Last Sunday I decided to start knitting a scarf. This is at least the third time I’ve tried to learn how to knit. Each time I get a few rows into the project and then realize how odd my work looks. And then I give up. This time is no exception. My work shows evidence of […]
The Imperfect Project Read More »
Are you being gentle with yourself this week? The past few days have been a bit crazy for me, and I seem to be cultivating an attitude of bull-in-the-china-shop rather than serenity. (Ask my family how many times I’ve grumbled for them to move out of my way this week. On second thought, don’t.) When
Living Gently (For the Moment) Read More »
School started a few weeks ago, and I haven’t stopped moving since then. I was completely blindsided by the time and energy required to parent an elementary schooler. Lunches to make, forms to sign, alarm clocks to set. During the first couple of weeks, when friends asked how I was doing, I shared that I
My oldest son is starting kindergarten tomorrow. The last two weeks have been a blur of preparing for school while savoring the last bits of summer. Chief among my obligations has been obtaining a backpack for Ian to carry to school. I didn’t want to send him with his preschool backpack. It’s a bit worn
Earlier this summer we spent a weekend at the lake with family. One quiet Saturday morning, we kayaked up and down the shore. I fulfilled my lifelong ambition to ride a jetski (although certain parties present claim I didn’t go fast enough to truly experience a jetski). And then I decided to water ski. I’ve
Finding Success in My Water Skiing Fail Read More »
Sunday can be a tough day in our household. My husband and I spent years serving in various church ministries, so for a long time Sunday was a day of early mornings and responsibilities. Even though we’ve taken several steps back, some weeks I feel like we’re still hungover from sacred overcommitment. Sundays often are
A few weeks ago, I decided I was going to stop being late. I’m late almost everywhere I go. I hate it. So I decided I was done. I was going to read a book on time management, practice the principles, and be on time, no matter what. Punctuality would be my top priority. And
Be Kind, Be on Time Read More »
How many therapists does it take to change a light bulb? One, but the lightbulb really has to want to change. A couple of weeks ago I started physical therapy for some back issues. When I learned that the therapy office is almost 30 minutes away, I briefly considered backing out (I’m a city slicker,
Do You Want to Get Well? Read More »
“I’m so far behind!” I complained. My friend on the other end of the phone line chuckled. I had been hit hard by a virus and found myself so fatigued that even reading seemed impossible. My listening friend, who knows exactly how much of a workaholic I am, kindly let me list the ways I
Revelations from a Sick Week Read More »
There’s not enough time in the day. Each week I cannot find the time I need to cook healthy food, clean the house, play with the kids, hang out with friends, sleep, enjoy hobbies…. I can do some of those things, but not all. And yet I’m convinced I need all those activities for a
What Doesn’t Get Done Read More »