I have finally decided to work on organizing my photos. I started this project a LONG time ago, but got sidetracked by life, as happens with many (most?) of my projects.
My first step is to transfer all my photos from my laptop to my portable hard drive. My second step will be to go through the folders and delete those pictures that are not very good. After that, I will print out lots and lots of pictures, because what good to they do sitting on my little hard drive? I want to be able to look through albums with friends and family and giggle about the silly things we were wearing, and the antics we pulled.
I got inspired to do this last year, a couple of times, and then again this year. The first time I got inspired was when we visited our friends Gina and John at their home on Long Island. She pulled out photo albums from when we were in college, and it was fun to reminisce. She was always SO good at keeping photo albums!
The second time I got inspired to do this was after my father in law passed away. All 8 Stacy kids made it for the funeral, and the family and extended family had a good time looking through the pictures. It was nice to see Dad and the family during happier times. There were holiday celebrations, birthday parties, baptisms, weddings, and just random pictures.
I got inspired a third time when my brother in law was visiting in September. He pulled out the photo albums and showed pictures of his childhood to his girlfriend, it was her first visit with the family, and there were many people whom she was not going to get the chance to meet.
Since then I have started printing out photographs (just 4x6's) and putting them in an album. I hope to fill that one up and get another one filled. I have lots of empty albums lying around, I hope to fill them all up with memories so that one day, my boy and his girlfriend (or wife) can look at them and smile.
Showing posts with label living in the present. Show all posts
Showing posts with label living in the present. Show all posts
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Back to your roots
On Wednesday night, I had the unique opportunity to go back to my roots-go back about 10-15 years and hang out with friends and see one of my favorite, Phish, play in my hometown.
It was a great show. First and foremost because it was a reunion with some friends. I hadn't seen one of them in four years, and five years for the other two. Lots has changed in our lives since the last time we were all together. We have mellowed, in some ways, like a fine wine-or maybe a better analogy would be we have aged well, like a good whiskey. Our lives have changed-one of us became a homeowner for the first time a couple years ago, the other two got married (to each other) about six weeks ago, and I became a mommy almost 10 months ago. But, some things never change-that we were able to hang out and have fun together!
The show was amazing. It was a tiny venue. It had been TEN YEARS, yes, a DECADE since I had seen them live. Just life got in the way of hitting shows. Plus, two breaks for the band kind of put a damper on things. My lifestyle has changed drastically in those ten years. I have gone from the carefree, single, hippie girl who was just out of college to the married mommy who takes care of a household, bills, and the two most important men in her life. But as soon as we got to the parking lot, and saw everyone just hanging out and having a good time, part of that carefree hippie girl came right back. I guess she wasn't hiding too far below the surface.
I chatted with the guy next to me a bit. He had been hitting shows since 1993, three years before I started seeing them. We both agreed that THIS was THE show to hit out of the fall tour. And that they were playing the way we remembered them playing "back in the day". After the show we introduced ourselves to each other and he asked if me and my friends were going out after the show. I said that we weren't as I had to get home to my husband and baby who were waiting for me. In another life, the answer would have been different and my friends and I would have hit up the Electric Company and other bars on Varick Street. That's a sign that the carefree hippie girl is not here anymore.
During the show, I danced and danced and danced. I danced because I needed to. I danced because I wanted to. I danced really hard because I don't know when my next chance will be to see this band live. I sure hope its not ten years. I sure hope its not five years before I see my friends again.
I think its important for everyone to go back to their roots at some point, especially if they have experienced a lifestyle change. Its important because it helps you remember those experiences that shaped you into who you are, it helps you realize that some things don't change, and that more importantly, some things do change, but just get better with age.
It was a great show. First and foremost because it was a reunion with some friends. I hadn't seen one of them in four years, and five years for the other two. Lots has changed in our lives since the last time we were all together. We have mellowed, in some ways, like a fine wine-or maybe a better analogy would be we have aged well, like a good whiskey. Our lives have changed-one of us became a homeowner for the first time a couple years ago, the other two got married (to each other) about six weeks ago, and I became a mommy almost 10 months ago. But, some things never change-that we were able to hang out and have fun together!
The show was amazing. It was a tiny venue. It had been TEN YEARS, yes, a DECADE since I had seen them live. Just life got in the way of hitting shows. Plus, two breaks for the band kind of put a damper on things. My lifestyle has changed drastically in those ten years. I have gone from the carefree, single, hippie girl who was just out of college to the married mommy who takes care of a household, bills, and the two most important men in her life. But as soon as we got to the parking lot, and saw everyone just hanging out and having a good time, part of that carefree hippie girl came right back. I guess she wasn't hiding too far below the surface.
I chatted with the guy next to me a bit. He had been hitting shows since 1993, three years before I started seeing them. We both agreed that THIS was THE show to hit out of the fall tour. And that they were playing the way we remembered them playing "back in the day". After the show we introduced ourselves to each other and he asked if me and my friends were going out after the show. I said that we weren't as I had to get home to my husband and baby who were waiting for me. In another life, the answer would have been different and my friends and I would have hit up the Electric Company and other bars on Varick Street. That's a sign that the carefree hippie girl is not here anymore.
During the show, I danced and danced and danced. I danced because I needed to. I danced because I wanted to. I danced really hard because I don't know when my next chance will be to see this band live. I sure hope its not ten years. I sure hope its not five years before I see my friends again.
I think its important for everyone to go back to their roots at some point, especially if they have experienced a lifestyle change. Its important because it helps you remember those experiences that shaped you into who you are, it helps you realize that some things don't change, and that more importantly, some things do change, but just get better with age.
Friday, October 1, 2010
A few minutes for myself
I got the baby down for a nap and stole a few minutes for myself.
What did I choose to do?
Play on the internet? NOOOO....
Watch any of my DVR'd shows? NOOOO....
So, what did I do?
Got on my exercise shoes (the ones I forgot at Zumba the other night, but picked up on Wednesday) and did 40 minutes of exercise. Then I got on the computer. Hahaha!
I feel fantastic. I need 40 minutes of this type of time for myself every day. :)
Now to change and pick up and figure out what we're having for dinner, besides some leftovers from last night.
What did I choose to do?
Play on the internet? NOOOO....
Watch any of my DVR'd shows? NOOOO....
So, what did I do?
Got on my exercise shoes (the ones I forgot at Zumba the other night, but picked up on Wednesday) and did 40 minutes of exercise. Then I got on the computer. Hahaha!
I feel fantastic. I need 40 minutes of this type of time for myself every day. :)
Now to change and pick up and figure out what we're having for dinner, besides some leftovers from last night.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Lists, lists, lists...
Ahh, many of you who know me will giggle about this, but I am a true Capricorn-I like being in control, and having lists. Yes, Lists. They keep me organized, and help me make sure that I don't forget anything, though I usually forget to put something on the list...
Anyhow, I have realized that in order to keep track of what I need to accomplish in a day, I really need to create a couple of lists. One is a recurring list-like a checklist of tasks that happen daily, or should happen daily. This list would include sweeping/vacuuming or using the swiffer on my floors, getting the kitchen and table and counters cleared off, picking up laundry, making the bed, etc.
On another list I would place tasks that aren't every day things, like calling whatever company has screwed up my auto drafting THIS time to get it fixed (shouldn't things like that really make life easier??), calling our insurance company to get something taken care of, picking up stuff from the cleaner, getting oil changes for our cars, etc.
However, as I make my lists, I realize that there are some things that we do automatically every day-for example, I call my parents (almost) daily. I also tell my husband that I love him at least once a day, and kiss my baby boy many many times a day. But there are also some things that I don't do every day, but perhaps should. Things like counting the many blessings in my life, taking the time to think about what's important in life, and thanking my husband for being such a good provider. Maybe I should put these things on my recurring daily list.
What isn't on your list that should be?
Anyhow, I have realized that in order to keep track of what I need to accomplish in a day, I really need to create a couple of lists. One is a recurring list-like a checklist of tasks that happen daily, or should happen daily. This list would include sweeping/vacuuming or using the swiffer on my floors, getting the kitchen and table and counters cleared off, picking up laundry, making the bed, etc.
On another list I would place tasks that aren't every day things, like calling whatever company has screwed up my auto drafting THIS time to get it fixed (shouldn't things like that really make life easier??), calling our insurance company to get something taken care of, picking up stuff from the cleaner, getting oil changes for our cars, etc.
However, as I make my lists, I realize that there are some things that we do automatically every day-for example, I call my parents (almost) daily. I also tell my husband that I love him at least once a day, and kiss my baby boy many many times a day. But there are also some things that I don't do every day, but perhaps should. Things like counting the many blessings in my life, taking the time to think about what's important in life, and thanking my husband for being such a good provider. Maybe I should put these things on my recurring daily list.
What isn't on your list that should be?
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
If Today Was Your Last Day
Okay, so I am going to indulge in some cheesiness right now. I have a confession-I like the band Nickelback. I really like their music. Last night on the way to Zumba, I drove Jack's truck (which is HOTTTT and makes me miss my little truck), and he had Nickelback's "Dark Horse" CD in. The song "If Today Was Your Last Day" came on, and I really listened to the lyrics and I wanted to share them, and my thoughts on them with you.
"My best friend gave me the best advice
He said each day's a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride"
Yes, the first step is the hardest. You don't know what is going to come your way, especially when you take the path that is less traveled and start REALLY living your life. You never know when your maker is going to want to meet you, so don't live your life in fear of what could be.
"If today was your last day
And tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
If today was your last day"
Can you let the past go?
"Against the grain should be a way of life
What's worth the prize is always worth the fight
Every second counts 'cause there's no second try
So live like you'll never live it twice
Don't take the free ride in your own life"
Life is not always easy, and sometimes you have to fight for what you need or want in life. You don't get to repeat a single moment, and you can apologize for actions and words, but you don't get a chance to relive those moments and take back hurtful things. You also don't get second chances to live, so soak in all the experiences you can.
"If today was your last day
And tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories
Would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you're dreamin' of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you finally fall in love
If today was your last day"
Or would you sit on your butt on the computer, in front of the television? Sheltered in your own life, not making a difference in someone's life? How are you positively impacting your world?
"If today was your last day
Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?
You know it's never too late to shoot for the stars
Regardless of who you are
So do whatever it takes
'Cause you can't rewind a moment in this life
Let nothin' stand in your way
Cause the hands of time are never on your side"
Again, you can't go back, and time's fleeting, and it goes faster and faster as you get older. No matter what you have done with your life up till now, there's always time to make changes, and there's no better time than now.
"If today was your last day
And tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories
Would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you're dreamin' of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you finally fall in love
If today was your last day"
Can you let things go, and really start living in the present? Or will you look back on your life and say "gee, I really wish I had done XYZ (called this friend, volunteered at a shelter, went on a cruise)" ?
You never know when your going to die. It could happen at any time for any of us. Life is unpredictable, and it is precious. My hopes are that when I am old (hopefully) I can look back on my life and hold my husband's hand and think about all the wonderful years we had together, and how we have made good use of our short time on this earth.
"My best friend gave me the best advice
He said each day's a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride"
Yes, the first step is the hardest. You don't know what is going to come your way, especially when you take the path that is less traveled and start REALLY living your life. You never know when your maker is going to want to meet you, so don't live your life in fear of what could be.
"If today was your last day
And tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
If today was your last day"
Can you let the past go?
"Against the grain should be a way of life
What's worth the prize is always worth the fight
Every second counts 'cause there's no second try
So live like you'll never live it twice
Don't take the free ride in your own life"
Life is not always easy, and sometimes you have to fight for what you need or want in life. You don't get to repeat a single moment, and you can apologize for actions and words, but you don't get a chance to relive those moments and take back hurtful things. You also don't get second chances to live, so soak in all the experiences you can.
"If today was your last day
And tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories
Would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you're dreamin' of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you finally fall in love
If today was your last day"
Or would you sit on your butt on the computer, in front of the television? Sheltered in your own life, not making a difference in someone's life? How are you positively impacting your world?
"If today was your last day
Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?
You know it's never too late to shoot for the stars
Regardless of who you are
So do whatever it takes
'Cause you can't rewind a moment in this life
Let nothin' stand in your way
Cause the hands of time are never on your side"
Again, you can't go back, and time's fleeting, and it goes faster and faster as you get older. No matter what you have done with your life up till now, there's always time to make changes, and there's no better time than now.
"If today was your last day
And tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories
Would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you're dreamin' of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you finally fall in love
If today was your last day"
Can you let things go, and really start living in the present? Or will you look back on your life and say "gee, I really wish I had done XYZ (called this friend, volunteered at a shelter, went on a cruise)" ?
You never know when your going to die. It could happen at any time for any of us. Life is unpredictable, and it is precious. My hopes are that when I am old (hopefully) I can look back on my life and hold my husband's hand and think about all the wonderful years we had together, and how we have made good use of our short time on this earth.
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