the here + now

I've always wanted to remain low maintenance. I don't get my nails done every week. Or my hair every six. I don't have to take two hours to get ready. Or buy all the latest fashions. Mine are usually non-fashion or about three seasons behind. Because I do what I want and wear what I want. As long as it doesn't put you out or rock the (budget) boat. But recently I've realized this low maintenance life isn't the best life. Being adamant about having only one pair of sunglasses because "that's all I need" bites me in the butt when my eight year old just wants to try them on and then they quickly go missing. Choosing to do other things and not care about my body gets me into heaps of trouble in numbers like 20 pounds more than last year. Let's all take a second to mourn that. Today I got a massage. It's been about 10 years. 10 years. What mom should be waiting 10 years for a massage?! No wonder so many of us feel like we're

I'm not much of a birthday person. It always feels like too much pressure. To make sure they know how loved they are. To accept "happy birthday" and gifts. To have to weigh the things that make my heart soar with the expectations of how I'm supposed to want to celebrate my birthday. I don't think I'll ever love birthdays but I'm trying to make it something for birthday lovers. I may never plan confetti shooters or surprise parties. I may be awkward when you tell me happy birthday for the fourth time. (Because come on, once is enough.) But please know if you're my people I love you to the depths and I'm thankful you're in my life.