Friday, May 11, 2012

What I Know Now

I'm reading a book by women who are writing letters to their younger selves. So far this is my favorite quote - "When juggling as much as you are, remember some balls are glass, some are rubber. You can't drop the glass balls. Also, learn to put blinders on about certain things. Laundry will wait very patiently." - Nora Roberts. What would YOU tell your younger self?

First and foremost I think I would tell myself that it doesn't matter if you don't fit into a certain group.  Cliques are overrated.  Make friends with everyone because one day you will still be friends with everyone.

That D you got in Algebra doesn't really matter in the long run.

Live on your own before you live with someone else.  And for goodness sake make sure that person lives on their own too!

Don't let anyone ever tell you that you're stupid or inferior or that your feelings don't matter.  Stand up for yourself and know that you deserve so much better.   Find the guy that will be your partner, not your dictator.

Don't ever regret what happens in life, good or bad.  Every moment will shape your thoughts, your emotions, your relationships.   You will end up wise and confident.

Be spontaneous.  Spontaneity will take you on great adventures and help you meet great people!

Don't stress too much about motherhood.  Love your children the way you've always loved everyone in your life and they will turn out ok.  You'll have your battles, especially with your oldest but keep in mind that her spunk will help her be a strong independent woman one day.

Most of all, be kind to yourself.   Take time for fun.  Take pictures.  Write.  Do the things you love.  Laundry really will wait for you.  

Sunday, May 6, 2012

N'awlins

I ran away from home this weekend.  Actually my sister needed me.  She asked me to come and I went.  My friend Mary came along and we spent the weekend eating our way through New Orleans.  The people watching there is sublime, especially at Jazz Fest where we also watched The Eagles.  We savored beignets at Cafe DuMonde, we ate crawfish, we shopped the French Market and we tried on hats... lots of hats.  It was a whirlwind but a great escape and the memories will live on.

My mom has made Mary-Ellen and I pose like this since we were little.  Its the "We're Pals" pose and we just do it automatically now.  Note to self - gather all those pics and make a photo book.