Hakuna Matata

Worry. It seems to be a common thread among many of us these days. It appears that money is at the root of it for many people. Our 401k's, our jobs or lack of a job, how to find a job, even how to find time for a job, or just how to find a sitter that you can afford so you can go to that job; it all smells of money.

The stories I'm hearing from my dear friends and family these days root from money. Money is running out...or has run out. Credit is running out...or has run out. 401k's have become 101k's. Expenses are being cut: heaters are left off and sweatshirts are put on. Out to the movies is now in with Netflix. I heard "out for lunch" today was "10 cent Coke's at Dick's". Everyone is ok with Trader Joe's two buck chuck...I listen as you share how little you spent and watch as we all take note. I have received phone calls alerting me to a cheap gas station to hit today and emails on how to prepare inexpensive meals. Birthday parties at Pump It Up are now held at home. We have bragged about how much lettuce you can get at Costco for well under $3 - enough for an army! Girl's Night Out has become Girl's Night In. I've compared vacation stories this past year that were just miles away in a tent roasting dogs over a fire. I watched as each of us changed our driving behavior to combine trips and save gas when its cost doubled 2008. Over and over you told me how hard it is to afford health insurance and life insurance. Often I listened as a voice cracked in despair of what the coming months expenses will bring...desk fees, rent, renters who aren't paying, tuition, gas, babysitters, food, medical expenses, mortgages with rising rates, clothes for your growing kids, birthday parties to throw and to attend, the holidays and lack of income and credit to support it all.

Some of us are cutting corners and scraping for money more than others. Many of us are searching for jobs and for clients. All of us want what's best for our family and especially for our kids.

I offer each of you this, "Hakuna Matata".

Hakuna Matata!
What a wonderful phrase.
Hakuna Matata!
Ain't no passing craze
It means no worries for the rest of your days
It's our problem-free philosophy
Hakuna Matata!

May your worries of today, be just your memories of yesterday as we venture into a new year. Blessings to each of you.

The other side...

After a crazy, typical day of running after my kids and meeting their every need, I asked myself (out loud, no less), "Will I come out the other side [of motherhood] crazy?" Seriously, how long am I supposed to keep up this pace and not go nuts?

Hours later, in walks my husband from work and soon he makes me a serum that will make me ok, at least for a few hours tonight. Cranberry mixer, Mandarin Orange Vodka, and a splash of Ginger Ale. Ah, everything will be ok for now. I wonder why I don't do this more often.

Snowing again

Last night the snow began to fall. I was just thankful it didn't stick to all the roads.