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CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

HOW'S THE BUDGET??

Sometimes all the adrenelin pumping during the shopping rush makes us elated. Let's not forget those charge accounts will send the bill in January. I have a hard time setting limits myself because I love to give gifts, it brings me great joy. Pre-determine your budget for each person you are shopping for prior to heading out to the malls and stick to it. Remember just being together for the holidays is the most important thing. Anybody have a special family Christmas tradition to share?

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JUST ONE

DRINKING AND DRIVING

At a dinner party this evening while the alcohol flowed and the conversation was lively, drinking and driving was still an issue. I made jokes about being dropped off by my driver and even received a call from good old Mom , just to see when I'd be ready for pick up and delivery home. Although almost half a century old, I was told about why I should not be drinking at all. I certainly was glad I had planned ahead for a designated driver, when on the drive home a story was told about an area high school coach who had been arrested the evening before, driving intoxicated going the wrong way on a one -way street. How many times have I thought I'll just have one drink and instead have two or three? I made a good plan for myself tonight and hope I do the next time. I always tell the kids just call,don't take a chance, one second can be life altering. Rose. Any comments?

WELL WE MADE IT!

We survived another Thanksgiving with our loving or not so loving families, came away from the mall on " Black Friday" unscared and with a few bargains in hand. The retail world has us convinced there are bigger and better things we need or should want, but do we need them?
What of those who are struggling day by day just for food and shelter, let us not forget them and show them generosity.

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HOLIDAYS

HOLIDAYS CAN BE VERY STRESSFUL

Try not to worry too much about tomorrow and the family get together. There is no perfect family, there will always be the family member who drinks too much, the one that says the unspeakable, and those with no boundaries. If you want to share after tomorrow's big event feel free. We can laugh or cry together about it, whatever the case. Please try not to eat too much turkey! lol !

NEW SOCIAL NETWORK

A NEW SOCIAL NETWORK IS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION
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STRESS MANAGEMENT

STRESS IS INEVITABLE, UNAVOIDABLE AND PRESENT IN ALL OUR LIVES

Everyday brings it's own stress, events both good and bad have an effect on us. Getting a new job or a new house, a marriage, divorce, birth, death of loved one, financial insecurity or a windfall can have an effect on a person. Over the years some of us have learned how to cope with stress better than others by observing and imitating those around us . We have probably developed both good and bad coping skills such as smoking, drinking, nail biting, cutting or perhaps deep breathing, exercise, visualization, talking about problems. It is important to develop a support system so you have someone to talk with. If you are dealing with a problem in your life and you want another perspective you can leave your comment here or email us at
picklesandjams@gmail.com and our responses will be posted

SUCCESS

“There are two types of people who will tell you that you cannot make a difference in this world: Those who are afraid to try and those who are afraid you will succeed.”Ray Goforth


Believe in your self and let no man tell you what you are and are not able to accomplish in this life. Live your dreams and they will come true. This is the attitude I am taking with starting this blog. Share with us the things you are dreaming about and the obstacles you are hurdling... give others some hope to continue on their paths.

OHIO WINTERS

Some people wonder why they are more depressed, sad and bored in the winter?

It always amazes me when people here talk about their hobbies and the things they like to do for fun, the list usually sounds something like this..... swimming, fishing, going to the park, tennis, gardening, amusement parks. These all sound like great fun, the problem is they depend on fair weather. Can anyone share some things they do, that others can try when it's too cold to be outside. ROSE

THE CUSTOMER

What ever happened to "THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT" ??? I have spent the last hour trying to talk with the representatives at one of the major mortgage companies about my loan. Several times I was disconnected, when I did get through the reps were rude and kept challenging me saying I was in error, (of course they could not be wrong). I was trying so hard to be polite, even had my fake voice on for the occassion, lol. It soon became an event and it was so comical I was drawing a crowd! Company had stopped by for a quick moment but after hearing my phone conversations had to stay to hear the outcome. After an hour I hit pay dirt and finally was connected to somone who admitted I was right. WOW!! Well just glad I am not in foreclosure, you can imagine how a letter like that can ruin your day, especially when you think your doing o.k. Can anybody out there relate?

Never again hear the words "I told you so"

Please feel free to air your concerns here. Tell us what you are dealing with in your life. Let us give you some feedback. Believe me over the years there is nothing we haven't heard before. Sometimes you don't want to tell family and friends the little pickles or big jams you have gotten yourself into. Perhaps there is a simple solution to your problem and it just has not revealed itself to you yet. Tell us your fears, challenges and failures. Celebrate with us your greatest accomplishments. Offer hope to others. I am optimistic we can get through anything if we all support each other in this life.