Changes

So in the past couple of months our family has seen our share of changes. I had the opportunity to accept a job at a really great company. The girls have changed schools and day cares. We've decided to put our house up for sale (as soon as it is decluttered). Who know what other changes are in store for us this year?

To report on the job, the first week went well. I have met some really great folks and am looking forward to working with them. I am adjusting to the drive, the traffice and the early hour I have to awake every morning to get us off and running for the day. I am adjusting to going to bed at a decent hour...no more late nights for me.

So all these changes have me thinking about how we react to the fluctuations that life sometimes brings and how this affects the decisions we make. Do we embrace it, hate it or fear it? Do we have to have time to clearly think through our next actions or do we just jump right ready for what comes our way?

So, for me, change is good. I think I enjoy the challenge of change from time to time. I like to figure out new possibilities. I also love to see how it all unfolds. Change keeps life interesting and embracing changes satisfies the adventurous side of me. So bring it on!

Summer

I just love summer for so many reasons. I know it is hot and it will only get hotter, but summer is the best time of year. The pool, the beach, barbque, family fun and no school are just a few of the reasons summer is full of fun.

So put on your sunscreen, swim suit and flip flops...I will see you at the pool!

Confessions of a "Reformed" Shopaholic

So I just finished listening to (yes, I said listening) a funny book called Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella. Why was I listening instead of reading...well, it was one way to make use of my wasted commuting time. I don't know why I didn't think of it before, but I can listen to a good book on the way to and from work. It was quite fun actually.

Anyway, getting back to the book. I have to say it was a hoot. I also have to admit....I might have once been a shopaholic in college. I wasn't in debt or anything, but I could have been. I shopped just about as much as Becky Bloomwood. Although I wasn't as addicted to the labels as she.

So how do you change your ways? In light of this Financial Crisis we are in according to the news, I thought I might reflect on some daily, weekly, and monthly spending issues one could focus on to help save a little dough.

So daily, my vice is coffee. I have only recently come to really enjoy a daily cup of joe. Oh how I love the flavored concoction I can buy at Starbucks for almost $4 a cup. So I wondered if I could save some money per week by making my own. I went to the store and found some flavored brew and instant (for time's sake) I might try. It turns out that this works well for me and I save about $20 per week...or more if you count the scone or muffin I throw in from time to time.

So weekly, I usually go out to lunch most days of the week. Yes it gets expensive, but I really hate my own sandwiches. I have not really been able to bring a brown bag everyday...but when I do go out to lunch I try to make a conscious choice to spend less. Subway has a great sandwich for about $5 and if I bring my own chips and drink...it is a pretty cheap meal. Another way to avoid the dreaded sandwich is to bring in leftovers from home. You end up not wasting the extra food you cook and save your family from leftover night.

Monthly, I try to save a little at the store. We shop about 2x per month for big trips and weekly for the little things that need replacing more often. So before I go a menu has to be planned. I decide realistically how many meals I am going to cook in a two week period. I then think about what I actually want to cook and put those ingredients on my shopping list. I also add a couple of "emergency meals" just in case we get tied up and I can make the planned meal. Emergency meals are frozen pizzas, lasagnas, etc. Planning is really important when grocery shopping. I think we all tend to over purchase. You don't have to plan to the letter, but at least having an idea of a meal plan helps to control spending.

So now, I am off to see the movie..as soon as I have time!

I Can Do It!

So what do you do when your baby has learned that she can be independent at least for some of her important daily tasks? What do you do when she insists that she can pick out and put on her own clothes (pink cowboy boots and all), brush her own teeth and hair (with toothpaste all over the bathroom), and tie her own shoes (in a knot)?


Well, this comes with mixed emotions for me. Honestly, I am sad to see my "baby" grow up. I wish she could stay 3 forever. This is my favorite age so far. She is like a little adult walking around the house pushing her doll in a miniature stroller while holding a handbag over her shoulder with her precious "make up" and "cell phone" inside. Don't get me wrong she is a challenge at times. She has always been strong willed and very smart. And learned the best "negotiation" techniques from her older sister. But by and large, she is funny and sweet and a very caring little girl.


So what's the bright side of watching your little ones take those crucial steps in gaining indepence (even if it is just tieing their shoes for now)? Well I am happy to be raising girls who are strong, independent and hopefully and eventually self reliant. I want them to know that we (Glen and I) are here for them whenever they need us, and it is okay to need your parents. But I also want to watch them dance instead of sit it out on the side lines. I would rather them take a chance and fail then to have never tried at all. You go girls!