I Survived a Month without Credit Cards!

I survived a month without credit cards! YEAH! And I'm excited because my church magazine came and it has an article called
"BREAKING THE CHAINS OF DEBT" I can't wait to read it and report back to you about what I learn.


Yesterday at church the main talk was on my favorite subject "Patience" I have asked for a copy so that I can fill you in on the details. I felt like God was definitely talking to me and my husband. I a good way of course. It is always wonderful to go to church and feel that God has answered your prayers.


Isn't this photo of my kitty so cute. I put her cat harness and leash on her to let her see the snow.
she did not like it. I still think this photo of my son's snow man is just wonderful. I think I'm going to make it into a photo card to send out. Maybe it will be next years Christmas card what do you think?


Do you Sudoku? I got this great daily calendar from KOHL'S (THE BEST STORE IN THE WORLD!) for Christmas. I have finally been able to catch up and stay on the daily puzzle. I feel my brain power increasing! I don't want to lose my mind in old age.


Anyways I thought I'd do a song recap. Here are the links to all the songs I shared this month.





I'm hoping to keep finding new and uplifting songs each week. Let me know if you have one to share. I love uplifting music, especially if it is about the Savior.





*GIVE ME JESUS


*THE GOOD CONFESSION


*DANCING IN THE MINEFIELDS (my marriage song of the year I have to make a movie of photo's of me and my husband with this song as the back ground. We have certainly been in the minefields and storms these past few months.)


*El Shaddi


*GIVE ME REVELATION :) (both my husband and I received some revelation in our dreams last night, he was told to pay more attention to the important things, I was wondering in the wilderness and was told that it would be OK, to just keep moving forward)


*PRAISE YOU THROUGH THE STORM


*BEFORE THE MORNING


*LEAD ME


*BRING THE RAIN


*WHEN I GET WHERE I'M GOING (although I love my life I look forward to being on the other side and away from the stresses of this world)


*THE MOM SONG (every mom needs to listen to this at least once a week.)


*THE RECKONING (HOW LONG?) (seems to be a lot of peoples question.)


* I CAN ONLY IMAGINE


*THIS IS YOUR LIFE ARE YOU WHO YOU WANT TO BE?


*THIS IS THE STUFF (some of this stuff was thankfully removed this weekend!)


* and a new song for the day : STARRY NIGHT



Which song was your favorite?


Moments of Joy:) Making my goal at work. Being told by a co-worker that they think they are my twin. Work is just great for me. Getting to go home early in the snow storm, since those who stayed got stuck in the parking lot until midnight.


Thankful for:) My Husband getting a $2.00 raise! Must mean he is doing good. Making my goals. ( I say prayers of thanks each time I make a goal.) My health, my children being healthy, and our house and friends.

It's Not Me, It's the Plastic....

My Son is a great young artist. He loves drawing comics. Here is one he did of our cat looking for the perfect scratching post. I have been the unfortunate scratching post every now and then. It is not fun.

I was reading about not using credit cards and found it very interesting that when you go out and buy with credit cards you think less. The delay of having to pay, and the swiping of the card allow you to detach yourself from the purchase. I've actually noticed this month how I'm looking more at how much costs as I shop. I know I only have so much money and so I'm very careful about each purchase. I've also found


That I'm not enjoying shopping as much. Or should I say, I just don't want to be at the stores and I'm annoyed when the stores don't have the item I'm looking for. I've decided to just stay away from Wal-Mart. It was way too busy, and had nothing that I wanted. Plus half their stuff was gone. Perhaps it was because everyone needed to get out after the storm.

Here is my song of the day : This is the Stuff.. By Francesca Battistelli.
I heard this the other morning and liked it as I was thinking about something that was bothering me. I heard the song and remembered I should


be more focused on what is right in my life. I have been thinking each day about things that bring me joy. Just small simple things. I have found though as I do this life just seems better.

I'm not as stressed out, and I just take life one day at a time. We have made it through another week. My husband has a job offer, but I think he will stay where he is. This new job doesn't seem to have much advancement to offer. It is just short term with a possibility of something more. It just seems a little sketchy to me.





Moments of Joy:) Spending time visiting with a family friend, Chatting on the phone with my mom. Taking a nap on a snowy day. Having time to read a whole book. The book was "The Snow Bride." Makes our snow storm seem small compared to living in Alaska. It was a fun, no brain book.

Thankful For:) Good health, warm home, ability to drive home in a blizzard. Healthy, Happy Children.

One of my favorite things to do at night is snuggle with Kitty. Don't we look comfy?

Will living without credit cards keep me from over spending?

At day 26 of no credit cards I'm back to searching for website that will help me stick to my goal of not using credit cards. I found an article by CNN Money.com Called "Life Without Plastic." I also found a Family website "Frugal.Families.com" It had a good article about living without credit cards. I think that people who begin to live without credit cards do it because of financial struggle. My husband and I have always been careful with what we bought on the credit cards, but I think the last few years we got a little lax. I think it came from reports I heard that said, "to keep your credit score good you should maintain a balance on your cards."

Perhaps that is true, but I don't like losing money in interest to others. With both of us being paid less, I'm trying to find ways to keep what little we have for savings, and bills. I'd like for us to be able to have some fun times without worrying about how we are going to pay for it.

One thing the articles talk about is that when you shop with a credit card you spend more and are OK with higher prices. I know when I have shopped with a credit card I haven't really looked at the prices. Now that I'm committed to not use the credit card, I'm always looking at the prices and adding up the costs. I'm also looking for the best day to buy gas for the car. Some stations have a cheaper day. I think that this process is going to really help my family. It is hard, but now I don't feel bad saying "sorry we can't afford that." (the link takes you to a church talk about living providently.)It actually shows I care though. Sometimes saying you can't afford something is much better than spending on credit cards and then paying even more for the item as you have to pay the interest too.

I found a cool cooking website today too. I had some bananas that were going bad and decided to make Bananas muffins. The web site is Catcancook.com. Just the name is great for me. As I do so much with the 4-H cat club. The muffins were really good too. I used the full amount of sugar. We like sugar in my house. (that isn't a good thing!)

Moment of Joy:) Chatting with friendly customers. I love my job. Driving my son to the bus stop in early in the morning. I like to have time with him alone, he is such a sweet kid. Spending time with my family. Cuddling under a blanket with my cat.

Song:) This is your life are you who you want to be? I am.

It's been one year since I learned my job was being cut!

It's been about one year since the day I walked into school and found out my job was being cut from the school. Here is a photo of my old desk. I can say that I loved that job. But you know I love the job I have now. I'm learning new things, I'm meeting lots of people, and although I'm not making as much I do enjoy it. I don't believe I will stay there forever, but for the next year or so I'll be very happy to be a cashier. There are similarities to the job's. I'm not the boss, I pick up after people all the time, I work with a computer system. Sometimes the kids would be cranky, and sometimes I get cranky customers.

even though I loved the library job, I always knew it was just a temporary stop in my life. It fit good with my children's schedules and got me out of the house. Now I can say the same of my new job, it fits well with my needs, and gets me out of the house. The computer skills, and customer service skills will all lead eventually to a better job for me. I hope to look into doing some type of studying. I'd like to learn Spanish, and I am always looking to improve my computer skills. Customer service comes naturally to me, I love meeting people and talking to them. So we will see.

The job offer for my husband wasn't what we want. I think despite his complaining and making us seem destitute (perhaps I do this sometimes too.) He still feels he is in the right place, he is learning all the new technology which he likes. So we live on the edge for awhile longer. It will eventually lead to a sunny day. I have that hope.

I've gone 24 days without using credit cards. I hope to make it all of February. I hope next year at this time I will be a happy not in debt person. I can't believe that in February I'll have been blogging for a whole year. I'm not sure I'm much of a success at this as it seems I have very few interested in my writing. Oh well.

Do you know how long Noah was on the ark? If you do please let me know. I think it was over a year. I know God did tell Noah it would rain for 40 days and nights, but I wonder if he said " Noah you will be on the ark for over a year, if Noah would have been as willing to build the ark. I can't imagine it. But I also think that we all know we will have trials. I think many of us could say, I can do 40 days and nights. But I'm not sure about a year or two. I still wonder how long, but I also just live for the day.

One of my goals this year is purging the house. I'm trying to just get everything we don't use out.

Moment of Joy:) Sitting under a comfy blanket watching the snow fall.

Christian Song: I can only imagine.

Did Noah Wonder How Long....?

Many of the songs I hear about struggling through something,and remaining faithful have rain in them. They talk of waiting for the sun to shine. It made me think of Noah and the great flood. I wonder if on the ark Noah and his family wondered "how much longer will it rain?" and then they must have wondered "How long will we be on this ark?"
I now wonder "How long will our family be in the storm of under-employment?" I think it may be another year, but I'm hopeful that it will be less.
I have gone almost a whole month without using credit cards. The bills for February are coming in and it is nice to have very very low balances.

This keeps me determined to continue. I've also been trying to think of a worthy goal to save for. Perhaps that would help me save. The photo's come from a camping trip we took a few years ago, where it rained almost every day. We were lucky to be able to have a cabin to be in. But in thinking of storms,and rain I thought of these photo's. I'm very hopeful that soon the sun will shine on my family. I also continue to look for blessings and joy each day.

Here is a song that ask the question: "How Long?"

Moments of Joy:) Spending time with my family, getting out of work a little early last night. Playing with my kitty. Having time to read (I love to read.)

A person called and is interested in talking to my husband about a job opportunity. I hope that this is something that might work out. We will see.

Prepare for the Storms

This winter has brought it's share of storms. We've had quiet a few snow storms and an ice storm so far. I had always thought I moved away from constant snow when I left Vermont, but this year I feel it has come to haunt me. As I've thought about the storms, I've thought that the past year was a year of storms for my family. Both my husband and I lost our jobs, and had to find new ones. The jobs we have found pay much less, and it has been a struggle. But I have to say, that over the past few years I have been preparing for this storm. I originally got my Library job so that I could start putting money away for my kids to go to college. Then as the economy started to go bad, and my husbands job became less stable, I used my pay check to buy extra food, and to pay down bills and put money aside for the future storm of him losing a job. When my husband lost his job we had a very big amount in our savings, and food stored away. I

for the most part only need to buy perishable items like deli meat, and things to put into my daughters lunches. This helps to put other money away for different bills. I have now paid off all of our credit card bills, and I have paid off my son's orthodontist bill. Our biggest hurdle is paying our health insurance. I'm hoping that when summer comes my husband will sell one of our extra cars, and that I will get enough hours that our health insurance will not drain our savings. But for the most part I have been at peace with our situation. I know that this year may be rough, but with each week that we both have jobs, comes the promise of a better job, or a raise. As my husband continues to work he learns more and becomes more employable else where, but also becomes more relaxed where he is. I know that in a few months he will feel more confident and be able to either find a better job, or make better hours where he is.

I have to say that much of my preparedness comes from listening to the teachings of the leaders from my church. I have listened to them tell people to get out of debt, and to store away items that you need for the rainy days of life. Here is a link to an article about preparing for storms. I know in listening to these messages and following the advice of the leaders of my church I have been blessed. And where we have fallen short, those around us have come in and helped. God has provided for us. I'm thankful and very much at peace with things in my life. I know that I'm still in the storm, but I have no fear of it overpowering me and my husband.

Moments of Joy:) Listening to my Son's Orchestra concert. Wow! Playing in the snow with my daughter before the bus came. Getting some much needed cleaning done.

Thankful for: My home, My friends, My Kitty.

The advice of my Church leaders.

Our little Christmas tree. My husband stuck it out to be taken with the garbage, it still hasn't been taken, but looks really pretty every time it snows.

Song of the day:) The Mom Song!

When I get Where I'm going.....

A song I really like is "When I get Where I'm Going.."By Brad Paisley. I think we often forget that this life is just a stop in the eternities. We get bogged down by the day to day work and forget this is not the end. I feel like I've always been here, and can't imagine that I'll ever leave... and yet I hope that the eternal world is much easier to deal with. I try every day to remember that I don't really belong here, and that there is so much more to come. I have made it almost a whole month without using credit cards. I did use my store card, but have already paid it off.


I was asked to stay on as a regular employee this week, I'm no longer considered "Seasonal."



Which makes life a little less stressful. February will be a very tight month for my family as I've been told that hours will be low and who knows how things will be for my husband. Then I may not see much of anyone during the months of March and April as the store is being remodeled and they said they will have lots of hours to give. It will be nice to get 9 weeks of good hours. So February will be rest and organize the house month.


My daughter turned 11 this month. I thought this was a cool photo of her with her ice cream cake.


I now have a tween and a soon to be teen. After visiting with a friend who as two twins and a little new born, I'm glad for the older children. I could not do the little child work anymore.




Isn't my kitty so cute? The more I think about where I want to go, the more I think I want to go back to working with animals. I just got a book about being a Veterinary receptionist. I like doing customer service and working with animals and think it would be a great fit. I'm going to be studying up for the next year while I still need flexible hours and more night shifts than day shifts. What's another year any way. They go by so fast.


Moments of Joy:) Sitting in my car and listening to Christian music. Cuddling with my Cat. Making people smile. Visiting with a good friend. Making new friends.


Another song I found that goes well with my life is "Bring the Rain."

Wishing for Summer.

This morning it was a whole 7 degrees outside. I got up and started the car and drove my son down the block to the bus stop. I remember freezing mornings in Vermont, waiting for the bus, and getting on the bus just about frost bitten. So each morning I get up and sit in the warm car with my son until the bus comes. I don't like thinking of him standing in the cold and dark each morning. I liked the previous winters where we barely had snow. This winter seems to have a different idea. The other night I had to remind myself that I'm from Vermont, as I drove home at 10:30 in a snow storm. I was amazed by the amount of people who came out shopping.

The big sale hadn't even started. So I hope you enjoy a few summer photo's. Ah the ocean. I can't wait to go and stick my feet in the warm sand. Have a slice of pizza and watch the children and my husband swim. I'll of course at some point get up and find sea shells. When we go to the beach we feel like time stops. Wouldn't that be nice.

Well the song I found for you today is

"Lead Me."

I hope you like it. I need some strength today. I had thought that because I was still working that I'd been kept on after the holidays. Last night

when I went in to get shoes for my son, I found out from one of the people I started with that they are still deciding who they are keeping. I hope they will tell me soon. I know I'm getting my 90 day review today. Can't believe I've worked there for 3 months. It seems like so much longer. The Library job seems so far away.

So last night I did what my husband has done for the past five months. I tried to sleep and woke up every hour after having horrible dreams. Ugh. It has been nice to just be home alone in the quiet. I have calmed down and feel more positive than before. I would like some consistency in my life. I'd like to know that I have a good job and that my husband has a good job. This just isn't something that is going to happen yet. The good news is my husband gets to go to training 3 days next week. That's three days of 8 hours of pay.

Moments of Joy: Waiting for the bus with my son, listening to the Christian radio station, reading my scriptures every day, listening to U-tube Christian music videos. Reading new magazines.

11 days without doing the plastic swipe!

As I head down the road to a new year, I'm happy to say that I've made it 11 days without swiping the plastic credit cards. Although I will admit that on Thursday I will be using one card. The reason though is that I'm going to get a 45% off discount for using it. And I'm going to pay the bill the next week. No interest this year is also a big goal. One girl I work with said it the best, " If you don't have the money on hand then you shouldn't buy it, because you really can't afford it." My son though needs new shoes, and some new shirts and I have the money, just would like the big discount.


Here is an interesting bug that I got a picture of two years ago. It is a Luna Moth. A really interesting bug to look at. I don't know much about them. I'll have to go read up on them.

Here is a good song if you are going through a tough time. "Before the Morning."
Another Song that I found that I like is "Praise You through the storm." I need to share these with my husband. He is really stressed out having to move back to the Toyota dealership. I keep telling him to just relax. I hope things go well for him today. It used to be that I was up in the middle of the night with little babies to take care of. Now it is an anxiety filled husband. I keep saying, you have a job, you are learning, this will work out for your good in the end. I think that's why I like the two songs I've shared with you today.
Moments of Joy: Reading the scriptures in my car when I'm either way to early for work or warming up the car. Meeting new people. Having time to myself.
Thankful for: My house, cars, good health. The Gospel.
Garden thought: Birds are a big part of gardening. When you have the right flowers you get some beautiful birds. I'm going to work on having more bird and bee friendly flowers this year. I love seeing all the wild life. One of my favorite birds is the Grackle. Even though most people dislike this bird, I think it is pretty and that they have a very interesting habit of puffing themselves up to attract a mate.

Day 7 Snow and staying in keep the credit card jitters away.

We got some snow today. I like to stay in when it snows. People around where I live just don't know how to drive. So this morning I got a lot of cleaning done. I've realized that I really like my schedule at work. I have the whole day to myself, and then do about 5 to 6 hours of work at night. I feel like my house is finally getting clean since the crazy holiday schedules have ended. It's nice to just feel like things are coming together. I went out and took some photo's of the trees covered in snow. I think it looks so pretty. I did have to leave the house to help clean our church. I choose to go this afternoon as I really don't want to have to get up early on Saturday. I have to

work most of the day so it was just better for me. It was nice to just go in by myself and get some of the cleaning done.

So I figure with the snow I've kept from going to stores which has kept me from having to resist the urge to use the credit cards.

Here is a song that I used to love "Give Me Revelation." Often times I feel that I would just like God to tell me what it is he wants me to do. Then I would do it. But often times I feel like I'm not sure at all about what I'm supposed to be doing.

In that same thought have you ever had a dream come true? I've had quiet a few in my life

some pretty silly. The first was a dream that the girls scout cookies were going to be delivered( this was when I was young and a girls scout.) The next day there they were. Then I had a dream that I would be working on a horse farm and the next day I got a call asking me to work for a horse farm.(this was when I was a teen) A few years ago the summer before my son was in 4th grade I dreamed he would be in a class with someone he didn't get along with and that he would have a hard year. It was his worst school year. I remember sending him to school and then being sick half the day worrying about him. He got so bullied in grade school. I'm glad he is doing so much better.

Well last night I had a dream that the job my husband has will go well and he will make the money we need. I'm not sure if it is just me dwelling on the subject or if it will really happen. Of course along with dreams that come true I have a lot of dreams that are just plain weird. Along with the job will go well dream, was one with me eating a piece of paper, and then wondering why am I doing this and trying to get it back out of my mouth. Usually the weird dreams have to do with chewing gum that taste bad and I just can't get it out of my mouth. Ugh. I wonder what it all means. Do you have a weird dream to share? So is Christmas over? For most it is, but today our neighbor brought us this very pretty Santa gift. It is filled with lots of junk food. I'm sure the kids will like it. As much as I try to get the junk food out of my house, it seems to appear as fast as I can remove it.

Moments of Joy: Making a big homemade meal last night and having time to sit and eat with my family. Sitting and chatting with my husband. Slowly getting more time to myself and getting my house cleaner. I'm a neat freak and love to organize things.

About my husband he starts back at Toyota on Monday. He has to move his tools and box today and tomorrow morning. Ugh! He no longer has Saturdays off. His new day off is Tuesdays. I hope we have some good couple bubble time. He is back to being scared and full of anxiety. Well with Tuesdays off if things don't work out he can look for a new job. We don't need to make huge amounts of money. Poor him he barely slept last night. I hope that the transition works. At least he will get paid now to take Toyota on-line training courses. He finished all the KIA ones, so he is now a certified KIA tech. I believe God is working on something good for us. We just need to be patient, and not complain and endure. That's a lot to ask of us. So pray we have the strength.

Day 6 And we are still dancing in the minefields at our house.

It is spring and soon to be summer in the stores. Last night as I was leaving I noticed they have bathing suits out. Yes you read right, bathing suits. They also have all the valentines day items. So I decided I would put my Valentines day wreath up. I think it is very cheery. If we don't get any more snow I'll be very happy.
Well all the credit cards are paid off. My next move is to pay off my sons orthodontist bill, and then pay down as much as possible on the credit line this year.
One thing I noticed is that with credit cards, any interest you pay is just lost. At least with the equity line I can deduct the interest on my taxes.


I did find in an article that the use of credit has been around since old testament times. In biblical times, interest was called usury, which in today's language suggest exorbitant interest rates.
A few more quotes about staying out of debt:
" We should not heed to current cries...[that] tempt us to compete for ownership in the things of this world... Often these items are purchased with borrowed money, without giving any thought to providing for our future needs.." Elder L. Tom Perry.
" Independence means... being free of personal debt and of the interest and carrying charges required by debt the world over." President James E. Faust.
Isn't my kitty cat pretty. Laying in the sun all nice and warm.
Uplifting song: El Shaddi by Amy Grant
Garden Quote: Of the strawberry: Doubtless God could have made a better berry, but doubtless God never did. Dr. William Butler (c. 1536-1617)
Random act of kindness: The center of human nature is rooted in ten thousand ordinary acts of kindness that define our day. Stephen Jay Gould.
Moment of Joy: Having the day off. Having salty McDonald's french fries. Listening to uplifting music. Reading scriptures in my car while it warms up.
So on one last note, pray for my husband as change is coming again to his world. He was just getting used to working at the Kia dealership, and is now being moved back up to the Toyota dealership. He will actually be working on both types of cars, going between both dealerships. He asked to be made salary during the transition. I hope that will happen. I told him we are still dancing in the minefield, still rowing in the storm. I just hope we get out for awhile soon. I just take it one day at a time. I know the Lord has some grand plan for us, I will trust him.
Do you have a good keep out of debt tip? Or any moment of Joy to share?

Day 5 Covering the cards!

So on day five I have covered my 3 credit cards with sticky notes that say " DO NOT USE!", "For Emergency use ONLY!" I'm hoping the pure fact that if I want to use them I would need to take the tape off them will deter me from using them. Now some people I know just cut them up, and others put theirs in the freezer. But I often feel, I might need one if my car breaks down. I don't carry much cash on me so I would need one if I need to get my car towed.


My next step is to pay each of them off. Actually I have paid one off already. I just received the bill for the other two and within the next couple of days they will be paid off. My husband does



have one card and has promised me to only use it to buy gas for his car. I'm hoping to figure out how much he is using each month and then have cash on hand for him so that we can get out of the habit of "Swiping the Plastic." It has just become too easy.


As I have been pondering credit cards and debt I have looked to my Churches website :lds.Org. I searched "Credit Cards" and have come up with lots of magazine articles about keeping out of debt. I hope to share an article with you often.


Here is the first " Understanding Interest on Debt" by Scott Nash. (Just click the link to read)


Here are some good Quotes from the Church




leaders: " President Heber J. Grant: "If there is any one thing that will bring peace and contentment into the human heart, and into the family, it is to live within our means. And if there is any one thing that is grinding and discouraging and disheartening, it is to have debts and obligations that one cannot meet."


President J. Reuben Clark Jr.: " Interest never sleeps, nor sickens, nor dies;... Once in debt, interest is your companion every minute of the day and night; you cannot shun it or slip away from it; you cannot dismiss it; it yields neither to entreaties, demands, or orders; and whenever you get in its way or cross its course or fail to meet its demands, it crushes you!"



The Photo of the socks are my favorite socks to wear after work. They are Kohl's Thermal Therapeutic Socks. They are so soft, cushy, and warm. After standing on my feet for 5 or more hours I can't wait to get home and put them on. I bought a pair for every day of the week. This pair I actually gave to a friend. They are pretty inexpensive and worth every penny in my book.


This is a photo of my cat helping do Christmas cards. Her idea of helping is sitting on the card I'm trying to write. She knocked most of my stuff onto the floor. She was following me all over the house today as I cleaned. It is nice to have her companionship. As I work more I am more grateful for the days I get to spend home cleaning and working on "Me" stuff.





Here is the path that we often walk when we go to the park. I feel I'm walking down a new path this year. I'm not sure where it will lead me I can only hope it leads to a better way of life, and a stronger testimony of the Savior.





After listening to the song " Dancing in the Minefields" I had to share it with my husband. He loved it. We found that we like other songs by the same artist. The musician is Andrew Peterson. Here is another " The Good Confession."

Hope you enjoy listening.

Garden Quote: Be like the sun and meadow, which are not in the least concerned about the coming of winter. By George Bernard Shaw.

Random Acts of Kindness quote: When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people. By Abraham Herschel.

Moments of Joy: Having a quiet morning at home to clean and organize. (Christmas is almost gone in my house.) Playing with my cat as she followed me around. Going to the Library and looking at books.

Any tips on not using credit cards would be appreciated.

I've made it 4 days without credit cards!

Well I've gone 4 days without credit cards so far. Mostly the temptation to spend has been blocked because I have been working too much. When I'm done working all I want to do is rest or clean my poor neglected house. Tomorrow I hope to start my first real credit card detractor. That is to put stickers on my cards that say "Do Not use me!" And " Only Use encase of an emergency." I'm not going to cut them up or freeze them in the freezer. I want to really test my will power.

I didn't do to well on the buy nothing but necessities though. As I bought a few magazines and a book today. But mind you I did use cash. So I need to work on that.

I've heard two good songs that you should listen to.

Dancing in the Minefield. Anyone who is married will love this song! I love the old couples dancing in the video.

Give me Jesus.

Both have some great inspiration. The one book I bought was also for inspiration. The book is called "Random Acts of Kindness. Here is a good quote from it: " One kind word can warm three winter months. " Japanese Proverb.

I also got a gardening magazine, and a cooking magazine.

Here is a garden quote: " We may think that we are tending our garden, but of course, in many different ways, it is the garden and the plants that are nurturing us." By Jenny Uglow.

Moments of Joy: A day off, time to sleep in. Getting my house cleaned up, and cooking a nice large roast chicken dinner.

Happy New Year! Welcome to G.G.'s Life Without Credit Cards Day 1.

Welcome New Year. My goal this year is to live without credit cards. Here is a picture of me (Garden Girl aka. G.G.) with the little frog I bought a Kohl's yesterday. I'm thinking of naming him Ebenezer. I bought this Simply Vera shirt that I've been eyeing for awhile because it looks like something a gardening type person would like to wear. The belt also has flowers on it. So decked out in my garden clothing I went out and took some photo's of Mr. Ebenezer frog in the winter garden. To my surprise I found life out there in the garden. My cat nip plant was still alive, and some small weeds were also thriving despite the recent blizzard. It was very nice to see green.

One thing I love to do is read magazines. I can't get enough time in my Papazan reading magazines. Here is a photo of me with one of my favorites. Better Homes and Gardens. One of my most recent magazines gave a great tip.

Have January be a "buy nothing month." (You only buy necessities in January.) That is why yesterday I had to get up early and beat the crowds at Kohl's and get my few last of the year purchases. Of course I had some Kohl's cash that I needed to spend. I got a $49.00 Crock -Pot for $9.00. What a deal. If I had just stopped at that life would have been good. But I had my daughter with me and we bought the frog, and some shirts. Oh well, had to get that last moment of

spending out of me. Now I'm prepared to go Credit card free. (Or so I think)

So on day one of living without credit cards, I've looked up "Who invented Credit Cards?" It is very interesting to know that Credit cards or the ability to buy on credit has been around a long time. They haven't always been in the shape of a card, and they haven't always been plastic.

The use of credit cards in America began in the 1920's, but references to credit cards have been made as far back as 1890 in Europe. I think we might find it even father back we will see.

What is interesting about credit is that it is a method of selling goods or services without the buyer having cash on hand. And guess what? That gets some people in a whole lot of trouble. So my goal is to only buy if I have the cash on hand. What I think is most important is that you need to think about each purchase and be prepared by knowing how much you have to spend and what you are spending on. I'm hoping I have the will power to do this. As I progress forward in this I will be looking for other bloggers who are doing the same thing for tips. When I find them I'll give you the links.

Garden tip: The best predators of slugs in your garden are frogs and toads. Unfortunately you need a pond in your garden to get these little animals to live around your garden. I don't think my husband will be building me a pond too soon.
Moments of Joy: Not working until Midnight any more. It's so nice to get home before 11pm. Spending a lazy morning with my kids. Reading a good magazine. Walking around my garden and seeing some green and growing plants. I can't wait for spring.