I’ve been fascinated by space for as long as I can remember. I’m oh-so-very intrigued by the colonization of Mars planned for 2024-ish. (Relax, I haven't applied! Yet...)
What's that? You want me? In order for me to go to Mars, here are my Must Haves.
1. You must let me bring my cat. Not the one who is scared of everything but the one who is social, lovable, and craves attention. There are many benefits to pet therapy. You want to limit the Cray-Cray in space? I’ll even let other people interact with my KarmaNaut- you just have to share your freeze dried chicken with him. (After you warm it, of course.)
2. I have to bring my husband, even if he is knocked out and it is against his will. He’ll get over it once we are there. If I learned anything from Mission to Mars, it’s preferable to have a married couple around. Now, some of you may be wondering why my cat was listed as number 1. When the husband wakes up and discovers he is on the Red Planet, my only chance of forgiveness is number 1.
3. I’m an avid reader. I understand it isn’t practical for me to bring all of my print books with me, so I will accept a limit of my twenty favorites as long as my Amazon account works for my e-reader. (Speaking of accounts...can I access my Netflix? If not, Houston...we have a problem.)
You may be wondering about my qualifications.
- I've read the entire Red Mars trilogy by Kim Stanley Robinson. (I didn’t understand all of it but I did not give up.) Unlike the First Hundred from this novel, I will follow all of your rules. (Until you stop monitoring me.) (Just kidding!) (No, I’m not.)
- I know almost all of the lines from Space Camp. “Jinx put Max in space!” (Movie fans- did you know that Max was played by a young Joaquin Phoenix?) I know better than to give a metaphorical command in a literal manner to a robot that only understands things literally. (Unless it is the android from Almost Human- then, all bets are off.)
- I watch Doctor Who and Torchwood. ‘Nuff said!
- In my current profession, I am organized, reflective, and poised in a crisis. You will appreciate that the first time someone punctures a hole in the hull. (I will have duct tape.)
“Her positivity and patience with staff encourages them to be open and honest but also to strongly self-reflect.”
“Suzie’s facility with reflective practice is truly exemplary. Her unique ability to see an educational issue from all angles makes her a valuable team member and thinking partner.”
What about perspectives from those closest to me? I sent some friends a text and simply said, “Say something nice about me.” Their responses made me sit taller the rest of the night.
"You are a genuine and sincere person. And funny."
"I completely trust you."
“The way you speak your truth helps me figure out and speak my truth. You are a loyal, fun and quirky (in a good, refreshing way) friend. I can count on your insight to help me be a better teacher/writer/person.”
“You are one of the smartest and kind hearted people I know.”
"Smart lady and talented writer." With prompting, "Beauty is a given." (That last bit was from my aunt. Sometimes...you want to hear you are pretty.)
It’s truly a gift to see yourself reflected by others.
But...do we really have to apply for a job, set up a new business, or move to Mars to hear positive thoughts about ourselves? Think about someone in your life. What's something nice that you could say about that someone "right now?" Pause in your reading and text, tweet or FB them. Right now. Do it! Are you done? Now, do it for yourself. There's no need to wait for positive comments from others to appreciate ourselves.
Mission accomplished.
Image by Christopher Friebolin
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