Just a Little Patience

Day 16 - I am thankful for people who have patience

I am the team captain of our department Relay For Life team at work. For several years, we have sold wreaths. The week after Thanksgiving 150 "Made in Maine" wreaths will arrive for distribution. Sounds pretty easy, pretty straightforward - right? Did I mention that those wreaths all need a bow ....

We could order 150 from the Dollar store and tack them on. If we did that they would all look "store bought", they wouldn't be fancy, fluffy or upscale looking, AND it would cut into our funds raised.

That means someone or ones has to MAKE 150 flipping bows .... 2 of us non-bow makers decided that we'd like to help this year. 

So, on our lunch hour, we had bow making class .... I arrived a few minutes late causing the instructor to have to start over. I was immediately frustrated .... the ever patient teacher noticed I was holding my holding hand backwards ... that correction helped some. I FINALLY got one done. Then I tried a second ... still took a lot of guidance. Another experienced bow maker shouted encouragement over her cube wall ..... 

At the end of the 45 minutes ... I had 3 bows done and cramps in most of my fingers .... um I guess I should have started October 1st? 

I'm definitely not going to quit my day job, or my night job to make bows .. but I hope on some level I am contributing to our cause. 

Our teacher was beyond patient - kindly corrected, offered pointers, and quietly fixed our issues and made our bows look almost as good as hers. 

Maybe tomorrow I'll get 4 or 5 done!

Here's my beautiful bow ....

Day 16 - I am thankful for people who have patience

Good Girls

Day 15 - I'm thankful for people who recognize how hard we're trying to raise good kids

Yesterday I attended a BOE meeting. Sadly I had not checked the agenda and did not realize that it was starting 30 minutes later than usual. It also figures that this was the day that I arrived 20 minutes early. 

I happened to know a couple of people who were also there and started chatting. Brooke's music teacher said "I'm so glad that Brooke is in Show Choir again this year"

He went on to tell me what a great kid she is - kind, thoughtful, happy, a real leader. I thanked him and told him that we are trying so very, very hard to raise good people. I told him this parenting thing is work and sometimes it is just plain HARD. 

He smiled and said - you'd never know that it can be challenging. He went on to say "the work you're putting in - it shows"

When I finally got home and sat down at the computer to check some emails, I noticed a FB post from Kristen's kindergarten teacher. She and Kristen really connected and she had the perfect personality as we adjusted to our first school away from Jeanne's house. 

This is what she had to say:

I just wanted to share with you...that Miss not so little Kristen came into my room yesterday and bravely read a flyer about the canned food drive to my class. She was so poised and confident. I could tell she was nervous by the way she read (but that's just because I know her so well 😊). I was so proud of her!!! What a difference 2 years can make!! Yayy Kristen!

Paul and I think that she has grown tremendously but hearing it from her made us both proud. 

This parenting thing is not for the faint of heart. I am not sure there is one thing that I have done that can be more frustrating or fills with me more joy than parenthood

There's so much negative these days, I smile from the inside out when people share their experiences with my kids with me. I think we doing a good job - most of the time - it's nice to hear it from others. 

Day 15 - I'm thankful for people who recognize how hard we're trying to raise good kids

No Where to Go

Day 14 -I am thankful for nights with nothing 

Tonight we had NOTHING ... no School Facilities meeting, no PTO meeting, no Board of Ed (that's tomorrow) and it was not a dance night .... 

I'm thinking about it now and it is the only night this week we are home, with no where to go. 

Kristen was in the shower at 5:30 and I had the risotto started on the stove and the oven heating up.

By 7:00 pm everyone but Paul had eaten [he wasn't home from work yet], homework x2 was finished, and both kids were showered and in PJs. Backpacks had been emptied and re-packed. 

We had picked out new winter boots and the order submitted - on the day the 40% off your entire order coupon code arrived. 

Paul had time to eat before jumping into the bedtime routine. And now, the girls are sound asleep, Paul's out raking leaves in the super moon light and I'm making serious progress crossing things off my list. 

Day 14 -I am thankful for nights with nothing 

Sunday Night Bowling

Day 13 - I am thankful for Sunday Night Bowling

The last 12 years, for 36 of the 52 weeks, you can find Paul and I at the old Norwich Ten Pin. We've had 3-4 team names but the teammates have always been the same - Mike and Kim. 

In the early days, we were just two dating couples. We'd bowl our 3 games, order dinner at the snack bar and they'd bring it to us in the bar. The four of us would eat, drink and be merry until late into the evening. Sometimes Monday mornings were a little slow going ... but man we loved Sunday nights. 

We had a loyal fan club ... Joe Ro, Mike's parents, and any number of French Canadian Aunts and Uncles. Sometimes a brother or sister, niece or neighbors. 

We delayed our honeymoon a day so we wouldn't miss Sunday night bowling. 

We went from dating couples, to engaged, to married with children. It took more effort to get there once the kids arrived and there were no more late night dinners in the bar. Most of the Sunday nights of Evelyn's first year were spent getting passed around the team.  

I'm convinced these few hours together as 4 adults - laughing, joking, and getting time to talk - without a million interruptions - is why our families are so connected. 

Day 13 - I am thankful for Sunday Night Bowling

Girls Night Out

Day 12 - I am thankful for "the wives"

When Paul and I started dating, I quickly learned that he came with a posse. He has a core group of friends, they are his "people" 

These guys came with women, and not going to lie, they were a little intimidating to me in the beginning. They were good cooks, excellent hostesses,  experienced gardeners, and great mothers. I enjoyed spending time with these girls but I could count on one hand the times we were together without our men. 

Then, four years ago, one of the guys died, suddenly and shockingly. As a group, we were devastated. I was so angered by the circumstances of his death and so heartbroken for his wife. We rallied around our grieving friend and promised to each other that we'd be there for her. 

It was around then that I realized these women, these girls, the wives were more than just "wives" ... we were friends. 

So for the last four years, every 4-6 weeks, we meet somewhere for dinner. Sometimes it is casual, sometimes a little more upscale. It always includes wine and dessert (at least for me!) 

Recently, I was having a discussion with someone about being the "odd man out" and not really understanding how it happened. "You're at a different stage in your life. You have younger kids and you're doing different stuff" they told me. 

Sounded reasonable until I was planning the November dinner outing with "my girls", the girls who are all 60+ ... 

We met last week, the food wasn't one of our best picks .. but the wine was good and the company was, as usual, some of the best. 

It doesn't seem to matter that one is retired, one runs her own business and works part time, and 2 of us still work full time. We seem to be able to fill the night with conversation and laughter about husbands, children, and grandkids. 

My happiness is important to them, they support my business and our charitable causes. When I lost my job - they were right there ... consoling, encouraging and cheering. 

I am so grateful for their kindness, wisdom, perspective and that they love food as much as me!

Day 12 - I am thankful for "the wives"

GI Joe

Day 11 - I am thankful for those who serve

Our country is not our country without the brave men and women who defend her, still, today. 

I'm particularly thankful for the time that my dad served his country in the US Army. He wanted to join the Coast Guard, but was drafted. He served as though it was his choice. 

We have this goofy thing in our family where we call all the boys "Joe" ... even though their names are Dave, Paul, Steve, etc ... 

Here's to our very own, GI Joe!

Day 11 - I am thankful for those who serve

More than a Bag

Day 10 - I am thankful for Thirty-one

In August 2014, I started a direct sales business with Thirty-one. At the time I was still searching for full time work and needed something that was mine, that I could manage, and work hard to see results.

Thirty-one Gifts is lead by CEO and founder, Cindy Monroe. She started the business in her basement in her home in Tennessee in 2003 with the mission to celebrate, encourage and reward women. 

The name comes from Proverbs 31 and the importance of faith to Cindy and Scott Monroe is one of the reasons I choose this company. 

This business has allowed me meet amazing women, amazing leaders and hear inspirational messages from well known authors and business people. 

It has also contributed to the income of our household. I'm not quitting my day job, but this allows me to help provide for some extras. 

The greatest gift this company has afforded me is a way to inspire our girls. We can tell our kids something a million times, but model behavior, man, that speaks to them. Brooke and Kristen see me managing all aspects of a successful business. They see me providing excellent customer service and building relationships. They see what happens when you have passion for what you do. 

I am so thankful for this company, for showing me that we are "better together" and reminding me that "we don't have time for everything, but we always have time for what matters most"

This company is so much more than a bag. 

Oh - the reason this didn't get posted on Thursday night, I was out working my Thirty-one business!

She is clothed with strength and dignity,

and laughs at the days to come.26 

She opens her mouth in wisdom;

kindly instruction is on her tongue.27 

She watches over the affairs of her household,

and does not eat the bread of idleness.28 

Her children rise up and call her blessed;

her husband, too, praises her:29 

“Many are the women of proven worth,

but you have excelled them all.”30 

Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting;

the woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.31 

Acclaim her for the work of her hands,

and let her deeds praise her at the city gates.

Proverbs 31: 25-31

Day 10 - I am thankful for Thirty-one

Weekend Update

In school, Kristen writes a "weekend update" she brought this home tonight. It is very unusual to have a guest blogger, but tonight I'll feature her original work ....

My Ganpraints came home on Sunday. I was happy I cryed. they went to Alaska an soposto come back in Semptember but ther Engine brok down. in the r.v. and came back in a car

Translation:
My Grandparents came home on Sunday. I was happy. I cried. They went to Alaska an [were] supposed to come back in September but there engine broke down in the r.v. and [they] came back in a car

Too Much to Ask

Day 9 - I am thankful for old fashioned thank you notes

I woke up this morning not knowing who won the election, I didn't stay up because sleep is too precious. The way things were going, there was a strong possibility that we might not know for a bit, so sleep definitely won. 

I don't talk personal politics. It is just how I roll, one election post and it only mentioned Palin. Not one #ImWithHer or #MakeAmericaGreatAgain .... 

When I got up at 5am and checked the CBS News site, I'm not going to lie, I was shocked to learn that Trump was the President Elect. You've probably figured out by now, he wasn't my pick. I wasn't happy but what are you going to do? I just wanted time to process the last 24 hours, that's all. 

Apparently, too much to ask.  

Sometime this afternoon I stopped looking at my texts and shut down Facebook -- the negativity, from both sides, was too much. 

When we got home, the girls handed me the mail. I took a quick look through and found 2 handwritten envelopes .. the ones that could be invitations or cards. Opened the first, it was a note from my friend who recently lost her boyfriend in a car accident. She thanked me for taking time to visit with her at the wake and said that her Church family was how she was getting through this difficult time. 

The second was a note from our neighbor thanking us for being his "guardian angels", we recently organized the neighborhood leaf raking party at his house. He went on to say how the kindness of people that he didn't even know amazed him. 

Seriously, I needed that today. 

Day 9 - I am thankful for old fashioned thank you notes

Rock Bottom

Day 8 - I am thankful for the right to vote

For as long as I can remember, I have been "thankful for the right to vote" on election day. 

I vote whenever I get the chance, because I think it is that important. I vote in primaries and November elections whether we are electing a new president or not. 

Like many, I am tired of the rhetoric and am ready for it to be over. 

Charlie Rose said today that he's holding on to the hope that you have to hit rock bottom to realize that the system needs attention

This election, these candidates... 

For me, today was more than about a president, it was about all the other offices up for grabs. 

I want a complete Supreme Court. I want someone to acknowledge that the educational system in our country is broken and we are failing our kids. I want Washington to roll up their sleeves, get their asses in their seats and do their freaking job ... I know many of you are saying "you're dreaming" ..... 

Day 8 - I am thankful for the right to vote

Sometimes you have to Splurge

Day 7 - I am thankful for my Splurge eye shadow

A few weeks ago, I was invited to a Facebook party for a makeup line. It was not the first time I heard of this company, but let's be honest .. when you think "hair and makeup" or "put together" .. I am NOT the first person that pops into your mind. 

Thing is .. I'm not getting any younger or thinner and my hair definitely isn't getting any redder (unless there is a salon visit involved) .. so I have been actually trying to make an effort.

About 6 weeks ago, I spent serious time blow drying my hair and used my big, round brush for some body. Compliment after compliment .. "I LOVE what you've done with your hair", "What a great color you have now" and "Did you get your hair done? It looks amazing!" .... hmmm, maybe I should have been doing this all along.  Anyway, I digress .. back to this eye shadow

I was pretty attached to my current makeup supplies - not a big fan of change - but I was curious and in all honesty, I wanted to buy something to support my friend who was hosting. 

The consultant did a really good job with her posts, mixing stills with how to videos, etc. I was intrigued by this Splurge eye shadow and I was leaning towards it. In a subsequent video, she had the prettiest purple eye shadow on. I want THAT was my immediate reaction. 

Fast forward .. I bought the eye shadow, the brush and a couple of other things. I spent more than I should have a few days after buying 4 round trip tickets to Aruba but I was helping a friend and a small business owner. 

The eye shadow is amazing .. I love the way it goes on, how easy it is to control and that fact that when I wear it .. people notice.

Today I picked the sweater I wore because I wanted to wear the eye shadow. 

A few minutes into my day, a coworker delivered her leftover Halloween candy and immediately commented on my eyes ....yup I might be ordering that in every flattering shade they make! 

Day 7 - I am thankful for my Splurge eye shadow

Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Day 4 - I am thankful for Fridays

Last week was exhausting. A busy, busy weekend and then Monday was Halloween, by the way, that will NEVER be something I am thankful for. Dance classes, PTO meetings, and then BAM -- finally Friday. 

I grabbed the girls, we did some serious damage at Stop & Shop, Redbox and headed home. 

The girls watched a movie. I cooked. We enjoyed a delicious meal when Paul got home. We headed to bed EARLY .. at like 10:15 .. I know, we're like old people. I drifted off to sleep without setting an alarm. 

It was heavenly ...

Day 4 - I am thankful for Fridays

Day 5 - I am thankful for David's Tea

Earlier this year, I was introduced to David's Tea. Have you heard of it? Oh. My. Goodness.  Really, if you drink tea, and you have NOT had it .. you must! They have flavors like birthday cake .. it has actual sprinkles in it. There is one called Red Velvet Cake ... chocolate chips in that loose leaf tea. I became a big fan of their summer teas - many can be enjoyed hot or iced. There were SO many amazing iced tea flavors ... Pom Diggity [so seriously, every time I read "Pom" for a split second I see 'porn' ... tell me you don't!!!], Coco Colada, and my favorite of all time .. Sangria. There are whole raspberries and slices of orange in that one. Just opening the tin smells delicious. 

When I wrote about how much I love Fridays I left out that bit about waking up a little after 11 not feeling so well. I spent the next half hour in the bathroom .. hurling ... it wasn't my cooking because I was the only one that got sick. Earlier this week, I had a new tea order delivered ... Honeycrisp Apple, Apple Cider, and some other fall flavored delights. As I spent the majority of my Saturday on the couch, curled in a ball ... I so enjoyed the warmth of my apple cider tea. 

I'll warn you, this is not budget friendly tea, it is, however, an excellent example of you get what you pay for!

Day 5 - I am thankful for David's Tea

Day 6 - I am thankful for Sunday Service

For the last 10 plus years, I have attended church at First Congregational Church of Norwichtown. It is just a mile or 2 away from Romanskiville and the people there have become an extension of our family. The last 2 Saturday nights, the girls were invited to sleep overs. Pickup times for Sunday mornings were loosely coordinated so I ended up missing service 2 weeks in a row. Not the end of the world, but Paul and I are big on when you get out of the routine of going to Church, it gets really easy to NOT go. 

This Sunday, we arrived a little earlier than usual and settled in after a hug here and there. The girls were sitting with someone else - oohing and ahhing over pictures of her grandson and I just sat there. We play beautiful instrumental music before the service starts and I was lost in the peace. Our meeting house is old, historic building old and I've always been struck by the simple elegance of it. I don't pretend that sitting in the pew on a Sunday morning makes me any better than someone who never sits in it, but I love that time on Sunday mornings. No noise, no texts, no email, no chores .... just time to be quiet, to think, to pray, and to find some slice of peace. 

Day 6 - I am thankful for Sunday Service

Takeout

Day 3 - I am thankful for takeout

Today was one of those days ...

Just as I was heading out the door, I got the dreaded "do I have any clean uniform pants?"

That crisis was averted [meaning someone wore a skirt and leggings] and off I drove. 

It was not an overly chaotic day at the office, just full. I left on time, picked up from after school care and landed home a few minutes after 5. Zapped something for the girls, walked the dog, made a cup of coffee and headed back out. 

Delivered Pampered Chef orders and attended a PTO meeting. Arrived home to jump right into homework and get that load of uniforms in the washer. 

I've checked backpacks, signed reading logs, sorted some mail and 1 of the many piles on the peninsula. The laundry has made its way to the dryer and I'm sitting, finally, at my desk ... deciding where we are ordering from ... Subway? Irenes? Chinese? Somewhere for sure, because I definitely don't have cooking dinner in me right now.

Day 3 - I am thankful for takeout ... I am SO thankful for TAKEOUT

Commute

Day 2 - I am thankful for my morning commute


For the last nine years I worked at CSC, I worked remotely, in other words, from home. I know that working from home can sound really glamorous ... working when ever you want, conference calls in your PJs, stuff like that. Don't get me wrong - there was a lot of greatness about it. I thought my morning commute was a positive, I mean it involved walking from the kitchen to the corner of the dining room .. literally seconds and great for fuel economy. 

Then I got a job that I needed to actually go to, every day! It is a SHORT, easy commute for me, less than 20 min door to door. I have a safe and reliable car and I really like my job and co-workers, the drive was never a chore. 

Sometime in August, after a particularly hectic morning routine at home, I had a bit of an epiphany. This drive every morning is an opportunity to settle myself ... to leave the chaos of 4 people getting ready to head out for the day behind and start the process of charting my course for my work day. 

I mostly drive on I-395 but just before I arrive to campus, I turn on this secondary road through a neighborhood. I see the dad and his tiny human waiting for the bus. I drive a little further and I see another dad with his 2 black labs - an old timer and a not so old timer - and his 2 kids. Sometimes the son manages the old timer's leash. I drive a little bit farther, almost to campus, and I find my favorites. There is this adorable elderly couple that walks, holding hands. Seeing them in the morning, walking together, makes me smile .... a smile so big that I think you can "hear" it when I do.

This short time as I drive away from the chaos that is home, to the chaos that can be work ... I enjoy the peace of the car, the radio and the now, familiar, friends on my ride. 

#2 - I am thankful for my morning commute

Hello November

Most Novembers, I dedicate Romanskiville to "Thirty Days of Thanks" and some years .. I actually get all 30 days done ... I'm a busy, work outside of the home mom, what can I say?

Sometimes the posts are super serious, sometimes they are super funny and sometimes there a little screwed up. There was that one time the post was called "Dinner Time" and it included only the picture of a Bud Light Lime. That one was a serious case of not proof-reading.

The last few years I spent a lot of time really becoming the best version of me. I have spent more time focusing on "what I have" rather than "have not." I'm making sure that I'm showing up for the people who show up for me. I've begun to put more trust in my Faith. 

Often we get so busy that we start to take things for granted, we forget to be kind and grateful. Earlier this year, we started "highs & lows" .. most nights, usually around the dinner table, we all share our best moment of the day and our lowest. The girls look forward to this, like it's an event, and it starts conversations. Rather than me saying "What'd you do at school today?" and getting "nothing" we have animated discussions.

I encourage you to try this for a month .. you don't have to share them on a blog, your social media, or really anywhere, just spend a moment - when you first get up or right before you turn off your light at night - and think of something that you are thankful for. You might be surprised how it can change your world!  

So without further ado, let's get this "Thankful" party started. 

Day #1 - I am thankful for an office with a door

Until I started at the college, I never, EVER had an office with a door ... I worked in a cubicle or from my house. I know that might seem like a small thing but sometimes you need to concentrate. Sometimes you need a place to have a private conversation with a student processing the death of their friend. Sometimes you need a time out to get yourself re-centered. Sometimes you might just want to eat your lunch, while it is hot, without conversation.  

My door is often wide open and lots of times I'm out at the service desk working with customers but it is nice to know, there is a place, should I need it. 

#1 - I am thankful for an office with a door