$10 a week challenge...

Yes money is right but I know that I'm lucky that I have way more than most. Way way more. So I decided I may not have much to spare but I can make just a few dollars go far in terms of donations. I'm going to take $10 a week and use it for couponing or dollar store shopping and donate what I'm able to buy with it. Maybe I'll combine 2 weeks for a bigger haul. But I know there are many many people out there in my own community that lack basic needs. And I'm not putting my stress in the same catagory as theirs but I can relate. There have been times when I have skipped a meal out or passed on a portion of something so I'd have enough for my kids. Most people do this at some point it's nothing major. But still. There are lots of people that lack food, clothing,  basic toiletries and maybe even more important that that; hope. Maybe with my small contribution I'll make a difference in someone else's life. Maybe only temporary but a difference. I've always wanted to pay off someone's layaway at Kmart. Of corse I secretly wish I could see their face. But it wouldn't matter if I can't what matters is knowing deep down the relief I was able to give someone. I'm hoping to do that even on a small scale this holiday season. So here it goes. $10 a week to purchase items for those less fortunate. Can't wait to see how far I can make it go. And maybe inspire others to do the same!

The beach...

So now that I moved to my moms I'm even closer to the beach than when I was in my old house. I drive by it almost daily and when it's warm out, even just warm ish I try to get out there and get my feet in the sand. There's something incredibly therapeutic about feet in the sand I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because the sand welcomes in my tired worn out feet w warmth and support that conforms to each curve in my feet. Instead of hard and unforgiving like shoes it's soft. Gentle. Maybe that's like life. Life can be hard. Unforgiving. And everyone needs a soft place where they feel supported. Like feet in the sand. It's powerful when you think about it really. And that's just the sand. That's not the ocean breeze, or crashing waves or salt air. The beach calms and touches all five senses. Even taste as the salty air dances on your lips. The beach is my solace and peace. Where I regroup and yes maybe let it go out with the tide whatever 'it' may be that day. You can never really predict what kind of waves there will be on any given day and can change almost instantly. Some days it's quiet still and calming. Other days the waves pound hard one after another after another. Again a lot like life. Divorce. Job. Money. Insurance. Kids. One after another... And then just like the next day may be more calm. A break from the pounding. Yes I might be broke. I think there's $73 in my checking account right now. No idea how I'll buy groceries next week or gas in a few days. But I guess  if I have my feet in the sand and pockets full of shells it far far out weights a pocketful of cash. 

New start

So I decided to have a fresh start. In the blog world at least. So here I am. Broke at the beach. It sounds slightly more dramatic than needed. I think of it as humorous. That's about the only way I can look at it. Or else I would go crazy. So here's my life. And it's a good one trust me no complaints. But it's hard sometimes. But here it is. I'm 39. Going through a divorce from my high school sweetheart. Two boys 13 and 8. Living at my moms house. With my aunt. And kids. And dog. I'm unemployed. Well I substitute teach but it's inconsistent. I love my school and the people in it. I've tried hard to get a full time job there. Really really hard. But I can't seem to. So it's time to move on. I've battled the 'I need to get a job' argument in my head for months. But I'm done defending myself that I'm doing what I'm doing for the good of my kids. So yea I'm broke at the beach. But I have my kids. My family. My amazing friends. A wonderful sister. The most loyal beautiful intuitive dog in the world.  And they help in many ways. So here's to the start of a new journey. Trying to avoid cliches but sometimes it's hard. On here you'll find hopefully daily thoughts. Some sad and serious some happy and funny. Some recipes and home stuff. I'm sure lots about my kids. Lots. And hopefully some (pardon the therapy term ) self discovery. As I have no clue who I am or what's next. So. It's time to start writing. And living. And find that out.