A "Not-so-sexy" Life


That's what my sister called it anyway, as she was reflecting on living in the middle east for five years and how the newness, mystery, and adventure has faded into normal life.

How true is this?

We dream of marriage, kids, fabulous careers, and adventure. And at some point life slips into a routine that can feel mundane and unexciting. It can leave us looking for the next big thing we have going on. I see it in so many people I interact with (and definitely myself).

I was talking to someone the other day (shout out to Jenny) and we discussed this very thing; of coming to terms with the reality of life. Not that life isn't great...but there's a reality that comes with certain circumstances. I loved her realness and it made me realize we can all do each other a big fat favor and be real that our life isn't as glamorous as we make it look, because it's not. Sure, there are picturesque moments of travel, those rare perfect days at home with our cute kids, amazing meals, and fun dates with our husband where everything just goes perfectly.

But if we could all just be willing to admit less-than-glamorous days when it's just the reality of life, there'd be a lot less tension in women everywhere. My opinion, anyway.

So just in case my blog posts have left you to think my life always easy and fun, just remember I'm here wiping poopy butts, feeding my kid too many crackers, and stressing about a budget like the rest of the world. :)

Somewhat relating to this topic...

my husband thinks we should buy a minivan.

We're car hunting. We have a vehicle we LOVE, but it's pricey and the reality is if we put that much money into a car that only seats four comfortably, we'll grow out of it in the near future. (Side note, don't test drive a car you love because then you'll love it even more and be really sad when it's not practical to buy - not that I've given up, yet.)

Anyway, Devin has the audacity to say "we should just get a van". He thinks they're awesome with all the space and the smooth ride and what's great about Devin is he could care less about being a guy who drives a minivan. His wife? Not so much. I'm totally the girl who feels like I would just need to give up on any attempt to be young and cool if I'm driving a minivan. Pride? Yes.

Devin said he thought driving a van would be good for my ego, thanks Dev.

I realize not every woman will relate to this. I think there are girls out there who have just been waiting to be the mom of a few kids driving her Odyssey, and seriously, good for you. I'm just not there yet, so I might go ahead and hold out for a 'sexier' vehicle, at least until I'm 30. :)

Which brings me to my last point, car shopping is the worst. I thought it would be fun. It's not.

10 comments:

Sandra said...

Vans....a very steriotype vehicle. I was driving one by the good ol age of 24;). Let me just say I'm soooo glad we went that direction as it's been big and roomy and has fit our family of 6 great. Now I will soon get to look forward to driving something other than a van.....if our van ever breaks down:). 201 thousand miles on it and still going strong:).....

Linda said...

This post made me laugh :)

petite+grand said...

Hey girl! For the record I am still driving a car with three littles & Luca is not so little anymore so it is starting to look a but ridiculous :)!

Sara Huber said...

Good post em! Nothing like a minivan to bump your pride down a few notches!

Joy said...

Ha! I'm like Devin. I am dying to have a minivan. We drive this tiny little Honda Civic and a van would just be more comfortable. Jason isn't too sure about it though. If you end up getting one, would love to know where.

Joy said...

Ha! I'm like Devin. I am dying to have a minivan. We drive this tiny little Honda Civic and a van would just be more comfortable. Jason isn't too sure about it though. If you end up getting one, would love to know where.

Daveana said...

Oh Em! Thanks for the post! Needed it!

Betsy said...

So funny that Devin loves minivans. I think you could have many, minivan-free years ahead of you. But good luck working through that decision....together.

As for the not-so-sexy life I find it comforting to know that you don't think your life is all that sexy either. I think with your short hair and your edgy leanings, your dapper husband and cute little bungalow -- you could be well on your way, but whatever you say. ;)

L, Ann and boys said...

ha :D Betsy, your comment is awesome. :) Emily, your post is quite refreshing. We've got 8 in our Traverse comfortably. True, the kids in back dive over the seat and buckle themselves so I don't have to fold the seat down...but I'm surprisingly okay with the risky side affects the to grey upholstery. ;) During muddy/snow season, it's shoes off at the door (most of the time). Good luck with the hunt...

Ashley Neuen said...

Hilarious! Can't quite picture you in a minivan :)