They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but sometimes it gets a little *too* complimentary, ya know what I'm saying?
It's one thing to see something you like and purchase or incorporate it into your lifestyle, making it your own. I DO like when people think my idea, creativity, interests or activities are so awesomesauce that they want to also do what I'm doing. Hey, who doesn't like the ego stroke?
What if it goes further than that though? What if everything you join, like, do, want, ARE, is copied? What if it happens on a repeated basis?
What then do you do? Has it gone from flattering to bunny boiling?
My sister suggests saying I've now taken up skydiving without a parachute.
Now THERE'S an idea!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Carrie Diaries And Psychoanalysis
I'm reading my nieces' books by Candace Bushnell called, "The Carrie Diaries" that are set BEFORE the Sex and the City series. As a fan of the show, it's interesting to see where these characters started from as late teens and up, and of course the growth as they became the familiar people on screen.
Many people often ask, "Which one of the four women are YOU?" There are even quizzes online to determine that very thing! While I think my friends and I all lean to certain individual characters more than others, I also feel like all women are a little part of each of them. For example, I tend to relate to Carrie the most and it's the result I get in those quizzes. However, I'm not into fashion and I don't dress kind of kooky. I'm like Miranda in that I'm a cynic and sarcastic, and not at all sentimental about love or relationships-until I had my children. I'm like Charlotte in that I'm big into manners, etiquette and trying to do the "right" thing. Samantha? Well, I'm least like her but I've had my moments.
The books are interesting because it shows the characters as very young people, and what they were like before they were the women we all came to know and love. If I look at them as described back in the day, it makes it even more clear which one I am more like, and which least.
I think the four women all express little parts that encompass the many dizzying aspects that make us women and our struggles with love and friendship and relationships, careers and family.
I have certainly changed from the teen I was with the many ideals and dreams, to the anxious first time Mom who also ran a busy daycare to the woman I am today. I've believed in things that weren't true, I've believed in people I shouldn't, I've been hurt and I've been happy. I'm finally at a point in my life where I feel like I'm comfortable and at peace with it and with myself-no matter which direction this mad storyline travels. I'm not angry or trying to prove anything anymore, I'm not harbouring resentment or fear. I've always hated game playing, and now I'll specifically remove myself from any drama that others try to create in situations where there truly isn't any. I don't want to have to fight and struggle and I wish the same for those around me. Situations that used to draw me into the fray guns a blazin' now have me walking away whistling. I'm a more open, tolerant, gal these days-with a side of feisty that will never leave me completely, of course.
I know that life always throws you curve balls when you're the most complacent, so I don't rest blissfully unaware, but if my life were a series of books and my character was riding the arc of the plot line, I'd be somewhere near the 3/4 mark in terms of finding myself and my place. It's a good place to be.
I don't believe in Happy Endings, but I do believe in creating my own Happy Enough.
Many people often ask, "Which one of the four women are YOU?" There are even quizzes online to determine that very thing! While I think my friends and I all lean to certain individual characters more than others, I also feel like all women are a little part of each of them. For example, I tend to relate to Carrie the most and it's the result I get in those quizzes. However, I'm not into fashion and I don't dress kind of kooky. I'm like Miranda in that I'm a cynic and sarcastic, and not at all sentimental about love or relationships-until I had my children. I'm like Charlotte in that I'm big into manners, etiquette and trying to do the "right" thing. Samantha? Well, I'm least like her but I've had my moments.
The books are interesting because it shows the characters as very young people, and what they were like before they were the women we all came to know and love. If I look at them as described back in the day, it makes it even more clear which one I am more like, and which least.
I think the four women all express little parts that encompass the many dizzying aspects that make us women and our struggles with love and friendship and relationships, careers and family.
I have certainly changed from the teen I was with the many ideals and dreams, to the anxious first time Mom who also ran a busy daycare to the woman I am today. I've believed in things that weren't true, I've believed in people I shouldn't, I've been hurt and I've been happy. I'm finally at a point in my life where I feel like I'm comfortable and at peace with it and with myself-no matter which direction this mad storyline travels. I'm not angry or trying to prove anything anymore, I'm not harbouring resentment or fear. I've always hated game playing, and now I'll specifically remove myself from any drama that others try to create in situations where there truly isn't any. I don't want to have to fight and struggle and I wish the same for those around me. Situations that used to draw me into the fray guns a blazin' now have me walking away whistling. I'm a more open, tolerant, gal these days-with a side of feisty that will never leave me completely, of course.
I know that life always throws you curve balls when you're the most complacent, so I don't rest blissfully unaware, but if my life were a series of books and my character was riding the arc of the plot line, I'd be somewhere near the 3/4 mark in terms of finding myself and my place. It's a good place to be.
I don't believe in Happy Endings, but I do believe in creating my own Happy Enough.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
In Transition
We've made it to our new/old hometown after two full days on the road, eating horrible fast food and sleeping in hotels. It was an "interesting" ride to say the least. Two kids, my Mom, my hubby and I, and our dog. On top of that we had a load of our belongings on top. Driving long distance is never fun, at the best of times, but when everyone is tense and stressed about a move none of us really want to do....well, it's kind of a recipe for disaster. Never the less, we survived and we made it to our destination.
We're staying at my sister's mansion (I joke but...not really) for the next two weeks. She's got a fantastic pool and her kids have been staying home from daycare to hang out with mine. I've literally spent every day outside, all day, with them in the pool. My nephew thinks I'm awesome (and I kinda am! HA!) for doing all the crazy jumps off the diving board that they are doing! It's been a lot of fun and even though it's kids and dogs galore, it's a nice way to transition into our new home in a few weeks.
My husband goes to do the pack and load and final close next week, and then we move into our new place Sept. 1st or 2nd. Once we settle in, it'll be registration for activities for the kids and I, and school prep and all of that good (but chaotic) stuff.
Feelings wise.....it still feels surreal to me. I don't feel like I really live here, yet. I feel like I'm on another visit. I don't know how others who move back to where they grew up feel but, for me, I really don't want to just step back into what was once my life. I've grown and changed so much in the last four years, I'd say with the most change in the last year, that the life that I once had here is no resemblance to the one I now lead. I'm looking forward to new friendships that reflect those changes, and new activities that I now enjoy. Some friendships may end, others may change and hopefully new ones will grow.
It's hard to explain to people, especially when you've moved back to your hometown, that you aren't ecstatic about the move. My family and I loved Halifax in a way we never imagined we would-I know I've said that 100x already, but it's true. I'm hoping our new "home" will make us as happy, as embraced and accepted, as our old. I pray that this move was a good decision, for all of us.
We're staying at my sister's mansion (I joke but...not really) for the next two weeks. She's got a fantastic pool and her kids have been staying home from daycare to hang out with mine. I've literally spent every day outside, all day, with them in the pool. My nephew thinks I'm awesome (and I kinda am! HA!) for doing all the crazy jumps off the diving board that they are doing! It's been a lot of fun and even though it's kids and dogs galore, it's a nice way to transition into our new home in a few weeks.
My husband goes to do the pack and load and final close next week, and then we move into our new place Sept. 1st or 2nd. Once we settle in, it'll be registration for activities for the kids and I, and school prep and all of that good (but chaotic) stuff.
Feelings wise.....it still feels surreal to me. I don't feel like I really live here, yet. I feel like I'm on another visit. I don't know how others who move back to where they grew up feel but, for me, I really don't want to just step back into what was once my life. I've grown and changed so much in the last four years, I'd say with the most change in the last year, that the life that I once had here is no resemblance to the one I now lead. I'm looking forward to new friendships that reflect those changes, and new activities that I now enjoy. Some friendships may end, others may change and hopefully new ones will grow.
It's hard to explain to people, especially when you've moved back to your hometown, that you aren't ecstatic about the move. My family and I loved Halifax in a way we never imagined we would-I know I've said that 100x already, but it's true. I'm hoping our new "home" will make us as happy, as embraced and accepted, as our old. I pray that this move was a good decision, for all of us.
Friday, July 29, 2011
PEI Trippin' and House Huntin'
We went to PEI for 3 days last weekend with my Mom for her first visit to the island. It's a quick drive from here so not very painful at all. We had the dog in tow as well and though she's previously been anxious and a barfer (the dog, not my Mom!!!) she did totally awesome in the car.
While in PEI, we visited the beach twice and swam in the ocean. My youngest proclaimed that the "water tastes like fries!" Um, ya, that's salt honey! We saw one jellyfish, but otherwise the water was like bathwater and we had a great time exploring the beach and collecting shells. Even the pooch was a swimming fiend, going out deep and then coming back to a rock to rest a bit before heading back out.
We also went to Avonlea Village and spent time checking out the old buildings and listening to some great singing and clapping in the Fishing Shanty. My eldest was crushing on the 12 year old boy singing, and the adult dude was pretty cute too. Just sayin'
We stayed in a little cottage that was very clean and comfortable, the only drawback was the bugs were RIDICULOUS. It was so bad you pretty much couldn't sit outdoors at the cottage. My Mom attempted and was eaten alive!
We did some shopping at the Gateway Village and I ate about a pound of mussels in white wine garlic sauce all my myself. Yum-o.
As soon as we got home, I packed my bag for my flight to my new city to do some house hunting. I hate flying with a passion, so I wasn't looking forward to it at all. As in my previous post, I also wasn't looking forward to house hunting either. It was three days of running around like a chicken with my head cut off, but it also involved seeing family and friends which was so amazing and balanced out the stressful times.
One other nice thing was that my friend, who hasn't seen me in a year, commented that I seemed really different to her somehow. She felt like I seemed happier, more positive, more confident. It really made my day to hear that because it's totally how I feel on the inside, and I'm glad it's being reflected externally as well. My other friend had commented that she felt I had "come into my own" this last year and she felt I had changed a lot as well. Again, it felt incredible to hear that echoed by two of my closest peeps. It sounds totally cheesy, but I really do feel like somehow this last year, I've been at a pivotal point in my life and have taken some purposeful strides forward. I'm more "me" than I've been in a long, long time.
We flew home last night, our flight delayed by almost 5 hours making us arrive home after midnight! This morning we put in an offer on a house we saw yesterday. We were going between two homes, one older and almost completed and the other new and with less already done. The good thing with the newer is that it's bigger and we can put our own "stamp" on it in the next few years. So-we'll see how that goes. I'll let you know what happens! Until then-I'm trying not to think about it or talk about it too much cause it's stressin' me out!
Here we are heading into the long weekend and shortly after, we'll be packing up our stuff to head to our new/old city and getting school registrations done and school supply shopping and then, moving into a new home! It's a crazy time ahead, and it's moving at the speed of light!
While in PEI, we visited the beach twice and swam in the ocean. My youngest proclaimed that the "water tastes like fries!" Um, ya, that's salt honey! We saw one jellyfish, but otherwise the water was like bathwater and we had a great time exploring the beach and collecting shells. Even the pooch was a swimming fiend, going out deep and then coming back to a rock to rest a bit before heading back out.
We also went to Avonlea Village and spent time checking out the old buildings and listening to some great singing and clapping in the Fishing Shanty. My eldest was crushing on the 12 year old boy singing, and the adult dude was pretty cute too. Just sayin'
We stayed in a little cottage that was very clean and comfortable, the only drawback was the bugs were RIDICULOUS. It was so bad you pretty much couldn't sit outdoors at the cottage. My Mom attempted and was eaten alive!
We did some shopping at the Gateway Village and I ate about a pound of mussels in white wine garlic sauce all my myself. Yum-o.
As soon as we got home, I packed my bag for my flight to my new city to do some house hunting. I hate flying with a passion, so I wasn't looking forward to it at all. As in my previous post, I also wasn't looking forward to house hunting either. It was three days of running around like a chicken with my head cut off, but it also involved seeing family and friends which was so amazing and balanced out the stressful times.
One other nice thing was that my friend, who hasn't seen me in a year, commented that I seemed really different to her somehow. She felt like I seemed happier, more positive, more confident. It really made my day to hear that because it's totally how I feel on the inside, and I'm glad it's being reflected externally as well. My other friend had commented that she felt I had "come into my own" this last year and she felt I had changed a lot as well. Again, it felt incredible to hear that echoed by two of my closest peeps. It sounds totally cheesy, but I really do feel like somehow this last year, I've been at a pivotal point in my life and have taken some purposeful strides forward. I'm more "me" than I've been in a long, long time.
We flew home last night, our flight delayed by almost 5 hours making us arrive home after midnight! This morning we put in an offer on a house we saw yesterday. We were going between two homes, one older and almost completed and the other new and with less already done. The good thing with the newer is that it's bigger and we can put our own "stamp" on it in the next few years. So-we'll see how that goes. I'll let you know what happens! Until then-I'm trying not to think about it or talk about it too much cause it's stressin' me out!
Here we are heading into the long weekend and shortly after, we'll be packing up our stuff to head to our new/old city and getting school registrations done and school supply shopping and then, moving into a new home! It's a crazy time ahead, and it's moving at the speed of light!
Friday, July 22, 2011
How Am I Gonna Survive?
First off-it's HOT and sticky and muggy and there's no a/c anywhere in this town, apparently. If I'm this gross feeling in 30C, I have no idea how I'm going to survive back in +47C, with humidity. UGh. I mean, I lived there most of my life, and most people go from a/c to a/c but still. I'm not a girl that loves the heat. In fact, I was "due" Aug. 15th and decided not to be born until September. So, ya. I knew even then I wasn't coming out to the hottest summer on record. My Mom says it was the first cool night, and there I arrived. I'm all about Fall, clearly.
Next, house hunting. UGH. Isn't this supposed to be FUN? Every day, as I sip coffee and eat my breakfast, I surf MLS and Grapevine and Property Guys. There are plenty of townhomes for sale at the lower to mid end of our budget. None I really love, but I guess one I could "settle" for if it came to that. There are single homes in the mid to top end of our budget, but again, none that scream, "this is your HOME!" I'm sort of (understatement of the century) a cautious girl, so I'd like to stay lower end and have money for other things like trips and classes and gym memberships and wiggle room, as opposed to higher end with all extra going to the house. The conundrum? I don't want to drop a ton of cash on a house I only "kind of" like, and a big wad of cash at that, for one with a basement that needs finishing and things that need replacing. That seems to be the standard for what's out there right now. Guess people can afford the house, but not to do the basement? Sigh. Anyways, I'm not feeling the house buying love.
Lastly, for some reason, I can't comment back on all the great comments you guys are leaving. It logs me out repeatedly and while I can physically WRITE the comment, I can't POST it. Frustrating. Just so you know, I AM getting them and loving the feedback. Keep it coming!
Next, house hunting. UGH. Isn't this supposed to be FUN? Every day, as I sip coffee and eat my breakfast, I surf MLS and Grapevine and Property Guys. There are plenty of townhomes for sale at the lower to mid end of our budget. None I really love, but I guess one I could "settle" for if it came to that. There are single homes in the mid to top end of our budget, but again, none that scream, "this is your HOME!" I'm sort of (understatement of the century) a cautious girl, so I'd like to stay lower end and have money for other things like trips and classes and gym memberships and wiggle room, as opposed to higher end with all extra going to the house. The conundrum? I don't want to drop a ton of cash on a house I only "kind of" like, and a big wad of cash at that, for one with a basement that needs finishing and things that need replacing. That seems to be the standard for what's out there right now. Guess people can afford the house, but not to do the basement? Sigh. Anyways, I'm not feeling the house buying love.
Lastly, for some reason, I can't comment back on all the great comments you guys are leaving. It logs me out repeatedly and while I can physically WRITE the comment, I can't POST it. Frustrating. Just so you know, I AM getting them and loving the feedback. Keep it coming!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Blurry Days
Life seems to somehow be moving at an incredibly fast, and yet impossibly slow, pace. How so?
Our days here are widdling down to a few short weeks. We expect to be packing it up and heading out by mid-August. Each day is planned out as we try to pack in as much sight seeing and breathing in all that we love about this end of the country. I won't lie to you, there's been many, many tears.
We have a weekend trip planned to PEI and a house hunting trip. Then, I have to somehow pack in a birthday party for my youngest (which I haven't even started to plan!) and my eldest is having one last big blow out sleepover. There's also one last hourrah for me with the fab friends I've made. All in a matter of.......oh, 3 weeks or so.
On the one hand, it seems to be zooming by and the time to leave feels like it's pressing upon me and breathing heavily down my back. On the other, I don't do well without a plan and currently, a new home and a date to move are up in the air. The pieces of that puzzle haven't yet found their place and that drives an OCD Virgo like me a tad nutso. Each day I search MLS for that "perfect" home, ranging from the bottom of our budget to the top and each day-I'm less than thrilled.
As I've done this two times already, I know things will fall into place and we'll be settled and happy come this time a few months to a year from now, but right now? It's a little stressful and teary and exciting all at once.
I apologize in advance for spotty blogging, but I promise to drag you along with me every step of this long, tedious process.
Our days here are widdling down to a few short weeks. We expect to be packing it up and heading out by mid-August. Each day is planned out as we try to pack in as much sight seeing and breathing in all that we love about this end of the country. I won't lie to you, there's been many, many tears.
We have a weekend trip planned to PEI and a house hunting trip. Then, I have to somehow pack in a birthday party for my youngest (which I haven't even started to plan!) and my eldest is having one last big blow out sleepover. There's also one last hourrah for me with the fab friends I've made. All in a matter of.......oh, 3 weeks or so.
On the one hand, it seems to be zooming by and the time to leave feels like it's pressing upon me and breathing heavily down my back. On the other, I don't do well without a plan and currently, a new home and a date to move are up in the air. The pieces of that puzzle haven't yet found their place and that drives an OCD Virgo like me a tad nutso. Each day I search MLS for that "perfect" home, ranging from the bottom of our budget to the top and each day-I'm less than thrilled.
As I've done this two times already, I know things will fall into place and we'll be settled and happy come this time a few months to a year from now, but right now? It's a little stressful and teary and exciting all at once.
I apologize in advance for spotty blogging, but I promise to drag you along with me every step of this long, tedious process.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Ode To Jessica
Dear Jessica,
As I cleaned and sorted today, sweat pouring down my face and hair, my thoughts turned to you and what you might be doing at that very same moment.
Oh, I know you are off having fun with your family. You're probably spending the day swimming in the lake and making sand castles on the beach. In the evening, you're likely making S'mores by a campfire and watching lightning bugs. I know you also mentioned something about riding a Stallion and I bet you do it bareback. You're probably all about the wild buckin' broncos right about now. For all of the above, I'm more than happy for you. You needed days, evenings and nights just. like. that.
I'm sure you're even entertaining the kids every now and then with BOOBIES and thinking about paying psychotherapy bills. I hope beyond hope that you're taking some fantastic planking pictures out there in the crazy woods so that we can somehow share in your adventure. I only want to see the planking and S'more eating pics though, let's be clear.
However, Jess, my days are just not the same without you to talk to by text, on Twitter, on MFP. I don't hear about the yucky bus ride or your work shenanigans or about how you are doing with running. It's not good for me Jessica. Not good at all.
So I'm dedicating this blog post to you today. I've never done this before, so you should feel very, very special. I'm super glad you are off with your family enjoying your time together, as it should be. But I'll also be super glad when you're home to entertain me and make my day that much more fun, silly and happy.
Until then, Ride 'Em Cowgirl......and Welcome Home Soon! :)
As I cleaned and sorted today, sweat pouring down my face and hair, my thoughts turned to you and what you might be doing at that very same moment.
Oh, I know you are off having fun with your family. You're probably spending the day swimming in the lake and making sand castles on the beach. In the evening, you're likely making S'mores by a campfire and watching lightning bugs. I know you also mentioned something about riding a Stallion and I bet you do it bareback. You're probably all about the wild buckin' broncos right about now. For all of the above, I'm more than happy for you. You needed days, evenings and nights just. like. that.
I'm sure you're even entertaining the kids every now and then with BOOBIES and thinking about paying psychotherapy bills. I hope beyond hope that you're taking some fantastic planking pictures out there in the crazy woods so that we can somehow share in your adventure. I only want to see the planking and S'more eating pics though, let's be clear.
However, Jess, my days are just not the same without you to talk to by text, on Twitter, on MFP. I don't hear about the yucky bus ride or your work shenanigans or about how you are doing with running. It's not good for me Jessica. Not good at all.
So I'm dedicating this blog post to you today. I've never done this before, so you should feel very, very special. I'm super glad you are off with your family enjoying your time together, as it should be. But I'll also be super glad when you're home to entertain me and make my day that much more fun, silly and happy.
Until then, Ride 'Em Cowgirl......and Welcome Home Soon! :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)