It’s June. How did that happen? First we had a winter that felt like it would never end. Then a spring that never really got off the ground, and now we are into June. I know that the ice storm and the brutal winter will fade into our memories as we start to enjoy the best time of the year. When we get outside, take off the layers and enjoy. I can already see the pile of Naot sandals piling up on the mat at my door.

I am writing today to ask for some advice actually.

I have had a desk job for almost 25 years. Hard to believe I started when I was 5, but yes, it is true.

Over that time I have worked in call centres with vending machines in the kitchen, to working at home when I had my own kitchen about 15 steps away from my office, and now beside a starbucks. I think you know where I am going with this. The evil ‘snack monster’.

The snack monster doesn’t just attack people with desk jobs. I am sure that if you are a sales rep or on the road with your job, that at some point in your day, you are looking around your car for something that you can eat. Some leftover granola bar that your kids didn’t eat, or fishy crackers or even your baby’s cheerios. I am sure you are smiling now if you have eaten of the above mentioned items. 

I know that for me I hit the wall (like a lot of people do) between 3-4pm.

I would love to know what you pack for ‘hit the wall’ moments.

I have promised myself with the start of the new month and the second half of this year that I want to make better choices. I know it will mean more preparation, more money at the grocery store, but I think that the effort will be worth it.

I am looking forward to hearing your hit the wall snack suggestions!!

live your best life,

Lisa

I don’t know who wrote this poem below, but it was part of a ‘share’ I read on facebook, and I wanted to share it here.

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.

I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

Wow, two posts in one day. Yes. I thought I would just give a follow up to my post this morning regarding the things I have learned about being a parent. I thought it would be fair to give my opinion on the flip side – being a non parent.

I had brunch today at my brother’s house. There were several adults and six kids ranging in age from 9 to a few months old. I am sure many of you attended a brunch/lunch or dinner that was similar to my experience this morning.

I had a great time. I ate outside with my nieces, nephew and the their cousins. They played, I watched. I was wearing my Pandora bracelet and they wanted to know the history and story behind each charm. I always cherish every moment I have with them and today wasn’t any different.

They were all going to Wonderland to get their passes in order. Of course my older niece asked if I could come with them. I told her I don’t have a pass. She said, but if you got one you could come with us. If you are a regular reader, you know how I feel about last year’s Wonderland pass situation. I told her that I would try to come with them over the summer at least once.

As I was on my way home, I thought it would be crazy not to be outside on this beautiful day. My balcony faces north so there really isn’t any sun that I could take advantage of, unless I went to the park outside my building. Which is exactly what I did.

Changed my clothes, grabbed my Ipod, a book, a snack and decided I was still “on vacation” and added vodka to my orange juice thermos and off I went.

For the next hour and a half I was alone in the park (for the most part), with my music, book, and myself. I am aware of the fact that parents of young children don’t get time like I had this afternoon. I have said it before, that my time is my own, I don’t have to share it with anyone. I don’t take that for granted.