tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3722852885406999512024-03-06T02:02:27.292-05:00findingmeCindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285288540699951.post-20905910201888778892018-03-18T12:17:00.002-04:002018-03-18T12:30:24.308-04:00What Separates Us From What We Want?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLC4AGnwmwgo4MvZUkH3wUs5AP4ck7m-A5m4WM-E5NrTYatwE3FJX6A_ElmqUleBtsXnQ9WFwhdQxgpZhu0KroiNz-N7SqE9dqDrawp1GRhPjSnnZCua3xfX8NtANTTKc0C4r_j-pkNW4/s1600/runner-555074_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="640" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLC4AGnwmwgo4MvZUkH3wUs5AP4ck7m-A5m4WM-E5NrTYatwE3FJX6A_ElmqUleBtsXnQ9WFwhdQxgpZhu0KroiNz-N7SqE9dqDrawp1GRhPjSnnZCua3xfX8NtANTTKc0C4r_j-pkNW4/s320/runner-555074_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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What's the wall that separates us from our dreams & goals? Is it fear (of success or failure?)? Responsibility? Lack of support? Lack of a clear vision?<br />
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I've been thinking for a while about turning this blog solely into a FI or FIRE blog. For those of you unfamiliar with the terms it means Financial Independence or Financial Independence and Early Retirement. I'm not sure I'm on target to retire early. Many of those that are in the FIRE community are saving 40% or upward of their take home pay, as well as having other avenues of passive income. Last year I saved 27% of my paychecks. While being better than the average American of saving 5% a year, it is still a far cry from the 40% savings rate many would say one needs to become financially independent.<br />
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I have set a saving goal of 33% for this year. And hoping to increase to 40% and 50% in the very near future. Two prime objectives are putting most of my savings towards my fully funded ROTH (yearly limit of $5500) and then additional savings towards paying down my mortgage. I have one very large expense of over $11,000 involving a roof on my home coming up next month, I will take from my previous savings from years past.<br />
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However, obstacles remain for me in my path to FI and this is the short lists of those obstacles:<br />
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1) I don't want to deny myself of<i> every</i> luxury I have. While many of my friends would describe me as frugal, I still feel like I indulge in eating out, donating money to causes I believe in, and purchasing things that aren't really "necessary". Can I "up" my savings rate and still partake in these things that give me joy?<br />
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2)I don't feel like I have the support of friends or family. While my immediate family has always been financially conservative they are not big on non-traditional life-styles. Working over 30 plus years for one company and receiving a pension seems "safe" to them. (I"m in year 22 of working in my career.)<br />
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3) At this point, I don't really have a defined plan for what I would do if, indeed, this would ever happen and I'd get to retire early and become financially independent. I love to create- in whatever fashion that takes on. I love to give to causes I believe in, though the causes seem diverse and unrelated at the moment. I love the thought of the freedom to do whatever I feel like doing rather than continuing the hamster wheel of the daily grind.<br />
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Not sure where my dreams might take me, but keep reading as I figure out how to overcome the obstacle that I face and define the future that lie ahead.<br />
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<br />Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285288540699951.post-7660318642175261652018-01-01T11:55:00.002-05:002018-01-01T11:55:10.105-05:00Free Money End of the Year 2017 Review<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4cLfTcQkjHbB5XCLPDobV0wZ3ZXw2JApU6Z9GDfs1frP8zTXcZWydhkFAhdRWkB31cEtCyCDE14pNQL3969Z8u1EGr1VvRrLEquBt3JQ081-D0tW7msKq-CVFEKFIqnyEAEKz32oXLg/s1600/pixabay+winter+mountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4cLfTcQkjHbB5XCLPDobV0wZ3ZXw2JApU6Z9GDfs1frP8zTXcZWydhkFAhdRWkB31cEtCyCDE14pNQL3969Z8u1EGr1VvRrLEquBt3JQ081-D0tW7msKq-CVFEKFIqnyEAEKz32oXLg/s320/pixabay+winter+mountain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am pleased that my expectations were exceeded in my Free Money Adventure for 2017. Originally, I believe my goal was to acquire between $1,500-$1,800 in what I considered free money for the year. At about the mid-way point I adjusted my goal to be between $2,000-$2,500. Giving the goal a range instead of an exact number helped me to be realistic and not be fixated on a particular number.<br />
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I've attached a snap shot of my excel chart below:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGpi9S_QFSY-6T5HvPzX_Ubzh6M2SjR7YP2VeVYhJ_gWBJcGcOCvYmslHStbJS4s5xZwOOBe31mYAWMwGfcOcdVqb_W5pBYQKs0XwtDxfywTwGclk_yRsjdmC_djUwVvlnqZMnZIjTm4/s1600/Capture+snap+shot+excel+free+money+2017+1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="609" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGpi9S_QFSY-6T5HvPzX_Ubzh6M2SjR7YP2VeVYhJ_gWBJcGcOCvYmslHStbJS4s5xZwOOBe31mYAWMwGfcOcdVqb_W5pBYQKs0XwtDxfywTwGclk_yRsjdmC_djUwVvlnqZMnZIjTm4/s320/Capture+snap+shot+excel+free+money+2017+1.PNG" width="319" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7G-U88gQjt34wWwmNyEtj6t03eD7m2PCLFhIsxqMcTqGd7ueCKwdm4Nbb6EiWONY8Jj7NvCZt55uSBC7cfX3wo7s_KBUdsBS0g0Sp5YtiAv5NAqNzWLnT6NVA9IcNblA-XfYC1riC8Y/s1600/Capture+end+of+year+free+money+snap+shot+2017+2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="605" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7G-U88gQjt34wWwmNyEtj6t03eD7m2PCLFhIsxqMcTqGd7ueCKwdm4Nbb6EiWONY8Jj7NvCZt55uSBC7cfX3wo7s_KBUdsBS0g0Sp5YtiAv5NAqNzWLnT6NVA9IcNblA-XfYC1riC8Y/s320/Capture+end+of+year+free+money+snap+shot+2017+2.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Again, I know that some people may argue that some of these categories aren't actually "free". However, I felt like I included the topics in which required some effort on my part, but where money was actually on the table to receive. </div>
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Obviously the largest category of free money was bank promotions. These were easy to find due to websites I had mentioned in my earlier blog, but at times tricky to redeem due to the conditions of the promotion. I also learned that while soft inquiries do not effect your credit score, you may exceed a particular amount of soft inquiries for opening up new accounts which would result in being declined. I kept my new accounts to reasonable amount (6) for the year. I could have possibly gone higher, but I wanted to error on the side of safety.</div>
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As I set my goals for my 2018 Free Money I may continue to keep the new accounts I open on the low side. Many of the bank promos have a restriction as to "one redemption per calendar year" or "only open to new accounts within the past 90 days". Currently, I am thinking of a number between $1,500-$2000 because I'm not sure realistically if I can continue to keep up a $2,700 with the avenues I've been pursuing. It's a fun challenge and continues to amazing me how with a little effort there's always money out there. </div>
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I've also found helpful the web presence and podcasts of the FI (Financial Indepences) or FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) community. I'll come back and add the links. These endeavors have both been helpful and inspiring. You don't have to be conventional in your thoughts about money and career. Financial independence is not greed, but very much the opposite... freedom. </div>
<br />Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285288540699951.post-45750261041272507412017-09-03T11:26:00.004-04:002017-09-03T11:26:57.436-04:00The In-Between Times<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcsmH0rtOf1VQ1uvsC6Wx-zVUNdzYw-bPCLNYA7GyuSqfEub4d8A0MqQPSzBHeQymagmr8fsNWmm0LsUQWMaiF4vQA50GjzVyc7FycN6hBKFo8SoNDsqEPR_KukJxSl9X6KOhXk_eato/s1600/Optimized-grass+seed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="375" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcsmH0rtOf1VQ1uvsC6Wx-zVUNdzYw-bPCLNYA7GyuSqfEub4d8A0MqQPSzBHeQymagmr8fsNWmm0LsUQWMaiF4vQA50GjzVyc7FycN6hBKFo8SoNDsqEPR_KukJxSl9X6KOhXk_eato/s320/Optimized-grass+seed.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Yesterday, on the rainy September 2nd of 2017, I came to the realization that I feel stagnant. At this
point in my life I am feeling the need to see progress. Tangible, visual progress.
I feel like I’m going through life without much success. I’m sure we all feel
that from time to time, but at this moment in my existence it is more evident.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I surveyed my home inside and out,
did a personal internal inventory as well. I have several bare spots in my
yard, a handful of craft projects in various stages of completion, two to three
writing works in progress that have been immobile, and a small home mortgage I
have come to define as burdensome. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Recognizing my earning for visual signs
of growth I decided to take action. I recognized three projects in various stages, beginning, middle, and end and made mental and photographic evidence of each.<o:p></o:p></div>
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1) Beginning- I planted an all-in-one grass seed, fertilizer mix into two bare spots in my
yard. <o:p></o:p></div>
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2) Middle- I made a trip to the bank to physically pay, by old-fashioned check, both extra principle and an early monthly payment for next moth (October). I need to see the number of my home mortgage subside.</div>
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<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">3) Ending- </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I completed one knitted scarf that I'm replicating from my own existing scarf. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNBGgyMaaX3n0lQ4pVnmpjeS3XEaRlGRJ-kkAbfz9q4_POPoecYV8w4Z9NvRSmNh5bokcsA0CGZ-hrJ2H2FWEh5ZVssYqQWF_RMoUQjFI4p1bqAMEd06f8jSPl4P2Rk-vKsCivFnN7dw/s1600/Optimized-InkedIMG_2132_LI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="375" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNBGgyMaaX3n0lQ4pVnmpjeS3XEaRlGRJ-kkAbfz9q4_POPoecYV8w4Z9NvRSmNh5bokcsA0CGZ-hrJ2H2FWEh5ZVssYqQWF_RMoUQjFI4p1bqAMEd06f8jSPl4P2Rk-vKsCivFnN7dw/s320/Optimized-InkedIMG_2132_LI.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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During my fluster of action, I also
made myself pause and took stock of the changes<o:p></o:p></div>
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and evolution that has transpired in my life in recent
months and years. It’s very easy for me to lose perspective of the longevity of
the journey and hone in only on the here and now. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m hoping the growth of the grass
from seed to blade will enable me to gauge the tiny increments of growth from beginning to end in a relatively short amount of time. And,
whether it be in my writing, larger word counts of works in progress, or simply
checking the bucket list of published, a decrease amount on my home mortgage as
I implement a recent strategy to be debt free, I believe surrounding myself
with visual results will encourage my soul. Starting is the first step to any
successful endeavor, and the actual finishing is so satisfying, yet the
laborious in-between times are where many people lose their way. I’m hoping my
action steps aid me to reclaim the motivation and inspiration to make it to the
finish line.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXLl7k9OxYpPWdUK6xOm-TBRENY5ECNRMLVtKvDtwsnXy7kTy_WS-7N16K0En1V8o66Ffdgn2OTAaF2xLXfudmHWzGLQcHGlhayfsfUn34xejZLADoh_mTR4lpMwBOoVKN7XtuJm86XA/s1600/Optimized-IMG_2131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="375" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXLl7k9OxYpPWdUK6xOm-TBRENY5ECNRMLVtKvDtwsnXy7kTy_WS-7N16K0En1V8o66Ffdgn2OTAaF2xLXfudmHWzGLQcHGlhayfsfUn34xejZLADoh_mTR4lpMwBOoVKN7XtuJm86XA/s320/Optimized-IMG_2131.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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*I’m curious, how do you keep
yourself engaged in the process of growth? If you read this blog, share some
tips and insight in the comment section. I’m sure we all can use a little
nudge. Thanks in advance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Forward,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cindy<o:p></o:p></div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285288540699951.post-34186962808153630042017-07-06T13:32:00.004-04:002017-07-06T13:46:43.346-04:00Free Money Update 2017<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Coins, Pennies, Money, Currency, Cash" src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2015/08/29/02/09/coins-912719__340.jpg" /></div>
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Over half-way through 2017 and I wanted to update you on my "free money" journey. My initial goal for this year was<b> $1,300-$1,500.</b> I'm happy to say that I have surpassed that and reset my goal to between<b> $2,250-$2,500</b> for the full calendar year. The following is the break down of my current journey:</div>
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<b>$900</b>- Bank Promotions</div>
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<b>$84*</b>- Savings & Gift Cards through Gasoline Promotions through Speedway (Speedy Rewards) Kroger (Kroger Plus Card) I should be able to increase this by at least another $50 before year's end.</div>
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<b>$60</b>- In Store Gift card Speedway Promotion for purchasing Gasoline Gift Cards (twice this year)</div>
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<b>$25</b>- Saving from Cardpool Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Card</div>
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<b>$110</b>- Test Drive Ford Promotion/ And a Subaru Promotion</div>
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<b>$15</b>- My Coke Rewards Program- for Amazon & iTunes Gift Cards ( they have now re-named and re-branded) </div>
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<b>$50</b>- Various Visa Gift Cards through Rebates (P&G and Mobil Oil) </div>
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<b>$100</b>- Meijer Wellness Gift Card through a health insurance promo through work.</div>
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<b>$150*</b>- Scottrade Dividends (this is ongoing and I'm counting this for the year.)</div>
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<b>$200*</b>- Discover Card Cashback Bonus (I haven't collected this yet, but this is usually my average.)</div>
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<b>$40</b>- Swagbucks Rewards</div>
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<b>$20</b>- Dick's Sporting Goods & Best Buy Reward Programs</div>
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<b>$23</b>- Four Bills a month I am now paying online each month stamp savings.</div>
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<b>$30</b>- Recycle Aluminum Cans & Other Metals June of 2017</div>
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<b>$17</b>- Stash Cash Promotion (An online saving and investing platform)</div>
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$1,824</div>
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By year's end I hope to redeem at least one other bank promotion worth <b>$200</b>. I like the ones that do not require a direct deposit. However, I did fulfill one bank bonus recently that allowed me to direct deposit money coming from my PayPal account what counted for their bonus- so even with some banks there are ways to circumvent directly depositing money from your employer to achieve the promotions. Thanks again to <a href="http://www.doctorofcredit.com/">Doctor Of Credit</a> and <a href="http://www.hustlermoneyblog.com/">Hustler Money Blog</a> for helping me easily find the bests bank promotions.</div>
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I'd also like to collect another <b>$30 </b>from Swagbucks. A platform that rewards you for taking surveys, watching videos, and doing internet searches. If you're interested in Swagbucks (it's free to sign up you can email me for a promotion that rewards me for referring you or you can check it out on your own at their website.)</div>
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<a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/">Swagbucks</a></div>
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I feel pretty confident I can reach the $2,000 milestone, but getting to $2,250 to $2,500 will be a challenge. I'm up for it. What about you? Do you have any money challenges you're embarking on this year, or this month? Leave me a comment and let me know about those. We learn and inspire each other. </div>
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I also wanted to note that I've talked to a few people that disagree with my categorizing of the above list as "free money", they venture to say I'm paying for some of the products to receive the gift cards. My rationale is that I'd be buying those items anyways regardless of the rewards. And there is the argument of is savings vs. actual gift cards or physical money the same thing. ie- the stamp savings for paying bills online. It works for me, but I understand the other side of that argument. </div>
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I must admit I've done some pretty crazy promotions to get "free money" and I stress nothing in life is free, but if you're willing to jump a few hoops and have patience you'll find money where you never thought to look. by the way don't forget to check those cushions of your couch or look under the seats in your car. Until next time . . .<b> May your pockets always be full and may you always have loved ones to share it! </b></div>
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Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285288540699951.post-34574643794762556662017-03-27T20:54:00.000-04:002017-03-27T21:28:27.320-04:00Free Money???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaklGtPz6ntcImOuKggzOAiJeRb-9ro0fMo8nXnU_ztjKY1jxEBCF4D6mbDUm7LARZnfHV0MYNxGlmht1gAFom8Kc6McXNfmgou1b7C2mKMHUtwbL3KIe4NkSCRW53TDeoW9dP6IL2x8/s1600/dollar-941246_640+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaklGtPz6ntcImOuKggzOAiJeRb-9ro0fMo8nXnU_ztjKY1jxEBCF4D6mbDUm7LARZnfHV0MYNxGlmht1gAFom8Kc6McXNfmgou1b7C2mKMHUtwbL3KIe4NkSCRW53TDeoW9dP6IL2x8/s320/dollar-941246_640+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Okay, we all know there's no such thing as free money. However, there ARE ways to retrieve promotions and get rebates with little effort and time. I've been researching for the past few years and I have a list of websites I frequent that alerts the public to these kinds of opportunities. Here are two of the many websites that have useful information:<br />
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<b>Hustler Money Blog </b>(Not to be confused with just Hustler websites;) <a href="http://www.hustlermoneyblog.com/">http://www.hustlermoneyblog.com/</a><br />
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and<br />
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<b>Doctor of Credit</b><br />
<a href="http://www.doctorofcredit.com/">http://www.doctorofcredit.com/</a><br />
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Last year, 2016, I tracked over $800 of what I refer to as "free money" and this year my goal is to acquire between $1,300 and $1,500. On most banking promotion there tends to be a direct deposit requirement, but I tend to go after the ones that do not have the direct deposits as a stipulation because those are more of a hassle for me.<br />
Below is my projected list for 2017: (x marks those promotions already achieved.)<br />
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<b>$350</b> (X) <b><u>HSBC Bank Promotion</u></b>- I had to deposit and keep $1,500 in the account and make two online bill pays for consecutive three months. I have to keep this account for 120-180 days. This promotion is now expired. I found this relatively easy and I saved stamps on bills I normally paid via snail mail.<br />
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<b>$200</b> <u> <b>Huntington 5 Checking Promotion-</b></u> I began the process today. I previously had an account with Huntington, but its been longer than 6 months ago so I'm good for this promotion. To qualify, I have to have $1,000 of new money to the bank. However, I want to be exempt from the $5 monthly maintenance fee so I will need to keep $5,000 in the account for the next 6 months.<br />
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<b> $50</b> (X) <b>Northpointe Bank in Grand Rapids Michigan</b>-<br />
<a href="http://www.hustlermoneyblog.com/northpointe-bank-ultimateaccount/">http://www.hustlermoneyblog.com/northpointe-bank-ultimateaccount/</a><br />
There are some additional hoops to jump through if you want a higher interest rate, but the basic level was good for me. I had to fund this with $100 and I received a $50 promotion. This account must remain open for 120 days.<br />
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<b>$100</b> (X) <b>United Health Care EPC Insurance Wellness Gift Card- </b>This is set up through my school's insurance. Members have to take a medical survey and either track their exercise for a four weeks or take online workshops that are supposed to educate for better health.<br />
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<b>$50</b> (X) <b>Speedway Bonus Points- </b>By swinging by Speedway Gas Stations and scanning my Speedway card before I pump my gasoline I can usually acquire enough points to redeem a $50 Speedway Card each year.<br />
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<b>$100</b> <b>Kroger Fuel Points-</b> Watching advertisements and digital coupon offerings when gift cards are 4 x fuel points along with weekly shopping I can save $100 on other gasoline purchases not made at Speedway during the calendar year.<br />
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<b>$200 </b> <b>Discover Card Rewards- </b>I realize credit cards can be dangerous if you do not pay off the balance every month. Many experts will preach against using them because its so easy to buy on credit and only pay the monthly minimum. However, I have found this to be a useful tool to acquire "free money". I make sure I pay off my balance EVERY month and look to redeem my cashback near the end of each year.<br />
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<b>$150 </b> <b>Scottrade Account- </b> I have a small Scottrade Account that I buy and sell stocks. While I haven't been able to quit my day job by trading stocks the last 5 years, it has helped me understand the markets and its been a hobby that has brought me nearly $150 in dividends since the inception of the account, along with a few nice gains when I sold profitable company stocks. However, stocks are not for the faint of heart and becoming too obsessed with the gains and losses can drive me nuts. But I've learned to only put money in the stocks that I KNOW and UNDERSTAND.<br />
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<b>$100</b> <b>Test Drive Promotions- </b>I was able to do a test drive for a GMC Terrain in 2016 and received a $20 gift card. And while researching these opportunities I have found that car manufacturers rotate specific types and amounts of gift cards. Some of these are targeted opportunities, meaning they send out mailers to consumers that are more likely to purchase a new car. However, with a quick search of google or other search engines, one may find promotions from various car manufacturers ranging from $20- $50 depending on the time of year and make and model of vehicle.<br />
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If I'm able to accomplish the above list I will be $1,300 in the green. Right now I have a solid $550 of the $1,300. I'll come back and update this blog or write a recap blog towards the end of the year to see if I'm able to achieve this endeavor. Soft credit pulls are used for most of the bank promotions. Read up on soft credit pulls to decide if this is a good method to use for your own personal finance. Money is out there, its not quite free, but still some of it might be in your grasp if you're willing to jump through hoops and wait a handful of months. A few more dollars in your bank account can always help. Let's face it we all could use extra dollars:) May your pockets always be full and may you have loved ones to share it!<br />
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~Cindy<br />
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<br />Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285288540699951.post-84246618608947630732016-12-29T12:47:00.001-05:002016-12-29T12:49:21.672-05:00Operation: Recycle Scrap December 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBegRWXiWOyCvRtrn4TTgXKomDzuA40qlggN-u9hj9-6OvmEvYGVk8AegLFVSz_w4_yQrYFffbH25bXIajHV0c_bTOYUbjO7LSA_4WFWArrHu6KrLoY48FNghaOLYQgoyU3sXcb_gMts/s1600/scrap+dec.+2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBegRWXiWOyCvRtrn4TTgXKomDzuA40qlggN-u9hj9-6OvmEvYGVk8AegLFVSz_w4_yQrYFffbH25bXIajHV0c_bTOYUbjO7LSA_4WFWArrHu6KrLoY48FNghaOLYQgoyU3sXcb_gMts/s320/scrap+dec.+2016.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
There were over 400 pounds of metal, circuit boards, and consumer waste. Much of this electronic material had been around for years and its usefulness had vanished with the passing of time. The devices were stagnant and collecting dust. Recycling was a must. Sure, it would've been easier to just throw it all to the curb and let the garbage truck haul it off to the dump. However, with the challenge of my brother for me to take his "junk, get rid of it, and get something out of it," I was bound and determined to turn this pile of unwanted material into cash. In the process I hoped that the items would be recycled into something useful instead of taking up space in a landfill miles away.<br />
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The day before last a small army; consisting of myself, my three nieces and sister-in-law, meticulously packed my <span style="background-color: white;">suv</span>. Treading up and down my brother and sister-in-law's basement steps with full arm loads of computers and power suppliers was indeed laborious. The younger nieces holding open doors in the cool winter air as the older niece, my sister-in-law, and myself made trip after trip to the belly of their house and up to the blacktopped landscape of their driveway created space in their basement floor and filled space in my vehicle.<br />
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After I drove to my home I opened the back hatch and the both back doors of my vehicle to survey the unlikely loot. There were a few boxes I hadn't been able to see well in my brother's basement. I extracted a cardboard box or two and took them into my house for an even more close inspection. I discarded items I knew couldn't be recycled and disassembled other electronics that I believed would make the recycling process easier. Three phone calls later to recycle centers I found the one that acknowledged they accepted computer towers, hard drives, and power cords. I also threw into the stash a bag of aluminum cans I'd been hoarding and also took my father's disregarded truck rotors he had laying in his garage.<br />
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A short 25 minute drive with a friend and then I helped unpack the materials as the workers at the recycle station tossed the items into a large bin sitting on a commercial scale. An operator would input the type of metal or electronics into a computer while the scale calculated its value. Less than 5 minutes at the recycle station and I was more than $74 richer. Saving the planet and my bank account one recycled piece at a time. Mission Complete.<br />
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<br />Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285288540699951.post-25395045666183121302016-05-14T23:18:00.000-04:002016-05-14T23:18:04.175-04:00Hope is a MuscleThis post originally posted 3/2/2016 on plotsisters.com<br />
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I’m not sure exactly who coined the phrase, but I read a
book several years ago entitled “In These Girls, Hope is a Muscle” written by
Madeleine Blais. The non-fiction book followed the journey of a high school
basketball team in Massachusetts with its defeats and triumphs. I used the
expression<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>to encourage and challenge
my own varsity basketball team I coached years ago and I reference the phrase
to my current students in my government and psychology classes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For any skill to improve one must practice to enhance or
make it stronger. It is not unique to only athletics. My own personal writing
journey has had its ups and downs. I’ve had moments where I’ve wondered and
questioned if what I was doing with my time and if my commitment to the craft
was merely a lofty dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s easy to be renewed by the promise that things will get
better when the sun is shining and the atmosphere is pleasant. But, what about
the dark days? How do you conjure up the courage to continue the pursuit of
your dreams? I believe that’s where faith and hope become essential. Perhaps if
you remember the phrase, hope is a muscle, when you’re feeling doubt and when
you’re banging your head up against the wall because you see no progress you’ll
remember every step forward is progress. Every word you write is moving
forward. Life is cyclical. The more you give, the more you get. Maybe not
immediately, but in the long haul. Keep believing. Keep doing. Hope is growing.
<o:p></o:p></div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285288540699951.post-41875968438006061732016-02-10T16:53:00.001-05:002016-02-10T17:01:02.362-05:00Sometimes It's Hard to Feel the LOVE<a data-cthref="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiazM7mmO7KAhVClB4KHXgOAkIQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webweaver.nu%2Fclipart%2Fvalentines%2Fhearts.shtml&psig=AFQjCNHk-6svlROp6D4GWAUqLLiMWsqcww&ust=1455227974789512" data-ved="0ahUKEwiazM7mmO7KAhVClB4KHXgOAkIQjRwIBw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiazM7mmO7KAhVClB4KHXgOAkIQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webweaver.nu%2Fclipart%2Fvalentines%2Fhearts.shtml&psig=AFQjCNHk-6svlROp6D4GWAUqLLiMWsqcww&ust=1455227974789512" id="irc_mil" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk;irc.il;" style="border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor;"><img src="http://www.webweaver.nu/clipart/img/holidays/valentines/hearts/heart-cluster.gif" height="393" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="321" /></a><br />
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February, the month of cupids and hearts. I'm thankful its the shortest month of the year. In Ohio the weather is usually awful. (As I write this post with two inches of snow on the ground and freezing temperatures outside.) And not to mention the feeling that Valentine's Day conjures for someone that's single, Valentine's Day can be the most dreaded holiday of the year. The focus is always romantic love. Not that there's anything wrong with romantic love. Its great. The passion. The thinking of you texts. The gifts. The surprises. The gushing overwhelming feelings of just <em>being in love.</em><br />
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However, if you happen to be in the percentage of people that aren't currently in love. Then, well, it sucks. Society makes you feel like a loser that you don't have a Valentine or a Special Someone to spend dinner with on February 14th. I don't know maybe its more how I make myself feel than society. <thinking> No, no, really I gotta say I think its society that broadcasts these kind of messages to people who are single. </thinking><br />
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The last few weeks have been rough. Just usual life stuff, but rough, nonetheless. A good friend of my lost his mom. Writing, seemingly knocking my head against the wall. Overwhelmed with bureaucracy at work. And trying to get my second wind for the last half of the school year. Hurting students that don't know how to channel their feelings and personally, feeling at a loss to help them navigate this turbulent time in their lives. The end result for the student is representing these angst in an unhealthy way and being sent home from school and not returning to date. I worry about them. And I feel like my hands are tied.<br />
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And although I question from time to time my own connectedness to people, there's always something that happens that brings me back to the truth. Which is: I have a solid group of people in my life who give to me in ways I need just when I need it most. Whether it be encouraging words by email, Facebook, or texts or happy-go-lucky activities or random phone calls. So, thank you friends and tribe members. Thank you for giving to me in the midst of your own craziness and hectic lives. Most of my friends don't read my blog, but a few do now and again. I'm broadcasting this great big thank you to the universe and to God for sending me wonderful people who inhabit my life and I only hope my existence reflects some of the love you share with me. Happy Valentine's Day, and may we all celebrate all the LOVE. Romantic and otherwise. <br />
<br />Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285288540699951.post-79652889927649194942016-01-17T16:42:00.001-05:002016-01-17T20:43:08.873-05:00Can We Become too Casual?<a data-cthref="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjPqeus57HKAhUDVj4KHXZPDaQQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftoppixgallery.com%2Fhigh-school-hallway%2F&psig=AFQjCNEjwiQR-rdaEnZGSJeFC0Li3NcOZA&ust=1453153087769384" data-ved="0ahUKEwjPqeus57HKAhUDVj4KHXZPDaQQjRwIBw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjPqeus57HKAhUDVj4KHXZPDaQQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftoppixgallery.com%2Fhigh-school-hallway%2F&psig=AFQjCNEjwiQR-rdaEnZGSJeFC0Li3NcOZA&ust=1453153087769384" id="irc_mil" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk;irc.il;" style="border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor;"><img height="361" id="irc_mi" src="https://jennlyonsdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/hallway.jpg" style="margin-top: 16px;" width="481" /></a><br />
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I'm not related to these students. Not really friend's of any of the parents. I have no affiliation with these 16 & 17 year-old kids outside of being one of their high school teachers. I see them less than 5 hours a week for 9 months.<br />
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And yet this week. I had a girl ask me for a tampon. A student saying "hi" to their BFF walking down the hallway waving both middle fingers in the air. And one student confessing their parents are getting a divorce, therefore, they are allowed to walk all over their mom because, frankly, in the kid's eyes, the kid doesn't have to respect their parents since her parents' marriage is over.<br />
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Now, you may say that these are just anomalies. Random situations, in one week, throughout the course of a school year. I don't want to burst your bubble of optimism, but I'm here to tell you. . . it's a trend. High school is a microcosm of the American culture. We are becoming casual, and perhaps too casual? <br />
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There's a veil that's been lifted between teacher and student. And that's not all bad. That's for another blog post. This post is about the slippery slope. When each can NOT distinguish their roles it can be scary and lead to a world of Trouble. As an educator, I am to teach. To enlighten. Facilitate. Guide. Direct. It isn't my responsibility to be their friend. A counselor or mentor, sure. But I'm not supposed to be their friend while they are attending secondary school.<br />
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I replied to the student whom asked for the tampon. "I'm sorry. You need to go see the nurse." And quickly scribbled a pass to the clinic.<br />
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The student who was double flipping off her friend in the hallway, I tapped her on the shoulder and told her it was inappropriate. She replied, "I was just saying 'hi'." Then, assumedly after reading my blank expression, the student quickly added a muffled, "Sorry." She scurried off towards her next class.<br />
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And to the student whom declared she didn't have to respect her mom because of the divorce. I simple said, "Your mom carried you in her belly for 9 months and more than likely endured excruciating pain to get you into this world. Not to mention, she's been half the reason you've had all your needs met to this point in your life. Both your parents have earned your respect. And if you fail to give it to them, then that's on you."<br />
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Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the opportunities that present themselves outside the lectures and activities of academia to give input and teach life lessons. Maybe I'm just here to tell you as someone not in the trenches of public education, <em>we're losing ground on the respect front</em>. Expectations are lessening and the students are breaking those expectations down even further. Nothing is sacred. Or at least, rarely sacred. I'm not sure if we can reverse the trend. I'm not sure how to unteach what has been taught by a consistent allowance of ill-respect. It's merely an observation and a question. Can we become too casual?Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285288540699951.post-70992974296835084602015-12-28T10:31:00.001-05:002015-12-28T10:39:27.193-05:00OrderOrder is <em>usually</em> synonymous with peace. With the recent loss of my grandmother I've watched my aunt and mother sort through her financial belongings and while they were semi-prepared, the process was daunting. I've decided that this is going to be one of my primary goals for the 2016. January of 2016, matter of fact. Get my own assets in order. What greater gift can you bring to your loved ones and friends than making sure, if God forbid something happened to you, that you could bring peace to a hectic and chaotic time. <br />
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So my action plan is this: <br />
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1) Research on what documents I'll need to officially file. I'll do this with online searches and discussions with people I know who have experienced sorting through a loved one's estate.<br />
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2) Collect my own documents of ownership: deeds, titles, and beneficiaries.<br />
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3) Call an attorney and make an appointment. Although I know one can make a will and a living will without an attorney, it will give me peace of mind that a licensed individual will be taking care of any technical language and procedural matters. Yes, even if it costs me a few hundred dollars.<br />
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4) File the proper paper work. And organize a quick folder in case of any untimely situation.<br />
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The third item to my action plan will be the hardest. I am a procrastinator by birth. And despite good intentions. For some reason or another I tend to drag my feet. <br />
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A few years ago this appeared in the Wall Street Journal. A good visual for my endeavor, and perhaps for yours as well.<br />
<img alt="The25DocumentsYouNeedBeforeYouDie" src="http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/BF-AB154_02doc_G_20110701212202.jpg" height="400" width="350" />Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285288540699951.post-64498224885483507842015-12-14T20:09:00.000-05:002015-12-14T20:11:12.735-05:00Massage LessonsDon't worry I'm not quitting my day job and taking lessons in Massage Therapy. (Although I've been tempted.) But I did have a massage a few weeks ago. I try to schedule time at least once a year to treat myself. However, it had been two years since I had an opportunity, or rather I should say that I made the effort to make an appointment.<br />
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It was much needed. My body was stressed and my mind was fatigued. It's been a rough year with unique challenges. Witnessing the death of my grandmother was brutal. The slow, painful escape from this life to the next. A long-time friendship has also been tested. Bureaucracy at work and the daily grind combined to set me paralyzed by sadness, that turned into numbness. Many things I'd hoped to accomplish in 2015 didn't seem as important as they once were. I guess I'm admitting a bout of depression. I'm slowly making strides. And as I get older I discover the simple truth... <em>life is hard</em>. But what I also was reminded of this year is that there are lots of good people all around. Friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, students, past and present, my dear writing group, the Plot Sisters. Lots of people who take the time to ask how my day is or wish me well. <br />
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During my hour-long massage I had the time to reflect and feel the tension being worked out of my muscles by the therapist. It felt good to let go and relax. Something I admittedly don't do well. As I lay on the table with only the sheet between me and the world I have to mention the massage reminded me of not only the emotional & mental state I'm in, but the physical shape I'm in as well. Two years ago I was in pretty good shape. Balancing a yoga and running routine that helped keep me flexible and strong. And now I'm not where I was. I haven't gained a bunch of weight, but I'm more soft in spots where I want to be firm. And that would be fine if I was comfortable, but I'm not. And not being comfortable is a horrible place to be. So I remind myself it was time to take note of what I want and why I want it. I'm gonna let that sit with me for a while and as I continue to refine and regroup holistically, maybe I'll set up another massage. Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285288540699951.post-25158529713925464192015-05-24T21:16:00.001-04:002015-05-24T21:16:33.523-04:00Let the Light Shine In
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The other day I did something I
haven’t done in a while. Two weeks ago, to be exact . . . I opened up the
blinds of my front windows of my home. I hadn’t been particularly depressed,
just busy. Extremely busy.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Most mornings
over the past few weeks I left for work before 7 am and arrived back twelve
hours later. The amount of day light was minimal on the best of days. It hardly
seemed worth the effort to open the blinds only to shut them within a few
minutes. Some nights, in the cover of darkness, my car would ease into its
rightful spot in the garage. Being single, there is no spouse, or teenage kids
to come home to, at this point no pet that waits for me at the door. My rooms
are empty with the only remnants of life being laundry in the basket, a few dishes
near the sink, and a take-out container from the night before on the counter. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My job,
extra work duties, social affairs . . . the list is varied, but the results
still the same. Busyness and time away from my closed up house. Many times my
absence is not by choice, but the other day I made the little extra effort
during my hectic morning to open the blinds. What is a house closed up? What is
a busy life? “(For life) is a vapor, that appeareth for a little time &
then vanishes away.” James 4:14 KJV<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This summer
and every day I want to redeem the time because it is truly passing me by.<o:p></o:p></div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285288540699951.post-612087124161916632015-02-26T11:07:00.001-05:002015-02-26T11:07:22.616-05:00Little choices have BIG consequencesWe all make choices. Choices that affect us in the present and affect us in the future. They usually don't just affect us, singularly, but also our friends and family. At the moment I'm struggling with choices others are making, but it also reminds me to be introspective of my own choices. Food for thought:<br />
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1) "Sometimes we can't see the forest despite the trees." Is that how that cliché goes? Or is it, "sometimes we can't see the trees despite the forest." Nevertheless, you understand what I'm saying. We are so immersed in our situation that we are blind to the ramifications of our decisions. The long term lasting effects that may linger into the future. <br />
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2) We see what we want to see. Not only is our perspective unclear because we are in the thick of things, but we choose not to see the big picture.<br />
<br />
3) We justify others' concerns. If someone voices a worry about our actions we tell ourselves, "oh, they don't understand" or, "they don't know the whole story." Perhaps we shouldn't be so defensive about someone else's observations. Maybe it should give us pause. And we should evaluate a little more before those decisions are made. Obviously, it is <em>our</em> lives and ultimately it is <em>our</em> choice and decision in which we make, but it is also the same choice or decision that we will have to live with and knowing, eventually, how our decisions have impacted those we love, well, we have to live with that, too.Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285288540699951.post-60932176636870353702015-01-12T16:09:00.002-05:002015-01-12T16:11:55.008-05:00New Year-New GoalsI like lists. I make lists. I make lots of lists. Daily to do lists, step by step lists, and every year a goal list since I was at least a college student. (Thanks in part to my big brother and his yearly lists.) Lists always make me feel like I have purpose. I feel like a plan is in place. Plus, I always get the satisfaction of marking the things I've accomplished. That is, of course, assuming I <em>do</em> accomplish those tasks. Sometimes I make check marks and other times I just cross them off, drawing a line right through my task. Depends on my mood, I suppose. From time to time I may post updates on these goals. (On a side note- my blogs have been sparse because there's been lots going on with my grandma's health and many things I'd write on my blog I feel may fit better in essays I may submit to journals later.)<br />
<br />
So this year, 2015, is no different. I have created my list. My goals and my dreams.<br />
<br />
1) BE HEALTHY- This tops the list at #1. A pretty vague statement, but I have a pyramid of action steps from eating more organic and simply eating more real food and less processed food to exercising regularly. Expand my knowledge of health. Follow through on preventative doctor's visits and try to be more balanced emotionally and socially. Not to mention being healthy spiritually. Meditating and praying daily. Reading scriptures and other writings that challenge me to think and not just accept others beliefs. (I'll spare you all the details, but I have written in the tiny steps that will help me accomplish this over-arching goal.) I did find 2014 to be a year in which I lost 18-20 lbs and have maintained that weight for the good part of the year. I have taken tiny steps in all of the above directions and hope I continue on that path.<br />
<br />
2) APPRECIATE & RESPECT MY RELATIONSHIPS.- Again action steps to accompany this rather intangible statement. Everything from sending notes and emails of encouragement to packages and phone calls. Matter a fact- I just sent my first package of 2015 today from the post office. Of course, I haven't over looked that appreciating a relationship sometimes just means listening to a friend or giving people space and letting them come to you when they need you. Discernment is needed and sometimes proves difficult.<br />
<br />
3) FINANCIAL STABILITY- Save more $ (I have a figure down on paper.) One way I'm doing this is by trying to save every $5 bill that comes my way. In less than a month I already have $90 so I'm hoping this proves a good reminder to tuck away a little extra cash now and then. Continue to keep track of my expenditures and Roth IRA contributions. I have found that being aware of finances is the first step to being able to do anything about finances.<br />
<br />
My writing goals are more concrete so here they are:<br />
<u>Writing Goals</u> <br />
#1- Submit to a short list of Literary Journals that are known to publish emerging writers. ( I already have 4 of the 9 journals submitted.)<br />
#2- Reach 50 queries for my manuscript <em>Half-Life</em>. (I'm at 16.) <br />
#3- Finish the current manuscript R.L. (70-75,000 words is the goal. Right now I'm at 20,000.)<br />
#4- Pitch in person to at least one agent.<br />
<br />
<em>I know I might not accomplish all of my goals, but if I have no goals I will surely never accomplish any</em>. - me<br />
<br />
Happy, Healthy, & Purposeful New Years!Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285288540699951.post-23148518877547469922014-11-29T13:06:00.000-05:002014-12-02T19:15:20.847-05:00Rough Waters<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Rough waters for me and my family of late. Seeing someone
you love walk closer to death is never an easy journey. Especially when that
journey is composed of tiny steps closer to death’s door. Physical ailments
pile on. Doctor’s visits accumulate on the calendar. ER doctors, Cardiologists,
Neurologists, Orthopedics, the family physician. Chest pain, nausea, a fall. Repeated
and repeated. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Seeing a loved one downsize into a smaller home, sell most
of their possessions. Settle into a foreign life with new neighbors and a
different routine. Bury their spouse— the other half of the set. Vision issues,
memory loss, the gentle and quiet become combative and hateful. It isn’t them
of course, only their disease which is taking over their mind and body, but not
their soul. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I still look at her at times and catch a glimpse of the
person I knew as a child. But then in a flash I look into her dark brown eyes
and realize she’s gone, or rather leaving, in transition, in flux. The person I
speak of is my grandma that came to every ball game she could when I was a
child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her presence in the stands alongside
my mother bolstered my confidence before every national anthem of basketball
and volleyball games in middle school and high school and even college. She is beginning her
departure from cognitive reality. Slipping further from our grasp.</div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285288540699951.post-72280306996072468752014-10-05T13:03:00.000-04:002014-10-05T13:03:57.434-04:00We All Need BIGGER People<br />
<br />
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I’m not talking about taller or a
bigger person in stature. I’m speaking of a bigger person in heart, in
compassion, and in integrity. Humans are complicated. What motivates us and
makes us tick is very different for each person. And when it comes to
relationships— forget about it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
complicated idiosyncrasies that make relationships work and not work are so
beyond understanding and discussing on a blog that I’m not even going to try to
go in depth. I’m merely putting out there that there always need to be a bigger
person.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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A bigger person to let an argument
go. Or to forgive. Or maybe even a bigger person to forgive when there isn’t
even an apology offered. We sometimes have blinders on when it comes to our own
feelings and needs. In some relationships the bigger person is always the
BIGGER person and that’s what keeps the relationship going. In other
relationships, perhaps it’s a matter of the season and it could change
depending on the circumstances the people and the particular relationship finds
itself. No matter which person you identify with right now (aren’t we all
saying we’re the bigger person<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> ) somewhere down the road there will be someone in
one of your relationships that becomes the BIGGER person. We have that human
ability to let our selfishness dreadfully shine through, but thankfully, we as
humans, have just the same capacity to become the BIGGER person. Don’t read my
words wrong . . . don’t be a push over and let someone walk all over you, but
giving grace to another human is an act that you won’t regret. Because you
never know when you might need a little grace yourself.<o:p></o:p></div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285288540699951.post-23351233216354602612014-09-12T18:07:00.000-04:002014-09-12T18:07:51.478-04:00INSOMNIA
<br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
Outside of really terrible things I can't think of
anything much worse than to be trapped with my thoughts all night without
sleep. Those who sleep well do not understand what a blessing it is to lay your
head on a pillow and drift off into a deep, restorative sleep.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
This week I have had minimal sleep. One night I may
have gotten three hours. I tossed and turned. At times I told myself not to
look at the clock because it would make the night go slower. And guess what?
Moments after I told myself not to look at that clock, I did. And then I
repeated that cycle several more times. "Don't look at the clock." (I
did, again.) And yes, it did seem to make the night crawl at a snail's pace.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
I got out of bed three or four times in the wee
hours of the morning thinking that perhaps if I had something to drink or a
bite to eat it'd be easier to find a few hours of good sleep. Neither drink nor
food helped calm my mind. I began to think that perhaps if I gave my anxious
thoughts to God in prayer and meditation that it would soothe my troubled soul.
Hours later, my soul still troubled and my mind still stirred. And my body
still did not sleep.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
After the worst night I caved and bought a variety
of over-the-counter sleeping aids. I understand the studies that sleeping aids
really only mask a bigger problem and REM sleep usually doesn't occur for those
whom partake in the ritual of a pill. It was minimal help. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
So why am I so anxious? What are my convoluted
thoughts? When the distractions of the day are gone there is a myriad of
thoughts that consume me. Thoughts about my daily schedule, the effectiveness
of my time, my troubles and others' troubles, worry and strife of those I love
and my brain flips like a rolodex to find a way to find peace and solace in the
crazy world in which we live. I rethink my past and wonder about my future.
Wondering if I'll ever be at peace with the situation and station of life at
the present. For I feel I have something bigger to share than what<em> I have
shared</em>. And I believe I have a better contribution than which <em>I've
given</em> thus far. With this uneasiness in my chest I have to keep working
towards finding a way in which to unleash my potential and give of my energy to
those who will embrace it. Being one with my Creator and in synch with others
around me is my aspiration. I want others to make me better than I am. And I
want to do the same for them. I long for the day where I place my head on my
pillow, my heart and mind are quiet, not because I have nothing else to give,
but because what I've given has been received. Reciprocation and life giving
energy circled and recycled.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285288540699951.post-78012105400146755042014-08-31T10:42:00.003-04:002014-11-29T13:09:50.686-05:00Celebrating the Weekend<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Celebrating
the Weekend<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Friday after school I wanted to
celebrate the three day Labor Day weekend. I decided to go to the local United
Dairy Farmer’s and get an ice cream cone. Although the UDF is less than a
quarter mile from my home I rarely frequent it for ice cream because there’s
usually a very long line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But on this
day I was hoping I’d hit the store at an off peak time and things would go
smoothly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0.5in;">
My optimism proved true
on one aspect, there was only one other customer in front of me. However, when
I told the attendant what I wanted, one dip of strawberry ice cream in a waffle
cone, she conferred with her colleague. And I overheard her say, “How do we do
this?” </div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Just dip the ice cream into the cone. How hard is it?</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0.5in;">
As the two apron wearing
employees finished their conversation the lady turned to me with an ice cream
scoop in one hand and a paper cup in the other. “We’ve changed our policies. We
now have to weigh all the ice cream?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0.5in;">
So instead of a the
actual treat I had intended, I walked out of the store with a slightly
different version, a paper cup of ice cream with a waffle cone dropped on top. We don't always get exactly what we want, even when we know what we want.</div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285288540699951.post-52775195114410340302014-08-22T18:09:00.000-04:002014-08-22T18:21:12.871-04:00Stuff<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Like most Americans I have a lot of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">stuff</i>. Not that any of it is worth any monetary value. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it’s just a bunch of well—<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">stuff</i>. It’s hard to categorize all the
things I possess; lots of papers, versions of unpublished manuscripts, basketball drills,
notes from clinics, magazines, school worksheets and diagrams, adaptors, cords of
all sorts of old electronics, and even a blow up mattress that doesn’t really
hold air anymore. All these things, I guess, I thought I’d hold onto and sell
in a garage sale or I’d just file away another day, but that day never came and
more stuff got piled on top of that stuff. I’m not like a total hoarder, but I
have too many things that I don’t need.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have a
two car garage that’s full and only one car. I also have a spare room, guest
room or whatever you want to call it. (I don’t get too many overnight guests
these days and I only have a twin bed in there so I guess it’s best to refer to
it as the spare room.) You know what they say today’s as good as any day to
start something you’ve been meaning to do. Actually I started last week, but I’m
keeping my organization and purging project front and center and doing a little
purging each week. I want to get rid of all these things that have no value or
no emotional bearing on my life so I can make room for something else. I don’t
know what I’m making room for, but I’m making room. Maybe it’s merely an
overnight guest, maybe it’s a housemate, maybe it’s just sanity and peace of
mind. Whatever it is I hope it finds its way to me soon because even though I don’t
know exactly what’s coming down the pike . . . I know I’m getting ready for
something and that’s kinda exciting in and of itself!</div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285288540699951.post-74701408282194269812014-08-11T22:00:00.002-04:002014-08-11T22:03:35.148-04:00I'm Not Sitting on the Back Row Anymore (Figuratively Speaking)<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When I was
in college many years ago all freshmen participants in the sports
programs had to attend a seminar about the university’s expectations of student-athletes.
I just remember several coaches from all the diverse sports, along with the
athletic director, telling us to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">represent</i>
on campus and in the classroom. They mentioned that a few professors already
thought every athlete was a dumb jock so we weren’t supposed to feed into that
stereotype. The main points of the discussion were the importance of:</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
1) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>communicating with the professor about when we
were going to be gone <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on road trips,<o:p></o:p><br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
2) getting any assignments we’d be missing or to reschedule
labs and/or exams promptly,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
3) arriving to class early, and <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
4) the school officials emphasized sitting near the front of
the room.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sitting in
the front meant you cared. It communicated that you valued the class and the
professor. Sitting in the front meant you were willing to participate. At least
that’s what they told us. I was never a dumb jock and in most of my classes I
don’t think I would’ve chosen to sit in the back(well okay maybe a few of the
really boring classes) but that speech has always been in my head. And all
these years later as a high school teacher myself, when students get to choose
their seats in my class and certain students choose to sit in the back of the
room the above statements run through my mind. But conversely, I also think
about these things when I choose my own seats be it in meetings, in seminars,
or in church. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
I’ll be honest I don’t always sit
in the front, in fact, there have been many times I’ve chosen to sit in the
back row. Times that I needed to leave early. Or times I wasn’t feeling well. Or
even times my friends wanted to sit in the back of a meeting. Those are all
good reasons, right? But there are other reasons I’ve sat in the back— because
I wasn’t interested, so I could make a quick get-a-way, because I didn’t want
to be stuck. Well, this past Sunday I went to hear a dear friend sing at a
church that I hadn’t been to in quite a while. She had told me before that she’d
be near the front with other people. I didn’t really know her new friends and
thought it might be awkward so instead of sitting up front I chose to sit in
the back. The very back, by the door. A lone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
I thought about my seating choice
during the service and decided that this might be an analogy . . . that I’ve
been sitting on the back seat of my life way too long. In certain areas I’ve
been passive, professionally and personally. Perhaps I’ve even become
half-hearted in participating in my own existence. Maybe cynicism had kept me
on the last row. Fear? Fear of being swept up by insincere people or caught up
in something I have reservations concerning. In some ways it does seem safer in
the back where no one will see you. Where you can limit your engagement and
take in the environment, but not really <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">partake</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
I heard my friend sing a beautiful
song and after the service I went up to find her and her new friends. I don’t
want to live a passive life. I don’t want to just play it safe. I want to care
about what’s going on and I want to engage with those around me. An introspective
investigation of my own seating choice leads me now to these questions, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">where are you sitting? And most significant of all, why are you sitting there?</i></div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285288540699951.post-20357461295932640742014-08-08T10:47:00.001-04:002014-08-08T10:47:30.974-04:00Digging Dirt
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I’ve began again the task of creating a paver patio. You see
I started a few years ago by hand… digging down into the hard soil around the
foundation of my house with my shovel. Needless to say after my separated shoulder
started to remind me of my physical limitations, the realization that I had nowhere
to put my discarded dirt, and no means to actually move the dirt off my
property, I gave up. I thought maybe I’d completely abandon the project or pay
a landscape company to fulfill my vision. Procrastination, indecision, and the
busyness of life left a mound of dirt and growing weeds.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A friend of
mine tried to persuade me that I could still make the patio and even offered
help. So much so that they delivered bags of paver base and bags of sand that
has sat for two or three years along the sidelines. The materials from my
friend were supposed to be a symbol of encouragement, but, wrongfully in my own
mind, it became a reminder of an insurmountable mountain. Every time I saw the
plastic bags I felt inferior and defeated. (Sorry friend. Thank you for the gesture.)</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I had an
offer from my brother and other friends at separate times to help, and for reasons I won't go into now I didn't accept their invitations. One thing most people know about me is I don’t like to
ask for help. One of many personal flaws I’m working on changing. Recently, another
friend has offered once again to help and an opportunity to use rented
equipment, borrowed trucks, and locations for dumping my dirt has brought me to
a renewed place of action. The area of the planned patio has grown. Obstacles abound,
among them:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>creating a dry well for a
drain, over a ton of crushed limestone needed, and masonry cuts for stone
pavers. Just when I have begun to feel confident that one day I will see this
patio completed I am frustrated by technical components that complicate the
process. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Why does
this surprise me? Nothing in this life comes easy. And perhaps this is why I’m
discouraged. At the moment I’m in the thick of things. I believe I’m working
hard in all aspects of my life, personally and professionally, and although I
see progress, the goals are not obtained. Maybe this is where I need to cut
myself some slack. Or maybe this is where I need to work even harder. Or maybe
this is where faith comes into play. But for now, at this very moment . . . I
feel like I’ll always be simply digging dirt. <o:p></o:p></div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285288540699951.post-82118678612422599232014-07-31T10:40:00.001-04:002014-07-31T10:40:50.297-04:00Year Round Friends
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Yesterday my
running/walking group met at my house for exercise, coffee, and conversation.
There were eight of us that ran the gambit of age, religion, and life
philosophies. They <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">encourage</b>
me to wake up early during my summer vacation and run another mile.They are <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">thoughtful</b> to send gift cards and warm
wishes to those who are struggling inside and outside our tribe. They are<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> inviting</b> to include my mom from time
to time and my neighbor (who is now a solidified member to our weekly
gatherings.) I am reminded of how important it is to have people in your life
that give to you in meaningful ways. I am blessed. These ladies are my nine
month colleagues in the trenches of public education and I’m proud to say—they are also my
year round friends. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285288540699951.post-64433685535895185342014-07-18T22:15:00.000-04:002014-07-18T22:15:29.156-04:00A Drive Down Memory Lane<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I had the
privilege of doing something this week few 40 year olds have the privilege of
doing. I was able to spend time with my last two living grandparents. My 90,
soon to be 91 year old, grandfather from my paternal side and my 87 year old maternal
grandmother. To be in the presence of these two individuals, at separate times,
this week was overwhelming. My grandpa and grandma have seen me throughout
every phase of my life and lived so much history of their own. They are— after
all— members of the Greatest Generation. What they mean to me and my family is
indescribable. And to have them with us —still— as they are entering their
final years— is an immeasurable blessing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One of my
aunt’s drove my grandfather from Southern Ohio to visit for the day. It had
been at least seven years since my dad’s dad had been up to my parents’ home. My
grandfather doesn’t like to leave his house for any length of time. He usually
prefers his back porch with the fan blowing on him and his view of the creek
bank. Although the view is dimming with the condition of his macular
degeneration in his eyes, it is, as it always has been, the place that brings
him comfort. I’m glad he was willing to exchange his environment for the day to
share it with my family. I sat and listened for hours as my grandpa shared
stories from a long time ago and provided his opinion of the direction the country
seems to be is going. He shared advice that might help our President and Congress
members get out of domestic and international troubles. He spoke about the war
(in which he had an all too intimate account as a tank driver and purple heart recipient)
and talked about his wife, my grandmother, whom we lost over 14 years ago. He
described the frustrations of getting older. But believe it or not, for the
amount of tough topics that were covered in conversation, most of the day was
filled with smiles and laughter. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On Thursday
of this same week— I got to spend time with my mom’s mom. We went on a drive to
find one of the many houses her and my grandfather had lived. (My grandfather
passed away a year and a half ago.) The house we decided to visit was a small
country drive away. When we turned on the former road my grandparents had
lived, the houses looked different than I remembered. It appeared on a much
smaller scale than it had existed in my mind. The plot of land they owned
dwarfed by other homes on either side — their property used to be so vast. Once
cows had pastured behind the fence row, but progress had long since replaced
the pasture with a string of newer homes. My grandmother and I even turned
around and passed by the old house again to make sure it was the right location.
And before we returned to her current home we stopped at the ice cream store.
Not the one we had stopped at decades before, it was closed in lieu of a newer,
fancier structure just down the road. We did, however, eat an ice cream cone and
in that moment we were transported back in time. In the car as we savored the
summer treat the only reminder of the years that had passed was the fact I was
the one in the driver’s seat. Grandma and I reminisced about time gone by. It
was nostalgic on so many levels. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Like so
many other families in the midst of navigating the rough waters of aging loved
ones—we, as a family, face challenges as my grandparents’ health decreases. And
as my grandparents’ health decreases, in turn, certain tasks increase for those
family members that are providing care and transportation, but family takes
care of their own. And as my grandparents have taken care of their children (my
parents) and as they have chipped in when their grandchildren needed babysitting
or a special favor, we are taking care of them. This week I am thankful for a
generation I have been fortunate to know and I am reminded that time is our
greatest gift we give to those we care. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285288540699951.post-29822779794783325302014-07-10T00:41:00.000-04:002014-07-10T00:41:34.114-04:00Great Expectations
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Don’t worry we aren’t talking
Charles Dickens today. We’re talking a regular human occurrence— <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">getting our hopes up</i>. I’m going to skip
the negative side effect of when expectations don’t meet reality (because we’ve
all experienced that occurrence and that’s not a fun post to write.) This post
I’m focusing on the positive aspect. Today I’m talking VACATION! I read in a
study that people are happier sometimes weeks and months before a trip because
of the anticipation it yields. I believe it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
I’m getting excited for a little
road trip outta state, across a handful of states, rather. I’m not sure what it
is about trips that make me happy. Maybe it’s because as a kid my family wasn’t
fortunate enough to take many vacations. Maybe it’s because I like adventure. Maybe
it’s just the idea of getting away from it all for a few days that seems
appealing. Or maybe it’s because our older neighbor growing up once gave me
this piece of advice – “travel and see all you can when you’re young because
when you’re older you don’t have the opportunities or the health.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Regardless of the reason I’m happy
about a trip coming up. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I’m happy</i>.
When I discovered an earlier planned trip this summer wasn’t going to work, I
admit, I was bummed. But my friend (we’ll call her Awesome) came through.
Awesome knows how much I like to travel and how rare my opportunities are. So
she made it happen. I know Awesome wants to get away too. She’s a stay-at-home
mom who has a supportive husband that encourages her to have an adventure every
now and again and explore a different corner of the country. So it’s a mutual
beneficial trip. We’ve traveled together before and we’re both very flexible and
chill. And an added bonus is I do have a friend that lives in the vicinity of where
we’re venturing. And although I do many things alone— and at this season in my
life I’m okay with that— the one thing I don’t want to do is . . . travel
alone. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0.5in;">
I want to be able to
say a few years from now: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Remember when we saw</i> . . . <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that
one time when we were at</i> . . . <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0.5in;">
It’s validating in some
way to share a trip or a memory with someone. Oh, I’m sure that one of these
days I will take a trip by myself, because my bucket list is too long and my
friends who have flexible travel schedules are few. But for now— for my
soon-to-be trip— I have great expectations for getting away and making memories
to share. And don’t worry— I understand we might run into a traffic jam or the
hotel may not be as advertised. Time stands still for no one and I want to
follow my wise former neighbor’s advice. Thanks, Awesome and especially thank
you, Mrs. Stewart! <o:p></o:p></div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285288540699951.post-74343427628459547442014-07-02T10:40:00.002-04:002014-07-02T10:44:22.339-04:00A Perfect Summer DayA morning run.<br />
<br />
Coffee with friends.<br />
<br />
A long drive on back roads-<br />
windows down and music up.<br />
<br />
A lunchtime yoga class.<br />
<br />
Mowing the yard.<br />
<br />
Washing the car.<br />
<br />
A popsicle on the porch swing.<br />
<br />
Phone call with family.<br />
<br />
Hanging out with more friends at a local winery.<br />
<br />
Definitely A Perfect Summer Day!Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817895177203146307noreply@blogger.com0