Something to Ponder

"Barack Obama four years ago said, 'If you don't have something to talk about on the issues you talk about the small things,'" Beeson said in response to a question about women's issues. "And that's what we're seeing from the Obama campaign ... They don't have an issue to run on, they don’t have an agenda for the next term, so they want to talk about the small things and distract America from the important things of restoring and strengthening the middle class and putting America back to work." -Rich Beeson, political director for Mitt Romney's campaign

Women's issues are not a "small issue."  They affect everyone.  By the nature of what the population looks like (52% female), “putting America back to work” has to mean putting women back to work as well.  We need to start valuing the contribution that women have in this world, including the workplace.  This issue directly affects me and many people I love.  I would bet that if you took the time, you would find the same for yourself as well.  Having people with beliefs that dehumanize over half of the population (just on this topic) in power in this country is a step backward.  Please consider me and all the other women in your life when you are casting your vote next month.

Unconditional Love

In hard times, it is very easy to get down on yourself.  I could spend hours, days even, thinking about all of the things that are not going the way I had planned or would like them to go.  Sometimes, when I have time to myself to reflect, I have moments of brilliance.  After finishing The Latehomecomer (which I highly recommend), I realized tonight how many people love me unconditionally.

I am so incredibly blessed with unconditional love from so many.  I have Josh, my family, and more friends than any person could truly hope for.  All of these people love me when I'm at my worst, don't deserve love, and even when they don't understand me.  A true reflection of Jesus and God and the love we receive.  I am surrounded by fantastic, Christ centered people.  Sometimes it takes a weekend of ëxtrëmë ümläütïng and a mediocre church service to remember.

I was fortunate enough to travel with some friends over the first weekend in October.  Such good times with people I do not see nearly enough.

These lovely ladies helping me keep my sanity over a glass of Cranberry Wine at a vineyard in Winona.

I was fortunate enough to have a few more friends over for brunch today and spend the rest of the day with my mom.  Long walks, window shopping, and chats are the stuff therapy is made of, I am sure.  

I am sincerely looking forward to another visit in a few weeks, with many plans for crafts.  I can't wait to start Christmas crafting!  With our financial situation, I sense a homemade Christmas in the works.  Thanks for the inspiration, Pinterest!  I am struggling most with ideas for Josh.  Any suggestions are welcome!

Update on the budgeting: first week went well.  This week, not so much.  Rainbow was having a "souper" sale and we ended up getting a few extra treats and going over our budget.  I wish I could say to Josh's adorable face and the delicious Progresso tomato soup.

Update on homemade laundry soap: works like a dream.  I did more loads than I care to remember (still working on the mental block) yesterday and it help up very well.  Clothes are clean and wallets are not empty.  I would suggest you consider this change to help you save money and help simplify your life.

Last update: Homecoming was last weekend (for the Cobbers and the Tommies, which means I had to work!).  I am really hoping to make it back to Moorhead next year after having to work for the last two years.  The fall concert was last night.  Colbie Callait came to visit.  She is very talented and kind.  Next weekend is my last weekend of duty for the semester.  I sense a lot more time dedicated to homework in the near future.

Another day on the job: Working a private event at Nickelodeon Universe.  No lines, rides all night, and good friends.  I should keep this as evidence of why my job is the best!

Trying some new things

We have been trying a few new things around our house

Thing #1: Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Almonds

These were delicious.  When I told Josh about them, he couldn't stop thinking about them.  We ended up making them that night.  I think we will be making these for Christmas stockings this year!

Thing #2: Buffalo Chicken Pasta

This was pretty good.  Being my mother's daughter, I didn't actually follow the recipe.  I think that I would make it saucier next time.  I also added chopped celery for the last few minutes of sautéing the chicken.  I highly recommend the addition.

Thing #3: Re-Purposing Old Things

This tutorial worked like a charm.  Josh convinced me that I didn't need to get the matching jar for our bathroom set, and now I'm glad I didn't.  I am keeping my cotton pads in this jar.  The hardest part was getting the sticky stuff from the label off the jar.  If you have more patience than I do, it won't be a problem for you.

Thing #4: Deep- Clean of the Apartment

I know, I know, it says spring cleaning.  We are trying to do a deep clean to start off the winter season in a good way.  We are hoping this will give us a good head start for the Holiday season.  An additional benefit is that it gives Josh projects to do.  We currently have done 4 tasks and have 9 to go.  We are aiming for one task a day.

Thing #5: Homemade Laundry Soap

This stuff was WAY easier than I thought it would be to make.  The Fels-Naptha soap smells amazing.  When I was grating it and while it was in the "bucket" stage, our apartment had an amazing scent.  The hardest and most time consuming part is getting the soap from the buckets to the bottles (not really all that hard or time consuming).  We have only done two loads since we made this but it works really well.  No softener needed!  I think we spent $2 on the soap and used half of it, $6 on the borax (it doesn't even look like we used any from the box), $4 on the washing soda (same thing as the borax), and used old milk jugs for storage.  We ended up making 5 gallons.  That means 160 loads.  That comes out to about 7 cents per load (although not technically because we didn't use everything we bought yet).  Can't beat it!

Thing #6: New Grocery Budget

I used many different sites to help us come up with this, but what I ended up doing was adding up everything we spent on groceries for the last few months.  After averaging these out, we decided on a budget that was right for us ($35/week).  After getting more than enough for the week (including some luxury items) at Aldi last weekend for $30, I think we can do it.  I'm hoping this will keep us on track for now (while Josh is working at Staples) and when he gets another job.

Patience

Patience is a virtue... that I do not have and am constantly working on.

It's just really hard to wait for things, especially when they are for someone super fantastic who deserves so much.