Real Woman Statis

Are there some things that just make you feel "big?" My childhood best friend, Jessica, has written about her journey to reach "real woman statis." I love her description of how a "real woman" doesn't wear open-toed shoes to a wedding in December, "real women" are not perpetually late, and they take a stance on important issues. Well, I felt like a "real woman" this week. Not at all in the worldly sense. (By this, do not assume that Jess' pursuit to all worldly. She is the type of woman who is involved in programs like running with the homeless.) I felt like a real woman because I did something (and by myself, I might add) that I saw my mother, grandmother, mature women in the ward doing... canning!My canning adventure went quite well and it made me feel "big." I love being able to look at my accomplishment at the end of the day and know that it will last a little while... it will benefit my family for a year or so! (Unlike cleaning laundry, doing dishes, and cleaning the toilet... which seems to be undone the moment you finish.)

It was also something that helped me learn. Like a comment I received from my friend Rachael, "Best way to learn is to do it!" I loved this hands on learning experience, and like I said, I have canned peaches before, but never by myself. Doing it on my own made me really learn, helped me build confidence in my own ability, and I also received a greater sense of accomplishment.

And you know what else I love? Free! And cheap! We received peaches from one of Nic's clients. They were so ripe, that although I wasn't planning on canning the next day... it had to be done. Nic was going to be seeing this client again so I told him to please convey my gratitude. Nic told him I was at home canning right then... so this client sent home more peaches! So I just kept on canning! (Some need to ripen a bit more.) And did a few tomatoes while I was at it!I bottles 22 quarts of peaches and also did 5 pints of garden tomatoes. The kids did great but were ready for some more attention. And I was sure exhausted by the close of the day. But oh, how I loved seeing those 27 bottles of fruit sitting on my counter. I'm still in pursuit of my own "real woman statis" but that day I sure felt like a real woman.What things have made you stop and say or just think, "Wow, I really am an adult now!" or "I feel big." or even "I'm a real woman now!"