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