Integrity

Integrity... what is it? Who has it? Does it play a role in our decision making process and how we treat others? In this "#1" society, does it even matter anymore? I came across a situation recently when I was treated with anything but integrity. According to one source, by definition, integrity is : a concept of consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations and outcomes.

When I look at the world... integrity is a lost art. We must not forget that we are all someone's son or daughter, mother or father, brother or sister. We all have value and should be treated as such. As I try and try to instill in my boys in this selfish and cruel world that we live in... treat others as you wish to be treated... to get respect, you must give respect. That is it... pure and simple.

It's just the way it is

I was thinking about a friend that I have and was realizing that our friendship is going through changes; it makes me sad. Not to be a downer or anything, but this is how I am feeling right now... Friendship should not be one sided. I have been there for many of your troubled times and it is rare that I call you in need. With that, I have realized that, we are at different places in our lives. You are very involved with your family; there for every event, high and low. I have school and work and sadly, my family is there when I can have time for it. Not my ideal, but I guess that is what happens when you decide what you want to do later in life. I guess that is where some of my inadequacies come into play. Your house is clean and put together, nicely decorated and in a beautiful location. Mine is not. Sure its OK, but I have neither the time nor the energy that it requires from me. I try, have big ideas and dreams, but I almost always fall short. I hear about your kids and think how great that they are so talented in so many ways. Sometimes hearing about all of their accomplishments makes me weak. I have the greatest kids whom I love with all of my beating heart. But I feel as though they could never compare with yours. I sometimes feel you think they are not as good or talented or special as yours. They are and I love them and care for them like no other. I do not have the strength anymore to deal with this friendship, I am tired. Tired for feeling less of a mom when I see all that you do; tired of feeling as though I am a failure because I have to miss something for work or school; tired of feeling like I have the poor house and you the rich. I am not perfect and neither are you. I know that you know that, but for now I have to work more on me and less on you. Tata for now... I know our paths will cross soon, but for now, I have to make it about me and my family.

How a Day Can Change Lives Forever

Two years ago, three precious lives were tragically taken away from the world. Although I was only friends with them for a short while, one in particular taught me valuable lessons. Persevere and you will achieve your goal. She taught me that it was OK to do school work while at a soccer game. But most importantly and collectively, they taught me not to give up. This is going to be a tough week- I know this already. But I must not give up. I must keep the Faith and trust. We will miss them forever!

Let the Season Begin...

So, soccer began last week. With that begins the craziness of coordinating schedules, rides, games, parents etc. I love it. I love watching the boys do something they love to do. With all this love however, comes some sadness and frustration. I am one person, and I can only be in one place at one time. This weekend, I will have one child here and one child in Fond Du Lac. So, guess what that means... one parent here and one parent there. Its all good and I do get that, but I wish that I didn't feel sad about missing one while watching the other.

Let the games begin... go BIG or go home!

Curve Balls...Why do we have them?

I was thrown a major curve ball two days ago. It was one of those things that I had feared was coming, but still not what I had expected. Many have told me in the past few days that when one door closes, another opens. Thank God that is what has happened to me. I am fortunate and probably an exception, which makes me grateful. I am scared and anxious, but I know that it will all work out. Ahead of me are new experiences and new opportunities and I am looking ahead to a bright future. I also want to say Thank you to my friends that I leave behind who have taught me so much. I am thankful that all of you have been a part of my life and I know our paths will cross again! Remember, when life hands you lemons, make lemonade! :)

Determination

I sit here in amazement as I watch our best athletes perform in the Winter Olympics. The dedication and determination they have surpasses any sort of determination I have ever had throughout my lifetime. I am jealous. I wish that for one moment in my life that I had that sort of passion about something- anything. These athletes give up so much and take risks. Risk, what is that? Oh, is that when I decide to drive a little faster to get to work on time- or is that when I try something new at a restaurant? Obviously I am not a risky person either. I commend the athletes and marvel in their work. So for today, I will try to find something that I am passionate about and when I do, I will try to foster the same dedication and determination that have made our athletes so successful!

Homecoming '09 and the Purple Haze

Here is what you get when you mix two dirty-blonde boys and two cans of purple hairspray! Fun fun... although the purple haze from the aerosol in the house took some time to clear! The boys are set for Spirit day in their jerseys and hair! :)