Making big changes!

Big changes are afoot for me. I’ve accepted the position of Director of Communications and New Media for the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness. Awesome! NFCA has done groundbreaking work in raising awareness and encouraging celiac testing, advocating that manufacturers to bring gluten-free products to store shelves and training restaurateurs to safely prepare food for people with celiac and non-celiac gluten intolerance. I’ll start my official duties there in mid-July. So excited! I can’t imagine a better fit than to turn my “extra-curricular” activities into my Day Job. I plan to continue my website and blog; no doubt there will be many things to share from NFCA.

That means I’ve resigned my position as Director of Gardening Programs at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. I’ve been at PHS for 8 years. I have learned an immense amount and had the opportunity to work with some really talented and caring people over the years. I know I’ve made some life-long friends and hopefully I’ve contributed to the world of urban greening, community gardening, increasing the availability of fresh produce, and making Philadelphia a more livable city.

If that’s not enough change, I’ve also joined Jeunesse Global as a distributor of their line of skin care products and supplements. I am not completely new to the world of direct selling, so I know Jeunesse has something special to offer in its science-based product line, its compensation plan, and its 21st century embrace of technology to help distributors spread the word. Click here if you want to know more or are interested in getting a free sample. I'll write more about the benefits of Jeunesse in future posts.

And my (and Jenn’s) job of parenting is also alive and well. Our boys are now 10 and almost 13, and our taste of nearly-teen has been quite an eye-opener to what lies in store for the next 8+ years. We are currently reading and appreciating Get Out of My Life, but First Could You Drive Me & Cheryl to the Mall: A Parent's Guide to the New Teenager by Anthony E. Wolf. As Jenn notes, Wolf offers insights into the teenage mind in a completely conversational tone of voice. It is chock full of realistic examples and gives permission for parents to be imperfect. I find it is helping me have more empathy for our older guy, which in turn keeps me from being such a total nag all the time. Everyone’s happier all around.