Past and Future

I had a good laugh this weekend when I noticed this scene on my coffee table:
My past/present and my future sitting side by side each just begging to be read first. What's really interesting about the pairing is that the In Style came with a wrapper that read, "This is your last issue" and the Parents magazine was the first issue of a new subscription. Coincidence?

I decided a couple months ago not to renew my In Style subscription. Not renewing was a huge step for me. I've been a subscriber to In Style for almost nine years! For so long it was my bible. I'd devour every issue the day it came in and save the issues for future reference. But lately I found that I couldn't really relate to the things the magazine was selling anymore. The prices of the items suggested just became a little ridiculous. I found myself reading the magazine and doing the SNL "Really" bit. "$700 for a pair of shoes, REALLY"? I was rolling my eyes instead of day dreaming about myself in the shoes. And if you can't enjoy a good day dream, what's the point? I even gave up on trying to replicate the suggested looks for cheaper. It just wasn't fun anymore.

But then the current issue came with the "last issue" wrapper and, of course, its the best issue I've received in a LONG time. This issue is like that boyfriend you broke up with because it just wasn't working for you but then you see at a party looking better than he's ever looked and being the life of the party. You start to forget why you broke up and start thinking of ways to get him back. All those months ago that I had no regrets about not renewing and now I'm antsy thinking about not receiving a new In Style next month. I honestly had a "what have I done" moment.

Then I see the Parents magazine sitting there. My niece had a fund raiser at her school a couple months ago and one of the magazines offered was Parents. I thought, hey, we're going to be parents, it might be good to read up on how to do that so I ordered it. And I'm excited to learn all the tips and inside secrets that Parents has to offer but am just a little unsure that I'm ready to jump head first into that while turning my back on the magazine I've loved for years. The magazine that helped mold me into who I am today. Then I think I'm kidding myself that I'm going to have time to read ANY magazines after Evan arrives.

Ah well... It was a good laugh anyway. I'm sure what will happen is that for the first couple of months I don't get an In Style in the mail I'll end up buying it at the store until I remember why we broke up in the first place. Its happened with other magazines before. Or, who knows, maybe I'll fall in love all over again and renew my subscription. Love is funny that way.

We've had some excitement around here over the last week. We got new carpet installed in the house on Wednesday! It is so nice! It makes my house feel brand new. We're also STILL working on the mural. I posted pictures of the mural progress and the new carpet in the renovation album. I know the mural doesn't look much more done than it did before but that is six hours of painting work yesterday!! My new goal is to have the mural done by the time Evan goes to college.