Month: May 2014

Friends are a funny thing. Literally. My friends are hilarious.

I moved to Alaska 3 years ago this month. I won’t lie, the first year was really hard. I left my support group and the town I grew up in, and entered a place where the people I knew, I could count on my one hand. All of this on top of having a new baby.

Over time, I branched out, meeting some new amazing people. I can now say that I’ve acquired another support group that I would dearly miss if we were ever to move.

The friends I’ve left behind are still my posse though. The best part of our relationship is no matter the time or distance apart, we remain close. We became adults together. We lived together, all in one way or another. Went through breakups and career changes. Heartache and happiness. Most of us are now married or committed to someone, and have children or are trying.

Each and every one of us is truly strange. In our own beautiful ways. And as time passes, we grow and change. Yet, when we all get together, it’s as if time as stood still. There’s only ever laughter, no judgment or criticism. We stand behind each other and provide fierce love. I’m lucky to have these people in my life and I hope that I can remain that person for them and all the new ones in my path.

This post’s nostalgia is brought on by the departure of Cristina. For those of you that don’t know, that’s Sandra Oh’s character on Grey’s Anatomy. *your eye roll goes here* Yes, another reference to that show. This last week was the show’s season finale and Cristina’s farewell episode. I’ll admit it. I cried like a baby. The show has been on for a decade people! I started watching this show with the friends I’m referencing in this post. Margarita Thursday is a true past time. We drank pitchers of margaritas and watched Grey’s every week, religiously. So to say goodbye to her is like saying goodbye to one of my best friends.

In a conversation with one these ladies a few days ago, she mentioned a mutual friend was having a rough time lately. The ladies that remain in my hometown refer to themselves as Rita’s. It’s incredibly fun, I love it. A little pick me up to the distressed Rita was in order. What better way to cheer someone up then a package of random stuff?!? She doesn’t know about this post and hopefully won’t until she gets her package. If not, she’ll get to anticipate all this totally rad stuff :

That’s absolutely my pregnant belly in the way also. It get’s in the way a lot.

1. baby lint roller- every woman needs this. Rita is a business woman, so she dresses the part. Linty pants. Disaster.

2. chocolate bar- I saw this new line of goodies, and they all have these hilarious names. This one says Hello My Name is Caramel Brownie, pleased to meet you.

3. mini gel pens- I’m a sucker for anything miniature and these pens didn’t disappoint.

4. set of adorable notecards- Now she can use those gel pens and send out some fabulous notes to people, like maybe me. *hint, hint*

5. Detox kit- Target always takes the win. They had these pamper kits that include cooling eye pads, face masks and aromatherapy goodies.

6. Hubba Bubba gum- Just because it’s awesome.

7. Goo Gone Wine Out- How handy is this?! All the Rita’s are wine drinkers and are also all clumsy so this seemed like a perfect fit.

8. Jergens BB Body lotion- This lotion is uh-mazing. It’s uber creamy and doesn’t leave you all filmy. It also smells fantastic.

9. Taylor Lautner picture-  I found this gem while thrift store shopping. Rita was Team Jacob while I was Team Edward ( I swear we’re not as lame as we sound). So this beauty I’m sure will be forever treasured by her.

My friends are my family. Whether I get to see them all the time or once a year, they matter immensely to me. I don’t sum up friendship by how often I see you or talk to you. It’s when that time comes, how our time is spent together. These people relieve my stress, not causing it. Acknowledge who I am, and appreciate that. They all dismiss chaos and focus on what’s important in life.

Your in my thoughts Rita and I’m here for you from afar. I might be stuck in the arctic, but I’m always by your side.

We recently bought new furniture. We picked out the couch we wanted already, we just had to decide on the other few pieces to add. Andy’s recliner broke last year, so replacing it seemed like a good fit.

Growing up my parents always had recliners. It’s one of my fondest memories with my mother. She would always sit and relax in her recliner during her down time and I would cuddle up with her and she would rock me. Whenever I was sick or had a bad dream, she would rock me to sleep in her chair. One leg was tucked under her, and she would use her other foot to keep a slow and steady pace.

As I got older, I would sit next to her and just talk. She is an amazing listener. It didn’t matter what was going on, she would listen and never judge. Even if I was in the wrong, she would find a way to comfort me along with correcting me. She was so good about helping me realize the person I am. Acknowledge my personal characteristics, even if they were flaws at times. Always calm and patient, even during those times when I really did mess something up.

This is one thing I hope to carry on with my children. Rock them in the recliner and listen to all their stories. Be able to listen and help, without judgment or criticism.

Motherhood is hard. And no one can tell you otherwise. It tests you in ways you’d never imagine. It’s exhausting and difficult at times. Most things come last for you. Food, showers, especially sleep. For instance, Hayden is pictured laying in one of the recliners. She’s wearing a swimsuit that is two sizes to small because the other one is being washed and she refused to play outside without one on. Her hair on one side is also crunchy and matted, because I spilt coffee on her head this morning. She’s mesmerized by what she’s watching, which is The Little Mermaid, for the second time in a row. Most likely it will play again at least once more today. She’s asked me “Why??” approximately 463 times. I gave her real responses until we got to about the 32nd why, then the dreaded “because I said so” came out.

Despite all those things I said though, motherhood is beyond fulfilling. It’s a love that cannot be replaced or substituted. I woke up to Hayden already awake, going to the bathroom, all by herself. She gave me so many hugs today and said “I love you soooo much mama.” She spent most of the afternoon with me outside, helping with yard work and telling me stories. Funny jokes were swapped and lots of jelly beans consumed. It might seem like an uneventful day to most, but to me, it was perfect.

I am the woman, the wife, the mother I am today because of my mother. She provided me with so many life skills. For those that enjoy my meals or baked goods, you can thank my mother. When I wrap my new little guy up in his cool new bicycle blanket, I’ll be quietly thanking my mother for teaching me to sew. I’m enjoying a patio filled with gorgeous green plant life due to a little green thumb, you guessed it, because of my mother.

To all of you mothers out there, you are amazing. I understand your tears and heartaches, and I share in your triumphs and joy. You have the hardest and most rewarding job. May you all have received many blessings and love on this day we celebrate you.