Simply Stated.

"Life for you, has been less than kind

So take a number,  stand in line

We've all been sorry, we've all been hurt

But how we survive, is what makes us who we are."

-Rise Against, Survive

{ riseagainst.com }

© The Simple Wife

Book Review: The Last Lecture, Pausch

{ Information and Image courtesy of lastlecture.com }

I'm sure that many of you have heard of this amazing man and his book. I was instantly intrigued as he was a professor at Carnegie Mellon, a university in my birthplace of Pittsburgh. However the synopsis on his website gives you a better idea of why this book is a must read:

On September 18, 2007, computer science professor Randy Pausch stepped in front of an audience of 400 people at Carnegie Mellon University to deliver a last lecture called “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.” With slides of his CT scans beaming out to the audience, Randy told his audience about the cancer that is devouring his pancreas and that will claim his life in a matter of months. On the stage that day, Randy was youthful, energetic, handsome, often cheerfully, darkly funny. He seemed invincible. But this was a brief moment, as he himself acknowledged.

This book is THE most inspirational book I have ever read. Pausch describes how to best live your life, with optimism, while dealing with and facing the pessimism.  My favorite quote from his book is one that relates to the obstacles that we all face at one time or another: "The brick walls are there for a reason. They're not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something." His book is full of thoughtful ideas like this. It is about how he is leading his life while dealing with Cancer, but in all actuality, it is about living a fulfilled life no matter your circumstances. I hope that you have an opportunity to read this book or at least view his lecture on YouTube, I promise it will change your outlook on life in the most astounding way.

© The Simple Wife

On the Eve...

{ courtesy of blog.ning.com }

Only a couple hours left of 2008, so I'm thinking about all the madness that has occurred in the last 12 months. My brothers wedding, my sister-in-laws wedding, beginning Grad school, returning for my fourth year of teaching, the engagement of a good friend, the pregnancy of two more, a birth for another friend, and sadly, the loss of several loved ones. So much happens every year that it is very overwhelming to think about. There is always something going on somewhere at sometime, but all you can do is roll with it and make the best of it.

In the year to come, there will be even more stuff to look forward to: the end of Grad school, babies, hopefully no more weddings to attend, a possible international trip ( more to come on that ), and who knows what other surprises are waiting. Enjoy tonight, reminisce on the good, the bad and the worse, and hope for the better, best and amazing. 

Such is Life.

© The Simple Wife

New Year, Lots to Do!

As the New Year approaches, it is inevitable that you think about what you would like to accomplish in the next 365 days. I always hated the 'resolution' talk because it always seemed like everyone just made something up that was way too out there or something that wouldn't be achieved without great leaps and bounds. So I have come up with a New Year's Goal: 

Lead a more purposeful life.

I am set in my career, the house is set, and Mr. Grubbs and I are cruising to year 3 of marriage, but I feel as though I have wasted so many opportunities for one reason or another. Whether it was being afraid of something new, being too lazy to make a change, or just not wanting to deal with something else on my plate, I skipped out on a lot of things that I could have done, changed or experienced. I want to make my time as valuable as possible. No more meaningless time. I have come up with a few little 'resolutions' that will help with the Big Goal:

1. Get even more organized. I have to admit, I'm pretty organized but there are a couple things to tweak so that I don't waste time trying to find things.
2. Less 'Screen time'- time in front of TV and computer. Don't worry the blog will continue, but only during the allotted time during the day. I wasted a lot of my day running back and forth from the computer screen when I could have been hanging with the husband or playing with Doc.
3. Become a reader. I'm not a big fan of reading but with the TV cut out, I need to stimulate the brain some how. Any book suggestions??
4. No more French Fries!!! This goes with my healthy kick. Mr. Grubbs and I have been doing really good at the gym and with our diet, but those stinking fries get me everytime, they are just so delicious, but REALLy bad for you, so out they go, they will be greatly missed!

These are just a couple of things that I want to work on for the next year. So I'm working my behind off for the week trying to get everything in order before I go back to work so then I'll have a fresh start. I'll keep you  posted as things progress. Good luck on your resolutions!

© The Simple Wife

Quoted.

I have a simple philosophy: Fill what's empty. Empty what's full. Scratch where it itches.

Alice Roosevelt Longworth

© The Simple Wife

Simply Honest

In my strive to live a better life, I am constantly running into things that make me stop and think "WHY?"

One such thought is Honesty. I personally strive to be as honest as I can with the ones I care about. I would rather not say anything than to lie. It is the one thing that I think other people overlook as a life skill. At times it is the harder road to take but the lesser is easier at first, but then it gets very bumpy along the way. So why is it so hard for some people? The best idea that I can come up with is the fact that other people's feelings are always in question. Don't misunderstand, it is fine to not want to hurt the ones you love but don't you think that misleading them is hurting them even though they don't know it? It is just prolonging the inevitable. Honesty is a wonderful thing, sometimes it hurts at first but then you deal with it and it's done. Lying is easy at first then you get a huge smack in the face when you are least expecting it and it makes your world crash around you. It makes you question people, their intentions, and their true selves since one lie can easily turn into several.

So my advice for those who are going to live the honest life- be sure that you are tactful. If someone asks your opinion don't just blurt out exactly what you are thinking, be respectful. If you don't like your friend's outfit don't say "Yikes, change immediately!" add a "I think this belt would look better." It's all about the presentation. People need to know the truth, less hiding = less stress, less stress = happier relationships. Be straightforward from the beginning and others will be grateful.