Today is Ash Wednesday and marked the beginning of the season of Lent. How many people were not able to enjoy their Valentine's Day chocolate today because of the start of the season of Lent? In all seriousness, though - this is a time of reflection. My reflection this year is the sheer amount of time spent on Social Media apps like Facebook and Instagram and how that takes away from other more important facets of my life.
I know, some people reading this would say that I am just transferring the time I spend on social media to the time I spend writing this blog instead. In a way, yes that may be true, but on the other side of the arguments this is also a more reflective time than scrolling through a Facebook or Instagram feed. Therefore, today began my 40 days of silence on Social Media. Hopefully this time will help me become a better wife, mom, daughter, friend, and teacher.
The only struggle I faced today in the world of social media was at lunch. It was the first time during the day that I actually took time to look at and access my phone. I wanted to hit the Facebook button so terribly bad - but I refrained and instead opened my settings and took off any possible notifications that I could get from the app.
Day One has not been overly difficult to stay away from social media. However, I did discover today that I probably should have gone to the doctor sooner for my ankle. I fell of a step stool on Sunday evening. Didn't think much of it at the time until the pain started on Monday. I went to the doctor today and discovered that it is much worse of a sprain than I expected it to be. Now I have to get a "lace up ankle brace" and basically wear tennis shoes for the next two to three weeks. Ice every three to four hours for twenty minutes and sleep with it above my heart. Also -- not running during this time. :( C'est la vie, I guess. Should learn not to fall of step stools.
Well anyway - need to help Bella with her homework real quick and then it's time for us to shuffle off to bed. Have a restful night everyone!
--Kate 👋
14 February 2018
25 March 2014
Our Trip to Mississippi
My little munchkin is getting big too quick. She turned one on March 14. Thankfully she still gets to be our little girl for a while longer. We originally thought John would be able to take leave and come home for her birthday, but he wasn't. Instead we flew down to Mississippi to spend Isabella's first birthday with him.
On Thursday, we went out with my parents, John's parents, Andrew, Jessica and Kaiden to TGI Friday's to have a dinner to celebrate Isabella's birthday since we were going to be in Mississippi on her birthday. I bought her a "little" cupcake for her to smash into at dinner.
I don't think she quite understood what she was supposed to do, but she sure liked eating all that frosting. Until, of course, mommy stole most of it from her.
We started the trip on her birthday, getting up at 0400 and leaving for Columbus at 0500. Our flight to Atlanta left at 0725. Isabella fell asleep about fifteen minutes into the flight. What's a mommy to do but to fall asleep herself! We arrived in Atlanta about a half hour early; instead of only having a one hour, forty-seven minute layover, we had a two hour and fifteen minute layover. I let Bella watch a movie while we waited for our next flight.
On Thursday, we went out with my parents, John's parents, Andrew, Jessica and Kaiden to TGI Friday's to have a dinner to celebrate Isabella's birthday since we were going to be in Mississippi on her birthday. I bought her a "little" cupcake for her to smash into at dinner.
We started the trip on her birthday, getting up at 0400 and leaving for Columbus at 0500. Our flight to Atlanta left at 0725. Isabella fell asleep about fifteen minutes into the flight. What's a mommy to do but to fall asleep herself! We arrived in Atlanta about a half hour early; instead of only having a one hour, forty-seven minute layover, we had a two hour and fifteen minute layover. I let Bella watch a movie while we waited for our next flight.
The second leg of the trip was uneventful as well. Except for the older gentleman who started out our flight with "Great, I get to sit next to the baby. Good thing I like babies. *pfft*" (Yes, really, he made the *pfft* sound). Luckily the seat next to us was empty, so Bella and I moved over and looked out the window until she fell asleep again. Which also meant mommy got a second nap! The pilot also gave her a set of wings!
Landing meant that John was waiting for us. We were so excited. Me especially because Bella hadn't started walking until after he had returned to California after Christmas. I was so excited to see him and for Bella to see him. We got our stroller and off we went out into the terminal and there was John! I don't know who was happier.
Isabella was so funny after we landed. She walked every where and made John chase after her. She kept trying to get us to open some random door for her. Then she would try to run into the bathroom. I think she was showing off. It took her a little bit to warm back up to John, but it didn't take long for daddy to be her favorite person.
John took us to Keesler AFB where we had lunch and he drove us around a bit before we went to the hotel to get setting in and clean up from the flight. John played with Isabella while I took a nap. Isabella was so excited to be with her daddy. I'm pretty sure they spent most of their time running from one end of the hotel room to the other end while I slept.
We went out to Red Lobster for dinner that night. Isabella did a really good job of eating Macaroni and Cheese while also distracting all of the wait staff with her adorable self. John and I had bought a little puppy shaped cupcake cake for Bella to squish at dinner. She really liked the frosting.
We didn't do much on Saturday because it was kind of an overcast and cloudy day. We did go to the mall and walked around a bit. John bought Isabella a new little backpack that she absolutely loves. Most of the day was spent in the hotel room, though. Isabella ran around making daddy chase her, ate some cheese puffs, and explored all of the cabinets in the room.
Sunday was our busy day. The day started less than hopeful as we woke up to thunderstorms. It cleared up around lunch time, but then seemed to rain again. All hopes of making to the beach seemed out of reach. We decided to walk out onto one of the piers, though during a break in the rain. Isabella had fallen asleep (of course) by that time.
Surprisingly enough, the rain did decide to stop AND Isabella decided to wake up. We drove a little further down the road and stopped at another beach. We went out onto the sand and let Isabella walk around a bit.
I'm pretty sure she's a fan of the beach!
After the beach it was time to head back to the airport and start our trip back to Ohio. John and Isabella got in a little more time playing while we were waiting for our flight to board. Isabella is just really funny at airports. We got to the airport pretty early and there weren't many people there, so we let Isabella run around a bit and be a little loud because she wasn't going to be able to do much walking once we were on our way. At one point, John went into the restroom and she just kept trying to follow him in. I would chase her to the seats and she would dash back toward the bathroom.
The whole trip was that way. Daddy was her FAVORITE person. It made me so happy.
Unfortunately it had started to rain again and our flight was delayed. John wasn't able to see us off because he had to return the rental car and get back to the base. Our return to Ohio was much more eventful than our trip to Mississippi
Since our flight out of Gulfport was delayed, we made it to Atlanta with only 40 minutes to make it from A terminal to E terminal to catch our flight to Columbus. After waiting for the stroller we raced (I ran, Isabella rode - laughing and clapping her hands the ENTIRE time, goofy girl) to terminal B where I caught the train the rest of the way to E. By the time I made it to E terminal I felt like I was dying; I couldn't catch my breath and I sure as heck couldn't run the rest of the way. I had eight minutes to make it to the gate (at the end of terminal E). After finally making it to the gate they DELAYED OUR FLIGHT!!! I just kinda sat down on the floor and talked to Isabella while we waited and caught my breath.
Isabella did not sleep AT ALL on the flight to Columbus. The poor men we were sitting between were very nice. She decided that she needed to throw her toys on the ground for the guy next to the window and grab the guy's shirt on the aisle. I kept apologizing and they just laughed and told me it was okay. Then came the inevitable - changing her diaper on the plane. That was an adventure.
When we finally made it to Columbus, we went to baggage claim to collect our suitcase and Isabella's car seat. After our suitcase came out, I pulled out Bella's pajamas and went to the bathroom to change her while mom and dad waited on the car seat. The car seat never arrived. Come to find out it had some how gone missing in Atlanta. Please explain to me how a car seat goes missing on a plane? They had no record of it being unloaded in Atlanta.
They gave us a loaner car seat to get Isabella home. Now we just had to wait on the airline to find it.
Since I've been trying to finish this blog since the 18th, I'll just continue.
I called EVERY day from the 17th to the 20th asking about the car seat. I was advised on the 20th to go ahead and file a lost baggage claim with all the items and their values because they still couldn't find it. The claim came out to be close to $500. In the bag holding the car seat were also my blue NY&C coat, Bella's coat, the new backpack John had bought her, formula and a bottle.
At work on the 22nd, I received a phone call from Delta in Atlanta - THEY FOUND THE CAR SEAT. We got the car seat back that evening. Bella is SO happy to have her car seat back. I'm being serious. All she did was cry in the loaner car seat. She sat in her car seat for the first time on Sunday on the way to her birthday party and instantly fell asleep.
As a closing, I'm just going to put this picture again because it is so darn cute!
13 March 2014
I should be in bed...
Really, I should be in bed cuddled up next to my baby girl. Instead I am on my computer doing work. Thankfully I don't mind doing work, even if it means giving up a couple of my hours of sleep at night. It turns out it is a lot easier to do these things while listening to the soft breathing of my almost one year old.
It has officially been a week since I gave up both Facebook and soda. I have found that the giving up soda part has been much easier than the giving up Facebook part. It has helped that mom has also given up soda, though. Thankfully we are very good a supporting each other at the task of choosing water over sugary, caffeine filled, carbonated beverages. Facebook has been difficult this time around just because there is so much more on there than just daily updates by friends and family. Hopefully mom is keeping up with the people who have said they are attending my most recent event.
I've been filling the Facebook void with crafts, chores and errands. I have noticed that I am a much more focused and happier person being unplugged for the social media giant. I miss knowing what is going on in certain people's lives and every once in a while I'll think "Man, that would make a good status update" but so far it has been nice being unplugged.
As most of you know, my baby girl is growing up too fast! She will be one on Friday. We are going to be traveling (by plane) to spend her birthday and the weekend with John in Biloxi, Mississippi. We had hoped that John would be able to come home, but seeing as he is new to Keesler AFB he wasn't able to get leave. It should be interesting taking Isabella on a plane this time around.
Yesterday we went to the cardiologist because they had heard a murmur at Bella's 9 month appointment and again at her neurology appointment. The doctor listened to her heart, checked her pulse and then did an ultrasound of her heart as well. She's perfect! He says he is not worried about the murmur at all and that she should grow out of it. I'm so glad there was a medical student with him, because I was able to hear him explain everything to the med student instead of anxiously waiting for him to tell me what was going on. Now we are officially cleared by both neurology and cardiology. Yay!
Isabella is now eating solid foods (finally) and not choking on them. She really likes macaroni and cheese. I've tried a few other things with her but she definitely knows what she does and doesn't want. The only issue we are having with the food eating is if you let her feed herself, she feeds Koko instead. Hopefully she will start eating other things now and drinking out of a cup would be nice too.
Lately a lot of my time has been spent in preparation for her first birthday party. Being the slacker I can sometimes be, though I completely forgot about her first birthday outfit. Luckily I was able to purchase one on Etsy.com and have it rushed to the house. It got here just in time for Isabella's one year photos, which we did yesterday. As soon as we get to see those pictures, I will share them with you. You can also check out Claire's page at Claire Cross Photography and they'll be on her blog soon.
Also, in true giving up Facebook fashion, I've gotten a little crafty again. It really is nice to have a little extra time to play with Bella or create something. I do highly recommend giving up Facebook, if even for a week! You'll be amazed by what you can do in place of scrolling on your phone or computer monitor.
So far I've made two things, unfortunately I only have photos of one. I made one of those "Momento Chalkboards" filled with info about Isabella as a one year old. I forgot to take a true before picture, but the one I took will work. When I was looking at them online a lot of people who would do them for you just made them as printables. Mine is certainly not a printable and you very clearly tell it is homemade. I'm completely okay with that, though. I think it turned out pretty well.
 |
| I bought an 11"x14" clearance frame from Michael's to use, an 11"x14" piece of scratch board, white acrylic paint and paint markers. |
It took about four coats of white paint to completely cover the red of the frame. I also ditched the glass because the scratch board and the glass did not fit in the frame together. This just means we have to be really careful that the scratch board doesn't actually get scratched. The next time I do this I will probably try to find something different to use as the "blank canvas."
I don't have any "in progress" pictures either because I was chasing Bella around, with mom's help, and then trying to get her to take a nap. But the final draft is below!
I used pink, purple and yellow paint instead. Mainly because the paint markers didn't start working until close to the end of the project. The yellow and purple paint markers worked just enough at the end and I was able to write words instead of having to paint all of them.
And THAT ladies and gentlemen, has been my life for the last eight days. Plus work of course. Which is also what I was doing before writing this blog.
Now I must go to bed, fore my little one has woken up twice as I've written this and I've had to step away to help her fall back to sleep.
Kate
Oh, I've also set up a few things to automatically post to Facebook, so if you see "activity" from me it is the automatic posting - not me! Pleasant dreams!
05 November 2013
Yes, I've Changed, But...
There are certain moments in life when a person changes. These can be moments of extreme happiness, joy, extreme sadness, or being broken hearted. Sometimes these changes are physical, sometimes they are emotional, or sometimes they are changes to a personality. My life has had three moments when my whole word has changed. The first was when a classmate was killed in a car accident when I was 12. The second was when I married my husband two years ago. The most recent was the birth of my daughter. I have changed. That's a true statement, but that doesn't mean I'm a completely different person.
Finding out I was going to be a mom was life changing. Suddenly, I was no longer "invincible" and my mortality really came to the forefront of my life. It wasn't just going to be me anymore, I was in charge of growing another person. I had to change the way I lived my life. I was no longer able to "go out on the town" like I had before. It became harder to walk longer distances and sadly, I slacked on trying to stay in a healthy shape during my pregnancy - but I had to give up going on four mile walks every night. I had to worry about what I was consuming. I was growing another human.
Unfortunately, the changes in my life habits wasn't what I found most difficult during pregnancy. I could handle changing my diet and work out routines - what I had the most difficulty with was my relationships with others.
One thing I want to stress to those who are reading this who have never been pregnant - I was pregnant, not broken. I wasn't made of glass. My pregnancy wasn't going to be harmed because I decided I wanted to help out with something. I went from feeling like part of a team, to feeling almost worthless and ignored. When hormones are running high - this is not what you need to be feeling. If a pregnant woman says she wants to do something (because she did it in the past) let her do it. We know how our bodies are doing during the pregnancy. We know what we can and cannot handle.
Then I went on Maternity Leave and Isabella was born. I had this tiny new life that I had grown inside of me. This beautiful, helpless little girl that was part me and part John to take care of and introduce to the world. I wanted to introduce her to everyone I knew and she got to meet Meredith, Brooke, Miss Jean and her grandparents. No one else came to visit. There wasn't a card sent, there weren't flowers sent. There were no visitors. Remember feeling worthless and ignored during the pregnancy...add loneliness to that equation.
We came back to Ohio for the remainder of my maternity leave so I could get some help taking care of Isabella. Meredith was a wonderful help, but I couldn't ask her to be up all hours of the night helping me. Especially since I was still healing from the C-Section and my parents were pulling a lot of the night duty for me. We got home and again I wanted to share her with our friends. I wanted those who had been such a huge part of mine and John's life when we were in Ohio to meet her. Bryan was the only one who came. He was so awkward with her - but he came and he held her. He was the only one.
I returned to work and finished out the last month of the school year. I went to work and went home to see my daughter. I am pretty sure people were happy to have me back, but I couldn't quite tell. I was still dealing with lack of sleep and a fussy baby at home. I was welcomed back, but not in a way that made me feel valued. Part of this might be because I was unsure of who I was when I returned. I was dealing with a lot.
Throughout the pregnancy, I didn't cry much. Every once in a while I would close my bedroom door and have a small crying fit because I missed John. I really only had one crazy pregnant woman moment and Meredith can tell you about that one (I think I may have scared her a bit), but I really didn't show much overly ridiculous emotional breakdowns. I still haven't done much of that post pregnancy, but I have had the "baby blues."
I gave up my job in Florida and moved back to Ohio because Bella was having health concerns. I also wanted to be close to family. I want Isabella to know her grandparents and her aunts, uncles and cousin. I miss teaching so much. I also miss the friends I thought I had made. I really thought that as an adult, I wouldn't have to deal with losing friendships because of a move like I did when I was a kid. I know I'm not a part of every day life for my friends in Florida, or for my friends in other places but I'd like to think I haven't been forgotten about.
On top of all of this, I'm playing single parent right now. John would give his right arm to be here with me, but he can't be. I don't get much adult conversation time. If I am not subbing or working at Things Remembered, I'm with my daughter. She doesn't nap long - so I don't get much time to do anything other than play with her. I love playing with her, but sometimes I just need a break. A nice dinner out with a friend or a movie would be great. I can get my parents or John's parents to watch her to go out, all I need is someone who is willing to go with me. I might talk about Bella a bit, but mainly I'm looking for adult conversation.
I appreciate those of you who reach out to me so much. I love hearing from you, I love when you comment on my posts on Facebook, I love when you acknowledge a message or comment I've sent to you. There are times when just a smiley face makes my day better. There are days when I just want to sit down and cry, but I can't because I have this little life to take care of who depends on me. Then I get a text message from Stacey or Monique asking me about John and if we'll be together again soon or they respond to my simple "How are you feeling today?" and that text message turns into a full blown conversation. Or when Jennifer's mom posts a "hang in there" or Gary likes a status. It pushes the "baby blues" and loneliness away for a little bit.
I am not trying to write this blog to make anyone feel bad. That isn't my intention at all. I'm writing it because I think people are unsure of how to act around their friends when they have had a life changing shift (like having baby). When I became a parent, my priorities changed. I don't just go out to have a drink anymore. I can't make the spur of the moment decision to go out and have dinner with my friends. I have to plan it now. It doesn't mean that I can't go and see a movie with you, but if you call me an hour before the movie I'm going to have to say no. I can't go and see it with you at midnight, but I can go the next day.
When we become parents, our lives change. A lot of times we rely on our friendships and families to get us through some of those darker moments. Believe me, we moms don't like to talk about those darker moments. We post pictures of our babies with captions like "oh my goodness, look how big she's getting," or "little monster spit up on me again, but she's just so cute." We don't post things like "I just want to sit down and cry," or "I feel so lonely" because we feel weak when we do that. Well guess what...I just want to sit down and cry because I feel so lonely.
There, I've said it. I've changed, but I'm not a different person. Don't be afraid to ask me to hang out. I may say no because I can't find a sitter, but I'll also try to see if you could go another day. Just because I'm a mom, doesn't mean that I won't have a drink when we go out (John won't - but that's a different story), I'm just not going to get drunk. I like to be home when my daughter is ready to be in bed, so I might ask if we can go earlier in the day. Because I HAVE changed. Please don't forget that we mommies and daddies were your friends before we were parents. We cared about you, we still care about you. Please show us you care back. We get lonely, sad, and depressed.
Finding out I was going to be a mom was life changing. Suddenly, I was no longer "invincible" and my mortality really came to the forefront of my life. It wasn't just going to be me anymore, I was in charge of growing another person. I had to change the way I lived my life. I was no longer able to "go out on the town" like I had before. It became harder to walk longer distances and sadly, I slacked on trying to stay in a healthy shape during my pregnancy - but I had to give up going on four mile walks every night. I had to worry about what I was consuming. I was growing another human.
Unfortunately, the changes in my life habits wasn't what I found most difficult during pregnancy. I could handle changing my diet and work out routines - what I had the most difficulty with was my relationships with others.
One thing I want to stress to those who are reading this who have never been pregnant - I was pregnant, not broken. I wasn't made of glass. My pregnancy wasn't going to be harmed because I decided I wanted to help out with something. I went from feeling like part of a team, to feeling almost worthless and ignored. When hormones are running high - this is not what you need to be feeling. If a pregnant woman says she wants to do something (because she did it in the past) let her do it. We know how our bodies are doing during the pregnancy. We know what we can and cannot handle.
Then I went on Maternity Leave and Isabella was born. I had this tiny new life that I had grown inside of me. This beautiful, helpless little girl that was part me and part John to take care of and introduce to the world. I wanted to introduce her to everyone I knew and she got to meet Meredith, Brooke, Miss Jean and her grandparents. No one else came to visit. There wasn't a card sent, there weren't flowers sent. There were no visitors. Remember feeling worthless and ignored during the pregnancy...add loneliness to that equation.
We came back to Ohio for the remainder of my maternity leave so I could get some help taking care of Isabella. Meredith was a wonderful help, but I couldn't ask her to be up all hours of the night helping me. Especially since I was still healing from the C-Section and my parents were pulling a lot of the night duty for me. We got home and again I wanted to share her with our friends. I wanted those who had been such a huge part of mine and John's life when we were in Ohio to meet her. Bryan was the only one who came. He was so awkward with her - but he came and he held her. He was the only one.
I returned to work and finished out the last month of the school year. I went to work and went home to see my daughter. I am pretty sure people were happy to have me back, but I couldn't quite tell. I was still dealing with lack of sleep and a fussy baby at home. I was welcomed back, but not in a way that made me feel valued. Part of this might be because I was unsure of who I was when I returned. I was dealing with a lot.
Throughout the pregnancy, I didn't cry much. Every once in a while I would close my bedroom door and have a small crying fit because I missed John. I really only had one crazy pregnant woman moment and Meredith can tell you about that one (I think I may have scared her a bit), but I really didn't show much overly ridiculous emotional breakdowns. I still haven't done much of that post pregnancy, but I have had the "baby blues."
I gave up my job in Florida and moved back to Ohio because Bella was having health concerns. I also wanted to be close to family. I want Isabella to know her grandparents and her aunts, uncles and cousin. I miss teaching so much. I also miss the friends I thought I had made. I really thought that as an adult, I wouldn't have to deal with losing friendships because of a move like I did when I was a kid. I know I'm not a part of every day life for my friends in Florida, or for my friends in other places but I'd like to think I haven't been forgotten about.
On top of all of this, I'm playing single parent right now. John would give his right arm to be here with me, but he can't be. I don't get much adult conversation time. If I am not subbing or working at Things Remembered, I'm with my daughter. She doesn't nap long - so I don't get much time to do anything other than play with her. I love playing with her, but sometimes I just need a break. A nice dinner out with a friend or a movie would be great. I can get my parents or John's parents to watch her to go out, all I need is someone who is willing to go with me. I might talk about Bella a bit, but mainly I'm looking for adult conversation.
I appreciate those of you who reach out to me so much. I love hearing from you, I love when you comment on my posts on Facebook, I love when you acknowledge a message or comment I've sent to you. There are times when just a smiley face makes my day better. There are days when I just want to sit down and cry, but I can't because I have this little life to take care of who depends on me. Then I get a text message from Stacey or Monique asking me about John and if we'll be together again soon or they respond to my simple "How are you feeling today?" and that text message turns into a full blown conversation. Or when Jennifer's mom posts a "hang in there" or Gary likes a status. It pushes the "baby blues" and loneliness away for a little bit.
I am not trying to write this blog to make anyone feel bad. That isn't my intention at all. I'm writing it because I think people are unsure of how to act around their friends when they have had a life changing shift (like having baby). When I became a parent, my priorities changed. I don't just go out to have a drink anymore. I can't make the spur of the moment decision to go out and have dinner with my friends. I have to plan it now. It doesn't mean that I can't go and see a movie with you, but if you call me an hour before the movie I'm going to have to say no. I can't go and see it with you at midnight, but I can go the next day.
When we become parents, our lives change. A lot of times we rely on our friendships and families to get us through some of those darker moments. Believe me, we moms don't like to talk about those darker moments. We post pictures of our babies with captions like "oh my goodness, look how big she's getting," or "little monster spit up on me again, but she's just so cute." We don't post things like "I just want to sit down and cry," or "I feel so lonely" because we feel weak when we do that. Well guess what...I just want to sit down and cry because I feel so lonely.
There, I've said it. I've changed, but I'm not a different person. Don't be afraid to ask me to hang out. I may say no because I can't find a sitter, but I'll also try to see if you could go another day. Just because I'm a mom, doesn't mean that I won't have a drink when we go out (John won't - but that's a different story), I'm just not going to get drunk. I like to be home when my daughter is ready to be in bed, so I might ask if we can go earlier in the day. Because I HAVE changed. Please don't forget that we mommies and daddies were your friends before we were parents. We cared about you, we still care about you. Please show us you care back. We get lonely, sad, and depressed.
16 October 2012
Fictional Character
Sometimes a person just feels like a character from a fiction novel. For example, a feeling that when you get to the "end of it all" you're going to see a big "The End" written in loopy fairytale handwriting. Honestly, how many different things can happen to one individual? Perhaps that is the true reason we have so many good novels in bookstores; because these things actually happen to people. "Things happen for a reason," but really? This much happens to one person or to one couple? That can be a little bit difficult to believe sometimes; it is true, because it does happen. There has to be some kind of joke going on here.
Yes, it is quite obvious that other people have much bigger problems. The fact that this is true just makes the point even stronger. We're characters in a novel. Players in the "Grand Scheme of Things" that sometimes get the "Proceed Directly to Go. Collect $200" and sometimes we get the "Go Directly to Jail. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200." Some people believe this is all a part of fate - a life that is placed in front of us with the choices and forks already predetermined; whilst others believe in chance or lack thereof. Who is to say the other is wrong? Today seemed like a chance and fate day personally. Thank goodness everything worked out, but it certainly could have taken a different turn.
Therefore, dear Lord (or author of this crazy, wacky story we call life), can we chill for a bit? Maybe take a break from this storyline for a year or so? Is it possible to write a happy storyline? Would saying "pretty please with sugar on top" help? There are quite a few people who could use some happy in their lives. *Cough, cough. Wink, wink*
John left for Air Force Basic Training today and with that comes minimal contact for two months. The two months also means death by tires for a certain cell phone if one more call doesn't come through. The next two months are going to take an exceptional amount strength. The newest chapter of the story that is the Murphy Family is going to take a lot of physical (yes, that does say physical - because this is going to be exhausting) and emotional strength.
See - more proof that our lives are like the lives of fictional characters! Even moments in a person's life are marked as "chapters." The correlation? Whenever there is a significant change in a character's storyline, the author begins a new chapter! Come on - are we seeing the connection here???
"Ups and downs," "forks in the road," "the path not taken," "getting on the right track." Really? How many times have you referred to a moment of your life as if it were part of a story. We're certainly not omniscient storytellers either - because that would make life boring. It explains why even though we yearn to know the future, most of us would pass up the chance because it would take away our idea of making choices. It would be kind of nice though to have a few less "bumps in the road" and a few more "smooth paths."
Come on. Let's write something a little happier. Even if you have to write it yourself.
Yes, it is quite obvious that other people have much bigger problems. The fact that this is true just makes the point even stronger. We're characters in a novel. Players in the "Grand Scheme of Things" that sometimes get the "Proceed Directly to Go. Collect $200" and sometimes we get the "Go Directly to Jail. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200." Some people believe this is all a part of fate - a life that is placed in front of us with the choices and forks already predetermined; whilst others believe in chance or lack thereof. Who is to say the other is wrong? Today seemed like a chance and fate day personally. Thank goodness everything worked out, but it certainly could have taken a different turn.
Therefore, dear Lord (or author of this crazy, wacky story we call life), can we chill for a bit? Maybe take a break from this storyline for a year or so? Is it possible to write a happy storyline? Would saying "pretty please with sugar on top" help? There are quite a few people who could use some happy in their lives. *Cough, cough. Wink, wink*
John left for Air Force Basic Training today and with that comes minimal contact for two months. The two months also means death by tires for a certain cell phone if one more call doesn't come through. The next two months are going to take an exceptional amount strength. The newest chapter of the story that is the Murphy Family is going to take a lot of physical (yes, that does say physical - because this is going to be exhausting) and emotional strength.
See - more proof that our lives are like the lives of fictional characters! Even moments in a person's life are marked as "chapters." The correlation? Whenever there is a significant change in a character's storyline, the author begins a new chapter! Come on - are we seeing the connection here???
"Ups and downs," "forks in the road," "the path not taken," "getting on the right track." Really? How many times have you referred to a moment of your life as if it were part of a story. We're certainly not omniscient storytellers either - because that would make life boring. It explains why even though we yearn to know the future, most of us would pass up the chance because it would take away our idea of making choices. It would be kind of nice though to have a few less "bumps in the road" and a few more "smooth paths."
Come on. Let's write something a little happier. Even if you have to write it yourself.
Day One Down.
237 Days to Go Until We Live Together
(For the First Time Since Being Married)
Hey, we'll only have been married for two years and have a three month old...
26 August 2012
Everyone is getting older.
In three months, my family has experienced a staggering amount of loss. The reason it has been so staggering for us is because we've never experienced it before. My family is getting to the point that everyone is getting older. John said that once to me a few years ago, when his family was experiencing what my family is experiencing and I was heartbroken for him. He said, "my family is older than your family. We're going to lose some." I must admit that during that time I was extremely glad that it was not my family. Now I am a part of two families and this summer has been hard.
For my family it started with the loss of one of my grandparent's longtime neighbors, Mrs. Anthony. Then, as I've discussed before the loss of my beloved grandfather. Followed all too quickly by the loss of one of my grandparent's best friends, Norma. After Norma passed, my cousins lost one of their aunts followed all to quickly again by the my cousin's husband losing his grandfather. John lost another uncle last week. Yesterday we lost an American Hero who was very dear to my family, Neil Armstrong.
I've never shared the story of why the first man to step on the moon was so special to my family on this blog. I've shared it with friends and I wrote about it for a college project, but I've never discussed it on here. For those who don't know, Neil Armstrong is from a small town called Wapakoneta - my mom's hometown. One street past the street my family has lived on for most of their lives is called Neil Armstrong Drive and this is where his parent's home is/was located. I've heard story, after story, after story about his parents and how kind and friendly they were. I've also heard the story about my uncle playing basketball with Neil and his children when he returned from the moon. My grandpa has quite a few hilarious stories he would tell us about his conversations with Neil - who remailed very quiet and wanted to be out of the public eye. I wish I could have met him myself, he's always been one of my heroes. Now, he is another person that we must wish a fond fairwell.
Everyone is getting older. You never realize just how fragile life is, until you realize this small thing. We're getting older, every day. Why, even now after so much loss, do we not do the things we love, but kill ourselves by focusing so much on money and success? Why can't we just take a moment to lay in the grass and watch the clouds or sit down and play a board game? Before you know it, you're going to be older too, so take a moment and breathe. Smile. Call your best friend and chat for two hours. Go for a picnic. Take your parents out for dinner. Surprise your grandparents with a visit (that was one of the best moments for me last year).
Everyone is getting older.
For my family it started with the loss of one of my grandparent's longtime neighbors, Mrs. Anthony. Then, as I've discussed before the loss of my beloved grandfather. Followed all too quickly by the loss of one of my grandparent's best friends, Norma. After Norma passed, my cousins lost one of their aunts followed all to quickly again by the my cousin's husband losing his grandfather. John lost another uncle last week. Yesterday we lost an American Hero who was very dear to my family, Neil Armstrong.
I've never shared the story of why the first man to step on the moon was so special to my family on this blog. I've shared it with friends and I wrote about it for a college project, but I've never discussed it on here. For those who don't know, Neil Armstrong is from a small town called Wapakoneta - my mom's hometown. One street past the street my family has lived on for most of their lives is called Neil Armstrong Drive and this is where his parent's home is/was located. I've heard story, after story, after story about his parents and how kind and friendly they were. I've also heard the story about my uncle playing basketball with Neil and his children when he returned from the moon. My grandpa has quite a few hilarious stories he would tell us about his conversations with Neil - who remailed very quiet and wanted to be out of the public eye. I wish I could have met him myself, he's always been one of my heroes. Now, he is another person that we must wish a fond fairwell.
Everyone is getting older. You never realize just how fragile life is, until you realize this small thing. We're getting older, every day. Why, even now after so much loss, do we not do the things we love, but kill ourselves by focusing so much on money and success? Why can't we just take a moment to lay in the grass and watch the clouds or sit down and play a board game? Before you know it, you're going to be older too, so take a moment and breathe. Smile. Call your best friend and chat for two hours. Go for a picnic. Take your parents out for dinner. Surprise your grandparents with a visit (that was one of the best moments for me last year).
Everyone is getting older.
11 August 2012
From the Mind of a Pregnant Lady
I am absolutely no good at being pregnant. Maybe it is because I had resigned myself to the fact that is was never going to happen. What else was I supposed to believe when I was told at 18 years old that I would probably never have kids. I know I'll be fine (hopefully) once the first trimester is over (in three weeks), but this whole morning sickness thing is for the birds. It isn't even just the morning sickness...it is the general lack of my bodies abilities to decide what it wants! For example, I was rudely awakened this morning by the nights/mornings third need to go to the bathroom and then by the insatiable need to eat breakfast. Now I have eaten breakfast and my body seems to be saying "That was a baaaddd idea." Frustrating.
My poor husband is also having some difficulties adjusting to my general moodiness. I feel so bad for him. He did tell me the other day though, "I know I shouldn't take it personally because you're pregnant, but I just don't understand what I'm doing wrong." To which I responded that he wasn't doing anything wrong, our baby has just decided to go through a rebellious stage early in life. I think secretly he's very happy that he wont be with me for the pregnancy - I'm just kidding by the way. He's so cute about it. I would write all the cute and sweet things he does for me, but I don't want to embarrass him. He is very attentive.
"Morning sickness" has hit me really bad, too. I constantly feel sick and uncomfortable. I've only actually gotten sick three times, but it sucks. I hate being sick or feeling sick. I have been living off of TUMS for two weeks and if you know me well, you know I hate TUMS. There are also some changes to my body that are frustrating me. I think it is because I've always been a generally healthy person (give or take a heatstroke and sensitivity to mold) and being sick all the time is messing with me.
I'm sure this will all pass once I'm in my next trimester, but I really wish those weeks would crawl by a little bit faster.
My poor husband is also having some difficulties adjusting to my general moodiness. I feel so bad for him. He did tell me the other day though, "I know I shouldn't take it personally because you're pregnant, but I just don't understand what I'm doing wrong." To which I responded that he wasn't doing anything wrong, our baby has just decided to go through a rebellious stage early in life. I think secretly he's very happy that he wont be with me for the pregnancy - I'm just kidding by the way. He's so cute about it. I would write all the cute and sweet things he does for me, but I don't want to embarrass him. He is very attentive.
"Morning sickness" has hit me really bad, too. I constantly feel sick and uncomfortable. I've only actually gotten sick three times, but it sucks. I hate being sick or feeling sick. I have been living off of TUMS for two weeks and if you know me well, you know I hate TUMS. There are also some changes to my body that are frustrating me. I think it is because I've always been a generally healthy person (give or take a heatstroke and sensitivity to mold) and being sick all the time is messing with me.
I'm sure this will all pass once I'm in my next trimester, but I really wish those weeks would crawl by a little bit faster.
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