Monday, June 14, 2010

A Little Help From My Friends...

I am breaking into my usual sarcasm this morning to bring you a heartfelt post.

Crazy, I know.

Some know and some might not know, but I am independent (OK, extremely independent). I not only do the laundry, the dishes, take the garbage out, but also own my own small power tools, mow the lawn and go to the dump.

I am most certainly not Rapunzel. She waited for someone to rescue her instead of figuring out how to get out of that damn tower herself.

In the past 9 months, I have had to depend on my independent (some might say stubborn) side and do more than usual myself. Then 2 things happened this weekend that made me think that maybe a little help is a nice thing now and then.

First, the girls and I moved. It is very hard to find a year round rental on Cape Cod, but miraculously we did it! Our landlord is super nice and the house is pretty cool. And somebody mows the lawn! I have been mowing lawns since I was 12. Maybe I will take the time to get a manicure while SOMEONE ELSE is mowing my lawn. Anyway, not the point. The point is that I sent out a FB and email request for some friends to help me move on Saturday.

8 beautiful people showed up at my door and said, "Let's do it!". All they asked for in payment was one of the brownies I made. The fact that they gave up a Saturday afternoon in the drizzle and helped me is humbling. The fact that there were another dozen or so people that wished they could help, but had plans, was as equally so. Seriously, it brought tears to my eyes.

Now, people that know me, would say, "Sue, you would do that for your friends." And my answer would have been, "Of course". "Count me in." "Let me help YOU." I am just not accustom to the other way around. Sure people offer me help and I usually am too proud (stupid) to take it.

But this weekend, I let my guard down, let my friends in and my new house will be all the more special for it.

The second thing has happened over time, but this weekend I actually made a little money at it. A blog friend of mine is kind of my mentor (and friend). She has taught me more about blogging, tweeting and raising kids than I thought I could know. She is always on the ball when having to RSVP to special parties at Blogher in NYC, she helped me set up a twitter account, and she sends me interesting inquiries people have made for sponsorship on her blog. She does all this selflessly. She doesn't ask for anything in return, (except to be my roomie at Blogher).

In conclusion (I feel like I am making my case in front of a board), I will still be the independent girl that I have always been. However, I see the advantages of opening oneself up a little bit to let some friends in.

So thank-you friends and you know who to call if you ever need any help moving, some brownies or your picture taken. Love you!

14 comments:

Melisa Wells said...

I would like some M&M brownies, please. And maybe you and the girls (and your mom!) can deliver them, so we can go to Target? Okthanksbai. :)

xoxoxo

Shell said...

It's so nice that you have those people to help you.

I always think that I have to help people- like there's no way that I would ever not help if it's possible for me to. Yet, I in no way expect the same from anyone else.

Btw, I'm a little jealous that you are going to Blogher. Too much $$ for me.

Kathy said...

I think we Moms in general always help, not the other way around. It shows that you are a good friend when friends come to help you. Congratulations on your new home!

Kathleen said...

If we only open our hearts to give we get depleted. When we open to receive, we then have more to give. It's like a savings account. Only better. (First borns are slow to learn this). Congratulations on being sassy, independent and a great role model for your daughters.

scargosun said...

Independent is great but having friends to lean on when you need them is even better. :)

Mrs4444 said...

I wonder what it says about me that I never have trouble accepting help?

Hey, don't be afraid to send any blog sponsoring info my way! :) Happy for you, that you're going to BlogHer...

Anonymous said...

Wait, what?! Mowing the lawn since you were 12? When you had a perfectly good little brother to do it for you? Booooo, TC. Boooooo.

Happy Housewarming. Send pics!

Tara R. said...

I'm glad you had friends to help you move, and they would do so much more for you too. Sometimes it's good to let people help because of how it will help them too.

Hope you and your girls get all settled into your new home, enjoy!

Heather said...

Congrats on the move-- I'm excited for you and the girls! This is a new chapter in all of your lives and it will be the BEST! ONE! YET!

And if I lived closer, I woulda totally helped you move.
xo

WeaselMomma said...

In order to induce this type of response from people, you must have made some pretty marked impressions on their lives over the years.
To have to be a friend to have a friend. It speaks very highly of you.

Betty said...

Plain brownies, without any additional ingredients?
You need to move to the West Coast!
Yeah, where was Tommy during those "mowing"
years?
A. B.

Anonymous said...

It's so nice to be surrounded by such great people! I think I know who your mentor/roomie is...yep she is pretty fantastic!

Can't wait to meet you at blogher :)

Tammy said...

I loved that post...why is it so easy to help others but we never ask for help ourselves?

I am your newest follower...love your blog. I loved your comment on my BFF day over at Shells. Thanks for the love!

Jillian said...

Asking for help and accepting it make one stronger! Sometimes I feel week as a person asking for help but now have opened up to the idea:) I am so glad you 3 found a place! We will have to come down and crash at this new place and make memories at this location. My girls are still talking about hanging w/ K & B and the fun they had.