Think, Think, Think.

Recently, I've found myself turning off the radio and the iPod in the car while I'm driving. I've found the quietness to be much more effective for processing, and I really enjoy listening to Ethan's coos, giggles and sighs.
I've had a lot to think about these days. I go back to work in just about a month-- actually, a month from today. That means Ethan is almost five months old. Where did the past five months go? Five months ago, I was pregnant and round and laboring on and off and now, I'm laying next to my very soft and cuddily baby boy. I've been thinking a lot about how I'm going to handle teaching and being a mom and squeeze in a workout, not to mention time for Jason and me, time with my friends and family and some time just for me. It's a bit daunting, despite the fact that I know so many women who do it successfully.
I've been thinking a lot about the kind of person I want to be/hope I am. I've been trying to be more deliberate in my words and actions. I hope that when I encounter people, I leave behind a positive feeling. Today, Jason and I went to lunch; we just needed to spend some time together. Our waitress was very sweet; she was young and enthusiastic and helpful. She engaged us in coversation; made suggestions; complimented our baby. As Jason was paying the check, I went and found a manager, just to let him know how wonderful she had been. I think far too often we focus on and voice our opinions on things we don't like rather than the things we do like and appreciate. Before we had even left, her manager had passed on the compliment to her and Jason and both walked out feeling like we had left their days a little better than before. It sounds cheesy, but I still like the Girl Scout motto-- leave things better than you found them.
And in my thinking tonight, I'll be thinking about Randy Pausch and his family. Randy is the Carnegie-Mellon professor who wrote The Last Lecture. He passed away today. Here's a link to an article about him:
And if you haven't read his book, The Last Lecture, you should. It will definitely make you think.