Still running for the cheese (or why this blog still exists)

As my regular readers can tell, this has been a dry year for me. Just look at the number of posts this year vs. 2008! Awhile back, I had considered either shutting down the Maze, or starting a new blog that would more accurately reflect where I am in life now. Truth be told, sometimes I come here, look around, and feel distinctly hypocrytical about the things I want to write. I'm sure I'm not the only one to ever be in that kind of place.
As the time in between posts has grown longer, I came to realize something. Without the past years' material, where I am now makes very little sense. What good is the destination without the journey? As Christians, so much of the best stuff that happens to us is in the times God is molding us to His image. To throw away the evidence of that process would somehow cheapen the result, I think.
So, here we are, dear friends. I think my little mousie may just have rounded a corner finally. Some things will change around here to reflect the changes in my heart. And you know what? That's ok. As much as I typically rage against anything changed in my life, I'm learning to accept the God-given ones. My prayer is that some of you may be encouraged by what you read here. Hey, you may even be challenged. And of course, if you know me, then you know you always stand a good chance of being offended too. Not intentionally, to be sure! Just know that what you find as you wander this Maze with me may surprise you as much as it does me.

All that to say this:


Welcome to



Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Wow! It only took 9 years!

Sunday was...interesting. At least from a psychological point of view. And for those who know me well, they'll recognize that I'm forever over-analyzing things. Especially when those things involve my in-laws. Rolling Eyes
I've been with Mr. P. for 9 years (in case you couldn't tell by the post title LOL) and in that time, well, let's just say I've had a hate-hate relationship with his family. The feeling's mutual I'm sure. Although a lot of these issues stem from when our kids were in foster care and subsequently came home, some do come from various other personal issues as well. It's been a fun trip to say the least. Pulling My Hair Out
So when Mr. P. and I (me? are you sure?) were invited to the family Christmas shindig this weekend, we were both somewhat wary. Admittedly, I was more on edge than my better half. After all, I'm forever the one who has to make an impression.
Anyway, I bit the bullet, and we went. I must say I'm impressed. It only took 9 years to get to this point. I wasn't treated outright rudely (although flat out ignored by some family members...hey, I'll take that over how it's been in the past) and things went pretty smoothly. My kids had fun, and to me, that's what matters most.
I don't know if Mr. P. feels the same (perhaps he'll chime in with a comment), but it was somewhat strange to feel like an adult around his family. Maybe it was the fact that my SIL is now bringing her SO to family events. Maybe it was the discussion of speeding tickets I overheard from his younger cousin. Maybe it's the fact that I didn't have a baby on my hip like I did the last time I celebrated the holidays with my in-laws. (that oughta date the last time I went over there...my kids are 5 and 7) Who knows? But it's an odd look at oneself nonetheless.
Hopefully this neutral vibe will hold for Christmas dinner at my MIL's. Here's to praying it will. After all, it's been 9 years now. Maybe that's all it takes.

Til next squeak,








2 Squeaks from the Maze:

Laurie said...

I'm sure I don't have complete appreciation for the significance but - congratulations! I will be praying for a continued calm.

BTW - today I saw a car that I swear would be yours if you lived in CA (and if you were a man as it turned out). The whole rear was covered in bumper stickers espousing the drivers cynacism, skepticism, and sarcasim (including an honest knock on religion)... but in the midst of it all was a truth fishy swallowing a Darwin fishy. It totally made me think of you - and I mean this as a compliment because I liked the sentiment of most all the bumper stickers... even the ones with "language".

Mrs. P. said...

Love it! Ironically, the car I drove when I 1st met Mr. P. sported a Darwin fish amongst it's many other stickers.

 
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