So I haven’t posted in so long, I almost didn’t recognize my site (or remember the password!)
Sorry friends. We have had the flu since I got home from visitng Beth in Dallas 3 full weeks ago! I think Cohen and I keep giving it back to one another. Its been really awful. Then, on top of that, the internet has been down so I have been using it in places (like, now, the library computer lab) that aren’t very inspiring and don’t adhere to my hours of inspiration (often late and early in the day). And on top of that, its like a giant skating rink in central Ohio, so getting out isn’t too easy.
Enough with the excuses…I have exactly 27 minutes until my library computer session is over, so I need to get to the meat of things!
I started working about a month ago. Only 20 hours a week, but I have to stop and applaud all of you working moms.. WOW. Where did all the time go?!?! Three days a week, I leave in the morning, drop Cohen off at my mom’s and pick him up long after the sun has gone down. While it is good to get a little bit of time away from breastfeeding and diaper changing and baby following, its also the hardest thing in the world to not see his little smile for hours at a time. I don’t want to go on and on about it…but God bless all of you!
I doing a job I did once before… right our of college. I am a parent coach. Basically that means if I lived in sunny CA I might be spending my days with Britney (Spears, that is) but since I live in Ohio, I spend my days with a young mom who has a addiction to cocaine, an elderly grandpa of a wild teenager, and a young mom with four kids and brain cancer. To say its challenging, would be an understatement. But I am thankful for flexible work and the opportunity to speak into the lives of some people who really need it. All the homes are so different! The client with an addiction is a fast talker…I really like her, but the girl doesn’t want to admit she’s using even though 6 weeks ago she and her newborn tested positive for the stuff. She has a 6 yr old little boy who reminds me so much of our JoJo that its all I can do to not let him break my heart. God has really opened some doors for me to talk with her… planting seeds, just planting some seeds wherever I can find the ground. My grandpa client is a dear! A die hard Believer, he just blesses my soul when I come over and see his well worn Bible lying out. We visit and I do his laundry and help him around the house…sweet guy. I might keep seeing him even when the contract runs out *grin* Now Miss Thang with the 4 kids and cancer is a RIOT! You guys would love her and the kids… 8, 9 and 5 yr old twins…love em! She’s a great mom who just needs some help managing the herd of kids while she rests after chemo. usually she naps and we clean and do homework and make dinner…
Not so last Thursday…
Ok, I grew up with African American foster kids, going to Africa was my dream, I go to a predmoninatly African America church, and I like Brack Obama so there are very few times in my life I would say the following statement, BUT
I never felt so white in all of my life as I did last Thursday!
When I got to the house, Mama was up and feeling good and needing some adult time/girl talk I think. We made dinner together and she instructed me on all of the ways of “ghetto cooking” (her words not mine) and gave me all of her ideas on what makes a good man (all of which are hysterical but not repeatable) She was having a fun time with me, I could tell. She told me about how I should dress and why ‘black girls can’t wear Old Navy’ (again, her words) She picked out some super expensive furry boots from a magazine for me and must’ve been trying to reform by sweatshirt and tennis shoes look. Then she had me grease all four of the kids’ hair. I had no idea what I was doing and she made sport of my ignorance, instructing me every step of the way.
Afterward, she announced that we were all taking the oldest daughter to basketball practice and then dropping her off and going to walmart to do some shopping. I hopped into her super tall, very sleek, black leathered car and the kids piled in back. Before taking off, she asked me what kind of music I listened to. I used the cop out ‘everything’ not giving her my one exception ‘rap’. The kids started yelling out their requests and giggling at me. She popped in something and a minute later the music was blaring so loud I could feel on the seat and in my chest. Mama and all four kids were singing at the top of their lungs and bumping in unison to the beat. I looked down and realized my legs were crossed and my hands folded in my lap.
That’s when I realized I had never felt so much like a white cracker than I did in the moment. I giggled at myself, promising to write this in a post, unfolding my hands and uncrossed my legs, and started singing at the top of my lungs along with my favorite family of 5 and Miss Rhianna
“ella ella ella eh eh…under my umbrella…ella ella ella eh eh”
*GRIN*
My session is almost up…I promise more soon though, ok?
And hey (shameless plug) if any of you are considering a puppy for Valentines’ Day I have two sweet ones left from my dog’s litter. You can see them on my dog website. I will make you a deal if you email me at pocketbeagles@gmail.com and mention “ella ella ella eh eh” in the subject line !
Welcome back, Kate 🙂 It’s good to hear from you. And can I say you’re doing a lot (including mom, parent coach, Engage the Journey moderator, the beagle business…)? Whew!
Kate,
I’m African American, and I live in a all-white (except for about 10people), Catholic town. Now… people look at me and obviously realize that I’m African American, and people get to know me and realize that I’m not Catholic but Protestant. And people look at the cds I have in my room and realize that none of them are rap… infact, they are Christian, acoustic and folk/rock.
Honestly… when reading the part about the music, I wondered how I’d react to that. I’m not a fan of rap or extremely loud music! And the words you said were the exact ones that came to my mind when thinking about my reaction – sitting with my legs crossed and my hands in my lap…. and also wondering why on earth I didn’t say I hated rap. *grin*
Your story makes me laugh.
I’m glad that you are working again Kate, and liking what you are doing. But, be sure not to get over-worked, even if the hours are low, it can still take things from you. I do hope that you are doing well, and to read more soon!
Oh… email me anytime about getting together later in the month. I’ll wait to hear from you about a date. =)
I’m actually not all African American. My Mom is white, and is Irish, British and French. And my Dad is African American and Native American… so growing up here and also not being Catholic probably makes me look a bit odd to some. *grin*
Oh… and plus tons of people here like rap, so I’d probably turn a few heads when driving down the street with Beth, Shawn, Leeland or Sara Groves playing. 😉
Hi Kate! So glad to see you have posted again. I love reading your stories about life. I have a 2 1/2 yr. old and a 3 1/2 month old and work full time. As my husband does as well! It’s hard to leave my babies, but thank God for the special time I have with them after work and on the weekends! Being a parent coach seems like a hard thing to do, but I’m sure you are amazing to theses people who need a little hope (& help)! Keep up the great work. I know God will change lives through you!
Welcome back! I understand about the flu! I was down all last week with it! No fun! I, of course, had to share it with my husband. Our house has been full of fun, let me tell you! Be safe while you’re out and about working. That’s a full plate you have there!
hey kate glad to see ya back i was about to leave you a little “where in the world is kate mcdonald” just to say hi and tell you i hope all is well for you guys but then you had a new blog up 🙂 and a very good one at that! i’m so sorry you all have had that horrible flu it seems to be going around everywhere!
Look forward to hearing/reading more ! I loved hearing about your new job, you have sure been busyy! ilove how you paint things so well with words i felt i was right along in the car with ya!
take care
I think that is soooo hilarious, I am mixed half white and half black and I know what you are talking about I sum my life up into my parents record collection, yes actual records, my mothers side is andy gibb, barry manilow, babara streisand the soundtrack to the Sound of Music. My fathers side is aretha franklin, the jackson five, smokey robinson, stevie wonder, al green, etc. My sisters and I joke between ourselves about who is being white and don’t make me bring out my black side. I think it’s great to live in two different worlds none better than the other just different.
Yes!!!! You are back. You have been missed sweet friend. I loved your blog as always. I must agree with the others, I was picturing you in the car, legs crossed, arms folded and laughed out loud! Then I pictured you “getting your groove on.” Thanks for the smiles!!!
oh my goodness, I used to be a social worker and I MISS the color my clients brought into my life- like those scenes with the ella-ella family- THAT is the sweet stuff of life! I pray God continues to bring more dimension into your life through such experiences. Blessings to you, Kate!
So glad you are back. Kate!
When I read that you had gotten a job, I figured it was just some random part-time job, doing office work or something. I thought to myself, “Woowww, Kate must be some kinda woman, working and being a mom.” Then I kept reading and realized what your job actually is. Kate, you must have some kinda huge, strong heart.
(P.S. I absolutely love that song.)
Kate, so glad your back in the blogging world!
I agree – I respect working moms…I’m only back part-time and it’s stressing me out with just one child. I can’t imagine being one of those mom’s with 3+ kids and working full-time. Amazing.
Thanks for sharing that story! Definitely made me smile…which is a blessing because this has been a discouraging day…no, week. Thank the Lord for good-humored African-American moms! 🙂
Stay healthy, sis. God bless!
I just wanted to come by to wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day and say I hope you guys were all feeling better. I just got over pneumonia and my son is on his 3rd antibiotic, so I kind of know the feeling although you never walk in someone else’s shoes. But, I have to say that I so enjoyed your post, your wit, your lighthearted purposeful intent on your job. So, how do you get a job as a parent coach? Unfamiliar terms to this Dallas girl. I am actually looking for a job and that touched me. Love what rises up in you—His courage.
I know i’m a little late here, but welcome back!! it’s so good to hear from you again! like everyone else i enjoy your life stories. i can almost picture you sitting there feeling “white”. happens to me all the time. I have a good friend who is always trying to teach me how to dance cause she keeps telling me i dance “just like a white girl”! well, yeah! hehe I hope you had a Happy Valentine’s Day & don’t stay gone so long this time!
Blessings!
Hey! Good luck with the new schedule! I’m sure you’re doing great! I actually work for an organization with a very similar program as I’m sure the one you work for. I work as a child care referral counselor, but the other girl in my office works as a parenting coach. I find it funny that neither of us have kids, and yet we can offer these parents advice and information based on our education and former child care experiences.
I’m sure you have quite a different (or at least more refined) approach to your job now that you are a parent. Of course, that’s the best experience!
The most difficult challenge I have found working with parents is the fact that I cannot openly share my faith. Sometimes the advice I give seems futile because change apart from Christ. It is impossible for them to change (for the right reasons, that is) apart from Christ. Most of the time my co-worker feels the parents put on an act for her just so she will stay off her back. No surprise…there is so much brokenness in families. I wish the organization I work for were a Christian organization so I can give them the BEST advice to bring their faults and their sin and their children and their relationships to God.
*sigh*
One of my students is in the children’s choir at his church. He asked me to come to a performance one Saturday evening. His grandmother told me it was casual dress, so I showed up in a comfortable but very casual outfit.
Talk about feeling out of place. There I sat horribly underdressed and very pale in a sea of nattily and colorfully dressed African Americans in the oldest and largest black Baptist church in a 100 mile radius.
Note to me: Don’t believe Grandma when she says casual!
The great thing was even though I stuck out like a sore thumb, I was welcomed so warmly and more people looked me in the eye with a kind greeting than in my own church.
Hey Kate, glad you’re back to work. Your job seems pretty fun. Getting to serve others is something I enjoy doing.
Kate! I have a complicated question that you may or may not know the answer to…is there an email where I can reach you?
Thanks..and again, I love your blog 😉
-Paige
Kate,
Couldn’t have laughed harder at your comment about feeling like a white cracker! Your honesty is so refreshing…loved it!
Kate,
I miss you!! I am so glad to hear you are doing well. Your job sounds amazing. Hope to hear more from you soon. Email me wheny ou are coming back to Seattle. Joanna Jones
Kate,
Just wanted to ask if you have heard of the book unChristian…I am only on the 3rd chapter, but I think you would really like it.
Hey Kate,
I have some news to tell you and a question to ask. My Grandma lost her husband 9 years ago. so, one day she saw this dog walking across the road. By the way, she lives in Yakima. Anyway, she saw the dog and called it and it came running towards her wagging its tail. It just so happened that she would keep the dog. It was a mutt . So she kept for a very long time. Until suddenly one day the dog lost its hearing and this car was trying to get past the dog. so instead of just going past the dog, the driver just ran over her dog. My grandma came running out and heard her dog yelp. She thought she was hurt but she was gone by the time my grandma got over there. So my question to you is do you still have any pups that need a good home? I live in Taholah Washington and if you would like to email my mom about the pups her email is tmasten@taholah.k12.wa.us She was talking about buying a little pup at a store but she doesnt have any time right now. So please email her. Thanks Kate. God Bless You!
Rebecca
Love the site, and your writings. I’m looking forward to entering the sorority of motherhood…in 6 weeks (give or take). Praying for you and your family, as well as those you are working with. Press on sister, press on.
It was your birthday Wednsday; so happy late birthday! =)
Hey, be sure to email me about getting together; I’ve emailed but I haven’t gotten a reply.
i miss your posts kate! hope you are doing well (:
blessings.
Where’d you go, Kate? Everyone who’s blog I read seems to slowly be falling off the wagon. I hope you’ll return soon!
I echo what has already been said: We do miss you, Kate. Hope you are well! Saw some of your sis’ wedding pics…everyone looked beautiful. I’m sure you were very busy with all those last minute wedding plans helping things to go smoothly.
Where in the world is Kate Mcdonald? I feel like I haven’t talked to a dear friend in a long time…
The blogosphere misses you Kate! 🙂
Oh my goodness Kate! When will you write again? I’ve missed reading your blogs. 😉
By the way… be sure to check your email and to reply, I sent you one awhile back about still getting together sometime while you’re still living in Bellefontaine.
Kate, I hope you’re planning to come back to Engage the Journey. Everyone there misses you. Wendy is doing a wonderful job…..she misses you too, I’m sure!
You are missed.
I’m sure you’re going to post soon about the B+S wedding…..right? 🙂
Missing you lots on ETJ. You bring such depth and delight.
Hope to see you soon.
Kate,
me and Katelynn quite enjoyed reading this blog. It was really such a blessing meeting you the other week and God’s def. continued to put you on my heart for prayer!
Be blessed
Oh, Katie girl, where are you?????????????????????????????????????
I saw your sister in concert lastnight (ottawa, ON) Absolutely amazing…..
I hope you are well, Kate and that everything is ok. As you can see, we miss you!
Sharis, since you’ve seen Kate sometime early May or late April, can you tell us if she is ok? A lot of us on ETJ are concerned that she is not at least once in awhile keeping in touch with us. We would just like to know that she’s fine and maybe just very busy with her life.
Thanks so much.
Kate, we miss you. We pray you are doing well.
Jean
Seriously… where have you been? =]
Miss your blogs!
Hey Kate, just wanted to say that I was praying for you. Hope you have a great summer! Miss you at ETJ. God has so used the chronological readings in my life! I have really loved doing it!
Please please update us!!!!
Oh where, oh where has our little Kate gone?
Oh where, oh where can she be?
With her hair cut short and her days so long.
Oh where, oh where can she be?
Miss your blogging! From one of your fans…
You have fans!? Haha
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