This made me laugh out loud. Time and time again this morning. Click on this link to watch a segment from "Pumpcast News" on Jay Leno. It features a couple that not only 'jump to the pump' ... they do a little singing and dancing as well. This couple makes marriage look fun:
Part 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNM0ENUCO5I&list=RD02j8E1DeS_JzM
Part 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8E1DeS_JzM
Showing posts with label jubilation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jubilation. Show all posts
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Friday, March 22, 2013
Life's Ebbs and Flows
I feel the need to write something deep and insightful after yesterday's inane post. But I'm feeling a tad shallow today. Honestly? I'm feeling more than a little bit grouchy. Is that allowed?
Such are the ebbs and flows and life.
The week started with a sense of satisfaction after a productive weekend.
Monday was full of hope as I sent off my resume and writing samples to various newspapers across the land. I love the feeling of stepping out and taking a chance while a certain degree of hopefulness lingers in the air.
Tuesday was utter elation as I corresponded with some publications who decided to take a chance on me. To top that off, there was good news in my daycare world when a family called me to tell me that they have chosen me to take care of their daughter (in January).
Wednesday, I was gliding back down to earth. It was a gentle slide down a small slope. I was full of elation and joy as I wrote about the days that preceded my return to life-as-I-know-it.
All joy was lost when I had to deliver flyers in what (at the time) seemed like extreme winter weather, in a winter that has gone on far too long (until I heard about the truly extreme weather other cities/provinces were dealing with yesterday).
Thursday was a day of unrest. My daycare family is in drastic need of a true diversion from our day-to-day life indoors (as we await the return of moderate weather where we can go outside again). There was crying involved. It wasn't me, but I knew how my little girls felt. They were probably channelling my inner feelings. They cried hard. They cried like they have never cried before. It was a long day.
Which brings me to today - Friday. I think I've cycled through the whole realm of emotions this week. From contentment and satisfaction ... to ambition and hopefulness ... to elation and joy ... to acceptance and appreciation ... to reality, such as it is.
My reality is good.
In writing about the ebbs and flows in the week I have identified that-which-is-good and that-which-is-not ... and it is up to me to act on what I know.
I know that my sense of happiness comes from 'being present' in my days. When I sit down and focus all of my attention on what I am doing, I am in a place of joyfulness. Whether it is sitting in the middle of the living room and tending to my little daycare family ... or writing ... or visiting with someone. I need to focus my attention fully on the task at hand to fully appreciate the moment.
Enjoy the small moments of your day and the day takes care of itself. It is time for me to go and take my own advice...
Such are the ebbs and flows and life.
The week started with a sense of satisfaction after a productive weekend.
Monday was full of hope as I sent off my resume and writing samples to various newspapers across the land. I love the feeling of stepping out and taking a chance while a certain degree of hopefulness lingers in the air.
Tuesday was utter elation as I corresponded with some publications who decided to take a chance on me. To top that off, there was good news in my daycare world when a family called me to tell me that they have chosen me to take care of their daughter (in January).
Wednesday, I was gliding back down to earth. It was a gentle slide down a small slope. I was full of elation and joy as I wrote about the days that preceded my return to life-as-I-know-it.
All joy was lost when I had to deliver flyers in what (at the time) seemed like extreme winter weather, in a winter that has gone on far too long (until I heard about the truly extreme weather other cities/provinces were dealing with yesterday).
Thursday was a day of unrest. My daycare family is in drastic need of a true diversion from our day-to-day life indoors (as we await the return of moderate weather where we can go outside again). There was crying involved. It wasn't me, but I knew how my little girls felt. They were probably channelling my inner feelings. They cried hard. They cried like they have never cried before. It was a long day.
Which brings me to today - Friday. I think I've cycled through the whole realm of emotions this week. From contentment and satisfaction ... to ambition and hopefulness ... to elation and joy ... to acceptance and appreciation ... to reality, such as it is.
My reality is good.
In writing about the ebbs and flows in the week I have identified that-which-is-good and that-which-is-not ... and it is up to me to act on what I know.
I know that my sense of happiness comes from 'being present' in my days. When I sit down and focus all of my attention on what I am doing, I am in a place of joyfulness. Whether it is sitting in the middle of the living room and tending to my little daycare family ... or writing ... or visiting with someone. I need to focus my attention fully on the task at hand to fully appreciate the moment.
Enjoy the small moments of your day and the day takes care of itself. It is time for me to go and take my own advice...
Sunday, February 24, 2013
New Experiences
I honestly had no real concept of what I 'signed myself up for' last night. No, it was nothing too frightening or scary. Simply something new-to-me.
I don't often do 'new'. I go to the same restaurants and order the same food. All of the time. When we go away for a vacation, I am thrilled from the inside out when I discover a McDonald's and a Tim Hortons in the neighborhood. Whenever I enter a whole new world, I am looking for all that is familiar to me.
I take the same route wherever I go. Once and a while I decide to 'shake it up' a little and find a more scenic route home. Then that becomes my new norm. The same tried and true route going to my destination. The same scenic route on my way home.
Entertainment for me is dinner and a movie. Or going out for a meal. Or going out for coffee. Or getting together with friends. When a friend suggests we try to add a new dimension to our tried and true recipe, part of me is wanting to just sit still and enjoy the company and forget about the 'doing' part. But every single time we do something, it adds a wonderful new dimension to the same familiar routines.
Last night, I was invited to go to a 'House Concert' with a few friends. I had no idea what that meant other than being told that it was held in the garage in the host's back yard. I knew that the 'garage' had been used for holding training seminars prior to this so I was not expecting to sit in a rustic garage like mine. But that was about all I knew to expect.
I was told that this couple put on these 'house concerts' for artists that played to a smaller venue. I was told who would be performing but I didn't google (nor did I really even know that this performer would be googleable) him in advance.
So I sat down in this meticulously clean, bright, candlelit and finished garage (that someone could easily live in, other than the fact that there wasn't a washroom in the building). There was a nook for our pot luck refreshments and there was seating for at least 51 people (I tried counting - I could be wrong). We arrived early and got to pick the best (most comfortable) seats in the house.
Then the show began.
Our hosts were so very personable. A husband/wife duo that complimented each other and set the tone for the evening ahead. We were laughing from the onset.
Then our performers made their entrance and once again, we were laughing and enjoying the personalities of our entertainers as they segued their way into our evening's entertainment.
The music was absolutely delightful. Watching the songwriter perform to the beat of his own keyboard (while accompanied with a back-up singer that just happened to be his sister), you could feel the pulse of the music in your heart. To watch someone perform their art in such an up close and personal way, in such a small venue ... far exceeded any huge concert experience I have ever seen (not that I have much experience in that - the large concert scene is not for me).
The audience is so personable. I sat next to someone I had never seen before in my life and I could feel their eyes upon me when I laughed and conversation was easy when the intermission arrived. How can it be anything else when you share an experience that you can feel in your bones long after the music has stopped?
The artist was Jeffery Straker. His website is: http://jeffstraker.com/ . Click on some of his music. I don't know if you had to 'be there' to feel what I feel when I listen to his voice. And the keyboard ... oh, the keyboard! I love that not only do I have a face to put to the music, I have the 'intimate experience' of a house concert to enhance the flavor of his songwriting, singing and performing abilities. Plus? He made me laugh. I love to laugh. I love music. I love when I get so wrapped up in a moment that I am in awe of the talent that it takes to take a passion and put it all together in the form of an art. It was a combination of everything that makes my heart sing. Plus! I was sharing the experience with friends ...
Music brings the world together in harmony. Last night, within the confines of a garage (that could have just as easily been a living room), I experienced my first House Concert. The outside world ceased to exist. I was transported to a place where peace, harmony, goodwill and laughter reigned.
If someone invites you to experience something new, go for it! If you are brave (or lazy, like I was), go into it knowing absolutely nothing at all. Let yourself experience it like a newborn baby experiences the world.
We know and have the ability to find out almost anything we want to know about in this world of ours. It is a rare treat to experience something completely fresh and brand new, with little to taint your idea of what it could be.
I don't often do 'new'. I go to the same restaurants and order the same food. All of the time. When we go away for a vacation, I am thrilled from the inside out when I discover a McDonald's and a Tim Hortons in the neighborhood. Whenever I enter a whole new world, I am looking for all that is familiar to me.
I take the same route wherever I go. Once and a while I decide to 'shake it up' a little and find a more scenic route home. Then that becomes my new norm. The same tried and true route going to my destination. The same scenic route on my way home.
Entertainment for me is dinner and a movie. Or going out for a meal. Or going out for coffee. Or getting together with friends. When a friend suggests we try to add a new dimension to our tried and true recipe, part of me is wanting to just sit still and enjoy the company and forget about the 'doing' part. But every single time we do something, it adds a wonderful new dimension to the same familiar routines.
Last night, I was invited to go to a 'House Concert' with a few friends. I had no idea what that meant other than being told that it was held in the garage in the host's back yard. I knew that the 'garage' had been used for holding training seminars prior to this so I was not expecting to sit in a rustic garage like mine. But that was about all I knew to expect.
I was told that this couple put on these 'house concerts' for artists that played to a smaller venue. I was told who would be performing but I didn't google (nor did I really even know that this performer would be googleable) him in advance.
So I sat down in this meticulously clean, bright, candlelit and finished garage (that someone could easily live in, other than the fact that there wasn't a washroom in the building). There was a nook for our pot luck refreshments and there was seating for at least 51 people (I tried counting - I could be wrong). We arrived early and got to pick the best (most comfortable) seats in the house.
Then the show began.
Our hosts were so very personable. A husband/wife duo that complimented each other and set the tone for the evening ahead. We were laughing from the onset.
Then our performers made their entrance and once again, we were laughing and enjoying the personalities of our entertainers as they segued their way into our evening's entertainment.
The music was absolutely delightful. Watching the songwriter perform to the beat of his own keyboard (while accompanied with a back-up singer that just happened to be his sister), you could feel the pulse of the music in your heart. To watch someone perform their art in such an up close and personal way, in such a small venue ... far exceeded any huge concert experience I have ever seen (not that I have much experience in that - the large concert scene is not for me).
The audience is so personable. I sat next to someone I had never seen before in my life and I could feel their eyes upon me when I laughed and conversation was easy when the intermission arrived. How can it be anything else when you share an experience that you can feel in your bones long after the music has stopped?
The artist was Jeffery Straker. His website is: http://jeffstraker.com/ . Click on some of his music. I don't know if you had to 'be there' to feel what I feel when I listen to his voice. And the keyboard ... oh, the keyboard! I love that not only do I have a face to put to the music, I have the 'intimate experience' of a house concert to enhance the flavor of his songwriting, singing and performing abilities. Plus? He made me laugh. I love to laugh. I love music. I love when I get so wrapped up in a moment that I am in awe of the talent that it takes to take a passion and put it all together in the form of an art. It was a combination of everything that makes my heart sing. Plus! I was sharing the experience with friends ...
Music brings the world together in harmony. Last night, within the confines of a garage (that could have just as easily been a living room), I experienced my first House Concert. The outside world ceased to exist. I was transported to a place where peace, harmony, goodwill and laughter reigned.
If someone invites you to experience something new, go for it! If you are brave (or lazy, like I was), go into it knowing absolutely nothing at all. Let yourself experience it like a newborn baby experiences the world.
We know and have the ability to find out almost anything we want to know about in this world of ours. It is a rare treat to experience something completely fresh and brand new, with little to taint your idea of what it could be.
"Blessed are those who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed."
~ Unknown
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Up Before the Alarm
I am excited to wake up each morning and find that the sun has woken before me.
Not only have I been sleeping through the night (this 'habit' of waking up in the middle of the night and being unable to go back to sleep has been going on for the better part of the last four years of my life) ... but I've been waking up rested and rejuvenated before the alarm goes off.
I have been going in to work an hour early this week. School holidays means that I don't have my before-school-daycare-charge. My Youngest sleeps in, so I am gone and getting paid for my day long before he even wakes up. This means that I have the flexibility to come home a little earlier as well.
But it hasn't been work that has been forcing me up out of bed in the morning. It is anticipation about the upcoming day that propels me forward.
My Inbox has been a fun place to visit this week. I have been corresponding with a number of people and it has not been unusual to find an email message waiting for me first thing in the morning.
My early morning thoughts are light and easy. I have had the opportunity to sit and write before I head off to work.
I love the quiet of the early morning. I am thrilled that I am in a place where I leap out of bed in the morning instead of lying there hitting the snooze button, dreading the day ahead of me.
During the low spots of my life, I well remember slowly making my bed in the mornings and looking at it with a sense of yearning. I couldn't wait to put the upcoming day behind me so that I could crawl between my blankets of warmth, comfort and security at the day's end.
These days, as much as I love when my head hits my most-favorite-feather-pillow-in-the-world at the end of my day ... I am just as happy to plump up that exact same pillow in the morning, knowing that I have a full day ahead of me.
Waking up to the sun shining between the cracks in the blinds and the birds singing trumps waking up to darkness and an alarm.
There is no hitting the snooze button when Mother Nature is your wake up call!
Not only have I been sleeping through the night (this 'habit' of waking up in the middle of the night and being unable to go back to sleep has been going on for the better part of the last four years of my life) ... but I've been waking up rested and rejuvenated before the alarm goes off.
I have been going in to work an hour early this week. School holidays means that I don't have my before-school-daycare-charge. My Youngest sleeps in, so I am gone and getting paid for my day long before he even wakes up. This means that I have the flexibility to come home a little earlier as well.
But it hasn't been work that has been forcing me up out of bed in the morning. It is anticipation about the upcoming day that propels me forward.
My Inbox has been a fun place to visit this week. I have been corresponding with a number of people and it has not been unusual to find an email message waiting for me first thing in the morning.
My early morning thoughts are light and easy. I have had the opportunity to sit and write before I head off to work.
I love the quiet of the early morning. I am thrilled that I am in a place where I leap out of bed in the morning instead of lying there hitting the snooze button, dreading the day ahead of me.
During the low spots of my life, I well remember slowly making my bed in the mornings and looking at it with a sense of yearning. I couldn't wait to put the upcoming day behind me so that I could crawl between my blankets of warmth, comfort and security at the day's end.
These days, as much as I love when my head hits my most-favorite-feather-pillow-in-the-world at the end of my day ... I am just as happy to plump up that exact same pillow in the morning, knowing that I have a full day ahead of me.
Waking up to the sun shining between the cracks in the blinds and the birds singing trumps waking up to darkness and an alarm.
There is no hitting the snooze button when Mother Nature is your wake up call!
Monday, November 8, 2010
The Afterglow
I hope the magic doesn't fade after I write this ... sometimes the best part of a memory is holding it near and dear to your heart and not tainting it by taking it apart and looking at each individual piece of a most incredibly special 'whole' ...
I cannot neglect to mention the 35 days that preceded Saturday night ...
It all started when my sisters treated me to a 'Hair Make-Over Day' and a fun-filled Sister Day last month. They surprised and shocked me when they had already paid for the cost of my hair make over in honor of my upcoming birthday. Surprise!
A few weeks later, my good friends treated me to an Overnight Adventure. It came with only instructions as to what to pack, a vague outline of the day so I knew what kind of shoes to bring and a timeline as to when our adventure began and ended. They treated me to an overnight stay at a Bed & Breakfast - in honor of not only my birthday ... but my dream of running a B & B myself one day. It was an amazing adventure, a precious day with good friends and a peek at what life could be if I continue to follow my dreams. Surprise!!
Fast forward to this past Saturday night.
Unbeknownst to me, there had been a conspiracy going on behind my back. The strategy began in September. A date had been chosen to execute the plan and normally The-Girl-Who-Is-Always-Home-On-a-Saturday-Night would not mess with the game plan.
A dance event came up unexpectedly 11 days prior to D-Day. Who knew that my desire to dance with my formation team would set off a sequence of events to make the final execution of this plan such a challenge??
Can you imagine my surprise when I walked in the door after our Dance Performance ... to find 22 guests awaiting my (tardy) arrival?!?!
The complete and utter surprise was superseded only by finally focusing on the guests that had been part of the conspiracy. I blinked once and focused on my own children. I blinked again to realize that it wasn't one of My Sons in focus, but My Brother ... who was standing in the vicinity of My Sisters and My Mom (so that's where she had been, as my overactive imagination had 'found' her in a hospital emergency room when I couldn't reach her on Friday) !! One by one, I found a Cousin ... then Two More. A Friend ... and then Another. And my Aunt ... (and of course, all of their spouses).
Surprise!!!!!
There is something about a happy surprise that simply takes your breath away. You walk in the door, expecting an ordinary moment and poof!!! In one millisecond, you don't have time to consciously decipher what is unfolding in front of your eyes. There are less than zero expectations. Anything could happen from that moment on and it would be a delightful revelation because you were expecting to come home to ... 'what you expected'.
The evening was a delight. My only regret? Is that I was late for my own party! The hour that I lost with my family & friends, but gained with my dance friends having one quick drink (of pop ... no alcohol for me because I was driving home and supposedly going out for a drink with My Oldest Son).
As the evening came into focus, I had the opportunity to visit with my guests. The conversations were not long enough. I didn't get a chance to spend enough time with everyone. I barely spoke to my own family (hoping/knowing that they would be the last to leave), I thought we would have ample time to visit later ... and the next morning and 'forever' ....
Approximately 210ish minutes from the onset of the Biggest Surprise of My Life ... I was transported back to my reality. I was alone with my memories, cards and emotions of the evening.
As I quietly reflected, I found a representation of every facet of my life in the guests in attendance.
I 'found' each and every member of my immediate family. Need I say more? This is the family that is there for me when I don't even know I need them. This is the family that knows me better than I know myself. This is the family that I cherish, respect and love with all of my heart. They were all there ... as always.
I found my first-ever friend (we lived a handful of miles away on the farm where I spent the first 9 years of my life). My friend and I have reconnected on many levels this past year and the easy friendship, way of thinking of rapport grows with each and every encounter. This year has been sprinkled with opportunities to strengthen our childhood bond.
I found my newest forever-friend (not only a person that represents my friend in real-life ... but a friend that I met through dancing!). This friend is not only a warm, friendly, interesting and a person that I treasure as a friend ... but she represents the first time I reached out a hand in friendship at the dance studio. Our budding friendship has encouraged me to continue to take risks and get to know 'the people who touch my life' better.
I found a cousin from my dad's side of the family (not only an amazing person who is my cousin, but him and his wife represent the very first bond I started to make with my cousins when I moved back 'home' 23 years ago).
I found two cousins from my mom's side of the family. These cousins are a delight and a breath of fresh air. I love being in their company ... but in addition to that, they 'represent' their sister, who is probably my closest cousin-friend (who, due to her beliefs could not attend a birthday celebration). It was a perfect 'gift' to enjoy the company of these cousins.
I found an Aunt from my mom's side. Not only was this aunt representative of her side of the family, but she was the only family I really knew when I first moved to this New City several decades ago. Plus I had the opportunity to get to know her even better as she provided many memories, reflections and perceptions of her life as I have collected memories for both Mom and Dad's family stories.
And the pictures that follow represent the physical mementos my guests left behind:
I cannot neglect to mention the 35 days that preceded Saturday night ...
It all started when my sisters treated me to a 'Hair Make-Over Day' and a fun-filled Sister Day last month. They surprised and shocked me when they had already paid for the cost of my hair make over in honor of my upcoming birthday. Surprise!
A few weeks later, my good friends treated me to an Overnight Adventure. It came with only instructions as to what to pack, a vague outline of the day so I knew what kind of shoes to bring and a timeline as to when our adventure began and ended. They treated me to an overnight stay at a Bed & Breakfast - in honor of not only my birthday ... but my dream of running a B & B myself one day. It was an amazing adventure, a precious day with good friends and a peek at what life could be if I continue to follow my dreams. Surprise!!
Fast forward to this past Saturday night.
Unbeknownst to me, there had been a conspiracy going on behind my back. The strategy began in September. A date had been chosen to execute the plan and normally The-Girl-Who-Is-Always-Home-On-a-Saturday-Night would not mess with the game plan.
A dance event came up unexpectedly 11 days prior to D-Day. Who knew that my desire to dance with my formation team would set off a sequence of events to make the final execution of this plan such a challenge??
Can you imagine my surprise when I walked in the door after our Dance Performance ... to find 22 guests awaiting my (tardy) arrival?!?!
The complete and utter surprise was superseded only by finally focusing on the guests that had been part of the conspiracy. I blinked once and focused on my own children. I blinked again to realize that it wasn't one of My Sons in focus, but My Brother ... who was standing in the vicinity of My Sisters and My Mom (so that's where she had been, as my overactive imagination had 'found' her in a hospital emergency room when I couldn't reach her on Friday) !! One by one, I found a Cousin ... then Two More. A Friend ... and then Another. And my Aunt ... (and of course, all of their spouses).
Surprise!!!!!
There is something about a happy surprise that simply takes your breath away. You walk in the door, expecting an ordinary moment and poof!!! In one millisecond, you don't have time to consciously decipher what is unfolding in front of your eyes. There are less than zero expectations. Anything could happen from that moment on and it would be a delightful revelation because you were expecting to come home to ... 'what you expected'.
The evening was a delight. My only regret? Is that I was late for my own party! The hour that I lost with my family & friends, but gained with my dance friends having one quick drink (of pop ... no alcohol for me because I was driving home and supposedly going out for a drink with My Oldest Son).
As the evening came into focus, I had the opportunity to visit with my guests. The conversations were not long enough. I didn't get a chance to spend enough time with everyone. I barely spoke to my own family (hoping/knowing that they would be the last to leave), I thought we would have ample time to visit later ... and the next morning and 'forever' ....
Approximately 210ish minutes from the onset of the Biggest Surprise of My Life ... I was transported back to my reality. I was alone with my memories, cards and emotions of the evening.
As I quietly reflected, I found a representation of every facet of my life in the guests in attendance.
I 'found' each and every member of my immediate family. Need I say more? This is the family that is there for me when I don't even know I need them. This is the family that knows me better than I know myself. This is the family that I cherish, respect and love with all of my heart. They were all there ... as always.
I found my first-ever friend (we lived a handful of miles away on the farm where I spent the first 9 years of my life). My friend and I have reconnected on many levels this past year and the easy friendship, way of thinking of rapport grows with each and every encounter. This year has been sprinkled with opportunities to strengthen our childhood bond.
I found my newest forever-friend (not only a person that represents my friend in real-life ... but a friend that I met through dancing!). This friend is not only a warm, friendly, interesting and a person that I treasure as a friend ... but she represents the first time I reached out a hand in friendship at the dance studio. Our budding friendship has encouraged me to continue to take risks and get to know 'the people who touch my life' better.
I found a cousin from my dad's side of the family (not only an amazing person who is my cousin, but him and his wife represent the very first bond I started to make with my cousins when I moved back 'home' 23 years ago).
I found two cousins from my mom's side of the family. These cousins are a delight and a breath of fresh air. I love being in their company ... but in addition to that, they 'represent' their sister, who is probably my closest cousin-friend (who, due to her beliefs could not attend a birthday celebration). It was a perfect 'gift' to enjoy the company of these cousins.
I found an Aunt from my mom's side. Not only was this aunt representative of her side of the family, but she was the only family I really knew when I first moved to this New City several decades ago. Plus I had the opportunity to get to know her even better as she provided many memories, reflections and perceptions of her life as I have collected memories for both Mom and Dad's family stories.
The only family member who was not represented in person, had managed to find my way into my mailbox. An Uncle from my dad's side had mailed a birthday card, which I received one day prior to this gathering. An uncle I have become extremely close to ... a 'piece' of my dad. I have never received a birthday card from him before ... Christmas? Always. Birthdays? It was like he 'knew' that it was important that he was with me on such a special occasion.
The emotions ... the words ... the afterglow ...
I'm in a most wonderful place this morning. Thanks to my Brother who was The Mastermind of this occasion; my Children who were his Co-Conspirators; and my Sisters and Mom who added all of the special touches to make this An Evening to Remember.
  |
| Please note that the milk, margarine, eggs and yogurt were the only things that were in the fridge when I left the house earlier that evening!! |
I am overcome with appreciation and wonder. I am in awe with the special people in my life and a 'Milestone Birthday' which gave My Brother an opportunity to gather 'my life' together for one evening under my very own roof.
"Thank You" doesn't even begin to cover it ...
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Joy
Things feel a little more special when you have to work for it.
This past week, I fought hard to regain some equilibrium in my life. It came easy for a few days, I lost the battle one day, I struggled through a day but in the end ... I won. The day that I waged my own internal war and came out on top was the best day.
The past week and a half, I have been part of a dance formation team. We had 10 days and 6 dance lessons to learn our routine and be ready to perform it for the judges yesterday afternoon. New partners, new dance moves, being part of a team, knowing your own part and creating a 'oneness' within a group of 18 people has been a challenge.
It's been overwhelming, invigorating, frustrating and fun. I have gone from feeling like I'm in way over my head ... to the 'I think I can' mode ... to actually feeling like I got it ... then lost it ... and found it again.
Our instructor has been thinking forward and implanted visions of our success right from our first lesson. He hasaccidentally purposely imprinted the picture of us on that stage throughout.
When the official audition day was upon us and we went through our routine for the judges, I was fairly confident that we made a good impression. Did I have doubts? Yes. Was I certain we would get chosen? Sort of. Did I know how I would feel when I got the official word that we were selected? Not a bit.
Our dance team has been chosen to perform at "Ballroom With a Twist".
Was I elated? I was over the moon! I had no idea how good it would feel to know we were 'in'. I felt complete and utter joy. The joy was accentuated because we had to work for it.
Whether it's attaining a specific goal ... climbing your own personal mountains ... struggling through a crisis ... or simply getting through the day ... look for and appreciate your own personal joyful moments every chance you get.
I felt my inner child shine through as I allowed myself to savor and lose myself in those moments of joy
"Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day."
This past week, I fought hard to regain some equilibrium in my life. It came easy for a few days, I lost the battle one day, I struggled through a day but in the end ... I won. The day that I waged my own internal war and came out on top was the best day.
The past week and a half, I have been part of a dance formation team. We had 10 days and 6 dance lessons to learn our routine and be ready to perform it for the judges yesterday afternoon. New partners, new dance moves, being part of a team, knowing your own part and creating a 'oneness' within a group of 18 people has been a challenge.
It's been overwhelming, invigorating, frustrating and fun. I have gone from feeling like I'm in way over my head ... to the 'I think I can' mode ... to actually feeling like I got it ... then lost it ... and found it again.
Our instructor has been thinking forward and implanted visions of our success right from our first lesson. He has
When the official audition day was upon us and we went through our routine for the judges, I was fairly confident that we made a good impression. Did I have doubts? Yes. Was I certain we would get chosen? Sort of. Did I know how I would feel when I got the official word that we were selected? Not a bit.
Our dance team has been chosen to perform at "Ballroom With a Twist".
Was I elated? I was over the moon! I had no idea how good it would feel to know we were 'in'. I felt complete and utter joy. The joy was accentuated because we had to work for it.
Whether it's attaining a specific goal ... climbing your own personal mountains ... struggling through a crisis ... or simply getting through the day ... look for and appreciate your own personal joyful moments every chance you get.
I felt my inner child shine through as I allowed myself to savor and lose myself in those moments of joy
"Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day."
~ Henri Nouwen
Friday, March 7, 2008
Happy! Happy! Happy!!
Two consecutive days off = One very happy me!!
I booked tomorrow off as a holiday from work so that I can work uninterupted at 'The Book' as much of the weekend as I can. I am envisioning getting completely wrapped up in the project and I plan to work as long and as steady at it as I can. I can feel myself coming up with the words that have been sifting around in my head lately. I can see myself sitting at the computer and having the words come from my head to my fingertips. I can feel progress and satisfaction. Yes. It is going to be a wonderful weekend.
In the mean time, I warned My Youngest that this is going to be a boring-stay-at-home weekend for him. We went out tonight and found a steal of a deal on the DVD series he started watching; we got some easy-to-fend-for-himself food; some snacks; and I promised him a movie night (or afternoon or whenever it works) before the weekend is through. We found a movie we hadn't seen (on sale for $10.00 and you can send in for $10.00 movie-money ... so basically, we got it for free, right?) and armed ourselves with some movie-snacks. And we have a date.
And dancing tonight!! I love it, I love it, I love it!!! I am so happy I have returned to the dance floor. It makes my heart soar. My Instructor makes me laugh and pumps up my self esteem. It's an excellent investment in myself, I think...
My heart is just so happy. Two days off! A night at the dance studio!! Visions of a productive weekend ..... it's going to be great.
Tomorrow - I am getting busy. Tonight - I am just going to savor the feelings of the moment.
Happiness. Ain't it grand??
I booked tomorrow off as a holiday from work so that I can work uninterupted at 'The Book' as much of the weekend as I can. I am envisioning getting completely wrapped up in the project and I plan to work as long and as steady at it as I can. I can feel myself coming up with the words that have been sifting around in my head lately. I can see myself sitting at the computer and having the words come from my head to my fingertips. I can feel progress and satisfaction. Yes. It is going to be a wonderful weekend.
In the mean time, I warned My Youngest that this is going to be a boring-stay-at-home weekend for him. We went out tonight and found a steal of a deal on the DVD series he started watching; we got some easy-to-fend-for-himself food; some snacks; and I promised him a movie night (or afternoon or whenever it works) before the weekend is through. We found a movie we hadn't seen (on sale for $10.00 and you can send in for $10.00 movie-money ... so basically, we got it for free, right?) and armed ourselves with some movie-snacks. And we have a date.
And dancing tonight!! I love it, I love it, I love it!!! I am so happy I have returned to the dance floor. It makes my heart soar. My Instructor makes me laugh and pumps up my self esteem. It's an excellent investment in myself, I think...
My heart is just so happy. Two days off! A night at the dance studio!! Visions of a productive weekend ..... it's going to be great.
Tomorrow - I am getting busy. Tonight - I am just going to savor the feelings of the moment.
Happiness. Ain't it grand??
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Up With the Birds
I love the early morning hours. I love waking up with a spring in my step and happy thoughts wafting through my mind. I love waking up with energy and enthusiasm. I love mornings like this.
What a wonderful way to start the day. My body and mind must be all rested up because I'm raring to go again.
I remember a friend telling me once (as she had found an enthusiasm for life that I simply couldn't imagine at the time), that there were simply not enough hours in the day for her to do everything she wanted to do. I have 'arrived'. I am where she was. The days are too short for me to fit in everything I want (not need!) to do.
I love it!
What a wonderful way to start the day. My body and mind must be all rested up because I'm raring to go again.
I remember a friend telling me once (as she had found an enthusiasm for life that I simply couldn't imagine at the time), that there were simply not enough hours in the day for her to do everything she wanted to do. I have 'arrived'. I am where she was. The days are too short for me to fit in everything I want (not need!) to do.
I love it!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Fulfillment
I am feeling absolutely jubliant about life these days!! I have an outlet for my excess words, here on this blog, I have an outlet for my 'creativity' with ''The Book", I have my dancing to fulfill the 'fun' part of my life, I have my work,which is something that I feel like I am doing well. I have my family - I feel like my own family unit is getting stronger once again. I have reached out to so many family members these past 6 months ... it is amazing. Between keeping in touch with my own siblings (planning a birthday gathering for Mom) and initiating these get togethers with my aunts to gather information and stories for "The Book". And friends. Where would I be without my friends? And I feel like I am a equal partner in my friendships ... not the needy one.....
I have patience with the kids, I am enjoying my the parents I babysit for, I feel like I am a better parent, I have something left of me to offer at the end of the day ... whether it is to help someone out in some way ... or actually leave the house and go and visit someone ... I am so very, very ''full''.
I have often felt a void in my life. And it has honestly felt like a hole in my heart or soul in some way. I can feel the difference in the way I eat, I shop and I live when I am ''full''.
I have shopped and filled my cart as though I was 'filling a void' ... I have eaten to the point where I am beyond full but still shovelling in the food to fill something inside me that is empty ... I have rejected people and socializing in my life because I am so hollow inside that I feel I have nothing to offer anyone.
But these days ... I am full. I eat because I am hungry. I shop because I need to. And I actually can leave the house at the end of a day ... and still feel like a vital human being that has something to offer someone else.
I have just returned home from a most enjoyable visit ... my heart and my soul are so content. Feeling like this at the end of the day defines contentment and happiness.
My cup is overflowing ...
I have patience with the kids, I am enjoying my the parents I babysit for, I feel like I am a better parent, I have something left of me to offer at the end of the day ... whether it is to help someone out in some way ... or actually leave the house and go and visit someone ... I am so very, very ''full''.
I have often felt a void in my life. And it has honestly felt like a hole in my heart or soul in some way. I can feel the difference in the way I eat, I shop and I live when I am ''full''.
I have shopped and filled my cart as though I was 'filling a void' ... I have eaten to the point where I am beyond full but still shovelling in the food to fill something inside me that is empty ... I have rejected people and socializing in my life because I am so hollow inside that I feel I have nothing to offer anyone.
But these days ... I am full. I eat because I am hungry. I shop because I need to. And I actually can leave the house at the end of a day ... and still feel like a vital human being that has something to offer someone else.
I have just returned home from a most enjoyable visit ... my heart and my soul are so content. Feeling like this at the end of the day defines contentment and happiness.
My cup is overflowing ...
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Another Banner Day
Yet another Saturday that was simply a wonderful day ...
I went into work and was busy from the moment I signed on my computer to the minute I walked out the door. Some challenges, but my brain was firing on all cylinders and I had the ability to figure things out and just roll with the punches. I love days that challenge me, yet don't overwhelm me at the same time.
I've cleared my slate for a getaway tomorrow afternoon to start the research for my 'book' (I loosely call it a book because it simply feels like I am gathering up stories ... but I want the end product to be bound like a book ... so a book it is). I am eager to get started on this project because once I start things, I do tend to obsess about completing them. And I am genuinely excited to put all of this together. Ideas of how to present it all are coming to me. I just hope that I can pull it off.
Ideas for Mom's upcoming birthday gathering are coming to me fast and furious. I don't know if I'm getting carried away with things, but I just seem to be receptive to different (possibly far reaching) ideas and they just seem like they would be perfect if we could somehow manage to make it come together ....
I am simply excited about 'life' lately. And it is a fantastic feeling!!!!
I went into work and was busy from the moment I signed on my computer to the minute I walked out the door. Some challenges, but my brain was firing on all cylinders and I had the ability to figure things out and just roll with the punches. I love days that challenge me, yet don't overwhelm me at the same time.
I've cleared my slate for a getaway tomorrow afternoon to start the research for my 'book' (I loosely call it a book because it simply feels like I am gathering up stories ... but I want the end product to be bound like a book ... so a book it is). I am eager to get started on this project because once I start things, I do tend to obsess about completing them. And I am genuinely excited to put all of this together. Ideas of how to present it all are coming to me. I just hope that I can pull it off.
Ideas for Mom's upcoming birthday gathering are coming to me fast and furious. I don't know if I'm getting carried away with things, but I just seem to be receptive to different (possibly far reaching) ideas and they just seem like they would be perfect if we could somehow manage to make it come together ....
I am simply excited about 'life' lately. And it is a fantastic feeling!!!!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Wow!!
I'm so excited to be sitting here, at my new blog ... I can't believe how simple it was to set up and transfer over most of the stuff I had on 'MySpace'.
The 'MySpace' thing just wasn't working for me. I was looking for a spot to connect with friends, share my stories, videos and pictures. I wasn't looking to meet up with strange men (not that I have anything against anyone who does ... but it is just not what I am looking for at this stage of my life). And that seemed to be what I was finding.
So here I am, sitting in my 'private' little blog and have invited my friends and family to come and join me here if and when they may like. The world is feeling like a smaller place right now as I try to close the gap that time and distance brings to those in my life.
I have sent off 4 'Video Messages' in the past two days and I simply cannot believe the thrill that I get by 'visiting' with people as far off as Yuma and Anchorage ... and I've also 'been' to Regina, Olds and Pambrun today. Wow!! I love technology!!!
When I ordered this 'Flip Video', (what I am now doing is what) I had hoped to have the courage, knowledge and enthusiasm to do, once I got it. New things frighten me - especially all these electronic gadgets. It was about 4 years ago that My Oldest gave me a new DVD player for Christmas and Second Son just laughed and said "She'll never be able to figure out how to use it". I did not only that, but so much more....
Since Dec 29th, I have figured out how to use and download my videos from my Flip Video camcorder; set up a MySpace account and figured out how to download the videos and photos onto it; am starting to figure out a little about the video editing process; I have found a way to email video messages to friends; and now I have set up a blog. Wow!! Now ... all I have left to figure out is how to operate the new CD player for my car that my Second Son got me.
Welcome to my new Blog. If you are here and reading this, I am soooo excited!!!!
What a day. Wow!!!!
The 'MySpace' thing just wasn't working for me. I was looking for a spot to connect with friends, share my stories, videos and pictures. I wasn't looking to meet up with strange men (not that I have anything against anyone who does ... but it is just not what I am looking for at this stage of my life). And that seemed to be what I was finding.
So here I am, sitting in my 'private' little blog and have invited my friends and family to come and join me here if and when they may like. The world is feeling like a smaller place right now as I try to close the gap that time and distance brings to those in my life.
I have sent off 4 'Video Messages' in the past two days and I simply cannot believe the thrill that I get by 'visiting' with people as far off as Yuma and Anchorage ... and I've also 'been' to Regina, Olds and Pambrun today. Wow!! I love technology!!!
When I ordered this 'Flip Video', (what I am now doing is what) I had hoped to have the courage, knowledge and enthusiasm to do, once I got it. New things frighten me - especially all these electronic gadgets. It was about 4 years ago that My Oldest gave me a new DVD player for Christmas and Second Son just laughed and said "She'll never be able to figure out how to use it". I did not only that, but so much more....
Since Dec 29th, I have figured out how to use and download my videos from my Flip Video camcorder; set up a MySpace account and figured out how to download the videos and photos onto it; am starting to figure out a little about the video editing process; I have found a way to email video messages to friends; and now I have set up a blog. Wow!! Now ... all I have left to figure out is how to operate the new CD player for my car that my Second Son got me.
Welcome to my new Blog. If you are here and reading this, I am soooo excited!!!!
What a day. Wow!!!!
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