I recently found a little gem on our library shelves. The DVDs of that awesome little show My So Called Life that was on back when I was in high school. My friends and I would gather together and watch it while eating nachos and going through all the appropriate teen-aged angst moments along with Angela Chase. Wow. Loved it back then beyond words. I couldn't believe how HOT Jordan Catalano was and how much I identified with Angela's unhealthy obsession with him.
When I brought home the first few episodes I warned Jared that I was going to watch them and that he was welcome to watch with me but probably wasn't going to really like it. Yeah. As I started to relive those moments of watching the show (this is now going on about 15 years ago) I realized that I was seeing it with WAY different eyes. Instead of connecting with Angela and her roller coaster of emotions, I found myself connecting with her parents and the struggles they were having. Whoa! How weird! It sure made me feel old. I sat there thinking how horrible it would be to have a daughter in high school facing all the junk there instead of thinking how hard it is to BE in high school facing all the junk there. My so called life has sure changed in these past years.
The day after watching the episodes Jared, Afton, and I were hit with a nasty virus and spent about 36 hours doubled over the toilet throwing up and feeling seriously gross. As I felt sorry for myself having to try and still be a mom of a toddler and a needy newborn while feeling like my insides were making a concerted effort to turn themselves out, I realized my life has gotten so much more complicated than just the turbulent emotional time of being a teenager. There is so much more to it now. So much more responsibility, yet so much more joy. I would much rather be in this phase than go back to my teens again. High School was crappy. Let's be honest.
So here's to growing up and facing grown-up problems and enjoying grown-up perks. For example, this weekend we are going on a road trip. We'll stop in our old stomping ground Burley so Jared can do the Spudman triathlon. We're excited to see old friends and I think Jared's slightly excited to do the tri. He'll be happier when it's over! Then we're heading to Utah to introduce our new son to all his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins and to bless him. This kind of life seems much, much better!
10 comments:
Amen! High School was crappy... Ughh.. Life is so much more complicated, but so much better now! (and I'm not the mother of two!) We're excited to see you guys tomorrow!!
I totally agree. I get these weird nostalgic moments when some 80's song comes on the radio and all I can do is sit and think, "How much money would it take to convince me to go back and do high school again?" There isn't enough money in the world! So glad to be doing what I'm doing...although I would trade trying to potty train a stubborn 3-year old for something more fun!
That is a bummer you guys were sick! We had that same virus a few months ago, I thought I was going to die.
Yeah-- I wouldn't go back to HS, but I enjoyed it while I was there. I have lots of fun memories, but the present is always the best, isn't it?
LL asked me the other day if I would go back and be a missionary in my mission. I very quickly (too quickly) said, "No way." Then I had to explain that I really loved it while I was there, but that this is MUCH better!!
Finally someone agrees with me when I say that High School (or college)wasn't that big deal...and that I don't miss it at all!!!
Traveling, people...these are things that I really miss...but not the other stuff!!!
I want to get the next season. I don't know if Jordan will learn to read, I don't know if Claire Danes will hook up with Jordan or her nerdy friend. Will she make up with her former best friend and will her mom find out that her husband thought about cheating on her? I am embarrassed to admit that I completely zoned out and watched the show. I didn't even make fun of it as I watched it. And no, I would not ever go back to high school.
Looking forward to seeing you guys at the spudman! Can't wait to meet the new little one!
Weird, I don't remember that show at all. I'm so sorry you guys were sick. It is really hard to be sick and be the mom. And yes, this time of life is much better and rewarding.
Amen! Sorry about the throwy-uppy. I feel depleted enough with a newborn attached to my ladies all the time--can't imagine going through that AND cleaning up after all the others.
With any luck we'll keep it fresh in our minds that we could at one time relate to the teen side of things and use it to be understanding parents. (And by "understanding" I mean, "Honey, I understand you feel strongly, but you are still wrong!") Yeah, I'm scared for all that.
Yeah, that bug was horrible and I actually helped myself up-chuck so that I could get it over with and get on the plane. So sorry afton was sick too. Luckily Claire and Lyndon never got it.
I got the low down from Ruth at the cabin! She said the blessing was great and baby boy is darling! Sorry we missed out, but we were thinking about y'all
love ya
Kristen
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