How to keep a positive attitude in winter's gloom

Yea.  I've been staring at that title for quite a while trying to think what I should write about in this post.

You see, I love winter.  I love snow.  I even love extreme cold weather.  I know.  Scary, right?  The only problem is that I love these things until March.  And then, it's time for Spring to make an appearance.

While I enjoy the bitter cold and snow, I have to admit, the days without sunshine do wear me out.  It's pretty normal here in Chicago to go days (or the entire month of January) without seeing the sun.  It can be rather depressing.  If the sun does peek out for a few measly seconds, I find myself running outside to absorb every little ray of sunshine that comes my way.  I do have to remember to grab my coat on those extreme weather days and try not to lock myself out of the house.  Don't laugh.  It's happened.

With less sunshine, winter does turn very gloomy.  I think we need to create our own sunshine this time of year.  Have some fun!  Do things that make you happy.  And, yes, that means bring on the bright colored clothing (why is winter clothing always dark colors?).

So, throw a party.  How about a Luau night or a beach party?

Host a game night.  (Pictionary anyone?)

Make a special meal during the week.

Go out to dinner.

Go see a movie.

Invite some friends over.

Soon winter will be over and you will be missing those days where you could snuggle up on the couch with some hot chocolate during a snowstorm and watch a movie.

Pay it .... to the drug dealer?

So, after my Pay it Forward post, I had to post this part of the conversation.

I was telling you how Alex was doing Random Acts of Kindness.  After he told us about the woman who needed money for a ride home, and I explained that sometimes people aren't honest about what they need the money for, RT decides to jump in with a story of his own.

RT tells about a time where he was downtown one night.  It was really late, he was with some friends and they were hungry so they stopped at a place to get some hot dogs.  It wasn't in the best area, but, it was the only place open.  While in line, a guy went up to RT and asked him for some money to buy food.  He said he was really hungry and needed some money.  RT (being the nice guy that he is) gave him some money and the guy disappeared.  Five minutes later, the guy is back and he is really happy and lively.  RT said, "You feel better now that you ate?"  The guy said, "No.  I took that money and I bought some crack.  I can't believe you fell for that line."

I guess the moral of the story is, if someone asks you for money for food?  Buy them the food.

Pay It Forward

I just did a million too many several posts for Random Acts of Kindness Week.  I don't see why we need a special day or week to show kindness to one another.  This is something that should just come naturally.  We should be spreading kindness every day and everywhere.

I received a text from a friend telling me what a great son I have raised.  She sees him where he works and says he is always polite, happy and helpful.  When Alex came home, I gave him a hug,  showed him the text and told him how proud I am of him.

I thought the story would end here, but, it continues.

Alex told me that's not all he has done.  He said, "Sometimes, I pay for people in line."  He works at a fast food restaurant.  "Sometimes I pay for friends and sometimes for people I don't know."

I told him that's very generous of him.

He continued.  "When I'm in line at a drive through, I always pay for the person behind me."

Me:  Wow!  That's wonderful.  Paying it forward (or backward?).   It's nice to do things for other people.

Alex:  The other day,  a woman stopped me while I was driving.  She needed $10 to get a ride home.  I told her I didn't have any money.  I went to an ATM, got out some money and went back and gave her $20 so she could get home."

At this point, I'm in tears.  I've always said he has a big heart.  It's wonderful to see that big heart in action.

I did warn him about giving random people money.   Sometimes they use it for other things.  Alex said he drove back and she was gone.  He's pretty sure she just needed money for a ride.

You teach your children things everyday from the time they are born.  You're never sure if anything you have said or done is sinking in.  But, when that day comes and you witness your child doing something good?  Well.  Like the credit card companies say:  Priceless.

My heart is bursting right now.  I'm so proud of him.

Now, imagine if everyone did random acts of kindness everyday?

Comic Artist Girl Scout Cadette Patch

Our girls recently earned their Cadette patch.  I thought I would type out what we did to complete this patch.  If you have any other ideas, feel free to reply below!  Sorry this is short and sweet.  I didn't keep the notes from this meeting.


Our meetings our one hour long with no snack.


Most of our girls are into reading Graphic Novels, so, this badge was perfect for them.

Materials needed:
Paper
pencils
colored pencils
crayons
markers
imagination

When the girls came in, we told them that we were working on our Comic Artist patch.  We compared it to Graphic Novels.  We had them start working on individual drawings using post it notes.  Their pictures had to tell a short story (like a comic strip).

When this was complete, we gave the girls a piece of paper and had them draw panels to tell a funny story (very short).  The story could only be 4 panels long.  We had them fold the paper in fourths, giving them their four panels.

For our last part, we had the girls work in groups.  They had to come up with a short story and each girl had to draw a panel for the story.  They used words (word and thought bubbles) and facial expressions.

We had the girls share all of their work.  They really enjoyed working on this badge!

Snow Shoveling

Or should that be titled, "Snow Removal?"

We have had quite a bit of snow here the last few days.  I've mentioned in the past how some people buy snow throwers and some people marry them.  RT is one of the lucky ones who married one.

Growing up, we had a HUGE driveway.  My brothers and I would shovel it.  They were a lot older and were able to shovel more snow and do it fast.  As time went on, I perfected my snow shoveling skills. Let's just say that I'm pretty quick with a snow shovel.

My favorite time to shovel snow is when the snow is gently falling and no one else is outside.  It's so quiet and peaceful.  Of course, once the people with snow blowers come on the scene, the peace and quiet is over and the smell of gasoline fills the air.

My biggest complaint about snow removal is when the snow is put out into the street.  If you are going to all that trouble to shovel (or use a snow blower to remove) the snow, why are you putting it into the street?  Shovel it to one side of your driveway!  It's all part of the snow shoveling etiquette.  The cars that drive down your street don't appreciate having to drive through a foot of snow when they pass in front of your house.  And the snow plows are going to push the snow right back into your driveway, making you do twice the work.

We had to pull out the snowblower we inherited for the last snowfall.  I was able to get 3/4 of the driveway done, but, that last 1/4 (which is at the end of the driveway) I thought would kill me.  RT said he wanted the exercise.  I don't think he even shoveled.  I don't think the shovel was even a thought when he looked at the driveway.  He went right for the snow blower.

Who knows how much more snow we will get this year.  If we get more, I have my shovel and I'm ready to go.

Random Acts of Kindness Week 2018 - Community Day

Make a Valentine for a local senior in the community (or make several and drop them off at a local senior living facility.  They would love it!

Write a Thank You card to your postal carrier, fireman, police man, etc.

Bring in canned goods to a local food pantry.

Bring clothing, blankets to a homeless shelter.

Donate some items (food, toys, old towels or bedsheets) to a local animal shelter.

Pick up trash in your neighborhood.

Leave a generous tip.

Leave a surprise in a library book.

Help a neighbor with yard work.

Let someone go ahead of you in line today.

Ask a senior what life was like when they were growing up.

Feed a strangers meter.

Bring reusable bags to stores.

Tutor someone.

Compliment people today.


Have you been spreading kindness everywhere you go?

The week is almost over!

How many Random Acts of Kindness have you performed this week?

What good deeds have you done?

Random Acts of Kindness Week 2018 - Work or School

Send an encouraging email.
Gift an inspirational book.
Send a text just to say hello.
Find out something new about a co-worker (or friend at school).
Be a good listener.
Bring a coworker or friend a coffee.
Tutor someone.
Compliment people today.

Need more ideas?  Check out Sunday's post for more fun!

Random Acts of Kindness Week 2018 - Neighbor Day

Wheel out (or in) your neighbor's trash and recycling bins.
Put a surprise in your neighbors mailbox.
Bring a meal to a neighbor.
Bake cookies for a neighbor.
Shovel the driveway for one of your elderly neighbors.

How many RAOK's have you done so far this week?

Random Acts of Kindness Week 2018 - Thank You Day

Write a note to someone Thanking them for a gift they sent to you or kind words that they said to you.  Maybe something reminded you of them and you wanted to Thank them for being your friend.  Get out your pen and paper and start writing!  Don't worry if it's plain paper or if you have bad handwriting.  People love to get handwritten notes!

Here are some other ideas for today.

Write a handwritten letter.
Send an encouraging email.
Mail a thoughtful note to a friend/family member/co-worker
Write a positive review of a local business.
Thank someone.
Compliment people.
Give someone flowers.
Give someone a Valentine card

Random Acts of Kindness Week 2018 - Family and Friends

Be extra kind to those you love the most today, your family.  Bring your parent a cup of juice, write a short kindness note to your parent or sibling (or spouse), and offer to do an extra chore.  Compliment your family members and catch them doing something great!

Here are some other ideas for today:

Mail a thoughtful note to a friend or family member.

Bake someone a cake.

Send a text message just to say hello.

Be a good listener.

Surprise someone with flowers.

Compliment people.

Need more ideas?  Check out Sundays post!

How many kind deeds have you performed this week?

Random Acts of Kindness Week 2018 - Be the Sunshine!

Wear a bright colored shirt today and bring in the sunshine!  Be sure to smile at someone new today!  Oh, and remember to be kind to yourself today as well.

Here are some ideas for today:

Ship a care package to a friend or family member.
Send a text to someone just to say hello.
Bake someone a cake.
Bring someone a souvenir.
Smile, just because!
Compliment people today.


Have a great day!

Random Acts of Kindness Week 2018

It's Random Acts of Kindness week.  This is one week out of the year that is dedicated to performing as many random acts of kindness as possible.    

If you haven't made a New Year's Resolution, maybe this is it?  Random Acts of Kindness!   This would also be a great challenge for your girl scout troop!  I'm sure there is a fun patch that the girls can earn.

Are you up for the challenge?

Well, here we go! 

Here are some ideas of kind deeds that you can perform this week.

The Challenges:

Smile at 25 people

Slip a nice note in your friends' backpack (or kids lunch or spouse's briefcase/purse)

Compliment 5 people

Pick up 10 pieces of garbage on a walk 

Make a new friend

Tell a joke and make someone laugh

Be kind to yourself and eat a healthy snack

learn something new about your friend, co-worker, spouse

Draw a picture and give it to someone

recycle your trash

hug your friend

Cut out 10 hearts and give them to friends

Entertain someone with a  happy dance

Make a kind poster for cafeteria helpers

Say "Good Morning" to 5 people

Make a wish for a child in another country

Say "Thank You" to a crossing guard

Invite a new friend to hang out with you

Send a Thank you to your Superintendent

Offer to help your custodian

Sit with a new group of people at lunch

Read a book to a younger child

Give an Apple or a Note to your Teacher

Step up for Someone in need

Make and Display a "Kindness Matters" sign

Carry your friends books

Make a bookmark for a friend

Hold the door open for someone

Thank a bus driver or car pool driver

Write a "Thank You" on a Band Aid for the Nurse

Whisper "Thank You" to the Librarian

Help Someone up if they fall down

Learn to say "Hello" in a different language

Bring a flower to the office staff

Say "Thank You" to a volunteer

Make a friendship gift for someone new to you

Create your own kind deed

Add some kind deeds of your own.  I challenge you to perform as many kind deeds as you can this week.  Check off your kind acts as you go.

What a great way to start the week!

How many kind deeds will you do this week?

Girl Scouts - Valentine's Cards for Seniors

Every year our Girl Scout Troop makes Valentine's Day cards for the seniors.  Making Valentine's Day cards for Seniors is a tradition for our Girl Scout Troop.  We have been doing this since the girls were Daisy's.  In fact, the girls look forward to this tradition.  It's a happy occasion, with the girls putting their best effort and a lot of love into the making of each card.  There is talking, laughing and singing that goes along with the card making, too.

Once at the Assisted Living we visit, the girls set out to deliver all of their handmade cards.  Some of the residents get two or three cards.  The Seniors are always happy to see the girls and end up hanging out in the lobby so they can watch the girls in action.

Once all of the cards are passed out, we break out our song books and start singing.  Here is a link to some of the Valentine's songs we added to our singing list.  Check under the Girl Scout tab for more song links.

Vegan Diaries - Thai Coconut Curry Soup

I saw a picture of Thai Curry soup on Instagram.  I had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to try making it someday.  Of course, when I went to look for the post, I couldn't find the picture or recipe anywhere.  So, I searched online and I found this Thai Curry Coconut Soup recipe here.   I thought I would give it a try.  I think it came out pretty good.

Here's the recipe:

Thai Coconut Curry Soup

ingredients:

2 cups Coconut milk (I used lite Coconut milk)
1 1/2 tsp curry powder
1/4 red chili powder
2" Ginger, sliced into 4 pieces
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup water
2 cups sliced mushrooms
3 cups grated carrots
1 cup sliced red pepper
2-3 TBSP soy sauce
2 cups broccoli
1 cup sugar snap peas, halved
2 stalks green onions, finely chopped
1-2 TBSP lemon juice
1 lemon zest
1 pkg firm tofu, drained and cubed


directions:

In big pot, heat 1/2 cup coconut milk until boiling (about 3-5 minutes).  Add curry powder, red chili powder, ginger and garlic and cook for one minute.

Stir in vegetable broth, water, mushrooms, carrots, red bell pepper, soy sauce and remaining coconut milk.

Heat to boiling, then reduce and simmer for a minute.

Stir in broccoli, sugar snap peas, green onions, lemon juice and lemon zest.  Discard the ginger.  Cook for 3 minutes.

Stir in tofu and cook over medium high heat for another 3 minutes.


*I used ginger powder and all was well.
*I cooked the broccoli a little longer so it wasn't crunchy.
*You could throw some spinach in at the end, too.

If you decide to make the soup, let me know how it turns out!

Enjoy!

Cadettes - Budget Patch

Our meeting time is one hour (no snack).  We have discussed some of these topics over the years, so we did not have to go into tons of details.  This is just a basic outline.  Hope it helps you out.


Discuss Wants vs. needs
Clothing, food shelter - needs
concert tickets - want

Budget:  

Monthly Income - Expenses = Discretionary Income 

Discretionary Income = save this for something else, or use now

Monthly Budget*

Go through some of the lines on budget.*

 This is a type of budget that a lot of adults use so they can stay on track financially. When you decide to move out on your own some day, you will use a budget similar to this one.

Several of the line items are a fixed number (mortgage/rent, insurance, car payment) and some of the items may vary month to month (water, gas, electric).  

Note the Savings Goals.  

Maybe there are bigger items that you are saving for (concert tickets, fancy boots/shoes, computer, car, house)  Always good to keep your Savings Goals list where you can see it. Makes you think before spending all of your extra money.

Troop Budget:

*Create a troop budget

Our income is $1 per box of cookies sold

Make list of things we want to spend our money on this year (include charity giving, too) (we had to help the girls with the cost, they did the math to figure out total cost for our troop)

Figure out cost of things we want to do (field trips, donate to charity, fun, etc.)

How many boxes do we have to sell to achieve these goals?

Vote on what we would like to do with our cookie money.

Also:

The cookie moms were adding up the number of boxes that the girls sold, so we had a total dollar amount for our budget.  (we have an idea how many boxes we will sell at the cookie booths we will be doing in the next couple of months so we added that number in, too)

*monthly budget:  I printed this one out for the girls to look at:

https://www.thehappierhomemaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/monthly-budget-printable.jpg

I tried to pick a simple budget plan.  If you can make one, or have one that you use,  that works, too.

Supplies needed:

Paper and pencils

Super Bowl Snack Ideas

It's that time of year!  The Super Bowl!  Great time for lots of snacks and desserts!

Need some ideas for today?  Check out these recipes:

Avocado Jalapeno Hummus
Guacomole
Hummus
Meatballs
Pretzel Bites
Vegetarian Chili

Sweet idea's:

Bacon Brownies
Brownies (Vegan, Dairy Free)
Chocolate Avocado Cookies
Energy Bites (Vegan)
Nutella Cookies 
Butterscotch Chip Cookies
Peanut Butter Bars
Peanut Butter Raisin Bran Cookies
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sugar Cookies
Trail Mix
Vanilla Pudding Cookies 
Yummy Cupcakes

For more ideas, check out my Recipes page!

Valentine's Day Crafts

Thought I would put up some links to Valentine's Day crafts to get you into the February love mode.  Some of these crafts would be great to do with your Girl Scouts.


Valentine's Placemat (children't craft)
Valentine's Day Bookmarks
Pallet (he)art
Homemade Valentine's Day cards
Felt Heart Pin or Barrette
Valentine Photo Book
Valentine Love Picture
Valentine Love Frame

Groundhog Day

Have you ever watched the movie, Groundhog Day?  Where Bill Murray's character relives the day over and over and over until he gets it right?

I can relate to the movie during the holiday season at work.  I end up working everyday for about 5 weeks.  Each day starts out the same:  Brush teeth, exercise, breakfast, shower, drive to work.  At work it's ringing up customers, wrapping gifts, bagging items (gifts), helping customers find stuff.  Drive home.  Change clothes.  Make dinner.  Do a load of laundry.  Get ready for the next day.

After a couple of weeks, I'm on auto pilot.  I really don't have to think because it's the same thing day in and day out.  The only thing that will change slightly is the obnoxious (or crabby) customer.  It's almost like I'm in a fog.

Have you ever had a Groundhog Day like experience?