What Made You Laugh Today?

I love the saying, "gratitude turns what we have into enough". In my continuing and ever forward moving quest to live a life of gratitude, I want to focus on the gift of laughter.  Laughing is one of my favorite things to do and I'm thankful for the funny people around me that give me joy. And thank you internet for the ever flowing source of creative & sometimes outrageous humor out there! 

Here's a "parent joke" that some might be able to relate to. (As the mother of older kids, don't worry, it gets better.  When their teenagers, they have very little desire to cuddle with you let alone sleep in the same bed.) LOL!!

Some Dad's get the BEST sleep!  LOL!

Dedicated to my favorite teachers!

Accurate, maybe? LOL!

So, does this count?

Numbers don't lie, right?

If you're politically sensitive & lean towards the right, you might want to skip the following joke.

Honestly, who wouldn't want to yell that?! Just too perfect!

Really though, why the double standard?

And the next one is another political joke & may possibly offend?  Skip or read at your discretion.

Who is this guy running against?  I'm reserving my right to vote for the other canine.

Life can get so serious.  Make sure you find time to look at the funny things in life and enjoy laughter!

Burger King Teaches a Lesson on Net Neutrality

So, I've been told that these are not actors--that they really did film this piece on unsuspecting customers who genuinely just wanted to eat.  I have to admit, I cringed a few times at their reactions. LOL! But I appreciate the lesson and message.  
Thanks for joining the fight Burger King! LOL!

I thought this was an interesting breakdown of where certain groups stand on Net Neutrality.

Net Neutrality has been officially repealed by the FCC.  But the fight is not over.  Continue to be informed, speak out and be involved.  If it's important to you, work for it--fight for it!
Source: The FCC Just Killed Net Neutrality. Now What?

 

 

Climate Change is Real, So Why Don't You Believe It?

I have no interest in getting into a discussion of whether or not Climate Change is real. The statistics are out there, and the scientific community are in agreement that human activity (excessive use of fossil fuels, pollution, and unsustainable practices) are causing damage to our environment. Our oceans are getting warmer and more acidic and wildlife is being threatened.  I have been conscious of my carbon footprint for many years and have passed on this awareness to my children.  But some people still believe that Climate Change is a hoax--that the planet is not being damaged so human behavior does not need to be altered in regards to better ecological practices.  In my experience, when people have set beliefs, it's difficult to convince them otherwise, despite having scientific facts and reasoning. The following video from YouTube gives some insight as to why some people still don't believe that Climate Change is real....

• Why People Don't Believe in Climate Change       
• Humans respond better to threats that involve P.A.I.N--Personal, Abrupt, Immoral, & things that affect us Now
• Optimism bias- bad things won't happen to us--just other people. 
• Cherry pick evidence, there are other explanations
• Believes that the small percentage of uncertainty in Science makes it false, even though 97% of scientists are in agreement. 
• Framework of beliefs, social group beliefs

I don't really recommend arguing, since it often leads nowhere....but in a sane conversation or discussion, this might be helpful.

In response to a recent (famous) comment (paraphrased), "Well, the East is having it's coldest winter EVER. Climate Change is not real". 

Let's be aware of the things that we do to and for the environment. Changes and better practices start in our homes. So, make the effort to lower your carbon footprint. It's not too late. One World. One Planet! 

 

  

Books are the Cheapest Vacation You Can Buy

Traveling is super expensive, right? If you ever get the chance to discover other places, experience the way others live and see beautiful sights and landmarks, please take it! Traveling is the best adventure! Then, there's reading! The second best way to "discover other places, experience the way others live and see beautiful sights and landmarks."  Fiction is my jam.  And Contemporary Romance is Peanut Butter.  Not sure, how that sounds...but anyway, you get the gist.  I love reading my favorite genre.  Here are my latest finds and recommendations...

 

Almost in Love by Kylie Gilmore: Barry Furnukle (yes that’s what the author names the leading man) and Amber are two opposite individuals who grow to cherish one another’s company.  They become friends with Barry always wanting more—and relentlessly trying to convince Amber that she does also.  Well, Amber sort of wants more too, but she’s not sure if their differences are compatible for romance.   There are so many cute moments in the book and Barry is what I’d like to describe as “adorkable” (honestly one of my weaknesses).  Amber, with pink hair, is the typical “artsy” type, but underneath it all, she’s just a girl looking for that amazing romantic connection. It’s easy to fall in love with their story. 

Bidding on Brooks: The Winslow Brothers by Katy Regnery:  Imagine having a giant crush on a guy you’ve known since you were about ten years old, who you grow up continuing to admire. Then as an adult, he asks for a really huge favor involving some alone time on a boat for about a week but then says, “…I don’t even see you as a girl, really…”  That’s the predicament Skye finds herself in. She knows and believes Brooks to be a great person.  Can she blame him for not seeing her as a girl? Ugh…well, she’d certainly like to.  Nevertheless, she agrees to help and off they go on a sailing adventure…These  two have some great chemistry! Give this book a read and allow yourself to have some awesome feels for this couple—root for them, like I found myself doing! 

Let Me Be the One by Lily Foster: The story of Darcy and Tom will give you all kinds of feels.  Tom is that guy that every girl wants but he falls for only one—that’s Darcy.  Darcy has the same pull with the opposite sex but also has eyes for only Tom.  Their relationship is intense, they love hard but also have the power to hurt each other like no other person can.  They both have to figure out what is the most important thing to them—their pride or each other.  And without spoiling too much, as a reader, you’ll hope they realize it’s each other they want.  They’re just that adorable.  This is one I couldn’t put down, but felt sad when it was over.  This is the first of the “Let Me” series and continues with other romances of familiar characters. 

Mmmm...seems like a pattern. LOL!

That's like, a lot.  I love you a lot! ☺️

 

 

Feminism with Love

I'm fortunate enough to be surrounded by amazing, strong and confident women--all different, all traveling different life journeys--but all wonderful, beautiful and fierce in their own way.  And unfortunately, sometimes, women judge other women harshly for individual choices--whether it be choosing to be a full-time mother, working mom, married, single, choosing to never be a mom, etc, etc. If you're on one side of the fence (a place an individual chooses to put themselves), sometimes you tend to think YOUR choices are the best--what's right.  But honestly, what's right for one person, isn't right for another. 

Feminism invokes different feelings in people.  For some, especially women, the word draws forth  empowerment.  Others use it as a weapon to criticize what they don't understand or agree with--labeling "feminists" as man-hating people.  For me, "feminism" is about women realizing their worth and fighting to make sure that women have the same opportunities as men in society do.  In my version of feminism, both men and women can and should be feminists.  It's not about "girls are better" or "women know more".  It's about giving women the chance to do things that they want to do without stereotyping them into a role they supposedly are not suited for.  Also, feminism, for me, includes not stereotyping men into roles that require them to be "tough" and giving them no room for vulnerability.

So, in essence, it goes back to the more empowering message, "do you"!  This means, "like a girl" changes it's negative connotation to mean that being a girl can be just as strong as any boy.  Throw "like a girl", run "like a girl".  Throw strong, run fast! The expression "man up" doesn't fit anymore.  You mean, "human up", right? Because ALL humans have the ability to draw strength when needed.

Feminism with love...not judging the choices that women or men make in their lives.  Not judging what people do in relationships, in career, in fashion...respecting individual choices and not assuming that they are making the wrong choice because of a belief that it's against one's gender. Whether a man or a woman chooses a simple life, or a high-powered career, it is their choice. Whether a woman decides to wear a short skirt or pants, it's their choice. Feminism is respecting choices.

I saw this meme the other day on one of my feeds & LOVED it! It sums up my stance on motherhood too! Every choice we make is judged--most especially by other mothers. I remember feeling judgement when my kids were young about pretty much the topics above and more.  No one way of loving parenting is right or wrong. We do what feels right. So when I meet a mom with young kids, I make it a point to not judge...and in some instances I can see them about to make an excuse for a particular choice...and I'm like, "Hey, you do what's right for you & your baby." 

As the wife of a loving & forward-thinking man and mother of two brilliant boys, I don't have room in my mind to "hate men" (as I've often heard feminists of feeling). I simply don't.  I am a nurturer and their happiness is my constant goal and focus. I root for my guys' successes and as a mom, I want my boys to follow their dreams and find contentment in their lives. I want them to make the right life path choices, the ones that give them the most joy and peace, whether it has huge monetary rewards or not.  I want my boys to have the same opportunities as anyone else regardless of their (multicultural) race and especially regardless of their gender.  A mothers' unselfish wishes are the same whether they are the mother of boys or girls.  Feminism with love.

I am a feminist.  I believe in human rights, individual rights and equality for all. I am a feminist. So, for those willing to be open-minded.  Let's redefine feminism.  Love for all.

No One Else Can Play Your Part But You

Within the past couple of years, You-Tubers have become Pop Culture beasts (very popular).  My sons' peers idolize names that I've never heard of.  And as in-tune as I'd like to think I am about current events, that genre has never appealed to me, although I have general knowledge of names in passing. Recently, controversy has hit a very prominent You-tuber for posting explicit & horrifying images of  a dead man hanging.  I've never seen the footage & have updated myself on the story by reading only a couple of articles.  I don't wish to bring more attention to that particular story.  But it does spurn me into encouraging those that wish to commit suicide to seek help. 

One particular person I knew personally (a mother, a wife), didn't seem like someone who would ever take her own life. Whatever that would look like.  She left behind a devastated husband and an even more shattered son.  Their lives will never be the same and we all wonder what could've been. But as a wife & mom myself, I have to wonder how deep in despair she must've been to believe in her heart that that drastic course of action was what was right.  I can't even imagine & therefore, shouldn't judge (although I find myself doing so unwillingly).

Notable celebrities who seemed to have everything--fame, money-- have taken their own lives as well, devastating not only their family & friends, but fans who feel like they know them personally.  Again, why didn't they get help?  We can never know.  All we can do is try to reach the ones who haven't yet made that awful and very final decision.  One life at a time. 

If you feel despair, just know, your life is worth it.  Please call 1-800-273-8255.  Talk to someone who will listen. Get help. No one else can play your part. Just you.  Only you.  Live.

Happiness is When....

...you realize that your children have turned out to be good (amazing & kind) people!

I'm so incredibly proud of my two boys!
My First-Born:
A few days ago, in his High School Freshman French class, a fellow student dropped her things so he helped her pick up her stuff. As his Mom, I wouldn't expect anything less from him.  But what touched me is that, the girl tells him, "I can tell that you're a kind and humble person".  I'm so touched that a fellow classmate, his own age, was able to see this in my son and was kind enough herself to express it to him.  He was actually taken aback by the compliment and expressed to me, "How can she know that already..."   Yes, he truly is humble and his kind energy just radiates.

My two hearts! 💖

My Youngest: His school presents Virtue Awards every month.  The month of October is for "Acceptance".  To be honest, sometimes these Awards can feel like it's just handed out randomly, given to kids that seem less deserving than others.  Some months, it feels like, yeah, the kid who received the award really deserves that.  And unfortunately, there are times when, from what I know or have heard about certain kids, the award presented seems so off base. His teacher approached me and said that she asked the newest kid in his class (a 7th Grader who just started this year) who he felt welcomed him the most and showed him the most kindness.  The boy answered that it was my son, my youngest baby.  This news made me so emotional.  I'm so proud of my son for inhabiting such a beautiful trait as "Acceptance".

The Huz and I are so blessed with high achieving sons, ambitious in achieving their goals and passionate about the things that stir their souls.  And we've always been so proud of every accolade, every Report Card, every achievement.  But what really stirs my emotions and makes me feel accomplished as a Mom is when I hear what good, kind-hearted people my sons are! I can not adequately express how incredibly proud I am of both of my wonderful sons!!!  Thank you, Lord, for blessing us! 🙏 May we continue to put forth love, compassion and positivity out into the world! 🌎💙