The holidays can be a crazy time for anyone. Instead of enjoying the decorations, carols and twinkling lights, we often find ourselves running through our gift-giving lists and pushing our way through the malls trying to find that “perfect” gift. In my family, it’s also a time of lots of family birthdays and Christmas parties. We all want to spend time with friends and family and share in the amazing holiday cheer. So how do you manage it all without going crazy?
You have to come to terms with the idea that you’re going to have to say no sometimes. As much as you may want to do it all, for your own sanity—as well as your family’s—you’re just going to have to decline a few things and maybe put those people/events at the top of your list for next year. As someone wisely said, “Sometimes saying ‘no’ to others is saying ‘yes’ to yourself.” You can explain that it’s not that you don’t want to go, you just aren’t able to make it this year.
Plan out what events you have coming up during the holidays and prioritize those things that are most important and you don’t want to miss out. If you have three holiday parties in one night, make a “guest appearance” at one of them and then make choose a final destination for the rest of the night.
If you have kids, take special consideration of their needs. Don’t stay out late with the family just because you’re having a good time—get the kids to bed. You’ll be happier in the end, and they will be too. Too much time in the car driving all around town can be a bit wearing on the little ones, as well. Be aware of their limits, and yours, and pick which events your kids will enjoy the most.
If you’re budgeting your money this year—as many of us are—get back to the basics during the holidays. It REALLY is the thought that counts. Give more hand-made gifts or make a strict budget for all the gifts you plan on giving and stick to it! If it means saying “no” to an outing that requires a bit more spending you’ll be better off in the end. You don’t want to have to drastically ration yourself during January just to make up for your “generosity” during December. Your friends will appreciate the gesture of a “little something” and understand that we are living in a difficult time right now.
In the end, you want to enjoy every moment—big and small—that this holiday season brings. Saying “no” will get easier with time and it will truly save your sanity. Preparing wisely for this holiday season will set you up to look forward to next year’s festivities and instead writing to Santa to squeeze in 12 more days of Christmas!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Beat the Thanksgiving Regret Blues
Make sure this Thanksgiving holiday is full of gratitude and not regret. It’s easy to get carried away with all of the amazing food that’s offered but we need to remember that Thanksgiving is just one day—we don’t want to spend the rest of the year regretting having eaten half a turkey, a bowl of mashed potatoes, two cups of stuffing and three servings of pumpkin pie. (Although that all sounds tempting!)
So how can we have our pie and eat it too? (Pun intended) Here are some tips to help you avoid those Thanksgiving regret blues.
It’s just one day. Not only that but it’s just one meal. Don’t turn Thanksgiving into a month-long eating feast. Enjoy the food and kindly refuse leftovers. It gets too tempting to nosh, nibble and taste the following days.
Plan ahead. You know the basics of what’s going to be served so figure out what foods you won’t skip on and plan the rest of your day accordingly. If you want dessert at dinner, don’t eat sweets during the day.
Skip seconds. Take what you want—in moderation—the first time and don’t get up for seconds. You’ll enjoy everything much more if you know that’s all you’re getting. And no, getting up and walking to get another serving does not count as exercise.
Spend your food bucks on filling, satisfying foods. Sure nuts are tasty. Yes, chips and dip are great. But too many calories can be spent on tiny servings of those foods. Concentrate on the big-ticket items like the turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes instead.
Drink your calories in moderation. I’m not saying skip the alcohol but be aware that you’ll get more satisfaction from eating your calories versus drinking them. And as someone once said, too many glasses of wine will make those nuts and chips look a lot better. In other words, don’t let alcohol blur your otherwise healthy judgement.
Don’t focus on the food. Thanksgiving is a time to connect with family and friends. Enjoy conversations instead of wondering when dinner will be served. Play games with the kiddies. Before you know it, you might ever forget about dinner…or not…
The food isn’t going away forever. One of the most important things to remember is that the food that’s served at Thanksgiving is available all year round. Don’t take on the mentality that this is your one chance to eat it so you need to ingest accordingly. Whatever you didn’t eat, whatever you wished you had more of, you can! Have Thanksgiving in February. It’ll lighten the anticipation of the meal and let you focus on other things.
Overall, the important thing is to remember the meaning of this holiday. Enjoy the company of those around you. Think of all of those things that you are grateful for, big and small. And don’t forget to savor every bite.
So how can we have our pie and eat it too? (Pun intended) Here are some tips to help you avoid those Thanksgiving regret blues.
It’s just one day. Not only that but it’s just one meal. Don’t turn Thanksgiving into a month-long eating feast. Enjoy the food and kindly refuse leftovers. It gets too tempting to nosh, nibble and taste the following days.
Plan ahead. You know the basics of what’s going to be served so figure out what foods you won’t skip on and plan the rest of your day accordingly. If you want dessert at dinner, don’t eat sweets during the day.
Skip seconds. Take what you want—in moderation—the first time and don’t get up for seconds. You’ll enjoy everything much more if you know that’s all you’re getting. And no, getting up and walking to get another serving does not count as exercise.
Spend your food bucks on filling, satisfying foods. Sure nuts are tasty. Yes, chips and dip are great. But too many calories can be spent on tiny servings of those foods. Concentrate on the big-ticket items like the turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes instead.
Drink your calories in moderation. I’m not saying skip the alcohol but be aware that you’ll get more satisfaction from eating your calories versus drinking them. And as someone once said, too many glasses of wine will make those nuts and chips look a lot better. In other words, don’t let alcohol blur your otherwise healthy judgement.
Don’t focus on the food. Thanksgiving is a time to connect with family and friends. Enjoy conversations instead of wondering when dinner will be served. Play games with the kiddies. Before you know it, you might ever forget about dinner…or not…
The food isn’t going away forever. One of the most important things to remember is that the food that’s served at Thanksgiving is available all year round. Don’t take on the mentality that this is your one chance to eat it so you need to ingest accordingly. Whatever you didn’t eat, whatever you wished you had more of, you can! Have Thanksgiving in February. It’ll lighten the anticipation of the meal and let you focus on other things.
Overall, the important thing is to remember the meaning of this holiday. Enjoy the company of those around you. Think of all of those things that you are grateful for, big and small. And don’t forget to savor every bite.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Bounce Back After Getting Turned Down
It’s never easy hearing the word “no,” especially when it’s uttered in the workplace. Whether you’re job hunting and getting more rejection letters than interviews, getting turned down for a raise or promotion, getting fired or demoted, or being told that your position is being eliminated, it’s important to not lose focus of your goals.
Some of history’s greats have received their fair share of would-be setbacks only to come back a success. Lucille Ball was discouraged from acting and advised to seek another profession. Albert Einstein failed his first university entrance exams. Walt Disney was fired from a newspaper because he “lacked imagination.” And at one point, Babe Ruth held the records for most home runs and most strikeouts.
Here are some tips to get you through your next “no:”
Accept it and move forward. Give yourself a moment to take it in, but don’t take it as a personal rejection. It’s about the job, the company or the budget, not about you as a human being.
Ask questions. It’s okay to ask, “Why?” Most employers will appreciate you trying to understand and will offer constructive criticism to help you in the future. Take the advice, apply it and don’t be afraid to ask when you can approach the topic/job, again.
Learn from it. Look over your resume and cover letter or reevaluate your job performance and find areas in which you can improve.
Take the high road. Fight the urge to complain or speak poorly about your boss or the company. Work just as hard, if not harder, to show that your eyes are still on the goal.
Network. Talk with your friends and colleagues and regain that support and encouragement you need to give you that extra boost.
Don’t back down. Remember, it’s just a setback. It’s not the end of the road. If it’s really that important to you, then you can achieve it.
As Babe Ruth said, “Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.” So see your next “no” as one step closer to your next “yes.”
Some of history’s greats have received their fair share of would-be setbacks only to come back a success. Lucille Ball was discouraged from acting and advised to seek another profession. Albert Einstein failed his first university entrance exams. Walt Disney was fired from a newspaper because he “lacked imagination.” And at one point, Babe Ruth held the records for most home runs and most strikeouts.
Here are some tips to get you through your next “no:”
Accept it and move forward. Give yourself a moment to take it in, but don’t take it as a personal rejection. It’s about the job, the company or the budget, not about you as a human being.
Ask questions. It’s okay to ask, “Why?” Most employers will appreciate you trying to understand and will offer constructive criticism to help you in the future. Take the advice, apply it and don’t be afraid to ask when you can approach the topic/job, again.
Learn from it. Look over your resume and cover letter or reevaluate your job performance and find areas in which you can improve.
Take the high road. Fight the urge to complain or speak poorly about your boss or the company. Work just as hard, if not harder, to show that your eyes are still on the goal.
Network. Talk with your friends and colleagues and regain that support and encouragement you need to give you that extra boost.
Don’t back down. Remember, it’s just a setback. It’s not the end of the road. If it’s really that important to you, then you can achieve it.
As Babe Ruth said, “Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.” So see your next “no” as one step closer to your next “yes.”
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
The Miracle of H20
Tip of the Day: Drink plenty of water!
After a recent visit to the hospital (the nurses were amazing!) I learned the importance of making sure to get my daily intake of water. I cannot emphasize enough the the power of water and the need to stay hydrated.
Be safe. Stay cool. And drink up!
After a recent visit to the hospital (the nurses were amazing!) I learned the importance of making sure to get my daily intake of water. I cannot emphasize enough the the power of water and the need to stay hydrated.
Be safe. Stay cool. And drink up!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Be Happy
I read an article on Christina Applegate a while ago and something she said really stuck with me. She was asked about her recent experience with breast cancer and if she felt lucky or unlucky. She said, "Sometimes you feel lucky because you've been given this chance to change your life." I just thought that that was an incredibly insightful way of looking at what she's experienced.
Sometimes things happen to us that we don't want or don't expect. It's o.k. to feel upset about it but to dwell on something we can't change just isn't healthy. What we need to realize is that it happened for a reason. We may not understand it but we ultimately have to accept it. And then we have to seize the opportunity. Whether your life changed in a small way or a significant way, you have been given the chance to make a difference in your life.
We all just want to be happy--both in our personal and professional lives. Many of us have recently experienced some change in our lives due to the current state of the economy. Take whatever chance you've been given as a new opportunity to create the life you wanted. I've heard so many people speak about how unhappy they were at their jobs and that despite that, they still would've stayed longer. Now that they've been laid off, they're trying to discover what truly makes them happy. It's a wonderful outlook if you are fortunate enough to pursue your heart's true desires.
It's a difficult time right now, but if you can use this moment in your life to find that passion that really drives you, embrace it and seize this unique opportunity create the life that will make you happy!
Sometimes things happen to us that we don't want or don't expect. It's o.k. to feel upset about it but to dwell on something we can't change just isn't healthy. What we need to realize is that it happened for a reason. We may not understand it but we ultimately have to accept it. And then we have to seize the opportunity. Whether your life changed in a small way or a significant way, you have been given the chance to make a difference in your life.
We all just want to be happy--both in our personal and professional lives. Many of us have recently experienced some change in our lives due to the current state of the economy. Take whatever chance you've been given as a new opportunity to create the life you wanted. I've heard so many people speak about how unhappy they were at their jobs and that despite that, they still would've stayed longer. Now that they've been laid off, they're trying to discover what truly makes them happy. It's a wonderful outlook if you are fortunate enough to pursue your heart's true desires.
It's a difficult time right now, but if you can use this moment in your life to find that passion that really drives you, embrace it and seize this unique opportunity create the life that will make you happy!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Crazy Hats
I went to Disneyland yesterday and as I people-watched (Disneyalnd is one of the best places for it!) I got to really thinking about all those people who forked out the money to buy some pretty crazy souvenirs. I mean, I'm an Annual Passholder and but I know how expensive a day at the park can be. That's just figuring in admission, a meal or two and MAYBE a snack.
But then you figure on spending even more money on those things that you know you're only going to wear once. Can you imagine showing up for a bbq with your Jack Sparrow braids and earring? Or hanging around the house on a Saturday in your light up "Happy Birthday" birthday cake hat? Looks cool and fun the day of but when you're walking back to the car surrounded by people who look as exhausted as you do, aren't you gonna wish you could've just rented a hat for the day?
It's all fun and games until your friends or family are over it and asking you to move your big hat ears out of the way 'cause they can't see in their rearview mirror.
But then you figure on spending even more money on those things that you know you're only going to wear once. Can you imagine showing up for a bbq with your Jack Sparrow braids and earring? Or hanging around the house on a Saturday in your light up "Happy Birthday" birthday cake hat? Looks cool and fun the day of but when you're walking back to the car surrounded by people who look as exhausted as you do, aren't you gonna wish you could've just rented a hat for the day?
It's all fun and games until your friends or family are over it and asking you to move your big hat ears out of the way 'cause they can't see in their rearview mirror.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Mind of a 10-Year-Old
I was hanging out with my sister and her family this morning at breakfast and then church. My sister has two sons and a daughter. I'm always amazed at how children's minds' work. Truly fascinated. I mean, they come up with the craziest concepts and ways of looking at things.
So this morning in church, I'm sitting between my 10-year-old nephew Jordan, and his younger brother, Andrew. They brought some paper to scribble on and were able to scrounge up a pen from my sister's purse. Jordan got the pen from Andrew but Andrew needed it back. So this is how my conversation with Jordan went:
Me: Jordan, can Andrew have the pen back.
Jordan: No.
Me: Actually, he had it first and he wasn't done with it so please give it to me.
Jordan: (As he hands the pen to Andrew) Then why did you ask me if I could give it to him? Why did you make me think I had a choice?
Me: Well, that was just a polite way of me saying, "Give the pencil back to Andrew."
Later, I let Jordan borrow a pen from me which he put back in my purse a while after. He then turns to me and says:
Jordan: Can I have the pen back?
Me: No. We're getting to the most important part of the mass.
Jordan: Actually, that was just a polite way of me saying, "Give me the pen again."
At which point I turned to him and gave him a high-five. Well played, Jordan. I swear, this kid amazes me!
So this morning in church, I'm sitting between my 10-year-old nephew Jordan, and his younger brother, Andrew. They brought some paper to scribble on and were able to scrounge up a pen from my sister's purse. Jordan got the pen from Andrew but Andrew needed it back. So this is how my conversation with Jordan went:
Me: Jordan, can Andrew have the pen back.
Jordan: No.
Me: Actually, he had it first and he wasn't done with it so please give it to me.
Jordan: (As he hands the pen to Andrew) Then why did you ask me if I could give it to him? Why did you make me think I had a choice?
Me: Well, that was just a polite way of me saying, "Give the pencil back to Andrew."
Later, I let Jordan borrow a pen from me which he put back in my purse a while after. He then turns to me and says:
Jordan: Can I have the pen back?
Me: No. We're getting to the most important part of the mass.
Jordan: Actually, that was just a polite way of me saying, "Give me the pen again."
At which point I turned to him and gave him a high-five. Well played, Jordan. I swear, this kid amazes me!
Monday, February 16, 2009
WWJD
I know there are many reality show junkies out there. I am one myself. I have a few current obsessions but the one I look forward to the most is "The Bachelor." You might think it's because I'm a romantic. Or maybe to observe men and women's interactions with each other while in the pursuit of love. Well...you'd be wrong. I mean, I do enjoy the show (as horrible and overdone as it may be sometimes) and I do wish the best for the current bachelor, Jason. But my reasons for rushing to see the show are because I love one of the contestants on the show--Jillian.
Now, let me take a moment here to say that I am a very secure, heterosexual in a very happy relationship. So it's really more of that girly, "What's she wearing?," "Her hair's so cute," thing obsession.
I liked Jillian from the start. Sure her hot dog theory was a bit strange. I mean, grilling weiners in the kitchen so you can find out what condiments this guy likes...and that was the first night! But it worked. She stayed. And soon became one of the favorites.
So I watch to see what her hair looks like. I watch to see what outfit she chooses to wear on her last-minute, fancy dinner and private performance at the Disney Concert Hall and wonder if I can "create" this thrown-together look. I rewind and pause to see what kind of watch she's wearing. And I admit that I was a bit disappointe dot not see how she decorated her apartment on the hometown dates. But it's harmless fun!
My sister and I have even joked that in our little crazy obsession we could get those "WWJD" bracelets and it would be, "What Would Jillian Do," to help us through those tough decisions in our lives.
Have lunch at Shakey's? Jillian would so not do that.
Babysit her niece and nephew? Jillian would do that!
Get a cute scarf at Target? Jillian would do that!
Write a blog about your obsession with a reality-show chick? I think Jillian would disapprove.
So there's only a few more episodes left of the show. I guess this would be a good time to wean myself off of my little harmless obsession. I just hope Jillian, who's from Canada, stays on long enough for me to practice saying "abowwwt" the way they do in her hometown!
Now, let me take a moment here to say that I am a very secure, heterosexual in a very happy relationship. So it's really more of that girly, "What's she wearing?," "Her hair's so cute," thing obsession.
I liked Jillian from the start. Sure her hot dog theory was a bit strange. I mean, grilling weiners in the kitchen so you can find out what condiments this guy likes...and that was the first night! But it worked. She stayed. And soon became one of the favorites.
So I watch to see what her hair looks like. I watch to see what outfit she chooses to wear on her last-minute, fancy dinner and private performance at the Disney Concert Hall and wonder if I can "create" this thrown-together look. I rewind and pause to see what kind of watch she's wearing. And I admit that I was a bit disappointe dot not see how she decorated her apartment on the hometown dates. But it's harmless fun!
My sister and I have even joked that in our little crazy obsession we could get those "WWJD" bracelets and it would be, "What Would Jillian Do," to help us through those tough decisions in our lives.
Have lunch at Shakey's? Jillian would so not do that.
Babysit her niece and nephew? Jillian would do that!
Get a cute scarf at Target? Jillian would do that!
Write a blog about your obsession with a reality-show chick? I think Jillian would disapprove.
So there's only a few more episodes left of the show. I guess this would be a good time to wean myself off of my little harmless obsession. I just hope Jillian, who's from Canada, stays on long enough for me to practice saying "abowwwt" the way they do in her hometown!
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