It's Been Fun

On November 3, 2009, I wrote my first blog post. It was short, sweet, and to the point. It explained why I was here, back online again after writing a blog (now long gone) when the Hubs and I were childless, globe-trotting missionaries. 

Over the years I have written about books, finances, recipes, kids, marriage, being an INTJ, spiritual growth, anxiety (that's the post that started to kill blogging for me), and, of course, my love of all things pumpkin. When I had nothing better to do, I blogged five days a week. I was consistent, and even beginning to build up a tiny little following of friends - both the online and real-life kind. 

But seven years ago, our life was turned right side up, and blogging took a backseat. I still enjoyed writing, but even though I would start out strong in January, I always seemed to run out of steam around April. Last year I almost made my goal of writing one post a month, and then over-achieved at the end of the year to make up for the months I missed. 

When I began this venture, blogging was still relatively new. All the "big-time" bloggers weren't that big yet, but compared to my little dot in the online world, it felt HUGE when women like Jessica or Crystal or Anne took notice of me. While they've all gone on to be Life as Mom, Money Saving Mom, and Modern Mrs. Darcy...I failed to find an audience, a following, or a niche that was uniquely me. I joined photo challenges, participated in blog hops, and embraced the William Morris Project. 

And even though I didn't become a big-name blogger who was invited to speak at events or offered a book deal, I did meet some wonderful people along the way. Through a blog hop, I met Molly (who introduced me to the woman I've now worked with for the last 11 years). I met Elizabeth, who became a dear "real-life" (we've only ever met in person three times!) friend and prayer partner. Because of the blog, I became online friends (or Facebook friends) with other women who were kind enough to leave comments over the years, women that I never would have met had I not been bored that November day, 14 years ago...and #iamthankful.

These days my life is anything but boring. Seven years ago we adopted five children from Costa Rica. Three years ago I started homeschooling after COVID shut everything, including their schools, down, which we have continued to do, year-round. Last year the Hubs quit his "safe" office job as an electrical engineer working in the aviation industry in order to become self-employed, working on small engines and automobiles of all sizes, out of the workshop in our backyard. I continue to do freelance proofreading at night, after everyone's in bed. Add to all of that that a need to help aging parents, provide guidance for an adult child, fulfill a desire to practice regular hospitality, and try to find time to catch up with each other, read a book, or do anything else, and the blog just doesn't fit this season.

I've felt guilty about this, and disappointed in myself, but last week I was walking before the events of the day began, and was listening to a podcast by Jon Acuff. He was talking about how we have as much time as we have, but not enough time for everything, and learning how to prioritize it. Honestly, most of what he said wasn't rocket science, but it made me think about the blog again, and I realized...this is something I can say "no" to doing. It's not that I've really been doing it anyway, but officially saying farewell to the idea of it. And that thought, in and of itself, was freeing.

I don't know if anyone will even see this. I don't know if anyone will care. But if anyone is out there...thanks. Thanks for reading, for the occasional comments, and for the support over the years. I still love writing, when the mood hits, but this no longer feels like the outlet for me. I'm not closing it down, just leaving this post as a note, for anyone who stumbles upon it, to know that I have been here, I have tried, and now life is taking me in a different direction. Thanks for stopping by...now go and live life in the real world. Simply, in community, and with purpose.

TTFN. 

("Ta Ta For Now" - Tigger)

Make Your Own Time

Wouldn't it be amazing if we could create time for the things we enjoy? My own personal preference is reading, but it wouldn't have to be. For you, it might be doing something crafty, like painting or knitting or hand-lettering, like my friend Elizabeth. Or it could be getting outside to work in a garden, pulling weeds in your yard, taking a walk around the block, or hiking the nearest mountain trail. Maybe you'd love to get together with friends a little more often over coffee or lunch, or perhaps you've always wanted to go back to school to finish that degree you put off two decades ago. Any one of these things could easily be written off as something you don't have time for...but if you were honest with yourself, is that really true? 

Photo by Sonja Langford on Unsplash

This is the question I've been asking myself recently, as I've been taking a look at the things I accomplished over the past 12 months, and the things I let slide. It's been a busy year, filled with things I planned for, and things I didn't see coming. Much of my time has been taken up with caregiving, moving, counseling, teaching, and occasionally trying to have a conversation with the Hubs that's deeper than the "highlight reel" of the day. So yes, much time...but not all. 

Despite having my hands full with freelance work, homeschooling four kids, two aging parents who downsized this year, and launching the first adult child out into the world, I still had time to waste, and waste it I did...if I'm really being honest. 

For one thing, I finally gave in and opened an Instagram account this year. A few weeks ago I had this sense that I was spending a lot more time on there than I would like to admit to myself. So I put a timer on it, allowing a certain number of minutes a day that count down from midnight. I freely admit that I was shocked at the number, and how quickly the time frittered away. I originally gave myself 2 hours a day, thinking that would be way too much time. But after a couple of days of getting close to that mark, I moved it back to 90 minutes, and then 60 minutes. As is often the case, just making myself aware of it helped curb the temptation to click on the app, unless I had something I actually wanted to post. But it also got me thinking...we make time for so much in our busy days, but are we really making time for the best stuff? The stuff that feeds our hearts, souls, and minds. 

Case in point...prior to June, when I opened my account, I wasn't spending 120 minutes a day scrolling through a feed or watching silly little videos of guinea pigs and puppies. So what was I doing with those 2 hours of time in a day? Honestly? I was watching YouTubers live their lives on camera, documenting their travel plans or explaining minimalism. When school was done for the day, I would escape to our bedroom and sit down at the computer. After first scrolling through Facebook, I would turn to YouTube and lose myself (and an hour or more of my time) in the lives of other people and their quest for the perfect wedding dress, house, or airport lounge. The next thing I knew, I would look at the clock and realize it was 6 PM and I hadn't done anything for dinner. Two hours gone, and absolutely nothing to show for it. 

In years past I have tracked 70+ books a year on Goodreads. Hours of reading, learning, and losing myself in words on a page. This year, the number was significantly lower at just 22. I was surprised at the lower number and originally chalked it up to being low on time due to the craziness of the year. But when I started taking an honest inventory of how I was spending my time, I knew it was more than that. And I knew that my time was going where I told it to go...which just wasn't to the best of places. 

So...

• I haven't closed my Instagram account, but I've lowered my own time limit. 
• I haven't stopped watching some of my favorite YouTubers, but I have unsubscribed from several channels and accounts that no longer felt as important as the time I have been giving up to them and their notifications. 
• I haven't found a way to add more hours to the day, but I am finding better ways to use the time in my day. 

Favorite Books of 2022

In 2020, I read 70 books. In 2021, I read 72 books. This year I aimed for 75...and read (drumroll)...a whopping 22. That's right. Just 22 books (so far) in 2023, but as previously mentioned, life has been a little hectic, leaving very little time for anything on my "like to do" list, such as blogging, taking naps, and sipping Starbucks' skinny caramel macchiatos.

But of the books I did manage to read this year, a few stood out as favorites. You can find the complete list of everything I read on Goodreads (if we haven't connected there yet, I invite you to join me - it's my favorite social media site because it requires nothing more than reviewing books and getting recommendations from fellow bookworms...in other words, an introvert's paradise!).  

Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash

Hank & Jim: The Fifty-Year Friendship of Henry Fonda and James Stewart by Scott Eyman
I can't quite put my finger on why I enjoyed this as much as I did, except for the fact that it's history and it's part of the world that is dying off. Caution must be given on the language of the book (primarily quotes), but otherwise, this was an interesting history of two men who rose through the ranks in Hollywood, served their country well in WWII, and found a way to make a lasting friendship despite a difference of opinions on politics, religion, and other such heated topics. Maybe we should all take a page out of Jim and Hank's book...

Books, Baguettes and Bedbugs: the Left Bank World of Shakespeare and Co. by Jeremy Mercer

If you're interested in the world of Shakespeare and Company at Kilometer Zero in Paris, just across the river from Notre Dame...then you'd enjoy this book. An insider view of the world of George Whitman (son of Walt...not the poet) and his strange little communist/capitalist empire. In this book, the author details the life of a bookstore sojourner, poor and hungry, and the world of those who seek sanctuary at the famous Shakespeare and Company. While it's not a world that I would fit into (other than the desire to read a book every day) with the free sex and pro-Communist leanings, it was still interesting to get a small glance into the world behind the shelves and meet the transient authors and artists who temporarily (or sometimes not so temporarily) take up residence thanks to George and his open-door view.

The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century by Kirk W. Johnson

Think Oceans 11, The Italian Job, and Jason Bourne, only with a homeschooled American boy who wanted money to buy a nice flute so he could play classical music with a German orchestra. Truth truly is stranger than fiction. Without giving anything away, let me just say that although the long arm of the law did, eventually, catch up to him, justice was not served. In a plot twist that would fit well in Catch Me If You Can, Rist and his feathers are still free in the world, much to the chagrin of Johnson, who slowly became obsessed with this unusual heist, and the man who got away with it.

God's Samurai: Lead Pilot at Pearl Harbor by Gordon W. Prange, Donald M. Goldstein, Katherine V. Dillon

Historically, I enjoyed the Japanese perspective of WWII, which we rarely get in the U.S. unless we actively seek it out, and not at all in school, unless it's to tell us how Japan was evil and attacked us and tortured POWs. So from a historical standpoint, I learned a lot and enjoyed a different point of view. But from a writing standpoint, I've definitely read better. It felt a little academic and stiff, like we were given the facts but there were a lot of holes. Fuchida's years-long affair with Kimi was unsatisfactorily explained, and very little seems to be known about his faithful wife. Still an interesting story, definitely worth reading if you're interested in WWII, Japan, or this Navel pilot and contemporary of Louis Zamperini (from whom we get an entirely different view of the Japanese military).

If you've read any of these, I'd love to hear your thoughts on them. Or if you had a stand-out book this year from your list, I'd love to hear about that as well. I mean, all good bookworms can use another book recommendation, right?

For 2023, the plan is to continue working through "The Stack" on my nightstand (which seems to be growing, rather than shrinking...the life of a bookworm with no time, eh?), and I've grabbed a few good deals on Kindle books this fall that I'd really like to read on my phone as I find (or make) the time. More on that whole idea of "making time" in a later post, so stay tuned! In the meantime, to my fellow bibliophiles...happy reading!  

The Social Dilemma (A Review)

During the fall, I noticed a little bit of chatter by some of my (virtual) co-workers about this Netflix documentary called, The Social Dilemma. I brushed it aside, as one, I didn't have Netflix, and two, it wasn't going to tell me anything I didn't already know after using and working in social media for over a decade. Then a couple of weeks ago, a friend updated her reading list on Goodreads and the title of what she was currently reading grabbed my attention: Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now by Jaron Lanier. Intrigued, I sent her a text asking for a review of the book after she'd read it, and she told me that she was reading it after hearing it mentioned in The Social Dilemma. 

Being a typical INTJ, I decided to research this documentary, and ended up spending the next couple of days watching it (hey, I have five kids, meaning I don't usually have 1.5 hours of undisturbed time available, so everything takes longer). I work online, I've had Facebook since 2007, I've used Pinterest since 2011, I've been on Twitter since 2012, and I have a 16 year old daughter who is glued to her phone. I thought I knew it all...but as it turns out...I just had a rough idea.   

{Image Credit Robin Worrall via Unspash}

First things first...I don't have Netflix, so I did a quick internet search and found a site online where I could watch it. Honestly...this should be readily available for everyone to watch, but that would require putting it on YouTube, and...well, if you watch the documentary, you'll realize why that will never happen. But I digress. The point is, even if you don't have Netflix, you can find a way to see it. And you should. 

The list of people featured in this film reads like a who's who of the social media world, including former social media CEOs, design managers, software engineers, design consultants, early employees of the top social media sites, the creator of the Facebook "like" button, and more. In other words, they know what they're talking about when they begin to share insights into how the framework of social media was designed to manipulate you and use your data as a product for others to buy. It sounds like a crazy conspiracy theory when stated in that way, but after an hour and a half of this, I was ready to close everything, including my Google-hosted blog. But I haven't...yet.

I really enjoyed the fact that it was both documentary and film (fun fact: one of the main characters of the film portion is played by Skyler Gisondo, who played Young Shawn in later seasons of Psych). I appreciated how the side story clearly demonstrated what the experts were saying, and could very well play out in real life. In fact, as I watched the film portion, and considered what was being said in the documentary, all I could think about was role social media played in the 2020 BLM/white extremist clashes and ensuing riots, the fiasco masquerading as a presidential election, and even the spread of Coronavirus information (and misinformation). I didn't have to be convinced that this was taking place, but the confirmation of it by so many who genuinely knew what they were talking about was, indeed, sobering.

To sum up: Social media is the seller. Various causes, parties, nations, and officials are the buyer. And we, ladies and gentlemen, are the product being offered up to the highest bidder. One of the quotes/ideas from the film that stuck out to me the most went something like this...

If you think that everyone thinks like you, then social media has done its job, because they have tuned the buttons, based on your likes, clicks, searches, and purchases, until you are convinced that you are absolutely in the right, and everyone else is either insane or stupid for not seeing the truth.

Gone are the days when rational discourse and actual facts won the day. Gone, too, are the days of innocently clicking around the internet or liking a page on Facebook and thinking if you make your likes private, no one will know. If you click on a YouTube video suggestion, pay attention to the fact that you suddenly start to see suggestions for similar videos, usually leading farther and farther one direction or the other. When a former Google software engineer says he will no longer use Google as a search engine and recommends European-based Qwant, you might consider listening. 

George Orwell's 1984 is upon us, in more ways than one, and while it's never time to panic, I do believe it's time to get our heads out of the sand. While any information shared and any time spent online will always put you at risk, gaining a better understanding of what it is we're facing and the beasts we're dealing with gives us one leg up in the game, and not voluntarily playing it...well, that's always a viable option as well. 

Have you seen The Social Dilemma? 

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What did YOU think?

What Kind of Impression Are You Making?

Today's Food For Thought: What are you thinking about? What are you talking about? What are you impressing on your children?

Last month our perspective changed. It happened subtly and then suddenly, and the outcome (purging more than 3/4 of our extensive DVD collection) ended up being far less painful - liberating, in fact - than either of us anticipated. True, the adjustment hasn't been without hiccups - like the first post-purge weekend when we walked around, looking lost and asking, "what do you want to do?" - but the conversations that have taken place in the 2+ hour time slots that were formerly filled with movies or TV shows have been far more fulfilling and challenging.

As I have tried to make clear in past posts, this isn't about looking super spiritual, pointing fingers of blame at those who don't do the same, or securing our salvation. However, my hope is that by sharing what God has been teaching us as we strive to become more like Christ, you will have something to chew on as you seek God's will for your own life. And while you may not feel conviction about how you spend time relaxing (I'm not the Holy Spirit!), I challenge you to look at your life and see what God may be asking you to give up or change as you pursue a life devoted to His will, rather than yours.

As Believers, we are to become more like Christ as we grow up in our faith, not more accepting of what the world deems "normal." As parents, our job is to model for our kids the living and active role of Christ in our everyday life, to help them understand how His attributes are what we strive to imitate, and that the lens of Scripture is how we view the world.

One of the reasons for our big purge was our growing sensitivity to one particular issue: Jesus is the Name of my Savior, not a word to be used to casually express frustration. And though I hadn't stooped to the level of taking God's Name in vain, other crass phrases had definitely crept into my vocabulary... unless my mother was around, and then I found myself paying attention to what I said. So - the million dollar question - if I wouldn't say it in front of my mother, why would I say it when Jesus hears my innermost thoughts?

For the record: I do not expect the world to act like Christ (Philippians 3:18-19). Additionally, our goal is not to protect our children from the world (we couldn't do that, even if we wanted to), but rather, not to elevate the world's actions as approved behavior through our entertainment choices in the surroundings of our home. There is - in my opinion - a major difference between overhearing someone take the Lord's Name in vain while out in the world, and comfortably sitting on our couch, essentially approving the action by choosing to watch a film where it's casually thrown around.

And it's not just the language. As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, it's the accepted lifestyles and actions that we no longer wish to passively condone through our choice of films and shows. Over the years, there have been times when I have found myself blushing when someone has asked to borrow one of our DVDs. I've been uncomfortable when loaning out our James Bond collection because casual sex with new acquaintances wasn't something I'd encourage in life, but apparently if it's "just pretend" and on the screen, it's okay.

For years I told myself that it wasn't a big deal for us to watch films with sex, violence, and R-rated language because we were both married, mature Christians, and we could separate those things from the possible positive undertones in the film. It didn't bother or affect us (or so I told myself) and I came up with plenty of reasons why it was okay for us, despite the fact that I would have wished for a hole to open up and swallow me if Jesus had physically walked into the room while I was watching 007 bed the women he just met. What changed this summer was finally seeing the disconnect between what we believed and would want our kids to learn, and what we watched.

BUT...

"We still live in the world, and you can't bury your head in the sand! If you don't expose your children to it, they will just learn about it without you." I can hear you saying this, muttering it under your breath, rolling your eyes, or even shouting it at your screen right now. And you're absolutely right! We're not naively thinking, "If we don't show our children films with cursing in them, they will never hear it." TRUE STORY: I learned my first curse words (really good ones, too!) in the toddler's Sunday school at our church. I was living 3-year-old proof that you can be in a "holy huddle," surrounded by Christians, and still experience the world in it's midst.

Instructing, not exposing - this is the switch that flipped for us. Do we want to impress upon our children the glory and awesomeness of God, or the depravity of man? Do we want Hollywood to teach our children about the world, or do we want to help them view the world with discernment by sharing with them God's perfect plan and man's fallen state? These are the kinds of questions we started asking ourselves that have led us to this point, and though the HOW is still being figured out, the WHY has become clear.

The Gospels are explicit that our role in this world is to shine our Light on the hill, not hide it in the safety of our Christian circles (Matthew 5:14-16). Jesus actively modeled for us how we are to behave in this world. He knew the histories and actions of those who surrounded Him, yet showed them love, cared about their pain, befriended, ate with, and talked to those that the "holy huddle" of the day, scorned (Luke 7). Jesus was in the world, but not to blend in - He was there to show a better way. 

Jesus was perfect, coming to save the world that He was engaging. I know this might come as a surprise (that's sarcasm!), but we are not perfect like Jesus. It's easy for us to try to be in the world, and find ourselves getting swept up by the world. No longer just acknowledging the actions of the world, but joining in because we don't want them to think we're some sort of goody two-shoes. In our desire to be accepted - often with the good intention of "developing a relationship" that would, ideally, lead to sharing our faith - we tend to get swallowed up, no longer seeing things as black and white.

Bottom Line: I am very much a work-in-progress. I'm 34 years old, and I've been a Christian for 31 of those years, and yet here I am, still trying to figure out how to get out of my own way, to follow after God with my whole life, and die to self so that I may live for Him. Jesus is still working on me, and #iamthankful for His patience and mercy. 

#iamthankful {Week 51}

Well, looks like I won't make it to Week 52, because I've made the executive decision to completely unplug for the Christmas holidays - just like I normally do. I've got several days off from work (all of which is done online, staring at a computer screen), which I plan to squander on my family, good books, maybe a movie or two, and a whole lot of social-media-free downtime.

I can't wait.

Which is why this thankfulness post is so easy today. Why? Because I'm thankful for one thing, and one thing only...

{#iamthankful}

That there is a life outside of social media.

Can I get an AMEN?

This holiday season, unplug from your screens and plug in to reality.

See you on the flip side!

Anyone care to join me?

Tongue-Tied

I started writing a post, and then stopped. And then started again. And then saved it as a draft. It wasn't time to write that post yet. Ever had one of those? Something to discuss, but the timing is off?

Summer is one of those times when there is just too much to do offline. Enjoying the front porch swing. Reading books. Conversing over a good meal with family. Reveling in rainy days. Even working on Project 312, though we are a bit the worse for wear after that!

A week goes by, and then two and three, and I realize that I have written nothing for the blog. I'm too busy making connections, working on real-life and online (non-blog) engagement, living life. I'm more interested in reading a book than writing a post that a handful of people will bother to read.

I work in social media for a living. I preach, along with my teammates, that bloggers must be consistant, that they should post at least once a week, that they should find their voice and their focus and move forward, boldly. But preaching is much easier than practicing.

No doubt you should schedule tweets and engage on Facebook and Google+ and LinkedIn, and yet, in the words of a woman who became famous after a fire broke out in her apartment complex, "Ain't nobody got time for that!"

So here I am, happily working, playing, reading, eating, sleeping, and hanging out, with not one auto-tweet in sight, no scheduled blog posts, not even a plan for what I might want to write about, just a few ideas tied up in drafts. And you know what? Sometimes... that's okay.

What's keeping YOU busy this summer?

Gratitude for Being Unplugged {Week 26}

Basic and simple this week.

It's good to unplug.

For me, I unplug on a regular basis. I work in social media, and because of that, it's easy for me to become fed up with the constant stream of, well, busy nothings.

And yes, there are times when I certainly add to that stream. And times when it really doesn't bother me. But there are other times, like now, when I can't wait to turn on an "out of office" auto-responder, turn off the cell phone, and unplug.

I am so thankful for quiet. And technology. And the opportunity to turn technology off. To recharge my own batteries, rather than my cell phone and laptop.

So while I'm thankful to be unplugged...

What are YOU thankful for?

When There's Nothing To Say

Is it better not to say anything at all? After working my way through the financial payoff process, and announcing my intention to turn it into a book, it feels like I've used all of my words. I've been reading a lot, working a lot, and spending time thinking about the future. When I get a few minutes to myself, I haven't felt like spending it on the blog. My assumption is that this is a normal part of any bloggers life. Especially bloggers who are only doing it for fun, and not to pay the bills.

Rather than blogging, I've been enjoying the organic engagement and interaction that has been occurring on the Busy Nothings Facebook page. It's easier to post a quick question or words to a song or a quote, not worrying about whether the layout is perfect or the pictures will grab attention. At this stage in my life, I'm enjoying the micro-blogging that is happening on Facebook, instead of the regular, one-way conversations that tend to occur on this site.

Not on Facebook? Here's a taste of what we've been talking about...

Apple computers, "Sherlock Holmes" playing the bad guy in the new Star Trek film, favorite hymns, and the pain that frugal habits can sometimes cause. If you're not already chiming in on these discussions, I would love to have you join us. The more the merrier! 

What are you into these days? 

Got a favorite online spot to hang out?

Why I Unplug

Do you remember your first computer experience? I was 6 years old when my family purchased an Apple II GS. The thing was a dog, and barely worked the entire time we owned it, but my dad suspected it might be the wave of the future, and he thought I should probably know how to use one. Neither of us could have imagined that 24 years later, I would find gainful employment in the social media world, all because of a tweet that was sent from a smart phone!

Technology. For some of us, it's been a normal part of life for the majority of our lives. For my 70-something parents, they were dragged, kicking and screaming, into the technological age. By the time I went off to college in the late 90's, personal computers were a normal feature on freshman dorm-room desks, but laptops were still novelties. In fact, in all of my classes that first year, only one student brought a laptop to class, and he always sat in the same chair - the one next to the only wall outlet in the lecture hall!

In early 2001, I researched a new program being started at the state university level. I applied, and ended up being accepted for the inaugural courses of the Tennessee Board of Regents Online Degree Program, eventually graduating with a Bachelor of Science. I went through the growing pains of online education, experienced what it was like to be a part of a group without ever meeting them in person, uploaded papers, and did it all on dial-up.

In June of 2007, a friend from South Africa introduced us to Facebook, suggesting it as a good way to stay connected once we returned to the States. After Facebook came blogging, and through blogging I met Molly, who convinced me to try Twitter in January 2012. In five months on Twitter, I think I sent out about 20 tweets. But one of those tweets turned into a Direct Message, which turned into a Skype call, which turned into a job offer, which turned into a career that still causes me to pinch myself. Yes, you could say technology changed my life.

And yet...there are times when all this technology, the daily focus on social media, smart phones, computer screens, tablets, ebooks, and more, becomes too much. Although a tremendous amount of good comes from technology - the power to connect, to find jobs, to sell books, to meet new people, to share ideas - it can also swallow you whole. It can take over your life, your free time, your relationships. A friend said it best, like food or money, technology is good in moderation.

It is exactly for that reason that I choose to take regular breaks from technology. I go "unplugged", turning my phone to silent, ignoring the blinking green light, closing down my laptop. Five days a week, I'm online, promoting other people, sending out tweets, updating Facebook, creating social media landing pages; but on Saturday and Sunday, I unplug. I unplug for sanity, and for a reminder that there is more to life than what I see online.

It's a pretty safe assumption that technology will, in some way, always be a part of my life. But it's a part that I am willing to bring under my control, rather than allowing it to control me. And while there are times when that takes effort, I believe it's worth it.

What about you? Do you unplug on a regular basis?

Improvements...

Last month I shared a list of 12 goals that I wanted to work on in 2013. Invigorated from the success of paying off our mortgage, I knew that if I aimed high, there was a better than good chance that I might actually mark some of these items off the list.

Several of you mentioned that you would be interested in an accountability group on Facebook. If this still sounds like something you are interested in, send a private message through my Busy Nothings FB page, and I'll look into creating a secret group where you can share, ask for help, prayer, or encouragement as you work towards your goals in 2013.

Since it's a new month...well, still fairly new...I thought I'd give a quick update about how I'm doing with my goals, and what I've been able to accomplish that was not on the original list.

{1} Pay off the Project House

This has been debated, tossed around, reworked, and we're still not sure what's going to happen. 

The good news is that it's still within the realm of possibility.

{2} Read 75 Books

So far, so good. I'm keeping track of my progress on Goodreads and Pinterest, and I'm currently only 1 book behind schedule. Considering the craziness of the first 6 weeks of the year, I'd say I'm pleased. 

{3} Exercise 3 days a week
Not even close, but there's a hint of good news...
I've walked on the treadmill twice, walked with a friend once, and on Tuesday, I hiked down to the grocery store, over to the pharmacy where I used to work, and back home again...just because I wanted to get outside after staring at the computer all day. However, hands down the best workout yet this year was building a snowman and sledding for an hour with the hubby!



{4} Tell my time where to go
Definite improvement in this area. I can't explain the difference, except that I simply started doing it. I've read more, worked more (even with a week off), watched more Masterpiece shows, cleared off my ironing pile, and kept a cleaner house since January 2nd. And guess what? I'm loving it!

{5} Completely clean out the backyard
Expect an update on this when warmer weather rolls around.

{6} Finish Project 312
Progress - thanks to the hard work of the hubster. [No, Project 312 has never been defined on the blog - let's just say it's something that needs to be done]

{7} Explore the James 1:27 Adventure

Still talking, praying, planning [Also never been explained on here, and yes, the name has changed]

{8} Use it Up, Wear it Out, Make it Do, or Do Without (a no-shopping experiment)

Haven't done this officially yet, but I am shocked (and pleased) to announce that when I walked into Target last week with Peter to buy toothbrushes - it had been one month since I had been there! Target used to be my go-to place...now I'm too busy living life! Love it.

{9} Twelve driving lessons in the 5-speed (wish me luck)

Moving on...

{10} Unplug more often

Yes and no. I'm unplugging from work more often (I see the emails come in - via my phone - over the weekend, but I ignore them until Monday), but I'm also enjoying PBS/BBC programming via my computer, and reading Kindle books on my phone. Overall, I would say this is a success (especially considering I've read 6 books in the first 6 weeks of 2013).

{11} Memorize 52 Bible verses
I struggle with memorizing, but I'm using the card set from Samaritan's Purse to help me focus on specific verses this year. I may not be able to quote 52 verses by the end of 2013, but familiarity and repetition work for me.

{12} Pack more Shoeboxes

Honestly, I put this one on the list because I wanted 12 items and I was out of creativity. However, I already have 6 boxes done, so it's possible that I'll be able to double that number this year. Stay tuned.

Things that weren't on the original list, but feel like major accomplishments for 2013:

I was asked to edit a book (unrelated to my work with Weaving Influence).
And I said yes. {Eek!}

I was asked to join Jessica and Anne to host Booking It once a month.
One month down, and loving it. So honored to be included!

I invested of my time and finances to give What's On My Nightstand a trial run.
I made time to update the website, create profiles, and set up posts.

We paid back our Rainy Day Fund (RDF).
And set a new goal to save more.

What accomplishments and goals are you celebrating?

Let's Start the New Year Right

One of the things that I learned through the process of paying off our home in 2012, was that if you set an "impossible" goal, it helps bring other aspects of your life into focus, and it keeps you on track. You might not reach your goal, but if you aim low, you'll hit it every time. I'd rather aim high and do the {happy dance} when all the hard work pays off. Talk about an adrenaline rush! 

So, with the success of last year's financial goal still fresh in our minds, I'm sharing twelve goals that we'll be working on in 2013. Some of them are personal goals, and some are goals that we'll be working towards as a couple. I'm sharing them here because I believe in accountability. Ready?

{1} Pay off the Project House

{2} Read 75 books
{3} Exercise 3 days a week
{4} Tell my time where to go
{5} Completely clean out the backyard
{6} Finish Project 312

{7} Explore the Galations 4:5 Adventure

{8} Use it Up, Wear it Out, Make it Do, or Do Without (a no-shopping experiment)

{9} Twelve driving lessons in the 5-speed (wish me luck)

{10} Unplug more often

{11} Memorize 52 Bible verses

{12} Pack more Shoeboxes

What goals are YOU setting for yourself in 2013?

Would you be interested in a FB accountability group?

A Decision Has Been Reached

Last month, I participated in the Nester's Christmas link up - touring and commenting on people's blogs and enjoying the various ways that people decorate for the holidays. While I enjoyed the interaction that I got here on Busy Nothings as a result, it also served to remind me of what a small fish I am in such a very, very big blogging pond.

There are many wonderful (and not so wonderful - let's be honest) people out there, using blogs as springboards for sharing ideas, passions, recipes, and opinions. And while most bloggers would love to become the next Nester or get a book deal out of their endeavors, 95% of us will have to settle for a few blog comments here and there. It was really healthy perspective for me.

As you might recall, I wasn't sure whether I was going to keep Busy Nothings going in 2013. After spending a lot of time unplugged over the Christmas holiday (glorious!), I've decided to take a page out of Rachel's (very successful) Small Notebook and post only when I feel that I have something to share. I will not allow myself to be tied to a self-imposed, set schedule (5-days a week, or even M, W, F), which means that if I feel inspired multiple times a week, I'll write. And if I don't - well, I'm still here, just not blogging.

My dear hubby has recommended that, if nothing else, I continue to make my Thankfulness lists. Which means that even if it's quiet the other six days of the week, you're guaranteed three life lessons and a few items of gratitude each Friday.

So Busy Nothings continues, but as I continue to grow and change as a person, the blog also evolves. What worked three years ago, no longer feels comfortable - it's time for blogging growing pains. I appreciate those of you who have been around the whole time, and I hope that you will continue to hang out with me on the blog and Facebook page, as I continue to share my growth, my goals, and my Busy Nothings.

Happy New Year!!

More To Life...

After a four year hiatus from flying, last Wednesday we hopped on a plane, bound for Montreal. Even though it was a work trip for the hubs, I enjoyed being completely unplugged from technology. Did you know there's a whole world outside of social media? Yep, there really is.

While Peter attended meetings, I read a book, did some shopping, and fell in love with apple pie cheesecake. It was a healthy reminder that there is more to life than my laptop and smartphone. In fact, it made me rethink how much time I want to spend online outside of work (which has to be done online - I mean, I work for a social media company!).

So, even though I've already cut my blog posts from five days a week to three days a week, you may be seeing even less of me. I've worked through my compulsion that I must.post.daily, and when I woke up at 3 AM this morning and realized that I didn't have a post ready to go up for my three-times-a-week schedule, I actually thought, "who cares?", and snuggled deeper into my warm bed. 

In other news, if you ever get a chance to visit Montreal, I can personally recommend the smoked meat sandwiches at Schwartz's Deli (a hole in the wall - but worth the trip) - but be prepared, because they only take cash!

After dinner, trot yourself a couple of blocks over to the St. Denis Rockaberry location and try to pick out just one (enormous) slice of pie or cheesecake from their fantastic cabinet of yumminess. It's a really difficult decision, and the slices are HUGE! Three of us (the hubs, hubs co-worker, and me) split one slice of apple pie cheesecake. Peter and I topped our dessert off with mugs of the best white hot chocolate I have ever had. Well worth the trip (they accept credit cards).

      

Have you ever been to Montreal?

How do you find a balance between social media and the real world?

I Am...

Happy Labor Day!

See you tomorrow!

And Then, I Threw It Out The Window

This week, the fearless leader of our company had to make a difficult decision. It wasn't pretty and it wasn't nice, and it shook us all just a bit. I'm glad I'm not her.

The {DAY AFTER}, we were just starting our regularly scheduled phone meeting when she decided to lighten the mood and send me this cartoon via email. I believe I might have snorted when it arrived. I'm not into yoga and meditation, but tell me, who hasn't felt like doing this to Facebook at some point??

Source: geekculture.com via C.G. on Pinterest

I know I'm not alone. Delete the drama, the "Jenny Jones liked 97.6 WXYZ's picture of a dog kissing a pig" notifications, the hurt feelings and unnecessary information that people feel compelled to share. No, I don't want to play "WORDS" with you - spelling bee's made me anxious enough as a child. No, I don't want to share my birthday on your Facebook calendar - is the notification at the top of the screen that says"Joe Smith's Birthday is TODAY" too hard to figure out?

My moment for wanting to pull the plug came after the whole Chick-fil-A incident. Now, I'm not getting into the politics of that here, so don't run screaming, but I was ready to chuck the computer out the window after reading a page of comments (poorly spelled and grammatically suicidal) about those who "love" Chick-fil-A, and those who don't. {That's putting it nicely, right?}

However, despite my own personal opinion and actions on that topic (waffle fries = yum, first amendment = good), it wasn't the folks who were for or against a privately owned company that drove me to the breaking point. It was the friends who were refusing to take a stand on either side, but loudly complained about being "forced" to see all the Chick-fil-A references in their news feed.

Reality check. You're talking about Facebook. Just think about that for a minute.

When did a completely fluffy social media site, one where everyone can share what's on their minds, baked in their oven, birthed from their womb, read in the news, playing on YouTube, or recently pinned on Pinterest, become something we are forced to view? Chick-fil-A was in the news for a week, at best. If you don't want to know - don't log on. Same goes for all those people who complain when the "spoilers" tell who won a football game, Olympic event, or American Idol.

It's really not complicated, and it's certainly not worth posting an angry Facebook status. Unless you want attention. In that case, type away. I'm not trying to point fingers or be mean, but when every fifth post on my home page is a cry for attention, my delete finger gets itchy.

Part of my job involves using Facebook (and other forms of social media) to support and promote clients, so I can't ever completely give it up, but I can control how much I view. As we head into the election season, I'm already realizing that I'm going to have to do just that...my blood pressure won't take much more.

What is YOUR pet peeve about Facebook or other social media sites?

{You can vent, I support the First Amendment}

Ahhh...

Hi there! Did you miss me? I'm back, and I'm here to tell you that UNPLUGGING is the best thing I have done for my mental health in a long time. It was so nice not to worry or care about who commented on the blog, how many hits I got that day, if I was tweeting enough, or who gave me a thumbs up on Facebook. In fact, it put life back into perspective and was a much needed reminder that there is more to life than this computer screen. Seven days - no Facebook, no instant tweet updates, no blog posts, and limited texts (to my sister) and computer usage (to rent bikes, make tee-times, and plan a day trip to Savannah).

So what did I do?

I finished one and a half books. I swam in the pool. I rode bikes on the beach with my husband to watch the sun rise. I cooked gourmet meals for my family which we ate outside while enjoying the ocean view. I got seasick on a boat to Savannah, GA and I saw "Forrest Gump" on a trolley. I watched Bill Cosby lip-sync to Ray Charles, and laughed my head off when Barney told Andy that "Where there's smoke, there's fire water!" I took pictures to share with you...

 

I enjoyed each and every day - what did YOU do this week?

Pulling the Plug

Last month, Whitney Johnson (one of our clients at Weaving Influence) took a week-end off. She unplugged in order to get away and allow her dreams to grow, and she came back refreshed and full of new ideas. I got a last minute call from Our Fearless Leader, asking if I could come up with a graphic for Whitney's blog and Facebook page after my co-workers, who normally handle such things, could not be reached or didn't have the time. Why not? Sounds like fun. I played around with extension cords and lighting and Picasa, and in the end, my photo wound up on Whitney's Facebook page and on her blog, while I did the {happy dance}.

But that's not what this post is about. 

The fact of the matter is, those graphics, combined with Whitney's post about unplugging and my habit of being technology free on Sundays, was enough to make me decide that I wanted an official blogging vacation. Working in the social media world makes it a bit more difficult to unplug from everything for longer than a day, but sometimes you just have to make it happen. Because of the generosity of my co-workers and the flexibility of the job, I now have a week off from my Weaving Influence responsibilities, so that I can  spend time with my family.

Which brings me to my point...I'm unplugging. Starting today. And I.Can't.Wait. Truth be told, Peter's pretty happy about it too - and that's an excellent reminder to me that while online relationships and networking are great, real live people want to spend time with me too. How can I say no to that?

Anyone want to join me?