Simplify.  That has been my focus all month.  I’ve made progress by just thinking about this idea of making life easier to live every day.  Here are a few more things I’ve done.

Thing #355 – Use Dropbox. This is a great tool for keeping up with files.  Easy as pie.

Thing #354 – When you have the urge to watch the entire extended DVD version of Lord of the Rings, do it. Who cares that it takes over 11 hours.  Watch and enjoy – refuse to worry about all the other things you could be doing instead.

Thing #353 – Listen to advice. My dad told me yesterday that he heard someone once say that it was wise for a person to become an expert at preparing ten great meals.  I like that.  That is exactly what I’m looking for:  A simple way to think about something that is normally a bit of a burden – dinner.

Things #352 – #343 – My Ten Great Meals. By year’s end, I want ten new great meals.  Any ideas?

#352 – Tacos. Meat, cheese, onions, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, tortillas, and fritos.
#351 – French Dip Sandwich. Roast beef, hoagie buns, butter, au jus sauce, chips, pickle.
#350 – Dressing. Chicken, poultry seasoning, celery, onions, eggs, broth, cornbread, salt, pepper,  and NO SAGE.
#349 – Chicken Salad. Chicken, mayo, celery, eggs, walnuts, apple (optional), seasoning.
#348 – Potato Soup. Potatoes, milk, flour, butter, salt, pepper.  Add cheese.
#347 – Breakfast. Pancakes and bacon; Eggs and bacon or sausage; Grits and anything.  Love all breakfast food – except for dinner.
#346 – Corn Salad. Whole kernel corn, mayo, bell pepper, red onion, shredded cheese, seasoning, chili cheese fritos.
#345 – Chicken Quesadillas. Shredded chicken, flour tortillas, cheese, peppers and onions (optional)
#344 – Hobo Dinner. Ground beef patty, sliced carrots, thickly sliced potatoes, onions, seasoning.  Wrap in foil and bake.
#343 – Sausage Tortellini Soup. Italian sausage, onions, beef broth, carrots, spinach, garlic, cheese tortellini, basil, red wine.

Thing #342 –  Buy candles and light them every day. Some time ago I read how cosmetic companies launched a revolutionary public relations campaign at the turn of this last century to convince us all that we smelled.  For hundreds of years we found nothing unsettling about the smells around us.  We just accepted them as they were.  Well….congrats to those cosmetic companies.  They managed to create an industry by providing our noses with an alternative.  Now that I’ve smelled a sweet Yankee Candle, the smells of my house full of boys is somewhat less appealing.  Thus, I buy candles.  Besides, our economy needs a boost.

Thing #341 – Pet your dog. My youngest son got a dog for Christmas.  I had plenty of reasons to dread welcoming an indoor dog (another reason for needing candles).  But, our sweet Scottie has been precious.  Dobby (John David is a tad bit obsessed with all things Harry Potter) is affectionate and loving.  I can almost see the stress seep from my pores as I pet him.  And watching John David love on this dog with all of his heart makes my heart smile.  Wow!  Loving Thing #341.

More simple things to come…..