Brain storm

Sitting here at work, the early morning before everyone else arrives, I watch the little old lady in the condo next door vacuum and water plants. I envy her. She has time, time to vacuum and water plants at her leisure. I imagine she has time to do other things she enjoys (yes, in my mind she is enjoying the mundane task of vacuuming with her absurdly out of date gigantic vacuum cleaner-- the kind with the separate tank that you have to pull along behind you). She has time, is the point. Time to casually water her plants, tend to her flowers and relax on her balcony. She seems so peaceful and happy-- but really it's just because she has time.

As I watch her, my envy of her time grows and my mind shifts into brainstorming ideas on how I can achieve more time for myself-- clearly sitting in an office all day working for someone else is not the answer...
 

I think of things I enjoy doing that I could potentially start a business in to sustain our lifestyle while giving myself more personal time.

Cleaning and organizing. I like being at home, and having time to do this. It makes me feel better about our home. But, I dont want to clean and organize someone else's home. So, no.

Hanging out with the dog. I like hanging out with Wellstone, and often wish I was home during the day to go on walks, to the dog park and beach etc. But, again, I dont want to do this with other dogs, just my own.  So, no again.

Watering plants. I do enjoy taking care of my little deck plants. But, again, I dont want to do this for others. No again.

Then, after realizing I don't want to do things I remember the things I do like about things as they are. I like being downtown during the day, I like typing (which i realize is strange) I do get to clean and organize and etc. in my job. Turns out the job isnt all bad. If only I could get my boss to let me bring Wellstone to the office.

I just think maybe it would be better if things were more balanced. If I had more time at home to enjoy being at home, but still got to come downtown to work -- how do I make this happen? Wait and see I guess. Maybe when I am older this will work out for me, in the meantime-- back to the grindstone.

A Love/Hate Letter

 Dear Wedding,

In the beginning, I didn't want you. I didn't think you were necessary, and I pleaded with my groom to be that we either elope or swing by the court house. But then, Wedding, you convinced me with your promises of black and white, quirky and everlasting photos. You taunted me with formal wear, and flowers, and eventually I was caught up in the whole thing.

At first, I was consumed with finalizing the big picture, the colors, the location the invitations. And, oh Wedding, how you have made everything so much harder than it needed to be, and so much more costly. You have taken up my weekends and any bit of free time I can squeeze out of my stressful work day.  And here we are, a few months away, and you have gotten worse. Now, I spend hours researching vintage charm, and where to buy orchids. I have made myself crazy with worry about if the details will all fit together or if it will appear as though we are insane mismatched hoarders.

But Wedding, I realized something. You don't have to be what everyone else wants you to be. You only have to be what Dave and I want. So, I have stopped listening to everyone else, their suggestions, and criticisms. If Dave and I love it, that's how we are choosing. Blue shoes may not match anything-- but they make me HAPPY Wedding, and that is why I will wear them. I despise roses, which is why you will not have any any. Dave loves black and white and clean lines, which is why you are designed the way you are.  Wedding, Dave and I are tired of fighting over whether or not you are what you should be-- we are re-claiming you. You will be what we want. 

And Wedding, we have had enough with your expensive taste. From now on, we will choose the things we love, and can afford, despite what you say. I will refer to you as  Family Reunion in public so I am not charged extra if I have to. You will not bankrupt us Wedding, so just give it up.

Wedding, we are looking forward to your arrival, and your departure so that we may have our weekends back.  See you in July!

Andrea & Dave

p.s. Tell Honeymoon to be patient.

This was inspired by some of the women featured on this great wedding site  who have written open letters to their weddings. Check them out!

There are a lot of things being said in relation to the recent events. I am still very confused on how I am to feel about everything, but for now, here are some quotes I've seen come across FB that I could most agree with until I have more time to contemplate it all.

"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that" Martin Luther King, Jr.

Frodo - "Now at any rate he is as bad as an Orc, and just an enemy. He deserves death."
Gandalf - "Deserves it! I daresay he does. Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends."

"I'll gladly accept that people should feel relief when justice is done. For those who are celebrating justice, as you say, then good for them. But many people are ALSO celebrating the death of an enemy; this, at least, is not a response that Jesus would model."

Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live? – Ezekiel 18:23
*The above was taken from this link*