On...

When I asked my children what I should bring home for them from Ireland, they thought that perhaps I should try to catch a leprechaun and bring him home. I warned them that this would be tricky, as leprechauns do not like to be caught, let alone packed in a bag, put on a plane, and taken away from their homes. While I did not catch a leprechaun to bring home, I was reminded of all the ways I can fill my pot with gold. Reconnecting with Friends: A big reason for going to Ireland was to reconnect with my friend and former co-worker, Donal, his wife, Fanya, and their three boys. I love to be around people, and these are some of the best people to be around. Our time together was filled with laughter. Connection and laughter with friends is definitely gold. Meeting New Friends: There was not one person I met while in Ireland that didn't make me feel completely welcome, and like I was immediately a friend. This is a lovely thing to experience. From the staff at Donal and Fanya&

Today my little boy turns 10. 10! How did that happen? It seems as thought I blinked and the little baby boy on the left-hand side of the picture (below) turned into the little man on the right. Simon: Just born on the left and 10 on the right Despite being borderline-depressed that I am old enough to have a ten-year-old, I know that this boy, my first child, has taught me some of the best lessons in life: in how to parent (make it up as you go along), and in just being. Feel What You Feel: It is okay to have feelings. It is okay to have REALLY BIG feelings. Simon may experience big anger and frustration, but frequently and I think because it is big, it also moves through him quickly and he can back to the task at hand. Perhaps anxiety isn't a feeling that is fun to experience in a big way. Perhaps anger isn't either. But, you know what is? Joy. Love. Hope. Warmth. He feels all of these in big ways too. Don't be afraid of feeling - it's what makes you human, wha