Friday, October 29, 2010

The Years Are Short

Every once in awhile I watch this video as a reminder that today is THE day (Kleenex is optional). It’s all you’ve got. “They days are long, but the years are short, ” So says Gretchen Rubin creator of the video and author of “The Happiness Project.” 

My interpretation: Don’t miss all of the blessings that are right in front of your face because you are annoyed by the clogged toilet and/or crutches and are distracted by the ten million things you think you have to do. Stop for a second. Take it all in. Give thanks.

And then make your dad ride the cripple cart at Costco because if you have to do it, he should too.

poppicart

See the lady in the way back in the red shirt? That is my mom. Moments before this picture was taken, she rushed off saying, “I don’t want any part of this.” My whole life she has hated getting her picture taken. I obviously did not get that gene. Neither did my dad.

At 43 years old, it’s fun to go to Costco with your mom and dad because you are injured and can’t go alone. Good thing I like my parents as much as I do because we’ve had a lot of quality time together lately. Nobody takes care of you like your mom and dad. They saw me cross the finish line when I BQ’d and they’ve helped pick up the pieces when I’m down.

crying

momdadme2

Giving thanks and remembering the years are short,

SUAR

34 comments:

  1. Awww. I'm so glad your parents are a big help and your dad participated in the hilarity. That's a good set of parents :-)

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  2. That video and this blog post may or may not have made me cry. Thanks a lot.

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  3. omg i want to ride the cripple cart hahah! you have awesome parents :)

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  4. Why ya gotta get me all sappy so early in the morning!!!! :)

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  5. So glad they are there for you, I am very close to my parents and always feel badly for those who are not. And a dad that will ride in a cripple cart with you - SWEET!

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  6. What a great post to read with my coffee this morning! And a great reminder to get off this thing and go play with my kids since their years are short too! :) Love the pictures.

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  7. Lovely post. Loved the quote at the beginning.

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  8. Great tribute to mom and dad! Love that your dad totally played along.

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  9. Great post (and point). I miss my mom every day and wish I could take back time. Now, I cherish my dad as much as I possibly can. Parents are the best. Why we can't realize that when we're 16 I'll never know.

    And I LOVE that your dad rode the cart with you!!

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  10. Great post! I think of my dad everyday. And I am thankful that my mom is still with us.
    No one can take care of you like your parents!

    I agree with trailmomma, why does it take so long to realize that?

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  11. Nice job getting your mom in the pic! Maybe that could be a project for you - ask for her help and then get as many photos as you can - "It's for the kids, Mom!"

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  12. Your dad is so handsome! Mama's a looker too...

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  13. Enjoy your parents (as you do). I miss mine terribly.

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  14. Such great pictures. I love the one with you and your mom... makes me want to hug my mom right now. Your dad is too cute!

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  15. The only thing that matters is happiness, the only thing.

    Dana

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  16. What a great reminder! And your dad is adorable!!! It's such a blessing to have supportive parents.

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  17. Well that is just the coolest thing ever! Your parents are great.

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  18. Yay for Mom & Dad! Super sweet post. :)

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  19. I think so highly of my parents and their support through the years. Last race I did I hid a bouquet of flowers in some shrubs on the side of the road so that before I crossed the finish line, I grabbed the flowers and gave them to mom standing at the finish line to say thanks!!! Parents are the GREATEST!!!

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  20. You are making me all sorts of weepy today but I have to thank you for this post. I watched the video right before I mixed up sugar cookies with my 2 & 5 yr olds. Watching the video made it possible for me to just have fun with them and not get all stressed about the flour all over the counter or my 2 yr old licking the leftover sugar out of the measuring cup.

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  21. I bet your parents are a ton of fun just like you! Glad they live closeby to help you out!

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  22. What a great post! It's so true. Too often I get bogged down with all the things I need to do, and forget to just enjoy the time I have with my little ones. Thanks for reminding me of what's really important!

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  23. Aww that is sweet...not the cart, the love you have for your parents...well the cart is pretty sweet too...and I love that your mom is off hiding in the background. Classic!

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  24. you are truly blessed to have awesome parents. And I'm very sure they feel blessed to have you as a daughter as well. =)

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  25. LOVE it! Great post! Love the pics!

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  26. love it....i really hope i get into the nyc tri bc i am making my parents watch me.....

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  27. SU&R said: "Nobody takes care of you like your mom and dad."

    I love this. Nobody.

    Thank you for this. That photo of you and your dad brought tears to my eyes. My mom is amazing --- but dad's I don't know. For me there is something about a dad's hug that is different than a hug from ANYONE else.

    GREAT POST.

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  28. I was hoping for something like the kitchen/chair/woohoo video again, not this teary stuff.

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  29. Love that your parents are still a big part of your life. Mine too and I know I am so lucky. Thanks for the reminder!

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  30. i love hanging out with my parents! i'm glad i'm not the only one!

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  31. why is it that ever time I come here to visit you I may or may not leave in tears ;-)
    Great post!

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  32. LOVE THIS! Even though I'm 30, my parents are still my biggest supporters next to my hubbs. Glad you're still able to have fun despite those damn crutches!

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  33. Your parents seem AWESOME! And I absolutely love that picture of you with your hat in your face because of your congratulatory hug!

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