I’ve had a few humbling experiences recently. First, I was the victim of identity theft. Someone used my soc sec # to apply for a department store charge card and bought $800 worth of merchandise. My mom got the bill in the mail and immediately knew something was wrong because a) I don’t like that store and never shop there, and b) what would I possibly buy for $800? I have a couch, washer and dryer. I don’t have a television, but I don’t want one. If I were going to buy that much clothes, I sure as hell wouldn’t shop there, no offense. I prefer quality over quantity. Anyhow, we’ve got it resolved for the most part. Hopefully, they can find the people who did it, so that it won’t happen again. There’s a seven year hold on my soc sec #, and luckily, my bank card wasn’t affected.

Second, my mom cut my hair. It seemed like a good idea at the time, and it’s not that bad, but next time I’ll spend $60 and get my haircut at a salon. I asked her to cut a few inches off because it had split ends. It’s been a few years since I’ve had a real haircut. I’ve been letting it grow. Anyhow, it’s like when you cut off your jeans to make shorts, you always want to make a cut at the knee and then go shorter. My mom started with four inches instead of starting with two. I’ll cut her some slack, she’s not a professional hairstylist. And like me, my hair isn’t simple. She just hacked if off and then threw it on the sink counter, and I just about died. Oh dear god, it was a shocker. I wear it in a ponytail anyway. It looks healthy now, and it’s all one length for the most part, lol. And the best part is… it will grow! 🙂

I noticed something about myself, I turn everything into a chore instead of making it fun. The good news and another synchronicity, we went to FedEx to have two of my affirmation cards made into prints, so I can give them out at the book fair. The man who helped us, his name was David, of course, that’s my dad’s and brother’s name. He was really helpful. He had to scan and shrink them to 3″x3.”  They turned out really good. They are so cute! 🙂 I trusted the process and didn’t demand perfection. I let my mom help me decide which ones to use, and this felt better than being confused and overwhelmed. It’s helpful to get second opinions from people you trust.

I saw my therapist on Thursday. Honestly, I hadn’t been to therapy  for several months. I took a break because of winter and getting the book done. It was a much-needed appointment. We brought a book to show her, but she had one! She had bought the book and wanted me to sign it; that was sweet and made me feel good. I have a love/hate relationship with that book! I have another appointment on Friday. I forgot how much people care about me and that I can make a tiny impact on others. She told me the book fair is going to be a humbling experience, which made me look up the definition of humility and prompted this post. I understand what she means. I asked my mom if she thinks I’m humble, and she said no. That was an eye-opener. Perhaps, I am a bit arrogant at times, a pretentious know-it-all, which is something I need to work on!

While I was doing laundry today, I got the nicest text message from my uncle John, who was my dad’s best friend. He finished reading my book and gave me some awesome compliments. He told me that he’s proud of me and my dad is proud, too. (This book continues to make me cry happy tears.) It was weird at first to think about my family reading about my past. It seems easier to have strangers read it, but my family loves me and they understand the story. I told him I never meant to push everybody away; it was just something I had to do. He said, let me know when your next book is available. That’s cool. I do want to write another book. Hopefully, I will!

Have a good week,

Julie

p.s. Trip prep update: I got my suitcase and ordered the business cards. I got two book stands. I still need to get the tablecloth and toiletries. Get iPod fixed? Give Delta my KNT. I had a light bulb moment,  I’m thinking of having a small, interactive art therapy activity on my table at the fair. Buy a piece of poster board to cut in half. I already have a bunch of markers. This is getting exciting! 🙂