Hello Weekend!!

I think I did a pretty good job of balancing home and work this week! Perhaps I am on an upswing and the little vacation I took to recharge my battery worked!

When I think about it, that's what it is all about - Balance. I put in some serious hours and stayed focused and just checked off the little tasks that needed to get done at work.

At home, I was able to help the egyptian makes some HUGE decisions and get him on track for the long haul.

See - a miracle happened on our trip. Even though he and I were still snipping and griping with each other, when we got back - the communication started flowing.

I am happy to report that he will NOT be returning home alone in October. (Nor will he be going back at all this calendar year.) He is post poning the trip to take care of something waaay bigger. He is having WES certified and validate his teaching certification from Lebanon. Which means after taking about 4 classes in education at a local university he will be a certified teacher in the states. That's it.

I think visiting with my friend Telisa and speaking to her class and being in that environment solidified this for him. (Many thanks T!) Also, when he and I were talking about our "gifts" and "talents" - one thing he mentioned, "Nicole, I have taught classes for years." It only makes sense.

I think that the change in culture, diet, friends, everything just threw him for a loop. Over dinner two nights ago, he asked, "How do you think you would do in Egypt? With no friends, no family, you don't speak the language?" I replied, "I don't know."

It's true.

I don't know. How could I know if I am not there. I am really excited about his future. He is studying the GRE as we speak and I hope and pray this all works out in our favor.

On to other topics -

This weekend!! It's the Greek Festival here in Birmingham! I don't know why, but most Americans just looove the Greek Festival. I think I am conditioned to be excited, because in the past it was about the food. LOL Well, since marrying my Mediterranean man - that's what I cook all the time now, sooo.. I am still trying to figure out what I am so excited about. It must be the whole pavolv's dog thing. ;-)

Oh yeah.. I am also doing something I said I would never do again. BUT - there are no rules on this one, so I think I am in the clear. Maybe.. ;-)


Yep - I am blog hopping it. I thought I might go shopping for a few new blogs to follow. (It never hurts.) I am cleaning up my blog follow list and thought I would make sure I have some quality things that I like to read. One of my MANY projects this weekend.

I also think I will start on the storage room. Yeah.. I know...

What's up with you guys? I feel like I have lost track with my blog friends and followers. Now that my balance and focus is back - let's chat! I will be visiting YOUR blogs this weekend!

Moving On!

"Balance, peace, and joy are the fruit of a successful life. It starts with recognizing your talents and finding ways to serve others by using them."
Thomas Kinkade
 
*sigh*
 
The word of the week is going to be balance.
 
Finding balance will bring me peace. That is what is missing from my life - a sense of balance.
 
I have always prided myself on "going with the flow." I plan... when it comes down to it. But I have been more of a "whatever happens.. happens" type of girl for the past few years. This goes back to my previous post - I have to set some boundaries and work on me for a bit.
 
I will use today as an example. I have a HUGE work to-do list. My day is going to be very long. THEN I have to spend an hour or so at the gym with the personal trainer. Then I was invited to drop by someone's home - while she shows off her clothes and presents for a trip she is about to take. I need to go shopping for some basic cleaning supplies, plus I have tons of work I need to bring home.
 
To strike a balance, I will stick to work and cleaning. I am going to have to delay the gym by one day and said friend is going to have to wait. My life- real life- has a long long list and I need to strike a balance. Gym will be there tomorrow. Friend already has an audience for her "trip planning" and discussion. Done.
 
I found a great article on the web with 12 key steps to take to strike balance in your life:
 
Have a Mantra
A mantra is the main focus of meditation, a word or a phrase that you use to center your mind, bring calmness to the body, and assist with concentration. Use whatever word or phrase that bring you to meditation, and use it throughout the day to gain more control and feel calmer.
Maintain Rituals
A routine is something you do habitually, like drinking a cup of coffee in the morning or sit quietly in your favorite chair or writing in your journal. Ritual or routine keeps your emotions in check, and convey the balance on a regular basic.

Do One Thing At A Time
We become experts with multi-tasking these days. Try to do just one thing at a time. Carefully pay attention to what you are doing, and where you are at the moment. When you feel panic, ask yourself what one task has to be done first.


Just Say Thank You
Keep a gratitude journal will give you a better self-esteem, more energy, and felt more alert. Write down three things that you are grateful for every day, and make it a habit to say thank you to someone you admire, love, or has done you a favor.

Practice Acceptance
Acceptance means peace, and also means you are willing to face it without reacting or blaming, or getting angry. When you feel annoyed or irritated, try to connect with yourself, and then the other person. Practice acceptance to feel calmer, and use positive thinking to replace aggitation.

Do Something for Others
Kindness acts give us a deep feeling of purpose. When you do something nice for other, you have a sense of connecting to that person, and it does wonder for the mind.

Do Something for Yourself
You will not be able to take care of anyone or anything else in your life if you’re burned out or run down. Have at least 15 minutes every day to do something pleasurable just for yourself

Learn to Say No
It is challenging to say no on the spot. If you have a hard time saying no, then just tell them the famous phrase that we’ve heard all the time: “Let me get back to you.”

Tune into Nature
Spend time listening to the sounds of nature, bird singing, leaves rushing, rain drops, ocean waves, wind blowing to alter out the noises of modern life.

Visualize beauty
Let your mind goes, and visualize a beautiful picture you have seen, or been at. Concentrate on the beauty of the world to center your thoughts, and feelings.

Clean up your Surroundings
Simplify your desk, kitchen counters, or any other spot in the house that collect clutters. You will have more time to do what you love, less stress if you are not overwhelmed with your environment.

Learn Something New
There is so much to learn every day. Find something that is not familiar to you and learn about it. You never know what you might discover.

I see several tips I can incorporate immediately (or at least start with tomorrow.) I like the idea of taking time to meditate. I used to meditate all the time. I actually turned one of my extra bedrooms into a meditation room once.

The whole ritual piece is very enticing. I like having a little time to myself. For example - this blog. I take about 30 minutes out of each morning, and I attempt to write about something going on in my life.

Doing one thing at a time is something I will practice today. ;-) Let's see how that goes.

Finally saying no is going to have to be a priority today.

I hope everyone else is able to strike some balance on this Monday morning. What do you do to center yourself? Any tips would be great!