Yesterday afternoon, my family was given an impromptu visit by a former neighbor, one we haven't seen in twelve years.
Nichole was the quiet but extremely intelligent and talented girl who lived three houses away. We knew she would find her way and she has. Nicole thanked us for being part of her childhood and we were delighted when she reminded us over tea and coffee of the things we did and said years ago.
We also shared our memories with her. I particularly remember the afternoon she received her first college acceptance (one of many) and her joyous cheer at the communal mailbox. I had been recently reminded of her as just one month ago, our youngest received her first college acceptance and experienced the same style of cheer in our own home.
The visit by Nicole was certainly one of the best surprise gifts of the season. Each of us have the ability to give little embers to each other, to inspire, encourage, warm and comfort. Let us all light little sparks in our neighbors and friends this upcoming year.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
600 Days at Sea
The last time I posted about the 1000 days at sea adventure was on day 300. Now over 600 days have passed. A lot has changed, and some things have not.
Soanya has departed and given birth to a son, so the adventure is now a solo trip with Reid sailing on alone.
Reid posts on the 1000 days website quite regularly with interesting tales, daily pondering and photos of the schooner, the seas, occasional birds and fish.
I still follow the sail path using Google Earth and go on mini geographic searches of the current area.
There is a lot to learn from the perspective of people who do things differently. Even when things don't have to be done, it can be amazing what can simply be learned from those who undertake the unnecessary, the unfathomable adventure.
Soanya has departed and given birth to a son, so the adventure is now a solo trip with Reid sailing on alone.
Reid posts on the 1000 days website quite regularly with interesting tales, daily pondering and photos of the schooner, the seas, occasional birds and fish.
I still follow the sail path using Google Earth and go on mini geographic searches of the current area.
There is a lot to learn from the perspective of people who do things differently. Even when things don't have to be done, it can be amazing what can simply be learned from those who undertake the unnecessary, the unfathomable adventure.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Being Your Own Best Friend
This is a post repeated from last September 27, 2007 - but is well worth rereading in the days around the December holidays. Enjoy!
You can be your own best friend by:
Taking care of your mental, emotional and basic physical needs
Taking time out for yourself when you need it
Removing and extracting yourself from stress and overload
Being able to say no when you have had enough
Treating yourself as well as you treat others
Work on improving who you are on a daily basis
Asking for help and support from other friends when you need it
Being patient with yourself
You can be your own best friend by:
Taking care of your mental, emotional and basic physical needs
Taking time out for yourself when you need it
Removing and extracting yourself from stress and overload
Being able to say no when you have had enough
Treating yourself as well as you treat others
Work on improving who you are on a daily basis
Asking for help and support from other friends when you need it
Being patient with yourself
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Change Takes Time and Involves Lots of People
We have undergone a home remodeling project for the last few months. One of our bathroom's tubs had a sudden leak. This leak damaged the flooring and some drywall.
The project involved several insurance agents, a contractor, plumber, leak detector, water remediator to dry out the floor, dry wall installer/painter, and a flooring company representative and installer. We installed a greener toilet, had new dry wall / paint and had new flooring installed.
It hasn't been easy or fun, but at least it is now done. Well, sort of......
In the spirit of the environment, we put in a low flow toilet which included a possible rebate from our water company. Seems easy enough, right? First I called the friendly operator at our water service provider, then was directed to the program administrator who let us know where to find the rebate form from the site. Upon submission, I was told the rebate process would now be transferred to the local county, even though our city accepted the form. Even though the recent receipt was from a hardware giant I was informed that my new toilet had to be inspected by the program administrator for leaks and flow. I now await my official toilet inspection. It will be fun when it's done.
The project involved several insurance agents, a contractor, plumber, leak detector, water remediator to dry out the floor, dry wall installer/painter, and a flooring company representative and installer. We installed a greener toilet, had new dry wall / paint and had new flooring installed.
It hasn't been easy or fun, but at least it is now done. Well, sort of......
In the spirit of the environment, we put in a low flow toilet which included a possible rebate from our water company. Seems easy enough, right? First I called the friendly operator at our water service provider, then was directed to the program administrator who let us know where to find the rebate form from the site. Upon submission, I was told the rebate process would now be transferred to the local county, even though our city accepted the form. Even though the recent receipt was from a hardware giant I was informed that my new toilet had to be inspected by the program administrator for leaks and flow. I now await my official toilet inspection. It will be fun when it's done.
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