This morning I was watching something on television and the comment was made that the person shouldn’t give their power away to another person and allow that person to dictate their life and how they feel. I had one of those lightbulb moments and I decided right then and there that even though I’ve been going through a lot lately and struggling- that doesn’t mean that I have to give my power away to anyone. I decided to take it back and I’m implementing the steps to do exactly that!
September 30, 2010
September 29, 2010
Red Clover
I read something a few days ago that red clover can possibly help with the hormonal symptoms associated with menapause. Has anyone else had any experience with this? I’m kind of weird about taking odd herbs, but I’m strongly considering this if it will help with the hormonal side of life.
I sometimes feel like Jekyll and Hyde 🙂
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That Time Again…
This is probably one of those entries that any male who reads this blog may want to skip. If you choose to continue to read- remember you were warned *smile*.
Several days ago, the monthly visitor arrived and I have been struggling with horrible cramps and headaches. I’ve been taking something for the pain, because I can’t function without it, but unfortunately the medication makes me a little on the groggy side. Today I found myself with a migraine and I’m quite certain it was a combination of many things, but as I told a friend yesterday- I feel like I have cotton stuffed inside my head. I’m not thrilled with all the emotional hormonal stuff related to perimenapause, but I have to say that I’ll be happy when I feel ‘normal’ again.
Tonight- the headache has eased some, but I feel as though I’ve been put through the ringer. I also think that maybe, just maybe tomorrow will be better. After all- it is a new day.
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No Time Like the Present
This past weekend Marcel finally went through our term insurance papers to make sure that everything is in order. I’ve been asking him to do this for about two years now and it has seemed like he’s put it off time and time AND time again. He finally admitted to me that he doesn’t like to think about that kind of stuff, but he admitted that he should have taken care of it sooner. One thing we do need to do is get some for me, because the policy we have isn’t nearly enough. It’s a relief to me knowing that he finally took care of it. I know that’s never a pleasantry, especially considering that he lost his brother almost six years ago, but it’s one of those things that you want to make sure are taken care of long before you need them, and then pray you never do.
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September 26, 2010
Getting Back to Gratitude
I’ve been really going through a lot of emotional turmoil lately and I realized that I haven’t listed a gratitude list here in quite some time. I know that I really need to start doing that on a more regular basis (like I used to) and focus on the things that bring me joy. I know there are some things that need to find their way through the grey matter and be given their place, but I believe that will come.
In the meantime- I’m going to spend some time trying to focus on the things that I am grateful for and in spite of the grey clouds- there are plenty of rainbows.
My Gratitude List for September 26, 2010.
Today I’m Grateful For:
- An afternoon of quiet time and being home alone- It is just what I needed.
- JJ and Mister M. who bring such joy to my life.
- Marcel for being in my corner when it counts.
- The sunshine on my face.
- The smell of fresh roasted pumpkin.
September 24, 2010
Shopping Deals
I am one of those people who love knowing I’m getting a great deal and when I do, I find myself wanting to share it with everyone I know. In the past two weeks I’ve found some deals on top of deals and thought I’d share with y’all how I happened to do that. It’s a simple thing and it ended up saving me quite a bit of cash.
I’m not sure how many of you shop online, but it seems that more of us are doing it than ever- especially when more often than not we can get the same or even better deals online and don’t have to leave the comforts of home. What I’ve learned is that there are some ways that you can save even more money at your favorite retailers simply by following a few simple steps.
- Sign up for online newsletters. What I do is use one specific email address for things that I sign up for and that saves the newsletters from coming into my regular email accounts. The reason why you want to sign up for the newsletters is for several reasons. Many sites offer a first purchase discount (of up to 15% from what I’ve found) just for signing up for their newsletter. Plus you also get an insider view on sales, plus often there are special discounts and offers that only those signed up for the newsletters receive. Trust me, it can be worth the little extra email in your box.
- Watch for Free Shipping offers. Many websites offer free shipping with a minium purchase, while others have free shipping specials from time to time. There are even a few that I shop at regularly that offer free shipping regardless of your purchase total. Make use of that whenever you can and trust me- those savings add up. I’ve skipped ordering from some stores in the past because I felt as though their shipping rates were just too high.
- Add items to your shopping cart and leave them. I know- this sounds a little crazy, but I actually did this not too long ago on a website on a handbag I wanted. It was on sale, and yet even at the sale price, I wasn’t sure I wanted to order it. I forgot about it, and a week later they sent me an email offering me an additional 25% off my purchase. Needless to say, I didn’t think twice and cashed in on that sale, plus got free shipping. I’m not going to say it will work everytime, but some places monitor your cart. Again, I think you may need to be signed up for emails on the site to get these kind of deals.
- Never buy anything without looking for coupon codes first. There are coupon codes out there that you may not realize. Within the last two weeks I was about to buy some clothing on a website. The items were on sale and then I received an additional 25% off the sale price (and free shipping) because I was signed up for the newsletter. Then I did a quick search for coupon codes and found one for an additional 25% off that worked with the current offer. I ended up saving yet another 25% off of the already low sale prices. I ended up with 3 sweaters that were regularly $40.00 each for less than $7.00 each and again, free shipping. The same thing was with a jacket at the same company- I had it in my cart- had completely forgotten about it and decided since it was red and on sale it would be great for Christmas. I paid $22.00 for an $80.00 jacket.
- I also had the same thing with some cards that I ordered online. I wanted them to be shipped to the person, and again, I looked for a coupon code and saved 25% off each card and the mailing of the card was free.
All it takes is a little smart shopping and you can literally save hundreds in no time. If you need any more information- please feel free to email me.
September 22, 2010
No Place Like Home
I didn’t realize until I logged in here that I haven’t written here in five days. I thought it had only been two or so, but as life flies by at warp speed I guess days seem to pass and I’m not quite sure where they went.
I’m on the countdown until we head home for the holidays and I have to say with each passing day, I find myself getting more and more excited. I also realized today that this visit won’t come without it’s moments of heartache, as I was thinking today about Carol and it hit me that I wouldn’t see her. For a brief moment, I thought that I was stuck in a dream that she’s no longer here, and when I realized that pinching myself couldn’t make me any more awake than I already was- I went into a panic for a moment. I found myself wanting to scream and cry- but I knew that while they may not go unheard- it wouldn’t change a thing. It makes me heart heavy knowing that when I see her grave that the part of me that sometimes believes her death was all a bad dream will be no more.
Even with that being said- I still can’t wait to be ‘home’. I’m blessed enough to have two places to call home- but no matter what location on the map I may call home- my heart will always be in the Deep South. There truly is ‘no place like home.’- wherever that may be.
September 17, 2010
True Callings
I found this in my email this morning from “The Daily Love” and it happened to be something that I needed to hear today. I don’t believe there are accidents in life and this was yet another confirmation of that fact.
A friend asked me yesterday if I was ok. When she asked me that I paused, because I wasn’t sure what she meant, so I asked her. She said that I didn’t seem as ‘happy’ as usual. Before I answered her, I decided to think about that for a moment and I found that I’m not ‘unhappy’ but yet there has been so much going on around me that has tapped into my emotions that I’ve often not had anything left over for the things that bring me joy. It’s time to start tapping into that joy again- those things that make me happy and being creative is one of those things.
Life ends not when you die, but when you stop believing in your true calling. Your true calling isn’t something your friends, parents or lovers want you to become. Your true calling isn’t living vicariously through someone else. And most certainly your true calling isn’t working just to “make a living” and “get by”.
Your true calling is that soft voice within you urging to be creative. Your true calling is the visions of a better life that you have. Your true calling is your Creator whispering to you who you really are.
One day we will all breathe our last breath. The only difference between those of us who will live a fulfilled life in the flow of their true calling and those of us who don’t is this: know that you are already dead, die to your fear and give up everything except what whispers to you in the quiet hours.
Follow your vision, do what makes you happy – it is your birthright to live in joy. But it is 100% your choice whether you do or not.
Say no to your fear. Live your true calling. Set sail and don’t look back.
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Doctor Doctor
I think I’ve finally decided that I’m going to have to go to the dermatologist about my skin. I’ve been having breakouts for quite some time now and it will clear up only to turn around and break out again. I’m not doing anything crazy- I’m getting enough water and not eating horribly. I’m fairly certain that it’s hormonal and I am hoping there is something that can be done about it.
The crazy thing is that I was emailing with an old high school friend the other day and she was wanting to know where to get the best anti wrinkle cream and here I am wanting to know how to keep my face from breaking out. She has perfect skin, but yet she does have a few wrinkles and yet my skin has little blemishes here and there and there isn’t a wrinkle in sight. Isn’t that odd?
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Alone-
I have several friends who have felt very alone lately and have retreated within themselves. One in particular that I’ve known most of my life is struggling and yet I can’t reach her. I’ve offered an ear, and yet no matter how much I encourage and try to share with her the value that she has as a human being simply because she’s alive- she doesn’t see it.
I know what it’s like to feel alone. There are times when I feel that way and honestly times when I would prefer to be alone. I need the balance. I adore people and love being around them but yet sometimes I need to spend time with myself and the thoughts that dwell within.
Another great friend that I know online wrote something that I read yesterday and I couldn’t help but smile. He’s an amazing writer and he wrote about how he’s sick of so many things. He put it all out there and he also wrote that he just needs to get it out, so that he can continue to move forward. That’s what I do. I’m a sensitive soul and sometimes things really bother me. I spew it to someone and then find a way to process and accept things for what they are and move forward. I’ve learned that moving backwards serves absolutely no purpose.
I’m not sure if the friends I mentioned read this. They could, but I don’t know. What I do know is that if I could use a magic wand and take their pains and struggles away I would, but it doesn’t work that way. I can be a friend. I can offer suggestions and even be there to listen, but to regain your self worth and see your true value to yourself and to others- you’re going to have to do the legwork. Just remember- in spite of what you may think. You are never alone.
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