This weekend, I helped my sister and brother-in-law move into their first home! They made an excellent choice – the house is classic, cozy yet spacious, and will be fantastic for entertaining. If it wasn’t Debra’s house, I might be tempted to buy it myself! The move was probably the easiest move I’ve been a part of. Everything went very smoothly.
Yesterday we all truly went our separate ways, as my parents and I headed back to Memphis, and my brother Kevin headed to Indiana to start his new job. It’s been wonderful having him around over this past year, but I’m excited for him as he starts a new life on his own. Plus, Indiana isn’t as far away as I thought. It just feels far because it’s still an unfamiliar state to me and not part of the South! I’ll get to know it soon, and then it won’t be a big deal.
Several friends of Debra and Lance’s also helped with the move, and their presence gave me a new awareness of how much our family speaks in inside jokes. It’s even worse in a situation like moving. Later, after they left and we were having celebratory happy hour drinks at Sonic, we had an entire hilarious conversation and then realized that no one else would understand any of it (unless they also knew entire monologues from Mr. Deeds). On one hand, we need to work on being more inclusive. :) But on the other, I am so thankful for my family and our humor and closeness. I’m thankful to have two siblings (and one sibling-in-law!) whom I also consider friends and think the world of. I’m thankful to have two great parents with whom I enjoy hanging out. I’m very blessed. I feel a little sorry for anyone I might bring into this club, because he’ll have a lot to catch up on, but he’ll also be getting something pretty great!
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I know Julie and Julia just came out a couple of years ago, but from my first viewing (with Alanna), it had a spot on my all-time favorites list. I love it more each time I watch it. I read and liked Julie Powell’s memoir, but in this movie, it was Meryl Streep’s portrayal of Julia Child that captured me. If the real Julia was like that (and I think she was), I’m tempted to put myself under her tutelage too!
This movie is about the central things in life, and how they impact one another. Food, love, marriage, friendship, family, passion, loyalty, achievement, determination, adventure, a sense of home, the way people communicate, even patriotism. It highlights how those things have changed (or not changed) over the last few generations. It gives you a lot to think about. It also provides a picture of a VERY inspiring marriage.
The way Julia and Paul love and support one another in this movie often brings me to tears – maybe especially because she wasn’t a traditional beauty in real life. She was so unique, and he saw her for the treasure she was. He saw the best in her and never let her give up on her dreams… and she did the same for him. They were truly best friends, partners in every sense. It gives me hope. I pray to have that kind of marriage someday.
I also connect with the fact that both of the titular women became successful writers, in one way or another, after a lot of struggle. Both had to find their passion, and then work hard to make their voices heard.
I don’t have Mastering the Art of French Cooking, but I want a copy. Not a new one, though – one that has some history. I’m hoping it’ll turn up on the bookshelf at thrift or at the antique store one of these days! However, last summer, I downloaded the official recipe for boeuf bourgignon from her publisher’s website, and cooked it. It was an experience! I doubt mine was as delicious as Julia’s would have been, but I sure enjoyed it. :) I ate it on the good china, too.
2 Comments + Posted in: food, movies
Lately I’ve been thinking about friendship, and how much I’ve yet to learn about it! While I tend to be the planner in a lot of my friendships, I’m not great at being the pursuer. I sometimes give too much space, assuming that people are busy and have many other friends they’d rather talk to, when they might actually be feeling alone and I could fill that gap for them. (I’ve learned for myself that you can have a lot of acquaintances and still feel pretty lonely.) Or I don’t ask enough questions, when someone might be dying to talk about something but doesn’t want to bring it up.
I’m also becoming aware of my failure to question or challenge friends when it’s called for. When faced with that situation, I usually just think as long as it makes them happy, or they’re going to do it anyway, or I’m not in their shoes, who am I to judge? This is partly due to my natural conflict avoidance, but mostly a result of laziness and selfishness. While respect and boundaries are important, I think a big part of true friendship (especially Christian friendship) is voicing concerns when they arise, even if it creates conflict. I’ve really fallen down on that job.
I’m making progress with these things, but I want to be more intentional about them. I’ve gained some life and relational wisdom as a result of my experiences, but sometimes I realize that I still don’t really know anything. :) I’m thankful that wisdom is one of the few things that the Bible PROMISES we will receive if we ask for it. I need a few truckloads!
Unrelated PS: According to Google Reader, I now have 45 subscribers. I’m excited! Thanks to all of you for reading. :)
Things are quiet on the blog due to my aforementioned extreme busy-ness. In the meantime, here are a few links for your reading pleasure. Some have been lingering in my reader for a while:
This little post about summer goals made me happy. :)
The most elaborate proposal story I’ve ever read, via Hollywood Housewife.
Shauna Niequist talks about the process of writing her new book, Bread and Wine. If you haven’t read her other books, Cold Tangerines and Bittersweet, do it yesterday!
The Shape of Ghana: a thought-provoking guest post about beauty on C Jane Enjoy It.
Custom photobooth cardboard cutouts for your summer barbecue or kid’s birthday party (I’m hoping to try this for my 4th of July party).
Life doesn’t have to be easy to be joyful (or worthwhile!), from Conversion Diary.
The secret ingredient for a perfect life (hint: there isn’t one) from Mother of the Munchkins.
When saying you’re sorry is a bad idea, from Chatting at the Sky.
Identity theft, by Carolyn Custis James.
Rebuilding a heart, from Life in Grace.
And finally, for locals: The 7 Best Margaritas in Memphis, chosen by Kerry at I Love Memphis. :)
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I’m glad that last weekend, when I spontaneously went to Nashville, I didn’t realize how busy I was about to be. I probably wouldn’t have given up my last chance to relax. I’ve hardly been at home or stopped moving for over a week, and relief is far off. The next six or so weeks will include:
♥ helping my sister and brother-in-law move into their first home (just another weekend jaunt to Nashville)
♥ helping my brother move to Indiana (trip of uncertain timing or duration)
♥ planning and throwing a large Fourth of July party
♥ going to Texas to visit my grandmother and assorted relatives (a multiple-leg trip since I have to fly out of Little Rock*)
This may not look like much on paper, but on top of regular day to day gatherings and responsibilities (exercise, line dancing, church activities, 30 Day Journal Challenge, and you know, work :P), it’s a lot for me. Thankfully, I am only responsible for myself and two cats, so there’s no condemnation if my house isn’t perfectly clean or I’ve barely cooked in weeks. But it’s become a challenge just to keep non-expired milk and produce in the house. And now that summer is really here, keeping up with my lawn could become a challenge too. Unfortunately, when I DO get an hour or two at home, I’m usually so tired that I end up painting my nails, Facebooking, or reading magazines instead of getting things done.
Being free to do things is one of the few real benefits of my single status. I enjoy taking advantage of it. I know I have a good life – I just hope I have enough energy to keep living it!
* = I hit a new level of rage at Memphis airfares when I noted that a flight from here to Texas was over $500, but the EXACT SAME FLIGHT from Little Rock with a STOP in Memphis was $250. Seriously, can’t anyone do something about this?
3 Comments + Posted in: life lately