Jill Squat
I absolutely love to read… Wuthering Heights, Little Women, Of Mice and Men, anything written by Jesse Stuart, and my all-time favorite, To Kill a Mockingbird are just a few of my preferences; however, amid my day job, taking care of Jack and our happy home, and dedicating myself to this column each week, I sometimes don’t even find the time to glance over your favorite locally owned Voice, much less dedicate myself to a full-fledged book. Ah, therein lies my problem. 
As the names of the winners scrolled down the large screen placed proudly in the front of the large banquet hall, I couldn’t help but hope, “Maybe, just maybe….”
Unlike Jack, Jeff, Renée, and Amber, I hadn’t been notified that I was the recipient of a Kentucky Press Association Award, but a little part of me still hoped beyond hope that it was a mere oversight on the part of the prestigious organization. Sure they’d notified Jack to announce that he’d come in first place in at least one category with no mention of me, nonetheless, I dreamed of having my name displayed proudly on the big screen as well.
When the young man set out for his snowy mountain climb, he couldn’t have felt more prepared. His High Sierra backpack was packed so full with basic necessities that he didn’t think he could get the zipper to close. “Better safe than sorry,” he assured himself.
As the hiker stopped later that day for a snack, he could hardly believe the beauty all around him. The brilliant, white of the snow was almost blinding against the deep cobalt blue sky. As he continued to make his way up the mountain, he became so taken aback with his surroundings that he didn’t pay attention to his steps, and before he knew it, he was tumbling down the side of the mountain.
“Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it’s the only thing.” Albert Schweitzer just may have known what he was talking about when he made this statement. We’ve all, at one time or another had someone who has had a great impact on our lives—whether it was a parent, grandparent, teacher, etc. someone has touched our lives in some way. Hopefully we can attest that the influence was a positive one.
“Starting Early”
Over the past few weeks, we have been talking about credit card debt and how to get away from it. After you get all that cleared up, then it’s time to work on saving money. How do you go about that? Where is the best place to save? Well, one thing you need to do is get started early. Nothing works better for you when saving money than time. You can research the best and most reliable, tax-friendly vehicles in which to save retirement money, but your best friend is time.
“If something needs to be done, do it—now!” I’ve always lived by this motto, and although many may disagree, I think procrastination should be considered a dirty word.
I’ve felt this way for as long as I can remember. This way of thinking especially came in handy when I was in college. I don’t know what it is about college professors in the department of education, but it seems they just can’t get enough of group assignments. I’d sometimes be assigned to a team, and the instructor would expect this small panel of strangers to work together for the common good of any given assignment.
I’ve noticed that no sooner as Christmas is over, people waste no time to begin talking about their New Year’s resolutions—from Ann Coulter on the Today Show resolving to be a better person, to the many Presidential candidates resolving to be the next US President (what a shock), people just can’t stop dwelling on the promises they make to themselves with the beginning of a new 365 ¼ solar-day-cycle.
The year 2007 proved to be one of ups and downs. Not only does the War in Iraq continue to rage, the standoff over nuclear programs continues in Iran.
In sports, the Mitchell Report, documenting baseball’s steroid problem certainly raised a few eyebrows; and Michael Vick’s part-time sporting interest in dog fighting gave sports enthusiasts across the nation something to discuss for quite some time. Not to mention the indictment of Barry Bonds, cast a sad cloud over his achievements.
The holidays can be a very stressful time of year, especially when it comes to finding the perfect gift for friends and family. We’ve all heard the adage. “It’s much better to give than to receive,” but should giving be so traumatic?
Last week I shared with you just how much I take pleasure in Christmas songs. And although I immensely enjoy the jingles I mentioned, none of them strikes a chord quite like the beautifully written, “Mary Did You Know”.
Sure, the Christmas classics I mentioned last week are songs with which we’re all familiar. I mean, who doesn’t know the words to “Jingle Bells”? And although we may not know every word to “Mary Did You Know,” the message is loud and clear. What song is more powerful than:
