Reflections

I went home for a few days over the holidays and left with a big-girl realization: my parents are aging. Of course, I always knew that time was marching on for them in the same manner it is for me, but I think I ignored how quickly their years are stacking up.

My dad struggled through a family game of bowling one day and ended up fracturing his ankle in two places after falling while trying to grab a spare. He had emergency surgery yesterday. My mom ate a fiesta bowl and ended up with intense stomach pain that ended up being a gallbladder full of stones. Her emergency surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. All in the space of a six-day vacation.

I think they're both going to be okay, but it's a tough for me to accept that my parents are getting older. I'm filled with regret about not spending more time with them and I am dreading the day that I have to say goodbye to them forever. Thankfully, I still have a chance to spend more time with them and I still have more time to make other things right.

Like, taking charge of my health - doing what I can to ensure that I have strong bones and a healthy gallbladder. Taking more time to enjoy life with my boyfriend and my dog, having the courage to follow my creative aspirations like writing this blog.

Life is seriously too short. Ridiculously short. Consider this a friendly reminder to spend more time being with those you love and doing the things you love.

Birthdays

I just had a birthday. And, in taking stock of my life as one is prone to do on that yearly day, I determined that one crucial thing is missing: writing. I just don’t make the time.

So, fixer that I am, I determined that I would start to rise early to write and to exercise my dog. If writing and exercise are relegated to my evening hours, they are quickly replaced with rerun episodes of Sex and the City. I love that show, don’t get me wrong, but I think I like writing more.

Per the tradition of making short-lived, sweeping changes that I’ve spent 27 years on this earth perfecting, I decided that heretofore I would break down my days thusly:

8 hours – sleep

8 hours – work

2 hours eating and cooking

1 hour writing

2 hours school

1 hour exercise

1 hour getting ready

And just like that, Poof!, the day is gone!

I was so excited to start my new life this morning. The coffee pot was set for six am, promises were made to the dog for long walks. I couldn’t wait.

Except, I finally rolled out of bed this morning at 7:02 and woke to cold coffee and rainy skies. When I make these promises to myself, I forget how hard it is to change 27 years of habits, like never exercising in the morning and always staying in bed until the last possible second.

Ah, well, at least I eeked out a few moments to write this while sipping my microwave-warmed coffee. It’s a start. A tiny little step in the right direction.  

It's not rocket science, but this is probably the best snack ever

I'm going to share my favorite, most mind-blowing snack or mini-meal with you all because I love you. It's super simple, but it's basically perfection in every bite. 

Are you ready?

Toast up a whole wheat English muffin until it's fantastically crisp but not burnt, slather on your favorite hummus, layer with the sharpest of the sharp cheddar cheese and top with a perfectly ripe avocado. Crack some fresh sea salt and black pepper on top. 

Savor if you can, devour if you must. 

I usually fall in the devour camp. I just can't help myself. 

What's your favorite snack or mini-meal?

What a weekend

I am ever thankful for the blessed soul that invented the cheese board. And outdoor symphony concerts with fireworks finales.

And crazy boyfriends that unapologetically drink lots of wine, even when they're in the company of non-drinkers.

And my beautiful sister and brother-in-law that I love more than I can articulate.

It was a beautiful weekend and I feel so thankful for the life I'm living these days.

Photography

I don't pretend to know much about photography, but I sure do love it. I've been dreaming of a day that I could take photographs like the one above. Now that I purchased a used DSLR, I can't wait to teach myself a thing or two about capturing beautiful images. Let the learning commence!

Rap Music Monday

I used to write a blog called A Whole Lot of Life. Every Monday, I'd share my favorite rap video of the week as a throwback to the much-loved TRL tv show. I realized this weekend that I miss writing these posts and so I'm bringing them back to Michelle's a Writer.

Okay, I just have to say that I LOVE Nicki Minaj. Obsessed. I was supposed to go out with my friend Jennifer last Friday. While I was waiting for her to come pick me up, I got sucked into this video and missed four calls from Jennifer. I was so startled when she knocked on my door - I'd been in rap la-la land. 

I guess that means I kind of like this video. I hope you do too. 

Reminder: read this quote often

I came across this quote in the comments section of an article yesterday and I wrote it down right away. This sentiment rings so true with me. Last year, I drastically downsized and gave away TONS of junk. I felt so free living with fewer possessions. It was glorious. Recently I've been piling them on again, especially on the biggest waste of money ever: clothes. I started a new job a few months ago and have been struggling with feeling like I'm a bit out of my league. To compensate, I've been buying gads of clothes. 

Crazy thing is, even with new threads I still feel out of place. 

Obviously, the new possessions aren't the answer. But, I am buying them to create an impression that won't last on people that I don't really care about. I'm happy to step back and be mindful that buying things is  never the way to create confidence. As cheesy and cliche as it is to say this, confidence really can't be bought. Even if the magazines and TV ads convince us that it can.