Gratitude with a Capital G

Today I am so grateful for so many things. I thought it might be a good idea to list some of these things in order to stay centered and focused on the beauty in my life.

Elaine, my really good friend who lives in Virgina now, and needs to talk. I hope that I can be of some help to her, and I know that she is having a difficult time.

I got some new friends on Facebook, actually people I know...it's kind of fun!

My little dog Max, who is the best dog in the world!

The Herald article ran in todays paper. Here it is http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/666018.html

Maria, Lonna, Sima from Louisiana - I spoke to all three today and totally had amazing conversations!

Canker sore toothpaste was on sale for $4.99 a tube. It is normally $7.99 a tube!

I talked politics with my mom, but didn't really get into it with her, because she is dead set against anything Democrat! I have resigned from the debate society just for today!

My Time is Valuable

Last night, my daughter challenged me to go to Publix for the special on Atkins Shakes. The deal was with store coupon, and manufacturer coupon, the special would be .50 for a 4 pack! The Grocery Game list was accurate in that regards, but the cashier would not allow it. One of the store managers said "that it would be like giving you money." I said "actually, I would give you money - 50 cents!" Anyway, I was gracious (in order to avoid potential embarassment), and contacted corporate today. I will wait for their call. The customer relations was super nice, and a good listener, which is what we really want don't we? Too many people in S. Fla don't listen, and have an attitude. They look down on you for your coupon use...and call you cheap! I call it smart! I learned something in the process. My time is valuable, and maybe I need to cut back on the running around for deals. There is always something special next week!
On a separate, positive note, the convention coverage has been compelling and moving for me. I wish my mother would feel the same way. What does the Republican party do for her?? Well, I am just grateful that my mom is healthy and still with me. She's only 69, but I feel the time going by and it is again, so valuable.

Good Friends and Fun!

Here's a picture of me and my amazing wonderful friend Jenny, she came with me to a company retirement party the other night! It was soooo good being with her. She is a beautiful person who is also so talented! She is responsible for my beautiful hair!

Here we are! Don't we look good?

A Great Deal of Excitement!

I just got done watching the Obama/Biden coverage on MSNBC! I am very excited by it all, and the hope for the future of our country. How proud their families must be! Very exciting also is the call from the campaign field organizer! I will be picking up call lists from the office in Miami Gardens. I am going to do my part! it's awesome that I am able and willing to step outside of my comfort zone, and do something that is just a miniscule part of a whole effort.

So today I am grateful for many things:

Hannah and her wonderful hospitality and the friendship of those at dinner last night! The food was delicious and the conversation was stimulating and relaxing all at the same time!

For Chucks grill who makes food that I can enjoy at not a bad price.

For the small amount of willingness that I can cultivate to work out at the gym.

For picking a doctor, Dr. Saltz, who seems like the right choice for me!

As far as great deals go, Old Navy jeans were $12.00 today and i got 4 pairs - size 10 regular! Also, a free tote bag!

My house is a little bit messy, but the metaphorical house (in my head), is in order today and for that I am so so so so so grateful!

The Politics of Fear

It amazes me that so money people accept the way things are in the world, politically and economically. Unfortunately, I have to question my purchases regularly, but it is what is is. I was behind someone in the store who had loaded up on different brand items, but it was a small shop and it cost her $75.00! I saw many things that were probably not on sale and in my house would not last 3 days! I bought 4 boxes of Italian ice, and 8 cans of chicken (in case of a storm) and saved 21.00 on my purchase. MY Total was 19.00, so I saved over 55%. Another plus, is that this week we did not throw out any rotten fruit! Not only do I save money at the store, but I use it all. I'm preparing my list for this Sunday's shopping trip, and I am looking forward to saving money, it is such work sometimes, but I do enjoy it. There are ways to cut back and be happy....and I am forced to cut back...that's just the way it is!
I find myself wanting to make a difference. I want to get involved in the political process, so if this means that I stand outside with an Obama poster, then so be it! Wherever I am needed, I will go, if it is within my power. The Republicans scare me, but I won't live in fear! The idea of having 4 years of John McCain is depressing! My solution for today is to get out and enjoy myself and keep informed. Always, always keep informed, know what goods you are buying because it is us, the American people who have to live with the consequences. I have to vote for the issues, and for me that is Barack Obama.

Burnt out and Tired

I can't wait for the article to appear in the Miami Herald! I have not told a lot of people because I want it to be a surprise. I am a little burnt out on the couponing for this week. I still may print the CVS list but I can't think of anything that I really really need. Last night, I had a couple of Advil coupons so we got the 40 count gelcaps for 2.49 ea ( i got two), but it is not easy to save money when Marc needs specialty pain items (a thing for the arm which helped it feel a lot better) : ) Darn thing was 15.00 though! I did get a 2 liter bottle of diet cream soda for 50 cents! That is kind of cool, because I really enjoy cream soda. It has to be diet, but I remember when I was a kid, it wasn't. We always went to Pepes pizza in New Haven, and the cream soda was to die for, as well as the pizza. It was a ritual though that could have been fun, but really wasn't because my parents were miserable together.

I think that our kids are very lucky. We have a really good time with them, even when they exasperate us when they don't get along. We have fun but also meaningful conversations, as a family, for which I am soooo grateful.

Tonight we are shopping at Walmart, (per Lauren's request) but I am hesitant to do so because of their policies on organized labor. It feels like I am stuck between a rock and a hard place, because money is so tight. Maybe I'll come up with a better answer as the day progresses.

Old Friends

My friend Sherry is back in my life, after about 15 years. That is so awesome!! She's a couple years older than me, and has been through more pain than many people her age, but she is such a fighter and sooo happy. What a blessing! We had a lot of fun catching up on our lives.

David looked very handsome today when he got dressed for his orientation for his new job. His first real job!

The plumber never showed up! i don't understand how that can happen. I left a message for them, that I want to speak to the owner on Monday. I expect an apology. However, I am sort of embarassed that I was harsh on the voicemail, but I had my day scheduled around that visit.

Everything worked out well today, except for the plumber problem. I went to Old Navy, where i got David a really great shirt that came up $5.00, but had a ticket for $19.50! I picked out some uber-comfortable looking jeans for him, which SHOULD fit him. Lauren babysat for Anthony. What a cutie! He is two years old, and has learned a new phrase: "f#####n as*****hole"! oooops, what do you say to a kid? Lauren didn't teach him! He does see older kids though. It was pretty funny! Perhaps he'll get tired of it.

The photo shoot for the Herald was great! I have never done anything like that. it was just a happy accident I guess, that I was chosen for the article. You gotta have a sense of humor! I'm posing with a tableful of coupons, for Gods sake! I have to admit, I did look good!

All in all, the day went well, and I'm glad that I CHOOSE the people that are healthy for me, and those that aren't. Thanks J for a nice coffee break too, I totally enjoyed speaking to you and learning more about who you are. I will miss you when you go back to NY.

I'm grateful to be alive and healthy!

Gratitude

I am grateful for..........

Being free of the compulsion of excessive food, I am open to new experiences.
I can share with others what I have learned.
I can guide my children through the next life experience-maybe not perfectly, but I am able to do it.
I am an equal partner in my marriage, and becoming more tolerant.

Tonight is the Miami Herald photo at my house. I am going to have fun with this! I will try to get my "ego out of the way", because my ego can be huge!! Awareness of this aspect of my character is helpful to me to put it in check. I can name it, claim it and let it go!

I've got a lot to live for!

Beliefs of my Parents

Not saying they were wrong......but I've recently become aware that I am finally separating from the long held beliefs of my parents. Owning my own mind more and more! I NEVER questioned my beliefs on political, social and economic issues for a very long time. They were the same as my parents! I did not have a thought of my own. For me, it was a given, that I should believe in capital punishment. Why not punish the guilty? Make them pay, suffer the way their victims suffered. What is extremely heartbreaking to me is the recent killing of Donald Pettit, in front of his 12 year old daughter. I cried when I heard of it, and again when the news reported that the alleged killer had been found. I had an immediate thought - now that is someone that should be executed. My anger was that strong, and I justified it more because his daughter saw her father shot in cold blood, and his wife lost a 20 year partner. However, upon instant re-examination of this feeling, I remembered why I am still not a supporter of capital punishment. It makes society no better than the killer. My husband does not share my belief, and I am aware that my daughter does not believe in capital punishment. We have an open exchange of views, in fact this is encouraged. Let's all pray for Donald Pettit's loved ones.

Jenny - you're the best!

Jenny-thanks for being available tomorrow night to do my hair! The reporter from the Miami Herald has scheduled me for a photograph at my house this Friday night for their piece on people who use coupons! This is going to be fun! I love doing something new! I don't know what to expect, and that is how it should be. To have child like feelings about an experience, and to know that I can share about something that has helped me, is so awesome. The first person I called was Lauren. She thought it was so cool. Later she asked me if she could be photgraphed too!

I'm still up with Max. I know I should go to bed. I'm worried that he may wake up and keep me awake.

Money Saving Mom has asked her readers how much they budget for a family's groceries. I was amazed at some of the answers that she got! A lot of people were people from Mid America, who grow their own vegetables, belong to food co-ops (for produce) and even buy half cows from the farm. Their meat is custom cut, frozen, and they eat for a year. That sounds so unusual to me, but not a bad idea, if you have place to store it. I will be buying a freezer beofre the year is up! I am grateful that I have a regular full freezer, and in that freezer is assorted pork chops, a couple of steaks ( i think-I cut back on beef), a lot of chicken, pork sausages, and a little bit of turkey burger. There must be something else, it seems, but I think that this is what there is. I want to get some chicken leg quarters, and some lamb chops this weekend. Honestly, my grocery budget for 4 people is twice what some of the 8 person families are doing. They are a little bit flexible, I am not so much, because I have some food sensitivities. However, I do buy pasta for the kids, and even french bread pizzas.

My eyes are closing. I am tempted to fall in bed with makeup on and everything.

Here's to peace and joy!

Self Esteem

I am noticing more and more how my kids are growing in years and in self esteem. They are not afraid to take chances. Lauren does volunteer work, and David got a job offer today. I hope he likes it! He tried really hard to get the offer, and it is his first job. Lauren is also a terrific artist who can have a career someday if she wants it - in an artistic pursuit. She created the art on the left, which I am proud to hang on the wall!
I am learning a lot from my entire family on how to laugh and enjoy life. At 42, my self esteem is growing in leaps and bounds!
Life is better than good, it is GREAT!

Good news!

Miami Herald was looking for people to write about how they save money clipping coupons. I was happy to share my thoughts on this topic! Maybe I'll be in the paper!
"I have been clipping coupons for about 2 months now, and it has really made a difference in my grcery budget. Just last week, I bought $60.00 worth of merchandise at Walgreens for $24.00! I signed up for the grocery game, and coupon mom. The lists are valuable to me, and help me save time before I shop. I also subscribe to newsletters on line for free samples and coupons. Another way I find out about deals is reading blogs of other people who have been saving money. Everyones shares ideas! www.Moneysavingmom.com is a good one that I like. That's how I found out about the Walgreens $5.00 coupon which was one day only last week. I printed it on my home computer. Also, it is important to read ads that come in the mail for area supermarkets. Publix had one for $5.00 off a purchase of $30.00 or more. Many people throw these away, but you can't do that because there are many valuable coupons in these, often they don't see it on the outside. It is worth investigating, and spending the time to do it. My teens like to eat, and I've been able to find a lot of variety for them and save money for other things we would like to do. My kids think I'm a little funny, having a coupon for everything, but they like it too!"
Now for the good news! David got a job at a grocery store! I'm a little nervous, but so grateful that I am able to encourage him, and teach him.....but not hold his hand over everything that he does next. I, and his father, are guides and I hope that I can guide them through their challenges by sharing my experience. The balls in their court, but I can be the coach and sometimes a referee!

Election Stuff - enough is enough!

I had breakfast with a dear dear friend today, and he said that he will probably not vote for president this year. I told him "the democratic candidate is the same as the guy they all voted for in 2004, but he just looks different!". I could not get excited about John Kerry in 2004, but I supported him. When is this country going to stop being so devisive!! Anyway, we had a nice breakfast, and did not get to the topic, as it was an end of the meal remark. To be honest, the talk about politics is wearing me down. How many times has John McCain said that he is old, did anyone accuse hm of playing the "senior card"?!!!! What is this race card anyway?? Barack is biracial, and that is what it is. It is just a color. While I am on the topic, I totally am distancing myself from Big and Rich, and Toby Keith! I have liked their music in the past, but if they could just stick to the music? Although give me John Mellancamp anyday, who as far as I know is a liberal, supporting the working man, raising money for farm aid. Let Toby Keith be on the other side of the struggling American, and we'll see how important conservative values are to him! Don't get me started on the Britney/Paris ad. That was disgusting! You could be sure that if John McCain wanted to take campaign contributions from the Hiltons they would. I wonder what Paris thinks about being in the ad? She is probably loving the attention. Stick to the issues guys, and stop making people scared!!

Today has a lot of promise, I'll be going to shop - a little - and my nephew's 12th birthday. I am burned out on the Penn Dutch, Publix, and Winn-disie marathon shopping on Sundays. I have enough meat for the freezer, so today I will be buying fruit, and canned vegetables, plus dairy products. David is going for another interview for Winn Dixie, if it does not happen then it's not meant to be. So the motto for today is "take it easy". I can't fail if I take that approach - i should say I can't fail to be serene. I may not do my tasks perfectly, but I can have fun. This calls for some good 80's movies!

I close with a picture of the last Obama rally in Ft. Lauderdale. I am still excited! Go Barack!

Skinny Jeans!