Main Entry: di·vulge
Pronunciation: \də-ˈvəlj, dī-\
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): di·vulged; di·vulg·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin divulgare, from dis- + vulgare to make known, from vulgus mob
Date: 15th century
1: to make public : proclaim
2: to make known (as a confidence or secret)
Just though I would toss out some random stuff today, as my brain cannot seem to formulate a complete blog post. Such is the way of the squirrel.
Brace yourself for a silly blog post.
1) Pope Benedict XVI gave his last general audience today. If the thought of him leaving makes you sad, then you can drink your sorrows away with Pope Beer!
Warning: consumers of this product may start seeing apparitions of Mary.
3) Week two of my social media Lent fast, and I'm starting to feel like I'm stranded in the desert. The temptation to give up is strong.
Tempt me not Lucifer Squirrel!
4) But alas, I will persevere...
Sigh.
5) To be honest, February has been filled with the meh's. Sigh. I want winter to be over. I am trying to cheer myself up. Just yesterday, I did an epic air-guitar solo to Phil Collin's Something in the Air Tonight.
But were you as good as Phil Squirrlen's?
But I swear it was an epic air guitar set!
6) So, wearing a pink t-shirt will stop bullying you say? Hmm. Interesting. While I get why things like these can help spread the message, let's stop and ask:
Am I, the pink t-shirt wearer, a bully myself?
Does wearing a t-shirt make the victim feel better about themselves, knowing that tomorrow, the pink t-shirts will be stained with bullshit brown, as bullies resume their bullying, and sheeple resume their silence?
Does standing up for a certain group of people to defend them or promote their rights (sexual orientation, race, gender, political ideology, religious (or lack there of) belief) while spreading hatred against others (sexual orientation, race, gender, political ideology, religious (or lack there of) belief) make you a warrior or a bully?
Is this just another hashtag campaign? (Click the hyperlink to read my thoughts on those).
I don't know if a t-shirt will really have a lasting change beyond the hyper-attention to the day. Do we we need to wear a t-shirt to be respectful of others? Can't that just happen in your everyday life, regardless of what t-shirt you wear?
Soldier squirrel knows how to stop bullies.
Well that's it for today. Until later...oooh..shiny thing! Squirrel!
My friend Theresa is telling all about these cute sloth pics she puts on her Facebook wall. And I can't see them. Such a fiend. Who knew I would be giving up (looking at) sloth for Lent?
Today was the first day of my giving up Facebook and Twitter for Lent. So far, so good. My morning habit took some adjustment. Salt & Light Catholic TV has a great app that I downloaded, for free, that is filled with many great spiritual reflections and programs. I'll give the full update tomorrow of day one.
"Remember that thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return." ~ Genesis 3:19
Ash Wednesday (and by extension, Lent) can be a time of great human frailty. It's easy to point out the people in the community who have frailties and vulnerabilities (homeless, elderly, etc...). It's a lot harder for us (the strong, the independent) to admit our vulnerabilities and needs, especially to God. We are reminded that we are built by God's dust...and will return to that state through the will of God alone.
Today I had the opportunity to watch the final Mass of Pope Benedict XVI. I was struck by his frailty ... and of his strength.
In light of what I watched, I pondered my own frailties before God.
Am I strong enough to withstand a social-media fast? Am I strong enough to be a mother? Am I the best wife I can be? Am I healthy enough? Will my Sarcoid ever come back? My memory is getting shaky - should I be worried? Have I been the kind of friend that my friends deserve? Am I good enough at what I do in my job? Will I be able to take care of my mother? Am I truly taking care of myself? Am I a good enough Catholic? Have I been faithful in word and deed to my faith? Am I worthy enough to untie the sandals of Jesus, or enter the Kingdom of God? Am I good enough?
Pope Benedict XVI reminded me of three basic and simple things:
Believe in God
Pray to God
Trust in God
Like him, I am simply a humble worker in vineyard of the Lord. If I live my life as authentically as I can, God will nourish me through the Eucharist. The defeat of spiritual frailty is in the Eucharist. The defeat of the Eucharist is sin. The choice of how I want to live in my earthly body is mine alone. I can choose to accept that I will simply turn into dust. Or I can boldy accept that my soul, if nurtured, has a better place to go upon death.
The clouds say I am nothing, but my humility says I am nothing without you.
Lent has always been something I have struggled with when I started my journey to become a Catholic in 2008. For a number of reasons, the idea of giving something up to be closer to God has never really...well...resonated with me.
One reason, as I blogged about in 2010, I have to a certain extent felt like every year was Lent; my whole life the last few years has felt like sacrifice. Between lay offs, poverty (in money and spirit), unfulfilled dreams, or major illness, I have always felt like I have had to make sacrifices. Things improved a lot more when I did become a Catholic, and when I did meet (and eventually marry) my husband. But the feelings of resentment about Lent lingers. Why do I have to give up the few good vices I have just to be closer to God?
My other major complaint was that I never really understood how giving up coffee or sweets made me closer to God. Other than a few extra pounds on my belly, it's not like having a morning java or a piece of chocolate changes my connection to Him, or other people, in any major way.
This year though, I realised that I've been doing Lent wrong. Three things led me to this conclusion:
I wasn't being honest with what is disconnecting me from God or others
I wasn't giving up anything meaningful, nor was I replacing the sacrifice with an action to lead me closer to God
I wasn't recognizing the opportunity to learn, grow, and be a better, authentic, Catholic by breaking out of my comfort-level
Lent in many ways is like how some people approach confession - confess/give up the minor stuff...but let's just shush now about the major things shall we...after all, we wouldn't want the priest/world to know just how sinful/selfish we are.
If we are not entirely honest with ourselves and our failings,
then how can we live an authentic life made for greatness?
The recurring theme was that I am way too connected to social media, but I am not connecting in a meaningful way. My addiction to social media, made worse by my IPhone purchase, has impacted my life in many negative ways:
It takes away important time from my husband, my friends, and my family
It is so time-consuming that my gym and outdoor activity time has decreased, dramatically, which impacts my efforts to lose weight, which in turns impacts my goals (baby, fitness, clothing etc...)
I have no idea what is going on in my friends life unless I read about it on Facebook. That's not good.
It cuts into my other enjoyable hobbies (such as reading a book)
There is too much negativity that just riles me up (especially about my faith). In turn, it's made me snarky too
I am not sure if my connections are meaningful (especially on Twitter). With some, I feel like I always have to engage in battle to defend a view, but most of the time, the other person isn't interested in hearing your view as much as promoting their own bullsh*t
I have dramatically changed my views on some issues (for the better or worse), but I haven't had a chance to really reflect on those changes and what that means
My hatred of people has grown - there is way too much stupid
My own engagement is quantity-filled, not quality-filled
Your priorities are the things you plan for. This was actually what sparked it all. My husband made this comment week before last, noting that you can tell what people’s actual priorities are by looking at what they plan for. I looked at my life to see that I had intricate plans for when I was going to spend time on my computer, but was always winging it when it came to the more boring/humble tasks related to my primary vocation.
That my friends is truth. I wake up and the first thing I do, before I even eat breakfast, is reach for my IPad and check out Twitter and Facebook. I think about what things I will post, and who I will read,and what I will blog about before I think of any other aspect of my day.
Most importantly, I don't connect to God when I worship Facebook and Twitter above Him.
I truly hope that this becomes a lasting change and that somehow, someway, I can find that happy medium. I might check-in on Sundays (the one allowable day) just to see how everyone is doing. But then again, I might not. I will spend this time to reflect, pray, be, and build meaningful connections.
I will continue to blog.
Note: Yesterday, Pope Benedict announced his retirement. This is the only Pope that I have ever known as a Catholic (I was baptized under his papacy). I will pray for him and his health. Thank you Papa for all that you have done to guide me under your wisdom. You are a brilliant, wise, humble man. You were good for the Church and your teachings will always be valued.
I love to read. I was the kid in school whose nose was always in a book. I was the kid growing up who spent every free moment of her time reading. But with deep shame, I admit that I haven't read many books these last few years. In fact, I read a whole total of two books in all of 2012. (I know...I hang my head in shame). You would think that having read the best book of the last decade, Rules of Civility by Amor Towles, would have sparked a new reading fever. Alas....
In keeping with this rah-rah resolution theme I've got going this month, I resolve to end this literary dry spell. In 2013, I commit to reading at least 5 books this year. I renewed my library card yesterday, and purchased one book with my Chapters gift card. To add some extra public accountability, I will blog my review of each book here.
I will post the cover photo and the reasons why I am interested in reading the book. I will then link to the write up by Chapters Indigo Bookstore so you can read a synopsis yourself (hyper linked in the title). In no particular order:
It is set in New York City, which is a fabulous backdrop for most stories I find.
It takes place in an era-span (early 20th century) that I love.
It is a Heather's Pick at Chapters.
Why is #3 important? She recommended Rules of Civility by Amor Towles. I am eternally grateful to Heather for that reason as it was one of the best books I have read this decade in my lifetime. I trust her judgement now, so Sutton should be fabulous.
Edward Rutherfurd is such a story-teller. I read his novel, London, and that was fabulous. Long, but fabulous. He weaves the story of various families through generations, connecting these families to important moment and people in our real-life time. Thankfully, he provides maps, family trees and historical time lines in the beginning, in case you get lost (as I do). A big investment of time, but well worth the read. A story about New York? Sold.
This is a book I saw on the best-seller shelves, but didn't know anything about. Well apparently, Jenny Lawson is a well-known blogger. She is author of the popular blog, The Bloggess. Who knew? Well in the short time I had to skim the blog (for research for my blog), I laughed. She certainly has a gift for story telling her life! I appreciate how hard it is to come up with a blog, so I appreciate those who put the effort to tell their life story. Plus it would be nice to read a non-fiction book, even if the subject matter is one that would raise my eyebrow in disbelief.
I put this as a 2.5 because this is a carry over must-read from last year. It technically does not count for this year, so it will be a bonus read! LOL. Every dog and their bone seems to have read this book...and they love it. In efforts to be more grateful this year, I will use this book to inspire me. Hopefully. I tend to dislike these types of hippy novels. This does look promising though. So I will give it a shot. We shall see. In any event, I did email Joanne and tell her that we had to read this. So help me God, I will!
A baseball book? Something that maybe my husband would read? Sold! That said, I have heard nothing but good things about this novel, so I am looking forward to reading this!
There are a number of reasons why I want to read this giant in Canadian literary canon. First off, it's an important novel in Canadian History. Secondly, I sincerely want perspective on the issues of English Canadian/French Canadian, and nationalist/separatist issues, that continually affect this country I love. Beyond that, I have heard it is a fantastic novel and something I have always wanted to read. The fact that it is part of CBC's Canada Reads 2012 battle makes it a timely choice too.
__________________
Well there is my list. What's on your list? Share with me in the comments, then mosey on over to A Warm Cup of Jo to see what Joanne wants to read!
Truth be told, we should celebrate your existence every single day. But since social norms pooh-pooh such extravagance and adoration, then my birthday blog will have to do. Feel free to read it every day, especially when you are feeling sad or low.
Here are some truths about you (some that you probably don't see in yourself):
1) You are stunningly beautiful as you are! Yes, you. I know you don't often think that, but take a good look at the picture above. That wasn't just a random-happens-to-be-great photo of you. That is how you look to us (well at least Steve, Marina, Mark and I) every day.
2) You are a fabulous mother! I know that lately, maybe, you haven't felt that way. Trying to juggle work with motherhood is hard on the best of them. But understand that if children are a reflection of their parents, then you are doing a damn good job. Marina is smart, loving, caring and at her worst, is still better then some kids at their best. Mark and I witness the love you have for your daughter when we visit. It is why we will strive to role-model ourselves after you and Steve with our own children. Don't feel like a failure if things don't work out as you plan. You offer Marina more than a roof over the head and food on the table. You offer her love, courage to grow, and wisdom to know what is right and wrong. Doesn't get much better than that.
3) You are a wonderful wife! I can't speak for Steve, but I can speak for what Mark and I observe when we visit your house. We see a relationship of love and respect. We see a relationship of humour and trust. We see a relationship that is perfect it its imperfections. We see that no matter what, your relationship with Steve (as both wife and co-parent) is the most important thing to you above all else.
4) You are a wonderful daughter! You take care of your elderly mom. There is not one part of you that doesn't show love and respect the wisdom and tradition your mom has given you.
5) You are a true patriot! You love Canada. You are a strong patriot. You speak out on issues, not to complain, but to make the country better. You are patriot, but not in a smug in-your-face way (which I know you detest). You are confident enough in your own identity to be respectful of other countries. You care enough to want to leave a better country for your daughter.
5) You are a wonderfulfriend! Joanne, you are truly the best friend one could ask for. You know me - not just a dimension of me. Because you know me, you let me be me. That is all one can honestly ask from a friend. If that were all you offered, that would be enough for anybody. But you offer so much more! We share the same humour, and the same style of scathing bitchiness. You got my back and I've got yours. You have enriched my vocabulary with such gems as bonerous erectus. We have travelled, journeyed through life, and experienced amazing things together. You inspire me to be better in many ways (least of which, a better blogger).
Still my favourite pic of us dorks.
This list barely skims the surface of all you are. You are smart, loyal, funny, witty, etc..
So here's the deal Joanne. When you are feeling not good enough (too fat, a bad mom, a bad wife, a bad friend, a bad person, just plain bad), come back to this post. Recognize that those who love you (least of all me) see the best of you. There is nothing wrong with wanting to improve yourself, and I will be right there with you, trying to improve myself. However, appreciate the here-and-now, and all that you have to offer. Because you offer a hell of a lot to the world baby! And nobody puts baby in the corner (yep...I am a dork!).
I'll be by your side every step of the way my friend because I love you and you are my siiiissssteeeerrrr! (Aside: will this ever stop being funny? Nope!).
To quote the Golden Girls: "Thank you for being a friend, traveled down the road and back again, the heart is true, you're a pal and a confidant."
Joanne and I decided to blog about the five things we look forward to this year, in parts to keep up with the desire to stay motivated, positive, and grateful. So this week (by this week, I mean last Friday, but it's Monday, because I actually had to work Friday, because sometimes work interferes with my life), we will blog about the five things we are looking forward to this year. And once again, I could pretty much copy and paste Joanne's Top Five list. Just sayin'.
#5) A Specialist-Free Year
I am so very done with going to specialists. The last two years have been nothing but near-monthly specialists appointments. Unless I have some sort of remission, or say I get pregnant and have a complicated pregnancy because of my condition, the appointments might not be over. But it doesn't hurt to be optimistic about such things. I'm done with all things Sarcoidosis. As an aside, I am glad we have the health-care system in Canada that we have. I will be forever grateful for the care I received during my health-care journey.
#4) Better Overall Health & A Healthier Weight
All that being said in point #5, I do need to get on top of things regarding my health. My Sarcoid is in complete remission. My organs seem to be healthy (most especially my lungs and kidney). My asthma is under control with Symbicourt. My severe Vitamin D deficiency is back to the semi-normal with continued supplementation. My hormone imbalance (caused by said vitamin deficiency) is back to normal.
That all said, I still have major room for improvement. My vision needs to be checked. My fitness levels are appalling. I'm fat. Not preciously plump. Full on fat. And I am trying to conceive, which surely my weight contribute to the difficulty of conception. More work needs to be done to make a healthier me in 2013! This will involve some amount of discipline on my part, but I can succeed!
#3) Baseball Season
This year, more than any other year, I am EXCITED about baseball. There is a lot to be excited about! The Toronto Blue Jays look like they might actually have a team in contention this year, with some pretty major off-season signings (including 2012 Cy Young winner R.A.Dickey). In Edmonton, there has been a major drought because they suspended the 2013 season of the Edmonton Capitals (because of the weak NABL system). However there is a strong possibility of baseball returning by way of either (maybe) American Association of Professional Ball League or a (slim) chance of getting a single-A farm team. Now, with the schedule already posted for 2013 in the AAPBL, I am trying not to get too optimistic. But it would be nice to have something. Baseball is easily the cheapest and most enjoyable entertainment in town (ticket, beer, hot dog for less than $20).
In addition, a trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame might be in the works...
Source: sportscasualties.com
#2) Vacation to Ottawa and Upstate New York
Nothing is set in stone yet, but husband and I plan to visit Ottawa. This has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. I am excited at the prospect of visiting our nations capital. Being the dorky über-patriotic Canadian (and history majour), I am super excited. What adds to the excitement is the possibility of meeting up with Joanne and her family for a side-trip to upstate New York, where her husband is from. This may include a day trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame. I hope to see the Niagara Falls and Toronto, as well as the Gatineau area of Quebec. But for me, Ottawa is what I am most looking forward to visiting. To be able to be in the Parliament Buildings, the same buildings that Pierre Trudeau and other leaders have walked, overwhelms me.
#1) Having a Baby...(hopefully).
Husband and I want a baby. The TTC process is a bit frustrating. But at least I am enjoying the trying part, even if the conceiving part isn't quite happening! ;)
You totally know I will do this to my kid, right?
So there's my list. What's on your top-five look foward list?
P.S. Today would have been my friend Wendy's 37th birthday. I miss her so much. In times of sadness, reflecting on hopes and dreams seems apt. She would want me to have these, achieve these, and be a better version of myself. I miss you dear friend. I love you. And I will always strive to be happy for you.
Yes my friends, Joanne and I feed each others laziness. We are enablers. I love my BFF!
So what songs motivate me? What songs get my fire going? What songs inspire me to be a better me? When I'm feeling lazy, down, unmotivated, and rejected, music helps my soul.
Today, with the inauguration, it is a perfect day to stop being lazy and start sharing my songs that motivate!
Awesome picture, eh? I have no idea who to give credit to though.
#5) God Bless the USA (and a Canadian version too!) - Lee Greenwood
I love my country. I love the United States for that matter too. This song may be dorky by the musical standards of today (and may be every politicians go-to campaign song) but I love it! I love the American version, and to my surprise, Lee made a Canadian version too! Patriotic love all around!
Lyric sample:
If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked for all my life,
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife,
I'd thank my lucky stars to be living here today,
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom
And they can't take that away.
US Version:
Canadian Version:
#4) That's What I Love About Sundays - Craig Morgan
This song represents for me what is truly important - faith, family and friends. If life were truly this simple, life would be great.
Lyric sample: That's what I love about Sunday: Cat-napping on the porch swing; You curled up next to me, The smell of jasmine wakes us up. Take a walk down a back road, Tackle box and a cane pole; Carve our names in that white oak, An' steal a kiss as the sun fades, That's what I love about Sunday, Oh, yeah.
#3) In My Life - The Beatles
This song represents where I am at in my life right now. That it is important to look past, with fondness, at the memories of the past and the friends that have come and gone. However, it is important to not be stuck in the past, or the what might have been, but rather, move forward in life and in love.
Lyric sample:
But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more
#2) That's Who I Am - Jessica Andrews
This song is me. I am who I am. It is important for me to recognize that I am not perfect. I make mistakes. I am very clumsy. I may never cross-off the all important bucket list.I matter in this world, even if only to those who love me most. Being me is all that matters to them, and to myself.
Lyric sample: Sometimes I'm clueless and I'm clumsy But I've got friends that love me And they know just where I stand It's all a part of me And that's who I am
#1) Everyday - Dave Matthews Band
In 2002, Joanne and I went on my first vacation out of the country (and the first without my family). This was one of those life-changing vacations for many reasons (independence, confidence, deepening my love for travel and for the USA, etc...). On our tour, this was our morning song. Not only does it conjure up great memories though. It is a genuinely great song that wants me to strive to be a better person and contribute to society in a better way. I think if everyone lived this message, we would have a better world.
Lyric sample: Pick me up, love, from the bottom Up onto the top, love, everyday Pay no mind to taunts or advances I'm gonna take my chances on everyday
Left to right Up and up and inside out right Good love fight for everyday Jump in the mud, mud Get your hands filthy, love Give it up, love Everyday
All you need is All you want is All you need is love. All you need is What you want is All you need is love.
Hello faithful readers of five. Time for a new (hopefully weekly if I can stop being lazy) feature!
I know I said I would be more grateful in 2013. But when so much stupid exists in the world, in the interest of sanity, I really should allow myself at least one day to vent. Or drink. But venting doesn't kill the liver.
You know what really grinds my gears? Hashtag campaigns.
Hashtag campaigns (a.k.a. #insertcampaignhere) are campaigns that originate on Twitter. They are usually about political issues (like #occupywallstreet, #idlenomore #stopKony2012), but they can also include campaigns against corporations or other entities. My specific beef for the purpose of this post is about politically motivated campaigns.
The issue I have is not with raising awareness about important social issues. I think it is good and healthy to discuss topics that affect us directly or indirectly. I think it is important to highlight things that are broken in society.
My issue stems from the fact that, at least so far in my observance, if not done right, these campaigns are polarizing and pointless and stray so far from the issue that nothing actually happens.
Here is a list of everything that typically goes wrong with the campaigns:
They are usually ideologically driven, and those who drive it are not interested in hearing other points of views but their own.
Should you offer a different, valid point of view, you are labelled a _______. (Fill in the blank. Usually racist/sexist/elitists comes up, but by no means are the labels limited to just those).
It brings out the nastiest comments from both the left and right, and ends up becoming a mud-slinging tweet-off.
The "facts" or "proofs" are usually cherry-picked, ignoring all other documents, news or court decisions related to the topic. Especially if the word "charter-right" or "amendment-right" enters the fray.
The issue itself is based on a ton of misinformation right off the bat (not that anyone cares). So the warlord we are supposed to stop is not even in the country or power anymore? Minor details. So the chief starving herself is in knee-deep in highly questionable conduct at her own reserve? Minor details.
It creates a bunch of sheeple who know nothing about the topic, except for the 140 characters they read from other sheeples, and they all of a sudden become experts. That 40 year old housewife is all of a sudden a legal and constitutional expert. That 16 year old teenager, whose whole life revolves around Justin Bieber, cares so-o-o much about child labour (while everything she owns that her parents bought her is made via child labour).
Journalists and newscasts fixate on all the wrong aspects of the topics, don't ask the right questions, portrays one side as victims and the other side (usually government) as villains. The only time they actually care to portray all the facts is when one side (usually the movement) does some grievance against a journalist. Oh the humanity of it all!
I don't pretend to know about what the hell the #idlenomore campaign is. Up until I started tuning in, I thought it was an environmental movement to stop idling your car. I don't have a clue about treaty rights. I don't have a clue what the constitution says, or what the courts have said, or what the issues are in the aboriginal community. Which is why I have not participated in the campaign. I am not an expert, so I will not pretend that I am.
However, I do think Theresa Spence's antics are taking away from real issues with the government and aboriginal communities relationship. Attacking the government and starving yourself isn't going to make a her reserve look any less ghetto, address why she and her boyfriend appear to be knee deep in corruption, or find out where the money given to her reserve has gone (certainly not to the people or infrastructure). I call bullshit.
Fact is, both the government and the aboriginal community (and the larger Canadian society) need to start addressing aboriginal issues. With all parties at the table. Discussing the actual issues, and how to address them. And each side will need to concede things to move forward. That is a fact. Dispute that.
I am not against people having an opinion on a topic. That is healthy. But don't just spout rhetoric as an "expert" and slag other people with different points of view in the topic. If you are not interested in engaging in real dialogue,or interested in researching the topic, or interested in hearing all points of views, go back to tweeting angry cat memes.
Today's blog is not so much about a 2013 resolution, but more like a commitment. Call it a bucket list of what I want to achieve this year. This was originally supposed to be posted on Friday but I was sick with the flu. When you are done, and have commented (because comments are my she-ra sword), then head over to Joanne's blog post on this very same subject!
5) Be selfish & stand up for myself.
Seems like an odd thing to want. However, as I discovered in 2012, this action is essential for both my physical and mental health. To sit by quietly while someone tries to piss on you is not "keeping the peace." It's not even trench warfare. It's laying down and being shat on is what that is.
I am done with dealing with passive-aggressive people who throw digs while pretending to be nice for the sake of martyrdom. Screw you.
I am done with nagging feelings of doubt about the quality of my work or the contributions I add to the discussion because you are insecure about your own enough to tear down mine.
Don't like that? Tough titty for the kitty. I am not your punching bag. I am not your slave. I am not your therapist. I am putting myself first, and you better be prepared for that.
4) Limit my social media time.
Confession: I have missed what other people have said to me, including my husband, because I was looking at Facebook or Twitter.
Ironic since I hate it when I go out with friends or family and everyone is glued to the phone. But I am slowly becoming that person. I forgot my phone for Christmas Eve dinner. I thought it would be OK. I can handle one night without my iPhone right? Well I won't lie and say I didn't get...um...twitchy. Especially when at one point at the table I was sitting at, everyone there's head was down, looking at their smart phone, not even talking to me or each other. The living room where the rest of the family was assembled was no better. The next day, I must have checked my phone at least 20 times, as if I missing someones tweet was going critical to my well being.
I appreciate being connected to people so easily. I appreciate making new friends.
But what good is being connected if we are truly not connecting.
Most people, especially on Twitter, aren't really interested in my point of view. They (like me) are more interested in sharing their points of view. I have seen friendships fall apart over posts on Facebook and Twitter (over politics and other "issues"). I have gone months without seeing my actual real-life friends and family, as if somehow, Facebook or Twitter is enough to sustain that connection. It's not for me. I assure you. However, I am guilty of doing the things I so despise.
If I miss things my husband is saying, then a line has to be drawn somewhere. BALANCE has to be part of the social media equation. (Blogging excluded of course... he he).
Let's not even begin to discuss how much time has been wasted at the expense of other meaningful activity...which leads me to my next bucket-list item!
3) Get more active
Things I discovered in 2012:
Activity helps me lose weight, feel energized, contributes to my overall health improvement, improves my mood, and strengthens my connections with others.
Lack of activity causes plateaus, weight-gain, fatigue, health problems, adds to my negative feelings about myself, and weakens my connections with others.
Remind me again why I am not out there every single day for at least 30 minutes? Remind me again how hard it is to find 30 minutes when I can easily waste that amount of time watching shows on TV I don't even like, or scrolling Twitter and Facebook?
There really is no excuses for avoiding what I actually enjoy. There are so many things I can do at my current weight (like aqua-size, walks around Beaumaris Lake, the elliptical etc..), that any excuse is pitiful at best.
2) Lose weight and stop putting crap in the trap.
Source: Someecards.com
I know that the easiest thing to do is cut my calories, watch my portions, and eat more of the healthy stuff. I know how to do it. I know the tips and tricks on how to create safe environments. I even know how to eat out in a way that is safe and controlled.
So if I know all of this stuff - if I am this oracle of weight-loss knowledge - how come I am not living the knowledge? How come I am abusing my body with crap food?
I will work on this. I already am to some degree. However, what I am thinking I am lacking is respect for the food that is produced to make me healthy, and respect for my body to seek those foods.
1) Life my life to the fullest potential with grace.
Source: The Biggest Loser, NBC
Good question Bob. What am I going to do with it?
I firmly believe that if I implement the principals above, I will be living my life to the fullest possible potential in 2013 and beyond. There is absolutely nothing to hold me back but myself. I believe that I will achieve these goals with a good attitude.
I must be grateful the gifts in my life (including my very breath) that God has loaned out to me. That is right. Loaned out. Not given. He can very easily take those away - call in his chips as it were. Nothing is guaranteed to be permanent, good or bad. It is not my life to live. It is His. And I owe it to Him to be the best of me and represent Him well.
I must be authentic to Him. I must be authentic to myself.
Here is a song that I think best represents my life going forward.
It's Your Life
Album: My Paper Heart
Artist: Francesca Battistelli
This is the moment
It’s on the line
Which way you gonna fall?
In the middle between
Wrong and right
But you know after all
(Chorus)
It’s your life
What you gonna do?
The world is watching you
Every day the choices you make
Say what you are and who
Your heart beats for
It’s an open door
It’s your life
Are you who you always said you would be?
With a sinking feeling in your chest
Always waiting for someone else to fix you
Tell me when did you forget
(Chorus)
To live the way that you believe
This is your opportunity
To let your life be one that lights the way
(Chorus)
Here is a video if you want to hear they lyrics.
Thanks for peeking into my life and thoughts this week. Share your bucket list items in the comments!
