I have just recently celebrated my birthday. This, as usual, prompted me to take a look at my life and where I am, where I want to go, how I am going to get there, etc... For some it is New Year's and making resolutions, for me, my birthday and the realization that another year in my life has passed helps me to take stock.
I have been in the working world earning a paycheck for 31 years now. And I have finally found my career. A little late some would say but I can truly see myself in this field for the next 20 some years until I retire. I have a couple of degrees (business and education) and have worked in both fields. I have worked in restaurants, bar tended, taught from pre-school to high school, worked as a photographer, been present (at work) for some world changing events and stayed home to help raise my kids. I have worked for one man shops and the world's largest pharmaceutical company. These all have led me to my current job and my love affair with it.
I get to plan fun events. I work at a company where we help people create memories and my job is to help bring about the events that will help them do that. How cool is that? And, I work with really great, creative people to make that happen. I am truly blessed.
My family benefits too. Not only do I get to have fun at work (and that makes for a happy mom and wife), but because of who I work for, I get to vacation at a discount when I am off work. We have not had a true family vacation in many, many years. I can't wait for this summer or fall when we get to go somewhere and relax. The hardest part is picking which place I want to go!
I recently read an article that says "Vacations make kids smarter"
(http://www.vacationbetter.org/smarter-kids). I believe it. I think it is not just the vacations but the opportunity to expose kids to different lifestyles, other cultures and areas, and the intermingling with people outside of their own circle of friends and acquaintances that really help kids to grow and become better people. And in my job I get to help do that. Again, how cool is that??
I think pretty darn cool.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Snow, Snow and more snow!
I come from the north. I am used to snow. I am used to lots of snow! However, I don't like snow.
I don't live in the north anymore and snow is one of the reasons.
Now here in VA our winter season usually consists of one or two picturesque snowfalls, they last about a day or two (three maybe in the shady areas) and then it melts away. However, this winter all that changed. The first snow in early December was pretty and sent most of the area into it's usual tailspin, stores crowded, folks rushing home as the first flakes fell from the sky, etc.. It passed in the usual fashion too. Three days, all gone.
Then came "THE BIG ONE" - December 18th. The last weekend before Christmas. Rushing to the store to beat the snow and finish last minute shopping then thinking I could get home because "I can drive in the snow, I'm from the north". HA! Mother Nature had a good laugh at me! I tried to get home, I really did. 4 hours and only about 12 miles later, I pulled into a hotel and almost cried when I was told they had rooms. I holed up there for two nights. I was able to finally make it home the third day. That snow FINALLY melted about mid January, just in time for the next BIG ONE to hit. Again, lots of snow, this time homebound for three days. We have had two more "little ones" since that January snow, only totaling about 5 more inches. I honestly don't think it is ever going to melt.
The one thing I have enjoyed about this snow is the fact that all of my kid's activities have been cancelled. (They have not enjoyed this as much as I have.) I have saved bunches on gas! LOL! And in the meantime, I have gotten to play board games, card games and watch movies with my kids. I have had the chance to rediscover that they are really cool kids and sometimes being stuck inside on a snow day can lead to some really great memories.
So along with the snow, I hope one thing my kids will remember about this winter is that spending time together as a family is fun too!
I don't live in the north anymore and snow is one of the reasons.
Now here in VA our winter season usually consists of one or two picturesque snowfalls, they last about a day or two (three maybe in the shady areas) and then it melts away. However, this winter all that changed. The first snow in early December was pretty and sent most of the area into it's usual tailspin, stores crowded, folks rushing home as the first flakes fell from the sky, etc.. It passed in the usual fashion too. Three days, all gone.
Then came "THE BIG ONE" - December 18th. The last weekend before Christmas. Rushing to the store to beat the snow and finish last minute shopping then thinking I could get home because "I can drive in the snow, I'm from the north". HA! Mother Nature had a good laugh at me! I tried to get home, I really did. 4 hours and only about 12 miles later, I pulled into a hotel and almost cried when I was told they had rooms. I holed up there for two nights. I was able to finally make it home the third day. That snow FINALLY melted about mid January, just in time for the next BIG ONE to hit. Again, lots of snow, this time homebound for three days. We have had two more "little ones" since that January snow, only totaling about 5 more inches. I honestly don't think it is ever going to melt.
The one thing I have enjoyed about this snow is the fact that all of my kid's activities have been cancelled. (They have not enjoyed this as much as I have.) I have saved bunches on gas! LOL! And in the meantime, I have gotten to play board games, card games and watch movies with my kids. I have had the chance to rediscover that they are really cool kids and sometimes being stuck inside on a snow day can lead to some really great memories.
So along with the snow, I hope one thing my kids will remember about this winter is that spending time together as a family is fun too!
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