Saturday, June 21, 2008

Take Time to Make a Relaxation List

I'm sure we've all heard this one in passing but have you ever sat down and tried to compile a list of things that help you relax?  You should.  Summer is here and you may find between the economic woes and price of gas, you may need some relaxation.  The best news is that you may not even have to leave your house.....

I'll list some activities that sound great to me and hopefully inspire you as well.  Try some of these ideas to rejuvenate your body, renew your mind and refresh your spirit. 

Reread a favorite book
Visit a nearby park
Spend an afternoon at the public library
Help out a stranger
Try a new food
Take a nap
Enroll in a class
Do something you've always wanted to do
Contact someone you've been thinking of or miss
Sing in the shower
Walk in the rain
Give something away
Spend 15 minutes playing with your pet
Call a friend
Treat someone to lunch and linger over good conversation
Take a walk or ride a bicycle
Look at the stars
Browse through an antique store
Organize a small corner of your life
Pop some popcorn and rent a movie
Turn off the TV and talk to someone
Draw a picture
Bake something
Send a card to someone for no reason
Clean out your wallet or purse
Look at old photographs
Walk barefoot in the grass or yard
Visit a lonely person
Encourage a young person
Go for a swim
Start a new project
Volunteer some time to a good cause
Fly a kite
Have a picnic with a special person
Spend time with people who like to laugh
Have breakfast in bed
Take a different route home from work
Watch the sun set
Teach yourself something new
Throw a party for no reason
Get a spa treatment, massage or facial
Go on a spontaneous day trip with no preplanned  destination
Fix something that's been broken
Meet someone new
Ride a horse
Play a game
Listen to your favorite music
Dance like nobody is watching
Count your blessings
Last but not least, take a mini vacation without going anywhere.  Sit in your chair, relax, close your eyes. Take a deep breath in and exhale slowly. Repeat as you think about your favorite place, the beach, woods, mountaintop, under a shade tree, wherever you like to go to escape from it all with friends and family.  Consider the sights, sounds, smells and things you feel in that place.  Let your mind dwell there a re minutes.  Smile.  Then take another deep breath and open your eyes to return to your routine. 

I'm sure you can think of other things to do that really touch your soul.  The key is to identify them and DO THEM! 

Whether you choose to travel across the world or stay in your backyard, make the most of your time, resources, and opportunities God has provided. 


Saturday, June 14, 2008

Vegas Baby!

I was fortunate enough to go to Las Vegas this week for a business trip.  It was my first visit and I didn't know what to expect.  
I only knew that I wanted to really take advantage of the opportunity and see as much as I could in the short time I had.  
All I can say is WOW!  I really think ever adult should take the time to visit Las Vegas.  I'm not a gambler so my enjoyment wasn't about money.  It centered around the amenities and atmosphere. 
I stayed at the Bellagio hotel which was absolutely gorgeous.  The architecture is unbelievable. You really believe you're staying in a European setting.  I know the hotels in Vegas have a diverse range of amenities and pricing, but you have to really appreciate the fact that the 13 largest hotels in the world are located on the strip.  So regardless of your price range, there's something for everyone. 
As I toured the strip, I enjoyed the people and structures.  Everyone seemed to be in a festive yet adventurous mood.  There's not many places in the world where adults can go and literally dress however they want, tour incredible buildings that replicate various themes from history and the world, and be entertained by musicians, acrobats, magicians, entertainers, or dancers.  
Did I mention that almost all the venues are open 24 hours?  
So my recommendation for everyone is to visit Las Vegas at least once.  You only need three days to really have a great time.  Visit online resources and develop an agenda or itinerary.  
Outside options also include a visit to the Hoover Damn or Grand Canyon.  

I will definitely go back and take my wife.  I plan on seeing multiple shows, touring the hotels, and relaxing by the pool during the day.  

One last thing, the theme "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" is appropriate for adults. 
You can dress, act, and experience in ways you only imagined.... and make memories for a lifetime. 


Monday, June 2, 2008

Miracle

My friend who had brain surgery last week is now at home recovering from his injuries.  It appears that he will regain all of his brain functions with little distress.  
Absolutely amazing!  47 staples, 5 plates holding his skull together, broke 3 ribs, punctured his right lung, broke his right scapula, eye socket, tore his rotator cuff, and of course brain damage. 

Words can't express my sentiments regarding his recovery and blessings.  His family and many others prayed for this and obviously were heard.  

All I can say this week is thank God for miracles...... they may not happen often enough, but when they do, they show us a world we don't know and endless possibilities.