Finding Krista

Day 1:  Your Current Relationship. If you're reading me, you likely know me.  I don't really have strangers pop in over here to visit.  Geoff is a subject I talk about quite a bit.  It's funny, I don't want to be one of those people that only writes about one aspect of their life, but our relationship and the distance between us is a huge part of my identity.  Being a long distance couple means that spontaneity is rare, so my days are portioned out to make sure we are able to contact one another in some way, shape, or form. I could gush, but I won't.  He's far from perfect (he would tell you otherwise), but he's without a doubt one of the best men I've ever known.  There was something about him from the time we first met that made me feel like I belonged.  We managed to create something even at a distance at a time when long distance was truly a challenge in the mid 90's that has endured throughout the years. Geoff makes sense to me in a way...

I like a writing challenge.  It gives me something to talk about, even if I don't think I have anything to say! The boyfriend will be here in 36 days, so this might help distract me and keep me from going crazy until he gets here...so check it all out, starting tomorrow!!

I'm not typically a creative party person at all, but today I had a lot of fun creating something that was a little out of the ordinary... One of my dearest friends, a woman I met on a long distance relationship forum, is getting married next month.  She and I were actually able to meet up in person last November, which was amazing.  You spend so much time online with certain people, and finally being with them face to face is much like a reunion with an old childhood friend.  So when she announced the wedding, and since we have our little online group who wouldn't be able to attend, I thought why not try and do something that we could all get involved with.  And so, the online bridal shower - games only edition - was born. I started out with a pretty basic "Who Knows the Bride Best", which included the following questions: What is the wedding date?  How did she meet the groom?  Where did they go on their first date?  What does she think ...

So, it's my birthday.  Thirty-five years.  I can't even comprehend this.  Some days, I feel so much older and other days I can't believe how much time has passed.  I was talking about the last time I had been to Busch Gardens and it was 20 years ago.  TWENTY.  I graduated from high school 17 years ago.  I met Geoff 17 years ago.  I've been in my chosen career 13 years. 14 years ago, I celebrated 21 with a newer friend and spent the next 10 years celebrating with him.  He died 3 years ago, a few weeks before our birthday. It always hits me hard, but this year it hit me earlier.  Last year I felt more at ease with my birthday, and this year I don't even want to think about it. Screw cake and ice cream - I want a big bottle of wine and to listen to this song on repeat.   Wax is dripping from the frosting of the cake.  Come on girl buckle up, and don't hesitate.  Take a deep breath, and blow 'em all away....

I know, I know - I said I was going to write more often... As much as I hate this particular expression, I wear many hats in my life.  After all, being a mom, a legal assistant, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a long distance lover and all around bad ass is a LOT of work!  So one of my unspoken resolutions for this year was to make more time just for me.  My Kindle definitely helps with that because I'm reading more now that ever before (if that was even possible).  I'm actually taking my lunch hour everyday at work and reading.  I read before bed.  I take it with me everywhere and read every chance I get.   Then working out.  It's not my favorite thing to do, but I was really great about it last year and then completely lost motivation this year.  I'm trying to get that back in order but it's difficult when there's so little time left in my day after I get home from work.  A few years ago, I made the effort and pushed myself to get ...

My Mamaw, whom I see every single day, does prayers with the boy and me every night before his bedtime.  If I don't call by a certain time, she calls us.   Some nights, this is a huge hassle.  If the boy isn't feeling well and falls asleep early before we can call, then she gets upset with me.  And sometimes I'm just in the middle of doing dishes, or some other chore and I end up not finishing what I'm doing.  But every night, the boy puts the phone on speaker and I hear their prayers. Over the years, the prayers have evolved.  They started out pretty basic.  Then, as we added to the family, more people were included in the "God Bless" section.  Close friends were added to the rotation.  Geoff and his family are part of the evening prayers now as well.  People she has never met - like his son and brothers, all included. Some nights, this is when she chooses to break news to me about some illness with a far away family member.  I...

Last one in this challenge - yay!!!  I'll switch to other topics and whatnot after this, but I wanted to finish what was started and get on with a clean slate after! So - Dear Krista, Stop looking and only finding the faults.  You have curves.  You have gorgeous hair.  You have strong legs even if they aren't sticks.  You can do so much more than you used to, so much more than you thought you could. Stop worrying about the past.  It's done with.  Stop worrying about the future (I know, I know - this won't happen, but I can at least try).  You deserve happiness and peace.  Don't doubt that you've earned it. Keep on working towards finding your passion.  You wanted to make more time for you this year and you're doing a good job.  Stop worrying that this makes you selfish.  You're still young(ish) - you can be a little entitled. You do the best you can.  You keep working on you - the whole you, not just the fragment...