De-stress-afier

Some days, life gets the best of me. I find myself tightly wound with stress, frustration, an ever-growing to-do list... you get the idea. This morning was one of those days. As I was getting ready for work, I found my mind racing with all of this week's meetings and agenda and shopping lists. Now, different people respond differently to these types of scenarios. Some people would make a list of EVERYTHING they need to get done. Some people would ignore the nagging reminders in their head, and just stroll through their day unaffected by many things they need to get done. Some people would call a friend and begin to verbally process through all of the items on their plate. But me, I have a special way to deal with situations like these: When the stress comes, I vacuum. I'm not even kidding. About 10 minutes into blow-drying my hair today, I got up from my vanity, plugged in my Dyson, and proceeded to vacuum my bedroom. Twice. Okay, maybe three times. When I was done, I somehow felt lighter, happier, more care-free. I'm convinced everybody needs to vacuum when they're stressed. Or at least figure out what it is that melts their stress away like vacuuming does for me.
Vacuuming is officially my de-stress-afier.
Try it out sometime, you might be pleasantly surprised by the outcome :)

What's on your list?

Things that can bring a smile to my face guaranteed:

-ranunculus
-sweet words from my sweet friends
-bear hugs from my sweet Zeke
-weddings (they bring a smile and usually tears)
-fresh flowers. any kind, but ESPECIALLY ranunculus.
-toothless grins from grade-school kids
-sticky notes, note cards, sharpies... pretty much office supplies of any kind
-bows and ribbons in my hair
-listening to After the Storm. Over and over again
-witty text messages
-my cat when he snores
-listening to little ones pray
-hugs. always hugs
-notes on my windshield
-adventures

Some days, you just need to remember what makes you smile.

(here's a picture of ranunculus)

I heart Chuck.

There are many things I look forward to in my day:
-My morning coffee
-Waking up to my sleeping cat right next to me
-My Tuesday/Thursday runs with the girls
-Cracking open my Bible at one of many favorite coffee shops
-Checking the mail (strange but true)
-Slipping my feet into my favorite slippers upon arriving home
The list could go on and on.
My days are full of wonderful things! But there is one thing that I REALLY look forward to.... Something that gets a true, genuine, crazy laugh out of me every time. Something that I can't even share without cracking up... Yep, I'm talking about my Chuck Norris widget. All I have to do is drag my cursor to the left corner of my MacBook screen, and PRESTO! A new, hilarious, amazing fact about Chuck Norris.

Here's the latest: If Chuck Norris round-house kicks you, you will die. If Chuck Norris misses you with the round-house kick, the wind behind the kick will tear out your pancreas.

I love it.
Possibly my MOST favorite part of my day.
I'm pretty sure everybody needs a Chuck Norris widget... It's the greatest thing out there. It brings laughter to all! Just ask the people in the office with me... they LOVE it :)

The Slinky

I have this Slinky.
It sits on my desk every day.
This Slinky is my friend.
When I am stressed, I like to "slink" if you will.
When I'm deep in thought, I like to "slink."
I think it's the sound of the Slinky that is what I love the most.
It's relaxing. It helps me think. It sooths me.
Others in the office don't necessarily agree with me about the effect the Slinky has.
They just don't appreciate the power of the Slinky!
Today, I'm thankful for my friend the Slinky.
Thanks for all of your help :)

Confessions:

I love making my bed.
I bite my nails.
I rearrange my room on a monthly basis.
When I sneeze, I usually sneeze an even number of times, and always over 4 times.

I don't know how to do a cartwheel.
Is it too late at 26 years old and 6 foot even to learn?
Who wants to teach me?
They have instructions here, but I just don't think that would do the trick...