This past weekend was absolutely everything that I needed it to be.
The weekend was perfectly seasoned with family moments. Our family's Sunday Supper was moved to Saturday. It had a different flavor, but it gave me the chance to visit with My Oldest. My Youngest and I went to a movie yesterday afternoon - something we haven't done in ages, so it felt special. My Second Son has taught me that 'great conversations just happen ... they cannot be planned'. So I anticipate the next time we sit down and have a meeting of the minds. It will happen when it happens. But I know it will happen.
I spent time with friends, I talked on the phone with others and I wound up the weekend by going to a Zumba Dance Party with a friend who hadn't lived the 'Zumba Experience' before. That was followed by supper, a good visit and booking the last must-do items for our upcoming Alaskan Cruise.
I worked a little. By choice. I suppose that I should have been diligently logging as many hours as I could possibly squeeze in before the month-end payroll cut off date. But I worked a good week. I figured that anything I did on the weekend was 'gravy'. I didn't want the weekend to be all about work. I needed to make the most of the past two days. Though work is necessary, I won't let it dominate my world.
I had time. Time to sleep in a little bit (funny how much easier I find it to get up on the weekends, when I know that any lost time in the morning cannot be regained). Time to breathe. Time to relax. Time to sit back and simply feel that "Ahhhhhh ...." sensation.
The proof that the weekend was exactly what I needed it to be, is that I wasn't gorging myself on food at the end of the day for the past two evenings. It was a conscious decision. When I started feeling the urge to satiate the 'hunger' within, I went to bed. I must train myself to sleep when I am tired ... not eat!!
The balance that was restored to my being, this weekend is evident in the way I feel this morning. I feel rested, revitalized and eager to face the week ahead.
The weekend was everything I needed and wanted. It is a sad truth that (as quoted from "Tron: Legacy") "Sometimes life has a way of moving you past wants and hopes." I was scrambling for a pen in the darkness of the theatre to write down those words. They spoke to me.
It is my hope that people do take the time to fulfill those wants and hopes. That is what dreams are made of. When you lose the ability to dream, part of you withers away and dies. Keep the dream alive. Keep making time to fulfill your heart's smallest desires.
The weekend was a patchwork quilt of wonderful. It restored my ability to aspire to be 'more' of who I hope to become. It has renewed my spirit and filled me full of hope.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
A Day of Rest
The words aren't flowing this morning. It doesn't mean I don't have an excessive amount of them ... it simply means that I can't pinpoint one thought or idea and find something meaningful to write.
Instead of writing a bunch of nonsense, I'll keep my thoughts to myself for the moment and come back later if I manage to find something worth writing about.
In the mean time, I am savoring my Sunday. It is a day with too much that I want to do, some things that I need to do and wrapped up in a 'Zumba Dance Party' and supper with a friend at the end.
It is the recipe for a most perfect day. But it is a day that is going to come to a close all too soon. It is time to move myself forward and make the most of my Sunday.
It may not be a day of rest, but it is a day full of everything I enjoy.
Instead of writing a bunch of nonsense, I'll keep my thoughts to myself for the moment and come back later if I manage to find something worth writing about.
In the mean time, I am savoring my Sunday. It is a day with too much that I want to do, some things that I need to do and wrapped up in a 'Zumba Dance Party' and supper with a friend at the end.
It is the recipe for a most perfect day. But it is a day that is going to come to a close all too soon. It is time to move myself forward and make the most of my Sunday.
It may not be a day of rest, but it is a day full of everything I enjoy.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
19 Days
I have been running for 19 days straight. I have been out of the house every single day &/or night. I went away one weekend. The second weekend, was consumed with a two-day course. I am officially tired.
I have nothing written on my calendar for today. I feel liberated and free!
It doesn't mean that I have nothing to do. But I don't have to leave the house to do it. Oh ... the joy!!
Balance. It's all about balance. Having too little to do is not a good thing. But booking up every free moment is not a good alternative.
My new goal? To live a moderately busy life style.
It's fun to be busy, involved and around people. But I'm missing my own company. I haven't had the opportunity to simply be quiet with my thoughts and revel in the moment.
Every time I sit still (without eating), I fall asleep. My food intake has been at an all time high. Something is out of whack when I eat this way. Something must change.
Today is a new day. Today I shall strive towards living a balanced day. There is a time for work and a time for play. Today is about mixing it up and doing a little of both. At home!!
I have nothing written on my calendar for today. I feel liberated and free!
It doesn't mean that I have nothing to do. But I don't have to leave the house to do it. Oh ... the joy!!
Balance. It's all about balance. Having too little to do is not a good thing. But booking up every free moment is not a good alternative.
My new goal? To live a moderately busy life style.
It's fun to be busy, involved and around people. But I'm missing my own company. I haven't had the opportunity to simply be quiet with my thoughts and revel in the moment.
Every time I sit still (without eating), I fall asleep. My food intake has been at an all time high. Something is out of whack when I eat this way. Something must change.
Today is a new day. Today I shall strive towards living a balanced day. There is a time for work and a time for play. Today is about mixing it up and doing a little of both. At home!!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Spur of the Moment
One of my favorite things in the world is when plans fall together easily and with little thought or planning. It is akin to just 'going with the flow' of life.
In a world where everyone is busy and committed in their lives, it is a rarity when you can gather a group of four friends together on a whim.
But this has been happening a lot lately within my special friendship group. It is very hard to make a commitment in the future sometimes. So we have adopted the attitude - if it works out ... it is meant to be. And we have had pretty much 100% success with that.
Yesterday morning, I received a few email responses to a suggestion that I offered. By 3:00 in the afternoon, it was decided to throw together a pot luck meal tonight. It was that easy! And because it was so spur of the moment, expectations are low. No panicking about what to make, bring or do. Just being there is the order of the day.
Keep it simple. Go with whatever works. Be spontaneous. Invite people into your life. It works!!
In a world where everyone is busy and committed in their lives, it is a rarity when you can gather a group of four friends together on a whim.
But this has been happening a lot lately within my special friendship group. It is very hard to make a commitment in the future sometimes. So we have adopted the attitude - if it works out ... it is meant to be. And we have had pretty much 100% success with that.
Yesterday morning, I received a few email responses to a suggestion that I offered. By 3:00 in the afternoon, it was decided to throw together a pot luck meal tonight. It was that easy! And because it was so spur of the moment, expectations are low. No panicking about what to make, bring or do. Just being there is the order of the day.
Keep it simple. Go with whatever works. Be spontaneous. Invite people into your life. It works!!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Options
This morning, I knew in advance (this rarely, if ever?? happens) that my morning daycare charge would not be coming.
When I woke up before my alarm, I knew the morning was mine. All mine, to do with as I pleased.
I wandered to the computer and checked my emails. Then I played around on the Internet for a short while.
When my alarm went off at 6:00 a.m., I thought "I'll just crawl back into my unmade bed, warm up and watch TV for a while". The moment the TV was on, I was out.
I kept waking up with the knowledge that I didn't have to get up if I didn't want to. So I didn't. It's fun to have options like that. It seems that I've been driven to wake up on time for several weeks now. Even on the weekends. So this morning, I revelled in the luxury of sleeping in. It was wonderful!
But now my day is behind schedule. I must get myself to work.
I'm so grateful that I have several days of work to work on ... from home! It's good to have the option of running into 'the shop' to supplement my at-home income. But working from home is my preference.
I am grateful for the need to get up. It means that I have job to work at and responsibilities to tend to. It means that I am 'needed' in this world. It gives my day purpose and direction.
But every now and again ... it is a luxury when life hands you options.
When I woke up before my alarm, I knew the morning was mine. All mine, to do with as I pleased.
I wandered to the computer and checked my emails. Then I played around on the Internet for a short while.
When my alarm went off at 6:00 a.m., I thought "I'll just crawl back into my unmade bed, warm up and watch TV for a while". The moment the TV was on, I was out.
I kept waking up with the knowledge that I didn't have to get up if I didn't want to. So I didn't. It's fun to have options like that. It seems that I've been driven to wake up on time for several weeks now. Even on the weekends. So this morning, I revelled in the luxury of sleeping in. It was wonderful!
But now my day is behind schedule. I must get myself to work.
I'm so grateful that I have several days of work to work on ... from home! It's good to have the option of running into 'the shop' to supplement my at-home income. But working from home is my preference.
I am grateful for the need to get up. It means that I have job to work at and responsibilities to tend to. It means that I am 'needed' in this world. It gives my day purpose and direction.
But every now and again ... it is a luxury when life hands you options.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Happy Birthday, My Friend
I have a friend who has many gifts and talents. One of those many talents, is knowing people so well that she can take a 'nothing' day and turn it into a gift.
My Friend draws little or no attention to herself. She's a little dynamo that knows how to draw out the best in people. She is beyond perceptive and looks far below the surface and discovers each person's special gifts. And she acknowledges them.
I'll never forget the first time that I received a hand written note from her. She wrote individual cards to a group that she was training (I was one of the ten (?) in that group). I didn't know that she would become My Friend at that time. I read the words she wrote and I was surprised. I was quiet in those days. I didn't speak unless I was spoken to. I didn't contribute to our class discussions. How she could see what was lying dormant within me was astounding. I believe that she is directly responsible for helping me become who I was all along. And she does this for everyone.
My Friend has compassion that is far reaching and has touched many. She quietly just does what needs to be done. She sees a need and she fills it. She isn't looking for public praise and acknowledgement. She is simply a good citizen to each person that crosses her path.
She walks into a room and sees more than a nameless people. She sees personalities and quiet 'needs' within those who may be alone in a room full of people. She engages people in conversation and you see them light up before your eyes.
She takes care of others. She has her own quiet battles but selflessly turns the other cheek to those and takes the energy she does have and uses it for the better good.
It is no surprise that her parents are amazing and wonderful people. I have felt 'adopted' by her family each and every time I have walked into their home. Her parents gave selflessly of themselves and raised an incredible family. And my friend finds it an honor and a privilege to be able to help take care of her parent's needs as their health has faltered.
Today is My Friend's birthday. My words cannot begin to describe My Friend. But I have tried. To paraphrase why, I have used a comment that my friend made when I blogged about birthdays:
"Funny thing about those birthdays ... some people like the attention and others would rather not have anything focused on them, and some say one way when they really mean another. We try to look at it as a celebration day - not necessarily a birthday but a day to honour the individual - could be any day for that but just easier to pick a birthday so we know everyone gets honoured. We really should honour the people in our lives as much as some people all these unknown actors, music stars, public figures, etc ..."
My Friend, this is your 'Celebration Day'. May you feel peace within, as you deal with whatever life has in store for you. Today and all the days that follow.
My Friend draws little or no attention to herself. She's a little dynamo that knows how to draw out the best in people. She is beyond perceptive and looks far below the surface and discovers each person's special gifts. And she acknowledges them.
I'll never forget the first time that I received a hand written note from her. She wrote individual cards to a group that she was training (I was one of the ten (?) in that group). I didn't know that she would become My Friend at that time. I read the words she wrote and I was surprised. I was quiet in those days. I didn't speak unless I was spoken to. I didn't contribute to our class discussions. How she could see what was lying dormant within me was astounding. I believe that she is directly responsible for helping me become who I was all along. And she does this for everyone.
My Friend has compassion that is far reaching and has touched many. She quietly just does what needs to be done. She sees a need and she fills it. She isn't looking for public praise and acknowledgement. She is simply a good citizen to each person that crosses her path.
She walks into a room and sees more than a nameless people. She sees personalities and quiet 'needs' within those who may be alone in a room full of people. She engages people in conversation and you see them light up before your eyes.
She takes care of others. She has her own quiet battles but selflessly turns the other cheek to those and takes the energy she does have and uses it for the better good.
It is no surprise that her parents are amazing and wonderful people. I have felt 'adopted' by her family each and every time I have walked into their home. Her parents gave selflessly of themselves and raised an incredible family. And my friend finds it an honor and a privilege to be able to help take care of her parent's needs as their health has faltered.
Today is My Friend's birthday. My words cannot begin to describe My Friend. But I have tried. To paraphrase why, I have used a comment that my friend made when I blogged about birthdays:
"Funny thing about those birthdays ... some people like the attention and others would rather not have anything focused on them, and some say one way when they really mean another. We try to look at it as a celebration day - not necessarily a birthday but a day to honour the individual - could be any day for that but just easier to pick a birthday so we know everyone gets honoured. We really should honour the people in our lives as much as some people all these unknown actors, music stars, public figures, etc ..."
My Friend, this is your 'Celebration Day'. May you feel peace within, as you deal with whatever life has in store for you. Today and all the days that follow.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Too Much Sitting
Friday - I sat at the computer and worked at my bookkeeping for nine solid hours. Okay, a few of those hours I was standing at the kitchen table sorting a massive amount of paper. But for the most part? I sat.
Saturday and Sunday - I sat for nine hours each day as I took a First Aid/CPR class. Saturday was brutal. I have been exhausted before but this is the first time that I could have quite literally fallen asleep standing up (I kid you not!). I warned my partner "If I appear to be unconscious, I have just fallen asleep. No need for CPR."
Monday - I worked for another nine hours at my bookkeeping. I sat at the computer 95% of the time.
My point? Too much sitting makes you tired.
Friday night I simply had no choice. Errands had to be run because there was no other time to do it. Perpetual motion kept me awake.
Saturday night I was in bed and sleeping by 8:30. Falling asleep standing up made that decision an easy one.
Sunday night I managed to get through the evening by eating, even though I had just eaten a fully satisfying supper (I believe that is why I eat so much ... it is the only way I can stay awake).
Then there was last night (Monday).
Two hours of Zumba is my Monday evening routine. For the first time in 'ever', I thought I don't want to go. I was tired. I had been out of the house every single day for two weeks running. I just wanted to curl up in a little ball and sleep.
If I wasn't such a cheap skate, I may have done that. But I paid for those classes. I would be ripping myself off if I didn't go to each and every one. So I went.
It was the best two hours I could recall since Thursday. Sitting still for four solid days is not good for you. I needed to move.
I moved and I grooved to the music. I pushed myself as far as I could go (I'm sure I should have pushed harder ... I don't think my heart was beating as fast as it should have been). I broke a sweat. I used my muscles. I had fun.
I needed to push myself out of the house last night. It was the smartest thing that I could have done. I've been so busy working out my brain muscle that I was under the illusion that I was exhausted. Who knew that my body had built up all of that extra energy while it sat idle for four days?
Sometimes it is what you feel like doing the least ... that is the best thing for you.
Saturday and Sunday - I sat for nine hours each day as I took a First Aid/CPR class. Saturday was brutal. I have been exhausted before but this is the first time that I could have quite literally fallen asleep standing up (I kid you not!). I warned my partner "If I appear to be unconscious, I have just fallen asleep. No need for CPR."
Monday - I worked for another nine hours at my bookkeeping. I sat at the computer 95% of the time.
My point? Too much sitting makes you tired.
Friday night I simply had no choice. Errands had to be run because there was no other time to do it. Perpetual motion kept me awake.
Saturday night I was in bed and sleeping by 8:30. Falling asleep standing up made that decision an easy one.
Sunday night I managed to get through the evening by eating, even though I had just eaten a fully satisfying supper (I believe that is why I eat so much ... it is the only way I can stay awake).
Then there was last night (Monday).
Two hours of Zumba is my Monday evening routine. For the first time in 'ever', I thought I don't want to go. I was tired. I had been out of the house every single day for two weeks running. I just wanted to curl up in a little ball and sleep.
If I wasn't such a cheap skate, I may have done that. But I paid for those classes. I would be ripping myself off if I didn't go to each and every one. So I went.
It was the best two hours I could recall since Thursday. Sitting still for four solid days is not good for you. I needed to move.
I moved and I grooved to the music. I pushed myself as far as I could go (I'm sure I should have pushed harder ... I don't think my heart was beating as fast as it should have been). I broke a sweat. I used my muscles. I had fun.
I needed to push myself out of the house last night. It was the smartest thing that I could have done. I've been so busy working out my brain muscle that I was under the illusion that I was exhausted. Who knew that my body had built up all of that extra energy while it sat idle for four days?
Sometimes it is what you feel like doing the least ... that is the best thing for you.
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