one word

No goals.

No resolutions.

Just one word.

Years ago I switched to the One Word Resolution vs. the old school list of New Year's Resolutions. 

An Un-Resolution if you will. 

How many times did I make the resolution to get healthy, lose weight, work out and by the end of January forget about the commitment.  The regulars at the gym would tell us that they hated the January influx of New Year's Resolutions members competing for the equipment, but they knew it would last only a few weeks, then the gym would go back to "normal".

 

 I love this quote from a One Word Resolution enthusiast Rachel Olsen:

“Lose the long list of resolutions — all your sweeping promises to change — and do something about one thing this year instead of nothing about everything.”

- Rachel Olsen

There are so many fantastic inspiration words to make a choice from for myself.  The choice of one word is like a touchstone for you.  A reminder of the focus of the year for you.  How you define that word and how you apply it to your life is up to you.

Last year my word was intention. 
To intentionally live my life.

For 2013 my word touchstone is seize. Seize the year, day and moments of life. Capture and embrace the opportunities that come to me and that I create.
carpe per diem.

One Word suggestions:

Tranquility

Fearless

Aware

Awake

Intentional

Healthy

Time

Flexibility

Safe

Create

Patience

Persist

Joy

Happiness

Peace

Contentment

Knowledge

Growth

Imagination

What resolutions have you made for 2013?

 

Snowpocalypse 2012

 

 Don't worry Bogart and Sinbad, it is only another 5 inches on top of 18 inches plus 3 inches plus 4 inches....it's a Snowpocalypse!  Bogart, my "defective" Bernese Mountain Dog is not a fan of snow : )

Winter Bucket List

click and print

I made a "blank" Winter Bucket List for you to add your favorite winter fun!

 

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

'Tis close to the appointed time of gift giving and the arrival of the jolly man in the red suit at our home.  We have a couple of feet of fresh fallen snow to set the mood.  Hot chocolate and cookies are already being consumed. 

Merry Christmas All!

 

Wait For Santa Printable

Click and Print for this free printable.

 

I Need To Get Rid of the Sand...

At some point in time I trained managers time management and organization.  These seminars always were high in attendance by managers.  I was reminded of this lesson the Professor is teaching that a friend posted and shared with us today and how I taught the same exact lesson minus the beer to my managers, lol.  Still a great lesson and I need the refresher course to remind me once in awhile.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full.. The students responded with a unanimous ‘yes.’

The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.The students laughed..

‘Now,’ said the professor as the laughter subsided, ‘I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things—-your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions—-and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.. The sand is everything else—-the small stuff.

‘If you put the sand into the jar first,’ he continued, ‘there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and mow the lawn.

Take care of the golf balls first—-the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, ‘I’m glad you asked.’ The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.

 

Merry Christmas

 

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

I love baking cookies for the holiday season.  Family favorites, new found favorites and inspirations from all the blogs and Pinterest are all on a list for the holidays this year.  After the Thanksgiving feast, I thought I would go with something simple, basic and I am calling healthy because it does include oatmeal and raisins after all!

 Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup shortening

1 1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup sugar

2 eggs

2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup raisins

3 1/2 cups oats (not instant oatmeal, use regular oatmeal)

1 3/4 cups flour

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

 

Sift all dry ingredients together, set aside.  Cream butter, shortening, brown sugar, sugar, eggs and vanilla together.  Add sifted dry ingredients and thoroughly mix with creamed.  Stir in raisins.

Place on ungreased baking sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees 8-12 minutes.  Set on rack to cool.

Mmm...fresh from the oven!

Smell the goodness?