tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84788266787082961712024-02-20T16:08:33.504-08:00WHY AM I YELLING??WHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8478826678708296171.post-44409155068162300202014-09-10T19:59:00.001-07:002014-09-10T19:59:53.719-07:0013Sept 11 is a day that I consider a rebirth every year. It’s like my new year’s resolution day. I always vow to do something for the better on that day because it’s the one day that changed me forever. I got lucky that day and I’m extremely grateful for that. It was a Tuesday and it was one of the most beautiful days you can possibly imagine, crystal clear blue skies, sun shining, a bite of autumn in the air but not enough to wear a jacket. I remember walking outside at 8 o’clock in the morning on my way to work and saying out loud “hello gorgeous” to the sky, it was THAT perfect of a day. I can tell you I had on a black tee shirt, grey skirt and black loafers (that I still have, covered in 9/11 soot stored in a box in my garage). I remember the sound of my friend Leslie’s voice when she called me at my office while watching the news, inquiring of my whereabouts and distance to the World Trade Center. I remember calling Will to see if he was still at home and hearing the shock in his voice as he watched the horror unfold from our then apartment window 2 blocks south of the buildings. I remember talking to my cousin Jen and devising a plan to meet at her place because clearly going to mine was out of the question. I remember waiting to hear from my husband who had gone radio silent after the second tower fell and praying out loud for his safety. I remember him walking through the door of my office, covered in ash and who knows what else, my relief to see him was overwhelming. I remember walking to 86th St and stopping every time we saw a TV for an update. I remember sitting at the diner around the corner from my cousin’s apartment ordering cheeseburgers and not one of us eating, paralyzed by shock. I remember the fear in my parents voices, pleading with us to leave the city that we were locked into. It was horrible because I watched with my own eyes so many people’s lives change forever and there was nothing we could do about it. And yes, being in the city on that day was very different from watching it on TV, we couldn't turn it off.<br />
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Being a New Yorker is something I’m extremely proud of. A colleague once asked me if I could chose anywhere to live in the world where would it be and I remember looking at him quizzically and saying, I already live here. Living in NYC is an acquired taste without a doubt. It’s gritty and hard on the outside but it’s strong, unique and brilliant on in the inside. There is no place like it in the world and I don’t truly feel at home anywhere else. I learned a lot about myself on 9/11. My level of strength and resolve, my ability to not panic in extreme situations, my depth of love for a city and community, my optimism that it would get better with time, my commitment to my family magnified a million times over. I learned that I’m a fighter and that I’m not afraid of the unknown. <br />
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All of the above leads me to today. For as much as 9/11 changed me, it’s now 13 years later, the city is strong and the skyline is ever evolving. I have yet to go to the memorial, and now that I have some time on my hands I will probably go it alone on a day where I can have peace and quiet and time to reflect. It’s been 8 years since we lived in that neighborhood and I often wonder what has become of so many places and people. As they say, life goes on…yes it does. So this year my 9/11 resolution is to embrace change, for I've had a lot of it in the last few months. I’m walking around with a big question mark above my head these days but I’m certain that won’t be for too long. Change is good. Life is too. WHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8478826678708296171.post-23313346469623463342014-05-09T12:23:00.000-07:002014-05-09T12:23:10.171-07:00For Mom's...Mom – such a small word for such a big job. <br />
<br />
On Sunday we celebrate mothers, grandmothers, aunts, friend moms, stepmoms, guardian moms, foster moms, honorary moms, expectant moms and all the moms in between. We wouldn’t be here without our Moms (literally and figuratively). Cheerleaders, warriors, boo-boo fixers, schedule keepers, meal makers, carpool drivers, playdate hosts, and secret confiders…just a few of the many hats we wear. Being a mother is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I look at my boys and I’m so grateful for them, even when they’re driving me crazy and I’m watching the clock until bed time (don’t judge, you all do it too!). I tuck them in every night, kiss them and tell them I love them and that I’m so thankful to be their mom. <br />
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This Mother’s Day I’m thinking of the Moms who don’t get to kiss their children goodnight. The ones who are helplessly waiting for word about their kidnapped daughters whereabouts in Nigeria. I’m thinking of the mothers who are sitting vigil by their childrens bedsides praying for a miracle that they get well so they can hold them in their arms instead of through a hospital bed. And I’m thinking of the ones who’ve had to say goodbye too soon. I’m praying for change, for peace, for no more suffering. <br />
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Mother’s Day is about appreciating what we have in common as mothers. It’s about the miracle of our children and the joy they bring to our lives. Motherhood is not a perfect job, sometimes it’s a thankless one but most of the time it’s the most rewarding one you’ll ever have. This day is about thanking our own mothers for doing the best they could, the same way we are. So thank you Mom. Thank you for being my biggest fan, for always being supportive even when you didn’t agree, for teaching me compassion and kindness, for encouraging independence and for loving me unconditionally. <br />
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Happy Mother’s Day.<br />
xoxo<br />
WHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8478826678708296171.post-58321903570800446952014-01-20T12:05:00.000-08:002014-01-20T12:05:23.087-08:00Be Nice<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">'ve been reading tidbits of quotes, posts on FB and some tributes that the media has out there today in honor of Martin Luther King and while there are many quotable quotes from him, one of my favorites is </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 26px;">“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 26px;">It doesn't matter the size of the gesture or even what the gesture is, it matters that you're doing something. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 26px;">Pay it forward, smile at a stranger, give someone a compliment. You'll probably brighten a day and not even know it. </span>A few weeks ago I was at the grocery store and the guy in front of me was short $3 bucks. As he stood there trying to decide which items to give back I handed the cashier the money and told him not to worry about it. He was shocked and couldn't be more appreciative. We've all been there...a few bucks short without our wallets for backup and I bet some of us wished the guy behind us would step up and offer to help. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />So today in honor of the man who gave his life to help change the world for the better, go do something nice for someone and have a great day! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />WHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8478826678708296171.post-88138614472572550582014-01-15T17:00:00.001-08:002014-01-15T17:00:20.131-08:00100<div class="MsoNormal">
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Did you see the video that went viral of the woman who
chronicled her first 100 days at the gym?
It was a great short that took courage and honesty and I loved it! It’s so inspiring to see someone with a big
goal making strides toward life changing events. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Which brings me to this post. <o:p></o:p></div>
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First of all it’s making me get off my butt and start this
blog up again, which I have missed greatly and look forward to keeping up
with. I have been starting, stopping and
ignoring it over the last many months and I miss it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So...the title 100 represents the countdown of the number of days I have left until
I’m officially without a job.
WHAT?? Hey, that’s corporate
America for you, in the end you’re just a number and I’m OK with that.
Companies reorganize all the time, I witness that first hand multiple times a
year and it’s never easy. But at least
in my case there was a plan that was laid out and a timeline being followed. I’ve had a good run, I’ve been paid well, I
have medical benefits and retirement funds and too many vacation days to take
in a year. I have met some of the best
people where I work, and I’m privileged to call them friends. There have been good days and bad days (as I’m
sure you can all relate) but to be honest the good has outweighed the bad.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today is the day I’m going to start to
explore the question “what do I want to be when I grow up?” My answer to that is
“I HAVE NO IDEA!!” So I’m looking for
help…help with getting back in the saddle after a very long run in my current company.
Suggestions on where to start, how to
get organized, what tools to use for research, (just to start somewhere), would
be great. I have visions of lists upon lists and the thought is frightening me!
I have so many questions; I mean…I haven’t been on an interview in more than 15
years! I realize I’m an unusual case as
most people have changed jobs throughout their careers, yet I’ve moved around
within my organization not outside of it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m calling today “Ready, Set, Go!”….let the brainstorming
begin! <o:p></o:p></div>
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(of course this all has to be done on my own personal
time as I’m technically still an employee with a full time day job and a million other things going on too!)<o:p></o:p></div>
WHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8478826678708296171.post-35328232766924923652013-10-03T07:42:00.000-07:002013-10-03T07:42:01.562-07:00Shut Down - Shut Up! Enough Already!Holy crap! I'm amazed by the stupidity of our government. The pure childishness that is happening is appalling and disgusting. Every single day words like "work it out", "do the right thing", and "be considerate of others" (just to quote a few) come out of my mouth to my children. We strive to do all of these things and yet the people who are supposed to be doing it for us aren't. We expect our government to keep us safe via our military, provide services for us like Medicare and Social Security and sign bills into law that will HELP the population as a whole, not shut it down because they can't play nice in the sandbox. Now I get that there will be some opposition to the Affordable Healthcare Act, not everyone is going to be happy all of the time but as a friend of mine said, majority rules, right? The mere thought of grown adults throwing logic out the window and blatantly refusing to work together is exactly what NOT to do. Listen up...the majority of the people in this country are all trying to make a living, raise families and do the right thing day in and day out. A lot of them do it one day at a time, not always knowing how they're going to make it until the next paycheck, but somehow they do. What's fundamentally wrong with this situation is that there are people in Congress who actually voiced their opposition solely based on the idea that no matter what bill the President signed into law they would oppose him. It doesn't matter if it was "the most perfect, everyone is going to be happy bill", he would still get opposition because he is who he is. To me that's complete racism, totally wrong and against the core value system of this country. <br />
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I'm ashamed of the people who represent this country, each and every one of you should be fired. There should be term limits imposed on your jobs and your salaries are way too high for the lack of work and production you have to show for it. You're screwing with people's lives and it seems as if you just don't care. Disgusting. You're hurting others BY CHOICE. Horrible. I don't care if some of you are claiming to be giving your salaries to charity or are requesting to not get paid while this shut down is happening, that doesn't make me feel better. You should each be fined 1 year's salary for every day this shut down continues.<br />
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Get back to work, play nice in the sandbox, and try your hardest to win back the respect of the people you represent, oh, and be ready for the next election season because I truly hope 100% of you are replaced. No one is indispensable.WHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8478826678708296171.post-54188524434030490862011-11-10T06:10:00.000-08:002011-11-10T06:10:39.350-08:00Just Plain SadSo let me just start off this post with letting you all know that I have had the privilege of experiencing Nittany Lion Pride. One of my best friends (to this day) attended Penn State University, and I also dated someone who went there at the same time, so I can say that I have spent a fair amount of time in Happy Valley, and I can tell you, there's nothing like it. I will always be grateful for the time I got to spend there, lots of great memories for me.<br />
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That being said, the stories that have surfaced over the last week are disturbing, maddening and truly sad. Sad for the entire PSU community, sad for the fans, sad for the people involved and especially sad for the victims. However, this is NOT about football. This is about doing the right thing, telling the truth no matter how hard it is, stepping up and possibly sacrificing everything but knowing it's the absolute right thing to do. Because folks, here it is: NO CHILD/MINOR SHOULD EVER BE EXPOSED TO SEXUAL ABUSE. PERIOD. THAT is what this is about. As the stories unfold over the next days, weeks, months, even years, I'm sure we will never come to know the full truth and I know we will all draw conclusions. It's unfortunate that these incidents happened and it's unfortunate that most of the people involved did not do anything extreme to stop it when it was happening. <br />
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For now, put the sports to the side and focus on the piece of this story that truly matters....the boys. Joe Paterno will always be one of the most revered men that coached the game regardless of the outcome of this debacle, and PSU will always be one of the best places to play football....but what will happen to the victims? What happens to the boys who had to endure the abuse? As a parent, it's not hard to hypothetically put yourself in this situation...ask yourself, what would I do? I would want to kill someone, and I wouldn't care who he is. In a situation like this, no amount of wins, titles, or fans matter. This is purely about doing the right thing.... WHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8478826678708296171.post-68082207753108123952011-09-11T05:19:00.000-07:002011-09-11T05:19:05.145-07:0010 Years....A friend and I were talking the other day about milestone anniversaries. She was reminiscing about the loss of someone extremely significant in her life and it being 20 years since he passed and how for some reason, the milestone ones are harder to face. It made me think, (especially with the anniversary of 9/11 looming), about anniversaries in general and the way we have come to celebrate or commemorate them. <br />
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10 years ago, I was a newlywed, fresh off a 2 week honeymoon in Hawaii with a great new apartment in lower Manhattan, just a couple of blocks from the World Trade Center. Of course I had experienced loss and tragedy to some degree up to that point in my life, but not the way I experienced it on Sept 11, 2001. I've been thinking about this post for a few days and how I was going to approach it. I can talk about the past, tell my story again, reminisce about that day, but no, I don't want to talk about that day I want to talk about the days that followed....the years that have passed since then, about moving on. <br />
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Let me say this...NOT ONE DAY goes by that I am not reminded of Sept 11. NOT ONE. And not one day goes by that I am not thankful for the way Sept 11 turned out for me. I am keenly aware of how different it could have turned out, but as luck or fate or whatever you want to call it would have it, all of the people I know who were supposed to be in those towers, weren't. <br />
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We chose to continue to live in our neighborhood for 5 years after Sept 11, that was a good decision. After we were able to move back home we were first hand observers of the activity that was happening at the site. The things I remember most about the days, weeks, months and even years that followed are the workers, the volunteers, the smells, the sights, the sounds of rebuilding at all hours of the day and night, the tourists, the businesses reopening, the neighborhood coming back to life...of the feeling of solidarity that this city and our country would bounce back. It never even occurred to us to leave. NEVER. We were moving on.<br />
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But as our family grew, so did our need for space and as luck (again) would have it, we moved to a new neighborhood with a beautiful view of lower Manhattan. It's now 3,650 days later, and as I write this from my couch, the sun is coming up, and I am looking at one of the new structures that is rising from the ashes so to speak....Tower One is lit up and is getting taller by the day, and from the greatest city in the world it is a reminder for me of strength, resolve, and commitment. I will celebrate that today while I remember those we have lost, the stories we have shared, and the images we have seen from Sept 11, 2001. I wish you all a day filled with love, peace and celebration of your lives as we have all moved on in our own way always being cognizant of the past and hopeful for the future. <br />
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10 years have passed and not a day goes by that I don't remember...NOT ONE DAY.WHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8478826678708296171.post-54243673598957041712011-09-08T03:39:00.000-07:002011-09-08T03:39:20.006-07:00Where Does The Time Go?I have a feeling this will be the title of a lot of my posts...it's relevant to so many things, in this case...back to school. Today is the first day of school in New York City, and I officially have a First Grader! It's funny how everyone tells you how time flies. Hoq before you know it they're in school, going to college, moving out. What no one prepares you for is the shock to your system as the milestone day hits. I was just watching my boy, who is currently sleeping soundly, and marveling at the thought that he is old enough to be in first grade. When did that happen? When did he learn how to talk? walk? voice his opinion? Those days seem like yesterday, not years ago! <br />
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I want him to love school. To learn and to grow and to be smart. I want him to have friends that he will keep for a lifetime. I want him to experience the joy that comes with exploring the world beyond our city, (which in itself is one big exploration project). I want him to have what every parent I know wants for their children...to be safe, to be healthy and to have everything they dream of. <br />
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Having an almost 6 year old boy can certainly try your patience. Mine is inquisitive, challenging, bright, adorable, stubborn (boy, is he stubborn!), independent ("you can just leave me here and come back and get me Mom, it's ok"), loyal and an excellent button pusher! For all the qualities that can drive me crazy, he is one of the sweetest, loving, caring boys I know. He melts my heart on a daily basis and I am hard pressed to put into words how very proud I am of him. And I'm so thankful he chose me to be his Mom. <br />
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Happy 1st Day of 1st Grade!!WHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8478826678708296171.post-73665540884479830182011-08-26T11:01:00.000-07:002011-08-26T11:01:49.615-07:00Way To Keep It Interesting!In a week of crazy: earthquakes, insane baseball game scores (22-9 Yankee's win), and now a hurricane, do we need this? I mean really? What. Is. Happening??? As I type this, the sun is shining and I have just returned from getting a few cases of water and snacks at the store. My house is in a flood zone along the Brooklyn waterfront. We're not leaving it. Besides, by the time it hits here I'm thinking it will be a category 2 with some strong rain and winds however, my actual concern is the flooding after the storm blows through. We've had a lot of rainfall this year so far and I'm not sure how much more water we can take on without it overflowing. But, as we have proven in the past and will continue to do so in the future, New Yorkers are a resilient bunch of people. We'll weather this just like any other day. That's the best part about these things, in the aftermath of a blizzard, a blackout, an earthquake, even a terrorist attack, most people step up and pitch in, and I have no doubt that will happen on Sunday too. I'll be tracking the storm with everyone else, hoping for a slow down or a course change and watching the rain fall over NYC. Stay safe out there. <br />
WHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8478826678708296171.post-82419664730046051002011-08-24T06:55:00.000-07:002011-08-24T06:55:48.264-07:00Shake, Rattle & Really???Alrightie then....Just when I thought there had been enough moving and shaking going on in my office over the last several weeks with the strike and all the stuff that went along with it, it was nice to have a day to catch up and take a breather. But NOOOOO.....as I was sitting at my desk, minding my own business (which on occassion I'm not doing), getting some work done, I noticed I was "moving". Could it be the delirium of the overtime I have been working kicking in? Could it be the high protein, low calorie power lunch I had just consumed? I realized no was the answer to both of these questions as I looked around and noticed that I wasn't the only thing moving...everything was!! I immediately stood up and all of my co-workers were on the sales floor wondering what was going on, burst pipe? construction accident? what could it be?....OH, right, earthquake...Excellent!! My office is on the 11th floor in a mid size building in midtown Manahttan, it's good to know we can withstand some shaking!<br />
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But here's what I ask of whomever is in charge of earthquakes out there....Can you please take your earthquakes elsewhere, like say...the arctic tundra where there is zero population and thousands of miles for you to experiment with? I for one would greatly appreciate that. Keep the shaking out of my city and sorrounding areas please. Thanks so much! WHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8478826678708296171.post-69235370931182431472011-08-22T06:35:00.000-07:002011-08-22T06:35:36.020-07:00It's Over...Or Is It???Got some excellent news on Saturday morning (as I was coming off a week of long days/nights working)....the strike is over! Woo! Hoo!! That was such a great text message I got from my boss :) Then I found out the particulars...the Union would go back to work under their old contract (um, what?) for the time being, until the new one was hammered out. Ok, so I have a few questions on this...<br />
1. Is there a time frame for the new contract to be completed or can the Union work indefinitely under the old contract?<br />
2. Are we allowing ALL of the Union members back to work, or are we penalizing the ones who were unacceptably horrible to their peers? (you know what the answer SHOULD be).<br />
3. I have a feeling some of the people who were out there covering the abandoned jobs may feel a little jilted that the company is willing to take the Union back under the former contract...is this a sign that the corporation is bending? Please let the answer be NO.<br />
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While I'm beyond estatic that my friends/co-workers are coming back to work tomorrow, I'm a little skeptical about the outcome of this 2 week nightmare. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that negotiations are addressed expeditiously and a resolution is reached soon, everyone's hard work should not be in vain. Just sayin'.WHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8478826678708296171.post-90254392030408037462011-08-19T18:40:00.000-07:002011-08-19T18:40:01.248-07:00Shock And AweIt's been a long time since I wrote a blog entry, I know, and really there is no excuse as there is plenty to be yelling about these days. The last few weeks have been insane for me and all of my peers at work. Our company is on strike and for someone who has never experienced anything remotely close to this, every day is a new hurdle, a new challenge, a new feeling and a new education. I'm calling this post "shock and awe" and I'm breaking it up into 2 sections....<br />
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Shock: I am whole heartedly shocked that there are human beings that can be so despicable toward the people they work with that it renders me speechless (which is nearly impossible). I get that strike's bring out the crazy in some people, and I can understand trying to get a message across by picketing and chanting. I am also a big believer in standing up for what you believe in. However in this instance, I question how many of the people who are on strike actually know what they're standing for? Are they educated on the issues their leaders are fighting about? It makes me wonder....What I cannot understand is the vandalizing the property of the company that they work for, spitting at their peers, heckling, harassing and abusing, throwing objects at others, putting their own families in harms way....WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE??? Not nice. Not nice. While I am not personally out on the front lines doing the jobs for the people who abandoned them, I am in contact with my friends daily. The stories are unbelievable and the actions of the strikers are horrific and it makes me furious that this is happening. Put on your big boy pants and come to the table and negotiate. This is a different country and a different economy than it was 100 years ago....you cannot expect no change. And oh by the way, there are 45,000 people out there that would be more than willing to do the jobs you walked out on, no one is indispensable. <br />
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Awe: I am in constant awe of the people who have have been deployed to cover the jobs that have been abandoned. With no knowledge of these job functions these individuals have attended intensive trainings and spent countless hours learining these jobs. They have been sent all over the country to fill in, to work insane hours in all kinds of weather, to take the abuse and to not talk back. They have been pulled away from their families, their daily schedules, their comfort zones. They work for weeks at a time without days off, 12-18 hour days...and the list goes on. They put up with the harassment, the heckling, the torture...and not one of them has cracked at the pressure (and I'm sure some of them have wanted to). Some of them have been documenting their experiences in blogs such as: <a href="http://eatsreadsthinks.com/">http://eatsreadsthinks.com/</a>. They amaze me, they make me so proud to know them, they make me protective of their well being and they deserve to be thanked a million times over. I am amazed by each and every one of them. <br />
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I pray that this strike comes to a resolution soon so I can have my friends back. I also know that once everyone is back to their "normal" jobs, none of us will ever be the same again. This has been an amazing experience, one that I would have preferred to have avoided, one that I hope to never experience again. <br />
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WHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8478826678708296171.post-80122578874894247332011-02-13T09:13:00.000-08:002011-02-13T09:13:10.099-08:00Love Day....I have a lot of thoughts about Valentine's Day....some are hearts and flowery, because let's face it, I'm a girl and I love the hearts and flowers idea, except I love it every day, not just on 1 specified day a year. Some thoughts are a bit jaded mostly because this day has become another day to buy things and I think the true meaning is lost there. In researching the meaning of Valentine's Day (what did we ever do before Wikipedia?), this day was a day that was recognized by the church until fairly recently, 1969 to be exact. I wonder how many of you remember that it was called Saint Valentine's Day? (that's the catholic school education showing up here). <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentines_day">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentines_day</a><br />
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So, back to my reasons for loving it: yes, I get the requisite flowers and candy and now that I have a child, hand made cards with glitter and hearts with adorable adolescent handwriting declaring his love for me and that's the best stuff. My parents send small gifts to all of us and it's always fun to watch Wyatt open the box of goodies, that puts a smile on my face. We make cards for Wyatt's school mates and friends, painstakingly making sure each one has the correct spelling and attention to detail on the candy bag, because let's face it, all the kids want is the candy! Those are the things I love. <br />
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Here's what I don't love....the expectation sorrounding the day...the "what do you get for Valentine's Day?" questions....I don't love the idea that there's only 1 day devoted to celebrating the person/people you love. And if you respond, "flowers and candy", you get a look like that's not enough. I told someone I don't "do" Valentine's Day (as he held a jewelry bag in his hand) and it turned into a big discussion that ultimately was a waste of time. Celebrating your love for someone should be an every day thing...I would actually forgo the hearts and flowers for a daily dose of love and appreciation and garbage taking out. I don't need jewelry, in fact, it's a bit ridiculous that this day has turned into a big jewelry day. For me, jewelry should be given as a reason to celebrate a milestone....a significant birthday, an anniversary, or the birth of a child, not Feb 14. (Unless of course one of your significant days mentioned earlier happens to fall on Valentine's Day). Oh, and by the way, who cares what I get for Valentine's Day??? That's why I don't love it...loving people has turned into a competition that I have zero interest in competing in. <br />
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So now I'm interested to know how you view Valentine's Day? There is no right or wrong answer just a fun little poll for my post next year :) Please take the poll to the left of this post, I'm looking forward to the responses.<br />
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For now, I'm off to do some Valentine's day shopping of my own and I truly wish each of you a Very Happy Valentine's Day...make sure the people you love know it :) xoxoWHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8478826678708296171.post-57699729410809327442011-01-27T18:30:00.000-08:002011-01-27T18:30:59.571-08:00Snow DaysWe got 19 inches of snow last night....which prompted a snow day for the NYC public school system, this is not a frequent occurance around here, the schools have only been closed 7 times since 1978, so I guess 19 inches of snow qualifies for a closing. So, this was my first official snow day since I was a kid myself...and man, snow days are challenging! I have the luxury of being able to work from anywhere I can get an internet connection, so it's not uncommon for me to be at my kitchen table every so often working, however, on those days, I'm typically alone and can power through and get my stuff done. I do have to say that I am a fan of going to the office, I need adult interaction, socialization and all that stuff....working from home is NOT a good thing for me. So you can imagine when I turned on the TV this morning to NY1 (our local NYC channel) to see the red banner scrolling across the screen "NO SCHOOL"...Wyatt was estatic and I was shocked! We only live 2 blocks away, surely we can walk to school! So...we had a snow day. Or more accurately, we had a 5 year old bouncing off the wall day. Being the mean mom that I am,when I heard a bunch of our neighbors downstairs shovelling snow, I suited up my own kid and sent him out to help, which he did for 1 hour. Surely, I thought that would exhaust him...um...no. So then I allowed some time in front of the TV playing the Wii, still not tired. Then, we trudged through the snow to a friends house for a playdate, the kids ran around like little crazy people for an hour or so and then we trudged back home...STILL not tired...after more shovelling and more Wii playing and dinner making and homework doing he finally, finally decided it was time for bed, a mere 5 minutes earlier than usual. Where oh where does he get the energy??? I'm exhausted!!! Snow days are not my cup of tea! I have already checked the school website for tomorrow and I'm happy to report NYC public schools will be open for learning and I will be going to my office for some social interaction that does not involve video games and whining...well...maybe some whining. Happy snow everyone!!WHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8478826678708296171.post-2032078980934903692011-01-23T10:51:00.000-08:002011-01-23T11:01:39.151-08:00PlaydatesCold winter days make me browse websites for vacation destinations! It's currently 24degrees in NYC, there's snow on the ground but at least the sun is shining so that makes it bearable. We're hosting a playdate at the moment, 2 of Wyatt's BFF's are over, playing with all the new toys he got for Christmas, and arguing at the same time...ah to be 5! When can we go to the park???? The energy level in kids in the winter is crazy and it forces creativity in parents....we've been baking, drawing, coloring, playing video games, board games, card games...you name it to keep busy. I have no idea what I would do if we didn't have school!!! So, I want to know...what do you do in your house to keep busy in the winter???? I'm taking suggestions! (and researching tropical destinations....)WHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8478826678708296171.post-19560993390933437952010-12-31T13:58:00.001-08:002010-12-31T14:24:05.222-08:00Resolutions.....So another year has passed us by...2010...Wow, what a year! This year brought a lot of "unexpecteds" to my life. I tried out for a talk show (we all know how that turned out), got to travel (a lot) with friends and family internationally, and I volunteered to organize my 20 year high school reunion. It was fun, exciting, fulfilling and at times trying. Overall, I had a great year.<br /><br />It was also a year of reflection. I became passionate about a little baby who I had never met and his fight for life to the point that I am determined to help his family in any way I can try to find a cure for pediatric cancer. He lost his fight but his parents have only begun theirs. I was also shocked into reality when a family friend was suddenly taken from us in an accident only a mere 4 weeks ago. My heart aches for his family and friends as they are still reeling from this. These events are life changing for so many including me. <br /><br />Last year my good friend sent an email to the girls (that being my most amazing group of girlfriends I chat with and see on a daily basis) on New Year's Day with her list of resolutions and she challenged us reply with ours. It took me 2 days to find the email trail but I found it and I have to say out of my list of 11 things, some (not all) were accomplished. And the same goes for my girls too...YAY!! This year, as I was thinking of something to write I thought it might be good to resolve to do things differently. Yes, we all make the same resolutions every year...lose weight, get in shape, stop whatever vice ailes us....and typically we don't accomplish completing them. So might I suggest a new way to have a New Year's resolution? How about we resolve to step into the subway car a little further so more people can get on during rush hours? How about we resolve to be kinder to others? How about we resolve to be more charitable? How about we resolve to be happy with what we have and not lose sight of the work it took to get to this point? All of these things are my resolutions for 2011 and beyond (along with the workout more, blah, blah, blah!!). I am a very blessed person and I know this. I am blessed with family and friends, with health, with love and I hope you all are too. <br /><br />As I type this entry, Jay Z and Alicia Keys are singing about New York...fitting for today. Happy Happy Happy New Year from the greatest city on earth...may all of you have a wonderful 2011...I look forward to sharing it with you.<br /><br />xoxoxoxoxoWHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8478826678708296171.post-50732886058030916592010-12-26T18:52:00.001-08:002010-12-26T19:20:31.084-08:00Happy Holidays....Ok, so we are officially missing the blizzard of 2010 back in NYC....we're currently in not so sunny (or warm for that matter) Florida visiting my family for the holidays. Ah, the holidays...how I love them...and loathe them all at the same time. It's a fine line really. Here's what I love, in no particular order: anticipation, excitement, twinkling lights, merriment, parties, gifts, planning, decorating, preparing, shopping, NYC, family, friends, surprises, creating memories, tradition. I know there are more things that I love about it, but you get the gist. Here's what I loathe: not enough time to get it done. I live by the rule that the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are for doing all the things that require a successful Christmas day. So we decorate the house, shop, cook, wrap, and plan all in that very small window of time. OH, and work full time and maintain a regular life all while doing this extra stuff and unfortunately, every year something falls by the wayside. I wish I had some extra time this year to bake. I used to bake for weeks prior to Christmas. I would make all kinds of cookies and give them as gifts...that has almost completely stopped in more recent years. I'm too busy with other obligations and then I'm too tired to sgtart baking at 10pm. BUT, if that's the only thing that I'm slacking on then I don't think it's too bad. <br /><br />We also typically travel during the holidays, this year we left on Christmas night, and I'm happy to report that it wasn't too bad since there was an impending blizzard in NYC and severe weather all along the eastern seaboard. We only had a 2 hour delay this year. Unfortunately, upon arriving in Jacksonville on Christmas night or well, the day after Christmas morning (12am), the rental car place was closed and we had to deal with a little additional delay at the airport. Rest assured, Enterprise Rent A Car will NOT be getting our business EVER again, since there were real live rental agents at the airport when we landed....according to the very nice guy, Chris, at Alamo (where we ultimately ended up getting a car from), the Enterprise guys could have totally helped us and they were being lazy...thanks dudes, Merry Christmas. But hey, Chris hooked us up with a nicer car and a cheaper rate, so there! Now I have to write my bad customer service letter to Enterprise, I hate having to do that. <br /><br />I also have to give props to my kiddo, who is the master traveler...he is so good at getting through airports, and behaving on planes that he makes going places enjoyable. I love traveling with him! He can even sleep the whole plane ride, be woken up, help with the bags at the airport and go right back to sleep in the car without so much as a complaint, he's the best! <br /><br />So now that we're here, we're looking forward to warmer weather (hopefully), spending time with my most awesome niece and nephew, friends, and family and returning to the great white north on New Year's Eve in time to hang out with friends and ring in 2011....WOW! I hope you all had a very Happy Holiday and I'm gonna contemplate my resolutions for my next post....Merry Merry everyone!!WHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8478826678708296171.post-49211371030958851422010-11-25T12:00:00.000-08:002010-11-25T12:00:04.615-08:00My Shared Day<div>On this date, 5 years ago at 3:46 in the morning, my water broke...ON MY BIRTHDAY!!!! That was not what I had hoped for to say the least. You see, my favorite holiday is my birthday. I love birthdays, and not just mine...everyone's!! I love the ritual of celebrating the day of your arrival, gifts, cake, dinners, parties, cards, candles...all of it. Birthdays are the best!! Heck, we've even made holidays out of them (ahem, Christmas)...so you can imagine my reaction to this tragic event...I would have to share the day with my own KID??? WHAT??? NO!!!!! I don't mind sharing the day with JFK, Jr (rest his soul), but my own flesh and blood?? A travesty I tell you!!!<br /><br />Sparing you the details, I was basically in labor with 13 other women on the day after Thanksgiving with only 1 doctor on duty...needless to say it was a long day. A day of my husband watching the monitor and narrating the contractions..."here it comes", "wow, that was a big one", "here comes another"...thanks babe, I think I got it, UGH! A day of "where the hell is the epidural guy"??? A day of deciding on what to name our son. Up until the minute he was born I was still unsure I actually want kids (yes, that's the complete and honest truth). I loved our life, the city, our friends, traveling, restaurants, parties....I wasn't really into the prospect of having my style crimped. You can call me selfish all you want, I'm just being real. And then, at 7:20pm (exactly the time the doctor said he would), Wyatt Nathanial Livingston Ichabod 23 arrived after a very uneventful (thank God) labor, and changed my life. And...I effectively lost my birthday at the ripe old age of 33.<br /><br />For the last 5 years, Wyatt and I have shared our day, this year, for the first time together on Thanksgiving. As he grows, I become more aware of how special this is...to have the same birthday as my precious boy. He's an amazing, smart, happy, hilarious, wicked, sweet child. And as far as my life changing, well it did, but not as drastically as I thought it would. He was totally portable from day 1, so we never missed out on the stuff I thought we would. He came with us. So I would consider him an enhancement to our lives, a perk, a bonus...the best thing that ever happened to us. I am so blessed to have this little person in my life, sharing my favorite day of the year with me, it's a privilege. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>So on this Thanksgiving I'm wishing my sweet angel boy a very Happy 5th Birthday....and myself a very Happy 5th Anniversary of my 33rd Birthday!! :) I love you Wyatt. </div>WHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8478826678708296171.post-44177641244256776832010-11-23T12:17:00.000-08:002010-11-23T13:14:47.251-08:00Thanksgiving.A few months ago my co-worker and friend lost his baby boy, Declan, to a battle with cancer, he was 11 months and 358 days old....a few days ago my brother's best friend (and subsequently, a friend of our family), Josh, lost his life in a car accident, he was 34. At this time of year, Thanksgiving, I want to be thankful for their lives. Both of them taken too soon, they had more to do, I'm sure of it. Declan's parents have started a foundation in his memory to help raise awareness for pediatric cancer...hopefully in the coming years we'll be walking/running/fundraising for them the way we do for so many other worthy causes. Josh's friends have started a memorial page on Facebook and I don't doubt for one minute that there won't be a fund created in his honor that will benefit a charity in the near future.<br /><br />I'm a firm believer in remembering loved ones for the lives they lived...they should be celebrated. Josh should be celebrated for his exeuberence for life, his love of words and for his hearty laugh and smile. I remember him at different stages throughout his life...as a boy on the football field, as a young adult home from college, at my brother's wedding, at their restaurant chatting with customers welcoming them, joking with me whenever we were in town on a visit about how crazy I am to live in New York, but still getting a hug anyway :)....he was a force and I know he will be missed by so many. The special thing about the town we grew up in is that it truly is a community that comes together in good times and bad. I know Josh's family is sorrounded by family and friends who will support them and love them and help them through this horrible time. His family is strong, they are faithful and they are blessed to have had the time they did with him.<br /><br />I used a quote in my post about Declan when he passed away and I'm going to use it again here. "People think a soul mate is a perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that's holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life. A true soul mate is probably the most important person you'll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then they leave. And thank God for it." Josh, I know some of your soul mates and I know you are missed terribly, and I know your memory will be kept alive through them everyday.<br /><br />This Thanksgiving, be grateful for the ones we have loved and lost and the ones who are here with us to celebrate. Be thankful for your sorroundings, for your family, your friends, your children, your faith. Life is short, live it.<br /><br />Rest well Joshua Douglas Crews...05.18.76 - 11.21.10WHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8478826678708296171.post-4100550895291513942010-10-29T18:21:00.000-07:002010-10-29T18:47:04.909-07:00Happy Halloween!!Halloween will always have a special place in my heart....I have a very good friend who lives entirely too far away and for as long as I can remember, we always spent Halloween together with her children. No matter what state they lived in,I would make the trip to their home to be with the kids to trick or treat. That tradition stopped when I had my own child and hers grew up, and while we are starting our own traditions for this holiday I sometimes miss those trips. <br /><br />I understand how life goes on, people evolve, families grow and relationships change. It's always been important to me to continue traditions for the holidays...but I acknowledge the need for tweaks every once in a while. While I won't be traveling to trick or treat with my friend's kids, I will be trick or treating with mine. This year, Halloween came up way too fast for me! This is the first year our home isn't decked out with Halloween knick knacks (much to my husband's dismay!), because time just got away from me...ugh! So instead of obsessing over what didn't get done, I'm going to focus on what we're going to be doing this weekend...celebrating with our family and friends, eating lots of candy, marching around the neighborhood dressed as our favorite super heros, baseball players and princesses....and continuing our traditions. <br /><br />Have a very Happy and Safe Halloween everyone!!!WHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8478826678708296171.post-31715735915829925852010-10-21T10:21:00.000-07:002010-10-21T10:46:59.918-07:00You're Beautiful!!!ok, so this will be a quick one but I was on the MSNBC website during lunch today and came across an article about 200 high school girls in Texas chosing to not wear make up on Tuesday's in an effort to promote true beauty. Their club is called "Redefining Beautiful: One Girl at a Time". Check out MSNBC for the article:<br />http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/39775094/ns/today-today_fashion_and_beauty/<br />It's not about the clothes, the makeup, the bags or shoes and it's not about size. I particularly love that they have been getting an outpouring of support from other teens around the globe as well as the boys!! (you go boys!)....<br /><br />There's also a link within the article to "Operation Beautiful"...a movement started by Caitlin in North Carolina who says "the goal of the Operation Beautiful website is to end negative self-talk or “Fat Talk.” If this little blog only does one productive thing, I hope it helps readers realize how truly toxic negative self-talk is — it hurts you emotionally, spiritually, and physically". KUDOS to you Caitlin...I hope this goes far!! Check out her site at: http://operationbeautiful.com/.<br /><br />I don't have a daughter, but as a woman I know what it's like to want to keep up my appearance...my regular 6 week cut and color are facebook statuses for me...but I also know that I'm totally fine with not wearing any makeup on any given day. I'm also 37 and don't really care what others think, but when I was a teenager it definitely mattered...I wish we had girls like this in my high school!! <br /><br />So props to the people out there who are promoting a positive self image to teenagers in their communities, you're helping more than you know!!!WHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8478826678708296171.post-11917867907140209842010-10-15T06:24:00.000-07:002010-10-17T15:02:08.059-07:00Tis The Season????Seriously folks....last time I checked, today is October 17th, not December 1st...I want to know what happened to Halloween? Thanksgiving?? Autumn?? Why, why, why is it that when I now pass a store it's decked out for CHRISTMAS already???!!!! This is appalling!! October is for changing leaves, pumpkin and apple picking, warm cider, sweaters, candy and costume parties. November is for boots, jackets, pumpkin pie, giving thanks and parades down 5th avenue. December is for trees, decorations, snow, coats and CHRISTMAS (or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa or whatever holiday you celebrate). I hate that we're rushing the holiday season and every year it seems to start earlier. I was talking to my cousin the other day and she said that a store she was in has already started playing Christmas music..WHAT??? NO!!!! Stop!! <br /><br />Attention retailers!! I know it's been a rough few years, but I'm pretty sure you putting out holiday decorations and playing holiday music this early in the season is not going to get us all jazzed up...quite the contrary...it makes me anxious and aggravated. Stop rushing!! Life goes by fast enough, can't we just enjoy every day/season as it should be? I don't know about you, but I'm not interested in Christmas in July.WHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8478826678708296171.post-4322381625099434922010-10-01T06:38:00.000-07:002010-10-01T12:28:44.066-07:00Stop The Madness...I wear a lot of hats, daughter, sister, wife, friend, co-worker, mother...and the one I take the most seriously is Mother. The decision to have children was not an automatic one for me. When I was younger I never really fantasized about having and raising kids. After I got married I didn't feel an immediate need to bring a child into the world, I struggled with even wanting one for a while. I'm certain we made the right decision for us in our family when we took the plunge into parenthood and I wouldn't have done it any other way. It was done with a lot of consideration and thought. My son is the greatest thing that has ever happened to us, every day is a new adventure and we are endlessly grateful for him. <br /><br />So yesterday I was reading the news and that's when I learned about the Rutgers University student, Tyler Clementi, who committed suicide because of bullying. Bullying? What? ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!?!?!?!? WHY? That's not just wrong, it's shameful and horrible and needs to be addressed. <br /><br />Here's what I know...especially since becoming a parent...I know kids are mean and I know kids are dumb and yes, that is a generalization. I know it's my responsibility as a parent to make sure my child is kind, generous, considerate, compassionate and well mannered toward others. I know it's hard being a kid, what with all the competition and expectations placed upon them from us as a society. I also know that children need role models...(apart from the athletes and celebrities)...people they know, who they can interact with on a daily basis, turn to for guidance, respect and communicate with (and I know that does not have to be a parent)...I know not all children have supportive parents and that sucks quite frankly. I know this is an issue that starts when kids are small and continues until they're adults and no matter what angle you look at it from, it's never right. Being mean to another person is wrong. You can say these types of issues are so complex and there could be some underlying reasons for it but you know what? Address it. If you have a child with socialization issues or self esteem issues or any other kind of issue that causes them to act out toward others...address it. <br /><br />This is the 21st century. We should be able to befriend whomever we want. Date, fall in love, marry, dont marry, have sex, be happy with WHOMEVER we want. It's no one else's business, end of story. It's not right to criticize, berate, tease, harass (or whatever word you want to use) another person because of their personal choices. Life is hard enough when you're well adjusted....imagine if you were struggling with something like your sexual orientation or low self esteem, or some other kind of anxiety as a young adult. That's the hardest time of your life to have to deal with anything of that nature...let's not make it harder for these young people. How can we fix this? Communication is the first step. Being able to talk about the issues without consequence or judgement is where this has to start. As a mother and a member of society it's my responsibility to listen. So, I'll start with the one child I have, and make a promise that no matter how hard it gets (because not every day is all candy and roses), I will love him and communicate with him and listen to him. I may not always agree with him along the way, but I will always try to guide him in the right direction for him and no one else. And I will promise my friends and family that if their children every need an ear or a shoulder, they can have mine without judgement.WHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8478826678708296171.post-48222538086351243632010-09-11T16:53:00.001-07:002010-09-12T16:46:47.036-07:00Soccer Mom...What???So the other day I was referred to as a "soccer mom" by someone who had only met me mere minutes prior....and that got me thinking about how readily people like to stereotype others, most of the time, without even knowing them. Now, I know my kid plays soccer (at least for this week) but I don't think I would categorize myself as a "soccer mom". In fact, what IS a soccer mom?? Wikipedia says: a soccer mom is "a middle-class suburban woman who drives a mini-van, and spends a significant amount of her time transporting her school-age children to their sporting events or other activities" (for the record, I do not reside in the suburbs and I do not drive a mini-van). I get so confused with all the titles of types of people, it's exhausting to keep up! I'm not one to really put people into "categories"...I don't think it's fair and most of the time, doesn't do the individual justice. And I'm typically wrong, so why even bother. My question on this one is Why do we do it? Why do we immediately put people in boxes? And who cares to be quite honest? Is it fear, jealousy, what?? (and by "we" I mean women in general). <br /><br />I will readily admit that I have a hard time making girlfriends. I have a few true girlfriends from childhood, college, work, and most recently since I've become a mother. I can probably count the number of friends who would drop anything for me if I really needed them to on one hand. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want to be a guy to save my life, but man, being friends with girls takes patience! Give me a bunch of guys, a few drinks, some food and a sporting event and you've got yourself a good time! <br /><br />However, as I've gotten older I've come to appreciate the differences women have to offer in a friendship. Not only do we discuss parenting, but there are different life lessons, situations and other relationships we tend to want opinions on. I now cherish these talks. I crave the comraderie and the banter. I love the difference in personalities and the strength my friends exude. I wouldn't trade them for the world and I'm thankful for them everyday. I can't even begin to want to categorize them, they each have their own special uniqueness. So here's my suggestion...take it with a grain of salt...you be you and let me be me and how about we don't categorize eachother? That's the beauty of individuality....you get to be yourself.WHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8478826678708296171.post-16324280550835947912010-09-09T13:44:00.001-07:002010-09-11T04:31:34.395-07:00Today, We RememberI can remember every single thing about that day. The color of the sky, the crispness in the air, the smell of late summer, the panic stricken phone calls, the anxiety, the fear, the relief to know my loved ones were safe…all of it. I am profoundly grateful to have been living in the neighborhood where the Twin Towers stood on Sept 11, 2001. I lived through it not only on that day, but for years after. The construction, the visitors, the tourists, the protestors and the anniversaries…all of it. I still have the shoes I wore on Sept 12th….after not being able to go back to our neighborhood on the 11th, we lived with my relatives (thank you!!) for 13 days, but on the day after, we had to know if we still had an apartment to go home to. So we walked downtown, through eerily quiet streets covered with debris coming into contact with only Police Officers and National Guardsmen who kindly helped us get to our destination. We found our building had been padlocked shut but were relieved to see it was still standing. Those shoes are in a box, still dirty, I’ll keep them forever.<br /><br />Today is the one day of the year where I wish every human on the face of this earth would just take a step back and stop for a moment and live by the saying “do unto others as you would have done unto you”. Be thankful for what you have, give from your heart, love with your entire being and be kind. Because as we have learned from that day and other days since, life is short; don’t let it pass you by….LIVE it. So in honor of the memory of 9/11/01, I’m posting an article written by Will Femia, not only because he’s my husband but because of the content. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3080804/<br /><br />And because honoring the memory of that day means we should continue to move forward and live, I’ll be spending my day at my son’s first soccer game, over looking the skyline of New York City being grateful.<br /><br />How will you be spending your day??WHY AM I YELLING???http://www.blogger.com/profile/12766160606674974787noreply@blogger.com0