This afternoon, I started working on the guest bedroom. We found out that Ken's stepsister and her husband are coming by for a visit later this month. Yay! They're coming up to Chicago for a wedding, and will swing by to see us before the rehearsal dinner. Only one night, but we're looking forward to seeing them! We'll have a little cookout and just enjoy their company.
It's been some time since we had a houseguest, so the guest room is going to take some major cleaning. (I always change the sheets right after someone leaves, so I don't have to worry about that.) I was in there clearing things out, and I'll need to do big-time dusting in the coming days! Nothing motivates you quite like company coming, does it? Ha! And of course, I picked what is probably the hottest and most humid day of the summer so far to start tackling this job. Whew! I got hot. Then all the dust flying around...yikes! I do feel good about getting a start on it, though!
I got the nicest email this afternoon. It was from one of my former coworkers, Alissa (the Egg Lady). She apologized for not sending her email sooner, but she has 2 young kids, her husband, and her job at the lab--and I certainly remember how crazy the job can be! She wrote about how much she admired me, how much she learned from me, how they may replace my hours but they can't replace me...and went on to write about some of the fun and crazy conversations we'd had! She mentioned the "strawberry" discussion, the "beaver" discussion, and one she called the "I would do you" conversation. I said I remember the first two, but I totally do not remember the latter conversation! Ha! I bet it was funny, though!
But I also told her how much I appreciated her sentiments, and how much it meant to me. I said that I've always tried to live and work in a way that others would remember me fondly. Oddly enough, it means more to me in the context of a sort of tribute to my parents rather than myself. I feel that this is how they raised me to be, my work ethic was instilled by them, and it says a lot more about them than it does about me.
I'm happy to know that I influenced someone in a positive way. Who could ask for more than that?
8 comments:
I know what you mean! A friend called to say she and my g-ddaughters were coming over to spend the afternoon with me.
That dust didn't stand a chance!
Laini
It sure has been wonderful over the past seven years to get re-acquainted with friends and family (some of the relationships had become strained!). Thanks Little Travel Buddy :o)
Added the "Little" cause the Travel Buddy made me think of Bob and Tom's "Little Tax Buddy" LMAO
"Incoming" is a great motivator for cleaning!!! When in a big hurry, it's amazing how one trash bag can clean up a room!!! What a really nice thing Alissa said! I think your perspective was very sweet - crediting your parents. You're right!
Dirk
I feel the same way about certain things being a tribute to my parents. Once in a while, when I say that, someone asks: Then wouldn't you blame them for your bad habits also?
Uhm no. I think as adults we keep & refine the good(or try to) & work out the bad rather than trying to attribute it to anyone. ~Mary
Hope you enjoy your company. Maybe I need some company to come by, so I can get motivated to do some major cleaning!! What a nice compliment from your former coworker. (And I confess I'd really like to know what the "I would do you" conversation was, too!)
Lori
Nothing compares to cleaning when you HAVE to !! And for company.
Hmmm, a spare room? Can I run away to Nutwood? Just for a few months ! LOL
That was very sweet of your co-worker to write that. It's nice to be appreciated.
hugs,
Ellen
I wish I could credit my parents for something...other than me being here. Just to give you a general ideal, my dad and I share the same birthday. He lives 5 minutes from me...It's a long story. His booze will no doubt finish what he started.
I think over time we learn certain traits and hone our personalities. For me it was a one way street, my own doing and deciding "I" wanted to be that compassionate, understanding person. Parents give us the tools to get there, it's up to us to refine them. I have a feeling your parents continue to play an importance part in your life and make sure you keep the straight and narrow. (Hugs)Indigo
That's sweet that she emailed you :o) Great title to the conversations lol I have to say I'm very intrigued especially the 'I would do you' one lol.........Well done for starting on the guest bedroom in the heat x
Jenny
http://journals.aol.co.uk/Jmoqueen/MyLife
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