Currently Reading: Who Moved my Cheese by Spencer Johnson

Who Moved my Cheese by Spencer Johnson is the book I just finished. I loved it and I totally recommend it to anyone, especially going through big changes in your life right now. I don't recommend reading it when you are hungry though.

• "Cheese" is a metaphor for what you want to have in life - whether it is a good job, a loving relationship, money, a possession, health, or spiritual peace of mind.
• "The Maze" is where you look for what you want - the organization you work in, or the family or community you live in.

Four characters:

• "The Mice" - Sniff (Who sniffs out change early), Scurry (Who scurries in action)
• "The Little People" - Hem (Who denies and resists change as he fears it will lead to something worse, Haw (Who learns to adapt in time when he changing leads to something better
  
• We all have one thing in common, we must all survive in changing times. The world around us is always changing.
  
• The more important your "cheese" is to you, the more you want to hold on to it.
• Sometimes fear can be good. When you are afraid things are going to get worse if you don't do something, it can prompt you into action. But it's not good if it paralizes so much that you can't do anything.
• "Movement in any direction, helps you find more "cheese."
• Haw: "He was letting go and trusting what lay ahead for him, even though he did not know exactly what it was."
• "When you move beyond your fear, you feel free."
• Imagining myself enjoying "new cheese" even before I find it, can lead me to it.
• Think about what you can gain, instead of what you are losing.
• Realizing that you are not living in fear, but instead you are taking a new direction can lead to new strength.
• Change is natural, whether you expect it or not. Change can surprise you only if you didn't expect it and weren't looking for it.
• Haw: "He had to admit that the biggest inhibitor to change lies within himself, and that nothing gets better until you change.
• Fear should be respected because sometimes it keeps you out of danger. But most fears are irrational and keep you from making the changes you need to make.

Change Happens: They keep moving the Cheese
Anticipate Change: Get ready for the Cheese to move
Monitor Change: Smell the Cheese often so you know when it is getting old
Adapt to Change Quickly: The quicker you let go of old Cheese, the sooner you can enjoy new Cheese.
Change: Move with the Cheese
Enjoy Change: Savor the adventure and enjoy the taste of new Cheese
Be Ready to Change Quickly and Enjoy It Again and Again: They keep moving the Cheese

Which character are you?

20 Somethings and Money

Do you ever hear financial advice and think, "Oh man, I wish I would have known this when I was younger." I know I have. In this video, Dave Ramsey takes calls from 20-somethings and gives them advice on money. It's a must see video if you are in your 20's now, will be in a few years, or you wish you were 20 again. :0)

Will Savers Destroy the Economy?

According to MSN Money, People that have stopped spending money and instead are saving could destroy the economy.

Read the story here.
Join the Discussion here.

YWCA Wish List: Let's Make a Difference

The Sears on Ireland is going to be closing in May. That is where Steve and I are currently working part-time. Liquidation will start on May 15th.

I think this would be a great opportunity to make donations to non-profit organizations. It is very sad that my friends and I are going to lost our jobs. Let's turn this downturn into a positive thing.

The YWCA serves women and children that are victim's of Domestic Violence. Most of our clients are young single moms that enter the shelter with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

Current YWCA Wish List

Due to Indiana Health Laws, we cannot accept used Stuffed Animals

Food Related: Canned & Boxed Foods of all kinds, Non-Perishable items, Food Storage Containers, metal teaspoons, plastic forks/knives, Plastic bowls/cups, Juice, Cereal

Personal Care Products: Deodarant, Conditioner, Lotions, Shower gels, Hand Sanitizer, Combs, Toothbrushes (adult and children), Toothpaste (small and large), Disposal razors, Kleenex, Feminine Care products, Paper Towels, Toilet Paper

Infant Care: Baby bottles, Disposable Diapers (all sizes), Baby Wipes, Baby Shampoo, Baby Lotion, Baby Powder, Baby Food and formula, Sippy Cups, Baby monitors, Strollers, Toddler and Preschool Car Seats

Over the Counter Medicines and First-Aid: Aspirin, Tylenol, Midol, Advil, Tums, Pepto-Bismol, Non-Alcohol Cold medicines, First Aid tape

Household Items: Shower curtains, Wash Cloths, Towels, Crib sheets, Twin-Sized Blankets and Sheets, Bed Pillows, Elevated toilet seats, Space Bags for storage, Laundry Detergent, Small Alarm Clocks, Microwave Ovens, Small Kitchen Appliances.

Clothing: Plus Sized Women, Baby Clothes

Miscellaneous Items: Pre-paid Phone Cards, Bus Passes, Wheel Chairs, Office Supplies, Blank Journals, Reading Glasses, Luggage, Heavy Duty Snow Blower, Leaf Blower, Drill Dress, Gas Fryer, Heat Lamp for Kitchen, Commericial Washers and Dryers

Almost anything you use in your household is needed at the YWCA.

One Year Later: You are Missed!

Read the Blog from one Year ago here and here.

I can't believe it's been a whole year. Last year, today, I was on vacation with Steve visiting family in Texas and Tulsa. We sang worship songs together, prayed together, just loved eachother. We had no idea that day would be your last day with us.
We miss you, Ben. This last year just hasn't been the same without your friendship.

I have no doubt we will see you again someday.

I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7

Dave Ramsey 2nd Annual Plasty Awards

These are great. He encourages his listeners to send him in videos of them destroying their credit cards in fun, different ways. Then he gives out awards for the best ones.