Saturday, May 23, 2015

Why Your 20-Year Old Self Wants You To Shut Up

It seems popular these days to read headlines such as, "10 Things I Would Tell My 20-Year-Old-Self." Or, "5 Words of Advice I Wish I'd Followed In My Youth." When I read these articles, I can almost hear my younger self: "please,please Shut. The. Hell. Up. Can't you just simply love me?"

As if we all somehow were supposed to know better. As if we all somehow, were just awful. Because we did insanely stupid things. Because we made dumb mistakes. Because we were really ridiculous, and oh my GOSH, what were we thinking? 

As if we were not enough. As if things could have somehow been any different than they were. As if we were not doing the best that we could.

At 20, I became a mother. And motherhood swallowed me whole.

I was a good young mother. A good enough mother. I don't think for one second that I was better than any other mother, but I worked hard at motherhood. I gave it my all.

I loved having young children in the house. I loved having my heart pried open by the sight of small, precious hands and the depth of wide, innocent eyes. Some days, it was just a lot of hard work, but mostly, it was a blissful time. My happiest years, when everything, for the first time, felt so right.

In fact, it all felt so right, that I think I decided, on some unconscious level, that everything before, including my younger self, must have somehow been wrong.

So, I left that part of me behind. I ditched her. I pushed her underground. I lost her. I think a lot of us do.

She hadn't understood anything, after all. She sweated the small stuff. She didn't have her priorities straight. She didn't know to enjoy the little things. She actually cared what other people thought of her. How silly she was! How foolish and shallow she had been.

But,now, as my kids are growing up, and in the not too distant future preparing to leave the nest, my younger self seemed to resurface with a vengeance.

For a while, I struggled. Hadn't I  gotten myself all together in my 20s and 30s and left my foolishness behind? Was I going crazy? Was it all just hormonal? Was I having a midlife crisis before I even hit 40?

Eventually, I realized, that in some strange way, I was making peace with my past. I realized that my younger self, like most all of our young selves, had actually kicked ass. I realized that in the midst of all of her flaws and lack of wisdom, she got me here.

I realized that making peace with our past, with our crazy younger selves, works so much better than beating up on them or giving them advice. It makes us whole. It allows us to move forward and to age with gratitude and tolerance for ourselves and for others. 

I think my 20-year-self wants to write an article. I'm not yet sure what all she has to say, but I think I know her title: "10 Reasons Your 20-Year-Old Self Wants You To Shut Up."

Friday, May 22, 2015

No Place I'd Rather Be

You know the song, don't you?  The line "No place I'd rather be" always struck a cord with me whenever I listen to the song.  Something always makes me sit back and think when I hear it.  I know it's about being with the one you love, and being content wherever you are with them.

But, I look at it a little different.  In the hubbub of the day, sometimes I get stuck thinking about the past and/or worrying about the future, that I miss the present moment right in front of me.  I let the craziness of the world envelope me, and forget to take stock in who I am and what I have in my life.  So today, I am celebrating me, in this moment.
 
I am a daughter
I am a sister
I am a mother
I'm a wife
I'm a kick ass singer
I'm an insanely loyal friend
I'm a decent writer and blogger
I am a hard worker
I'm crazy, fun, loud, silly, and loved by those I love!
 
I'm ready to face the world and make my mark.  I'm excited for my future and the goals that have been set.  But I'm also content with who I am now.  I have the love of a wonderful family and the support of amazing friends.  I have a roof over my head, and a job that brings in decent money.  And I have an amazing husband who helps provide for our family, who loves me unconditionally, who does little things I never see to make my life easier, who makes me laugh constantly, who supports me in his own way, and who is my best friend.
 
In this moment, I am immersed in a sensed of joy and thanksgiving.  Life is wonderfully good and there is definitely no place I'd rather be.

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

10 Things I'd Rather be Doing than "Adulting"

OK, so as a self described (and often affirmed by others) "Grammar Nazi", I find it kind of funny that the word 'Adult' has become a verb.  But, I digress, as this entire post is going to be full of wonderful things I would rather be doing with my life than adulting.

I mean, honestly; being an adult means you have to go to bed early, get up early,  Even just having this long weekend has spoiled me .  Stay up late, sleep in, do what I want.  Why can't we do that in the real world forever?  I'm thinking of moving to Spain. Then I could take part in that mandatory siesta thing.  I could totally get on board with the siesta all day, fiesta all night kind of life.

I could also get on board a cruise ship -- and a whole bunch of other things instead of adulting.

10 Things I Would Rather Do Than Adult

1.  Sit in a tree house and eat peanut butter and banana sandwiches.  I don't think I full appreciated either of these childhood sentiments when I was a child.

2.  Nap time -- 'nough said.

3.  Be a model who can eat whatever she wants.  Just buy me cute outfits....I may even let you take pictures of me in them.

4.  Travel the world and not have to pay for it.

5.  Sit in a library of all the most amazing books and just read for days on end.

6.  Is professional Netflix watching a thing?  Because I could totally do that.

7.  Have my husband make millions of dollars so I could become a trophy wife and live in a kick ass mansion.

8.  OR live my life as a beach bum......just a swim suit, cover up, shades, and sandals.  For life.

9.  Have a jam session with my brothers and sister, and then just chill on the couch watching old home movies of when we were cute little, naive kids.

10.  Super awesome long weekend, karaoke party


Friday, May 15, 2015

Kindness Is Free

*Disclaimer:  This post contains profanity.  If you don't like curse words, then don't read this post.*


So, I was walking downtown on my lunch break, because I needed to pay a bill at City Hall, and I am trying to do more walking because I'm endeavoring to make some healthier choices in my life (but that's a post for another day).


There was a group with two people in wheelchairs, two others with obvious mental disabilities, and their two helpers.  We were standing at the crosswalk waiting for the light to change.  There was also a man dressed in a business suit talking on his cell phone.  One of the guys from the first group reached out to the man in the suit.  He shook the man off while continuing to talk on his phone.  The helper tried to control and redirect the young man in her group.  He reached out to the suited man again, tugging on his jacket and made a loud noise.  The business man shook him off and called him a "crazy C word" (he said the word, but I refuse to type that one).  Shocked I said, "that was completely uncalled for".  The suited man then told me to shut up and  called me a "fat bitch".  I replied "I'd rather be a fat bitch than a freaking asshole".  The light changed and he walked away.  I walked away.  The group stayed put on the corner.




I was so angry and so upset, I was shaking.  This all happened in probably less than 30 seconds; 30 completely unnecessary seconds.  I hope that stupid suited guy falls in front of a bus.  No, I don't but...


I wasn't angry or upset by what he said to me (although that was completely uncalled for, too).  I was shocked, saddened, disgusted and infuriated that his response to this young man, that clearly faced some mental and physical challenges, was to call him a "crazy" C-bomb.  The C word.  The nastiest possible word to call someone that the English language has to offer.


Honestly, what is wrong with people?  What goes on in that guys head, or his heart, really in his life to make him such a horrible person.  He is someone's son.  He is possibly someone's friend and/or spouse. Even worse, he is possibly someone's father.  How does he treat those close in his life?  What is he teaching his children?




This is one of those experiences that I will remember for a long time.  Please remember to have empathy and compassion toward your fellowman.  Do something kind today.  Combat your personal incidents of ugliness by spreading kindness.







Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Some Simple Truths

Sometimes you just have to sit back and say, "Meh, that's the way life goes".




-  Sometimes you just have to laugh at this drama filled, crazy world.  I definitely get a giggle out of people who make mountains out of molehills, especially when they think everything is about them.  #itsnotallaboutyou  #notthecentreoftheuniverse


-  Sometimes you need a sick day to get things organized.....even if you aren't really sick. #playinghookie  #mentalhealthday


-  Sometimes the only way to get through a conversation with a co-worker is over the phone, where they can't see you with your head in your hands or banging it against a wall.  #pleaselearnyourjob  #readyouremailsbeforeaskingmequestions


-  Sometimes it's okay to say YES to that second bowl of popcorn #mydietstartstomorrow  #itcouldhavebeencake


-  Sometimes a bad day rears it's ugly head and knocks us off our axel.  You need to remember to be kind to those around you, because there is no reason for your bad day to become theirs.  #dountoothers  #peaceloveandharmony


-  Sometimes you have to be the jerk that cuts toxic people out of your life to keep yourself from going crazy.  It's almost been a year since I removed a huge negative weight from my life.  The drama may never bee fully gone (because people can't let things go), but it's no longer a factor in my life, which makes me happy.  #dropthedrama  #notasecondthought


-  Sometimes you just have to switch off your brain and watch some reality tv  #hellskitchen  #biggestloser


-  Sometimes you just have to have music  blasting in the background of every situation; cooking, cleaning, working out  #musicismyboyfriend  #everythingsbetterwithmusic


-  Sometimes people mistake their place in your life.  Just because they THINK they are in your inner circle doesn't mean you have to put them there.  You know who it is that you value, and just because people don't understand it's not them, it's no reason to change your value or belief system just to make them happy.  #loyaltothosewhodeserveit  #knowwhoyourtruefriendsare 


-  Sometimes praying for someone is better than cursing them  #turntheothercheek  #everyonematters


-  Sometimes I wish we still lived in the pre-internet and pre-digital era, because the ability to compare wasn't everywhere.  Sure you had the Jones' that lived down the street, or the boss' beautiful wife, but it wasn't on every platform known to men.  Simple living is sooo appealing sometimes.  #sometimesitsgoodtounplug  #gooutsideforachange






Saturday, April 18, 2015

Eighteen

I always knew I wanted to be a mother.  Of course, I had other aspirations and dreams, but being a mother was always at the top of my list.

And then that day came, and I found out that I was, indeed, going to have a baby.  I was still so much a kid myself, and nowhere near mature enough for the emotional responsibility that I was undertaking.  But if nothing else, I was headstrong, maybe a little selfish, and refused to give up simply because someone thought I couldn't do it.

Each day of my pregnancy I felt more and more of my own childhood slipping away.  The more my belly grew (which admittedly wasn't much with this pregnancy), the more like an adult I felt until the moment I pushed my son out into the world.  I was someone's mother.  I was his mother.


They were right, you know.  It was incredibly hard, but so totally worth it.  Being a very young mom shaped me in ways that I'm not even sure how to put into words.  It was the single most defining moment of my life; and looking at what a wonderful young man he's grown into, I don't think I've done too bad a job.  It wasn't done alone though.I couldn't have done it without the support of my family and the wonderful man who decided to step up and take this journey with me.


Preparing for this birthday of the one who made me a mom has been more difficult than I would like to admit.  It's a major milestone.  My baby is no longer a child.  At eighteen, he's considered an adult; although in so many ways he is very much a child.


Dearest Andrew;


This birthday is a major milestone.  It marks the beginning of your adult years.  And while the numbers may reflect that legally you are a man, in my eyes you are and forever will be my little boy. I am so proud of the person you are growing in to.  And I admit that when people compliment your or comment on what a nice young man you are, my pride swells because I'd like to think that I've had something to do with that.  As much as you are your own individual man, as your mom I see you as a reflection of me.  I promise you that I'm working on only seeing you for the person that you are.  It's still so hard not to simply see my little boy who would have his bottle of chocolate milk with him everywhere he went.

We've grown up together, you and I.  I certainly haven't been a true adult the entire time that you've been in my life, but we figured it out together.  It's been a Hell of a roller coaster ride, but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.  


There are moments I catch myself just staring at you; from across the table, across the room, or simply out of the corner of my eye in the car.  I can't believe you've grown into such a smart, funny, and kind human being.  It feels like it happened over night.  I closed my eyes holding my sweet toddler, and when I opened them, a grown man stood before me.  You have given me so many great things to be proud of, but none greater than simply being my son.

It has been so much fun getting to know you.  The nights I spent rocking you and breathing in that new baby smell.  I wondered who you were going to be; what type of man you would be.

It turns out you are entirely different now than you were as a toddler.  You do things on your own time, and not when someone thinks you should.  You have a laugh that's infectious.  It's one of those deep, full laughs that makes my heart melt when I hear it.  You're so loving, and never one turn down a hug, even if it's from your mother in public.




And now with university in your near future, here's a bit of motherly advice.  Some I was told at your age, some I've picked up along the way -- all things I wish I had listened to at 18:

*  If a job is worth doing, it's worth doing well (learned that from my grandma)
*  Never leave the house without wearing a clean pair of underwear
*  Manners, while seemingly small and insignificant, will carry you far in life.  The simple act                 of saying please and thank you, holding open a door for someone, or giving up your seat,
    speaks volumes about your character
*  Your parents are only a phone call away -- even if it's 3 am
*  Mistakes do not define us.  We all make them.  They are teachable moments.  Learn from
    them and move on.
*  Treat every young lady with the respect she deserves
*  Speak with confidence.  Not everyone will want to listen to a "kid", but educate yourself
    about your opinions, and don't be afraid to make your voice heard.
*  Sometimes you will be wrong.  Don't be too proud to admit when you are.
*  Look people in the eye and use a firm handshake
*  Those 8 am university classes may seem like a good idea when you're making your schedule.  I           promise they aren't.  Never take classes that early.
*  Never be afraid to ask for help.  A fool is the man who thinks he knows everything and refuses to       ask questions.
*  God gave us mouths that close and ears that don't.  Be a good listener.
*  The most important sex organ is your brain.....intelligence is sexy.
*  Face your problems head on.  Don't run away; they will just chase you.  Stand and deal.

And at the end of the day, don't forget to be awesome.

Love you forever;

Mom

Saturday, March 28, 2015

50 Things.....Because I Haven't Posted in a While

So, once again I find a fun little link of of 50 questions from another blogger for us all to answer.  As I've said before, those of you who know me, will not be surprised by many of these answers.

1.What's your favorite candle scent? I'm not big into candles, but I have several Scentsy smells that I love:  Cherry Vanilla, Eskimo Kiss, Sunny and Share, and Mandarin Moon are my current favorites
2. What female celebrity do you wish was your sister? Sandra Bullock, Drew Barrymore. and Tina Fey
3. What male celebrity do you wish was your brother? Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, Neil Patrick Harris
4. How old do you think you'll be when you get married? I was married 12 days after I turned 21.
5. Do you know a hoarder? Not personally, but my husband has pack rat tendencies.....that he learned from his mother
6. Can you do a split? NO :(
7. How old were you when you learned to ride a bike? I think 5 -- thanks, dad.
8. How many oceans have you swam in? 2.
9. How many countries have you been to? 4.
10. Is anyone in your family in the army? I have a step-brother who was in the Navy
11. What would you name your daughter if you had one? Shayla Kathleen
12. What would you name your son if you had one? I have three: Andrew Ross, Randall Max, Ryker David
13. What's the worst grade you got on a test? 48/100
14. What was your favorite TV show when you were a child? Cosby Show, Growing Pains, Family Ties
15. What did you dress up as on Halloween when you were eight? Uhhh....that was 30 years ago...probably a witch or something.
16. Have you read any of the Harry Potter, Hunger Game or Twilight series? Hunger Games, yes
17. Would you rather have an American accent or British accent? A British accent every day 
18. Did your mother go to college? Yes
19. Are your grandparents still married? Not on this earthly world, but they are still together
20. Have you ever taken karate lessons? No.
21. Do you know who Kermit the frog is? The cutest frog in the world.
22. What's the first amusement park you've been to? Calaway Park
23. What language, besides your native language, would like to be fluent in? Italian, Spanish, Japanese
24. Do you spell the color as grey or gray? Grey.
25. Is your father bald? Nope, he has a full head of hair.
26. Do you know triplets? No, a few twins. though.
27. Do you prefer Titanic of The Notebook? Well, I've never see The Notebook.....so Titanic it is.
28. Have you ever had Indian food? Yes, and it's quite good
29. What's the name of your favorite restaurant? Fogo de Chao.......I miss that pace
30. Have you ever been to Olive Garden? Uuuuh yeah. #endlessbreadsticksandsalad
31. Do you belong to any warehouse stores? Costco
32. What would your parents have named you if you were the opposite gender? Probably the same name, but just spelled differently
33. If you have a nickname, what is it? Erve, Ersie, Erie,Erwinnie. 
34. Who's your favorite person in the world? My grandma Court.....I miss her every day 
35. Would you rather live in a rural area or in the suburbs? I love the 'burbs
36. Can you whistle? Yes I can....thanks again, dad
37. Do you sleep with a nightlight? No
38. Do you eat breakfast every morning? I have a smoothie every morning
39. Do you take any pills or medication daily? A liquid multivitamin, and sometimes and iron supplement
40. What medical conditions do you have? None.
41. How many times have you been to the hospital? I don't know....but lots
42. Have you ever seen Finding Nemo? Yup, yup, yup
43. Where do you buy your jeans? Old Navy
44. What's the last compliment you got? A client at work told me I was beautiful last week
45. Do you usually remember your dreams in the morning? Quite often, yes.
46. What flavor tea do you enjoy? I like peppermint, green, and lemon.
47. How many pairs of shoes do you currently own? Gah, 6 or 7
48. What religion were you raised as? I was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 
49. How old were you when you found out that Santa wasn't real? I still believe in the magic of Santa. 
50. Do have a tumblr? I don't.

Forever 21

Today is Dagan's 22nd birthday.....a birthday he won't get to celebrate in this earthly plane.  A birthday he will instead celebrate...