Thank God, life goes on! And how fast it goes, sometimes seems out of our control! But the method in which we travel it, can be our choice.
There is much in the news lately, that can produce fear and anxiety. Governments and politians can seemingly make choices that directly effect our quality of life. Many people choose to take what I call the "mobster train". The railroad history indicates that many people rode the rails without tickets to get to one place or another. A train travels down a given path. It has a destination. It moves many types of people, fairly quickly, and is low security. Thus, those who choose to jump on board political issues without their "ticket" (like proper info...like reading the actual bill or proposal) find themselves heading down a path, on a roll, among lots of others equally uninformed. I call this the mobster train, because without proper ticket info, we resort to mob mentality...just get on board and blow the whistle...the more the merrier! (Might want to check out the engineer!)
Some people react to disturbing news with the slow boat approach of complacentcy. "Just give it time, things will change." Oh yes, they will! Remember, not long ago, an election was won on the slogan for "change." But many are not nearly as happy with the "change" as they thought they would be. And the change goes on as well. We should be calm. We should be proactive. But we should not just go on a slow boat cruise and try to have a good time, ignorant of the changes around us. History is full of changes that occurred because people took no action. They just wanted everyone to get along, enjoy life...have a nice trip. Come along with us. Slow boats are great, and get you out to sea, so you can forget about what it happening that you don't like. And the bonus, you get to see the world! (The part that each country's government WANTS you to see, that is!) (Might want to check out beyond the ports!)
Still others approach life with the airline, frequent flier plan! Planes get people where they want to be FAST! They are high security, and relatively safe! They put you UP above the clouds of worry. They demand accountibility and pre-plannning as much as possible. Yet, some shy away from the higher ground from fear, or not wanting to be accountable, not having to prove their identity. (take that and think in allegorical terms!)
Other people just walk the walk. They trudge down the streets, taking one day at a time and putting one foot ahead at a time. They move at a natural pace. They observe the scenery and the people around them.
But the key is to walk with God. To let love and concern move you to proper action. Those who choose mob mentality rarely take the time to think and enjoy the diversity around them. Those who meander through life, focusing only on their own pleasure rarely accomplish much, and often complain about all that the world lacks. Those who take off on frequent flights, while perhaps getting some things done and going lots of places, rarely think about the steps of life. These don't mind the minor risks of flying to see the world. And seeing it from a higher perspective is good...as long as we remember to come down out of the clouds to face the reality of daily walking.
So, whatever path we choose to follow as life moves on, let us first begin it on our knees! Learning to walk with the God who created the Universe, and invented life, seems the best way to keep moving!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Proud to be in Arizona!
Arizona is in the news these days! It's all about what a bunch of prejudiced outlaws we are, wanting to profile people who remotely look like illegal aliens. Public opion on both sides is heated. I think it all is ridiculous. It is ridiculous that we have such a law. It should never have come to this. The Federal Government should have been proactive on this years ago.
I am not for illegal immigration. I know plenty of people who came here legally from many countries, including Mexico. The consequences of being in a country illegally in most other countries is swift and severe...some imprison violators for 12 years. Some just shoot them...we won't go into details there...
I realize it takes a long time, and money to come here legally. It's the same with most countries. And I do acknowledge the poverty in Mexico. I understand why people would want to come as quickly as poissible. But, coming illegally has its risks and its consequences.
Mexico and The USA had a treaty back about 100 years ago stating that BOTH governments would honor the borders. That has become a laughing point...apparently on both sides. Mexico has no consequences to their people who get sent back over from the USA. And our governments have looked the other way, offering compassion and health care, jobs, etc. Now that we have no more funds to do this, we are prejudice ignoramasses that do not have any compassion at all, but delight in profiling. That is, if you listen to the news...especially the national news.
IT is also ridiculous that people are reacting and making such rash statements against Arizona. Most have never read the law itself, but rather joined in on the mob mentality of prominent "limelight" seekers. I shall not name names! You only have to watch the news. Calling for boycotts of sporting events, conventions, etc. is ridiculous! They are taking away much needed jobs, many of which are filled by legal Hispanic Americans.
The law actually mimics the FEDERAL LAW which stemmed from the treaty I mentioned. But since the Feds, including our former governor, seem unable to help, we have taken matters into our own hands. And that, too, is ridiculous!
I wish there had been some accountibility on that treaty from day one. Both governments benefitted from the illegal traffic in the early days. Now that the economy crashed and legal residents cannot afford their own medical treatments, the idea of free health care for those here illegally seems ridiculous to us! There is no money in Arizona to continue programs for special needs kids, for domestic violence, or to keep the State parks open. Child care subsidies and all-day Kindergarten has been underfire due to the economy. Yet, many of these programs started to help Hispanics, even those here illegally.
We are not a people of prejudice! We WANT our Mexican American population! But we want the legal ones who contribute to society in positive ways. They want to have the services and opportunities we have made for them and everyone too! I am not saying we don't want anyone who is here illegally, but they really need to understand that America is a country of compassion, which is what got us in this mess in the first place. STOP trashing our country because we let you get across the border illegally...and took care of you while you were here!
I want "grandma" to get to stay here. I want the mommies who married legal daddies to get to be together. But, I cannot understand why there has not been a program in place to assist with these things all along. Or, there should have been border control so that these people never took the risks they now face. People who have been here for years should have begun the process of finding a legal way long ago. And we should have made it easier and quicker. It is a long, difficult dilemna and there are factors on both sides who are at fault. BUT IT IS NOT THE PEOPLE OF ARIZONA, whom are now being punished for the failure of our FEDERAL government!!
Janet! Wake up! You said you fought the Feds for money to control our borders when you were our govenor! Was that a lie? You now ARE the FEDERAL government and it seems like you have not come to the defense of the great state of ARIZONA!
The marches we are enduring here, should be directed to YOU! The cancellations of conventions should be publically defied from the FEDERAL standpoint! The protests we must walk around should be sent both to WASHINGTON DC and MEXICO! Perhaps if the politicians were inconvenience a bit...if their jobs were on the line due to protests of a law they didn't even get to vote on...perhaps, then things would be different! But I guess that would be only in my dreams!
As for me, I am PROUD to be in ARIZONA! At least we took action. It may be controversial action, but it is ACTION! Someone has to move the FEDS to do the right thing! Someone has to acknowledge our budget deficiet and ALL of its causes (which are NOT all related to illegals, by any means). We were the last continental state to join the Union...perhaps we can be the FIRST state to move the monumentous mountain of Washington DC!
I am not for illegal immigration. I know plenty of people who came here legally from many countries, including Mexico. The consequences of being in a country illegally in most other countries is swift and severe...some imprison violators for 12 years. Some just shoot them...we won't go into details there...
I realize it takes a long time, and money to come here legally. It's the same with most countries. And I do acknowledge the poverty in Mexico. I understand why people would want to come as quickly as poissible. But, coming illegally has its risks and its consequences.
Mexico and The USA had a treaty back about 100 years ago stating that BOTH governments would honor the borders. That has become a laughing point...apparently on both sides. Mexico has no consequences to their people who get sent back over from the USA. And our governments have looked the other way, offering compassion and health care, jobs, etc. Now that we have no more funds to do this, we are prejudice ignoramasses that do not have any compassion at all, but delight in profiling. That is, if you listen to the news...especially the national news.
IT is also ridiculous that people are reacting and making such rash statements against Arizona. Most have never read the law itself, but rather joined in on the mob mentality of prominent "limelight" seekers. I shall not name names! You only have to watch the news. Calling for boycotts of sporting events, conventions, etc. is ridiculous! They are taking away much needed jobs, many of which are filled by legal Hispanic Americans.
The law actually mimics the FEDERAL LAW which stemmed from the treaty I mentioned. But since the Feds, including our former governor, seem unable to help, we have taken matters into our own hands. And that, too, is ridiculous!
I wish there had been some accountibility on that treaty from day one. Both governments benefitted from the illegal traffic in the early days. Now that the economy crashed and legal residents cannot afford their own medical treatments, the idea of free health care for those here illegally seems ridiculous to us! There is no money in Arizona to continue programs for special needs kids, for domestic violence, or to keep the State parks open. Child care subsidies and all-day Kindergarten has been underfire due to the economy. Yet, many of these programs started to help Hispanics, even those here illegally.
We are not a people of prejudice! We WANT our Mexican American population! But we want the legal ones who contribute to society in positive ways. They want to have the services and opportunities we have made for them and everyone too! I am not saying we don't want anyone who is here illegally, but they really need to understand that America is a country of compassion, which is what got us in this mess in the first place. STOP trashing our country because we let you get across the border illegally...and took care of you while you were here!
I want "grandma" to get to stay here. I want the mommies who married legal daddies to get to be together. But, I cannot understand why there has not been a program in place to assist with these things all along. Or, there should have been border control so that these people never took the risks they now face. People who have been here for years should have begun the process of finding a legal way long ago. And we should have made it easier and quicker. It is a long, difficult dilemna and there are factors on both sides who are at fault. BUT IT IS NOT THE PEOPLE OF ARIZONA, whom are now being punished for the failure of our FEDERAL government!!
Janet! Wake up! You said you fought the Feds for money to control our borders when you were our govenor! Was that a lie? You now ARE the FEDERAL government and it seems like you have not come to the defense of the great state of ARIZONA!
The marches we are enduring here, should be directed to YOU! The cancellations of conventions should be publically defied from the FEDERAL standpoint! The protests we must walk around should be sent both to WASHINGTON DC and MEXICO! Perhaps if the politicians were inconvenience a bit...if their jobs were on the line due to protests of a law they didn't even get to vote on...perhaps, then things would be different! But I guess that would be only in my dreams!
As for me, I am PROUD to be in ARIZONA! At least we took action. It may be controversial action, but it is ACTION! Someone has to move the FEDS to do the right thing! Someone has to acknowledge our budget deficiet and ALL of its causes (which are NOT all related to illegals, by any means). We were the last continental state to join the Union...perhaps we can be the FIRST state to move the monumentous mountain of Washington DC!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Old Habits Are Hard to Break!
Here I go once again! Making promises to myself and others related to this blog! I really do think almost daily about things I want to share on this blog. Unfortunately, the busyness of life overcomes the desire to write and I end up having to do something practical instead.
I occasionally semi-envy some of my friends who seem to spend a good deal of their day playing Farmville or other such games on Facebook. I seem to spend my time gardening, cleaning, writing, both for pleasure and by commitment (I write children's church literature and puppet skits weekly), playing with or chasing kids, preparing homeschool lessons, walking dogs, giving piano lessons, or some other such obligation. Now, I am not saying that these obligations are overwhelming or bothersome. Most of the time, they energize me and bring me joy. But, they leave me little time for Facebook games. I will admit that I play Scramble against a friend, but other than that, I rarely indulge in such things. I love to play games. It is just that with the homeschooling, I end up planning and playing lots of games. My husband and I like to challenge each other with Scrabble on occasion also.
Sometimes friends of mine mention that I appear to have lots of energy, based on comments I make on Facebook or blogs. They say they are envious of my energy and the things I accomplish. I realize it is true that I do get a lot of things done. However, I wonder if it is more the choices I make regarding how I spend my time, than actually having more energy. It is funny that they envy my energy and I envy how they can play games and relax while I must achieve...my own requirement, no one else's. And sometimes I wonder how much I achieve in all the busyness. Maybe there are lessons on both sides here...one for me to learn to allow myself to play once in awhile and leave something undone...and a lesson for my friends too...make good choices on how you spend your time, and make limits on the amounts of time given for games. That way, you can stop inviting me over to clean your house or garage, plant your garden, etc. and enjoy doing it yourself!
Of course, I know you are teasing me. I hope you understand that I am teasing you. It is just nice to have friends to make comments on what I share on Facebook and blogs.
I occasionally semi-envy some of my friends who seem to spend a good deal of their day playing Farmville or other such games on Facebook. I seem to spend my time gardening, cleaning, writing, both for pleasure and by commitment (I write children's church literature and puppet skits weekly), playing with or chasing kids, preparing homeschool lessons, walking dogs, giving piano lessons, or some other such obligation. Now, I am not saying that these obligations are overwhelming or bothersome. Most of the time, they energize me and bring me joy. But, they leave me little time for Facebook games. I will admit that I play Scramble against a friend, but other than that, I rarely indulge in such things. I love to play games. It is just that with the homeschooling, I end up planning and playing lots of games. My husband and I like to challenge each other with Scrabble on occasion also.
Sometimes friends of mine mention that I appear to have lots of energy, based on comments I make on Facebook or blogs. They say they are envious of my energy and the things I accomplish. I realize it is true that I do get a lot of things done. However, I wonder if it is more the choices I make regarding how I spend my time, than actually having more energy. It is funny that they envy my energy and I envy how they can play games and relax while I must achieve...my own requirement, no one else's. And sometimes I wonder how much I achieve in all the busyness. Maybe there are lessons on both sides here...one for me to learn to allow myself to play once in awhile and leave something undone...and a lesson for my friends too...make good choices on how you spend your time, and make limits on the amounts of time given for games. That way, you can stop inviting me over to clean your house or garage, plant your garden, etc. and enjoy doing it yourself!
Of course, I know you are teasing me. I hope you understand that I am teasing you. It is just nice to have friends to make comments on what I share on Facebook and blogs.
Friday, February 26, 2010
It seems like only yesterday that I wrote on this blog. Yet, the truth is, that since I wrote, I have gained another year of life, moved into a new house, and discovered that I am going to be a grandma to another baby girl! Wow! Where DOES the time go?
Well, I had a good birthday. Since it is, and always has been, (ha ha) the day before Valentine's, I've learned to share the moment with those I love. So we had a family dinner ON my birthday in which we also exchanged Valentine's. Most of the valentine's I received were pictures of my precious grandchildren! Nothing could be better. But my thoughtful children also gave me gift cards for Kohl's and a restaraunt. My son and oldest grandson also gave me a special gift...they helped, tremendously, in painting my new living room and office. Since this was a desire of mine, and also a daunting task, their help was considered by me to be a huge gift! I NEVER could have done it without them!
And I also discovered many gifts this last few weeks...in the form of friends and help! On the weekend after my birthday, we moved! Since I had planned on the last move, truly being the LAST, I felt overwhelmed by the amount of stuff we had acquired. We gave some of it away. We sold some of it. And we moved the rest. On Friday, a group of teenagers from our church came and helped pack up the remaining items, and clean the laundry room. This was quite a blessing, as the laundry room seemed to build up dust levels that sent my sinuses into orbit. Also on Friday evening, my husband's friend and my son-in-law came and between the three of them, moved most of the furniture into the moving van. The teenagers helped with loading the boxes as well.
Then Saturday morning, my son and grandson returned. More friends of my husband came too, and by noon, we had the entire truck loaded. It was then unloaded, reloaded partially, and unloaded again...all by 3:00 PM! Wow!
Now, my living room is lovely and completely the way I like it. My daughter-in-law says it looks like a model home! Wow! I'm sure that won't last long! The master bedroom, playroom, and family room are nice as well, although there are boxes still to be unloaded in the closets. The kitchen LOOKS good, but there is much reorganizing still to be done, as well as more boxes! The offices...mine and my hubby's...well...they're private! We reserve the right to take our time on those!
And this weekend, we plan to tackle the boxes in the garage and plot out and plow our garden! Yes, we are amibitous sorts! We will have little hands to help us, as three of our grandchildren will be spending the weekend with us!
So, all of these were gifts to me! And, then to top if off, we found out that my younger daughter, whom we knew was expecting a child, is having a girl. A boy would certainly have been great. But girls are rarer in our family, so the news is exciting to us. Having a loving, healthy family and lots of friends cannot be surpassed. They are what makes a great life! And, yes, the days and even years, roll by quickly, teaching us the value of enjoying one day at a time...each and every day...and ALL the people God puts in our lives!
Well, I had a good birthday. Since it is, and always has been, (ha ha) the day before Valentine's, I've learned to share the moment with those I love. So we had a family dinner ON my birthday in which we also exchanged Valentine's. Most of the valentine's I received were pictures of my precious grandchildren! Nothing could be better. But my thoughtful children also gave me gift cards for Kohl's and a restaraunt. My son and oldest grandson also gave me a special gift...they helped, tremendously, in painting my new living room and office. Since this was a desire of mine, and also a daunting task, their help was considered by me to be a huge gift! I NEVER could have done it without them!
And I also discovered many gifts this last few weeks...in the form of friends and help! On the weekend after my birthday, we moved! Since I had planned on the last move, truly being the LAST, I felt overwhelmed by the amount of stuff we had acquired. We gave some of it away. We sold some of it. And we moved the rest. On Friday, a group of teenagers from our church came and helped pack up the remaining items, and clean the laundry room. This was quite a blessing, as the laundry room seemed to build up dust levels that sent my sinuses into orbit. Also on Friday evening, my husband's friend and my son-in-law came and between the three of them, moved most of the furniture into the moving van. The teenagers helped with loading the boxes as well.
Then Saturday morning, my son and grandson returned. More friends of my husband came too, and by noon, we had the entire truck loaded. It was then unloaded, reloaded partially, and unloaded again...all by 3:00 PM! Wow!
Now, my living room is lovely and completely the way I like it. My daughter-in-law says it looks like a model home! Wow! I'm sure that won't last long! The master bedroom, playroom, and family room are nice as well, although there are boxes still to be unloaded in the closets. The kitchen LOOKS good, but there is much reorganizing still to be done, as well as more boxes! The offices...mine and my hubby's...well...they're private! We reserve the right to take our time on those!
And this weekend, we plan to tackle the boxes in the garage and plot out and plow our garden! Yes, we are amibitous sorts! We will have little hands to help us, as three of our grandchildren will be spending the weekend with us!
So, all of these were gifts to me! And, then to top if off, we found out that my younger daughter, whom we knew was expecting a child, is having a girl. A boy would certainly have been great. But girls are rarer in our family, so the news is exciting to us. Having a loving, healthy family and lots of friends cannot be surpassed. They are what makes a great life! And, yes, the days and even years, roll by quickly, teaching us the value of enjoying one day at a time...each and every day...and ALL the people God puts in our lives!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Half days of School Should be Outlawed!
Well, not really, I guess! Those were my honest sentiments earlier this day. In addtion to my usual charges, I had a neighbor girl and our wonderful Kindergartener since 10:30 AM as well.
Ah, the neighbor girl. I like her. She likes the games I invent. She likes to talk to me. But I wonder about how much of a friend I can be to her. You see, the girl is overweight. So am I, so this isn't about criticizing her. I was not overweight, however, at her age. Therefore, I wonder what struggles she will have to face when she reaches adulthood. Already she is experiencing the cruelty of people. She has not developed a thick skin at all. In fact, she is very overly sensitive about the subject. For example, while jumping on the trampoline with my Kindergartener, she fell on him and he said he didn't want to play with her any more on the trampoline because she was too heavy. She took that to say he called her fat and came running in to report it. He was very defensive, not having meant at all to call her fat.
The problem that I don't know how to handle is this: She wants to eat constantly! If we are playing a game, she wants to munch on candy or popcorn. If we are watching TV or a movie, popcorn or cookies is a must in her mind. If they are playing outside, she comes in after 10-15 minutes "famished", "starved", etc. She eats when she's bored, she eats when in action. She eats most all the time. She comes in and opens the cupboards, refrigerator, etc. to see what there might be to eat. She doesn't help herself without asking, but makes it obvious that she wants something. Then she asks. My grandchildren eat at her house. She calls me "Grandma" along with them, and I have no problem feeding her. But I don't like to constantly feed her. And she asks for unhealthy things if she thinks we may have them, like brownies, or cookies, or soda. I offer apples, and juices, and sometimes milk. She'll take those, but ask for the other things as well.
I don't like it that I have a problem with this. I have tried to nicely talk to her about her choices. I have talked to her about eating just because the food is there, and requested that she play outside longer, or whatever. Most of the time, those suggestions end in her going home, if her parents are there. And if not, then she pleads and begs and almost cries that she is hungry. I don't know what to do. I feel mean if I say no, especially if my grandkids are eating. By the way, the oldest one medically needs to gain weight, and he could have whatever he wanted any time to assist with that...but he is not into sweets at all. The Kindergartener likes to munch too, but he is more into a snack or two and then off to play. He rarely grazes long, and he eats well at meals. This girl is very picky at meals, which bothers me tremendously. I will not be a short-order cook. My feeling is, I give them a choice of two, sometimes three, things and between them, they must chose one. If they can't decide nicely, then I decide. Sometimes I just announce what we are having. I cook ONE thing (main thing) and offer fruits and veggies on the side, expecting them to at least try them. She will not eat the veggies at all. And is very picky about the fruit AND the main dish. I just cannot let her eat sweets and soda pop. It is a big battle. She is not a child who throws a fit. But she sits quietly pouting and tearily mentioning her hunger.
I guess I should speak more directly to her mother. But she has just said to not feed her if she is picky. I understand and abide by it, but the begging and pleading starts within minutes after the meal is done with the other kids.
I think I will suggest that when she is staying over with us in a "child care" way, that she should bring her own sack lunch like she would at school. And then I will offer a reasonable, child-friendly snack AFTER the regular lunch is eaten. If it is not eaten, then that is what she can snack on. Am I a big meanie??
Ah, the neighbor girl. I like her. She likes the games I invent. She likes to talk to me. But I wonder about how much of a friend I can be to her. You see, the girl is overweight. So am I, so this isn't about criticizing her. I was not overweight, however, at her age. Therefore, I wonder what struggles she will have to face when she reaches adulthood. Already she is experiencing the cruelty of people. She has not developed a thick skin at all. In fact, she is very overly sensitive about the subject. For example, while jumping on the trampoline with my Kindergartener, she fell on him and he said he didn't want to play with her any more on the trampoline because she was too heavy. She took that to say he called her fat and came running in to report it. He was very defensive, not having meant at all to call her fat.
The problem that I don't know how to handle is this: She wants to eat constantly! If we are playing a game, she wants to munch on candy or popcorn. If we are watching TV or a movie, popcorn or cookies is a must in her mind. If they are playing outside, she comes in after 10-15 minutes "famished", "starved", etc. She eats when she's bored, she eats when in action. She eats most all the time. She comes in and opens the cupboards, refrigerator, etc. to see what there might be to eat. She doesn't help herself without asking, but makes it obvious that she wants something. Then she asks. My grandchildren eat at her house. She calls me "Grandma" along with them, and I have no problem feeding her. But I don't like to constantly feed her. And she asks for unhealthy things if she thinks we may have them, like brownies, or cookies, or soda. I offer apples, and juices, and sometimes milk. She'll take those, but ask for the other things as well.
I don't like it that I have a problem with this. I have tried to nicely talk to her about her choices. I have talked to her about eating just because the food is there, and requested that she play outside longer, or whatever. Most of the time, those suggestions end in her going home, if her parents are there. And if not, then she pleads and begs and almost cries that she is hungry. I don't know what to do. I feel mean if I say no, especially if my grandkids are eating. By the way, the oldest one medically needs to gain weight, and he could have whatever he wanted any time to assist with that...but he is not into sweets at all. The Kindergartener likes to munch too, but he is more into a snack or two and then off to play. He rarely grazes long, and he eats well at meals. This girl is very picky at meals, which bothers me tremendously. I will not be a short-order cook. My feeling is, I give them a choice of two, sometimes three, things and between them, they must chose one. If they can't decide nicely, then I decide. Sometimes I just announce what we are having. I cook ONE thing (main thing) and offer fruits and veggies on the side, expecting them to at least try them. She will not eat the veggies at all. And is very picky about the fruit AND the main dish. I just cannot let her eat sweets and soda pop. It is a big battle. She is not a child who throws a fit. But she sits quietly pouting and tearily mentioning her hunger.
I guess I should speak more directly to her mother. But she has just said to not feed her if she is picky. I understand and abide by it, but the begging and pleading starts within minutes after the meal is done with the other kids.
I think I will suggest that when she is staying over with us in a "child care" way, that she should bring her own sack lunch like she would at school. And then I will offer a reasonable, child-friendly snack AFTER the regular lunch is eaten. If it is not eaten, then that is what she can snack on. Am I a big meanie??
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Wheeling and Dealing!
I love Craigslist! (CL)-Some people have apparently had trouble with it. But not me. I have bought and sold items there for a very long time, with no trouble at all. And now I am wheeling and dealing to change furnishings for our move.
I love yard sales! I have purchased many special items from these. I have also met many interesting people along the way. We had a yard sale last Saturday. My daughter brought her stuff too, since she lives in one of those "yard sale restricted" areas. We both did quite well. My neighbor held one too, so we had a lot of traffic!
So, here is a list of my wheeling and dealing of late:
SOLD! On CL- a trampoline for $45.00 that I purchased at a yard sale two years ago for $20.00! A brass fireplace screen---at the yard sale for $40.00 that I bought four years ago on CL for $30.00! (See how this works!) Also sold an older entertainment center on CL- for $50.00 and the same people purchased a small fountain I had not sold at the yard sale! A Christmas designed fireplace screen--for $12.00 on CL--that I bought for $7.00 at a yard sale about 4 years ago! Seems like there is something else I sold, but I cannot think of what it was right now! We still have a big desk advertised on CL which I am sure will sell before the move.
PURCHASED! My husband bought a nicer desk than the one we have for sale...off CL for $50.00...and it came with a high-back swivel office chair! Quite a deal! I bought a smaller computer desk with a hutch for books, etc. off CL for $30.00 so I have someplace for my laptop other than a TV tray...and also for my crafts.
We are still undecided about whether to sell or take our refrigerator. The new house has one, but ours is bigger. Hmmm...Well, we have two weeks to make that decision.
But, like I said, I love CL and yard sales! These are good ways to keep our hard-earned money in AMERICA!
I love yard sales! I have purchased many special items from these. I have also met many interesting people along the way. We had a yard sale last Saturday. My daughter brought her stuff too, since she lives in one of those "yard sale restricted" areas. We both did quite well. My neighbor held one too, so we had a lot of traffic!
So, here is a list of my wheeling and dealing of late:
SOLD! On CL- a trampoline for $45.00 that I purchased at a yard sale two years ago for $20.00! A brass fireplace screen---at the yard sale for $40.00 that I bought four years ago on CL for $30.00! (See how this works!) Also sold an older entertainment center on CL- for $50.00 and the same people purchased a small fountain I had not sold at the yard sale! A Christmas designed fireplace screen--for $12.00 on CL--that I bought for $7.00 at a yard sale about 4 years ago! Seems like there is something else I sold, but I cannot think of what it was right now! We still have a big desk advertised on CL which I am sure will sell before the move.
PURCHASED! My husband bought a nicer desk than the one we have for sale...off CL for $50.00...and it came with a high-back swivel office chair! Quite a deal! I bought a smaller computer desk with a hutch for books, etc. off CL for $30.00 so I have someplace for my laptop other than a TV tray...and also for my crafts.
We are still undecided about whether to sell or take our refrigerator. The new house has one, but ours is bigger. Hmmm...Well, we have two weeks to make that decision.
But, like I said, I love CL and yard sales! These are good ways to keep our hard-earned money in AMERICA!
The Move Is On!
We are moving! That is an adventure I had hoped not to face again. And once again, I shall hope that THIS is the last move! But only God knows for sure I guess. At first, I was tempted to complain loudly. After all, THIS home is where my husband and I wanted to be. This is the one WE chose together, and put a lot of time, sweat, and energy into! We like our neighbors, and as far as we know, they like us!
But alas! The economy and other circumstances got the best of us and we had to give in to reality. So, we are moving! This will happen in just two weeks! Yikes!
But I also have a sense of excitement. We are moving, not just houses, but cities as well. Moving to a place we have not lived before. It is a little inconvient as far as distances to work and places we are accustomed to hanging out. But, we shall find new hang-outs, and adjust our time for church and work travels. My husband says he enjoyed it when he had more travel time before, so he could think and prepare a little more. And, there are several routes to choose from!
We could take the main drag that angles across this area (Might be a good choice once all the construction is done!), We can take Bell Road (which is almost always busy) to the freeways (a choice of two depending on how far we want to go down Bell)
This would take us past a major mall and LOTS of businesses. We can take a choice of several "back" roads that take us through farm land and more scenic areas. The choice is ours. Traffic is busy on all the choices, at given times each day. But, depending upon my mood, I can think by my surroundings, that I live in the "country" being newly developed, or, that I live in a busy city full of shopping and office buildings. I can drive through Sun City, which is a retirement, age-limited town, or I can drive through lots of school zones.
WOW! I have LOTS more choices than I ever did here! I suspect that, at least for the first few weeks, I shall try all the routes to see which is faster, calmer, etc. and then choose daily depending on my mood and time requirements.
The house is LOTS newer! It is less than ten years old, while this old charmer is approaching half a century! May have already arrived, as I am not quite sure of the year it was built. It is strong and sturdy. It has a unique flavor. This newer home is more of a tract home. However, this older one was once a tract home too! So, the adventure begins with making it my own and charming like this older one.
I think charm comes from living happily and expressing yourself nicely and tastefully in your home. That, I can do!
I shall miss my big yard...but not the weeds I can't keep up with! I shall miss my huge pine trees, but not the mess they make, and their need for trimming! I shall make my new, smaller yard, a fascinating collage of color with a garden and pots of flowering plants. I plan to do a container garden as well as an in-the-ground one. This will all be challenging but fun and productive. I think I can keep up with this new yard a bit more easily. There is something to be said for "small packages!"
Well, the adventure has begun and the move is on! I think I shall go paint a desk!
But alas! The economy and other circumstances got the best of us and we had to give in to reality. So, we are moving! This will happen in just two weeks! Yikes!
But I also have a sense of excitement. We are moving, not just houses, but cities as well. Moving to a place we have not lived before. It is a little inconvient as far as distances to work and places we are accustomed to hanging out. But, we shall find new hang-outs, and adjust our time for church and work travels. My husband says he enjoyed it when he had more travel time before, so he could think and prepare a little more. And, there are several routes to choose from!
We could take the main drag that angles across this area (Might be a good choice once all the construction is done!), We can take Bell Road (which is almost always busy) to the freeways (a choice of two depending on how far we want to go down Bell)
This would take us past a major mall and LOTS of businesses. We can take a choice of several "back" roads that take us through farm land and more scenic areas. The choice is ours. Traffic is busy on all the choices, at given times each day. But, depending upon my mood, I can think by my surroundings, that I live in the "country" being newly developed, or, that I live in a busy city full of shopping and office buildings. I can drive through Sun City, which is a retirement, age-limited town, or I can drive through lots of school zones.
WOW! I have LOTS more choices than I ever did here! I suspect that, at least for the first few weeks, I shall try all the routes to see which is faster, calmer, etc. and then choose daily depending on my mood and time requirements.
The house is LOTS newer! It is less than ten years old, while this old charmer is approaching half a century! May have already arrived, as I am not quite sure of the year it was built. It is strong and sturdy. It has a unique flavor. This newer home is more of a tract home. However, this older one was once a tract home too! So, the adventure begins with making it my own and charming like this older one.
I think charm comes from living happily and expressing yourself nicely and tastefully in your home. That, I can do!
I shall miss my big yard...but not the weeds I can't keep up with! I shall miss my huge pine trees, but not the mess they make, and their need for trimming! I shall make my new, smaller yard, a fascinating collage of color with a garden and pots of flowering plants. I plan to do a container garden as well as an in-the-ground one. This will all be challenging but fun and productive. I think I can keep up with this new yard a bit more easily. There is something to be said for "small packages!"
Well, the adventure has begun and the move is on! I think I shall go paint a desk!
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