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. Mitch Guindon says…
    09/22/2011

    I am trying very hard to send you positive vibes since I am trying very hard to create some of my own.... Life is hard and bizarre sometimes, but then again we learn from our mistakes, at least we try.... But it is so easy to fall back into old patterns... So we get up again and keep on trying, we have a mission on this earth, wish I knew what's mine... I've got a job interview tomorrow, I hope it goes well, trying to get a loan but finding only closed doors because of silly mistakes... Ah, enough, I will get the job and get the loan!!!!! Now that is positive thinking!!! See ya!

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  2. Julie says…
    09/23/2011

    Ali, never never never give up. Never. Please.

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  3. Lanne says…
    09/24/2011

    sending you good and positive thoughts for all 4 of you. I decided a while ago that in the 80+ years I intended to be married for there was absolutely going to be times of disagreement, saddness, anger, hurt, love, happiness, laughter, disappointment .. the whole range and spectrum .. and now i find myself reflecting. oh..so this is one of those not so disney days... Ok then. Its all part of being together and sharing the journey. It helps me stay on the path, even if we are walking at the opposite sides of it at various points.

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  4. Kimberlee says…
    09/25/2011

    Ironically, I haven't been keeping up with your blog much lately because we've been going through some changes in our lives, and things have been sort of chaotic. I just saw this post today and it just made me wish that I could reach out and give you a hug. Hang in there. You are loved.

    Positive thoughts and energy your way.

    You are so wonderful. Thanks so much for continuing to share your life.

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  5. Maxi says…
    09/25/2011

    Sending positive thoughts and love your way. Life is tough and keeping it all together at times seems almost impossible. I hope with all my heart that things can be discussed, worked upon, compromised and whatever else needs to be done for you both to be in the loving, happy place you clearly deserve.

    xxxx

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  6. tchris says…
    09/26/2011

    Thank you for sharing your real life. I read a lot of these blogs and I think, "how do these ladies have such joyous happy lives... all. the. time?" Not that I wish you unhappiness, but it just makes me wonder how you avoid the day to day struggles of life. Now I know you don't, but that you live life gracefully, and that inspires me to do the same. Thank you. I pray that you and Chris overcome the challenges you are facing right now and that you get a respite from some of the struggles you are dealing with. {Big Hugs}

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  7. marta says…
    09/27/2011

    am thinking of you. be strong and listen to that amazing still small voice for guidance. you will continue to inspire us despite the days you feel alone. you are not. xo

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  8. Carina says…
    09/27/2011

    Ali, Just to thank you for the inspiration. I finally began my Project Life... a French girl...

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  9. Joan B says…
    09/27/2011

    sorry to hear of your life troubles. hope whatever is going on resolves itself with as much ease as possible under the circumstances.

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  10. Frau Mayer says…
    10/07/2011

    Very often, challenging times mean the beginning of something wonderful. Sending lots of strength and good vibrations your way.

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  11. ali says…
    11/14/2011

    dear Ali, please tell me that you and Chris didn't get a divorce, and that you two and your family can make everything alright. My " kids adore you for being such a "do it with your kids and"husband. Me too! " please tell me you are OK

    Love and bst wishes'Deb

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  12. Jennifer Harkema says…
    12/01/2011

    Praying for strength for you and your family!

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