tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16568864467003692502024-03-13T00:06:46.245-04:00A Mum, A Dad and LucyMaria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.comBlogger352125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656886446700369250.post-33192512034423772472022-08-24T11:37:00.001-04:002022-08-24T11:37:28.941-04:00Surprise!Sean usually can't pull one over on me <br /><br />He's a terrible liar<br />And he usually gets so excited he can't contain himself <br />Plus, Sean has a tell <br />So does Lucy <br /><br />Like one time, he made reservations at Davio's for my birthday dinner (and by one time, I mean a few weeks ago) but he put it on the family calendar...for which I receive notifications<br /><br />Other times, he'll order things for me but forget that Alexa notifies us of all deliveries <br />And by us, I mean all the Alexa's in the house will play notifications and will usually tell you exactly what is being delivered<br />And because Amazon and I are on a first name basis, I always assume the notifications are mine because frankly, I have a problem and shop way more on Amazon than I should <br /><br />Or, Sean will hide something somewhere forgetting I'm the one who cleans the house and notices if something is slightly out of whack or, if something is where it should not be <br />You know, like a blanket randomly tossed over something ... like I am just going to walk by and leave it there<br />Or a closet door not quite closing as it should<br />Or a random box that appears on a shelf or in the garage <br />I'm always going to investigate <br /><br />Once, Sean tried to surprise me with a trip<br />I came home from work and he greeted me at the door like a cat who had just eaten a canary<br />He was jumping around like a kid grinning from ear to ear <br />I need you to take a couple days off work in May and you can't ask why he said to me giggling <br />OK, I replied <br />And you can't ask why he said <br />OK <br />Seriously, I'm not telling you why! It's a surprise!<br />OK I said, what days should I take off?<br /><br />He told me the dates to take off and then walked away <br />Only to come dashing back like a kid on a sugar high <br /><br />Don't you want to know? Is it killing you? Are you dying to know????<br />Nope, you said it was a surprise <br />But don't you kinda wanna know?<br />Nope<br /><br />He spent the evening pacing around with a little pep in his step and kept giggling to himself <br />Then he'd say<br />You are going to be so excited! You are going to LOVE IT! <br />I bet I will honey, can't wait<br />Do you wanna know? Wanna take a guess? Wanna hint???????<br />Nope, you said it was a surprise, I'll just be surprised <br />What? Admit it, this is killing you, you want to know!!!<br />Nope, I'd say calmly with a shake of my head, you planned a surprise trip for us, I do not want to ruin it, I will take the days off as requested and just be surprised, you'll just have to tell me how to pack<br />He'd giggle and run away only to come back and say <br />This is killing you right?! Are you trying to figure it out???<br />Nope, I wanna be surprised I'd reply <br /><br />But I did not want to be surprised<br />I knew it had to be someplace I really wanted to go because he was so excited<br />But I knew if I asked, well, that would just not work<br />So I played it cool...as cool as I can play it anyway<br /><br />He broke in less than 24 hours<br />And that trip to Savannah, GA was amazing <br /><br />The only time he has ever pulled one over on me was the day he proposed<br />I had no idea even though I had unknowingly picked out the ring <br />That was a good one <br /><br />That was the only time Sean ever pulled one over on me<br /><br />Until yesterday<br /><br />Yesterday, he and Lucy pulled off a surprise 50th birthday party for me <br />And he is still high as a kite knowing he pulled one over on me<br /><br />He thought I was on to him a few times <br /><br />But he expertly turned off the Alexa in my office so I did not get notifications<br />He avoided making commitments to all the stuff I suggested we do together on Sunday August the 7th but did so without raising suspicion <br />And when he did get me out of the house to set up and get people here, he turned off the cameras so I would not get notifications that there was movement in the backyard or in the driveway <br /><br />With help from some wonderfully patient friends and my family, he pulled one over one me <br /><br />So on the cusp of turning 50, and by cusp of 50 I mean tomorrow, to look around a room and see my sisters and brothers-in-law, my mother, nieces and dear friends we hold close and who hold us close, who we think of as family, I can't help but think I am pretty darn lucky <br /><br />I am even luckier I have a husband and daughter who would carefully and concisely lie to me for two plus weeks.....<br />talking about me behind my back<br />coercing me to leave the house under false pretenses<br />intercepting deliveries and the mail <br />deleting messages from their phones so I would not see anything<br />using code words so I would not catch on <br />doing everything they could possibly do to make sure my birthday was an event <br /><br />Turning 50 is a milestone <br />I'll measure mine not in years but in the love I am surrounded by from my family and my family of friends <br /><br /><p>And in having one pulled over on me by Sean with lots of help from Lucy ..... a milestone indeed </p>Maria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656886446700369250.post-17749270107074126632022-08-08T09:43:00.000-04:002022-08-08T09:43:29.531-04:00Garfield would be disappointed<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="background: white; color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I like a good writing
prompt and it has been a while since I participated in Mama Kat’s Pretty Much World-Famous
Workshop</span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="background-color: white;">For a period, I was
doing a ton of writing<br /></span><span style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="background-color: white;">And then I stopped<br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">There were all kinds of
reasons/excuses:</span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">We were selling/buying a house and then moving and then unpacking</span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background: white; color: black;">and work was busy</span><br /><span style="background: white; color: black;">and 5<sup>th</sup> grade
was kicking Lucy’s ass</span><br /><span style="background: white; color: black;">and then COVID hit</span><br /><span style="background: white; color: black;">and I lost my job</span><br /><span style="background: white; color: black;">and Lucy started 6<sup>th</sup><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>grade</span><br /><span style="background: white; color: black;">and I got a new job</span><br /><span style="background: white; color: black;">and hated it so I quit</span><br /><span style="background: white; color: black;">and I got another new
job which I love</span><br /><span style="background: white; color: black;">and it keeps me super
busy</span><br /><span style="background: white; color: black;">and Lucy started 7<sup>th</sup>
grade</span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">and work got even busier</span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">and Lucy turned 13</span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">and then I started traveling for work </span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">and then I went to Texas for a graduation<br /><span style="background: white; color: black;">and I then I got COVID</span><br /><span style="background: white; color: black;">and it was quarter end</span><br /><span style="background: white; color: black;">and now I’m tuning 50</span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background: white; color: black;"></span><br /><span style="background: white; color: black;">So I have decided I need
to make time for what make me happy and brings me joy: writing </span><br /><span style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br /><span style="background: white; color: black;">To jump start, I
turned to Mama Kat because her prompts are the best and I like her writing </span><br /><span style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="background: white; color: black;">Also, she has some
pretty faithful followers, and I was just catching up on their writings and
forgot how much I enjoyed dipping my toes in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>their worlds </span><br /><span style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br /><span style="background: white; color: black;">So here I am </span><br /><span style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br /><span style="background: white; color: black;">Her prompts this week
include:</span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background: white; color: black;"></span><br /><span style="background: white; color: black;">1. Write about a meal
you never looked forward to eating when you were growing up.</span><br /><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">2. Write a blog post inspired by the word: hot</span></span><br /><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">3. Share a back-to-school memory.</span></span><br /><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">4. Share something you learned in July.</span></span><br /><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">5. Tell us about something you are looking forward to in
August.</span></span><br /><span style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br /><span style="background: white; color: black;">It is always hard to
choose because when I read the options, I feel like I could immediately write to
any one of them</span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background: white; color: black;"></span><br /><span style="background: white; color: black;">So, to make it easy on
myself, and to slow my brain down a bit, I’m going to start right at the top: </span><br /><span style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br /><b><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="background: white; color: black;">Write about a meal you never looked forward to eating when
you were growing up</span></b><br /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">When I was a kid, my mother made homemade pizzas </span><br />Dough from scratch stretched out on the jelly
roll pan (a cookie sheet with edges)<br />Two pans actually - there were after all 7 kids
and there also always seemed to be extra people at the house on the nights Mum
made pizza<br />The sauce was homemade too <br />If I timed it right, I could help with laying
the toppings over the dough and sauce <br />And those pizzas were delicious<br />The corners were the best and we typically
fought over them – Dad always won <br />I haven’t had her pizza in years <br />It’s one of those things I should have her teach
me to make but I always forget to ask<br /><o:p> </o:p><br />Mum
also made the best spaghetti and meatballs with sauce<br />I
know there is nothing special about spaghetti and meatballs but somehow, Mum’s
tasted better than everyone else’s<br />Again,
everything was made from scratch, and everything was in big batches <br />The
sauce would simmer for hours filling the house with the smell of tomatoes,
basil, parsley, and oregano<br />It’s
a quick and simple sauce but it is so good it warrants dipping your bread into the
pot whilst it’s still simmering just to test it and make sure the flavor is on
point <br />That
flavor was, and is, always on point <br />The
meatballs were cooked prior to being dropped into the sauce to marinate before
it was all plated and served <br />Mum’s
meatballs were small (again, with 7 kids, everything had to be stretched) but
they were exploded with flavor and love in your mouth <br /><o:p> </o:p><br />And though I know it’s not really a meal, on Sunday
morning, Mum would often make donut balls<br />The dough was from scratch, and she would
scoop it out of the mixing bowl with a big spoon, shape it with a second spoon
and plop it into the fat to be fried to a crisp golden brown <br />When the donut balls bobbed to the surface, she
would carefully fish them out and drop them onto a brown paper bag that had
been cut down the sides and spread out on the counter to soak up the grease </span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Before those donut balls cooled too much
though, they were given only a moment’s rest, they’d get shoveled into a plastic Ziploc bag filled with sugar
and cinnamon and tossed around for a minute to give them a nice coating before
they were served up still warm and crispy</span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The best was when you bit into it and a little
puff of steam would escape while the sugar melted on your tongue and the donut
ball was just crispy enough to make a little crunch as you chewed it to pull out
all the flavor<br />At most it was a two-bite donut ball, but
those warm bites were sweet and savory at the same time<br />And by the time it hit your belly, it was just
pure deliciousness<br /><o:p> </o:p><br />And Mum’s cookies/sweets <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at Christmas are legendary: gingersnaps,
chocolate crinkles, peanut butter blossoms, peanut butter squares, her fudge……yum<br />Her chocolate cheesecake and Bundt cakes aren’t
half bad either <br />Who are we kidding, I’ve swiped my finger
across my plate after eating her chocolate cheesecake to make sure I got it all<br /><o:p> </o:p><br />Mum also makes the best tuna fish and egg
salad (still, to this day) <br />Hell, she even makes deviled ham taste good <br /><o:p> </o:p><br />But there was one meal my mother made when I
was growing up that I absolutely detested, dreaded, hated when I knew it was in
the rotation<br />I don’t know if it was the taste, the texture,
the way it looked on my plate, but I just could not stand it <br />Everyone else loved it and it was always finished
in one meal <br />When she makes it at Christmas or a family gathering,
there is rarely a morsel left <br /><o:p> </o:p><br />To this day, if it is placed in front of me,
regardless of the variation of the recipe or who made it, my throat closes a
little and my stomach flips<br />If I have a choice, I will not put any on my
plate<br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />But when we were kids, there were no choices<br />I ate it because it was what was for dinner <br />I’d choke down every bite and never asked for
seconds <br /><o:p> </o:p><br />Interestingly enough, I loved helping Mum make
it <br />And by helping, I mean watching her make it
and passing her something when she needed it <br />I was intrigued with all the steps that had to
be taken just to prep everything<br />Then came the actual construction of the dish which
was like watching a masterpiece being painted or a building constructed <br /><o:p> </o:p><br />Mum went slowly with a precise gentle hand so
as not to break any of the ingredients<br />And if there were an imperfection in one of
the layers, she would expertly cover it, so no one knew there was a broken piece<br /><o:p> </o:p><br />When she was done, it was like a work of art <br /><o:p> </o:p><br />She used a glass baking dish so you could see
all the colors: <br />the deep red of the sauce, <br />the stark white of the cheese dotted with
herbs <br />the noodles with their pale complexion making
them look weak but they were actually the strengthening layer of the dish <br /><o:p> </o:p><br />All<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>those
colors and layers and textures were slid it into the oven to meld together for
45 minutes <br />Within minutes of hitting the heated oven, the
smells were enough to make your mouth water and your tummy rumble with anticipation
<br />When Mum opened the oven to pull it out, the
first thing that hit you was the gorgeous velvety smell of cooked cheese and warm
sauce melding into each other <br />Then you heard the bubbling of the cheese <br />And once you waved off the steam, you could
see the cheese on topped was now a golden brown<br /><o:p> </o:p><br />All my favorite ingredients lovingly, precisely,
pulled together in the same dish: noodles, Mum’s homemade sauce, ooey gooey
cheese and more cheese <br /><o:p> </o:p><br />But when they were all put together like that,
I dreaded, absolutely dreaded, lasagna<br /><o:p> </o:p><br />Maybe it’s the layers - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not of layered dip either <br />Maybe I just don’t like the combination of cheese
and sauce and noodles like that <br />Maybe it's because when I tried to scoop up a
bite with my fork, it fell apart and just looked like a big sloppy mess<br /><o:p> </o:p><br />Whatever the reason, I just could
not stand lasagna for dinner... not then, not now, not ever </span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_WpvGJ4m8NYrAyYn7ITd-a8rwTeaSIVMiytSSP_vRVeT1Dooe9Al1BECE0d8nimr7p7mgVnUim334xmWjQfyZMsImwm4QptzbmOt4wfzEw9zFwH14knIsCRjVDir_9AAC5I9Vu2YS3n8LVwncIGEb-GhaJ2RJ9MNjhkEinBGs_USzbAaCuhTm-A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="125" data-original-width="125" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_WpvGJ4m8NYrAyYn7ITd-a8rwTeaSIVMiytSSP_vRVeT1Dooe9Al1BECE0d8nimr7p7mgVnUim334xmWjQfyZMsImwm4QptzbmOt4wfzEw9zFwH14knIsCRjVDir_9AAC5I9Vu2YS3n8LVwncIGEb-GhaJ2RJ9MNjhkEinBGs_USzbAaCuhTm-A=w169-h169" width="169" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Maria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656886446700369250.post-52819502522402242482022-08-08T09:33:00.003-04:002022-08-08T09:33:56.499-04:00Deep in the Heart of Texas<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm working with a new client </span></p><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">His name is Houston and he's located in Dallas</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">In a couple internal meetings, I have stumbled over his name</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">accidentally calling him Dallas and then self correcting </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">And <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>by self correcting I mean my colleague who is working the deal with me will gently say Nope, other way and I know exactly what he means</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday, we had our weekly pipeline call - running through all the deals we're working on, updating the larger (internal) Team on the statuses and providing a bit of commentary to our VP </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">When it came to this particular deal, I introduced the company, the scope of the deal and the key players </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I hesitated for a beat before I said Houston </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">My colleague, the one working the deal with me, heard the first syllable said....you're right, Houston </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I sighed and said to the Team </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I keep getting this guy's name wrong!</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">His name is Houston and he's in Dallas and I keep calling him Dallas!</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Someone said seriously??</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, I said, seriously....and I keep using the wrong name for him!</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">His name is Houston and he's in Dallas......so I'm going to call him Austin </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">For a split second, no one said anything </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I mean I thought it was pure comedy genius </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">But no one reacted </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Then, after a 5 second beat, the VP, the Brit on the call, starts laughing</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Like a giggle turned belly laugh ending in a giggle which turned into a chortle then back to a giggle </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">No one else reacted</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">He kept laughing, muted himself, seemingly regrouped, came off mute and said </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Bloody brilliant!</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">No one else said anything - not even a giggle </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">So we moved onto the next deal </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">When all of a sudden, someone finally got the joke, explained it to the rest of the team and there was a collective a-ha moment then some laughs</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The VP and I had already moved on ..... though I did ping him in messenger and said maybe it would have been funnier if I said I call him Memphis...</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">He started laughing, went on mute again and now it's our new private joke</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I know this because this morning he pinged with </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Good Morning Memphis.....</div></div>Maria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656886446700369250.post-27190258108525822032022-01-02T00:32:00.000-05:002022-01-02T00:32:03.670-05:00A picture is worth a thousand words<div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I hate having my picture taken</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I never know how to stand, what to do with my hands and I can't for the life of me figure out where to look </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Which is why almost every photo of me is pretty much a natural disaster</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">But there are three photos of myself I have always loved:</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">One is my first or second grade school picture</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I mostly love it because of my outfit</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I was rocking a corduroy dress layered over a flowed shirt with the neck scarf to match </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">It was 1978,could have been '79 (outside chance it was 1980) and I made it work </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I was smiling sweetly with my hands clasped, shoulders up and my head ever so slightly inclined giving me quite a pious, bordering on mischievous, look </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Said photo is in my parent's basement in one of those little plastic frames</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Someday, I'll swipe it </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The second is a head shot of me when I was probably a year or two old</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">It was taken by either Cousin Mike or Cousin Maria, you'd have to ask my Mum, she'd remember </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I had a shock of curly black hair and a darn tooting cute smile</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I'm sure that photo is kicking around Mum and Dad's house somewhere and longs to be framed</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I used it as my senior picture in my 1990 yearbook mostly because it never occurred to me to have my senior photos done and there was a deadline looming </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The third photo is a black and white photo my cousin Maria took</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Again, I am a year or two old at most </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I'm pointing at the camera whilst clutching a plastic record in my other hand</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Said record comes from the 1971 Fisher-Price Change-A-Record Music Box, commonly known as the Fisher-Price Record Player</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">It had 5 playable records, a song on each side, and you could store the records right inside the record player</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The state of the art carrying handle made for tunes on the go and I could rock out to Hickory Dickory Dock, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star London Bridge , Oh Where has My Little Dog Gone and Camptown Races any time I wanted (just to name a few) </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I loved that record player and I'm pretty sure it was around the house for most of the seven Kearns kids to enjoy </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I'll tell you what was not around though: my Windup Apple Novelty Bank with the hungry worm who ate the pennies </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Someday I'll tell you that story which will also shed light on why the Little Drummer Boy makes my brother and I cry </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Cousin Maria snapped the photo of me toddling around in my bubble suit with the same said shock of dark curly hair, chubby cherub like cheeks and what can only be described as a shit-eating grin on my face</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The picture was matted and I remember it sitting on my mother's dresser for years </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Then it would tucked away in a drawer in a pile with photos of my brother and sisters </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">It was never framed, just a photo fixed to a matting board </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Over the years, from being shifted from place to place and handled by different people, it had started to get a bit beat up around the edges and showing it's age (not unlike it's subject...)</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Whenever my mother comes across this photo, or the other headshot, she takes great delight in telling me what a pretty baby I was and how even the doctor who delivered me exclaimed over my eyes and my hair and my Clara Bow lips (I grew out of all three) </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">How he passed me around the delivery room declaring me to be the prettiest baby he had ever delivered</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">He was so enamored, Mum said, he wanted to take me home for his own </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Mum keeps the the story going with the anecdote of the photographer from Boston who spotted me in the back seat of the car bundled up in my white furry coat and asked if he could take my picture because he was sure I could be a baby model (she said no)</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The tale grows taller as she makes the bold declaration that my older brother was a perfect baby until I came along because amongst other things, I taught him to climb out of his crib</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">She finishes the story by reminding me that one night I climbed </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">of my crib 103 times (could have been 73 or 93, I can't remember) </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">And 103 times (could have been 73 or 93, I still can't remember) she scooped me up and laid me back down until I was so tired I finally gave up and went to sleep </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Or did she finally get tired and fall asleep?</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Nonetheless, the sight of both photos (and photos of my siblings) triggers a trip down memory lane for my mother</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">It is a trip I am happy to take with her over and over again </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I love hearing the stories</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">It makes me realize how lucky I am to still have her, how lucky we were that someone was there to capture those moments and luckier that Mum remembers them and reminds me so I do not forget </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Mostly I love seeing her face light up then contort with laughter and hearing the lilt and nostalgia in her voice as she relives the memories as if they just happened a few short days ago </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">We took a quick trip up after after Christmas as we typically do and celebrated what we have come to call second Christmas with them</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">After gifts were exchanged and exclaimed over, my mother disappeared down the hall </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">She came back a few minutes later clutching what was clearly a framed picture or piece of art work to her chest </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I expected her to show off a gift she had received but instead, she started getting all excited and telling me how pleased she is with how this picture came out</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">They did such a beautiful job she said and he was so nervous because he did not want to ruin it .....</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Show me! I say </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">And then she says well, I was going to wait until this summer.....</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">you know for your birthday </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">(it's a big one, I'm turning 50....I thought I had a few more years but turns out it's coming up in August) </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">And, she says, I love it so much, I almost don't want to give it up...</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Finally, with a giggle and a grin, she flips the frame around so I can see it </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">It makes me catch my breath and my eyes fill with tears </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">And Mum starts the story of what a pretty baby I was.....</div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="7sp07" data-offset-key="fmtoa-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fmtoa-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="fmtoa-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fmtoa-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="fmtoa-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCT2D9BtVf-nAlQY0RFYjjRZJX82Nk6CKYg0wySDPOFpxs3-phTWBqe07c8N7hVdT1FCkbF57jqcoke5XIJ1XqRO03rcO4Qr8HGdRg2SA4J5MPDKJ-txNZ7DPCbShHF-qIvqND5XlB81WjMq1WYBE1kQPJzCY1Ihn2nezm5lrdwSaVq3Nyr0pfqg=s3288" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3288" data-original-width="2867" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCT2D9BtVf-nAlQY0RFYjjRZJX82Nk6CKYg0wySDPOFpxs3-phTWBqe07c8N7hVdT1FCkbF57jqcoke5XIJ1XqRO03rcO4Qr8HGdRg2SA4J5MPDKJ-txNZ7DPCbShHF-qIvqND5XlB81WjMq1WYBE1kQPJzCY1Ihn2nezm5lrdwSaVq3Nyr0pfqg=s320" width="279" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuNTM4y4_VVMy61sWe9tbBTy5pspsLR5WAJsPB4hWNJPrsHxdPqYXiLuHf07i5oqUyRA2x0cxoudKEsWeYg-ggw9ivchxaSdRSgH9Ws5tfcLt14cBnZRDExWaMkNfu4-4AWTleqnBCRl0zFQ7oe5McyE_y6_wIfdo7kpnRkaKLZ45qaKqzmXBT-g=s1949" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1949" data-original-width="1756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuNTM4y4_VVMy61sWe9tbBTy5pspsLR5WAJsPB4hWNJPrsHxdPqYXiLuHf07i5oqUyRA2x0cxoudKEsWeYg-ggw9ivchxaSdRSgH9Ws5tfcLt14cBnZRDExWaMkNfu4-4AWTleqnBCRl0zFQ7oe5McyE_y6_wIfdo7kpnRkaKLZ45qaKqzmXBT-g=s320" width="288" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="7sp07" data-offset-key="dr1f2-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dr1f2-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="dr1f2-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="7sp07" data-offset-key="204ls-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></div>Maria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656886446700369250.post-34581340165584558952021-02-04T10:39:00.001-05:002021-02-04T10:39:44.963-05:00February 3 is my favorite birthday of the year ...<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We have lots of family birthdays to keep track of in January and February </span></p><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="duqk8-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="duqk8-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="duqk8-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="31jjd-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="31jjd-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="31jjd-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">There's my Dad, my father-in-law, my sister-in-law, a couple sisters, three nieces, at least three aunts, and two uncles not to mention some dear friends and my parents' anniversary </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="7cuct-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7cuct-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7cuct-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="5mpsg-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5mpsg-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5mpsg-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I spend a ton of money on cards in December, stocking up for all the celebrations I'll send by mail these first couple months of the new year </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="kdaa-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="kdaa-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="kdaa-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="bc71p-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bc71p-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="bc71p-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">It is one of my favorite things to do - celebrate other people and let them know how happy I am they were born and how lucky I am to be a part of their life and they a part of mine </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="a5l6u-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a5l6u-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="a5l6u-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="clbp1-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="clbp1-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="clbp1-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">But February 3rd is one of my favorite birthdays to celebrate </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="bgodj-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bgodj-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="bgodj-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="44k9s-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="44k9s-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="44k9s-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">It is the birthday of a very special guy who has brought so much love, light and countless laughs to my world</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="eira8-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="eira8-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="eira8-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="4p9at-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4p9at-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4p9at-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">When Lucy was little, he was the one guy she just could not get enough of </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="4fg1d-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4fg1d-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4fg1d-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="7ae8c-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7ae8c-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7ae8c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">She loved him with all her heart </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="3jpqs-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3jpqs-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3jpqs-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="3qg52-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3qg52-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3qg52-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Where ever he was, she wanted to be </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="5gvni-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5gvni-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5gvni-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Where ever she went, Lucy wanted him to be with her </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="6uami-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6uami-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6uami-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="7ksmo-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7ksmo-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7ksmo-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Lucy would not go to bed without a snuggle and a kiss from her favorite guy </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="bqhe7-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bqhe7-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="bqhe7-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="2medv-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2medv-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="2medv-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">If he was not in her line of sight or they were not in the same room, she'd call his name until they found one another</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="4t4df-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4t4df-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4t4df-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="d4ap3-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d4ap3-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="d4ap3-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">She said his name long before she said Mumma</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="f2aqm-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f2aqm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="f2aqm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="9f4up-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9f4up-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9f4up-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Her love and admiration for him knew no bounds </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="696gs-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="696gs-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="696gs-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="8u64u-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8u64u-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8u64u-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">As she grew and matured, she started to need him less and less</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="376d1-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="376d1-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="376d1-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="fti90-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fti90-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="fti90-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Eventually, it got to a point where she would venture places without him and started to entertain herself without his constant company though he would still get snuggles and hugs on the side </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="eugts-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="eugts-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="eugts-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="3p3vm-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3p3vm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3p3vm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Lucy is now fast approaching 12 and he is not as prominent in her mind and world </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="6v7kp-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6v7kp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6v7kp-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="d9if1-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d9if1-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="d9if1-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">But, she shared with me the other day, he would probably always be one of her favorite guys and someday, she hopes her own kids will love him as much as she did</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="f241u-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f241u-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="f241u-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="7mlf4-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7mlf4-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7mlf4-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">So Happiest of Birthdays to the guy who has made Lucy and I laugh, taught us valuable lessons about being kind, not being afraid, asking questions when we don't understand something and mostly, just being there when we needed him with unconditional love and lots of warms snuggles.............</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="bu7ok-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bu7ok-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="bu7ok-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="pkv5-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="pkv5-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="pkv5-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Happy Birthday Elmo!!!! </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="21mdf-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="21mdf-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="21mdf-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">You are our favorite fuzzy red guy and we hope you have the best birthday ever!</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="fi73n-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fi73n-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="fi73n-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="8ods2-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8ods2-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8ods2-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Turns out, Elmo shares a birthday with our other favorite guy who is not as fuzzy or as red but who:</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="9braf-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9braf-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9braf-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="3ojlm-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3ojlm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3ojlm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">loves us unconditional </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="29hmp-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="29hmp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="29hmp-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="4hqhs-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4hqhs-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4hqhs-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">gives us snuggles and hugs when we need them most </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="4nq4g-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4nq4g-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4nq4g-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="6pts-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6pts-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6pts-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">fixes whatever we break</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="cj6jf-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cj6jf-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="cj6jf-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="eql0u-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="eql0u-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="eql0u-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">makes us feel safe when we're scared </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="et2hb-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="et2hb-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="et2hb-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="160qi-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="160qi-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="160qi-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">lets us ask questions when we don't understand something even if it means he has to pause the movie 7 times, rewind it at least twice so we can watch the scene again and still has to explain the sub-plot to us when the movie ends </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="9taiu-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9taiu-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9taiu-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="3mftr-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3mftr-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3mftr-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">can figure out what we did wrong on the Lego set and will take it apart, build it back up (correctly) and hand it back to us to triumphantly finish (and take all the credit!) </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="2sr9j-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2sr9j-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="2sr9j-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="cgnt7-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cgnt7-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="cgnt7-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">clears the snow so we don't slip and fall</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="4s4j-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4s4j-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4s4j-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="6efob-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6efob-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6efob-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">drives us up Mt Washington every year so we can take in a view we never get tired of </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="6j8re-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6j8re-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6j8re-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="1bemk-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1bemk-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="1bemk-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">plays endless games with us and almost always lets us win (though Monopoly brings out something scary and competitive in him) </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="e2b35-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e2b35-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="e2b35-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="6eqif-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6eqif-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6eqif-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">makes us laugh </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="akjsc-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="akjsc-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="akjsc-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">dries our tears </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="8rhg4-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8rhg4-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8rhg4-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="22ckg-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="22ckg-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="22ckg-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">handles our mood swings (for the most part) like a pro with kindness, patience and chocolate</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="3kh85-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3kh85-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3kh85-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="dkpqh-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dkpqh-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="dkpqh-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">always lets me have the last of the Branston pickle</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="ce7j2-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ce7j2-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="ce7j2-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="agsl4-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="agsl4-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="agsl4-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">has brought more light, love, laughs and hugs into our world than I know what to do with</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="cq97p-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cq97p-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="cq97p-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="2o5t2-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2o5t2-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="2o5t2-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">and who outranks Elmo as being our favorite guy.....</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="5nco1-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5nco1-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5nco1-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="cpsun-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cpsun-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="cpsun-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Happiest of birthdays to you as well Sean</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="cj476-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cj476-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="cj476-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="ehhk9-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ehhk9-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="ehhk9-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">You are one in a million and you are all ours</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="69i8i-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="69i8i-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="69i8i-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Or am I one in a million and all yours?</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="22s7r-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="22s7r-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="22s7r-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="6jieu-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6jieu-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6jieu-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Either way, you are appreciated, celebrated and loved not just today on Elmo's Birthday (and yours) but every day </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="3cc0o-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3cc0o-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3cc0o-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1uk2j" data-offset-key="9i27j-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9i27j-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9i27j-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Happy Birthday Elmo....and Sean.....</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9i27j-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9i27j-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9i27j-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9i27j-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yVqmQcpt3GI/YBwU-jFmyvI/AAAAAAAAJWQ/sE7J1irlUcc10DTx-eOm319mrQVW0nWhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s498/tenor.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="498" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yVqmQcpt3GI/YBwU-jFmyvI/AAAAAAAAJWQ/sE7J1irlUcc10DTx-eOm319mrQVW0nWhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/tenor.gif" width="320" /></a></div></div></div>Maria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656886446700369250.post-5267201322418351512021-02-04T10:35:00.002-05:002021-02-04T10:35:55.188-05:00We're all in this decade together ..... <p> January 28, 2021</p><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="c062g-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c062g-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Every</span><span data-offset-key="c062g-1-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> ten years, a phenom occurs that tickles my funny bone and makes me shake my head in wonder, and maybe even a bit of fear </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="2q28g-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2q28g-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="2q28g-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="3phgl-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3phgl-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3phgl-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I am not sure anyone else would take as much delight in it as I do except maybe my Mum....and my Dad if he's paying attention </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="7urmu-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7urmu-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7urmu-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="792lc-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="792lc-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="792lc-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">The skies do not light up with falling stars </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="34tb0-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="34tb0-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="34tb0-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">The plants do not align </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="cqns9-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cqns9-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="cqns9-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">The cicada are nowhere to be seen </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="en5f6-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="en5f6-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="en5f6-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And there is no ritualistic dancing </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="29ce-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="29ce-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="29ce-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">But every ten years, for 14 days, all seven of the Kearns kids are in the same decade</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="2uv51-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2uv51-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="2uv51-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="6ku2q-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6ku2q-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6ku2q-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">By that I mean with my youngest sister's birthday in late January, we are all in our 40s </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="2k97a-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2k97a-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="2k97a-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">From the oldest down to the youngest, we are now 49, 48, 47, 46, 45, 43, and 40</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="1nei0-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1nei0-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="1nei0-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="ar31h-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ar31h-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="ar31h-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">This will only last for 14 days </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="aeb8g-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="aeb8g-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="aeb8g-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And only happens every ten years </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="d5f37-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d5f37-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="d5f37-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="dslv3-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dslv3-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="dslv3-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">It will end in 14 days when our only brother, the oldest child of our family clan, will turn 50 (he ruins everything)</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="24s5q-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="24s5q-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="24s5q-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="8e4f2-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8e4f2-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8e4f2-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">But for now, for the 14 days in between their birthdays, I take solace and comfort, safety in numbers if you will, in knowing that we are all in the same decade together</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="5nnq5-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5nnq5-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5nnq5-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="aocrv-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="aocrv-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="aocrv-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">We're all in our 40s struggling, succeeding, discovering new aches and pains, traversing through professional and personal challenges, celebrating wins, mourning losses, losing hair, getting grey hair, raising kids and trying to figure out how the hell we got here and when we'll actually start to feel like adults </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="fvdv-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fvdv-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="fvdv-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="2u8ij-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2u8ij-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="2u8ij-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">This rite of passage, from one decade to another, should be cause for celebrations and surprises </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="3go2e-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3go2e-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3go2e-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="5i52e-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5i52e-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5i52e-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">So I take it upon myself to celebrate for them </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="dedej-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dedej-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="dedej-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">(full disclosure, I blocked my SIL from this post as my brother's birthday is not for another 10 days so I do not want to ruin his surprise....so if you talk to my SIL, mums the word)</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="c12be-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c12be-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="c12be-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="9sqkb-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9sqkb-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9sqkb-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">For my sister, I picked out a bracelet set </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="33rp4-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="33rp4-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="33rp4-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">By all accounts it is thoughtful and I hope will be meaningful to her </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="1vmf-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1vmf-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="1vmf-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">She'll also receive 40 whoopie pies (homemade and handmade by me) </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="egtbh-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="egtbh-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="egtbh-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="32ebl-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="32ebl-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="32ebl-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">For my brother, who lives far far away and I only see every 18 months or so, I had a pillow with my picture on it made......you know, so when he misses me, I'm only a nap away </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="60vgh-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="60vgh-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="60vgh-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">He'll also get 50 whoopie pies (homemade and handmade by me)</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="51cum-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="51cum-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="51cum-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="6hss6-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6hss6-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6hss6-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And finally, in honor of entering their new decades, they'll each receive 40/50 cards respectively</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="c6let-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c6let-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="c6let-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="f1uuk-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f1uuk-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="f1uuk-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I have done this before</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="ev7ab-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ev7ab-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="ev7ab-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">When they turned 20 and 30 I sent them cards during the weeks prior to their respective birthdays (and did it for Sean a few years ago when he turned 50 with the help of family and friends) </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="ajp6p-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ajp6p-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="ajp6p-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="3ara8-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3ara8-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3ara8-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">This year however, there is a bit of a twist - each card is filled with a little treat and each card will show up on the same day because who does not love to open a mailbox to an avalanche of cards?!</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="cfktm-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cfktm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="cfktm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="emq9e-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="emq9e-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="emq9e-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">The treat inside each card could be: </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="d5g2j-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d5g2j-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="d5g2j-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">a handful of confetti</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="76vak-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="76vak-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="76vak-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">a picture of me</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="k6fv-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="k6fv-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="k6fv-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">a heart I cut out and decorated</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="d7k79-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d7k79-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="d7k79-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">more pictures of me</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="a9i5-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a9i5-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="a9i5-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">little hearts that will flutter to the ground as they open the card</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="37hpb-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="37hpb-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="37hpb-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">pictures I procured from their spouses</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="6hhc0-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6hhc0-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6hhc0-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">more confetti </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="7ljkk-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7ljkk-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7ljkk-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">and more pictures of me </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="beq2h-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="beq2h-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="beq2h-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="dgfoa-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dgfoa-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="dgfoa-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">But my favorite card filler has to be, hands down, the birthday hug </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="86akn-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="86akn-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="86akn-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">because right now, we could all do with more hugs.......even if you are not turning 40 or 50, but especially if you are </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="4q6j6-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4q6j6-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4q6j6-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="8d2o8-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8d2o8-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8d2o8-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">(the hug: a picture of me, 5x7 in case they want to frame it, with accordion arms made from construction paper complete with my hands......my actual hands traced on and cut out of construction paper taped to it...go on, wrap those arms around you and hug....)</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="6pspn-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6pspn-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6pspn-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="cr5bg-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cr5bg-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="cr5bg-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Happiest of birthdays to my big brother and my youngest sister: you are essentially the same person with a difference of 10 years </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="1rj2v-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1rj2v-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="1rj2v-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="2a1np-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2a1np-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="2a1np-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And you continue to be two of my favorite people ever</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="217fc-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="217fc-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="217fc-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="a5ds5-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a5ds5-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="a5ds5-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for making me laugh, making me cry, picking me up when I needed it and pushing me down when I deserved it </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="d3vqc-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d3vqc-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="d3vqc-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="e3i3h-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e3i3h-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="e3i3h-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for keeping me honest, for being honest and simply for being you </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="fal6-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fal6-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="fal6-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="a9g7c-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a9g7c-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="a9g7c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Mostly, thanks for my nieces and nephews, my SIL and BIL.... all good and welcome additions to the family clan</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="811kg-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="811kg-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="811kg-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bdi19" data-offset-key="9de4f-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9de4f-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9de4f-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Many happy returns of the day and a birthday HUG to you both</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9de4f-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9de4f-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9de4f-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TUEt81Md52E/YBwURgomMeI/AAAAAAAAJV8/xBgXl9lwYNMT33KPO9ppcpFxIevUAcWrACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/B%2BDay%2Bhug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1476" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TUEt81Md52E/YBwURgomMeI/AAAAAAAAJV8/xBgXl9lwYNMT33KPO9ppcpFxIevUAcWrACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/B%2BDay%2Bhug.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span data-offset-key="9de4f-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></div>Maria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656886446700369250.post-36600457179572617652021-02-04T10:33:00.000-05:002021-02-04T10:33:04.930-05:00Happy Birthday Dad<p> January 19, 2021</p><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="448qe-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="448qe-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="448qe-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I got my gift of gab from my Dad, </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="8j0c8-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8j0c8-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8j0c8-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I mean my Dad can talk to anybody about anything even if he knows nothing about the person or the subject </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="5uqln-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5uqln-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5uqln-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">He has this innate ability to just be able to chat up anyone and make them feel comfortable enough to start chatting as well </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="ce0ju-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ce0ju-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="ce0ju-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Going on errands with him is like watching the Mayor work the rope line </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="3chtn-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3chtn-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3chtn-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="7qblb-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7qblb-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7qblb-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">When we were little, Dad used to make secret sauce for our white rice</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="amr7v-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="amr7v-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="amr7v-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">He'd make a big production about getting the measurements of the ingredients just right but never let us see what he was actually doing </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="d6g08-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d6g08-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="d6g08-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">We'd hear him in the kitchen stirring, measuring, tasting and muttering as he added a bit more of this and a dollop of that until the taste, color and consistency were just right </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="e1du1-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e1du1-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="e1du1-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Then, he'd make a big deal about bringing the bowl of secret sauce to the table and we'd drown our white rice in secret sauce</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="c4a9b-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c4a9b-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="c4a9b-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">It was years before he told us what it was made of </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="9tu4-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9tu4-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9tu4-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">To this day, I do not like white rice without a serving of secret sauce</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="bqq40-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bqq40-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="bqq40-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="1retd-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1retd-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="1retd-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Dad always had a dog eared paperback book in the car between the seats, in the bathroom or tucked under his arm </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="31bu5-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="31bu5-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="31bu5-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">From him, I learned to always have a book (now a Kindle) with me to fill the void whilst killing time </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="2rj5g-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2rj5g-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="2rj5g-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And from him, I grew to love Tom Clancy, Nelson DeMille, WEB Griffin, and Louis L'Amour</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="autjt-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="autjt-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="autjt-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="3a92f-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3a92f-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3a92f-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Dad always has a pocket knife or a jack knife within arm's reach </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="ddu1o-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ddu1o-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="ddu1o-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I'm pretty sure if you polled his 7 kids, at least 5 of us would be able to pull one out of our pockets or purse</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="a69ae-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a69ae-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="a69ae-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And most of us can tie a square knot without looking </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="ad2ot-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ad2ot-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="ad2ot-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I am not one of those us who can handle a square knot but I do have a knife in my purse, two in the junk drawer and one in my glovebox</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="e730t-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e730t-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="e730t-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">All of his kids can, to some degree, quote John Wayne </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="79fi8-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="79fi8-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="79fi8-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And most of his kids, if you look in their cars, will have a copy of a gazetteer </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="3bqpr-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3bqpr-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3bqpr-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="fjksr-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fjksr-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="fjksr-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Dad taught me about Ohm's Law and let me borrow his meter; I won first prize in the Science fair </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="6k9st-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6k9st-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6k9st-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Dad did not have the patience to teach me math so I went to Summer School </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="cu64o-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cu64o-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="cu64o-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Dad chaperoned all our Survival Trips in Jr High and from him I learned how to start a fire with dryer lint, water proof my matches and use a coffee can as a survival kit </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="33f10-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="33f10-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="33f10-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I also learned what happens to the kids who sneak out of their tents after "lights out" </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="mndp-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="mndp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="mndp-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="3htti-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3htti-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3htti-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Dad would spend hours putting the lights on the Christmas tree</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="3pdq-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3pdq-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3pdq-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">He would literally wrap the lights around each and every branch until the tree was visible from space </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="cuje7-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cuje7-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="cuje7-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Then, he'd drape tinsel by individual strand on the branches so meticulously the tree looked like it was shimmering </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="8h5p2-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8h5p2-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8h5p2-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">We always had the best looking tree on the street </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="7mi12-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7mi12-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7mi12-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="8ko70-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8ko70-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8ko70-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">He worked at the phone company for almost 40 years </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="e6nqk-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e6nqk-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="e6nqk-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Some guys he worked with would tell you he was the ugliest son of a bitch ever</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="f8js1-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f8js1-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="f8js1-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Others would tell you he was the best boss they ever worked for: tough but fair and he'd go to bat for you </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="9codb-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9codb-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9codb-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">All of them would agree he loved the phone company and he had their respect </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="78k0o-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="78k0o-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="78k0o-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="4v2bt-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4v2bt-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4v2bt-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Dad can wear pink and yellow like no other guy I have ever seen </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="9m4q9-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9m4q9-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9m4q9-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And when he wore a flannel shirt, he looked like a lumberjack </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="ad35-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ad35-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="ad35-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">He pulled off both with ease and charm and was truly one of the most handsome men in the stands at our basketball games or school events </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="3e74p-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3e74p-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3e74p-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I know this because on more than one occasion, one of the girls I was sitting with would nudge me and say oh my God! Look at that guy up there in the pink shirt - he is so handsome! Look at him.....</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="fh0id-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fh0id-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="fh0id-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="2ilt5-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2ilt5-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="2ilt5-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Dad has a voice that commands attention </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="9gvd4-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9gvd4-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9gvd4-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Even when he was not yelling or speaking sternly, he could make you snap to attention just with the sheer gravitas and authority in his tone </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="dhfb4-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dhfb4-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="dhfb4-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">It also helped that Dad was tall and broad and his presence physically overshadowed most people in the room </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="4g80g-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4g80g-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4g80g-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="8q62k-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8q62k-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8q62k-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">When we were growing up, Dad traveled a lot for work </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="2tgsh-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2tgsh-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="2tgsh-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes, he would get called out last minute and he'd leave at odd hours of the day and night</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="1h0dr-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1h0dr-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="1h0dr-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">The phone would ring or his pager would go off and Dad would be gone </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="94ihv-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="94ihv-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="94ihv-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Somehow, he convinced some of our friends that he worked for the CIA and he swore them to secrecy </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="e4gvo-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e4gvo-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="e4gvo-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Told them they must never speak of anything they saw or heard in our house including how much he traveled and how quickly he would leave the house </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="344eu-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="344eu-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="344eu-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="5fsth-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5fsth-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5fsth-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Dad has beaten cancer, outwitted a couple heat attacks, and </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="1jdde-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1jdde-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="1jdde-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">somehow managed to outlive more runs ins with chainsaws, log splitters and mishaps with heavy machinery (and some hand tools) than any one person should</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="euhjl-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="euhjl-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="euhjl-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="ch7le-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ch7le-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="ch7le-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">He's walked various daughters down the aisle, referred to all of his grandkids at some point as Shortcake or Froggy, and can draw Bugs Bunny anytime, anywhere with any writing instrument on demand </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="2i1n6-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2i1n6-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="2i1n6-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="g0td-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="g0td-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="g0td-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">He's Jack, Big Jack, Uncle Jack, Papa, Papa Jack, Dad, and Johnny to some</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="5mtk6-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5mtk6-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5mtk6-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="6u5bo-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6u5bo-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6u5bo-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Mostly he's one of my favorite people </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="8ca85-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8ca85-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8ca85-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And today just happens to be the anniversary of his most recent trip around the sun </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="8q26q-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8q26q-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8q26q-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And marks the beginning of his next trip around the sun</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="1dvlk-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1dvlk-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="1dvlk-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="5ct4b-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5ct4b-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5ct4b-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">So if you are knocking around the Queen City up there in Maine, or here on Facebook, and you bump into my Dad, Jack Kearns, wish him a happy day </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="5qj7k-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5qj7k-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5qj7k-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="8uijd-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8uijd-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8uijd-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Happy Birthday Dad....</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="elq5-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="elq5-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="elq5-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bjs3d" data-offset-key="6r30d-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6r30d-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6r30d-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for teaching me that life is tough, but it's tougher when you're stupid so try not to be stupid....</span></div></div>Maria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656886446700369250.post-82668304979881764212021-02-04T10:31:00.001-05:002021-02-04T10:31:20.741-05:00When I grow up I want to be....<p> September 25, 2021</p><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="4nvle-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4nvle-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When</span><span data-offset-key="4nvle-1-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> I was a kid, I wanted to be a journalist </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="ci4bk-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ci4bk-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="ci4bk-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Specifically, a broadcast journalist </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="95at8-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="95at8-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="95at8-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="1oi1o-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1oi1o-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="1oi1o-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">In 6th grade, I made a poster for Career Day </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="d7d8s-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d7d8s-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="d7d8s-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">It was a drawing of me behind a desk looking into a camera reading the news</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="6jjmt-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6jjmt-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6jjmt-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="c1hf6-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c1hf6-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="c1hf6-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">That poster won me a visit to the Maine State House </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="9g07k-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9g07k-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9g07k-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I met the Governor (Joe Brennan) and was even allowed to sit at his desk </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="apj1l-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="apj1l-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="apj1l-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="4gbts-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4gbts-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4gbts-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">When it was time for me to go off to college, I based my school choice solely on the basketball teams</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="d90ns-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d90ns-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="d90ns-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Lucky for me, Syracuse University also happened to have a good communications school </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="6bbgf-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6bbgf-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6bbgf-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Not so lucky for me, in the early 90's, I was too chubby and not quite pretty enough to be on TV </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="754pb-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="754pb-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="754pb-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="79edm-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="79edm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="79edm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">So I studied Public Policy </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="9jnf3-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9jnf3-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9jnf3-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Thought I'd go to DC and be a lobbyist </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="dm9v0-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dm9v0-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="dm9v0-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="6b916-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6b916-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6b916-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Instead, I ended up graduating with honors but with zero direction in regards to what I wanted to be when I grew up </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="9vpc4-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9vpc4-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9vpc4-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="e0ark-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e0ark-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="e0ark-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I landed in Chicago, IL </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="cahft-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cahft-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="cahft-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Still no idea of what to do, but in need of a job</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="1nj8c-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1nj8c-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="1nj8c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">So I applied for a job in the collections department at a phone company</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="d5sk8-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d5sk8-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="d5sk8-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="8tq3-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8tq3-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8tq3-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I got the job and enjoyed six years at my first real grown up job </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="3jm2d-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3jm2d-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3jm2d-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I learned lots, moved through a couple different departments, made life long friends and in general, had an absolute blast </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="3321g-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3321g-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3321g-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="61a8a-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="61a8a-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="61a8a-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I made the move back to the east coast in my late 20s</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="28a7g-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="28a7g-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="28a7g-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I still had no idea of what to do with my life </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="che7k-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="che7k-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="che7k-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="evgsc-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="evgsc-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="evgsc-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I had a brief stint at Gillette as a contract employee before making my way to my next job </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="2bh8b-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2bh8b-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="2bh8b-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="3qnir-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3qnir-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3qnir-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I stayed at that job for the next 15 years </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="1naim-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1naim-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="1naim-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="no02-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="no02-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="no02-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">It was a good job with a solid company </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="4c4k-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4c4k-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4c4k-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Initially, they just need an office manager</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="8mc7h-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8mc7h-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8mc7h-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Someone to order supplies, file, enter some receivables and payables into the systems </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="c7hbk-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c7hbk-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="c7hbk-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="e6fmf-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e6fmf-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="e6fmf-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">But the job got bigger</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="3m3h8-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3m3h8-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3m3h8-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And I was processing payroll, handling employee benefits, commercial lines of insurance and preparing financial statements </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="a3hlu-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a3hlu-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="a3hlu-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="agpgo-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="agpgo-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="agpgo-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I learned more business stuff at that small, privately owned regional company than I probably could have at business school</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="152mc-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="152mc-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="152mc-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="up7l-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="up7l-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="up7l-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I worked for two men who were ambitious, motivated and astute in their business dealings </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="aer6h-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="aer6h-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="aer6h-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I made connections with people in finance and insurance and learned even more from them </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="96njs-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="96njs-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="96njs-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">It was a true on the job learning experience and one I will always be grateful for </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="e874t-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e874t-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="e874t-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="39kjs-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="39kjs-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="39kjs-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Five years ago, after some internal changes at the organization, it became clear to me I had to make a bigger change for me and my family </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="38vqp-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="38vqp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="38vqp-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I made the decision to leave the company </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="8jg1t-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8jg1t-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8jg1t-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="f957s-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f957s-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="f957s-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">So 5 years ago, I went on my first job interview since 2000</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="9ps3r-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9ps3r-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9ps3r-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">It was scary and nerve racking and overwhelming </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="cih1f-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cih1f-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="cih1f-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="d1c5p-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d1c5p-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="d1c5p-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">It was a process which I felt incredibly ill equipped for </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="brkbn-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="brkbn-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="brkbn-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="9hiib-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9hiib-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9hiib-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">But somehow, I found it in me to get out of my comfort zone, challenge myself and make a change that would lead me to where I am today </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="f9a1r-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f9a1r-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="f9a1r-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="3rp9m-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3rp9m-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3rp9m-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I went to work in the ever evolving and fast growing additive manufacturing industry </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="easc0-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="easc0-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="easc0-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">A far cry from the construction/service industry I had been in for 15 years </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="1l1sh-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1l1sh-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="1l1sh-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="b1e7m-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b1e7m-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="b1e7m-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I took a pay cut, had a two mile commute and learned about 3D printing with electro beam melting and titanium powder </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="2umrl-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2umrl-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="2umrl-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="fl7p6-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fl7p6-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="fl7p6-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">It was awesome </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="6bgbn-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6bgbn-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6bgbn-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="1l5ej-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1l5ej-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="1l5ej-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I was one of the original Team members in a newly opened US Office </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="fea4j-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fea4j-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="fea4j-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">The parent company was in Sweden </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="4ef4v-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4ef4v-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4ef4v-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">All I knew about Sweden was Ikea and Pippi Longstocking </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="19mhh-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="19mhh-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="19mhh-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Then I traveled there and met some of my new favorite people in the whole world </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="b42dn-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b42dn-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="b42dn-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="4ep05-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4ep05-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4ep05-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I helped build up an inventory, cultivated relationships with customers and when it was realized I could handle more business tasks, took on more responsibilities and challenges with each passing month </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="1jds1-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1jds1-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="1jds1-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="epakv-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="epakv-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="epakv-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">In no time, I was again using skills I had learned at my first job while adding more to my portfolio </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="am8m8-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="am8m8-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="am8m8-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="4k6ro-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4k6ro-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4k6ro-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I was having a blast </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="1u6a5-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1u6a5-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="1u6a5-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="76nle-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="76nle-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="76nle-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Sure, there were days I was annoyed and frustrated and wondered why I had made the change</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="cmu6n-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cmu6n-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="cmu6n-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="ckqg4-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ckqg4-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="ckqg4-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">But overall, it was quickly becoming my new favorite job </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="6cr3s-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6cr3s-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6cr3s-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="6j0v3-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6j0v3-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6j0v3-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Then we were bought out and placed into the aviation division </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="5kejc-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5kejc-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5kejc-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">of a large company that had a presence much greater than ours </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="piuo-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="piuo-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="piuo-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="9nt1l-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9nt1l-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9nt1l-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">At first, it was business as usual </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="g7kj-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="g7kj-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="g7kj-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">We continued to operate as we had been while starting to make connections within our parent company </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="caabm-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="caabm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="caabm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes, it was frustrating and ambiguous</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="5o1af-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5o1af-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5o1af-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Mostly, it was fun </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="cb0ua-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cb0ua-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="cb0ua-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="7e3mp-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7e3mp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7e3mp-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Then it was time to be fully absorbed into our new parent company</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="588hh-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="588hh-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="588hh-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I closed the office, dissolved our legal entity and for a few short days, was not 100% sure I still had a role in the company </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="346ng-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="346ng-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="346ng-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="c7j51-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c7j51-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="c7j51-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And then I landed in my current role </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="7520b-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7520b-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7520b-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">At first, I had no idea what I was doing </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="f2dsc-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f2dsc-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="f2dsc-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="ig7g-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ig7g-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="ig7g-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I mean there were days I sat in front of my computer and wondered just what the hell I was supposed to be doing </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="8htfi-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8htfi-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8htfi-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="4jd9r-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4jd9r-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4jd9r-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I'd flip through screen after screen trying to make sense of what I was looking at </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="445nl-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="445nl-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="445nl-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="a0p55-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a0p55-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="a0p55-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I'd sit on calls and try to absorb everything that was being said while muddling through how the needs of two modalities and 4 very different global regional requirements could be balanced </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="712un-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="712un-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="712un-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="adj9u-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="adj9u-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="adj9u-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I was tossed into an abyss of a new platform being rolled out on a global scale</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="7jdg7-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7jdg7-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7jdg7-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">The direction was not quite clear but the outline was kick ass</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="1kl7j-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1kl7j-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="1kl7j-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And the Team I was working with was even better</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="804jj-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="804jj-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="804jj-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="6a7q3-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6a7q3-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6a7q3-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Slowly but surely, I started to figure it out </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="7bgdr-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7bgdr-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7bgdr-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">There were times I had to ask the same question four times before I understood the answer </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="cnber-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cnber-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="cnber-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And yes, there were a couple times I hit a button I should not have ....</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="f7k3i-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f7k3i-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="f7k3i-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">but I was getting it </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="7j0am-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7j0am-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7j0am-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="eqa7e-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="eqa7e-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="eqa7e-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I could see the process optimization happening before my very eyes </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="1gkeb-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1gkeb-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="1gkeb-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And the next thing I know, I am in love with my "new" job </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="2hmkb-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2hmkb-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="2hmkb-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="atkov-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="atkov-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="atkov-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I mean like legit could not wait to sit down at my desk and start working each day </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="3e88d-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3e88d-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3e88d-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="df8u8-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="df8u8-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="df8u8-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I was using muscles in my brain that had not been poked or prodded for years </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="9kkr2-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9kkr2-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9kkr2-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And there they were coming alive again </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="6f84c-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6f84c-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6f84c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="f45a6-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f45a6-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="f45a6-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I was testing modules in the system, writing training materials, facilitating training sessions and revamping process maps to my heart's content </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="5i1il-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5i1il-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5i1il-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="64og9-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="64og9-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="64og9-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I had a new found passion for what I was doing </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="l2li-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="l2li-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="l2li-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="55nu4-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="55nu4-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="55nu4-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And I loved it </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="2cnug-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2cnug-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="2cnug-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="bfmh5-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bfmh5-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="bfmh5-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Every minute of it </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="7must-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7must-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7must-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="37q01-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="37q01-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="37q01-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Even on a bad day, I love my job </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="7ha6s-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7ha6s-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7ha6s-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="7r7kg-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7r7kg-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7r7kg-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">By April, COVID had a firm hold on the globe and the aviation </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="5frti-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5frti-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5frti-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">industry took a hit so hard it will probably be reeling for years to come </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="6vo1c-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6vo1c-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6vo1c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="1ri3c-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1ri3c-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="1ri3c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">There was a round of layoffs </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="ahdpl-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ahdpl-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="ahdpl-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">It was devastating </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="3fu4t-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3fu4t-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3fu4t-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="83pp0-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="83pp0-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="83pp0-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">But I survived as did the Team I was working with </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="e048u-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e048u-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="e048u-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And we continued on </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="2b826-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2b826-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="2b826-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And I kept loving my job </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="4v3dv-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4v3dv-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4v3dv-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="70uig-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="70uig-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="70uig-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">A second round of layoffs was announced </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="1u74i-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1u74i-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="1u74i-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">This one would be bigger </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="8dkj9-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8dkj9-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8dkj9-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And it would take some time for the details to emerge </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="6tr2h-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6tr2h-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6tr2h-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="8gobi-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8gobi-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8gobi-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">The details finally emerged </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="8elpk-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8elpk-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8elpk-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">This past Tuesday </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="9gvgj-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9gvgj-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9gvgj-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And this time, it was more devastating </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="fh9ob-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fh9ob-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="fh9ob-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">The cuts were bigger this time around - bigger by quite a bit </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="60s8k-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="60s8k-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="60s8k-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="3g8i1-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3g8i1-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3g8i1-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Our Team did not survive in its entirety</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="3if26-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3if26-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3if26-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="vth2-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="vth2-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="vth2-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And I am gutted and sad because on Tuesday, I lost my job </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="aug8f-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="aug8f-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="aug8f-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="e6omu-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e6omu-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="e6omu-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I am not angry nor bitter - not at all </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="7188o-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7188o-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7188o-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="e6550-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e6550-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="e6550-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I am plain old sad </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="7275r-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7275r-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7275r-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Sad because I truly love my job and the people I work with </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="pnlf-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="pnlf-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="pnlf-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="fcme-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fcme-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="fcme-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I had the best job ever with one helluva company</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="ftfbr-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ftfbr-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="ftfbr-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And I am so sad to be leaving </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="ejg16-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ejg16-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="ejg16-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="dg7t5-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dg7t5-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="dg7t5-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">My ego is a bit bruised</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="4ij14-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4ij14-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4ij14-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">My confidence is shot </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="bhalq-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bhalq-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="bhalq-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And I am scared to death to be looking for a job in the current climate </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="b0sh2-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b0sh2-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="b0sh2-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="bqg2b-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bqg2b-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="bqg2b-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I am also, oddly enough, embarrassed by the fact I lost my job </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="5hgp2-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5hgp2-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5hgp2-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="aslj0-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="aslj0-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="aslj0-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I shared this with a confidant who was kind enough to say to me she would never venture to tell me how to feel but, she wanted me to reconsider that emotion because she knows me well enough to realize that emotion will cripple me and keep me from asking for help </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="c7i4k-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c7i4k-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="c7i4k-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="23ei6-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="23ei6-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="23ei6-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">She's right </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="cab1i-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cab1i-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="cab1i-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="8ks1u-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8ks1u-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8ks1u-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">She reminded me I was laid off as a direct result of a reduction in force, not a reflection of my job performance </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="2opm2-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2opm2-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="2opm2-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="aq1r0-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="aq1r0-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="aq1r0-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">She's right again </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="b62hq-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b62hq-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="b62hq-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="9dv8j-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9dv8j-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9dv8j-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">So here it is, me asking for help: </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="91s5d-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="91s5d-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="91s5d-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="1jf1e-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1jf1e-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="1jf1e-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I lost my job this past Tuesday </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="evbtq-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="evbtq-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="evbtq-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I was given 30 days notice and come October 23, will be unemployed </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="85j86-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="85j86-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="85j86-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="e0i4j-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e0i4j-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="e0i4j-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">So if you know someone who knows someone who is looking for an Operations/Program/Product Manager, can you connect us?</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="73ql4-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="73ql4-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="73ql4-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="95koe-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="95koe-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="95koe-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">If you know of a company looking for talent to help them streamlines procedures, drive constant process improvement and optimization, can you give them my name?</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="6vddd-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6vddd-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6vddd-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="a6l02-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a6l02-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="a6l02-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">If you know anyone who is looking for someone to help them implement change or formulate strategic operational procedures for their service team/end users of their preferred platform, can you tell them I know how do to that?</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="7a96v-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7a96v-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7a96v-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="ciocu-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ciocu-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="ciocu-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And once I do that, tell them I can also design and write the training program and deliver it to the end users </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="77om5-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="77om5-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="77om5-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="19jij-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="19jij-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="19jij-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I can identify stakeholders then facilitate collaboration between them to share and adopt best practices </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="5qp9k-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5qp9k-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5qp9k-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="efq8r-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="efq8r-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="efq8r-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I can help align modules/data/KPIS to illustrate and recover missed or lost revenue opportunities</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="1e66d-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1e66d-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="1e66d-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="95gae-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="95gae-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="95gae-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I can show them how to implement audit practices to ensure the integrity of the data being analyzed is compliant in measuring KPIs</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="fg2r2-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fg2r2-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="fg2r2-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="eeu5f-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="eeu5f-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="eeu5f-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">If you know a company searching high and low for someone who knows install base management, warranty, preventative maintenance contracts and entitlements, work order management, dispatching and inventory management, tell them I'm the droid they are looking for </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="2hlaq-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2hlaq-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="2hlaq-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="1vdjt-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1vdjt-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="1vdjt-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And even if you don't know anyone looking for someone like me, think of all your connections within all your networks</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3ejhs" data-offset-key="76pcq-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="76pcq-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="76pcq-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">See if you can connect anyone with someone - you never know the difference it could make</span></div></div>Maria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656886446700369250.post-42546331325641440212021-02-04T10:30:00.000-05:002021-02-04T10:30:14.881-05:00He came into America....<p><span data-offset-key="665qs-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true" style="font-family: inherit;">September 23, 2021</span></span></p><p><span data-offset-key="665qs-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true" style="font-family: inherit;">When I met </span></span><span class="diy96o5h" data-offset-key="665qs-1-0" end="15" spellcheck="false" start="11" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sean</span><span data-offset-key="665qs-2-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true" style="font-family: inherit;">, he had been in this country for a year having moved from London to Boston for a job </span></span></p><span data-offset-key="665qs-2-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true" style="font-family: inherit;">One of the first things he shared with me was how he did not feel like America, specifically Boston, was the right fit for him
His plan, at the time, was to take a road trip down 95 then return to England
On our second date, I asked to see his Visa
I needed proof he was here legally
He was
On our third date, we shared:
Political views - he was more liberal than I
Musical taste - we like some of the same 80s stuff but I love Neil Diamond and folk music way more than he thought a person should
Books we like - science fiction and fantasy for him, what he calls tough guy books (think Vince Flynn) and Harry Potter for me
Movies we watch - we agreed more here than anywhere though he declared himself to be more of a Pretty in Pink Guy than 16 Candles
Religious Beliefs - he did not believe in organized religion at all and thought Catholics were the worst, I attend (Catholic) Mass every week
Pizza Toppings - he loves pepperoni and onions, I like white pizza with spinach
Ice Cream Flavors - he like black raspberry and strawberry, I'm chocolate and any variation thereof
Travel - he's been all over the world, I'm a bit more of a homebody but find myself more willing to travel with him
A month later, I asked him if he thought about returning to England
He said not any more
A few months later, he was still in this country and I was sitting in my usual pew at Mass when I felt someone touch my shoulder
It was Sean
I slid over to make room for him
He's been coming to Mass with me ever since
When we got married, we had a Catholic service in our Church and when we had Lucy, she was baptized there
A few years later, when he was ready, Sean converted to Catholicism
After we got married, Sean's Work Visa turned into a Green Card
Our marriage was officially a Green Card Marriage
Not "that" kind, the good kind
Our family and friends even wrote letters on our behalf for Customs and Immigration confirming our wedding was indeed the real deal and not a sham
I pull those letters out around our anniversary and re-read them.....best gifts our families (and families include friends) could have given us
We bought a house together
We lived there for almost nine years and had lots of laughs
We also had lots of tears, some sadness, and some disappointments
But we had each other
And more love and laughter than anything else
We sold that house and bought a new house
A house that had even more room for our laughs
And some tears, and sadness and disappointments
But mostly, love and laughs
Then, his Green Card which he had secured 10 years ago, was nearing its expiration date
We talked about getting it renewed
But then, Sean announced he was going to apply to become a citizen of the United States of America
So in November of 2019, he applied for Citizenship
We filled out all the paperwork, pulled all the necessary documents and downloaded an app to help him study
Lucy and I studied along with him and quizzed him on long car rides and at dinner and sometimes, when he least expected it, we'd just spring a random question on him
He was given a test date of early spring which meant his swearing in ceremony would be in May, close to Memorial Day
Now you all know how much I love America and Voting and Truck Day and Opening Day
So Lucy and I started planning a celebratory party because if the stars aligned, we would be throwing one helluva Housewarming/Anniversary/5th Grade "graduation/You're an American and get to Vote Party
And you all would have been invited
Instead, COVID- 19 hit
And Sean's test was pushed back
And then it was pushed back again
And again
And then it was pushed back indefinitely
So there was no party
For anything
Then his green card expired
He spoke with immigration and was assured there was no issue with him being here; nothing would happen as his application was on file
We kept on quizzing him and would periodically check the website for updates
There were none
Until mid August
In mid August, his test was scheduled for the beginning of September
We started studying again
Even Tony and Rita and my Mum and Dad got in on the studying/quizzing action
The test was on a Wednesday, smack dab in the middle of our vacation
Sean drove back to Boston for the test
We waited for his phone call
He passed
Lucy and I could not have been more proud
We bought an apple pie and even managed to find a small American flag to present to him when he returned to our vacation spot that night
A week later, we received his swearing in date: September 23
Today, Sean took the oath and was sworn in as an American citizen
The participants were masked and so was the presiding judge,
We were not allowed to stand with Sean - we were actually quite a distance from the ceremony but, we were able to watch and sort of hear it (by hear it I mean we heard muffled murmurs from the crowd)
But we saw him stand and raise his right hand and saw his mask moving so we knew he was saying something
Then, he placed his hand over his heart and we saw him turn to the flag pledging his allegiance
And our hearts burst
And Lucy hugged me and whispered Daddy's American now!!!
Sean was all smiles behind his mask as he walked towards us pulling the certificate that says you're a newly minted American out of the envelope to show us
We could not be more proud and I'm thrilled he gets to vote
Mostly, we're relieved he's staying
Congratulations and Welcome to America Sean
I'm proud of you, I love you, and I like you
And I am so glad you cancelled that road trip down 95........</span></span>Maria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656886446700369250.post-22454907311983006812020-08-25T13:15:00.002-04:002020-08-25T13:23:00.858-04:00Advice to today's High Schoolers<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Inspired by Mama Kay's Pretty Much World Famous Writer's Workshop </span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.mamakatslosinit.com/2020/08/not-like-theyll-listen-anyway/">https://www.mamakatslosinit.com/2020/08/not-like-theyll-listen-anyway/</a></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">High School </span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
It was either the best time of your life or the worst time of your life <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You either miss it or could not be happier it is over <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You either keep in touch with your high school friends or have not seen them
since the day you graduated <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Good, bad or indifferent, High School is a rite of passage we all go through<br /></span><span face=""><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="">To today's High Schoolers, I offer a
few pieces of advice:<br /></span><span face=""><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="">Do not wish away your youth; being a grown up is overrated<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don't try to act older than you are,
this is the same as wishing your youth away <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And when you do finally hit the age
you were trying to be at 15, you're going to wish you were 15 again <br /></span><span face=""><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="">Share your workspace/lunch table
with whomever comes your way <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Someday, it could be you looking for a friendly face and a
place to sit <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you need help, no matter what you
need help with, ask <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I don't care if it’s from a teacher,
a friend, a parent, another family member, a coach, just ask for help when you
need it, you do not have to do this alone<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you know the answer, raise your hand <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Don't be a know it all, but do not hide your smartness, your greatness, or your
knowledge<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is OK to make mistakes, just
learn from those mistakes<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do not try to cover the mistakes you
make up - just own them <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And do not make excuses <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Peer pressure will hit you from
every angle: pressure to join a club, tryout for sports, to smoke, to drink, to
kiss, to have sex, to do something you know deep down inside you should not
do <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
And sometimes, you will be able to resist peer pressure<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Sometimes you won't <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
It is OK for you to say No <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
And sometimes, it is OK for you to say Yes <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
But whatever decision you make, make sure it is <b>your</b> decision......<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And that you are prepared to live with the consequences of
that decision <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you do decide to drink, DO NOT
GET BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A CAR <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
And if someone you are with decides to drink, DO NOT GET INTO A CAR WITH
THEM <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Call your parents, let them come
pick you up <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sure, they'll probably be pretty
upset with you and yep, maybe you'll get grounded or will lose some
privileges <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But it is better than losing use of
your limbs, or worse, your life <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And trust me, they will not be as
angry as you think they will be<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you can't call your parents, call
a sober responsible adult you trust <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am such a person for my friend’s kids,
and they have called me more than once <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And their parents are ever so
grateful they did<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I don't tell the parents anything
except I have their teenager and they are safe<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I leave it up to the kids to tell,
or not tell, their parents <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Guys - No means No <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Girls - if you mean No, say No<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let me also say it this way:<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Girls - No means No <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Guys - if you mean No, say No <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That's right, it goes both
ways <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Again, apply this to your whole life<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do not take pictures of yourself in
compromising positions <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And do not allow pictures like that
of you to be taken by someone else <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And let me be specific: in my day,
it would have been a picture of us smoking or drinking a beer or throwing
toilet paper in the trees of our teacher's yard <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nowadays, a compromising picture
includes all that AND pictures of yourself/or random body parts with and
without clothes on <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You may think those photos are
private <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You are wrong <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And if you receive such a photo of
someone else, do the right thing: do not forward that photo<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Delete it <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do not share it in any way shape or
form.... think about how you would feel if it were a picture of yourself you
received....<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I will not tell you to be yourself -
most of you probably don't even know who you truly are yet <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hell, I'm well into my 40s and am
still finding myself <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Instead, try everything at least
once<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And by that, I don't mean all the
vices in life <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I mean go out for the school play,
the Team (whatever team it is), and join the Clubs that seem like they may be
fun and interesting <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Submit a piece for the Art
Show <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Take Chemistry instead of
Biology <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Join the band or the choir or both!<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Take Greek if it is offered instead
of French or Spanish <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just try everything - and if it
suits you, if it is fun, if it makes you smile and challenges you and brings
you a sense of fulfillment, keep doing it <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is how you will figure out who
you are <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And this is how you will become
you <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Show the same respect to the
custodian as you do to the principal/headmaster of your school; they both work
hard and are there to keep your learning environment healthy, safe and
clean <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Again, apply this to your grown-up
professional life as well <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Quick story: my first job out of
college was for a Fortune 500 company in Illinois. We occupied 10 floors of a 15-story
building. I got to know the cleaning crew who took care of our floor (there
were two crews for the 10 floors, about 6 people per crew) <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On my third day, I stayed late and
introduced myself to them...and by that, I mean I was sitting at my desk crying
because I was scared and overwhelmed<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The crew came in and politely
ignored me until I looked at one of the women and said please tell me it gets
better?!<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She promised me it would and sat
with me for twenty minutes while I ugly cried and snot ran down my face <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When they took their break, they
invited me to join them for dinner<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I stayed and they became my first
"work friends" talking me off the ledge and giving me much needed
encouragement<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I started having dinner with them at
least once a week and learned the names of everyone on both crews<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At holidays, I'd leave them baked
goods and little gifts<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When it was someone's birthday, I'd
get a cake or cupcakes, a bunch of balloons and a card<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I'd leave their "birthday"
on my desk (or stick around if I could to celebrate) as a surprise<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On my birthday, they'd decorate my
desk<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And my area was always a bit cleaner
than everyone else's<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If I worked late, one of the guys
always walked me to my car<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And in the winter, when I would go to
leave, my car was already cleared of the snow and ice the daytime storm had
dropped on it<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Not quite 2 years into that job, I
was up for a promotion; there were 8 of us going for 1 spot<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was a coveted position for which
you had to be nominated to even interview for the role<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Not only was there more money but
more exposure and visibility as you'd be working at the Campus which was where
our corporate headquarters were located .... which meant you got the green
badge which allowed you access to ALL our buildings across the region<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When I was awarded the promotion,
the VP (who a few months later became the CEO of our Division of the Company)
told the story of why I was awarded the role<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He said he could not decide between
three of us: I had less experience than the other two but, a couple of the
managers were really pushing for me given my performance thus far<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The VP could not decide, he
consulted a CEO friend of his.<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As luck would have it, this CEO knew
me. <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I did not know he knew me, nor did I
know I knew him <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Turns out, one of the guys on the
cleaning crew I was having dinner with weekly was said CEO – specifically, he the
owner/founder of the Cleaning Company<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He used to clean with the crew
because our company gave him his first break into the industry<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He said cleaning with the crew not
only reminded him of where he came from but what his people needed to do their
jobs well<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And because of the way I treated he
and his crew, he was convinced I would be the right person for the role<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He said, if I treated the cleaning
crew like this, the employees who would be working for me would be treated with
the same amount of respect <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And when employees are respected,
they are happier<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And when employees are happy, they
are better at their jobs<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And when employees are better at their
job, the profits look better<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And when the profits are better, we
all benefit<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So be respectful of everyone, you
never know who is who or who knows who....<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Write shit down - you will not
remember half as much as you think you will<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Be organized - with your time and
your stuff<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mind your manners<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Say please and thank you <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hold the door open for the person
behind you <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And if someone drops their books,
help them pick it up <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Make eye contact, smile, say
hello <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Being cool, dorky, funny, too
serious, uptight, ugly, pretty, too fat, too thin, too this, too that....is all
a matter of opinion <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What goes around comes around <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Also known as karma<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So be nice <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is that simple, just be
nice <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don't talk about people behind their
backs<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And if people talk about you behind
your back, they are not friends <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you don't have something nice to
say, try not to say anything at all <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And if you do say something that is
not nice (and you will), apologize <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When I was in high school, there was
this guy who had a huge crush on me <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He went out on a limb and told
me <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We went out on a few dates, but I blew
it because I did not know how to react<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When he gave me his senior picture
it simply read, I’m in love with you, what else can I say?<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I still did not know how to react<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, I didn't <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I wish I had <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And I still regret that<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I may not have grown up to marry
him, but I betcha he would be one helluva a friend to have as an adult <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, if someone goes out on a limb
with you and tells you how they feel, be honest with them<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Even if being honest means saying, I
have no idea how I feel …. because they have gone out on a limb and that is the
hardest thing to do<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I got made fun of in junior high
school <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A lot <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For all kinds of reasons<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I pretended not to care, and I never
really said anything/told anyone <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When I got to high school, that continued<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I still never really said
anything/told anyone<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Instead, I in turn made fun of
people <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don't fall into that cycle <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Avoid it at all costs because by the
time you leave, you won't have as many friends as you think you do <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Remember, the first step is the
hardest to take - once you take it, it will get easier <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And then it may get harder, but then
it will get easier <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That cycle will repeat itself all though
life <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So just be ok with the fact that sometimes,
it will be hard <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And sometimes, it will be easy <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It will only be as hard as you let
it be <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And it will always be easy if you
remember to just have fun <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pay attention in class and take
notes<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If someone asks to share your notes,
because they were out sick, do so<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One day, you too may be out sick<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But if someone WANTS your notes because
they did not take any, this is not someone you want to align yourself with,
they are using you<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Always read the book <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I had a teacher who would assign a
book to read <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We would discuss it in class as we
were reading it <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He would then give us a test on the
book <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There was only ever one question on
the test <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From that question and based on your
answer, he could tell if you had read the book or watched the movie<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And from your answer, you either
passed with an A or flunk with an F<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There was no makeup or extra
credit <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Always read the book ... don't take
shortcuts <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Listen to your parents<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I know they are a pain in the ass<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is sort of in our job description<br />
</span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But your parents love you more than
you will ever know<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Their advice, their nagging, their constant
breathing down your neck is so you don’t make the same mistakes they made<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And believe you me, they made
mistakes<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maybe they won’t admit to the mistakes
they made but trust me, everyone makes mistakes<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Your emotions and hormones started
going crazy when you were around 10/11<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They will continue to go crazy for the
next few years….so will your skin<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just take deep breaths, wash your
face, brush your teeth and floss<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And everything you are thinking and
feeling about your period, boys, girls, kissing, sex, the hair growing (or not growing)
in weird places, dirty dreams and crushes on your history teacher – your parent
most likely had the same thoughts and feelings, talk to them about it<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They will be embarrassed and possibly
deny it but keep talking to them<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Eventually, they’ll assure you - you
are not alone in your thoughts and feelings and you will get through this<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Girls – your period is the worst<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I won’t even sugar coat it<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Always have an emergency change of clothes
in your locker<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And wear a sweater or something to
cover yourself because at some point, you will leak<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And if you see this happen to
another girl, offer her your sweater to cover up<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Same for you boys, if you see this
happen to a girl, do what my friend did for me: he walked next to me with his
arm slung around my waist, his backpack hanging off his arm covering my ass<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Best friend a girl could have asked
for<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No one ever knew – and my secret was
safe with him<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">High school is not the “real world”<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Neither is college<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Neither is graduating from college<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here’s the secret no one tells you: You
are already in the real world, you’re just supervised<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, don’t think high school makes
you an adult, you are still a kid (embrace it!)<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">College won’t even make you an adult<br />
</span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The first plugged up toilet you have
to plunge yourself makes you an adult – trust me on this one<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the meantime, enjoy high school
as best you can<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Go to the dances, cheer your team on
at Homecoming, attend the school plays and concerts in support of your peers<br /> </span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Study, work hard, stay on point and remember,
life gets better<br /></span><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Even when you think it is a good as
it gets, it can always be better – so can you!</span></div>
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Maria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656886446700369250.post-34183934259203183342019-02-05T12:04:00.001-05:002019-02-05T12:04:31.346-05:00One is the loneliest number......<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
We welcomed another niece into the family this past weekend</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Lucy was over the moon<br />Partly because she was excited for her cousin to become a big sister but mostly because she and her new cousin share a middle name</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Sunday, we were in the car on our way to Target, talking about the new baby and looking at the pictures on my phone my sister sent when Lucy stopped speaking mid-sentence</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I looked over and her eyes were all watery</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Luce?</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
She turned and looked at me and when she blinked, the tears slid down her cheek</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I pulled over unsure of what was wrong as she still had not said anything</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Honey, what happened? What's wrong????</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I just realized I'm the only cousin who is an only child!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Her chin was touching her chest and her shoulders heaved as she sighed and stifled a sob</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
My throat closed up and I had to swallow a few times before I could speak<br />My eyes burned and I was trying really hard not to let tears form in the corners of my eyes</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I shook my head thinking it would stave off the wave of emotions rolling through my my mind and squeezing my heart so hard it felt as if it were breaking in two</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Oh Lucy, honey......I'm......I don't......</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Words failed me and we sat in silence</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
A few minutes passed and I found my voice reminding Lucy her oldest cousin is an only child</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
But he's all grown up in college Mumma! I'm the only little cousin with no brothers and no sisters! All I have are cats - I can't even get a dog because our stupid house is too small and you and Daddy work! And now, I'm the only kid who is an only kid in our whole family and I hate it! Besides, he was probably as miserable as I am but just never told anyone because he's a boy! And I'll be alone when you and Daddy die!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
There was nothing for me to say</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
So we sat in silence for a few more minutes, both of us regrouping and trying to figure out if we should get our emotions under control or just let them run wild</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
This being an only child has come up countless times in Lucy's little life</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
A couple years ago, we spent a week with my brother and his family which includes our 3 nephews<br />Sure, they fought and teased one another unmerciful<br />But they also looked out for one another and stuck up for each other and at night, would sneak into each other's rooms to talk or seek comfort from the dark<br />By week's end, Lucy was fighting with them as much as they fought with each other but, she also became protective and attached to them<br />She cried all the way to the airport</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
This past summer, we spent time in England with my sister-in- law and her family which includes two nieces<br />The girls adore one another and could spend hours in each other's company - sometimes talking, sometimes just compatible silence and sometimes giggling, singing, dancing and being silly<br />And sure, sometimes arguing and disagreeing with one another<br />But there was something so comfortable and comforting about their relationship<br />Lucy would stand off to the side watching them and though they did their best to include her, it threw their rhythm off a bit and it was clear Lucy was an interloper<br />But they shared secrets and hugs and laughs with her whilst we were there</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Once, a couple kids teased her about being an only child and told her we did not have more kids because she was so terrible and angry and difficult to deal with.......that we decided not to have anymore kids because they could be like her</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Lucy expertly fought back and informed her tormentors that was not the reason at all but instead, we did not have more kids because "My Mum had her vagina removed! She can't have anymore kids you morons!"</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
For the record, it was not my vagina I had removed, just had a good old fashioned hysterectomy</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
But that did not stop her from coming home and asking me to confirm she was not a horrible child and she was not the reason we only had one child</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
*sigh*</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
All I could do was assure her she was not a horrible child or a troublemaker or an angry child and she was not the reason we only had one child but instead, we were lucky she was the child we got to have</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
What I could not and don't tell my 9 year old is how heart broken I am at not being able to give her a brother or sister</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
What I don't tell her is how hard it is for me to see or hear about someone else I know having a baby<br />How the sight of a pregnant belly can send me into a dark and jealous spiral</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
What I don't tell her is how much my heart hurts when I look at her baby pictures and realize I will never have another baby</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
What I don't tell her is how much it hurts when I realize all her firsts were the first and last firsts I will ever know</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
What I don't tell her is that I am scared she will have the same struggles and heartbreak I had</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
What I don't tell her is how hard it was for me when the doctors finally said we're removing your uterus and I realized my time was up</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I cleared my throat and took a deep breath before I started talking</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Lucy, honey....</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
She was leaning back in the seat with her head turned away from me looking out the side window</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
She rolled her head towards me but kept her eyes down</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I'm sorry kiddo - I love you</div>
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I put out my hand and when she nestled hers within mine, I clasped it as tightly as I could</div>
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She squeezed back</div>
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I'm sorry pal......</div>
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It's okay Mumma, I know it makes you just as sad as it makes me.....and I'm happy I have a new cousin and M gets to be a big sister....I just wish......</div>
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I know kiddo, I know</div>
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And then I tell Lucy how much we love her and how much love, laughter and light she has brought into our lives<br />I remind her that even though she is an only child, like her oldest cousin, she will soon find her world filled with friends who can be as close and as important as siblings</div>
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I tell her that family is not only blood, and the same last names and sharing grandparents, but family is also defined in so many other ways and though she may not have a sibling, her "family" is so much bigger than the traditional definition and that her family will continue to grow</div>
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And I remind her that no matter what, her Dad and I will forever and always love her</div>
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Can we maybe try to see my cousins more so I am not so alone?</div>
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Sure Luce</div>
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Even though they all live away?</div>
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Yes honey, we'll try</div>
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Because Mum, you and Dad are getting old and I don't want to be alone when you die and I am the most scared of that</div>
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I know pal, we'll do what we can and I promise, you will not be alone when we die</div>
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Mumma?</div>
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Yes honey</div>
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I'm sorry about how sad this make you</div>
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It's ok pal, it makes us all sad but we just have to remember how lucky we are to have one another and that we need to work harder at seeing our family so we have those relationships</div>
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Ok Mumma.....you know what would make you feel better?</div>
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What's that?</div>
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A dog!<br />No<br />A fish?<br />Nope<br />A turtle? A gerbil? A hamster? A lizard?<br />Nope, negative, not going to happen kiddo<br />Ok well, if you change your mind, Dad and I really want a dog...<br />Got it pal, noted!<br />Can we go home?<br />Sure</div>
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We drove home in silence, the errand forgotten<br />As we were getting out of the car and headed up the walkway, Lucy took my hand</div>
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Mum?</div>
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Hmm</div>
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You know what I do like about being an only kid?</div>
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What's that?</div>
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I get you and Dad all to myself!</div>
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Thanks Luce, that makes me happy to hear you say</div>
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Also, when you do die, I won't have to split your money with anyone!</div>
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I stopped mid stride and started to form a response<br />But it sort of came out like a sigh crossed with an umph crossed with a how the fuck am I supposed to respond to that statement crossed with the thought of well, she's not wrong......<br />And I'm pretty sure face contorted into a weird look each time I took a breath trying to come up with a verbal response.....</div>
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Lucy giggled</div>
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It's a joke Mum! Seemed like it was getting pretty serious so I thought we needed to break it up a little</div>
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I chuckled and started walking again</div>
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You're right Lucy, and yes, you do get all our money, so yeah, I guess there's that.....</div>
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This time it was Lucy who stopped mid-stride and exclaimed with a little too much excitement for my liking....</div>
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Just how much money are we talking?!?!?</div>
Maria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656886446700369250.post-39414829114176901562018-09-26T10:22:00.002-04:002018-09-26T10:22:41.075-04:00Forever Home September 24, 2018<br />
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Ziggy came to live with us 6 years ago</div>
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He came in as a 17lb, 5 year old black cat<br />He is now a 20lb, 11 year old black cat and is more loved as each day goes by</div>
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His nicknames range from Ziggy Boy to Chubzilla to Count Chubbula to Zigmund Zigaby to Zigs to Zigladon</div>
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Ziggy follows Lucy around the house and sits next to her whilst she's watching TV, eating breakfast or reading<br />Ziggy sits on Sean while we're watching TV after Lucy has gone to bed<br />But he sleeps with me</div>
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Only Lucy can pick him up<br />Only I can brush him<br />And only Sean cleans his litter box</div>
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Ziggy is spoiled<br />And we're spoiled for having him<br />He completes our little family</div>
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A couple years ago, Lucy wanted nothing more than to have a little brother or sister<br />So much so she would get upset with me when she asked for one and I would dodge her questions<br />When I finally explained to her I could not have more kids, she held my face in her little hands and assured me she was ok with that as Ziggy was her brother and he was more than enough</div>
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But Lucy has always wanted more cats<br />And for a short time, we did indeed have two cats</div>
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Herbie lived with us for a few months<br />But poor old Herbert Sherbert the 3rd was not happy as a house cat<br />He loved us and we loved him but he loved the outdoors more<br />So he went to live with Uncle Michael and Neenie at the lake</div>
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Herbie is happy<br />We are still sad</div>
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In 2016, we started looking for a new cat<br />We'd go to the shelter a couple times a month in hopes of meeting the perfect cat<br />But then a cat bit me and I was on antibiotics twice a day for a week and scared of shelter cats for a year</div>
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We (I) finally worked up the courage to go back to the shelter<br />I just don't get too close to the cats<br />So we started looking again<br />But we could not find the right cat for us</div>
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In June, we were in Reading at a Family Field Day and started chatting with an agency in Wakefield which fosters and places cats<br />We looked at numerous pictures they had at their booth and were also directed to their website which showcased an even broader field of cats up for adoption</div>
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Lucy started to get more excited but first, we had to make sure we were all up to the task</div>
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So we had many long family conversations about cost and responsibility</div>
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I'll pay the adoption fee! Lucy declared<br />Honey, that can be up to $200<br />It's worth it Dad!</div>
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So it was agreed<br />We'd look for a second cat to join the family<br />Sean and I would cover the vet bills but Lucy would pay the adoption fee</div>
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We figured a 5-7 year old male would be best; old enough so he was out of his kitten phase and a bit more chill<br />A little younger than Ziggy in hopes of keeping Ziggy young<br />And a male because Sean said he had never had good luck with female cats</div>
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Lucy wanted a Maine Coon Cat<br />I wanted a Norwegian Forest Cat or a Rag Doll<br />Sean just wants someone else to clean the litter box</div>
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Lucy and I then spent one lazy afternoon on the website for the agency in Wakefield<br />And we stumbled across Andre.....a 7 year old Maine Coon cat<br />I emailed about him, filled out the application and we waited<br />But nothing happened</div>
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Yesterday, with not much to do, and Lucy frustrated because we never heard back about Andre, we took a ride to the MSPCA shelter (same place we got Zigs, same place the cat bit me) to have a look around</div>
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As we wandered through the cat room, I kept seeing this little gray and white kitty getting all kinds of love from people<br />Until they realized her age and then they'd walk away shaking their heads and saying it was too bad she was so old</div>
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I was standing in the corner as Lucy and Sean went from cage to cage peering in with curiosity and anticipation of finding the perfect cat to come live with is</div>
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At one point, Lucy sought out a volunteer and peppered her with questions about one cat in particular only to find out the cat was going home later in the day</div>
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Dejected, Lucy hung her little head and frowned</div>
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The volunteer, this wonderful woman called Cristeen said to Lucy let me flip through the book for you and see who else we have</div>
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Lucy perked up and we returned to the cat room while Cristeen looked for Lucy's cat mate</div>
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Then Lucy spotted the little gray and white kitty<br />And then Sean spotted the little gray and white kitty<br />Sean popped open the cage which was high up and the cat jumped into Sean's arms</div>
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Lucy melted<br />Sean melted</div>
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Cristeen came back into the room and found Lucy and Sean with the cat called Harley</div>
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She's not quite what you are looking for said Cristeen</div>
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Can we hear about her? asked Lucy Can you get the paper on Harley and tell us about her</div>
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Cristeen looked to me and I nodded</div>
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Harley is a 15 year old female cat<br />Her owner was forced to give her up when her adult son moved home with various dogs<br />Harley was looking for her forever home to retire in<br />By all accounts, she is a pretty healthy 15 year old cat and had been well taken care of until the dogs moved in</div>
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And by all accounts, our daughter had fallen in love</div>
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Sean and I exchanged glances and shoulder shrugs<br />Cristeen gave us time to discuss</div>
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Lucy pointed out to us that Harley only had a few years left and didn't she deserve to spend those last few years with a family who could love her and take care of her?</div>
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And Lucy assured us she would work with Ziggy (who is pretty chill) to get him to understand how much Harley needs us</div>
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Then Lucy pulled out all the stops and went straight for our heart strings:</div>
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If we take her home guys, when she does die, she'll die in a house full of love ..... isn't that the best thing for her? I don't want her to be alone......</div>
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Even Cristeen the volunteer knew Lucy had just sealed the deal</div>
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Minutes later, we were sitting with Jenny, the adoption counselor</div>
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Lucy could not contain her excitement</div>
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And Jenny and Cristeen were just as excited for both Lucy and Harley</div>
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As we completed the paperwork, Lucy kept babbling away to Jenny about how Harley deserved a forever home in her old age and assured Jenny we were just the family Harley needed</div>
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Plus, she told Jenny, I'm paying to adopt Harley so that should tell you how important this is to me</div>
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And then Jenny, bless her heart, did the most wonderful thing anyone could have done for Lucy that day - and for us as Lucy's parents</div>
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When Jenny slid the adoption papers across the table, which were pre-printed in Sean's name with a signature line for him, we realized Jenny had also made a line on the paper for Lucy to sign</div>
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Jenny turned to Lucy as Sean signed his name and said<br />Lucy, I'm also going to need your signature as you're paying the fee and Harley is your responsibility</div>
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Lucy, with her head held high, beamed as she signed her name with the flick of her pen</div>
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By the time we left, everyone knew Harley was going home to a house with lots of love for her to live out her final days because as Lucy said</div>
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Hey! We all gotta die sometime and it should be in a house full of love......</div>
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Welcome to the family Harley Girl</div>
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<br />Maria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656886446700369250.post-69107640922209937422018-09-26T10:20:00.000-04:002018-09-26T10:20:11.832-04:00One Belt Away September 8, 2018<br />
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Last night, she sparred for 6 minutes, did at least 30 crunches, 30 push ups, 100 punches and planked for so long her body started to tremble and though she’ll deny it, she was brought to tears with less than a minute to go</div>
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But she persevered and now she is a brown belt.....</div>
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One belt away from her black belt<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><br />We will sleep with one eye open from now on</span></div>
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And could not be more proud of The Goose</div>
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Maria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656886446700369250.post-5634820916180752852018-09-26T10:16:00.002-04:002018-09-26T10:16:21.904-04:00All by myself August 3, 2018<br />
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I'm the only person in the office today</div>
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I mean LITERALLY the only person</div>
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My one call was cancelled</div>
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It is so quiet, I am not only caught up, I am working on next week's calendar items</div>
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I also engaged a telemarketer in conversation for 20 minutes, had coffee with the Fed Ex Freight guy, used the motion board I got with my stand up desk for 25 minutes, shared my grandmother's blueberry muffin recipe with the mail girl and made a playlist</div>
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It is not even 1pm.....</div>
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Maria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656886446700369250.post-27035365096386753272018-09-26T10:15:00.000-04:002018-09-26T10:15:29.327-04:00Happy Birthday to the Other Queen August 1, 2018<br />
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For some, today is a day to celebrate National Raspberry Cream Pie Day or National Girlfriends' Day</div>
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Others will partake in events for National Scout Scarf Day or Worldwide Web Day</div>
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It is also Respect for Parents Day and International Childfree Day which confuses my head a bit but who am I to judge</div>
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Some people will use today to kick off Inventor's Month, Fishing Month, Peach Month and Happiness Happens Month</div>
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There will also be, I am guessing, birthday remembrances and parties for Claudius Francis Scott Key, Herman Melville, Mother Jones, Henrietta Lacks, Dom DeLuise, Jerry Garcia, Coolio, and Jason Momoa</div>
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But for me, I will spend August 1st celebrating one of my all time favorite people</div>
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She's smart and sassy, no bigger than a minute and single handily brought back Talbots</div>
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She loves penguins, feeds the birds, chipmunks, deer and chickens which frequent her backyard and talks to all of them in a sing songy voice that makes you wonder if she is not in fact Snow White</div>
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She's up on politics, down with Jesus, and adores the Blessed Mother</div>
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She still watches the Golden Girls and Designing Women as if they never went out of style or off the air</div>
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She's retired but has never been more busy and has a schedule which rivals the Queen's</div>
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She can relate to the youngest person in the room, the oldest person at the table and everyone in between</div>
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She's soft spoken but packs a powerful punch with her words and her laugh will bring tears of joy to your eye</div>
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She can put you in your place with a single arch of her eyebrow and build you up with a nod of her head and five encouraging words</div>
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She says things like:<br />beggars can't be choosers<br />if wishes were horses beggars would ride<br />praise the Lord and pass the ammunition<br />dogs barking, can't fly without umbrella</div>
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She sends text messages filled with emojis and GIPHYes<br />And she still sends cards for every occasion and thank you notes for gifts received</div>
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She is Grammy and Grampy's eldest daughter and Aunt Nell and Uncle Ed's favorite niece<br />She's a younger sister, an older sister and an aunt to so many nieces and nephews</div>
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She's a wife - 51 years this past February<br />She's a mother (1 boy, 6 girls, all natural child births ladies..... ALL NATURAL.....all 7 times...)<br />She's a Noni to 4 adoring grandsons and 2 doted on granddaughters</div>
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She's a friend to many, a companion to some, a lifeline for others and she diligently prays for every single one of us</div>
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She's been strong in the face of adversity and vulnerable with a quiet strength and faith that sees her through to the other side</div>
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She's taken a lot of shit from people over the years but has never complained, she simply shrugs, and knows that this too shall pass</div>
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She is more than I could ever hope to be</div>
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<a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=100011564370931&extragetparams=%7B%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011564370931&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDIPUb96B2-MI84JZKQJr-fpKRdt7mb9PxR6xLXhNF0Hrc_k7JZE-GJSii7kigsemcYb7no_urZZEcC6pNg91KYY0JK7elc-n3jelFqRK7rPilBlu5ViIJPXlES9ksV9NWqUrOq2PqPKpJpNP0buRZFrgRXQcSUJWOw3zyWFlzsCopap-mUOg&__tn__=K-R" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">Loretta Kearns</a>, you are, and continue to be, the only person I will go out of my way to wish Happy Birthday to on Facebook.....<br />And not just because you are my favorite Mum but because you continue to be one of my favorite people in the whole wide world</div>
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May your day be filled with well wishes, love, frosting (why bother with the cake), and whatever your heart desires</div>
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Happy Birthday Mum!<br />Hang onto your wishes and dreams<br />Eat your veggies, say your prayers and keep being you<br />Love the bag, love the shoes, love everything, love you!</div>
Maria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656886446700369250.post-65649706446230677652018-09-26T10:13:00.001-04:002018-09-26T10:13:39.783-04:00At the Car Wash June 10, 2018<br />
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Sent Lucy and Sean outside to wash the cars</div>
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The sidewalk and the side of the house have never looked so spic and span clean</div>
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Also, Sean may be giggling louder than Lucy <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><br />He definitely screams louder than Lucy</span></div>
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And Lucy's aim with the hose has improved dramatically since last year</div>
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Maria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656886446700369250.post-37651581334650739842018-09-26T10:12:00.001-04:002018-09-26T10:12:15.691-04:00Two Belts Away May 14, 2018<br />
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So proud of this little knucklehead......</div>
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She packs a mean punch and has one helluva kick</div>
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She can do more push-ups than most people I know and does 40 jumping jacks without breaking a sweat</div>
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She's sweet, stubborn, sassy and selfless</div>
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And now she's two belts away from being a legit black belt</div>
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Well done Goose, well done!</div>
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Maria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656886446700369250.post-27032499413614856592018-09-26T10:09:00.001-04:002018-09-26T10:09:43.015-04:00The girl has got movesMay 8th, 2018<br />
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Was lazily flipping through old pictures on my phone the other night ... around 10pm</div>
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This gem of a video popped up</div>
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I watched it</div>
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Laughed so hard and loud, I woke Lucy up<br />Her noodle legs slay me</div>
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She had just turned 7</div>
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Now she’s 9</div>
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And her dance moves are still epic</div>
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Maria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656886446700369250.post-90602875032261256362018-09-26T09:45:00.000-04:002018-09-26T09:45:23.076-04:00Party like it's your birthday <div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
April 13, 2018<br />
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Lucy turns 9 Monday</div>
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This is the first year we've not had a birthday party<br />
Her choice, not ours</div>
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When she turned 2, Lucy loved Nemo<br />
So we turned the house into the Great Barrier Reef complete with jelly fish, swimming fish and waves</div>
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At 3, we transformed the living room into a zoo with wild (stuffed) animals lurking around each corner</div>
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For her 4th party, we went on a dinosaur dig<br />
There were excavation sites, a dinosaur egg hunt and homemade fossils</div>
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By 5, Luce was a full fledge cat lady and decided a Kitty Party would be the perfect way to comemerate her milestone birthday<br />
We had a cat adoption center with kitties (stuffed) and adoption certificates, kitty crafts and a mouse hunt</div>
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By 6, Lucy had developed a love of Pokémon and that was the chosen theme<br />
So with red and black sharpies, we turned 100 ping pong balls into poke balls<br />
The kids designed and created their own Pokémons and we all became trainers</div>
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When she turned 6, Sean introduced her to Star Wars<br />
She was hooked</div>
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So birthday 7 was Star Wars themed<br />
We made light sabers and learned how fight like a Jedi<br />
We battled storm troopers, and Darth Vader and pinned the saber on Yoda</div>
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At 8, Harry Potter was the favorite<br />
We made wands and practiced spells from our spell books<br />
We hatched dragon eggs, attended potions class and had a Quidditch Match<br />
Then, we searched the yard for the Golden Snitch<br />
8 was a kick ass party</div>
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I could not wait for her 9th birthday party</div>
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But this year, on the cusp of 9, Lucy announced she did not want a party</div>
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I was gutted.......I love planning and hosting her parties....</div>
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When I asked her why, she just shrugged and said just because<br />
So I did not push</div>
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Instead, we asked what she wanted to do<br />
Without hesitation, she requested a day of fun with her oldest and dearest pal Jake and then a sleepover movie night with pizza and white cake because Jake does not like chocolate<br />
No problem we said, we'll make it happen</div>
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We can also have a party I offered....<br />
No thank you Mumma...</div>
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A few nights ago, she finally told me why she did not want a party<br />
It made my heart hurt a little but also made me marvel at how far she has come</div>
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She is more self aware and better able to self regulate<br />
She's stronger and more mature<br />
And she is able to look at things more matter of factly and from more than one point of view</div>
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She still struggles and sometimes it all gets the best of her<br />
But she's being the best Lucy she can be</div>
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And somehow, she's hung onto her naive innocence</div>
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*sigh*</div>
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She's turning 9</div>
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No party<br />
No ping pong balls being turned into snitches or poke balls<br />
No light sabers, wands, spell books or dinosaur digs<br />
No fanfare</div>
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But she's promised me we'll still have cake....</div>
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Maria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656886446700369250.post-24592867570852693492018-09-26T09:43:00.000-04:002018-09-26T09:44:30.384-04:00Happy Birthday BeverlyBack in April, when Lucy turned 9, one of my favorite authors turned 102<br />
I wrote this in honor of her birthday<br />
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April 12, 2018<br />
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When I was a kid, I had a list of authors I loved and adored:<br />
Judy Blume, Lois Lowry, Laura Ingalls Wilder, EB White, Paula Danziger, Michael Bond and Carolyn Keene to name a few</div>
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And then there was Ramona Quimby written lovingly and funnily by Beverly Cleary<br />
Those were among my favorite books<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><br />I connected with Beezus - the older, put out by her kid sister, sister<br />But I secretly wanted to be Ramona</span></div>
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When I was a kid, I wrote Mrs Cleary a fan letter<br />
I can't remember if she wrote back, you'd have to ask my Mum<br />
But I knew I adored her<br />
Because of her and Judy Blume, I really wanted to be a writer</div>
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In my head, these two women, the other authors, along with their characters, were my friends</div>
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When I was in my teens and and as a young adult, I would pick up Mrs Cleary's books and read them simply because they were an easy read and made me smile<br />
(I'd also re-read Judy Blume's books to keep some of my angst in check)</div>
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Now I read them as a Mum with Lucy and I not only smile but am reminded of my own youth</div>
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I am reminded of why I love reading and writing so much</div>
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I am reminded how lucky we are to have the written word of so many great talents.....</div>
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Of how lucky we are to have such easy access to these wonderfully written works</div>
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And how lucky I and my daughter are to have the education to read these words</div>
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Today, Beverly Cleary is a 102 years old</div>
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She is a Living Legend.... how lucky we are to have her wit and wisdom on paper preserved for years to come!</div>
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Thank you Mrs Clearly for Ramona, Beezus, Henry, Ralph the Mouse and Socks<br />
Happiest of days to you - and thank you for being my friend</div>
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Maria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656886446700369250.post-58462775119324573682018-09-26T09:39:00.000-04:002018-09-26T09:39:05.844-04:00What I am Thankful forAlso back in March, I was cleaning out some papers and came across this gem Lucy wrote back in November<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKUtv5rSqaU/W6uLzXyD56I/AAAAAAAAAx8/eQwumSAm3R8S4yiypM5Bo2GldmUkuWO_wCLcBGAs/s1600/Thankful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKUtv5rSqaU/W6uLzXyD56I/AAAAAAAAAx8/eQwumSAm3R8S4yiypM5Bo2GldmUkuWO_wCLcBGAs/s640/Thankful.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />Maria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656886446700369250.post-33806988971820098622018-09-26T09:36:00.002-04:002018-09-26T09:36:40.630-04:00College is not for everyoneNote Lucy left for me on the table back in March<br />
Sean posted it to my Facebook page with the caption "Told you we didn't need a college fund"<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a96TCYB3HnM/W6uLQ_APKjI/AAAAAAAAAx0/z_2vZHdGhGwpoprkyqvjwCYdlVNyvaeOwCLcBGAs/s1600/College%2BNote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="433" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a96TCYB3HnM/W6uLQ_APKjI/AAAAAAAAAx0/z_2vZHdGhGwpoprkyqvjwCYdlVNyvaeOwCLcBGAs/s1600/College%2BNote.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Maria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656886446700369250.post-52256363026597216192018-01-29T15:07:00.001-05:002018-01-29T15:07:35.760-05:00We Recycle!<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
January 26, 2018</div>
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Email I sent to Lucy's Teacher Friday morning as there was a slight mishap in our house: </div>
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Hi Ms Dabrieo -</div>
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Just wanted to let you know I'll be picking Lucy up after school today (bang on 2:40!) as she has karate</div>
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As a side note, I also feel compelled to tell you there is a slight chance my daughter may smell of beer</div>
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Please be assured and take comfort in knowing I was not drinking this morning</div>
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It has been years since I had a drink<br />As a matter of fact, it has been so long I actually can't recall the taste nor can I recall much of happened when I was drinking but I have good friends who have filled in many blanks for me and I can tell you, I had great fun</div>
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Lucy was not drinking either<br />Well, she had a shot of allergy medicine and shared a glass of milk with the cat but she knows to quit while she's ahead</div>
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And I'd blame Sean but he had already left for work<br />Sometimes I blame him anyway, one of the many gifts I give in our marriage to him</div>
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Instead, the culprit is a good deed<br />My daughter smells like beer because of a good deed</div>
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As usual, I was rushing around the kitchen making sure I had completed all my chores before we left for the day</div>
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The unnecessary task of taking stock of which Bad Guys and Stick Cat books we had on the shelf totally distracted me</div>
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I'm easily distracted when I have to do something I don't want to do<br />(which in this scenario was the simple act of leaving the house)</div>
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Next thing I know, we're seven minutes behind schedule</div>
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Lucy, as she has learned to do, quickly identified the manic frenzy I was on the verge of and decided to help by putting out the recycling which included a two beer cans</div>
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Again, not my cans and not from this morning<br />They were Sean's (see how easily I throw him under the bus)</div>
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But, he's pushing 50 and needs something to get through the night so who am I to judge</div>
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Anyway, Lucy was helping and scooped up the cans along with an empty Malteasers box (like Whoppers, only English, all me ), an empty raspberry container and some mail I just did not feel like dealing with</div>
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As she headed for the front door, I redirected her to the back door reminding her the bin was on the back deck</div>
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She re-routed herself</div>
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I suggested she put something down before she attempted to open the slider</div>
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But she is 8</div>
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Which means she does not listen to me<br />Or, she listens to me for the sake of ignoring me or telling me no, she can do it her way and it will work damn it!</div>
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It did not work, she could not open the slider with her arms full of recycling</div>
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Instead, she fumbled and the two beer cans which were not as empty or rinsed out as one would think, were jostled about and from the depths of said cans came that tablespoon of beer that you can never quite get out of the bottom of a can (which I why I only drank from a glass bottle or draft, I hate waste)</div>
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The beer sloshed onto her forearm, into her hair, across the side of her face and down the front of her top</div>
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As I mentioned, we were already running late so I quickly wet the dish towel, wiped off her arm, face and sweater and then cupped my hand under the faucet and threw a handful of water on her hair and re-brushed it</div>
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I did not do her any favors as the dish towel may or may not have smelled faintly of salsa and ground beef (which I had for dinner last night...leftovers from our Self Serve Saturday Supper which was, you guessed it, tacos)</div>
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So, to summarize:<br />I will pick up Lucy from school at 2:40, she will not be attending Project Learn<br />Lucy smells like beer because she was taking out the recycling and it spilled on her</div>
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I could have just sent you a two line email but I am also the person who has never been able to buy just toothpaste or tampons or soap at Target because I am afraid the cashier will think I did not brush my teeth, am not using anything while I have my period at that exact moment nor did I shower because I had no soap</div>
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So then I find myself telling the cashier I did brush my teeth today but I will probably run out of toothpaste in a day or two so I'm getting it now and no, I don't have my period yet but its coming next week which is also why I am crying and made sure you had candy in your aisle before I committed to your line and I did shower this morning but, I used the last of the soap so here I am!</div>
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Turns out cashiers really don't care</div>
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Now, I just buy $300 worth of stuff to hide the toothpaste, soap and tampons (well, no more tampons as I had my uterus shoved out my vagina last year but you see where I'm going with this)</div>
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Ok well, that should do it!<br />See you at pick up and thanks for not thinking my kid, or I, was drinking this morning!</div>
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Have a great day!</div>
Maria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656886446700369250.post-72018397495482050692017-12-15T10:08:00.003-05:002017-12-15T10:08:35.235-05:00Middle School SucksNovember 28, 2017<br />
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One time, I wrote a post (or two) about the hard time Lucy was having at school</div>
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My friend <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=573651497&extragetparams=%7B%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/kaitlyn.arsenault.9?fref=mentions" style="color: #365899; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">Kaitlyn Arsenault</a> sent me a message full of love, kind words and encouragement for Lucy and for me</div>
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Her oldest daughter is in middle school and just got hit in the face again with the middle school blues...and by blues I mean drama</div>
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Remember middle school folks?<br />Puberty starts to hit, the girls get meaner, the boys you used to play in the sandbox with become objects of your affection and the social ladder is as fierce as the bygone Social Register (a juggernaut in old New York social circles)</div>
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I wish I had words of wisdom for Bella and words of comfort for her Mom but I don't</div>
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I mean I have words, I always have words<br />I'm just not sure how much wisdom and comfort are in them</div>
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But I wrote this, <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=573651497&extragetparams=%7B%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/kaitlyn.arsenault.9?fref=mentions" style="color: #365899; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">Kaitlyn</a>, to Bella in hopes of it making her laugh a little and realizing this rite of passage called middle school is something we have all gone through</div>
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And it sucks, and it is shitty (don't tell Bella I said shitty) but she will get through it and it will get better.......</div>
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Also, I apparently still have some built up angst about my Jr High and High School days so this has been good for me</div>
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Dear Bella:</div>
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Heard some kids at middle school are not being so cool<br />I believe the words I heard were nasty and mean - yuck!</div>
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Nasty and mean is like the worst combination ever</div>
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And if anyone knows bad combinations, it's me:<br />I eat peanut butter and pickle sandwiches which makes most people dry heave<br />I also like lemon curd on Triscuts<br />And ketchup in my mac and cheese<br />And I dump my Junior Mints in my popcorn at the movie theater</div>
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But nasty and mean - that is the worst combination ever</div>
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I'm sorry this is happening and that nasty and mean are already part of your world</div>
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I mean they should never be part of anyone's world but sadly, they are</div>
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When I was in 6th grade, three girls decided they no longer liked me</div>
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One of them had been my friend all through grade school and I never told a soul she still wet the bed in 4th grade<br />I also never told anyone she struggled with reading and math, I just helped her</div>
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The second girl moved to our town at the end of grade school<br />She lived with her Mum and her new step-dad<br />No one really talked to her at first because she had a funny Southern accent which the kids teased her about<br />I didn't tease her though, I liked her accent<br />So, I invited her to play with me at recess and come to my house after school<br />I even introduced to the other girl (the bed wetter)</div>
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The third girl, well, when I think about it, she was always mean<br />She may or may not have been born that way...bless her heart</div>
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They started making fun of me as soon as we started 6th grade about all kinds of things:</div>
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I was chubby and wore glasses<br />I wore high top Converse sneakers....even with my skirts<br />My hair was just plain old brown and I kept it cut short and did not curl it or wear bows or ribbons<br />I was lucky if I remembered to brush it</div>
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They made fun of me for coming from a big family (1 boy, 6 girls)<br />And because I did not have my own room or my own bike but had to share with two of my five sisters (the bike and the room)</div>
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They made fun of me because I was smart<br />And because I won the Science Fair and the Civic Oration speech contest<br />Because I was Student Council President and acted in the school plays<br />And I was a "teacher's pet"</div>
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Then they started playing jokes on me:<br />When I started my period, they found the pads in my bag, peeled off the strips and stuck them to the wall of the bathroom with my name written on them in red marker</div>
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Another time, they wrote a note from a boy I liked and put it in my bag<br />I thought it was from him and I wrote back<br />This went on for a few days<br />Then they hung the notes up in the bathroom<br />(in my day, the bathroom wall was social media)</div>
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They would have sleepovers then prank call my house or tell me on Monday how much fun they had without me</div>
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Once time, they showed up at my house and invited me outside to hang out<br />I was so excited<br />I thought things were finally turning around!</div>
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I rushed to change into what I thought was my coolest outfit... I was after all trying to make an impression</div>
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So I donned my grey Mickey Mouse T Shirt with a pair of black, orange and yellow checkered pants with suspender straps attached to the pants<br />Then, slipped on all my gummy bracelets and of course, my Chucks on my feet<br />(it was the 80s folks, please do not judge)</div>
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When I got outside, the first two girls held me down while girl number 3 pummeled me with punches</div>
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They never said a word, just grabbed me and started beating me up</div>
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I never wore that outfit again and I never told anyone about the mean stuff they did</div>
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I was ashamed and embarrassed<br />It still makes me sad to think about it</div>
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One time I tried to tell a teacher what they were doing and she was shocked to think these three girls would behave in such a manner<br />Two of them were, after all, cheerleaders and the third was a star athlete<br />And they were so popular with all the kids said the teacher<br />Are you sure you are not just being sensitive? Or are you maybe jealous of them...?</div>
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Sure, maybe I was jealous - who would not want to be thin and have gorgeous hair and the coolest clothes?</div>
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And, have a boyfriend who was in 8th grade while you were in 6th grade?!</div>
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But did my apparent jealousy make it ok for them to behave the way they did?</div>
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No, no it did not</div>
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Still doesn't</div>
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And sensitive?</div>
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We're all sensitive - getting made fun of or picked on or being the butt of a mean joke hurts everyone's feelings</div>
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That is not being sensitive - that is called having feelings<br />And it is alright to have feelings - you can't navigate this world without them</div>
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So I cried<br />I wrote in my diary<br />I listened to sad songs and talked to my posters of Tom Cruise (in my defense, this was before he got all creepy with Katie)</div>
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And in an attempt to make myself feel better, I made fun of a couple people like I was made fun of<br />But then I realized making fun of others felt worse then being made fun of</div>
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So I did what any young girl struggling with puberty and navigating the shitty (don't tell your Mom I said shitty to you)<br />rite of passage that is middle school does:</div>
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I ignored them as best I could and did my own damn thing</div>
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Took me some time to get there but I realized if I ignored the mean girls, kind of like I ignored one of my sisters when she was annoying me, they might eventually get bored with me and give up</div>
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So, I did stuff I liked and did not give a shit what they thought which included:</div>
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studying hard and getting good grades<br />Winning Civic Oration three years in a row<br />Placing at the Science Fair<br />Trying out for and making the basketball team ( I wasn't the most talented player but I knew the game and the plays better than anyone...including the star player who beat me up!)<br />Trying out and making the softball team and being pretty darn good (better than the star athlete who beat me up!)<br />I was in the school plays and on student council and loved every minute of it<br />I hung out with the school secretary and the teachers because they "got" me</div>
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And I always befriended the new kid because it sucks being the new kid<br />Also, I went out of my way to be nice to kids with glasses because nothing says hit me on the back of the head with a wadded up ball of paper and gum on the bus like wearing glasses</div>
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But here's the thing Bella, I made it, I got through it<br />I made it out of middle school and then high school despite all the drama and mean girls and pranks and bullying</div>
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Don't get me wrong.......it was not easy<br />There were still tears and hurt feelings and days where I just could not figure out what I was doing wrong to make these girls hate me</div>
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But then, all of a sudden, there were more days without tears and without my feelings being hurt then there were days with tears and hurt feelings</div>
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Not because they stopped being mean - once a mean girl, always a mean girl</div>
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But because because I stopped caring what they thought about me<br />Because I found people who liked me for me</div>
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They liked me for who and what I was:</div>
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a chubby eyeglass wearing over achiever who loved basketball and knew the game but couldn't play for shit but, was pretty stinking good at softball<br />I was a theater geek with no musical talent who still some how managed to land parts (including the lead!) in the school play</div>
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I got good grades and was active in Key Club and National Honor Society and Student Council</div>
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I could quote passages from movies, knew the lyrics to all the songs on the radio but, I could also quote poetry and the Great Gatsby and Greek Mythology</div>
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I had friends older than me, younger than me, richer than me and poorer than me<br />I was a wise ass who loved playing jokes on my friends (not mean jokes, jokes like hiding in the back seat of the car and then scaring the hell outta them.....or coloring their face with a marker when they fell asleep)</div>
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By the way, I am still pretty much that person today<br />But now I pay taxes, have a college degree, a job, a husband, a daughter and I can vote<br />Side note and PSA: Always vote Bella ! And always serve when you are called for Jury Duty - both are your civic duty, responsibility and right</div>
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I am surrounded my people who appreciate me and all my imperfections and flaws because they see the person I am deep down inside<br />They know I make mistakes and they forgive me<br />They know sometimes I pop off and speak before I think - but they appreciate I can admit I was wrong and gracefully accept my apology<br />They laugh at my self deprecation wit and humor but remind me<br />I'm better than I give myself credit for</div>
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And they accept and love my husband and daughter<br />They know Lucy's struggles and don't judge us for them but instead, love us even more fiercely<br />And, they don't mind Sean's weird British ways and accent</div>
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And those my dear are true friends</div>
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But back to middle school and high school<br />I found people who liked me for me</div>
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More importantly, I learned to like me for me</div>
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I mean I know I still got made fun of behind my back but, Bella, by then I stopped giving a fuck (don't tell your Mom I said fuck) and started enjoying the people who wanted to be a part of my life and stopped caring about the people whose life I wanted to be a part of...does that make sense?</div>
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*sigh*</div>
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Middle school sucks kiddo- I won't candy coat it - and sometimes high school will be worse<br />You will have shitty days<br />Your feelings will get hurt and you will cry</div>
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But you will be ok</div>
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Let your feelings get hurt<br />Cry if you need to<br />Be mad, be sad<br />Scream, yell, drop and 'eff bomb or two<br />Do whatever you have to do to get those emotions out</div>
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But I promise you this Bella - you will be ok!</div>
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I know this because you are surrounded by an incredible large and loving family<br />Your Mum and Dad, your sisters, your extended family - they will be your anchors, your North Star</div>
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Never lose sight of them</div>
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And never forget their love for you is unconditional<br />No matter how mad you get at your sisters (or they at you) no matter how annoying you may one day find your parents to be, they will always be there for you</div>
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Stay tight with The Father The Son and The Holy Ghost - - in your darkest hours, they too will be there for you and are always just a prayer away</div>
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And know that there are people out there, like me, rooting for you<br />They probably swear less than I do and are far more appropriate in their word choice than I am but still, I'm in your corner</div>
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I can't do anything to help you Bella<br />You have to do it - and I know you can and will</div>
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But I can acknowledge your feelings and I can give you words of comfort and encouragement .... and let you know I'm cheering for you, praying for you and hoping for you</div>
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And Bella, I want you to know I am doing my best as a parent to raise my daughter to be nice, to choose kind, to be respectful and to be the kind of friend she wants to have</div>
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I think if more of us could be kind, be respectful and be the kind of friend we want to have, the world, and middle school, would be a better place</div>
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I also think we should have ice cream sundae bar on the school menu once a month at lunch time because ice cream always makes everyone happy .... so take what I say with a grain of salt!</div>
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Hang in there kiddo<br />You will be ok.....It gets better......<br />Just keep being you ...</div>
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With love and hugs and girl power galore,<br />Maria</div>
Maria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656886446700369250.post-2609645209860243872017-12-15T10:07:00.001-05:002017-12-15T10:07:13.114-05:00Yankees FansNovember 21, 2017<br />
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Lucy is painfully shy at times</div>
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Forcing her to kiss/hug someone or into a conversation she has not initiated is pure torture for her</div>
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I don't make her do either<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><br />I firmly believe her body, her rules, her voice, her choice</span></div>
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So don't be offended</div>
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Sometimes, when she does try to initiate or engage in conversation, she overcompensates and it comes off as her begin disrespectful or fresh</div>
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She's not trying to be fresh or sassy</div>
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Instead, that's social anxiety and nerves manifesting itself in the only way it knows how<br />Her Dad and I suffer from that same affliction - you should see the two of us at a party</div>
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But she's trying</div>
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And sometimes, she amazes, astounds and surprises me</div>
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Like when she engages a clerk in a store about what we are buying and why<br />Or when she sees a PTO Mum and throws her arms around her for a hug</div>
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Then there was the time an older woman said to Lucy<br />My goodness! You look just like your Mum!<br />And Lucy replied, without hesitation and a straight face,<br />Huh, that's weird, I'm adopted</div>
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And then a couple weeks ago, Luce and I were at LL Bean in Freeport</div>
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An employee was assisting us in picking up an on line order I had placed<br />As we walked through the store to the customer service desk, we passed the Trout Pond in the middle of the store<br />Lucy informed the employee she felt badly for the trout living in the pond</div>
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The woman (her name escapes me but she was super efficient and friendly) assured Lucy the trout were well taken care of</div>
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As a matter of fact, she explained, the trout are raised here on site in the smaller display tank just across from customer service and then moved to the big pond<br />And no one fishes in the pond - so they live a full life!</div>
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Sure, says Lucy, but I'm worried about the coins people throw in there even though there are signs everywhere which clearly say DO NOT THROW COINS IN THE POND!</div>
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I mean what if the fish gets hit by one? Especially if its a New Yorker throwing one down from the top of the stair case because you know someone from New York would do that!!!!<br />And what about the coins on the bottom on the pond, what if the fish accidentally eat them?!</div>
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Lucy listed at least three other concerns she had for the fish including food, sun and water temperature</div>
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The woman graciously answered all Lucy's question and assured Lucy the fish were well taken care of</div>
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Then she asked Lucy why she thought it would be New Yorkers throwing coins from the top</div>
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Lucy looked her square in the eye and with a shrug of her shoulders, a twist of her mouth and a tone of defeat and disbelief replied</div>
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Because they are Yankees fans, it's just what they do....</div>
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Maria The Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17895285839972099229noreply@blogger.com0