“Generally speaking, the most miserable people I know are those who are obsessed with themselves; the happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others.... By and large, I have come to see that if we complain about life, it is because we are thinking only of ourselves.” ― Gordon B. Hinckley

Thought for the Day

Sometimes, life really can be about just about making a choice. A choice to be happy, a choice to take the high road, a choice to make things better for others around you. I don't always make the right choice, but I'm learning that when I do, when I take the time to make a conscious decision, things are easier. Less stressful. Happier. I'm not saying that things always go my way. Things come up that are completely out of my control. But I'm trying. And so far, it seems to be working.

I saw this the other day and it really hit home with me!

What's up???

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I took a couple of extra days off and spent some time with Evan.  I was extremely lazy. After dinner at my parents' house on Thursday I didn't leave my house. 3 whole days of living in jammies. I did do some much needed house work, but other than that it was football and craft time. I started a project Sunday - one for all the kids in the family. Grinch pillowcases with their names on them. I ordered the material to make a quilt...but I haven't gotten around to it. So 6 pillowcases it shall be. I have finished 2... only 4 more to go!

I think this says it all some days...

Thoughts

Today is a slow day at work. I'm running reports that are taking ages, so I have time to sit and think. A dangerous notion. What I've been thinking about lately is the people in my life. And people who aren't directly IN my life, but have inspired me to DO better. To BE better. To take what is given and do what I can with it. Life is not about being pampered. No one is owed happiness. To quote a friend "The world is not here to make you happy. You have to do that yourself."

The people IN my life:

I'm lucky. I have an incredible family. Wonderful friends. People who supported me and cheered me on when I was going through my treatments. I have a husband that does love me. Yes, I complain about having to keep him in line...but I don't doubt his love. I have a son that I adore. He is growing into quite the charming, responsible young man. Yes, there were times when he was younger that I wondered why I had a child. And I'm sure there will be more of those times when he hits those teen years. But through all of those times and hard work I have to remember that I am the one that brought him here. It is MY responsibility to raise him to the best of my ability.

People who have inspired me to do better:

GB. A former co-worker. We were never close. Wouldn't even call us friends. Co-workers. She was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She isn't even 40. She has 2 small children. She has a blog on caringbridge.org where she has been logging her journey. Reading that has inspired me. Her attitude is incredible. Her family has rallied around her and she is THANKFUL. Her latest entry is titled "Luckiest girl in the world".

MT. E is a nephew of a friend. He is 11. He was diagnosed with stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma. Cancer. E and his mother, MT, have both been an inspiration. I don't know how they do it. They have spent the last 5 years getting E the treatment he needs at St. Jude. He has been so strong for so long. And now the end of his fight is coming. There are no treatments left. No options. They are just watching him decline. Yet, she holds it together for him, her other son and her husband. She finds the joy in the small accomplishments. Life certainly isn't handing her bon-bons. But she is refusing to sit in the corner and give up.

So, when I'm feeling sorry for myself, when I wonder why I should keep trudging along when things don't go my way... I look to all of these people to find the strength I need. The strength I want. The strength I want Evan to have.

I think I've fallen off the edge of the earth

This summer flew by way too fast. School has started and it feels like I accomplished nothing this summer. That bedroom I wanted to arrange? Still a disaster. Craft projects? Started, but not completed. Seeing friends? Well, THAT I did accomplish, though not as much as I would like.

Sips And Storkes with LW - she is the person that introduced me to my dear husband. She gets a lot of blame when I'm mad.

I also went to see 100 Monkeys again - and they were just as good the second time, if not better. Love, love, love the Monkeys. And they had 2 bands with them that were awesome - so I have new music to listen to. Now, I just need to get ready for the Foo Fighters in Atlanta!!!

One project that I did finish (though not before school started) was getting Evan's hair cut. I've always said that I didn't care if his hair was long - as long as it was clean and neat. Well, when puberty hit, neat went out the window. The longer it grows, the more body it has in it. And by body, I mean giant curls that can't be tamed. And another problem - he has SO MUCH hair that it wouldn't dry. The Before pics are at least an hour after he showered and his hair is STILL WET. It looks like he has gel in it, but no. Just water.

So, I turned to Peter - the most awesome hair guy ever. Evan thinks that whatever Peter says is law, so all I had to do was let Peter know that I wanted it shorter and voila, instant success that Evan is happy with. Excuse the goofy look. He wouldn't quit being silly.