Sometimes I think I am a bit crazy for the way I think. See, when I think it is oftentimes in the form of a conversation, with someone else. Perhaps I am not the only one who does this; or maybe I am a few cards short of a full deck. Either way, this is how I think.

Making Mashed Potatoes

Tonight I was reflecting on my mother’s pot roast. It was one of the very few foods I absolutely loved. This was one of those meals I would eat well passed being full, and yet, I would go back for more. To me, it was just that good.

This then led me to another thought. Would I have enjoyed my mother’s pot roast that much more if I had known it was the last time I would ever eat it?

Maybe I would have savored it’s flavors more. I might have chewed a tad more slowly. Or maybe I would have ate to my heart’s content, going back for seconds and thirds.

Live Like There Is No Tomorrow

When I was married to my children’s dad we had but one rule: never leave the house without telling the other you love them.

No matter how mad we were with each other, we always said ‘I love you’ with a kiss. You never know when it will be the last time.

This brings me to what has been bothering me.

Yeah, cause I have these nagging things called feelings and they can sometimes really get in the way.

Last weekend my dad was in town. This is a big deal as he has never been by this way in the nine years I have lived here. I did not see him, though, and that was my fault.

Try as I might to justify my actions, I cannot seem to let go of the fact that I am certain I hurt his feelings. This goes against my careful nature and making sure I do not have those thoughts of ‘I wish I had not done this’ or ‘if only I had done that differently’.

I really hate guilt!

Do I always have to be the good girl? I am only human, after all.

Your Thoughts

Would you say you are more aware of how you are to others or that you just take each moment as it is and let your feelings fall as they may?

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Reflection: Would You Do Things Differently… is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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In case you ever wanted to know…

I hate driving.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I appreciate having the ability and freedom to drive; it’s the other drivers I could do without.

Here are a couple things to know when driving in rural Virginia:

1. Stop signs are optional. This is especially true when you have been stopped behind another driver for an undisclosed period of time and feel you’ve already ‘stopped’ for the purposes of this particular stop sign.

2. Yield signs mean speed up and make the oncoming traffic stop so you can merge onto the existing road. The exception to this is when getting on a highway, then a yield sign means stop until there are no cars in sight and you can slowly ease your vehicle onto the road.

3. There is no passing lane. All lanes on the road are for driving the speed by which the driver of a vehicle deems is the comfortable speed for them (within the limits of the law, cause no one is accusing anyone of being unlawful here). This means a driver may drive the exact same speed as the driver in the lane next to him/her thus impeding the forward motion of any other driver who may wish to drive at a faster speed.

4. Left turning vehicles have the right of way over right turning vehicles. This is especially true if the driver has been stuck at a stop sign behind another driver (see #1).

5. Parking lots are the grown up version of bumper cars. When driving through a parking lot one is to maintain a speed of no less than 10 mph while successfully not hitting any cars attempting to exit parking spots. A wee bit more caution is used when it comes to pedestrians, barely.

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In all fairness, the drivers in other areas may be just as bad or even worse. Then again, in other areas there are more people driving on the highways and byways.

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How to Drive in Rural Virginia is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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While commuting to work the other morning I got to thinking about how some people drive top speed to get to their intended destination while others stay closer to the posted limit. The same could be said about how many of us drive through our lives.

Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare?

The hare was going full throttle, poking fun at the slowness of the tortoise as he moseyed along. The hare even stopped to take a nap while the tortoise steadily kept his pace.

45 Minutes

I have found that no matter how fast or slow I seem to drive, it takes 45 minutes to get from my house to work. Forty-five minutes.

Yet, when I speed, especially climbing all of those damn hills I use more gas (mountain living is highly overrated when you have to drive 45 minutes one-way every single day). When you are talking 2 fill ups a week (close to $100 a week just for gas with the rising prices) this becomes a concern.

Growing up is overrated, too.

I was in a hurry to grow and I wasn’t. I was not looking forward to all of the responsibilities and grown up bill paying sorts of things. I was looking forward to working (crazy!) and having a family and being independent.

I was not interested in making a ton of money. I wanted enough money, not a lot. Let me tell you, not a lot has changed in the past 20 years either.

I want to be out of debt.

I was at one time. I liked it. My only major expense was my mortgage and even that was minimal; I would rather not have any mortgage. Yet, I know people who think it’s normal and almost necessary to buy a big house and have a big mortgage. They are hares.

Hares

The hares want [read: need] to make a lot of money. They want lots of things. Big things. Shiny things. Bragging rights sorts of things. All of those things come with a price. Many hares forget while acquiring all of those things they are also acquiring something else.

Indentured Servitude

Indentured servitude consisted of a worker (the “indentured servant”), usually from a foreign country, agreeing to work for a specific time, usually about 7-8 years, to pay off his costs of travel to the new country. Pay would be minimal during those 7-8 years, and might only include housing, food and training. The worker might also receive land for himself at the end.

- Conservapedia

Tortoises

The tortoise may be considered complacent. They want things like the hares do, but are not so willing to go into debt for them. They like shiny, but settle for slightly less shine. They take their time. They may seem to settle. Is it really settling if it’s what you want?

Hares & Tortoises

Hares want to go go go really fast, up the hill, on to the next thing. Then they rest. Hares are so far ahead then nap along the way. Meanwhile, the tortoise trudges along. Slow and steady [wins the race,right?]. Going the speed limit, maybe a little less. They take their time, never stopping, slowly moving along.

After all, it’s going to take me the same amount of time to reach my destination whether I speed or not.

I am a tortoise living with a hare.

What about you?

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I Am The Tortoise, Coo Coo Ca Choo is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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I had five goals for January. Some I hit dead on, some not so much. All in all, I am pleased with my progress.

A little recap if you will

1. Send out resumes. I started my new job on January 13th!

2. Drink more water, at least 4 glasses a day. I now carry a water bottle with me everywhere I go. I drink at least 3 glasses of water a day. No soda except for the weekends. One cup of coffee and maybe an iced tea, but mostly it’s just water.

3. Go to the gym 3 days a week, minimum. I made it on average twice a week. Not bad, but I can do better.

4. Work on book, 3 hours per week. Didn’t even come close to this one.

5. Organize my coupons. I did a little organizing, but this still needs work.

On to February

Continuing on with what I started here are my goals for February.

1. Workout 3 times a week, minimum. I am not giving up on this one. I have a school trip with Amanda in April and shorts will be my friend. Nuff said!

2. Spice up my veggie life. I love vegetables, but I pretty much eat the same ones over and over and over again. I want to incorporate more variety in this area.

3. Continue with the water consumption, limiting the soda. I love not having those extra empty calories and see no reason to go backwards when I can keep towards my ultimate goal of healthier, sustainable habits by the time I am forty. Only 8 more months to go.

4. Work/Home Life Balance. This can be tricky for a number of reasons. One, I am very all or nothing when it comes to work. Second, I just started a new job and I really don’t want to be that person who beats feet out of the office every day just because I’ve put in my 8+ hours. BUT… I have to find balance and not let one overpower the other.

What about you?

How did you do on your January goals? Do you have any goals for February?

February Goals: A Look Back & Going Forward is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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Happy New Year, everyone!

I hope 2010 was looked back on with fond memories and 2011 is a beacon of anticipation on the horizon.

As I have said before (and bears repeating again), I typically don’t do resolutions. Year after year I don’t buy into the hype of putting it out there only to fail miserably before the shiny glimmer of hope has lost its, well, shine.

And as Dwayne would say, ‘How’s that working out for you?’

Another year has passed and I still haven’t put forth the energy to work on a book project my mom gave me. I haven’t lost the 30 pounds that found their way back to me in 2009. I haven’t spent time in my garden or even outdoors like I always want to. No change in eating habits. No routine at the gym. No job.

I would say my lack of focus contributes strongly to my lack of accomplishments.

This year I am going to set out to reach some goals. Some will be long term and others short. I am going to take a cue from fellow blogger Rachel Wilkerson, set small goals and build upon them each month to get to my desired outcome(s). Hey, it seems to be working out pretty well for her and others, why not me too?

1. Send out resumes. Lots of them! I am no longer going to look in just my current area. I will branch out to other areas within my state and other states in pursuit of the right opportunity for me and my family.

2. Drink more water, at least 4 glasses a day. I have fallen into a bad habit of drinking soda at least once a day. I want to replace this with water. It can be plain or naturally flavored (no sugars or artificial anything). My soda intake will be limited to 1 a day on the weekends only.

3. Go to the gym 3 days a week, minimum. This is completely doable and I already know which classes I want to take and which days. I’ve stopped and started from September through December. Well, from here on out – No excuses!

4. Work on book, 3 hours per week. I can get a bit obsessive about things so I want to build slowly upon each goal. I also want to be realistic. The ultimate goal is to have a workable edit by summer (again, completely doable).

5. Organize my coupons. I will spend up to 1 hour each week on this task. This should keep them neat and help with my shopping budget. No more feeling frazzled or out of sorts when shopping.

I’m going to take things one day and one step at a time. Each month I will look back and add on until my goals are met. This doesn’t mean these are the only changes I will be making this month. These are the small steps to get me to my greater goals.

What are your goals for January?

January Goals: 1. Set Goals is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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Every year come December 31 there is a big push for change.

Let this coming year be the year you…

And every year people rush out and buy that new whatever-it-is that will help them finally make that change stick. this. time. Or will it?

At some point or other we’ve all gotten caught up in the thrill of the new year and all the promises it holds before us. Much like a do over from our youth when a game didn’t quite go as planned or no one could agree on the outcome. The new year is a do over for all of us (primarily the adults) who wish to do it differently this time.

Normally I don’t do resolutions.

This year will not be all that different with one exception. I will make one resolution. One big thing I wish to change about me and my future. One all encompassing thing to be the ultimate goal for the coming year and all that follow.

This year I resolve to start making those small changes that will ultimately bring me to the future I desire.

Vague you say? Yes, but vague with a purpose.

I have read and watched and listened and learned. Well, truth be told, I knew and tried and failed more times than I can count, but there is one difference in this coming year. In 2011 I will turn 40.

It is not about the passage of my youth, but a badge of honor of the years I’ve lived. It is not about reflecting on all of those things I have not done, but about working towards those accomplishments not yet met. It is not about a life half over, but a life with many years to come.

Turning 40 is my year of change. A change in lifestyle beginning with putting one foot in front of the other. Saying yes to opportunity when it comes a calling. Staying positive. Getting healthy. Taking time for myself and for others. One month at a time, one day at a time, one moment at a time.

Reflection: Can We Really Start Anew? is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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As the holidays approach many of us will be on the look out for the best deals on those tech items we wish and hope for all year long. This year I really wanted to buy myself a Kindle. I have been considering and researching this for a few years now and heard word of a great sale coming. Well, it came and went and I still don’t have a Kindle. More on that in a bit.

Next up is a laptop. Now, I love my MacBook and have no plans on returning to a PC, but my son is another story. He has to borrow my MacBook if he wants to go online for homework, research, or just playing games. Now I have to decide on what brand, cost, space, speed, and, most importantly, will it last more than a few years.

When it comes to holiday tech shopping I have a few tips to a successful purchase.

1. Do your homework. Before the big sale stares you in the face make sure you know what you’re getting. Not all e-readers are created equal and not all laptops are created equal. Don’t spend your hard earned money on something that is not going to fill you needs.

2. Don’t bow to peer pressure. Just because you hear about people standing in line at the electronics store hoping to get one of five laptops marked down to a ridiculous price doesn’t mean it’s a good deal. It may be, but is losing your valuable family time really worth fighting over something you may not even need let alone want? Just because Johnny jumps off the bridge doesn’t mean you have to.

3. Wants vs. Needs. Sometimes we get a little carried away with the holiday spirit. Advertisers work hard to get our attention and our kids start doing chores without being asked. It’s enough to make a sane person rush out to buy the latest video game system, add-on, or mega pack when we don’t even need it. Stop and take a deep breath. Ask yourself ‘do I need this or want this?’ If it’s a want, then you must weigh the cost and how much use you and/or your family will actually get out of this. There are many options out there, be sure to refer to tip #1 & tip #2.

4. Ask around. I really want a Kindle, but my daughter recently received a Nook for her birthday. I also have noticed many of my online friends have Nooks and a few have Kindles. Asking around to see why one was chosen over another will help me decide which one is best suited for me.

5. Don’t go for broke. That great deal doesn’t look so great once the bill comes in and you can’t pay it. Set a budget and stick to it. I know the news tells us the banks are tightening the credit belts; don’t believe it. They want you to shop and will make it as enticing as possible. So, whenever possible pay cash. If you must charge, then make sure you don’t charge any more than you can pay back in no more than 2 months time. No one wants to pay for the holidays all year long.

High Tech, Low Tech

No matter what you are looking to buy this holiday season, be sure it is what you want. Buying something you don’t need (or even want) just because it’s a “good deal” is not a good deal. And buying a high tech item like a laptop or an e-reader or even a video game system is not cheap. Make sure it is what you want, what you are will to pay, and what you need before you plunk down your money.

I still want a Kindle, but I’m going to wait a bit longer. Who knows, maybe I’ll win one. Wouldn’t that be nice?!

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I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Staples blogging program, making me eligible for a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

5 Tips for Holiday Tech Shopping is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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Having grown up in Florida I became quite spoiled with my never-changing wardrobe.

Sure, you may think wearing the same clothes year round would become boring. It wasn’t. I had quite a few clothes and learned the fine art of mixing and matching. It was easier from a storage standpoint as well.

Now I live in Virginia and there is the summer wardrobe, the winter wardrobe, and the in between need some of my winter some of my summer wardrobe wardrobe.

Learning to live with the ever-changing wardrobe

Not having the largest house (and a closet that was built for people with 3 outfits max) some, shall we say, creative dressing techniques needed to be employed. Ah, but creative is just a step shy from stylish, right?

Fun long-johns & tights
This is a great way to wear your favorite warm weather skirt (or any skirt really) when the weather turns cooler. Double duty layering: use a fun pattern to jazz up your outfit or show your holiday spirit.

Tank Tops Instead of Dickies
This great way to keep yourself cool in the summer doesn’t need to be relegated to storage when the seasons change. Wear under a suit jacket to add a little splash of color. Also great for under that too-low-cut-for-work sweater that you love so much.

Tank Tops Over Tank Tops, Too
Great for warmer weather, layering two contrasting tank tops spices up a rather casual appearance. Throw on a zip-up hoodie and you’re ready for that casual day on the town.

Double Shirts
Have you seen those great shirts with the little bit of lace on the bottom? Why not take two different colors and wear one over the other for slightly different take on an already great idea. Now you’re stylin’!

Sweaters
I love a great sweater! Some are meant to be form-fitting, many are not. But a size larger to wear over shirts, tanks, and even those form-fitting sweaters. Especially great for those night time strolls along the waterfront or down Main Street.

Leg Warmers
Not your mother’s leg warmers either. These are not those Flash Dance, sweat it out type of warmers. Now you can get pretty, whimsical, flirty, and even sophisticated styles to go with any outfit. Double duty layering: wear on your arms for added warmth and style.

Scarves
A pretty scarf can dress up that ordinary blouse. As an added bonus, the right scarf can be added to one’s hair for a completely new look.

Belts
The right belt can add just the right touch. Layer it over a dress to shirt up high or down low and completely change the waistline and your look. Use more than one to add a little extra something something.

Bracelets & Bangles
A little sparkle sparkle and a little jingle jangle is what some finely placed and delicately layered bracelets and bangles will do for you. Seriously, who says layering is just for the clothes anyway.

Comfort & Dreamy
Yeah, it’s not a specific item, but more of a feeling. Layer those comfort clothes: comfy sleep pants, warm socks, tank top under an over-sized sweatshirt topped with your go-to robe.

Grab a cup of hot tea, coffee, or cocoa and a good book. Now that’s what I’m talking about!

If you really want some majorly stylish tips on layering, you really should talk to my daughter, Megan. After all, she does for small town America what all those runway models do for New York City.

What about you?

How do you do layering?

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Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Cuddl Duds blogging program, making me eligible to get a $40 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Tis the Season for Layering is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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This past September I set out to paint my kitchen. What had been white [white walls, white appliances, white cabinets, white trim] is now a bit more appealing to the eye, at least to my eye. The end result is yellow walls to contrast all that white. Previously the only color was a rich blue in the curtains, which still remains and ties in nicely with the yellow walls.

These days I am looking forward to converting our kitchen table into an island. Something to add a little more functionality to the kitchen while not taking away from the openness of the room. I may even get a few kitchen bar stools so the kids will have a place to eat their breakfast. Oh, who am I trying to kid. It’s so I can have a place to sit while I’m waiting for something to finish cooking or even for while I’m decorating some yummy treat. Really, now I feel better.

There are other things I would love to do with my kitchen (cause I have one and know how to use it). Here are my…

❀❀ Top Ten Kitchen Wants ❀❀

1. Updated Cabinets. Preferably with see-through doors and off-the-counter storage for the microwave.
2. Dishwasher. Yeah, we don’t have one.
3. Garbage Disposal. Seems silly, but I would really love to have one of these for those foods that manage to escape down the drain.
4. Trifle Bowl. Really, Dwayne just spied a pumpkin trifle in our recent Kroger home mailer and wants me to make one. I’m game, but would look nicer in the pretty glass bowl.
5. Tile Floor. Ugly linoleum just does not do it for me.
6. Fewer Doors/Doorways. Let’s see, there’s the doorway to the mudroom, the door to our bedroom, the door to the basement, and the doorway to the dining room. Not to mention the window that looks into the mudroom (the mudroom was a later addition, but the window stayed).
7. One Big Sink. I really don’t like the double sink.
8. New Countertops. I don’t need anything fancy, but would love one that doesn’t have the sink overlap it. I really like the sleek look of the all-in-one or the over the sink. Oh, and I prefer butcher block (please).
9. More Spoons. Why is it we have a gazillion knives and forks, but always run out of spoons?
10. Home-yness. Yeah, I make up words, but I want my kitchen to be the heart of the home; the heart of my home.

What about you?

What is on your kitchen wish list? What would buy with $55 from CSN Stores? There are over 200 sites to check out, which means tons of ideas, home improvement, decorating, and just for fun items for you or that someone special in your life.

Home Life: Kitchen Wish List is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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Dear Blockbuster,

It does not make me feel special when you send me a “We Missed You” email only to find out you sent this same email to many other people. And to add insult to injury you send me a Rent One Get One Free deal. If you knew anything about me, then you would know it is a 20 minute drive to the nearest Blockbuster Express kiosk.

If you really want to show me you miss me, then why not send me a code for a free 2-day rental, so if I don’t make it to “town” the next day I’m not penalized. Now that would make me feel special.

Sincerely,

Anne

ps. Tuesday and Saturday are my preferred rental days.

Quickie: Dear Blockbuster is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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