Three Things I Didn't Expect to Learn in 2014 (Part III)

Achondro...what?

I've had this post sitting in my draft folder for over a week, and honestly, I don't even know how to start. For some reason I've felt like I need to convey EVERYTHING I've learned about achondroplasia this year. Or that I need to tell a detailed story about how we ultimately found out that Otto had dwarfism. But, today I realized that I don't. I'm sure over time I'll come to share those things, but not now.

Today, I simply want to say that six months ago I learned that hearing my son cry in the delivery room was one of the greatest sounds in the world. I never expected to feel so completely happy and at peace when I heard his first screams.

I learned a lot [A LOT!] about achondroplasia and its medical "complications" and special considerations in 2014, but I think what I really learned is that some of life's best lessons are those least expected.

and then there were four...

Three Things I Didn't Expect to Learn in 2014 (Part II)

The More, the Merrier

I feel I need to acknowledge that I realize 2014 has been over for a week now. And, I know most people do their year-end wrap ups in December, reserving the first part of January for things like resolutions, goals setting and fresh starts. For whatever reason, I wasn't able to get my reflections together until now, so you'll just have to bear with me.

Alas, my second learning of 2014 that I never expected has nothing to do with more people at gatherings, but rather, the amount of work [like, REAL work] I take on during the day.

In 2012, I stepped away from a dream job in order to free up my evenings and weekends and spend time with my growing family. In April, I had the opportunity to leave my job at the high school for a position in athletics with my alma mater. Through each of these moves, my job duties and responsibilities decreased...not exactly the promotions that most seek.

I assured myself that I was happy because my job was allowing me to do what I loved most in life, be with my family. I don't have to worry about that project I wasn't able to finish or that dreaded email I was expecting. Except that it's not all I imagined.

I've learned that when it comes my professional life, I prefer more. In fact, the more work I have to do, the merrier I feel. Give me multiple projects and tight deadlines, plus a gorgeous notebook to keep track of it all, and my 9 to 5 life couldn't be better. More on how I plan to make that happen in 2015 at a later date...

image via flickr by  Marc-HongKong