Skip to main content

wearing them so loud


On vacations and breaks it is easy for me to read a book a day.
I type hundreds of them into my computer.
At parties, I’m often the spewing out the most of them. the loudest.
I pay attention to song lyrics.
I don’t filter the ones that come out of my mouth very well.
And I’m trying to get better at saying the good ones out loud.
I tell my toddler to use hers all the time, rather then just hitting her brother.
I tell her brother to use less of his while the teacher is talking so we stop getting bad notes sent home.
I like puns.
And can tear up a crossword.
I’m a little out of control with the texting.
I can’t write an email that isn’t at least three paragraphs long.
If someone writes me nice ones I read them over and over again at least a half dozen times.
If they say them outloud I try really hard to let them sink in. To believe them.
I probably use twice as many in any given day than my husband. (or more).
I try to be intentional with the ones I use with my kids and my students.
I fill empty spaces with them.
Sometimes I run people over with them.
I try not to use ones I don't mean.
They are really hard to take back.
I am a kick ass scrabble player.
When I am nervous I use even more of them.
I try to say I’m sorry for the times when I am careless with them. (alot)
I know first hand the damage that they can do.
And the way just a few can change your whole day. And sometimes even your whole life.
Sometimes they are my best gift.
But I am also, forever putting my foot in my mouth.
I often misspell them.
I say far too many and don’t listen to other people’s enough.
And sometimes I read a few that I just can’t get out of my head.
Like these…..

And suddenly I am quiet.






 

Comments

Kate said…
Love this list!
Adrienne said…
....now to not write too many words in response! But I don't want to think them, and then not take the time to share them with you! This struck me, not only for the truth of it...but for the surprise. Not the ending I was expecting as I read it - and I LOVE that!

Popular posts from this blog

Canceled

I inhale books. So much so that I’m occasionally embarrassed by my intake. I don’t want anyone to think that I don’t work or pay attention to my family.  I’m just a fast reader and I don’t watch a lot of TV or play any games on my phone. Well – except for Wordle of course. My library card get a lot of miles. However, I still probably spend an embarrassing amount on books.  Even though I often put books in those cute little free libraries – I still have more books than shelves.  Today I did something tragic.  I did not renew my book of the month membership.  And let's be honest, it is more like three books a month.  I am not unhappy with the customer service, quality  or selection.  Book of the Month, I promise …it’s not you - it’s me.  I want to invest in my writing and I realize this going to cost me.  I don’t want to take that money from my family or my kid’s college funds.  Instead I had to evaluate what I was willing to give up.  What financial choices impact me but not as many

slow

Recently I went to the local running store and let them charge a ridiculous amount for a new pair of running shoes. I used to run. Just like I used to do lots of things, but lately I have been slow to get off the couch. Let’s be honest. This season has been a long one, and I’ve been slow to do a lot of things that are good for me. My old shoes are wearing thin and nothing motivates like a new pair of kicks.  I quickly found my brand and style of choice and asked the worker to bring them in my size. The owner spoke up from the back, “So you are picking your shoes out based on how they look?” I pulled my own foot into her view. I showed her a similar pair in teal, well worn, with the big toe scuffed all the way through. The model was a few years old and I needed a fresh start.  “Nope. These are my brand, but I’m open to your suggestions.” Runners are very particular about their shoes.  I tell her I need something to absorb a lot of the impact.  I tell her that I overpronate just a little

The annual REAL Christmas letter: 2021 edition

  One of my favorite traditions for over a  decade has been to sit down and try to write a REAL Christmas letter.  Not just the highlights, but a few honest moments as well. It started as a joke with one of my friends, thinking how refreshing it be for people to share more than just their perfect lives that we are used to seeing on Facebook and Instagram. It would be way more truthful and a whole lot more entertaining. So here goes… 2021 I had such high hopes for you. Well, actually the bar was pretty low but clearly not low enough. If I have learned anything from 2020 it is that even things that are difficult, the days are still a gift. It is a gift to gather with family without a Covid test or a worrisome 5 days after. It is a gift to go to the movies or a concert. It is a gift to go to work, school and sporting events. It is a gift to get vaccines, to board an airplane to sit in a pew at church. It is a gift to be allowed back to visit someone in the emergency room. It is a gift to