Time Flies

Why does time elapse faster the older we get?

As a child, we can't wait to grow up. We want to be a "big kid" and do things for ourselves. I remember being a freshman in high school thinking that four years would NEVER end.

As a young adult, I couldn't wait to graduate college, get that promotion, buy our first house, start a family. It's often a time of "after I do this" some new phase of our life will begin.

As mothers we cherish our children, but encourage them to crawl, walk, sleep through the night, eat solid food, toilet train. We're always pushing them to learn something new, and thus, grow up. Remember how we looked forward to not buying diapers anymore? Or the money we'd save once they went to school and full-time daycare was no longer necessary?

Suddenly, the kids are in their tween stage filled with middle school emotional upheaval. And then they begin pulling away, which is a normal developmental milestone. Although this milestone doesn't seem so much fun.... (a child rolling their eyes at you vs. laughing in joy as they take their first steps.)

As mothers, the children's high school years literally FLY by. Kids become more independent, mature, and become people in your eyes. No longer a kid you need to care for, they are a person you genuinely love and like to be around. Many parents and children become actual friends. And then... they're off to college or independent living. You look back at the photos and feel like it "was only yesterday" when your child was a toddler.

I often wonder if time will slow down now that my children are grown. When I look at elderly people, many act as if time crawls for them. (Have you been to a nursing home lately?) However, I spent yesterday with a few 60 y/o retirees. They had been retired for several years, but still feel like time is zipping by. It made me think that time flies by if you don't consciously SLOW DOWN to enjoy the journey.

If I could do it all again, I wouldn't worry about cleaning the house, mowing the lawn, or getting the kids to bed on time. I'd languish in the smiles, laughter, tears, and conversation of each relationship (parent, child, friend, spouse). I need to remind myself of that going forward, so as to not waste a single day on unimportant stuff.

I thoroughly enjoy every one of my children. It's heartwarming to see them go off into the world and become their own independent person. But I still can't help be amazed at how fast the time has gone, because it still seems like just yesterday they were oh so young!

Fighting Avocados

I will pay money for guacamole. Nothing good can come from fighting avocados. They have ugly bumpy green skin, large hard pits, are tasteless, and won't mash unless *perfectly* ripe!

Better yet - I will forever boycott avocados. After all the problems they gave us last night, they do not deserve the privilege of knowing me and my family. Although, it was hilarious attempting to make guacamole with avocados that just wouldn't die!

Daylight saving time revolution needed!

I think we need a worldwide revolution.
Daylight saving time should NOT steal an hour of our valuable weekend.
Why not spring forward on a Tuesday instead?
I'd much rather lose an hour mid-week than lose one of "My Precious" 48 hours on a weekend.

How Sweet it is...

I'm pampering myself today. That's right folks that know me... I'm doing for ME and ONLY ME today. :)

I drank coffee in bed while catching up on my favorite TV shows.
I went to the gym because I'm actually starting to LIKE it!
Went grocery shopping and bought my favorites.
Treated myself to a manicure and eyebrow wax. (My hands are soooo pretty!)
Curled up in front of a cozy fire.
Watched Sex and the City movie. (Total drivel, but a guilty pleasure none the less.)
Ate sauteed mushrooms with a porterhouse steak for dinner.
And now I'm heading for a hot bubble bath with a good book.

Many would find this type of day boring.... but it happens so infrequently that it's blissful to me. We all deserve to be self-indulgent at times. And today was my day!

Still here

I haven't posted for awhile, but I am still alive and here at Blogger. I've been self-absorbed in my own little pity party of a world. As I climb back toward the light, I want to share a few words of wisdom I've picked up along the way...

1) You can either choose to be a fun-loving Tigger, or a sad sack Eeyore. (Randy Pautsch)

2) Things can usually be better, but they can ALWAYS be worse. (Da Telephone Man)

3) The best exercise is the exercise you do. (My doc)

4) Judge not, lest ye be judged. (Book of Matthew)

5) Put on your own oxygen mask before attempting to help others. (Every airline. Basically, if you don't take care of yourself, you will have nothing to give to others.)

6) Treat yourself as kindly as you treat your kids and loved ones. You deserve your own special caring too. (aka Do unto yourself as you do unto others.)

7) Embrace love. If you open your eyes, you'll discover it's all around you.