Charitable giving

This is the last day to get in your charitable giving for the year.  I've already given to several charities and hope to up the ante before the year is out.

It's a win/win.  So give/give.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

The above says it all!

May you bask in the warmth of this holiday season and may 2013 see me get some followers.

Time for charitable contributions - MAKE THEM NOW

With the end of the year upon us, it is important to make charitable contributions to go toward 2012 taxes.  It's a basic maxim that folks forget but it's a way of "giving while getting" credit. Make your list, make sure the charity meets your ideals.  Then, WRITE THE CHECK and make the notation on your tax records!!!

Xmas presents

During this time of year of giving, remember to buy extra gifts...just in case.  Going to a party?  Bring a gift.  Want to do something nice for your handyman?  Pick up a gift.  Spread the joy and cheer far and wide as it reaps benefits in the long run.

Applaud yourself for doing it yourself

My TV recently went on the bum.  I have another one but was flummoxed about how to get it cable ready.  Frankly, I was intimidated.  I asked a guy friend to help but he couldn't come for a couple of days.  My handyman was going to charge me.  So, I got quiet and pumped myself with encouraging words.  Then, I read the directions, sorted out the instructions and, carefully, hooked it up myself.  I was SO PROUD of myself.  I was able to make it happen and in going out of my skill zone, I applaud myself for doing it myself.  By the time the boyfriend came around, I was happy to say:  OH!  That's already done!  I DID IT MYSELF!

Applaud courage

I recently saw Iyanla Vanzant's Save My Life program that featured a minister's wife, Natashia Thomas, struggling with saving a marriage that was broken.  Her husband had cheated on her with over 20 women and had fathered a child by one.  Iyanla gave her clarity and, in the end, she asked her husband to free her from the marriage.  While it may seem a no brainer to us, she had to come to the realization that she had to get past the ego part of being the First Lady of the church, with the perks.  In the end, she realized preserving self was better.  I applaud her and reached out to her.  When she 'got it' she released herself.

Grieve and then get a new cat

This is turning into a soap opera!  After my 9-year companion/cat died, I went to the shelter and got another one.  That was a Sunday.  She was a nice, sweet cat and I thought she was adjusting.  On Thursday, she disappeared!  I searched the entire house -- tore it up -- looking for her.

Today is Monday and she hasn't surfaced yet.  I'm doubly sad and realize that I should have grieved before getting a new cat.  Now, I'm sad for two reasons...but I'll recover.  There's a lesson in there -- somewhere!