Benny's thinking place https://diggingbydebating.org Digging by debating Sun, 24 Sep 2023 10:49:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 Do Over https://diggingbydebating.org/do-over/ https://diggingbydebating.org/do-over/#respond Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:34:50 +0000 https://diggingbydebating.org/?p=251 Last year I failed as a mom. At least in my eyes I did.

I started working the same day Henry went back to school. I was behind from day 1.

My brain tells me I failed him.

I was always a step behind, forgetting things I shouldn’t, missing spirit days, failing to make sure he did xy&z.

I never could get ahead.

This year is going to be different.

I spent all day yesterday getting ready for school to start. The house is clean. A million loads of laundry are done. New school clothes are bought. A family calendar is hanging up with color coded dry erase markers.

A homework station is set up and my calendar is filled out completely.

This year is going to be different.

We’re not going to be stressed because we didn’t know about a certain special day. We won’t let him fall behind in math, and will stay on top of falling grades.

Our new chore/responsibility/reward chart will be enforced.

My brain is ready, along with the house. Now to get through the last week of summer and hit the start of 3rd grade with gusto!

Getting a chance to have a “do over” at the beginning of each school year is a blessing.

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It’s Christmas Eve Eve! One of my favorite days of the year. https://diggingbydebating.org/its-christmas-eve-eve-one-of-my-favorite-days-of-the-year/ https://diggingbydebating.org/its-christmas-eve-eve-one-of-my-favorite-days-of-the-year/#respond Sat, 23 Dec 2023 07:59:39 +0000 https://diggingbydebating.org/?p=192 It’s not a big secret that I hate to shop. I hate to shop for anything except groceries, really. But I love to think about shopping.

When it’s time to think about Christmas shopping, I like to be prepared. And keep it short and simple.

Henry’s allowed to ask for 5 gifts, which Santa brings, and then Jason and I each get him something. That makes it pretty easy. We don’t really swap gifts with anybody else except my parents, Jason’s mom and my sister’s family. My list is short.

Therefore, it’s easy enough to go one night, a week or so before Christmas, and shop. In one hour. In one (maybe two) stores. And be done.

I know I’m not alone, but I know some of you will think that’s insane. But it sure cuts down on lots of “stuff” that nobody needs or wants and it cuts down on how much money is spent.

Really, though, it helps me remember that the season’s not about the “stuff” as it is about the memories and remembering why we celebrate Christmas.

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Believe… https://diggingbydebating.org/believe/ https://diggingbydebating.org/believe/#respond Wed, 13 Dec 2023 13:57:48 +0000 https://diggingbydebating.org/?p=187 Henry, pushing his hot dogs aside: I’m not very hungry.

Me: Are you ok? Do you feel bad?

Henry, shyly: I’m um, I’m just not hungry.

Me: Are you nervous?

Henry: Maybe a little.

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The night before, Henry asked very simply, “What will you do if I get coal for Christmas?”

After questioning him about what he said, he very sheepishly explained that he’s afraid that he’ll be punished if he only gets coal for Christmas from Santa.

He’s afraid he’s not been good enough for Santa to visit with toys.

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We make an appointment to see the Santa at Phipps Plaza in Buckhead in September. People go crazy to get an appointment with him because he’s (not to be completely snotty) the best. He’s the Bentley of Santas.

We scurry out of the house after work to make it down to the mall for a 7:45 appointment. It’s a mad dash, this year complete with forgetting Watkins, our trusty elf. Luckily we had time to turn around and grab him so he could see his boss for a few minutes.

Our evening started with rushing and anxiety and lots of shuffling…

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There were finishing touches put on the list. It’s hard to narrow down all your “wants” to five things that Santa’s allowed to bring you when you’re eight. The line got shorter. We were last. The last ones of the night…

Twinkles in eyes got brighter and under my hand, his heartbeat got faster.

It was his turn.

Meet Santa. Sit. Smile for the camera.

Then there was whispering, smiling, talking to Watkins. There were a few winks from Santa in our direction.

And then the awkward goodbyes.

That included the shot that reminded me that he believes.

He truly believes.

And that’s what makes Christmas magical, friends.

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Fear of Missing Out https://diggingbydebating.org/fear-of-missing-out/ https://diggingbydebating.org/fear-of-missing-out/#respond Thu, 07 Dec 2023 04:56:14 +0000 https://diggingbydebating.org/?p=247 As a general rule, I don’t feel like I have to do what everybody else is doing. But sometimes, you know, sometimes I feel like I’m missing out. Right now many of my blogger friends are in Chicago at BlogHer. This time last year I was there with Crystal, having a blast in NYC. This year, I’m in NC with my husband and son having a blast.

It’s different. And my trip is absolutely wonderful.

But I’m sitting here wondering what I am missing out on.

Parties and sessions, hanging out between events, Voices of the Year keynotes, and swag galore… One on one fun with computer-turned-real-life friends, naps if I feel like it, and drinks at the bar with total strangers.

I fear missing out on the fun.

But what I would fear the most, if I had gone there this year, is missing out on the amazing fun I am having this weekend. And THAT fun is bigger and better than anything else that’s out there.

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Starting Over https://diggingbydebating.org/starting-over/ https://diggingbydebating.org/starting-over/#respond Wed, 29 Nov 2023 01:20:16 +0000 https://diggingbydebating.org/?p=244 Today’s going to be another day of free writing. I don’t know about you, but I’ve really enjoyed just dumping my brain. So what’s on your mind today? What do you have plans to do? What do you want to vent about for 5 minutes?

Time starts now…

I made a goal today.

I’m going to lose 20 pounds by March 9. I don’t think that’s a whole lot. In fact, it’s not much at all. Starting on Monday, I’m going to start watching what I eat again, after having a full physical and talking to my doctor about my thyroid levels and anxiety.

Training for my next half marathon starts Monday, too. I’ve been a slacker for the last few months, but now the countdown starts for the March 9 Wine & Dine Half Marathon at Disney. Jason and Henry will be running with me for the 5k, so hopefully they’ll get out and moving, too.

Monday I will be back at work for the first time since a week ago (plus a little). I’ve been on a buying trip (which is actually work) and feel like I’m going to be slammed when I get back but at the same time, I feel like I’ll be starting over. It’s been fairly slow and I was pretty caught up before I left. Hopefully it won’t be crazy, but if it is, I feel like I might be ok.

I have goals for starting over… starting on Monday. But for today, I’m going to enjoy myself and be unregimented. One last hoorah.

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Mom Guilt https://diggingbydebating.org/mom-guilt/ https://diggingbydebating.org/mom-guilt/#respond Fri, 24 Nov 2023 11:11:09 +0000 https://diggingbydebating.org/?p=238 But mom, I want to sleep late and stay home and play with my toys.

Can’t you take the summer off?

You used to be home all the time.

Can we just move back to Fort Valley? It smelled better than Atlanta and you didn’t have to go to work. And I want my chickens back.

Working Mom Guilt. I have it.

Almost a year ago, when I started back to work for the first time in a very long time, Henry and I started on the same day. Summer was over and nothing was really different except he got to ride a bus from school and hang out with other kids for a few hours each day.

But summer. Oh, summer. What a different story it has been!

Every day there is a new reason he doesn’t want to go. A new reason he wants me to stay home. A new reason for me to feel bad.

I can’t blame him for wanting to sleep late and have playdates. All my life, growing up, I got to do just that. We went to the pool, had mid-week sleepovers, went to movies, we did it all.

As a growing boy and an only child, I WANT that for him.

But I also love being able to bring in extra income so we can do fun things like go to Disney for his birthday, head to Boone, NC for a concert, eat out whenever we want to… but those things are hard to explain to an 8 year old. He gets it, but only until the next day when he has yet another reason he wants to not do what he has to.

On the other hand, I miss being home like crazy. I miss the freedom of lunching with friends, grocery shopping at 7am when nobody else is around, going to a matinee with Henry… I miss being a full-time, stay at home mom.

Honestly, it’s hard enough when I think it all in my head, but then when he gets upset and says things like, “All my other friends get to stay home with their moms,” (which is totally not true… not ALL of them do) it’s hard not to let that guilt fester.

Sure, I probably don’t have to work, but I enjoy it. Even on days I don’t want to go and want to sleep late, I really enjoy my job and enjoy being able to make a little income so we can have fun.

And I know at the end of the day, he enjoys going to his day care/day camp. It’s just not what we’re both used to.

One day, kiddo. One day.

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Moto G Stylus 5G: The Smartphone That Does It All https://diggingbydebating.org/moto-g-stylus-5g-the-smartphone-that-does-it-all/ https://diggingbydebating.org/moto-g-stylus-5g-the-smartphone-that-does-it-all/#respond Fri, 17 Nov 2023 01:44:38 +0000 https://diggingbydebating.org/?p=256 In a world where smartphones keep getting fancier and pricier, it’s nice to find one that’s both affordable and capable. That’s where the Moto G Stylus 5G comes in. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of phones, and I’m here to tell you all about it.

A Sleek and Solid Design:

First things first, the Moto G Stylus 5G looks pretty slick. It’s got a big 6.8-inch screen, and the whole thing feels sturdy in your hand. The back is plastic, but it still manages to look good. It’s not going to win any fashion awards, but it’s no eyesore either.

Big Screen for Everything:

Speaking of that screen, it’s huge! Watching videos or scrolling through Instagram is a joy because everything looks nice and big. The colors are good, and the details are clear. It’s like having a mini movie theater in your hand. Network unlock moto g stylus 5g free with your phone’s imei.

The Stylus: Your Handy Sidekick:

Now, let’s talk about the fun part – the stylus. It’s this tiny pen that comes with the phone, and you can use it to write notes, doodle, or even edit photos. It’s handy for those of us who like to jot things down or just get a bit creative. Think of it like a magic wand for your phone.

A Camera That Gets the Job Done:

The camera takes decent photos. It’s not going to make you a professional photographer, but for everyday shots, it’s more than enough. You’ve got a 48MP main camera for regular pics and a 8MP wide-angle one for fitting in more stuff in your shots. Plus, there’s a 2MP depth sensor for those cool blurry backgrounds in portraits.

Regular Phone Stuff:

When it comes to using the phone for regular stuff, like calling and texting, it’s a champ. It runs smoothly and does everything you’d expect from a smartphone. Apps open fast, and you can have a bunch of them running at once without any problems.

Battery for Days:

The battery life is pretty great too. You can easily go a whole day without needing to charge it. So, no more stressing about finding an outlet when you’re out and about.

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A Week of Mondays https://diggingbydebating.org/a-week-of-mondays/ https://diggingbydebating.org/a-week-of-mondays/#respond Sat, 11 Nov 2023 04:40:28 +0000 https://diggingbydebating.org/?p=234 This week was a week of Mondays. Some might say it was a week of Fridays, though.

I worked three days, like most of y’all did. Only I worked Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. How screwed up is that?

Well, it was screwed up enough I thought each day was a Monday. And now I have no idea what day it is.

With all the rain and flooding and storming we’re having here in Atlanta, it’s been dark and gloomy, making it even more discombobulating. And that’s saying a lot coming from somebody who is chipper and excited about days like that.

With a water main break at work and no water (read: no toilets) on Wednesday and Friday there, the days surely felt like the Mondayest of Mondays.

But now it’s Sunday. And it most certainly doesn’t feel like a Monday.

Did you have a week of Mondays?

(this was a true, honest to goodness, brain dump… wow, what terrible sentences)

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I’m ALWAYS going to ask questions https://diggingbydebating.org/im-always-going-to-ask-questions/ https://diggingbydebating.org/im-always-going-to-ask-questions/#respond Tue, 07 Nov 2023 20:00:25 +0000 https://diggingbydebating.org/?p=231 I don’t want to lead you to anything specific on the prompt today because I’m curious what you come up with when I give you the word.

When I started my job last August, I was kinda thrown in without a lot of direction. I knew what to do. I’d done the job before. But the timing was funky and there was other stuff going on that didn’t lend much time to training me properly.

It hasn’t slowed me down.

Mostly because I made it clear from the beginning that I was going to ask questions. I’m ALWAYS going to ask questions.

They were going to get sick of me asking some things over and over again. Sure, I could try to figure it out by myself, but why would I when I could ask and learn from those around me?

I think I’m fortunate that Henry went right over the asking “why, why, why” phase of toddlerhood, but we’re full on in the 8 year old curiosity phase now. He’s so curious and asks questions all the time.

I recently asked for help from my parents. I asked them to come to town while Jason traveled some. I’m blessed to have been able to do this and it made my life much easier and helped me stay centered and sane.

Over the years, I’ve asked for prayers, for donations, for help, for answers, for peace, for understanding, and for a Mercedes convertible*.

Some of that was answered, some I’m still waiting for*.

What do you ask for? What do you NEED to ask for?

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I totally didn’t know it was Sunday. https://diggingbydebating.org/i-totally-didnt-know-it-was-sunday/ https://diggingbydebating.org/i-totally-didnt-know-it-was-sunday/#respond Sun, 29 Oct 2023 22:15:06 +0000 https://diggingbydebating.org/?p=228 My world is cluttered.

Today I totally didn’t realize it was Sunday. I guess partly because it’s a holiday weekend and partly because I can’t keep up with what day it is when I work on Saturdays, but it slipped my mind completely.

This morning I took two pieces of paper to Waffle House with us. I made MY list. And I made Jason and Henry’s lists.

THINGS TO DO.

So many things. So much clutter in the house that needs to be tended to.

Clothes, school papers from the end of the year paper vomit, EOB’s, statements, lists, more lists. So much stuff.

Toys, more toys, pieces of broken toys that OHMYGODYOUCANTGETRIDOFORILLDIE, crayons, half used pieces of drawing paper, water bottles. All over the place.

My house isn’t a disaster, but sometimes it feels like it. I would rather be outside playing in the yard or going for a run, but if I don’t tackle this clutter (with help), I’m going to lose my mind.

What kind of clutter do you need to tackle? Is it physical clutter or mental clutter or emotional clutter?

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