Out of the Box

Facebook has a lot of quizzes. They are silly, somewhat fun and embarrassingly addictive. I've taken way too many quizzes. I now know that I am an existential, moderately liberal, pheglmatic hobbit. Who knew?

These personality defining quizzes are interesting. I don't put that much faith in the accuracy of the results. However, I do spend a lot of time trying to figure myself out. There is something comforting in knowing parameters. I know the limits. I know how to work within my little box.

On the other hand, nobody likes to be labeled. Confined to one view. The security of the boundaries sometimes give way. There is freedom. I break free from others expectations. I redefine my edges as I learn more. I learn more about myself, about others, about life.

I Never....

"I will never live in Dallas."
I've lived in Dallas for about 13 years and loved it.

"I will never get married." and/or "I will never get married before 30."
Kermit and I have been married 13 years. It's not a very long time. I just can't imagine where I'd be without him. Oh. I was 26 when I got married.

"I'm a city girl. I'll never live in the country."
Oh boy. Where do I start on that one? Not only do I live in the country and love it, I own chickens.

"I'll never drive a Suburban."
Just bought a charcoal grey Suburban. I am officially a SUV-driving soccer mom.

The point is, never say never. Wait a minute. I just said "never". Hmmm. not sure how to get around that. Maybe it should be "never say never about the silly things."

Wildflowers

I love this picture of Jacob in the Indian paintbrushes. I love that I have so many beautiful wildflowers growing on our property. I'd like to see even more. This year I'll spread some bluebonnet seed. Jacob did like checking out the flowers. He just likes to be outside. He has learned to open the screendoor on his own. I've caught him outside unsupervised more than once. If Ann is anxious to go outside, I know that a small child is already out.

We spent a lot of time in the yard today. Joseph helped move some trees that got ran over. Hannah stacked wood. Jacob dug in the dirt. Sarah terrorized Jacob. It was a good day.

Life's Too Short For Uncomfortable Shoes

On Easter Sunday, little girls all over put on their lovely new dresses and shiny new shoes. Hair brushed and faces washed they march off to church. This morning Sarah put on her soft pink dress with the smocking and the ribbon roses. Her hair is brushed. Her face is washed. It is time to go and she gets her pink boots. Pink snow boots with a lovely pink Easter dress. I'm not sure if they were the first pair she had. Or maybe she was matching her shoes to her dress. I think they were just comfortable. They are soft and warm and cozy. They are easy to put on. They are water repellant.

I put on high heels. They looked fine with my outfit. They had a chunky not-too-high heel. Nice neutral color. They were not painful to wear. I've owned some shoes that looked fabulous, but were torture to wear. To get back to the point. My shoes were not bad, but neither were they great. I found myself wishing for my fuzzy slippers or bare feet or Sarah's boots.

Shoes are not my favorite thing. I don't like shopping for shoes. I don't like trying to get the right shoe for the right outfit. I don't really like wearing shoes unless I really have to. That is not to say that I hate shoes. I've found some that I love. Once I tried on a pair of knee-high high-heeled red leather boots. Wow. Those were awesome. Unfortunately, the budget did not allow it at that time. I still regret not getting those boots.

Friendly Visit

My friend, my lovely, wonderful, fabulous friend is coming to visit tomorrow. I don't get to see her as often as I like, so her arrival will be greeted with much joy. The kids absolutely adore her. She has been like a Pied Piper to them. There will be a flurry of activity as they each compete to get more of her attention. At some point, if we are fortunate, they will go do their own thing. If they cannot decide to go of their own accord, I will stronly urge them to find a new distraction. And then it will be my turn to try to bring as much joy to my friend as she brings to me. Everyone should have a friend like mine. She is optimistic, generous, loving, and funny. She never makes her bed and her house is just as cluttered as mine. I think she owns a watch. However, it doesn't really coincide with the rest of the world. I always tell her a 30-45 minute earlier start time if I want her to be on time. She listens with all her attention. She is fiercely loyal. Yes. Everyone should have a friend like mine. I consider myself very fortunate to have one such as her.