10 Things to Be Thankful

It’s time to give thanks.  According to experts, people who focus on the things they are thankful for will live a longer life.  Even if it’s not accurate, the truth is that when you focus on the good, positive, and uplifting you will live a better life!

1.      My Spiritual Life – although I’m not where I want to be, I am so far from where I use to be that I can’t help but be thankful.

2.      My Husband – he was my first love, my high school sweetheart, and it still catches me off guard some days when I think about us being married (it’ll be 14 years this Dec).

3.      My Children – they are a blessing in their words and their actions.  Each one is unique and special and they make my days much brighter.

4.      My Family (yes, this includes in-laws) – they are a bit on the peculiar side, but that makes them a perfect match for me.  There are days when I would have a hard time getting by without their love, support, and assistance.

5.      My Friends – I almost put them under family, because that’s how it feels, but I decided to give them their own category.  These are my walking sticks – the people that get me through when nothing else possible could (and sometimes when I don’t want them).

6.      My Writing – I’ve always dreamed of being a writer, and last year I finally began pushing that dream towards reality.  The more I do it, the more I know I have to do it.

7.      My Home – Our family has been blessed with a secluded home nestled against a creek along the bottom of the mountain.  There are hundreds of trees (some a hundred years old) that shelter us and keep us cool in the summer.  The kids run and play and mom has a great place to garden.  It’s our own little paradise, and it is truly an inspiration to me almost every day.

8.      My Dreams – Each day I can get up and look forward.  I know that I am going someplace and I know that the outcome is good (even if I don’t always know the details).

9.      My Pets – Technically, they are almost worthless, but they make me smile.  The dogs don’t bark at strangers or cars (the only way I know there is someone in the drive is from the dogs running around back to chase the squirrels – even the pets are peculiar in our home).  The cats are good at catching mice (which is extremely important when you live in the woods) but they love to leave them somewhere you are most likely to step on them.  Still, when they lay down to let you pet them, or curl up in your lap purring, you tend to forget all the rest.

10.  My Body – It’s important for me to value what I have, even if it IS a work in progress.  My body may not be as tight as it was in college and it may not be as thin as it was when I got married (things that I am determined to bring back) but it gets me where I need to be and helps me do what needs to be done.

Taking an inventory of the things that I am thankful for will help me avoid the negatives.  This morning started out fine, but I quickly fell in to a funk – no rhyme nor reason, just blah – but writing out these 10 items not only pulled me back to positive but it actually helped me deal with some issues that have been creeping up and causing me distress.

My life is blessed, and for that I am truly Thankful.

Add comment November 21st, 2007

9 Ways to Cut the Christmas Budget

Christmas is quickly closing in on me.  I’ve put off shopping as long as I can.  Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and the crowds will expand exponentially when the sales hit the floor.  With our monetary situation tighter than expected, I’m looking to make a few cuts in budget.  I still want to be a blessing, but I’m going to have to do it at a discount.

1.      No Christmas cards this year.  Even when I make my own, the postage is rough (I usually send out about 70).  Instead, I’ll aim for Easter – no one expects a card then.

2.      Let’s talk turkey.  Most years, I cook and prepare the Christmas bird.  This year, I may bow out and let someone else take the lead.  The sides or desserts can be done with things already stocked in my pantry and frig, so my contributions won’t have to cost any additional money.

3.      Check Your Stash.  I have always kept a gift chest (for those unexpected occasions) so this year I will hit it before I hit the stores.  I know I can find some great stocking stuffers hiding away.  There are probably even some gifts for the family that I have forgot all about (like I’m the only one who bought something months ahead and then completely forgot I bought it).

4.      Bake and freeze.  There are now four full weeks before I have to package and send out Christmas gifts.  This year I foresee lots of baked goods.  By starting now (and freezing for packaging later) I will not be overwhelmed at the end of December).

5.      One per customer.  Normally, we do three main gifts for each of the kids, but this year we will probably stick with one.  This will leave plenty of room for all the stuff the grandparents pour over them.

6.      Keep it all natural.  This means not electronics.  First, they tend to loose interest in these toys the fastest.  Second, the accessories (batteries, remotes, etc) could break any bank.  Third, they are just not as durable.  We’ll stick with the Legos, Lincoln logs, and K-nex.

7.      Cut down on the travel.  If you are going to do in-store shopping, then make it all in one trip.  The same goes for delivering gifts (even better, have a central home that everyone can drop of and pick up gifts – if there is lots of extended family involved).  Gas is getting too expense not to figure into the Christmas budget.

8.      Make a list and stick to it.  This is a time that impulse buying must be avoided at all costs.  Have an idea of what you are getting for each person, where it can be purchased, and stick to that plan.

9.      Creative Wrapping.  If you don’t buy your Christmas wrapping in January then now is the time to get creative.  For children’s gifts, you can use the funny papers – most of them are thrilled by this.  For others, use paper bags and let the kids decorate the “wrapping.”  (Along the same note – if you do need to send a card to then make it yourself or let the kids do it.  Cards from some places can be as expensive as the gift).

Looking back over this list I realized that many of the ideas are great all year through.  They are also tried and true methods we have used in the past.  Some have even become traditions (no matter what our budget was).  The key to a success gift giving season is to keep in mind that it is the thought, not the gift or the price, that truly counts.

1 comment November 21st, 2007