I've heard some mixed reviews about the movie Julie & Julia but I had to see it for myself. And I am so glad that I did. I have to begin by saying that I have a great respect for Meryl Streep, as any God-fearing, movie-loving American should. She's amazing in every thing she does. And I honestly did not know much about Julia Child until I watched this movie. As I did, I knew that I was one of the many people that this movie was specifically made for. I had no idea that I had anything in common with that lady and that I would grow to love her so much within 2 hours.
It was perfect timing for me to see that movie. Anyone that knows me know that I am a major foodie. I look forward to each meal and only cease to eat when I am entirely stuffed and cannot move. The only thing I think about when I'm planning to meet friends is what we will eat. And not just the dessert, like most women, but mainly the carbs. The bread, the pasta, the potatoes. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Anyway, I love food so watching a whole movie about food is heaven. This movie is also based around a woman (a writer) turning 30 and choosing to do something instead of sitting by idly. Hello?!?! Just passed the big 3-0 birthday and survived.
The biggest part of this movie that really got me was Julia's relationship with her husband and the non-existence of children in their lives. They had such an amazing, rich relationship that seemed to grow through the years. And watching her crying over her sister's news of being pregnant was like looking through a mirror. That has happened to me so many times I can't even count them. Of course, I have no sister, but I have so many close friends that I've watched get pregnant and have babies and then get pregnant again and have babies again while I sit aside and pray for the day that I can experience the same.
But for now I will enjoy my life with my wonderfully, sweet, handsome husband and not feel sorry for myself...like Julia would do. And we will continue adopting because Keith & I can give a wonderful home to a child or two or three or four. And I will continue to cook and eat as much as possible because it's fun. And I think I will read "My Life in France" for some Julia Child inspiration and for some writing inspiration. Because my plan for not sitting idly by is to continue in the amazing life I have, with a few minor additions.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Two blogs, One night
I've got a lot on my mind tonight and no one to tell it to. So my blog gets the blessing/curse of my overactive brain. Over the last few days I've seen a lot of people that I haven't seen in years. So I guess I'm feeling a bit nostalgic. So here's just a few things I remember over my lifetime (in no particular order).
1. Keith proposing to me at Camp Caudle, where we both spent some wonderful years before and after we met
2. Singing with my friend, Jalynn
3. Practically living with Allyson when I was in beauty school
4. Hanging out at Johnny & Barbara Fowlkes' house
5. Sitting with Amber during church at Colony and laughing so hard that I snorted...during service
6. Meeting Jalynn for the first time and how she thought I was completely nuts for talking to a complete stranger
7. Riding the three-wheeler after church with Justin & Brittany
8. Living in the dorms at Beebe
9. Having my two best friends introduced to me at camp when I was fifteen...and hanging on to them for the last fourteen years through thick and thin
10. Eating breakfast at my grandma's...always chocolate gravy and biscuits
11. My Ya-ya singing to me and me running away
12. Wishing that I could hear her sing one more time (One day I will...)
13. Making a CD in Nashville (who cares that it was made at a booth in the mall)
14. Talking to Papa Carl & Arvie for hours after Thursday night Nucleo
15. Having Sandra to tell all of my teenage heartbreak too
16. Working at my first dental office
17. Going to see the Dixie Chicks with Allyson for my 20th birthday
18. My grandpa not letting us use his red hand towel because he thought we would get sick
19. My Ya-ya telling me that my mom was adopted (I didn't believe her)
20. Finally making the decision to adopt a baby
21. Running through Maria's field at the farm trying to find the end of a rainbow
22. Hiding in Maria's dorm during nightly room check
23. Spending New Year's Eve with Maria our senior year & convincing her that we were drinking alcohol (We weren't...it was club soda)
24. My Pop bringing home Hershey's Kisses every time he went to the store, because he knew they were my favorite
25. Getting Clorets gum from my Great Aunt Darlene during church
26. Breaking my arm on that dumb 'ol horse of Toot's
27. Singing as loud as I could in front my mirror...when I was 7 and now that I'm 30 too
28. Scott bringing Sarah food 3 times a week when she lived with us
29. Meeting Keith for the first time and thinking he was "at least 30"
30. My mom being determined that she would not walk with her cane at my high school graduation...and pulling it off with flying colors
31. Sleeping on my parents' water bed right in between them
32. My wedding day, the best and most relaxing day I've ever had
33. Ditching my senior prom date and hanging out at Maria's grandma's house instead
34. Meeting Keith's mom for the first time and knowing that she was the perfect mother-in-law for me
35. That first plane ride to Costa Rica and falling asleep on Papa Carl's shoulder
36. That stupid zip line in Costa Rica and crying my eyes out the whole time. Never again.
37. Realizing that I am exactly like my father and not all of that is a bad thing
38. Having Friday night dinner with my grandparents and their friends
39. Being baptized and Danny telling me afterwards that everyone on the church van was now a Christian
40. Having "coffee" with my grandpa and the other old men in Greers Ferry
Just a few things I thought of today. One for each year I've been on earth and an extra ten for good measure. Not all of them are good, but all of them are replayed in my head. Some of them hurt to think about and some make me laugh. But all of them are dear to me. I've made so many good friends, some of which I don't even see anymore for one reason or another. Some are still as dear to my heart now as they were in the beginning. And others have been called home, leaving us here to long for the day we will see them again.
1. Keith proposing to me at Camp Caudle, where we both spent some wonderful years before and after we met
2. Singing with my friend, Jalynn
3. Practically living with Allyson when I was in beauty school
4. Hanging out at Johnny & Barbara Fowlkes' house
5. Sitting with Amber during church at Colony and laughing so hard that I snorted...during service
6. Meeting Jalynn for the first time and how she thought I was completely nuts for talking to a complete stranger
7. Riding the three-wheeler after church with Justin & Brittany
8. Living in the dorms at Beebe
9. Having my two best friends introduced to me at camp when I was fifteen...and hanging on to them for the last fourteen years through thick and thin
10. Eating breakfast at my grandma's...always chocolate gravy and biscuits
11. My Ya-ya singing to me and me running away
12. Wishing that I could hear her sing one more time (One day I will...)
13. Making a CD in Nashville (who cares that it was made at a booth in the mall)
14. Talking to Papa Carl & Arvie for hours after Thursday night Nucleo
15. Having Sandra to tell all of my teenage heartbreak too
16. Working at my first dental office
17. Going to see the Dixie Chicks with Allyson for my 20th birthday
18. My grandpa not letting us use his red hand towel because he thought we would get sick
19. My Ya-ya telling me that my mom was adopted (I didn't believe her)
20. Finally making the decision to adopt a baby
21. Running through Maria's field at the farm trying to find the end of a rainbow
22. Hiding in Maria's dorm during nightly room check
23. Spending New Year's Eve with Maria our senior year & convincing her that we were drinking alcohol (We weren't...it was club soda)
24. My Pop bringing home Hershey's Kisses every time he went to the store, because he knew they were my favorite
25. Getting Clorets gum from my Great Aunt Darlene during church
26. Breaking my arm on that dumb 'ol horse of Toot's
27. Singing as loud as I could in front my mirror...when I was 7 and now that I'm 30 too
28. Scott bringing Sarah food 3 times a week when she lived with us
29. Meeting Keith for the first time and thinking he was "at least 30"
30. My mom being determined that she would not walk with her cane at my high school graduation...and pulling it off with flying colors
31. Sleeping on my parents' water bed right in between them
32. My wedding day, the best and most relaxing day I've ever had
33. Ditching my senior prom date and hanging out at Maria's grandma's house instead
34. Meeting Keith's mom for the first time and knowing that she was the perfect mother-in-law for me
35. That first plane ride to Costa Rica and falling asleep on Papa Carl's shoulder
36. That stupid zip line in Costa Rica and crying my eyes out the whole time. Never again.
37. Realizing that I am exactly like my father and not all of that is a bad thing
38. Having Friday night dinner with my grandparents and their friends
39. Being baptized and Danny telling me afterwards that everyone on the church van was now a Christian
40. Having "coffee" with my grandpa and the other old men in Greers Ferry
Just a few things I thought of today. One for each year I've been on earth and an extra ten for good measure. Not all of them are good, but all of them are replayed in my head. Some of them hurt to think about and some make me laugh. But all of them are dear to me. I've made so many good friends, some of which I don't even see anymore for one reason or another. Some are still as dear to my heart now as they were in the beginning. And others have been called home, leaving us here to long for the day we will see them again.
My hubby in CR
Sometimes I get caught up in what my husband does wrong and forget everything that he does that's wonderful. Yea, sounds a little cheesy but that's how I feel today. Keith has been gone since Friday on a mission trip to Costa Rica. I started going there when I was 20 and Keith started about 5 years ago. Last year was the first time I have been without him, since we met. I managed fine but would have rather had him there. This year is the first time he's been without me. He called tonight and said, "I never want to come here without you again". He's having a rough time this year. He is teaching an English class this year and said that it is really difficult. Luckily, he is getting some help from a precious girl. I just hate that I can't be there with them. I didn't think it would be so hard being here while they were gone, but I was terribly wrong. I hate being without my husband for more than a couple of nights. And I also hate that he is having a tough time and I'm not there for him. He sounded so discouraged over the phone. And we all know that Keith does not get discouraged very easily. Even when he does, he recovers quickly because he is the master of all. He is so gifted with people skills and understanding that he excels in everything. I'm just sad that he's having difficulties. But I know that by the end of the week, he will have great stories of what he's accomplished. And that makes me a very proud wife.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Bachelorette for a Week
Well, my hubby is gone for a week. He left on Friday for Costa Rica, without me. Due to some things I can't control, it wasn't looking possible for me to go this year. So I'm stuck at home while my other half is working in CR for the week. This year he is teaching English classes and a men's seminar. And he is taking care of the four women he went with, one of which is his mother. I'm proud of him for stepping up and taking the group, but I'm sad that I'm not with them. I'm also sad that he's gone for a week. Luckily, my friend is staying here so I'm not too lonely without him. I'm just ready for him to come home. Six more days...
Friday, July 2, 2010
Thirty...the start of my 4th decade
Well, my dreaded 30th birthday came and went without a mental breakdown, so I think I'm doing pretty good. I had been mourning this day since my 29th birthday and tried to think of something awesome to do on that day so I would have something to look forward to. However, I'm poor and couldn't think of anything that didn't cost at least a thousand dollars. So I just went to work instead and was pleasantly surprised. I had a present waiting on me (something I had been looking for) and lots of messages from my co-workers. I also got cake, the best part about a birthday. My boss took us out to lunch. So all-in-all, a pretty good day filled with silliness and jokes. Then on my way home, I glance over at my friend's house and she had put out a huge birthday sign for me. I got to spend the evening at Bible study and dinner with more friends, one of whom shares a birthday with me (he's three years younger though). So I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't have an utterly horrible day. And SURPRISE...the world didn't come to an end because I turned 30!
I've been stuck on this kick for a while that I hadn't done what I planned on doing before turning 30. Then suddenly I realized that I was looking at it wrong. Maybe I hadn't carried out my original plans but I have done so much more. I married a wonderful, sweet person whose family I love. I maintained friendships with my oldest friends and developed new ones. I actually figured out what I want to do with my life...which is a massive deal for me. Maybe the things that I had planned 10 years ago aren't so relevant anymore. And maybe some of them will be best achieved in this decade, as an older and more responsible person. Either way, I'm okay with turning 30.
Forty, however, my be another story...but I've got ten years to work on that issue.
I've been stuck on this kick for a while that I hadn't done what I planned on doing before turning 30. Then suddenly I realized that I was looking at it wrong. Maybe I hadn't carried out my original plans but I have done so much more. I married a wonderful, sweet person whose family I love. I maintained friendships with my oldest friends and developed new ones. I actually figured out what I want to do with my life...which is a massive deal for me. Maybe the things that I had planned 10 years ago aren't so relevant anymore. And maybe some of them will be best achieved in this decade, as an older and more responsible person. Either way, I'm okay with turning 30.
Forty, however, my be another story...but I've got ten years to work on that issue.
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