30 things is back with number 8. It's a doozy.
What are 5 passions you have?
I should have written this post a while ago, but I kept tripping up on the whole "passion" thing. I mean, if I'm passionate about something, it should be a well written, thought out post with immaculate grammar, punctuation, diction, style, alliteration, verse, rhyme...ok, now I'm just spouting off literary terms. Which brings me to one of the five passions I've chosen...
(keep in mind it doesn't say list 5 of your ONLY passions, just 5 passions)
(also, these aren't in order of what I am most passionate about)
1) Words. Yes, I have a passion for words. I love reading them. I love writing them. I love how a perfectly placed word can affect a scene, a mood, a moment. I do believe the pen is mightier than the sword. There are certain lines of poetry that live in my blood and have helped shape who I am.
2) My family. My own sweet little ones and handsome husband are at the top of this list. I love these people I've been blessed to be share a life with. I thank God everyday--everyday-- that I have the privilege to be called mommy and wife. I take these titles seriously. The family that calls me daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and in-law also fall under this family category. It's the ties that bind. For the good and the ugly, I love my family.
3) The rights, roles and education of women. I've rewritten this section about 100 times. Turns out when you're passionate about something, you have a lot to say on the matter. I'll try and sum up this train of thoughts that rolled through my head. It started with the suffrage movement in the US that granted the women the right to vote in 1920, made a stop around equal pay for equal work, then a brief tour in the valley of educating a woman is educating a nation, found it's way across the world into cultures of repression, abuse, forced marriages and segregated McDonalds. Kind of an intense train ride.
Concerning the roles of women, I believe women are completely capable and qualified to be CEOs, top executives, secretaries of state, leaders of countries and owners of businesses. I think more women should hold these positions. But don't belittle me, discount me, or take me less serious because I'm "just a mom." Leaders of the world and winners of noble prizes didn't raise themselves. Certainly most of them had a mother who read them books, taught them values and tucked them in at night. I'm not wasting my college education by staying home and raising children. Who better to benefit from my higher education than my own children? Their future is bright and limitless. It's my job to teach them why. Also, how many people with a camera pointed at their face, wave and say "hi dad!"
Women are important. Maybe even the bedrock of society. We birth, we nurture, we love. We have unique and separate qualities compared to a man. Qualities and attributes that don't rank us above or behind our male counterparts, but right next to.
(Can you believe I could ADD to this one? I have much more to say on the matter, but I'll give it a rest...for now.)
4) My faith. I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, AKA a mormon. I've had moments in my life where I've made choices that contradict my faith. So I can say with a sincere heart that I am most happy when I'm living the the precepts of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I find peace when I read the Book of Mormon. I find comfort and guidance in the words of the prophet of my church, Thomas S. Monson. I sincerely try to live that great commandment of 'love thy neighbor.' I look to the Savior as the north star in my life. I get lost more often than I'm on course, but I'm thankful for the grounding peace He offers.
5) Running. Wow I love to run. When setting your alarm for 5am on a Saturday to get in 15 miles before lunch gets you excited, you know you reeaallly, really like running. I'm not going to say too much more about it. Feel free to click on the label that says "running" to your left. I've written about it a couple (million) times. I'm on a temporary hiatus, but you better believe I'll be back. I'm already looking at fall races.
Was this an intense post? It kind of felt like it. Maybe just in my own head? I'm all fired up! Glad I only delved into 5.
Showing posts with label 30 things. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 30 things. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
7/30
30 things: #7.
What is your dream job and why?
Oh boy. I'm going to try and not think too hard about this one. I still have no idea what color my parachute is.
Ok, so there are two schools of thought with this question. I could dig deep into my psyche about what truly makes me happy, and fulfilled and where my heart belongs. On that note, I would either be a mom to three little half-pints with one on the way, OR I would be building schools in countries where girls are under educated and considered second class citizens. After all, you "educate a woman, you educate a nation."
Second school of thought is the popcorn version. It's fun, makes you happy, but doesn't really give you the oomph of satisfaction as the above criteria. That particular dream job would be a local foodie. Others would pay me to eat at all kinds of new and delicious and interesting foods. I would tour the valley sampling the best sushi, Thai, BBQ and taco stands each city has to offer. I wouldn't call myself a food critic, because I really, really like food. I'm not that critical. My favorite would be the authentic, mom and pop places. Places where Grandma Juanita's flan recipe was handed down 3 generations, then to my plate. I would of course do some brilliant write up in a hipster magazine where everyone who read about my food exploits would add my latest conquer to their own food bucket list.
Yeah, I could see myself very happy doing something like that.
I don't really need to go into much detail about the "why" behind this question, do I?
-In case you're curious, from top left, going clockwise:
1)Primanti Brothers sandwich at a Pirates game in Pittsburgh. Oh brother, this was a eat with both hands, need a napkin for your elbows type sandwich. There were fries IN the sandwich!
2) Flo's Clam Shack, Newport R.I. Oh Flo's. I love you. I miss you. I dream about your clam strips and stuffies. What you can't see is that the Atlantic ocean and row of turn of the century mansions are just a few clicks to the right. Best view for eating fried clam strips ever.
3) Sushi feast on my 29th birthday. Some hole in the wall joint in Middletown, CT. It was good.
4) Uh, Flo's again. Different year.
Who's ready to hire me?
Saturday, March 31, 2012
6/30
30 things goes on with number 6.
What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
It's so tough when you put such absolutes on things. But I'm going to tell you about the time I became a mom for the first time. Something I had hoped and prayed for for a long time. When it finally got here, it was awful.
I was not ready for the triplets to be born. I had such a smooth pregnancy that I thought for sure I was going to make it to 32 weeks. Why 32 kept sticking in my mind, I don't know. But I was convinced I wouldn't deliver until then. So, at 28 weeks, when I woke up with contractions one night, and told Chris we needed to drive to the hospital, I thought they would be able to stop them (like they did 2 weeks earlier) and I would be back home in no time.
But the next time I came back home, I wasn't pregnant anymore. And I didn't bring any babies with me either.
That first 48 hours of labor and deliver were a blur. It was a whirlwind day of contractions, medications, numbing drugs and incubators. Mostly because I was so doped up from having a c-section.
Then reality set in.
I had just given birth to three babies. I had not been able to hold any of them. I was getting updates I didn't understand from the NICU and I was in a lot of pain. Oh, and I was trying to pump. Giving everyone breast milk was something I had already decided I was going to do. No matter what. I'm sure most mothers have a beautiful experience of when their tiny newborn latches on for the first time. That first moment of bonding bringing warmth and love. A lovely symbiotic relationship of giving and receiving. I had a (male) nurse demonstrate how to put a giant suction cup on my boob and how high to turn up the machine. So, magical it was not.
Then I had to leave the hospital.
For a few days, I couldwalk amble down the hall and peek at my barely thriving little ones. (Still not able to hold them.) I would get updates about lipids and machines and heart valves that I pretended to understand, but mostly I was terrified that I would lose one or all of them at any moment. They were beyond fragile. They were part-time angels, hovering between this world and the one they just left, with two of them needing machines to keep their lungs moving. Then after our short visits, I could walk the 3 minutes down to my room to rest, pump and wait until the next time I was allowed to lift the blankets off their incubators. Blankets that were meant to simulate a dark womb, something that used to be my job. A job taken so quickly from me. The first couple of days after I delivered, I felt phantom kicks in all the places each one used to poke me. I missed all of us being together. I mourned it actually.
The day I was discharged and wheeled down to the lobby with my white, plastic hospital bag full of stuff, my heart broke in three jagged pieces. I wasn't a mom. I certainly didn't feel like one. Now what?
We lived 45 minutes from the hospital and I made that drive everyday but three for 3 1/2 months. Sometimes in a blinding snowstorm, sometimes in a burst of spring sunshine, but always with a heavy heart. Looking back, I realize that I was also suffering from post-partum depression. Depression is a physical ailment. I was literally heavy with fatigue and sadness. Some nights, after getting back from the hospital, I would crash on my bed, coat and shoes still on, and not move until the pain from un-pumped milk became too much to bear. So getting up at 4am to pump, leaving my house by 7am to make the 8:00 changing times, pumping throughout the day, going to bed at 11 pm and doing it all over again, wasn't the best idea. If I had to do it again, I would tell myself to slow down and sleep more. But knowing how I felt those first weeks, I probably would've fallen apart and responded that "what kind of mother would I be if I didn't see my babies everyday?" Even though, I still didn't actually know what being a mother felt like.
Most of the nurses we had were absolutely wonderful. But I had a few add coal to my already black, toked fire. I had two friends come to visit at the hospital one day. I really did appreciate and love the visits. I also wanted to make sure I kept all the strict rules of the NICU. Two people per bedside. That was the rule. So I brought one friend in to see my tiny baby girl and boys. Then, being a rule follower, walked her out to the lobby and brought in my other friend. Apparently, the nurse taking care of Sunny that day told me she was worried how I was "parading" people in and out. Wow. She would've done better by taking a wooden stake through my heart by implying I wasn't doing right by dear, sick daughter. It hurt. Of course the post-partum hormones, depression and lack of identity of who I actually was was not helping my case either.
I was an absolute wreck. That first month was one of my darkest. But little by little, week by week, sparks of light and hope dusted away the black and heaviness from my soul. The depression lifted and I was able to manage just plain old stress and anxiety that comes from life in the NICU.
So as of today, that is the story of the hardest thing I've ever experienced. We haven't started potty-training yet, so this may change in the near future.
And because I can't stand to leave you with such heavy images, a little slice of our life now a days...
Some behind the scenes info: before I pulled out the camera, dad went and changed into his shorts. Christian and Sunny thought this was a great idea. Both wanted to wear shorts just like dad's. In fact, I had to go back to the closet to get Sunny a pair that resembled daddy's when I brought out a white, girlie looking pair. The girl knows what she wants.
What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
It's so tough when you put such absolutes on things. But I'm going to tell you about the time I became a mom for the first time. Something I had hoped and prayed for for a long time. When it finally got here, it was awful.
I was not ready for the triplets to be born. I had such a smooth pregnancy that I thought for sure I was going to make it to 32 weeks. Why 32 kept sticking in my mind, I don't know. But I was convinced I wouldn't deliver until then. So, at 28 weeks, when I woke up with contractions one night, and told Chris we needed to drive to the hospital, I thought they would be able to stop them (like they did 2 weeks earlier) and I would be back home in no time.
But the next time I came back home, I wasn't pregnant anymore. And I didn't bring any babies with me either.
That first 48 hours of labor and deliver were a blur. It was a whirlwind day of contractions, medications, numbing drugs and incubators. Mostly because I was so doped up from having a c-section.
Then reality set in.
I had just given birth to three babies. I had not been able to hold any of them. I was getting updates I didn't understand from the NICU and I was in a lot of pain. Oh, and I was trying to pump. Giving everyone breast milk was something I had already decided I was going to do. No matter what. I'm sure most mothers have a beautiful experience of when their tiny newborn latches on for the first time. That first moment of bonding bringing warmth and love. A lovely symbiotic relationship of giving and receiving. I had a (male) nurse demonstrate how to put a giant suction cup on my boob and how high to turn up the machine. So, magical it was not.
Then I had to leave the hospital.
For a few days, I could
The day I was discharged and wheeled down to the lobby with my white, plastic hospital bag full of stuff, my heart broke in three jagged pieces. I wasn't a mom. I certainly didn't feel like one. Now what?
We lived 45 minutes from the hospital and I made that drive everyday but three for 3 1/2 months. Sometimes in a blinding snowstorm, sometimes in a burst of spring sunshine, but always with a heavy heart. Looking back, I realize that I was also suffering from post-partum depression. Depression is a physical ailment. I was literally heavy with fatigue and sadness. Some nights, after getting back from the hospital, I would crash on my bed, coat and shoes still on, and not move until the pain from un-pumped milk became too much to bear. So getting up at 4am to pump, leaving my house by 7am to make the 8:00 changing times, pumping throughout the day, going to bed at 11 pm and doing it all over again, wasn't the best idea. If I had to do it again, I would tell myself to slow down and sleep more. But knowing how I felt those first weeks, I probably would've fallen apart and responded that "what kind of mother would I be if I didn't see my babies everyday?" Even though, I still didn't actually know what being a mother felt like.
Most of the nurses we had were absolutely wonderful. But I had a few add coal to my already black, toked fire. I had two friends come to visit at the hospital one day. I really did appreciate and love the visits. I also wanted to make sure I kept all the strict rules of the NICU. Two people per bedside. That was the rule. So I brought one friend in to see my tiny baby girl and boys. Then, being a rule follower, walked her out to the lobby and brought in my other friend. Apparently, the nurse taking care of Sunny that day told me she was worried how I was "parading" people in and out. Wow. She would've done better by taking a wooden stake through my heart by implying I wasn't doing right by dear, sick daughter. It hurt. Of course the post-partum hormones, depression and lack of identity of who I actually was was not helping my case either.
I was an absolute wreck. That first month was one of my darkest. But little by little, week by week, sparks of light and hope dusted away the black and heaviness from my soul. The depression lifted and I was able to manage just plain old stress and anxiety that comes from life in the NICU.
So as of today, that is the story of the hardest thing I've ever experienced. We haven't started potty-training yet, so this may change in the near future.
And because I can't stand to leave you with such heavy images, a little slice of our life now a days...
Some behind the scenes info: before I pulled out the camera, dad went and changed into his shorts. Christian and Sunny thought this was a great idea. Both wanted to wear shorts just like dad's. In fact, I had to go back to the closet to get Sunny a pair that resembled daddy's when I brought out a white, girlie looking pair. The girl knows what she wants.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
5/30
Number five from 30 Things.
What are 5 things that make you the most happy right now?
Like, right, right now? At 8:45 pm? Or right now, at 31 years old? I'll do a lil bit of both...
1. My little monkeys. I know, shocking. I don't talk about my kids that much. (ha!) But I love their little faces so much. Hearing their voices in the morning when everyone wakes up makes me happy. Especially when they start laughing with each other. Then we hear, "daaaaaddy, moooommmmmy!" It makes it easier to get my non-morning self out of bed.
2. An ice cream cone around 8:15 pm. As much joy as the chilluns bestow upon me, bedtime also makes me quite happy. Every now and then (not every night, I promise) I stack a plain cone full of delicious ice cream. It makes me very happy indeed. I'm not sure this baby will share my affinity for sweets. I haven't been able to eat as many treats during this pregnancy that I normally do, pregnant or not. Too much sugar makes me sick. Since I'm not running, maybe the baby is saving itself from it's sweet treat lovin' mother.
3. Good TV. I was recently introduced, recommended, goaded upon to watch Downton Abbey. So I signed up for Netflix and their free month trial. Not only was it great writing and character development, it also plays right into my fantasy of living in an age and lifestyle of courting, dressing up for dinner and bringing along a parasol during a Sunday stroll. I watched the first season in 3 days. I'm not just going to let a free month of Netflix pass me by! So, totally different end of the spectrum, I decided to watch Battlestar Galactica. Not the original 70's version, the Edward James Olmos version. Yup. It's good. So knowing I have a fresh episode waiting when I get the hankering after the kidlets are down, it makes me happy.
4. Prayer. It's seems out of place to put such a spiritual bite of happiness amidst such secular joys, but it's a really important part of my life. When I don't do it, I feel lost and out of sorts. But when I take the time to offer a sincere prayer, I am happy. As a selfish human, I usually have a laundry list for God of what I need and want help with. But usually, my heart is most content and happy when I start to list and thank God for everything I have, the people in my life, my freedoms, my blessings, my gifts, my family, my husband, the weather, and so on.... I have a lot. Remembering and thanking God for my blessings makes me happy.
5. The weekend. This is another surprise, I know. The fact that tomorrow is Thursday, one more day closer to Friday afternoon... Oh man! My heart just lept a little thinking about it. There is something so special about our two days together as a family. I feel immediately relieved and refreshed from the added support and help. I love to go to church on Sundays and refill my empty cup. Saturdays we play together and try to do fun things. Or I get a free pass to go and do something by myself. About a month ago, the kids were taking their morning nap, and Chris suggested I take the paper and go to lunch. Whaaaaa? So I did. I had a big Cafe Rio salad and read the paper. You would've thought someone gave me a trip to Paris. Another Saturday, I woke up for an early morning pregnant potty break. It was around 5:30, so there was a faint amount of light outside. It was also cold and rainy. For whatever reason, I decided it was a donuts for breakfast type of morning. But I just thought it, then fell back asleep. I wake up 2 hours later to Chris getting dressed. Where are you going, I ask. He tells me he thought it would be fun to run and get donuts for the kids for breakfast. (He also meant me, but he's a gentleman and would never say he was running to get his wife donuts for breakfast.) So yeah, I really like the weekends. They make me happy.
Speaking of happiness, I will leave you with this happy song. If this doesn't put a smile on your face...well, it will. Trust me.
Also, speaking of trips to Paris and Photo Booth...
ice cream? Oui. Oui.
What are 5 things that make you the most happy right now?
Like, right, right now? At 8:45 pm? Or right now, at 31 years old? I'll do a lil bit of both...
1. My little monkeys. I know, shocking. I don't talk about my kids that much. (ha!) But I love their little faces so much. Hearing their voices in the morning when everyone wakes up makes me happy. Especially when they start laughing with each other. Then we hear, "daaaaaddy, moooommmmmy!" It makes it easier to get my non-morning self out of bed.
2. An ice cream cone around 8:15 pm. As much joy as the chilluns bestow upon me, bedtime also makes me quite happy. Every now and then (not every night, I promise) I stack a plain cone full of delicious ice cream. It makes me very happy indeed. I'm not sure this baby will share my affinity for sweets. I haven't been able to eat as many treats during this pregnancy that I normally do, pregnant or not. Too much sugar makes me sick. Since I'm not running, maybe the baby is saving itself from it's sweet treat lovin' mother.
 |
| You don't get a normal picture. Blame Photo Booth and it's many options. |
3. Good TV. I was recently introduced, recommended, goaded upon to watch Downton Abbey. So I signed up for Netflix and their free month trial. Not only was it great writing and character development, it also plays right into my fantasy of living in an age and lifestyle of courting, dressing up for dinner and bringing along a parasol during a Sunday stroll. I watched the first season in 3 days. I'm not just going to let a free month of Netflix pass me by! So, totally different end of the spectrum, I decided to watch Battlestar Galactica. Not the original 70's version, the Edward James Olmos version. Yup. It's good. So knowing I have a fresh episode waiting when I get the hankering after the kidlets are down, it makes me happy.
4. Prayer. It's seems out of place to put such a spiritual bite of happiness amidst such secular joys, but it's a really important part of my life. When I don't do it, I feel lost and out of sorts. But when I take the time to offer a sincere prayer, I am happy. As a selfish human, I usually have a laundry list for God of what I need and want help with. But usually, my heart is most content and happy when I start to list and thank God for everything I have, the people in my life, my freedoms, my blessings, my gifts, my family, my husband, the weather, and so on.... I have a lot. Remembering and thanking God for my blessings makes me happy.
5. The weekend. This is another surprise, I know. The fact that tomorrow is Thursday, one more day closer to Friday afternoon... Oh man! My heart just lept a little thinking about it. There is something so special about our two days together as a family. I feel immediately relieved and refreshed from the added support and help. I love to go to church on Sundays and refill my empty cup. Saturdays we play together and try to do fun things. Or I get a free pass to go and do something by myself. About a month ago, the kids were taking their morning nap, and Chris suggested I take the paper and go to lunch. Whaaaaa? So I did. I had a big Cafe Rio salad and read the paper. You would've thought someone gave me a trip to Paris. Another Saturday, I woke up for an early morning pregnant potty break. It was around 5:30, so there was a faint amount of light outside. It was also cold and rainy. For whatever reason, I decided it was a donuts for breakfast type of morning. But I just thought it, then fell back asleep. I wake up 2 hours later to Chris getting dressed. Where are you going, I ask. He tells me he thought it would be fun to run and get donuts for the kids for breakfast. (He also meant me, but he's a gentleman and would never say he was running to get his wife donuts for breakfast.) So yeah, I really like the weekends. They make me happy.
Speaking of happiness, I will leave you with this happy song. If this doesn't put a smile on your face...well, it will. Trust me.
Also, speaking of trips to Paris and Photo Booth...
Monday, March 26, 2012
4/30
#4 from this list.
List 10 things you would tell your 16 year old self, if you could.
1. Treat your sisters better. You guys are going to be BEST FRIENDS. Wearing each other's clothes is not the end of the world. One day you're going to be swapping worn out maternity shirts and be very, very happy about it.
2. Stop worrying so much about what your peers think about you. They are probably worrying just as hard as you are. Relax.
3. Don't be in such a hurry to leave town and cut ties with the small town life. You're going to leave and realize how much you loved it. Especially the people. You'll even pine to move back every now and then.
4. Tell your favorite teachers thank you. Teaching a bunch of ego-maniac teenagers is not easy. Also, you have more options than you think after high school. Despite what the school counselor tells you (or doesn't).
5. Go to Young Women's activities more often! Sheesh. (Also, see #9. These go hand in hand.)
6. Give your parents a little more slack. You are not going to be their easiest teenager. They love you and are trying their best.
7. Stand up for what you believe a little more often.
8. You should probably start a savings plan for your kid's college education. I don't want to ruin the surprise, but you're going to have a full house. Well, three of a kind for sure. Not sure about the pair.
9. Sports will end up being a very part-time hobby later. Don't be so crazed and focused on it right now. Try to be a little more well-rounded.
10. One day, a crazy eyed scientist or punk kid will come asking you about a Sports Almanac. Whatever you do, don't give it to them. And if your 10 year old ever accidentally sets fire to the living room rug, go easy on him.
List 10 things you would tell your 16 year old self, if you could.
1. Treat your sisters better. You guys are going to be BEST FRIENDS. Wearing each other's clothes is not the end of the world. One day you're going to be swapping worn out maternity shirts and be very, very happy about it.
2. Stop worrying so much about what your peers think about you. They are probably worrying just as hard as you are. Relax.
3. Don't be in such a hurry to leave town and cut ties with the small town life. You're going to leave and realize how much you loved it. Especially the people. You'll even pine to move back every now and then.
4. Tell your favorite teachers thank you. Teaching a bunch of ego-maniac teenagers is not easy. Also, you have more options than you think after high school. Despite what the school counselor tells you (or doesn't).
5. Go to Young Women's activities more often! Sheesh. (Also, see #9. These go hand in hand.)
6. Give your parents a little more slack. You are not going to be their easiest teenager. They love you and are trying their best.
7. Stand up for what you believe a little more often.
8. You should probably start a savings plan for your kid's college education. I don't want to ruin the surprise, but you're going to have a full house. Well, three of a kind for sure. Not sure about the pair.
9. Sports will end up being a very part-time hobby later. Don't be so crazed and focused on it right now. Try to be a little more well-rounded.
10. One day, a crazy eyed scientist or punk kid will come asking you about a Sports Almanac. Whatever you do, don't give it to them. And if your 10 year old ever accidentally sets fire to the living room rug, go easy on him.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
3/30
30 Things from this list.
Good. The end.
Kidding!
This is a subject that I could devote a lot of time and words to. I owe a lot to my parents. It seems almost trite to do a summary of our relationship in a blog post. But do it I must! This might turn into more than a relationship summary. I can't just write about my parents without mentioning my gratitude for what they have given me.
I grew up with my dad calling me Sunshine. I think every little girl should have a nickname from her dad. He took me to the park to play soccer. He taught me how to swing a bat. He dressed up for a 50's themed daddy-daughter dance when I was in Girl Scouts and said how much he loved to be there with me. As a young adult, trying to find my way in the world, he would slip me cash for gas money. Even when I didn't have a car. He danced with me at my wedding and had this smile that I only see when he's trying to hold back tears. He's never been shy about telling me he loves he or that he's proud of me. So now, as an adult, my kids aren't the only ones who get excited when Grandpa D stops by for a visit.
I believe the world is a conquerable place full of adventure and opportunity. I believe the work I do within the walls of my own home will mean more than anything I have done or will ever do. I believe women have very different, yet equally important roles as men. Equally as important. People may look, act, behave or believe different than I do, but you still love them and give them space in your life. This is a value system I learned from my mother.
Growing up, even with 5 other kids all needing something, I still felt important and loved. My mom was "Mom" growing up. She disciplined and let me know when she was disappointed in me. (FYI - I was never grounded, only disappointing, which was infinitely worse.) But she also loved unconditionally and was always there to wipe away tears of hurt or anger or heartache. I value my mom's opinions and advice now more than ever. I think all my siblings are just really, really great people. I want that for my kids too. I think she knew what she was doing rearin' us up.
I love my parents dearly. I will always be grateful for their patience, love and sacrifice so I could be equipped to try and do the same for my own children.
Describe your relationship with your parents.
Good. The end.
Kidding!
This is a subject that I could devote a lot of time and words to. I owe a lot to my parents. It seems almost trite to do a summary of our relationship in a blog post. But do it I must! This might turn into more than a relationship summary. I can't just write about my parents without mentioning my gratitude for what they have given me.
I grew up with my dad calling me Sunshine. I think every little girl should have a nickname from her dad. He took me to the park to play soccer. He taught me how to swing a bat. He dressed up for a 50's themed daddy-daughter dance when I was in Girl Scouts and said how much he loved to be there with me. As a young adult, trying to find my way in the world, he would slip me cash for gas money. Even when I didn't have a car. He danced with me at my wedding and had this smile that I only see when he's trying to hold back tears. He's never been shy about telling me he loves he or that he's proud of me. So now, as an adult, my kids aren't the only ones who get excited when Grandpa D stops by for a visit.
I believe the world is a conquerable place full of adventure and opportunity. I believe the work I do within the walls of my own home will mean more than anything I have done or will ever do. I believe women have very different, yet equally important roles as men. Equally as important. People may look, act, behave or believe different than I do, but you still love them and give them space in your life. This is a value system I learned from my mother.
Growing up, even with 5 other kids all needing something, I still felt important and loved. My mom was "Mom" growing up. She disciplined and let me know when she was disappointed in me. (FYI - I was never grounded, only disappointing, which was infinitely worse.) But she also loved unconditionally and was always there to wipe away tears of hurt or anger or heartache. I value my mom's opinions and advice now more than ever. I think all my siblings are just really, really great people. I want that for my kids too. I think she knew what she was doing rearin' us up.
I love my parents dearly. I will always be grateful for their patience, love and sacrifice so I could be equipped to try and do the same for my own children.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
2/30
30 things continues. See the list here.
List 3 legitimate fears and how they became fears.
1. The ocean.
Watching Pinnochio battle Monstro the whale as a child. Seeing the ocean for the first time and watching massive waves crash against rocks with unrelenting power as a teenager. Reading The Perfect Storm as an adult. Not being able to swim very well. Sharks and giant squid. The movie Titanic. The images and stories from the 2004 tsunami in the Indian ocean. Last year's tsunami in Japan. The uncontrollable power of the most massive thing on earth. Every once in a while I have a recurring nightmare about a giant wall of sea water coming toward me and I can't do anything about it.
2. Scorpions.
They are giant bugs that bite or sting -- somehow inflict bodily harm. Something about their hard exoskeleton makes my skin crawl. In the movies, they always end up in boots when a cowboy decides to sleep out under the stars. Oh, and the Boo Box from Hook, that also helped fuel the fear. (This should be filed under irrational fears since I am in no real position to come across scorpions living in suburban Salt Lake City.)
3. ___________.
I can't even type this one. I don't want to talk about it or even suggest it to the universe. Just know it's a real fear. Sometimes I lose my breath thinking about it. It came about by opening my heart to love.
List 3 legitimate fears and how they became fears.
1. The ocean.
Watching Pinnochio battle Monstro the whale as a child. Seeing the ocean for the first time and watching massive waves crash against rocks with unrelenting power as a teenager. Reading The Perfect Storm as an adult. Not being able to swim very well. Sharks and giant squid. The movie Titanic. The images and stories from the 2004 tsunami in the Indian ocean. Last year's tsunami in Japan. The uncontrollable power of the most massive thing on earth. Every once in a while I have a recurring nightmare about a giant wall of sea water coming toward me and I can't do anything about it.
2. Scorpions.
They are giant bugs that bite or sting -- somehow inflict bodily harm. Something about their hard exoskeleton makes my skin crawl. In the movies, they always end up in boots when a cowboy decides to sleep out under the stars. Oh, and the Boo Box from Hook, that also helped fuel the fear. (This should be filed under irrational fears since I am in no real position to come across scorpions living in suburban Salt Lake City.)
3. ___________.
I can't even type this one. I don't want to talk about it or even suggest it to the universe. Just know it's a real fear. Sometimes I lose my breath thinking about it. It came about by opening my heart to love.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
1/30
Number one from this list.
20 Random Facts About Me
#1. I love pizza. Be it homemade, frozen, Little Ceasar's, overpriced pizzeria pizza, I love it all.
#2. I read blog posts, then come back later to comment.
#3. I was insecure about my looks for 15 years. It wasn't until I got married that I got over this. But I'm kind of grateful for the struggle with my looks, because I developed confidence in other parts of my life.
#4. Sometimes I wish I lived in the days where women wore big dresses, rode in carriages and went to the neighbor's country estate for a ball.
#5. I love the Sunday paper. I always read the comics first, the the opinion section, then the local section, then the front page section, then everything else if I can get to it. I always thumb through the ads and coupons.
#6. I wish I was more laid back about some things. Like which is the faster route to point x when I'm driving with Chris. Or Scrabble rules. Almost became a single woman over a game of Scrabble one night.
#7. I am a water snob. I can taste city tap water and I don't like it. At all. Give me gallons of reverse osmosis water sitting in my fridge and I'm a happy drinker. Water is also my favorite drink.
#8. I am a terrible housekeeper, but love it when my house is clean.
#9. If we have a boy, I want to name him Atticus, after a favorite literary character. I also like the name Henry. But due to being married and believing in giving my partner an equal say, neither of these scenarios will happen.
#10. The Harry Potter series is one of my favorite book series of all time.
#11. I spend too much time on social media. I'm working on it though. One step was erasing settings that notified me every time someone sneezed or took a picture of their lunch.
#12. Someday, I want to live by the beach. And have a little farm. And live blocks away from a great neighborhood deli, library and a town square. All at once.
#13. I went to my neighborhood caucus last week, not knowing what to expect, wanting to be more involved with my community and also being completely disappointed in recent state legislation and the ruling majority. Somehow I left the meeting as a delegate.
#14. I'm not one of those women that loooooove being pregnant. I do like the fact that I am pregnant though. Let's be clear.
#15. I love running so much. I can't wait to work up to and map out a training plan for some race I've never done. Logging 10 plus miles for the day gets me giddy.
#16. I melt in the sun. Due to my coloring and complexion, a super hot sunny day is not my favorite. I would be very happy living in the northwest. I love overcast days.
#17. I don't like to drive. I also hate pumping gas. When I dream about being a millionaire (come on, who doesn't?) hiring a driver is part of the fantasy.
#18. I like spinach and lots of other green vegetables. Vegetables of all colors and shapes actually. I'm trying to think of a vegetable I've met that I haven't liked... I think I could be a vegetarian but would miss In n Out burgers and Rumbi Grill burgers too much. (Oh the grilled pineapple on that double burger!) But I couldn't be a vegan. Too much work.
#19. I'm finally giving myself permission to say I'm a writer. Someday, when I have an ISBN number in the Library of Congress, I'll call myself an author.
#20. Three favorite junk foods, ready, GO: Doritos in the purple bag, moose tracks ice cream and raspberry flavored Mambas. This is not an absolute list, just a top of mind list.
20 Random Facts About Me
#1. I love pizza. Be it homemade, frozen, Little Ceasar's, overpriced pizzeria pizza, I love it all.
#2. I read blog posts, then come back later to comment.
#3. I was insecure about my looks for 15 years. It wasn't until I got married that I got over this. But I'm kind of grateful for the struggle with my looks, because I developed confidence in other parts of my life.
#4. Sometimes I wish I lived in the days where women wore big dresses, rode in carriages and went to the neighbor's country estate for a ball.
#5. I love the Sunday paper. I always read the comics first, the the opinion section, then the local section, then the front page section, then everything else if I can get to it. I always thumb through the ads and coupons.
#6. I wish I was more laid back about some things. Like which is the faster route to point x when I'm driving with Chris. Or Scrabble rules. Almost became a single woman over a game of Scrabble one night.
#7. I am a water snob. I can taste city tap water and I don't like it. At all. Give me gallons of reverse osmosis water sitting in my fridge and I'm a happy drinker. Water is also my favorite drink.
#8. I am a terrible housekeeper, but love it when my house is clean.
#9. If we have a boy, I want to name him Atticus, after a favorite literary character. I also like the name Henry. But due to being married and believing in giving my partner an equal say, neither of these scenarios will happen.
#10. The Harry Potter series is one of my favorite book series of all time.
#11. I spend too much time on social media. I'm working on it though. One step was erasing settings that notified me every time someone sneezed or took a picture of their lunch.
#12. Someday, I want to live by the beach. And have a little farm. And live blocks away from a great neighborhood deli, library and a town square. All at once.
#13. I went to my neighborhood caucus last week, not knowing what to expect, wanting to be more involved with my community and also being completely disappointed in recent state legislation and the ruling majority. Somehow I left the meeting as a delegate.
#14. I'm not one of those women that loooooove being pregnant. I do like the fact that I am pregnant though. Let's be clear.
#15. I love running so much. I can't wait to work up to and map out a training plan for some race I've never done. Logging 10 plus miles for the day gets me giddy.
#16. I melt in the sun. Due to my coloring and complexion, a super hot sunny day is not my favorite. I would be very happy living in the northwest. I love overcast days.
#17. I don't like to drive. I also hate pumping gas. When I dream about being a millionaire (come on, who doesn't?) hiring a driver is part of the fantasy.
#18. I like spinach and lots of other green vegetables. Vegetables of all colors and shapes actually. I'm trying to think of a vegetable I've met that I haven't liked... I think I could be a vegetarian but would miss In n Out burgers and Rumbi Grill burgers too much. (Oh the grilled pineapple on that double burger!) But I couldn't be a vegan. Too much work.
#19. I'm finally giving myself permission to say I'm a writer. Someday, when I have an ISBN number in the Library of Congress, I'll call myself an author.
#20. Three favorite junk foods, ready, GO: Doritos in the purple bag, moose tracks ice cream and raspberry flavored Mambas. This is not an absolute list, just a top of mind list.
Monday, March 19, 2012
30 Things
I saw the idea for doing this crazy 30 things post on this blog. Which, if you click over, you will see she referenced a different blog with the idea. Point is, not my idea. But interesting exercise in knowing thy self. I really don't think it will be 30 consecutive posts, but they will be mixed in between the other randomness of my important thoughts and ideas. Who's excited?
(Really, I should focus my blogging time on another exciting round of Insane Month in Spring Fridge Bracket.)
(Really, I should focus my blogging time on another exciting round of Insane Month in Spring Fridge Bracket.)
29. What do you think people misundertand most about you?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)