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Showing posts with label Ramblings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ramblings. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
How to Live A Happy Life: Part 2
Today I'm going to lump a few simple ideas into one post. You want to be happy? That is up to you.
1. Surround yourself with great friends. Start by examining what you and your friends do together. Do you sit around and gripe about your kids and husbands? Do you talk about someone you don't like? Are you whining about those ten pounds that just won't disappear? What is the tone of your conversations?
A happy person is upbeat and positive. Try to let all those "coulda shoulda woulda" feelings just melt away. A good friendship involves people who truly care about your welfare, and those who would help you in a pinch. They would also let you know when you're way aff base. Do you have someone who will let you know when you're screwing up? A good friend does not emotionally suck you dry, and you should not suck others dry, either! Good friends will help you be a happier person.
2.Carve away some time for yourself. We all suffer from burnout at times. A hobby or activity will go a long way in keeping you fresh and motivated. Do something with the girls, or hire a babysitter so you can have a date with your husband. You are so much to so many. Don't lose who you are to yourself in the mix.
3. Be goal oriented. Don't just wander through life. What did you want to be when you were a child? The sky was the limit then. You don't have to give everything up just because you're a mom, or because your job is demanding. What makes you happy? What will make you feel accomplished? Make a list and take small steps each day to accomplish whatever it is you would like to do. No matter how busy you are, you can still do SOMETHING to become the person you want to be. Don't make excuses for not living out your dreams. YOU CAN DO IT! Here are some ideas for you:
1. Surround yourself with great friends. Start by examining what you and your friends do together. Do you sit around and gripe about your kids and husbands? Do you talk about someone you don't like? Are you whining about those ten pounds that just won't disappear? What is the tone of your conversations?
A happy person is upbeat and positive. Try to let all those "coulda shoulda woulda" feelings just melt away. A good friendship involves people who truly care about your welfare, and those who would help you in a pinch. They would also let you know when you're way aff base. Do you have someone who will let you know when you're screwing up? A good friend does not emotionally suck you dry, and you should not suck others dry, either! Good friends will help you be a happier person.
2.Carve away some time for yourself. We all suffer from burnout at times. A hobby or activity will go a long way in keeping you fresh and motivated. Do something with the girls, or hire a babysitter so you can have a date with your husband. You are so much to so many. Don't lose who you are to yourself in the mix.
3. Be goal oriented. Don't just wander through life. What did you want to be when you were a child? The sky was the limit then. You don't have to give everything up just because you're a mom, or because your job is demanding. What makes you happy? What will make you feel accomplished? Make a list and take small steps each day to accomplish whatever it is you would like to do. No matter how busy you are, you can still do SOMETHING to become the person you want to be. Don't make excuses for not living out your dreams. YOU CAN DO IT! Here are some ideas for you:
- Run in a race
- Learn a new language
- Write a poem
- Learn to paint
- Read the classics
- Save for a vacation
- Go skydiving
- Visit Europe
- Plant a garden
- Start a blog
- Volunteer at a homeless shelter
- Decorate a room
- Organize your garage (Aggghhh!)
- Learn to sew
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
How to Live a Happy Life: Part 1
We all know there are factors and circumstances that can make life seem unbearable at times. There are accidents, illnesses, money troubles and more to get us down in the dumps. The truth is, though, that despite these things, we still hold the key to our happiness. We choose how to react to things. We choose whether to trudge on or roll over. We choose how happy we will be.
In the next few posts I will be sharing some of my observances of women in particular, and some easy ways to be more happy and fulfilled in your life. Today I will start with the concept of Self-Talk.
I was at a seminar many years ago when I first heard the concept of self talk. Self talk is your inner dialogue. These are your thoughts, from making a mental shopping list to thinking badly about someone. Most self talk is benign. We are planning our day, trying to remember where our keys are, praying, or reminding ourselves to send out a birthday card. The trouble is when we get involved in negative self-talk. Since self talk is made up completely by our brain and imagination, it has many flaws.
Sociologists posit that we form an opinion of ourselves based on how we think others perceive us. This is called the Looking Glass Self. For instance, you may say something, and when a friend laughs, you get a positive feeling that you are funny. The Looking Glass Self socializes us from a very young age. We know when our parents are upset from just a look, or when a classmate doesn't like us from a glare.
Unfortunately, the Looking Glass Self is not full-proof, especially for people with poor self esteems or sensitivities, and don't we all doubt ourselves sometimes? Below are a couple of examples of how it can go wrong.
A. Jenny has been battling her weight for some time. She works hard, and watches what she eats, but she still doesn't feel comfortable in her clothes. One morning, a co-worker looks her up and down on the way into work, but says nothing. She likes Jenny's new skirt. Jenny, sensitive about the way she looks, however, assumes her co-worker is judging her, and doesn't like the way she looks. Jenny's mind then goes on overdrive. What, like she's perfect? She could lose a few pounds, too. She thinks she's so great, and I know that she hasn't been to the gym in a month. Jenny's co-worker said nothing, but because of Jenny's bad self talk, Jenny now has an issue with her co-worker.
B. Katie wrote a message on Helen's Facebook wall one day asking Helen if she would like to have lunch together tomorrow. Helen's laptop breaks and she doesn't have internet access for a few days. Since she didn't respond to the post, Katie gets spun up. I can't believe she didn't answer. That is so rude. I did something nice by inviting her, and she doesn't even have the decency to call? That's it. I'm done trying with her. All I am is nice, and she acts like I din't exist!
Helen is blameless in this situation, and doesn't even know Katie is mad at her. By the time she gets the message, the damage will already be done.
I tried to make the examples obvious, but self-talk is often more subtle, and does damage in our personal relationships. Take a second to think of a time you might have done this. I'll share one of mine that is pretty silly.
Years ago, I would get agitated by the way my mom was looking at me. It seemed like she was always looking down her nose at me. It seemed like she was really scrutinizing my face. It wasn't until I asked her about it that I realized how silly it was that I had been sensitive. She explained that when someone is standing close, she has to look out of the lower portion of her bifocals. She wasn't scrutinizing me at all. She was just trying to see me well!
We can get ourselves into a lot of trouble assuming things about people. We never know what others are going through. Just because someone gives you a funny look or doesn't return your phone call immediately doesn't mean they don't like you or they're judging you. Give people the benefit of the doubt, and ask yourself why you would assume something bad about that person. Most likely the real trouble is with YOU.
Cutting out negative self-talk could do wonders for our personal relationships, and happiness. When you start to venture a guess about someone, or let your imagination get the best of you, STOP. Stick to the facts. You're likely to save yourself a lot of trouble (and friends!).
In the next few posts I will be sharing some of my observances of women in particular, and some easy ways to be more happy and fulfilled in your life. Today I will start with the concept of Self-Talk.
I was at a seminar many years ago when I first heard the concept of self talk. Self talk is your inner dialogue. These are your thoughts, from making a mental shopping list to thinking badly about someone. Most self talk is benign. We are planning our day, trying to remember where our keys are, praying, or reminding ourselves to send out a birthday card. The trouble is when we get involved in negative self-talk. Since self talk is made up completely by our brain and imagination, it has many flaws.
Sociologists posit that we form an opinion of ourselves based on how we think others perceive us. This is called the Looking Glass Self. For instance, you may say something, and when a friend laughs, you get a positive feeling that you are funny. The Looking Glass Self socializes us from a very young age. We know when our parents are upset from just a look, or when a classmate doesn't like us from a glare.
Unfortunately, the Looking Glass Self is not full-proof, especially for people with poor self esteems or sensitivities, and don't we all doubt ourselves sometimes? Below are a couple of examples of how it can go wrong.
A. Jenny has been battling her weight for some time. She works hard, and watches what she eats, but she still doesn't feel comfortable in her clothes. One morning, a co-worker looks her up and down on the way into work, but says nothing. She likes Jenny's new skirt. Jenny, sensitive about the way she looks, however, assumes her co-worker is judging her, and doesn't like the way she looks. Jenny's mind then goes on overdrive. What, like she's perfect? She could lose a few pounds, too. She thinks she's so great, and I know that she hasn't been to the gym in a month. Jenny's co-worker said nothing, but because of Jenny's bad self talk, Jenny now has an issue with her co-worker.
B. Katie wrote a message on Helen's Facebook wall one day asking Helen if she would like to have lunch together tomorrow. Helen's laptop breaks and she doesn't have internet access for a few days. Since she didn't respond to the post, Katie gets spun up. I can't believe she didn't answer. That is so rude. I did something nice by inviting her, and she doesn't even have the decency to call? That's it. I'm done trying with her. All I am is nice, and she acts like I din't exist!
Helen is blameless in this situation, and doesn't even know Katie is mad at her. By the time she gets the message, the damage will already be done.
I tried to make the examples obvious, but self-talk is often more subtle, and does damage in our personal relationships. Take a second to think of a time you might have done this. I'll share one of mine that is pretty silly.
Years ago, I would get agitated by the way my mom was looking at me. It seemed like she was always looking down her nose at me. It seemed like she was really scrutinizing my face. It wasn't until I asked her about it that I realized how silly it was that I had been sensitive. She explained that when someone is standing close, she has to look out of the lower portion of her bifocals. She wasn't scrutinizing me at all. She was just trying to see me well!
We can get ourselves into a lot of trouble assuming things about people. We never know what others are going through. Just because someone gives you a funny look or doesn't return your phone call immediately doesn't mean they don't like you or they're judging you. Give people the benefit of the doubt, and ask yourself why you would assume something bad about that person. Most likely the real trouble is with YOU.
Cutting out negative self-talk could do wonders for our personal relationships, and happiness. When you start to venture a guess about someone, or let your imagination get the best of you, STOP. Stick to the facts. You're likely to save yourself a lot of trouble (and friends!).
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Moving Time
Well, the Navy says it's about that time, although it doesn't feel like it. The moving company sent out a man today to assess our "situation," and I think he was none to happy about our chaotic garage or my crazy amount of craft supplies. Hey, Buddy, how 'bout I snoop through your drawers and closets, and see what weird stuff you have hidden?
It's starting to set in that I will be saying goodbye to all the close friends I have made here in Virginia. I will miss them dearly. I will also miss the Southernisms that I have come to love. This little Yankee was starting to feel right at home here. I've compiled a list of some of my favorite things that I will miss when we make the move to Rhode Island.
1. Politeness. It is a stereotype that everyone in the South walks around saying "Ma'am," and holding the door open for you. It is also true. Nowhere else I have lived have I seen such a genuine politeness from most people. Southerners will go out of their way to help you, cook you a meal, host a baby shower, and in general, pitch in on anything that needs pitched in on. (Am I allowed to use that many prepositions in a sentence?) I will miss the camaraderie that I have with people here.
2. The weather. First I grew up in the snow belt of Ohio where winter could be unbearable. I remember walking across Ohio State's campus thinking I might possibly freeze to death before I reached my class. I would have worn a ski mask every day if that had been socially acceptable. Then I moved to the Seattle area where it rained ALL. DAY. LONG. In short, Virginia's warm weather has spoiled me.
3. BBQ. I have come to love it. I always thought barbecue was grilling a chicken breast with some sauce you bought on the ketchup aisle. Boy was I wrong! Real Southern barbecue can't be beat.
4. Acting Ugly. I love many Southernisms, but my favorite is the phrase, "acting ugly." In the North, we would say, "That guy is a jerk!" (Or worse! ;) ) In the South, you make your best disgusted face, and say that someone is acting ugly. You also teach your children not to be ugly to one another. I love it.
5. Bless His/Her Heart. Another one of my favorite phrases is "Bless his heart." I had heard this phrase before, but the meaning here is different. Usually, one uses this phrase as a means to disguise gossip. Example: "Have you heard that Billy is addicted to methamphetamines? Bless his little heart!" Another way to use it is as a criticism. Example: "Sharon left her children in the hot car while she got her nails done, but she doesn't know any better, bless her heart."
6. Chattiness. I can't even go to Walmart without someone chatting me up like we were old buddies. People here strike up random conversations at any opportunity. Unlike other places I've been where people mind their own business, and sometimes even avoid eye contact, Virginia is a chatty little place, and I like that.
On a serious note, I am really going to miss my friends and the awesome church (Liberty Baptist) we've been attending. You've all made it great, and I hope we will stay in touch. Pray that this move will be a smooth one!
It's starting to set in that I will be saying goodbye to all the close friends I have made here in Virginia. I will miss them dearly. I will also miss the Southernisms that I have come to love. This little Yankee was starting to feel right at home here. I've compiled a list of some of my favorite things that I will miss when we make the move to Rhode Island.
1. Politeness. It is a stereotype that everyone in the South walks around saying "Ma'am," and holding the door open for you. It is also true. Nowhere else I have lived have I seen such a genuine politeness from most people. Southerners will go out of their way to help you, cook you a meal, host a baby shower, and in general, pitch in on anything that needs pitched in on. (Am I allowed to use that many prepositions in a sentence?) I will miss the camaraderie that I have with people here.
2. The weather. First I grew up in the snow belt of Ohio where winter could be unbearable. I remember walking across Ohio State's campus thinking I might possibly freeze to death before I reached my class. I would have worn a ski mask every day if that had been socially acceptable. Then I moved to the Seattle area where it rained ALL. DAY. LONG. In short, Virginia's warm weather has spoiled me.
3. BBQ. I have come to love it. I always thought barbecue was grilling a chicken breast with some sauce you bought on the ketchup aisle. Boy was I wrong! Real Southern barbecue can't be beat.
4. Acting Ugly. I love many Southernisms, but my favorite is the phrase, "acting ugly." In the North, we would say, "That guy is a jerk!" (Or worse! ;) ) In the South, you make your best disgusted face, and say that someone is acting ugly. You also teach your children not to be ugly to one another. I love it.
5. Bless His/Her Heart. Another one of my favorite phrases is "Bless his heart." I had heard this phrase before, but the meaning here is different. Usually, one uses this phrase as a means to disguise gossip. Example: "Have you heard that Billy is addicted to methamphetamines? Bless his little heart!" Another way to use it is as a criticism. Example: "Sharon left her children in the hot car while she got her nails done, but she doesn't know any better, bless her heart."
6. Chattiness. I can't even go to Walmart without someone chatting me up like we were old buddies. People here strike up random conversations at any opportunity. Unlike other places I've been where people mind their own business, and sometimes even avoid eye contact, Virginia is a chatty little place, and I like that.
On a serious note, I am really going to miss my friends and the awesome church (Liberty Baptist) we've been attending. You've all made it great, and I hope we will stay in touch. Pray that this move will be a smooth one!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Birthday Presents for Hard to Buy for People
Do you have a special someone that you love very much, but you never have a clue what to get them for any special occasion? My husband is that person in my life. What he wants he purchases for himself. What he needs, he purchases for himself. Alas, it seems as if he never needs or wants anything. I can almost never figure out what to get him. So yesterday was his birthday. What's a girl to do? I will share with you my idea, as cheesy as it is, because I hope it was better than nothing.
Here's what I did. I took 31 slips of paper and wrote 31 reasons why I love my husband. (Funny story: for some reason, I lost track of a year. My husband actually turned 32 yesterday. Woops!) I then hid the slips of paper in different places he would find throughout the day, from the towel he would use after his shower, to his shoes, uniform pockets, you get the idea.
Here's what I did. I took 31 slips of paper and wrote 31 reasons why I love my husband. (Funny story: for some reason, I lost track of a year. My husband actually turned 32 yesterday. Woops!) I then hid the slips of paper in different places he would find throughout the day, from the towel he would use after his shower, to his shoes, uniform pockets, you get the idea.
What do you get for that hard-to-get-for person?
Monday, May 2, 2011
Random Things I Want
Do you have a list of things in your mind that you'd love to have if you ever got the chance? I'm not talking about a Mercedes here, or even a huge house. I'm talking random little items that have no real use, but you'd still like to have them around? Here is my list.
Vintage typewriter. I will never forget the sound of my mom pounding away on her typewriter as she finished her Christmas newsletters. Of course hers wasn't this awesome. Offered by pinkbeeb0, it would be a perfect conversation piece in your home decor.
A letterpress machine. I LOVE the look of a fine letterpress invitation or card. Of course, I am a stationery nerd. Letterpress is a lot of work, and very messy, but the romance of it appeals to me. I would probably never use it, but that doesn't stop me from wanting one.
A Vintage Telephone. I just love the look of an old telephone. Isn't there something charming about this? It's like a scene from the Great Gatsby right in your own living room!
A church pew. Now I know this sounds a little crazy, but I want you to know that I would only like a petite church pew. Does that make it more sane? Brett didn't think so when I called him saying I had seen one at a yard sale a couple of months ago. I would have snatched it up, too, but the lady wanted WAY too much for it. Still, I just love the idea of having one of these as a bench in my home or on my porch.
A Library Card Catalog. What do I need a card catalog for? I don't know! I don't judge the weird stuff you buy! I just love the aesthetic of this, and I could probably store some craft junk in the drawers. See, I'm practical.
Recently, I fulfilled one of my nonsensical dreams with a purchase on Ebay. I have always wanted a piece of sweetheart jewelry, and finally found one that spoke to me. Sweetheart jewelry originated during WWI, but really became popular during WWII. Usually, the pieces of jewelry are made to incorporate a piece of militaria, such as a pin, collar device, etc. What a piece of history! I am so excited to have it. I just imagine some woman wearing it while steadfastly waiting for her sailor to return from the war. So romantic. What a great era!
So there's a somewhat truncated list for you. What nonsense items would you like to purchase?
So there's a somewhat truncated list for you. What nonsense items would you like to purchase?
Friday, April 29, 2011
Battling Deployment Blues
Living in a staurated military area such as Hampton Roads, Virginia, one is in a constant state of sending off sailors and soldiers, or welcoming them home. It seems right now my friends are in the sending off stage, and no matter how many times you've done it before, it doesn't get any easier.
For me, the first and last month of a deployment are always the worst. There's the time leading up to it, where as a couple you are prone to stupid arguments because it's easier to detach that way. Then there are the few days into a deployment where the task before you is daunting, and little things make you inexplicably sad. For me, it was doing the laundry that set me over the edge. I would be putting away his clothes and thinking to myself, "He won't be wearing these for months." It's almost a grieving process. But then the days start to go a little faster, and there are some ways to ensure that you won't be devastated by a deployment. Here are some ideas I've compiled.
1. Get a new hobby. Do something for yourself for once. You don't have to be preparing a fancy dinner every night, cause you know the kids would prefer chicken nuggets for the fourth night in a row anyway. Spend some of your extra "alone" time catching up on your scrapbook, taking dance lessons, or whatever thing it is you've been putting off. Now's the time!
2. Home improvements. Get some project done around the house you've been wanting to do. Tackle something you've never done before. That's what Google is for. I remodeled our entire bathroom while Brett was gone last time, and it felt great! Do I have any experience in this area? Absolutely not! But not only did it keep me busy, it gave me something concrete that I could look at each day and be proud of. I did that. Better yet, it gives us a sense of empowerment. Wow, I didn't think I could do that, but I did! What else am I capable of? Even if you're just painting a room, that small change can feel great!
3. Travel. This one is my favorite. Now I know many of you have school aged kids, so this might be limited to weekends and breaks, but GET AWAY! Nothing is more therapeutic than recharging your batteries with people who love you. Take a trip to your parents. Not only will they give you a break from the kids, nothing is healing like your mom's homemade cobbler. I visited fellow Navy wives that I missed, my brothers, and more! I even took a girls only trip to Las Vegas! The point is: getting away from it all is so important, and well worth the money and effort.
4. Book club. One thing I like to do during deployments is catch up on my reading. Join a group that discusses books, so you get some adult time all by yourself. Being with the kids all day is taxing, and you need time to flex your vocabulary muscles that we lose from only talking to kids.
5. Bible Study. Nothing is encouraging like reading the Bible. God made us, and knows what we need. Use this time to lean on Him, and seek His guidance. It will keep you focused on the important things, and center you on what you have to get through.
6. Set goals. What would you like to accomplish? Now's the time! Always wanted to learn to play the guitar? Ride a horse? Take hip-hop dance? Lose 10 Pounds? Focus on that. Anything will be a welcome distraction, and make the days pass faster. If you have something to look forward to each week, those weeks will be crossed off the calendar in no time!
7. Get a haircut! My husband loves my hair long, and I respect that, but I love a short cut. Now, of course I want him to find me attractive, but when he's gone... The last couple of deployments I have drastically cut off my long hair, donated it, and rocked a short cut. By the time he was back, it was decently grown in! :) You get the idea... do something for you. Get a makeover. Feel good about yourself.
8.Retail therapy. Do a little shopping. Get a dress that makes you feel pretty. Get some shoes that make you feel fabulous. Looking good sometimes equates into feeling good about yourself. Worried about money? Our men get an extra $250 for Separation Pay a month, and another $450 if they're in a Hazardous Duty Zone. Think of that extra money as a little room to have fun.
9. Surround yourself with people. Being home alone is only going to depress you. Don't set yourself up! Get out of the house. Have a lunch date with a friend. Take your kids to the park. You get the idea.
10. Exercise. We all know exercise makes us feel better about ourselves. We release endorphins, and getting thinner doesn't hurt, either. If we consistently hit the gym, we will not be down to those last two weeks trying to shed 35 pounds so we can look great when our husband gets back!
11. Girls Nights. Go out with the girls. Dress up. Be with other adults. Treat yourself to a great dinner, and dessert, too!
12. Don't Play the Martyr. Deployment sucks. There's just no way around it. But those who stay behind serve, too. We are an important part of the equation. Remind yourself of that. Just like Rosie the Riveter, WE CAN DO IT! Don't wallow in self pity. We are strong. We are independent. We are capable. You will get through this, and you will be stronger as a result! Sometimes we don't realize what we can do until we are forced to do it.
For me, the first and last month of a deployment are always the worst. There's the time leading up to it, where as a couple you are prone to stupid arguments because it's easier to detach that way. Then there are the few days into a deployment where the task before you is daunting, and little things make you inexplicably sad. For me, it was doing the laundry that set me over the edge. I would be putting away his clothes and thinking to myself, "He won't be wearing these for months." It's almost a grieving process. But then the days start to go a little faster, and there are some ways to ensure that you won't be devastated by a deployment. Here are some ideas I've compiled.
1. Get a new hobby. Do something for yourself for once. You don't have to be preparing a fancy dinner every night, cause you know the kids would prefer chicken nuggets for the fourth night in a row anyway. Spend some of your extra "alone" time catching up on your scrapbook, taking dance lessons, or whatever thing it is you've been putting off. Now's the time!
2. Home improvements. Get some project done around the house you've been wanting to do. Tackle something you've never done before. That's what Google is for. I remodeled our entire bathroom while Brett was gone last time, and it felt great! Do I have any experience in this area? Absolutely not! But not only did it keep me busy, it gave me something concrete that I could look at each day and be proud of. I did that. Better yet, it gives us a sense of empowerment. Wow, I didn't think I could do that, but I did! What else am I capable of? Even if you're just painting a room, that small change can feel great!
3. Travel. This one is my favorite. Now I know many of you have school aged kids, so this might be limited to weekends and breaks, but GET AWAY! Nothing is more therapeutic than recharging your batteries with people who love you. Take a trip to your parents. Not only will they give you a break from the kids, nothing is healing like your mom's homemade cobbler. I visited fellow Navy wives that I missed, my brothers, and more! I even took a girls only trip to Las Vegas! The point is: getting away from it all is so important, and well worth the money and effort.
4. Book club. One thing I like to do during deployments is catch up on my reading. Join a group that discusses books, so you get some adult time all by yourself. Being with the kids all day is taxing, and you need time to flex your vocabulary muscles that we lose from only talking to kids.
5. Bible Study. Nothing is encouraging like reading the Bible. God made us, and knows what we need. Use this time to lean on Him, and seek His guidance. It will keep you focused on the important things, and center you on what you have to get through.
6. Set goals. What would you like to accomplish? Now's the time! Always wanted to learn to play the guitar? Ride a horse? Take hip-hop dance? Lose 10 Pounds? Focus on that. Anything will be a welcome distraction, and make the days pass faster. If you have something to look forward to each week, those weeks will be crossed off the calendar in no time!
7. Get a haircut! My husband loves my hair long, and I respect that, but I love a short cut. Now, of course I want him to find me attractive, but when he's gone... The last couple of deployments I have drastically cut off my long hair, donated it, and rocked a short cut. By the time he was back, it was decently grown in! :) You get the idea... do something for you. Get a makeover. Feel good about yourself.
8.Retail therapy. Do a little shopping. Get a dress that makes you feel pretty. Get some shoes that make you feel fabulous. Looking good sometimes equates into feeling good about yourself. Worried about money? Our men get an extra $250 for Separation Pay a month, and another $450 if they're in a Hazardous Duty Zone. Think of that extra money as a little room to have fun.
9. Surround yourself with people. Being home alone is only going to depress you. Don't set yourself up! Get out of the house. Have a lunch date with a friend. Take your kids to the park. You get the idea.
10. Exercise. We all know exercise makes us feel better about ourselves. We release endorphins, and getting thinner doesn't hurt, either. If we consistently hit the gym, we will not be down to those last two weeks trying to shed 35 pounds so we can look great when our husband gets back!
11. Girls Nights. Go out with the girls. Dress up. Be with other adults. Treat yourself to a great dinner, and dessert, too!
12. Don't Play the Martyr. Deployment sucks. There's just no way around it. But those who stay behind serve, too. We are an important part of the equation. Remind yourself of that. Just like Rosie the Riveter, WE CAN DO IT! Don't wallow in self pity. We are strong. We are independent. We are capable. You will get through this, and you will be stronger as a result! Sometimes we don't realize what we can do until we are forced to do it.
Love to you, and all military families! May God grant you peace and comfort.
My hubby on his last deployment
What has helped you get through deployments?
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Things I Don't Buy Cheap
I know some of you are thinking I am a total cheapskate, and you're mostly right. I like to find a deal as much as anyone, but there are some places I just have to draw the line. Many people buy generic to save money, and I do this as well, but there are some things I just have to splurge on. In most cases, when it comes to toiletries and such, if you have a coupon, you'll probably be ahead buying the brand name, anyway. So what do I NEVER buy cheap? Here is a small list I've compiled.
1. Appliances. Any time I have ever cheaped out on an appliance purchase, I have been sorry. Just ask my husband, who is still bitter about a refurbished coffee pot I bought years ago. The thing spilled no matter how carefully you poured it, did not even make hot coffee, and the burner turned off after about 13 seconds. He has since replaced it with a Bunn, and it brews a pot of coffee in three minutes flat. (Hold applause.)
Same goes for our washer and dryer. I was a broke college student when I bought them, so I didn't have much choice, but they never really got the clothes very clean. I had to run stained clothes through several times to make them look nice.
Even if you purchase the mid-grade appliances, this usually makes a huge difference.
2. Q-tips. I am obsessive compulsive about cleaning my ears. I know that's a little weird. I have to clean them every day as soon as I get out of the shower, and I do the same to my kids. Wacky, I know. The last thing I need is for the off brand product to fall apart in my kid's ear. Either the cotton gets loose, or I am stabbing their eardrum with the cheap little stick thingy. No way.
3. Kleenex. I will only buy Kleenex or Puffs brand tissues. Ever had a huge sneeze, and your snot goes through the tissue onto your hand?! Enough said.
4. Pop. (Or soda for you Southerners.) I will not be purchasing "Mountain Thunder" or anything like it anytime soon. After I have gotten used to the real deal, the taste buds protest anything else.
5. Candy. I will not buy generic candy. This applies mostly to chocolate. I need the quality stuff. The generic stuff always seems so waxy, and if I'm gonna spend the calories, it had better be worth it.
6. Cooking products. Ever spend an hour making fudge only to have it not set up right? Okay, me neither, but I've been told it can happen. (Truth be told, I've never even made fudge.) You get the point, though. I like Domino sugar, and King Arthur flour. It's not that much extra, so I want what I want.
7. Toilet Paper. The cheap stuff just doesn't do it.
1. Appliances. Any time I have ever cheaped out on an appliance purchase, I have been sorry. Just ask my husband, who is still bitter about a refurbished coffee pot I bought years ago. The thing spilled no matter how carefully you poured it, did not even make hot coffee, and the burner turned off after about 13 seconds. He has since replaced it with a Bunn, and it brews a pot of coffee in three minutes flat. (Hold applause.)
Same goes for our washer and dryer. I was a broke college student when I bought them, so I didn't have much choice, but they never really got the clothes very clean. I had to run stained clothes through several times to make them look nice.
Even if you purchase the mid-grade appliances, this usually makes a huge difference.
2. Q-tips. I am obsessive compulsive about cleaning my ears. I know that's a little weird. I have to clean them every day as soon as I get out of the shower, and I do the same to my kids. Wacky, I know. The last thing I need is for the off brand product to fall apart in my kid's ear. Either the cotton gets loose, or I am stabbing their eardrum with the cheap little stick thingy. No way.
3. Kleenex. I will only buy Kleenex or Puffs brand tissues. Ever had a huge sneeze, and your snot goes through the tissue onto your hand?! Enough said.
4. Pop. (Or soda for you Southerners.) I will not be purchasing "Mountain Thunder" or anything like it anytime soon. After I have gotten used to the real deal, the taste buds protest anything else.
5. Candy. I will not buy generic candy. This applies mostly to chocolate. I need the quality stuff. The generic stuff always seems so waxy, and if I'm gonna spend the calories, it had better be worth it.
6. Cooking products. Ever spend an hour making fudge only to have it not set up right? Okay, me neither, but I've been told it can happen. (Truth be told, I've never even made fudge.) You get the point, though. I like Domino sugar, and King Arthur flour. It's not that much extra, so I want what I want.
7. Toilet Paper. The cheap stuff just doesn't do it.
To steal Walmart's slogan, if you save more, you live better. And because I save money clipping coupons, shopping sales, and by scrimping on many things, I can splurge every now and then on the things I really want.
So what do you splurge on? What are products that you would never go generic on? Comment below!
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