Idle Hands

With time on my hands, what important project has been keeping me busy? Shopping, of course!  I actually don't shop all the time. I rarely buy on impulse, but I figure I deserve a few treats once in a while. Now I'm anxiously awaiting my packages to arrive.  I ordered a book I have already read, but it is so good that I had to own a copy.  The other things will be new to me. Now I need to keep up with the household chores to not feel guilty about my purchases.   

When Given Time

I'll have some time off this summer to do whatever I please.  My daughter will be in preschool a few days a week, so I'll even have some uninterrupted time to myself.  People ask me what I will do with all that time.  I feel like I need to do something significant so I don't waste that time.  I do have some news tasks and projects I am anxious to get to.  This free time is like a gift.  I can get a head start before I have to go back to my busy schedule.  

But what I want to remember most is that I need to find a balance between goals and enjoying life without deadlines or pressure.   

My life is usually so rush rush that I don't usually stop to enjoy the little things.  My daughter is great at reminding me of this with her love of nature.  Is it so wrong to just stop and BE for a bit?  It's not that I want to get out of doing things (well, maybe a little).  My accomplishments don't have to define me.  I want to recharge my batteries so I see life the way my daughter does. Appreciating the small miracles and allowing thoughts and questions to flow.  Enjoying every moment for what is, instead of what "should" be done.  Not all day every day, but just stopping from time to time.   Balance and moderation.

Risky Business

Last night's Ugly Betty finale hit home for me. Betty tends to play it safe.  She is hard working, creative, and ambitious. She's been an assistant for a while now and is content, but in her heart she wants more than that. Now that Daniel lost his position, who knows what will happen to Betty.  It could be the kick in the pants that she needs. She's also torn between two men.  Either choice will be drastic, but certainly an adventure.

We all need to take some risks once in a while.  Sure, we become comfortable with our lives. But we do need to remember the goals we once set for ourselves if we have not met them yet.  Are they attainable?  Can we make them happen?  I say yes.  I have a few goals I want to achieve, but I have not taken action.  It's not too late for me, and it's not to late for anyone else get out there and go for it. If not now, when?

I'm Still Here

I've been loyally following my favorite blogs, but sadly neglecting my own. 

Just finished Eat, Pray, Love.  It was much more than I expected.  Work is very busy, but I'll have a long vacation in a few weeks.  Looking forward to a festive Memorial Day weekend! 

Cherish Earth Each Day

Earth Day was last week and many people attended events that promote environmental awareness.  I have never actually attended such events, but I am an advocate for making changes to help alleviate the stress we are causing our planet.  For decades, some people have been talking about the damage we are doing to Earth.  Finally it is becoming trendy to "Go Green."  I'm all for this since many people will get on board.  It's especially important to influence children since they will eventually have to deal with the consequences of our current actions.  

I recycle what I can.  I refill my water bottles before dropping them into the recycling bin.  I have a few reusable chico bags and canvas bags that I will take with me next time I go shopping.  I've been getting more tips from the eco-hip blog, but I just want to do more.  Any suggestions?

A Heartbreaking Tale

I just finished Snow Flower and the Secret Fan this weekend. It was based in 19th century China and well researched.  I actually stumbled upon this book at a library book sale, and snatched it up since I heard good things about it.  

I just started reading Eat, Pray, Love.  I've heard mixed reviews about this one, but I'll give it a chance.  

15 Minutes a Day

The Flylady says you can do anything for 15 minutes at a time.  I think about daunting tasks at home and don't know where to start.  But just doing a little bit, just 15 minutes, can put a dent in a project.  I've conquered a few paper piles in the past few weeks by doing this, so I know it really can make a difference.  Now I want to add writing daily into the mix.  If I can do more, great.  I imagine getting into the habit of this will help my writing tremendously.