Everyday I am faced with the passing of time. I watch my little ones grow and change and every time someone asks how old they are, it hits me how fast time flies. Sometimes it rocks me to my heels thinking about where the time has gone and how quickly it passes. My only hope is that it hasn't all been wasted. Which made me think about what I have done with my time, what have I learned in the time that has passed. Here goes:
What I've learned about me:
-I must be part pack horse (it is not uncommon to see me packing around one of the kids, especially Peter who loves piggy back rides and saying, "Run!")
-I prefer stability, structure, predictability but find them to be scarce commodities in my life right now.
-I don't mind doing the "chores" on the farm, but (an honest confession here) struggle with the daily tasks of keeping house.
-I am a major procrastinator.
-I don't like seeing people make fools of themselves because I dread the humility of making a fool of myself (this extends to movies, I highly dislike Steve Martin movies).
-I miss being a more integrated part of my family.
-I don't mind the flatness of Kansas anymore and I'm amazed at how much sky there is, and the colors out here, wow.
-I don't do repetition well.
-I love my husband and my children very much.
-I can do more than I think I can.
-"I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and gosh darnit, people like me"
What I've learned about others:
-Kids are like dogs: they learn bad habits if you let them, they love unconditionally, and they chase anything that will run from them.
-You can learn a lot from children, if you can get over thinking that, because you're an adult you know more than they do.
-Kids naturally love to help (I'm learning to bite my tongue and just say, "that's okay, I can clean it up")
-Kids, at least mine, have a natural affinity for getting dirty and I say, "Let them!"
-Kids and animals go together.
-Most people need something to call their own, that they get recognition for, and that they can do well at.
-People are focused on their own insecurities, not yours.
-There are a great many good people in the world.
What I've learned in general:
-Big jobs are best done a little at a time.
-New things don't come easily.
-Brunettes can have blonde moments too (only I don't blame it on my hair, I throw in the "I have three kids" card and it usually works.)
-Time continues to pass, life goes on, and every minute that passes can bring something wonderful.
