If My 3 Year-Old Ran the World

Bill Cosby said it best when he declared, "Kids say the darnedest things." People related to it so well that they developed a low-cost show catching children on camera saying things that make most parents cringe.  My son is no exception to this notion.

Whoever declared the 'Terrible Twos' the worst part of parenting, obviously didn't let their kids live long enough to see the age of three. Three year-olds are coming into their own.  They're learning what they like, what they don't like...what they can get away with.  Nice to know my son fits the pattern perfectly.

The new phrase in our house is "I don't wanna Mommy."  This can be an answer to 'Let's go eat breakfast!', 'Bathtime!', or more head-shaking worthy 'Wanna read a book before bedtime?'  And it doesn't end with one declaration of his stance.  He has learned to shake us off, give us a 'go-die' look and proclaim that he 'isn't happy' as he stomps up the stairs.

He will make a great manager someday.

One thing we've learned to do is bribe our son with the sticker system.  If he receives a certain amount of stickers placed strategically on the refrigerator, he receives a prize.  A coloring book.  A toy car.  A new movie.  But, it's gotten to the point where my son could give two craps about a little sticker if he is able to maintain his stubbornness and win the battle of 'me vs. Mommy.'

Not to leave my husband out, he is just another pawn in the game of winning.  My son can be so cute, stating matter-of-factly that my husband is 'his best friend'.  That Daddy is a handsome prince and he loooooves him.  And just when my son feels that he has buttered my husband up enough to join his army in the battle of 'NOT' eating - he pulls out the 'I'm not eating Daddy.'

And the following conversation ensues:

"Eli eat your ."

"I don't wanna Daddy."

"I don't care if you don't want to.  You have to eat your ."

"I'm not eating Daddy."

"Well, if you're not going to eat, then you can go up to your room and go to bed."

And as he stomps up the stairs, I swear I smell victory on my son as he makes his way to his room filled with toys, books and his beloved Eeyor.  AND he got out of eating vegetables.

Again, he will make a great leader someday.  A passive-aggressive, stubborn leader who will either charm the pants off of minions who will be eager to follow or annoy them to the point of submission.

Think if everyone ruled this way.  Pay compliments when needed.  Make people feel loved and appreciated.  Raise havoc when the outcomes aren't the desired ones.  Dig in the heels when you feel absolutely adamant about the point at hand.

Three-year-olds call a spade a spade.  They call it like they see it and they don't care or even know if some one's feelings get hurt.  They just want to get from point A to point B in the easiest way possible and they will do whatever it takes to get what they want - two-hour long screaming fits are just a drop in the bucket.

Hopefully by the time my son reaches the workforce, the temper tantrums will subside.  But, who am I kidding?  We've all had bosses who have had times when theirs can rival any three-year-old's temper tantrums.

Everything DOES Happen For a Reason

It's no secret that in the past two months, my life has taken some drastic turns.  I left a job I loved at the American Red Cross (how can one NOT be proud to work for an organization that does tremendous work?), I put my house on the market, I threw caution to the wind and moved back to my hometown with no home, no job...no certainty.

But, everything has worked out.  My husband found temporary housing for us that not only can we afford, but provides a great stop-gap until we find our 'forever home'.  I got the job that - amidst the 20,000 resumes I sent out - I truly and desperately wanted.  And my family is together, happy and healthy.

My first day at my new job began at 8:30 this morning.  Was I nervous?  No.  I knew that today in Kansas City and the next two days in St. Louis would and will provide me with the tools I need to succeed and help the organization succeed.

It wasn't until my new President and CEO - to whom I am a direct report - spoke that I realized why it is I do what I do.  I never thought that I would feel as proud to work for an organization as I did the Red Cross. However, her words were not only inspiring, but confirming.  Throughout my professional career and personal life, I have vowed to make a difference.  A positive difference.

While the Red Cross obviously helps those in need, I was reminded today that there are other organizations that have the best interest of the underprivileged and under served at heart.  To be able to work for such organizations is why I switched my Master's degree from Journalism to Public Administration.

Governor Romney may believe that 47% of the population feels a sense of entitlement...that they deserve a handout, but I believe that these people just happen to be down on their luck and need assistance.  Everyone should have access to health care...affordable health care.  And my new employer wants to make that happen. 

Making sure there are health plans available that help take care of the under and uninsured, helps all of us in the long run.  Making sure all individuals have the resources available to be and remain healthy helps everyone in the communities in which we reside be a little healthier.  Parents are able to take their kids to the doctor, get the right care, so those same children don't show up at daycare or school sick, thereby getting others in the classroom sick and bringing the germs back home to mom and dad.

The elderly are able to get health care while maintaining a bit of dignity.  The poor and under served are able to get routine checkups to prevent major health issues that would cost the taxpayers a lot of money in uncompensated care dollars for them to be treated.

There is a reason I ended up here.  Not in the swanky Ritz Carlton where I am staying for my training.  But, a reason I was able to land a job with yet another wonderful organization.  It is so that I can learn and grow personally and professionally.  It is so that I can help others learn of their options.

I am truly lucky in life.  I got a job that will challenge me and a husband, son and two doggies that will always love me.  Sure, I could wish for a winning lottery ticket.  For my house in Michigan to sell.  For other fortunes.  But, I am happy with how my life has turned out.

I'm especially happy that for tonight I am able to reflect on the fact that everything happens for a reason while sitting in the lap of luxury that is the Ritz Carlton.