Saturday, June 26, 2010

Truth Be Told

I don't like reading blog posts from people that speak as though they have it all together. I don't believe it to be realistic, and will at times begin to feel inadequate and resent their sunshine, lollipops and rainbows. I think it's naturally easier to lament with another's sorrow than to share in another's joy. I wish that were not the case, but for me it's really hard to overcome my cynicism. I believe most human beings, (especially those with children) have bad moments, days, weeks, seasons, years... (take your pick).

My method of coping with the negatives of life is to usually brood, vent, then laugh. For me laughter is the very best medicine. I will admit that there are areas in my life (usually the reoccurring issues) that are harder to laugh at... but it's true, the joy of the Lord is my strength.

So I will now share some truths that I want you to know about me:

*nobody listens to me. ever. (I know, I know, you're not supposed to say things like always, everytime and never... but let me tell ya, it certainly feels like never). The positive side is that you can then tell people that you told them about something even if you really did forgot to tell them... cuz deep down they know they don't really ever listen to you anyway.

*I homeschool my kids, but they are not geniuses and I am not ambitious. Yes these things can go together, and it makes for some interesting (or not interesting) situations... but it's still better than public school and I always give my kids the appearance that I know exactly what I'm doing.

*the older I get, the more people annoy me. I'm destined to be a crotchity old lady I think because my list of irritating people keeps growing. But I'm really fun to the people I like... so try to stay on my good side.

*my kids provide me with the most frustrating circumstances (just experience a van ride with us sometime, you'll catch a glimpse...) as well as the most laughter and joy. Some people say I need to write a book... ummm, I seriously think that would be one huge collection of the mundane... like a joke with a long lead in but a weak punchline. I'll stick to short stories.

*my marriage is the hardest thing I've ever had to work at... some days I wonder if I'm on candid camera.

*I like to cook, but I can never remember what I cook... meaning I tend to get stuck on the same 5 meals... it feels a little similar to the Monty Python spam bit. "We can have chicken and rice, or chicken and noodles, or rice and chicken, or rice with rice and noodles and chicken..."

*my house is usually a mess and I often times just try to convince myself that a messy house is a mark of a busy and intelligent household... but the truth is that I'm usually doing nothing of consequence and things aren't put away because some of my children aren't even sure where things (like the dishwasher) are...

*I long to be all healthy and natural but will rarely turn down a fountain coke and will slather my made from scratch whole wheat pancakes in butter and syrup... yes, I'm a granola girl, but my granola is made with high fructose corn syrup.

*I feel like my blog is full of "debbie downer" complainy type posts, but for the most part I live a happy life! I really just long to laugh more and more each day. So remember, you will never come to this site to read about a family that has it all together... (because we don't) and really, where's the fun in perfection? (I only see it in dysfunction)

3 comments:

Brooke Conner said...

I love this post Jessie! I feel like you read my mind and then wrote down what I was/am thinking! :-) Thanks for sharing and reminding us that nobody has the perfect life, children, or marriage!! We are all a work in progress with the grace of God.

RK said...

This is THE best post I've read in a long time. The kind I should write. The kind I most appreciate reading, because it helps me believe I'm not the only one who isn't all neatly packaged in shiny paper all the time... or ever, in my case.

And people being annoying...amen. I've thought for years that I can almost feel the grumpy old woman inside me coming out a little more with every passing birthday. I want to fight it, I want to be that sweet little old lady who loves everyone, but I'm just not sure I've got that much sugar and spice.

Michelle said...

Well thank goodness for that! :) Thanks for keeping it real ... because I surely am NOT one of those who have it all together and like to know I'm not alone out there :)