The Reason I'm Crying Right Now

"That's teacher touch."
"Turn around and find something else to play with."
"Please come out from under the table."
"That's so-and-so's snack."
"Please don't eat that off the floor."
"Time to change your diaper."

...

All of these sentences spew out of me in rapid procession ten hours a day, five days a week. Today was no different. I'm sure readers are thinking this what my post title is all about. It's not (although that would be a viable candidate at times, hahaha).

No, here's the reason I'm crying right now (it's not what you're expecting):

After a typically chaotic Thursday (we're shorthanded on Thursdays), I checked out my disheveled hair in my review mirror, binge ate some Club crackers, and turned on the radio. My mascara-less face perked up and my shoulders started shaking to the beat (true story).

I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass
'Bout that bass
No trouble

All about that bass
'Bout that bass
'Bout that bass
No trouble

Please say you know what I'm talking about already! Oh my gosh, it will make you happy, too (hopefully).

This. Just, this! This song came on the radio in all its body-loving, self-esteem-promoting goodness:

I chose to post the clean version because that's what I like. The video is pretty cute, too though if you can deal with a couple "S" and "B" words.

Anyway, there I was in my [new] car, tired and dead looking and this song made me feel like a new woman. It's happy, it's fun, it's part of a beautiful new movement. It instructs us to love our bodies the way they are and that is amazing.

This song is popular enough to be on a major Texas radio station. That means, generally, this song is wide-spread and well-liked enough to be playing on the radio (I.e., reaching lots of women at least in my community).

This thought made me cry. I think this is a big step forward in society!

I agree that women shouldn't worry about being teeny-tiny and should appreciate the body they've been blessed with. Not to mention that I have some extra padding all around and this makes me feel pretty good, haha.

That's all.

What feeling does this song bring out in you?

Why 30 is Not the New 20 and Creating Identity Capital

Today a friend shared this enlightening TED Talk on Facebook. Since I'm fairly sure my main audience is composed mostly of 20-something-year-olds, I thought this would be a valuable video.

If you aren't interested in watching, I'll add my thoughts on creating identity capital as she mentions. Meg Jay states that the 20's are not developmental downtime; they're the developmental sweet spot for defining our futures. 

I agree that now is the time to make choices that contribute to future success and happiness. I just graduated from college. I got married two years ago. I imagine my family of procreation will take off in the next few years. 

Admittedly, I don't have major long-term occupational plans for financial reasons. However, I've always had the dream of owning and operating a children's theater designed to give individuals a place to grow without pushing their moral standards. I know that in order to do this I need to build my credentials and learn about running an organization (I would like it to be non-profit). Now is the time to prepare for that, I believe. 

Jay also states "the brain caps off its second and last growth spurt in your twenties as it re-wires itself for adulthood, which means whatever it is you want to change about yourself, now is the time to change it." 

This seems pretty crucial in my opinion. I try to be intentional about how I live; I'm always setting goals and making checklists. I want to make a personality bucket list, so to speak. I did this as an early teenager. I had a list of qualities I wanted in a husband some day, but I knew we wouldn't be compatible if I lacked a lot of those qualities. I worked hard to become the kind of person I wanted to marry, and then I got married and realized I wasn't even close, haha. 

Well, I am off to make a list of the characteristics I'd like to have ten years from now (it includes rock-hard abdominal muscles). <-- Just kidding. :)

See you!

Applying for Jobs (I.e., blogging about it instead)

I love me a good interview. Is that weird? I really love applying a primer under my makeup, ironing outfits, printing things out, and wearing pretty shoes.

Conversely, applying for jobs is a mildly frustratingly nerve-wracking event. Every time. Somehow, I forget all my good graces when I'm filling out applications and imagine myself as this slow-typing (60 wpm. I don't even know if that' good or not), credentials-needing, luster-lacking child.

Here's the thing, I've never done drugs, I have a degree from a competitive university, and I have great communication skills. I love people and I am passionate about my assignments. However, I don't imagine those qualifications cutting it compared to the things I lack. These include a marketable degree, Jeff's cumulative GPA (summa cum laude, what, what?), or a passion for accounting or data-entry or even stuffing envelopes (trust me, I've been there).

You know, for the first time in my life (sad), I am donning my big-girl pants and applying for full-time jobs. I can do it! Really, I know I can. It's just a little disheartening to not be a mechanic or nurse or IT person right now. The pickings [online] are a little slim for a girl like me. On the bright side, if I find a job at Jeff's school I might just cut his tuition in half, so...

I know that I'll miss 100 percent of the shots I don't take (butchered sports analogy courtesy of Claire Falco). I guess it's time to wrap up this little distraction and get back to applying then. Feed the family, feed the family..

Anyone else in my shoes? Let me know what's working/has worked for you in the comments below.

Keep on keeping on. I'll pray for you if you pray for me. Half kidding-- no, not kidding. You know what? Let's do that! :)