Malibu, December 2007
This week, the kids are back in school and received good report cards. We took them out for a celebratory dinner at Mimi's Cafe last night. Aaron was just reelected to Student Council (the only incumbent in his class to be reelected), which is testament to the hard work and dedication he's put towards the program all year. I'm really proud of him...he's learning so much this year. Not just "book learnin'", but difficult-yet-important lessons about leadership and social intelligence, which you really just have to refine in the trenches of life. Some of this is part of the natural maturing process, but I also give a lot of credit to the passion and creativity of his teacher this year. He's been a real blessing.
As for me, my work is on track, although I had my first dilemma of the new year this week. I had the chance to volunteer for an exciting professional opportunity that would have involved living abroad for several weeks this spring. The flip side is that the work would involve me traveling in a part of the world that's a little unstable right now. Mike and I discussed it and he expressed his concerns about my safety but left the decision up to me. In the end, I decided not to put my hat in the ring. I'm not going to lie...it wasn't easy, because this would have been an incredibly cool life experience. But once I made the decision I decided not to dwell on it. I realize it can't be "all about me" when I have young children and a busy family. Some other lucky person will get the chance this time. I trust that there will be other opportunities in the future. Onward and upward.
In lighter news, I've got the itch to start a few projects around the house again, after a year where I was bored to tears with anything related to decorating, gardening, etc. After I took down the holiday decorations, I rearranged some of the stuff in my house. One of the things I did was rearrange my entry console. I put some new dried tall grass in my antique Chinese vase, pulled out my collection of shells, corals and stones (some dating back to the 80s) and threw some in a bowl. I framed some recent photos of the kids. Simple...authentic...and makes me smile when I pass by. I also picked up a couple new throw pillows to add some more color and I'm working on jazzing up my patio a little for spring.
Meantime, we have more fun on the horizon. My oldest friend (the kids' godmother) is coming to visit next weekend...and Lord knows there will be a lot of laughter involved with that. My mother also called to tell me she wants to visit during Spring Break.
Life's never perfect or easy, but that's part of the fun. It can sure bring a lot of joy, especially through the simple things...love, laughter, friends and family. 2008 is shaping up to be a great year!
6 comments:
Amber, Looks like you had a great time in California at the beach!! Luv your blog. Hope you come for a visit at my blog soon! Connie
Amber, Looks like you had a great time in California at the beach!! Luv your blog. Hope you come for a visit at my blog soon! Connie
Congratulations to Mike for working on his MBA and to Aaron on his reelection. You're so right that there are some life lessons (social intelligence, critical thinking, good judgement, compassion, etc.) that are refined "in the trenches of life." The guidance of good parents and good teachers is so important and such a blessing.
You're so much more adventurous than I am to even consider the opportunity you mentioned. :-) I hope the year offers you other equally cool life experiences.
Decorwise, your know that your style is absolutely tops in my book. You create spaces that look so effortless and provide such a sense of calm and grounding. It's just beautiful how you do this!
Hello Amber, It sounds like you had a lot of fun while visiting your friends in California. I love the shells in the bowl and the grasses in the vase. I'm also itching for change over on my end. When I figure out what I want to change I'll get to it.
Congratulations to the men in your life Amber!
Your holiday trip, sounds wonderful.
I like the changes you've made to the table. I can hardly wait to see what you do with the new table!
We're changing and rearranging a bit here, too.
Pat
I'm still shakin' mah head that Aaron is even OLD enough to be on the student council, much less re-elected! LOL! Time does fly.
I like your "life is never perfect or easy" comment, too. That's what keeps it interesting, right?!
P.S. I like that as I'm scrolling down reading along, that cute Chris Botti pic comes up on the right...mmmm....hee!
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