What I’m thinking
I often skip blogging because I don’t know how to focus my thoughts into one subject with one title. I just realized it’s my blog and I don’t need to have one title with one subject- I can write about anything I want. I started this blog as a random mixing of my thoughts (this is my very first post all about meeting Trig and not knowing what to do since he lived in Philly). When I felt inspired I wrote. Then I started losing weight while eating tons of good food and started sharing my food diaries and recipes. That morphed into everything food with recipes, restaurant and product reviews, and random food thoughts. When I got pregnant I shared my pregnancy stories as well, and now I share everything from life with baby to monthly updates to favorite recipes and menus. So here I go in my next phase of blogging…
My nonna turns 90 today. It is hard to believe that she is 90 because she doesn’t look a day over 75. She has hardly any wrinkles which she attributes to her very simple regimen of water and a good massage with Nivea cold cream. She can remember anything she wants, which I attribute to her daily jigsaw puzzles. She is an inspiration to me as is auntie, who works hard in everything she does, never complaining for a minute. We went to RI this weekend and celebrated nonna’s big 90 with a fancy dinner, 90 + 1 candles on her special sugar free cake, and lots of time with Raffi.
It was a really special weekend for many reasons. My cousin Rawan celebrated a birthday. My cousin A received her undergrad degree and my cousin Baz received his master’s. What a weekend!
I used to miss Rhode Island a lot more than I do now. I no longer miss the familiarity of having a favorite restaurant or riding the same streets I’ve known for 20+ years. I only miss my family. If I could pick up my house AND my city of Philadelphia and plop it in the center of Cranston, RI I would be happy forever and ever. It’s hard to be away when you’re so close to everyone and hate missing out. Even as a kid I wanted to know everything going on and be with everyone all the time. While it’s hard to be far, I feel thankful to have such a great husband who will let us visit any time, even if it means a hellish drive.
I usually don’t talk about my New Year’s resolutions with anyone, but now that we are almost halfway through the year I feel like sharing. My goal is to complain less and to be a more thoughtful and considerate friend. When I was pregnant I hated every minute of it and it was hard to make it through each day, never mind be a good friend. I missed a lot of important events, and while it was out of my control I knew I wanted 2012 to be different. So far I’m doing ok with both resolutions. My brain just doesn’t function in the way some of my other friends’ do. I never think to schedule in a phone call; I call when I have a free minute and miss my friend. I also hate complainers – life is good! – so I really want to complain less. I’m working on my goals every day, and hopefully I will end 2012 in a far better place than 2011 when I was queen of complaining and not the best of friends.
Menu planning through my Babycenter challenge had fantastic results. We are spending less at the market and I’m eating better. I’m also losing weight again which feels good. We bought the BOB Revolution jogging stroller from REI this weekend (15% off, thanks to a tip from a Twitter friend) and I already had two runs with it. Even though the runs were sad compared to how I used to run, it felt amazing. I am so happy to be back out there, even if I’m a turtle and can’t run for too long. I did 30 straight minute with no walking breaks on Friday with Trig’s encouragement, and I felt like celebrating. I love that running sweat.
Even though this post had no point, it feels good to get some thoughts off my chest. Expect more posts like this.
Considering we grew up about a block away from each other, I think it’s safe to say that I totally understand how you feel. I’ve been away from “home” for five years as of this July, and even though my family doesn’t live there anymore, I still miss the familiarity of home. I’ve gotten used to the idea that I’ll always have that longing (lately I’ve been dreaming about my old house!), but it’s nice to also know that I’ve moved on.
I love it.
I used to think I needed to fit my own blog into a category, but then, I realized that I write primarily as an outlet. Meeting people and making connections is great, but it’s really secondary.
I really like that you are using your blog to write about any particular season of life you are currently in. I enjoy reading your insights.
I can’t believe I’ve been reading your blog for a year & didn’t realize you were from Cranston! My husband’s whole family is from Cranston and we were just there for Xmas. What a great little town…
Happy 90th to Nonna! What a milestone.
And so glad I could pass along the 15% info.
I like reading about all your blog topics. The variety makes it interesting!
I could have written this post, except substitute Kansas City for Philadelphia and Chicago for Rhode Island.
i love posts like this! they are definitely better than not posting and usually are the most heartfelt 🙂 I’m glad you’re having a happier year and getting results with your weight loss- you look great, enjoy it!!!
We got our BOB revolution stroller from REI too, and absolutely love it! I remember when I first started running again after having my first baby…it was painful at first, but it’s so rewarding to see your endurance improve and it was good for me mentally as well to get outdoors and exercise! My daughter didn’t seem to mind going for a ride too 🙂 Hope you continue to achieve your goals!!
I’m six months pregnant right now and I laughed out loud when you said you hated every minute of being pregnant. It’s refreshing to hear someone actually say that! I’m completely in agreement–babies are wonderful but I’m counting the days (maybe the seconds!) until this part is over.
Love it. Keep them coming!
Lol just catching up… Love this post 🙂