My Computer Got H1N1...

The Calming Effect of the Ocean

For years now, I have noticed the effect the ocean has on me. My husband and I used to travel down to Cape Cod every Friday when he worked third shift. His days were free and it was a great escape for us.There is something that draws us to Cape Cod and although we no longer go every Friday, we go often.

This was one of those weekends, a spur of the moment thing, except this time we went all the way to Provincetown (or "P" town for those who are familiar to New England). Provincetown, for those of you who don't know, is the curly part of Massachusetts on the map- or the tip. We stayed at a hotel across the street from the ocean. We took full advantage of that by walking the shore in the middle of the night. The stars were crystal clear. The seals were barking but other than that we were completely alone. Enjoying the peace the ocean brings us. It's fascinating really because we don't know why it has the same effect on both of us.

Last night we walked along all of the quaint little shops. The shops and restaurants were all open. We ate, we walked, we laughed and talked and we held hands for two days straight. It sure is nice to get away alone once in a while.

Marvelous Monday

I hope you all had a MARVELOUS MONDAY and I wish you a TERRIFIC TUESDAY so that we can WELCOME WEDNESDAY because THANKFULLY THURSDAY is the day before our FAVORITE........FRIDAY!

Prioritizing

Sorry---> to my faithful droppers.Adjusting to the new schedule caused me to miss a day of dropping.

When prioritizing, yesterday, 'dropping' naturally dropped to the bottom of the bucket. LOL

I'm back today and read all of your comments. Thank you all!

Successful Firsts

We may not all remember the first day we started kindergarten... I sure don't. 

BUT I am sure my mom does. 

There are certain milestones that carve themselves deep in our hearts and I know that this is one of them. Not just because this is the third time I have done this, but because my daughter surprised me. You see, my youngest daughter started kindergarten today. I have been worried for months because she is extremely shy. I don't mean she doesn't like to talk to strangers. I mean, she won't even talk to me around strangers. She kind of hums when there is anyone outside of the immediate family around. My son has figured it all out but I have yet to make sense of her sing-song language, (as wonderful as it is). I was afraid that she wouldn't talk in school... but she did. She knew she had too. She was proud and confident. I saw it in her eyes. As she answered her teacher, she looked at me and smiled. I will never forget that moment for as long as I live.

She needed to start school full time. I can see it now. She is coming out of her shell and stepped to the front of the line. She will do fine and someday I will share these memories with her.

It was a successful first day of school for Jasmine. It was a successful first for me as well. It was the first time I looked at my daughter and knew --without a doubt --that she is going to be fine!

Transforming With the Seasons

Are you a different person with each season?

My fun-loving, energetic, summer persona is giving way to my  calmer, creative and nurturing side. I am reluctant to give up the fun of summer, but find myself welcoming fall because I know I will pick up some of the things I have neglected.This happens to me with each season. Does it happen to everyone?

As soon as the weathers cools, I pull out my crocheting and writing from hiding.This year I pulled out my threads a little early. I work on crafts with the kids.I read about five times faster than the summer months. Instead of upbeat music I am searching for quieter softer tones. I am more content to stay at home, not giving way to  the pulling tide of summer, that lures me outside to absorb the sun.

I will miss the summer me. She is youthful and fun. I feel her stepping aside, making way for the more serious side of me.

I am curious... How does the weather affect you?

My Day Off >>>(from work)

Okay, so, tomorrow is my day off. At least that's what my husband thinks. He has no idea just how jam packed my days-away-from-the-office are.  We women know that a woman's work is just a never- ending list of things that we didn't finish today, but will try to get to tomorrow. 


I'm not angry with my husband, it can be comical. He is great. He does his share and then some. We each have our roles. (But I have secretly hoped that I would get sick so he could see what my day is like as a mom of three.) Seriously, we make a great team. See, he's a work-a-holic; and I'm not.


Don't get me wrong I'm not lazy. My house is spotless- I never have to worry about unexpected guests. I cook for my family and make sure they have clean clothes even if I'm doing laundry at 5:30 am before work. BUT, as you can all see, I have no problem shutting that all off to get on the computer, crochet, read a book, or play a game with the kids. 

People ask me all the time..."How do you do it? Keep the house so clean with small children, cook real meals, etc." My husband and I have taught our children to pick up after themselves and that helps, but the fact that I don't watch much television has the largest impact on all of that. Instead of watching someone else's life- I am living mine. It's strange, in these times, when there is a reality show for just about everything. LOL But I am living my life to the fullest and completely happy with the extra time I have. (Except when someone asks me about a television show or an actor/actress.)



I take time to reflect on my day, and my life. I have to have peace . I am not fueled by the hustle and bustle that could so easily consume me (and has in the past). I have learned to take a deep breath and step back from stressful moments. I haven't always been this way, it took me years to learn, but I am more productive when I am at peace than I ever could've been when I was running on empty.


With the help of  Dr. Dwayne Dyer, author of The Power of Intention; Rhonda Byrnes, the author of TheSecret; and Eckhart Tolle the author of A New Earth; I have learned to live in the now. I have created a calmer me. 


Reading these books has allowed me to grow spiritually without compromising my religious beliefs and that is what makes them useful to all. No matter your religion, you can appreciate these books and their concepts. I encourage anyone seeking inner-peace to try one of these books. 


On that note, tomorrow I will take my three children for last minute school supplies. While I am driving, I will listen to my nature sounds CD. I will pace myself and when I feel like I need a break, we will stop for lunch. I will take a deep breath and admire my children. I will get energized when I stop to breathe, and then we will continue on. 


I will come home and make dinner and do laundry. When my husband comes home I will greet him with a kiss and a smile and that's what causes the confusion. If I had such a busy day, how could I make dinner, after school shopping with the kids and doing errands and not be stressed? He hasn't caught on yet...but I'm working on it. :)



This is how I live my life.
Peace be with you all.

Bright Eyed and Bushy Tailed

This morning I went to the local liquor/convenience store to replenish my tobacco supply. The owner of the store- a beautiful Indian young woman, whom I have become somewhat friendly with, asked me where I get my eyebrows done. I  hadn't done them in a while and knew they didn't look their best, and wondered why she was asking. I answered her anyway, not sure where she was headed. I told her that I get them waxed or  I pluck them. I would say that depends mostly on whether I am going out or not. I get them waxed and maintain them myself. I've never been the high-maintainence type.

I thought she told me that she threaded hers, but between her slight Indian accent and the fact that I had never heard of the threading method, I felt my eyebrows furrow and face contort with confusion  She smiled and said, "Let me take this next customer and I will show you.. She offered to do them for free and if I liked them I could come back and she would charge me $5.00. I agreed. I am glad that I did. She did a fabulous job! It was quick and precise-slightly painful, but no more than waxing.

There are always alternative solutions to learn about and old remedies from other cultures always excite me. Check out the video to learn more!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F37Sl1c7BA0