by Brenda Krueger Huffman

Created on: December 23, 2009

I was inspired this morning watching my husband replacing two parts to fix our electronic garage door opener. Just a few years ago any “broken” anything around our house would have prompted an immediate call from my husband to a company that “replaces” whatever it was that broke for them to send someone to our house to take care of it.  The thought of fixing it would have been secondary to replacing it, and the thought of my husband actually fixing it himself, well, that just makes me smile.  (In defense of his manliness, he could fix it, but he never would have thought to go that route.)  Upon the garage door opening and closing properly again, he was actually excited and proud to show me his handiwork proclaiming – “I did it”.  It secretly reminded me of when I occasionally baby sit my friend’s 2 and 3 year old boys and how they are thrilled when they put their shoes on by themselves or navigate bringing a glass of ice tea to me without spilling a drop on the floor.  Similar to my reaction to them in these instances, I was all smiles and happy to attest to my husband’s achievement confirming his pride in accomplishment.  I’m not making fun of him. I’m simply noticing more these days how everyone likes to feel and share successes even in little things no matter what their age or background.  It’s the everyday pleasures that count again.

I realized it’s just like my feeling of pride when I cook a delicious dinner meal for my family.  Just a couple of years ago, the hectic work schedule of our two CEO family had us eating out 5 nights a week on a regular basis.   Our 60 hour or more a week work schedules have slowed down as the economy has slowed down, and as a result, so has our income.   We eat out 2-4 times per month now.  I am cooking our dinner the rest of the days per month.  This necessity of a thriftier lifestyle has been a big change and yet has been a big blessing to me also as it turns out.  I have rediscovered how much fun I have cooking and that I love to cook again.  I’m just as proud that I am a good cook as I am that I am a good executive.  I put the same amount of attention to detail in both endeavors and equally enjoy the “great job” accolade for either when given.

I grew up in a family with both parents being wonderful cooks.  I’m very lucky.  My

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