Life With The Albas

Spending vs. Investing

2010-10-25T09:00:00.002-05:00

I looked at the price tag and did a double take. NINE DOLLARS for a tin of hand salve? I hesitated, wondering if I could find a cheaper kind somewhere else. Then my mind drifted to the conversation Angel and I had earlier in the week.

I am a self-proclaimed "cheapskate." I'll get it on sale, buy generic, make it myself, or do without to save a buck. But this "gift" is a double-edged sword. Sometimes I focus so much on the cost that I forget about the value.

Recently, Angel and I agreed to stop spending and start investing. Now, I'm not talking about savings accounts, CD's, and retirement accounts. I'm referring to intentionally choosing quality items that will give us the best value for our dollar.

We started by identifying what we want to invest in:

A healthy, whole-foods based lifestyle
Making a difference by fostering homeless dogs
Spending time with family & friends
Quality items that will last a long time and help us reduce clutter

Now, the key is investing in the right items. Sometimes, that means buying something that is more expensive than I'd normally buy.

Take, for example, our shopping trip to buy a new vacuum cleaner. With three large dogs, it's important to have a good quality vacuum. I'd spent months looking for one at Wal-Mart and Target, but I just couldn't bring myself to buy one that was over $100. So I kept waiting, hoping for a sale. Finally, we went to Best Buy and spoke to an associate who gave us a Dyson demonstration. Yes, Dyson - the gold standard of vacuum cleaners. The next day, we spent $450 on a vacuum cleaner.

I'm not saying that every investment has to be super-expensive. Sometimes a 99-cent item fits the bill. But some things are worth the investment. I can spend $100 a year buying a new vacuum cleaner, or I can buy one expensive, well-made product that will last years. (And with the amount of dog hair it's been picking up, I'd say it's worth ever penny.)

Gone are the days of buying cheap t-shirts and poorly made household furniture.

Now, we'll be saving our money for items that are truly worthwhile. And I truly believe that, in the long run, we'll save more than we spend.

That day, I bought the $9 hand salve. It saved me a trip to the doctor when it cleared up my next eczema breakout. Worth the investment? I'd say so.

Perfectly Good

2010-10-23T21:38:00.082-05:00

My blog has been woefully ignored as of late. I've been bursting at the seams with idea, but I've been busy. So, before I pick up the proverbial writer's pen, I'll provide an update on all the happenings in the Alba household.

Home
To be honest, there hasn't been much going on at home - because we're always at school or work! The first few months of the semester were difficult for me, mostly because I felt the need to "do it all" by myself. I quickly realized it was not possible to work a full-time job, teach 4 classes, cook, keep the house clean, and be in bed by 11 every night. For a while I felt like a juggler, and I was sure all the balls would come crashing down at once.

I gave up on cooking for about a month, and we ended up dining out almost every night. But choosing a new restaurant and scrutinizing menus for healthy choices every night turned out to be pretty stressful, too. Plus, we could both tell that we weren't feeling our best. Even when we tried, we weren't always eating whole foods.

A few weeks ago, we re-committed to a schedule and things are finally starting to fall into place. I'm back at the farmer's market every Saturday morning and cooking about three meals each week. Now that some of my classes are "repeats." I'm spending less time preparing lesson plans and studying my lecture notes. It's all starting to come naturally (finally!). That means more time to hang with my husband!

We're also fostering dogs after a short hiatus over the summer. Our most recent foster was adopted by good friends of ours, and we're excited that we'll be able to visit her from time to time.

Home life is good!

School
Angel has transferred to a local university where he'll double major in Applied Liberal Arts and Spanish. He'll be able to finish in the same about of time as his previous school, but with two degrees and about one-fourth of the cost. Plus, UCO offers more flexible scheduling, which means he can continue to work part-time while attending school full-time.

I'm still learning my role as professor. It's amazing how being at the front of the class brings new perspective to all those years I spent as a student. I find that I draw much of my teaching style from my graduate professors (did I mention they were awesome? because they were.). I have to be honest - I love teaching. Even when it's obvious that no one cares about a subject as much as I do, even when they all turn in horrible papers, even when I have to remind them AGAIN that plagiarism is wrong, I still love it. But that's another blog post for another time.

Work
I've come to the conclusion that I thrive in chaotic work situations. I love not knowing what the day will hold... working on five projects simultaneously... rushing to beat deadlines....the thrill of handing in a proposal. I was made to work in the communications industry.

I went to school for public relations, but I'm finding that I'm more of a journalist these days. And, surprisingly, I enjoy it. I've been with our publishing house for about five months, and it's been equal parts fun and chaos. We're all still learning our roles while at the same time taking on multiple big projects for the church. But I feel like I've found where I belong. I'm surrounded by colleagues who share my passion for quality communication services in the church. I have a flexible work schedule. I get to telecommute, travel, and video conference. I feel like I'm going to work every day to do something meaningful because I'm working on something that is much larger than myself. And I get to do it all with a group of smart, funny, fun-loving individuals.

Finances
This is the part that makes me feel oh-so-blessed. We've come a long way since this time last year! Our increase income plus a decrease in Angel's schooling cost means we are much more financially stable. In fact, we just paid off our first credit card! Looking back, I realize that I was very stressed during our "lean" months. But I would not trade one minute of it. I learned so much during that time, and I truly believe it made us stronger as a couple. Being on a tight budget helped us to identify what was important in our lives: friends, family, and doing work that makes a difference. It took a great deal of faith to get through those months. Every time I see the "extra" money in our bank account, I stop and thank the Lord, because I know none of this would be possible without Him. But I'm also thankful that He didn't just shower us with a bunch of money one day. I'm glad He allowed us to work our way through that situation - it was tough, but what I learned was far more valuable than money.

Life is not perfect. I still have my stressful days. I'm still learning how to be my healthiest. I'm still learning how to be a wife, a co-worker, a professor, and a friend. But I look at my life and realize that I really am content. I have a wonderful husband, a fulfilling job, and supportive family and friends. Life may not be perfect, but it is so very good.

A New Beauty List

2010-09-05T20:34:00.000-05:00

Some time ago, I posted a list of my favorite low-cost beauty products. These tried-and-true cleansers, shampoos, and moisturizers will keep you looking great without breaking the bank. And best of all, they're all-natural or organic!

Over the summer, I discovered some additional products that I'm adding to the must-have list. These products are higher-end (I get them at Sephora), but they are still very affordable and all-natural. Kudos to the folks at Sephora for humoring me with lots of samples and consultations until I hit on the right combination for my super-sensitive skin!

Boscia {Skin Care}
This all-natural, preservative-free line was made for people like me. I especially like their facial scrub, which exfoliates my sensitive skin without causing redness or dryness, and their eye primer, which cleared up an eczema breakout on my eyelids. Products range from about $20 - $40.
Korres {Skin Care}
My Sephora consultant helped me realize that my skin needs extra help retaining moisture. She recommended a fabulous primer by Korres that is silicone-free. Translation: it doens't set my skin on fire like other primers. It's about $35 but the tube will last several months. A little goes a long way!
Tarte {Makeup}
Tarte focuses on using naturally-derived minerals to create their products, which means they have bright, beautiful colors without the nasty chemical smell. Also, their packaging is fabulous. Seriously, who doesn't want to walk around with a denim mascara case?!?! I'm currently using their Facade Tinted Moisturizer and mineral powder, both around $30. However, they have a full line of cosmetics and I intend to try their eyeliners next.

A few things I'm still researching:

Dry Shampoo - The one I'm using right now works well, but my scalp starts to itch about midday. I need to find one that will dry up my oily roots without drying my scalp.
Regular shampoo & conditioner - This is an ongoing battle. Just about anything with parabens makes me look like I have dandruff. A Sephora consultant who also has eczema suggested Carol's Daughter products. I'm also looking into Wen Cleansing Conditioner.

PS - If you're interested in finding out what's really in your products, visit the Environmental Working Group's website for a list of ingredients and potential health concerns. I'm happy to report that the products I'm using all have a hazard level below 6; most are 3 and under.

A Little Help?

2010-09-03T22:40:00.000-05:00

School is back in session... for both of us. With both of us working and attending or teaching school full-time, we're finding that we're busy. Almost too busy.

One important item that has fallen by the wayside is mealtime. I simply can't find time to cook a homemade meal every night. So, I'm turning to you, my faithful digital friends, for help.

I need recipes, meal suggestions, and snacking advice. This semester, I'll only be cooking once or twice a week, and I need healthy recipes that won't take long to make. But I also need to know your favorite healthy meals at local restaurants, and your favorite quick and healthy snacks. So... send in your lists, your recipes, and your healthy advice. I'm all ears!

Hello Digital Freedom!

2010-08-27T13:27:00.000-05:00

I did it. Finally made the plunge. Yesterday, my husband bought me an iPhone 4.

Angel has had an iPhone for nearly two years. Oddly enough, I just couldn't bring myself to buy one. Oh, don't get me wrong... I love technology. I'd be an early adapter if we could afford the lifestyle. And that was my primary issue with the iPhone. I couldn't bring myself to pay that much for a PHONE.

After using his iPhone for travel, movie times, and restaurant locations, I began to think I could really use one. After all, I do work in communications, and a device that allows me to communicate without being tied to my computer can be handy. So I started to research. I decided if I was going to get one, I needed to know exactly what it could do and how I could really get my money's worth out of it.

Earlier this week, my employer informed me they'd like to take over my phone bill. Apparently they also think I need a smartphone for my job. :-) So yesterday, we went to the Apple store and I picked up my new all-in-one-device-that-looks-like-a-phone-but-does-so-much-more.

All that research is coming in handy, and it's only been 20 hours since I bought the phone! I've downloaded nearly 60 apps since I got the phone last night. Many are news or work related, but some are also for personal use such as health, pets, and finances. Fortunately, all the research I'd done meant I knew exactly what apps I wanted. I also have a "wish list" for more expensive and powerful apps in the future.

Here's where you come in. I may be a well-informed newbie, but I'm still a newbie. I'd love to get soem info from iPhone veterans. So... what apps do you like? What has boosted your productivity? What do you rely on to keep you sane? Keep you connected? What apps do you hate?

Over the coming months, I'll post a review of what apps I've decided to keep and how I'm using them. In the meantime, send me your app likes and dislikes... and if there are any you'd like me to review, send me those suggestions too.

Oh, and the $200 price tag? Totally worth it.

Travel Is Tough...

2010-07-25T17:06:00.000-05:00

... on your digestive system. Seriously. Have you ever thought about what you eat when you travel?

Last week, I was in Orlando for a business trip. It was hard to eat healthy... it seemed like processed food was in abundance but healthy options were scarce. Nevertheless, I did my best. And I learned a few things along the way.

Eat Light When You Travel
I get airsick pretty easily. In the past, my travel options included a breakfast burrito and large soda from Sonic, followed by peanuts or pretzels and another Coke on the plane. I thought all the salt and carbonated fizz would fend off airsickness. This time, I had a fruit smoothie pre-flight and water during the flight. I snacked on almonds during the last leg of the trip. I found that eating light, raw foods and drinking plenty of water helped me feel much better in the air. Plus, I didn't get leg cramps like I have in the past - probably because I added a potassium-loaded banana to my smoothie. No more pre-flight breakfast burritos for me!
Bring Your Own Snacks
I brought a few, but I should have packed more. I didn't have a vehicle, so my options were limited to room service, hotel restaurants, and the hotel gift shop... all of which were ridiculously expensive. Next time, I'll bring a cooler packed with fruit, juices, and other healthy items.
Prepare to Spend More
Because I'm trying to eat more fruit, my usual AM routine is a big fruit smoothie for breakfast, followed by yogurt & granola for a mid-morning snack. It's healthy and inexpensive. But I was so frustrated by the high prices of room service ($12 for fruit!?!?) that I skipped breakfast altogether for a couple days. The result? I was tired, cranky, and stressed out. Then I learned that the hotel bistro would make specialty smoothies for $5. Yes, it was expensive, but it was worth it.
Think Before You Eat
Eating at restaurants can be tough. But if you study the menu, you can find something healthy. Look for dishes with lots of vegetables. Ask if you can substitute an unhealthy side with a salad or steamed veggies. Buy grilled, not fried. Hold the mayo, salad dressing, and other condiments. Eat half of the food and get the rest of it to go. Say no to fatty appetizers and dessert. It's possible if you take time to think!
Find Inspiration
I'm new to this healthy eating thing, and I got frustrated a few times. Fortunately, three other people on the trip were vegetarians. When I couldn't figure out what to eat, I looked to them for inspiration.
Someone on your trip is bound to be a healthy or adventurous eater. Watch what that person eats. Ask for suggestions.
Don't Beat Yourself Up
Our first day in Orlando, I had Chick-Fil-A nuggets and fries for lunch. Not the worst meal, but definitely not the best. But I didn't get angry with myself. I practiced the above steps for the rest of the week. The next time we had Chick-Fil-A, I ordered a chicken tender salad and went light on the dressing.
You aren't going to have the perfect healthy meal every time. That doesn't even happen at home! So why expect it to happen on the road? Do the best you can and don't beat yourself up over a few less-than-ideal choices.

Overall, I feel good about the choices I made during my trip. And next time, I'll be even more prepared thanks to what I learned this time.

You Get What You Pay For

2010-07-17T17:47:00.001-05:00

Over the past few weeks, I've felt my body responding positively to my new healthy diet. The influx of raw fruits and vegetables, free-range eggs, fiber, and organic meat has led to more energy, fewer allergy problems and mood swings, and better digestion.

I've also started to notice that certain foods no longer taste good. Snickers, as it turns out, do not taste like chocolate - at least not once you've had real chocolate. Pringles taste like .... well, I'm not sure. I just know they don't taste like potatoes.

There are times when I slip up, and I try not to beat myself up for it. Besides, my body now does a good job of letting me know what it thinks of junk food. Allow me to illustrate.

Today I had a headache. I knew it was probably from the caffeine addiction I haven't broken yet. (Hey, I'm only human!) I tried water, fruit, and other foods, but it only got worse. I finally gave in and bought a soda. My body was fine with that - again, I haven't tried to break that addiction yet. However, by the time I bought the soda my headache was so bad that I was nauseated. So I turned to my usual "sick" food: McDonald's fries. I bought an order of small fries, knowing that it wasn't good for my digestive system but desperately wanting to feel better.

It took just five minutes for my body to stage a full-on revolt.

At first, I was fine. The nausea subsided and my headache began to dull. Then, suddenly, I was hit with stomach cramps. These continued for several minutes. Then the nausea hit again - worse than before. It was all I could do not to leave my grocery cart in the middle of the aisle, bolt for the door, and drive home as quickly as possible.

After several minutes, the initial shock subsided and my body began the difficult task of breaking down foreign substances... which led to upset stomach. By the time I got home, all I wanted was water and a big ole' raw salad.

I've heard of people having serious reactions to processed food once they've cleansed their bodies, but I've never had it happen to me. I can tell you now, one experience is enough. The $1.08 I spent on a small order of fries taught me a valuable lesson.

Think one bite won't hurt? Think again... and listen to what your body is saying.

Teach Your Teen to Eat

2010-07-17T17:27:00.000-05:00

Angel and I have a tradition. Every summer, his youngest brother Aaron comes to stay with us for a week. We try to use these times to teach Aaron important life lessons and introduce him to new ideas.

This summer, I wanted to use the opportunity to teach Aaron about food. He grew up in the city and his family eats out a lot, so I knew his "food knowledge" was limited. At the same time, I didn't want to force him to try weird foods or to criticize his family's food habits. I wanted to introduce him to new foods and provide a positive educational experience.

If you have a picky teen, here are ways you can improve their eating habits:

Make it fun.
We started the week by taking Aaron to some of our favorite restaurants. Not all of it was healthy (hello, chocolate fondue), but it gave him the opportunity to explore foods he'd never tried. This made him more open to the "weird" foods he tried later in the week.
Model the Lifestyle.
If we told Aaron to eat it, so did we. In fact, having a teenager around made me more aware of my food choices. I was more likely to choose a healthy snack because I wanted to model healthy eating for Aaron.
Let them Learn.
Aaron went with me to the farmer's market. He told me later that he expected it to be a boring trip but had fun. While we were there, I asked him what he wanted to eat, and I let him pick out fruits and vegetables. I chatted with vendors and asked questions about their food while he listened. The result? He was eager to try everything we bought at the market. The trip also prompted him to ask questions about where meat comes from, why we don't eat processed foods, and what foods are healthy. Later, he recounted the entire day, detail by detail, for Angel.
Give them Options.
Aaron's parents sent some "snack food" with him - EZ Mac, cookies, potato chips, etc. I never told him not to eat it. But I noticed that he didn't eat much of it because we had healthy, tasty alternatives in the house. Who wants Nutty Bars when you can have homemade yogurt and organic fruit?
We also presented healthy alternatives to some of his favorite snacks. For example, we added fruit, granola,and organic dark chocolate to vanilla ice cream. He said it was delicious.
Watch and Learn
During Aaron's stay, we watched a documentary about Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Aaron really enjoyed it, and he got to learn some lessons about being socially conscious while he was entertained.
Be Honest.
I did not lie if Aaron asked me about his eating habits. But I also did not criticize them. Everyone has the right to choose how they eat, and I respect that. My goal is to educate, not criticize.
What I did offer was advice that would help Aaron make good choices: the importance of eating breakfast; why we need more fruit in our diets; how to read ingredients and make informed decisions about food. I knew he was listening when he brought me a box of chocolate Wheaties and asked if I would read the ingredient list.

I only had a week and a half to introduce Aaron to new eating habits. Will it stick? I don't know, but I hope at least some of it will. At the least, I was able to provide him with healthy, tasty meals that introduced him to a variety of fruits, veggies, and healthy snack options. Mission accomplished.

In Defense of Breaks

2010-07-13T16:36:00.001-05:00

I have always been an overachiever. I was the kid who thought a "B" was the same as an "F" in school. If I was going to do something, it needed to be the best (even though I probably waited until the last minute to do it.)

That same sense of over-achievement followed me into my career. At first, I embraced it. I didn't take lunch breaks. When everyone else was talking, I was working. I came in early. I stayed late. I thought that working harder, faster, and longer than everyone else would make my employer proud and make me the best worker in the organization.

I was wrong.

After a few years of constantly overworking myself, I became frustrated, disillusioned, burned out, and physically sick... which led to lowered productivity and more time away from work. Eventually, I hated my job so much that I changed careers entirely.

Studies show that humans are not wired to work like robots. And yet we try to. We think that because our computers and phones can automate processes, we should too.

The second time around, I learned my lesson. I take a lunch break . I go on vacation. I try to have a more creative work space (see my previous post about pizza, laptops, and going barefoot at work.) I get up and go for a walk if I hit a mental roadblock. I chat with coworkers from other departments. I brainstorm with others to find creative solutions to challenges. I eat better. I go to the chiropractor regularly.

I've found that, by taking care of myself, I'm a better worker. I can do more quality work in less time. Creative people like myself need time to chat. When it looks like we're "goofing off," we're actually solving problems or coming up with creative ideas for our next project. Collaboration is important. We're not robots.

The greatest lesson I learned from my frustration is this: no job is worth sacrificing your family, your sanity, or your health. If you are doing this to yourself, stop immediately. If your employer requires this from you, get another job as soon as possible.

The next time you feel overwhelmed at work, take a break. Go for a walk. Chat with a coworker. Get on Facebook. Give your brain a few minutes to refocus.

Now if you'll excuse me, my break's over. Time to finish that project I've been working on all day.

Changes

2010-07-12T12:00:00.004-05:00

When we started our journey to a greener life, I really expected basic changes - organic food, natural cleaning products, etc. But this time around has been different.

I find myself doing more research and really caring about what we're eating, drinking, and breathing in. I have become obsessed with making my family healthier. And I don't think this is a fad.

My research raised valid concerns about processed food. So much of the nutrients are stripped out of what we buy in grocery stores today. I find that I'm feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally when I buy and eat food that is locally and responsibly grown. Being able to talk to the person who picked that tomato, being able to ask the farmer what he feeds his cows and what steps he takes to ensure humane slaughter, being able to ask advice from the woman who made soap by hand... all this has changed my perspective on food.

My brother-in-law is visiting this week, and I took him with me to the farmer's market. Aaron,who is 14, lives in the city and he hasn't had many opportunities to learn about food. He wasn't looking forward to the mandatory shopping trip, but once we got there he was fascinated. He even told me, "This isn't as boring as I thought it would be!" I knew the trip was a success when he started asking questions about pasteurization, processing, free-range, etc. When we got home, he shared every detail of the trip with Angel, who was thrilled that Aaron had taken an interest in the origins of food.

If you haven't taken a good, hard look at your food lately, I encourage you to do so. You don't have to be a "greenie" like me. But at least read labels, ask questions, do research, and try something new. You may be surprised by the changes it sparks in you.

Reality

2010-07-11T12:00:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago, I encountered a bump on the road to true green-ness. After about a week of carefully monitoring my diet and water intake, greening my house, and getting into a routine, we went on a mini-vacation.

Four days of eating gourmet food, late nights, and unscheduled fun took its toll on me. By the time we got home, I was bloated, tired, and stressed. The stress continued through the workweek as I realized I had no groceries (we were out of town on farmer's market day), a dirty house, and more chores than I could feasibly accomplish.

When this happens, I have to give myself a "time out." I have come to realize that the road to green is filled with bumps and curves. Such is life. I will not always make it to the farmer's market. My family will not always get to eat a homemade vegan meal. I will occasionally need an extra soda to get through the day.

All too often, we punish ourselves for not meeting impossible goals. Even if you aren't a "greenie" like me, you've probably done the same with your diet, parenting, house, school, work project... the list could go on forever.

What I've come to realize is that there is a balance I must find. Yes, it is important for us to be green and healthy. But it is equally important to spend quality time with friends and family, to get away from our routines, and to enjoy ourselves. Our mini-vacation taught me that I have to be prepared to let go sometimes. This does not make it okay to eat doughnuts nonstop on vacation. But it is okay to have an extra scoop of ice cream or try a new item at a restaurant. Moderation is the key.

It has taken over a week to get back into my routine. Rather than be frustrated with myself, I have ~~taken~~ tried to use this opportunity to observe and learn for the future. Hopefully, the next time we go on vacation, I'll be better prepared.

Professional Me

2010-07-10T23:41:00.001-05:00

I'm sitting on the floor, barefoot, eating pizza, typing away on my laptop. No, I'm not in my living room. I'm in my office. As in my "40-hours-a-week, get paid to do your job" office.

My work environment is very conservative and traditional... which is what makes the above image even more bizarre. But before you think I've lost my mind, let me explain.

I have never been a "desk person." From the time I started school, I did my homework in bed, on the floor... anywhere but at a desk or table. In school, I was that kid who always sat cross-legged in the chair. Desks just weren't comfortable to me. Mind you, this is not a refusal to conform on my part. I've tried. But for all my trying, I just don't like desks. And as far as my parents were concerned, that was okay. I made good grades and always got positive comments from my teachers. No one really cared about my distaste for desks.

When I started my first real job at 21, I spent most of my time traveling. When I was in the office, I shared a space with 3 other recruiters. It was fun to bounce ideas off other people, chat while working, and decorate my little cubicle. And, yes, I still sat in the chair cross-legged.

Fast-forward six years. I just moved from a desk in an open area into my own office, and it's rather large. It also has a big glass panel, and everyone can see me as soon as they walk into our suite. I have to admit that I love having my own workspace. Sitting in the middle of an open room was very distracting for me. I was often frustrated because I felt I had no privacy and nowhere to go. Having a private workspace that allows me to shut the door for conversations, heavy workloads, or even a bad day has been a godsend.

But having an office has also reminded me that I'm not really an office person.

A few days before the pizza-barefoot incident, I was working on several projects at once. I was on deadline, and I was stressed out. The longer I sat at my workstation, the more stressed I became. I couldn't focus. Then it hit me: I have a laptop. I have a couch.

I shut the door, moved to the couch, and opened my laptop. I immediately felt calmer. Because the couch is directly below the window, I had the additional benefit of being hidden from anyone who walked by. For several hours, I enjoyed uninterrupted work bliss. I was able to focus and meet my deadlines, and I was calmer and happier while working.

So, a few days later when I began to feel the stress of deadlines, I once again moved the floor. This time I was hungry, so I grabbed some leftover pizza and kicked off my shoes for additional comfort. And, once again, I was able to successfully meet my deadlines without getting stressed.

This is becoming a regular occurrence. Recently, a co-worker walked by and asked why I was sitting on the floor with a stack of papers. I replied, "It's more comfortable down here." He laughed and walked to his office.

I have come to realize that God made me different for a reason. That strange desire to sit barefoot on the floor in the middle of my traditional office is the same characteristic that helps me do my job well. And while some people may find it strange, I hope it will inspire them to look for new and innovative ways to accomplish their tasks.

With creative people, our gifts are accompanied by a few quirks. I have learned to accept my quirks, and I hope you can too. If not, well... call before you visit me at work so I can put my shoes on and get off the couch. :-)

Gradual Green

2010-06-23T23:30:00.001-05:00

A few years back, I read the book Green, Greener, Greenest by Lori Bongiorno.

In her book, Lori encourages people to do what they can. So you can't install a solar-powered water filtration system in your home? That's okay. Try turning off the water while you brush your teeth instead. Her book provided practical suggestions and real encouragement. For the first time, I didn't feel overwhelmed by all this crazy eco-friendly stuff.

I'm trying to follow that same mantra as we attempt to re-green our lives. This week, I didn't make it to the farmer's market - hey, I'm only human - so it was back to the grocery store for most of our food. But I didn't sweat it, because I knew I could find healthy food there, too.

Maybe you're like me and you can't always go to the farmer's market. Maybe there is no farmer's market near you. Or maybe you're on a budget and can't afford it. If so, here are some tips to help you stay green and save green.

Organic First
Try your best to buy organic & local foods first. If you can't find that, aim for organic, especially in fruits & veggies. Here's a hint - if the barcode begins with a "9," it was grown pesticide-free. Also, aim for organic dairy and free-range meat if you can get it. Other great organic options include cereal and granola.
All-Natural is Second Best
Okay, this requires some label-reading, but it will be worth it. You want items that don't have high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, or MSG. Basically: If you can recognize every ingredient as something that comes from the earth or the animal, you're probably okay. Unless you're buying chicken gizzards or some other gross animal part.
Do Your Best
There are products in my cupboards that are none of the above. (I can't find organic enchilada sauce anywhere!) So do the best with what you have. Can't find organic yogurt? Then buy plain yogurt and sweeten it with fruit, granola, and honey. Or buy whole grain bread instead of whole wheat. Read labels - if anything pre-packaged has more than six ingredients, it's probably not good for you. And, of course, avoid processed foods. Try to buy more fruits, veggies, and whole grains instead.

So what's in my fridge right now? All-natural deli ham, Tillamok cheese, Simply Orange juice, Simply Lemonade, and a variety of fruits and veggies. Oh, and the leftover enchiladas from the Mexican restaurant. Hey, I gotta have my enchiladas.

Greening & Cleaning

2010-06-05T16:01:00.001-05:00

For several years, I was a die-hard organic girl & locavore. I even made my own all-natural cleaning products! But over the past year, Angel and I drifted away from the organic lifestyle. First we decided we couldn't afford to buy everything organic (finances) so we cut some of it out. Then it became easier to buy processed & packaged foods to stay within the budget. Then Angel started working at a restaurant and cheap food was at our disposal.

One year later, we're feeling sluggish, tired, and bloated. We've both gained a little weight - no doubt from the preservatives, sugar, and salt in processed foods. So I declared this our weekend of "greening and cleaning." We're spring cleaning ourselves and our house.

Many people who make the switch to organic are overwhelmed. Yes, it is more affordable than it used to be, but it's still more expensive than buying non-organic food. Making the switch the second time around was much easier for me because I knew what to expect.

Here are my helpful hints for successfully greening yourself:

Be Realistic.
I know our grocery budget is going to be high for a few weeks. This typically happens because new greenies want to explore all the new organic items out there: sprouted bread! seaweed chips! cane sugar soda! Plus, you're typically replacing all your non-organic items, which leads to an initial cost increase.
If you're making the switch, stick back a little extra for groceries. After about a month, the bill should regulate itself.
Green Gradually
I only replace food as we consume it. There is absolutely no reason to throw out all your non-organic food and start over. That, in my opinion, is bad stewardship. Plus, if you try to green your pantry all at once, you'll get overwhelmed. Start small, and pick a few items a week to switch.
Note: I broke my own rule this time since I'm a green veteran. I knew exactly what I needed to buy anyway.
Buy Less
Organic food doesn't have preservatives and needs to be used more quickly, so only buy the fruits and veggies that you can eat in a few days. Unless you're having 20 people over for a party, you probably won't used a 5 pounds of organic tomatoes before they go bad.
Cut Back on Meat
The Good Lord did not give us cows and chickens so we could eat a 22-oz sirloin and 2 fried chicken breasts every day. If you're eating more than a few ounces of meat a day, you're probably eating too much.
I bought 1.5 lbs each of beef and chicken from the farmer's market - both all-natural, free range, and locally farmed. This is enough to feed both Angel and myself for one week. Meat is the most expensive organic item to buy - cut back to save your health and your wallet.
Think Before You Buy
Organic Fruit Loops are still Fruit Loops. Don't waste your money on them. Instead, buy organic fruits & veggies, dairy, and meat. It's better for you anyway.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to have some organic Greek yogurt and granola. Here's to a healthier me.

The Thing About Getting What You Want....

2010-06-04T08:30:00.001-05:00

When we were on a tighter budget, I told Angel, "One day, when we have more money, I want to start getting my nails done again. It just makes me feel more put together."

And he said, "Okay."

So, when I got my promotion, the first thing I did was head to the nail salon. I got a pedicure and a full set of solar nails. Loved the pedicure. Hated the nails.

Those precious, wonderful nails that I had so coveted during my budget crisis now seemed silly. They were obviously fake. They slowed my typing. They clicked and clacked on EVERYTHING. They drew attention to my hands - the very thing I didn't want. I was embarrassed.

After four weeks of the nails, I had them taken off. By that time, they were so grown out that they were beyond repair. (I also didn't ~~have~~ make time to get them filled in regularly.) Angel supported my decision. "They just don't look like you," he said. "I think you look better when your nails look natural." We agreed to stick to the occasional mani/pedi for maintenance.

The thing about getting what you want.... is that you realize it was never really what you wanted in the first place.

Exponentially Blessed

2010-06-04T00:21:00.000-05:00

Angel and I have made no secret about the fact that we've been living on a very tight budget. And despite our thriftiness and conscientiousness, there were times when it was just plain tough.

Recently, however, events have taken a happy turn. First, Angel took a new job at a local restaurant. He's been working the same hours as his previous job but making about twice as much. Second, I got a promotion at my job, which came with a pay raise. These two factors have combined to create a significant increase in our monthly income.

Don't get me wrong. We're not living like royalty - we're not even close. But it is nice to have a little "breathing room" in the budget.

When our income decreased, we had a plan, and it helped us survive. Now that it's increasing, we have a plan, too.

Pay Down Debt.
With our new increased income, we'll be able to pay off two of our three credit cards by the end of this year. I can't tell you how exciting this is! By paying them off quickly, we'll reduce the interest we're paying and improve our credit score.
Save a Lot.
When we were on a limited income, we really couldn't save anything. Every penny went towards essentials. Now, we plan to rebuild the savings account we had before we were married.
Live a Little.
Being on such a tight budget meant giving up some of life's little pleasures - birthday and Christmas presents, trips to see our families, and even going out to dinner. Now that the budget has some "breathing room," we'll be able to do those things we love and still pay the bills.
Give Back.
We were so blessed by friends and family members who gave to us when we were on a tight budget! Now, we want to do the same. I recently planned a baby shower for a friend, and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed being able to pay for it out of pocket. We have other friends who are struggling financially, and we want to be able to help them as well, even if it just means taking them out to dinner sometimes. We see this as a chance to "pay forward" all the generosity we've received.

What I've learned the most is that it really doesn't matter how much money you have. Is it nice to have a little extra? Of course. But I felt just as blessed before, when we lived on a $40/ week grocery budget and spent all our money on the bills. Because no matter how much money we have or don't have, we always have each other. And that is the greatest blessing of all.

Is Free Advice Good Advice? {For Communication Students}

2010-05-14T18:17:00.000-05:00

Again.... another post for my communication students, but I encourage everyone to join the discussion!

In December 2009, Church Marketing Sucks posted the following:
Recently, a church in the San Diego area hosted an event, and then came under some heat. You can read the full story on San Diego's 10news.com, but here is the crux of what happened:

A church in San Diego invited folks to their Christmas program, including some 30 Muslims from their community. The program featured a traveling evangelist who described her conversion from Islam to Christianity, and naturally, encouraged others to consider the same option. When she began ridiculing Muslim beliefs and described the Koran as "nonsense," the Muslim attendees got up to leave. A shouting match ensued and the Muslim group vowed never to return to the church.

I encourage you to read their full post and the original news story before commenting.

The Questions:

How can we, the universal church, reach out to those of other faiths? What should we do when conflict arises?
If the situation were reversed.... if you, a Christian, attended a program where another faith was shared and yours was called "nonsense," how do you think you would respond?

Fear Tactics {For Communication Students}

2010-05-07T18:08:00.002-05:00

This blog post is for the students in my Interpersonal Communication class, but anyone can comment on it.

The video below is meant to "scare" Pennsylvania tax evaders into paying off their debts. Do you think scare tactics work in communication? Why or why not?

Also, do you think this is a Biblical approach to resolving conflict? One could argue that the tax evaders are "stealing" from "Caesar." If the government has tried sending letters and calling, is this an appropriate step to take?

Making a List

2010-04-30T15:35:00.001-05:00

I'm a list person. Prior to reading The Brazen Careerist by Penelope Trunk, I thought I was a list master. I was wrong. Penelope is the list master. So I decided to try her approach. After all, the woman has started several multi-million dollar companies and has a huge online following. So she probably knows what she's talking about.

Re-learning list making has revolutionized my day. I get more done in less time. I'm more focused and less stressed. And, best of all, I have a sense of accomplishment that comes from knowing that I can get it done!

Here are five suggestions from me and Penelope (in a list, of course!):

If you don't make lists, start doing it. Right now.Seriously, how are you getting everything done? If you're not making lists on a regular basis, chances are you're forgetting something. So make it a habit, starting now.
Your email inbox is not a list. It's email. Email is a tool for communicating and collaborating with others. According to Penelope, using your inbox as a list gives control of your day to anyone and everyone who emails you. So make your inbox and inbox and find a new place to keep that list.
Make a list every day.I used to make a list on Monday. When I didn't finish it, I crossed out Monday and wrote Tuesday... and so on throughout the week. Now, I make a new list every morning, because every day is a fresh start. I don't need to see what did or didn't get accomplished yesterday.
Some people prefer to make their lists the night before. Others write first thing in the morning. I don't think it matters. The point is that you write the list.
Get real. Make your list challenging enough to stay on task but reasonable enough to complete in one day.
I had a hard time with this until I realized the problem: I was using a full sheet of paper, and I thought I had to "fill up" the page to make it look like I had really accomplished something. So I bought a smaller notebook. Now my list is manageable instead of overwhelming.
Learn the power of One.What is the ONE thing you need to accomplish today? If all else fails, is it more important that you sweep the floor or that you finish your website redesign? Put the most important thing at the top of the list, and focus on getting it done. This will help you prioritize and delegate as other ~~urgent~~ tasks come across your desk. And that, in turn, will help you say NO to busy work.
You rule the list. The list can guide your day, but it shouldn't rule your day. You are human. Things will happen from time to time that require you to adapt. The list is there to keep you focused and help you see what you really can accomplish in one day. So, if you go to bed and that one not-so-important task is still there, let it go. There's always tomorrow.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to mark "blog" off my list and get to the next task.

Doing it Right

2010-04-06T19:33:00.000-05:00

When I see good marketing, I want to let people know. And recently, I've been very impressed with the marketing from Main Street Web Development.

Before I go any further, let me be clear: I'm hoping to win a free web site design, and posting this blog gives me another entry in their drawing. However, I wouldn't post if I wasn't impressed with the product.

Last week, I attended a women's conference and Main Street Web Development was there. Now that I'm taking more freelance work, I need a website to host my portfolio, etc. I recently got one up and running, but, hey, if a professional is offering to upgrade my basic site for free I'm not going to turn that down! Plus, I really liked their response card. I thought it was creative.

So I entered their drawing for a year of free web design. I thought nothing of it at the time.

Less than a week later, my phone rang. It was Heather, the business owner. She called me personally to follow-up. Standard business procedure, yes. But impressive nonetheless. She didn't call to pressure me into buying a site. She called to let me know how I could earn more entries for the contest (becoming a fan on Facebook was one way) and to find out more about my website needs. Before we hung up, she gave me a short sales pitch that was informative and intriguing - again, though, no pressure.

While we were talking on the phone, I went to their Facebook page and became a fan - two more entries for me! By the end of the day, Heather sent me a Facebook friend request from her personal account along with a note thanking me for becoming a fan of the business. Talk about good personal branding... this girl has it down!

Today, I received another follow-up via email. Again, no pressure to buy their service. The email was to thank me - again - for participating in their giveaway, and to offer me more entries. One was to link to them through my blog or website. Another was to reply to the survey question in their email. A third was another link to their Facebook page. The last was to buy a website through them.

I have also visited their website, and their product is as good as the sales pitch I received during my phone call with Heather. As a marketer, I am rarely impressed with new start-ups. So many people do it wrong. But Main Street Web Development got it very, very right.

So, whether I win or not, I'm putting in a business plug for them. I'm not getting paid for my endorsement, and Heather is not a personal friend. But she is a great entrepreneur,and I think her business has great potential.

If you need a professional website at an affordable price, check out Main Street Web Development. I hope you're as impressed with the service as I am.

And the Verdict Is....

2010-03-15T20:21:00.000-05:00

Last night, Angel and I decided to take the Domino's challenge. I've never been a fan of the company, but their recent ad campaign impressed me. So we decided to give the "new and improved" pizza a try - with a money-back guarantee, what did we have to lose?

First of all, their website is easy to navigate. Their prices were lower than other restaurants, and their specials were easy to find. Once we clicked on a special, the website asked for our address so it could locate the nearest restaurant to fill our order. The site did everything for us - no searching through multiple locations on a map like some other sites.

We ordered two medium 2-topping pizzas for $5.99 each. I was impressed by the choice of four sauces and lots of toppings. The photos on the site showed us how our pizza would look when it arrived.

After we completed our order, the total was easy to find and included tax and the delivery charge. We had the option to pay with cash or credit card - the site also told us that if we chose cash, we should be aware that delivery people carry less than $20 on them.

What really impressed me was what happened next. We entered our credit card number and hit "okay." Then, a new screen popped up that allowed us to track our order. The tracking bar on the screen was in four sections: preparation, baking, quality check, and out for delivery. As each section completed, that section of the bar lit up. Then, a memo popped up on the bottom of the screen that said things like, "Tim put your pizza in the oven at 8:36 pm." When the final bar lit up, we knew our pizza was on the way. And because we knew where the restaurant was located, we knew how long it would take for the delivery man to get from Domino's to our house.

Not only was the process simple and hassle-free, the pizza was great! It's obvious that Domino's has put great thought into this new campaign. I predict that with their prices, quality pizza and ease of ordering, they'll soon be at the top of the pizza chain.

Lessons Learned

2010-03-11T00:43:00.002-06:00

As I write this, I'm completing Day 23 of Lent.... no social media at home, on the weekends, or from my phone. I thought it would get easier as time progressed. I was wrong. There are still nights (like tonight) that I'm just itching to log on to Facebook and see what my friends are doing at midnight. But in the midst of fighting the urge to update, update, update, I've learned a few things about myself, social media, and human nature.

Social media has given us all ADD.
Growing up, I constantly had my nose in a book. Now, I barely have the "time" to finish a chapter. The problem isn't the book - it's my attention span. I didn't even realize how short it had become until I cut back on social media.

Lately, I've been devoting extra time to reading, whether it be a chapter of a book, an article in a magazine, or the e-newsletter that's been sitting in my inbox for a week because "it's just too long." I'm finding quality information, and I'm re-learning to focus on one task at a time, which makes me more productive and less stressed.

Don't believe me? Let me ask you this - have you READ my post, or have you SKIMMED it? (If you've been skimming this post, I dare you to sit and read it all the way through. It will be harder than you think!)
Even introverts need to socialize.
I am as introverted as they come. Going to a friend's house can send me into a panic because - gasp- there are PEOPLE there and they'll want to TALK to me. I love social media because I get the best of both worlds - I can be my happily introverted self while connecting with friends online.

But even introverts need to get out of the house from time to time. I've spent more time connecting with friends in person since I cut back on social media. I've also been more open to trying something new - going to a birthday party for my husband's friend or saying hello to acquaintances that I run into when I'm around town.
Words are important.
When you update your status all day every day, words lose their meaning. Angry? Update your status. It's no big deal because it will be gone in a few hours.

Knowing that I can only update social media once or twice a day has made me seriously consider my word choice. If this is the only thing you'll read about me today, what do I want to say? It's definitely made me think twice about complaining or posting negative comments online!
Try as I may, I can't get away from it.
I never realized how much legitimate work I do on social media until I cut back on it. Nearly every day, I receive work-related emails on Facebook. I've provided career advice for a college student through LinkedIn. Twitter helps me find articles and industry professionals who can help me be a better communications professional.

I expected my partial fast to show me how much I don't need social media, and in some ways it has. But it has also validated my reasons for using social media and choosing a career that relies so heavily on it. If anything, I have learned how to use it better by using it less.

My greatest lesson learned? Social media, like nearly everything in life, is best when used in moderation.

Oh - and if you're a chronic skimmer who just read my entire post - congratulations! The first read is the hardest. :-)

The Puppies Are Here!

2010-03-06T19:38:00.000-06:00

Meet Jake...

... and Dixie...

... our new foster puppies!

They are six weeks old and aren't quite big enough for adoption. While they are with us, they'll get potty training, obedience training, and socialization with other dogs.

Jake is a roly poly lap dog who loves to snuggle. He's still getting used to being away from his mom - he would do well in a home where he can get lots of attention and play time. Jake loves to play with other dogs and gets along wonderfully with our big dogs. He also has developed an affinity for smoked cow bones (courtesy of Big Brother Oso).

Dixie is feisty, independent, and a little bit prissy. At six weeks old, she already thinks she's the one in charge! She's not afraid of big dogs and is curious about everything. She loves car rides, wrestling with her brother, and chasing toes, shoes, and the hem of my pants.

Jake & Dixie will be ready for adoption in about a month. If you're interested, let us know and we'll set up a meet & greet so you can get to know them.

She's Baaaaack!

2010-02-28T22:11:00.001-06:00

Look who showed up on our front porch this morning!

She also brought a friend - a black and white pit bull who loves treats and attention. Fortunately, the other dog had a collar with a rabies tag on it. We called the number, got the owner's information, and a short while later we had tracked down "Dama's" real home.

Her real name is Molly and she was adopted from a shelter just outside Oklahoma City. Her owners live eight blocks away, and they said she is quite the escape artist (imagine that). She disappears for weeks at a time and then miraculously shows up again. This time, she took her friend Queenie with her, and she came to visit Oso and Isa (who were, of course, very happy to see her).

We exchanged numbers - the owners fully expect her to visit us again - and Angel and I promised to return her if we see her. We also told them to please let us know if they ever decide to get rid of her, as we'd be happy to take her.

For now, we're glad to know that the escape artist formerly known as Dama has a home. And, of course, we're happy to be her "home away from home."

Puppy Love

2010-02-26T19:24:00.000-06:00

We're becoming foster parents!

Angel and I recently applied to the foster program at the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter. We received the call last night that our application was approved!

We'll be involved in two types of fostering. This spring, we'll foster puppies who have been weaned but aren't large enough to be spayed or neutered. Each dog has to be fixed before going up for adoption. We'll keep them until they're large enough or old enough for surgery.

This summer we'll join a new transport program. The OKC Animal Shelter will send healthy animals to an adoption facility in Denver starting in June. However, the transport truck only runs once every four weeks. So we'll provide a temporary home for healthy adult animals who are waiting to go to Denver.

It's pretty obvious that we love animals, and our biggest reason for joining this program is that we want to help homeless animals find a good home. Both of our kids are rescue dogs (Oso was a stray and Isa was adopted from a shelter), and we can't imagine life without them. We'd love to have another dog but it's not possible financially. Fostering allows us to provide a temporary home for dogs without incurring all the cost - the shelter covers all the medical care for foster dogs.

If you love animals and are looking for a way to get involved in your community, I recommend joining an animal foster program. In 2008, eight million animals were homeless, and half of those were put down because there was no room for them in a shelter. Fostering a dog or cat can literally be the difference between life or death for them.

Will you foster a pet today?

He Thinks He's A Person

2010-02-21T22:07:00.002-06:00

Oso has a favorite spot in the house - the couch. He thinks it's "his" couch and that no one else should sit on it.
Most evenings, Oso will get on the couch when it's time to go to bed. Watching him sleep is like watching a person. He stretches out on his side, puts his head on a pillow, hangs his legs off the couch, and snores. Yes, snores.
The night this photo was taken, I thought it would be funny to cover him with a blanket and see what he would do. As you can see, he didn't mind - he curled up under the covers like he'd been doing this his whole life!

Posted via web from It's a Dog's Life

It Pays to be Nice

2010-02-21T20:55:00.000-06:00

Today, I made my weekly grocery run. As I was in the refrigerated goods aisle, I noticed Pillsbury Pie Crusts on sale for $1.50 - lower than even the generic brands at the discount store! I triple-checked the price, then picked up a box and proceeded to the check-out.

As I was walking to my car, I double-checked the receipt because the total didn't seem right. I realized the cashier had charged me $3.55 - more than twice the sale price of the pie crusts. I walked back in the store, found a free cashier, and showed him my purchase and the receipt. He called a supervisor, who checked my receipt and the sale price, and agreed that I was due a $2.05 refund.

She sent me to the customer service counter and explained the situation to the assistant manager. Throughout the process (which didn't take long), I was pleasant and chatted with the associate who had helped me by double-checking the sale price. Then the manager handed me $3.55 in cash - a full refund for their mistake.

It's easy to get frustrated when someone makes a mistake, especially when it could cost us more money. But being nice gets you a lot farther than being angry or rude. It could even get you a full refund!

Lent: Days 1-2

2010-02-18T20:48:00.000-06:00

The first two days of Lent have been... interesting.

At first, it was difficult not to jump online and update my status or check Twitter. In fact, I kept thinking of everything in "status update sentences." This was compounded by the fact that I had to check and update social media at work. (I know I CAN update my personal social media while I'm at work, but I wanted to spend the first few days of Lent away from it as much as possible.) On Wednesday, our fan page hosted a lively discussion of Lent, so I had to check it more than I wanted to. I found one quick remedy: I bookmarked our corporate Facebook page so I could bypass my personal page and all that juicy news people share online! That one simple move kept my eyes from wandering.

I was worried that my first night at home would be difficult, but Angel suggested dinner & a movie. However, after dinner I was tired and wanted to take a power nap before heading to the movie. We must have both been exhausted, because we fell asleep at 8:45 pm and didn't wake up until 9:00 the next morning! I never even took my laptop out of my bag!

I have also subscribed to a daily Lenten devotional from Lutheran Hour Ministries. The study comes directly to my email and provides Scripture reading and a daily prayer.

Angel also observes Lent, and this year he is giving up playing video games while I'm at home. I like that our Lenten sacrifices are helping us focus on relationships, not just with each other, but with God, our friends, and our family.

We're off to a great start!

Lent a Little

2010-02-15T22:53:00.000-06:00

Each year for the past six years, I have observed Lent. It began one February at Emmanuel College, when our campus pastor explained the religious season and encouraged us to observe. That first year, I gave up chocolate. It was tough! But I learned a great deal about sacrifice during that first 40-day fast.

Some people give up food each year, but I choose different "sacrifices" based on what's happening in my life.

During the 21-day Daniel Fast, my friend Rick gave up social media. I told him I'd love to do that as well, but I couldn't very well give it up since a significant part of of my job is to update my organization's social media accounts, blog, etc. I don't think my employer would like it very much if the company blog and Facebook stopped getting updates for 40 days!

But Rick's commitment stuck with me. What if there was a way to fast social media without compromising my employment?

I began by asking myself WHEN.

WHEN do I use social media the most?
WHEN do I used social media as a distraction tool?
WHEN am I on social media sites even though I should be doing something else?

The answer to all of these questions was: HOME.

I use social media sparingly at work, generally only when I need to update for business reasons. But at home, I'll sit online for hours just to avoid doing laundry or some other mundane house task. It's my "out" for all kinds of household chores.

The problem is that social media can easily eat into family time. Sometimes we get so busy checking up on everyone else's family life that we fail to invest in our own family.

This Lent, I will give up social media at the place where it's hardest for me to give up: at home. That means that, unless I'm physically sitting at my desk working on something social-media related for my employer, I'm not getting on Facebook or Twitter.... or Google Buzz, or LinkedIn, or YouTube, or.... you get the picture. That also means NO UPDATING FROM MY PHONE.

I'm sure some times, like weekends, will be more difficult than others. But I'm looking forward to intentionally focusing on quality family and personal time. Who knows... I may even get through a few books on my "to read" list!

What do you plan to give up for Lent?

Back to Two :-(

2010-02-15T11:58:00.001-06:00

Last week, we let Dama in the back yard and she ran away. It's been three days and she hasn't come back, and no one has called even though she has two ID tags on her.

We knew we couldn't keep her forever, but we were still sad to see her go. We're hoping that she found her way back to her first family.

It would be nice to know that she's safe and in a good home. We hope someone will call and let us know she's ok! In the meantime, I'm thinking of her as Dama the wandering spirit.

Posted via web from It's a Dog's Life

Are You Thinking Too Small?

2010-02-09T20:03:00.005-06:00

I came across this quote from A Course in Miracles and wanted to share it.

Our worst fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God; your playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some of us, it is in everyone, and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Are you thinking small? Or are you dreaming big?

Great Skin on a Budget

2010-02-06T19:43:00.005-06:00

I have eczema. So even though we're on a budget, I still need to take good care of my skin, and "green" products work best for me. I've tried a plethora of products to find what's best for my skin and my budget. Here is what works best for me without breaking the bank. If you have eczema or sensitive skin, or if you just want to go green without spending a ton, I recommend trying these products.

Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash
It has tea tree oil, which fights acne, but it's gentle enough for sensitive skin. It can also double as a body wash. The small bottle (left) is around $9 and lasts about two months. But the 32-oz refill is only $12 and lasts six months...that's the best deal I've found!

St. Ives Facial Moisturizer
St. Ives still uses mineral oil, but it's a great winter moisturizer. At only $5 per container, it's also a great deal. And because it uses basic ingredients, it can double as a body cream too.

Kiss My Face Peaceful Patchouli Body Lotion
Essential Patchouli Oil is great for people with eczema. This lotion is a little pricey ($11 for 16oz) , but it has literally cleared up mild eczema breakouts and rashes for me. Plus, it has a great fragrance and moisturizes skin all day long.

Noni Almond Oil
It works like baby oil, but it has no mineral oil so it won't clog skin. You can also use it as salad dressing, but I would buy two separate bottles for that. :-) A 16-oz bottle costs around $6.

Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Castile Soap
Is there anything this stuff doesn't do?!? I've use it as face soap, shampoo, body wash, and bath soap (not too bubbly, but it smells great.) It also works as laundry detergent, spot treatment, and all-purpose cleaner. A 32 oz bottle costs $13-$15.

The Laughing Rabbit Soaps
These handmade soaps come from a local couple who use all-natural products and essential oils. One bar costs $4.50 and lasts about a month. My personal favorites are Dragonfly, Patchouli Rose, and Above and Beyond. You can buy them online, or find a local soap maker near you.

Tea Tree Oil
This is my go-to product for just about anything antibacterial. Mix with castile soap, baking soda, and water to make all-purpose cleanser. Add it to a vaporizer to make a natural decongestant. It works as an essential oil in the bath. It helps clear up acne. I even used some this summer to clear up a minor staph infection when I was traveling and couldn't get to the doctor. A 2 oz bottle costs around $12.... but you need no more than six drops (it comes with a built-in dropper) for any of the above uses, so one bottle will last you six months to a year.

Family Vacation!

2010-02-03T22:46:00.000-06:00

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend Accelerant youth conference in Gatlinburg. My family came up to visit me while I was there. It was wonderful to see them.... we haven't seen each other since August.

Here are a few photos I took while we were waiting for a table at Texas Roadhouse. I thought the rustic setting was perfect for my aspiring-to-be-ranchers family.

Jonathan

Joshua

My dad

My mom (well, her boots at least!)

It looks like I'm the only one in the family who hasn't bought a pair of cowboy boots and a hat. Guess I'd better go shopping!

How Much Does it Cost to Feed 8 People?

2010-01-10T18:45:00.001-06:00

Last week, Angel and I hosted the National Championship watch party at our house. We invited six friends over, for a total of eight people. We provided the party food and instructed them to bring their own drinks.

So, how much did I spend?

A mere $22.25.

It took some creativity and unusual resources, but the spread was fabulous. I only wish I'd taken a picture!

Here is the food breakdown:

2 large pizzas ($2)
cocktail weiners ($5.75)
mini ham sandwiches ($3.50)
chips & carrots with veggie dip ($4.25)
pita bread & hummus ($4)
pears with mayo & cheese ($2.75)
pastry pizza & cookies (FREE!)

So, how did I do it?

I purchased several items ahead of time when they were on sale.The week of the party, I purchased the cocktail weiners, cheddar cheese, chips, carrots, veggie dip, hummus, and pears. Nearly all of it was on sale.

Angel picked up some pastries and cookies from another Panera donation to his work. The students were out so employees were allowed to take bread home (now I have a freezer full of bread again! Yay!). Then, we used coupons to pick up two large pizzas from a "take & bake" shop in town. We paid $2 for extra cheese.

Our friends at the party raved about the food, and best of all, it didn't break the bank! We even had leftovers, which I incorporated into snacks and meals for the remainder of the weekend.

And if my math is off, well.... now you know why I majored in English.

Have Fun!

2010-01-10T15:36:00.001-06:00

Check out this video from Box of Crayons. Wise words!

Reflection

2010-01-06T12:31:00.000-06:00

Today has been an interesting day at work. We were recently informed that our insurance plan was changing for 2010. Most of the employees are very concerned because it's a drastic change from the plan we had before. So, our executive leadership called for a staff meeting this morning in order to better explain the plan and answer questions/concerns from employees.

I think this is pretty standard at companies today... in fact, I'd venture to say that these cuts and changes are happening nationwide as we work our way through the recession. What made our situation different is that today is also the Day of Prayer & Fasting in our church.

Needless to say, after a long meeting about insurance, our leadership realized that we were not in a mindset to pray. They gave us an hour and a half of "personal reflection time." In a few minutes, we will head back to the chapel to begin a three-hour corporate prayer time.

After today's meeting, I was stressed and upset. Angel and I are on a budget and I have concerns about how the new policy will affect our financial situation. And while I don't have all the answers, the most comforting thought came from my supervisor, who said, "I have always maintained that the LORD will be my provider. I have never worried over my finances while I'm here and HE has always provided. I believe that HE will continue to do so. And HE will provide for you too."

So many times, that is what Angel and I have been reminded of... it's never about us, it's about Him. If we're where we are supposed to be, doing what we're supposed to do, we need to trust that God will always provide for our needs. HE has done that so far and I believe HE will continue to do so.

Now we'll go back into a time of prayer, where we will not focus on ourselves but on the needs of those we serve. I think it's quite fitting that after a morning of worrying about ourselves, we'll be focusing on others.

If you're worried, take time to serve or pray for someone else today. I bet it will put everything into perspective.

The Goal Post

2010-01-03T22:56:00.001-06:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, Angel and I have been working on our 2010 Goals. We have two sets: individual goals and goals as a couple.

Here are my personal goals. I'll be sharing more details about them in future posts.

Find a better balance between work and home life.
In a previous post, I mentioned that I'm a workaholic. I'm resolving to change that this year. By finding a balance, I'll be a better wife and a better employee.
Spend Time on Personal Branding
This goes along with balancing work and home life. Angel and I have a long-term goal of starting our own business. In order to do that, we need to get our names out there. I've done a fantastic job helping my organization with branding; now it's time to use those same skills to brag on myself. I'll be revamping my blog and social media accounts as well as taking on some freelance projects this year.
Get Re-Organized
Recently, my husband looked at me and said, "Where is the super-organized woman I married? What happened to her?" Working full-time, going to grad school full-time, and planning a wedding required me to be uber-organized. When the summer of 2009 rolled around, I found myself married and graduated. And I got lazy. Now it's time to re-organize my life - that's the only way I'll achieve these other goals!
Find a "look" I love.
For years, I've lamented my "look." Shopping for new clothing is frustrating because I don't know what I like or even what looks good on me. That's going to change in 2010! I'm planning to look, try on, cut, and color until I find a look that tells the world who I am.
Read More Books
I love reading so much that I majored in English in college. Sadly, since taking this job, I've let reading for fun fall by the wayside. I intend to change that this year. I haven't set a specific reading goal yet, but I'll post that when I come up with one.

What are your goals for 2010?

Can't Find It? DIY It!

2010-01-03T22:38:00.000-06:00

For several years, I kept my bills in a "Home Finance Organizer." It was a handy little notebook that contained pockets for each month's bills, along with a sheet for me to write the amount and due date of each month's bills.

Last year, I searched all over OKC but couldn't find a Home Finance Organizer. Instead, I used a different manila file folder for each month's bills. It didn't work. I struggled to keep track of which bills were paid and how much was due on each bill. As a result, I ended up overlooking a few bills and had to pay late fees. For someone who is trying to save money, that's not good!

This year, I resumed my search for the ever-elusive Home Finance Organizer. I still couldn't find one in stores. I checked online, and Amazon.com sold them for a whopping $15 plus $6 for shipping and handling. I never paid that much in stores.

Instead, I decided to make one myself. I purchased a set of dividers with pockets for $4 at Office Depot. Then I placed the in an extra 3-ring binder I had laying around my house. I also used an old pencil holder (custom made for 3-ring binders) to hold bills that have not yet been paid. Last, I created a pay sheet using my trusty Mac.

Total cost: 2 hours and less than $5.

The benefit of my homemade Finance Organizer is that I was able to customize the "bills due" sheet. Recurring bills, such as rent, are pre-filled in the monthly pay sheet. Now, I can see at a glance when bills are due and how much it will cost, which helps with our monthly budgeting.

I also added pocketed dividers for coupons, receipts, and important papers I need to keep on me (for example, a copy of my marriage license). Because I take my organizer with me everywhere, I'll be able to keep track of all my paperwork in one place.

What started out as a monthly bill tracker is quickly becoming my customized life planner! It's cheaper and better than the expensive options on store shelves!

If you could make your own life planner, what would it look like?

Getting An Early Start

2009-12-30T20:11:00.000-06:00

I went back to work yesterday after a ten-day Christmas vacation. Boy, that was tough! Although I like my job, I always find it difficult to get going after a nice vacation. But yesterday, what bothered me wasn't the fact that I was back at work - it was what I was missing at home. Angel is on vacation until January 5, which meant he was at home while I was at work.

One of my 2010 resolutions is to find a better balance between work and home life. I am a workaholic. (If you know me at all, you're laughing right now because that's an understatement.) I tend to stay late, work weekends, and take work home with me. All too often, that comes at the expense of time with my family. And with a husband who works two jobs and is in school, that time is precious.

With that in mind, I decided to start a resolution early. I decided to take my remaining vacation time and hang out with my husband for a few more days. And I don't feel even an ounce of guilt about it.

Why wait to start your resolution? If it's that important, why not make the change now?

Resolve to Make Resolutions

2009-12-28T22:21:00.000-06:00

Last year, I didn't make resolutions. Maybe I figured getting married was big enough that I didn't need to make resolutions. Maybe I was afraid I'd let myself down. Maybe I was just feeling too lethargic to make any resolutions. Whatever the case, I resolved not to make any last year.

Now I realize that wasn't such a good idea. I have no measuring stick for 2009. Getting married was a big accomplishment, and our marriage counselor had us set some goals before we married, but other than that I have nothing to gauge what I did this year. Lately, many of mine and Angel's conversations have started with, "I'm frustrated becuase..." or "I wish that..." or "Why didn't we....." or "We need to......."

So, for 2010, we're making two sets of resolutions: one as a couple and one as individuals. We're writing down all our goals and ranking them. Then we'll decide which ones are most important, and we'll write down how and when we're going to accomplish them. We're sharing our individual resolutions with each other so we can encourage and challenge one another to meet those goals. I'll also share a few of our resolutions on our blog so our friends can help us be accountable too.

This is the first time I can remember being excited about making resolutions. It's not the same old "get in shape, spend more time praying, get the house organized" recycled resolutions I used to make. These will be specific, achievable goals that will make us better as individuals and stronger as a couple. That should make anyone excited!

If you haven't made resolutions in the past, give it a try for 2010. I bet you'll like it.

A Case for Laziness

2009-12-28T22:11:00.000-06:00

I had a total of 10 days off for the Christmas holiday. Before it ever started, I had a mental list of what I was going to do: repaint Angel's office at work, get the house cleaned and organized, cook an amazing Christmas dinner, catch up on social media research for work, write lots of blogs.... and that's just part of the list.

I didn't get one thing on that list accomplished.

Two days into our vacation, Angel came down with some kind of cold/virus/sinus thing that landed him in bed for the better part of a week. Just as he was feeling better, we were hit by a blizzard and snowed in. So, for ten days, we laid around, ate junk food, and watched movies. We even pulled out the couch bed so we could "lay in bed" all day!

It was the second-best vacation I've ever had (the first being my honeymoon). I got to spend ten whole days just hanging out with my husband and our dogs. No buying groceries, doing the laundry or putting on makeup. No rushing to work, rushing to run errands, rushing home to cook dinner, and then rushing to get chores done so we can do it all over again. No worrying over budgeting, or what has healthy ingredients, or when we needed to be where. We just "were."

Mind you, I don't want to live my life that way all the time. But there is truly a time for everything, including laziness. Sometimes, we just need to veg out. I've spent the last two years working full-time, attending school full-time, and planning a wedding. My husband works two jobs and goes to school part-time. Believe me, we needed the time off.

At first, I felt guilty. Shouldn't I be DOING something? Then I realized I was doing something - I was spending time reconnecting with the most important man in my life. We had some great talks. We had some great laughs. We had some great date nights. We made some great memories.

This week made me realize that I need to be lazy more often. How about you? When was the last time you made time to be lazy?

Lamb

2009-11-29T21:54:00.000-06:00

Not long after Angel and I started dating, he suggested I read Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Friend. The author uses a fictitious best friend to take us through what he imagines might have happened during Christ's "missing years" in the Bible - ages 12 - 30.

At the time, I took religion very seriously, and I thought surely anyone who wrote a fictitious account of Christ's life that involved Buddha, kung fu, and corpse reanimations was on the fast track to hell. But Angel assured me it was not blasphemous and that my English major background would recognize it as a masterful piece of writing. So I reluctantly agreed to read it, praying that God would not smite me in His wrath.

I read the book over my Christmas break, and I literally laughed until I cried. It is amusing and imaginative, but this book is anything but blasphemous.

After reading Lamb, I walked away more convinced than ever that Christ was the Messiah. Moore's unique approach to the Gospel story forced me to confront doubts I did not even know I had, but in the end I saw that Christianity is the true way to eternal life.

So, thanks Biff, for sharing the "real" story of Christ's childhood with us. I never would have guessed it involved Buddhist monks, kung fu, or corpse reanimation!

If you dare, I encourage you to read Lamb this holiday season. Be open-minded. VERY open-minded.

I will leave you with one last thought: the author's blessing from the front page of the book. There is no better description of this book than his.

Author's Blessing

If you have come to these pages for laughter,

may you find it.

If you are here to be offended, may your ire rise

and your blood boil.

If you seek an adventure, may this story sing you

away to blissful escape.

If you need to test or confirm your beliefs, may

you reach comfortable conclusions.

All books reveal perfection, by what they are

or what they are not.

May you find that which you seek, in these pages

or outside them.

My you find perfection, and know it

by name.

The Halfway Mark

2009-11-27T12:16:00.001-06:00

As others are fighting the crowds and ogling sale items, I have something else on my mind.

Today marks the halfway point to my next birthday. And on my next birthday, I'll turn 30.

I've been thinking about this birthday for quite some time.... actually, since my last birthday. I was a little sad the day I turned 29, because I knew it meant I was now inching toward the inevitable 3-0. This past summer, I had a talk with my friend Jess C. regarding my fears about turning 30. She asked me why I was so bummed, and I said, "Well, I guess I just thought I'd be more successful by now." So Jess, in her wisdom, asked what my definition of success was.

In thinking about the answer to that question, I realized my definition of success was based on finances. For years, I dreamed of making enough money to pay off my unsecured debt, buy a house, travel at will, and buy a new car. I had other goals too - helping my parents with retirement, paying for my brothers' first car, etc. I just wanted to have enough to take care of myself and my family in any situation.

But, since I just finished grad school (that means more debt) and I'm nowhere near paying off my credit card debt, that's not going to happen.

Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I began to ask myself what I'll enjoy about turning 30. And in the back of my mind was an scene from "Sex And The City" where the girls say they're glad they're not in their 20s anymore. According to Carrie, Miranda, Samantha, and Charlotte, turning 30 means being comfortable in your own skin, being confident in who you are, and knowing what you want out of life.

So, on my next birthday, I'll be celebrating, not crying. I'll celebrate all the wonderful things that come with turning 30. And I'll celebrate all the things that happened in my 20s to bring me to the place I am now.

Starting tomorrow, I'll be closer to 30 than I am to 29. And I'll be happy about it.

Bring on the birthday!

Photos courtesy yahoo.com and joyerikson.wordpress.com.

The Loaves and Dollars

2009-11-23T23:00:00.001-06:00

One thing that has been difficult for me lately is trusting God with our finances. I know we are where He has called us to be, but sometimes I want to help Him along. Several times I've said something to Angel about getting another job to "supplement" our income, knowing all along that it's not what I'm supposed to do. HE wants us to put our trust in HIM, not in our abilities. Angel reminds me of this often, and he also reminds me that God has always provided for us. Well, this week, I got my own little reminder.

Twice this week, I was approached by homeless men asking for spare change. In the past, I would have run away or ignored them, but Angel's work with the homeless has taught me the importance of recognizing and helping those who are less fortunate. I didn't have much to spare, but I gave them what I could.

As you probably know by this point, we are on a very strict income, and of course that money was supposed to be grocery money. I was worried that with our cash-only approach, I wouldn't be able to purchase everything on the list. To top it all off, the store didn't have the bread I was looking for. I was pretty irritated that I would have to make a second trip to two stores to buy the bread we needed for the remainder of the week.

I was sitting at work today thinking about the errands I'd need to run after work - including that second trip for bread - when Angel called me. Panera Bread made a donation to their office this week, he said. The students are off this week so it's just the staff, he said. So they told me to take all the bread we wanted, he said.

What I needed was a baguette. What God provided was a baguette, a loaf of sourdough bread, two loaves of white bread, a loaf of cinnamon bread, and eight breakfast bagels.

A little later, I looked in my wallet and it hit me - the amount of grocery money I had left over for "bread" was the exact amount I'd given to the homeless men. And now I wouldn't even need to use it. I gave expecting nothing in return, but God gave it back to me and then some.

Blessings don't always come as we think they should. But I can truly say that His ways are better than ours. Instead of giving me money for groceries, He gave me five loaves of bread.

And I didn't even have to make that second trip to the store.

Faces & Places IV - Austin, TX

2009-11-14T15:48:00.000-06:00

One of my first "foliage" photo attempts. Taken in Austin, TX.

Another foliage attempt.

This photo was taken outside the Broken Spoke in Austin, TX. Angel learned to two-step there.

Angel took me to see his grandmother's old house in Austin. The new owners have peacocks!

Faces & Places III: Kids Are Cute!

2009-11-08T15:51:00.000-06:00

I love photographing children. They're so expressive and so much fun! Here are some of my favorites from times with friends and family.

One of the children who attended Biker Sunday. She wore her cheerleading outfit that day. Precious!

His father won the giveaway bike in 2008. His eyes were so sad... so expressive.

My nephew Cade... he's just adorable!

My best friend's youngest daughter, Jenna.

Jenna's older brother Jamin. Big sister Emma is sitting with Angel in the background.

My absolute favorite photo. This child was at an apartment complex during a ministry outreach this summer. He was talking to some of our volunteers when I snapped this picture. This picture really is worth 1,000 words to me.

Faces & Places II: Biker Sunday

2009-11-06T21:58:00.001-06:00

In 2008, I was asked to attend Biker Sunday, a yearly outreach hosted by Christian Heritage Church in Amarillo, TX. It made a huge impact on my life. I also had the privilege to attend this year's event. Here are my favorites from the past two years.

Waiting on the parade to begin.

Like I'd stepped back in time.

At this event, they do something called a "Biker Blessing." It's a prayer of blessing and safety over the bike and rider. This rider is being "blessed."

The burnout pit.

Another one of the burnout pit. I was so close I got burnt rubber in my mouth.

At the military funeral we attended. Beautiful sight.

My favorite photo from 2009. His road name is Papa Smurf. He drove all the way from SC to be part of Biker Sunday
even though he's been battling cancer. In this photo, he began weeping as the church was praying for his healing.

Faces & Places I: We Are Family

2009-11-06T21:37:00.001-06:00

I've never been big on photos, but a few years ago, I had to start taking them as part of my job. I found that I have a bit of a knack for it. Mind you, I'm just an amateur, but every now and then I look at a photo and think, Wow, that was pretty good!

So I've decided to share a few of my favorites with you. Here are some photos I've taken of our family.

One of the first photos on our honeymoon. Isn't he handsome?!?

This one I spontaneously took just before we walked out the door one day.

At the Gay Dolpin (A store) in Myrtle Beach. He was searching for the perfect hat.

My favorite photo of Christmas the dog. He passed away in March.

The man, the dog, and the river. Classic.

My brother-in-law Aaron during his first season of football.

My nephew Cade. This was literally a perfect backdrop for a photo.

Dining Out Doesn't Have to Be Expensive!

2009-10-26T21:55:00.001-05:00

Yes... my cheapskate methods even apply to dining out!

When Angel and I were dating, we used to dine out all the time. Now we're realizing what a waste of money that can be. We still go out to eat occasionally, but we've learned to be smart about it. Here are some tips:

Eat Local
Angel and I adhere to the "locavore" movement whenever possible. The basic idea is that you eat at only local restaurants and try to buy/eat food that is locally grown and produced. When dining out, we tend to choose a small, local eatery over a chain restaurant. The food is better, healthier, and usually more reasonably priced.
Go International.
When I first met Angel, I admit I was a picky eater. It wasn't just with food; I was even picky about the type of resaurant we frequented. One day, he convinced me to try a little hole-in-the-wall Spanish restaurant. The food was AMAZING. And cheap.
Try a "shady" restaurant, especially if it's international. Chances are the food's great and you won't have to pay an arm and a leg for it.
Check Twitter for Deals
Recently, I saw the term "Taco Tuesday" on Twitter. I checked into it and learned that a local restaurant offers tacos for $1 on Tuesday nights! Angel and I were able to have a nice meal, complete with appetizer, two entrees, and a dessert, for about $20 - tip included!
Start following local restaurants on Twitter, Facebook, or even in your local paper. Most places have a "special" to get more customers in during their slowest day(s) of the week.
Eat a Kids Meal
(Lisa and Ginia, I can hear you laughing now!)
Ok, seriously, this is less about eating cheap and more about your health. Did you know that a Kids' Meal is actually the correct portion for an adult meal? In fact, 50 years ago, the Kids' Meal was the adult meal! Save money - and your waistline - and buy small. And if you think the drink is too small, most places will let you upgrade to an "adult size" drink for about 50 cents. Note: this usually only works at a chain or fast food restaurant.
Go Dutch
When Angel and I check out a restaurant, we often find that the portions are too large for one person. When we can, we split a meal. And if you don't want to do that...
Get It To Go
Some restaurants will let you box up half your meal before they even serve it. Or, if they won't, you can ask for meals to be cut in half. For example, most places will butterfly a steak so you can save half for later.

If you're worried that these methods "cheat" restaurants out of their hard-earned money, I disagree. By being responsible with our finances, we're able to bless local restaurants with our patronage more often. Believe me, most places want repeat customers more than they want a one-time splurge!

It Changed Me

2009-10-09T22:33:00.001-05:00

Two weeks ago, Angel and I went to Amarillo, TX for Biker Sunday. This annual event draws a crowd of about 5,000 people and is an awesome outreach ministry for Christian Heritage Church. Their pastor, Gary Burd, is also the director of Mission: M25, an outreach to non-traditional people groups. M25 was having their national summit the same weekend.

That Saturday morning, we drove to the airport at 7:00 a.m. to welcome a soldier home. American flags lined the hallway of the airport, and we had several signs thanking the soldier for serving his country and fighting for our freedoms. When he walked into the hallway, the crowd erupted in cheers. He was stunned that 50 strangers would get up at 7 in the morning to welcome him home. If we hadn't been there, he would have been greeted by three family members with no fanfare.

Later that day, the same team drove 75 miles one way to attend a funeral for a fallen soldier. Once again, no one in the group knew the young man, but they wanted to honor him and his family. It was my first military funeral and I wasn't sure what to expect.

We were instructed to be silent as we honored this hero. We weren't there to cheer or even talk to the family; we were there to show respect. After we arrived, everyone grabbed a flag and several people grabbed the banners. The church has one large banner that says, "The churches of America thank you for serving." Then we lined the streets and held our flags at attention. This seemed strange to me at first. We drove 75 miles to stand in a street and hold flags? I didn't get it.

I have always been a moderate patriotic. I get teary-eyed when I hear the national anthem, and I proudly say the pledge of allegiance. But that day, I finally understood what that flag meant.

I watched as a team of riders led the procession. One horse was riderless to honor the fallen soldier. Next came the casket in a horse-drawn carriage. Then came the cars. So many cars. One of the first was a young lady with a baby in the back seat. I couldn't help but wonder - was that his wife? As more cars drove past, I looked at the faces. They were waving to our team, mouthing "Thank You" as they drove past.

Then I looked at the people holding the flags. Most were bikers wearing leather chaps and vests. Many in the crowd were veterans. I watched their faces... some seemed to be praying; others were fighting back tears. I looked at one rider, Poppy, who wears a patch in honor of POWs and MIAs. And I thought about the men and women who will never have a funeral, the ones whose families never had a chance to say good-bye.

As the final cars passed, an older gentleman who was attending the funeral walked up to one of our riders. I expected a "thank-you" or a "where are you guys from?" Instead, he asked, "Do you mind if I stand here with you for a moment?" The rider nodded, and I watched with tears in my eyes as an old cowboy took of his hat and stood silently, his hands trembling and his chin quivering ever so slightly.

At that moment, soldiers stopped being numbers on a news report and started being people. And it broke my heart that we don't honor them more. Every soldier should be welcomed by a crowd of cheering people the way that young man was Saturday morning. Every fallen hero should have a parade of flags at his or her funeral. They didn't just fight and die for that flag; they fought and died so 50 people had the right to stand on a street and hold up that flag.

I have never been more proud and more humbled at the same time. And I will never look at our flag the same way again.

Eat Your Heart Out, Melting Pot

2009-10-09T19:34:00.000-05:00

Angel and I love Melting Pot. Actually, love is an understatement. The first time we went there, we stayed for four hours and pretty much licked our fondue bowls clean.

As much as we love eating there, it's expensive. We usually rack up $100 bill each time we go, so Melting Pot is reserved for really special occasions only.

We recently celebrated our six month anniversary, and of course Melting Pot was at the top of our list. But being in "financial crunch mode," we didn't think it would be wise to drop $100 at a fancy restaurant. So Angel came up with the idea of fondue-ing it ourselves!

First, we went to our local book reseller, where we sold enough magazines (yes, they buy back your old magazines!) to pay for a fondue book. Then, we made a grocery list and headed to the store. We bought ingredients for cheese and chocolate fondues.

Next, we went to Target, where we had a gift card, to find a fondue pot. But they were out of the one we wanted. Instead, we found a crock pot that doubles as a fondue pot. (It was also $20 cheaper than the fondue set we wanted!) We grabbed the crock pot and some fondue forks and we were set!

Average meal at Melting Pot: $100.
Our DIY fondue date: $45.

The ingredients we bought lasted much longer than one meal. We had cheese fondue twice and chocolate fondue four times before we used up all the food! Plus, now that we have the fondue set and forks, our next meal will be even cheaper.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to make some more cheese fondue.

A Few Good Recipes

2009-09-22T22:54:00.001-05:00

Here are a few recipes (meat and meatless) that I rely on for healthy and budget-friendly meals. Notice that even the recipes that have meat in them are full of veggies!

All recipes are based on 4 servings.

Chicken Pot Pie
1 Chicken Breast
Veg-All
Carrots
1 baking potato
Cream of Chicken Soup
2 oz shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/2 Can Chicken Broth
Pie Crust

Cook the chicken breast and tear/cut into bite-sized pieces. Take the pie crust out to thaw.
Mix together the veg-all, a few baby carrots, and one peeled & cubed potato. Cook until the potatoes are tender.
Mix the veggies, chicken, Cream of Chicken Soup, Cheddar Cheese, and Chicken Broth together in a baking dish.
Top with the pie crust. Cut a few slits in the crust to keep it from cracking.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until the pie crust is brown.

Baked Potato Soup
4 small baking potatoes
Cream of Chicken Soup
1/2 Can Chicken Broth
Milk
Sour Cream (optional)
2 tbsp butter (or olive oil)
Cheese

Steam the potatoes and scoop out the flesh.
Heat the butter in a pot large enough for the soup. Once the butter is melted, add the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth.
Whisk in one can of milk (use the cr. of chicken can) until well blended.
Stir in the potatoes and mix in additional milk or sour cream until you reach the desired consistency.
Once the soup is heated through, serve topped with cheese.

Super- Easy Spaghetti
1 Can Basic Spaghetti Sauce
1/2 Bell Pepper, chopped
1/4 Onion, chopped
Tomatoes (fresh or canned), chopped
Garlic
Italian Seasonings
1 lb ground beef (if you prefer, you can cut to 1/2 lb.)
Olive Oil
Spaghetti Noodles

Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet and brown the beef. Drain off half of the excess grease.
Using the remaining grease, add the garlic, bell pepper & onions. Sautee until they begin to soften.
Add the tomatoes.
Next, add the ground beef and canned spaghetti sauce. Bring to a boil.
Once it is bubbling, turn to low heat. Add whatever seasonings you like - I prefer oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaf, salt, & pepper. If the sauce is a little too acidic, add a pinch of sugar.
Simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Serve over warm noodles.

And here's what I do with the leftover sauce and veggies!

Mediterranean Flatbread Pizzas

Leftover Spaghetti Sauce
Onion
Bell Pepper
Mozzarella Cheese
Mediterranean Flatbread

Preheat the oven to 350.
Put a small amount of spaghetti sauce on the flatbread.
Add the cheese (as much as you like!)
Add the chopped onion & bell pepper, and any other veggies you want.
Bake until cheese is bubbly.
*Each pizza is about 1 serving.
Yummy Spinach Salad
Note: This recipe is one of my more expensive recipes, but it always pleases!

1/2 pkg. Baby Spinach
Feta Cheese
Walnuts
1 Pear/ 1Apple/ 1/2 pkg. Strawberries
Olive Oil
Balsamic Vinegar

Chop the fruit.
Mix together everything except the oil & vinegar.
When you're ready to serve, add the oil & vinegar and toss to coat.

The Best Pears Ever

Recipe 1:
2 Fresh Pears, cored & quartered
Proscuitto or Thinly Sliced Deli Ham
Balsamic Vinegar

Wrap the pear slices in the meat.
Drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
*It's just as good if you forego the meat!

Recipe 2:
2 Cans of Pear Halves (light syrup)
Mayonnaise
Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Drain the pears and place on a serving dish.
Put a small dollop of mayo on each pear.
Top with cheese.

(I know it sounds disgusting, but it's great!)

There are lots of other great recipes, but these are some of our favorites. Hope you enjoy!

Exceptions

2009-09-19T23:52:00.000-05:00

While I am a dilligent $40-a-week shopper, I realize that there have to be exceptions to the rule. Some of you might be reading my recent entries and thinking, "It's impossible! How can you do this every week?" The truth is, some weeks I can't. Maybe we've run out of EVERYTHING in the pantry at once. Or maybe I'm craving ice cream and I decide to splurge.

The key is to not freak out if I go over a few dollars. That doesn't mean I allow myself to go over by a few dollars every week. Using cash helps me to stay on budget, but there are times when I make exceptions.

Three weeks ago, my paycheck was higher than usual due to some overtime I'd put in. That same week, a local grocery store was having an amazing sale on meat. I decided to use the extra money to stock up on meat and staples. That week, I spent approximately $86 on groceries. But for the following two weeks, I spent less than $20 a week on groceries... and we still haven't eaten all the meat I bought! Making an exception actually saved me money in the long run.

This week, I used a debit card instead of cash. Please note that I DO NOT ADVOCATE DOING THIS ON A REGULAR BASIS. My regular trip to the store was delayed, and I did not think it would be safe to go by the ATM at night because it's in a secluded location. Safety comes first!

Even so, I only went over by approximately $5, and that was because I stocked up on things like dishwasher detergent and bathroom tissue (which technically isn't groceries anyway, so I didn't really go over!). It's hard to feel bad about buying necessities!

My point is this: just like English grammar, there is an exception to every rule. You just have to know when and how the exception works.

So if you're trying to cut your bill down, and you happen to go over, don't sweat it. Because sometimes, you just gotta buy toilet paper. And you should never feel bad about that!

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

2009-09-17T12:10:00.000-05:00

It's been less than an hour, and I've already received great feedback on my radio interview with Mary Hunt! Our time was short, so please leave me a comment if you have additional questions we didn't cover in the interview.

Later this week, I'll post a typical $40 grocery and meal list.

You can also contact me on Twitter at @Megan Alba.

I'd love to hear from you!

They're Gonna Put Me on the Radio!

2009-09-16T17:24:00.000-05:00

My most recent blog post will be featured on Woman's Day radio Thursday, September 17 at 11:00 CDT. I'll be a guest on the show, hosted by Mary Hunt of the Debt Proof Living website. Mary hosts a segment called "Your Money Solutions."

If you can't tune in at 11:00, the show will be archived! Click here to listen at your convenience.

Save a Buck... or 40

2009-09-10T14:17:00.001-05:00

When Angel and I agreed that he should leave his job to return to school full-time, we immediately went into financial crunch mode. Although we were sure we'd be able to make it financially, we felt it would be better to tighten the belt a little and work on our budget "just in case."
One of the first things we evaluated was our weekly grocery bill. $80 a week isn't bad for two people, but I'd been inspired by the Money Rules, Debt Stinks and $5 Dinners blogs. If they can do it, why can't we? So we set a goal to cut our weekly grocery bill in half. It took a few weeks, but we're on track! Not only are we averaging $40 a week in groceries, I'm finding ways to buy more & healthier food at half the cost.

How do I do it? Glad you asked!

Become a coupon clipper. Yes, it is a pain. Yes, it takes time. Yes, you will SAVE money. At first I kept clipping coupons for stuff we'd never use, and our grocery bill went up. Now I've learned not to fall into that trap. Only clip coupons for things you'll use.
Plan your list in advance. Again, it's a pain, but it's worth it. I sit down once a week with my coupons and the grocery store's weekly ads, and I make my list. My meals are based on what's on sale. Next to every item, I add the price. It all has to add up to $35 (to make room for tax) or less.
I also recommend going to groceryguide.com for information on sales in your area.
Pay Cash. If you don't have the cash, you can't get it. Great incentive for sticking to the list.
Don't Use a Cart. Using a grocery cart makes you feel like you HAVE to fill it up. Instead, I estimate how much I'll buy and take in a few reusable shopping bags. Trust me, you don't want to add unnecessary stuff when you're carrying around a heavy bag! You can also use the shopping baskets instead of a cart.
Shop Around. I got over my stigma of discount grocery stores and discovered - holy cow, there's great stuff in there! Now I wonder why I ever paid 66 cents/lb for bananas when I can twice as much for 33 cents at the discount store.
I also shop at several stores. One place has a great deal on eggs and milk; another has great produce at half the price of Wal-Mart. Plan your route, and take a cooler with ice for items that need to be refrigerated. It's worth the extra time.
Think About Your Food Needs. Yes, that's a great deal on Cheetos, especially with that coupon. But does it add any nutritional value? Wouldn't you rather spend your hard-earned money on cheese, meat, and fruit that is healthier and will last longer? And, on that note....
Go Vegetarian. There is absolutely NO reason to eat meat with every meal. It's expensive and unhealthy. We cut back on our meat comsumption and saved $10 - $15 a week. I only buy meat that's on sale, and I aim for meals that have lots of veggies, fruits, and whole grains. We're healthier and happier.
Buy Whole Foods and Cook From Scratch. It's cheaper, tastier, and it lasts longer. Besides, do you REALLY want to know how long that jar of salsa has been on the shelf? Make it yourself and you're more likely to appreciate your meals!

It takes me about three hours a week to plan meals, clip coupons, make a list, and do the grocery shopping. Is it worth the $40 we're saving every week? You bet!

Challenges & Opportunities

2009-09-03T21:19:00.000-05:00

Several months ago, Angel and I began discussing our life goals. We had talked in-depth about this before we married, but we felt it was time to really define some plans and pursue dreams we have talked about for years.

Here are some of our goals:

Angel wants to finish his Bachelor's degree and get a Master's degree.
I want to get a second Master's degree and a Ph.D.
At some point, we'd like to own our own business.
Buy a house.
Become debt-free.

We immediately agreed that the first step to accomplishing our goals is for Angel to finish his degree, and that the best way to do that is for him to focus on school full-time. So.... he put in his notice in July and we began to pray for God to guide us in the next steps.

One of the scariest moments I've had was when he called to tell me he'd officially given his notice. I immediately began to worry and doubt. How would we pay the bills? What if he couldn't find an internship like we planned? What if something fell through with school? Fortunately, I have a husband who trusts God even when I'm doubting. He's so good at going with the flow of things while I tend to be more focused on following the rules. Quitting his job with no guarantee of another source of income seemed crazy to most people, but we KNEW it was what God wanted us to do.

The cool thing is that we have been immensely blessed by trusting God, and it's not just financial. Because Angel quit his job, he was able to travel to the East Coast for my 10-day work conference. We were able to work together at Youth Quest and General Conference, and he actually made more money doing freelance work than he would have made at his old job! In addition, he made great connections and got to know some wonderful IPHC people.

After the conference, we were able to spend a week with my family, where we had two showers. We were literally "showered" with money and gifts, some of them from people we barely knew!

When we got home, Angel's little brother came to stay with us for his last week of summer vacation. Angel pointed out that if he was working, Aaron wouldn't have been able to stay with us.

But that's not all.... Angel began applying for internships and got FOUR interviews! He starts his new job next week. He'll be working with The Education and Employment Ministry through a grant with Americorps. His new job is 5 minutes away from our house, which will save us a huge amount on gas. The best part? When he completes 900 hours with Americorps, he will receive a $2300 grant toward his education!

We hoped Angel would be able to attend school full-time, but his financial aid didn't come through as planned. He's attending part-time this semester and hopes to bump up to 3/4 time next semester. His school schedule, however, works perfectly with his new work schedule. Coincidence? I think not.

Finally, we're already doing some freelance work together. We feel that we're well on our way to accomplishing our educational and work goals.

Oh, and the money concerns? I worked 57 hours of overtime at our work conference. My most recent paycheck was twice what it normally is.... more than what we would bring in if Angel was still working his old job.

And to think all this came from trusting God. He really does have plans greater than we could ever imagine.

Good Boy!

2009-09-02T21:58:00.001-05:00

NPR shared a story today about dogs that help veterans recover from PTSD. It reminded me of something that happened earlier this week with Oso.

Angel was out visiting a friend and told me he'd be home late, so I decided to let the dog in. While waiting for Angel to come home, I fell asleep on the couch. Around 2:20 a.m., he called to let me know he was on the way home, but I didn't hear the phone.

Oso heard the phone ring and proceeded to lick my face until I woke up. Then, when he heard the key turn in the front door, he stood in front of me until he was sure it was Angel coming in and not a stranger.

Being a guard dog is not something we trained him to do, but we're so glad he's turning into one! We both feel safer knowing our big boy is watching out for us. Good boy, Oso!

Take the Community Challenge!

2009-06-15T09:57:00.000-05:00

I'm always looking for ways to better my life on the internet. I figure if I'm going to spend all this time online, I might as well make it worthwhile, right?

iVillage is one of my favorite sites because it offers a plethora of information on topics that are of interest to me. Right now, they have a Better Sex, Better Relationships Community Challenge going on that I highly recommend. You can sign up for daily updates, and it sends you a challenge - aka homework - to your email inbox. These daily challenges take very little time to complete, but they can make a big difference in your relationship. For example, today's challenge was on being a better communicator and solving arguments faster. And who doesn't need help with that?!?!

Go to http://challenges.ivillage.com to see what they have going on right now. And don't forget to sign up!

Snap, Crackle, Pop

2009-06-01T13:48:00.000-05:00

For about seven years, I've battled chronic earaches and sinus headaches. They were so bad that, when they hit, I'd end up in bed for most of the day, unable to stand light or sound. Over the past few years, they've also increased in frequency.

I've tried several prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as homeopathic remedies. Everything was a temporary fix. The pain would go away for a few days, but my earache would eventually come back.

So I finally decided to try the chiropractor. I've been talking about it for years, but when I learned my insurance covered chiropractic, and that my company's deductible would cover the remainder of the cost, I decided to go. It's free, so why not try it out? What do I have to lose?

I headed off to a doctor recommended by Jessica P. Am I ever glad I went! The first thing she discovered was that my earaches are not entirely allergy-related. Over the years, my neck has become so misaligned that my vertebrae were pushing on my Eustachian tube, cutting off its ability to drain properly. It is also the culprit of my mysterious shoulder/upper back pain.

It's been two weeks since I started chiropractic treatment, and I'm happy to report that my earaches have decreased in frequency and intensity. (In other words, I'm at work every day now instead of curled up in a ball in the bed.) I feel more energetic, and I don't have to take as much allergy medication. Eventually, I'm hoping to drop one of my medications altogether.

If there are any skeptics out there, I encourage you to visit the chiropractor. You never know how much they can help until you give them a try. This woman has literally changed my life in two weeks time! She is a Godsend.

Just another reason to give natural medicine a try!

A Quote Worth Sharing

2009-05-28T14:05:00.000-05:00

There is only one Education, and it has only one goal: the freedom of the mind. Anything that needs an adjective, be it civics education, or socialist education, or Christian education, or whatever-you-like education, is not education, and it has some different goal. The very existence of modified "educations" is testimony to the fact that their proponents cannot bring about what they want in a mind that is free. An "education" that cannot do its work in a free mind, and so must "teach" by homily and precept in the service of these feelings and attitudes and beliefs rather than those, is pure and unmistakable tyranny.

~Richard Mitchell, The Underground Grammarian, September 1982

It's Not You, It's Me

2009-05-26T12:41:00.000-05:00

I am not one of those people who apologizes when I post infrequently. I am well aware that it's been a while since I last posted. But I have a good reason.

I don't feel like posting anything.

With my triumphant completion of graduate school came The Big Crash of 2009. Two years of working full time and going to school full time - and the accompanying busyness, lack of sleep, and brain crammed full of PR terms - came crashing down. I have been overwhelmed by everything. I struggle to get up in the mornings. I forget the simplest tasks at work. I can't stay focused. I come home from work and veg out with Hulu and Facebook.

And you know what? I'm okay with that. In two years, I have changed jobs, completed a Master's degree, and gotten married. I need a break.

That's not to say that there is nothing blog-worthy happening in my life. There have been plenty of stories, from my completion of my graduate program to the snake incident at the Zoo last week. I will get to those stories.... when I feel like it.

For now, I'm focusing on myself. I've been seeing a chiropractor for my allergies (another blog-worthy event). I've started reading books for fun - something I've missed during my grad school days! I'm learning how to be a wife. Angel and I are making plans for our future, which include buying a house and setting career goals as a family.

So, yes, I'm still here, and I'm still blogging. I'm just not blogging as frequently. I've spent two years learning about, writing, re-writing, and editing every type of PR/Marketing/Creative Writing copy imaginable. And while writing is my passion, sometimes we need to take a break from our passions in order to become better at them.

Now to get back to that new magazine....

A Day In The Life

2009-05-06T13:23:00.000-05:00

As an entry-level communications employee, I don't always see a lot of excitement. Often my days are filled with data entry, processing purchase orders and credit card statements, and printing reports. My PR duties usually consist of updating our blog, producing our semi-monthly newsletter, and the occasional press release.

Earlier this week, I got a taste of what a full day of PR might be like. Let me tell you, it was eye-opening.

9 a.m. - arrive at work, ready to tackle Monday. I wrote my to-do list on Friday. Biggest thingsthis week: newsletter and press release for our national motorcycle ministry.
9:15 a.m. - check Twitter. Another department is sending condolances to our college re: a student's passing. What the crap? Direct Message instead of calling. I hate phones.
9:30 a.m - get a DM back: She died in a car wreck. One other student injured not serious. Oh crap. News alarms go off in my head. I start checking the college website and area newspapers for more information on the wreck.
9:35 a.m. - check our website email address. I have an email from a man in California saying he recently read an article about us in the World Press regarding our affiliate in South Africa. Huh? Oh. My. God. He's talking about that other group NOT affiliated with us that goes by the same name. They're polygamists, highly political, and their news stories are always controversial. Email continues: I was intrigued by the representation and would like to know if Church affiliates out of the United States are similar in doctrinal practices i.e. position on marriage. No! No we are not! Forward the email to my boss, all while remembering my suggestion three months ago: We need to send a statement to the South African press so they know we are in no way affiliated with this group. Somehow, that never happened... not my boss's fault. He tried.
9:45 a.m. - Upstairs department calls down with student's name. At the same time, I find her story in Athens Banner-Herald. For the first time, I truly appreciate the inverted pyramid. The newspaper gives me the facts I need while everyone else is still speculating and embellishing. Note to self: do not embellish this story on our news site.
10:00 a.m. - start thinking about our press releases for the motorcycle ministry event. Since I now know how to slice a story, I can't get by with the generic stuff I sent last year. We need national news coverage. How to make it happen? And how in the world did the dates sneak up on me? I swear they moved it up a week.
10:30 a.m. - Turns out that student was going to be a missionary. She was in talks with our missions department to go to Asia. My colleague comes down to talk to me. We have to decide: what do we say in the obit? Who write it, us or missions? Which blog - news, missions, or both? We talk but don't come to any real decisions. I'm still overwhelmed. It's my first real obit.
10:45 a.m. - husband calls. I tell him what's going on. He says, "Wow! Sounds fun! Wish I had your job."
11:00 a.m. - another department sends a poorly formatted building-wide email re: student's death. Information is not clearly presented; nothing in there to help me with the obit for our news site. I'm frustrated.
11:15 a.m. - Upload music & craft email for a video shoot on Wednesday. We're shooting immediately after our chapel service and need everyone to stick around after the service concludes. I hope everyone cooperates.
11:30 a.m. - Boss emails me back about Mr. California's question. He says send it to the department that deals with South Africa and let them decide what to do. He agrees on the sending of a statement three months ago. Why did no one but us see this coming?
12:00 p.m. - go to lunch with a friend and former colleague from my higher education days. I tell her about our little South Africa problem. Her daughter, who just got back from a semester abroad in South Africa, says, "Oh yea, I heard about them. They may sacrifice babies... no one really knows. It's part of their secret initation service every year." Oh, great. This is just getting better and better. Then we do an informal SWOT analysis of their graduation ceremony last weekend. I realize that I even talk PR in my down time.
1:30 p.m. - Check out an email from our motorcycle ministry coordinator. He just got a new Harley - it was a surprise appreciation gift from several individuals and churches. Great story. Definitely going on the blog.
2:00 p.m. - I am getting impatient. Why hasn't the chapel coordinator sent out her email about Wednesday's video shoot? I can't send mine until she sends hers. I email upstairs, hoping to nudge her along.
2:30 p.m. - Chapel coordinator finally sends her email. Good. Now I can send mine.
3:00 p.m. - Missions colleague comes down to talk about the obit. Theirs is ready to go. She says it was hard to write. We decide to write a separate one for the news blog since theirs is more personal.
3:15 p.m. - Write a very difficult email to college's campus pastor, sending condolances and asking for statements and facts about the student who died. I realize how hard obits must be for reporters. I couldn't do this every day.
3:30 p.m. - Exec calls down about Mr. California's email. I ask what he wants to do. He says they knew about the group but hoped it would blow over, so they decided to stay silent on the issue. I tell him that's probably not going to happen. He says: Maybe we should send a statement to the South African media so they know we're not affiliated with them. I long for a recording of myself three months ago.
3:45 p.m. - People begin calling, emailing, and coming by with questions about the video shoot on Wednesday. What did I mean by 50's style clothing? What if they don't have a skirt or a suit? I try to be reassuring... we just want people there for the shoot.
4:00 pm. - get an email back from campus pastor with a beautiful statement about the student who died. I write her obit; I don't realize it's in the correct journalism format until I post it. I'm amazed that I remembered that training from two semesters ago. Some things just stick with you.
4:30 p.m. - craft an email to Mr. California. Send to executive first for his approval on the wording.
5:00 p.m. - I AM SO GLAD TO GO HOME. I love my job. I love PR. But I do not want another day like today for a long time.

Go Green and Save Time!

2009-04-29T16:32:00.000-05:00

I hate junk mail. I'm that OCD person who just has to open every piece of mail, and junk mail wastes my time. I don't want to open six credit card offers every day! So when I got this information from Jessica P, I thought it was worth sharing.

To cut back on the amount of junk mail you receive, write to

Mail Preference Service
c/o Direct Marketing Association
PO Box 9008
Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008

Make sure to include the date, your name, address, and signature, along with the message:
Please register my name with the Mail Preference Service.

In Honor of Earth Month

2009-04-27T09:22:00.000-05:00

I'm pretty big on the "green movement" for many reasons: good stewardship of our resources, health benefits, financial benefits... the list goes on.

Last year, my friend Jessica P. and I started a recycling program at work to honor Earth Month. This year, we took it one step further. With the help of our HR department, we are asking departments to turn off their lights and adjust their thermostats when they leave, and to shut down their computers over the weekend. HR will track our electricity & monetary savings over the next few months. Hopefully, we'll see a big improvement!

I have already seen some of the benefits firsthand. One colleague liked the "lights off" idea so much that he leaves his flourescent lights off all the time now and works by natural light (his office is on the corner of the building and has three big windows.) Hopefully more people will follow suit.

Jessica P. also wrote an opinion piece for our blog at work. It shares great insight on our responsibility as Christian stewards. Click here to read it.

Last but not least, here are some facts for you to think about. If you're not recycling & composting, this is a great reason to start!

Time it takes for our trash to decompose

Paper ................... 2 to 5 months
Orange peels ............ 6 months
Milk cartons ............ 5 years
Filter-tip cigarettes ... 10 to 12 years
Plastic bags ............ 10 to 20 years
Leather shoes ........... 24 to 40 years
Plastic containers ...... 50 to 80 years
Disposable diapers ...... 75 years
Tin cans ................ 100 years
Aluminum cans ........... 200 to 500 years
Styrofoam ............... Never

Sage Advice.... Sort of

2009-04-10T13:08:00.000-05:00

A friend recently asked me for advice on getting married. She is engaged and her wedding is in May. She's asking all her married friends for words of wisdom about planning for the "big day." Here is what I said to her:

There are three tips I can think of from my last two weeks of craziness:

One is to remember why you’re doing all this. Realizing that our goal was to be married made prioritizing so much easier, and I didn’t sweat the details. If it didn’t work out, so be it. The wedding was going to happen whether I had the perfect tablecloths or not (and, yes, there was a last-minute fiasco with tablecloths). Several people commented that I was the most laid-back bride they had ever seen, and I can tell you that I definitely didn’t feel as stressed out as I thought I would.

The second is don’t be afraid to ask for help. That is NOT the time to play superwoman. I had a hard time asking for help until Angel’s best friend said, “Look, this is the time when you need to lean on other people. That’s what we’re here for.” After that, I had no problem asking for help. And people were more than happy to come to my aid!

The last one is to plan extra time for everything. And don’t stress when things don’t go according to the timeline. It’s chaotic. People will be late. We started our rehearsal 45 minutes late even though I swore we’d start on time and be done within an hour. My hairdresser was 30 minutes late because she had a situation with her children. I decided I could either freak out and be a bridezilla, or I could realize that stuff happens and just take it in stride. Trust me… something will happen and it will throw you’re perfectly planned schedule off! Your attitude will determine how everyone else acts and reacts during those last few days.

Good luck! It was definitely the most fun day of my life – so much better than anything I could have imagined! Just relax and enjoy!

I can honestly say that my wedding was the most fun day of my life. There were almost no glitches, no family drama, no last-minute catastrophes. And I attribute much of that to the three "lessons" above. A great day really is all in the attitude!

What's the one thing you learned from your wedding?

Yes, This Actually Happened

2009-04-05T19:35:00.000-05:00

There is one thing I can say for sure about being married to Angel Alba: life is never dull. He is the yin to my yang. We share many of the same interests, but our personalities are opposites, especially when it comes to conflict. I run away at the first sign of a fight; he wants to "duke it out" so we can end the conflict faster.

The same holds true outside our relationship. I can be furious with someone but never say anything. He, on the other hand, will walk right up to them and tell them what he thinks. He's not mean about it, but he's matter-of-fact. And that is what makes this story so hilarious.

Today was one of Angel's few days off work. We decided to take a day for ourselves, and this afternoon we went to Target to buy more kitchen stuff with our wedding gift cards. (By the way, gift cards ROCK.) After we left Target, we were thirsty, and there was a Krispy Kreme on our way home. Angel wanted to stop there because "their Dr. Pepper tastes better than most fast food restaurants." (I don't drink much Dr. P so I can't verify this statement.)

We pulled into the drive-through line behind a silver car. The driver pulled up, then braked as if he were going to back up. Angel started backing up too, but the driver didn't. Angel rolled down his window to call to the driver and tell him he had room to reverse. The driver rolled down his window and indicated he was fine and was about to pull up to the window to order. He gave a thumbs-up and pulled around the corner of the building to order.

At Krispy Kreme, there is a drive-through menu sign, but you actually order at the window. On the sign, it says "pull forward to order." So there we were, patiently waiting our turn, when a black car suddenly swerves around us and pulls in between us and the silver car. In my 28 years on this earth, I have never seen such a blatant case of cutting in the drive-through line. There was at least one other car behind us, and we'd been waiting for several minutes to pull up.

We were both furious. Angel immediately laid on the horn, but the driver didn't even turn around. Then I got mad, reached over, and started honking the horn. The driver still didn't look at us. And that's when my husband of 15 days took off his seat belt, put the car in park, opened his door, and walked up to the black car.

I couldn't really see the driver, but I'm sure he was praying, "Dear God, please don't let this guy kill me" as Angel walked over. He tapped on the window, and I could see him talking to the driver. When he got back in the car, I learned that the following conversation transpired:

Angel: What's your problem, man?

Driver: It said "pull forward to order."

Angel: Yea, well, we're waiting to pull forward to order!

Driver: No, I just saw that silver car go around you.

Angel: No, he didn't! He's been sitting there this whole time.

Driver: No, I'm telling you I saw that car go around you.

Angel: No, you didn't. I talked to him when he pulled up. We've been behind him.

Angel: So, are you gonna move or what?

The black sedan pulled away as Angel walked back to our car. I don't know what the other people behind us thought, but I was rather proud of my husband at that moment. He wasn't rude, and he didn't cuss the guy out, but he did stand his ground!

And I was proud of myself for actually honking the horn - normally I'd just fume in the car and never do anything about it. I guess Angel's boldness is rubbing off on me!

My 100th Post!

2009-04-05T19:22:00.000-05:00

This post is lucky #100! I can't believe it.

As some of my readers may recall, I started this blog as part of a class project during my first semester of graduate school (Fall 2007). Now, 100 posts and nearly two years later, I'm four weeks from graduating with my Master's degree, changed jobs, and have become engaged to and married the man of my dreams. And to think it's all documented in these past 100 posts!

I think blogging has been good for me in many ways. For one thing, it has forced me to share more of myself with others, and in doing so, it forced me to be honest with myself. When I first started blogging, I often wrote long posts that covered up my true feelings. But somewhere along the way, I started to share me: my struggles, hopes, fears, dreams, my perception of the world.

The other thing blogging taught me is to think before I speak -whether it is written or spoken word. The internet is a double-edged sword, especially when you decide to share so much of yourself on it. After I began blogging, I set up social accounts on Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Google Reader. I'm accessible all over the internet! And that reminds me that I am responsible for the things I say and do. Some people say the internet is the devil; I say it's a great accountability tool. It's all in the perspective.

I read through the last 99 posts and see the changes in myself. Yes, I have made mistakes over the last year-and-a-half. I have had my share of ups and downs. I lost a job. I found true love. But most of all, I found myself. I'm glad I decided to share that discovery publicly, with family, friends, acquaintances, and the occasional stranger who drops by to read my posts.

Blogging. Better than therapy - and cheaper! I dare you to try it and see what you'll find!

We Did It!

2009-04-03T23:16:00.000-05:00

Ok, ok, it's been a while since I blogged. But I have an excuse... I got married!

I officially became Mrs. Angel Carl Alba on March 21. It's been nearly two weeks, and I have to say that marriage is truly the greatest and most challenging adventure I've ever had in life. I knew I loved Angel before, but I can't even describe how much I love him now. And it just grows every day.

I know -it sounds mushy and so newlywed-ish. But ask anyone who's ever married, and I bet they'll tell you the same thing! You think you know what you're getting into, but I guarantee you'll always be surprised.

I'll be posting soon on the wedding - Jessica P. says I simply must share my time, money, and sanity-saving secrets. In the meantime, check out my online wedding album or our wedding website.

And in case you're wondering... yes, he cried when I came down the aisle. :-)

Signing off for now,

Megan Miles Alba

The Breastplate of St. Patrick

2009-03-05T10:02:00.000-06:00

I was doing research for a feature story on St. Patrick's Day when I came across this prayer, known as The Breastplate of St. Patrick. This is a beautiful prayer!

If you don't know the story of St. Patrick, click here.

The Breastplate of Saint Patrick

I rise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confessions of the Oneness
Of the Creator of Creation.

I rise today
Through the strength of Christ’s birth with his baptism,
Through the strength of his crucifixion with his burial,
Through the strength of his resurrection with his ascension
Through the strength of his coming for judgment.

I rise today
Through the strength of the love of Cherubim,
In obedience of angels,
In service of archangels,
In prayers of ancestors,
In predictions of prophets,
In preaching of apostles,
In faith of confessors
In deeds of the righteous.

I rise today
Through the strength of heaven
Light of sun, Radiance of moon
Splendor of fire, Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind,
Depth of sea, Stability of earth, Firmness of rock.

I rise today
Through God’s strength to pilot me,
God’s might to uphold me
God’s hand to guard me,
God’s shield to protect me,
God’s host to save me.

I bind unto myself today
The virtues of the starlit heaven,
The glorious sun’s life-giving rays,
The whiteness of the moon at even,
The flashing of the lightning free,
The whirling wind’s tempestuous shocks,
The stable earth, the deep dark sea,
Around the old eternal rocks.

Christ to shield me this day,
So that there come to me abundance of reward.
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit, Christ when I rise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me,
Christ in every eye who sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Oh, Love

2009-02-09T16:35:00.000-06:00

True love comes quietly, without banners or flashing lights. If you hear bells, get your ears checked. ~Erich Segal

Pretty Shiny Baubles

2009-01-21T12:49:00.000-06:00

I am a private person by nature. I don't like to show extreme emotion in public. You won't see me screaming at a sporting event, and I don't cry much at church, either. So it stands to reason that I see an engagement as a very personal moment in one's life. Some couples want the public proposal, but not me. I like my privacy.

WhenI began referring to Angel as my fiance, a friend pointed out "technically, he hasn't proposed yet." Another said she was sad for me becuase I "never got my big moment." Others, when I say I'm engaged, start looking at my left hand and get "that look" on their faces. I know what they're thinking... Where is the ring? What kind of guy doesn't give a ring? Wonder how she feels being engaged with no ring?

The truth is, it feels pretty darn nice! It has led to a relatively stress-free engagement, and it freed us up to focus on ourselves as a couple preparing for marriage, not crazed wedding planners who can only see one big event in our future.

(And, for the record, our grandparents didn't give big diamond rings or have lavish weddings. They exchanged tiny gold bands and had a simple ceremony followed by a church potluck. Our ideal of engagement rings and big ceremonies is a result of living in a capitalistic society, not following tradition.)

But for those of you who are dying for an engagement story, allow me to share how our moment happened.

In October 2007, we were driving up I-35 on our way back from visiting Angel's family in Dallas. This is commonly a time for us to discuss issues becuase it's four hours of uninterrupted "couple time." We knew we wanted to get married, but nothing definite had been set. Out of nowhere, Angel said, "I really want to get married within the next year." I remember trying to stay calm- remember, I don't show much emotion - but inside I was jumping up and down with excitement because I felt the same way! We started talking, bouncing wedding ideas off each other, discussing a trip to SC so he could talk to my dad. I remember thinking, "This is it! It's really happening! We're gonna get married!"

No one will ever convince me that pulling a ring out of a box would be any more exciting than that moment. Because in that moment, I knew my life was changing. And I knew it would be exciting, scary, and thrilling at the same time.

When Angel went to talk to my dad last summer, he explained that he was still saving up money for a ring. After we returned to Oklahoma, my mother called and asked if I would accept a family ring that my grandmother passed down to her. That ring is with my parents and will be handed to me on my wedding day.

Even though my story is not the "typical" engagement story, it is my story. It reflects my personality, my beliefs, and my hopes. And it shows the strength of our relationship.

Just about any woman can say, "And then he knelt down.. and...." But how many women - before they are even engaged - can say, "When I lost my job a couple years ago, he told me, It's okay, I'll take care of you. He spent his extra money to pay my bills until I found a new job. And when my new job didn't pay as much as the old one, he said, It's okay. I'll make up the difference." I can. Because that's exactly what he did. And that's why he was still saving for a ring when he went to talk to my parents.

When we say our vows, I know that we really mean it when we say For richer or for poorer, In sickness and in health. Why? Because he's already lived that example for me. And I'll take THAT over a shiny little ring anyday.

New Year, New Name!!!!

2009-01-14T13:31:00.000-06:00

Wow... it has been a while since I last blogged! But I promise I have a good reason for my absence.

I'M GETTING MARRIED IN 66 DAYS!!!!!

Yep! Angel and I set a date right after the new year. We decided our marriage was long overdue, so we set our sights on March 21. Originally, the wedding was going to be in South Carolina, but it just didn't work out. So instead, we're getting married in Oklahoma City, where most of our friends and family are within driving distance.

Right now, I'm in that crazy wedding planning mode. If you talk to me, you're probably going to get waaaaaaaaay more information about my wedding than you ever wanted to know! I am pleased to say that so far, everything is coming together nicely. I have some awesome friends who are helping me every step of the way! And Angel is absolutely wonderful with this planning stuff. Most guys are hands-off with wedding plans, but not him. He's been taking the initiative, making calls, choosing tuxedos, and giving me big hugs every time I have a breakdown. Just seeing how well he's handling all this makes me want to marry him even more!

By the way, since I'm a techno-nerd, I created a wedding website. Click here to see it. And remember to sign the guestbook!

In other news, we both started our classes this week as well. I can't believe this is my last semester of graduate school! All of my professors are being super-understanding about the wedding and are allowing me to take a few days off for my honeymoon.

I think this last semester of courses is really going to help tie together everything I've learned during my studies. I'm excited to think of how well-prepared I am for a job in PR now. I think earning this degree has taught me a lot about myself, including learning what I'm good at and what I'm passionate about. That has also helped me to showcase my best skills at work, and I hope that will get me noticed when promotion opportunities roll around. :-) Either way, I know that God is in control and that HE will take care of me.

So... that's 2009 so far. Boy, has it been a whirlwind! There are so many emotions that go along with graduation and weddings... imagine them all being rolled into one! But I wouldn't trade it for anything, because I'm exactly where I want to be right now.

AHA!

2008-12-29T23:22:00.000-06:00

This past fall, a cute little ball of fur showed up on my doorstep. I just couldn't turn him away, and Oso the puppy quickly became part of my "family."
Three months later, that "cute little ball" has tripled in weight. At nearly 7 months, he now stands 2 feet tall and weighs 60 pounds. He's housebroken and rarely has an accident inside. He's also extremely intelligent and has learned most of his commands in Spanish! He can sit, stay, come, go outside, go to his kennel, jump up, and "give" on command. Now we're working on "lay down" and "shake."
Since he was a stray, we have been guessing about his breed. There is a DNA test for dogs, but it's best to wait until they're adults. So we've been guessing... until today!

Here is Oso at 4 months...

From Oso the Puppy

And here are 4-month-old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies.

Here is Oso at 7 months....

From Oso the Puppy

And a one-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Hmmm...... See any similarities?

Since he doesn't have the telltale "ridge" on his back, he is not 100% Rhodesian Ridgeback. I'm guessing that he's also part Lab.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks reach 27 inches and 80-85 lbs, so he still has some growing to do! But it appears that Angel and I have been doing everything right by training him early and exposing him to other people and pets. I still plan to get a DNA test when he reaches adulthood, because I want to know his exact mix. But at least we're one step closer to knowing!

So This Is Christmas...

2008-12-20T22:14:00.000-06:00

I have mentioned the Invisible People website before. It's one person's endeavor to share the stories of homeless people in LA. The stories are incredible.

I also subscribe to their Twitter feed. Tonight, they shared this picture, and it broke my heart. Look who showed up in an L.A. shelter tonight, less than one week before Christmas:

Imagine being homeless and having to walk the streets with a baby, struggling to feed yourself and your child. Know what it reminds me of? Jesus, the most important baby ever born, lying in a feeding trough because his parents were homeless and poor.

Makes you think, doesn't it?

Old Dog, New Trick

2008-12-18T17:56:00.000-06:00

Christmas learned a new trick this week... and it's one I wish he would UN-learn.

He sleeps in the house at night, and he also comes inside when the weather gets bad. I have a nice little alcove off my kitchen that is a perfect sleeping spot for him. He's not house trained, so I have a gate to keep him in his little room. He has enough room to walk around, and there is a doggie door so he can go to the laundry room if he wants a change of scenery.

Well, this week, he's learned how to knock his gate down. But not just the regular way of knocking it down. No... he's employing some super-secret stealth method so I don't hear it. He usually does it when I'm getting ready... especially if he knows I'm in the shower.

This morning, my alarm clock went off, and as I was groggily trying to decide if I should snooze 5 more minutes, I hear the pitter-patter of little doggie paws in my living room. Then, in walks Christmas! I don't know how long he was out of his room. My house alarm is set to go off if anything crashes or breaks, but somehow he's opening the gate so quietly that he doesn't set it off. Maybe I should set up a video camera so I can figure out how he's doing it.

So, I guess old dogs CAN learn new tricks.... if they're crafty enough.

What Would You Do?

2008-12-01T13:00:00.000-06:00

I recently learned about the Invisible People website, which is an effort to raise awareness about homelessness in America. I watched this vlog today about Thomas, a homeless man who felt led to go to church one Sunday.

Listen to what he says about his experience. He says the church people "didn't know what to do with me," then goes on to explain that they said he could come in, but he had to leave his bags outside. Imagine if you walked into a church and they said you had to leave your purse, car keys, wallet, diaper bag, stroller, etc. outside if you wanted to worship. That's what they did to this guy.

He also said (I'm paraphrasing) that the people just looked like they were going through the motions. So here's a guy who feels like God told him to go to church... he walks in, doesn't feel welcomed, and sees people "playing church." Sad. Very sad.

What would your church do if Thomas walked through the doors? Would he have the same experience?

Click here to watch the video.

P.S. - My pastor tells of a man who came to our church one Sunday wearing wearing a bathrobe. He had on no clothes underneath. The usher told him to come on in, just remember to keep the robe closed! The man accepted Christ that day. He walked down to the altar in a bathrobe and prayed for Christ to come in his heart. Our pastor never saw him again.

What To Do?

2008-11-24T12:58:00.000-06:00

Oso went for his third checkup/vaccine set, and he weighed in at 40 pounds! According to the vet, he just turned six months old... he's gonna be HUGE!

He's a pretty headstrong dog, and Angel and I have had problems trying to teach him commands and discipline him. "No" doesn't work; neither does popping him on the nose. He thinks newspapers are toys, even when I use it to spank him. He licks his face if I try to spray him with a water bottle. The vet suggested that we try holding his mouth shut and making him lay down when he misbehaves. This is starting to work, but it's been slow going.

Here's my problem: My neighbor's daugter loves to play with Oso. She's the one who originally found him, and when I took him I offered to let her play with him from time to time. But every time I let him go over to her house, he misbehaves for about a day. And he's BAD.

Yesterday, she came and asked to play with "my puppy." (Yes, she still claims ownership... another issue for another day.) I took him over and decided to do some yardwork. A few minutes later, a pizza delivery guy showed up at their house and Oso ran out the door when it opened. Suddenly, I hear her SCREAMING at my dog, "Get your butt back in this house!!" And then she proceeds to grab at him, scream some more, and cry when he doesn't listen.

So now I know where the bad behavior is coming from, and why he refuses to listen when he comes back from his play date. But the question is, what do I do? He needs to learn discipline, but I don't want to tell her she can't play with him.

Any suggestions on how to handle this situation?

An Update on My Opinion

2008-11-13T17:38:00.000-06:00

A couple weeks ago, I posted about a situation at work. (Click here if you want to read the original post.) Just to recap - I am the assistant editor of our semi-weekly newsletter. A subscriber emailed me with harsh criticism for an article I ran that he claimed was pro-Obama. Being a journalist, I was, of course, offended that he felt I was being biased in my reporting. I was also offended by the words he used to describe then- candidate Obama.

Well, I'm happy to report that out of our approximately 3,000 subscribers, only TWO people wrote us with negative feedback. I also received positive feedback from friends and coworkers who knew about the situation. It definitely renewed my faith in American intelligence and in the ideal of the "marketplace of ideas."

I sincerely hope that those two readers choose to educate themselves on the issues and not use "religious gobbeldygook" to tout their opinions. And I hope that one day they will return to our publication. My goal is to stimulate conversation, not offend people.

Besides, now that you know I voted for McCain, you really can't call me biased, right?

A Great Perspective

2008-11-11T10:33:00.000-06:00

I'll admit it... I voted for McCain. I knew it was a long shot, but I was really hoping he'd win. I agree with more of his policies than I do with Obama, and I voted my conscience.

I was amazed by the number of conservatives who flipped out on election night. I saw Facebook statuses that said "I'm moving to Mexico" or "God help us all." I was sad that McCain lost, and yes, I was scared of Obama's policies for just a minute. But I truly believe that God is in control, and that as Christians we have nothing to fear.

That said, a friend of mine passed this prayer along yesterday. I think it's worth sharing. It came from a pastor my organization works with. I love the end of his statement - that we are living in "exiting and interesting times." What a way to be positive!

Presidential Prayer

I, like most conservatives, am disappointed in the way the elections turned out. It seems like nearly everything and everybody that I voted for went just the opposite direction. It would be very easy to let a root of bitterness creep in, but we cannot and must not allow that to happen. As Christians we must pray for the new president, as Scripture commands. What should we pray for?

President elect, Obama claims to be Christian, however many of his stances are far from Christian, i.e., abortion, same sex marriage, etc. Pray that he has a true conversion. Pray that those with strong Christian beliefs be protected and not be relabeled “radicals” “bigots” and such. Pray that God would use President elect Obama to bring peace to our society in order for the Gospel to flourish. The black liberation theology, which Obama sat under for many years at his church and to my knowledge, has not disavowed, is not Christian. Some of the positions he has taken and acted upon are destructive of Christian faith. However, a study of the life of Paul shows that God is able to get one’s attention and turn that life around. Pray that it be so with President elect Obama.

Pray that God will bless President-elect Obama’s life, family, and new leadership role. May the One True God speak to Obama’s heart on a daily basis as he makes policy and serves this nation, still the best nation on earth. Prayer is key!Pray the new leadership will have a cleansing effect on the church in the United States. Sometimes we do not get the leader we want, but rather the one we deserve. We must not put our faith in politicians and or politics. We must repent and trust in Jesus, Who is the head of the church and the only One Who can bring peace to this much-divided land that we call home.President elect, Obama will soon be taking the oath of office along with a promise to uphold the constitution. Pray that God will hold him to that and that he will be blessed in keeping the oath, along with all of its promises.Pray that God will strengthen him in every Godly venture and prevent a radical liberal agenda from making headway in our nation. Pray that he will have such a radical, true Christian conversion that he has the courage to be bold with his Christian faith in the administration of our country.Pray that he steps up to the plate with the promise he made of listening to the other side. History shows that when one party controls both the White house and Congress the tendency is to force their agenda on the other party. Pray that Obama keeps that promise and if he does, he can be a great president.

Pray for the virtues of prudence and temperance in a culture, which seems to have a disdain for both. Pray that God’s Word will flourish in the United States of America and that God’s will be done.

Pray that Christians would not act like radicals and bigots, and will be given discernment to see God’s plan in reacting to President-elect Obama and his administration (while at the same time not sacrificing principles). Remember that these people are not our enemies. Go back and read Ephesians, chapter 6 and pray that we all keep a proper perspective.Pray for the upholding of justice, tempered with the right amounts of mercy, for the good of the nation.Pray for the peace and safety of this nation and pray for peace and safety for Israel.

Pray that Godly people will begin to step up to the plate and be counted. Check your hearts often. Put your hope in Christ.

Pray that all of our national leaders, both current and soon to come will truly acknowledge God, both in word and deed.Pray that the liberal agenda on abortion, same sex marriage, etc. does not end in a “hate speech” law that would affect churches and pastors ability to speak out on moral issues.Pray that our new president and vice president will work to establish peace; protect all the citizens of our nation, especially the weak and helpless (unborn babies), and have their speech seasoned with grace. Let all citizens of the United States exercise the freedoms we have been given by God, while at the same time showing honor and esteem to out national leaders.Pray that President-Elect Barrack Obama and Vice President-Elect Joseph Biden, be protected from harm.Pray that Almighty God will sit in the councils of our nation and guide our leaders in their deliberations. Certainly, God did not die last night, nor did America. God is still in charge. We are living in some of the most interesting and exciting times in the history of the world.

Eek Part II - Horace's Revenge

2008-11-06T21:53:00.000-06:00

Many months ago, I had a run-in with Horace the Mouse. Over a series of three blog posts, I described the finding of Horace, my attempt to trap and remove Horace, and the final combat - when Horace met his match in a mouse trap.

Well, apparently Horace wasn't the only mouse taking up residence in my stove. There have been others since then. But what happened this week is the mouse battle of epic proportions.

I had a few friends over on election night. I warned them that a mouse was lurking somewhere in the house, and that he liked to pop in unexpectedly. (Angel once saw him run to the middle of the living room and watch him play video games.) Sure enough, the little guy made his appearance halfway though the night. And guess where he was? In the stove, of course.

Now that I had discovered his "point of origin," I asked Angel to put a mouse trap next to the stove. I hoped he would take the bait before the end of the week.

On Wednesday, I went home before going to class because there was severe weather in the area. I wanted to put the dogs in the house so they wouldn't be out in the rain.

As I was bringing the dogs in, I happened to look on the counter and saw an upside-down mouse trap with a tail sticking out of it. Yessssssss! Victory at last!

Before I could clean it up, though, I needed to get the dogs in. Christmas is terrified of thunderstorms and he was going crazy. He started jumping on the dog gate and tore it down. As I was trying to stop him, I looked down at the doggie water bowl that I keep in the house. To my horror, there was a baby mouse swimming in it! The water level was down just enough to keep him from drowning, but he couldn't get out of the bowl.

Dead mice are easy - you throw them in the trash. But what do you do with a live one?

I thought about sitting it outside and letting the neighborhood cats kill it, but it was raining and I wasn't sure the cats would be out. Plus, I was afraid baby mouse would find a way out of the bowl. So then I decided to try and shoot it with my bb gun. I carefully aimed and pulled the trigger... only to discover that my gun is jammed and no longer shoots.

So then I thought, "Well, maybe I can just let the dog kill it." I called my mom and asked if I could feed the mouse to the dog, and she said it would probably make him throw up. Let's face it, no one wants mouse puke in their house. So she told me to get a hammer, knock it out, and let it drown in the water.

So off I go to get a hammer. I start whacking the thing in the head, but it won't die! It keeps bobbing around like those stupid games at the carnival. There I am, in the middle of my kitchen, with my cell phone in one hand and a hammer in the other yelling, "Die you stupid mouse, die!!!" Finally my mom asked, "How big is this bowl?" I explained that it was a 2.5 cup Tupperware bowl. To which she replied, "Good grief, that mouse is no bigger than poo. Flush it down the toilet!"

So I did. And 30 minutes after my epic battle began, it ended with Horace II going down the crapper. How delightfully ironic.

On a side note, I have mentioned the mouse problem to my landlord. There appears to be a hole behind the stove that was not properly sealed, but my landlord doesn't want to mess with moving the stove and sealing the hole. So for now I'm stuck trying to find alternative ways to deter mice. Terrific.

Not Your Typical "Get Out And Vote"

2008-11-03T19:53:00.000-06:00

Today is the day when a lot of people are posting "get out and vote!" blogs. I agree that you should definitely vote if you are registered. But while browsing Twitter today, I found a post that truly inspired me.

"My dad also insisted on voting before he died.Took an hour to get through the ballot, but he was so proud.Died 3 days later."

I think that says it all.

My Opinion.. As a Journalist, a Christian, and an American Citizen

2008-10-27T14:07:00.000-05:00

I write and edit a semi-monthly newsletter at work. The purpose is to inform church people around the world of events/news that is important to them. This includes church news, upcoming events, and national/political/world news that affects the Christian community.

In Friday's edition, I included this article in our section titled News Releases:

Oldest Voter Chooses Obama
According to BBC News, a 106-year-old nun may be the oldest voter in this year's election.She is an American citizen but has lived in a convent in Rome for the past 50 years.

"Sister Cecilia Gaudette, who last voted for President Eisenhower in 1952, has registered to vote and says she will vote for Democrat Barack Obama," according to the news release.

She says she is voting for Obama because "he seems to be a good man with a good private life."
For more on this story, click here.

Today, I received an email from one of our subscribers accusing me of "advertising" for Obama. He went on to say that by posting the article in our newsletter, we were encouraging the elderly and uneducated to vote for Obama. He also went on a rant about Obama's father and called Obama "ungodly."

Because I have to be unbiased when writing for the newsletter, I cannot reply to him in any official "work" capacity. That is left to the editor of the newsletter (my boss). However, I can definitely reply on my blog. And here is what I think:

GET OVER YOURSELF.

The point of this news story is that a 106-year-old woman is voting! Her story shows democracy at its finest. Regardless of whether or not you agree with the candidate she has chosen, she is VOTING. And she is 106. She is taking the time to voice her opinion.

As a journalist, I see that this is definitely newsworthy. And as an American citizen, I'm inspired by her effort.

As a Christian, I am very disappointed in the email I received. I'm all for freedom of speech, but this reader's statements did not show Christ's love. His email was hateful. He would probably be shocked to know that many of my co-workers plan to vote for Obama. Furthermore, the fact that he would presume to know Obama's heart and relationship with Christ enrages me. He did NOT focus on the issues.... he focused on his fear and hid it in conservative lingo. His feeble attempt to prove that Christians can't vote for Obama only proved one thing... he is ignorant.

This is the type of reader I'm trying to educate, yet he is refusing to get his head out of the sand and actually look at the issues. He refuses to be an informed, intelligent news consumer. He refuses to see the significance of this news story, and instead throws his fear and bias on an amazing testimony to democracy and the American spirit.

I'm not here to tell you who to vote for. That's a personal decision, and you need to examine your own values and see how those line up with the candidates' values. But don't start spouting religious mumbo-jumbo to back up your personal bias, and don't assume that every Christian believes what you believe.

As a journalist, a Christian, and an American citizen, I declare not only my right to vote, but my right to think independently. I can only hope that one day this reader will do the same.

My Very Own Recipe

2008-10-23T23:07:00.000-05:00

Several people commented on my Facebook post yesterday. My friend Ginny asked for this recipe, so I thought I would share it with everyone. Unfortunately, I didn't take pics, so you'll have to use your imagination!

Sun-Dried Tomato & Feta Chicken
Mashed Potatoes
Spinach & Walnut Salad

Ingredients:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (not frozen)
1 jar sun-dried tomatoes
1 container feta cheese
Chicken broth
Red Potatoes
Milk, sour cream, or half & half
baby spinach (washed)
shredded carrots
1 pkg chopped walnuts
salt & pepper
dried chives
olive oil
balsamic vinegar

Here's What You Do:

Start the mashed potatoes first. Quarter the potatoes, put them in a pot and add enough water to cover the potatoes. Bring to a boil and cook until a fork easily slides through them. Cover, remove from heat, and leave in the water (for now).
Next, on to the chicken! Use a large skillet or frying pan. Put in enough chicken broth to cover 1/2 inch of the pan. Add the chicken breasts, cover, and cook over medium-high heat until juice runs clear.
While the chicken is cooking, make the salad. Toss spinach, shredded carrots, and walnuts. Make the dressing: mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and salt to taste. Don't put the dressing on until you're ready to eat!
Next, back to the chicken. Turn the heat down to medium-low and add the sun-dried tomatoes. Cover and cook 5 minutes. Turn the heat off, add the feta cheese, cover, and let sit until ready to eat.
Back to the potatoes! Drain, then mash. Mix with salt, pepper, chives, and milk/half & half/sour cream to taste.
Finally, add the balsamic vinegar to the salad.
Eat & enjoy!

By the way, if you make extra chicken, it goes well on homemade pizza or with pasta. :-)

Back on the Wagon

2008-10-21T16:52:00.000-05:00

After six weeks of eating sans FitDay, I'm thinking of re-joining. I haven't gained weight, but I can see those unhealthy eating habits slowly creeping back in.

It's been especially difficult to maintain those good habits since school resumed and Angel changed jobs. I'm discovering that my love of cooking stems from a love of serving someone else. It's hard for me to justify making a healthy, yummy meal when I have no one to share it with!

That said, I'm going to try to get back on FitDay. If you want to follow my activity, encourage me, or give me a swift kick in the pants, click here.

Kids Say the Darndest Things!

2008-10-19T16:48:00.000-05:00

I volunteer twice a month in my church's preschool class. Today the lesson was on Noah and the ark. Because it's hard for children to understand the concept of adults being disobedient, I tried to bring it down to their level. I explained that God was sad because the people were taking each other's things, lying, not going to church, hitting each other, and saying bad words.

And that's when it happened. A little boy in the back of the room piped up and said, VERY loudly, "My momma says cuss words!"

There were 5 volunteer workers in the room, and every one of us lost it. I had to stop the lesson for a minute because I was laughing so hard.

The moral of the story? Children are watching you! If you don't believe it, just ask their teachers.

Oso's First Bath

2008-10-19T00:40:00.000-05:00

The pictures say it all. Enjoy!

My Green Opinion

2008-10-14T11:56:00.000-05:00

I recently wrote this opinion piece as an assignment for a graduate course. It's aimed at the fast-food industry and is supposed to encourage them to "go green."

I had so much fun writing this assignment that I wanted to share it. I'd love to read your thoughts on this subject!

Why the Grass is Greener on the Eco-Friendly Side

Some say the concept of “going green” is just a fad. I say it’s here to stay, and it’s time for quick –service restaurants to join the crowd. Here are three darn good reasons to go green.

1. Your employees will be healthier. Let’s face it – no one wants to order food from an unhealthy employee. If your employees keep coming down with the same mysterious symptoms, it may be time to look past the benefits package and the free gym membership. Do something that will truly make a difference – green their work environment.

One of the easiest ways to go green is to swap your old paint for newer, low-VOC paint.^¹ The chemicals in regular paints and wallpaper don’t just smell bad – they are linked to a myriad of ailments that range from asthma to cancer.^² Low-VOC paint smells better, looks great, and won’t hurt your employees. That, in turn, can lead to lower health care costs for you.

Another easy way to go green is to switch to eco-friendly cleaning materials. Chlorine and other toxic chemicals smell bad and can aggravate conditions such as asthma and eczema. Plus, wiping down tables with chemically laden cleaners means your customers may be ingesting or inhaling toxins without realizing it. Most companies offer eco-friendly cleaning alternatives at a reasonable price. Ask your supplier for more “green” cleaning options. Everyone will breathe a sigh of relief.

2. The public will thank you. The American public loves the idea of going green. While 40% of consumers say they want more eco-friendly options, only 4% actually buy them. ^³ Making a few eco-friendly changes will not only help you jump on the “sustainable bandwagon;” it will also make you more appealing to consumers. Just make sure your changes are truly environmentally friendly if you want to attract the 4% that is actively seeking a greener lifestyle.

3. Going green forces you to think outside the box (or, to borrow from Taco Bell, outside the bun). Think about it – when was the last time your franchise did something really innovative in an advertising or public relations campaign? Going green challenges you to look beyond the traditional advertising methods and do something unique. Sometimes it’s as easy as building a relationship with an organic food supplier or joining a local co-op that educates schoolchildren about sustainable living. You could even offer incentives to employees who come up with inexpensive ways to “green” your business.

There are tons of options out there, but the bottom line is this: eco-friendly is here to stay. However you decide to “go green,” make sure your main goal is to make a positive impact in your community. Use your business to make a difference, and help the environment in the process.

1 Green Build-Out by Jamie Hartford. QSR Magazine. Sept 23, 2008.

2 www.greendaily.com

3 UTNE. Turning Green? By Bennett Gordon.

And Then There Were Two

2008-10-11T19:48:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I had an unexpected visitor on my front doorstep. Angel discovered this little guy trying to eat some dog food Christmas had knocked into the flowerbed.

He had no tag and looked like he was not well fed. It turns out he followed my neighbor's daughter home from the bus stop two days earlier, and he'd been hanging out in front of their house ever since. They couldn't keep him, and I fell in love with him immediately. So Angel and I offered to take him.

We decided to name him Oso, which is Spanish for "bear." You can't tell from these pictures, but he's huge! The nurse at Petsmart said he's less than 4 months old.

If no one comes to claim him, I'll probably keep Oso. I'll keep you posted!

The Conglomerated Blog Post

2008-10-08T14:30:00.000-05:00

I have three lines of thought running through my mind, but they're connected. So I'm going to write this on long post about all three.

I woke up sick with allergy crud for about the seventh day in a row. It's been getting progressively worse, so I decided it was finally time to take a day off to fight the sickness. My friend Abbi used to work for a boss who told them to take "mental health days" if they needed to. I've had jobs where I worked myself to exhaustion, and I've learned the hard way that you end up hurting yourself and the company. There is no way you can do your best work when you are constantly tired and frustrated. So that's part of what today is about... recovering from physical and mental exhaustion so I can continue to be a top-notch employee.

That said, I am still checking my email today. A co-worker sent me a message with high importance regarding a confidential document. Most of the building knows that I'm a great proofreader/editor, and he needed my help with a time-sensitive report he's working on. It's not a long document, so I was glad to help him. But it made me realize that one reason good employees get burned out is.... well, it's because they're good employees. The talent that makes them stand out is also the thing that can wear them out. That is become more evident to me as I take on more duties at work AND get more requests for freelance work.

As I was thinking about that, my mind went to my friend and coworker Jess, who has a 15-month-old daughter. She would love to stay home with her baby, but their family is not in a position where that is possible right now. However, they are working hard and saving up so Jessica can stay home later when they have other children. Right now, she's in New York for a work conference, and I know she's conflicted about leaving Aubrey at home. I've seen her struggle with feelings of frustration because she wants to be with her daughter but she needs to work. That made me think - how does a mother and wife learn to balance and not get burned out? It's easy for an employee to walk out the door and not worry about the job, but being a mother is a full-time job. You can't turn it off. So how do they do it?

That, in turn, made me think about my own goals. I've always been vocal about the fact that I want to have kids later in life, and I do not plan to stop working. Ideally, I will be able to move to full-time freelance work or will own my own business by then, so I will have flexibility with my scheduling once I start having my babies. But thinking about how I've felt today, and thinking about Jessica, I realized that it's not as simple as saying, "Well, I'm going back to work and that's that." It's hard. Because it's not a job you can just "turn off" at night. You're always a mom, whether you are at work, in New York for a conference, or sitting at home with your child.

My goals aren't changing, but I am telling myself that I need to be open to taking more time for ME. I don't have to be all things to all people. With a marriage right around the corner, I'm realizing that caring for my family - Angel - is more important than being the best employee. And if I need to take some time for myself, that's okay, too. Because I've only got one life, and I want to enjoy it!

How do you balance life, work, and marriage/parenthood?

Introducing... Christmas the Dog!

2008-10-04T15:58:00.000-05:00

It's been a little over a month since Christmas came to live at my house. He's been a great addition to the "family!" Angel grooms him and I feed him, and we try to take him for walks a couple times a week. (The benefit there is that we get some exercise, too!)

I've tried bringing him in the house a few times because he will need to sleep in the laundry room during the winter. The first time he did fine, but the second time, he decided to "mark his territory" when no one was looking. Ew.

He's turning out to be a great watch dog, and he's very affectionate with me. He loves to be petted and brushed, and he's always excited to see me when I come home in the evenings!

With no further ado, here he is!

The Rant of the Day

2008-09-29T12:52:00.000-05:00

Angel and I have class together on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Since we're both working full time and have busy schedules, we try to have breakfast together after class. We go to the cafe on campus and act like an "old married couple" - he eats a ham, egg and cheese bagel while he reads the paper and I eat a muffin while I check my email. We make small talk, then head out to work for the day after spending some quality time together.

Anyway, on to my rant. This morning, I was really tired so I ordered a small fountain soda with my muffin (normally I get chocolate milk). Before I left, I wanted to get a refill, but the cafe is not the best at customer service. I stood by the counter for several minutes and no one came to help me. Finally, Angel suggested I get in the order line and just ask for a refill. One of the employees was talking to some people in line, and she heard Angel rattling the ice in the cup. She said, "Oh, did you want a refill? I'm so sorry.. I didn't know that's why you were standing ther!"

Then, she proceeds to reach around the counter to fill up my drink. Except she can't quite get the cup on the drink stand... so she STICKS HER FINGER IN MY CUP and fills it up. Then she hands it back, finger still in cup, and says, "Here you go!" And, get this - it was the finger that had a Band-Aid on it.

I walked upstairs and threw my drink away.

Here's One to Ponder....

2008-09-22T20:50:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about the definition of sin.

I grew up in a very conservative denomination in the South. There were a lot of things I believed were sinful. Then, I went to college and discovered that not everyone believed the same things I did. Some were even more conservative than I was; others, much more liberal.

When I moved to Oklahoma four years ago, I discovered even more points of view. I've always tried to listen to others when they explain why they believe what they believe in an effort to understand.

Learning about all these worldviews has caused me to do a lot of introspection over the years. I have had to face the fact that some things I learned growing up were the result of culture, not Biblical teaching.

Some things in the Bible are clear-cut: Salvation through Christ alone; following the Ten Commandments; spreading the Gospel. Others, however, are not so clear.

So that raises the question... how do you define sin? How do we know when something is sin or a cultural preference? Can something be a sin in one culture and not in another? How do we as Christians reconcile the fact that we have so many points of view?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this! It's something I ponder often.

I'm Published!

2008-09-17T14:36:00.000-05:00

The latest edition of our print publication came out today, and I wrote the cover story! Click here to view the magazine. My story is on pages 6-10.

Religious Right... Or Liberal Left?

2008-09-16T08:35:00.000-05:00

I have never been one to get involved in politics. I always found it frustrating and confusing, so I stayed out of it completely.

But that changed last semester when I took a Legal & Ethical Issues class. For the first time, I understood the importance of the First Amendment and how it affected me personally and professionally. My professor also insisted I become a news consumer, explaining that I couldn't work in communications if I didn't know what was going on in the world. She even had us write position papers each week to defend our stance on various issues in mass media. That class taught me to be an informed news consumer who knows how to take a stance on important issues.

That said, I still refuse to register as a Democrat or a Republican. I'm an independent. Yesterday I added a button to my Facebook that reads, "Being a Republican doesn't make you holy... Being a Democrat doesn't make you the anti-christ." Although I lean more towards Republican ideals, I find good and bad things in both parties. Nobody's perfect.

So, although I enjoy a good political pun, I find it incredibly annoying that the religious right wants to tout Palin's pentecostal background or that the liberal left compares Obama to Jesus. I don't care about what the candidates say, I care about what they do. (And, for the record, Palin was Catholic at birth, later joined the Assemblies of God, and now refuses to align herself with any denomination. She simply refers to herself as a Christian. Click here for her religious bio.)

The First Amendment gives us freedom of speech and freedom of religion. But, as my professor said, "Just because you can doesn't mean you should." Yes, you can call Obama the anti-christ. You can call Palin a pig. But that really doesn't reflect the best side of your political party.

If you want to talk politics with me, PLEASE be informed. I'm fine with someone who doesn't share my political views. In fact, I enjoy talking with people of different political backgrounds because it gives me new perspective into issues. But do me a favor - make sure you are informed by a real news source, not a crazy chain email!

Here are some of the sites I like to browse:

Pew Forum - great insight on religion and politics
McCain's Site
Obama's Site
CNN
NPR

I also write a political review called The Party Line for our organization's semi-monthly newsletter. I use the Pew Forum site and the candidates' websites to compare them on key issues. Click here to view back issues of the NETworkings e-newsletter.

Ick

2008-09-11T12:30:00.000-05:00

I feel it's my right to sometimes be a "whiney butt." This happens when I don't feel well and things really aren't going the way I want them to. This is one of those weeks... things have gone pretty well, but it's been a busy week and I've felt sick for three days. Today I'm sitting at my desk like a zombie. One of my coworkers even commented on the gigantic frown on my face. Another friend invited me to join her for dessert at a fancy restaurant tonight, but I turned her down and explained that I just don't feel up to it.

If you see me today, send me a smile and a hug. Hopefully the rain will stop, my back will quit hurting, and I will be my normal, sunnily sarcastic self again. Until then... ICK.

Christmas is Here!

2008-09-09T09:53:00.000-05:00

About 10 years ago, the Alba children received a cute little Akita - Sheltie puppy for Christmas. Angel's youngest brother, Aaron (who was 2-3 at the time), name him.... Christmas. The whole family immediately fell in love with him, and he's been a part of the clan ever since.

Fast-forward a decade. Christmas is now in his "golden years." The family has had some difficulties with him lately due to his age and crankiness. They considered putting him down, but Angel couldn't stand the though of that. He wanted Christmas to live out his final years in peace.

Angel and I are both dog lovers and have long talked about getting a pet after we're married. But Christmas needed a home now, and I have a nice back yard that looks awfully lonely with no pets in it. So we went to Dallas last weekend and brought Christmas back with us.

He's only been here two days and I absolutely love having him around! I feel safe knowing there is a guardian in my back yard. He enjoys getting attention, so he loves it when I pet him and love on him. We were worried that Christmas might be traumatized by the move - he's only known the Alba home since he was 6 weeks old - but he seems to be adjusting well and likes having a big back yard to explore.

As my friend Jessica said, "Yay! Christmas is here! It's Christmas every day!"

Pictures will follow!

My New Favorite Blog

2008-09-09T09:51:00.000-05:00

My friend Jessica just sent me a link to the McCain Bloggette, written by Meghan McCain and two of her friends. The blog gives unique insight into the life of a political family, and the photos are amazing. Whether you're a McCain supporter or not, you should check it out.

Introducing Madden James!

2008-08-29T16:46:00.000-05:00

Here is Angel's newest nephew, Madden.
We met him two weeks ago on our last trip to Dallas. He's a cutie!

Feeding time!
Angel was brave enough to try burping him - and Madden promptly spit up.

Just what mommies love - sleeping babies!

Spending quality time with Madden's big brother, Cade.
They are 13 months apart!

First a Blog, Then... Everything Else

2008-08-25T21:53:00.000-05:00

I started this blog nearly a year ago as part of a class assignment. To be honest, I wasn't really into sharing my personal life, so I created the assignment to help me come out of my shell. I've always been better at writing my feelings than talking about them.

11 months and 65 posts later, I am now a social networking junkie. If there's anything my time in Mass Comm has taught me, it's that technology is here to stay, and it's changing the way we communicate. As I've taken more graduate classes, I've tried to learn more about new communication methods.

Last week, Barack Obama announced his VP running mate by text message. It's a brilliant marketing strategy - regardless of how you feel about Obama - and it makes a bold statement about how technology plays into our lives now. We have i-pods, i-phones, laptops, cell phones, blackberries, game consoles, and portable game players. As I type this, Angel is playing Halo online with friends and talking to them through a bluetooth headset. The future is now, my friends.

That being said, I decided it was time to learn more about this thing called social networking. I have avoided the trend for both personal and professional reasons. However, Facebook is now a viable resource for journalists. So no more excuses... time to get cracking!

Over the past few months, I have joined Twitter, FaceBook and Myspace. I also have an account on LinkedIn, and I'm part of my alma mater's group on Ning. And you know what? I like it.

Social networking is teaching me a lot about myself and my friends. Not only am I catching up with childhood friends and college buddies, I'm finding that I really think about what I say. Having to write out my thoughts forces me to think, "Would I really say that to someone's face? How would someone else feel if they read that?" Plus, posting pictures and playing games is just plain fun. It's a way to connect with people on a whole new level!

Feel free to look me up on any of the above networking sites. I'd love to have more friends. And I definitely want more followers on Twitter - I'm conducting a personal communications experiment and would love your feedback!