What does it make you feel like when you can't complete a purchase until you select what percentage of a tip you want to leave? How about when the card reader asks if you would like to donate to this or that? Or, maybe round up your purchase to the next dollar? It is so awkward to say "no" and I don't have a problem saying "yes" from time to time, but I have been asked the same question five different times in one afternoon, all for different charities!
Believe it or not, I am a softy for giving a couple of dollars to someone standing on a street corner with a sign. But when they pull out their cell phone and start texting.... nah... I am not going to contribute to that.

And that is just part of the frustration!

Surveys, government handouts, donations, junk mail, advertisements, digital answering services, the list goes on and on! Join me on today's podcast, "Are You Kidding Me?" and see if you agree, or if you think I am just being snarky.

We all have memories of Christmases past. Maybe a Christmas when we received a new bike, or had special family time, or provided service to someone. Remembering those Christmases can bring us warm, sweet feelings and we try to recreate those feelings for those we love, now.
On this podcast we will read a story about going home with a college friend for the holidays, sneaking an early Christmas present while outsmarting Santa, and being an observer or someone's favorite Christmas gift.
Sit back and relax, or jump in your car and go for a Christmas story ride and remember your Christmases from long ago while listening to a few of mine. Merry Christmas!

Nothing brings "the feeling of Christmas" like a Christmas story. This week on the podcast I share a little story from my husband from the year 1959. It was the year that he learned Christmas was more about family than gifts.
Rick Lauber's story - A Christmas Present, Delayed - tells the story of a young man who finds that someone else's Christmas present becomes a gift for him.
And then there is a surprise story that isn't about a particular family but shows how we are all brothers and sisters at heart.
And the last short story is about dads and daughters at Christmas time.
Get yourself a cup of cocoa, sit by the Christmas tree and enjoy!