After my previous blog, “Is This Really Necessary??”, I was relieved to come across this article from Men’s Health, “The Biggest Question You’ll Ever Ask.”
It gives sage (and comparatively sane) advice on the whole proposal issue. In short, it suggests the “KISS” method: Keep It Simple Stupid! Ah, much better!
Music is an important aspect of my life.
While one song can trigger a memory and take me to another place and time, a different one can make me want to sing out loud!
Music can alter my mood or coincide with the way I’m already feeling.
While Country music has been my genre of choice for the last several years, I still enjoy other styles as well.
My favorite songs are those which touch me in some way. Whether it be the lyrics, the music or the performer, I want to really feel it. That’s what makes it good to me.
I like to have the radio on or a cd going when I’m driving in the car, in the shower, surfing the web, or especially while doing housework (think it helps take my mind off the less-than-thrilling task at hand!).
If you’re at all curious about my random taste in music, you can see a sampling here: Mystic Butterfly’s Video Stash.
It’s a beautiful 64 degrees in Toms River, NJ today, and it feels like Spring! Tomorrow’s temperature is supposed to be 68 balmy degrees!
Don’t know about you, but warm weather like this makes me want to clean and plant flowers! In fact, ideas for this year’s garden have already begun springing (pun intended!) to mind!
It’s also nice to be able to open the windows and let some fresh air in on January 7!
In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m a summer person. I love sunshine, the beach and wearing shorts and sandals!
Hope some of you are being treated to ‘Spring in January’ as well! 
Ok, so a bubble bath is still one of my all-time favorite ways to relax, but there are plenty of others as well.
My line of thinking behind this blog is that we can’t possibly be good moms, good employees, good partners if we don’t take care of ourselves too! If we’re on our last nerve–how can we expect to deal with homework time without pulling our hair out?! We’ve all been there, done that, and we know how difficult it is to keep a positive attitude when we’d really rather be throwing a tantrum ourselves!
So, what do we do to minimize the fallout of stress in our everyday lives?
-Regular exercise is always an excellent stress-buster, and it’s healthy! Depending on what you choose to do, this could also be a family event. Get out the stroller and take a walk or play a game of basketball with the kids.
-Take some time for you! Whether it’s curling up in your favorite chair to read or going to the mall to get your nails done, do something you enjoy!
-Join something! A gym, a book club, take a class–put yourself in an environment where you get to spend time with other adults who share your interests.
-You can always come here (Real World Mom) to get a break too!
-And don’t forget my favorite: A nice, hot bubble bath!
My point here is, don’t lose sight of the fact that you are still you. And like other, ‘non-super humans’, we moms need love, nurturing and fun too! Granted, we are able to soothe crying babies, answer ringing phones, settle sibling disputes, write a grocery list, all while folding laundry AND cooking dinner, but we do deserve a minute (or 60!) to recharge our batteries! Just give yourself the permission to take it! You and your family will be glad you did!
When you hold a door for someone and they neglect to offer a simple, “Thank you.”
Not responding to email.
Websites where you can’t easily find what you’re looking for.
The loud bass coming from the music being played next door (oh, my head!). (Does this mean I’m getting old?!)
Slow computers.
Filthy jewelry (comes from my years in jewelry sales).
Thoroughly pessimistic people.
Asymmetry (not sure why, just annoys me.
Cold coffee.
Dirty windows (just drives me crazy!).
People planting themselves right next to you on the beach (move it over!).
Waiting.
Stay tuned, I’m sure this list will grow!
