Student Workers

Why is it that we want our children to be tough and strong and resilient, and at the same time not have to be? As a college professor, I hate the fact that many of my students hold down jobs with too many hours (usually so that they can have a "cool" car, or pay the insurance that goes with it). Their work schedule eliminates the opportunity to take advantage of internships, seminars, studying or just being college kids, and they often are too exhausted to do more than the bare minimum in class. So when my son went off to college, I told him that school was his first priority, and I didn't want him working. Yet, when he came home for holidays, I found myself strangely irritated that he had "off time". I want him not to have to work, but I want him to want to in order to contribute to the family. Wow. How confusing is that? (Note--my son (a sophomore at UT) starts his new part time on-campus job as a lifeguard this week. I held out as long as I could....)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! You know, it's more than hearts and candy to the one person you love. We all have lots more people in our lives that we depend on...and today I'd like to acknowledge that my life would be so much less without my co-workers that help me out, my neighbors that keep an eye on me, my church that helps take care of me, the folks that bring me dinners when I'm too sick to cook, my family that I rely on, and of course, everyone that wants to help me (or someone else in my situation!).

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you! I love you all......

All In the Way You Look At It....

I was just on the phone with a television reporter who is in the process of getting fired. It’s not that she has done anything wrong, it’s just that she probably makes too much money and management wants to bring in “new blood” (i.e. less expensive). Anyway, I took the call, expecting to hear all about how miserable it was, and how hateful she felt toward her employers. Instead, the overriding message was “even though the situation is bad, I’m sure it’s meant to propel me into a better and more lucrative position somewhere else.” Literally, that’s what she said. Isn’t it amazing how some people would consider a car bomb in a situation like this (who, me?) while others look at the bright side? I’m learning......

Interpretation

My thought for today--everything is subject to interpretation. What is good to one person is bad to another. I was eavesdropping at the hospital the other day, and overheard a woman describe how she had just gotten her diagnosis from her oncologist. Cancer in the liver. My mind projected forward to chemotherapy and hospitals and for a split second I felt sad...just as that same woman said "I am so blessed!!! It's only one organ and it's so treatable!" She actually sounded happy! May we all see the good side of things, like she did, within everything we do.

On the health front....why is it that I can be flexible and relaxed and not worry about finishing every little tiny task....until someone gives me a giant box of chocolates? Loving chocolate, I feel obligated to eat each and every one of them. I can't rest until I finish them all! As of this moment, I have 33 left.....32........yum.......31.......