It's never been a secret to me that Durel works hard.

However, if I had been under a rock for the past, oh, ten years of our lives and missed that little nugget, I would have figured it out in the past few months.

Last week, Austin's new Microsoft retail store opened.  And, take note, corporate folks in Redmond, you have my awesome husband to thank.

Hey.  I'm on Instagram:  hdbernard.

I came to cheer Durel on for the grand opening because he rocks, like, a lot.

Computers are fun!

Friends are fun!

And so are big life moments that you can share with your friends and spouse.

Talk soon,
Heather

PS:  Yes, I think I am super funny and clever by making a pun in the title.  And yes, I know that puns are the lowest form of humor.

I can't stand how awesome this is.

I've read Zen Habits for a while, because it's awesome.  Every now and then, there is a post that takes my breath away with how beautiful and true it is.  This is one of them.

There's nothing to add to it.  Here it is.  Enjoy.  (Oh, I did highlight my favorite-y favorite part.)

Have an awesome day knowing that right where you are is the right place to be.

Talk soon,

Heather

[Reproduced from ZenHabits, courtesy of Leo Babauta.]


The 39th Lesson

Post written by Leo Babauta.

Today (April 30) is my 39th Un-un-birthday, and as usual, the day is a good day to pause and reflect.

Last year I wrote 38 Life Lessons I’ve Learned in 38 Years, and people seemed to find some use in it.

This year, I thought I’d share an additional lesson I’ve learned:

You’re not missing out.

Our lives are often ruled by the Fear of Missing Out, or FOMO. (Never heard of FOMO? You’re missing out.)

Some ways we let the fear of missing out rule us:

1. We check email, Facebook, Twitter and other social networks often, in case we’re missing something important.
2. We try and do the most exciting things, and are constantly in search of exciting things, because we’re worried we might miss out on the fun that others are having.
3. We constantly read about what other people are doing, and try to emulate them, because it sounds like they’re doing something great that we’re not.
4. We often want to travel the world, because it seems that other people are living amazing lives by traveling all the time.
5. We miss what we don’t have, miss places and people who we aren’t with.
6. We work constantly, because we think if we don’t, we might miss out on opportunities other people will get.
7. We feel like our own lives are poor in comparison with the great lives others are leading, and so feel bad about ourselves.

I could go on and on, but I have a birthday breakfast to eat (Eva and the kids are baking something delicious), so I’ll stop there.

We fear missing out, but why?

The truth is, we could run around trying to do everything exciting, and travel around the world, and always stay in touch with our iPhones and Crackberries, and work and party all day long without sleep … but we could never do it all. We will always be missing something.

And so, if we cannot help missing out, what is a saner alternative than letting this fear drive us? Let go of it, and realize you have everything right now.

The best in life isn’t somewhere else. It’s right where you are, at this moment. There is nothing better than exactly that.

Pause for just 10 seconds, and notice where you are, what you’re doing, who you are, at this very moment. Notice that you are breathing, and how lovely that is. Notice that you can smile, and feel the joy in that. Notice the good things around you. Give thanks for the people you’ve seen today. Celebrate the perhaps not altogether insignificant fact that you are alive.

This moment, and who you are, is absolutely perfect.

You are missing nothing, because there is nothing better.

You can breathe, and let go of all that fear of missing out, and be happy with what you have. Be grateful, and each moment think not about what you’re missing, but what you’ve been given.

This past year has been my best ever, because each day I have celebrated my Un-birthday with a smile and warmth in my heart. Today, I celebrate my non-un-birthday, and it is perfect. This moment I have spent talking to you is a gift. Thank you, my friends.

Never say it.

When I was pregnant with Jack (who was known as Cheeseburger at the time), a colleague gave us this advice:

Never say the words "I can't wait until..."

We all do it.

"Oh, this is great, but I can't wait until he's crawling/walking/talking/potty trained/not obsessed with sticking his fingers in the dogs' eyes, etc."

What we're really doing, though, is wishing time away.

"Let's hurry up and get to the next thing.  This is cool, but I am impatient."

That colleague had lost their beloved child.  They showed incredible grace and strength by being excited for and supportive of us, despite their loss.  They gave us that advice because their own experience had put it in harsh relief.

We made a pact to never use those words.  And we do not.

And you know what?  Every second is a joy when you think that way.

Talk soon,
Heather

...and, we're back!

Jack is more excited about this than he looks.  Promise.

A blogging break is a lot like a good nap.  

You think you need it.  You decide to do it.  And when you wake up, you realize how awesome it was.

I've missed you.  I hope the feelings are mutual.  (Ahem.)

Talk to you soon,

Heather

Spring Break

Grown ups don't really get spring break.  That's a bummer.  

But, you know what?  You can kind of take one, if you want.

I'm going to take a wee break from blogging, here and here.  Just a week or so.

In the meantime, Pablo and Lucy remind you to get out there and enjoy the sunshine.

Hope there is spring in your step today,

Heather