Operation Summer Break

Children playing at a park with fountain in a city

I realized this morning as I looked at my son’s calendar that today marks the last full week of school before summer break begins.

Gulp.

Time seems to be moving at light speed lately, I guess that’s how the end of the school year was able to sneak right up that way. Needless to say, I don’t feel ready for summer and I am nervous about how to keep Lou busy, entertained and happy for the next three months.

Wait – three months? I have to check those numbers. Can that be right? I’m going to need an assistant. Can moms get assistants? Ok, I mean moms that can’t afford real nannies or assistants.

Sigh.

We really feel in love with preschool this year, both my son and myself. It’s only a half day for three days a week but wow, how sweet it has been.
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Happiness in Pairs

Happy Spring – although it doesn’t feel like it here in our 30 – 40 degree weather (and did I mention, we are expecting a possible 10 inches of snow on Sunday?)…..but now that it’s officially spring time and the sun seems to be shining through the clouds a little more often, I feel some of the fog and heaviness lifting.

To help along this lightening of spirits, I’ve been thinking of ways to take the time to see the beauty of right now and appreciate what I have and what is instead of what I wish, want or think should be – which really is, at times, the entire cause of unhappiness and unease.

In the spirit of this, I decided to share some of the little things I’m thankful for and that make me smile these days. Oddly enough, I noticed they are all in pairs.

Not sure what that means for now but like it.
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The Power Of Numbers And Making Your Own Rules

Please allow me to apologize and/or warn you in advance, I try to keep things on a very positive vibe on this blog and will continue to in the future but in all honesty, I’ve been going through a lot the past couple of months and well, things just aren’t good. I’ve stayed away but miss writing and at the same time, want to keep the honesty and authenticity I started off with.

I love being a Pisces but being so sensitive of nature also means the hurts run deep and you seem to feel things so strongly it’s almost too much at times. I don’t think I’d ever change it, but – wow sometimes. If you’re not familiar with the sign, this description is very fitting:

Pisces is the twelfth sign of the zodiac, and it is also the final sign in the zodiacal cycle. Hence, this sign brings together many of the characteristics of the eleven signs that have come before it. Pisces, however, are happiest keeping many of these qualities under wraps. These folks are selfless, spiritual and very focused on their inner journey. They also place great weight on what they are feeling. Yes, feelings define Pisces, and it’s not uncommon for them to feel their own burdens (and joys) as well as those of others. The intuition of the Pisces-born is highly evolved. Many people associate Pisces with dreams and secrets, and it’s a fair association, since those born under this sign feel comfortable in an illusory world. – Astrology.com

The following post is what I’m feeling. Much more positivity to come friends but right now, this is just where I’m at.
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Snowy Inspiration

Lou playing in the snow

Well, well, imagine my surprise after watching and quickly dismissing the weather reports of a winter storm on the way when yesterday morning, big flakes started to fall. And fall. And fall.

My body and mind have been craving activity, I’m constantly wanting to get out more during the day so just the idea of being snowed in with crazy boy was making me anxious.

Seriously, I have ants in my pants.

But sometimes, there’s just nothing you can do but bundle up, play in the cold and then settle in for another round of The Curious George movie on Netflix and hot cocoa.

While we were out, I couldn’t stop thinking about the lovely Sarah at The Sunday Spill and the self portrait project she’s been doing this year.

I’ve been admiring her pictures on Facebook as well as her blog so I was excited to read more about the project and how it was going for her.
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Holiday Rush Jitters and a Little Danger With My Romance (Books That Is)

It’s day 11 of what I will be referring to as the respiratory infection that stole pre-Christmas (the beginning of December). Today was the first morning I woke up and my throat did not feel like it was on fire. Still coughing a bit but things are so much better that they were a week ago.

So now I’m looking around, assessing my holiday situation so far and deciding what to do, how and when.

Here’s where I’m at:

– No Christmas tree
– No decorations
– A total of two Christmas presents have been purchased
– I will be working the next two weekends
– Preschool winter break starts next week

I think it’s all of this and looking around our neighborhood at all the houses completely decked out on the outside with softly glowing trees inside that is making me feel a little…panicked? Overwhelmed? Like I’m way behind on this whole holiday thing but I’m really not, too badly anyway and it just couldn’t be helped.
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Images and Illness

Hello friends!

Unfortunately, I’ve been sick for several days now and am still not feeling 100% so for now, I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite recent pictures while I work on a post about how to not take care of yourself properly and end up sick during one of the busiest times of the year – ha!

Seriously though, listen to your body, slow down, don’t say yes to every commitment or request that comes your way. Sit down and eat real meals, make time to exercise as well as relax and get lots of sleep.

Basically, everything I failed to do for a little while. It’s a good reminder for me, one I won’t soon forget again.

Anyway….

image from Yoga Journal magazine of a home buddist alter
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Halloween, Oreos and Why Yoga Wins Again

Woman doing yoga outside near a tree, in the leaves

Hello November!

I guess this means the holiday season is officially upon us – yikes! But there are some good things ahead.

First, let me tell you about the interesting but fun Halloween we had with the toddler.

My son is very headstrong. Once he makes his mind up about something, it’s not easily changed. This year, he decided he would not be dressing up or trick or treating.

I thought he was bluffing. I was sure once he saw all the other kids in costume, he would want to join right in, especially with the crazy sweet tooth he has.

Nope. I was wrong.
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I Think I Forgot How To Dress Like A Grown Up

funky boutique clothing and dressing room

I’ve written previously about how I’m looking for a job these days. I guess I should say, I’m looking for a second job because I’ll still be working the one I have now (nanny, maid, cook, driver, accountant and personal assistant for the toddler and hubs).

So I’m thrilled to tell you, I have actually gotten a few calls and upcoming interviews – woohoo!

The trouble started when I went in to my closet to try and put together a few outfit options for these interviews. (Yes, I’m all about “options”, don’t make fun. I’ve watched enough Project Runway in my day to use those kinds of fancy, industry terms).

I guess I hadn’t really thought that much about it but I completely realized, after being a stay at home mom for a few years now, I’ve forgotten how to dress like a professional adult.

Um……
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Growing Pains

Last week was a true challenge. Actually, it was stressful, scary, difficult and exhausting. Things were really hard. It sucked.

I’m pretty good about looking for the lessons in things, especially in the difficult moments but sometimes I do want to ask, “Why so rough, life? Do you really have to slap me around like that? Have I not been seeing what you wanted me to see for so long you’ve lost patience? I thought we were kind of friends!”

A friend of mine always says, you will keep being presented with the same lessons over and over until you learn what you need to and grow from them.
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Time For Treats! Chocolate Peanut-Butter Bars

recipe for chocolate peanut butter energy bars

I’m not big on posting recipes, mostly because I’m still a cooking novice and don’t have many great ones to share but life has been too serious lately.

Time for some chocolate peanut-butter fun and happiness!

This is a super easy recipe, the toddler loves helping when we make this. I found it in the July/August issue of Health Magazine and it quickly become a favorite treat. Between my husband, toddler and me, a big batch doesn’t last long at my house.
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