The Thing About Cheerios

Issue 31 is a ring-er

Here’s the issue…

I have no issue with Cheerios! Few foods span generations the way these perfectly wheaty* rings do. They remind us of what good is.

Prunes are loved by infants and the elderly, but they lose steam in the middle years. Not Cheerios. Everyone likes them, and if you don’t, there’s certainly something wrong with you. I’m not saying you eat them often. I hadn’t in years. But if you DON’T like them, you probably don’t like puppies and babies—and that’s sad.

My aunt stayed at my house while I was on retreat for work. She left behind Cheerios and milk (yes, cow’s milk). I added strawberries. It’s the perfect food.

One day, while eating the delicacy for lunch, I said this to myself, “The thing about Cheerios…” and, the title of my newsletter was born. That’s how it happens folks. I like the sound of a phrase and it becomes a beacon for my newsletter. It’s that scientific.

Come along now. Let’s digest more…

*They make them gluten-free!

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Parenting with Love and Logic

Speaking of spanning generations, I’m reading, Parenting with Love and Logic, a book recommended by Owen’s therapist—this puppy was released in 1977. That’s 44 years ago. I know, since I was released in 1976.

The gist: Teach your kids responsibility. Don’t tell them to wear a coat. Instead say, “It’s 20 degrees out. I’m going to wear a coat today.” If they don’t, they’ll learn firsthand that 20 degrees is cold and likely wear a coat next time.

I think my mom read this book.

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13 Years of Owen

If at .5 years, we had done a composite sketch of Owen 13 years later, would it have looked like this?

.5 ———> 13.5

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Homework for Life

I’ve been recording a poignant moment from each day in a journal. It could be the most monumental, and it could be the simplest. Anything goes.

From a few days ago: I picked up Owen from the airport after he returned from Mexico tan, skinny, and handsome.

The practice asks us to look at our day and pick a moment to record. Did you hear that? It actually asks us to think about our day. As if! I’ve done this for all of 20 of my 16,425 on earth.

If you’re a rule follower, the concept was coined by Matthew Dicks, and he describes it much more poignantly than I. Or use my simplified version. Or none at all. I’m simply modeling the behavior for you. What you do is your responsibility (insert Parenting with Love and Logic, logic).

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Mama’s Day

You know how I feel about my mom. I talk about her in many newsletters. Still, Happy Mama’s Day to her and to all you beautiful women out there.

Yes, on Sunday, I sat on her warm gravestone in a field of very tall love darts and cried. Magical as always.

Did you know? Becoming a mother was the hardest job I’ve ever done (and continue doing). I know, you’re saying, “Me too.” But, I don’t think so. I think it was unusually difficult for me. I know it was. Despite my mother’s grace on the job, I struggled and rebelled, and somehow turned out a pretty good one myself.

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Speaking of Jobs

My colleagues are stupid smart and fast! But, not stupid!

Next week we begin team sprints. On Monday, we bring our MIP (most important project) to the table. Together, we agree on its importance. Separately, we get to work. Two weeks later, on a Friday, we meet to close the project and discuss what’s outstanding.

On Monday, we begin again. 🏎

Working with these guys is terrifying and exhilarating. Regularly, I wonder whether I’m good enough to be amongst them. Regularly.

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The end. Your prescription: Eat Cheerios. Until next week…