I’ve been away from the computer over the last few days. Lots going on. I’ll be back soon.
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October 20, 2009
Stereotypes are funny. Everyone seems to know people who confirm stereotypes, and we can always think of exceptions. Well, this weekend I spent time being an exception (and I think there are lots!). I was my “sorority girl” self on Saturday. I don’t know if anyone is reading this who doesn’t know me personally, but if that’s you, I am nothing like the sorority stereotype. I’m not Elle Woods. I never get manicures. I don’t drink alcohol. Never have. I have only a few pink garments. I’ve always been serious about academics, and I’ve never been to a fraternity party. Let me explain…
In 2006, I was approached by a friend to become an alumna initiate of Alpha Sigma Alpha, a National Panhellenic Conference organization. I saw it as an exciting opportunity to make some new friends and more importantly, to volunteer my time to help young women reach their goals and make the most of their college years. I’m now a national volunteer as a member of my district’s Education Coaching Team. On Saturday I traveled with a fellow ASA alumna about two hours to meet with the members of an ASA colony and offer my support as they work toward becoming a full-fledged chapter. The group was a local sorority that is now “going national.” So my companion and I also spoke with the alumnae of the local sorority about becoming alumnae initiates of Alpha Sigma Alpha. Although tentative at first, these women warmed up to us pretty quickly, and they seemed truly appreciative of the information that we provided. I admired their dedication to the organization that they worked hard to establish, and they obviously cared a lot about the college women who are making the transition from the local to the new ASA chapter. And guess what…they brought cookies! Yummy, homemade, perfectly iced cookies.
So as I traveled home, loving the gorgeous fall foliage between the ceaseless raindrops, I thought about the contradictions that make life complex and interesting. What do we assume about people based upon their associations, their interests, their friends? How often might we dismiss a potential friendship or opportunity because it’s not a good fit or it doesn’t fit our image of ourselves? I thought about the local Alpha Gamma members. They dreamed up an organization with beautiful traditions and methods that are meaningful to them, and they are now watching those details change, evolve. If we embrace the evolution around us–whether changes in ideas, people, practices, or even ourselves–we might be open to some pleasant surprises.
And it never hurts to have a good cookie on hand.
October 16, 2009
Fall has taken a surprisingly cool turn. Snow has appeared in the forecast and on morning door steps. The proverbial frost on the pumpkin is quite real. Makes me want to sit down with a cup of Earl Grey and You’ve Got Mail. Unfortunately, instead of delving into the yummy, cozy rituals of a cold (and rainy) autumn, I’ve been doing a lot of nose wiping and other related activities. Hmm…now that I think about it, these are the rituals of autumn and the months ahead. At least for a mommy.
But despite the tiredness that comes with broken sleep for several nights coupled with the worrying that inevitably comes at the time of a little one’s illness, I’ve been quite productive in my knitting. Two weeks ago, I completed a small blanket for my new godson. That project took five months! While I loved the yarn (good quality washable wool in Caribbean Blue and white) and was fond of the pattern, I confess that the slow progress made me lose my zeal for the project part way through. In the weeks before the baptism, however, I found myself falling in love with that dear blanket again. I loved how it felt between my fingers, and I loved imagining the baby wrapped in it or resting on it while his mama tickled his toes or read him a story. Many prayers and warm thoughts went into that blanket.
As I finished the blanket, my four-year-old asked if he could have a hat. He had never asked me to knit him something before, and while I often look at wonderful patterns for fun little boy garments, all my knitting seems to be gifts for others. Neither of my boys has any finished items made by me. (Although they are fortunate to have a number of beautiful pieces knit and crocheted by people whom we love and who love us.) So the baby blanket was delivered to its wee owner on a Saturday; on Monday I made a trip to my favorite local yarn shop. I stole thirty minutes of bliss—stroking skeins, browsing hat patterns, comparing needles. I confess that the shopping and the planning are as exciting (if not more) as the actual knitting and completing of a project.
To match his new fall jacket, I chose a muted orange wool and an accent color called “Ash.” And now I’m knitting, knitting, knitting. I’m snatching every little moment that I can. I want this wool cap to be upon my little guy’s head when he goes to the farm on Wednesday for his class field trip (assuming his health improves). And while I would never wish a cold on any child, a stuffy, feverish little boy needs an early bedtime, and therefore, mama gets to knit!
October 14, 2009
I have a sick little boy. Poor guy. It started with a bit of a stuffy nose, a little touch of a headache, but now we’ve got a full blown…um…cold? Not sure how it’s going to play out. We’re watching him closely and keeping the grape Tylenol nearby. I’m not big on medicines at all, but the difference between a little man with a fever and a little man on the purple stuff is remarkable.
So tomorrow is going to be a cozy, stay-at-home day. We’ve got the Lite Brite, and I’m ready for a Candyland marathon. Of course, the little brother prefers to cut teeth on the game pieces. I guess he can’t resist Grandma Nut and the gang.
What do you do on a sick day? Better yet, what did you do when you were a kid?
October 9, 2009
With a three-day-weekend declared by our university, my family is tying on the sneakers, pulling out the garbage bags, and doing some major organization. Perhaps it’s a far fetched wish, but I dream of a home that is cheerful and orderly like a kindergarten classroom. I want our life to be simple and tidy. Too much to ask? We’ll see.
I’ll be away from the blog until Monday with the hope of dedicating myself to Mission Simplify. I’ll return with a report on the soup making and bread baking that is scheduled for Saturday. I’ll leave you with one picture of our steps toward organization and simplicity.
Our 4 year old son is now responsible for four morning "tasks." These cards keep him moving forward on a busy morning.
September 30, 2009
In preparing to head to our bi-monthly Bible study with friends yesterday, I was stumped. What do you take to share when the menu is Lebanese food? What do you take to share when you’ve never had Lebanese food and therefore have no idea what goes with such cuisine?
I went with bisquits.
The smell in our kitchen was worth every bit of flour now dusting my kitchen floor and coating the bottoms of the children’s socks.
I had to snitch one before we hit the road. I couldn’t just offer my contributions without testing the wares, could I?
