It has been an amazing, very full, summer, which is why I have not written anything in months. I haven't written much by hand, either. I remodeled my bathroom, worked on 3 sewing commissions (1 is ongoing, hopefully), joined a Waldorf co-op, joined a Naturopathic certificate co-op, took Asher to soccer and dance, signed him up for soccer in the Fall, hosted family, hosted a birthday party, and am in the thick of clearing my home of anything excess. I want to start our school year fresh, with only what we need and love in the house, so my mother is here (the lone remainder of our familial influx) to get everything cleared out by this weekend.
Speaking of the school year, I've been learning a lot about Waldorf and planning out our school day/months/goals. We've had a few 'practice runs', and I am almost ready for September 1st, when we are going to dive in. I am very excited, as are the boys (generally). I came across a great Waldorf materials giveaway at Cedar Ring Mama, and I am already coveting the majority of their catalog. For now I'm trying to budget, but I've got a running list now for when I've got a bit of wiggle room, especially those art supplies!
Now I need to get back to work; the summer is almost over, and I am looking forward to finishing this marathon of projects and settling into the new year.
happily,
nava
15 August, 2013
14 May, 2013
a chance encounter
I took the boys to the playground today (before a tried and failed attempt at a swim lesson; long story). Another woman sat down next to me after a bit, clearly by choice and asked me what I do for a living, if I'm a stay-at home mom, what. I told her my current job and then brought up that I am a doula (in training).
Her first response was, "oh, like for single moms? That's great!" and then told me her story. 10 years ago her water broke and, having no idea what was going on, she went in to the doctor who told her she was (much to her surprise and dismay) having a baby. She cried and panicked and told him no, she didn't want a baby, she didn't want to be a single mom, etc. She wound up getting support from her sister, who reassured her that she would help her with the baby and then stayed with her while she gave birth and supported her afterward. If not for her sister, she is still convinced she would not have been able to give birth and definitely not keep her son.
I was so surprised by this; here was someone reinforcing my decision to offer my services free or very low cost to single moms, women who have no one and, I feel, are most in need of support as they face a future which is statistically going to be all their own. To be told by a complete stranger that YES, this is needed, it is valued, and it is important. So very, very important. She had her sister to be her doula, others have no one. I'm going to try to be that someone for at least a few of them.
Her first response was, "oh, like for single moms? That's great!" and then told me her story. 10 years ago her water broke and, having no idea what was going on, she went in to the doctor who told her she was (much to her surprise and dismay) having a baby. She cried and panicked and told him no, she didn't want a baby, she didn't want to be a single mom, etc. She wound up getting support from her sister, who reassured her that she would help her with the baby and then stayed with her while she gave birth and supported her afterward. If not for her sister, she is still convinced she would not have been able to give birth and definitely not keep her son.
I was so surprised by this; here was someone reinforcing my decision to offer my services free or very low cost to single moms, women who have no one and, I feel, are most in need of support as they face a future which is statistically going to be all their own. To be told by a complete stranger that YES, this is needed, it is valued, and it is important. So very, very important. She had her sister to be her doula, others have no one. I'm going to try to be that someone for at least a few of them.
30 January, 2013
Waiting to begin
The countdown to my job switch has begun, although I don't actually know when it will be as it will take place at the same time that the big, new work site goes live. I am excited for that. In the meantime I've been struggling through my doula reading and learning ways to use our Montessori materials. I am really looking forward to exploring materials with the boys, and getting a real clear image of how to balance the two doing work together and separately.
We got sidelined a bit with a really terrible cold; it's been a week now and we are all on the mend, but until the last bit of this lingering cough goes away I am not counting us 'recovered'. The worst day, for any of us, was the second day after initial symptoms. Terrible, full-body pain. I broke down and took Tylenol that day. I was awful. I do wish I had been hit before the boys, as they each suffered through it before I had any idea what they were feeling. They are so strong.
Looking forward to a potluck for all the waterbirth center babies and families coming up next month! Other than that, just moving along, trying to get things done, and getting ready to fill up my day with learning instead of working. Well, it's still work. Just a different kind of work.
happily,
-nava
We got sidelined a bit with a really terrible cold; it's been a week now and we are all on the mend, but until the last bit of this lingering cough goes away I am not counting us 'recovered'. The worst day, for any of us, was the second day after initial symptoms. Terrible, full-body pain. I broke down and took Tylenol that day. I was awful. I do wish I had been hit before the boys, as they each suffered through it before I had any idea what they were feeling. They are so strong.
Looking forward to a potluck for all the waterbirth center babies and families coming up next month! Other than that, just moving along, trying to get things done, and getting ready to fill up my day with learning instead of working. Well, it's still work. Just a different kind of work.
happily,
-nava
09 January, 2013
Certification frenzy
Today I received the book list for my doula course. The book had 10 titles that were required (5 set and 5 'my pick'), so within about 30 minutes I had reserved 36 of them at the library, purchased 6 online, and have the 2 I already own out and ready to read. I am clearly very, very, excited. I am also SET for reading material. At least, I will be soon.
Then I discovered, through the same organization, an herbalist certification course that I am going to go with! I feel really good about this course, and rather than just do the certificate I will do the Master Herbalist program. First I have to save up the money. If I can swing it then I think I really can get my certifications both as a doula and as a Master Herbalist this year.
I also tracked down LLL meetings locally, since I decided that as long as I am at it I will become a LLL Leader. I know I meet the requirements, just need to do the coursework. Also, attend meetings. I haven't gotten out much! This is something else I am looking forward to now.
Leaving my job has me nervous, but not as nervous as I was at first. I am leaving my current post at the end of the month. I have told my coworkers that what I am going to miss most is chatting with them. Otherwise, it is the right move for us. As long as I can keep things going financially, that is. I have faith. Just have to keep going. Life has become very exciting all of a sudden, and I am extremely happy about it.
happily,
-nava
Then I discovered, through the same organization, an herbalist certification course that I am going to go with! I feel really good about this course, and rather than just do the certificate I will do the Master Herbalist program. First I have to save up the money. If I can swing it then I think I really can get my certifications both as a doula and as a Master Herbalist this year.
I also tracked down LLL meetings locally, since I decided that as long as I am at it I will become a LLL Leader. I know I meet the requirements, just need to do the coursework. Also, attend meetings. I haven't gotten out much! This is something else I am looking forward to now.
Leaving my job has me nervous, but not as nervous as I was at first. I am leaving my current post at the end of the month. I have told my coworkers that what I am going to miss most is chatting with them. Otherwise, it is the right move for us. As long as I can keep things going financially, that is. I have faith. Just have to keep going. Life has become very exciting all of a sudden, and I am extremely happy about it.
happily,
-nava
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