The Check Engine Light

 It's always very frustrating when my work week has come to an end and I am looking forward to the weekend, albeit a weekend filled with homework but nothing too strenuous, and then something happens to throw everything off.  That's the way life goes sometimes, but still it's frustrating.  As I was driving home from work on Friday, my check engine light came on.  GRRRRRRRR.  I always get anxious when that happens.  I, admittedly, do not know much about cars so I have no clue why this light came on.  The car is driving fine, but it still makes me nervous.

As soon as I get home, I check with my mechanic, and they can't see me until Monday morning.  Ok, I book the appointment.  I really don't mind waiting until then, but I did have somethings that I wanted to do this weekend if possible.  I had set up some rewards in my mind of things to treat myself to in case I got my work done on time.  Now, that's all gone out the window LOL  And luckily I have a grocery store around the corner in case I need something.  Still, it's disappointing not to just get in the car and go when I want to.  

I learned the hard way, years ago, not to ignore the lights that came on my dashboard.  I ended up with a dead car in the middle of a busy intersection during morning rush hour traffic...and I was in a left turn lane.  That is drama I never want to deal with again, so I pay heed to these lights.  So, I will take my car in tomorrow morning and hand it over to my mechanics and see what the problem is.  Hopefully it won't be anything expensive, but that's life.  It will get taken care of and I'll keep moving forward....just this time I'll be moving in the car!

That is all.  

Tara's Theme

 I chose this song to start my Saturday with for two reasons.  One is because, no matter what your feelings are about this classic film, the score is absolutely beautiful.  And Tara's Theme probably ranks in the top ten most recognizable pieces written for film of all time.  The other reason if for John Williams and The Boston Pops.  In the 80's they were a staple of my life.  We would watch Evening at Pops on TV on PBS back in the days when a new episode came on just about every month.  We had many cassette tapes...yes, cassette tapes... of John Williams and The Boston Pops.  His arrangements were wonderful and always fun to listen to.  Enjoy!

Student Adventures - Teamwork

 

As a student, I have always made things out to be harder than they really are.  I have no idea why that is, but it's the truth.  As long as I can remember, every project, paper, etc. was filled with stress.  And there wasn't really a need for that because in the end, I knew what I was doing and what I was talking about.  I've had several experiences this semester when I stressed myself out by doubting my abilities.  It's natural to me, so I don't worry when it happens.  That's starting to change, though.  

The class that I'm taking now is on program planning and evaluation and team building.  My professor, who I've had for several other classes, loves group work so this is right up her alley.  And I'm loving the textbook we're reading.  It's about creative elements of team building, and it's written in such a way that anyone could pick it up and understand what she's talking about.  That's pretty perfect for me because so many times the jargon used is way beyond my knowledge base.  

Anyway, in this class I am a member of a team.  That makes perfect sense given the topic of this class is team building.  And the difference between working on a team in graduate school as opposed to undergraduate is that we're all really focused on our education.  The team I am on has been amazing so far.  We all have different schedules and workloads but we're making it work.  We are supporting each other throughout the weekly process, and it's been fantastic.  

I don't feel stressed about these projects like I normally would because I have this great group of people to work with.  It's new territory for me and I am loving it.  I am working with this same group through the entire class, and I couldn't be any luckier.  I hope that I am able to participate in this kind of teamwork in the professional world after graduation!  We shall see.  

The Playing Cards After Dinner Coffee Cup

 I know that I have talked about this before, but I have a collection of after dinner coffee cups.  They are also referred to as demitasse cups.  Most of my collection came from Grandmother.  Some of it came from other family members and some pieces I have collected on my own.  I did learn, while doing some research on this, that a demitasse cup is half the size of a regular coffee cup.  It was not used as part of a place setting but was used after dinner for coffee...hence the after dinner coffee cup.  Interesting.

Anyway, this particular cup belonged to Grandmother.  It was a gift from her Sunday School teacher, Mary Ellen Hopper.  She was just the sweetest woman and was a great friend to Grandmother.  Their adoration was mutual.  Mary Ellen would go to the Metrolina Flea Market several weekends a month.  I think at some point she had her own booth there, but I may be wrong.  Anyway, she would peruse the market and knowing that Grandmother collected cups, if she saw one that was interesting, she would buy it for her.  And she would bring Grandmother the cup and it would be filled with flowers or candy or something special. 

I looked it up and the pattern is called "Cut For Coffee".  It is bone china produced by Queen's.  It's produced in England.  I couldn't find an exact date for this pattern, but Queen's bone china was produced between 1941 and 1988.  So, it's vintage but not antique...which is fine with me.  I still love it.  I just enjoy having pieces that have history to them.  It was a thoughtful gift from a thoughtful person.  And I'm glad to have it.  That is all.  

10 Day/Overnight trips I would like to make over the next few months

Working full time and being a full-time student does not exactly leave a lot of time for leisure.  However, one of the major components I've learned to be a healthy, successful person is self-care.  With everything I need to do for my job and all of the homework I need to get done, I realize that I'm going to need to take time to treat myself to something fun and relaxing.  Here are some day trips, perhaps an overnighter here and there that I would like to do in the next several months.  And I'm always open to have someone join me or meet me there!

1. Ava Gardner Museum

Ava Gardner is an iconic American actress from North Carolina.  I've never been to the museum that honors her, but with my love of classic Hollywood films, I think I would really enjoy this!

2. Sylvan Heights Bird Park

I saw a segment on this park on NC Weekend on PBS and thought it looked very peaceful and relaxing.  Lots of nature trails, gardens and birds in Scotland Neck, NC

3. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

As many times as I have been to Belmont, NC over the past 18 years, I can't believe that I only just learned of this garden.  It's definitely on my list!

4. Wilmington, NC

I spent a week in Wilmington every summer when I was growing up until I graduated from high school.  And even with all of those visits, so many things I've never done.  I haven't been to the battleship or to the Bellamy mansion.  Both I would love to see!

5. Old Salem

I haven't visited Old Salem in over 30 years.  It's about time for a revisit!

6. Trash 2 Treasure

This is an antiques and collectables shop in Rocky Mount, NC that is run by a Facebook friend of mine and his mother.  The posts are always so fun that I want to go and spend hours looking for my own treasure!

7. Monroe, NC

I haven't been home in 8 or 9 years.  I would love to spend a day going to old haunts and seeing how everything has changed or hasn't changed!  And catch up with good friends.

8. Museum of Art

I've never been and I feel like I would enjoy it.  A good art museum can be both entertaining and educational.  Luckily, I enjoy both of those qualities!

9. The Candy Factory

I can't imagine not loving this shop in Lexington, NC. And I can't imagine not spending way too much money!!

10. Seagrove Pottery

I have never been to Seagrove.  I know it has some fantastic folk art and pottery and would be a wonderful way to spend the day!

So, if you see something that peaks your interest, hit me up and we'll plan a trip!  I would love that!!

One Drawer at a Time - Spices

 I have to start out by saying that one drawer at a time includes cabinets too!  Pretty much it includes any space that involves storage of some kind, not just drawers.  It is definitely a slow process, but I am finding success with it, so I'm happy with that.  The other day I tackled my spice cabinet.  For the past 13 years, it's been this small, narrow cabinet above the stove area.  I always thought that would be the most convenient because it's right there where I cook.  And having the spices close at hand seemed like a natural fit.  Well, I changed that now after going through the cabinet.

I took out all of my spices and sorted them.  Sometimes I had several bottles of the same spice which was brought on by the fact that I couldn't see the bottle hidden in the cabinet and would buy another one for whatever recipe I needed it for.  So, I got those bottles together and discarded anything that was out of date, which wasn't that much surprisingly.  Then I grouped them as best I could into like categories.  The herbs in one section, the spices used in baking in another, and so forth.  

I noticed, however, that many of my powder spices, garlic, onion, etc, had become very clumped inside the bottles.  It took lots of effort to loosen them up and was generally a pain in the rear.  So I did some research as to why that would happen.  What I discovered was that spices need to be kept at room temperature in relatively dry spaces.  That's when I realized that the location of my spices, over the stove, was what was causing them to clump like they were doing.  The heat from the stove and the oven would rise up to that particular cabinet, as well as any steam from pots that happened when cooking.  Oops.

So, I chose a cabinet on the other side of the kitchen and moved them there.  That cabinet had some miscellaneous glassware and boxes of plastic sandwich bags and other such devices.  Finding new places to put those was relatively easy.  I was able to store the spices in such a way that I can actually see them all as it's a much wider cabinet than their previous home.  So, what if I have to take a few extra steps to find the spice I need.  It's not like I'll be walking a mile for my garlic salt.  And end the in, I will be saving money because I won't buy something I already have because I'll actually be able to find it easily now.  

This process has been successful so far and I am happy with how it is going.  It's the little things that make life easier sometime.  That is all.  

Visiting

Yesterday, I had a dear friend that I had not seen in over 20 years stop by the house.  Melissa was on her way to Raleigh, and we made plans for her to stop here and visit on her way. It was so wonderful to see her.  She really has not changed since I saw her last.  I mean, of course, we've all aged but she looks great and still had the funny, sparkling personality that I remembered!  We visited for an hour or so.  We caught up on people and our lives over the past few decades LOL  All in all, it was a good time.

We are both in a place in our lives where reconnecting with important people is a main goal in our lives now.  We have different circumstances that brought us to this place, but the goal is the same.  And even though I have said it many times before, having these kinds of visits at home are what I long for.  I'm slowly making the house my own and it shows.  And I didn't have to do much of anything to prepare for the visit.  Yes, I had coffee and sodas available.  And some cookies.  But I didn't have to put out a big spread or anything.  Not that I mind doing that at all, of course, but this was simple and relaxing and rejuvenating.  We just enjoyed each other's company.

Growing up I remember people just visiting each other.  Stopping by unannounced or planned.  It didn't matter.  There was always time and room for friends.  I want more people to stop by.  Just to say hello, share a cup of coffee or a drink, and just sit and be with each other.  Talk about whatever.  Have that connection.  It's a level of social intimacy that is often unachieved because visiting is becoming a lost art.  And I want to bring that art back. So, if you want to stop by sometime, just let me know.  I would love to have you!

Rainy Days and Mondays

 I heard this song on the radio the other day and I had forgotten how much I loved The Carpenters music.  There's just something so pure about her voice, it's just incredible.  Ironically, I love rainy days and Mondays are no issue for me.  I just like the song.  And as it's raining here today, I thought I would share it.  Enjoy!

Quote of the Week

 A good thing to remember!

A House Ready for Company

 I know that many of my posts have to do with keeping house in one way or another.  I can't help it, it's part of who I am.  And this post will be no different haha!  I have today off, and I want to work in the house getting things in order.  I want my house to be a place where I can have people over and entertain.  I want it to be a place where someone can spend the night if they need to or just want to.  I know that my schedule does not always work out, but it would be nice to have the house ready just in case someone decided to drop by.  Of course, people don't do that as much anymore, but still, I'd like to be ready.

This weekend, Dad and I went to Georgia to see my Aunt Susan.  Her house was so warm and welcoming.  It was definitely ready for our arrival.  Now, I have no way to know if her house looks like that all of the time, but that's not the point.  In that moment, it was ready.  And it got me to thinking that I really want my house to be ready for guests, expected or not.  My house says a lot about me. It tells you the things that I like. It tells you the things that make me comfortable.  It's an expression of who I am.  I am a very welcoming person and I want my house to reflect that.

I did have some overnight guests a few weeks ago.  Some friends came into town to see a play and spend the evening.  We had a great time together and I loved being able to host.  It has been so long since I've hosted overnight guests that I wasn't sure if I still had the capability to do so.  But, I did!  And it felt great.  It was the first time I'd had anyone in my home since last Christmas.  It just gave me a really good feeling and I want more of that.  And it wasn't about the house looking good or showing off.  It was about welcoming people into my space and into me.  While I like that people remember my house for some of the beautiful things that I have, I want them to remember how being in this house, my house, made them feel.  All of my memories of Grandmother's house, while filled with the antiques that I explored and love still, are enveloped in that feeling of belonging.  That's what I want for my house as an adult.  We shall see.  

It's time for me to go and start cleaning.  Have a great day!

Finding a Future Handbell Choir

 Growing up, the end of summer and the beginning of fall meant going back to our weekly church activities.  For me, nothing was more anticipated than being in handbells.  From 3rd grade through 12th grade, that is what I looked forward to more than anything.  It was by far my favorite church activity.  I absolutely loved it.  I joined the adult handbell choir when I was in 7th grade, so I rang in two choirs at that time.  

Now, as an adult, I still have a huge passion for handbells.  I was lucky enough to join the First Baptist handbell choir for a few years.  But, going back to school put an end to that.  I simply did not have the time to attend rehearsals.  Yes, time management is still something that plagues me.  I'm much better than I used to be but it's a constant work in progress.  And it has always surprised me, in my 30 years association with UNCG that they do not have a handbell choir or any kind of handbell courses.  As many church musicians that graduate from their music department, you'd think that they would have one.  Ah, well.  Maybe one day.  Not that I could ring with them either right now, but it's the principle of the idea.  

Anyway, once I finish this degree, whenever that may be, one of my life goals is to find a handbell choir to be a part of.  There are many other things that will factor into this such as what my job will be and what the church is, since we don't have a community choir here.  But, it's one thing that I want back in my life and I am determined to make that happen again one day!  As long as I don't have to ring the bottom bells...not my favorite and I get put down there often I think just because I'm male LOL  Give me something around middle C please!!