Being independent doesn't equal a desire to be alone

I am independent... but no it isn't because I want to be alone.

• Yes, I have changed my own flat.  
• Yes, I have changed my own oil.
• Yes, I have changed my own brakes.
• Yes, I have hung drywall.
• Yes, if I need something done.... I do it, or at least try to.

• No, it isn't because I have a fierce desire to be independent.
• No, it isn't because I am out to prove that I can do just as much as men can.
• No, it isn't because I am interested in cars, or fixing things up.
• No, it isn't because my degree is in architecture or civil engineering.  
• No, it isn't because I am a feminist.

It is simply because 1) I am single, and 2) that my dad and brothers don't live near enough to help me out should I need help.  So....

Sometimes being independent comes from necessity and not desire.  Tonight was one of those nights that I would have liked nothing more than to have someone else drive me home in this blinding snowstorm. 


p.s. The next time a guy tells me I am too independent, I'm going to call them to come and change the light bulb in the lamp on the coffee table.  :)

with love from Hallie

The addressed envelope

The letter

My niece Hallie's letter to me.  :)

I'm talking to you

I got a text from my sister that requested I call her after dinner.  So I called and my nephew Bjorn answered.  This was our conversation:

Me:  Hi, Is your mom there?

B:  You can't talk to my mom.... because I'm talking to you!

I'm eating them

My nephew (3 years) was deep in reading a book and grinding his teeth. I asked him, "Are you grinding your teeth?" He replied, "No! I'm eating them."

What's up dude??

During snack time in the preschool classroom, one of my speech students finished his snack and figured it was time to go play.  The paraprofessional encouraged him to stay a the table and talk with his friends.  To which he proceeded to place both hands on the table lean forward, and ask the child sitting across from him, "What's up dude?"  The other student looked at me confused and asked, "What'd he say?"

lipstick on your cup

As asked from one preschool boy to a preschool girl, "Why do you always have lipstick on your cup?"

Preschool measurements... height versus age

While sitting at snack time in the preschool classroom I commented to a student, "[Student name] you are getting so tall!"  To which he responded matter of factually, "Yea, my mom is 16."

Thankful for rime and chivalry...

Today was a rare day; the fog froze.  Rime: is a white ice that forms when the water droplets in fog freeze to the outer surfaces of objects.  When the fog freezes to trees it creates scenery so beautiful it is difficult and nearly impossible for me not to wander in awe of its beauty. 

Rime in all its beauty.

Rime on the apple tree is what made me stop on County Road 32.  Prior to attempting to shoot a picture of the apple tree I tried to find a suitable stopping place on the side of the road.  Having found a place, I switched on the hazard lights, I hoped out and walked about 200 yards to what I considered optimal positioning, as I couldn't walk down into the ditch.  As I walked my brain switched into oblivious mode with only one thought in my head... to try various settings on the camera.  After a few shots I started to wonder at the commotion behind me, turning I notice a vehicle full of men with their windows down.  As I turned they noticed I had a camera in my hands, waved and drove off. 

The apple tree

As I walked back to my car, I understood their concern... What they had seen was a vehicle parked on the side of the road with it's hazards on, and woman dressed in high heeled boots, no mittens, and no jacket. Regardless of the fact that I don't know the men who stopped, I am thankful that they did.  I was warmed by their act of chivalry.