Dear Me.

Write a letter to your 100-year-old self.

Dear 100 year old me,

You’ve had a great life so far. This letter is not at your ending, you’ve still got a lot of life still to go.

How is the husband? Is he still going strong? Does he still take in projects at 99 years old? Is he just as kind and caring as he has always been? You should know how much he loves you.

How are your kiddos doing? Have they all accomplished everything they have set their minds to? How are your grandkids/ great grandkids? I’m thinking guessing they are still running a muck and keeping you on your toes. But they love their great grandma so much. You should be proud of what you initially started.

I saw your paintings in a gallery. I’m amazed that you are still painting to this day. What’s also amazing is that you paint just because you love to paint, not for the money side of things. But I still hope you are doing well in that department.

Are your grandkids reading that short story collection you put together? I still read them at night when I don’t want to watch a movie but still want a story. Also I’m happy you finally finished your Life of Two Best Friends series. I was always constantly anticipating the ending. Thankfully it didn’t take you 100 years of age to finally finish it. Only 36. Haha!

I hope you have accomplished all you have wanted in life. You have a wonderful family. You have used your God given talents for pure joy. You have a loving and wonderful husband. You brought up wonderful children. They had wonderful children.

You should be proud of yourself. I am proud of you.

Lots of Love,

Younger You. ❤️

.-.-.-.-.

That was actually quite fun. This would be fun to do just normally throughout your life. Just every 2-5 years write a letter to yourself, asking questions. Digging deep. Because then you can write a return reply and you can ask about all things you have accomplished in that short amount of time. You can just pause for a moment and see that yes, you may not be as far along as you were hoping, but you still accomplished a lot so far.

Have a wonderful Monday.

Again…Why One?

What is one question you hate to be asked? Explain.

I have several questions. That I’m sure people can relate.

#1: How are you feeling?

I wish this question would be changed to how’s your day going? Or did you accomplish what you wanted today?

Something like that. Because if you ask me how I’m feeling my answer is always going to be I’m tired. I think I’m going to be tired for at least another ten years. But the problem is; is I answer by saying I’m tired and people get annoyed by my answer. So if you want a different answer ask me a different question.

Family is different. They can ask me how I’m doing. Because they know everything. Haha!

#2 What’s for dinner?

It’s not that I hate this question. But when I’m in the point of my cycle where I don’t want to choose, this question bothers me. Especially when I’ve already asked my husband what he wants and he doesn’t give me an answer. Hopefully as my kids grow up they will just ask, “Hey mom, can we have pizza for dinner?” Or “Can we have lasagna?” I’ve never been good at choosing. So excited for that day!!

#3 Do you really want to do that? Or, Choose that? Or, Do you think that is a good decision?

I know why this is asked. It is to help people learn. Someone questions you, so that you can really think about what you are doing. But for me this question always causes the person to question themselves. Even if their decision is good or right; they still doubt themselves. Then they ask that question, “What do you think?” And the other person replies, “I don’t know. You decide. It’s your decision.” That’s the part that irks me. If you are going to question me and make me second guess myself; then when I ask you for your opinion you better have a compelling response. If not, stay quiet. Let me figure things out through my own failure or success.

#4 Does this dress make me look big?

This question just bugs me. Because I know, not all women, but there are those few that ask this question fishing for a fight, compliments, vain, etc. But honestly you need to trust your own idea of what you like. Because at least for me, if you don’t absolutely love what you try on, you will never wear it. If you are worried about looking big, even before you buy it; then you will be constantly worried about that, and never give it a chance out of your closet.

And if I ask this question it’s to my husband or my mom. Because they give me honest answers. My body is a strange portion. I have big shoulders, long torso, and long legs. So if dresses are made for a short person then it’s going to look like I’m wearing a long shirt or that I lost half of my dress. So I ask for their opinion to know if it looks okay. I want them to confirm my thoughts.

Unless it’s family I cannot answer this question. Because I will answer honestly. And I never know if they are asking for the honest truth or for me to make them feel good.

That’s why I love thrift stores or Ross so much. Because if it’s not quite right, when I get home, then I’m not out too much. But I usually keep it and wear it at home. Or if I love it enough, I’ll hold onto it for my daughters. Everything comes back into style. Maybe by the time they are my size, they will like digging through my closet.

I guess there wasn’t many. But I’m sure there are more.

But like everything. As long as people are asking out of care or concern, all is fine.

Life of Two Best Friends:College CHPT 47

Life of Two Best Friends: College CHPT 46

Chapter 47

The day was here. I wasn’t as anxious for today as I had been, when I would be against Bryan. The drive was gone. I knew I would still swim my heart out today, but the urgency was gone.

But the atmosphere, arriving on deck today was way better. Everyone seemed relaxed, excited even. But I think they were in the same funk as me. That without the stress of Bryan, they didn’t know how to act accordingly, so they just relaxed. Which may not be the best; because today was a racing day. And only top 12 would be A-strings. And currently, unless the newer athletes are here to do business there is only five spaces available; after the people I believe will fill in the spots.

“Hey George,” Chad was walking towards me, “Coach wants to start the stretching. I’ll gather everyone over there. Can you check and see if there are any stragglers? I think people will be cut from the team if they show up late today. For Coach being in an upbeat mood last night; he seems to be in a bad mood now.”

“Yeah, sure. No problem. Start them on the stretches. The stragglers will just get to do less.” I walked towards the exit.

Being co captains seems to be going well. Chad has been stepping up to the role. I looked out the doors. I called out, “Anyone coming to the mock meet better hurry up. Coach is in a foul mood.” Nothing. Just as I turned I heard a “Wait!”

Looking back I saw a girl running up. It was the girl from orientation. What was her name?

“Thanks for the reminder George. I was down the hall tutoring my student early. I didn’t know how long this mock meet would take. Am I late?” Stephanie was flush and loaded up with bags.

‘A freshman is already a tutor. Impressive.’ “You’re good. Just go get changed and join the group.”

“Will do, George!”

I checked the hallway again and saw no one else. I closed the doors, and headed back to the group.

“As follows. Every athlete today will be swimming every race. The only difference is if you want to tryout for the A-Strings you will swim the 200 Freestyle, 200 IM, 100 of each stroke, 50 Freestyle and the 500 Freestyle. If you do not feel like you can race all those events today you will still compete but you will compete in 200 Freestyle, 100 IM, 100 Freestyle, and 50 of each stroke. Do not worry. We will have another mock meet at halfway through the season. So that those of you who would like to tryout again you will have a chance. B-string and C-string events will be first. A-string after. If you have any questions you can find and ask your co captains. But know they have races today as well. Okay let’s get racing!”

Coach wasn’t kidding. When he said being captain is a big job, it was. Suddenly I was surrounded with teammates with questions. I looked over to Chad, and he was surrounded so much I could barely see him. Thankfully I had his help too or I would have missed all my races.

Yeah. The my drive was at a standstill. I didn’t feel a push or a need to beat anyone today. I knew I would win. Even if it wasn’t my favorite race, I would win. It’s like everyone else knew it too, so I didn’t have anyone to push me to be better. And Coach knew it too.

“Well George. I’m surprised at your times. They are not bad, but they are the same as they were at the end of last year. Not what you have been showing me in practice lately.”

“I know Coach. I just don’t seem to have the drive or push anymore. I had planned to use Bryan to push me to be better. But now that he’s gone I don’t feel driven. If you understand?”

“I do understand. However, George, you cannot use anyone or anything else to drive you to be better. You have to be that role too. You chase your current self. Your drive should derive from you wanting to be better. Do you think that current Olympians use others to be better? On their teams? In practice? No. Some may, but several of them don’t have the luxury of having a sparring partner. They all have to push themselves.”

I knew all of this. I knew it. But why was I still not driven to do what Coach was telling me. It just seemed to be going over my head. “I know Coach. I do. But…I don’t know…I…”

“Alright. College must still be clouding your mindset. You say you need something physical to stimulate your drive, right? All athletes go through this. Henry. Come here,” coach waved Henry over. “Alright. Henry. We both know you will be a A-stringer. Your co captain is not giving this meet his all. Can I count on you to help him out?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good. You both have the 500 Freestyle left. You want something tangible to have a drive. Okay then George, Henry will get a 50 head start. Your job is to beat him. You should know George, this is Henry’s main event. He holds a solid average the entire time. You will have to dig deep to beat him. Henry you don’t allow him to get closer. Keep him a 50 behind. But know George will be chasing you down. It’s his nature. Now go. Compete!”

I asked for this. I did. But it seemed impossible. Pretty much Coach was telling me to sprint the entire 500. So death. Means death. But I felt better. I felt that spark coming alive. I felt inspired to swim. “Alright Coach. Good luck Henry,” I outstretched my hand.

“You too. Good luck,” Henry returned the handshake.

Now I had a race.

Easy!

What are three objects you couldn’t live without?

Husband, kids, meat! Haha 😂

No let me think. Those would be my answers, but let me try and find three more personal items that I own.

1: My trusty chubby red. It’s my medium sized Dutch oven. I named it chubby red. I have a Bug red and a baby red. But the middle one can do various things.

2:My photos. All of them. I want to in the future do those picture books. I can always paint if I want art, but photos of my kids and memories can’t be replaced.

3: A collection of things. Mr. Pinky, my wedding dress, my ring, my locket, those type things. Because you can replace many things. But my wedding dress was discontinued, so I want to have the option to pass it down to one of my daughters. My ring could be passed down to my son’s wife if he wants. My locket was from my husband; it holds pictures of my kiddos. It could be passed down; maybe become an heirloom. Wright girls would wear it. Mr. Pinky….because he is so old already, I want to see how old he can become. He’s currently 30 years old!

This was fun. I sat in the couch looking into the house trying to discern what was important to me. I like my choices. But also my first choices too.

Enjoy your…Monday. Had to check. Haha!

Life…

If you think your life is chaotic…

I am a mom to two high energy kids. 6 & almost 3. And now I’m a mother to a 2 month old.

I cook from scratch for every meal, for every day.

I’m doing at least 3 loads of laundry a day to keep up!

My husband’s schedule shifts from day shifts to night shifts; that I don’t know what today is even. Oh, Sunday. I had to look.

But tack on top of this that we are trying to sell our house. So I have to keep the house showing ready. With those two rambunctious kids it’s almost impossible.

And we have our first showing tomorrow…at least I’ve been trying to stay on top of the house so it should be easy.

But if you are feeling overwhelmed today; just know there might be someone with a more chaotic life than yours. Relax and enjoy yourself if you have the time.

I do not. At least not until bedtime.

Have a great Sunday!

(Happy I know what day it is!)

Being Awesome

What were your parents doing at your age?

My mom was being a super mom.

She was working full time, but also was taking care of her kids. She was doing so much; that I now know and totally understand what it is to be a mom.

Her life was constant. Constantly moving. Constantly taking care of her family. To me that is what a superhero looks like!!

I Know!

You get some great, amazingly fantastic news. What’s the first thing you do?

I call my mommy!!

Because naturally if I’m getting that amazing news my husband is with me. So the first person is mama!

Crazy, is I read the question and instantly knew the answer!

I love you Mama! So very very much!! Excited to see you soon!

❤️

Nope.

Describe your most ideal day from beginning to end.

I started writing my answer just before this. You know, getting sleep and my kiddos listening to me 100%. But I deleted it. It’s gone.

Because as much as I would love to have those things, it’s not going to happen right now. And I don’t want to be frustrated or annoyed with my life. Sometimes venting too much can lead to more negativity in life. And that’s what that original post would have been; me venting and wishing for a different life. However, my life is what it is. I have stubborn headstrong children. I have a hard working husband who has to go to a job a various hours that he hates. And I spend all my time taking care of my family.

It’s a good life. I don’t want to list everything that I wish for, because then I’ll just be disappointed when that day never comes.

So for a realistic answer. I want a day where all my loved ones are well and healthy; and they all accomplish what they wanted to do that day.

Have a great Wednesday. If today is not what you wanted; there is always tomorrow. ❤️

Everything!

What’s your favorite thing to cook?

Since on my journey of making everything from scratch, I’ve found I love to make anything and everything. Baked goods, breads, Mexican foods, Chinese foods, Italian foods, Pizza, American foods, desserts, etc.

I make bread about twice a week. I make a baked good about once every two weeks. I make pizza once every two weeks. I make something chocolatey once a month; which involves making my own chocolate. I tend to cycle through all the types of foods. American, Italian, Mexican, etc. but u tend to make lots of Mexican foods because they are delicious!

Then comes a week where I’m not inspired to cook. I have many many recipes. More than you can imagine; but during this week none of them sound good to me. So ask the husband what he is craving. He gives his idea and I go on a hunt for a feasible recipe. So we try new things for a week; some are good and some are terrible. But it helps me to kickstart my drive to cook again.

I don’t really have a favorite thing to cook. I would say I love to cook foods that my husband is craving. I love to cook foods that my kiddos will devour without complaining. I love to make chocolate things just for me; but I always have to end up sharing.

It’s always a bummer to put in all that hard work of trying something new and it’s a flop. Because one you wasted your time, but you also have to make something else for dinner.

But I will say that bread is super easy now. Chocolate is super easy. Enchiladas is easy. Mac n cheese is easy. Pizza. Pudding. Pancakes. Etc. I could list many more. The ones I mentioned, I make either once a week or two-four times a week.

I even told my mother-in-law that it seemed like my day is spent making food, eating food, feeding a one month old, and cleaning up. Very true. Ha!

I hope your Sunday is filled with delicious foods.

Also. I’ve been making lots of hearty soups. My mother-in-law has been craving soups. Easiest meal ever! One pot! Yum!

This picture is kind of random, but mother-in-law asked if I had any idea to rearrange their living room. This was what I came up with. The colors aren’t exactly right but just so that she can show her husband the idea. Visual is always helpful when asking for a budget. Haha 😂

Hopefully it works for them. They have most of the furniture already.