This summer has been an interesting experience for me.  Chock full of fabulous learning experiences…

In this blog, I will list the things I’ve learned (most via “the hard way”) and then you will be that much wiser.

#1:  When conducting business, get EVERYTHING in writing.  This may seem obvious at first, but there are so many small details that often get discussed verbally that get over-looked later, and you need proof when there is a problem.  Oh, and put notice that you are leaving a job in writing, just in case they want to pretend you never told them.

#2:  Don’t look before you leap.  Seriously.  Sometimes you just have to go for it.  

#3:  For Washingtonians; prepare for the worst when needing to travel over the Bay Bridge.  We all unexpectedly sat in 7 hours of traffic the other day because a truck went over the bridge and caused a huge wreck.  There is no other way to take when the bridge is closed!   Dammit people, make another bridge for the beach travelers!  Needless to say, I never made it to the Pirate Festival.

#4:  Natural remedies can cure some common ailments.  Chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, etc. can actually do a lot more than medical doctors can in some situations.   So find a good one and give it a try, you won’t be disappointed.

#5:  If you are not sure whether you are ready to have a dog or a kid, think about this:  are you willing to clean it’s butt?  If the answer is “yes,”  you are ready.

#6:  Hindsight is 20/20.  Yep.  Why is this always true??  

#7:  A properly-timed compliment can go a long way.

#8:  A cook’s idea of “medium rare” and “medium” can be VERY different from your idea of them so be specific.

#9:  Being alone and isolated is sometimes the best circumstance for you to work out unsolved problems and think.  Take away all distractions, computers, TVs, people, animals and then you really can find your quiet zone.  I learned that it’s good to have some quiet time in your life.  Too much is actually really depressing.  

#10:  Have 3 people that are close to you that you  consult for advice when making sticky or tough decisions.  Ask each of these people what they would do if they were in your situation, then follow whatever advice prevails among the 3 different people.  Do what they say no matter what your emotions are about the situation you are in.  It’s a great way to objectively deal with anything.

Others seem to think that the people who practice “turning the other cheek” when faced with conflict are weak, stupid, and pathetic.  The exact opposite is true.  It takes immense strength of character and great wisdom to not retaliate.

When I think of my own life, I know there are people who think I’m not intelligent because I have allowed them to mistreat me or take advantage of me.  That maybe I’m not aware of it happening.  Actually, I am aware.  I’m just choosing not to sink to their level.

On a side note, my blog posts are going to be more infrequent for the month of August but hang in there, I’ll be back in full force soon.

Never underestimate how far someone is willing to travel to track you down.

Found this tip in Woman’s Day Magazine:

“Most supermarkets create “loss leaders”–specials so cheap the store is willing to lose money to get you through the door.  One extreme tactic is to cherry-pick only the loss leaders at all the stores each week.  Visit www.mygrocerydeals.com and www.couponmom.com for the current week’s sale ads for major supermarkets.  Make a list so you can pick up all those extreme bargains when you’re near each store.”

Apparently you can also save a lot by shopping at an ethnic market, where the price of rice, spices, produce and other staples is often much cheaper.

I read this somewhere and felt like it applied to me.  I’m tightening my belt.  If any of this rings true for you, I hope it can help you to stop the spending cycle and get out of debt.

The 5 Warning Signs of $$ Trouble Ahead:

1.  Regular late or missed payments, whether a car loan, mortgage, utilities or credit cards

2.  Paying only the minimum on credit cards

3.  Using credit to pay daily expenses and regularly carrying a balance.

4.  Taking a loan from your 401(k) to fund your lifestyle or to cover discretionary expenses

5.  Spending down your savings, or not having any savings.

Go ahead and stretch your weak dollar…

So I found this in Woman’s Day Magazine.  Good ideas.  These are my favorite recipes from the article:

1 Huevos Burritos:  Saute sliced onions and peppers in a little oil until tender.  Remove; scramble eggs in same skillet.  Spoon eggs, onions and peppers with salsa into warm flour tortilla, tuck in sides and roll up.

2 Simple Stir-fry:  Brown a little ground beef or turkey with chopped garlic.  Add shredded cabbage, bagged frozen stir-fry vegetables, some water and a pinch of ground ginger; cover and cook until vegetables are heated.  Drizzle with soy sauce and serve over brown rice.  

3 Southwestern Mac & Cheese:  Sir salsa, corn kernels, sliced scallions and a little ground cumin into prepared boxed macaroni and chees; heat through.

4 Grilled Zucchini Parmesan Heros:  Grill thick lengthwise slices of zucchini until tender.  Spread marinara sauce on split hero rolls, add zucchini and top with some sauce and shredded mozzarella.  Wrap in foil; place on grill until cheese is melted.

5 Pasta and Salmon Salad:  Toss cooked pasta with mayonnaise, a bit of cider vinegar and a little dried dill.  Add drained canned salmon, thawed frozen peas and sliced cucumbers; toss.

6 Pasta Puttanesca:  Heat jarred marinara sauce with sliced pimiento-stuffed olives.  Toss with drained canned tuna and cooked pasta.

I’m am in a situation that is painful and miserable right now but I can’t discuss it in this blog in the public forum (I’m not sure exactly who reads my stuff). The people who are close to me are doing their best to be supportive. Let’s just say that I have 34 days until the suffering stops. Wish me luck. Send words of encouragement. Whatever inspirational quotes you have to give to someone who is feeling imprisoned and trapped, please pass them this way.

“There comes a time in a man’s life when to get where he has to go–if there are no doors or windows–he walks through a wall.”  –Rembrandt’s Hat 1972.

My hubby Phil's scene painting for a theatre show

“Failing out of college is like getting drunk; if you work long and hard enough at it, you’re bound to succeed.”

–words of wisdom from my old drama professor, Tom King

After every storm the sun comes out.