So in implementing my new slow down plan fate reared her ugly and sometimes helpful head. I was enjoying the sound of a quiet house and decided fresh cleaned sheets were in order and I peeled them off the bed and tossed them in to wash.
The house remained quiet except the gentle churning of the washer and I was enjoying every minute of it, until a call I was expecting did not come. I closed my eyes and envisioned the last time I was on my phone and sure enough I was lying in bed checking my email (a nasty little waking habit). I whipped open the washer door and yanked out the sheets onto the floor. in the shiny drum of the washer sat my phone, perfectly clean, and strikingly black. I knew better than to turn it on and raced tot he pantry and buried it in a box of rice.
The long and the short of it... the phone was a goner, and I have never been happier.
I spent the first two days reaching for my phone to check my email every time I came to a stop light. I had to remember lists and questions instead of acting on my impulse and hoping on the phone. I could just leave the house and be free. It was wonderful. No one calling. The emails had to wait. Was it inconvenient. ABSOLUTELY. Were there time I shook my fist at the sky screaming why WHY. Of course. But I am getting used to it and have to say I love it.
Of course, I will still buy the new iPhone 5 next month but I am definitely going to leave it home or throw it in the trunk. It feels good to disconnect. I challenge you to do it. Take a day or two, chuck it in a drawer (turn it off now, no cheating!) and enjoy the freedom. Trust me all the calls and emails will be there later. For now just enjoy yourself and those you are with. I dare you.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
An (Over) Active Life
I recently realized I have an active life. Actually, it feels a little overactive to be honest. So I am coming up with a plan to slow it down. We will see how this works, because even as I write this I an thinking about a ton of things I need to do and want to do.
But seriously, have you ever watched The Notebook or a similar movie and thought. I want that. I want that calm, slower life? Every so often I harp on my husband about moving to rural Georgia or rural somewhere to have land, nice neighbors with gentile ways and a life that doesn't have that much in the way of activities. I want to write, can my own veggies, bake, take walks, and have little to no use for the new iPhone 5.
Right now, my days are spent getting kids ready for school, managing the house, cheerleading practice, cooking, play dates, art classes for the kids, constant mini trips, and saying yes to almost anything anyone asks me.
That is where I will start. I am going to say NO. Not all the time because well, that isn't neighborly or kind. But I will not let people push me into assumptive tasks I have no desire to do. Cheerleading... sell 10 books, "No, I will sell two." Ha. Look at that.
Then, I spend money a lot. All day really my life revolves around spending money. Unfortunately, I do not work and my husband doesn't make nearly as much as I have in mind to spend. So I need something to do with myself that I enjoy and doesn't revolve around buying anything.
I am slightly OCD. Not in a clean the doorknob 15 times before opening the door kinda way, but in the I get an idea in my head and nothing can stop me until I accomplish it. This was great when I was younger, had a job, and when my controlling situations didn't involve so many family members. But I am noticing it is not the best plan of action making people I love yield to my latest idea. So, add that to the list of things to work on.
So anyways, I will be writing... blogging about slowing life down. Enjoying what I am doing and enjoying my life.
But seriously, have you ever watched The Notebook or a similar movie and thought. I want that. I want that calm, slower life? Every so often I harp on my husband about moving to rural Georgia or rural somewhere to have land, nice neighbors with gentile ways and a life that doesn't have that much in the way of activities. I want to write, can my own veggies, bake, take walks, and have little to no use for the new iPhone 5.
Right now, my days are spent getting kids ready for school, managing the house, cheerleading practice, cooking, play dates, art classes for the kids, constant mini trips, and saying yes to almost anything anyone asks me.
That is where I will start. I am going to say NO. Not all the time because well, that isn't neighborly or kind. But I will not let people push me into assumptive tasks I have no desire to do. Cheerleading... sell 10 books, "No, I will sell two." Ha. Look at that.
Then, I spend money a lot. All day really my life revolves around spending money. Unfortunately, I do not work and my husband doesn't make nearly as much as I have in mind to spend. So I need something to do with myself that I enjoy and doesn't revolve around buying anything.
I am slightly OCD. Not in a clean the doorknob 15 times before opening the door kinda way, but in the I get an idea in my head and nothing can stop me until I accomplish it. This was great when I was younger, had a job, and when my controlling situations didn't involve so many family members. But I am noticing it is not the best plan of action making people I love yield to my latest idea. So, add that to the list of things to work on.
So anyways, I will be writing... blogging about slowing life down. Enjoying what I am doing and enjoying my life.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Figuring out this whole blogging thing...
So I am getting used to the idea of blogging. So from here on out I am going to stick with what my life is all about. Traveling and fun with family. So get ready for it, because it is coming!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Manatees attack!!!
So there I am paddle boarding when a couple fellow SUPers tell me there are 12 manatees ahead. I cruise up and see them surfacing all around me. Manatees usually love to cuddle, rub and nose the SUPs so I head for the biggest group and before I know what has happened I am too close. The wind was kickin' and current much stronger than I was anticipating. I try to stop but I can't put my paddle in without hitting one of four manatees. So I crouch down and plan to just stay still when apparently the manatees decide that plan will just not work for them. The water is too shallow and I am too close and before I know what is happening all four manatees press together and begin to rapidly pump their paddle tails. They knock the board and darn near throw me off and then pump even harder and create a huge wave that shoots directly up and crashes down on me and then they are gone. I would say it was a bit shocking. Ok very shocking. I have swam with manatees since I was a little girl and never saw them be anything other than a bunch of curious, friendly water mammals. Well let it be known don't float up on an 11 foot SUP unless you want to get your backside kicked.
Favorite Sport...
Living in Florida I can't jump out on the slopes and ski or snowshoe so last year I found a new sport to love and adore. Paddle boarding. I went out just for kicks one day and that's all it took. I was caught hook, line and sinker. Within a couple of weeks I was equipped with a Jimmy Lewis Cruise control.
I can throw my daughter up there and cruise all over the place. My son is a little against the idea after we had a friend take him and he fell and hit my son in the nose with the paddle... Copious amounts of blood and a bit of ice later he has a little bit of a bitter taste in his mouth about the whole thing. I am hoping to turn that around by giving him his own paddle for his birthday.
Anyways, so now I have a board. Do a little yoga out there and just cruise around. I am planning on picking up another board for my husband for Valentine's day. Maybe a Nalu 11'4" AST. He keeps talking about surfing it. I tried that a couple of times and it is much harder than it looks.
If you haven't tried it drag a friend out and rent a couple of boards. It is great exercise and leaves you feeling energized from all the natural beauty and like you did something good for yourself without trying too hard.
It sure beats running!
I can throw my daughter up there and cruise all over the place. My son is a little against the idea after we had a friend take him and he fell and hit my son in the nose with the paddle... Copious amounts of blood and a bit of ice later he has a little bit of a bitter taste in his mouth about the whole thing. I am hoping to turn that around by giving him his own paddle for his birthday.
Anyways, so now I have a board. Do a little yoga out there and just cruise around. I am planning on picking up another board for my husband for Valentine's day. Maybe a Nalu 11'4" AST. He keeps talking about surfing it. I tried that a couple of times and it is much harder than it looks.
If you haven't tried it drag a friend out and rent a couple of boards. It is great exercise and leaves you feeling energized from all the natural beauty and like you did something good for yourself without trying too hard.
It sure beats running!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Family getaway
Well, the holidays are over. We had a very nice Christmas this year and followed it up by hitting the open road. Nothing makes me feel more free then getting in my car and driving. This time we had our sights on Blowing Rock, NC.
I am teased almost constantly because I talk about food and what/where to eat nearly all the time. I can't help it, I love food... the scent, texture, combinations... Can I help it that as I finish lunch I am already discussing dinner. No I can't. Plain and simple.
So it is not hard to believe we drove hundred of miles out of the way, stayed late in towns to be able to eat at the restaurant of my choice. A few of these stops in case you are ever near them...
Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House, Savannah, GA - I'm sure this place has to be in guide books, so you are not finding a hidden gem. A couple of pointers. Get there are 1015 or you will miss the first seating. And it is worth the wait. Also, sneaky trick they are only open M-F for lunch. But make it happen. We sat at the family style table looking out upon 19 side and 3 entrees (of course this was followed up with 2 desserts as well). The frosty cold that sank into our bones from the 45 minute wait lifted almost immediately as the warmth radiating from the creamed corn, collard greens, and buttermilk fried chicken. I lifted from my food trance to strike up conversation with the others patrons at our large table. Oddly enough, I ended up sitting beside a former sorority sister now married and pregnant with her first. My husband was beside himself. Of all the chances. We left happy and full (not stuff as you need to watch your portions or you will be laid up for the day) ready to get back on the open road.
FYI - also while in Savannah we stopped by Ex Libris, SCAD (Savannach College of Art & Design) bookstore. It was great. The kids found a couple of books to keep them happy in the car, new fancy drawing pencils, and I felt a creative burst and might figure out how to start screen printing on my own. It was good good.
Wow, this is already getting long. Maybe I will write a bit more tomorrow... but but but... food...
Asheville - 12 Bones - is fantastic. The corn pudding/souffle in my personal opinion is the best thing on the menu. Yes, I know Obama descended on them and the long lines are now even longer but it is GREAT and worth it. So sad when a locals spot goes presidential.
Raliegh - Yes, we drove too many hours to write out of the way to swing through Raleigh. The Pit was calling though. It was New Year's Eve and we were hitting the road for Sea Island. I have been telling my husband about the Pit for years. It is darn good and their sauce, delish. After 1.5 hours of biscuits, corn bread, chopped and pulled pork, collard greens, creamed corn, mac & cheese, pumpkin corn bread, pimento biscuits, pinto beans, and AMAZING banana pudding served warm we left smiling. I was hoping to stop by the Raleigh Farmer's Market, but we dallied downtown a little too long. So long in fact that we ended up too far away from Sea Island and couldn't make it in time.
For those of you who like to road trip... try not to do that stretch between Raleigh and Savannah late night. We ended up driving through three, yes 3 east deliverance towns trying to find a place to stay. ANY PLACE. There is now good reason for it, but they book out it seems and it is CREEPY.
My husband joked we went from the penthouse (Sea Island Lodge Suite) to the Poor House (highway hotel from hell. But happy, together and in love we were all happy to ring in the new year. Let's all have a wonderful 2011.
I am teased almost constantly because I talk about food and what/where to eat nearly all the time. I can't help it, I love food... the scent, texture, combinations... Can I help it that as I finish lunch I am already discussing dinner. No I can't. Plain and simple.
So it is not hard to believe we drove hundred of miles out of the way, stayed late in towns to be able to eat at the restaurant of my choice. A few of these stops in case you are ever near them...
Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House, Savannah, GA - I'm sure this place has to be in guide books, so you are not finding a hidden gem. A couple of pointers. Get there are 1015 or you will miss the first seating. And it is worth the wait. Also, sneaky trick they are only open M-F for lunch. But make it happen. We sat at the family style table looking out upon 19 side and 3 entrees (of course this was followed up with 2 desserts as well). The frosty cold that sank into our bones from the 45 minute wait lifted almost immediately as the warmth radiating from the creamed corn, collard greens, and buttermilk fried chicken. I lifted from my food trance to strike up conversation with the others patrons at our large table. Oddly enough, I ended up sitting beside a former sorority sister now married and pregnant with her first. My husband was beside himself. Of all the chances. We left happy and full (not stuff as you need to watch your portions or you will be laid up for the day) ready to get back on the open road.
FYI - also while in Savannah we stopped by Ex Libris, SCAD (Savannach College of Art & Design) bookstore. It was great. The kids found a couple of books to keep them happy in the car, new fancy drawing pencils, and I felt a creative burst and might figure out how to start screen printing on my own. It was good good.
Wow, this is already getting long. Maybe I will write a bit more tomorrow... but but but... food...
Asheville - 12 Bones - is fantastic. The corn pudding/souffle in my personal opinion is the best thing on the menu. Yes, I know Obama descended on them and the long lines are now even longer but it is GREAT and worth it. So sad when a locals spot goes presidential.
Raliegh - Yes, we drove too many hours to write out of the way to swing through Raleigh. The Pit was calling though. It was New Year's Eve and we were hitting the road for Sea Island. I have been telling my husband about the Pit for years. It is darn good and their sauce, delish. After 1.5 hours of biscuits, corn bread, chopped and pulled pork, collard greens, creamed corn, mac & cheese, pumpkin corn bread, pimento biscuits, pinto beans, and AMAZING banana pudding served warm we left smiling. I was hoping to stop by the Raleigh Farmer's Market, but we dallied downtown a little too long. So long in fact that we ended up too far away from Sea Island and couldn't make it in time.
For those of you who like to road trip... try not to do that stretch between Raleigh and Savannah late night. We ended up driving through three, yes 3 east deliverance towns trying to find a place to stay. ANY PLACE. There is now good reason for it, but they book out it seems and it is CREEPY.
My husband joked we went from the penthouse (Sea Island Lodge Suite) to the Poor House (highway hotel from hell. But happy, together and in love we were all happy to ring in the new year. Let's all have a wonderful 2011.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Last Minute Shopping - Top 7 Places and what to buy
Top Seven Places to Shop this Christmas... in the Palm Beach Area
1. Kourtney Pulitzers
2. Rapunzel's Closet
3. Amazon.com
4. Kravis Center
5. Ground Swell Surf Shop
6. Shutterfly
7. Sequins
This holiday season spending obscene amounts of money on gifts is just that. OBSCENE. So instead, I have been looking for more specific options.
Kourtney Pulitzer - down on Dixie across from the Norton Art Museum is great. They are reasonably priced and have a ton of fun clothes but even more so jewelry, scarves, and handbags. I found colorful clutches, made from the wedding cloths of Cambodian wives and mothers. When the women marry they begin embroidering a blanket that will later be used for their wrapping their babies and then it seems for purses. It is so neat to have a beautiful piece of art filled with such a story and so much love. They also have fantastic and unique scarves. My latest fav is a huge scarf with an orange gold fish on it. Love it.
Rapunzel's Closet - a bit more mainstream brands but a few others that are fun. Love Quotes scarves in EVERY color. Really. With inspirational quotes threaded in. Top Secret bras. Finally, something solves the problem of having a great shirt but not wanting to show quite that much cleavage. They bandeau tops that are cute and they have so many options.
Amazon.com - I recently signed up for Amazon Prime and it was worth it. Two day shipping free, overnight $3.99. That alone is great. For my tech happy relatives I easily picked up a digital camera, BluRays, GCs for eBooks... even a piano and had them almost instantly. Instant gratification from the internet!
Kravis Center - I have a 4 and 6 year old. They are busy, slightly wild little animals. And if I come down to step on one more My Little Pony, jagged Lego piece I might scream. They always want toys and well more more more. So to keep the toy bins from overflowing I headed to our local Theater. Tickets! We had family contribute money for tickets to Beauty and the Beast, West Side Story (that will be a birthday show) and a Cirque show. We took them to Wicked, The Little Mermaid on Broadway and How the Grinch Stole Christmas last year and they still talk about it and beg almost plead to go to the theater. If times are a little tougher find a local children's theater. They are GREAT and usually 12-14 a ticket.
Ground Swell - I have a wide variety of people to shop for. And Ground Swell fills a very nice void for me. They have a great assortment of clothes and gear for surfing, skateboarding and beach life. Hoodies, surf gear, you name it. And Carlos is wonderful and again makes you come back time and time again.
Shutterfly.com - Grandparents. Seriously, what do they need. They have everything they need. Are realizing that they don't want as many material things and finally understand the being together is the gift that keeps on giving. So shutterfly. Each year I make up two items (Christmas and Mother/Father's Day). A photobook of the last year in review and a calendar. They are both a bit time intensive but well worth it. They love to show their books, and look through them when alone. The calendars are a happy daily reminder that they are loved and special. And I use shutterfly because, well I have used them forever and they have pictures dating back before I was married, which is quite a while ago.
Sequins - Conveniently located right next to Rapunzel's Closet. They have VERY VERY fun and costume jewelry. Not the kind meant to look real (and snotty if you ask me), but anything ranging from playful to elegant to young and fun. And they are very inexpensive. At the same price point as Target but much nicer. And the people that work there are GREAT! Such a plus to encounter truly wonderful customer service and people that actually want to help in a nice way. ahhhh.
1. Kourtney Pulitzers
2. Rapunzel's Closet
3. Amazon.com
4. Kravis Center
5. Ground Swell Surf Shop
6. Shutterfly
7. Sequins
This holiday season spending obscene amounts of money on gifts is just that. OBSCENE. So instead, I have been looking for more specific options.
Kourtney Pulitzer - down on Dixie across from the Norton Art Museum is great. They are reasonably priced and have a ton of fun clothes but even more so jewelry, scarves, and handbags. I found colorful clutches, made from the wedding cloths of Cambodian wives and mothers. When the women marry they begin embroidering a blanket that will later be used for their wrapping their babies and then it seems for purses. It is so neat to have a beautiful piece of art filled with such a story and so much love. They also have fantastic and unique scarves. My latest fav is a huge scarf with an orange gold fish on it. Love it.
Rapunzel's Closet - a bit more mainstream brands but a few others that are fun. Love Quotes scarves in EVERY color. Really. With inspirational quotes threaded in. Top Secret bras. Finally, something solves the problem of having a great shirt but not wanting to show quite that much cleavage. They bandeau tops that are cute and they have so many options.
Amazon.com - I recently signed up for Amazon Prime and it was worth it. Two day shipping free, overnight $3.99. That alone is great. For my tech happy relatives I easily picked up a digital camera, BluRays, GCs for eBooks... even a piano and had them almost instantly. Instant gratification from the internet!
Kravis Center - I have a 4 and 6 year old. They are busy, slightly wild little animals. And if I come down to step on one more My Little Pony, jagged Lego piece I might scream. They always want toys and well more more more. So to keep the toy bins from overflowing I headed to our local Theater. Tickets! We had family contribute money for tickets to Beauty and the Beast, West Side Story (that will be a birthday show) and a Cirque show. We took them to Wicked, The Little Mermaid on Broadway and How the Grinch Stole Christmas last year and they still talk about it and beg almost plead to go to the theater. If times are a little tougher find a local children's theater. They are GREAT and usually 12-14 a ticket.
Ground Swell - I have a wide variety of people to shop for. And Ground Swell fills a very nice void for me. They have a great assortment of clothes and gear for surfing, skateboarding and beach life. Hoodies, surf gear, you name it. And Carlos is wonderful and again makes you come back time and time again.
Shutterfly.com - Grandparents. Seriously, what do they need. They have everything they need. Are realizing that they don't want as many material things and finally understand the being together is the gift that keeps on giving. So shutterfly. Each year I make up two items (Christmas and Mother/Father's Day). A photobook of the last year in review and a calendar. They are both a bit time intensive but well worth it. They love to show their books, and look through them when alone. The calendars are a happy daily reminder that they are loved and special. And I use shutterfly because, well I have used them forever and they have pictures dating back before I was married, which is quite a while ago.
Sequins - Conveniently located right next to Rapunzel's Closet. They have VERY VERY fun and costume jewelry. Not the kind meant to look real (and snotty if you ask me), but anything ranging from playful to elegant to young and fun. And they are very inexpensive. At the same price point as Target but much nicer. And the people that work there are GREAT! Such a plus to encounter truly wonderful customer service and people that actually want to help in a nice way. ahhhh.
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