Family is Priceless. Be thankful.

Today is my Grandfather's 90th birthday. As his immediate family gathers around today today we plan to celebrate with a unique gift. We have all decided to sit down and write him a letter. The idea being that we would share with him amazing memories and heartfelt stories in an attempt to express how much he means to each one of us. I thought this was a great idea and something that goes along with the theme of this blog and what I believe in.  A heartfelt gift you have to put time into is so much more meaningful and something you can't put a pricetag on.

As I sat down over this past week to scribble out some memories and ideas in the first draft of my letter, I was troubled by one thing.  Why was it taking such a milestone in someones life for me to express how much they mean to me?  Shouldn't I express my love and gratitude on a more consistent basis to those that are my family and I hold so close to my heart? Shouldn't I make a better effort aside from just birthdays and anniversaries and weddings?  I don't know the answer to the why, but I do know that I should try harder and a little more often.  Family is after all, one of the most precious items on my Priceless List!

I don't mean I have to sit down and draft a 3 page letter to every person special to me, but there are times when I could do a better job at letting people know they are important and I'm grateful they are in my life. My family has given me more than they realize and I should be better about saying thank you.  While I love my grandfather, (my Papaw) dearly and I congratulate the milestone of his 90th birthday, I'm also overcome with a new found realization that I need to be more appreciative of my family.
 
It's hard to express to the world, or whoever is actually reading this blog, what family means to me. I know not everyone is blessed with the perfect parents, ideal siblings, or doting grandparents, and therefore the definition of family for many isn't always equivalent to the traditional definition. I know mine isn't. For me, family isn't just those that are blood related. It includes a group of people that have come into contact with me throughout my life and have made special efforts in making a positive and everlasting impression on the person I am today and continue to strive to be. These people, whether around my whole life or just a tiny slice of it, are dear to my heart and soul. These are people that created me, raised me, guided me, taught me, fought for me, challenged me, walked with me, loved me, believed in me, and even if it was hard, stood by me. If given the chance, these people would continue to do any of these things again today. Lucky for me, my family is not limited to my immediate blood relatives, but it includes so many others as well. From my parents, to grandparents, to siblings, to extended blood and non-blood family, to step relatives, and to my friends from young and old, I cannot believe how lucky I am to have had to so many amazing people be a part of my life.

As I challenge myself, I also challenge you to appreciate your "Family".  You can determine for yourself who your "Family" is and how you might go about this process, but please be sure to do it.  I know for me I am going to try. Giving and receiving a little gratitude and love in life is priceless, but how much more special is it, when it comes out of the blue.... just because....
 
To my family formed by blood, marriage, higschool, college, work, and many other significant milestones in my life (I hope you know who you are) THANK YOU! You're amazing  and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

Let it Snow.Let it Snow. Let it.....

...BLOOM!

Here in south we are known more for our yellow snow, rather than the white powder of winter.  Many of us "southerners" have to deal with dreaded seasonal allergies, yellow covered decks, roofs, and patios, and the longing to wash our cars. ARGH!

As I stepped outside to go for my run today I could feel and smell the pollen in the air and I felt so bad for all of my fellow Southerners that endure horrible allergies. For 20 + years I endured those same allergies and found it a miserable time each year. I was so overcome with misery, I couldn't enjoy the new season and all it was bringing forth.  Although pollen is seen as such a negative part of Spring, I have learned to appreciate what Spring does bring us! Despite the pollen, my run today was filled with fresh air, warm sunshine, and some of the most colorful blooms I had seen in a while.  For those that may not be able to appreciate the natural beauty of spring blooming around us due to those dreaded allergies, here are some pictures for you to enjoy. I snapped a few during my run today in hopes to pass them onto you.  I hope you can enjoy them from the comfort of your computer screen, indoors, and pollen free! A free gift from me to  all my readers.  :) Enjoy!

Thank you God for providing my neighboring gardening artists with such a fabulous canvas and art utensils!! I had a free art show today!

Spring has Sprung! Getting more out of the new season for less.

And so it begins... Daylights Saving Time has begun and the first signs of Spring have already arrived.  All we can think about is getting back outside and enjoying the outdoors and feeling that glorious sunshine reign down on our face and shoulders. The great masses of retail and community feel it too. Many activities that we have missed all winter are sneaking their enticing claws into our minds. Community festivals are advertising their dates, amusement parks are gearing up for opening day, and restaurants seem to have customers on their patios again. Why you may ask? Duh, because they want to make money AND what better way to make money than to take advantage of the items that are everyone's priceless list!

ENJOYING THE DAWN OF SPRING AND ALL IT HAS TO OFFER

While the many natural activities of Spring are now free to enjoy, so also begins the possibilities of spending more money; money we can spend in places that we haven't been able to all winter long. As you feel yourself tempted to embark on these new adventures, stop and ask yourself, "What about these things are really enticing to me? What is making me want to partake? Is this activity a part of my budget?"  If your answer to the last question is "yes", then by all means enjoy! However, if you will pause and think about what your really seeking (probably items on your priceless list),  then you will also find these priceless moments you are seeking are found right under your nose for a lot less. I'm not suggesting these are better choices. They are simply alternatives when trying to save a buck or two.   Here are a few things I do for myself when I am trying to make the most out of my dollar and catch those priceless moments I love about Spring.

1. Enjoy your own patio-  I know I love the feeling of being able to go to a restaurant and sit out on the patio while enjoying a meal or drinks with friends or family. It's not always necessary however,  to go to a restaurant and spend the money on food and drinks to enjoy that patio feeling and time with loved ones. If you have a deck or patio or know a friend or family member that has one, recommend that you relocate to your own. It is in fact still a patio. It is the same sunshine. Not to mention the money you save serving your own meal and drinks, rather than a restaurant bill is an added bonus!

2. Exercise Outdoors - I know not everyone exercises and I will most likely post more about this "priceless" topic in another post, another day. For the purposes of this post however,  the immediate feeling I personally get from exercise is something on my priceless list and when I can do it outside, it's even better! Getting outside and getting healthy in the sunshine can be much more rewarding than the same old cramped gym. Why pay for that aerobics classes and listen to the grunting of others lift weights, when you can get the same exercise right outside while enjoying the new season.  I personally refuse to pay for a gym membership. There are just too many other ways I have discovered and learned over the years on how to exercise for mush less while earning more priceless moments.  For one, enjoying nature and the new life of Spring cannot be found in a gym. If you don't have a safe neighborhood to walk in, or backyard to perform your work-out, visit a local park, find some hiking trails, or see if a local school has their track open.

3. Do some yard work-  One of coolest parts of Spring is the beginning and return of life in most of nature. Birds come back from migration, new animals are born, and plants are blooming. What a better way to really notice this new life than to work with our hands, get up close, and aid this natural process along. Not to mention it's another form of exercise. If you don't personally have a yard, what about trying a few potted plants on a patio. If this isn't an option either, is their someone in your life that could use an extra hand in the yard. Perhaps this is your chance to spend the day with your parents or a close friend, or an elderly neighbor might want an extra hand.  


4. Visit a community festival -There are many community festivals held during the Spring and believe it or not, much of the things offered at these are free. Yes, there will be things you can spend your money on and if you have it budgeted (and only if) then spend away. However, remember to enjoy the things about the festival that are priceless as well. The fresh air and sunshine are always free of charge, sometimes you can find live music, maybe free prizes, and perhaps arts and crafts to appreciate. All this and more can be found all without spending a dime. 

5. Spring Cleaning - You might be asking, "what about this would I enjoy?" For me, indoor or outdoor spring cleaning always gives me MANY of my priceless moments. Although the cleaning part can be tough to embark on, there is in fact exercise, enjoying good music, feeling the spring weather, and knowing I have accomplished a task to motivate me along. Try a chore outside first, like cleaning the yard or gutters on the roof. Go give your car a good bath or get really crazy and volunteer to pick up around your neighborhood or nearby park. If you chose to stay indoors, open up the windows and blast some good music!

6. Roll the windows down and blast the radio -Finally, you don't have to scrape the ice of your windshield and look at your breathe for 5 minutes while the car warms up.  The sun is starting to warm up your car quite well. Most of us are in our cars everyday, so why not take advantage of rolling down the windows and enjoying fresh air. Better yet, blast the radio, your iPod, or CD of choice. Or for the daring, sing your heart out just like Tom Cruise did in that scene in Jerry Maguire!  Man, it feels awesome just to write and think about it!

 FREE FALLING!!!!

*click above for a little motivation*

7. Have an outdoor game day -This can go for any ages and any lifestyle. I love a good game. I have always been known around my bunch as the gamer.  I guess I love a little together time with my loved ones and a little good clean competitive fun as well.  College ages, singles, families with children can all enjoy. The next time you are sitting around bored, pick yourself up and step into the backyard yard or free open area like a park.You don't always have to pay those green fees for a round of golf to get in a game outside.  Try a pick-up game of basketball at the local park, invite friends over for a game of bocce ball, croquet, or horseshoes. Don't feel like being that active? Spread out a blanket and pick up a board game or deck of playing cards!

8. Relax - Sometimes being lazy and resting your body can be totally rejuvenating for the body and soul.  Get a blanket, or hammock if you already have one, and read a book, a magazine, or simply take an afternoon nap. Aahhhhhhhh.....




If you don't have the luxury of an outdoor yard area in your home or neighborhood then please remember THE LOCAL PARKS! You do already have to pay those dreaded taxes and part of it goes to maintaining those parks, so go make use of that expense! There are endless activities and opportunities here.

My Priceless List

Two days ago I wrote about making a priceless list. As I reflected on what I had written and what I should write next, I realized if I'm going to do this whole "blogging thing" I had better practice what I preach!  While I have my "priceless list" floating around in my head, I have never actually taken the time to truly think about it in a list format and write it down. If I'm asking my readers to make a list, then I should be making one too. So here is the start to my list. It will grow and change everyday. I will come back here often and update it as I discover more about myself. I accept I must be flexible with this list and keep plugging along with it to better my life. It is MY list. I am open to sharing it, but it is created for ME. Please create your list for YOU. Yours may be similar or totally different, but again, I'm asking you to make one. 

• Laughing so hard it makes me cry
• Getting or giving a hug just....because
• Getting lost in a really good book
• Family time
• Friend time
• My relationship with God
• God's mercy and love for me
• The first signs of spring
• Snowflakes falling on my face
• The feeling after a good workout
•  Being shown appreciation when you least expect it
• Showing appreciation and gratitude
• Seeing someone light up in a genuine way when they open a gift you give them
• Random acts of kindness
• Sharing a smile with a stranger
• Soaking in nature's beauty
• Recognizing nature's beauty 
• Realizing the positive side to things, even when it appears so negative
• Coming out on the other side of a really painful time and being able to say "I made it"
• Fresh air on my face
• Hearing music that moves me (in a soulful way)
• Hearing music that moves me (in a way that makes me want to dance)
• Falling in love
• Being in love
• The moment when a child teaches ME something
• Whether I'm gone 2 minutes or 2 days, the way my cat ALWAYS greets me at the door 
• Whenever I feel needed

To be continued......




As I started to think about my list and what my priceless items were, I contemplated what all the items in my list had in common. I realized the roots of most of my list were from emotions I felt during my life experiences and the comfort they give me. Some of these priceless items can be found for free and some of them you can find with a little help from money. However, if you are spending money to seek out these priceless moments, I encourage you to proceed with caution. I'm reminded of a Beatles song.  "Can't By me Love" .  Love is an emotion we can all agree feels wonderful and priceless. But just as the song says,  "Money can't be me love" . Be careful not to get so lost in seeking out your priceless moments that you start to spend too much money in your search. Priceless moments should be genuine, natural, and come from the heart. If you try to buy them with money, then you are defeating their soul purpose. Don't try to put a price tag on them.  They are after all, PRICELESS.
 
This was my priceless moment of the day.
 - Realizing the positive side to things, even when it appears so negative -

 Thank you dreary rainy day for bringing us beautiful flowers!

Money Doesn't Always Matter - Make a Priceless List

So if you have read the back story to my blog you know by now the content of this blog is two-fold.

1 -Money Matters

In life their are things that money can buy. Money enables us to obtain our needs and some of our wants. Day in and day out, we make money and spend money and then make money again. It's a cycle. Earn and spend. Earn and spend. I plan to guide and inspire you to take part in this cycle as wisely as possible. Don't get lost in it. Be in control of it.

Yesterday, I got a jump start on the money topic and Step 1 was to make a budget.  Today I would like to talk about the other topic...

2- Money Doesn't Always Matter

While I hope to give everyone financial advice, I also want to encourage everyone to take the time to discover the things in their life that money simply cannot buy. I wasn't sure what to call these things, so for now I will call it a "Priceless List". No matter how hard we work, and how much money we make, and how much advice we receive, the "Priceless List" is the part of our lives that money cannot buy.  When the financial side to your life feels like it's out of control, when you are prospering yet you still do not feel satisfied, when you feel like you have no hope during hard times, these are the times to turn to your "Priceless List".  I will be sharing what is in my list and in turn I hope that you will find yours. Please note, I have no intention for you to agree with all of my priceless items and moments. I don't intend to pressure you into loving what I love. These things will be different for everyone and I cannot define them for you.  I want to share what makes up my "priceless list" as way to help you find yours. You can try what works for me or you can try something totally different. I just encourage you to try.  While society may force us in to needing money for some things, you just may find a little freedom in knowing that it cannot provide you with everything.  I challenge you to dig deep and define for yourself things you cannot put a price tag on. This list will be ever changing so be flexible. Yesterday I asked you to make a budget. Today, I ask you to make your "Priceless List".