Friday, October 21, 2011

How many cans are you giving?

This morning as Lauryn is heading out for school, she reminded me that she needed $5 and a can. The money is for the dance tonight and the can is for the "can drive".  As I am getting the can from the closet, I  thought she should take at least 2 (any more would result in her complaining of the weight in her backpack). I put them in a bag and handed them to her. "Oh, I am only allowed to take one." She says. I was confused, "Why can't you take more?" Her reason: "Because I only get credit for one. They will only give me extra tickets for the games tonight for one can."

So... my question is why do you do nice things for people? Is it because it is the right thing to do, to help others? Is it because you are hoping and expecting something good to come your way because of your efforts? Is it to help you or to really and truly help someone else just because you care about other people?

Thursday, October 20, 2011

The "F" Word

My closest friends may remember this story, but it is worth repeating, as it is one of my favorites. A story from one of my friends (Mary Beth Holley) on Facebook this morning recalled this to memory.

When Richie, now 16, was about 5 years old, he was much like a little man. We could have grown-up conversations, which I encouraged quite often. My favorite place to have our talks was in the car on the way to school. I would turn the radio off and let him talk about things that were on his mind.

One morning, he had something weighing on his heart. He started, "Mom, I have something to tell you, but you aren't going to like it very much." Of course, my concern was raised now. What could he possibly have going on in his 5 year old life that was serious enough to have him worried?

"What is it Richie? Just tell me, I won't be mad." Again, he warned me that I wasn't going to like it. Then again, I assured him it was okay. He finally came out with it. "Grandma said the "F" Word in front of me."
"Oh," I said, "I will talk to Grandma about that, but I want you to not ever use that word. Okay?"
Looking relieved at finally getting it off his chest, he says, "I can spell it." I told him no, that it was not necessary. He really wanted to though. So he sat there in silence for about 2 minutes. That is when it got the best of him, and he whispered loudly, "F - A - R - T".

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Are my 'skinny jeans' worth it?

Everyone who knows me well, and some who only know me a little, know that I absolutely adore my coffee. I don't like just any coffee though. My favorite is the freshly ground Van's Blend mixed with Italian Sweet Cream in a "feels like home" mug. Yes, I will drink other coffees and other creamers, but this is the one I crave, the one I get excited about. I am struggling with this beloved addiction because the calorie and fat intake have made their mark on my 35 year old silhouette. I know that cutting back is the right thing to do, but I have a hard time saying no to this particular "fatty maker".

As I was pondering this thought the other day and wondering if my skinny jeans are worth "just saying no" (which they ARE), I was reminded of all the things I have given up in my life because there were better opportunities for me. I gave up things that used to mean a lot to me, but now, they mean very little to nothing. I have found a much more rewarding way to live. The things I got in exchange, make the loss insignificant.

What are you holding onto that is making your "skinny jeans" collect dust?

In the beginning...

Well, after procrastinating about a year now, I am finally ready to get started. What caused the delay (or procrastination, for my pals who like that word)? Time was always a limited resource, and still is, but I have a little more of it than I used to. About a year or so ago, different friends asked me to start a blog. Of course, I never sat down to research just how much of my time this would take. I assumed it was too much. However, I am willing to jump on (and not in front of) the blogging train now. I am not making any daily posting promises, but I promise to be entertaining when I post. I hope to make you laugh, cry (not too much), think, and say "hmm, she might be special". Enjoy.