tools, satisficing, and TH, Dad

1 Sometimes we could use a couple of useful tools: Be a satisficer (work down the list and pick the first option that ticks most of your boxes). Set a timer (15 minutes of researching and then stop). Ask for help. 
2 Satisficing
Satisficing is a decision-making strategy that entails searching through the available alternatives until an acceptability threshold is met. This is contrasted with optimal decision making, an approach that specifically attempts to find the best alternative available. The term satisficing, a combination of satisfy and suffice, was introduced by Herbert A Siminon in 1956. Simon used satisficing to explain the behavior of decision makers under circumstances in which an optimal solution cannot be determined. He pointed out that human beings lack the cognitive resources to optimize: We can rarely evaluate all outcomes with sufficient precision, usually do not know the relevant probabilities of outcomes, and possess only limited memory. Simon formulated the concept within a novel approach to rationality, which takes into account these limitations. 
3 We both enjoy watching the acting skills of Tom Hanks so despite the fact that it was a 3 hour movie we decided to watch Cloud Atlas. It's a good movie but is very difficult to follow for the first hour or so because it's a few stories intertwined not only in theme but with the actors playing multiple roles in a variety of eras. Kudos to the directors for their ability to seamlessly intertwine the stories. Sappy ending but hey it is Tom Hanks.
4 It's been 12 years since my dad has been gone but never forgotten. xo love you dad xo

cookie thief, the psychology of selling, and mindfulness

1 The cookies are disappearing as fast as I can bake them. I haven't seen anyone actually take them from the cookie container but there seems to be a trail of crumbs leading to the patio doors....hmmmm
2 Selling a home is very personal yet impersonal at the same time. If we take the emotions out of it, if we detach and if we focus on the end goal, then we shall succeed.
3 It feels good to think about something else and just be present with this moment. To be mindful.

Mindfulness is defined as being attentive and aware, non-judgementally.

back to bed, confusion, and cake

1 It's a gray and dreary morning so I close my eyes and go back to sleep. When I reawaken it's late, and though it's still gray, the smell of his tea and the sounds he makes invites me to throw back the covers and greet the rest of the morning.
2 The woman on the phone is asking me questions but we aren't on the same page. Eventually we can laugh at our misunderstanding because neither of us had a clue about what the other was asking.
3 Quinoa is the new staple in our house. There's a recipe on Pinterest for a Chocolate Quinoa Cake with coconut cream frosting. Must make this! 

man and woman at work, muddy, grand kidlets, and buds

1 He is power washing the driveway and patios while I start packing up our office. The books are heavy, clothing is light. It's a good combination.
1a His gear and face are covered in mud so when he smiles his teeth seem extra white and even if I didn't want to smile, I do.
2  Each time I lift the cup of coffee to sip, a little face comes into view. The mug is my Grama Christmas mug and it's covered with photos of the grand kidlets.
3 There are buds everywhere on almost every plant. Crocus and tulips are peeking up through the soil. I'm wondering where the rabbits are this year. Usually by now they've had at least one feast.

cruncher, adding it up, and more than a feeling

1 Crunching numbers just isn't such a difficult thing to do when the number cruncher is extremely handsome and sitting across the desk from me.
2 A variety of things get crossed off of my to do list today. But I'm wondering if two things off and five things on really add up?
3 My yoga mat is laid out in front of the fire to warm before practice. As I work through the poses the room itself is heating up from the fire. It's hot, kinda like Bikram yoga. Savasana lulls me into a dreaminess which leaves me feeling warm, relaxed and grounded.

buzzing, listening, and sorting it out

1 We buzz around like bees looking for pollen but in reality we're just doing a quick clean and staging for a showing in the afternoon. The house looks very de-cluttered and depersonalized except the office and bedroom. Those we will do closer to our moving date.
2 It's a radio documentary about a missing WW II veteran and how the family worked through reams of red tape to find his grave. Documentary storytelling on CBC Radio One.
3 The purging has begun...seriously? After all the tossing and reselling and keeping, I wonder what will be left. Just the good stuff!

change in the weather, gas vs wood, a hole in the ground, and eats

1 Saturday starts with blue skies and sunshine but by early afternoon the fog has moved in and it's misty and cold. Inside we sip our coffees while we warm our toes by the fire. He takes his black, mine comes with cream and sugar. I guess opposites reallly do attract, at least at our coffee bar.
2 The new home has a gas fireplace instead of a wood stove. What a change this will be for us because we've always had a wood stove and have enjoyed going out for our firewood, chopping, stacking and burning, oh and the picnic part. Guess we'll just have to turn on the switch.
2a In lieu of a wood stove, we've agreed to build a fire pit in our backyard! Izzy loves campfires so it all makes perfect sense. mmm Smores!! I bet Kes will love those more!
3 Hot and Sour Soup along with a light Quinoa salad for dinner.