1. Quote I’ve been pondering this week “Somewhere something incredible is about to be known” – Sharon Begley
2. We haven’t had a TV or internet connection for 3 weeks now (we still don’t). Last week our 5 year old asked to watch a DVD, so we set it up and he watched a Lego animated short. He’s happy with our situation, he watches a Lego short each day and then carries on with his non-passive play. We’ve not given him a device or introduced him to technology as a pacifier to boredom or emotions (and we don’t plan to). As time goes by I’m more thankful for this decision, as growing evidence continues to show the negative impact it’s likely to have into adulthood. Check out this recent article if you’re concerned or have problems with technology addiction and children.
3. Largest purchase – Once there is Danish Krone in our bank account (in the next few days) we’ve decided to buy this family bike. We’re going car free, so soon we’ll be carting the kiddos around in their front bucket and able to carry the shopping + dog too, amazing!
4. It was fathers day on Sunday. This article describes the change society is having regarding fatherhood and one line says it all for me “Dad’s don’t babysit (it’s called “parenting”)?”
I only really knew my father over the course of 10 years before he died. Up until that time he’d been an enigmatic man, rarely existing in my life. So I made the most of being with him when I could, which I’m grateful for. Between the age of 23 and 33 I visited him often, at his home near Seattle. I learned about his struggles with fatherhood after divorce as well as spent time with his new family (he remarried). Learning about him was a joy and at 24 he was the person I gave my first conscious hug to.
5. Sleepmaster – I’ve mentioned this before and want to mention it again as its revolutionary, yet simple design is helping me sleep. Here in Denmark it’s currently light until around 11pm and the sun shines through the blinds at 3:30am, so having something to stop my body thinking it’s time to rise before 5am is a godsend. Tim Ferriss advocated for it on his podcast, and a friend recommended it to me, I’ll be eternally grateful!