Love all, trust a few...

... do wrong to none

(Shakespeare, All's Well That Ends Well)

l'dor v'dor

teachers

my teachers once sat upon my lap
played peekaboo and tap-tap-clap
sang songs and told me stories
of bugs and pirates and wonder-glories

my teachers led me by the hand
to follow crabs across the sand
my teachers showed me ‘yellow cars’
and ‘connect the dots’ among the stars

my teachers once bounced upon my knee
and simply asked for all of me
and pulled my face (and focus) near
to share their secrets and their fears

my teachers encouraged asking ‘why’
and debated colors in the sky
hot monsters, bug-guts-&-cockroach pie
smiles so bright to blind my eye

my teachers once leaned against my chest
each so different, while each the best
one an old-soul, kind and knowing
t’other, dancing laugh, glowing 

my teachers patiently led the way
when I was ready, let go one day
tiny hand, unfolded
baby steps, emboldened.

kim may 2010

Mother's Day...

I am a mom.

Though I am many other things, being a mom is the thing that brings me the greatest pride and joy. And the most meaningful lessons have been those which my children have taught me.

A phrase in Hebrew has always been a favorite: l'dor v'dor. From generation to generation. It is important to note that the phrase is not "from elder to child," but allows for teachings from our children to be equally valued.

I've got some rhyme on this, but not quite right yet.

Soon.

Plus, creativity is somewhat hampered by one-handed typing...

Living Piece-fully

A little bit of this, a little bit of that... pieces of a life that are beginning to fit.

Marshall has been hired ( ! ! ) as a graphics artist at the Newport NewsTimes, after two weeks of nail-biting limbo while the publisher tried to find time to hire him. In true "big brother" fashion, he is worried about me and the farm, since he won't be living here anymore. And I'm still a one-armed bandit. So he's going to come out this weekend and do yard work for me.

And I am learning to say "Thank you" and not "No, no, don't – really, I'll do it later." Because, odds are, it will be much later before I do yard work.

Though everything is healing up the way it should, it is just taking a very long time to be healed. Which, apparently, is what happens when one ages. Dang it. I had a follow up visit and x-ray yesterday, got the green light to take my arm out of the sling now and then and stretch it. And got some of those wonderful stretchy exercise bands – next week I get to start some strength building in addition to the stretching. Apparently (and I did ask...), strength building does not include mowing the lawn. Yet.

So, that's Piece #1: Health update.

Piece #2: Job(s) update. Apparently my Alaska boss (JT) and my UO boss (Phil) have decided that I shouldn't work more than the equivalent of one full time job – called an FTE in Oregon (.50 FTE with Alaska and .50 FTE with UO). And they get to decide that because JT is also the department chair of my program at the UO, so is, essentially my direct boss with Alaska, and my UO boss' boss at the UO. Peyton Place.

I haven't had the chance to talk to JT about making decisions about me without including me in the discussion, but I will. Meanwhile, though, I've been thinking... (uh oh) ~ I don't really want to work more than 1.0. The current set up is pretty ideal – enough work to keep me busy and engaged, enough income to pay the bills, a little travel... plus a goodly amount of time to do as I please.

So, I'm not going to fight the decision to limit my workload to one full time equivalent.

Piece #2.1: Other interesting work projects. I'm working with Sidney Ganzler on developing an innovative rating tool for identifying children and adults on the Autism Spectrum Scale. Sidney has known the Shermans for more than 50 years, and was one of the friends who held up the chupah at Dave's and my wedding. Sidney is a Psychologist, and has a brilliant idea for the rating scale. He came up for 3 days of work and 1 play day a few weeks ago, and we made significant progress on the scale. Now we each have homework, and he'll return at the end of the month for finishing touches. Working 1.0 FTE with Alaska and UO allow me the space and time to focus on the autism rating scale with Sidney. A good thing.

But, Piece #3: The House. I have some repairs I need to make to the house. The repairs will require extra income to fund. New roof, leaking pipes, some water stains at the base of two walls (which could mean bigger problems), insulation, landscaping, etc.

So I'm going to rent out rooms. I've listed three of my rooms on a cool site (airbnb.com) which was started in order to help folks find rooms or even spare couches in DC for the Inauguration, and has since ballooned into a worldwide resource in over 3200 cities.

You can view my listings.

The UO is hosting the NCAA Track and Field Championships again this June – maybe I'll get a chance to play B'n'B hostess, and try this out in the next few weeks. I like the idea of short term guests – I'll get to meet some interesting people, earn a little income. And even if they are horrible guests, they won't be here that long.

and finally, Piece #4: Relationship. Sorry, that's Private. But this piece is what is making the other pieces fall into place...