Do you believe that something good—even if it’s just one thing—can come of “bad” things? Do you believe, as Oogway from Kung Fu Panda believed, that there is no good news or bad news, that there is only news? Do you know the old Chinese proverb attributed to Lao Tzu about good luck and bad luck?
Once upon a time there was a poor farmer in China who had a son, but no horse. One day a beautiful stallion appeared at his door. “Good luck, good luck!” said the villagers.
“Good luck, bad luck, who knows?” replied the farmer.
One day his son rode the horse, fell off, and broke his leg. “Oh, bad luck, bad luck!” cried the villagers.
“Good luck, bad luck, who knows?” the farmer said.
The next day the army rode through town, recruiting youths for a faraway war. They took many of the village;s sons, but passed over the farmer’s son, because of his broken leg. “Oh, good luck, good luck!” said the villagers.
“Who knows?” said the wise farmer.
If you’re one of those Zen-friendly people willing to consider that “good” and “bad” is something of a reversible situation, consider this:
When gasoline climbed over $4 a gallon in some areas, the traffic death toll — according to one study at University of Michigan— entered the lowest levels since Kennedy moved into the White House. It’s believed that the number of traffic-related fatalities is dropping because of the change in Americans’ driving habits, which is influenced largely by record high gasoline prices.
So whether you’ve been hit by economic changes, or gas prices, or something else, turning your thinking around is always a start. What’s going on in your world that has you saying “Who knows?”
With the kiddos back in school, it’s an ideal time to weed out their old and outgrown toys and Zwaggle them. But sometimes this is easier said than done. Children, especially preschoolers, have a very unique relationship with their possessions. They don’t like to let them go.My younger son has a hard time saying goodbye to his toddler toys, even at age 7, a full-fledged Big Kid attending elementary school. Everything is just So. Very. Special. to him. And I mean everything from last year’s math worksheets to toddler-friendly 24 piece puzzles to clothes he’s long since outgrown. He breaks into tears when I mention that it’s time to pass these items along. In fact, once our fridge broke down and he cried when he saw me dump its rotten contents into the trash.
But I found a solution that makes parting with old toys and clothes more sweet than sorrowful: the digital camera! Taking a good-bye photo of my son and his special things- whether it’s a school project or a much-loved toddler toy- helps smooth the transition of that item’s departure from our house. Of course, it follows that we reflect on these pictures over time, talking about life stages and what a big boy he’s become, but we don’t. All I do is snap the picture and store it on my hard drive.
So break out your digital camera and get ready to Zwaggle.
The is a guest post from Kim Moldofsky. Kim can be read regularly on her blog, Hormone-colored Days. You can also find Kim on Twitter @moldymom.
No way, no how.
Hold on a minute - I think I see some lightening in the distance. Wait a minute while I take cover.
The kids returned to school this week, which meant that I started back to work this week. I have all six kids in full day school - one in PreK, one in Kindergarten, two in grade school, one in middle and a junior in high school. We also started back with cross country/band/soccer, and we continued the year round martial arts. I’m trying to write a book, blog daily, have a relationship with my family and meet the needs of each of the shining different personalities in the house. We’ve made numerous trips to the bookstore/grocery store/office supply store/uniform shop/sporting goods store, and I’m currently staring eight loads of laundry and two sets of dishes down. It’s a stare to the death, I tell you.
Everywhere I go, I see other parents in the same shape. We’d greet each other with a sign of solidarity, but we are too insanely stressed. It’s a wonder that there aren’t more bald Mommies running around - those “last minute” items are enough to drive a mom certifiable. Some days, I think if just one more thing goes wrong, I’m going to commit a crime - any crime - just so I can go to prison. After all, I’d be able to sleep, right? And I’d be responsible for no one else!
So, as stressed as we all are, I’d like to offer a relief. A pampering. NO, I canNOT send Hans the magic masseuse to your house - but I CAN offer you nice, smooth hands, especially handy (hahaha!) with winter and dry indoor heat fast approaching. I’m giving away a Mary Kay Satin Hands Pampering Set. I’ve got one and I love it - this set really rocks.
How can you win? It’s simple. Leave me a comment here for one entry. Join Zwaggle for a second entry. Blog about Zwaggle for yet another entry.
And get ready to enjoy your soft, smooth hands - they really do help.
