All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
What's the phrase? 'Worlds Colliding...'
It's been a little bit wonderfully wild, these past few days. Our amazing pastor and his wife were so gracious in asking me to speak at a couple of church events surrounding the themes of service and motherhood. And then to make it even more fun, our pastor decided to interview me for his radio program that broadcasts on Sunday mornings. And then to make make it even more fun, a couple of our local news stations decided to pick up on the story.
And so whaddyaknow?
I got to revisit some old vocational stompin' grounds, all in the name of motherhood.
Because back in the day, before the babies and the diapers, the toddlers and the school work and the soccer practice and dance classes and runny noses, I had (gasp) a 'real' job...(you do hear my ironic snicker here, right?)
I worked in radio and television, hosting a morning show, covering news, running interviews, editing, writing, the whole shebang. I left that world to stay home with the kiddos, occasionally dipping my toe back in to do voice over and commercial work.
And so finding myself back behind a radio mic and in front of a television camera felt like a nice long ride on a familiar bicycle.
And this time I got to have my kids along for the ride.
(Post edit: I've had some requests, so I've put up one of the news stories on my main blog page. I'm also including a link to the news story here in case you have arrived at this post via your feed reader.)
So what's your resume history? What was your favorite job? Your worst job? Your strangest job? You can tell me...it's not like I'll got broadcasting it all over the radio and t.v.....snicker, snicker, snicker. Write a post on this topic and put the url of your post and your name in the Mister Linky's box below or leave a comment. Give us a glimpse of your vocational past!
Well, my strangest job was as a croupier in a casino in the Chinese Quarter in Birmingham. Beautiful building - all red and gold and green; dangerous job though, grumpy Chinese grannies throwing the ashtrays at me if I didn't spin their numbers!
ReplyDeleteBest job, working as a phlebotomist (vampire) in a large teaching hospital. I can (almost) get blood from a stone!
My best job was as a coffee shop attendant in a retirement community.I loved the clients they had so many interesting stories.My worst job was well I don't have aworst job I pretty much liked all of them.
ReplyDeletemy favorite job is the one i have now outside of my house...although i can't think of any really horrible jobs i have ever had...
ReplyDeletethat is very cool though about getting to revisit old stompin grounds!!!
hey, can you post audio of your interview?
ReplyDeleteI've actually done several blog posts about my employment history (didn't want to link to them all and hog up Mr. Linky).
ReplyDeleteI worked in retail for quite a bit when I was younger, and then for about ten years as a paralegal. I always thought I wanted to be a lawyer until I actually worked for them. ((shudder))
I was a teacher. It took me awhile to realize I still am! My four little ones are great students.
ReplyDeleteMy fourth and fifth graders (I taught them both years) graduate from high school this year. I've been getting letters and invitations. I'm so glad they remembered me and my short 2 year career. I'll never forget them.
My worst job was probably a Chinese restaurant when I was 14...the grease in the air gave me serious asthma attacks! :P
ReplyDeleteMy best job...well, that have to be my job now...being a SAHM! I LOVE IT! :)
Great Interview!!!!
ReplyDeleteI really really enjoyed the interview of your family on Fox News! I am a faithful reader of your blog, so it was fun to put names with the faces and see the whole family in action!
ReplyDeleteI LOVED your comment about enjoying this "season." I really needed to hear that! I spend so much time feeling uptight about everything, rather than peaceful, as we are going through potty training the toddler and dealing with an energetic little boy who has just learned to crawl.
Your interview made me think of so many more questions I want to ask! and possibly ideas for future posts:
What prompted your decision to become a full-time stay-at-home-mom? (They said you have been a SAHM for 16 years--so your oldest was 2 at the time, right?)
Also describe the transition to becoming a SAHM: What were the struggles or challenges, either logistically, financially, emotionally?
Were you always naturally gifted in home-organizing and child-rearing? Or did it take a while to adjust?
What is your daily schedule?
What are the kids' daily schedules like?
Sorry so many questions!
I am a new mom--not a young mom, I'm 33! But I left a career in auditing at Ernst & Young to have a family. Four months after my daughter was born, my husband lost his job, so we moved 600 miles away to live with his family while he looked for a new job. The past 2 years have been challenging--starting a whole new life, with a new "career," new friends, new church, new home (we've moved 3 times in 2 years)! . . . so I'm always curious how the more experienced (and well-adjusted) moms handled that transition and I'm open any advice you might have to offer!
I feel like my "performance" was so much better in the accounting world than it is at home, and I never expected that! I tend to thrive with routine, and I feel every time I finally figure out the kids' latest "routine" it changes again, as one quits taking a nap or stops breastfeeding or whatever! Maybe I will get it together by the time the 2nd one is a toddler. :-)
I do not regret the decision to stay at home with my children, but wow, it has been a lot different than I anticipated.
Any posts you might think up on those topics would be greatly appreciated!
Wow, good luck on answering that last comment...As Mrs Nurse Boy (i think you read their blog?) said when asked for potty training advise, "Pray, pray very hard!" That's my answer to most mothering questions, pray and laugh and cry without restraint.
ReplyDeleteYou are all so beautiful and your children have such neat names, fun to meet you all.
I had no idea you were from Austin; so am I! I've been following you and your blog for several months now; love it!
ReplyDeleteNot too many interesting jobs here - Arby's, McDonald's, Kmart, then started my "career" as a paralegal. Still there 22 years later........
This was such a wonderful interview. What were they thinking calling your kids by their first names though? I honestly thought Madison was 1 of 8. j/k. You have such a beautiful family......I loved the last part when you said to enjoy the "season" before "launching" them into their own lives. How true that it. AND, towards the end when they panned through the kids........I really loved that.
ReplyDeleteWow... love the video.... you all did a GREAT job!
ReplyDeleteWow you've been busy, and wow! is that impressive! Your kids are beautiful. Lovely lovely news clip. Well, if I were to tell you about my favorite and least favorite jobs, I could write a book--watch out Jack Welch! --giggles (I worked at GE...) Anyway, glad to hear that you're doing well.
ReplyDeleteThat is really cool. You definitely have your priorities in a place that you will feel good about for the rest of your life!
ReplyDeleteI'm a member of the California Bar. I could be making big bucks as an attorney. Or changing the world. Or something like that. But I think that I am changing the world as a mother. Motherhood is great like that. :)
My favorite job has definitely been being a wife and mother. Before I left the working world I had jobs in retail (some of which were really fun, and some not), cake decorating, and the worst was working in a residential state funded home for emotionally disturbed kids. The job I had before I left the world of paying jobs was actually one where I used my art degree...I helped design class rings at a now defunct class ring factory.
ReplyDeleteNone of these jobs even compared to being a homeschooling mom to (almost)five kids. I have too much fun, and the rewards are great indeed, even if not monetary.
I don't know if you visit that park in the video routinely, but my kids and I recognized it instantly...so if you are ever there and approached by a pregnant woman with four kids, please don't think I'm weird!
mere
That's awesome! I'm a reporter right now, it's cool to see someone living life after :)
ReplyDeleteAnd you have a beautiful family! How did you get into voice over stuff? I'm trying to find a way that I can balance my career and kids... No kids yet, so I'm hoping to find a job that's balance-conducive beforehand :)
Cute story too!!
I followed the link...wonderful story about your family. Great job!!
ReplyDelete