Random Pix
22
Feb, 2013
TGIF
This was a long, busy week for us and I told Aubrey she could have a “movie dinner” before bed. That’s when she’s allowed to sit in the ugly-but-comfortable-given-to-me-by-my-BFF-when-I-became-a-signgle-mom armchair and eat dinner from a tray while watching a DVD. It’s her favorite thing to do at night.
She picked “The Lorax” and snuggled under a blanket on our armchair. Then she offered to share the chair with me.
“Mom, do you want to sit next to me? There’s space right here for you mom and we can share the blanket,” she said, patting the tiny plot of cushion beside her.
As usual, I was scurrying around, busy assembling some sort of dinner, putting dishes away, filling the dog’s water bowl, throwing shoes on the shoe rack. I finally came back with food for both of us and again she offered, “And when you’re done eating you can sit next to me on the chair.”
Sometimes her clinginess is exhausting, but hers is truly the sweetest love I have ever known. It is genuine and pure. After we finished eating, we most certainly did sit together, sharing a blanket, on a Friday night.
03
Feb, 2013
Viva Room 3! YES To Teachers!
Friendships that last! Viva Room 3!
Today, on this beautiful SoCal Sunday in February, Aubrey had a play date reunion with her old classmates from preschool TWO years ago, when they were all three years old. We were only missing a small handful of kids and their assistant teacher who has since moved out of state. Their teacher, Ms Erika, was able to come and it was a wonderful get together.
These kids have all gone on to new teachers and different schools, but after all this time, they remain friends. They still attend each others’ birthday parties and when they saw each other today, they ran to one another, yelling each others’ names, excited to play, snack and yes, bicker, as if no time had passed at all.
While I’d like to give all the credits to the amazing mamas (and papas) who have made the effort to stay friends and be nice, normal, sane parents who are respectful and kind to one another, I have to give the biggest shout out to their teacher, Ms Erika (and Ms Esmirna). They were special teachers who went the extra mile for our kids by creating a sense of community and respect in their class and the lasting friendships of our kids is the real testament to the difference these two women made in their lives.
Teachers – YOU CAN make a difference. What you do for children is so much more than teaching letters and numbers. Teachers of both little ones and older children, your classroom is a microcosm for life beyond the school walls. You are giving your students examples of leadership, respect, love, compassion, discipline, integrity and so much more.
Here’s to all the great teachers out there, fighting the good fight and changing lives. I hope there are many more Ms Erikas and Ms Esmirnas in Aubrey’s future. If you had great teachers in your life, count yourself lucky! They are a rare breed. What teachers changed your life and why?
Tags: Aubrey Anderson-Emmons • play dates • preschool • school • teachers
02
Jan, 2013
DONE!
Happy New Year From Us!
At the end of each year, my BFF, Jennie Wong (co-founder of CartCentric.com, syndicated columnist of Ask The Mompreneur, friend extraordinaire & more) compiles a “done” list. New Years is a time when we tend to focus a lot of energy on all of the things we think we “should” do in the new year. I’m going to go to the gym every day, I’m going to stop eating carbs, I’m going to balance the national budget. I’ve never been a fan of New Year’s resolutions. Why shlep ancient negativity onto a fresh new slate? I love Jennie’s idea of reminding yourself of what you DID accomplish. In this busy day and age, it is too easy to forget what we’ve done as we are so quickly on to the next conquest. I can’t recall why I even entered a room about 4 out of 5 times, although I mostly blame that on the brain cell sucking powers of motherhood.
Whether you published a book, ran a marathon or finally organized your sock drawer, why not take a few minutes to remind yourself that the year was a fruitful one of growth and hard work? Or even if it’s a reassurance that the year wasn’t ALL bad, that’s ok too. Go ahead, inspire yourself to move into the new year with hope, drive and purpose. Excelsior!
Amy Anderson’s DONE List 2012
– Booked and shot two new tv stand-up shows (Stand Up In Stilettos & Nick Mom Night Out)
– Booked a national commercial
– Banner year of most stand up work booked ever in my 15+ yr career, as a result…
– Highest income year ever in my life
– Got back in shape, lost approx 10 lbs & began training for a half marathon (Jan 20, 2013)
– Got the ball rolling on financial and estate planning
– Re-established a healthy family relationship with my brother & obtained reliable, flexible, trustworthy, much needed child-care help in one-fell-swoop
– Paid off a substantial chunk of debt & starting to see the light at the end of a loooong, shit-filled tunnel
– Obtained health & dental insurance for both Aubrey and me
– Turned 40 and was given a VERY CLEAN bill of health after first ever annual exam including full blood work
– Rid myself of a toxic relationship and stayed happily single all year
– Most importantly, I am proud of the kind of mom I have been to Aubrey and I am the happiest I have ever been. Even though the year was incredibly busy (head spinning, to put it lightly) it was wonderful. And by focusing in on myself and my daughter, I experienced the deepest feelings of peace and joy I’ve ever had. I can honestly tell you, it doesn’t suck.
Tags: 2013 • Amy Anderson • Christmas • goal setting • happy new year • holidays • list making • new year's resolutions • resolutions
