FRIENDSHIP 101

By Vernalee

For the record, you don’t need to take a class (Friendship 101), to determine who your real friends are. Your heart, love, body & soul, and evidence of treatment will tell you! Friends that you love and who love you; friends who care about you and your well-being; sincere friends; respectful friends……..who could ask for anything more! When you pick up your phone to talk to a true friend, it appears as if they are in the next room though they may be miles apart. Distance is immaterial. Though schedules may prevent you from getting together frequently, they are never far! Feed, water, and nurture your true friends because the value of true friendship is priceless! You are connected through your hearts and you become a blessing to each other! I am truly blessed. Are you? Photo credit: www.thedailyquotes.com

BRINGING HOME THE BACON

By Vernalee

To bring home the bacon means to earn money, particularly for one’s family; to be successful, especially financially successful; to supply means of subsistence; earn a living; attain success or reach a desired goal. For years, the man held the distinction of being the primary wage earner and the person who made the most money. That trend is changing. Women nowadays not only take care of the household but also bring home the bacon. According to the NY Times, the median household income for married women who earn more than their husbands — more often white, slightly older and college educated — is $80,000. When the wife is the primary breadwinner, the total family income is generally higher. Check out this statistic: One fourth of women earn more than their husbands. What happens to the family when the woman rises to the top and assumes this role? Here is where the debate and varying opinions occur. Some say that it is a recipe for disaster. Others say that the family is better off. A selected group contends that it’s not just about the dollars. Some men find not being the breadwinner a little unsettling. They feel that their role is being threatened. Some women breadwinners allege unfairness in that they still bear the brunt of child rearing and the abundant housework. Let’s not forget the traditional theory that children turn out better when the Mother stays home. Before a gasket is blown, there is as much agreement as there is disagreement. Where is the balance? It is a tug of war. Is there a universal answer or does it depend upon the individual family? It remains to be seen. Here's what we do know.

When women “bring home the bacon and is the top breadwinner,” it’s too much for some traditionalists. What do you think? A penny – and a slice of bacon on toasted bread with yummy grape jelly – for your thoughts! Photo credit: www.slate.com

FOR THE LOVE OF FAMILY

By Vernalee

Family! Remember them? Related through blood line, they are the people that we feel close to, grew up with, talk to, share time with as we show love - most of the time. They can also be the people that we engage in verbal warfare with, get upset with, refuse to talk to out of anger. You know the list as I do. We can for sure hold on too long to things that we should let go. The interesting thing is that there are times that we can't live with them and times that we cannot live without them! At the end of the day, there is something that we share that supersedes the frustration that we can sometimes feel. It's called family; it's called togetherness; it's called love! It’s that permanent bond that glues us together no matter how weak our individual pieces may be! Photo Credit: About Us