Today call me proud. Or cornered. Or just read my post.
As the title of this post indicates, I’ve been slightly scattered lately. Like goofy-happy one minute and teary-eyed the next.
Perhaps this is because my oldest is starting high school and my baby’s beginning her 8th grade year. And while I’m insanely proud of my children, I also feel cornered by the passage of time.
I can’t escape it. None of us can. Another hard truth from Captain Obvious.
(You’re so welcome.)
I still remember being an 8th-grader and freshman. I pretended to have confidence, strength, style. But in reality, I was a bundle of insecurities trying on personas that fit poorly.
(Like my jeans.)
My kids are different from me; and not because they don’t beg for Jordache or sing Journey’s “Open Arms” into the mirror all day long.
They don’t worry about following the crowd. They’re comfortable being themselves even when such authenticity diverges from the norm. Teenage Julie could’ve learned from Jack and Karly.
In fact, her 43-year-old self’s still learning. A lot.
So I’m at The Kir Corner sharing one of the first lessons from my children:
Let your heart – not someone else’s opinion – be your guide.
Kir is – quite simply – one of the kindest, most supportive friends I’ve had the pleasure to “meet” on twitter and Facebook and I hope one day to share a real-life cupcake with her.
You’re invited, too.
But first, please visit The Kir Corner to read this story. It’s one of my favorite proud moments as a mother.
Then afterward, if you want to meet up to sing Journey, I’m available.
(You’re so welcome.)
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18 Comments to Today call me proud. Or cornered. Or just read my post.
by Poppy
On August 22, 2012 at 10:07 pm
I have a child starting kindergarten and high school this year. I still have 2 weeks, but every time I think about it, I feel nauseous. They, too, are both surprisingly calm.
by Alison
On August 23, 2012 at 2:07 am
I’ll eat cupcakes and sing Journey songs with you all day if you don’t mind. xo
by By Word of Mouth Musings
On August 23, 2012 at 5:05 am
Changes … hate them.
Life needs to stay in neat little boxes to not shake up my imagined sense of calm.
by MommaKiss
On August 23, 2012 at 7:08 am
I wish your kids could school me on this “calm” you speak of.
by Nikki
On August 23, 2012 at 7:29 am
My nephew started 8th grade this year. I told him, “This is the year that your uncle and I met.” He responded with, “And you still married him?”. Yep.
by Christy
On August 23, 2012 at 8:14 am
I read the story on the other site and it made me cry. My time has not been flying, but I’m sure it will soon.
by karenjonesgowen
On August 23, 2012 at 8:30 am
First it was me remembering when I was at the same ages as my kids, then remembering when my kids were the same ages as their kids, now I’m remembering when I was the same ages as my grandkids (but just barely.) Sometimes you just want life to stop but that wouldn’t be good either.
by allison
On August 23, 2012 at 9:22 am
That might be my favorite one yet. I love your kids just a little bit more because of it.
by Missy | Literal Mom
On August 23, 2012 at 5:14 pm
Oh, girl. I’ll sing Journey with you any time.
by Carolina Valdez Miller
On August 23, 2012 at 6:50 pm
Oy, eighth grade…and then along comes ninth grade and suddenly eighth grade seems like a breeze. I was such a misfit my freshman year, so wrapped up in insecurity, but who knew? Who KNEW? You just never know how little you have it together until you’re a grownup begging for RX happy pills to get you through PTO meetings.
Off to go read your post.
P.S. I’m hardly blogging anymore and reading blogs even less, and yet I keep coming back here. I think there’s something in your water.
by Jackie
On August 24, 2012 at 5:25 am
I’m heading over there now to read…. and thanks… Journey is stuck in my head now.
by Robin Bielman
On August 24, 2012 at 9:33 pm
Reading your posts *always* make me smile and feel like I’m not alone. ~hugs~ And I absolutely love that lesson.
by Katie
On August 26, 2012 at 5:23 pm
I ALWAYS want to sing Journey.
by Courtney
On August 26, 2012 at 10:58 pm
This is so sweet. Miss you XOXO. CDWA
by Lady Jennie
On August 27, 2012 at 5:08 am
Your title made me laugh. I commented over there too.
by Jessica
On August 27, 2012 at 10:16 am
What a testament to your parenting that your kids are comfortable with who they are. I never had an over-abundance of self confidence and hope that my children grow up with much more.
by heidi
On August 28, 2012 at 2:44 pm
I’ve missed you! I’ve taken a much needed break and I’m slowly creeping back into blogging waters…okay, that sounds weird and doesn’t make sense at all. But, I’m not even going to try to clean that up because, well, what’s the point?
I’ve missed you and your writing. I hope you’ve had a lovely summer. I’m with you on reisting change and big beginnings and Journey. I really, really hope you’re well. I’ll be back. Sooner this time.
by Galit Breen
On September 12, 2012 at 4:38 am
You, me, Kir, Journey, and cupcakes. Ohmygoodness *such* a win! xo
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