Keeping Quiet

It's been a bit quiet around here, but what are you supposed to say when you aren't supposed to say anything?

Life lately has been challenging, and when challenging things happens in real life you're supposed to keep it to yourself and off of the internet.

Right?

Thus holds one of the most challenging parts about using writing as an outlet and your blog to document your life. Typically, if I'm not writing consistently then I'm busy with other priorities or going through something that I can't share.

Unfortunately, this time around consists of both.

While this week is actually going okay, last week was one of the most difficult that I've had in a very long time. Things seemed to be going wrong on a daily basis and the stress became unbearable. My right eye started twitching, my body ached, and I felt like I had a stomach bug. My 24 week pregnant belly also hurt here and there (I think those may have been Braxton Hicks contractions), and it was quite alarming.

All. from. stress.

And while part of me wants to blurt everything out because it would quite frankly make me feel better, I know that it would make things in real life more difficult.

So quiet I'll keep.

If I've learned anything it's that biting your tongue is (sometimes) the best thing you can do. We recently went on a trip where someone's opinion was so far off and completely ridiculous that I wanted to speak up and challenge it...but I knew by doing so I would ruin the day and create tension and ill feelings. So I literally bit my tongue.

In today's society where social media is present and speaking your mind is so easy, it's important to remember that keeping quiet doesn't mean that you approve or agree with the opinion or actions at hand. It just means that you are picking your battles wisely.

It's so easy to focus on the negative, especially when you are 100% justified in doing so, but I've also learned that you must keep your eyes on the good, praise Him through the storm, and know that when things are tough, you are learning and growing and will persevere.

In reality things could be so much worse, and I'm thankful that the Lord has protected my family and continues to provide for us. Since I won't say what's wrong, I'll say what's right.

My children have been super sweet, happy, and are healthy. Thank you, Lord. 

The pregnancy is going well and sweet Ethan is one active little dude. Thank you, Lord. 

My husband and I continue to strengthen our marriage through all of these challenges, and he never fails to protect and love me. Thank you, Lord. 

We have a home to live in, food in our bellies, and more blessings than we deserve. Thank you, Lord.

The desires of my heart are strong and my passion for things truly amazes me. Thank you, Lord.

**Life is beautiful and messy and sometimes things go wrong, and I think that what everyone needs to remember is that every action produces a reaction. Those creating the initial actions do not have the right to try and control the reaction or to inform you how it makes them feel. They created the mess, and they must accept the consequences. With time and healing I'm sure things will return to some form of normal, but in the meantime boundaries must be respected.**

So, I say all of this to say that I'm hoping to get back into the swing of things and continue sharing my heart, goals, and life...because this blog is Lindsey's Dolce Vita, and it truly is "tales of my mostly sweet, sometimes crazy, perfectly imperfect life."

What the Heck?!?

(The following post is what some may call a rant. Consider yourself warned)

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I don't know about you guys, but I thought last night's game was a freaking joke. LSU, you played like crap! Plain and simple. More specifically, Jordan Jefferson....what were you DOING?!?! Were you hungover? Sick? Did you just choke? Regardless, it's not your fault that you were left to play in the game. That would be LES MILES' fault. Les, buddy...why didn't you give Lee a chance? Did you think that Jefferson and the OL would eventually make a first down? (You guys made 5) Or maybe that they would cross the 50 yard line? (You did this once) No? Okay, well if you were confused about what to do then maybe you should have gotten on facebook. There were only 3204732 people begging for you to put LEE in. 

You guys didn't deserve to win. 

And you sure as heck didn't show up ready to play the #2 team in the country. 

And you know what? BAMA deserved it. They fought hard. Their defense was solid (but then again it's easy to be solid when your QB can't throw a pass to save his life), QB was on-point, and their kicker actually performed well this time. So, congratulations to Alabama. You guys played well and deserve to be #1. Saban, great coaching. Les, you're an idiot!!!

End rant.

(Side note: I have never claimed to be an LSU fan, however being from Louisiana and having lived in SC/GA, I feel a fondness for them that never existed before. I do support LSU and all Louisiana teams for that matter, but when any team performs on such a craptastic level, this is my reaction. I am not disowning them nor am I a bandwagon fan. I just can't stand ignorant coaching when it's time to be clutch. That is all.)

Plans Shmans

(Disclaimer - This post may be considered a rant. Consider yourself warned.)

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I am well aware that things hardly ever go as planned. However, I did not expect my Louisiana trip plans to completely crash and burn. Let me explain...

I planned on arriving in New Orleans on Monday, June 20th at 3:30pm. Instead my 11am flight out of Charleston was canceled. I hitched a ride with my hubby to Atlanta planning to make my rescheduled 4pm flight. Instead I missed that one and ended up parking my booty at the gate for my 8pm flight about 3 hours early. I arrived in New Orleans around 9pm.

I planned on setting up my conference booth a few minutes before 1pm. Instead I was yelled at from across the room by a man that very well may be kin to the Grinch. Apparently I was in the ballroom too soon and was ordered to "get out now." I ended up in my hotel room crying (like a champ). I then dragged myself back to the ballroom and quickly set up my booth. Luckily, a very nice man witnessed what had happened and was so unbelievably kind and apologetic. He also set up my booth with internet and electricity -- at no charge. Seriously, this nice man was heaven sent, and totally made my day. 

I planned on having dinner with some great friends on Thursday night. Instead, I suffered some sort of stomach malfunction Thursday during lunch. My Mom is a fantastic cook, but her stuffed bell pepper and my tummy didn't mix. I was in excruciating pain from Thursday at lunch until Sunday...and I was unable to eat anything solid until Friday night. 

I planned on attending the New Kids on the Block/Backstreet Boys concert with a handful of my best friends. Instead, I gave my ticket back and spent the night in pain thanks to my stomach.

I planned on flying back to Charleston on Sunday afternoon. Instead I booked a 6am Saturday flight  out of Louisiana and headed back to my South Carolina home. I spent the day laying on the couch completely zoned out.  

And last but certainly not least...

I planned on taking my Maw-Maw and Dad out to lunch on Friday. Instead, I ended up at a local hospital in ICU. My Dad has been an alcoholic for as long as I can remember...and now it looks like he may never recover. He is suffering from liver failure and things aren't looking good. I had hope until I saw him. He is 47 years old but resembles a 60+ year old man. I am sad that my father wasn't able to acknowledge that he is an alcoholic...I'm sad that he was never ever to get help. Most of all, I am angry that he has done this to himself. My dad is an amazing man when he is sober, and mean as can be when he is drunk. Let's just say he wasn't sober often...I don't know what's going to happen, but if you guys would please say a prayer for my dad, my Maw-Maw (his mother), my sisters, and our family I would sincerely appreciate it.

Needless to say this trip was the worst one I have ever experienced. As someone who is always making lists and plans, I think I'm going to take a break for a little while.

blahday

I have come to the conclusion that Monday needs to be renamed and I am suggesting Blahday. I don't mean to be a Negative Norah but goodness Mondays are just so difficult. Like today for instance. It wasn't all bad, but it was blah. It started off dark, cold, and rainy. Had this been any other day I would have just wanted to stay in bed and read a good book. However, since it was Monday it just made me feel heavy. I also overslept...something I tend to do a lot on this day. Obviously, Monday is also the beginning of the work week. (This one's self-explanatory) Today was particularly difficult because it was my first day on Weight Watchers. Let me just say that it was HARD and I was hungry all day. Day one is always the toughest. I've been on Weight Watchers before and have really enjoyed it. I gain so much energy, lose some weight, and am a lot healthier. I know that in a few days I will have adapted to the portion control/healthier choices thing, but until then I will just be a tad hungry.

I am going out on a limb here to say that the only good thing about this day is Monday Night Football. (I'm watching the Vikings & Packers game as I type this.) Okay, okay I take that back. I know that I am lucky to be given each day. I know that I am extremely blessed. I love every minute that I spend with my fiancé. I love that I get to talk to my Maw-Maw every morning before work. I am grateful for the freedom that I have. Honestly, I am the happiest I have ever been in my whole life.

So this is my prayer. I pray that the Lord would allow me to look past these "Blahdays" and that I would enjoy the time that I've been given. I pray that the heaviness I feel and the blahness would be replaced with joy and hope. I pray that each Monday would feel like a fresh start of a new week with unlimited possibilities.

I'm sorry for ranting and raving, but sometimes you just need to let it out.