a life update.

11.20.2011

It has been a crazy few weeks. I'm sure I've felt more stressed out at some point in my life (like when i was taking 30 credit-hours, planning a wedding long-distance, and freezing to death in Idaho), but if feels like this is the tops.
I've been working long hours, making endless house decisions, and trying to get our place done so we could move in before Thanksgiving because we will no longer have a bed at the in-laws. 
Leaving me feeling bummed that taking time out to celebrate my birthday like i would like to is just not going to happen this year. 
I even went so far as to beg Marcus to let me change my birthday to March 21st (first day of Spring and official day of the Unicorn) but he wouldn't budge. Apparently he thinks the day in which one enters the world is sort of a final and definite thing...Bah!
I can feel the stress lap over me in a fierce effort to drown out my carefree spirit. 
And frankly, I hate it. 
I know can't let it win, but I'm having a hard time fighting it when my hands are full of everything else. 
Is this what adulthood looks like?
Perhaps it's just something I will grow into and learn to handle better. 
Perhaps 23 is the age that you really do have to grow up and except that life isn't always smooth sailing. 
Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps, i just need to take a little time to count my blessings...
I'm also open to any of your suggestions.

23 comments

Ariel said...

Love this post! I hope life calms down for you, though, and quickly becomes less stressful. I find it important, no matter how busy or stressed out, to take an hour and do something just for YOU. Something you enjoy. I hope life calms down soon!
xoxo~Ariel at adreamersdaze.blogspot.com

Meghan Durst said...

You will have your own space soon! Yay. That's super exciting...I'm awaiting that day which will be about a year from now. I think that's a perty stellar bday gift. Hope you feel less overwhelmed soon! 

Autumn said...

This has been my 23rd year thus far too!  Adult jobs and graduate school.  It only makes when things are peaceful seem all the more sweeter though...and for me- that is Thanksgiving break from the kids I teach and the adults I work with!

Sarah said...

I'm sorry it's been so crazy for you. Just stay focused on how awesome it will be to have your own little place! I'm so excited for you!

Tequila Mockingbird said...

Hey, take the time to feel how you feel. Trying to deny just makes things worse as then energy is pent up. But don't revel in the negative. Give it a hug and set it free. I don't think anyone has it easy. Money doesn't eradicate illness or pain. Yes celebrate what you have. Look at life like a definition of bravery: it's the ability to act in the face of fear, not in the absence of it. Have fun and wear tights, that's my motto.

Michaela Willard said...

This lovely post by Emily always helps me. Maybe it will help you too. :)

http://ourfamilywagon.blogspot.com/2011/04/one-moment-at-time.html

Irene Navajas said...

I have had two of the most stressing months in my life and although it seems like I have to grow up and be a 25-y-o adult in a week, I just can't bear it!
My advice is to keep going and stress because that's part of life, but don't go not celebrating your bday! decide a date and time and place and then get back to all those other things that seem mega-important! :)

Alyx Garner said...

Hahaha, I love this! How in the world did you take 30 credit hours at once?! My college would only allow you to sign up for 21. You are crazy, lady! I would have freaking DIED! Props, though. Basically what I'm trying to say is... if you could do that, you can get through anything. My suggestion - go get a massage. It will work wonders, you will feel so relaxed afterwards, and then you can take over the world. Seriously. Try it. 
Note: You can usually get a pretty cheap (and good) massage if you go to a school. Just ask for the best student when you make an appointment, and BAM! You're getting a professional massage for half the price! 

Jenn said...

Beautiful pictures! I'm sorry you're so stressed. It seems like one thing after another lately, especially in the newlywed, postgrad life. All I can say is, this too shall pass! Next thing you know, you'll be looking back on this time, possibly even with a little bit of fondness. 

Andrea Baker said...

When I was in school I would usually be taking finals on my birthday. This is why I love half birthdays so much more. Enjoy your birthdays while you still can, because once you have kids it's a whole different story.  (And I love the hippie bus!) 

Arielle said...

Sorry things are stressful.  When I'm stressed my mind usually goes to that Robert Frost quote: "In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on."
So I know that things will either have to get better or worse even, but at least they won't stay the same. I didn't get to celebrate my birthday this year(I had to work overnight) and I was bummed and nobody understood why. I get you. In the meantime, just remember to stop and breathe and count your blessings. Listen to some good music while you do errands and chores, try to find any time to watch your favorite movies as a kid. I hope things get better and fast for you. 

-Arielle
www.humblepievintage.com

Kimberly Woodbury said...

happy birthday! chase thinks i'm weird because i'm a BIG birthday person... i take work off every year for it and i have to make sure that the day is devoted to what i want to do and that i'm not obligated to do ANYTHING un-fun on it... so i totally know what you mean by you're not ready to grow up and just make it like any other day of the year. i suppose i'll have to eventually, especially now that i have a baby lol. whenever one of our birthdays or anniversary has a lot going on around it, we just celebrate it early or late though. it's not quite the same, but it still works! i hope you're still able to take time out of your busy day today to celebrate though, even if it's only for an hour!

Nashelle said...

Gorgeous pictures. :) I've read your blog for a long time and finally leaving a comment, but that's ok. I heard a quote once that I just loved. "Expect a Miracle every day." Similar to counting blessings, but it's sometimes more fun to look for 'miracles' in every day life. I don't know. Just a thought. :)
-Nashelle
danielandnashelle.blogspot.com

MoMo said...

First off, ALL the photos of food are making my mouth water.
Second, I hope things ease up on you. Perhaps that will be the best birthday gift of them all!

Samantha Clagett said...

Oh your making me hungry with all those food pictures! Ahh :)
And your reading Mockinjay! (don't ask how i new just by that photo you were reading it) :) i finished that book in a day... no lie ;)

Kristina Wilson said...

I don't know how much my advice will help. But i just wanted to let you know, that i read your blog everyday and it inspires me and keeps me going all the time. You are an amazing example to me, and i know that even though life is stressful i am certain you will be able to do everything. My advice? Today, i went to the temple, knelt on the grounds and prayed. and prayed and prayed and prayed. and i came away feeling SO peaceful. Or, for fun, turn on your favorite music, blast it loud. and just dance, swing, run, skip, do cartwheels, frolic in a field of daisies, or smell flowers. Just find ways to make you smile, and hopefully the stressful feelings are smothered with thoughts of happiness. Good Luck! :)

Colleen Romriell said...

yes, adulthood is stressful but a great thing!  If it was easy then it wouldn't help us grow and to help us become better people.  I am confident that if anyone can enjoy and thrive during this new phase in life, is you.  Enjoy the ride, it also helps bring us closer to our spouses if we let it!

Emily Baker said...

that birthday cake looks absolutely incredible. OH jeez. 

Aiketa said...

I am late... but HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I am a November baby too, and I really like it. Hope you had some time to celebrate it! 

cardiganempire said...

Honestly, building a house and moving has been one of the most stressful events of my life.  And we're comparing this with childbirth, divorce, graduate school...  It's overwhelming trying to make so many decision at once.  Like trying to build the perfect husband trait by trait.  Good luck and let me know if we can do anything to help.  Cute babies btw.  That picture of Levi almost resembles me, I mean he's still baby Andrew but with a touch of Cheen mixed in.

creole wisdom said...

30 credits? Girl you were crazy! I think the early 20s are the hardest time in life, I'm serious. That's why we look our best, it kind of circumvents everything :) At least that's my philosophy. The years of 20-23 were rough for me, good but hard. At almost 25 I feel like I finally climbed out of the hole, but I still feel like a kid. I'm so excited to see what you decor wise, you have such style! Good luck as you embark on all of this.

e. day said...

i'm sorry you are stressed, friend. that does sound like a lot to take on at once. my suggestion would be to scroll back up through your post and look over your pictures, because they tell the story of a beautiful life. and if all else fails, pinterest may help you escape into another world. :)

Ashley Nielson said...

This is my favorite advice. Thank you darling! Something should be arriving at your door Monday or Tuesday at the latest. I'm glad you're my friend.

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