Finding Ninee » Sharing our parenting and special needs stories with heart and humor.

I think that the most surprising part of new motherhood, for me, was the realization that I’d love my son no matter what. I’d love him because of and in spite of any of the whats and all of the whats. Which got me thinking. Over the years, I’ve loved many things.  Some, I’ve thrown […]

View full post »

by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
email a friend

  • Janine Huldie - I was crying reading this and really I joke, but I too just love being a mom (the good, the bad and the ugly). My girls are my world, just like Tucker is yours. Wonderful Kristi and seriously you really never cease to amaze me with how you do indeed finish the sentence!! 🙂August 15, 2013 – 10:06 pmReplyCancel

  • Rachel - It’s so funny that I, too, remember loving every single thing that you mentioned. Great memories, yet I’m so glad to be making new and different ones with my daughter each day. Change is good!August 15, 2013 – 10:11 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah | LeftBrainBuddha - What a lovely lovely tribute! It is truly the little things that make us love them so, and all the changes they go through. A friend once told me that she would always think, “this is the best stage!” and then they’d hit another one and she’d think “no, THIS is the best stage!” Beautiful post, mama.August 15, 2013 – 10:15 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Janine,
    While I’m sorry that I made you cry, I totally understand what you mean. Our kids ARE our worlds. Sometimes good. Sometimes bad. But mostly and forever beautiful.
    —
    Rachel,
    Change is good indeed!
    —
    Sarah,
    I love the idea of “this is the best stage!” because you’re right. They all are the best stages.
    —-August 15, 2013 – 10:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Considerer - I can always count on you to be another person who offers hope, that somewhere, parents are doing right by their kids and loving them as much as possible. You’re such a wonderful Mama, and thank you so much for sharing all the gorgeous, scrumptious, Tucker-ness, and your dear heart, with us.August 15, 2013 – 10:22 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa - This is incredibly beautiful, Kristi. Your son is blessed with love, handsomeness and probably a whole host of other awesome things I have yet to learn about!August 15, 2013 – 10:39 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for Real. - I LOVE that he says “eye-you Mommy!” Isn’t that the best thing ever? Being told by our kids that they love us, and that they understand what love is? And it makes you wonder what they will grow up loving, doesn’t it? I am still so freakin’ excited that you are hosting this thing with us! And I love learning more about you…August 15, 2013 – 10:46 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Considerer,
    I hope so. Didn’t feel like that tonight when I went upstairs and he was watching TV with the hubs….but thank you….
    —
    Lisa,
    I can’t wait to learn about the other things!
    —-
    Stephanie,
    I love that he says “eye-you mommy” too. So much. And whoop I’m still excited I’m hosting too!!!August 15, 2013 – 11:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Jessica - So beautiful! There are so many good things to love in this world. Especially our children. 🙂August 16, 2013 – 12:29 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Jessica,
    Yes to the children. Still, sometimes life and love and life and living – are so much harder than we’d imagined they would be, yes?August 16, 2013 – 1:16 amReplyCancel

  • Considerer - Ha! ‘feeling like’ and ‘doing it anyway’ are two different things. I know you know that 😉August 16, 2013 – 3:22 amReplyCancel

  • karen - oh man…I can’t stop crying…sniffles…that was beautiful…more sniffles. Kristi you captured how Tucker is the world to you…and that is the same as Dino is to me…all those little moments and more to come…okay more sniffles.August 16, 2013 – 5:52 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - I knew you’d hit this one out of the park, Kristi. I’ve been thinking about the used-to loves a lot this month since both my kids have August birthdays. All the little things I used to love about them being small, and all the little things that I love about them now. And as you so eloquently said, the fact that I will love them wholly and for always.August 16, 2013 – 9:01 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara - “His age and all of the ages before now and after now.” I love that so much. I used to love troll dolls and mood rocks and rocks too! And my Donald Duck – I actually still have him so maybe he’s not so forgotten. I won’t even let Scarlet touch him!

    This is beautiful.August 16, 2013 – 9:29 amReplyCancel

  • Jessica Smock - Oh, Kristi, such a thoughtful piece. It made me remember too. When I’m sitting with my son in the rocking chair, reading to him before a nap or at bedtime, that’s what takes me back too to all of those wonderful little “used to”s that I remember.August 16, 2013 – 9:47 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - I love your take on this, Kristi! I love that you went form your on childhood to Tucker’s! It was really beautiful!August 16, 2013 – 11:04 amReplyCancel

  • Chris at Hye Thyme Cafe - Beautifully written as always. Love the photos too. Had to laugh at the last one – wondering if it was intentional to cool down, or by mistake. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve inadvertently sprayed myself in the face with furniture polish or something by not checking the nozzle first!August 16, 2013 – 11:04 amReplyCancel

  • clark - …those forgotten things are (still) somewhere with us, and the wrapped up and put away things especially.

    Tucker-things lol I can identify with the emotional element captured in your words, the world that you experience, which is a way of saying how much I enjoy this blog Post.

    Nice.August 16, 2013 – 11:10 amReplyCancel

  • Erica - So sweet! I used to love mood rings and all the wrong boys, too. Thanks to the magic that is Facebook, I can see all the wrong boys are tragic- living at home with their parents at age 37, working in fast food, and mixing up “their” and “there.” Great post!August 16, 2013 – 11:48 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Awwwww, I love “his Tuckerness” and “eye-you” is adorable. Love that last picture of him too, did you catch that or was he doing it on purpose? And stinky feet that only a mother could love. 😉August 16, 2013 – 2:56 pmReplyCancel

  • Kathy Radigan - This was just the kind of “feel good” post I needed to read today, thank you!! I love all the pictures of your beautiful son!!!! I love the part where you say that although you always loved the idea of being a mom, actually being a mom is what you love most!! I feel the same way!August 16, 2013 – 4:44 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Life, Unexpectedly - What a sweet post, Kristi! Whether special needs or not, they all do drive us insane at times, but no matter what, they will never be a “used to love”! Your “used-to”s sound so much like mine 😉August 16, 2013 – 5:31 pmReplyCancel

  • Sara - Another great post.
    “Used-to loves” and “for-always loves.” I’m right there with ya.

    I can’t help but think that when you’re saying “I love you, Tucker,” he’s replying, “And I you, Mommy.” He’s a little English lord, trapped in an American’s body (the son of a Tennessee redneck, no less!! –haha, jk, hubby).

    🙂 Huge hugsAugust 16, 2013 – 6:33 pmReplyCancel

  • Jamie@SouthMainMuse - What a cutie. I remember thinking the same way when I was cleaning up a child’s mess. Never had done anything like that — willingly — for any soul on earth before.August 16, 2013 – 7:23 pmReplyCancel

  • Deb @ Urban Moo Cow - I mean, is it possible that you can find a new way to make me bawl every single time?! That first paragraph is pure magic. I’m sharing this everywhere, but not tonight at one in the morning when no one will see it…August 17, 2013 – 1:04 amReplyCancel

  • Shay - Ah, troll dolls! I used to love them, too. And the card games and drinking with friends and the meeting new people and the hope that comes along with it…I loved all that, too. And now I love the little things and the big things that make up my daily life, like reading, writing, working out, working, time off, even the daily nuances like cleaning. But most of all–I love my boys. The hubs and our two little guys. Thanks for this post, Kristi.August 17, 2013 – 7:37 amReplyCancel

  • Jen - You are such an awesome mama. And really an awesome person, because you are so right about all the looking back stuff. It’s so strange when you realize you lived a lifetime before this awesome person came into your life. ( i mean tucker, not me) I just love Isaiah so much. I couldn’t ever have known.
    Beautiful post my friend!August 17, 2013 – 11:39 amReplyCancel

  • a happier girl - So sweet. Becoming a mother reminds me of the part of The Grinch where his heart grows three sizes. Never knew I could love something as much as my children.August 17, 2013 – 1:55 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - I just love the thinking you put into these finish-the-sentence posts and how you so eloquently express yourself. I probably would have written something like, “I used to love hot tea and now I only drink iced tea…” Real deep, right?! I’m going to blame my lack of focus lately and convince myself that under different circumstances, I’d come up with a decent post for this one…until then, I’ll just keep reading yours! (and actually I’ll read them anyway no matter what as you know)August 17, 2013 – 3:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Louise - Such a beautiful and well written post that I’m not sure what to speak to as I comment. Um – yay trolls! Another groups of toys I saved from my childhood and passed on to my kids. And I think I still sort of love meeting and talking to strangers from time to time – the freeing anonymity those few odd times I go out to pubs with friends.

    And beautiful writing about loving most of your sons hims. Such a parenting truth.August 17, 2013 – 10:57 pmReplyCancel

  • Jean - You know I’m loving a post when I have to copy and paste parts of it in my response…

    “While I can’t say that I love all of the hims, all of the time, I love most of the hims enough of the time”

    You find that true for Tucker and I find that so true for my 3 year old tornado.

    This post is full of love and I respect how you can convey that through your words and still remember that you are expressing love for your son with his not so perfect days and stinky feet.August 18, 2013 – 1:55 pmReplyCancel

  • Sylvia - This is so sweet, though I must say your doll sounds hideous! I used to love trolls too and I was fascinated by mood rings!August 21, 2013 – 12:25 amReplyCancel

As those of you have been here for a while know, Our Land began as a worried-mommy blog post, in which I wondered whether a school photo of my son was adorable or him desperately needing a break. I wondered whether I was looking at autism. People responded, and it’s grown into a series of […]

View full post »

by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
email a friend

  • Janine Huldie - Kenya, I had great experiences and not so great experiences, too in school. Your post reminded me of my 4th grade teacher, who actually told my parents at a parent-teacher conference that I was nervous. I honestly just remember how mean she was and how she never seemed to smile. But then in 2nd grade, i had a teacher who not only believed in me, but let me shine in her class. Both was reasons that I wanted to become a teacher, because I knew the good and the bad and truly wanted to be more like the good then anything else in my future students’ minds. This really was such a wonderful post and if either of my girls need me I know I will be just like you were with Christopher last year and be the mama bear for sure!August 14, 2013 – 9:50 amReplyCancel

  • Katia - Kenya is a beutiful girl and a beautiful woman inside and out. It is quite incredibe that it takes so little to give so much. I write this with a lump in my throat. Thanks so much for sharing this, Kenya.August 14, 2013 – 9:50 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Thanks for having me Kristi. I love the picture placements. And what am I crying for? I’ve read this a million times. Well I think it had to do with you crying again. LOL 😉August 14, 2013 – 9:52 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Janine – thank you! My parents stepped in with a bad teacher experience I had in high school with an English teacher. It was an AP class and I deserved to be there. It didn’t work out because she did make me feel bad about myself. I had to take regular English which turned out to be harder and the experience that solidified my desire to be a writer.August 14, 2013 – 9:56 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Thank you Katia. I feel like I’ll be having tear flashes all day. So true that it takes so little to give so much.August 14, 2013 – 9:58 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Kenya,
    THANK YOU for allowing me to share your words. And you just did it again. *sniff*
    —
    Janine,
    I agree that this is a wonderful post. I’m glad that you did have an amazing teacher but am bummed to read that you, too, had a not-so-great experience. Sigh.
    —
    Katia,
    I suppose there are lumps all around!
    —August 14, 2013 – 10:11 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - Your story touched me, Kenya. It reminded me that even the smallest act of kindness can be life altering, especially for a child. So many times spreading hope is so easy to do – why don’t we all do it more often?August 14, 2013 – 10:15 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Dana,
    Yes! Why don’t we do it more often?? Let’s start!August 14, 2013 – 10:19 amReplyCancel

  • Kathy - Kenya, as usual your post resonates. I went to a predominantly all white school, but one of my best friends was one of the only black girls in the school. We both went to Penn State afterwards, and were room mates. As much as I “thought” I understood when she would tell me how different she felt growing up in an all white school district… There was truly no way I could. One Saturday night at Penn State she asked me to go to one of the all black dances held on campus. What??!?? It was with great trepidation that I went. But what an eye opener it was to TRULY feel different, out of place, stared at, and the subject of some pretty cruel comments. It’s been 30 years later, and I still tell my friend it was one of the greatest learning experiences of my life! Sometimes we all need to have our eyes opened. And your post also accomplished that 🙂August 14, 2013 – 10:40 amReplyCancel

  • Considerer - Absolutely gorgeous Our Land piece, Kenya. Totally worth waiting for.

    You were blessed with an AMAZING teacher! So glad that you were then able to pass that kind of help and support down to your son. THAT’S the kind of cycle I like to see 🙂August 14, 2013 – 11:00 amReplyCancel

  • Michelle - This was amazing! I was all choked up reading it. I hope all of our children have a Mrs. Swears in their life! We all have the opportunity to make a difference in other’s lives. And if we choose to do so, our world becomes a better place. It’s a wonderful reminder…thank you for sharing it! I am going to try to be even more mindful of it. Thank you!August 14, 2013 – 11:05 amReplyCancel

  • Deb @ Urban Moo Cow - Amazing, Kenya. So evocative. Not to minimize your experience with race at such a young age, but I do think your words ring true for many of us who felt like outsiders in our own world.

    Also, I want to say how impressed I am with your ability to stay calm with your son’s teacher and really hear where she was coming from. We are all coming from somewhere, aren’t we….August 14, 2013 – 11:33 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I think I’m crying with you right now – from the happy, fuzzy things (the doll, “Miss Swears”) and I’m also crying a bit for myself. My father waited on line for hours just to order me a Cabbage Patch Kid and he didn’t live to see when they were finally delivered to us as surprises.
    I remember every name of anyone who ever taunted me and anyone who made a great difference. I’m happy that the second list is much larger, or else maybe I have forgotten or let go of a few from the first column. May our lists of the good things grow!August 14, 2013 – 11:45 amReplyCancel

  • mytwicebakedpotato - As a mother and a teacher, this post was a wonderful reminder about the importance of our words and the way we can impact a child.
    Thank you 😉August 14, 2013 – 12:02 pmReplyCancel

  • Jessica - Kristi, I just love this series! And Kenya, this was such a wonderful post. Miss Swears was right about what she told you, and when we believe in someone in a way that they don’t believe in themselves, we should definitely share it. Especially with children so young and impressionable. I’m also impressed by the way you took control of your son’s school experience. We should all care so much about each other. Thank you so much for sharing!August 14, 2013 – 2:56 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for Real. - That was beautiful, Kenya, and I’m with Kristi- you made me cry, too. Your story was both heart-wrenching and inspiring. What a perfect addition to this series.August 14, 2013 – 3:44 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Dana – Thank you! I’ll be the first to admit we just get caught up in our lives and sometimes it takes having an experience or reading about one to recognize where we can do better.August 14, 2013 – 4:05 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Kathy – thank you for stopping by. I can almost hear your friend, “Oh you’ll be fine.” It just goes to show how close the two of you were – probably like sisters – that she thought nothing of it. Thanks for sharing your experience.August 14, 2013 – 4:11 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Lizzi, Thank you. It’s a moment I can see so clearly. If I were an actress and had to tear up on cue with a smile, that’s a scene I would reflect on. I feel like I am holding my breath to find out what Christopher’s teacher will be like this year.August 14, 2013 – 4:15 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Michelle – thank you. That’s exactly what the Our Land series does. I’ve said the exact same thing. We can be mindful of what we learned and apply it to our lives.August 14, 2013 – 4:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Thank you Deb! It truly took me a few days once I decided okay that’s the last straw. I talked to my husband. Then I talked to my mom and dad who were no help. My dad wanted to drive here and go to the meeting with me. LOL! I had bullet points when I went to visit her. She was probably scared when I pulled out two sheets of paper and spoke with a shaky voice. But it really did go over very well. By the end of October I was helping her with something at the schools Fall Harvest party – and I never volunteer for stuff like that. 😉August 14, 2013 – 4:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Tamara – Every time someone writes “cry” there I have go again – especially after your following comment. Thank you for sharing that with us.

    Yes my “taunted list” is short too but it is sad to remember the first and last names this many years later. Some of the people who were really wonderful I can’t remember their names at all.August 14, 2013 – 4:31 pmReplyCancel

  • Darcy Perdu - Makes me so happy to know that the Mrs. Swears of the world are making a difference. And yes of course I cried at that part! Loved this post!August 14, 2013 – 4:37 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - Beautiful Kenya! As a former teacher, I can only hope I had that kind of positive impact on at least one of the children who found their way to my classroom. I also hope that my three daughters will have teachers as special as Ms. Swears! A little compassion certainly goes a long way – sometimes even more than we realize.August 14, 2013 – 4:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - mytwicebakedpotato – Thank you for your comment. I have so much respect for the work you do. I know it takes a lot and you need the parents to meet you halfway.August 14, 2013 – 4:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Jessica – thank you. I love this series too. I’ve learned a lot through everyone’s experiences. I was proud of myself too for the way things went for the meeting at school. It was so early in the school year and I really didn’t want to mess anything up for him. When he initially said he didn’t want with me to meet with her because he didn’t want her to know he said something and he didn’t want her to get it trouble it did take me down a few notches.August 14, 2013 – 4:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - I haven’t thanked everyone for tweeting this out. THANK YOU!

    Stephanie yours was the most recent share – so thank you. There go my misty eyes again!August 14, 2013 – 4:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Thank you so much Darcy. I mentioned in a earlier reply every time someone mentions that this post made them cry I tear up again. But I’m still here – blowing my nose 😉August 14, 2013 – 4:56 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Lisa – my wish for you is that one of your former students comes back to tell you that you did. That reminds me we have a couple of visits to make before school starts – one to Christopher’s preschool teacher and one to his Kindergarten teacher. It means a lot to them.August 14, 2013 – 5:01 pmReplyCancel

  • Joi @ Rx Fitness Lady - Hi there! I am actually a guest of Kenya’s today after her post yesterday so I am already quite familiar with her wonderful words. Glad to be here.

    Kenya, I love your Ms. Swears! I think that is the goal of some bloggers. I know it is for me in the area of health, fitness, and a full balanced life. I went to school with my Mother but with similar minority demographics. I didn’t have quite that experience (I think I am about 5 years or so behind you) but the 6 black girls in the entire class (all 4 classes) remained tight all the way through elementary school. I have had Ms. Swears in other situations though and constantly try to duplicate that effort.August 14, 2013 – 6:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Considerer - Let us cross our fingers that her attitude is as wonderful as Miss Swears’ was 🙂August 14, 2013 – 7:59 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Thanks for stopping by Joi. I love your blog, it is well-balanced with entertainment and information. You’ve done so well in a short time.

    Sweet of you to say but I am way more close to ten years older than you, I remember your birthday you just had and I called you a “young-in”. 😉

    Reading all the comments today, I thought earlier how Ms. Swears is still making a difference 😉August 14, 2013 – 9:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Lanaya | Raising Reagan - Such a beautiful post. Growing up in a bi-racial family I know all to well the scrutiny placed upon those that are “different” in their surroundings.
    Teaching hope to those is such an important lesson. The smallest acts of kindness really do make a difference.
    Reagan will know that she has every right to stand up for herself and for others.

    ¤´¨)
    ¸.•*´
    (¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
    Raising-Reagan.comAugust 14, 2013 – 10:55 pmReplyCancel

  • Alison Hector - Kenya, the way you described your experience really touched me!

    “How would you choose to be remembered? Helpful, indifferent or not at all?” Here’s the thing (you know I couldn’t resist using your line!): people often don’t realize how much of a difference little gestures and a few kind words can make. It’s especially so when we are in some way different from the majority.

    Your teacher sowed seeds that turned things around for you. I know I always pray to be one who would be remembered as “helpful.” What on earth else are we here for?

    Thanks so much for sharing.August 14, 2013 – 11:50 pmReplyCancel

  • K - Kenya, this is beautiful — positively beautiful! I am loving Our Land more and more each week. Thank you for this amazing addition to the series!August 15, 2013 – 12:19 amReplyCancel

  • SocialButterflyMom - It breaks my heart to see kids excluded. Thanks for the reminder for us all to be “includers.”August 15, 2013 – 7:11 amReplyCancel

  • Colleen @ MommieDaze - I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how I can have a more positive impact on people I encounter. This is a great encouragement.August 15, 2013 – 10:20 amReplyCancel

  • Allie - Just beautiful. And I think everyone can relate! I’m Cuban and Italian and no one really knew what to make of me in school. I had darker skin and thick, curly black hair. Needless to say, I was teased quite a bit. I absolutely remember the people’s names who bullied me but more importantly, those who raised me up!…most especially my MOM! Thank you for this…what an inspiring story!August 15, 2013 – 1:04 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Lanaya – thank you for your comment as well. I am sure you feel that Mama Bear protection for your child as we all do.August 15, 2013 – 1:17 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Alison – that’s so true. To be indifferent is truly selfish. Thank you for your comment, and I love it when people “Here’s the thing” back at me 😉August 15, 2013 – 1:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Thank you K – I appreciate it!

    Thank you Social Butterfly – “when we know better, we do better.” 😉

    Colleen – I’m all pumped up now to do the same thing. Actions speak louder than words don’t they.

    Allie – Thank you for your comment. I think that being in school was such a big chunk of our day. On school days when it really came down to it, I only had a couple hours with my parents during the week. But just imagine six or more hours in school with someone who picks on you – that makes them unforgettable.August 15, 2013 – 1:33 pmReplyCancel

  • Rachel - I’m so glad that you had that teacher! Clearly, she (and probably many others) helped guide you and make you the beautiful woman you are today! Really touching post.August 15, 2013 – 2:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Thanks Rachel! Sadly out of 12 years of grade school, there were only three. But they all made a big impact.August 15, 2013 – 3:06 pmReplyCancel

  • Julie Phelps - So glad I came across this. Beautiful.
    Teachers are such important ingredients in the lives of our young people, yet much of society seems to discount their importance.

    I assisted a teacher of kindergartners in a private school many years ago. I never really had that much interest in teaching, much less teaching 5 and 6 year olds. But it was part of the tuition bargain I struck with the administrators of the school. My son needed that school but our funds were short. The school was in real need of a teacher assistant so I was “it”.

    The class consisted of about 25 children. It was located in a small town in rural Missouri. Just one of the students was a minority race; her dark skin color was in sharp contrast to all the other little white children. The teacher was wonderful with all the children – a very capable person who conveyed love with a gentle spirit. But one child was difficult for either of us to manage: the girl of dark skin color. She would scream or hit or otherwise act out without warning. Then she would break into tears. She seemed unable to allow friendships with the others. She was certainly not enjoying her time in class.

    Her family was from Ethiopia – her father was doing a year’s residency at the local university. Her English skills were pretty good, and her parents seemed well educated as well as quite interested in becoming part of the community. But their daughter’s behavior was a concern to them as well as the school. No one seemed to know what to do to turn things around. I was no expert so was simply on the sidelines, awaiting instruction.

    When she struck out at others one of us would rush to intervene, explaining that it was not appropriate to hit other people. She defiantly rebelled, attempting to break free and run away or else continue hitting the other child. Of course it was concerning, but was also sad to see.

    One day I sat beside her for the majority of class time, hoping to find a way to redirect her into some sort of happy engagement. At one point her expression indicated she was about to strike out again. Since she had just completed a nice little crayon drawing, I impulsively put my arm around her shoulders and hugged her while commenting on the nice artwork. To my surprise, she turned in her chair and put her long little arms around my neck. She held on for some time. No outbursts followed that afternoon.

    Next day, she tentatively entered the classroom, looking for me. She sat quietly, then watched to see if I came close. I did, on purpose, and concentrated on her for most of the class time. She reached out to touch my hand repeatedly. We’d connected. I know it sounds simplistic, but I felt that reaching out to hug her as I did let her know she was accepted, liked, and connected to another human being.
    For the rest of the year she behaved as well as any other child in the class. She no longer had her meltdowns and no longer hit other classmates.
    Once her behavior became non-aggressive, other students befriended her.
    What a change.

    At the end of the school year, all parents attended for the celebration. Her parents approached me and thanked me for being a friend to their daughter. She had mentioned me at home many times so they knew about our relationship. I was very surprised. She cried when it was time to part. So did I.

    As we all said our farewells her parents gave me a gift, along with a hand-written invitation to come to their home a few days later. My son (her classmate) and I located their rental and were graciously invited in. We all sat around, sharing juices and cookies, while their sweet daughter snugged up close to me on the sofa. They told me I had made their year in the United States a positive memory for them and their daughter.

    I share that because all I did was follow my motherly instincts and hug a child. I was not trying to do anything more than offer comfort and show acceptance of a person who was obviously in distress. While writing this it occurred to me that such physical touching would not be appropriate anymore. It is no longer approved behavior. But it made a real difference in the life of that one little girl.
    It also made a real difference in my heart. Even if I develop Alzheimers I wager I will still remember the feel of her long thin arms encircling my neck.August 15, 2013 – 6:35 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Wooooooow! Julie Julie Julie!!! Thank you for sharing that story! How beautiful! Just when I thought I was done crying here. Oh I’ve got goosebumps too. I was reading your story in anticipation of a happy ending. I am so glad there was one and that your motherly instincts kicked in. Wow, I wonder how often that is the case with the little ones who act out at the beginning of the school year? They just need a hug to feel welcomed. I’ve seen that and I wonder if there is anything their peers can do to help. Very very interesting. I think the male teachers of young children probably are more careful with the boundaries (that’s my guess) but otherwise I have observed hugs. Thank you so much for your comment here.August 15, 2013 – 7:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Considerer - Julie, that’s a gorgeous story. Thank goodness for you. It’s so frustrating the way teachers are barriered from connecting with their students properly any more. There are times when the rules seem quite inhumane.August 15, 2013 – 8:04 pmReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - Sooo… THIS is what I have been missing all this time? I LOVE this series!!!! WOW! And I love your story Kenya! So powerful. I have to share my latest post, because it resonates so deeply with the power of teachers in our children’s lives. I really feel you would approve! Here it is:
    http://themomcafe.com/dear-teacher/August 15, 2013 – 10:23 pmReplyCancel

  • Rosey - My second oldest had a bad teacher experience in 1st grade. The teacher just did not like him, and anything I could do mattered very little to her.

    His 2nd grade teacher was that teacher’s best friend, with her room directly across the hall. He was doomed before he entered, labeled as ‘that kid.’ For a child that young, one year was A LOT, two years was too much. Though he had moments in jr. high and high school w/teachers he like, he never really did like school again. That childhood kind of trust was broken and it couldn’t get repaired. That breaks MY heart still (and he’s grown now). I’m glad you had a happier ending.

    I love your writing here, and your story too.August 15, 2013 – 10:28 pmReplyCancel

  • Jen - This is awesome Kenya. I really love this post. I have two teachers that left very strong impressions on me. One when my father was dying and I was a senior in high school. She was supportive and pushed me through my depression to write. And then again in college, when I started feeling like writing wasn’t for me because I wasn’t a feminist with a cause, while all my female teachers and classmates were. She wasn’t, she saw me for who I was and encouraged me to keep writing my way. I guess she made an impression?
    Love this post, love your memories. I am glad you had Miss Swears!August 16, 2013 – 12:21 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Chris – I enjoyed your post – I approve! Thank you for sharing it. Yep and this is what you have been missing. It’s a dose of realism and/or inspiration some way or another each week. Thanks for stopping by.August 16, 2013 – 9:31 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Thank you Rosey. Yeah I don’t want that to happen. Christopher has no love for school yet. I would love for a teacher to turn that around for him. The same goes for coaches of sports too. That’s a whole ‘nother story.August 16, 2013 – 9:34 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Jen – that’s wonderful. I like that “your way”. I found writing college papers more fun when I did it “my way”. Last year when Christopher came home and told me he didn’t like to draw anymore because he couldn’t do it the way the art teacher wanted him to do it, that really annoyed me. I didn’t intervene though. I just told him he could draw however he wanted to at home and then we went and bought some art supplies 😉August 16, 2013 – 9:39 amReplyCancel

  • Rosey - Kenya is a great writer and a great blogger. She’s the one that instantly comes to mind for me when asked the question, “With which blogger would you like to live in the same city?” I would love to go to lunch with her, get the kids together to play, meet her mom and dad, lol. SO not even kidding. I KNOW I don’t know her mom and dad, but I feel like I sort of do, lolol!!

    This was a great post of hers to feature. Have a great Friday!!May 16, 2014 – 8:57 amReplyCancel

Hi friends!  Happy Tuesday. It’s Twisted Mixed Tape day and I’ll be sharing duos and duets that I love. And what’s the difference between a duo and a duet, anyway? I’m embarrassed to say that yesterday (from a red light because only morons text and drive), I texted Jen about today’s topic. First, I couldn’t […]

View full post »

by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
email a friend

  • Considerer - Ohhhh look at that picture! I love how you’re so absolutely cool putting that kind of internal dialogue out there, illustrated and gorgeous.

    Great list and story though.

    (Scarborough Fair is my favourite – I haven’t learned all the words yet, but I sing it to Niece and Neff at bedtime, snuggled in with them, to send them to bed. I love it BIGlots!)August 13, 2013 – 12:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Considerer,
    You mean because I’m moronic? I think that’s what makes it fun.
    And I love Scarborough Fair BIGlots too 😉
    —August 13, 2013 – 12:22 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - Love that you went with duos and yes Whiskey Lullaby has to the be the saddest song ever, even if it is beautiful. And what were S&G saying if not parsley, rosemary and sage?August 13, 2013 – 12:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - I am a fan of Simon and Garfunkel just from watching The Graduate. In watching The Graduate where they come in with the lyrics always makes me laugh. I’m not done clicking on videos yet. Just wanted to let you know that I am well rested and not sure about the duo and duet difference either.

    So a Fruck is a thing? That’s how my brother used to pronounce Truck until he got his TR’s down. There were Fruck and Fractors.August 13, 2013 – 12:39 pmReplyCancel

  • JenKehl - Ahhhh….smokey overcrowded cars… how I miss that. Really. I really do. Well, I miss the smokey part. Do you know how many cigarette burns there were in my own car, right where my crotch should be? I am lucky I got out of there alive! I LOVE YOUR MIX love your story even more, because laughing is good. So good.August 13, 2013 – 12:44 pmReplyCancel

  • Quick Stepp- Melissa - Big smiles for Human League.August 13, 2013 – 12:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Delayed reaction. Oooooooooh! Lol! I get it now. Choking on salad now.August 13, 2013 – 1:04 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Kenya,
    SORRY!
    —August 13, 2013 – 1:45 pmReplyCancel

  • Sara - Hey, I thought *I* introduced you to Whiskey Lullaby…? Back when I was singing Alison Krauss’ praises and directed you to the album she did with Robert Plant, I thought I played it for you then. Oh well, maybe Robert needs the credit/bonus points more than I. 🙂

    They are TOTALLY saying “sage, rosemary, & I.” You are SMART.

    So why was it called the Fruck? I’m going to need a much more detailed explanation on that. 😉

    Will have to listen/watch videos from home. Stupid work won’t let me run flash players from the office. Ugh!
    Hugs!August 13, 2013 – 1:51 pmReplyCancel

  • clark - cigarettes are to booze what a cap and gown are to graduation!

    (no!! wait!!)

    cigarettes are to booze what ketchup and onions and grapenuts and powdered milk at 5:15 am before taking the MAT…

    (still not it!)

    cigarettes and booze are to the social graces as eloquence and poise are to getting lucking before ‘last call’

    that’s it! (now.. duos are to duets as ‘want to see my etchings’ are to..August 13, 2013 – 2:04 pmReplyCancel

  • clark - …damn! the music thing
    a hit with the Brad and Alison…liked the S&G but that was part of the polio vaccines in the lates 60’s secret ingrediant… and the SNL was excellent. (in another bit, Joe Piscopo’s Sinatra was muttering about ‘that bald chick, what’s her name, Sinbad? yeah that was it’)

    you adn Jen, total girl genuae of the MixTape worldAugust 13, 2013 – 2:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Darla @ Mom's World - LOVE your mix! Pretty much all of those songs were ones that I either have never heard before or haven’t heard since the 80s! Thanks for sharing and being so awesome! <3August 13, 2013 – 3:55 pmReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - Ok, seriously now I am going to have to break out my Simon & Garfunkel CD’s, because reading all these posts those names keep coming up. Always loved them, but now I have to hear them again, because of this. Oh I am with you and feel a bit stupid,but didn’t know the difference between the two either. Thanks for sharing it isn’t just me!!!August 13, 2013 – 4:13 pmReplyCancel

  • christine - Thank you, thank you for adding SNL to your list! So funny.

    Simon and Garfunkel was a great addition. I would have put them in mine, too, if I could. Unfortunately, none of their songs remind me of my husband. I even asked my husband, “Does this remind you of us? Give me something so I can include one!”

    And I can’t believe your college actually had a van, promoting girls to spend their nights with the boys. That astounds me. But, what do I know about all-girl or all-boy schools? Zip.August 13, 2013 – 4:30 pmReplyCancel

  • Dream - I just love the personal stories you’re able to add to each week’s mixtape. You managed to dredge up an unfortunate memory of my own of my 5th grade choir class singing Scarborough Fair. ugh. But I’ve always liked the Human League song for some reason and of course the Joe Piscopo and Eddie Murphy was hilarious and is a classic. I vaguely remember seeing that original airing of SNL.August 13, 2013 – 5:30 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for Real. - That made me laugh so hard! It took me a minute to figure it out, too… Whenever I read your TMTT posts, it always makes me wish we could be young and cool and hang out in real life. I realize that is a logistical impossibility. 🙁

    Also, I still kind of hate country, but I too love Lady Antebellum.

    And OK, FINE. I sort of like Taylor Swift. (Running away now.)August 13, 2013 – 5:34 pmReplyCancel

  • Lori Lavender Luz - You and Jen taught me something today.

    Don’t You Want Me is one of my faves. And OK, so you sent me slumping with Whiskey Lullaby, but I came out of the funk with your last entry.

    Loved your choice of duets! And duos.August 13, 2013 – 5:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - Our version of “The Fruck” was “The Drunk Bus.” It ran from 2:00 am until whenever. It was driven by a hot man who probably thought we were all ridiculous. I rode the bus for only ONE of three potential reasons:
    1. I was very drunk and it was a huge campus.
    2. I was trying to get over my vomit phobia and someone was always yelling, “We’ve got a puker back here!” It’s cheaper than therapy.
    3. I had a crush on what’s-his-name, not Monique.August 13, 2013 – 8:05 pmReplyCancel

  • Rachel - So…A duo does a duet (say that three times fast). Now, see, I had no idea that I was going to come over here for a music post and learn something that I didn’t know. You are full of surprises, Kristi! I would have had to google the difference too. We can be a stupid duo now.August 13, 2013 – 9:13 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Kerri,
    They were saying “parsley, sage, rosemary and ____ ” the last, I assumed was “I” but was, in fact thyme. Whatevs. I is better.
    —
    Kenya.
    Um. Like I said on Twitter…not sure you want to know what Fruck is…although apparently, you are not alone…
    —
    Jen~ (jean wtf i am an asshole)
    I adore you and YES to the ciggie burns in between our legs although mine were more on my shoulder from lame ash-flicking from the window that blew back in and down my shirt…
    —
    Melissa,
    Hellz ya to Human League.
    —August 13, 2013 – 10:30 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - SARA.
    actually, yes, you did. I’m sorry. Hubs was a big fan too but now that you mentioned it, you totally played it for me and I was more caught up in trying to not cry…than in where it came from. I stand totally corrected. It was ALL YOU and no, hubs does not need props more now because we’re dealing with this weird “how to correct Tucker” thing that he’s on my shitlist for. I mean. Sorry. I adore him. But YOU SO GET credit for that heart-tearing-it-out-of-my-body song. Sigh. It is beautiful though…
    —August 13, 2013 – 10:32 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Clark,
    Holyfuckallfuckall,
    Yes.and UM please you are in my head. I fear that peeps will realize that we are all the same generic clarkbot – because maybe we are??
    —August 13, 2013 – 10:39 pmReplyCancel

  • Jessica - Great tunes! I love the Paisley/Krauss one, although I agree, it’s very sad. I love hearing about your younger days, too. So fun. And thanks for teaching us the difference between duos and duets. 🙂August 14, 2013 – 1:09 amReplyCancel

  • Considerer - ‘Moronic’ – yeah, course. Xackly what I mean. *facepalm*

    You’re so adorkable! :pAugust 14, 2013 – 4:01 amReplyCancel

  • Rich Rumple - Interesting tunes. Of course, Simon & Garfunkel are wondering how “I” ever became a spice, but I’m sure they’ll forgive you. 🙂 The Fruck was an interesting concept. It looks kind of like a van that would be transporting prisoners back to the institution. Thank God it wasn’t the 70’s so you didn’t have to worry about wearing orange jumpsuits, too! Well done!August 14, 2013 – 4:19 amReplyCancel

  • that cynking feeling - I won’t be writing my own post, but I’m going to visit everyone else to see if they are familiar with the greatest duo of all time: “Islands in the Stream” as performed by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers.
    Ah, that brings back many a memory of youthful longing.August 19, 2013 – 2:10 pmReplyCancel

It’s that time again. Well, it’s actually quite past that time for my lovely co-hosts who are all more organized and less of a procrastinator than I am, it seems. Anyway, Tucker didn’t nap today and I ate way too much for lunch so here goes. Also, I’m feeling really overwhelmed. I love this, and […]

View full post »

by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
email a friend

  • Tatum - OH M.G. Look at all the bloogers who are thankful. I feel a little cool that my post today has a the word thanks in it to because then I kind of (but not really…I’m not that consistent to be a regular of anything) belong.

    Anyway, why I’m really writing – that picture of Tucker! Oh, bliss. I hope my new job takes me to DC. I need to meet this bus lovin’ cutey. I love his joy. I’m glad you got time with him and didn’t spend too much time writing your thanks when you could live them.

    PS – your side boob thing is pretty great too.August 12, 2013 – 12:08 amReplyCancel

  • Considerer - You’re my favourite today.

    You have such sweetness and determination to do this even though you’re swamped. You deserve more than a crappy Golden Sideboob (and yes, just to see if you’re brazen enough – who’re you nominating? I’d suggest Tatum…) for your efforts.

    Joy’s wonderful and I’m so glad that you and she made contact. The blogosphere is great for that (loved your post over there btw).

    REALLY glad you got to do some lovely, nourishing IRL things (even if one was getting a mattress) – I hope that they recharged you and replenished some of your resources.

    Blame me for anything – I can take it 🙂August 12, 2013 – 12:22 amReplyCancel

  • Jak - Whew, you made it! Talk about wanting that last place award! I’ll have to see if there were anymore stragglers 🙂
    –
    Sounds like a crazy week, and I forgot all about the guest posting over at Joy’s so I will have to make it over there this week to check them out!
    –
    Yeah… those boobies are everywhere now! It’s like a zombie apocalypse only more erotic!
    –
    Sounds like you and Tucker got in some quality time. That picture is adorable 🙂
    –
    Jak at The Cryton Chronicles & Dreams in the Shade of InkAugust 12, 2013 – 2:39 amReplyCancel

  • SocialButterflyMom - Gratitude journal posts- we should all do them!August 12, 2013 – 7:13 amReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - That last picture of Tucker is too cute and totally priceless!! And I am with you on the awards, I sometimes have trouble keeping up, too.August 12, 2013 – 7:54 amReplyCancel

  • Dyanne @ I Want Backsies - The wheels on the bus go ’round and ’round… LOVE the picture! What a happy face!

    And you officially win the Last Post award (Christine thought she had it sewn up, but I knew you’d come through at the last minute).

    Going over to Joy’s to check out your guest post. Don’t have a cow.August 12, 2013 – 10:01 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I’m very excited for our own fairs – they haven’t started yet out here. Very soon! Loving the golden sideboob. Now I’m going to read your guest post, you thankful person, you!August 12, 2013 – 10:27 amReplyCancel

  • Kerri - Love, love, love that picture of Tucker. Even happier that there were no girls in their thigh-highs in the background. I’m not sure I get the whole side boob thing…and think you are pretty brave having that and an almost co-blog with Rich.

    I’m sorry we seem to have had the same type of week. Let’s hope the next one is better!August 12, 2013 – 4:04 pmReplyCancel

About 15 years ago, my dad gave me a four-page article on procrastination. I assume that it outlined some common reasons why people procrastinate, and what steps we should take in order to overcome it. I use the word “assume” because I never read it. I never read it and it was only four pages […]

View full post »

by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
email a friend

  • Janine Huldie - Oh man, I try my best not to let thoughts like this consume me, but yes I do have my moments, too, but wish my thoughts looked like your drawings. Seriously you always leave me in awe of them. And I am really so happy you are joining us now every week and can’t tell you how happy and excited I am!! 🙂August 8, 2013 – 10:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Considerer - Completely love your pictures. And yes, you do have rather a habit of crashing into things sideways at the last moment, huh? S’ok – it’s endearing – you pull it off.

    So excited for you with the hostess gig. Congrats 🙂August 8, 2013 – 10:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah - Those same thoughts go through my head every time I fly…. so morbid! But having little ones make us think that way I guess. Love the pictures!August 8, 2013 – 10:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - Kristi, I feel like I’ve just visited my own head. Honestly, it scared me a little. From the procrastination and our similar introductions to imagine death to buying the shoes that cost $100 because they didn’t cost $300. Of course you did this more brilliantly then I could ever have. You continue outdoing yourself every week. LOVED.August 8, 2013 – 10:54 pmReplyCancel

  • dawn - I love the pictures you did to correlate with your thoughts. I had a co-worker that used to call that “HotDogging”. One day, we were in a meeting and our boss asked her a question about make up and she answered, “I think I’ll have a hot dog and fries. Maybe with pickles…what did you ask?” So, our boss asked her how she got to where she was…her thoughts went something like this:
    Make up is my job~I love my job~I love my husband~My husband likes shoes~We need to get him new shoes~Maybe we can get dinner with that~I can’t wait for the state fair~I’ll get a hot dog and fries…and the rest is verbal history!

    Can’t wait to link up with you in the near future 😉
    ~dawnAugust 8, 2013 – 11:13 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Janine,
    maybe all moms/parents have these thoughts? And thanks, you. I’m excited to be hosting every week. Look. This week already made me not procrastinate!
    —
    Considerer,
    Yeah. Sideways. Sigh. Thanks though!
    —
    Sarah,
    UGH it’s awfully morbid and awfully awful! Let’s stop doing it!
    —
    Katia,
    I bought the shoes. Sigh.
    —
    Dawn,
    Hey! Hotdogging!! I love that! I do the same thing. I guess we all do and thank you so much. I hope, very much, that you’ll continue to come play. Very very best of luck in all of your new ventures.
    —-August 8, 2013 – 11:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Mom Rants and Comfy Pants - This post scared me because I felt like maybe I had written it. But then again, I procrastinate too much so that couldn’t have been possible. And you have totally cute pictures so I just KNEW I didn’t write it. But I could have. It was scary how similar our thought processes are!!August 9, 2013 – 2:34 amReplyCancel

  • Christine M. (Cool Mom) - Tech Support for Stanley & Katrina - Love, love, love your pictures. Yep, that same fear hits me at random times too – usually when I’m about to have some sort of independent fun. How you can make such a morbid subject so amusing is quite a talent. Have a great day!August 9, 2013 – 6:11 amReplyCancel

  • karenq - Okay I am laughing so hard right now because I CAN TOTALLY RELATE. Hubby gets mad at me for the same illogical thinking. I worry about that all the time then wind up crying thinking that Dino will grow up without me and never know me. I worry when I go out with him and do my version of a scan, freaking out and looking for the safe place to hide or run if something were to happen. you are so not alone babe…thank you for sharing it.August 9, 2013 – 6:25 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - I do this. I think I wrote that in a comment to you before. It was a day like this too I think where I was meeting my dad halfway to pick up Christopher or either I was driving all the way to go get him. It’s like I hold my breath for the entire back and forth exchange and I feel good when everybody is back where they belong. One recently while Christopher was gone was my husband had to drive out of town for a doc appt. It was raining really hard. I didn’t want to go anyway but what was going on in my head was if was going to be in a car accident, it didn’t need to happen to both of us. Isn’t that terrible. I definitely don’t like all my people being on an airplane at the same time either. Anyway I went with him out of town, the sun came out, we are all fine. I’ll get glad when I am back later on today. Totally freaked out now.

    P.S. I’ve got a stupid on sale pair of shoes in the closet right now. BRANDFREAKINNOWOUTOFSTYLENEWAugust 9, 2013 – 7:47 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - MomRants,
    Can we chalk it up to great minds thinking alike? 😉
    —
    Christine,
    Thanks! Do all moms do this???
    —
    Karen,
    Love how you look out for a safe place to run and hide in case of a disaster!
    —
    Kenya,
    Sorry I freaked you out but I totally get not going in the car because an accident is better if it doesn’t happen to both of you! I’m glad it’s not just me.
    Sigh to the shoes. Sigh sigh. Stupid sales.
    —August 9, 2013 – 8:14 amReplyCancel

  • Maggie Amada - You’re not alone in wondering about your untimely death. I walk on the outside of the sidewalk in case an air conditioner plummets down (which happened once in St. Petersburg a couple of years ago). I avoid streets with a lot of cracks, in case there are sink holes (which happened in Florida once too). None of these happened to me, but they got imprinted on my mind and I’m scared something will happen to leave my kids motherless.August 9, 2013 – 8:21 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - It seems that I am one of the few who actually does not have thoughts about my untimely death. Until now, that is. So, um, thanks??? 🙂 Love, Love the pictures and congrats on the co-hosting gig!August 9, 2013 – 9:19 amReplyCancel

  • Anita @ Losing Austin - I’m such a procrastinator too- I also think I work best under pressure!

    Anxiety plagues me, though not quite as morbidly. For example, I got on a flight alone this week and was just thrilled that there were free cocktails (I had been bumped to first class) and no one to say, “umm, it’s noon and you’re drinking?” Because it had indeed been that kind of day. Already.

    But seriously, leaving my kids is a real fear, but I also try to remind myself that living with such fear will definitely impact them, where the chances of leaving them are slim- so I can’t trade worry over a slim chance for the very real impact of living by fear.August 9, 2013 – 9:54 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - Hey, new co-host! I don’t think about my untimely death (until now, thanks a bunch) – but I do procrastinate about little things that I don’t want to do. When I finally do them, I feel so accomplished and wonder why I didn’t do them sooner. Not that it stops me from procrastinating the next time…August 9, 2013 – 9:59 amReplyCancel

  • Jessica Smock - As everyone has said, your pictures are incredible. They simply make the post hilarious! I do think that all of us have these thoughts. And, seriously, I don’t think I could handle being friends with anyone who didn’t procrastinate about all these little things.August 9, 2013 – 10:30 amReplyCancel

  • Lori Lavender Luz - Thanks to you, I now worry about laughing to death when I click over to see your artwork.

    Seriously, though, I’m sorry to hear you are tortured by such thoughts. So hard to think about for both you and Tucker (and Robert). Hugs to you.August 9, 2013 – 10:36 amReplyCancel

  • Jamie@SouthMainMuse - You are a riot. I don’t worry about my untimely death too much. Well, I didn’t till I watched Shark Week this week. Good grief.August 9, 2013 – 12:46 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - Kristi, I’m laughing out loud at your wonderful cartoons. You have a gift!
    I’m also nodding in solidarity because I am reading your post while procrastinating my big writing assignment that’s due tomorrow. This is much more entertaining.
    When I was very young, my father passed away suddenly in front of me. While yes, I have grown up to be a productive and happy adult (for the most part, anyway) it has given me a lifetime of worrying about the same thing happening to my kids. Not only do I imagine weird satellite and plane crash scenarios about myself, I think of the weirdest things happening to my kids. Like my son was under the sturdy counter of our granite tabletop and I thought, “What if the table collapses and falls on him?” I’m sure the chances of that are less likely than aliens abducting us all.August 9, 2013 – 1:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Erica - Sitting on a toilet, contemplating your untimely death? I can’t handle it. Hilarious!August 9, 2013 – 1:12 pmReplyCancel

  • Shanique - I have some bad habits. Scratch that mostly bad habits. I’m pleased to see that I have another loyal procrastinating subject :)You shall be rewarded tomorrow for serving me faithfully 😀

    You are ever awesome dear Kristi 🙂 and your drawings are a riot. i love the toilet you. Well not love the toilet you you know. oh bugger let me hush. Great great post thanks for the laughAugust 9, 2013 – 1:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Bev - I needed a good chuckle – loved your post and all your imaginings. I must admit I do that sometimes. Fear can be a terrible thing.
    Thanks for stopping by. But have to tell your, that pound can’t cross the border! lolAugust 9, 2013 – 5:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Michelle - I have got to get my act together to join in with this one of these weeks!! I have so many bad habits but one of them is not getting my posts done quickly. And I am such a procrastinator too. And worry incessantly when I am traveling that something will happen to me. Haha! I was meant to meet you. I’ll have to thank Dana from Kiss My List for that! Have a great weekend!August 9, 2013 – 8:29 pmReplyCancel

  • Rachel - Well, if you are wearing $300 shoes, you will look damn good when you go. Sorry. I just couldn’t resist. The pictures also don’t help put me into a serious mood about death. See, it’s your fault, Kristi (have I gone too far?) Ok…deep breath, seriously, I do this too. My dad died when I was 11 and I do NOT want my daughter to have to go through what I went through. No one can die in this house, dammit! Nor in yours, dammit!August 9, 2013 – 10:37 pmReplyCancel

  • Bianca @ Track Pants and a Tot - I love the pictures & no you’re definitely not the only one that thinks of worst case scenarios!August 9, 2013 – 10:52 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandra Sallin - OMG, you’re scaring the living daylights out of me. But I do enjoy your drawings.August 10, 2013 – 1:25 amReplyCancel

  • Betty Taylor - I seems like we have many procrastinators out there. It surprising that we all get our blog posts written. Lol!

    I worried about dying after I had my last child. Since I was 40 when he was born I think I worried that at my age something could happen and I wouldn’t be around to raise him. He will be 19 in a little over a month. He is leaving for college in less than two weeks. I am not as concerned about things now. I would like to be around a long time and enjoy his children though!August 10, 2013 – 2:06 amReplyCancel

  • Tricia Heinrich - Right now I am procrastinating. I should be getting ready for the gym but am reading this instead. Several bad habits at once…August 10, 2013 – 1:03 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for Real. - I am SO glad you wrote about this. I do this ALL the time. It is compulsive and crazy and it bothers me to no end. I’m not sure if I do it more imagining my own demise or something horrible happening to my kids. Either way, it sucks. And have I mentioned how thrilled I am that you are a FTSF now? I’m pretty sure I have, but I’ll say it again. SO happy. 🙂 xoAugust 10, 2013 – 5:46 pmReplyCancel

  • Undiagnosed but okay - You don’t have enough to procrastinate about so you thought hey let me host another hop. Nothing like self-induced deadlines to start having you think of more doomsday scenarios.

    On and aliens only happen in the Mid-west, I think.August 10, 2013 – 7:06 pmReplyCancel

  • Tatum - Apparently I have a few bad habits…I’m a know it all like Kerri and a procrastinator like you. I also pick my nose if I don’t think anyone is looking – but don’t worry, I always clean my hands when I’m done.August 10, 2013 – 7:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Kate - I am also a procrastinator but it means I work best under deadlines- otherwise I just let things slide. I haven’t had a habit if imagining my death but I’m sure it is something a lot of moms worry about!August 10, 2013 – 11:17 pmReplyCancel

  • JenKehl - Do you know why I love you? Because you’re me. I think I said that the first time you brought this up. But I really am terrified of Isaiah growing up momless. But mostly because we both know that Mr ADD his father could not raise him. And that would suck hard, and then my overbearing sister and her too loud yelling husband would have to raise him, and now I’m having a panic attack. Thanks for that.
    Don’t worry, you’re not crazy, you’re right.August 11, 2013 – 1:50 amReplyCancel

  • Darcy Perdu - Love your pics!
    Completely identify with your paranoia!
    I can whip myself into a frenzy of catastrophe at the drop of a hat!
    (That hat is infected with a contagious flesh-eating virus!)August 12, 2013 – 7:39 pmReplyCancel

  • Deb @ Urban Moo Cow - I knew where this one was going. 😉

    I can relate… the other day I was freaking out because my dog is always in the corner of the apartment where there is tons of cigarette and pot smoke (which is a whole other issue) and I said to Rayne it made me upset in part because dogs can get cancer, too, and those disgusting people were giving my dog cancer.

    And he was like, Geez, it must be exhausting to be you.

    True story.
    xoxoAugust 13, 2013 – 7:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - Now I’m terrified that someone might plant lice on public restroom toilet paper. As though I needed one more thing to worry about while my children mark their territory in every restroom around the world. Ahhhhh!

    Love this!August 14, 2013 – 1:01 amReplyCancel

  • The Shitastrophy - First – love the pic’s – the briefcase of loot might be my favorite! I worry my kids will choke on their food. Not sure why, this has never happened to anyone I know, but they are 8 & 9 and I still make them eat their food at the table so that I will be around to swoop in and give the Heimlech (which I kinda – read don’t – know how to do). Oh and I say a prayer every time my plane takes off so it’s like a shield to save any impending doom. If I forget the prayer we will all perish.

    You know just your run of the mill things.August 14, 2013 – 10:11 amReplyCancel

  • Beautiful Day Mama - There’s a great song that goes: I’m a PRO (Pro what?) Pro Crastinator!August 23, 2013 – 12:07 amReplyCancel

Hi, friends! Today, I am happy and honored to present Katia from I am the Milk. She’s funny. She’s deep. She can paint a story of today’s motherhood and she can paint one of yesterday’s otherworld like nobody else. In fact, BlogHer chose Katia’s submission on growing up with terrorism and the Boston Marathon tragedy […]

View full post »

by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
email a friend

  • Deb @ Urban Moo Cow - I feel like there are so many details left unsaid in this story. I long to know what happened in each situation (including the brazen act of anti-Semitism by your neighbor). Then I would like to throttle all of those people on your behalf. xoAugust 7, 2013 – 11:03 amReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - I never did myself go through the immigrant experience, but my grandmother who was 1st generation Italian-American and the stories she would tell. They lived in an all German neighborhood during the Great Depression in Queens, NY. My great-grandmother went out of her way to assimilate, but was still accused of being a “dirty” Italian and my grandmother was also asked if she was a follower of Mussolini during a job interview at the beginning of WWII. I will never forget her relaying these stories to me and definitely makes you think twice about how you treat those who might not be the same or from the same place as yourself. Thank you Katia for sharing your experiences and so sorry anyone would ever treat you poorly for this reason.August 7, 2013 – 11:07 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Deb,
    I’m with you on wanting to know more and wanting to throttle the people that made Katia feel like such an outsider (and can’t believe that people would be so awful and anti-Semitic – that’s just sad and wrong and and and…grrr…).
    —
    Janine,
    Wow, it’s amazing that your grandmother was asked if she was a follower of Mussolini. People’s experiences are amazing and powerful. I’m glad that Katia shared hers here…a great reminder for us to all be kind and generous and understanding.
    —August 7, 2013 – 11:11 amReplyCancel

  • Kerri - What a great contribution! We had an intern from Nepal. He was so cool to be around. We quickly learned his “shyness” came from understanding English perfectly but not being able to speak it so easily. And once we figured out why he was born in the future it quickly became a way for him to introduce himself/break the ice. We always admired him for daring to not only go to an English medical school but then to travel so far from family to learn more. He had such dreams and only a few of us were able to learn about them.August 7, 2013 – 11:54 amReplyCancel

  • Considerer - Completely, MILLIONPERCENT awesome. Amazing post and full of such beauty and insight. Katia, I *LOVED* this. And Kristi – Our Land just keeps getting better and better. You are doing a Good thing. A Real thing. And it’s incredible.August 7, 2013 – 11:55 amReplyCancel

  • Sylvia - Thanks for teaching us what it’s like for new immigrants. We really cannot fathom what it’s like. You did such a great job of painting the picture for me. I remember way back in 1975 a young Russian Jewish woman had just immigrated from Israel and began working where I did. I was fascinated by her stories about life in a Kibbutz! I hope I made her feel welcome, wanted, and significant!August 7, 2013 – 11:58 amReplyCancel

  • Katia - Lizzi – I am so glad you liked the post! Thank you so much. I agree Our Land is one of the best initiatives out there, not only for its goal but also for the writing (not commenting about my own post, obviously).

    Sylvia – Thank you so much for your comment. I am sure you made that woman feel welcome. The mere fact that you can remember her story with such great detail tells me that you were really listening. I’m sure she appreciated that so much 🙂August 7, 2013 – 12:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Excellent post Katia. As a military spouse I’ve experienced some of what you have here – its very relatable. There is a fear that comes which each move. As far as employment goes I know my employers took a chance on me. In some interviews I wanted to get on my knees and beg to be given an opportunity. A lot of being accepted is based on who you know. We’ve finally settled down – been in the same house and town for 9 years. I always said if I was in the position to hire anyone, I’d narrow my selection to candidates not from ’round here. 😉 Side note and interesting fact: I always found people to be kinder when I had my son with me.August 7, 2013 – 3:11 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah Almond - I was born and raised a military brat. When I was in high school my father retired and we moved back to the Midwest to my parent’s hometown. I have remained in the state ever since, and seven years ago settled in a rural area. Perhaps it’s the fact that I moved so often and had to “start over” almost every year, or maybe it’s just my personality-but I am always amazed at just how inconsiderate people can be of someone who is a little different and/or new. Kindness and understanding can go a long way.

    I’ve been an outsider for years, and I’m not so sure it’s ever going to change. I just try to be considerate of everyone. Thank you for putting this into writing and sharing with us!August 7, 2013 – 5:39 pmReplyCancel

  • Jen - I love you Katia, but you knew that. I also am mad at you for making me cry AGAIN. Someday you will be famous you know. You are the most talented gifted writer I know. I will say, I knew her when she was this blogger who I chatted with and met once.
    This post is so moving and important. And you are right, it’s the little things. I know it’s the little things. And I’m gonna keep doing them.August 7, 2013 – 5:57 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - Kenya and Sarah – I knew you were a military wife, Kenya, never knew you were a military brat, Sarah. Thank you so much, ladies, for sharing your experiences here. In my mind I always file these experiences in a drawer called “immigration” and I forget that so many of us go through this to an extent without changing continents or even states. That was a good reminder. And yes, I agree, with you Sarah – a little kindness goes a long way.August 7, 2013 – 7:53 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - Jen – you’re the one making me cry, you’re too kind! Really.

    And when I’m a famous writer, you’ll be one as well, so we can both tell the press how we struggled to make it to the top and lay in the trenches of the blogosphere together 😀

    I love you, my friend.August 7, 2013 – 7:55 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - Thank you for sharing your experiences, Katia. We have a significant number of immigrant families (mostly from Korea) in our school district, and my kids have met many students at school who are new to this country. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to adjust, but your post gave me some insights I never considered.

    On a side note, I would love to talk with you sometime about becoming a religious minority after growing up in Israel. I’ve always been the minority, but I’m sure it was difficult for you to adjust to that change when you moved to Canada.August 7, 2013 – 8:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah @ LeftBrainBuddha - Katia, you write so beautifully…. I so wish I had had more time to talk with you at BlogHer. Thanks for sharing such a powerful story. It’s amazing how the little things- both the kindnesses and the insults- can impact us so tremendously. I love reading your work. xoxoAugust 7, 2013 – 9:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - I’d love to talk to you anytime, Dana, really! Just name the time and place (and method of communication 🙂 ) I am so glad the post gave you some insight into what it feels like. That was what I set out to do. Thank you!August 7, 2013 – 9:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - We’ll have more time next time, Sarah, you know how much I loved meeting you! Thank you so much for your comments. They truly mean so much to me!August 7, 2013 – 9:29 pmReplyCancel

  • Rachel - Katia, your experience sounds so painful, and I’m so sorry to hear what you went through. But your perspective is so important, and I’m so glad that you shared it here. It’s something that people need to know. I’m also so glad to read that you have found a place in Canada, and that you have been able to move past some of those horrible experiences.August 7, 2013 – 9:46 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - Thank you so much, Rachel! Yes, it was not Canada, it was me + certain individuals that I’m sure exist everywhere. It was a painful place to revisit when I was writing this down, but so rewarding to note that I’m in such a totally different emotional space now. 🙂August 7, 2013 – 10:35 pmReplyCancel

  • Tatum - Thanks Kristi and Katia for expanding Nod to not just include empathy for those with special needs. I hate hearing stories of hate and ignorance and hate and bigots … (Kristi, can we leave ignorant bigots out of nod? Or do I have to find some empathy of them too??). I love hearing stories of perseverance and over coming the odds. Thank you for sharing, Katia…and Kristi.August 10, 2013 – 11:39 pmReplyCancel

« Older posts Newer posts »

N e v e r   m i s s   a   n e w   p o s t !