National Coffee Day--yay!

National Coffee Day: Wow, what could be better than that for us coffee bean lovers? Actually, a "National Chocolate Day" could, with that other delicious bean - cocoa!  Hmm, is there such a thing?  (Maybe I should ask a librarian - they love to look things up!!) 

So...according to Days of the Year, National Chocolate Day is July 7th, however, I also found it celebrated on October 28th at the nationaldaycalendar.com site.  When I consulted the 2015 Chase's Calendar of Events book, I found that Galesburg (Illinois) celebrates a Chocolate Festival on February 14 and 15 and is labelled as "a chocolate lover's dream! ...all you can eat for a small admission fee."  

I say, let's just celebrate both dates, July 7th AND October 28th, and for that matter throw in February 14th and October 31st for good measure.  Come to think of it, Easter is a pretty big day for chocolate too. Feel free to celebrate chocolate every month!  :)

Back to coffee.  I hope everyone enjoyed its special day.  How can you NOT enjoy it when Pumpkin Spice season is in full swing.  Fall is my favorite time of year.  We finally get to feel "summer" in northern Michigan, LOL.  Grab a cup of coffee and take a walk in the warm, sunny weather to enjoy the beautiful leaves changing colors.  The air becomes crisp, apples are dipped in caramel, fresh donuts are eaten (they are so good I can't even describe the "scrumptious-ness" of them when they come out of the fryer) and pumpkin patches fill with families riding hay wagons to the field to choose the perfect specimen to carve.  

FYI- September 30th is the day "Cheers" premiered on NBC in 1982, Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott was published, and Babe Ruth sets home run record in 1927 and played his last game in 1934. 

Keep learning and always look on the bright side!  Michelle :)    [Smiley, since 1969]

Shower Wisdom

I titled this post "Shower Wisdom" because I tend to think and write (in my mind, of course) when I am standing in the shower, wet, and unable to do anything about it!  When I sit down at the computer in the afternoon to write a blog post, all of my thoughts have disappeared into the ozone.  So, move over toothbrush holder and make-up caddy, the ipad stand is moving in!  If only the moist air wouldn't destroy it.  There are new refrigerators with screens, why not invent a shower-safe screen for the bathroom?  Samsung...

I didn't get much sleep last night, yet I woke up this morning happy and eager to start my day.  What is it that keeps my brain looking on the bright side and ignoring the negative?  I don't know, but let's keep it up!  

I am in the process of organizing my entire life.  I am paring down at home, keeping my work process streamlined, and getting my finances in order.  I started the 9-week Financial Peace University course from Dave Ramsey.  In week 3, we have finished the introduction and are starting to get into the good stuff.  I am filling envelopes with cash to better monitor my spending on food, gas, and entertainment.  It really is easy to spend money with a debit card and forget where it is coming from, especially if you throw away receipts, and/or forget to document a purchase in your checkbook.  (So, don't do that!)

Next week we are told to get out the scissors - wait, what?
I only use my credit card for emergencies (usually)!  And the Sears card was critical for purchasing a new washer and dryer - ok, so I paid it off and still have the credit card, but I may have another appliance emergency!

I trust Dave Ramsey and will continue to follow his advice until my debts are all paid off, my student loans no longer exist, and the thought of having a car or house payment is just a memory.  

Guess you all better wish me good luck - I am going to NEED it!  Keep it touch and I will update you on my progress :)

Until next time, keep looking on the bright side!  Michelle :)