Nothing worth doing is easy but it's nice to be surrounded by people and pizza you love. Simply grateful.
Thursday, January 30, 2020
On hard days
On the hard days, there is an Eataly pizza, my S - who not only is the best listener I know but doesn't question my desire to eat away my stress with the best pizza in Boston even if we already had pizza that week and are trying to eat less pizza (ahem!!!)
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Joseph, January 2020
I like to record simple observations about what J is up to these days and when I look at old posts some feel unimaginable and some feel like they were just yesterday.
So, here in the winter of your 7th year, a few things that have you excited:
1. You started piano lessons last week! You asked to take them and you are so enthusiastic after your first class. Your music teacher called you a "natural" which made my heart smile!
2. Still into science. We did a science enrichment class on MLK weekend and after it was done, you immediately asked if you could sign up again! You go into the bathroom with your goggles, food coloring and lab equipment and make concoctions!
3. We finally tried skiing with our friends Brooke and Allison. Not surprisingly, it's a hard sport for beginners but you did well, had a great attitude and say you'll go again. I'd like to find time to take you a bit more this winter since consistency really is the name of the game with skiing.
4. You continue to ace your spelling tests. We have our routine on Thursday night where we take turns being the teacher (giving the quiz) and being the student (taking the quiz). It's part of our week and our deal is if you do well and are prepared, you can enjoy ipad time on Friday. You love minecraft!
5. Your spirit continues to be positive, grateful, happy and sweet. I love watching you grow, my angel.
So, here in the winter of your 7th year, a few things that have you excited:
1. You started piano lessons last week! You asked to take them and you are so enthusiastic after your first class. Your music teacher called you a "natural" which made my heart smile!
2. Still into science. We did a science enrichment class on MLK weekend and after it was done, you immediately asked if you could sign up again! You go into the bathroom with your goggles, food coloring and lab equipment and make concoctions!
3. We finally tried skiing with our friends Brooke and Allison. Not surprisingly, it's a hard sport for beginners but you did well, had a great attitude and say you'll go again. I'd like to find time to take you a bit more this winter since consistency really is the name of the game with skiing.
4. You continue to ace your spelling tests. We have our routine on Thursday night where we take turns being the teacher (giving the quiz) and being the student (taking the quiz). It's part of our week and our deal is if you do well and are prepared, you can enjoy ipad time on Friday. You love minecraft!
5. Your spirit continues to be positive, grateful, happy and sweet. I love watching you grow, my angel.
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Blogging
Listened to an excellent interview with Seth Godin and Marie Forleo in which Seth reiterates his recommendation that every person keeps a daily blog. Watch here
This page started in 2011 and although the frequency of my posts has decreased, it's value (to me) has not. I am proud of the work that fills this tiny corner of the internet and am glad to have it. I'm going to try and get back to more regular posting.
"If day after day, week after week you leave this trail behind of thoughtful examinations of your world, you can't help but get better at whatever it is you seek to do."
This page started in 2011 and although the frequency of my posts has decreased, it's value (to me) has not. I am proud of the work that fills this tiny corner of the internet and am glad to have it. I'm going to try and get back to more regular posting.
"If day after day, week after week you leave this trail behind of thoughtful examinations of your world, you can't help but get better at whatever it is you seek to do."
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
Goal met
I started to learn about community grants in the fall and subsequently researched and listened to about 20 episodes of a "how to" for grant writing before applying for my first grant this December. With the principals support, I wrote a project proposal for an Earth Day event at SJS and was awarded the $2500 request! We will use these funds towards tshirts for all the students and faculty as well as gardening equipment, gloves and some plants. In a school with a limited budget, $2500 for a "fun" day for the kids is most certainly an accomplishment and a great way to do something extra without having to dip into funds better used for the classroom. It was also a great reminder of the resources out there and what is possible with a little bit of commitment.
My goal is to get 2-3 more grants approved in 2020, thus generating an additional few thousand dollars without needing to ask families for anything more than they already do! A small example of personally moving the needle for the communities that matter to us and a good way to start the year!
Monday, January 13, 2020
39
Today I enter my 39th year. I feel good, strong, proud about my past and hopeful for my future. I am in a place in my life that I am happy to be and think I have been lucky, worked hard and taken chances to arrive to where I am.
Of course, I am far from perfect - I could have healthier habits, be more organized, lose some weight and those are and will always be goals to which I strive but I also believe life is good and I am good.
Going into this one feeling grateful for my heath, my strength to be a mother, my ability to do my job, be generous to those around me and provide a good and stable life. Looking forward to the continued journey.
I've posted it before but there is no harm in saying it again...
"There's always another level up. another ascension. more grace, more light, more generosity, more compassion, more to shed, more to grow" - Elizabeth Gilbert
Prayerfully asking for continued peace in my life as I enter this final year of my third decade.
Of course, I am far from perfect - I could have healthier habits, be more organized, lose some weight and those are and will always be goals to which I strive but I also believe life is good and I am good.
Going into this one feeling grateful for my heath, my strength to be a mother, my ability to do my job, be generous to those around me and provide a good and stable life. Looking forward to the continued journey.
I've posted it before but there is no harm in saying it again...
"There's always another level up. another ascension. more grace, more light, more generosity, more compassion, more to shed, more to grow" - Elizabeth Gilbert
Prayerfully asking for continued peace in my life as I enter this final year of my third decade.
Sunday, January 12, 2020
Year in Review - 2019
A January tradition to recount my year and reflect on all that was good and done. Although it included the passing of my dad, it was all in all a very good year.
Travel:
2019 was the most exciting travel year I have had in a long time. Two major trips - Banff and Spain - fulfilled decade long dreams and lived up to my very high hopes. I'd repeat both of the trips again in a heartbeat! In addition to major trips, the year also included a few fantastic trips in NYC, New England weekends including glamping, cross country skiing, and biking in VT, a first time to Atlanta and the Catskills, and a fantastic trip to Colorado to visit our forever friends. I really could not ask for more here.
Life:
Feeling the most content I've felt in years. J is growing into such a kind, smart and enjoyable boy, I love living in Cambridge, I enjoy our neighborhood and neighbors and my relationships are centered on love and peace. I feel grateful that I am moving towards a life with decreasing amounts of friction and wasted energy.
Unfortunately, we also said goodbye to my dad and Joe's papa. This is the first significant death I have had to endure and while I miss him all the time and think of him several times throughout the day, every single day, his death has also given me a deeper spiritual life and I still feel intensely connected to him. I try to live my father's legacy of generosity and kindness and in doing so, feel his love and warmth surrounding me. Joe misses his Papa a lot but I'm glad he has such wonderful memories and they had time to forge a lasting connection. He knows he's in Heaven and watching over us. <3
Art:
Consistently making it to a few productions every year - 2019 included Wicked, Rent, Hello Dolly, the adaptation of Tiny Beautiful Things to theater, an Elephant & Piggy show with J, a trip to the Ogunquit Art Museum, cooking classes, wine tours and some wonderful author readings: Dani Shapiro and Elizabeth Gilbert were fantastic!
Work:
Proud of the change I've made to build a career and this year I have done well professionally and learned a lot. I feel more and more confident in my role and am grateful to have a job that gives me appropriate levels of challenge and contribution while also offering wonderful life balance and time to work remote.
I've also become very involved in J's school, not simply as a parent volunteer but as someone who believes in the mission and the work of Catholic schools. Discovering this cause has been gratifying and impactful and has given me a lot of direction for doing work that matters to me.
Parenting:
J is now 7 and in 1st grade. He is a pure delight. Kind and empathetic, with an enormous imagination. We had a great teacher conference and report card, his teacher tells us that he's well liked by all of his classmates and he tries hard. As he gets older, we're finding more things to do together including riding our bikes and hiking. He is certainly my pride and joy and not a day goes by that I'm not so grateful to be his mama.
Life:
Feeling the most content I've felt in years. J is growing into such a kind, smart and enjoyable boy, I love living in Cambridge, I enjoy our neighborhood and neighbors and my relationships are centered on love and peace. I feel grateful that I am moving towards a life with decreasing amounts of friction and wasted energy.
Unfortunately, we also said goodbye to my dad and Joe's papa. This is the first significant death I have had to endure and while I miss him all the time and think of him several times throughout the day, every single day, his death has also given me a deeper spiritual life and I still feel intensely connected to him. I try to live my father's legacy of generosity and kindness and in doing so, feel his love and warmth surrounding me. Joe misses his Papa a lot but I'm glad he has such wonderful memories and they had time to forge a lasting connection. He knows he's in Heaven and watching over us. <3
Art:
Consistently making it to a few productions every year - 2019 included Wicked, Rent, Hello Dolly, the adaptation of Tiny Beautiful Things to theater, an Elephant & Piggy show with J, a trip to the Ogunquit Art Museum, cooking classes, wine tours and some wonderful author readings: Dani Shapiro and Elizabeth Gilbert were fantastic!
Work:
Proud of the change I've made to build a career and this year I have done well professionally and learned a lot. I feel more and more confident in my role and am grateful to have a job that gives me appropriate levels of challenge and contribution while also offering wonderful life balance and time to work remote.
I've also become very involved in J's school, not simply as a parent volunteer but as someone who believes in the mission and the work of Catholic schools. Discovering this cause has been gratifying and impactful and has given me a lot of direction for doing work that matters to me.
Parenting:
J is now 7 and in 1st grade. He is a pure delight. Kind and empathetic, with an enormous imagination. We had a great teacher conference and report card, his teacher tells us that he's well liked by all of his classmates and he tries hard. As he gets older, we're finding more things to do together including riding our bikes and hiking. He is certainly my pride and joy and not a day goes by that I'm not so grateful to be his mama.
Monday, January 6, 2020
Spain
J spent Christmas 2019 with the Campos family in Rio so S and I jetted off to Spain for a bit. We spent time with family & friends in Madrid for a few days before heading off to La Rioja and San Sebastian; all new to me places!
It was insanely beautiful. The trip incorporated the prettiest vistas, Gothic churches, medieval towns, winding roads, so much jamon, the best dressed young children (I never got tired of seeing the stylish Spanish mini-fashion), oceans, mountains, vineyards, cellars, ruins, hotel room views, and all around bliss. Until next time, Espana!
It was insanely beautiful. The trip incorporated the prettiest vistas, Gothic churches, medieval towns, winding roads, so much jamon, the best dressed young children (I never got tired of seeing the stylish Spanish mini-fashion), oceans, mountains, vineyards, cellars, ruins, hotel room views, and all around bliss. Until next time, Espana!
"Your journey has molded you for your greater good, and it was exactly what it needed to be. Don't think you've lost time There is no short cutting to life. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now. And now is right on time." Asha Tyson
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