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It may not feel like spring where you live, but here in Texas, we've had a mild winter and the trees are already budding out. Not being a fan of cold weather, I really welcome the warmer days, more light and feeling energized after the winter. If the weather is still winter where you are, hang in there! Spring IS just around the bend.
I've noticed a tendency (by looking at my checkbook register). It's not pretty, but it's a fact. In the winter I get bored. There is less to do and see and I can't stand to be outside in cold weather. When it's cold, I tend to shop more (online anyway). I believe we all can relate to emotional spending. I've included a great article on emotional spending I believe everyone will benefit from as much as I did. In this issue:
Winter 2005 was bleak and dreary. I was single, new to a large city and occupying a sad excuse for an efficiency apartment. Christmas was nearing, and "retail therapy" wasn't curing my solo holiday blues. It was, however, consuming the remainder of my credit limit. My Christmas spending couldn't fill my loneliness, of course, but I hoped the momentary thrill of buying things would satiate my deeper longing to be married. To my surprise, shortly before Christmas Eve, I found my husband-to-be. We married soon thereafter, and I thought my days of emotional spending were over. But immunity from the temptation of emotional spending doesn't accompany marriage. Communication problems and unmet emotional needs that occasionally burden all marriages can leave us vulnerable to the lure of things. The good news? Emotional spending is avoidable with a little common sense, communication and contemplation -- all free and readily available. Using Scotch tape for a Band-Aid According to the Journal of Financial Planning, many of us use spending as an ineffective emotional Band-Aid. Incidences of emotional spending range from minor (a dog lover buying puppy-printed paper towels when the cheaper, generic variety is just as absorbent) to major (a sexually neglected wife maxing out the credit card at a lingerie store). While emotional spending is usually impulsive, it can reach a compulsive level. We succumb for a variety of reasons. In fact, you can probably conjure up a justification to spend for each of your emotions. The most common feelings that trigger spending include:
There's nothing wrong with enjoying the resources we've been blessed with as long as we're debt-free, tithing and acting generously toward those who are less fortunate. But an epidemic of overindulgence has pillaged the personal finances of Americans. According to the Center for American Progress, household debt averaged 133.7 percent of disposable income in late 2007, a record high. With savings at the lowest level since the Great Depression, many consumers are relying on credit cards to pay essentials such as medical bills, car repairs and rent. Pain and prevention Experts recommend redirect spending urges into activities (such as date night with your spouse) that may meet the underlying need. I also find it helpful to pray for wisdom before I enter a store. Here are some additional tips to consider during the Christmas season (and year-round): "Tank up" before you head out. It's not a good idea to grocery shop on an empty stomach; it's even a worse idea to do shopping of any kind on an empty heart. If possible, spend some quality time with your spouse before heading out. Discuss recent stressors and desires. Better yet, bring your spouse with you and keep each other in check. Self-audit often. Make a shopping list. If an item not on your list ends up in your cart, ask yourself, Why am I buying this? If you can't come up with a sensible answer, you probably need to put the item back. Be sure to scan your cart again before checking out. Ask yourself if you can do better. Is there a less expensive version of the item you just chose? It might not be as attractive, but you'll leave the store with more money in your wallet. Describe the product in your own words. The shampoo says it's "degunkifying," a "fusion" of "icy pineapple" with a special "tingling potion." Really? Or is it room-temperature, pineapple-scented shampoo? Look for a product of similar quality with a cheaper price. Get the real thing. Ask yourself, What am I really trying to buy? Will a cart full of binders, day planners and gel pens really help you become more organized, or do you just need to become more disciplined using the supplies you have at home? Do you really need to shell out a small fortune for the latest mineral makeup, or would telling your husband you'd like more attention serve the same purpose? The real answer is often cheaper, more effective and more fulfilling. Carefully consider if you're looking to retail therapy for deeper answers. Are you shopping with your head -- or shopping with your heart? Erin Prater, her husband and her vast coupon collection live in Pueblo, Colo. 
Have you noticed that the dead of winter is not the most ideal time for making great change in life? The weather tends to keep us somewhat immobile (most people don't jog when it's 14 below zero). Our bodies capture and stockpile calories, making weight loss more difficult. In fact, the whole rhythm of life seems to be in a downbeat of hibernation. The release of new life in the spring would seem to be a more ideal time for change. Yet, making resolutions for an improved life is a January 1 ritual for most people. I suppose one reason is because, no matter how many years roll by, "January" always marks the border to a new beginning. In that sense, each year trips back to zero. Start over. I believe the larger reason is found in our human need for a clean slate. We all yearn for a brand-new and pristine condition. Humans, regardless of their culture or value system, carry an intrinsic need for forgiveness and a new beginning. So, an annual "starting gate" reinforces the ideal of forgiveness and renewal. This is my time for rejuvenation! We see it as a time to shed our old skin (often that is very literal . . . weight loss is the number one New Year's resolution). New Year Resolutions 2 -- Tips for Crossing the Board Into the New Year. Throughout my years and careers, I have carefully observed different approaches to life. In fact, watching people navigate change is almost an obsession with me. So, I have learned some things about New Year's resolutions. I hope these "travel tips" will be helpful if you make resolutions. 1. Be You. This may seem simplistic and unnecessary. But, we live in an age of such relentless conforming pressures, that too many people borrow their actions and attitudes from others. For example, if our own social network is intensely materialistic, then we feel pressed into compliance with externally-defined objectives ("You know, honey, we need to update our kitchen this year," or "With the kids growing up, we really should invest in a new minivan . . . "). We all tend to compare -- and, therefore, conform -- ourselves to others. One of the problems with "celebrity culture" is the imposition of false purpose. It essentially says, "Your real life is boring and unimportant. But, you can design and have a new and glamorous life." That is why I believe the starting point for life-improving resolutions is to "locate" yourself. Who are you? What are you graced and equipped to do in life? 2. Think large. I believe the best New Year's resolutions spring out of a large and long view of life. What really matters to you? How do you see your legacy? Do you have a sense of calling? If so, what are you called to do? It is always better (and easier) to work within the large scope of God's call and blessing than to operate outside it. 3. Focus on details. Once you have a large view of God's call and favor on your life, you can work out the details. In other words, you can move from the "macro" of the large canvas to the "micro" of particulars. Identifying the large themes of your life will always help to move into wise and realistic details. For example, if your life's purpose and joy revolve around caring for those who cannot care for themselves, look for reasonable places of service like hospitals, homeless shelters, or jails (NOTE: obviously, you must obtain wise counseling and professional training prior to serving in those environments). From there, you can develop intelligent goals -- number of days per month for this chosen work, number of people to serve or amount of money to contribute, etc. 4. Be specific and brief. "Improve my health" is not a good resolution. "Lose 1 pound per week" is a good one (don't think that is too small; how many people lose 50 pounds per year?). Resolutions must be simple, clear, realistic, and limited if they are to have any chance for fulfillment. I can almost promise you that a list of 20 targets, or even 10 grand goals, will quickly become discouraging and then discarded. The lists are too daunting. But, settling on 5 reasonable, active and attainable resolutions will usually find some success. 5. Pray over the list. This is the most important step. Let me tell you why. The truth of Christian life is that Jesus lives through us. In a beautiful conundrum, He is the designer, the power, and the provision for new life. Our primary role is to die to ourselves. So, developing a list (of any kind) should be a prayerful meditation rather than a methodical exercise. It is a matter of integrating His will into your daily walk more than developing a "wish list" for a preferred life. Let me give you an example. One year ago, Joanne and I felt like the Lord invited us to strengthen relationships with a few people whom we knew only casually. We weren't tired of old friends and just wanting a "new and improved" group; we really heard it as something He directed. So, we listed those who were on our hearts and submitted it to the Lord. We regularly prayed over it. But, we didn't lay out any kind of strategy. In fact, we did very little about the list (beyond occasional email messages or a Saturday morning Starbucks run). We prayed over the list. In writing this, I looked up at the list of 16 names. For the first time, I realized that nine of them have become good friends this year. All of that happened through an energy which came from the Lord, not from any brilliant or heroic efforts on our part. New Year Resolutions 3 -- All Things New One year from now, your life will encompass new experiences (some painful, some delightful), new friendships, new opportunities and challenges and new ideas. Whether you are religious or not, most of those will flow from your God-designed destiny. They will, in a sense, "invade" your life from outside yourself. Most will not be the result of any creative "blueprints for change" which you designed or initiated. Therefore, the best resolution for any season of life is simply to get in sync with the higher rhythms and reasons of your life. Contemplate the path which seems illuminated by God's purpose and favor. His plans are unique for each individual; He never seems to operate according to conventional wisdom or tradition (remember that Red Sea thing? That was not only brilliant, but He only did it once!). Finding that deliciously unique and personal path is one of the great challenges and fulfillments of life. As you do, you will also find that a "work list" emerges very naturally out of that path. Jesus said, "I make all things new." (Revelation 21:5). The real issue is not resolutions for a new year, but finding the state of "all things new." When we do, each year becomes another adventure in letting go of the old and crossing over into the new. When we know His newness, every day is a clean slate. Ed Chinn is an organization consultant and free lance writer from Fort Worth, Texas (edchinn@charter.net). His work has appeared in the Christian Science Monitor, The Washington Post, Opinion Journal.com and the Fort Worth Star Telegram. 
ToteTrac is a storage rack system that holds a variety of plastic storage totes of all sizes and shapes. It mounts to the joists or rafters of your ceiling in your garage or any room in your home. It can also be mounted to walls for side storage. ToteTrac holds the totes from the handle, rim or lip of the totes. Unlike other complex storage systems, ToteTrac was designed with minimal parts for ease of installation. Each ToteTrac pack comes with all the hardware you'll need to install. Each individual Trac comes with 2 brackets and 2 bolts. In addition, each package comes with a variety of hangers for bicycles, ladders or whatever you may need to hang. Frequently Asked Questions Q. How much stuff can the ToteTracs hold? A. Each Set of ToteTracs can hold up to 400 lbs and the Tracs are easily expandable to add on as many Tracs as needed. Q. How easy is it for one person to install the ToteTrac? A. The ToteTrac is extremely easy to install for one person. All it takes is 2 screws and you’re ready to start storing! Q. Can the ToteTrac be installed on a Drywall ceiling? A. Yes, the ToteTrac can be installed in A finished (drywalled) ceiling, or an unfinished ceiling. The screws supplied are long enough and built to go through drywall. Q. Will my garage door be able to clear the ToteTracs? A. Yes, the ToteTracs are designed to fit over a garage door. The amazing thing about ToteTracs are that they can fit any size totes! Q. Can I buy the ToteTrac at the local store? A. No, the only place to purchase ToteTrac is on their website or by calling (714) 668-3004. Q. How many ToteTrac sets can I install in my garage? A. Depending on the size of the garage, the ToteTracs can be used to fill the entire ceiling of the garage. A standard 1 car garage is 200 square feet, and the Collectors Pack holds 22 Totes at 55 square feet. Q. What do I do if I am having trouble installing my ToteTrac System? A. First, you should go to the website and download the instruction. For additional assistance, call (714) 668-3004 for customer service. Q. What are some suggested uses for ToteTracs? A. ToteTracs are used to store bins, containers or totes. From the ToteTrac system you can hang bicycles, surfboards, sports bags, or any other item with a handle. Q. How do I hang other stuff from my ToteTrac System? A. Skis, Snowboards, Surfboards, luggage, etc. can easily be hung in between the Tracs. All you need to do is hook up 2 bungee cords between the Tracs and let them hang. You can also use the hooks supplied to hang additional clutter. Q. What type of accessories do you suggest for my ToteTracs? A. ToteTrac, Inc. supplies you with Bike Hooks, Ladder Hooks, and Utility Hooks, but if those do not hold everything you need, we recommend Bungee Cords and Carabineers. Q. Can I use bins or containers that I already have? A. Yes, just make sure that they fit the compatible tote description located on the Compatible Totes Tab. Q. How can ToteTracs be installed on the wall? A. ToteTracs easily work on walls. All you need to do is refer to the instructions and apply them to your wall joists. Units are reasonably priced from $59 to $89.
I hope you enjoyed the March 2009 issue of Messy Makeover Magazine. I consider it a privilege that you took your valuable time to subscribe and read this magazine. If you feel you've missed an issue, please be sure to allow this publication on your email server/browser. You can always check the back issues by clicking on the link below. In next month's issue:
Stay tuned for the next issue! Toodles! Return to top of March 2009 Issue |
