The Card I Dealt Myself

Day 16: Something difficult about your "lot in life" and how you're working to overcome it.

First I had to search what "lot in life" meant. I guess the term means the circumstances you have in your life. Similar to the "hand you were dealt".

_______________





I could totally back out of this and claim I have nothing to complain about and every aspect of my life is perfect. But seriously, is that why we blog?

One part of my life that I've always been sore about was leaving college. Like the title, I figure it wasn't "handed to me" it was a card I dealt myself because it was a choice I made.

I love school, always have. I moved a lot in life but school was always a constant. It was one thing I could count on when settling into a new area. After graduating, I really had no clue where to go to school. I just jumped on the first one I looked at. My great uncle went there, it was a gorgeous campus, but it was in South Dakota. I didn't think I wanted to be that far away from family but at the same time I wanted to get as far away as I could to find my "independence" or ...something. That's what kids do right?

For me, things were different.

Fast forward three years and I have one child who is 17 months old, I am married and about to celebrate my 2nd anniversary (CRAZY), and have one child on the way (EDD: Aug 30)


How am I working to overcome this? 


I am taking an online English class to get started on my general courses. I am currently so anxious but at the same time it's exciting.

No matter what "hand" you are dealt, what choices you make, I believe there is a reason for it. No matter what others think in the end, it's your decision. Stand by yourself, stand up for yourself, and don't forget....

Is there anything you're struggling with?

Click here to read my Blog Every Day In May posts.

Day In The Life

Day 15: Day in the life. 

I wish I could have done a photo an hour because I find those posts really unique, but today I have been in work meetings since noon and couldn't even have my phone on. Plus, taking photos of the papers that were stacked in front of me every hour would be BORING. PLUS, they would have fined me $5 every time it were to go off! I've never heard of that before!

My typical day is waking up, showering, hurrying to get ready for work before Sterling wakes up, usually Sterling wakes up somewhere in between, we watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse or Jake & The Never Land Pirates.  I get him changed, dressed, fed, and if he's feeling well, we head out the door around 7:45 to get to daycare and so mommy can get to work on time. On the way we head down towards the John Deere dealer because he loves to look at the tractors. I drop him off at  daycare and head to work. I work for 8 hours, get off work and head home. Spend time with hubs and little man before bed. If I haven't blogged for the day, I quickly conjure up a post, post it, then resume spending time with my little family. Sterling usually falls asleep by 9 and we follow soon after.

Today however, I had meetings for work until Friday. Friday morning I get up at 5:30 to fly to Palm Springs to see my sister (and mother!!) for her baby shower. I come back Tuesday only to resume work meetings on Wednesday and Thursday. Tuesday happens to be my 2 year wedding anniversary, any gift ideas anyone?!?

Here are some photos from the day so far....

 My drive to my work meetings. Need to clean my windshield.

Arriving into Pierre.

My room has a sliding door to this "hallway".

Wish I brought a bathing suit.  

My "quick and easy" lunch before my first meeting. 

Chicken Casesar Salad.

Turned out this was a big as my head! But SO good.

I'm kiind of embarrassed to show this but can you blame me?

Like I said, SO good.

Looks like two days of blogging, school, and TV.

I am not used to being completely alone for a couple of days. And although I get nervous about it, I am debating going to see the Great Gatsby. A movie...by myself. I read the book in high school and fell in love with it. I'm afraid my anxiety might win this debate. However, I did eat alone in the hotel restaurant and it wasn't as bad as I had anticipated.

I started an English class, completely online. I hope to use the times while I'm not in my meetings to get ahead of the coursework since I know the whole schedule and what to expect.

What is a typical day for you?

Click here to see all my Blog Every Day In May posts so far!

What Makes Me Happy

OK... so mayyyybe I've decided to skip Day 13's public apology, because Day 14 is sooo much happier.

Day 14: List ten things that make you happy.

1. The power of prayer. Even when things don't go my way, I know there's a different path at that moment and I don't need to worry. Prayer has gotten my small family through 5 months of hubs out of work. Prayer has healed hubs back from his surgery. Prayer has given me the chance to have a girl (according to the ultrasound)!!!!! Prayer has given me patience. Prayer has given me the opportunity to go and see my mother and sister for a much needed vacation. Prayer has opened doors for me that otherwise would have been left shut.

2. School. It makes me anxious, I get all sweaty, but I LOVE school. I just signed up for my first online course and I am COMPLETELY scared out of my mind. But it's a good thing.

3. Travel. I haven't traveled in a while and this is so exciting for me! Although last night I did cry for the first time since I've planned this about being away from hubs AND Sterling. I love people watching, navigating, planning, and organizing. I am SO deprived of food out here in SD (kidding) that I must have Chipotle, Panera Bread, Cold Stone (we have one here but might as well), and FISH TACOS!. My sister also has this old-fashioned diner near her that is TO DIE FOR. Their shakes are the bomb, their burgers are greasy, fattening, and just full of calories. YUM! Also, I NEED mexican food. Can you tell that I'm at all pregnant?

 This is some resort in Palm Springs. 

Not where I'll be but it gets me in vacay mode!

4. Food. Sadly I am beyond serious. This doesn't mean I gorge myself but I really enjoy food. Different flavors, combinations, and textures. I love figuring out new foods and trying them out while also trying to incorporate new things at home. I love watching Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations and Parts Unknown. It's cool to see how other cultures react to food and how they plan and execute delicious meals. Though I will never try half the foods that man has tried.

5. Painted nails. I bit them for so long they were very hard to paint and looked absolutely ridiculous when I was done.

6. Tinted lotion. I love gradually seeing my skin darken without having to worry about skin cancer. I use Jergen's and it works perfectly for me. It also has built in SPF!

7. Knowing I worry a lot less. I swear it was a problem that probably needed to be corrected with help. But this also connects with #1 because I pray A LOT. I now feel like I am a lot "lighter", more calm, and a lot more easy-going. Everything will be okay!

8. Blog Every Day In May. Seriously it has rejuvenated my love for writing and I hope even after this I'll stick around. I have to admit I am a bit afraid of May 31st as I will no longer have topics chosen for me and I'll actually have to use my brain!!!!!

9. Progress. Of course we all love forward progress. Lately I've realized that backwards progress might be essential in order to move forward. It might be exactly what we need.

10. My hubs; seriously. I do not give him enough credit. Despite our differences he ultimately stands by me, supports me, and loves me unconditionally. All three of what I just listed are things I desperately need to work on. Saved the best for last.

What makes you happy?

Be sure to click here to see all my other posts so far!