Actions Speak Louder Than Words

So our society has a lot of problems, what else is new? You don't like things the way they are-then change them. You can sit around pointing fingers, judging and whining, or you can get up off your booty and make a difference in this world.

You can start by voting. That's the least you can do-you know actually make some choices about the people that are running your town, state, and country, instead of bitching about how they're screwing them up.Even better, you can get involved in the campaigns. You can get involved in the issues. Do you even know what the issues are? They're not some slogan du-jour, that come and go. They are the things that shape our lives, even if you think they never will. You know something is just terribly messed up in this country if keeping gays from getting married, is the primary issue anywhere.Ever wonder how it gets to this point?

Health care, energy, education, take your pick; there are plenty of good issues and causes to get involved with. And the great thing is, you don't just have to get involved politically, you can actually make some changes with your own two hands and mind! Volunteer, donate, organize-be part of the solution. Anybody can gripe about the problems, but if you don't move off your couch, then you're part of them.

Now is the time for action. Now is your chance to change your community, make the world a better place, and leave your legacy. Reach out to your fellow man-and woman, and even the little critters that need you on this planet. You'll feel good about yourself, meet other dedicated and giving people, and reap immeasurable rewards.

10 Ways to Save Money in These Trying Times

1. Cut back the cable. Yes, I know this seems like a very simple idea, but many of us have forgotten that those sitcoms, dramas, and sports games we enjoy so much are beamed to our television at a quite a high price. Lest you suffer from boredom, you can substitue with Netflix. Their plans are extremely reasonable, and you can even watch movies online any time you wish.
2. Turn it off, switch it out, and unplug. Look around your house right now. How many lights do you have on? Is the TV talking to the dust bunnies? Get the kids involved by appointing them energy rangers. It'll make them feel important and teach them to be responsible. Switch to compact fluorescents. Yes, they have mercury in them, so does tuna fish, learn proper handling and disposal, and move on. Finally if it's not in use, unplug it. Most of our home energy costs come from appliances and electronics that are not in use, but sucking up electricity.
3. Consider going meatless, at least one night a week to start out. There are so many things one can do with beans, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, rice, and veggies. Really, my family hasn't eaten meat for 3 months now, and we really don't miss it like we thought we would.
4. Turn down the heat, turn down the water heater, and wash clothes in cold water. Bump it down a little each week; you will adjust.
5. Forget coupons. Really? Yes, really! Most coupons are for high priced convenience food which costs more in the long run. Learn how to cook with real food, and you'll feel better, and get more for your money.
6. Make a day out of perusing the thrift stores. Sometimes you can find brand new items for a few dollars. It can be your own private treasure hunt.
7. A dollar here a dollar there-slow down, ask yourself, "Do I really need this?" How much satisfaction will you get from having this new item? If you don't buy it, will you even be thinking about it in a few days?
8. Freecycle-check it out. I got an entire stash of diapers, actually enough for two babies from generous moms who wanted to share the love. Don't forget to list all your unused household items to give back.
9. Tune up that car and make sure the tires are properly inflated! Also, if you have a mini-van with removable seats, as I have, consider removing the back row if you don't need it every day. Taking out the extra weight can really save on gas. Coast to the red lights, never mind the guy behind you; you're helping him save money too!
10. Make your own pizza. It's super easy, fun, and you can experiment with all sorts of toppings. It's also a great way to get rid of leftovers! Just chop and layer.

Basic crust:
1 cup Bisquick
pinch of yeast
warm water
Mix this up till it resembles cake batter
now put in
1 cup of wheat flour and knead, then roll with a rolling pin. I like to make it rectangular and put it on a cookie sheet.
top with canned or fresh tomatoes, or sauce, seasoning, and cheese, then throw on your toppings
bake for 20 minutes
Enjoy!

Indian Prefolds

Sometimes less is more. After all my extensive searching to find the cutest, most technologically advanced nappies to cover Kayden's bum, what do I end up using the most-Indian prefolds, which cost roughly $1.50 a piece. Actually, these little beauties didn't cost me anything. Gotta love Freecycle!

I don't know if it's the lovely unbleached natural color, of the fluffy softness of these prefolds, but I just feel so good wrapping them around my grandson. I just squish, wrap, and Snappi. Forget the fancy folds; between the kicking legs and the spontaneous pee showers, that thing's got to get on there as fast as possible! Cover it up with a Dappi, or Prorap, and we're done.

There's just something about washing your baby's diapers, and hanging them on the line, that just can't be captured in throwing the diapers in the trashcan. Sigh, maybe it's just the sentimental side of me, and my fondness for good old fashioned notions.

Kayden Michael

Kayden Michael was born on October 11, 2008 at 7:20 am, weighing 7lbs. 4oz. I was there to witness his birth, and behold as my little girl became a mom.