A mentor once told me that everybody has a life message. In the faith community, it might be called your life’s “sermon.” In teen-speak it might be called your “vibe.” In parenthood, it is that thing you say over and over again that makes your kids’ eyes roll all the way to the back of their heads. Here is one of my life sermons: I am awkward and I always have been. It isn’t the curse you might think it is.
My propensity for awkwardness is actually one of my favorite characteristics because it serves as my welcome mat. It is the thing that makes me human and real. It is a friendship builder and a barrier breaker. Plus, my awkward shenanigans are a source of unending hilarity. They provide a dose of humility even on my best days. I recommend awkwardness. You may only roll it out unintentionally, like on that one day when you walked around for a solid hour with toilet paper sticking out of your pants, but I promise you, you should do it more and with greater gusto.
That message is the starting point for this blog. Each week I’ll be posting about the awkward stuff that happens as I navigate work as a professional organizer and stager, the challenges and joys of parenting my two girls, and the realities of being a wife, daughter, sister and grown-ish woman. One of my great friends once told me “you make me feel comfortable with my awkwardness.” If you need a dose of that, please subscribe to my blog. I’ll be posting every Monday as something ridiculous happens in my life at least once a week!
On that note, I am going to tell you something today which should make you, by comparison, feel like the suavest, most stellar romantic partner who ever lived. Back in 1997, I was dating my now-husband long distance. He was in Texas and I was in Arizona. We were madly in love and the distance was extremely difficult. We spent hours on the phone each night “catching up” on the day’s events because, you know, when you are madly in love, eight hours is sooo long and there is so much to tell (gag). I had otherwise, up to that point, been a very cool cucumber. I dated a little but I was focused on my career future and generally in no mood for overly-frivolous romantic shenanigans. I had a good head on my shoulders. I was not in love with love.
That night, we had had a particularly good conversation. I was feeling all the feels that could ever be felt. I needed to express it but I couldn’t find the words. As a result, a real tragedy occurred. I said this actual phrase to my boyfriend with all the solemnity and seriousness I felt it required, “Fred….um……YOU…. ROCK MY WORLD.” I said this to an actual human. In a serious tone. As a way of expressing non-ironic emotion. With the expectation that he would be blown away by my passion. He was like, “Ummmm…thanks.” Then, obviously, complete silence.
I know. It is too much. It is like the Voldemort of romantic phrases. It should not be named. Nevertheless, it happened and it is too ridiculous not to share. That is why I could not stop laughing when Fred presented me with this little “just because” gift recently. It sits proudly on my bathroom vanity now. This lovely plaque is a gentle reminder of my constant state of uncool, which is precisely why I adore it.
Chuck Barnes says
This geologist just appreciates any remarks about rocks. There’s also books and music and all sorts of websites entitled Rock My World. I can only say that when you came into our world you rocked it! Dad
Amy Adams says
Awwww Dad! You are my first commenter. Very fitting. Also, totally classic that you used my post to make a “Dad Joke” about rocks. I love you for it!
Amy Stevens says
So glad that Amy Bearce led me here! Looking forward forward to reading more. Awkward is kind of my thing too.
Amy Adams says
Me too Amy! Thanks for giving my blog a chance!
Liz says
I am so awkward. I look forward to your blogs, Amy! Way to go!! – Liz G
Amy Adams says
Thanks Liz! You never seemed awkward to me at all. Good to know even the suave girls have awkwardness lurking within. Hugs
Elizabeth Reid says
So proud of you sis and love you so much… Even though you totally rocked my world 42 years ago?
Amy Adams says
Sister – I rocked your world, shoved you out as the baby of the family and bit you when you made me unhappy. The fact that you are still talking to me is a wonder!
Renee says
This was great! ? I will be looking forward to reading more.
Amy Adams says
Thanks Renee! I hope I can keep you laughing!
Linda McKeever says
Such a funny example of how real love is so not about being suave! I prefer a chuckle inducing awkward memory to a smooth move any day.
Amy Adams says
Me too, plus, I have no smooth moves so awkward chuckle has to do!
Renee says
I am so excited to have a regular peak into the heart and mind of Amy Adams. Always good stuff in there!! Thank you for sharing!!
Amy Adams says
Renee – You have been so helpful and encouraging in every way. Thanks for always being totally in my corner.
Joan austin says
Amy, looking forward to more posts.
Amy Adams says
Thanks Joan! I hope I keep you laughing. You are the sweetest lady on the planet!
Carrie Hoffman says
This is going to be fun. Thank you for writing! I am awkward and clumsy too. Yay! A Tribe for us!
Amy Adams says
Carrie – Yes! When you are awkward, you gotta take a deep breath and then find your tribe of weirdos.
Diane Wood says
Amy, just loved it and can’t wait for your next entry, You are so talented–keep up the good work!?
Amy Adams says
Thanks so much for tuning in Diane! I love it!