Why Do I Commit to Things?

I had a jewelry party last night. Now I have to say that it turned out very nice, saw some people I hadn't seen for a while, and I had a good time. But, for a week I was yelling at myself for making this commitment about a month ago to host this party. We were in San Antonio last week and had a wonderful, relaxing time, and my thoughts kepts interrupting my day with flashes of having to get ready for this party when I got home. Then when we got home, I was so tired. Travelling used to be fun, not it's a pain and hassle. - Just the actual getting there and getting back part. - The being in a different place I thoroughly enjoy. Anyway, I was so tired and again, those nagging thoughts kept popping into my head that I needed to clean my house, get a few groceries and cook a few things. Now, I love doing all of those things normally, but not when I'm on a deadline and have to get them done by a specified time. I like to do things when I want to do them. I don't like to be pressured. So now by yesterday morning I was really feeling pressured and thinking to myself, "Why am I having this dumb jewelry party? I just got back from Texas and Sunday is the baby shower for my daughter-in-law, I didn't need this right now."
So is this a lesson for me to not commit myself to things, or is it a lesson on loosening up a little bit and just take it as it comes and enjoy the ride? Probably both. At my age and place in life right now I have admittedly become a little spoiled in that I only want to do what I want and when I want and want to be able to change my mind if I feel like it. On the other hand, I had a very good time last night and actually talked and visited with friends. I've recently become a little bit of a recluse because of the hobbies I enjoy. This old party girl isn't so much into parties anymore, and am much happier being quiet and alone with my authentic self. So balance, and loosening up just a little, seems to be the lesson learned.
Who knew such a lesson could be learned by having a jewelry party?
BTW - got a real pretty necklace! Lia Sophia jewelry.

San Antonio and "My Boys"

We just got back from San Antonio late Sunday evening. Our youngest son, Brandon, graduated from Air Force Basic Training, #2 Honor Graduate out of a class of 790. We were two very proud parents. Brandon's very pregnant wife, Diana, was also with us, and they were sooo excited to see each other.

Brandon and Diana

Our oldest son, Austin, just left for San Antonio Monday morning to start his 2 month Air Force recruiter training school. His wife, Melissa, and his two sons, Logan and Landen, are going to miss him, and vice versa, but it's all for the good.

Bob and I are so proud of both of our boys. We can think back to when they were 15 through 20 years old and the many hours of grief that they put us through. Now they are 26 and 27 and are wonderful men, husbands, sons, fathers. Being a parent can be such a difficult job, but it is so rewarding when you look at your adult children and are so amazed at the beautiful people they have become. I'm proud of them, but also proud of us for now realizing that we did a good job after all.

Me, Brandon and Bob

You Like Me, You Really Like Me!!

Lily, Thank you so much for these two awards and your kind and encouraging words. Yes, I do love blogging. It is my new hobby and creative outlet. I wish I had more hours in the day. I feel like I've entered a new virtual world of smart, creative, funny and interesting new friends. Also, thanks for introducing me to others through your blog and most recent introductions listed under this award. And most recent congratulations to you on your Blog of the Day award. Outstanding! You so deserve it. Also like your new blog design. http://lillianrobinson.com

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

essays & utter nonsense: Attitude of Gratitude Award!Thank you Lily for this award. I was so excited to received from you. I'm still trying to figure out how to get it posted, linked, etc. I'll work on it. But thanks for following me and thinking of me for this!
Posted by Nina Knox at 10:06 AM 0 comments

Creativity Relieves Stress

This was a beautiful Saturday. Sunshine sure does make a difference in the way you feel and think and cope. I love my life and wouldn't trade with anyone else in the world, but we've had some stressers lately. My grandparents need to be moved from Assisted Living to the Nursing Home; We just found out last week that my mother-in-law has stage 4 cancer of the pancreass, lung and intestines. She was here for my son's wedding in September and seemed just fine and looked beautiful. That's a wake-up call right there to not take your blessings for granted. You never know what life is going to hand you; My daughter-in-law's (Dee's) grandfather, age 72, most likely is suffering renal failure and the family is being told he'll need to go into the nursing home. He had a kidney transplant last year. All of this has come about this past week. And that's not to mention the state of the economy and how that is affecting all of us.

So today, I knew I needed to relieve some of the stress and concern and to wake up to this beautiful sunny day was the perfect start.

I then started work out in one of my gardens. This is the first day I've been able to get out there and start cleaning out the fall and winter mess. The physical work felt so good, and then to see the cleaned up garden and the green sprouts coming up just does something for your mind and soul. Then I sat on my porch swing for a little while and looked out at the lake.

The other hobby I have that totally relaxes me and does wonders for my well being, is "creating". I quilt, knit, cross stitch, and most recently blogging. Well, I just bought a new camera yesterday. We are leaving for San Antonio for my son (Brandon's) graduation from Air Force Basic Training next week (more on that on next post). Anyway, I finally came to the realization that I could no longer get by with a 35mm camera and got a new digital. I'm having so much fun with it. How did I live without it?

So what better way to relieve stress than to combine all my hobbies into a new project. I started a new blog page to showcase my "Charming Creations". I've had so much fun all evening working on this. I hope anyone reading this post will check out my new blog at http://mycharmingcreations.blogspot.com/ It was started and will continue as a constant work in progress for my own mental well being and new creative outlet. At the same time, I hope you enjoy.
P.S.
My "babies", Ellie Mae and Fergie. Aren't they cute? They also make me feel good. Although Fergie, on the right, now 2, is still eating poop. And he doesn't care what animal it came from. Duck, deer, geese, or Ellie Mae. Isn't that disgusting? When and how will he stop that?