School started today here in Texas, so here we go. It's my youngest child's senior year, so everything we are going to do will be the "last" for her school years at home. Like today was her last first day at school, so we snapped our traditional first day photo and off she drove to meet up early with her boyfriend at school. DD is so busy with activities, that she isn't home much. She's doing varsity cheer, danceteam and band this year, so halftime will be crazy busy. Our first game is this Friday (and, of course, it will be the "last" first game.)
Sigh.
Senior years are completely different these days than when I was in high school - or even her older brother and sister's high school experience. It's like the kids just give up and "phone it in" now days. They come to school sloppier than in year's past, and act like it's such a pain to be at school. Many drop out of activities and kind of give up. And, if they are college-bound wannabes, then whatever class rank at the end of your junior year is what counts. It's a catch 22 (I guess THAT dates me) because colleges only want the top 10% of each class, yet with tons of leadership activities. As a matter of fact, DD has already applied to four colleges, since most open it up on August 1st each year. She had to write two essays for the University of Texas, and Texas A&M requires three. I think it's kind of ridiculous, since they don't really know if the student wrote it, or if someone else did. Of course, there is an essay now on the SAT, so they do write that one on the spot.
I'm trying to teach DD to live in the present because we really don't know what tomorrow holds. Yes we plan for the future, but we don't want to live there (or the past either.) That was an epiphany in my adult years, since Americans are always planning for the future until they die. This country is always in a rush, and it's stressful. I've talked to people from other countries, and they seem to live in the present better than us Americans, but I doubt that will change any time soon. We are a 'shop til you drop' mentality nation, and I'm as guilty as anyone. And yes, I'm competitive so there's not much I can do about it but jump on the merry-go-round and ride.
That was the main reason I left the job I was at for the last six years. As a small company, my boss did not even let me take any vacation for two years, and after that I had to fight for two days a year. And as the sole salesperson, it was constant pressure to produce - produce - produce. People get tired. They need to rest. They need to do something else, at least temporarily to recharge. They need to have a life outside of those four walls.
So now I'm looking. I am trying to remain positive, as I know that it is a miracle any time anyone gets a job. And honestly, it's scary to be looking for a job as a Baby Boomer, especially in the sales area. Most companies would prefer a blonde twenty-something. But God promises to take care of my needs, so I'm taking Him at His word. Am I sending out resumes/cover letters? Yes. I'm doing my part, and He will do His.
So, I need to practice what I preach. Live in the present. Be thankful for all I have today.
It's all we've really got...
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