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My one and only 14 Jul 2015 8:01 AM (9 years ago)

http://time.com/2370/in-defense-of-having-an-only-child-yes-i-am-that-selfish/

This pretty much sums up how I feel, in a much better way than I have been able to articulate myself.

Over it 9 Apr 2015 7:53 AM (10 years ago)

Guys, I'm over it.  I haven't posted on this blog in weeks.  I don't have anything super interesting or insightful to say.  Basically, I just go to work and hang out with my family.  And I am totally ok with that.  I actually like the routine, even if it seems boring to others.  My family and our time at home is our happy place.  And I'm busy living my life, and forget to take pictures and document things.

So, I think I'm done.  I'm going to leave it up because I still have friends that say some of the things I documented when H was first born really helped them.  The hospital packing list, baby food making supplies, etc.

If you want to keep up with me, I post semi-regularly to Instagram - @littlekim03.  It's private, so send a request and I will accept.

Take care.

Mom Confession Friday 6 Feb 2015 3:02 AM (10 years ago)

-I am really terrible at brushing H's teeth in the morning.  She gets up so early and doesn't love mornings, so I consider it a win if we are out the door and dressed with hair fixed with no tears.  I don't know if I have the energy to add teeth brushing into the mix.  They need to make some type of chewy stick you can give your kid to brush their teeth like they make for dogs.  She could just chew on that on the way to school.




-We have been giving her way too many treats lately, and she has come to expect dessert after dinner.  I want her to know it is an occasional thing, not an every night thing.  Damn Girl Scouts and their Thin Mints.




-I have also been buying her too many clothes lately.  I consider myself pretty good compared to some other girl moms I know.  I mostly shop consignment, Target and Old Navy for her.  And with our mild seasons here, she gets almost a whole year out of things.  But I bought 3 dresses from the Matilda Jane GLT plus 4 more from Wal-Mart the other day for Summer, and its still February.  Must. Stop. Buying. All. The. Cute.




-H is an interesting mix of talkative and quiet.  I hate to label her shy, but she doesn't love new people or new situations.  She will sometimes talk to strangers, like the check out girl, but sometimes won't even look at them.  We are working on getting her to go to children's church all by herself, but more often than not I am the ONLY parent in there that has to stay with their kid.  And all the little girls then want to sit by me, stroke my dress and hold my hand.  Like I am the pied piper of preschoolers.  I am really hoping she will start going on her own soon, because I would really like to join the adults during service.


-There was some debate on a few blogs I read this week regarding healthy kid snacks and lunches.  People were bashing the popular GoGo Squeeze applesauce pouch that I regularly keep on hand for H when we are out running around.  While I do try to keep it healthy, I am also realistic and not carrying around sliced veggies in my purse for snack time.  We don't eat chips, Cheetos, cookies (well we don't eat cookies that often) or other processed snacks at home, so I feel like squeeze pouches (ones without added sugar or corn syrup) and crackers with cheese or hummus are good snacks.  And yes, I feed my kid Ritz crackers.  They aren't whole wheat, but they are sure are damn good!

What am I passionate about? 23 Jan 2015 3:04 AM (10 years ago)

I went to a lunch presentation the other day about leaving law and becoming an entrepreneur.  As a hard worker, being my own boss and starting something has it's appeal.  I think I could be successful if I really put my mind to it.  When I started my nursery art business over 5 years ago, it took off before I knew what was happening.  That being said, my Husband is a business owner, and I see how much work it is.  I am not naive enough to think you just get to work when you want and success will come.  So for this point in my life, a job with semi-regular hours and healthy insurance is a good fit.


All that aside, the speaker was very interesting and I am always interested to hear people's stories of how they got started, why the left their $$ career, etc.  One thing she did mention that struck a cord with me was how fulfilled she feels now in her new venture, even if she is super busy with her start up company.  She talked about her previous career in Big Law and how she felt like she was not being a good Mom, good wife or good lawyer.  Although she had everything she had dreamed of, she just didn't feel fulfilled.  She wasn't passionate about what she was doing.


So on the way home yesterday I started thinking about what I could do that I was really passionate about.  And I cam to the conclusion that I am not really passionate about anything.  I came up with a whole list of things that I like to do, but nothing I am really passionate about that gets me fired up.


-I like to read parenting books and articles and try the latest child-rearing techniques out, in an attempt to have my only child not turn out like the stereotypical only child
-I like to bargain shop and thrift (when I have time)
-I like to mix high and low, as in an entire thrifted outfit mixed with my LV Neverfull
-I like to share my psychotic levels of research on non-important topics such as lunchboxes for my pre-schooler, which I can do via this blog
-I like to think about decorating, working out and trying new makeup, but I rarely execute these things
-I like to craft and paint, when I have time, which is never
-I like to write random blog posts about how I am feeling, which probably matter to no one and I should just start a journal instead of spewing randomness on the internet


Basically, I feel like I am not passionate about very much.  Which kind of made me sad, I mean, aren't people supposed to have something they love doing, besides hanging out with their family, going to work, and making cocktails?


And then I started to think that was ridiculous.  I think this "let's feel passionate about something and you should only do what you love" bullshit is a new-age generational thing.  I mean, think about your grandparents and parents.  They probably didn't or don't LOVE their jobs, but it was what they did.  They worked hard to provide for their family, send their kids to college, take an occasional vacation and maybe leave them some $ when they died.  I think it is kind of unrealistic to think that we are all going to be out there working in careers that we totally love, are passionate about, and fulfill us.


My job fills out all the check boxes that you would want.  Nice people, interesting work, decent working schedule, decent income, and benefits.  Which my self-employed Husband does not have.  Would I like to find something I am passionate about?  Yes.  Do I think I need a hobby and some more friends?  Yes.  But who has time for that?  Maybe a passion is something I can develop after Hadley goes to college?

Recent Lunches and Dinners 21 Jan 2015 5:25 AM (10 years ago)

Random on Friday 16 Jan 2015 6:11 AM (10 years ago)

-I finally figured out how to download Podcasts and happily listened to the first episode of Serial on the way home and to work.  I feel like a technology genius.  Which is funny, because I work with computers and software everyday at work, but in my personal life I am pretty low tech and can't seem to be bothered with simple things like updating phone software or a DVR.




-Having a threenager is just the best!  Insert sarcasm here.  Really though, H has days where I think she is a terrible child and I want to binge order parenting books from Amazon.  And then she has three straight days of perfect mornings, no crying ever, and excellent listening skills.  Which makes the not-good-listener-days even more frustrating because I know she is capable.




-Speaking of her listening, I posted on a BabyCenter message board I belong to about my morning routine struggle with getting her out the door sometimes.  People had all kinds of suggestions, the most popular was getting your kid dressed in their school clothes the night before and having them sleep in them.  Do people really do this?  I guess my problems with fixing her hair are small in comparison to what other's struggle with, so I am not as bad off as I thought.




-Have you ever tried to take an outfit selfie?  The kind all the outfit bloggers I follow post on Instagram?  Do these people have monkey arms?  Or maybe a selfie stick?  I tried it so I could send a pic of a possible outfit to a friend and it looked ridiculous.




-Speaking of selfies, I heard a new term the other day in regards to posting on social media - the wealfie.  Basically it's a selfie or a picture designed to show of your wealth.  I thought it was hilarious, and I have several people in my feed that are totally guilty of this.


-The Husband had a minor surgery yesterday that turned into something a little more complicated while they were in there.  He is fine but will recover a little more slowly than anticipated.  H also chose last night to have her first bad dream.  So this Mama is a little tired today!  And not exactly looking forward to taking care of 2 kids this weekend :)

Meals 7 Jan 2015 3:17 AM (10 years ago)

Perfect Life & Social Media 5 Jan 2015 11:17 AM (10 years ago)

I had a conversation with a friend the other day about another girl from high school we both know.  HS girl is always posting pictures of her two kids playing nicely, or reading to each other, or otherwise occupying themselves on a cold winter day.  Her life seems very low-key and not stressful.  But HS girl remarked to someone the other day how her life is chaos and everyone else on social media seems to have it together.


Social media is a funny thing, people sharing snap shots of the best moment of their lives.  Its not really realistic and if you pay too much attention, can cause a serious case of life/wardrobe/kid/vacation envy.


I personally think social media is interesting, I enjoy keeping up with friends, seeing what people are into, and generally spying.  I like it for the same reasons I like watching My Five Wives or any show on Bravo, I find people and their choices and lifestyles to be fascinating.


Every once in awhile someone will comment to me how my blog makes my kid seem perfect.  That we eat organic food, and she never gets in trouble.  While H is pretty well behaved and a fairly good eater, I can assure you she is not perfect.  And my intention is never to make it seem like we are perfect.  Did she sit through the entire showing of Annie at the theater the other day with minimal snacks and no potty break?  Yes.  Did she slap me across the face after I gave her a small spanking the other week?  Yes.  My girl is very mature for her age, but she sure is strong-willed.  Which works well most of the time, and will server her well later in life.  But it presents a challenge when she is told "no."


Does she eat kale and quinoa and brussel sprouts all the time?  No.  There are plenty of nights when The Husband and I are having something she doesn't like or thinks is too spicy and I don't feel like dumbing down the recipe for her, so she has chicken nuggets. 

I guess my point is, not everything is as it appears on social media.  That friend with an amazing new house and the wardrobe?  You might be surprised to know about her credit card debt.  And I personally sleep much better at night knowing I am saving for my kid's college, not splurging on shoes.  So if you aren't already, make it a point in 2015 to be on social media less, and be in the moment more.  The people in your life will notice, and I bet you will feel better about your own life.

Our Holiday in Pictures 30 Dec 2014 3:07 AM (10 years ago)

Round Up of Forward Facing Bookshelves 29 Dec 2014 3:15 AM (10 years ago)

My favorite corner of H's room is her book nook.  I loved reading as a kid, and still do when I have time.  So fostering a love of reading in her was important to me.  We read at least three books every night in our glider, and thanks to her former-english-teacher grandma, we have a ton of books.

When we were designing her room, I knew I wanted forward facing shelves.  But most of the ones I found were a little too expensive, or not the right size for our small corner.  I found a tutorial online and my Dad built her three shelves that we hung them at a height she could reach.

We've had ours for several years, and as it goes with most things in my life, there are a lot more choice on the market now than when I was looking for them.  That always seems to happen to me, I want something, can't find it, so I settle.  Then poof, a year later it is everywhere!

Here is a round up of some of my favorite options for forward facing book displays:

Snack Time 22 Dec 2014 5:25 AM (10 years ago)

Have a Very Merry Christmas 19 Dec 2014 10:23 AM (10 years ago)

Breakfast & Dinners 8 Dec 2014 3:05 AM (10 years ago)

Someone asked the other day what I give H for breakfast.  She arrives at school at 7 am, so her breakfast is eaten when she gets there.  I try to keep it balanced but also simple and portable.  Here is our list of go-to items.  I usually ask her what she wants and give her a choice of 2 different options, depending on what we have available.

toast with jelly
toast with peanut butter
toast with peanut butter + sliced fruit on top (strawberries or banana)
individual oatmeal cup + raisins
blueberry nutrigrain waffle
trader joe's cereal bar
cereal with milk
sliced fruit
drinkable yogurt smoothie
bagel thin with butter or jelly
and sometimes regular PB&J

I try to give her some type of carb + a fruit or yogurt to keep it a little balanced.  I use low sugar jelly and the drinkable yogurts with the lowest sugar grams I can find.  (which is actually not that easy, you would be shocked at the amount of sugar that is in the versions marketed to toddlers, way more than the adult)


I usually have the same thing as her, its just easier to make 2 of whatever.  I eat mine in the car on the way to work.  Sometimes I have a Shakeology drink instead of solid breakfast when I am feeling like a fatty.


For dinner, she eats what we eat about half the time.  I don't really feel like dumbing down my food to make it toddler friendly, so if we are having something she won't eat I will either a) put it on her plate anyway and see if she will try it, or b) whip her up something I know she will like.  That usually consists of a pizza made on a whole wheat sandwich round, nuggets, meat/cheese/crackers, etc.

Thoughts on a Friday 5 Dec 2014 6:52 AM (10 years ago)

-Can I send myself a box of Harry and David pears?  Is that acceptable?



-I laughed out loud at a list I saw on Facebook about having an outgoing personality but actually being an introvert.  One of them said "you are accused of being a flirt, which is hilarious b/c in reality you can only stand like 4 people" and that is totally me.



-Most of my problems are really #whitepeopleproblems.  Boo hoo, what should I put on my Christmas list?  I can't think of anything, I need NOTHING!



-We are not doing Elf on the Shelf and I don't feel the least bit bad about it.


-Today my outfit consist of thrifted Dolce Vita booties, thrifted grey skinny jeans and a black top from JCP.  Along with a LV Neverfull.  Walking contradiction of cheap + love of handbags


-Speaking of Christmas, The Husband and I don't do Christmas gifts.  We just don't need anything and are picky so no need to try to figure out what to get each other.


-This weekend is just me and my girl and we plan on decorating for Christmas, eating pizza and watching Annie.  Sounds like a perfect weekend to me.


-H often tells me I'm her best friend, and I secretly hope I always am


Hope everyone has a great weekend filled with Christmas shopping, decorating and snuggles!

Converstions about Christmas 3 Dec 2014 8:07 AM (10 years ago)

This is what went on this morning at our house:


Me:  (Attempting to get her motivated to get dressed and get going)  Tonight we are going to go out to eat and to go get a Christmas tree!  Doesn't that sound like fun?


H: A tree for Daddy's birthday? (which is next week)


Me: No, actually, I guess the tree is for Jesus' birthday.


H:  Who is Jesus? (What!?  Jesus Loves Me is like her favorite song??)


Me:  Remember, he is God's son, we sing about him at church.


H:  Why are we going out to eat with Jesus for his birthday?


Its a good thing we are not doing Elf on the Shelf, because apparently I suck at communicating how all this stuff ties into Christmas!

Life Lately 1 Dec 2014 9:37 AM (10 years ago)

Operation Self Care.....Don't get old and fat 6 Nov 2014 5:29 AM (10 years ago)

B and I had a long talk on the way home from CS this past weekend.  We do some of our best talking in the car.  We don't listen to the radio, we mostly just talk about all the things going on that we never have time to sit and have a real focused conversation about.  H will sleep or watch movies and is a really good car rider, so we have time to chat and get things accomplished.


One of the things we talked about was aging and general appearance/body maintenance.  We both try to take pretty good care of ourselves.  We use face products, wear sunscreen, eat healthy 80% of the time.  But eventually that alone is not going to be enough.  I don't think I will deal with the aging process well - I am kind of vain.  So I am taking some active steps towards caring for myself.  My twenties were all about career and marriage, the last 3 years have been all about H and being the best mom I can be.  I feel like I am in a good place with life and family and career so I am going to focus on me for the next little bit.  Hopefully without dropping the ball on those other areas.


First up, teeth.  I don't have yellow teeth but they aren't super white.  So I am starting a round of Crest Ultra strips and will report back with results.


Second up, face.  I signed up for a monthly facial/massage program at a spa super close to the house.  They have extended hours, and if I don't use something that month I can pass it along to Blake.  My plan is do do a facial every quarter, get 4 massages a year and pass the other along to B.  Because a guys gotta maintain as well!


Last on the list, body.  If you know me or ever read my blog you know I don't work out.  Never really have, don't enjoy it AT ALL.  But diet alone has not been enough lately to maintain my weight, and I am a few pounds more than I would like to be.  And gravity is going to start to pull things down quickly, so I am going to start working out.  My plan is to do the Beachbody T25 work out.  25 minutes a day, 5 days a week.  B even offered to do the dishes at night so I can concentrate on my workout.  8:30 PM is not exactly the prime time for me to work out, but it is the only time I have.  So I am going to commit to it for 70 days and see if I look better and feel better about myself.  Not that I feel bad, I just don't feel great.


So folks, that is my plan.  I am not really that great at sticking to anything, but I am going to try my best this time and will report back on my progress.  Before and after bikini photos not included.

Thoughts on friendships as an adult 4 Nov 2014 3:16 AM (10 years ago)

This is a topic/post I roll around in my head a lot and debate on if its worth writing about.  But its been on my mind more lately, so I will just throw it out there.

In general, I would say that friendships have always been something I struggle with a bit.  Mostly girl friendships, there have been a few guys friends over the years that I connected with fine.  I really did not like high school all that much.  I never felt like I had a crowd, a group to call my own.  Stuck between my goody-goody friends and that crowd that partied.  For the record, I did not party in high school.  To me the risk far out weighed the benefits.  I could not wait for college and the opportunity to do my own thing, find a more diverse group of friends I could call my own.

I ended up joining a sorority in college, and mad some really close friends.  But a few things happened towards the end of those 4.5 years and some of those friendships fizzled out.  Turns out we had a lot of fun together while we were there, but that fun did not transition well into being a grown up.

Its been 11 years since I graduated college and I can count my close friends on one hand.  I have lots of medium-close friends, but only a couple of people I regularly keep in touch with.  Part of the problem is that we live about 3 hours from the major cities where most of our friends moved to after college.  Part of the problem is that as a working Mom, I work, commute, and hang out with my family.  There isn't a lot of free time to do girls nights, happy hours, book clubs, etc.  And I am usually fine with that, as somewhat of an introvert I enjoy time at home with just my family.

But every once in awhile, pictures on Facebook of girls supper clubs and girls weekends really get to me.  I don't really have that type of group, 5-10 girl friends that get together monthly while the husbands watch the kids.  My friends are scattered, different places, from different periods in my life.  Its something that does make me a little sad, but I don't really do anything to fix it.  I don't want to join Junior League.  I don't have time for Mom's groups.  And quite frankly I sometimes have trouble connecting with SAHMs.  Not that there is anything wrong with staying at home, its just that our lives are very different.

I am hoping that when H starts elementary school, or when I don't work and commute as much, that I can work on building a closer network of local friends.  But maybe that is not possible, I know some of has to do with me and my personality type.  And the other day as we approached the park in the stroller, H said to me, "Mom I don't want to play with the big kids at the park, I just want to play by myself."  So apparently she is a little like me, because sometimes I would just rather play by myself too.

H at 3 31 Oct 2014 3:19 AM (10 years ago)

Where to start?  People say time goes by so fast, they can hardly believe their kid is 1, 2, 3, etc.  I actually feel like we have had the right amount of time together, nothing has gone by too fast, and I really try to savor every moment we have together.

Two and three seem to be such a fun age.  I love seeing the world through her eyes, doing new things with her, teaching her and seeing how fast she is to learn something new.  She is a little sponge, constantly asking me questions.  But it shows, she knows so much, is so curious about the world around her.

I really cherish my nights and weekends with her and B.  During the week we play, go on an occasional walk, make dinner together, do bath, PJs, watch a show on the couch with the lights out, and read stories before bed.  Its a nice simple routine that I really cherish.

On the weekends we are usually either out of town (football, hunting, visiting friends) or just relaxing at home.  Lots of trips to the park, she loves to go to Target, play in the backyard, just simple kid stuff.  She isn't really into toys all that much and much prefers to be doing something active.  Or helping me around the house, she loves to cook with us, or help Daddy clean out his truck.  She loves to clean, and gets super excited to help me sweep or wipe up the kitchen

She is so smart, she has been in the 3 year old class at school for the past 6 months, so I think she will probably move up with the 4's in the Spring.  Although she is still pretty small, only 27.5 lbs and in the 10th% for height.  She can count to about 35, knows all her upper and lower case letters, can spell her name and mine (Mom).

She has the best sense of humor and is very funny with her comedic timing.  I like to think she gets that from her Mama.  She is pretty even-tempered, much like both of her parents.  But she is super stubborn and if she doesn't want to do something or gets it in her head she wants something, there is no going back.  I think that quality will serve her well later in life, but right now it can be a little frustrating :)

Hadley, you really are a joy and being your Mama has been more fun than I ever imagined.  I love that you tell me I'm your best friend.  And just yesterday you told me you had to tell me a secret in my ear and whispered, "you're the best Mama ever."  Well kid, I think you are the best kid ever.  So we are even.

Lunches 28 Oct 2014 3:14 AM (10 years ago)

Around here lately.... 26 Oct 2014 5:13 PM (10 years ago)

Lunches 25 Sep 2014 3:20 AM (10 years ago)

Date with myself 23 Sep 2014 10:15 AM (10 years ago)

Last week after work I went on a date with myself.  Sounds kinda weird, but it was just what I needed.  I have been working a lot and have had no time for myself to just not think about things and do what I wanted to do.  The thing about being a working Mom is that you are always "on".  The only time I really have when I am not tending to someones needs or cleaning up or getting ready for the next day is during my commute and that is not exactly relaxing.


So I asked The Husband to take H on a date (another post for another day, but I really believe in daddy daughter dates) and after work I went and did some shopping and just generally was accountable to no one.  It was great.

It did come with a little guilt, but I also think its good for me to be self aware enough to know that I need a little alone time.  My book club has recently disbanded, so I really wasn't getting any time out of the house at night.  The Husband asked what I did, any really I just wandered around and shopped and ran errands.  I went to a couple of my favorite consignment stores (found some ankle booties and a plaid button down), Marshall's, DSW, etc.

I think I am going to make it a monthly or every-other-month activity.  I was home in time to tug H into bed, and she didn't even miss me.  Plus, B did some of the dishes that were piling up.  Win, win!

Don't sweat the small stuff 9 Sep 2014 6:34 AM (10 years ago)

I've been thinking a lot about working mom stuff lately.  I've had a few friends without kids (yet) ask me about how hard it is.  And I had a friend go back to work after staying home since before her daughter was born, and she says it hasn't been easy.

I don't claim to have a magic formula or anything, but I think I do a pretty good job of balancing work + family without being too stressed and I realized there are a couple of things that really make a big difference for me.

1.  Preparation + think ahead
Coming home from work and making dinner from start to finish can seem like a huge task - IF you don't prepare ahead of time.  On Sundays I roughly plan meals, grocery shop and do some meal and snack prepping that makes the week days easier.  Its also the day I do laundry - 3 or 4 loads is all I need to do on Sunday for the whole week.  1 for H, 1 for The Husband's dirty work clothes, 1 for me and 1 sheets/towels/other.  I might be crazy but I get a special high from getting a ton of stuff done on Sundays and it makes me start the week off right.

2.  Don't try to do too much
Call me selfish, but I really only care about a few things.  My family, work and a small handful of friends.  I don't like to feel stressed so I don't over commit myself.  No Junior League for me.  I would love to have more time to volunteer/do girls nights/etc, but I also don't like feeling stressed so I have committed my time to just the things that matter.  Its OK to say no and be selfish for your family.

3.  Keep it in perspective
I wanted to call this #whitepeopleproblems but that sounds bad :).  But really, The Husband and I tell ourselves this all the time.  We lead incredible fortunate lives, part of that due to our families, but an equal part due to hard work.  If the biggest decision I am facing at the moment is what flight/how am I going to get to NYC on an upcoming trip, then I'm doing pretty good.  Be grateful for what you have.

I'm going to a presentation at the end of the month about mindful based stress reduction.  Sounds new-agey, I know.  But I am really interested to learn more about it, I assume I already do some of the techniques, I just don't know it.  But I will be sure to share the details and what I learned!

Being an Outgoing Introvert 3 Sep 2014 7:23 AM (10 years ago)

If I take a test, I easily fall on both sides of the introvert/extrovert spectrum.  Which would probably surprise most people (besides my Dad b/c he knows how I am).  I can be very social and outgoing if I want to.  I don't really fear public or business speaking but I don't like speaking in front of people I know really well.  I will strike up a conversation with strangers if they interest me.  But I LOVE me some alone time.  Nothing is better to me than an afternoon to myself where I can putz around Marshalls and the mall and don't have to talk to anyone.  It doesn't bother me at all when The Husband goes out of town

I came across this article the other day, and I am stealing some text b/c almost all of them apply to me and it really put into words how I feel sometimes.  It also made me understand some of my choices better, like the part about having a small group of friends.

1. You’re not anti-social, you’re selectively social.
2. At any given point, you have one (maybe two) best friends who are your entire life. You’re not a “group of friends” person. You can’t keep up with all that.
3. Social gatherings that are supposed to be “rites of passage” like prom and dances and other such typical nonsense is just… not for you. You don’t understand it. You want nothing to do with it.
4. When you do choose to grace a party with your presence, you are the life of it. You’re dancing on the table and doing body shots until 3 a.m.
5. … You then retreat into three days of complete solitude to recover.
6. You go out of your way to avoid people, but when you inevitably have to interact with them, you make it seem like there’s nothing in the world you’d rather be doing.
7. Dating is weird, because you’re smiling and laughing and talkative at dinner, and then you don’t want to answer their texts for four days, because like, you just want to be left alone…
8. You’re accused of being flirty with everybody, which is hilarious, because in reality, you can only tolerate like four people.
9. You retain an air of mysteriousness about you, completely unintentionally. (There’s no mystery. You just feel no need to update the social sphere on what’s going on in your life every two hours.)
10. Not to mention the fact that you either have days in which you’re tweeting and status updating every five minutes… or you delete your accounts for a month.
11. You become unintentionally awkward because you at once feel the need to be a social life jacket for other people, though you’re just as uncomfortable yourself.
12. You’ve never really understood the whole “introvert vs. extrovert” dichotomy (can we call it that?) Because you’re… both…
13. You’re always run through the ringer because people think you’re best suited to be the one who gives the presentation, confronts the boss, gives the speech, etc. Meanwhile, you’re practically throwing up over the thought of it.
14. You ebb and flow between wanting to be noticed for your hard work, reveling in the attention and achievement you receive, to sinking and panicking over the thought of somebody else paying more than 30 seconds of attention to you.
15. The entirety of your being is a conundrum, so needless to say, indecisiveness is your Achilles’ Heel.
16. You’re at your happiest in places like coffee shops and cafés: surrounded by people, but still closed off and keeping to yourself.
17. You prefer to travel alone, but meet up with people once you’re there, on your own terms and at your own speed.
18. It’s taken you years to figure out that you’re different than many introverts you know. Literal years.
19. While we were chastised as children for daydreaming, we do so deliberately as adults, as our inner lives are rich, fertile, and sustain us.