212. Recognizing growth in myself! I had a tough day yesterday and started to get discouraged at the turn my thoughts were taking. In the later afternoon, I recognized what was happening. So, I switched from getting discouraged to reminding myself that I have made lots of progress, to then allowing myself to feel what I needed to feel at that moment knowing that it would only be a moment or two rather than the days and weeks of a negative, spiraling funk that used to ensue. I put my tools in action.
213. Driving to work this morning reflecting on the realization above, hearing my dad's voice whisper in my mind, "The sun will always rise." And there it was, waking up over the horizon, reflecting its bright, yellow light off the downtown buildings that I have a clear shot of on the overpass every morning. It's a brand new day.
214. Practicing what I preach. I added an article from the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) website to our employee paycheck newsletter last week. The article, Jane's Holiday Kitchen, talked about using plastics safely (and more), such as not heating plastic leftover containers in the microwave to avoid the leaching of toxic chemicals into the food we eat. Since I read and posted that article, I have stopped myself three days in a row at work from pressing "start" on the microwave at lunch. I remembered the article, and pull my "microwave safe" container (safe for microwaves, but not safe for humans!) out and empty the contents onto a plate to reheat from there. Small changes, little by little
215. Having a health/nutrition/fitness expert at my fingertips - thank you Mindy for the advice on protein today!
216. Working as a team on our financial future (for the first time ever) - Thank You Andy!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Start#1: Gifts 203...
203. An amazing husband who, despite his demanding schedule, helps in the morning to get us all out the door, helps at night to get us all fed, and still, when he sees me at work on the computer after the girls are asleep asks, "Is there anything I can help you with?"
204. Mindy's quotes of the day, always keeping me inspired and thinking positively.
205. Having extra help at work. It took my office partner going on vacation this week and me, in her absence, doing the things I used to do that she now does to truly realize how lucky we are to have her, her morning cheer, and the other amazing women we now have on our team.
206. Finally getting a nagging home repair done today that will hopefully save us money on our water bill, and will help me not feel so guilty about wasting this precious resource.
207. Coupons that saved me over $5 at the grocery store tonight.
208. New recipe that I'm excited to try tomorrow for lunches: Warm Lentil Salad with Sausage and Apple
209. Walking into the house tonight to see Lily in her purple and black dress with the silver sequins and Emmy in her lavender ballerina tutu leotard twirling together to a waltz in the living room.
210. Reading "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" on the couch, Lily on one side of me, Emmy on the other, and how excited I am that we have nearly a month longer to enjoy these holiday stories.
211. Andy stopping me in the hallway tonight for a long, warm embrace.
204. Mindy's quotes of the day, always keeping me inspired and thinking positively.
205. Having extra help at work. It took my office partner going on vacation this week and me, in her absence, doing the things I used to do that she now does to truly realize how lucky we are to have her, her morning cheer, and the other amazing women we now have on our team.
206. Finally getting a nagging home repair done today that will hopefully save us money on our water bill, and will help me not feel so guilty about wasting this precious resource.
207. Coupons that saved me over $5 at the grocery store tonight.
208. New recipe that I'm excited to try tomorrow for lunches: Warm Lentil Salad with Sausage and Apple
209. Walking into the house tonight to see Lily in her purple and black dress with the silver sequins and Emmy in her lavender ballerina tutu leotard twirling together to a waltz in the living room.
210. Reading "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" on the couch, Lily on one side of me, Emmy on the other, and how excited I am that we have nearly a month longer to enjoy these holiday stories.
211. Andy stopping me in the hallway tonight for a long, warm embrace.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Start #2: Total Money Makeover
Here I am, committing on the page to start our Total Money Makeover. I debated about the timing of this admission. First I thought to myself that I would declare before I read the book, then I said I would start after I finished the book. Then I thought I would wait until we start the program to start here on the page, or wait to see if it will even work for us. But waiting leads to procrastination in disguise of more creative timing.
I finished what I said I was going to finish, Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover book. I finished with tears streaming down my face on Saturday on our drive back down from Prescott. I cried at reading so many powerful stories of those surviving their own struggles of debt and becoming debt-free. I near-sobbed at how we will write our own story towards freedom from debt and the emotional burden of our finances, as well as the fear of remaining in the place we're in now. I let tears flow freely over imagining us succeeding. Where will we be? When will it be that we cross that threshold?
Our first appointment with our Dave Ramsey certified financial counselor (because yes, we need that much help), is Wednesday after work. We've been preparing our worksheets by day and tossing and turning (well, at least I am) at night, numbers swirling and spiraling like Alice down the rabbit hole.
I have a feeling we do not yet know the level of commitment this will require, and the amount of discomfort we will face as we confront our money fears to conquer. To climb, sweat, endure, progress, and conquer.
What better friend to have on our journey than Louise Hay and her affirmations from "I Can Do It" for the ride:
I think big, and then I allow myself to accept even more good from life.
Today is a delightful day. Money comes to me in unexpected ways.
I have unlimited choices, opportunities are everywhere.
I truly believe that we are here to bless and prosper each other. I reflect this belief in my daily interactions.
I support others in becoming prosperous, and in turn, life supports me in wondrous ways.
I now do work I love, and I am well paid for it.
The money that comes t me today is a pleasure to handle. I save some and spend some. (and give some)
I live in a loving, abundant, harmonious universe, and I am grateful.
Money is a state of mind that supports me. I allow prosperity to enter my life on a higher level than ever before.
I move from poverty thinking to prosperity thinking, and my finances reflect this change.
I delight in the financial security that is a constant in my life.
I radiate success, and prosper wherever I turn.
I finished what I said I was going to finish, Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover book. I finished with tears streaming down my face on Saturday on our drive back down from Prescott. I cried at reading so many powerful stories of those surviving their own struggles of debt and becoming debt-free. I near-sobbed at how we will write our own story towards freedom from debt and the emotional burden of our finances, as well as the fear of remaining in the place we're in now. I let tears flow freely over imagining us succeeding. Where will we be? When will it be that we cross that threshold?
Our first appointment with our Dave Ramsey certified financial counselor (because yes, we need that much help), is Wednesday after work. We've been preparing our worksheets by day and tossing and turning (well, at least I am) at night, numbers swirling and spiraling like Alice down the rabbit hole.
I have a feeling we do not yet know the level of commitment this will require, and the amount of discomfort we will face as we confront our money fears to conquer. To climb, sweat, endure, progress, and conquer.
What better friend to have on our journey than Louise Hay and her affirmations from "I Can Do It" for the ride:
I think big, and then I allow myself to accept even more good from life.
Today is a delightful day. Money comes to me in unexpected ways.
I have unlimited choices, opportunities are everywhere.
I truly believe that we are here to bless and prosper each other. I reflect this belief in my daily interactions.
I support others in becoming prosperous, and in turn, life supports me in wondrous ways.
I now do work I love, and I am well paid for it.
The money that comes t me today is a pleasure to handle. I save some and spend some. (and give some)
I live in a loving, abundant, harmonious universe, and I am grateful.
Money is a state of mind that supports me. I allow prosperity to enter my life on a higher level than ever before.
I move from poverty thinking to prosperity thinking, and my finances reflect this change.
I delight in the financial security that is a constant in my life.
I radiate success, and prosper wherever I turn.
Start #1: Gifts 195...
195. Comfortable, stylish shoes.
196. Opportunities that continue to help me work towards responding rather than reacting.
197. Arriving to Emmy's school in the 4 o'clock hour to pick her up (minutes before 5, but still within 4 o'clock).
198. One hour of uninterrupted, one-on-one time with Emmy after school today making Play-Doh cakes, cupcakes, cookies, Christmas tree, ornaments, turtles, stars, and a snowman with green eyes, buttons, smile, top hat, and toothpick arms.
199. Daydreaming about one-on-one time with Lily.
200. Emmy running from the dining room table during dinner to the bathroom all by herself yelling, "I need some privacy!" as she closed the door. I heard a flush and went to investigate. Upon entering, I saw Emmy standing in the bathroom with just her shirt on. She asked, "Mom, do you want to see? I can get on all by myself!" She bunched up her shirt in one fist tucked under her chin and scooted herself right onto the potty. I believe her will for independence has grown just as much as her legs in the past couple of months.
201. The strip show continuing with Emmy walking around the kitchen totally naked eating an apple slice before heading off to bath.
202. After my run with Molly while Andy did bath time with the girls, Lily greeting me at the front door with phone in hand, dressed in her robe and pajamas. She said, "Mom! I was just going to text you - M-O-M, I miss you!"
196. Opportunities that continue to help me work towards responding rather than reacting.
197. Arriving to Emmy's school in the 4 o'clock hour to pick her up (minutes before 5, but still within 4 o'clock).
198. One hour of uninterrupted, one-on-one time with Emmy after school today making Play-Doh cakes, cupcakes, cookies, Christmas tree, ornaments, turtles, stars, and a snowman with green eyes, buttons, smile, top hat, and toothpick arms.
199. Daydreaming about one-on-one time with Lily.
200. Emmy running from the dining room table during dinner to the bathroom all by herself yelling, "I need some privacy!" as she closed the door. I heard a flush and went to investigate. Upon entering, I saw Emmy standing in the bathroom with just her shirt on. She asked, "Mom, do you want to see? I can get on all by myself!" She bunched up her shirt in one fist tucked under her chin and scooted herself right onto the potty. I believe her will for independence has grown just as much as her legs in the past couple of months.
201. The strip show continuing with Emmy walking around the kitchen totally naked eating an apple slice before heading off to bath.
202. After my run with Molly while Andy did bath time with the girls, Lily greeting me at the front door with phone in hand, dressed in her robe and pajamas. She said, "Mom! I was just going to text you - M-O-M, I miss you!"
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Start #1: Gifts 184...
184. Getting back to giving thanks.
185. So grateful that our dear Judy is safe after a scary car accident.
186. Our home decorated for the holidays; the Christmas tree lights glowing and reflecting twinkle-like in nearby glass.
187. The Christmas spirit in the hearts of our girls.
188. The countdown to December 1 so we can start counting down to Christmas.
189. The most beautiful Thanksgiving with family, close and cozy warm in the Prescott "palace" watching Polar Express in front of a crackling fire; the kind of moments that we connected to one another in the shared laughter of the children and grandchildren, and the watery eyes of the adults at catching glimpses of it all in our hearts.
190. Sun shining through gray clouds and barren branches up North, reminds me of home in the wintertime.
191. The moments of peace I had to myself before the Thanksgiving crowd arrived. I took a short, brisk walk around the block in Prescott in the chill and stopped to stretch at an outlook at the end of the neighborhood. I am so grateful that taking time to give thanks for the things I appreciate has given me the gift of pause and presence. I heard the dry, fall leaves tumble across the pavement n the blustery afternoon wind, and that very wind in my ears accompanied by the birds chirping. I saw the most beautiful lime green carpet of freshly fallen leaves underfoot. So pristine were the sounds and sights of nature and me taking it in with each breath, every stretch, uncluttered by others and my own thoughts.
192. Taking time this evening to sit with Andy to work on getting our finances in order. This will become our next start as we take on our Total Money Makeover.
193. Andy still sitting quietly beside me as we both type away at the dining room table, deep in thought - me on the laptop, he on his iPad.
194. Three nights in a row of 8 hours of rest each.
185. So grateful that our dear Judy is safe after a scary car accident.
186. Our home decorated for the holidays; the Christmas tree lights glowing and reflecting twinkle-like in nearby glass.
187. The Christmas spirit in the hearts of our girls.
188. The countdown to December 1 so we can start counting down to Christmas.
189. The most beautiful Thanksgiving with family, close and cozy warm in the Prescott "palace" watching Polar Express in front of a crackling fire; the kind of moments that we connected to one another in the shared laughter of the children and grandchildren, and the watery eyes of the adults at catching glimpses of it all in our hearts.
190. Sun shining through gray clouds and barren branches up North, reminds me of home in the wintertime.
191. The moments of peace I had to myself before the Thanksgiving crowd arrived. I took a short, brisk walk around the block in Prescott in the chill and stopped to stretch at an outlook at the end of the neighborhood. I am so grateful that taking time to give thanks for the things I appreciate has given me the gift of pause and presence. I heard the dry, fall leaves tumble across the pavement n the blustery afternoon wind, and that very wind in my ears accompanied by the birds chirping. I saw the most beautiful lime green carpet of freshly fallen leaves underfoot. So pristine were the sounds and sights of nature and me taking it in with each breath, every stretch, uncluttered by others and my own thoughts.
192. Taking time this evening to sit with Andy to work on getting our finances in order. This will become our next start as we take on our Total Money Makeover.
193. Andy still sitting quietly beside me as we both type away at the dining room table, deep in thought - me on the laptop, he on his iPad.
194. Three nights in a row of 8 hours of rest each.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Gratitude Is the Highest Point of View - Deepak Chopra
Gratitude Is the Highest Point of View
Experiencing gratitude is one of the most effective ways of getting in touch with your soul. When you’re in touch with your soul, you eavesdrop on the thoughts of the universe. You feel connected to everything in creation. You embrace the wisdom of uncertainty and you sense yourself as a field of infinite possibilities.
Gratitude is a fullness of heart that moves you from limitation and fear to expansion and love. When you’re appreciating something, your ego moves out of the way. You can’t have your attention on ego and gratitude at the same time.
Just for a few moments, consider the things you have in your life that you could be grateful for – all the nurturing relationships, the material comforts, your body, and the mind that allows you to really understand yourself and everything around you. Just breathe and be grateful for the air that is filling your lungs and making your life possible. Simply feel your body and your aliveness and acknowledge what a miracle it is just to be alive right now. Allow your awareness to appreciate what you are seeing, smelling, and touching just at this moment and you will find yourself in the middle of the stream of life without trying at all.
Feel the love, compassion, and understanding that gratitude brings into your heart. Notice how gratitude brings your attention into the present time, which is the moment in which miracles can unfold. The deeper your appreciation, the more you see with the eyes of the soul and the more your life flows in harmony with the creative power of the universe.
Love,
Deepak
Experiencing gratitude is one of the most effective ways of getting in touch with your soul. When you’re in touch with your soul, you eavesdrop on the thoughts of the universe. You feel connected to everything in creation. You embrace the wisdom of uncertainty and you sense yourself as a field of infinite possibilities.
Gratitude is a fullness of heart that moves you from limitation and fear to expansion and love. When you’re appreciating something, your ego moves out of the way. You can’t have your attention on ego and gratitude at the same time.
Just for a few moments, consider the things you have in your life that you could be grateful for – all the nurturing relationships, the material comforts, your body, and the mind that allows you to really understand yourself and everything around you. Just breathe and be grateful for the air that is filling your lungs and making your life possible. Simply feel your body and your aliveness and acknowledge what a miracle it is just to be alive right now. Allow your awareness to appreciate what you are seeing, smelling, and touching just at this moment and you will find yourself in the middle of the stream of life without trying at all.
Feel the love, compassion, and understanding that gratitude brings into your heart. Notice how gratitude brings your attention into the present time, which is the moment in which miracles can unfold. The deeper your appreciation, the more you see with the eyes of the soul and the more your life flows in harmony with the creative power of the universe.
Love,
Deepak
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Start #1: Gifts 176...
176. Hot showers before bed, washing the day away.
177. Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and mouthwash, and how refreshed I feel after using all four.
178. Laughing so hard I cry.
179. Ending the workday feeling like I accomplished something.
180. Brothers making positive changes.
181. Vivid, colorful dreams that I can recall in detail, fictional characters and all.
182. Starting my day with Kashi cereal.
183. New recipes. Breaking my own tradition of homemade apple pie for Thanksgiving to try Apple-Molasses Spice Cake for the first time.
177. Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and mouthwash, and how refreshed I feel after using all four.
178. Laughing so hard I cry.
179. Ending the workday feeling like I accomplished something.
180. Brothers making positive changes.
181. Vivid, colorful dreams that I can recall in detail, fictional characters and all.
182. Starting my day with Kashi cereal.
183. New recipes. Breaking my own tradition of homemade apple pie for Thanksgiving to try Apple-Molasses Spice Cake for the first time.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Start #1: Gifts 170...
170. Leftovers for lunch that turned into the most delicious taco salad I've had in awhile.
171. Telling someone how much you love them - when they need it most and expect it the least.
172. Emmy's homemade Pine Cone Turkey. I arrived at school today just in time to watch Emmy glue the eyes on, because, "I can do it myself, Mom." This turkey makes me smile on the inside and laugh on the outside.
173. Lily's type-written Thanksgiving note to us, her family, that she created today on the computer with the help of her assigned 6th grade buddy. I am amazed that at such a young age, Lily has the most perfect expectation for the holidays, "I love my family even on Thanksgiving." Ahhh, that one truly made me laugh today.
171. Telling someone how much you love them - when they need it most and expect it the least.
172. Emmy's homemade Pine Cone Turkey. I arrived at school today just in time to watch Emmy glue the eyes on, because, "I can do it myself, Mom." This turkey makes me smile on the inside and laugh on the outside.
173. Lily's type-written Thanksgiving note to us, her family, that she created today on the computer with the help of her assigned 6th grade buddy. I am amazed that at such a young age, Lily has the most perfect expectation for the holidays, "I love my family even on Thanksgiving." Ahhh, that one truly made me laugh today.
174. Comfort food! Thank you Andy for the most comforting plate of turkey stroganoff I've ever had. And thank Lily for not finishing yours so I could eat even more (than I needed).
175. Lily's creativity in the kitchen, just like her Daddy. She peeled Cuties for us for dessert, but placed them in a white, ceramic ramekin, sectioned around the edge of the dish like petals and a half in the center face down for the middle of the flower.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Start #1: Gifts 154...
154. While everyone else has upgraded to an iPad, I'm thanking myself for using a laptop on my lap in bed for the first time ever instead of sitting at my desk with it plugged into the wall. Hmmmm, I can get used to this:)
155. Watching Rose's favorite Shirley Temple videos with the girls; Andy, Lily, Emmy, Rose and I together in their living room after dinner at Rose & Dave's house Friday night, laughing at Shirley, and also laughing at Dave who was being trained by Emmy on how to be a Papa (Dave).
156. Returning to my Saturday morning yoga routine. Thank you Wai Lana for welcoming me back.
157. Adding an extra yoga class on Sunday morning with Andy and girls. It began with a very unassuming sequence of stretches and ended with a really tough flow that repeated itself not once, but three times. We all ended the show in laughter (and sweat) over how fast they were moving from pose pose, and how much slower and uncoordinated we were as we tried to keep up.
158. Being in touch with my body and its energy enough to feel and embrace the warm, tingling sensation that spread from my core to extremities after getting moving again with yoga.
159. Being able to breathe deeply and fully today. Thank you self for taking time to bring yoga back into my life and for pushing through the discomfort of being much too tight.
160. Clean ceiling fans, chandelier, sheets and vacuumed floors.
161. Our washer and dryer that cleaned load after load after load today with unwavering dependability.
162. Real 100% cream and one sugar cube in my Cuban coffee this morning, my weekend indulgence.
163. Reading that as I drink my daily green tea, I am reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
164. Soaking up the fresh, cool air and sunshine flooding in to our clean home, windows open in every room.
165. The healing, relaxing power of giving and receiving Reiki, and grateful that I am a certified practitioner. Thank you Andy for asking for Reiki today!
166. A family trip to the Phoenix Zoo on a beautiful fall day today.
167. A little body at my side with her little arm wrapped around my neck as we gazed up to watch the spider monkeys overhead.
168. Setting a good example. I walked to the park this evening with just Molly. When we arrived, I saw a few white things strewn about. As we got closer, I saw that it was a trash bag and emptied trash. I hesitated for a brief moment and then remembered Mom taking my brothers and me as kids to the park, each of us with a trash bag in hand. As I knelt down to pick up the shredded trash bag I noticed a group of kids walking over from the playground just stepping onto the grass to cross the diagonally to the desert. By the looks of their all black clothes and swagger, I immediately thought they would either a. walk by and completely ignore me; or b. heckle me. Much to my surprise, they asked, "Is that yours?" I answered no, and the whole groups of kids stopped walking and started picking up trash around me, adding it to the shredded bag in my hand.
169. Counting blessings instead of frustrations.
155. Watching Rose's favorite Shirley Temple videos with the girls; Andy, Lily, Emmy, Rose and I together in their living room after dinner at Rose & Dave's house Friday night, laughing at Shirley, and also laughing at Dave who was being trained by Emmy on how to be a Papa (Dave).
156. Returning to my Saturday morning yoga routine. Thank you Wai Lana for welcoming me back.
157. Adding an extra yoga class on Sunday morning with Andy and girls. It began with a very unassuming sequence of stretches and ended with a really tough flow that repeated itself not once, but three times. We all ended the show in laughter (and sweat) over how fast they were moving from pose pose, and how much slower and uncoordinated we were as we tried to keep up.
158. Being in touch with my body and its energy enough to feel and embrace the warm, tingling sensation that spread from my core to extremities after getting moving again with yoga.
159. Being able to breathe deeply and fully today. Thank you self for taking time to bring yoga back into my life and for pushing through the discomfort of being much too tight.
160. Clean ceiling fans, chandelier, sheets and vacuumed floors.
161. Our washer and dryer that cleaned load after load after load today with unwavering dependability.
162. Real 100% cream and one sugar cube in my Cuban coffee this morning, my weekend indulgence.
163. Reading that as I drink my daily green tea, I am reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
164. Soaking up the fresh, cool air and sunshine flooding in to our clean home, windows open in every room.
165. The healing, relaxing power of giving and receiving Reiki, and grateful that I am a certified practitioner. Thank you Andy for asking for Reiki today!
166. A family trip to the Phoenix Zoo on a beautiful fall day today.
167. A little body at my side with her little arm wrapped around my neck as we gazed up to watch the spider monkeys overhead.
168. Setting a good example. I walked to the park this evening with just Molly. When we arrived, I saw a few white things strewn about. As we got closer, I saw that it was a trash bag and emptied trash. I hesitated for a brief moment and then remembered Mom taking my brothers and me as kids to the park, each of us with a trash bag in hand. As I knelt down to pick up the shredded trash bag I noticed a group of kids walking over from the playground just stepping onto the grass to cross the diagonally to the desert. By the looks of their all black clothes and swagger, I immediately thought they would either a. walk by and completely ignore me; or b. heckle me. Much to my surprise, they asked, "Is that yours?" I answered no, and the whole groups of kids stopped walking and started picking up trash around me, adding it to the shredded bag in my hand.
169. Counting blessings instead of frustrations.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Start #1: Gifts 147...
147. People who know how to make a child feel special. Miss Sarah, one of the teachers at Emmy's school who Lily has always enjoyed visiting and spending time in her classroom, said to Lily when she saw Lily's face bright and early yesterday morning, "I get to see Lily today? Oh my gosh, my day just got a whole lot better because I get to see you!" The smile that spread across Lily's face spoke was so precious.
148. Fridays: traffic is a little lighter, coworkers are a bit more cheerful, and the evening is a lot easier knowing we don't have to wake up bright and early the next day to do it all over again.
149. Wearing jeans to work any day or every day if I want to.
150. Giving hugs, kisses, and snuggles like we mean it at the end of the night even though we were all a little cranky to each earlier and wiped out.
151. Putting my cozy, cute, gray slippers on as soon as I get home for the night.
152. The anticipation of picking Andy up at the airport tomorrow with the girls. Picking people up at the airport and greeting them inside is one of my most favorite things to do!
153. Going to bed before midnight for the first time this week.
148. Fridays: traffic is a little lighter, coworkers are a bit more cheerful, and the evening is a lot easier knowing we don't have to wake up bright and early the next day to do it all over again.
149. Wearing jeans to work any day or every day if I want to.
150. Giving hugs, kisses, and snuggles like we mean it at the end of the night even though we were all a little cranky to each earlier and wiped out.
151. Putting my cozy, cute, gray slippers on as soon as I get home for the night.
152. The anticipation of picking Andy up at the airport tomorrow with the girls. Picking people up at the airport and greeting them inside is one of my most favorite things to do!
153. Going to bed before midnight for the first time this week.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Start #1: Gifts 136...
136. So grateful that the skies overhead cease to impress me. On our way home from work/school today we followed a hot air balloon to find it making a brief descent right over the big park (the same one that the cows prefer to graze at) in our community. It was a moment that made all others in the day vanish.
137. Going home to get Molly and walking back to the park to catch the rest of the sunset. At first glance I didn't notice, but I stopped for a minute to take in the expansive Arizona sky and saw contrasting streaks of orange and blue, a gorgeous variation of a sunset.
138. Superglue, white caulk, and hope. Lily's ceramic turtle, fondly named Shuttles, that Nonna brought back from Hawaii had an accident in the shower a couple nights ago. To say Lily was heartbroken just doesn't describe the sorrow she felt for two days. So we operated last night and tested her out in the open waters of the tub tonight. She floated! It was a very happy night at our house.
139. Thanks to a co worker's hand-me-down, the Thanksgiving issue of Real Simple magazine waiting for me to indulge in its pages.
140. Getting to know someone new at lunch today.
141. Mended, renewed relationships.
142. Sleeping through the night without being woken up by little people.
143. Grateful for my relatives who shared a Guinness with Andy while he's away in St. Louis and for what genuine, loving, warm, kind, funny people they are.
144. Just us girls:)
145. Hearing the girls say goodnight to their Dad miles away, but feeling like he's right in the bedroom with us not missing a minute because that's just the kind of Dad he is.
146. Realizing that laughter is making a more frequent appearance in my days!
137. Going home to get Molly and walking back to the park to catch the rest of the sunset. At first glance I didn't notice, but I stopped for a minute to take in the expansive Arizona sky and saw contrasting streaks of orange and blue, a gorgeous variation of a sunset.
139. Thanks to a co worker's hand-me-down, the Thanksgiving issue of Real Simple magazine waiting for me to indulge in its pages.
140. Getting to know someone new at lunch today.
141. Mended, renewed relationships.
142. Sleeping through the night without being woken up by little people.
143. Grateful for my relatives who shared a Guinness with Andy while he's away in St. Louis and for what genuine, loving, warm, kind, funny people they are.
144. Just us girls:)
145. Hearing the girls say goodnight to their Dad miles away, but feeling like he's right in the bedroom with us not missing a minute because that's just the kind of Dad he is.
146. Realizing that laughter is making a more frequent appearance in my days!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Start #1: Gifts 129...
129. Safe arrivals and departures by air.
130. Eternally grateful to Sarah for my garlic immune boosting cocktail. Just drank my full glass of crushed, steeped garlic cloves followed by Seven Blossoms tea, and going for some shut eye in a few short moments to help my healing win out against the germs. Andy, you should be glad you're sleeping in St. Louis. tonight:)
131. Altoids, original peppermint. Ahhhh, I can feel the cool, spicy mint in my mouth now just thinking about them. I will save that for tomorrow morning in case of lingering garlic breath. I must admit, I am a junkie. I keep my tin in the car, in my purse and at my desk at work for a perfect peppermint pick-me-up.
132. The silhouette of saguaro cacti and mountains in front of burnt orange and ocean blue pre-dawn skies as I drive out of our community in the mornings this time of year.
133. Noticing on my way to work this morning how I was one with the sunrise, even in the midst of rush hour traffic on the I-17. What a blessing being thankful truly is. I am finding that I notice more little things now, that I take such pleasure in being more present in moments as they occur. That I am simply, but poignantly, more grateful.
134. Talking with someone who makes me laugh out loud.
135. Watching/hearing people at work get excited about their health thanks to an upcoming biometric screening/health event we are putting on.
130. Eternally grateful to Sarah for my garlic immune boosting cocktail. Just drank my full glass of crushed, steeped garlic cloves followed by Seven Blossoms tea, and going for some shut eye in a few short moments to help my healing win out against the germs. Andy, you should be glad you're sleeping in St. Louis. tonight:)
131. Altoids, original peppermint. Ahhhh, I can feel the cool, spicy mint in my mouth now just thinking about them. I will save that for tomorrow morning in case of lingering garlic breath. I must admit, I am a junkie. I keep my tin in the car, in my purse and at my desk at work for a perfect peppermint pick-me-up.
132. The silhouette of saguaro cacti and mountains in front of burnt orange and ocean blue pre-dawn skies as I drive out of our community in the mornings this time of year.
133. Noticing on my way to work this morning how I was one with the sunrise, even in the midst of rush hour traffic on the I-17. What a blessing being thankful truly is. I am finding that I notice more little things now, that I take such pleasure in being more present in moments as they occur. That I am simply, but poignantly, more grateful.
134. Talking with someone who makes me laugh out loud.
135. Watching/hearing people at work get excited about their health thanks to an upcoming biometric screening/health event we are putting on.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Start #1: Gifts 126...
126. The feel of the weight and warmth of Emmy's little body against mine and the way it fills in the space in my lap from hips to chin during our long, morning hugs while we sit on the floor wherever we happen to greet each other.
127. Doing something helpful for someone who never asks for help and seeing the smile on their face because of it.
128. The awe I feel today at seeing the sunrise, sunset and the moonrise all in a day, and the distinct beauty of each.
127. Doing something helpful for someone who never asks for help and seeing the smile on their face because of it.
128. The awe I feel today at seeing the sunrise, sunset and the moonrise all in a day, and the distinct beauty of each.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Magic
I believe that a bit of magic happened in the house tonight. Lily and Emmy were in Lily's room arguing over something (sounds just magical, doesn't it?!). I think it was a pretty typical situation: Lily didn't agree with the way Emmy was doing something so tried to tell Emmy what to do, Emmy probably wanted to do it her own way so protested and hit Lily, but somehow in the process, she hurt herself too. Emmy came running out of Lily's room crying that Lily hurt her and Lily followed on Emmy's heels shouting at me in defense.
I said, "Stop. Hold hands right now."
They stopped and looked at me just as dumbfounded as I felt at having come up with that.
"Hold hands right now." I repeated.
As Lily reached out her left hand and Emmy reached out her right to meet in the middle, I continued, "While you're holding hands, I want you to talk to each other about what happened." They held hands and turned their bodies to look at each other. As they started to talk, smiles spread across their faces. They hardly made it through a sentence and started laughing. I said, "Okay, now give each other a hug and say I love you." They did just that, and then Lily turned to Andy and me and said, "Well, what about you guys?!" Andy and I looked at each other, kissed, and said, "I love you."
"Are you all done saying what you needed to say to each other?" I asked as the girls ran off to the bathroom together to start a bath. I heard "yes mom" tumble over the running water. Andy was in the kitchen when I turned around, my eyes filled to the brim but not yet spilled over.
I told him that I'm pretty certain that I remember Janet telling me years ago that this is how her parents (lived their intense child-rearing years in the 1940's - 60's I would say, but both now passed away)and four children resolved conflicts. For some reason, that memory just arrived in the middle of our evening, and I certainly welcome its stay. Hopefully we can adopt it as our own.
I said, "Stop. Hold hands right now."
They stopped and looked at me just as dumbfounded as I felt at having come up with that.
"Hold hands right now." I repeated.
As Lily reached out her left hand and Emmy reached out her right to meet in the middle, I continued, "While you're holding hands, I want you to talk to each other about what happened." They held hands and turned their bodies to look at each other. As they started to talk, smiles spread across their faces. They hardly made it through a sentence and started laughing. I said, "Okay, now give each other a hug and say I love you." They did just that, and then Lily turned to Andy and me and said, "Well, what about you guys?!" Andy and I looked at each other, kissed, and said, "I love you."
"Are you all done saying what you needed to say to each other?" I asked as the girls ran off to the bathroom together to start a bath. I heard "yes mom" tumble over the running water. Andy was in the kitchen when I turned around, my eyes filled to the brim but not yet spilled over.
I told him that I'm pretty certain that I remember Janet telling me years ago that this is how her parents (lived their intense child-rearing years in the 1940's - 60's I would say, but both now passed away)and four children resolved conflicts. For some reason, that memory just arrived in the middle of our evening, and I certainly welcome its stay. Hopefully we can adopt it as our own.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Start #1: Gifts of Simple Pleasures
My life today was filled with such simple pleasures that to recount them here fills my heart with joy and brings on tears of happiness. I captured a few of these moments with pictures:
117. The rain and clouds make for a lazy Sunday morning. I found an unopened Monopoly game in the hall closet when I cleaned it out for the yard sale yesterday. Lily found the game in the living room this morning and asked if I could teach her how to play it. As we opened the game and got it all set up, I thought so fondly of my brother Phil and how, as a kid, Monopoly used to be his most favorite game.
And thank you Monopoly for being a math teacher in disguise! Lily bought and paid for her own properties, and saw the benefit of surprise rewards (thanks to being a beauty pageant winner, passing Go and collecting $200, and more).
118. Enough money from our yard sale today to buy Lily some much needed new shoes and clothes.
119. So proud of Lily today for handling two of her most difficult adventures - the above (trying on new shoes and clothes) despite her sensory processing difficulties. I see her growing exponentially when she is challenged and I hold back. I must admit this is one of the hardest things to learn to do as a mom, and I can't foresee it getting any easier. Seeing the growth makes it worthwhile, but easy to do, probably not ever?
120. Taking the kids and the dog to the tennis courts in the late, sunny-with-clouds afternoon. We had three courts in an entire fenced area all to ourselves, plenty of room to spread our wings; Andy and I had (more than expected) friendly volleys, Lily had lots of great racket to ball contact with her Spongebob Squarepants racket (or bat, as Emmy referred to it) and coached Andy and I on when our balls were "out of balance", and Emmy, after tiring from chasing balls with Molly, found her shadow about five yards long and puddles to dip her hands in to make hand print art all over the courts. I cherish the beautiful differences in my daughters, their ingenuity, and approaches to the same family Sunday fun.
121. Getting my heart rate up, my muscles warm, and my shirt sweaty. Yes, I am a girl who likes a good sweat.
122, Dinnertime. Dinnertime at our house is not always the most pleasant, so when a truly enjoyable family dinner happens, every moment is savored and celebrated.
Our first simple pleasure was a white wine. Bought for cooking last night (we have the MOST AMAZING pork crock pot recipe, of all things) that Andy made. We thought surely this now opened bottle would die a long, slow death in the refrigerator because we usually don't drink white. But for some reason (lack of any other wine in the house maybe?), we poured and sniffed. And inhaled, exhaled, inhaled again with such delight over what our senses imagined - is it honey, is it peach, is it apple? Then sipped, ahhh, we enjoyed the moment, the flavor, and read that it was citrus rind - lime and orange. It's called Simply Naked (not us, just the wine) - Unoaked Pinot Grigio.
After dinner, Andy browsed through the pictures on my phone and found this picture that made us all smile. The tell tale Mom's Best Naturals Mallow Oats in the bowl (Emmy's favorite cereal, the closest I get to Lucky Charms), gave away the photographer. It's the simplicity in the shots, the colors and reflections in the glass table on the patio, and the fact that it was Emmy totally unsupervised this morning that made discovering them this evening so enjoyable.
123. I am thankful for the gift of an extra hour that we get come Daylight Savings, only a one hour time difference in the Fall and Winter to talk with Bumpa and Grammy in Wisconsin. They called this evening, and I am so happy that the conversation took an unexpected turn to a very candid talk on finances. Thank you, Dad, for the support to do what we think is right. It must be that letting go thing that I don't have the hang of yet!
124. While chatting away, I was oblivious to Andy and Lily working on a school project in the other room. The assignment, as given by Mrs. Worthington, Lily's first grade teacher:
116. Waking up to a rainy morning, so cool and refreshing, low clouds and fog hovering over the sliver of mountain view we get from our backyard.
117. The rain and clouds make for a lazy Sunday morning. I found an unopened Monopoly game in the hall closet when I cleaned it out for the yard sale yesterday. Lily found the game in the living room this morning and asked if I could teach her how to play it. As we opened the game and got it all set up, I thought so fondly of my brother Phil and how, as a kid, Monopoly used to be his most favorite game.
And thank you Monopoly for being a math teacher in disguise! Lily bought and paid for her own properties, and saw the benefit of surprise rewards (thanks to being a beauty pageant winner, passing Go and collecting $200, and more).
118. Enough money from our yard sale today to buy Lily some much needed new shoes and clothes.
119. So proud of Lily today for handling two of her most difficult adventures - the above (trying on new shoes and clothes) despite her sensory processing difficulties. I see her growing exponentially when she is challenged and I hold back. I must admit this is one of the hardest things to learn to do as a mom, and I can't foresee it getting any easier. Seeing the growth makes it worthwhile, but easy to do, probably not ever?
120. Taking the kids and the dog to the tennis courts in the late, sunny-with-clouds afternoon. We had three courts in an entire fenced area all to ourselves, plenty of room to spread our wings; Andy and I had (more than expected) friendly volleys, Lily had lots of great racket to ball contact with her Spongebob Squarepants racket (or bat, as Emmy referred to it) and coached Andy and I on when our balls were "out of balance", and Emmy, after tiring from chasing balls with Molly, found her shadow about five yards long and puddles to dip her hands in to make hand print art all over the courts. I cherish the beautiful differences in my daughters, their ingenuity, and approaches to the same family Sunday fun.
121. Getting my heart rate up, my muscles warm, and my shirt sweaty. Yes, I am a girl who likes a good sweat.
122, Dinnertime. Dinnertime at our house is not always the most pleasant, so when a truly enjoyable family dinner happens, every moment is savored and celebrated.
Our first simple pleasure was a white wine. Bought for cooking last night (we have the MOST AMAZING pork crock pot recipe, of all things) that Andy made. We thought surely this now opened bottle would die a long, slow death in the refrigerator because we usually don't drink white. But for some reason (lack of any other wine in the house maybe?), we poured and sniffed. And inhaled, exhaled, inhaled again with such delight over what our senses imagined - is it honey, is it peach, is it apple? Then sipped, ahhh, we enjoyed the moment, the flavor, and read that it was citrus rind - lime and orange. It's called Simply Naked (not us, just the wine) - Unoaked Pinot Grigio.
Next came Lily and Emmy devouring our family's traditional salad. Nothing came between them and that salad. The dressing has been passed down from generation to generation to generation on Andy's mom's side of the family: olive oil, red wine vinegar, Parmesan cheese, and garlic salt. No measurements, just add as you go right onto your greens and veggies of choice, and toss. So, it may vary from time to time and when it's on, it's ON and there is nothing you can do to stop yourself from drinking what's left in the bowl. Here are the girls completely in the moment, no forks necessary.
After dinner, Andy browsed through the pictures on my phone and found this picture that made us all smile. The tell tale Mom's Best Naturals Mallow Oats in the bowl (Emmy's favorite cereal, the closest I get to Lucky Charms), gave away the photographer. It's the simplicity in the shots, the colors and reflections in the glass table on the patio, and the fact that it was Emmy totally unsupervised this morning that made discovering them this evening so enjoyable.
123. I am thankful for the gift of an extra hour that we get come Daylight Savings, only a one hour time difference in the Fall and Winter to talk with Bumpa and Grammy in Wisconsin. They called this evening, and I am so happy that the conversation took an unexpected turn to a very candid talk on finances. Thank you, Dad, for the support to do what we think is right. It must be that letting go thing that I don't have the hang of yet!
124. While chatting away, I was oblivious to Andy and Lily working on a school project in the other room. The assignment, as given by Mrs. Worthington, Lily's first grade teacher:
Disguise Tom Turkey so the farmer can't find him when it's time for dinner. You will be provided with a blank turkey template and a writing sheet for this project. Decorate/disguise your turkey. Be creative and use any materials you want! Then work together to write a few sentences on the writing sheet about his disguise and how he manages to escape!
It is my sincere hope that in all my years to come, I (and you) think of our Thanksgiving turkeys as hula dancing Hawaiian girl turkeys. Thank you Lily and Andy for your endearing creativity!
125. The last thing I can relish in here tonight is our victory against the garbage disposal. Moments ago, it died and blew a breaker to boot. Upon the smell of something burning under the sink, I had visions of plumbers and dollar signs spinning. I was intimidated by the disposal mount alone and thought, how in the heck would I even go about taking that off? Andy reset the breaker, we tested the outlet, plugged the disposal into another outlet and nothing. We thought surely we were in for a home repair headache or money out of our pocket. But, Andy inspected again and found the culprit - a small stone lodged in the disposal. We managed to get it loose, and to also find the reset button underneath the unit! Neither one of us is the well-versed in home repairs, but one small victory at a time builds confidence in our skills, and in each other; I love the teamwork and high-fives in marriage.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Start #1: Gift 115
115. I am thankful for the gift I am about to give myself - a much needed full night of rest. Ahhhh, can hardly wait to take a hot shower, get into some cozy pjs, and curl up in bed next to Andy.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Start #1: Gifts 105...
105. Finding people who are really good at what they do, like our new family dentist. It's like you can tell by their body language, facial expressions, and verbal communication that they are meant to be doing what they're supposed to be doing. I don't think there could have been anyone other than her to make Lily feel so at ease getting her first (and hopefully only) filling today.
106. Impromptu picnics at the park.
107. Meeting other moms who inspire me to be a better mom. Met a mom at the park today with her 8-year old daughter. They were on a treasure hunt for 11/11/11, in search of all kinds of fun things from 11 pretty rocks at the park, to 11 PT Cruisers and 11 green cars on the drive to their next location, to then find 11 interesting characters to people-watch at the mall, and who knows what in between.
108. Facing one of our biggest fears - our finances.
109. Dinner at one of our favorite dives, Chino Bandido's! And knowing that I get to enjoy my homemade Chino's snickerdoodle cookie that I didn't eat after dinner tonight with some coffee tomorrow morning.
110. Feeling safe enough with each other to be able to vent, rant, and rave in the car, and then carry on knowing we still love and respect each other.
111. Laughing together in the car, just me and Andy.
112. Spending the early (and way too late) evening with Nonna/Rose. I have witnessed something when my children spend time with their grandparents that is a beauty I never could have dreamed; I see in small, silly exchanges that their hearts grows larger, their capacity to love forever stretched. It's a pliable thing, almost like the silly putty in the back seat of the car, these little hearts that stretch open beyond imagination to hold the love that comes back to them in direct correlation to how they give it.
113. Going to bed with a clean, organized garage that, after the garage sale tomorrow, will now fit a vehicle.
106. Impromptu picnics at the park.
107. Meeting other moms who inspire me to be a better mom. Met a mom at the park today with her 8-year old daughter. They were on a treasure hunt for 11/11/11, in search of all kinds of fun things from 11 pretty rocks at the park, to 11 PT Cruisers and 11 green cars on the drive to their next location, to then find 11 interesting characters to people-watch at the mall, and who knows what in between.
108. Facing one of our biggest fears - our finances.
109. Dinner at one of our favorite dives, Chino Bandido's! And knowing that I get to enjoy my homemade Chino's snickerdoodle cookie that I didn't eat after dinner tonight with some coffee tomorrow morning.
110. Feeling safe enough with each other to be able to vent, rant, and rave in the car, and then carry on knowing we still love and respect each other.
111. Laughing together in the car, just me and Andy.
112. Spending the early (and way too late) evening with Nonna/Rose. I have witnessed something when my children spend time with their grandparents that is a beauty I never could have dreamed; I see in small, silly exchanges that their hearts grows larger, their capacity to love forever stretched. It's a pliable thing, almost like the silly putty in the back seat of the car, these little hearts that stretch open beyond imagination to hold the love that comes back to them in direct correlation to how they give it.
113. Going to bed with a clean, organized garage that, after the garage sale tomorrow, will now fit a vehicle.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Start #1: Gifts 98...
98. The one small cup of coffee with a teeny, tiny bit of vanilla creamer that Emmy's school offers to everyone at the front desk. I take a cup on my way out nearly every morning and savor each sip as I make my way into town. The past couple of weeks have been a treasure enjoying the warmth sink down to my belly while surrounded by the crisp morning air and the sunrise as I make my way to the I-17.
99. A surprise day off that my family doesn't know about yet. Can't wait to see their faces tomorrow morning when they realize I get to stay home with them.
100. Classic U2 Joshua Tree, belting out "Where the Streets Have No Name" on my way home today.
101. Indulgences this evening: girl time with girlfriends, Mindy's delicious stroganoff, red wine, mini Oreos, and as hard as it is to admit this, the last of the leftover bacon that I just ate off the kitchen counter from Andy's fried egg, avocado, bacon, lettuce, tomato sandwiches that I missed tonight.
102. Chatting with my niece in her family's hot tub tonight. It's rare that I get that one-on-one time with her to see her shine in her own right, on her own turf.
103. I am so grateful for my experiences today that have given me the perspective to see how far I've come, how much I've grown. I love that perspective is a recurring theme here.
104. Thankful for over 100 gifts in my life and counting.
99. A surprise day off that my family doesn't know about yet. Can't wait to see their faces tomorrow morning when they realize I get to stay home with them.
100. Classic U2 Joshua Tree, belting out "Where the Streets Have No Name" on my way home today.
101. Indulgences this evening: girl time with girlfriends, Mindy's delicious stroganoff, red wine, mini Oreos, and as hard as it is to admit this, the last of the leftover bacon that I just ate off the kitchen counter from Andy's fried egg, avocado, bacon, lettuce, tomato sandwiches that I missed tonight.
102. Chatting with my niece in her family's hot tub tonight. It's rare that I get that one-on-one time with her to see her shine in her own right, on her own turf.
103. I am so grateful for my experiences today that have given me the perspective to see how far I've come, how much I've grown. I love that perspective is a recurring theme here.
104. Thankful for over 100 gifts in my life and counting.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Start #1: Gifts 88...
88. Getting out the door in the morning with everyone smiling.
89. Having enough gas in the car to get me home, enough food in the house to feed us all, and enough warm clothes to keep the chill away on these gusty, true Autumn days and nights. Tonight, I am grateful for enough.
90. My health; that my body is capable of doing the things that I need and want to do in a day.
91. The solitary, fully opened rose next to our driveway - so stark, the first and only one on all three rose bushes that we trimmed back last month. Grateful that I happened to witness its climax of beauty as I got out of the car tonight.
92. Reading Zen Shorts with Lily tonight, grateful that Lily chose a book that talks about letting go of anger instead of carrying it with you all day, and thrilled that we had a conversation about meditation and trying it together sometime.
93. Sliding across the wood floors in my socks (and taking running starts to maximize!)
94. Learning from Lily's homework that the next stage of life for a tadpole is a froglet - made me chuckle out loud.
95. Packaging a homemade gift to drop in the mail tomorrow, imagining the recipients' faces when they receive it and the feeling they will have in their hearts.
96. My resident astronomer inviting me outside tonight to take a look at Jupiter through the telescope. Seeing things through that lens all the sudden made the distance between me and our galaxy a fathomable space - nearly as one.
97. Clean bathrooms.
89. Having enough gas in the car to get me home, enough food in the house to feed us all, and enough warm clothes to keep the chill away on these gusty, true Autumn days and nights. Tonight, I am grateful for enough.
90. My health; that my body is capable of doing the things that I need and want to do in a day.
91. The solitary, fully opened rose next to our driveway - so stark, the first and only one on all three rose bushes that we trimmed back last month. Grateful that I happened to witness its climax of beauty as I got out of the car tonight.
92. Reading Zen Shorts with Lily tonight, grateful that Lily chose a book that talks about letting go of anger instead of carrying it with you all day, and thrilled that we had a conversation about meditation and trying it together sometime.
93. Sliding across the wood floors in my socks (and taking running starts to maximize!)
94. Learning from Lily's homework that the next stage of life for a tadpole is a froglet - made me chuckle out loud.
95. Packaging a homemade gift to drop in the mail tomorrow, imagining the recipients' faces when they receive it and the feeling they will have in their hearts.
96. My resident astronomer inviting me outside tonight to take a look at Jupiter through the telescope. Seeing things through that lens all the sudden made the distance between me and our galaxy a fathomable space - nearly as one.
97. Clean bathrooms.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Start #1: Gifts 84...
84. A great idea on my way to work today that made me exercise my brain, inspired me, and has me anticipating my drive in tomorrow for more time to ponder, and hopefully brainstorm over the weekend.
85. Homemade tarragon potato salad at work today, Ina Garten recipe, Janet Otte chef.
![Zen Shorts[Hardcover]](http://a1.bing.com/thumb/get?bid=ivwMPjEH8EeODA&bn=CC&fbid=7wIR63%2bClmj%2b0A&fbn=CC "Zen Shorts[Hardcover]")
87. Early bedtime for the girls so I was still able to squeeze in a walk with Molly, an hour of work to make up for the hour I left early today, an early blog post, and early to bed. Looks like the word of the day is Early, and I am grateful for feeling like I was given extra hours in a day.
85. Homemade tarragon potato salad at work today, Ina Garten recipe, Janet Otte chef.
86. Lily's phrase in the backseat on the way home from school today. She told me she got a new book at the school library called Zen Shorts. The book is a children's collections of short stories about a Panda named Still Water; the artwork is all watercolors. Lily said, "It's Chinese Mom, so I thought that would be really calming." I asked Lily if she read the book already. She replied, "No, not yet, but I'm going to do some picture walking right now." I laughed softly to myself as I heard the pages start to turn. "I love that you just said that Lily!" I told her as I drove with a huge smile on my face. Can't wait to read that book with her.
When a giant panda moves into Michael, Addy, and Karl's neighborhood, he tells them the most amazing Zen stories that abound with enlightenment and love. John J Muth contributes vibrant watercolors and elegant ink drawings for this Caldecott Honor Book.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Start #1: Gifts 74...
74. Feeling in my heart and family the benefit of setting healthy boundaries.
75. Making someone laugh out loud, mouth wide open.
76. One of the best parts of my job, getting to spend time with all the new hires who start each week. Nearly every person brings a special quality to our agency and the community we serve; each one so talented, kind, unique.
77. A sunset walk at Steel Indian School Park with Kat.
78. The way the late afternoon Fall sun lit the clouds along their outside edges in bright orange and seemed to be in direct alignment with where the water intersected the bridge and the ducks passed under the bridge towards the sun as it neared the horizon.
79. Feeling completely chilled in Phoenix today, as if my ears and nose are still thawing out from my walk today.
80. Friendship.
81. My brand new Nimbus Toothbrush. Andy ordered one for each of us online last week because he said it's the most amazing toothbrush he's ever used. I used mine for the first time last night and I will never go back. I could brush my teeth all day long.
82. Making my own guacamole for a work luncheon tomorrow.
83. Ending the night right now with a cup of my beloved Seven Blossoms (Siete Azahares) Tea. You can find this tea in just about any Yerberia in town, and Andy just found it at Food City in the spice aisle. It is the most relaxing (contains Valerian Root), healing tea I've ever had. I've used it for years when I'm coming down with something and need to get some really good, solid rest, or if I'm just wound up and need to wind down before bed.
75. Making someone laugh out loud, mouth wide open.
76. One of the best parts of my job, getting to spend time with all the new hires who start each week. Nearly every person brings a special quality to our agency and the community we serve; each one so talented, kind, unique.
77. A sunset walk at Steel Indian School Park with Kat.
78. The way the late afternoon Fall sun lit the clouds along their outside edges in bright orange and seemed to be in direct alignment with where the water intersected the bridge and the ducks passed under the bridge towards the sun as it neared the horizon.
79. Feeling completely chilled in Phoenix today, as if my ears and nose are still thawing out from my walk today.
80. Friendship.
81. My brand new Nimbus Toothbrush. Andy ordered one for each of us online last week because he said it's the most amazing toothbrush he's ever used. I used mine for the first time last night and I will never go back. I could brush my teeth all day long.
82. Making my own guacamole for a work luncheon tomorrow.
83. Ending the night right now with a cup of my beloved Seven Blossoms (Siete Azahares) Tea. You can find this tea in just about any Yerberia in town, and Andy just found it at Food City in the spice aisle. It is the most relaxing (contains Valerian Root), healing tea I've ever had. I've used it for years when I'm coming down with something and need to get some really good, solid rest, or if I'm just wound up and need to wind down before bed.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Accomplishments
We took advantage of a slow weekend to take care of a few projects around the house. I first have to applaud Andy. He tackled the 5 foot square box that has been on the front porch since it's arrival on Halloween - the new, assembly-required patio furniture. We read nightmares of assembly in the online reviews, but thought that knowing what we were getting into (who am I kidding, knowing what he was about to get into) in advance, would make it tolerable and worth the 60 percent off.
Not only did he tackle it, but with extremely uncharacteristic efficiency (may I clarify, he is extremely efficient in the kitchen and anything having to do with food). I had already prepared myself for the swearing, the sweat beads on his forehead dripping tauntingly into his eyes, missing parts, broken pieces (as many also indicated on the reviews). I saw him at one point assembling the love seat on the living room floor, and next thing I knew, on a pass through from my clean sweep in the garage, he said, "Hey, want to check it out? We just have to decide how we want to arrange it!" The writer in me so badly wants to say that he was holding the drill up to his lips as if blowing on the tip of a gun upon being the man left standing after a sundown shootout. But I don't think that actually happened. The couple of hours of assembly (5 pieces!) went by so silently, I am still in awe.
I cleaned out the garage, dumbfounded that we have a total of five sets of golf clubs (my $10 yard-sale starter set, my new and improved $25 dollar starter set, Andy's old "Cougars" and his - imagine golfing with the guys with your set of "Cougar's" - new birthday replacements, and brother Jake's). Everything in there is now separated for the yard sale this coming weekend, the back patio is cleaned off, our pretty turquoise-glazed ceramic bird bath now has a permanent home and new use other than holding miscellaneous yard shoes and garden gloves, the old resin patio chairs I couldn't wait to get rid of have now been repurposed near the bird bath (you would be so proud Rose!), frosted globe outdoor lights from our wedding have been strung on the patio, our 11 solar garden lights placed strategically around the yard, leaves, dirt and cement cleaned up from the rear as well as the unsightly dead plant pot graveyard removed from the side yard - now hope filled in the garage one step closer to new plants in them soon, Halloween decorations put away, both cars cleaned out and vacuumed, and the front patio swept. Whew.
And the most amazing thing happened. As I cleaned and Andy built, the girls filled the space with living. I brought the never used tee-ball set from the garage to the backyard. I pitched, and Lily hit balls. Emmy tried to hit Lily with a bat (hey, what can I say, it isn't always rosie around here). Andy brought out the telescope in its box that has been transported to three different garages without being opened. I unzipped the easel case covered in dust (also from living in three garages) a half-opened canvas, and paint set - some dried up, but enough new for Lily to create her first acrylic painting of grass, sky, clouds, and a big giant red rose nearly as big as the canvas right in the middle. Lily and I sat on the new furniture and ate Triscuits, cheese, an apple and Cherry Vanilla Creme Hanson's while we played UNO. We all took turns before dinner catching a glimpse of the craters on the moon through the telescope.
We're getting the hang of it, these starts and finishes. Even in small bursts, as they often come, make our world a different place. All in time. We started three months ago with the same dirt and weed backyard we had when we moved in two years ago, and now, it's another place we can be to grow the family we are and that we become each day. It's really quite similar - doing it day in and day out, it's hard to see the progress. But every now and then we look at the girls and think, my gosh, did you grow two inches in your sleep last night? And who are you that you would make hot chocolate for each of us tonight, all on your own for the first time because you thought it might be something we would all really like?
Not only did he tackle it, but with extremely uncharacteristic efficiency (may I clarify, he is extremely efficient in the kitchen and anything having to do with food). I had already prepared myself for the swearing, the sweat beads on his forehead dripping tauntingly into his eyes, missing parts, broken pieces (as many also indicated on the reviews). I saw him at one point assembling the love seat on the living room floor, and next thing I knew, on a pass through from my clean sweep in the garage, he said, "Hey, want to check it out? We just have to decide how we want to arrange it!" The writer in me so badly wants to say that he was holding the drill up to his lips as if blowing on the tip of a gun upon being the man left standing after a sundown shootout. But I don't think that actually happened. The couple of hours of assembly (5 pieces!) went by so silently, I am still in awe.
I cleaned out the garage, dumbfounded that we have a total of five sets of golf clubs (my $10 yard-sale starter set, my new and improved $25 dollar starter set, Andy's old "Cougars" and his - imagine golfing with the guys with your set of "Cougar's" - new birthday replacements, and brother Jake's). Everything in there is now separated for the yard sale this coming weekend, the back patio is cleaned off, our pretty turquoise-glazed ceramic bird bath now has a permanent home and new use other than holding miscellaneous yard shoes and garden gloves, the old resin patio chairs I couldn't wait to get rid of have now been repurposed near the bird bath (you would be so proud Rose!), frosted globe outdoor lights from our wedding have been strung on the patio, our 11 solar garden lights placed strategically around the yard, leaves, dirt and cement cleaned up from the rear as well as the unsightly dead plant pot graveyard removed from the side yard - now hope filled in the garage one step closer to new plants in them soon, Halloween decorations put away, both cars cleaned out and vacuumed, and the front patio swept. Whew.
And the most amazing thing happened. As I cleaned and Andy built, the girls filled the space with living. I brought the never used tee-ball set from the garage to the backyard. I pitched, and Lily hit balls. Emmy tried to hit Lily with a bat (hey, what can I say, it isn't always rosie around here). Andy brought out the telescope in its box that has been transported to three different garages without being opened. I unzipped the easel case covered in dust (also from living in three garages) a half-opened canvas, and paint set - some dried up, but enough new for Lily to create her first acrylic painting of grass, sky, clouds, and a big giant red rose nearly as big as the canvas right in the middle. Lily and I sat on the new furniture and ate Triscuits, cheese, an apple and Cherry Vanilla Creme Hanson's while we played UNO. We all took turns before dinner catching a glimpse of the craters on the moon through the telescope.
We're getting the hang of it, these starts and finishes. Even in small bursts, as they often come, make our world a different place. All in time. We started three months ago with the same dirt and weed backyard we had when we moved in two years ago, and now, it's another place we can be to grow the family we are and that we become each day. It's really quite similar - doing it day in and day out, it's hard to see the progress. But every now and then we look at the girls and think, my gosh, did you grow two inches in your sleep last night? And who are you that you would make hot chocolate for each of us tonight, all on your own for the first time because you thought it might be something we would all really like?
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Start #1: Gifts 65...
65. Starting our day with a family walk in the brisk morning air, marveling at all the "lakes" in the community washes from the rain the night before. Emmy did wonder though, if that is a lake, where are the ducks?
66. Watching Lily learn how to do handstand splits on the balance beam in gymnastics today; her gracefulness amazes me.
67. Seeing how happy my girls are with vanilla frosted donuts and ice cold milk.
68. Spending time and energy cleaning the garage and putting the yard together - tasks that we are rewarded quickly for with a transformation right before our eyes: tee-ball in the grass, bubble-blowing on the patio, and watching the sunset from our new patio furniture, and all.
69. Good news today from a friend who so desperately needed good news, and a beautiful conversation with her while she shared with me details about her new healthy environment, healthy body, and soon-to-be healthy bank account.
70. Thankful that Lily's friend's mom is the kind of mom who teaches a group of six to nine year-olds how to make duct tape purses for her daughter's birthday party.
71. Hope.
72. Laughter.
73. Snuggles.
66. Watching Lily learn how to do handstand splits on the balance beam in gymnastics today; her gracefulness amazes me.
67. Seeing how happy my girls are with vanilla frosted donuts and ice cold milk.
68. Spending time and energy cleaning the garage and putting the yard together - tasks that we are rewarded quickly for with a transformation right before our eyes: tee-ball in the grass, bubble-blowing on the patio, and watching the sunset from our new patio furniture, and all.
69. Good news today from a friend who so desperately needed good news, and a beautiful conversation with her while she shared with me details about her new healthy environment, healthy body, and soon-to-be healthy bank account.
70. Thankful that Lily's friend's mom is the kind of mom who teaches a group of six to nine year-olds how to make duct tape purses for her daughter's birthday party.
71. Hope.
72. Laughter.
73. Snuggles.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Start #1: Gifts 63 & 64
63. Quoted from a guy at work this morning as he filled up on coffee, "Everyone is a kid on Friday."
64. A cool, rainy night and just the girls and I piled on the couch with popcorn, hot chocolate and a movie.
64. A cool, rainy night and just the girls and I piled on the couch with popcorn, hot chocolate and a movie.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Start #1: Gifts 56...
55. Compliments - giving and receiving.
56. My negative mammogram results.
57. Playing Louise Hay's thoughts on living a stress-free life for my six and a half year old daughter and her responding, "There are some very nice things in there Mom." She did ask to change the channel and listen to something "normal" when the section ended, but that she was receptive to it and it was in language she could understand and translate meaning to in her own life made me so (silently) excited.
58. Happening to see my friend Sarah's post today just in time to make me stop and be present with my girls tonight. Had I not read her story about a million things to do and her daughter asking her if she can just hold her because she had a tough day at preschool and could really use a cuddle, I think I would have continued with my business of making dinner, overseeing homework and picking up the house.
When Lily asked, "Mom, Emmy and I are digging up dirt to plant my pumpkin seeds, do you want to help?" I hesitated, then remembered Sarah's story and said, "Yes, you know what? I do want to help." So Lily, Emmy and I planted the just sprouted pumpkin seeds that were sent home from school today after the growing cycle lesson. And when Emmy said, "Mom, you have to sit down or you're not going to get a sticker." I did exactly as she said. She further instructed, "Criss cross apple sauce mom, right here on the floor." She blew some bubbles and then said, "Okay Mom, your turn!" As she reached out to give me the bubble wand.
59. Lily in her jeans, shirt, purple wings strapped to her back next to Emmy in her dress-up skirt hiked all the way up as a dress, bumble bee wings strapped to her back, dancing around the living room together catching bubbles.
60. Animal encounters at the park. The occasions that I run into wildlife unexpectedly there ignite my body's primal response, the fight or flight. This evening I came upon my second sighting of cows at our community park - I'm talking the kind of city park that you pay money to reserve for Saturday afternoon birthday parties. My first sighting, I couldn't make them out entirely, but saw through imagination monstrous black blobs to which my response was RUN. Tonight though, yes - cows at the park, quietly eating grass under the stars.
I watched the coys for some time in silence and saw a blur of a coyote run through them so quickly that the cows did not even lift their heads. I then ran Molly on the other side of the park and ran home to tell the girls (still dripping wet from bath and shower) to get jammies on to go say goodnight to the cows. By the time we got back just minutes later, cars were lined up like a drive-in movie to check out the piece of extraordinary in our ordinary.
61. Lily reading stories to Emmy in Emmy's bed, then getting up to turn out the light, close the door, climb back into bed, and go to sleep next to her sister for the first time.
62. Watching Modern Family with Andy, the one of two TV shows that we watch together and laugh out loud at.
56. My negative mammogram results.
57. Playing Louise Hay's thoughts on living a stress-free life for my six and a half year old daughter and her responding, "There are some very nice things in there Mom." She did ask to change the channel and listen to something "normal" when the section ended, but that she was receptive to it and it was in language she could understand and translate meaning to in her own life made me so (silently) excited.
58. Happening to see my friend Sarah's post today just in time to make me stop and be present with my girls tonight. Had I not read her story about a million things to do and her daughter asking her if she can just hold her because she had a tough day at preschool and could really use a cuddle, I think I would have continued with my business of making dinner, overseeing homework and picking up the house.
When Lily asked, "Mom, Emmy and I are digging up dirt to plant my pumpkin seeds, do you want to help?" I hesitated, then remembered Sarah's story and said, "Yes, you know what? I do want to help." So Lily, Emmy and I planted the just sprouted pumpkin seeds that were sent home from school today after the growing cycle lesson. And when Emmy said, "Mom, you have to sit down or you're not going to get a sticker." I did exactly as she said. She further instructed, "Criss cross apple sauce mom, right here on the floor." She blew some bubbles and then said, "Okay Mom, your turn!" As she reached out to give me the bubble wand.
59. Lily in her jeans, shirt, purple wings strapped to her back next to Emmy in her dress-up skirt hiked all the way up as a dress, bumble bee wings strapped to her back, dancing around the living room together catching bubbles.
60. Animal encounters at the park. The occasions that I run into wildlife unexpectedly there ignite my body's primal response, the fight or flight. This evening I came upon my second sighting of cows at our community park - I'm talking the kind of city park that you pay money to reserve for Saturday afternoon birthday parties. My first sighting, I couldn't make them out entirely, but saw through imagination monstrous black blobs to which my response was RUN. Tonight though, yes - cows at the park, quietly eating grass under the stars.
I watched the coys for some time in silence and saw a blur of a coyote run through them so quickly that the cows did not even lift their heads. I then ran Molly on the other side of the park and ran home to tell the girls (still dripping wet from bath and shower) to get jammies on to go say goodnight to the cows. By the time we got back just minutes later, cars were lined up like a drive-in movie to check out the piece of extraordinary in our ordinary.
61. Lily reading stories to Emmy in Emmy's bed, then getting up to turn out the light, close the door, climb back into bed, and go to sleep next to her sister for the first time.
62. Watching Modern Family with Andy, the one of two TV shows that we watch together and laugh out loud at.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Confession
I have a confession. I have allowed Start #1 to be a convenient diversion from something else that I started before this blog and have since not finished. If I am really going to test the purpose of this blog, I feel it's important for me to own up.
We (Andy and I) need to get on a better financial path; we are overdue, and in more ways than one! A friend recommended Dave Ramsey's book, Total Money Makeover. The book is sitting on my night stand, probably with dust on the bookmark exactly where I left it in page 110. Just two nights ago I finished the other project I've been wanting to complete for weeks, so now it's time to return. My intention is that by committing here on the page, I will have to follow through to finish. My goal is to at least finish the book, and then determine if/how we will start our money makeover, which will be Start #2.
For this moment, I don't think that I'll document the other project I just finished because I didn't start it here. As this blog in its early stages is a work in progress of my life at present; reaching towards follow through, incorporating daily positivity, as well as returning to my writing, so will the starts and finishes be about the process and progress.
Goodnight! I'm off to bed to read.
We (Andy and I) need to get on a better financial path; we are overdue, and in more ways than one! A friend recommended Dave Ramsey's book, Total Money Makeover. The book is sitting on my night stand, probably with dust on the bookmark exactly where I left it in page 110. Just two nights ago I finished the other project I've been wanting to complete for weeks, so now it's time to return. My intention is that by committing here on the page, I will have to follow through to finish. My goal is to at least finish the book, and then determine if/how we will start our money makeover, which will be Start #2.
For this moment, I don't think that I'll document the other project I just finished because I didn't start it here. As this blog in its early stages is a work in progress of my life at present; reaching towards follow through, incorporating daily positivity, as well as returning to my writing, so will the starts and finishes be about the process and progress.
Goodnight! I'm off to bed to read.
Start #1: Gifts 51...
51. Having perfectly clear traffic to drive clear across town to arrive at my appointment four minutes early even though I left work late.
52. Going to a new dentist today who I think is incredible, and now having proof that my intuition is right - I needed to make this change. Next time I won't wait so long to face what I already know deep down.
53. The feeling that ending my evening in positivity is now becoming part of my normal routine.
54. An early night!
52. Going to a new dentist today who I think is incredible, and now having proof that my intuition is right - I needed to make this change. Next time I won't wait so long to face what I already know deep down.
53. The feeling that ending my evening in positivity is now becoming part of my normal routine.
54. An early night!
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