Meet Kaitlyn Rose Rausch. Katie. She’s my new niece. She was born on Thursday October 29. 6 lb. 14 oz and 21 inches long. Almost as adorable as my boys were…almost 
OK, anyone want to fess up? Anyone?
Today Andy called me while I was at work. “You have a package here,” he said.
But I didn’t order anything. Nothing.
So, I was curious. So curious, in fact, that I almost left work early just to find out what it was.
What it is is very cool
I am now the proud owner of a remote trigger for my camera flash. That means I can use my Speedlite off camera. That means I can be all sorts of creative.
Only one problem. OK, two problems.
Problem #1: I have NO IDEA where this came from. I certainly didn’t order it, Andy denies ordering it (and I believe him…he’s woefully ignorant when it comes to camera equipment!), and there was no note or invoice or anything at all in the package other than the product and the instructions.
Problem #2: While I greatly admire the looks that can be achieved using off-camera flash, I have NO CLUE what I’m doing. None. I did a quick google search and found mucho information…I’m not even sure where to start!
So, I did the logical thing. I stuck it on my camera, told the boys to smile, and started firing away!
The first one I think is a bit bright…even though I dialed the flash down to 1/8 power. Perhaps it was too close? The second one is a bit dim…the flash was at the same power but further away.
Fun, but obviously I need some practice
So, does anyone know where this thing came from? Anyone? Anyone? Buehler? Buehler? Anyone?
And, does anyone know how to use this thing? I’d be happy with personal lessons, e-mailed instructions, or web site addresses
Dear Mrs. (or Ms.) Nice Lady,
Today I had a very long day. Not necessarily a bad day, but a long one. By the time my children and I saw you at Food Lion, I had been going pretty much non-stop since 6 AM. I was tired, and I had a headache, and I know my boys were tired after a long week at school.
We walked into the store at the same time…you in your nice put-together outfit, me in a t-shirt and jeans. You by yourself, my with my two little boys in tow–one of which was not feeling so good and was more than a bit whiny, and one of which is 8 going on 18 and full of smart remarks and witty comebacks. I smiled at you, said “excuse us, please” when Nicky accidentally walked right in front of you, and went on my way.
All throughout the store we seemed to be on a collision course. We met in nearly every aisle. I tried hard to stay out of your way, I really did. But sometimes it’s difficult when you’re trying to make a decision and both children are trying to make their own decisions and convince me to purchase something they must certainly have. I think I apologized to you at least 3 times. You always smiled and just nodded. I was sure you were very annoyed. My kids weren’t being bad–not in the least. But they weren’t being angels, either.
At the checkout, you were one lane over. I saw you smiling at me trying to unload my cart, find my discount card, and be firm with the boys when they tried to talk me into some gum. I was, by this point, nearly ready to cry due to the combination of a rapidly-building migraine, two tired and hungry boys, and the prospect of a busy weekend still ahead of me.
I had to raise my voice in the parking lot when the kids wouldn’t stay close to me. I was close to losing my temper, but did not. The did finally come back over, and Nicholas even apologized for “being bad”.
As I finished loading the kids in the truck, I saw you getting into your car. A BMW–very nice. I’m a little jealous And, as I walked around the back of the truck to get to the drivers side, I saw you turn towards me and begin to open your window. I was sure you were going to comment on my parenting…the way I yelled at the boys in the parking lot, or the way I joked with them somewhat inappropriately about selling them to the gypsies, or perhaps simply that they were a little energetic as they raced down one of the empty aisles.
You completely took me by surprise by telling me that you thought that my boys were two of the most well-behaved, polite kids you’d seen in public in a long time. You complimented my parenting and told me to keep up the good work.
Ma’am, you totally made my day. That was, quite possibly, the nicest thing a stranger has ever said to me. I’ve been reprimanded in public by complete strangers before for yelling at my kids, or for teasing them, or for popping them in the back of the head, and, once, for insisting that they say “yes, ma’am” instead of “yeah”. I have never, in my 8 years of parenting, been complimented by a complete stranger. Ever.
I got into the truck and told the kids what you said. Nicky said “Really? We weren’t even being on our best behavior!” Drew just said “That was nice of her.” I also immediately called my mom and shared with her what you said. Like I said, you totally made my day–my weekend, even.
I don’t know your name, and I may never see you again. But, if by some off chance you see this somewhere, thank you. Thank you so much for what you said. It means so much…more than I ever would have thought a few sentences from a stranger would mean.
Love,
Alissa (and her boys)
p.s. in case you’re wondering, no, there is no password today. i’m going to leave this post (and possibly some others from here on out) open to everyone, and just save the password proteced ones for the stuff i don’t want the whole world to know.
