Buddy Roller's New Hobby

We were browsing around the bookstore one day, when we stumbled onto one of Buddy Roller's newest hobbies...

On the Proposal

Since today is National Proposal Day, I'm reminiscing about The Hubs proposing to me almost 14 years ago...

On Taking on a New Last Name

Before I was Alicia Laman Cooke, I was Alicia Yolanda Laman!!!

I've always hated (sorry mom!) my middle name. So. When I got married, I was delighted at the chance to get rid of it, keep my maiden name as my middle, and take on The Hubs' name.

This got me thinking, though, not every marriage brings with it...the perfect new last name. Am I right, or am I right?

The Art of Writing a Thank You Card

There are thank you cards. And then there are thank you cards.

I received the most beautiful handwritten thank you card last week after attending a baby shower for a colleague of mine.  Her kind and thoughtful words reminded me how to write a thank you card....the right way.

Advice for My Pre-Married Self

In a recent post on marriage, I gave a rather lame answer on what advice I would give my pre-married self. You can read about it here.

We all know that marriage is a ton of work. No duh! And. After giving it some serious thought, here's what I should have said...

Why It's Not a Good Idea to Write at Night

 I was beginning to think I was going to have writer's block every day. I had all these great ideas to write about, but at the end of the day, late at night, when I began to blog...I couldn't find the words. Any words...

On Creativity

As a mom, I know I have a smart kid. And I'm not saying that to brag or anything. I mean which mom doesn't think her kid is smart?  I've invested a lot of time in my son, making sure he's learning, he's reading, he's well grounded, he's kind and respectful, and he's surrounded by the right people who can influence him positively.

But there's just one area where I think I may have fallen short...

Spring Has Sprung!

I know spring doesn't officially get here for another week, but you can't tell that to us Atlantans. Spring has already sprung here in the A-T-L ya'll!!!

Buddy Roller are I are totally soaking up the warm rays that have already made their way here. We had some much needed mother-son time due to a day off from school on Friday (thank you!), and we did what we love most. We slept in (thank you again!!) and met with some friends for a play date at the park...then we moseyed on over to the bookstore and had a frozen treat (thank you, thank you!!!) with all the yummy toppings.

Happy almost spring!

The Thing About Bookstores

On a day when I have nothing planned, I love going to the bookstore. There's just something about browsing hundreds and hundreds of new books that gets me excited every time!

And.  It seems I always discover something new every time I'm there...

What I've Been Listening to Everyday

I've been listening to this CD every morning on my way to work, and whenever I'm in the car by myself. Like the title says, it's 101 ways to really transform your life. The late Dr. Wayne Dyer gives 101 easy and simple ways to change your life. It's calming, full of wisdom, and it's a great way to start any day. 

I've found Dr. Dyer's advice particularly useful in finding peace everyday and especially in resolving conflict.  If you're like me and searching for inner peace and battling the millions of thoughts that enter your mind each day,  these 101 ways may really be helpful for you. 

Here are a few examples:

Number 7 - 

"Write down this ancient truth and reread it on a daily basis.  When you seek happiness for yourself, it will always elude you.  When you seek happiness for others, you will find it yourself."

Number 11 - 

"Lighten your material load starting today.  As you do so, less energy is spent hoarding, and insuring, and moving, and polishing, and so on.  The less attracted you are to your possessions, and the more you are able to share them with others unconditionally, the more peaceful your life will be."

Number 28 - 

"Make a daily effort to look upon others without condemnation.  Every judgment takes you away from your goal of peace. Keep in mind that you do not define anyone with your judgment, but only define yourself as someone who needs to judge."

Number 30  - 

"When you have the choice to be right or to be kind, always choose kind.  Remember that you have that choice in all of your daily interactions."

You can listen to the entire CD for free if you sign up for Dr. Dyer's weekly newsletter here.  I would love to hear what you think.

Wedded Wednesday - Each One Teach One

One of the perks of being married to The Hubs is that he makes me a better person.  Even though the truth can sometimes hurt, he's never been afraid to tell me when I've messed up.  And ya'll, I've messed up many times. And you know what, I appreciate that about him. Who wants to be married to someone who never keeps you accountable, or who's always tiptoeing around your emotions afraid to get you upset. Not me.

One of the ways I'm learning from The Hubs is through his generosity. Whether it's time, doing good deeds, being kind, he's always giving. Take last weekend for example. He arranged for us to make some sandwiches to feed the homeless. And this isn't the first time he's done this either. He bought all the groceries and supplies, and then all three of us worked together to get everything ready.  I love that he's leading by example, and I love that Buddy Roller is right in the midst learning too.

Here are some pictures if you'd like to see...

On Baby Love

What is it about holding a newborn baby...okay any baby...that makes me just want to have one all over again?

Conversations with Roller

Last night as Buddy Roller was reading, for 20 minutes, before bedtime, on the iPad (a daily requirement from his teacher, Mr. Farley, and me too, I might add), The Hubs interrupted him to ask a quick question.

On My First Car

I've only had four my entire life, and selling my second one this week has got me reminiscing about my very first one...

What I'd Like for Dinner Tonight

A ginger, lime, and honey seltzer from W.H. Stiles Fish Camp.

What I'm Reading Now for Young Adults

A few weeks ago, one of my colleagues left me this book, in my mailbox, at school. It was such a sweet unexpected surprise because I love reading.

This school year, I've read a couple of young adult books geared towards girls between the age of 12 and 18. I guess somehow reading these books is sort of a reminder of what girls this age are interested in. It's kind of helping me relate more to my middle school students.

Here are some of the books I've read this year if you'd like to see...

On Dressing up at School

Two Halloweens Ago

How do you feel about your child dressing up at school?