Simple Living

I kept running into this theme, so I thought I'd make a commitment somewhere out there to simplify things...

Over at the blog http://blog.kanelstrand.com/, they are starting a Simple Living Pledge on Feb 1st. I signed up.

My laptop sits on a desk that is covered in at least 20 post-its, beside me is a pile of papers that needs to be filed, photos and my office lease..., my bulletin board has things pre-2007, pretty Christmas cards and a CARS toy. And that's just the surface of what I can see. Do you think I need to simplify? It would help my peace of mind for sure!

Straight from her site: What is Simple Living?

• Identifying what is most important for you and eliminating everything else.


• Freeing up time for doing what inspires you and being with the people you love.


• De cluttering your mind, your everyday life and your virtual life.


• Single-tasking and learning to diminish stress.


• Striving to live frugally by wanting less and buying only what is necessary.


• Slowing down and being actively present in the moment.


• Living a healthy life, including cleaning your home and your body, eating, exercising and thinking.


• Striving to be green and sustainable as much as your surroundings allow.


• Enjoying the simple pleasures of life.


• Simplifying your goals, tasks and expectations.
  

Wish me luck! I'm not counting this as a New Years Resolution by the way.

Sautéed Squash and Feta Cheese

I was feeling domestic this afternoon. We finally chopped up our back-up Halloween pumpkin and found ourselves with about 12 cups of pumpkin pieces. We tried out a new recipe from the current Pathways to Family Wellness magazine and it was yummy!

To make this meal or side dish, here's the ingredients:

1 pumpkin or butternut squash (or amount you think you want to prepare)

1 head of garlic, peeled and squashed

Onion (or 8-10 shallots)

2-3 bay leaves2 chilis (we skipped this)

12 oz feta cheese

1/2 cups nuts/seeds, toasted

Olive oil

1. Preheat oven to 355 degrees F

2. Sautée 1tbs olive oil with squash-brown but don't worry about cooking it fully

3. Add garlic, onions, oil, salt and pepper & mix

4. Bake with bay leaves for 30-40 minutes.

5. Soak chili peppers (de-seeded and diced) with oil

6. Add feta, nuts or seeds, chili oil over squash. (add when cooled if serving as a salad)

Serve either warm or cool. Enjoy!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

What I've Learned So Far

About taking your baby/ little girl/ princess to work, that is...

• A three-year-old in the office will make it feel like a tornado has hit.


• You will feel 10x more exhausted than any other regular work day.


• There's a lot of cleaning involved.


• The best laid plans of day home/babysitter/etc. may end up meaning nothing if someone wants to "fight you" and fling herself into snow banks and run away instead of leaving you.


• Best to be flexible.


• Ponies and dolls and lots of snacks are necessary.


• iPad backup is still a must for that last crucial 1/2 hour.


• Or, with no toys, she will be more creative.





• People will LOVE your child at the office, "I just love it when she's here!"


• Or think you're really odd that your child is at the office, especially if they are new to the office.


• You will cringe when she attaches to your leg when you are 15 minutes late, or asks to go potty in a room full of waiting practice members.


• She will make everyone happier, sillier, and more full of smiles than you have ever seen.


• A big kids play area or rest area and full time babysitter/Nanny would be lovely, but not happening at the moment.

And I think some days, they just need to be with us, still!

Of course, we have made alternate plans by this stage of the game. Scarlett goes to a day home 2 afternoons a week, and other wise, she is still with one of us. Thanks to some creative scheduling on our parts. But the best laid plans still fall through and over December and the holidays she was at Elan more than expected. Considering that our office is up there with "playground" "park" or "bookstore" for places she likes to spend time, I think we're doing just fine.