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I'm a mom but I wanted to be an architect!

Some of you may know me well enough to appreciate what I have to say...others may not know me as well and therefore care less about what I have to say... where ever you lie on that line...I hope you get something out of my pen on paper moment...


How long has it been since I've sat still and put my thoughts on paper? Too long. So as I was driving home from work today I just started thinking. I thought about how far I've come in life and where I'm headed. I used to write all the time. I wrote poetry daily. Since my life took some detours...I haven't put pen to paper. Why? I think because it was easier to ignore then accept. So I'm writing...

How many of us have accomplished goals that we set for ourselves when we were younger? Be honest now. How many of us were told by our parents that we could be president one day? The reality is....there have been 44 US Presidents since the beginning of the Presidency. 44...that's less than the amount of kids in 1 high school homeroom! The odds aren't exactly great when you think about it. Not that it's not possible...just not exactly reality for most of us.

We have been asked since we were young, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" But how many of us have actually followed through with that idea? Are you a pretty ballerina? A movie star? Better yet, a Rock Star? Or a Sumo wrestler? An astronaut? Are you a Policeman or Fireman or pro-surfer? What about being a lawyer or doctor or teacher? Some of us are those things. But we have these dreams as kids about having this grandiose life, because that's what we've been told will happen. Yet at the age of 31 I have accomplished only 2 of my original childhood dreams. 1. Get Married 2. Be a Mom That's it.

There are many jobs that are not suited for me and I know it. For example, there is no way I could ever be a lawyer. Why? Because I am not a confrontational person so why in the world would I want to argue in front of large groups of people? No thanks! I also know that I am not a salesperson. I hate being under pressure so why would I make you feel pressured to buy something? I couldn't be a police officer because of the fact that people scare me! I like living in my little bubble where I can pretend that the world isn't as dark and ugly as it really is. I'm not sure I could be a firefighter either. I like to help people, and I'm not afraid of fire or hard work...but I am scared to death of heights and I can't see myself climbing up that huge ladder... =) If I was going to be a doctor then I would've been a pediatrician - because I love kids. But honestly, I really never thought about any of those jobs. What did I want to be when I grew up? Alot of things. I wanted to be an architect because I loved drawing and designing houses. I asked for sketch/drafting pads that had all the boxes on them so that I could use 1 square to equal 1 ft. I had books of layouts that I designed and sketched. I even bought a stupid computer program that helped you design your own house. Did that dream come true? No.

I had a goal of finishing college and I started my college education by majoring in Sports Medicine. I had the great idea of becoming a physical therapist/sports medicine tech. I thought it would be great to travel with a team and tape up all those ankles, knees, and hands! I think I would've fit extremely well into that field. I loved my Human Anatomy class and I just loved sciences! But after a year of that...I was talked into changing my major to Business. Why? Because it was less work and easier! lol But did I finish college then? No.

While in college I was working for Starbucks and my DM had approached me about the Assistant Management training. I really thought about it...but then one of those detours jumped into my pathway and so I turned in another direction. Funny as it is...I am back working at Starbucks after having many other jobs in between. I love it. I'm happy there. I enjoy what I do and without it I wouldn't be me.

Tonight as I drove home I began thinking about what would make me happy. In the past few years I have found myself slowing fading into the background of life. We've moved twice in 5 years and I've lost myself along the way. It's inevitable that things chance and circumstances change ... but through it all I changed. No longer was I the fun-loving person that I had once remembered. The last time I was truly happy and laughing was in high school. I faked it pretty well in college and there were some times when it was real...but life changed for me along time ago. What would make me happy?

I became a wife (goal 1) and then we had 4 kids (goal 2). I finished college too. 11 years after I started but I finished. I have a degree in something that I didn't even think about until recently. My BA is in Early Elementary Education. I had a goal of teaching. Perhaps at a Christian School so that the kids could attend, but with our education system being what it is out here in California....I didn't get my teaching credential. So...here I sit.

So...what now? What would make me happy now? Goal 3 - Singing. I miss it. If I could be in a choir or singing group again I would love it! Goal 4 - Basketball. I miss that too. Luckily, I was offered an Assistant Coaching job for Hailey's club team so I can check this one off the list! =) I could put Goal 5 - A job that suits me...but I think I'm happy where I'm at. I actually look forward to going to work!
Even if it's not what I originally planned...it makes me happy.

Eventually, I will sing again. I will Coach basketball. I will join a Bunco group again. I will own my own house and actually live in it! (we own a house...but we rent it out). I will become organized. I will be the wife and mother that my family needs. I will be a friend to others and I will give where I can.

Every choice that I've made has affected my life in some way. Every decision is important. So I will decide to be happy. There are days when putting myself first isn't possible...but my name at least needs to get added to the list! So many times everyone and everything gets pushed higher and higher on that list until there are so many things ahead of myself that I get lost and forgotten. As a mom...it's easy to do. But the saying...."If mom's happy, then everyone is happy" is hilarious because it's true!!! There are days when I'm bummed....and I find that the mood of the house is the same. But on those rare days when I'm happy, upbeat and full of energy...then so is everyone else.

So even though I didn't become the architect or physical therapist that I had always wanted to be... I have become who God intended me to be. That doesn't mean that when the kids are all grown up and out of the house that I couldn't go back to school to become an architect...lol =) It just means that right now...I am everything I need to be.
With kids... I am a lawyer - or more like a judge! I have to determine who is telling the truth and who is lying. I have to issue punishment for the crimes!
I am a chef, a chauffeur, a life coach, a cheerleader, a maid, a friend, a doctor, a fireman (but hopefully not as often!), a teacher, a guidance counselor, an example... I am a mom.

So obviously it's been too long. Blogging has just been one more thing on my plate and my plate is already overflowing! I hate that I don't have time or maybe it's that I don't make time. I find myself bending over backwards to take care of everyone else yet the 5 or 10 minutes that it would take me to blog seems like a luxury that I can't afford. How many times do we as moms loose ourselves? I have that mom guilt...you know what I mean because I know you've felt it too! So today I say NO MORE! I WILL take care of myself. I WILL take time for me to do something that I enjoy and that does NOT include grocery shopping! I WILL tell myself that it's ok...everyday. Let's be honest... life is sometimes overwhelming. There are days when getting out of bed is a chore...let alone making the bed! There are days when we as moms, wish that time would stand still for just another hour so that we can sleep just that much longer!

Whatcha Doin?!

This is how the conversation (joke) between Annabelle and William went...

Bella: Hey momma...listen...

Will: Yeah mom, it's funny.

Me: OK tell me.

Bella (to William): Whatcha doin? (in her girly, sweet, 3 year old voice)

Will: Eatin' chocolate.

Bella: Where'd you get it?

Will: The doggie dropped it. (roaring laughter from Will and Bella!)

oh to be 3 and 5 again! =)

Think BEFORE you Speak

These are all oldies, but they sure LIGHTENED MY day and hopefully you'll get a good laugh!


Here are six reasons why you should think before you speak -
The last one is great!
Have you ever spoken and wished that you could
Immediately take the words back....
Here are the Testimonials of a few people who did...._


FIRST TESTIMONY:

I walked into a hair salon with my husband and three kids intow
And asked loudly,
'How much do you charge for a shampoo and a blow job?'
I turned around and walked back out and never went back
My husband didn't say a word..
He knew better.


SECOND TESTIMONY:

I was at the golf store comparing different kinds of golf
balls....
I was unhappy with the women's type I had been using.
After browsing for several minutes,
I was approached by one of the good-looking gentlemen who
works
At the store.
He asked if he could help me.
Without thinking, I looked at him and said, 'I think I like
Playing with men's balls'

THIRD TESTIMONY:

My sister and I were at the mall and
Passed by a store that sold a
Variety of candy and nuts.
As we were looking at the display case,
The boy behind the counter asked if we needed any help.
I replied, 'No, I'm just looking at your nuts.'
My sister started to laugh hysterically.
The boy grinned, and I turned beet-red and walked away.
To this day,
My sister has never let me forget.


FOURTH TESTIMONY :

While in line at the bank one afternoon,
My toddler decided to release
Some pent-up energy and ran amok.
I was finally able to grab hold of
Her after receiving looks of disgust
And annoyance from other patrons.
I told her that if she did not start behaving
'right now' she would be punished.
To my horror, she looked me in the eye and said in a voice
just As threatening,
'If you don't let me go right now,
I will tell Grandma that I saw you
Kissing Daddy's pee-pee last night!'
The silence was deafening after this enlightening exchange.
Even the tellers stopped what they were doing.
I mustered up the last of my dignity and
Walked out of the bank with my daughter in tow.
The last thing I heard when the door closed behind me, were
Screams of laughter.


FIFTH TESTIMONY:

Have you ever asked your child a question too many times?
My three-year-old son had a lot of problems with potty
training And I was on him constantly.
One day we stopped at Taco Bell for a quick lunch, in between
Errands It was very busy, with a full dining room.
While enjoying my taco,
I smelled something funny,
So of course I checked
My seven-month-old daughter, she was clean.
The realized that Danny
Had not asked to go potty in a while.
I asked him if he needed to go,
And he said 'No' .
I kept thinking
'Oh Lord, that child has had an accident, and I don't have any
Clothes with me.'
Then I said,
'Danny, are you SURE you didn't have an accident?'
'No,' he replied.
I just KNEW that he must have had an accident, because the
smell
Was getting worse.
Soooooo, I asked one more time, 'Danny did you have an
accident
? This time he jumped up, yanked down his pants,
Bent over, spread his cheeks
And yelled
'SEE MOM, IT'S JUST FARTS!!'
While 30 people nearly choked to death on their tacos
laughing,
He calmly pulled up his pants and sat down.
An old couple made me feel better,
Thanking me for the best laugh they'd ever had!


LAST BUT NOT LEAST TESTIMONY:

This had most of the state of Michigan laughing for 2 days
And a very embarrassed female news anchor who will,
In the future, likely think before she speaks.
What happens when you predict snow but don't get any!
We had a female news anchor that,
The day after it was supposed to have snowed and didn't,
Turned to the weatherman and asked:
'So Bob, where's that 8 inches you promised me last night?'
Not only did HE have to leave the set,
But half the crew did too they were laughing so hard!

Now, didn't that feel good?
Pass it on to someone you know who needs a laugh
And remember
We all say things we don't really mean,
So think before you speak!!!

Business Trips...

So, Steve has been gone for a few days on a business thing. We considered driving out to be with him for a day but the logistics of me, cooped up in a hotel room (since the weather is too cold to swim) with all 4 kids...not my idea of fun.
How is it that he gets to go out to lunches and dinners (paid for by the Co.) while I'm eating mac n cheese from a box?! Or just flat out be alone. Or hang out with other adults. No, feeding the kids, folding laundry, sweeping, unloading the dishwasher - reloading the dishwasher, playing referee, cleaning, bathing, etc...
I know it's hard for him to be away. He misses us. But really? 4 days of not having to take care of anyone else but yourself...I have NO IDEA what that's like or even what I would do. Granted he's working...but you can't work 24/7. He went and played golf this morning with one of the other DM's. Oooo how hard. I woke up with Annabelle's feet in my back and the kids asking for breakfast. Then I get to do 10 loads of laundry (which by the way isn't even all of it) while attempting to do some homework.

So, I just had to vent for a second. The worst part is... this is the first of 4 business trips. The month of July will be oh so much fun! Anyone have a job for my husband that doesn't require him to be gone 4 days a week??!?!!!?!?!

The kids start VBS on Monday so that should be great fun! =)

Get off your phone...Get off your phone...GET OFF YOUR PHONE!!!!

So first off.... Don't you LOVE my pin?!?!? I love it.... found it on Facebook and thought it was hilarious!

Ok. So I just have to rant for a minute. As you know, I work at Starbucks. My store has a drive thru. I LOVE working the drive thru. It's busy and fun. So, what's my rant?!?! CELL PHONES!!!! C'mon people! Get off your phone! I am so tired of being told to hold on while someone finishes their phone conversation...at the speaker box! I am tired of remaking drinks because "Oh...I had wanted that Iced not Hot!" Um...HELLOOOOOOO We repeated your order 2 times PLUS it was on the screen in front of you as you ordered! Her excuse?!?....."Oh...I was on the phone (while she is still holding the phone to her ear)..so maybe you didn't hear me...or maybe I didn't say it loud enough" ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!

Now.... I totally don't mind remaking a drink if I mess up or we mess up or it's our fault.... BUT.... It bugs the crap out of me to have to remake a drink because you were on your phone while you ordered...on your phone while you paid...on your phone while you took the drink from me....and on your phone while you complained about it not being Iced. OMG!!!!! It's sooooo rude!!!!!!!!

We work hard. We are expected to get your drink order right - the first time. We bust our butts to get you through the drive through with as little wait as possible.... but if you change your order...because you were on the phone...and I have to remake it.... you have now made everyone behind you late for work!

Whew! Don't be offended if you talk on the phone in the drive thru lane. Just please at least put the phone down while you talk to me. DO NOT put up 1 finger to tell me to "hold on"....DO NOT mouth the words "thank - you" or "no" so that I can't hear you and neither can the person on the other line.

We are people too. We do not work for you...we work for Starbucks. Treat me with some respect. I just spent 8 hours at the drive thru window...2 days in a row.... I have been told to hold on, I have said hello to you (by the speaker box) at least 4 times before you finally tell me what you want, I have been ignored completely, I have been handed a credit card without you even looking at me OR even rolling your window down all the way!, I have been yelled at, I have been told that I was wrong not you (of course...while you were on your phone)...AND the kicker.... I have handed you the wrong drink...and you drove off with it...still talking on your phone! That last one was hilarious because I handed her a Frapp. and she ordered a HOT Latte!!!!! She took off before I could catch her!!! HOW CAN YOU NOT REALIZE THAT YOU WERE GIVEN A COLD, BLENDED DRINK WHEN YOU ORDERED AN EXTRA HOT DRINK!?!?!?! oh wait I remember..... because you were on your phone!!!

Ok... so thanks for letting me rant. I realize that no Starbucks is perfect. We make mistakes...we're human. There are days when you will wait for a while in the drive thru.... but please know that we are doing our best. Show us the common courtesy of getting off your phone. And honestly, I rarely hand out the wrong drink...that one time just happened to be a fluke but the truth is there.... she didn't even notice because she didn't even look at me...she was on her phone.

We had a lady sit in the drive thru for 5 minutes yesterday, parked at our speaker box, windows rolled up....on the phone. One of the guys walked out to see if there was a problem - if she needed help - if there was anyone behind her... and no to all of it. She was just talking on her phone for 5 minutes. She finally ordered...came up to the window...still on the phone.

It's just hard to be perky and happy in the morning when I'm being disrespected at the drive thru window.

Sheesh!

Please take no offense. I am just expressing my frustration. I do NOT represent Starbucks in anyway... just myself.

But know that I appreciate it when you say thank you, or smile at me. I try to do the same for you.