Several times, my younger son woke up in his old persona and refused to go to school. He did allow me to rub Elevate and Balance on his feet. Less than 5 minutes later, he was up and in much better spirits. By the time morning assembly began, he was perfectly content to be with his classmates.
My older son was puking this morning. I rubbed DigestZen on his stomach. Puking stopped.
We have used Wild Orange and Peppermint drops, separately, in water to relieve constipation, bloating, general stomach upset.
I work in a school and I do not use hand sanitizer. Gasp!! I spray our pillows, sheets, doorknobs, my face, the air, etc. with OnGuard. No illness has befallen me since the school year began. Enough said.
Cannot imagine living without these natural remedies now that I have found them!
Shop for your own family's needs: www.mydoterra.com/brandi
Enjoy!
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free French Toast
 |
| French Toast Bread (click HERE for the recipe) |
Making our own bread is satisfying because I can slice it as thick or thin as I want - no machine-processing to decide for me. We like our French Toast thick, as you can see.
To enjoy this wonderful, healthy, gluten-freely-yummy breakfast in your home, follow these steps.
#1 Using a wire whisk, in a pie dish or other shallow container, mix up these ingredients for the coating:
2 Eggs
3/4 cup coconut milk
2t vanilla
Several shakes of cinnamon, to taste
#2 Pre-heat a large skillet (big enough for 3-4 slices of bread).
#3 Melt 2 Tablespoons butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free) in the pan.
#4 Once you slice your bread, dip it into your egg/milk mixture, leaving for 2-10 seconds, depending on thickness and density of your bread.
#5 Flip the slice over, soak for 2-10 seconds, depending.
#6 Place slices in the melted butter (or oil) in your pre-heated skillet.
#7 After a minute or two, flip slices over. Leave until your preferred browness occurs.
#8 Enjoy with whatever sweet topping you have on hand - Amish-made organic, unfiltered maple syrup or completely unhealthy powered sugar (gasp!). Don't stress! Just enjoy your breakfast and have a great day! :-)
Sweet Gluten-Free Bread (for French Toast!!! :-)
Makes 2 or 3 Loaves, depending on the size of your pans. Be nice and share with a friend!!
Using a wire whisk, in a small bowl, mix up these wet ingredients:
6 eggs
**A note before we get started...If you don't have time for your bread to rise or you don't have any warm areas in your house, simply DON'T preheat your oven. Once you have mixed up the dough, put the 3/4 full loaf pans in the oven, THEN turn it on to 375. Begin baking time when oven is up to temp. Simple enough? :-) ** Okay, let's go...
First, mix these together in a medium-sized bowl:
2 Tbsp. yeast
2 Tbsp. any kind of sugar (I have used evaporated cane
juice and coconut palm sugar, but I'm sure plain old white sugar works fine)
3 cups warm water (little less than HOT)
Next, mix these flours and other dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
1.5 cups Sweet Rice flour
1 cup Tapioca flour
1 cup Sweet Sorghum flour
1 cup Millet flour
1/2 cup Coconut flour
4 tsp. xanthan gum
2 tsp. salt (I use fine sea salt but, again, I'm sure regular table salt works fine)
2T flax meal
Using a wire whisk, in a small bowl, mix up these wet ingredients:
6 eggs
3 Tbsp. oil (I have used grapeseed oil, coconut oil, and even bacon grease)
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
By this point, your yeast mixture should be foamy. Pour the two liquid mixtures into the big bowl of dry ingredients and mix for 4 minutes with an electric mixer. [My electric mixer broke so I mix by hand with a wooden spoon for approximately 6 minutes (or until my arm muscles give out, lol!)]
Bread Machine Directions:
Scoop your dough into the bread machine
and smooth the top of the dough. I bake
my bread using an 80 min setting that allows for 20 mins of kneading, 18 mins
of rise, and 42 mins of baking.
{Disclaimer: I do not have a bread machine so I don't know if these directions are accurate - I borrowed them from a friend.}
Conventional
Oven Directions:
Scoop the dough into a greased loaf pan. Again, I use cold bacon grease.
Allow the dough to rise in a warm area until it is 1 inch from the top of the
pan.
Cover with foil and bake at 375 for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10-20 minutes more.
Remove from oven. Cool 3 or 4 minutes and dump onto wire racks. The bread should not stick at all. If it does, adjust baking time or temperature for your climate/region. [I'm currently in Kentucky.]
Vegan doTerra Wild Orange Smoothie
Since I donated my Vitamix (after it quit working but before I found out I could have called customer service and had it replaced since it was under 7 years old), I am currently using a Ninja food processing system (which isn't even close to a Vitamix but it makes okay smoothies).
Add these ingredients to your high-powered blender:
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 small farmer's market apple
1 small banana
a few Dashes of ginger
a few Dashes of ground cloves
2 Tablespoons (or a little more) Justin's Maple Almond Butter [available at Vitacost.com. Get $10 off your first order by clicking ----> https://www.vitacostrewards.com/hzlmbff ]
2 or 3 drops of doTerra Wild Orange essential oil [available at www.mydoterra.com/brandi/ ]
6 ice cubes
Blend until smooth enough to drink through a straw (about 2 minutes in a Ninja; 30 seconds in a Vitamix).
Enjoy your healthy snack / lunch / I'm too tired or stressed to make a more complicated treat.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
It worked for me!!!
Yesterday, our family did some custom woodwork at a home where the man of the house wasn't feeling well. In the past, this wouldn't have bothered me one bit because none of us are ever sick. Seriously, even when my boys were very young, we visited the doctor only at their yearly checkup time. But, what I've noticed since we began eating gluten-free is we all seem to come down with the sniffles or "aches and pains" more often. In my layman mind, I believe this is because our immune systems are no longer on full alert, fighting every day to get rid of the offending particle - gluten. Once again, we seem to have both sides of the coin. One, I'm happy we all feel better without the wheat. On the other hand, I'm having to research natural ways of keeping us healthy since we don't seem to be 'immune' to germs and other junk these days.
Back to today. This morning (2:00am to be exact), I woke up with a head full of pressure and snot. Gross, I know. Sorry. I didn't know how else to get my point across. Anyway, I wandered bleary-eyed into the kitchen where I keep my doTerra Family Physician Kit and mixed up a concoction.
Recipe:
In a small glass, pour a 'shot' of fruit juice or water.
6 drops of Oregano to kill whatever is developing
6 drops of OnGuard to boost immune function
2 drops of Lemon because I like the smell
4 drops of Lavender because I wanted to go back to sleep
6 or 7 drops of fractionated coconut oil because the Oregano is a 'hot' oil
I also dabbed some coconut oil on my lips to protect against burning. [Oregano is amazing at blasting away whatever's going wrong inside you but can really set on fire whatever skin it touches. Be careful! :-] And, I dabbed a drop of lemon oil on both sides of my nose (on the outside, NOT the inside).
I quickly downed my elixer, filled the glass with water and drank that too, then shuffled back to bed. Within minutes I could breathe again, and not very minutes after that, I felt the lavender lulling me back into dreamland. I woke up at 7:00 and repeated the process (but, without the Lavender). We did choose to stay home and rest today to give everyone a chance to recover from our very long day yesterday but I've been working online and cooking in the kitchen all morning! I feel great!
Many people do not want to take prescriptions or over-the-counter medicines on a regular basis and I am one of those people. Since my family seems to be in a place where we contract sickness more easily now, I'm so glad to have found a natural solution to whatever pops up.
*Unofficial Disclaimer: I am not certified in oils or homeopathy or anything like that. I just know what works for me! I hope you try it too. :-)
If you have any questions on ordering from doTerra, feel free to email me. I'm just getting started but I will happily share what I have learned so far. The most informative site I have come across is http://everythingessential.me.
Have a great day! Thanks for 'listening'. :-)
Back to today. This morning (2:00am to be exact), I woke up with a head full of pressure and snot. Gross, I know. Sorry. I didn't know how else to get my point across. Anyway, I wandered bleary-eyed into the kitchen where I keep my doTerra Family Physician Kit and mixed up a concoction.
Recipe:
In a small glass, pour a 'shot' of fruit juice or water.
6 drops of Oregano to kill whatever is developing
6 drops of OnGuard to boost immune function
2 drops of Lemon because I like the smell
4 drops of Lavender because I wanted to go back to sleep
6 or 7 drops of fractionated coconut oil because the Oregano is a 'hot' oil
I also dabbed some coconut oil on my lips to protect against burning. [Oregano is amazing at blasting away whatever's going wrong inside you but can really set on fire whatever skin it touches. Be careful! :-] And, I dabbed a drop of lemon oil on both sides of my nose (on the outside, NOT the inside).
I quickly downed my elixer, filled the glass with water and drank that too, then shuffled back to bed. Within minutes I could breathe again, and not very minutes after that, I felt the lavender lulling me back into dreamland. I woke up at 7:00 and repeated the process (but, without the Lavender). We did choose to stay home and rest today to give everyone a chance to recover from our very long day yesterday but I've been working online and cooking in the kitchen all morning! I feel great!
Many people do not want to take prescriptions or over-the-counter medicines on a regular basis and I am one of those people. Since my family seems to be in a place where we contract sickness more easily now, I'm so glad to have found a natural solution to whatever pops up.
*Unofficial Disclaimer: I am not certified in oils or homeopathy or anything like that. I just know what works for me! I hope you try it too. :-)
If you have any questions on ordering from doTerra, feel free to email me. I'm just getting started but I will happily share what I have learned so far. The most informative site I have come across is http://everythingessential.me.
Have a great day! Thanks for 'listening'. :-)
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Steel Cut Oats for Breakfast
Breakfast for me is kind of like the oxygen mask in the plane - I have to get mine on first before I can help my kids. I am substitute teaching right now and for this reason, I make breakfasts that are as nutritious as possible - that way my patience lasts a long time! :-) Yes, I do have to get out of bed twenty minutes earlier so I can eat before my own children are awake, but it really does help save me time later. When my body is nourished, I don't waste time looking for items that are right in front of me, I don't leave home without items I need, and in the classroom I don't waste time arguing with students who just won't work. With food in my system, I can remain calm, think clearly, and be happy.
Here are the steps to one of my favorite options:
This rice steamer is one of the best kitchen items I have bought myself. It was $15 at the PX and has saved many a morning for me. I buy my steel cut oats at Aldi and as I have never had an adverse reaction to them, I trust that they are gluten-free although I have not emailed the company directly and would definitely recommend that you do so if you have a celiac diagnosis.
I put in a spoonful of Troyer "first cream" Roll Butter, 3/4 cup steel cut oats (these feel like Grape Nuts), and 1 cup water and click the button to COOK. This will take between 7 and 8 minutes.
Chop up any fruit you would like to add to your oats when they're finished cooking. This week, we found some tasty apples at our Farmer's Market and so that's what I've been eating.
When the COOK button clicks to WARM, transfer your oats out of the rice steamer and into a bowl. Add 1/4 cup of Chia Seeds for added fiber. Stir in your choice of chopped fruit and enjoy!
*Note* I also stirred in 2 Tablespoons of Justin's Organic Almond Butter for additional protein. Yum!! :-)
Sorry, no finished product photo, I was too busy scarfing it! Now, go eat!!!
Monday, February 4, 2013
Tonight's Gluten-Free Dinner, post #1 :-)
Porcupine Meatballs, recipe by Prego
1lb ground turkey
2 dry cups brown rice, cooked
1egg
3Tb Typical Italian seasonings
Mix all ingredients together, form into balls, and place in crockpot. Pour 1 jar spaghetti sauce over the meatballs and cook on High 3-4 hours or Low 6-7 hours.
If I wasn't tired from another very long Monday, we would have eaten together at the table, on real plates, with a side salad and gf garlic toast. However, the Nursery was hectic with a ton of small issues and fires to put out, so...we "had a picnic" in the living room while watching Green Lantern.
For those interested, breakfast was gf waffles with peanut butter (I sneak in 1 Tblspoon of flax meal). Lunch was rice cake with p.b.(yes, we eat a lot of Jif), cheese stick, strawberries & whipped cream, and yogurt-covered raisins.
All three of us are still experiencing side-effects from accidentally consuming gluten this weekend. Although Sam's Club claims to use Natahn's hot dogs, which carry the label "gf", I can tell you it's in there somewhere because old behaviors and symptoms showed up within a few hours and lasted through to this evening.
1lb ground turkey
2 dry cups brown rice, cooked
1egg
3Tb Typical Italian seasonings
Mix all ingredients together, form into balls, and place in crockpot. Pour 1 jar spaghetti sauce over the meatballs and cook on High 3-4 hours or Low 6-7 hours.
If I wasn't tired from another very long Monday, we would have eaten together at the table, on real plates, with a side salad and gf garlic toast. However, the Nursery was hectic with a ton of small issues and fires to put out, so...we "had a picnic" in the living room while watching Green Lantern.
For those interested, breakfast was gf waffles with peanut butter (I sneak in 1 Tblspoon of flax meal). Lunch was rice cake with p.b.(yes, we eat a lot of Jif), cheese stick, strawberries & whipped cream, and yogurt-covered raisins.
All three of us are still experiencing side-effects from accidentally consuming gluten this weekend. Although Sam's Club claims to use Natahn's hot dogs, which carry the label "gf", I can tell you it's in there somewhere because old behaviors and symptoms showed up within a few hours and lasted through to this evening.
Monday, March 15, 2010
When Free Isn't Free
We have been considering whether or not to enroll our younger son in a charter kindergarten this year (at age 4, turning 5 in November) or wait until he meets the birthdate requirement next year and send him to the district school to which he can ride on the bus with his brother. Obviously waiting seems like the best option, but I work from home and it is getting a bit hectic as the boy is practically itching to learn to read and write. I try to spend as much time with him as possible, but I do also have an obligation to spend a certain number of hours on the computer for my teaching position. There is no money for preschool; I have no friends with whom I could kid swap. So, when I saw a flyer at our local bookstore for a free all-day kindergarten at a charter school that is somewhat near to our house, I was ecstatic; here was my chance - it was free, sort of close, and seemed like a great place.
At dinner that night, I broached the subject with my husband. Could you help me figure out whether we should sign C. up for this free kindergarten, I asked as sweetly and respectfully as I could manage while wanting to jump out of my own skin with excitement. Sure. The school is about 12 miles from our house. Earlier that day, I had clocked the commute at 20 minutes and had made up my mind already that 1 hour 20 minutes of my day lost to drive time was a fair trade to gain 6 hours of uninterrupted work time. But, here my husband was adding up the miles for an entire school year. Twenty four miles roundtrip, twice a day, times 180 school days is...8,640 total miles you would drive just so C. could be out of your hair. What? That's 24 tanks of gas and two oil changes that I would add to an already stretched-to-bursting budget. At nearly $3 a gallon for gas and $20 to change fluids each time, this adds up to almost $2,000 over the course of one school year. This is when "free" is definitely not free.
At dinner that night, I broached the subject with my husband. Could you help me figure out whether we should sign C. up for this free kindergarten, I asked as sweetly and respectfully as I could manage while wanting to jump out of my own skin with excitement. Sure. The school is about 12 miles from our house. Earlier that day, I had clocked the commute at 20 minutes and had made up my mind already that 1 hour 20 minutes of my day lost to drive time was a fair trade to gain 6 hours of uninterrupted work time. But, here my husband was adding up the miles for an entire school year. Twenty four miles roundtrip, twice a day, times 180 school days is...8,640 total miles you would drive just so C. could be out of your hair. What? That's 24 tanks of gas and two oil changes that I would add to an already stretched-to-bursting budget. At nearly $3 a gallon for gas and $20 to change fluids each time, this adds up to almost $2,000 over the course of one school year. This is when "free" is definitely not free.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Teaching an old dog new tricks
I'm taking a workshop to help students become better writers and what I noticed is that I need to become a better writer, too. To that end, I will be posting journal topics as well as reponding to my own questions. My friends and family, you will be able to enjoy new posts from me! Primavera Students, you will create your own blog and link it to mine, as a way of earning extra credit. Beginning tomorrow, I will be writing about my vacation preparations. Next week, you'll be able to read about our adventures as we travel from here, to Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, Page, AZ, Zion National Park in Utah, Las Vegas, NV and the Hoover Dam. I hope you enjoy and I welcome your feedback!!!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
How to have a sane Christmas
Having a sane and economical Christmas takes planning and preparation. However, you can still enjoy a fun holiday season even if you didn't start planning in January like I did. The following tips have been gleaned over the years from friends and magazines.
KEEP YOUR MONEY:
#1 Follow the "wise men" plan. Each child gets three gifts, no matter what. Once you have bought three gifts - stop shopping. (Now, for dollar-store items, I do wrap 3 or 4 together and call it one gift.)
#2 Pre-fill stockings. Once the stocking is full - stop shopping.
Many of us like to pick up one or two cute things at every store and we innocently think, "I'll just put that in the stocking". As we all know, this practice adds up to a large chunk of money by December 25th. When you know very well there is a full stocking hidden in your closet, it becomes easy to look at those cute doodads, murmur to the devil on your shoulder "it's full", and save yourself a bunch of bucks.
Don't worry, whenever it's time to hang up the decorations on the mantel, simply empty the goodies and rehide them. You will still know there is no more room!
#3 If you have young children, consider shopping at the Goodwill store on their 50%-off Saturdays. Yesterday, I left there with 6 bags of stuff for $28 dollars. My three-year-old does not care if a Hot Wheels car comes in a box or not. He thinks they "zoom" better our of the box, in fact. :-) My 2nd-grader will not notice that some of the pages of his "new" Star Wars book are a tiny bit creased. He will be too busy ooohing and aaahhhing over the ships and weapons.
For clothes, shop on Thursdays. That day, the store randomly chooses a color and all items with that color tag are only $1. Last week, I bought my older boy 4 brand-new-looking shirts for $4. I simply went to the kids' rack, looked for the color of the day and checked to see if they were his size. The Goodwill store was on my way home and the whole visit took less than 20 minutes.
KEEP YOUR SANITY:
In January, I choose wrapping paper from the Target 90%-off sale racks and buy it for about 25 cents a roll. At wrapping time (usually early October), I choose one pattern for each kid (my two boys and my two nieces). I wrap all three of the person's gifts in the same pattern and then make note of what pattern is theirs. That way, I do not have to put name tags on the gifts and there is no reason for my sons to whine, "He got more than me..." when I set everything under the tree the day after Thanksgiving.
To keep things straight, I keep a list on the back of my closet door. It tells what I have bought for each kid so I can stop at three.
"Wrapping presents in October? When did you buy everything?" The answer: all year, a little at a time, from January to late September. The way I do this is the check clearance racks each and every time I am in a store with clothes, toys, or books (the stuff our young children enjoy). No kidding, I got the cutest stuff this year from Fry's Marketplace out in Buckeye. A side benefit to that is that the purchase price is included in my weekly grocery budget, so Christmas does not really affect our bottom line.
"But I don't want to be so rigid, then I won't enjoy the holidays." I strongly disagree. By getting out of the way early all of the stuff that causes Christmas to be so hectic, I am free to enjoy the season and teach my sons the true meaning of it. We spend time making cookies for neighbors, homemade projects for teachers, videos and photo albums for grandparents; we're not running from store to store trying to find the best deal or that perfect gift. Let's face it, there is no "perfect" present and do you really think you're getting the "best" price any time after Labor Day? No. The best time to buy is when the stores don't want their stuff anymore and they have marked it down 75 - 90%. [Remember my definition of "clearance", ladies.]
In closing, just so you know, I do still have a bit of fun wrapping on Christmas eve. This is when I add all of the ribbons, bows, and tags. In the morning, everything has transformed and I love to watch the little faces light up.
KEEP YOUR MONEY:
#1 Follow the "wise men" plan. Each child gets three gifts, no matter what. Once you have bought three gifts - stop shopping. (Now, for dollar-store items, I do wrap 3 or 4 together and call it one gift.)
#2 Pre-fill stockings. Once the stocking is full - stop shopping.
Many of us like to pick up one or two cute things at every store and we innocently think, "I'll just put that in the stocking". As we all know, this practice adds up to a large chunk of money by December 25th. When you know very well there is a full stocking hidden in your closet, it becomes easy to look at those cute doodads, murmur to the devil on your shoulder "it's full", and save yourself a bunch of bucks.
Don't worry, whenever it's time to hang up the decorations on the mantel, simply empty the goodies and rehide them. You will still know there is no more room!
#3 If you have young children, consider shopping at the Goodwill store on their 50%-off Saturdays. Yesterday, I left there with 6 bags of stuff for $28 dollars. My three-year-old does not care if a Hot Wheels car comes in a box or not. He thinks they "zoom" better our of the box, in fact. :-) My 2nd-grader will not notice that some of the pages of his "new" Star Wars book are a tiny bit creased. He will be too busy ooohing and aaahhhing over the ships and weapons.
For clothes, shop on Thursdays. That day, the store randomly chooses a color and all items with that color tag are only $1. Last week, I bought my older boy 4 brand-new-looking shirts for $4. I simply went to the kids' rack, looked for the color of the day and checked to see if they were his size. The Goodwill store was on my way home and the whole visit took less than 20 minutes.
KEEP YOUR SANITY:
In January, I choose wrapping paper from the Target 90%-off sale racks and buy it for about 25 cents a roll. At wrapping time (usually early October), I choose one pattern for each kid (my two boys and my two nieces). I wrap all three of the person's gifts in the same pattern and then make note of what pattern is theirs. That way, I do not have to put name tags on the gifts and there is no reason for my sons to whine, "He got more than me..." when I set everything under the tree the day after Thanksgiving.
To keep things straight, I keep a list on the back of my closet door. It tells what I have bought for each kid so I can stop at three.
"Wrapping presents in October? When did you buy everything?" The answer: all year, a little at a time, from January to late September. The way I do this is the check clearance racks each and every time I am in a store with clothes, toys, or books (the stuff our young children enjoy). No kidding, I got the cutest stuff this year from Fry's Marketplace out in Buckeye. A side benefit to that is that the purchase price is included in my weekly grocery budget, so Christmas does not really affect our bottom line.
"But I don't want to be so rigid, then I won't enjoy the holidays." I strongly disagree. By getting out of the way early all of the stuff that causes Christmas to be so hectic, I am free to enjoy the season and teach my sons the true meaning of it. We spend time making cookies for neighbors, homemade projects for teachers, videos and photo albums for grandparents; we're not running from store to store trying to find the best deal or that perfect gift. Let's face it, there is no "perfect" present and do you really think you're getting the "best" price any time after Labor Day? No. The best time to buy is when the stores don't want their stuff anymore and they have marked it down 75 - 90%. [Remember my definition of "clearance", ladies.]
In closing, just so you know, I do still have a bit of fun wrapping on Christmas eve. This is when I add all of the ribbons, bows, and tags. In the morning, everything has transformed and I love to watch the little faces light up.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Amish
I had someone ask me the other day how our "Amish" living is going. Some of you may remember how we started off the year with a vow not to buy anything we didn't "need". I was blogging about what I was NOT buying, but it just got so negative and brought me down. So, I changed the name from "Nothing New..." to "Everything New...". That doesn't mean we're out there buying up the town, but rather that we are in the same situation and choosing to look at it in a positive way.
Originally, I replied to this person, "Oh, that went out the window a long time ago." However, the conversation remained on my mind. Have we truly thrown away that vow? I don't think so. Our back patio is not graced with furniture, despite some great sales recently. Our kitchen does not boast 4 new barstools as I would like. After a trip to a resale shop, my son received 4 shirt-and-shorts sets from his Nana, to start the new school year. I bought C one little blue shirt from WalMart so that he wouldn't feel left out. For my birthday each year, I usually buy some fancy food item from the grocery store - a luxury not otherwise indulged - like Pepperidge Farms cookies, brie cheese and schnazzy crackers. This year, due to budget constraints, all I purchased was a quart of whole milk. Mmm, that frothy creaminess tasted so good.
So, I don't think that we have lapsed into typical American spending habits, I just don't care to blog about it anymore. :-) I'm finally happy to be content with the stuff I have and not talk about stuff I don't. In closing, I would like to quote my current favorite cartoon character, Pinky Dinky Doo. "And that's exactly how it happened, pretty much."
Originally, I replied to this person, "Oh, that went out the window a long time ago." However, the conversation remained on my mind. Have we truly thrown away that vow? I don't think so. Our back patio is not graced with furniture, despite some great sales recently. Our kitchen does not boast 4 new barstools as I would like. After a trip to a resale shop, my son received 4 shirt-and-shorts sets from his Nana, to start the new school year. I bought C one little blue shirt from WalMart so that he wouldn't feel left out. For my birthday each year, I usually buy some fancy food item from the grocery store - a luxury not otherwise indulged - like Pepperidge Farms cookies, brie cheese and schnazzy crackers. This year, due to budget constraints, all I purchased was a quart of whole milk. Mmm, that frothy creaminess tasted so good.
So, I don't think that we have lapsed into typical American spending habits, I just don't care to blog about it anymore. :-) I'm finally happy to be content with the stuff I have and not talk about stuff I don't. In closing, I would like to quote my current favorite cartoon character, Pinky Dinky Doo. "And that's exactly how it happened, pretty much."
Where's the punchline?
You've been on my mind, but I have avoided the blog for a week now because I haven't felt very funny. In fact, as I sit here and contemplate what to write about, my mind is completely blank.
I think I am so overwhelmed with trying to contact 110 students each week, grade 110 essays, respond to dozens of messages and emails from various people related to education that I am numb. However, at the same time, I'm aware that this isn't some special circumstance, it's my everyday job and it's no more difficult that anyone else's. But this thought just came to me - Is this why the entire population of America seems not to care about our current economic or political situation? Are we so busy working that we can't see 5 feet in front of our face?
Sure, we talk about how tough it is, but what are we really doing? We talk about how disatisfied we are, but what are we really doing about it? Nothing.
I can cut corners and cut expenses time and time again, but if I see a cute shirt in WalMart, just like the rest of America, I'll still buy it. Why? Because I want it, it's only $5, it won't make that much of a difference in my budget anyway. This is the wrong attitude. We are in a crisis right now - the status quo is not in our favor. Every cent, every minute, every word counts.
Sometimes my stomach knots up and my pulse surges and I want to scream. There is no reaction from the average Joe to anything that is going on. What good is some guy squawking on the radio or the T.V. when businesses are closing, neighborhoods are withering? Is he going to save them? No. He's just going to talk about the problem, like the rest of us. But, what can we really do?
I think I am so overwhelmed with trying to contact 110 students each week, grade 110 essays, respond to dozens of messages and emails from various people related to education that I am numb. However, at the same time, I'm aware that this isn't some special circumstance, it's my everyday job and it's no more difficult that anyone else's. But this thought just came to me - Is this why the entire population of America seems not to care about our current economic or political situation? Are we so busy working that we can't see 5 feet in front of our face?
Sure, we talk about how tough it is, but what are we really doing? We talk about how disatisfied we are, but what are we really doing about it? Nothing.
I can cut corners and cut expenses time and time again, but if I see a cute shirt in WalMart, just like the rest of America, I'll still buy it. Why? Because I want it, it's only $5, it won't make that much of a difference in my budget anyway. This is the wrong attitude. We are in a crisis right now - the status quo is not in our favor. Every cent, every minute, every word counts.
Sometimes my stomach knots up and my pulse surges and I want to scream. There is no reaction from the average Joe to anything that is going on. What good is some guy squawking on the radio or the T.V. when businesses are closing, neighborhoods are withering? Is he going to save them? No. He's just going to talk about the problem, like the rest of us. But, what can we really do?
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Why is it?
There I was, driving down the road with kids in tow, thinking to myself how wonderful it feels to have so many people wishing me Happy Birthday by text and on Facebook, when WHAM! Out of nowhere, on a perfectly boring road, I made a mistake that could have cost a life. How could I have done that? What is wrong with me? Questions flood my brain; that nasty voice starts in with the beration.
But, you know what? It was a mistake. Everyone makes them. Why is it that I get so emotional and want to immediately cut myself off from society?
I really don't have the answer...I'm done for today.
But, you know what? It was a mistake. Everyone makes them. Why is it that I get so emotional and want to immediately cut myself off from society?
I really don't have the answer...I'm done for today.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Today's Highlights
In my ears: KJ52 on the nano
In my grip: the jogging stoller
On my mind: 120 students to call by Thursday
On the menu: Indian Chicken with Basmati Rice, Chocolate Banana brownies for dessert
Wishing: I could keep it all together...
In my grip: the jogging stoller
On my mind: 120 students to call by Thursday
On the menu: Indian Chicken with Basmati Rice, Chocolate Banana brownies for dessert
Wishing: I could keep it all together...
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Wear RED on FRIDAYS
This is from an email I received. Wear RED on FRIDAYS if you love your country, THIS country - America, and God.
"Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together..
After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.
No, he responded.
Heading out I asked?
No. I'm escorting a soldier home.
Going to pick him up?
No... He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq, I'm taking him home to his family.
The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days.
I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do...
Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign."
Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American.
So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do.
Red Fridays.
Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority." We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.
Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of Americans support our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that ... Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women a far, will wear something red.
By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red - much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.
The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is "We need your support and your prayers." Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday. "
"Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together..
After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.
No, he responded.
Heading out I asked?
No. I'm escorting a soldier home.
Going to pick him up?
No... He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq, I'm taking him home to his family.
The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days.
I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do...
Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign."
Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American.
So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do.
Red Fridays.
Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority." We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.
Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of Americans support our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that ... Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women a far, will wear something red.
By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red - much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.
The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is "We need your support and your prayers." Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday. "
We are shackled...
Debt has my family in chains.
I am drawn to adoption and I wish I could post a picture of the beautiful twins I found that desperately need a home before they age out of the system in Russia. [Email me if you would like to read more about the boys.]
However, although we have paid off about $6,000 in debt this year despite a downturn in the economy and in D.'s field in particular, we still struggle to make ends meet each month. I can't even contemplate adding on the cost of adopting a pet, much less the extortionistic price of bringing home two boys from a foreign country.
We have paid off the debt by chunking down big checks received (tax refund and escrow account overage), but on a monthly basis, we only make about $400 over the maximum allowed in order to take advantage of state services like free health care for the kids.
I'm tired of the debt and I'm on the warpath against it. Do you have any suggestions? Sign my guestbook, leave me a comment, email, etc.
I am drawn to adoption and I wish I could post a picture of the beautiful twins I found that desperately need a home before they age out of the system in Russia. [Email me if you would like to read more about the boys.]
However, although we have paid off about $6,000 in debt this year despite a downturn in the economy and in D.'s field in particular, we still struggle to make ends meet each month. I can't even contemplate adding on the cost of adopting a pet, much less the extortionistic price of bringing home two boys from a foreign country.
We have paid off the debt by chunking down big checks received (tax refund and escrow account overage), but on a monthly basis, we only make about $400 over the maximum allowed in order to take advantage of state services like free health care for the kids.
I'm tired of the debt and I'm on the warpath against it. Do you have any suggestions? Sign my guestbook, leave me a comment, email, etc.
Are you awake?
I'm not sure anyone in this country is awake.
I just jogged over to a friend's house, with my son in the stroller.
I left my son at my friend's home and jogged home with an empty stroller.
Ten vehicles passed me, including two state agency trucks and one neighbor in a Hum-V.
One bicyclist passed me.
I did not get one single strange look.
Not one person stopped to ask why I was pushing an empty stoller.
Have we become so "tolerant", so intent on "accepting others for who they are", that we don't even bother to question abnormalities and strange occurences?
I crossed a canal on my way home and this is about the point that the bicyclist ambled past. What if I had dumped my newborn into the rushing water because I'm suffering from PPD?
Nope. Not even one raised eyebrow.
I am appalled!!!
I just jogged over to a friend's house, with my son in the stroller.
I left my son at my friend's home and jogged home with an empty stroller.
Ten vehicles passed me, including two state agency trucks and one neighbor in a Hum-V.
One bicyclist passed me.
I did not get one single strange look.
Not one person stopped to ask why I was pushing an empty stoller.
Have we become so "tolerant", so intent on "accepting others for who they are", that we don't even bother to question abnormalities and strange occurences?
I crossed a canal on my way home and this is about the point that the bicyclist ambled past. What if I had dumped my newborn into the rushing water because I'm suffering from PPD?
Nope. Not even one raised eyebrow.
I am appalled!!!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
It's the little things...
I'm sitting here waiting for my students to log in to our online tutoring room, so I'll make use of the time by jotting down some of this morning's thoughts.
One of the big reasons I am enjoying this economic downturn is that I have begun to be thankful for the "little" things in life. For example, this morning I went to Safeway and bought a few things that we needed. This probably doesn't seem like a huge deal to the average American family, but our family has existed solely on meat and bonus boxes from the food bank and fruits/veggies from the co-op, for more than 6 weeks now. To walk into Safeway and buy whatever I please is a fantastic treat and I was nearly giddy on the way home.
We needed eggs, milk, dryer sheets, and this powerade mix that D. has been using so that he doesn't spend $5 at a convenience story each day. I used the cash that I made at my scrapbook party to buy these things and a few treats for us. The store brand mini-wheats were on sale, but I also bought the boys Honey Comb, Quaker Oat Squares, and Oh's. Because of the tight budget we have been keeping, they have not had big-name cereal in a while and it makes me smile to think of how excited they will be tomorrow morning when I surprise them. I marvel at the fact that it has taken a recession to make me appreciate their joy in small gifts.
Don't worry, I also bought something for myself. I have been drying our heavy clothes outside in the FREE warm air, to save on electricity, so I was happy to find a pretty-smelling Downy on clearance. Now, our towels won't be stiff and crinkly. Yay!
One of the big reasons I am enjoying this economic downturn is that I have begun to be thankful for the "little" things in life. For example, this morning I went to Safeway and bought a few things that we needed. This probably doesn't seem like a huge deal to the average American family, but our family has existed solely on meat and bonus boxes from the food bank and fruits/veggies from the co-op, for more than 6 weeks now. To walk into Safeway and buy whatever I please is a fantastic treat and I was nearly giddy on the way home.
We needed eggs, milk, dryer sheets, and this powerade mix that D. has been using so that he doesn't spend $5 at a convenience story each day. I used the cash that I made at my scrapbook party to buy these things and a few treats for us. The store brand mini-wheats were on sale, but I also bought the boys Honey Comb, Quaker Oat Squares, and Oh's. Because of the tight budget we have been keeping, they have not had big-name cereal in a while and it makes me smile to think of how excited they will be tomorrow morning when I surprise them. I marvel at the fact that it has taken a recession to make me appreciate their joy in small gifts.
Don't worry, I also bought something for myself. I have been drying our heavy clothes outside in the FREE warm air, to save on electricity, so I was happy to find a pretty-smelling Downy on clearance. Now, our towels won't be stiff and crinkly. Yay!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Why is that?
My May issue of Money magazine contains an article titled "11 Ways to Improve Your Financial Self Now". In it, the author states, "Accept the new norm - and set realistic investiment goals...you got used to double-digit returns when times were good...if you had simply set realistic expectations, you wouldn't feel so bad [now]...But, our brains don't work that way. 'We focus on the most recent experiences to frame our expectations'." It's that last sentence that really struck a chord with me.
In February, my husband had a great month for commission checks. So, what did I do? I paid every single bill early and even plunked down extra on our credit card debt. But, then what do you think happened when March was lean? That's right; there wasn't enough in the checking account to even cover regular expenses, much less tiny "splurges". We were broke. Ugh!
But, I'm trying to learn a lesson here and I've think I've got it. Even when the checks are big, I will simply continue on the financial plan we have set for ourselves and even attempt to cut more fat from the budget.
Here are a few new tips I found in LHJ. Andrea Atkins advises:
#1 Once a week shopping forces you to eat what's been sitting on the shelves. If you run out of bread, substitute peanut butter on graham crackers in the kids' lunches; it's pretty much the same thing.
#2 Send a brown bag lunch for everyone in the family two times per week.
#3 Go the extra step and DIY. This includes tasks such as Dry cleaning, Mani-Pedi appointments, and car washing (use a bucket, not the hose, except for rinsing).
#4 Stay out of the stores! [This works. I can't tell you the last time I was at the mall. What exactly is the point? They don't have groceries, which is the one and only item my family actually NEEDS.]
#5 If you must buy something, say for a birthday party or whatever, enlist the internet. GOOGLE "promotion codes for ________ (fill in the store name). Save % off or shipping or sometimes both.
#6 Visit www.dmachoice.org to take your name off a half-dozen catalog mailing lists. [I don't know about you, but I want something out of every Oriental Trading magazine that graces my mailbox. I've started throwing these right in the trash can in the garage; I never even let them in my house!]
These tips are mine:
#7 If you adamently remain addicted to ShapeDollars drinks, at least make the effort to buy the discount cards at Costco. You can get 5 x $20 gift cards and pay only $80. Savings = $20
#8 If the savings seems small to you (ie: I'm only saving $6 a week by brown bagging it), remember to multiply by the days, weeks, or months of a whole year. $6 x 52 weeks = $312. If this number still seems small, add up all the little changes you are making until you get into the thousands of dollars. This might help your determination to save, even in the months of surplus.
In February, my husband had a great month for commission checks. So, what did I do? I paid every single bill early and even plunked down extra on our credit card debt. But, then what do you think happened when March was lean? That's right; there wasn't enough in the checking account to even cover regular expenses, much less tiny "splurges". We were broke. Ugh!
But, I'm trying to learn a lesson here and I've think I've got it. Even when the checks are big, I will simply continue on the financial plan we have set for ourselves and even attempt to cut more fat from the budget.
Here are a few new tips I found in LHJ. Andrea Atkins advises:
#1 Once a week shopping forces you to eat what's been sitting on the shelves. If you run out of bread, substitute peanut butter on graham crackers in the kids' lunches; it's pretty much the same thing.
#2 Send a brown bag lunch for everyone in the family two times per week.
#3 Go the extra step and DIY. This includes tasks such as Dry cleaning, Mani-Pedi appointments, and car washing (use a bucket, not the hose, except for rinsing).
#4 Stay out of the stores! [This works. I can't tell you the last time I was at the mall. What exactly is the point? They don't have groceries, which is the one and only item my family actually NEEDS.]
#5 If you must buy something, say for a birthday party or whatever, enlist the internet. GOOGLE "promotion codes for ________ (fill in the store name). Save % off or shipping or sometimes both.
#6 Visit www.dmachoice.org to take your name off a half-dozen catalog mailing lists. [I don't know about you, but I want something out of every Oriental Trading magazine that graces my mailbox. I've started throwing these right in the trash can in the garage; I never even let them in my house!]
These tips are mine:
#7 If you adamently remain addicted to ShapeDollars drinks, at least make the effort to buy the discount cards at Costco. You can get 5 x $20 gift cards and pay only $80. Savings = $20
#8 If the savings seems small to you (ie: I'm only saving $6 a week by brown bagging it), remember to multiply by the days, weeks, or months of a whole year. $6 x 52 weeks = $312. If this number still seems small, add up all the little changes you are making until you get into the thousands of dollars. This might help your determination to save, even in the months of surplus.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Uh, what?
To begin, let me say that I am hesitant to apply labels and reluctant to accept labels, especially those that are popular "au moment". But, when I was thinking about what I wanted to write tonight, I recognized some accuracy in the off-handed comments made by a handful of doctors about me possibly having OCD tendencies. :-) I had previously determined the symptoms of this affliction to be along the lines of counting cracks in sidewalks, waiting a certain number of seconds before touching a doorknob, or wiping a counter-top only with my right hand (hey, wait a second!).
However, as I reflected on the week, I made the connection between the actual name of the disorder and my actions. For example, I have been completely OBSESSED with this Stampin' Up! thing I'm trying to get going for the summer. I have checked my email looking for new Evite R.S.V.P.s approximately four times a day for the last four days. I am so looking forward to sharing packs of paper and ideas, that I'm combing the catalog constantly, circling items I need, ogling things I want, reviewing what I already own. Ugh! I am starting to disgust myself. Is there nothing else on the planet worth obsessing over? Did I really just almost click SUBMIT on a $450 order?
Fortunately, I have perfected (naughty word for Type-A'ers!) a few tricks to keep myself out of trouble. STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING! The first one move I made was to navigate away from the demonstrator site which is the one and only place where 20% off entices me. USE ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNERS! Second, I logged in to this blog since I created it as my accountability backup. Looking at the tag line, which formerly read "my commitment to not spend money on 'extras' for a whole year" before I changed it because I was grouchy, halted the COMPULSIVE part of OCD real quick. Messing with the layout and formats alleviated some of my drive to make a snappy purchase.
Thank the Lord for trick #3! Or, literally, thank the Lord IN step #3. PRAY and LISTEN to the ANSWER! Because I have asked, I have been blessed with friends that are there for me no matter what kind of a mood I'm in.
Stacy - Thank you for allowing me to interrupt your schedule on a daily basis and never making me feel bad about it.
Cati - Thank you for the park trips; they really help release me from the traps I set with my own hands, in my own house.
In conclusion, I have not been diagnosed with any disorder nor do I want to be, but that doesn't mean I can't employ strategies to counteract negative behaviors. In fact, I just saved $450 by doing that. I need to get off the computer now, though, because the Buy One Get One offer on the SU website is calling my name. [Wait, I think that's a different disease!]
See ya' !
However, as I reflected on the week, I made the connection between the actual name of the disorder and my actions. For example, I have been completely OBSESSED with this Stampin' Up! thing I'm trying to get going for the summer. I have checked my email looking for new Evite R.S.V.P.s approximately four times a day for the last four days. I am so looking forward to sharing packs of paper and ideas, that I'm combing the catalog constantly, circling items I need, ogling things I want, reviewing what I already own. Ugh! I am starting to disgust myself. Is there nothing else on the planet worth obsessing over? Did I really just almost click SUBMIT on a $450 order?
Fortunately, I have perfected (naughty word for Type-A'ers!) a few tricks to keep myself out of trouble. STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING! The first one move I made was to navigate away from the demonstrator site which is the one and only place where 20% off entices me. USE ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNERS! Second, I logged in to this blog since I created it as my accountability backup. Looking at the tag line, which formerly read "my commitment to not spend money on 'extras' for a whole year" before I changed it because I was grouchy, halted the COMPULSIVE part of OCD real quick. Messing with the layout and formats alleviated some of my drive to make a snappy purchase.
Thank the Lord for trick #3! Or, literally, thank the Lord IN step #3. PRAY and LISTEN to the ANSWER! Because I have asked, I have been blessed with friends that are there for me no matter what kind of a mood I'm in.
Stacy - Thank you for allowing me to interrupt your schedule on a daily basis and never making me feel bad about it.
Cati - Thank you for the park trips; they really help release me from the traps I set with my own hands, in my own house.
In conclusion, I have not been diagnosed with any disorder nor do I want to be, but that doesn't mean I can't employ strategies to counteract negative behaviors. In fact, I just saved $450 by doing that. I need to get off the computer now, though, because the Buy One Get One offer on the SU website is calling my name. [Wait, I think that's a different disease!]
See ya' !
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