Fun in simple things

Last night, (a friday) my friend Yong and I decided that we would do something fun that didn't require us to spend any money. She was in need of some sort of relaxation (she's an english teacher and the kids have been driving her mad) and so we came up with the idea of a "spa" night. Yes I know it sounds like something from "13 going on 30" but I swear these things never get old. So send the boyfriend packing for the night (he will most likely not mind, after all its not like he's suffering with his pals at the pub) and between your girls and yourself gather up some things you forgot you already had...

Every girl has in some way acquired most of the following:

• pedicure or manicure kits (often received as gifts from friends)
  
• assortment of nail polishes
  
• foot soaks and lotions
• Facial masks, scrubs and creams (in our case, Yong just couldn't say "no" to a sales lady at the Obey Your Body counter a couple of months ago.) 

I put my Ipod on a Genius Playlist off  Yael Naim's New Soul (gotta love that Itunes Genius, it does all the work for you) filled a bucket with warm water, opened a bottle of white wine and Voila!!! A relaxing night while catching up with your friends that ends with pretty toes and moisturized skin!

... and we didn't spend a dime ;)

When times get tough...

In times of economic crisis one can't help but feel overwhelmed, worried or even depressed. When you find yourself having to cut back on things you enjoyed or having to change your lifestyle all together, its hard to stay positive. But there IS something positive in all of this. People are starting to get back to basics and enjoy the little things in life some of us have even forgotten to acknowledge. 

To be completely honest, what do we really NEED? 

1. food

2. shelter

3. health

4. love

When you have overwhelming thoughts of sadness or despair its always good to stop and think of these true basic needs.

... and now a personal story:

I was very upset the other day because I was so close to completing my goal of graduating from my masters in just one year. I wanted to walk on that stage and receive my diploma this May. But the university has a policy that the seminar course has to be taken all by itself, the last class if you may, and because of that one class I couldn't take with the other three I had this trimester I was going to have to wait until next year. I was VERY upset, that means no job, no money ext. While I was in my friends car crying and whining about how my world was coming to an end we stopped at a red light and as I looked out my window all teary eyed I noticed a homeless person that made crosses out of palm fronds in order to get money. I felt so ashamed, here I was so upset when I actually have a home to go to, and this person was standing in the wet road with nothing... I lowered my window and gave him the only dollar I had in my wallet to which he responded "God bless you". It was a humbling experience, but one that made me realize the blessings I have in my life.

Its like my mother always said to me "there is ALWAYS someone worse off than you, so be thankful for what you have."