Don’t you think those mangrove trees look like slender ballerinas dancing in the shallow waters? These pencil-like breathing roots create such an amazing, thick forest of dancers I just had to snap this photo.
Even though it’s been unseasonable warm winter we’ve had a nice amount of snowfall so far. Which is perfect because our entire backyard is covered with snow and plenty of it too.
And snow in 55F weather is just SO MUCH FUN.
So this morning when I stuck my nose out I was immediately overpowered by the urge to get out there and have some fun with the kiddos. So we did!
We built 3 snowmen, made snow angels, had a snowball fight and even built an igloo. All thanks to beautiful mother nature. She showered us with this white fluffy gold and I am so thankful!
I miss summer. Careless, free, warm, happy, magical, easy-going summer. Can’t wait for you to be here again!
I recently read an article about Pinterest and how it can be used to grow a brand/business/online social status. I am a member although not an active one really. Shortly after I signed up, I recognized that it can be addictive and lead to many unproductive hours spent looking at pretty pictures. *Gasp*
But that’s just me. Apparently, Pinterest is growing in popularity. Everyone is raving about it and everyone wants more of it.
In my opinion however, Pinterest can be such a sinkhole for your “free” time that I avoid it as much as possible. It’s a choice that I made and I’m sticking with it, at least for now.
But I digress.
In the article there were numerous tips on how to use Pinterest properly and effectively. Most ideas were pretty basic and made logical sense (connect it to Facebook, repin a lot, etc.). One point made me twitchy though: pin during downtime. On a surface it makes sense to pin whenever you have a spare moment.
But downtime is there for a reason. We all need it to rest our brains. We need to unplug, disconnect and get away from all digital once a while.
We need those minutes in a day when we do absolutely nothing, when we clear our heads and just breathe. Those moments give us more energy, refresh our minds and keep us going. Without those little break we become exhausted and wound up, we become robots who constantly have a need to press buttons to feel alive and connected.
In this race for popularity, money and status we risk becoming nothing but hopeless machines chasing the latest trends and hottest social networks. Rather than doing one thing right, we’re spreading ourselves thin by being everywhere and doing everything. Our time is being highjacked by endless choices, by access to ever-changing and ever-growing technology, by being able to connect from everywhere anytime, always being on the grid and available.
How much more are we expected to do: tweet, like, blog, pin, stumble, tag, follow, comment, update, reply, click, click, click?
//
I read a lot about 2012 being the year we realize we are too connected, the year when we become truly overwhelmed with information overload. Some predict this will be a year when many decide to get “off the grid” more. This has already began last year and I blogged about my need for digital change as well.
//
I applaud all those who use their downtime to grow their following on Pinterest, market their blog any chance they get and are on Twitter 24/7. I wish I had such powers.
But I need balance. I need as much offline as online time in my life. I need my downtime to connect with reality and catch a breath as I parent, work and handle everything else life throws at me.
And I’m doing my best to not become a robot.
Photographing kids can be difficult. Yet sometimes I manage to take a quite decent shot. This one’s a keeper!
There is nothing quite like a dose of seasonal depression or whatever you want to call this bout of blues many of us are experiencing these days to make your day suck. And I’ve had some sucky days lately.
Over the last month or so, I’ve been consumed by feelings of sadness and exhaustion. I’ve been wanting to hide or, better yet, hibernate for the next few months so that I don’t have to deal with life and this crippling desperate state I’ve been in. It’s been overwhelming and I’m tired of feeling this way. I want to get out of the hole. I want to take a full breath of air and feel like I can do this, like I can do anything!
So in a desperate act of trying to fight this headless monster, I’d like manifest my love for the many things that bring joy, smile, things that make my soul happy,
Today I am thankful for:
I’m surrounded by a funny bunch on Twitter. I wish I was half as funny as those guys. But then again, there’s no such thing as perfection, yo.
Thanks for sprinkling my days with awesomeness, making me giggle and keeping it fun. Also, I want to be just like you when I grow up.
@KelleysBreakRm
Knew it was about to get ugly when I saw the lady enter the stall with her own can of Lysol.
@AnissaMayhew
You know what? BJ’s should be next door to Dick’s.
@Sundry
Used the gym’s childcare today for the first time and it was so freeing I can’t believe I spent that time on a fucking treadmill.
@snipeyhead
Dear farty cow-orker: either you plug that leak, or I will.
@HotComesToDie
Mom talking to one of her friends in Paris about staying with me. Hey Mom, I know what “idiote” and “les miserables” mean.
@Greeblemonkey
“Hungry Like The Wolf” is on the oldies station. Off to gag myself to death with a spoon.
@BackpackingDad
My only advice to new parents: Enjoy being new parents. When they can yell “I hate this family!” you need some memories.
@ShredderFeeder
8 Shots of espresso today… I’m wondering if cocaine might be cheaper at this point.
@Wildsau
Dear feverish nose-picker beside me at the last 2 lights: I’m guessing your favorite song is U2′s “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”
@WhyIsDaddyCryin
dear sleep lords…please sprinkle your shit all over my loverly little bastard kids so that I may enjoy a late morning…please? PLEASE!!?!
@redneckmommy
My daughter is giving me a pedicure. This right here is why I had unprotected sex 15 years ago.
@BusyDadBlog
I’m wearing a wifebeater and fixing a faucet. I’ve never felt more like a man.
@RedheadWriting
Holy shitsnacks. My computer is apparently kicked heroin over the weekend and is bein’ all twitchy.
@moooooog35
Foosball: $200. Kinect: $150. Misc games & toys: $600. Seeing the kids’ faces as the house goes into foreclosure after Xmas: priceless.
@TheBloggess
On behalf of Texas, I’d just like to apologize for Rick Perry.
My name is Joanna Ciolek and I'm a social media junkie, family gal (mom to three boys), passionate web designer, photographer, techie, wine and sushi lover.
I'm also the owner of BOCO Creative, web design & strategy studio in Denver, Colorado.
