Time out from reading 30 days...

I know I was supposed to have finished the book my parents got me for my birthday by now and enacted a lot of it. And I will finish it... but I have been distracted by other reading material in interim.

I finished re-reading a Dean Koontz book...

A friend of mine gave me two great books I haven't been able to put down...

Plus it's summer and it seems like no matter how hard we try to stay home and chill, every weekend brings something to do.

Yesterday was fourth of July and we went to a friend's house by a lake to celebrate. He had quite the party. From his 20' high man to the band and the caterer, you really couldn't ask for more. We left a little early and took our niece home with us. I was surprised by how well she and the dogs did together.

Today we are going to a German restaurant with B's family. I know we are celebrating Father's Day but we might be celebrating my birthday and B's today as well. Hard to tell.

And tonight we want to go to Trev's T-Ball game since before we know it he will be done playing already.

So anyway, that's why I haven't finished the book. Lame? Yes. But truthful? Yes.

Instead of a roller coaster...

Question for today: Instead of a roller coaster, what symbol or metaphor would you choose to describe what your life would look like if you were fully engaged?

The book recommends coming up with something "as unique as you are." But nothing can match me! J/K of course.

Hmmm... first thought was a full summer festival, not just the roller coaster. My life should look like it all - from the face painting booth to the fried oreos and all the fun in between. But not from an adults perspective... my life should reflect the festival from a child's perspective.

Imagine... walking into the festival for the first time. Can you imagine the grin on your face when you see the goldfish prizes? The clowns with their poodle dogs? Imagine smelling the fries, the corndogs, and the popcorn. Imagine holding a afresh squeezed lemonade with the lemon at the bottom. Imagine the small carousel and the sound of the other children laughing while their parents stand grinning at their side. Imagine the joy. The excitement. The awe.

THAT'S IT! My symbol is a child standing in joyful awe at the world in front of them.

What five things would you change?

My parents gave me the book "One Month to Live" for my birthday. I am just through reading the introduction and already they pose that timeless question:

"As quickly as possible, without thinking too hard or too long, make a list of five things you would change about your life if you knew you only had a month to live..."

Here's my initial thoughts:

1. Get new lush carpeting for the whole whole and enjoy walking barefoot on it everyday

2. I would still work but I think would work only three days a week and stop working from home. On my two "extra" days I would nap and be lazy with a book / TV  all day. The other day I would go out and "do" something... visit a museum, drive through the park systems, find new restaurants, and finally know my way around the east side!

3. Eat healthier and enjoy cooking at least 3 nights a week

4. Re-train my dogs in obedience

5. Write love letters to everyone in my family for them to read and be comforted by when I was gone

Wow. Some of those came out of no where. Your supposed to choose at least one to begin changing today. I suppose all except for reducing the work hours is possible, huh?

I will keep this blog posted over the next 30 days. 

"Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why."

Eddie Cantor (1892 - 1964)