Post #101!

So yesterday I was oblivious (as usual) and missed the fact that it was my 100th post! Yay! Who'd've thunk it that I had so many words....

I'll think of something fun to do, maybe a giveaway, or something like that - that other bloggers do and that I maybe should.

But, on a normal note, today's whiteboard quote:
"When I think with my mind, I seek answers to my questions. When I feel from my heart, questions dissolve into answers."
~Unknown

So, the goal for the day is to feel from the heart. And here's another one to try - every thing you touch with your hands, feel it. Really, feel it. It sounds simple - of course you feel everything you touch! But, not really. For instance, right now you're probably feeling your computer mouse. What does it feel like? Is it smooth, cold, warm? What do your buttons feel like? Shoe laces? Bottle of water? The food you eat?

You'll see. If you can remember, it'll open up a new way of thinking, if just for today.

Hi, my name is Charis, and I'm a procrastinator.

Remember that wedding I went to back in January? ...well, my gift to the couple was going to be silhouettes, but I'm a expert procrastinator, so I just mailed those bad boys off today along with the bride (my buddy since middle school)'s birthday card.

Her birthday was on Monday.



I swear, my putting-off of random things is just that - insanely random. I really like making silhouettes, notwithstanding the gluey hands and aching shoulders (from hunching over the scissors and glue) that it entails! Why do I put it off? And why do I sometimes do the things I hate the most (loading the dishwasher) first thing?

I have the answer right here:

Delayed gratification.

I always save my favorite food on the plate for last.

I get all of my unpleasant tasks done in the morning so I can relax in the afternoon.

When I was 3 years old, I saved my baby aspirin for later on my dresser (those things tasted good. Why doesn't grown-up medicine taste like that?) and believe you me, my mom was not happy about it.

So that's my weird habit for the day. The up side? I have nothing to worry about for glorious carefree stretches.

The down side? Sometimes my day is taken up doing the stuff I do first, and so it makes for a completely tired and yucko day.

But what are you gonna do?

What are your weirdo habits?

Wonder

"The world shall perish not for lack of wonders, but for lack of wonder."
~J.B.S. Haldane

Today I'll find wonder in the perfect weather outside.

I'll also find wonder in how my body doesn't collapse during the final 10 minutes of Bikram yoga (a birthday present for T - 10 consecutive days....yeah make that 8, we went the first day and skipped the second one. Today's day 4! And I've sweat more in the past week than I have in the past 2 years....)

Where will you find wonder?

From the Thoughts of Yesterday

"What we are today comes from the thoughts of yesterday, and our present thoughts build our life of tomorrow: our life is the creation of our mind." ~Buddha

With this in mind, I'm focusing, on this tired and tummy-achy Monday morning, on grace, good posture, and mindfulness. I'm actually hearing the clacking of the keys as I type (how often do you notice that one?) and I'm settling back into my semi-comfy chair. I'll be staying hydrated and trying to relax the inner chambers of my mind so that they can be aired out like a room with all of the windows open.

The weekend wasn't easy, but it definitely had it lovely parts. And now the week begins, and it can be a great one, if I don't focus on how tired I am. But I do know that, when really tired, you can either see it as a reminder to be physically mindful (which is one of the things that can bring about true peace, if you let it) and let the constant input your achy body is giving to your 5 senses massage your jumpy mind into calmness, or you can harness that discomfort and let it turn you sour on the inside.

As I often say, once you realize there's a choice, how can you choose any different? Seriously, who would choose that second one?

So here's to creating the next 5 minutes, Buddha-style, by using this 5 minutes to focus on the beauty that is always just as fully present as the pain. It's all about what you choose to lay your eyes on.

Friday!

I'm very excited about what day of the week it is.

I need sleep!

I need to eat something other than dry cheerios and a banana for breakfast (my work day routine)!

I need to actually do something with my time that I want to do, not just what is absolutely required because of the formula created by tasks needing to be accomplished and time in the day!

And..., T's taking the GRE this morning (good luck!). Aaaand, his birthday is tomorrow (lots of Guinness, I bet!)

As for me, the paper needs a final proofread, and it's going in! Whew! Next time, remind me to start a wee bit earlier so my eyes can still focus at the end of the day (dang computer screens).

what's on your weekend platter?

Sights Set

One paper down, one (halfway-done one) to go! I'm keeping an iron fist on my schedule (down to the minute. It's nuts) this week so that I can get everything done and still have time to hang out with the folks at home (Tara's doing amazingly well, by the way), so I'll be so happy next week during my little spring break from school.

...the break was supposed to be this week AND next week, but this girl didn't get her stuff done as early as would have been optimal...

This makes me think. And it makes me happy. At least it gives motivation to keep those joyful thoughts comin...

"The world presents itself according to the viewpoint of each person. Whatever kind of person one is, one will see that kind of world; whatever kind of mindset one has, one will derive that kind of conclusion."
~Fo Yin

Flower Power

There are bushes I walk past every day that line the sidewalks leading into my office. They're quiet and soft, and alwalys a deep lush green.
This week, out of nowhere, they have an instant pink icing of lovely little flowers, constantly buzzing with tiny bees.
I love it.
The creative power of nature amazes me - who knew (I mean, yes, of course we all know, but really it is amazing) that all that time, those little boring bushes had this loveliness inside them, just waiting to come out?
What's inside of you, waiting to emerge in all its glory?

Whiteboard quote of the day:

"This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness." ~Dalai Lama