The Tao of Martha Read Online Free PDF

the power went off, we were caught completely unaware. We had to run out and buy everything—ice, coolers, flashlights, etc., and I hadn’t had the foresight to keep any of my electronics charged. I hated the insecure feeling of not even being able to make a call because our mobile phones were dead and our landlines required electricity to work. (In addition? Not being able to Google to settle a stupid bet on whether Paul Michael Glaser played Starsky or Hutch is torture!) (Duh, he was Starsky.) Since then, we’ve made sure to be prepared, and that feeling of security is a key component to happiness, at least for me.
    I spent so much of 2011 trying to act like an adult, I forgot to have fun. I wasn’t silly. I eschewed irreverence. I was too mature for foolishness. Like I said, I don’t remember having any hands-in-the-air “WOO!” moments last year. I imagine last year would have gone differently had I simply played more.
    I enjoy the process of learning, and I didn’t take many opportunities to expand my horizons last year. I spent most of 2009 and part of 2010 working on My Fair Lazy , and in it, I tried so many new things, like going to the theater and wine tastings and cooking classes. I kept up many of these activities long after I finished writing the book. I was in perpetual motion for the longest time and I loved it, but somehow I didn’t keep the momentum going once we moved in 2011. Although I don’t need to be in a classroom, per se, I definitely want to be a student again.
    The above point dovetails into my next parameter—there’s nothing I enjoy more than leisure time after having been busy. There’s no greaterfeeling than getting to sit down and relax after having plowed through all my to-do items. I’m not sure I accomplished much in 2011; ergo, my downtime didn’t feel like a reward.
    Having once been broke, and having learned the importance of a cash reserve for unexpected expenses like multiple dog surgeries, I’d like to up our level of fiscal responsibility this year, too. I want to be less wasteful, more mindful. I hate being banged with late fees when I don’t get around to paying something on time, even though I actually have the money in my account. That’s unacceptable. Plus, I want to be thriftier so that I can afford to be more charitable, because I realize it’s not all about me.
    Speaking of charity, I spent a whole year volunteering, as I’d hoped to write a book about the experience. Although the memoir didn’t pan out, I have such an appreciation for the value of extending myself, my time, and my effort. Being helpful makes me happy, in whatever capacity that may entail, so I definitely want to bring more of that to the party.
    In terms of which of Martha’s dictates I’ll pursue, I need to narrow my focus on a few areas. I can’t do everything she suggests, because that would be impossible. Since I’ve already established my desire for a less chaotic home, I’m definitely embracing the notions of organizing and cleaning, with a dash of decorating thrown in, because I swear there’s nothing more soul-satisfying and therapeutic than rearranging a room.
    And, of course, I want to make sure the four-legged members of this household are copacetic, so I’ll also focus on ways to keep pets as happy and healthy as possible.
    A few years ago, I was broiling naked pork chops within an inch of their lives and then slathering them in store-bought, MSG-laden barbecue sauce. Although my culinary skills have come a long way since then, I’d like to continue to evolve as a home chef, so cooking will definitely be a consideration.
    I thrive when I’m around people I enjoy, so I’m absolutely going to concentrate on entertaining, with the goal of actually spending time with my guests, rather than just functioning as a glorified caterer.
    Until now, I’d forgotten that when I was unemployed, I used to make jewelry and tile mosaics. Both of those activities really took me out of