The Pace of Life : An Alternative Way

It took me 20 minutes to take this picture.

This Isn't A V-Day Post

I said I wasn't going to do it.

Saying thank you only cost 44 cents

I talked previously about the lost art of letter writing, posted by Tammy @RowdyKittens.  That post got me thinking about the lost art of saying 'thank you'.

The other 364 days

This is me on a volunteer service trip in 2007.

Grab a tissue and get ready to be challenged

I had the pleasure of indulging in my favorite past time over Christmas vacation, cuddled up with a book. During the break I read an amazing novel:

Skipping Christmas: The Results

We are headed back to NC today, 5 pounds heavier, well-rested, and in high spirits.  We have just spent a wonderful two week hiatus at home, spending time with family and friends.

Why I Don't Make New Year's Resolutions

Modified from just THOUGHT no PROCESS

I drafted this post a couple of weeks ago, and I have to be honest, it was pretty cynical.

What about the other 364 days?

I've had a lot of downtime to think, journal, and read this week. It's been super-relaxing. I made the mistake of checking my work email two days ago, and after seeing 25 new emails about stuff I needed to do, I vowed not to check it again until after the new year. Right now for me, ignorance is bliss.

Taking the path less traveled

"Our greatest fear as individuals should not be of failure, but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter."

-Crazy Love

This excerpt made me realize I'm scared.

Simple Christmas

Here is a beautiful story of a simple Christmas.

Skipping Christmas

In October I started to plan our Christmas trip home and broke out in hives.

Living each moment, your bucket list

For some weird reason I've been thinking a lot about death recently. Okay not so much about death but a lot about life.

Poor Rich People

I am currently reading this book called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. It's really challenging and eye-opening. I recently read a section called Poor Rich People, which included some eye-opening facts.

"If one hundred people represented the world's population 53 of those would live on less than $2 a day."

Societies Pull

I've eluded to this feeling, battle, influence, several times. Like when you try to keep up with the Joneses, follow the American Dream, or consume 5,000 calories for turkey day.

Little Victories

I've realized this simplifying journey needs rest stops. Times for self-reflection and opportunities to rejoice in little victories. If I'm not careful I'll be back with the society masses, always looking beyond today and seeing where I still have to go.  It's an uphill slope I constantly have to climb.

Career vs. Life Success

So I fell off of the simplifying train for a little bit last week.  After spending some much need downtime this weekend I've been able to pick out a few things that are drawing me back into the status quo.

B-List Simple Living

I'm disciplined and some would say a little bit crazy, but I don't think extreme fits into the adjectives that describe me.  Unless you ask my better half.  This comes up when I'm asking him, on Friday night, to help me clean the entire house just so we can do yard-work over the weekend.

Who are the Joneses?

The American Dream.  Two-story house, white picket fence, 2.5 children, 1 dog (less than 10 lbs), 2 cars, and the newest version of the Macbook Air.

Football & Friends

It was homecoming in our sweet little town this weekend.  Just like everywhere else this means marching bands, tailgates, and football.  Even though Autumn doesn't really happen here, the festivities made it feel like it.  I was ready to wrap up in a big sweatshirt and fleece blanket....even though it was 80 degrees outside.

Little black cloud

Of course when I make a challenge to take some time for myself, the universe rears it's ugly head and makes sure I fall flat on my face.  That's what happened this week.  I was followed around by a little black cloud.