My spring break consisted of rest - quiet time in the evenings with my family at home. This was actually a blessing without the chasing of getting to class on time after working all day. It actually made me think as to why I'm doing this to myself?!
I work for the Sheboygan Area School District so we are on spring break this week. I am able to relax all day long and attend my classes in the evening. Homework can be completed in a more comfortable state of mind without feeling rushed. I don't think I could have planned this schedule out better for myself. These past two weeks have been therapeutic for me since I have been dealing with some own health issues - the peace and quiet and rest is exactly what I needed physically and mentally.
What will next week bring for me? Back to reality with my 40 hour work week and completing my 10 credits for the semester. I need to stay positive and focused - the end is near! Reminds me of class last night and talking about drafts. I am one of those that needs to keep moving and the quote by Madeline L'Engle struck home. My inspiration usually comes to me while I'm working, but not necessarily while writing. Thoughts and ideas come to me while I'm working at my job or doing housework. I jot things down so it isn't lost. In fact, my last paper was up on the computer all day long and as I went about my tasks at home, reflections and ideas that came to mind were implemented in the paper. Kids didn't like it too much since they weren't allowed to go on the computer that particular day.
The last few days of my break week will be enjoying time with the kids - weather appears to be cooperating so will get the fresh air that is so much needed. Don't want to deal with the cleaning of the house so will procrastinate on that job probably until the weekend when it is supposed to rain. Easter brings new life so hopefully resuming my hectic schedule next week will bring positive reinforcements.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Tough to Compromise
I found this prompt to be quite intriqueing and one to think hard about. Two thoughts came to my head, finally. I probably could think of more but since my brain is pretty much in the spring break mode I'll just stick to two. My parenting skills and work ethics.
Okay, I would never be the one to say that my parenting skills are perfect but I also don't like others to preach to me. Since our children are 10 and 13, both my husband and I have many siblings with the older kids that have been through the famous "teenage years". I REALLY get sick of the phrase, "You just wait until your kids are older. You'll see what happens." First of all, everyone's lifestyle is completely different and the upbringing that each one chooses can have a huge affect on growth of a child. In another sense, my husband and I never truly argued or disagreed until we had children - once again the upbringings were different. Seldom will I compromise with him when a decision needs to be made. I think I talk circles around him until it get exhausting and what I decide he goes along with. It may be a heated debate but the manipulation does occur (not proud of myself on that). When we see eye to eye on issues that is always a plus for then no compromising needs to take place and the backing of each other is good for the kids to see.
Regarding work ethics, I will give my parents credit for that. Being brought up in a family with a small family owned business one is taught respect and responsibility. I have always been taught to go to work and do my job - a reason I'm not a fan of unions. I currently work in the school district and it is sad to see the backing of unions on employees that don't step up to the plate to perform to their expectations. I know plenty of people who would job at the opportunity to get a full time job and do the work that they are supposed to do. I have tried, endlessly, to talk to the principal regarding fellow employees and the wasted time that is seen. The job isn't to compromise what you want to do when - different tasks need to be assigned and everyone involved so they are disbursed evenly. The response I get is even more irritating, "Not everyone thinks like you." What is that supposed to mean? Either an individual is hired to do a job or not and as far as I'm concerned if a person cannot perform a job to the qualifications that are listed - they should not be working in that particular position. No other employee would allow it except for those that have a union backing them. My personal opinion!
With that said, I think it is hard for me to compromise in many aspects of my life. I think that is true for everyone who have strong willed types of personalities. Little things that don't have a huge impact on me I can compromise over but if it is an issue that will affect me tremendously then I have the right to state my opinion and convince anyone to compromise to my side. I'll try not to be to pushy or self-righteous in the process.
Okay, I would never be the one to say that my parenting skills are perfect but I also don't like others to preach to me. Since our children are 10 and 13, both my husband and I have many siblings with the older kids that have been through the famous "teenage years". I REALLY get sick of the phrase, "You just wait until your kids are older. You'll see what happens." First of all, everyone's lifestyle is completely different and the upbringing that each one chooses can have a huge affect on growth of a child. In another sense, my husband and I never truly argued or disagreed until we had children - once again the upbringings were different. Seldom will I compromise with him when a decision needs to be made. I think I talk circles around him until it get exhausting and what I decide he goes along with. It may be a heated debate but the manipulation does occur (not proud of myself on that). When we see eye to eye on issues that is always a plus for then no compromising needs to take place and the backing of each other is good for the kids to see.
Regarding work ethics, I will give my parents credit for that. Being brought up in a family with a small family owned business one is taught respect and responsibility. I have always been taught to go to work and do my job - a reason I'm not a fan of unions. I currently work in the school district and it is sad to see the backing of unions on employees that don't step up to the plate to perform to their expectations. I know plenty of people who would job at the opportunity to get a full time job and do the work that they are supposed to do. I have tried, endlessly, to talk to the principal regarding fellow employees and the wasted time that is seen. The job isn't to compromise what you want to do when - different tasks need to be assigned and everyone involved so they are disbursed evenly. The response I get is even more irritating, "Not everyone thinks like you." What is that supposed to mean? Either an individual is hired to do a job or not and as far as I'm concerned if a person cannot perform a job to the qualifications that are listed - they should not be working in that particular position. No other employee would allow it except for those that have a union backing them. My personal opinion!
With that said, I think it is hard for me to compromise in many aspects of my life. I think that is true for everyone who have strong willed types of personalities. Little things that don't have a huge impact on me I can compromise over but if it is an issue that will affect me tremendously then I have the right to state my opinion and convince anyone to compromise to my side. I'll try not to be to pushy or self-righteous in the process.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
People Person
I have always considered myself to be a friendly and outgoing individual. I'll use the term "Average Jane" - married, two children, full-time job. Grew up in Sheboygan what I would say a middle class dwelling, parochial grade school, and continued high school at North High. It was always instilled in me to treat others as you would want them to treat you.
I never thought myself to be better than others, so, I hate the feeling that I get when walking into an establishment and that feeling of "not belonging". This usually take place when I go into a dwelling with clientele that tend to be on the wealthy side. Does anyone else get that feeling? There is an awkwardness that I'm not wearing the right clothing or carrying myself in a proper manner. It may happen in a restaurant, bar, or local gathering. I am a people watcher and sometimes vibes are just given off like I don't belong.
Now this might just be me in an environment that is not familiar. We all have those safe havens that we continually visit. Of course when I'm in my comfort zone it makes me think if I'm giving off a bad vibe to others. Does this seem fair or is it a learned behavior by all of us?
My husband always tells me that not everyone needs to like me. I'm a people person and he isn't so I might get a little insecure when that happens. I guess that is all part of life. We have our extreme close friends, learn to co-exist with fellow workers (liking them or not) and I guess that goes with family members too. I will continue to do what I've always done - make conversation with anyone who wants to have one with me. Life is too short to not have an old or new friend.
I never thought myself to be better than others, so, I hate the feeling that I get when walking into an establishment and that feeling of "not belonging". This usually take place when I go into a dwelling with clientele that tend to be on the wealthy side. Does anyone else get that feeling? There is an awkwardness that I'm not wearing the right clothing or carrying myself in a proper manner. It may happen in a restaurant, bar, or local gathering. I am a people watcher and sometimes vibes are just given off like I don't belong.
Now this might just be me in an environment that is not familiar. We all have those safe havens that we continually visit. Of course when I'm in my comfort zone it makes me think if I'm giving off a bad vibe to others. Does this seem fair or is it a learned behavior by all of us?
My husband always tells me that not everyone needs to like me. I'm a people person and he isn't so I might get a little insecure when that happens. I guess that is all part of life. We have our extreme close friends, learn to co-exist with fellow workers (liking them or not) and I guess that goes with family members too. I will continue to do what I've always done - make conversation with anyone who wants to have one with me. Life is too short to not have an old or new friend.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Life As It Is Now
I'm sitting here in front of my computer with a glass of wine on a Saturday night. Not one of the most interesting or exciting things to do which makes me reflect back a bit in time. Oh how times have changed since I was able to just pick up and go. Do more responsibilities come along when "Married with Children"? - Loved that show if anyone else knows about it.
I can hear my husband laughing away for he is sitting in front of the t.v. watching Land of the Lost with our son. My husband and I often talk about how often we went out to just get a bite to eat prior to having children - things definitely change. I'm just hoping he remembers our 15 year anniversary this month (that is long now-a-days). Unfortunately I'm working a PTO event that evening, however, we can always go out to eat a different night?! Just shows how priorities change. Does that come with age too?
Looking back between the ages of 19-26 I probably sat in a bar three to five nights a week and then there were the Sunday Brat Fry's between the months of February - May, summer came with endless softball games, when summer ended you had the holidays to celebrate beginning with Memorial Day ending with New Year's Eve and then the cycle repeated itself. Do I have any regrets? Sure, who doesn't have them. Although, they were some of the best years of my life - a growing up and learning experience (good and bad) that has molded me into the individual I am today.
Would I have changed anything? Of course I would have! My husband and I always laugh because the things we know today we wish we would have known years back. No matter what, I think with age comes responsibility and planning for the future. There comes a time in everyone's life when they have an opportunity to look back and question as to what "I" accomplished. Is it enough? Am I satisfied? At what point in life is an individual satisfied? I always keep striving to do more and find a reason just for personal satisfaction. However, if I have to look at what has made me the happiest the past 43 years, I would have to undoubtedly say my daughter and son. Happiness, laughter, joy, sorrow and tears - it is a complete package! Curious as to what the future holds?!
I can hear my husband laughing away for he is sitting in front of the t.v. watching Land of the Lost with our son. My husband and I often talk about how often we went out to just get a bite to eat prior to having children - things definitely change. I'm just hoping he remembers our 15 year anniversary this month (that is long now-a-days). Unfortunately I'm working a PTO event that evening, however, we can always go out to eat a different night?! Just shows how priorities change. Does that come with age too?
Looking back between the ages of 19-26 I probably sat in a bar three to five nights a week and then there were the Sunday Brat Fry's between the months of February - May, summer came with endless softball games, when summer ended you had the holidays to celebrate beginning with Memorial Day ending with New Year's Eve and then the cycle repeated itself. Do I have any regrets? Sure, who doesn't have them. Although, they were some of the best years of my life - a growing up and learning experience (good and bad) that has molded me into the individual I am today.
Would I have changed anything? Of course I would have! My husband and I always laugh because the things we know today we wish we would have known years back. No matter what, I think with age comes responsibility and planning for the future. There comes a time in everyone's life when they have an opportunity to look back and question as to what "I" accomplished. Is it enough? Am I satisfied? At what point in life is an individual satisfied? I always keep striving to do more and find a reason just for personal satisfaction. However, if I have to look at what has made me the happiest the past 43 years, I would have to undoubtedly say my daughter and son. Happiness, laughter, joy, sorrow and tears - it is a complete package! Curious as to what the future holds?!
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