I went on a field trip with the 5th grade the other day. We toured the Museum of Fine Arts. While a dozen boys were using the men's room, I waited and read some upcoming events. They show art house type films and one is called "Who Does She Think She Is?" the premise was listed as

"A woman still has to choose between what she loves and who she loves. What if she didn't?"

My son's teacher walked up behind me. We are pretty good friends and joke around a lot. I told her to read that and give me the answer to the question. She read it then looked at me with her brow furrowed, puzzled.

"She'd be a MAN." I answered, to which she burst out laughing and agreed.

I had my first child at age 22 and he is 22 now. I have been making the choice about who I love and what I love for a very long time. I couldn't take a demanding career. I already had one raising 3 boys. I couldn't take the job that involved travel. I was forced to travel to the pediatrician, the dentist and the grocery store.

My husband? When his job requires a trip to Singapore or London or wherever, there is no question about who will take care of the kids and the house. He just packs a bag and goes.

I have always envied his freedom. Though consciously, I knew I didn't really want it. I never wanted a nanny raising my kids. My husband has to ask me questions occasionally, like, "Does D like cheese on his burger?" I am proud that I know the answer. I also know that he wants the ketchup and mustard under the patty and the lettuce on top. And, yes, he likes cheese. Its a small thing and there is a lot more that goes into being a good mom, but it makes me realize I am really good at my job.

Happy Mother's Day to all this weekend.

To Live Long & Prosper

No, I am not here to toot the horn of the new Star Trek movie (although I will be one of the first in line to see it - a young Spock!!)

There is an island off the coast of Greece where people routinely live into their 90's.

Icaria

is a beautiful, isolated place. A place where high powered business meetings don't exist. The term "hurry up!" probably isn't used much. There isn't a McDonald's.

The people live on the hillsides and don't even eat a lot of fish, due to pirates (damn pirates are every where these days!). They garden and walk every where. When they go to church, they walk. Visit a friend? Walk to their house. Another curious fact, the people drink herbal tea morning, noon and night. They have lower than usual rates of cancer and heart problems. Dementia doesn't even exist.

Is it one thing that makes the difference? The fresh fruits and vegetables? The air? The tea? I don't think so. I thinks it their whole way of life. Can we achieve that in our American society of hustle and bustle, work, work, work constantly, want more?

Interesting to also point out that we spent the weekend with friends at the lake. The husband is from England. He was talking about when he arrived in America that he was amazed at how competitive we are here in the U.S.

My comment was one of surprise but upon reflection it wasn't really surprising. I find myself always striving for more in everything. More money, more stuff, more health, more time...how does one achieve satisfaction with the status quo? I suppose this could be my new goal but I am afraid it will turn into another competitive thing for me. I dont' want it to be that but I would like to crank down the "volume" of my life a bit. I think I will have a cup of herbal tea now.