The Ups, The Downs, and Everything in Between
So I’ve had 3 experiences in the last 3 weeks that led me to make a phone call that started with “I’d like to speak to a manager please”. Apparently I’m a true blue grown up because while I hate talking on the phone and get anxiety over the mere thought of it, I have absolutely no problem calling a vendor to inform them how awful of an experience I had. Further, I don’t just get on the phone to vent or explain how bad …
Laws, rules, norms, they’re all synonymous to things you have to do or things you can’t do; or things you should do or things you shouldn’t do. How you may feel about laws may be different than how you feel about norms. While rules are usually put in place for a reason, whether or not you value the benefit of the rule vs the inconvenience of following the rule is usually the determining factor in whether you’re a rule follower or breaker. I don’t have …
But maybe it should be, considering our little guy will be joining us in just a few days and I haven’t packed a bag yet. Another story for another day perhaps. I’m talking about what sits neatly (or sometimes haphazardly) on the floor of my passenger side, that has recently become a topic of conversation for people new to riding in the Cube. A gallon ziplock bag filled with essentials: Bottle of water Granola bar Pair of socks Travel toothbrush/paste Tissue/wet wipes Deodorant Shampoo/Conditioner Tampons …
Whether you like hugs or not, you should know that hugs are good for you. There are hundreds of articles that explain the science behind hugs and happiness including the increased oxytocin levels that help strengthen bonds between humans. While hugs are scientifically good for you, they can also be a source of anxiety or stress. For instance, hugs may or may not be appropriate at work; hugs may cause awkwardness at family events; hugs may be a source of physical pain or discomfort for …
Mouth sounds, especially from other humans, fill me with rage. For some reason, the sound of another person chewing is a sound that I can hear 10 times louder than voices. While some people wince at the sound of nails on a chalkboard or rubbing styrofoam squeaks, I shudder, shake, and clench my fists at the sounds of chewing, teeth grinding, ice chewing, slurping, excess saliva, chomping, and deep breathing while eating. Interestingly I’m not grossed out by burping and farting sounds though. My husband …
We had a handful of people visit our home for the first time last month. Everyone commented on our trees and made comments about how much they wish they had trees like ours. Huh?!? I remember thinking. Yes, I love how beautiful our trees are. Yes, I spend quite a bit of time staring up at our (likely) hundred-year old trees while laying in my hammock or relaxing in our hot tub. Our trees are beautiful and provide necessary shade for my pale self and …
Mom insomnia. Do you have that moment when you lie down at night fully exhausted and your brain seems to turn back on at twice the normal speed? If I was out there reading this – I’d be jumping up and down raising my hand Yes! Me! Me! Me! When I go to bed I fall into a consistent pattern every night. I’m mentally listing all the things that did not get done today that need to be on the list tomorrow. And then visualizing …
Laughter at times seems to be lost in the Hustle of Mom life. We all have a never-ending to do list. I have to get everything done at work, I have to fill my days every weekend, I have to clean the house, I have to work in the yard, I have to do the laundry. Jen Hatmaker has a podcast called “For the Love” that is the best! She makes me laugh and think and cry. She just has an amazing way of connecting …
I love my dining room table. Well technically, we don’t have a dining room, but I also feel odd calling it a kitchen table because um … it’s not in the kitchen. (There goes literal Katie again.) When you enter through the front door of our home, you step into a large, open concept area. Couches, a tv, built-ins and a fireplace are the first things you see from the entry. Beyond the couches you’ll find what I will refer to as my dining room …