My journey to Christmas

Dec. 3rd, 2012
As the holidays approach, I started thinking about my nearly forgotten resolutions...we are nearing making new ones already,  aren't we?
Well, mine were fairly simple. Chicks, brick and socks...oh and saving a little $12 a week. So let me explain.

Chicks: For those who've known me since I was a teeny tot, probably know of my great desire to "Feed the Children". Yes, as young as 3 those commercials really got to me. After TUMC had a World Vision visit, I thought long and hard about how to sponsor a child in need. My hubs was out of work and so many things were happening in my family that I just couldn't figure it out...I know, so lame. But I still really felt lead to do something, even if it was small. My solution, a chicken. That's right, a chicken. I can gift a chicken to needy family. This provides food and income. But I still need to do this. And it's now December!

Brick: Hal and I have now been married for 16+ years and for our 15th anniversary we were going to have a brick at the SGI lighthouse to honor it. We honeymooned there so it seemed like a great idea. And like I said, we have now been married for 16+ years...anyway, it's my Christmas gift to him...shhhh ;)

Socks: Now this one I managed to do, just not in my grand scheme of a plan. I have cleaned out our house and donated so much stuff that I can't believe we still have stuff. My big plan was to send lots of new socks to an orphanage but I never got my act together. But there should be some styling children in our own community and a little cash in the food pantry's box since my donation.

Ahh, all good intentions but my own selfish ways won over for months. Now to my $12 a week...yes, I didn't get that under control until late October. That fund was to help me do all my above mentioned greater good. By the end of next year, I may accomplish more of 2012's resolutions in a much bigger way!

 Here we are, ready to write new resolutions and recently I've been inspired to buy local and American made. Buying local is super easy as I have always done this but buying American made is much harder I recently discovered while trying to find something for my young nephew.
What will the new year hold for me, I am not quite sure but I plan to carry on with my 2012 resolutions with some revisions.  I know it's hard to find Made in USA but I will still be looking.  I do know that through this year I have learned to slow down, take it easy and cherish those close to you.

Tomorrow I set out for a quick trip home to be with my mom. All is well, so don't you fret or call her because you'll get me in trouble. I am just going for moral support plus you know she loves to see her     little "Sunshine".  And these are the days that will matter at the end of this year-time letting those close to you know you are there for them and that you love them beyond the moon!

Christmas will be much different for me this year, I can tell, I haven't gotten the shopping bug and all the commercialism really makes me crazy. Buy local, buy American, give a gift that helps...that is my plan as I journey into the season.