Interfering Fortune

Interfering Fortune 

“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”

I cannot run a marathon. I cannot lift weights. I cannot manage to sit and work on my book every day. I cannot get my butt in skinny jeans or ever in my life be a size 2. I cannot get to sleep without my mind racing 2 million miles an hour. I cannot do electrical work, plumbing and honestly I suck at gardening. I cannot keep fish alive, stay organized or simplify my life. 

I cannot fly.

“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”

Wow - that is quite a list. My list could honestly go one – and some of these things do interfere with what I can do. 

Really, I have no desire to run a marathon. Seems like a lot of beating up on my poor body. I would love to be able to run – But, I can walk. I love to walk. I do it every day (weather and sick kiddos permitting!).

I cannot lift weights or be a body builder, but honestly all I really need to pick up is my own butt and my kiddo. Speaking of butts – skinny jeans are just wrong, unless you are a twig or a size two. Neither of which is healthy for someone like me. I do not even think my skeleton would fit in a size two skinny jean. I CAN be the healthiest possible. I can eat real food, whole foods and walk – I am cave woman…hear my nom-nom on my homemade jerky!

With a healthy fear of blowing myself up and flooding my house, I know I can call my dad. (Yes, my husband can be handy – but my Dad is a Handy Man’s Handy Man!) He is amazing – perhaps I should pay closer attention when he helps me out, take notes…video…Even though he and my Mom live fairly close, we don’t get to see each other as much as I would like.

With my Black Thumb (which, by the way – my Dad has a Green Thumb!), I am hesitant to go all in and plant a garden, but I CAN keep my ivy alive and try again in the spring. I have a vision in my head of how I would love for it to look, what I would love to grow. I have day dreams of feeding my family with home grown tomatoes, peppers, etc…I’ll try again!

I am the official “Fish Killer” in my family, the fish at the store jump from their tank as soon as walk in…fishicide is less painful than the thought of coming home with me. It’s like they know…kinda creepy! So, since I cannot keep them alive, I CAN refrain from buying more. I think they are too beautiful to bring home to die…and I DON’T do it on purpose.

“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”

Staying organized is a constant battle, I CAN keep trying and that will help simplify my life. I need to simply – then maybe I could write on my book everyday, maybe I could post my fortunes more often. 

Flying…seriously, that’s what PLANES are for!

My racing brain at night is probably the biggest thing that interferes with what I can do. My walking helps, writing help. But, getting my life simple and organized would probably help the most. 

“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”

I am sorry that my posts are so far between. I am sorry that I have a hard time keeping up with some of the wonderful people I have meet through blogging. I cannot promise to get better – but I won’t let that interfere with TRYING!

Live, Laugh, Love ~

Vanilla Mama

Frugal Fortune

Frugal Fortune

“You shouldn’t overspend at the moment. Frugality is important.”

As our country dives deep, deep, deep into debt with numbers that if my 5-year old would ask if possible, I would say – of course not…that will never happen to you! But, it is. It is happening to all of us.

We are raising the debt ceiling, our credit rating is falling…does any of this sound familiar? Is this happening to you?

Is the United States government finally facing the reality that most Americans face every day?

Too many finical obligations….too little cash.

Where do you make cuts? Where do you choose not to spend your money? (as I sit here with acrylic nails that are desperately in need of a fill, unpainted toe nails and gray roots showing…store brand staples in my cabinet and Groupon pinging off the roof…) Small changes are happening here. A coupon diva I am not – post about that later.

The government choices are much harder. But, I think that if some of the trust fund babies that can afford to get elected would give up some of their benefits…it might make a difference, a small one.

We live in an entitled society. From the Congress Man who is entitled to a lifetime of benefits and retirement for his service, to the poor who are entitled to health care (– and as a member of the uninsured for a couple of years – I DO NOT say this lightly!), to the 16 year old who is entitled to a new car, to the 4 year old wanting a cool toy with his Happy Meal. (and Apples Fries!)

“You shouldn’t overspend at the moment. Frugality is important.”

On a more personal level…I have a son going into college. Thank God for Pell Grants, for scholarships, for parents working together to put him through college, for grandparents offering an amazing amount of support. But – all the same, it is an expense. He is moving…moving…(getting into emotional territory with no tissue available) to another state. There are expenses. Being frugal is very important, overspending must be avoided, we need to try to set an example.

I want my son to grow up without debt, without unnecessary financial obligations. I want my children to not rely on our government for their welfare, I want them to be financially independent.

The same with everything…I have to try to set the example, and I will admit, I am not always the best, our government is not the best, but I pray that they learn from example. In some cases, we all must learn for the example of what NOT to do! I always stress the importance of education to my kiddos…I never finished college, did not finish medical transcription training…at this point, I am where I am. I am entering a new phase in my life, I want to write…but have little time raising 3 kiddos, being a wife, having 2 jobs – I feel like my house will never come together, I am not spending enough time with my family, my parents, my spouse, my friends, on my jobs, on my writing, on myself…I am overspent. Overspent finically, emotionally and physically…I need to learn to be more frugal. Smarter about my time, smarter about my money, pay more attention to politics and turn my air up to 80 to avoid the rolling blackouts that may happen here in Texas.

“You shouldn’t overspend at the moment. Frugality is important.”

How do you try to live this fortune? How are you frugal and avoid overspending? Tell me, I want desperately to find the balance I need.

Live, Laugh, Love ~

Vanilla Mama

Cannot forget the lucky number…is it the path to financial independence or just another unnecessary expense? I promise to let you know, if you do!

16, 17, 20, 26, 29, 30

(as a side note…all of these are AGES I have passed…SIGH!)

Coming up will be a money saving post, and hopefully a couple of book blurb posts…

Close Fortune

“The one you love is closer than you think.”

I am pretty sure that the one I love is pretty darn close…I have three kiddos that are my world, a wonderful hubby that supports me (and all my craziness) and a devoted dog.

How much closer can the one(s) I love get?

I always tell me kiddos, “I am always with you, no matter where you are I am there – in your heart, in your mind.” I tell them that they are always with me, that I am always thinking about them and they are in my heart.

The ones you love are always closer than you think. Even if you are across the country (I keep telling myself that as I prepare to send my son to college), even if the person you love has left this life – they are closer than you think. I don’t just say that to comfort myself or to comfort anyone else, I trust that God’s here with me and that my loved ones are, too.

If you have faith (and really even if you don’t), they are there.

This is going to be a short post, it’s been a long week dealing with work issues, some health issues (I have fibromyalgia and have been in a flare up), and my BABY turning FIVE. I will be spending tomorrow catching up on my reading and hopefully get a couple of book blurbs in, possibly mixed with Fortunes – that is SO much fun to do.

I hope that you all have had a good week – anything special you want to share, anything you would like to see from me?

Next week will prove to be a crazy week as well…but, hopefully I can get my Yoga in as I need to and work on taking better care of myself!

Live, Laugh, Love~

Vanilla Mama

Feeling Lucky? 16, 19, 25, 29, 30, 40…if you feel lucky, share!

Worthy Fortune

“Past experience: He who never makes mistakes never did anything that’s worthy.”

Boy, I have made some mistakes in my life!

What have I learned? Never, Never believe the color that is on the box (esp. when you buy it on clearance it Kroger), never drink cheap wine…never do them both at the same time! There is nothing worse than a hangover with orange hair.

I have made worse mistakes to be sure, but most of them I am not willing to share in open company. But, what I will tell you is that from these mistakes I have grown as a person.

There is no better teacher than experience, sure there is a lot you can learn from books…but, unless that book hits you upside the head and takes you down a notch will it actually help you move forward in your life?

Maybe…maybe not. Same can be said for making a mistake, can you learn from a mistake? Maybe…maybe not.

It depends on if you are open to even admitting that you’ve made one.  

Accepting responsibility for a mistake is something that has become as rare as a day without a reality tv show in the primetime lineup. To grow, to move forward, to do something worthy after a mistake requires that atypical step of taking the blame…and the consequences.

Past experience, something worthy?

I will say that my past experience has brought me here…I have three wonderful children, a wonderful hubby, a great job and I am writing this blog…is it worthy, I hope so! I am a product of everything I have done, and all that I have been through…so, I will...

Live, Laugh, Love~

Vanilla Mama

Will my mistake be not playing these numbers? Maybe, but I will try to learn from it –

3, 20, 14, 5, 42, 10

PS - Gotta give a huge shout out to Jen over at Makobi Scribe who featured me as a guest post! Check it out by clicking here.

Finishing Fortune

“Never give up until you reach the finish line.”

I am trying, boy I am trying, but it really seems as if the finish line keeps moving? Or maybe it’s not that but that I have so many different finish lines.

Every day is a series of deadlines of some sort. There is a flight to book, a contract to write, a web page to update…that’s for one job. There are shipments to receive, guests to help, sales to make…that’s another job. There are kids to get to school (work), dinners to make, scholarships to apply for, insurance claims to file and follow up on, and time to spend with them all before everyone grows up…that’s a whole other ball of wax that I call my life.

At this point the only finish line I seem to be focusing on is the one that hits at the end of each day. You know the one…BEDTIME!! Glass of red wine, pajamas, kiddos to bed (hopefully), computer shut down, TV turned off and audio book in my ears to fall asleep to.

“Never give up until you reach the finish line.” Since for tonight my finish line is bedtime, I will never give up until that time hits. One more load of clothes in the dryer, a load of dishes to put away, one last webpage to tweek, one final email to send off…I won’t give up until I reach the finish line! (I just need to stop moving that one back!!)

Live, Laugh, Love~

Vanilla Mama

PS – Wouldn’t you love to reach your finish line with the winning lottery numbers, I might push bedtime back and make the drive to Austin for that!!

41, 25, 27, 52, 11, 24

Question of Fortune

“There is never any harm in asking an honest question.”

Ummm….I think on this point I am going to have to disagree. There may be no harm intended, but harm can certainly come. Or, at the very least hurt feelings.

“Honey, do these pants make me look fat?”

Honestly, if I ask this question, I want an answer. Because if they make me look fat, I am taking those bad boys off!! But, be careful how this question is answered, there is a fine (VERY fine) line between an honest answer and nuclear fallout.

“Where do you see our relationship going?”

Honestly, if you have to ask…it’s probably going nowhere fast.

Most of my questions go something like this, “Can you take your laundry upstairs?” “When do you plan on being home?” “WHY are there dirty dishes in your floor?” I think those are honest questions, certainly no harm in them.

In reality, most questions are pretty loaded though (especially the pants question). Some of them I already know the answer to (especially the pants question). But, I ask anyway.

What is the last really honest question that you have asked or answered? That’s an honest question, no harm in asking.

Live, Laugh, Love~

Vanilla Mama

Lucky Numbers: 5, 10, 20, 25, 35, 40

If you win the lottery, will you share with me? (Yes another honest question, no harm in asking!)

The Admirer - Book Blurb #4

(#3 for me, because I know you are counting!)

Okay – Here it is, the blending of the Fortune Cookie with the Book Blurb!

The Admirer

Melinda read the Fortune Cookie paper she found tucked underneath the door of her hotel room door and began to cry.

“A secret admirer will soon send you a sign of affection.”

The suspense was too great and the running was wearing her out. What kind of twisted game had she gotten caught up in?

What began as a silly internet role playing game with some flirting, had become a deadly obsession. Lines between virtual life and reality had been blurred by one player and “The Admirer” was unwavering in his desire to have and destroy her.

She knew “The Admirer” was out there and had found her, hidden away in a strange city, and time was running out for her.

Beneath the tears, her anger builds and she determines that she is not hiding anymore…Melinda takes out her laptop and a plan begins to form.

-          I was really torn between going creepy or lovey dovey with this one, but honestly…I am not much of a lovey dovey kind of person.

Live, Laugh, Love ~

Vanilla Mama

Lucky numbers: 14, 16, 24, 28, 30, 43. I think Melinda is going to need all the lucky numbers she can get.

What is Book Blurb (Friday), check out my previous post and find out!

Exciting Fortune

“An exciting opportunity lies ahead of you.”

Oh man, I hope so! I really, really hope so! I have been praying for change lately and part of my prayer was, “Lord, I know that you have something planned for me. Please, lead me to it.” A few things have transpired just by listening to that inner voice that I call the Holy Spirit. I am not going to go into a lot of detail in my post today, because I don’t know anything for certain yet…I am in Wait Mode.

You know what Wait Mode is, right? It is that limbo between knowing and not knowing. Taking the test and waiting for the grade. Having your pictures taken and waiting to see if you look fat in them. Setting up a blog and hoping people read. Going into labor and having the baby…Wait Mode. That feeling in the pit of your stomach while you…just…wait…and wait…and it has only been A DAY!

I do not do Wait Mode well. Seriously, let me say that again – I do not do Wait Mode well. Despite the fact that I am a patient person, this is killing me. It’s like watching paint dry while someone is scratching on a chalk board. Especially today!

Imagine my joy when I got this Fortune today, “An exciting opportunity lies ahead of you.”

I know, I know…I cannot put a whole lot of stock into a Fortune Cookie when it comes to life decisions, but give a girl a break! Maybe God is telling me something.

Every day we are given opportunities, some possibly more exciting than others. It could be the opportunity to make a new friend, give someone support, change jobs, grow closer to your husband and children.

While I am waiting for my exciting opportunity to come through, (please, please, please God – I am not above begging…ummm…praying extra hard!) I am going to try to take my opportunity and let God’s grace work through me and give me some peace today knowing that He has this. No matter what happens, if this exciting opportunity comes to pass or not, if another exciting opportunity will come along. Besides – my Fortune Cookie told me so!

Live, Laugh, Love ~

Vanilla Mama

OOOhhhh….here is an exciting opportunity for you: 10, 15, 29, 31, 35, 44. And as always, if you win – please take the opportunity to share with your Vanilla Mama!

Friendly Fortune

“A friend in the market is better than money in the purse.”

What?

“A friend in the market is better than money in the purse.”

What does this mean? Does that mean I should buy a friend with the money that was in my purse?!Am I supposed to go out to the Friend Store?

“A friend in the market is better than money in the purse.”

I seriously don’t know what to make of this one – I have come across some bizarre Fortune Cookies in my life, but….since I am trying to stay true to the whole write what I pick out of my Happiness Cup, here it goes.

What is the Happiness Cup you ask? Boy, am I glad you asked!

I got it for a $1.00 at the market – I took the money out of my purse to buy it. Who says money can’t buy Happiness? So, every time I get my Hot and Sour on at Pei Wei or New China (YUMMY!) and get my Fortune Cookies, this is where they end up. After I write about them, they go in another small cup – don’t have a picture for that one – that way I don’t get them mixed up.

Okay, I digress….“A friend in the market is better than money in the purse.”

One thing that makes me happy is buying things for other people, no reason for it, a simple surprise, a little treat. How about Starbucks coffee? Ice Cream from the cooler? Cookie from the bakery? I may just treat you with something for some random unknown reason.

Does that count as a friend in the market? For my purposes today, yes I believe that it does!

I haven’t been shopping with a friend lately, but one of my favorite memories with T****S**** is shopping together for dresses that I wore on a cruise. It was like a scene in Pretty Woman…literally I could hear Roy Orbison singing in his slightly off-key way. She bought ballroom dresses, I bought my fancy Dinner with the Captain dresses and we had such a good time. I spent more money than I meant to, my poor little purse was empty – but guess what I had a friend in the market!

Live, Laugh, Love ~

Vanilla Mama

For the chance to get more money in your purse…your lucky numbers are: 11, 18, 22, 29, 31, 41.

Dreaming of Fortune

“Keep true to the dreams of your youth.”

Yes - right there in the middle of
my forehead.

Well, if I were to totally keep true to the dreams of my youth, I would be a movie star, a world famous writer, a model, and I would have my kissing spot birthmark tattooed on my forehead. As I got a little older my dreams changed, I would still like to be an actress – probably in Community Theater or voice overs, I still want to be a writer, have NO desire to be a model whatsoever and THANK Goodness I grew out of wanting my birthmark tattooed on my forehead.

One dream that I developed as I grew older that became the most important dream – being a Mom, a good Mom. Being a wife, a good wife. Nurturing, supporting, unconditional loving.

Does this dream mean that all the others are pushed to the side, for a while I thought it did. I thought that following the dream of being a good Mom or wife meant that I had to give up the other things that I wanted to do.

I stopped growing. I put everything into the biggest part of what I was trying to cultivate, wonderful children, that I let other parts of me wither away. Now that my older boys are older, I am working outside the home, my little Frosting is growing up – I have realized some parts of me that I need to nurture again. I am trying to “Keep true to the dreams of my youth.”

And while there are some of my childhood dreams, that no matter why I wanted to do it – my kissing spot birthmark tattooed on my forehead – I am glad that I stepped back and gave it more thought.

On a totally separate thought, we had our foundation repaired today and part of the process involved cutting holes in my front porch and jacking up my house 2 full inches (was not supposed to included cutting my Fios service and having to call out Verizon to fix it!). They then filled in the holes with fresh concrete – CHILDHOOD DREAM ON MY FRONT PORCH!!!! Seriously, you cannot sit there and tell me when you see FRESH CONCRETE you haven’t wanted to put a mark in it?!

Well – I DID! It is MY CONCRETE! I can mark it –

Wet cement, metal wall art!

This was SO much fun!

Did I mention, I did this in TWO places!

It's so gooey!

SMILE, SMILE, SMILE!

So – “Keep true to the dreams of your youth.” My kiddos will have to wait for their own cement to mark - I was a mean mommy!

Live, Laugh, Love ~

Vanilla Mama

Least we not forget one of my BIGGEST dreams in my youth, winning the LOTTERY!!!

Here are your lucky numbers (and remember, if you win – please remember your Vanilla Mama!)!

9, 18, 22, 29, 36, 38