September 14th, 2010
An ode to her elbows and knees
I think that as bloggers, we tend to live in a world of things that we’re excited to talk about- and what’s easier to love than your strengths? While the things we’re good at are lots of fun, I think that all of our awkward and funny moments are just as deserving of a parade as our polished corners are. They’re usually more interesting to me anyway!
So today I wanted to share some of the things that I’m unabashedly bad at, no qualifications required…
1. Patience
In some situations where I know things are out of my control (like in traffic) I’m extremely patient, but when it comes to relationship things or items on my to do list I have no patience at all. When an e-mail comes in I want to respond to it immediately, when I see a new skill I want to learn it in the next week, when I really need to learn to pace myself.
2. Singing
This one is such a mystery to me! I have really good pitch, but I’m still terrible at singing! I have a lot of fun at karaoke but I’m really brutal at it, for reasons that seem to be completely out of my understanding or control. But I still have fun :)
3. Tact
Having spent six years in an all girls school, there was a lot of smiling to people’s faces and talking about them when they left, and it really left me wanting to break into hives when I was around that. I really, really value honesty in my friendships and I always try to provide the same thing to my friends – with a kind heart and no intention for harm. But sometimes even when I have that intention I say what I think, and get myself in trouble! I don’t want anyone to have to second guess my heart or feelings, but I don’t like hurting or disappointing people. It’s a tough one.
4. Being a grown up
Most days I would rather let the dishes wait until tomorrow, buy a cute dress before checking my budget, dance instead of standing still, sleep in instead of walking the dogs and go for dinner instead of firing up the stove. :)
5. Moving on
When good and bad things happen, I have a hard time letting them go. I tend to pour through things that could be left alone and reminisce about times that are long gone. Sometimes I wish I my heart had a bit more of a memory problem, or that I could find a way to let go more quickly!
What’s one thing that you’re terrible at?
I think that by embracing those things, they become at least a little beautiful,
in their own awkward & wacky ways
Oh I am bad at so many things… haha. I’m impatient, a procrastinator (a huuuuuuuuge procrastinator!), I can’t sing… at ALL. But today I have felt like singing allllllll day long, so that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. With the windows wide open. And I even danced a few times with my dog. (Another thing I can’t do. I suck at dancing, ha.)
I’d like to say I’m also really bad at letting things go… but I would like to put an optimistic spin on that and instead say I am excellent at holding a grudge.
Patience, singing and moving on are also hard for me. I think I’d add humbleness to my list, been working on that one for years.
Wow Ky, what a fantastic post! Written beautifully, and capturing the exact essence of you. I am quite horrible at being a grown up most days. All I want to do is watch movies from the early 90s and eat candy. I’m also bad at finding something and sticking to it. I tend to be really gung ho, then 2 weeks later move on.
I’m pretty sure that the point of childhood is that when you become an adult you can watch the movies your parents didn’t want you to, and eat the candy your dentist warned you about.
I bet we’re doing it right :)
Oh, well… sign me up for all of these, but particularly # 5. If there is any terrible habit I’m good at, it’s REMEMBERING EVERY DETAIL ABOUT WHY I WAS ANNOYED OR THRILLED. Lol. Sean hates this ability, and says its unfair girls possess it. ;-)
Im terrible at most of the above!!! I completely suck at being a ‘grown up’ and I fail miserably when dealing with change! I also am horrible at applying my own nail polish…not a huge deal but I love having pretty colorful nails and its no fun when you are asked if your little neice painted them! : )
I’m terrible at faking it. If I’m not having a good time, you’ll know it. If I don’t like you, you’ll know it. If I think a particular sports team or political move sucks, you’ll know it. I don’t hide my feelings very well. And, while most of the time, that’s a good thing, it usually winds up being a good thing only because I know how to tactfully address the things I don’t like. =)
Oh my goodness, me too! This is one that I file under “tact” for me, it;s like I’m not in control of my reaction. I need to work on having a split second delay between what I think & then what I actually display on my face and in my voice. I just need a tiny little buffer! lol
With the funk of been in lately, I’m trying hard to not think of all the reasons why I suck. God that sounds terrible. Sorry.
Anyway, I just wanted to say that you’re adorable and your blog is adorable and I love the pictures you’ve chosen today (as I do most days in fact). Thanks for sharing such a lovely blog.
Me too – completely bad at patience!! I just have none – it’s terrible! You’d think the older I get, the more patient I’d be, but I swear it’s just getting worse :) And yep, know what you mean about moving on…that’s a work in progress!
I’m bad at surprise meetings. For instance, when I run into acquaintances on the street I don’t know what to do. My first instinct is to hide because I was not prepared to see them and talk to them. Then it just goes down hill from there. I’d love to be able to gracefully say hello and chat for a moment and then go on with my day instead of stumbling over my words and sweating.
I’m terrible at public speaking…sometimes speaking in general.
I love meeting new people & I love hearing them talk about whatever they want but I’m so bad at trying to start a conversation. Sooo awkward. haha.
I think I’m going to make my own post like this at some point!
I’m totally with you on the patience though. And the tact thing, although I’m not sure if that’s a bad trait! I’m blatantly honest, usually without thinking, and while it has gotten me into some trouble, lots of people have said that they like that about me! I could use some more thought before I just blurt things out though.
Actually, save maybe singing (I’m OK), these are ALL things I’m bad at, too! Guess we have a bit in common. Moving on, growing up, staying patient, being tactful… all tough. Um, especially being tactful.
Count me in with the singing. Yikes!
Just one? Oh boy, I have quite a few…. #1 is probably a combo of impatience/not always realizing that there is more than 1 way to do things. I have a hard time watching people cut up bell peppers. Or wrap up a blow dryer cord. I want to stop them and say – here, let me do this. It’s super annoying for people around me…
I always value your opinion. Even if it is a bit harsh (:p) you say what you truly feel and honesty is a quality that you have which is really hard to come by these days. And you have a lovely voice! Come over for rock band and we can have our own karaoke night!
Sadly, people. I like being alone, and I’m awful at small talk, meeting new people, etc
This post made me smile. I get annoyed when blogs are 100% all happy go lucky. We all know everyone has imperfection in their lives. It’s nice to see you share. It’s refreshing.
I would say I have a hard time with small talk, especially if I don’t know the person I’m trying to have small talk with. I also have a difficult time reading people and telling if they’re someone that will be honest with me.
Oh I’m bad at lots of things, but what comes to mind is motivation to things in my personal life. At work and in my career I’m acutally great at keeping on top of things. But otherwise, I have a serious procrastination problem that I’m always battling.
This is perfect. I’m right there with you on 1 & 5.
Ummm……throwing things out? Have you seen my basement lately? I am getting better at it, and it is definitely a skill best practiced when the mood is right. But as soon as I start going through the boxes, I uncover the memories associated with the objects, and sometimes the task is derailed. I admire your honesty and self reflection, Kyla! You’re a wonderful writer!
Love this! I am terrible at patience as well – especially when it comes to anything technology-related. I just want it to work when I’m holding it (i.e. I don’t want to take the time to learn about a new phone, etc), and have that be the end of it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve whined to my husband about something and he’s like “if you had patience this would be fixed and it would be fine.” Ha!
Such a great post…and so true:) Love your blog too, glad I stopped by:)
Julie xo
I am terrible at sports, at not crying when I feel any sort of strong emotion and at not singing out loud at my desk :)
OMGosh I just discovered your blog, and now I am completely in love! Can’t wait to read more from you.
Oh, and I’m really bad and time management, but I’m working on it, and finally getting better!
<3
I am terrible at not keeping score. I try very hard to banish the phrase “I did it last time” from my vocabulary but it always manages to sneak its way back into my mouth.
I fail miserably at having a thick skin. I let others’ words and opinions cut me to the core.
I am very bad at cutting people some slack. I am frustrated and impatient and very type-A and I need to let others be different than the way I am.
I am terrible at: being patient, letting people go when I should, and saying no. I’m also pretty bad at singing ;)
What a lovely blog you have! I’m so happy to have stumbled across it.
My biggest issue with myself is that I’m a terrible procrastinator. Couple that with bad anxiety, and it’s not a good mix. :P
<3,
M
I am bad at sooo many things including, but definitely not limited to:
– singing but I do it anyways because I love music and it makes my baby girl laugh
– totally hear you on the patience – especially when it comes to surprises and gifts
– confrontation – will avoid at all costs
– calling people on the phone – for some reason i DESPISE the phone as an adult and it drives my husband bonkers
This post is so awesome. I think part of being a great blogger is fessing up to the things you’re NOT great at! I suck at telling people “no”. I hate hate hate hurting other peoples’ feelings and have often put myself in stupid, dramatic situations when I could have avoided them by simply telling someone NO! I’ve gotten better at it since I’ve gotten older, but it’s definitely still a shortcoming!
I guess the biggest thing for me is having the willpower to do everything I want to do…when you add everything up, there’s no way I can do it all, so it’s hard to sometimes get started on just one thing. Lists help…but so would a lot of other things, like sleeping well, my knee being better, family things…so you just push ahead and keep trying.
I, also, am terrible at being patient in relationships & situations that require it. Traffic & long lines I can sort of handle gracefully, but when it comes to dealing with people in my life I tend to lose patience easily – usually because I’m having a hard time understanding what they’re thinking or what’s really going on.
Patience is tough, dude.
I feel like I suck at life in general. Which brings me to the fact that I hold myself to impossibly high standards and always feel like I’m never good enough. It’s a tough one to work through, lemme tell ya :)
Man. I am bad at a lot of the same things you are. I guess cleaning is my biggest challenge. I am messy, messy.
Patience, with myself, is definitely one my biggest, baddest works in progress. So much so that I got a reminder tattoo on my wrist. :-) I often have these huge ideas and want to put them into action all at once, and it simply doesn’t work that way. But I’d say you’re farther along than me since I still have a touch of road rage during my evening commute.
Absolutely love your blog and your cherry blossom tattoo (it’s to die for)!
thanks for stopping by my blog, means a lot to me!
i have to agree with #1 i am really bad. also along that i have to calm down and learn to relax more. i am always go go go but it is nice that my better half is really chill so that always helps! i am know i am bad at other things but i need more coffee to sift through my sleepy haze :)
xo,
cb
Saying no is one thing I am terrible at. I’ve always wanted to please people and have done that since I was kid, saying no makes me feel like I’m disappointing or letting people down and I hate that. I’ve let that go to far, I’ve been walked all over, taken advantage of… I’m getting tired of it, so now I’m learning how to replace the abundance of yeses with a simple no. If people don’t like it, I am now at the point where I really don’t care. I’m tired of bending over backwards for people when they don’t thank me or do anything in return for me, plus.. my back is so screwed up I can bend anymore. ;)
I’m bad at being patient. Like, really bad. I’m one of those people who unwraps all the gifts under the tree before Christmas and then re-wraps them so my husband won’t know. So now he keeps all my gifts at work until Christmas Eve! I’m bad at getting up in the morning. Bad at being a girl. And really bad at relaxing …
I’m horrible telling people I’m angry without getting overly emotional. I cry at the drop of a hat when I have to confront someone when they’ve upset me. Just once, I would like to share my feelings like a grown-up without bursting into tears.
Absolutely refreshing post indeed. I, too, lack patience when most needed. I also am ridiculously incapable of sitting still for long periods of time. Watching movies? So hard! Reading for more than an hour? Rarely! Roadtrips? Much switch seats often!
I have a terrible, terrible memory when it comes to things like where I put the car. No, not the keys, I’ve lost the entire thing a few times. Numbers, faces, names? I’ve got that. Just never ask me to hold onto anything you value. Just last night my coach had to chase me into the parking lot with my purse which I had left behind. I’m workin’ on it. :)
Anything that has to do with hair and/or make up. I’ve always either blow-dried my hair or tossed it in a pony. Don’t ask me about teasing, back combing and blowing it out. I have no idea how to do any of those things. It’s beyond me!
Being a grown up it’s hard, sometimes… But we must be strong, right?
Tact is one of my downfalls too. I think living alone in a remote spot for 3 1/2 years took away a lot of my people skills. Sadly this really only manifests itself with my close family and friends because I feel comfortable with them. My poor husband!!!
I second you on patience. Why does everything have to take time?
Being on time! And what’s worse…I hate having to wait for people. I’ve been trying to work on it and figure out how to arrive earlier, but I’m as late as ever!
I was going to do a post similar to this at some point this week! Though not nearly as pretty as yours :-)
I can relate to so many of these. I agree, its just better to embrace our litte quirks and odditis than try to fight them.
I’m pretty terrible at being a grown-up. I love how it seemed so COOL when we were kids, but now I just want to be forced to take a 3-hour nap every day. And spend 90% of my time playing. :) It’s really not all that it’s cracked up to be.
I love this post so much. You are so great with your words & always leave me feeling like you are so *real* when I finish reading your blogs. In life, I am really bad at staying calm & waiting for things to pan out. I don’t know if it’s a control issue or what. But I always over-excite myself & I always expect things to be SO MUCH FUN or SO AMAZING & things are usually mediocre. Which usually leaves me sad, or emotional. Even the day before something big I’ll get so excited to the point of a breakdown. Not so much anymore, but let me tell you, when I was a kid I had HIGH expectations. Oh well, we’re all human. =D
I’m with you on the patience for learning new things! When I’m interested in something I want to learn it NOW. And then once I figure out I can’t do most things overnight, I lose interesting. This is why I started learning the saxophone and then gave up. I have no lasting patience for practice for new skills.
(1) Being on time. Like Ashley, I am NEVER on time. My husband is never on time either, so when we got married we just doubled the time we are late to things.
(2) Communicating. It seems like it’s always me who missed the phone calls, forgets to tell people at work the progress of a project, etc. I forget that I have to purposefully keep people in the loop and that people don’t live in my head or operate with the same communication methods that I do.
(3) Being stylish. I occasionally find a great outfit to put together by accident, but on the whole I’m not intuitively a cute dresser. Accidentally cute. (Because if it were up to me, I’d be wearing tank tops and jeans 24/7 365.) I just learned how to wear basic makeup (aside from mascara) last year and I’m married! Also, hair falls into this category. I don’t have the patience or knowledge into how to style my hair. Bleh.
Thanks for sharing. It makes me feel less out of place when I hear other people have problems just like me. :)
I think I’m the worst at slowing down and enjoying the moment.
And my personal style leaves something to be desired, I feel like it is all over the place.
On a positive note for myself, I can sing!
I’m no good at:
1. Being an adult: despite the fact I have a credit card, a mortgage and vote in all fed/prov elections, I’m pretty much just a 14 year old playing house.
2. Wearing lipstick: I think it looks ridiculous on me and can’t do it right to save my life (also can’t do my hair, but I’m getting better at doing my nails).
3. Forgiveness: I’m terrible. It’s something I’m really concentrating on right now…I truly believe its something you do for yourself, not the other person- but I can’t seem to let go.
Oh yes- one more thing.
4. Buying the right bra. Honestly, its never worked. Even though I’ve been fitted several times!
I’m bad at being a grown up too, there’s a lot of dancing that goes on in our house! I’m also bad at doing my hair, or at least finding the long term motivation to maintain it.
I’m bad at housekeeping! Specifically– tidying. No matter how much I want to, I can never keep everything tidy. I’m not so bad at actually cleaning, but keeping it tidy? It’s somehow beyond me!
Wow, I empathize with you on so many of these… I also have a hard time letting things go! But my biggest flaw is probably worrying about things before they’ve happened. I tend to be a planner, and because of this I always have this image of how I’d like the next six-ish months to go (even though it NEVER works out the way I’ve envisioned). As much as I try to hope for the best, I can’t help but have those “what if”s sneak in. The worst part? I will often get really upset about the “what if”s! Crazy, crazy.
I’m bad at doing the dishes. I always miss something cause I rush to get it done. I am also bad at wearing matching socks, I never do ever.
1) Being on time. I am never. Ever. EVER. on time. The only exceptions are job interviews, where I leave RIDICULOUSLY early based on how bad I am at being punctual.
2) Accessorizing. I never wear jewelry (exception: wedding rings and diamond studs). I don’t know how and I feel bulky and awkward when I do. However, I rock the scarves and count that as an accessory.
3) Walking. I’m clumsy as shit.
I’m five minutes late for everything, it drives me nuts!! :)
me too!!!!!!
I’m terrible at not panicking when it comes to the future and to letting events and people from the past IN the past. As far as I’m aware I’ll only live this life once and I over-think living it to the fullest. I have to sometimes remind myself that living to the fullest can also mean leaving things to chance and taking things as they come. Mistakes or colouring outside the lines can lead us to wonderful places.
I’m very bad at getting all worked up about things that haven’t actually happened yet. My mom always tells me to calm down because I don’t need to worry about something that hasn’t even happened yet, it’s pointless!
Hello!
I’m really bad at singing, too. Also, I’m 25 but I still haven’t figured out how to do my hair. And I’m really bad at getting up in the morning. Like, really bad.
Oh my goodness, don’t get me started on how to do girly things. I still can’t wear lipstick without feeling like I’m playing dress up, and when I had long hair I would always burn myself with my curling iron! :)
You’re in good company, rest assured lol
Thank you for your honesty, Kyla. It’s refreshing to read about things that somebody feels they’re NOT good at ;)
I am definitely not good at the “moving on” -part myself. I live way too much in the past and forget to enjoy the here and now.