26 January 2014

Mommy Win :)

Jocee is now 6, and in the first grade.  Her teacher says that she is kind to everyone in class, has a lot of friends, and loves math and writing.  At home, she is the best big sister, and likes to help me whenever she can.  I'm proud of her everyday.  But two weeks ago, I got to be a little extra proud...

A little boy in her class had made fun of her polka dot pants.  He told her they looked silly, and for weeks after she refused to wear them to school.  We had a lot of conversations about it, and I tried to encourage her to wear what makes her happy.  But none of it seemed to reach her.  He had said she looked silly; that's all that mattered.

Then one morning before school, she had her polka dots on.  I asked her is she was sure that she wanted to wear the outfit school...and she was!  We just smiled at each other.

But then when my mom asked her why she was wearing her polka dots, she confidently replied, "Because Mommy said that if I like something I should wear it anyway.   Not everyone will like my outfits, and that's okay.  They have their own clothes."

  
She was so self-assured, so innocent, and sincere.  I felt tears of gratitude well up.
On the way to school I told her how happy I was for her, and we talked about how some people can say mean things.  And how we can still be nice.  

She was so happy to finally wear her favorite pants to school again.  And I was so happy to see her strut into school with all the confidence I wished I had at 6.

That's my girl.
And I know her Daddy couldn't be more proud. 


PS... She came home smiling big, and told me that she "had the best day." :)

11 January 2014

Stuff & Things

Classes started this week, and I'm learning a lot of new things.

1.  I actually like Physics!  I need to take a bunch of science classes that I purposely avoided earlier in life, and they're actually...fun.  Who knew??!  Three hour lectures are a drag, but the content really isn't.  And I'm extra shocked at how much Physics interests me.

2.  School makes me paranoid in regards to the flow of my Qi.  I am not joking.  I have a moderate breakout happening, and all I can think about is how heat is manifesting externally.  And according to my tongue I have spleen yang deficiency, accumulated dampness in my channels, and internal cold.
Normally, I'd just drink more water, invest in some better skin care products, and hope for the best.  Not anymore!!  There is clearly something seriously wrong.  I need hot soup, an acupuncture treatment and some herbs, STAT.

3.  There are no gongs in Medical QiGong.  I was the only person who didn't know this.  Apparently "gong" means "work," and next week I'll be wearing comfy clothes...

4.  The girls are doing awesome!  I was so concerned about how they would handle the new schedule, and struggled with a lot of mommy guilt.  But I couldn't be more proud of them.  They've been so helpful and sweet.  Sophie has been a rock star with cleaning up after herself, and they haven't had any arguments with each other in a while.  I love to see them love each other.

5.  And in regards to mommy guilt...  I shouldn't feel it.
This whole working mom vs. stay-at-home mom debate is getting on my nerves.  It's always bothered me, but it's wearing thin now.  I may (or may not) rant one day.
But really, can't we all just get along??  I'd rather assume that we're all just doing the best with the situations we have been given. xoxo

Life is good.