How do we do this? How, in the midst of the constant realm of electronic (and immediate) media, do we choose to be intentional with our actual lives? Versus the most recently updated Facebook status, Twitter streams and DVR'd latest episodes of the most popular TV shows?
I don't have an answer, but I'm trying to make my way.
I'm realizing the moments that make up our day . . . the days that make up our lives? They are the ones that matter. They create the sum total.
My sum total? I want . . . no, I need to equal family + friends + community + service + God + faith + good + honorable + generous.
The word problem and final equation of me should be, no must be . . .
AMY = FAMILY + FRIENDS + COMMUNITY + SERVICE + GOD + FAITH + GOOD + HONORABLE + GENEROUS + LOVING
Yes, Facebook and Twitter and my iPhone and my iPad and my iMac and my blog and my DVR and my email and my text messages and my busyness and my Photoshop. . . they all play a part in that equation.
BUT . . . they don't play the central role.
The central role is relationship. I can't focus on relationship (with my spouse, my children, my friends, my community), if I'm constantly listening for my phone to "ping" or for my email to "ding". Sometimes that Ding or Ping helps create a bridge to community, children, friends, spouse . . . but a lot of times (most of the time?) it destroys that bridge.
Today I met with a dear friend and talked about the details of the service to honor and remember her husband. The father of her children.
Today I took Halle out to the "big backyard" and pushed her on the swing for 20 minutes.
Today I took Dylan to Target and rode the cart like a scooter and held his hand and skiped through the aisles and talked about STDs. (It's Sex Ed week at school!)
Today I was so proud of Halle as she conquered her fear of the dentist and got X-Rays and fluoride and an exam with minimal tears.
Today I basically decided that the pediatrician could piss off (she determined that allergy testing wasn't important and that we might never know what caused Halle's severe reaction on Monday).
Today I was relived that we already have an appointment with the allergist.
Today I Photoshopped a photo to include with an obituary.
Today I decided that along with annual exams? The doctor should require a simple (yet high resolution) head shot. Photoshopping the ferry background out of an obituary photo will make you consider such policies!
Today I promised my daughter that I would read her two books a day. No excuses.
Today I cracked up (outloud) at Modern Family.
Today I made plans (via text) to spend a day with Halle's Godmother.
All of these meanderings lead me to what's at the center.
FAMILY + FRIENDS + COMMUNITY + SERVICE + GOD + FAITH + GOOD + HONORABLE + GENEROUS + LOVING
I'm focusing. How can technology help me work towards the center? How can it distract me from my dream? Ironicaly? It all comes back to my "One Word" words . . . BALANCE and WHOLENESS. Bring it.

Although. let's be clear, Balance and Wholeness aside . . . I'm damn good at creating an obituary photo from a snapshot taken on the ferry. If necessary.