Gone but not forgotten

I'm really sad. I tried to change the background on my blog and hitting a wrong button caused me to loose all the sidebar items. UGH. Now I have to reconfigure them all over again. Bother.

Happy Mother's Day to all

JUST A MOM?
A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office, was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

"What I mean is, " explained the recorder, "do you have a job or are you just a ...?"

"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman.

"I'm a Mom."

"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it," Said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"What is your occupation?" she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out.

"I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest,"just what you do in your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply,

"I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't)

In the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out).

I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters).

Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).

But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern.

I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mom."

Motherhood! What a glorious career!

Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers "Senior Research Associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations"

And great grandmothers "Executive Senior Research Associates?"

I think so!!!

I also think it makes Aunts "Associate Research Assistants."

Giving 110%

A few years back my friend Donna gave me an airplant. I've given it tender loving care - spraying it, keeping it warm and talking to it. This year all that payed off. It's now starting to flower. The pink stock came up abt 6wks ago, but now it's starting to open up. We'll see if it lives past giving FLOWER or if it gives up the ghost.

I can see clearly now

Walt & Colleen uncovered a previously covered up window on the north side of the house. A much needed cross breeze was needed in that room. An approaching storm threatened while they raced the clock to get the window in & sealed up. Perfect - with a few grumblings abt how each other worked.

Loving

Things to love this week:
Cousins who sing
Bells that ring
Windows that can be open
Sun that shines in the windows
Grass that has to be mowed
Clean flannel sheets
Traveling on open roads
New babies - 2 born that I know in the last 2 wks
Meeting Old friends in the most unsuspecting places
Lunching with girl friends

Poole your votes for Tom

Today is VOTE for my Cousin TOM day. He is a finalist in the Miami Superstar Contest (like American Idol only the Miami version.

It's a small world

Yesterday Colleen & I went to the Jordan River Water Conservancy park to see what trees looked like in different stages of growth. While there we ran into a previous coworker from REI. Barbara Christmas-Chapman with her hubby Jeff and one of their 3 sons were there also looking at trees, bushes etc in various stages of growth for their yard. It's been years since I've seen them and Wow are they ever looking good. Good to see you Barb.