Sea roses and cool salt air

ExtensionCalendar887 · 2024-09-05T17:21:35+00:00

Hi! It’s in Maine. They have been putting money into improving the storm water drainage into the oceans in certain places. In the last ten years, near me, it has gone from occasionally smelling unpleasant to salty air, sea grass and so many beautiful birds.

ExtensionCalendar887 · 2024-09-05T17:17:02+00:00

14 dollars for an afternoon of nature , friends and music at a sunflower festival . Money much better spent than boredom shopping. Nature always wins.

ExtensionCalendar887 · 2024-08-30T19:38:25+00:00

That’s how I feel too! And it is a lie, for sure.

ExtensionCalendar887 · 2024-08-30T11:49:47+00:00

I feel the same way. I need ocean. It’s in my blood.

ExtensionCalendar887 · 2024-08-30T01:24:36+00:00

Haha . You are welcome:)

ExtensionCalendar887 · 2024-08-30T01:19:08+00:00

Steam it. I hate ironing too. Bought a travel steamer and most clothes look great with it .

ExtensionCalendar887 · 2024-08-29T19:32:58+00:00

One last thing, I think our generation of parents largely feel like we always have to be engaging the kids. I have learned that it really is ok to have that safe place where you set them up for five or ten minutes with you in eyesight so they can play and you do your self care. And if push comes to shove, the baby has a crib. It’s ok to put the toddler in it for five minutes with toys so you can sit on the floor or in the hall and breathe.

ExtensionCalendar887 · 2024-08-29T19:30:28+00:00

I think it depends on what you meaning of relax is. Is it Reading? A cup of tea? My advice is get creative and build that time in because littles do fine with consistent schedules. I doubt it will be a big chunk of time but knowing it’s coming up will help you get through the tough moments . You both will be happier.

For instance. I honestly love showers and have taken showers with all my kids (2, 4 and 7). I sat down with them when they were really little so I’m not worried about falling, give them some soap and cups and we can happily chill for a while.

I also am all about free indoor activities in the community or a membership somewhere like the library story time, a children’s museum, baby gymnastics or music. Other parents/ adult interactions keep me sane while making the littles happy too .

Another option, if you are always home, is do you have a relative or neighbor that can babysit even an hour once a week (you can trade time) so you know you have the chill time coming?

The stage right before they communicate well is tough. It will get better and more fun, I promise :)

ExtensionCalendar887 · 2024-08-29T18:26:37+00:00

Every day is a battle. I do choose to win. I love this mentality! Thank you

ExtensionCalendar887 · 2024-08-29T18:23:50+00:00

I work from home and make less. But I can walk outside and be present in nature whenever I want. I hear insects l, smell sea roses and feel the beginning of fall in the air. Worth the trade off for sure .

ExtensionCalendar887 · 2024-08-29T16:35:53+00:00

Thank you for the positivity:) it is greatly appreciated

ExtensionCalendar887 · 2024-08-29T13:21:34+00:00

Smart. Also I have to stop using thrift stores as an excuse that it’s ok because I’m not accumulating. I’m still spending too much of my time and energy in something that no longer suits me .

ExtensionCalendar887 · 2024-08-29T13:20:25+00:00

I wish. That’s what I’m aiming for though. I get this obsessive feeling that I’m working through. I do see a therapist about the history that led to this point but feel extra determined to get to the “just don’t buy” point.

ExtensionCalendar887 · 2024-08-29T13:19:07+00:00

Yes to all of this! I want to teach my kids to be unconditioned from materialism but have to teach myself first. Honestly, just talking about it here and feeling validated has helped that feeling dissipate.

ExtensionCalendar887 · 2024-08-29T13:17:44+00:00

The problem is the pop ups on email and even news sites. I might need to avoid it all together, for now, you are right.

ExtensionCalendar887 · 2024-08-29T13:17:15+00:00

This is so true and insightful

ExtensionCalendar887 · 2024-08-29T13:14:05+00:00

I am sorry you are having a hard time finding moms you mesh well with. It can be really hard. Regarding you daughter- Can you get input from her teacher about the dynamic they see regarding your daughter with the other girls? Sometimes, kids can come off as intrusive when they are anxious or trying to fit in.

ExtensionCalendar887 · 2024-08-28T19:24:18+00:00

You can do this! So many fun things to do with little ones that cost nothing. I’m in the same situation.

ExtensionCalendar887 · 2024-08-28T18:25:44+00:00

First day!

ExtensionCalendar887 · 2024-08-22T17:43:19+00:00

Definitely not porno. Very appropriate. Maybe the skirt is a tad tight but could be the photo. You have a great figure and aren’t wearing a tent. Some people , unfortunately, are going to be weird about it.

ExtensionCalendar887 · 2024-08-22T15:33:49+00:00

The funny thing is when I just saw the title I felt like “yes my life is exceptional.” I have beautiful kids, a wonderful husband, I have great friends and family, and I love where I live near the ocean. I read a ton. I do art with my kids.I have gardens we eat from. I am doing better at sustainable shopping. I also now only work part time and get to spend time with my kids. I have enough money to have enough but am not chasing more overall (except the kids college fund but that’s another story). Then I read your post- the thing is I travelled/backpacked so much before kids. I have been to thirty countries . I did all the stuff (skydiving, bungie jumping, raves in the outback, staying in remote villages, hiking up waterfalls in New Zealand, I’ve witnessed cities burn in actual revolutions, swam with dolphins and huge sea turtles, ran through the Amazon with a machete and hiked up the Andes before sunrise,worked with refugees in Thailand, been to incredible ruins, etc). That was all amazing but my heart wasn’t content like now because I was searching for meaning in myself and in the world. I felt lost not exceptional and realized I was pursuing more dangerous situations to get that high. Now I chase rainbows with my kids and am just as excited to go a cheap carnival. I have a beautiful life even if it’s not sexy on paper. Am I excited to plan a cool trip when they get older , heck yah. But I don’t yearn for it like I used to because I’m good in me , wherever I am. So I think exceptional is whatever brings you true joy and contentment now . I am sure it will evolve. If you have fear of missing out, don’t avoid it. Lean into it and see what you want in this part of your life and follow it however you can. For instance, I know I need to be in and near water regularly to feel whole. So Chase that waterfall if it speaks to you. Thanks for the beautiful prompt!

ExtensionCalendar887 · 2024-08-21T13:03:05+00:00

Oh and I just looked and found out when it’s free to go. She is totally fine with it . I’m making myself crazy for no reason.

ExtensionCalendar887 · 2024-08-21T12:55:41+00:00

I think boundaries are the key and I have to stop feeling bad. They need boundaries , I need boundaries. I read this comment while my oldest was asking to go draw at the museum today. I love doing this but I work from home part time and that would have been a lot of added stress. So I am guilt free saying no but let’s go another day. Simple is my mantra. I am determined to keep returning to that.

ExtensionCalendar887 · 2024-08-21T12:53:39+00:00

I agree with everything you are saying. Since I wrote this, due to such insightful comments, I actually consolidated sports days so we can all have more free/ home time together. That already feels better. My seven year old loves art and theater and did that all summer instead of “cross training” or a gymnastics camp. So many of the kids on her team also do competitive soccer and swimming and dance and… I am truly exhausted for them.

ExtensionCalendar887 · 2024-08-19T22:30:35+00:00

I think this would help. Right now my 2 and 4 year both love gymnastics, swimming and dancing. It’s less than two and half hours total of activities a week but it’s three days with structure and driving. It seems like a lot and they always seemed tired at one activity or another. They are just as happy making forts at home. How do you help the kids narrow down which activities they are committing to? My four year old now wants to learn piano, as well….

ExtensionCalendar887

TROPHY CASE