Work blog

Clearly  I'm terrible at balancing   work and personal blogs.

If you ever   want to check in on what's   happening work feel free   to check out...

juliemcglamerycounseling.blogspot.com

or click here Work blog

Playing catch up

So, once again, it's been a while....

Jason said, "Um, so are you not writing our family blog anymore because you're going back to work?"

Truth is-- I'm thinking of a blog post as we speak for my professional blog... (required piece to the puzzle of working here)-- I'm stuck and over-analyzing what I'm writing *shock* so I decided to take a break and go back to my first love--- my PERSONAL blog :)

What's happened since the beginning of July??

TONS.

We went to Colorado.  Post and pics to come.

I've been back at work since August 6.

Jack transferred to a new school.

Sarah started 5th grade, and she is definitely acting like it's her senior year in elementary school.

Caroline is in 1st grade.  She has the same teacher Sarah and Jack had so it's kinda like revisiting an old friend when I get an email from Mrs. Salmon.

We have a babysitter in the afternoons.  The kids call her their nanny because it sounds fancier.

And... I'm tired.

The most tired I've been since my babies were little.

But... I'm so happy!

The happiest I've been in a long time.

This is the best first week (with kids) of a new job I've ever had.  I have no idea what I'm doing most of the time.  I'm winging it, faking it til I make it, and learning as I go.  But I feel so supported by the staff that I'm not scared to ask questions or mess up.  It's incredibly freeing and empowering to work in an environment like this.

................

Huge milestones today--

I got my very first parent phone call.  So exciting :)

I even ventured into the lounge today and ate with other people. Super proud of myself :)---

The past 3 days I've eaten at my desk. Partly because I've been busy.  Partly because I didn't have anything to heat up so going to the lounge seemed unnecessary.  And partly because I still feel new and was scared to eat with everyone else.  Very "new girl in the cafeteria/ Do you mind if I sit here?" type feelings.   But I pushed myself to be brave enough to commune with others. ;)

Yay me!!

One of my biggest parenting fails

 Good grief! It's been a while since I've blogged.  I've said it before and I'll say it again... I like this therapeutic rambling journal I call "my blog".  So I hate when I'm too busy or tired to log on.

 

Weeks ago I alluded to this parenting fail.  I have a million fails every week, but what makes this one particularly bad is that I thought I was a parenting hero... until reality and humility smacked me upside my head.

 

Here's the scoop...

 

Caroline came home from school and asked if she could write her friend, Taryn a letter and mail it to her.  (Taryn lives about 100 yards away, but who doesn't love getting mail, right?!)

 

Sarah has mailed letters before.  Jack has mailed letters before.  This is not an unusual thing for my kids to want to do.  

 

So I said, "Sure!"  And then probably went outside to work on my tan. 

 

Which brings me to this point... With each kid, I'm more exhausted and seemingly less tuned in.  It's not ok, I know.  But the lines of "laid back parent" and "bad parent" get reeealllly blurry by Kid #3. 

 

When Jack and Sarah used to write letters to their friends, I would read them before we sent them off.  Now when Sarah has an issue with school that she needs to address with a teacher, I encourage her to email her teachers.... BUT the rule is: "You can't hit 'send' until I've read the email." 

 

But when Caroline decided to write a letter, I gave her a marker, a piece of paper, an envelope and a stamp. What is wrong with me??

 

She asked me to write Taryn's address on the envelope.  So I took it from her and did just that-- addressed the envelope.  Without a care in the world about what was INSIDE the envelope.  Seriously WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?

 

Look how sweet the back of this envelope was.... 

 

 

 

 

Taryn is Caroline's best friend. 

"Love Caroline" on the outside of the letter. 

Let's put this thing in the mailbox.

 

 

Around 7:30, I partially awoke from my bad parenting stupor and had the wherewithal to ask, "Hey, Caroline, what was in that letter that we put in the mailbox?"

 

Caroline said, "It was an apology letter.  I was mean to Taryn at recess, and I wanted to say sorry."

 

My 5 yr old....  My sweet, precious, 5 yr old ANGEL BABY.  Writing an apology letter.  Taking responsibility for bad choices and making it right.  I'm fairly certain I wiped a tear from my eye.

Dang, I've got some sweet kids.  Must be my all-star parenting.  I. am. AWESOME.

 

A few minutes later, Caroline asked if we could pull the letter out of the mailbox. 

 

Ok, now I'm WIDE AWAKE from my bad parenting stupor.  I give her that squinty, Mom look.  You know the one.  The "what's going on?" look.

 

But otherwise I played it cool.  "No problem! I'll go get it right now."

 

I went out to the mailbox, pulled the letter out, and opened it.

 

 

 

"Thanks for ruining my friendship.  Mean Fat Taryn.  Love, Caroline"

 

The "Love Caroline" throws me.  I need to teach her to commit to the anger.  And while I appreciate the darkness of the black heart-shaped butterfly, it is still smiling. And colored a pretty purple. ;) Kidding 

 

Y'all.

 

I had addressed this envelope.  Taryn's name and address were in MY handwriting, implying-- of course-- that I knew exactly what this letter was and that I fully approved sending it.  (Because most parents WOULD know what was in the envelope.)

 

I was embarrassed about how BAD that would've been if the mailman had delivered it.  Horrified that I had fallen asleep at the proverbial parenting wheel.  And angry that Caroline would write such mean things, especially when I thought she had been writing an apology letter.

 

And THAT'S when the REALLY big whammy hit me.  Not only was she not writing an apology letter, my "sweet angel baby" had looked me in the eye and lied with an elaborate, yet convincing, cover story.

 

An apology letter because she had been mean to Taryn at recess???  I mean, that took some thought.  It's not an "Oh it's a picture" lie.  It's a lie with a backstory to make it more believable!!!

 

Yikes!!!

 

I laid into her.  And I was deservedly knocked off of whatever arrogant pedestal I had put myself on for the last several hours.  And was reminded.... DON'T GET LAZY.  Don't "dial it in" and assume that the kids are doing the right thing. 

 

My mom always says, "Trust. But verify!"  No joke.

 

Caroline has always kept me on my toes. And this is no exception. 

 

.........

 

P.S. Sorry about the dirty fork in the second picture. I was sampling a red velvet cupcake just before I decided to blog.

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Vacay

Sung to the tune of "Summer Lovin'" from the musical "Grease"

If you are unfamiliar with "Grease" or this song, stop reading this blog.  Turns out, we are NOT friends.


Summer vacay, kids out of school
Summer vacay, must be a fool
Took the kids somewhere each day
No "thank you"s, makes me cra-zay

Summer days, creeping away
A-and-- oh-- oh the entertaining

Uh, well-uh, well-uh, well-uh UGH

Tell me more, tell me more

I can't stand "It's not fair"

Tell me more, tell me more

Makes me pull out my hair

Uh-huh-uh-huh-uh-huh-uh-huh

Kids are asking, "What's up today?"
Wanna answer, "Nothing! Go play-ay-ay"
But I try to be a fun m- ah,ah- m!
So I give in, That is what's wro- ah- ong.

(Yes I know "mom" and "wrong" don't rhyme.  Sue me.)

Summer days, creeping away
A-and-- oh-- oh the entertaining

Uh, well-uh, well-uh, well-uh UGH

Tell me more, tell me more

Kids are up way too soon

Tell me more, tell me more

I'd rather sleep until noon

Uh-huh-uh-huh-uh-huh-uh-huh

Summer dreams... ripped at the seams

Bu- uht--- oh...

Tha--at en-ter-tai----aining.... ing.... ing... ing... ing...iiiing!

(arm follows your jeans, to your leather jacket, and points up to the sky)

All this rain!!

Stolen from Facebook....


I know they're calling Bill a tropical storm,  but I read he self-identified as a hurricane.

Confession is good for the soul

I have a story for y'all soon... hopefully tomorrow... about a proud parenting moment (because I'm an idiot) turned into epic parenting fail. You'll love it.... and possibly relate.

But until then..

Confession: My kids are wearing me out!  Summer, week 1. Sigh...

Confession: I've spent crazy money getting ready to be a school counselor.  But it's on great books, fantastic resources ... and cute stuff :)

Confession: Jack wants one of his best friends ( a girl! ) to spend the night. And I didn't shut him down.

I explained why that may be inappropriate and definitely a conversation for his friend's mom and I to have.  But I kinda love that he's blind to the sexes.

Confession: "Shrift" was used on Game Show Network.   And I had to Google what that word meant.

Related Confession: I love Game Show Network.

Confession: If I don't have a date to "Pitch Perfect 2", I will go alone!

Same with "Jurassic World"!

Ready for the sequel

Still singing and laughing

Pitch Perfect

Ready for summer!!

Yay for pool time!

What a crazy week!

Long time, no blog. This has been a FULL week. 

On Monday, I went to my new school, got the key to my office :), and took a tour of the building.  I CAN NOT express in words how much I love my principal, the people I've met so far, and the idea of being the K - 2 counselor.

No words.  Honestly.

I'm nervous, but I think it's a "healthy" nervous.  I feel so supported already and was met with a thousand "We're so excited you're here!"s.

...................

On Wednesday, I met to discuss decorations for Vacation Bible School.  Thrilled to help out and NOT be in charge.  Sometimes it's fabulous to be an Indian rather than the Chief. 

Am I right?

On Wednesday, I also got an email that Caroline had been selected to receive the Principal's Proclamation Award for the last 9 weeks.  So proud of her!!!  She's a great kid!

....................

On Thursday, I got an email from Jack's teacher that he has qualified for Math Rocks.  Math Rocks is a pull-out Math program in which, essentially, students can complete college math (depending on their intended majors) before they leave high school. 

High School Honors Algebra and Honors Geometry are completed by 8th grade. 

The University of Texas at Dallas developed this program.  And they offer dual credit to these kids starting in 9th grade.

Math Rocks is for incoming 4th and 5th graders, but they will invite incoming 3rd graders, like Jack, into the program if they are more than 3 standard deviations above the district mean on their Math MAP scores.

(I read "blah blah blah" when I read that last sentence, but in reality, it means Jack is in the top 0.3% of 3rd graders in Plano ISD when it comes to Math.)

He was SO EXCITED to qualify.  We were excited for him!!!

The catch?  He has to transfer schools.  From Barksdale to Brinker. 

Brinker is a FANTASTIC school five minutes away from us.  But my sweet Jack doesn't like change.  Who would really want to switch schools halfway thru elementary school??

So then the internal angst starts for me as his mom....  Should I force him to transfer and seize this opportunity?  Does it really matter if he's challenged and accomplishes all he's capable of accomplishing at such a young age?

And then I thought of Shelton.

A private school for students with learning differences. I know of at least 3 families who, without hesitation, pulled their children from their home schools to give them an opportunity for an education more tailored for them.

So yes.  Jason and I have decided to have Jack transfer schools.   This is an educational opportunity we don't want him to forfeit.

And school is his sport. 

Parents don't hesitate to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on private coaches and special equipment for students who show athletic promise.  Why should I hesitate to allow Jack to be pushed (for FREE) to his full potential when he's showing academic promise?

................

Next year will be a big year for all of us.

I will be working full time.  I will miss Meet the Teacher and Open House for my kids.

My kids will be at 2 different elementary schools. 

Jason will have to step up in a BIG way to make all of the logistics work.  (And he's willing and able to do just that!)

We have hired a babysitter to help every afternoon after school.  I've NEVER been away when the kids are home from school.  Big difference!

..................

But can I tell you.... AGAIN... that I'm excited?!

I'm excited that we're all growing up as a family.  We're taking chances and seizing opportunities that we've worked for.

I'm relinquishing control to Jason and our babysitter....  (That's not easy to do, by the way!)... but is healthy for me and positive for Jason. 

He deserves the chance to be "fun dad".  And the dad that is here when they're sick.  The dad that volunteers for field trips and the first one to find out about report card grades.

He's willingly handed all of that over to me for 10 years.  But I'm not so sure he really understands what he's been missing while he's worked VERY hard to provide for us. 

Now-- we share responsibilities like never before. 

I help provide.  He helps with the kids.  And I think he's going to appreciate what I've been through the last decade a lot more...but he's going to LOVE those kids in a new way too.  I'm excited for him!!

And I'm excited for me!! I'm earning more than ever before! I'm going to be doing something I love! I'm going to respect what Jason's been doing for the last decade like never before.

BIG changes for the McGlamerys are ahead!!

But change is not always bad. :)

our annual birthday boy dinner

 

Thanks,  Mom and Dad, for taking us to another AMAZING dinner.  This time at Nick and Sam's.

Such a great night! As always.

 

 

 

 

 

job revision

The Lord is always faithful. Always guiding.

My boss at Christie Elementary,  Ryan, whom everyone said was an amazing person to work for... called me today and offered me a full time position as a K - 2 counselor.

His full time counselor will be shifting to 3rd - 5th and handling all of STAAR testing.

I am so humbled by the control I DON'T have over my future.

Thank you, God, for always knowing what's best for me!

lawdy, help me

There's a book called "Emily's Blue Period". It's about an aspiring artist going through a troubled time.

Sarah took one look at the title and "like...wanted to die".

Jason was talking about manual labor over dinner. Sarah told me later that she was cramping every time he said the word "labor".

My responses:

"Baby, it's not that kind of period.  And if it was AND it was blue, she would need to see a doctor."

And

""Labor' means 'work'. Breathe. "

Playing on the driveway

It's always good to be home!

Overnight road trip

Mom, Hil, and I are on a girls' trip to College Station.

While walking around, we passed this law office next to the Northgate bars. Hil took pictures of the signs.

"Having more fun than the law will allow? We provide a reasonable doubt for a reasonable fee."

Haha!!!

Chilifest is one of the big annual parties here. I love that he's running a "Chilifest special. Reduced rates on any Chilifest related arrest."

He reminds me of Saul Goodman from "Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul".

College towns are the best!

This folder contains a copy of my offer letter and all information regarding being a new PISD employee.

Eek!!! :)

And I took my picture for my badge today. First school badge since 2005. :)

I'm back in the game, baby!  And crazy excited about it.

I got a job!!

I'm signing paper work with Plano ISD this week!

I've accepted a shared position with Christie and Thomas Elementaries.  

I will be the 3rd - 5th grade counselor at both campuses.  Their current counselors will stay on board as the K - 2nd counselors and will be at each campus full time.  I will be at one school Monday and Wednesday, the other school Tuesday and Thursday.  Then I will alternate Fridays.

I interviewed with both principals on Thursday at noon, and they called me at 2:00 to offer me the job.  I am SO thankful for a quick deliberation and job offer.

The principal at Christie is a first year principal, and everyone (my kids' principal, my mentor, even the HR representative who called me to schedule signing my paperwork) has said that I am so lucky to get to work with him.  He's apparently a lot of fun and is doing a lot of exciting things at Christie.  I'm looking forward to being a part of it!

The principal at Thomas also seems great, and it is NEVER a bad thing to get to know more than one administrator in the district.  I am looking forward to being at two campuses!  I'll be busy, and it may be a little crazy at times.  But I know this is EXACTLY where I'm supposed to be.

Apparently, the applicant pool for counselors in the district is pretty large.  I have no experience and have never been a PISD employee so I wasn't sure if that would work against me.  It is a HUGE blessing to have had a job offer as early as May 7th.  

It's the culmination of 3 years of work.  :)  Thank you, God!

YIPPEE!!

The weekend

On Friday, I volunteered at the kids' Field Day.  I was mercilessly teased by the other parents that I have a 4th grader and have never worked a Field Day until now.

Ask me if I feel badly about that.

Every class makes a flag.  Sarah's teacher, Mrs. Horton, has a vanilla latte every morning so her class named themselves, "Mrs. Horton's Little Vanilla Lattes".

Sarah drew and designed it so she got to carry it. :) 

Kindergarten has a separate field day at the park nearby.  I worked Caroline's in the morning and the big kids' in the afternoon.

This is Caroline with her best bud, Taryn.  As a side note, with all of the storms we've had recently, Caroline asked, "Mom, if you get hit by lightning, can I go live with Taryn?"

Relay races

The pic below is the station I helped man.  It was called "Gladiator".  Kids hit each other with pool noodles.  You were on the honor system to keep the strikes below the knees and to sit out when you were hit.

What could possibly go wrong?

If 2/3 of the kindergarteners were not crying by the time they left my station, it was a miracle.

Sponge relays.  She's a competitor. 

After lunch, I worked the obstacle course so that I could see Jack and Sarah.  It was SO HOT and HUMID on Friday if you'll recall.

I'm surprised we didn't have any kids pass out from dehydration.

But I'm super glad that we didn't have to reschedule the day!  The rain held off and everyone had fun.

Friday afternoon, Jack and Sarah went with Jason to the lease.  Caroline and I hung out for the weekend. She had a sleepover and a play date.  We saw "Paddington" and got donuts Sunday morning.

Dunkin Donuts was giving flowers to all the moms in the drive thru.  Great start to Mother's Day!

The kids got back from the lease around 2:00, and we all went over to my parents' house for dinner to celebrate Mother's Day.

Jack and Katie

I hope all the moms had a wonderful Mother's Day and that everyone is safe and dry from the storms!

Farm trip

We went to the farm Friday night/ Saturday.  I won't narrate too much because the kids always want to do the same things.  They LOVE being there, and I don't want to be too repetitive.

They love to climb what they call "hay mountain".

I'm itching just looking at this.

And this might explain the two bug bites she got that caused her ankle to swell almost twice the size of the other one.

We noticed it yesterday.  Thankfully it doesn't hurt or itch, and she didn't run a fever.  But we took her to Acute Kids and were given three prescriptions.

Note to self... Jeans and Boots.  Always.

Paulette sold some goats over the weekend.  I think Jack was about 2 seconds away from tearing up over it.

The goats really are super cute!!  

I explained that selling animals is how you make money on a farm.  But that didn't help.  It probably also didn't help that he just read "Charlotte's Web" in class.  Farm animals being sold is a touchy subject for him. 

This little girl was born Friday.  Jack was relieved that she was too young to be sold.

Bucket list item.  I learned to drive a standard.  Or drive a stick shift.  How do you say it?  I think I usually say, "drive a stick."

Anyway, I won't be trading in my automatic transmission vehicle any time soon.  But I at least understand the mechanics and could drive one if I absolutely had to.

Also... small victory... I allowed Jason to teach me something.  And he was patient with me.  I'm very trainable, except if Jason's trying to train me.  ;)

Traditional... Golf cart selfie.  My camera is still hazy. Boo.

There are peacocks down the road so Caroline and I went hunting for feathers.  We found several.  And I felt the need to put one in my hair.  Because... Why not? 

I think it's stunning... 

Always a good time!!  And absolutely perfect weather!

Color Run

Our first annual Color Run to raise money for iPads for the classroom.

It was a big success.

My girls didn't want to run. It sounded too dirty to them.

Jack was all in.

Cards to Jason from the girls

Sarah even included money. :)

Today's challenge: iFLY

Today is Jason's birthday.  **HAPPY BIRTHDAY!**

 I asked him last week if he'd be willing to take the day off so we could spend it together and go to iFLY as his birthday present.

He had a gift card he had never used.  And I am trying new things.  Seemed perfect to me.

iFLY is an indoor skydiving place.  I hate heights... won't climb on a ladder...  won't look down over our railing when I'm upstairs in the house.... I hold onto the railings all the way up when riding an escalator.  I hate small planes.  You get the idea.  This idea was a major thing for me!!

We had some time to kill before our flight so we watched the instructors for a while doing their thing.

Bad idea. 

Jason said the color drained from my face.  I knew he was right because my fingers and toes went cold and numb.  Just watching.

I almost had tears in my eyes-- I'll admit it-- and said, "Jason, I don't want to do it."

He told me I didn't have to but that I'd be perfectly safe.

We met our instructor, Andrew, who took us through the training video.  He tried to crack jokes, and I laughed politely.  But he took one look at me and said, "You look really nervous."

Ummm, YES!!!!  What gave it away?  The trembling?  The ashen color of my face? The look of dread in my eyes?

Jason told him that this was a really big deal for me to be there, doing this.

We suited up and headed into the chamber where you sit on a bench and wait your turn.  I said I wanted to go first.  I did NOT want to watch any more people do this thing before I did it.

Andrew motioned for me to go to the door of the wind tunnel, fall in, and he'd catch me.  I told him, "no".  Still terrified!!

He showed me what he wanted me to do, and I made myself get off the bench.  One of the hardest things I've ever done was getting off that bench and walking to the door.

But then I flew!! :)

We had two flights and the video below is of the second flight.   At the end he made me stand on the cables and walk to the door instead of flying me to the door, like they usually do. 

Being able to walk on the cables is difficult... As you'll see, the wind was blowing at 105 mph, and I couldn't get my bearings.  I look like I messed in my pants. But I promise I didn't. :)

Watch until the end because my reaction once I'm in the hallway sums up the way I felt perfectly!!

JULIE-- FLIGHT #2

I am SO GLAD I did it!!! I think I'm still on an adrenaline high three hours later.  Might look like nothing but fun to you, but it was a majorly big breakthrough for me.

WOO HOO!!

And since it's Jason's big day, here's the birthday boy's flight.  He loved it!!! He couldn't get enough.

JASON-- FLIGHT #2

What a day!

Top Golf

Last night Jason and I went with a group of five other couples to Top Golf in The Colony.  This was another exercise in leaving my comfort zone.

My hand/eye coordination is TERRIBLE.  Tennis, baseball, golf... count me out!  I can putt into a lion's mouth at Putt Putt.  That's where it ends.

Of the girls that went out last night, half of us had never done this before.  We split up into two bays.  Three couples on one side, three on the other.  I can't speak to how well the newbies did in Bay 301, but the newbie with me was a natural!!!

Don't you just love people like that?! *side eye*  

I used a 6 iron.  I was told that as the numbers go up, the ball goes straighter.  As they go down, the ball goes higher. Six seemed like a good number in the middle.

I missed the ball several times.  SEVERAL times.  And, if you've never been before, the set up is such that your friends are on the couch, drinking and watching you hit (or miss) the ball (several times). 

One even joked, "Is this bringing back T-Ball memories for you?" :) LOL.  Yes.  Yes it was!  But I can laugh at myself... especially with enough alcohol.

Eventually I hit every ball.  One sort of rolled off the tee and off the side of the building, but hey-- contact!  ;)

So here were the scores for Round One... Guess which one is mine!

I know you're thinking... last place.  A 12.  And you're shaking your head, wanting to believe I did better than that.

Well, smarty pants, I'll have you know that--- yes, I scored 12.  :(

(Did I score 12 or shoot 12?  I don't know.)

But I'm challenging myself.  Learning to feel comfortable being uncomfortable.  Trying things that bring out insecurities.

So I ordered another drink.  And saddled up for Round 2.

During Round 2, Brian (one of the guys we were with) suggested that I switch to a pitching wedge.  It's a shorter club and might be easier for me.

I liked it a lot better!  And my friends told me that even though I "half- swing", which I guess means I'm not swinging as hard as I should, I hit the ball solidly every time with the new club.  My problem was that I needed to line up my shot differently because I kept hitting the ball into the same place every time... thus amassing a bevy of goose eggs.  Not good for the scores.

I did much better the second round... Look!!  Player 9.

A 34!! :)

Still horrible!!

But so much better than a 12!! :)

Perseverance.  Not taking myself too seriously.  Doing my best to be coachable.  And lots and lots of vodka are what I attribute to my success.

Next challenge day-- Tuesday!!  Stay tuned ;)

listeria hysteria

So Blue Bell pulled all of their products from the shelves in an abundance of caution because over the past 5 years ten people (most of whom were already sick and had weakened immune systems) died from a listeria contamination.

I don't mean to belittle the loss of life.  I think the amount of media coverage is a bit of an overreaction to the problem though.

What shocks me is how many people are being "forced" to find another brand in the interim.  Why not just stop buying ice cream altogether for now?

That's when I realized ice cream is a "go to" dessert for a lot of people.  It's a staple in the freezer.

If everyone else does it, I wondered why I don't. So I started thinking....

Four reasons I don't keep ice cream on hand...

1. I think it takes up too much freezer space.  Space I need for my freezer-burned casseroles I made months ago and forgot about.

2. It makes me cold. I don't want dessert to make me cold.

3. It's hard to scoop.  And my knuckles always get sticky when I scoop it.

Obviously I scoop wrong.  I know.

4. I like chocolate.  Everyone else wants homemade vanilla, And vanilla with Hershey's syrup is NOT the same as chocolate ice cream.

All that's to say. .. I may be weird but at least my world isn't turned upside down because Blue Bell is unavailable.  ;)

Last night recap

I read an article about things you should do once you turn 30.

Things like... stop eating fast food.  Start lifting weights.  Yada yada yada.

But one thing they said was, "Do something that scares you every day."

I. LOVE. THIS.   Well, I love the idea of this anyway.

The older I get the more I believe in the importance of getting out of your comfort zone.  I really don't want to fall into a routine that isn't challenging. I like pushing myself. It's a RUSH.  The fear and nerves that set in make the sense of accomplishment that much greater when you conquer the challenge.

It could be big things... like training for a marathon... or small things... like trying a new hair color.  Life's too short to limit yourself to the "same old/same old".

Which actually brings up this point--- My mom and I were talking yesterday, and she said something to the effect of, "Life is too short to choose to be unhappy.  You only go around once."  Attitude is everything!!  Believing you can do something or that life is good is the key to making that your reality.

There are bazillions of books about how important your mindset is.

So here's where I'm going with this.... are you still following me? In a very long-winded way, I'm saying... I've resolved to continue to do things that push me.  To wholeheartedly believe that I can do whatever I put my mind to.

Yesterday-- as I've said-- I modeled at a little fashion thing.  And I was terrified!

Standing in front of a group of women knowing that they're judging the way you look is the stuff nightmares are made of.  We all know men may do an overall scan, but women pick each other apart.

I've become comfortable in the last couple of years with being the center of attention if I'm talking.  I can keep your attention if I'm able to show my personality and crack jokes and gesture a lot. It's my presentation style. :)

Standing silently in an outfit I didn't choose, knowing that people are judging the clothing based on the way it fits my body... ugh.



Here are the top 5 things that made last night awkward:

1.  The white pants---

My first outfit required white pants.  The white pants I needed were being worn by the first model.  So I had to wait for her to be finished with them so I could put them on.

Jane, the lady heading up this shindig, told me to get dressed in my outfit.  I said I couldn't because I didn't have the pants.  She was a little stressed and repeated herself again in a "Don't argue with me" tone.  So I went to my dressing room and put on my shirt and my jacket and stood there... pants-less.

Then someone opened my door so I could hear the emcee, saw me pants-less, and walked away with the door open.  Is this some sort of hazing?  I don't know. Not the debut I intended to make.

Thankfully, the dressing rooms are in the back of the showroom where we were having the event.  Only a couple of people saw.

Oh-- and also the pants that I was waiting on were being worn by a lady in her early 60s.  Not that there's anything wrong with being 60, but I don't want to share pants.


2.  The blue jacket--

I had a blue jacket on and was instructed to take it off and show the crowd the shirt underneath.  I acted like a moron who had never worn a jacket before.  I fumbled trying to get it off.  It was like zippers and snaps were the most challenging things ever created.  Awful.

I started to sweat.  So so much sweat.  I hope no one ended up buying the shirt I was wearing.


3.  Nicole--

Nicole is a size 00, tall, pretty, Black woman with big boobs and her own radio and television show.  Everything looks GREAT on Nicole.  Nicole is charismatic.  Even though we're supposed to stand there quietly, she owned that stage and was able to make people laugh, and they were whispering about how cute she is.

No lie-- every time she came out, there was an audible gasp because she was so stunning.

Guess who was in line right behind Nicole and had to follow her act every.single.time.?

Boo.


4.  The black heels--

I needed black heels for one skirt.  I forgot them in my van.  I ended up borrowing black heels from a woman in her 70s.

Her heels were way cuter and way sexier than any black heels I own.

I think I need a black heel intervention.


5.  Water + No bathroom--

I needed to go to the bathroom the entire time I was there.

I wasn't hurting, but by the end of the night, I was dancing, if you know what I mean.

In fact, this pressing need may have contributed to my awful sweating habit and part of the reason I was flustered and couldn't get the blue jacket off.


BUT I got through it! :)
I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and decided that, if nothing else, I'll have a good laugh when it's over.

I'm not planning on doing anything that scares me today, but I'm trying something new tomorrow!! :)  I'll tell you about it later!

TGIF!  Have a good one!

Homemade instrument

Caroline: "I found this in the recycling bin. I'm going to use it to make an instrument to bring to school."

Um, NO, you're not.

update: found 4 looks

I will be wearing four different outfits during the fashion show tonight.

There was a pair of pants I couldn't even come close to buttoning.  It was a 00... and I am MORE THAN ok with being bigger than a 00. :)

not the right size

My phone conversation yesterday with a family friend who works at a high-end boutique.

Friend:   Julie,  I have some ladies coming to the store tomorrow night for a spring trend fashion event and was wondering if you'd wear one of the looks. A doctor's wife had to back out at the last minute. 

It's a size 0.

Me: I'm honored you'd ask me, but I'm not a 0.

Friend: Really?? You used to be. 

Me: (as if the implication of weight gain isn't enough I had to say out loud) Yes I know.  But I've gained weight.

Friend: Well there are a couple of size 2s. But the woman who was going to model complained they were too big on her.

Me: Twos may be iffy too.

Friend: (with a hint of either shock or disgust in her voice) No! Really?!?! Well, I guess we could always go to a 4. Come by the shop tomorrow and we'll see if anything fits you.

Awesome.  Looking forward to today. :/

A post for my kids

As a middle child of 3, here's a post for my 3.  Read it when you're grown, and it will make sense. Normally this is the type of thing I would write in your journals, but I'm online... and I type faster than I write.  Forgive me. ;)


I am not oblivious to the dynamics of the three of you at this age... (9, 8, and 5)

I acknowledge that dynamics change.

I am WELL AWARE that there are things, have been things, and will be things that I don't see that will affect the way you feel about each other.

But let me go "on record" with what I do see.

First, let me confirm the "beefs" you have with each other that you think I don't see.

Sarah--- She takes over.  Jack and Caroline, you can be playing alone or together.  If you introduce her to the mix, she will make up new rules, talk louder than the two of you combined, and make it hard for either of you to contribute.  You say she's bossy.  I see where you're coming from.  You're not crazy.

Jack--- He thinks he knows EVERYTHING.  Sarah and Caroline, he will correct you.  He will ask you questions that he knows you don't know the answer to just so that he can tell you the right answer.  You say he's a know-it-all.  I see where you're coming from.  You're not crazy.

Caroline--- She acts entitled.  Sarah and Jack, I see that she cleans up slower than anyone else so she has to do less work. She will fein incompetence when she doesn't want to do something.  She has fewer expectations put on her than you older 2 do.  You say she's spoiled.  I see where you're coming from.  You're not crazy.

.........

"So why don't you step in, Mom??"  That's what you're asking, right?  If I see it happening, why don't I intervene?

First, let me say that I do interject sometimes.  But it's not my job to make every road smooth sailing for you. Your siblings give you GREAT practice at resolving conflict and standing up for yourselves.  There are times I hear the arguing and then watch and listen to what happens next.

THIS is how I know what your problems are with each other.  THIS is how I know what your strengths are and where I need to coach you on how to either back off or stand strong.  I wouldn't know your dynamics if I stepped in every time before the powder keg exploded.  Things have to bubble over sometimes.  I can't nip every conflict in the bud.

........


Now let me remind you of the sweet things you think I don't see.

Sarah--- Sarah will drop what she's doing and take you to the park, Caroline.  She is so proud of you and impressed with how smart you are, Jack.  She toasts your Pop Tarts for you and fills your bath water for you, Caroline.  She laughs harder than anyone else at your jokes, Jack, because she understands you in a way that no one else possibly can.  She would WITHOUT QUESTION go to bat for and defend either of you in a HEARTBEAT.  She loves you both!!!

Jack--- Girls, Jack notices when you look pretty, and he tells you.  Caroline, Jack will play games and teach you things and play school with you when no one else will. He lets you spend the night on his top bunk when you have a hacking cough, and it's a school night.  He'll lose sleep to make you happy. He LOVES being your big brother and takes it very seriously.  Sarah, he knows a lot... this is true... but he looks up to you! He knows that you've done more and experienced more in your 9 years than he has in his 8 years.  He may fight over pecking order with you, but ultimately he knows and respects that you're the oldest.  He would WITHOUT QUESTION go to bat for and defend either of you in a HEARTBEAT.  He loves you both!!!

Caroline---  Caroline just wants to keep up with you two.  She loves you both so much!! She knows she can count on you to walk her to class or buy a book for her at the book fair when she's unsure of herself.  She follows you both around because she's studying your every move.  I've heard her repeat jokes and talk like each of you... because she's always watching... which means you have an incredible responsibility to her.  She will likely never be able to give to you the "role model" aspect that you give to her, but she gives you a reason to be the best you can be.  And you have to know that she looks up to you both!  She would WITHOUT QUESTION go to bat for and defend either of you in a HEARTBEAT.  She loves you both!!!

................

A dynamic of three is SO complicated.  Everyone has options.  This one's mean to me so I'll go play with that one.  This one's my favorite. That one was always rude.  It's not just you and one other kid against the world.  There's always room for someone to be the odd man out.

I want to remind you, though, that whatever issues you may feel towards each other as you grow--- while likely valid and grounded in some sort of truth--- MUST be tempered with the unwavering love you show each other daily.

Conflict is normal and natural and healthy.  But you three are a TEAM.  You love each other.  You are bound together-- growing up in this family, this neighborhood, these times.  You give each other understanding and support that Dad and I could never give you.

Hold on to Truth and Love.
Know that I understand that the irritations and injustices you've experienced and will experience are real.
But LET IT GO.
Choose love and friendship, and y'all will make it through whatever life throws at you.

You're good kids, and I'm SO blessed that you're mine!! xoxoxo

First tooth necklace

The first McGlamery kid to lose a tooth at school and get the coveted tooth necklace from the nurse.

It's a big day!!

CASA gala

Friday night Hilary texted me to see if I wanted to go to the CASA gala with her this weekend.  Her husband is out of town, and the friend she was going with bailed at the last minute.

Lucky for her (and me), I'm a loser with absolutely nothing going on and am ready and willing to be a last minute date. 

CASA and the Collin County Children's Advocacy Center are my favorite charities to help with or attend events that benefit them.  The work they do is SO very important!! 

So the dress I'm wearing doesn't look that great in this pic.  It has a really low back and that makes it fun and special.  I should've posed facing the giant boot. ;)

They had casino tables set up.  Hilary and I decided to learn how to shoot craps.  John was an excellent instructor.  We got really good by the end of the night.  And it is BY FAR the most social table in the casino.  Cheering and talking.  It's my new favorite game.

Neither of us had any idea that our friend, Nancy, was being honored.  She is very deserving!

After dinner, we gambled more... we went from $2500 to $9400 over the course of the night.  If only these tickets could buy things!!

Then we did a little line dancing and two-stepping.  We will shut a dance floor down.  Watch out!!

A special, fancy girls' night out!  Thanks for thinking of me, Hil.  xo  

Knock it out in a day

Since all 3 kids are at the same school, I've become a "See you at 2:45!" kind of mom.

I don't want to volunteer in the classroom.

I don't want to work the school store.

Need a mystery reader? Ask someone else.

If you need parents to send in more glue sticks, I'll hit up Walmart for you.

More Kleenex for allergy season?  I'm your girl.

But I've served my time holding 2 positions on the PTA Board.  I've served my time spending every waking minute with my kids. 

 Now that they're all elementary age, I'm 100% OK with giving them a hug and a kiss and not seeing them again until 2:45.

However, now that I'm not working, I signed up to help with Field Day this year.  First time ever.

I also helped last week with 2nd Grade Measurement Olympics.  

So. Much. Volunteering. I'm exhausted. ;)

Anyway, every year I promise I will eat lunch with them at school... once.  

Today was that day.  And I knocked them all out today.

.......

Jack eats at 11:00.  Sarah is 11:30. Caroline is 12:30.

I worked out this morning and laid on the ground... a sweaty mess.  I finally peeled myself off the ground, looked at the clock, saw that it was 10:08, and realized that I needed to:

~ shower

~ shave

~ get dressed

~ makeup on/hair done

~ get food 

~ and get to school

in 52 minutes.

I realize you might be thinking, "If you're in a rush, why waste time shaving?"  

Because I NEEDED to shave.  Trust me.

You might be thinking, "Well then, just put on jeans or wear a maxi skirt."

Shut up.  Stop making sense.  Hindsight logic is obnoxious.

I was frantic.  And then I started sweating from the shower, the hair dryer, and the flat iron.  There is nothing more frustrating than sweating when you're getting cleaned up.  Am I right?

Somehow I got ready, bought food at Whataburger, and pulled into the school parking lot at 10:59. 

Nothing short of miraculous.

.........

JACK

Jack's goal for 2015 is "to try new sandwiches".

Don't ask.  

But, hey, at least he's goal oriented.

He's added a Reuben and a Philly Cheesesteak to his list of new sandwiches this year.  He wanted me to buy him a Club from Potbelly, but they weren't open at 10:50.

So I got him a Patty Melt from Whataburger.

..........

SARAH

Sarah came out next and she had her Whataburger, ketchup only.  

Her 2015 goal is most definitely NOT trying new sandwiches.  

...........

CAROLINE

Then I had 30 minutes to kill before Caroline came.  So I went to get myself Chipotle, and she had requested McDonald's.

I headed back to the school and got there with time to spare.

..........

I feel accomplished. :)

But I CAN'T WAIT for them to go to school tomorrow so I can get a few things done!

"See you at 2:45!"