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Thursday, August 11, 2011

toasty, toasty musings

It's 101 degrees outside my window right now. 

I realize I don't pay as much attention to specifics on some things these days -- I just learned I'm in Tempe and not Phoenix.  Three weeks ago, I stepped off a plane in Texas and thought that Dallas-Fort Worth's airport had changed dramatically since I'd been there last.  Then I realized I was in Houston.

And I laughed.  Three years ago, in the BWS (Before Wee Skis) era, I rarely missed a beat on anything.  Multitasking was not only easy, but expected if I wanted to conquer the world. 

Now, multitasking seems to make everything take longer.  Much longer. 

While the transition from 1 to 2 Wee Skis has been smoother than from 0 to 1, I'm finding that I need to remind myself that I do need extra time and lowered expectations.

For someone who is off-the-charts Type A, that can be challenging.

I've been focusing on a few mantras, if you will.

Do it now. 

Let things pass through your hands only once.

Finish what you're working on first.

And Jonathan's favorite: don't have too many internet windows open at the same time.

The past week has been insane.  I had my first migraine on Saturday night since I left ML two years ago.  We had two picnics over the weekend.  The last few nights, I've been up until 1 am or so, up to feed John Paul around 4 or 5, and up for the day around 6 or 7.  I've been working nonstop on a number of projects that will unveil this weekend for the Great West Division Regional Summits -- a sweet opportunity that I treasure because I get to use all of my gifts.  But the final crunch time is always exhausting.

I was blessed with some very sweet moments this week: glamping (Mom, that means "glamour camping") with Stella, Amy and Lindsay on the farm.  We had salmon, roasted corn, mountain dew apple dumplings and Stella mixed up some s'mores martinis.  We sat on the deck, played cards and laughed. Both boys went to bed at 7 that night and didn't awaken for hours...and Jonathan had poker night with the guys.  It was just what we all needed.  Lindsay helped me make progress in my office for a few hours, and Mom came down on Wednesday to take Thomas on an adventure so I could finish projects before leaving today.  When I checked in tonight, John Paul (or Juan Pablo if we're feeling south-of-the-border or Johannes Paulus if we're feeling a little 'namesake-y') had some quality time with his Auntie Linda so I could run across the street for some snacks for the room.  We had a fabulous non-Relay visit when I got back.  Love her.

And today...things were calm.  Early to meet Mom, early to the airport, down the 'family security line' without waiting, early pre-boarding and no one in the middle seat, an incredibly calm baby on the flight, free inflight wifi and a hot meal en route. 

About as close to perfection in flying as it comes.

And then, while changing John Paul after landing...the phone rings from my parents' house.

"Shelley, we have a problem.  Thomas locked himself in the bathroom a while ago and we can't get him out.  I don't know what to do."

Well, something had to give! 

He did find his way out after both Jonathan and Mike reminded Mom and Dad of the 'hole next to the lock' that you can pick.  Whaddya do?

Anyway, during the calm of the flight, I read. 

When I flew to Orlando a few weeks back, I read Ice-T's memoirs.  A surprisingly good book.  Loved his 'daily game of life' at the end. 

Balanced his book out on today's flights with the latest Catholic Northwest Progress (I swear, this was nearly the very best issue I had ever read), the latest Whole Living, and my Google Reader on the inflight wifi. 

As I close my toasty, toasty musings for the night, I'll leave you with a few of my favorite "Daily Game of Life" quotes from Ice-T.  Some of the ones without the f-bombs and all.  Thoughts on life, from a gangsta. 

As a sidenote, I found my use of the word 'gangsta' increased exponentially after reading Ice.  He definitely increased my vernacular as I read.  Though some of the words I have yet to use in normal the daily context of our life on the farm.  I'm working on it.  You just don't find many gangstas cleaning out the chicken poo from the run while you're two year old turns the hose on you.  But I digress.

You just never know what you'll find here at Life on the Farm, eh?  :)

Anyway, back to the Ice's daily game.  Enjoy.  Quote him.  I know I will.
  • Life isn't about the material things you own.  There's no luggage rack on a hearse.  It's about the exceptional experiences you have.
  • It's not about being mad at everything, it's about being really mad at the right things.
  • Sometimes we choose to reject good advice because it's not what we want to hear.  Remember, medicine doesn't taste good.
  • No man can be great alone, no matter what he thinks.  You're only great when good people speak of you in high regard.
  • Never confuse popularity with respect.
  • My personal fave right now:  Slow motion is better than no motion, and low profile is better than no profile.
And with that, I'm heading to bed. 

Just one more sleep until the fall Summit training season begins!

Peace out, yo!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Shelley, I love you so much. Be safe, peace out. Love Aunt Sue

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