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It has dawned on me recently that the one or few things that many of us say we stand for, could possibly be the one or few things we are the guiltiest of committing.
Recently, I have been able to really empathize with many of you young people that have to sit back and watch adults do the very things they insist are wrong, immoral, dishonest, unsafe, irresponsible and cruel. I am gaining a new found respect for the adolescence trying to grow and learn in an environment where you are told, “Do what I say not as I do and turn your head the other way and close your mouth.” Plain and simply, “DON’T, WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT ROCK THE BOAT!”
I am also challenging myself to examine what areas in my life I am willing to take that approach to life and change it. It really seems to be the “comfortable” route or the “path of least resistance” or neglectfully, the irresponsible route and as I have become aware of this syndrome so I wish to actively change it in my life.
The more I think about it, the more I can see just how much I am guilty of this syndrome. I feel badly that I say one thing and do another and I realize just how confusing that is for my own children who are trying to grow and learn. What a bunch of mixed signals?!?!?! How can I tell them no Kool-Aid at dinner and crack open a diet coke with mine!?!?!?
I have two pleas. One is to the adults, stop the insanity! Stop the it’s ok for me but not you, the shove it under the rug and pretend it’s not happening and second to the adolescence, examine your thoughts, words and actions on a regular basis and be sure they align. It’s hard to trust a source that advertises one product but sells you another. Be the best quality advertiser and product you can be at all times, even if it does mean you have to get uncomfortable. Life gets uncomfortable sometimes but if you can walk the walk you are trying to sell to your neighbors and community, not only does it feel better but it’s much easier to set positive examples for the generations around you!

Blessed be

Whoa! The past two months are one big, gigantic BLUUUUUR. Fortunately and unfortunately going to school, working (two jobs) and raising three growing daughters can be a bit hectic and overwhelming at times. The everyday comings and goings of maintaining a household are enough to keep a girl busy. Then you add, end of school chaos, such as, award ceremonies, end of year performances, field trips, exams, finals, teacher appreciation gifts and projects, parties, etc and you begin to spin faster on the carousel of life.
Now, in the midst of this chaos comes a different kind of challenge, an unexpected move, and a move from a home that you have made comfortable for the past two years. This involves A LOT of weeding out, packing up and physically moving, ewwww. Yet, the carousel spins even faster.
Well, needless to say the past two months have had their fair share of activities. Physically, emotionally, financially and mentally exhausting yet so very rewarding because without a little struggle and weary long, dog tiring days I would never know what it feels like to truly appreciate the art of relaxing!
AHHHHHHH, my last weekend was such a beautiful and magical journey of sweet, simple moments that make any hardship so super worth it all. Alongside great company, I got to enjoy a night of no driving ƒº (gotta love public transportation!) down to first Fridays, in downtown Phoenix. What a chill evening, music, food, creative, colorful people, street dancers¡KFUN! Next, Saturday a lazy day that ended at an afternoon movie (without kids!?!?!?!?!) I couldn¡¦t remember the last time I saw an adult movie, with ADULTS¡Kpeople watching at Tempe Marketplace, dinner at the food court!?!?!? The only ¡§out to eat ¡§I do is sit down restaurants, never grab and go in mall food courts. So peaceful and leisurely I had to pinch myself. We finished that evening playing a million games of spades and apples to apples. FUN! Last but not least, another lazy morning that included grocery shopping and finished with cutting fruit for a fruit salad that would be a lovely addition to the carne meat we¡¦d be bbqing at the pool. It was a beautiful day in the pool and sun with my beautiful daughters and really great friends. FUN! Conversation, fun, food, sun and simple moments, all make for just a lovely, lovely weekend!!!
The moral to my story is, no matter how hard things may seem at the time, stay focused, and hold on to the knowing that in time ¡§this too shall pass¡¨ and you will always be rewarded for your effort. Just don¡¦t be so busy complaining and/or groaning that you can¡¦t hear or see it.
Blessed be,
Jodi