Riot and Frolic

I have often heard people remark, "I don't know how you do it."  I'm assuming they're talking about juggling three little ladies, marriage, dancing, working in an official capacity, and writing all about it.  Not about my confidence in walking out of the house with no makeup, my hair in the ever stylish I-just-woke-up bouffant, wearing my slightly ill-fitting workout clothes which happen to have baby goo on them, and carrying three overflowing bags filled with my super-necessary stuff.

First of all, thank you. 

Second of all, it's not easy, but it's not rocket science either.  

I've figured out a couple things that make my life easier and my general outlook on life happier.  This is not advice, but it's "how I do it," so now you'll know…

– Exercise.  I happen to run.  I hate running, but love the time alone, the fact that it's cheap (just shoes!), and challenging myself.  That sounds so cheesy.  But every morning when I start my run, I think, "I don't think I can do this."  But every time I finish my run, panting and sweating at my doorstep, I think, "Screw you, Doubtful Pants."  It makes me put on my Believin' Pants before I do anything else.  Optimism!

 - Hobbies.  I like to crochet and write and listen to music and dance and cook and bake and watch TV series on DVD and snowboard and kayak and hike.  I try to do something I enjoy every day, duh.  Mostly, it's when the kids are asleep, but sometimes, we dig the same music (they really like Michael Franti and Jason Mraz and Feist and the Beastie Boys and The Heavy) and cook or dance or bake together.  Two birds!  One stone!

– Lists.  I have about four apps on my iPhone just for making lists: to-do lists, shopping lists, chores lists, list of songs I like, list of books to read, list of guys to post on the blog.  Then I have a few paper lists- ideas for the menu for next week, what's in the fridge (how much moldy food do you throw out?  it's a constant battle for me), what needs to get done today (completely different than a to-do list, mind you).  It might seem confusing, but I like to see things in front of me.  Visual learner!

– People.  I like seeing my peeps, but not too much of them.  I really love my friends and family.  I would love to cook food for everyone and pour them drinks… five days a week.  Those other two days, I want to stay in bed with the covers over my head, phone shut off, and doorbell ripped out to avoid any sort of social interaction.  It's not you, it's me.  Extroverted introvert!  

– Learning.  It's great to learn something new everyday.  Even if it's useless.  "Spatchcock", for example.  Useless fun!

Tomorrow I'm going to bore your Believin' Pants off with my daily schedule.  Then, I'm going to take you to the greatest place on Earth…  Cleveland.  Stay tuned, boys and girls!  Excitement!