Wednesday, December 31, 2008

A Quote to Guide The New Year

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously
give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others."

A Return To Love - Marianne Williamson


This year, I can feel that I will continue to grow, and stretch, beyond my previously held limitations, and, sometimes, the prospect of this feels a bit overwhelming. However, this quote always brings me comfort, and perspective, when reflecting on this on-going process. I'm instantly reminded that I am not alone and that we are all meant to be the best possible version of ourselves. It also reminds me that, if we get out of our own way, amazing growth is possible. I hope these words bring you inspiration, comfort and hope for your growth in the New Year, too. Happy New Year!

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Not Even Close To Being The Proper Scale

So, the morning after Christmas, The Kid climbed into bed with Aqua Man and I, and, after about 2 seconds of laying still, he began to jump on the bed, announcing that he was READY TO GET UP NOW!!!! He then quickly moved from jumping on the bed to performing the likes of a self-authored comedy act which included singing, telling jokes, kinda-tap-dancing, and acrobats. When we could finally catch our breathe after laughing hysterically, I asked The Kid, "So, on a scale of 1-10, how much energy would you say that you have this morning?" The Kid instantly yelled out, "150,000!!!!!"

Although this moment came the day after, without a doubt, this was one of our best Christmas memories, ever.

Wishing you, and your families, joy, peace, and laughter throughout the holiday season, well into the New Year.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Count Down To Christmas Day

Every morning this month, The Kid gets out of bed, asks what the date is, then heads to his chocolate Christmas countdown calendar to open a tiny paper window which has the date printed on it, and, behind the window, a piece of chocolate in a range of holiday designs. This morning, after asking about today's date, I took The Kid into the kitchen to show him our terribly boring, non-chocolate calendar. As I pointed to today's date, December 22nd, I asked The Kid, "What number is this?" He excitedly yelled out, "Twenty-TOOTH!" Sweet!

Friday, December 19, 2008

The First SNOW DAY!!!!!

And this clip mildly expresses the excitement The Kid feels about this "SUPER DUPER COOL AWESOME" development! He now has school off until well after the New Year. WOO-HOO!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Schooling The Kid on Christmas Past

This is the song we listened to today while making Christmas cards for a few people on The Kid's list. He was diggin' it. (Sorry about the ad that pops up before the video...it was there already and I can't remove.)

And, for those of you who take your Old School Christmas Lyrics serious, here's the lyrics to "Your A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and a bit more about the song. Groovy.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Um, Exactly Why Does She Need The Teeth?

Even The Tooth Fairy's job is under question these days, well, at least according to The Kid. He has lost his two bottom teeth within the past 24 hours--one the other evening, and another just yesterday afternoon.

This morning he woke up to discover that The Tooth Fairy had left another envelope under his pillow. It was identical to the first envelope she had left just the other night; it had a red heart on the front of it and inside were two dollars. After discovering this, The Kid walked into the family room, sat in his favorite chair and took a moment to contemplate his good fortune. That thought quickly shifted into contemplating the logistics of The Tooth Fairy's job.

He waved his money back and forth, rocking in the chair, and cautiously asked, "What does The Tooth Fairy eat?" Then he quickly added, "Why does The Tooth Fairy NEED to take the teeth? What does she DO with the teeth?? WHY IS THIS HER JOB?!?!"

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

This Just In

"OMG that walk (in a hurry, over ice, slush, water, and deep puddles) was like being on a Japanese game show."

This is the surprising text I just received from Aqua Man describing his walk to the train station this morning in what started out as light rain, but apparently turned into an unexpected downpour. Poor guy. And now, I need to get some paper towel to wipe up the coffee I just spit out from laughing so hard.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Monday Morning

It is quiet,
And still,
The sun not fully risen.
Snow softly blankets our little world.
So quickly you have arrived,
Monday Morning

 


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Sunday, December 7, 2008

On Fear

Lately, I've been slowly moving in a new direction. As part of this movement, I have been required to face several negative and long held views about myself which serve to create and sustain a good deal of fear in my life. I don't like seeing these fears or, often, even admitting them to myself. In the past, that would mean I wouldn't even mention them to my closest friends because I would be too afraid to show them the most vulnerable parts of myself.

But, yesterday, as part of my continued commitment to moving forward, I was texting with Kicking-Ass-And-Taking-Names-Grrrl, one of my best friends from college, and revealed one of these fears. Her response was wise, simple, surprising, to the point, and timely. Overall, a much needed kick in my ass and a new way to re-frame my mind frame. She said, "Don't hold yourself down. Let others try to block you, but you can't go anywhere if you are blocking yourself." If you are struggling with fear in your own life, I hope her words bring you some needed comfort and clarity, as well.

Here's to kicking fear's ass--or, even better, not engaging with fear at all--and moving forward in life.

Friday, December 5, 2008

You Can't Always Get What You Want

Damn, The Rolling Stones are so rock and roll wise.

You see, if I had some extra coin, I know what I would be doing this weekend. I would hop on that train into the city, grab a cab, and take The Kid and Aqua Man to see this family matinee performance by HUBBARD STREET DANCE COMPANY! One of my favorite dance companies of all time. I can almost feel that playbill in my hand, the excitement as the lights first dim, and the dancers take the stage.

However, within the last few weeks we have paid out to have our furnace fixed, our plumbing fixed, and just this morning, a new car battery replaced (apparently, our former battery has not adjusted well to our new cold weather location, and will not be doing so anytime soon). I am so grateful that we could afford to pay for all of this. But, holiday gifts still need to be purchased, and oh, you know, groceries. So, for now, I am going to have to take a pass on attending this performance. BUT, YOU SHOULD TOTALLY GO SEE IT!! Yes, yes, I will live vicariously through YOU. So, if you attend, shoot me an email and let me know how it was; I would love to hear about it!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Winter, You Are Very Prompt

Here is the view of our street, after the first snow of the season, which fell on December 1st, first thing in the morning!

 
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