Thursday, December 29, 2011

Stress


Did you know that if you bottle up stress it comes out in other ways? Like migraine headaches and snappy comebacks? Well I have always been a bit, how can I put this - blunt.  I guess I have trouble holding or biting my tongue at times.

Stress - Stress is the body's reaction to a change that requires a physical, mental or emotional adjustment or response. Stress can come from any situation or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, nervous, or anxious. Stress is caused by an existing stress-causing factor or "stressor." Dealing with a serious illness or caring for someone who is can cause a great deal of stress.

http://dying.about.com/od/glossary/g/stress.htm

How funny that I found a definition that focuses on the exact thing I am dealing with (and I did not have to search hard to find it).

Frustrated, angry, nervous or anxious yep feeling that way but not as much as six months ago. It seems like it comes in waves for all of us on this journey of living in the middle. Luckily it is (usually) one at a time or we would/could really hurt one another (with words that is). We each have our own unique gifts (and that’s the way God planned it) and meet different needs in different ways. But guess what it is working WOW!! Only by God’s infinite grace does this unusual living work. Let’s just say we have gotten into a rhythm.

Is it really unusual living though? How has the world lived for thousands of years? How did Ruth and Naomi live? History shows that families have lived with three or more generations under one roof for EVER. It is even portrayed in movies like “Moonstruck”.   Why do we Americans think we have to live alone – to be independent, to be successful? This was my thought when I was younger – I have to go live on my own before I even think about getting married so I know I can take care of myself.

I thought this post was about stress. It is or what leads to my stress. I do not feel stressed today maybe because it is after Christmas and I still have a couple days before I get into the crazy back to school routine. Maybe it is because I am thankful for all the good things I have. Maybe it is because I was able to make a good dinner and still get to spend a good half hour with my hubby just me and him at DQ. Oh yeah it must be the ice cream and chocolate high. (Peanut Buster Parfait YUM!!)  

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Swagger

Swag bucks that is. Ha ha I got you. So I signed up for Swagbucks to earn for the things I do online anyway. Hey why not get paid for surfing the internet and playing games. Right? I have succumbed to it, I have been reading from my Frugal bloggers how much they are getting for free and I just had to get some too. I have been a member of My Points for a little less than a year and have really enjoyed how easy it has been to earn (esp. dining out gift cards). I have been able to eat out more and even give teachers gifts. Well Swagbucks is really easy so far and it is only 450 points to get a $5 Amazon gift card. I have really been shopping Amazon this holiday season esp. since Borders closed. Are you earning online yet?

Disclaimer - Swagbucks, My Points and Amazon have NOT compensated me for these views. They are my own.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Christmas prep

Every year since my oldest was in kindergarten I have brought my Christmas breads for the school staff to munch on. I start baking sometime around Thanksgiving or when it turns cold and I have a good excuse to warm up the house with the oven. This year I am cutting it really close because the day is quickly approaching and I still have one other bread to make. In case you do not know already - I love to bake. It is a way for me to relieve stress. I call it my therapy. I prefer easy things that take longer to bake than to mix up and I hate to roll out anything or use yeast. (I do not own a rolling  pin.) So Santa's cookies are always the Pillsbury slice and bake sugar with can frosting that has food coloring in it. Anyway the breads that I make and give away are: Pineapple, Cranberry, Banana, Zucchini, Strawberry and Pumpkin. Yummy plus then we get to have them for Christmas week. Yummy breakfast for me and the little one (the only one besides me who will eat them). I always make peanut butter balls and English toffee too. What are you making/baking this Christmas?