Don't worry

Two nights ago I was late coming home for dinner because I spent the afternoon with my mom. The boys went ahead and ate without me. So I sat down to eat by myself once I arrived home, asking if either of the kids wanted to join me to keep me company. Zac was too busy playing with toys, but Benji said he'd come sit with me. But after a few minutes, he thought of some pressing concern that he needed to attend to (probably involving toys as well), so he told me, "I'm going to go, but don't worry - God will be with you." And let me tell you, God was a great dinner companion that evening! :)

The bare necessities

Yesterday afternoon was less than perfect - for a variety of reasons which don't need to be re-hashed here. However, it got me thinking... what are "essential" for me to have a "good day?" Of course, I realize that I live in a first world country, which means my day is filled with luxury, so I really should just shut up and be grateful... that being said....

Essentials that I need in my day to make it a "good day":

1) a cup of coffee
2) some silence in the day (too much noise is just not good for me)
3) a few moments of prayer (even if it's a few minutes here and a few minutes there)
4) a short rest period mid-afternoon (again, only a few minutes is necessary but it's vital)

Now, for other things that are not essential but still VERY nice:

1) a glass of wine
2) Bible reading time
3) exercise of some sort

Now, if anybody still reads this blog (which is debatable due to our lack of posting), I'd love to hear what are your "essential" list and your "very nice to have" list.

California 2009 Vacation

Here's a photo slideshow of our recent (by that I meant one month ago!) trip to Cali. As always, it was fun to see old friends and families. We had a great time!!!!

Observations from the mall

My lovely mother took care of the boys this morning to let me get a run in and also do some errands by myself. Lots of in and out, which is just more fun without two kids in tow. (Plus I'm sure they had more fun swimming and going to the park than getting in and out of the car with me.) One of the stops was the mall. It's been awhile since I've been to the mall and several things stuck out to me:

1) I am just too old to shop at some stores. I perused Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe and did not find a single item that looked good on me. Yes, I'm technically still in my 20's until next year, but I guess it's just too far above 21 to work for me.

2) Why does Abercrombie and Fitch feel it necessary to pump so much cologne into their store that it causes that entire wing of the mall to stink??

3) I do not know why people bring kids (sometimes many kids) shopping with them to the mall and expect to have fun and/or actually do shopping. I see a lot of people stressed out. I guess this is why I don't make it very often... but when I do go, it's a pleasurable experience.

Okay, enough thoughts about the mall... off to get something actually accomplished!