Wise Words on Wednesday.....

"May you have hindsight to know where you've been, the foresight to know where you are going, and the insight to know when you have gone to far." — Irish Saying

A weekend away........

I have spent this weekend away in a house by a lake. I have been coming to this place for over 40 years and it still holds the ability to quiet my mind, relax my body and help me find clarity. This weekend my clarity came in new understanding on my life moving forward, writing a first draft of a document for my business and looking deeper into my relationship with my already teenage at 11 y.o daughter. I am always grateful for these weekends of reflection. Even more grateful that my parents had the foresight to buy this place 40 years ago and see in it a respite from city life. I hope that future generations that come here will also see its beauty, find rest and gain clarity. And to boot, Marco (the dog) feels right at home in the house and by the lake.

What gives?

I spent yesterday in bed with a head cold and even made myself chicken soup. Today I had several meetings and worked on my newsletter article in between. With all that has been going on for the last two days, can someone explain why my house can't function with me at the helm? What's going to happen when I travel this summer and leave the house, kid and dog behind with adult supervision? I just hope the plants get watered and don't die.

That sinking feeling....,

I went to get a manicure today. I sat down in the adjustable chair to dry my nails in the dryer and it felt like the chair was getting lower to the ground. The chair wasn't moving, the sensation was coming from me. It was the first time all week I have really set down--I am getting on a plane tomorrow to visit my best friend, have a reception to attend tonight, a client yesterday and a Tuesday that was super busy. I can't even remember Monday any more. Throw in the kid, the dog and packing and a few hours relaxing on a plane will be bliss. I spent the time drying my nails thinking about what's left to do before my taxi arrives. I didn't freak out, I simply planned and even if I stay up late (for a early morning flight) I will go to bed with a sense of accomplishment from today and the week. The relaxation on the plane will be a just reward for my hard work this week.

Shop local....

I called car service to go to the bus terminal and got into an Uber (oops!) and the driver said he didn't speak good English which explains why "Port Authority Bus Terminal" wasn't understood, but with his GPS and the address I provided I made my bus and realized that shopping local has its benefits-- drivers that speak good English.

Making new memories

On a girls' weekend with my daughter in a town my ex and I have been to many times and it feels good to share it with her and make new memories here.

Tuesday's Tip: Don't leave home until.....

When traveling, be sure to prep your home by watering plants, putting a light on a timer and closing all windows.

Tuesday's Tip: When I return...

To this day I remember that my mother's parents always arrived for a visit wearing nice clothes; my grandfather was in a tie and I knew from this that my grandparent's house was left super neat. Here in lies the tip: leave your house neat, when you travel and you will come home to a neat house.

(I am sorry Papa-g that Mama-g made you wear a tie, I would have preferred your coveralls.)

Tuesday's Tip: Travel essentials

Whether you are staying at a hotel, a friends house or a on cruise ship, here are a few essentials you should pack—flashlight, small first aid kit and disinfecting wipes.

Tuesday's Tip: Instant greenhouse

To protect plants and keep them moist while you are away on vacation, place them in clear plastic garbage bags and seal the tip with a bag clip; this creates a greenhouse effect allowing in light which creates a moisture environment inside the bag.

(P.S. I have tried this on many occasions and it works great. In fact I lost some plants last winter, because I didn't do it and they did not get enough water because the plant sitter came only once during the week.)

Tuesday's tip: handy travel helpers

1. a pillowcase packs flat as a laundry bag

2. old prescription pill bottle as a pill box

3. large Altoids tin when packed with bandaids is a"first aid" kit

4. newspaper delivery bags do double duty as shoe bags

5. Have Fun!

Wednesday's Words: Traffic

"Why do they call it rush hour when nothing moves?" — Robin Williams