Saturday, March 15, 2014
Missing: Sense of self. Please call if found.
I have a general high anxiety level that makes me feel set apart from other people. It makes me want to talk about how I'm feeling a lot in a way to understand it or to compare it to how others feel. There are about 3-4 people in the world that I always feel comfortable talking about how I really feel without worrying what they are thinking.
At this point in my life...I continue to wonder if I will always feel like this. If I will ever have a strong sense of self. If I will be able to come across as confident and wise to my daughters. If I will always have issues with anxiety and the feeling of not being complete. There seems to be a crucial thing missing from my life--and I can't figure out quite what it is.
Saturday, March 08, 2014
I'm hoping I'm a late bloomer.
The girls are growing. I can see things changing. Life will be different once Harper isn't a baby anymore. She is technically a toddler...but when she really starts talking, it will be a new ball game. Things may get easier. Some are more challenged during the teen years. I am definitely not a grade school person. I like conversation and ideas...I can't wait to watch REAL movies with them and discuss. I have no idea what I'm going to do with myself a year from now. Harper will be starting pre-school and I will need to find a place in society again. That causes my chest to be heavy. I've never had a career. I have daydreams about things, but I've never worked toward completing any of them. Maybe I will have the courage by then.
Spring needs to come. I'm claustrophobic.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
The Friendship Connection
I ha
Now I get it.
Life shows you a lot about yourself. You put up with a lot when you are younger that you don't when you are older. I was naïve and hadn't had a lot of highs and lows...not a ton of empathy. I was sympathetic, but having not been in a lot of situations where I had first hand knowledge of love and loss...and tragedy...and how to comfort, I was clueless and came across as unfeeling. Knowing how to truly comfort someone in a time of loss or tragedy was something I had to learn. I am still learning. Some are born with that gift. I wish I had been. My friendships were solidified during my hard times. I was very trying. It was a trying time. True friendship is a commitment. I'm not saying to keep someone around who is toxic, but we all go through hard times and to stick with someone and see them through to the other side shows love. Love defines it all.
Moving away from everyone is an interesting test to friendships. I've done it a few times. Some reach out. Some don't. Some come see you. Some don't. Some can't. But there are those that when you finally catch up to each other, nothing has changed. It's not surface...we dive right in. I appreciate that. Even new friends that can dive into real conversations instead of small talk. I'm not good at it. But then you meet those who are not comfortable with anything more than surface...I start talking and they look at me as if I have another head. I used to feel insecure about it. Now, I just feel like exiting immediately. I don't have time for this. I almost get irritated. REALLY non judgmental of me. I just know that I'm not their time of person and this isn't going to work.
I find it harder and harder to find good friends. It's probably because I'm spoiled by the good friends I already have. I'm open to it, though. I've found 2-3 here since I've moved here. 3 in 5 years...not awful. It's better than nothing. And the friendships continue to grow. Different stages of life seem to bring about different friends...as others drift away. The drifting is hard for me. I have a hard time letting people go.
Cherish your friends. Try to keep in touch no matter what stage you are in. No matter what mood you are in...they are going through the same moods with ups and downs. We're all in this together. It's hard. It doesn't matter if you have kids and they don't. If you are married and they aren't. If you are 20 years younger or older...it's the connection. If you can find it, grab hold.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Another Day
Wraps a towel around her as she's heading for the bedroom chair
It's just another day
Dipping in the pocket of her raincoat
It's just another day
Drinks another coffee and she finds it hard to stay awake
It's just another day
It's just another day
It's just another day
Alone in her apartment she'd dwell
Till the man of her dreams comes to break the spell
But he leaves the next day, so sad
Sometimes she feels so sad
People gather 'round her and she finds it hard to stay alive
It's just another day
It's just another day
It's just another day
Alone in her apartment she'd dwell
Till the man of her dreams comes to break the spell
But he leaves the next day, so sad
Sometimes she feels so sad
Wraps a towel around her as she's heading for the bedroom chair
It's just another day
Dipping in the pocket of her raincoat
It's just another day
It's just another day
It's just another day
Another Day--Paul McCartney
Monday, February 10, 2014
Woody Allen. (if you even give a shit about it...here's how I feel.)
Here's the thing. I love Woody Allen movies post 1975. I'm not a fan of his earlier work. But his movies that deal with human relationships with all of their complexities and such have always interested me. His has a gift for dialogue and story. He gives women leading roles and started my love affair with Diane Keaton--albeit one sided.
I knew about his relationship with Mia's adopted daughter. I was 17 though...and I just moved past it. (I didn't really start getting interested in his work until about 20, I think.) Husbands and Wives was the first movie I thought...yeah...I like how this works. His movies have such insanely flawed and corrupt people. Some of his movies are bombs (for me). I'm not a fan of everything...but I grew to be a fan and collect his movies.
Now...here we go again. Dylan's open letter to the New York Times. I read. I was sickened by it. But part of me wondered...is this true? I am ashamed to doubt her. I am ashamed that it is so hard for me to knock him off of his pedestal. I feel awful for the entire ordeal. I searched the Internet to make myself feel better. "Someone write SOMETHING that makes his untrue!"
I found it here:'
Not So Fast...
Thank God, I felt. Okay...I have another reference point.
But I just keep thinking about it. I saw Rosie on The View and she said something along the lines of how awful it was for Dylan to go through what she did...and then to have the public doubt her...it was worse. My god. I know. Of course it would be.
I had a friend post on my Facebook page the open letter article and she stated that she would NEVER watch another Woody Allen movie.
(big sigh here.)
Here is another article that says, Let's turn a blind eye to this because it's really sucks to think about...
It's none of our business!
Okay...as a mother...I would kill him. I really would. And I am split down the middle here. Part of the reason he may create such great stuff is probably because he is fucked up! Some of the greatest books, movies and poems come from REALLY messed up people. People you probably wouldn't want alone with your children.
So here it is...I love Woody Allen's movies. I love his gift. I am in awe of him. But...yes, there's a lot of things that are not adding up. This poor child--whether she is telling the truth or not--has been through HELL. Let's face it...she is wounded and scarred by what has happened to her. If Mia brainwashed her. If Woody assaulted her. She's a broken person and needs healing. I feel awful for her. There is a dark cloud over Woody now. I can't help it. I HATE IT.
But here's the worst part--and I am partly ashamed of it. I'm not going to stop loving his movies. As a film love and a lover of the written word--good scripts are so hard to come by. They just are. And the film maker who is really looking at human relationships--the light and the horribly dark of it all...and talented in portraying that is hard for me not to watch.
Damn. I'm just sorry about it all. Woody Allen now isn't just love now...it's love and hate. (and I don't even know if he did it...but I have two little girls and I'm tainted now.)
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
movies.
My faves this year were Her, Philomena, 12 Years a Slave and The Wolf of Wall Street.
Her-- Perfect script. Beautifully shot. I loved the colors. When I heard him (Jaq's character) talk about the fact that he didn't believe he'd ever feel so in love (with Scarlett...) and feel so deeply--that he was feeling new feelings...when he felt he'd only feel lesser extremes of feelings he'd already felt in his life...(I'm paraphrasing)--man, did I get that. There comes a point when you have to wonder...so, is this it? Is this the greatest amount of love and joy I'm going to have and everything else will just be equal or lesser than this?? Will I ever feel something I've never felt before...again? Wow.
12 Years-- Difficult to watch, but mind blowing for me. I cried, I looked away and I felt pretty much sick afterward. But, I'm glad I went. (And I am glad I was alone.) The amount of pain on every front...the amount of agony and cruelty that people had to endure...it's hard for me not to have profound thoughts about my existence at this point in history.
Philomena--My dad is adopted. I've been researching to find his mother and not being very successful. It's a long, hard process...with lots of road blocks. I loved Judi in this. I find it hopeful and heartbreaking.
The Wolf--Hmmm...a lot of people hated this movie. I loved it for what it was. I loved the performances--crazy as they were. I was on the ride with them. I was in awe of a type of life I would never want. The riches portrayed are ones I have no interest in at all. I'm glad to know that about myself. It's a more is more movie. It's not for everyone...but I loved it.
Oscar picks are coming...
Thursday, January 23, 2014
A stepford day.
It sounds very scary actually. Like a robotic world. right?
Yeah...I know. that's what I want today.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
sadly pathetic. annying.
My priorities are off. I feel as if things have to be in their place before I can do anything outside of the house.
I REALLY want to be part of a book club. There are two groups that have invited me. I can't get the books read. If I'm not immediately captured by it, I get bored and move on. Annoying. I do want to be a reader. I'm more of a movie watcher and it makes me feel almost lazy--but it is what it is. However, I don't believe book clubs are meant to cause anxiety. I just want to be around a group of women again. I need a social life!!
Is all this making me sound pathetic?
I'm afraid it is...
The thing is...I want to be a reader and a movie goer. I want to write about them. I want to get letters off to friends. I want my house to be clean. I want my children to feel loved and spend time with them doing art projects and reading books. I want to be a good cook and have every meal planned and perfect. I want to go to the gym! I want to be in close contact with my good friends and check up on their lives so they know I care. I want to be on top of it all. I can't seem to do it. I'm failing in fact. And...the anxiety continues to creep in.
Friday, January 10, 2014
UV twinkle lights need to be invented.
This weekend starts off the Oscar season--which means that I need to get to the movies. Jason sits with the girls while I go and see all my flicks. I don't mind movies alone...and sometimes, I'd rather. Tonight is Wolf of Wall Street. Tomorrow is a double feature of August:Osage County and Inside Llewyn Davis. I can't wait. Jason and I trade for time. He goes on bike rides (even in the cold!) and I see movies. It's a good deal.
Good movies help the winter along. Without them...it would seem just cold and joyless. Not really, but for me, it might. I look forward to Oscar season. I always know the theatres are packed with good films and I know that Dustin is on his way for his annual visit. Having annual get togethers are important. We try to have an annual 4th of July in Lake Placid and the friends and family seem to be growing in attendance for that. I think that as I grow older and my friends are far away with their own families and careers...you have to set aside time. Some aren't so friend-o-centric...but I always have been. My close friends are a part of my family.
The week has been slow going, but it's starting to get better. Last night I sat in bed and felt overwhelmed and tired. The night is the worst for me...in those moments I need to just turn off the light and go to sleep. My heart always feels heavier in the evening and a good night's rest can rejuvenate me for the next day. The day to day gets to me.
Seeing the brightly colored birds in the winter cloaked trees helps a lot. It's a nice spark of color. Hope.
I took the tree down before we left for FL. Today I have to tackle the rest of the decorations. It's a sad day. The comforting glow of lights around the windows at night always made me feel better. I'll just have to light more fires.
YES I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER!
It's awful.
Deep breath. Put on a mix from 8tracks.com and drink another cup of coffee even though it's horrible for me. whatever works. Harper is sleeping. Z is at school. It's time to be productive.
Thursday, January 09, 2014
Still here.
Let's speak to that. I did go on Wellbutrin. Was having trouble sleeping and then was feeling so anxious about it. I went to the doctor and this seemed to be a way of handling it. I tried another medication first and it made me sick. Awful. Anyway, so far so good now.
November and December are some what of a blur. It included a road trip to Orlando. We won't be doing that again for some time. A 1 year old and 4 year old aren't the best road trippers. They were troopers, but it was hard on them. We are working now on sleeping schedules. I depriving them of naps to handle it. Not winning any mom awards lately.
Jason finished is Master's Degree. Thank GOD!!! That just sucked. If anyone is working full time and going to school...they are a wreck and so are you. Sleep deprived and cranky...it is all on you to do the rest. He rocked it and got an A in his last class--without even turning in one of the papers he just couldn't get to. Unreal. He's just like that. It is sort of annoying.
I'm currently in pjs and a robe...my uniform for this week it seems. I've been in it for 2 days. Since being home, the goal is to put the house back in order. Unpacking, laundry, etc. It shouldn't be this hard. Tomorrow, Z goes back to preschool and that will help immensely. Yesterday I was so tired, I walked around in a fog.
So, for the new year...more posts. I won't back away, even if I'm feeling blue and cranky. could be humorous to someone out there.
Happy New Year.
(See, I feel this post is boring, but I'm still posting it!!)
Thursday, November 07, 2013
Children will listen...even adult ones.
Here's the thing. Even if you have a struggle with someone...they are loved by someone else. One should always keep that in mind. I don't. But, feeling the sting of hearing a negative comment (that I was not suppose to hear) about someone I love--I will now keep it in mind. It's hard when you have a negative opinion of someone...and someone else can't see your point. BUT, it isn't your job to turn them.
I realize I write about thing so vaguely sometimes. I can't exactly be direct about this one. But I can still write about what I learn. I'm slow to learn the "if you can't say anything nice" lesson. I most always have to be on the receiving end of a lesson in order to understand the harm first. That sucks about me.
This song reminds me of this point...
How what your words or your actions affect your children (or anyone around you). You are always a parent...and adult children are still small in many ways.
Love Barbra...
Wednesday, November 06, 2013
After The Gypsies
I began to live in color
I felt bruises from
cobblestones beneath my feet
Treats thrown to me in the street tasted deliciously sweet
Rocks under my head shortened my dreams
made them frequent/vibrant
My scent became that
of a wild animal
Tangles in my hair made it thick/luxurious
Every eye followed my
dash to grab a rotten piece of fruit from vendors who reeked of hashish and nicotine
Henna was placed upon
my hands
I had no need to wash them
Winters cold and summers heat tested my survival instincts
After the gypsies stole me
I felt so alive
Monday, November 04, 2013
I really don't want to care.
Harper is walking...a few steps and then down--but she's doing it! She gets very excited when she realizes what's going on.
She seems happy with learning new things each day. She made show frustration but I don't see the disappointment at the things that she is unable to do. If she can't seem to do it she just keep trying until she can.
A sad realization about myself is that I spend most of my time thinking how I could be better instesd of being appreciative of who I already am. I could be a better cook. I could do better at the gym. The house could be cleaner. I should be reading more books. I should be writing more. I feel as if I'm not interesting enough. I see people that just exude confidence and I'm puzzled by it. Why am I not like that? Why am I not just satisfied with how I am alone. I do like spending time with myself. Its not like I don't like me, I just wish I was a better me. I focus way too much on outside influences and what other people think. I yearn to not give a shit.
I would say its because I'm at home with my thoughts all day, that I dive in the deep all the time. However I've always felt this way. Is this something that we get from my parents? Are we born with all these insecurities that never go away? I always want to be like somebody else. I've written about this a lot. I feel that there's something that I am supposed to do that I have not done yet. I really need to figure out what that is.
Saturday, November 02, 2013
Digging in.
I need color outside for just a while longer before it is cloaked in white. But, I am looking forward to that, too. I constantly look forward or backward. I struggle with today. It's as if I'm holding onto a rope and pull up toward something (I don't know what) and look back and think, "wow, I'm only that far?" What a dim look at life. I have waves of happy...and waves of not so happy. Thus, the way everyone goes about it, I suppose. God I sound depressing.
Sometimes I feel as if the people who glide through life without thinking too much have it figured out. I think too much about everything. I dive deep into the meanings of each day. I think too much about the thoughts of others as well. I pick apart relationships in my head. I go over and over conversations I've had with people wondering if it could have gone better. ?? It is a frustrating and tiring way of existence. I bring things to attention. I don't do well with ignoring tough situations. I bring them up to people and it makes them uncomfortable. I cause people to ponder whether they can mentally handle time with me or not. OR they don't and I've just created all of it. The friends of mine that are naturally thinkers and ponder-ists have no issue. It's the people who just want to not think about much and think I'm making things harder by dealing with it. I guess they may be right.
There are issues that need to be dealt with--and it frustrates me to NO END when I'm forced to table it so I don't ruin the relationship.
Well was that vague enough?!
I've been watching some documentaries that have me thinking even more! So that doesn't help.
However, I REALLY recommend those who WANT to dive in to that stuff. They are about family and how you see things as a child vs as an adult. The REAL things parents are thinking, doing and feeling that aren't aware of as children. As an adult...and married with children of my own, they really struck a cord with me.
and
Saturday, October 19, 2013
I think lesbian call girl sounds better.
The gym training is going very well. I'm so much stronger than I was when I started. It's amazing how quickly your body responds. I lost my spare tire. I just need to wipe out the cellulite, but I don't believe that is possible. damn.
Harper turns 1 tomorrow. I can't believe it. She is about the sweetest thing. Always smiling and happy. She has her moments when she is hungry or tired, but otherwise, she is just so good. She is starting to sign now. She can sign milk, more, eat and nap. She can stand and walk with assistance but she isn't quite walking yet.
This is such a random post. It's more of a catch up.
I finished The Killing (all 3 seasons) on Amazon--really loved it. It is so dark though. Linden, the main character is so flawed and brave. She is a different breed of woman from me. I find it so interesting to see how we can all dive into such dark places in our minds--and how we survive them.
I watched a movie the other night, Concussion, that is not for everyone. I loved it, but I focused more on what compelled the main character to go through her journey. She is a lesbian in a marriage that seems to have dulled by jobs and children. She is lonely and bored with her existence. She decides to become a (for lack of a better word) prostitute. She is only with women. It's is a very Pottery Barn way of going about it. All of her clients are beautiful. They meet tin a chic apartment that she has redone as a side project. The whole things seems unrealistic. However, her thought processes and such were fascinating to me. I told Jason that I identified with her--"You identify with a lesbian prostitute? Hmmm." Yeah, I can see how he might not get it. You had to be there, I guess.
We are seeing Gravity tonight in 3D IMAX. I'm excited! Next weekend we're going to see The 39 Steps at Geva. That one is the one I'm really excited to see. I love Hitchcock and Geva always does such a Broadway level job. I'm so impressed with them. I'd love to become part of that theatre somehow--behind the scenes. I'm still trying to figure out what I'm going to be...
It seems to me that I'm drawn to stories of very confused, lost women. Hmmm. That's concerning, right??
Friday, October 04, 2013
maybe i should buy a cape.
That's another one of my issues--I feel like anyone out of my sight is in danger of not coming back. I have MAJOR separation anxiety. Except it goes further...I'm fearful. I'm terrified of any type of accident. I really need to be seen about it. My anxiety is out of control.
I am a fearful person. It doesn't seem to match me at times, but I feel it is true. I've done a lot of brave/stupid things...but mostly, I'm clueless when I'm doing it. I'm trying to put this part of myself aside so that the girls don't see it. My mom is fear based it seems. She worries over everything. I feel like that causes the child to have anxiety...and the cycle continues.
Woman up. Right? You're right. I need to. I'm going to. As soon as I get out of this fetal position.
Thursday, October 03, 2013
I want someone to swing me around and show me beauty...
I am admittedly a better mommy than wife. I was a good girlfriend--I think. As a wife, I struggle to keep my independence and not fall into some type of 1950s style of life. Stay at home mom--I mean, hello!! It's hard not to feel less than in front of women that have children and work a full time job. Bravo to them. I love staying home with the girls, but it affects my mentality. I'm trying to paint a picture of a secure person who is cool with all of her decisions. I'm sweet and cuddly with my girls. I struggle with the sweet and cuddly wife thing. ?? I used to be the biggest mush. I think I second guess how J sees me--basically thinking I'm not that interesting most of the time, so how could he think so?
This is a therapy session folks, sorry.
Okay. I want to see Gravity. The movies are pouring out due to awards season and there is just not enough time!! #1stworldproblems.
Z is starting to like movies. She can sit and watch them over and over. This week it was Robin Hood (the Disney fox version) and The Wizard of Oz. I was a little shocked about that one, but the McD's toys spurred her interested.
Let's end with something happy.
This is my all time favorite movie.
And I feel like I need this type of experience right now...
Wednesday, October 02, 2013
you mock my pain.
Harper turns 1 in 18 days. I can't believe it. She isn't walking yet, so she is still my baby. She is the sweetest. Constantly comes in for a cuddle and loves to hold hands and mimic anything you do. (She's really quite good!)
I'm resisting the urge to nap right now, worrying that I'll go under water. I've always seen the blues as water slowly creeping up my neck trying to over take me. I don't feel like drowning. Jason is out of town tonight and there is much to do before these girls go to bed.
The words from The Princess Bride keep running over and over in my head lately. "Life is pain, Highness. Anyone that says differently is selling something."
My idealist thoughts of life were probably born out of movies. I hold on to them a lot. Hence, the fact that I am constantly disappointed. The people in my life that constantly told me how hard life is, I felt were always so negative. Well, they were right--but I still think they were negative about it. It is hard. All aspects have challenges. I struggle with most things. However, I still see the light in most situations. How else to you keep going??
The light is here...mine is just dimmed a bit. It will burn bright again. I just have to be patient.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
more control issues
Okay, I have a really hard time owning my feelings. I feel badly if I feel bad. If I have anxiety. If I'm lonely. If I need more attention. It's not the woman I want to be--yet, it is the woman I am. It wouldn't take a lot, just a little. To have a go to movie person--when J can 't go. To have a go to person that comes over and chit chats. To have a go to person to go on walks.
I've lived my with close friends. I'm a friend person. I can't make Jason be everything to me and I've been trying to. That doesn't work. When I'm lonely, it is all on him. I need to nourish some parts of me that are not mommy and wife.
I got a trainer at the gym and that's been great. I'm getting stronger. My body was so weak from surgeries, babies and no exercise. Now, I feel like I'm taking control of it.
My life is a good one. I know this. I am aware of the hardships of others and know that I am lucky to have the life I have. It's my insides I need to work on.
(Thank you JP for reaching out. That made a HUGE difference)
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
I've been avoiding this
Today is a day where I feel as if I'm on an island alone. I don't feel in touch with anyone. I don't feel connected. I'm lonely. I'm used to such every day closeness...with friends, etc. I don't have that here. I look outward for love. I'm needy. I hate admitting that. I want to strong, independent and self sufficient. I'm just not. I need affection. I need connection. I need conversation.
Jason works a lot. Everyone knows this. It is too much for me, really. It's too much for him, too. He is addicted. He doesn't think so. They never do. I don't know what to say about this really. It's just the way it is.
My good friends are far away. The phone sucks. The reality is that life gets busy and makes it hard to stay in touch the way I want to.
I'm lost today. I'm bored with myself. I'm bored with who I am...I'm not seeming to learn anything new. I obsess over things I can't change. Things I feel as if I can somehow. My family stresses me out. I feel like a little girl constantly upset. When will I ever feel like an adult?
See...this is whiny. I can't help it. I'm processing. damn.