Why is it that.....

As my son and I left the gym tonight, we were trying to figure out what we would have for dinner. I told him that I wasn't very hungry and that I wanted a salad or some veggies. He said that sounded good to him too. I was so proud of him for making that choice instead of fast food which is so much faster and less work on my part. So, we get to the store and I tell him that I want to stick to my budget. (We are trying to get some bills paid off so I am very strick on spending lately) So, he picked out 3 of the things he wanted; Carrots, Sugar Snap Peas, and some apples. Just those 3 items came to $8.00. That was before I had anything picked out, plus I had to get my husband and daughter dinner as well. I started thinking that it would actually be cheaper to go across the street to Wendy's and get food from the dollar menu. I mean seriously, I could feed about three of us on $8.00 there.

You hear all these people talking about how the US has the most obese people in the world. Why is it so inexpensive to eat the junk food and if you actually want to eat a healthy meal, you practically have to get a loan? It just doesn't make sense to me!!

I Love Days Like This!!

~Psalm 118:24

This is the day which the LORD hath made;

we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Today was a wonderful day and I just have to tell everyone about it!! I have to first off say that it didn't start out that way! I had most of the day off, but it was spent studying and testing. I woke up at 6:45 this morning and went straight to the computer to read as much as about the history of insurance as I could. I have been studying since July, so it wasn't like I was cramming for this test, but I was hoping that I wouldn't forget anything if I had just read it. So, 10:15 came around (quite fast, I might add) and it was time for me to leave for the test. I got to the place where I thought I was supposed to be only to find out that I was not at the right address. Thankfully, it was just across the street so I wasn't late. I got to where I needed to be and I felt like I was trying to board an airplane. I had to turn my pockets inside out, pull up the sleeves of my sweatshirt, and show them behind my ears. (That was the strangest part of my day) So, then I finally get seated to take my test, and for the most part, I felt really good about it. When I had answered all the questions, and decided to review my answers, I started getting worried. Finally, I decided to go ahead and let them know I was done. I told the guy that I didn't want to know the results. I didn't want to cry in front of him if I failed. He handed me my results, and my ID's and I began heading over to the locker where I had all my personal belongings stored. As I put the key in, he said, "Oh...Congratulations!!" I turned and looked at him and he was just grinning at me! It was all I could do not to jump up and down!

The last part of my day was spent at my daughters school for parent teacher conferences. She called me this afternoon and sounded like she really didn't want me to go. Of course, that sounded my "Mom Alarm" and I made sure I was there!  I was pleasantly surprised! All of her teachers said that she was a joy to have in class. They of course said she was very "social", but I have been hearing that since she was in kindergarten. I am very proud of both of my kids. They have been working very hard this year to keep their grades up, and I thank God everyday for them!

The Payphone

I have to tell you a funny story that just goes to show how old I am. (Not that I think 34 is old!!!) My son and I went to the public library a few months ago and as we were walking in, he just stopped. I couldn't figure out what was wrong and why he wouldn't go into the library. At first, I was a little annoyed because I just wanted to find the books I was looking for and go home. Finally, he pointed to a payphone.....YES, a payphone! He was so excited about that. He said "Mom, I don't think I have ever actually seen a payphone up close" I couldn't help but laugh out loud.   It was too bad that I hadn't brought any change with me. Can you imagine how excited he would have been to actually use one?

This story popped into my head for some reason last night as I was trying to go to sleep. I realized just how many things have changed since I was his age. Sure, we had a phone, but it was attached to the wall. We didn't call our friends and family that were out of town very much because it was expensive to call long distance, so we wrote letters to them. I remember writing countless letters to my uncle who was in the navy. These days, of course, you see people driving down the street talking on the phone. Most cell phone companies offer free long distance, and letter writing has all but ceased. It is so much faster to just text. My father in law is in New Zealand for a few months and I had a full conversation with him through text messaging last night.

I just have to wonder what life will be like for my grandki....kids' kids. (It felt wierd calling them my grandkids)

Attitudes Are Contagious....Is Yours Worth Catching?

Philippians 2:1-5   If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus

A friend of mine on Facebook has the best attitude. She is the only person that doesn't say "UGH...it's Monday". Instead, she says, "GOOOOOD Morning Monday!!! Soooo happy I'm here to share it with you!!" or "What an awsome weekend!! And off to a fabulous week!!" After reading her posts for several weeks, it dawned on me that my attitude needs some major adjustments!!!! 

My thoughts are more like this...."Why do people use me?" or just simply "UGH!!!!" As I was just re-reading what I had typed, I smiled at my friends words and frowned at my own. How sad is it that my own thoughts bring me down. I can't imagine how the people in my life must feel when they are around me? Who would actually want to be around me?  I worked in an office that had a motto: "Attitudes Are Contagious...Is Yours Worth Catching?" Mine certainly is not! So, I have decided that I need to work on it.

Here are my goals for changing my attitude:

1. Read my Bible.
    * That is the most positive book ever written!
1. Stop being so hard on myself.
    * By being critical of myself, I am creating unnecessary stress.
2. Find the positive in a negative situation.
    *It's there! I just need to look for it!
3. Be thankful for what I have in my life.
    *I am blessed with a great job and wonderful family and friends!
4. Treat myself every now and then.
    *I deserve to be pampered and to get something new every once in a while too!!
Revision 10/19/2010 - I received a wonderful suggestion from one of my Twitter friends to add a 5th goal! It a good one too!! Thanks Esther!!
5. Remember to laugh!!!
    *Laughter can turn the worst day into the best day. Find a reason to laugh every day!
Already I feel a little more positive! I WILL make my attitude worth catching!