My husband Dove and I dated for several years before we got married. About a year into our relationship, he described his life motto to me – the personal philosophy that he held to the most closely. His motto was “choose again”. He had observed that much pain and unhappiness in the world seemed to … Continue reading “Choose Again”
Author: eilonwy902
Cheesecake and Screen Time
I want you to imagine something. Imagine that the Cheesecake Factory decided to have a very special promotion. For one weekend only, diners are invited to enjoy unlimited cheesecake. Any variety. All for just 3.99. Imagine the insanity that would ensue. There wouldn’t be crowds, there would be mobs. Let’s say the restaurant miraculously figured … Continue reading “Cheesecake and Screen Time”
Fireworks: Risk by the Numbers
Ah, the 4th of July in America. Our special day to celebrate the wonderful freedoms that some of us enjoy. Proud traditions of blowing things up. Cat is already beginning to thoroughly enjoy the yearly visit to a big tent to go buy large numbers of small explosives with her daddy. But are they … Continue reading “Fireworks: Risk by the Numbers”
Blocking the Slide
Who is the better parent? The parent following along and playing with their kid at the playground, or the parent sitting on the bench, staring at their phone, more or less ignoring their child while she climbs and plays? My answer is, of course, I have no idea. There are far too many variables for … Continue reading “Blocking the Slide”
I Choose For Me
When Cat wakes up in the morning, I go into her room and we have a quiet chat about whatever is on her mind that day. She tells me what she dreamed about, and I remind her of what we have scheduled that day, if anything. A few days ago, she climbed onto my lap … Continue reading “I Choose For Me”
Conflicting Needs – Mr. Pig’s Party
I was having a rough day. My husband, Dove, was having to work long hours, leaving me with a greater share of the childcare and housework than usual. We were getting over being sick. I was not completely sure how I was going to complete everything on my long to-do list for the day. But … Continue reading “Conflicting Needs – Mr. Pig’s Party”
Needs, Wants
Toys. Treats. Outings. Parties. As a child, there were a great many things that I desired with a powerful intensity. So I would ask my mom. Sometimes she would say yes, but generally the answer was no. As an adult, I am grateful that she did not give me everything I wanted all the time. … Continue reading “Needs, Wants”
I teach (if I have to)
Before I studied education, I rarely (if ever) gave any thought to educational philosophy. Teachers teach, students learn. It’s simple. It’s like a math equation. Teaching equals learning. If I want my child to learn things, someone will need to teach her those things. I never questioned my belief in how it important it is … Continue reading “I teach (if I have to)”
Surprise!
Last Sunday was a very rough day. Cat was in an extremely defiant mood. She placed a ball into her mouth. I asked her to take it out, as it’s a choking hazard. A minute later, she placed it back in her mouth, seeming to shove it in as far as she could. I confiscated … Continue reading “Surprise!”
Filling the Toolbox
I spent 8 years as a 911 operator and fire / rescue dispatcher. I spent over 7 of those years as a 911 operator and dispatcher trainer. I was a good trainer. Easily one of the best in the center. And a big part of my success as a trainer came down to a decision … Continue reading “Filling the Toolbox”