Oh life. I feel like sometimes it just likes to kick you while you are down to the point where you loose track of what's important.
As I mentioned in my very first post, my husband and I were in the process of buying a house. Well we did it. We closed on it just over a month ago and with the crazy that is fair season we weren't really able to "move in" until almost 2 weeks ago. I don't know about you but it's the worst time ever, at least it was for me. I don't do change very well.
Moving from the farm to living in the "City" of Zeeland... like right in town. Its a little daunting. We have no idea how to act with neighbors that we can literally see into their houses. We don't know anything. We both grew up out in in rural areas. So this is new. New even though we have lived in apartments... this is very different though. Thank goodness we live right across the street from a city park with lots of green space. Otherwise, this would be absolutely horrible. Our neighbors have been very welcoming too but this is still hard.
This change affected me more than I was anticipating. Even to the point where my boss noticed that something was up with me. I hardly see him, so it must have been really apparent. But I suppose when life starts affecting my work then there is an issue. Go me.
While reeling from this move a variety pack of things happened...in one weekend...
1- I blew a tire on my car. What a pain... but at least my brother is the best mechanic in town :)
2- Curtains! Do you know how overwhelming curtain buying can be? Ridiculous really. And because our spans of windows are extra large (9ft and 7.5ft) we needed a bazillion panels... which only come in singles. $$$
3-Meat Judging team learns we cannot go to nationals. This was a tough tough blow to all of us. Our state winning team cannot go represent the state of Michigan because 2 girls are too old to compete! How dumb is that. When the state rules don't line up with the national rules, opportunities are stolen right out from under them.
So change. It happens. Every day. It sucks.
However, friends and family are always there to help you through. The tough times are when we need to realize that we need to appreciate the little things in life. Life is especially crazy. Yet another fair is coming and I am crazy enough (stupid?) to bring 9 dairy goats. Through all my crazy, I haven't been able to get to my special place, the pasture and its slowly killing me. It's the little things right? Need some quiet time in the pasture. A coffee break with a best friend. A chance to catch my breath.
Sometimes, change can be ok. I do love our house. I do. There's so much i want to do with the place. Also, the greatness that is new life happened in my family. My brother and sister in law had a beautiful bouncing baby girl bringing my tally of nieces and nephews to 7:2.
So what's important?
Family-family isn't always blood. Family is anyone you'd lay your life down for. Anyone you'd drop everything to help. People you couldn't imagine your life without.
Friends- friends could fall into that family category as well. Friends that tell you how it is even when you don't want to hear it. They can deliver that slap from life when it is needed. Or on the flipside friends don't have to be human. I don't know about you but I talk to my animals-cows, goats, cats, dogs... doesn't matter. They know me and sometimes they are the best listeners.
Faith- Where would I be without my faith? The knowledge that there is a higher power. Knowing that this life isn't my own. Keeps me grounded. Helps me through the day to day.
Country- Yes, this is an election year. Yes, there is SO much crap going on. Yes, you can make a difference. It matters. Take pride in your country. Learn the issues. Become informed.
Nothing else matters. Never take those things for granted.
I asked Matt a couple days ago if our lives were going to slow down and he just kind of laughed at me. Maybe, but residency is nutty so maybe not for awhile.
Well there it is, life knocking at my door again. I just need to learn to embrace the crazy and jump in with both feet. So here I go!
Until Next Time..