participate in International Slow Down Week, 1/14-1/20

I completed this, but I was eaten alive by a monster called circumstance before I had a chance to tell the world that I did this.

Hmm… was it worth doing? I think so. It was nearly a year ago. That’s really pushing it as far as my memory goes. However, I don’t remember wishing I hadn’t decided to do it, so I’ll say yes, it was worth it. =)

Today was a pretty good day. So far, this week has not been very relaxing, save for the other day when I spent an entire afternoon and evening lying around listening to BoingBoing podcasts and messing with Lego. I finished and sent an application yesterday (or was it the day before?), and I have two more to fill out and three (or was it four?) essays to write between the two, which are both due on February 1st. So, responsible young lady that I am, I spent today avoiding one of the essays and reading blogs. (Because it is direly important that you know this, I also watched an episode of the Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy TV series and the first few minutes of An Inconvenient Truth.) This morning was more hectic than I would have liked because I had to find all my homework and my mother was not in a good mood.

Tomorrow morning will not be slow or relaxing for various reasons, so I should not have stayed up this late. Thanks again, Fereshteh!

My brother-in-law and his family came to visit over the long weekend. Between our baby and their fifteen month-old toddler, there really wasn’t much slowing down as we tried to herd them to get photos taken, to lunch out, and all sorts of other things!

And then when they left yesterday, I had to do three loads of laundry, go grocery shopping, and make sure the baby’s new car seat was properly installed.

But, there is a happy ending! The baby went down for a nap, and afterwards I got a nice, long, nap myself! I don’t think I’ve had one of those since the baby was born.

Alas, I’m back at work today, so “slowing down” is not much of an option. But, one can always dream . . .

This was the best Sunday ever! ::happy dance::

I took a nap today, right in the middle of the day, I laid down with my daughter and fell asleep. How awesome is that? =D I never do this, not in the middle of the day! =) It was so nice snuggling up with her and resting. ♡ It was only a short nap, less than an hour, but still… it was very restful (so rest-full I was asleep! ::LOL::). =D

I also took time to just sit outside and enjoy the storm; it reminds me so much of Seattle. The cold, the rain (a l l . d a y !!! WOOHOO!!!), the gorgeous grey sky… ::happy sigh:: I just sat and enjoyed it. =)

Hmmm what else…? I don’t mean to sound like a slacker, but dishes were waiting and instead of doing them (or anything else “responsible”) I grabbed my old polaroid camera that we unpacked, and we actually had a brand new cartridge of film, so I let the kids snap photos with it. =) It is always so nifty to see what they want to photograph, it is like a way to peer into their world. They were so amazed at the way the photos appeared, as if by magick. ♡ I will post them as soon as I scan them in. =)

I also had a little while to snuggle with my husband, just curl up in his arms… it has been so long, too long; to me this was Heaven on Earth. ♡

Finally, to cap the evening, I called my sister and we had a long, fascinating talk. I love talking with her, she and I are so much alike in thought and what happens in our lives (usually around the same time too) it is always wonderful when we can talk for an hour. =)

This was seriously the best Sunday in the history of the world, I think. ::happy today-was-wonderful dance:: Tomorrow is a national holiday, so my husband and children will be home (yay!), so I have high hopes for tomorrow as well. =) No doubt the week, with school and work and everything, will bring a bigger challenge to fully participating in International Slow Down Week, however I think it is off to a stellar start.

ヽ(⌒ｰ⌒)ﾉ

Though i have to admit i’ve been doing this since my school exams. I don’t know the meaning of stress even when it’s right there in front of me, this can be a bad thing.

On a more serious note, i think this is a good thing(goal) everyone of us should have a breather once in a while regardless of time or place. Your right, i agree the little things matter alot. The other day when i did the synchronize walk and brought my dogs with, it felt good, i felt relaxed, as i walked down the path along the footy fields, the track and towards the pool, it brought back alot of childhood memories.

Fereshteh, has invited me and I can think of nothing better than the international slow down week.

I am really going to work on it. I am unsure how successful I’ll be, My children’s father is coming, Well he will be here on Saturday morning to stay for the week… My classes begin on the 16 so I am thinking it will be a little hectic, but daddy will be here, so the children will be overly happy. Oh how I dread the following Saturday.
So flippin’ dread it. Well, till then we shall enjoy this week of slow down..
Even when I am in my hurry mode, up at 3 out the door at 6 not back till God only knows when… I will proudly Do it all Slowly. Especially the studying, that will be done with deliberate abandon.

Such a perfect Idea Lovely Fereshteh, how could I resist her, her spirit is so peaceful and calming. Besides she lives in San Antonio {that is not even two hours away from me} next time I am up there, I’ll just have to give this wonderful beautiful soul a call. How is that for fun.

^{for more information, visit (one of my favourite websites): Adbusters Culturejammer Network =) Also, watch this! If you can relate to this then this week is for you! =)}

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(shamelessly copied from my email invite) ;)

Dear Jammers & Creatives,

Still feeling frazzled from the December whirlwind of holiday shopping, gift giving, and parties? Already burned out by extra hours at the office in the New Year? Tired of spending more time in traffic than you do with your family and friends?

It’s not too late to slow down and renew your intentions for a saner, more mindful way of life in 2007. If you’re ready to experiment with a different, more fulfilling rhythm, join us in celebrating the second annual INTERNATIONAL SLOW DOWN WEEK, January 14-20.

For one week, instead of running to catch the bus or zipping in and out of traffic, try walking to work. Instead of grabbing take-out on the way home, cook a meal with your family. Leave the TV and computer off, and play an old-fashioned board game, or just sit and catch up with family and friends. If possible, take a day off work — and then while it away with a long walk and an afternoon nap.

For some humorous inspiration, check out our Slow Down Week animation at www.adbusters.org. Forward it to family and friends and invite them to join you in a week of leisure.

Cheers, and remember come next week — give it a rest and slow down!

The Adbusters Team

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I don’t think I am the only person here who needs this! =D

One of the reasons I love events like this, is that when it is done I tend to keep at least some of my newfound whatever-it-is (relaxation, thought regarding spening money, etc.).

For the coming week I fully intend to just

s l o w . d o w n

and take more time to really enjoy life. I highly recommend this to anyone who is being pummeled by life right now. ;)

::hugs and R&R::

Fereshteh