So thanks to Tamara at Thyme for Tea for presenting me with the Cherry on Top Award! As you can see, it's for beautiful blogs with that "little bit extra!"
The rules that come with this award require me to:1. Answer this question: If you had the chance to go back and change one thing in your life, would you, and what would it be?
Oh, dear! What wouldn't I change! And yet, things worked out the way they were supposed to. I can "regret" that I didn't leave Lansing after college or even mid-point in my career, but there were key reasons why I stayed, and if I hadn't been so close, I'd be like so many of my peers who are dealing with family relationships, and particularly with aging parents, from a great distance. I wouldn't have liked that.
I guess I can only think of one thing. Retirement planning.
When I started working at the TV station 29 years ago, I figured I'd only be here short term. Maybe five years. And I had student loans. So, I never joined our TIAA-Cref plan at the basic five percent, which the university would match. After five years, I kicked in at the minimum, not aware the U would pay up to 13 percent match. I can't remember when I changed it to max it out, but I know I would be retiring a lot sooner and in a lot better shape if I'd paid better attention.
When we're young, we don't always think of things like that. SO, if you are a younger blog reader and have the opportunity to do an IRA or 401K or whatever -- all I can say is "Do it. Do it now." Fact is, all of us are living longer (or hope to) and what we thought would be a lot of money back then -- well, will it take us to 90? I'm not so sure!
2. Task number two! Pick six people for this award and let them know.
This isn't as easy as it seems -- some bloggers I adore have "award-free zones" and so I can't really present to them. Others received awards from me in the past for their terrific blogging, and while I'm far from opposed to pile on the accolades, some others newer to my list should have a chance.
So, here are six blogs I've discovered somewhat recently and really do enjoy!
Christine of "Christine's Blog."
Suzanne of "Privet and Holly."
Sandy of "It's a Jungle Out There"
Bellarum of "The Culdesac Chronicles"
Dogwood of "Pink Dogwood Blossom"
Maegan of "Plus-Size Barbie"
3. The third and final thing is: thank the person who gave me the award.
Well, duh! Thanks, Tamara! It's lovely to discover bloggers who are new to me -- which I have with you. And even lovelier when they "like" you back! It really made my day.
Congratulations, Jeanie! And so well deserved, too: seeing a post from you show up in my reader is definitely a "cherry on top" moment in my day.
ReplyDeleteRetirement... ugh... Used to write for a financial services company; turned my hair gray to read about the things I was supposed to be doing that I could never quite manage to do. You're right: never too early to start!
You are such
ReplyDeletea sweetheart and
I can see why Tamara
graced you with this
award! And, I'm
so flattered that
you have passed it
on to me. I'll look
forward to answering
these questions, soon..
It's always fun to
ruminate about the
BIG questions, isn't
it??! Thank you, Jeanie!
xx Suzanne
jeanie ~ i feel so lucky to know you, you took me under your wing and showed me so many ropes, thank you for helping me navigate this fascinating world of blogging, you deserve a cherry on top! and i graciously accept the award and look forward to posting answers :-)
ReplyDeleteWell deserved congratulations! I wish I had more time for blog hopping, but I'm always sure to check out yours - always interesting, varied and fun to read.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your award! Hope you have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteKarla
Jeanie, I wish I knew you in "real life". Your blog is authentic and stimulating and I can only imagine how much more congenial you are in person. You have an artifice for warmly drawing in the reader that many published authors never manage. For that alone you deserve an award.
ReplyDeleteAs a reader, your blog makes me feel as if I've slipped away into a world of fantasy, foreign places and crafts. Everything melts away, and just for a few moments, I'm deliciously suspended in time.
You can't know how flattered I am that you choose me for the Cherry on Top award. I only hope that I make people feel as engaged and felicitous as you do.
Thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart. You made my day!
Congratulations, Jeanie. You deserve it! I love how you share parts of your life with us. I always feel uplifted after visiting here. Thank you for nominating me. I'm very flattered.
ReplyDeleteI think all of us who are at a certain age have huge regrets about not planning well enough for retirement..especially in light of the recent economy.
ReplyDeleteBut you have to live life while you're living it too, and hindsight is always 20/20. Finding the balance is key.
I'm glad I like working, though, because I think I'll be doing it for quite a while - at least as long as they'll have me around!
Well done an award truly deserved. I love reading your blog with a cup of tea as it's so uplifting and I'm glad new poeple are finding you as well.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your sweet gypsy blog!
ReplyDeleteI knew a lady on campus who never contributed her 5%, and she had been working on campus 20 years! I couldn't believe it. Thank goodness you kicked it in sooner rather than later. It's such a wonderful, generous match our university contributes.