New mantra: START SEEKING INSPIRATION.
Well, hello there! Per usual, it’s been a while since I checked in. If I’m being honest, I have a hard time prioritizing life lately posts because with so much going on in the world, my life updates seem minuscule. However, I always get great feedback so here I am. As we near October, it has me thinking about the end of the year. Part of me can’t believe it and the other part is relieved. Does anyone else share in that sentiment? I am soaking in the little moments like this one. My dad came downtown recently to help us with the yard and Emmie was all about helping!
2020 is a never-ending rollercoaster
I can’t even with this year. The ebbs and flows of happiness peaks to sad valleys are a lot to process. I try to stay positive and focus on the good, but there is so much turmoil in our country that it’s really been weighing on me. I’m a pretty empathetic person and tend to absorb others’ feelings, and I’ve been at a loss lately. Sometimes it’s hard to open up about the ‘less positive’ aspects of life, but it’s important. Life isn’t sunshine and rainbows (unless you’re at Emmie’s 2nd birthday).
Somedays, I feel like a rockstar as Jessie & I are navigating the waters of tough business super well. Other days, I’m in the comparison game, and that’s never a fun spot to be. While the toddler lesson plans I made are SO helpful and I get super positive feedback, parenting feels like a hamster wheel. I know we’re all in some form of survival mode this year, and I don’t tell you to complain. I share it as a place of – hey, I’m there, too.
We’re going to make it and things will certainly get better. But change is hard and uncomfortable. Good things come from it, and I’m hopeful for the future. In the meantime, I’m working on figuring out a way to add more downtime to my routine because I feel drained.
Not the 5th Anniversary I imagined, but still so fun
Holy guacamole, we celebrated 5 years! I cannot believe we’ve already been married for 5 years. It feels like it was yesterday! So much has changed since then!
I love to travel and often love to get out of the country. We honeymooned in Fiji & Australia, and I always thought for our five year anniversary we would travel to Hawaii. That didn’t happen for obvious reasons. Instead, we celebrated at…. drumroll please….
Coda di Volpe in Southport Corridor! My parents took Emmie for the night, and we wanted to keep it easy. Sometimes when we get a parenting break, we jampack and agenda, and then we’re exhausted when we pick up Emmie. Anyone else do this??
So, instead of venturing out, we kept it simple. We went where we LOVE to go for a night out and had the best time. We spent the afternoon popping into Southport shops, aimlessly picking things up, and had an early dinner. Having simple moments is so appreciated this year. We felt recharged and happy about it. Matt surprised me with the most thoughtful written note recapping our first 5 years together with his top memory from each year. Both of us are suckers for nostalgia.
Emmie’s birthday was magical
I can’t believe my little nugget is 2!! It feels like just yesterday we had her, but at the same time, it feels like she’s been here forever.
This is the second year that plans have been different than what I expected. However, if 2020 has taught me anything, it’s to appreciate the little things. Emmie’s perfect was just that. It was a simple part of just the grandparents, DIY donuts, an egg casserole, and a whole lotta new baby dolls. She had the BEST time. Seeing our parents happily sit on our deck and soak in the day was also such a blessing. Those little moments fuel my tank. I picked up this balloon arch, which went wild on Instagram. If you buy it, make sure you get the handpump, too. I had it done in 2 hours! Naptime win!!!
Thinking about the end of the year
What more do I want? What more do I need?
These are two things that are constantly on my brain. 2020 was a gut-punch when it came to business for so many people. I find myself constantly teetering between accepting the challenges of 2020 and trying to make up for lost time. Jessie always laughs at me, but I’m so goals oriented, I have to set what the goal is so I don’t overwork. I’ve been working with my advising clients to do the same. It’s the methodology we’re following for The Marketing Greenhouse, too. We have a few things left we want to accomplish (like 3 things says the goals-oriented monster) and then we’re purely focused on 2021. Bring me all that new positive energy & change!
I’ve also been seeking inspiration from creative spaces. Katie’s new site, Lincoln Lane Co has me inspired to make some changes to my site. I picked up a new book from Jim McKelvey, too.
How are you seeking inspiration right now?
Affectionately known to her friends as Millennial Martha for her love of DIY and decorating, Jen can’t help but pour her heart + soul into everything she touches. She’s loved to entertain since acquiring a table and chairs, and giving gifts is one of her favorite hobbies. Jen is the creator of Girl Meets Party. Her dream is to share her passions with the world in hopes to inspire others by making the seemingly unattainable attainable.
