sanity

I am
positive
that very few things
in my life
are as
soothing
as
vacuum lines
in my carpet.

Balance

I have been struggling to find balance in my life the last few weeks. I feel as if I've been running and running and running and barely achieving any sort of distance.

Why do we, as women (because let's face it, i don't think any men read my blog) do we feel the need to do everything?

We have so many roles and responsibilities it usually makes my head spin.

mom

daughter

sister

wife

employee

housekeeper

nurse

babysitter

shopper

fashionista - for ourselves and our children

friend

accountant

chef

interior designer

Does anyone else find it hard to keep balanced in a life that is so crazy?

Carpe Diem

(Sieze the carp?)

Ok, so along with the new year came a desire for change. I haven't been able to spend a lot of time reflecting the previous year, or examining the life changes I want to make.

There was one simple answer screaming in my face.

Carpe Diem.

This is the year.

Make it count.

Live in the moment.

Why put off for tomorrow that which can be done today?

So, that is my ultimate goal this year. To sieze every moment that comes my way, and make the most of it.

Here is what I've come up with so far:

run a 10k. (not impressive to people like ashlee who run half-marathons)

hang-glide

swim with dolphins

go on a real, legitimate vacation

(sorry wisconsin peeps, those vacays just don't count)

I know they aren't huge life-altering goals, but I hope to make them count.

Anyone else out there have aspirations for 2010 they wish to share?

2010

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." - Helen Keller

The Future

Wasn't 2010 supposed to be like....the future? I mean, like hover-crafts and life like

The Jetsons?

As I reminisce about the last 10 years of my life, it seems like just that...an entire lifetime. The year 2000 was the year life began - High School. A girls dream. Right? I sure thought so. I had some GREAT friends, and some not so great friends.

Some that have lasted the last 10 years, and others haven't.

More specifically, I want to focus on the last year. 2009. What a year. If I got to live my fantasy year, it probably couldn't have been any better in my imagination.

Life with Luke makes me feel complete. I know that is ENTIRELY cliche, but it's true. He is my best bud and makes me look at life with a whole new meaning. I notice so many other things in my day-to-day life that used to just slide by...everything from the wonder of the light switch to the extra crumbs on the ground. (No matter how many times I vacuum and sweep - he always finds them.)

Cory started the crazy (and never ending) adventure of school...again. I just keep telling myself that 10 years from now it will all be worth it. It sure better be! I am enjoying the journey through life with him and am so grateful to have such a patient, hard-working man by my side.

My sister moved in with us about 6 months ago...best. day. ever. She is my best friend and the person I rely on for just about everything. Whether it be her time, her car, or her mascara - she is always there for me. When I think back to 5 or 6 years ago...we HATED each other. And I mean HATED. My mom used to always say it was just because we are so alike that we couldn't get along....I now totally agree.

I am so grateful for the friendships that have been rekindled this year....3 people in particular - hopefully you know who you are without me mentioning your names. My relationships with all three of these people have not always been pretty, but I definitely think they are now. Through time, growing up, marriage and children (come on megan...it's time to join that club) I have been able to see all three of these girls grow into beautiful strong women. I look up to you all and am so grateful for your friendship.

I am so grateful for the continued relationships (rather than rekindled) of the last year. I have been really lucky to have such great people and role models in my life. These girls/women (I wish there was an in -between word) have been my support and encouragement through any decision or difficulty I may have experienced. I am so lucky to have friends that I can talk to about anything (even though it's mostly husbands and babies) and they are willing to listen and give advice when needed.

2009 was a great year for me. I hope it was just as great for all of you.