Today I'm thankful for...
Halloween!
I know that Halloween is not the most popular holiday. Some people associate it with negative things, like witchcraft and evil. I like Halloween though. It gives me an excuse to dress up in a costume and eat candy (well, maybe not this year since I'm doing the challenge at the gym...). Plus, The Great Pumpkin comes on Halloween. How can you dislike that?
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 30
Today I'm thankful for...
Tootsie Rolls!
I love Tootsie Rolls. They're small, chocolatey, and a serving consists of 13 of them. I don't think I've ever eaten that many in one sitting, so it's one of the few candies that I have eaten less than a serving of at a time. Take that M&M's...
Tootsie Rolls!
I love Tootsie Rolls. They're small, chocolatey, and a serving consists of 13 of them. I don't think I've ever eaten that many in one sitting, so it's one of the few candies that I have eaten less than a serving of at a time. Take that M&M's...
Monday, October 29, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 29
Today I'm thankful for...
Toilet paper!
I think this is one of those entries that really doesn't need much explanation...
Toilet paper!
I think this is one of those entries that really doesn't need much explanation...
Sunday, October 28, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 28
Today I'm thankful for...
Clean sheets!
What is it about having clean sheets on your bed that makes you sleep better? Maybe it's having them tucked in tighter. Or maybe it's knowing that you're sleeping on something clean. Whatever it is, I'll take it!
Clean sheets!
What is it about having clean sheets on your bed that makes you sleep better? Maybe it's having them tucked in tighter. Or maybe it's knowing that you're sleeping on something clean. Whatever it is, I'll take it!
Saturday, October 27, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 27
Today I'm thankful for...
The Vise Library!
The Vise Library is 23 years old today, and despite its cracks, crevices, and roof problems, it's been my second home for nearly 5 years now, and I really do like it. Happy birthday, Vise!
The Vise Library!
The Vise Library is 23 years old today, and despite its cracks, crevices, and roof problems, it's been my second home for nearly 5 years now, and I really do like it. Happy birthday, Vise!
Friday, October 26, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 26
Today I'm thankful for...
Hot chocolate!
On a chilly, rainy day like this one, all I want to do is curl up in mySnuggie blanket without sleeves and read and nap. Unfortunately, I had to work today and have plans tonight, so the next best thing is to make some hot chocolate and act like I'm up and moving around because I want to be...not because "the man" made me...
Hot chocolate!
On a chilly, rainy day like this one, all I want to do is curl up in my
Thursday, October 25, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 25
Today I'm thankful for...
Magazines!
Another one where I waited too late to post and am now about to fall asleep. Magazines are great, particularly the ones that come in a digital format as well as print. There's nothing like being able to read a magazine on an iPad and not having to worry about recycling it afterwards. That's pretty much the only green thing I do also, so yay digital magazines for taking that burden away from me!
Magazines!
Another one where I waited too late to post and am now about to fall asleep. Magazines are great, particularly the ones that come in a digital format as well as print. There's nothing like being able to read a magazine on an iPad and not having to worry about recycling it afterwards. That's pretty much the only green thing I do also, so yay digital magazines for taking that burden away from me!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 24
Today I'm thankful for...
Newspapers!
I'm in a time crunch today, so all I have to say is that I still like newspapers. Of course, as a librarian, I think I'm required to like them, but that's fine by me.
Short but sweet...just like me. ;-)
Newspapers!
I'm in a time crunch today, so all I have to say is that I still like newspapers. Of course, as a librarian, I think I'm required to like them, but that's fine by me.
Short but sweet...just like me. ;-)
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 23
Today I'm thankful for...
Will's new job!
Will is back at Amazon as a permanent employee, and I'm thrilled! He worked there last year as a temporary employee and loved it, but unfortunately, they laid off all of the temp employees after Christmas. This time around, he's in for real. He even gets insurance, stock options, and all of those other grown up things that other jobs haven't offered him. Plus, he's working days now!! After 8 months of the night shift at his last job, it's a welcome change! I forgot what it's like to actually see him during the weekend. =)
Will's new job!
Will is back at Amazon as a permanent employee, and I'm thrilled! He worked there last year as a temporary employee and loved it, but unfortunately, they laid off all of the temp employees after Christmas. This time around, he's in for real. He even gets insurance, stock options, and all of those other grown up things that other jobs haven't offered him. Plus, he's working days now!! After 8 months of the night shift at his last job, it's a welcome change! I forgot what it's like to actually see him during the weekend. =)
Monday, October 22, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 22
Today I'm thankful for...
Nuts!
Today is National Nut Day, and while it could mean a celebration of people you know (ha!), it's referring to the food. I love nuts- almonds, peanuts, cashews, etc. I also love peanut butter. Some nuts are healthy in small doses, but others have such a high fat content, that it's better to steer clear of them. Why must something I love be not so good for me sometimes? Aw, nuts! (I know, I know...)
Nuts!
Today is National Nut Day, and while it could mean a celebration of people you know (ha!), it's referring to the food. I love nuts- almonds, peanuts, cashews, etc. I also love peanut butter. Some nuts are healthy in small doses, but others have such a high fat content, that it's better to steer clear of them. Why must something I love be not so good for me sometimes? Aw, nuts! (I know, I know...)
Sunday, October 21, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 21
Today I'm thankful for...
Color Run!
Okay, confession time: last night I wasn't even sure that I wanted to go. I wanted to sleep in this morning and not get up and go do a 5K, especially because I've been having some weird knee issues this week. However, Will encouraged me to do it because I had already paid for it, and I have to say...I loved it! The Color Run is "the happiest 5K on the planet," and on the course, there are four color stations where people throw powder on you (made of cornstarch and dye). There were around 10,000 people who participated, so it was insane! We were in the last wave of people, so by the time we went through the color stations, the volunteers were just throwing the powder on us. Also, at the end, people were throwing powder packets everywhere. Let's just say, I'll be cleaning powder of out my nostrils for a week!
This is how we looked after it was finished:
Color Run!
Okay, confession time: last night I wasn't even sure that I wanted to go. I wanted to sleep in this morning and not get up and go do a 5K, especially because I've been having some weird knee issues this week. However, Will encouraged me to do it because I had already paid for it, and I have to say...I loved it! The Color Run is "the happiest 5K on the planet," and on the course, there are four color stations where people throw powder on you (made of cornstarch and dye). There were around 10,000 people who participated, so it was insane! We were in the last wave of people, so by the time we went through the color stations, the volunteers were just throwing the powder on us. Also, at the end, people were throwing powder packets everywhere. Let's just say, I'll be cleaning powder of out my nostrils for a week!
This is how we looked after it was finished:
The Color Run was untimed, and I didn't want to use my timing app for fear of messing up my phone, but I did some research, and I'm thrilled to say that I jogged a consecutive mile of it!! I don't know if I've ever jogged a mile in my life!! It was slow, but I did it! So yay Color Run for being fun AND for giving my first jogging mile!
Saturday, October 20, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 20
Today I'm thankful for...
Good deeds!
Today is "Sweetest Day," and while I have no clue what that is, it did remind me of how thankful I am for good deeds. Good deeds can be small, like letting someone get in front of you in traffic, or they can be monumental, like letting you use a building free of charge for an event. Both of those things make a difference to the recipients and the givers. So today, do a good deed for someone, and notice how whether it is small or large, it will probably benefit you more than the recipient!
Good deeds!
Today is "Sweetest Day," and while I have no clue what that is, it did remind me of how thankful I am for good deeds. Good deeds can be small, like letting someone get in front of you in traffic, or they can be monumental, like letting you use a building free of charge for an event. Both of those things make a difference to the recipients and the givers. So today, do a good deed for someone, and notice how whether it is small or large, it will probably benefit you more than the recipient!
Friday, October 19, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 19
Today I'm thankful for...
Mom!
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| Mom and I before the Turkey Trot in 2009 or 2010 |
Also, happy "3rd birthday" to my dad who had heart surgery 3 years ago today. I'm definitely grateful that God took care of him (and us) during that time!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 18
Today I'm thankful for...
Bananas!
Even though bananas are gross sometimes, I love them. They come in their own container, they can be mixed with other foods (like peanut butter!), and they're great to blend into smoothies. They're evidently full of nutrients and stuff like that too, but who's keeping track of junk like that?
Bananas!
Even though bananas are gross sometimes, I love them. They come in their own container, they can be mixed with other foods (like peanut butter!), and they're great to blend into smoothies. They're evidently full of nutrients and stuff like that too, but who's keeping track of junk like that?
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 17
Today I'm thankful for...
Aldi!
I don't know if I should be telling people about Aldi because I don't want more people to shop there! ;) I love Aldi for things like produce, Greek yogurt, and (sigh) eggs. They have a rotating stock of some other name brand products, so you may not find the exact same packaged products twice, but you can always find staples, like veggies and milk. Also, if you're not satisfied with a product, they have a double money back guarantee where they replace the product and give you your money back on the product. I've only had to do that once with some funky pears, but I've had problems in other grocery stores too, so I don't think it's unique to Aldi. Check them out, but make sure you bring a quarter for your cart and your own grocery bags!
Aldi!
I don't know if I should be telling people about Aldi because I don't want more people to shop there! ;) I love Aldi for things like produce, Greek yogurt, and (sigh) eggs. They have a rotating stock of some other name brand products, so you may not find the exact same packaged products twice, but you can always find staples, like veggies and milk. Also, if you're not satisfied with a product, they have a double money back guarantee where they replace the product and give you your money back on the product. I've only had to do that once with some funky pears, but I've had problems in other grocery stores too, so I don't think it's unique to Aldi. Check them out, but make sure you bring a quarter for your cart and your own grocery bags!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 16
Today I'm thankful for...
My boss!
Today is Boss's Day, and although I'm like a boss (get it? There's my SNL reference for you today), I'm not a real, legitimate boss. Sometimes I think I would like to be the boss. Then, other times, I feel like I'm doing just fine in my little spot in the front of the office. So, my hat's off to the actual boss lady!
My boss!
Today is Boss's Day, and although I'm like a boss (get it? There's my SNL reference for you today), I'm not a real, legitimate boss. Sometimes I think I would like to be the boss. Then, other times, I feel like I'm doing just fine in my little spot in the front of the office. So, my hat's off to the actual boss lady!
Monday, October 15, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 15
Today I'm thankful for...
Dictionaries!
Tomorrow is dictionary day, and as nerdy as this sounds, I'm thankful for dictionaries. I love words, and I love knowing what they mean. In fact, I used to read the dictionary on occasion (NERD ALERT). I'd like to say that's the reason I'm a pretty good speller now, but we all know that it's really because of spell check.
Dictionaries!
Tomorrow is dictionary day, and as nerdy as this sounds, I'm thankful for dictionaries. I love words, and I love knowing what they mean. In fact, I used to read the dictionary on occasion (NERD ALERT). I'd like to say that's the reason I'm a pretty good speller now, but we all know that it's really because of spell check.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 14
Today I'm thankful for...
My pastors!
Today is Pastor Appreciation Day, so I definitely wanted to express how thankful I am for my pastors! I go to Joy Church, and we have 3 pastors: Pastor Jim (the main one), Pastor Dave (the associate one), and Pastor Rob (the youth one). They are all awesome men who make the church a wonderful place. I'm very grateful for all of the work they do!
My pastors!
Today is Pastor Appreciation Day, so I definitely wanted to express how thankful I am for my pastors! I go to Joy Church, and we have 3 pastors: Pastor Jim (the main one), Pastor Dave (the associate one), and Pastor Rob (the youth one). They are all awesome men who make the church a wonderful place. I'm very grateful for all of the work they do!
Saturday, October 13, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 13
Today I'm thankful for...
Pumpkin spice anything!
This is the time of year when just about everything is pumpkin spice flavor/scented/whatever, and I love it! I like the way it smells, and before I was doing my gym challenge, I liked the way it tasted too. :-p Yay for fall...as long as the weather stays in the mid to upper 70s!
Pumpkin spice anything!
This is the time of year when just about everything is pumpkin spice flavor/scented/whatever, and I love it! I like the way it smells, and before I was doing my gym challenge, I liked the way it tasted too. :-p Yay for fall...as long as the weather stays in the mid to upper 70s!
Friday, October 12, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 12
Today I'm thankful for...
Eggs!
Today is World Egg Day. Even though I generally don't like eggs, they are healthy and full of protein and all of that good stuff. Plus omelettes are pretty filling for breakfast. There eggs, that's the nicest thing I'm going to say about you...
Eggs!
Today is World Egg Day. Even though I generally don't like eggs, they are healthy and full of protein and all of that good stuff. Plus omelettes are pretty filling for breakfast. There eggs, that's the nicest thing I'm going to say about you...
Thursday, October 11, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 11
Today I'm thankful for...
Teddy bears!
Yesterday was Take Your Teddy Bear to Work and School Day (dead serious here...). While I didn't celebrate this, um, special occasion, I think it would've been fun to have seen all of my coworkers and the students carrying teddy bears. You never truly know a man until you've seen his teddy bear...
Teddy bears!
Yesterday was Take Your Teddy Bear to Work and School Day (dead serious here...). While I didn't celebrate this, um, special occasion, I think it would've been fun to have seen all of my coworkers and the students carrying teddy bears. You never truly know a man until you've seen his teddy bear...
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 10
Today I'm thankful for...
Walking!
Walking is such a simple thing, yet it really clears your mind and puts you in a better mood. I was so grumpy yesterday that I was determined to be better today, but then A, B, C, and D happened, and I let my circumstances control my emotions and was grumpy again today. But, after going for a walk this afternoon, I feel focused. I feel like my head is clearer and my attitude is better. It wasn't a long walk, but I think it was long enough to fix my mental state. I'm sure those who deal with me tomorrow will appreciate it.
But enough about me. Where is your favorite place to go for a walk? =)
Walking!
Walking is such a simple thing, yet it really clears your mind and puts you in a better mood. I was so grumpy yesterday that I was determined to be better today, but then A, B, C, and D happened, and I let my circumstances control my emotions and was grumpy again today. But, after going for a walk this afternoon, I feel focused. I feel like my head is clearer and my attitude is better. It wasn't a long walk, but I think it was long enough to fix my mental state. I'm sure those who deal with me tomorrow will appreciate it.
But enough about me. Where is your favorite place to go for a walk? =)
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 9
Today I'm thankful for...
People who use their brains!
Because they seem to be in short supply lately. Argh and harumph. I try to always choose joy, but sometimes my joy rope gets frazzled. Tomorrow will be better!
People who use their brains!
Because they seem to be in short supply lately. Argh and harumph. I try to always choose joy, but sometimes my joy rope gets frazzled. Tomorrow will be better!
Monday, October 8, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 8
Today I'm thankful for...
Columbus Day!
Evidently there's quite a bit of controversy about whether or not Columbus Day should be celebrated. Since I don't get a day off work for it, I could take it or leave it (kidding, kidding). I don't really participate in the controversy; I'm cool with whatever your view of the day is. Honestly, I could be just as thankful for Canadian Thanksgiving being today also. It's just that kind of Monday for me...
Columbus Day!
Evidently there's quite a bit of controversy about whether or not Columbus Day should be celebrated. Since I don't get a day off work for it, I could take it or leave it (kidding, kidding). I don't really participate in the controversy; I'm cool with whatever your view of the day is. Honestly, I could be just as thankful for Canadian Thanksgiving being today also. It's just that kind of Monday for me...
Sunday, October 7, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 7
Today I'm thankful for...
Saveup.com!
For my last Financial Planning Week post, I thought I would go with something kind of fun. Saveup.com is a website that allows you to get credits by doing things such as paying off debt and watching short videos about financial topics. You can use those credits to play games to try to win prizes or to be entered into drawings for prizes like a $100 deposit into your savings account. It's free and secure and gives you a little extra boost when you're trying to save money or pay off your massive student loans. Give it a shot!
Saveup.com!
For my last Financial Planning Week post, I thought I would go with something kind of fun. Saveup.com is a website that allows you to get credits by doing things such as paying off debt and watching short videos about financial topics. You can use those credits to play games to try to win prizes or to be entered into drawings for prizes like a $100 deposit into your savings account. It's free and secure and gives you a little extra boost when you're trying to save money or pay off your massive student loans. Give it a shot!
Saturday, October 6, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 6
Today I'm thankful for...
Emergency funds!
This is related to yesterday's post on Dave Ramsey. An emergency fund is a savings account that's earmarked for using towards those little life emergencies and unexpected expenses that seem to pop up. Since all of you reading this are grown ups (or pretend like you are...), then there's no need for me to say that wanting a new pair of jeans (or even needing them) is not an emergency. But there's my public service announcement anyway. Emergency funds are great because when something happens, you don't have to dip into your regular savings account or rely on credit cards.
If you need to know how to save up for an emergency fund, check out the picture below!
Emergency funds!
This is related to yesterday's post on Dave Ramsey. An emergency fund is a savings account that's earmarked for using towards those little life emergencies and unexpected expenses that seem to pop up. Since all of you reading this are grown ups (or pretend like you are...), then there's no need for me to say that wanting a new pair of jeans (or even needing them) is not an emergency. But there's my public service announcement anyway. Emergency funds are great because when something happens, you don't have to dip into your regular savings account or rely on credit cards.
If you need to know how to save up for an emergency fund, check out the picture below!
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| Infographic via http://yobucko.com/saving/smart-money-tip-build-anemergency-fund-infographic |
Friday, October 5, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 5
Today I'm thankful for...
Dave Ramsey!
Whether you love him or hate him, you have to admit that Dave Ramsey has made a huge impact on how people approach their finances. Terms like "gazelle intense" and "emergency fund" have entered the public's vocabulary as people strive to become debt-free and forever change how they handle money. I personally am a fan of his, but I don't follow his program to the letter. He has a lot of good, common-sense advice, such as not using credit cards and the idea of the debt snowball, so for anyone who is looking to change their financial blueprint, I'd suggest checking out his website, listening to his show, or reading his books (and you can borrow them from your local library so you don't have to spend money to buy them!).
Dave Ramsey!
Whether you love him or hate him, you have to admit that Dave Ramsey has made a huge impact on how people approach their finances. Terms like "gazelle intense" and "emergency fund" have entered the public's vocabulary as people strive to become debt-free and forever change how they handle money. I personally am a fan of his, but I don't follow his program to the letter. He has a lot of good, common-sense advice, such as not using credit cards and the idea of the debt snowball, so for anyone who is looking to change their financial blueprint, I'd suggest checking out his website, listening to his show, or reading his books (and you can borrow them from your local library so you don't have to spend money to buy them!).
Thursday, October 4, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 4
Today I'm thankful for...
Health savings accounts!
I'm new to the whole health savings account thing, but so far it's a good option for me. My employer puts $55/month into it that can be used for all of the IRS approved HSA expenditures. This allows me to have a specific account dedicated to health expenses, like co-pays, prescriptions, etc. I'm (relatively) young and healthy right now, so I'll take the free money each month. I might even be able to get glasses off of second cheapest wall next time since I've got this account. A girl can dream anyway...
Health savings accounts!
I'm new to the whole health savings account thing, but so far it's a good option for me. My employer puts $55/month into it that can be used for all of the IRS approved HSA expenditures. This allows me to have a specific account dedicated to health expenses, like co-pays, prescriptions, etc. I'm (relatively) young and healthy right now, so I'll take the free money each month. I might even be able to get glasses off of second cheapest wall next time since I've got this account. A girl can dream anyway...
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 3
Today I'm thankful for...
Employer matched retirement funds!
Boy, financial planning week sure does make for a lot of excitement, doesn't it? Regardless of how fun these topics sound, they are important and will be helpful for people in the long run. Take employer matched retirement funds. I work at a place that matches my retirement contributions up to a certain amount. It may not be a large amount, but it's basically free money towards my retirement. Let me repeat that again: free money towards my retirement. So, it could make the difference between me getting to eat cat food when I retire or premium cat food. Kidding, kidding, but it does make a difference. If your employer offers any type of matching, run to the human resources department (um, maybe wait until tomorrow when they're open though) and sign up for it!
Employer matched retirement funds!
Boy, financial planning week sure does make for a lot of excitement, doesn't it? Regardless of how fun these topics sound, they are important and will be helpful for people in the long run. Take employer matched retirement funds. I work at a place that matches my retirement contributions up to a certain amount. It may not be a large amount, but it's basically free money towards my retirement. Let me repeat that again: free money towards my retirement. So, it could make the difference between me getting to eat cat food when I retire or premium cat food. Kidding, kidding, but it does make a difference. If your employer offers any type of matching, run to the human resources department (um, maybe wait until tomorrow when they're open though) and sign up for it!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 2
Today I'm thankful for...
Debit cards!
I love my debit card. It gives me the convenience of a credit card but without the high interest rates and debt. Debit cards keep you accountable too (well, most of the time) since you can only spend what you have in your checking account. Plus, my debit card has a lovely picture of me on it that keeps people who aren't me from using it. Win win.
Debit cards!
I love my debit card. It gives me the convenience of a credit card but without the high interest rates and debt. Debit cards keep you accountable too (well, most of the time) since you can only spend what you have in your checking account. Plus, my debit card has a lovely picture of me on it that keeps people who aren't me from using it. Win win.
Monday, October 1, 2012
What I'm thankful for: October 1
Today I'm thankful for...
Budgets!
It's financial planning week, so for this week, I'm going to focus on financial related things I'm thankful for! Budgets get a bad rap, but they're actually pretty helpful. I always make my little budget/tracking spreadsheet, and even though I don't always follow it to the penny, it helps me stay on track and know how much money I have left to spend. It's also nice to look back and see where I can cut some spending or if I'm being unrealistic about how much I need to spend in certain categories (like gasoline usually...sigh...). If you're new to the budget bandwagon, check out Mint.com, which lets you categorize your spending, budget for goals, and other cool things.
Budgets!
It's financial planning week, so for this week, I'm going to focus on financial related things I'm thankful for! Budgets get a bad rap, but they're actually pretty helpful. I always make my little budget/tracking spreadsheet, and even though I don't always follow it to the penny, it helps me stay on track and know how much money I have left to spend. It's also nice to look back and see where I can cut some spending or if I'm being unrealistic about how much I need to spend in certain categories (like gasoline usually...sigh...). If you're new to the budget bandwagon, check out Mint.com, which lets you categorize your spending, budget for goals, and other cool things.
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