Small Challenge, Big Change

Black Friday 2013 marked the end of a self-imposed challenge.  I challenged myself on Black Friday 2012 that I would go one entire year without purchasing clothes for myself.  There were exceptions, which included: accessories, shoes, and bridesmaids attire.  Well, I didn’t have to buy any bridesmaid’s attire- none of my friends tied the knot in 2013.  I did buy some accessories (scarves, headbands, jewelry).  I managed to get by with buying only two pairs of shoes.  So, overall, I did really good!  I completed the challenge and feel really good about that.  I must admit though, it wasn’t that hard considering all the diapers, baby clothes, and milk($27.99 for a can) that I’ve bought this year!  After buying for the baby, there was hardly any money left to spend on myself anyway.

We need self-imposed challenges every once in a while.  It keeps us in check.  You know, it brings things into perspective.   Even a challenge as trivial as “buying no clothes for one year” is enough to help shape and mold us.  Now, don’t misunderstand me-  I still LOVE to shop.  For instance, I bought 6 shirts on our Black Friday extravaganza and it was orgasmic (OMGee, did I just say that).  I never knew I missed shopping sooooo much!

Despite how much I missed my regular shopping sprees, I’ve grown quite a bit in the last year.  I’ve been able to better separate the things I “need” from the things I “want”.  And boy, has it made a world of difference.  I’ve been able to center my thoughts and make some hard, but necessary decisions about my life.  The hardest decision has been to leave my current firm as an attorney and follow some of my passions.  I’ve been able to admit some really difficult truths to myself.  The hardest truth has been that I’m not doing nearly enough for my God.  I should be touching more people each day and sharing my beliefs more openly. 

I started this challenge, hoping to save money and maybe rearrange my wardrobe.  But, I’ll be ending this challenge with a set of new values.  What’s important in life has absolutely NOTHING to do with how much money I spend or don’t spend on clothes in a given year.....   So, what started out as a superficial challenge, has added much need sustenance to my life.  For that, I am Thankful.  So, try it for yourself. Think long and hard; choose one SMALL CHALLENGE and sit back and see what kind of BIG CHANGE it brings about.  You'll be surprised:)

Once You Go BABY, You Never Go Back....Well Maybe.

My baby boy turned 1 year old a month ago and I realized that I am just now starting to get 'me' back.  I know that 1 year seems like a long time to some, but it's not in "mommy time".  Besides, I've always been a late bloomer.:)  So, here I am,1 year after the big shift in my universe and a light bulb comes on- and a voice screams "YOU ARE STILL YOU".

I've  been slowly getting back into the groove of things- going out with friends, getting my "sexy back" for the hubs, and carving out some much needed 'me' time (favorite spot = spa sydell, if you need gift ideas).

In the midst  of all the "getting 'me' back",  I must say, after birth, some things never go back to the way they were before.  I know you moms know exactly what I'm talking about!  No one tells you the "war stories".  Well, if you know anything about me, then you know I must share.  Here are just a few of my revelations AB (after birth).

You never get your full memory capacity back.  It shouldn't be called "pregnancy brain".  It should be called "once this precious baby invades your body, say goodbye to your brain".  It's like my baby sucked half of my brain cells out when he was born.  I swear, I still can't remember anything.  Prime example:  Back in January, I put a leave of absence in at work for June 20th-21st.  I have absolutely no idea why I took a leave for those days!  I have no memory of that event.  It's like an alien swiped me clean! 

You lose everything.  I lose so much stuff now that, I stop saying that it's lost.  I just say "we're taking a break from each other".  A few months ago, I lost my phone on the way back from Destin, Fla.  The Hubs was freaking out.  He clearly thought the world would end (literally) if I did not find this phone.  He even went back into our condo, after checking out, to look for it.  He even contemplated unpacking the whole car (which had taken 45 mins to load up) to find it.  Losing my phone is a regular part of my week now.  I have found it in the oddest locations- in shoe boxes, the refrigerator, the pantry..... I'm just use to it now.  It'll turn up somewhere, right!?  Other things that I lose all the time: bottles, shoes, skittles(don't ask), keys, and to-do lists(so I make new ones).

YOUR life is over-but in a Good way.   Once upon a time, I use to come home after a long, hard day at work and go directly to the powder room(now, it just the bathroom..lol).  I'd take a long, hot shower.  Maybe even shave my legs.  Play some soft music and light candles.  Maybe have a glass of wine as well.  And, sometimes..... I'd even invite the hubby in.  Imagine that!  I'd then cuddle up in the bed for a movie or book, or a little something else- wink, wink.

Well, now, I usually get a shower; it is in the BATHROOM, and usually there is no shaving of the legs.  And definitely no glass of wine.  It last for maybe 5 mins.  I rush out of the shower, dry off- and next thing that I remember is  waking up with two little arms wrapped tightly around my neck.  It's the next morning and time to do it all over again.  It's like having a hangover every morning, but minus the alcohol. Wow!  Two different worlds.  Yes, my simple, non-hectic, not so complicated, life is over.  But, man is it worth it:).  I wouldn't change anything.

Now, these may seem like some awful changes to some.  But, to us moms, we feel the rewards!  "So what!" If it took a year to bounce back. This has been the best year of my life.

So, although things will never be the same, I can continue to work on "getting 'me' back" and still enjoy this New life!  After all, we were built to multitask.  And that's exactly what I'm going to do. 




 

To: The IDIOTS Who Said the World Would End in 2012!

Dear IDIOTS:

Of course those of us on"Team Jesus" never took you any more serious than a pig with wings, but....how dare you toy with the minds of the weak. Shame of you!

Just so you know, 2012 has been the BEST year ever. It changed my life FOREVER. On February 3, 2012, I received the surprise of a lifetime when I found out that Abraham and I were expecting our first child. And now as I glance over at my totally unique and beautiful creation from GOD...no lights, parties, music, or champagne toasts...just US- My little FAMILY! OUR Arlington!-...I am brought to tears.

I am absolutely, 100%, without a doubt, positively, non-wavered CONTENT! And until this moment, I realize now that I have never truly been able to say that before. It is right now that I understand just how much GOD loves us all and I appreciate so much more that his son, JESUS, died so that I can enjoy this life. THANK YOU GOD!

So instead of screaming and jumping and dancing and shouting "HAPPY NEW YEAR"....I am overwhelmed with happiness and I want to peacefully cherish the beginning of 2013. I'm just letting it soak in.