One of the Buddhist teachings that I strive to bring into my daily life is the lesson of "groundlessness". I believe it basically to mean, that life is constantly changing and you can't hold on to things. As humans we are constantly trying our hardest to go against this and to make sure we are on solid ground. Having a good job, saving money, buying a nice house, buying nice things, surrounding ourselves with family and friends. It's scary to think about life events that can happen that cause changes in any of these areas and we go around trying our best to make sure nothing does.
It's even scarier when things like the Tsunami in Asia remind us that even the ground we live on can't be trusted. The very Earth itself is constantly shifting and changing.
Isn't there enough tragedy with war, famine, poverty, terrorism, and accidents? Do we have to have natural disasters as well?
I'm so saddened by this natural disaster. I'm reading the online news about 10 times a day, reading blogs, looking at pictures, watching videos - trying to understand. It is so devastating and unimaginable. As I read about the death tolls rising, the numbers aren't really registering in my head. How is it possible that over 50,000 people are dead from one natural disaster and more will continue to die? It is so sad to think of all the people who have lost so many people they love and their homes and now they have to worry about their future.
I feel so helpless. I feel guilty getting into bed to go to sleep when so many people are without homes or food or water and suffering such great loss. All I can do is pray for those who are suffering and remind myself to be thankful for everything that I have in the present moment.
- The number of close friends that are currently pregnant
- The number of cousins who had babies this year
- The number of weddings I was in this year
- Mother Hips shows I was at this weekend
- Friends that were visited this weekend
- The number of gifts I bought for Christmas this year
- How many more Christmas cards I wish I had to write
- The number of nights I'm going backpacking for Christmas
Kristin and Tizzy
Originally uploaded by sweetdogk.
I flew up to Lake Tahoe on Thanksgiving for my cousin Tyler's wedding. Mom and I met in Reno and drove over together and spent a little much needed "Mother-Daughter time."
The wedding just happened to be in South Lake where one of my bestest friends live (she's the one on the right in the picture). I decided to stay in town afterwards for the week and work remotely.
I am feeling so blessed right now to have the job that I have. I was able to work from in Tahoe with flexible hours and have two days off to goof around. I had the greatest week.
My friend Tizzy and her husband just opened up a Sushi restaurant this year. It's been so exciting being here in Tahoe and watching them run their restaurant. Off The Hook has over 40 different rolls, fresh fish, vegetarian options, awesome atmosphere and a great staff. I'm so proud of my friends!
I was able to get a wireless signal from their office from the bar next door so I've been working in the office. It's been so fun to sit in here with Tizzy (when she isn't on the floor waitressing or smoozing with the clients) and witness the behind the scenes activities such as; payroll, running ads on the radio, putting together brochures, ordering supplies, and finding out how much money they brought in that day.
I'm sad about leaving tomorrow but I'm thinking about doing the same thing in the Spring. I've really missed Bret, Mar and Charlotte though so I'm looking forward to seeing them and the warm weather.
