The Book Purge

The book purge. 

My love affair with books probably started around the age of nine. Nancy Drew was my gateway into the world of books. Regular trips to the library with my Dad were a regular part of my childhood. Each time I move to a new community acquiring my library card is high on my to do list. 

As the years have gone by I have collected hundreds of books. Often times I've picked them up for a fraction of their cost, but even so I really wonder how much I have spent on books over the years?  Even if you only purchase a handful each year, multiply that by years and years, and what you end up with is your own bookmobile sized library at your home. 

Last night I made a major purge of my books. What I had realized was just like my CD and DVD collection, I had so many books that I didn't even know what I had. Basically my books sat on a shelf waiting to be packed again, and moved by someone of Herculean strength because of their sheer weight. 

I plan on donating them to the library because I know often times they sell them to other bibliophiles at their yearly book sale to help raise funds. The sad thing is that before our last move I donated a huge amount of books to the Frisco library, and a large amount of children's books to my retired teacher's organization. Apparently, that only made a dent in my collection. 

Along with the book purge I also did a CD purge. Now I understand that just like eight track tapes I'm still holding on to a dying technology, but they too had basically sat on a shelf  collecting dust. With the addition of Alexa to the family soon I'm sure our music listening habits will be changing. 

It's interesting, though, how what starts out as one or two, over time can become a hundred. I think from now on I'm going to check my books out from the library, or if I do buy a new one let another one go. I did try using a Kindle several years back, but I missed the feel of a real book, and I never really had a clear sense of much was left to read to get to the end.  

Purging through the too much stuff we own is feeling pretty cathartic, and I'm quite pleased at how the house is turning out. 

The Queen of Hearts

The Queen of Hearts. 

A teaching friend of mine posted an adorable picture of her son dressed as a cow for his first grade program. I've enjoyed watching her son grow up over the years, and thought about all the wonderful memories they were making. 

I couldn't help but be reminded of my own daughter's first grade program over twenty years ago. She had been sick with a terrible case of the chicken pox. Back then the vaccine was new, and I was hesitant about vaccinating her. It hadn't been determined how long it would work, and I knew that having the chicken pox was much worse as an adult. 

As an elementary school teacher chicken pox was a regular occurance each spring for my students so I wasn't too concerned. Except, I had never been on the parent end of the disease. I felt absolutely horrible for Brittany. She was miserable, and ended up missing seven days of school. The only real relief she got was when I would run the blow dryer on the cool setting over her skin. 

Prior to her outbreak Chuck had been teaching her how to ride her bike. Predictably she had fallen several times, and had a few pretty good scabs on her elbows. So between the scabs and the chicken pox she really looked a mess. 

It was right about then as she was returning to school that the first grade program about Mother Goose was scheduled. I decide that since Brittany already owned a Belle costume from Halloween that all I would have to do was add some red felt hearts, and she could be The Queen of Hearts for the program. 

However,  I hadn't counted on her some what revealing costume showing all the scabs and pock marks. God love her, but she really looked awful. I kept thinking that someone was going to turn us into the authorities for neglect. Now the wonderful thing about being six is that all you can concentrate on is how beautiful your Belle dress is.  So needless to say, Brittany had a blast, and we had one of those parent moments as we watched our baby girl sing her heart out. 

It really does all go by so quickly in retrospect, so my advice to anyone with little ones, both children and grandchildren, is treasure each moment. 

Thinking Outside the Box

Thinking outside the box. 

I am "litterly" challenged when it comes to thinking outside of the box. I am definitely fixed on the traditional use or way of doing something. 

As a teacher I had spent years stapling bulletin board paper flat to the board as

it was intended, but was completely blown away when a young whipper snapper took the paper and twisted it resulting in a 3D effect. Who knew you could do such a  thing?

Another teacher closer to my own age had the audacity to take a free standing clothes locker and turn it on its end to make a bookshelf. My world was rocked by the possibilities, and I knew that left to my own devises I would never have considered it for any other purpose than its original one. 

Since moving into the house I've had two aha moments when it comes to thinking in a different way. One of the features included in our kitchen is a pull-out trash area. It is large enough to accommodate both trash and recycling. I measured the area, and then made a trip to Walmart to purchase two bins that would fit. When I got home I placed them both in the traditional direction of a regular trash can similar to the one we had at our last house. Although, it was tight, they both seemed to fit. Later that night as I was perusing Pinterest I saw a similar set up, except the trash cans were facing a totally different direction. Never in my wildest dreams would I have considered placing them that way, but voila they fit perfectly. 

That same day I had also purchased a special mat that was supposed to catch cat litter resulting in a less messy area. At the apartment I had placed the litter box in one direction based on the space available. When I set up the litter box in the laundry room I did it exactly the same way.  Except, when I checked the next day the cat had exited the box from a different direction, and had left behind a trail of litter granuals. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks that I needed to turn the box around so the cat had a larger area in which to enter. 

I realized then that although, I have a mind like a steel trap when it comes to gps type directions, I'm definitely challenged when it comes to anything spatial. For years the Xerox machine was my nemesis when it came to double sided copying. 

All in all, though, I did get a good laugh out of my obviously lack of out of the "litter box" thinking!

Let there be Light

                                             
                                              Let there be light. 

Well apparently I've been living in the dark for the last year. Now I knew that my apartment had little natural light, and that the artificial light was lacking, but it wasn't until we moved to our new house that I realized how bad it was. 

Poor lighting, and diminishing eye sight all contribute to more challenging housekeeping. I've realized also that I have to rely on my intermediate readers in order to efficiently sweep the floor. Oh vey! I can only imagine the struggle twenty more years down the road!

With that being said, I am loving all the natural light that is flooding through my windows. I've always been motivated by sunshine, and my nesting instincts are kicking in. I'll be doing a lot of dusting, and scrubbing now that I can actually see. 

I'll be honest, housework is not something I naturally gravitate toward, but I do like an orderly home. Just like exercise can require some discipline, loading the dishwasher before bed requires the same commitment. 

My sweet sister and a high school friend of mine both gave me permission not to overdo when it comes to getting the house company ready. I've already made a Walmart run to pick up a few things needed for the house. However, it does feel good to take a little break, and write a post. 

Mission Accomplished

Mission accomplished! 

Moving in the sixth decade of life is not for the feint of heart. The mind may be willing, but the body ain't what it used to be. 

We had arranged for movers to move the heavy stuff, and naively or perhaps stupidly assumed we could handle the rest. In fact, we even turned down a gracious offer from our son-in-law thinking it wouldn't be worth his over two hour drive to help us move what we thought were just a few things. 

What we hadn't counted on was the sheer number of stuff that needed to be moved. I feel like a decluttering hypocrite, because as I confessed the other day we had way more stuff than I thought, and I had also underestimated how much help we really needed.

I did most of the packing, but poor Chuck did all of the heavy lifting, and the loading and unloading of the truck from the apartment to the house several times over. I spent the majority of my time unpacking and setting up the kitchen and pantry in addition to cleaning up the apartment. Let's just say that my Fit Bit is registering 19,000 steps as I write this, not to mention the 13,000 steps from the day before. 

I've definitely got my work cut out for me this week, and I will need to pace myself. However, I'm excited to get this house looking like a home. After spending a year in an apartment I had forgotten about how quiet a house can be. No more noisy upstairs neighbors for us, unless a family of squirrels decides to move into the attic. 

Possible

Possible.

A quote by author Matthew Kelly caught my eye the other day. "We gravitate toward what is manageable, rather than imagining what is possible." 

I'm a really good manager. This move is a perfect example of my logistical skills, and actually that really isn't such a bad thing. However, I think settling for good management, and losing sight of the possibilities makes for a life half lived. 

As you go through your day today try to imagine a possibility or two that would make your life richer. I'll be busy moving and settling in to our new home this weekend which in itself is full of possibilities.

Clutter Confession

Clutter confession.

Well apparently I've been living in the land of denial, and I don't mean Egypt. I've been packing for the last few days, and as my stack of boxes has grown I've come to the conclusion that I must have been kidding myself that I had actually decluttered. 

I suppose as most things it really is quite relative. The amount of stuff found in Buckingham Palace, of course, is much more that what I owned at my last house. However, after getting rid of a myriad of possessions, apparently I didn't get rid of enough. 

Once again through organization, and smoke and mirrors I've given the illusion of fewer possessions in my two bedroom apartment. I kept priding myself on my not so crowded living space, but if truth be known every nook, cranny, dresser drawer, and closet was jam packed. 

I keep thinking about those ever present internet articles assuring us that our Millennial children are not interested in our treasures, so why are we holding on to them? Once again I'm pretty sure I'll be doing another purge once we move into the new house. 

Of course, that will be after my sore back recovers.

A Little "Purrsonal" Time

A little "purrsonal" time. 

Our cat, Abby, is a cat who knows what she likes; not only what, but more importantly who. She has made it clear that Chuck is her favorite person, and she insists that he makes room for her in his arms, not only in the evening, but at lunch as well. 

Since we have been in the apartment, Chuck has had the luxury of coming home for lunch. I'm actually going to miss this when we move, because the new house is just a little too far from his work to continue doing so. 

Besides me I'm thinking the cat will miss this visit even more. Each day she patiently waits as Chuck eats his lunch. However, when he brings his dishes into the kitchen she proceeds with a laser-like stare as she watches his every move. She then makes her way over to his recliner, and waits for him to sit down. At that moment she jumps up into his lap for a little "purrsonal" time. 

She is literally in "cat heaven" and if given the chance would spend all day in her father's arms. Unfortunately, I don't think Chuck's boss would buy into a cat related excuse for his tardiness. Animals are interesting as they make their preferences known. I'll do in a pinch, but if given a choice Chuck will always be her favorite.

Roughing It

Roughing it. 

Well the countdown has begun, and we will be moving later this week. We had the good fortune of being able to gift our living room furniture to some close friends of our daughter and son-in-law. They came by yesterday, and loaded up a trailer full of furniture. 

I wasn't exactly sure what we would do for living room seating in the interim, and had considered dragging out the card table and chairs. As the furniture was being loaded, and I was out on the patio offering "moral support," it hit me that we could use our patio furniture for the week. 

So here we are all four of us settling into what Chuck likes to refer to as a "minimalistic." The cat seems quite content curled up on a comfy blanket, and like always Cooper is by my side when I'm watching tv or checking my e-mails. 

I've been busy packing using boxes left over from our daughter's move, and have made pretty good progress. We have hired movers to move the heavy furniture, and our son-in-law Will is coming up to assist with the boxes. The good thing, though, is basically everything was culled through last year, and we are only taking the the things we really value into our next home. 

We've ordered some new furniture for the new house, and I feel like a kid on Christmas morning waiting for it to arrive. I'm excited to get moved in and unpacked. In true Cunningham fashion we should be pretty much be settled in in a matter of days; no unopened boxes six months down the road for us. 

We'll spend the rest of the week here "roughing it" on the lawn furniture, and eating our way through the pantry and freezer. More than anything I still can't believe another year has passed by so quickly, and am making a note not to let the next one slip by unnoticed. Our year in the apartment has given me a new perspective on living fully no matter where you call home. 

American Idol

American Idol.

It appears that this year it's a kinder gentler season of American Idol, and I'm liking it. I remember the original Idol was all about Simon and his insults. If you could impress him then you must have been really good. 

I've also noticed this season that they seem to be focusing more on those who actually can sing, rather than those who only think they can. I used to call it the American Idol Syndrome. It was all about the dream, and nothing about the talent. 

The everyone wins a trophy mentality had resulted in a whole generation of young people who thought that all that really mattered was how much you wanted something, not whether you could actually sing or not. 

I'm enjoying watching some extremely talented singers audition this year, and their back stories are always endearing. We all have our unique gifts, but not all are blessed with a beautiful voice. Of course, the kinder gentler American Idol judges are also looking for that it factor; that something that you can't really put your finger on, but you know it when you see it. 

I've always enjoyed a good underdog story, so I'm hoping to see an unsuspecting contestant win this year. Either way I know what I'll be doing for the next few months!

Resistance

Resistance.

"Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance."

Steven Pressfield

I came across this quote the other day while reading a posting from a fellow blogger. She has been writing and posting a novel over the last several months that is extremely good.  She began writing in November when she took on the challenge of writing a novel in thirty days, and it has evolved into a creative undertaking that she is now wanting to publish 

The quote above is from Steven Pressfield's The War of Art. After reading these words I felt they described kind of where I am right now. I've got so many ideas and plans, and yet I can't seem to make a move. I've been perplexed as to why I've been so unmotivated, and have tried to blame it on the weather, however I think that is just an excuse. 

What I love about having creative friends is the inspiration they bring. My blogging friend is hard at work editing and revising her mystery story getting it ready for publication. I can't help but cheer her on, and feel motivated to push beyond the Resistance myself. 

If you'd like to read her mystery here is the link:

http://backontheflooragain.blogspot.com/p/rubato.html

Pyrex Bowl

Pyrex bowl. 

As I was cleaning up the kitchen the other day I realized that I pretty much use the same Pyrex bowl to eat my popcorn out of each day. What I also realized was that the simple green bowl belonged to my mother-in-law before she passed away. Each time it makes its way off the shelf or out of the dishwasher I am reminded of her. 

I like having keepsakes that I can actually use, and be reminded of my loved ones on a regular basis. For over thirty years I have been using my mother's cooking utensils that I inherited after her death. My step-mother was cleaning out my mom's stuff and replacing it with her own, and didn't seem to think a potato masher or slotted spoon was of much value. 

I quickly gathered up as much as I could carry, and have lovingly used the same tools my mother used while I have cooked for my family over the years. I get a kick out of using her potato masher to mash avocados for guacamole as I am almost certain she had never heard of either back in the late seventies. 

Another treasure from my mother-in-law is her library card which is proudly displayed with my thimble collection in a large printer's tray on the wall.  Her love of reading and mine was something we both had in common. Also displayed in that same tray is my mother's bottle of Channel No. 5. Each time I open the bottle I'm transported back to my childhood watching her get ready for a night out with my father. 

I'm looking forward to displaying my grandmother's teacups again when we move into our new home. I've missed seeing them over the last year as they have been carefully packed away. Drinking "a cup of tea" with her was a weekly occurance during my young adult years. 

I know that for some sentiment is not as important as for others, but I enjoy those walks down memory lane courtesy of special possessions. As much as downsizing has been a part of my life lately, I am realizing the value of special objects that remind you of a time or place. 

At my apartment I have a painting of William's Square hanging in my foyer. My father was the first property manager of this impressive building, and it is known for the beautiful Mustang statues that grace its entrance. It is a simple reminder of him when I walk through the door, and the irony is that years later I would be living within sight of it; again another reminder on my father. 

I've always had a love of history, and probably would be considered the family's unofficial historian. I have chronicled my daughter's life from birth to college graduation, and hope that she too sees the value of this with her own children. Once I get settled in the house I plan on organizing my father, and several of his brothers mementos to help keep their memory alive. I suppose writing this blog is another attempt at leaving behind some sort of legacy for my grandchildren. I think it's important to honor those who came before us. 

"Memory eternal."

An Orthodox prayer

Spring Training

Spring training. 

Well it feels like Cooper and I are back in spring training. What once was an effortless walk beside the lake has now been replaced with a more deliberate pace. 

We've been out of commission during the winter months, except for those few rare days of sunshine and warmth. I must admit it does kind of bum me out, because I was pretty proud of  how far I could walk. 

Why is it that as with most things you have to start over if you stop? I had great intentions of doing some inside walking of the halls to stay in shape during the colder months, but unfortunately that never materialized. Chuck is feeling the same way about the gym. During the height of flu season he was a little hesitant to visit not wanting to tempt fate. Just like me he is starting over. 

I'm making a point to get out each day for the next two weeks if the weather cooperates. Step by step I'm working toward building back my stamina. I must admit that Cooper does not seem to have the same problem, as he appears to be as lively as ever. He's a good sport, though, and hasn't  really complained about the shortened walk. 

I know that over time my walk will get easier, and for that I am glad. I guess the lesson learned  is giving up totally is never good, and starting over is the consequence of not keeping up the pace. 

Finding Your Trail

Finding your trail. 

At REI they have a display entitled Finding Your Trail. Now I suppose they actually mean a real hiking trail, but I thought it could be relevant in other ways. 

When we are young we excitingly anticipate the direction our life might take. My niece is visiting colleges this week trying to find her trail. My grandson is literally forging his own trail moving sand from one part of the backyard to the other one shovelful at a time. But sometimes as we get older we become too comfortable on a familiar trail, and are hesitant to try a new one. 

As we get ready for the next move I can't help, but reflect on my new trail.

 Staying in that comfortable rut isn't always the best for our health. The brain craves novelty, and it benefits most when novelty is accompanied by challenge. 

I'll miss the trail I've been on this past year, but to hope always discover new trails to explore. 

Excuses

Excuses.

Chuck and I were at REI this weekend exchanging a pair of shoes. When I entered the store I came across a large sign with the slogan, "What's Your But?" To be honest I had to do a double take to make sure another "t" wasn't added to gather the full meaning. 

All throughout the store were other sings all bearing the word "but," and a variety of excuses. The promotion kinda of hit home, because I'm really bad about finding excuses not to do things. "But" seems to be my favorite word, and my untried Pinterest account is proof of this. 

We can have all the greatest of intentions, but if we allow that one word to creep in we will probably find ourselves not following through. If we can come up with enough excuses then we don't even have to start. I'm guilty of coming up with an idea, and talking myself out of it within minutes. I'm not really sure why I do this?

Along with Chuck getting a new pair of shoes I walked away more determined than before to be more aware of that three letter word that seems to carry so much influence. We can always find an excuse to say, "No," but I can't help but think that life would be more interesting by saying, "Yes" more often. 

Countdown

Countdown.

It's hard to believe that we are already in the month of March, and will be closing on our house in a few weeks. I've already started packing,  and anticipate that this move with be much easier than the last. 

Chuck and I have really enjoyed watching the house come to fruition over the last couple of months. We were not able to choose or change anything, and have been quite pleased at how everything has turned out. It is as if we had sat down with the designer ahead of time, and made our choices known. 

I'm at the point of contacting the movers, setting up the new utilities, and we have even ordered some new furniture. According to our salesperson at Haverty's we are doing modern farmhouse. I think Chip and Joanna would be proud. 

After helping our daughter and son in-law move last week we were able to return home with plenty of boxes from their move. I have a feeling I'll be well ahead of the game, and we'll be all set to go prior to our closing date. 

I've enjoyed our apartment adventure, and look forward to unpacking those things of mine that have spent the last year in a Rubbermaid tub. Luckily, we have already culled down to only the things we really love or need. 

"Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."

William Morris

A Boy and His Boots

A boy and his boots. 

My daughter and son-in-law have moved to their new home in the country. It's the perfect place to raise two boys. Her mother-in-law posted this picture the other day, and I couldn't help but smile. 

It is of my two year old grandson checking out the front garden in his pajamas and his red boots. No self respecting cowboy would ever be caught without his boots. My grandson is quite adept at putting them on by himself, but even more so in taking them off. 

In fact, each time his family goes out for a meal he quickly kicks them off as soon as he's seated. I'm not sure where he got the idea that you should always remove your footware before eating? Maybe he got it mixed up with his cowboy hat!  All I know is once when Chuck and I took him out for lunch we heard a "Clunk, clunk," and looked down to see his boots lying ascew on the restaurant floor. 

As far as two year olds go he's one lucky boy because his Dad picks him up regularly to go feed the cows. Dressed in his boots, jeans, jacket and baseball cap he already knows how to haul hay, and call cows to the truck by turning on and off the siren. He sure seems to take his job seriously, and will likely be following in his father's boot steps. 

Each time I look at this picture I can't help, but count my blessings for being a part of this little guy's life, and look forward to seeing where those boots might take him. 

Scratchy Napkins

Scratchy napkins. 

Several years ago I came up with the saying, "Life's too short to use scratchy napkins."

In an attempt to stretch the food budget I had found myself looking for the lowest prices I could find. When it came to napkins I would always purchase the large hundred pack of paper-thin, scratchy  ones. I thought I was doing a good thing buying the cheaper napkins, but once on a whim I bought a package of the more premium ones. They were regular dinner napkins, and not those ultra fancy Thanksgiving Day feast ones. 

I couldn't believe the difference. I know it was just a small thing, but it got me to thinking about what other things I might be cheating myself out of all in the name of frugality? It was then that my thoughts about not using  scratchy napkins became my motto. 

It's interesting how sometimes we assume that store brands are inferior to name brands. Basically a can of black beans is a can of black no matter whose name is on the label. My daughter was the one who opened my eyes to store brands when she did her own shopping during college, and I found myself following suit. 

If you save a few cents on things that don't really matter, then you can spend a little extra on the things that do. Thus premium napkins became our new normal. As time went by, though, I found myself buying less and less processed foods. I had become a fan of 100 Days of Real Food, and slowly made the transfer over to eating in a more healthy manner.  

What I discovered was that the less you spend on junk allows you to spend more on quality. I spend a whole lot more on eggs and bread now, but it doesn't really affect my grocery budget. I buy more nuts, raw honey, and real maple syrup with the money that used to be spent on Cheetos, and Oreos.

I also brew my own tea, make Chuck oatmeal packets to take to work, and pop my own popcorn kernels in a brown bag in the microwave. Just taking the few extra minutes to make it myself allows me not to have to spend money on so-called convience packaging that often results in a less tasty product. 

There is nothing wrong with allowing yourself a few luxuries along the way even if you are careful with the budget. Life really is short, and its enjoyment can often times be enhanced by the simple things. 

The Mattress Dilemma

The mattress dilemma.

About a year ago Chuck and I went mattress shopping. We were especially interested in the brand of mattress that our daughter and son-in-law owned. We had had the luxury of sleeping on it while visiting, and were interested in purchasing one like it. 

After a trip to a local furniture store we decided on a quite fancier version. Not only did the mattress feel like a cloud, but the bed itself came equipped with a remote control allowing you to set it where you felt most comfortable. We figured we weren't getting any younger, and it would be worth it investing in a good night's sleep. 

As the year progressed I kept thinking about how the bed just didn't really feel all that soft. In fact, because I sleep on my side sometimes I found my hip hurting in the morning. I never said anything to Chuck about it because I guess I thought it was just me. Well the other day Chuck mentioned it as well.

I decided to make a trip back to the store to compare the different versions of the mattress once again. As it turns out there are three different firmness choices of that particular brand. I once again found myself on the cloud-like pillow top lamenting the fact that the one at home did not feel the same. 

My awesome sales guy showed me where to check the tag to see what mattress I actually had, and assured me that he would make things right for us. When I got home Chuck and I had to pull off the mattress pad to check the tag. As it turned out we did have the ultra-plush mattress, but what seemed to be the problem was the mattress pad applied so much pressure to the ultra-plush pillow topper that it basically flattened it out to a firmer feeling mattress. 

We couldn't believe the difference, and also couldn't believe that we had spent a whole year sleeping on such a hard mattress! I should have spoken up a long time ago, and maybe we could have resolved this dilemma earlier. 

Either way, though, I'm really looking forward to sleeping on a cloud on a regular basis!

Cha-ching!

Cha-ching!

I've always enjoyed getting a deal when it comes to shopping. I remember my Mom teaching me as a teenager to buy quality, but to get it on sale. Over the years I've followed that advice, and have scored more deals than I can count. 

Perhaps my biggest deal was a Kitchen Aid mixer that I was able to purchase at a fraction of the original price. With some guidance from Brittany I was able to price match, use a 30% off coupon, and combine that with some Kohls Cash to become the proud owner of a very quality appliance. Before that time I could never justify the cost. 

Just this week-end I had a similar experience. Our new home has a gas stove top, and from my past experience the handles of my stainless pots and pans were just a third degree burn ready to happen. I knew I was wanting to get some new cookware with rubber handles in order not to worry about burning myself. 

Chuck and I had checked out a set at Bed Bath and Beyond that we liked. It was a twelve piece set with an additional three piece bonus. It was at a sale price of $299.00 which I thought was not too outrageous. Years ago I had foolishly succumbed to some waterless cookware that had cost well over a thousand dollars. Can you say impulse buy? I never did master the art of waterless cooking, and it has sat collecting dust over the years. In fact, if you are interested maybe we can work out a deal. 

We went back this weekend to purchase it before it went off sale or before the bonus pieces were no longer available. Fortunately for us I went with a plan in mind- a plan that was about two years in the making. 

You see a little under two years ago I downloaded the Savings Catcher app from Walmart on my phone. Each week when I finished grocery shopping I would scan the receipt, and wait to see if I received a refund on any products that were on sale somewhere else. This way of price matching was much easier than having to scan the local sales papers. Most weeks I would receive a few cents back, and every now and then a few dollars. It became a game to see how quickly my balance grew. 

At first I thought when it reached one hundred I would cash it in, but to be honest I wasn't exactly sure how to do that so my procrastination grew eventually to two hundred dollars. I knew when the time came I would use the store credit to pay for groceries so I could take the two hundred and use it toward something I really wanted or needed. 

To make a long story short I used the $200.00 to pay towards the new pots and pans. But it actually got better because I had a 20% off coupon, and by the time I actually paid my now fifteen piece set of cookware only cost me $59.00! I used the money I had saved over the last two years on my Savings Catcher app to get a pretty sweet deal. 

When we got home Chuck asked if I wanted to open up the cookware, and try it out. I said, "Nope," that I wanted to save it for the new house. He then asked how could I wait? I said it was quite easy for me because I had learned that good things come to those who wait!

Happiness

Happiness. 

I used to spend quite a bit of time and money on self-help books. I'm not really sure if this had more to do with wanting to actually improve myself, or more to do with convincing myself that I was okay. As a young teen I repeatedly checked out the same book, A New You, hoping for a transformation. Unfortunately multiple readings did not result in a different me. 

I was reading a post the other day about the secret to happiness, and how you shouldn't put your happiness in someone else's hands. I have to agree that this does make sense, however, what I've also learned is that focusing too much on yourself won't necessarily make you happier either. 

When we primarily put ourselves first, we miss out on the happiness that comes from serving others. As with everything you have to find that sweet spot that allows you to pursue your unique interests, but also allows you to share them with others. 

We each have our own set of gifts, and embracing and sharing them makes for a winning combination. I used to worry too much about what others thought of me, and tried too hard to be "just like everyone else."

As I grew in years and wisdom I realized that all the "quirky" things that made me me were actually things to be celebrated, and not hidden away under a bushel. Just like the hand can't really be the foot, we shouldn't strive to find happiness by conforming ourself to others.

True happiness is not found in putting your wants ahead of everyone else. Treat yourself with respect, and stand up for your rights yes, but even a small random act of kindness can make a difference in YOUR happiness. 

Health

Health. 

I've been giving some thought to health this flu season. What I've realized is that just like it's harder to lose weight when you are older, it also seems harder to recover from illness as well. 

Two years ago I was under quite a bit of stress, and found myself with an upper respiratory infection. I was teaching kindergarteners at the time, and I had them convinced that there truly  was a frog in my throat impeding my ability to talk. 

My upper respitory became bronchitis which eventually became pneumonia. By this time three months had gone by, and I found myself completely exhausted, and unable to stop coughing. In fact, that cough lingered all summer. 

I really began to wonder if I would ever be completely well or if I would have a chronic cough for the rest of my life?  Now mind you, I was the teacher who not only had enough sick days banked to pay for my maternity leave, but I also retired with a hefty sum of unused sick days that was reimbursed by my district. 

During my junior high days I was the only member of our large carpool that did not get the Hong Kong flu which pretty much left my school desolated. Perfect attendance was something that just came natural as I seemed to be blessed with an incredible immune system. Viruses didn't know my name, and I took it for granted that it would always be that way. 

What I did know, though, was that if I was ever under immense stress I caved. The last semester of my graduate work found me missing school for a week as I had attempted to finish before the summer, and was teaching, and driving two nights a week from Duncanville to Denton. I think this is why I've always been inclined to try to live my life with a more balanced approach.

Two years ago, though, in sheer desperation I made a trip to my local health food store, and spoke with the manager about my situation. The first thing we did was put me on a good probiotic as I had just come off of a round of three antibiotics. Building up my immune system became priority one. That with a natural expectorant seemed to make the difference, and by fall my cough was gone. 

It was then that I began to make a concerted effort to remain healthy. Elderberry syrup was recommended for immune boosting, and both Chuck and I have been taking it faithfully this winter. Along with plenty of fruits and vegetables, herbal teas and raw honey, as well as diffusing essential oils we are trying our best to remain healthy. 

Your health is worth more than silver and gold, and I don't want to take it for granted. 

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away."