What do I love (and what do others love about me)?

The first part of our assignment is to ask one of our parents these questions. I was interested in my Mom's response. This also got me thinking about my son because he is 5 right now. Five is such an interesting age because kids are starting to really learn about the world outside of their own little world. My son asks me questions about everything. There isn't something that he isn't curious about (ok...maybe the taste of spinach). So I talked to my mom on the phone like we do almost every day and this is what she said.....



1. What was I like in the first 5 years of my life?
You were interested in learning and very curious. You were very social and made friends easily. You were a little reserved with adults; not really shy but maybe cautious. You did have temper tantrums and could be stubborn.

2. What things did I love, what games did I like to play, what did you think was unique about me?
You liked to play social games like store and play family. You also liked to play board games and playing with animals. You liked to play outside. You were a very resilient child; you weren't swayed by others opinions. You didn't like people to tell you what to do. You were a very "sturdy" child.

3. What did you think I would become when I grew up?
I didn't really think of a specific profession. I didn't think nurse but something similar like teacher or doctor. I knew you would do something that would envolve working with people as opposed to machines.




Asking my friends what my greatests gifts/strengths was a little scary. Atleast I wasn't asking what my weaknesses are but it is strange to see yourself through other people's eyes. Here are some of the responses that I got in no particular order:



From my friend Stephanie (one of my fellow nursing students....she is always there to study with me in the morning and bitch about school)

Motherly - caring

Hard-working

Smart

Amazing multi-tasker (um....kids, school, husband)

Ridiculously patient and calm



From my friend Rachel who is taking the class with me. She always helps me when I don't understand something and doesn't make me feel bad about not being organized.

- Very helpful; always ready to be a mom

- You keep me sane! When school gets crazy and everything is hectic, you are my rock!

- You give me family perspective on priorities and responsibilities.

- You speak with insight and ask questions that people don't want to. You don't believe something just because someone tells you to.

- Makes complicated things simple.



From my hubby Alberto. He is always there for me when I need to study or complain about school.

- great empathy

- can relate to and get along with others well

- smart

-trustworthy

- loving and caring

- plays great with kids

- funny and quick witted



I decided to ask my son Julian who is 5 1/2 what are my greatest strengths. I first had to explain what strengths meant....

- reads good books to me

- makes good food

- beautiful face (I promise I'm not making these up ;) )

- wins lots of games (not as easy as it seems even when you are playing against a 5-year-old)

- has fancy clothes (ok....I don't know where that one came from)

I asked my mom who has always helped me when I needed it. I wouldn't be where I am at if it wasn't for her....
- determined to reach a goal
- compassionate
- smart
- have insight into yourself and other people
- willing to be flexible





We also had to do something that we love from our in class activity. One of my favorite things to do as a child was to get dirty. I don't know what it was about playing in dirt and mud that was so fun. I still enjoy getting dirty but not in the same way that I did as a child. Now I really love gardening. Unfortunately I don't get as much time to garden because of work and school. I have decided to start an indoor garden. It will be easier once it isn't so cold outside because I can put my plants outside. But I will make sure to keep up my love of gardening during the winter. I will plant a couple of plants to put in the window (and not forget to water them!). And I will start seedlings so I don't have to buy plants once summer starts. There is something about touching the earth that is really relaxing and grounding. Being the earth lover that I am, it really makes me feel part of the earth.