Par for me...

So, my "Philosophies for Life" list has come to a stand still. Rest assured that I have more than three. In fact, I went to post my fourth philosophy "Cultivate", but I just couldn't wrap my head around everything that I needed to say about that philosophy. So, for now, my list is on hold.

I thought I would let everyone know that I have finished reading The Hunger Games as well as its sequel Catching Fire. I really enjoyed both, although I wish they were longer. There are some really great themes being explored and I wish it went more in depth. However, I realize it's a book for teens, and I think the author does a great job keeping that in mind. You could say that no one ever scoffed at J.K. Rowling for writing long books, but to each there own. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to the conclusion to the series that will be out in August.

In light of reading those two books, I have not been as diligent about reading my non-fiction picks. That's about par for me. I did go back to reading those last night though which is an improvement from my previous attempts at non-fiction where things get set down never to be touched again.

Other than that, it's a dismal Michigan spring day. Rain, wind, cool temps...but I can't complain since it has been exceptionally nice recently. I hope life is treating you well, wherever this blog finds you!

Cheers,

samwise

Philosophies for Life: Day 3

Today's Philosophy:

3. Celebrate.

I thought a lot about what today's philosophy, and decided that since it's my 30th birthday I should go with Celebrate.

I'm a firm believe in celebrating. I love making a big deal out of holidays and birthdays. I love the decorations and gift giving. I love being together with family and friends. They're specials days of the year that are joyous. However, in the past few years I've come to believe in celebrating the small stuff as well.

Things like a sunny day or cleaning up the basement. The chief learning to tie his shoes or Zu Zu painting a gallery's worth of pictures.

It may seem silly to celebrate things that are so regular, but doing so makes everyone in the family happier. The kids smile more and laugh easier on days when we "celebrate". I'm happier (which makes everyone happier).

These small moments don't have to turn into huge ordeals. Order takeout or eat outside. Do a special project. Watch a movie on a school night. Little things like that can make the most normal of days feel special.

Big occasions often get captured on film so they can last a lifetime. But the small celebrations make up all the time in between those pictures and I, for one, remember those moments fondly. They are the moments that make up the regular days for our family.

So I want to know, what small moments do you celebrate?

Cheers everyone,

samwise

Philosophies for Life: Day 2

Today's Philosophy:

2. Make food. Eat food. Together.

Again, sounds totally unoriginal doesn't it. I mean, who in this world can go without eating? However, I would argue that not everyone who eats food makes it.

Just ask the Brain. He's only allowed to cook a few things. That probably seems ridiculous on my part, but cooking brings me inner peace and I don't want to let those moments slip away. Plus, I'm a better cook than he is.

Anyway, I believe cooking is rooted in love. For me, cooking a meal is one way for me to say I love you to my family. We eat dinner together every night and it's a great way to spend time together.

Also, I want to equip our children with a healthy understanding of food. We live in an era of fast food and eating disorders, so it's our responsibility to help our kids navigate the chaos of choices out there. We try to emphasize well-rounded eating (though admittedly I'm not always great at it). But, my hope is that the kids will come away from our meal times with a healthy view of food and how to eat that they can carry with them always.

My cooking runs the gambit of multi-ethnic flavors and often we'll have to convince the kids to try what's in front of them. The prodding can be annoying, but I like to think that I'm helping my kids learn to be adventurous. Maybe that's just the delusional side of me talking, but I think they'll thank me one day for serving them Bi Bim Bop.

So, find a way to exercise your inner cook. For the inexperienced try making homemade mac-n-cheese instead of the blue box. For the more adventurous, take on something more challenging like making pierogies (including the dough).

Tell me, readers, what do you love to cook? If you need some suggestions, just ask. Cooking is my specialty.

Cheers,

samwise

Philosophies for Life

I thought I would start a list to get myself to blog a little more. I'm always trying to convince myself that something aught to motivate me, so I'm going to begin with a list on Philosophies for Life. Everyone has specific ideas they view as essential to life. Here's the first of my essentials (in no particular order).

Today's Philosophy:

1. Read books. Daily.

I know, I know. It's certainly not a unique idea. But, have you ever stopped to think about exactly what you read during the day? Emails, blogs, online news articles, magazines, newspapers, food labels....the list could go on and on and never once mention a book.

I'm currently in the middle of reading two books, a task I've never taken on before. Not only is that new for me, but both books are non-fiction which is really random. Those of you that know me best, probably know that I've never finished a non-fiction book in my life (not even in college - much to my prof.'s dismay). Admittedly, I rarely pick up non-fiction material, so this is me aspiring to new heights.

Anyway, the books I'm currently reading and enjoying are: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin and Reading like a Writer by Francine Prose. On top of those, I'm about to add a fiction book to the mix - The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. We'll see how it goes.

So, why is "Read books. Daily" one of my philosophies? Severals reasons actually, but here are just a few.

1. I want my kids to love reading. Therefore they should see me reading, often.

2. Reading expands your knowledge, as well as your vocabulary.

3. Reading is relaxing. It's one of my favorite ways to slow down and enjoy the moment.

So tell me, my few faithful readers, why do you read books? And what books are you reading right now?

Cheers!

samwise

Chicago Trip

At the end of February we took a trip to Chicago (thanks to Grandpa Doug and Grandma Karen!) for a few days, so I thought I would post some pictures of our adventures.

Here we are enjoying the train ride from Ann Arbor to Chicago. In my opinion, it's the only way to travel. There's plenty of leg room, you can roam about the train when the kids get antsy from sitting, the bathroom goes with you (enough said) and you don't have to do any of the driving. I love it!

We stayed down town, a block from the Magnificant Mile, so there were plenty of things to see and places to eat. The kids, of course, were most taken with the pool in our hotel. In fact, they chose to swim over going to the Aquarium!

We did manage to spend the day (and I mean the whole day) at Navy Pier, playing at the Children's Museum. Here's a few choice pics from our time there.

Everyone had a great time, seeing the city, riding in taxis, taking the train, and swimming in the pool. I hope we'll be able to it again sometime.

Getting Older....but not wiser

I have to face the truth...

I turn 30 in less than two weeks and I admit, I can't decide how I feel about it. Thirty years, I realize, is fairly insignificant in the grand scheme of life, but it seems like it should be a big deal.

It seems like there should be a huge party or vacation that announces to the world that I've achieved...something. Though I don't know what that would be.

I have a great deal already. I'm well on my way to an average life. I married an amazing man (almost 7 years ago now) and have two crazy children who keep me on my toes day after day. Mine is a blessed and happy life.

So why does thirty feel like it should offer something more?

Maybe it's the fact that I won't be twenty something anymore. Thirty means I'm well past the carelessness of my youth, but it doesn't necessarily bring with it the wisdom or perspective of being older.

Maybe turning thirty is nothing more than another day of the year. Maybe turning thirty is just about getting older and nothing more.

Welcome 2010

Hello family and friends,

I hope this New Year finds you all well. We survived the holidays despite a lot of time in the car. It was such a blessing to see a lot of our family this holiday season. The Brain and I are both thankful for the time we spent with everyone. For those of you we weren't able to see, we missed you greatly and thought of you much.

I, personally, am overjoyed to be back to the grind of A2. The Chief went back to school today, the Brain to work, and Zu Zu and I tried to reclaim the living room as a living space (instead of a present holding zone.) It was a tediously slow process that I relished in. Every once in the while cleaning can make me smile and today was one of those days.

I'm also greatly looking forward to not having anything immediate on my "To Do" list. We have only one thing on the calendar for this month so far, and that's a child-free night out for the Brain and I at the end of the month. *Loud sigh of satisfaction*

On a final note, I want to share my top five New Year's Resolutions.

5. Stay in side during the extremely cold Michigan winter.

4. Build the ultimate Lego vehicle with the Chief.

3. Paint a masterpiece with Zu Zu.

2. Nag the Brain less.

1. Live a healthier holistic lifestyle (better food, more exercise, more reading, more writing, etc).

Cheers!