Slow Dance

As some of you know, I've been going through a series of tests to figure out what's wrong with me. That's about as simple as I can put it. MRIs, vision tests and a future EKG are showing nothing physical, which is fantastic. The difficult part is dealing with what's wrong: my outlook on things. As a type A perfectionist, it's tough to be a working mom. Everything is just not going to be perfect so I'm pushing myself to learn to let go a bit and enjoy life. You're likely thinking Boy, tough life. Enjoy life more? The truth is: I've grown up thinking that the more productive I am, the better I am as a person. The more achievements & the more tasks I check off my to do list, the better off.

What a rude awakening I've had! I suppose I shouldn't say "rude" because, while challenging, it's refreshing. I share these thoughts because most moms I talk to say they don't make time for themselves and that's also been a part of my problem. But here's a thought: there's a reason why during a change in cabin pressure on an airplane, you're instructed to first put the oxygen mask on yourself, and then your child. If you don't take care of yourself first, you'll have nothing left to give your loved ones. If you hurry through life checking off your To Do list, you might not see the blessings right in front of you.

I just finished an amazing book called The 4-Hour Work Week and wanted to share the following poem found on page 284 called "Slow Dance":

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?

Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.
The music won't last.

Do you run through each day
On the fly?

When you ask: How are you?
Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done,
do you lie in bed

With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?

You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.
The music won't last.

Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?

And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die

Cause you never had time
To call and say "Hi"?

You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.
The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift thrown away.

Life is not a race.
Do take it slower.

Hear the music
Before the song is over.

Hope this poem has inspired you, too. Enjoy your day. Until the next nap time...

Kangaroo Kids on the Review List

We had a wonderful Easter break & hope you all did, too. This weekend we'll be checking out Kangaroo Kids, an inflatable party room like Pump It Up. We've visited it about a month ago when it first opened and liked it. this time, we're going to give its entertainment offerings a try. I'll post a review next week.

If you are curious about any new venues for kids, please email me to let me know which place you're curious about. Thanks.

Until the next nap time...