Finding Balance

Yesterday was the first day of the...rest of my life? Yes. But that's not really what I'm pondering. I arrived at school with a short list of errands. I accomplished all three items in less than 30 minutes - sans Jonathon. A lesson to new parents; if you need to get something done, it goes quicker and everyone is happier when the children are warm and safe at home. Just saying - it's a blessing to spend time with our little cherubs and I never get tired of hearing how cute Jonathon is, but sometimes I forget about what I need.

On Sunday evening I attended a seminar for a service learning requirement. One of the topics we discussed was based on the book titled Your Money or Your Life. I'll be adding it to my reading list (despite the chaos of motherhood - I do find time to read)...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0143115766?ie=UTF8&tag=yomooryoli-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0143115766
The professor noted that joy is found where passion meets the needs of the world. Thinking about this, I feel compelled to examine my life and what is necessary or desired.
Motherhood is the most rewarding job I've ever had, but honestly, it is in some sense, a job. For the majority of my adult life, I have been employed outside of the home. For the most part, I have enjoyed the positions I've held and the people I've worked with. This has been a blessing. In less than four months, I will realize a goal that I've had since I was a teen -- my college degree. That in and of itself is remarkable. I don't take it for granted. It was a matter of hard work and dedication. Keeping my eye on goal, even when the reward seemed impossible for financial, health or time/priority reasons. So - why am I so apprehensive? The obvious factors are...

1. Jonathon - I love the time I get to spend with him and being there as he learns new things. I need balance between work and family life.
2. Full time vs. part time or work from home?
3. Where to place my focus? Human resources? Management? Public Relations? Communications? Marketing? Or, as a former supervisor recently predicted, the job that I'm looking for is so new, it doesn't yet have a name.
4. My age - I didn't think about the fact that when I re-entered the job market I would be on the verge of 40 with a 16 month old.
5. The proverbial "bar" - lets face it, I've had some pretty awesome supervisors and team members. Will I be so fortunate again?

So, I am spending these last few weeks weighing my options and researching careers. More than anything, I am trusting that God has something in store for me that is outside of my scope. My challenge is to find my passion(s), identify my relevant skills (excellent interpersonal and communication skill - written and oral, dedication, organizational skills and ability to work independently or with others) and get the word out that Andrea Weitgenant is not only a good choice for hire - but she has a lot to offer!!! (That's my pep talk to myself - but I wouldn't say it, if it wasn't true). ;o)

Wish me luck as I explore my options and set-off on my next journey. Perhaps my anxiety is merely overwhelming excitement for the opportunities coming my way.

God Bless.

Missing GRACE Crisis Care Team

Several months back, I reached out to the Missing GRACE Foundation and asked how I could help with their mission. An immediate need is for Crisis Care Team Members. If you would be interested in volunteering for this meaningful and supportive work, please read the announcement below:

Dear Friends,


Missing GRACE Foundation (MGF), based in Maple Grove, has been committed to serving families in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro and surrounding areas since 2002. Our mission is to provide resources and support to families experiencing pregnancy loss, infant loss, infertility or adoption and to advocate for comprehensive, patient-focused prenatal care. Five core areas encompass the heart of the mission: Grieve, Restore, Arise, Commemorate and Educate.


An important part of fulfilling this mission is providing support to families at time of loss and beyond. When the demand for MGF support services from hospitals was greater than one or two people could handle, Crisis Teams were formed. Teams are comprised of MGF volunteers recruited and trained through the hospital and MGF. Members of the Crisis Care Team are required to be on call for a minimum of 4 days per month to provide support, education, resources and photography services to patients and their families at the time of perinatal loss. The services include, but are not limited to:


GRACE Care Basket & GRACE Care Tote Program (contains resources and mementos)
Emotional care and support during labor and following birth
GRACE Gowns & Hats made to fit babies 1lb to term
Making Memories Photo and Video for baby and family
Memorial Video and picture montage compilation on DVD
Assistance with funeral arrangements
Referrals for low cost burial and cremation providers
Grief support including follow-up calls and home visits
Referrals for conventional and alternative medical providers


If you are a bereaved parent, layperson, counselor, doula or someone who feels compelled to assist families in this way, please consider joining us for an introduction to the MGF Crisis Team. Introduction and interviews will be held on January 15th from 10:00am to 3:00pm. For approved applicants, a 3-day training session from January 20th – 22nd is required. To learn more and/or RSVP for the January 15th interview, please contact Candy at 763-497-0709 (ext. 1) and indicate your interest in serving on the Crisis Care Team. Introduction, interviews and training will be held at:
New River Medical Center
1013 Hart Boulevard
Monticello, MN 55362


With Grace,
Candy and Stephen McVicar

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

It's officially the New Year and I can't say for certain if there are any positive changes in our home. We spent New Years Day packing up the holiday decorations and trying to organize. Possibly this is a sign of our age or the need to have some downtime following the hectic pace of the holidays.

The obvious New Year connection most people make is with resolutions. Well, like most, I set goals and resolve to improve myself. Not comfortable with failure, I take time to carefully consider my resolutions before making them. Resolutions should be manageable, specific and measurable when possible. I'm willing to put forth the effort, but I need reachable goals that will contribute to a sense of accomplishment. So, this year, I resolve to...

1. Strengthen my faith (attend services on a regular basis)
2. Be a supportive and loving wife
3. Provide a safe and loving home for our son (Patience as a result of #1)
4. Lose 20 lbs.
5. Graduate from UST with my undergrad
6. Find employment
7. Reduce the clutter in my home - everything has a place or must go!!!
8. Learn to knit/crochet (left over from 2010)
9. Improve my finances (tied to #6)
10. Be realistic and accepting of those things that I can and cannot control

Some of these items are vague - but they provide a framework for improving my life. Publishing them on our blog makes them real. Priorities change - but values do not. I value my faith, family and friends and everything else that makes those relationships healthy and whole.

I pray that 2011 brings health and happiness to all and the peace of mind that everything is as it should be. We control our attitude and that is all.

Peace,

Travis, Andrea & Jonathon