Day 6

One slow evening, I was bbm-ing with Amy as we lazed in front of our tvs--me gleefully catching a rerun of the PBS show Arthur and she delighting in an old school Berenstein Bears cartoon.

[Aside: It never fails to amaze me how many of us still indulge in these classic shows meant for kids. I consider myself to be a pretty well-mannered person but sometimes watching Arthur reminds me of all the things that my parents do to make my life easier even though they're exhausted from their own long days (Re: the episode where Binky thanks his mom). Heading home for Thanksgiving was the perfect reminder: when I stumbled indoors, my incredibly sick mother--barely able to keep her eyes open despite the super-strength crazy new antibiotics--had shuffled out of bed to make stuffing just the way my sister liked it. Nor would she accept any help. When I tried to sneak into the kitchen to help chop vegetables, she shoved me away. After a lot of arguing, I was finally allowed to stir the stuffing. Sheesh.]

But I digress. When I was chatting with Amy, she, too, professed her love for Arthur and vehemently declared that her favorite character was his nagging, annoying loudmouth of a little sister: D.W. I was flabbergasted. D.W.? Out of everyone? D.W. is the crystallized aardvark version of my own little sister. At 4 years old, my sister was just as stubborn and determined to be one of the big kids. She screamed when my friends and I had matching cups and she didn't. She howled when I didn't want to play stuffed animals with her. She hollered at the top of her lungs when her tricycle couldn't keep up with my bike. In preschool, her fellow classmates cowered when she marched into the room in a flowery dress, lacy socks, and beribboned hair. Even though it has been many years since my sister was blowing out four birthday candles, she still exhibits a few D.W.isms when she comes home from college, plops down, and claims the remote for her more mature version of "Mary Moo Cow."

Yet where would Arthur be without D.W.? D.W. defines him--whenever the show plays off of Arthur's habits, the one they always use is how he's chock full of stories beginning with "Can you believe that D. W. did this?" Arthur the Average Everyman would be boring without D.W. So maybe that's the real reason why I identify with Arthur: because my sister, like D.W., makes my life more colorful. She was the one who talked me into piercing my ears, watching the Desperate Housewives of ____ shows, and dying my virgin black hair a caramel color. She encourages me to loosen up and not care so much about things that don't really matter in the long run. On top of that, she does make the best egg sandwiches I've ever had.

Sure, if she weren't around I might've had a personal library where I'd lounge around in a smoking jacket like in Arthur's daydreams, but I'd be a Dull Jane.

So, Amy, this is me saying that I kinda understand why you idolize D.W.. But if you love D.W. because you don't have a little sister, I'd be happy to lend you mine. Did I mention that she's the kind of little sister who used to walk on my hair and eat my ice cream when I wasn't looking? And now guilt trips me into buying her a smart phone so she can call me to pick her up in the wee hours of the morning when she can't drive?

Day 4 & 5

There is nothing as eye-opening as leaving town for a couple days. It gives you a whole new perspective. I wasn't able to post for the past couple days because of a very crazy and hectic schedule. Although I did not have the time (or access to a computer) to post, here are a couple observations I've made throughout the last couple days:

1) There is no substitution for my own house and belongings. Even the nicest hotel room does not compare to my own room. I love that my house is clean and that I know where everything is. I love my warm cozy bed, clean sheets, pillow. I love the fact that I can walk downstairs, open the fridge and grab whatever snack I feel like eating. I can go into my closet and pick whatever outfit I want to wear. I can take a shower with my own toiletries and use my own clean towel. I guess above all, I love the fact that my house is familiar to me and I am comfortable. It's surrounded by so many things that I love :)

2) Family is and will always be the most important thing. I went to Canada to see our family and I realized how much I appreciate my family. Not just my mom, dad, and sister, but also extended family. I don't always get the chance to see them so when I do I appreciate it so much more and it makes me happy. It's cool to see the different generations of family and I always find it so fascinating how some family members that don't even live near each other are so alike. I find it crazy that not only looks but habits can also be passed down from generation to generation.

3) Good music never gets old. I am not sure if I would be able to survive a 18 hour drive (total) to and from Canada without music. Luckily, right before we made the trip, I added Billy Joel's Greatest hits volume 1 and 2 to my ipod. I listen to Billy Joel all the time, but during this drive I heard some of his songs as if for the first time. Sometimes I am so busy running to and from places that I don't fully hear or appreciate the music I am listening to. The great thing about driving that long is that you are stuck in a car with nothing to do but listen. As I listened (more mindfully than usual) I heard just how talented Billy Joel is. It really blew my mind how many of his songs have made it big. It also made me realize how much I love listening to his music.

I have always loved the song "Vienna" because it makes me appreciate the value of time. I am a very motivated and curious person who wants to do and see everything there is to do and see. I am always setting goals for myself and get frustrated when I don't accomplish something I set my mind to. What I love about this song is that it reminds me that it's okay to slow down sometimes. Maybe it's an age thing...maybe being a 20-something-year old automatically gives you pressure to move at a faster pace. This age brings with it a lot of social and personal expectations. This is the age frame where one transitions from childhood into adulthood and begins redefining themselves (through their careers, relationships, living style, etc). It is natural then as we start the next chapter of life to strive high and want to be our personal best, but is it always necessary to be at such a rush?


Billy Joel was asked about the significance of the song Vienna:

He told us that he was very impressed at the respect given to elders in Europe. One day he saw an old woman sweeping a public street with great pride, and it made an impression. He wanted people to realize that there is time in life to accomplish our goals and everything doesn't have to be at a break-neck speed. Instead of fearing old age as we do here, it should be anticipated and valued. So, instead of rushing to accomplish everything in youth you should remember, "Vienna waits for you."

Listen-Vienna Waits For You

Day 3

Now that the holiday season has officially started, I am determined to hold steady and not completely lose my head in the deluge of sweets-to-come. But I fear that this will prove particularly difficult when the newest Crumbs shop will open its shutters right by my office. The last time a Crumbs popped up by work, I happily made daily visits for those decadent Grasshopper cupcakes and frosted black and white cookies (seriously, those cookies could bring about world peace. Unfortunately, they might also result in worldwide health problems, but what can you do?) until both my dentist and my jeans protested.

To the great despair of anyone who's ever lived with me, my well-advertised predilection for sugar is combined with an awful lack of self control when imbibing in said sugar and an equally woeful lack of gumption in sacrificing snoozing time to don sweats and head to the gym. In an effort to head off any excessive post-holiday toil, on Wednesday I tried to sign up for the Thanksgiving super-spin class. Not only was every gym's super-spin class full, but I was #7 and #10 on the waiting lists. What to do in a time of urgent workout need? I knew I had to call Sharon.

Sharon and I go back, way back to lazy summer afternoons when we couldn't drive yet and spent day after day watching movies and popping Gushers. We discovered Josh Hartnett in The Faculty over popcorn, we poured over anything we could find related to Armageddon while her mom ladled out noodles doused in hot sauce, we chomped our way through Bulworth with a seemingly endless supply of Starbursts. You see, Sharon's house--unlike mine--was chock full of all the candy that my little heart would die for. But Sharon has also always been gifted with a drive to constantly be active so it never made a difference what she ate.

It's true that over the past ten years, I like to think that we've developed healthier, wiser approaches to food (by which I mean junk food), but there's something about the holidays that kick-starts a deep-sated urge within me to chow down on massive quantities of "real food," which my roommate calls "meals" as opposed to my usual "snacks." And no one is better equipped to deal with holiday food than super-athletic Sharon. (Did I mention that she's a spin instructor/personal trainer undergoing yoga teacher training classes while she finishes up her doctorate's in physical therapy? Yup, she's one of those.)

When I called her the day before Thanksgiving, whining about the lack of seats in all the super-spin classes within a 10 mile radius, she promptly offered to work out with me in the morning instead--and I didn't even have to have one of my hopefully-leading, mostly tangential and waffling conversations where I huff and puff towards hinting about possibly working out together. And, as promised, she put me through a rigorous routine that limbered me up for Thanksgiving eating, but left me flat on my back the following day, having difficulty breathing because we apparently worked out the muscle(s) covering the ribcage. (Funnily enough, I always forgot that that's a muscle.) She, on the other hand, was fine. I could only be thankful that I didn't arrange to meet her yesterday at the gym as well. Instead, I promised to show up at her spin class bright and early on Saturday morning.

So today, when I should've been indulging in a leisurely morning by sleeping in, I rolled out of bed after a good 15 minutes of debating with myself: should I go to the gym? But it's so warm under the covers. But I promised Sharon I'd go to her spin class and I'll never hear the end of it if I miss it. Actually, what does it matter to Sharon whether I go spinning or not--but I did spend all day eating yesterday. But is there actually still space in her spin class? After I promised myself that I'd at least call and try to save a bike for the class, I knew I had to go--even if no one picked up the phone at the gym. By that point, I was already standing barefoot on the cold kitchen tile, trying to glug down two glasses of water before leaving.

I duly hustled myself to the gym, marveling at how 30 degrees felt more barbaric on my lungs than bracing as I ran through the parking lot. And now that spinning is something that happened half a day ago, I'm glad I went. What made it better? Knowing that Sharon felt the toll of the early morning and biting cold too. Something about a super-fit person like Sharon admitting that she felt winded after spinning warmed the cockles of my heart because it showed that even super-people are still human.

Of course, she was made of sterner stuff than me, because she talked me into another early morning workout tomorrow--the last day to sleep in before the first full work-week I'll be facing in about three weeks. So today's post was for Sharon--for keeping me healthy! Besides, how else could I have justified coming home after spinning and guzzling down three bowls of food?

-I

Day 2

After a lovely day of whirling around the house with all these aunts and uncles I haven't seen in ages, it was amazing to sit down with everyone yesterday to just eat and talk and argue about who gets to feed the dog little bits of apples and turkey under the table. Luckily, everyone was sent home with heaps of leftovers so no one has to face eating turkey for the next six months.

Nonetheless, I was so relieved to have a day to do absolutely nothing except feast on a substantial amount of Thanksgiving leftovers. By which I mean I steadily plowed my way through four bowls of food before I began feeling awake. Then I happily surrendered to thumbing through Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. I'd forgotten how it felt to first crack open the book and count how many different letters Harry received from Hogwarts and all the different ways Uncle Vernon tried to destroy them all. It's been over a decade since I began reading Harry Potter but it still calls to me in the same way. I remember picking up the book in 1998 at the Scholastic warehouse book sale right before Christmas and feeling that I'd discovered a kindred spirit in Harry Potter. But because I'd already piled my cart with too many other books, I set it back down. A year later, before my oblivious self was aware of any of the buzz surrounding the book, I rediscovered Harry Potter and, leaning against a stack of dusty books, read the first chapter. That was it. That was all I needed.

There's something to be said about a magic like that. And I'll admit just how happy I am that this little book, the one that began it all, still lets me feel like a kid.

-I

Happy Thankgiving: Day 1

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! :) Today marks day 1 of the Thanksgiving 2010-2011 Challenge. Please feel free to join us in this year long journey to be more mindful for all the things that make us happy everyday!

This year I am very thankful for my supportive and loving family, wonderful friends, and caring boyfriend. I am grateful that my mom, dad, and sister are all in good health. I feel lucky that I am also healthy and have the resources and knowledge to maintain my good health. I am very appreciative of my car and job.

Also, I am extremely grateful that I have more free time on my hands this year than the past couple years. Being able to enjoy the company of my family and friends without having to worry about schoolwork and excessive work schedule has been amazing. There is something to be said for having the free time to enjoy little things such as vegging out and watching tv, reading a book, exercising, going on road trips, being completely lazy and doing nothing, etc. After working weekends and holidays for almost four years, I am more grateful than ever to have this time off for myself. While I am enjoying my free time, I am fully aware that there are people out there who are working hard and unable to be with their loved ones. I feel very blessed and lucky that I am available to spend my time with the people who mean most to me.

Also, very excited about this gorgeous weather today. Hellloooo beautiful! :)

What are you thankful for this year?

" For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Here is a little thanksgiving video that will hopefully put a smile on your face :) ENJOY!

Gobble Gobble

One Marble At A Time.. :)

1000 Marbles

The older I get, the more I enjoy Saturday mornings. Perhaps it's the quiet solitude that comes with being the first to rise, or maybe it's the unbounded joy of not having to be at work. Either way, the first few hours of a Saturday morning are most enjoyable.

A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the backyard patio with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the other. What began as a typical Saturday morning, turned into one of those lessons that life seems to hand you from time to time. Let me tell you about it.

I turned the dial up to listen to a Saturday morning talk show I heard an older sounding gentleman, with a golden voice. You know the kind, he sounded like he should be in the broadcasting business. He was telling whoever he was talking with something about "a thousand marbles".

I was intrigued and stopped to listen to what he had to say...

"Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you're busy with your job. I'm sure they pay you well but it's a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work sixty or seventy hours a week to make ends meet. Too bad you missed your daughter's dance recital."

He continued, “Let me tell you something Tom, something that has helped me keep a good perspective on my own priorities."

And that's when he began to explain his theory of a "thousand marbles." "You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about seventy-five years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about seventy-five years."

"Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3900 which is the number of Saturdays that the average person has in their entire lifetime.

Now stick with me Tom, I'm getting to the important part."

"It took me until I was fifty-five years old to think about all this in any detail", he went on, "and by that time I had lived through over twenty-eight hundred Saturdays. I got to thinking that if I lived to be seventy-five, I only had about a thousand of them left to enjoy."

"So I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to round-up 1000 marbles. I took them home and put them inside of a large, clear plastic container right here in the shack next to my gear. Every Saturday since then, I have taken one marble out and thrown it away."

"I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focused more on the really important things in life. There is nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities straight."

"Now let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you and take my lovely wife out for breakfast. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure if I make it until next Saturday then I have been given a little extra time. And the one thing we can all use is a little more time."

"It was nice to meet you Tom, I hope you spend more time with your family, and I hope to meet you again.

You could have heard a pin drop on the radio when this fellow signed off. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to work that morning. Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss. "C'mon honey, I'm taking you and the kids to breakfast."

"What brought this on?" she asked with a smile. "Oh, nothing special, it's just been a while since we spent a Saturday together with the kids. Hey, can we stop at a toy store while we're out? I need to buy some marbles."

-Author Unknown

__________________________________________________

Thanksgiving is a holiday devoted to expressing thankfulness, gratitude, and appreciation. Every year, on the fourth Thursday of November, many of us have a day off (usually paid) where we eat, laugh, and spend time with our closest friends and family. For those of us who are lucky enough to spend our day surrounded by love, it is hard to ignore the feeling of gratitude.

We are fortunate to have a holiday where we can celebrate giving thanks, but what about the other 364 days of the year? Somewhere between our busy lives and over-stuffed schedules, we often neglect to be thankful. Sometimes we become so busy and self-involved with all the pressures of life that we may even forget what we are thankful for.

Gratitude is a mindset. Despite what your circumstance may be, there is something to be grateful for each and everyday. We each have so much to be thankful about. Be it something small: a hug or a favorite song, to something big: getting married or having a strong and healthy heart. Just thinking about things that you are grateful for automatically shifts your energy and contributes to a more positive and happy frame of mind. When you take the time to appreciate the little things, you realize how important they really are. Without all these little and seemingly "insignificant" things, you would not be as happy and your life would not be as meaningful.

As the story above illustrates, time goes faster than we realize and without our awareness we may lose the chance to show our appreciation. So with that in mind, please feel free to join us as we begin counting all our marbles. Starting with Thanksgiving..




"God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say "thank you?" ~William A. Ward

Hello, Happy

After hoarding my vacation days this year, I giddily took today off. It was shaping up to be a perfect lazy day as I alternated between napping, reading, repeatedly playing the same song over and over (sorry, Upstairs Neighbor!), and wondering why I was getting such a kick out of the morning sunshine tumbling through my curtains. Honestly, it was perfectly, relentlessly relaxing--so relentless that panic set in. Why am I wasting an entire day by doing nothing? Frantic, I called up A in hopes of convincing a friend to Do Something Productive with me on my day off.

Poor A had a tough time reminding me that I'm the one who always laments that do-nothing days are rare enough to be considered an endangered species. I acquiesced. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I had a faint recollection of this oft-repeated complaint. And yet I couldn't help but fret some more. Then I realized the problem wasn't how much I really did luxuriate in do-nothing days but in the difficulty of quantifying them afterwards to everyone else. To me it was that deer-in-the-headlights moment that overtook me after summer vacation and I'd cracked out the Crayolas to draw just one picture that captures two months of Adventures. Except instead of Adventures, all I could think about was the time I begged out of jumping into the day camp's grimy swimming pool and snuck off to find a bit of quiet and finish The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

All of which got A and I thinking about all the small things that made us happy but seemed insignificant in the Grand Scheme of Things. Brilliant A let me in on a little secret: she'd recently read that it took 21 days to form a habit and so for 21 days she was going to actively think positively to trick her brain into being even more grateful and happy than it already was.

Would I like to join her on this endeavor? Of course!

Then the brain cogs started spinning even more furiously: what would happen if we made a point to acknowledge at least one thing that made us happy for an entire year? If 21 days could start a habit, what would 365 days do? So for every day from Thanksgiving 2010 to Thanksgiving 2011, we'll share with you our Simple Happy moments. Of course, we'd also love to hear about your Simple Happy moments at simplehappythisyear@gmail.com.

Though it isn't Thanksgiving yet, here's a preview of our Simple Happy year to come: this video cracks me up no matter how many times I watch it. I'll admit it--I'm just as uncoordinated as that pup so I love watching him try.