Monday, February 29, 2016

Here's Your Extra Day!

Today is February 29th, Leap Day, which only comes around once every four years.  It's an extra day in our lives, and one that can be so much more than just another Monday, as it happens to fall on this year.

It can be about life.  Last week marked the five-year anniversary of my Mom's cancer surgery.  Five years ago, we were all really scared about a pretty terrible diagnosis and initial prognosis, but thanks to an excellent surgeon, the cancer was banished and my mom is doing wonderful.  We are all so grateful for this.

It can also be about death.  Last week, I got sad news of the death of our former neighbor, who was only 64 years old and a healthy man until he developed heart problems, which he didn't survive.  And then, that same day I heard of the sudden death of my sister-in-law's sister, Lori.  Heart attack.  She was my age.  This was unexpected, and of course so devastating to her family.

As I was processing this, I had to run some errands, and while driving my beloved Mini Cooper, I thought "I hope Lori was able to get her version of a Mini Cooper."  I think we all have wants and desires for somewhat unnecessary things and experiences, and most of us put them off because of responsibilities and such, but there comes a time when you just have to make that indulgent purchase or take that trip you've always wanted...for so many of us, the words "I can't right now" make up too much of our lives.  Sometimes you just have to say YES and go for it, because tomorrow isn't guaranteed, as I was unfortunately reminded of  last week.

Life is about making the most of each day, which is easy to forget as we go through our daily routine, but on this extra day, I encourage you to do something different - big or small - that you can look back on and know that you made your mark on Leap Day 2016.

24 comments:

  1. Great post!

    Ever since my Dad died back in 2000 I made a commitment to myself to enjoy everyday. Sure there are some bad days but overall I did a pretty good job on this the past 16 years.

    I am someone who doesn't need much, I enjoy the little things. Don't have to go on a vacation all the time or do extravagant things. There's nothing I enjoy more than being at home, walk with Bella, enjoy being outside and cook.

    That said: I hope Leap Day marks the day that Bella poops LOL. She hasn't since her operation and I'm getting a little worried by now. Vet says it can take 7 to 8 days. For her sake let's hope she does otherwise she will have a nasty experience on Wednesday :)

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    1. I think you and R do a lot of great things - your vacations to other countries sound so wonderful, and I love how you manage to see The Boss when he comes to your country...to me, that's saying yes, and I love it!

      Here's hoping Bella's gut start moving in the right direction today...

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  2. Oh what a beautiful post! Now you have me thinking, what can I do to make this day memorable?????

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  3. As you know from our blogging friendship, I have had this lesson many times over just in the last 8 years. I would like to live a bigger, funner life for sure. I just wish the things I would like to do didn't cost money! Just being honest. I mean, if I need $3000 to take a trip and don't have it, I can't bring myself to go into credit card debt to do it

    Maybe I should live life smaller and funner, huh?

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    1. I agree with you on not going into debt (which is why we haven't made it to Hawaii in recent years), but I know there are times when I think "we shouldn't do that" when really? We could make it happen...and yes, on smaller levels, like staying at the Hilton in Houston once a year. That was totally worth the indulgence. :)

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  4. Wow Shelley. What a challenge--to do something memorable today. I know, I will start a real quilt on my new machine! I've been putting it off. Thanks for the incentive.

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  5. Congratulations on your mom's cancer free progression!

    I cram a lot of things into my life. They may not seem exciting to a lot of people, but all the little things I do make me happy. I would love to travel more and do other things, but honestly - money does take precedence a lot of times. It's hard to make that balance of saving for retirement and also enjoying current times (in case you don't make it to retirement).

    I said yesterday that every single person should have off today to do whatever they want. Free day.

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  6. Great post! So sorry for your losses this week :( Ugh. But happy to hear your mom is well!

    Yes to living life now. Everyone has different things that make them happy and I hope they don't wait too long to do them. And that most people do find some joy in each day :)

    I wonder what I should do today... hmmm... :)

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  7. How great that it's been 5 years for your mom - I didn't think I'd been following your blog that long, but time flies, right? Here's to her continued health!

    Several local people, acquaintances only, passed away unexpectedly in the past 2 weeks, and it does remind one that every day is a gift, and there are no guarantees that the tomorrow we're saving for will ever happen. No need to be all gloom and doom, but I think mindfulness for all we have and for how precious our time here is needs to be a daily practice. Use the good china and take those trips whenever you can squeeze 'em in :-)

    As for Leap Day - I'm going with Lori's Free Day idea - think my boss will mind? LOL

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    1. It feels like it was both yesterday and also forever ago that we were dealing with my Mom's cancer. Thanks for hanging in with the blog for so long!

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  8. Thank you for such an uplifting post, Shelley! I will try to do something memorable today. Terri

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    1. You are welcome, and I hope today was a great one for you!

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  9. Great reflection on this extra day! And here I was thinking, crap, another day in February?

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    1. Oh how funny...different perspectives for sure!

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  10. Ahhhhh!! Loved this post - it was almost as if you were talking directly to me. I can't wait to meet you next week - we have so much to talk about :D

    Hugs!

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    1. I know - next week is going to be one long gabfest!

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  11. Big hug! Great post. (and sorry I'm signed on as Dennis, it' not putting my comment through when I login as myself.

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  12. Wonderful reminder for us to live each day to the fullest!

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