You said it sooo well, Ruth. We who are Moms bear an extra joy and burden. Laura West -----Original Message----- From: Ruth Meyers [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Saturday, March 20, 2004 12:27 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [Spam] Job Annoucement Thank you for this wonderful piece about being a mother. There is a slight touch of irony in it for me as it comes through this list-serv dedicated to museums, the largest national association for which almost annually books its conference to conflict with Mother's Day, my most favorite holiday. As a mother, I have always taken offence at this intrusion into what I believe to be sacred territory. Furthermore, if I feel the need to be with my daughter that day, I have no options through the organization to support her being there with me. I have actually brought her to meetings, nevertheless, and been astounded by the fact that the children whom we dedicate ourselves to teach, are an oddity in the conference population. Because I brought my then 10-year-old to the Baltimore meeting, she will know forever that she saw the legendary Jane Goodall, even if she doesn't not remember the story she told. I wonder if I am the only person to share this feeling of missed opportunity. I keep thinking about the saying about the fact that at the end of your life it is not the number of meetings you missed but the moments you missed with loved ones. It does factor into my planning for the conference, and I recognize that it will likely always be my problem to deal with if I want my precious daughter to be with me on that special day. Still.... Thanks also for the inspiration to make this little "whine." Ruth Meyers Florida Art Museum Directors Association ----- Original Message ----- From: Nicholas Burlakoff <mailto:[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> Sent: Friday, March 19, 2004 11:00 AM Subject: [Spam] Job Annoucement MOM - Job Description > > POSITION: Mother, Mom, Mama > > JOB DESCRIPTION: Long term, team players needed for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24-hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required. > > RESPONSIBILITIES: The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap plastic toys, and battery-operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final , complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility. > > POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT &PROMOTION: Virtually none. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you > > PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: None required, unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis. > > WAGES AND COMPENSATION: Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more. > > BENEFITS: While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered, this job provides limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if you play your cards right. > PeaceNick ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . 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