tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315720353797664102024-02-08T00:24:39.738-06:00snapshotsSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.comBlogger427125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431572035379766410.post-64369557991578607112013-08-22T17:00:00.000-05:002013-08-22T17:00:06.834-05:00Long-short.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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These days are long-short. Or maybe short-long? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some moments are slooooooow and minutes tick by and I
distract myself with making more lists of things I <strike>probably</strike> definitely will not get done
before he is here. And I think, “Will he EVER GET HERE?!” and I impatiently tap
my swelling feet and half-heartedly watch reality TV while wondering if I will
ever, <i>ever</i> fit into that blue pencil
skirt again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But then…he kicks! And kicks harder! And OMG that is a
Braxton Hicks contraction! And things
feel a little…<i>different</i> somehow, like
people, we are <i>getting somewhere</i> and that means he is COMING and <i>that </i>means he will BE HERE…like <i>forever</i> which I mean, don’t get me wrong, it is about time!!! …but EEK we are not ready not ready not ready…and I awake
at 3 a.m. wide-eyed and full of panic and mentally list 5 things we <i>must do today</i>—<i>why haven’t we done that already?!—</i> and I toss and turn as he jabs
me in the ribcage. Again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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But then…I am sitting at the doctor’s office and she says, “See
that lump above your belly button? That is his bum!” and I instantly melt and
think, “HE IS A GENIUS! Isn’t that the most wonderful baby lump you have EVER
SEEN?!” and I beam and very ungracefully wiggle off the chair and check my
watch and sigh and she says, “See you next week!” and I think well, maybe...but maybe not.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431572035379766410.post-44990595846282167372013-07-31T17:30:00.000-05:002013-07-31T17:30:02.968-05:00Prep work.Things are getting real around this place.<br />
<br />
Belly=growing.<br />
Excitement/anxiety=mounting.<br />
Emotions=intensifying (Adam's, obviously. ha!)<br />
<br />
I am actually walking away from friend gatherings with the knowledge that <i>we may not see each other until after he is born. </i>(!!!!!!)<br />
<br />
I have a million, zillion things on my to-do list but know very well that they may not get done in time. I also know that none of them are actually super important. But that doesn't stop me from wanting to cross things off the list. (Of course, this is a bit challenging when one falls asleep in front of the TV for two hours in the evening. Whoops.)<br />
<br />
And I have to be honest--there is a small part of me that thinks that if we just <i>try harder</i>, we will be able to clean up every aspect of our lives in an orderly, responsible way and that will thereby ensure the success of us as parents and human beings.<br />
<br />
This means that in addition to baby prep things (setting up crib, unpacking nursery, figuring out how to use mysterious baby items, etc.), I would also like to re-organize our budget, deep clean the house, become an excellent cook, and just generally, you know, <i>get it together</i>.<br />
<br />
In seven weeks.<br />
<br />
I knoooooow, you guys. I know this is totally insane and ridiculous. And really "together" people could be totally terrible parents, anyway. And besides, all you really need is to love that little munchkin and everything will all work out.<br />
<br />
But still.<br />
<br />
It is just such a strange time--this very brief time we have left pre-baby. A period of waiting, wanting, expecting, dreaming, fearing.<br />
<br />
It is a time spent testing the Mom and Dad waters as we make decisions about the little one's first days. A time spent meeting with nurses who look to us to make these decisions. And we nod slowly, and look at each other and say, "Uhhh yes? That is a good idea?" and inside we are like "<i>OH MY GOSH we just made a legit parental decision. Is this really happening?!"</i><br />
<br />
It is a time of feeling very young, very uncertain, very much looking to our own parents for encouraging words and "what do we do about this?!" and little pats on the back.<br />
<br />
And it is those little moments of realizing that my very own parents went through this too and so did theirs and so did theirs. And it is up to all of us to figure it out on our own a bit, yes, but also to reach out and say "Help!" and consider that maybe it is actually a good thing to feel a bit unqualified.<br />
<br />
Because it is only then that we humble ourselves.<br />
<br />
And it isn't about having the perfect home or perfect financial record or whitest teeth or beautifully designed nursery.<br />
<br />
It is about creating the village that will raise this child. A child already so, so loved.<br />
<br />
A child that is coming soon!<br />
<br />
A child that we await with great expectation and hope.<br />
<br />
(And dusty floors and dirty laundry, too.)Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431572035379766410.post-47888036416383002222013-07-15T17:30:00.000-05:002013-07-15T17:30:00.013-05:00Lately loving:<br />
<ul>
<li>Peeking in the baby's room and thinking HE IS COMING! HE IS COMING! HE IS COMING!</li>
<li>A season to catch our collective breath (aka watch a lot of Netflix)</li>
<li>Baby kicks!</li>
<li>Date nights in and out--gotta take advantage of these last few weeks</li>
<li>Watching Adam talk to my (HUGE) belly</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431572035379766410.post-15514638183620917072013-07-11T12:00:00.000-05:002013-07-11T14:33:55.715-05:00While walking through the grocery store:<b>Random man in the aisle: </b>That a boy?<br />
<br />
<b>Husband and I:</b> ?<br />
<br />
<b>Me</b> (<i>after realizing he was referring to my pregnant belly</i>): Oh. Yes! We are having a boy!<br />
<br />
<b>Man:</b> Yeah. Thought so. Hmm. I think he is going to be born on a famous person's birthday.<br />
<br />
<b>Me: </b>Oh yeah? Hmm. We'll see. (<i>smiling and thinking "Isn't that EVERY DAY?!")</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Man:</b> Yep. And I think (<i>tilts head</i>)...I think he may be a scientist.<br />
<br />
<b>Me:</b> Oh! Wow! Maybe so...<br />
<br />
<b>Man</b> (<i>as husband and I scurry away</i>): Hope you're listening to lots of classical music!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh, pregnancy.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431572035379766410.post-87802578485346347602013-07-10T12:00:00.000-05:002013-07-10T13:56:17.866-05:00Gracious Uncertainty.I have been carrying around <a href="http://utmost.org/gracious-uncertainty/">some thoughts</a> that I read awhile ago and have continued to resonate with me.<br />
<br />
On days when things seem a little <i>too much</i> I will hit pause, take a deep breath and read it again.<br />
<br />
<i>Gracious uncertainty</i>. "To be certain in our uncertainty."<br />
<br />
Such a funny idea in today's plucky world of control and general having-it-all-together-ness.<br />
<br />
But in these days of preparing for baby, of crib-building (!) and tummy-kicking (!!!), of life struggles and Unknowns in many forms, I turn to this passage on my worn folded piece of paper and exhale a bit.<br />
<br />
For who can say what tomorrow will bring? Or what He is going to do next?Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431572035379766410.post-89228457615242385852013-05-16T12:00:00.000-05:002013-05-16T15:25:49.826-05:00Stream of consciousness: pregnancy edition.Ooh! I think I just felt the baby kick!<br />
Was that a baby kick?<br />
Maybe I'm just hungry.<br />
No, that was <i>definitely</i> a kick!!!!!<br />
AAAAH! A BABY KICK!!!<br />
I might as well eat a snack though...<br />
I wonder if I'm gaining too much weight.<br />
I wonder if I'm gaining too little weight.<br />
I wonder if this little guy will look like me.<br />
I can't wait to see Adam as a dad.<br />
We need to put the nursery together.<br />
Ugh! I can't eat one more bite of this. I think I'm going to be sick.<br />
Please don't let me throw up.<br />
I think I'm going to throw up.<br />
Ew. Who is making Indian food for lunch?!<br />
I think I could sleep sitting up if I just closed my eyes...<br />
I wonder if I'm sleeping enough.<br />
OMG WE ARE HAVING A BABY!<br />
What if I'm not a good mom?!<br />
I hope he has chubby cheeks.<br />
Oh crap. I forgot I have to actually <i>give birth</i>.<br />
...Don't think about it...don't think about it...<br />
I think I'm hungry again.<br />
<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431572035379766410.post-70398131835150445622013-05-15T13:54:00.000-05:002013-05-15T13:54:52.193-05:00The best days.It is spring and everyone is abuzz with a little extra energy. The sun is shining! Flowers are blooming! THE SNOW IS GONE, HALLELUJAH!<br />
<br />
Last night, I spent time in a college town and witnessed what seemed like the entire population swell up in end-of-finals celebration.<br />
<br />
And I remembered that time. That feeling. When it seemed like we were all on the same page, more or less. All poor. All looking for fun. All at the <i>beginning</i>.<br />
<br />
And so many people would say wistfully to us, "Oh enjoy this time! Those were the best days!"<br />
<br />
And we would all pause for a bit, tilt our heads and smile uncertainly--not quite sure whether to feel happy or sad. And then we would turn back to our friends, looking for another laugh.<br />
<br />
And it was nice last night, to be surrounded by so many in that place of their lives. To remember. And to sit surrounded by the boisterous hubbub and sloshing drinks and flirtatious laughs.<br />
<br />
And in the midst of it all, to rub my swelling baby belly, sip my water, and sit across from my best friend as tears welled up in her eyes as she said, "You know, even on the bad days, when my kids are screaming and my husband and I are at each other's throats, <i>these are the best days</i>."<br />
<br />
And there is something really wonderful about finding those little gifts to be thankful for in the midst of days and times and seasons that perhaps don't look exactly planned. And to wiggle around in the uncomfortableness of change and uncertainty and turn a blind eye to the Daunting Unknown and pluck the Good and even the Good-Enough from the now.<br />
<br />
And to be able to say in truth, that <i>these are the best days</i>, and to hope that the best days are always, ever happening <i>right now</i>.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431572035379766410.post-3326084393399793982013-04-24T17:02:00.002-05:002013-04-24T17:02:52.231-05:00Thought(s).I have been thinking pretty much one thing these days:<br />
<br />
<i>Baby I'm having a baby we're having a baby baby baby!...</i><br />
<br />
It is a hurry up and wait time. A how do we prepare for this?!?! time. A <i>hey, pssst! can you believe this? </i>time.<br />
<br />
It is not all roses. Truth be told, it has been harder than I thought. But it is a special time and that can be felt even through the hard days.<br />
<br />
It is a looking ahead time as we prepare for our family to grow. It is a quiet wondering time, considering what is in store for this little one of ours. It is a dreaming time, a questioning time, a frantic "we have so much left to do!" time. A time that feels like we know the very best big secret.<br />
<br />
It is a time pre-change and yet, in just these few short months, it is undeniable that change has very much begun.<br />
<br />
It is a time I am trying to rest in, to let be what will be, to shove some clutter under a chair and welcome friends in with a weary smile and say, "Whew! Life! You know?"<br />
<br />
It is a time we will never quite have again. This small, intense, blink of our lives.<br />
<br />
This is the time we spend awaiting our first born son.<br />
<br />
<i>...a baby baby baby! BOY!</i><br />
<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431572035379766410.post-3361349711477187032013-04-10T12:00:00.000-05:002013-04-10T13:53:59.848-05:00On breaking the silence.So, you know how sometimes, if you haven't said anything for awhile, it just gets harder and harder to open your mouth?<br />
<br />
You have to clear your throat a bit and squeak out a phrase or two. And sometimes your eyes water. And almost always (if you are me, at least) no matter what you say sounds awkward.<br />
<br />
But here I am! Back after quite a break. And wondering where to begin.<br />
<br />
I think I will start with HI friends!!! I have missed you!<br />
<br />
A lot of life has happened since we've last crossed paths, for me, and for you, too, I imagine.<br />
<br />
Let me just list out a few things and squeak out a few awkward phrases and then we can get back to usual awkwardness sometime soon. Okay? Okay.<br />
<br />
Life updates:<br />
1. WE ARE HAVING A BABY! Yeah, I know. This is a HUGE FREAKING DEAL! And it is just now that I am (sometimes, maybe?) coming out of my four month nausea coma that I can truly appreciate the awesome, bizarre reality of this! There is a BABY. Growing RIGHT NOW. Below my belly button! Holy moley. This is pretty much all I think about these days. This week, the baby can hear my voice and even recognize loud noises (!). It is pretty awesome. It is also terrifying and exhilarating and still a teeeeeensy bit unbelievable to tell you the truth. Even with my growing belly and many icky mornings. Don't even get me started about how to prepare for a child. I mean, NO PRESSURE, right?! But then I just remember my Dad patting my back and saying, "Just think about how many people have done this." And then I exhale a little bit. Dads are the best. (p.s. If you try to tell me a crazy birth story between now and September, I will cover my ears. And maybe karate chop you. Don't you do it.)<br />
<br />
2. Is there anything else to really say after #1?<br />
<br />
3. Okay fine. We also moved! Goodbye, so long, farewell to the apartment with obnoxiously green walls! And sloping floors! And the setting of <a href="http://sas-sara.blogspot.com/2012/04/namaste.html">The Bat Incident</a> (shudder, shudder). We don't miss you! I mean, yeah, a house takes some getting used to, but we have a DISHWASHER! And a LAUNDRY ROOM! And now a BABY room! Soooo yeah. Great development.<br />
<br />
4. Between working, being in grad school, volunteering and collapsing into bed each night, that is pretty much the full life update. Sometimes I even go to the grocery store!!! I KNOW. I am SO EXCITING! Except tonight I actually AM so exciting because I get to go on a date night to celebrate three years (!!!) of marriage. We might even stay out past 10. Watch OUT!<br />
<br />
5. Not to turn all mushy but I just have to say that if I didn't love my husband before this little baby then I sure would love him now! He is great. He tells me nice things even on days when "getting ready" includes only "pretending to brush my hair" and "putting on deodorant while curled into a fetal position." He also cleaned out this super disgusting bowl of old cupcake batter last night and didn't even get mad at me for leaving it in the fridge for um, a long time. And he pretty much unpacked our whole entire house. Soooo yeah. You guys. My husband has had a really terrible roommate lately and he STILL LIKES ME. At least I think so. He may be slightly afraid of my hormones to tell me the truth.<br />
<br />
6. My friend got married this weekend. They got a standing ovation. I can't even think about it without tearing up. You should read <a href="http://www.foodcoach.me/2013/01/31/an-update-i-still-get-to-marry-my-best-friend/">her story</a>. It was the most beautiful day.<br />
<br />
Happy rainy Wednesday friends. I hope this finds you well.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431572035379766410.post-8206515585985250572012-12-14T12:00:00.000-06:002012-12-14T12:50:59.142-06:00On waiting.Thinking about waiting a lot these days.<br />
<br />
Waiting...with <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+9%3A6&version=NIV">hope</a>. With <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A1&version=NIRV">expectation</a>. With <a href="http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/bated-breath.html">bated breath</a>. <br />
<br />
Sometimes it feels more like, waiting...with hope? With expectation? With bated breath?<br />
<br />
And sometimes waiting with bated breath and little hope. And sometimes with diehard hope but uncertain expectation. And sometimes surprising myself with hope. And sometimes feeling guilty for not having enough. And sometimes not even really knowing what I'm waiting <i>for</i>. <br />
<br />
And it's a funny thing, this waiting.<br />
<br />
Because it seems like it wouldn't be so bad, if I just knew <i>how long it would last</i>. <br />
<br />
But alas. Despite the many, many remarkable achievements of our time, we cannot outmaneuver waiting.<br />
<br />
And oh, how dreadful it can be! How many tears, how many stomachs churn, how many sleepless nights, how many, many <i>what ifs...?, </i>how many broken hearts.<br />
<br />
And do you know, there is a part of me that wants to stop there and shake my first and say SEE?! Do you see, world? Do you see, God? Do you see, everyone? DO YOU SEE what we all must go through at one time or another? Who is responsible for this mess?!<br />
<i> </i><br />
Somebody, DO SOMETHING!!! <br />
<br />
But then...<br />
<br />
There is this tiny <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A20&version=NIV">voice</a>. This whisper of a thing. And it's both a comfort and an annoyance. Inexplicable and profound. Maddening and anchoring.<br />
<br />
And it doesn't offer neat answers or judgements or explain away the hard truths.<br />
<br />
But somehow, <i>against all odds</i>, it flickers on.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431572035379766410.post-6810344639221270332012-11-08T12:00:00.005-06:002012-11-08T12:02:21.918-06:00Point of view.When it comes to school, my 4th grade perfectionist pops up way. too. often. This is increasingly clear when discussing "academic issues" with my dear husband who is totally a perfectionist in his own way...but who gawks at me open-mouthed after I merely <i>suggest</i> that my teacher is being <i>totally and utterly ridiculous</i> by suggesting a REVIEW should not include PERSONAL OPINIONS because correct me if I'm wrong but ISN'T THAT THE DEFINITION OF A REVIEW?!...to which Adam said, "Yeah, so, how many points did you lose on this assignment, exactly?" and I said "Well, <i>none exactly</i>, but that isn't the point because as you can see here on the <i>rubric </i>he <i>almost took half a point off</i> and that is completely unwarranted AM I RIGHT?" to which he says, "....." "...????...." and then just shakes his head.<br />
<br />
In totally unrelated news, I think I may be a tad sensitive to criticism?Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431572035379766410.post-68883060447694647432012-10-31T12:00:00.000-05:002012-10-31T12:00:08.669-05:00Scramble.These days are running to-and-fro days, long days, checking-things-off-lists days. It's early mornings, coffee, homework, <i>what is this stain on my shirt?</i>, Jimmy Johns Mondays, <i>did we pay that bill?</i>, clean the bathroom, drat, we're out of peanut butter, and did you tell your best friend happy birthday and what are we going to do for Thanksgiving?!<br />
<br />
I don't always know which end is up and every week seems like the longest shortest week ever. I usually want to go around hugging everyone when we get to Friday because YOU GUYS. WE MADE IT TO FRIDAY! I THOUGHT THIS DAY WOULD NEVER COME!!! ...but how is it November tomorrow already?<br />
<br />
It's fun to step back a bit and get some perspective--to stop and think, wow, can you believe it? We are doing things we've always wanted to do! Can you believe we get this opportunity--opportunities?<br />
<br />
And we say man, <i>it is worth it</i> (but sometimes it is more like <i>It is worth it?</i> and the other says <i>Yeah! It is worth it. Right?</i> and the other one says <i>Yeah. It really is. </i>and the other one says <i>Yeah. It is. </i>and we keep going.)<br />
<br />
And then sometimes when we get back in the midst of those things we think--wow, can you believe it? Doing these things takes some sacrifice. And this is awesome and hard and not quite what I thought. Also, can you please make more coffee? And I will pay you one hundred million dollars if you rub my sore shoulders.<br />
<br />
And there are times of dreaming of What May Be and times of looking around and thinking hey, apartment with the bright green walls and sloping floors and work that leaves us cranky sometimes and looooooong days and packed schedules and nights of eating handfuls of chocolate chips because HOW IS THERE NOTHING TO EAT IN THIS PLACE???...<br />
<br />
These days, this mad dash, it is ours and it is right now and it is kind of the best.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431572035379766410.post-47105631864253650312012-09-25T12:00:00.000-05:002012-09-25T16:02:42.100-05:00On fences.I don't remember many specifics from our premarital counseling sessions (except for tons and tons of feeeeeeeliiiiiinggggs...which I will spare you) but there is one conversation that I think about from time to time and I'm warning you now it is a visual metaphor. I know. You are welcome in advance.<br />
<br />
So there we were, about to get hitched and up to our eyeballs in excitement and to-do lists and expectations and okay fine, a bit of terror too (<a href="http://sas-sara.blogspot.com/2009/12/vibrant.html">Exhibit A</a>).<br />
<br />
And every Wednesday at 4:30 we sat nervously awaiting the insider tips on How to Not Ruin Each Other's Life But Rather, How to Still Love and Really, Genuinely Like Each Other in 50 + Years.<br />
<br />
This day in particular, as we discussed Our Relationship, we were given some homework.<br />
<br />
"I want you to think about what kind of fence you want to build," we were told with immediate question marks flooding our eyes.<br />
<br />
She elaborated, "Think of your relationship as a garden. And surrounding this garden is a fence. There is no right fence or wrong fence to put around the garden, but there a lot of options. Your fence could be thick and tall and sturdy so that no one else could ever peek inside your garden. Or, you could have a tiny, flimsy plastic fence with big holes so that your garden is easily seen by nearly anyone. You could have a chain link fence, a big fence, a little fence. It is up to you. Choose carefully. What kind of fence will you build?"<br />
<br />
And we talked about it then and we've talked about it since. And for some reason, it's been a helpful image. One that sticks with me and resurfaces now and then. One that has helped us think about our marriage, and in many respects, has helped me think about other relationships as well.<br />
<br />
Perhaps you are thinking, "Well, the choice is obvious! Fences should be ___!" But you see, there are advantages and disadvantages to each. Large, sturdy, hole-less fences are durable and they will certainly keep people out. This can be a very good thing! People are very nosy, after all, and is it really any of their business what you are growing? And what if all your plants fail? Or they tell you your watering technique is all wrong?<br />
<br />
But, then again, gardens are beautiful! And why not share some of that beauty with others? After all, maybe they will have really great tips on how to keep the weeds out. They may even inspire you to have an even better garden.<br />
<br />
And maybe you are thinking, "What's the big deal? It's just a fence!"<br />
<br />
But more and more, I'm realizing that fences <i>matter</i>.<br />
<br />
For a fence is going to be built one way or another. You might as well put a little thought into it.<br />
<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431572035379766410.post-58427301673930899262012-09-18T12:00:00.000-05:002012-09-18T14:09:06.617-05:00To thine own self be true.S: So I'm throwing this stuff away. Pretty sure it's not good anymore. And our milk is expired.<br />
<br />
A: Okay.<br />
<br />
S: I think I'm going to throw this squash away too...?<br />
<br />
A: Okay.<br />
<br />
S: ...I mean, it may still be good. I don't know. I'm not sure how you tell. I guess maybe we could keep it?<br />
<br />
A: Sara. Let's be honest. What are <i>we </i>going to do with a squash???<br />
<br />
S: You are so right.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431572035379766410.post-77845641296448945722012-09-12T12:00:00.001-05:002012-09-12T12:00:01.085-05:00White flag. (Red flag?)Some days, you just have to ignore the (VERY LARGE) yogurt stain on
your skirt and break your $20 bill to eat peanut M&Ms from the
vending machine. At 10:38 a.m.<br />
<br />
Today is that kind of day.<br />
<br />
Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming...Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431572035379766410.post-78126967413328809212012-09-06T12:00:00.000-05:002012-09-06T14:36:37.513-05:00Adjusting:-Schedules (a.k.a. what threw up all over our Google Calendar??!)<br />
-Expectations (from "what constitutes dinner" to "clean-ish living space" to "quality time")<br />
-Attitude (mine)<br />
-Time management (i.e. Stop watching so much Parks and Rec, Sara!!!) <br />
<br />
<b>Also:</b><br />
-Reading a lot of <a href="http://www.politifact.com/">PolitiFact </a>(p.s. You guys have heard about <a href="http://isidewith.com/">isidewith.com</a> right?)<br />
-Wondering when will I ever replace our dead plant? Goal: by Thanksgiving. Surely I can make that happen. <br />
-Bizarrely, being questioned twice in the last two weeks about my "recent name change" and I'm like "oh, yes, you mean the name I changed <b>in 2010?!?!</b>" <b>YEESH.</b> (<i>note: see #3 above)</i><br />
-Wondering how to "<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%201:9&version=MSG">not only love much but well</a>."<br />
<br />
<i>.....pssst!</i> Have any great fall recipes to share? Bonus points if they feed my sweet tooth! Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431572035379766410.post-44601406689212534942012-08-28T12:00:00.000-05:002012-08-28T13:35:21.464-05:00Quotable."A happy marriage is a long conversation that always seems too short."<br />
<br />
-According to <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13160061-almost-amish">this book I am reading</a>, this is an Amish saying (page 193). According to the Google search I just did, it is credited to Andre Maurois. Either way (or perhaps both/and?), I like it.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431572035379766410.post-67319412342049567372012-08-27T12:00:00.000-05:002012-08-27T15:39:13.288-05:00Inspiration.Hi blog. I miss you. Almost as much as I miss my summer freedom. But I won't talk about that because Sara, summer is gone.<a href="http://sas-sara.blogspot.com/2011_10_01_archive.html"> It is fall.</a><br />
<br />
And that's okay because I have so many reasons to give thanks! Opportunities. Provision. Community. A joy-full season of marriage. So many reasons.<br />
<br />
And so we are trying to re-order our lives a bit and make some improvements and everything is a bit clunky and well, some days, we just drink more coffee and <i>push through</i>.<br />
<br />
I could tell you about a lot of things but instead I think I'll just share with you the latest phrase I have scribbled on a Post It and taped on my computer at work.<br />
<br />
I borrowed it from someone I greatly admire and have never (and likely will never) meet in person. I just follow her blog and am constantly amazed at her strength, beauty, and most of all unwavering <i>faith </i>in the midst of rather nightmare-ish circumstances. You can follow her blog <a href="http://andersonfamilyzoo.wordpress.com/">here</a>. And you should. You really, really should.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I feel a little silly borrowing this from her because if you read her blog you will be inspired and if you read my blog you will know what season of Teen Mom I am currently watching (4) and who makes the best dipped cones (Dairy Queen. OMG. No contest.). Ahem. One of these things is not like the other...<br />
<br />
Lest this preface drag on even more, here it is:<br />
<br />
<b>Do Today Well.</b><br />
<br />
I think I can handle that. Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431572035379766410.post-55498794613922295162012-08-03T12:00:00.000-05:002012-08-03T15:23:27.216-05:00Some things:<ul>
<li>Today is one of those "dress up because it has not been the best week ever...just fake it til you make it" kind of days. Anyone know what I am talking about here? No? Okay cool. Well I don't care because my <a href="http://www.kendieveryday.com/2012/08/wild-side.html">fashion blogger</a> is wearing animal print today and SO AM I! Don't pretend like you don't have a fashion blogger. Unless you really don't. Then stop judging me.</li>
<li>On the way to work the other day, a fly was buzzing around the car and driving me crazy. I also should point out that I am not a morning person and had not yet had my coffee. I may or may not have yelled LEAVE YOU IDIOT! with my window cracked about 3 inches (WHICH I will also point out is like 5 fly lengths AT LEAST) and my husband may or may not have told me, "You better blog that." After he finished hyperventilating with laughter. Boom. Blogged. For you husband. And perhaps for my father should he be reading this. (Hi Dad!)</li>
<li>I was eating lunch with my longtime bff today when a kid at the table next to us asked, "Um, excuse me? Where did you get that Jolly Rancher?" and I said nicely, "Everyone gets candy with their meal here! You will get one too!" but because I have a SOUL I gave him my green apple candy on the way out AND HE SAID, "Ew. I think there's something wrong with this. I do not want this. LOOK. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS! It looks WEIRD." And I was like LOOK KID. IT'S BEEN A LONG WEEK. I WAS JUST TRYING TO DO THE RIGHT THING HERE. NOW YOU MADE ME FEEL WEIRD AND CREEPY. (Don't worry I said all that in my head. Okay actually I said that out loud to my bff on the way to the car.) I realized approximately 7 minutes ago that I in fact got mad at a child for not taking candy from a stranger. Sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. You win, little guy. You win.</li>
<li>I need a weekend.</li>
</ul>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431572035379766410.post-68231309300788479672012-07-20T12:00:00.000-05:002012-07-20T12:00:04.350-05:00Busted.A: ...so yeah, it was pretty crazy.<br />
<br />
S: Oh wow. That's nuts.<br />
<br />
A: Yeah I just couldn't believe it.<br />
<br />
S: Mmhmmm...<br />
<br />
A: Anyway, I can tell you more about it when I get home if you're busy.<br />
<br />
S: No, I'm not busy. But that's fine...either way...<br />
<br />
A: You're wanting to get off the phone to watch more reality TV aren't you?<br />
<br />
S: (<i>guilty silence</i>)<br />
<br />A: I KNEW IT!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431572035379766410.post-18088121890833147342012-07-19T12:00:00.000-05:002012-07-19T12:00:05.715-05:00Summer loving:<ul>
<li><a href="http://sas-sara.blogspot.com/2012/07/late-breaking-news.html">These</a>. Way, way, waaaaaaay too much. <br /> </li>
<li><a href="http://songza.com/">This</a>. Free playlists that I can change on a whim AND I don't even have to create an account? <br />Best thing ever! I am serious. You should try it. (Thanks little brother.)<br /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.london2012.com/">This </a>(7 days!). I don't know why but I am super excited about them this year. So excited that we actually JUST got our TV hooked up so that we receive (free) channels. Obviously this was just an excuse to watch So You Think You Can Dance marathons. Jk guys. Maybe.<br /></li>
<li>Lazing about with Adam and feeling really good about myself if I get outside to walk...to McDonalds. (See #1.)<br /></li>
<li>Looking ahead and getting excited about what is on the horizon. Please remind me of this when in 6 weeks I am up to my eyeballs in to-do lists, running on fumes and have been swallowed by all my laundry. </li>
</ul>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431572035379766410.post-49446012965059968942012-07-13T12:00:00.000-05:002012-07-13T16:42:06.178-05:00On anger.It's an election year and times are hard, so of course, emotions are running high. And there is finger-pointing and name-calling and a whole lot of passing the buck. Nothing new.<br />
<br />
And yet...<br />
<br />
And yet I feel it--this thick cloud simmering, rumbling, wickedly permeating. It is seeping into my breakfast as I scan the news. It is enveloping my soup at lunch as my co-worker asks "<i>Have you heard...</i>" It socks me in the stomach as I watch that YouTube clip and it nibbles my ear as I wait in line at the grocery store.<br />
<br />
And it scares me and it messes me up a bit because I know that sure, I can turn off the TV and put down the magazine and who really cares what that person said on Facebook anyway?<br />
<br />
Freedom of speech and all that, and if there is anyone who understands that double edged sword, it is someone who grew up in my hometown--the home of that infamous hate group that I will not mention lest I actually give them more traffic to fund their horrible protests across the nation.<br />
<br />
But you see, I can't just walk away because if I do, I just say "oh well!" to that guy that sits next to me at church who spouts off something downright hateful on the way out to the parking lot and I say "doesn't matter!" to the cringe-worthy comments at Thanksgiving and eventually, after you say "it just isn't worth fighting for" so many times, well, suddenly, you start to wonder...what is?<br />
<br />
And the very hardest part is admitting that the anger that I see so prevalently all around me--the anger that I see as so completely unproductive and frightening and hurtful and totally distracting us from actually finding solutions--<i>it is in me too</i>.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431572035379766410.post-33147122550205150732012-07-10T12:00:00.000-05:002012-08-29T16:42:01.126-05:00A little to the left.A: So I was thinking of hanging this level with the bookcase. You know, like the mirror.<br />
<br />
Me: What? No. Too high. I think you should bring it down a bit.<br />
<br />
A: Huh? Really? That doesn't make sense. Look. (<i>pause for demonstration)</i><br />
<br />
Me: Yeah. Still think you're wrong. See? (<i>pause for demonstration)</i><br />
<br />
A: Maybe we should move it to this wall instead...? (<i>pause for demonstration)</i><br />
<br />
Me: No way! And draw attention to the million books always laying there? I prefer the other wall that, you know, accents our dead plant.<br />
<br />
A: Let's talk about this later.<i><br /></i>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431572035379766410.post-72275274915269087232012-07-02T12:00:00.000-05:002012-07-02T16:28:59.553-05:00Late breaking news:1. My Chapstick just ran out. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!<br />
<br />
2. You guys. Did you know that you can now get <a href="http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/food/product_nutrition.dessertsshakes.758.Dipped-Cone.html">DIPPED CONES at McDonalds</a>?! YES! It is true! I would not lie about something like this! ***<i>Extremely important disclaimer</i>: If, out of your extreme excitement over eating said dipped cone, you somehow find yourself tentatively reaching out your hand to accept a sad blob of a cone that is still dripping--yes, dripping--in chocolate syrup that has yet to harden into a delicious crispy shell because Ms. McDonalds is seriously not on her A-game? My friends, I beg of you, STOP YOURSELF! You deserve a dipped cone that doesn't drip all down your arm and on your shoes and leave speckled brown trails of chocolate all the way to your chair! (I mean, be nice about it to Ms. McDonalds...but seriously.)***<br />
<br />
3. I just typed the phrase: "...I guess the monkeys just gave me gumption!" and then hit Send. And THAT is what a B.S. in Communications can do for YOU.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Dipped Cone" id="product_image" src="http://www.mcdonalds.com/content/dam/McDonalds/item/mcdonalds-Dipped-Cone.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Dipped Cone" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/food/product_nutrition.dessertsshakes.758.Dipped-Cone.html">Image cred.</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-431572035379766410.post-51509112874970543292012-06-28T12:00:00.000-05:002012-06-28T12:27:39.497-05:00Priorities upon returning home:1. <a href="http://www.oklahomajoesbbq.com/">Oklahoma Joe's</a><br />
2. Longest shower ever (oh the glory!)<br />
3. Sleep<br />
4. Stare at the adorable photos of kids you just met that are so cute you still can't get over it<br />
5. Wonder what's next<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbl_sFD10D8u4L6kH81Z458ldx0QpbEZRigXTZGXj22fCX-6PnfZqSvtc-0_Zg-IxGD3QvIB4pr8Ms9tUztR33NjCUNO_b6j5QxFBzpdTuQ6cpwbFC6lRHPLWxPmfL8zcoE2_caln2gI/s1600/loveinaction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbl_sFD10D8u4L6kH81Z458ldx0QpbEZRigXTZGXj22fCX-6PnfZqSvtc-0_Zg-IxGD3QvIB4pr8Ms9tUztR33NjCUNO_b6j5QxFBzpdTuQ6cpwbFC6lRHPLWxPmfL8zcoE2_caln2gI/s400/loveinaction.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03017140650126920278noreply@blogger.com2