Some things are just too toxic. I feel like there is so much negativity surrounding me these days, from the cryptic Facebook posts that show up on my newsfeed, the inability of people in my life being able to get along... Or even talk to each other, to the stress of feeling like I NEVER see my husband. I know he feels the negativity too, it's consumed us both.
I mean really, this should be the happiest times of our lives, we're young, we have a beautiful healthy 14 month old, and each other. Yet, all I can think about is how we're stuck in Iowa all summer. Like the city of Cedar Falls is holding us captive or something.
Since nothing is really in my control , I can let the negativity consume me or take the hand that was dealt to me and do my best. That being said, I am choosing to make the most of it. This summer, Eric and I are going to become "doers." I think we're both sick of talking about what we want to do, so why not just do it?
So, here is what I'm going to do this summer in Iowa:
1. Shop local.
As much as I can. By shopping farmer's markets and the river loop public market in Waterloo, we can feed ourselves and support local farmers and work on breaking free from the processed world.
2. Stay off my damn smart phone.
I truly believe these little devices are ruining humanity. I'm sick of seeing people out together, on their phones. This summer I will be checking my email on the computer. Also, I'll only be facebooking from the computer. Do I need to Facebook from my phone? No. I was perfectly fine without it for so many years. Plus, people use it to be negative and I don't need it!
3. No more Starbucks.
It's expensive, I don't need it, and we have better coffee locally. Besides, whenever I do go, I have a bad experience. Not all Starbucks are created equal.
4. Get out of town when it's possible.
Even though we are on lockdown, Eric has a ton of vacation days to use and 2 days a week off. Even though I'm in a June 4 week class, and we can't really leave at all in July, there's still August and plenty of day trip things we can do.
5. Be outside.
As long as the weather is nice, I plan on hanging out in the backyard as much as possible. Some people play on their phones during their free time, I will be outside with Kendall... Weather permitting of course.
6. Ride my bike.
Honestly, hitting the trails with Eric and Kendall in tow is so fun. We get turned around, make wrong turns, and get to enjoy the beauty of the Cedar Valley from the seats of our bikes for a few hours. I'd like to be able to do a family ride several days a week.
7. Go on a morning walk.
Lately Kendall thinks 5:45/6 is a suitable wake up time. Well, it's summer. So when she does, I'm going to feed her some breakfast, strap her in the stroller a d go for a nice morning walk. I mean, the sun is up anyway, might as well be outside!
8. Get my hands dirty.
I don't really know how to garden, but it'd be nice to learn and maybe add some color to our front yard.
9. Blog more.
I know I have like 4 readers, but I can post updates, pictures, my thoughts, whatever on here and a blog a week isn't really too time consuming.
10. Be positive.
There's no point in complaining all the time. It only makes things seem worse. I also need to hold Eric to this too. We used to spend our walks dreaming about the future, making decisions, and just shooting the breeze. These days it's become a daily venting session about jobs, school, you name it. We need to break free from it and just be positive.
So there you have it. 10 things that I'm going to do this summer. Suggestions and words of support and encouragement are appreciated! Also- come visit us! Haha.
Great attitude, Jess! I, too, make lists of positive "to-do's" when I'm feeling blech or toxic. On my list right now? Read more! Miss you! Hope all is well there.
ReplyDeleteInteresting and inspiring. I say get rid of Facebook! You and I are similar personalities, and I know I depended on Facebook just as much as you do for certain things, if not more. I can say that if you've already begun to question its influence in your life, that will not go away. Limiting it to your comp will band-aid that nagging feeling but it will come back. Deleting my Facebook was one of the best decisions I've made recently! That is sad, I know.
ReplyDeleteI realize we're different people so I these are just my thoughts.
A road trip to the Jersey Shore, where you have a free place to stay, might be a compromise for a big trip this summer.....
Praying for you and your family. I am inspired and encouraged by your desires to take action. Your urge to get out and "do stuff" could really be reflective of your deep commitment to your marriage, which is inspiring. Think about THAT!! (disclosure: I am in the throes of CPE lol)
I wish we could go to New Jersey! Believe it or not, but I miss it there. The East Coast kind of grew on me during my last few months in Princeton! We have about a week and a half window between Eric being able to take vacation and me starting school. We're thinking about driving down to St. Louis for a few days.
ReplyDeleteFacebook is no longer on my phone and I actually feel better about life. My long term goal is to use my phone for phone calls only. Amazing, right? It just makes me so sad watching kids play at the park while their parents sit and play on their smart phones, or seeing people out to dinner not talking to each other because they are on their phones! I'm still a long way from deleting my FB account, but this past week has been heaven almost without it on my phone.
I've also looked up some small town events going on this summer that we will try to go to.
I'm just ready to start living and making the most of our time in Iowa. I feel like we didn't do enough while living in NJ and I regret that. There's so much we never did! My job was partly to blame, but I could have found work elsewhere. I don't know, I just don't want to look back on my time here and think about all the things we didn't do... Plus, the weather is nice and Kendall LOVES being outside so it's kind of a win win!