Wonderfully Funny Wednesdays

I think we need to have some humor today!  The past several days have been trying but a reawakening to some things that need to be done in my life.  Plus, its been cloudy & rainy the past day or so now.  Need some pick-me-up to get a moving today!

SO let's get on with the jokes for all of us!


Great Directions here for a real clean toilet!!! easy too!!!!
1. Lift both lids on your toilet bowl and add a couple of capfuls of shampoo to the water.
2. Go to the other room where the cat is sleeping, pick it up and soothe it while you carry it towards the bathroom.
3. In one smooth movement, put the cat in the toilet and close both lids (You may need to stand on the lid, afterwards). The cat will self agitate and make ample suds.
(Never mind the noises that come from the toilet, the cat is actually enjoying this.)
4. Flush the toilet three or four times.
(This provides a "power-wash" and "rinse")
5. Have someone open the closest door to the outside (Be sure that no one is between the toilet and the outside door.)
6. Stand behind the toilet as far as you can, and quickly lift both lids.
7. The cat will rocket out of the toilet and run outside where it will dry itself. After this procedure, both the toilet and the cat will be sparkling clean!

Sincerely,
The Dog


An enthusiastic door-to-door vacuum salesman goes to the first house in his new territory.He knocks, a real mean and tough looking lady opens the door, and before she has a chance to say anything, he runs inside and dumps cow patties all over the carpet.He says, "Lady, if this vacuum cleaner don`t do wonders cleaning this up, I`ll eat every chunk of it."She turns to him with a smirk and says, "You want ketchup on that?"The salesman says, "Why do you ask?"She says, "We just moved in and we haven`t got the electricity turned on yet." 


One day my housework-challenged husband decided to wash his sweatshirt.Seconds after he stepped into the laundry room, he shouted to me, "What setting do I use on the washing machine?""It depends," I replied. "What does it say on your shirt?"He yelled back, "University of Auburn."
(courtesy of jokes.db.com)



Rules for Good Housekeeping (Especially for men!)

It is time to clean out the refrigerator when something closes the door from the inside.

Keep it clean enough for healthy, dirty enough for happy.

Never make fried chicken in the nude.

Do not engage in unarmed combat with a dust bunny big enough to choke the vacuum cleaner.

You make the beds, you do the dishes and six months later you have to start all over again.

If guys were suppose to hang clothes up, door knobs would be bigger.

My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.

Thou shalt not weigh more than thy refrigerator.

Cobwebs artfully draped over lampshades reduce the glare from the bulb, thereby creating a       romantic atmosphere.

When writing your name in the dust on the table, omit the date.

College Classes For Men:

1. Introduction to Common Household Objects I: The Mop
2. Introduction to Common Household Objects II: The Sponge
3. Dressing Up: Beyond the Funeral and the Wedding
4. Refrigerator Forensics: Identifying and Removing the Dead
5. Design Pattern or Splatter Stain on the Linoleum? : You CAN Tell the Difference!
6. If It's Empty, You Can Throw It Away: Accepting Loss I
7. If the Milk Expired Three Weeks Ago, Keeping It In the Refrigerator Won't Bring It Back: Accepting
    Loss II
8. Going to the Supermarket: It's Not Just for Women Anymore!
9. Recycling Skills I: Boxes that the Electronics Came In
10. Recycling Skills II: Styrofoam that Came in the Boxes that the Electronics Came In
11. Bathroom Etiquette I: How to Remove Beard Clippings from the Sink
12. Bathroom Etiquette II: Let's Wash Those Towels!
13. Bathroom Etiquette III: Five Easy Ways to Tell When You're About to Run Out of Toilet Paper!
14. Giving Back to the Community: How to Donate 15-Year-Old Levis to the Goodwill
15. Retro? Or Just Hideous? : Re-examining Your 1970s Polyester Shirts
16. No, The Dishes Won't Wash Themselves: Knowing the 4 Limitations of Your Kitchenware
17. Romance: More Than a Cable Channel!
18. Strange But True!: She Really May NOT Care What "Fourth Down and Ten" Means
19. Going Out to Dinner: Beyond the Pizza Hut
20. Expand Your Entertainment Options: Renting Movies That Don't Fall Under the "Action/Adventure" Category or selecting movies that don't star John Wayne on television
21. Yours, Mine, and Ours: Sharing the Remote
22. "I Could Have Played a Better Game Than That!": Why Women Laugh
23. Adventures in Housekeeping I: Let's Clean the Closet
24. Adventures in Housekeeping II: Let's Clean Under the Bed
25. "I Don't Know": Be the First Man to Say It!
26. The Gas Gauge in Your Car: Sometimes Empty MEANS Empty
27. Directions: It's Okay to Ask for Them
28. Listening: It's Not Just Something You Do During Halftime
29. Accepting Your Limitations: Just Because You Have Power Tools Doesn't Mean You Can Fix It
(courtesy of  http://jokes.aspcode.net/housekeeping-jokes.aspx)

Hope this gives you some good giggles & laughs today!  I know it helped me...have a great day & I will post some good tips tomorrow!

Fabulous Fridays!!!

Wowee, Friday is here already!  You should see all the goodies surrounding my kitchen!  I've been taking it slower than I did yesterday.  I'm learning that if you "go, go, go"  multiple days in a row when pregnant, you have to sleep it off for multiple days later too.  So, I am learning the art of taking my time & not trying to be perfect. 

Yes, being a domestic diva doesn't mean you are super-wife or uber-mommy that does everything right when it should be done or is always there to do the absolute perfect thing.  Yes, you get things done when they NEED to get done & you are there at the RIGHT times, but trying to always be "on" stresses you out.  Take time to read that magazine the day it comes in the mail.  Sit down & enjoy your lunch.  Take time to actually play with your child.  Stop & pet your cat or dog and then play with them.  Buy the Pillsbury cookie dough from Sam's club that has no preservatives & keep them on hand for "treats" instead of always making them from scratch (trust me, my hubby is picky & can't even tell the difference)!  Make a good but simple dinner that has everything in one dish--you don't have to cook a gourmet meal every night to be a great wife & mom!  Find time to get back to a favorite hobby or two--just don't go overboard!

The part that makes you a domestic diva is taking the little things & making moments with your family.  Taking the time to let someone know, face to face, that you love them with not only your hard work at home, but with your words & affection.  Its showing others how to take time for themselves by not being involved in every event or church/social outing.  Its knowing when to go out of your way & when to say "NO, I need time for myself or my family."

This is how you have a fabulous life:  Fix what you can change & don't worry about what you can't.  Just be smart enough to think about which is which--some prayer might be useful in this case. Seriously, you don't have to do EVERYTHING & be EVERYTHING.  You should only do & be who & what you are!  If that is not enough for anyone else, then they are bad friends. 

Enjoy your life, don't wish it were different; don't look at the "shoulda, woulda, coulda's" in life--you know, the "what ifs"-- they will burn you in the end because, simply put, they don't matter.  That is not what happened & you can't change it.  You are responsible for finding joy in the things that are happening now.  If you want to feel fabulous most of your life, don't try wishing it were better.  I heard a friend say last week"  "If the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, it means you need to start watering yours more."

Tipful Thursdays

Well, its been a crazy two days prepping for my housewarming on Saturday.  Today has been the craziest.  I've been baking up the wazoo & getting a music party mix together to last the whole time. 

Also, trying to budget this has been fun--ahem.  Actually not that bad;  I just realized that doing almost all of the food prep yourself saves you tons of money.  The price hike just for someone else to do it isn't worth it when you live at home!  So, I've been baking cookies, brownies, special chocolate candy bars, spice cake & making all the chips & veggie dips.  All those cost a fraction of the price if you do it at home & most of us who love to bake or cook will have much of what we already need right at home already with no trip to the store.

I will still have to go to the store for things I don't usually keep around the house like:  pre-made meatballs (those are cheaper bought from sam's club), deli sandwich spirals, lots of nibble veggies for a tray, chips, queso, Beer cases & soda pop,brats, hot dogs, and some other things I ran out of (like onions & sour cream).


When you plan a party, always plan for most of those who RSVP'd yes to show up (including spouses & children), then add five more people to compensate for big eaters.  Here where I live people don't tend to RSVP yes, only what they call "regrets" a.k.a. "I can't come."  It makes it hard to plan on food that way, but I simply figured out to assume that 2/3rds of the people who haven't replied with regrets will probably show up & then I add the five person buffer.  See how that can help.  So, try to not just stock up on a few foods; try to add a wide variety of food, both snacks/appetizers & desserts. That way you aren't making two of the same cake & buying three bags of meatballs & having to constantly track when you need to make more.  This way, the people who come first have the greatest variety & will eat less of everything.  If someone comes right before the party ends, my attitude is: you get what's there. 

One thing I am kind of not too happy about for housewarming parties is the trend of the person holding the party for their new house to provide a gift for those who come...AHEM, you are coming to welcome me to my new house.  I don't expect a huge gift (or any for that matter) but my last housewarming was a bust because of

1) I stated that gifts were not necessary but I still put a registry together if anyone desired to give me a gift so they had an idea on what I needed.  That actually pissed people off & I varied the items on it & gave them three weeks to decide.  People didn't like that expensive stuff was on the registry (there was no way to make a note on items based on priority & little notes to tell people it was just for our reference).  Let's just say I lost friends over this stupid situation.  Hence, this time no registry & I mentioned gifts were not necessary.

2) I found out from a little birdie that people were miffed that I didn't have any "little gift" for those who came.  This completely surprised me.  Usually at parties I throw that are non-housewarming, I've never had a complaint that I didn't give someone anything.  Why is it expected at the one party to celebrate MY moving into a house??  In times past usually the house owners' throwing the party are expecting a gift of welcoming to the community, not the other way around.  I couldn't believe it effected my relationships at church & with some friends.  It wasn't like I didn't have food or drink--I never ran out of anything!  So, this time, I have made tons of chocolate chip cookies to give to people just to not have that happen again. 

This ridiculousness would be like someone getting mad at my baby shower for putting an expensive car seat & rocking chair plus other needed items, that are expensive, on my registry.  How silly would that be??  You NEED a car seat!  You need oodles of clothes for your first baby & toys--you don't have anything!  Also, what if people expected a little gift (other than candy favors) at the party.  I mean I looked at housewarming tips & they suggested giving everyone a candle or usable favor...DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH THAT WOULD COST??!!  My entire budget for the whole party just for favors such as these! 

OK, I'm done venting.  I just am trying understand an age where staying at home is ridiculed & people who you host expect more than the money you spent to feed them & give them drink.  They want to take something home with them!  I don't think I've ever received one hostess gift once since I got married & starting entertaining.  Something I was taught as polite to do; considering the host/hostess probably dropped over $100+ to feed everyone that attends.  It makes me not want to host anymore large parties--only parties where close friends attend.  Mostly due to the fact I know they don't expect anything past the good food & time together.

So,  tips for you for when you host a huge party: 
1) Have favors for both adults & kids to avoid any offense (dollar tree or making cookies works cheaply)-if you can afford it.  If not, don't do it & I would encourage upset looking people to enjoy all the food you worked hard to put together for them (I have no other advice for that--of someone else does--leave a comment!)
2) Make sure you have enough food.  Use my handy guide above to figure that mystery out

3) Don't make give giving to you required unless its a baby shower or wedding shower (that should be obvious).

Tips for you if you are going to a party: 

1)Let's bring back etiquette:  thank the host/hostess for their hospitality, whether or not you get something from them. 

2) Don't get offended if they have not given a"little something" for you to take home, be glad for the great food-remind yourself how much it cost just for something to eat while you are there!

3) Bring a little something for the host/hostess-you are getting FREE FOOD & DRINK that they spent their hard-earned money on--the least you can do is bring a little something to show you appreciate their hospitable entertaining;

4) Encourage others to have manners--if you hear someone commenting on how there isn't a little "gift" for them or about any of the food.  Kindly stand up for the host/hostess & remind them that, in this economy, it already costs a lot to feed this many people.  Remind them kindly that they are getting a free meal out this & nothing was given to the entertaining host/hostess in return from them.  Just remember to be tactful to both the person complaining & the hostess--meaning keep it low key & don't let others hear the conversation.


I'm really not too upset about any of this happening.  I sometimes wonder if it was the geographical location & attitude of the people there in general (it wasn't the only weird quirky thing that happened while we lived there).  So, I'm hoping this Saturday's party goes better & praying that a good amount of people show up.  That's another problem I have--people decided they are coming & then don't show up:  PLEASE COME, even if its for a few minutes.  That's polite & also being a man/woman of your word.  Things come up, but realizing that you want to go somewhere else more than this party is rude & you should go to both equally or go to the one you said yes to first.  LOL....you would think that would be a simple one.  I've had many a party deflate because no one showed up that said they would (except for close friends).  My goal: to teach my children proper etiquette about life, so they may be gentlemen & ladies.  Its becoming rare these days!  I can't wait for all the fun though;  regardless I get to hang out with friends  & eat the things I have made as well (YUM!)...I will make the best of it no matter what happens.  My part is to let any offense roll off my back as the hostess!

I think that's all I have to blog about for now...if you have any ideas or anything you would like to see about parties either stay the same or change, feel free to leave a comment below!

Have a great Thursday & remember to enjoy today!

Quoteable Tuesdays

Woah ladies....I have a post today!  I feel great...its amazing what a little quiet time & refreshing of life can do to you!  Never go without checking out your life & marriage for as long as I did.  Either it will lead to a very unsatisfied life or, even worse, divorce.  I'm already feeling much better than I expected.

So, its time for some quotes.  I will put in some for those of us who are (or are about to be) mothers & those who are "empty nested" or yet to be blessed with a little one!

 A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.
 Anonymous

A baby is God's opinion that life should go on
 Carl Sandburg

  “A two-year old is kind of like having a blender, but you don't have a top for it.”
   Jerry Seinfeld

Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside your body.
Elizabeth Stone

If one feels the need of something grand, something infinite, something that makes one feel aware of God, one need not go far to find it. I think that I see something deeper, more infinite, more eternal than the ocean in the expression of the eyes of a little baby when it wakes in the morning and coos or laughs because it sees the sun shining on its cradle.
Vincent van Gogh

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.”
  Charles R. Swindoll    

Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live.
 Anonymous 

“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.”
  Ashley Smith

“If you wait to do everything until you're sure it's right, you'll probably never do much of anything.”
  Win Borden

So there you go!  Hope these make you laugh & also make you think!  I hope to continue to give you all a little more this week.  Remember to live your life with meaning & never let the clouds you see allow you to forget the sunshine that's ready to break through behind them after the storm has passed!

Monday Madness

Geesh, getting back into the swing of things is hard when you overdo it one weekend!  Which reminds me:  DON"T DO THIS TO YOURSELF!!!   I'm learning about pacing myself to get things done.  Don't try to do all your chores in one day.  If you forget one...well, try to fit it in with the next days chores but don't try to fit in two days worth of chores into one day!  Spread it out!  This applies to being pregnant & also normal times.  Pushing yourself leaves you energy-less later on. 

I'm learning from experience here!  Every time I skip out on sleep or try to do to much, I pay for it the next few days! 


I'm also learning the importance of quiet time with yourself & keeping your thoughts in check.  I have recently been ignoring what I need emotionally from my marriage partner--for two years now (since all heck broke loose for us).  This has led to misconceived ideas about whether or not I am loved or appreciated by my spouse because I didn't tell him how I was feeling & what was going on inside of me.  I finally let it all out this weekend after having another burst of anger & frustration from pent up emotions.  The feelings I was having of not being loved & not being a priority emotionally (you know, tone of voice, seeing your spouse be happy to see you, not having a spouse avoid you) were making it hard to get a good perspective.  It was already pent up inside to the point I was wishing I wasn't married & now wondering why in heck I was going to be a mommy bringing a kid into this.  NOT a good thing to be feeling.  This made my hubby's quirks seem more unbearable because not only am I feeling long term emotional negatives, but now he's slacking in my mind--whether or not it was deliberate--it just added to the continual pent up feelings I was holding in--which made me explode easier.  So, I finally got out the truth during a fight.  We then talked it through the next day or so.  Now, we are working out what we can do to get back on track.

I realized that I was falling into being negative too much as well--see it wasn't just his fault--which makes for resentment & lack of interest in me.  So, I am making an effort to read the Bible & tell myself positive things to help combat all the yucky negativeness that has seeped in...really, I don't have a horrible life.  I have amazing things going on & now with my hubby & I working out our feelings & issues, it should get better.  We need to not get into a rut again like we allowed ourselves to seep into.  It wasn't an overnight thing--it took time for us to slowly get to where we were at.

Its a good thing to work through these things & I notice that all successful marriages get through these times & come out stronger on the other side.  Though this weekend ended up being tiring for me emotionally.  I hope we continue to work at our marriage.  Its important to feel important & to keep your emotions in check.  Feeling good is what motivates us to do the best we can!  So, I will remind myself of the good so I can continue to be a good housewife!

I pray that we will remember this weekend as a changing point for us & now maybe I can truly get into a routine again & not feel so down!!

Moday Madness

Hey ladies...man, I've been bad about posting!  Its been a huge adjustment.  If you didn't know already:  we are expecting a new addition in our family.  I'm in my second trimester--its exciting & so much added work at the same time!

You see, its fall & we just moved into a house.  I have not had a chance to organize like I wanted to do...First, can't lift heavy boxes; unable to work for long hours without regretting it for two-three days afterward!  So, I called in some reinforcements!  Sadly I don't have extended family within driving distance--meaning come visit for a day & help me out--so I called on a close friend to help me.  I called the right lady!  She knows about organization & has already been a huge help.  She's coming over the next few days after work to continue to help me.  See, I didn't get the organizational training I should have--so this Domestic Diva-in-training has a lot to learn before little baby arrives in February!  If you know someone like this that is more than willing to help; I say enlist that help & have them show you how they do it (don't just sit there while they do it)!

 Now all my cleaning products are together downstairs, I have a place for my extra pantry items that don't fit in the kitchen.  We have moved boxes down to the basement & started sorting them in groups:  "get rid of or sell"  "keep" & "sort through" boxes.  Its partially done.  I have some baby items to go through today!   See, most of the stuff I have now were from my childhood, so some of it could be gender neutral or for a boy (I was a tomboy growing up)--I just have to look through & keep the ones I think are still safe that baby could play with!

This is so exciting...I have so much to learn: from parenting books to scheduling, from organization to cleaning plans, how to truly be a domestic diva & a mommy!  Its also grueling at times--especially with my allergies being worse than usual (yay for pregnancy!)...

So, hope you didn't leave your Monday full of madness from the weekend!  Keep striving to be that amazing housewife you know you can be!

Monday Madness!!

OK ladies...I know, its been waaaay too long!  I have a good reason.  Joy of joys I am expecting a little one!  I just recently got past the first trimester of tiredness & luckily not huge sickness.  So, now I feel ready to start up again. 

Its been a mad house with unpacking (we just moved into a new house) and gardening.  Then we had a little surprise.  It wasn't too much--we were about to start trying to have a baby, just happened a month or so earlier than we expected.  Its very exciting & new to feel all this change.  But I'm trying to still get my domestic diva duties going as much as possible.  Today was the first day I could get quite a bit done--though I didn't overdue it (did that last week with the laundry & ended up taking three days to recover!!) I took a nap when I was tired & quit before I got utterly exhausted.

Enough of that.  I realized we had not set any plans for chores or organization on when & how often things were to be done & by whom.  So, that's what my hubby & I did today.  It felt great.  We are taking a new policy we didn't use before:  Set aside time to do chores & then what's left can be to do whatever you want.  So, we are taking a hour after dinner to get smaller daily chores done (& my hubby's chores so he doesn't have chores & "honey do" on the weekends).  We want our family to understand the importance of getting what needs to be done first & then taking time to enjoy life.  We want a balance in both areas--we feel its important to instill a hard work ethic but also an understanding of taking time to do the things you want & enjoy doing as well.  Both are necessary to maintain not only sanity but strength to get the big things in life accomplished.

My next goal is to get a new meal plan together.  I have to plan on me eating less during dinner (what with my snacking healthily every two hours) & keep tabs on what we have in the house as food.  We've had too many wasted leftovers & unused food being thrown out & non-perishables just sitting on shelves as we buy new food.  New policy:  Use what you have before you buy something new.  Set a food budget & if we go past it, we make due with what we have.  That will be hard, since we got into a habit of buying whatever sounds good, but I know that can change & it will save us money too!

This Monday has been great but crazy.  We've gotten alot started, now I have to finish the plans so we can put them into motion. I want to set a good example of balancing your life for my baby right from the start.  As a very wise friend told me almost a year ago:  Begin as you mean to go.  I plan on taking that stance as my husband & I raise our new one to come later.

Fabulous Fridays!!!

I'm so glad it's Friday!  I am looking forward to getting a lot done this weekend.  We haven't settled the issue with our former landlord, but its happening probably this weekend or beginning of next week.  All I know is she isn't getting all that she asked for & we want the difference on our rent deposit.  This will all be hopefully cleared up when we confront her about these charges.


Enough of that.  The new house is getting arranged.  We should have the kitchen done today (it is taking longer due to boxes with miscellaneous things in them that belong to different rooms).  Then onto my office in the basement, which will open up the living room to get it organized!  Been lacking in energy, but I think its the settling & just being a woman...we all understand that. 

I started a garden when we first moved to the new house & its coming along nicely.  We have tomatoes, green beans, all kinds of peppers, herbs, mints, pumpkins, watermelon, acorn squash.  All that is left to plant are carrots & asparagus.  :)  Next year we will get more planted because we will have all spring to get started.  We already have an apple tree, peach trees, pear trees, walnut trees, pecan tree, and cherry trees on the property.  This will lend to lots of canning I think.  Yay for food from your own land!

This Friday is fabulous because everything is coming together.  I hope you all are having a great day & do something special for yourself tonight or tomorrow.  You deserve it & should do something you like aside from the normal everyday jobs.  It helps you maintain your domestic diva status & keeps you in a good mood for next week!

Quotable Tuesdays

Hello all!  I'm back now!  Its been a crazy few months with way too much on my plate.  If any of you know me, we were in a not so wonderful situation: We had to up & move sooner than expected because our landlord of the house we were renting didn't inform us that she wasn't supposed to be renting to anyone--then she got caught by her bank.  So, we had to buy a house a little earlier than planned; that was crazy in & of itself due to switching loans (Rural 100% loans won't let you own a barn on your property cuz you might farm for profit--they don't want that), closing kept moving back for various reasons & moving day being rained out on the second load.  Then we had some issue with the A/C that is now fixed. 

Now I am unpacking & dealing with some little bumps from the "Princess" Landlord who thinks she can make up charges & damages that were never shown to us for us to dispute.  We have a way to handle it simply because she can be sued for putting us into the situation we are in by not telling us the rental contract was illegal according to her mortgage contract.  She's in no position to try to get more money out of us than we already agreed upon.  OH & saying "Don't worry about the cleaning, I will take care of it"  does not mean you then charge me $150 for simple cleaning (A friend & I cleaned the bathrooms, floors, counter tops windows & vacuumed before we left).  Anyhow, that's just one of they ridiculous charges.  Enough of my complaining though.  That's really not something I'm worried about because she's put herself in a bad situation with all this.

I'm unpacking & things are going well.  I should be done by next week with the main area & bedrooms of the house.  That will be amazing!  We have a summer full of guests that I can't wait to see.  Some I haven't seen in a year or so & others its been 10 years!  So exciting!

Well, let's get back to the schedule:  Quotable Tuesdays...

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife."
- Jane Austen (1775-1817), Pride and Prejudice

"A word to the wise ain’t necessary, it is the stupid ones who need all the advice."
- Bill Cosby (1937-) 

"One of the symptoms of an approaching nervous breakdown is the belief that one’s work is terribly important."
- Bertrand Russell (1872-1970)

"To sit alone with my conscience will be judgment enough for me."
- Charles William Stubbs

"Contradictions do not exist. Whenever you think that you are facing a contradiction, check your premises. You will find that one of them is wrong."
- Ayn Rand (1905-1982)

"We must have strong minds, ready to accept facts as they are."
- Harry S Truman (1884-1972)

"The price of liberty is eternal vigilance."
- Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

"The problems that exist in the world today cannot be solved by the level of thinking that created them."
- Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

"A great many people think they are thinking when they are actually rearranging their prejudices."
- William James (1842-1910)

"Democracy does not guarantee equality of conditions - it only guarantees equality of opportunity."
- Irving Kristol (1920-)


And the final quip, witty quote of the day:

"They couldn't hit an elephant at this dist..."
- General John Sedgwick (1813-1864), last words

Fabulous Fridays

Hello ladies....I know, its been a while but life has been non-stop since a couple weeks ago.  I had to make this house I'm renting shine & make sure at least one bedroom was accessible.  Plus, we had to get taxes completed to see where we were financially.  That went well.

Then this past week we were looking at houses.  We found the perfect house for us...its in the country on some land & was at a great price for the 2075 square feet of finished house.  I will tell all once its officially ours--meaning its closed & I have the keys to move in.  We are waiting on word about our offer.  We should know if they have accepted it or countered the offer.  I would hardly doubt they would reject this offer.  I'm excited but will be relieved when I'm in the place.  We still have a lot of work ahead of us.

First, we will have 7 days after the accepted offer to get both a house inspection & home insurance inspection completed.  Then we will have 2 days to requests any repairs.  We will have to get a government appraisal & a bank appraisal as well.  All this before we can officially get moving & then closed on the proposed date of April 21st.  I pray there is nothing serious with the house that we can't see.  Guess that's what the inspections are for!  So... until then, this Friday is deemed fabulous & a relax day (except I will cook, something I love to do anyways).

I can't wait until things are normal again & I can blog regularly.  Until then, I will blog when I can & leave little tidbits for you!

"Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway."

Multi-Monthly Madness

I need to inform you of all that has been going on.  I may have to take a hiatus from blogging until everything is settled...with that said upfront; here is the past week:

Everything was going well, I finally got the second bedroom cleared out more so it doesn't feel so cramped in there--granted there are still some boxes but its not the "tower of boxes."  I felt satisfied.  Then, on Thursday last week, our lessor called me to tell me some serious news.  (You see, we moved about 6 months ago to the state we are at now because of needing to find a job before my husband was officially laid off from his job.  We had no time to sell & find a new house, so we have been renting a house). Well, come to find out, their bank informed them that they cannot keep the house unless they: A. move back in & make it their primary residence B. Refinance it as a rental mortgage & not a regular mortgage C. Put the house up for sale & no longer own it.  If they do not do one of these things, the bank will take the house from them on March 12th.  So, with only three days for them to make a decision (they asked for more time due to the fact they had renters & needed to give themselves more time & thus us more time to make a decision--they basically told them "Tough sh** that's your problem."  So, we were told they were putting the house up for sale. 

We now need to find a place to live.  My hubby & I researched & found it will be better for us to buy a house now than rent, since we have acquired the neighborhood cat & will not leave him behind since he's been getting attacked by an animal.  So, not only do we have to get the most out of our taxes.  We need to find out how much we will have to close on a house to decide what kind of loan we want & whether we can afford a conventional loan as opposed to an FHA.  Its all a tough decision.  Then we have to get a buyer agent & find a house we love & are willing to stay in for a while.

To make matters more stressful, our lessors aren't very good at picking a realtor for their house & he's a jerk!  OK, I've had a Realtor before and known how to choose one.  First, this man didn't even look at the walls (I would've suggested the owner fill in huge nail holes & repaint), he took 15 min to walk through the house, inside & out (our took at least an hour, if not, longer cuz she knew we wanted to sell fast).  He made no comments about what to improve.  All he could say to me (not the owner) "My you have a lot of stuff everywhere!"  So I responded (a little miffed)  "Well, that's what happens when you get laid off, have to move & sell your 1800 plus square foot house & move into a 1400 minus square foot house."  He had the balls to mention it twice!!  Then I guess he & the owners were talking & before they got here & he asked if I was from IN...I said "well, I went to high school there, but I'm from elsewhere."  He asked where so I told him MA.  Then his face changed & he said "SO, I 'spose your a PATRIOTS fan..."  I replied "Well, yes, somewhat but I like basketball better."  flat reply from male realtor "SO that would mean you love the Celtics."  My response "Yes, yes I do."  Then this jerk thinks he's so funny (did I mention he goes to me lessor's church?)  and starts singing "Open the Eyes of My Heart LORD; Open the eyes of my heart..." and emd's the song there.  First, if he hadn't changed his tone when he found out where I lived, I would've taken it as a joke.  Also, if he hadn't made his rude comment & actually asked why we have so little space here, I wouldn't have felt defensive & on edge.  After all this he dares to comment "You all should buy this house!"  I curtly reply "Um, no....As you can see there's not enough space for our family.  We will be looking elsewhere thank you!"  He didn't like that response, but I didn't care. 

The house owner & Realtor went outside.  The owner/our lessor came back in & told me she was leaving & let me know he mentioned about how much "stuff we had" & how he didn't like having the cats in the house.  She rolled her eyes, but my thought is...If you don't like his comments, WHY are you signing for him to be your agent just because he goes to your church!  A crappy realtor is still crappy whether he is your friend or not & you should only use who you think is best for you.  All I know is I'm going to dread every time I have to see this man, & he better let me know when he wants to show it or someone is coming & when he wants open houses....cuz I want some notice for me & my "horrible" cats to leave (my cats aren't really horrible but the Realtor doesn't like them...gosh, people have pets dude!) 

I'm wanting to find the best house for us ASAP!!  I want to move out so I don't have to deal with Mr. Judge-all Realtor.  I'm fine with him coming to the house, but I think he should layoff of us the rentors.  Its not like I'm so lowlife.  So, I stay at home, means we're doing pretty well I think.  Thank God I've learned that people's response to our decision doesn't make them right nor should it make me feel I am doing something wrong. 

So, I've got a CPA for our taxes & she can do them this weekend.  Which means we can get approved for a loan by early next week (and know which loan too!!)  I am constructing questions for interviewing buyer's agents and hope to have the sealed up this weekend as well...so, busy busy busy.  I probably won't blog a whole lot.  I will be house hunting, tax checking, loan working, house cleanliness maintaining, box-packing fiend & super juggling wife lady with cats to move around whenever Mr. Realtor man has someone to look at this house. 

I will blog all about it when we get settled in a new home ( and have internet!!)

So, stay strong ladies & remember:  You are amazing & you made a great decision!  Don't let anyone look down on you for it.  In fact, if you ever get rude comments, nicely stand up for yourself!  If you don't like how someone is treating you:  tell them you don't like their attitude & that you feel the comments are unwarranted & its not their place to judge you for your choice of job. 

I'm out!  Talk to you all soon!

Quoteable Tuesdays & Monday Madness

So much is going on,  I will tell all on Tip-full Thursdays! 

Here are some quotes for today--because Monday wasn't what I wanted it to be--you will understand!

Trying to forget someone you love is like trying to remember someone you never met."
Source Unknown

"As food is needed for the body, them same way love is needed for the soul. Food strengthens the body while love strengths the soul. A person is incomplete without love."
Source Unknown

"Love is not about finding the right person, but creating a right relationship. It's not about how much love you have in the beginning but how much love you build till the end."
Source Unknown

"Don't just love him, but show him."
Source Unknown

"People need love the most when they deserve it the least."
Source Unknown

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us."
J.R.R. Tolkien

"The higher you climb on love's ladder; the harder you fall."
Ryan Leonzal

"Your first love is not always your truest love."
Source Unknown

"Everyone must go through a storm to get to a rainbow."
Anonymous

"The love we have is God's gift to us, what we do with it is our gift to God."
Source Unknown

"Once you love, you cannot take it back, cannot undo it. What you felt may have changed, shifted slightly, yet still remains love."
Whitney Otto

"In love the paradox occurs that two beings become one and yet remain two."
Erich Fromm

Have a great Tuesday & I hope Monday was amazing for you!           

Fabulous Fridays (a day late)

Well yesterday wasn't as fab a Friday as I would like.  I got a new cell phone & realized its a horribly rated phone & mine won't charge.  I am working with my hubby to request choosing another phone maybe.  It will prob add $10 a month to our bill cuz I will need to have limited internet access.  But its worth not having a problem phone that even a new replacement will crap out in 6 months to a year.  I feel bad!  I should've looked at the reviews!  At least they give you 30 days to say "Um, I want another phone!"  Still feel stupid.  I loved how the phone looked but  I don't need a problem phone. 

Talked with my husband & we agreed that staying with the phone is bad...so, after a bunch of calls decided it was just as inexpensive to go to the store as it was to wait for the bad phone to get back to Verizon, them to return my upgrade back to what it was, then buy the new phone I want.  We went to the store & it ended up being free!!  So, awesome!  I have a much better rated phone without all the need for internet & stuff I don't need because I am at home.  So yay, but not yay to all the phone calls & stress the bad phone calls caused.  Lesson learned: always look at the reviews & consumer reports of items (even phones) before you buy.  Its worth avoiding the hassle & stress when you "pick" a bad product.  Plus, the Charter digital internet couldn't be put in (we switched to the new "deal" b/c it would save us more than just internet--shocking) because there were 150 other boxes waiting to be activated before us & the system got bogged down.  We rescheduled & I was glad.  Having to deal with internet & the phone was making me go crazy...

My day  wasn't what I wanted it to be--hardly any chores got done, I forgot to eat lunch & ate dinner late.  BAD idea because today I feel like crap (due to lack of substantial food yesterday) and I'm trying to convince my body everything is ok.

Well, I'm sure all that was boring but

Tip-ful Thursdays

I guess since Valentine's Day is only a few days away, I will give a list of simple tips on how to make your man feel special & loved (everyday or at least on a regular basis):

1.  Always remember to kiss each other when you wake up & go to sleep!

2. Dress up all nice with your hair & makeup done when he get's home--a little pick-me-up for him!

3. Make sure to rotate in his favorite meals on your meal schedule

4. Say "I love you" to your spouse everyday & "say" it again in a unique way once a week (note in lunch, text message, soap on the mirror, sticky note--be creative!)

5. Indulge once in a while & bake some of his favorite cookies

6.  Do something useful that he didn't plan on (finding a way to save money with one of the bills, do one of his "honey-do's", stuff like that)

7. Admit when you are wrong!  I know my man loves when I do that--he knows it takes getting over your pride to do that!

8.  Don't mull over little annoying things--give each other a break!  Cut each other some slack & pass it off as miscommunication

9.  Boast about him to others--say good things & leave the annoyances for once in a while comments to your best gals

10.  Put something extra in his lunch (even if its a little healthy!)

11. Get him some chocolates!

12.  Buy him a single "manly" flower (get a man-ish color with a black, navy or brown bow--no sparkles)

13.  Learn to curb your shopping tendencies how ever you need to!!

14.  Dress up in some lingerie after the kids are in bed (or if you are kid-less, have him see you like that when he comes home)  Be ready for some grownup fun!

15.  Rent a movie he wants to see, even if you aren't particularly into action or thrillers, etc.

16.  Have dinner at a set table when he get's home once in a great while.

17.  Have a sit down dinner with no interruptions!!  Use the fancy china & nice glasses!

18.  Take a walk together--even if its around the neighborhood!

19.  Find out something he really would like but has never asked for--get it for his birthday.

20.  Remind him of holidays & special events--that he needs to plan ahead to get what you want!  Give him a chance to not miss it!


Hope this tips help you!  Remember, no matter what you do this Valentine's, make it something worth remembering for years to come!

Wonderfull Fun Wednesday!

So we need a funny today to pick us up on the middle week blues--especially some of us that have had nonstop cloudiness for over a week now!

Here's some good laughs for you:

- Jules Feiffer
"I used to think I was poor.
Then they told me I wasn't poor, I was needy.
Then they told me it was self-defeating to think of myself as needy.
I was deprived. (Oh not deprived but rather underprivileged)
Then they told me that underprivileged was overused. I was disadvantaged.
I still don't have a dime. But I have a great vocabulary.'

A man was in his front yard mowing grass, when his attractive blonde female neighbor, Judy, came out of her house and went straight to the mailbox. She opened it, then slammed it shut and stormed back into the house.

A little later she came out of her house again, went to the mail box, and again opened it and slammed it shut again. Angrily, back into the house she went.

As the man was getting ready to edge the lawn, she came out again, marched to the mail box, opened it and then slammed it closed harder than ever.

Puzzled by her actions the man asked her, "Is something wrong?"

To which she replied, "There certainly is! My stupid computer keeps saying, YOU'VE GOT MAIL."


Hope these made you laugh like I did!  Hang in there & have a great day!  

Quoteable Tuesdays

Quote time!!  I'm on the move getting the house in order & making my blues fly away!  Its great..rewarded myself with a little treat after I went out in the nasty weather to pick up the trash bag that was attacked by a farmers dog that's been raiding all our trash barrels.  This dog has been caught numerous times & the story ended up in the paper (cuz the cops were roaming around trying to catch what they thought was an identity thief, but instead found a rummaging dog).  Its been two weeks since the article & the house still hasn't done anything to keep their dog from roaming in our neighborhood.  Well, my trash was the lucky--or unlucky--one hit last night.   It was ALL over the backyard!  Ucky doo!!  I used a shovel for what I didn't want to touch & got the rest all up; now back to my regularly scheduled domestic diva chores now that I've been duly rewarded for my work.

So here's a quote for you!

Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway. 

"Flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss." - Douglas Adams 

Last night I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and I thought to myself, where the heck is the ceiling. 

Constantly choosing the lesser of two evils is still choosing evil. - Jerry Garcia  

If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends? 

The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.   (love this one!!)

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. It's just that yours is stupid.

  

If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?  

When you are courting a nice girl an hour seems like a second. When you sit on a red-hot cinder a second seems like an hour. That's relativity. - Albert Einstein

The road to success is always under construction.  

And a ponder-able I found for today:

Is it good if a vacuum really sucks?

Monday Madness

I'm sorry ladies for the sporadic blogs...from winter weather to Aunt Flo--its been crazy & not fun.  I'm still not at my top but I insisted on doing something around the house.  I somehow pulled a muscle in my back and have to take a bunch of advil to function.  AH, but I still did some work!!  I refuse to not start on tasks that have been sitting for days.  So, I went & did the dishes & swept gingerly (so not to hurt my back)...I'm feeling rather "When did I turn 80!!"  and figured out its probably my poor posture causing the issues.

I'm on a focus to start sitting & standing up properly so I don't get back aches anymore!  I will let you know how that goes...well, its time to get dinner started & finish the rest of my chores!  Keep working hard & hope your Monday was nicer than my mad Monday!!

Quoteable Tuesdays

Today was better...though the tiredness is still there.  I'm getting what I can done and keeping going until I feel a little satisfied.  Almost there, just want to get some clothes put away & the dishes done.

Its the day for quotes, so I've found some on the theme of love, this is February!!

“The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.”

 Morrie Schwartz

“Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot, who calls you back when you hang up on him, who will lie under the stars and listen to your heartbeat, or will stay awake just to watch you sleep... wait for the boy who kisses your forehead, who wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats, who holds your hand in front of his friends, who thinks you're just as pretty without makeup on. One who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares and how lucky his is to have you.... The one who turns to his friends and says, 'that's her.'”

  Anonymous

“For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.”

 Judy Garland 

“I don't pretend to know what love is for everyone, but I can tell you what it is for me; love is knowing all about someone, and still wanting to be with them more than any other person, love is trusting them enough to tell them everything about yourself, including the things you might be ashamed of, love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak knees when they walk into a room and smile at you.”

Anonymous

“Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning.”

“You don't love someone for their looks, or their clothes, or for their fancy car, but because they sing a song only you can hear.”

“We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love.”

 Mother Teresa 

Have a great day and make sure to let some people know how much you love them!!  

 

 

Monday Madness

What a crazy weekend.  I got all these crazy things going on:  winter storm, wonder where Aunt Flo was ( she was three weeks late & scared me!!), convincing a neighborhood cat that he is not healthy enough to venture out in the wild, cold world as of yet. 

So, first, winter storm....cool but kinda locked us in our house for a few days.  I really enjoyed going outside, but not what else caused me to not have as much fun:  wondering why my "monthly gift" was three weeks late.  Then, I started getting tired, the breast soreness & moodiness---made me nervous my hubby & I may have been expecting!!  But alas, if I was pregnant, I'm not now--Aunt Flo has come in full horrific force & she is causing much pain for me...bring on the Midol, calcium & chocolate!  I feel horrible!  Where's my martini??  Oh wait, I don't have a butler or maid---have to make that one myself.  So, either way, I'm a little peeved at the lateness of this month.  Put me in an awful scare, screwed up my hormones & is making me feel lousy!  So, Monday madness is put off until this situation is cured.  Anyone else had a month like this??  I was all ready to deal with the fact we were possibly expecting--we couldn't get out to town sooner because of the storm, so I guess I won't know if this is just period or a miscarriage...do I really care right now, not particularly--I know God knows what's best & we really want to wait until the end of 2010 to start a family.  I don't mind having an answer about this, but do I have to be in this much pain?!!  OH well, grab me some vitamins, spinach, milk & trusty midol--things should get better by tomorrow!! (I've got stuff to do around this house!)

Hope this Monday finds you mad in a good way!  And I hope you are having a better month that me--guess its not that bad, but I hate feeling incapacitated! 

Oh, check out my new blog template!  Its for February!  Welcome the month of love!

Tip-ful Thursdays

Time for a tip today!  First, with the financial theme for this month, Read David Ramsey's books!  They will help...

Make yourself stop when you shop & got to consignment shops if you want to find good deals.  Then you will spend a lot less & come back with more for you money.  You won't feel guilty paying $2.00 for Kate Spade designer shoes that usually run ever $150 on sale.  Granted there is a bunch of sorting through 80's junk & fads that should have NEVER been big, but that's your advantage--you can find real gems.  Like shoes never worn with tags still on them & designer clothes.  Without killing your bank. 

Just also be careful with the housewares & books.  Buying too much can also rack up the money there.  Really be sure you can use what you find.  Again, if you've gone through your closet & cleared it out, you know what you have & what you don't--also you will know what you actually need against what you desire.

I ask myself, "Ok, I really like this pair of shoes, this skirt & etc.  What does it go with?  Does it fit my body style?  Do I like the colors?  DO I have shoes that will match?  DO the shoes I am about to purchase go with what I have?

I recently realized I didn't have any sandal shoes that were brown & that I didn't have anything that didn't look frumpy with skirts (for brown shoes)  So, instead of going to payless or other shoe stores, I went to Goodwill & found three pairs of designer leather shoes (brown) in my size & paid $20 for all of them.  I was sad that a pair of cowboy shoes didn't fit, but--hey--you have to be honest & not buy what doesn't fit, no matter how much you want it...they may get some later.

But, I've found I still need to stop myself.  I went to get the shoes & the skirt I really liked but didn't buy earlier.  I decided I really wanted it, so I was glad to still see it there.  (See, I didn't get it & went back after thinking about it--that's the first thing to stopping compulsive shopping).  I did buy a few other pairs of shoes that I think I needed.  I replaced a pair of brown boots that the soles are worn & leak.  I also found a couple shoes I wanted.  But I paid very little money for them, so I stopped & tried them all on & decided which ones worked & which didn't. Plus, we have set how much I can spend per week.  I can't buy anything for a few weeks now, but that's OK.  I feel good (FINALLY) about what I bought & I don't feel guilty.  I got rid of all the older clothes that won't fit anymore!!  I will be donating them to either Goodwill or if I can find a place to donate clothes to Haiti, I will give them for that. 

So, I guess you don't have to stop spending, you have to know what you spend where & STOP YOURSELF....have a limit & know when you can shop again.  Plus, realize you will screw up, but don't use it as an excuse--do something to make it better.  Know what is coming in & going out.  It will help you realize how & when & what you are spending your money on.

Also, stay warm all of you in the way of the big winter storm!!

Wonderfully Funny Wednesdays

Well, things are going well today.  I got three loads of laundry done (still got more to do though) but put away all the clothes from trips & the laundry today!!  Yay, my room looks nice.  I went through my clothes--it took through today to do this & have a huge garbage bag full of clothes that either I don't wear or don't fit.  The closet looks so much better!  Got rid of shoes too!  Makes for a great hump day!

Speaking of Wednesdays....its time for a good joke or funny story.  Let's see what  I've found:

A man calls a company and orders their 5-day, 10 lb. weight loss program.

The next day, there's a knock on the door and there stands before him a voluptuous, athletic, 19 year old babe dressed in nothing but a pair of Nike running shoes and a sign around her neck.

She introduces herself as a representative of the weight loss company.

The sign reads, "If you can catch me, you can have me."

Without a second thought, he takes off after her.

A few miles later huffing and puffing, he finally gives up.

The same girl shows up for the next four days and the same thing happens.

On the fifth day, he weighs himself and is delighted to find he has lost 10 lbs. as promised.

He calls the company and orders their 5-day/20 pound program.

The next day there's a knock at the door and there stands the most stunning and beautiful woman he has ever seen in his life.

She is wearing nothing but Reebok running shoes and a sign around her neck that reads, "If you catch me you can have me."

Well, he's out the door after her like a shot.

This girl is in excellent shape and he does his best, but no such luck.

So for the next four days, the same routine happens with him gradually getting in better and better shape.

Much to his delight on the fifth day when he weighs himself, he discovers that he has lost another 20 lbs. as promised.

He decides to go for broke and calls the company to order the 7-day/50 pound program.

"Are you sure?" asks the representative on the phone. "This is our most rigorous program."

"Absolutely," he replies, "I haven't felt this good in years."

The next day there's a knock at the door; and when he opens it he finds a huge muscular guy standing there wearing nothing but pink running shoes and a sign around his neck that reads, "If I catch you, you are mine!!!"

He lost 63 pounds that week. 

A smart wife will always ask her husband's opinion - after she has made up her mind.

---

My wife has a terrible memory - she never forgets anything.

---

My wife wanted to see the world, so I bought an atlas.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Husband: You have to admit that men have much better judgement than women.
Wife: You're right. You married me and I married you.

---

Fred: Have you ever seen one of those machines that can tell when someone is telling a lie?
Joe: Seen one? I married one!

---

I don't need to buy an encyclopedia - my wife knows everything.
http://thejokes.co.uk/jokes-about-marriage.php

Hope this lightened the day for you.....it did for me!

Have a great Wednesday & don't forget--Friday is almost here!

Quotable Tuesdays

So its been an exciting day...more so than usual.  My hubby is home sick with a stomach bug.  The neighborhood kitty we take care of had to go to the vet.  He had a HUGE abscess on his cheek & it smelled like rotting flesh.  Come to find out some animal took a chunk out of his cheek & it was so infected he has uckies oozing out of it (plus it might have gotten into his system).  So, he has no fur on that side of his face with a huge nasty, smelly hole that needs to get over its infection before it will close up.  He's also wearing one of those "cones" to stop him from scratching it (aka "the cone of shame" for those who have seen "UP").  I feel so sorry for him because I can't make it better & he's a cat; I can't tell him what is happening & how it will get better.  It's not so bad because I was going to bring him in for the weekend due to a storm heading our way.  At least I also know he doesn't have any diseases my other kitties can get.  He's actually very heathly (other than the owie infection) for an outdoor cat.  He has impecable teeth.

Well that's my day.  Now onto Quotable Tuesdays....I bet we all need some pick-me-up quote to keep you going the rest of this week.

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.”
  Charles R. Swindoll quotes


“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.”

 Ashley Smith quotes

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

 Howard Thurman

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”

 Maria Robinson quotes

So, take some time to think about these quotes.  And have a great day.

Monday Madness

So, again, its Monday.  Sorry to all of you for not blogging on Thursday & Friday.  Thursday was littered with storms in the afternoon, so much so that we kept getting power surges & so, my computers had to be unplugged.  Friday was the day my hubby came home & I was obviously glad to see him, so I didn't even think about blogging (sorry ladies!!) 

So, here we are on Monday...no madness this week.  Except for the bedroom & needing to unpack my hubby's stuff for him.  The kitchen is clean & I got TWO, count 'em TWO loads of dishes in the dishwasher on Friday to catch up with the mess.  I also may have stayed up too late on Wednesday cleaning:  until 3am!  I completely got on a roll & lost track of the time.  How crazy!  Just goes to show you how if I didn't have a hubby I would completely forget about sleep until  I was exhausted & just how much I am a night owl!

I hope you all are getting help from these blogs.  On the topic of financial security & stopping the over shopping tendencies, I have gotten a book called:  "To Buy or Not To Buy, Why We Over-shop & How to Stop" by April Lane Benson.  I also purchased Some David Ramsey books:  "Total Money Makeover" and its workbook and "Financial Peace Revisited," "Financial Peace Planner" and "How to Have More Than Enough."  I also bought an digital copy of Quicken Deluxe 2010 to help keep track of money & how I shop. It came at a small price, but with the way I have been spending like I shouldn't, I think its an investment for the future to stop this while its small & not littered with maxed out credit cards. 

Good news, I paid off the credit cards I did use to purchase with the money we had.  Then, I cut them up--all of them.  Even the Victoria's Secret Card--I love that store, but I need to stop buying on credit & ASK before I buy, buy, buy.  Granted, I have some nice things, but I NEED to go through my closet!!  That is the goal of today:  make room for the stuff I have & really do a check on what I want vs. what I need.  Oh, the book by April Benson is helping.  Its making me find out why I overshop with a journal and then is giving me tips on how to stop that emotional reaction that is unhealthy & learning to deal with it positively instead of by spending & hurting me and my whole family.  My hubby was supportive & knows I'm learning something important.  In fact, he's glad I recognize I need to fix it instead of others in my family who think its just a hobby.  Unless you are filthy rich & get millions in dollars from savings interest a week or month, then shopping should NOT be your hobby!!  In fact, even then, shopping as a hobby is a great way to drain those millions (look at Britney Spears & the late Michael Jackson for example--their overspending has hurt them bad;  even brought on depression & other issues). 

My hubby & I have agreed to also get rid of my debit card to our joint account and open another joint account here and put money in it for food, gas, and some extra spending money for me.  (Like twenty bucks a week if I'm not frugal with the food money budgeted).  I think this is a good start for me.  That leaves the other account set up for bills, rent, insurance, loans and savings.  I think with my habits, that sounds fair.  It will curb my need to shop & let me have the ability to shop for food & a little something extra for myself each week--that $20 includes if I want a Starbucks, something clothing/accessory wise, hobby stuff, going out to lunch, etc.  So, I can save up if I want to or spend it.  Its making me learn about money management that  I should have learned as a child.  And believe me, we will be making sure our kids know all about money management!  I'm finding out a massive majority of parents have forgotten this little nugget of a life lesson and expect their kids to learn it in college.  HA!!  I'm still trying to force myself to learn it now and it hurts!  I would have much rather learned it early & have good financial sense now! 

So, my Monday madness is closet cleaning I guess!!  You should try it too, once in a while.  Get rid of what doesn't fit.  Don't say, "Oh!  I will diet and get back into it!  You know you will just put it away and forget about it, so get rid of it & save up to buy a few new things when you DO LOSE THE WEIGHT!!"  See it as taking up valuable space that could be for something better down the road.  Those items are just a blaring reminder that you aren't what you want to be.  The first step to getting to a better weight is not being depressed because being all melancholy eats up the energy you would have to exercise.  Get rid of it!

  Besides, unless you are pregnant, you should not be hanging onto clothes that haven't been worn in a year. You haven't worn it, which means you probably aren't comfortable wearing it everyday. The only other exception is winter coats and formal gowns (unless you have like a closet-full of gowns, then get rid of some).  If you go visit somewhere cold or you have had a warm spell the past year, keep them!  It can get cold in some places!  It was in the sixties in FL when we were there this winter!!  Its usually mid to high 70's and above!  With dresses, especially formal ones, you never know when you will need them & as long as they fit (ahem!  You know what to do if they don't--give them away!!) they are good to keep around.  Have a few formal, casual, cocktail, maybe a full-length or two.  Just remember, don't let those dresses take up a huge amount of closet space.  Put them in another room--along with out of season coats.

So what kind of things get you hopping this Mad Monday??  Post them below!  Have a great day!

Quotable Tuesdays

He's some little quotes for today:

"Tell me I'm clever, Tell me I'm kind, Tell me I'm talented, Tell me I'm cute, Tell me I'm sensitive, Graceful and wise, Tell me I'm perfect-- But tell me the truth".

Shel Silverstein

"The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four Americans are suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they're okay, then it's you."

- Rita Mae Brown

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards".

- Soren Aabye Kierkegaard

 
 I know its not much, but I've got a lot to take care of that came up...back to blogging tomorrow!!

Monday Madness

It's Monday again!  Yay!  I'm in a great mood this week.  Though I will miss my hubby who is gone on a business trip for a bit.  Of course, as the good Domestic Diva-in -training that I pack for him (cuz we all know guys aren't always good at knowing how or what to pack!!).  I am hoping to have the house looking even more amazing when he gets home at the end of the week. I did the dishes on Sunday so that removes one HUGE chore today--no morfe dishy pile up anymore!!  I am still trying to organinze the office room, since we just moved recently to a smaller house in a new state after his & my layoffs.  So, organization has been key; along with curbing my shopping habit from having a job.

Speaking of shopping.  I am going to tell myself today "I don't need new clothes or exciting things; I am satisfied."  I have enough already.  I will tell myself  "It's not worth having to go back to work!"  and  "Hubby would like to do nice little things for me if  I would stop shopping!"  or  "I don't need to shop to feel important!"

I am hoping this will change my perspective.  We plan on setting financial goals when he gets back from the biz trip.  That will be great because then I can add:  "No, I don't want _____ now;  I am saving for ______ later." 

I know talking to yourself sounds kinda crazy, but the psychology books I read in a course at my university explained that doing this helps "reprogram" your brain in a way.  You see, we have emotional triggers that become a habit & we pick them up starting as a child.  So, you have to tell yourself something new until it becomes the norm.  Much like any chore or action:  the more often it is done, the less you have to "think" or talk about it--it comes naturally after a while.  The same goes for the mental habits.  Telling yourself you are worth it, you don't need to shop, etc. helps your brain readjust what should be done when you feel down or that trigger hits.  The normal reaction changes if you force it to (its the getting it to change that is work & why speaking out loud helps you break the mental cycle!). 

So, onward with the music & making my house look amazing & getting my hubby's stuff all packed for him!! 

Happy Monday &  stay away from the madness!!

Fabulous Fridays!!!

Ok, ok I know I'm late today on this...most of you are probably not on this late.  Today was crazy.  My hubby got home at 2am (yes, that's 2am) from work.  I stayed up cleaning & working on some clothes recycling projects.  I will post pics of them on Monday. 

For any of you who want some Do It Yourself go to youtube.com & look up Threadbangers.  You will love all their ideas!  Check out Working Class Foodies as a help too..On a finance note, recycling old clothes that don't fit is a great way to zip up your wardrobe fore practically nothing!  I made a toy for the cats & a new scarf for me!  Save old T-shirts, nice shirts, pants & others.  You may even be able to not just make wardrobe items, but also blankets & quilts...even pillows! 

Save old cloth napkins (that look nice) or buy some...sew them together to make a square & then put hte two sides right side together.  Sew three sides & then stuff with: old pillow stuffing or stuffing from a falling apart stuff animal, down feathers, etc.  I encourage you to be creative...I made some things without a pattern!!  IT was so fun to take a break & watch something while I made something new.  Just as much of a rush as I get from shopping (ah ha!  You got it, my alternative high to shopping!!) I'm also finding other ways to fill my time.

I have been getting Glamour magazine for the past year & have signed up for their new Body section with viable workouts & food planning (not like a starving diet).  Go to www.glamour.com & click on Body by Glamour.  Its actually very useful & they have audio workouts for every body part you could imagine, done by exercize professionals.  They have great videos & slides to show you how to do the exercises & daily tracking for both food & exercises.  Plus they have a progress tracker with a chance to set your weight goal & update your stats weekly (i.e., weight & measurements-which effect your bmi).  S, get in on the program if you want.

Also, don't forget to do something for yourself this weekend (don't buy anything for you, something free or cheap!)  Maybe do some research on a new hobby or just sleep in a little.  Either way, make yourself feel special & make some family members feel special too.   Have a great weekend!  See you Monday!

Tip-ful Thursdays!!

Its Thursday again & its time to give you some tips.  This month is focused on financial tips now that I know I need the help as I'm sure you do too! 


What I've learned this week is helpful to be sure.  Here are some tips for the shop-aholic prone homemakers out there (you know, those of us who have found shopping as a bad hobby)...  I've discovered some tips to help you.

1.  Credit cards...if you have more than three, choose all but three to cut up.  Choose only one store you purchase frequently from & save card for point earning.   Then put them in your husbands wallet.  The wallet will be with him at work & so you can't shop when he's not home....you have to ask for it!  Also, make sure to pay more than the minimum balance on card so they actually get paid off!!

2. Bills...know what you have coming in & what is going out!!  That will help you not want to shop!  Know what should be in your savings accounts as well.

3. Online shopping...DO NOT shop online without someone else there!  Its dangerous because you don't always pay attention to shipping costs.  Plus, admit it to us all:  eBay & amazon are addicting with their great deals! (stay away from etsy without a friend as well--and not a shoppy friend).  In fact, my hubby has the password to both my eBay & paypal so I don't use it & I'm thinking about having him change the amazon one too if I can't curb the shopping by next week! 
    Always ask yourself?  Do I need this?  I also like to say daily:  "I have enough clothes for all seasons.  I have everything I want.  If I need something, I shoudl tell my hubby." "NO, I don't need this!!" I repeat this whenever I get the urge now to get something new for the sake of newness.

4. Store shopping...if you have trouble at stores, don't go in alone!!  Stay out & only "window shop" after the store is closed (and if they don't have a store online!!)  Ask yourself (again): Do I need this?  Wuld I be ashamed if my husband knew I was purchasing these items?  I also like to say:  "What will I use this for?"

5. Grocery shopping...GET A MEAL PLAN!!  Its the best way to not over-buy with food.  Go to www.mealsmatter.com  &set up your free account.  You can create printable calendars & even put in recipes so you have them at your fingertips!!  Plan any special meals ahead of time & don't go out to eat unless you plan for it in your budget & meal plan...no spontaneous I want a restaurant meal!!

6.Finances...track your spenditures.  I know, it could be painful to see how much you spend on yourself, but it is a must to stop the cycle.  Also, don't let yourself be the finance manager...let your hubby do it so there is some automatic accountability.  He will know when money leaves the bank account.  Also, give him access to your credit cards by issuing him one (as long as he's not a shopaholic too!!)  If both of you have problems, go to your local college/university and find someone with a finance degree to help you for an internship or job experience.  Its cheaper & helps his/her career!!

7.Set goals...all that big stuff you want or need, its not going to happen if you burn through all the free cash left over every month!  So, set some goals after you've got your finances in order!  Find out what you want, how much it costs & when you need/want it.  Also, make sure you let the family know about it & have a meeting so everyone can join in & make desicions about the big purchases!  It helps give you perscpective!

8.Hobby...FIND ONE!  No, shopping cannot be your hobby!  Find something you enjoy.  You will be less likely to shop if you have other things that cause excitement & joy! Here are some choices:  blogging, writing, poetry, songwriting, online games, classic movie-watching, piano playing, painting, photography, scrapbooking, reading, drawing, Do-It-Yourself projects, sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, clockworks, woodworking, graphic desig, website building, musical instrument, gardening, pet walking, audio production, playwriting, etc.  You can also join some local clubs to get out & feel more active & fulfilled.   There are tons of groups & clubs.  Ask around & find out what you can do!

Those are some basics for now...as I find more I will give more tips!  Until then,  have a great Thursday & remember--you don't need to shop to be happy!

Wonderfully Funny Wednesdays!

I went a-searching for some funnies today.  Take some time out to laugh!  It makes the day a lot better.  While you're at it...why not have just two--count 'em TWO--pieces of  your favorite chocolate (that's not two bars but two pieces!) while you relax & read these jokes for a few minutes!

Being a Woman

Why it is so cool to be a woman

-We can get rid of leg hair without pretending that we do a lot of cycling/swimming or any other sport that would require aerodynamic legs.

-We absently hum tunes from musicals without anyone being suspect of our sexuality.

-When we buy a vibrator it is glamorous. When men buy a blow up doll it's pathetic.

-Should we wake up looking like something the cat dragged in, we can fix it with cosmetics.

-We can have partners that are years younger than us without being called dirty old perverts.

-We can scare male bosses with mysterious gynecological disorder excuses.

-Systems support men always return our calls, and are nice to us when we blow up our computers.

-We know that Tetris is the computer game to end all games.

-We got off the Titanic first.

-Our boyfriend's clothes make us look elfin and gorgeous. They look like complete dorks in our clothes.

-We have total control over our eyebrows.

-We can be groupies. Male groupies are stalkers.

-It's cool to be a daddy's girl. It's sad to be a mommy's boy.

-We can cry to get out of speeding fines.

-The thrill of surprising people by being good at darts... and pool... and football.

-We live longer, so we can be cantankerous old biddies wearing inappropriate clothes and shouting at strangers... men die earlier so we get to cash in on the life insurance.

-We know that games are fun, but don't believe there's a direct correlation between the size of our scores and the size of our... womanhood.

-Taxis stop for us.

-We get drunk quicker and cheaper.

-We have no desire to arrange our possessions in alphabetical order. Ever.

-We've never fancied a cartoon character or the central figure in a computer game.

-It does not enhance our social standing to understand the inner workings of a 'ruck' (or any other football thing) or how to fix a car or other machinery/tech stuff. But we look incredibly cool if we do.

-We never recognize ourselves in aspects of Mr. Bean. Ever.

-We don't look like a frog in a blender when dancing.

The Parking Ticket

I went to the store the other day. I was only in there for about five minutes, and when I came out there was a motorcycle cop writing a parking ticket. So I went up to him and said, 'Come on buddy, how about giving a guy a break?'

He ignored me and continued writing the ticket. So I called him a stupid idiot. He glared at me and started writing another ticket for having bald tires!

Then I really got angry at him. He finished the second ticket and put it on the car with the first. Then he started writing a third ticket!

This went on for about 20 minutes. The more I abused him, the more tickets he wrote. I didn't care. My car was parked around the corner.

And here are some unconventional "tips" to a cleaner house!

SECRET TIP 1: DOOR LOCKS
If a room clearly can't be whipped into shape in 30 days--much less 30 minutes--employ the Locked Door Method of cleaning. Tell anyone who tries to go in the room that the door is intentionally locked.

CAUTION: It is not advisable to use this tip for the bathroom.

Time: 2 seconds

SECRET TIP 2: DUCT TAPE
No home should be without an ample supply. Not only is it handy for plumbing repairs, but it's a great way to hem drapes, tablecloths, clothes, just about anything. No muss, no fuss.

Time: 2-3 minutes

SECRET TIP 3: OVENS
If you think ovens are just for baking, think again. Ovens represent at least 9 cubic feet of hidden storage space, which means they're a great place to shove dirty dishes, dirty clothes, or just about anything you want to get out of sight when company's coming. (just don't forget about them & use the oven!)

Time: 2 minutes

SECRET TIP 4: CLOTHES DRYERS
Like Secret Tip 3, except bigger. CAUTION: Avoid hiding flammable objects here.

Time: 2.5 minutes

SECRET TIP 5: WASHING MACHINES & FREEZERS
Like Secret Tip 4, except even bigger.

Time: 3 minutes

SECRET TIP 6: DUST RUFFLES
No bed should be without one. Devotees of Martha Stewart believe dust ruffles exist to keep dust out from under a bed or to help coordinate the colorful look of a bedroom. The rest of us know a dust ruffle's highest and best use is to hide whatever you've managed to shove under the bed. (Refer to Secret Tips 3, 4, 5.)

Time: 4 minutes

SECRET TIP 7: DUSTING
The 30-Minutes-To-A-Clean-House method says: Never dust under what you can dust around.

Time: 3 minutes

SECRET TIP 8: DISHES
Don't use them. Use plastic or paper and you won't have to.

Time: 1 minute

SECRET TIP 9: CLOTHES WASHING (EEWWW)
This secret tip is brought to you by an inventive teenager. When this teen's mother went on a housekeeping strike for a month, the teen discovered you can extend the life of your underwear by two ...if you turn it wrong side out and, yes, rerun it.

CAUTION: This tip is recommended only for teens and those who don't care if they get in a car wreck.

Time: 3 seconds

SECRET TIP 10: IRONING
If an article of clothing doesn't require a full press and your hair does, a curling iron is the answer. In between curling your hair, use the hot wand to iron minor wrinkles out of your clothes. Yes, it really does work, or so I'm told, by other disciples of the 30-Minutes-To-A-Clean-House philosophy.

Time: 5 minutes (including curling your hair)

SECRET TIP 11: VACUUMING
Stick to the middle of the room, which is the only place people look. Don't bother vacuuming under furniture. It takes way too long and no one looks there anyway.

Time: 5 minutes, entire house; 2 minutes, living room only

SECRET TIP 12: LIGHTING
The key here is low, low, and lower. It's not only romantic, but bad lighting can hide a multitude of dirt.

Time: 10 seconds

SECRET TIP 13: BED MAKING
Get an old-fashioned waterbed. No one can tell if those things are made up or not, saving you, oh, hundreds of seconds over the course of a lifetime.

Time: 0

SECRET TIP 14: SHOWERS, TOILETS, AND SINKS
Forget one and two. Concentrate on three.

Time: 1 minute

SECRET TIP 15:

If you already knew at least 10 of these tips, don't even think about inviting a Martha Stewart type to your home

Hope this made you laugh out of your chair!  Now get up & get some work done on this "hump" day!  (OH & post your funnies below!)