Saturday, July 07, 2007

Therapy


Thanks for all the fantastic and well thought-out comments you all gave to my post yesterday. It was so therapeutic for me to write what I was feeling and to get those feelings out of me, and then so wonderful to read all of your responses. (I loved how Amanda said "I feel like printing all these off and snuggling up in bed with a cup of tea and having a good pore over everyone's (seemingly parallel) frustrations..") It's comforting to know I'm not alone in these feelings, and so helpful to have view my life from an outside perspective. I had totally been missing some of the obvious blessings in my life (i.e., independent kids, birthday packages waiting to be opened, weekly trips to Seven Peaks with friends) so it was interesting that Jenn pointed those things out (thanks for that!!). This is one of my favorite things about blogging...it's instant, free therapy.


Yesterday ended up being kind of a strange stay-home day, but I loved it. I finally got to talk to Betsy (my best friend from high school, who lives in Michigan and has a very busy life) on the phone after months of not being able to schedule a phone appointment. We talked for 2.5 hours (but then her son woke up and she had to go) and were able to catch up on things. I always feel better when I have regular contact with Betsy, so it was a great way to start my day.


I spent more time on the phone trying to figure out a little blog gathering to meet Liz (in town from Connecticut). I thought it was complicated, but then ended up being doable so Michelle, Amy M., Jordan, and Liz all came over to my house around 7:00. (This involved semi-frantic cleaning before hand, but I always enjoy the results so all was well.) Crystalyn even ended up being able to come over around 9:00, so that was great too. We did a whole lot of talking and covered a wide range of topics (birth control, tampons, potty training, children, blogging, comments, time management, the power of positive thinking, Amy's new boobs, etc.,) so it was hilarious, informative, and fun. (Click here for more pictures.)

Happy Birthday Amy!!
(she's in Italy right now)

**Is blogging therapeutic for you?
Do you like hosting gatherings?
Have you met any blogging friends?**

23 comments:

Bond Girl 007 said...

First to comment...wow that is something...well I love hosting events...I wish I could do it all the time, even weekly what can I say...I love people, food and ambiance. Theraupetic...anytime I talk to you it is...thank you for being there for me...and it would probably be more so if I posted more regularly. Blogging friends...well I know your family, I met Pam she doesn't have a blog, but comments on everyone's and other than your close friends/book club...that I think I vaguely saw one time...maybe it was another group of friends altogher...it was pre-blogging times...it is kind of faint and do not remember

Natasha said...

BTW, I have always been envious of your independent kids as well. Like when you blog about sleeping in or taking a nap while your kids play, I am in awe. Luci and Griffin never even get out of bed themselves.
The blogging pics are cute - when I saw them I thought, "Jordan must never take a bad picture, so photogenic!" All of your get-togethers always look so fun and comfortable to me, you must be a terrific hostess.

melanie said...

I loved all the comments as well yesterday and can see exactly how they were therapy for you. What a cool way to get out of the 'funk' that jealousy can bring.

Jordan IS wearing the world's cutest skirt, love the layer. The night looks so fun and makes me even more sad that I haven't figured out a way to make it to the blogging party. Perhaps a little one like this would be in order next time I make it to UT.

everything pink! said...

how fun to meet liz.

i loved reading everyone's comments to you.

i can't believe how over blogging i am right now. i think it is because i feel like there is so much in my head to say, i don't know where to begin, so i am having that feeling of just doing nothing.
and one of the funnest things last summer was meeting everyone, even though like i have said to you before, i would freak out, totally freak out if someone showed up on my doorstep.

becca said...

So fun to meet up with blogging friends! Sounds like a good day for you, staying home, talking to old friends on the phone and then having friends over!? It doesn't get better than that!

Price Cream Parlor said...

This looks like so much fun! Looks like you guys had a bunch of great laughs! Too bad there isn't audio with you great photos!
You are such an gracious host!
Great comments yesterday. It is great to read that most people feel the same way. - And, I suppose that would be therapeutic!

michelle said...

You forgot to mention your cozy little house that is cute and always so inviting!

Blogging is therapy, and so was last night. It was indeed hilarious, informative, and fun. (You just never know what topics will come up -- I definitely learned a few things!)

michelle said...

I haven't read the comments yet from yesterdays post. I will do that in a few minutes. I just want you to know that I have looked at your blog from time to time for a while. I am friends with Sista #2. I hope that you don't mind me adding my 2 cents worth here. You seem like such a great person!!! Your post reminded me of something I posted on my blog yesterday. If you have a second you are weclome to check it out. How fun that you had a blog gathering. We are hoping to have a lunch with Jenny, Janae, and Amy on Monday! Fun times!

TX Girl said...

I am so sad I missed the party. But, I'm so HAPPY I'm finally back in my town after 4 weeks away. It sounds like a great time was had by all.

Maybe next time I'm in town I'll be able to see everyone again.

Melinda said...

What a totaly fun night. I have to say I really enjoy hosting things also. I think you had a great day of catching up with old friends and having fun with the new.

Blogging is really helpful for me also. It makes me realize I am normal and yet it really inspired me to want to be and do better.

Holly said...

I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and feelings with such honesty and humor, whatever the topic. Your post yesterday, and the comments you received, opened my eyes even more about how what we perceive is often different than reality. It helped me process my own jealous feelings and put them in perspective.

I'm still a new-ish blogger, but have so enjoyed making bloggy friends! It would be a blast to meet some of them in real life someday. How fun for you to have met several these last few months!

Amanda :-) said...

Hilarious. That gathering must've been ear-piercing with it chatter and laughter! That's brilliant that you took so many extra pictures - even though they are so 'nothingy' - they're just fun, relaxed and good to share.

Glad you liked my bedtime reading suggestion! Hahaha!

I'm a big blog fan now, but still an apprentice blogger. "I read it better than I speak it", as novices say. I don't mean nuns, by the way.

It's the comments that breathe life into blogs, for me - so I can appreciate the free therapy offshoot!

Holly said...

It's me again! Hope it's not too forward of me, BUT just wanted to say I tagged you as a rockin' girl blogger. You really do ROCK!! You can check it out here if you get a chance.

rebecca said...

Sounds like the perfect therapy - wish I had those gals eating and chatting in my living room! You are a gracious host, and it looks like a fun evening!

j said...

blogging is totally therapeutic- where else can you get feedback about your thoughts and ideas? :)
i can't imagine independent kiddos-i imagine that's a relief. :) i will probably mourn that day, though- even with all the hectic that goes with a wee one, it rips my heart out when he does something on his own! :)

jenny said...

I haven't seen Liz in a few years, I am so glad you got to meet her and had another meeting with Jordan.

Glad to hear you are feeling better, just think only a couple more days until the big day!!

Have a great Sunday :)

Elizabeth said...

I have not met a blogging friend. I hope to meet many someday.
Don't forget to celebrate your birthday eve tomorrow night. :)

Anonymous said...

Blogging is very therapeutic for me- both reading others and writing on my own. I posted last night and instantly felt better and like I got it out of my head so I could sleep and not think about it all night. So nice.

I enjoy hosting gatherings. Anything I have been to at your house has been so nice. You have a gift for making all feel welcome.

I have met a few blogging friends and am looking forward to meeting more at the blog party!

Anonymous said...

Wow,what a great night. Your home looks cozy and enjoyable. Love the red! The food looked yummy and the friends happy. I am glad you had a night to just laugh.

Jenny

Anne said...

yay for free therapy. What a great network you are able to take advantage of here! I have not had a chance to meet any blogging friends. Annalisa was here last week when I myself was on vacation. I was so bummed to miss her, as she's one of my heros. I read about all of your blog gatherings and wish I lived in an easier place in which to meet the great women i read about every day.

Anonymous said...

I've been able to read blogs, but not comment from my mom's freaky slow dial-up. So, I am happy to know you got some free therapy! I do think everyone feels (or has felt) that way. It's easy for those feelings to creep in if you're not on guard. Everyone has secret histories. I just love this little network we have here of friendly support! It's been killing me to read and not comment. I've missed you all!

amy gretchen said...

It was a really fun get together and was glad we were able to work it out last minute. It was funny to see where the conversation went, but I have to say I don't recall talking about my surgery at all. You mentioned it a few times, but there was no discussion. What's up with that?

I'm really looking forward to the 28th.

Crystalyn said...

i'm so glad you included a picture of my feet ( :

jill, i had so much fun and came home (a little late) feeling rejuvenated and happy. it was a great way to start my weekend. thanks for putting it together. i'm thrilled it worked out. i always have a great time chatting with you no matter where the conversation takes us.

by the way, my hanna came running in to go to the bathroom so "I GET A TREAT!!" i should write a book on potty training. it will be very short:

buy lots of starburst. bribe your child with said treats. you will definitely get "dryer" results.

i for one will take it.