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Wednesday, December 16, 2009

What Really Matters

This is me giving my cramping hand a break writing Christmas cards that I should've written {and mailed} weeks ago. If I send them out soon, they may just arrive before 2010. Better late than never?

 Scarf worn here, Cardi and Buckle Headband - Century 21
and a pack of Gummi Bears for sustenance

Some of you may have seen my Christmas wish list {thank you, Jaime}, which I never actually shared with S. But apparently I didn't have to - 
the other night, he asked "hey...which Cartier watch did you want?" 
I answered him. 
A little too quickly, I think. 
But just as quickly, reminded him that it's what I would want if money wasn't an object. That being said, could we afford to go get me one right now? Sure, why not? Our credit card says we can. Are there better things we could spend our money on? Um, yeah. About 247 other things. So he asked what I did want since I was obvioulsy making money an object. I couldn't think of a thing. Other than #5 on my wish list of course, and although the name may fool you, you can't actually pick one up from Babies "R" Us. What gives? Toys "R" Us, clearly sells toys and if I opened up Cakes "R" Us, I think there'd be an uproar if I didn't sell cakes. Anyhoots, that leaves me back to not really wanting anything. Maybe a manicure that'll last?

Besides, I've haven't had time to think of what I might want. Like most of you, I've been inundated with shopping lists, presents to wrap, cards to write, packages to send, homes to visit, Christmas dinners to plan/host/attend/bail on, etc. etc. etc. Frankly, I don't think I'll get to everything I mean to. Actually, I'm pretty sure I won't. My heart is in the right place but there's just not enough hours in a day. And that leaves me feeling unsettled.

But when I watch this, 
I'm reminded that
the things I have yet to do, 
the things I may have time to do,
and the things I know I won't have a chance to
...really don't matter {so much}.
And that unless I stop focusing on trivial things, 
I'm going to miss out on what really does.
xx Ela

38 comments:

  1. Ela, what a wonderful video... I love it.

    I give a lot of gifts during Christmas but I've passed that stage when I was expecting a lot of gifts for myself. I used to have a very long Christmas wish list around 5 years ago. Then suddenly, my perspective changed. It's not about me anymore, it's about what I can give to others to share my blessings.

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  2. love the video ella. merry merry xmas sweetie!!! =D

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  3. You look so adorable!
    yes on Gummi Bears please...
    I struggle with the real meaning/spirit of Christmas sometimes...~Lovely video!
    xo

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  4. the scarf!!! bwahhhhhh!!! now i can be ela-foed too. haha.

    don't worry about feeling crazy busy. i think that's how most of us feel right now. it's called holiday mode which encompasses a whole mess of emotions.

    i'll be sending you some holiday love soon too. i'm hoping you get it before the ball dropped but if not...don't be mad ;)

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  5. Oh Elly Welly you are so cute. "Half an outfit?" AHAHA.

    We're all crazy and I think...in Christmas card hell?? Jk. Love it. Love love love...well, the last 4 or so cards I did-A. I hope the postman can figure out my chicken scratch and actually deliver them to the write house and B. I hope when they read it they aren't like "WHO"?...cuz my hand was shaking by that time...

    Ok. Fun story over. Thank you for the reminder of what is REALLY important. I needed it. Love you.

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  6. Um. Whoa.

    "WRITE HOUSE"

    RIGHT HOUSE. Ewww I hate that.

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  7. mt cards are always late too. Hope this year they make it on time. hhhii. lovely tree!

    merry Christmas ela!

    I am Denise Katipunera

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  8. I feel your pain about the xmas cards... but cartier... oh man, he's a keeper!

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  9. what a sweet little post, hope your wish list comes true hun (all of them) :)

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  10. Hi sweetie, I've been busy with the cards, too. You know, you are right about the material things vs important things. As much as I like an idea of a present (and who doesn't) I don't really think much about gifts any more... I know I can buy things when I need them, but these days, especially around Christmas, I'd rather have my mum and dad with me as well as my best best friends who I missed badly and would give so much just to be able to give (and receive) a hug and spend a day and a sleepless night talking and laughing together.

    Have a wonderful day!

    xxx

    P.S. You look so beautiful on this picture and I really like your room, the tree and the fireplace.

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  11. :)
    i needed this so much you have no idea. i was in such a funk yesterday and when i stopped to think why it was because... i haven't writtena ll my christmas cards, i still need to chrsitmas shop, i need to pack for my trip, my rooms a mess, and i have limited money. but you just reminded me what the real meaning of everything is so thank you:) i need you in my life for real to keep me in line! well have a great day gorgeous, lots of love!

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  12. I love that picture of you!! You are so pretty and sweet. :)
    I am now obsessed with there being a Cakes R Us. Omg. That would be like my dream come true. A giant cake bakery...yummy. Anyway, I digress.
    I hope you get EVERYTHING you want this year. You really deserve it. I think you are the kindest and most giving person on the planet. Maybe even the universe (because even if there are other planets, I doubt there is an alien as awesome as you!).

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  13. Your tree looks so purty as do you!

    I agree about Babies R Us. Almost like false advertising. And if you did open a Cakes R Us. I would one of your first customers. I lurve cake like nobody's business.

    Funny Story- One night I was craving cake and I told Kristian that I wished there was a place that just sold cakes that I could go buy one from and his response "There is, it's called a bakery" D'Oh! haha

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  14. I know EXACTLY how you feel. I feel like there isn't enough time in the day to get even a fraction of what I need to done.

    I think that's great that your hubs wanted to get you the watch you've been wanting but you're right. It's the thought that counts the most!

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  15. Back pocket... open and ready for you! You're so cute.

    There most certainly isn't enough time in the day. I get it. Totally.

    Love you darling.

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  16. I must watch the video at home (not at work, hehe). Ohhh well I hope S does get you that watch :) And I still am hoping for your #5! xo

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  17. yea! you look so pretty and relaxed in this photo!! Wow so goreous! I have to watch that home video when I get home from work today :) Sending cards is my fav. part of the holidays, I usually send mine out super early cuz I get so excited. lol

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  18. Gorgeous! I love your leopard scarf!

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  19. My Christmas cards are tres unnattractive given the fact that I've virtually forgotten how to write - I type far too much!!!

    And late is far better than never...who doesn't want a Christmas card in January to pull them out of the after-holiday blues??!! :)

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  20. Aw, that vid was beautiful. I got teary-eyed.

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  21. Hi Ela!!! You look like Audrey Hepburn in your Christmas card pic- gorgeous!
    And I know exactly how you feel. The first thing to go for me is the blog (hence the lack of posts of late)- this season is wonderful, but I never feel like I have enough time to enjoy it- le sigh.
    (And- as per usual :) - you have me rolling on the floor at your witicisms! Babies R Us is such a tease.

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  22. I couldn't agree more, it is hard to just take a deep breath and just take Christmas time in. I think I have been getting wrapped up {ha ha literally} in so many things I need to do. So thanks for the reminder and yes I think you need to have your hubby get you an amazing mani that lasts! XO!

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  23. P.S. giveaway at my place if you like Cold Plasma. ;)

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  24. Ugh I really need to mail out my Christmas cards! I'm so behind on it!

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  25. I'm on my phone, so I can't see the video, but you sure look cute writing those cards. And hey, spend your money on whatever you want; that's the point of disposable income!

    You havethe best smile.

    xo

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  26. Though I'm not Mormon (Baptist) I still love that video. :) I don't really expect much, it's just nice to happen to get things at this time of year, for me, really.

    I never send out Christmas cards...
    Too much work. :P

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  27. that scarf is gorgeous!! i love holiday cards :)

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  28. I haven't had any Christmas wishes for quite a while now. It just gets to the point where you're expected to give material things and request them, which isn't really the whole point of Christmas. Way too commercialized... some people might as well call it "present day" (and unless you're a kid, that's pretty lame). For me it's definitely all about family. It's one of the few times during the year I get to see them all. Hope you have a lovely end-of-week!

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  29. I love that video. I needed a reminder of what the true meaning of Christmas is. We are so lucky to have the knowledge we do Ela! Thank you for sharing this.

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  30. Love that you consider Gummi Bears as sustenance!

    Nina

    PS What a great video!

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  31. great vid. you look great and wow that is one professional looking christmas tree you got!! I love how you decorate it- it's def you, not S that decorated it, right?! LOL! Yeah this christmas I only asked for a camera. Digital SLR- If I only ask for 1 thing then I have to get it right?! LOL

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  32. your tree is so stylish. i think it's about the thought but if you really want a Cartier and you guys can deal with the ticket price why not. i so need to get my x-mas cards out too..... working on it today sigh.....

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  33. i can't wait until this holiday season is over. and that is all wrong! wrong! i need to get into the spirit of things fast -- real fast!

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  34. Yes! better late than never with those xmas cards ;) I am still working on mine! Love your lip gloss!

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  35. We spent pretty much the whole Sunday afternoon wrapping presents and writing cards! The hubby was so insistent to have them sent ASAP while I was OK to send them even after Christmas, hehe. Technically, tradition says it's ok to give presents until the Feast of the 3 Kings! That's my convenient excuse for being lazy.

    Wishing you get everything your little heart desires, and in particular, wish #5...

    Have a happy holidays to you and S. Merry Christmas!! =)

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Penny for your thoughts?
Hmm...let's make that an I.O.U ;)

xx Ela