Commandment #6: Learn from experience

This combination is not a good idea.

I did this last year too.

This morning I slept until I woke up, had a healthy breakfast, went to Yoga class, came home and did some chores, met friends for lunch at Lebanese Taverna, tried to watch The Starter Wife, gave up quickly, read the paper, hung out with My Heart's Desire, visited with my mentee, felt loved, had dinner with My Heart's Desire, and got ready for the week.

Commandment #4: Write three times a week, even if it’s only a little

This commandment is one of the biggest challenges for me. It's consistency that's the issue. I want to say it's that I don't have time, but the truth is that I don't often make the time.



I make time to do other things - workout, see friends, do chores, etc. But making time for writing is difficult. I'm seeing my writing group on Monday and I need to assign myself some daily homework.

Today I am grateful for getting plenty of sleep, reading magazines at the gym, getting lots done at work, celebrating good times with a new friend, homemade Rice Krispie treats (My Heart's Desire is very precise in the kitchen, which probably contributed to the good outcome), listening to Madeleine Peyroux, watching Man vs. Food with My Heart's Desire.

Today I worked, cleaned out my two messy desk drawers, went to one of my favorite consignment shops, met a friend for sushi and chat, caught up, talked more over chamomile tea, came home, finally opened the Slanket I got for a gift, watched Earl with My Heart's Desire, and read a little bit.

When two people are in a grumpy contest, they both lose.

Today I am grateful for embracing my inner thrifty gal, whoever invented libraries, being okay hanging out alone for a while, Pandora radio, my red scarf, making healthy choices, beautiful weather, having dinner with a mentee, email (which keeps me in touch with friends and family), staying calm despite horrendous retail experience, and not being too old for The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.

Perfect Day

Today I went to church and out to breakfast with My Heart's Desire, hung out in front of the fire, visited with mentee, had dinner with My Heart's Desire, watched Big Love, and shared the last cupcake from Cake Love.

How do you know where you belong?

Today I am grateful for: the spring weather, being able to put some time between my thoughts and actions, and the library for lending me An Arsonist's Guide to Writers' Homes in New England.

Yesteray I slept until I woke up, went for a long walk around my neighborhood, saw 9 neighbors washing cars, thought about washing mine, realized I was missing crucial birthday cake ingredient, walked to the market and bought it, made birthday cake with lots of frosting, had a nice phone chat with Mom, discussed Murphy Beds (particularly how they were portrayed in The Great Muppet Caper), attempted to take brief nap, enjoyed veggie burger with gorgonzola My Heart's Desire grilled (it snowed 3" on Monday and was 73* today, perfect grilling weather!), put on new cute springy dress, celebrated friend's birthday, socialized with old friends and new, and fell asleep watching My Name is Bruce.

Today I am grateful for: my electric blanket, being hopeful that my hydrangea plant with thaw and bloom soon, getting lots done at work, politely turning down birthday cake, getting the 20% off my purchase of sheets at Bed, Bath & Beyond retroactively, having a nice chat with an old friend, Craigslist, listening to the 104mph Vegas Mix that my BFF made for a road trip to Sin City for New Year's 2000 (or 2001, I forget), having dinner and watching My Name is Earl with My Heart's Desire, and getting some chores done at home.

What if?

Don't we all ponder... What if? about some choices that we've made? I know I do. What if I had been nicer to my high school boyfriend? What if I had actually stopped smoking the first time I quit instead of smoking on and off for 15 years? What if I had never adopted Gracie Lou Freebush, the best dog of all time? What if I had gone to grad school in Baltimore instead of DC?

Time of My Life by Allison Winn Scotch is a fabulous book that does more than wonder. Jillian has a perfectly happy little life in the suburbs but asks herself the question we all ask. One day she gets a massage and -- suspend your disbelief here -- she wakes up from her post-massage nap and finds it's seven years ago. Jillian has her old boyfriend, her old job, her old apartment, and the opportunity to make different choices.

I won't give away what happens, don't worry. If you want to read something interesting and fun, then get your hands on this book.