Washing Dishes

 I have been washing a lot of dishes lately.  I don't mind doing it at all.  I am making an effort to not use my dishwasher quite as much as I had been.  It had gotten to the point where I was running it once a day.  While there's nothing wrong with that, it is not helping my energy costs.  So, I have taken to mostly handwashing things after meals or any kind of cooking.  

I have talked about it before, but washing dishes holds many good memories for me.  I had some great conversations with people while sharing the duty of washing dishes.  Grandmother didn't have a dishwasher at all, so we always washed the dishes there.  I loved helping out as a child.  It made me feel grown up to help with that responsibility.  And once I really got interested in family history, many questions were asked and many stories were told while we washed dishes together.  Almost every family home I visited growing up, I would help wash dishes at one point or another.  

I also love that there's a window above the sink.  I think that needs to be a requirement for all kitchen sinks.  There's nothing like looking out the window at the beauty of life while I wash dishes.  Today, my window faces Lois's house, so I get to look out at her flowers and the squirrels running around.  It's calming to me.  We had a window over the sink in our kitchen when I was growing up and I fondly remember being out in the backyard and seeing Mom in the kitchen through the window.  She was always watching over us through that window.  So, when I look out my own window, I feel like she's with me.

Honestly, there's just something about washing dishes that relaxes me and calms me.  Whether or not it actually makes a difference with my energy costs, the immediate effects and sense of accomplishment after it's done is all I need.

That is all.

Starting with the closet

 Well, the first week of living alone in the house is done.  It has been strange.  It has definitely been different.  Sometimes it makes me sad but sometimes it makes me relaxed, having the space to myself.  But I know in my heart that it's a good thing and I will make the most of this time.  

One of the things that I have started doing this week is making the space mine.  It's a slow process.  Sometimes I would like to wave a magic wand and have it all done quickly but I know that's not going to happen LOL  I would drive myself crazy if I pushed myself too hard to get it done fast.  So, I'm starting with little things and moving things one at a time until I get it how I want it.

I started going through what was my closet in the office.  There's so much stuff in there LOL  My first goal was to take out the clothes and put them in the bedroom closet.  Easy enough.  I left my winter stuff in there as I don't need it right now.  But there was so much more in there.  Lots of linens, games, puzzles, boxing gear, memorabilia, etc.  So, I'm slowly going through it and figuring out where it all will go.  I'm not sure yet, but it's a start.

Part of this will help me to organize things better.  I think that I have of options as far as storage and organization.  It's going to be a lot of trying different things and seeing what works and what doesn't.  It will keep me occupied for a good while.  And, it's fun to sort through memories.  Sometimes painful, but mostly fun.

It's a long road ahead, but I will travel it slowly, one step at a time.  

That is all

Student Adventures - 1st year in the books

 

Well, my first year as a graduate student is in the books.   This is an online master's program, so that in itself was a challenge but I managed to meet my goals.  I learned how to do some things online that I had not done before.  I am by no means an expert on the computer, but I am learning and growing and enjoying the process.

I took four classes this year and, for the most part, I enjoyed them all.  The research class was very hard and I wish it had been divided up into two different classes.  But, that's a story for another time.  Still, I am proud to say that I completed each class successfully and made all A's.  So, as a graduate student, I have a 4.0 GPA.  I can live with that!

I also have made some pretty good connections this semester.  We had a lot of group projects and discussions and I thoroughly enjoyed my experiences in those.  Group work seems to be a lot different in grad school than in undergrad.  I feel like we take it more seriously and have more invested in it.  But I have come out of these with some people I know that I will encounter again in my career.

It was a great first year and I am happy that I made the choice to do this.  It's time for me to get registered for next year.  I'm pretty sure I know what I'll be taking in the fall, but I'm doing to keep looking for possible electives that peak my interest.  It will be a good semester, no doubt.  I appreciate everyone's encouragement and support.  Keep sending me that good energy!

The Continuing Adventures of Just a Waiter

 I don't mind helping out at work wherever I'm needed.  If you as most of the people that I work with, they will tell you that is true.  Just last night I helped out in the dining room because they were a little short staffed.  I had a good time, as I always do in the dining room.  I feel like I have a good work ethic.  I understand that the most important thing we can do as a team is to make sure that our residents' lives are as stress free as possible.  That's why I will do almost anything that is asked of me.  I live and work for my residents those 8 hours every day that I am at work.

But I have come to truly realize during this chaotic time in my life that I often spread myself too thin by doing too much.  While I don't think that my overall productivity suffers from that, I do believe that my mental health has.  I really don't know how to define myself at work anymore.  I've gotten myself into a position where, in many ways, I have become irreplaceable.  If they were to hire another CSR to take my place, chances are that person is not going to be asked to do 90% of what I do on a daily basis.  Those tasks would return to the departments where they originated.  

It's definitely a double-edged sword.  While I am honored that those above me trust me with these tasks, I also wonder if I get them because no one else will or wants to do them?  I guess, in the end, it doesn't matter because things need to get done and I see that they do.  It simply makes me ask what about my job now has anything to do with the job I was hired to do.  Is it ok for me to say no?  I know that I have every right to refuse things that are out of my realm, but I rarely do because I know it's for the good of my residents.  Ah, well.

Anyway, this is a good learning experience for me.  I know that wherever I end up next, I am going to keep closer tabs on myself and not become that go to person that is both reliable and yet expendable.  That is all.  

Quote of the Week

 

Close Every Door - Donny Osmond

 I absolutely love the score for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.  It's one of those shows that's on my bucket list to see live.  I have seen the film, which is where this version is from, and I think that film is immensely entertaining.  I highly recommend it.  Anyway, this song is so haunting and beautifully sung by Osmond.  If you never heard it before, give it a listen.  I hope you enjoy!

10 Things to Remind Myself Of

There are a lot of things changing in my life right now.  Hopefully, for the better.  But it's easy to get mired down and depressed about things from time to time.  That's natural.  And it's natural to be scared when you're going through change.  So, I thought of a few things that I will remind myself of when I have doubts.

1. Be kind to myself

2.  Don't let myself be undervalued

3.  This time is all about me.  

4.  There is no shame in asking for help

5.  I don't have to say yes to everything

6.  If I'm struggling, let someone know

7.  Rediscover the things I enjoy that I have set aside

8.  If I begin to sell myself short, step back and remember it's not true

9.  Finish projects I start

10.  Do things for myself as often as possible

The quiet

 

Normally, I enjoy the quiet mornings.  I enjoy that peaceful feeling of sitting and drinking my coffee and just enjoying the stillness of it all.  I find it relaxing and, at the same time, motivating.  It is a good way for me to start the day.  This morning, I did not particularly like the quiet.  In fact, the quiet was loudly ringing in my ears.  For so long, the quiet mornings were because I needed to be quiet and I came to enjoy that sensation. I didn't want to disturb anyone.  

This morning's quiet was different.  There was no one for me to worry about disturbing.  There was no need to be quiet, and yet, quiet it was.  As much as I enjoy moments of solitude, this felt different.  I did not feel lonely as much as I felt empty.  I know that I won't always feel like that.  There will be reasons in life to fill that empty space, but for the time being, the quiet is deafening.  I will adjust in time.  I just did not expect something that I enjoy so much to feel so different so quickly.

That is all.  

Recipe of the Week - Orange Dreamsicle Salad

 I came upon this recipe on YouTube from one of my subscriptions.  I thought I would give it a try because it sounded like something I would enjoy.  And I was right!  I made it for my Sunday dinner and really liked it.  It's the perfect side dish for warmer weather.  You can also use it as a dessert.  It's pretty quick and easy to put together as well, which is always a plus.  I hope you enjoy!

Orange Dreamsicle Salad

3 oz box of orange jello

1 cup of boiling water

1/2 cup of cold water

1 small box of instant vanilla pudding

1 15 oz can of mandarin oranges, drained

1 20 oz can of crushed pineapple, drained

1 8 oz carton of cool whip or 8 oz of whipped cream

Dissolve jello in boiling water in your mixing bowl.  Once it's thoroughly dissolved, add cold water and stir.  Place in the fridge for 20 minutes.  The jello will not set but will begin to gel some.  Remove the jello from the fridge and stir in the pudding mix until well blended.  Fold in the drained fruit.  Fold in cool whip until well combined.  Transfer to your serving bowl.  Place back into the fridge for a few hours to let it firm up.  Serve chilled.

The Continuing Adventures of Just a Waiter

 

It's scholarship time again at work and I am debating whether or not to apply again.  If I get awarded something, it's free money.  If I don't, then the only thing that I have truly lost is the time it takes to fill out the application.  You might read that and think, duh, it's not even a question.  Apply!  Well, in my head (and at the encouragement of my therapist) that makes perfect sense.  But it's a little more complicated for me because I tend to take everything personally.  I try not to, but hell, I'm only human.

I applied for the scholarship back in the fall.  It's open to all associates, present and former, as well as family members.  I thought it would be great since I am doing the best that I can to pay for my education myself and they will award up to $5000 each semester.  There are the standard application questions such as background, tuition costs, etc., along with 2....not 1 but 2...essays.  Granted, there's limited space to write these essays and you cannot send attachments in with the application so you really have to be fairly brief or write incredibly small!  Still, it's 2 essays!

I truly thought that I would be a pretty good candidate for this.  After all, I've been with the company for almost 6 years.  My career there has spanned 3 different departments and I am everyone's "go to" guy for random things that are needed.  I have been employee of the month twice and employee of the year once.  And my degree is something that is focused on senior services.  Sounds pretty much like a no brainer to me.  Wrong LOL

I understand that these kinds of things are very subjective, but I feel like I have been an exemplary employee.  The scholarship committee never reached out to me in any form and judged me based solely on the application.  They awarded me enough money to cover one hour of one class.  That was it.  Now, I do realize and accept the fact that I was thinking I would get more based on my track record with the company, and that's my own fault, but I ended up only being able to afford one class after the scholarship and now I'm a year behind where I'd like to be.  Oh, well.  I can't assume that corporate views my achievements the same way as my immediate company does.  Lesson learned.

So, now I'm just debating.  And I have to make up my mind quickly as time is running out.  I just don't want to put that much effort into something to be judged blindly and told I'm only worth so much to them.  While I know that I shouldn't think that way, I cannot help it.  I've got some thinking to do!

That is all.

The Lord Bless You and Keep You - John Rutter

 When I first began this post, I was thinking about all of the daily violence in our country and how the politicians, on all sides, hide behind the phrase "thoughts and prayers".  I was angry and looking to God to figure out some things about it all and why it continues to happen.  I have my own feelings about thoughts and prayers and I am very selective when I use that phrase, but that's a blog for another time.  I was looking for something of prayer and blessing and beauty to guide my blog and came across this version of John Rutters "The Lord Bless You and Keep You".  Now, I have heard this song for decades in many venues, but I have never heard it as beautifully done as this.  I actually stopped while I was writing and really listened.  And now I feel more at peace.  Enjoy and be blessed.

Quote of the Week

 I've always loved the relationship between Charlotte and Wilbur, and this quote sums it up superbly.  I need to reread this book! 

Recipe of the Week - Curry Chicken Salad

 I don't often just play around in the kitchen.  I tend to stick to recipes and never stray.  But one day I decided I wanted to try a different kind of chicken salad.  I've had several different kinds of curry chicken salad and just threw some things together that I thought would work well and I believe it did.  I will definitely fix this again!  Enjoy!

Curry Chicken Salad

2 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed

1 green onion, sliced

1 celery stalk, sliced

1/4 cup raisins

1 cup Mayo

1 Tsp Curry powder

Poach chicken breasts.  Cool and cube.  Combine Mayo and curry powder.  Add to chicken along with all other ingredients. Stir until well combined.  Chill and serve.

Quote of the week

 As one chapter of life comes to a close, and another chapter begins, I must remind myself to keep moving forward despite any roadblocks that I encounter.  That is all.

Quote of the week

 Life can be scary, but I can handle it!

Recipe of the week - Herbed Lima Beans with Bacon

 I enjoy lima beans and I buy them often in the freezer section.  Most of the time, I just cook them according to the package directions and eat them plain.  I found this recipe and decided to try it.  I was happy with the results and will definitely add this to my cooking canon.  Enjoy!

Herbed Lima Beans with Bacon

1 16oz package frozen lima beans

1 cup crumbled bacon (cooked)

2 green onions, sliced

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tsp dried parsley

1/2 tsp salt

Olive oil

Cook lima beans according to directions.  Set aside.  In pan, heat olive oil in medium heat.  Add onion, bacon, garlic and saute until the onions start to soften and are fragrant.  Add beans back into the pan and sprinkle with parsley and salt.  Stir until well blended and heated through.  Serves 4