It's been a tough week and I see many people engaging in and others ignoring self care.
Please, take care of you. You are the only you that you've got.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Self Care--Reminder
Just a reminder that self-care is critical.
It's been a tough week and I see many people engaging in and others ignoring self care.
Please, take care of you. You are the only you that you've got.
It's been a tough week and I see many people engaging in and others ignoring self care.
Please, take care of you. You are the only you that you've got.
Thursday, February 15, 2018
One Small Thing
Another day, another shooting. We ask for sweeping change, instead we get swept under the rug.
Fast forward a week or two:
another day, another shooting. We ask for sweeping change, instead we get swept under the rug.
Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
But what if we don't. What if we don't repeat. What if we don't ask for sweeping change? What if we ask for small change first? What if...
We get to know someone who may be different than us? Someone on the fringe? Someone who eats lunch alone? Someone who has a bad rap? Someone who we feel we have nothing in common with? What if we just sat down and got to know someone. Hear their story and share ours, devoid of judgement. Just heard their lived experience as a human, like us. Wait, we DO have something in common, then.
When my son discovered I was gay, he wouldn't let me even touch him, sit next to him or tuck him in for a few days because, and I quote, "I am afraid you are going to rape me." We worked through it because I was willing to hear his fear and he was willing to hear my story. What if we did that? What if we heard each others fears and stories? What if we just shut the fuck up and heard each other?
I bet then we'd find sweeping change, except this time it won't be on Capitol (or Capital, I can never remember) Hill...it'll be within our hearts, our minds, our spirit, our soul...and maybe that change is something we could take to DC.
So try it. What have you got to lose, what we're doing now ain't working is it!?
Fast forward a week or two:
another day, another shooting. We ask for sweeping change, instead we get swept under the rug.
Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
But what if we don't. What if we don't repeat. What if we don't ask for sweeping change? What if we ask for small change first? What if...
We get to know someone who may be different than us? Someone on the fringe? Someone who eats lunch alone? Someone who has a bad rap? Someone who we feel we have nothing in common with? What if we just sat down and got to know someone. Hear their story and share ours, devoid of judgement. Just heard their lived experience as a human, like us. Wait, we DO have something in common, then.
When my son discovered I was gay, he wouldn't let me even touch him, sit next to him or tuck him in for a few days because, and I quote, "I am afraid you are going to rape me." We worked through it because I was willing to hear his fear and he was willing to hear my story. What if we did that? What if we heard each others fears and stories? What if we just shut the fuck up and heard each other?
I bet then we'd find sweeping change, except this time it won't be on Capitol (or Capital, I can never remember) Hill...it'll be within our hearts, our minds, our spirit, our soul...and maybe that change is something we could take to DC.
So try it. What have you got to lose, what we're doing now ain't working is it!?
Sunday, February 11, 2018
"Hershey Chocolate Syrup" copycat
Mmmk I need to confess: I LOVE MOCHAS. I mean, that is NOT a surprise to any of you who know me in the real world. And I LOVE stopping at coffee shops. In fact, I once had a dream of opening a coffee shop. Dreams change, but my love for mochas remains the same!
Now, I dream of remaining debt free, retiring in 15 years and living life on the open road in my RV. Dreams can change, but today I am working to make them happen. And part of that is simply cutting superfluous expenses, like mochas.
My mother bought me a Ninja Coffee machine thing. I had been coveting it for several months. I would put it in my amazon cart, then remove it. Put it back. Remove it. I asked for nothing for Christmas except a set of sheets for my bed and the rest to be donated to St. Joe's Children's Home. Instead, I opened a Ninja Coffee Machine. I can't say I am sad.
I can't believe I am going to admit this, but I had gotten to the point of making 3-6 coffee shop stops a week. Sometimes twice in a day. Mathematically that ends up being about $1,250 with an average of just under 5 visits a week at $5 a drink. O. M. G. That's a lot of money! In fact, because I am a budget-nerd, I used the SEC website to calculate that I would be saving approximately $24,000 from now until I plan to semi-retire in 15 years if I cut out ALL coffee shop stops. (I am not going to do that, mind you, but the numbers are staggering...enough to get me to cut them down to one a week.) Here is the website to calculate savings: Savings Calculator. I did a basic web search for best 10 year CD rates (I know, I can get a better interest rate with a different form of investment) for 2.45% APR. This is a modest ROI. Fairly modest.
So now what I do is for every day I WANT a latte or mocha and yet am able to skip the stop I put that $4-5 (Lattes: $4; Mochas: $5) in an envelope. Every month I am going to take half the contents of that envelope and invest it into my newly-created acorn account (If you click this link and sign up through me, I get an additional $5 and YOU get an additional $5 FROM acorn. $5 free, that's a mocha y'all! Here is the link: Join ACORN, Save Money!) I am going to put it in a moderately aggressive investment strategy because if I had bought all those mochas...well, I would have lost that $5 anyway at least this way I have a chance of getting a higher return! I make my first investment this month and I am really excited!
So on to the good stuff...one way I talk myself out of mochas is by making them myself. I used to use hot cocoa mix, but now I kinda want a little better on my palette so I make my own chocolate syrup (of course, like who doesn't?). It ends up being about $1.50 per batch and it makes PLENTY of mochas. I also have extra for ice cream topping, hot cocoa, waffles, you get the drift...
Here is the recipe I use, courtesy of The Genius Kitchen:
1 Cup Cocoa
1.5 Cups Sugar (I used just a little more than 1C, cutting almost half a cup out)
1 Cup water
2 teaspoons vanilla (I mix 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 teaspoon mint extract)
Mix cocoa and sugar, add water. Heat over low, mixing until water is fully incorporated. Bring to a gentle rolling boil while stirring constantly. Boil 5 minutes (recipe says 3, but I like mine thicker). Enjoy hot or wait til it cools. I store mine in a mason jar in the fridge.
I will make one in the morning and try to post a pic. But seriously, even if you don't make mochas this chocolate syrup is the bomb! In my opinion, it is superior to the stuff you get in a can.
...or at least that's my 26.2 cents worth anyway.
Now, I dream of remaining debt free, retiring in 15 years and living life on the open road in my RV. Dreams can change, but today I am working to make them happen. And part of that is simply cutting superfluous expenses, like mochas.
My mother bought me a Ninja Coffee machine thing. I had been coveting it for several months. I would put it in my amazon cart, then remove it. Put it back. Remove it. I asked for nothing for Christmas except a set of sheets for my bed and the rest to be donated to St. Joe's Children's Home. Instead, I opened a Ninja Coffee Machine. I can't say I am sad.
I can't believe I am going to admit this, but I had gotten to the point of making 3-6 coffee shop stops a week. Sometimes twice in a day. Mathematically that ends up being about $1,250 with an average of just under 5 visits a week at $5 a drink. O. M. G. That's a lot of money! In fact, because I am a budget-nerd, I used the SEC website to calculate that I would be saving approximately $24,000 from now until I plan to semi-retire in 15 years if I cut out ALL coffee shop stops. (I am not going to do that, mind you, but the numbers are staggering...enough to get me to cut them down to one a week.) Here is the website to calculate savings: Savings Calculator. I did a basic web search for best 10 year CD rates (I know, I can get a better interest rate with a different form of investment) for 2.45% APR. This is a modest ROI. Fairly modest.
So now what I do is for every day I WANT a latte or mocha and yet am able to skip the stop I put that $4-5 (Lattes: $4; Mochas: $5) in an envelope. Every month I am going to take half the contents of that envelope and invest it into my newly-created acorn account (If you click this link and sign up through me, I get an additional $5 and YOU get an additional $5 FROM acorn. $5 free, that's a mocha y'all! Here is the link: Join ACORN, Save Money!) I am going to put it in a moderately aggressive investment strategy because if I had bought all those mochas...well, I would have lost that $5 anyway at least this way I have a chance of getting a higher return! I make my first investment this month and I am really excited!
So on to the good stuff...one way I talk myself out of mochas is by making them myself. I used to use hot cocoa mix, but now I kinda want a little better on my palette so I make my own chocolate syrup (of course, like who doesn't?). It ends up being about $1.50 per batch and it makes PLENTY of mochas. I also have extra for ice cream topping, hot cocoa, waffles, you get the drift...
Here is the recipe I use, courtesy of The Genius Kitchen:
1 Cup Cocoa
1.5 Cups Sugar (I used just a little more than 1C, cutting almost half a cup out)
1 Cup water
2 teaspoons vanilla (I mix 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 teaspoon mint extract)
Mix cocoa and sugar, add water. Heat over low, mixing until water is fully incorporated. Bring to a gentle rolling boil while stirring constantly. Boil 5 minutes (recipe says 3, but I like mine thicker). Enjoy hot or wait til it cools. I store mine in a mason jar in the fridge.
I will make one in the morning and try to post a pic. But seriously, even if you don't make mochas this chocolate syrup is the bomb! In my opinion, it is superior to the stuff you get in a can.
...or at least that's my 26.2 cents worth anyway.
Monday, February 5, 2018
Cave into the Crave, With Moderation
Ok, I went to the gym today to get a 30 minute walk in and decided to go ahead and weigh myself. I can *feel* that I have gained some fat back in the way my stomach feels, my sleep patterns, and how my clothes feel. And I was right. I've gained a couple pounds back. Sigh.
I kicked off 2018 with getting my coffee shop stops under control in January. I am focusing February on getting my bill-paying organization...well....organized and I am also devoting mental energy to curbing the cravings I have for all things sweet, be it candy, cookies, cake, I crave it all ! And I crave it all the time. Like right now, for instance, as I type this blog post. I really want a ding dong (man those are so delish!) But today, I am balancing my craving and my resistance in the following way:
Fruit smoothie with half tablespoon of chocolate chips!
Yes, that's right. I am actually caving to my craving by adding a smidge of chocolate chips to my smoothie but also curbing the craving by not getting that ding dong cupcake. I also use dark chocolate chips which are slightly healthier (although...).
So here is my recipe to help when I have a sweet tooth I just can't seem to quiet:
Liquid of choice (apple juice, orange juice, etc. + milk to make it creamy)
Greek yogurt (I actually omitted this today) which gives it an ice cream texture
Fresh fruit of choice (today: Half banana, Handful blueberries)
Frozen fruit to desired texture/thickness
1 teaspoon--1 Tablespoon chocolate chips
1/2 " -- 1" finger of ginger (trust me)
I use a Ninja Blender and I do not, for a second, regret spending the extra money to get a nice one.
Blend liquids and fresh fruit (note: if you use OJ or another acidic juice you'l want to blend that and the fruit first, then add the frozen fruit THEN the milk or else it'll curdle. I usually use apple to avoid).
Then add the ginger, chocolate chips and frozen fruit a little at a time to get desired thickness. you will want to blend it longer than you think necessary to ensure all frozen chunks are blended and blending a little extra just gives it that extra creamy texture like a milkshake!
That's it. A fresh (frozen) fruit smoothie, less than $2 and I get my chocolate fix while also getting in a large portion of my RDA of fruit and tons of vitamins! If you want to take the health consideration up a notch, try adding a small amount of spinach or kale. Start with just a little until your taste buds adjust. Trust me, you won't even notice it after a few and your body will really thank you!
Next time I make mine, I will try to measure more accurately.
So begins February and a recommitment to myself and my well being. Or, rather, an on going and evolutionary commitment to myself and my well being.
I kicked off 2018 with getting my coffee shop stops under control in January. I am focusing February on getting my bill-paying organization...well....organized and I am also devoting mental energy to curbing the cravings I have for all things sweet, be it candy, cookies, cake, I crave it all ! And I crave it all the time. Like right now, for instance, as I type this blog post. I really want a ding dong (man those are so delish!) But today, I am balancing my craving and my resistance in the following way:
Fruit smoothie with half tablespoon of chocolate chips!
Yes, that's right. I am actually caving to my craving by adding a smidge of chocolate chips to my smoothie but also curbing the craving by not getting that ding dong cupcake. I also use dark chocolate chips which are slightly healthier (although...).
 |
| I topped this with whipped cream and a frozen peach slice. |
Liquid of choice (apple juice, orange juice, etc. + milk to make it creamy)
Greek yogurt (I actually omitted this today) which gives it an ice cream texture
Fresh fruit of choice (today: Half banana, Handful blueberries)
Frozen fruit to desired texture/thickness
1 teaspoon--1 Tablespoon chocolate chips
1/2 " -- 1" finger of ginger (trust me)
I use a Ninja Blender and I do not, for a second, regret spending the extra money to get a nice one.
Blend liquids and fresh fruit (note: if you use OJ or another acidic juice you'l want to blend that and the fruit first, then add the frozen fruit THEN the milk or else it'll curdle. I usually use apple to avoid).
Then add the ginger, chocolate chips and frozen fruit a little at a time to get desired thickness. you will want to blend it longer than you think necessary to ensure all frozen chunks are blended and blending a little extra just gives it that extra creamy texture like a milkshake!
That's it. A fresh (frozen) fruit smoothie, less than $2 and I get my chocolate fix while also getting in a large portion of my RDA of fruit and tons of vitamins! If you want to take the health consideration up a notch, try adding a small amount of spinach or kale. Start with just a little until your taste buds adjust. Trust me, you won't even notice it after a few and your body will really thank you!
Next time I make mine, I will try to measure more accurately.
So begins February and a recommitment to myself and my well being. Or, rather, an on going and evolutionary commitment to myself and my well being.
Sunday, February 4, 2018
Ministry of Presence
I found out yesterday that one of my dear friends from Florida has passed suddenly.
I was skeptical of Allan at first, as I am of most all people in leadership roles in organized religion. I met him as Camp Chaplain for one of the Summer Camps I was working, directing, team building, I don't recall my specific function to be honest. When I asked, "what exactly DOES a Camp Chaplain do, precisely?" As I had never heard the term before...his response was simple: We are here to meet the spiritual needs of the campers and the staff. But mostly, we are here to provide a Ministry of Presence.
Wait. What? So your job is to just be there? Isn't that everyone's job at Camp or in any job?
Yes.
And no.
Yes, his Calling was to be Present. Not just there. And Allan did a wonderful job of being present. When he asked, "how are you?" he truly was asking to listen, not just to hear, "I'm good, thanks and you?" He wanted to be present. My gosh it took me years to recognize his Ministry WAS of presence in his daily life.
He was present for midnight sick camper calls, for midday iced coffee requirements (or red bull as was often my case back then. Diet though, save those sugar calories. He always knew.) When I broke up from any number of relationships, he was there. We had become friends by this time and he'd drive up from Sarasota. Sometimes we'd just have dinner and talk. Sometimes we'd go to the clubs (yep). Sometimes we were just silent, in presence. But his Ministry was on-going.
I remember one time I was in Orlando for fun and he for work. We were looking for a specific bar/club/whatever and honey we drove all over Orlando looking for it and could not find it. Traffic was horrendous. I think we ended up doing nothing but driving for hours on end. And had a blast. He was present. And unassuming. And withheld judgement. He walked soft, but carried a mighty stick. He made people's lives easier. He brought joy. He brought a deep devotion to his family and friends.
He brought Presence to life in ways that I would only understand years later.
My invitation and purpose of this blog isn't just to memorialize him but to invite you to be present today. Fully present. When you ask someone "how are you?" Truly stop and listen and hear. When someone is sick, give them a little extra care and nurturing. When the world is speeding up, slow down.
Today, be like the best Camp Chaplain I have ever worked with...Be a Minister of Presence.
While your presence will be missed, your lessons will live on.
I was skeptical of Allan at first, as I am of most all people in leadership roles in organized religion. I met him as Camp Chaplain for one of the Summer Camps I was working, directing, team building, I don't recall my specific function to be honest. When I asked, "what exactly DOES a Camp Chaplain do, precisely?" As I had never heard the term before...his response was simple: We are here to meet the spiritual needs of the campers and the staff. But mostly, we are here to provide a Ministry of Presence.
Wait. What? So your job is to just be there? Isn't that everyone's job at Camp or in any job?
Yes.
And no.
Yes, his Calling was to be Present. Not just there. And Allan did a wonderful job of being present. When he asked, "how are you?" he truly was asking to listen, not just to hear, "I'm good, thanks and you?" He wanted to be present. My gosh it took me years to recognize his Ministry WAS of presence in his daily life.
He was present for midnight sick camper calls, for midday iced coffee requirements (or red bull as was often my case back then. Diet though, save those sugar calories. He always knew.) When I broke up from any number of relationships, he was there. We had become friends by this time and he'd drive up from Sarasota. Sometimes we'd just have dinner and talk. Sometimes we'd go to the clubs (yep). Sometimes we were just silent, in presence. But his Ministry was on-going.
I remember one time I was in Orlando for fun and he for work. We were looking for a specific bar/club/whatever and honey we drove all over Orlando looking for it and could not find it. Traffic was horrendous. I think we ended up doing nothing but driving for hours on end. And had a blast. He was present. And unassuming. And withheld judgement. He walked soft, but carried a mighty stick. He made people's lives easier. He brought joy. He brought a deep devotion to his family and friends.
He brought Presence to life in ways that I would only understand years later.
My invitation and purpose of this blog isn't just to memorialize him but to invite you to be present today. Fully present. When you ask someone "how are you?" Truly stop and listen and hear. When someone is sick, give them a little extra care and nurturing. When the world is speeding up, slow down.
Today, be like the best Camp Chaplain I have ever worked with...Be a Minister of Presence.
While your presence will be missed, your lessons will live on.
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Sourdough Crackers
I love me some sourdough. I made homemade hummus yesterday (recipe from Inspired Taste, a wonderful blog) and I need something more than just veggies to go with the FOUR CUPS of hummus I have. Sascha (my Sourdough Starter) has never let me down when it comes to crackers! When I am waking her up, this is a great way to use some of the discard until it gets fully active and all wondefully full of natural yeast. Here is my basic recipe and, honestly, I do not recall where I got it from.
(all measurements are in the "ish" category)
1/3ish Cup of Sourdough Starter (fresh or discard)
2-4 T olive oil (depending on hydration of starter)
1 C AP Flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Herbs and spices of your choice (I love Penzey's Frozen Pizza Topping, it's a salt-free blend)
I omit salt, but most recipes call for it. I try to control my blood pressure by diet, exercise and lifestyle so I generally leave salt out of everything.
Mix it all up. I mean, really, I don't do it in any order and it always turns out fine. I suppose you could mix the starter and oil, then combine the dry stuff in a diff. bowl and then add it. But why add steps and dishes?
I love a strong flavor and let mine proof overnight. Usually crackers can be proofed in a couple hours. I find the flavor is more intense and complex.
Roll it flat. You can either bake it uncut and break pieces off as you desire (a great way to have dinner bread) or you can cut into squares for regular looking crackers. Often I like to cut mine in long strips and place in a pint jar on the dinner table for a lil fancy-factor. We're real simple around here.
That's it. Bon apetit! Oh, I also bake half at a time and keep the dough in the fridge for up to 3 more days. The fridge stops the fermentation so you should be good without the overpowering flavor. Just let come to room temp for 15 minutes before rolling out.
(all measurements are in the "ish" category)
1/3ish Cup of Sourdough Starter (fresh or discard)
2-4 T olive oil (depending on hydration of starter)
1 C AP Flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Herbs and spices of your choice (I love Penzey's Frozen Pizza Topping, it's a salt-free blend)
I omit salt, but most recipes call for it. I try to control my blood pressure by diet, exercise and lifestyle so I generally leave salt out of everything.
Mix it all up. I mean, really, I don't do it in any order and it always turns out fine. I suppose you could mix the starter and oil, then combine the dry stuff in a diff. bowl and then add it. But why add steps and dishes?I love a strong flavor and let mine proof overnight. Usually crackers can be proofed in a couple hours. I find the flavor is more intense and complex.
Roll it flat. You can either bake it uncut and break pieces off as you desire (a great way to have dinner bread) or you can cut into squares for regular looking crackers. Often I like to cut mine in long strips and place in a pint jar on the dinner table for a lil fancy-factor. We're real simple around here.
That's it. Bon apetit! Oh, I also bake half at a time and keep the dough in the fridge for up to 3 more days. The fridge stops the fermentation so you should be good without the overpowering flavor. Just let come to room temp for 15 minutes before rolling out.
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
40 Ways to a Balanced Live
Ok, so I am embarking on a list of 40's for the entire year as I turn 40. This month, I thought my list would focus on 40 "wellness tips" that are more holistic than medically oriented.
These are things I try to do in order to achieve a balanced, whole, and well life. What do you do?
These are things I try to do in order to achieve a balanced, whole, and well life. What do you do?
1. Get outside sometimes, Stay inside other times: the key here is balance. I am always recharged when I spend time outdoors, and I am also often in need of retreating to the safety of my home.
2. Pet an animal (We love going to the local Humane Society to
bring them treats and pet them). We go to the local pet store, load up on inexpensive treats and have a field day spoiling the dogs, puppies, cats and kittens at the Kentucky Humane Society. Check your local animal shelter for rules.
3. Hug those you love (with their permission). Can we ever get enough safe hugs?
4. Re-read your favorite book: Books that inspire and books that give you a mental break. Some of my favorites are The Five People You Meet in Heaven, A Painted House, Ultra Marathon Man.
5. Go for a run, a hike, a walk or just sit on a bench
6. Curl up under thick, warm, quilts on a cold night: The weight of all those blankets just calms me. The memories of the quilts comfort me. Ahhh, I can feel myself relaxing now.
7. Walk in the grass barefoot: So refreshing! Try it
8. Veg out in front of your favorite tv show: I'll confess, I have seen Golden Girls at least four times. Not all in one sitting but...close.
9. Drink more water than you think you need: We all need water and few of us get enough. I notice my hair, skin and the bags under my eyes all improve when I am properly hydrated. It's also cheaper than coffee!
10. Shop the outer circle of the grocery store (think about it): FRESH FRUIT and VEGGIES, y'all! This is the real food section. About 75% of my grocery shopping comes from the outer section. This is real food that spoils, so I often have to make a mid-week stock up on fresh bananas, blueberries and bell peppers.
11. Eat more fruits n veggies: see above.
12. Get a massage (or 10): Ok, maybe shameless plug but seriously, I got regular massage before becoming an LMT.
13. Laugh so much you want to cry, Cry so much you shake
14. Feel every emotion that comes up in your body: Truly feel it. And sometimes, dismiss it. If it isn't serving you long term, acknowledge it and invite it to leave you the hell alone!
15. Experience every experience: The best advice I got when I went to Thailand was to stop in the street, close my eyes and take in the experience. I have used this strategy many times and it has never failed me.
16. Breathe: Long, slow, deep, full breaths.
17. Meditate: Imma be honest, meditation has probably kept me out of jail more times than I can count! Some great apps, I'll link later.
18. Eat chocolate, dark preferably: Like this needs an explanation?
19. Use reliable sources (like pubmed and google scholar) to
research any pathologies you have and treatment regimens the doctor recommend (Avoid
webMB)
20. Try new experiences: this grows your brain. I posted about that previously (I'll link it eventually).
21. Eat new foods: why not?
22. Meet new people
Broaden your horizons, have new influences, embrace new ways of life.
Broaden your horizons, have new influences, embrace new ways of life.
23. Stick with your true friends
And to contradict #22...remember those who've been with you through it all.
And to contradict #22...remember those who've been with you through it all.
24. Realize you need only a handful of true friends
25. Commit yourself to a debt repayment plan
26. Once debt free, stay there
It took me almost a decade to pay all my debt off. And I've not looked back since! I started small and with attainable goals. The stress and anxiety over debt was consuming me and I didn't even realize it!
It took me almost a decade to pay all my debt off. And I've not looked back since! I started small and with attainable goals. The stress and anxiety over debt was consuming me and I didn't even realize it!
27. Less stuff, more experiences; Less stress, more joy
28. Learn to cook at least one breakfast, lunch and dinner
meal from scratch
Once you master cooking a few meals from scratch, you'll wonder why it took you so long. I also find that I still really enjoy eating out, and I actually enjoy it more, not because of the food, rather because it's an experience I don't frequently indulge in.
Once you master cooking a few meals from scratch, you'll wonder why it took you so long. I also find that I still really enjoy eating out, and I actually enjoy it more, not because of the food, rather because it's an experience I don't frequently indulge in.
29. Bake bread and enjoy the scent
I love my sourdough, but you can bake any kind of bread. It is such a cozy smell.
I love my sourdough, but you can bake any kind of bread. It is such a cozy smell.
30. Go to a Renaissance Faire
Seriously. You won't regret it. Spend the day. Meander. Wander. Bring money. Enjoy.
Seriously. You won't regret it. Spend the day. Meander. Wander. Bring money. Enjoy.
31. Ride a Ferris Wheel in silence
32. Ride a Ferris Wheel with those you love
33. Learn to play card games
I took my little cousins camping with my son and me once. When we were heading back I asked what their highlight was, they said playing Old Maid. Mind you we actually have a camper and television when we go camping. And still, cards was there favorite memory.
I took my little cousins camping with my son and me once. When we were heading back I asked what their highlight was, they said playing Old Maid. Mind you we actually have a camper and television when we go camping. And still, cards was there favorite memory.
34. Host pot luck dinners with old and new friends
YES! Enjoy the smells, dishes, friendship, laughter. I will be honest, I use disposable dishes and such and I find it more enjoyable. I probably should work on that.
YES! Enjoy the smells, dishes, friendship, laughter. I will be honest, I use disposable dishes and such and I find it more enjoyable. I probably should work on that.
35. Have a gratitude wall/board
I have a poster board on which I place post it notes of random things for which I am grateful. Sometimes it's big and sometimes it's just the socks on my feet.
I have a poster board on which I place post it notes of random things for which I am grateful. Sometimes it's big and sometimes it's just the socks on my feet.
36. Live a life of gratitude
37. Say thank you more
There are a multitude of people you can thank in your daily life; do it.
There are a multitude of people you can thank in your daily life; do it.
38. Tip as generously as you are able
Don't be stingy. Not only do folks who work for tips work really hard, it'll also brighten their day if they receive an unexpectedly large tip. I love to tip and leave before they see it...the tip is my way of sharing gratitude and abundance, I don't need them to come back and say thank you. (see above for contradiction.)
Don't be stingy. Not only do folks who work for tips work really hard, it'll also brighten their day if they receive an unexpectedly large tip. I love to tip and leave before they see it...the tip is my way of sharing gratitude and abundance, I don't need them to come back and say thank you. (see above for contradiction.)
39. Linger longer than you might be inclined to
40. Drive 5 mph slower
On the road and in your life. Slow it down.
On the road and in your life. Slow it down.
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