tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62128606116528384992024-02-19T05:12:31.635-08:00A couple smokey acresWe had a house. It burned down. We rebuilt on a couple smokey acres.Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.comBlogger233125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212860611652838499.post-30122981736119760002019-06-26T15:21:00.000-07:002019-06-26T15:21:45.518-07:00Let them dream big crazy dreams!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNY2jZSCmQ-JYIqTGa8yfsppRGF5rSTEyHpwrc5TZ_w8FSbUtoGGC4HxGtLuCZ-VWN97DqEZeaTPQOlZKamdl8Jol_DwWUUEnFKxSjimqr57mqyqua1uECRMW1fKDLUY__a6be18a6HP4/s1600/sewer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="503" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNY2jZSCmQ-JYIqTGa8yfsppRGF5rSTEyHpwrc5TZ_w8FSbUtoGGC4HxGtLuCZ-VWN97DqEZeaTPQOlZKamdl8Jol_DwWUUEnFKxSjimqr57mqyqua1uECRMW1fKDLUY__a6be18a6HP4/s320/sewer.jpg" width="178" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Months ago I heard a story about an elementary school that was hosting a career day for students. The students were to dress up as someone would in their dream career. I am familiar with this because my daughter's school had such an event when she was in 1st grade. Ellie went as a "sewer." In her 6-year-old mind, a sewer was not an underground system of pipes carrying vile smelling sewage to a treatment plant. To her, it was a sew-er. As in a person who sews. Maybe a tailor or a fashion designer. But, try as I might, those titles didn't fit the essence of her chosen career and she went to school as a sewer. She was so excited about her chosen profession so who was I to change her dream.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But, changing dreams is exactly what this one elementary school attempted to do. They sent home a note that informed parents that children should come to school dressed in line with "realistic" careers. That meant no pro ball players, no rockstars, no YouTube stars. The principal said these were unrealistic ambitions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/school-dream-job-dress-up-14171149"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/school-dream-job-dress-up-14171149</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, wait a minute? This principal determined what was unrealistic for his students? Is it because his or her own ambitions to be an Olympian failed? Was he or she rejected for the space program? I say, "Let kids DREAM!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We need to let our children imagine what they can become! If they want to be a sewer - let them go for it! When I was a child, I wanted to be a dolphin trainer. And, I loved believing that's what I would do. When I got to college my ideas on careers had changed but no one ever begrudged my desire to ride on a dolphin's back as it sails through the water. My son wants to play for the NFL. He wants to attend Lousiana State University and study law while playing college ball. After college, he hopes to get drafted. If he doesn't, he will have his degree. I hope he plays for the NFL. I love that his dreams are lofty. Maybe he will change his mind and want to be an astrophysicist or a dog trainer. Whatever he wants to do with his life he should do! And he should be allowed to dream about the future in any </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">way he chooses.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My daughter's dreams sway though she has moved away from sewer. One day she wants to be a famous actress and another she will want to be a teacher. And that is great. For a while, her greatest ambition was to be a barista at Starbucks and the girl doesn't even like coffee. She thought it just looked fun! I let her dream! I didn't tell her should couldn't make a proper living in a barista's salary. Why? Because she is a 'tween! She doesn't care about paychecks nor should she at this age. She should just be allowed to dream.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Does the principal at the school that squashes dreams think that the NBA is full of players that did not dream of playing basketball? Is the space program filled with random people that never imagined being astronauts? Did the surgeon who cut me open just stumble into medical school without imagining what it would be like to save lives? No. We need to let our kids dream. Their dreams likely include making the world a better place by contributing to it in some positive way. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Let's not stifle tour children's hopes and ambitions. Let's help them believe that anything is possible.</span>Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212860611652838499.post-29490530057816197452019-06-04T13:21:00.001-07:002019-06-04T13:22:09.141-07:00You Hairy!<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I took an early lunch to get my chipped and peeling nails re-done. The manicurist was ferociously attacking my cuticles while I watched for signs of bleeding that unbelievably never came. As I watched her work, I noticed she was looking at me with an arched eyebrow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"You want wax?" she asked.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Wax?" I questioned.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Your eyebrows. You want wax?"</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHfPRvXRhIGAvWcyUIHdWWQj4HBpHAR-7XSGTUNqOV37iAVfd-ekt0RhUjJbdVBOAZ_OgsuEuApgay22Pw3Z4bQl5eeHORgj9IDZoSLGAEcjitLT2LIpj9J9qL0rnBL5zhw-CmpTidvU/s1600/Hairy+brows.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="589" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHfPRvXRhIGAvWcyUIHdWWQj4HBpHAR-7XSGTUNqOV37iAVfd-ekt0RhUjJbdVBOAZ_OgsuEuApgay22Pw3Z4bQl5eeHORgj9IDZoSLGAEcjitLT2LIpj9J9qL0rnBL5zhw-CmpTidvU/s320/Hairy+brows.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Oh! No. Thank you though. No wax today."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">She then states, "You need wax. Your eyebrows have long hairs. You hairy girl."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What the? I peer into her eyes under her stubby, over-tweezed brows and again say, "No, thank you" while thinking "I really don't want eyebrows like yours."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">She tsk, tsked me and shook her head and gave me a look that said, "I tried to help your face you big hairy ape! Don't come crying when you trip over your brows!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I tried to not let her get to me but I admit that the first thing I did when I got home was inspect my brows. I found, yes, a couple stray hairs I missed in the tweeze. But, thankfully there were not hairs worthy of braids!</span>Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212860611652838499.post-5432504971551380442019-05-30T15:59:00.001-07:002019-05-30T15:59:01.638-07:00My blog needs mouth to mouth!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I get on a bit of a roll with my blog and then life decides to block my path. Rather than climb over the boulder of life, I take the opportunity to sit with my back against the sturdy surface. I reflect and ruminate on the boulder in my way. I get frustrated by it but there I sit. I have been doing this too much lately! I let my frustration with life overwhelm me to near paralysis. That funky state where you just get it done but don't do much extra.</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I will get my run in but I won't add a step more than I need to. I will accomplish every task on my to-do list but I won't add an extra stop to check out the bestsellers at the bookstore. I will fold the laundry but leave the ironing to an extra spin in the dryer. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In my ruminating, I feel a desire to unplug. Actually, I feel a desire to escape to a deserted tropical island with a fresh water supply and something to eat other than coconuts. This leads me to think that my life has become too busy and too often I let it be owned by others. And when I say owned by others I mean too much shuffling the kids to their activities, over-committing myself to projects that are not my own, saying, "Yes, I can do that" when I want to and should say, "Oh, heck no!" I need to recognize that my life is just that - My Life. It is mine to enjoy, to cherish, and to spend how I choose (in accordance with the law and what my tribe deems socially acceptable!) đ</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I sit propped against this boulder I think about what makes me happy, what stresses me, and what I want in this beautiful gift of life. I don't want to run exactly 3 miles and tap out. I want to see what's hot on bookshelves near me. And, I want to press that steam button and go crazy with the spray starch on the wrinkles. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhim5TG1NFaW9Dwym11XnPgI1Lif7MpenJa_wIEC9IbXRZbBuYcvgiUadVA9UwWZrHi3NuDW5IN4qZ5zgJcPDvVDZEL_QgYiP-opeA_5YdI5GAiE8ZIfE-t4wEMv8b4xUny_nOAB_eSsZs/s1600/boulder.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="407" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhim5TG1NFaW9Dwym11XnPgI1Lif7MpenJa_wIEC9IbXRZbBuYcvgiUadVA9UwWZrHi3NuDW5IN4qZ5zgJcPDvVDZEL_QgYiP-opeA_5YdI5GAiE8ZIfE-t4wEMv8b4xUny_nOAB_eSsZs/s200/boulder.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Reflection can be a healthy indulgence once in a while but too much creates doubts, curiosities, and even depression. I think it's time for a climb...up and over. Let's see if I can get beyond this pause on my path and breathe some life back into the things I most enjoy.</span></div>
Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212860611652838499.post-72535184988705443832018-08-17T14:04:00.001-07:002018-08-17T14:04:50.495-07:00Complex Thoughts in Simple Words<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yesterday, Todd and I were talking with the kids about the sacrifice of Jesus. You know, a little light-hearted, after-dinner conversation.âşď¸ We strive to be good Christians but recognize we have a lot to learn. We try to keep ourselves right with the Lord which keeps our moral compasses focused but we still mess up. We still find ourselves cursing under our breath and, shamefully, I still listen to gossip when I hear it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When this topic came up, we explained to Ellie that people used to offer their best livestock for sacrifices to atone for their sins. We told her that to cover the cost of all sin for all humanity it would, naturally, take a larger offering. God chose His son, Jesus, to be that perfect human sacrifice. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We got deep into redemption and what that means. We talked about being a child of God and what we believe that is. We walked right off the path and deep into the woods with this conversation. We were thumping on trees to see if any random thoughts would scurry out. We turned over ideas like we were turning over soil. But, before we strayed too far off course Mitchell spoke.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He said, "We continue to sin even though Jesus died for us. Isn't that like wasting is his sacrifice? I mean, he died and we sin so it's like we don't value what he did for us. We should think of that when we are tempted. We need to make sure we don't waste his life."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And...I just looked at him in wonder. I had been trying to dissect my complicated thoughts into chunks that Ellie could grasp and Mitchell just plainly and simply stated what he thought. He didn't need fancy words or grand hand gestures, he just broke it down in simple terms.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And, Ellie got it. She quickly rattled off her thoughts and the conversation was on track again. I was quiet for a moment thinking. I thought isn't it so true that we learn from our children? Isn't it amazing how pure their souls are? Kids don't get caught up in trying to explain things properly...they speak from their hearts. And, "we need to make sure we don't waste the life of Jesus" is so huge. What a complex thought in such easy terms. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am striving hard not to waste the sacrifice of Jesus and I am thanking the Holy Spirit for burning like a fire in the soul of my kids. I sit here wondering what I will learn next from my children. I am sure it will be something profound - these kids continue to amaze me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212860611652838499.post-44085134779018648302018-08-16T09:15:00.001-07:002018-08-16T09:15:04.441-07:00And, They're Off!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejcKpPFr65TC23QH2NOm_QFz49dTxFvqZI2qn1FqG3IgZCTtD-NE4wV1EGEf2D1RLNhcYN_XGUJDYY1BkTKLua8aSqD1ZoyrwqDkkM0P4fT-2m1bHfKKqHvcoD0JnUzlz1neLZn9s1gY/s1600/20180816_074402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejcKpPFr65TC23QH2NOm_QFz49dTxFvqZI2qn1FqG3IgZCTtD-NE4wV1EGEf2D1RLNhcYN_XGUJDYY1BkTKLua8aSqD1ZoyrwqDkkM0P4fT-2m1bHfKKqHvcoD0JnUzlz1neLZn9s1gY/s320/20180816_074402.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We ushered the tribe off to school today. Long, lazy summer days are officially over in my neck of the woods. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I normally do not get overly emotional on the first day of school. I find myself more excited for what the new school year holds for my kids. But, today! My goodness. When I saw my youngest skip down the road to middle school with her friends my eyes filled with tears. They eeked out of the corners of my eyes before I knew what was happening. My youngest is in 7th grade and my oldest is a freshman. Where did the years go?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What happened the littles we walked to class on the first day? What happened to the days when they not only had backpacks but lunchboxes in hand too? Gone are the 'messy hair, don't care" days. Now, when I look into my kids' faces I can see what they will look like as adults. I see their personalities and character taking form and solidifying. They are quickly becoming bigger birds that will eventually leave the nest. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But I don't want them to leave.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I want them to stay at home where I can protect them. I want to make sure they eat balanced meals. I want to monitor their choices. I want to be one room over when their hearts are heavy and they need to talk. I want to be a part of their laughter and their joys and their sorrows. I want their lives to exceed my own in every accomplishment and victory. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today was the first day I felt time slipping away. It goes too fast. When my kids were in diapers wise parents would say, "They will be asking for the car keys before you know it." I looked at them with weary eyes thinking that day would never come. Now, we let Mitchell practice is driving skills on our street. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As much as I want to hold them close forever, my job (and privilege) as their mom is to funnel as much love and wisdom into them as I can before they branch out on their own. I will always be here for them, even on days when they are off on their own. And, I will treasure their middle school and high school days. These years too shall pass...and far too quickly. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212860611652838499.post-64265153434810962612018-07-09T10:21:00.000-07:002018-07-09T10:21:09.639-07:00The Bully with Short Hair<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My daughter had a sleepover this past weekend with eight friends! It was a camp-out sleepover because our house is small. We had two tents in the backyard and a campfire. I slept - or rather attempted to sleep - in a hammock on our deck so I could guard against wayward raccoons and foxes. The girls watched a scary movie before bedtime so I was also the defender against any ghouls that wandered into Smokey Acres. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I loved listening to them chat about hair and boys and music and boys and clothes and boys. As I listen to them giggling my daughter said, "Oh, my mom has the best bully story!" And, I thought, "Omigosh! Which one?" And then she said, "Remember the picture girl, Mom?" And, oh yes! I remembered that story!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When my son was not yet one, I went shopping at the local mall. I never go to the mall! The mall is my nightmare! But, I was at the mall and went into the Bath and Body Works shop to smell all the new lotions and bath gels. I was behind a display and I heard a voice at the counter. My head whipped up because I knew that raspy whine from years before. I peeked around the display and there stood my nemesis. The little pipsqueak that had tormented me in high school. She still had her snarl but she looked weak. She was far less intimidating off-campus with 14 years of life under my belt. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The cashier was complimenting her on her hair. It was still big 80's hair but it was shorter. It was like cotton balls dipped in black and piled on her head. I heard her tell the cashier, "Oh, my hair was much longer in high school." And the cashier replied, "It must've been very pretty." And then it happened! My nemesis said, I kid you not, "Would you like to see a picture? I have my senior picture here in my wallet."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">WHAT?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We graduated 14 years ago and your carry your senior picture around IN YOUR WALLET!?!? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, I had seen all I needed to see. I whispered to my Mitchell, "We are all done here, buddy!" And off we went.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The girls laughed when I told them the story. I said, "There is a lesson here. Bullies are just cowards and when they get out in the real world they often don't fare well. Be good people so you can show people pictures of you and your friends...not you and your 80's hair-do."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have thought of the moment a few times since it happened. Mostly I find it sad. I find it sad that this girl was so mean in high school and likely out of high school that she carried her own picture around in a little plastic photo case. Were her high school years her best? Did she peak in those four years? I may have suffered through those years but I am so thankful those years were not the years that defined me. I think my life began at high school graduation...it definitely was not the closing act.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212860611652838499.post-91448655378448902802018-01-03T06:55:00.001-08:002018-01-03T06:55:39.620-08:00Time to administer CPR!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's a new year; a clean slate. It's definitely time to revive this lifeless blog! It's been a year and a half - gasp! - since I have written anything. It seems I have been so busy surviving that I wasn't writing. 2017 wasn't stellar. It wasn't a total loss but, admittedly, I was not sorry to see it go. I truly hope with my heart that 2018 will be a better year for my tribe. A year we can enjoy instead of endure. A year we turn the corner on financial pitfalls and see some windfalls. A year we will remember fondly and begin to miss at midnight on December 31st. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2017 had it's moments. We spent a week in Kauai this summer. We chose birthday week when the kids and I all turn another year older in rapid fire succession. It was definitely the high point of the year. Both kids also took to stand-up jet-skiing which was a long awaited wish of my husband. We spent many weekends at the lake burning through tanks of fuel as the kids honed their skills. Todd would often just sit on the shore and watch his happy tribe with sheer joy inside. His kids enjoy something he loves and life doesn't get much better than that!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The flip-side was the typical lack of time and money. So much to do, so little time and so little cash to make it happen. The deck out front is still not built though that was the first thing on my summer to-do list. I skipped right past it and went to cleaning and purging closets and drawers. I think I dawdled a bit too much this year. Overwhelmed by the many things I needed to tackle that I ended up with my head in the sand wishing all responsibility away. This year I have a different plan. I actually have goals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don't make New Year's resolutions because I feel I am a continual work in progress. Instead, I make goals. This year I made SMART goals. The benefit of working in educational publishing is continual learning. Thanks to a book we publish I have learned that goals should be:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Specific</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Measurable</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Achievable</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Relevant</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Time-limited</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My first goal is to purposely walk, run, or hike 750 miles this year. There is a goal buzzing around Facebook to do 1,000 miles. My goal slides right into the Achievable requirement. I believe I can accomplish 14.5 miles a week. Maybe next year I can try for 1,000 but I don't want to set myself up for failure right out of the gate. I want to keep moving not disappoint myself with defeat the first week. 1,000 miles would require almost 20 miles a week. While I will probably log that with the additional walking I do on campus, my goal is for the 750 miles to be purposeful. I will <i>purposely</i> run miles each week to attain my goal - I will not gain miles while doing something else. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My second goal it to spend time with God each day. I do so much better in life when I am square with God. Instead of throwing prayers up to the sky and treating God like a genie, I really want to delve into my beliefs and get rooted and solid in my faith. I have not given God any respectable amount of time this year and that I something I would like to change with daily devotionals. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My third and final goal - so far - is to achieve my sales goal this year at work. This year will close as my second miss in as many years. The reps I work with are very focused on selling the portion of the list I don't cover so I need to work extra hard this year to make my list more relevant to them. I also need to take the initiative and work accounts where I see opportunities. Higher education is a changing industry but I do believe we are doing good work in educating the future. Students need to be challenged and not spoon-fed. I never want to have surgery performed by someone that learned medicine from accessible material. I want them to have been challenged and to have prevailed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So that's where I stand on this third day of 2018. I raise my coffee cup in cheers and hope that it is a good one!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212860611652838499.post-15477281270208712242016-07-31T22:54:00.000-07:002016-07-31T22:54:09.768-07:00Time to live - Time to thrive!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have noticed lately that it seems many people simply exist. We no longer thrive - we muddle through. We worry about bills. We worry about tomorrow's problems which may never come. We go to jobs we are not passionate about. We make meals to fill bellies but not to experience cuisine. We shuffle the kids to activities and parties. We clean the house and fold the laundry. We busy ourselves with chores and obligations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then, once in a great while, we live. We do something we truly enjoy. We take a vacation or finish a great book. We spend a carefree day with the family on the lake. We eat a meal that truly must be savored. We explore a cave or hike a peak. We thrive. We alert our senses to sounds and smells around us. We live.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Why do we do this? If we get one chance at this great gift called life...why do we waste it? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yes - we need to pay bills but why not find work that we enjoy? Work that empowers us and satisfies us. Work that is not dreaded on Monday mornings but looked forward to. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yes - we have to feed ourselves but why not make meals that nourish our bodies and tickle our taste buds? In the hours we twiddle away on nothingness why not make a casserole and freeze it for a meal later in the week? Why not experiment with bright colored vegetables and fun-shaped pasta? Why are meals just meals and not an event?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yes - we have obligations but it is also okay to say "no." No, we can't make that birthday party. No, we cannot commit to another weekend event. No, no, no!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No - we can no longer live mundane lives. Why would we want to anyway? I want to live. I want to thrive. I want to re-work my existence. I want to re-plan my route. I want to take the road less traveled and see what it has to offer. I no longer what to waste the dash between the day I arrived and the day I depart. I don't want to exist but rather I want to live.</span>Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212860611652838499.post-64860683034317428802016-04-13T09:34:00.001-07:002016-04-13T09:34:08.838-07:00Plot Twist<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, God has a way of working things out in ways we can't possibly imagine or re-create ourselves.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last time I posted about my awesome new job and I was so excited about the new opportunities and fresh perspective. Not long after that post things in Awesome-ville rapidly unraveled. My new job soured at a quick rate. The promises made to me when I was hired were shelved and new duties were assigned. I began doing a job I didn't apply for and wasn't being trained for. I had a manager than went on long-term sick leave days after she was hired, I had a company owner trying to but a positive spin on the mess she was creating, and I had an HR department that still wasn't providing me with concrete details of my new role and - it's sales - my new goals. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was getting anxious about how things were working out. Two months in and the job I was so excited about had shifted to a really bad deal. It was probably the most expensive job I ever had. We had to purchase a car for my travel. Granted ,the company did partially reimburse me for mileage. The health insurance was outrageously expensive and amazingly bad. A prescription that used to cost me $10 cost $45 under the new plan. Doctor visit co-pays jumped too. And, I thank all the is good no one was hospitalized during my stint there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Every expense report I submitted was commented upon and returned by the company bean counter. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"This hotel is $20 over the approved nightly cost." To which I replied, "The company owner stayed there and it was her I was meeting with."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"You are not allowed to expense a protective phone case." To which I replied, "It was $7. And, it is to protect the new iPhone you issued."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the end, I would issue a payment to American Express for whatever charges the bean counter deemed inappropriate. We haggled once over 48 cents. 48 cents!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While my new world was crumbling I got word that a specialist at my old company had resigned after accepting a position with a competitor in her area of specialty. I told myself I would not call. I would not inquire. I had made my choice and I had to accept what I had chosen.That said, I welled up with tears of reliefs when I received a text message about 3 weeks later from my old boss.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Would you be interested in a conversation about the specialist role just vacated?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Through tears, I coolly replied, "I am always up for a conversation."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The following day the manager of the specialists called me. I know him well because he was in my rookie class back in 2001. We talked about the role and the territory it would cover. I was interested but remembered the last interview process I went through.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I said, "This all sounds great. And this is a position I would love to have. But, to be honest, I am really not interested in going through another interview process with the company."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He said, "You know, I think we have done enough to you already. I was thinking more along the lines of a conversation and an offer."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was blown away! "That sounds easy enough! Lets do that! When should we have the conversation?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Jen, this IS the conversation!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, with a little bit of finagling and an outrageous twist on my career path I find myself back with the crazy I know verses that completely wacky crazy that I was struggling with. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My new role fits me well. I get to work with other reps to help them achieve their goals. I travel a lot which isn't always easy, but I am making it work. I am learning a great deal every single day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hesitate to say that I am back in Awesome-ville because I was burned so badly before. But I am enjoying my new job for what it is. I can't predict how long it will last or what the future holds, but for the time being I am content. Finally. Well, mostly content. There is still a restless bit inside me that keeps me on my toes with one eye on the present and one eye on the horizon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212860611652838499.post-42018098968653183902015-12-18T10:03:00.003-08:002015-12-29T11:25:37.683-08:00Quit My Job<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Well, a lot has happened since my last post in April. I took that walk on the beach to heart! I got fed up with my own complaining and complacency. I realized that God wasn't going to hand me a new life on a platter - I needed to take steps to get out of my rut. So, I flipped open my calendar, picked a random day in November, and wrote "Quit My Job."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The beast in my life was my job. I got to the point where I dreaded mornings. I didn't want to face the same challenges I had been facing for the last 15 years. The company I worked for had no resemblance to the company I started with over a decade earlier. The mismanagement at the top was wrecking havoc on my ability to make a living. I was stressed to the point of being riddled with anxiety. My kids were getting my worst instead of my best. My husband got the worst of the worst of me. I was always crying about my job or angry about it. I was a mess.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, three simple words - "Quit My Job" - began to make things unfold for me. I updated my resume and researched job sites and watched the days tick by. In August, I applied for a promotion with the company I was employed. Almost immediately after that, I was contacted my a recruiter about a position open in <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">a</span> different segment of the educational publishing industry.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I blew off the recruiter. I had my plan. I was going to get promoted. I was going to make a change but stay with the security of the same company. A change - but not a scary leap of faith.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The recruiter was relentless though. After weeks of wearing me down I finally agreed to interview with the new company's Vice President of Sales. My thought was that I would get this shelved and done so I could pursue my own plan. My own plan had me interviewing with people I knew and feverishly working on an eight-page project that I would present to the hiring committee in the weeks to come.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The day came for me to meet with the VP. I was no slouch. Even though I expected to be unimpressed, I dressed nice and arrived early. As soon as I arrived at the hotel lobby the VP text messaged me that he could meet me as soon as I arrived. He had a no-show and was free. So, I walked up to the meeting room and meet the man that would unhinge my perfectly plotted plan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My interview lasted over two hours. The Human Resource Director arrived late but by the time she arrived I was committed to getting this position. I was excited! I didn't realized there were jobs out there like this! I felt good as we shook hands good-bye. Before I left, I hesitated. I said, "Just to be completely square with you. I have applied for a promotion with the company I work for. I will be meeting with them in Cincinnati soon for the final interview." The Human Resource Director let me know they would not make a final decision on next steps for at least a week so we'd have to see how the timing worked out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I continued to prep for my promotion interview while hoping for a call to come through from the new company. And then it happened. I had a WebEx interview with the company owner. It was dreadful. She was late, the connection was bad, it ended abruptly. Then the line went dead. I heard no more from the VP. I reached out to him, reminding him of my approaching meeting in Cincinnati, and received no response. I was sure th<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">at</span> WebEx had sealed my fate.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I went forward with Cincinnati. I caught a 6am flight and arrived in the late afternoon. I was presenting at 9am the next day. I had my resume in hand. I had created a Padlet Board - which is a totally cool online posting tool. I posted all relevant documents and my sweet project for the committee to have before the interview.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At 8:45am the next morning, I walked into the hotel conference room, ready to seal the deal on my new position. We began at promptly 9am with my presentation. As I presented, something happened. I looked around the table and thought, "I don't want to work with you people." I honestly had a growing pit in my stomach like I was about to make a huge mistake. After my presentation, I pulled out my wonder project expecting to be asked questions about my reasoning, my ideas, my plans. They asked not one thing about the eight pages I had labored over. The eight pages reviewed by my manager, my previous manager, my colleague with a similar role as this promotion. They asked me flimsy, situational questions. Then, at 9:45am they shut it down. The next candidate was on her way in. I was deflated. I had flown across the country for a 45 minute conversation?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I slumped up to my room with a whole day ahead of me until my flight left. I called my husband and told him the story and then I sat, in a stupor, in a stodgy chair in my room. My phone rang and caller ID showed the name of the VP I had long since dismissed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Hello?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Hey Jen! Are you in Cincinnati?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Yes?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Did you present? Do you have a offer from them?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"I did present. I don't have an offer. I feel confident I will get one though."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Well, how do you feel about it? Do you think it's a position you want?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was confused by his questioning but answered, "Actually, I know it is a position I don't want. I honestly am not sure what I am going to do."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Well, if you are open to it, I would like to extend an offer to you."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"What? Are you serious?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Yes. I am quite serious. I wanted you to go through the process with your company so you would never have regrets or questions if you decided to leave. I knew it was a risk - I could lose you, but I wanted you to be sure."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And, that is how I came to work for a stand-up guy at an awesome company. I resigned from my my old company before the could offer me the promotion or deny it to me. I left in October. Unfortunately, my stand-up boss left the new company in November. It is OK though. I am here and I am paving a new way. I may not stay here, but I am growing here. My life is better. My future is brighter. I am not afraid anymore. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I read that mother hawks make their nest so comfortable for their newly hatched babies. They find cotton and string and make a cozy little home. As the babies grow, the mother hawks starts to remove the comforts. She takes away the soft cotton and the soon the growing babies are on hard uncomfortable sticks. The nest becomes something they want to leave.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I feel that way about my old company. I wanted to leave but I was <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">terrified</span>. Yet, it became so uncomfortable it was unbearable. It got to the point where, even looking at a future there, made me uncomfortable. It took a lot to get me to move. Had I not gone to Cincinnati, I might have ultimately stayed even if I received an offer from the new company. It was safe. It was the known. I believe God orchestrated the events with the players he did to clearly show me what I needed to do..."Quit My Job."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It hasn't been easier starting a new career after 15 years in my comfort zone. But it is exciting. My mood is lighter. My kids get the best of me again. "Quit My Job" was my admission to the problem area in my life. Once I accepted that as true, everything started to evolve. I am exceedingly thankful! I did indeed "Quit My Job" and it was one of the best things to ever happen to me!</span>Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212860611652838499.post-43619568704407945092015-04-21T19:04:00.002-07:002015-04-21T19:23:59.790-07:00Can a Walk on the Beach Change Your Life? Perhaps.<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After work today I took a long walk on the beach. As I walked, I unloaded my mind. I refused to allow myself to dwell on any topic or ponder any deep thought. I let my mind race and it seemed the more it raced the calmer I felt. It was as if I had allowed my mind to purge thoughts I had stored for years that I no longer needed.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In rapid fire succession I took in the sights and sounds around me as memories of the past crept to present mind. Who am I? Who do I want to be? What mistakes have I made? What are my good traits? What do I completely fail in? Who likes me? Who hates me? Who has misconceptions about me? What are those misconceptions? Why did that person do that to me? Why do I care? With every breath I exhaled I discarded a negative emotion or memory.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkeBlDkRS5JaOPPjNSWjojvjSSwzaT1Y92y5weyYLV6C1gEhSVT9cdEe_tYNa2LULc9BTvI_TlKQ5nsFFVRM_yWSyKsMcN2WpsOnIJdAkkhEeUw8y7_hLe61PznzehvfD_ZdgTTIGvVU/s1600/velella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkeBlDkRS5JaOPPjNSWjojvjSSwzaT1Y92y5weyYLV6C1gEhSVT9cdEe_tYNa2LULc9BTvI_TlKQ5nsFFVRM_yWSyKsMcN2WpsOnIJdAkkhEeUw8y7_hLe61PznzehvfD_ZdgTTIGvVU/s1600/velella.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As my mind rolled, I watched a young boy with cowboy boots on the wrong feet attempt to make a sand castle where the water breaks. I watched as a German Shepherd ignored every other creature except for his human companion and seagulls. I watched runners trot by me wishing I had remembered my running tights or shorts or any sort of running bottoms. But then I found myself thankful for the walk that was clearing my mind. I watched couples walk hand-in-hand. I watched a young girl attempt to skim board AND catch a Frisbee at the same time...so as not to leave you hanging, I will tell you that she could not. I marveled at the thousands of Velella jelly fish that had washed ashore and littered the beach like beautiful little flowers.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For the first time in a long time I lived. I stood in the moment. I released the past and took in the present. I watched. I listened. I smelled the salt in the air. I felt. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And I realized.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I realized that not all people like me and that is OK. I realized that I make mistakes and that is forgivable. I realized that I work too hard to be paid so little. I realized that the past is the past and it belongs there. I realized my husband and my children are the only people whose opinions truly matter. I realized how good it felt to feel. To not race through life to get to some destination that hasn't even been determined. I realized it is important to let go. It is critical to move forward. I realized my moment hasn't passed. I haven't missed some huge opportunity that I didn't see. I realized my life is still before me. I realized that when I dwell on things or worry too much about what others think that I rob myself of the precious moments at hand. The moment at hand is the moment that matters. The past is gone and the future has yet to be determined. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As I inhaled the crisp air that whipped around me I felt hope. I felt recharged. I felt inspired to live life and not walk through it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Can a simple walk down the beach change your life? It just might!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Vt161rSn1zx0rTim2Z5baPSYRCj887uBGx5YXYk8tO5qfRHplkfc2QJ-3VjlnhNqbl0AgHxRuaGrDf_CRvjXyykzEhPqBCZBC-FFUwxX4AkRikNBj-D0cKrB3Y9biLJAlN5hez3LgwM/s1600/pismo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Vt161rSn1zx0rTim2Z5baPSYRCj887uBGx5YXYk8tO5qfRHplkfc2QJ-3VjlnhNqbl0AgHxRuaGrDf_CRvjXyykzEhPqBCZBC-FFUwxX4AkRikNBj-D0cKrB3Y9biLJAlN5hez3LgwM/s1600/pismo.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212860611652838499.post-65191887877932418742015-01-30T15:20:00.002-08:002015-03-09T14:47:41.940-07:00Dust Bunnies and Dog Hair<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Right after we moved into our rebuilt house here on Smokey Acres we had some friends over for dinner. After a wonderful meal my friend surveyed the house from where he sat and said, "You know, after you have kids your house will never be this clean again." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My heart missed a beat.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"Whaaat?" I questioned.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"It will happen. One day you will be playing with your kid on the floor and you will see a dust ball the size of a cat hiding in a corner."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I shrugged off the comment confident that my compulsive cleanliness could overcome any myths of childhood and a dirty home. But, sleep still evaded me that night as I thought of this possible doom. Surely I could cover most surfaces with plastic shower curtain liners. And, really, Simple Green can clean any mess. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Thankfully, I wasn't so worried about the state of my home that I decided to forgo children altogether. In fact, I have been blessed twice. And, I have to say that my friend, was...positively correct.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I tried like a champ with my firstborn to keep the house in tip-top shape. When he napped, I cleaned. When he went to bed at night, I cleaned. I even tucked him in a Baby Bjorn and made vacuuming a crazy dance. But, ever so slowly the cleaning got away from me. I didn't have the few minutes extra to scrub the floor in the corners. I dusted just once a week, and then every other week, and then only on special occasions. I began to realize that folding the laundry could wait but my baby couldn't.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I still despair about the state of my house. I have a pile of laundry waiting for me to fold while the washing machine churns another load. But, for the dust you will find on my picture frames you will also find:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1. A clean toilet. Dirty toilets are beyond gross so should to come park your tookus on my potty it will be clean.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2. A clean dish. Maybe it will be paper but I will always have a clean plate for you to enjoy a meal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3. Dog hair. This isn't really a plus, but it is a given. Our dogs live with us - or rather we live with them. My floors will always be clean but dog hair hides out in nooks and crannies. I guarantee my dogs' DNA will leave with you when you depart my front door.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ODPuLilEig3Yjv_aDqRv6DUg104akAEtchyAP3eu0IuOMxoKhtsGEzF2W4UAljS4lg6JvLv85Yn64PYLfK5WoWWRr9-g6y1mgdEiPw9q_45uFOycrV2YyFtYshhbZFV1UxJXfnB3DB8/s1600/Kid+Art.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ODPuLilEig3Yjv_aDqRv6DUg104akAEtchyAP3eu0IuOMxoKhtsGEzF2W4UAljS4lg6JvLv85Yn64PYLfK5WoWWRr9-g6y1mgdEiPw9q_45uFOycrV2YyFtYshhbZFV1UxJXfnB3DB8/s1600/Kid+Art.JPG" height="242" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4. Modern Art. Loads of it! Modern as the day is long. And modern as in new...freshly crafted. My office walls, my desk, our kitchen cabinets, and nearly every door in the house has art taped to it. It goes from toddler squiggles to quite impressive superheros, landscapes, and fanciful creatures. Some of it is colorful. Some of it is abstract. All of it is priceless.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">5. A cold beverage. I will always off you something to drink. It may be a juice box, but I will offer it. If you stay longer than a few minutes I will bring out the "snack bowl." The snack bowl is what my kids and their friends and my friends wait eagerly for. On any given day the snack bowl will contain an assortment of child friendly snacks. And, some days, it will have mini packs of cookies in it! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">6. Organization. I may have faltered in my cleanliness but if you need something that I have I will know exactly where it is at. My kitchen cabinets, closets, and office are organized. The bin you need may be a little dusty but it is right where it should be. Organization is my last thread of sanity. I may have lost the battle with the dust bunny but organizing is my life blood. I get goosebumps when I visit The Container Store.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">7. Chaos and joy. You will find dogs and kids running around. You will hear the dishwasher clunking along. You will blow on a picture to see the photo more clearly through the dust. You will see art supplies out and stuffed animals watching TV. You will see childhood in progress.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So, no, my house isn't clean. But life is good. We do messy and we do it well! I am sure when I am old and in my pristine home I be counting the days until the grandkids come over and sweep through it like tornadoes. And, like now, I might just leave the hand prints on the glass a little longer because I will know they to will be grown before I know it. </span> Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212860611652838499.post-50883872120278592582014-06-23T14:56:00.002-07:002014-06-24T15:12:05.696-07:00Wagon Train<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This past week we escaped to <a href="http://www.humelake.org/">Hume Lake</a> in the Sequoia National Forest. My entire tribe went to Wagon Train. My kids were campers and my husband and I served as counselors. The week was devoted to growing the kids in their faith through a number of extremely fun activities. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The kids rappelled and focused on trusting the ropes - trusting in Jesus to get them through even the most daunting tasks. They shot arrows as they focused on the bulls-eye - learning to focus on God before aiming for anything.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwSDGqymLN6dNLshZHy7A2QjuFij_zXzZfwlVvX2_otfvapckfaqOMroMWvryFHNvX59p8IZvuLbPr0kzn37w8oTNScwc6S04dzS5O_Dxp_Abs3zvUYDh0RrOnaq9vTDSXPmRGTh3keI/s1600/100_7925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwSDGqymLN6dNLshZHy7A2QjuFij_zXzZfwlVvX2_otfvapckfaqOMroMWvryFHNvX59p8IZvuLbPr0kzn37w8oTNScwc6S04dzS5O_Dxp_Abs3zvUYDh0RrOnaq9vTDSXPmRGTh3keI/s1600/100_7925.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It was an incredible week of growth for my kids and my husband and me. We slept in covered wagons that were not the most comfortable or the warmest of conditions but it was a fun experience nevertheless. Each wagon bunked nine children and one counselor. I was thankful mine only had seven girls. We had two extra beds for the volumes of luggage little girls bring. One of my campers had a complete set of gear from rolling suitcase to toiletry bag and everything in between!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOT_tSi2xrie-4HTspza5oziDGdQoFKGamYPpnN0MfNBkrONjOrwrxfFE3CoOCMa_SAiSkE26rgTnTsUyr9EAS6mBO462k7zhDUQvJu2iY3GRJPyU-5ZLU24jViIGLtOqMf_9-VrXQMkM/s1600/100_7853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOT_tSi2xrie-4HTspza5oziDGdQoFKGamYPpnN0MfNBkrONjOrwrxfFE3CoOCMa_SAiSkE26rgTnTsUyr9EAS6mBO462k7zhDUQvJu2iY3GRJPyU-5ZLU24jViIGLtOqMf_9-VrXQMkM/s1600/100_7853.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a> All camp attendees had chapel twice a day and two hours of recreation with our trail guide. This is where the campers rappelled and shot BB guns and played an awesome game of David and Goliath...campers verses counselors. Recreation was followed by three hours of free time in which campers scoured the camp and did any number of fun activities. They canoed, swam, played Gau Gau ball, did crafts, zip-lined, conquered the big swing, explored the Hermit's Cave and reached the very tops of an amazing forest tree house...it was endless amounts of fun!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VcLxA1SoXr58_sQvV-y4nTVWiu03hKzqL9gSlAkBZKMIgW1OVv7hqKRnvAN9-HPf-Wgrjhn7aJ1t0vmrR9yOa0wi1ZKap8aBny-EY2mhENIGmgGaysGSC65I044w9ra3UqOKViXiSw0/s1600/100_7869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VcLxA1SoXr58_sQvV-y4nTVWiu03hKzqL9gSlAkBZKMIgW1OVv7hqKRnvAN9-HPf-Wgrjhn7aJ1t0vmrR9yOa0wi1ZKap8aBny-EY2mhENIGmgGaysGSC65I044w9ra3UqOKViXiSw0/s1600/100_7869.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> The coolest thing was that Wagon Train is a private camp. Kids can't get out and people can't get in. The kids have this amazing ability to run and have all this fun without being helicoptered by a parent. We counselors were always around and often took groups to different activities but it wasn't required. My kids enjoyed freedom like they have never experienced.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I learned so much too. I learned that my kids can do far more than I believed they could. When I saw my daughter pop on down the rock rappelling with no fear I realized she is SO capable of so much. I learned that fun can be a ball and an open space. Not all fun needs to be planned into a formal activity. Fun can be anything! I also learned to be present. A week without technology was blissful. I learned that technology can wait...my kids are what is important and I want to give them the best bits of me. They deserve more than the remnants of mom.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWVuSa5MIlzVtRRSsSeapU8_PWbKkGbhOYoull7VFDk_pE8EPNqvAXv1_hulShxgRK4Tf9MI547piMi6E4s_WaFJXbp71UPSBrK7Y1gONuI5L89gp0MvYTlI_qfl2jnsgCKBUHDkIF_8/s1600/100_7879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWVuSa5MIlzVtRRSsSeapU8_PWbKkGbhOYoull7VFDk_pE8EPNqvAXv1_hulShxgRK4Tf9MI547piMi6E4s_WaFJXbp71UPSBrK7Y1gONuI5L89gp0MvYTlI_qfl2jnsgCKBUHDkIF_8/s1600/100_7879.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Each evening after dinner the counselors and campers would head to the field for a camp-wide game. This was a ridiculous amount of fun. I ran like a kid and cheered and whooped! The game was different every night but just as fun as the night before. The camp is divided into Wildcats and Blackbears and I am happy to say the Wildcats were recognized as camp champs by the end of the week.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vAjOkR4kq_ud1t1pCV_OU24cyTI0Pd0DTNgKWQK7MI-V_fgjTN8GYCrvrABmSoKCKFEWfW5gbvFQsZy8v5M-xwl0qdtXXP6-vDx39wPZ_P49B1IJJB6XdCcSwtbLMksz94uIxNMeTWw/s1600/100_7881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vAjOkR4kq_ud1t1pCV_OU24cyTI0Pd0DTNgKWQK7MI-V_fgjTN8GYCrvrABmSoKCKFEWfW5gbvFQsZy8v5M-xwl0qdtXXP6-vDx39wPZ_P49B1IJJB6XdCcSwtbLMksz94uIxNMeTWw/s1600/100_7881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vAjOkR4kq_ud1t1pCV_OU24cyTI0Pd0DTNgKWQK7MI-V_fgjTN8GYCrvrABmSoKCKFEWfW5gbvFQsZy8v5M-xwl0qdtXXP6-vDx39wPZ_P49B1IJJB6XdCcSwtbLMksz94uIxNMeTWw/s1600/100_7881.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It wasn't an easy week and I desperately longed for my shower and bed by mid-week but it was fun. It was a gift to be treasured. My kids can't wait to go again next year...and maybe I will too. We'll see what the God Lord has planned.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAUDlbloOJhsLMlHBNl3fCnbLK2Srm_0vC01YXKv9HIT4TcJOCjJxoEikll49XNpMrpgeQqmxOQEwNAvSgG_3fyNt2FKr-J10ouuaJwUFTjXVOKCdr9_p0zPXpvSI-in_M2AXLwm4BNU/s1600/100_7851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAUDlbloOJhsLMlHBNl3fCnbLK2Srm_0vC01YXKv9HIT4TcJOCjJxoEikll49XNpMrpgeQqmxOQEwNAvSgG_3fyNt2FKr-J10ouuaJwUFTjXVOKCdr9_p0zPXpvSI-in_M2AXLwm4BNU/s1600/100_7851.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span> </div>
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212860611652838499.post-16659939415240788902014-06-12T17:05:00.003-07:002014-06-12T17:05:55.815-07:00Summer is here!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Summer is in full swing at Smokey Acres. The outside thermometer is pulsating in the heat and the air conditioner is whirling non-stop even though the house is closed and the shades are drawn. We tapped out at 109 degrees the very day we left the cool of the Pacific Ocean and return to our drought-stricken valley.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvSXGjR3zsF5v3Oc04zrH3cYYWCXUH2DGY_PSrf4Yez-das_3ggRk7hrHdvpo7g5bNeQbVKUuu0AzqchtfOP75qNwh7Y7uMA_z8PZg3rdXy845ze3dhex1Llq69HDNn2aGzLLSVlPLnA/s1600/100_7829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvSXGjR3zsF5v3Oc04zrH3cYYWCXUH2DGY_PSrf4Yez-das_3ggRk7hrHdvpo7g5bNeQbVKUuu0AzqchtfOP75qNwh7Y7uMA_z8PZg3rdXy845ze3dhex1Llq69HDNn2aGzLLSVlPLnA/s1600/100_7829.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After the kids ended their school year we emptied out backpacks and lunch bags and then promptly retreated to Pismo Beach. The coolness of the air and the crash of the waves was enough to let our spirits recharge. Well, recharge until it was time to climb into a tent with two steamy kids and no ventilation. It smelled like feet laced with halitosis. But, smell, uneven landscape, and condensation aside...it was a great trip.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLLdmcOZmDTfZvf7O2Tnxy7nq8ppoW07ar_vghU_YgXFAyb-zaa-GBwXdXqh3I3d3iJeiJhsAqhtBj4EUhUmWQd_bo5xN47NJPIqFK_xeNQIzqVQs7KiV7V4b_yBFdSeatQfrNgooA40/s1600/100_7833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLLdmcOZmDTfZvf7O2Tnxy7nq8ppoW07ar_vghU_YgXFAyb-zaa-GBwXdXqh3I3d3iJeiJhsAqhtBj4EUhUmWQd_bo5xN47NJPIqFK_xeNQIzqVQs7KiV7V4b_yBFdSeatQfrNgooA40/s1600/100_7833.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We were able to rent the kids some wetsuits </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> from an interesting old codger who looked like a salty old pirate</span>. With wetsuits keeping them warm, the kids were able to enjoy their boogie boards ALL day. And I mean, short break for lunch, then back to the waves...ALL day! They had sand in every nook, cranny, and crevice but that didn't stop the smiles. My kids are inexplicably drawn to water so to spend the day in the crashing waves was pure joy!</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6abRzYcY2yZCG-S8_wwPYlHIkVCbOYQiv0LtcfAPiHMkZ0D97HbejEUrBQ__STQ7bO0JlyXCXEMbOjznewWHmvAShGFOgifuFCw4zF1TPYZrRcn4AeyvhVv707XXF_hFgVNsKx7RoRU/s1600/100_7830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6abRzYcY2yZCG-S8_wwPYlHIkVCbOYQiv0LtcfAPiHMkZ0D97HbejEUrBQ__STQ7bO0JlyXCXEMbOjznewWHmvAShGFOgifuFCw4zF1TPYZrRcn4AeyvhVv707XXF_hFgVNsKx7RoRU/s1600/100_7830.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I am so glad we kicked off summer with a trip west. The beach is not far from us but it still takes planning to get the tribe gathered and gone. We joined friends at the campground whose kids are classmates with mine. They were ready to welcome summer with s'mores and hot dogs on a skewer like us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now we are baking back home in the valley and preparing for Wagon Train! We will actually sleep in covered wagons at 5,200 feet elevation. I am excited but also nervous. I will have 10 giggly girls in my charge. I have not been to camp before and I have never be a counselor of any sort so this will definitely be an adventure. I am praying it will be a great experience! I am excited for my kids too. This is their first adventure at summer camp. My dear friend says she can't wait to hear the stories when we come back. She said were we go, the stories follow. I hope I don't disappoint and I hope the stories are all something to laugh about! </span>Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212860611652838499.post-42837674044669369822014-06-02T19:02:00.002-07:002014-06-02T19:02:22.022-07:00Summertime!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnCjAhbMeoNE4LRiDkNmkPqeRlMMtfdA0uYjqUImtE4qWuXUz9v7Y0TGAei-BdyBKqqtnk90PnpGdjjmyrstSHN_pyebrGXvqpqshZWb-Kn69KtKo6vVAnh0L47-OUak3S-MlXvAVaXs/s1600/sharks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnCjAhbMeoNE4LRiDkNmkPqeRlMMtfdA0uYjqUImtE4qWuXUz9v7Y0TGAei-BdyBKqqtnk90PnpGdjjmyrstSHN_pyebrGXvqpqshZWb-Kn69KtKo6vVAnh0L47-OUak3S-MlXvAVaXs/s1600/sharks.JPG" height="217" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One more week and the kids are off for summer. I am quite excited about this. I know there will be days when I will want to bang my head against my desk and weep when I have to work and the kids are circling me like sharks. They will know my question before I ask it. "Uh, Mom? No one is bleeding but..."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While the hubs and I must continue to earn paychecks this summer we do have adventures planned. Some short and some longish. It will be a good opportunity to spend time together as a family and remember why we like each other. The kids are excited to sleep in. They are happy at the prospect of not hearing me sing my way down the hall to wake them up at 6:30 each morning. Somehow, <i>Zippity Doo Dah</i>, is not music to their ears.They are looking forward to <strike>play dates</strike> occasions to hang out with friends. They minds are set to swimming and s'mores and sand. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am hopeful that the weeks of summer will not travel by too quickly. I need to recharge and I hope the weeks dawdle a bit. I don't want to speed through summer and enter the school year at full throttle prepared for burn-out by October. We have to at least make it to November before the morning battles begin!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We'll see what the summer brings! Four days and counting!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212860611652838499.post-63168264869896882942014-05-21T15:33:00.001-07:002014-05-21T15:33:08.133-07:00Time to regroup, refocus, recharge, reconsider!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have been working in college publishing for nearly 14
years. I was thinking back to my previous jobs and it is so odd that these
positions that were once a large part of my life are fading memories. Names I
used to know are gone. Tasks I used to do daily are little blips in my memory I
can barely recall. Company events that I helped plan are on the very fringes of
my memory stores.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I remember clearly what I disliked about my jobs and the
people that made my life miserable. But, I donât recall as many fun times or
moments of intense learning. I had bosses I liked and bosses I loathed. I had
really wonderful people that I worked with that I canât even recall enough of
their names to find them on Facebook. Was is Suzie or Lucy? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I donât even remember if I was excited about those jobs. Did
I wake up eager to get to the office? I donât think so. I just got up and did
my thing. I got out the door and clocked in right on time. I do recall being
excited about Thursday. Thursday was the day before Friday and Friday at 5pm I
was free. I sort of miss detaching from work on Friday at 5pm. Now, much of my
work is from my home office and it is harder to check out. With cell phones I
can be contacted at any time of day, weekend or not. That is a bit maddening.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After 14 years with the company I now work for so much of
what I do is just ingrained in me. It is often exceedingly boring but every so
often I get to scout out new info or wrangle a new challenge. I keep hoping to
move up the ladder a bit but the rungs are full of folks that really need to
retire. When I am of retirement age I will retire. I wonât hang onto a position
that some new blood is thirsty for. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have seen so many people come and go from this
organization. I am always curious where they went and why. I have checked out a
few opportunities over the years and I have been offered a few different positions.
I wonder if there are any I should have accepted. If I hadnât followed the path
I am currently on I would never have met my husband. But, perhaps it is time to
branch out into other things and seek new opportunities? If I do, will this
place become a foggy memory in a few yearsâ time? Will the excitement of
something new quickly fade to some boring reality?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My son wrote about his life 20 years from now for an Open
House project at school. His last line is: <b>Most
importantly, I will have fun doing what I like. </b>Where did he get so wise
and did I miss that boat already? I know I donât do what I love for living. I
enjoy bits of it but I donât wake up and dance around that I get to work today.
I want that. I want to <i>have fun doing
what I like. </i>I want to dance around full of joy for the work day ahead. Why
must work be labor? Why canât it be fun? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I think something is amiss if I canât look back on my career
and say, âYes. That was quite awesome work I did. I really enjoyed my years
there.â If my memories are strained then they arenât shrouded in awesomeness.
Clearly I am eking out a living instead of joyfully providing for my family. I
really need to <i>have fun doing what I
like.</i> I need an overhaul! </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am tired. I am stressed. I am underpaid. AndâŚI donât even
get bubblies in my tummy over my work? Oy vie! Time to reconsider and
reprioritize. </span></span></div>
Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212860611652838499.post-85323948620025003992014-05-21T09:51:00.001-07:002014-05-21T09:51:36.406-07:00Open House<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We attended Open House last night for my kids' school. One of the projects my son completed was a poem using the letters of his name. Our daughter was the first to spot his poem on the wall. I knew something was wrong when the steam started to eek from her ears. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Look at what Mitchell wrote for 'E'," she seethed.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I squinted my eyes and read out loud, "Ellie is my sis and she likes to hiss!" I did a snort before composing myself.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"It isn't funny, Mom!" Ellie....hissed.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Well, it kind of is," I told her.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">She gave me the stink-eye and replied, "I better get Mrs. B when I am in fourth grade so I can write about him! Hmph!"</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Siblings!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Aside from Ellie's ire over the poem we did have a lot of fun checking out what the kids have been working on this year. They have been busy! </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5fF_-pk1Tn1vBjmukQSqQ94FJ0whdk2AsepC_xUT31DaxbqoErGYZa_JDf_yUnaNn3ZSfa_wTJy2RzD2_d1uCMN6pHm1570xCgknRcAPbCMvxYcTprULqAilewqzMnyg1tBWi1P0FTA/s1600/Ellie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5fF_-pk1Tn1vBjmukQSqQ94FJ0whdk2AsepC_xUT31DaxbqoErGYZa_JDf_yUnaNn3ZSfa_wTJy2RzD2_d1uCMN6pHm1570xCgknRcAPbCMvxYcTprULqAilewqzMnyg1tBWi1P0FTA/s1600/Ellie.JPG" height="200" width="169" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In merely second grade, Ellie completed a lengthy report on sharks filled with interesting facts about these "killing machines." Her favorite was the Hammerhead which she sculpted with the help of Dad out of foam and paper mache. In fact, all of the <strike>parents</strike>...I mean, kids... projects turned out great!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was blown away by the level of the work the students completed this year. When I was in second grade I think we were still reading about Seeing Spot Run. Ellie had written haiku's and learned about butterflies and their proboscis'. Amazing!</span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6Rgr-6yC16wW3UhERD49Suu1LaLgYog6VHKqBunrUD8UxO5gG9kgUmWw0eH1MswCuuwKBezE0ffI2KAFqyk_SQzoth2RuQ05UI0D05P9uRDg3KnpToCtjyCqwfYWzur92aI3Ok7hhOQ/s1600/Mitchell.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6Rgr-6yC16wW3UhERD49Suu1LaLgYog6VHKqBunrUD8UxO5gG9kgUmWw0eH1MswCuuwKBezE0ffI2KAFqyk_SQzoth2RuQ05UI0D05P9uRDg3KnpToCtjyCqwfYWzur92aI3Ok7hhOQ/s1600/Mitchell.JPG" height="200" width="161" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mitchell completed an amazing level of work also in addition to his clever poem. He did a touch and feel report on the Miwok Indians that rivaled any high school report I ever completed. He had written amazingly descriptive imagery paragraphs and put together a very detailed diorama. I also learned that in 20 years he will be living at the beach while making a living being a pro-skateboarder. You know...I hope he makes it happen. There is no rule that says he has to be a white collar worker. I truly want both of my kids to find their passion and work at that. Now, If I could just get him to smile in photos instead of giving me that "I wish I was anywhere but here look" we would be set!</span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span>Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212860611652838499.post-49910786188995438642014-05-17T19:05:00.000-07:002018-06-13T15:16:26.476-07:00Best Buddies<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My kids are 7 and 9 and they each have an amazing best friend. They are social kids and have a lot of friends at school but they also have that one, amazing go-to person that they would spend every waking minute with if they could.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My son is small and wily and his best buddy is a full head taller and more precise in his movements. He and my son complement one another. They enjoy much of the same things and are both very grounded. They are in that transition phase from child to I-am-young-but-not-a-child. Neither one makes fun of the other for having Nemo sheets on the bed or a nightlight. They accept one another and have each other's back. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My son encouraged his buddy to join the triathlon team with him and his buddy is surprising himself by running and even enjoying it! They talk about everything from Legos to Disneyland to God in Heaven. I enjoy listening to them talk about crazy things and crazy plans they have. My hope is that they will always be best buddies.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My daughter is also blessed with an amazing best friend. Her bestie told me that my daughter is the candy-coating to her M&M's! They are seven! The girls are not as mellow as the boys. They squeal and giggle. They have little toy squirrels that they tend to and coo over. They often put their heads together and whisper light-hearted secrets. They are in sync like no other children I have met. They link arms and dance around and they accept new friends to their group. They have a seemingly easy friendship but I believe it is iron-clad. Theirs will be a friendship that withstands the years.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In looking back at my childhood I remember one friend that lived next-door to my grandmother. We were locked at the hip from about six to 16. She ended up getting pregnant in high school and moving to Texas with her new baby and new husband. I lost touch with her as she began her new life.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I missed out on those rock solid friendships built in childhood but God instead blessed me with the most amazing friends later in life. My girlfriends now are as close as family if not closer. They have my back and my heart. They are the kind of friends that will show up with shovels - no questions asked. They accept my dorkiness and are there will the rope seems to be rapidly fraying. I can't imagine a world without my friends and I am so thankful my kids are already off to a good start.</span>Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212860611652838499.post-18994087633814770012014-05-13T09:44:00.002-07:002014-05-13T09:44:41.345-07:00Being Spent<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">One of my biggest flaws as a parent is giving my family the leftovers. Not leftovers from past meals - those leftovers are gems - but the leftovers of myself. The bits of me that are left over after a stressful day. The dribs and drabs of mom that didn't get taken by colleagues or customers or even the bank teller.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8mvaW-0zVdv7Q1OSiyjRpLCksIqQiw5WqCc4yOiiU14flrZYJ6ZiCKGQHvMfhhR67xFCfy56kaw10Ug5RTCEw3N_EomTbXCskVlXfMqTKazUj_oVNxu-Cq_SiJjPz9GTJbhkMjM0B-k/s1600/multitasking_woman+stress+aaram.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8mvaW-0zVdv7Q1OSiyjRpLCksIqQiw5WqCc4yOiiU14flrZYJ6ZiCKGQHvMfhhR67xFCfy56kaw10Ug5RTCEw3N_EomTbXCskVlXfMqTKazUj_oVNxu-Cq_SiJjPz9GTJbhkMjM0B-k/s1600/multitasking_woman+stress+aaram.gif" height="181" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As I progress through my day I often find my joy dwindling. It is almost like I only have a certain amount to give and then I become weary. Of course I want to be kind and courteous to those I work with and work for. They don't need to see the weary Jen I tuck away. And, most assuredly, I want to lift up my friends who are struggling and share in the joy of their victories. I am kind to the bank tellers and grocery clerks. I am friendly with the people I pass on my run or at the gym. I wave to moms on the way to school. I chat with teachers and girlfriends. I respond to emails in exclamation points and happy faces. I smile, I laugh, I delight, I grow weary. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I sing and dance in the kitchen while I make dinner and I go through the motions to clean up the dishes. I ask my children to get their showers. They resist. I say, "Please." They ask, "Why? Can't we just have five more minutes?" And, then I am done. I start my count, "One! I'm at two!" I never get to three and I am ever so thankful. I have no idea what happens at three? Do they lose electronic for a day? Do they have to clean the bathrooms? I really need to develop a plan for "three!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEhPdber-sSd0bjg663X63HnBFVr3Mnzy0pr0KFD5nDQ6MVYaN_Yu-YU315EV7Fel-X7p0-C2Dv4XtOBLIngWAINSZsk5mrDvzlONbD_web9xLk-S0oGcSdfuGOnYRv0OUpEOFqdEqLE/s1600/im-a-great-mom.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEhPdber-sSd0bjg663X63HnBFVr3Mnzy0pr0KFD5nDQ6MVYaN_Yu-YU315EV7Fel-X7p0-C2Dv4XtOBLIngWAINSZsk5mrDvzlONbD_web9xLk-S0oGcSdfuGOnYRv0OUpEOFqdEqLE/s1600/im-a-great-mom.png" height="140" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I thought it was just that my kids knew how to push my buttons - and they do! But, mostly I see that I am frustrated because I am spent. I have given so much of myself away during the day that I have very little good bits left to offer the people that mean the most to me as the day closes. My patience is thin for sibling wars and procrastination. My kids are being kids but I sometimes forget what it is like to be 7 and 9 years old. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />Kids doddle because they see the joy. They know it is fun to sing in the mirror even if Mom has asked them to shower four times. They know it is crazy delightful to jump on the bed even if they are supposed to be getting their pajamas on. They love to irritate siblings even if they have been told to brush their teeth. Kids are kids. Attention spans are short. Shining objects are distracting. And, mud truly beckons their attention.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I catch myself every time my fuse is short. And I get angry at myself. Why was I so nice to the lady at the pizza parlor and am so frustrated with my children? Why do I spare so little joy for these little people that are my biggest gifts?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I try hard to pick my battles. I don't want to wig out over mud tracked into the house - but I also wonder why these beautiful little beings can't wipe their feet? I will count to 10 before I asked them - again - to pick up their shoes and sweaty socks from the living room. I will smile and say, "I love you! Now, I really need you to hop in the shower." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My goal is to open a reserve in my heart for extra joy. I need to store it away during the day so I can release it to my family as the day closes. I need to say, "Yes. You can have five more minutes." And, I need to embrace their childhood. I need to cherish the chaos instead of weeping over my stumbles as an overwrought parent. I need to realize that in the scope of world, mud on my floors is minuscule. I will save good portions of Mom for my kids each day. I won't promise to be perfect because I know I can't walk on water. But, I will try my hardest to save the top-of-the-line Mom qualities for my kids each day. And, my poor husband! I need to remember that I am not just a mom but a wife as well. </span>Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212860611652838499.post-40530905104065263332014-05-09T15:20:00.002-07:002014-05-09T15:20:41.043-07:00The Mother of All Hoods<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Motherhood. The mother of all hoods. Truly.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Motherhood outweighs adulthood which doesn't even compare to childhood. Motherhood encompasses both of those hoods. You get to be an adult but you also remember what it is like to be a kid. You get to act silly and eat fun cereal all while having the ability to drive and set the rules. But, adulthood also comes with major responsibility which is why I think childhood edges it out. My children never worry that the fridge will be empty or the toilet paper supply will be low. They just eat and go and know that mom has them covered. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There is parenthood and fatherhood. Those are great, but still, motherhood wins. Mothers have magic kisses that make wounds feel better and magic hugs that make everything seem right. We know how to dry tears and calm nerves. We can test a child on spelling words while making dinner. We balance an amazing number of responsibilities but know that our greatest accomplishment is our children. Parents and fathers are amazing...but there is just something extra special about moms.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Servanthood is a hood that bites! And, falsehoods should be avoided. Brotherhoods are fine but somewhat ominous sounding. Sisterhoods remind me of sororities. I never had a good impression of sororities. Truth be told, I am sure the sorority girls I met where not shining examples of the sisterhood. But, all the same, they never left me wanting to join their ranks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now, knighthood is pretty cool. To be declared a knight would be a pretty slick feat. There is a lot of status that comes with knighthood. But, as a woman, I think knighthood would just not be my thing. I am not the sturdiest or most graceful gal. If I did mange to walk upright in a suit of armor, it would not be for long. Knights are dashing and bold, not cute and clumsy. And, I think the magic kisses still give motherhood</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> priority</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> over knighthood.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Puppyhood is delightful, but just a phase. Motherhood is a lifetime achievement. Sainthood is awesome, but comes with controversy. I guess motherhood can come with controversy as well, but it seems the sight of the newborn baby makes a lot of difficult stuff melt away.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Livelihood is an important hood - probably neck and neck with motherhood. As the ability to survive and provide a life for a family, livelihood is important. But, if push came to shove, I could set up a sweet shack for my tribe. No, it would not be awesome. As moms, we want to provide the best for our children. I don't work full-time so I can buy myself new clothes and fancy frills. I work so I can buy clothes that fit my growing children and enough food to fill their seemingly bottomless stomachs. I work for the betterment of my family. And, I work so I can buy Lucky Charms.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There is also the hood... the flat out "hood." In my neck of the woods the hood is bad and scary. It comes with images of gangs and drive-by shootings. The hood is where you don't want to be when darkness falls. Bob and weave is the way to play it in the hood. And the hood definitely is no match for motherhood.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNy4XKInuVzHl2pqSwEmrk_Hn2TUe6dzSpAJAsIIxrG_3Jf1GvyqXVF7D7iPeGkfIhBfSJsS-mHdO4HQht8KoNmVvgJs0yWLfrP9Qb4PoaBnT1MyyCJzk-uOy4jD-E3D36EEBCYpxZs0/s1600/capes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNy4XKInuVzHl2pqSwEmrk_Hn2TUe6dzSpAJAsIIxrG_3Jf1GvyqXVF7D7iPeGkfIhBfSJsS-mHdO4HQht8KoNmVvgJs0yWLfrP9Qb4PoaBnT1MyyCJzk-uOy4jD-E3D36EEBCYpxZs0/s1600/capes.jpg" height="288" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Motherhood. The hood that represents many woman and what we do. We try our best and get it done. We roll out of bed each day ready (or bracing!) for another adventure. We wear hundreds of different hats for our hundreds of different roles. At the end of the day there is no paycheck, no benefits package, and no paid time off. There is however work yet to be done. Laundry to wash, laundry to fold, laundry to put away. We don't get paid with cash but we do get rewarded with grimy faces and shining eyes. We get the gentlest hugs and the briefest of kisses on the cheek. We get details of the day from an innocent perspective. And, we get wiggly bodies to tuck into bed. We get more joy than one could possibly expect from even the faintest smile of a child. Motherhood. Probably the toughest hood around but definitely the best!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Happy Mother's Day!</span>Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212860611652838499.post-11097488764850990832014-05-07T12:20:00.000-07:002014-05-07T12:20:09.740-07:00Celebrating the Small Stuff<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here at Smokey Acres we celebrate the smallest of victories. Getting to school on time - in clean clothes no less - is high-five worthy! It is a double-high five if neither child utters, "Something is poking my bottom" as they fish for a random foxtail that transferred from socks to underpants in the laundry.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We cheer for dinners without spills and bike ride with no skinned knees. We like when jumping on the bed doesn't lead to broken crowns and when tree climbing is scrape-free. It is awesome - though rare - when roller skating finishes without the need for a Band-Aid. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We also get completely giddy over kind words. I will pause whatever I am doing to celebrate a "please" or "thank you" given from child to child. It is an amazing sound after years of "give me that!" and "I said it's MINE!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I know that children need to learn about failure and that it is not good to build them up constantly. I agree. But, celebrating the small stuff is not wrongly teaching them that life is easy...it is teaching them that life is good, even when it is hard.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My big thing is being thankful. Thankful for the clothes on my back and the crop of wimpy hair on my head. Thankful for my big nose and my big feet. I want my kids to be thankful in all circumstances. That is why we celebrate everything from bee stings that actually didn't hurt that bad to a trip to Disneyland.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Our house is chaos. I bow to mothers that have more that two children. I don't know how they do it. I have two and I am exhausted. I work full-time and juggle mom duties and feel completely spent at the end of the day. If we don't have little victory dances here and there I might miss some of the wonderfulness of motherhood. Which, is of course, the mother of all hoods.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Take time to celebrate this day! Your child got a "B" but did their best - Hooray! Enjoy as many fleeting moments as possible. Time goes by too fast! Celebrate and savor the small stuff and much as the big stuff.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212860611652838499.post-65117411865705498922014-05-01T12:27:00.001-07:002014-05-01T15:16:10.888-07:00The Clock Keeps Ticking But The Phone's Not Ringing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpWi4P85HoJru5wivnV8fkiGQRwi6gQIUItEF2DW3yhKYLV2GJXkR3MftUzi3CJ0TZTi_FWJW6rtYy9hx0Kz_K4HAFO1fk3U57N8HJxhJWhUcYPGzu8-vnXV9GN40tc38HeS2D_PpGbg/s1600/clock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpWi4P85HoJru5wivnV8fkiGQRwi6gQIUItEF2DW3yhKYLV2GJXkR3MftUzi3CJ0TZTi_FWJW6rtYy9hx0Kz_K4HAFO1fk3U57N8HJxhJWhUcYPGzu8-vnXV9GN40tc38HeS2D_PpGbg/s1600/clock.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Waiting is so hard! Patience has never been a gift of mine. I know good things come to those who wait but I feel I will positively shrivel up before that happens.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am waiting on news. It is news that could be amazingly awesome or a total bummer. The news has weight to it. Either way it shakes out it has some heft. It is going to be life-bolstering or life-affirming. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Though I know God has His awesome hand on this, my stomach is in knots. I have prayed for His will to be done; it is still nail biting to actually see what His will is. Jeremiah 29:11 - I am holding onto this scripture!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am beyond ready to burst forth with some aspects of my life so this news is particularly timely. I am on the starting blocks, ready to run...I just hope I don't lose this race before I even start it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Why can't time move this slow when I am at Disneyland? </span>Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212860611652838499.post-61474441938278623442014-04-30T09:25:00.001-07:002014-04-30T09:25:28.429-07:00July 15, 2000...best day ever! <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was thinking about the day I first met my husband. It was a hot July morning in 2000. I had been invited by a co-worker to go jet skiing and, unlike the previous two times, I was actually going this time. I was only going because my coworker promised that if I didn't go, he would never invite me to anything ever again. I thought that was rather harsh but I didn't want to be scratched off the future party list so I hauled myself out of bed and drove 40 minutes to the home he shared with his wife.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Although I was going, I was running late. The location of my friend's home was in a new housing development where homes were still being built. I remember screeching around the corner - as much as my little Saturn could screech - and kicking up a massive about of dust that had settled in the road. I opened my door and enter the brown cloud of debris. I grumbled as I grabbed my bag of gear and slammed my car door shut. As I stepped away from my car I paused because the most handsome man caught my eye. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My future husband was barefoot and bronzed. He was adjusting tie-downs on a trailer that was loaded with three jet skis. He looked up and smiled and I did a little "hello" wave. I pried my eyes off of Todd to see my friend, Steve, emerge from the garage. He said, "Hey, Jen! You made it this time! This is my friend Todd. We are going to ride in his truck." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Steve's wife and I climbed into the backseat of Todd's Ford Bronco and thus began the beginning of the best years of my life. I had NO idea that Todd was single. In fact, I doubted that he was the more we talked. I assumed there was no way this catch was not on a baited hook. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Anyone who has jet skied knows it is not an attractive sport. There is lake hair; water boogers; a face devoid of all make-up. So, imagine my sheer horror when, after hours out flopping around in the water, my friend's wife leans in and says, "So?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Sooooo?" I replied.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"So! What do you think of Todd?" she asked.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"I think he seems like a nice guy," I said.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Don't tell me that Steve didn't tell you?" </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Tell me what?" I asked.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"That this is a set-up! We are hooking you and Todd up!" She screeched with delight.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"What?" I questioned as sheer panic took over. I grabbed my beach towel and blew my nose. I re-adjusted my ball cap and smoothed out my swimsuit. I sat up straighter and brushed potato chips crumbs off my chair. This was a code red - date formation in progress!</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpPu0SvzPRAyY_vg7SNTeIwtHCaOAmHLBb2pAX-rhkKIeVNkypdm-qQ-Sc4JdC3h811cqCevMKViMFYXpM-0L17gThkkGvVbs5qkJbJKp_SD8HWhqSnzg80qfEFBd0Ikpme9L_8cjazI/s1600/jetskiing.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpPu0SvzPRAyY_vg7SNTeIwtHCaOAmHLBb2pAX-rhkKIeVNkypdm-qQ-Sc4JdC3h811cqCevMKViMFYXpM-0L17gThkkGvVbs5qkJbJKp_SD8HWhqSnzg80qfEFBd0Ikpme9L_8cjazI/s1600/jetskiing.png" height="180" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Later, Todd and I laughed about my animated day of mastering the jet ski. I was so grateful that I didn't know it was a set-up. Without that background information I was able to enjoy the day and be myself. The minute I knew the day was created with a plan my nerves ignited and my words jumbled.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While I remember the day down to the most minute detail my husband remembers it in broader terms. He said he remembers me pulling up in a cloud of dust and seeing my legs pop out of my car door. At that moment, he says he was hooked. He knew it was a set-up and apparently he was excited I had legs. He also said he enjoyed watching me take on his favorite activity of those days. He loved watching me crash and thrash around on the jet skiis and get back on a do it again. The man that never intended to marry said that was the day something changed. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It seems we both met our match that day. We busted out of the gate and have never looked back. Lake hair...water boogers...and I still found my guy. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212860611652838499.post-54094668532246534582014-04-29T17:21:00.001-07:002014-04-29T17:21:07.311-07:00The Breakfast of Champions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyahxlv3MJZ2BSlyLgBC0U9AB9-j75dzsb1-DeKKaFLq1AZ8IpzATutO5qZVnl-Fhyphenhyphene7WIA3gQOKSXpQ9KDTJa8DB0FgF8zCCGnl_cEJzR0ecwZWlgXZtWqhISL5I40cl091fXYRwjHdM/s1600/Wheaties.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyahxlv3MJZ2BSlyLgBC0U9AB9-j75dzsb1-DeKKaFLq1AZ8IpzATutO5qZVnl-Fhyphenhyphene7WIA3gQOKSXpQ9KDTJa8DB0FgF8zCCGnl_cEJzR0ecwZWlgXZtWqhISL5I40cl091fXYRwjHdM/s1600/Wheaties.JPG" height="200" width="144" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Today I started my day with Wheaties! That's right! Whole wheat goodness. I polished off the Lucky Charms yesterday so when I opened the pantry and saw the orange box staring me down this morning my happy little heart did a sad sigh. I love Lucky Charms. I bought Lucky Charms for myself the moment I started doing my own grocery shopping. I don't have them everyday but when I find them on sale, I stock up. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_Em1ZVHTrSoXizlBLHVvGOTc5SvUYhBYtBo1MyaJKn6cdkgEt3eYLVSc3X808UM5LvKYEFV2ZzdXFB4kYWnqmmvCjgacvFx5XaI9UwchVUpk75gb0WW6nuF8iw7L-aK0fEQdblaN0bw/s1600/lucky+Charms.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_Em1ZVHTrSoXizlBLHVvGOTc5SvUYhBYtBo1MyaJKn6cdkgEt3eYLVSc3X808UM5LvKYEFV2ZzdXFB4kYWnqmmvCjgacvFx5XaI9UwchVUpk75gb0WW6nuF8iw7L-aK0fEQdblaN0bw/s1600/lucky+Charms.JPG" height="200" width="137" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Wheaties were new to me. They were on sale and I had additional savings on my club card. I sort of <i>had </i>to buy them. Not buying them would be wasting a saving opportunity. To be honest, I hoped my kids would eat them before me. Once they spied their deep brown color though they politely asked for toast.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have had cereal disappointments before. Take Grape Nuts for instance. Good old wheat and barley baked to the consistency of gravel. The small box means small servings because your teeth can only chew on so many walnut hulls. A Captain Crunch! How I love your tasty squares that positively shred my mouth. I value the roof of my mouth far more than your intriguing flavor. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was prepared for disappointment this morning. I run, but I am no athlete. I didn't know if I wanted "The Breakfast of Champions." I wanted rainbows and red balloons! Wheaties, as it turns out, doesn't have even one stray purple horseshoe. So, I poured my Wheaties in a bowl and added a few healthy pinches of sugar before covering it in milk. I dug my spoon in and took a mouthful of dirt brown wheat...and...could it be? Goodness? They were good! They were grown-up cereal good! They tasted yummy. My sad little heart brightened right up and I declared, "Oh yes! I am a champion! Today, I will channel my inner Mary-Lou!" OK, so not so much channeling of Olympic gymnasts but still, a really good day! Tomorrow I will greet that bright orange box with a smile!</span>Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212860611652838499.post-38312876429694348922014-04-28T13:24:00.001-07:002014-04-28T13:24:39.988-07:00Seperating Lives<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My heart is wretched for a dear friend whose husband announced that while he loves her dearly, he is no longer in love with her. This is my second friend in the course of a year that has heard these words. It truly breaks my heart that my friend woke up expecting a typical Sunday morning and ended the day with a plan for divorce.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am not a fan of divorce but I do recognize that sometimes it is the best solution. I think what shocks me most is that the two husbands that devastated their wives with this news clearly expect that something better or more exciting is theirs to be had. Seriously? Both of my friends are beyond amazing mothers. You know those moms that see something on Pinterest and re-create it in perfect detail? Those women are my friends! They are the room moms that pull together the most amazing class parties and then head home to make fabulous family meals...from scratch! And, they are stunningly beautiful - both of them. One is all legs with olive skin and black hair and the other is a petite blond with a smile that lights up rooms.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I told my husband that the news of them separating is like the news of he and I separating (which we are not - thankfully!). Both couples seemed so happy and solid. And, my friends thought things were good also. My most recently single friend said she had no idea. They just returned from an amazing family vacation the week before. They had a wonderful date night on Saturday. And, then came Sunday morning when her whole world crumbled.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Both of my friends have young children and telling them the news was by far the hardest part. My daughter is extremely close to these children so even her reaction was difficult. She is aching for her friends. My daughter is seven and comprehends the pain. I can't even imagine what the children are going through. My friend told me that her daughter screamed with her and her husband to put their wedding rings back on. She didn't want it to be true. She said that, "Mommy has enough love to make it work!" It absolutely hurts my very core.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have no idea what to do for my friends other than be there through this process of separating lives. I cannot even begin to understand how difficult this must be. It has made me truly thankful for my husband who promised he is still in love with me after 13 years of craziness and chaos. It is my hope that both of my amazing friends find someone that will treasure them for the rest of their days. When the dust settles and the tears are dry I pray that someone will walk in their lives prepared to love them as they deserve to be loved.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>Jen Sanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11666090132037982075noreply@blogger.com0