It’s a beautiful, sunny day as the sun bounces off the 15-18 inches of snow. I must admit that even I, a warm weather person, appreciate the beauty of the snow. I still can’t get out of my driveway and no generous soul has come by to clear it. A few years ago the teenager across the street was always on our front stoop offering to clear our driveway and walkway. But he is an adult now and does not need to or want to do it. Hopefully Mother Nature will be generous over the next few days and begin melting the snow. I have used the time wisely – decorating, cleaning, working on projects, etc. I have no urgent need to go out. The snow has also helped with my weight loss. Hubby & I were scheduled to attend two parties today and one tomorrow. Both cancelled. So I am banking calories for Christmas day.
I am anxious to see my 2 daughters and 2 grands who are scheduled to arrive Christmas Eve night and a childhood cousin (and best friend), scheduled to arrive that morning. Mother Nature, please be nice to us! Big family plans beginning with Lambert Family traditional Christmas brunch after which my household will have 12 people for dinner and 15 people for dinner on Sat. Sun. will be family visiting day when we go to the country where my cousin and I grew up to visit family still there. I am excited!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Snow! Snow! Snow!
Let it snow! No shopping to do will just stay in to decorate the tree and house and finish cards. Hubby & I completed all outside activities yesterday in anticipation of snow (much less I may add). Went to see Precious yesterday and when we came out of the theater there was at least an inch of snow. After snowing all night on our deck is at least 15-18 inches. Great acting in Precious but when I was growing up I didn't know any grandmothers that would have tolerated such treatment from her daughter or mistreatment of her granddaughter.
As we entered the house after the movie, the phone was ringing. It was a neighbor who told us they had planned a Christmas party, expecting about 30 people. Because of the storm most had cancelled so they asked us to come over to help eat all the food. It was great fun celebrating some holiday cheer with neighbors whom we only casually talk to when in the yard. About 12 people showed up. Interesting what can bring people together.
As we entered the house after the movie, the phone was ringing. It was a neighbor who told us they had planned a Christmas party, expecting about 30 people. Because of the storm most had cancelled so they asked us to come over to help eat all the food. It was great fun celebrating some holiday cheer with neighbors whom we only casually talk to when in the yard. About 12 people showed up. Interesting what can bring people together.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
The Stay-At-Home Dad
I spend quite a bit of time on planes and waiting in airports so I have the opportunity to interact with a number of people. Those opportunities will increase over the next few months as I begin my book tour.
Recently on a flight from Atlanta to Richmond, I sat next to a lady who was traveling from Denver to Richmond because her job was transferring her. She initiated a conversation that became more interesting as we talked. She was traveling with her cat. I asked if it was just her and her cat and she informed me that she had a husband and two girls who would be joining her the following week. I sat thinking to myself. Since she is being transferred I assume her husband is either being transferred or will be looking for a job. I finally asked her “Is your husband being transferred or will he be looking for a job?” Her answer was priceless: “My husband has been a stay-at-home-dad for six years.” I was so impressed as I informed her that when my children were small that would have been taboo. She said that sometimes her husband does get the strange questions such as “When are you going to get a real job?” The response to that is he has a real job of taking care of his children and household. I would give him the title of Chief Household Officer (CHO) – a very important job which has been held by women for years.
She felt her husband had done a wonderful job over the years and she was very proud of him. It was a decision that they discussed in detail and arrived at based on what was best for the family. I would venture to say, however, that it takes a man who is very secure with himself to undertake that role. Though there has been progress, society has not fully embraced it. There are still those questions, both asked and unasked. It is my hope that more men will undertake that role when it is in the best interest of the family. Are that many more of you out there? I welcome comments.
Recently on a flight from Atlanta to Richmond, I sat next to a lady who was traveling from Denver to Richmond because her job was transferring her. She initiated a conversation that became more interesting as we talked. She was traveling with her cat. I asked if it was just her and her cat and she informed me that she had a husband and two girls who would be joining her the following week. I sat thinking to myself. Since she is being transferred I assume her husband is either being transferred or will be looking for a job. I finally asked her “Is your husband being transferred or will he be looking for a job?” Her answer was priceless: “My husband has been a stay-at-home-dad for six years.” I was so impressed as I informed her that when my children were small that would have been taboo. She said that sometimes her husband does get the strange questions such as “When are you going to get a real job?” The response to that is he has a real job of taking care of his children and household. I would give him the title of Chief Household Officer (CHO) – a very important job which has been held by women for years.
She felt her husband had done a wonderful job over the years and she was very proud of him. It was a decision that they discussed in detail and arrived at based on what was best for the family. I would venture to say, however, that it takes a man who is very secure with himself to undertake that role. Though there has been progress, society has not fully embraced it. There are still those questions, both asked and unasked. It is my hope that more men will undertake that role when it is in the best interest of the family. Are that many more of you out there? I welcome comments.
Friday, December 4, 2009
An Inspiring Event
Yesterday I attended a holiday breakfast sponsored by the Manasota branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (www.asalh.org). It was an inspiring event attended by approximately 250 people. This organization is credited with founding Black History Month.
In addition to seeing old friends and meeting new ones, a member gave an informative presentation on a project a committee had been working on for two years: a film depicting the experiences of African American veterans living in the Sarasota, FL area. Although it is common knowledge that discrimination existed even in the military, it was disheartening to hear the stories of men and women who were willing to give their lives for the protection of their country while facing such discrimination. We owe them gratitude than can never be paid.
In addition to seeing old friends and meeting new ones, a member gave an informative presentation on a project a committee had been working on for two years: a film depicting the experiences of African American veterans living in the Sarasota, FL area. Although it is common knowledge that discrimination existed even in the military, it was disheartening to hear the stories of men and women who were willing to give their lives for the protection of their country while facing such discrimination. We owe them gratitude than can never be paid.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
I Continue to be Thankful
In my last posting I talked about being thankful and writing that article made me more aware of all the “small” things I may overlook as I busily go about my daily activities.
As I prepare to leave Sarasota, FL to return to VA for the holidays, I am trying to spend as much time as I can enjoying the weather, playing golf and spending time with friends before leaving. I am also getting in some work – finalizing plans for my book tour, compiling my database and trying to keep up with my social media. I am thankful to have those choices.
Over the weekend I spent some quality time with Cathy Hughes, founder of Radio One, and her sister Jackie Woods over coffee at Starbucks. Cathy wrote the foreword for my book and we discussed plans for promotion after the book is released in January. I got in a few rounds of golf with my husband (yes, we enjoy playing together), my cousin who lives in St. Petersburg, FL about 30 miles away, a friend from DC who is moving to FL and the ladies league at the club where I belong. I still have a couple of lunches with friends but not sure I can squeeze in any more golf.
As I prepare to leave Sarasota, FL to return to VA for the holidays, I am trying to spend as much time as I can enjoying the weather, playing golf and spending time with friends before leaving. I am also getting in some work – finalizing plans for my book tour, compiling my database and trying to keep up with my social media. I am thankful to have those choices.
Over the weekend I spent some quality time with Cathy Hughes, founder of Radio One, and her sister Jackie Woods over coffee at Starbucks. Cathy wrote the foreword for my book and we discussed plans for promotion after the book is released in January. I got in a few rounds of golf with my husband (yes, we enjoy playing together), my cousin who lives in St. Petersburg, FL about 30 miles away, a friend from DC who is moving to FL and the ladies league at the club where I belong. I still have a couple of lunches with friends but not sure I can squeeze in any more golf.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)