Thought Time Capsule

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I was inspired to do this by Liz, who penned a time capsule of her thoughts.  Here is my thought time capsule at 28 years, 5 months, and 22 days.

photo

On Politics:  It is obvious by now that I go through ‘cycles’ with politics.  I care a lot for a period of time, and then I grow apathetic and stop caring.  And then the cycle renews itself.  My cyclical ‘falling out’ with politics used to really bother me, but I guess that’s just the way I am.  I currently care a great deal, especially about women’s issues (food for thought: aren’t ‘women’s issues’ really just society issues?).  That being said, I really wish we had a woman running for president.  Don’t you think it’s time a woman is in charge of the USA? 

 

On Money:  I have come to understand that the more money you make, the more money you spend unless you are super careful.  Goal for 2013 is to break this cycle.  Especially since I’m going to make way less as a stay-at-home-momma.  Also – having a baby is way cheaper than I thought it would be, mostly because we go out a lot less, and it evens out.

 

On Technology:  Thank goodness for my iPhone. That is all.

 

On Motherhood:  Being a mom is so much more awesome and amazing that I ever could’ve imagined.  I love Henry so much it hurts.  Motherhood is very challenging in many, many ways, but the good far outweighs the bad.  And it’s so cool to watch him grow up and develop new mental and physical skills. I spend a lot of time thinking about how to be a good mother once we get beyond the baby stage – how to instill important lessons in Henry and teach him to be a kind and compassionate person.  I usually find myself thinking about these lessons when I’m up at 4 AM, trying to rock him back to sleep.  I gotta keep my eyes on the prize – or I’d go crazy with sleep deprivation.

 

On Marriage:  I have realized that the most important decision of your life is who you marry, if you choose to get married.  I almost got engaged to someone before I met Kristien, and my life would’ve been totally different if I had married that person.  We were so incompatible in so many ways, but because I was young and in love, I brushed aside those differences.  The truth is that even a happy marriage is super hard at times.  Especially since having Henry, Kristien and I have both really begun to realize how much work it takes to maintain a happy and healthy relationship.  Both people really have to try. For us, it’s been important not to ‘keep score’ or else resentment inevitably grows.  I used to think that true love didn’t require work. 

 

On Friendship:  I am very close to three women – Sarah, Lauren, and Nicole – and although I don’t get to see or talk to all of them as much as I would like, I truly value them so much.  The best thing about all three of these women is that they support without judgment.  How rare is that in a friend?

 

On Food:  My diet has never been so limited in my entire life (no dairy and no gluten due to sensitivities and the impact that has on Henry via breastfeeding). I am SO SO SO bored with food.  I usually get so much pleasure from grocery shopping and cooking and eating but these days, it feels like such a chore. 

 

On Childbirth:  I think about my birth experience at least once a week. When I was planning for a drug free birth, so many people told me not to obsess over the birth experience because I couldn’t control it, and that it didn’t matter in the long term.  But my positive experience was so important for me; delivery taught me how strong and resilient I could be when push came to shove (pun intended).  The experience was very difficult, but everything worked out, and I really do feel like I can do anything I set my mind to now.  It was such a transforming moment for me as an individual and wife.  I know not everyone has the same feelings about birth as I do, but if you do want to go drug-free, definitely educate yourself and go for it.  If things work out, it is so amazing and empowering.

{ 44 comments }

 

  • Katie @ Peace Love and Oats October 22, 2012, 3:02 pm

    What a great idea! I’m sure it will be interesting to look back on this 1, 5, or 10 years from now!

  • colleen October 22, 2012, 3:10 pm

    Agree 100% on the money thing. Husband had a killing last year due to OT, but we spent it because it was ‘extra’ — we did manage to pay for small bills off though, but a lot of careless spending was done also. Really need to change that with this round of OT. Need to get past Christmas and we’ll be in the clear for temptations.

  • natalie @ will jog for food October 22, 2012, 3:12 pm

    “having a baby is way cheaper than I thought it would be, mostly because we go out a lot less, and it evens out. ” – That’s what I was hoping for! I am planning on being a SAHM (at least for a couple years hopefully). We are already working on budgeting though, even though I’m not even half way through pregnancy.

    I’m so proud of you for going drug free! I would have probably considered a drug free birth if I had never had a kidney stone. It was at 20 out of 10 on the pain scale, so bad that I thought I would die if the pain got worse. I was throwing up, cussing random people out (which I would never do normally). So the thought of going through that again basically scares the crap out of me!! I’m going for the epidural.

    • Dominique Bain October 22, 2012, 3:37 pm

      i think that the “pain” of childbirth is of a completely different quality then the pain of something actually being wrong – like a kidney stone or a broken bone. childbirth is intense and overwhelming but it’s not a sharp pain. four months after the fact, i find it difficult to even describe as pain. i think our culture doesn’t actually have the words to properly describe the intensity of childbirth and so we default to pain. it is certainly uncomfortable, but the most painful part i remember is getting a couple of stitches afterwards.

      in summary, i won’t discount doing childbirth drug free because of a previous experience of pain since they will probably be two very different experiences.

      • K October 22, 2012, 4:11 pm

        Really well said. I just never had the option since we stayed home until I was 9cm. It was hard (9lb baby and 100% back labour + frontal tear), but totally doable. There were moments of doubt along the way, but that said, I think that being excited rather than anxious really helps with the oxytocin levels!

        • Jayce October 22, 2012, 10:48 pm

          I agree with all of this. Childbirth is intense, but there are breaks between contractions and there is not the anxiety that something bad is happening. The pain has a purpose. If you commit to it and let your body figure out how to respond and help the process, it is so beautiful. I loved my natural birth experience! So empowering and something I will always treasure.

  • Katie @ Talk Less, Say More October 22, 2012, 3:16 pm

    I was NOT expecting you to say having a baby is cheaper than you thought, but I guess if you’re really mindful and go out a lot less, than it DOES all even out. I’ve been a lot better with my money since moving home but that also doesn’t mean I spend money I don’t need to, but I’m really trying to be mindful.

  • Rebecca @ Blueberry Smiles October 22, 2012, 3:43 pm

    Such a great idea to capture these thoughts and be able to look back at it in other stages of your life. I think you have such a great way of being able to take a step back and review your life

  • Kendra @ My Full-Thyme Life October 22, 2012, 3:45 pm

    LOVE what you said about marriage. That is one topic that I wish I could blog about more or read in blogs more. It is so personal and private so I completely understand why people don’t share the niddy griddy. But there are times that I wish I could put situations out there to see if others can relate. I think what you said here is perfect and right on point.

    This ‘thought capsule’ is a great idea!

    • Stephanie @ Steph's Miles October 22, 2012, 7:26 pm

      I agree – marriage is a personal topic but I’m glad you shared some first-hand insight for when I choose my man. 🙂

  • Marie October 22, 2012, 3:47 pm

    Birth is pretty amazing and empowering with or without drugs…..

    • Meredith October 23, 2012, 10:05 am

      So true.

  • Johanna October 22, 2012, 3:50 pm

    I’m same age as you, though not married and no kids, but perhaps in the kind of relationship that could really work (only 7 months together but still, there is something to this thing here) and I’ve just recently realized the exact same things about relationship that you mentioned in this post. Wow.

    This: “..how much work it takes to maintain a happy and healthy relationship. Both people really have to try. For us, it’s been important not to ‘keep score’ or else resentment inevitably grows. I used to think that true love didn’t require work.”

    It’s so amazing when someone’s had the exact same thought as you have. Awesome.

  • Dominique Bain October 22, 2012, 3:53 pm

    Caitlin, I’m so glad you said that you think about your birth experience at least once a week. I’ve been thinking about mine a lot lately and then have been worried that I’m thinking about it too much. A lot of it is fuzzy since I was so tired for most of it. I had gone into labor at 10 pm at night and didn’t deliver until 10 pm the next night – with very little sleep in between. I had a natural birth with midwives at a very small birth center which I was incredibly happy with. It has been really helpful to read about your experiences. I wish more women talked about how their birth went and what they were happy with and what they would have changed. It is a difficult experience to process but talking about it and hearing others stories definitely helps.

  • Erika October 22, 2012, 4:01 pm

    Personally I do not think a woman would make a good president – we are way too emotional, grudge holding, gossipy, etc. Not saying that any guy can do or is doing it better – I just don’t think a woman would be best. Please don’t hate on me.

    I don’t even think I could Motherhood into words. I had no idea how awesome it was!

    Finding love is easy – staying in love is work.

    • Christina October 22, 2012, 7:47 pm

      “we are way too emotional, grudge holding, gossipy, etc”

      Stereotype much? Speak for yourself!

      • ErikaMC October 22, 2012, 9:54 pm

        You pretty much just proved me point.

    • Justine October 22, 2012, 11:52 pm

      It’s pretty sad that we still have people in this society that think like that. I’m not “hating” on you. I just honestly feel sad that you feel that way. Women can be and are strong/independent.

      I hope that society will continue to foster strong/independent women to dispel this stereotype. It’s hurting our country.

    • Aby October 23, 2012, 9:22 am

      Yeah, that Hillary is just an emotional wreck. Merkel and Gillard too. Any one of them breaks down at the drop of a hat. And Thatcher? Wow, was she ever a gossip. Men, however, always make astute decisions about the welfare of everyone else. Right on, sister! Lets keep those women in the kitchen where they belong and save politics for the big boys.

      Is that you, Ann Coulter?

  • K October 22, 2012, 4:06 pm

    More than a woman president, how about a feminist of either sex? We’ve seen women heads of state (think Thatcher, Gandhi and Sukarnoputri) who haven’t done much for the status if women or marginalized groups. But I take your meaning: a great female candidate would be awesome!

    • Caitlin October 22, 2012, 5:28 pm

      Excellent way to phrase it!

  • Carolyn October 22, 2012, 4:09 pm

    I feel ya on the diet thing. I’m not able to EBF since my supply is too low, but for the measly 15 oz or so my 8 wk old son gets each day, I’m dairy free. I should probably be more careful about hidden dairy and should probably cut out soy, too, but then I might go crazy. I have learned that Almond Milk is delicious.

    Agree 100% on the marriage thing, too.

  • Natalie @ Free Range Human October 22, 2012, 4:17 pm

    This is such a great post. I think it’s really interesting to see how our thoughts and perceptions change as we grow older and go through different stages of our life. Yes, I wish a woman was running. I have my eye on a certain candidate in 2016!

  • Jenna October 22, 2012, 4:30 pm

    I’m pretty limited with food choices – both due to allergies and intolerances. Because of my boredom and frustration – have started subscribing to a box from healthy surprise. I consider it my treat box and once a month it is delivered full of wheat-free, soya-free, and dairy-free snacks! I love going to my treat box now when I’m craving something different, but that still fits in with what I can eat!

  • Julie October 22, 2012, 4:34 pm

    Love that having a baby is cheaper than you thought! Maybe it will be once he gets older? Either way, it’s a refreshing perspective to have! This is a great idea for a post… I may steal it 😉

  • Annette@FitnessPerks October 22, 2012, 5:11 pm

    What a great idea! I love putting thoughts on down.

    And that is lovely that having a child was cheaper than you thought! I guess that’s nice, eh?? And totally AGREE on marrying the right person for you. Oh man, sooo sooo glad I did too!

  • Nina October 22, 2012, 5:17 pm

    There IS a woman running for president who is fucking awesome named Jill Stein.

    • Caitlin October 22, 2012, 5:28 pm

      Good point!

  • Emma October 22, 2012, 6:05 pm

    I tried to ‘like’ this “I currently care a great deal, especially about women’s issues (food for thought: aren’t ‘women’s issues’ really just society issues?).” (clearly I need to spend less time on facebook. But LIKE!

  • Ellen @ Wannabe Health Nut October 22, 2012, 7:52 pm

    I have no doubt that Henry will grow up to be a super-sweet and compassionate lil man! It won’t take much parenting I’m sure. 🙂

  • Kaitlyn October 22, 2012, 8:23 pm

    I love your thoughts on motherhood. I’m not a mother yet myself, but I teach a preschool class of 14 adorable 3-year-olds, and I am ALWAYS thinking about how I can teach them to be kind, caring, compassionate people (preschool is allllll about social/emotional development). I’ve learned that one of the best and more effective ways to do this is simply through setting an example, talking in a gentle voice, showing patience, and telling kids that it is okay to make mistakes. I truly believe that just being a strong, positive influence can go SO far with kids 🙂 You’re going to be such a wonderful, positive influence on Henry! (you already are!)

  • Amber K October 22, 2012, 9:07 pm

    I get so bored with my meals too. I hate having so many food intolerances. Sometimes I just want to travel back in time to when I could eat whenever I wanted, even though I weighed a LOT more then. At least I could eat without pain!

  • Megan October 22, 2012, 10:06 pm

    Allyson Kramer has a great recipe blog called Manifest Vegan that’s all gluten free. It makes me SO EXCITED about food!

  • Kristine October 22, 2012, 11:12 pm

    Totally agree with you on needing a woman president. I mean, look at the difference in the debate moderators. Candy Crowley and Martha Raddatz were intelligent, assertive and didn’t let the candidates get away with BS. Bob and Jim on the other hand? Wimps. 😉

  • CJ @ Fill the Well October 22, 2012, 11:50 pm

    +1000 for “Aren’t women’s issues just society’s issues?” !!!

  • Abby October 23, 2012, 12:06 am

    LOVE how honest you are! Wish Hillary Clinton was running!

  • Emily October 23, 2012, 12:22 am

    We have a female head-of-country in Aus and the amount of bullying she endures about: her hair colour, what she’s wearing, her relationship status etc is horrible:( Half the problem is the opposition leader is such an anti-feminist. I don’t disagree with females as leaders in the slightest, I just think we should treat them a bit more like men are treated, no one looks at what suit Romney is wearing or how many kilos he’s gained?

    • Nina October 23, 2012, 7:43 am

      Agreed. I heard in a debate here recently two women were asked if they read 50 shades of grey. In a political debate.

      • Caitlin October 23, 2012, 10:41 am

        WTF

  • Katie October 23, 2012, 4:02 pm

    very cool post!

  • Kerry October 24, 2012, 12:58 am

    Interesting… I have been feeling really stressed about food since I finally have time in my college student life to come home at dinner and cook. I’m allergic to both gluten and diary and I’m vegetarian, so your comment makes me wonder if maybe my diet is just dooming me!

    I do think I’m going to splurge on dayo soy cheese to put on mini pizzas and casseroles. Also, I love Whole Soy yogurt! Trader Joe’s just got coconut milk yogurt but I don’t really like the flavors – too sweet.

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