Flirty, 30, and Fabulous!
8/24/2012 10:35:00 AM Posted by mommy2twincesses
I have arrived! At 30 years YOUNG, that is. Yes, the big day has come and gone. I survived to tell about it, did not shed a tear, and am not depressed. Actually, I was pleasantly surprised!
Since our big day (I say our, because DH and I share a birthday-he’s just one year older than me) fell on a Monday and he would be working, we decided to celebrate Sunday.
At church they sang us “Happy Birthday”, my favorite aunt cooked us lunch with white chocolate macadamia nut cookies for dessert, and MIL volunteered for the girls to spend the afternoon and night with them.
DH, being the last minute (or should I say NO) planner that he is (God love him), took me to the mall and to a very nice dinner.
The mall was……ummmmm……….interesting to say the very least! All I wanted to do was run in the Disney Store to see if they had any summer stuff on clearance yet-to put away for our upcoming Disney Cruise. They did not, so we found ourselves with time to kill.
DH recently went to witness a friend of the family be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, and while there he and a buddy had “massages” in the mall. He decides that we could pass time with a similar thing here in the mall. *insert eye roll*
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a “pamper me” type girl and I usually LOVE having a massage, but in the MALL?! You’ve got to be kidding me! Massages happen in a spa-NOT the mall.
But, despite my better judgment screaming, “NO!”, I agree anyway.
We stroll into the “Relaxation Station” and I’m immediately skeeved out. I told DH that I felt like I was in one of those cheap “sex for hire” parlors :/ They had hot pink and lime green lighting and asked us to wait on a yucky old couch. (I really wish you could see the disdain on my face!)
We sat there, nervously waiting. Sounds of human flesh being slapped kept radiating through to us and DH said, in one of his dry comedy voices, “sounds like whoop ya!” I couldn’t help it, I burst out laughing! All of my nerves had to escape somehow and laughing was better than crying-which is what I seriously wanted to do.
No sooner than I had my giggles contained, a middle aged Japanese lady comes forward and calls me back for my turn. Oh boy.
She asked me to remove my shoes and lie face down on the massage table. There are just thin metal looking partitions between each of the tables and the chick beside me was currently getting her “whooping”.
Fighting the urge to run, I laid down. The torture began. I thought several times that a camera crew was sure to emerge and announce I was being featured on a show about how long customers would endure crazy situations without blowing their gaskets. This was the most fierce, brutal, and painful “massage” I’ve ever experienced. Seriously, a gift certificate to the “Relaxation Station” is now my revenge plot of choice.
After grinding my back with her elbows, karate chopping, and (for lack of a better term) bitch slapping the entire length of my body, my 30 minutes in Hell were over.
As I walked back to the front of the torture chamber I realized DH was still sitting on the crummy couch, in the exact same spot I had left him! He chickened out! ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?! He literally hooted with laughter when he saw me! The audacity!
I scooted out of there as quickly as I could while he paid and literally doubled over in hysterics! He came out and asked what was so funny and I couldn’t even answer. He laughed and made comments about how rough I looked and all the strange sounds that kept drifting up front. When I got in the car and finally got a glimpse of myself in a mirror, I was convulsing-you know-mouth open, hands clapping like a seal, but no noise coming out! It was absolutely THAT bad!
My hair was all a mess, my eye lashes were stuck to my eyelids, and there were tiny diamond shapes imprinted all over my face from the paper towel covering the face hole of the table. Hot. Mess.
I finally got calmed down and put back together. Dinner was fabulous. And because the girls weren’t home, I got to sleep in on my actual birthday morning. YES!
I woke up sore, like I had been in a cat fight, with actual bruises, from my “massage”-but the day was wonderful and filled with texts, calls, Facebook wishes, cards, visitors, gifts, and cupcakes. DH even snuck a birthday cake in right before dinner! (Yes, my name is spelled wrong on the cake, BUT, is WAS chocolate-my favorite!)
30 was fun. I’ll never forget it! And to be honest, I don’t feel any different now than when I was 29. In fact, I’m kind of loving it-Flirty 30! The pressures of a 20-something are gone!
Tell me some great things about your 30’s! What fabulousness waits in store?!
Becoming a Butterfly-Bring it on 30
7/29/2012 03:55:00 PM Posted by mommy2twincesses
As the milestone birthday of 30 years creeps closer and closer to becoming my reality, I’m strangely growing more and more comfortable with the idea! It wasn’t long ago that I was, quite honestly, in freak-out mode about leaving my 20’s behind.
I had made long to-do lists in my mind and for some strange reason felt like I should have everything lined out and perfect by what once felt like “dooms day”.
But now, with the big day less than a month away, I’m feeling much more at peace……and little even, *gulp*, (should I say it?!) excited!
I had plans of working out like a crazy person to reclaim the body that I had before bringing my precious daughters into the world. After chasing that fantasy half-heartedly at best, I actually saw a nutritionist who gave me a healthy and utterly satisfying dose of reality. Instead of the 20-30 pounds that I “thought” I needed to shed, she advised that 10 be an absolute maximum, if I lost any at all. She helped me see that at this stage in life, it should be more about being healthy and generally comfortable in my own skin, and not dependant on the scale’s read out.
After letting the “10 pounds max” sink in, I’ve felt better about myself than I have in years! Screw the BMI charts! They’ve warped our minds! I’m almost 30, NOT 13! I have the body of a mother, one who amazingly created two humans at once, and yet it still functions just fine and leaves my hubby grinning like a school boy ;o) What more could I want?!
Bring it on 30! I’m ready for you! I’ve lived, I’ve learned, and I’m more beautiful and whole by the day! Every single time I belly laugh with my loved ones those fine lines may get a little deeper, but it’s just another stroke of good fortune in my opinion.
So here it is world! The fresh and proud face of (almost) 30!
Playing Ketchup-My Specialty
4/30/2012 03:00:00 PM Posted by mommy2twincesses
I’m not sure how I do it, but I’m always playing “ketchup”. Actually, I mean “catch up”, but here in the south it sounds more like “ketchup” and any time I say it I envision a bottle of Heinz. Random bit of the day ;)
Anyway, I’m looking for ways to stop falling behind on the blog front. Any ideas? For you other bloggers out there, do you post daily, every other, or what?! This newbie needs help :o)
I always have the best intentions and have made myself countless “daily schedules” that I never seem to stick to for more than a couple of days at a time. Am I alone in my inability to keep up? Is this a normal part of this season of life known as mommyhood? Anybody have any good ideas to keep on track?
Well, on the “Becoming a Butterfly” front, I do have a couple of new things to share!
First, that my fitness goals are 3 pounds closer to becoming a reality.
Secondly, that I’ve given my breakfast nook and kitchen a breath of fresh air with a good old fashioned spring cleaning, rearranging, and a few new pieces of furniture. Our barstools were falling apart, there was random kid kabbauble on the walls and I needed to find a solution for the pile of mail that always seemed to accumulate on the table. I replaced the barstools, added a Bombe chest with a drawer for the mail, and strung a little wire display up for my babies’ masterpieces. Another room, well 2 technically, checked off the list.
And lastly, I was accepted to a new blogging program for WhattoExpect.com called “Word of Mom”, so I’m counting that as a step forward in the writing department. I don’t have an article up yet, but I have two in review!
On the monkey front, things are as exciting as ever. Three year olds apparently never close their mouths, are fearless (except when it comes to characters in large suits), and completely hilarious!
We’ve been busy riding our bikes all over town, perfecting trapeze moves on the monkey bar out back, and cracking up daily over silly things said.
The latest in funny monk happenings:
M comes in asking about a “strange noise” that she heard. I tell her I heard no strange noise. K walks in with an “up to something” smirk on her face, toots loudly, says, “Well I made THAT strange noise!”, and continues to traipse out of the room!
Never a dull moment, I tell ya!
Becoming a Butterfly-By Age 30
4/18/2012 03:58:00 PM Posted by mommy2twincesses
As I’ve begun this Proverbs 31 Woman journey I have felt constant nagging in my heart to set an “end” date. Okay, not necessarily and END, but a point to shoot for having the majority of tasks accomplished. With a milestone birthday looming over my head I figure that is as good a place as any to set my goal.
Drum roll please! By my 30th birthday I plan to have the vast majority of this Proverbs 31 Woman figured out and set in place in my life. After all, 30 feels so “grown up” and I still feel so “not”. I’m pretty sure 30 years is plenty enough time to figure out who you are in life and just to have your “stuff” together. Well, as I’ve been taking inventory it turns out I don’t have it together and I WANT to by 30! I know that’s pushing it time wise, but I’m determined and my mama has always said how hard headed I am. Perhaps I’ll put my stubbornness to work and get things lined up!
Let’s see, it’s just about 4 months until my birthday. That doesn’t sound like long, especially since Sara Horn gave herself an entire year. *shakes head* No! I’m not going to let something as silly as fear of failure stop me from trying! I WILL be “together” by the big 3-0!
In a previous post I mentioned that a friend contacted me and that her message was a “starting” point for me. I seriously can’t thank her enough, because although we’ve only met for lunch since then, as well as text, I have felt a million times better about, well, everything! Just knowing that she is there, on my side, and willing to help push, change, and just support me means the world! For real lady, I love you! (And I’m looking forward to our play date later!)
That little nudge was exactly what I needed to get my ball rolling!
With the girls at “school” today I had a chance to just enjoy some peace and quiet. I broke out my bible, my “Reflecting His Glory” study book, a notepad and pen, and set to work. Through prayer, reading, and journaling I found so much confidence in the days to come!
I’m a big time multi-tasker, so please, try to bear with me here as I find it almost impossible to do just one thing at a time. Here’s how I’m tackling the task at hand as of today:
1. To begin to better “reflect his glory”, I am continuing the study by Andrea Lenon. I will use this time to read my bible and pray. I aim to do this first thing in the morning as this seems to be the calmest time at our house as everyone is just waking up, and I think there is basically no better way to start the day than with some guidance from the Man ;)
2. To start being “the best wife ever” I’m reading “The Love Dare”. It’s only one very short section per day, for forty days, so this isn’t all that time consuming but it has already brought a spark back to our eyes!
3. Being the best mom ever is a tough cookie to crack because this is seriously a day by day task. I have found though that the basic concepts from “The Love Dare” are pretty easily applied to children too, so I’ve kind of been using that as my guide.
4. The home issue is really taking off and I think it will be a HUGE burden lifted when it is finally complete! In the notebook I carry around with me I’ve listed each and every room in the house and what I hope to accomplish in there. Whether it be cleaning, organization, decoration, or whatever, just having my goals down in writing make it seem so doable! I plan on going room by room until my entire house is “done”. Day before yesterday I tackled the laundry room and finished it. DH (darling husband) could hardly believe his eyes!
5. And the whole getting back in shape thing?! Well, I’ve decided that by my birthday I want to be able to wear a sleeveless shirt without fear (or jiggles). I ran today and did a few weight reps. My goal is to be active at least 30 minutes a day, every single day.
6. And though I had forgotten about submitting my article, my writing career got a tiny jolt yesterday as I received an email stating that it was ready for viewing in the Spring Edition of Multiplicity Magazine! Baby steps………slow and steady win the race………..
There you have it! That’s where I stand as of now. I did a lot of rambling and I apologize, I’m just so excited! If you have any tips or suggestions to help reach goals like these or if you are on a journey of your own, share it with me! Let’s cheer each other on!
Becoming a Butterfly-First Steps &WLWW Link-Up
4/11/2012 08:24:00 AM Posted by mommy2twincesses
I’ve always heard it said that just starting something new is often the hardest part. I am living testament to the truth of that statement! I always find myself feeling dread over the silliest things, but instead of admitting it and facing it head on, I shove it to the back corners of my mind and pretend that all is well. However, more often than not I quickly find that my negative nelliness was all for naught and whatever it was that I was dreading wasn’t actually all that bad. In fact, 90% of the time I actually end up enjoying myself in whatever the situation.
This new Proverbs 31 Woman challenge that I’ve set up myself up for is proving to be just the same. I know that I want to change, but just the thought of beginning has me all a mess. Here I sit with a laundry list of things that I know I need to fix, but where do I even start?!
When I realize that I can’t answer a question on my own (which is next to never) I turn to prayer, just as I know deep down I always should. And just as our amazing heavenly father always does, he listened and pointed me in the right direction.
#6 on my list is to be a better friend. I honestly didn’t even consider starting here on my own, but just as I was listening and looking for an answer, my phone buzzed showing a new text message. I checked it and almost couldn’t believe my eyes! A very dear friend who through kids, jobs, and just life in general had drifted away was texting me because she read my post and wants to reconnect and find herself with me! What an awesome God we serve!
Although I will admit that I had to look up the exact verse to be sure I got it right, Ecclesiastes 4:9 immediately came to mind, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” (NLT)
This makes perfect sense! I fail at so many things because I go at them alone. We aren’t meant to single handedly tackle the world! We need a partner, friend, and confidant to keep us on the right path, to cheer us on when we’re feeling defeated, and to just be there with us through the trenches.
Thank you friend, for being there for me and I’ll see you in a bit for lunch :o)
Life’s paths take us all in many different directions, but if you’re flying solo out there, consider finding a wing man. Because all great super heroes come in pairs-Batman and Robin, Bert and Ernie, Millie and Vanillie :o)
Becoming a Butterfly-Admitting my Faults
4/09/2012 07:49:00 AM Posted by mommy2twincesses
I have a sneaking suspicion that my never-satisfied-with-myself tendencies have to do with simply being a woman. It is becoming clearer to me by the day that certain attributes of females were intentionally placed within us by our creator, but unfortunately for me, he hasn’t zapped the wisdom I need to grasp all of this, what it means, nor how to arrive a place of self acceptance into my brain as of yet. And, instead of sitting here moping about and just waiting for his divine intervention, I’m going to start making more of an effort to become who I want to be-and hopefully who God intends for me to be.
I suppose the first logical step is to decidedly point out what it is that I want to change and/or be. This is not going to be easy, as I’m sure my laundry list is pitifully long and I’m almost certain I’ll forget something. Oh well, I’ve got to start somewhere!
Upon discovering that the Good Morning Girls summer study is going to cover Courtney Joseph’s, of Women Living Well Ministry: The Proverbs 31 Woman-One Virtue at a Time, I simply couldn’t wait and actually began reading Sara Horn’s “My So-Called Life as a Proverbs 31 Wife”.
Yes! I am THAT kind of student. The one who has to prepare and read everything I can before the actual lesson so I know I’m getting all out of it that I can. Dorky, I know ;)
Anyway, this book has been perfect for me since I’m constantly feeling lead to improve as a woman. I want to be the Proverbs 31 woman, wife, mother, and friend! But boy am I seeing what a long way I have to go :/
So, back to this “list” of mine……I have a feeling that I’ll quickly discover that my list was a complete waste of time, but I feel like I have to do it anyway, so here it goes.
I want to:
1. Be more Godly. I want to “Reflect His Glory” like Andrea Lennon tried to teach me through her study. I want to make a difference for Christ in our church, in our community, and in the world.
2. Be the best wife ever! Seriously, I want to knock my husband’s socks off each and every day. I want him to wake up thinking that he HAS to be the luckiest man on earth to have married such an awesome chick as me ;)
3. Be the best mom ever! I want my children to “rise up and call me blessed” like the Bible says is ideal in Proverbs 31:28. I want to raise beautifully healthy, respectful, intelligent, well rounded, God-fearing children. I want our days to be filled with sunshine, giggles, and memories of blissful picture perfect moments!
4. Be in the best shape ever! According to Romans 12:1, taking care of our body is a “spiritual act of worship” and since having my now 3 year old identical twin girls I’ve been slacking. It’s time to get things back under control there. After all, this is only body I’ll ever have and I know that as a Christian I’m sharing it with Jesus since he lives within me…….that is a TALL order to fill!
5. Have a peaceful, beautiful, and organized home. I’m doing pretty good with this one, but as always, there is room for improvement.
6. Be a better friend. This will also have to include finding friends worth having. I mean, I have great friends, but not necessarily the kind that I want walking around in my heart and that I trust with anything. In fact, if I’m to be honest, and well, since I’m basically writing to myself, I must be…….I don’t really have friends like that right now. There is a cousin of mine who fits into this category, but life and circumstances seem to driving that apart as well.
7. Have a writing career. I have no clue where to start, but I’ve been blogging over on WhattoExpect.com for pay, so that counts for something, right?!
I’m sure I am leaving something out, but this is a start. I feel exhausted already. Pray for me-and while you’re at it, stop by my Facebook fan page and leave words of encouragement and/or follow me on Twitter!
