We've been living in our house now for 4 years in July, and I am ashamed to say that we're just recently meeting all of our neighbors. And I hate that.
Over the years, I'd get the idea that I wanted to go over and just knock on the door, but something always stopped me. So this year, I had grand plans of baking my go-to cookies and distributing them among our neighbors during Christmas break and introducing Judah. Great
Well I told Joel of my plans to go door-to-door in our little cul-de-sac and he was totally on board. It wasn't until the day of (the Sunday before V-day) that you could see the look of awkardness creep over his face. Because let's be honest. It WAS awkward. It was awkard to knock on someone's door and offer them homebaked treats out of the blue. It was awkward to have to say, "Yeah, we've been meaning to come by and introduce ourselves." And it was awkward to hear, "I didn't even realize you were pregnant!" while I was holding a 9-month old Judah at the time. So yes--the entire situation was very awkward and sometimes cringe-worthy. But it had to be done!
Overall, it was such a great experience. One that I may even turn into a yearly thing as Judah gets older and can help pass out Valentine's Day treats. Joel and I both had a fun time talking to our neighbors and hearing their stories. And since then, seeing our neighbors outside is no longer reduced to a head nod or wave but leads to conversation now. Imagine that! Amazing how a simple gesture is all it takes.
So this all leads me to No. 19 on my 30 before 30 list:
It's definitely still a work in progress, but I'm happy to say that No. 19 is officially underway!
2 comments:
Love it! Ps. can I count as a neighbor next time around? ;)
haha! sure thing! funny thing is that i had originally made oreo bark for our Christmas attempt and planned some for y'all and our friends in a nearby neighborhood.
but as you read, that all fell through and i was left with a fridge full of oreo bark--i didn't mind though. :)
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