Do you recall the insanely popular "25 Things About Me" that went around Facebook earlier this year? well, I thought I'd post what I wrote in January 2009 as a way to get myself back into blogging. After all, I need to get back in the groove - there are so many things that I have to say and share about going back to work, growing children and giving up control...
1/28/09
1. I am blessed beyond all that I can ask or imagine, in every aspect of my life. I don’t deserve any of it, but God is awesome and I am thankful for His mercy and grace.
2. I am truly an introvert, which impacts how I process, react and respond to many things in life.
3. One of my favorite Bible verses is Proverbs 3:5,6…”Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.” It was the first that I memorized, and keeps me on task.
4. I married an amazing man. He inspires me to be a better person and he’s not afraid to let me know how much he loves me. I could not ask for a better father for our daughters.
5. I am silly and fun. I sing crazy songs, make up funny dances and laugh and play with my girls all the time.
6. I pay attention to details and I am a critical thinker…sometimes more than necessary.
7. I grew up as an only child. It made me stronger, and it, too, affects how I process, react and respond to many things in life.
8. My close friends became my siblings and to this day I don’t know what I’d do without them.
9. Window shopping clears my mind and relaxes me…really, it does.
10. I was angry and hurt when my job of 16 years was eliminated, but in time I came to realize that it was a blessing.
11. I am now even more comfortable and confident with who I am, and not who the job dictated that I be.
12. I like good chocolate, good wine and insightful conversations.
13. The most special gift that I ever received is my grandmother’s piano. She always told me that it would be mine one day. I miss her very much.
14. I had the opportunity to travel to Oberammergau, Germany in 2000 to see the Passion Play. Words cannot describe this experience.
15. I am excited about starting a new job soon – new industry, new opportunity, new challenges, new successes.
16. My children bring such joy to my life. Each day is like a breath of fresh air and a reminder of what’s really important.
17. Treating others with respect, fairness and honesty are qualities that I admire.
18. I don’t like arrogance, but I realize that people can be misunderstood due to the image that they unknowingly or knowingly project.
19. My Mom and Dad are each rock solid in their own way. They taught me so much, and I am still learning.
20. Compiling 25 things is too much…I did good to get this far!!!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
I was asked to speak to women's Bible study group about important steps to take in this difficult financial economy. It seems like forever since I was involved in finances and the like (10 months is forever when I look at all of the adventure that I've experienced at home with my daughter since then). However, I was able to put my career hat back on, and come up with some thoughts for the group. My premise is that thee is a lot of information out there...they just need to think through their needs and use the resources that are available.
Five Components of Calm
Keeping it Together in Today’s Economy
Five Components of Calm
-Put it in Perspective
- Plan
- Prioritize
- Partner
- Pay Attention
1. Put it in Perspective
- Remember who is really in control
- The economy is cyclical
2. Prioritize
- Refocus your financial priorities
- Essential vs. discretionary expenses
- What needs to be done now vs. what can be done later vs. what really doesn’t need to be done at all
- Refocus your life priorities - career vs. education, relocation vs. stay in the area
- Seek contentment
3. Plan your spending (and saving)
- Budget, Budget, Budget!
- Realistic look at your “true” expenses including gifts, copayments, babysitters, newspapers, etc.
- Anticipate potential financial changes
- Adjust accordingly – the little things really do make a difference
- Keep some fun
4. Partner
- Collaborate with subject matter experts – banker, tax professional, financial planner, etc.
- Attend seminars and events
- Have a source of accountability – friend, support group, etc.
5. Pay Attention – Educate Yourself
- Read appropriate articles/websites
- Maintain your financial documents/information
- Watch the news (in moderation)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
“Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts” Proverbs 24:3-4 (TLB)
Great Resources:
Friday, December 12, 2008
Brown Skins and Santa
Last night my daughter and I went to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the famous Radio City Rockettes. It was a fun show with amazing choreography, great songs and beautiful costumes. While I will suggest that it becomes a family holiday tradition to go see the show, I won't remember it fondly year after year for any of the above reasons. No, it will be because of my perceptive and inquisitive 5 year-old.
"Look, mom, there's a brown skin," she said excitedly. A few moments later - "There's another brown skin...wow!" She was referring to the two beautiful African American Rockettes. You couldn't miss them, as they were the chocolate brown legs doing those eye high kicks. The first time she said it, I acknowledged her excitement. The second time, I cringed...not because I was embarrassed at what she said, but because she was really LOUD. I used it as a teachable moment, and quietly talked about how great it was to see these women, and that she, too, could be a Rockette or anything that she chose. This amazed and inspired her, and she insisted on "kicking" while we walked to the car after the show.
After we get through the first scene, the "brown skin" Rockettes are no longer a novelty. Her excitement turns to Santa and his antics throughout the show. As the performance winds down, the final scene is the story of the first Christmas, and includes a living nativity complete with camels and sheep. We whisper together about the story of Jesus' birthday, and here is was in the show. She thought the animals were cool. But, the true insight into her thoughts came with her LOUD question, "But, where did Santa go?" Again, I cringed, and realized that it was, indeed, time to go home.
"Look, mom, there's a brown skin," she said excitedly. A few moments later - "There's another brown skin...wow!" She was referring to the two beautiful African American Rockettes. You couldn't miss them, as they were the chocolate brown legs doing those eye high kicks. The first time she said it, I acknowledged her excitement. The second time, I cringed...not because I was embarrassed at what she said, but because she was really LOUD. I used it as a teachable moment, and quietly talked about how great it was to see these women, and that she, too, could be a Rockette or anything that she chose. This amazed and inspired her, and she insisted on "kicking" while we walked to the car after the show.
After we get through the first scene, the "brown skin" Rockettes are no longer a novelty. Her excitement turns to Santa and his antics throughout the show. As the performance winds down, the final scene is the story of the first Christmas, and includes a living nativity complete with camels and sheep. We whisper together about the story of Jesus' birthday, and here is was in the show. She thought the animals were cool. But, the true insight into her thoughts came with her LOUD question, "But, where did Santa go?" Again, I cringed, and realized that it was, indeed, time to go home.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Excitement...and Lots of It
I wish that I could bottle the excitement that is in the air in our house. It's so thick that you could cut it with a knife...one of those toy ones that came with the Little Tikes to kitchen. Yes, the children are excited, and it's contagious!
Thanksgiving
We just came off of a grand Thanksgiving weekend. Our time with family in PA was fun and relaxing. I was amused by watching my girls amuse everyone else. I was also amused by my family's rendition of Guesstures. So, we ate too much, but what else is new on Thanksgiving. It was good to laugh and reminisce with those you love. And, we came home with Christmas presents...lots of them.
And, I even watched a little tiny bit of football. Can someone explain to me again why the Lions play each Thanksgiving when they are so horrible? Is it supposed to make me thankful that I live in Cleveland and we have the Browns?I would have preferred a holiday version of Real Housewives of ATL....that would really make me thankful...for my sanity, integrity, family, friends...you get the picture.
Holiday Decorations
We put up our Christmas tree on Sunday evening. We have an artificial tree with the lights already on it. It's time for a new tree. a real tree or a really expensive faux tree. But, neither is the case for this year, so we will settle with what we have...the one that has caused so much excitement. The most hilarious part of the evening was watching Lindsay take the ornaments off as we put them on. Needless to say, the majority of the decorations are on the top third of the tree, just out of her reach. Overall, it's a step above Charlie Brown's tree, but we love it. Each year my gaol is to buy each girl a new ornament for the tree. Then, when they are ready to move on, they can take their special ornaments with them to decorate their first tree.
Every time we come down the steps or walk into the room, we can't help but smile when we see the tree. And, just think, those presents aren't even there yet.I won't be able to handle the excitement at that point...we better wait until mid-December.
Thanksgiving
We just came off of a grand Thanksgiving weekend. Our time with family in PA was fun and relaxing. I was amused by watching my girls amuse everyone else. I was also amused by my family's rendition of Guesstures. So, we ate too much, but what else is new on Thanksgiving. It was good to laugh and reminisce with those you love. And, we came home with Christmas presents...lots of them.
And, I even watched a little tiny bit of football. Can someone explain to me again why the Lions play each Thanksgiving when they are so horrible? Is it supposed to make me thankful that I live in Cleveland and we have the Browns?I would have preferred a holiday version of Real Housewives of ATL....that would really make me thankful...for my sanity, integrity, family, friends...you get the picture.
Holiday Decorations
We put up our Christmas tree on Sunday evening. We have an artificial tree with the lights already on it. It's time for a new tree. a real tree or a really expensive faux tree. But, neither is the case for this year, so we will settle with what we have...the one that has caused so much excitement. The most hilarious part of the evening was watching Lindsay take the ornaments off as we put them on. Needless to say, the majority of the decorations are on the top third of the tree, just out of her reach. Overall, it's a step above Charlie Brown's tree, but we love it. Each year my gaol is to buy each girl a new ornament for the tree. Then, when they are ready to move on, they can take their special ornaments with them to decorate their first tree.
Every time we come down the steps or walk into the room, we can't help but smile when we see the tree. And, just think, those presents aren't even there yet.I won't be able to handle the excitement at that point...we better wait until mid-December.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
The Holiday Season is Here
It is unreal how much snow we have so early in the season. It's the week before Thanksgiving, and it looks like February. Oh well. So, today the girls and I got into the season. We put on our boots and hit the streets (that means stores for us). We went window shopping for holiday gifts (gifts that I am not sure if we will really give this year...but that's another post, one dealing with the impact of the economic crisis on our household). We had hot chocolate, went to lunch, and came home and danced to Christmas music. What a day!
I found humor in reading the odd trivia that the cable music channel shows while playing the songs. Did you know that 9% of Americans roast chestnuts, and that Slinky sales have totaled more than $250 million since it was introduced?
The question of the day, as posed by my 5 year-old daughter, "Why is everybody celebrating Christmas very early and it's not time yet?" She's asked me three times (in three different ways) to explain how long it will be before Christmas gets here, and is totally frustrated that it will not be here for a "while." She is also trying to digest why/how it's not winter yet, despite the act thatwe have so much snow.
On the bright side, she deducted that since Christmas is coming, then it will be Jesus' birthday, and that made her perk up....that's what I'm talking about!!!
I found humor in reading the odd trivia that the cable music channel shows while playing the songs. Did you know that 9% of Americans roast chestnuts, and that Slinky sales have totaled more than $250 million since it was introduced?
The question of the day, as posed by my 5 year-old daughter, "Why is everybody celebrating Christmas very early and it's not time yet?" She's asked me three times (in three different ways) to explain how long it will be before Christmas gets here, and is totally frustrated that it will not be here for a "while." She is also trying to digest why/how it's not winter yet, despite the act thatwe have so much snow.
On the bright side, she deducted that since Christmas is coming, then it will be Jesus' birthday, and that made her perk up....that's what I'm talking about!!!
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