Hello iPad

So, Apple launched the iPad this week. Yes, its called iPad. People around the world are laughing at the name. Even NPR reporters are making fun of  how easily the name correlates with a woman’s feminine product. Ha. I didn’t really think of it that way, I just thought maybe they could have been a little more creative with the name. They are Apple for goodness’ sake.

The iPad looks pretty cool. But, I’m having a hard time wondering WHY anyone would NEED one since its a cross between and iPhone and a computer…..doesn’t everyone already have those things?  I half expect Unclutterer to write about it saying that it will just add clutter to all the things you have.  Haha, I just checked their website -and they have already written about it! Check it out here.

I’m not saying I wouldn’t take one if it was offered to me…I’m just saying I wouldn’t buy it.

Not to depress you…

But, I came along this photographer’s blog yesterday, Edmund Prieto. He is a great photographer and I was excited to check out his stuff. But, then I started reading his latest blog post and read that his wife had just died. Two young, beautiful people. I’m gathering that she died while getting a lung transplant. How sad is that? Death is such a final thing. Life is such an easy thing to take for granted. Nik always says that I’m too fixated on death and worrying about something bad happening. And maybe I am. Maybe its because so many people from my high school died while we were still in high school. Maybe its because 2 of my grandparents were already gone before I was even born. Death is real. Every day that you have with your spouse, children, parents, friends…is worth celebrating. I never want to take it for granted. I always want everyone to know how much I love them. Every day before I leave the house, I want to kiss my husband goodbye and tell him that I love him. So I do.

Anyway, you should check out his post, because this guy loves God. Really loves God. And even though he is confused and hurting, he understands that God gives and takes away. He understands the greater meaning of life. And it looks to me like his wife definitely knew that he loved her before she left this life.

Stress & Your Body

Everyone deals with stress. If you are like me, my body usually takes a nice beating during the most stressful times. For my own sake, and for the sake of anyone else out there that is feeling a little on the stressed side today, I thought I’d do some research on the subject. Most of this info comes from my trusty friends at WebMd and their Stress Management Health Center. So, take a deep breathe and let’s learn how to reduce that stress of ours.

Causes of stress include: personal problems such as health, emotional problems, relationships, major life changes, stress in your family and conflicts with your beliefs and values. Stress can also come from social and job issues such as your surroundings, your job, and your social situation.

Common symptoms of stress include: a fast heartbeat, headache, stick neck/tight sholders, back pain, fast breathing, sweating and an upset stomach. Over time, stress can lead to a weakened immune system, heart problems, constant muscle tension, major stomach probelms, reproductive problems, lung and skin issues.

This is my favorite part - HOW STRESS AFFECS YOUR THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONS

• Feel cranky and unable to deal with even small problems.
• Feel frustrated, lose your temper more often, and yell at others for no reason.
• Feel jumpy or tired all the time.
• Find it hard to focus on tasks.
• Worry too much about small things.
• Feel that you are missing out on things because you can’t act quickly.
• Imagine that bad things are happening or about to happen.

Haha. Doesn’t that just come from being a girl? Just kidding.

Stress Management - RELAX YOUR MIND! Write, let your feelings out, do something you enjoy, focuson on the present, meditate. Then, RELAX YOUR BODY! Exercise, breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, and tai chi. There are many  ways to avoid stress. Learning to manage your time, finding balance and purpose in your lifestyle, forming good eating, exercise and sleep habits, problem solving and seeking support from your family and friends. They also suggest creating a three step goal: 1. Define what creates stress for you. 2. Think about why you want to reduce stress (um, isn’t that a given?) and 3. Set a goal.

So, let’s start this week out right! Here’s to managing our daily stress and learning to take care of ourselves during the extra stressful times! Happy Monday!

Winter Cleaning

Today I am devoting my morning work hours to decluttering my office, thanks to an inspirational post on Unclutter. I’m done with all holiday events (hence the Christmas costumes in the back corner) and have a gap before my next major events start happening. So its time to declutter, simplifiy and make my office more enjoyable and easier to access.

So, here’s to not be interrupted! (Crossing my fingers on that one!)

Before Picture:

After: To be posted. See, now I HAVE to do it!

UPDATE: 11:18 AM -

Clean up finished. I guess it doesn’t look like I did as much work as I did. But, I promise, I’ve been working alllll morning! Even INSIDE of my desk AND my files! I think I deserve the rest of the day off….or at least and early lunch!