January 26, 2010

Today, I think I can say that I'm grateful for finding the power of "free." I know that sounds funny. But when you're working on a single income, free is a very powerful word.

We were able to have a great time at a local museum today because they are free from 4-8 every Tuesday evening. You do have to pay for the special exhibit, but that was on $3 a person. The current exhibit was about circus folk. I've been looking at the billboards for it everywhere here, and honestly didn't seem that interested in it. But since it was cheap, we decided it would be a nice thing to do before Tom left. It's a good thing too because Ellie loved it. There was a clown show that we got some great pictures of her, and some pretty cute videos.

Its things like that that make you value free. In today's economy, more and more people are worried about what's in their bank accounts, stocks, wallets, driveways, etc. There is an all state commercial out right now that I absolutely love. Its talking about how times are hard financially, but to use this time wisely to reconnect with your family. Free is more than just penny pinching. When we're looking for free things to do, most things are centered around spending real, quality time with one another. It helps us bond as a family. Learning how to create new toys and puzzles from cereal boxes is free, and yet, Ellie will gain so much from it.

Free is awesome, whatever your reason. You can't put a price on the time you have with your family, but free activities help you cement your bonds with one another.

"Realize that now, in this moment of time, you are creating. You are creating your next moment. That is what's real."
--Sara Paddison, The Hidden Power of the Heart

Good night.