Friday 5: Things I Want My Daughter to Know

I had an entirely different thing planned for today. This post was to be light and silly, but then there was yet another school shooting. I cannot bring myself to write about TV or Lyla's new ice cream crocs. I am far too angry, and I hope that you all are, too. 

8 children and 1 adult are dead, as of the time that I am writing. My heart just bleeds for the parents of these children. We have failed them. If I'm being honest, I didn't really know or care where I stood politically until the last election, and then it became clear as day. This post could turn some of you off, and I am ok with that. 100% I do feel that this issue is a matter of gun control. I hate that something so tragic has turned into something so political, and therefore polarizing, but it's very much our reality right now. 

I am terrified to send my daughter to school one day. Terrified. No matter where you stand, I'm sure that all parents are feeling this way. 

5 things that I want Lyla to know growing up in this political climate: 

1. While I do stand behind this being a matter of gun control, I also think that our future generations need to have more open and honest conversations about mental health. I will do my best to teach Lyla compassion and understanding, and to speak up if she thinks that she or somebody else might need help. We hate stigmas about health around here, including mental health. 

2. Have an open heart and an open mind for those that are different. I would hope that growing up in this household, Lyla doesn't see race, gender, nationality, or sexual preference. We all have the same heart. 

3. Fight. Fight. Fight. Personally, if I had a child that wanted to take part in the student walk out protest (for stronger gun control), I would have been SO proud! I saw a lot of disagreeing opinions on social media at the time. Really, I don't get that way of thinking, but not respecting those opinions is counter productive. Even if it's wrong. Sorry. Just kidding. Not really. 

4. Kids are not to be underestimated. These kids that are protesting guns, have seen their friends killed; and have been frightened for their lives. If you ask me, Emma Gonzales is a really brave and smart young woman, and she gives me hope. Just the other day, Lyla was trying to show me where her puppy cup was and that she couldn't reach it. I tried to tell her that "no, you left it upstairs.." and "let's go look.." Well, after 5 minutes of looking everywhere for it, I figured I'd look where she actually thought that it was, and my 2 year old was totally right. It was a really random place, and I have no idea how she even knew it was there. My point is though, kids know what they're talking about, and I'll try to listen better. 

5. Thoughts and prayers are nice, but they aren't enough. Whether it be about a shooting at a school, healthy lungs, a career, getting into a certain school..anything that she or any other young person might want, get out there and fight for it! Be loud, strong, and brave; and try to have a kind and giving heart in the process. Stay true to yourself and go after what feels right. 

I have just felt so weary and discouraged in the last 17 months. For what it's worth, those of you that feel differently, I do not think that you're monsters. Some of my closest family members see things differently (hmm..getting an idea for a 6th bullet point. Eh, Lyla will get the idea someday..) All that I can do, is stand by my convictions with respect to others, and try to provide what I think is the right example in my own home. 

XO  

Friday 5: Confessions

I'm test driving a new idea, or series, if you will. (A series. I'm sorry, who do I think I am?) The idea is that every Friday, I'll feature 5 things/ideas/thoughts/whatever that are somewhat related. This week, some shameless, and recent confessions. 

1. I tried to get into Cardi B's new album, and it's fun and all, but it's just not my thing. I do think that she's adorable though. No, instead I've found myself watching live performances by Tina Turner on YouTube. It kind of started with the newest season of Schitt's Creek (not streaming yet), and snowballed from there. I can remember my Mom getting so excited whenever Tina was on Oprah, or playing her tape on the way to my Grandma's pool, and just not getting it. It's like I turned 35, and I randomly became obsessed with her. She is simply the best. 🙄

live footage of me on the treadmill 

2. I let Lyla stay up ridiculously late last night. We're paying for it today. When I told her that it was time for "night night" she began her stall tactics, and I was way too tired to do much about it. It really is her world, and we're just living in it. We did end up cuddling on the couch with a blankie and watching Tarzan. She was "telling" me about each scene as it happened. So cute! A good memory, ruined schedule or not.

3. I am KarJenner obsessed. Whew. There I said it. I found myself checking instagram way too much on Monday night to see what Kim was going to wear to the Met Gala. Honestly, I was a tad underwhelmed given the event, but was living for her 90's vibe. I loved Kendall's look, aside from the weird hem on her pants. My favorite from the night was Bella Hadid - so, karjenner adjacent? 

4. Over the last 2 weeks, I've gotten to see a lot of newer movies, which is rare. At home, I watched Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and The Greatest Showman; in the theater: Avengers: Infinity War and I Feel Pretty. They're all so good! I am loving The Greatest Showman soundtrack. My favorite of them all though.. Jumanji. Lolz for days that that's my big take away. It was so entertaining. Like, if I was 10, it would probably be my favorite of all time. I love family friendly adventure or spooky movies. There is nothing more comforting. Needless to say, Jumanji (the new one) fit the bill. 

5. I found myself googling "mommy makeover" last night. That would be a breast lift and a tummy tuck. As Carrie Bradshaw once said, "yes please, Mrs. Adams!" It's not actually something that I'd really do, unless I was a Kardashian or something (see #3). The cost, recovery, and vanity alone would keep me from probably ever doing it. What are some weird things that you google? Tell me so that I don't feel so vulnerable (ick). 

Short and sweet. There you have it. If you made it this far, I salute you in all of my conceded glory. I have started several posts this week, mostly about CF, and I just didn't have it in me; but I am trying to stick with this. Sometimes no pressure and easy is the way to go. 

Until next time XO