New Media

I attended an interesting seminar today on new media. As I listened to the speakers gathering information I found it interesting that a specific theme resonated. (Generally speaking) The younger generation of the audience understood it, used it, and were there for tips and techniques. The older generation felt like they didn't have time to do it as well, thought it was a fad, and listened but, weren't convinced they would adopt it quite yet. The age groups are not a surprise but the lack of interest or commitment was to me. Social media are here. They may be a fad but, they are a fad you can't afford to miss out on if your job is a PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATOR. Particularly if you communicate to anyone under 30, ever.
Overall, good seminar and I took home some ideas and new quotes to add to the wall. "When your name is mentioned at work do people say WOW or WHOA?"
More importantly, I learned to be careful what you say and where you say it. I followed some people on Twitter during the seminar and I'm not so sure they were aware I was following them.

Endings

Who likes endings? Not me! My mom is ending a 32 year career in education this week and will come to live with us and take care of our boys...I cannot imagine what 32 years is like because I haven't even lived that long. I know it will be a hard week for her but I am so grateful to her for joining us. My boys will love it and Trace and I are so grateful to her for committing to help us raise them. This will be the first time in 10 years that we have lived in the same state. The last time we lived in the same state I was 18 and graduating from high school.
Here's to big endings and new beginnings!

Life in the fast lane

As life finally begins to settle in I am enjoying my boys, my work, school, and life in general. Things are surely going to ramp up again soon as I am heading into a busy time of year but I am pausing to say thank you to everyone who has made my life what it is. I am so grateful for my husband who puts up with my crazy ideas, my mom who listens to them and doesn't judge (not always at least) and my kids who are along for the ride.
I've begun reading audiobooks during my commute. I know its not fair to say I'm reading them but I suppose I am listening and envisioning like I would when I read. Its a great time for me to catch up on some of that stuff that makes life an experience. The last one I read was Remember Me? By Sophie Kinsella. Next on the list is Eckhart Tolle's New Earth, an Oprah selection. I'm thinking about starting a group where we can share our audiobooks...surely there are commuters out there like me?

Whole Foods/Organic Foods

I recently joined a whole foods club where people come together to order food that is local, organic, environmentally friendly, etc. The purpose of the organization is broad in that it is not only to encourage healthy living and eating but also to discuss cooking techniques and partially for homemakers to focus on keeping their families well fed and educated.

I joined the group not because I am a homemaker interested in some of these topics but because I share the common bond of being a mom with them. I'm interested in making our lives healthier in a number of aspects and this group gives me the opportunity to do this.

Max was diagnosed with a CCAM when he was in utero. That diagnosis has since been turned over but an area of his lungs continues to be compromised. A recent visit to a Pediatric Pulmonologist led us down a path of clearing out our lives as much as possible. We now use green cleaners on everything from laundry and dishes to our floors and mirrors. We also have instituted changes in our eating habits which we hope to increase by joining this group.

Organic and locally grown foods are available everywhere. Its finding them that is tricky. But, a group of minds are better than one. While I can't say I will be the most involved member it is a great opportunity for me to live a better life and I'm grateful for that.

Adoption

Adoption is something I've been considering for a very long time. Its something I would LOVE to do. But, there are ups and downs to adopting. The experience can be different for everyone. I am attracted to adopting a child that needs a home. I am attracted to sharing my love with a new person whether they are my DNA or not, they are my child. But I worry about the effect of it on the boys, and the child we would adopt.

My husband has been warming up to the idea over the past few years. And now, as we make the decision on what will be our final child I find myself battling between adopted or natural. Will I always yearn for one more pregnancy? Or will I always yearn to have the opportunity to choose my child?

To have more or not to have more...

So when and how do you decide this? As you know I have 2 boys...and I want a big family. But, I'm beginning to feel like two is big! No, really, I want to give them everything I can so do I have more or do I not? The decision doesn't have to be made now I suppose. I can pack away the maternity clothes and the baby clothes as we grow out of them but this is an internal dilemma I've been having for awhile. It almost takes away from my being able to enjoy Maxwell. I need to stop thinking about it and let life happen...right? It's that easy isn't it? :)

Are you as busy and stressed out as I am?

I'm looking for a social network. One where we are all busy, stressed out, and not afraid to say it. One where we don't judge because you only stayed home half the day when your kids were sick. One where you packed those sick kids up and brought them to work for just a little bit because you are COMPLETELY out of vacation/sick/personal leave due to cold and flu season.

I'm looking for a friend who doesn't stay home with their kids. And who doesn't hang out with people who do. They are few and far between for me now. I find myself saying things to stay at home moms who quip right back about their relaxed lifestyle. I get it...I just don't want it.

I'm tired, pretty much all the time. I'm afraid I'm going to lose my job because my kids are sick again and I'm convinced I don't do enough for them. I'm afraid I'll never get promoted. And I need a friend who is just as busy and stressed out as I am...any takers?