Things I've Learned about Myself

Volume One

As I grow older, I have noticed changes. With age comes wisdom, and all that jazz. Mostly, I've noticed that I'm starting to see little lines on my face, a droop in areas that used to stand up firm and high on their own self, and exhaustion.

Oh, yeah, exhaustion. I've said it before, read it in many places, and it's true - you bitterly regret all the naps you fought as a child when you are a grown up.

But today, the third day of school for my younger kids, is the first day of the back to school saga that my google calendar is blank. As in, empty. There's nothing scheduled. So I've planned to power through my work -

And cook for a few hours, and nap. With God as my witness, I will lay down and just be still for at least an hour.

I was thinking, though, about the things I've learned about me as I get older - and let me start off by saying that I'm ok with getting older. I'm not afraid of it, not fighting it - as I look back in life, I do wish I'd made some different choices, but I'm happy with me and where I am.

If you've read here for a while, you know that this is a hard won battle.

I've learned:

• I need much more sleep than my husband or family thinks that I need.
• I cannot skip breakfast. And that breakfast, for me, cannot consist solely of sugar and/or carbs.
• I'm a lip balm addict and I get slightly - ok, more than slightly - panicked when I don't have some nearby.
• I love to be busy.
• But I also crave some quiet time. 
• My life is not complete without music.
• And dance. There always must be dance of some kind. Lately, it's zumba - but I'd love to find a pure barre class around - I grew up doing ballet and it's always my first love. My body isn't the right shape at all for it, but I still want to dance.
• I'm addicted to technology and the Internets.
• I'm strong.
• Everyone needs a pair of "good butt" jeans - ones that make you look and feel amazing. I'm still on the hunt for mine. 
• I need to check my front porch for spiders before I walk up the steps - we have these ENORMOUS spiders who spin fantastically huge webs that cover the entire porch - and I look like a fool when I walk through one and do the "Spider Web freak out dance" - and don't tell me you don't know what I'm talking about. It's hysterical - as long as it's not you doing it.
• I'm doing the very best that I can do. Some days, that just won't be enough. As long as I can say, every night before bed, that I gave it my all - I will have to be happy with that.
• People will not always agree with me. I won't agree with them. 
• Three drinks is my limit.
• Never eat shrimp from a buffet server who is walking around at a party.
• I don't do enough late night driving with the windows rolled down and the stereo blasting.
• I am a good person. Despite what a small crowd of dissenters tries to promote - I am a good person.

Tell me - on this fine Friday that's dreary and sprinkly and overcast - what have you learned about yourself?

_______________

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Update on Allegra's Invisalign braces

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Comments

[Kate@SurroundedbyPenises]

I've learned that a mom can survive on wine + chocolate alone...for a few days ;)
Thanks for the shrimp tip!
and I love love love the porch pic in your header!!

[Headless Mom]

I loved barre class as a kid. Certainly there is an adult class near you? I think there is one around here... good idea. I desperately need to do SOMETHING.

[Luckyduck]

If I don't get away from the computer by 9:00 p.m, my brain will be too wired to shut down, and it going to bed an hour later is fruitless.

[KG]

You should have told me about the ballet thing- won't catch me doing it but that's what my sister does in NYC. Teaches ballet. My other sister takes classes when she comes back home here, I can ask where if you like?

I've learned that I may be suffering from chronic incurable terminal procrastination.
sigh

[girlsmama]

That I need the internets. I am uplifted knowing that there are other women who are doing their best even when it's not enough. But we get up again and again and in the end it is enough. Thanks for being here!

[Tara]

I learned that despite my best efforts, there will be external forces beyond your control that can ruin everything. I have also learned how incredibly resilient I am.

[amie]

Have you tried Loft Curvy jeans yet? Good price, great fit and variety of lengths.

[Rox]

I've learned that anything a man can do, I can do better.

And Lucky Jeans are my "good butt" jeans ... NOT cheap unless you have an outlet nearby, but just one pair is all it takes!

[Sandy]

I've learned that:

Worrying is a waste of time(I still do it but try to limit it)

Running is my therapy

I like to challenge myself. I try to do things that scare me! Makes me feel alive.

Laughter is essential.

Family is not always people you are related to.

Expecting the best to happen and not comparing oneself to others help you lead a more joyful life.

Counting my blessing daily and being grateful puts everything in perspective.

[JMB]

I've learned to let everything go in August. I don't exercise, I drink a glass or two of wine every night, I sleep in, I let my kids blow off stuff. I do this because September is a ball breaker for me. But it is also when I get most energized to change my life. So what will I do this Sept? Good question. I love the barre fitness classes. Try "barre fusion" or barre core - "The Bar Method" is a trade marked class and can be really pricey, but you could probably find a hybrid for much less. I swear by it, my body has never looked better and although it is a hard workout, I think it is a very efficient way to burn calories and build muscle.

[kyooty]

I learned that I can't read everything I want to read and still have a clean house. House must lose if I want to be a happy mom. :)

I learned I HAVE to find a better way to keep my butt on the treadmill. I'm going to run out of money if I have to buy more and more movies I haven't seen yet.