The Realities of Working at Home from Anne McColl on Vimeo.
I am so grateful to be able to work at home. Of course, that isn’t always the best idea. The time I spend commuting to a co-working space is often worth the investment!
In honor of our anniversary Ted and I went kayaking around the harbor. We actually paddled some new places. Of course, our trusty old kayak took in water and we had to tresspass through a wildlife preserve and breach national security to land and dump water out.
Typical. But enjoyable.
The next day we went to the beach and surfed as a family. And enjoyed family movie night.
Mom and Dad on Mission Bay, circa 1975.
Mom and Dad on Mission Bay, 2011
40 years later and Dad still can’t really sail. But it is sure a great way to enjoy our great city.
It was Superbowl Sunday. I was going to take the kids to Legoland but Ted couldn’t find the passes.
So we were going to take the train to San Juan Cap. I lost my wallet at the train station.
So after coming home to make calls to credit cards, I took the kids to Mission Trails.
We hiked to the Indian grinding rocks. Gina brought some rice and we ground it. It took 3 people an hour to grind a small bag.
So I signed Gina up for Girl Scout Cookie Sales Booth at Ralph’s on Montezuma.
Technically, that’s Ralph’s on El Cajon Blvd and Montezuma!
We had a Friday night shift from 5 to 8 pm and set up a card table close to where the shopping carts are in front of the store. In the first 1o minutes I was just leaning against the wall, facing the parking lot. A guy drives by in a 70s era car and calls out the standard, “Hey, beautiful.”
Yeah, whatever.
He then parked his car and walked over.
He: “How you doin’ tonight?”
Me: “Oh just fine.”
He: “You were so beautiful I just had to stop to talk to you. I don’t normally do this. What are you doing?”
I pointed to the table next to me and my daughter dressed up like a giant Samoa cookie. “We’re here selling Girl Scout cookies. Would you like to buy any?”
He: “Um no. You’re probably married, huh?”
Me: “Very.”
He: “Have a good night.”
He walked away. The girls didn’t even notice as they were busy with customers. The college kids were very receptive and we sold a ton.
Yes, I still have it. (Yes, it was almost dark.)
It’s a rainy day. Amanda is over.
The girls are playing Barbies. The Barbies are getting ready to go to a bomb shelter. Amanda suggested this. I would expect Gina or Robert to talk about bomb shelters but was surprised when Amanda brought it up.
Robert and cousin Billy Jack were ambushing the tea party the girls where having with the Barbies and Grandma’s china. “Put your weapons outside.”
Daughter: I painted a picture. Can I paint on the iPad now?
Mother (me): No, we are going to make a mess and paint with real paint.
I’ve had an iPad a few months now but haven’t downloaded any kiddie apps on it. I don’t really need another screen in the house. We now have enough for every member of the family. Ted’s 10-year old monstrosity, which doesn’t have a soundcard. PBSkids.com far less annoying with no sound. I have my laptop. iPad and iPhone. The last think I want is everyone in the house in front of a different screen at the same time. If the kids are going to be on the computer, I prefer they are at least creating something. I encourage Gina to tumblr. But digital creation isn’t the same. Gina enjoys the dressup games. But all the clothes are present. Everything falls neatly into the preordained slot. Even some of the drawing programs have animal pictures that you can add backgrounds to. This just promotes the mash up culture. Make something of your own.
I’m not usually the inspirational quote type of girl. But I thought this was a lovely one. St. Francis via @dilworthdesigns.
Parenting is pretty much a thankless affair. Oh, yes, it is rewarding watching the kids grow up and is the most meaningful thing I have ever done. But there are no quarterly reviews or public applause for the effort, sleepless nights and second guessing if you are doing the right thing.
We were meeting at Hearst for Robert’s annual IEP meeting. His teacher, the special ed teacher, speech teacher, OT specialist and principal were all sitting around the table. (Yeah, this is our tax dollars at work.)
Maureen O’Regan, Robert’s special teacher said, “You guys are doing a real good job with Robert. We wish other parents were this involved.” She went on to praise both Robert and Gina.
It felt damn good.
And a nice affirmation that my priorities have been right.