Gossip, Rumors, and other negativity

I am not one for drama.  I prefer to avoid conflicts and only stand up for things when I really feel I have to and because of that it seems that everyone comes to me with all of thee gossip, rumors, and drama that is swirling about.  Honestly, it is my fault.  I have let people do this for the last couple of years.  I think I have just realized I need to remove myself from it and be more vocal to stop it.  I have also allowed myself to be sucked in to it on occasion and participated more than I should.  So because of that, it is time for me to take a step back and prioritize who my friends are, stand up for people, and try to put an end to being someone to come too with all of the juicy information.  There is a difference between being a friend and listening to a complaint or issue and sitting by while they spew negativity that may or may not be true about others.  Especially when I don't know the other people involved.  Gossip is basically one side of the story and I know there are at least 3 sides to everything.  Each person has their own version of the truth and then there is the actual truth.  Most gossip is even further removed from the person telling it because they aren't present to start with and are continuing to further a story that has been through who knows how many people first.  Do you remember playing telephone as a child?  It goes from something innocent like so and so was at the park to She was at the park with this person and she was beating her kids.  From this point on, I am going to try and only forward on things that are necessary and that I have knowledge of.  Not furthering gossip and rumors or putting out negative information that is no one's business but those involved.  I have to do this for my own sanity.  I am busy enough without extra drama that doesn't even involve me.  


Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you.  ~Spanish Proverb

 What you don't see with your eyes, don't witness with your mouth.  ~Jewish Proverb

Homemade Granola Bars

It is amazing just how simple making snacks and ingredients can be.

The biggest chemical laden snack (and expensive) that my kids love are granola bars.  There are a lot of recipes out there but they all vary and some work better than others.  So here is my current take and the kids seem to like them.  It is really pretty simple and you can change up the recipe to make different flavors.  Today's recipe is almond chocolate chip.  Mostly because it sounded good and I had the ingredients on hand.  It takes maybe 10 minutes to make unless you count waiting for them to cool.


Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup honey
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 cup crispy rice cereal
1/3 cup toasted almonds
2 teaspoons flax seeds
2 cups of oats
mini chocolate chips


Directions:
1. Toast the almonds
2. In a saucepan heat butter, honey, and brown sugar over med heat.  Let it bubble stirring constantly for about 2 minutes.  You need to make sure the sugar is completely dissolved.
3.  While the sugar mixture is is dissolving mix the oats, flax seeds, almonds, and cereal in a bowl.
4. Once the sugar mixture is ready, add a teaspoon of vanilla to the sugar mixture.
5. Pour the sugar mixture into the oat mixture and stir.
6. When it is combined, pour it into an 8x8 pan and press down until firm and an even layer.
7. Once it is mostly cooled top with chocolate chips and press them down on the mixture.  If you do this too soon, the chocolate chips will melt.  In which case spread them out and have chocolate topped granola bars.
8. Once completely cooled, cut into 12 bars

That is it!  You can also replace some or all of the butter with peanut butter and could easily add raisins, coconut, or other dried fruits.  You don't even have to use nuts and it still comes out great.  If you don't have the cereal, you can just add more oats to get the right consistency.