A Frugal Valentine Gift

I know it's early but this is something you can start now.  This gift works not only for your significant other...but for children, friends, anybody you love.

First, find a cute jar or container.  In addition, you'll need strips of paper.  Make them about an inch wide and two inches long.  You may also wish to put some ribbon around the top of the container.

Starting today, use the slips of paper to write down things you love about the recipient.  If you average about four things a day from now until Valentine's Day...you'll have at least 52 things you've written.  That's enough for the recipient to choose one thing a week for an entire year!

This gift costs next to nothing and spreads love over an entire year.  So get moving and start writing!!

Love,
Jerri

Reviving A Lost Tradition

I am a child of the 70's.  One of the traditions we have lost from that era is the pot-luck dinner.  That's sad, as it was a way to gather friends without a huge expense on the host.

Now would be the perfect time and the perfect economy to bring that tradition back.  A sign up list can be sent by group email.  Make sure to have half of the categories per number of couples.  That way you have more than one choice for each category.  And the sign up sheet will guarantee that you don't end up with a table full of nothing but desserts!!

As host or hostess, sign up for the main meat dish yourself.  Make it easy, you still have to greet, mingle, and make your guests feel welcome!  And remember, you're not running an open bar.  Pick one or two "signature" drinks and make them by the pitcher.  Set them up on a table with glasses and ice.  Let your guests serve themselves...remember, these are your friends...they won't mind!!

As an added bonus for your guests, consider setting up a leftover table.  You can purchase small leftover containers at a local dollar store in 4-packs.  Then, if your guests fall in love with a dish brought by someone else, they can take some home.  Providing twenty containers will only run you $5.

While we all know that the fashion and disco are parts of the Seventies we never want to come back, this is one tradition that is worth revisiting!  Let me know how your potluck goes!

Love,
Jerri

When Cravings Collide!

Pizza Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 jar pizza sauce
Sliced mozzarella
Hamburger buns

Directions:

Brown ground beef and drain.  Add pizza sauce and heat thoroughly.  Spoon on to hamburger buns and top with a slice of mozzarella cheese.  Heat in oven until cheese melts and top with bun top.

Enjoy!!

Mixed Emotions

I recently won $400 in Velashape treatment from Dr. Oz.  I have mixed emotions.  As a woman who's about to turn 50, the thought of being able to eliminate some cellulite thrills me!!  As a woman who is also a certified chicken-s..t, the thought of being lasered terrifies me!!

Let's face it...it doesn't matter how thin you are, everybody has it.  One of the most horrid words ever...cellulite!  I have an opportunity to do something about it.  So why am I so scared?

It's a laser!!!  I know, they've come a long way, they're safe...yada, yada, yada.  But I grew up with science fiction using lasers to kill, maim, and decapitate.  That's still in the back of my mind!  I know, goofy.  But it's still there!

I'm going to make my appointment soon.  I'm going to put on my big girl panties and take advantage of this opportunity.  I'll keep you updated!

Love,
Jerri

Slowing Down

I'm trying to learn to slow down.  With all honesty, this is not my area of strength.  This past weekend, I went non-stop for a full 48 hours, barely stopping to sleep.

So how do I learn to slow down?  Even when I make a conscious effort, it seems life conspires to make me move even faster.  I thought having an empty nest would mean a slower, gentler pace to life.  Nothing could be further from the truth!  Granted, it's a different kind of busy, but busy none the less!

As my life takes yet another unexpected turn, I'm going to try to learn to enjoy the ride.  It may not be slow, but it's definitely not boring!!  All I can do now is hang on, pray for the best, and survive the worst.  Wish me luck!!

Love,
Jerri

A Rough Morning

Texas had a huge storm system roll through this morning.  From about 1 a.m. on, I spent hours trying to comfort my Aussie, Emma.  She is a rescue that is terrified of rain and thunder.  Around 2 to 3 a.m., we were receiving hundreds of lightning strikes and non-stop thunder.

Needless to say, I am totally exhausted!!  Emma and my other dog, Max?  Sound asleep now and snoring away!  Life sometimes just isn't fair!

I'm off now to try to clean up some of the damage from last night.  There are a number of branches down and I don't know what else.  Have a great day, everybody!!

P.S.  Not everything survived!!

National Compliment Day

What a great holiday!  It costs you absolutely nothing, it brings joy to another, and your simple words can change someone's day.

Take just one moment today and pay someone a compliment.  Make it sincere and better yet, do it to someone you usually wouldn't.  You can find one thing, even in someone you don't get along with, to compliment.  Your kind words may just be the turning point in your relationship.

So to you, my lovely readers...I love your interaction with the blog!  Thank you!!

Love,
Jerri

Happy New Year!!

Soup for a Chilly Winter's Day

A take on French Onion soup adding that all-important staple...BACON!!

Ingredients:

8 slices bacon
8 medium onions
French bread
Grated Parmesan
Heavy cream

Directions:

1.  Saute bacon, diced, until crisp.  Remove bacon from pan and set aside.
2.  In the fat remaining in the pan, saute onions, thinly sliced, until tender.  Remove onions from pan and discard fat from pan.
3.  Return onions to the pan with 5 cups water and salt and pepper to taste.  Simmer for 30 minutes.
4.  Line the bottom of a casserole with thin slices of French bread.  Cover the bread with a layer of grated Parmesan.  Sprinkle two tablespoons of heavy cream over the cheese and add a layer of diced bacon.  Repeat.
5.  Add the hot onion soup to the casserole dish.  Heat in a hot (400 degree) oven for 5 to 10 minutes.

Enjoy!!

Goal Check-In

We're about three weeks in to the year.  I've made a strong step towards achieving my New Year's goal of following my dream.  How's everybody doing?


Hubby's goal for the New Year is to drop some weight.  While I'm glad he is taking steps for his health...I did receive Paula Deen's Southern Cooking Bible for Christmas...and now I can't use it!!  There are recipes in there that I am dying to try but I'm behaving myself so I don't sabotage him.  It's killing me!!


How are you doing on your goals for the year?  Have you already abandoned them?  Are they slowly slipping away?  Now's the time to re-focus, re-center, and re-commit.  Don't beat yourself up if you've hit a bump in the road.  It's only that...a bump.  The road hasn't been washed out or gone off a cliff.  You're still on it and now is the time to keep moving down that road.  


Remember, I believe in you!!  Here's to a happy and successful 2012!  Now...get moving!!


Love,
Jerri

A Frugal Date

Have you stopped or cut back on date night due to the economy?  There are quite a few things you can do that cost less than $20 and still give you that valuable "couple" time!

1.  Take a walk together.  Go to your local lake, river, or park and take a walk.  Hold hands and talk to each other without the world interrupting.  Cost:  Free.

2.  Visit a museum.  The majority of museums offer a certain day of the month for free or reduced admission.  One of our local art museums is free every Thursday.  There's no rule that says date night should only be on a Friday or Saturday!  Cost:  Free or under $20.

3.  Dance.  I don't mean go to a club, pay a cover charge, and buy over-priced watered-down drinks.  A bottle of wine and your iPod will do the same thing.  Close the drapes, dim the lights, and slow dance.  A decent bottle of wine can be had for under $10...ask at your local liquor store for recommendations.  Cost:  Under $10.

4.  Dinner and a movie.  Pizza delivery chains are always running specials for deals $10 and under.  You can rent a movie from Redbox for $1.20 or get one on demand for $3.95.  Cuddle up together on the couch, enjoy your pizza and watch a scary movie with the lights off!  Cost:  Under $20.

5.  Explore.  If your city is anything like Austin, there are neighborhoods all over town with cute shops, interesting street vendors, and trailer eateries.  Explore your own city and enjoy an afternoon together.  Stop for an ice cream, hold hands while walking, and play tourist in your own town.  Cost:  Under $20.

These are only a few ideas...I'm sure my readers can come up with hundreds more!  Remember that just because money is tight, doesn't mean that everything has to be cut.  It's during a bad economy that we need to draw closer together.   I hope these ideas give you a starting point!

Love,
Jerri

My Darling Rescue

Both of my dogs are rescues.  As anyone with a rescue knows, they come with their own set of quirks!  Here lately, Max's have been in the forefront.

For one, Max loves strawberries.  As in, he will pick them right off the plant, and is so delicate that he actually leaves the hull on the plant.  Needless to say, every spring my strawberry plants are now in hanging baskets he can't reach!!

Recently, Max has lost weight...a much-needed loss!  One morning last week, I woke to find his collar on the floor.  No biggie, it was loose and easily could have been shaken or pawed off.  But how the hell did he unbuckle it???

Max loves to carry our personal items around the house.  He doesn't chew...just carries them.  Hubby has started keeping his work shoes on top of the dresser just so he knows where they are every morning.  But Max has gotten a bit bored with just carrying shoes.  Case in point?  The hunt I had to go on this morning to find my bra!  Thankfully, I didn't have company first thing...it was in the middle of the living room floor!

Are you doing something other than paying attention to Max?  Guaranteed, he will lay his head on your magazine, remote, needlework, etc. to gently remind you that HE is more important!  At 13 years old, he is more important.  We don't have much time left together and I treasure every quirk, every hunt for shoes, and drool all over my magazine.  If you are looking for unconditional love in your life...look no further than a rescue!

Women of a Certain Age

I've noticed a phenomena lately when I've been out in public.  Now it may be just me, but I've wondered if it happens to other women also.

Let me start by saying I'm not a small woman.  Well, I am weight-wise...the term "skinny bitch" has been used to describe me on more occasions than I can count.  But I'm 5'9"...not short by any means.

That being said, why am I constantly run into, run over, knocked out of the way at grocery stores, retail outlets, etc.?  I mean, physically...like people can't even see that I'm standing there?  Add to that, trying to get a clerk's or waitress' attention.  It's almost an impossibility.

Has our society been so trained to focus only on the young and beautiful that people actually fade away as they age?   I only have about six weeks left in that all-important demographic of 18-49 year-olds.  What happens when I hit the big 50?  Do I disappear?

Marketing for women who are aging is almost exclusively limited to anti-aging products and life insurance.  We are at the point in our lives when we have the most discretionary income and more free time.  A person would think we would be a marketer's dream!  Why the assumption that we are solely focused on either how we look or when we're going to die?

And fashion?  Oh, don't get me started!!  Why are my only choices a mini skirt or a housecoat?  Why is the assumption that just because I'm more mature, I don't want to look as hot as I possible can?  I'm old...I'm not dead yet!

I'm taking a stand!  I'm still here, still breathing!!  I'm not invisible!!

MLK

Today is the official holiday to recognize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  It is intended as a national day of service in his honor.  It is based on his quote:

 "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'"


To serve, you don't need a grand plan or a huge organization.  Walk out your front door.  There is a need in your own neighborhood.  


Is there a park that could use some trash pick-up?  Is there a food bank that could use a volunteer?  Is there a school that needs volunteers?  With just those questions, you've probably thought of an opportunity and probably haven't even made it a mile from your front door.


With today's economy, need is everywhere.  In honor of the holiday, reach out and help someone.


Love,
Jerri

Recipe For Kindness

On Saturdays, I usually post a food recipe.  In keeping with this week's theme of being nice on the internet...I offer a different type of recipe today.




RECIPE FOR KINDNESS

 Fold two hands togetherand express a dash of sorrow.Marinate it overnightand work on it tomorrow.Chop one grudge in tiny piecesadd several cups of love,dredge with a large-sized smilemix with the ingredients above.Dissolve the hate within you,by doing a good deed.Cut in and help your friendif he should be in need.Stir in laughter, love and kindnessfrom the heart it has to come,toss with genuine forgivenessand give your neighbor some.The amount of people servedwill depend on you,it can serve the whole wide world,if you really want it to.-- Author Unknown

As It Ends

Be Nice on the Internet week is winding down.  It's actually a shame that there was even a need for such a week.

I've covered this week from a few different angles.  It really comes down to common sense and common courtesy.  Two words:  Be Nice.  Really, how hard is it?

Obviously for some, it never crosses their mind.  It's up to those of us who do care about each other to step up and take action.

Be kind.  Think about your words before you put them on the internet for all eternity.  Yes, you can delete something you've posted...but not before it's been read and the damage done.

Remember that we don't know what is going on behind the scenes.  Even if someone puts on a happy exterior, consider the interior before you speak.

Consider the ripple effect.  Know what your personal actions and your interactions with bullies do to others in your life.  Walk away if necessary.

Protect your children and grandchildren.  Watch their pages, tweets, and postings.  Watch not just for bullies, but what they may not realize is bullying behavior on their part.

I humbly pray that my words have touched someone this week.  I pray that I have made a small difference in the prevalent culture of cruelty.  I pray that I have saved just one person just one moment of hurt and pain.  If any of that is true, I have done my job and done it well.

Above all else...Be Kind.

Love,
Jerri

The Ripple Effect

Yesterday's post addressed cyber-bullying.  Cyber-bullying also has a ripple effect that I think a lot of people haven't considered.


There is a quote by Bishop Desmond Tutu that applies.  Please read it carefully.


"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality."

Now consider those words in regards to cyber-bullying.  Have you thought about how your interaction with a bully might affect other friends?  Let's break it down a bit...

First, silence equals compliance.  You may say that you don't participate or allow it on your wall.  But if you see someone bullying, do you remove yourself from that person or do you just remain silent?  By remaining silent and continuing to interact with that person...you are giving tacit approval to their behavior.  This then encourages them to continue.  After all, nobody is saying anything and they still have their friends, right?  So why would they stop?  By your silence and your continued interaction with the bully, you then become complicit in the very act of bullying yourself.

You're probably thinking that you're an adult...you shouldn't have to terminate a connection because of behavior that doesn't directly affect you.  Picture introducing that person at a dinner party.  "Meet XXX, you should really see him tear someone to shreds online!  It's impressive!".  That made you think, didn't it?  Still proud of the fact that they are your friend?

Second, what does your interaction with a bully say to your other friends?  It tells them to be wary of you.  It says that you may pass something on, whether purposefully or not, that the bully may take advantage of.  It devalues your friendship when you maintain a connection with someone who has either bullied them or someone they know.  They believe that you think maintaining a friendship with a bully is more important than doing the right thing.  It erodes trust.  How do you trust someone who is proud to have a bully as a friend?  

Is there someone on your social media that is a bully?  Have you noticed other friends withdrawing?  Has their online interaction with you diminished?  Consider that it might be due to your interaction with a bully.  They may have withdrawn due to disapproval of bullying behavior or actual fear that interacting with you may make them a target for the third party bully.  

This is Be Nice on the Internet week.  This isn't a passive process.  It doesn't just mean you read the blog posts and the tweets.  It requires action on everyone's part.  Are you ready and willing to do what's right?

Love, 

Jerri

Not Just For Kids Anymore

Cyber-bullying.  We've all seen the news reports of the tragic outcomes of cyber-bullying.  The suicides, the depression, the cutting.  It hurts me to my very core to see what one person will do to another, particularly children.

But it's not just for kids anymore.  There are adults on social media who take great pleasure in bullying and hurting others.  I belong to a number of social media networks and I have seen some of the most horrific behavior.

I have actually seen people bragging about cutting someone down to size, about putting someone in their place, and using names that would never be spoken in polite company.  I have seen homophobia and racism cloaked in posts about religion and politics.  And I have seen outright attacks on people by others who think they somehow have the right to judge.

Where does an adult get the idea that this behavior is okay?  On what planet is the deliberate action of causing another human being hurt considered "cute" or "funny"?  We're not talking about children here who don't yet have the life experience to know better or the emotional development to always know right from wrong.  These are functioning adults who take pleasure in others' pain.

Considering these "adults"...one has to wonder what tremendous amount of misery they are living in that causes them to lash out like children.  It is so sad to think that these people are so unhappy that the only happiness they find is in hurting others.  That is what I think about when I see such actions and it is that thought that stays my hand when my temper flares.  My only option?  To remove myself from that person and their toxicity.

It's Be Nice on the Internet week.  It only takes a few extra seconds to consider your words and their intended or unintended effect on people before you hit the enter button.  Take those few seconds...and be kind.

Love,
Jerri

The Facebook Effect

A recent study by Stanford University investigated what they called "The Facebook Effect".  Basically, it is the feeling people have that others' lives are better than their own based on posts, statuses, pictures, etc.  As part of "Be Nice On The Internet" week, let's take a look at this.

Personally, I know I usually only post the good stuff.  Why?  Well, one reason is the wide variety of friends.  My friends list varies from family to friends who know my deepest and darkest to friends that I'm not that terribly close too.  I wouldn't feel comfortable putting everything out there all the time.  And really...who wants to listen to me whine?  Even I don't!!!

But the Facebook Effect does not apply to me.  I am always aware that even with the closest of my friends, no one really knows what is going on in someone's life once that front door closes or the computer is logged off.  The person with the biggest smile could be dealing with a divorce at home.  The person with the funniest jokes may be dealing with the deepest depression.  The person with the fabulous trip pictures may be running away.  The fact is that we don't know what goes on behind closed doors or a computer screen.

Keep in mind, then, that what you see is not always reality.  Moderate your responses appropriately.  Always remember that you don't know the whole story and the slam you take at a person may be the straw that breaks the camel's back.  Read every status and post with the thought that there may be more behind the scenes.  

And above all else...Be kind.

Love,
Jerri

My Dinner Party

Real Simple Magazine is running a promotion this week called "Be Nice On The Internet".  To go along with that, my posts this week will focus on that subject.

Welcome to my dinner party!  That's how I view social media, as if I had invited you into my home...in this case, my wall.

When we were growing up, there were certain standards you put in play in polite company.  You didn't discuss politics or religion as both subjects can lead to discord and hurt feelings.  I realize that is an old-fashioned idiom but that doesn't necessarily make it wrong.  Social media is just that...Social.  There are certain standards of behavior for social settings.  I try to abide by them.

So if you're on my wall on any of the social media networks...welcome to my dinner party.  I will do my best not to offend and I will police my pages to make sure I am treated with that same respect.  I respect the fact that so many have fervent opinions on politics and/or religion.  If you choose to share those opinions on your own social media, I respect that right.  But know that I will not share that content or comment on it.  In too many cases, I have seen such posts contain hatred, bigotry, and blatant disrespect for both individuals and groups of people.  It is my choice and my right not to participate in those activities.

Welcome to my dinner party!  Have a seat, get comfortable.  Share your thoughts and dreams, what's going on in your life.  Yes, the mundane things too!  It's in the daily grind that we learn just how much we have in common and is there any better source for humor than daily life?  Tell me...what's going on in your world?

Love,
Jerri

An Easy Cocktail

I first tried this cocktail last weekend at the theater...it was delicious!!

Poinsettia

Ingredients:

1/2 oz triple sec
3 oz cranberry juice
Champagne

Directions:

Chill all ingredients beforehand.  Pour the triple sec and cranberry juice into a chilled champagne flute.  Stir well.  Top with champagne.

Enjoy!!!

Impact

Sometimes as a blogger, I feel as if I'm speaking in to a void.  I look at a previous post and don't see any comments or tags.  Yesterday, I received an important lesson in stats and numbers.

Yesterday's post was about who you are.  In the post, I used one word to describe myself.  A little while after the blog posted, I received a private message from a reader.  It touched my heart, but would not have been comfortable or appropriate for her to post as a comment.

The lesson?  The numbers don't tell the entire truth.  In terms of the impact our words can have on someone, they actually don't count at all.  I began this blog to share my journey, open my heart, and maybe throw out a thing or two I've learned along the way.

As bloggers, we're told that it's the views, comments, shares that count.  I learned yesterday that isn't true.  If I touch one person's heart, if I make one person smile, if one person enjoys a meal from a recipe I shared, if I make one person think, if I make one person re-examine their path...I'm doing my job as a blogger.  And I'm doing it well.  Yesterday, I did my job.  The numbers don't count.

Love,
Jerri

Who Are You?

The new year has always been a time for introspection and reflection.  A time to turn inwards and figure out where you want to go and what you want to change for the new year.  So who are you?  Deep down, at your core...what is the one word you would use to describe yourself?

Me?  I would say I'm lucky.  Lucky.  That's a small word that encompasses quite a bit.  I'm lucky to have a roof over my head in this economy.  I'm lucky to have friends who love me.  Why lucky?  Because love isn't something you can earn or achieve.  But I have it so I'm lucky.

I'm lucky to have incredible kids.  I know, every mom says that.  But mine really are!!  I'm lucky to have my dogs and their unconditional love.  I'm lucky to have food on my table when so many don't.

I'm lucky to have grandkids who are healthy and happy.  I'm lucky my nest is now empty so I have a whole new life.  I'm lucky to live in a city that is brimming over with music and other events.

I'm lucky to have this blog to share my life and thoughts.  I'm lucky to have readers like you who inspire me to keep going every day.

Who am I?  I'm lucky.  Who are you?

12-21-2012

Depending on who you read or listen to, opinions are divided on whether 12-21-2012 will be the end of time.  But for argument's sake, let's assume it's true.  What would you want to accomplish before December?  Here are a few thoughts I had on the subject.

1.  Have grilled cheese and tomato soup and use your good china.  Why not?  What are you saving the "good stuff" for?  And who ever came up with the rule that the good china can only be used for special occasions?

2.  Tell a woman you know that she's beautiful.  Too few women hear this on a regular basis if at all.  So what if the world doesn't end?  You still made a woman's day.

3.  Snuggle with your pets.  Lay down on the floor with them.  Let them get all the kisses they want.  If nothing else, you've managed to lower your own blood pressure.

4.  Go to the theater.  It doesn't matter if it's a play, ballet, or the opera.  Attend an artistic perfomance and revel in the talent.

5.  Hold hands.  Hold your husband's hand in the grocery store parking lot.  It's not just for teenagers!!

6.  Eat a brownie.  I don't care if one of this year's resolutions was to lose weight.  For just a few moments, enjoy a big, gooey, fudgey brownie!  Savor it!

7.  Pay for an elderly person's groceries.  I'm not saying pick the person with three cart loads full...but we've all seen the elderly woman in line counting her change to cover the amount.  Help her out.

8.  Celebrate your birthday.  As women, most of us begin skipping the celebration as we age.  No more!!!  After all, every birthday that you're on this side of the grass is a reason to celebrate!

9.  Plant a flower.  They're beautiful.  It doesn't matter if you're in an apartment...use an old coffee cup!

10.  Kiss your kids.  Often.  It doesn't matter how old they are, give them a hug and a kiss every chance you get!

So that's a few of my ideas for this special year.  Do you have any to add?  Let me know!!

Love,
Jerri

Frugal Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the easiest places to save money and I'm not talking about on food!  There are some simple steps you can take to save a bit here and there.  And we all know every little bit adds up!!

1.  Rags instead of paper towels.  This one is kind of a no-brainer!  Using rags to clean up messes, counters, etc. instead of costly paper towels is pretty easy to figure out.  Now I still use paper towels.  What else are you going to drain the bacon on??  But one roll of paper towels will last my family at least a month.

2. Dishwasher vs. hand-washing.  Did that one surprise you?  Using a dishwasher saves up to 5,000 gallons of water a year over washing by hand!  The time saved by using the dishwasher adds up to 10 days per year!!  And the high temperature of a dishwasher cleans and sterilizes dishes in a way that is impossible by hand.

3.  Don't pre-rinse.  Pre-rinsing your dishes before you put them in the dishwasher not only wastes time and money...but can actually damage your dishes!  The soap in the dishwasher is formulated to attach to the food debris.  If it can't find any, it will eat away at the finish on your dishes!

4.  Re-usable containers.  This one is just common sense.  Whether freezing food or packing a lunch, using a re-usable container versus disposable saves money!  Anything you use and throw away on a regular basis costs money!

5.  Cloth napkins.  Along the same lines as the paper towels and re-usable containers...anything you don't have to throw away saves money!!  And you get the aesthetic bonus of a pretty table!

These are just a few ways of saving money in the kitchen.  Do you have more?

So It Begins

It's the New Year.  Yesterday didn't really count as it was the holiday with special traditions and activities for the day.  But today it's real, down to the nitty gritty.  Time to begin the journey of this fresh, new year and explore the possibilities it entails.

Whether you set a specific resolution, have a goal for the year, or just a general philosophy or plan for the year...today is the day it all begins.  I'm ready and eager for a new year, and I'm praying it will be a far better one.

I took a baby step or two this weekend.  One of my goals is to get an earlier start on handmade projects for the year.  You saw a few blog posts about that very subject.  This weekend, I visited a couple different stores and picked up the notions and findings I needed to complete some of those projects.  Hey!!  I said it was a baby step!!  Even baby steps count.  Actually, any step in that forward direction counts!!

When I chose my resolution on Real Life Change, it was to follow my dream.  I'm not quite ready to reveal what that dream is but have taken a baby step in that direction also.  When I reach that dream...y'all will be the first to know!

So what baby steps are you going to take today?  Is it walking a few more steps than yesterday?  Is it having a bit less dessert than the day before?  Not all goals are reached by leaps and bounds.  The greatest inventions in history began with one single thought.

It's YOUR new year.  Make the most of it.  And above all else, be kind.

Love,
Jerri

Happy New Year!!!

Wishing all of my readers a Happy, Healthy, and Fulfilling 2012!!!



Love,
Jerri