What Is Real Right Now

Project Life | Week Thirty-Four

WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW Simon began the 4th grade last week. The start of school has traditionally been a challenge for him as he navigates a new classroom, new teachers, new structures and a return to old routines here at home but so far he's been doing great. Definitely a bit sleepy this morning as we all adjust to waking up earlier.

WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that Simon is doing just awesome: riding his bike, reaching out to other kids, being more comfortable in new situations, reading books with joy and excitement. It's so amazing how much he loves to read if it's something he's really interested in - which really is not all that amazing when I remember that my favorite things to read are things I'm really into and excited about. We just need to find more of things for him. A couple Tuesdays ago he read a Shrek book to me for 2 hours while I was working.

WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that fall is on it's way. I could feel it last night coming in through the half-open windows. I saw it yesterday in a few leaves that are beginning to change colors and drop to the street. I saw it again early this morning when waking to complete darkness.

WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that Chris and I are having a challenging time. There are many things we are great at together and yet many areas in which we struggle to connect. I want you to know that life is real here - just as it is in your home and your life - and there's good and bad and easy days and hard ones and this happens to be a time in my life that is really hard. I'd totally take your prayers, your positive energy, your wishes of strength and peace, and your compassion. Things are changing here and I'm hoping to face this next chapter of my story with grace and an open heart.

WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that Anna is two. She's more two than I think Simon ever was - she's got opinions and the language skills to back them up. She's also much more of a boundary tester than Simon. She loves to jump on the couch and asks "Why Mom?" as a response to just about everything. She started a daily Montessori preschool last week and seems to be adjusting just fine. Chris and I dropped her off this morning and she was so happy to show him her school and have him meet her teacher and see her classroom. She's really pretty darn amazing and I'm so happy she's a part of my life.

WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that I finished both The Help and Little Bee last month. Loved them both. I asked for suggestions via Facebook and Twitter last week and started Cutting For Stone last night. Hoping to go see The Help this weekend.

WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that this post from my friend Jen Lemen is super inspiring: How To Be Dangerous.

WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW are these words: This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind...let it be something good. Author Unknown.

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376 thoughts

  1. Carolin says…
    09/13/2011

    Dear Ali - just wanted to let you know that I love you and think about you and that I'll pray for you. We've never met, but through your wonderful blog I feel that you are part of my life. It was only yesterday when I told a friend about you and how great you are and all that you do. So thank you for being such an inspiration and positive and creative person. I hope the little support we as readers can give you here gives you strength and courage and hope. May God bless you and your family!

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  2. Cyndi says…
    09/13/2011

    Sending all the good thoughts and vibes you asked for and a prayer that you didn't, that however the situation shakes out will bring you peace and be what's best for all of you. Thanks for sharing yourself with us.

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  3. Michelle L says…
    09/13/2011

    Thank you for being so open and honest! I am sending lots of positive energy and prayers your way! I wish you nothing but the best!

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  4. Amanda S. says…
    09/13/2011

    Hugs, thoughts, prayers to you definitely. I've read your blog for years and watched you conquer many obstacles with honesty and love. Hang in there - you have lots of support and love from your family - it's obvious from your stories and photos. Hugs - Amanda

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  5. Meghan says…
    09/13/2011

    I wish I could give right back to you all the joy and inspiration you have brought to my life. Your honesty and creativity are your greatest strengths. You are amazing!

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  6. Tania Shaw says…
    09/13/2011

    Lots of love to you Ali. I've been wondering about wether I should/could share my families struggles on my blog lately. Your bravery inspires me. I hope things get better for you.

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  7. Melody says…
    09/13/2011

    This blog entry really touched my heart because it's good to acknowledge that life is hard, even when it's full and good and satisfying in so many ways. My Project Life album is missing something right now... My husband is not in any of the pictures because he's in Afghanistan for 6 months. I wish you and Chris every happiness and a whole new level of blessing & joy in your relationship :o)

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  8. Marlies says…
    09/13/2011

    It takes courage to write what you have written. Thanks for sharing all you wonderful observations, but also the harder stuff in life. I can so relate to you. I find it difficult to pay attention to my own life, my two kids, the relationship I'm in and my and try doing your best at all of them. Sending you lots of support and hope you'll make it work.

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  9. Cindy deRosier says…
    09/13/2011

    Wishing all four of the you the best.

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  10. Catherine Denton says…
    09/13/2011

    What's real right now: You.

    Thanks for courageously being honest so the rest of us can brave being honest too.
    My Blog

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  11. Steph says…
    09/13/2011

    "Sending prayers your way, Ali. It’s easy, as a reader, to create an imagined perfect life for you and other bloggers who are part of our day-to-day routines. Thank you for sharing what is real in your life right now and trusting that manifold compassion will be returned to you through comments and prayer. Wishing you an inner wisdom to guide you as you continue to navigate life’s challenges."

    I think this response is beautiful, and wanted to second the sentiments. :hug:

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  12. Gill says…
    09/13/2011

    As many previous commenters have said, I enjoy following your blog because it is so genuine, so real, so human! Thank you for all the inspiring stories you share with us.

    I normally lurk but came out of hiding to suggest "The Indian in the Cupboard" by Lynne Reid Banks. It's a series of books about a toy who comes to life and our son simply loved it. The other series of books greatly loved was E Nesbit's Five Children and It. An old classic, for sure, but another series of well told stories which remained a favourite for a long time. It's great to raise a boy who reads!

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  13. Deiga says…
    09/13/2011

    Have always appreciated and admired your honesty about your 'real' life - that more or less, it's like all of our real lives. Ups, downs, good, bad... just life. Definitely sending thoughts and prayers for you and Chris. My hubby and I were kind of at crossroads last weekend, too. Marriage is great, but can be challenging.

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  14. AnnieM says…
    09/13/2011

    Ali, Whatever struggles you have right now..my only advice is hang in there. My husband and I have had struggles in our relationship..major ones, but we hung in there and are more in love now than ever. And we just celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary.Hugs.
    PS My favorite all time book I have read in the last 5 years is Cutting For Stone. You will love it.

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  15. Terri says…
    09/13/2011

    Prayers for peace and strength Ali. Thanks for being real. We all appreciate that more than you will ever know or understand.....

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  16. Christine says…
    09/13/2011

    Ali, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I really admire your openness and honesty.
    I'm very proud of Simon as he begins 4th grade. I know he brings you and Chris alot of joy.

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  17. Maureen Mahurin says…
    09/13/2011

    Sending some extra thoughts and prayers your way. Life is difficult enough without disconnect between partners. I hope you and Chris come out the other side of this trying time as a stronger team than you were going in. Huggs to you and your precious family.

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  18. KSW says…
    09/13/2011

    Go big, Ali. Read Cutting for Stone. It will take you "away"; it will give you distance. The kind of distance few things in this life can provide.

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  19. Alexa says…
    09/13/2011

    Happy thoughts coming your way. May you have the strength to get through whatever it is you are facing.

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  20. Susie Leggett says…
    09/13/2011

    Ali, this whole balance thing of work, family, marriage, the daily demands and tests of our children, excercise, hobbies, IT IS HARD for many of us, including me. Please know that you are in my prayers. May you and Chris find the strength and faith to conquer whatever challenges you are facing. Much love your way.

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  21. laura says…
    09/13/2011

    hang in there ali i've been married for 38 years and am so glad we stuck it out through the tough times sometimes pride and hurt feelings get in the way of communicating try to look beyond that hugs!!!

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  22. Tracy says…
    09/13/2011

    The fact that you don't need to share, don't owe us {your readers} any explanation but you choose to be so open is really, really admirable and likeable and real. This reminded me of you today: http://sprik.blogspot.com/2011/09/just-because-39.html

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  23. peggy says…
    09/13/2011

    Sending you love and compassion. Life is real and difficult - a lot more then we would like it to be. My husband and I have reached 47 years of marriage yesterday. There has been distance between us, good times, just living in the same house times and joyous times. All in all it has been worth the struggle. One thing we have always had is respect for each other and we loved our children. If you have that you can continue on and hopefully the going will get a little easier. Your in my thoughts and prayers.

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  24. Cynthia says…
    09/13/2011

    Ali - you have such courage woman! I too have such admiration and respect for your honesty and integrity, your willingness to share and your 'realness'. There is so much strength in you. You have my prayers, my thoughts and so much tenderness. Thank you for being you.

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  25. Cynthia says…
    09/13/2011

    Oh and I seriously loved Cutting for Stone. Great book!

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