Dar's Two Sense

The Squirrel Doesn't Have One... Do You?

© 2005 Darlene Arechederra

RatRaceRemedies.com

Have you ever watched a squirrel balancing up on the highwires? He'll travel a few feet, then pause. A few feet more, another pause.

He actually makes the balancing act look easy, doesn't he? But, I always wonder what will happen to the squirrel if he mis-steps, losing his balance. The highwires are not part of his natural habitat. They are manmade.

You see, if he loses his balance, he has no safety net waiting for him below. He has no cushion on the street below to protect him.

As humans, we love cushions! They make our lives easier. We've got sofa cushions. We buy cushioned shoes to absorb the impact on our bodies from walking, jumping, jogging.

There's the *cushion* we build in with our time. We leave a few minutes early for work, especially in bad weather. How about that *cushion* of space in front of us should the driver up ahead run into trouble?

And believe me, if it's 100 degrees and you're out in the country on a dry-as-a-bone dirt road, you'll want to leave lots of cushion when following the pickup in front of you. Unless you enjoy eating dust, mile after mile (smile).

Yes, the cushion is our friend. And without it, life indeed is less pleasant.

But, there's another type of cushion -- and it's a real necessity for us. I'm talking about the cushion in our checkbooks. Our own balancing act can become difficult at times. And we need to build in a cushion to protect ourselves.

So, why's it so important to have your own cushion?

1) A mistake in your checkbook is less likely to create a crisis.

2) If the bank deducts an amount larger than the actual check amount, your cushion can save you from bounced check fees.

(Not to mention the hassle -- and your reputation.) How many checks could bounce as a result of one simple error on the bank's part?

So, let's build you a small cushion in your checkbook. We'll start small. And as you watch it grow, you'll reduce some stress in your life. (And don't we all want our lives to be easier?)

Here's how you can get started, today. Let's build in an extra five dollars incrementally. Each time you get paid, you'll pay your bills. So each payday, you'll want to leave five dollars *more* in your checkbook at all times, after paying your bills and adding in other spending you'll be doing.

If you normally keep a balance of $23 to fall back on between paychecks, week one would end with a cushion of $28. Following the next payday, week two would now find you with a $33 cushion remaining in your checkbook.

Go ahead and pencil your new cushion amounts to the right on your check register. It'll remind you of your new strategy and keep you motivated. You'll be amazed how quickly your cushion will grow for you!

Now, think of this as your new safety net -- not *extra* money. You could even call it your Mini Emergency Account. It's there for you if something goes awry in your checkbook.

Today, create a new, simple habit that takes only 30 seconds each payday! No need to walk that tightrope ever again. No more thinking, "I've-only-got-two-bucks-in-my-checkbook" (smile).

Updates

Sheesh, I feel as if I've been gone forever!

I guess I have.  Oops.

So, what have I been working on?

Well, actually I'm setting up a teleclass for two-income working women who'd rather be home with their children.  It has kept me pretty busy, and I'm hoping to have it finished soon.  I'll let you know when it's done.

I still send out my complimentary ezine, but I've changed it to a once-per-month format.  Same great stuff!

I'm going to post for you my latest article.  Hope you enjoy it.

dar

How A Small Saving Spark Can Create a Raging Inferno

© 2005 Darlene Arechederra

It's true, you know. Even the smallest of sparks has the power to create a raging inferno! The good news? It works the same with a mere ten dollars!

Years ago, I had a just-over-minimum-wage job that paid me only once a month. And out of that one check came my rent, used-car payment, utilities, and health and auto insurance. I paid all my regular bills the same week I got paid.

I divided the other expenses (gas, food, etc.) by four, then set aside the weekly cash for them in separate envelopes. It was the only way I could see to survive a whole month until the next payday.

It was tough, and sometimes I wondered if I'd ever get ahead.

I couldn't afford magazines back then. But in the employee lounge at work, I came across an article with a really cool chart. The chart drew a picture of how much money I could save in a 401(k) account after 40 years -- based on adding only ten dollars a month.

You see, those ten-dollar amounts would compound over time. They'd create a nest egg for me -- even if I stopped contributing down the road. Time was my friend, the article said.

And you know what? It *clicked.* I understood what it was saying. Time *was* my friend. I had very little money, but as far as I knew, (smile) I did have time.

That day, I clipped the chart out of the magazine and taped it inside my organizer. I'd see it every time I opened my calendar. And I'd wonder what it would be like to have money down the road. Money to take care of myself, regardless of my future marital status. Who knew what the future held for me?

But, was it really possible to find that ten dollars to get started?

That chart became a powerful incentive for me. It gave me hope. It made me determined to do something, even if on a small scale.

Over the next few weeks, I stopped wondering *if* I could find ten bucks. I began to focus on *how* I'd find the money.

But, find it, I did! I focused on food and household products. Each payday, I'd buy one different item in a jumbo size. Something like laundry soap that I used on a regular basis. And I checked to make sure that I really was saving money by buying a larger size.

A family-sized pack of hamburger was split up into sections and frozen. It would become many meals. All leftovers were transformed into omelets, soups and other yummy treats.

This simple strategy allowed me to shop less often, kept me out of the stores (temptation) and helped me live on less.

And along the way, I learned a really valuable lesson. Even though I couldn't save a lot, that little bit was all I needed.

Tucking it away on a regular basis is what makes the difference. It isn't the amount that counts.

That chart still brings a smile to my face, even after all these years. It reminds me of that small spark that became a raging inferno for me. How freeing it was to discover that a mere ten dollars could change my entire future in such a large way!

So, how about you? Have you found your own tiny spark? Something that motivates you, tugs at you to set aside a bit of money?

Why not create a scrapbook? Clip those money-saving morsels you come across!

Consider printing web articles that motivate you (set your printer to draft quality--it's nice enough to read and costs less). Place your articles or tips in a three-ring binder.

These are wonderful gifts to give yourself. (They make great gifts for others, too--especially newlyweds.)

Now you can page through your binder or scrapbook when you need a fresh idea. Or even when you're having a bad day or feeling down due to a lack of funds. You may rediscover something you had forgotten all about.

Remember, one tiny spark is all you need!

Dean Martin's Nickel Breakfast

Copyright © 2005 Paul Kyriazi
Author of "Live the James Bond Lifestyle"
bondlife.com

When singers Dean Martin and Sonny King were first starting out, they had little money. They would go to a restaurant that served 2 donuts, coffee, and orange juice for a nickel.

Sonny stayed outside while Dean ate one donut, half the coffee and juice. Then Sonny would go in and say, "Hey Dean, you've got an important call." Dean would say, "Okay, why don't you finish my breakfast." which Sonny did.

After doing this several times, the manager caught on and said, "Hey, you guys don't have to do this. Just come in together and I'll serve you both for a nickel. You can pay me back sometime in the future.

Years later, Dean and Sonny searched for the manager and gave him $25,000 each.

A nice story, with many morals, for the new year.

------------------------------------------------

Paul Kyriazi - Live the James Bond Lifestyle at:
BondLife.com

Dean Martin's Nickel Breakfast

Going with your Gut...

A friend and I had gotten together and decided to exercise on a regular basis.  We started out walking just twice a week at a small church locally that has an indoor track.  Then we attended orientation so we could use the exercise equipment.  All went well.

But, then...  I found myself not excited to go.  I really don't enjoy *exercising* if you know what I mean.  I do love walking, though.

So, what was the problem?  Why had I already lost interest in walking at the track?

This has gone on for several weeks.  And I think I finally figured out what the problem was.  At the indoor track, there are three *lanes,* all based on speed.  So, depending on what speed you're walking, you should be in a particular lane.

People are all walking in the same direction.  Weaving in and out around you.  Forcing you to either speed up or slow down.  I find that uncomfortable. 

Part of the reason I love walking is that I am at peace when I'm walking.  I'm absorbing the air, the scenery.  Grateful that I'm able to enjoy walking and all it entails.  Here on the indoor track, I found none of that.

Tonight, my friend and I were due to go walking, but something in me pulled back.  Instead of going to the indoor track, I suggested we walk near work where there are trails.  Outdoors in the fresh air.  With the deer on the hill finding their dinner before the sun goes down.  The lakes shimmering in perfection.  The sun warming me, urging me on.  Thirty five degrees, and I was loving it, lol.

Yep.  Problem solved.  I need to be outdoors, breathing all that fresh air.  That's what this country girl needs.  Wide open spaces and fresh air.

Now I'm content.  I'm at peace.  And I feel great again because I got out there and walked tonight.  No more excuses, no more delays.  And next time, perhaps I'll listen to my gut a little sooner.

dar

Congratulations to our friends in Iraq

Hello, there.  I can't stay long as it's very late already tonight.  But I did want to say hi.

I just finished preparing my newsletter, set to go out tomorrow night.  I wrote a new article for it:  Stepping Up to the Plate.  I'll post it for you on Sunday evening once my ezine has gone out.

As I prepared my ezine, I couldn't help but watch as the polls opened in Iraq.  Can you imagine?  Their first free election in 50 years?

I suppose if I were honest, I'd have to admit that, in the past, I have taken voting for granted.  Once I turned of age and registered to vote, I was automatically able to do so.  I personally didn't have to fight for that right.

But I am reminded of those who have fought to give me (and hold onto) that right.  Thank you, my friends.

'Nite, all.  Talk with you soon.

Too Busy to Save Money: How to Find Your Starting Point

© 2005 Darlene Arechederra

I confess. I didn't always do such a great job with saving my money. In my younger days, I got off track. And it took me a while to get with the program again, even though I knew it was in my best interest to save.

How about you? Has setting aside money been an issue for you?

Let's face it. Unless we're going to inherit great wealth, we'll need to tuck away some money. And, if you're still reading, chances are you won't inherit from your wealthy relatives (smile).

So, how do you take that initial, small step to saving? Well, picture a jogger, if you will. You have to admire her. She's out there jogging in the early morning hours, determined to do her thing. And she does it every day. It takes a certain amount of dedication to jog daily. Motivation. Determination.

But, she didn't wake up one morning and begin jogging ten miles that day. If she tried to do that, chances are she'd be too sore to run again for quite awhile.

No, it's likely she began with much smaller steps, perhaps walking three times a week, working up to every day. She might have alternated her steps with jogging until at last, she was out there jogging every day.

So you see, she didn't start out jogging. Her starting point was walking.

And so it is with saving... one small step at a time. For you, previous commitments and lack of time may be important factors. You'd like to begin saving money, but your gut tells you that your methods must be compatible with your lifestyle. If they're easily done, that's even better.

So, you'll want to find methods of saving that will keep you out of the overwhelm mode.

If you live a somewhat hectic lifestyle, food may be one of your largest expenses. Eating out at lunchtime, not having time to pack the kids' lunches, or eating dinner out several times a week all add up.

So, if you're a busy person who spends extra money on food due to your schedule, let's think of this as your starting point.

TIP: The most important strategy you can implement is to always use your least busy evening (or day) to get started.

Below are some examples of how you might find and set up your own starting point.

Spend Less on Lunches

a) Pick one night of the week when you have the least amount of errands or running to do after work. This is the perfect evening to pack a lunch for you or the kids.

b) Pack lunches only on your chosen day when starting out.

c) Once you've done this for about a month, pick one more evening/day that would work well with your schedule.

d) Immediately tuck away the amount of money you've saved through making lunches. That's your reward! Write yourself a check if need be.

You could also use that money and save even more by stocking up on sale items (buy only items you use on a regular basis.) This way, you'll never be caught off guard with no food in your pantry or freezer.

Spend Less Eating Out

Since dinner costs more to eat out, you'll save more money by finding a simple solution to eating out less at dinnertime. To cut back on eating out, simply use your least busy evening/day to cook up a double batch of food. Freeze the extra as a backup meal for one of your busiest evenings.

Spend Less on Groceries

Try spending just five dollars less when grocery shopping. Do it for a month or so. Then practice spending seven dollars less during the next month's grocery shopping. If possible, shop on your least busy day/evening.

These are all do-able. Not so much as to be overwhelming, and they place you at a great starting point. If your food and grocery bills are under control, consider other ways how you might take advantage of your *least busy* evening or day to tuck away some money.

So, set your starting point now. What's your least busy evening? Which *one* thing can you do, *one* time this week? Go for it, then do it again!

-------------------------------------------------------
Savvy Saving for Busy Women author Darlene Arechederra
inspires busy women to put the fun back in saving.  Her
complimentary newsletter serves up heaps of motivation with
a unique, down-home style of writing.  Join her today at
Rat Race Remedies
-------------------------------------------------------

Winter Delights

Remember how I've told you about Little Ben's ability to predict a storm?  Well, he did it again.

Ben (aka Beaner) is my 4-y-o Chocolate Lab.  He's somewhat timid, but absolutely delightful.  Tosses toys into the air, attacks them, snarls at them.  Very playful.

Well, night before last he tucked his tail between his legs and cowered next to me, shaking and shivering.  I went outside to see what was going on.  Of course, I found nothing.  Just a light drizzle.

Still, Ben insisted things weren't good, so I made preparations in case the electricity went out.  Two and a half hours later, the storm hit.  Lightning, thunder and torrential rain.  Unbelievable.

I still can't get over the fact that he can know there's a storm coming -- when it's still several hours away.

Anyone else have pets that *know* these things, 2 to 3 hours ahead of time?

Next morning, it rained again, then began to freeze.  Eventually, the snow came.  A beautiful, soft snow.  Huge flakes.

What made it even more delightful is that the birds came for seed, just a few feet away from my window.  I watched them for quite awhile.  I even threw fresh seed out for them, as the fresh snow was quickly covering the feeders and the seed on the deck. 

I counted at least 8 redbirds at one time.  What a sight, that beautiful red up against the snowy white.  Something to see.

I'm going to close so I can work on Monday's newsletter.  Mustn't be late with it.  I'll talk with you soon, though.

dar

How to Save Money Without Giving Up the Things You Love

© 2005 Darlene Arechederra
RatRaceRemedies.com

Recently, a close friend wanted to lose weight. He had psyched himself up, and he was ready to go. Until his doctor suggested he had to restrict his calories, that is. "No way!" he said. He left his doctor's office, determined to never return there.

You can relate, can't you? Chances are that cutting back, phasing out, or even eliminating things you enjoy will not inspire you for long. The very thought can leave you feeling as if you're facing an uphill battle.

The words, *giving up something* are fighting words for some! I mean, can't you just picture the boxing gloves coming out? The good news is that you truly can make changes without giving up those things that bring you pleasure. Let's look at how you can win the battle, hands-down!

Simple Pleasures

I love coffee (especially hazelnut.) I love the smell of coffee brewing. It brings me to a standstill. The earth could slip off its axis, but I'd only worry about it once I have that fresh cup of brew in my hands. Then, and only then, am I interested in moving on.

You know what I mean, don't you? Perhaps for you it's eating out. Or chocolate. Books. Shoes. Clothes. Perfumes.

If it's something you love, there's a slim chance you'll give it up easily. There has to be a mighty fine reason to do so. Right?

A Mighty Fine Reason

I had set a goal for myself of learning to live on one-half of my paycheck. It required fine tuning my spending (in many areas). And that's where the coffee came into the picture. You see, I was purchasing two to three cups a day -- and spending about fifty bucks a month for my pleasure.

Ah, the moment of truth! So, what were my choices? I could eliminate. I could reduce or cut back. Or I could keep my fresh coffee, but have it cost less.

I chose to keep the coffee, but make it *less expensive.* For me, the trade off was to keep what I love, but do it for a reasonable cost. This meant no more drive-thru coffee for me.

The Trade Off

A trade off allows you to get the job done without feeling deprived. Here's an example of how you might set up a trade off for yourself, based on my own.

To keep my coffee but have it cost less, I bought a proper coffee pot and a travel mug for my car. (I spent a lot of time in traffic back then.) I then found a delightful blend of hazelnut coffee and ground it fresh at the store. Cost? About eight dollars per month (compared to fifty.) I buy several bags at a time while on sale, saving even more money. I freeze it to retain its freshness.

In hindsight, it was such a simple solution, but it didn't *click* until my goal became extremely important to me (live on half my paycheck so I could save the rest for my future business.) Now, isn't that much easier than the dread that comes with thinking you have to *give it up?*

Three Quick Steps to Immediate Success

1) Know the reason you want to make changes. To have this work, you must have a specific reason. What is your very special purpose in *trading off* something you love?

2) Determine the first, small change you will make to set up your trade off. Choose something that will leave you feeling great about your decision. Deprivation doesn't work for the long haul.

3) Tuck away every cent you save, once you begin your plan. Put it up to have it for your own special purpose. Quickly reaping your rewards will provide motivation and keep you saving.

So, what's your pleasure? Is there something on which you spend a bit too much money? Set your timer for just five minutes, and do some brainstorming on ways your pleasure can cost you less.

Remember, the idea is to meet your goal without feeling as if you're *giving up* something!

You can do it!

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Author and Ezine Editor Darlene Arechederra inspires others to put the simple back in saving. In particular, Darlene offers help for the busy woman whose saving strategies no longer work for her. For motivation with a unique, down-home style of writing, visit her at RatRaceRemedies.com

The Gift

© 2004 Darlene Arechederra

RatRaceRemedies.com

Christmas at last!

I stretched lazily, savoring the moment. Today would be busy. I had an hour's journey ahead of me and still needed to load up the car. My family was counting on me to be there by ten.

I flipped the switch on the coffeemaker and made my way over to plug in the tree. And just for a moment, I stood back to enjoy it.

From under the tree I grabbed the gifts that would head south with me. I'd best not forget any. I restacked the few gifts remaining down on the tree skirt. Then paused...

Something wasn't quite right.

Hmmm...

Beneath the tree was a small, blue box. I didn't recognize it. It had no tag. It was weightless, wrapped in dark blue paper.

Each side of the box contained a message, each handwritten in white ink:

* Cannot be bought.

* Cannot be sold.

* Must be shared.

* Handle with TLC.

Double-Hmmm...

Curiosity got the best of me. I felt like a kid again as I made short work of removing the wrapping.

Nothing there!

I moved closer, peering into the bottom. Yes, there it was!

It took my breath away, and for a brief moment time stood still for me. For, tucked inside that tiny box were memories of years past. Warm and vivid Christmas memories with my family out at my grandparents' old log cabin.

Grandma and Grandpa were in their 80's when I said goodbye to them a few years ago. At times, their lives were not easy. But they were always filled with love and gratitude for their many children and grandchildren.

Their log cabin was a special, magical place for me. At mealtime, about 15 (of 68) small cousins and I squeezed onto the huge, picnic-style benches at the table. Yes, we had a crew!

I was fascinated by the texture of the white clay walls in the kitchen. I had the habit of running my fingers over the wall behind me as I sat at the bench. Imagine the scrumptious dishes lovingly prepared by eleven aunts and uncles. I do believe we had every mouth-watering dish imaginable.

Fresh water from the well sat heating on the cookstove as we ate. It was toasty and ready for dishes after mealtime. Yes, there were quite a few dishes to do.

The cabin was filled with kids, laughter and music. Grownups, lanterns and wood stoves, too. Family everywhere. And even as we cousins grew older, there was always room for our (boy/girl) friends.

We had no electricity. No television to entertain us. The big screens weren't even dreamed about at that point.

No phones ringing off the hook, either.

And you know what?

We had everything we could want. We had each other. We had food, laughter, and a warm room full of love.

It was something to be in the main room! The pot belly stove was faithful in churning out its heat. We never worried about being cold.

Pictures, mementos and souvenirs graced the shelving that ran the entire length of two walls. And below them hung colorful stockings and greeting cards.

Grandpa, along with many of my aunts and uncles, was musically inclined. Needless to say, there was always music after the meal. Music and singing. Out came the fiddle, the accordion, the guitars. And from one corner of the room came music from the piano.

The Christmas tree had its own place in the room. Beneath it were the gifts that Grandma had lovingly wrapped. Grandma always had a gift for each of her grandchildren. (Can you imagine 60 plus gifts for grandkids, plus gifts for your children?) Gifts were pretty different back then. We didn't spend thousands buying gifts, nor did we charge them.

But these gifts under my grandparents' tree were special. They weren't just gifts. Oh, no. They were Million Dollar Gifts, because *Grandma* gave them to us.

Ever so gently, I closed the small box, reflecting on the treasure I held in my hands.

Those days of hiding up in the loft and spying on the grownups down in the cabin are gone. Our little loft *retreat* is no longer what it was for me and my cousins.

Instead, we each have *The Gift.* It's weightless and can't be bought. It can't be sold. It must be shared, with tender loving care.

It's *The Gift* of unforgettable, beautiful memories.

This year, rather than fancy gifts that will soon be forgotten, offer your loved ones a memory. One that can live on through the generations.

I wish for you that room full of love I knew as a child in my grandparents' log cabin.

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Author and Ezine Editor Darlene Arechederra inspires others to put the simple back in saving. In particular, Darlene offers help for the busy woman whose saving strategies no longer work for her. For motivation with a unique, down-home style of writing, visit her at RatRaceRemedies.com

I've Got the *Should's*

Merry Christmas to you!

Tonight I have the should's.  Not that it's going to happen, lol.  But, I was sitting here thinking about all the things I *should* be doing tonight.

My family and I will celebrate our Christmas Day next Thursday, though, so I actually felt somewhat free tonight.

And no sooner was I free, than I began to think about all the things I should be doing...  like working on another article, updating web pages, doing something constructive.

Sounds like thoughts a workaholic might have, I think.  :-)

But, instead of working some more, I opened Julie Jordan Scott's most recent newsletter... and found myself clicking into TypePad to see her new julie_unplugged/ blog.  Julie, congratulations on your blog!  :-)

For those of you who don't know Julie, she's a terrific writer.  I was tearful as I finished, "The Two Little Trees" which she ran in her recent newsletter.  Thank you for sharing that, Julie.  (Julie also coaches those who love to write -- and teaches to write it passionately!)

So, Julie brought me back to TypePad tonight, when I realized I haven't been here for 2 months because things have been so hectic.  Naughty me.

Still, I guess that means I was meant to be here tonight.  Yep, on Christmas Eve...

We had a great day yesterday and today.  My *son of my heart* came over with his girlfriend last evening.  They helped me get the tree up and decorate it.  We even managed to hang some lights up in the front window (yeah!).  We listened to Christmas songs while we worked.  It was just a wonderful evening to share.

Today, dh and I took them out for breakfast (at noon, lol) where we were able to sit and chat a while longer.  Then a quick trip to Wal-Mart.

I suggested we make this a tradition, and they agreed.  It will be a great thing if we can make it happen again next year.  :-)

It's quiet now, here at home.  Dh and our two Labs are settled in.  It's the time of evening my brain wakes up and wants to celebrate!  Usually, I celebrate by writing.

Writing is a funny thing.  Tonight, I feel like writing, yet I don't want to write about what I normally write about (making saving fun and easy for the budget-challenged woman...)

Maybe that's why I ended up in my blog here, ey?

I did write something for Christmas.  I shared it in my newsletter last week.  It's called, *The Gift.*

I'll post it in a separate message for easier reading.

Let me go get that done.  Depending on how long it takes me, I may or may not be back tonight.  If I don't see you again, though, have a wonderful and Merry Christmas.  Or a Happy Holiday, whichever you prefer.

... all is calm...

dar

Meatballs: Friend, or Foe?

Guidelines: You may publish this article in its entirety
with byline and link info. I'd appreciate a link or copy of
publication.

RatRaceRemedies
Contact Author: Dar
Word count: 808 @60 cpl

For list of other articles available:
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-------------------------------------------------------

Meatballs: Friend, or Foe?
(c) 2004 Darlene Arechederra

We all have those moments, don't we? We're right in the
middle of a project, and it's simply not going well.

Like me, you may find yourself becoming irritated, wishing
you could find an easier way to get the job done (or even
eliminate it completely.)

I'd settle for a tool that would make quick work of it. Life
is just too precious to spend time being irritated.

I found myself in this position a few weeks ago while making
meatballs.

Now, I grew up on a small farm out in the country. And on a
farm you learn to handle lots of things. Creatures. Animals.
Newborns. And occasionally, some not-so-nice things.

But, even wearing gloves, I absolutely can't stand my hands
mushing about in raw hamburger. It reminds me of the slimy
feel of a worm that's going on the hook for bait.

It leaves me with an uncomfortable, fluttery feeling in the
pit of my stomach. Not at all how I, as a woman, want to
feel.

Now, keep in mind, this journey into the Land of the
Meatball is only beginning. We've still got to scoop the
burger out of the bowl. Scrape it off the spoon. And only
then can we finally roll the critters into meatballs. Scoop.
Scrape. Roll. Over and over.

It's like waiting for that worm to do it's job of luring in
a tasty fish. It's a time thing. But, just as fresh catch is
always a nice treat, I know these meatballs will be worth
waiting for when the work's finished. They are serving a
special purpose.

Let me share it with you.

Because it's so flexible, I stir up several batches of
meatloaf mix every other month. I then convert them into
meatballs, cooking all the batches that day. Some go for
spaghetti. Others I'll freeze for meatball sandwiches or
Swedish Meatballs in cream sauce. If I'm feeling lazy
(smile) I simply make several meatloafs.

So why are these meatballs so important in the scheme of
things? Because they keep us from eating out. They can be
frozen after being cooked, which saves me huge amounts of
time. We make six to eight meals out of them.

We could easily spend a minimum of $18 per meal eating out.
So in money terms, it saves us an average of $126 each time
I make these meatballs in a batch. You see, it's part of how
I save money. It's just that important to me.

But surely there's an easier way to get the job done!

I donned my thinking cap...

Now, I knew what I wanted. A scoop large enough to make it
worth digging into the bowl. Light enough to avoid
aggravation of a mild carpal tunnel problem. Something that
would automatically slide the mix out. And lastly, something
naturally round to alleviate the tedium of rolling into
balls.

I was on a Mission!

After several days of searching with no luck, I considered
inventing such a tool. I changed my mind after calculating
how many meatballs I'd need to make to earn my money
back on the patent.

And then . . . it happened. The lightbulb clicked. The earth
moved (or was that me, jumping for joy?) But I digress.

I had found the perfect tool! And one that carries with it
such sweet memories: an ice cream scoop. You know the type.
As you squeeze the lever, a small piece of steel rotates
inside, scooping the food out along the way. Could it get
any easier than this?

Admittedly, I paid quite a price for this stainless steel
ice cream scoop. But what a relief!

You know what? I realized I had been tolerating this problem
for way too long now!

Can you relate to what I'm talking about here? Have you
found your own tasks difficult due to lack of helpful tools?

If you find yourself becoming irritated while doing a chore
or task, stop for a moment. Consider which part of it is
bothering you. Or what is more difficult than it needs to
be.

Begin a tool list. As you think of items that would make
your life easier, jot them down.

Brainstorm ideas. Have friends or family members
experienced the same frustrations? Ask them to share
with you their own solutions or ideas.

And, when you've completed a few tasks that aren't quite
your favorites, treat yourself to one of the smaller items
on your new tool list.

Life can be difficult. Some things you simply have no
control over. But why not find an easier way to do the
things you can control?

You'll save time and energy. Having helpful tools will even
save you money.

So go ahead. Start your tool list today. It's good for the
soul!

---------------------------------------------------------
Author and ezine editor Darlene Arechederra inspires
busy women to put the fun back into saving their money.
Her complimentary newsletter serves up heaps of
motivation with a unique, down-home style of writing.
Join her today at RatRaceRemedies.com
---------------------------------------------------------

Well, I've done it now!

Yes, I admit it. I left my poor blog completely to itself these last few months. I honestly expected that all my prior posts would disappear or that some other crazy thing would happen.

But, nothing untoward happened, so I'm back. And I must write (smile).

I am still knee-deep in the middle of a teleclass which keeps me very busy with homework. That, in part, is my best excuse for my absence.

So, if you missed me, I do hope you'll forgive me. (You will, won't you?)

Honestly, though, I've been busy. And to prove it, I'm going to share with you one of the recent articles I wrote for my newsletter. I'll post more down the road as I try to catch up a bit. (Promise!)

Hope you enjoy! (I will post it separately.)

dar

Money Management Skills, Fireworks to set off

Happy Independence Day to you!

Hope your holiday weekend is going well. Even though it's a holiday, my newsletter was due out, so that's what I've been doing.

You'll find the latest issue at Rat Race Remedies Newsletter.

Author of this week's article is Judy Lawrence, who shares with us: 4 Reasons why it is so hard to manage your money today and what to do about it. Great article!

Of course, if you'd rather just set off some fireworks, Click Here.

Enjoy! See you soon.

dar

Just like old times...

My sister came to visit on Thurs & Fri. It was so great to have her here! She only lives about 3 1/2 hours away but doesn't get away too often because she's a breeder and has to be available for those doggies who need extra attention. You know, bottle feeding those who aren't eating properly... helping the females who're having trouble giving birth, etc. It's a round-the-clock job she has. And a real break when she can come home to visit. :-)

We did some heavy duty shopping, but put most of it back, lol. We brought home only the best of the bargains. There was a brief moment when I stunned myself by not fitting into the Capri's that should have been my size. Hmmm... note to myself that perhaps I need to exercise some discipline in the food department. Or just exercise, period. :-)

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It always brings back warm memories when dh and I pop into Steak n Shake for a quick bite (tonight's dinner). You see, for years we had only two other food choices near our home. Then came Steak n Shake! We ate there so often we knew the servers and managers by name, lol. Eventually, common sense (cents) prevailed before we totally blew the budget, and we weaned ourselves off the steakburgers. :-)

We go there about twice a year now. The servers' faces are all new to us, but the friendly, bustling atmosphere is still the same. I even took my journal in and did some writing.

Just like old times.

When It Rains... Look for the Blessing

Okay, I'm admit it. I'm still a tad bit miffed over the troubles I had with my web site and host. (I've gone from livid to miffed, so that's a significant improvement.)

When It Rains

There's a saying, "When It Rains, It Pours." A few years back, I changed it to "When It Rains, Look for the Blessing."

Hear me out on this one, ok?

It happens to all of us. Our morning starts out all wrong -- and it seems like the whole day is one big curse. Anything that can go wrong, does -- and we're not spared. Things seems like they're going from bad to worse. We keep checking our watches and praying that the day will be over soon. You know what I mean, don't you?

The wires are crossed, nothing's going to save the day except getting our buns in bed that night so we can start all over again. Maybe tomorrow won't be so bad...

Look for the Blessing

Amidst the chaos surrounding you on one of those *bad days,* teach yourself to be still. Stop. Now listen to the silence. Hear that blessing? It's there. Yes, it is! I guarantee if you listen long enough, you'll find it.

I learned this when I was just a kid. It happens to me, time and time again. When it's crazy and nasty and things keep hurling themselves at me, I let the storm pass. Because I know that, somewhere within the storm, that blessing awaits. Just for me.

I mentioned my site being down. Not only was it down, but I had not been notified. I found out quite by accident. It was down for several days, to add insult to injury. My biggest concern was that my faithful readers would arrive on the site and conclude I was history. That's pretty frightening to any webmaster who has worked hard to create and maintain their own site. And all this because of lack on the host's part...

Here's my blessing for the day: I arrived home to find a special email waiting for me. A gentleman had written for permission to read one of my articles on the air of his radio station. He does a special Christmas segment during the holidays and would like to use my article, 10 Reasons Santa's Broke this Year.

The Moral of the Story?

Always look for the blessing when things aren't going well. It has never failed me. I have really neat things like the above happen to me (on a regular basis). It's a lot easier to get through rough times when you know there's something great waiting around the corner for you. Your blessing's there. Go find it! ;-)

dar

A Father, A Champion

My site is back up! :-) It's somewhat belated at this point, but the Father's Day issue of newsletter can be found at the link below. Contained within it is my article, 'A Father, A Champion'

Father's Day: A Father, A Champion

Hope you enjoy!

Message to my Newsletter readers...

I wanted to let you know Monday's newsletter will be late. I'm hoping to have it out by Monday evening, possibly Tuesday. I do apologize! I'm having trouble with my host right now -- and plan to have the *issue* resolved on Monday. Please know that you won't be able to access my site until then. The problem seems to be on their end, and I'm livid with them at this moment. They've left me in limbo -- through a mistake on their part -- and naturally, do not respond to help requests on weekends.

-----------------

On a bettter note, remember the small bird (black head, ring of white acround his neck, brown-black feathers) I haven't identified yet? I'm still not sure what type bird he is, but I'm naming him Bandit. He's visiting the feeder on a regular basis. We've also had a visit from a Cardinal who is good looking as well. I wonder if there's such a thing as bird addiction... :-)

See you soon.

dar

Microwaved Mosquito

I microwaved a mosquito this evening. Medium-High, one minute. A pinch of salt, dash of pepper... (just kidding there) I know he was in there because the light stays on while the micro's on. And there he was. This was a first for me.

"Did he die?" you ask. (you're curious, aren't you?)

No, he didn't die. Not until I swatted him a good one. Since West Nile has become so prevalent, I'm no longer as charitable as I used to be with the Skeeters. I fear the critters will bite my dogs and they'll contract some horrible disease we've never heard of.

Who woulda thought that mosquito would survive the microwave, though?

-------------------------------

No sign of The Woodster Photo Pileated Woodpecker again, but others have been visiting the feeder. Yesterday (and today) I had a visit from a woodpecker with a mohawk-type strip of red for a crown. Cream underbelly, with brownish-blackish-white stripey feather pattern. According to the books, he's a Red-Bellied Woodpecker. (Photo Red-Bellied Woodpecker) He's quite a guy with that dark red on his head! I think I'll name him Red.

There's also a small unidentified bird that feeds on the deck. He has a solid black head with a white stripe around his neck. The rest of him is black and brown. Handsome, indeed. I'll have to look him up.

That elusive W-H-Y...

Earlier in the week, I referenced a page in Peg Kaplan's blog: What If... . She had written a piece I thought was great, entitled "Strangers in a Strange Land." She has received some good comments on it, too. (Hello, Peg) Needless to say, her posts (and others like it) are right up my alley. Gets me thinking, lol.

I don't know if there's just one solitary answer to why things are so different, i.e. we don't have time to even know our neighbors anymore. Yes, quite possibly (and my belief) we spend so much time making money that sometimes there's just not much left of us to give. But a comment had me thinking: There does seem to be so much more desire for 'privacy' nowadays. Seems we've been somehow trained to always call first. Or make that great appointment to get together...

Which makes me wonder why? Why such a huge desire for privacy -- that we willingly fence ourselves in, set up caller id, let the recorder pick up a call, etc. Sometimes we even hope no one drops by or calls. It's like we need that time to ourselves... and then some.

It reminded me of something that happened in my life about a year ago. A former coworker and I had kept in touch via phone (sporadically). We had talked of getting together a few times but hadn't managed it. She had just survived breast cancer along with some other really tough times in her life.

Dh and I were driving around one day when I recognized the street name. I knew it was where my friend lived with her dh. I talked dh into stopping in at the local supermarket where I picked up a colorful bouquet of fresh flowers. On the way back to find her place, there was a message in the back of my mind... "This is a no-no! It's not okay nowadays to drop in. It just isn't done anymore."

I usually listen to these messages -- always try to do the *right thing.* But this time I ignored it, called her on the phone stating that I was right there. Could I drop by? "Of course!" she said. So we did. She, her dh and I visited maybe an hour.

Less than a year later, her name caught my attention on the local news. She'd gone to work that day at a local church where she worked with homeless people. A homeless man had stabbed her. The damage was done and she did not survive.

I didn't make it to her funeral. The day before, we had brought a 16-y-o foster son home to live with us, and it didn't work out that I could go see her one last time.

I'm glad now that I ignored that small voice that day. I hope she forgives me for not being there for a final goodbye. After things settled down here at home, I wondered, "when did it become such a no-no to drop by to say hello?"

There's still one place I know of where's it's considered a great thing to drop in -- and that's in the small town where I grew up. Maybe 1,000 people or so... Problem is, it's over an hour away. And that can seem too far sometimes to pick up and go when life is so hectic.

... That elusive W-H-Y...

- Why are we *cocooning?* (A word coined by trend expert, Faith Popcorn, popcorn.html.)

- Why are we so busy that we hope no one drops by?

- Why are we building in such privacy measures -- while missing the openness of earlier days?

- Why is it, with all the modern technology and tools we have (designed to make life easier, remember?) that we seem to have less time and energy for others -- and for ourselves?

Any thoughts? Opinions? Hunches? Your comments are welcome. :-)