Too Much STUFF

There's some exciting things happening for Papa Bear, Baby Bear and me. I can't discuss the details yet, but I will say we have been taking inventory of our life a lot lately. And we have noticed that we have a LOT of STUFF. I don't know how we managed to take what used to fit in a one-bedroom apartment and fill a three-bedroom house. IN LESS THAN A YEAR. But here we are, with more stuff than we could ever need. So, bit by bit, room by room (and let's be honest - "organizer" bin by "organizer" bin) we are on a quest to sell, trade, and donate most of our possessions. 

This quest got me thinking - what's up with all this stuff, and how did we fall "victim" to such consumerism is such a short amount of time? Well, we NEEDED it, DUH. Psh. But seriously, I truly think we should all take inventory of how we contribute to the cycle of STUFF, and how it's impacting our world.

Here's a GREAT (short) film about STUFF: 

Do-overs

The past few days have been ROUGH. Baby Bear wakes from her morning nap around 11/12, then by 1 cannot be left alone (or put down!) without full-on screaming. Eye-rubbing. Choking from crying. Slings and carriers don't work. Nursing only temporarily works. She's sooo tired but just won't sleep. Finally by 6 she's so totally exhausted that she falls asleep. Now, I guess I'm used to this. We spent most of the first 5 months of her life this way. But the screaming had subsided and the sleeping was "under control." I thought I was "in the clear." 

I've been increasingly more impatient and far less forgiving of myself - and the screams. This is not a fun place to be. So, tonight, I decided to remind myself that this is a new moment. Whatever Baby Bear or I did 5 minutes ago is in the past. We get a do-over RIGHT NOW. I cuddled her up, told her I loved her, and waited for her to feel right enough to sleep. Then I opened a book. 

The next chapter in my book was about a canoe trip in the Boundary Waters. It brought back so many memories of a self-care retreat I had taken in the same area. I was reminded of the beautiful women I spent those days with. The beauty that happens when people experience a spiritual and emotional bond. 

I am reminded that there is a "bigger picture" to the smaller moments. Each minute shapes us and connects us. Each moment leaves an imprint. And at the same time, each moment presents a fresh start. A new turn. A different choice. 

Coffee & Kombucha

Papa Bear woke up early this morning to make me breakfast and coffee. It's a good thing, too, considering Baby Bear and I didn't sleep at all last night! (Sidebar: I HATE TEETHING.) I can't seem to drink my coffee fast enough today, which is unfortunate since we use a French press. For those of you who love good coffee but aren't yet familiar with a French press - you're missing out! I admit, it'd be nice sometimes to drink 12 cups of coffee in a row without ever having to clean anything. But the rest of the time, my 1-2 cups are totally worth the extra effort. French presses don't use a filter, and we grind our beans each morning, so my coffee is always super fresh! Pick one up and try it out. 

After jacking myself up on caffeine, I thought it'd be a good idea to get some stuff done. As I rummaged through the closet looking for a hammer and nails, I spotted the SCOBY. I had forgotten about the trade I made last month: SCOBY for a coffee grinder. (Sidebar: I LOVE TRADES.) If you're thinking WTF is a SCOBY, you're probably not alone. A SCOBY is a kombucha starter. I know, WTF is kombucha? For me, it's refreshing amazingness in a bottle. You can read all about it - and learn how to make it - here. 

If you are thinking about kombucha but have never had it, I suggest starting with the store brand. My favorite is GT's. Popular flavors in our house include gingerade, mystic mango, cosmic cranberry, and gingerberry. 

Can't wait to see how this batch turns out! Have you made kombucha before? How do you do it? Do you add anything (like berries or ginger! Mmm)?