I feel like my priorities have been out of order lately. I have all of these goals and ambitions, and yet, I've been giving in too much to the need to spend money, or to choose laziness over productivity, or choosing to focus on the negative instead of the positive. I'm also struggling with knowing which priorities to place ahead of others.
This is what I know I need to do:
-I need to show more love, patience, compassion, and affection toward my husband and my children, and strive to spend as much quality time with them as possible.
-I need to work to become more self-reliant, more prepared for emergencies, and more able to serve and protect my family in the event of a crisis--whether it is big or small. I caught a potholder on fire in my oven the other day, and my means of taking "control" of the situation was to yell for my husband, instead of dealing with it on my own. That's not good.
-I need to strive to spend less needless money, to learn to take care of what we have, mend what needs repaired, and focus on making do instead of giving into the urge to accumulate more, more, more. I also need to work harder on putting as much as we can onto debt and into savings.
-We need to take better care of ourselves physically--eat healthier, spend more time exercising, learn to discern what foods are good for our bodies, and what foods aren't (as I type this, my four year old is laying on the floor watching game shows and eating a cup of jelly beans, so this is definitely a work in progress).
-I need to spend more time taking care of our home--cleaning, organizing, getting rid of items we don't need, and so forth. I would like to work toward a more minimalist lifestyle, but that too will take time.
-I need to work harder on staying on top of my work outside of the home. My heart hasn't been into my teaching as much this term, mainly due to illness, and I need to rededicate myself to re-examining my teaching philosophy and giving my curriculum a much needed makeover.
-I need to be more charitable. I am working to spend more time volunteering at the animal shelter, but there is still more that I can do and give. It helps me to count my blessings when I am working to help those in need.
These all are works in progress, and they will all take time and balance. However, I need to refocus my efforts and get back on track in targeting and accomplishing my goals.
Showing posts with label charities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label charities. Show all posts
Monday, April 23, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
On the Way to a Forever Home (In Pictures)
I attended an adoption event (held at a neighboring town's Petco about an hour away) for our local animal shelter. We took eleven dogs with us, and three found forever homes. I volunteer at our local shelter, but I usually do laundry and wash food and water bowls, so I don't get to see the animals find homes as often as I like because I typically do "behind the scenes" work. Luckily, I was able to spend a full day working to find forever homes for animals that I love, and managed to snag some pics of a particular dog, Slim, who found his forever home yesterday.
Slim, sitting in his crate on the bus beside me, on the way to Petco.
Slim on the left, getting accustomed to the other dogs. All of the dogs loved the fresh air and time to play with each other and new people.
Slim, relaxed and enjoying the one on one attention with a volunteer. He had these big, soulful eyes, and was such a gentle giant, and he started getting a lot of interest from potential families.
Slim finds his new home. The lady on the far right took such a shine to him, and she was just amazing. The two were a match made in heaven. Slim was the popular guy at the event, and another couple came back later to adopt him, only to find he was already in a new home.
This is why I love to volunteer for the animals. But, not all are as lucky as Slim. Too many shelters still needlessly euthanize adoptable animals for space. I thank heaven that ours has abandoned that primitive and inhumane practice. But, for as many animals that were adopted yesterday, we still took too many home, and we will do all we can to find ALL of them the homes they both need and deserve. It was a wonderful, moving day for all of us involved.
Slim, sitting in his crate on the bus beside me, on the way to Petco.
Slim on the left, getting accustomed to the other dogs. All of the dogs loved the fresh air and time to play with each other and new people. 
Slim, relaxed and enjoying the one on one attention with a volunteer. He had these big, soulful eyes, and was such a gentle giant, and he started getting a lot of interest from potential families. 
Slim finds his new home. The lady on the far right took such a shine to him, and she was just amazing. The two were a match made in heaven. Slim was the popular guy at the event, and another couple came back later to adopt him, only to find he was already in a new home.This is why I love to volunteer for the animals. But, not all are as lucky as Slim. Too many shelters still needlessly euthanize adoptable animals for space. I thank heaven that ours has abandoned that primitive and inhumane practice. But, for as many animals that were adopted yesterday, we still took too many home, and we will do all we can to find ALL of them the homes they both need and deserve. It was a wonderful, moving day for all of us involved.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Thoughts on an Easter Sunday
I have two quick experiences/reflections running through my head today I want to share:
First, I spent about an hour of my Easter morning volunteering at our local animal shelter. I have been smitten with this shaggy, partially deaf and blind, little dog, who admittedly looks a little worse for the wear. He seems to be an older fellow, and he was found wandering through a busy part of town when he was brought into the shelter. I wanted to specifically spend some time with him; that was my "catch" if my time was needed on Easter morning--that I got to play with this little guy. As I felt his matted, scabby coat, looked into his cloudy, blinded eyes, I felt so sad for him--how could someone cast him out like that? Such a sweet little guy, roaming our town in such shape, because someone was cruel and uncaring. It really bothered me as he and I walked, as I stroked his fur, and on the way home. But, then I found solace...he, along with so many others, is the reason why the no-kill philosophy needs to be adopted everywhere. What would another shelter have done? More than likely, they would have taken one look at him and euthanized him. He would have been deemed "unadoptable," and that would have been the end of it. I know that. And it is the no-kill concept that enabled me to scratch his ears and his back, to give him love and time, to ache for his need for a home--without it, I more than likely would never have known this wonderful boy that I have nicknamed Sam.
(Sam. If I could have him/provide him what he needs, I would take him in an instant. Pic by my friend, Peter.)
Second, and I prefer to keep the where and the who confidential, I found myself feeling like a heel today. I take a lot of pride in finding nice clothes for reasonable prices for my children. I like it when they look nice. I love buying them gifts, and presents, and relishing the holidays with them. But, I had an experience where I realized not all children are so blessed to have these small things--an Easter dress, or a basket, or chocolate, and the thing is--these kids aren't some news story--they are around us, they live here, they share our spaces. Here I was, priding myself that each of my kids had two Easter outfits, like some spoiled mother, and I saw children who more than likely saw today as just another day. I focus so much on what my kids have, and do, and wear, and there are so many kids who lack these things, who lack special little treats, or knowing they are loved, or who don't have parents who care about their basic needs. And I was so worried about whether or not my baby's Easter dresses were dressy enough? Or whether my son's basket had "enough" in it? These kids in need aren't some sad story on a commercial--they are HERE. The question is, how do we change our own mentality, and how do we help them?
First, I spent about an hour of my Easter morning volunteering at our local animal shelter. I have been smitten with this shaggy, partially deaf and blind, little dog, who admittedly looks a little worse for the wear. He seems to be an older fellow, and he was found wandering through a busy part of town when he was brought into the shelter. I wanted to specifically spend some time with him; that was my "catch" if my time was needed on Easter morning--that I got to play with this little guy. As I felt his matted, scabby coat, looked into his cloudy, blinded eyes, I felt so sad for him--how could someone cast him out like that? Such a sweet little guy, roaming our town in such shape, because someone was cruel and uncaring. It really bothered me as he and I walked, as I stroked his fur, and on the way home. But, then I found solace...he, along with so many others, is the reason why the no-kill philosophy needs to be adopted everywhere. What would another shelter have done? More than likely, they would have taken one look at him and euthanized him. He would have been deemed "unadoptable," and that would have been the end of it. I know that. And it is the no-kill concept that enabled me to scratch his ears and his back, to give him love and time, to ache for his need for a home--without it, I more than likely would never have known this wonderful boy that I have nicknamed Sam.
(Sam. If I could have him/provide him what he needs, I would take him in an instant. Pic by my friend, Peter.)
Second, and I prefer to keep the where and the who confidential, I found myself feeling like a heel today. I take a lot of pride in finding nice clothes for reasonable prices for my children. I like it when they look nice. I love buying them gifts, and presents, and relishing the holidays with them. But, I had an experience where I realized not all children are so blessed to have these small things--an Easter dress, or a basket, or chocolate, and the thing is--these kids aren't some news story--they are around us, they live here, they share our spaces. Here I was, priding myself that each of my kids had two Easter outfits, like some spoiled mother, and I saw children who more than likely saw today as just another day. I focus so much on what my kids have, and do, and wear, and there are so many kids who lack these things, who lack special little treats, or knowing they are loved, or who don't have parents who care about their basic needs. And I was so worried about whether or not my baby's Easter dresses were dressy enough? Or whether my son's basket had "enough" in it? These kids in need aren't some sad story on a commercial--they are HERE. The question is, how do we change our own mentality, and how do we help them?
Friday, March 9, 2012
Reinventing Myself
I have this desire to be something better, to make more of myself, my family, my opportunities, our home. It's often overwhelming because this desire is so powerful, so strong, so encompassing, but I also acknowledge to myself that, however worthwhile and good my intentions are, no one can completely change their lives in one day, nor can anyone achieve perfection, no matter how much it is wanted.
I want to be steadfast and more determined in our goals to eliminate consumer debt from our lives, which means a stronger budget, less frivolous spending, and a concrete gameplan in order to do so.
I want to develop a lifestyle of simplicity and self-reliance. I want to waste less, to work on emergency preparedness, to obtain and maintain both a short term and long term food storage, to learn how to can, dehydrate, and preserve fresh foods. I want to learn how to make our possessions last longer, to create more handmade gifts, to minimize clutter and materialism from our lives.
I strive to be a better wife and mother, to be more patient, thoughtful, compassionate. I want to focus on putting their needs before my own. I need to show more affection and love.
I want to be an insightful, caring teacher. I want to be more productive, to place more effort into my lectures and my grading.
I desperately want a cleaner, more organized home. I long for a better cleaning routine, increased productivity.
I want to be in better shape. I want my body to feel better, to be stronger and more fit, and to live a healthier lifestyle.
I feel a need to be more charitable, more giving, more selfless and willing to share my time and resources with those in need.
I'm sure you understand why and how I am feeling overwhelmed. If only I knew how to maintain these goals while not becoming completely burned out and frazzled in the process....
I want to be steadfast and more determined in our goals to eliminate consumer debt from our lives, which means a stronger budget, less frivolous spending, and a concrete gameplan in order to do so.
I want to develop a lifestyle of simplicity and self-reliance. I want to waste less, to work on emergency preparedness, to obtain and maintain both a short term and long term food storage, to learn how to can, dehydrate, and preserve fresh foods. I want to learn how to make our possessions last longer, to create more handmade gifts, to minimize clutter and materialism from our lives.
I strive to be a better wife and mother, to be more patient, thoughtful, compassionate. I want to focus on putting their needs before my own. I need to show more affection and love.
I want to be an insightful, caring teacher. I want to be more productive, to place more effort into my lectures and my grading.
I desperately want a cleaner, more organized home. I long for a better cleaning routine, increased productivity.
I want to be in better shape. I want my body to feel better, to be stronger and more fit, and to live a healthier lifestyle.
I feel a need to be more charitable, more giving, more selfless and willing to share my time and resources with those in need.
I'm sure you understand why and how I am feeling overwhelmed. If only I knew how to maintain these goals while not becoming completely burned out and frazzled in the process....
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
How My New Year's Resolutions Are Going....
I figured I would take some time and assess how my resolutions are going, resolution by resolution:
1. Spend less money on things that can be avoided. This means eating out less (and cooking in more), looking for gently used clothing or items when I can, working my food storage to my advantage/buying in bulk, avoiding buying "stuff" on credit cards, and focusing less on "wants" and more on "needs." I don't have to buy things to make me happy. I'm doing "better" in this category. I would not, however, say I am doing perfectly. I can't quite squelch all of my impulses just yet, but I've turned down opportunities to shop or spend excess money at times, though I admit I have spent money on some fun things. I tend to find myself saying, "OK, money is tight, so I won't spend anything," and I don't think that is practical. I need to find a balance. But do I honestly feel like some of my attitudes are staring to change? Yes. I hope I can keep it up. We are also doing a great job at buying food in bulk and snagging great deals on needed items like clothing and shoes. We have been trying to focus more on what we need as opposed to what we want.
2. Get out of credit card debt as much as we can. Use as much of MY income as we can to do so. Pay even a few dollars more than the minimum payment every month. This is going to be a long road. We will struggle making more than the minimum payments while we are behind on some of our bills. I also have not started back to work yet. So, another work in progress.
3. Work harder to get bills out on time. I am a lazy and ineffective bill payer, and sometimes juggle bills around intentionally. Another item that will take time. The hubby and I are working on trying to communicate better and come up with game plans, though, and for us, communicating is a big key to this. So, we're trying.
4. Be a more loving and compassionate wife to my husband. I can be a contrary butt sometimes. Trying. I will be brutally honest and admit that my hormones have affected my libido levels, as did depression. But, I think we are rediscovering each other as husband and wife, and not just pals, and it's been good for us. I think the hubby agrees. I'm just not an affectionate soul physically, so this is really hard for me, but I'm also enjoying it.
5. Be more patient and loving toward my children. Appreciate them more. React with love more than anger when I am frustrated. This is hard sometimes. I have a four year old who isn't pottytrained yet. And I have a new baby. But, I'm trying to learn to pick my battles, and appreciate them for who they are, and learn to focus on their needs instead of my wants.
6. Work harder to get my grading done on time and my classes more organized this year. I'm always grading papers at the very last minute. Same thing with grade calculations. Not anymore. My syllabus is due to my boss in five days. I haven't started it yet. I fail at this one.
7. Buy more locally grown and produced foods. I love fresh produce and homegrown yummies. And I'm lucky to live somewhere where they are accessible to me and within our budget. I'm going good here! Over the weekend, we went to a bulk foods grocer in our region, a new place to check out, and I was able to buy local bulk foods, produce, baked goods, meats, and cheeses. I even used this store to snag some of the supplies for The Goob's birthday party.
8. Take an active interest in cooking meals for my family and enjoy it even more. Working on this. Gathering recipes, planning fun desserts for our family this week...it's been fun.
9. Exercise for a half an hour at least three times a week. Today was the first day I even attempted exercise. I exercised for ten minutes and thought I was going to die. I suck at this. I'm pitiful.
10. Work to keep a cleaner, more organized home. Between getting new things for the holidays/birthdays, mess from said celebrations, etc., my house is a disaster. I plan on fixing that, ASAP. I'm using Pinterest for organizational inspiration. And I have been purging out old stuff, and I got The Goob's closet cleaned out, for the most part, and purged a ton of The Bean's clothing.
11. I will make/do a project at least once a month. Use Pinterest for inspiration. I totally have rocked at this resolution. Yay for me! The blog is proof!!
12. Be more charitable. We have been donating to our local animal shelter every pay check. I'll be taking bags of stuff to Goodwill soon. I've been trying to give things we don't want anymore to some people in need. I have done a few charitable projects at church. But, I could do better. I don't always take advantage of opportunities.
13. Give more homemade gifts this year. I bought the supplies to make homemade gifts for my mother's birthday, AND I have plans for Valentine's gifts this year that are handmade! I'm so proud of myself in this department, because it is SOOO not my forte.
14. Work harder to celebrate holidays and enjoy them more than I usually do. I'm doing this! I enjoy holidays, but find myself becoming depressed because holidays have so many requirements, so much stress, and I haven't had the best of experiences with them over the years. But, I am working to change this. We had a great celebration for The Goob's 4th birthday, and The Engineer and I had a great date night at home on New Year's Eve. I also have plans for Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and Easter. This is another area where I am proud of myself.
I encourage you, if you have made resolutions, to assess them every now and again, and see how you are doing. Obviously, some of mine are broken already, but I'm trying to dust myself off and start again. Each new day is a brand new start!!
1. Spend less money on things that can be avoided. This means eating out less (and cooking in more), looking for gently used clothing or items when I can, working my food storage to my advantage/buying in bulk, avoiding buying "stuff" on credit cards, and focusing less on "wants" and more on "needs." I don't have to buy things to make me happy. I'm doing "better" in this category. I would not, however, say I am doing perfectly. I can't quite squelch all of my impulses just yet, but I've turned down opportunities to shop or spend excess money at times, though I admit I have spent money on some fun things. I tend to find myself saying, "OK, money is tight, so I won't spend anything," and I don't think that is practical. I need to find a balance. But do I honestly feel like some of my attitudes are staring to change? Yes. I hope I can keep it up. We are also doing a great job at buying food in bulk and snagging great deals on needed items like clothing and shoes. We have been trying to focus more on what we need as opposed to what we want.
2. Get out of credit card debt as much as we can. Use as much of MY income as we can to do so. Pay even a few dollars more than the minimum payment every month. This is going to be a long road. We will struggle making more than the minimum payments while we are behind on some of our bills. I also have not started back to work yet. So, another work in progress.
3. Work harder to get bills out on time. I am a lazy and ineffective bill payer, and sometimes juggle bills around intentionally. Another item that will take time. The hubby and I are working on trying to communicate better and come up with game plans, though, and for us, communicating is a big key to this. So, we're trying.
4. Be a more loving and compassionate wife to my husband. I can be a contrary butt sometimes. Trying. I will be brutally honest and admit that my hormones have affected my libido levels, as did depression. But, I think we are rediscovering each other as husband and wife, and not just pals, and it's been good for us. I think the hubby agrees. I'm just not an affectionate soul physically, so this is really hard for me, but I'm also enjoying it.
5. Be more patient and loving toward my children. Appreciate them more. React with love more than anger when I am frustrated. This is hard sometimes. I have a four year old who isn't pottytrained yet. And I have a new baby. But, I'm trying to learn to pick my battles, and appreciate them for who they are, and learn to focus on their needs instead of my wants.
6. Work harder to get my grading done on time and my classes more organized this year. I'm always grading papers at the very last minute. Same thing with grade calculations. Not anymore. My syllabus is due to my boss in five days. I haven't started it yet. I fail at this one.
7. Buy more locally grown and produced foods. I love fresh produce and homegrown yummies. And I'm lucky to live somewhere where they are accessible to me and within our budget. I'm going good here! Over the weekend, we went to a bulk foods grocer in our region, a new place to check out, and I was able to buy local bulk foods, produce, baked goods, meats, and cheeses. I even used this store to snag some of the supplies for The Goob's birthday party.
8. Take an active interest in cooking meals for my family and enjoy it even more. Working on this. Gathering recipes, planning fun desserts for our family this week...it's been fun.
9. Exercise for a half an hour at least three times a week. Today was the first day I even attempted exercise. I exercised for ten minutes and thought I was going to die. I suck at this. I'm pitiful.
10. Work to keep a cleaner, more organized home. Between getting new things for the holidays/birthdays, mess from said celebrations, etc., my house is a disaster. I plan on fixing that, ASAP. I'm using Pinterest for organizational inspiration. And I have been purging out old stuff, and I got The Goob's closet cleaned out, for the most part, and purged a ton of The Bean's clothing.
11. I will make/do a project at least once a month. Use Pinterest for inspiration. I totally have rocked at this resolution. Yay for me! The blog is proof!!
12. Be more charitable. We have been donating to our local animal shelter every pay check. I'll be taking bags of stuff to Goodwill soon. I've been trying to give things we don't want anymore to some people in need. I have done a few charitable projects at church. But, I could do better. I don't always take advantage of opportunities.
13. Give more homemade gifts this year. I bought the supplies to make homemade gifts for my mother's birthday, AND I have plans for Valentine's gifts this year that are handmade! I'm so proud of myself in this department, because it is SOOO not my forte.
14. Work harder to celebrate holidays and enjoy them more than I usually do. I'm doing this! I enjoy holidays, but find myself becoming depressed because holidays have so many requirements, so much stress, and I haven't had the best of experiences with them over the years. But, I am working to change this. We had a great celebration for The Goob's 4th birthday, and The Engineer and I had a great date night at home on New Year's Eve. I also have plans for Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and Easter. This is another area where I am proud of myself.
I encourage you, if you have made resolutions, to assess them every now and again, and see how you are doing. Obviously, some of mine are broken already, but I'm trying to dust myself off and start again. Each new day is a brand new start!!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Why My Friends Are Better Than Yours
I volunteer at our local animal shelter. A few days ago, a 16 week old kitten came into the shelter with a very severely injured eye--I'll spare you the details--and the shelter had to raise $700 for surgery, or else the kitten would be euthanized.
I was frantic. We were down to our last $12 in our checking account (because we're awesome), and I was feeling guilty about even going to Taco Bell and spending $10 before I knew about said kitten.
So, thanks to social media, I posted the kitten's Chip-in info, and urged my friends to donate, shared the pic, etc.
Some of my friends, who lives miles away and have never set foot in our shelter, gave to this little kitten, purely out of the goodness of their hearts, even though they will likely never personally see the results. Some of these friends are good friends of mine, and others haven't seen me since I was a kid. But, it's safe to say that I was incredibly moved, and because of them, a life was saved. The money was raised, and the little gal is recovering from her surgery.
It's stuff like this that keeps me from being completely and utterly cynical. It's moments like this that keep me from going completely postal during the holidays. The generosity of others never ceases to amaze me. Yes, it's true--I have the best friends.
I was frantic. We were down to our last $12 in our checking account (because we're awesome), and I was feeling guilty about even going to Taco Bell and spending $10 before I knew about said kitten.
So, thanks to social media, I posted the kitten's Chip-in info, and urged my friends to donate, shared the pic, etc.
Some of my friends, who lives miles away and have never set foot in our shelter, gave to this little kitten, purely out of the goodness of their hearts, even though they will likely never personally see the results. Some of these friends are good friends of mine, and others haven't seen me since I was a kid. But, it's safe to say that I was incredibly moved, and because of them, a life was saved. The money was raised, and the little gal is recovering from her surgery.
It's stuff like this that keeps me from being completely and utterly cynical. It's moments like this that keep me from going completely postal during the holidays. The generosity of others never ceases to amaze me. Yes, it's true--I have the best friends.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Now I Have to Feel Guilty for Really, Really, REALLY Hating Moustaches....
I am *not* a fan of the moustache. Ask my hubby...he has a beard, and I simply hate the feeling of kissing what feels like Brillo pad. And they look kinda cheesy--I mean, my hubby looks OK because it is technically part of a beard, but when it's just stand alone lip hair? I'll pass, thanks. I have loved some men in my family very much who have sported moustaches, but I just don't dig the look. Moustaches just seem creepy and weird to me.
That being said, apparently, I was unaware that this month is Movember.
So, I'll appreciate them for a mere 30 days, because I think it is ridiculously cool that there are men raising awareness for such a good cause/concern, and because it's, well, hilarious.
Until the hubby decides to do it.
That being said, apparently, I was unaware that this month is Movember.
So, I'll appreciate them for a mere 30 days, because I think it is ridiculously cool that there are men raising awareness for such a good cause/concern, and because it's, well, hilarious.
Until the hubby decides to do it.
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