Neighbors & Community:

This is a picture of our neighbors Cheri and Sean. We met them over 2 1/2 years ago when they moved into our neighborhood. They ROCK!!! Tonight they came over to our house for dinner and we had a great meal and great conversation!

When I was growing up, my neighborhood was a lot different then our neighborhood is today. People got together, they talked, they ate, they communicated, they offered help or support when someone needed it. Everyone knew everyone. As a kid I knew that I was not going to get away with anything, because any one of our neighbors would rat me out. Here is the kicker, my parents would not even be upset or embarrassed--they would thank the neighbor-then dish out some punishment.

Our neighborhood is not like that. I don't know if it is the hustle and bustle of life, or if people just don't want to be bothered. In fact, I remember one of my neighbors looking at me like I had 69 heads when I suggested we have a block cookout. That is one of the reasons I feel lucky to have Cheri and Sean as neighbors.

One of my short term goals is to get more involved with both the neighborhood and the school district (now that Ben is in Kindergarten). Part of this is extending myself more. Maybe other people feel the way I do and wish someone would invite them for a cup of coffee, dinner, a chat about taxes or the weather. Who knows?? I refuse to be all talk and no action. In fact, one of our newer neighbors had a baby not to long ago, so in the next week I want to make them a card and maybe bake something and take it down to them. Get to know them better.

I am ending this entry tonight with a little recipe I whipped up in my head- it may be a little corny-but man, if we all followed it maybe things could be better...
Recipe for Community:

Mix the following in any neighborhood-

Several Families of varied backgrounds, beliefs, colors and sizes
Small chunk of Time
Cup of Tolerance
Pound of Respect
Scoop of Kindness (can substitute Friendliness)
Dash of Fellowship

Once all of your ingredients are together, have dinner.