Michelle Smiles

Teaching my children to question authority, except mine.

Southern Summer

August2

It is officially this many degrees outside:

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I don’t even want to get in the sizzling car to take Sabrina anywhere outside of the apartment today so we are hanging at home.

A couple of random things:

Someone from the south, help me out with something. I was looking through a dining guide that had restaurants categorized by different types of food (e.g. Asian, Deli, Italian, etc.) and came across a category that I’ve never heard of before. What exactly is “Meat-and-three”? Is that some sort of designation meaning after the meal you will need a triple bypass as opposed to a double or quad? I’m quite curious about it so someone enlighten me.

I’ve been struggling with what this blog will be beyond a way for family and friends to see Sabrina growing since we live no where near any of them now. Am I a mommy blogger? A mommy with a blog? A woman who happens to be a mommy with a blog? A stream of consciousness blogger who writes about whatever strikes her that day including but not limited to her beautiful child? Do I still belong in the adoption community of bloggers? Other than allowing those in process to see my beautiful daughter growing I don’t know that I add anything to the adoption community these days. I also don’t know that I have anything astounding to say as a mommy. Then I yell at myself (in my head…don’t want the neighbors to think I am a nut) that I am over thinking things. It is my blog – I can do what I want with it. How many readers choose to continue checking in with me is irrelevant, right? My blog is for me. But that is partially a crock. I like entertaining others with my ramblings. Still no answer to any of these questions but if my blog seems a little schizo, please know I am aware that I’m all over the place right now. I am looking for my voice again. My life has completely turned upside down recently with moving, quitting work, becoming a mom. I still feel like I identify more with childless women than other mommies. Is that weird? I guess I’m still growing into my new role in life. I’ll figure it all out and you can all come along for the ride if you want.

posted under blog
17 Comments to

“Southern Summer”

  1. On August 2nd, 2007 at 2:10 pm Ashley Says:

    First of all… your blog is just perfect and was originally one of the inspirations behind starting one myself. Just keep it going!

    Meat-n-three… the pefect southern meal. A meat and 3 *vegetable* sides… you know like mashed potatos, corn, and mac-n-cheese! HA!

    Most places will have like fried chicken or mealtloaf as the meat and you pick the sides from a list… everything from turnip greens, to baked apples…the list is endless! Let me know where you go… but you MUST try the LOVELESS CAFE ( http://www.lovelesscafe.com/) it is right off of HWY 100

  2. On August 2nd, 2007 at 2:35 pm Bobbi Says:

    I have been reading your blog now since just before you went to Guatemala to live. We conversed briefly in Guatemala on your first vistit trip to meet Sabrina. (not that you remember me). I just recently started my own blog. You also inspired me to do it. Though our baby is home, I hope people in process will see it, and feel that their case can move on too! Also, I am going to use it to record my life with my family. I am not a good baby-book person! So, think of it that way. Stories to tell Sabrina.

    Not only that, you really are funny! You definitely make me laugh.

    I also enjoy your recipes now!

    I became a Mom for the first time 8 years ago. It is not easy. You don’t know who you are. I still struggle some. But, you will figure it out. God knows you have one of the cutest little girls ever!!

  3. On August 2nd, 2007 at 2:49 pm Alleen Says:

    Well, you should yell at yourself for questioning the value of your blog. Heck, if you’re questioning yours, I guess after Gabriella being home for a year now I should really be asking myself about mine since I’m NOWHERE near as creative as you. We all love seeing that big giant smile on the screen!! Don’t stop. You’ll probably identify with all of those descriptions you had for yourself and more as life goes on.

    But, I enjoy putting her cute face on it and I do still have family and friends that don’t get to see her often that enjoy the updates.

    Gee, come to think of it, who am I to be giving blogging advice. After all, I’m the one who created a blog for her cat. hmmmmph.

  4. On August 2nd, 2007 at 3:40 pm Julie Lussier Says:

    KEEP THE BLOG. I guess I am not one to talk who has now given mine up due to some criticism. I got p**** off and just quit. Plus greiving my cat. But, anyway I am trying to decide if I should continue or not but I am NO way as funny as you. Pretty much I just do pictures and comments from Matthew.

    If I did not have your blog — what would I do, especially since you have started a new…..recipe thingy*ma*bob, which I love. The memo’s you throw in are freakin hysterical. You were the first blog I ever read and now you are the first blog every morning. Yes I do not have a life. Oh Well.

    Did I tell you KEEP THE BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Hugs — Jules

  5. On August 2nd, 2007 at 3:50 pm Kim Says:

    I agree with everyone else – let it be whatever you feel like for that day.

    Mine has turned into a baby book/picture holder/reminder of what we did type blog. Our family all lives far away, so this way they can keep up with us. I’m also not one to scrapbook or do a baby book – so this way I can keep track of when Alex does what.

    Just write about whatever – even if it’s a “boring mommy blog.” 🙂

  6. On August 2nd, 2007 at 4:51 pm Amy Says:

    Take it from someone who has come to you in countless personal crises and someone who has seen you in action when the drama is way more for any one person to handle…you have been a mom a lot longer than you have had Beana. You are doing great.

    As for your blog…the real tragedy would be if you stop the random streams of consciousness because believe me when I say that you speak to a lot of people.

    As for the heat…you get no sympathy. I will say this, it was a pleasant 85 degrees in Ohio with lo humidity. HA.

  7. On August 2nd, 2007 at 4:55 pm Lisa Says:

    If you have no blog , how will you ever communicate w/ the outside world (hahaha).

  8. On August 2nd, 2007 at 6:40 pm mama k Says:

    It’s been a year and I just feel like I’m coming into my own as a parent. I finally feel more confident and “seasoned”

    I guess I’m a mommy blogger, as I write about my life and issues that are important to me. But since all mommies are very different (just as all women are very different) I think “mommy blog” is a pretty general term. But in the end, who cares about labels? If your writing is good (which it is) you will continue to have loyal readers. 🙂

  9. On August 2nd, 2007 at 6:50 pm Tam Says:

    Hey, girl, I’m along for the ride. It’s actually interesting to watch the changes in it. I often wonder where I’ll go with my blog when Kevin is home, or if it’ll even continue…of course the name would be silly if he’s home, huh?

  10. On August 2nd, 2007 at 7:25 pm Debra Says:

    Your blog entertains me and usually contains my same thoughts/sentiments. Plus I usually learn something. Like the definition of meat-and-three. Who knew there are such places. Keep the bloggin and posting pics of cutie pie Sabrina. She is such a camera ham, I love her smile! Alexis stops smiling the second I get the camera.

  11. On August 2nd, 2007 at 7:35 pm Kim Says:

    Keep on blogging. I’m still reading, have been ever since I started talking to you on AB. I’m trying to figure out what I want now that I’m a mommy. My husband mentioned the possibility of me being a stay at home mom, especially with #3 on the way and I’m very torn. I can’t imagine not doing what I do, but I’m also dreading going back to work on Monday (I’ve been off since mid April). Plus there’s the finances of it. I love reading and getting to see a peak of what your life is like now as a stay at home mom.

  12. On August 2nd, 2007 at 8:30 pm Priscilla Says:

    Seriously, if you stop blogging, what will I read?? Books? Pfft. 🙂 I do understand your dilemma. I haven’t blogged in so long, and I know I should, but most of the time it just feels like a hassle. Also, if I have a few minutes to myself, I’d rather read other people’s blogs than work on my own. Or nap. I like to nap in my precious free time, too. Hee!

    Hang in there. I’m sure it will all sort itself out and you will do what feels right.

  13. On August 2nd, 2007 at 9:37 pm Stephanie Says:

    I think alot of us feel that way after we get our kids home. I say keep writing. I will keep reading you and I know lots of others will too. We like to see adopted kids growing up in loving homes.

  14. On August 2nd, 2007 at 10:03 pm Kristin Says:

    About the blog, you should definitely keep it going if you enjoy it! Don’t worry if it’s a “boring Mommy blog”, (that’s what mine is, ha!) because blogging is about what YOU want to talk about and if people want to read it then that’s cool. I personally LOVE reading your blog, you always crack me up, and I get to see adorable Sabrina pictures to boot! Extreme cuteness!!

    About the life being turned upside down deal, I have to say it took me a LONG time to feel comfortable in my role as a mom. It’s a BIG adjustment and I didn’t have a huge move on top of that! Give it time, things will eventually become “normal” again, if that’s even possible with a small child! It’s a wild ride but it’s worth it!

  15. On August 3rd, 2007 at 11:01 am jeneflower Says:

    I hear you on this, because I don’t talk about Piney every post. I see blogs as being more about the thoughts and experiences of the writer. These will include your daughter sometimes, but not all the time. That is just how I think of it.

  16. On August 7th, 2007 at 9:29 pm AUTUMN Says:

    Michelle : I love your blog and we will need to meet, I am only three hours from you. First, I am having troubles getting to your blog. We all have adjustment issues as being a mom believe me. Keep blogging, I love to read it.

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