When the Going Gets Tough...

This week I've been thinking a lot about resiliency and how important it is to practice good self care, especially when things are overwhelming.

I hate to feel like I'm a complaint machine. I really try to reframe and keep a positive outlook. I know I am blessed in so many amazing ways and I'm grateful for my life. But sometimes my small problems really seem huge.

This week my car finally decided to give up the ghost...the transmission went. It has also been air condition-less for a couple years now (because it was going to cost $850ish to replace the whole system). In light of these 2 huge issues, we decided to trade it in. The car we want is being transferred in from South Carolina and will be here next week. So in the meantime we're borrowing my mom's car and then getting a rental to get us through ($$$). The bad news is, I paid my car off last month and was SO thrilled about the prospect of having that extra money. The good news is I got a raise in June and can now afford a car (and warranty. fool me twice, shame on me), and I'm excited about driving the new (used) car around. So yay to new cars, and boo to cars crapping out on you and draining your pocketbook.

Also, Everleigh is going through a major growth spurt right now, which is awesome cause she's growing so fast, and her hair's really coming in and her teeth are popping through, and she's learning words right and left. She's also not sleeping. Like--waking every hour during the night. I've read that during growth spurts, babies will sometimes have sleep difficulties from being hungry and from all the extra brain activity. But seriously? Mommy is tired. Last night I hit a bit of a breaking point where I could tell I was going to crash. My heart slowed down and my eyes started pounding. I felt moody and exhausted. I bathed Ev and did her bedtime ritual, then called Scott in to help while I crashed out.

Sleep deprivation can make a girl crazy, and it certainly makes me less pleasant to be around. Today I feel a little more rested, and feel terrible about the moodiness I was putting out there for a few days. Ha-rumph.

Also, I feel bad about not blogging much lately and wanted to say that I plan to kick it into gear soon with fun updates and more pictures (if I can get the girl to stay still for long enough to capture anything but the top of her head while she walks away from me :)

Here's to a fresh start next week!

Sometimes a Nap Makes All the Difference

Took off work early to finish some notes from home. Cuddled my girl, took a long steamy bath, re-read The Power of Now,  and grabbed an hour and a half nap.

I'm feeling much more centered today. Thanks for listening. You guys rock.

Picture by Jen Flanagan of Image Market Photography

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My How Time Flies!!!

I cannot believe it is Thursday already and I haven't blogged in ages. I'm sorry for you regular readers...I know it's a drag to check someone's blog and there's no change day after day. I am solemnly vowing to attempt to do right by you, but please know I may fail.

It seems like days go by really slowly but the weeks fly fly fly. Do you ever feel that way? I lie awake in bed at night, and in my sheer exhaustion I think of all kinds of cool, witty, and fun things to blog about. Then when I wake up, my mind is blank and I'm rushing here and there.

Here's a little nugget. I work with the severely mentally ill population. It is never dull. Since beginning work a few months back, I've really gotten some critical style advice from some clients.

I've been asked why my nose is crooked, and informed that getting a nose job and fake nails with a design on it would really improve my look. I've also been told that I look like a baby, and like a doll but chubby.

These things are probably all true (besides the nails design thing..I'm just not feeling it). In case you haven't seen enough pictures of me to notice, I have a pretty unique nose (thanks DAD), and you know, I've seen slimmer days. At first, I thought it was pretty awesome and funny to get this feedback from the overly candid. But today, I skipped the bagel and had a protein shake, and at lunch I ordered salad. Sometimes you just have to hear it from someone who's not trying to sugar coat the situation for you. I love my husband, but he's smart enough to chime in with things like, "I love your curves" and "you just had a BABY for goodness sake" uh...9 months ago. I think it stops being a valid excuse somewhere around NOW ;) It was nice while it lasted though.

Anyways, I'm deliriously tired while writing this due to Everleigh's new amazing ability to wake herself every 2 hours throughout the night crying. I just might lose it without a little REM sleep :) which I will hopefully get tonight after indulging in "good TV night" (Community, 30 Rock, and a little Parks and Rec = happy Thursdays!)

PS: I almost forgot!!! I totally chopped my hair yesterday in the cut I have been contemplating for months! It's super cute, but I'm still getting used to it. It's pretty fun, and it still looks girly in the in the front but a little more hip in the back. Yay for that new haircut feeling!