Day 9 - Short and Sweet

I have waited too late to BLOG tonight. Darn, I'm sorry about my time management. Weren't we just BLOGGING about "time?" I'll have to go back and read my words. Until then, I must say Goodnight, sweet dreams, and I'll never say, "don't let the bed bugs bite" in jest again . . . Yuck, to think there really may be some nasty little creature, plotting for me to drift away to sleep, so he/she can munch all night long.

Not a pleasant visual at all.

As I was saying, Night!

Day 8 - Time Flies

Where does the day go? I know I start out each morning with a plan, and I know I work off my many lists, but really, where does the time go? Maybe the same place the socks escape to . . . the same place they live, that unclear space that represents all that is unknown or not clear. Okay, wait a minute, this isn't a science fiction BLOG . . . sorry about that little deviation.

Where were we, oh yes, where does the day go? You may be like me, always nTending to be "on time" to find more "time" to get the job done, or do the laundry, or make those brownies or clean the house or . . . see what I mean? Time flies . . . in every sense of the word. Time doesn't stand still, unless you are in that science fiction BLOG I thought we were in. No, time definitely moves forward without a care in the world. Time doesn't stop to ask for directions. Time doesn't need gas or money or sleep. Time doesn't need permission or a contract or a schedule. Time just marches on doesn't it? And before you know it, it is 2:00 and you still have a considerable amount of work to do before the kids get home from school. Or, it's 4:45 and the deadline was 4:30. Or your baby is barely walking and the next moment you are trying to figure out just how one is supposed to teach a hormonal, pubescent, irritable at any moment for no known reason, teenager, how to drive a car . . . yep, time takes off without you sometimes.

Tomorrow, my goal is to focus on more of the individual moments that make up one of these days that keeps getting away from me. After all, one of my b450 list items is to slow down and nJoy more each day, to notice more about all those moments that add up, to not just "get through the day" but to really live through the day.

Until tomorrow . . . Bye for now!

Day 7 - Is the little voice in your head friendly?

Have you ever thought about whether the little voice in your head is friendly, or out to get you?

 I would caution you NOT to discuss this topic with most folks, as most folks may not be nTouch with that little voice and would certainly not admit they listened to it. So, back to the original question . . . is the little voice your head, friend or foe? If after listening to the little voice you feel as though anything is possible, then I would have to say that force is more good than bad. But, if that voice tears you down, uses guilt to manipulate you, or generally makes you think nothing you do is right, or ever will be right, then I would buy head-phones and focus on anything besides that little voice!

More discussions about the little voice will come in the days to come . . . Stay tuned!

Bye for now :)

Day 6 - Have you ever laughed so hard . . .

Have you ever laughed so hard that you were hoarse?

I just spent the last two hours laughing with my boys (15 and 22, almost 23) I marvel whenever I around them. They are so alike and have so many of their father's characteristics. I am grinning from ear to ear just thinking back. This is one of those moments that all I can do is say, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I am so happy and so blessed. The only thing that would have been better would have been if my girl had been here. She would have been in the middle of all of that laughter.

Don't we all need to find more ways to laugh every day. I know there are scientific studies about the positive health benefits from laughter. I feel healthier than I have in years.

Find something to laugh at tomorrow.

Day 5 - Glad it's Friday

This week started out great. But reality took hold and I realized that staying positive is a full time job. Thank goodness each week starts over . . . almost a "do over" . . . if you are so inclined. Stress can, and usually does, suck the happy out of you. So, next week, or maybe tomorrow, I'll get back to my b450 list. Staying positive is at the top of the list. I'm determined to keep the momentum going. 300+ days to go; plenty of time to practice, and you know what they say about practice . . . Until then, bed calls!

Night :)

Day 4 - Would you notice

Today was another wonderful day. While in Pensacola, Florida for business, I made my way to the beach. I have traveled to this stretch of white sandy beaches a few times in my life and always manage to find a tremendous variety of tiny shells. This trip offered more than I have ever seen. I'm still not entirely sure why this area of the Florida panhandle produces these tiny shells. (Must try to do some research on that question.)

But this trip, and my walk early this morning, did nSpire another question. Would most people, walking this same stretch of sugar white sand, stop to notice these tiny miracles of nature? My two pictures for today will hopefully give you a reason to pause if you are ever in this area, or any other area where beauty is all around you, but not out in the open like the nose on your face. I like to think these tiny shells are a "God Thing" . . . so I ask you . . . Would you notice? 

Clump Washed Up

Tiny Treasures Revealed!

  

The first picture is a random clump of "something" washed up on the shore with the waves. The second picture reveals the tiny treasures that made up that clump and many others just like it, along the parcel of beach I visited. (To demonstrate the scale, notice the sea oat next to the shells. It measured 3/4 inch by 7/16 inch at its widest point) Absolutely nCredible, don't you think?

Day 3 – To be or not to be, a Grownup

 Have you ever noticed how sometimes, it is more prudent, NOT to have the last word. This tactic is particularly effective with teenagers. Often time’s silence and the look, work better than any argument you have to offer.

As an aside, I used to hate when my mother would say, “Because I said so” or “I don’t need a reason, I’m your Mother!” I know you know what I’m talking about . . . as a mother (or father), those two phrases, and phrases that express the same sentiment, are part of the everyday language many of us use to communicate with our children. When I was the target of those phrases, I swore (under my breath of course), that when I grew up and had children, I would never treat them so unfairly. That memory brings a grin to my face now. I was so wrong to stake that claim, because not only do I use these phrases often, I enjoy the authority they nSpire. After all, do I really owe a minor tenant in my home, anything but my unconditional love and devotion? Should he have a vote? A voice maybe, but not a vote. NO means no! That reminds me of a bumper sticker my dad found years ago. He gave it to me and simply said, one day this will mean something:  WHAT PART OF NO DON’T YOU UNDERSTAND . . .

Priceless!

So, back to my main point today. Not only does it usually benefit you to hold back or refrain altogether, from giving in to that “last word” desire; sometimes you actually come out ahead. Whether you are the boss, the employee, the teacher, the spouse, or even the plumber, presenting a huge bill you may need to justify, silence forces a pause. Time to reflect, collect your thoughts, and time to think about what you want to say and how you should say it. So next time you are tempted to have that last word, remember, pause, be silent, maybe flash the look and wait . . . you may just be surprised by the outcome.

I’m loving this new mission!

Bye for now!

Day 2 - The day after

Well, let's just say, reality has taken a little bit of the wind out of my sails. I guess I ask myself, "why is it that some parts of our lives are so hard?" Yesterday, I was on top of the world, ready to change the world through positive thoughts and choices. Today, work slams down hard, my son wakes up sick, and my to-do list won't possibly get to-done. Oh well, it is what it is.

My nTouch list will be called "b450" . . . short, simple and to the point. I have 363 days after today. I will say that I have been more deliberate in my thinking about everything today. A few items that will appear on my list are, no more talking on my cell phone while driving, exercising every day, and drinking more water. (I have never texted while driving, at least not that I want to admit, but I will absolutely not do that again.)

 Overall I would have to say I have felt more calm and happy. If today was my last day, I have helped a few folks, taken good care of my son and been responsible and committed to my job. Although I haven't enjoyed today as much as I enjoyed yesterday, it has been a nice change from the fast, chaotic pace I am used to keeping. I didn't exercise with my new snap jump rope yet, but I have a few more hours today. I have been very thankful for all that I do have and grateful for the presence of mind to be working toward this change in the way I live each day. I truly don't want any more time to go by unrecognized. I want to feel an inner peace, a connection with who I am and want to become. I don't want to settle or be satisfied with just getting through the day. I want to live each day. Find beauty and uniqueness, joy and balance. I have a very busy life that I have created. I want to edit my style and nJoy more of what is going on around me. NO MORE BLINDERS! I am excited to begin this journey and pray that I gain a whole new insight on the way I need to live the next 50 years . . . after all, I'm counting on being on a Smuckers jar one day!

Bye for now :)

What a day!

How many times can I say THANK YOU for this wonderful day? I think this might just be the best birthday I can remember. Lunch was soooo much fun. I had a great dinner with my son, and my friend Kelly surprised me with homemade cupcakes. Wow, what a day! 

I have so much to say . . . 364 days may not be enough :).  Tomorrow will be DAY 2, I can't wait. 

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! God Bless!

The Beginning - Day 1

 Today is THE DAY! The day that my year-long chronicle begins. And what a glorious day it has been so far. I have included 2 pictures (which I hope to do often) that demonstrates the beauty I woke up to today. Obviously, the first picture is of the beautiful blue sky! The second is a little more unusual. Each morning, while it is warm and dry enough for my yard to require watering, I am greeted with this magnificent rainbow. I can always see the beginning, the full arch and the end. (No pot of gold yet, maybe I'll add that to my list, see below) It is our yard rainbow. As far as I know, no one before today, except me,  has ever seen this site. Now, its beauty can be properly revealed on this magical day, my Birthday!

 This will not be my only entry today, as I am working on my "list" (not sure what to call it yet) of items, activities or things that I want to accomplish sometime in the next 365 days. I don't want to call it my bucket list, because I sure don't want to "kick the bucket" at the end of this year. So, I will wait to be nSpired, to have the thought come to me, hopefully today.

In the meantime, I must get ready for lunch with my oldest friend in the world, BB! It is our tradition to have lunch on one of our birthdays for a combined celebration. There might even be a glass of White Oak Chardonnay, our favorite.

See you a little later today!

I love Birthdays :)  Bye for now . . .

Counting Down to tomorrow . . .

I suppose this is more of a practice BLOG than the true beginning, which will kickoff in the morning, August 23, 2010. I'm a little nervous that I won't be able to keep this up. If you stumble upon this BLOG, please stop long enough to say Hello . . . Until tomorrow . . .