How to Welcome the New Year

Many people like to make resolutions for the new year, and that's fine. But there are some practical matters that can be attended to before this year is over, which will tidy up loose ends and help you start the exciting new year with a clean slate. Here are some things to take care of by Dec. 31: 

• De-clutter and donate. Clear out superfluous clothing, linens, toys, and household goods and drop them off at Goodwill, a homeless shelter, or other charity. There could be a tax deduction in it if you itemize. 

• Make room for fresh, healthful foods. Clean out the pantry, fridge and freezer. Don't let expired food carry over into a new year. Shop anew for a healthier you!

• Out with the old. Check medications, both OTC and prescription, and dispose of anything that's past its expiry date. Throw away old makeup, creams, and lotions - you ladies know what I'm talking about.

• Know where your money went. Run end-of-year reports in your accounting system (Quicken, Mint.com, etc.). Take note of how you spent your money (by category and by payee), and see if you can find opportunities for savings next year. If you don't use personal financial software, consider starting to in January. You can also check your online accounts; some banks and credit cards offer budget views that provide a general summary of expenditure types.

• Be as debt-free as possible. Pay off all outstanding debts you can afford to. If you have multiple credit card balances, consolidate them onto the lowest-rate card you can find, and make paying down the total a priority in the new year.

• Check up on your tithe. Figure out how much of your income you have shared with those less fortunate than you, and consider making one more donation to the non-profit organizations that best address the issues that touch your heart.

• Write thank-you letters. Take care of this before you forget! Thank the people who gave you presents or entertained you over the holidays or helped you in some way. Read tips for writing thank-you's in this electronic age.

• Clean and tidy your living space and vehicles.  

Now you are ready to welcome the New Year and put your best foot forward on January 1.

Home sweet home

Just cleaned up the worst mess I have ever seen in my house. Apparently, the beagle has learned that if he climbs into the bathtub - which I wouldn't have thought possible - he can reach the cat food that's tucked way back on the shelf between the tub and shower.

The first problem was, there was an open cat litter pan in the tub - which apparently the dog didn't mind tramping in to reach his prize. The second problem was, tubs being so slippery and all, he knocked the cat's double dish into the tub. Now it was all mixed together - food, water, dog, and cat litter.

Then, he faced the problem of getting out of the tub. This he accomplished by smearing his now wet paws covered in cat litter all over the tub walls and surround as he scrabbled to get out, and trailing the mess across the bathroom floor and onto the carpets in the next two rooms.

What's worse, this all happened while I was out so I knew nothing about it. The guest who came back with me needed to use the bathroom ...

Who, me?

Making money between jobs

Unemployed? Need money and work? Until you find your next job, there are opportunities all around you to generate income. Never, never, never allow yourself to feel like a victim of unemployment – choose SELF-employment instead and begin to move from victim to victor.

Ten ways to generate income

1. Freelancing (writing, designing)
2. Teaching, coaching, tutoring (students of all ages)
3. Consulting (business, therapy, etc.)
4. Performing (e.g. as an actor or musician) - even consider busking on the street if you have the talent
5. Sales, demonstrations - check grocery stores for freelance/contract opportunities
6. Providing a service (catering, childcare, home organizing or cleaning, tutoring, business support, pool cleaning, pet sitting, house sitting, running errands, etc.)
7. Making a product to sell
8. Multilevel marketing, including home product shows (jewelry, cosmetics, cooking tools)
9. Doing temp work through an agency
10. Investing in markets, real estate, or other

What do people like about self-employment? 
The following are actual quotes from people who have worked for themselves either full time or part time:

• Potential to make good money
• More free time
• No commuting
• Flexible hours
• Greater sense of personal freedom
• More control over my life
• Can work from home
• Makes me feel useful
• Can earn an income while raising my kids
• It tides me over until I can find my next job
• It supplements my spouse's income
• I enjoy being in charge

© Cynthia Edwards 2011

Sounds and Noises a Refrigerator Makes

I'm trying to get hold of a serviceman to look at my GE fridge-freezer before I leave on holiday. The fan inside the freezer has started blowing irregularly (WHOOSH whoosh WHOOSH whoosh) and it is making a haunting whistling noise that won't stop. It is creeping me out and my dog actually barked at it.

I looked up the following information on the GE website and found it quite amusing.

---

The normal operation of your refrigerator will cause some sound. The following list contains sounds that are normal.

• A Chirping/barking/woof/howl sound can sometimes be heard as the damper door opens/closes.
• A change in fan speed as the refrigerator responds to changes in temperature due to door opening.
• A clicking/tic toc noise can be heard when the defrost timer switches on and off.
• A click can be heard when the temperature control unit turns the unit on and off.
• A boiling, gurgling, or knocking sound can be heard when the unit is running. This is caused by the circulation of refrigerant.
• Gurgling sound in the door. This sound can be heard just after the door is closed because of the water in drain tube trap area. It can last several seconds.
• A drip may be heard when defrost water is dripping into the pan beneath the refrigerator.
• The icemaker will make a loud noise when cubes are dropped into the bucket.
• A hum or click can be heard when the icemaker fills with water. This sound may be heard once or multiple times.
• A cracking or popping sound can be heard when evaporator coils on Top Mount No Frost models are cooling after defrost.
• Buzzing noises can be heard after getting water from the door dispenser. The noise should not last longer than 7 seconds.
• A snapping sound will be heard about 4 seconds after removing a glass from a dispenser. This is the sound of the dispenser chute closing.
• A clicking noise may be heard after a power shortage. This stems from the compressor trying to re-start itself. The noise could last for 3 to 5 minutes.
• A hissing, sizzling, buzzing, or arching noise may be heard on self-defrost models. This is produced when water drips on defrost heaters.

---

Alexander McCall Smith Is Inside My Head

"She looked at her wardrobe, and felt, for a brief moment, despair. There were word people -- idea people -- and then there were clothes people -- fashion people. She knew which group she belonged to."

A reference to Isabel Dalhousie in The Right Attitude to Rain, by Alexander McCall Smith.

If the end of the world were really nigh, what would you do differently?

Some popular (not to say crank) theories floating around predict a relatively imminent End of the World.

• Harold Camping expects that the Rapture will occur on May 21, 2011 (a week from this writing).
• Some interpreters of the Mayan calendar calculate that the end of the world is coming on Dec. 21, 2012. (What is so dreadful about the number 21, I wonder?)

Whether the end will be precipitated by rapture, rupture, or (my personal favorite) the second law of thermodynamics, how would it change your life if you actually believed you knew the date of such an occurrence?

Armageddon outta here 

Talk about a perception shift. I think it would concentrate the mind wonderfully, and cause one to clarify one's philosophy of life in a hurry. What values are really important? What actions might have eternal consequences, and thus need to be taken immediately?

As a natural skeptic, I am pretty sure I would hedge my bets no matter how strong my belief in an impending cataclysm. I wouldn't burn any bridges, literally or figuratively. I would not sell the house, max out my credit cards, tell off my boss, or do a smash-and-grab at Neiman Marcus.

I wouldn't fritter away my time, either. My priorities would be to repent for my sins as best I could, heal any broken relationships that were within my power to do so, and stay as close to my family members (and pets) as possible.

I would enjoy myself, too, in some harmless carnal ways -- the condemned prisoner's last meal, sort of thing. Chocolate pancakes come to mind. But the key to enjoying my last days would consist in moderation. I'd hate to waste my final hours having a stomach ache or a hangover.

I would enjoy Nature as much as possible, but not be afraid of staying indoors. If the Rapture were really coming, I'm quite sure it wouldn't require retractable roofs to work.

I would draw a line under my level of accomplishments and my life's œuvre. Another jot or tittle here or there would have no meaning if the world were ending in a few days. I'd put away the drafts. Stop updating the blog. Resign myself to never organizing my photos, speaking Italian, playing the piano, or becoming a saint.

The bucket list, abridged

That doesn't mean I wouldn't address any of the items on my bucket list. Some would be impossible to accomplish in a short time period (that cruise around the world) and others would be too frivolous to spend my energy on (dancing a quadrille in period costume). But I would want to enjoy some other things -- like taking a safari, or lolling around in warm ocean waters. This would clearly be the time to show my appreciation for God's great handiwork in Creation.

On reflection, there is nothing stopping me from doing the high-priority things mentioned above right now. That is the true benefit of clarifying your values. It tells you how to live in the now, and to live without regrets.

Your turn 

I'm curious to know how other people would spend their last days under the conviction that the entire world was coming to an end. Please comment below, and let's compare notes. 

 

How to receive criticism

I'm one of those people who react badly to criticism. I don't mean to -- it's an ingrained habit for me to respond with fear and defensiveness instead of remaining calm and listening. Probably goes back to some trauma in my childhood. But you see, in reality I welcome constructive criticism because it gives me a new perspective on myself and helps me grow or change in positive ways. 



So I thought about how I could overcome my knee-jerk reactions and instead of feeling threatened, move more quickly to a space of reason and openness. The result was the six-step process you see above. I believe that by consciously following these steps I will be able to improve the way I receive criticism, protect my relationships with those who offer me a chance to know myself better, and implement healthful changes more rapidly.

What do you think -- would this process work for you, too?

Emergency gourmet dinner

Distant relatives (from England) are visiting Dallas. I invited them to have dinner at my home tonight, since they took me out last night. (Zea's. Heaven.)

Challenge: these nice folks seem to think I am a gourmet cook, so in spite of having a busy work day, I have to come up with a dinner that won't totally destroy my street cred.

Solution:

• Vichyssoise served cold with a swirl of cream and snipped parsley on top
• Sourdough dinner rolls and butter
• Orange-avocado salad with poppy seed dressing served over mesclun
• Chicken Country Captain served over Basmati rice
• Mulled pears (Bosc pears poached in red wine with mulling spices and brown sugar) with a dollop of crème fraîche on top and a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on the side

Champagne to drink throughout.

Think this menu will keep my reputation intact?

My MRI Playlist

Spent another 45 minutes in the MRI machine today. No piped music (I was hoping for the Road Rage Remedy from WRR) as the holder for my head was too small for earphones. So I sang to myself during the procedure.

I don't know why these particular songs came to mind, but I imagine it had something to do with the changing beat and vibration of the MRI. In this order, I mentally sang (several times each):

1. It's a Grand Old Flag
2. Raindrops Are Fallin' on My Head
3. Mr. Sandman
4. The theme to Lovejoy (and believe me, thoughts of Ian McShane are not unwelcome during a medical procedure or any other time!)

Focus on thankfulness for what you have

According to CNN, Issue #1 in America is money. They mean by this that everyone is worried about the lack of money.

Unfortunately, what we focus on and believe in tends to become reality. It certainly colors the day very gloomy if all we can think about is our lack, or fear of future lack.

Have we learned nothing from 2,000 years of Christian teachings? Jesus said:

A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. (Luke 12:15b)

Jesus also said -- and mark this well:

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Luke 12:22-34)

Possibility thinking builds on this and teaches us that what you focus on is what you get. So focus on gratitude, expanding opportunities, and hope in the future. And guess what? That is what you will have ... not to mention, a happier day today.

I am not making this stuff up:

"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Mark 11:22-24)

In memoriam, Terence Rigby - an old friend

Photo: Terry (top) as Buckingham in Richard III (played by Ian McKellen), at the Kennedy Center

I am so sad to read about Terence Rigby's passing. I first saw Terry in a play at the National Theatre called "State of Revolution" in which he gave a tour de force performance as Stalin. This was in 1978. My late husband, who was then manager of Macready's, a theatrical nightclub in Covent Garden, was a friend of Terry's and he introduced us.

Years later, I met Terry again in Washington DC when he was touring with Ian McKellan in Richard III. Terry and I met up a few times in DC and then enjoyed a friendly correspondence for a few months afterwards. I never saw him again, I am sad to say.

The 7 Deadly Debt Sins

A good article. Source: Yahoo! Finance

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

You’ve heard about them. Talked about them. Maybe even seen the movie based on them. But they are out there regardless—the 7 deadly sins that lead to debt.

Going into debt is the symptom of a larger problem. You don’t spend excessive money on “stuff” unless you have a void somewhere in your life that you are trying to fill. If you don’t have contentment, you will want (and buy) things that other people have even though you can’t afford them.

So what are the 7 sins, and how can they lead to being out of control with money?

Envy – Seeing your neighbor drive up in a brand-new car can cause you to be envious of what they have (though they are probably broke and bought something they couldn’t afford). If you are so desperate to feel “equal” or even “better” than those around you, you’ll buy way too many things and destroy your chances of building wealth.

Pride – This can happen when you try to do the “90 days same-as-cash” routine. You buy a TV or major appliance and promise to pay it off on the 87th day. Then something happens. You go on vacation and forget the deadline. You accidently bounce a check and can’t afford the payoff. Don’t try to use the system to beat the system. It will always come back and bite you.

Sloth – Not paying attention to your checkbook, or the terms of a loan, or walking around like Gomer Pyle on valium and not being proactive with your money, will eventually cause you to not have any. Your spending will get away from you. Stay on top of your money.

Greed – This one almost goes without saying. Many times we want what we can’t have. Trying to get something before it’s the right time will get you in big-time money trouble. You’ll get a loan for a new car and make $600 payments for 5 years. If you don’t make those payments, the car will get repossessed and you will have no peace of mind.

Wrath – This can happen when you talk to collectors. Their job is to make you mad or scared. If they scream and insult you, and you pay them before the light bill, you are not prioritizing well. Work hard, work overtime and be smart with money. Keep a cool head when the heat is on, and you’ll survive.

Gluttony – It’s a more long-term version of greed. Money can buy fun, but not happiness. If you try to keep all of the money you make for yourself and only spend it (never giving it away or helping others), then money will only bring fun and not happiness. Fun things aren’t as fun after a while. If you eat enough lobster, it tastes like soap. Helping others brings happiness, but if you never give then you’ll never learn that lesson. More

Lust – There has never been a rich addict. If you have a problem with any sort of vice (drinking, gambling, pornography, etc.) or anything else, your addiction will cause you to spend, spend, spend. That will lead to more than just a ruined bank account—it will lead to ruined relationships, careers and lives.

Source: Yahoo! Finance

Commit me!

If I EVER say I'm planning to have another garage sale, do me a favor and put me in a high-security asylum until the feeling passes. Thank you!

I made $42.25 after ten grueling days of clearing out clutter, borrowing seven portable tables from three sources, setting up the display, and price-labeling every blessed article that was for sale. I am now left with most of the original pieces and have to decide which to keep and which to take to Goodwill or give to the Vietnam Vets organization. (Most of it.)

When decluttering, remember ...

"You should surround yourself with things that bring you pleasure and serve a useful function. Everything else is extraneous. That is the litmus test. If you use it then you must appreciate it and look after it." -- Dawna Walter (my heroine)

Happy 60th Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

Married April 3, 1948

A blast from the past

Winston, age -- 3?
Keith and me in Amsterdam, four decades ago.

Word of the Day: Wabi-Sabi

Wabi-sabi nurtures all that is authentic by acknowledging three simple realities: nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect.

My backyard fence is as wabi-sabi as you can get. Worn, weathered, faded, chipped, wonky, and just lovely.

Death? That would be an ecumenical matter

Fans of Father Ted* will get the reference in the headline. For the rest of my three readers, I can only say that my attempt to stir up some interest in chatting about life and ... er ... you know ... failed abysmally. This leads to me to assume that most of my friends are not of a philosophical or introspective bent, as I am.

But I think I am right about the prevalence of the subject. If you check the bestseller lists in terms of movies and books at any time, a large proportion of them deal with spiritual matters from one perspective or another. The Secret, Harry Potter, The DaVinci Code, Tuesdays with Morrie, Become a Better You ... these and many other hugely popular works have spiritual matters firmly at their core. And what is the whole spiritual dimension but the realm of trans-physical-life? (There I go with my euphemisms again!)

I have more to say but don't worry. You - my friends - are off the hook. I am no longer expecting anyone to join in. I will continue to ramble on for my own amusement.

But feel free to jump in if you wish.
-----

*A favorite TV show of the Archbishop of Canterbury -- and people wonder why the Anglican church is confused today!

Death becomes her subject

I've heard that men think about sex all day long - someone counted and the daily thoughts about sex in the male mind came to several thousand.

Leaving aside the absurdity of trying to count thoughts (ooh, there's one! and yes, I just had another!) that doesn't seem to leave much room for thoughts about death. Lucky men!

I think about death a lot. I can't count the times, no, but let's just say I noticed it today and realized that it is a leitmotif in my mental cacophany. I am neither morbid nor depressed, and do not contemplate dying for a long time yet. What do the Scotch say? ... "Be happy while you're living, for you're a long time dead." Good phrase. I am fortunate to count myself among the Happy Living now.

So why all this thinking about death? Well, that's what I'd like to know. Do other people think about it a lot? I would guess they do; that life and death are as common as grass in the landscape of human thought. Mostly I think about other people dying, which is perhaps more palatable than thinking about my own you-know-what (exit ... swan song ... demise -- there, I said it. What would we do without euphemisms?).

So maybe it is the fear of abandonment that causes these thoughts. What if mom dies, what will I do? What if dad dies ... my son ... my dog ... etc. When one has aged parents, the thought of their death is ever-present, I hate to admit. And when one has experienced firsthand the death of pets and family members, the reality of death never goes away. It happens, it sucks, and you can't change it.

That's the part I hate - I can't change death. No one can, except Jesus, which is where being a Christian pays off big time. Yet even Christians still have the physical death, and even Christians mourn and feel the gut-wrenching pain of loss and separation.

As a believer in heaven I am not worried about the afterlife. This may be why I am not depressed or worried about my own death one day. I can get quite excited about the thought of meeting people in heaven whom I would have enjoyed knowing on earth, such as favorite authors, saints, interesting ancestors, would you believe even actors like Richard Burton? And in heaven none of these encounters would be awkward or tongue-tied as they would be if they happened on the temporal plane.

I'm still not sure why I think about death so much, but maybe if other people will add their thoughts it would help clarify the topic for me.

Tom Jones in Dallas - quite a show

I wish my cell phone had a better camera. This is my best shot (sad to say) from the Tom Jones concert at the Meyerson in Dallas. He was great. I wouldn't really say I was a big fan, but he is a marvelous singer and you would never guess he was 67 years old. I would have said 47 tops ... truly amazing! And for all his sexy image he has been married to the same woman since he was a teenager. Doubly amazing!