Quote

Happiness is a simple game of lost and found:  Lose the things you take for granted, and you will feel great happiness once they are found.

Richelle E. Goodrich

Thought for the day - harm reduction

With everything that has gone on over the last month....and it's a lot....i have decided to make some changes for the better.  i am determined to conquer my smoking habit by the end of the year.  That gives me roughly a month.  Easier said than done, i know, but it's time and frankly, i have too much going for me to remain a slave to my addiction.

Yesterday, i completed my first day of harm reduction.  i have searched many methods to quit smoking and i think that this is going to be the one that works best for me.  i will eventually transition over to the patch as well but this is how i am starting.  i cannot quit cold turkey simply because i do not want my body to go into shock, which is a distinct possibility.  So, this is going to work for me come hell or high water!

With harm reduction, i have to let a certain amount of time pass in between cigarettes.  You'd be surprised how many i can go through without thinking about it, so this works for me.  And, i can keep track of the time with an alarm on my phone.  Mid day, i increase the amount of time between cigarettes.  Then, the next day i begin with the last amount of time from the previous day.  It may seem a little OCD, but i need that kind of structure if i am going to succeed at this.

The hardest part is going to be first thing in the morning.  i get up around 5:30, start the coffee going, feed the kitty and have a cigarette on the porch.  Every day.  i'm going to have to definitely change this routine so that smoking is not one of the first things that i do each day.  That is really going to be tough for me, but i can do it.  Who knows?  Maybe i'll start actually eating breakfast each day.  We shall see!

Anyway, this is one of my changes and i am happy about it.  i will be checking in here from time to time with updates.  Wish me luck!

Cheers!

10 Things That Make Me Happy

1. Boxing

2.  Coffee brewing

3.  Finches

4.  Kaleidoscopes

5.  Weeble Wobbles

6.  The smell of candles blown out

7.  Toccata and Fuge in D Minor

8.  I'm Still Here

9. Sacrifice

10. Garfield

Thought for the day

It has been a long time since I have blogged.  Mainly, it is because school, work and my internship are keeping me very busy this semester. But, it is also because I really don't know what to say these days. There is so much going on in the world, this country in particular, that it makes my head spin.  I have gotten very scared and depressed with our current political climate and have not really know how to express that.  It frustrates me that by the time that I have come to a point in my life where I have an interest in politics, due largely to studying social work, that this is the political climate we are in. It is very disheartening. I hate to be that person who creates his own bubble to exist in, but I have done that to a degree.  I avoid politics and the media whenever I can.  It's nothing more than some reality show circus mentality and I don't have the patience for that these days.

Anyway, school is going well, just very busy. It seems like every time I turn around, I have another paper to write.  Granted, none of them are extremely long papers, but never the less there they are. Currently working on 3 different ones.  Good times!  I am enjoying my internship, but I have to keep reminding myself that this is a learning process that sometimes moves slowly.  The residents where I work are wonderful and I am developing good relationships with them, which I enjoy.

And I have some personal things that I am working on and working through. When you're a student and constantly have stuff going on, there does not seem to be much time for anything else.  I have to work on that time management thing...as always, a never ending process.  There are things I need to do and people I care about that I need to make time for, simple as that.  It's just hard sometimes when you're trying to stay focused on one thing because that is your long term goal.  I will figure out a way to get it done, it's just a bumpy road at times. I keep thinking back to my parents and am trying to learn from their examples.  They both, when I was growing up, did so many things with their time that I often wonder how they did it.  Of course, they didn't have the internet and social media like we do today so that gave them a huge chunk of time LOL  But, I will get there one way or another.

Anyway, I just wanted to pop in and write a little something so that I can get myself back into this habit.  I enjoy the blog and need to keep it up more.  If I'm going to have a habit, it might as well be something constructive for me.  Enjoy your day!

Cheers

Faith and reflection - where I needed to be

I have not been to church in a few weeks.  Right before my semester began, I got a nasty summer cold that took forever to go away.  That first Sunday, I just did not feel like doing anything, so I did not.  The next Sunday I was better but still had annoying persistent cough.  I did not want to be that person who interrupted the tranquility of the service by going on a coughing rampage or constantly unwrapping cough drops during the sermon.

Today, the third Sunday I was absent, was different.  This morning I was sitting on one of my best friend's porch, talking and drinking coffee.  The weather was beautiful and I soaked it all in.  I spent last night at Jason's to help look after the dogs and to do some much needed catching up with Jason.  His partner has been very ill and in the hospital.  We went to see him for a while last night.  He did look much better than I anticipated and he is definitely on the road to recovery.  Some people do not believe in the power of prayer, and that is their right, but I feel that the prayers of Jason and Frankie's friends and family have helped him to improve.

Anyway, as I was sitting outside this morning, I started to feel some pangs of guilt that I would not make it back to Greensboro in time for church.  I have been absent from my pew for three weeks and I wondered if anyone would notice I had not been there or be concerned.  And then it dawned on me not to feel this way.  Just because I am not in church today does not mean that my relationship with God has changed or that He is disappointed in me for not showing up.  Church goes beyond architecture and not being inside that building today is ok.  I realized that I was where God needed me to be and that felt good, admittedly.

I do enjoy the physical act of being in church, especially College Park.  But we, as a congregation, are so much more than just being in that building.  If I'm only a Christian for one hour a week, then there's really not much point in being one anyway.  We did not do anything religious this morning.  We didn't sing hymns or quote scripture.  But God was there with us and I was where I was needed at that particular moment.

Thought for the week - first week down

i have not blogged much at all this week.  School started back for me on Monday and, needless to say, it has been a very busy week.  Getting back into the routine of going to class is exciting and exhausting at the same time LOL  But, over all it was a great week and i enjoyed it.  Except for being sick.  i'm ready to be done with this summer cold!

i like all of my classes so far.  The professors all seem very enthusiastic, which is great!  It's going to be a lot of work, though.  i already have a good amount of homework to do.  Oh well, such is life.  We had our BSW Field Seminar on Thursday.  It was great to see my fellow students and get lots of good information.  However, there were over 150 of us in an un air conditioned gym which sucked.  Luckily we finished up early.

Michael and i had plans for the weekend, going camping and tubing with friends.  i really was looking forward to it, but this cold has kept me down.  i was feeling better throughout the week, but when i woke up on Friday, did not feel so hot.  So, i had to forego this trip and send Michael on without me.  That's totally fine because he can use some relaxation with friends.  Not that i couldn't, but camping is not always the best option when you don't feel well.  And my stomach is grateful to be near my bathroom...oh well.  i am feeling better today, though and that's good.

Anyway, i am looking forward to all of the challenges that lay ahead of me.  It's going to be an extremely busy semester and no doubt that i will, out of necessity, sharpen my time management skills.  That will be a good thing for me, definitely.

Quote

"How far that little candle throws his beams!  So shines a good deed in a weary world."

                           William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice

Thought for the day

Today has been a good today.  It was...hopefully...my last first day of fall semester as an undergraduate.  It has been a LONG time coming, but i'm so proud to have made it this far again.  This semester is going to be incredibly busy but i am looking forward to the challenge.

i only have one class on Mondays.  It's a Gen Ed class, but i think it's going to be fun.  The professor knows his stuff and seems to be enthused about the class.  Plus, there is not a text book for this class, only online readings that he will post.  Whew!  Books are so expensive.  i stopped by the bookstore after class to look at other books i'm going to need for my social work classes and they came to almost $300 for 3 books, one of which was used.  That's kind of ridiculous!!  You'd think that since we're future social workers that they would give us a break...it's not like we're in this for the money LOL  Oh well.  i have a feeling i will be shopping at Amazon this week!!

i sat for awhile outside of the EUC while waiting on a friend, listening to music and just people watching.  The temperature today has been mild, so it was nice out.  And people watching is so much fun, especially on a college campus because there are all types of people!  i enjoy seeing that freshman energy so many of them have.  i wanted to say enjoy it while it lasts, but didn't want to burst anyone's bubble LOL

Anyway, it was a great first day and i am really looking forward to the rest of the week and the rest of the semester.  i have worked hard to get here and will work hard to keep going until that degree is in my hands!!!!  That is all!

Cheers

Quote

"I suspected, however, that I wasn't homesick for anything I would find at home when I returned.  The longing was for what I wouldn't find:  the past and all the people and places there were lost to me."

Alice Steinbach, Without Reservations:  The Travels of an Independent Woman

Thought for the day

Even though i'm still sick, better but still sick, i am quite looking forward to going back to school next week.  i have some interesting classes to look forward to, both  major and non major (finishing up gen eds) so it should be exciting.  i am also looking forward to being back in a regular routine.  i do better when i have a routine.  Of course, with work, there will not be as much downtime as i have had this summer, but so it goes.  And i won't be able to work as much as i had been just because of my class schedule.

Tuesdays and Thursdays i will be at my internship from 8-5 every week, both semesters.  i still have no clue as to what i will be doing there exactly, but i am looking forward to the challenge.  It will definitely be a good experience for me.  And on Wednesdays i will have class from 8 am until 9 pm.  Now that's a long ass day!  Oh well.  i can handle that.

This year, i am definitely going to have to find a good way of balancing everything.  i will work hard in my classes but i need to find time for other things as well.  Life goes on beyond school.  And it's important to do other things and have a more well rounded life.  i have work and church, but i will add more to my list.  Some things need to be done just for the joy of doing them, if nothing else.

Either way, it is going to be an amazing year and i can't wait to get it started.  Now, to get rid of this cold!  LOL  Oh well.

Cheers!

An old family photo - Grandmother Bivens and her children

i chose this picture today because it's one of the few pictures i have seen of Grandmother Bivens and all of her adult children.  In fact, it might be the only one i know of with just them in it.  And the fact that it's a color picture taken sometime in the early/mid 50's by a non professional photographer (at least i think it's non professional) is pretty cool.  This was taken at the back of the family home, Edgewood Farms.  They are standing behind the kitchen.  You can see the beautiful bay window, which was removed after we sold the house, to the dining room on the left side of the picture.  From left to right there is Sara Orr, John Bivens, Jane Carroll, Grandmother Bivens, Billie Snipes Hinson, Mary Lee Tyner and Dorothy Laney.

Antique of the week

This belonged to Grandmother.  She always called it the book press.

i'm not sure if that's what it would be, but that's what it was always called.  It has the 2 rods that can lower the center piece all the way down.  The back of the piece opens up as well.  It's an interesting piece, but i just would love to know more about what it is and how it was used.

For as long as i remember, this sat on one of the book cases in Grandmother's den.  Like everything else i own, it definitely needs some cleaning!  Otherwise, it's an interesting conversation piece.  Any information would be much appreciated!

Thought for the day - move in day

Today is move in day on campus.  i have to admit that i'm glad i am not having to deal with that...especially in this heat.  But, it does bring back some good memories of my first move in day.  We caravanned from Monroe to Greensboro.  Mom driving the lead car with Grandmother, me behind them and Dad in his truck behind me.  This was back in the olden days before cell phones, so we had to keep track of each other and Mom, being in front, had the map and directions.  When we got to Greensboro, Mom, being the speed demon driver that she was, ran a red light.  i got so angry because i had no choice but to stop and i didn't know where i was going.  i was physically raising hell in the front seat because i didn't know where to go.  So, when the light turned green, i made the left turn that Mom had run through and luckily she had pulled off to the side of the road waiting on us.  It still irked me though LOL

The dorm was easy enough to find.  Hinshaw on the quad.  i got the keys and we went up to the room to check it out.  Adam was already there with his Mom, Rachel.  i think he'd already picked his side of the room, which didn't matter much to me.  In those days, there was no A/C or cable, so it's not like you really needed to choose your bed on those credentials.  Anyway, we'd not met before, so the families did introductions and we set back off downstairs, this was the 3rd floor mind you, to begin unloading.  Grandmother got her needlework out of the car and spent the next hour or so in the common area crocheting while we carried things up.  Luckily, some student organization, i think it was a Baptist student something actually, was on hand to help us move.  That was a huge help and it didn't take long at all.

We didn't actually unpack much at all.  This was on a Friday and since classes didn't begin until Monday, i had all weekend.  Plus, it was hot in the room LOL  We all went to K&W for lunch.  Rachel rode with me and after a few moments of conversation, it was clear that Adam and i would be good roommates.  After lunch, we found the place where Mom had rented a parking space for me off of campus.  In those days, there were also no parking decks so parking was a premium.  And after that, we went back to the dorm.

Goodbyes were said and Mom, Dad and Grandmother headed back to Greensboro.  i got emotional after they left.  i had never really been away from home much in my life and this was to be a whole new experience for me.  And, yes, those first few weekends of college i went home a lot but that eventually changed.  i was off on a new life, something different.  And, even though things did not turn out exactly as i had planned the first time around, that first day of moving into my first dorm is one that i will never forget.

Cheers

Thought for the day

i'm sick.  Fun fun!  i don't particularly enjoy being sick, but then again, who does?  i will say, though, that this is really the first time i've been sick since i parted ways with PepperMoon, so that's a pretty good accomplishment!  i guess being back in school has kept me more active and that helps.  And, as i said on FB, i'm glad i'm sick this week and not next when school begins again.

When i get sick, i always think of Mom.  i used to get depressed when i was sick because it was one time that i really just wanted my mother.  She was a great nurse when we were sick as children.  She took very good care of us and made us feel better.  It really did make me quite sad when i would get sick and know that she's not here to help me.

But this time, i'm not depressed.  Today, i'm thinking more about Mom's nature and how she dealt with things and am quite admirable of those qualities in her.  There were times during her treatments that she was quite ill, but even then i am sure we only saw a portion of what she felt.  She always took care of everyone else.  And even though she did allow herself to be taken care of at times, that was not her first impulse.  It was only when her body would not physically let her do what she needed to do that she really became a patient to others.

i've always believed that she was in the mindset that just because one is sick, life goes on.  And she went on with her life as best she could for as long as she could.  And, truly, it's the little things that were important to her.  Cooking dinner, baking pound cakes, writing letters, phone calls...letting others know that she was thinking of them and they were important to her...that is what mattered the most.  Making sure her family was provided for and cared for....that was important.  Now, Michael and i don't have children other than our fur baby, Squirt, but i realized today that just because i feel like crap on a stick does not mean that Squirt doesn't still need care.  i've taken him out on walks and catered to his needs despite feeling bad.  And last night, i didn't truly feel like cooking, but i did it anyway.  Nothing complicated, just Mom's vegetable beef soup recipe.  i wanted Michael to have something home cooked when he got home from work so i compromised by making something that took little skill LOL  Today, i've done a little cleaning and a few other things around the house.  i did manage to rest some when i needed to, but i really wanted to keep the household things going as much as possible.

The point is that Mom was not one to let being sick keep her down very often.  It's a good goal for me to strive towards.  That is all.

Cheers

Recipe of the week - Spiced Peaches

Spiced or pickled peaches were a staple of my childhood.  Mom canned them for many years.  When i ran across this recipe, it reminded me of those peaches.  This is a good recipe when you do not have the time to can them yourself.  It's quick, easy and tasty!

2 (29 ounce) cans cling peaches (halves or slices)
1&1/3 cups sugar
1 cup cider vinegar
4 (3-inch) sticks cinnamon
2 tsps whole cloves

Drain peaches, reserving the syrup.  Combine the peach syrup, sugar, vinegar, cinnamon sticks and cloves in a saucepan.  Bring mixture to a boil.  Lower heat and simmer 10 minutes.  Pour the hot syrup over the peaches and let cool.  Chill thoroughly before serving.  Store in the refrigerator.

*when i the liquid came to a boil, it foamed very quickly and flowed out of the pan some so keep an eye on it when cooking.

Enjoy!

10 Things That Make Me Happy

1.  Carol Burnett in Annie

2.  Fresh, clean sheets on the bed

3.  Lime Sherbet

4.  Recipe cards

5.  Disney World

6.  Orange Blossom

7.  Tiffany Lamps

8.  The Trolley Song

9.  Hummingbirds

10.  Biltmore

Thought for the day

Where does the time go?  It amazes me that my summer "vacation" is coming to an end.  This next week will be my last week "off" until classes begin on the 22nd.  It seems just like yesterday that it was time for finals.  Oh well.

Admittedly, i have not been as productive or adventurous as i wanted to be this summer.  But i do not regret it by any means.  All in all, it has been very relaxing.  We had a great trip to TN in June.  We got to see some people throughout the summer months.  Had a wonderful 4th of July party here at the house.  So, i am pleased.

i definitely have things i need to get done this week before school starts.  Things around the house and such.  Also, i need to do some back to school shopping.  Lord knows i need a new pair of sneakers!  But, i'm sure that i will manage to get things done in the appropriate time!  We shall see!

And it is Sunday.  It should be a day of rest but i do want to get some things done out in the garage today.  At least i will work up a good sweat.  And who knows what i will find out there.  Hope you all have a wonderful day and a fruitful week ahead!

Cheers

Quote

"Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be."

                                                                                         Abraham Lincoln

Showtune of the week - Moments In The Woods

i'm choosing another Sondheim this week.  Into The Woods is a favorite show of mine and am so thankful that it was filmed for PBS.  Joanna Gleason is spot on in this role.  And i love the lyrics to this number....really makes one appreciate what one has.

Enjoy!

Thought for the day - old electronics

Today, while i was working out in the garage, i decided to load up some our old electronics into the car so that i can take them to the electronics recycling center here in town.  It's nice to be able to see more floor space in the garage now, but i hate that things like tv's that are old but still working there really is no use for.  Everyone has flat screens, which is fine, but older tv's get put by the wayside.  Both of our old tv's work, we just don't need or use them anymore.

One was Grandmother's last tv.  While i'm truly sorry that it's going to be let go of, i really see no need of keeping it.  Yes, i have wonderful memories of watching tv with Grandmother, but i have to keep telling myself that the memories are of her and not the actual tv itself.   That makes things a lot easier!

 Also, i am getting rid of her small tape player/radio that no longer works.  i did use it until it died, but it's just been sitting in the garage gathering dirt and dust and needs to go.  This one is a little more difficult to let go of but the fact that it no longer works helps.  We gave this to Grandmother for her birthday one year, late 80's or early 90's.  It sat in her breakfast room just off of the kitchen.  i made lots of tapes for her of the kinds of music she, Mom and i all loved.  And i know she really enjoyed it.  She would turn it on and play music while she cooked....which was a lot.  Of course, having hearing aids, she played it really loud LOL  but that was part of the charm of the whole situation!

Like i said though, these things are no longer useful or practical so it's time for them to go.  Now, i know they'll ask at the recycling center about what still works and what does not, so who knows what will become of the working items.  Let's hope they have a use for it.  And if not, at least it is still being recycled!

Cheers!

An old family photo - Mama Laney, Aunt Elizabeth and Grandmother

It's a rarity to find a picture of Mama Laney, my Grandfather's mother, so i always enjoy it when i come across one.  She didn't have her picture taken very often.  i'm not exactly sure when this picture was taken, but given Grandmother's appearance, i would think this was sometime in the 40's but i cannot be absolutely sure.  Either way, it's a treasured picture!

Antique of the week - Chinese jewelry box

i ran across this piece yesterday while i was going through yet another box out in the garage.  It is a small handpainted Chinese jewelry box.  i'd forgotten all about it until i found it again yesterday.

i got this from Grandmother, per usual, years ago when i was a child.  She got it from her sister, Mary Lee whom it was given to by her sister-in-law, Belle Tyner.

The crack on the top has been there as long as i have owned it.  Belle was a missionary in China and sent and brought back many gifts for her family.  This is one of those treasures.  Now, i do not know if this was made for export or not, but it's still beautiful.

i love the way it expands.

and keeps on expanding!

It had a few sentimental treasures in it that'd i'd also forgotten about.  But i'll save that for another day!

Cheers!

Thought for the day - grocery store fun

Yesterday i went to Harris Teeter.  i don't normally shop there because i prefer Food Lion's prices and it's closer to the house.  Or, if i feel like driving a bit, i will go to Aldi.  i use to shop at HT all of the time.  i remember when we got one in Monroe.  It was right beside the Monroe Mall.  But, the older i get the less i shop there.  It has grown a lot and the more it grows, the more upscale it becomes and that's just not the grocery experience i want.  i just want groceries....at a good price.  i'm not there for an experience.

Anyway, i happened to be near a HT yesterday because i was dropping off some things at Goodwill, which is in the same shopping center.  So, i figured that i might as well go there since it was so convenient to my circumstances.  i've been to this particular HT many times.  It does not get the upkeep and attention it needs because it is not in the best section of town...surprise.  Only one of the automatic doors was working yesterday...the other one kept getting stuck so they locked it shut.  When i walked in, and mind you this was 10 a.m., the shopping carts were all askew in every direction.  It was just different from what i was use to in a HT.  It didn't bother me really because everyone has off days...including grocery stores.

The shopping itself was fine once i figured out where everything was that i needed.  My problem was in the checkout.  There were no lanes open.  Well, that's not exactly true.  There was one lane "open" with 2 elderly customers each with a cart full.  And behind the 2nd one in line, the chain was up and the sign saying "please use next register".  Of course, the next register had the same chain and sign up.  And the next and the next until i ended up back in the frozen foods.  So, i had to do the self check out.  i hate those!  Every item i scanned the machine told me to wait for the attendant.  The attendant never came and eventually the machine would let me continue.  Several times it told me to take the item back out of the bag and re scan it, even though it scanned through the first time.  And those plastic bags are very hard to get out of their dispenser.  Almost all of my bags ended up with holes in them from just trying to get them off of the rack.

Now, like i said, this may have been an off day there.  Normally, the staff is very friendly and cordial but no one seemed invested yesterday.  i get that.  i also understand that management often has to stretch people due to budgets.  i get that.  And even though they don't yell at you when you come through the door like at Cold Stone Creamery or Moe's, a few pleasentries would've been nice.  i won't say that i'm not going back there, but i'll take my Food Lion peeps any day first.  Bottom line...i enjoy working....but not when i'm shopping

Recipe of the week - Parmesan Zucchini and Corn

i found this recipe off of a website called damndelicious.net.  i was looking for new recipe for zucchini because i didn't feel like just sauteing it this time.  We loved it and will definitely do it again!

2 Tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 zucchinis, diced
1 cup of corn
1/4 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp dried thyme
salt and pepper
Lemon juice
Parmesan cheese

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.  Saute garlic until it becomes fragrant.  Add zucchini, corn, basil, oregano and thyme.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini becomes tender and cooked through.  Season with salt, pepper and lemon juice.  Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve.

* the original recipe called for the juice of 1 lime, but i had lemon in stock...worked well
* it also uses cilantro in the original recipe added when you add the lemon juice
* i peeled the zucchini but you can leave the peel on.
* i used shredded parm instead of grated and thought it added good texture to the dish.

Enjoy!

10 Things That Make Me Happy

1.  Gone With The Wind Lamps

2.  The Flintstones

3.  Smarties

4.  Andrea Martin in My Big Fat Greek Wedding

5.  The Sears Christmas Wish Book

6.  Be Our Guest

7.  Poptarts

8.  Baked Potatoes

9.  Bubble Lights

10.  Cut Glass

Thought for the day

Now that summer's almost over, i've decided it's time to get off of my butt and do something constructive......FINALLY.  So, both Michael and i have begun the process of a massive cleaning out/overhaul of our stuff.  Why?  Because we both have too much of it.  Granted, i probably have more than him, since 95% of the stuff out in the garage is mine.  Oh well.

Thursday, my day off of work this past week, was spent in starting to clean out and organize the garage.  It began because a friend and coworker of mine was moving into a new apartment and i was giving her a chest of drawers that was out there.  So, i had to clean out the chest, which was full of Christmas decor, and then i had to clear a path to be able to get the chest out of the garage.  Our garage has both a garage door and a regular door.  However, the garage door is blocked by too much exercise equipment that we don't use.  Oops LOL

Anyway, i did enjoy it because it was like a work out.  i was sweating my ass off out there.  But, i managed to accomplish my goal.  And, in moving the chest closer to the door, i noticed that it still had the original furniture tag on the back of it.  The chest use to be part of a bedroom suite, but i don't know that happened to the other pieces over time.  Still, it's a good solid piece despite a few scratches.  And, honestly, i was glad that Tiffany and her husband could use it.  No sense in it sitting in the garage.

So, that's kind of our mind frame right now.  At least, my mind frame anyway LOL  The back of my car is slowly filling up with goodies for Goodwill.  And Michael has begun thinning out his clothes and adding to our donation pile.  It's really a good feeling to let go of things....especially when someone else may benefit from them.

Hopefully tomorrow i can get back in there for a while and do some more of this.  i'm honestly trying to find a use for most things and if i can't i have to really consider whether or not i need to hold onto it. Somethings will definitely stay, but i think a lot of it can be sold and/or given away.  Wish me luck!

So, if you need anything for your house/apartment, let me know.  Chances are i have something you can use out in the garage haha!

Cheers

Quote

"We're all just walking each other home."

                                                                                     Ram Dass

An old family photo

This is one of my all time favorite old family pictures.  It is Aunt Mary Lee with Grandmother and my Uncle Bill walking in downtown Raleigh, NC.  It dates back to 1942-43.  This was a random picture taken by a newspaper photographer for the N&O who just happened to be out and about downtown that day taking pictures.  Just one of my favorites :)

Recipe of the week - summer cucumbers and tomatoes

This is so quick and easy and a delicious way to enjoy some summer vegetables!

3 cups of chopped tomatoes
3 cups chopped cucumbers
1/4 cup chopped parsley
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp coarse salt

Combine all ingredients.  Toss well and serve.

*Cucumbers can be seeded or not.  It makes for a prettier dish if they're seeded, which i didn't do this time LOL

10 Things That Make Me Happy

1.  Wrought Iron Fences

2.  Bluebird of happiness

3.  Madonna's Marie Antoinette version of Vogue

4.  Sherbet glasses

5.  Drum and Bugle Corps

6.  Some Days

7.  Logs in the fireplace

8.  Peanut butter eggs

9.  Lemonade

10.  Snoopy and Woodstock

Quote

"The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it."

                                                             Albert Einstein

Showtune of the week - Who's That Woman?

Yes, i'm a total Follies junkie!  The score is stuffed full of theatre gems, including this one.  It's one of my favorites.  And the woman singing the lead is just great...brings good humor to the song.  i think i like it because there are times when you get together with people you have not seen in years and it feels like old times.  And the kinds of things you can remember and still do simply because you're with that group of people.  i love that!  Enjoy!

An old family photo - Mom's 7th grade class 1957

It seems like i keep running across great pictures of Mom during her school years.  So, i'm sharing another one.  i'm not exactly sure where she would have attended school during this year, but here it is none the less.  Mom's the 5th from the left on the front row.  This picture, however, does have some names on the back but i don't know who's who lol  If you know any of these people, feel free to share.  Some only wrote their first names though lol

Tommy Miller
Louise
Eunice Gribble
Sharon
Brenda Aycoth
Peggy
Julien (?) Fairley
Marian Morrison
Phyllis Walker
Harry Preslar
Nancy
Jack Morrison
Trena
Sandra Secrest (Glenn)
Jean Cooley

Recipe of the week - Apricot glazed chicken thighs

This is an easy, delicious recipe.  We tried it last night for the first time and really enjoyed it.  It will definitely become part of our repertoire.

6-10 bone in chicken thighs
1 cup Apricot preserves
1 cup Catalina dressing
1 packet onion soup mix

Preheat oven to 350.  Mix preserves, dressing and soup mix.  Place chicken thighs in a baking dish.  Pour sauce over chicken thighs, making sure each one is coated well.  Bake for 50-60 minutes.

That's it!  Enjoy!

Faith and reflection - Hymn of Promise

This is another anthem i remember singing in youth choir and it has always stayed with me.  The lyrics are very simple but very beautiful.  This song has been going through my head a lot lately.  i think it's because it is a song of hope.  And, without many things to be hopeful for in this world, i think that i cling to the sentiment of this song.  At church this summer, the prayers during service have been less than hopeful.  In fact, they've been down right depressing.  i understand that there is a lot in this world to be depressed about right now, but it does start to weigh a person down.  Admittedly, the last few Sundays i've been in church, i've sung this song in my head during morning prayers....it makes me feel better and i think God understands that.

Thought for the day

Here i am, enjoying a quiet Sunday morning, pondering what to do with my day.  In my head, there are so many choices of things that need to be done and things i want to do, so i need to spend some time figuring that all out.  i know i will make it to church this morning for sure. Maybe throw in some grocery shopping as well.  We shall see.

But i've been thinking, now that the summer is half over, that i need to make the most of my time before school starts next month.  i am very excited about the upcoming semester but i want to enjoy these last few weeks.  i have done a fairly decent job of seeing people but there are still those on my list that i have not gotten to yet and i need to catch up!  And also get out and do some things.  There are many fun, free things in Greensboro that i can do and i need to get myself out there and do them before my schedule becomes so jam packed that i won't be able to!

So, you know how i am about my lists.  It's time to make a new one of things to do!  i do enjoy my lists haha  We shall see how that pans out for me.  Until then, enjoy your Sunday and have a relaxing day!

Cheers

Quote

"If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love.  Don't be surly at home, then go out in the street and start grinning 'Good morning' at total strangers."

                                                                                      Maya Angelou

showtune of the day -

i chose this song today for no other reason that it's a beautiful song.  No underlying themes, i just love it.  And Rebecca Luker....OMG...just one of my favorites.  i got to hear her sing this in the original production on a Thursday matinee...brought tears to my eyes.  Her voice is angelic.  And Mandy Patinkin ain't so bad either lol  Enjoy!

An old family photo - Mohisco staff

i found this picture among some other old family photos.  The only thing written on the back of the picture is Mohisco, which is the Monroe High School Yearbook.  Mom graduated in 1962 so i'm guessing that this picture was taken sometime between 1960 and 62.  Mom is smack in the middle of the front row.  i love this picture because it's the same high school i attended.  Ah, generations :)

Thought for the day - Facebook

i finally made the plunge after a 2 month hiatus and rejoined Facebook.  In many ways, i have definitely missed it.  i miss the people a lot. It's nice to see what people are doing, watching their children grow up and see how life is treating them in general.  What i did not miss does not matter any more.  During the time i was away, i took a long look at why Facebook was affecting me the way it did and i figured a few things out.  One is that i do not need to be in communication with people ALL THE TIME.  Here and there on FB is fine, but i do not need to spend endless hours there.  And not having the need to document everything i do and feel is such a relief.  Sometimes i forget that the seesaw of life gives us both good feelings and bad feelings.  And mine are usually pretty extreme.  Facebook is not the place for that and i know that now.  It's just a matter of me being tactful....which i am mostly, but not always.

Facebook is a good way to reach out people, but not the only way to do that.  While i was gone i wrote letters, made phone calls, had coffee with people, had dinner with people...just got out there in the real world.  Now, i didn't do nearly as much of that as i wanted to but i did make a good starting point.  And i need to balance that kind of thing with FB if i want to avoid another mental collapse.  FB can be addictive and we all know that kind of thing is not good for me.

i have also learned what i will and will not tolerate both from myself and other people.  i feel no need to go into a long list of things but the bottom line is that if it makes me feel bad or has some kind of negative connotation, then it does not belong on my page or in my life.  That includes my passive aggressive bullshit as well.  i believe that everyone is allowed to live their own lives and have their own beliefs and should be respected.  i welcome healthy debate and disagreement.  i do not welcome insults though.  i know how i will handle these things when they arise.

i know that unfollowing people is better than unfriending.  i rarely unfriend people unless things get too bad.  It has only happened a few times.  i, however, have been unfriended plenty by friends and family.  It use to bother me...now, not so much.  It's Facebook for crying out loud not the Holy Grail.

Having said all of that, i am looking forward to catching up with people and finally seeing how Facebook can enrich my life again.  That is all.

Cheers

Recipe of the week - Apricot Curry Chicken

i made this recipe a while back and will probably make it again soon.  i've just had a craving for it!

2 Tbsp butter or margarine
1 cup chopped onion
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 3 ounce package of cream cheese, cubed
1/3 cup milk
1/4 cup apricot preserves
1 tsp curry powder
3 cups cubed cooked chicken breast

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add onion and cook, stirring constantly, 3 minutes or until tender.  Stir in soup and next 4 ingredients; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until cream cheese melts.  Add chicken breast cubes; reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.  Serve over rice.  Yields 4 servings.

* cubed turkey breasts work well too
* if you cannot find apricot preserves, peach preserves will work.

Enjoy!