Author Archives: ramblinwoman

Avatar of ramblinwoman

About ramblinwoman

I call a small, Minnesota town home. I'm a lover of life and all the simple things. Currently I spend my time enjoying my 20's and everything it has to offer, the good and the bad. I have a horse that acts much more like a dog. I have an undeniable love for "junque" and repurposing the old into something new and useful. Yes, I'm Norwegian, not full blooded by any means and I can't say I know the lost art of lefse making but I do enjoy Lutefisk...the good stuff....not the jelly you buy at the local grocery store. This is my first attempt at blogging, I'm a rookie and it will certainly show. However, I thoroughly enjoy putting my thoughts into words and spinning a regular, everyday incident into something a little more entertaining. I hope you enjoy the rambling!

Nothing In Particular…

Posted on by
Reply

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve been able to put my pen to paper or fingers to key. I have multiple drafts waiting for me to hit the publish button that promise a good read. Yet I can’t seem to finish them. For the past few weeks my brain has been overloaded with new information and I’ve been focusing on how to retain it all. However I continue to have my usual sporadic thoughts….all of which I wish I could share with you.

Tonight it occured to me. How ’bout I stay true to my rambling fashion and compile a blog with everything that has gone through my mind in the prior weeks. Some have nothing to do with the other and others have everything to do with the next. If that makes sense. Most likely it doesn’t so without complicating it any further I’ll get started.

Negativity makes me angry. I won’t even be PC. It pisses me off! Is your life so bad that you must exert negative energy wherever you go? Doubtful. Shut up, chin up and get up. DO something other than whine about what is so wrong in your world. There is someone out there that would one up you with their hardships all while wearing a smile because they’re still here to tell you how wrong you are.

Cooking. I’ve kinda gotten into this cooking thing. I kinda like it. Apparently I’m not too terrible at it either. My sister calls it domestication. I personally think domestication is a dirty word. Right up there with moist. Yep I said it, moist. Ewwww. For the record I never intended on writing a blog about cooking or the word moist. But I did recently share recipes for the first time in my life. That was weird….I’d even classify it as taboo in my book. Not my normal behavior by any means.

I now know where to locate my main water shut off and what every breaker in my house does. I failed at flushing a hot water heater but I hope I never have to try again. I’m getting to be a pro at starting fires and I acquired my first axe at 24. My life skills are really starting to blossom. Even if blossoming means into a backwoods living, tiny house dwelling Jack of all trades. I’ve got this life thing nailed down. Kind of. Well, just a little bit.

To date, the only animal that has worked out for me is my horse. Apparently I have some bad luck with pets. Roofus the no-tailed, wonder cat was fun for awhile. But he shared my hatred of a litter box and refused to use it. He tried for a little while and it just wasn’t doing if for him. Maybe we had too much in common? Needless to say my parents farm has this huge over-sized litter box that he doesn’t even know he’s using. It’s called a yard.

Home improvement projects have always been a favorite of mine. I love the transition from old to new. But I’ve had passed instances were others have made these projects far from enjoyable. In fact, I have this nasty habit of constantly assuming the worst because of the help I’ve previously enlisted. Fortunately for me this handy man I have hanging around is pretty good at what he does. One bathroom remodel is almost in the books and the F bombs that have been dropped weren’t at each other! Winning!

I’ve come a long way in a year or so. I think about the person I was not all that long ago and I seriously consider reaching back and throat punching myself. If only that were possible! If I had one piece of advice I’d tell time and time again it would be to never settle. Ever. I don’t want to sound like a broken Sugarland record but there is always a choice besides settling. Okay, I lied on the one piece of advice bit. Also, never take any b.s….sure you can entertain the idea of b.s. when people first present said “b.s.” but seriously….NEVER tolerate it. You’re better than that.

Did you know DirecTv not only offers television but appears to be channeling life in outer space? I, Kelsey, admittedly now have a disgusting, enormous, gray dish attached to my roof….gross. I also have a genie…which I think is a cute name for a DVR….but DVR is not like a VCR….. I don’t think? The genie hasn’t done anything magical yet though….yet! I tried rubbing it the other day but no little blue man appeared…yet! But if he does I’m gonna wish for my rock back. You know the one I used to live under. Yeah, that one.

When did everyone become so entitled? Where did all this selfishness come from? I think the world would be a better place with more compassion and understanding of life beyond yourself. The earth is in orbit…that’s a fact. However, it is not revolving around your supposed scent-free arse. Get over yourself people….

People, I love people. The people that show passion and meaning. Those that show and accept love. I don’t care what you do as long as you’re happy. I love happy people. There isn’t a catch here. Everyone has the ability to be happy, it just takes some longer to realize it.

Support. Support is so important. We all need to feel like we belong. Like we matter and that we are cared about. I believe everyone accepts and expects support differently. It’s especially important to take the time to communicate how you need support if you aren’t receiving it. It’s not too much to ask for.

………

I can confidently say I’ve now wasted a good portion of your time. That’s what you were after though right?!? Nobody comes to a blog called Ramblings of a Norwegian Woman if they didn’t have a little time to burn.

You are welcome. I promise my next one will be a little more “together.”

A Piece of Reason

Posted on by
Reply

Nothing keeps me going like a little bit of reason. Every once and awhile there will be a defining moment that gives you the confidence to tell yourself, you know what, I am doing something right. That’s reason. Whether you use it as a verb or a noun reason boasts good sense, cause, and action; it offers support, conclusion and resolution.

Reason in most cases is an answer. For me its more commonly a partial answer. Its that push I need to keep trekking on and confirmation that taking risks is always a good thing. If you don’t come out exactly where you intended you still learned something. There is a lot to be said about not repeating the same mistakes twice and we must give ourselves credit when we dodge that second bullet. On the flip side if you arrive at your destination as planned it should light your fire to see what else you can accomplish and how much further you can travel.

……….<End Ramble>…………..

After creating a rather vivid comparison-contrast chart for a career change, I came to a conclusion. After reasoning with the good, bad, inevitable and the unknown; I made my decision. There are so many things I’ll miss about my old job. I absolutely love being able to share my knowledge of credit reports….the ins, the outs and the in-betweens. If you even mention credit report to me I morph into a nerdy school kid….big glasses, short, Urkel waisted pants…suspenders and all. Its just my thing I like to educate people on. That and budgets…ahhhh don’t even get me started on budgets! Weird, right?

As the last couple weeks have drug on due to a substantial amount of uneasiness, I stumbled upon a rather bittersweet moment. After scheduling an appointment for what I thought would be a rather (dare I say boring) routine visit with a customer, the very opposite happened. It wasn’t boring at all! Right before me was unfolding the exact scenario I wished would happen to me everyday! A first car purchase…by an extremely responsible young, adult….with questions….that I had answers to. Bliss. The person walked out with more knowledge than they walked in with and an ego the size of Texas with how much I praised them for their work ethic and future conscious mind set. I was seriously staring back at myself. The same age, the same aspirations, the same hopes…but a different car.

I’m sure all of you don’t share my level of excitement but believe me, this was the cheese to my macaroni, the moon to my stars and the hammer to my nail. I tell you what if it was a guarantee that I could do that for the rest of my life I may not have chosen to leave. Yet as reason suggests logical thinking….there is never a guarantee and we never get what we want 100% of the time.

I am so thankful to have had one last hoorah. Not only did it make me smile on the outside, it left a smirk on the inside. This is what I needed. Some may think this would make me feel remorseful about my decision but it is the complete, polar opposite. I hadn’t spent this much time in this field to not get that warm, fuzzy feeling inside. This was my warm and fuzzy….now it’s time to move on. A very nice closing if I do say so myself.

Sometimes the answers aren’t easy to find. However, they are most always there, right in front of you but we fail to see them until that ah-ha moment occurs. I like to think of it as a puzzle…you have all the pieces. The box came with every single piece you need. It might be 100 pieces or 1,000 but they all fit together. In fact the box promises it with that picture you set right in front of you. It’s our job to take the time, put forth the effort and the logic to make it all come together.

Unless you bought a really ugly puzzle I’m assuming it’s going to be a really beautiful picture….start putting it together!

Happy, Never Satisfied

Posted on by
Reply

It’s inevitable that year after year we find ourselves wanting more. If not more, then better. If not better, then something more meaningful and fulfilling. We set out to take one more step of the climb and make greater accomplishments than the the year prior. It’s the ongoing race of life. Even if you aren’t a runner like myself, you’re still partaking in the marathon.

We run here, there and quite possibly everywhere. Sometimes looking for that next best thing, other times completely missing those things, the people and the moments. At times our focus blurred by the unimportant and skewed by the unattainable. We all, at one point or another, lose sight of our goals, priorities and faith.

I’ll be the first to admit I’ve never been faith oriented. Goals have been my driving factor. If I wanted something, I worked for it. If I had an idea, I found a way to make it happen. Priorities have faded in and out for me. Fun will often take precedence and I admit to wearing my rose colored glasses for long periods of time. However I think it’s important to find the happy medium. The equal balance of it all.

Think about all the things you need to be content. Whether it be physical, emotional or both. What is it that you need in your life to be happy? Wholly happy. Not measured by possessions. But perhaps by quality and the company you keep.

On the flip side of the coin I think Bruce Lee said it best. “Be happy, but never satisfied.” First and foremost we need to be appreciative, realize what great things we have right in front of us. The things we would hate to lose and the things that make our lives worth living. Then we move on to what feeds our hunger. What makes us feel accomplished, worth while and a contributing member of society. When put in that order its proven to make a successful individual.

I don’t mean Forbes successful but I do mean you will have successfully done life correctly. Or at least in my opinion anyway….

In the last few weeks I’ve made a rather large decision. One that quite frankly scares the H, E double hockey sticks out of me (LL.) After five and a half short years in banking I’ve decided to switch career paths. Everything I know and all my accomplishments wiped clean. A new building block and a new stepping stone. I’ve had some awesome opportunities and had the pleasure of working with some even more awesome people. Because of that I am exceptionally grateful.

This isn’t to gloat but rather serve as a reminder to take my own advice. To keep pushing my comfort zone for improvement. To reach goals based on priorities, faith and hunger. I have yet to conquer the whole successful thing but its mandatory I keep trying. I’ve got the happy thing figured out so why not feed my satisfaction?

I hope all of you that come back often to read my ramblings are pushing yourselves. That you are pushing yourself further with each new experience and commitment. Taking something from each day, month and year that you hadn’t before. I expect nothing less than you to be running this great race at a pace that’s right for you.

I want you to find yourself happy, but never satisfied.

 

Bell Ringer

Posted on by
Reply

Today was my first time as a bell ringer. As I stand in the entry way of the local grocery store I am amazed by the afternoon hustle and bustle. Everyone busy tying up loose ends before the holidays arrive. I had it easy standing in the heated entry way, feeling a little guilty since I am fully aware many bell ringers stand in the freezing cold. Hats off to you, you are the real troopers.

With the swish of the automatic doors appears a new face. Some familiar, others it will be the first and last time I see them. Its interesting to watch each ones body language. Some inviting, others very reserved. Those that make eye contact before you do and some that avoid you completely. Both are okay. Some people like interaction and some don’t. No judgment here, just a friendly observation. My favorite part was wishing a Merry Christmas to those that were unsuspecting. Shaking them out of their shell and nearly forcing them to give me something back. A smile, a nod or a greeting in return.

Every customer coming or going out added to the experience. There are so many awesome people in this town. It got me thinking…as everything does!

What if we approached complete strangers in the same gumption every day as we do during the holidays? What if more often than not there was a smile, a nod and wishes for a great day? What if we chose to shake those out of their shells that have convinced themselves that is where they belong, when they certainly do not. We are people, we are social beings and we are meant to interact.

With Christmas upon us in just a couple days I am feeling spirited and more lively than usual. Some find this time of year exhausting. I find it inspiring. Inspiring enough to re-iterate to all of you how cheerful we all should be. Not just now, not just on holidays but every day. I find there is so much negativity….on the news, our social medias, draining personalities and drama. Drama, drama, drama. Yuck! Out with the old, in with the new. I wish only for a world where people can coincide without the need for a down side. Where you compliment my positive affirmation with another, and another….and another. A place where good travels further than bad and a place where joy isn’t reserved for specific times of the year.

The ringing of a bell serves as a reminder. A sound to make you known and asking for something in return. Not just for money in a kettle but perhaps asking you to put a smile on your face. Every day we are asked a lot, there are expectations and heavy work loads. Personal, professional and extra curricular commitments. Emotional, physical and financial burdens. This might be the cheesiest line EVER but I’m going to say it anyway. Smiles are free! Friendly acknowledgments are free…so is joy, cheer and happiness. Its all FREE. No asterisk, no fine print and no stipulations! I don’t know about you but I love free stuff!

I work 40 hours a week for money but I exist for things that cost nothing.

 

 

Not As It Used To Be

Posted on by
Reply

Following my last post….As promised I sat and wrapped presents. After an hour or so crunched over on my hardwood floors it hit me that uncrunching myself was a bit of a task. I realize that if my blog had an eye roll counter it would reach its high on this one. No, I’m not claiming to be “old” because even with my less than average math skills I could tell you it just wouldn’t add up. But there are a few things I’ve come to realize will most definitely not get easier in the coming years.

I’ll start with the most obvious. Sleeping on floors. No, lets make this more general. Sleeping in any position or surface that isn’t “your” bed. Let’s rewind to the glory days….say 6-8 years old. There was no wrong angle, blanket or area to lay your sleepy head. I was a contortionist as far as I was concerned. Half on the couch, half off, snuggled up with a rug using my Barbie kaboodle as a pillow. Best sleep I’ve ever had. Today….get me the highest thread count sheets, temperature controlled room, down pillow and a plush pillow top matress and maybe I’ll get some shut eye. Maybe. Okay both of those were lies but you get the idea.

Cute shoes. You know the ones I’m talking about. Black, stilleto heels with just the right height to make you wanna…..die. I realize I may have just described a stripper shoe but if you’ve seen a high heel today, it’s basically the same thing. I have this internal debate every time I set foot into a shoe store. Resonable Kelsey says, “let’s be smart, let’s get some ugly as sin loafers that ride like a Cadillac.” Irrational Kelsey is like a young, Golden Retriever in a ball pit. Drool and all. A week of trying to break in the new shoes and I’m broken. Physically uncapable of maintaining a normal, professional gate. But. They’re. So. Cute.

Shots. Fruity drinks. All the slippery, bomb shooting, Chuck Norris, Scooby Snack grossness will never become easier to drink. As you transition from party animal to civilization you know your drink preference and you’ll be sorry if you don’t stick to it. As hangovers creep from a one day duration to the dreaded two day hangover you’ll shift your gears sooner rather than later.

Dancing. By all means if you’ve got moves don’t be afraid to show it. I like seeing a couple float around the dance floor to a good two step. The kind of dancing I’m talking about is the one where you need to keep up with the times. In high school it was just the beginning of all the inappropriate dancing. Shaking our tail feathers, dropping it low to the window and to the wall was all the craze. We were the “cool” kids. Put me in a big city bar with all these “with it” people….I’m completely without it. I’ve lost “it,” I can’t find it and I have a feeling it’s not coming back…ever.

Slang. Oh the horrid slang. I’m a pretty big fan of using complete words. Maybe they’re teaching an evolved acronym or initialism class in school I’m not aware of? With all the “dis,” “dat,” and “doe” it’s hard to deny our entire population is starting to sound like a bad Norwegian accent. HA, when I put it that way maybe I like all those silly words! At the point kids start saying turdy instead of thirty, then, and only then will I be truly entertained.

I could go on and on but for your sake I won’t. With every passing year something surfaces I have yet to notice about age. Thankfully I have many more years of education ahead of me and I’m okay with that. In fact, I’m a little excited about it.

Just because it’s not as it used to be doesn’t mean its a bad thing.

 

 

 

 

Just One of Those Days…

Posted on by
Reply

As I sit here at my table, just finishing my bowl of soup, I realize that today is one of those days. The kind of day when you have nothing better to do than indulge in what ever it is you want. The kind of day where normal boring tasks are somewhat enjoyable as nothing is rushed or a must but rather a slow mozy around the house. Productive yet relaxing.

With the buzzing of football on the t.v. and the crackling of my fireplace it makes for a rather sentimental noise. I would usually never have “the game” on but for a person that is exceptionally wonderful to me…..I’ll make an exception. Even though him and the cat appear as though they’ve had a ruff night…both laid out snoozing away the afternoon…I think I’ll keep “the game on.” Because well….it’s one of those days.

I often write about not sweating the small stuff, not letting the negatives of life consume you. All too often I don’t take my own advice. The last couple weeks have been less than great. If you asked me why I wouldn’t have a great answer as to why other than life catches up. This is what I call a funk. While in a funk I tend to question everything it is I’m currently doing. Where I’m at in life, if I’ve made all the right choices, if I’m trying hard enough or maybe too hard. If things need to change or if they are perfectly fine the way they are. During a funk there is an obscene amount of over thinking and not enough trusting.

I don’t think I’m the only one that gets this way. I think it’s normal. It’s physically impossible to be satisfied 100% of the time. In fact I think these down times are a must. They’re good for reflection. Everyone needs time to reflect on what used to be, what is and what will be.

It’s days like today that remind me that I am doing it right. That somehow I’ve arrived exactly where I’m supposed to be at exactly the right time. If you know me well….you know I’m NEVER on time. This makes things even that much more of a big deal for me!

I believe when things are right there’s no wrong way to treck on. Wherever you go from good can only get better. There will be good days, bad days, sad days, happy days and days that will pass that you will never be able to recall. But if you make it a point to step back look at your big picture….I bet it’s pretty amazing. Take the time to take mental pictures of moments that you don’t plan to soon forget. File them in a familiar spot and take them out often.

Now sitting in front of my fireplace with the game still playing in the background, admiring my first real Christmas tree while “the boys” are still resting their eyes…I’m thankful I’ve had this day. I better put my phone down to wrap the presents and put another log on the fire.

I hope everyone finds themselves in one of those days, today.

Tom wouldn’t be thrilled if I took a picture of him so Roofus will have to do :)

Rules of Life

Posted on by
Reply

While sorting through old paperwork deciding what to retain and what to throw, I stumbled upon a couple interesting articles. The kind that’s worth copying a copy. One that starts an email chain and one you want to share with anyone who has a free moment to read it.

These are the writings of people that despite opinion, have it all figured out. It’s hard to disagree and somehow each person who indulges finds something to relate to. These creators of such writings are my kind of people. I envy those that have the ability to “be” without impressing, yet do so without a try in the world.

One of these articles in particular was “Jottings by Jerry.” I was so intrigued by this guy I immediately did a Google search. From what I understand he’s Jerry Johnson who wrote for Murray County News of Georgia. The article called Life’s Handbook 2011 is packed full of forty rules to make your life more fruitful.

I don’t know Jerry’s story but I can assure you he’d never imagine some girl from Minnesota writing a blog about him. Regardless, this guy knows what he’s talking about. Please take the time to read his message by clicking the article title. I can’t do it justice by paraphrasing. It left me grinning from ear to ear and I hope it leaves you the same.

As many things do, it got me thinking….what do I think is important to make life better and more rewarding? Here’s what I came up with:

Saying what you feel: People that love one another but have a “restriction” for showing that love. Individuals that were raised to act a certain way but feel another. The sooner you learn to listen to what it is that beats for every emotion you feel, the sooner you’ll be able to express it. Follow your ticker….it knows what it’s doing.

Admitting when you’re wrong: No one else will be able to admit to your mistakes like you can. But others will always be able to discuss what it is you did wrong much better than yourself. Purely admitting the fault will hinder anyone’s ability to bring you down. We all make mistakes but I believe in every error is the ability to first understand it, admit it and then fix it….even if fixing comes from the help of others. Sometimes we can’t do it alone….

Asking for help: There will be obstacles and trials we’re unable to face alone. We all have our strong points but eventually fall to our weaknesses. We will never be able to overcome fears or difficulties without others. We all have a cheerleading squad; it’s just up to us to use it. No matter how bad you think it is there is always someone willing to pick you up. Utilize it.

Appreciation: If you’ve been helped, thank them. Pay it forward. Look them in the eye, shake their hand and acknowledge their service. There isn’t many people left of this stature on either side of the fence….so, show some gratitude.

Be the change you want to see: I feel we all spend too much time dwelling on others. Others lives, problems, triumphs and their overall beings. What about yourself? That thing you’re so unhappy about….what if it wasn’t that thing and it was you? If not you, perhaps your perception of it. Open your mind and open your heart but take responsibility for what it is you can change. Stop waiting on others to make a move and mold to your ideal.

Fun: Can we all just enjoy our time while we’re here? I know the days test us but I’m certain a positive can be interjected somewhere. I can assure you first hand I never and repeat, never, have a problem busting a gut at something that sucks. Honestly it helps, I promise. Humor and positivity are good pay outs and they are highly contagious.

Taking time: It’s all too common to hear someone say, “I just can’t find the time.” Realistically each of us CAN, it’s only a matter of WILL. If it’s something you want to do…do it! Simple as that. It might take a little work and I think that’s what people are scared of. Most of us work 40 hours a week anyway, what’s the difference if you take a little more time to work on your agenda.

Hat’s off to all of you that appreciate the little things, find the time to better yourselves and others, that never take themselves too seriously and those that tell it exactly how it is. I commend you.

 

 

My Holiday Blog

Posted on by
Reply

As often as possible I try the sunny side up approach. Positivity is life’s best cure for any ailment. Thanksgiving is right around the corner so it’s more important than ever to be thankful for what you have and don’t have. Holidays bring lots of cheer and a familiar fuzzy feeling from times passed.

You might be thinking, how typical…..a blog about the holidays in the midst of the holiday season itself. If I were you I’d stop the hamster wheel right there. This isn’t a holiday blog. It won’t be made up of warm, fuzzy feelings or shouting cheerful, rejoices from the snowy rooftops. In fact, it will be quite the opposite.

I feel it’s important to get things off your chest and bellow about what it is that rubs you the wrong way. Its appropriate to have a good vent session every so often to get it all out in the open.

Okay, now you’re thinking….Uh-oh who stoked this Norwegian’s fire?

I wouldn’t say my fire has been stoked but sometimes I get a rip in my lefse. Hopefully, Norwegians and Non-Norwegians alike can understand where I’m coming from on a few common areas of concern. Areas being certain scenarios and types of people that really bother me. In a few short weeks I will slip into an overwhelmingly happy state as the Christmas season is my favorite time of year. So, before this happens I need to blurt out all the things I feel are unjust in this world so I can clear my brain of all things gross.

Alright, here it goes……

Realizing someone has decided the last bit of soap is too precious to waste so they’ve added water to ensure nothing goes unused. I hate nothing more than running nice, warm water, wetting my hands to reach up for a pump of soap and…..just kidding! Sploooosh out comes this nasty cold, semi-soapy water! How is that stagnant liquid supposed to make my hands feel clean? How?!?! Gross.

I hate that I have a piece of …. car. It’s like my very own personal death trap. How exciting, right? Wrong. I experience a mini anxiety attack every time I try to take my seatbelt off. That red button that is supposed to give you the sweet release of freedom is starting to stick. Sticking like, I’m not letting you out of this Mitsubishi without a struggle sticking. One day its just not gonna work anymore and there I’ll be, forever strapped by lap and chest belt. I will be storing a handy travel scissor within reach for when this day finally comes. They make handy travel scissors right? Gross.

To add insult to injury I need to interject one more POS car gripe. I hate that my back hatch has the ability to make choices. It’s evolved to being able to decipher when I really, really, really need it to open. Clearly I don’t drive a smart car because if I did, the hatch would know to open. Open sesame….I’d like to extract what I put in!!! Specifically the multiple pallets I currently have stacked from floor to ceiling. Get an SUV they said, it will be fun they said. Gross.

Our new driving conditions seem to bring out the idiotic in everyone. Even without adding snow, ice and wind there are still people who refuse to use common road etiquette. I’m not saying that etiquette is always road legal but it’s extremely irritating when people don’t practice good manners. I also have a sneaking suspicion that the same people who refuse to move in the grocery aisle are the same jack donkeys that act as though they are the only person in the world on the road. Gross.

When I introduce myself and a person immediately cracks a joke about my last name. “Struble? Oh like Strudel. Toaster Strudel….ha, have you heard that one before?” “No, never….gosh that’s a real knee slapper…where ever did you pull that clever line from?!?” Just stop. It’s old and tired and I don’t even like toaster strudels. Gross.

I hate when you see someone you know and you offer the friendly gesture of a wave annnnnd they don’t see you. You find opportunity #2 to once again wave because you’d hate to be rude and/or you’re oddly over excited to see them annnnnd they don’t see. I give up….approach me because my arm hurts from overexertion. Gross.

I really dislike auto-correct. Every time my phone updates it also steps up its auto-correcting creativity game. I say jump….it changes to hump. I would like someone to explain to me why it would assume I’d choose the word “hump” over “jump.” It’s apparent I’m not having the same conversations via text the rest of the world is having. Also, I still don’t understand how knapsack got in my texting dictionary. I’ve literally never used that word. Gross.

This is getting long winded so let’s just pound this out. Cold floors in the winter – cat farts – cockleburs – no service – heartburn – people who have no volume control - people who message you on Facebook when they have your number -  waking up 20 minutes before my alarm goes off – waking up during a really good dream – being forced to talk to people you don’t like – Blue Cross Blue Shield (long story) – Snapchat – relationship problems on social media - liars – high pitched screams – conceited people – poor listeners – being too hot(warm) – stubbing your toe – losing to very competitive people – and last but not least mosquitos. WHEW

Since winter is upon us and I won’t have to worry about mosquitos for a few months I can breathe a little easier. This long list aside there is an even longer list of everything I love. A list so long it couldn’t possibly fit in one blog.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glory In All Shapes & Sizes

Posted on by
Reply

As I scroll my newsfeed there is a lot of “firsts” happening. First baby, first marriage, first house, first pet. Ahhhh….FIRST doesn’t even make sense anymore. It doesn’t even look like its spelled correctly. I love a good old fashioned first but in my corner of the world I haven’t partaken in many of the above mentioned firsts. I’m not married, not expecting, my first pet was when I was probably 4 or 5 and I didn’t even buy a house. I bought a Town Hall…..awkward.

I think I’ve missed this traditional life boat. I’m definitely doing things a little different and my priorities compared to others are a little off. At 24 I look forward to my next blog, a cold beer and at this time of year…hunting season. My concerns lie in how much wood to get for winter and if my cat’s litter box is clean enough. My bills are always paid and I’m always looking for a good time and a new experience. But for some reason not the kind of experience like creating another human or marrying another human to eventually create another human. The fact that I’m explaining child birth in that manner should tell you loud and clear my maturity level just isn’t there yet.

I have an obscene sense of humor and it has only gotten worse. I fear that the older I get the worse it’s become. How does one move on to “normal” life events with my kind of sense of humor? I almost pee’d my pants laughing at the statue in Paradiso this weekend….the one on the way out the door. Yeahhhhh, take a look at it next time. If you know this referenced statue and you understand why I excessively giggled and you have a husband and kids….we need to talk. I need to know how you made it this far and that there are other people like me that have moved to the next level of life.

I’m not saying people like me don’t want to get married and have children. We do, I think we just have more of a preference in making that decision at a time that is convenient for us. I like a challenge, something different to spice up my life and keep me on my toes but I find this passion in other elements. I like to find challenges in work and personal improvement…in other words I don’t think I’m smart enough or a good enough person to care for more than myself right now. Ask my cat….he’ll tell you that I forget to feed him sometimes. In my mind…maybe he should just eat less and this wouldn’t be such a reoccurring problem. Spicing up my daily life comes in the form of trying new restaurants, establishments and impromptu road trips. The fact that I haven’t tried every restaurant in my geographical area yet consumes me and that’s not okay….

Today a good friend of mine experienced what having a baby is all about. Because we share many of the same twisted qualities I can’t tell you exactly what was said in our conversation but I PROMISE it was thee funniest thing to come through my phone in a long time. As I sit in my car on lunch break, laughing hysterically it prompts me to write this blog. Between the fugitive my friend had next door giving birth and her schooling me on how to prep a cervix for induced labor, my lunch hour was quite entertaining. But you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

This is my life. Filled with funny and inspiring events/stories to prompt me to partake in what it is I’m pursuing at this time in my life.

To sum this up and put it in perspective. I received business cards yesterday with my new job title on them. Who knew a comma and three little words would harbor one of my biggest accomplishments thus far. My glory came in the size of 3.5 X 2 inch piece of card stock and my friend’s came in the size of a 7lb 8oz. mini human. Which of course is absolutely adorable!

 

 

Tailored Perfection

Posted on by
Reply

Per·fect

make (something) completely free from faults or defects, or as close to such a condition as possible

A word used often. A word used loosely. A word used without understanding.

As much as I like to describe things I’ve seen, experienced and felt as “perfect”… I really shouldn’t. It’s my perfect, much different from someone else’s perception of perfect. Therefore by definition its potentially skewed, flawed and defective in someone else’s eyes.

It occurs to me that aside from the group that tries to insert the hope of perfection there are those that create an illusion of perfection. An illusion set out for others to see and envy. Envy is an awful thing and shouldn’t be imposed on others. Happiness comes from yourself and you alone. Your life shouldn’t be meant as a showcase for others.

Life like everything else in this world isn’t perfect. And you know what? That’s okay! I’ve learned almost everything I know by mistake. By creating something defective to understand what went wrong and how. Life is going to turn you upside down, shake you up, put an obstacle in your path that is seemingly unsurpassable. I hate to sound ordinary but everything DOES happen for a reason. I don’t care if you are religious, not religious, free spirited, or have become completely numb to any spirituality. There is always a cause and effect.

At times things may be unexplainable. However, my thought is that if we are unable to explain it or see the reasoning behind it. We aren’t ready. Simple as that.

Recent experiences have confirmed that bad things happen to good people. Confirmation is enlightening. This may seem like a contradiction but hear me out. Confirmation is the affirmation of what you already believed, suspected or feared. Affirmation is in turn an action or process. One that can be of emotional support or encouragement. That said, confirmation is a step forward.

I realize this has jumped from one subject to the next but I promise it will make sense.

Perfection is an endless pursuit. We stand exhausted. And for what? To appease others and potentially ourselves. But why, because it’s pleasing?

Tell me you look in the mirror and feel pleased or see perfection, doubtful.

As each day passes we strive to better ourselves and our placement in life. We encounter the bad and good. We pass the judgemental and the doubtful. Some of us are unstoppable yet some of us fall back. Those that fall back have yet to see their potential and their ability to create their own perfection. Those that surpass have understood that there will be complications, obstructions, impediments and disadvantages. However their will to succeed is beyond that of doubt.

I believe in perfection. Perfection that suits us. As I’ve said before, no story is the same and how boring the world would be if it were.

Contrary to my opening line, perfection is that to who creates it. Envision it, pursue it, create it and live it. Life is going to be breathtaking. Not always a good breath and not always a bad breath….but damnit its going to take it! Might as well have a good story behind it.

My only hope is that everyone goes through life without having to meet everyone else’s expectations. That we pursue both our blessings and shortcomings with a respect that whatever happens was our choice and the outcome is and was….

Perfect.