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January 2022 archive

My Mini-Me

Last week, Jenna and I went to get our nails done, and the technician asked her if I was her older sister.

(Hey, stop laughing…)

Normally, I would think she said that to secure a fantastic tip. However, people have noted how much we look and act alike since the day she was born. I consider it a high compliment because Jenna is beautiful and brilliant and funny and amazing – and if she gets any of those qualities from me – well, you’re welcome. 😉

She brings such joy everywhere she goes with her positive attitude, quick wit, kind heart, contagious laugh and gorgeous smile. Her empathy for others and passion for making the world a better place might be what makes me most proud. This is something I have tried to model for both of our kids since day one.

And while I have tons of stories to share about when she was little – like how she has always been a night owl, the temper tantrum over the merry-go-round and that she was “a biter” in preschool – the memories we make now are just as special. Sometimes, I miss those days, but there is something to be said for being able to watch her mature and figure things out for herself. She doesn’t need me as much as she used to, but, of course, I’m only a phone call away when she does.

As a junior in college on her way to earning a liberal arts degree, she is unsure where her career path will lead. When I was her age, I had the same worries, but I have all the confidence that she will succeed in whatever comes next. She has already made her dad and me proud.

Happy 21st birthday, Jenna! Thank you for teaching me how to be a mom, putting up with my “mom fails” and taking in the best of what I have to offer. Thanks for teaching me about eye makeup and Instagram, being so open about your life and trusting me with your stories, and being the best daughter a mom could ever hope for.

I can’t wait to buy you a drink next time we see you and toast to your fabulousness in person. Love you lots.

Mom

Badges to Butterflies

Andrew can’t sit still. He takes some deep breaths to steady his nerves. He naps. He fidgets. He texts his girlfriend. Eventually, he sits down next to me for a pep talk.

Whether it is an important swim meet, a crucial water polo game, a big test, or a Rosh Hashanah service, Andrew gets butterflies in his stomach. It is part of his process. But, I know he also has just the right amount of self-confidence to see the big moment through and succeed.

Last night was no different. Andrew had his board of review, the final step in his Eagle Scout journey. He has been working so hard for this moment. He was concerned that he wouldn’t be able to choose the right words and speak eloquently in response to their questions. I reassured him that he would know what to say when the time came.

“You got this,” I tell him. It’s my go-to statement for moments like this. It may sound like a brush-off, but he knows when I say this to him, I mean it. And, I think he likes to hear it before he heads out the door.

In elementary school, he made a pact with a good friend to join cub scouts and see their way through to the coveted Eagle Scout rank. And that is precisely what they did. From selling popcorn, earning badges, and learning survival skills on camping trips to completing his Eagle Scout project, Andrew approaches everything with a strong work ethic, a good heart, and those pesky butterflies.

Here is the thing about being nervous. I think it is a good thing. It means you are doing something important. It means you are about to reach a milestone. It means you set a goal and realize you are about to achieve it. It means you care.

Andrew cares. For him, it isn’t just about checking something off of his list. It’s also about what he has learned and how he has met every moment with determination and his signature smile.

And for me, it’s about watching my child transform from a hungry caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly.

A Blog Two-fer

This month has been a whirlwind of activity, and trying to fit in a 30-day blog challenge has not been easy. Since I skipped a few days along the way, I am offering you this blog two-fer. I hope you enjoy it.

Part I – Spreading the Blog Love

I have “met” some fantastic bloggers this month. A few are old friends, and others are new to me. Here are my top 5 that I think people should check out and support if they have the time.

  • If you are starting a business, have your own business, or trying to adjust to working from home, Cheryl Ann – https://cherryanncarew.com/blog/ has terrific resources and solid advice for you. This is the first time I’ve seen Cheryl Ann in this challenge, and I’ve learned so much from her. Check her out!
  • If Tamara and I lived in the same part of the world, we would be fast friends. She keeps it real like I do and is passionate about schlepping her kids around to hockey as I am with Andrew and swimming. I’ve enjoyed her take on things. – https://thethreegerbers.blogspot.com/ 
  • Karen has a friendly and encouraging way of being a cheerleader for your overall health. Her blog today about imposter syndrome was particularly insightful. I’ve enjoyed her posts and started to think that I can make some changes and maybe even be successful. – https://yourpoweryourhealth.com/
  • Victoria has some fascinating stories to share. She’s a medium, and I’m in awe of her ability to help others through their grief. It takes a special person to do that kind of work. Check her out here – https://victoriajuster.com/essays/  
  • Finally, I think everyone should have someone like Kebba in their lives. We’ve never met in person, but she is so sweet to me as if we were old friends. Her encouragement keeps me going through this blog challenge, even on days when I think I have nothing left to say. If you are looking for inspiring quotes, a pick-me-up, or friendly advice about finding the calm in a noisy world, take a look at her blog. – https://kebbabutton.wordpress.com/ 

There are so many other bloggers that I’ve enjoyed reading this month. I wish I could list them all. I am grateful to them for their wisdom, humor, and honesty.

Part II – 10 Random Things About Me

  1. I’m an Aquarius, and I share a birthday with Ed Sheeran, Michael Jordan and Paris Hilton, and my boss.
  2.  I don’t watch a ton of television, but I never miss an episode of This is Us or The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. I’m also a big Jeopardy fan.
  3. I love everything about coffee – the mugs, the cafes, and the snarky humor that comes from those of us who drink caffeine for your own safety.
  4. I love going to Disney World. We have a timeshare in Orlando that we used to visit when the kids were little. We’ve traded it in for other vacation spots. But now, I’d like to go back and enjoy the parks in a whole new way – as adults looking to connect with the magic again.
  5. I was diagnosed with depression in 2002, and I’m not ashamed of it. Not in the least. I manage it with a low dose of Zoloft and occasional therapy when I feel I need it. I put this on my list because I believe in reducing the stigma of mental illness.
  6. I’m a swim mom. I’ve watched my son swim at summer camp, high school, and our swim club. And sometimes, when they all wear the same swim trunks and caps, I still can’t pick him out and wind up cheering on somebody else’s kid.
  7. I live in the Philly suburbs and love it here. I have a favorite place to go for cheesesteaks. We belong to Longwood Gardens and used to have a membership to the Broadway series downtown. But then, COVID hit, and I haven’t been to a theater since.
  8. I am good at networking, and I quite enjoy it. I know it isn’t everybody’s cup of tea. I usually learn something or have an opportunity to help someone else, and that is always time well spent.
  9.  I love independent bookstores and the people who work there. They are lovely places to explore, buy gifts, or get your next great read. I’m hoping to visit and support 22 indies in 2022.
  10. I have the most amazing husband and children and dog (and life!). 🙂

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