365/30

365/30, originally uploaded by eklektic*photos.

He really wanted me to stay home today. (So did I).

Happiness & Success

As found on MSN today:
A study suggests extreme happiness may be bad for you. Findings: 1) "The highest levels of income, education and political participation were reported not by the most satisfied individuals, but by moderately satisfied individuals." 2) Extremely happy people "earned significantly less money" and earned lower school grades than moderately happy people. 3) They "may not live as long," either. Theories: 1) Happiness makes you complacent and kills your drive. 2) It makes you slow to adapt. 3) It makes you too optimistic and insufficiently vigilant about your health. 4) It may overstimulate your cardiovascular system. Researchers' conclusions: 1) "Happiness may need to be moderated for success." 2) "Extremely high levels of happiness might not be a desirable goal." Human Nature's conclusions: 1) Success may need to be moderated for happiness. 2) Extremely high levels of success might not be a desirable goal.

I've been thinking about his a lot lately. Part of evaluating my life and what I put value in, what's really important.

I'd love to hear some of your thoughts on this. Do you think it's true that you can't have success and happiness? Maybe it comes down to how you define success. And where is the balance?

365/28

365/28, originally uploaded by eklektic*photos.

It snowed!

We woke up to it this morning. I little disappointed that we couldn't stay home and enjoy it, but it was still beautiful.

We had a pretty good/busy weekend. This remodel is kicking my butt. Trying to keep a positive attitude about it, but sometimes it feels like the neverending project. I have to keep reminding myself to EMBRACE the unsettled feelings. I'm not very good at that! We regrouped this weekend a bit and set a new goal for finishing the kitchen. Here's to progress...

365/16

365/16, originally uploaded by eklektic*photos.

On day 16 of my photo-a-day project. Some days have been a little hurried, but I'm trying to slow down a bit and learn something about my camera during this process. It should be fun. I like the idea of seeing the seasons change throughout the year.

I'm trying to slow down in other ways too. Life just moves too darn quick! A couple sites I've found interesting while researching this idea of slowing down, are Zen Habits and slowdownnow.org. I especially like their motto - multi-tasking is a moral weakness. Some great concepts on both of those sites.

So, I'm trying to EMBRACE the speed of life by taking the time to enjoy it. I think this photo-a-day thing may help me a little too. Allowing me to focus on the beauty of everyday moments. What a gift.

Embrace

1. to take or clasp in the arms; press to the bosom; hug.
2. to take or receive gladly or eagerly; accept willingly: to embrace an idea.
3. to avail oneself of: to embrace an opportunity.
4. to adopt (a profession, a religion, etc.).
5. to take in with the eye or the mind.
6. to encircle; surround; enclose.
7. to include or contain.
8. to join in an embrace.
9. an act or instance of embracing.

This is my word for 2008. I had a bit of a hard time coming up with one this year (last year's was JOY), but it just kind of came to me this morning. I am feeling the need to embrace life, to embrace those close to me, to embrace change, to embrace everyday moments. This word has so many meanings that resonate with me. Some synonyms include: hold, comprehend, embody, take in, accept, welcome, snuggle, involve, maintain, seize, recognize, embark upon, cherish, adore, appreciate, cultivate, sustain, and love.

Here's to a new year with all kinds of opportunities to embrace.

365/1

365/1, originally uploaded by eklektic*photos.

I've decided to participate in a 365 this year. The challenge is to take a photo a day, something to capture your day, and then at the end of the year there will be a log of your everyday existance. Sounds good to me. It will be difficult for me to stay on top of this, but I think the pay will be great!

So, here is day one. New Year's day we went to the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge for a hike. It was so beautiful.

I'm going to put a link over on the sidebar (as soon as I figure out how). So, then you can view all my 365 photos as I post them on Flickr.

Oh, Eight.

Welcome to a new year!

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. Ours was eventful, to say the least. After our trip to Arizona, horrible colds, and moving - we need another vacation! But I am excited about this new year, and new opportunities that come with it.

I plan to do more blogging this year. I don't really do resolutions, but if I were to do one, that's what it would be. More blogging. So, wish me luck. :)

We celebrated New Year's in Tacoma with some friends at First Night, eating yummy Thai food and listening to music in the streets. And we started the year off right by not working on house projects yesterday! We had a great day just hanging out. We went for a hike, took a nap and went out for pizza and a movie. It was a nice change.

And, now it's back to life in full swing.