Balance

BALANCE:  it's an interesting word/concept.  It can relate to health issues, fashion (as in women in very high heels!), athletics, child development, personality...What it brings to mind today, though, is life-in-general.

With all most of us have going on in our lives, BALANCE is what we need, isn't it.  How do I fit all I need to do...and want to do...into a 24-hour period?  And keep a balanced demeanor/mood/countenance/attitude as I do this?  It's a challenge, for sure.

Our son, the author, addresses this in his first book,  The Survival Template.  It's a simple and effective way to organize our thoughts and thus organize the  days, weeks, months ahead.  Having our day organized and in written form before us, we can better prioritize our activities.  It keeps us on track and less distracted while we go through what can be hectic and stressful times, as many of our days can be.

I'm trying this and finding it to be very helpful, as I can get distracted by just trying to clean house or work in the yard!  I may start out cleaning up the mudroom/laundry room.  I start folding clothes and taking them to the master walkin closet...and then find myself rearranging that closet instead continuing my work in the laundry room.  You understand!  It's just hard to stay-on-task when there are multiple tasks to accomplish.

A very helpful sidelight to my new adventure into BALANCE by getting organized and prioritizing is the effect it is beginning to have on my personality.  I tend to blow with the wind, mood-wise, and am very subject to being happy when those around me are happy or when good news happens, and likewise sad when others around me are sad or hurting or are in less-than-stellar situations.  "Sensitive" would be an understatement word to describe me!  This is no newsflash, to those of you who know me well.  It can be a very good trait, but it can also be a little challenging.  What I'm finding is that finding BALANCE in organization is leading to more BALANCE in my whole being, and that is a VERY good thing for all concerned. 

One of my biggest goals is to be consistent, and I truly feel that achieving BALANCE in all things is going to be the key to achieving Godly consistency.  As a wife, mother, grandmother, friend, being consistent is what I want to be.  As I learn BALANCE, I am beginning to see how I can accomplish this worthy, healthy goal.

So, here's to BALANCE in life.  May we continue to seek a calm, serene, peaceful way as we enjoy springtime in God's beautiful world.  It's a win/win situation for sure!

Willy

Willy is 9 years old this week!  How can that be?  Shortly after retirement, December 2001, John began talking about us getting a puppy.  I resisted, for about a year, because I thought we had enough to look after:  namely, his dad who lived with us (for 23 years!)...and my mother who had recently moved to a retirement community with Alzheimers and had many needs.  I just felt we had enough on our plates.

John was patient with me, though, as he often is!  And just bided his time.  About a year and a half later, on a rainy morning in July, he read the following aloud:  "Miniature Dachshund puppies for sale...red, both male and female, call --- --- ----."  He said, "We don't have anything much going today; let's just ride up there (Oliver Springs) and take a look."  "OK," I responded, "but only to look." 

So we did.  Just us.  No money.  Not even the checkbook!  Jason answered the door, along with his VERY pregnant wife and darling little toddler girl.  He led us through the living room to the powder room, where in a basket lay a tiny little blonde pup, sound asleep, curled in a ball.  His mother, Noodles, was outside.  Jason picked up the pup and handed him to me.  And I was a goner.  It was love at first sight, instantaneous, wonderful, head over heels in LOVE.

I sighed and smiled and said, "I want him!"  And John replied, "He'll be Willy."

Jason and his wife were scheduled for a C-section the next day and needed Willy to go home with us that very moment.  But remember? We hadn't come prepared to buy a doggy...no money!  No checkbook!  So off we drove to Oak Ridge, to find a Home Federal.  And that we did.

Nine years later, we are still  in love.  Willy is perfect!  Yes, he whoofs a lot.  But what good guard dog doesn't?  And how would we know there's a squirrel out back?  Or that it's garbage day?  Or that the neighbor dog was actually outside looking for him?  He goes where we goes.  He loves the lake.  He loves to travel.  He loves Barrett.  Perfect.

So...Happy Birthday, sweet Willy the Weiner Dog!  You filled up our empty nest and more.  You love us unconditionally, you're our best little friend, you light up our lives and bring us much joy.  Here's to 9 more!