The Way I See Things

Scrapping My Way Down Memory Lane . . .

This weekend I had the opportunity to get away from the family and surround myself with dozens of inspiring gals at a scrapbooking retreat in Mystic, Connecticut.  This one was hosted by Scrap-a-way Retreats.  I have attended several different retreats over the years including Croppers Delight and Crop Classix, and have enjoyed them all.  Retreats are usually 3 day CROPS.

Whether or not you're a scrapper, you might wonder whether or not someone could really work on scrapbooking pages for three days straight.  The answer is an easy one -- absolutely.  In fact, I barely sleep at these events.  There is always good food, a little shopping, games to be played, etc but, like most people, I attend crops to get work done.  There are no usual distractions -- no laundry, no errands, no one needing me to do anything for them.  The meals are prepared for me, drinks are always available and everyone is pretty friendly and ready to give a second opinion if I want one.

Scrappers all have different methods to their madness and everyone seems to be working on different projects so you can get lots of ideas.  There are typically two kinds of scrapbook albums -- the first ones are specific to an event (wedding, vacation, etc) and the others are the day-to-day LIFE albums (what most photos are!).  Most scrappers try to do their pages in chronological order but NOT ME.  I like to scrap pages as they inspire me so I divide my albums into themes:  People We Love, Places We Go, Things We Do, Celebrations, Sports, and Just Because.  

No matter how many scrapbooks pages I've done, I am no where close to being "caught up" and I'm really okay with that.  For this retreat I just opened a bunch of shoeboxes where I have thousands (honestly) of photos stashed and grabbed pictures from all different years.  The result was a weekend trip down memory lane.  Each page I did brought back some wonderful memories for me and, I hope, will evoke the same emotions for the people in them.

. . .and now I happily share with you my latest journey:  1995 - 2010

Why is it so Expensive to be Healthy?

Why is it so expensive to eat healthy foods?  That was the big question I asked this week as I got started on the “road to a healthier 2012.”  With holiday feasts behind me, I thought I would begin my quest for better living with a trip to Whole Foods. 

A new store recently opened in my town and seemed to beckon me.  Mark and the kids joined me (the kids didn’t really have a choice) for a trip to the market and we definitely had no problem filling our cart.  The fruits and veggies looked delicious, the kids were thrilled to grind their own peanut butter, we bought fresh seafood, dairy, etc. 

Everything seemed to be looking up until we reached the register.  OUCH!  

 

Mentally, I had some idea of what I spent every week on groceries.  This bill was almost double that and I hadn’t made a visit to my regular grocery store (Stop & Shop) for all the stuff Whole Foods doesn’t carry.  At this rate, a healthier lifestyle for the family will nearly double our monthly food expenses compared to last year.  The question I have is . . . WHY?

 

Personally, I blame Uncle Sam.  As a society, Americans are overweight.  It’s a fact.  And, while our government is not force feeding us junk food, they are certainly making it much more attractive.  Have you ever wondered what our government is paying you to eat?  The top 3 products that are subsidized are corn, wheat, and soybeans-- three major components in processed “unhealthy” foods.  By doing so, all this junk food becomes cheaper and in this economy, cheaper foods are almost always more appealing.  Rice and Beer round out the top 5.  

 

Now I'm not saying we should stop subsidizing foods (I'm in full support of American farmers) but, with the rates of obesity rising each year, don't you think our government should figure out a way to make ALL FOODS a little more affordable?

 

 

 

Hello 2012!

Hello 2012!  It’s hard to believe that a new year has begun once again.  2011 was a roller coaster year for me. Like most of you, my year had its ups and downs.  I had some high high-points (traveling to Africa on safari is probably at the TOP) and some low low-points (dealing with my dad’s cancer and preparing him for life in a nursing home would be at the BOTTOM).  Still at the close of 2011 I was surrounded by my family and was reminded that

 

So what things are in store for me this coming year?  Hmmm . .. some more highs and lows and plenty of good stuff in the middle I imagine.  Here’s a bit of what I do know:

 

• Sadly my dad had to make the decision to give up his apartment last month and move into a long-term care facility due to complications from his parkinson’s disease.  This January will be a tough month for me as I’ll be handling most of the details for the move.   On a positive note, he will only be 2 miles from my house so I’ll be able to see him more often and I can sleep easier knowing he’s being well cared for. 

 

• My kids are getting bigger and growing up faster than I ever imagined.  My big guy is already a high school sophomore and the little one (who is the tallest in the family) is a high school freshman.  My mailbox is no longer just cluttered with just bills and catalogs but rather with college brochures and solicitations for college prep courses.  Let the stress of the “thinking about college” begin!
  

 

• And speaking of stress . . . my oldest will be getting both his permit and driver’s license in 2012.  This is definitely a good thing, right?  
   

• As far as traveling goes . . . you KNOW I’ll be heading somewhere.  
  So far I have two trips planned.  Once this Spring to Savannah, GA to see my cousins and dear college friend Kelly.  I’ve never been there and can’t wait!  I’m also going on a girls’ getaway to DC this summer.  I’ve done the relaxing getaways, the adventurous getaways, and now a big cultural & educational getaway (with plenty of wine involved!).   Mark and I will also be vacationing somewhere this summer but I’m not sure where just yet!

 

• And speaking of my hubby, I am looking forward to our new “date nights” for 2012.  Twice a month we will be going out WITHOUT THE KIDS.  We will each plan one of the dates and try to keep it fun! 
  
  The kids were already told that we will “not be available” to drive them around on our date nights.  Now that they’re both in high school it seems fair that “mom and dad” can go out and have some fun too.

 

• And if I’m going out . . . whether it’s a local date or a fabulous vacation,  I imagine my camera will not be too far behind.  This of course means there will be plenty of scrapbooking in 2012 too!  I am looking forward to spending time with my scrapping buddy Shannon later this month at a weekend crop in Mystic, CT. 
  
  Throughout 2012 I look forward to spending a lot of time attempting to catch up on my scrapbooks!  I love my scrappy family (you know who you are!!!) and can’t wait to see all of you this year!

 

• Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas took up so much of everyone's time that I haven't had my FIX of female bonding in a couple of months.  
  I am looking forward to my monthly book group and weekly mah jongg games.  Being the only gal in a family of guys, I really look forward to my GIRL TIME!  

 

So that’s my sneak peek into 2012.  Dad, kids, hubby, travel, photography, scrapping, friends.  Oh yeah, and one more thing . . . blogging.  I’ve missed it and look forward to connecting with many of you again this year!