There seems to be a problem that I am running into with writing a blog. I think it is a problem that many writer's deal with... whether they are writing a college essay, a blog, or something as prestigious as a novel... it is the fear of putting one's thoughts out into the world and not knowing how it will be accepted.
This fear was what kept me from writing for so long but as I am an English teacher, I decided to heed the advice that I have given my past High School kiddos and find the courage to take a chance and simply "put it out there".
So, my dear readers (whoever you five are) please keep in mind that I am doing just that... taking a chance. I have been hesitant to write this past week because there is so much going on and with that are a slew of various emotions. I fear that if I talk about our road to Baby, I may come off sounding a bit emotional or desperate... and at times, I'm not going to lie, I do feel exactly that. But for the most part, I know that this is just going to be a matter of time and I am enjoying the time that Joe and I have without having kids around (this feeling is especially prominent when we are hanging with nieces and nephews and we can love and spoil them as much as we want and still feel that sense of relief when it's just the two of us lying in bed at night). I fear that if I talk about the confusion that I feel about what's in the near future, that some may think that I am not "Letting go and letting God..." but the fact of the matter is, is that no matter how exciting it can be, change is SCARY. And I fear that by talking about running or weight issues, these could be construed as me not appreciating myself for who I am.
So, these are my fears of writing and sharing... but it should be noted that, for the most part, I am quite happy and content with life and like everyone, am simply trying to roll with whatever life hands me, both good and bad, and making the most of it.
Now, please excuse me while I step off of my soapbox. :)
With all of this said, there has been plenty to note from this past week!
First and foremost, the running challenge. Week 2 was tough... not the challenge itself but the week in general. I was feeling especially low that week and could not seem to drag myself out of the funk that I was in. So, last week, I decided that I needed to give both my body and mind a revamp. I started doing an herbal detox; cutting out most caffeine (I have to have my cup of coffee in the morning for sanity), wine, red meat, etc. And since the directions specifically stated not to run five miles a day (I'm not kidding, it was in the FAQ's!!!), I had to lower my daily mileage. I did manage to run 14.5 miles last week and incorporate a bit of mediation (something I am really trying to make a habit) and I swear, I feel amazing. I cheated a bit on our camping trip this past weekend but all in all, I have been pretty pleased with myself. It's a challenge for this Cajun girl, but I'm trying! This morning, I felt so energized that I managed to run my five miles; so, I am hopeful that this detox is going to jump start good changes.
Secondly, a few weeks ago, I wrote about finally getting the guts to make a doctor's appointment and make sure that we were all good on the Baby Track. My long-awaited doctor's appointment finally came on Friday. I was excited and hopeful that maybe we'd get answers or at least get put on the path to getting answers. Long story short, my first experience with my military doctor was horrible and left much to be desired. I have never felt so silly or like such a hindrance to any doctor before and she could not have gotten me out of there faster. When I asked her if there was any way that we could start checking to make sure that everything was working properly (and I assure you, there are reasons for my concern but I refuse to bore you with details), she laughed and told me that getting pregnant would happen by the grace of God. I wanted to tell her that me avoiding to punch her in the face was by the grace of God... but I didn't because my momma always told me to keep my mouth shut when I didn't have anything nice to say. By military doctor protocol, I made my doctor's appointment three months too early. I may have cried for a few hours after the appointment but I honestly knew that all would be fine, especially with our move right around the corner. I had finally calmed myself down, only to have my exterminator ask me later that afternoon what we were waiting on to have kids... Second mental face punch of the day...
And lastly, on a truly bittersweet note, our move to Fort Irwin, California is rapidly approaching! Joe and I spent Saturday and Sunday camping with his family, which would be the last time before our move that we would get to hang out with his dad. If that didn't make the move begin to seem real, giving our rental agency the 30 days notice today definitely did. We are finally at that mark where we need to start getting stuff done before our departure. It's so crazy, so insane, a bit scary, and very exciting.
So, that is all my darlings! A massive thanks if you are reading this. I promise to continue to share and be honest, always with the hope of being slightly amusing and at times thought provoking! ;)
Happy Monday, ya'll!!!
Monday, July 30, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
Little Dee
Sometime last week, Joe and I went out to dinner with a couple of our friends. He stepped outside for a bit and when he came back, he handed me my phone and said that there were pictures added on Facebook from when I was little. I took my phone, clicked over to Facebook, and opened up the new notification.
Oh. My. God. Absolutely mortified.
Staring back at me was the picture of 13 year old Deanna, who had no clue about hair, fashion, or makeup. Her hair was big and frizzy (this was pre-straighteners), lipstick bright red to match her blood red oriental dress, and her glasses covered up half of her face. In the picture, she tried to be stoic as she brought up Communion for her 8th grade Graduation Mass but she ended up just looking plain old awkward.
Horrifying. (And, Allison, if you are reading this, you should know that I am plotting my revenge ;) )
As I am sure it was for many people, Middle School was incredibly difficult for me. There's so much that you just don't know at that time. You aren't an adult, you aren't a kid... you are simply in the Middle. I look at that picture and the memories of how difficult it all was seem to consume me.
I think of that little girl and about how shy and awkward she was. I never seemed to feel comfortable in my own skin and if you aren't comfortable in your skin, then it's not very easy to be comfortable around people. I wasn't athletic, so I couldn't be part of a team and make friends that way. And to be honest, I just had a hard time making and keeping friends. I found solace in reading book after book after book, finding myself in imaginary worlds and feeling closer to the characters in books than I did with my peers. I would read anything that I could get my hands on and then spend many lunch recesses in the library helping put away books.
At night, I'd lay in bed and think about the woman that I would become. I'd pray that God would make me beautiful and successful and that there would be a boy out there in the world that would want to hold my hand. I would think of the story of the Ugly Duckling and how he became a beautiful swan and I'd pray with my whole heart that this could happen for me as well.
I look back and my heart smiles at that little girl. I'll never be one to say that I am beautiful but learning how to fix your hair and put on make-up sure does go a long way! I also think that God did take care of the situation and gave me something that I didn't even think to ask for. He gave me the chance to learn how to be comfortable in my own skin. It has taken me so long to just find peace within myself and as I near 30, I find more and more things that I like about the woman that I have become. I may complain about needing to lose a couple of pounds here and there but I know that the people that are in my life are going to love me for being me: silly, nerdy, passionate, and caring. At times, I find myself veering back to being that timid girl, especially when meeting new people or in a new environment, but I was given a man who will hold my hand and stand by me until that girl feels comfortable again.
I look back and wish I could tell her, "Hey Little Dee, stop worrying so much!!! Life is hard... it always will be... but things have a way of working themselves out. Stop stressing and enjoy this time of innocence as much as you can. It's gonna be all good."
And it is. It really is all good.
Oh. My. God. Absolutely mortified.
Staring back at me was the picture of 13 year old Deanna, who had no clue about hair, fashion, or makeup. Her hair was big and frizzy (this was pre-straighteners), lipstick bright red to match her blood red oriental dress, and her glasses covered up half of her face. In the picture, she tried to be stoic as she brought up Communion for her 8th grade Graduation Mass but she ended up just looking plain old awkward.
Horrifying. (And, Allison, if you are reading this, you should know that I am plotting my revenge ;) )
As I am sure it was for many people, Middle School was incredibly difficult for me. There's so much that you just don't know at that time. You aren't an adult, you aren't a kid... you are simply in the Middle. I look at that picture and the memories of how difficult it all was seem to consume me.
I think of that little girl and about how shy and awkward she was. I never seemed to feel comfortable in my own skin and if you aren't comfortable in your skin, then it's not very easy to be comfortable around people. I wasn't athletic, so I couldn't be part of a team and make friends that way. And to be honest, I just had a hard time making and keeping friends. I found solace in reading book after book after book, finding myself in imaginary worlds and feeling closer to the characters in books than I did with my peers. I would read anything that I could get my hands on and then spend many lunch recesses in the library helping put away books.
At night, I'd lay in bed and think about the woman that I would become. I'd pray that God would make me beautiful and successful and that there would be a boy out there in the world that would want to hold my hand. I would think of the story of the Ugly Duckling and how he became a beautiful swan and I'd pray with my whole heart that this could happen for me as well.
I look back and my heart smiles at that little girl. I'll never be one to say that I am beautiful but learning how to fix your hair and put on make-up sure does go a long way! I also think that God did take care of the situation and gave me something that I didn't even think to ask for. He gave me the chance to learn how to be comfortable in my own skin. It has taken me so long to just find peace within myself and as I near 30, I find more and more things that I like about the woman that I have become. I may complain about needing to lose a couple of pounds here and there but I know that the people that are in my life are going to love me for being me: silly, nerdy, passionate, and caring. At times, I find myself veering back to being that timid girl, especially when meeting new people or in a new environment, but I was given a man who will hold my hand and stand by me until that girl feels comfortable again.
I look back and wish I could tell her, "Hey Little Dee, stop worrying so much!!! Life is hard... it always will be... but things have a way of working themselves out. Stop stressing and enjoy this time of innocence as much as you can. It's gonna be all good."
And it is. It really is all good.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Week 2 of the Crazy Running Challenge
Last week I decided to take a hold of my fitness plan and completely pump it up. My challenge: 5 miles for 5 days for 5 weeks. The hope is that it would help to jump start some weight loss, as well as begin the prep work for my pre-30 marathon.
The week may not have gone exactly as I had hoped for but sometimes life happens and well, you just have to roll with it.
Monday and Tuesday's run were fine. Five miles each day on the same ole trail that I use on a normal basis. Good runs but kinda boring. So, on Wednesday, I was feeling a little sore from the previous days and decided to go on a run that was a little shorter. I took my yorkie, Dobby, and headed to one of the state parks that is about 15 minutes from where we live. The path is not a smooth one since it is usually used for bikes but Dobs and I both loved it! Just the change of scenery, beautiful landscape, and the fact that Dobby was able to run freely, as well as get a little swim made the run a success! We did 3.5 miles... A little shorter then I had planned but that was okay with me.
Thursday came along, bringing with it an allergy attack and completely taking away my motivation. I did not want to run at all. I dragged my feet all morning long but I finally found myself driving to the state park at about 11:30. Now, if you know anything about Central Texas at all, you know how incredibly stupid this was. Oh my good Lord, it was hottt! Somehow, I managed to put my big girl panties on and pushed myself to do six long miles.
Unfortunately, that turned out to be the
last run for the week. Week 1's total mileage: 19.5 miles... Not as good as I wanted but it's a start and I am not giving up.
This week has already started with unforeseen events and I was only able to get three miles in today. I'm hoping to pick up the other two miles some other time this week. I am also thinking about getting back on Weight Watchers... Even though I am absolutely, 100%, dreading the idea of getting back on a planned diet. We're gonna have to see about that one!
Would love to hear your tips and advice on running and weight loss! Happy Monday, y'all!
The week may not have gone exactly as I had hoped for but sometimes life happens and well, you just have to roll with it.
Monday and Tuesday's run were fine. Five miles each day on the same ole trail that I use on a normal basis. Good runs but kinda boring. So, on Wednesday, I was feeling a little sore from the previous days and decided to go on a run that was a little shorter. I took my yorkie, Dobby, and headed to one of the state parks that is about 15 minutes from where we live. The path is not a smooth one since it is usually used for bikes but Dobs and I both loved it! Just the change of scenery, beautiful landscape, and the fact that Dobby was able to run freely, as well as get a little swim made the run a success! We did 3.5 miles... A little shorter then I had planned but that was okay with me.
Thursday came along, bringing with it an allergy attack and completely taking away my motivation. I did not want to run at all. I dragged my feet all morning long but I finally found myself driving to the state park at about 11:30. Now, if you know anything about Central Texas at all, you know how incredibly stupid this was. Oh my good Lord, it was hottt! Somehow, I managed to put my big girl panties on and pushed myself to do six long miles.
Unfortunately, that turned out to be the
last run for the week. Week 1's total mileage: 19.5 miles... Not as good as I wanted but it's a start and I am not giving up.
This week has already started with unforeseen events and I was only able to get three miles in today. I'm hoping to pick up the other two miles some other time this week. I am also thinking about getting back on Weight Watchers... Even though I am absolutely, 100%, dreading the idea of getting back on a planned diet. We're gonna have to see about that one!
Would love to hear your tips and advice on running and weight loss! Happy Monday, y'all!
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Sunday Thanks
Today's True Confession: It's been a really long time since I have been to church.
Like most people in South Louisiana, I was raised Catholic. Catholic school, church on Thursdays and Sundays, Confession, Communion, the works... and you don't question any of this. I think that as a child (at least for me, anyway), it was so easy to go along with all of this blindly and simply know that my parents, priests, teachers, and community were all right. When I became an adult, I had a harder time with this blind acceptance.
Even though I may now have my own thoughts on organized religion, it shouldn't be confused with my spirituality. My relationship with God is on a much more personal level than it has ever before and for me, that is quite fine. So, maybe because it's Sunday... or maybe I'm still feeling a little sentimental because of all of the wine that I drank last night... but today I am feeling incredibly grateful and wanted to share my thanks...
Today I give thanks for having a truly amazing, one of a kind, love of my life. The relationship between me and my husband is far from perfect but I think that the lack of "perfectness" is what makes it something so special. The times that we fight or have a disagreement are few and far between and when we do, it completely throws my world upside down. I absolutely hate it. It's
when we overcome those times that I know that there isn't anything that we can't deal with. At times, the man can drive me insane but he makes me laugh and makes my world so much fuller and so much brighter. Being the girl that I am, there have been times when late at night I am feeling overwhelmed with the things going on in our life. For the first time ever, I have a man who cares enough to come and rescue me from myself. And for this, I am so incredibly grateful.
This weekend, I have had the pleasure of having a visit from my best friend, J. Of course things didn't go as planned and long story short, the weekend of shopping and pedicures that I had planned failed miserably when my a.c. broke and we ended up spending our entire Saturday in my hot and humid house while we waited for the repair man. J and I are so different. She is the only woman that I know that can be sitting in an 85 degree home and still manage to have her makeup and hair done perfectly. She is incredibly driven, motivated, and competitive, uses fancy words in her everyday language, and always looks cute and put together (even after she has run 13 miles). Despite our many differences, she has stuck by my side for the past five years. Through all of the tears, laughter, break ups, relationships, episodes of Gossip Girl, and both of the Sex and the City movies (even though we agree that the second one sucks), she has remained a faithful and true friend. I don't know what I did to deserve such a great friend. For her, I am so incredibly grateful.
With our move rapidly approaching, I find myself clinging to the time that I get to spend with family. I am looking forward to a visit from my mom, sister, and godchild next weekend. I will miss all of my family but I think these three the most. Like many moms and daughters, the road that my mom, sister and I had from childhood to adulthood was not always a smooth one. But, somehow, the three of us have made it and are all in a really good place with one another. I fear moving and being so far away and missing many firsts as my sister handles being a new mommy. Luckily, the bond that we have can deal with a few thousand miles between us. I know that I am the woman that I am today because of both my mom and my sister. I also know that the woman that I will be tomorrow is going to be even better as I strive to be a good role model for my godchild. For all of this, I am so incredibly grateful.
Life will never be perfect... but today, it feels pretty close to it and I am so incredibly grateful for that.
Like most people in South Louisiana, I was raised Catholic. Catholic school, church on Thursdays and Sundays, Confession, Communion, the works... and you don't question any of this. I think that as a child (at least for me, anyway), it was so easy to go along with all of this blindly and simply know that my parents, priests, teachers, and community were all right. When I became an adult, I had a harder time with this blind acceptance.
Even though I may now have my own thoughts on organized religion, it shouldn't be confused with my spirituality. My relationship with God is on a much more personal level than it has ever before and for me, that is quite fine. So, maybe because it's Sunday... or maybe I'm still feeling a little sentimental because of all of the wine that I drank last night... but today I am feeling incredibly grateful and wanted to share my thanks...
Today I give thanks for having a truly amazing, one of a kind, love of my life. The relationship between me and my husband is far from perfect but I think that the lack of "perfectness" is what makes it something so special. The times that we fight or have a disagreement are few and far between and when we do, it completely throws my world upside down. I absolutely hate it. It's
when we overcome those times that I know that there isn't anything that we can't deal with. At times, the man can drive me insane but he makes me laugh and makes my world so much fuller and so much brighter. Being the girl that I am, there have been times when late at night I am feeling overwhelmed with the things going on in our life. For the first time ever, I have a man who cares enough to come and rescue me from myself. And for this, I am so incredibly grateful.
This weekend, I have had the pleasure of having a visit from my best friend, J. Of course things didn't go as planned and long story short, the weekend of shopping and pedicures that I had planned failed miserably when my a.c. broke and we ended up spending our entire Saturday in my hot and humid house while we waited for the repair man. J and I are so different. She is the only woman that I know that can be sitting in an 85 degree home and still manage to have her makeup and hair done perfectly. She is incredibly driven, motivated, and competitive, uses fancy words in her everyday language, and always looks cute and put together (even after she has run 13 miles). Despite our many differences, she has stuck by my side for the past five years. Through all of the tears, laughter, break ups, relationships, episodes of Gossip Girl, and both of the Sex and the City movies (even though we agree that the second one sucks), she has remained a faithful and true friend. I don't know what I did to deserve such a great friend. For her, I am so incredibly grateful.
With our move rapidly approaching, I find myself clinging to the time that I get to spend with family. I am looking forward to a visit from my mom, sister, and godchild next weekend. I will miss all of my family but I think these three the most. Like many moms and daughters, the road that my mom, sister and I had from childhood to adulthood was not always a smooth one. But, somehow, the three of us have made it and are all in a really good place with one another. I fear moving and being so far away and missing many firsts as my sister handles being a new mommy. Luckily, the bond that we have can deal with a few thousand miles between us. I know that I am the woman that I am today because of both my mom and my sister. I also know that the woman that I will be tomorrow is going to be even better as I strive to be a good role model for my godchild. For all of this, I am so incredibly grateful.
Life will never be perfect... but today, it feels pretty close to it and I am so incredibly grateful for that.
Monday, July 9, 2012
A Weighted Issue
I. Hate. My. Scale.
Seriously.
Like many women that I know, I am constantly struggling with my weight and the way that I view my body. This became especially frustrating just the other day when I stepped on the scale and had an "OMG...WTF just happened" moment. Of course, I stepped off of the scale, took a deep breath, and got back on it... just to make sure that it wasn't trying to April Fools' me. It wasn't.
See, I have this problem. I am usually a very healthy person. Like I have mentioned in previous posts, I have been running for years. Sometimes running is accompanied with weights or even at times, swimming. So, I am normally pretty active. But, like most people know, weight gain is not just about how much or how little you work out... it is of course, what you eat and drink and blah, blah, blah. I know the drill. The problem that I am having is the "I am so happy and in love and can eat anything that my husband eats and then stay at home and cuddle with him instead of working out" epidemic. Trust me. It exists.
I love the fact that Hubs and I are enjoying our first year. When we first moved in together, we laughed because we both gained a bit of weight. Ha! Ha! A few pounds! So funny! I decided to get on Weight Watchers, join a boot camp, and really make the effort to get back in shape. What happens? He loses the extra pounds... and somehow I gained a few more. Someone please tell me if this makes any sense at all?!?!?
I could sit around and bitch and moan about this all day... but that would be very counterproductive. Instead, I am planning drastic measures to get back to a body that makes me happy and to a place where I can actually start training for thedreaded, I mean, the much anticipated pre-30 marathon.
The plan: 5 miles, for 5 days, for 5 weeks, along with healthy eating and portion control. I'm not planning on killing myself over this nor do I want to get hurt in the process. If I start to feel like it is too much then I will surely tweak the plan. I just need some crazy goal to get me motivated.
Day 1 and 5 miles are done... here's to the next 24 running days... Wish me luck!
Oh. And the scale is going in the closet. Have I mentioned how much I hate that thing???
Seriously.
Like many women that I know, I am constantly struggling with my weight and the way that I view my body. This became especially frustrating just the other day when I stepped on the scale and had an "OMG...WTF just happened" moment. Of course, I stepped off of the scale, took a deep breath, and got back on it... just to make sure that it wasn't trying to April Fools' me. It wasn't.
See, I have this problem. I am usually a very healthy person. Like I have mentioned in previous posts, I have been running for years. Sometimes running is accompanied with weights or even at times, swimming. So, I am normally pretty active. But, like most people know, weight gain is not just about how much or how little you work out... it is of course, what you eat and drink and blah, blah, blah. I know the drill. The problem that I am having is the "I am so happy and in love and can eat anything that my husband eats and then stay at home and cuddle with him instead of working out" epidemic. Trust me. It exists.
I love the fact that Hubs and I are enjoying our first year. When we first moved in together, we laughed because we both gained a bit of weight. Ha! Ha! A few pounds! So funny! I decided to get on Weight Watchers, join a boot camp, and really make the effort to get back in shape. What happens? He loses the extra pounds... and somehow I gained a few more. Someone please tell me if this makes any sense at all?!?!?
I could sit around and bitch and moan about this all day... but that would be very counterproductive. Instead, I am planning drastic measures to get back to a body that makes me happy and to a place where I can actually start training for the
The plan: 5 miles, for 5 days, for 5 weeks, along with healthy eating and portion control. I'm not planning on killing myself over this nor do I want to get hurt in the process. If I start to feel like it is too much then I will surely tweak the plan. I just need some crazy goal to get me motivated.
Day 1 and 5 miles are done... here's to the next 24 running days... Wish me luck!
Oh. And the scale is going in the closet. Have I mentioned how much I hate that thing???
Friday, July 6, 2012
Friday's Random Five
As I try to find a direction for this blog, I keep coming up with the desire to have a day set aside to share a few randoms each week; such as, new recipes, music, makeup, literature, or anything that I come across that I find interesting. As this urge to write about my randoms doesn't seem to be going away, I thought, what better day to do this than on Fridays?
So, for your reading pleasure, I have today's first edition of Friday's Random Five! (Aren't you so glad that you stopped by?!?!?)
All of you foodies out there will be pleased to know that three of my randoms for today are recipes that I have come across and am so excited to share.
So, for your reading pleasure, I have today's first edition of Friday's Random Five! (Aren't you so glad that you stopped by?!?!?)
All of you foodies out there will be pleased to know that three of my randoms for today are recipes that I have come across and am so excited to share.
- The first of today's random is not so much as a recipe but more of a cooking tip that both Hubs and I are really excited about. We love asparagus. It's the perfect side for any summer grill. We are, however, not fans of soggy asparagus. Apparently, I have been cooking it all wrong.
I received this tip from my sister, who I think in turn received it from her boyfriend's parents, but I guess that is neither here nor there. The trick, my friends, is to boil the asparagus for about three minutes, drain the water, and then put ice on the boiled asparagus. I don't think that it really matters how long you ice it (I think we iced ours for about 30 minutes while prepping other dishes). When I was ready to put it on the grill, I wrapped it in aluminum foil, seasoned with a bit of butter, salt, pepper, and garlic, and then grilled for about 10-12 minutes. Oh my goodness. Delicious, crisp asparagus. So perfect!
2. I am constantly on the search for healthy sides and came across one the other day while flipping through one of my old cookbooks. Here is another grill recipe: Broiled Tomatoes with Feta Cheese. I cut my tomatoes in half lengthwise and placed them cut sides up. I pitted them just a bit, drizzled them with olive oil, a bit of fresh ground pepper, salt, and Italian Seasoning. Then, sprinkled them with Feta Cheese. Place on your grill for about 5 minutes (or when the cheese starts to brown). The end result is light, flavorful, and absolutely perfect for summer!
3. My last recipe is one that I am sure all of you have seen on Pinterest. I have a tendency of pinning these amazing recipes and then never really get a chance to make them. I'm so glad that I took the time to make this healthy little sweet treat.
Your three ingredients are bananas, peanut butter, and dark chocolate (I bought the melting dark chocolate from Hobby Lobby that makes these kinds of recipes really easy to do). I cut two bananas into bite size pieces. I guess I used about 1/4 of a cup of peanut butter, which I melted and then dipped the banana bites in. Place them on wax paper and freeze for about an hour. After the peanut butter was set, I melted the chocolate, dipped my p.b. banana bites in, and froze again. The result is a satisfyingly sweet treat that you don't have to feel too guilty about eating.
4. Random Number 4 has nothing to do with food. Please excuse me for just a moment while I do a make-up rave. The award for Summer 2012 in the make-up department will have to go to Urban Decay's Naked 2 Eyeshadow Palette. The colors are beautiful and light and are perfect for every day summer wear. I am officially obsessed.
5. And my last random rave would have to be classified in the music department. I have recently fallen in love with the band, Alabama Shakes. If you are looking for new music, I highly recommend their debut album, Boys and Girls. The leader singer, Brittany Howard, totally rocks. She has a very unique voice and combines blues, rock, soul, and reminds me of Janis Joplin because she is really that freakin cool. Check it out!
Well, that is all my friends! Enjoy your weekend and have a very happy Friday! :)
-Dee
Thursday, July 5, 2012
My Inner Nerd
Growing up, my mom took it upon herself to make sure that her two girls would not go through the summer without continuing their education.
Every June, she'd bring us to the local educational supply store and purchase workbooks and flashcards and educational cassettes, all to ensure that my sister and I would have plenty to keep us busy throughout the three months of summer. I think that her fear was that we'd forget everything we learned during those months off and then be a few steps behind when we'd return to school in August.
Having only a High School degree, my mom wanted to make sure that she gave her daughters every opportunity that she could by teaching them the importance of education, making them life long learners, and dammit to hell, her girls were going to college.
My sister and I hated it.
I can remember being SO annoyed that my mom would push these stupid workbooks on us during the summer. None of the other kids had to do schoolwork! Why did we have to??? Sister and I would whine and complain and "forget" to do our summer assignments and towards the end of the summer, my mom would get so frustrated with us that there was no getting around it. We were going to sit down and finish these workbooks. Through gritted teeth and plenty of eye rolling, we did. My poor momma....
Fast forward several years....
Here I am now. Summertime and finding myself in a complete funk this week. I know that my funk is because of a combination of things and it mostly boils down to the fact that there's a whole lot of waiting going on. In the past, I've usually gotten a summer job to keep me preoccupied but since we are two months away from our big move, finding a job right now doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense. There's no sense in packing since there is still two months. My family is seven hours away and my bestie is three hours away. And to top it all off, I have been feeling uninspired and like I have been losing some of my creativity.
So, just to get myself out of the house today, I found myself at the book store. And, what do you think I start going on a desperate search for??? Workbooks. I kid you not. I found a grammar workbook, an inspiring doodle workbook, and a book of story prompts and exercises for writers.
Yup. Big nerd. That's me. I walked out of the store feeling so excited and on the hunt for new ink pens (you can't have a doodle book without new ink pens!). I don't think my poor husband gets it but I'm pretty sure that he will be supportive of anything that will keep me busy and "funk" free.
So, thanks to my momma. She has taught me to be a life-long learner, find ways to develop my creativity, and given me a truly nerdy appreciation for workbooks.
Every June, she'd bring us to the local educational supply store and purchase workbooks and flashcards and educational cassettes, all to ensure that my sister and I would have plenty to keep us busy throughout the three months of summer. I think that her fear was that we'd forget everything we learned during those months off and then be a few steps behind when we'd return to school in August.
Having only a High School degree, my mom wanted to make sure that she gave her daughters every opportunity that she could by teaching them the importance of education, making them life long learners, and dammit to hell, her girls were going to college.
My sister and I hated it.
I can remember being SO annoyed that my mom would push these stupid workbooks on us during the summer. None of the other kids had to do schoolwork! Why did we have to??? Sister and I would whine and complain and "forget" to do our summer assignments and towards the end of the summer, my mom would get so frustrated with us that there was no getting around it. We were going to sit down and finish these workbooks. Through gritted teeth and plenty of eye rolling, we did. My poor momma....
Fast forward several years....
Here I am now. Summertime and finding myself in a complete funk this week. I know that my funk is because of a combination of things and it mostly boils down to the fact that there's a whole lot of waiting going on. In the past, I've usually gotten a summer job to keep me preoccupied but since we are two months away from our big move, finding a job right now doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense. There's no sense in packing since there is still two months. My family is seven hours away and my bestie is three hours away. And to top it all off, I have been feeling uninspired and like I have been losing some of my creativity.
So, just to get myself out of the house today, I found myself at the book store. And, what do you think I start going on a desperate search for??? Workbooks. I kid you not. I found a grammar workbook, an inspiring doodle workbook, and a book of story prompts and exercises for writers.
Yup. Big nerd. That's me. I walked out of the store feeling so excited and on the hunt for new ink pens (you can't have a doodle book without new ink pens!). I don't think my poor husband gets it but I'm pretty sure that he will be supportive of anything that will keep me busy and "funk" free.
So, thanks to my momma. She has taught me to be a life-long learner, find ways to develop my creativity, and given me a truly nerdy appreciation for workbooks.
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