Here's the thing: While I appreciate all the very generous things that were said about me, the birthday post pretty much solidifies the whole "I blog to make myself look/seem so awesome." It makes me a tiny bit uncomfortable, but since it is my birthday, I'll get over it.
I think I liked hearing about my "keeping it real" quality the most. Sometimes though, I can be "too" real and then I teeter on the edge of being cruel; the opposite of compassionate, if you will. I have been known to pshaw the troubles of others (usually my family) with a reminder that, "Yeah, we all have problems." And, I tend to not understand why people struggle so much. I mean, how hard is it to deal with reality? See...the "real" in me is almost a fault.
So, on this day devoted to me, I feel like I should also point out some of the not so glamorous things I deal with...
*Motherhood/Wifehood has sucked a little bit of life out of me. I can just now see the light, and I feel like I'm starting to dig myself out of a deep hole and move on to a better, happier place. Which brings up the next point.
* I've gained a lot of weight over the last five years. And while some of it can be blamed on pregnancy, most of it can not. I'm working on it though, I'd I'm hoping that 2010 is my year to finally beat this beast of mine. I might be able to bench press a 3rd grader, but I certainly can't fit into my designer jeans. That's a bummer and not something I'm prepared to give up. Shallow? Maybe.
* I spend frivolously. Yes, I have a shopping problem. Not a major one, but one nevertheless.
* I have debt.
* I'm lazier than most people. I'll make any excuse to NOT work out on the weekends, not to tackle the laundry, not to hang the frames that have been sitting on the landing for months now. I also hate to clean (so I pay someone).
* I procrastinate...big time. I suppose this goes along with being lazy. But, I've been telling Ryan for weeks now that I'll get him a budget. And I haven't sent out our Christmas/New Year card yet.
* I have big (maybe too big) dreams. This is a not so great trait for a few reasons. 1) I have a list a mile long of things I want to do (sewing projects, painting projects, organizing). And 2) It can make the here and now seem depressing.
Just a few negatives to balance out the positives and keep everything in perspective. Perspective can be skewed out here in the Blogland.
Having said all that, I have a great life.
And birthdays are fun.
9 comments:
See Jen, the thing is, I don't think any of us have ever thought that you're perfect. And we probably love you more because of that (who loves perfect people? gross). So no need to balance. You already do that on your own in your wonderful & honest way.
PS - that photo is totally hot. Love your bangs & lipstick. And earrings. And probably your outfit, although I can't see most of it.
Jen, we all have these issues. You're not alone, there. I wish I could do more, see more, be more motivated.... I just think this is something everything struggles with, and if they don't, they are lying (Kathryn, you're totally right...perfect people are gross).
Own your flaws, but keep setting goals so you at least feel like you are making strides to accomplish what you want. You'll get there.
In the meantime, continue being the girl we all love, which takes no effort at all.
LOVE THIS PICTURE. Crazy eyes in full effect.
Loving the pic!
M
You can totally see your two different eye colors in this pretty pic! And Ryan is wearing our favorite flannel shirt...awesome.
Happy Birthday Jen! I really like you - and I like reading your blog - and I think you take great pictures - and your kids area adorable - and I like this post, it's nice to know people you think have great perfect lives have struggles just like me - and that husband of yours is so sweet - and I hope our kids can play together someday!
I love the photo- do we get to see more?
your so pretty and I too love your style and if I was actually one of your real sisters I too would steal your belongings and while visiting like your real sisters do. happy bday Jen!
your belongings while visiting* oops.
this picture is so so pretty that I can't get over it. Please do something with this in your home. Your eyes are unbelievable.
This post wasn't necessary at all. everyone loves you just the same. But, I get the point of it and appreciate it and think it reaffirms everything we were getting at in the first place.
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