Sunday December 28th well the count down to the New Year has begun. Ideas are circling my brain in anticipation of 2009. Today’s task will be to get a notebook with a hard cover and creatively decorate it. This will be my journal for the New Year. What will be written is a mystery waiting to unfold! However I will start by writing down these ideas that are circling my brain and keeping me up at night!
Monday December 29th exercise and fast! Today I will start by going to cycling at an ungodly hour 5:30am, followed by a yoga practice and a warm water fast for 24 hours to cleanse the system. I believe a nap is order too!
Tuesday December 30th finish laundry and organize the closets and dresser drawers – how cool will that be to start 2009 off organized?
Wednesday December 31st finish the year by creating a list of moments we were grateful for in 2008. Some will be happy ones moments for sure, and some may be bittersweet with lessons well learned. List them all and find a way to be grateful for those moments. I believe with every negative a positive will be found if we choose to find it. Tuck the list into your new journal for 2009 to be looked upon on Dec. 31st 2009 and note your personal growth! Then shower up, dress up and have fun with friends, and family.
Thursday January 1st, 2009! WOW! Sleep in. Once awake take advantage of the new day/year and go for a walk outside, breath deeply, enjoying the fresh air, and set your intentions for the New Year! Start your journal but don’t stress over it that you have to write in it everyday, just make the agreement with yourself you will write once a week on average, maybe more some weeks and maybe you will skip a week here or there. It is a tool to track growth, create lists of pretty much anything, and with each entry remember to write what made you grateful that day.
Friday January 2nd write your thank you notes the old fashioned way and send them through the mail!
Saturday January 3rd try something new today that you haven’t tried before. It could be anything, a new food, going into a shop you have always been curious about, it maybe walking around a different street, it maybe taking that first yoga class or even going to the library and exploring a different section that you have never been in. It doesn’t have to be costly, just imaginative!
My wish for all that read my blog is to have a wonderful week preparing for the New Year and to find time to think how we can make 2009 better for those around us and our world. In the words of Deepak Chopra, “I will invent something that the world desperately needs.”
Last but not least say “Hi!” from time to time and share what you are up to too! God bless and keep you safe and healthy!
Namaste!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
December 21st to December 27th
Sunday December 21st if you are like me you probably still have a laundry list of things to do. Take a deep breath in and say, “So what, it will all get done and I will take it slow and enjoy!” Today I will focus on cooking Christmas Eve dinner which will be homemade tomato sauce, meatballs and pasta. I will also bake 2 maybe 3 kinds of cookies starting out with “Mrs. Claus’s Peppermint Wonders” – which sound insanely delicious! (They are fuggy chocolate brownies with vanilla cream frosting and crushed candy canes!) YUMMY!!!! However the morning will be spent doing Christmas cards and some art work. Breath and bake is the theme of today!
Monday December 22nd first stop will be the post office to send my last minute cards and gifts – it is the thought that counts and with the grace of God they still may make it on time! Afterwards I volunteer in the middle school library followed by a lunch with friends and ornament exchange! Visit with friends is the theme of today!
Tuesday December 23rd I will start the day off by treating myself to a yoga class at “Breath” – my favorite place to take a class when I am not teaching! After I get cleaned up I will be off to the elementary school to help with the Christmas party since I am one of the room parents and I must say that will definitely be the highlight of the day to witness all the excitement of the children! Afterwards I will start Christmas dinner which will be “Jambalaya” and of course bake 2 more types of cookies and I will finish my day by completing our wrapping in front of the fire with the tree lights on and soft Christmas music playing. Finish last minute things is the theme of today.
Wednesday December 24th go to mass either a children’s mass or midnight mass depending on the ages of your “party!” Focus and remember Jesus is the reason for the season.
Thursday December 25th relax and enjoy the day! It will probably be busy however find moments to savor, it will take my 3 favorite words to do that, “Effort, Honor, and Foundation.” Make the effort (time) to honor (show respect) and which sets the foundation to build your faith on and other will see.
Friday December 26th Rejoice and continue to enjoy family and friends. Have some friends over to relax in front of the fire for great conversation and a glass of your holiday favorite! (Peppermint hot co-co, eggnog with nutmeg, red wine, or sparkling water with fresh cranberries and orange slice is always nice and it look festive too!)
Saturday December 27th sleep in!
Christmas is not over, the season has just begun! The busy, crazy stuff that clouds the reason for the season has lifted, so now is the time to enjoy those efforts but more importantly enjoy those around us! Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!
Monday December 22nd first stop will be the post office to send my last minute cards and gifts – it is the thought that counts and with the grace of God they still may make it on time! Afterwards I volunteer in the middle school library followed by a lunch with friends and ornament exchange! Visit with friends is the theme of today!
Tuesday December 23rd I will start the day off by treating myself to a yoga class at “Breath” – my favorite place to take a class when I am not teaching! After I get cleaned up I will be off to the elementary school to help with the Christmas party since I am one of the room parents and I must say that will definitely be the highlight of the day to witness all the excitement of the children! Afterwards I will start Christmas dinner which will be “Jambalaya” and of course bake 2 more types of cookies and I will finish my day by completing our wrapping in front of the fire with the tree lights on and soft Christmas music playing. Finish last minute things is the theme of today.
Wednesday December 24th go to mass either a children’s mass or midnight mass depending on the ages of your “party!” Focus and remember Jesus is the reason for the season.
Thursday December 25th relax and enjoy the day! It will probably be busy however find moments to savor, it will take my 3 favorite words to do that, “Effort, Honor, and Foundation.” Make the effort (time) to honor (show respect) and which sets the foundation to build your faith on and other will see.
Friday December 26th Rejoice and continue to enjoy family and friends. Have some friends over to relax in front of the fire for great conversation and a glass of your holiday favorite! (Peppermint hot co-co, eggnog with nutmeg, red wine, or sparkling water with fresh cranberries and orange slice is always nice and it look festive too!)
Saturday December 27th sleep in!
Christmas is not over, the season has just begun! The busy, crazy stuff that clouds the reason for the season has lifted, so now is the time to enjoy those efforts but more importantly enjoy those around us! Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
December 14th - December 20th - Holiday Suggestions
Sunday December 14th make the effort to slow down today. Enjoy a cup of coffee while you sit and read the paper with Christmas music softly playing in the back ground– extra credit stay in you r pajamas until 12:00pm.
Monday December 15th wrap all gifts that need to go out of town today and go to the post office. Helpful hint: go to the post office around 10:40 that way you will miss the rush of the morning “Traffic” in the post office and avoid the lunch “Traffic”.
Tuesday December 16th start the day off with a protein shake to gear you up for your final “Power Shopping” day. As always as you pass the red kettle be kind and drop some change in, hold the door open and ask each store clerk how their day is! (I bet you will get better service and put a smile on their face.)
Wednesday December 17th Say to yourself it will all get done and take a deep breath in. Write out what is really important this holiday and also write what you want your children to learn from this season. Focus and remember Jesus is the reason for the season.
Thursday December 18th Finish your Christmas cards and send them out today. Do a little dance to celebrate that being done as you leave the post office. You will feel great and make those around you wonder what you are on!
Friday December 19th reconnect with dear friends by going to a movie and dinner afterwards! Relax and enjoy the conversation! Our lives are busy but never to busy to miss an opportunity to connect with others. (This idea will also make a great New Year’s resolution – I know it will be on my list for 2009.)
Saturday December 20th let’s dress up and have some girlfriends over to wrap gifts and enjoy a bottle of red wine. Each person is responsible for bringing their own wrapping paper, gifts to wrap and scissors, you provide the music, wine and tape! I think this would be a blast! Talk about multitasking party and get gifts wrapped, how cool.
*Let’s remember as we go through our week that laughter is not only the music of the soul but also the shortest distance between two people even if they are strangers.
Stay tuned for more fun holiday suggestions for December 21st – December 28th!
Monday December 15th wrap all gifts that need to go out of town today and go to the post office. Helpful hint: go to the post office around 10:40 that way you will miss the rush of the morning “Traffic” in the post office and avoid the lunch “Traffic”.
Tuesday December 16th start the day off with a protein shake to gear you up for your final “Power Shopping” day. As always as you pass the red kettle be kind and drop some change in, hold the door open and ask each store clerk how their day is! (I bet you will get better service and put a smile on their face.)
Wednesday December 17th Say to yourself it will all get done and take a deep breath in. Write out what is really important this holiday and also write what you want your children to learn from this season. Focus and remember Jesus is the reason for the season.
Thursday December 18th Finish your Christmas cards and send them out today. Do a little dance to celebrate that being done as you leave the post office. You will feel great and make those around you wonder what you are on!
Friday December 19th reconnect with dear friends by going to a movie and dinner afterwards! Relax and enjoy the conversation! Our lives are busy but never to busy to miss an opportunity to connect with others. (This idea will also make a great New Year’s resolution – I know it will be on my list for 2009.)
Saturday December 20th let’s dress up and have some girlfriends over to wrap gifts and enjoy a bottle of red wine. Each person is responsible for bringing their own wrapping paper, gifts to wrap and scissors, you provide the music, wine and tape! I think this would be a blast! Talk about multitasking party and get gifts wrapped, how cool.
*Let’s remember as we go through our week that laughter is not only the music of the soul but also the shortest distance between two people even if they are strangers.
Stay tuned for more fun holiday suggestions for December 21st – December 28th!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
December 7th - 13th - Friendly Suggestions
Sunday December 7th Cut down your own Christmas tree. Go with another family or two. Have fun walking outside in the fresh air and bring your dog if you have one – you will swear they are smiling from ear to ear! Special Note: If you live in Rochester I highly recommend “Country Pines” in Penfield. You will be greeted with a smile and the hot coco is to die for, plus each year they give you a different ornament! (This has been our family tradition for 15 years and we have a wonderful collection of these handmade ornaments!) When you get home light a fire, put on some Christmas music and start decorating your tree and have the kids create an ornament while you string the lights.
Monday December 8th, the Immaculate Conception – go to mass and thank God for the special women in your life. Special Note: This is the second anniversary of my mom’s death and I am still so blessed with her presence in my life! I am lucky and life is good!
Tuesday December 9th play the “Charlie Brown Christmas” CD while writing out your Christmas cards do a few each day and send them out by Dec. 18th and they will be sure to get to everyone on time! Special Note: You can purchase this CD at Starbucks!
Wednesday December 10th shop for all your out of town gifts today. Start early since most shops open up between 8:00-9:00am. First stop Starbucks for a solid kick of caffeine that will keep you going and going! Special Note: Pick up an extra pair of mittens and a hat and bring them to a local shelter. Extra Credit: Get a few pairs and a few hats!
Thursday December 11th take a yoga class. During this time of year we really need to check in with ourselves and take care of ourselves. Choose either a gentle class or a power flow class, which ever you are more in the mood for, but do it. You will feel better, more energized and relaxed. Giving yourself this gift of a yoga class you will be giving those around you the gift of a peaceful “You!” Then wrap one present for your out of town friends and family. Extra Credit: Get it all done and then you will really be relaxed! Breath.
Friday December 12th TGIF! Bake more cookies. Bake a double batch of shortbread since they freeze real well. Freeze half for the holidays and keep half in an air tight container. Invite a neighbor over for tea and conversation!
Saturday December 13th do your weekly cleaning for 2 hours and then take a break and list 10 things are grateful for, your list might start out with, I am grateful that the laundry is done!
The holidays can be very tough on people for a variety of reasons. Be patient, smile often, hold the door open for others, and take the time to truly listen to other people. Those simple acts may mean the difference between a hard day and a good day to those who struggle.
Stay tuned for more fun suggestions December 14th – December 20th!
Monday December 8th, the Immaculate Conception – go to mass and thank God for the special women in your life. Special Note: This is the second anniversary of my mom’s death and I am still so blessed with her presence in my life! I am lucky and life is good!
Tuesday December 9th play the “Charlie Brown Christmas” CD while writing out your Christmas cards do a few each day and send them out by Dec. 18th and they will be sure to get to everyone on time! Special Note: You can purchase this CD at Starbucks!
Wednesday December 10th shop for all your out of town gifts today. Start early since most shops open up between 8:00-9:00am. First stop Starbucks for a solid kick of caffeine that will keep you going and going! Special Note: Pick up an extra pair of mittens and a hat and bring them to a local shelter. Extra Credit: Get a few pairs and a few hats!
Thursday December 11th take a yoga class. During this time of year we really need to check in with ourselves and take care of ourselves. Choose either a gentle class or a power flow class, which ever you are more in the mood for, but do it. You will feel better, more energized and relaxed. Giving yourself this gift of a yoga class you will be giving those around you the gift of a peaceful “You!” Then wrap one present for your out of town friends and family. Extra Credit: Get it all done and then you will really be relaxed! Breath.
Friday December 12th TGIF! Bake more cookies. Bake a double batch of shortbread since they freeze real well. Freeze half for the holidays and keep half in an air tight container. Invite a neighbor over for tea and conversation!
Saturday December 13th do your weekly cleaning for 2 hours and then take a break and list 10 things are grateful for, your list might start out with, I am grateful that the laundry is done!
The holidays can be very tough on people for a variety of reasons. Be patient, smile often, hold the door open for others, and take the time to truly listen to other people. Those simple acts may mean the difference between a hard day and a good day to those who struggle.
Stay tuned for more fun suggestions December 14th – December 20th!
Monday, December 1, 2008
December 1st through 6th!
For each day in December I am writing a holiday suggestion to help make our holidays a little brighter for us and those around us. I hope you enjoy.
Week one:
December 1st Vacuum the house or at least the downstairs. Dusting is extra credit! Note you may remind kids that Santa is watching and see what happens.
December 2nd Get out your Advent calendar and wreath and light the first candle. (I know we should have done this on Nov. 30th but better late than never.)
December 3rd String lights outside around one bush. Multiple bushes are extra credit and well worth the time, just ask your neighborhood kids!
December 4th Go to the Public Market and buy some fresh evergreen or find a Boy Scout troop that sell fresh wreaths and buy two. Keep one for your front door and give the other to a friend who is over whelmed at this point.
December 5th TGIF celebrate by baking cookies and make the little ones help – even if it is to just lick the bowl and label them official cookie tasters! Send some cookies home with your helpers! (Workers comp!)
December 6th Celebrate Saint Nicholas’ Feast Day by having friends over for a drink and dessert. Fill children’s shoes with treats – be sure the dog doesn’t get them!
*Remember to do the following throughout this month everyday or every time the opportunity arises:
1. When you can hold the door open for someone –DO IT!
2. When you see the Salvation Army Red Kettle put your change or coffee money in or really surprise the bell ringer by bringing them a cup of coco!
3. Smile at everyone especially those that seem grumpy – I bet they could use the lift the most.
4. Dust the snow off the car next to you when you are done shopping.
5. Take a moment for yourself at least once a day to breath really deep and to be grateful for one thing!
Next week I will post December 7-13. Stay tuned!
Namaste.
Week one:
December 1st Vacuum the house or at least the downstairs. Dusting is extra credit! Note you may remind kids that Santa is watching and see what happens.
December 2nd Get out your Advent calendar and wreath and light the first candle. (I know we should have done this on Nov. 30th but better late than never.)
December 3rd String lights outside around one bush. Multiple bushes are extra credit and well worth the time, just ask your neighborhood kids!
December 4th Go to the Public Market and buy some fresh evergreen or find a Boy Scout troop that sell fresh wreaths and buy two. Keep one for your front door and give the other to a friend who is over whelmed at this point.
December 5th TGIF celebrate by baking cookies and make the little ones help – even if it is to just lick the bowl and label them official cookie tasters! Send some cookies home with your helpers! (Workers comp!)
December 6th Celebrate Saint Nicholas’ Feast Day by having friends over for a drink and dessert. Fill children’s shoes with treats – be sure the dog doesn’t get them!
*Remember to do the following throughout this month everyday or every time the opportunity arises:
1. When you can hold the door open for someone –DO IT!
2. When you see the Salvation Army Red Kettle put your change or coffee money in or really surprise the bell ringer by bringing them a cup of coco!
3. Smile at everyone especially those that seem grumpy – I bet they could use the lift the most.
4. Dust the snow off the car next to you when you are done shopping.
5. Take a moment for yourself at least once a day to breath really deep and to be grateful for one thing!
Next week I will post December 7-13. Stay tuned!
Namaste.
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