There are those moments in daily life that make you think “Woah, I’m actually a grown up.” There are the obvious ones like going grocery shopping, balancing your check book, paying bills and tucking your kids into bed. But then there are the not-so-obvious moments too. Here are some of mine:

1. Using a garage door opener.
2. Getting the newspaper delivered to my house
3. Buying picture frames (why this one makes me feel that way, I have no idea since I obviously did it before I “grew up” but it does)
4. Mailing birthday cards… on time.
5. Cleaning the dryer lint

What are some random things that make you feel all grown up?

Dear Life,

It’s been a while and we really should catch up a little bit. And probably soon. Because I haven’t laid eyes on you in what feels like forever.

Ok, not REALLY forever, it just FEELS that way.

You must have gotten some new running shoes because I seem to be very behind you these days. Although you are getting craftier.

Those piles of laundry (clean and dirty) seem to appear out of nowhere and you’re so quick, I don’t even hear you leave them in the bedroom.

The dishwasher that always seems to be full… I’m sure you’re behind that too.

The litter box that always needs emptied (*that* little game you can stop ANYTIME because, quite frankly, it’s gross).

You need to stock up on coffee the next time I come around because we’re going to par-tay and catch up and I’m going to sit in your living room with my feet up for HOURS and we’re going to chat the night away. Or at least for 15 minutes.

Because really, that’s all I need everyday. 15 minutes.

15 minutes to feel like I’ve caught up to you.

15 minutes of every dish being washed and every article of clothing clean and put away.

15 minutes of quiet and peach of mind.

15 minutes of a clean house. Ok, an hour would be awesome, but I’m trying not to get greedy.

I’m just not sure when you disappeared, little life of mine. Most likely the day my beautiful girl joined the family, but I’m sure I’ve seen you since then. Haven’t I? Where do you hide when I’m in headless chicken mode? And can I come hide with you?

Anyway, Life, it’s been great chatting with you. I guess this is my 15 minutes today. I hope you’re doing well (it seems like you are) and hopefully we’ll catch up again soon.

Sincerely,

Angela

I’ve been so fortunate to be able to attend Blogher 2009 today in Chicago. I’m sitting in my hotel room now with millions of thoughts whirring through my brain and it’s tough to keep up. This is a familiar place for me. It always happens when I meet other people (women in particular) who love blogging as much as I do. It’s a place where I’m most likely to come up with great ideas and actually carry those ideas to fruition.

Perhaps you know the place that I’m talking about. It’s an intersection called Inspiration and Motivation. I’m so there.

The toughest part about being at this place? Deciding what to do first. I’m a list person. And I have enough material pumping through me that I could fill up an entire notebook of ideas, task lists, items to tackle, people to reach out to and general ideas that I need to build out a bit more.

Some people hate this place. It’s too overwhelming. And I’ll be the first to admit that after I went downstairs and signed in for the conference, I came back up to my room and had to CONVINCE myself to go back down. So many bloggers and so little confidence meant I was a bit hesitant. But I can’t tell you how awesome it is when someone asks about your blog and when you tell them what it is they exclaim “I loved your post about (fill in the blank).” Wow. There’s not many other words for it.

So it’s time to get off my duff and get busy. And if you’ll excuse me, I have some lists and action plans to create.

Ever feel like you’re in an Abbott and Costello routine? I do. All the time. Because my daughter loves to ask tough questions that run me in circles.

Here is a perfect example:

Her: Mom, what does what mean?

Me (not having heard her clearly): What?

Her: Yes.

Me: Huh? What does what mean?

Her: Yes.

Me: Honey, what word did you say?

Her: What.

Me: What word did you say?

Her: What.

Me: Honey, I don’t understand. What does what mean?

Her: Yes (getting frustrated).

Me: Repeat your question

Her: What question?

Me: The question about the word.

Her: What?

Me: What word do you want me to tell you about?

Her: What.

Me: What word do you want me to tell you about?

** A full 10 minutes later.**

Me: You want me to tell you what the word “what” means?

Her: Yes.

Me: I have no idea. (Turning to husband) Can you define that?

Him: What?

Her: Yes.

And the whole thing repeats itself because I personally think it’s hilarious and I refuse to step in and clarify. Because I’m diabolical like that. So I decide to educate my daughter.

Me: This feels like an Abbott and Costello routine.

Her: What?

Me: Exactly.

Her: What?

Me: Trust me kiddo. I’m going to blog about this and when you have kids of your own, you’ll read this and think it’s hilarious.

Her: What?

Me: Exactly.

She gives up and walks away shaking her head. She’s officially convinced her mother is crazy.