You Give Me Something

The title to this blog is also the title of one of my most current favorite tunes by James Morrison, but it also inspired this blog entry. Lately I've been given opportunities by others to advise them and offer my opinion, talents, etc. Often I take these opportunities lightly and don't really think much of them...Somehow today it struck me differently. It is an absolute privilege to have someone let you in and value your relationship enough to want to hear what you have to say. That they believe I might have something to offer is not something to take lightly. More deeply than that, in time, I will need someones help, advise, shoulder to lean on, etc. and they in return will give me something - have given me something in the past!

We really live interdependently on each other - it's impossible not too...Our lives would miss much!! God made us all differently for a reason...We can draw on each others strengths, talents, experiences when needed. Our lives are enriched by others. An example for me is music and the people who make it and move me with their sound, lyrics, talent. I could not sing to save my life but my life is fuller because others sing. I thank God for my friends. I need their gifts, conversations, perspective, support, love, etc to survive!

Where would we be without each other?! Seriously:)!

Humility

Dictionary.com defines humility as follows:

hu·mil·i·ty –noun
the quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one's own importance, rank, etc.

My definition? Being loved, even when I don't deserve it.

Thanks Eric for loving me with more than words! You are a hero to me...

he·ro / –noun
1. a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.
2. a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal

Jealousy

Dictionary.com defines jealousy as:
1. jealous resentment against a rival, a person enjoying success or advantage, etc., or against another's success or advantage itself.
2. mental uneasiness from suspicion or fear of rivalry, unfaithfulness, etc., as in love or aims.
3. vigilance in maintaining or guarding something.
4. a jealous feeling, disposition, state, or mood.

Can I whine? I looked up this word because I think that is the condition of my ailment today. I'm jealous. At 11:00ish this morning Eric calls me to see what we (the kids and I) are doing for lunch. Usually Eric comes home and I appreciate his sacrifice to do that everyday. I'm thinking when he asks the question "I'm doing the same thing I do everyday. I'll feed the kids and then I'll feed myself." But instead I answer, "The usual." Do you like this trip inside my head so far:)?

Well the reason he is asking is because he wants to go out with his friends and I know it. He tells me of plans to go to Old Chicago's and I just say "Go ahead and go." My thoughts not so calm and considerate:)...We get off the phone and I am jealous:)!

Warning: here comes the whining - stop now if you aren't in the mood:).
Everyday he leaves the house to go to work where he enjoys the freedom of breaks when he needs them. Going to the bathroom when nature calls uninterrupted. He can go to lunch without loading up two car seats and feeding two little mouths before he eats. He can have a beer at the office with the guys when the day is winding down. He can play their favorite computer game uninterrupted before he comes home. And then once he gets here his dinner is usually ready and the kids are winding down to go to bed.

My typical day: I wake up, I feed the kids. I clean up the kitchen. I get them dressed. If I'm lucky I get to work out. I get myself cleaned up - again if I'm lucky no major fights or injuries will erupt during this period. I run the mandatory errands or clean up the toys and clutter. Around noon I feed the kids. I clean up the kitchen and then its naptime. Yay my only non-guarenteed break:). Most days I am fortunate to have an hour or two to myself but some days Megan gives me trouble. I get the kids up, feed them snack and start with dinner prep. Feed the kids again, bath them and put them to bed.

Some days I think Eric's life looks like a vacation. I enjoy my kids and love the blessing they are, but today I admit it, I am jealous and longing for a lunch break and computer games and maybe even a beer! Must be nice:).

My Favorite Things...Or at Least the Beginning of Them...

I've been inspired by a fellow blogger and friend to create a list of my favorite things! It's a real feel gooder, especially after the week I've just had. I've been sick three times back to back to back! My kids have been sick off and on too, so needless to say it has been trying on my body, soul and spirit. This was refreshing!

My Favorite Things:
(Warning: this list can and probably will be added to and modified.)
Eric
My kids
Cuddling with Eric
Cuddling with Eric right before I fall asleep
The beach
Shopping and making my money go a long way (I like to average my purchases, number of items purchased divied by total price equals average amount per item. The lower the latter amount is the better I feel!)
Raindrops on my rooftop at bedtime
Naps
Snuggling with my kids
Going out to eat
Getting dressed up and going out
The way I feel when I finish a race or workout
Latte's - Starbuck or otherwise
Spending time with people I love
Reading good books
Writing when it really flows and what I want to say comes out the right way
Surprises - good ones that is:)
Christmas
The first snow
The smell of spring
The color of fall
Music
Sweaters, swimsuits and strappy sandals!
Massages
A clean house
Someone else cooking for me:)
Being healthy
Music that makes me want to dance
Dancing even if I look silly
Margaritas!!
Getting away with Eric alone for a date or a few days
Eric planning the date or the get-away:)
Puppies/Dogs - the bigger variety (such trouble but sooo cute and loyal!) - no we don't have one yet
DENVER BRONCOS
Family vacations
Honesty
Our kids giggling
Spending days on or at the lake
Hiking
Sleeping in past 7:00 a.m.
Time alone to do whatever I want
New clothes
New shoes
Chocolate cake
O.k. dessert in general (that's why I have to work out!)

I think that is a good start and I'm sure I'll think of more. It's nice to think of the things that make me happy and I enjoy. Very theraputic! Maybe you too should make your own list...:)?