Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Mayhem which is my life

Well today is a great day. We have the wonderful blessing of finally meeting our brother-in-law. We have not been able to meet before as they have been living out west. They are now switching coasts of Canada and are headed East. They are stopping by for a visit on the way. :)

I am frantically trying to clean up a few areas that I do not consider "company ready" but have had an interesting morning so far...

My aging dog has had stomach "issues" this morning and I have been cleaning up poop all over the house! ARRRGH.... it is so easy to lose my stoic serenity on these mornings. I have made a list of what needs to get done and what I would like to get done in order of importance... I will just work my way through the list and hopefully be ready to enjoy their company when they arrive. I know that what is truly important is never a spotless house but taking opportunities as they come and stopping to visit and "smell the roses".

Wish me luck! :)

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Thursday... almost Friday

Well my back definitely did flare up! Today is the first day where I have felt able to do anything other than hobble around and lie down...

I have laundry to do, menus to plan, grocery list to sort out and cleaning to do. I am also thinking of starting a new craft project in line with our Homemade Christmas idea this year. Wish me luck! :)

Monday, January 18, 2010

Monday Musings

Well the last load of laundry is in the washer, one load is complete and the other is in the dryer. Now I have time to sit at my computer and ponder the day and week ahead of us. This week I am working on our Master Bedroom as part of my cleaning zones... the bed has been stripped and will be fluffed before being remade.

I am having some back issues at the moment so have to make sure not to do too much to flare up my back. I was in a lot of pain yesterday and last night while trying to sleep. :( The back issues come and go and are something that must be lived with.

I am going to also do a quick clean of the upstairs today for the Home Blessing that I do at the beginning of each week.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

In One Small Little Way...

Today is the first day of the rest of my life...

What will I do today that will make my family's life better, someone in my circle of friends better, someone in my city better, or even in the world better? I am going to start at the inner circle of my family which will in turn change the rest of the world in a small part. Like a pebble rippling out over water the small things that I do each day to make my family better start to effect the world around us. Home made food, reusing and recycling all happen because I am home to do the work that they take. My family is able to resist the pull of consumerism somewhat because I am able to take that extra time each day that mindfulness requires. Although we still have many areas where we can improve, we are making a difference. I am making a difference.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Fun Weekend Ahead

Well yesterday was a difficult day, at best. We had a wonderful evening though at a discussion evening hosted by Thornhaven, another druid grove in our area.

We discussed the native spiritual path and whether it is part of the umbrella category of Paganism, or if it is a separate path to itself. It was an interesting evening of discussion with varying views and friendly conversations.

Today we are grabbing groceries, making food and then heading out to visit with more great friends. All in all a great day ahead of us!

This evening we have been asked to pinch hit and present a talk on Stoicism to our ADF family through video chat.

A great day filled with friendly conversation that I am looking forward to! :)

Friday, January 8, 2010

I am angry hear me roar

Well, I have decided that I cannot control my family's actions BUT I can control my reactions to their actions. I have to make the life that I want rather than sit railing against the darkness without turning on a light. I cannot allow their reactions to derail me but shoulder on and take the life that I wish to be living.

I am no longer required to sacrifice to mother my children... gone are the days and nights of wiping noses, healing bumps and counseling into the late hours of the night. My children have grown and are all adults, making their own choices and income. I need to grasp the freedom that comes from this stage of my life and quit thinking that I still need to wipe their noses or heal their bumps.

Freedom comes with this stage of life. I simply must start readjusting and grabbing that freedom. Freedom to think, to exercise, to make choices with only my spouse in mind, and to fly. I need to quit making tentative steps into the next phase of my life, but walk boldly out there and seize the door handle and pull the door open.

Today is the first day of the rest of my life.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Just a spoonful of sugar

Today's reading on Words of the Ancient Wise was from Epictetus, comparing philosophy and its study to medicine. Medicine is only effective for the illness it was intended for...

How does philosophy cure ills in my life? Well, philosophy helps us focus on the big rocks, the guiding ideals, the foundation of our life. Without a foundation, and a good one, the house of me will not stand. Mindfulness is essential to maintaining my balance in life. This year I will strive to create an environment in my home that nurtures mindfulness and peace.

My plan to create this environment is:

1. declutter each room, surface and cubby (including the shed and garage!) until only loved and essential items remain

2. renovate and decorate to allow each room to be a haven of calm

3. create and maintain routines, menus, etc. to ensure as little crisis and drama as possible

4. create healthy food to fuel our bodies and encourage our return to optimum health

Wish me luck! :)