Tuesday, October 27, 2009

URGEncy

I have come to realize that when you get the urge to do something and you can't help thinking about it, maybe it's urgent!

There's some small parks in the vicinity of our home including one situated just up the block. For a week or more, each time I paused at the stop sign on the end of our street, I couldn't help but glance across the avenue and notice the autumn leaves gracefully landing in the park and piling up. Each day as I turned and headed up the road past the park, I thought about how pretty the leaves were and how much I wished I had time to stop and enjoy them.

Then, last Tuesday, I was driving Emily to school, passed the park once again, and felt the urge to take her there to play in the leaves. One of my fondest memories of her toddler years is in autumn when she would scoop up the biggest pile of leaves she could into her tiny hands, throw them up in the air to tumble down upon us both and yell, "LEAF DAY!" So, that day, I just had the urge to take my little girl for a "Leaf Day".

I told her my idea and she agreed we should go to the park and play. Unfortunately, on that very day, our major fund-raising event at work took place which meant working extra work hours, Ben was out of town which meant added tasks at home...needless to say we did not make it to the park. Still, I couldn't help think about going. So Wednesday morning, as I headed to the school with her, I thought, "maybe today will be the day." Well, work and appointments and life happened that day. By the time I arrived home, I was exhausted! But still...I felt the urge to get my girl, grab the camera and walk to the park.

So, Emily, Gibbs (my parents' puppy) and I headed up the street. Once there, my girl scooped leaves, jumped in the leaves, flopped in the leaves, made Leaf Angels, posed for a couple photos and had a "LEAF DAY!" It was awesome!!


The next day, I drove past the park and the leaves...were...GONE! The village crew had been there and cleaned them all away! If I had given in to busyness, fatigue, or any of the other numerous excuses not to take my girl to the park when I did, I would've missed the opportunity all together. I am so glad that I followed my urge to go and make wonderful memories before it was too late!

As Emily continues to grow up (all too quickly for my liking), may I always sense the urgency in my urges and remember to listen to that little voice inside telling me to "just go for it." May I choose beautiful memories over missed opportunities! And, may I share my little girl's genuine love of life...because, it's true...LIFE IS GOOD!

Sick Day, Housework and a Haircut

Sunday evening I caught the bug-the cleaning bug! I decided enough was enough and I determined not to rest until the top of my desk was cleared off! Later, I sat back admiring my work, feeling good about my accomplishment and quietly thought how nice it would be to have a whole day to just sort through all the drawers and get rid of some clutter. Well, be careful what ya wish for! Monday morning came around (all too soon...as it usually does) and my little girl woke up with a sore throat and coughing. After a little discussion/examination, I decided that it was most likely just a cold as she had no fever. But since she usually does not ask to stay home and there is so much illness going around right now, I kept her home. Which meant I stayed home as well! So there was my entire day at home...perhaps hint enough to get busy and get some housework and de-cluttering accomplished!

The end result was cleaned out, neat and organized desk drawers. And a good laugh during the project when I found a Clutter Busting book nestled in the middle of some serious clutter in a drawer.


Emily spent the day lounging around in her pjs and resting and felt good enough by late afternoon to go on her "special mission" she had been waiting all weekend for...the hair salon! She had decided that she wanted to get a new hair do. Here is the before...


And after...7 inches gone!


She is very happy with it and I think she looks terrific!

Monday, October 26, 2009

New Blog!

Several times over the past couple years, I have decided to write a blog about the happenings in life but have somehow let that very life get in the way of keeping up with it. I have been told by numerous people how much they enjoy reading my status updates on Facebook and it's been suggested by several individuals that I should blog. So here goes...a new blog, a fresh start, and hopefully a new found commitment to keep up with writing about all the happenings in the Erway household!