There is no one I know who has not been touched by our economy's downturn. It's looking more and more like the end is not quite as close as we hoped it might be. But who is to say this is all such a terrible thing?
I like to look for a silver lining. We find it hard to believe the stories of our grandparents who lived through the Great Depression. We look at their "odd" ways and wonder why they bother. Their hoarding and use of what has already been re-used seems unnecessary to us. But maybe we are learning lessons now that will stick with us for years to come.
I wonder if you might agree that you are beginning to realize what is most important to you. For millenia, culture has revolved around the struggle to have more, look better, and become successful and powerful. But what if that isn't really what is important at all? What if your striving for "things" is really what is making you the most unhappy?
Maybe your making choices like: do I buy that new pair of shoes or take the family to a movie? Are you finding yourself skipping the full-service carwash for the $2 do-it-yourself version? For you it may be cutting out the monthly manicure or beginning to buy generics at the grocery store. Some are making much harder choices: do you pay the electricity bill or the car payment this month?
I wonder if ten or twenty years from now we'll look back and realize that these hard times gave us a better understanding of what we truly value. I'm choosing to value people and time rather than a brand-names or fancy titles (of course, I am a "stay at home mom" which might be the best title of all!). We should each be able to find our worth in our zest for life and the relationships that make up that life.
If we get creative in how we save and spend our money, we might even find happiness in realizing that (aah-ha!) we can actually live with less and (gasp) like it! I am doing some of the things I mentioned above. Some of them I've been working at for years - like finding which store-brands are actually exactly the same or better than the name-brand that costs twice as much. And although I get frustrated at my lack of quarters, you can't beat the self-service car washes - and it takes less than five minutes!
What are ways that you are cutting corners? Share your favorite ideas right here!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
On My Honor, I Will Try
Did anyone else have a momentary flashback just reading that title? It had been many years since I had thought about my Girl Scouting experience (which didn't last long, by the way). But now I have a daughter who wants to be a Daisy. There is no troop. What's a mom to do?
I figured the only real answer was "on my honor, I will try." (For those who weren't Girl Scouts, that is how the Girl Scout Promise begins.) That's all I'm promising for now. I'll try.
Now don't get me wrong, I am actually excited about our new mother-daughter adventure. I'm looking forward to the projects and the trips, earning badges, and visiting nursing homes. My main concern is living up to the Girl Scout tradition. I think of it like this: there is really only one way to make a great brisket, so if you don't know how or if you are not willing to put in the effort to learn, then don't even bother. Same thing with Girl Scouts. This is a top notch program that has been around for almost 100 years - don't do it if you are not going to do it right.
Of course, I know there are tons of moms out there who are in the exact same spot. Maybe not with Girl Scouts but with something else: soccer, band, dance, swimming. Someone needs a leader and you know as well as I do that if we don't do it, it is not going to get done. (Kind of sounds like my sink full of dirty dishes...)
The upside is obvious. But since I have a love for stating the obvious, I'll say it anyway. This is a great opportunity to be involved in your child's life. And bonus, you get to know the friends they are hanging out with. And double bonus, you get to be a direct influence in the lives of these kids! And dare I say there might be one more bonus? You - YOU - get to set the tone for whatever activity your kids are participating in.
I think it's the best thing we can do as parents - to be the parent who cares enough to get involved. I've joked for years that stay-at-home moms make the world run, but there is truth to it. We are the ones who have the time to run the programs, do the carpool, serve on the PTO, bake for the bake sale, watch a neighbors baby while she runs to the doctor... and all of these things have one thing in common. It's a simple fact that we take so for granted in our busy world. You have to make yourself available.
So if you are willing, if you are available, and if you can just try... I bet you'll make a great leader!
Let's encourage eachother! Tell us what activities you're kids are into and how you are helping out.
I figured the only real answer was "on my honor, I will try." (For those who weren't Girl Scouts, that is how the Girl Scout Promise begins.) That's all I'm promising for now. I'll try.
Now don't get me wrong, I am actually excited about our new mother-daughter adventure. I'm looking forward to the projects and the trips, earning badges, and visiting nursing homes. My main concern is living up to the Girl Scout tradition. I think of it like this: there is really only one way to make a great brisket, so if you don't know how or if you are not willing to put in the effort to learn, then don't even bother. Same thing with Girl Scouts. This is a top notch program that has been around for almost 100 years - don't do it if you are not going to do it right.
Of course, I know there are tons of moms out there who are in the exact same spot. Maybe not with Girl Scouts but with something else: soccer, band, dance, swimming. Someone needs a leader and you know as well as I do that if we don't do it, it is not going to get done. (Kind of sounds like my sink full of dirty dishes...)
The upside is obvious. But since I have a love for stating the obvious, I'll say it anyway. This is a great opportunity to be involved in your child's life. And bonus, you get to know the friends they are hanging out with. And double bonus, you get to be a direct influence in the lives of these kids! And dare I say there might be one more bonus? You - YOU - get to set the tone for whatever activity your kids are participating in.
I think it's the best thing we can do as parents - to be the parent who cares enough to get involved. I've joked for years that stay-at-home moms make the world run, but there is truth to it. We are the ones who have the time to run the programs, do the carpool, serve on the PTO, bake for the bake sale, watch a neighbors baby while she runs to the doctor... and all of these things have one thing in common. It's a simple fact that we take so for granted in our busy world. You have to make yourself available.
So if you are willing, if you are available, and if you can just try... I bet you'll make a great leader!
Let's encourage eachother! Tell us what activities you're kids are into and how you are helping out.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Passion
There are few words that have become so tied to one particular meaning as this one: passion. We tend to relegate this beautiful sentiment to an experience tied very closely to lust... or some feeling that is rarely tasted by mere mortals. We see "passion" only in glimpses on the flickering screen when two people can't keep their hands off of each other or perhaps worse, when a crime is committed in the name of "love."
To define passion is complicated. If you look up the word in a dictionary, you will find a great wordiness in an attempt to express what I think is almost impossible to express. Passion is so deep and untouchable and spiritual, that perhaps it is best not to try to define it at all. In fact, I have been pondering over how to put into words my thoughts on this matter for days. But don't get your hopes up.
In my humble opinion, passion should be running through our veins every day. A pure, spiritual experience that binds us together as humanity. Passion is like a rushing river that refreshes and moves us without washing us away. Do you feel passion in your daily living? Neither do I. And I think that is to our detriment. We live in the knowledge that our days our numbered. We may live to be 90 years old, but probably not. How many thousands of years has the earth been in existence? I have no idea. But I know that one life, even if lived for 90 years is a drop in that rushing river that may never be noticed - except for passion.
Naturally, we remember lives because of their evil. That's humanity for you. But a life lived passionately, one that was lived to better humanity, those are the individuals who leave a lasting impression on the world, who bring hope and inspire others to their own passions! They are not just the names we read in history books either. They are the great-grandmothers who cared for their families and kept them alive during the Depression. They are the soldiers whose names we may never know who gave their lives to save another. They are the missionaries who risked everything to bring food and living water to a savage people. They are those of us, who time and again choose to do what is right - even if the force to run the other way is great - because we believe passionately in the cause of humanity. To believe that every life counts, that what we do here makes a difference -THAT is PASSION.
I've seen people who are passionate about cars or football or art, and that is fine. But what good is passion if it doesn't make the world a better place? Is that what passion was created for? To bring individuals pleasure without reaching out to another soul? I don't think so. If you are passionate about cars, why not share what you love with sick children? If you are passionate about football, use that as an outlet to raise money for orphans. And art... art is the very essence of passion! To use it only for our own selfish pleasure without sharing it and creating good from it would be an abomination.
I guess I am feeling passionate today. I hope it doesn't stop anytime soon. Mostly, I am passionate about loving people. We need one another and passions can bind us together to make our lives better... to make them count for something. If we all lived passionately, with a desire to make humanity better, how would our world change? What are you passionate about that you can act on today? Or, if you've forgotten your passion, how can you revive it?
Don't try to define it, don't let it wash you away. Soak it in and seep it out.
To define passion is complicated. If you look up the word in a dictionary, you will find a great wordiness in an attempt to express what I think is almost impossible to express. Passion is so deep and untouchable and spiritual, that perhaps it is best not to try to define it at all. In fact, I have been pondering over how to put into words my thoughts on this matter for days. But don't get your hopes up.
In my humble opinion, passion should be running through our veins every day. A pure, spiritual experience that binds us together as humanity. Passion is like a rushing river that refreshes and moves us without washing us away. Do you feel passion in your daily living? Neither do I. And I think that is to our detriment. We live in the knowledge that our days our numbered. We may live to be 90 years old, but probably not. How many thousands of years has the earth been in existence? I have no idea. But I know that one life, even if lived for 90 years is a drop in that rushing river that may never be noticed - except for passion.
Naturally, we remember lives because of their evil. That's humanity for you. But a life lived passionately, one that was lived to better humanity, those are the individuals who leave a lasting impression on the world, who bring hope and inspire others to their own passions! They are not just the names we read in history books either. They are the great-grandmothers who cared for their families and kept them alive during the Depression. They are the soldiers whose names we may never know who gave their lives to save another. They are the missionaries who risked everything to bring food and living water to a savage people. They are those of us, who time and again choose to do what is right - even if the force to run the other way is great - because we believe passionately in the cause of humanity. To believe that every life counts, that what we do here makes a difference -THAT is PASSION.
I've seen people who are passionate about cars or football or art, and that is fine. But what good is passion if it doesn't make the world a better place? Is that what passion was created for? To bring individuals pleasure without reaching out to another soul? I don't think so. If you are passionate about cars, why not share what you love with sick children? If you are passionate about football, use that as an outlet to raise money for orphans. And art... art is the very essence of passion! To use it only for our own selfish pleasure without sharing it and creating good from it would be an abomination.
I guess I am feeling passionate today. I hope it doesn't stop anytime soon. Mostly, I am passionate about loving people. We need one another and passions can bind us together to make our lives better... to make them count for something. If we all lived passionately, with a desire to make humanity better, how would our world change? What are you passionate about that you can act on today? Or, if you've forgotten your passion, how can you revive it?
Don't try to define it, don't let it wash you away. Soak it in and seep it out.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Giant Pumpkins and MORE
Easily one of my top ten favorite days of the year is just around the corner! Hosted by Jared's Garden Center in Littleton, the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off and Festival is Saturday, September 26 from 10am until 2pm. It sounds kind of silly... watching giant pumpkins being hauled up onto scales and weighed as a competition. But this event, now in it's fourth year, has 'grown' to be a great day for families with lots of free fun!
Jared's Garden Center located at 10500 W Bowles Ave., is a beautiful and sprawling nursery with a wide selection of everything garden related. You will find a wide array of pumpkins and gourds along with corn stalks, mums for your fall flower beds, trees and shrubs, and plenty of garden decor.
My kids absolutely love this event! They not only get to see these HUGE pumpkins (and other giant vegetables) but they can walk through the hay bale maze too. There are other free activities, but you can purchase tickets this year for face painting and a bounce house. Be sure to check out their website for all the details.
There will be food available for purchase for those who are making a day of it, but Jared's is located just minutes from Southwest Plaza mall for those who want a wider selection.
If giant pumpkins have never appealed to you before, I'd like to make an appeal to you: give it a try! This is a truly one-of-a-kind event and it's a great way to support your local vegetable growers along with a local-owned nursery.
Don't live in Colorado? Is there a pumpkin event in your state? Tell us about it!
Jared's Garden Center located at 10500 W Bowles Ave., is a beautiful and sprawling nursery with a wide selection of everything garden related. You will find a wide array of pumpkins and gourds along with corn stalks, mums for your fall flower beds, trees and shrubs, and plenty of garden decor.
My kids absolutely love this event! They not only get to see these HUGE pumpkins (and other giant vegetables) but they can walk through the hay bale maze too. There are other free activities, but you can purchase tickets this year for face painting and a bounce house. Be sure to check out their website for all the details.
There will be food available for purchase for those who are making a day of it, but Jared's is located just minutes from Southwest Plaza mall for those who want a wider selection.
If giant pumpkins have never appealed to you before, I'd like to make an appeal to you: give it a try! This is a truly one-of-a-kind event and it's a great way to support your local vegetable growers along with a local-owned nursery.
Don't live in Colorado? Is there a pumpkin event in your state? Tell us about it!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Warwick Who?
HERE'S A SPECIAL POST FOR ALL OF MY LOCAL FRIENDS... OR THOSE WHO MIGHT VISIT DENVER... YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!
Have you heard of the Warwick Hotel in Denver? I hadn't either. This beautiful and elegant hotel is tucked away on the corner of 18th and Grant (two one-way streets) in Denver. The staff was accommodating. The service was spectacular... second to none. In fact, in a world where many establishments can make you feel like your presence is a burden, the Warwick staff made us feel like a blessing.
If you had not heard of the Warwick Hotel until now, you'll be hearing much more in the weeks and months to come. They just hosted the MileHighMamas and MomItForward event and all of the women attending will be buzzing about it.
Randolph's restaurant is housed in the Warwick and served a delightful selection of appetizers and wines. Our dining area was the lovely stone patio where we were enveloped in beautiful greenery and lighting. Word has it the Warwick is the only hotel in Denver with a roof top pool... And now I'm almost in disbelief that I had not heard of them before!
If you are looking for a memorable night out and want to be treated like a true guest, I simply must recommend the Warwick hotel. From all of the fare that was sampled, the food is not disappointing. The Uptown setting is perfect for any occasion, and you are still close to downtown without all the fuss.
Speaking of no fuss, be sure to use the valet service and be just steps from your dining or "sleeping" experience. You'll also be just minutes from the 16th Street Mall, the State Capital, and the Convention Center. Be sure to visit: www.warwickdenver.com to check out all of their great specials. It's time to try something new!
Have you heard of the Warwick Hotel in Denver? I hadn't either. This beautiful and elegant hotel is tucked away on the corner of 18th and Grant (two one-way streets) in Denver. The staff was accommodating. The service was spectacular... second to none. In fact, in a world where many establishments can make you feel like your presence is a burden, the Warwick staff made us feel like a blessing.
If you had not heard of the Warwick Hotel until now, you'll be hearing much more in the weeks and months to come. They just hosted the MileHighMamas and MomItForward event and all of the women attending will be buzzing about it.
Randolph's restaurant is housed in the Warwick and served a delightful selection of appetizers and wines. Our dining area was the lovely stone patio where we were enveloped in beautiful greenery and lighting. Word has it the Warwick is the only hotel in Denver with a roof top pool... And now I'm almost in disbelief that I had not heard of them before!
If you are looking for a memorable night out and want to be treated like a true guest, I simply must recommend the Warwick hotel. From all of the fare that was sampled, the food is not disappointing. The Uptown setting is perfect for any occasion, and you are still close to downtown without all the fuss.
Speaking of no fuss, be sure to use the valet service and be just steps from your dining or "sleeping" experience. You'll also be just minutes from the 16th Street Mall, the State Capital, and the Convention Center. Be sure to visit: www.warwickdenver.com to check out all of their great specials. It's time to try something new!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Sunday Spread
I love to hostess. Mostly because I love to feed people and see them happy! From early fall straight into the winter is such a great time to be indoors and cozy up with some friends... and what better time for a relaxing afternoon of great food and laughter than on a Sunday. You've got football on the television for the men, cool afternoons for the kids to play in the backyard, and subsequently, some quiet for the women to sit back and chat.
The only trick is what to feed all of these great friends on what could be a "cozy" budget. I recently hosted one such occasion and had to share what could be very close to a perfect menu. And what exactly is "perfect"? Well, start with something to please everyone, easy preparations, and all with a price tag under $100 (for about 25 people). And don't forget all the yummy leftovers you're going to have!
It all starts with a trip to your local Sam's Club. (I'm sure Cosco will have similar options.) Here's a simple shopping list that will get you in and out fast. Many of these items you can substitute for other items of same variety based on your likes and budget.
Paper plates - a must
8# of wings
BBQ sauce
One bag each of:
broccoli florets
baby carrots
bell peppers
edamame
Ranch dressing
One package each of red and green grapes
Melon and strawberries or other "in season" fruit
2 bags of tortilla chips
salsa
2 types of cheeses (I chose a brie wheel and a wedge of Fontina)
box of crackers
2 flats of cocktail croissants
strawberry jam, or other
The guys are going to love the wings, chips, and hopefully toss in some fruits and veggies for good luck. The kids are going to have a ball with the croissants, wings and other fruits and veggies (what kid doesn't love to dip??). And the moms can nosh on cheese and crackers, croissants, and fruits and veggies too... or venture into the world of wings!
It's so easy to let your friends help out by having them bring drinks and desserts - quick and simple! And your prep is absolutely minimal because you're using finger foods and cooking those wings in a crock pot (just drop them in with a bottle of BBQ sauce and TA-DA!).
What are your favorite low cost or low prep party ideas that suit the whole family? Please share! Happy Partying!
The only trick is what to feed all of these great friends on what could be a "cozy" budget. I recently hosted one such occasion and had to share what could be very close to a perfect menu. And what exactly is "perfect"? Well, start with something to please everyone, easy preparations, and all with a price tag under $100 (for about 25 people). And don't forget all the yummy leftovers you're going to have!
It all starts with a trip to your local Sam's Club. (I'm sure Cosco will have similar options.) Here's a simple shopping list that will get you in and out fast. Many of these items you can substitute for other items of same variety based on your likes and budget.
Paper plates - a must
8# of wings
BBQ sauce
One bag each of:
broccoli florets
baby carrots
bell peppers
edamame
Ranch dressing
One package each of red and green grapes
Melon and strawberries or other "in season" fruit
2 bags of tortilla chips
salsa
2 types of cheeses (I chose a brie wheel and a wedge of Fontina)
box of crackers
2 flats of cocktail croissants
strawberry jam, or other
The guys are going to love the wings, chips, and hopefully toss in some fruits and veggies for good luck. The kids are going to have a ball with the croissants, wings and other fruits and veggies (what kid doesn't love to dip??). And the moms can nosh on cheese and crackers, croissants, and fruits and veggies too... or venture into the world of wings!
It's so easy to let your friends help out by having them bring drinks and desserts - quick and simple! And your prep is absolutely minimal because you're using finger foods and cooking those wings in a crock pot (just drop them in with a bottle of BBQ sauce and TA-DA!).
What are your favorite low cost or low prep party ideas that suit the whole family? Please share! Happy Partying!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Controversy and Over-Reaction
I have to throw in my two cents with the rest of the country. It seems unbelievable that a speech from our FREELY ELECTED president would cause such a controversy. President Obama created what could arguably be called a revival in politics during our last election. Young and old alike were drawn to his vision and charisma.
Like every other president, he has plans that won't always work out as planned. And frankly, we all know he walked into a bum situation. But he has indelibly marked the history books with a new era, not the least of which that an African American is in the White House. And so now the speech... I just don't see the problem. (I have friends that disagree.)
For our children to be privileged to see their president on live television speaking to them in a personal way seems like something any parent should be glad for. Doing it in the evening is going to miss so many students, and perhaps the ones who would benefit most from hearing such a message. When did we become so cynical to think that the main reason for our president to address school-aged students is to bolster his own political agenda? Are we so jaded as to think that he would have no good intentions for the future of the country that he loves enough to serve in the highest position?
Our job as parents has and will continue to be to help our children make good choices and think for themselves. We don't hear what the teachers are teaching each day! Maybe you don't agree with what the text books say about sex education or evolution, but you probably aren't pulling them out of school over that (granted, some do). Instead, you are taking that information and doing a second round of teaching at home. You instill values that you believe are appropriate on your time.
Example: If my six year old is learning about how polliwogs become frogs, she's either going to be excited about it and come to tell me about it OR forget about the whole thing before she gets home. Now, if she is excited and comes home telling me that her teacher said polliwogs become turtles... well I'm going to set her straight (and have a talk with the teacher). THAT is my responsibility as a parent: to follow up on what is being taught to my children and do my best to help them learn, think, and grow as an individual.
So rather than sheltering our children from politics, let's use it as a learning opportunity for all of us, whether our children are six or sixteen. This could be the most interesting conversation you've had with your child in quite some time.
Like every other president, he has plans that won't always work out as planned. And frankly, we all know he walked into a bum situation. But he has indelibly marked the history books with a new era, not the least of which that an African American is in the White House. And so now the speech... I just don't see the problem. (I have friends that disagree.)
For our children to be privileged to see their president on live television speaking to them in a personal way seems like something any parent should be glad for. Doing it in the evening is going to miss so many students, and perhaps the ones who would benefit most from hearing such a message. When did we become so cynical to think that the main reason for our president to address school-aged students is to bolster his own political agenda? Are we so jaded as to think that he would have no good intentions for the future of the country that he loves enough to serve in the highest position?
Our job as parents has and will continue to be to help our children make good choices and think for themselves. We don't hear what the teachers are teaching each day! Maybe you don't agree with what the text books say about sex education or evolution, but you probably aren't pulling them out of school over that (granted, some do). Instead, you are taking that information and doing a second round of teaching at home. You instill values that you believe are appropriate on your time.
Example: If my six year old is learning about how polliwogs become frogs, she's either going to be excited about it and come to tell me about it OR forget about the whole thing before she gets home. Now, if she is excited and comes home telling me that her teacher said polliwogs become turtles... well I'm going to set her straight (and have a talk with the teacher). THAT is my responsibility as a parent: to follow up on what is being taught to my children and do my best to help them learn, think, and grow as an individual.
So rather than sheltering our children from politics, let's use it as a learning opportunity for all of us, whether our children are six or sixteen. This could be the most interesting conversation you've had with your child in quite some time.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Labor Day Longings
I'll confess, even though school has just started I'm already excited for a long weekend! Labor Day is such a fun weekend even if it just means hanging around the house. In the Denver-area, it can definitely mean a trip to A Taste of Colorado, a high-country hike and picnic, a BBQ with friends and family, or maybe even lounging poolside one last time.
Maybe this weekend will be a chance for you to reflect on thankfulness of having a job, the gift of a family who you love to work hard for, or a body healthy and strong enough to enjoy some yard work.
Whatever you do - make it memorable. Remember to enjoy yourself. If walking downtown sounds like a drag, don't bother. If a BBQ is too much work, go out instead. When it comes down to it, you only get some many free days in the year. Do something the whole family will remember and enjoy. A few special snacks for a ride in the car will make even a regular trip up the mountain special. Go ahead and pick up a few clearance water toys for a little extra excitement for the kids (come on, you know you love them too) whether you're in the backyard or at the pool.
Any Labor Day traditions you'd like to share? Be sure to post them here.
Maybe this weekend will be a chance for you to reflect on thankfulness of having a job, the gift of a family who you love to work hard for, or a body healthy and strong enough to enjoy some yard work.
Whatever you do - make it memorable. Remember to enjoy yourself. If walking downtown sounds like a drag, don't bother. If a BBQ is too much work, go out instead. When it comes down to it, you only get some many free days in the year. Do something the whole family will remember and enjoy. A few special snacks for a ride in the car will make even a regular trip up the mountain special. Go ahead and pick up a few clearance water toys for a little extra excitement for the kids (come on, you know you love them too) whether you're in the backyard or at the pool.
Any Labor Day traditions you'd like to share? Be sure to post them here.
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