I read this post on Small Notebook. Then I read it again. Then I immediately went to the bookshelf in my spare bedroom (aka. room where I put stuff that I don't know what to do with but think I am not ready to part with) and promptly put 20 or books that I have been hanging on to for 15+ years in a "donate" bag.
I want to bookmark that post and just read it every day. I am over "stuff" too and want to learn to live with and need less because I have bigger (see 2011 resolution number eight), more important things I want to do. So far, I've only made one trip to goodwill this year and thrown some stuff away, but it's not enough. The goodwill truck is coming through my neighborhood this week and I plan to have some bags/boxes ready for them.
Goodbye unnecessary stuff. I don't need you. In fact, I'm better off without you.
2.28.2011
2.27.2011
Meaning
Over the weekend, I was cleaning out a few drawers and came across this clipping. I wanted to save it.
Meaning is not something you stumble across, like the answer to a riddle or the prize in a treasure hunt. Meaning is something you build into your life. You build it out of your own past, out of your affections and loyalties, out of the expericens of humankind as it is passed on to you, out of your own talent and understanding, out of the things you belive in, out of the things and people you love, out of the values for which you are willing to sacrifice something. The ingredients are there. You are the only one who can put them together into that pattern that will be your life. Let it be a life that has dignity and meaning for you. If it does, then the particular blanace of success of faiure is of less account. // John Gardner
When I wonder what I'm doing and where I am going (which is almost constantly), I need to remember that I have the power to choose my direction and put meaning into my life and what I am doing. No one is going to do that for me.
Meaning is not something you stumble across, like the answer to a riddle or the prize in a treasure hunt. Meaning is something you build into your life. You build it out of your own past, out of your affections and loyalties, out of the expericens of humankind as it is passed on to you, out of your own talent and understanding, out of the things you belive in, out of the things and people you love, out of the values for which you are willing to sacrifice something. The ingredients are there. You are the only one who can put them together into that pattern that will be your life. Let it be a life that has dignity and meaning for you. If it does, then the particular blanace of success of faiure is of less account. // John Gardner
When I wonder what I'm doing and where I am going (which is almost constantly), I need to remember that I have the power to choose my direction and put meaning into my life and what I am doing. No one is going to do that for me.
2.18.2011
Lately
In the past week...
(1) The Internet ate our computer. Urgghh. Thankfully, it is now fixed and restored, and everything is now properly backed up. Back up your files people!!
(2) I caught a cold or something quite unpleasant which morphed into a bacterial infection. I finally went to the doctor yesterday after 10 days of eye watering, sore throat, conjestion, and general grossness. I couldn't even take a day off during that stretch because there were so many things on my calendar and no one to cover for me. Today, though, I finally took a day to catch up on myself and rest. Hopefully this and antibiotics will help.
(3) I finally took W's eight month pictures.
(4) I made red velvet cake balls and my personal recipe oatmeal chocolate chip cookies for an adoption shower. For decorations, I made MS tissue paper poms-poms and the cutest ladybug decorations (that I, of course, did not take a picture of).
(5) Now, I'm working on bridal shower invites for my sisters bridal shower in April.
(1) The Internet ate our computer. Urgghh. Thankfully, it is now fixed and restored, and everything is now properly backed up. Back up your files people!!
(2) I caught a cold or something quite unpleasant which morphed into a bacterial infection. I finally went to the doctor yesterday after 10 days of eye watering, sore throat, conjestion, and general grossness. I couldn't even take a day off during that stretch because there were so many things on my calendar and no one to cover for me. Today, though, I finally took a day to catch up on myself and rest. Hopefully this and antibiotics will help.
(3) I finally took W's eight month pictures.
(4) I made red velvet cake balls and my personal recipe oatmeal chocolate chip cookies for an adoption shower. For decorations, I made MS tissue paper poms-poms and the cutest ladybug decorations (that I, of course, did not take a picture of).
(5) Now, I'm working on bridal shower invites for my sisters bridal shower in April.
2.10.2011
Conflicts
Last night, I told my husband that I wanted to go to The Art Weekend.
The Hooch might get a better response because it is closer and hubs and the little guy could come along. If I am rowing in 2011 that is.
*Disclaimer: Having seen other not-so-friendly comments posted around the web, I thought I should mention that of course I love my son and want to spend as much time with him as possible. I do, however, have other interests that I would like to again fit into my life. I'm not sure how to balance it all.
He said, "You can't. You have a son."
(Sigh.)*
The Art Weekend is the same weekend as Head of the Hooch.
The Hooch might get a better response because it is closer and hubs and the little guy could come along. If I am rowing in 2011 that is.*Disclaimer: Having seen other not-so-friendly comments posted around the web, I thought I should mention that of course I love my son and want to spend as much time with him as possible. I do, however, have other interests that I would like to again fit into my life. I'm not sure how to balance it all.
2.08.2011
On the Run
My goal to find make time to run hasn't worked out so well just yet. Today, I reached the lofty total yearly distance of 13.5 miles. A whole half-marathon!
I was looking back in my food diary from early 2009 to find that on this day I rowed 7,760 meters. On February 10, I ran 7.08 miles! I'm anxious to get back to that. For now, I'm blaming my lack of consistency on the snow and ice!
For a little inspiration, I'm in the market for some new running shoes. I've saved some birthday money and lunch money and so I have enough to buy a pair with cash. I'm holding out a little bit until I get myself back into some consistency and get my weekly mileage up a bit.
I was looking back in my food diary from early 2009 to find that on this day I rowed 7,760 meters. On February 10, I ran 7.08 miles! I'm anxious to get back to that. For now, I'm blaming my lack of consistency on the snow and ice!
For a little inspiration, I'm in the market for some new running shoes. I've saved some birthday money and lunch money and so I have enough to buy a pair with cash. I'm holding out a little bit until I get myself back into some consistency and get my weekly mileage up a bit.
1.31.2011
Pants Problem: Solved
I have a pants problem. Does anyone else have a pants problem too?
I'm five-eight and a half. I hate even trying on pants because I just know that they won't fit me. Regular-length pants are just a tad too short. Just a tad. And, if they aren't too short in the store, then they will be after a wash. Tall-length pants are too long. So I struggle and avoid pants like the plague, even though I really need some smart-looking, good-fitting pants.
This weekend, I made a quick trip to New York and Company. I don't shop there often, but need to return/exchange a few things I received at Christmas and my gift receipt expired Februry 9th. Since I already have more tops/sweaters than I need, I promised myself that I would walk out of the store only with pants.
I armed myself with a few pairs and headed for the fitting room.
Success!! Amazing. Shocking. Exciting. A pant that fits and is long enough without being too long. I'm wearing them today, and I'm so happy. How great is it when you find a piece of clothing that really fits exactly right?
I got these in gray. (I wanted khaki, but they didn't have my size.) I'm so happy about these, that I may have to save up my lunch money/weekly allowance to go back and get another pair in a different color (probably khaki or navy). Sorry, Stacy and Clinton, but this is one case where I need to purchase the same article in multiple colors.
Really, I am in a great mood today, and I attribute to the confidence I gain from good-fitting pants. (Oh, and I also had a free birthday drink coupon from Starbucks that I redeemed this morning on my way into work.)
I'm five-eight and a half. I hate even trying on pants because I just know that they won't fit me. Regular-length pants are just a tad too short. Just a tad. And, if they aren't too short in the store, then they will be after a wash. Tall-length pants are too long. So I struggle and avoid pants like the plague, even though I really need some smart-looking, good-fitting pants.
This weekend, I made a quick trip to New York and Company. I don't shop there often, but need to return/exchange a few things I received at Christmas and my gift receipt expired Februry 9th. Since I already have more tops/sweaters than I need, I promised myself that I would walk out of the store only with pants.
I armed myself with a few pairs and headed for the fitting room.
Success!! Amazing. Shocking. Exciting. A pant that fits and is long enough without being too long. I'm wearing them today, and I'm so happy. How great is it when you find a piece of clothing that really fits exactly right?
I got these in gray. (I wanted khaki, but they didn't have my size.) I'm so happy about these, that I may have to save up my lunch money/weekly allowance to go back and get another pair in a different color (probably khaki or navy). Sorry, Stacy and Clinton, but this is one case where I need to purchase the same article in multiple colors.
Really, I am in a great mood today, and I attribute to the confidence I gain from good-fitting pants. (Oh, and I also had a free birthday drink coupon from Starbucks that I redeemed this morning on my way into work.)
1.30.2011
Formula
It happened. Wyatt is almost eight months old. Last night, he had his first bottle of formula. Tonight, he'll have his second.
He survived.
So did I.
Despite the stress of getting this far with breastfeeding and worrying about if, when, and whether or not I should add in formula, I now feel much better. And less stressed.
He survived.
So did I.
Despite the stress of getting this far with breastfeeding and worrying about if, when, and whether or not I should add in formula, I now feel much better. And less stressed.
1.23.2011
Alt Summit
I'm so inspiried by all the wonderful creative people that are blogging. I remember the moment of discovery that this blog world existed, and I've been captivated ever since. Of course, I spend way more time devouring others' blogs than trying to develop this little blog.
As I've been reading blogs of those attending Alt Summit and the list of speakers, I've gained motivation to continue my creative quest and find out what I can be. I'm encourged to use my own sense of creativity for some purpose and I hope that I can contribute to the creative world in my own way someday.
As I've been reading blogs of those attending Alt Summit and the list of speakers, I've gained motivation to continue my creative quest and find out what I can be. I'm encourged to use my own sense of creativity for some purpose and I hope that I can contribute to the creative world in my own way someday.
1.21.2011
Fill in the Blank Friday.
1. My favorite quote is "'Tis better to be silent and considered a fool than to speak and remove all doubt." I have to say I'm not sure I always follow that guideline anymore. Perhaps I should, especially at work.
2. A bad habit I have is saying "that's fine" when it's really not or when I don't want to do something but feel like I don't want to disappoint someone. I always just say that's fine. (Hmm...this seems to contradict #1. At work, I do not usually say "that's fine," instead I do express my opinion, but to other people, I often so this.)
3. The first time I felt like a "grown up" was I'm honestly not really sure...I have moments of "really?! I have a house (a mortgage)!, a kid!, car payments!, I'm 32!, when did this all happen!! Ten years ago this year, I graduated with my bachelor's degree. Crazy, I say! I guess I should get my act together real soon, huh?
4. Weekends are too short! Who wants to lobby with me a for a four day work week. Seriously, I would do everything in four days just to get one extra weekend day. I really think people would be more productive if they had less hours to spend at work.
5. When I was a child I wished my name was Kristen or maybe Amanda. Anything by Angela, which I actually don't ever remember being called (except by two of my aunts and an uncle that I rarely ever saw). In fourth or fifth grade, I decided to spell the shortened version of my name with only an "i" as in Angi (not Angie). It's been that way ever since. There was no discussion about this with my parents or anything, I just did it, but I don't remember them ever questioning it at all.
6. I wish I could travel more. (So in other words, I wish I had enough money to be able to travel more.) I don't necessarily mean lay-on-a-beach-travel, rather big-cities-little-cities-backpack-countryside-explore-travel.
7. A secret I have is that I also can't swallow pills. Sometimes I can, but sometimes I just can't. I also can't chug anything. Shots, nope. A glass of water, lemonade, pop, anything, nope. The hubs thinks this is hilarious, but it's serious. I'm a sipper and that's all I can do.
Found here. Join in.
2. A bad habit I have is saying "that's fine" when it's really not or when I don't want to do something but feel like I don't want to disappoint someone. I always just say that's fine. (Hmm...this seems to contradict #1. At work, I do not usually say "that's fine," instead I do express my opinion, but to other people, I often so this.)
3. The first time I felt like a "grown up" was I'm honestly not really sure...I have moments of "really?! I have a house (a mortgage)!, a kid!, car payments!, I'm 32!, when did this all happen!! Ten years ago this year, I graduated with my bachelor's degree. Crazy, I say! I guess I should get my act together real soon, huh?
4. Weekends are too short! Who wants to lobby with me a for a four day work week. Seriously, I would do everything in four days just to get one extra weekend day. I really think people would be more productive if they had less hours to spend at work.
5. When I was a child I wished my name was Kristen or maybe Amanda. Anything by Angela, which I actually don't ever remember being called (except by two of my aunts and an uncle that I rarely ever saw). In fourth or fifth grade, I decided to spell the shortened version of my name with only an "i" as in Angi (not Angie). It's been that way ever since. There was no discussion about this with my parents or anything, I just did it, but I don't remember them ever questioning it at all.
6. I wish I could travel more. (So in other words, I wish I had enough money to be able to travel more.) I don't necessarily mean lay-on-a-beach-travel, rather big-cities-little-cities-backpack-countryside-explore-travel.
7. A secret I have is that I also can't swallow pills. Sometimes I can, but sometimes I just can't. I also can't chug anything. Shots, nope. A glass of water, lemonade, pop, anything, nope. The hubs thinks this is hilarious, but it's serious. I'm a sipper and that's all I can do.
Found here. Join in.
1.18.2011
Engagement Photos
My sister asked me to take her and her fiance's engagement pictures. Over the weekend, we ventured to a local metropark to get a few shots. Here are a few of my favorites.
My favorite is the snowball fight action picture. I'd like to use this for the front of her "save the date" postcards.
It was a fun venture, but I realized how much I have to learn with my camera. Now, I just need to remember to keep practicing every day.
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