Letter to Santa

My 4-year-old son James and I sent a magical letter to Santa Claus today. This was the first year he was really old enough to be interested in writing to Santa, so it's a bit of a new experience for us. I helped him to type up the letter on the computer and print it off and then he signed his name. I explained that because Santa is magical, we wouldn't send his letter in the mail, but would use magic instead. I told him we'd think magical thoughts as we burned the letter, but he pointed out that we should really say magic words, too, so I wrote something he could repeat after me. "To Santa, To Santa, this letter shall go. Up to the North Pole all its pieces will flow. Then come all together for Santa to see; and he'll read this letter to Santa from me." James really liked it, and wanted to watch the letter burn until it was all gone. I think this will become a tradition for our kids.

Getting Married The Right Way?

I saw this article posted on Facebook, and decided my comment was too long to be a comment, so here it is: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/09/14/staying-celibate-before-marriage-was-best-thing-ive-ever-done/

I have mixed feelings about this article. On the one hand, I always think it's wonderful to see people getting happily married. I think it's wonderful that they did what was right for them, and that they stuck to their values despite criticism. I also am happy to see someone sticking up for those who want to wait until marriage, when it's not a popular choice today, and encouraging them that there's nothing wrong with waiting. Additionally, it's nice to see someone sticking to their publicly professed values and not being such a hypocrite. The author and his wife each found someone each found someone good for them, dated, and married in a way they were comfortable and happy with, and (at least so far) it's working out well for them.

Now we come to the other hand; the entire tone of the article was judgmental, and a bit rude. Although waiting until marriage was the right thing for them, he can't possibly know that it's "The right way." There's no need to call people "floozies," "pathetic," and "schmucks," just because they do things differently. It is entirely possible to have a wonderful marriage and no regrets without waiting until marriage. How much can we trust marriage advice from someone who just got married anyway? It is also possible to live a fulfilling life without ever getting married, while being sexually active (gasp!). The author not only implies that he and his wife are superior, but also that anyone who doesn't wait is a pathetic floozie who doesn't know what love is, and should arouse pity and disgust from anyone else who got "married the right way."


PS: On an unrelated note, the original title should read 'til, or until, not till.

Green and cheap

There are plenty of resources out there to help you be more "green," but many of the suggested things to do are not so easy. For example, it's hard to justify paying twice as much for organic produce when you can hardly make your mortgage payment. There are still plenty of ways to be frugal and eco-friendly, some well known, others maybe not so much, but here are some I like:

• Use less: This can be applied to just about every aspect of living, and is almost always both "green" and cheaper. Ways to apply this include: don't buy more than you need, shorten showers, turn off/unplug electronics when not in use, line dry clothes, try sharing an entree next time you eat out, remember that even the little things can add up.
• Buy used: Whether it's furniture, clothes, or toys, you can usually find something that will work just as well and cost less if it's pre-owned. Obviously it won't work for everything, but when you choose to buy used instead of used, you're saving on materials, manufacture, and shipping, not to mention keeping the item out of land fills. Again, it will save money, too.
• Buy higher quality goods: Wait, doesn't that mean it will cost MORE? Not necessarily. Take time to do the math. If you're always using disposable dishes, or even cheap ones, it may end up costing you more in the long-run. Take into account how long it will last, and how much you're throwing out because it needs to be replaced.
• Repurpose and recycle: For young children, junk mail can be just as good as a coloring book; peanut butter jars are great for storing nuts and bolts; and a ramen noodle box happens to be the same depth as a kitchen cupboard. ;P  As for recycling, it doesn't cost you anything except a little effort. Most areas have a curbside recycling program; take a moment to figure out what is accepted. You can actually be paid to recycle metal, and oftentimes if an item is not taken at the curb, there is a drop-off location no too far away.
• Clean with fewer chemicals: This is not only green and cheap, but also healthier. It may be shocking to hear, but some things can just be wiped down with a damp rag. When you need to really clean though, I love baking soda; I use it to clean tubs, sinks, counter tops, and more. White vinegar is also good for cleaning. When and if you do buy chemicals, pay attention to labels.
• Grow your own food: This one I can't personally vouch for, (I can barely keep my house plants alive) but I've heard how great it can be. :)

I'm sure the list could go on, but that's all I've got for now, enjoy!

Hello, my name is Katanne...

Actually, my name is Kathy; I figured the best thing to do in my first blog entry would be to introduce myself. I'm a twenty-something stay-at-home-mother of a handsome 4 year-old son, James, and beautiful 1 year-old daughter, Anna, and am happily married to my wonderful husband Bryan. I'm interested in many things, including music, art, poetry, being "green," homeschooling, and my Pagan faith. I hope to use this blog to inform, amuse, and occasionally rant. Thanks for visiting!