2014 is slowly creeping up on us. Ready or not, here it comes.
New Year's Eve has never been a big deal for me. Honestly, I'd rather go to bed than sit up with overtired kids and Twilight Zone reruns. After all the rushing around for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, birthdays (there are four December birthdays among my family, including Andrew's), and Christmas, I'm too freaking tired to make another fun holiday celebration. So, here I sit, in my champagne jammies, listening to the kids fight over electronics and impatiently wait for the big, sparkly ball to drop.
New Year resolutions have always been a bit baffling to me, too. Why only set new goals at the beginning of the year? That's easy. It would be much more challenging to set resolutions after all the confetti settles and winter really grabs hold (I suppose that only applies if you live in an area of the world where "winter" means cold temperatures, snow, and ice). And what happens if you accomplish whatever resolution to dream up on New Year's Eve? Do you write more? Or do you sit back and coast through the rest of the year.
Perhaps I just don't feel brave enough to challenge myself with a resolution. I typically don't make them, at least nothing that is too difficult. I have a lot going on, with the kids, and it's simply easier to let myself off the hook. Sounds like a resolution right there, no? Seems straightforward enough: make more time for myself, to do what I want to do. Read, exercise, read, write, read. I have a huge stack of books that I want to read, yet I am constantly resigning myself to thoughts of self pity, and end up "rewarding" myself with another round of Words with Friends rather than reading a few pages out of the book I've been trying to finish for two months. It's easier to play silly ten point words than concentrate on the words on the pages of a novel, right? My eyes would roll to the back of my head if one of my kids tried to tell me that time on electronics was more important than getting in their daily fifteen minutes of reading. So, maybe that's a good place to start. More "ME" time.
Hidden in there would be making more time to write. A dear friend challenged herself to write every day last year, and she accomplished it. I admire her so much for that; she is also a very busy mom, yet she made time for herself and her writing EVERY day. I could do that. I mean, if I can move the kids' elf every night for three weeks, then I could certainly bang out a blog post every day. Maybe? Some days will probably be boring, uninspired, and even ridiculous...but if I can force myself to sit down and focus on the thoughts in my own head long enough to craft an essay, then that would be something.
The very thought of writing every day is exciting and scary. What if no one reads what I write? That actually doesn't bother me as much as I thought it would, although I do dream of having a fun, popular blog that spawns into a best selling book. The really scary part is thinking of all the nasty comments people could make about my writing. Could I handle it? I read what the "trolls" post in response to stories that pop up in my Facebook newsfeed. Words like "rude", "ignorant", and "terrifying" come to mind when reading those comments, and some of them really stick with me for days after seeing them. Why should I care what Joe Schmo thinks about some "breaking news" story or what another blogger writes? Because someday, they could be hurling those insensitive words at me, in response to my writing.
But, maybe that's what I'm meant to do: inspire people enough to cause them to pause in their crazy little worlds to leave a comment based on what I wrote. Like it or not, I could have an affect on them; hopefully for the better, but I've seen train wreck blog posts that cause quite a stir. (Mrs Hall, are you out there somewhere?) Perhaps, though, even the disastrous of essays can spark a conversation that needs to be heard and shared. I could do that.
Or, if nothing else, writing is cheaper than therapy.
I guess I can give it a go. Blog everyday and cross my fingers that somebody, somewhere, reads it. We'll see what happens.
Until then, have a safe and happy New Year's Eve celebration. Or, if you're like me, sweet dreams, and enjoy that champagne in a mimosa tomorrow morning.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Friday, December 20, 2013
Christmas Wish
Christmas is a magical time. The stories, the lights, the excitement. The wonder and awe. I fondly recall my childhood holidays and that's what I remember: the magic. Recently, in the midst of the "making Christmas" chaos, I remembered that this doesn't go away once you grow up.
I've always tried to stress the "giving" part of the holiday to my kids. They are blessed to have a beautiful holiday every year (and I am blessed to be able to do this for them), and I want them to know that it's not all about elves, pretty wrapping paper and sweet treats. I think they are hearing me, but they are still so young; I figure that if they all get there by the time they are 10 years old, then I can consider it a success.
Since I was a teenager, I have made it a point to donate toys during the holidays so that everyone can have a chance to partake in the magic. Beginning in high school (when I had my own money, from babysitting or my job), I would buy toys and take them to the fire station. I always wished I could do more, but I did what I could, then would hope that the toys would bring smiles to someone, somewhere.
I still make an effort to continue this tradition, and now I get to involve my kids. It's a little tricky, navigating around the Santa tale, and I have to be careful in my responses to their questions. "Why doesn't Santa just bring gifts?" They aren't being sassy; they are just trying to wrap their little heads around it. As briefly as possible, I explain to them that not all families can give gifts, like theirs can, so we're being Santa's helpers. They are ok with that response, for now at least, and they also enjoy shopping for others. They were excited to help me wrap the gift we purchased to donate, and they couldn't wait to place it under the tree at our church. After dropping off our gift, Addie (my sweet seven year old) noticed several other tags hanging on the tree. Each tag represents a Christmas wish; after careful consideration (you can just see the wheels turning in their little heads!), she began pulling the tags off the tree. I quickly realized her intent, and had to gently tell her that we'd have to wait and see how many more gifts we could bring (I'm a bargain shopper, but unfortunately not that good!). She was disappointed, but she understood, as she is learning about money and spending/saving. The wheels were then spinning in my head, too, trying to figure out how I could reallocate what I'd already planned so we could pick up a few more wish items.
A few days later, as we were riding in the car, she asked if she could share her Christmas wish. I fully expected to hear, again, about the iPod Touch she wants, or the American girl dolls (yes, plural!) she has an eye on, or one of the other items on her list. She is just seven, after all, and fully believes in Santa, but she does understand that Santa doesn't bring everything on her list. I never imagined that her response would be this:
"My Christmas wish is for everyone to have something to open on Christmas morning."
Whoa. No mention of anything for herself, no creative arguments about why a second grader needs an iPod Touch. She was still thinking about those tags left hanging on the tree at church, about our conversation from a few days back. I was stunned. And so very, very proud. She gets it.
The next day, I was telling my mom about what Addie had done and said, just in casual conversation. I was surprised to later get a call from my mom, telling me that she and my dad wanted to help honor Ad's Christmas wish by purchasing more gifts to donate (so, so awesome!!). Just a couple days later, my dad and I dropped off two big bags of cheerfully wrapped gifts. I wish I'd had a camera hidden to record Addie's reaction when I told her of all of this. She was so excited, and happy, to know how many kiddos would have something to open. Again, there was no mention of her own list, or the things she wants. Just pure excitement, knowing that others would get to experience a happier holiday. Her Christmas wish was coming true, right before her eyes.
I was reminded that the Christmas magic doesn't end when you stop believing in Santa. The magic of the holiday comes when you open your heart and care about others. Her holiday will be even more special because she learned the importance of giving. In all my hustling and bustling over the next few days, I can stop and quietly reflect on this magic; knowing that at least one of my kids is really listening to all the "wisdom" I try to impart on their little minds, to shape them into the "good" souls that I envision, is the best gift, ever.
Merry Christmas to all! May the magic of the holidays touch your lives, as well.
I've always tried to stress the "giving" part of the holiday to my kids. They are blessed to have a beautiful holiday every year (and I am blessed to be able to do this for them), and I want them to know that it's not all about elves, pretty wrapping paper and sweet treats. I think they are hearing me, but they are still so young; I figure that if they all get there by the time they are 10 years old, then I can consider it a success.
Since I was a teenager, I have made it a point to donate toys during the holidays so that everyone can have a chance to partake in the magic. Beginning in high school (when I had my own money, from babysitting or my job), I would buy toys and take them to the fire station. I always wished I could do more, but I did what I could, then would hope that the toys would bring smiles to someone, somewhere.
I still make an effort to continue this tradition, and now I get to involve my kids. It's a little tricky, navigating around the Santa tale, and I have to be careful in my responses to their questions. "Why doesn't Santa just bring gifts?" They aren't being sassy; they are just trying to wrap their little heads around it. As briefly as possible, I explain to them that not all families can give gifts, like theirs can, so we're being Santa's helpers. They are ok with that response, for now at least, and they also enjoy shopping for others. They were excited to help me wrap the gift we purchased to donate, and they couldn't wait to place it under the tree at our church. After dropping off our gift, Addie (my sweet seven year old) noticed several other tags hanging on the tree. Each tag represents a Christmas wish; after careful consideration (you can just see the wheels turning in their little heads!), she began pulling the tags off the tree. I quickly realized her intent, and had to gently tell her that we'd have to wait and see how many more gifts we could bring (I'm a bargain shopper, but unfortunately not that good!). She was disappointed, but she understood, as she is learning about money and spending/saving. The wheels were then spinning in my head, too, trying to figure out how I could reallocate what I'd already planned so we could pick up a few more wish items.
A few days later, as we were riding in the car, she asked if she could share her Christmas wish. I fully expected to hear, again, about the iPod Touch she wants, or the American girl dolls (yes, plural!) she has an eye on, or one of the other items on her list. She is just seven, after all, and fully believes in Santa, but she does understand that Santa doesn't bring everything on her list. I never imagined that her response would be this:
"My Christmas wish is for everyone to have something to open on Christmas morning."
Whoa. No mention of anything for herself, no creative arguments about why a second grader needs an iPod Touch. She was still thinking about those tags left hanging on the tree at church, about our conversation from a few days back. I was stunned. And so very, very proud. She gets it.
The next day, I was telling my mom about what Addie had done and said, just in casual conversation. I was surprised to later get a call from my mom, telling me that she and my dad wanted to help honor Ad's Christmas wish by purchasing more gifts to donate (so, so awesome!!). Just a couple days later, my dad and I dropped off two big bags of cheerfully wrapped gifts. I wish I'd had a camera hidden to record Addie's reaction when I told her of all of this. She was so excited, and happy, to know how many kiddos would have something to open. Again, there was no mention of her own list, or the things she wants. Just pure excitement, knowing that others would get to experience a happier holiday. Her Christmas wish was coming true, right before her eyes.
I was reminded that the Christmas magic doesn't end when you stop believing in Santa. The magic of the holiday comes when you open your heart and care about others. Her holiday will be even more special because she learned the importance of giving. In all my hustling and bustling over the next few days, I can stop and quietly reflect on this magic; knowing that at least one of my kids is really listening to all the "wisdom" I try to impart on their little minds, to shape them into the "good" souls that I envision, is the best gift, ever.
Merry Christmas to all! May the magic of the holidays touch your lives, as well.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Holiday PSA
I started this year by blogging about my wish for 2013: Just. Be. Nice. I figured I should revisit that topic before the year ends, so here we go.
As you are out finishing up (starting?) your holiday shopping, just be nice. Easy peasy. I've been doing this, and it does make a difference. Smile at the lady who comes flying out of an aisle and almost runs you down with her cart. She's not trying to flatten you; she is just as distracted as you are with her holiday task list. Wave to the car that lets you in a huge line of traffic. They don't have to let you in (although, they should, especially since someone else probably let them in, but whatever), but they did, so let them know you appreciate it. Don't raise your voice at a customer service rep because the post office is holding your shipment from their company. I'm pretty sure they lost control over the situation once they handed over your package to ship. It's very frustrating, but not their fault, and certainly not the fault of the poor soul that took your call. Be kind to the cashier who may seem completely over it and frazzled; they probably hit the wall a week ago. Their feet are tired, their patience is thin, they are being paid in beans. A kind customer in the midst of a horde of nasty ones could make a difference in their whole day. It's everyone's holiday; you are not alone in your preparations and celebrations.
Think I'm being bossy by telling you to be nice? Well, get over it. We're all in the same boat...the big, red, glitter-covered, time-is-running-out holiday boat that sets sail in less than a week. Might as well be nice to each other, because it will make the whole experience a little less stressful. Do I never have a bad day during the holidays? Of course I do! But, I've been on the other end of the madness, and trust me, it sucks. I get it: everyone is tired and stressed. That, however, is not a free pass to be a jerk. Using basic manners and kindness will help you get through the last stretch of the holidays. I promise.
So, here's to smiling and waving at strangers, being friendly with tired cashiers, and not screaming like a lunatic when your packages don't arrive. Merry Christmas to all, and don't be a Grinch.
As you are out finishing up (starting?) your holiday shopping, just be nice. Easy peasy. I've been doing this, and it does make a difference. Smile at the lady who comes flying out of an aisle and almost runs you down with her cart. She's not trying to flatten you; she is just as distracted as you are with her holiday task list. Wave to the car that lets you in a huge line of traffic. They don't have to let you in (although, they should, especially since someone else probably let them in, but whatever), but they did, so let them know you appreciate it. Don't raise your voice at a customer service rep because the post office is holding your shipment from their company. I'm pretty sure they lost control over the situation once they handed over your package to ship. It's very frustrating, but not their fault, and certainly not the fault of the poor soul that took your call. Be kind to the cashier who may seem completely over it and frazzled; they probably hit the wall a week ago. Their feet are tired, their patience is thin, they are being paid in beans. A kind customer in the midst of a horde of nasty ones could make a difference in their whole day. It's everyone's holiday; you are not alone in your preparations and celebrations.
Think I'm being bossy by telling you to be nice? Well, get over it. We're all in the same boat...the big, red, glitter-covered, time-is-running-out holiday boat that sets sail in less than a week. Might as well be nice to each other, because it will make the whole experience a little less stressful. Do I never have a bad day during the holidays? Of course I do! But, I've been on the other end of the madness, and trust me, it sucks. I get it: everyone is tired and stressed. That, however, is not a free pass to be a jerk. Using basic manners and kindness will help you get through the last stretch of the holidays. I promise.
So, here's to smiling and waving at strangers, being friendly with tired cashiers, and not screaming like a lunatic when your packages don't arrive. Merry Christmas to all, and don't be a Grinch.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Customer Service IS Alive and Well
If you've been keeping up with my blog lately (and I've made it fairly easy for you...my lack of writing surely makes your reading load a bit lighter, no?), you know that I've been grouchy about the level of customer service I've seen in my daily adventures.
If you've been keeping up with my Facebook feed (now that's a little more challenging!), you'll remember that my Alex managed to purchase several non-learning apps while we waited for the other kids at their dance classes a couple of weeks ago. I recently learned that the App Store stays "open" for fifteen minutes after you enter your password. If I'd had this information earlier, I could have saved myself some time. Eh, well. What's a life experience if it doesn't provide any lessons, right?
So, to recap, while Al and I were waiting for the other two kids at their dance classes, he asked me to put a new game on his iPad. I found an educational, free app right away, so I happily obliged and then turned back to the magazine I was reading. He played away, without interrupting my reading, for about ten minutes before my inner voice kicked in and prompted me to look at what he was doing. I was so engrossed in my stupid magazine (and enjoying the very rare opportunity to flip through it without being bothered) that I failed to notice that Alex had been on an app shopping spree. Ugh!!
To his pure dismay, I grabbed his iPad and quickly figured out how to enable restrictions. That ended the app free-for-all, but I couldn't tell just by looking at the apps if he had paid for them, or if they were free. My gut told me that they were probably the most expensive apps there were. I was almost right.
The next day, I could see that my bank account was charged $16.09 for three apps (I should note that for almost a year, I only downloaded free apps because I was too stubborn to pay for any...so seeing that Al paid $9.99 for one app made my eye twitch a bit). I definitely got lucky, as it could have been way more costly, but at this time of year (Hanukkah, Andrew's birthday, Christmas...) I can stretch $16 pretty far. I debated on calling Apple to see if they would consider reversing the charges, but I wasn't certain if they would have any compassion. I'll admit it, I should have been watching him, and it was totally my fault that he got app-happy. I decided to put it out on Facebook to see what others would do.
I was relieved to learn that Alex was definitely not the first kiddo to do this, and he was actually the most conservative in his purchases, by far! All but one person reported that Apple had been willing to credit them for the unauthorized charges, so I decided to give it a shot.
I finally sat down the other day to call Apple, and spoke with a lovely support rep, Rebecca. I sheepishly explained the situation, and while waiting for the lecture that I fully expected, I was surprised to hear her offer to refund the charges. Wow. I thought I'd have to put up a bit of a fight, but nope. Not at all. Then, she offered me three free song downloads, for "my inconvenience". Whoa!! I'm the dumbass who gave my kid full access to the App Store, and you're giving me complementary downloads? Awesome.
It would be so great if this type of service was the norm. Not even the offering of free stuff; Apple had won me over before that. If every place had pleasant, patient employees who are actually willing to do their job and be nice about it, I think we'd all be a lot happier.
Now, how do we get there? Higher wages? Better benefits? I have no idea where to start. But, I am one happy customer, with a somewhat renewed faith in finding good service, because of this experience.
And Alex will not be shopping for apps, unsupervised, for a very, very long time.
If you've been keeping up with my Facebook feed (now that's a little more challenging!), you'll remember that my Alex managed to purchase several non-learning apps while we waited for the other kids at their dance classes a couple of weeks ago. I recently learned that the App Store stays "open" for fifteen minutes after you enter your password. If I'd had this information earlier, I could have saved myself some time. Eh, well. What's a life experience if it doesn't provide any lessons, right?
So, to recap, while Al and I were waiting for the other two kids at their dance classes, he asked me to put a new game on his iPad. I found an educational, free app right away, so I happily obliged and then turned back to the magazine I was reading. He played away, without interrupting my reading, for about ten minutes before my inner voice kicked in and prompted me to look at what he was doing. I was so engrossed in my stupid magazine (and enjoying the very rare opportunity to flip through it without being bothered) that I failed to notice that Alex had been on an app shopping spree. Ugh!!
To his pure dismay, I grabbed his iPad and quickly figured out how to enable restrictions. That ended the app free-for-all, but I couldn't tell just by looking at the apps if he had paid for them, or if they were free. My gut told me that they were probably the most expensive apps there were. I was almost right.
The next day, I could see that my bank account was charged $16.09 for three apps (I should note that for almost a year, I only downloaded free apps because I was too stubborn to pay for any...so seeing that Al paid $9.99 for one app made my eye twitch a bit). I definitely got lucky, as it could have been way more costly, but at this time of year (Hanukkah, Andrew's birthday, Christmas...) I can stretch $16 pretty far. I debated on calling Apple to see if they would consider reversing the charges, but I wasn't certain if they would have any compassion. I'll admit it, I should have been watching him, and it was totally my fault that he got app-happy. I decided to put it out on Facebook to see what others would do.
I was relieved to learn that Alex was definitely not the first kiddo to do this, and he was actually the most conservative in his purchases, by far! All but one person reported that Apple had been willing to credit them for the unauthorized charges, so I decided to give it a shot.
I finally sat down the other day to call Apple, and spoke with a lovely support rep, Rebecca. I sheepishly explained the situation, and while waiting for the lecture that I fully expected, I was surprised to hear her offer to refund the charges. Wow. I thought I'd have to put up a bit of a fight, but nope. Not at all. Then, she offered me three free song downloads, for "my inconvenience". Whoa!! I'm the dumbass who gave my kid full access to the App Store, and you're giving me complementary downloads? Awesome.
It would be so great if this type of service was the norm. Not even the offering of free stuff; Apple had won me over before that. If every place had pleasant, patient employees who are actually willing to do their job and be nice about it, I think we'd all be a lot happier.
Now, how do we get there? Higher wages? Better benefits? I have no idea where to start. But, I am one happy customer, with a somewhat renewed faith in finding good service, because of this experience.
And Alex will not be shopping for apps, unsupervised, for a very, very long time.
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