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Friday, September 27, 2013

That's Even Better Than An Emmy.

Over the weekend, my girlfriend from high school won an Emmy. Yes, you heard that right. She gracefully walked up on that stage alongside Tina Fey and graciously accepted her much-deserved Emmy as a fantastically funny writer for 30 Rock. Although it's been a few years since we've actually talked, we do manage to catch up on each other's lives on Facebook and isn't that just as good these days?

Her Emmy got me thinking, of course. As soon as I had heard the news, I immediately called home to my mom to make sure she had heard the news as well. You see, Tracey and I used to carpool to and from high school together and we even acted alongside each other in many a school musical. It's what I will say now when I talk about how, "I knew her when." Anyway, back to my point. Her Emmy got me thinking. 

As I exclaimed to my mother over the phone, "Mom! Did you hear? Tracey won an Emmy! Right there alongside Tina Fey! A real Emmy!" I quickly followed it up with, "and here I am, wiping butts all day!" We laughed and my mom quickly retorted something along the lines of, "Oh, Ashley Paige. Don't say that. That's not true!"

And I knew she was right. Mostly. I know I do more than wipe heinies all day but believe me, when you're in the stay-at-home trenches of raising your children every day, it's very easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. To feel like you're actually making a difference as a hardworking, contributing member of society.

Now, I know I will never win an Emmy and I'm okay with that. After all, I don't have an Emmy-winning bone in my body, nor do I act, produce or write Emmy-worthy material, but I would be lying if I said I don't sometimes think about the money my parents "wasted" on my nursing degree. The one that cost them approximately $145,000 that I only used for five years. Granted, I like to think I made a lot of difference in peoples' lives during those five years and that those years shaped me and gave me a perspective on life that has truly changed me as a person and I'm so happy I spent those five years the way that I did. 

But...

I'm also grateful, however, that not once have my parents ever said anything to me like that nor do they even think like that for a second but sometimes I just think to myself, "Hmm. I would probably be a little bit bitter!" Now, that's not to say that I will never don my nursing hat again. I have absolutely no idea what the future holds for me in that regard and if rejoining the workforce in that nature happens to be in the cards, I will welcome that new role once again with open arms. 

But that doesn't change the fact that my girlfriend won an Emmy and I just wiped up drool from my mouse pad. Who knows though, right? Maybe I'm raising future rocket scientists or astronauts or leaders of the free world. Or maybe Carter will be a literary genius and Maclane, a political defender of all that is just and good in this world. 

Maybe they'll grow up to be incredible husbands and fathers. Compassionate, kind, honest and forthright. 

And in that moment I think, "Shit. That's even better than an Emmy! Plus, it wouldn't really match my living room anyway..."
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13 comments:

  1. Love this so much. You are amazing! Here's to a great weekend ahead!

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  2. Or maybe the boys will be emmy winners and you'll get to hear you name on tv, because you would be the first person they thank!

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  3. I don't think I would care if we paid for Chase's college and he ended up being a stay at home dad. I would still be proud. 3 colleges and 3 stay at homers might sting. My teaching credential expired because I never got a teaching job. I always wanted to be a teacher and if the economy had been better my story might have been different. My parents don't care about the money. Just if I am fulfilled. I know they like that I'm still able to sub even though I have days I would rather stay at home. We've found a good balance for now.

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  4. HAHAHA! an emmy would totally clash in my living room too ;)

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  5. While Emmy's are nice(I'm guessing?), raising your boys to the best of your ability has much greater eternal significance! I'm so glad we both have amazing parents who are willing to encourage us like that!

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  6. Well, I pretty much paid for my own education, so I can't say anything on that (except I'm jealous - ha)! But I don't think there is anything in the world more important than being a momma. I think it's the greatest thing eve and the Lord's greatest gift to me (except my salvation, of course). McKayla is the greatest joy of my life and I know your boys are yours, too! And that's way better than an Emmy ;)

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  7. AP, this post gave me the chills. I love it. I agree, your ability to raise your boys to be the best they can be is better than an Emmy. And who knows? Maybe you're raising future Emmy winners ;)

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  8. Love this. Sometimes I wish I could do something "big" but then I realize that I am so happy with how life is right this very moment. Small, sure, but cozy and wonderful.

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  9. I think if I hadn't paid for my own college education I would probably quit. Actually I know I would. I don't mind "wasting" my parents' money, but my own? That's a different story. I still have SAHM in my sights as a possible career, I'm just waiting for my husband to double his salary or for my blog to start raking in the big bucks, I don't think my 84 followers are going to cut it though.

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  10. I love this. lol. Also. I wonder if your friend ever says, while looking at her Emmy, "this is cool and all....but boy do I wish I was home with some kids, wiping butts and making cookies"

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  11. I can totally relate to this, as I now tell everyone I meet that I "used to be a lawyer." Our education and professions are not something we ever lose. They shape us into who we are and inform our life experience. Maybe you'll go back into nursing. Or maybe you'll write a hilarious book in which the main character is a nurse. Either way.

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  12. Did you read this? http://themattwalshblog.com/2013/10/09/youre-a-stay-at-home-mom-what-do-you-do-all-day/
    cause that really speaks to the importance of your job! I hear what you mean tho! However, being a famous blogger is pretty awesome too!

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  13. The "wasted" money on your nursing degree will all be recouped as you're more capable of dealing with family health issues. My mother says that she wished she had one, it would have made things a lot easier having children because of all the insight she would have had.

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