Best Things

I am a bargain hunter, so looking at this list of "free" things got my attention. So often we tie our happiness to the next pair of shoes (running ones for me!),the  next vacation, the  next raise, the next whatever!
Here's a great list of best things that are free. Stick people don't lie!! We often don't notice when we have these things, but we sure notice when they are not part of our life!
What's on your list of priceless things?

Best Days

I am wondering how many people truly believe this. Years ago, when I was in my 40s, I remember stating to a group of friends that the best was past us. We'd had our wedding.We'd had our children. We'd become what we'd become, both personally and professionally. Our bodies were beginning to betray us. I felt the rest of life would be spent living through the events and successes of those around us. Not our marriage, but our kids. Not our babies, but our grand babies. We were destined to sit at the "old people table" at the parties and weddings of the future, no longer dancing, but watching the dancers.
This really set my friends off. How could I feel this way? There was so much living yet to do and experience! We had so much for which to look forward! Even today, I am not so sure I agree with them. Life has a way of beating us up. There are many challenges we have faced, year after year, and it can wear us down. Nobody gets by without a few "life battle wounds". Some people seem to get more than their share. Fairness doesn't seem to enter into it. Tricky stuff.
Although I may not believe that the best days of my life haven't happened yet, I hold out hope for a few more really good days that still make me smile.

I Don't Care...Really!

I have been married a long time...a really long time. Maybe that is why this sign gave me a good laugh.
Here's the scene right out of the movie of my life:
Scene: Couple in car, backing out of driveway.
Wife: Where do you want to go?
Husband: I don't care.
Wife: Oh my gosh, you say that every time! Can't you come up with an idea??
Husband: Don Jose?
Wife: God, no! The last time we ate there the food was awful.
Husband: Italian?
Wife: No, I made pasta last night.
Husband: I don't care.
Wife: You NEVER help with this decision. It's always up to me to figure out where we are going to eat.
Husband: Where do you want to go?
Wife: Why do I always have to be the one to decide?? You know, just forget it. I don't want to go out anymore!
Husband: That's the difference between us. When I say,"I don't care", I really mean I don't care. When you say, "I don't care", you mean, "I want Chinese" and I am supposed to know that!
Wife: You just don't understand me at all.
Wife sits with arms crossed in the car as husband raises his eyes to the sky and sighs.
End of scene...til the next time!!!
Is this a scene from your life too???

Oh, Callie

Do I have the only dog that MUST come find me when I am in the bathroom?! I often don't close the door all the way back in our bedroom and, more often than not, she manages to stick her head in and seems to say, "Whatcha doin'??" It reminds me of when my kids were small and a minute to myself was hard to come by, if at all. Sometimes I would lock the bathroom door and pretend to be peeing, just to get a moments peace!
I guess dog moms have the same kind of issues!!
Love you, Callie Girl!!

Girl Child

 Last year, my kids informed me (I guess they had a discussion among the two of them) that I am no longer allowed to post old pictures of them on FB or my blog. So, in lieu of a photo, I offer up these motivational signs for my daughter on her birthday. This last year, she has totally transformed herself. What it really boils down to is, she decided after three kids, born very close to each other, she was making herself and her health a priority. I am so proud of her and her continued pursuit of this healthy lifestyle. Watching her, inspired me last year as well.

That we love her, goes without saying. That we admire her, needs to be said. Juggling all the balls in the air (work, kids, schedules, marriage, friends and more) is a tough job. It's kind of like running. Some days are easier than others. In the beginning of her running, she'd ask, "When does it get easier?" Back then, I struggled to give her a good answer, but now I think I have that answer. It doesn't get easier. You just get stronger.
Yes, kind of like life...

I Like This

A Challenge, You Say?

I always like a good challenge and I found this idea on Facebook and thought it was pretty darn clever AND doable!! Every week you drop money into your "Challenge Jar". The idea is you put in $1.00 on week one, $2.00 on week two, $3 on week three, etc. At the end of 52 weeks, you have $1,378.00!!! This just proves, once again, that taking small steps can make BIG differences in your life. So often, we look at the big picture of any problem or challenge and feel overwhelmed with it. Breaking things down into smaller steps makes its success much more possible.

I have even made my cute little money challenge holder and dropped the first dollar into it. Every Friday of 2014, I plan to do the same thing. I think I will keep it on my nightstand as a constant reminder for each week.
Are you up for the challenge??