Infecting Positivity

Today what I do should be meaningful
Today what I do needs to matter
Today doesn’t have to be something huge
Just take what's good & make it better

I want to be a person with purpose
A thing that produces good results
Today I want to feel all of these things
Instead I just want to hurl insults

Don't Believe the Hype

We got cocky!

Though we were always cautious when saying it, Breck and I continually boasted to anyone who'd listen about how well-behaved our beautiful baby Skye was.

In the back of our minds I think we both knew it couldn't last; but we held out hope until...

It came from out of nowhere.

A week full of tantrums and tears. Completely unprepared we were faced with inconsolable & uncontrollable, seemingly out of nowhere and for no apparent reason whining, crying, kicking and screaming. It appeared as though our perfect little 16-month-old child was having a premature case of the terrible-twos.

Though things have simmered down over the last few days I was still worried that Skye's "Day of Dad" today was potentially going to be miserable for both of us.
(Disclaimer: It wasn't technically an entire day as I did go to work; but "Morning & Evening with Father" doesn't quite have the same ring to it)
Our morning routine was fairly typical as Skye is used to Dad waking her up and his futile attempts at picking out matching clothes and brushing her hair. This morning, however, we cruised the 1/2 mile to school by bike instead of our usual route by foot.
 
It is usually Breck who pick's Skye up from her daycare so I was anxious that when Dad showed up she'd be less than thrilled. To my delight her eyes lit up as I walked in to the room a she came beaming toward me as I scooped her up and headed home for the evening.
 
My missing Skye had returned.
 
Our evening was filled with giggles and smiles as we rode our bike, walked to the store, played with the dogs, ate dinner, chased each other around the house, watched a tv show together, played with balloons, took a bath, read some books, ate a bedtime snack, and laid down in bed without so much as a squirm, wiggle, or peep.

Uh oh, maybe I shouldn't have written this; I might have just jinxed it... 

 

Lyric of the Week

I'm stressed out. 

I (& many of those around me daily) have been in panic mode this last week as I speculate about my uncertain future.

These reassuring words help (sort of):

"It's not the end of the world. Oh no, it's not even the end of the day"

So while I was feeling optimistic about my extra time at home earlier this week (I finally trimmed our overgrown backyard tree so hopefully our poor garden can get some rays of sun this year) the last couple days of late nights (at work, ironically) and crappy weather have brought me back down.



Artist: Beady Eye
Song: The Beat Goes On
Album: Different Gear, Still Speeding (2011)

Lyric of the Week

I sometimes complain that I'm always working to much.  Suddenly this week I was told I can't work so much.  Is that a good thing? We'll see...

"...When they've tortured and scared you for twenty odd years. Then they expect you to pick a career. When you can't really function you're so full of fear. A working class hero is something to be...

There's room at the top they are telling you still. But first you must learn how to smile as you kill. If you want to be like the folks on the hill. A working class hero is something to be..."

Artist: John Lennon
Song: Working Class Hero
Album: John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (1970)

Lyric(s) of the Week

The new iPad2 is going on sale today. As much as I think I need it, I know that I don't. As John Mayer says:

"How come everything I think I need always come with batteries?"

This topic of wants versus needs has been on my mind a lot lately as I've been trying to strip away a lot of the unnecessary excess in my life. It was fitting, then, that while listening to music on my way to work one day this song sung by Jeff Buckley came through my earbuds:

"How many times have you heard someone say: 'If I had money I would do things my way?'  But little they know that it's so hard to find one rich man in ten with a satisfied mind.

Money can't buy back all your youth when you're old; a friend when you're lonely; or peace to your soul.  The wealthiest person is a pauper at times.  Compared to the man with a satisfied mind.

When my life is over and my time has run out; my friends and my loved ones I will leave there's no doubt.  But one thing's for certain when it comes my time, I'll leave this old world with a satisfied mind."

Artist: Jeff Buckley (originally sung by Porter Wagoner in 1956) written by Joe Hayes & Jack Rhodes
Song: Satisfied Mind
Album: Sketches (For My Sweetheart the Drunk) - 1998



Artist: John Mayer
Song: Something's Missing
Album: Heavier Things (2003)

 

Lyric of the Week

Although many things out of my control seem to be happening around me lately I'm continually reminding myself that if I want my life to follow the path I desire I have make a plan and steer the ship.

"Now you finally know that you control where you go. You can steer."  

Artist: Missy Higgins
Song: Steer
Album: On A Clear Night (2007)

What's My Excuse?

Girls can blame sudden emotional outbursts or out-of-nowhere crying on "that time of the month" or pregnancy. I saw this commercial on tv the other day and a immediately had tears in my eyes. What's my excuse?

Luke Sky(e)walker or is it Skye Lukewalker?

Her arms outstretched like Frankenstein
Determined; no sign fear
One unsteady foot in from of another
As parents' stand by and cheer
Skye can fly -- or so it seems
As she beams with smiles so proud
With those tiny toes now she goes
Wherever she's allowed
New freedom has come and soon she'll run
And jump, and dance, and play
The world is new and as you explore
Mom & Dad are never far away