Basic, adj.: Used to describe someone devoid of defining characteristics that might make a person interesting, extraordinary, or just simply worth devoting time or attention to.

Writing is harder than I thought.  I was chatting with a friend the other day and we were discussing writing. I told him that I think he should write a book because I think he is one of the most interesting people I know and has a great story to tell. He told me I needed to write one, too, but my response was “about what?” My writing is basic. This blog experience has been humbling because I felt like I had so much to say, but then the well went dry nearly immediately. I often feel like I have no original view or angle, and that aside from some humor and wit and quick comebacks, I don’t really have anything interesting or new to talk about that’s not already out there in the Webiverse. After all, the self-depreciating, tired, working mom angle is a little played out, amiright? My friend admonished me, as any good friend would, and told me that all those things about the basic-ness of my life were what made me, in his words, relatable. I guess the takeaway is to embrace the basic and run with it.

Relatable, sure, but people want to be entertained and inspired. You know that saying “Normal is boring?” Well, if that is the case, I am SOOOO boring. Don’t get me wrong, I love my life. I love the general predictability of it all. I like the traditions and the family and the hectic routine that kids and a growing family can bring. I look at people who opted not to have this same kind of life with curiosity and awe as they travel the world and do crazy and amazing things (and I sometimes admittedly look at them with jealousy during a Threenager Rage-a-thon). I wouldn’t have my life any other way, but these differences among us are what make the world go around and keep it interesting. I cannot imagine if everyone was like me. The world would be quite dull (but sarcastic and endearing with great legs). I LOVE learning about different people and hearing their stories. I love to travel and experience different cultures. I am so excited for the day that I can take my kids on faraway adventures and teach them things to shape their lives.

That’s what has inspired me to continue this blog down a different path for a little while, because I think to look forward, I want to also look backward and around.

The way I was raised makes me relatable I think. Heck, the way we are all raised is what shapes us into who we are and what we do in life. I was raised traditionally, which probably made me lean toward that style of life. But I was also raised surrounded by strong women. Women who worked and raised and cared for children all their lives. Women who helped pave the way for me to be so “traditional and relatable” in today’s society. I am a full-time working mother of two young kids. Anytime anyone says those same words to me, or some permutation of them, I want to throw up the Hunger Games sign and scream May the odds be ever in your favor!” I’m a believer that there needs to be a kind of gang hand-sign that we can make at each other in Target when our kids are acting a-fool as a symbol of solidarity as though to say, “I understand. I was in your position yesterday. Go home and drink a bottle of wine. You deserve it. They won’t always be like this.” #solidarity

All of this – the way I was raised, why I am so relatable, where my humor comes from – made me look back at the people I have been surrounded and influenced by these past 37 years. I was born in the 80’s and had my formidable years in the 90’s; went to college before iPhones and social media existed (can I get a Hallelujah on that one?!?) and am now raising kids in this fast-paced world in years that start with “20–” where everything and everyone is constantly in your face. It’s exhausting, but I love it because I feel as though throughout my life I have been influenced by strong people and intelligent people who have helped prepare me for anything that life can throw at me.

To wrap up all this rambling (bless you if you are still here at this point), I am going to start featuring some of these people in my life and tell their story. I have interviewed some of them already, and I have been around them most (if not all) of my life. I’m hoping it will kind of be a gentle mix of “Humans of New York” meets “Scary Mommy,” so let’s all bow our heads and pray that I can accomplish that. Amen.

Stay tuned! Interesting people and stories coming your way soon!