Feminists – don’t even bother to try to get offended. “Shit Girls Say” is hilarious.

I dare you to claim you haven’t found yourself uttering some of the phrases contained in the videos below. I know I am guilty as charged.

The videos (which quickly went viral) feature a man, dressed as a woman, in various life situations uttering those phrases we women are most certainly guilty of speaking aloud. (“I know, right?”) The concept originated on  Twitter via an account run by two Toronto comedians Kyle Humphrey and Graydon Sheppard.

Enjoy!

Episode 2

So which phrase are you most guilty of saying?

When you are a woman, turning 40 is supposed to be this huge thing.

Some look forward to it as a sign of life experience, some dread it as a sign of passing youth.

I’m not going to lie to you, it has taken me the better part of a year (and a couple of blog posts) to wrap my head around hitting this intimidating milestone in my life. I never quite envisioned the words “I’m forty” coming out of my own mouth. But, I’m happy to report that honestly… it is all much ado about nothing.

It came and went.

It is now my new reality.

Perhaps it was because of the “impending birthday” (insert dramatic music here) that I have spent the last few months doing some true soul searching.

And I’ve come to the conclusion that I like myself. I like my circumstances.

And, I am most definitely okay with my age. (I’ve never acted my age anyway, why in the world would I start now?)

I am enjoying every moment of my life. I’m letting things go. I’m savoring moments more. I’m appreciating important friends and colleagues in my life. I’m filling my spirit with prayer and searching for deeper meaning in the every day.

And I am laughing. Really, truly laughing, smiling and happy.

Why did it take me until 40? No idea. But I encourage you to do the same. Start now. Savor your circumstances. Revel in your experiences. It is so worth it.

Spending my 40th in NYC with my family!

Some resources:

• How to get out of that funk
• 6 steps to regret proof your life
• Why you need more fun in your life

In what row are you living your life?

I saw this photo on Facebook today and just felt compelled to share. The caption: “How Do you live  your life? Are you in the first row or the third?”

Indulge me for a moment and take a long look at the photo to your left.

Clearly no one is partying in the third row.

Which begs to ask… In the grand scheme of life, where would you say you sit? Or better yet, where would you like to sit?

In my opinion, front row riders are:

• Passionate
• Fun loving
• Free spirited
• Fearless

As for me, I’d classify myself as a second row rider. I enjoy the ride but really get a kick out of watching the folks in the front casting their cares aside and living their lives with passion (and a wicked sense of humor). As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I have a tendency to stifle my own spirit of the name of being  inappropriate or living up to other’s expectations.

I’m really tired of doing that.

Do you ever find your own self hesitating? Ever wished you would have grabbed an opportunity instead of staying in the safe zone? Ever yearned to throw caution to the wind, let loose and let yourself have fun?

I don’t know about you but I’m thinking it is time to move up to the front row.

Dear Middle School Teacher,

I am too old for tests. Please, for the love of all that is holy, stop sending home tests for my son to prepare for. Because if HE has to study that means I have to study.

And I don’t want to study.

I’m done with the studying. I’ve paid my dues. Done my time. I’m too OLD, I tell you!

Yet here I sit. Contemplating how to instruct the 12 year old in on how the geographical features of India influenced the development of their civilization. And as much as I appreciate world history, I would much rather spend my evening contemplating Demi and Ashton’s breakup or JLo’s new boyfriend or just, well, anything besides world history.

I’m sure that makes me a bad parent. But at least I’m an honest one.

Sincerely,

Too old for this nonsense

Have you ever been slapped in the face with a reality that you didn’t even know existed? Emotions so raw that you can’t control them when they come bubbling up to the surface?

Unfortunately, that happened to me yesterday morning in front of complete strangers. But more on that in a moment…

The day started out well enough. I was thrilled to attend Hallmark’s Moments Between the Milestones event in Washington, D.C. It was a lovely morning that brought together bloggers from across the area as well as some of the most wonderfully creative minds at Hallmark. (Yep. THAT Hallmark. Some photos here.)

What an honor and a treat to be a part of that crowd!

And it was in front of that crowd, that I had a little breakdown.

We were lead through a writing workshop in which we were to randomly select three words from an envelope to use creatively in a piece of writing. There were no boundaries, only time limitations. We were encouraged to do free flow writing and just let the words take you on a journey.

My three words were MONSTERS… WINDOW… GIGGLE. (Seemed easy enough. I mean, I’d always called the boys “my little monsters” so I felt pretty confident .)

What came out of me was an emotional piece on them growing up…

“They are monsters. Not literally. Well, sometimes. When they try to assert themselves. When they try to be grown up. When they want their own way. Sometimes I don’t even recognize them…. my babies.

They are babies no more.

I remember when they were small. Well, smaller. When they needed me more. When they were little and momma scared away the monsters. We would gaze out the window for hours looking at the sky. Gazing at the rain. Finding animals in the clouds.

I sometimes catch a look or giggle that reminds me of those times and it makes my heart melt.

It is hard to let go, however necessary. We still giggle. We still gaze. But things change. Even the monsters.”

When I was asked to share what I wrote, I had a complete crying jag of a meltdown. In. Front. Of. Strangers.

I know. Not my finest I’ve-got-it-together moment.

I’m sure some in the room were sympathetic. I’m sure some could even relate. I’m sure some thought I forgot my medication.

Looking back on it, I can honestly say that I had NO IDEA I was so emotional about this transition in their/our life. Our daily pace is hectic. There is not much time for reflection. This exercise forced me to acknowledge some feelings that I didn’t realize existed.

Wow. Dare I say, “Thank you Hallmark?”

Yes, I believe I shall. Now, please excuse me while I go hug some not-so-little-anymore monsters…

How about you? Have you ever had a moment or realization about something like this?