7AM Text Message From My Sister

7:00 AM

Text from sister: already stressed out and it is just 7am :( Baby girl was up all night puking. Poor baby girl. I think I need to cancel my party tonight? What do you think? Also I have no one to open at work at 8:30... 

Her next message: Lol should I laugh or scream and cry?

I respond: Laugh. Life is too short. 

As I make my way to work in the pouring rain I think about my response.

How can I say laugh? It's not funny. It's not funny at all that she just spent the night taking care of a puking child and lost several hours of sleep and now is stressed to the max because she has to scramble to find a sitter and someone to cover at work. I feel for my sister and now I feel rather insensitive for responding that way, especially because the night before all I wanted to do was cry (a story for another time).

A couple weeks back I spent the weekend running around with a puke bowl just waiting for E to lose the last sip of juice she drank. As if puke on the carpet or a blanket is life threatening but my nerves force me to jump at her every move. 6 hours of toddler flu left me feeling completely drained. E however was right as rain after a 3 hour nap. I am pretty sure I bolted to a craft store and walked up and down every aisle just to calm my nerves.

Maybe my response was: Laugh. Life is short, because it was morning, a brand new day and even though it was raining I felt my sister needed a little bit of positive after a night like that. But it's true. Life is too short. Too short to worry. Too short to fear. Too short to fret.

You take one think at a time and help your little one get through the sickness. If you don't get to collapse at the end of the day you at least deserve a HUGE high five! All moms deserve high fives. Even though we don't play intense sports, receive high honors or awards we are setting records every day. That load of laundry you managed to do between chasing a toddler, mopping the floor and feeding the family dog is an accomplishment. Celebrate!

It's amazing what we do as Moms. We are amazing. You are amazing. And the next time you wake up for your toddler remember you are amazing. You got this!

Reasonable and Realistic Resolutions

Today I am really enjoying my office job. Because it has granted me a day off. A day to spend with my family. Not that I don't love being at work, I do. But R has the day off and it would be such a bummer to have to go to the office instead of spending time with him. I am so thankful to be in the place I am in now.

Happy New Year everyone! Does anyone have a new year's resolution? Or do you think it's silly to have one? If you're going to make a change just make it. Right? But, what better time than the first of the year to chose something to dedicate your efforts towards. I am partial to the entire resolution thing. I feel that I am always trying to better myself in one way or another. Having a very motivated husband pushes this processes right along.

Here a few things I have in mind for the 2014.

I want to go on vacation. Somewhere warm, of course.

See more of Michigan. Tahquamenon Falls perhaps.

Sell my handmade items online. Maybe on Facebook or Etsy...

Continue blogging. I can't help but write more.

Take a walk at least 3 times a week. And bring along E and R.

Take more photos. Maybe scrapbook a little.

I think these things are reasonable and a realistic. That's the key after all. I hear talk on the radio and read articles online about the average time it takes to fail a new year's resolution. Why is that a focus to begin with? Set a realistic goal. Maybe set more than one goal to accomplish through out the year. Making a list that you can slowly cross off will give you a sense of accomplishment and worth. Sounds like a good plan to me.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on new year's resolutions. Happy New Year everyone! May 2014 be a year of love, peace and happiness.

Keep loving.

Happy Blog-iversary!

There is a completely different energy on Fridays. Or at least there is in the Miller homestead. It might be in part of the holidays! Only 4 more days (for us) until we celebrate Christmas! All though, I think we've been celebrating all month. Do you have a little extra pep in your step on Fridays or near the holidays? It's the weekend and Christmas. Who wouldn't be excited?

Well everyone, today is an even more special day for The Plain Side because this is my 200th post! Hip HIP HORRAY! Can you believe it? It feels like a milestone to reach 200 total entries. I think I'll call it my blog-iversary. I can't believe I've been writing The Plain Side since June of 2011. Time really does fly. Blogging has been such a great way to log my journey, express my feelings and thoughts.

I owe my followers, friends, family and R especially a huge THANK YOU for giving me positive feedback and tuning in every time I write something new. Your support gives me motivation and inspiration during rough pages and moments of writers block. I can definitely feel the love through the amount of views I've received.

Speaking of that I'm nearing 13,000 views. Another milestone that so quickly approached. I want to document this as someday I will look back and remember how I felt today, accomplished, excited and surprised I've come so far in my online journaling. Views are very important part of blogging as it tells you just how many people you reach with your writing. It's exciting to know that on average my blog is read 1,200 a month.

Thank you all again. I can't wait to see where The Plain Side will be 1 year from now. If you have any suggestions, etc. I'd be more than happy to have them. Also don't miss the new page I added.

Keep Loving.

The people you meet.

There's something rather interesting I have been wanting to share for awhile now.

It seems in the passed year or so certain people have come into my life, some stay longer than others, but even if for a short period of time some people I meet remind me of my family. Family, this one is a tribute to you.

Mom,
I first met a woman with spiky hair, like yours, when I was introduced to Ryan's gang. She is nurturing, thoughtful and caring like you. She makes me feel like I am an accomplished, unique individual; much like a mother should make you feel and much like you make me feel. I've known her for a couple years now and when I see her I think of you.

Dad,
Once in awhile I will wait on a customer at work and they will strike up a conversation with the slightest of ease and my mind wanders home to you. I humor the stranger and listen to their words and soon enough I'm talking just as much as they are, however wishing I was talking to you. Sometimes the stranger will have tanned skin like you or a worn out t-shirt and jeans. I know this person probably works as hard as my Dad always has. I am reminded of what hard work and sacrifice looks like.

Keisha,
There is a girl I work with that continues to catch me off guard. She reminds me so much of you. Her voice, her personality and her laugh. I work with her a couple days a week and she makes me feel like I'm near you... if only just a little bit. I always tell her you remind me of my little sister. She just smiles.


Having these unique people in my life makes me feel loved and reminds me of my roots, my home and that I have my family near and far away, that loves and cares about me. When I miss home and miss you guys it's the moments I find recognition in strangers that bring me closer to you.

Keep Loving.