Do Something Nice for Someone Today

A friend suggested on Facebook that we do something nice for someone tomorrow. I said I would do so.

Why not?

I try to be helpful all the time. Many times people are happy with this treatment. But, not always. There are a percentage of folks who are distrusting of people wanting to be helpful. Why? I haven't figured that out yet. But, I'm pretty sure it has to stem from a deficiency on their part. If someone wanted to be helpful to me, I'd be surprised and/or grateful. But, suspicious? Probably not. People don't generally want to do you harm while disguising their behavior as helpful. Truthfully, I do not understand, so I have no answer.

Regardless, tomorrow I will make sure I do something nice for someone.

As it's a work day, there will be plenty of opportunities. I envision starting off early by holding the door of the elevator to allow everyone to get on board without rushing. Should a vendor reach me on the telephone, I will give them information they are seeking. Whatever it is, I'll be ready and able to deliver on my promise.

I will be nice to at least one person tomorrow.

What about you?

Express Yourself!

Writing is expression.

Is that too obvious to state? Not really. Humans need to express themselves. I had an interesting conversation this evening with someone who has a lot of pent up energy. Turns out she used to write, but now she doesn't. She is wondering why she seems nervous, fidgety, and unable to slow down her thoughts. Seems to me her creative energies need to be released.

Perhaps I'm crazy, but writing or any other creative form of expression such as music, art, photography, collecting, genealogy, or whatever fits the need is an essential part of maintaining a happy and healthy lifestyle.

Express yourself!

I recall a slogan like this (and I know that is poor English, it is done for effect) from a long time ago. These are words of wisdom that escaped me until today.

Must be living on the correct path this week. I received some sage advice yesterday that goes something like this...

- Lighten Up
- Don't take this stuff so seriously
- Use a friend to double check that you aren't falling back on destructive behaviors. Why should you do all the hard work yourself!

I'd like to add to this short list - Express Yourself!

It's that simple, simple.

Life is Good

It really is...

The weather is beautiful on the east coast. It's early fall, the sun is bright, the sky is clear blue with puffy clouds. The evenings are crisp, but not too cold. No frost yet. Pumpkins are starting to appear on people's porches.

And, I found my lost friend, Monica, this week.

We've known each other for many years, having been best friends in high school. Then she disappeared. Everyone said not to worry - and I am not a worrier - but this was abnormal. We'd stayed in touch for over 25 years.

Turns out she was having troubles in her life and could have used a good friend. But, when everything seems to be coming apart, it takes all your energy to hold yourself together. I'm happy that she's okay and once again a part of my life. Even if you don't talk to someone all the time, it's a real blessing to be able to pick right up and keep going with another person who has shared your past.

So, Yea!

Life is good.

My Son

My first born turned 20 this week. Although he has legally been an adult for two years, being twenty years old seems like a real milestone into adulthood. When I look at him (and he came home from college to celebrate with the family this weekend), I see a fine young man. No - this is not a rant about how did time fly by so fast.

I've enjoyed all of these twenty years. Each stage of his development brought new wonder. I'm still amazed by the occasional remark or behavior. But, then I know I'm completely prejudiced - I'm his mother.

The day my son was born was truly the happiest day of my life - or at least the first such completely wonderful event. (The birth of my daughter two years later was also a awesome experience. But, this is not about her.) The initial days I spent caring for my son were so natural and perfect. Time seemed to stand still. I was on the baby's time schedule, not that of the world. There was nothing. . . but baby, daddy and me in our universe. I was filled with completeness and endless love.

I re-live that time again every September when my son's birthday comes around. I carry that feeling of peace and love forever in my heart. I recall it so well, it seems like a very short time ago.

I hope it always does.

Rosh Hashanah - A moving occurrence...

I read this in our work newsletter today and was interesting. So I'm sharing this here with you. Everyone should take time and reflect on the sins of the past year... probably would make a difference in how we treat each other.

Rosh Hashanah occurs 163 days after the first day of Passover. The earliest date on which Rosh Hashanah can fall is Sept. 5; the latest it can occur is Oct. 5.

During Rosh Hashanah, those who follow Jewish tradition review the mistakes they made in the past year and resolve to make improvements in the upcoming year. There are many traditions associated with Rosh Hashanah. The sounding of the shofar—a ram’s horn—during prayer services is one of the oldest traditions. Afterward, participants eat a festive meal in which challah and apples are dipped into honey. On the next day, they eat a new fruit not yet eaten that season. Many Jews also observe the Tashlich ritual. They symbolically cast off the sins of the previous year by tossing pieces of bread or other food into a body of flowing water.

Stiff Upper Lip

There are times when it's hard to maintain a positive attitude.

This week has tried my good nature. It's like a little dark rain cloud has been following me around. Hey, you! Get off of my cloud. (Wisdom credits - Jagger/Richards)

Perhaps it's biorhythms or something physical, but I truly believe it's metaphysical. I've been tired and kinda bummed out about having both of my kids off to college. Yes, I miss my little girl. It's an adjustment period I know I must go through. Layered on top is work pressures. Just plain old normal aggravation, but this week it's magnified.

Oh, and I got a $100 parking ticket (ouch). That was the icing on the week.

But, not really. Today is only Thursday and there are 2 more days left in the week. So, I'm gonna pick up my sorry sack of bones, dust off the seat of my pants, and have two really great days to balance off the week - so it's not a total loss.

What a great idea. Glad I thought of it.

It's really that simple, simple!

Go out and have yourself a great day too.

Empty Nesting

Got both of my kids off to college this past week. Today was the first day of classes, and I vividly recall what that was like when I was a freshman at the University of Maryland. It seemed so big and I felt so lost. My "kids" - a freshman and a junior at different colleges - go to smaller schools, but I bet it's the same experience on the first day of the fall semester.

In some ways my own college experience seems like yesterday, and then it doesn't. I grow faint when I think of how many years it has actually been since I moved into the dorm for the first time. I've always been one to embrace the experiences that life brings on. But, somewhere in the middle, some time got lost.

Oh, I know what I was doing in any given year, but in bulk that time between my kids starting kindergarten and graduating from high school is a blur. I know the reason is my two jobs kept me hopping - you know, the paying job and being a Mom. Now that my husband and I are here alone - in complete peace and quiet - I have time to reflect on such things. I also have time to blog again, talk with my own friends on FB, and do some projects around the house. I may even take a few art classes in the fall.

Come to think about it, being an empty nester - even if it is until Christmas break - doesn't seem all that bad.