Week 52--Be Optimistic--Thursday (Wee Early) Morning

Optimism is like bicarbonate-loading before a sprint...excuse me?  Bicarbonates (think Tums) diffuse and buffer against the buildup of lactic acid (bi product of anaerobic metabolism). I see optimism as a buffer against the bullsh** of life.   I read an article this year which basically said that the defining characteristic of optimists is that they aren't always positive, but that they don't  stay negative for too long.  Essentially--keep moving, keep doing, keep trying and don't roll in the muck and mire of your own pessimism for too long. 

"Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles; it empties today of its strength."

-Mary Englebrecht

 

I grew up watching "old movies."  Here's a good one on optimism from South Pacific:  I'm just a "cockeyed optimist."  

 

 

 

Week 52--"Be Optimistic"

Be Optimistic:  " In the face of many good reasons and much evidence why not to be, be optimistic.  People around you will be suspicious and assume you've got the inside scoop on the winning lottery numbers, but try it anyway.  What's the worst that could happen?  You could be wrong and discover the apocalypse was scheduled for tomorrow after all.  But that's only more reason for being optimistic today."

I swear it wasn't rigged; Ronnie picked every card this year (with the exception of one swap due to extenuating circumstances).  How fitting is it that my journey of 52 weeks ends this week with the final card that reads, "Be Optimistic?"  It's wonderful.  Today is Christmas Day...Merry Christmas!  And so while finishing out this week recovering from Christmas, I am to be looking optimistic towards the future, towards 2012 specifically.  It will have so much in store, I know it.  I've already prepared another project for myself (because I liked this one so much) but you'll have to read about that next year. 

Let's recap on the past year (52 weeks' tasks to be exact)...it looks like an awful lot when you see them listed...but taking it one week (or day) at a time is not too bad ;)

Piggyback Errands                         
Listen
Quit Being Self-Defeating
Be Patient
I'm Sorry
Recharge Your Batteries
Be in Nature
Don't Walk Away Angry
Buy Recycled
The Next Generation
Examine a Prejudice
Gentle Driving
Cause and Effect
You Made a Difference
Low Media
Without Packaging
Stay Curious
Share Your Success
Read and Respond
Trashy Walk
Know Your Limits
Care for Water
Your Elders
Share Food
Cultural Mind Expansion
Share Humor
Make an Ideal World
Reuse as a State of Mind
Speak Up!
De-Stress Yourself
Buy Used
Shop Less
Stray Animals
Massage Me, Massage You
In Person
Car Rest
Meet the People
Conserve Energy
Homeless People are People
Support the Corner Store
Flowers for All
All About Paper
Grow Green
Nurture your Friendships
Quality of Life
Baby-Sit
Hurry Hurry Away
Show your Appreciation
Eat Clean
Know Thy Neighbors
Help!
Be Optimistic

Week 51--Help! Friday (Christmas Eve's Eve)

"Helping" takes on many forms; preparing food for a friend, cleaning a house, running errands, changing light bulbs, "winterizing" furniture, sharing wine (imbibing), grocery shopping, gift wrapping and laundry.  Yes, I've done all this in the past few days and will end up doing much more with family in town, family with babies and holiday parties :)

Here's some Beatles for you...

Week 51--Help!

Help!  "Take the time to help, whether it's a stranger who needs directions, a child who needs extra attention learning to read, or your persistently pesky aging neighbor who can't carry his own groceries to the third floor anymore.  Unless you are in the middle of delivering a baby, find the time to lend a hand, an ear, a moment."

It is perhaps fate that I should pick Help! this week since I didn't accomplish my task of "Knowing my Neighbor" last week.  I am disappointed in myself that I didn't make the time to buy the bottle of wine and go to the door of our new neighbor (down the road a bit, not directly next door...I'm not that lazy) and welcome her to the "hood."  I started wondering each day last week things such as, "Will she think me odd bringing her a welcome basket?  What if she doesn't like red wine?  white wine?  no wine?  We've only ever talked while I walk the dogs past her house..."  It's rather pathetic, I admit it.  I must do something about it...but I haven't yet decided. 

This brings me to this week; perhaps I can redeem myself.  Tonite I agreed to help a friend who decided she doesn't have enough time to do everything at home before her warm-weather vacation so she's asked me to stop by and go through a list of "To-Do's" for her house, of which I have agreed to assist quite willingly.

Week 50--Know thy Neighbors

Know thy Neighbors:  "Do you know the people who live near you?  Isn't it strange that you can live someplace for a while an not have met your neighbors?  The need to borrow a cup of sugar has somehow decreased over the years, so next time you see someone who lives near you, make a point of saying hi and introducing yourself.  Not only does this help create a community, but it sets a precedent, and you never know what circumstances might cause you to need each other."

This is a good week for this card because we have a new neighbor in the 'hood."  I walk by her house nearly every day to take the dogs for a walk and every time I think to myself, "I need to get her a welcome basket of cookies, wine, cheese or something."  So, that's on my to-do list this week. 

We have two immediate neighbors (immediate meaning on the same side of the street) and two across the street.  I find it amazing that when I finally do greet neighbors not our our street but in the neighborhood, they almost always have something to say about how my hair is different or what is going on with the dogs.  Which means that though they never have said "hello" or talked to me, they have been watching me from inside their home...which brings me to my favorite "nieghbors" movie:  The Burbs.

Week 49--Eat Clean

I did pretty well eating clean yesterday; my laundry list of food items: decaffeinated coffee (several cups throughout the day) an apple, two tangerines, fresh lean turkey (no bread) a few Sunchips (I told you I had to have my Sunchips) two sweet potatoes and wine.  Yes, the wine is pushing the "Eat Clean" line...but then again, French women drink wine...and they're not fat (or so the book says ;)

I've started off today with more decaf coffee (routines can be rewarding).  I will share an observation:  sweet potatoes are awesome, but they must be cooked well.  By well, I mean it took 1.5 hours baking to attain the perfect texture and softness.  They were huge potatoes but man, were they worth it.  I could feel my fiber and Vitamin count shoot to the sky when I had finished them.  Cooking tip:  wash off the potatoes, sit them on an aluminum foil lined pan in the middle of the oven and let them bake at 400.  No poking, slicing or basting required--just heat.  You know they are done when you can see the natural sugars oozing from the end and smell the slightest burning of the sugar.  Sweet.

Just an FYI:  the differences between a sweet potato and yam:  Sweet Potato vs. Yam


Care of Wikipedia (of course) :) 

Besides simple starches, sweet potatoes are rich in complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, beta carotene (a vitamin A equivalent nutrient), vitamin C, and vitamin B₆. Pink, yellow and green varieties are high in carotene, the precursor of vitamin A.
In 1992, the Center for Science in the Public Interest compared the nutritional value of sweet potatoes to other vegetables. Considering fiber content, complex carbohydrates, protein, vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium, the sweet potato ranked highest in nutritional value. According to these criteria, sweet potatoes earned 184 points, 100 points over the next on the list, the common potato.
Sweet potato varieties with dark orange flesh have more beta carotene than those with light-colored flesh, and their increased cultivation is being encouraged in Africa, where vitamin A deficiency is a serious health problem. Despite the name "sweet", it may be a beneficial food for diabetics, as preliminary studies on animals have revealed it helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and to lower insulin resistance.^[24]

Week 49--Eat Clean

Eat Clean:  " Of course you've absorbed all the information on having a no-fat, low-sodium, low-cholesterol and low-sugar diet, but are you doing it?  Or are you still addicted to processed foods?  Are you still eating prepackaged or fast food in your car two meals a day?  Can you replace some of the processed foods you eat with simpler, fresher, and rawer things?  What would you need to do to eat more healthfully? Are you willing to make those lifestyle changes?  Find out what the FDA suggested daily requirements are, and take a look at whether you are anywhere near the suggested amounts for vitamins and fat."

I would honestly say I try to eat clean anyway, as I'm not a fan of too many processed goods.  I can't take too many sweets...but I love Sunchips!  At least they are whole-grain.  It's likely Providence that this week I'm to be more mindful as I'm teaching a nutrition class Wednesday.  I will make an attempt to each as much "fresh" food as can reasonably be had this week. 

Week 48--Monday

A simple e-mail can go a long way to make a person's day a smidge brighter.  I sent a "Thank you, I appreciate your work" e-mail today to a colleague I don't know really well, but someone who is making an effort at our office to improve employee morale.  This employee replied and said, "Thank you, it's good to know someone appreciates my work."  Twenty seconds to type a few sentences and hit "SEND" and a day is brightened.  I need to do this more often...it really is the little things that count. 

Week 48--Show Your Appreciation

Show Your Appreciation:  " Show appreciation to someone who has helped you personally or professionally.  From a verbal acknowledgement to sending a card or even flowers, the ability to acknowledge someone else's generosity or kindness is a real gift and will, hopefully, encourage others to continue to be generous in spirit as well."

In this season, and specifically this past weekend, I was able to show my appreciation of my husband.  I told him today that I am thankful for his patience, consistency, and perspective.  Just today he told me (because he could tell I was feeling down) that if he could, he would take away from me the negative feelings that were on my mind so that I did not have to feel afflicted.  He said he could tell there was a tug-of-war within me and he wished he could make it stop...but knew that he could only be there to support me.  I teared up and hugged him even tighter; for this genuine expression of love, I am thankful and appreciative. 

Week 47--Hurry, Hurry Away

Hurry, Hurry Away:  "  If you can wait a moment longer, let a rushed and obviously stressed-out person go ahead of you in the check-out line at the grocery store, the post office, or the bank.  Your kindness might just be what it takes to allow that harried person to take a much-needed deep breath."

Let's hope I'm the one helping today and not the harried one.  Grocery store and errands on the list today...before the in-laws show up for the holiday.  Cheers!

Week 46--Baby Sit--Saturday Morning

I'm amazed at being awake so early on a Saturday...no less a Saturday morning after watching three energetic "tweens" the night before.  Emma, Cassie and Maggie were my guests last night for a few hours while their parents are off for a romantic weekend on the town.  I've never seen my brother-in-law so excited--he loads the girls "stuff" in the back of my car and shouts, "OK, we're off!  Have fun!" and literally jogs back to the car as my sister says, "Take care of my loves."  Then they speed off in search of friends, food, beer and a rock concert to start off their weekend.  It's amazing the number of items kids bring with them:  luggage (roller luggage), sleeping bag, pillow, stuffed animal, coat, hat, purse...multiple that by three...WOW.  I know this to be true from experience and family--kids require a lot of energy...That's why I don't have any yet...I remember now :)

We had a fun time; the girls said they had a fun time.  How could you not?  We shopped a bit at their favorite store --Half Price Books (intellectuals, my nieces--love it) and then picked up a pizza, baked it at home, watched a movie, and ate freshly baked cookies.  I made sure to load them up on caffeine and sugar before handing them over to my sister for the rest of the weekend. Ha :)

Next babysitting date: TBD :)

Week 46--Baby Sit

Baby Sit:  "Offer to baby-sit for your friend's new baby.  Not for the extra pocket money, but for the pleasure of spending time with a screaming baby and giving a new parent a reprieve.  Even the best-tempered and patient parent can occasionally feel on the edge of insanity after too many nights of interrupted sleep.  Give your friend a break and volunteer  to watch the baby for a couple of hours.  If changing diapers just isn't your thing, offer to run some errands, or arrange for a masseuse to make a house call instead."

My friend does have a new baby, but I don't know yet if I will be assisting in the sitting department since her new little girl is already sleeping 6 hours straight.  We will, however, be watching my three nieces this coming Friday night.  It's a sleepover at Aunt Livi's and we are preparing.  Cookies, pizza, playtime somewhere and crafts.  I'm ready, ready as we'll ever be for two DINKs :)

Week 45--Quality of Life

Quality of Life: "What can you do that would improve the quality of your life right now?  Think of the things you keep postponing because you are waiting for more money, a different apartment, a new job, or because of some other excuse.  Are these the real obstacles?  What are you waiting for?  Focus on one thing that would make you happy and write out a plan that includes a budget and time frame to help you realize it."

P.S. (11/13/11)  For immediate gratification on Quality of Life, I purchased a new pair of brown boots.  After two re-sole-ings, I had finally worn holes in "old reliable" that could not be repaired.  I also purchased this fabulous cloche :)  As for a long-term quality of life, we are saving for a new floor upstairs and perhaps a remodeling in a few years.

Week 44--"Nurture Your Friendships"

Nurture Your Friendships:  "  Spending time with good friends is one of the best ways to spend a life.  Think of some ways you can be a better friend to the friends you have.  If you already have great friendships, let your friends know in some creative way how much you appreciate them.  Don't take your friends for granted.  If there are any sore spots you haven't resolved within a relationship, think about what it might take to heal them."

Week 43--Grow Green

Grow Green:  "Where in your life can you plant something?  Bond with your neighbors at a nearby community garden, or join in on a city beautification day that would allow you to get dirt under your nails.  Of course, if you have your own garden, plant the most beautiful flowers and plants that you can manage to take care of (sunflowers are really easy)--a garden is a gift both to yourself and the insects, birds, and neighbors around you.  If you feel really ambitious, try planting some edibles, such as lettuce, tomatoes, or strawberries."

Hmmm...my home gardens are in need of some fall-time cleanup and preparation for winter.  I should do that this week before the freeze sets in.  I've noticed I haven't been as adamant about gardening since I had elbow surgery...I think it's the loss of grip strength.  I'm now thinking about what I can plant and do that allows me to "do" less throughout the year.  I've always been a perennial gardener...but that requires some hefty and all-out maintenance at peak times of the year.  However, I don't want to buy repeated annuals and re-plant.  I'll have to ponder my direction and get back with you on this one...

Weeks 41 & 42

Week 41:  "Flowers for All:  Buy a big bouquet of flowers and give a flower to each person who looks like they could use it throughout the day.  Even if this is a bit flower-childish for your non-nonsense image, try it anyway.  This inexplicable departure from your regular image can only endear you to those around you.  You'll probably make a few people smile, even if they are suspicious."

I didn't purchase flowers last week, but I did take chocolate-covered peanut butter filled pretzel bites to work.  I passed these out on Friday morning; who can resist chocolaty goodness (that is, of course, unless you are allergic to peanuts)?  I believe I assisted Trader Joe's by creating repeat customers.

Week 42:  " All About Paper:  Most landfill is paper.  Notice how much paper you consume in a day.  There the morning newspaper, the Kleenex in the car, the 20 extra copies of the memo you accidentally made, the good mail and the junk mail, the four extra napkins that came with your sandwich, the paper bad the groceries came in, and the paper towel you mopped up the spilled coffee with.  How many of these paper products were necessary, and how many of them could you have recycled?  How can you cut down on the paper products you use?"

I use more paper than necessary probably because I like to write on real paper, not "computer screen" paper, and I like to drink multiple coffees, hence more paper cones used in the drip machine.  I hoard fast-food napkins in case I have a spill in my car, and I print the chapters of books that are now electronic because I like to make notes on them.  But, I do recycle...I even walk to the other side of the building to put papers in the shredding bin. 

Oh my, the last post was on September 19th!

I'm heartily ashamed that I've missed two weeks in a row, and no, I cannot use the excuse of being "too busy" since we have have demands on our time.  I chalk it up to sheer laziness--I have had the last two week's cards sitting next to the laptop each day.  And each day I look at them and think, "I'll get to that after I do this or that first."  And you know what, I don't "get to it."  So, I've finally "gotten to it" and here are these past two week's tasks:

Week 39:  Homeless People are People:  "It is depressing to walk by homeless people every day on the same corner and avert your eyes or just five them some change.  When you feel up to it, find out their names, and next time you pass them, say "Hi."  Although it doesn't solve the larger problem of homelessness, showing respect by recognizing individuals as people who have names is better than just thinking of them as a faceless group--the homeless.  Taking this small step may lead you to see something else you can do to help."

Week 40:  Support the Corner Store:  "If you like that idiosyncratic shop on the corner of your block, then support it by shopping there and telling others about it.  Chains and discount warehouses are taking a toll on the smaller merchants.  If you want the store to survive, then take your business there as much as possible, and let the show owner know what you would buy if the shop carried it.  After all, if the neighborhood doesn't support the local shops, who will?

I did buy my coffee at this little place around the corner this morning.  They have eccentric flavors and the best brownies.  The nice thing?  I realized I earned my final "stamp" so I could earn a free coffee for my next visit.  A pleasant surprise...I guess it pays to keep your punch cards and visit your local coffeehouse every now and then.  I know where I'm getting my coffee tomorrow :)

Week 38 "Conserve Energy"

Conserve Energy:  " Think of creative ways to conserve energy on all levels.  Many utility companies offer free audits.  Conserve electrical energy by not overusing appliances or leaving things running when you don't need them.  Conserve gas by not jumping in the car every time you have a whim for a single items from the grocery store.  Conserve your friends' energy by not calling to recount every day's mundane minutiae (gory details, however, are OK ).  Conserve your own energy by not overreacting to all of life's bumps and blips and not taking them too personally."

I have been remiss in updating this blog the past few weeks for reasons that are not worth sharing.  However, I did conserve energy yesterday by lighting candles for warmth and light. But this morning, I left on several lights.  It's really a habit, this trying to conserve energy thing...

Week 37--"Meet the People"

Meet the People:  "Call your City Council and go to the next meeting.  And if you don't care for city politics, how about a neighborhood group or professional organization that interests you?  Find a group that you can relate to, contribute to, and benefit from.  Get comfortable with some group somewhere, because it is often through the strength of a group that changes are made and community is built."

I'm thinking that because I don't like politics (though I recognize their necessity) that I will go to that new church I've been thinking about for weeks...and I plan to go to a fair this week with a friend who needs company.  I volunteered at the art museum yesterday for the arts fair and that was fun! 

Week 36--"Car Rest"--Monday Evening

Happy Labor Day!  This week's task:  "Car Rest:  Designate a day each week to leave your car at home.  Try hopping public transportation or hitching a ride with friends to give yourself, your car, and the environment a break.  Allow yourself to move to your destination in a slightly slower fashion, and think of all the reading, exercising, or catching up with a friend you can do instead of sitting along in traffic."

Well, this week it cannot be Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday...perhaps Friday or Saturday?  Oooo...this will be interesting.