When the Extrovert Goes Rogue

If you look up the word extrovert in the dictionary, you might find my photo. I'm not exactly the poster-child, but I am most energized when around people and I can't stand to be by myself. That is, until I go rogue. Rogue? You may ask. Yes, I mean skin is crawling at the idea of speaking to a human - feeling as if I might actually combust if someone gets too close or needs too much of my energy. At first, I thought I was losing my mind. Here I am, finally in a home that allows me to have company and, excluding the first full weekend there, I come apart at the seams when I think of having people over.
I shared my concerns with a few close people, explaining that I must be depressed or SOMETHING! Something is wrong with me!!! Then last week, while waiting in the line at school to pick up the kids, it dawned on me. For at least 6 months, I haven't had a moment where I wasn't needed by someone or something. At home, someone is always calling my name; at work, I can't even go to the bathroom without panic striking because "Laura isn't here!!!!". When I do have downtime, there's a game on my phone that beckons my attention. Even my showers lately have been occupied by thoughts of the things that need to be purchased (i.e. shower curtain, etc).

Come to find out, this extrovert DID need company, she did need to visit. . . with ME! Imagine that! Alone time. I didn't recognize the problem, because I didn't even know what alone time was anymore. One would think that after being a mom for almost 11 years that I would understand the importance of this, but no.

So, my amazing husband adjusted his schedule last Monday so he could take the kids to school, and I took a vacation day. A REAL one - that wasn't because the kids were out of school or because someone needed to be at the house awaiting a service man or delivery or something. I removed email from my phone and planned to block all calls except Matt's or the kids' school (although I did I scheduled a day with no agenda (besides picking up the kids - they don't like the idea of spending the night at school, so I'm told). I'd love to tell you that I stayed inside my home where it was nice and quiet, but that would be a lie. I was gone for most of the day, but I did what I wanted when I wanted - all day.

At this point, I'd also like to tell you that it solved all of the world's problems or at least my own, but that, too, would be a lie. However, it was a positive move in the direction of getting my grip back on life. 

So, today, two days after I usually post, I am writing to tell you this. . . 

Don't neglect you. You are one of the most valuable things you have to offer anyone, and without taking time to replenish you, it'll be impossible to do all that you've been called to do. Whether you're a parent, spouse, friend, daughter, employee, or a combination of all of the above (plus many more). . . take time to focus on you, even if only for a day.

This week, I'm extremely grateful for those in my life who support me. From my husband to my family and friends and my boss and colleagues.  Who do you have in your life that supports you? Who lifts you up when you feel like disappearing into the ground?

Comment below or join me and link-up with Ember Grey to share!

Friday Randomness

It's Friday the 13th. I figured it was only appropriate to just go off on rabbit trails in lieu of some clever theme.

1. When we moved from our rental home, I was so excited to be moving into our own home. That being said, the day after we moved, I went back to the rental to clean it up. When I finished, and it came time to leave, I sat in my car sobbing - SNOT-SOBBING - for 15 minutes. FIFTEEN MINUTES!! I swear I thought my heart was going to break in two. This was the home that we found shelter in during the hardest time of our lives. This was the home that protected our children from the harsh realities that come with financial ruin. This house was a huge blessing - and was our HOME - for a long time. Our landlord was a blessing, the house location was why we changed schools which ultimately proved vital for our son. I was a wreck! I remember the day we moved into the house, it was April 1, and there was a single yellow tulip blooming in this:

I knew it had bloomed just for me, so before I left this time, I took a picture of this lovely "well". Then - just as I was pulling myself together to drive, George Strait's "The Cowboy Rides Away" came on and I lost it all over again. I now cry every time I hear that song. It's ridiculous. I'm such a sob, ya'll!! So, to the house that was our home - thank you. I pray for the next occupants often, and I hope they feel as blessed by you as we did.

2. Pardon me while I agonize over first-world problems, problems that I only dreamed of having a couple years ago. . . .  We recently purchased a new mattress. Let's take a moment to join the angels singing - we were SOOOO long overdue. We made the decision to move up to a king-sized bed. This means a new bed, bedding, pillows. . . it's slightly overwhelming. I'll save the bed conversation for later (not THAT kind of bed conversation), but thought I'd share the collection we went with for the bedding.

Home Classics Sarah Jacobean from Kohl's

I wanted something that took me back to my childhood - spending the night at my grandma's house - but didn't want something that looked like it was actually THE bedspread that was on her bed some 25+ years ago. It's a little more color than I had originally planned, but I am in love.  It is just what our bland room needed. I'd take a picture of our actual room, but without a bed - with the mattress on the floor - it just looks frumpy. Trust me on this!

3. I sort of have disdain for Valentine's Day. It seems like just another excuse for us to spend money and feel the need to outdo last year or someone else (you know it's true. . .). But don't think I won't notice if my hubby overlooks it!  ;) 

4. My birthday is coming up, and I have two occasions to pick a restaurant. I have agonized over this for two weeks. I'm not normal. Just thought I'd share. You're welcome.

5. This guy.

HA!

Happy Valentine's Day, Friday the 13th & "Oh So Very Close to Spring" to you!

15 years and counting

In honor of us celebrating our 15-year dating anniversary last week, and me missing last week's Fridays Finds and me being completely uninspired this week. . . I thought I'd share just a handful of my favorite pics of the two of us over the past 15 years. It's been an unbelievably wild (and sometimes, very tough) ride, but it's soooo been worth it - and I'm excited for the next 15 years and then some!

The day after we met (2000)

Our first summer together (2000)

Matt's high school graduation weekend (2002)

Our wedding day!!! (2003)

C's Pre-K graduation (2006)

Danny & Abbie's wedding (2009)

NYE 2010

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Random date flight - with an added bonus of seeing daddy & Judy (2010)

My TCC graduation (2012)

Family Pics (2012)

Celebrating our 10-year wedding anniversary in San Francisco (2013)   

At a friend's wedding (we like weddings) 2013

Oktoberfest with friends (2014)

Friday night - date night! Celebrating 15 years. (please forgive the grainy selfie!)

These are just a few of my favorites. The memories contained in every single shot is what I'm most grateful for today. Do you have a favorite photo with accompanying memory? Please share!!!
Comment below or join me and link-up with Ember Grey to share!