The 365 Day Project

This past week, Wednesday, May 20, required an early morning visit to see a physician with one of my kiddos. While waiting for the physician to arrive (that is how early our appointment was), I passed the time by browsing through a Better Homes and Garden magazine. An article in the magazine was called The 365 Day Project. The article included a series of moms, also known as artists in their own rite, who had chosen a project, something that could be completed daily. One took a daily photo, another wrote a blog, and yet another knitted a coffee cozy. This sent my mind racing, what a wonderful way to document life, the life of the Wild Wallace Clan. The mind pondered the many ways I could accomplish the 365 project, I could: blog, take a daily photo, write in a journal (using my favorite items - colors and imagination), better yet I could use the I-Pad to take photos AND blog. Nonetheless, the goal of the project seems SIMPLE! Do something EVERY day, without failing. I set out to figure out what would be the easiest way to complete my daily task, considering my time, energy, and responsibilities, but most importantly my overwhelming flaw - PROCRASTINATION!! Sooooooo, here is is 4 days after I decided to wrangle the 365 day project and I am already behind. In giving myself a little credit I did purchase a VERY, nice, PINK leather journal with the intention to keep track of my thoughts daily using pen and paper, with occassional colored pencils and crayons too. However, the more I pondered my project the more I decided it was necessary to include photos. To me, photos tell their own stories, stories that words can express with practice and patience in honing a writing craft, but stories that are short, sweet and to the point. Something that can be accomplished daily . . . . so I am back to square one, trying to figure out how to accomplish my daily goal, and how do I get caught up since I am already 4 days behind. I suppose a project of this nature is much like a baby trying to walk, they fall down, they get back up and try again, one step at a time, one foot forward, each minute, each hour and each day they press on until they figure it out. Words to live by, forgiveness of self, and a promise to try again tomorrow. The 365 Day Project Day 1, March 20, 2013 To the Moon and New York City The place where the 365 day project idea came from, a visit with a neuro opthamologist to evaluate Amanda's optic nerves. She traveled to the moon in an MRI machine with all of its click, whirs, bangings and tappings, all the while watching Boy Meets World. The end result - ALL CLEAR, thank you God, but I had a sense of peace before we got there it was going to be okay. Early morning MD appointment followed by a late night departure for New York City with the show choir from school. From the Moon to New York City. The 70 mile/hour club At the same time Amanda is scared and weeping about her departure to New York City, Christian has earned induction into the 70 mile per hour club at his baseball training facility, the prize - 2 NEW t-shirts to add to his wardrobe. His goals, a red band, and 70 miles per hour in Turn and Burn and Tee Exit Speed. Baseball lingo for him to explain, proud as a peacock is what I see - enough said. After 2 weekends of baseball games (before the 365 project, but worthy of noting), 2 wins, 13 strike outs as the pitcher and a GAME BALL! Passion and hard work at their best!! Day 2, March 21, 2013 Return to School Back to backpacks, daily homework, packing lunches, early to bed and early to rise. Christian, Amanda and Emma return back to school after 2 1/2 weeks of being tracked out. The last 9 weeks of the school year, the last 9 weeks in middle school for Christian, before a LONG, REAL summer break. Mike traveled to Flow Town for the day to visit friends old and new and to figure out the TAXES!! New York City Update: Text, texts and more texts from Amanda who is feeling the absence of being away from family, home, and mom.

I miss you, I really miss you.

A day touring the city and funds ALL SPENT - time for finance 101.

Are you glad you made the trip to New York? Yes, but I still miss you.

Day 3, March 22, 2013 It's FRIDAY, Mime Stations of the Cross One more work of week for myself before my schedule changes to one day a week, I am looking forward to being more available for the family. One more week left in LENT and the high school youth group presented the Mime Stations of the Cross. When you envision mimes you think of speechless, comical interactive actors, but to see mimes reenacting the Passion of Christ, the hear the pounding of the nails, to examine your conscience and to realize you are the REASON for Christ's crucifixtion, VERY POWERFUL representation, unlike any other you would experience. Katy portrayed Mary, the Mother of Jesus. A beautiful representation! New York City Update: workshop day with Broadway artists and lots of activities, much better spirits today, exhaustion!

It was fun and HOT!

Day 4, March 23, 2013 Hike for Christ An early morning start for Mike and I as is typical for weekend, a breakfast date and a trip to Sams to bless our freezer with some food. The kiddos enjoyed the morning to sleep late and catch up from their return to school, or countdown for spring break in Katy's case. Mike and I decided to allow the kiddos to attend the Hike while we remained home for some down time. The beauty of having a teenage driver, you are granted more freedom and flexibility with your schedule and your taxi service. Sooo, off they went to the local park to hike 5 miles in rememberance of Christ's journey to the cross and to raise money in support of homeless in our area. Truly a lenten experience with prayer, a decade of the rosary at each mile marker; fasting, 2 hours to accomplish the hike followed by lunch afterwards; and almsgiving, money to support homeless in need of housing. Mass for Palm Sunday, the kiddos went to dinner with Katy and her debit card. Pack 444, Blue and Gold for Mike and I - a PROUD sense of accomplishment to know that we, together with a team of AWESOME leaders, put the wheels in place for such a wonderful organization. An example of what you can accomplish when it is God's chosen plan for you. New York City Update: Performance Day, all the practice up to this point payed off and all went well. Mamma Mia on Broadway for the evening and a late night call, midnight. A more sure, confident, joyful voice I hear on the phone. Day 5, March 24, 2013 Palm Sunday, a Day of Rest A day to sleep in, OR to catch up on your 365 day project. No activities today - RAIN, RAIN and more RAIN, baseball was cancelled, no EDGE, Mass is complete - a day to enjoy the presence of family with meals together and no other obligations. Sheer Bliss! Thank you God for this gift.

Times of Our Lives

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Bengal Ball

Katy attended her 8th grade formal dance, the Bengal Ball, last Friday, June 5th.  She was beautiful in her formal attire and had a fun-filled evening with her friends.

Coordination of such an event, without teenage drivers, is a gift of Emily's mom, Liz.  Thank goodness she likes managing that aspect of events because it isn't my specialty.  The agenda included a photo session at our house at 5 p.m., the dance from 6 to 9 p.m., snacks and appetizers (aka dinner for teens) at Applebee's, and midnight bowling from 11 to 1 p.m.  Since the Wallace crew has a taxi, mom's minivan, I was charged with escorting the lively group to the dance.   Emily's mom, picked the group up and escorted them to Applebee's for dinner.  It was easier for one parent to pick them up at the dance; therefore, our entourage of vehicles didn't add to the confusion of the limousine line at school - yes, there are teenagers (and their parents I suppose) who chose to have a limousine for an 8th grade dance.  After a late dinner, the group was off to midnight bowling. 

The transformation from the beginning of the evening to the end of the evening was apparent as each teen seemed to wither like flowers that close for an evening's rest.  It didn't help that Katy and 2 of her friends had the end-of-course test for algebra at school that day.  I believe there was more mental fatigue than they realized. 

Day is done, gone the sun, hmm, hmmm, hmmmm . . . . . .

A fun evening for all - mom and dad included.  The first of many formals to come!

A camping we will go, a camping we will go - PART 2

Today was drop-off day for Amanda's camping trip.  We started the morning with our usual fare and decided we needed to "throw" together a S.W.A.P.S (Silly Whatcha-ma-call-its Affectionately Pinned Somewhere) for Troop 1569's premier camping trip.  In keeping with our new favorite camp song, The Princess Pat, and her rigabamboo we constructed our own "rig-a-bam-boo" using some bamboo skewers.  Quite cute I must say!  Cute enough that mom kept one for herself. 

Preparing for Amanda's camping experience was much easier than preparing for Christian's.  The mere fact that the Troop did not have to hassle with tents made the preparation easier it seems.  Hmmmm, I don't know why. 

Unlike Christian, Amanda had no hesitation in departing for her trip.  Once she was assigned with her adult leader, she packed her supplies, loaded up in the van and was ready to leave.  I had to seek her out to say my good-byes.  She was ready for her grand adventure.  She repeatedly said, "I have been waiting to do this.  I can't wait to go.  I told Mrs. Brown (her teacher) about my trip.  I can't wait." 

What a difference in personalities - the elements that make each child unique.  Several parents who were dropping off girls were dropping off their only child.  They were all excited about their child free evening.  I was getting a taste of life with half of my children being gone.  While strange, it was fun to have some time with Katy and Emma - of course, I have more than enough time with Emma these days, but the days are getting fewer and fewer as she will be starting kindergarten in July.  How quickly the time is approaching!

We followed Amanda and her Troop caravan down the road for a piece after which point we went our separate way. Katy, Emma and I were off on our own adventure - SHOPPING!!!  Of all things, shopping for material to make a dress for Katy -a dress for her 8th grade dance.  WOW -  lots of exciting adventures going on at the Wallace house.  Lots of adventures to savor and document for later.    

A camping we will go, a camping we will go . . . . .

The Princess Pat, sailed across the seas, crossed the channels two, la, la, la, la . . . . .  Amanda's newest camp song. 

It's a camping weekend for the scouts in the family, but not the leaders.  The leaders, aka Mom and Dad, were mentally challenged to help the scouts, Christian and Amanda,  pack their gear for their first camping trips.  In otherwords, that means MOM was mentally challenged, not DAD - Dad merely sauntered in to rescue the newbies from frustration and to minimize the clash of the Titans - the bulls, Mom and Christian.  This is the first camping trips for both WITHOUT parents!  Packing the Girl Scout supplies wasn't that difficult as it has been done before when Katy went to summer camp; however, packing for the Boy Scout was a new experience.  Packing for Christian required us to consult with the Boy Scout handbook and required a shopping trip to Wally World for supplies, of course.  Thank goodness we already have all of the camping gear (backpack, sleeping bag, mess kit, etc), otherwise we could have paid to stay in a hotel for several nights.  After collecting all of the supplies, labeling items, assembling a first aid kit, Dad sauntered in to help us stuff the supplies into the backpack.  Mom and Christian received valuable tips for placing all the items, in the correct locations, in the backpack. 

Christian left with his Troop last night and Amanda leaves with her Troop today (they both are finally "Troops"  no more confusing the "Pack" with the "Troop" - that's another MOM thing!!). 

After dinner last night Christian and I departed for the designated drop-off location - church.  It is the farthest we travel from home during a normal week, a mere 6 miles from home.  The girls chose to stay home and dad is out of town, so Christian and I made the QUIET, short trip to church for drop-off.   Our ride to church was quiet - normally this is a welcome respite for both Christian and I; however, it was eerily quiet for this ride.  With a few questions and some mumbled responses I gathered that Christian was tired and a little apprehensive, nervous, or anxious.  It was difficult to define the emotion at the moment, but I had the feeling he wasn't certain what he should feel either.  Being away from home isn't foreign to him as he spent several weeks in Louisiana last summer, but being away from home with people who aren't completely familiar is different. 

We arrived at church well in advance of the departure time.  Thank goodness for mom as Christian is like dad - we have to be there on time!  Side note:  Mom likes to be on time too and two minutes before is still on time.  We'll we were on time alright; however, many scouts were not.  The Troop departed 30 minutes after the scheduled time.  However, the extra time allowed Christian to mingle and to remember who he is - the constant helper.  It wasn't long before he was helping other scouts unload cars, load supplies on the trailer, etc.  At that point Mom became an observer and I had an opportunity to chat with the other parents who were shipping their scouts off for their first camping trip.  We all chuckled as one scout said, "I forgot my book and my notebook."  Ultimately, this is the first of many experiences to come and a learning lesson for all of us - parents and scouts.  An opportunity to forge independence and self sufficiency for boys who are changing into young men. 

"Time to load up," the Scoutmaster rattled through the patrols dividing scouts amongst the vehicles.  Christian moved toward his designated vehicle and remembered oh, Mom is still here.  As always, he retreated to give me a hug and kiss before disappearing into the vechicle that would transport him to his exciting adventure.

I sat in my van and called Mike to let him know he had departed.  I was filled with an array of emotions - sadness, happiness, fear, uncertainty and more. But the feelings quickly passed as I prayed for a succeful, safe outing.  Fortunately, it is a brief outing - he'll be back in two nights and I can't wait to hear his stories and experiences.

Bridging Over to Girl Scouts

Amanda and I attended an all day Brownie Event this past weekend - Saturday, 5/1/2010. It was a good excuse to skip a make-up school day (yes, that is school on a Saturday)  -another glorious challenge of living with a year round school system, but that is another blogging "soap box."  Nonetheless, it was a good opportunity to have some one-on-one time with Amanda.  The weather was warm and sunny and it was a welcome retreat to mingle amongst nature.  We had grand adventures interacting with Cadettes and Seniors all the while learning about:  reading maps, compasses, and trail signs; presenting the American flag and Girl Scout flag ceremonies; information regarding Junior Scouts like placing patches on your vest and the Girl Scout Law and Promise.  At the end of the day Amanda earned 2 Junior patches as well as her Wings and Things - the rainbow patch for bridging.  She was excited and she looks forward to graduating to a green Junior vest.  When I asked Amanda what her favorite part of the day was she replied, "Lunch and . . . . everything."  I would have to agree. While most people would think that "lunch" was an unusual response it is helpful to know that we had a deer cross the field a mere 200 feet from us.  The girls, 5 total, squealed with delight to have such an experience all the while "eating their lunch!"  Not something that happens everyday and definitely something to remember. 

The day was a nice retreat from the chores of home, but most importantly I am glad I was able to share the special event with Amanda.  We look forward to working on Junior badges now and she can't wait to get her new vest and Badge book.

I Did It! Raven Rock that is!

Emmy Lou hiked 3.6 miles today and she was pleased as punch that she "didn't complain" for most of the trip. At one point after descending over 100 feet toward the Cape Fear River and rescending back up again, she sat down in the middle of the trail and proclaimed, "I'm tired and my legs hurt." Time for Operation Parent Switcheroo at that point. Mike took over as the follower of the Pack and took over Operation Distraction. That means he pulled out all the big guns to "distract" Emma from the task of walking the last .4 on the trail. Behind me they were having big discussions about trail markers, trail names and the likes. Once we reached the end of the line Emma got a big-hoorah for "crossing the finish line."

It was a beautiful Sunday morning and awe inspiring to be out amongst God's presence. The path was covered with shade and the birds were singing his glory. We saw critters - a salamander, a lizard, a snake (dead one, but small), and plenty of four legged friends - dogs. While there were plenty of people hiking the trails (some wearing flip-flops : 0) there wasn't any time where we were right on top of anyone. The wind blowing through the tree tops was peaceful and the shuffle of our feet on the ground was rhythmic and comforting. The weather was tolerable in the shade, but the presence of hot summer days was in the air, there was plenty of humidity. We each were drenched in sweat and several had faces brushed with crimson, but the exercise was a welcome retreat from home and life's commitments.

Our lives have been consumed with other activities lately - baseball, softball, scouts, travels for Mike, MOPS, church activities, and many others. It was nice to reclaim some family time and to partake of one of our favorite activities - stomping through the woods.

We talked about having a family goal for 2010 - to hike 50 miles!! The every handy engineer has already set up an Excel Spread sheet for us to track our miles. Thus far we have already hiked 8.9 miles between our trip to James River State Park and our tour today.

Off to a good start and a great opportunity to reclaim some family time. Want to join our endeavor?

The Wind Whispers

I heard the wind whisper through the trees.

S H H H H H H . . . . . . .


be quiet and listen to me.





Close your eyes and feel my breath on your face.

Let me gently rustle your hair all out of place.

Look up high to see me dance through the trees.

Sway back and forth and move along with me.

Let me tickle your nose as I pass.

Smell the earthy scent of pine and grass.

I hear the wind whisper through the trees.

S H H H H H H . . . . it beckons.

Be quiet and listen to me.

Tall, majestic pines suround my Grandmother's house. A peaceful solitude envelopes the air as it is uninterrupted by the sounds of civilized life. Only the sounds of nature prevail and there's nothing like the sound of the wind in the trees. It is difficult to say if you could hear the wind without the trees. As the dance of the wind through the trees is so calming and peaceful. I love to sit and listen, to feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, and to feel the breeze rustle my hair. I have never heard the wind in all its glory anywhere else. It will always be special to hear it at my Grandmother's home. I am certain part of the magic comes from the many visits I have made there and the many memories I have collected. The wind will always whisper to me there!

I Saw GOD Today

My family and I recently attended mass and unlike usual we were not sitting in our typical parent/child, parent/child fashion. I was fortunate to be sitting next to my husband. Our youngest child was the farthest away from us and she was sitting between her older sister and another woman. The woman next to her appeared to be in her 50s, maybe older, and she was wearing a scarf on her head. She appeared to be healthy, but I couldn't help but wonder if she was ill.

The mass proceeded and as customary we hold hands as a family when praying the Lord's Prayer. Interestingly, I usually find myself glancing around us to see who else does the same. I always wonder if the stranger next to us would want me to hold their hand? Or why isn't the husband and wife in front of us doing the same? Or sadly, why isn't the family behind practicing this small guesture of love?

During this particular mass I glanced down my "row" of children to notice my youngest child was holding the hand of the woman next to her. My daughter glanced at me with a questioning look - this is okay isn't it Mom? I smiled to reassure her and I was filled with joy that she was willing to share this guesture of love with a stranger.

At conclusion of the mass, the woman approached my husband and I and she explained that she was truly blessed by my daughter's guesture of love. She said her children were grown and no longer at home and she had long forgotten how small and wonderful a child's hand can be. She went on to explain further that during the Sign of Peace, my daughter pursed her lips as if to offer her a kiss (another family habit) and the woman allowed her to give her a small peck on the cheek. The woman thanked my husband and I and told us she felt truly blessed. She proclaimed it was the best thing that could happen to her today. My husband and I smiled and said a few simple words not knowing what else to say. I squeezed my daughter in loving approval.

The more I thought about my daughter's guestures, the more I was filled with joy, and the more I realized her simple guestures were the work of GOD's hands. GOD provided the stranger with the love and reassurance she needed and my daughter was the vessel of his love.

As a parent raising children success can be defined in many ways, but to see your children giving their love freely to others is the best gift of all - a gift of GOD.

On-Ramping

A recent article in local magazine discussed the "on-ramping" principle. On-ramping is defined as "a path into the work force for someone who has taken time out and is seeking to get back in." For women who have been out of the work force more than 10 years it is difficult to return due to the lack of "marketable" skills or loss of skills that were once useful to the working world. However, after much thought I have concluded that the stay-home mother has a bag full of marketable skills - skills that are useful in any field. These skills include:



patience - wash the clothes, prepare the dinner, mow the lawn, clean the windows, paint a room, clean out a closet, paint a deck - all very feasible projects for a SH mom to undertake, but projects that invariably may be left hanging or suspended all because, "I want some juice please" or "I'm hungry." It takes patience to realize everything will take longer when you have little ones around and some things may never get completed, but that's okay!

flexibility - I'm not talking about gymnastic flexibility, although you may feel like you need to be gymnast sometimes, but the ability to "go with the flow." We all know what it requires to get a preschooler anywhere - they have their own agenda, their own ideas (NO, I doed it!), and their own opinion! Flexibility goes hand-in-hand with patience, because sometimes it is easier to abandon the ship than to fight the war. All the home chores can wait till another day, but priceless moments with little ones don't always remain.

negotiation - this is the ability to redirect the most determined firecracker from one task to another or to remove them from the pool because their skin has aged a mere 70 years based on the appearance of their wrinkly fingers. It's the sweet talking ability to convince them that lollipops are not a breakfast food and tank tops should not be worn when it is 30 degrees outside.

delegation - when the going gets tough and the troops have waged an all out war against each other, it's time to pull out the weapons of delegation.
Child Number 1, "You go collect the garbage and put it out by the street."
Child Number 2, "You go unload the dishwasher and reload it with the dirty dishes."
Child Number 3, "You go get the clothes out of the dryer, fold them, and put them away."
Child Number 4, "You go get the dirty clothes, sort them, and put them to wash."
"And when you get done with all that come back because I have more where that came from!" Oh the peacefulness of kiddos at work, it does the job everytime!

multitask master - the ability to talk on the phone, cook breakfast, give directions to a child (in sign language no doubt because remember you are on the phone), feed the dog, and enjoy your morning cup of hot java. The ability to make a loop through the house, cleaning up along the way, sending an email, reading a book to your child, and returning to the origianl chore that sent you on the loop in the first place .

I dare to ask what employee would not find these marketable, useful skills? Mix these with the experience of age and I think any SHM can be a valuable, competent, contributing member of any work force.

If You Let a Wallace Watch a Movie

If you give the Wallace crew the "okay" to watch a movie, it's going to take forever to make a choice. KtB wants adventure and suspense, CT wants comedy and laughter, Manytory wants romance and the life of a queen, and EmmyLou wants to watch Barbie Island Princess again and again and again.


Once the movie has been chosen, the DVD player started, the previews skipped, and the action packed drama has begun, then they're ging to ask for a soda.


So they'll pause the movie as they hunt for their favorite drinking cups.

"I want the pink princess cup with the purple straw," Mandytory proclaims.

"That's mine!" EmmyLou shrieks.

"I don't want the Rugrats cup! It's for babies!" CT bluntly states.

"Bob the Builder?" KtB huffs with hands on her hips, right foot poised, and a full head bobble.

Oh boy, here we go!



So if you give them a soda, they're going to need a top and straw, an impossible feat to find in the cavernous depths of the kitchen junk drawer.


But, once the beverages have been poured, the cups properly sealed with their tops and straws, and the movie resumed, FINALLY I sit down to watch the movie holding my breath waiting . . . . waiting . . . .


"Mom, can we have some popcorn?" The next question I dreadfully await.


Once again they pause the movie as the hunt for the popcorn popper, measuring cup, oil and popcorn kernels begins. No microwave fancy stuff for us, but the old fashioned style prepared on the stove.

If you make popcorn the old fashioned way, they're all going to want to help turn the crank.

So each one will take a spin while the rest hunt for the perfect, popcorn bowl.

Once again I'll need to mediate a debate because, "I want the blue one."

"You had that one last time. It's my turn!"

Oh the joys of watching a movie!

So once the popcorn has finally been popped and distributed to everyones favorite bowl, then they're going to want to spread a blanket on the floor. What would a movie be without a popcorn picnic?

So they'll find the perfect blanket, large enough for all, spread it on the floor, jockey for the best spot, situate that popcorn and drink, and FINALLY once again resume the movie!

At last, I sit down with my own popcorn picnic and a sigh of relief. Who needs previews when there is the great popcorn, soda debate?

So next time you give the Wallace crew the "okay" to watch a movie be prepared for the popcorn, soda debate.

Note: I fashioned this story after one of our favorite books If You Give a Mouse a Cookie written by Laura Numeroff. At each request to watch a movie, I jokingly started saying, "If you let a Wallace watch a movie, . . . " and the story remains!

Da Dee Dum

"Do the Da Dee Dum," EmmyLou proclaimed one night. After a puzzled look and a few minutes I finally understood what she wanted. Da Dee Dum is the lullaby I sing every night. You know the one - "Lullaby, and good night, go to sleep little baby, . ., " except I don't know all the words so I sing the verses as "Da Dee Dum, Da Dee Dum, Da Dee Dum Dum, Dee Dum Dum," thus EmmyLou's song Da Dee Dum. She has very specific requests for the Da Dee Dum! "NO, on you lap," she proclaims whenever I try to speed the process up. Being a creature of habit, her bedtime routine has to be exactly the same each evening - Da Dee Dum, prayer, kisses, hugs, cover me up, and one more kiss for good measure.


Sadly with my older children I would have quickly brushed off a request to linger a little longer at bed time. As most moms would agree, bedtime signals the end of the day and a chance to relax and recharge - my time! However, I savor these moments daily! The joys of preschool life are slipping away. Long gone will be the wonderful thoughts and conversations of literal logic, the Da Dee Dums, and other preschool quirks. Quietly, but slowly, the door to this part of motherhood is being closed. Filled with mixed emotions - sadness, happiness, fear - I realize the preschool life is familiar and comfortable to me, but its reign must end as I move forward to other stages in life - tweens, adolescence, etc. My journey with my last child will be long and varied as I hone my mothering skills, but a journey I am willing to experience.

For now, I'll take one more Da Dee Dum.

Green Eyed Monster

A seething, green-eyed monster haunts my mind. It creeps into my inner most thoughts planting seeds of doubt. It lurks in the dark and it gently, quietly fans my desires and ambitions back into the deepest, darkest corners. I struggle to squeeze past its grasp, but it never fails to restrain me. I try over and over to squelch its power, but those seeds of doubt pop up with every turn, preventing me from moving past the monster. Each day I frantically race to pull up the seeds, but one look behind me and the seeds have returned. I wallow in sorrow, feigning failure and lost hope. But finally, I strike an agreement with the monster. I am allowed to take one step forward, two steps back, one step forward, two steps back. I argue daily with my nasty companion, but we've forged a working relationship. Fortunately, I forgive myself for letting "it" inhabit my mind and I realize it will be a constant tenant. I prevail as I slip past its grip, if only for a little while. My seething, green-eyed monster goes by the name PERFECTION and PROCRASTINATION. Who else is to blame for my seemingly relaxed, laissez faire ways? The "Not-Me" Ghost? No, just me, myself and I mixed with a dose of PERFECTION and PROCRASTINATION!!