What would you do if you weren't afraid?

Isn't that question great? It always makes me think. 

Found this at www.pinkchocolatebreak.com/. 

Here are some of my ideas:

• Jump off a waterfall 
• Run
• Write more
• Open a flower shop
• Get Botox (more of that here) 
• Skydive 

PS - Why am I afraid of running. That is just silly talk. As Nike says... Just Do It! So... I just signed up for a 5K. Kaboom. I am a runner! Anyone want to run with me? 

Here are the details... 

San Francisco Turkey Trot:  

• Where: Golden Gate Park 
• How Long: 5K, or 3 mile walk or kiddo gobbler chase 

Time Contamination

For a long while, I have been slowly reading this book Overwhelmed: Work, Love and Play When No One Has the Time. 

One concept that really rings true to me is this concept of “time contamination.” So true in my world. No matter what I am doing, even the spa with girlfriends, I am still actively engaged with my head on all the stuff I need to do. Work deals and intricacies that take time to think through, grocery lists, errands for the upcoming baby shower, must do items before the board meeting, etc. All mixed in.

During my normal work day, my focus is very compartmentalized.  My task lists are in the same place but separated. This is how I can actually function in so many roles. I must have specific time dedicated to specific types of tasks. This context helps me be the most productive. It takes organization and dedication but it works for me.

The challenge is my leisure time. That time that is supposed to be for me, to decompress, to actually relax gets crowded. Contaminated. I have tried lists, brain dumps, quiet breathing, etc. No luck. My mind still swims on. Loaded with sh*t from the week or the upcoming week.

Rad Bag Organizer

Check this out!

This Life in Play bag organizer looks like the jackpot. It fits into all sorts of bags including my most recent wish list purchase. So cool. I love how they show you how to use it for a diaper bag, a work bag (aka a Dad Bag) and a pool bag. Multi-purpose and can fit in multiple bag styles depending on the occasion. 

Kindergarten: Day 1 Down; Day 2 Reality

Yesterday was Hadley's first day of Kindergarten and it went great. Mike and I walked her down to school, spent some time in her classroom and said our good byes. She was so happy and excited to be there. I also had the opportunity to pick her up which was AWESOME! I swear, those smiles at the end of the day are better than any other. 

Today was Day 2. Mike and I carpooled to work so we both got to drop her off. This was the strangest thing. Day 1 had so much excitement, preparation and special time. Today was very strange. Our sweet little girl hopped out of the car, put on her backpack and approached the gate. Mike got out to give her a hug which was adorable. I stayed in the car and observed. Wow. This is happening. This is real. She is a big girl. Now. Not tomorrow. Now. 

Mike got back in the car and we both watched Hadley. She looked back at me and asked if I would pick her up again. I reminded her Yara would be there this afternoon with baby Hannah and Harrison. She slowly replied "Okay." Then she went on to ask "What about tomorrow? Can you drop me off and pick me up?" Hmmm. I looked at her for a moment, took it in and replied, "We'll talk about it tonight. Have a great day at school." It took all I had in me to hold back the tears. I wish I could. I wish I could pick her up from school every day. I love that end of day smile. 

As we pulled away from the curb, Hadley walked down the stairs and Mike asked me "Should we circle the block?" and I grinned. He was having his Daddy moment too. He was reflecting on this Day 2 milestone in his own way. He wanted to make sure she did okay. So we did just that, we circled the block and when we got back to the gate, our sweet baby girl had hung her backpack on the hook and was approaching a group of little girls. 

There it is. She is off. She is a Kindergartner. 

Botox or no Botox?

Vanity is everywhere. 

Go Be Lovely Candle can be found at Anthropologie.
My scent pick is the Coconut Milk Mango. 

Southern California is particularly vain. I grew up here so in a way I am used to it. An ordinary morning at the grocery store you are bound to see a woman with all of the following enhancements:

• Beautiful perfectly shaped and sized breasts
• Long eyelash extensions
• Smooth forehead
• Plump lips
• Manicured nails
• Tan skin
• Shaped brows 
• Highlighted hair
• Hairless bikini area
• The list goes on…

Physical appearance is valued very highly. Not only do people spend a lot of money improving their appearance they also work-out a lot and eat healthy. Single ladies have some serious competition when it comes to finding a man! I think I was really lucky to meet Mike when I was 23. Looking good then was much easier (and cheaper!) than it is today.

Years later I try to keep my vanity in check. Looking 23 again sounds really great in theory but in practice it isn't what I want to spend time or money on. So far, I have avoided most of the beauty enhancements available. My hair is turning grey and I am letting it be. I shared more about that here.  I do get my nails done pretty often and really enjoy the time relaxing and the pretty results. 

One beauty enhancement I really do want to do is Botox. My forehead lines and brow lines are already deep and I am young. In college, my roommates would post Botox ads on my bulletin board. Rude! My face lines in that area started early from the way I use my facial muscles. The way I express myself. It is something that just happens. Botox seems like such an easy thing to do with limited risk. The results are instant and the effect lasts long enough, but not forever.

I am very tempted. Then I think why would I risk putting any sort of foreign substance into my head? Into my face? Into the area where my brain is? Scary! For vanity. Botox doesn't appear to be a smart choice.

Yet, even with that logical evaluation of the situation, I still want Botox. I would love a smooth forehead.  Maybe if I do it now, I won’t need to do it later? Maybe I can prevent these lines from getting worse? I shared this with Mike recently and he just sort of rolled his eyes at me and was like “Really?”

Many women I know do this and don’t tell their husbands. I’m not sure if the husbands see the change and just ignore it and don’t say anything or if they don’t even see it. I wonder. This is something I couldn't do without talking to Mike about. Mike isn't adamantly against it but I think he sees it as a waste of money and silly vanity.

Hmmmmm. 

Sick Men

Why are men such babies when they are sick? Is it because they yearn to be taken care of. Is this the real opportunity for them to show vulnerability in a safe way? I have always wondered why men generally really are babies when they are sick.

Jonathan Alder Lacquer Tissue Box - Simple is so good! 

It isn’t just my hubby. I have noticed this with my dad, coworkers, clients and the average man you bump into. When a man is sick, they just sort of seek dotting. 

Kinder Orientation

Today was Hadley's kindergarten orientation and it was awesome! She is beaming with excitement. She doesn't have any best buddies in her class but that's okay. In fact, I think that is best. She is social, creative and ready to learn. Learning to make new friendships will be good for her. 

Mike and I both got to attend the orientation to meet her teacher, Mrs. B. She is a joy. I have a feeling this year will really propel Hadley in new wonderful directions. 

xoxo my sweet baby girl is growing up.