Getting ready for...what?

Well, the economy is really scary right now. I have had quite a few stressed out moments this week as my husband looks for a new job. Just in case we have to sell out house, I am taking out all my nervous energy by whipping everything into shape. And if we don’t have to move, then I’ll just be that far ahead on my housework for the holiday season.

After all, why should I dust the ceiling fans just for strangers? My family deserves to live in a dust free environment, too! Just think: a constructive way to keep my mind busy and free up time later when we all can relax.

Bidding a great dog goodbye

Rok, our incredible family dog, died today. He was gentle, patient, loyal, and completely forgiving – traits we should all strive for. He was one of my big secrets to staying unstressed. Anytime I needed a little unconditional love, there he was. Rok will be missed more than words can say!

Have you voted yet?

I know the official day is over a week away, but I encourage you to look for alternative ways to vote early. You will save time on November 4th plus it gives you a legitimate reason to hang up on all those political calls. “Sorry, I’ve already voted!”

Many states offer early voting in person and by absentee ballot. Unless you are like my neighbor who enjoys the whole process of standing in line debating with those around her on election day, why not go ahead and get it done?

A sure thing

My husband and I had a much needed break in Las Vegas. It was a chance to reconnect and re-evaluate what is important for our family.

The day before we left, we found out he had been turned down for a job he thought was a sure thing. In today’s economy, we are finding that “sure things” are harder to find. But, what is always a sure thing is how we love and support each other.

The lesson learned was that in all things, as long as we remember we are a family first, everything else will be OK.

On Vacation!

I am spending the weekend in Las Vegas chilling out! Look for a new post next week.

Christmas is coming!

Wow, I just heard Wal-Mart is starting the Christmas season. And, Target put out their Christmas Decorations a few weeks ago.

How early do you start getting ready for all the upcoming holidays? How full do you let your calendar get? Do you try to stay within a budget? Do you have major Martha Stewart moments?

I used to start stock piling presents months in advance. We would go all out for Halloween. Thanksgiving was a weeklong cooking marathon. I admit, it was fun. But it was also tiring!

This year, we are making a firm pledge to have a simple holiday season. The kids are old enough to put up Halloween and Christmas decorations. We will rejoice in staying home to make cookies instead of dropping a bundle on new clothes and a sitter to go to yet another party. We will get the kids one nice present each for Christmas, but that is it. We are also curtailing our extended family shopping list, as are they.

In short – we are focusing on the important parts of these times!