New Year's Eve

Thank you

This is my last written post of 2016.  I want to thank all of you for reading this blog, for commenting, and for your loyalty.

2016 was a roller coaster ride for me.  I want to thank those who stood by me, supported me when I was at my lows, and celebrated with me at my highs.  Your love and friendship have made all the difference in my life this year.

I also want to thank those who left.  Those who believed being a friend only counted when it was convenient for them.  Those who revealed their true selves.  Why thank them?   Because by leaving, they took their toxicity and drama with them, leaving peace and serenity behind.

2017 marks the sixth year of Jerri's Empty Nest.  Join me in a new, fresh year.

With heartfelt gratitude and love,

Jerri

Release

As the year draws to a close, it is time to release.  Release what?

Release:

     The toxic people in your life.

     The shoulds, the musts, and the have-tos.

     The items in your home that cost you time and energy to maintain, yet bring no joy.

     The expectations that you or others place upon you.

     The mountain of papers that has become a monster.

     The loss, the grief, the sadness, the hurt of the year past.

Do not carry these into your new year.  Start afresh, with hope, joy, peace, serenity, and love.

Love,

Jerri

Feed

Feed your soul.  This was another topic discussed this year.

When was the last time you made time, and actually used that time, to create.  When was the last time you unplugged and curled up with a book?  

Taking the time to feed your soul is anything but selfish.  We cannot care for others if we do not take care of ourselves.  Especially for women, this simple act can be daunting.  We have been raised to care for others, to put ourselves last, and to put aside our needs so that others' needs are met.  

In the new year, resolve to revisit the hobbies and books you love.  Make a goal of completing just one of those Pinterest boards you keep meaning to do.  Your soul, and those you love, will be the better for it.

Love,

Jerri

Simplify

This year, we discussed simplifying your home.  We removed ten things each week from one room at a time in order to reduce the chaos.

As the end of the year nears, take a quick run through the house again.  Carry a box with you and pick up things you haven't touched all year.  When the box is full, immediately put it in your car for the trip to Goodwill.  Be honest, if you haven't done anything with something in a year, you'll never miss it!

Honestly, I could do this every week all year.  After moving into my new home, I realize that I have too much, particularly sentimental items.  I have failed when it comes to that category as I cannot imagine giving up my grandmothers' quilts or a single card from my ex-husband who is now deceased.  But rather than viewing it as a failure and stopping with that, I am choosing to view it as my project for the new year.

Have you grabbed a box and gotten started?  What are you waiting for?

Love,

Jerri

Happy Kwanzaa!

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

And

Happy Christmas Eve!

Frugal Friday...er...Monday

I know it's Friday, but the true frugal opportunities arrive on Monday!  The after-Christmas sales are the best time to stock up on emergency gifts.

What are emergency gifts?  Emergency gifts are those you keep on hand (I use a small plastic tote) for those occasions when you have either forgotten a date, or need something when you don't have time to go shopping.

Some ideas for after-Christmas deals on emergency gifts are bath sets, tool kits, and toys.  It isn't wise to stock up on food sets and you don't want them going bad before they get used.  It's also the perfect time to stock up on Christmas pajamas, movies, and stocking stuffers that can be put away until next Christmas.  Just don't forget where you put them!

While Monday is the beginning of the after-Christmas sales, sometimes it pays to wait a few days. By then, the stores really want this stock gone and prices are slashed 75 to 90 percent.  Your selection will be more limited, but great deals still abound.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday weekend,

Love,

Jerri

Almost The End

2016 is almost gone.  We've have covered miles of territory this year on Jerri's Empty Nest.  Next week, we'll revisit some of the topics we have covered and see if we've learned anything, reverted to bad habits, or moved forward.

Are there any specific topics you would like to see addressed in the year-end recap?  If so, head over to the Jerri's Empty Nest fan page on Facebook.  You can find it at this link: 

 https://www.facebook.com/JerrisEmptyNest/

Think on it and let me know!!

Love,

Jerri

Blessed Winter Solstice

Yesterday

Yesterday's post was extremely difficult to write, and even more difficult to survive the day.

It seems I hit a nerve.  Let me be clear.  This is my blog.  These are my thoughts and feelings.  I have paid close attention throughout this election cycle and have seen numerous behaviors that terrified me.

I think the best response I have to those who so vehemently opposed what I had to say are the words of George Santayana:

"Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it." 

Here's My Vote

I have waited quite a bit of time after the election to do this post.  I needed time to gather my thoughts and attempt to tamp my fear.  Today is the day the Electoral College gathers to vote and holds the future of our nation in their hands.

I have seen numerous posts by people attesting that their vote doesn't make them racist, a bigot, or sexist.  Please allow the opportunity to share what a large number of Americans see when they see your pride in your vote for President-Elect Trump.

The Republicans have voted down the last eight bills to increase funding for the Veterans Administration.

You said:  Here is my vote.  This is how I want veterans treated in my country.

The Republicans have voted down the last seven attempts to pass the Equal Pay Act.

You said:  Here is my vote.  I want my daughters and granddaughters to know their worth is only three-quarters that of a man in my country.

Vice-President Elect Pence believes in conversion therapy, including repeated electrocution, to "turn" gay citizens straight.

You said:  Here is my vote.  I believe gay citizens should be subjected to torture in my country.

President-Elect Trump mocked a disabled reporter.

You said:  Here is my vote.  This is the way I want disabled citizens treated in my country.

President-Elect Trump demeaned, disparaged, and insulted women on multiple occasions.

You said:  Here is my vote.  I want my daughters and granddaughters to be treated this way in my country.

President-Elect Trump proposed registration of Muslims and referenced "rounding them up."

You said:  Here is my vote.  I want my country to follow the same path as Nazi Germany.

President-Elect Trump called Mexicans "criminals and rapists."

You said:  Here is my vote.  This is the way I want my country to treat those of color.

Every United States intelligence agency has affirmed that Russian hackers interfered in the 2016 Presidential Election.

You said:  Absolutely nothing.  I am completely comfortable with a foreign power determining the future of my country.

You are not being judged by your vote.  You are being judged by your willingness to accept these behaviors.  To believe any less is disingenuous at best.  To state that you don't believe these things is belied by the fact that you took your vote, the most precious of our rights as United States citizens, and used that vote to say these exact things.

I have friends and family in the LGBT community.  I now live in fear.  

I have granddaughters.  I now live in fear.

I have friends and family in the Latino community, the Black community, and the Asian-American community.  I now live in fear.

I, and so many I love, are veterans.  I now live in fear.

With your vote, you endorsed the actions causing this fear.  

In truth, your vote has become your mirror.

Holiday Savings

If you check under the Shopping tab, you'll see a couple of additions.

One is Ebates.  I have heard a lot of people say that they believe Ebates is a scam.  I can tell you, from personal experience, that Ebates is for real and I regularly receive checks from them.  Now they have added in-store shopping to their site!  Just look for your store before you go, select your deal, link the card you're going to use, and you can earn cash back in a physical store also!

Here is the link to sign up for Ebates: 

https://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=OarlEl1m3jzjG%2BQeRzfY2Q%3D%3D&eeid=29041

Another addition is Wikibuy.  Along the same lines as Honey, which we discussed last week, it automatically applies coupon codes to your order.  Here is the link for Wikibuy:

http://wbuy.me/986021

While some of these sites/extensions may only give you a few percentage points back...remember that every penny counts!

Love,

Jerri

Too Blessed to be Stressed

"Too blessed to be stressed" is a phrase you hear often this time of year.  Personally, I don't get it. While this year has been an intense year of rebuilding for me, leaving stress behind is nearly impossible.  

Even decorating the Christmas tree has the capability of stressing me immensely.  Getting the same color ornaments too close together, having the decorations look unbalanced, or the star looking crooked actually gives me physical pain!

What are your tips and tricks for reducing the stress of the season?  Okay, I know wine is the obvious one, but what about besides wine?

Share your ideas!

Love,

Jerri

In Defense of Trolls

I recently became aware that I have a troll.  As someone who works a full-time job, publishes this blog five days a week, am still unpacking and organizing my new home, and complete my moneymaker sites seven days a week, I am quite confused as to when I am supposedly living this troll-worthy life.  I do not even get off work until 11:15 and then go immediately to bed!!

However, trolls do deserve our pity.  Imagine a life so empty that you spend your time stalking others in a virtual environment.  Imagine being so devoid of any redeeming qualities yourself that you live to belittle and demean others.  They truly deserve our pity, don't they?  If you were not so busy living an actual life, would you not feel some sympathy?

Yes, trolls have my pity.  Unfortunately, I am too busy from the moment I awaken to the moment I collapse back into my bed to afford them anything more than that.

And to my troll?  Please, please, please let me know where you found that extra 15 minutes where I am supposedly living this fascinating, interesting life...BECAUSE I COULD REALLY USE THAT TIME TO TAKE A NAP!!

Love,

Jerri

STOP!

This is the time of year when those who consider themselves "good" Christians begin to fight the entirely imaginary battle against Christmas.   Take a long, hard look at the photo below.  Don't let your self-righteousness overrule your humanity.

Love,

Jerri

Christmas Countdown

Two weeks to go until Christmas!

Here's a quick checklist for these last two weeks:

1.  Breathe.  Everything will get done, it always does.

2.  Count your blessings.  All of them, even the little ones.

3.  Let go.  Let go of the toxic, the sadness, everything holding you down or holding you back.

4.  Take care.  Of yourself, of your heart, of your soul.

5.  Smile brightly, hug tightly, and love without end.

Love,
Jerri

Honey, It's Frugal Friday!

Have you met Honey?  Honey is a shopping extension you add to your browser.

Honey automatically applies digital coupons at checkout.  In addition to applying coupons, Honey also gives Honey "gold" based on a percentage of your purchase.  That gold can then be redeemed for Amazon gift cards giving you even more money with which to shop!

Here's the referral link for Honey:  https://www.joinhoney.com/ref/owaluc

Check out the updated Shopping tab at the top of the blog and save even more!

Stay tuned for next week when we'll talk about Wikibuy!

Love,
Jerri

Sanctuary

After a couple of years of really hard work, I had repaired my credit and was blessed to purchase the first home on my own.  Thankfully, I had the advantage of a VA loan to enable me to be able to do so without having the additional burden of saving for a substantial down payment.

I have named my new home "Sanctuary."  I want my home to be a place where you are loved, regardless of race, religion, or sexual preference.  There is no judgment here. The same extends to this blog.

This blog is also a safe place.  In the past, I have featured guest posters on widowhood, addressed the aftermath of rape, and supported survivors of domestic abuse.  This is a safe place.  Those posts reached people, including one who drew the strength to leave her abuser.  Racism, bigotry, and hate have no place here any more than they do in my home.

My wish for you this holiday season is that all find their sanctuary, their safe place, their peace.  Only a few words, but those few words mean everything.

Love, 

Jerri

In Remembrance

The Christmas Spirit

The other day my son and I went to Walmart to find an odd-size battery.  As we exited our truck in the parking lot, I saw my son begin walking rapidly and heard him call out, "Ma'am, can I help you with that?"  Looking in the direction he headed, I observed an elderly woman trying to load a television into her trunk.  My son loaded the television for her and wished her a good day before rejoining me.

For my son, this was not necessarily the Christmas spirit as he behaves in that manner on a daily basis.  However, it is the perfect time of year for such a spirit to be shared, to be emulated, and to spread.  There are a million different good deeds that can take no more than a minute of your time. Hold the door for someone.  Smile at the toddler in front of you in line.  Tell your delivery driver thank you when you receive your package.  

It costs you nothing to spread the love.

Love,

Jerri

Twitter and the PEOTUS

Let me preface this post by saying this is not a discussion of President-Elect Trump's use of Twitter and the revealing thin-skinned embarrassment of same.  That is a discussion for another day.

What I consider even more disturbing is the President-Elect's propensity for blocking people on Twitter if they criticize, disagree, or disparage his actions.  It has become such a frequent occurrence that #TrumpBlocked is actually trending on Twitter.  The blocks include everyday citizens of the United States to state government officials to members of the press.

Why is this disturbing?  The President-Elect has decided that his personal feelings outweigh the First Amendment.  He has decided that certain citizens of this country do not have the right to see what he is saying.  He believes that he can determine that only those citizens who agree with him and his policies can be privy to his daily Twitter proclamations.

The President is obligated, by virtue of the office, to be a diplomat and a statesman.  What does this behavior say about the President-Elect?  What do the continued, daily attacks on the freedom of speech portend for this administration?

I value the First Amendment.  It is that amendment which guarantees me the right to produce this blog every day, saying what I will.  And yes, I am aware that today's post will probably also get me #TrumpBlocked.  However, as long as I have the right, I will continue to exercise my right to free speech.  Current behaviors, however, have me concerned as to how long that right will continue to exist.

In fear,

Jerri

Frugal Christmas - The Rule of Four

It is quite easy to overdo things at Christmas.  Unfortunately, this, all too often, results in spoiled, entitled children or a massive credit card debt.

For the last few years, I have managed to rein in the Christmas madness by following the Rule of Four.  It simplifies the shopping process, ensures that everyone gets something they want, and eliminates the January shock when the bills come in.

The Rule of Four:

Something you want,

Something you need,

Something to wear and

Something to read.

Notice the last item?  I believe, in the digital age of immediate satisfaction, it is imperative to include the gift of reading.  We all, no matter the age, need to slow down and absorb the written word.  

This year, try leaving the "keeping up with the Jones'" mentality behind and focusing on what matters...being with those you love.

Love,

Jerri

December

How is this possible?  It is still reaching the 70's here on the Gulf Coast and I swear I have no idea how this year just flew by.

It is time to get out the crockpots for hearty meals.  Time for movies, reading, and snuggling under a soft blanket.  Time for twinkling lights, carols to which we know all the words, and the excitement of small children.

The time also approaches for the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year.  In Wiccan and other religions, the winter solstice also heralds the rebirth of the sun, as from that day, the days begin to lengthen.  

It is the time of Christmas, Kwanzaa, Chanukkah, Yule, and more.  It is a time for all religions to celebrate; one no less important than another.

It is the time to send holiday greetings, to let those you love know that they are in your heart no matter how near or far.

December ends the year with a flurry of activity but, at the core, December is a month of celebration and a month of love.

Love,

Jerri

A Bit of Business

Just a quick bit of blog business!

See those ads on the page?  The only way this blog generates revenue is when you, my adored readers, click on one of those ads.  You DO NOT need to purchase anything!!!  I actually get paid a couple of cents per click.

As you visit each day to read the latest, please do me a huge favor and click a couple ads.  It will only take you a second or two, but it means the world to me!!

Love,

Jerri

Hard Work

This is something that has been bothering me for a while. On Election Night, I saw a friend post something that not only illustrated the huge divide in this country, but also something that I believe to be so arrogant and dismissive.  

She had posted that Trump had won because hard-working people got out and voted.

Read that again.

The inference in that statement is that those who did not vote for Trump are the opposite.  Really?  I am an Independent voter.  I work a full-time job.  I just quit my part-time job a week ago.  I also post on this blog five days a week.  In addition, those sites on the Moneymakers tab, I work those sites seven days a week to earn extra money.  I also work on mTurk when I can but not as often as I should.  But according to her reasoning, I'm not hard-working.  According to her, I am less than her because somehow my vote equals how hard I work.

At last count, Hillary Clinton had more than two million popular votes than Donald Trump.  If her reasoning was to hold true, over 50% of the registered voters in this nation do not work hard.  Funny, we live in an amazing country for being one in which less than half the population work hard.

At its most basic level, her post illuminates the elitism and classism that dominated the election.  I do not see the behavior of looking down on those you deem "less" than you ending; at least not during the incoming administration.

Love,

Jerri

Cyber Monday

Enjoy your shopping from the comfort of home!!  But be careful!  Make sure your shopping sites are encrypted.  Also, don't forget to use Ebates and earn some money back while you are shopping!  Trust me, you'll thank me for that tip!

If you haven't signed up for Ebates yet, use this link to get you started: 

 https://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=OarlEl1m3jzjG%2BQeRzfY2Q%3D%3D&eeid=29041

Once you sign up, don't forget to add the Ebates extension to your browser for automatic notifications when savings are available!

Happy Shopping!

Jerri

Black Friday

Good luck and be safe!!  Remember, no deal is worth more than your personal safety!

Love, 

Jerri

Happy Thanksgiving!

Slow Down

I know...the wrong day for this reminder!  Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, there are a million things to do, food to prep, homes to clean, plus most employers expect you to work a full day!  How am I supposed to slow down???

Guess what?  You'll work a full shift.  The food will be ready, it always is.  Your guests?  Did you know they are actually coming to spend time with you...not to inspect your home?  The truth is that your house will still need cleaning after they leave.

Take fifteen minutes tonight just for yourself.  Pour a healthy glass of wine.  Light a candle.  Sit, in silence, and remember all that you have to be thankful for.  Refresh your spirit.

You've got this!

Love,

Jerri

A Special Day

27 years ago, I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy.  Today, I see before me an incredible man.  He is kind, generous, loyal, and intelligent.  

I just wanted to take a moment today to express my gratitude to my son.  He has stuck by my side through some really tough times the last couple of years and I am so incredibly proud of him and the man he has become.

I know he'll be leaving soon, to follow his path wherever it may take him.  While my nest will be empty again once more, I am excited to see just how far he will go.

Happy Birthday, Son!!

Love,

Mom

The Time for Gratitude

This is the week that the United States celebrates Thanksgiving.  While our nation is currently in turmoil, we need to remember just how blessed we are.

We have the right to a secret vote.  This is a privilege denied to millions around the world.

We have running water.  We have electricity.  We have so much we take for granted.

This week, stop and reflect on just how blessed we are.  Regardless of your personal god or religion, even if you choose to have neither, this is a time to reflect on all that is good in our lives.  For this week, stop the complaining, the division, the hate.  Be grateful.  Spread the love.

Love,

Jerri

I Am An Ally

Do Not Confuse Fear for Whining

"If you're a Trump voter who is tired of being called a bigot, if you say you voted for him based on gun rights or economic issues, or because you think Hillary really was that awful, and in spite of his rhetoric, rather than because of it, I believe you. If you're in my life, I clearly don't think you're a vile hateful person. But if you're now watching protests across the country and you don't understand why, or think they are just being sore losers, let me break something down for you. These people aren't just angry or sad that someone they didn't support won the election, they're scared.

They're black Americans who hear talk of law and order and remember a racially charged stop and frisk program, or see an emboldened KKK holding a celebratory parade.

They're Muslim Americans who worry that spitting in their face is now okay and violations of their rights to assemble and their rights to privacy are about to come.

They're LGBT Americans who fear not just of the loss of marriage rights or restaurants gaining the right not to serve them, but of an administration that thinks it's more important to research electrocuting the gay out of them than AIDS.

They're Hispanic and Latino Americans who are scared their children will be bullied in schools, and their families ripped apart while their culture is mocked.

They're women who are wondering if we've normalized groping, and if their career endeavors will be judged by their face and body, and not their minds

I believe you when you say you didn't vote for any of these things. Most of America wasn't thrilled with the choices we had in this election. But If you didn't know that this is why they're protesting, if you think it's really just about free tuition or more government giveaways, then you, like the elite liberals you love to castigate, have also not been listening. If you're tired of being called a bigot, then you need to use the same voice you used on Tuesday and speak out against these things fully and clearly. It's not enough that you didn't say them yourself. You need to reassure your friends and family members who feel like they no longer have a seat at the table that you still stand with them, even if your priorities were different on Tuesday. If you aren't willing to do that, then you have no right to call for unity." - Michael Rex

We Will Rise

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may tread me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise. 

Maya Angelou

I Am Here.

I Will Speak

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— 
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— 
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Veterans Day

Thrifty Thursday!

Typically, Friday is the day on the blog for frugal tips, moneymakers, job sites, etc.  Because tomorrow is Veterans Day, a holiday which I observe, Frugal Friday has become Thrifty Thursday for one week only!

This Thrifty Thursday, I want to revisit one of the features on this blog.  If you are reading on a computer, you will notice a tab on the top of the page labeled "Moneymakers."  If you are on your phone, you should see a button on the very bottom that says "View Web Version" and you will need to tap that first.

Listed on the Moneymaker tab, you will find a number of websites.  These are sites that I use, on a daily basis, to earn pocket money.  Note that I said "pocket money!"  You will not, cannot, and should not use these sites to replace an actual income.  On average, I earn about $30-$50 per month that I redeem in Amazon gift card codes.  

The money that I earn is used on Amazon as either mad money to buy fun stuff, or to supplement my grocery budget as needed.  One month, I may buy books or movies and the next, I buy toilet paper and dog food!  Either way, it provides relief to the budget!

As Christmas approaches, it is also an excellent resource to add to your Christmas fund.  Face it, gifts aren't getting any cheaper!  Even if you craft the majority of Christmas...you still have to purchase supplies.

Take a look at the sites available.  They are all easy to do and easy to earn some extra money.  Have fun and build up that extra cash!

Love,

Jerri

Sentimental Stuff

As I unpack from my move, and yes, I am still unpacking, I have discovered my fatal flaw in downsizing and/or simplifying my life.  It is, without any doubt, sentimental clutter.

I have my great-grandmother's wedding centerpiece set.  I have quilts made by grandmothers, mother, and stepmother.  I have dishcloths crocheted by my aunt/godmother.  I have every gift ever given me by my best friend, whom I lost to breast cancer.  I have every card ever given me by my ex-husband, who is also gone.  I have it all...and I cannot bring myself to part with a single item.

To the outside world, I may appear to be cool, practical, and efficient.  In truth?  I am a humongous softie!  That may not necessarily be a bad thing...but it takes up valuable square footage!

I honestly have not been able to force myself to let some things go.  I have read all the blogs, lists, etc. on how to deal with emotional clutter and I still am unable to do it.  I do not want to leave this world and leave my children with a home full of things to deal with from people they don't know that mean nothing to them.  I need to get a grip!

What is your clutter weakness?  Is it paper?  Clothes, shoes?  What is your best tip for leaping that block?  Share your ideas!

Love, 

Jerri

VOTE!!

Falling Back

Did you remember to set every clock for the time change?  This year, I am happy to see the change in time!

Usually, this time change really messes with me.  I do not see well after dark, and getting home from work after falling back was not only a challenge, but a scary adventure on a daily basis!  I now work from home so the worry of making it home safely after work is no longer an issue.

This time change also kicks my nesting instincts into high gear!  There are delicious, filling meals to be made in the crockpot, casseroles in the oven, and it's baking season.  I begin crafting for Christmas and, other than the mandatory trip to the grocery store, I am a happy hibernator!!

Even here, in the deep South, it does get cooler during winter.  We have even been known to have a freeze or two each year.  Personally...I cannot wait for the cool to get here!  Are you ready for nesting season?  What are you looking forward to accomplishing?  

Happy Nesting!

Love,

Jerri

It's Time!!

Frugal Friday -- Working From Home

I recently began working from home.  There are literally hundreds of legitimate work-from-home jobs available.  Here are a few resources if you think this is a path you would like to pursue:

Work At Home Mom Revolution

These jobs aren't just for moms!  Sign up on the site and you will receive a daily email with job leads.

http://workathomemomrevolution.com/

The Penny Hoarder

A great source for work-at-home jobs, this site also offers incredible money saving tips.

http://www.thepennyhoarder.com/

Telecommuting Mommies

Again, these jobs aren't just for moms!  While work-at-home may seem attractive for those with small children at home, the reality is that it is easier to work from home with no children in the home.

http://www.telecommutingmommies.com/

If you are ready to get out of the rat race, stop buying gas weekly, and take a different career path; check out these links.  Good luck!

Love,
Jerri

New Roads

During the time I was away from the blog, I made a number of major life changes.

I began a new job, working from home.  Yes, my commute now consists of steps rather than miles!  Rather than business attire, it is now yoga pants and fuzzy socks.  I am excited, as being able to work from home has been an ambition for years.

Speaking of home, I bought one!  After decades of having my living situation dependent on a husband and/or boyfriend, I now have a home that no man can control whether I stay or go.  It may not sound like a big deal to most, or to those who have loving relationships, but as an abuse survivor, having that control over my life is a huge, HUGE deal!  

I do have to admit, homeownership is stressful.  I am constantly on the watch for something going wrong or that I need to be on top of to avoid major expense.  At the same time...I'm still unpacking boxes!  This is my home, however, and I can take all the time I want to unpack and find the perfect place for everything.  I no longer have to worry about keeping things I love packed up as I can display what I want, where I want. 

To be honest, there were portions of this past year that were dark, very dark.  I have an incredible group of friends (my "near and dear") that stood by me, supported me, and loved me.  In addition, my youngest son has gone above, beyond, and to the stratosphere in taking care of his mom!  To all, a thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Love,

Jerri

Do You Remember?

Growing up, I was taught that you never asked someone who he/she was going to vote for and it was never to be revealed who you had voted for in the election.

Does anyone remember how that rule of etiquette began?  For decades, and still in some countries today, you are required to openly vote.  This allows a tyrannical party to identify anyone who does not support their regime and creates targets for retaliation.  

Our system of secret voting is considered a privilege as we are free to vote for the person of our choice without fear.  This election season, that privilege has been eroded, with threats flying far and wide against people who may not share a particular belief, skin color, sex, or preference for a particular candidate.  

Fear is not, and should never be, a component of the voting process.  The removal of that fear, by our process of secret voting, is a basic tenet of what makes the United States great.  Let us all work to return to that process and to civilized behavior.

Love, 

Jerri

Welcome Back!!

Hi, everybody!!  I know...my few days off turned into a few months!  Instead of taking a couple of days to get some things done, life got even crazier!

Things haven't completely settled down but then that's also life.  I'm going to do my best to get back into the swing of the blog and hopefully, y'all are still here!

With all that has been going on, not only in my little world but the world at large, I have a lot of thoughts!  Get ready!!

Love,

Jerri

Blessed Samhain and Happy Halloween!!

Never Forget

Happy Independence Day!!

Happy Father's Day!