9 Quotes About Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

I've been overwhelmed by the usual changes of life. 

You know, the ones that are inevitable. The changes you can't stop like time.

Taking on more responsibility at my day job drained me for several months. I started a new anxiety medication that knocked me on my ass with nausea. My weight has gone down and up. I started working out again to stop because of car issues and not enough sleep. I sound like I am complaining, but these are not necessarily bad things. Just life.

End of the school year and the seeming-endless to-dos is wrapped up. And, now I have a kid about to enter high school. High. School.

I'm so thankful for social media memories. I hope Facebook is around 30 years from now so my kids can see what we did in memories!

I took on a new role within the PTA. Actually, two new roles. I knew I was going to take over events for my daughter's elementary school, but on a whim, I signed up for the Reflections program for citywide PTA council. I am excited and stressed about this one. I could totally f*ck this up. Fingers crossed.

More changes are coming and I'm not ready.

While waiting for changes, here are some of my favorite quotes. Happy Pinning! 

What Happens When You Cross the Road?

I cross this street twice a day, several times a week. It is the street that I cross to get to the gym. It's the street that takes me to my favorite downtown lunch spot. It's a popular corner.

I've seen people jog across. Kids have crossed on their way to and from school. People cross dragged by their dog or spouse. I've jaywalked across this street more than I care to count. And, I've maneuvered my way across this street while Clevelanders watched a parade go by. This street even appears in a few movies. It can look very New York.

At lunchtime, this crosswalk can get crowded. There are those who don't pay attention to the signs. There are those in a hurry who risk getting hit by cars who have the right of way. There are people who smile when they pass. And, there are even people who glare past you while sharing space between these lines.

10 Quotes for My Strong-Willed Daughter

My daughter still feels that we should be celebrating her birthday. Since it's hard to argue with that when I want to spend a week celebrating mine, I put together a few of my favorite quotes in her honor.

This kid is seven years and one day older. #birthdaykid #busymom #kidsofinstagram #clevelandkids

A post shared by Mary Johnson (@mryjhnsn) on Mar 25, 2017 at 3:38am PDT

10 Quotes About Death that Celebrate Life

"If I leave you it doesn't mean I love you any less..."

Death. It so depressing. There are some words that make it seem a little less sad. And, life a little more hopeful.

5 Heart-Stirring Quotes About Vulnerability

Vulnerable. That's how I've been feeling lately. Open and raw.

I'm learning, after all, these years, that it's good to be vulnerable. But, it wasn't until I watched Brené Brown 's TedTalk about shame and vulnerability.

I may have always been okay with it, just never had a concrete reason to be okay with it.

Brené spoke to me. Yes, I feel like I'm on first name basis with her. No, I am not. But, she spoke to my heart about shame and being worthy of love.


I went on and researched other talks she has given and books that she has written. She speaks with warmth and humor. I feel as if she reaches out and touches my heart.

Brené understands feeling sadness to know joy. I also think I need to work with a therapist to sort out my anxiety and depression.

I shared her talk on my personal Facebook page. Apparently, I'm the last of my friends to know of her. And, I was sent this by one of my lovely friends.

3 Quotes That Perfectly Describe Married Life

“Mawwage. Mawwage is what bwings us together today.”

Can you hear the clergyman?

Marriage is hard. It's a lot of work and compromise. I can't imagine another way.

I see the marriage challenge all over my Facebook feed. It's sweet, but I don't want to share my marriage with others. I don't have anything to prove.

Marriages and relationships are falling apart all around. They were the ones that constantly declared their love for their spouse ad nauseam.

Our first years weren't easy. I thank God regularly that we came out together on the other side. I don't want to jink our future in a social media challenge. Marriage is challenging enough. I will share some of my favorite quotes about being married that speak to my heart.

Sometimes, When I Was Young

When I was younger, I was reckless and crazy. I was always broke but never worried about the future. I take that back, I always worried about the future, I just ignored it and had another cocktail.

When I was younger, I worked in nightclubs and restaurants, drank with comedians, and went to strip clubs. I thought I would own a coffee shop one day or manage a restaurant. I did not think I'd be working in an office or writing a blog.

Back to School, PB+J, and Lamenting

Back to school has come and gone in our household or in our case back to school and a new kindergartner. I've always hated back to school time. Summer seems to be getting shorter the older the kids get. Time is just laughing.

It's so strange that not only are they no longer babies, but they have started their educational journey. It feels like just yesterday that the were clinging to me and now they are moving away, so to speak.

The Fine Line Between Hate and Envy

Remember those bumper stickers "Mean People Suck" that seemed to be on every wanna be hippie's car in the 90's?

I had one. I also had a sun symbol on my car and listened to Violent Femmes.

Back then I truly believed that we would see peace and harmony in our generation.

Now, I don't know.

8 Sayings That Will Actually Have My Kids Laughing When I'm Dead

Hey.

Hey!

I use "hey" to get the kids attention. There is something about that word, when said j-u-s-t right will not only get my kids' attention but also their future selves' attention.

It drives me nuts when the kids use it though.

It's my word for them when they aren't paying attention, not for them to use whenever.

When they say "hey," my response is, "hay is for horses."

I got it from my mom who got it from her dad.

It was no surprise when my mother-in-law told me that the little one told her that "hay is for horses," when grandma said hey to her. It was also no surprise when my mother-in-law called, laughing, to tell me she used it on someone else. 

It is one of the things my mom said to me that stuck.

Some other priceless gems from my mother:

Quotable A to Z: Z is for Zeal #AtoZChallenge

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Quotable A to Z: Y is for You #AtoZChallenge

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Quotable A to Z: X is for X #AtoZChallenge

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Quotable A to Z: W is for Writing in 4 Quotes #AtoZChallenge

I've never considered myself a writer. I always thought of myself as an artist who lost her way and found another outlet in blogging. The farther I get from drawing and creating, I realise that I am a writer who just needs more practice. 

Here are a few quotes that I found inspiring and I'm slowly coming to grips at the book that lives in me and is almost ready to be written. 

Quotable A to Z: V is Virtue from the Vine #AtoZChallenge

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Quotable A to Z: U is Doctor Who's Universe #AtoZChallenge

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Quotable A to Z: T is for Temporary from Orange is the New Black #AtoZChallenge

Raise your hand if you're excited for the new season of Orange is the New Black!

Sure the premier is two months away but rewatching them all on Netflix can be time consuming...

Check out the trailer for the upcoming season premiering June 12

Quotable A to Z: S is for Siblings #AtoZChallenge

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Quotable A to Z: R is for Reading in 4 Quotes | #AtoZChallenge

Quotable A to Z: Q is for Quiver #AtoZChallenge

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