Skirt: made by me. Blouse: Vintage (from a lovely reader) Jacket/ Shoes: Ross.
Have you guys tried the steakhouse burger from Carl’s Jr.?
Holy cheeseburger it is goooooood.
Mr and I are big fans of it.
Of course I’ve been a big fan of Carl’s since I was a kid and my dad used to take us there for those little chocolate cakes with the dollop of cream cheese frosting on top. Mmmmmmm.
There’s a Carl’s Jr. just a couple miles from my house, and let’s just say that I frequent it, well frequently.
Anyways, there’s a guy who works the drive-thru window who has got to be the best fast food worker on the planet. The guy is cheerful to the point of chipperness, he always gets your order right, asks how you’re doing, if he can possibly get you anything else, smiles like he’s on top of the world, rushes like he feels a real need to get you your food as fast as he can, then earnestly wishes you a great day as you pull away from the window, smiling infectiously the entire time. It’s as if there isn’t anything in the world he loves more than working that drive-thru window. In the (I’m not going to tell you how many) times I’ve been through that drive-thru, I’ve never seen him act any different.
I can’t tell you how happy it makes me feel to see someone enjoying what they do. Even if what they do might not be that pleasant.
I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately; taking the time to love what I am doing. You know, really enjoy things in life, and make the stuff that might normally be horrible more pleasant. Like bringing my kindle to the gym so I can read while I run. Now instead of being bored out of my mind and slugging my way through the miles, I spend 45 glorious minutes reading, which is one of my favorite things in the world to do, and I get to make my body healthier at the same time. Double Bonus.
When I clean the bathroom I turn my music on really loud and use the awesome acoustics to sing at the top of my lungs. Thank you Coldplay.
I usually despise the grocery store. But yesterday, when little #3 and I trekked over to Safeway, I had a fabulous time. Instead of entering the store and instantly transforming into Atono-mom (my robot counterpart that takes over when I enter hel–er the grocery store) I let myself enjoy it. I talked to him the whole time, teased him, tickled him, really answered him when he asked questions (instead of the Atono-distracted answers I usually give when shopping) didn’t shoosh him when he called out Tally-ho! at the top of his falsetto lungs, and I even bought him a doughnut from the bakery at the end.
It was fabulous.
This lasted all the way out to the car, where E continued to be hilarious, I continued to laugh, he talked, I listened, both of us the epitome of glee.
And as I scooped him from the cart, smooched his chubby cheek and put him in the car, I looked up to see a man across the parking lot getting into his car. He was watching us, and smiling.
The look on his face looked exactly like how I feel every time I go through the drive-thru at Carl’s Jr.
It’s nice to see someone loving what they do.
“Loving a child [or insert: a job, chore, etc etc.] is a circular business. The more you give, the more you get, the more you want to give.” -Penelope Leach.
This is the most sincerely lovely post I have read. I love it. I have three littles as well and I have noticed the same thing recently–if you start on a positive foot–it’s all uphill from there. Great job and I am so happy for you. PS-is this a green version of the skirt you made in the blue? Love it you talented mama you!
What a fabulous post. Truly inspiring to be the best at what one does. Gotta keep these words in my mind as I go home tonight to deal with homework and chores. Thanks!
You should write that guy a little nice note to let him know that his positive attitude makes a difference! I bet it would mean a lot to him! I must be seriously hormonal (well, yes, I am, I’m pregnant with twins) but the end of your story where you say that as you were putting your little one into the car, and looked up to see that man smiling at you, it totally made me tear up! lol. Anyway, thank you for sharing such a lovely story. :)
Wow…I’m really impressed with that guy in the drive thru. I have worked in fast food and it is HARD to smile for eight hours straight, let alone go above and beyond like that guy does.
That look that you give the guy in the drive thru/that one guy gave you in the parking lot is probably the look I have on my face when I read any of your posts haha.
Thanks for the lovely post. I have just been thinking lately about living with more awareness — there is a meaning behind all of our actions. Thank you for the reminder to love what we do! P.S. So thrilled I scored a skirt when you last posted on Etsy :)
So beautifully written. And so true. I feel the same way about this Wal-Mart door greeter where we live! He is so sweet and bubbly and just loves people. He has worked there for years. Ever since before my husband and I even started dating, he would point us out when we were with a group of friends and say we were cute together and then after we started dating he would always say how happy we looked together. I loved his cheerful comments every time we went there. I always wonder why can’t everyone be that awesome regardless what their job is? I love my job as a mom as well and totally believe that life is as good as our perspective!
This is so true! Very well said :) That skirt you made is gorgeous…I always think of making something with boc pleats, but then I don’t because I hate the idea of having to press the pleats after every wash…did you use anything to set the pleats? I have yet to find the perfect product :(
I just happened upon your lovely blog and was totally sucked in. Your narrative voice is great, and I love that you’re a fellow stylish petite (I’m 4’11” too)!
Amazing skirt! Envious of your sewing skills and really want one for myself.
Thank you for this post. I am going to make a conscious effort to love every minute of the mundane things I do, those little things do add up to a wonderful day!
Beautifully written. I’ve been focusing on the same thing but with a happy move in the near future, I’m looking down on a lot of stuff happening at the moment.
I hope you decide to tell the manager one day about the drive-thru worker. There’s nothing better than having a customer tell a manager what a good job you do. It makes my day and a server at a restaurant. :))
I also want to know what pattern you use? I love this skirt and your navy one which looks alot like a Loft one that just came out. They copied you! :P Also are those considered box pleats?
Hey Cori- that blouse looks great on you and I’m going to feature this blouse on my blog soon. It was found on one of the first thrifting trips of my life and I knew it was too great to pass up even though it was tiny for me. I think the story of this blouse is pretty fun and I’m so glad you’re getting much wear out of it. Could you please send me the link of the original post where you posted this on your “wishlist”? Also, if you wouldn’t mind crediting Granola2Glam a few times in your future posts I would really appreciate the support! GO GBHS Grizzlies :)
What a great post! Thanks for the perspective. I need this right now. :)
You look so darling in your skirt and that bow blouse!
We don’t have Carl’s Jr. here in Jersey :( Sounds like we are missing out!
-Sharon
Great post! It’s not always fun being a SAHM, but my children are my world. And yes those cheeseburgers are amazing!
Wow, I must admit I’m tearing up right now! Salena said it right, perspective. And I too need it right now!
Thanks
so very true!! love this skirt that you make!! beautiful!!
jess
http://www.jesscauseblog.blogspot.com
Lovely post! Attitude and perspective make such a difference.
PS, I started using my gym workouts to read too. Don’t know why it took me so long…
Lovely as always sis… miss you.
Love the pattern mixing! Your skirts are so beautifully made!!!
This is the most sincerely lovely post I have read. I love it. I have three littles as well and I have noticed the same thing recently–if you start on a positive foot–it’s all uphill from there. Great job and I am so happy for you. PS-is this a green version of the skirt you made in the blue? Love it you talented mama you!
What a fabulous post. Truly inspiring to be the best at what one does.
Gotta keep these words in my mind as I go home tonight to deal with homework and chores.
Thanks!
So true.. a smile can make or break a day! Love the skirt!
You should write that guy a little nice note to let him know that his positive attitude makes a difference! I bet it would mean a lot to him! I must be seriously hormonal (well, yes, I am, I’m pregnant with twins) but the end of your story where you say that as you were putting your little one into the car, and looked up to see that man smiling at you, it totally made me tear up! lol. Anyway, thank you for sharing such a lovely story. :)
Wow…I’m really impressed with that guy in the drive thru. I have worked in fast food and it is HARD to smile for eight hours straight, let alone go above and beyond like that guy does.
That look that you give the guy in the drive thru/that one guy gave you in the parking lot is probably the look I have on my face when I read any of your posts haha.
Gorgeous as always!!!!! Love the green!!
So true, so true. Great post, and very encouraging!
What a wonderful post! I really needed this today…Thanks!
Love it! Making the best out everything. Love that skirt. Are you selling those?
Thanks for the lovely post. I have just been thinking lately about living with more awareness — there is a meaning behind all of our actions. Thank you for the reminder to love what we do!
P.S. So thrilled I scored a skirt when you last posted on Etsy :)
Awww so sweet! Wonderful reminder to live in the moment and love what we do! Also you look gorgeous as usual and your skirt is to die for!
Natalie
http://www.projectdowhatyoulove.wordpress.com
Beautiful Post Cori!
Love this Cori, and love you… needed to hear it:)
Meg
This was a fantastic post. Thanks for sharing — I think we all need to be reminded of this often!
merrick
merricksart.blogspot.com
Amen sister, amen!
this whole post (plus outfit) is just awesome.
laurafornerphotography.blogspot.com
love this post! so so true.
I love your skirt!
So beautifully written. And so true. I feel the same way about this Wal-Mart door greeter where we live! He is so sweet and bubbly and just loves people. He has worked there for years. Ever since before my husband and I even started dating, he would point us out when we were with a group of friends and say we were cute together and then after we started dating he would always say how happy we looked together. I loved his cheerful comments every time we went there. I always wonder why can’t everyone be that awesome regardless what their job is? I love my job as a mom as well and totally believe that life is as good as our perspective!
This is so true! Very well said :)
That skirt you made is gorgeous…I always think of making something with boc pleats, but then I don’t because I hate the idea of having to press the pleats after every wash…did you use anything to set the pleats? I have yet to find the perfect product :(
Natasha ~ Required2BeInspired
Beautiful outfit, beautiful post, beautiful girl. I miss you love!
your green skirt is magnanimous! you look so beautiful here! kisses from Manila!
♥
http://intoxicatedchameleon.blogspot.com
I just happened upon your lovely blog and was totally sucked in. Your narrative voice is great, and I love that you’re a fellow stylish petite (I’m 4’11” too)!
Amazing skirt! Envious of your sewing skills and really want one for myself.
LOVE that quote; so true, and I so needed to hear it today. Thank you!
Thank you for this post. I am going to make a conscious effort to love every minute of the mundane things I do, those little things do add up to a wonderful day!
Thank you for the reminder. I really needed this today. :) I enjoy your blog very much.
Beautifully written. I’ve been focusing on the same thing but with a happy move in the near future, I’m looking down on a lot of stuff happening at the moment.
I hope you decide to tell the manager one day about the drive-thru worker. There’s nothing better than having a customer tell a manager what a good job you do. It makes my day and a server at a restaurant. :))
What a lovely sentiment! I also think we can find joy in so much of what we do every day. Each new day is a gift from God! We should love it!
Thank you. I needed this reminder.
Where do I find the pattern to make that skirt! It is super cute…or do you sell them? Colledamonick@gmail.com
I also want to know what pattern you use? I love this skirt and your navy one which looks alot like a Loft one that just came out. They copied you! :P Also are those considered box pleats?
I’m with very one else…do you have a pattern for your cute skirt or do you sell them?
Hey Cori- that blouse looks great on you and I’m going to feature this blouse on my blog soon. It was found on one of the first thrifting trips of my life and I knew it was too great to pass up even though it was tiny for me. I think the story of this blouse is pretty fun and I’m so glad you’re getting much wear out of it. Could you please send me the link of the original post where you posted this on your “wishlist”? Also, if you wouldn’t mind crediting Granola2Glam a few times in your future posts I would really appreciate the support! GO GBHS Grizzlies :)
granola2glam at gmail dot come
cheers,
Chris!