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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At least that’s what I keep telling myself.

Maybe I’m just bracing myself for the inevitable pretty white jacket and rubber room.

When I was 3 or 4, or something along those lines, I wanted to be a doctor.

Me: Mommy, I want to be a doctor when I grow up because I want to help people.

Mom: Maybe you could be a nurse. Nurses help people.

Me: I don’t want to be a nurse. I want to be a doctor.

It became more specific when my dad said I was going to give him a heart attack one day because I liked to hide then jump out and scare him when he came home from work. But…

________________________________

…as we all know, I did not become a doctor.

Fear is a destructive emotion. It keeps you from going after the things you most want. It can be irrational and illogical. It can be used against you by those who think they are trying to save you from yourself.

Over-thinking is just another way for fear to creep in.

Another way to distract.

It keeps you from doing.

It just keeps you.

Keep It Simple (Stupid)

• Get rid of unnecessary stuff [99% is unnecessary stuff, btw]
• Don’t buy more unnecessary stuff
• Get out of debt [student loans, ugh!]
• Get small-ish travel trailer and live the vagabond life [once kids are done with school, that is]

The funny thing about growing older is you realize you always knew who you were,
you just didn’t accept it.

The white picket fence was never my dream; that belonged to someone else. Same with the big house, the possessions, the fancy degree, and the corner office with a view.  Traveling, that was my dream. Kids, simplicity, and laughter. Cause I’m a big geek like that.

Life: It is about the gift not the package it comes in.  ~Dennis P. Costea, Jr.

Planning For My Midlife Crisis 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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The results are in…

According to AnneOnLife readers, Strawberry is the preferred flavor.

My favorite is a tie between French Vanilla and Orange Creme. Yum!

If you haven’t become a fan of Yoplait on Facebook yet, go now and get your coupon for a free cup of Yoplait Original yogurt.

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Create your own chart with the Pie Chart Generator.

What’s Your Favorite Yoplait Original Flavor? 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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I have a couple winners to announce this morning, but before I do I wanted to ask a question:

What are you looking for in a giveaway?

I have subscribers via email, RSS feed, Facebook, & Twitter. I list my giveaways on link-up sites. I made it easier (and more fair) by limiting the number of entries. And yet, I only get a handful, if I’m lucky, of entries into any of my giveaways. I have done some searching and find many entries on other sites for the same products. Some times it’s due to the many ways one can enter, but often it is many different people entering.

The form for entering is supposed to make it easier on you, the reader, to enter. I can assure you that it does not make it easier on me. It is actually more work on my end. Yet, I am disappointed at the number of entries. I would be happy with 50, but am lucky to get even 1 at times.

So, if you are reading this, please leave a comment letting me know how you prefer giveaways. Do you like many entries? What kind (follow, like, friend, subscribe, tell me something, etc.). I want to make this as easy and enjoyable for everyone because, right now, it’s not very enjoyable for me. Feel free to leave a comment on this post or contact me via email. Thanks!

So, let’s get down to the name calling, uh, drawing.

The winner of the Tie Buddies for kids is…

Congratulations Sarah T.!

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Note: There were 2 valid entries for this giveaway.

The winner of the 60-Day Trial to Declare-It! is…

Congratulations Theresa O.!

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Note: There was 1 valid entry for this giveaway. If anyone else is interested in trying out this service (see my review here), leave me a comment as I had 2 free trials to give away.

An email has been sent and you have 48 hours to respond.

Didn’t win? Want to win even more stuff? There are more giveaways going on right now.

• $15 to enGreet – send real cards through the mail without leaving the house (2 winners), ends 12/3
• Booty Shapers – keep your favorite boots crease free (2 winners), ends 12/10
• Twinlab Marine Friends Omega-3 Powder for Children, ends 11/21
• bookmark giveaways on AnneOnLife and look for these upcoming giveaways:
  • Udderly Smooth – originally for cows (I know), but amazingly great for us!
  • Shortcut Carabiner Keychain – great for the handy-person
  • Seventh Generation Laundry Prize Pack
  • Mozaik Prize Pack – plastic dinnerware that looks like fine china

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Winners: Declare-It 60-Day Trial & Tie Buddies 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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Sponsored by Tomoson.com

What is Declare-It?

Declare-It allows you to create and manage goals online, but more importantly requires you to add supporters such as family and friends to help hold you accountable. If you start to fall off track, your supporters receive an ALERT message. Supporters can leave comments or add incentives such as taking you out to lunch if you hit a specific milestone.

You can get signed up and set your first declaration within less than 2 minutes.

Whether you’re trying to get fit, kick a habit, or achieve financial independence, Declare-It gives you the ability to achieve anything.

Set your goal(s)

• Lose 20 pounds by the holidays
• Apply for 3 jobs a week until you’re hired (goal is 45 days)
• Clean up spare room (30 days)
• Write Thank You cards and mail (by Nov. 15th)
• Learn that new recipe for that special dinner (or by Valentine’s Day)

In today’s technical world having a reliable online goal setting tool in your toolbox is paramount. Whatever your goal, big or small, set it up and put it out there.

Choose your support system

At least 3 people, more if needed.

Family, friends, online or off, enlist their help. They will get an email and will login as a supporter. This is 100% free for them. They are there for you and should not have to pay to help. Your supporters will get an email alert when you meet a goal or fail to meet a goal. They can help motivate you by listing rewards for milestones or posting pictures to help keep your eye on the prize.

❀❀ Accountability, Accountability, Accountability ❀❀

Start getting things done

Choose your days and how long. Then take a cue from Nike and ‘Just Do It‘.

My Thoughts

Declare-It is simple to set-up and easy to keep up with. The dashboard shows your goals and where you are in reaching them. I can’t comment on my supporters {ahem} since none of them logged in. My suggestion would be to tell your supporters to expect the email and to please, please, please check it out and have your back.

I liked that you could edit your goals if they were too easy to obtain or were a bit out of reach. You can add as many goals as you need and list whatever support you need. Even upload images and sayings to your very own corkboard as inspiration in achieving goals you set.

Win a 60-Day Trial to Declare-It
& Start Achieving Your Goals Today (2 Winners)

Giveaway Rules:

Mandatory entry:

Like Declare-It on Facebook
OR
Follow Declare-It on Twitter

If you don’t have a Facebook or Twitter account, you may:
Go to Declare-It.com and tell me something you learned.

[may like on FB and follow on Twitter for 2 entries]

Please complete the form below to enter this giveaway.

If you have problems with the form, please send me an email with your information [be sure to include Declare-It Giveaway in your email] and I will manually add your information to the form according to the time stamp on the comment.

Giveaway will end on November 20, 2010 at Midnight EST and is open to U.S. residents, 18 years of age or older. Winner will be selected using Random.org. Winner will be notified via email. Additionally, I will post the winner’s name on my site in a separate post on November 21, 2010. Winner will have 48 hours from the time the email is sent to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Good Luck!

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[Product review & giveaway disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."]

Review & Giveaway: Declare-It & Start Achieving Your Goals Today (2 Winners) {closed} 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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