What a fabulous movie. I watched it in the theaters with my mom a few years ago(great chick flick), but, as a lot of things do, they become more meaningful at different points in your life. I am watching it this afternoon on my first relaxing post holiday day off and it is speaking to me in all kinds of ways.
Simply, it is about two women trying to find their place in the world. They are years, countries and classes apart, but both trying to find something meaningful in their lives that fills them, makes them whole, and brings them joy. It's an awesome story of trying and failing, and failing, and then trying again and then eventually, ever so slowly succeeding. It's so honest and straight forward and just a little bit of inspiration on this cold dreary day.
Reminds all of us out there that haven't exactly figured out where we are meant to be, and what we are meant to do, that there is hope.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Calm Before The Storm
So, as much as Dave and I love our families, with two sets of divorced parents and siblings in from out of town, the holidays can get a little crazy. And by a little, I mean a lot.
We have holiday activities scheduled from the night of the 23rd through the night of the 26th. NON-STOP. And then a few more on the 27th and 28th as well. And with the pup this year, logistics are that much tougher. He however, is very much worth it. I'm watching him go between staring out the window and attempted sleep at this very moment. He has been such a blessing to Dave and I - so full of love and pure joy.
But I digress. So, back to the holidays. Dave surprised me with a wonderful dinner last night at Trader's Point Creamery (a place I have wanted to try for a long time might I add) in what I think should become an annual calm before the storm tradition. It was a great atmosphere with live music, awesome wine and gorgeous Christmas decorations.
More than that though - it was a great chance for us to actually talk and spend some quality time together. Time has a way of getting away from us, with Dave in school, the pup and all the other things we have going on. Sometimes it seems like days go by without any real committed time to each other, which makes nights like last night so great. And, especially before the holidays those moments of calm are ever so precious.
So, as we enter this time of holiday love, joy and crazy - remember to keep a few moments of calm to those most close to you. They are sometimes the best ones of all.
We have holiday activities scheduled from the night of the 23rd through the night of the 26th. NON-STOP. And then a few more on the 27th and 28th as well. And with the pup this year, logistics are that much tougher. He however, is very much worth it. I'm watching him go between staring out the window and attempted sleep at this very moment. He has been such a blessing to Dave and I - so full of love and pure joy.
But I digress. So, back to the holidays. Dave surprised me with a wonderful dinner last night at Trader's Point Creamery (a place I have wanted to try for a long time might I add) in what I think should become an annual calm before the storm tradition. It was a great atmosphere with live music, awesome wine and gorgeous Christmas decorations.
More than that though - it was a great chance for us to actually talk and spend some quality time together. Time has a way of getting away from us, with Dave in school, the pup and all the other things we have going on. Sometimes it seems like days go by without any real committed time to each other, which makes nights like last night so great. And, especially before the holidays those moments of calm are ever so precious.
So, as we enter this time of holiday love, joy and crazy - remember to keep a few moments of calm to those most close to you. They are sometimes the best ones of all.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
The Secret of Life
As I was sitting here thinking about what my next blog post should be (following a promise to my husband that I would write a new post every week), the words to that old Faith Hill song popped into my head: the secret of life is...there ain't no secret.
It is not uncommon knowledge that I am constantly struggling with what to do with my life. Do I go back to school (if so, to be a nurse, or a counselor, or to get my MBA?), or do I work for a non-profit to fulfill my desire to help others, or do I get a job solely for more money? What do I do? What is right? My mom just smiles and nods her head as I tell her every "new idea of the week."
I ask myself the questions above over and over again in my head, and then freeze because each option brings up so many more questions. If I go back to school, how do we pay for it? How could I do that to us now that we are finally getting settled financially? Dave needs a new car - how could I not have an income to help us get that? If I get a new job - will it have as many vacation days? Will the hours be worse? Will I like the people as much?
What if I spend my entire life in advertising and wake up to find myself at age 50 in a job I hate because I was too afraid to change.
That is the question that's at the heart of the matter. Why am I so afraid of change? Every decision I have made in my life to this point has led me to something better. I have a fabulous husband, dog and house. I have 2 retirement accounts and no credit card debt. I obviously have the ability to make sound decisions (let's be honest, not all the time, but hey, who's perfect?).
I think this next move is much tougher because I have a family, as small as it may be, it is one. And as a woman, when you throw in the issue of kids (when do you want to have them, do you want to stay home with them?, etc.) that just adds all sorts of new complications. And excuses.
I am still here because I'm afraid of what could happen to me. However, that's where I need to listen to Faith and remember - that there is no secret to life. Whatever decisions I make in the coming year (that's my timing, 1 year) will definitely lead me somewhere new, somewhere challenging and probably somewhere better. But if not, you know what? I'll be ok. And probably better off for at least trusting God enough to try something new.
It is not uncommon knowledge that I am constantly struggling with what to do with my life. Do I go back to school (if so, to be a nurse, or a counselor, or to get my MBA?), or do I work for a non-profit to fulfill my desire to help others, or do I get a job solely for more money? What do I do? What is right? My mom just smiles and nods her head as I tell her every "new idea of the week."
I ask myself the questions above over and over again in my head, and then freeze because each option brings up so many more questions. If I go back to school, how do we pay for it? How could I do that to us now that we are finally getting settled financially? Dave needs a new car - how could I not have an income to help us get that? If I get a new job - will it have as many vacation days? Will the hours be worse? Will I like the people as much?
What if I spend my entire life in advertising and wake up to find myself at age 50 in a job I hate because I was too afraid to change.
That is the question that's at the heart of the matter. Why am I so afraid of change? Every decision I have made in my life to this point has led me to something better. I have a fabulous husband, dog and house. I have 2 retirement accounts and no credit card debt. I obviously have the ability to make sound decisions (let's be honest, not all the time, but hey, who's perfect?).
I think this next move is much tougher because I have a family, as small as it may be, it is one. And as a woman, when you throw in the issue of kids (when do you want to have them, do you want to stay home with them?, etc.) that just adds all sorts of new complications. And excuses.
I am still here because I'm afraid of what could happen to me. However, that's where I need to listen to Faith and remember - that there is no secret to life. Whatever decisions I make in the coming year (that's my timing, 1 year) will definitely lead me somewhere new, somewhere challenging and probably somewhere better. But if not, you know what? I'll be ok. And probably better off for at least trusting God enough to try something new.
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