Money vs. Life

Lately I've been confronted with how much time is wasted worrying & stressing over money. I know we all need it, but how much can buy true happiness?

With my dad facing his 4th stage lung cancer battle & listening to my boss talk about her 44 year old niece battling liver cancer which started in her colon, it really had me looking at the things that occupy my thoughts, time & often battles w/ my spouse.

Money? Really?

Money can't by health, happiness, time, or memories.

Just something to think about...count your true blessings!

Smells & Music

Today I walked past a cluster of jasmine plants lining a walkway. The smell instantly took me back to the carefree summer days with my grandma. She had the volleyball, badminton & horseshoes all set up. Waking up to oatmeal & bran muffins on the table.


I was right there again, as if my grandma was still here smiling at me. That single smell gave me such a warm & loving memory.

A few weeks ago at work we were listening to a radio station & a song came on. There I was, gliding across the ice, practicing my spins & jumps. I was 12 years old, with my Dorothy Hamill haircut & dreaming of the day when I would be able to land an axel jump...then off to the Olympics, every young skaters dream.

My Childhood Idol...DOROTHY HAMILL

What is it about smells & music that take you right back to a certain time in your life?

Balancing the Computer and Family

I'm trying to balance my computer time vs. family time. This is a funny thing to have to think about, but I find myself on the computer a lot longer than I spend quality time with my husband and kids.

Whenever I have some down time, I love to get on the computer and write. Writing is my passion, it makes me feel complete. Being a mom often pulls you in so many directions that you have to find a few things that bring you happiness too. The problem I've noticed lately is that I'm a little out of balance. While I'm on the computer, my kids will be playing video games or up in their room watching t.v.

When they were little we were always doing things together. Times have changed...I sometimes forget about making time and continuing to build those special relationships. The kids are getting older and more independent. But I realized that this is still an important time to stay close (even if they sometimes push you away). I want to have a strong relationship with my teenagers. I need to find more balance in my life and stop escaping behind the computer.

I implemented FAMILY GAME NIGHT once a week, starting this weekend. I thought the kids would say, "This is stupid! I don't want to do this." I did a practice run yesterday and invited my 20 year son to play a game of Yahtzee with me and Elijah (we were the only ones at home). I didn't really think he would, but he sat right down at the table! WHAT...even a twenty year old craves quality family time?!!! My stepson came over last night and said, "When is family game night?" I think it will be a hit!

I'm excited to be able to have QUALITY time with my busy kids. Family is the most important thing, along with keeping the communication open. MY SOLUTION~LESS COMPUTER~MORE FAMILY TIME!