Little Things

Sometimes I get so focused on wanting to accomplish big achievements that I forget that to get anywhere, you have to start small.


This post is a list of all the little things that I have accomplished recently.


Early Mornings 


This year, I've been working on self-discipline.  Since the beginning of February I've been going to bed at a decent hour and getting up early to read and think and write and enjoy my coffee in solitude.  It's slowly becoming my favorite part of the day.  Lately, my computer has been acting wonky, so this morning I finally backed up my hard drive.  I ended up having to google a few things but I think I did pretty good trying to figure out the best way to partition my external hard drive at 6:30 this morning without a full cup of coffee in my system. 


Lent


I'm pretty ignorant about what Lent is so I thought the best way to learn was to participate.  It didn't start off too great (I forgot to eat pancakes) and it was really tough in the beginning.  I found myself glowering at people who gave something easy up like Facebook or television.  I was so cranky, I thought I would lose some friends in the process, so I put myself in a self-imposed exile for a week.  But it's been getting better and I definitely see the value in learning through doing.  


My Son


As a parent I get wrapped up in my son's obstacles.  It's been a tough year being a parent.  But last Friday was awesome.  In the afternoon my son helped out at my mother's work.  Not only did he spend the afternoon helping to move furniture and boxes, but he worked with people who are intellectually disabled.  I am so proud of him for working so hard without complaining and especially for being so accepting of people who are different.  (This isn't really an accomplishment on my part, I just don't brag about my son very often).


Money


I've been trying to approach my spending and lack of saving in a more disciplined way.  My immediate goals are to get out of my line of credit and to save enough money to go on a trip this summer.  But more importantly, I just want to approach my finances in a more consistent and discipline way.  I've been following Gail Val-Oxlade money jars system.  It is easy and simple.  I either have money to spend or I don't.  




Thoughtful Tuesday


I'm lazy when I think of names and titles, and tend to use alliteration.  Thoughtful Tuesday is an example of this.  Thoughtful Tuesday is something I started a few weeks ago.  It's basically engaging in an act of kindness or giving to others and sharing what I've done, in order to inspire others to engage in their own acts.  Last week I made three Kiva loans and posted it on Facebook.  I don't participate every Tuesday, mostly when I remember (or have money), but it's a really easy and simple way to focus outward.


What small thing have you done lately?


~b~

Tattoos

I met a friend for lunch at Amigos on Friday and had the most amazing lunch I've had in a while. 

We ate Black Tiger Shrimp with Peppers and Onions in a Zippy Santa Fe Sauce with Coconut Rice and BBQ Black Beans.  YUM!!!

While we were there I mentioned that I thought it was time to get another tattoo.  I would love to get a tattoo on my wrist, but I wasn't sure I want to commit to getting a tattoo in spot that can't be covered up.  My friend thought it was a great idea and told me if I went to ROP that afternoon, she would buy me a coffee.  I was excited by the impulsivity of the whole idea and decided I would grab a ride home to change my jacket before stopping in at ROP.

I've know my friend for 23 years and as I was at home getting, I remembered the time we had a sleep over and she convinced me to stick my head through the railing and tie me up with a bunch of rope.  I think we were re-enacting a Houdini stunt of some sort.  Anyway, I just remember being tied up with my head stuck through the railing and I think I may have ended up crying.

I decided to not get a tattoo that afternoon.

On Sunday at church, my favorite little person showed me her stickers that were all over her arms and legs.  She then proceeded to transfer them onto my arm one by one.  

Each sticker was placed on an empty spot on my arm, and smoothed down so they remained stuck.  It took a painfully long time to complete this process, but I couldn't say no to such a cute face.

And now I know what I would look like if I ever decide to get a full sleeve. 

Those smiley faces are definitely me.  What do you think?

~b~