Remember that scene...

When Amelie is making dinner all by herself? And she imagines that Nino is coming home to dine with her, and she hears a sound and smiles... but it's just the cat that's making noise?

I kind of feel like Amelie in that moment. Well, just for the last couple of weeks (but no, I don't have a cat). I've been relatively withdrawn and not particularly engaged with any people, places or things. Probably a little bit lonely. Perhaps it's just the month going out like a lamb, or maybe it's a reminder to search for things that pique my interest a little bit more.

I think I'm nostalgic for European getaways and random strolls through Paris, meeting strangers and not quite knowing what's around the corner. See, I always know what's around the corner from my apartment. Well, except I did find out an interesting fella lives just down the street, but but but...who knows.

Well, gotta go. Tonight is all about wine and New York, I Love You. (Sorry, Paris).

xo,

lori

It only takes five minutes

to clean your house.

Well, sort of.

I went to "The Art of Marketing" conference in Toronto last week, and heard from one of the Heath brothers. (They have a column in Fast Company magazine, and have written two books. Yay, brothers!)

Anyways, at one point in their book Switch, they talk about why it's so difficult to clean your house. The task always seems daunting when you put it off too long, but they offered a different way of looking at it. Putting away a dish is not terribly dreadful, but putting away 27 dishes just might be. So the idea is to create small challenges. Set a timer for just five minutes, and start cleaning up. After five minutes, you can stop -- although it's more likely that you'll continue on, and rest easier/happier because you've taken care of your place.

I have guests coming over for the Oscars tonight, but somehow I've lost touch with my ability to properly host a party. My place is still a mess and I haven't picked up alcohol or food. Oops.

Well, I'm going to go set that timer now.

But I better have more than five minutes in me. ; )

xo,

lori

UPDATE: I set it for 10 minute (so ambitious!) and it worked. But then I got bored and took a break. But then set it (again!) for 20 minutes. And then I got bored and came to update my blog. OK, now it's time to set it for 30, and see if I can finish it off. xo.