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There are a few people who really enjoy putting together and following a family budget but for most of us we’d rather endure a day of fingernails on a blackboard. The question is why so many of us “budgeting adverse”. I know for me, it’s the fact that I don’t like to be restricted by or told what to do even when I am the one doing the restricting and the telling! It sounds a bit crazy but I know more people like me than not.

When I am out shopping, I don’t want to ask myself if this is something I need or not even though I should. I don’t want to ask myself if this is something that is helping my situation or something that is hurting my situation; I’m shopping and that means I am looking to have a little fun and satisfaction! The thing is, after I buy something I don’t need I feel guilty about it and wonder why I bought something I don’t need yet again that has blown my finances up. Thus the circle starts again.

I realize I hate to be told what to do because I was not allowed to make my own decisions growing up but I am also no longer a child so it’s time to stop acting like one. I am now listening to the adult in me and she and I are sitting down today a creating a budget. It’s time to grow up whether it’s fun or not; it’s necessary.

Several friends have commented lately that they need more fun in their lives so I have started asking people if they play enough. It didn’t surprise me to find out that the resounding answer to this question is NO! When I asked what they felt like they did with their time the vast majority said work, both at work and at home. For those with kids, driving the kids to and from events and activities was another answer. It has become very apparent that no matter what demographic you are in you’re not having much fun.

For the few that stated they were having fun, I was surprised at what they said was fun. After all, watching TV to me isn’t fun but to some others it is. Hanging out with friends was high on the fun list for guys and gals alike and reading was another winner for the gals and there was the occasional guy who sited his job as being fun, which for them is a very good thing. If all of us could find a little more fun in our lives it just might change the way we look, act and feel. The first assignment is finding out what we deem as fun and getting out there and having some!

Visiting Nashville, TN last week was a treat! I had the chance to go see some of the damage done by the recent flood but more importantly had the opportunity to see first hand all the wonderful things the people of Nashville are doing to help those that were impacted get back on their feet. It was a joy to see.

One thing that really surprised me was the restaurants we ate at; they were magnificent! I have to admit that I went to one of them more than once and want to put a word in for anyone visiting in the future; you must go eat at the Silly Goose in East Nashville! I was amazed at the flavors of the sandwiches and thought I would die for the homemade ice cream. I don’t know how the chef comes up with these flavors but they are truly magnificent! The friends that took me there live in the area and eat at the Silly Goose several times a month and they were telling me about the Honey Beet ice cream and the Peanut Butter and Jelly ice cream just to name a few. I had the Chocolate with Salt and Cracked Pepper which was a wonderful finish to a great meal. I highly recommend it!

Considering the fact that the US is 51% Protestant and the Supreme Court will be without a Protestant on the bench after Justice Steven leaves the court, the answer to the question is no. But that brings up another couple of questions. The US Constitution is clear that there will be “no religious test” when being considered for the Supreme Court so why is it that it seems to always be considered? Also, there is no guidance what so ever as to the makeup of the Supreme as a reflection of America so why does that always come up when a new appointment is made?

I have concluded that it’s because we are dummying down in this country into a media lead society. I run with people who actually have read the US Constitution at some point but the vast majority that I ask outside my circle has never even read it! You would think we should all have a working knowledge of the Constitution if only because we send representatives to Washington that we ought to be able to hold them accountable to uphold the very document that leads our nation. But you can’t hold anyone accountable to something you know nothing about nor can you argue a point with someone who listens to the likes of a Glen Beck or a Bill O’Reilly instead of reading the US Constitution and making up their own mind.

A perfect example of being lead by the nose….