy for the future is to do just what he is doing right now, enjoying the moment. It is important to plan for the future, but also to get the most out of today.
A good friend of mine, Claudette, and I were talking a while back. We both think we are reasonably care feee, spontaneous people. We are both up for a good roller blade at a moments notice on a Tuesday afternoon. Her sister, Sue, a very reasonable woman, pointed out to Claudette that she is the least spontaneous person she has ever met. Perhaps some would say the same about me. But the thing is, we find if you plan well, you are able to get the most out of life, and to some extent, better able to live in the moment. Life truly is about the journey, and not the destination, but when you have completed your travels, don't you want to have had the best journey to look back on?
Kevin has mentioned in a previous blog that we have big plans for Harry. When I mentioned that my biggest plan for him is to be happy, Kevin disagreed. He thinks I want more from him. I think what I want is for him to get as much as he can out of life, and never settle. I want to provide him with the opportunities to know what he wants. I also want these things for him:
* To live a life without regret.
* To learn to do a standing back flip
* To have purple hair (for a short time).
* To listen to people, to hear their story, to learn from them.
* To be kind to his grandparents.
* To think for himself.
* To stop and see the cherry blossoms.
* To write down his parking garage number.
I am enjoying kmy journey...most of the time. I could only do that back flip on a trampoline. My hair has been green, but only from chlorine. There are a couple of peopel I could have been kinder to. I don't like to talk about it, but I try to learn from it.
Monday, April 04, 2005
Oh the times, they are a-changing...
I won't bother mentioning how long it's been since my last post, as I'm sure folks are keeping score, and needless to say, Kim has certainly provided herself with an insurmountable lead.
That said, you may have noticed that one of her more recent posts was a quick note about Harry's 1st birthday being right around the corner.
Let me just repeat that last part because it sounded vaguely important...
Harry's first birthday is right around the corner.
It's been well over a year since we began with this online endeavor. We've run the gamut of apprehension and anxiety to elation and excitement. From sleepless nights to naps on the couch. It's been a year of firsts, and yet they still keep coming, with many more on the way. From the first visit home, to the first rollover (and the second shortly thereafter - not even remotely resembling yours truly). The first doctor's visit, to what seemed like perfect justification for frequent flyer points redemption at the prescription counter.
Harry has gone from the giggly gurgling newborn to a real little kid... Dimples and all. Kim has come full circle from hardcore exercise enthusiast and health nut, to more chocolate than even I could eat, to incredible mom who yet again manages to balance pilates classes, personal fitness training sessions, and enough business trips in a month to make a seasoned jet-setter sleepy, all while still making time for daily daycare pickups, trips to the organic market, and quality playtime. She does an incredible job, and deserves every single belly laugh she gets from the little guy. My own transformation has been from a nervous wreck who dreaded that first e-ticket intinerary that Kim was eventually going to get, to someone who actually enjoys getting to play single dad every now and then. It gives me a certain sense of accomplishment to be able to get him off on his day, and me on mine, without the world imploding. That said, there's nothing I love more than to see the smile on Harry's face when Kim gets home (assuming Bailey's howling for the same reason doesn't make him scream).
For whatever reason, I have only vague recollections of a good deal of my childhood. As many of you would guess, and presumably agree, Kim thinks I'm a freak because of this. I don't know exactly why, only that the specific memories I do have seem rather unrelated and non-particular. Which brings us to the original intention of this site. I really want Harry to be able to look back one day, and realize precisely why he's as wacky as he is (and by wacky I mean thoughtful, insightful, individual, free-thinking etc... All the things that kids are rarely known for being). After Kim writes her book on her perspective of Parenting in the 21st century, and how twisted a sense of reality so many are force-fed when it comes to the subject, Harry can see where it all came from.
Hopefully by then, when he has taken the reins to HarryMcD.com, he hasn't turned it into something lewd, as many seem to assume is the ONLY reason the internet & websites exist, but has turned it into something useful at least to him, perhaps even to others.
We have such grand visions for our son, and certainly want the best for him, as any parents would. It's extremely reassuring to know that everyone else who has had such a profound interest in him and his goings-on here, want the same thing.
To you all, I think I can speak for all of us when I say thank you for your continued support and well-wishes, and we all are looking forward to even more incredible stories for year 2!
I won't bother mentioning how long it's been since my last post, as I'm sure folks are keeping score, and needless to say, Kim has certainly provided herself with an insurmountable lead.
That said, you may have noticed that one of her more recent posts was a quick note about Harry's 1st birthday being right around the corner.
Let me just repeat that last part because it sounded vaguely important...
Harry's first birthday is right around the corner.
It's been well over a year since we began with this online endeavor. We've run the gamut of apprehension and anxiety to elation and excitement. From sleepless nights to naps on the couch. It's been a year of firsts, and yet they still keep coming, with many more on the way. From the first visit home, to the first rollover (and the second shortly thereafter - not even remotely resembling yours truly). The first doctor's visit, to what seemed like perfect justification for frequent flyer points redemption at the prescription counter.
Harry has gone from the giggly gurgling newborn to a real little kid... Dimples and all. Kim has come full circle from hardcore exercise enthusiast and health nut, to more chocolate than even I could eat, to incredible mom who yet again manages to balance pilates classes, personal fitness training sessions, and enough business trips in a month to make a seasoned jet-setter sleepy, all while still making time for daily daycare pickups, trips to the organic market, and quality playtime. She does an incredible job, and deserves every single belly laugh she gets from the little guy. My own transformation has been from a nervous wreck who dreaded that first e-ticket intinerary that Kim was eventually going to get, to someone who actually enjoys getting to play single dad every now and then. It gives me a certain sense of accomplishment to be able to get him off on his day, and me on mine, without the world imploding. That said, there's nothing I love more than to see the smile on Harry's face when Kim gets home (assuming Bailey's howling for the same reason doesn't make him scream).
For whatever reason, I have only vague recollections of a good deal of my childhood. As many of you would guess, and presumably agree, Kim thinks I'm a freak because of this. I don't know exactly why, only that the specific memories I do have seem rather unrelated and non-particular. Which brings us to the original intention of this site. I really want Harry to be able to look back one day, and realize precisely why he's as wacky as he is (and by wacky I mean thoughtful, insightful, individual, free-thinking etc... All the things that kids are rarely known for being). After Kim writes her book on her perspective of Parenting in the 21st century, and how twisted a sense of reality so many are force-fed when it comes to the subject, Harry can see where it all came from.
Hopefully by then, when he has taken the reins to HarryMcD.com, he hasn't turned it into something lewd, as many seem to assume is the ONLY reason the internet & websites exist, but has turned it into something useful at least to him, perhaps even to others.
We have such grand visions for our son, and certainly want the best for him, as any parents would. It's extremely reassuring to know that everyone else who has had such a profound interest in him and his goings-on here, want the same thing.
To you all, I think I can speak for all of us when I say thank you for your continued support and well-wishes, and we all are looking forward to even more incredible stories for year 2!
Thursday, March 31, 2005
HEALTHY KIDS
Some of you may have read some links I have put on here by Jon Gordon, The Energy Addict. Another one is below. This one is about healthy kids.
Last week, I noticed Harry’s stomach seemed upset. He may have had a stomach bug, as I seem to have also picked it up, but at the time I was wondering if it was from all of the bagels and such he was getting at daycare. I have my own love/hate relationship with bread. I love it when it comes attached to my pizza, but I hate what it does to my body, my mind, and my sinuses! I have had my share of health problems over the years, from interstitial cystitis to non-allergic rhinitis. All of my problems are corrected when I follow a very strict diet of only whole organic foods and lots of distilled water. Easier said than done!
While my DOCTOR, a very well studied woman who is an international expert in pelvic floor issues, agrees with me and treats my condition mostly with water and help from a nutritionist (this treatment is not to placate me. It is supported by medical journals and The Interstitial Cystitis Association recently spoke on Capital Hill about the condition and its treatment), other people accuse me of hypochondria (one of these 30 year old, taco-bell eating accusers is having a medically necessary colonoscopy as we speak). Perhaps I am more sensitive than others. Or perhaps others just have not experienced the difference a change in diet can make.
I am back on this topic after a half hour lecture from my new personal trainer (one month to go before Harry turns one to lose my last 8 pounds! Pulling out all the stops!). hDelvin was so passionate about fruit as vitamins, no sugar, clean water, etc., that he did not realize he was preaching to the choir. I have experienced first hand what good nutrition can do for you. Food is fuel. And medicine. A good diet and some exercise can pull a person out of depression. It worked for my own patients when I was a residential counselor. I started them walking three times a week. Within less than a month I had my own following that I would pick up and drive to the lake. They started eating better and cooking good foods for themselves. They lost weight, smiled, and were proud of themselves. I have also RUN pediatric ADHD trials. I have spoken at length to families with ADHD kids. I have seen, as I am sure you all have, what happens at family dinners once the kids get desert! And I think some kids may be more prone to the effects of sugar and preservatives. If you are not, great! But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Not everyone becomes addicted to alchohol, either. Doesn’t mean alcoholism doesn’t exist. Not everyone has been to Mt. Everest. Doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
My dad is becoming diabetic. He is not overweight. What did his diet consist of this time last year? Donuts! And Peeps! He used his lifetime supply of sugar half way through his life! Now he cannot have any.
So, with the information below as a reminder, I will be printing this information for Harry’s daycare provider, to remind her that he only is to eat Organic foods, only have bottle water (with fluoride for his teeth), and no overdoses on dairy and bread. I understand he may be tempted by what teh other kids eat, and a little bit is okay, butteh bulk of his diet shoudl be healthy.
Kevin has actually been better at sticking to this than I have. It is hard to follow. You only have a few minutes to prepare meals for the boy. It is hard to meet the criteria of being quick, nutricious, hand held, not a choking hazard…It is difficult, but it is worth it! I do cheat, though. I, myself, have been known to drink diet coke (among other things, but this is the worst). I feel awful after! I have also given Harry cake. And, as if in some strange parallel universe, I was doing this while getting evil looks from Kevin and listening to my friend Lisa tell her own child that she hoped he enjoyed his first birthday cake, because he would be back to eating greens for quite some times. Now, for people like my dad who assume brown rice is what you get from the Chinese Take-out guy, she meant veggies.
Raising Healthy & Positive Kids
by Jon Gordon
When did hot dogs, French fries, chicken nuggets, grilled cheese and soda become the staples of our children's diets? When did it become normal for children to play hours of video games instead of playing outside? And when did it become ok to have cookies, donuts and candy as a daily classroom snack in our schools? As child obesity, diabetes, depression and ADD rates climb faster that you can say super size me I have become passionate and determined to help reverse these alarming trends. Consider the following:
· 30% of the nation's kids are overweight or on their way to being too heavy.
· Type 2 diabetes, previously considered an adult disease, has increased dramatically in children and adolescents. Overweight and obesity are closely linked to Type 2 diabetes.
· A number of epidemiological studies have reported that up to 2.5 percent of children and up to 8.3 percent of adolescents in the U.S. suffer from depression. (NIMH)
Whether it's a lack of knowledge about nutrition and exercise, a lack of energy, a lack of time or all of the above many parents are causing their children undue harm and setting them up for a life of unhealthy habits without even realizing it. The foods we are feeding our children and the habits we are allowing have lead to a dramatic decrease in their health and wellness.
I get very frustrated when I see my child's elementary school cafeteria serving fried chicken patties, fried tater tots, French fries, hot dogs and other fast food quality meals. I get motivated to educate when I see adults with poor habits transfer these habits to their kids. And I become angry when I see well educated informed parents, many of them I know personally, exercise, drink water and eat fresh salads while their kids play video games, drink soda and eat processed foods filled with chemicals, preservatives and other multiple multi-syllabic ingredients we can't even pronounce. Instead of a homemade brown bag lunch many of these parents are sending their children to school with a prepackaged Lunchable. Have you ever read the ingredients in a Lunchable? They even have a waffles, pancakes and cinnamon roll lunch combination. For Lunch!!! Lunchables are so popular Oscar Meyer has produced billions of them and parents are buying them by the shopping cart. These parents are either taking the easy way out or they are not making the connection between their children's diets and their health, brain function and happiness.
Even more than adults our children's growing and developing bodies and brains need nutrients, vitamins, water, minerals, healthy fats and protein from whole food sources to function optimally. Their bodies are made of 70% water and we're fueling them up with soda. Their body knows how to utilize water yet it has no idea how to process the chemicals in soda. Their bodies know what to do with fruit but it has no recognition of a fruit rollup. Just as a natural flowing river becomes polluted by toxins and chemicals our children's natural bodies are being contaminated by the hundreds and thousands of chemicals they consume each year. In fact there are over 6,000 synthetic chemicals used in the processed-food industry. The FDA says most of them are safe but they also said that Vioxx was safe. Shouldn't common sense prevail? We were meant to eat foods that come from nature. We weren't meant to eat chemicals made in factories.
There's also research that demonstrates a link between consuming too much soda and sugar and weight gain. Fifty-six percent of 8-year-olds drink soft drinks daily and a third of teenage boys drink at least three cans of soda per day. Research shows that for every additional serving per day of soda consumed the risk of becoming obese increases by about 50%. (Lancelot. February 2001) In a Harvard University Study 12-year-olds who drank soft drinks regularly were more likely to be overweight than those who didn't. (Lancelot)
In addition, the more added sugar in a child's diet, the less likely the diet contained grains, vegetables, fruits, and dairy. Children with the highest level of added sugar intake had the lowest consumption of most nutrients and servings of grains, vegetables, fruits, and dairy(The Journal of Pediatrics). It's no wonder only one in five children consumes the recommended minimum of five fruits and vegetables a day, while the top 10 sources of carbohydrates in children's diets include sugary soft drinks, cakes, cookies, jam and fruit drinks. (National Cancer Institute)
We pump our kids full of sugar, toxic chemicals, food colorings and then wonder why so many are overweight with diabetes and being diagnosed with ADD. But instead of changing their diet we put them on Ritalin-and the vicious cycle begins. Consider that for many children there is another way. In a study published in the June 2004 Archives of Diseases in Childhood involving 1800 three year old children, some with ADD and some without, the children's behavior measurably improved after a one week diet without preservatives and artificial colors and dramatically worsened on the weeks they were given preservatives and artificial colors.
And let's not forget the other key component to this health crisis-Lack of exercise. Nearly half of American youths aged 12-21 years are not vigorously active on a regular basis. For many, television and video games have replaced good old fashion kickball and hide and seek in the neighborhood. On average kids, ages 8 to 18 devote six hours and 21 minutes a day or 44 hours a week to recreational media use including; watching television, using the internet, instant messaging, playing video games, or downloading music. (Kaiser Family Foundation)
The problems are clear cut. Kids are moving too little and eating too much of the wrong foods and too little of the right foods. While I often hear from many parents that they just don't have the time to feed their children properly or it's just too hard, I just can't accept these excuses. Is there anything more important than the health of our children? Who ever said doing the right thing was easy? But here's the great news. It's easier than many people think. It's all about habits. Raising healthy positive children is not easy because old habits are still in place. But once a healthy lifestyle becomes a habit it becomes easy. The key is that we have to change our habits. Then the habits become a part of our children's lives and they benefit physically, mentally and emotionally. Then we all benefit. So what are these habits that will help our children grow strong, healthy and positive?
http://www.jongordon.com/positiveandhealthykids.htm
http://www.jongordon.com/documents/7DayHealthyandPositivekidsplan.pdf
May your day be filled with boundless energy!
- Jon
Monday, March 28, 2005
Harry’s First Birthday is just around the corner.
On his actual birthday, April 22nd, we will be spending the day at the zoo, and possibly eating cannoli’s in the afternoon.
There will be a limited crowd, as this is a Friday, and since they do not recommend having parties at the zoo until you are 4 years old.
But, if you want to join us, let me know! I will give you the details.
His party, the one we were somewhat coerced into having, but are nonetheless looking forward to, will be on Saturday, April 23. All are welcome. Invitations will be going out next week, but if you do not get one, you are still welcome to join us. It will be a casual gathering at the house. And how do I phrase this properly…presents are not required. Seriously. Harry has lots of stuff already. It has just been recommended that we all need to get together more often, so this is the main reason for the party. There will be cake. Beer. Soda. Most likely food from Chicken Out. Some balloons. Kevin said no ponies. Also no blow up castles. Maybe next year.
But, and how do I say this properly? If you do feel the need to buy something because you are, say, his immediate family, I am not lying when I say that he wears a 2T. 24 months is probably just as good. He does fit in 18 months, but use your judgment. He has a big head and a big butt. He is not that into videos at the moment. He can use some swimmy diapers…the size above 26 pounds. Beach towels are cool. Peek-a-block toys. CHEAP PLASTIC TOYS are his favorite. Request toddler toys the next time you get a happy meal. He will be thrilled. Russian language books. Pictures of himself. He has more books than a library, but we could use a place to put them! He likes swings that go high, so a nice big oak in the backyard would be awesome!
By the way, Harry's other favorite thing to do is growl. Like a monster. "Rooooooooooooooo-arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr."
Friday, March 25, 2005
Hey, you out there with kids, tell me how long this will last!
Harry spent this afternoon not just putting all of his blocks in his bucket, but pretty much everything that would fit (mostly telephones, remotes, little balls).
He then decided the little balls went in the ball popper, so those went in their rightful place.
Then, at dinner, after finishing his yogurt, he picked up the other items from his tray (okay, it was Veggie Booty, I confess) and put them all in his empty yogurt cup. Every single one!
Everything stayed where it “belonged.” Nothing was dropped on the floor. It was so odd! I had read in the toddler book that this might happen, but I never believed it!
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Climbing.
Harry climbed to the top of the stairs today! I suppose I should have discouraged this behavior, but as a rock climber, this was one of the highligts of my life thus far! I stayed two steps behind him the whole time, and the carpet is heavily padded...It was very cool!
He also let me walk him down the driveway with only ONE hand! As you may know, Harry has a significant preferance for only walking while holding on to two hands. Looks like he may be walking soon. Bye bye chiropractor!
Kevin had food posioning last night, for possibly the 10th time since I have known him. This meant I had to wake up with Harry last night. Sure, he'd been sleeping through the night the whole time I was gone, but last nigt he woke up. He may have gone back to sleep, except that I am the morning person, so he saw me, and could not have been more awake. Totally freaked me out too, since I have been catching glimpses of way too many previews of The Ring 2.
Since Kevin's Hockey refs are off strike (not NHL but Mt. Vernon rec league) he had a game tonight so we missed two birthday parties. But we did get to BBQ with the Barnets. Lindsey and Miguel were visiting. Harry got to flirt with everyone.
Oh, and Harry had a blast with the accountant today! He got all dressed up in his polo shirt and grabbed his cellphone to head out to Rockville. Big surprise, he is now a fan of calculators!
Harry also chased Bailey today and played on his swingset. I think he is more than aware that his swing sucks. It is a baby swing. He likes the slide though. After a couple of tries, he wouldn't let Kevin actually sit him at the top. He just kept trying to slide right down. It was funny. Harry is a blast! I don't know how we got so lucky. He is such a happy kid.
Harry climbed to the top of the stairs today! I suppose I should have discouraged this behavior, but as a rock climber, this was one of the highligts of my life thus far! I stayed two steps behind him the whole time, and the carpet is heavily padded...It was very cool!
He also let me walk him down the driveway with only ONE hand! As you may know, Harry has a significant preferance for only walking while holding on to two hands. Looks like he may be walking soon. Bye bye chiropractor!
Kevin had food posioning last night, for possibly the 10th time since I have known him. This meant I had to wake up with Harry last night. Sure, he'd been sleeping through the night the whole time I was gone, but last nigt he woke up. He may have gone back to sleep, except that I am the morning person, so he saw me, and could not have been more awake. Totally freaked me out too, since I have been catching glimpses of way too many previews of The Ring 2.
Since Kevin's Hockey refs are off strike (not NHL but Mt. Vernon rec league) he had a game tonight so we missed two birthday parties. But we did get to BBQ with the Barnets. Lindsey and Miguel were visiting. Harry got to flirt with everyone.
Oh, and Harry had a blast with the accountant today! He got all dressed up in his polo shirt and grabbed his cellphone to head out to Rockville. Big surprise, he is now a fan of calculators!
Harry also chased Bailey today and played on his swingset. I think he is more than aware that his swing sucks. It is a baby swing. He likes the slide though. After a couple of tries, he wouldn't let Kevin actually sit him at the top. He just kept trying to slide right down. It was funny. Harry is a blast! I don't know how we got so lucky. He is such a happy kid.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Practice makes Perfect!
After weeks of intense practice, this evening, at long last, Harry was able to get each of his 4 Baby Einstein stackers on the yellow pole...repeatedly! The whale, the bear, the cardinal, and even tiny little Bard, the poetic dragon. Kevin and I were ecstatic. In typical Harry fashion, this was a non-event for him. I am so proud of him for sticking with it!
After weeks of intense practice, this evening, at long last, Harry was able to get each of his 4 Baby Einstein stackers on the yellow pole...repeatedly! The whale, the bear, the cardinal, and even tiny little Bard, the poetic dragon. Kevin and I were ecstatic. In typical Harry fashion, this was a non-event for him. I am so proud of him for sticking with it!
Monday, March 14, 2005
The Happiest Place on Earth
Chapter 1: Bashful
Chapter 2: No nigh nigh!
Chapter 3: Thing 1 and Thing 2!
Chapter 4: Crazy Giggles in the Pool!
As many of you know, we took Harry to Orlando this weekend. Kevin was against it at the start, seeing as he was 30 the first time he got to go. I, however, needed a vacation, and I figured Orlando was a baby friendly locale. I was hoping Harry might learn to walk before we went, but he did not. No problem though. We hit REI with our Dividend dough ($3.82!) and bought a Kelty Baby Backpack (Kevin hates strollers).
Bags packed (5 for Harry, 1 for Kevin and me to share), we headed out to the airport. For some silly reason, I lost my preferred status with US Air (FMLA in 2004?) so we flew, gasp, coach! But, little man could not have been better behaved...Except for the potentially disruptive giggles! He didn't learn to walk in time for his first big vacation, but he did learn how to wave and say "Hi!" and "Hello!" Of course, as soon as someone says hi back, he gets embarrassed and buries his head! It is hilarious! Hopefully his confidence will improve once he gets used to this newfound ability to interact.
So, after a very fun plane ride, with lots of "hellos" from strangers, Harry had an even more fabulous time in the parking garage, proving once again, it's the journey that counts, not the destination. Once we got the carseat into the rental, though, the mood changed...A lesser car seat! Horrors! Once again, goin' coach, and not happy about it. You thought mommy was unhappy not being in First Class, little Harrison was even less happy to not be riding in his Britax carseat. Happy to know he appreciates the finer things, but more than a bit worried by the meager size of his bank account! Better break it to him now that he's not likely to be driving a Mercedes on his 16th birthday...at least not a new one!
Harry loved the hotel though. He could touch whatever he wanted, his toys were there, there was a big window for him to gaze out of...And a wireless keyboard to play with! I think we were all pretty excited about that one!
Once the crib finally arrived, it took Harry all of two minutes to fall asleep. He was well rested when we headed to the pool at around 7:15 the next morning. How things have changed!
After a few laps, we changed out of our suits and walked around Disney's Boardwalk to go to Epcot Center. About 7 minutes after arriving, Harry was passed out in his back pack. So, we headed to Canada and had a lovely lunch in a dimly lit Steakhouse. Harry woke up long enough to have a bite of roll and some trout. This is what I'd had in mind though...Not saying I wanted him to sleep through his vacation, but there aren't too many fine restaurants that you can bring a baby to!
After Canada, we had to have canolis from Italy. You have too! And I broke down and gave some to Harry, also. He LOVED it! I did not love sharing, but I did...
We hit Mexico and Harry seemed to like the maraccas. I bought him a little one and he shook it for the rest of the day. He really liked the large ones, but seeing as it was so close to Kevin's head, we agreed the little one was somewhat safer.
Ended up at the Living Seas. While waiting in the dark lines, Harry started to get anxious. Scared? No. Not really. Now that he can communicate, it seems he only cries because he doesn't want to go to sleep. "No nigh nigh!" is the response we now get in darkened rooms, if we lay him down for a diaper change, if he gets sleepy...Best I can tell is this kid just doesn't want to miss anything! On a side note, though, since I didn;t mention this before we left, Harry also said his first big sentence: "I want my mommy!" Crazy, huh!? This was in response to a diaper change. Of course, I, his mommy, was the one changing his diaper at the time, so I don't think he knows what the phrase means. I think he picked it up from Susanna at daycare. I could swear she said it a couple of times when I picked Harry up the other day. His enunciations are not perfect, but you can definitely tell what he is saying.
Day 3 we got an early start to Disney. We arrived at around 10:30. We first needed to grab a bite to eat. Although he doesn't always eat all of it, it is really cool to be able to order food for Harry off of the menu now. Grilled chicken strips and applesauce were a hit, but he was obsessed with his bottles the entire time. Perhaps thirsty from the heat?
I felt a little bad that Harry spent so much of the day in his pack the day before, so I made sure he had more time at Magic Kingdom to stretch his legs. His first ride was the carousel. He seemed intrigued by the horses. After that we strolled over to a little mini water park near Ariel's Grotto. There a bunch of preschoolers, Thing 1 & Thing 2 included (two little boys in perfectly suited red T'shirts bearing the names), ran around on a spongy floor through a bunch of sprinklers and mini geysers. Harry was way into it. He giggled and squealed and gave big belly laughs. Of course, the one picture we have barely shows him smiling, but take my word for it, running through the water with the other kids was the highlight of his trip, and worth every bit of money we spent to get him there! (Even worth my having to run through the geysers with him, since, as mentioned, he does not walk).
We hung out and waited for the 3:00 parade on Main Street. We didn't know how he would do, and he did start to get antsy in the hot sun, but once he saw that the people in the parade waved at him, he couldn't have been more pleased! Still, enough was enough, and it was time to go. Headed to the bus, but the bus was late. Spoke to a kindly little man from England. He gave his new buddy Harrison a Pluto "badge" (I call it a pin) that we attached to his backpack. Once the bus arrived, he got his second wind and played peekaboo with a few of the kids on the bus. Even though they seemed to be kindergarten age, they all seemed to enjoy the responses they elicited. Kevin and I did, as well, later at the pool. Little man still had the giggles going! For some reason, splashing around in the pool was the funniest thing ever (just as waving always is...he doubles over with laughter!)! No photos of this (as you can tell, I like to look at all of life as a Kodak moment). He seemed to be reacting to both of our interactions with him, so there was no way to get the camera. I think his expressions and happy little sounds will be something that ill stay with me for a long time though! Like I said, worth every penny!
Home again, home again...back to outine. Back to his Baby Einstein stackers, his books, his fingers in Bailey's eyes...
Chapter 1: Bashful
Chapter 2: No nigh nigh!
Chapter 3: Thing 1 and Thing 2!
Chapter 4: Crazy Giggles in the Pool!
As many of you know, we took Harry to Orlando this weekend. Kevin was against it at the start, seeing as he was 30 the first time he got to go. I, however, needed a vacation, and I figured Orlando was a baby friendly locale. I was hoping Harry might learn to walk before we went, but he did not. No problem though. We hit REI with our Dividend dough ($3.82!) and bought a Kelty Baby Backpack (Kevin hates strollers).
Bags packed (5 for Harry, 1 for Kevin and me to share), we headed out to the airport. For some silly reason, I lost my preferred status with US Air (FMLA in 2004?) so we flew, gasp, coach! But, little man could not have been better behaved...Except for the potentially disruptive giggles! He didn't learn to walk in time for his first big vacation, but he did learn how to wave and say "Hi!" and "Hello!" Of course, as soon as someone says hi back, he gets embarrassed and buries his head! It is hilarious! Hopefully his confidence will improve once he gets used to this newfound ability to interact.
So, after a very fun plane ride, with lots of "hellos" from strangers, Harry had an even more fabulous time in the parking garage, proving once again, it's the journey that counts, not the destination. Once we got the carseat into the rental, though, the mood changed...A lesser car seat! Horrors! Once again, goin' coach, and not happy about it. You thought mommy was unhappy not being in First Class, little Harrison was even less happy to not be riding in his Britax carseat. Happy to know he appreciates the finer things, but more than a bit worried by the meager size of his bank account! Better break it to him now that he's not likely to be driving a Mercedes on his 16th birthday...at least not a new one!
Harry loved the hotel though. He could touch whatever he wanted, his toys were there, there was a big window for him to gaze out of...And a wireless keyboard to play with! I think we were all pretty excited about that one!
Once the crib finally arrived, it took Harry all of two minutes to fall asleep. He was well rested when we headed to the pool at around 7:15 the next morning. How things have changed!
After a few laps, we changed out of our suits and walked around Disney's Boardwalk to go to Epcot Center. About 7 minutes after arriving, Harry was passed out in his back pack. So, we headed to Canada and had a lovely lunch in a dimly lit Steakhouse. Harry woke up long enough to have a bite of roll and some trout. This is what I'd had in mind though...Not saying I wanted him to sleep through his vacation, but there aren't too many fine restaurants that you can bring a baby to!
After Canada, we had to have canolis from Italy. You have too! And I broke down and gave some to Harry, also. He LOVED it! I did not love sharing, but I did...
We hit Mexico and Harry seemed to like the maraccas. I bought him a little one and he shook it for the rest of the day. He really liked the large ones, but seeing as it was so close to Kevin's head, we agreed the little one was somewhat safer.
Ended up at the Living Seas. While waiting in the dark lines, Harry started to get anxious. Scared? No. Not really. Now that he can communicate, it seems he only cries because he doesn't want to go to sleep. "No nigh nigh!" is the response we now get in darkened rooms, if we lay him down for a diaper change, if he gets sleepy...Best I can tell is this kid just doesn't want to miss anything! On a side note, though, since I didn;t mention this before we left, Harry also said his first big sentence: "I want my mommy!" Crazy, huh!? This was in response to a diaper change. Of course, I, his mommy, was the one changing his diaper at the time, so I don't think he knows what the phrase means. I think he picked it up from Susanna at daycare. I could swear she said it a couple of times when I picked Harry up the other day. His enunciations are not perfect, but you can definitely tell what he is saying.
Day 3 we got an early start to Disney. We arrived at around 10:30. We first needed to grab a bite to eat. Although he doesn't always eat all of it, it is really cool to be able to order food for Harry off of the menu now. Grilled chicken strips and applesauce were a hit, but he was obsessed with his bottles the entire time. Perhaps thirsty from the heat?
I felt a little bad that Harry spent so much of the day in his pack the day before, so I made sure he had more time at Magic Kingdom to stretch his legs. His first ride was the carousel. He seemed intrigued by the horses. After that we strolled over to a little mini water park near Ariel's Grotto. There a bunch of preschoolers, Thing 1 & Thing 2 included (two little boys in perfectly suited red T'shirts bearing the names), ran around on a spongy floor through a bunch of sprinklers and mini geysers. Harry was way into it. He giggled and squealed and gave big belly laughs. Of course, the one picture we have barely shows him smiling, but take my word for it, running through the water with the other kids was the highlight of his trip, and worth every bit of money we spent to get him there! (Even worth my having to run through the geysers with him, since, as mentioned, he does not walk).
We hung out and waited for the 3:00 parade on Main Street. We didn't know how he would do, and he did start to get antsy in the hot sun, but once he saw that the people in the parade waved at him, he couldn't have been more pleased! Still, enough was enough, and it was time to go. Headed to the bus, but the bus was late. Spoke to a kindly little man from England. He gave his new buddy Harrison a Pluto "badge" (I call it a pin) that we attached to his backpack. Once the bus arrived, he got his second wind and played peekaboo with a few of the kids on the bus. Even though they seemed to be kindergarten age, they all seemed to enjoy the responses they elicited. Kevin and I did, as well, later at the pool. Little man still had the giggles going! For some reason, splashing around in the pool was the funniest thing ever (just as waving always is...he doubles over with laughter!)! No photos of this (as you can tell, I like to look at all of life as a Kodak moment). He seemed to be reacting to both of our interactions with him, so there was no way to get the camera. I think his expressions and happy little sounds will be something that ill stay with me for a long time though! Like I said, worth every penny!
Home again, home again...back to outine. Back to his Baby Einstein stackers, his books, his fingers in Bailey's eyes...
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Kevin's Right!
Harry can speak on the phone now! And know what else? It is not just babble. He says Hello!
He called me at work today (in my home office, from the living room) and said hello! And he said hello to Pop Pop twice yesterday in the car.
He also says hello when he puts a rattle to his ear, a bottle, his arm...
Menike told me he spends half the day in the corner, chatting on his phone (a plastic cordless).
So, he doesn't have a kitchen set, or a vaccum or whatever. He has a laptop and a cellphone. Now he just needs a brief case to put his work in (Mimi's Toes, his flashcards, his alphabet chart...).
Off to Orlando tomorrow. I am hoping that Harry's newly found attachment to me will come in handy on the plane! Perhaps he can sit still and chat on the airfone for a bit...
Harry can speak on the phone now! And know what else? It is not just babble. He says Hello!
He called me at work today (in my home office, from the living room) and said hello! And he said hello to Pop Pop twice yesterday in the car.
He also says hello when he puts a rattle to his ear, a bottle, his arm...
Menike told me he spends half the day in the corner, chatting on his phone (a plastic cordless).
So, he doesn't have a kitchen set, or a vaccum or whatever. He has a laptop and a cellphone. Now he just needs a brief case to put his work in (Mimi's Toes, his flashcards, his alphabet chart...).
Off to Orlando tomorrow. I am hoping that Harry's newly found attachment to me will come in handy on the plane! Perhaps he can sit still and chat on the airfone for a bit...
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Wracking my brain for a good song lyric around telephones... Nothing particularly memorable comes to mind other then the clip from the Wall where Mr. Floyd is calling collect back to England from the States for his wife and the lover keeps answering... nevermind.
Telephone metaphors come to mind because Harry finally figured out how to talk back into the phone today!
During one of our regular dinnertime chats with Uncle Kris, I once again held my phone up to Harry's ear, but this time, he answered! Usually he fights it, and turns his head toward the earpiece (naturally, where the sound is coming from), but today, he went right on talking like it was old hat!
Well, with this newfound talent, it was certainly as good a time as any to leave a few messages on Kim's cell phone so she'd have some audio bytes of the little man while on the road. Based on the email later in the evening that her phone battery was dead, chances are that she hasn't yet had the opportunity to listen.
Ok... So he's not walking yet, but the things he is doing are incredible. He's becoming very sure of himself, assuming of course he's holding on tightly with 2 hands (let one go and the phrase "sack of potatoes" immediately comes to mind). He continues to love his daycare group. He gets a huge grin on his face on our way up the steps in the morning, and you've never seen a toothy grin so wide as when you come through the door to pick him up at the end of the day.
He's finally back to sleeping through the night again. Some of you may note that we said something very similar to this a few weeks ago after recovering from Harry's latest ear infection & flu battle. True, he got back to sleeping well, but of course, with the lovely variations we've been having in the DC weather lately, He had another cold, thus keeping him up in fits. As any good-natured 10 month old should be, Harry was eager to share his cold with his loving father, and I certainly do appreciate it. Well, he seems to be over it now, while I certainly am still in the thick of it. Hopefully our jaunt to visit EPCOT this weekend will help us all out.
Now, let me point out (yet again) that yes, it took me 30 years to make it to Disney World, and yes here we are headed back again ALREADY. Ah well... I'm looking forward to it, if for no other reason whatsoever, to get away from the aforementioned DC Weather.
My last entry ended with a bit of a surprise at how quickly this first year is going... Here's a more indicative point of comparison. My 6 month contract with AT&T has run it's course, and upon my return from Florida, I will begin my tenure as a full-time employee.
Here's what Harry looked like just before I started:
And just a few days back:
Trust me... It's more than just longer hair.
Much more!
Telephone metaphors come to mind because Harry finally figured out how to talk back into the phone today!
During one of our regular dinnertime chats with Uncle Kris, I once again held my phone up to Harry's ear, but this time, he answered! Usually he fights it, and turns his head toward the earpiece (naturally, where the sound is coming from), but today, he went right on talking like it was old hat!
Well, with this newfound talent, it was certainly as good a time as any to leave a few messages on Kim's cell phone so she'd have some audio bytes of the little man while on the road. Based on the email later in the evening that her phone battery was dead, chances are that she hasn't yet had the opportunity to listen.
Ok... So he's not walking yet, but the things he is doing are incredible. He's becoming very sure of himself, assuming of course he's holding on tightly with 2 hands (let one go and the phrase "sack of potatoes" immediately comes to mind). He continues to love his daycare group. He gets a huge grin on his face on our way up the steps in the morning, and you've never seen a toothy grin so wide as when you come through the door to pick him up at the end of the day.
He's finally back to sleeping through the night again. Some of you may note that we said something very similar to this a few weeks ago after recovering from Harry's latest ear infection & flu battle. True, he got back to sleeping well, but of course, with the lovely variations we've been having in the DC weather lately, He had another cold, thus keeping him up in fits. As any good-natured 10 month old should be, Harry was eager to share his cold with his loving father, and I certainly do appreciate it. Well, he seems to be over it now, while I certainly am still in the thick of it. Hopefully our jaunt to visit EPCOT this weekend will help us all out.
Now, let me point out (yet again) that yes, it took me 30 years to make it to Disney World, and yes here we are headed back again ALREADY. Ah well... I'm looking forward to it, if for no other reason whatsoever, to get away from the aforementioned DC Weather.
My last entry ended with a bit of a surprise at how quickly this first year is going... Here's a more indicative point of comparison. My 6 month contract with AT&T has run it's course, and upon my return from Florida, I will begin my tenure as a full-time employee.
Here's what Harry looked like just before I started:
And just a few days back:
Trust me... It's more than just longer hair.
Much more!
Friday, March 04, 2005
Cool new stuff!
Harry had mashed potatoes for dinner. That was fun to watch!
The past couple of weeks his favorite book has been Mimi’s Toes. It ends up in various places in his room, and he finds it and takes it to the futon where he stands by the edge and reads his book. This will occupy him for 5-10 full minutes. Sometimes he hands it to me to read to him. I could not be more thrilled that he likes books as much as he does! He just loves them!
Harry spent at least another 5-10 minutes tonight trying to get Bard the Poetic Dragon (the small green guy) back on his stacker (impossible to find the old school stackers, so we have the Baby Einstein version). It was so cool to see him persist at trying to put Bard on the little pole. You could see his coordination improving with each try!
Harry also found the trunk on his little car. He learned how to open it, put the brown bear stacker in there, close it, open it and take it out again. He stuck with it until it got easier and easier. I so admire his determination!
It is so cool to see these processes occur. In my mind, it has helped me to understand the processes of learning by viewing it the way a person with a brain injury would need to re-learn something. I know, most people do it the other way, but this way makes sense to me. And it is all just amazing!Thursday, March 03, 2005
Lately, I have been struggling with negative energy. I like to be a positive person (sometimes bordering on perky), but lately I seem to be surrounded by people who bring me down. I know other people like to be surrounded by positive energy as well, whether they realize it or not. And I certainly want my son to be a happy person, someone others like to be around, and someone who enjoys his own company.
I grew up surrounded by people who dreamed of vacations that were within their reach, never taking them. People who spoke in terms of “one day,” knowing full well one day would never come. One day only comes if you make it happen. So many quotes come to mind to describe this: “All men die, but not all men truly live” (Braveheart) or “Ships are safe at harbor, but that’s not what ships are made for” (Unknown)…and most appropriately, “Just Do It!” (Nike). I know I can drive my dear husband up a wall by insisting that anything we decide we are going to do must be done now. He has started asking me my time frame, for anything from “Harry should take Karate” (when he is 3 or 4) to we should go to Florida (it is possible I booked the trip before telling him).
I love television as much as the next person, but I don’t want to sit on my ass watching it for the rest of my life, while eating chips and a cheesesteak. I don’t want Harry to do that either (but I do plan to be careful that he does not become over scheduled).
On another note, Jennifer Lopez was on the Today Show today. When Matt Lauer asked her if this year was better for her than last year, she looked genuinely confused. Her response was “Just because things don’t go 100% the way you want them to, doesn’t mean it’s been a bad year." I fully agree with that statement. I think I even wrote about it the other day. I hope Harry grows up to see things this way, and I fully intend to guide him along that path…the path to having smiling eyes, a firm handshake, and an easy smile.
I found this article today in my hotmail account. I have dealt with fatigue for years. I blame yeast and dairy, but it is something that is difficult to remove from your diet in this country. So, again, I was watching the Today Show and this guy Jon Gordan was on. He sends me free newsletters, and they have some good tips. Tips like drinking green tea, not hitting snooze and staying positive. If you are interested, read on. I especially like the tips at the bottom, and I intend to work on them.
Have a "Big Bang" Mindset
"Power is the faculty or capacity to act, the strength and potency to accomplish something. It is the vital energy to make choices and decisions. It also includes the capacity to overcome deeply embedded habits and to cultivate higher, more effective ones."
-Steven R. Covey
Life is a choice. And everyday you can choose to have a big bang mindset. You can choose to believe that you create your life everyday through your words, thoughts, choices and actions. While we have all been created, we now have the opportunity to create our lives one thought, one word, one choice, one action, one energy source at a time.
Where Richard Carlson tells us not to sweat the small stuff, and he's right, I believe that life is all about the little things. We don't create our lives by focusing on the big things. The big projects, the big promotion, the big car, the big house. Rather we create our life by doing the little things and allowing the big things to happen. If we read one book a week for 30 years that equals 1560 books. That's a lot of knowledge. If we put basil in a burrito instead of cilantro the taste would change dramatically. The difference between rain and snow is only a few degrees. They say football is a game of inches. To reduce crime in New York City, Mayor Rudy Guilianni focused on preventing small crimes. What he and the world found out was when you arrest people for small crimes you get big reductions in murders and other felonies. As someone who has owned restaurants, I have found that a restaurant's success is all about the little things. Success is built one customer, one meal, one ingredient at a time. Our lives are no different.
When we have a big bang mindset we accept responsibility for our life. We know that we have the power to create success or succumb to failure. Our life is the result of each choice we make and each action we take every day. A positive thought leads to a new opportunity in your life. A positive conversation with a group of people leads to a plethora of new friends and contacts. Walking in the morning before work makes you feel more energized which leads to a promotion. Choosing fruit, nuts and raisins as snacks instead of snickers bars and chips on a daily basis makes a big difference in your health and energy level. Drinking Green Tea instead of coffee in the afternoon day after day will increase your energy over time and help protect you against cancer. It's not the big things that you do once that matter. It's the little things that you do every minute of every day that means everything. With a Big Bang mindset you realize that life is a series of seconds and moments that when added together equals your life. You are a work in progress, a creation that is still being created. Therefore with a big bang mindset you seize each moment to create the life you want. You create your life one thought, one word, one choice, one action at a time.
Action Steps
1. Focus on your thoughts. Are you choosing positive thoughts or negative thoughts?
2. Focus on your words. Are you surrounding yourself with positive words or negative words? Are you speaking positively about life or are you always complaining.
3. Focus on your choices. Are you making good choices that benefit you or bad choices that hurt you?
4. Focus on your actions. What are you doing to create your life? Do you have a good plan and not follow through or do you take action on your positive thoughts and plans.
May your day be filled with boundless energy!
email: jon@jongordon.com
phone: 904.285.6842
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