Life Interrupted

I've been meaning to blog for about 15 days at this point - but a couple things have gotten in the way. 

First, J and I went on a date. And I dressed cute. 

So I wanted to tell you about that. 

But then, we babysat for three children for 5 days.

Life interrupted. 

And then I wanted to write about watching those cute kids for 5 days. But then, the explosions at the marathon happened. 

.............

Life interrupted. 

And then I wanted to tell you all about the bombings and the city of Boston. But then, the whole city went on lock down and everyone was in a panic. 

..............

Life, was most certainly, interrupted. 

So instead, I want to tell you this: life throws you curve balls. Like big, crazy, unexpected, irrational curve balls. Sometimes these curve balls are the good-kind of unexpected. The kind that crack you up and make you smile with all your might. And other times, well they kinda hit you upside of the head and make you cry. But whatever curve ball you faced last week - and there were quite a few in the news alone - isn't it a relief to know that God is still God?

I want to tell you about all that happened over the last couple of weeks, but I'm afraid that I'm late as it is and that well - my life is interrupting my plans once again.

The Lord foils the plans of the nations;
    he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,
    the purposes of his heart through all generations.

Psalm 33:10-11

Boston Strong, all over the place:)

I also wanted to thank all of you who read and commented on my blog post last time. It was good to know that I'm not alone in my need for perspective and contentment. Your comments helped me remember why I like this whole blogging thing so much:) 

xoxo

A+J

why i hate blogs {sometimes}

Back when blogs were first getting started I found them weird, confusing and well...lame. And then I started reading Cup of Jo. I'm pretty sure Joanna Goddard's blog was nearly everyone's "gateway blog". And then it was the Sartorialist: Everyone's favorite photo fashion blogger. And then it was the Mormon moms (seriously, an obsession  - Daybook, Rockstar Diaries, etc). And then it was Kendi Everyday and others. I love these blogs. I love reading their stories, learning about their families, looking at their photos and imitating their style. I love that blogs give me ideas and help me plan adventures. I love that blogs help me to notice the little things in life and to enjoy them for all they're worth. I need those reminders. 

But to be honest, I've been feeling something for a while. Something I need to get out: part of me really hates blogs. 

Why? Because sometimes, they tell you that your life doesn't measure up. Instead, they hint that you won't be happy until you have {a husband, baby, cool city, delicious new restaurant, DIY project}. They can even make you feel...wait for it...dissatisfied. Like maybe your relationships/trips/special moments aren't quite enough. They sometimes tell you that everyone else has it right - and that you are the exception. But you my friend, are not the exception. 

To all my friends out there who struggle to wonder why their life isn't as glamorous as the blogosphere - I'm here to tell you that I don't think anyone's is. I sat in my small group at church the other night and listened to one of the girls talk about the importance of people getting the FULL picture of her - strengths, weaknesses, good days and bad days. And it reminded me that you don't get to see that on social media. Nope. Not in the slightest. In social media - you get the most polished, witty, perfectly unapproachable version of things. 

Take me for example: I post an outfit a couple times a month because the other days - I don't look so fashionable. I tell you about all the fun things my husband and I do but I don't tell you about the nights where we just watch Castle and maybe even {gasp} get in a disagreement. I tell you how much I love my family, but I don't tell you how terribly home sick I get for them when they're far away. I tell you about how much I love my job, but I don't tell you how exhausting it can be. I tell you about my clothes but I don't tell you that I wish I was a size smaller or that I wish I went to the gym more. My life is not perfect. I am not perfect. I do not have a baby, I'm broke almost all of the time, I say the wrong thing at the wrong time, I can't find my digital camera, I don't work in the wedding planning or photography industry, and I don't go shopping very often. I am a person who has been blessed with a husband, a job, a city I really enjoy and great friends - and yet some days, I still have to remind myself to remember those blessings.

Here's the truth: dissatisfaction and malcontent don't make anybody happy. As women, I think we're often waiting for our life to start. We think to ourselves (but never say aloud), "I'll be happy when I graduate/land a prestigious job/get married/start a family/get financially stable/my kids are in school/etc. But the thing is - those things won't necessarily make life perfect. In fact, each one comes with it's own unique challenge. So if we're waiting to be happy until things get perfect - we're always going to be waiting! And while we're waiting, we miss out on some of life's most special moments! 

So for all of you out there who compare and contrast your life with your neighbor, best friend, fave blogger - I am definitely apart of this "all of you," by the way - let's stop, shall we? Instead, let's choose to love our little piece of life that God has given us right now and let's cheer for other people who have received God's blessings too. 

Want more on this subject from a spiritual perspective? Read Jeremiah 17:5-8. 

If you're wondering where this little rant came from...it came from me. But I was also inspired by this article I read the other day. 

xoxo and Happy Friday!

A + J

PS We're off to a campus retreat this weekend in New Hampshire. The theme is Join the Revolution. And currently my plan is to listen to/perform the Les Mis soundtrack for the entirety of the car ride. Just thought you would want to know that little tid-bit:)

the one with the 5 truths

My first-ever favorite blogger and dear friend, Marilisa over at Young Love in Normaltown, tagged me in this the other day and I thought I would take it on too. Now, I know what you're thinking - I don't exactly hold back the truth. In fact, maybe you feel like I "over-share" on my blog. Which leads me to the first truth:

Truth One//

Ever since I was a little girl, I've been somewhat of an over-sharer. What do I mean by that? I mean that I absolutely and completely must share my every thought with someone in order to feel emotionally validated or absolved of some sort of guilt from the day. My poor mother used to be the sole recipient of all my ridiculous musings but now I try to share the wealth (God - he's the best confidant, my husband, sister, best friends, and even the occasional acquaintance). All of these lucky people now get to enjoy the inner-workings of my tangled up, overly-analytical mind:)

Truth Two//

I need alone time. Like I really need it. Like my poor husband had no idea how much I needed alone time until I wasn't getting it. I think that it has to do with the fact that my parents traveled a ton when I was in high school (and my siblings were much older and didn't live at home) so I was by myself a lot. I grew to cherish being by myself. I loved having the whole house to myself - to cook, to watch television, to relax. It became my favorite thing and it kind of stuck. Even though I'm extrovert - I've become a closet-introvert. And I'm learning to accept that sometimes I need to be alone. Like right now for instance:) 

Truth Three//

I eat out way too much. Like really. Why I can't manage to bring lunch with me more often astounds me. I think it's because I genuinely find lunch the most boring meal of the day when eaten at home. I mean seriously, a sandwich? That's no fun! Where's the interest? The pizzazz? I know what you're thinking - "It's lunch. Who needs a pizzazzy lunch?" Well...I DO! It pains me to say this, but I would guess that a majority of my money (outside of rent) has gone to buying meals out over the course of my life. Which is totally depressing if you think about it. I could have so many more cute clothes if I had learned to stop buying lunch long ago!! No more pizzazz! 

Truth Four//

I'm a humongo klutz. My family jokes that I used to make the entire house shake with my crazy falls (which also leads me to believe that I weighed 400 lbs as a child). When I lived in NYC I would consistently trip UP the stairs of the subway. I often trip when wearing my Ugg boots (Yes, I realize they're unattractive. And no, I don't care). I typically fall in front of people. Or alone. So basically all the time. I like to think that my lack of coordination gives others around me a) a little bit of self-confidence b) a chuckle c) a chance to act like the Good Samaritan and help a sistah out. 

Truth Five//

In my opinion, the worst/best feeling in the world is laughing when you know you shouldn't be laughing. Know what I mean? Like have you ever been sitting in a stiff classroom or in a church service and suddenly something strikes you as funny...or you're sitting next to a friend that is definitely a bad influence in the joke department? One minute, everything is fine and you're paying attention and minding your own business and then the next minute - the awkward joke or ridiculous moment occurs. At first, you try to hold it in. And then, your shoulders start to shake. And that's when you know you're in for it. The shoulders get worse and worse...you can't breathe and then finally there it is - an audible and completely disruptive...SNORT. And then you think to yourself - "MY LIFE!!! Hello everyone, I'm 25 years old and still incapable of keeping it together in public." Best and worst feeling ever:)

I tag: Kayci, Braelen, and Susan:)

And just in case you needed this reminder on this beautiful Monday:

Cheers!
xoxo