lessons learned

Since Graduation, things have not been all roses in my life. But I heard a quote recently: "Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out." - Coach John Wooden


I think I've certainly done well, though not my best, at making the best of the way things turned out.


In this time, I've learned to pick myself up by the proverbial bootstraps, become financially independent and responsible, find gainful employment, and never once did I have to move home. I know some people who have, and I do not mean to critique their decision. It has its values for sure, but to me, that would have seemed like a failure. I am especially glad now, that I did not. Yes, there were nights of hysterical panic attacks and a relapse into depression, but I fought through it, got control, learned more about who I am and what I want, and am moving forward with many lessons learned. I am very thankful for all the people who stepped in along the way, offering advice, a place to stay, a friendly ear, employment, referrals for babysitting and housesitting, etc. I am thankful to my church family for remaining constant. Perhaps I am most thankful for my roommate, Fallon, for all the late nights discussing life, our pasts, our futures, and for her non-judgmental (at least not expressly) listening and advice about relationships, both romantic and platonic.


And there's the "guy report" as a dear friend calls it... I learned a lot about relationships in this time as well. I royally screwed a couple of them up, and others, I finally put my foot down and refrained from letting someone else define me. I think I put it pretty well last week when I was out on a date, talking about dating: "I'm enjoying being single right now. I don't need to date anyone. I mean, if the right guy comes along, I won't turn him down, but I'm certainly not going to lower my standards and settle for the wrong guy."


And then there are the things I've learned by being a nanny: - to endure a little bit of fussiness. Sometimes its just frustration, and goes away, sometimes its good for the person - teaches them to be more independent.
- people need frequent changes of scenery and stimulation.
- time management skills - operating on a schedule, but maintaining flexibility for change.
- keeping calm in times of crisis, like when the baby has thrown up 16 times in an hour and the mother is scared - your sense of calm, collected control over the situation brings peace to all involved.
- communication skills. It is important to give detailed reports of accomplishments (sometimes requiring a photo), accidents, and causes for concern. it is also important to tactfully offer advice - not seeming like a know-it-all, but rather, offering a suggestion.
- to keep the cell phone charged at all times
- to arrive on time
- math. to multiply by 10, divide 15 by 2 and 4, to add up hours and fractions of hours.
- sometimes people are just cranky because they need to eat, take a nap, or have their proverbial diaper changed.