Another Trip Around the Sun

Today is my birthday. I'm another year older, but am none the wiser. Many goals have been accomplished and many changes have taken place. We moved, bought a house, I left a job that I absolutely loved for one that is taking me a long time to get adjusted to. I have more memories from this past year than I can count. Most of which are wonderful. I have nothing to complain about, really.

Although this year is more difficult for me. I'm feeling more and more like an adult, and less like a college student. I'm closer to 30. And while I have many accomplishments that I am proud of I can't help but think that my life is not where I thought it would be at this point.

I remember telling my college roommate during our sophomore year (age 19-20) that I would be in my current career, working in the schools, married to R, and have at least one child within the next five years.

Yeah, that was two years ago. While I have completed 3/4 of the mental checklist, not finishing everything within 7 years has hit me like a ton of bricks. I'm not sure why this year. Maybe it's because we're finally settled in one place. Maybe it's due to what feels like everyone around me being pregnant.

We're not there yet. I know it. We are not at the point on so many levels, and are enjoying our lot in life. We've started to make some friends in our new town. I'm beginning to feel more at ease with my current job; but, continue to keep my eyes open for something that might suit me better.

Children will happen when the time is right. My mom told me that I put too much pressure on myself. Maybe she is right. I need to slow down and enjoy this time that I have with my husband.

Crash!

On my way outside to water our new trees, I heard a crash that did not sound good at all. I saw this when I went back in.

Yeah, a cute, fall pie plate used to be displayed. As did a candle in a fun hurricane.


There was glass everywhere. Not fun for cleaning. Not fun that the dog's food is right on the other side of the counter. He was not happy that I made him stay outside while I cleaned the kitchen. I also cut my arm a bit. Ouch.

This was after an afternoon of getting the run around about some major things at work. At least tomorrow is a new day (and a FRIDAY!).

Mission: Organization

We've officially owned our house for 3 months. We love everything about it. It's a newer home, so we have very little renovating/updating to do. The layout is perfect for us. We have hardwood floors in most of the down stairs. The upstairs is very functional. I love having my own sink, closet, and work space.

The down side? We have very little actual storage space. It's a good thing because we are the type to put something in the back of a closet and never look at it again. It's bad because we like things to look tidy and are still finding a place for everything.

Seriously. It's been 3 months. You would think that we would be unpacked already. Far from it. Instead we're still figuring out which rooms everything should go into. He suggested using the attic for storage. I do not like that idea because we have plenty of space in the actual house for everything. We just need to get creative about some items.

The leaf for our kitchen table for example. It is in our coat closet. It's a practical place for it. Easy to grab when we have people over. We do not have to worry about scratching it/walls/floors moving it from one floor to the other. Problem? Our coat closet is the only one on the first floor. Thus, the leaf is taking up valuable real estate that shoes, the vacuum, or many other items could be using. This closet will be getting a makeover someday in the future. Small problem, but it has been bugging me for over 6 weeks now.

My goal is to get through at least one space this weekend. One closet. One room. One corner. Maybe I'll even remember to take some before and after pictures to share. :)

Changes

Fall has officially arrived in College Town. The temperature was in the low 60's on our way to church this morning, the leaves are starting to change, and our neighborhood is plastered in Halloween decor. Yes, change is in the air. So much so that I may have a major change in my future. I do not want to jinx it, so I won't say too much. Just please send some prayers my way in the coming days/weeks that everything will work out the way that it is supposed to.

Fall Goals

People usually make goals for a new year, but I need a little motivation to make it through this fall. Our schedule looks full, and I need some help with organizing a little. We have a lot of goals for the future, but need to get our ducks in a row in order to make them happen.

By the holidays we will:
1. Organize our office
2. Fold all laundry when it is finished
3. Make our bed at least once a week for a month
4. Decorate the house for fall and Christmas
5. Run 3x/week
6. Stay on our budget
7. Have at least one date night with Him

There it is. I have to follow through. I know the items on the list are mundane, but they are all things that are important. Some have been pushed aside multiple times because life has happened. The excuses are too many and need to stop.

His Point-of-View vs. Her Point-of-View

His Point-of-View (written by Her because he does not 'get the whole blog thing'):

He came up with the idea for this blog. His thought was that since I read blogs, I should start one so people can find out about their readers. He even came up with the name and idea. It was like his and hers towels. This was before we coincidentally moved into our house that has his and hers closets in the master and his and hers vanities in the master bath. He even commented that this house, his top choice, was meant to be because it goes along with the blog name/identity.

You see, He is the most laid back person that I have ever met. He is an extremely likable person that makes friends with ease. He's a person magnet. Get the point? It's easy for Him to put himself out there, and he really does not care what other people think. His philosophy is to try his best at everything, and what goes around comes around. If he does his best, then it will eventually catch up to him. It works for the most part.

Keep in mind that he usually says tough information while playing XBox, shrugs his shoulders, and moves on with life. He's like this during arguments as well. Cool as a cucumber.



Her Point-of-View:

I have been a religious reader of blogs for awhile, but unwilling to put myself out there. I'm worried about what everyone thinks about me too much sometimes. Do you blame me? Any girl that has been through middle school and has lived to tell the tale can attest to how mean people can be. Especially other girls. It's even worse when people don't have to say it to your face. It used to be through passing notes. Now it's text messages, on facebook, and blog comments. It has not happened to me via the blog, yet. Probably because I have not advertised this blog to a single person therefore not having a single comment. Maybe I'll be more willing to put myself out there one day. Maybe girls will learn to be nicer to one another some day.

I'm not so quick to put myself out there. I am outgoing, but do not reveal information to quickly. I don't have the confidence that He does. I'm constantly trying my best, but always feel like there is someone that is SO much better than I am at everything. I have a tough time seeing my strengths and using them to my advantage. I'm constantly anxious. I also get heated during arguments and worked up really easily. I'm competitive and love to win. At everything.


The result:
He won with getting the blog started, even though he still thinks it's silly to write about your life on the internet.

Him -1
Her -0
But, who is keeping score? ;)

Blogger Fail.

I've officially failed as a blogger. I find this to be an outlet in which I do not have to worry about what anyone thinks about it. One of the few places where it does not matter if other people read and like what I have to say. There's no anxiety or pressure to preform. I'm always true to myself, but I have a job that requires me to work closely and interact with others frequently. I love my job, but love escaping that world as well.

So, if blogging is so carefree why can I not keep up with it? Why has it been so long since my last post? I'm not sure. Honestly. I guess adjusting to a new way of life including: a new job (for both of us), moving into a new house, forming new friendships while maintaining old ones, family drama, and figuring out life.

I read blogs on a daily basis. In fact, I can hardly keep myself away from a few. It gives me an escape from my reality and allows me to peek into a different way of life. It's like I can live vicariously through the snip-its that others share with the interwebs.

What will I share about us? We, as a couple, have not decided how much to reveal about our lives. We're not totally sure about pictures yet. Anonymity offers a certain amount of protection. I currently work in a public field and do not need certain people to find me. He does not need his employees finding him. There's also vulnerability with putting yourself out there and having other judge less than a fraction of your life without knowing the whole story. What we reveal and when will be a process, and definitely on our terms.

Buckle up and enjoy the ride. :)