Networking

I mentioned in a previous post that I was sending out an application to return to the professional world. Somebody inquired where I was applying, so here's the answer:

Random House U.K. in their children's book division. I didn't get the job.

I'm fine with that. It was a super-long shot that I'd even get a phone interview. But, if anybody hears of a telecommuting Stateside job that seems like a fit for me, let me know. Or a U.K. job. Or anywhere else. It doesn't hurt to try.

Foreign Fourth

Happy Independence Day!

My Paradise

I was just doing a self-actualization exercise while listening to an audio book. The book is about personal finance, but the exercise was related to the emotions of being prosperous.

My responses are probably a bit different from what the author intended when she said, "Imagine having a gardener & cleaning lady." I'd love a self-designing garden & self-cleaning house, but I don't really want other people to be doing the work. I just want to be able to do the gardening & cooking at my leisure. (And even though cleaning isn't my favorite, just having a dishwasher could my cleaning lady.)

"Imagine your dream garden filled with favorite flowers, shrubs, & trees." I saw fruit & veggies growing. Strawberries, blueberries, & lettuces on the ground & fruit trees ready for picking.

"Imagine having a fun-filled vacation with your family at least once a year." As an eighteen year old, I felt awed by the beauty of Switzerland. I haven't been back, although I've spent the last 15 years wanting to. I cry a little when I think about how I won't be attending a missionary-reunion in Switzerland next month. And so I dreamed of a week at a Swiss chalet. Kids running HAPPILY on the grass, the mountains in the background. And me contentedly preparing an easy lunch of fresh lettuces, cheese, and fruit.

My imaginings all seem to point to wanting a simple home.

Walking to the Car

Graham: Mommy, is Baby Rose in the car?

Me: No, she's sleeping in her crib. Daddy is at home working in the kitchen.

Graham: What is he making?

Me: Philosophy.

Graham: I don't wike phi-wo-so-phy.

Me: What do you like?

Graham: I wike apple pie.

Sopping Wet

August 2006. Graham's first trip to the beach. Jason was out of town, it was Graham's birthday week (age 1), and my friend Celine invited us to participate in her wonderful family's yearly beach holiday. Rather than braving the waves, though, Graham climbed into this tub filled with ocean water & shells & played happily for quite some time.






Spring 2007. My friend Kristin left as message saying that she wanted to see the photo of Graham after he fell into the goldfish pond at Rutgers Gardens. And since she's the one who took the photo, I made an effort to find it.

Jason thinks Zukania is where zucchinis come from.

Captain Hook chased a crook
All around Australia.
He lost his pants in the middle of France
And found them in Zukania.

Cami just told us this little rhyme. We had no idea where Zukania was, but Google is amazing at helping us learn the things we do not already know.

Captain Cook chased a chook,
All around Australia,
Lost his pants in the middle of France
And found them in Tasmania

Fresh Strawberry

A photo of Rose didn't make it into the "Summer Tradition" post, so here's something to prove she was there. . .and apparently enjoyed it.