The Joy Diet Step 1: Do Nothing

I began to listen to the book, "The Joy Diet" by Martha Beck on audiobook as it was recommended by a friend. I don't consider myself an un-joyful person. Much the opposite, but I'd like to maintain my joyfulness and this seemed like as good a time as any to reflect. Now, I am normally able to buzz through audiobooks pretty well during my commute, but this one threw me for a loop. I am supposed to take one week to practice each step before attempting to incorporate the next one. My memory's not what it used to be, so after step one was completed in the book, I popped it out, recorded what track I was on and got set to return in to the library. I have the print book out as well and that is not due back yet so that will likely be my course for this book.

Back to step one.

Do nothing.

Hmmm, I get the concept, and I get that this can be incredibly difficult. I've been wanting to make meditation a more regular practice so this affords me the opportunity to do so. This morning, before I was finished the chapter, I took five minutes at the end of my time at the gym to find a spot in the yoga room and meditate. I patted myself on the back. Check. I did "nothing" today. For a solid five minutes.

Then I got back in the car and Martha Beck told me I was supposed to do nothing for at least 15-20 minutes. Sheesh.

So, tonight I did just that. 15 minutes. Only, after 5 minutes I had to peek at a clock to check the time because I was sure it must have been close to 15 minutes. Then I did the same after another 5 minutes, then another 4. Then I stared down the clock for a full minute. Longest minute ever. At different points I thought about how I would write this blog, then reminded myself to push all "thoughts" out to make room for...nothing. So, it's not a perfect start, but that's why I will make this part of my daily "practice."

Open House Tomorrow!

We are hosting an open house tomorrow from 2-4. Check out our home's website at: http://www.96whetstoneroad.com and take a virtual tour through the awesome photos our realtor, Mandy Helwig, took.

#bathingsuitsesameplanking

The other day, I received the following message from my husband: "If you were wondering if we were having a bathing suit dance party...WE ARE!!". As if I wasn't already jealous. When I got home, I was demanding pictures of said dance party. Yesterday I received the following messages and picture.
"#bathingsuitsesameplanking"
"If you were wondering if we were having a Gnarls Barkley dance party. The answer is "oh yeah baby"
I feel so lucky to get updates such a's these on my lunch break. I couldn't resist sharing this picture with all of you.

Monkey See, Monkey Do

A friend recently reminded me of a story I'd nearly forgotten and since I have this handy dandy blog to document stories that might otherwise slip through cracks in my brain, I figure I should get it down. The first time Cece saw a play tea pot in a tea set, she held it up to her nose as a neti pot. I was able to capture this visual for you all of Cece with a real neti pot (empty, though she did ask or water).

Philosophical Toaster Pastry

This quote was found on the bottom of a box of toaster pastries (fancy name for organic pop tarts) in our house:

"A tree is known by its fruit;
a man by his deeds.
A good deed is never lost;
he who sows courtesy reaps friendship,
and he who plants kindness gathers love."
~St. Basil (329-379)

Now, I realize that in St. Basil's time there was awfully little gender equality, so I'll let that issue go. Besides that, I LOVE this quote and the wisdom of its words. I also love finding nuggets of inspiration around my home in hidden corners, like the pantry. April is National Poetry Month. And National School Library Month as well. Celebrate both. Visit your library and find inspiration all around you.

Cross posted at http://ontheshelf4kids.blogspot.com

Madness Indeed

Along the lines of March...and madness, thank goodness that month is over. What a roller coaster of emotions and health issues and loss and exhaustion. April has to be better, right?

March Madness, Baby

Since watching March Madness Basketball with her daddy, Cece has taken to yelling the phrase, "Oh yeah, Baby!" at awesome times. It is adorable. She'll typically say it twice in a row. Love.

In Her Easter Bonnet

Oh wait, Cece wouldn't keep her "Easter Bonnet" on...or her sweater. But we did hunt eggs at Deep Meadow Park in Horsham on the day before Easter. Unlike past years when Cece didn't really "get" egg hunts, this year she was chomping at the bit to get started.

Happy Birthday Jeff

Today is my husband, Jeff's, birthday. I just like, every now and then, to publicly acknowledge how awesome he is and how lucky Cece and I are to have him. Life decisions, like my marriage and vows to stick with him...forever...are validated on a daily basis by all the little things he does that add up to love. Most recently, Jeff has demonstrated and modeled for our daughter how to "be there" for others in a time of need and how to be strong when times are tough. I am so incredibly proud of him. Jeff, I love you more than words, or anecdotes, can express. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Pool Dance

While visiting the pool at Nana's gym, Cece started to do a wiggly, hands on hips, booty shaking dance. The next day at gym class, Cece did the dance again. Her teacher asked her what she was doing and Cece explained that she was doing her "pool" dance and when the teacher asked who taught her that dance, Cece responded, "Mommy". To clarify, I did no such thing. And I'd like you to think about what "pool" dance sounds like out of the mouth of a 2.5 year old. Classic.

Photos and Videos

I lied. Now I see easy buttons. If photo/video is on the phone. Still - I can do that!

Testing Blogger App

You may see a resurgence of blogging if this works. Blogger has an app for that! And that is news to me! For those of you who have followed, I have tried (sometimes valiantly) to blog from my phone but often had to jump through strange hoops. Media will likely be sacrificed a's I don't see (at least right now) an easy option to embed photos or videos, but something is better than nothing. So, here goes. Publish.