Going Natural

Over the last couple years I have become increasingly more health conscious.  I would not classify myself as a particularly healthy person, but I have been trying to take steps to change that.  It seems as though every decision we make throughout the day affects our health in some way.  Yikes!  One area that has really peaked my interest, especially in the last year, has been natural alternatives to common household products.  I have been researching natural ways to replace cleaning supplies, OTC medicines, and beauty products.

Being all natural was something I have never had an interest in before.  Honestly, terms like hippie, tree hugger, and granola eater come to mind when I think of the all-natural way.  The newest term I’ve hear is being crunchy.  I’m not even sure what that means.  I don’t even know what started me on this path really; but it has become an adventure and a learning experience every step of the way.  I have discovered so many websites and blogs that discuss natural remedies and homemade alternatives to everyday products.  It seems that there is a new movement of being natural in a modern world.  The Crunchy Betty blog in particular makes the natural way fun and practical with cute how-to videos.

I have grown to love the idea of natural solutions to household products.  For one, it is drastically cheaper.  The cost of products such as baking soda, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide is nothing compared to the inflated prices of cleaning supplies, weed killer, etc.    Also, I have found that several times the natural alternatives were just as effective, or even better, than the commercial products.  Another reason I love natural alternatives is because I feel so much more comfortable using these non-toxic options in my home that those loaded with chemicals and who knows what else.  It has been very interesting, and somewhat disturbing, to learn how many things we use in our homes contain carcinogens.  Lastly, I think the earth is an amazing creation.  I believe that much of what we need to maintain clean and healthy is provided in nature for us.  I think that this belief has even been commercialized.  Products for health or weight loss talk about how the ancient Chinese used the key ingredient.  Likewise, beauty products talk about the benefits of the added ingredients such as aloe or vitamin E. 

Although I think man made products are important, such as certain medications; my goal is to find natural alternatives when possible and when practical.  Before I try anything new I like to research it with at least a few different sources to back up any claims and to make sure it’s safe.  I also like to refer to a couple different websites where others share their experiences.  Of course, not everything I’ve tried has worked for me; but some things really have been awesome.  I’ve been able to eliminate a large portion of commercial products and beauty products from my home.

Going natural has been a true adventure.  It is exciting to learn what natural products really can do for us.  The potential for natural alternatives really is amazing.  I look forward to sharing some of my experiences with you in future posts.

Santa Hater

I love Christmas.  Every day I like to plug in my Christmas tree and admire its beauty throughout the day.  I like singing Christmas carols with my kids.  This year we made cute little sock snowmen and gave them out as gifts.  I also really love the joy of giving.  Picking out gifts that I know my family will enjoy and anticipating the moment I get to watch them unwrap these gifts.  I also love traditions.  They are very important to me.  The traditional holiday meal, the prize games my family plays, even the way we open our gifts.  There are a lot of traditions this time of year.  One tradition I have chosen to leave out of our family, however, is Santa Clause.

I tend to get a look of surprise when I tell people that I have never done the Santa Clause tradition with my kids.  Some people even seem confused, as if it’s not possible for me to do such a thing.  Recently one of my co-workers even playfully dubbed me the “Santa hater” and has spread the word to others.  I would like to set the record straight.  I’m not a Santa hater; and I don’t condemn anyone who chooses to tell their children Santa is real.  I even have a couple decorative Santa figurines in my house.  In fact, some of my favorite Christmas movies have a Santa theme.  This was a personal choice that I made that I felt was right, for us anyway.

Even though the thought of not convincing my children that there is a Santa seems unfathomable to many, I actually have several reasons for this choice.  First, Christmas just isn’t about Santa.  I’m a Christian and this holiday is an important reflection of my faith.  It is a time to celebrate and rejoice in what God has done for me.  Often this key purpose to the holiday is lost by many things.  I feel like God, who truly is the great provider, shouldn’t have to compete with a fictional character that gets credit for gifts that he doesn’t really even give.

Second, I didn’t feel comfortable setting my kids up for disappointment.  I see so many parents create an elaborate story to convince their impressionable kids that this character is real and will reward them for good behavior.  They even become fearful of their children learning the truth.   I agree that it is fun to watch children get excited to see Santa and whisper their Christmas wishes into his ear.  For me, I look at the lesson they may learn later down the road.  Many children spend years of their life putting all their faith and belief into Santa Clause.  They truly believe with all their little hearts that this magical man is the ultimate rewarder of good, and he will defy the impossible to do so.  Years down the road they one day discover the truth that this person that they so wholeheartedly believed in was simply a fairytale that they have been taught to believe in as truth.  When that dreaded day comes (that parents so desperately avoid) the child is often filled with disappointment and possibly even devastation.  In fact, I remember when I discovered there was no Santa as a child.  I am the youngest of nine kids.  When I realized that everyone else knew there was no Santa except me I actually felt embarrassed.  I felt stupid.  It was like everyone else was in on this joke but me.  In my opinion, this day of revelation may simply teach children to always question what they believe in.  To be apprehensive to place their hope in anything at all.  To do so will make them vulnerable to the fear of being disappointed and to be proven mistaken.  If one of the first things they learn to put their hope in turns out to be a fairytale, then why hope.  Why believe.

Lastly, I chose to not teach my children in Santa Clause because it was more important for me to teach them to trust my word.  I admit to them that I may not always be right, but I want them to know that I won’t lie to them or intentionally lead them astray.  I didn’t’ way to spend years creating their belief in Santa with the reality that one day they will realize that all those things I convinced them of was simply not true.  I wanted to teach my kids that I am honest with them and want them to base their life on the truth.

In closing, I want to point out that I was never harsh toward my children regarding Santa.  No I didn’t spend hours drilling into their heads that he was not real or that he was evil.  In fact, for a little while my kids did believe in Santa because they saw him at the store.  I didn’t reprimand them for believe this, but I simply didn’t reinforce it.  I also made it clear to my kids to not tell other kids that Santa wasn’t real because I didn’t want to ruin it for other parents.  I respect their choice to create Santa for their kids. But for me, is just wasn’t the right choice for our family.

Yeah I Shop Black Friday - Don't Judge Me

A few weeks ago we celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday with our family like a lot of other Americans.  That night, also like a lot of other Americans, I hit the stores for my holiday shopping.  Since a few days before Thanksgiving, I have seen several posts on Facebook criticizing Black Friday shoppers.  Comments such as “This is what is wrong with America.” I also saw pictures showing shoppers lined up outside a store with the caption, “You are part of the problem.”  Although I understand the plea of those who think employees should be allowed to have the holiday off; I respectfully request that I not be judged because I chose to shop the sales on Thanksgiving Thursday and Black Friday.

I have a confession to make, I love Black Friday shopping.  I was first introduced to this phenomenon several years ago by my husband.  He had gone before and suggested we go that year.  I thought he was crazy.  I have two more confessions to make:  1) I hate winter, especially the cold.  2) I hate crowded stores, they make me anxious.  The idea of standing outside in the freezing cold just to get into an excessively crowded store sounded like a horrible idea to me; but I agreed to go.  By the end of our shopping adventures I was very happy I joined my husband.  I had a blast!

It doesn’t matter to me if anyone chooses to shop during these annual sales.  (No, I’m not trying to convert you.)  But I would like to share some reasons why I enjoy this event, and believe I shouldn’t be judged because of it.

First, I will address the contradiction between my previous confessions.  Yes, I REALLY do not like the cold or crowded stores.  I think they suck, to be completely honest.  I never enjoyed shopping during the Christmas season because the stores were always busy, no matter what day you go.  Even more, I could never find a close parking spot, so I had to walk even farther in the cold.  (I know I’m being a baby, but it’s true.)  The reason why I can put up with it on Black Friday is actually pretty simple.  With good planning I can suck up the cold and crowds for one day of shopping so that I don’t have to deal with the mall or stress for the rest of the Christmas season.  So far that has worked out really well.

Another big complaint from others is the chaos that Black Friday has become infamous for.  I realize this is just uncalled for and ridiculous.  Fortunately, this has not been much of an issue where I live.  For the most part shoppers in my area are pretty police and courteous.  Not everyone of course, but for the most part.  For those who do act ridiculous, I choose to find entertainment in their unnecessary sense of urgency.  Whether you want to admit it or not, people watching can be very entertaining.

Others argue that Black Friday is a testament to the materialism and commercialism of Christmas.  I don’t entirely disagree with this; however, I don’t believe that I can’t be labeled as more materialistic than anyone else because of the day I choose to shop on.  First, I would like to point out that only those who do not buy presents for anyone ever on Christmas can rightfully complain about the commercialism or materialism of the holiday.  Also, I believe there is a lot of joy in picking out and giving a gift to someone you love, especially kids.  For me, Black Friday allows me to get more gifts for the same budgeted amount because of the great deals.  Some people may say that makes my kids spoiled, but I don’t agree.  My kids are not the kind of kids that get the newest video games or toys when they come out.  In fact, it took me a few years before I would buy them a Nintendo DS.  By the time my kids got one used DS to share, there was already a couple newer models made that many other kids had.  It is also not custom for my kids to receive new toys or games throughout the year just because they want something.  The only time my kids generally receive new things is at the end of the school year (as a reward for good grades,) on their birthdays, and at Christmas.  On Black Friday I am able to buy all their birthday and Christmas gifts in one shot. I am thankful for the opportunity to obtain such substantial discounts on these days so I can bless my kids at Christmas.

Lastly, I wanted to address the complaint that stores are now starting sales on Thanksgiving.  Although I didn’t really want to start shopping at 6 pm on Thanksgiving Day, I decided to go out anyway.  It actually worked out really well.  I found the stores were less crowded.  I didn’t have to wait outside (except for one store for a couple minutes,) and the checkout lines were pretty short.  It was a much smoother shopping experience.  I realize that the employees don’t want to work this day.  But I do think that with a job in retail it should be expected to be stuck working on days like this.  I work in a career that is a 24 hour operation.  I know full well that there are a lot of Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays that I will have to work.  Unfortunately it’s the nature of the job.

I had a ton of fun this year shopping with my sister, brother, niece and nephew.  We shared ideas with each other, helped each other find items, bragged about our deals, had an early morning breakfast, and reminisced.  My spirits were lifted after a couple of very stressful days.  I’m sorry.  I just can’t feel bad about that experience.  If you don’t like Black Friday I respect that.  I just ask that you respect me even though I do.

Kindness = Weakness

Unfortunately, this is too often what people believe.  I'm not going to deny that there are plenty of people out there who are kind, simple, and weak.  But I believe that too many people who are decent and kind are deemed as weak, when in fact they hold great strength and self control.

When temptations and pressures arise, I think there is more strength in restraint then there is in simply reacting.  In reality it is very easy to get angry, to yell, to criticize, to gossip, to argue, to demand, to complain, and to be defensive.  It takes a great deal more effort to respond with kindness, grace, humility and calmness.  It takes even more effort to know when it is best not to respond at all, or to take responsibility for our actions.  I venture to even say that those who are kind may just be the ones possessing the greatest strength.

When I look at my own life, I think about this a lot.  No, I'm not saying I'm some amazing person; but I would like to share some of my personal reflections.  I often feel that people view me as weak because I'm not an overly aggressive person, and I try to be nice to people.  (Ok...this is how I feel.  Whether this is really what people think of me I don't really know.)  I was told one time that some of my co-workers from a previous job were talking about me when I was out of the room.  One of them stated that "she would be so easy to make cry."  I have to admit this was hurtful and made me angry.  I'm not sure if this is a common opinion of me, but I feel that it is not an accurate portrayal of who I am.

It is true, I try to be nice, polite and kind.  I might not always be successful with this goal, but I try.With that said, I will do what I need to do to protect myself and my family.  I've also learned that many times in life, the greatest strength is imply holding on and not giving up.  There were many times in my life that giving up would have been the easiest thing to do.  I mustered up everything I had to simply hold on.  During one the most difficult times in my life, a dear friend once told me, "This too shall pass."  She was right.  My brother told me a few years back that I was one of the strongest people he knew.  This touched my heart.  When I feel weak, I remind myself of his words.  Ironically, I find my weakest moments are when I find myself being less than kind.  When I respond ungracefully, when I gossip, when I complain, and when I'm downright hurtful.  This happens more times than I care to admit.  In those moments, I want to show my strength by lashing out. However, I just end up feeling weak and disappointed in my lack of self control.

So I guess I share all this just to say: before you judge someone as weak because they are nice, you may just be surprised to find they quietly hide a substantial level of strength inside.