LOOK CLOSELY . . .
CAN YOU TELL WHAT'S REALLY UNDER THE CARMEL?
I'm sure most of you have heard the analogy of carmel treats - one being an onion and one being an apple. You have no idea what's inside until you take a bite. They both look good, they both look tasty. Then you take a bite and WHAM! It's either really good or really bad! I know it's supposed to be about morality and how it looks ok on the outside, blah, blah, blah . . . . but . . . here's my analogy:
I've had some pretty good apples in life.
But I've also had some pretty strong onions.
But lately, I think I'm getting a carmel apple and after I bite into it - - -
I find a really strong onion!
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My recent LIFE ONIONS:
1 - Having a really good day, and then I go check the mail and find yet another bill that's delinquent.
2 - We pray and/or fast about work and feel really confident things are going to be ok and then Geoff gets called to a mandatory meeting where he's told health benefit rates are being raised again (twice in about a year) and that his 401K may be going away and they are looking at 2 week fur-lows! WHAT??
3 - We go yet another day without any word on the job we really need/want in Colorado.
4 - I lose yet another student to scheduling conflicts. Although I should be thrilled they are getting leads in shows and it's rehearsals that are conflicting, the money is nicer.
5 - Yet another kid who's upset they didn't get a birthday party or birthday present or can't take an extracurricular activity because of money or because I have to teach and there is no way to get them to and from.
BUT on the other hand . . .
My apples have been some of the JUICIEST I've had in a looooong time!! I've been enjoying the fun of having more time to myself and family. Here's a list of the fun (yes, I think they are) things I've been working on - -
1 - Making contact with old friends.
This includes drink runs, lunches, FB chats, emails and good ol' phone calls.
2 - Learning to coupon.
I've always been fascinated by saving money and getting lots for a little. So, after connecting with an old friend, I found out she is a master coupon-er. I've been 'trading' Sonic drinks (happy hour, of course) for coupon lessons. I've just been collecting them and learning the trade so far. No savings yet, but I will keep you posted. I'm determined on this one!!
3 - Going to food storage classes and learning to cook healthy, edible stuff with it!
Ok, so I've only gone to one class so far (today) but it was AWESOME! The classes are free and I'm learning what to do with all this wheat, rice and beans I have in my storage and now I can use it and rotate it. Check out her website - FoodWise.com. This woman is a god-send and I'm thankful to have found her. I hope I use what I've learned and become more diverse.
4 - I take time to play the piano . . . for me!!
I play for lessons. I play for church. I play for . . . blah, blah, blah. I LOVE that but I LOVE to play for ME! I was recently given some AMAZING music (arrangements of primary songs and hymns) by my brother. I take the time to play through at least one a day! Lately, after dinner is over and the kids are working on homework, Geoff is either at work or on the computer (depending on his shift) - I will turn off the tv and go in and play. It's so relaxing and I notice a mood change in my home when I do.
5 - I'm trying to find something new everyday. Whether it be a new word, a new friend, a new product, or a new feeling. I am out to make a change in who I am! I will conquer the fear of all these changes and although I get down, and upset and feel like everything I do is a bite into an onion - I will overcome my fears and learn to take leaps and chances and be happy!!
LIFE IS LIKE AN ONION;
YOU PEEL OFF ONE LAYER AT A TIME AND SOMETIMES YOU WEEP.
And I'll add to that:
But sometimes you find an apple and you weep HAPPY tears!!
What are you going to find today - an apple or an onion?
But more importantly - - -
what are you going to do with it and how are you going to handle it?
**UPDATE!**
Had an awesome APPLE day today! Trying really hard to find the sweet apples everyday, because that's really what it's all about!
