Living to Learn

As I frantically work to fix a “worm” that has invaded my home computer… I am destressing by heading to the faithful laptop that has served me so well over the past 3 years. I bought it to go back to school, earned my Master’s Degree, and wrote the resume that got me hired at my dream job. Who needs that huge HP anyways!!!! (I do, but not today :*). Renee Garcia, a mom I met through blogging, has “tagged” me, and I think my job is to list 6 unknown facts about me. I will do my best to catch up. Thanks, Renee, for encouraging me!

1) I am a blanket hog. My husband of 18 years and I battle over the blankets, and I always win. The bad part is that I don’t even know I am doing it. It doesn’t matter who it is… even my kids! I inevitably wind up curled tight like a cocoon each morning. Sorry family!

2) My family is my life. I love each of them very much, for different reasons. I am amazed at them all daily. I am amazed at how different and unique 6 children can be who are raised in the same environment with the same parents. When I really look at them (which isn’t often enough), I see God.

3) I feel bad that I don’t have time for many new friendships right now. With going back to work after years of staying at home to raise babies, my time is consumed. When I am at work, I think about things at home. When I am at home, I am thinking about things at work. It is an awkward balance, woven with some guilt, wrapped in a dream to keep making life better for our family. When new people invite me to coffee or something, I secretly wish that I was with the friends that I miss and don’t get enough time with already. I miss my best friends and our girlfriend time. It is a bit of a mess right now.

4) Once every few months, I get stubborn and declare All-Day PJ Day for myself. I say no to everything. Sleep whenever I feel like it (which might include 3 naps in one day), don’t answer the phone, and stay home even if John is taking the kids for some amazing family outing. I have learned (thought it has taken 38 years) that if I don’t occassionally rest, I don’t have the energy, spirit, or attitude that I need to do what I need to do- take care of my family and tend to my profession well.

5) I have adapted to all of the food my husband loves. I grew up a VERY picky eater. Now, I love salsa (especially his homemade), avocados, and Thai.

6) I am a coffee addict. I never drank coffee for 35 years. Then, when I went back to school for my Master’s and teaching credentials, I started a cycle of putting the kids to bed, cleaning up, putting on a pot of coffee, and studying all hours of the night. It took my 3 years, but I did it. And now, I have a profession that allows me to make a living for my family doing something I am deeply passionate about and absolutely love… growing kids! Now, I kept up the bad habit and use the social excuse that fuels my addiction. Coffee with friends is my great escape.

7) BONUS- I absolutely love my Lord. I am not perfect, but I do know that I would be nothing, could do nothing, and would be nothing without my Heavenly Father encouraging, teaching, and guiding me through this crazy journey on earth.

Hope that does it! Being a wife, mom, daughter, sister, and friend is a complex process. Each day I am living, I realize how much I have yet to learn. Thanks Renee!