To my nephew,
From the moment you were born, I have loved you more than life itself. In fact, I didn't know I was capable of loving something so much that didn't even belong to me. You've taught me time and time again what love really is. I have had the opportunity to watch you grown into the kind, loving little boy you are today. You still have some growing up to do, but here are some things I hope you learn along the way.
I hope you never forget how much your family loves you. You brightened our worlds the moment you entered them. Let's start with your Mom and dad, they love you more than anything in this world. I've watched your dad go from a tough guy to the dad who sneaks you candy after mommy says no. You always get so mad at mommy but she does it because she loves you so much. She is trying to teach you that we don't always get everything we want in life, but that it's okay. Oh, your brother. He picks on you so much, but that's just what brothers do. I grew up with your daddy and uncles who picked on me just as much.. It is a brother's way of telling you they love you. You two won't always see eye to eye, but he will always have your back. Your whole family is a little bit crazy, but we do have one thing in common. We all love you so much.
I want you to know that I will always be there for you, no matter what. There will be times when you don't want to tell your mom and dad things, and in those times I want you to know that you can come to me. I will always have an ear to listen. You will always be able to depend on me. I'm not perfect and I will make mistakes but I will do the best that I can for you. Never, ever forget that.
Always be a stand up guy. You have such a sweet heart and even at the age of two, you would do anything for anyone. Never grow out of that, no matter what anyone says. You are so kind, show people kindness in everything you do. Always be the man, walk away from fights (and you will have plenty in high school). Be a friend to anyone who needs it. Give second chances and love with all you have. People like you will change the world someday, I'm sure of it.
Last but not least, I don't want you to ever settle. Never settle for less than you deserve. Life is short and you will learn just how quickly it goes by. Always believe in yourself. Do well in school, go to the college of your dreams. Apply for that job. Travel the world, go on amazing adventures! Take risks, even if they seem scary. You deserve the world, never let anyone tell you otherwise.
You are one amazing kid, I hope you get everything you have ever wanted in life.
Love,
Your Aunt
Article Source: EzineArticles
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
How Much Should You Pay Your Sitter?
The End of Casual Care
For older generations, it was standard to just allow kids to watch TV. In today's world, parents are more cautious about how kids spend their time. Today, trends are pointing toward more intentional parenting, a strong awareness of present dangers and a desire to make play serve a role in improving a child's chance of success in the world. Together, these trends mean that casual child care arrangements are a thing of the past, while the need for on-demand, reliable care has not lessened at all.
Sometimes, it's simpler to just stay home than to find a sitter who fits your budget and lifestyle. Like any service that straddles both the informal and formal economy, the variation in quality and cost is too confusing to navigate. You don't want to be overcharged, but you don't want to shortchange the person charged with watching your child. Anyway, how do you really know if this person is a good fit for your family?
Luckily, it is possible, and the right tools make it easier. But before you begin interviewing potential sitters, make sure you know what you can afford to pay and how much your future sitter likely expects.
Market Considerations
Child care costs vary according to the local market. As you would expect, the expense tracks with the cost of living, making New York City the most expensive city to hire a sitter in, followed by San Francisco and then Los Angeles. Of course, in those cities, you are more likely to hire a caregiver who can speak a second language or has other expertise and experience that may benefit your child. Washington, D.C. follows close behind, and then cities in the Midwest range $3-4 less and often price in below the living wage. Outside the major cities, prices vary greatly depending on local conditions and other factors.
When you think about how much a workshop or camp costs, hiring a sitter with experience who can give your child a unique adventure can really be worth it. Paying at the upper end doesn't cost that much more, especially if the sitter drives, can take kids to activities and is a person your children look forward to spending time with. These relationships can be mutually enriching and bring other benefits that you can't put a price tag on.
What's a Fair Rate for Your Area?
It's a good idea to browse the classified, check-out postings on Craigslist and ask around to see what kind of rate caregivers in your area are charging. If you have a neighborhood message board or belong to a local parenting group on social media, ask community members about best practices and fair rates.
Use the living wage calculator to get a rough idea of the low and high end of theoretical wage range in your area. If you're struggling to earn a living wage, you might end up paying more than 18 percent, which is what an average family pays for child care. Be persistent. Patience pays off. Not every sitter needs or expects a living wage, and with diligence, you can find a sitter that fits your budget and needs. Sitters are typically more flexible than full-time caregivers.
Age and Experience
If your wallet feels a little constricted, be more flexible about your sitter's age and experience. For example, you may want to take a chance on a younger, less experienced caregiver if there is plenty of support nearby in case of an emergency, such as a close family member or trusted neighbor. Often, a new sitter has experience working with kids under adult supervision or can help your favorite sitter out with a group of children to gain experience.
Likewise, an older caregiver may have plenty of experience but be unable to perform some of the more physically demanding tasks required. Older sisters are better for the very young or for children old enough to perform basic self-care. Take into consideration the time span that needs to be covered or the situations where the parents are still in the house but can't devote attention to child care.
Remember, very few families find the best sitter right away. This is a process that will take some trial and error. When you do find a great fit, use rate increases, perks and bonuses to show your appreciation. Even if you can't afford to pay a top rate every time, an occasional tip lets your sitter know what they mean to you. It's always easier to keep a great sitter than to find a new one. Having a back-up isn't a bad idea, either. Great sitters eventually move on to other things. Sooner or later, most families have to find a new one.
Know Your Limits
Knowing the top rate you can afford and the lowest rate you would feel good about paying will help you find the perfect sitter. Be confident and set the right tone for clear communications. If you and your sitter don't see eye to eye, no hard feelings. Settle on a rate that makes both you and your sitter feels good about the arrangement. Happy sitters offer you greater freedom and give your kids plenty of stories to tell when you come home.
https://www.sittersonly.com/babysitting-jobs
Founded by two busy parents, SittersOnly.com is an online resource where parents go to find and book sitters. We make finding that perfect sitter or nanny a better experience for families.
Article Source: EzineArticles
For older generations, it was standard to just allow kids to watch TV. In today's world, parents are more cautious about how kids spend their time. Today, trends are pointing toward more intentional parenting, a strong awareness of present dangers and a desire to make play serve a role in improving a child's chance of success in the world. Together, these trends mean that casual child care arrangements are a thing of the past, while the need for on-demand, reliable care has not lessened at all.
Sometimes, it's simpler to just stay home than to find a sitter who fits your budget and lifestyle. Like any service that straddles both the informal and formal economy, the variation in quality and cost is too confusing to navigate. You don't want to be overcharged, but you don't want to shortchange the person charged with watching your child. Anyway, how do you really know if this person is a good fit for your family?
Luckily, it is possible, and the right tools make it easier. But before you begin interviewing potential sitters, make sure you know what you can afford to pay and how much your future sitter likely expects.
Market Considerations
Child care costs vary according to the local market. As you would expect, the expense tracks with the cost of living, making New York City the most expensive city to hire a sitter in, followed by San Francisco and then Los Angeles. Of course, in those cities, you are more likely to hire a caregiver who can speak a second language or has other expertise and experience that may benefit your child. Washington, D.C. follows close behind, and then cities in the Midwest range $3-4 less and often price in below the living wage. Outside the major cities, prices vary greatly depending on local conditions and other factors.
When you think about how much a workshop or camp costs, hiring a sitter with experience who can give your child a unique adventure can really be worth it. Paying at the upper end doesn't cost that much more, especially if the sitter drives, can take kids to activities and is a person your children look forward to spending time with. These relationships can be mutually enriching and bring other benefits that you can't put a price tag on.
What's a Fair Rate for Your Area?
It's a good idea to browse the classified, check-out postings on Craigslist and ask around to see what kind of rate caregivers in your area are charging. If you have a neighborhood message board or belong to a local parenting group on social media, ask community members about best practices and fair rates.
Use the living wage calculator to get a rough idea of the low and high end of theoretical wage range in your area. If you're struggling to earn a living wage, you might end up paying more than 18 percent, which is what an average family pays for child care. Be persistent. Patience pays off. Not every sitter needs or expects a living wage, and with diligence, you can find a sitter that fits your budget and needs. Sitters are typically more flexible than full-time caregivers.
Age and Experience
If your wallet feels a little constricted, be more flexible about your sitter's age and experience. For example, you may want to take a chance on a younger, less experienced caregiver if there is plenty of support nearby in case of an emergency, such as a close family member or trusted neighbor. Often, a new sitter has experience working with kids under adult supervision or can help your favorite sitter out with a group of children to gain experience.
Likewise, an older caregiver may have plenty of experience but be unable to perform some of the more physically demanding tasks required. Older sisters are better for the very young or for children old enough to perform basic self-care. Take into consideration the time span that needs to be covered or the situations where the parents are still in the house but can't devote attention to child care.
Remember, very few families find the best sitter right away. This is a process that will take some trial and error. When you do find a great fit, use rate increases, perks and bonuses to show your appreciation. Even if you can't afford to pay a top rate every time, an occasional tip lets your sitter know what they mean to you. It's always easier to keep a great sitter than to find a new one. Having a back-up isn't a bad idea, either. Great sitters eventually move on to other things. Sooner or later, most families have to find a new one.
Know Your Limits
Knowing the top rate you can afford and the lowest rate you would feel good about paying will help you find the perfect sitter. Be confident and set the right tone for clear communications. If you and your sitter don't see eye to eye, no hard feelings. Settle on a rate that makes both you and your sitter feels good about the arrangement. Happy sitters offer you greater freedom and give your kids plenty of stories to tell when you come home.
https://www.sittersonly.com/babysitting-jobs
Founded by two busy parents, SittersOnly.com is an online resource where parents go to find and book sitters. We make finding that perfect sitter or nanny a better experience for families.
Article Source: EzineArticles
To Stink, or Not to Stink, That Is the Question
There are all kinds of questions in this world of ours. Most are rather annoying. It would not surprise me in the least if there were a gang of hooligans somewhere hired to make up silly questions. If I could find this gang, I would disperse them immediately, without a question.
Of course, there is the fact that the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage is in cahoots with these question-maker-uppers. Every once in a while she comes up with questions for Yours Truly.
It is not the questions I object to but rather the answers I am supposed to give in connection to the questions. My wife has a silly notion that the answers I give should be in direct correlation to the questions she asked. Who made up this rule? Oops, that was a question. Sorry about that.
It is my opinion, and mine alone, especially in my home, that if I am asked a question I should have the option to give the answer I want to give whether it relates to the question or not. My wife insists my answer should be a response to her question.
More times than I care to admit, when my wife is asking her second question, I am still thinking about her first question. By the time she had gotten to her sixth question, I have formed an answer for that first question. And when she asks her tenth question, I am answering her first question.
It is all very confusing to me because she always says, ''That was not what I asked you?'' It was but she was so far ahead of me that it is virtually impossible for me to catch up. So, if I cannot catch up, I catch flak.
Last week, for example, she put to me a very penetrating question. ''What is that awful smell?''
I would not have taken offense to the question so much, but she was looking straight at me when she posed it. What I took from the question was that I, for some reason unbeknownst to me, smelled pretty bad. Even though it was not Saturday night, I took the hint and marched my raunchy body to the bathroom for a bath.
I just took for granted that there was an odor around. I do have a nose, but the primary function of my nose is to be a resting place for my spectacles. Something has to be awful for me to smell it. My wife, on the other hand, has superhuman smelling properties. She can smell a rotten apple while it is still a blossom on the apple tree.
I thought the question of ''What stinks?'' had been thoroughly answered. So, I dressed and got in my car to go to the office. On the drive to the office, I noticed something rather peculiar. My car stank. There was some terrible odor in my car that I could not identify. I knew it could not be me since I had just come from a fresh bath only a few moments ago. But there was an unmistakable stench in the car.
I arrived at my office, got seated behind my desk and began some work when I noticed something peculiar. My office stank. It smelled as if some old alley cat had found its way into my office, crawled behind a bookcase, and died... two weeks ago. I began searching the office for the decaying carcass creating such a disgusting odor in my office.
Finally I gave up and went home. Before I could tell my wife about the problem at the office and in the car, she surprised me with another question.
''What is that awful smell?'' She was looking straight at me with the obvious conclusion that the smell was coming from my direction.
By this time, I too was noticing the smell so it must have been something rather awful. I just knew it could not have been me because only two hours ago I immersed myself in the bubbly and vigorously scrubbed off any odor that might have been lodged on my body. I even threatened my body with a Brillo pad. I knew the odor was not on me.
''Where is that smell coming from?'' my wife demanded as she approached me with her nostrils flaring. The closer she got to me the more her nose wrinkled in agony. It was then she made a startling conclusion.
''That odor is coming from you. You stink.''
Well, if words could kill you would be reading a very nice obituary in the newspaper this morning. I was deeply offended by this observation.
When she got close to me, she examined my person very carefully and then looked down at my shoes. ''How long have you had those shoes?''
They were my favorite shoes so I had them quite a long time. I mumbled something like about five years.
''Aha, it is your shoes that stink. Those shoes are rotten and you will have to throw them out. I do not want to see those shoes in this house ever again.''
I was reminded of a verse in the Bible. ''For though thou wash thee with nitre, and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord GOD.'' (Jeremiah 2:22 KJV).
You can clean up all you want to but if you are still wearing rotten shoes you still stink.
Article Source: EzineArticles
Of course, there is the fact that the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage is in cahoots with these question-maker-uppers. Every once in a while she comes up with questions for Yours Truly.
It is not the questions I object to but rather the answers I am supposed to give in connection to the questions. My wife has a silly notion that the answers I give should be in direct correlation to the questions she asked. Who made up this rule? Oops, that was a question. Sorry about that.
It is my opinion, and mine alone, especially in my home, that if I am asked a question I should have the option to give the answer I want to give whether it relates to the question or not. My wife insists my answer should be a response to her question.
More times than I care to admit, when my wife is asking her second question, I am still thinking about her first question. By the time she had gotten to her sixth question, I have formed an answer for that first question. And when she asks her tenth question, I am answering her first question.
It is all very confusing to me because she always says, ''That was not what I asked you?'' It was but she was so far ahead of me that it is virtually impossible for me to catch up. So, if I cannot catch up, I catch flak.
Last week, for example, she put to me a very penetrating question. ''What is that awful smell?''
I would not have taken offense to the question so much, but she was looking straight at me when she posed it. What I took from the question was that I, for some reason unbeknownst to me, smelled pretty bad. Even though it was not Saturday night, I took the hint and marched my raunchy body to the bathroom for a bath.
I just took for granted that there was an odor around. I do have a nose, but the primary function of my nose is to be a resting place for my spectacles. Something has to be awful for me to smell it. My wife, on the other hand, has superhuman smelling properties. She can smell a rotten apple while it is still a blossom on the apple tree.
I thought the question of ''What stinks?'' had been thoroughly answered. So, I dressed and got in my car to go to the office. On the drive to the office, I noticed something rather peculiar. My car stank. There was some terrible odor in my car that I could not identify. I knew it could not be me since I had just come from a fresh bath only a few moments ago. But there was an unmistakable stench in the car.
I arrived at my office, got seated behind my desk and began some work when I noticed something peculiar. My office stank. It smelled as if some old alley cat had found its way into my office, crawled behind a bookcase, and died... two weeks ago. I began searching the office for the decaying carcass creating such a disgusting odor in my office.
Finally I gave up and went home. Before I could tell my wife about the problem at the office and in the car, she surprised me with another question.
''What is that awful smell?'' She was looking straight at me with the obvious conclusion that the smell was coming from my direction.
By this time, I too was noticing the smell so it must have been something rather awful. I just knew it could not have been me because only two hours ago I immersed myself in the bubbly and vigorously scrubbed off any odor that might have been lodged on my body. I even threatened my body with a Brillo pad. I knew the odor was not on me.
''Where is that smell coming from?'' my wife demanded as she approached me with her nostrils flaring. The closer she got to me the more her nose wrinkled in agony. It was then she made a startling conclusion.
''That odor is coming from you. You stink.''
Well, if words could kill you would be reading a very nice obituary in the newspaper this morning. I was deeply offended by this observation.
When she got close to me, she examined my person very carefully and then looked down at my shoes. ''How long have you had those shoes?''
They were my favorite shoes so I had them quite a long time. I mumbled something like about five years.
''Aha, it is your shoes that stink. Those shoes are rotten and you will have to throw them out. I do not want to see those shoes in this house ever again.''
I was reminded of a verse in the Bible. ''For though thou wash thee with nitre, and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord GOD.'' (Jeremiah 2:22 KJV).
You can clean up all you want to but if you are still wearing rotten shoes you still stink.
Article Source: EzineArticles
I Was Just Thinking
Thinking is not my strong suit by any stretch of the imagination. Every time I start thinking, I either get a headache or get into trouble. I'm not sure which is worse, the headache or the trouble.
In my normal pursuit of life, thinking sits in the backseat. If there is an emergency, thinking may come forward and help out. However, in the meantime, thinking is not something I like to do on a regular basis.
That is my side. On the other side, the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage is always thinking. Most of the time, she is thinking about jobs I should be doing. I don't know how she does it, but she can come up with a list of "honey-do's" that will occupy all my time. Of course, I must confess, while I am doing these "honey-do's" I am thinking, but not thoughts I would like to come out into the public arena.
I do not really have to think that much because my wife thinks for me. How she does it is beyond me, but she knows what I am thinking three days before that thought enters my head. At least, that's what she tells me and she would not lie to me.
I have learned through the years that there are several questions that I should never ask my wife. One is, "Honey, what are you doing?"
You would think after decades of interaction with her I would know what to say and what not to say. Because I don't give much to thinking, I usually speak without thinking, which always gets me into trouble. If I could think through something, I just might escape the trouble that I get into.
Just the other day I came home from working at the office and my wife was sitting in the chair and I asked "the" question. "Honey, what are you doing?"
My wife knows how to ask questions and is very skillful at asking the right question. The other side is that she knows how to answer questions to such a degree that gets me into difficulty. How she manages this is beyond my wildest imagination. Of course, if I would think about it, maybe I could come up with an answer, but who has time to think these days?
Without any delay, she responded to my inquiry by saying, "I was just thinking... "
As soon as she said that, I knew I was in trouble. Why don't I keep my questions to myself? Why must I always fall into that trap she lays for me?
"I was just thinking," she said without giving me any opportunity to respond, "that we ought to go to the mall this afternoon and do a little bit of shopping."
Her "little bit of shopping" has nothing to do with the word "little," but a lot to do with the word, "cash." She has the idea that if you buy something with a credit card, no cash is involved.
The last place on earth I want to go to is the shopping mall. I must confess that I have a little bit of a drug problem here. When I go to the mall with my wife, I am drug from one store to another store to another store until I have completely lost any sense of reality.
I am not sure if there is a solution to this kind of a drug problem. If there is, I would like to know about it.
"Well," I said as hesitatingly as possible, "we might not have enough time to go this afternoon to the shopping mall."
"I was just thinking," she responded, "that we could go to the shopping mall this afternoon and then stop by a restaurant and have supper out together. Wouldn't that be wonderful? What do you think?"
If I had just the energy to think through this kind of thing, I would have guessed that she had an ulterior motive in going to the shopping mall.
"If we go out for supper tonight," she explained, "we will have plenty of time to go to the mall this afternoon." With that, she smiled one of those contagious smiles that I have not yet been able to resist.
Driving to the mall that afternoon I had a variety of thoughts jingling through my mind. One predominant thought was, "How much is this going to cost?"
Although my wife thinks a lot, this is one area where her thinking never penetrates. I suppose that is my responsibility to think about the money aspect of everything. The problem is, the more I think about it, the less I really like it.
As we were coming home after supper at the restaurant my wife said, "I was just thinking what a wonderful afternoon this was. I'm glad you came up with this idea."
I pondered about that for a while and could not remember when I came up with this idea. I thought it would be better for me just to go along with her thought, which would make everybody in the car happy.
As we were driving home, I happened to think of a passage in the Old Testament. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord" (Isaiah 55:8).
I may not be big on thinking, but I take comfort in the fact that God thinks about me all the time.
Article Source: EzineArticles
In my normal pursuit of life, thinking sits in the backseat. If there is an emergency, thinking may come forward and help out. However, in the meantime, thinking is not something I like to do on a regular basis.
That is my side. On the other side, the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage is always thinking. Most of the time, she is thinking about jobs I should be doing. I don't know how she does it, but she can come up with a list of "honey-do's" that will occupy all my time. Of course, I must confess, while I am doing these "honey-do's" I am thinking, but not thoughts I would like to come out into the public arena.
I do not really have to think that much because my wife thinks for me. How she does it is beyond me, but she knows what I am thinking three days before that thought enters my head. At least, that's what she tells me and she would not lie to me.
I have learned through the years that there are several questions that I should never ask my wife. One is, "Honey, what are you doing?"
You would think after decades of interaction with her I would know what to say and what not to say. Because I don't give much to thinking, I usually speak without thinking, which always gets me into trouble. If I could think through something, I just might escape the trouble that I get into.
Just the other day I came home from working at the office and my wife was sitting in the chair and I asked "the" question. "Honey, what are you doing?"
My wife knows how to ask questions and is very skillful at asking the right question. The other side is that she knows how to answer questions to such a degree that gets me into difficulty. How she manages this is beyond my wildest imagination. Of course, if I would think about it, maybe I could come up with an answer, but who has time to think these days?
Without any delay, she responded to my inquiry by saying, "I was just thinking... "
As soon as she said that, I knew I was in trouble. Why don't I keep my questions to myself? Why must I always fall into that trap she lays for me?
"I was just thinking," she said without giving me any opportunity to respond, "that we ought to go to the mall this afternoon and do a little bit of shopping."
Her "little bit of shopping" has nothing to do with the word "little," but a lot to do with the word, "cash." She has the idea that if you buy something with a credit card, no cash is involved.
The last place on earth I want to go to is the shopping mall. I must confess that I have a little bit of a drug problem here. When I go to the mall with my wife, I am drug from one store to another store to another store until I have completely lost any sense of reality.
I am not sure if there is a solution to this kind of a drug problem. If there is, I would like to know about it.
"Well," I said as hesitatingly as possible, "we might not have enough time to go this afternoon to the shopping mall."
"I was just thinking," she responded, "that we could go to the shopping mall this afternoon and then stop by a restaurant and have supper out together. Wouldn't that be wonderful? What do you think?"
If I had just the energy to think through this kind of thing, I would have guessed that she had an ulterior motive in going to the shopping mall.
"If we go out for supper tonight," she explained, "we will have plenty of time to go to the mall this afternoon." With that, she smiled one of those contagious smiles that I have not yet been able to resist.
Driving to the mall that afternoon I had a variety of thoughts jingling through my mind. One predominant thought was, "How much is this going to cost?"
Although my wife thinks a lot, this is one area where her thinking never penetrates. I suppose that is my responsibility to think about the money aspect of everything. The problem is, the more I think about it, the less I really like it.
As we were coming home after supper at the restaurant my wife said, "I was just thinking what a wonderful afternoon this was. I'm glad you came up with this idea."
I pondered about that for a while and could not remember when I came up with this idea. I thought it would be better for me just to go along with her thought, which would make everybody in the car happy.
As we were driving home, I happened to think of a passage in the Old Testament. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord" (Isaiah 55:8).
I may not be big on thinking, but I take comfort in the fact that God thinks about me all the time.
Article Source: EzineArticles
In Loving Contemplation
Today I find myself thinking how blessed I am and that my children are an inexplicable gift from God. I remember a lot of little things about my enchanting daughter, which I am afraid will fade away like sand through my fingers if too much time passes. Haven't you ever loved someone so much that every minute that has passed with them is like a wisp of smoke in the air that you can see but cannot bring back?
When she was but a little child with ringlets caught behind her ear, I would often find her reading oblivious to everything around her. She would curl up on the carpet with her knees tucked up behind her and a book open in front of her with her little fingers twiddling each page delicately as if to not disrupt the fibers. Neil Armstrong could scarcely have felt more wonder on the moon than my little girl felt through the pages of those new books which she bought in the little shops all over town holding my hand.
There were times when I took her to the beach to swim and play in the sand like children her own age but she preferred to seek the shade and enjoy her book!. Her love for the written word always arose from an innate place within her and I could never seek credit for it. When I think about both of my children, they are vastly different. My son likes to create things and be in the outdoors and has no interest in reading but for the life of me I do not want them to be the same. I am glad God sought to make them apart in every way.
On this seemingly silent contemplative afternoon, I do not pretend that I can understand the complexity of God. How he can create immense capabilities for species in the small strands of DNA within us and how from one couple of human beings or animals, countless different kinds of traits can emerge. Think about when two hummingbirds mate, they do not just create one hummingbird; they can create up to three hundred different kinds over the centuries. It does not take an artist to appreciate the beauty that lies in all these creations, all you have to do is be looking for them.
Often I have seated myself in places where I can just watch people walk by. It is hard to explain my exact purpose except that I find it so surprisingly calming.
Many of those people are mixed race or of mixed ethnicities but the union of their parents has created something which can only be described as artistic. Some of them have dusky skin with bright ocean blue eyes and there is a certain synchronicity which you never imagined till you have actually seen it.
Nowadays sexual intimacy has been made into something which must be discouraged or despised when it is love in its most basic sense and an act which makes such indescribable beauty possible.
But it is true that it must arise from the right place within; from a place of true affection. Embrace this level of intimacy, all the while holding it in high esteem as something that you have been given but not something that belongs to you.
Children's book and cookbook author Litsa Bolontzakis is an expert on Greek cooking and that culture's easy, simple way of life. Her desire is to help other families learn from her culture how to appreciate the simple things in life and grow to enjoy the seasons and the gifts they bring.
Article Source: EzineArticles
The Amazing Wonder of AGE
I have just celebrated my recent birthday. By now, it is getting to be old business for me. Just another day of the year to celebrate something, which just happens to be my birthday.
I believe that if it is my birthday, I should be able to celebrate whatever birthday I want to celebrate. You are only as old as you celebrate.
I am not embarrassed at how old I am, I just sometimes cannot remember the exact figure. Some of my friends are rather legalistic along this line and are demanding the exact number of my birthday. Is it really that important? Does it really matter how old you are?
Well, if you spoke to some of my friends it matters to them. For those of us, however, who have experienced a succession of birthdays it does not really matter.
Thinking of my birthday this past week I was trying to figure out what was my best birthday. All of them had certain significance to them. For example, my 16th birthday allowed me to drive the car. However, I could only drive the car when my father said I could drive the car.
My 21st birthday was very important because I then could get married. Back then, you could not get married unless you were 21 years of age. Before that, you had to have your parent's permission. I have asked my parents for many things throughout the years, but I think asking to get married is just crossing the line somewhere.
Every birthday starts a new year of adventure and excitement. When you get older, adventure and excitement sort of goes away a little bit. It can be exciting to celebrate another birthday and wonder where you going to be at when your next birthday comes around.
Some people feel it's a little negative to get older. If you do not get older, it means that you have... Well, you know the rest of that sentence. I find nothing negative about getting older. I find certain amenities are associated with getting older that I could not cash in when I was younger.
When I was younger, I could not get away with much of anything. Now that I am older, I can get away with things because I have a few niches I can use. "I'm sorry," I often say to the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage, "I forgot all about that. You know I'm getting older now."
She smiles and shakes an understanding head. It is wonderful to have an excuse for things of that nature.
For my birthday this year, I discovered something rather interesting. This year I discovered the amazing wonder of A.G.E. If you look at age from the proper perspective, you do get some very interesting enjoyments.
I suppose I should explain to you what I mean by A.G.E. It never occurred to me until this birthday celebration. A.G.E is simply Aggressive Grumpy Elegance. I never saw this before, but then of course I was not old enough to appreciate it.
When I was young, I noticed my grandfather had some rather grumpy sessions and I did not quite understand. Now that I am approaching my grandfather's age, I appreciate that grumpy attitude. Oh, the wonder of Aggressive Grumpy Elegance.
If I ever thought youth was exciting, it is nothing compared to this A.G.E. that I am experiencing right now. It is so wonderful to be grumpy whenever you choose.
I know some people are grumpy because they are just grumpy. That has nothing to do with this wonderful Aggressive Grumpy Elegance that I have discovered.
It takes quite a few decades to master this kind of attitude. I am delighted to say I have reached that stage in my life and I am mastering this part of Aggressive Grumpy Elegance. I just cannot say it often enough.
For example, when I want a quiet afternoon and maybe take a little bit of a nap, the result of this would be somebody saying, "Stay away from grandpa, he's acting a little grumpy today." The key to that is "acting."
Some people are grumpy because they are grumpy, but those of us who have reached a certain level in life are grumpy because we are acting grumpy and to act grumpy takes a great deal of thespian skill.
If someone, and I will not mention the real name here, wants me to go shopping with her, all I need to do is put on the grumpy act. "Well," she will say, "I guess you're too grumpy to go shopping with me today!"
The person who has reached this level of A.G.E can turn it on when needed and turn it off when not needed. That is the "elegance" part of this whole business.
When the grandchildren are around making noise and excitement, I do not have to act grumpy. When their parents, however, come around that is the time when grumpy kicks in.
You have to know when to act grumpy and when not to act grumpy. That is the wonderful aspect of getting to the age I am at right now.
I believe Solomon understood this when he wrote, "The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head" (Proverbs 20:29).
One of the great privileges in life is to earn that "grey head." More important, to use that grey head in a positive, affirmative fashion.
Article Source: EzineArticles
Home From Home or Reverse Cultural Shock Syndrome
If you have ever lived abroad for an extended period of time, and returned to your home country, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
There is a little dark secret hidden behind the 'coming home' announcement.
Have you ever experienced the feeling of not really knowing where home is? Is home a space, a building structure or just a feeling of belonging? It's a strange sensation and a mental separation between where you want to be, and where you actually have to be.
We recently relocated to our home country after living in China for 5 years; needless to describe how unsettling it is readapting to your once 'normal' lifestyle, friends, costumes, culture, house, driving habits, food, and of course let's not forget taxes. It's like rediscovering a feeling of déjàvu, but, with a twist of nostalgia and the uncertainty of how to rebuild things from the place where you left them. Things are "almost normal, "almost the same".
For a time, I found myself wondering: what did I use doing when we lived here last? How can this be happening to me? How do I get over all these feelings? As you can imagine, I deal with issues like this daily as part of my work, and yet there I was, wondering about the same things my clients grieve.
Funny fact, as I was unpacking the moving boxes, I caught myself smelling the old 'home'. It is well known that tastes and smells have the magic quality to take us back in time, even to our early childhood.
All of our friends moved on with their lives while we were away making a new life in another country. They have changed, but we have also changed, and somehow still expected things to be the same way we left them. How is that even possible? How to find balance again and the sense of being home? It's an old-new beginning to us, not to the world around us. We speak about home referring to China... how weird is that? We ARE supposed to be home!
All went in slow motion until I realised that home had more to do with a mental state, a comfortable feeling and not so much about an actual place. To my children, who live abroad, home is where we are, regardless of where in the world that might be.
I started analysing (yeah... I guess it's in my nature to analyse stuff)... what was different with all of the other moves? I never felt the way I feel now. Why?
When we moved from our birth town in Latin America to France, we were 'gone' long before actually moving.
From France to Belgium, what pushed us was the possibility of a new beginning with the family, hope was behind all, and it turned to be the right place for us.
Later from Belgium to China, we were all excited with new adventures. Nevertheless, we expected challenges; therefore, I started making contacts months before actually moving.
I was actively involved in networking; creating contacts, planning meetings, organising work and making sure a stable platform was ready for us upon arrival. I knew where to live, what to expect, where my children will study, etc... Again, we were gone even before having the green light from the company.
From China to Belgium all that changed because none of us was ready for the return. We were in love with China. It was falling into a black pit!
What we realised later was that there is not much difference in terms of moving from one country to another, the attitude changes all in a positive or negative way. It is completely up to us to make the best of it, not only for our own sake but for our family's as well. Living in any country for more than 3 years creates invisible roots.
Home is definitely a state of mind, it's more about where you are happy to be than actually the place where you are. Many people say: home is where the heart is! And they are right.
Should you ever find yourself in this situation, keep in mind that small things can get you faster back on your feet:
- Join a club, gym, association, church
- Join group lessons: cooking, language, Zumba, running, etc
- Work on your garden and plan for the coming season. Nothing better than looking forward into possibilities.
- Retake contact with old friends and/or, go out and make new ones.
- Planning your days will help you get a sense of belonging
- Explore, there is always something new
- Love yourself and show appreciation to all those around you at home, life will be so much simpler and enjoyable
There is no small or big challenge, just a new opportunity to know yourself more and get better.
It's all in the attitude!
http://www.YuriCoach.com
Article Source: EzineArticles
There is a little dark secret hidden behind the 'coming home' announcement.
Have you ever experienced the feeling of not really knowing where home is? Is home a space, a building structure or just a feeling of belonging? It's a strange sensation and a mental separation between where you want to be, and where you actually have to be.
We recently relocated to our home country after living in China for 5 years; needless to describe how unsettling it is readapting to your once 'normal' lifestyle, friends, costumes, culture, house, driving habits, food, and of course let's not forget taxes. It's like rediscovering a feeling of déjàvu, but, with a twist of nostalgia and the uncertainty of how to rebuild things from the place where you left them. Things are "almost normal, "almost the same".
For a time, I found myself wondering: what did I use doing when we lived here last? How can this be happening to me? How do I get over all these feelings? As you can imagine, I deal with issues like this daily as part of my work, and yet there I was, wondering about the same things my clients grieve.
Funny fact, as I was unpacking the moving boxes, I caught myself smelling the old 'home'. It is well known that tastes and smells have the magic quality to take us back in time, even to our early childhood.
All of our friends moved on with their lives while we were away making a new life in another country. They have changed, but we have also changed, and somehow still expected things to be the same way we left them. How is that even possible? How to find balance again and the sense of being home? It's an old-new beginning to us, not to the world around us. We speak about home referring to China... how weird is that? We ARE supposed to be home!
All went in slow motion until I realised that home had more to do with a mental state, a comfortable feeling and not so much about an actual place. To my children, who live abroad, home is where we are, regardless of where in the world that might be.
I started analysing (yeah... I guess it's in my nature to analyse stuff)... what was different with all of the other moves? I never felt the way I feel now. Why?
When we moved from our birth town in Latin America to France, we were 'gone' long before actually moving.
From France to Belgium, what pushed us was the possibility of a new beginning with the family, hope was behind all, and it turned to be the right place for us.
Later from Belgium to China, we were all excited with new adventures. Nevertheless, we expected challenges; therefore, I started making contacts months before actually moving.
I was actively involved in networking; creating contacts, planning meetings, organising work and making sure a stable platform was ready for us upon arrival. I knew where to live, what to expect, where my children will study, etc... Again, we were gone even before having the green light from the company.
From China to Belgium all that changed because none of us was ready for the return. We were in love with China. It was falling into a black pit!
What we realised later was that there is not much difference in terms of moving from one country to another, the attitude changes all in a positive or negative way. It is completely up to us to make the best of it, not only for our own sake but for our family's as well. Living in any country for more than 3 years creates invisible roots.
Home is definitely a state of mind, it's more about where you are happy to be than actually the place where you are. Many people say: home is where the heart is! And they are right.
Should you ever find yourself in this situation, keep in mind that small things can get you faster back on your feet:
- Join a club, gym, association, church
- Join group lessons: cooking, language, Zumba, running, etc
- Work on your garden and plan for the coming season. Nothing better than looking forward into possibilities.
- Retake contact with old friends and/or, go out and make new ones.
- Planning your days will help you get a sense of belonging
- Explore, there is always something new
- Love yourself and show appreciation to all those around you at home, life will be so much simpler and enjoyable
There is no small or big challenge, just a new opportunity to know yourself more and get better.
It's all in the attitude!
http://www.YuriCoach.com
Article Source: EzineArticles
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