Three Piece Suit

In another life I was a successful bank officer, managing several different offices.  Each morning I got dressed in a business suit that I had leisurely purchased at some point because I had both the time and the money.  I headed out the door and got into my day.

Fast-forward to 2005 when Miss Avery entered the world.  I traded in my suit for jeans and found work to do without ever leaving my home.  I still have time and I still have money but I've chosen to not use either for buying new suits.

For the most part my job is perfect and our days usually go fairly smoothly, however, once in a while the whole situation is comical to me.  This morning, for instance.  I was up with the baby for some of the night while he was sick, so I did not get up at my usual 5:30.  When I did get up at 7 the house was still quiet, so I did my bible study.  When I came up from my workout I was greeted by two little girls who were ready for their breakfast.  Once I got them set, I headed to the shower.

By this time it was 9 and as I'm dripping wet, my Blackberry starts buzzing.  Lisa, we need you to do such and such...is this a good time?  It buzzed again a little later as I was changing a horrendous diaper that required a quick bath.  That's when it struck me, not for the first time, that I do business in a different world than most.  All the customers I dealt with today had put on their suit and headed out the door to do their work, at their desk, without sick babies and unmade beds.  If only they could see me, still in my bathrobe nursing a baby, sure...no problem...I can do that now!

Actually, the day went well and I got all the necessary things done and then some.  When Shaun got home at 7:30 I was making dinner.  He grabbed all the kids and took them upstairs to read to them.  Without me even saying it he knew I need a couple minutes to myself...love that man! 

Through the monitor I could hear him reading them the new book I got about Easter.  I thought it would help answer some of their questions, but its actually sparked more and we've been talking about all things Easter a LOT.  Tonight they were playing "pretend" with their barbies and I overheard them talking about how someone was going to die on a cross in Iraq (my brother has been there serving).  Oh my.

Though being a work-at-home mom has its challenges, I have never once wished I could put on my business suit and head out the door.  I love being home and I love all my little office assistants and co-workers.

I don't think the way you think. The way you work isn't the way I work." God's Decree. "For as the sky soars high above earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think. Just as rain and snow descend from the skies and don't go back until they've watered the earth, Doing their work of making things grow and blossom, producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry, So will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed. They'll do the work I sent them to do, they'll complete the assignment I gave them.

Isaiah 55:8

Speaking of my co-workers, this is a series from the last photoshoot I did with Aiden.  Avery really wanted to help set it up, so I let her.  She wanted the blue blanket as a background, but since it was small we put a book on it to hold it in place.  Here they are, in order....as always, pay close attention to Amanda's expressions...

Weekend in Boston

I just got in very late last night from an all-expense paid work trip to Boston (thanks, Boss!). Shaun and I went up Sunday morning and made it to the tailgating party hosted by one of the vendors we use for work. After eating great food, we walked the short block to Fenway park and watched the Red Sox get humiliated 15-4.

It was a gorgeous day, just a tad sunny out in centerfield. (Can I just say I am getting old?! Ten years ago I would have relished the opportunity to sit out in the sun for hours. Now I try to hit the shade more because I've come to realize this is the only skin I'm getting. Yes...old.) After, we met up with Amy and Colombo at our very nice hotel and had dinner.


And isn't this cool?? During the game, five barely visible jets were spelling out an advertisement in the sky.


The next morning Colombo (my boss) and I went to the Conference and Expo. Over the two days, we sat through training on new and existing products and strategies for building and running the business. We also had the opportunity to sit in on meetings with vendor executives and give feedback for what's working and what can be improved.


We talked with other agents and learned how they are doing business and answered questions about what we are doing. I connected with people who I speak and email with throughout the year and its always nice to put a face to a name. I have found the practice of shaking hands does wonders for dealing effectively with each other during the rest of the year.



These events make me wish I was back to my childless days when it was perfectly acceptable for me to pour all my efforts and time into excelling at my job and being better than the next guy. I did my work with excellence and pride and enjoyed the respect I had from my peers and co-workers.


But then I call home Tuesday evening after not having spoken to my girls since Saturday night when we dropped them off and I am nearly in tears just hearing their little voices excitedly saying "Hi Momma!" Then I wish I was "just a mommy" and didn't have to work at all.


Somewhere there is balance and I try everyday to find it. I ask God to form me into the Proverbs 31 woman I long to be...one who is glorifying God in everything I do.

Anyway...back to the conference...


On Monday evening, after Shaun and Amy had spent the day golfing and sitting by the pool respectively, they joined us for a vendor-sponsored cruise with dinner on the harbour. The weather and view was magnificent, complete with a nearly full, orange moon. I would have spent the time taken pictures, but...well, Shaun forgot to bring my camera. We had some group time but Shaun and I also were able to get in some time together. Very romantic on the water, under the Boston city lights with a light breeze blowing...


Tuesday evening we were treated to a Duck Boat tour around the city. Have you seen these before? They travel by land and sea and are used when (not if) the Boston teams do their victory parades. Well, ours was purple and our driver was very colorful and fun. Undoubtedly, we had the most spirited bus. We toured Boston drawing smiles from unsuspecting onlookers as we went and when we were dropped off at our restaurant destination the entire bus was hurting from laughing. Or were we hurting from being flown through the air when going over bumps?

See THE Citgo sign?

It was a busy, fun couple days. Glad to have gone, glad to be back with my babies.