This morning while I was cooking breakfast and packing lunches, I  reflected back on my life and thought of all the jobs and skills I have learned over the years that have prepared me for my current role of mom/stepmom to five children. I was once a waitress, a bartender, a cashier, a hotel laundress and a chambermaid. One job I never held was that of a short order cook. BUT I AM  ONE NOW. I’m also a taxi driver (although not so much now that the three oldest are driving), family therapist (lots of territory covered there), event and party planner, tutor, personal shopper and accountant. Oh,  I almost forgot: and cheerleader too.

There isn’t much I haven’t done or could do. For instance, now that it’s football season and we’re watching a lot of it, whenever I see the coach on the sidelines blocking out the plays I can’t help but think, “I could do that. How hard could that be?” The job is pretty simple as far as I can tell. First off , you have to know all the rules. Then you need to know the talents and skills of your team. And finally, you have to be able to anticipate what the other side is going to do and be prepared. Not much different from life if you ask me. Having survived junior high and water cooler gossip at the office, I’ve overcome some obstacles and tough plays in my day. And I’ve had my share of losses and come from behind victories too. And when life has thrown me a curve, I’ve learned to smack it  out of the park. (I know, I’m mixing sports metaphors here, but bear with me.)

I realize that  sometimes it’s hard to keep up with everything.  Like Windows 7 already? I just figured out where the spell check key was on Vista. I’m not a technophile that’s for sure and that lack of skill set may have cost me a job along the way, but it has never gotten in my way of understanding human nature. Let’s just say I’ve had lots of that kind of experience on my resume. Whenever the kids come home from school with a gripe about a bully, a mean girl, a strict teacher or a failure on a test I know exactly how they feel. Been there. Done that. Maybe I can’t type 55 wpm, but I can be their shoulder to cry on. Some talents make up for others. And any shortcomings I may have as a parent, I make up for with compassion, empathy and chocolate chip cookies. It’s the people skills that matter the most in life. That, and the ability to overcome adversity. And if you have a lousy year, there’s always next season.