Sunday, February 27, 2011
Fundraising
Somebody earned nearly 40 dollars on Friday. From these two boxes, and a little bit of effort. I think I'm in the wrong line of work. Good job Nay! Only about $400.00 left to go...
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Nursery Nook. Before. After to Come....errrr Later.
We are so excited about putting together Reggie's little space! Unfortunately, at the moment, we are lacking an extra bedroom. So, I deem Reggie's Nursery - The Nursery Nook. Because well, it's kind of in a little nook...in our room. I still haven't picked out the fabrics for his blankets and a couple little wall hangings, but trying to keep it as simple as possible. Right now, I think it's time to venture away from "bland" just a tad. That could be a step in the right direction.
Before
Oh! I came across this picture, among others when looking through an old baby box that I found a couple of weeks ago. I think Naomi had just started teething, and it didn't help that she had stranger anxiety with the photographer. So angry, but so cute!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Do's and Dont's (Rainy Day Schedule)
Here in California, we enjoy quite a bit of sunshine. We are not equipped to deal with large amounts of rain - for long periods of time. Bad things happen.
Not that I don't love the rain, or enjoy all the greenery in the springtime if we have a good season. However, I'm a preschool teacher. Let me rephrase that. I run the toddler program at a childcare center. I used to teach preschool. Although I do write out all my curriculum and sprinkle in as much learning as I can - in the most creative ways imaginable... I think, at this point you could say I can change a large toddler's diaper in record time, while singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and wiping a nose or two. Yes. All at once. It can be done, and this is just reality. I'm not a braggart, but I am super proud of my minimal achievements. ;-)
As soon as you have all the kids sitting in a nice circle, or lined up pristinely for the next activity, you inevitably smell or see something that requires your immediate attention, and your scheduled and "STRUCTURED" activities take a back seat. When parents ask me about our schedule at school, and what our routine is like, I first stifle a laugh, and then proceed to run down my list of activities that we loosely abide by throughout the day. Yes, we have a structure and daily schedule that we stick to. It's what happens in between and during those times that make my job oh so very interesting.
Some days when I'm at work, I think about moms of multiples. Then I thank the good Lord that I can send these precious children home at the end of the day and lock the doors to come home to my quiet house devoid of diapers (for the moment) and screaming tantrums. Well, the occasional hormonal outburst and door slam from a 12-year-old can be incredibly annoying - but it happens rarely, and this I am thankful for.
Anyhow, back to the whole RAIN thing. We are not equipped with a gym, an indoor playground, or much in the way of awnings, or any sort of freakin shelter! When a storm blows in - we spend the day inside, and try not to lose our minds or develop a nervous twitch that may or may not ever go away. So, here is my list for all you teachers, caregivers, parents, babysitters and grandparents who find yourselves in a room with small children - and really no way out. Please tweak and change any wording that does not apply to you or your situation to best fit your needs. Or just feel free to laugh and be grateful that you are not me. The Do's and Dont's (Rainy Day Schedule). Or snow too!
DON'T panic when you get to work Tuesday morning, and your co-teacher is throwing up with a fever and has to go home. 11 two-year-olds are counting on you. Also, hope and pray that whatever she has - you aren't going to catch it.
DO let yourself cry quietly on the inside when you find out your co-teacher will be out for the rest of the week. Insert your very own, "Worst News Ever" here. It's okay to feel sad and scared.
DON'T scream back. Ever. No matter how much you want to. Unless it's your own child. Then have at it. The shock factor is well worth the stupefied and mortified look that forms across their face. Just better to use this last resort tool for only the most desperate situations - when you need instant relief.
DO ignore and walk away from unspeakable and preposterous gut bellowing tantrums. We have to do this when it's not our own child, and it's effective with your own. It's hard, but when you are trapped inside with said child. It's really your only sanity saving option. Place child in an area where they can't harm themselves or others and walk away.... sometimes while twitching. Only give them your attention when they have stopped frothing at the mouth. When they have calmed down and are ready to cooperate, try to give hugs even if you don't want to. It's amazing how much it helps calm YOU down as well.
DON'T feel guilty about resorting to The Wiggles, Dora, Barney, or any other strange entity that will encapsulate the mind of a small child via an electronic box. Just try to use it sparingly and on a schedule. Nothing is worse than having absolutely nothing left. Cashing in all your chips at once.
DO dance. Spin. Twirl. Jump. Laugh. Turn up the music. Let it get loud at times. Small plastic outdoor toys, floor mats, hoops, cones, masking tape. These things can turn any old classroom or garage into a virtual and amazingly fun indoor playground. Just make sure that this is an earned activity.
DON'T hesitate to participate. Although it's nice to catch your breath. Kids need your guidance and interaction to help keep them on task. Don't ever set out finger painting materials and walk away. Ever. No matter what the age.
DO make rest, nap time, and bedtime a non-option. It is what it is. It comes at the same time every day and night - and it's the law. Even if a child has a hard time falling asleep, or doesn't nap. A quiet and calm interlude during the day is required for your sanity. Hugs, kisses, I love you's, and Goodnight!
Now go and enjoy your 3-day weekend! You earned it.
Not that I don't love the rain, or enjoy all the greenery in the springtime if we have a good season. However, I'm a preschool teacher. Let me rephrase that. I run the toddler program at a childcare center. I used to teach preschool. Although I do write out all my curriculum and sprinkle in as much learning as I can - in the most creative ways imaginable... I think, at this point you could say I can change a large toddler's diaper in record time, while singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and wiping a nose or two. Yes. All at once. It can be done, and this is just reality. I'm not a braggart, but I am super proud of my minimal achievements. ;-)
As soon as you have all the kids sitting in a nice circle, or lined up pristinely for the next activity, you inevitably smell or see something that requires your immediate attention, and your scheduled and "STRUCTURED" activities take a back seat. When parents ask me about our schedule at school, and what our routine is like, I first stifle a laugh, and then proceed to run down my list of activities that we loosely abide by throughout the day. Yes, we have a structure and daily schedule that we stick to. It's what happens in between and during those times that make my job oh so very interesting.
Some days when I'm at work, I think about moms of multiples. Then I thank the good Lord that I can send these precious children home at the end of the day and lock the doors to come home to my quiet house devoid of diapers (for the moment) and screaming tantrums. Well, the occasional hormonal outburst and door slam from a 12-year-old can be incredibly annoying - but it happens rarely, and this I am thankful for.
Anyhow, back to the whole RAIN thing. We are not equipped with a gym, an indoor playground, or much in the way of awnings, or any sort of freakin shelter! When a storm blows in - we spend the day inside, and try not to lose our minds or develop a nervous twitch that may or may not ever go away. So, here is my list for all you teachers, caregivers, parents, babysitters and grandparents who find yourselves in a room with small children - and really no way out. Please tweak and change any wording that does not apply to you or your situation to best fit your needs. Or just feel free to laugh and be grateful that you are not me. The Do's and Dont's (Rainy Day Schedule). Or snow too!
DON'T panic when you get to work Tuesday morning, and your co-teacher is throwing up with a fever and has to go home. 11 two-year-olds are counting on you. Also, hope and pray that whatever she has - you aren't going to catch it.
DO farm out some of your children as generously as you can to other teachers and classrooms (so you can stay in ratio) and not lose your mind, while thanking them profusely and telling yourself that it's going to be a great day....and just keep smiling. Seriously. If you make super stressed out or sad faces with toddlers, they will cry. Loudly.
DON'T underestimate the power and joy of floating balloons in your classroom and happy toddlers chasing them....for 20 whole entire minutes, and no tears. Amazing. Also, one word. Bubbles.
DO let yourself cry quietly on the inside when you find out your co-teacher will be out for the rest of the week. Insert your very own, "Worst News Ever" here. It's okay to feel sad and scared.
DON'T scream back. Ever. No matter how much you want to. Unless it's your own child. Then have at it. The shock factor is well worth the stupefied and mortified look that forms across their face. Just better to use this last resort tool for only the most desperate situations - when you need instant relief.
DO ignore and walk away from unspeakable and preposterous gut bellowing tantrums. We have to do this when it's not our own child, and it's effective with your own. It's hard, but when you are trapped inside with said child. It's really your only sanity saving option. Place child in an area where they can't harm themselves or others and walk away.... sometimes while twitching. Only give them your attention when they have stopped frothing at the mouth. When they have calmed down and are ready to cooperate, try to give hugs even if you don't want to. It's amazing how much it helps calm YOU down as well.
DON'T feel guilty about resorting to The Wiggles, Dora, Barney, or any other strange entity that will encapsulate the mind of a small child via an electronic box. Just try to use it sparingly and on a schedule. Nothing is worse than having absolutely nothing left. Cashing in all your chips at once.
DO dance. Spin. Twirl. Jump. Laugh. Turn up the music. Let it get loud at times. Small plastic outdoor toys, floor mats, hoops, cones, masking tape. These things can turn any old classroom or garage into a virtual and amazingly fun indoor playground. Just make sure that this is an earned activity.
DON'T hesitate to participate. Although it's nice to catch your breath. Kids need your guidance and interaction to help keep them on task. Don't ever set out finger painting materials and walk away. Ever. No matter what the age.
DO make rest, nap time, and bedtime a non-option. It is what it is. It comes at the same time every day and night - and it's the law. Even if a child has a hard time falling asleep, or doesn't nap. A quiet and calm interlude during the day is required for your sanity. Hugs, kisses, I love you's, and Goodnight!
Now go and enjoy your 3-day weekend! You earned it.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Cravings
Is it still considered a craving if you don't actually eat it? Right now I am daydreaming about potato chips. There's a massively huge generic bag of these in our pantry right now. Phooey. I'll eat a baked potato later to stave it off. Kind of like Methadone for heroine addicts. Not the same, but just enough to get you through.....
*sigh*
*sigh*
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Oh, If Only I Could Knit
I would certainly knit some of these for all my breastfeeding girlfriends....or just boob loving people in general. Rachel - this would have been awesome for your Susan G. Walk last November!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Love is in the Air!
Happy Valentine's Weekend to all you lovebirds out there, to those of us who don't really give a darn anymore, and to those of you still out on the prowl ;-) Here's to Hallmark!
Friday, February 11, 2011
31 is the new 30
Just had a fun talk with Chris' mom. We were laughing about how at certain times in our lives....we just know everything there is to know. When you were 18, seriously - don't try and deny it. You knew everything, and your parents didn't know shit. (I'm sorry mom, so sorry. You were right....) Well, for me this was probably more like 15. When I was 18 I was learning the hard way that I knew nothing. With a colicky baby, a deflated ego and body - I was horrified and dumbstruck, all of the sudden, and all at once.
Through certain times in my life, I believe I thought that I was pretty intelligent. A real smart ass, who could take the bull by the horns, and no matter how hard life got - I'd figure it out. Maybe this is what got me through my twenties, because they were not easy nor fun for me, and I had to be that way to just get through.
Before I turned 30, I wasn't really too excited. I wasn't dreading it, but I knew that nothing profound was going to happen. Just another number notch on the age belt. I don't know how the hell it happened, because I almost forgot - I'm already 31.
I exclaimed on the phone tonight - that I'm 31 and I know nothing, and it's great. We then collectively gasped over the fact that she thought I'd just turned 30, and I had to think for a second to remember that I indeed was 30 + 1, but sometimes I have to remind myself, because really - what's the difference? Watching my daughter grow into herself and listening to her talk about random issues and her own take on the world. Trying not to giggle as she ponders over politics, friends, boys and her own spirituality as she breaks into "The Robot" and sashays back into her room. It's great, and I love that she has the freedom and wherewithal to think and talk about these things to her heart's content. Not to mention, the energy. Even if I guiltily admit that sometimes I tune out, for the sole purpose of keeping my sanity. She is so sure of herself and headstrong. She's a regular little know it all, who we have to keep in check at times - but it's all worth it.
So here I sit, a year older, even if I sometimes forget that I am, and definitely possibly not as sharp and astute - but most assuredly wiser. Just happy to be enjoying life for a change instead of feeling like I'm swimming against a tide. It's a long awaited answer to a prayer, that's for sure. So is 31 the new 30? I think so, especially if you forget that you're 31+ already.
Thanks for the great talk Mama Deb! Love ya :-)
This is the face of a 15-year-old who knows EVERYTHING.
Through certain times in my life, I believe I thought that I was pretty intelligent. A real smart ass, who could take the bull by the horns, and no matter how hard life got - I'd figure it out. Maybe this is what got me through my twenties, because they were not easy nor fun for me, and I had to be that way to just get through.
Before I turned 30, I wasn't really too excited. I wasn't dreading it, but I knew that nothing profound was going to happen. Just another number notch on the age belt. I don't know how the hell it happened, because I almost forgot - I'm already 31.
I exclaimed on the phone tonight - that I'm 31 and I know nothing, and it's great. We then collectively gasped over the fact that she thought I'd just turned 30, and I had to think for a second to remember that I indeed was 30 + 1, but sometimes I have to remind myself, because really - what's the difference? Watching my daughter grow into herself and listening to her talk about random issues and her own take on the world. Trying not to giggle as she ponders over politics, friends, boys and her own spirituality as she breaks into "The Robot" and sashays back into her room. It's great, and I love that she has the freedom and wherewithal to think and talk about these things to her heart's content. Not to mention, the energy. Even if I guiltily admit that sometimes I tune out, for the sole purpose of keeping my sanity. She is so sure of herself and headstrong. She's a regular little know it all, who we have to keep in check at times - but it's all worth it.
So here I sit, a year older, even if I sometimes forget that I am, and definitely possibly not as sharp and astute - but most assuredly wiser. Just happy to be enjoying life for a change instead of feeling like I'm swimming against a tide. It's a long awaited answer to a prayer, that's for sure. So is 31 the new 30? I think so, especially if you forget that you're 31+ already.
Thanks for the great talk Mama Deb! Love ya :-)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
When Naomi Met Buddy
Naomi just finished a writing assignment, it was too cute to not post. The goal was to write freely about an experience that was life changing. Love my little humorist.
Thanks a lot God! The one day I have to sit in this ALL READY stuffy house you make it break 100. I can feel my head spinning. It’s almost like one of those cartoons; you know when those irritating little birds fly around the characters head until their eyes come un-crossed. Well, it feels like one of those is pecking at my forehead…repeatedly.
I stare at the dizzying brown carpet and the sound of those aggravating NASCAR announcers interrupt my thoughts. All though, the buzz of the suspicious looking fan in the corner, the creaking of the walls that looked oddly like cottage cheese, the noise screaming child outside... And the thud of my rapidly increasing pulse are all added to the many sounds forcing their way through my ears. It is slowly driving me crazy. With every unwanted breath my mouth inhales I get more and more heated. I take out my frustration on the brainless people talking on the television.
How much of a loser do you have to be to host this stupid show?! I think to myself. Wow, cars driving around in circles…That’s very entertaining.
Well at least it cant get that much worse I tell myself.
Have you ever noticed how when that thought pops into your head, it ALWAYS gets MUCH worse. Well...yeah.
Bored of the creepy sounding low lives in the background talking about stuff I’m surprised ANYONE in the world cares about, I over-exaggerate a sigh--hoping to get Grandpas attention.
It won’t work.
I cough quietly.
Nothing.
I can practically see the black and white spirals twisting in his eyes. He is hypnotized. Little hope is left, and if I want to know what that surprise is, this is my last chance.
I take a breath--working up my courage. I know I could get yelled at for asking, but I have to go for it.
“So grandpa..." I whine, trying to look as adorable as possible "where did my parents go anyways?" While batting my eyelashes and straitening my posture I submerge into thoughts of the surprise being something like a jungle gym for my room… or a life time supply of chocolate. Mmmm…chocolate. Wow! I am so WEIRD!
After this realization, my thoughts disappear like a piece of cake offered to a 5 year old child on their birthday. In lamens terms it’s gone…instantly.
Looking into my grandpas entranced eyes I wonder how he can be entertained by THESE weirdoes. They are talking about these cars, driving around in circles I may add, like they’re families all had knives to their throats. They are seriously acting ENTERTAINED.
Wow; I don’t think I’ve ever seen that great of an actor before! and for the first time that day, I am amused.
Sinking out of my thoughts I decide to give it one last try.
Scaring me a little, my next cough is drown out by his appalling response. “They went to get a dog” he says with absolutely no emotion or interest.
My thoughts ignite.
He probably doesn’t know WHAT he is talking about, mom and dad would never do that to me, they know dogs are my phobia. Besides death, THEY’RE number one.
I know,100%, whether I want to admit it or not, that he is NOT lying to me.
I know but how about we give him the benefit of the doubt?
There is no doubt Naomi!
Ugh… as always, the realistic one is probably right. Once again, thanks a lot god!
Only what seems like seconds later grandpa tells me it’s time to walk to my house and wait. The 100 degree heat was cold compared the house and over-whelmed me like a hard punch to the stomach as we step over the thresh-hold. We walk into the house where the tingling smell of tuna taunts my nose until I noticed my half eaten sandwhich. Laying on the table I decided it is still good.
God, I PROMISE, I will eat that if you don’t let the dog kill me. PLEASE , I’ll do anything.
We sit down on the sticky leather couch and after about 2 minutes of awkward silence the dreaded sound of the doorknob interrupts us dead in our seats.
His name…is Buddy. Scooting back on the couch, he jots up to the table in front of
He sniffs around, looking scared someone is going to hurt him.
WOW this dog is skinny I think to myself.
His thin brown hair sticks to his skin like someone had super-glued it there. I can feel my eyes watering-- but I can’t blink, I’m just to scared.
Then, I see him chewing something, looking over I can see what’s in his mouth. My tuna sandwich, and that was the first times that day that I felt truly blessed.
Head-aches, Hatred and Hot Weather
806 awesome words
Thanks a lot God! The one day I have to sit in this ALL READY stuffy house you make it break 100. I can feel my head spinning. It’s almost like one of those cartoons; you know when those irritating little birds fly around the characters head until their eyes come un-crossed. Well, it feels like one of those is pecking at my forehead…repeatedly.
I stare at the dizzying brown carpet and the sound of those aggravating NASCAR announcers interrupt my thoughts. All though, the buzz of the suspicious looking fan in the corner, the creaking of the walls that looked oddly like cottage cheese, the noise screaming child outside... And the thud of my rapidly increasing pulse are all added to the many sounds forcing their way through my ears. It is slowly driving me crazy. With every unwanted breath my mouth inhales I get more and more heated. I take out my frustration on the brainless people talking on the television.
How much of a loser do you have to be to host this stupid show?! I think to myself. Wow, cars driving around in circles…That’s very entertaining.
Well at least it cant get that much worse I tell myself.
Have you ever noticed how when that thought pops into your head, it ALWAYS gets MUCH worse. Well...yeah.
Bored of the creepy sounding low lives in the background talking about stuff I’m surprised ANYONE in the world cares about, I over-exaggerate a sigh--hoping to get Grandpas attention.
It won’t work.
I cough quietly.
Nothing.
I can practically see the black and white spirals twisting in his eyes. He is hypnotized. Little hope is left, and if I want to know what that surprise is, this is my last chance.
I take a breath--working up my courage. I know I could get yelled at for asking, but I have to go for it.
“So grandpa..." I whine, trying to look as adorable as possible "where did my parents go anyways?" While batting my eyelashes and straitening my posture I submerge into thoughts of the surprise being something like a jungle gym for my room… or a life time supply of chocolate. Mmmm…chocolate. Wow! I am so WEIRD!
After this realization, my thoughts disappear like a piece of cake offered to a 5 year old child on their birthday. In lamens terms it’s gone…instantly.
Looking into my grandpas entranced eyes I wonder how he can be entertained by THESE weirdoes. They are talking about these cars, driving around in circles I may add, like they’re families all had knives to their throats. They are seriously acting ENTERTAINED.
Wow; I don’t think I’ve ever seen that great of an actor before! and for the first time that day, I am amused.
Sinking out of my thoughts I decide to give it one last try.
Scaring me a little, my next cough is drown out by his appalling response. “They went to get a dog” he says with absolutely no emotion or interest.
My thoughts ignite.
He probably doesn’t know WHAT he is talking about, mom and dad would never do that to me, they know dogs are my phobia. Besides death, THEY’RE number one.
I know,100%, whether I want to admit it or not, that he is NOT lying to me.
I know but how about we give him the benefit of the doubt?
There is no doubt Naomi!
Ugh… as always, the realistic one is probably right. Once again, thanks a lot god!
Only what seems like seconds later grandpa tells me it’s time to walk to my house and wait. The 100 degree heat was cold compared the house and over-whelmed me like a hard punch to the stomach as we step over the thresh-hold. We walk into the house where the tingling smell of tuna taunts my nose until I noticed my half eaten sandwhich. Laying on the table I decided it is still good.
God, I PROMISE, I will eat that if you don’t let the dog kill me. PLEASE , I’ll do anything.
We sit down on the sticky leather couch and after about 2 minutes of awkward silence the dreaded sound of the doorknob interrupts us dead in our seats.
His name…is Buddy. Scooting back on the couch, he jots up to the table in front of
He sniffs around, looking scared someone is going to hurt him.
WOW this dog is skinny I think to myself.
His thin brown hair sticks to his skin like someone had super-glued it there. I can feel my eyes watering-- but I can’t blink, I’m just to scared.
Then, I see him chewing something, looking over I can see what’s in his mouth. My tuna sandwich, and that was the first times that day that I felt truly blessed.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The List
It's a love/hate thing. These lists that run through my head. What's one more? Here's my "Get a Life List"...that was on my list to get done. I could have been super anal and incredibly specific here, but then it would have felt like homework, and a really pathetic New Year's Resolutions Runoff that only sets you up for failure. I'm going for the vague, sort of (broad and open for interpretation and tweeking lists). Now I can check that off.
In one of my previous posts I proclaimed that I would be creating an alternative to a (Bucket List) for myself, to help me keep my sanity during all the changes that are occurring in my life right now. Nothing special, but here it is :-)
1. Laugh. Try to find something that makes you chuckle, everyday. Even when you're so pissed you could breathe fire, or so sad that you just need to bury your head under the covers. Who cares what makes you laugh, even if it's highly inappropriate. ;-)
This guy made me laugh my ass off this morning.
2. Create. Who cares what it is, or what it involves. Creativity is like coffee for your soul. It just keeps you going sometimes. If you stop and take the time to do something creative - whether it involves work or personal interest, it's good. So that's good. For today, this would be writing. Later on today, I'll be baking (creating) brownies for a bake sale. Bam.
3. Eat well, and live well. So cliche, but let's face it - we are what we eat and what we do. I'm not just eating well and living well for my baby, I'm doing it for me. Everything in moderation. You can have one brownie. Let's just try not to eat half the pan...and don' forget to stretch and keep moving. Even if you're gassy. Who would have thought a search for pictures of yoga poses would yield something so cute as below! That's another laugh right there. ;-)
4. Relax. Reading and watching movies. As much as possible. Awesome. Especially since I really have to make the time for stuff like this, but I feel that it's definitely an obtainable goal! Finishing up the series right now. Long overdue, and it's about time I took the time.
5. Get out. Sometimes I honestly do not feel like doing this or doing that. I've been guilty of avoiding a lot of events and gatherings these past few months. Oh, I could give you a plethera of reasons why, and most of them are valid and almost not too selfish. Even though it's good to say no every now and then, or just stay in - it doesn't hurt to crawl out from under the rock from time to time either.
So here there you have it.
1. Laugh
2. Create
3. Eat and Move
4. Relax
5. Get out of the house. Sometimes.
In one of my previous posts I proclaimed that I would be creating an alternative to a (Bucket List) for myself, to help me keep my sanity during all the changes that are occurring in my life right now. Nothing special, but here it is :-)
1. Laugh. Try to find something that makes you chuckle, everyday. Even when you're so pissed you could breathe fire, or so sad that you just need to bury your head under the covers. Who cares what makes you laugh, even if it's highly inappropriate. ;-)
This guy made me laugh my ass off this morning.
2. Create. Who cares what it is, or what it involves. Creativity is like coffee for your soul. It just keeps you going sometimes. If you stop and take the time to do something creative - whether it involves work or personal interest, it's good. So that's good. For today, this would be writing. Later on today, I'll be baking (creating) brownies for a bake sale. Bam.
So here there you have it.
1. Laugh
2. Create
3. Eat and Move
4. Relax
5. Get out of the house. Sometimes.
CHECK.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Things We Lose Along the Way
There's a movie I saw a couple of years ago, starring Halle Berry entitled "Things We Lost in the Fire." Possibly not the most uplifting movie I've ever seen, but when I was watching it, I was in the middle of my own personal aftermath of a fire and loss. (Symbolically speaking) Of course, the setting was very depressing. The main character is a mom just trying to keep things together after the sudden passing of her husband. She keeps flashing back to a time in their lives when a fire destroyed their garage, and they subsequently lost all their pictures and keepsakes that she kept stored in there. His answer to all her grief and depression over the loss of these things was to just hold her and tell her, "They're just things."
To make a long story short, and because some stories are better left untold....when I chose to end a very unhealthy relationship and lifestyle (almost 5 years ago now), I left it all. Of course, coming to a decision and acting on it was a long process, but when the feet actually hit the pavement, it was as if I was fleeing a fire or flood. All I took with me were the things that mattered the most. My daughter, my dog, and some clothes to keep us warm. I left my car, all the rest of my clothes and personal items, every picture and family video, and other countless things. Those items didn't bother me. It was all those special moments and pictures. All of Naomi's baby pictures, school pictures, awards, a special baby box I kept for her to save and preserve all her baby memories. It was as if they had burned. I wanted them, thought about them all the time - cried over them, but in my heart I knew "They were just things."
The other night, I was asked to drive out to the old house, that is now being seized by the bank - to pick up my things. It's been so long that I have absolutely no clue what kind of stuff was thrown into the shed after being plucked out of the attic. I am not a person who hangs onto a lot of things, so I'm sure most of it will end up being donated. However, I am hoping and praying that somewhere in that heap of a past life will be all those pictures and mementos that I left in the fire.
To make a long story short, and because some stories are better left untold....when I chose to end a very unhealthy relationship and lifestyle (almost 5 years ago now), I left it all. Of course, coming to a decision and acting on it was a long process, but when the feet actually hit the pavement, it was as if I was fleeing a fire or flood. All I took with me were the things that mattered the most. My daughter, my dog, and some clothes to keep us warm. I left my car, all the rest of my clothes and personal items, every picture and family video, and other countless things. Those items didn't bother me. It was all those special moments and pictures. All of Naomi's baby pictures, school pictures, awards, a special baby box I kept for her to save and preserve all her baby memories. It was as if they had burned. I wanted them, thought about them all the time - cried over them, but in my heart I knew "They were just things."
The other night, I was asked to drive out to the old house, that is now being seized by the bank - to pick up my things. It's been so long that I have absolutely no clue what kind of stuff was thrown into the shed after being plucked out of the attic. I am not a person who hangs onto a lot of things, so I'm sure most of it will end up being donated. However, I am hoping and praying that somewhere in that heap of a past life will be all those pictures and mementos that I left in the fire.
I have been able to gather up a few little albums here and there over the years. However, this is possibly one of my favorite pictures ever.
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