Bloggin' as a Mother, Wife, Friend, Home Chef and Colorado Realtor

I am starting to realize why I do not like calling people on the phone. Anymore. I mean used to LOVE calling and answering, talking for hours. The days before cell phones and caller IDs made “the phone call” so much more simple. Looking back it seemed so much more important. The phone call.

To call someone: (definition of call: to cry out, to attempt connection)

The amazing technology that would connect households across the map. Open to talk to just about anyone. Connecting. On Purpose.

The phone would ring! *ring ring*

*ring ring*

IF you were home, you could answer.
IF you were not home, you couldn’t.
It was simple.

IF you were home, you did answer.
IF you were not home, you didn’t.
It was so simple.

Even during the days of answering machines, if they didn’t leave a message you never knew you missed something. You didn’t feel cheated, cuz you didn’t know better.

The ring annouced an active attempt of connection and 90% of the time it was someone that knew you, needed you and/or was worth creating an exchange with, and if an unknown person they had something to offer you vs. asking favors of you.

The phone’s ring was a sound that made everyone respond with action. Adults and kids alike would get up and go running. Responding with urgency because we knew there was a timeline before the answering machine would pickup, or before the person on the other end would give up and hang up.

It’s just not that simple anymore.

Cell phones have offered mobility – now we may or may not be home, we may or may not be out, we may or may not answer. Did they answer because they have time to talk or are they running errands with scremaing kids? Did they ignore your call on purpose??

Caller ID has offered transparancy. Gone are the days when we answered because we weren’t sure who was on the other end. Gone are the days when we answered to blindly say “Hello”. Calls can be screened with such prescision including: VIP lists, time of day filters, and location/activity filters.

I miss those days. THOSE simple phone days.

The progression of change has been happening for decades, from a personal connection that you were craving to the gross feeling inside looking down to see Possible Spam. Or a “local” number calling without a name saved. “Oh no!” You think is this another extended car warranty for my 15 year old car? the IRS calling again demanding gift cards as payment? or have a won yet another free vaction being offered?

Now I face a TWO part problem: calling and answering. Both sides of the phone that I dread whestleing with that dread, I shouldn’t feel this way about such a great option of communication. Should I? Do you?

Calling: when 90% of phone calls are unsolicited, I’ve realized it’s not a fun way for me to reach out to people anymore either. I hate the idea of being part of the unsolicited inturptions to someones day, for someone to be in a perfectly good mood and look down to see my number calling to think…. oh no, not now. This is a terrible excuse but it is my excuse for not calling friends/family/clients to reconnect when we haven’t talked in a while. Text I can do, calling SO scary!

Answering: every time I think of challenging myself to answer 100% of my calls (which I do when I have active listings on the market, let me tell you – that’s exhausting!) but doing it all, all, ALL? of the time…. ugh! I just can’t bring myself to the action to do it daily.

While writting this, I’ve recieved 3 calls in less than 30 minutes. And no, I didn’t answer any of them — all junk calls.

Is there an end? Is there a new way to communicate with eachother that isn’t tainted by robocalls, fraud, favors asked by a stranger? Can we take back the phone call? Do we want to abandon it all together? Do you call first or text?

I know why I love texting, because it feels like I can communicate without demanding a response of you, no jump to action required- just a reasonably prompt reply requested. Also no interruption for you, reply after you get your kids in the car, after your baby wakes up, after/when it is good for you.

Do you text before you call? Do you call anyone at all?

“We become the books we read.”

Matthew Kelly

I’m starting a new book to read in the mornings. It is titled, “Rise & Thrive: Quotes to Start Your Day” by Lisa Blacksaw. While I love reading as a good habit, growing tool and relaxation method, I actually don’t read as much as I would like. SO by starting with something first thing in the morning, I’m hoping this will not only add a little pep in my morning steps (seriously I need a lot it!) but it will also give me a taste for it that then I will crave the rest of the day and find some more time to fit reading in.

Today’s starting quote is in the Introduction:

“And suddenly you know: It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.”

Meister Eckhart

Are you an avid reader? When do you find your best time for reading is? Any other morning books I should add to my list? Have you recently starting somethign exciting that you’d like to share quiet like a mouse or shout from the rooftops??

Someday, I hope to feel “arrived” in my path to become an author. I was thinking today of how thankful I am for BOOKS. To read, is to explore the freedoms greater than our own wall and borders. I’ve always had a good healthy love of reading and fear I’ve failed my kids to pass along that love. I’m going to have to try to do better at that this week.

Thank You… to authors who have poured hours of work and who have shared the stories of their heart.

Currently reading: Way of Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman (on Audiable.com)

Click here to get the book today.

It’s amazing how quickly a heart can fall in love, deep love, with someone you’ve never seen or met or touched. (I can’t say never talked to cuz I instantly started talking to all my tummy babies! lol)

And yet the love is overflowing and full, complete love, nothing missing, no reservations. The mind quickly changes thinking of future events and all the terrifying things come with motherhood. But you are ready to face them all, for the tiny baby you get to carry.

I was amazed at the amount of love and excitement that was attached to those two tiny lines on a test, the confirmation at the doctor’s office – and the sheer terror at the sight of blood only days after. It felt like my heart was ripped out and crushed in front of me.

I didn’t know other women had held the same until I started talking about it, I needed to listen to other experiences to heal.

I needed time to be angry.

I had to find a way to secretly mourn a death that no one else even knew about or could see.

I still cry sometimes.

I hear myself saying stupid crap to married couples – so when are you going to have babies, when are you going to start trying, when when when – WHEN I know nothing of their timeline and possible heartaches or trials. I try to apologize and backup up, tail between my legs. Knowing that hurt me so badly when I was asked the same, just two days after the bleeding started, someone asked those questions once again. I blew up, I yelled at the person started crying and left, leaving them wide-eyed and confused, leaving me still trying to hide the broken, no shattered heart.

It makes my heart happy when women can talk more about their heartbreak when we allow ourselves to be real, to hurt, to be angry, to question.

When we listen, when we have conversations of depth and of truth. I enjoy when we get to spend online time together when we get to connect over real things. The book “Heaven is For Real” changed my perspective of my miscarriages. It helped me drop the guilt that I did something wrong, it helped me heal up some of those broken pieces. It made me want to talk to other women, to help, to listen.

I’m here for you if you need to be heard, held or sat with.

– Jennifer

For more stories, videos and resources shared by The Today show go to https://www.today.com/miscarriage

This morning was a calmer version of our normal. What a nice change lol.

Having a family funeral today, hubby worked from home and we were able to tag team the kiddos. Which made all the difference in our timing on school arrival! Oh! How good on time feels!

My son called into bed and started talking about the friends he brought with him around 6am. As difficult as it can feel at that moment what a beautiful tiny moment in our world. I’m sure there will be moments I’ll look back and miss those very early morning snuggles and chats about stuffed teddies.

I find when I have the right tools, I get the job done more efficiently each and every time! One of these tools that helps me through my #bestme type of week or month! is the simple to use and very cost effective membership at Plantoeat.com

So here are a few recipes I’ve added, printed from my MIL and I plugged them in so I won’t lose them in the #lessthanbestme piles in my personal office. LOL

Savory Peach and Cucumber Salad

Soy Sauce–Marinated Grilled Flank Steak and Scallions

Charred Sweet Potatoes with Honey and Olive Oil

Print Recipe

Charred Sweet Potatoes with Honey and Olive Oil

We suggest using Japanese sweet potatoes for this recipe because they're starchier than yams (Whole Foods should have them). Plus, how to keep them moist when grilling.

Source: bonappetit.com

Course: Main Course

Yield: 8 servings

Serves: 8 Scale Update

Ingredients

• 8 small or 4 large Japanese sweet potatoes
• 60 mL olive oil divided
• 60 mL honey
• 60 mL white wine vinegar
• Kosher salt
• Flaky sea salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Directions

1. Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Rub sweet potatoes with 2 Tbsp. oil and wrap tightly in foil—you can wrap them on their own or put 2 in each packet. Grill, turning every 5 minutes or so, until tender, 30–45 minutes. Unwrap and let cool slightly. (Or, steam in a basket set over a pot filled with 1″ of boiling water 30–35 minutes. If not using right away, let cool, then cover and chill until ready to grill—up to 2 days.)
2. Meanwhile, bring honey, vinegar, and a big pinch of kosher salt to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high (you can do this on the grill if you want), reduce heat, and simmer until just beginning to thicken, about 4 minutes. Keep warm.
3. Cut sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. Rub cut surfaces with 1 Tbsp. oil total; season with kosher salt. Grill, cut side down, without turning, until lightly charred, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and brush with honey glaze.
4. Arrange sweet potatoes on a platter and drizzle with more glaze and remaining 1 Tbsp. oil. Season with sea salt and pepper.