The Happiest Christmas - Petula Clark

 One of the Christmas albums I grew up listening to was Great Songs of Christmas Album 9 put out by Goodyear in 1969.  So, Mom would have bought this for their 2nd Christmas as a married couple.  Bill gifted me a copy of the album for Christmas this year. In addition to Petula Clark, the album has songs by Bing Crosby, Joan Sutherland, Richard Kiley and Lena Horne among others. It's a wonderful and fun album and the first track is this little-known Christmas gem performed by Petula Clark.  Enjoy!

How Far Is It To Bethlehem - The Tabernacle Choir

 I first heard this carol years ago when the women's choir at FBC Monroe sang it.  Mom brought home a copy of the sheet music to practice, and we would sit at the piano and play and sing this sweet carol. Here is a lovely arrangement sung by the Tabernacle Choir.  I hope you enjoy it!

Caroling, Caroling - Nat King Cole

 Nat King Cole had so many wonderful Christmas songs that he recorded.  This 1954 gem is no different.  It is in my top 5 Nat King Cole Christmas songs!   I hope you enjoy it!

Silent Night - Megan Mullally

 I have posted this version of Silent Night before, but it's been several years, and I wanted to revisit this Christmas season. I first heard this on an NBC Celebrity Christmas CD that was put out in 2000.  It's got some good tracks on it but for me, this one stands above all the rest.  Megan did a lot of theater before landing the role of Karen Walker on Will & Grace, so most people don't know what an amazing singer she is.  I hope you enjoy her beautiful rendition of Silent Night. 

We Need a Little Christmas - Angela Lansbury

 Angela Lansbury introduced this song to the world in the 1966 smash hit musical, Mame, in which she originated the title role.  The score is full of wonderful songs including this little gem that has become a holiday classic.  Here she is with the Tabernacle Choir 55 years after first performing it on Broadway!

I'll Be Home for Christmas - The Carpenters

 I'll Be Home for Christmas is another holiday favorite of mine. It is definitely a song full of sentiment and emotion of someone who dreams of being home, wherever that may be. Here is the beautiful and talented Karen Carpenter performing.  Enjoy!

Three Wishes - Anne Murray

 It's not a secret that I am an Anne Murray fan.  I grew up listening to her with Mom and Christmas time was not different than any other time.  We had her Christmas album on cassette and played it over and over.  This is one of the tracks from that album.  I have always loved it and hope you do too!

Do You Hear What I Hear? - Harry Simeone Chorale

 I have always found this song to be a haunting Christmas song, especially the version here by the Harry Simeone Chorale.  The song was first released in 1962 originally by the Harry Simeone Chorale and has since been recorded by artists from Bing Crosby to Whitney Houston. The song was written by Noel Regney and Gloria Shayne, who were married at the time, as a plea for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis.  I find it to be a beautiful song with profound lyrics, still relevant today. 

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

 It's just not Christmas without the silky tones of Johnny Mathis.  I have always loved his voice and Christmas time is no different.  Please enjoy his version of this holiday classic!

The Nativity Carol - John Rutter

 I was listening to a CD of John Rutter's Christmas compositions and this was the last track on the album.  Such a beautiful Christmas carol.  He always writes such glorious music.  Enjoy!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas - Perry Como

 This Christmas song was written in 1951 by Meredith Wilson, composer of The Music Man. It has been recorded multiple times and was incorporated into Wilson's 1964 musical version of Miracle on 34th Street titled Here's Love. Here is Perry Como singing with the Fontane Sisters.  A very fun version!

The Gift of Love - Placido Domingo

 I bought the Christmas in Vienna cd when I was a freshman in college back in 1993.  It's a holiday concert with Placido Domingo, Diana Ross and Jose Carreras. It's filled with beautiful Christmas music but this particular song was one I played over and over.  It is performed by Placido Domingo and it was written by his son, Placido Domingo Jr. It's simply beautiful and I hope that you enjoy it.

Sleigh Ride - Steve & Eydie

 I love Steve and Eydie's version of Sleigh Ride.  It is on one of the Goodyear Christmas albums that Mom had that I know have, so I grew up listening to this one.  I also have the same version on their album, That Holiday Feeling!  It's just a fun, spirited version of the song and I hope that you enjoy it!

Somewhere in My Memory - John Williams

 John Williams score to the film Home Alone is simply magnificent.  It is as important to that film as any other component.  Williams wrote the Christmas song Somewhere in My Memory for the film. I think it is simply beautiful and I hope you enjoy it.

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day - the song and the story

 I was listening to an episode of "Music and the Spoken Word" the other day and this was one of the pieces they played.  I didn't really know the story behind the song, which I've heard my entire life. It's a beautiful song, but now it means so much more.  The words are extremely powerful for us today just as it was for Longfellow over 150 years ago.  Be blessed.

In the Bleak Midwinter

 This is a carol that I never paid much attention to for years simply because of its title.  It did not sound very holiday like to me.  But I happened to be listening to one of my Christmas records and really paid attention to the song and fell in love with it.  And it was years later that I realized the music was written by Gustav Holst, a favorite composer of mine. Julie Andrews does a very beautiful version and I hope you enjoy.

Still Still Still

 Still Still Still is one of my favorite Christmas Carols.  I absolutely love this arrangement by Norman Luboff and I have it on many recordings.  There are many other wonderful arrangements, but this one is my favorite.  The Mississippi College Singers perform it here and do a wonderful job with it. Such a beautiful piece of music. 

All Those Christmas Cliches - Nancy LaMott

 This has been one of my favorite Christmas songs since I first heard this album in 1994.  It's very sentimental which, if you know me, is right up my alley.  Having just come from Dad's for Thanksgiving and spending time with the family, this song really resonates with me right now.  I suppose the fact that I'm turning 50 in a few days is a big factor. This year, more than others in the last decade or so, I really do want all of these Christmas cliches.  Enjoy!

The First Noel - arranged by David Lanz, performed by Christina Avila

 I love David Lanz's music, both his original compositions and his arrangements.  Tanya, my best friend from high school, first introduced me to him decades ago!  I can't remember if we listened to his Christmas albums together, but I fell in love with them as well.  My friend Danielle got me the sheet music to his first Christmas album for my birthday one year.  I love playing it.  This is David's arrangement of The First Noel performed by Christina Avila.  Enjoy!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Judy Garland

 For me, there is no better way to start my holiday season than with this gem from Judy Garland's 1944 classic film "Meet Me in St. Louis". It is a beautiful film and one of my all-time favorites.  The words of this song are Christmas to me. The love we share with our family and friends.  One of the most important aspects of the holiday season.  I share this with you with love and all of my heart.  Let's all have ourselves a merry little Christmas.  We all deserve it! 

Today's Moment of Mindfulness

 "Bring your presence to the present and notice how vibrant life can feel."

Being in the moment can be difficult for me.  I tend to be thinking about what's going to happen tomorrow or next week. Or I am thinking about the past and worrying over things that I cannot change.  But being present, being here right now, can make me feel so alive. It is not always good but even then, that feeling of vitality can be very intoxicating when I am present with my emotions. 

Quote of the Week

 I have been looking for quotes to inspire me as I edge towards my 50th birthday.  I like this one.  It's blunt but articulate 😊

Writing as an Escape

 It's a crazy world now, there is no doubt about that.  And just in general, my life is full of ups and downs.  I am sure many of you have the same experience.  I want to start writing again.  Creative writing.  I believe that it will be a good escape for me.  I think that we all need some place or some way to escape from reality for a while. And that is absolutely fine. For me, it will be a form of self-care, and I am a huge proponent of that!

I want to create a place of goodness to escape to.  Not that there isn't goodness in the world today.  There is, it's just not always obvious.  What I am talking about is creating a place that, while some may find mundane and boring, would be beautiful to me.  I look back at television, books, etc. to the places that spoke to me.  Places that made me want to live there.  Where there were problems, but people handled them with the help of others.  Where a sense of community was often more important than the individual.  These places could be funny and touching.  There would be serious moments when people came together to get through.  A community.

Here are some of the types of places I want to pull from:

Mayberry - "The Andy Griffith Show"

Star's Hollow - "The Gilmore Girls"

Prince Edward Island - "Anne of Green Gables"

Lake Wobegon - "Prairie Home Companion"

This might seem silly to others, but to me it is going to be a way that I survive the next few years of my life. That is all. 

Recipe of the Week - Easy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

 If you need a really easy appetizer, here is a good one!  I found this online and tried it.  It was simple yet very filling!  Hope you enjoy!

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

1 cup shredded chicken

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup hot sauce

2 green onions, sliced

4 8" flour tortillas

Combine the first four ingredients.  Spread one quarter of the filling on each tortilla.  Roll the tortilla up and slice*

*I like to refrigerate the rolled-up tortillas for a few hours before slicing.  It makes them easier to slice.

Enjoy!

My Little Golden Book About Betty White

 

When I was a young child, I enjoyed reading from the My Little Golden Book Series.  Back in the days before personal computers, cell phones and cable television (yes, I'm that old) children often had to amuse themselves by reading a book, especially if it was raining and you couldn't go outside to play! Grandmother had a lot of these books.  Many of them were holiday books but they were still wonderful.  I remember one about a boy who earned 5 pennies and bought things to help his friends with. It was always wonderful to sit on Grandmother's lap and have her read these stories to me or I would read them to her.  Grand memories.

I have collected some of those books over the years.  I didn't get any of Grandmother's because I did not have children and others did.  That was only fair. But every now and then I will see one at a great price and snatch it up.  Several years ago for Christmas, Michael gave me the My Little Golden Book about Betty White.  This one is nonfiction and covers her life story. It's a sweet book and remarkably accurate on her life.  I have a small Golden Girls collection, and this has definitely added to it.  I know they have done other biographies for MLGB such as Dolly Parton, Queen Elizabeth and Lucille Ball. 

I look forward to finding more of these books on my shopping adventures and sitting down to read them.  Good times!

Generic Brands

 As an adult, product labels do not mean nearly as much to me as they did when I was a kid/teenager. Back then, the important labels were mostly items of clothing like Reebok sneakers, Levi jeans, Members Only jackets with maybe a few food items thrown in like Coca-Cola.  As an adult...not so much. While I do like well-made clothes and definitely enjoy a good cold Coca-Cola when I can, now I am on the hunt for quality alternatives. 

When I go into a department store, that is when I can find a department store these days, I will go straight to the clearance rack. Now, this does not mean that I will not find well known labels there because I definitely have in the past.  What it means to me is that things that are not popular right now and they simply need to get rid of can still be well made and satisfactory.  But in the end, I could really care less who made the item. If it's well made, it's well made. I'm no longer interested in paying for someone else's name. This is just me.  If it makes others happy, then by all means go for it!

This is also true for me when I am grocery shopping.  And we all know how much I love that.  When I have specific items on my shopping list, my first thought is to search for the store brand.  It is often just as good, if not better, than some big-name brand.  And most often it is only a fraction of the price. Food Lion is my preference when it comes to grocery shopping, and I love their house brands. I have not really had anything with their name on it that I have not enjoyed.  And my bank account has enjoyed it as well.

The point being is that the older I get, I am more concerned with quality and getting my money's worth as opposed to who made what.  Don't get me wrong, I am willing to pay for quality if that is what is required. But often, I can find a replacement just as good and at half the price.  Welcome to adulting! 

Proverbs 27:5-6

 

There's always something interesting in the cabinets

 It's interesting the things I find when I'm going through each drawer and cabinet.  There is always something that I forgot I had and think "Oh, that's where that has been all this time!"  Not like it is anything vital to my day, but it is usually something interesting.  When I was going through one of the kitchen cabinets, I reached up to the top shelf as I could see a plastic bag, but not what was in it.  I pulled it down and it was a bag of cookie press discs. I knew exactly what they were the moment I saw them.  They were Grandmother's.  But why were they not with the actual press itself?  And where was the actual press?  I know that I had seen it recently.  I have used it in a few years, but it's in this kitchen somewhere.

Later on, I went to get some plastic containers for leftovers out of another cabinet.  I looked up, again on the top shelf, and there was the cookie press.  Actually, there were two cookie presses.  One that was Grandmother's and one still unopened that she bought for me.  It's not in the fun vintage packaging as in the picture but it's the same cookie press. It just made me feel good to know that another part of her kitchen is a part of my kitchen.  Now, I need to make her famous cheese straws and put that cookie press to work!

Some Days - Audra McDonald

 This is one of my favorite go to songs whenever I need a shot of hope.  I don't know what it is exactly about this song that does it for me.  It might be memories associated with the song or James Baldwin's amazing words.  But, in the end, it does not matter.  It means a lot to me and gets me through difficult times.  I hope you're inspired.

50 at 50

 

One month from today, I will turn 50. I am simply happy that I have made it this far because there were times in my life that I seriously doubted that I would.  I don't want to tempt fate since I still have four weeks to go, but I will hopefully make it!  So, this coming yearly trip around the sun, I am going to come up with a list of 50 things I want to do while I'm 50.  Again, with the chaos of the world right now, I need something to look forward to.  Some things may be big, some may be small.  Hopefully they will all be either new things or things I haven't done in a long time.  I am going to start putting 10 things up on here as soon as I figure them out.  And of course, if anyone wants to join in with me on my adventures or suggest something, I am all ears!  I'll keep you updated!  Thanks!

Recipe of the Week - Jalapeno Dip

 A friend of mine gave me a bag full of jalapenos.  Thanks, Debbie! Her garden had a lot of them late in the season.  She already gave me some earlier in the summer, which I pickled but I wanted to find some other things to do with these.  I found this recipe for Jalapeno Dip online and thought I would give it a try. I really liked it and plan on making it many times!  Hope you all enjoy!

Jalapeno Dip

8 ounces of cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sour cream

3 jalapenos, seeded and diced

1 Tbsp cilantro, diced

2 Tbsp green onion, diced

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

In a mixing bowl, stir together all ingredients until well combined. Cover and store in fridge until ready to serve.  It's good with Triscuits or pretzel sticks. 

Quote of the Week

 Like most of you, I just want to make it through the next few days and the next four years.

Cooking is Good for My Spirit

 

Cooking is very therapeutic for me.  It is one of the things that I enjoy doing and my skills have grown and improved a great deal over the years.  Much like listening to Christmas music, which is also something that I do to relieve stress, cooking relaxes me.  It gives me a sense of purpose and makes me feel like I have accomplished something.  Which I have because I have made something to eat LOL

My stress levels have been pretty high lately.  With all of the chaos in the country over the election and with my recent health concerns I have had to work really hard to keep myself in a calmer state of mind. Cooking helps me with that.  However, I have not been doing a whole lot of cooking lately like I used to.  I have done some things here and there but have just been lazy.  I need to work on that one and I intend to do just that.

It's Saturday and I am working this afternoon.  This is not my norm but one of our regular weekend CSR's asked for today off and I am happy to fill in.  So, as a result, Sunday is my only weekend day off.  While it should be a day of rest, for me it is going to be a day of cooking.  At least part of the day.  I have selected several new recipes to make, which is always fun for me. I am excited about it.  It's been a while since I have cooked a Sunday lunch.  And after that, I can spend the rest of the day relaxing.

Cooking is very grounding for me.  It connects me with Mom and Grandmother.  It is an artform that I am good at and I love doing. I can focus on that for a few hours and forget the troubles of the world.  I appreciate having the opportunity for that escape right now.  It's good for my soul. 

I will let you know how the new recipes go!

Be Thou My Vision

This is another favorite hymn of mine. The Tabernacle Choir does a wonderful job of singing this arrangement.  Enjoy!

Recipe of the Week - Pinot Grigio Mojito

 I do love my pinot grigio!  Several months ago, I wanted to find something else to do with my wine and searched the internet for a fun wine cocktail.  I found this mojito and thought it sounded good.  I like regular mojitos anyway, so why not try this.  It's very tasty and a perfect drink to sip and relax!

Pinot Grigio Mojito

5 Mint Leaves

Lime Juice

Simple Syrup

Ice

Pinot Grigio

Lime for garnish

Muddle the mint leaves in the bottom of your glass.  Add 1 oz of lime juice and 1 oz of simple syrup.*  Add ice and pour a generous amount of Pinot over ice.  Stir will and garnish with a slice of lime.

*Adjust these amounts for your personal preference.

Enjoy!

Student Adventures - The Next Step

 My last class ended several weeks ago. I'm proud to say that I got an "A" in the class and have maintained my 4.0 while in grad school.  I never thought that would happen LOL  But, I really did enjoy this class so I would have been happy with any passing grade. So now it's time to think about my upcoming capstone project.  One of my professors held an information session on our capstone projects which I was not able to attend, so I need to go back and watch the session and read the material.

I am going to take the next few months to give myself several options.  I have the option of doing something at work or do some kind of internship.  Both have their pros and cons.  While I don't necessarily want to take seven weeks off from work and go without a paycheck, the idea of going into some other establishment and doing hands on learning is pretty exciting.  I want to talk to some folks who have gone out and done internships and see what their experience has been like.  One of the places that I am looking into is The Corporation of Guardianship.  That kind of work interests me, so we shall see.  I would also love to work at some kind of senior resource center or find something to do with dementia.  

If I do something at work, it will have to be something that I don't currently do or have not done before.  Working in resident relations, that can be tricky.  Having worked in housekeeping and dining, that pretty much leaves our art of living well department.  While I have done some things for that department, it gives a wider spectrum of options for this kind of project, I believe. I am thinking of some kind of mental health project because that is not as addressed as often as it should be. Again, we shall see.

I have several months to figure this all out.  Now that I am done with classes for a while, I will have time to figure this out.  If you have any suggestions, I will welcome them. But I definitely will take all of the good energy you can send me!

Going Through the Kitchen Cabinets

 

Now that Jason has moved in, I am finding that the kitchen is getting pretty crowded.  That's not necessarily a bad thing as we are combining two kitchens basically.  But I need to pack up some stuff and reorganize in there. So, I am going to start with the cabinets and go through them.  See what I use and what I can pack up or give away.  It's always cleansing when I get myself better organized.  

I like for the kitchen to be the heart of the home.  It needs to be comfortable and functional.  I spend a lot of time in there.  Getting it back into better shape is my goal here.  I don't mind having a lot of stuff in there.  As you know, I love my stuff.  But I don't want it to feel cramped and crowded.  This is an achievable goal.  It is simply a matter of making it happen.

That is all. 

Owning Handbells - A Dream

I've decided that if I ever win the lottery, I am going to buy myself a set of handbells.  Of course, I'll have to buy a house that has a room big enough to put them in.  But if I win the lottery that will not be a problem LOL  I have always wanted to have my own set of bells.  Ever since I was a toddler.  I remember my Mom looked and looked for a set of bells for me for Christmas and finally found one.  I believe I was in kindergarten or first grade when she got them.  Or when Santa brough them to me. Good memories.

I would just like to have a full set one day and form a choir just for the fun of it.  But let me tell you they are expensive.  Even looking at listings on Ebay, they are expensive. I did find a five-octave set along with tables, pads, cases and music for a mere $14,500.  Pocket change LOL  Maybe one day!!

I was always surprised that UNCG never had a bell choir considering how many church musicians it turned out of its music department.  Ah, well.  Still, I would love to get people together just to make music like that.  I think it would be fun. Until then, hopefully I can find a choir to join in the area.  Still, it's nice to have a dream.

Thought of the Day

 I believe that if people spent as much time and energy in lifting other people up as they do in putting others down, then this world would be a much better place. With politics and social media at the forefront of our culture these days, it is not only easy to be mean and disparaging, but also often encouraged and promoted. I believe people are inherently better than that.  I want to believe that.  I must believe that. We need to stop giving negativity such power in our lives because it will destroy us.  Find something good today to promote.  Lift someone up.  Lift yourself up.  Create a cloud of positivity that surrounds you and those you love.

That is all. 

Looking for Christmas gifts

 

Now that my classes are done, it is time for me to begin Christmas shopping in earnest. I have been shopping since May, to be honest.  But I have not gotten many things yet, just a few here and there.  I do love shopping for the perfect gifts and so, naturally, Christmas is the perfect holiday for me! I do not intend to go overboard this year, but I do want to do special things for the people in my life.  Most people are grateful just to be remembered.  I know I feel that way very much whether it be a gift or a card.  So I think it is important to find special things for people that mean something.  Now, that does not mean it has to be something expensive or extravagant. But I love to get things that fit that particular person.  I have a pile of boxes and bags already filled with things for people, so it is time to get out there and do more.  

Also, this year, I want to do more shopping locally for gifts.  While Amazon and online websites are quite convenient, those companies already get lots of money.  It is time to spread the wealth while I can because who knows what things will be like in the future.  I want to support those people who have a dream and are making it happen with their businesses.  And I can find some great things that way too. Things that I would never have even thought about and then there they are right in front of me.  It's a win/win situation. Hopefully things will work out for me with my health right now that I can take the time to do this.  We all know how much I love Christmas and the shopping that goes with that.  We'll see how it goes!

One Drawer at a Time

 

Now that Jason has moved in, there is definitely more stuff in the house.  Of course, it is not like that was unexpected, but it does mane that I am back to having piles of things all over the place. I'm not complaining about it because it's a good thing that he is here.  And, in many ways, the timing was right for my one drawer at a time process.  I had just finished my first cycle throughout the house and was getting ready to start the process over when he moved in.  Now, I am looking at things with a slightly different angle.  What of mine really can go into storage or be donated?  What do I need to make room for of Jason's?  I don't want my house to make me feel claustrophobic, so it is important not to have too much.  Now, don't get me wrong, I love my stuff and there it still lots in the house.  That won't change, but I need everything to have a good flow to it. I want it to feel comfortable for me.  I can do that.  And I need to keep telling myself that I can switch things out periodically if I want some different decor.  This is totally doable and now that I'm done with class, I can do it!

Favorite Cartoons of the 80s

While the 80s produced lots of good cartoons, I'm making this list around 10 cartoons that I watched consistently.  They had to start production in the 80s, so some of my favorites like The Flintstones and Scooby-Doo were not included.  Also, they needed to have actual seasons and not just special episodes like Strawberry Shortcake.  Here are some of my favorites, in no particular order:

1.  Jem & The Holograms

2. Garfield and Friends

3. She-Ra

4. Snorks

5. Shirt Tales

6. Inspector Gadget

7. Smurfs

8. Alvin & the Chipmunks

9. He-Man Masters of the Universe

10. G.I. Joe

What were some of yours that aren't on my list?

Abide with Me - King's College

 This hymn was mentioned in a documentary I was watching last night about the Roosevelts.  It's been stuck in my head ever since and this is a beautiful rendition.  Enjoy!

Quote of the Week

 This just spoke to me.  That is all. 

Recipe of the Week - Shrimp Salad with Lemon and Kalamata Dressing

 I haven't posted a recipe in a few months, so it's time to get back to my love of cooking!  I adapted this recipe from one I found online.  I didn't have all of the ingredients that the online version called for, so I improvised and ended up really liking it.  I hope you do too!

Shrimp Salad with Lemon and Kalamata Dressing

Pinch of salt

1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined

1 celery rib finely chopped

2 green onions trimmed and sliced

1 heart of romaine lettuce, chopped

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1 lemon

1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

1 Tbsp chopped kalamata olives

Dash of paprika

1/s tsp Worcestershire sauce

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil.  Once it's boiling, season the water with salt and then turn down to medium.  Add the shrimp and cook approximately 2 minutes until they turn opaque. Lay them out on a paper towel lined plate to dry.

Add the zest of the lemon to your mayonnaise, then add juice from half the lemon and whisk until it is well combined. Mix in kalamata olives, mustard, paprika and Worcestershire sauce. 

Combine shrimp, green onions and celery.  Add dressing.  Toss to coat completely then chill for 20 minutes to one hour.  

Line your serving tray with chopped romaine and top with shrimp salad.  Can add some fresh black pepper or chopped parsley to garnish. 

Enjoy!

Student Adventures - the final weekend of class

 Here I am in the final weekend of my class.  It ends officially on Monday.  At least, that is when I have to turn everything in.  I have one final paper that I am working on this weekend and then I will be done.  I have enjoyed this class immensely and have learned a lot from it.  And one of the ways that this class differs for me from other ones that I have taken is that I look at this class as a springboard to other learning.  The topics we have covered in elder law have been quite interesting, but I know that we have only touched the surface on many of them. I want to learn more about them.  Things like Medicare and Medicaid can be extremely complicated and if you don't know your way around the system, it could be disastrous.

I do have to work this weekend as well, so I will be working on my paper when I have downtime at work. It's ok, I have permission!  But I will tell you honestly that I am struggling with this paper.  I turned in an outline several weeks ago that I got good marks on.  I missed a few of the required things she wanted, but that's how it goes.  Still, I was happy with the feedback.  I have just had a hard time getting started on it.  I know that once I get going, it will really flow.  I just have this block right now. My topic is why aging members of the LGBTQ+ community fear going into nursing homes. It's a topic that I find engaging and it's close to who I am.  I've found many great articles on the topic. It is simply going to be a matter of putting pen to paper.  Or fingers to keyboard, actually LOL

Hopefully I can get my stress level down and be productive.  I don't want to crap out at this point in the game.  Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Thought of the Day - Verification

As you all know, I am very old fashioned about many things.  I love that part of myself and always think that I was born for a different time.  Now, in this age of technology, I do understand the importance and 

convenience of computers and such things.  However, I am so tired of having to verify my identity at every turn.  Why?  Checking my graduate school email requires a verification code entered into an app that I had to download.  Just to find out things about my classes. 

One of my personal email accounts wants me to add more verification to my log in with face recognition or fingerprints or another code.  NO!!!!  Half of my household accounts text me a code to enter to prove that I am who I say that I am....so that I can give them money.  I am really tired of having to constantly prove myself to the internet world. 

I spent a good 20 years (and I'm going to be 50 soon so that's a decent chunk of my life) figuring out who I was.  And now at every turn you want me to prove myself?  No, thank you.  If what you're offering requires me to download something or for you to text me a code of approval each and every time, then I am not interested. 

Quote of the Week

 I am always needing quotes of inspiration.  Over the past few weeks I have really needed them due to a health condition that I was diagnosed with and am still waiting on answers about.  I will persevere and triumph but in the meantime, I need to keep my morale up. 

Daily Challenge - still in the office

 Still working on cleaning out the office.  It is coming along nicely, and I have gotten several things moved out so far. Let me tell you, having those pads that go under furniture so that you can slide it across the floor is a godsend!!  But it has to be done so I will take all of the help I can get. Moving my records was not difficult but it took time.  For the last year or so I have been slowly putting my records into alphabetical order.  I do love things in sequence LOL And so I had to make sure that I kept them in that order while moving them in shifts and then getting them put back correctly onto the shelves.  Admittedly, I found that quite satisfying LOL

I will be leaving the secretary in the office unless we discover it's just too tight a fit once Jason moves in.  Keep your fingers crossed on that one!  Still, things are coming along nicely, and I am quite satisfied with my progress. Considering that I am working all the time, have school daily and some health issues going on, I am very pleased.  I am not overdoing and will ask for assistance when needed, though.  I guarantee you that!  So, time to get something else carted out of the office!

That is all. 

One Drawer at a Time - Putting things in better places

 

One of the things I feel like I am accomplishing during this process is finding better places to keep things. So much of my stuff is just placed where it is simply because it's a surface or drawer.  It is definitely not the best place for it to be but it's convenient.  Now, I can take the time and say "this works better over there" and things like that.

It's easier for me to find a better home within my home for things when I can take my time and really think about what it is I am doing. That may sound silly, but it works.  For instance, I have lots of books.  And one day I will get around to reading them all LOL. But these are books from my entire life.  Books from childhood, books I inherited from Grandmother and her sisters, books I have collected, books from school, etc.  Lots and lots of books.  My secretary has a bookcase top, so now I keep books there.  I never have before because Grandmother didn't.  She displayed cups in there.  While I love that idea, putting books in there feels more appropriate for me and I love how it looks.

And that does mean that some things need to be packed away for another day.  I have made a good bit of room out in the garage, so I am good with that happening.  One day I'll get back into the garage to deal with that stuff.  But, for the meantime, I am happy working inside and getting things put into places where they belong. It feels good.

That is all. 

In Whatever Time We Have - Stephen Schwartz

 This is a beautiful song from the musical Children of Eden, and this is a beautiful arrangement of it. I feel the sentiment of this song a great deal right now.  I hope you enjoy it!

Softly and Tenderly

 One of my all-time favorite hymns and I absolutely love this version!

One Drawer at a Time - Back in the office again

 

Well, here I am back in the office again taking things one drawer at a time.  As I mentioned before, this time is different because I am actually cleaning out the room for Jason to move it.  So far, I have gotten a few things gone through and moved out.  It is a slow process, but it will get me where I need to be in time. 

One of the things this time I am discovering is I have so many books.  I love books.  That was not always the case as far as reading goes.  But now, as an adult, I do love to read.  I have collected so many books from my family and added my own choices to the mix as well.  But the majority of them I have not read yet. I need to change that.  There is nothing like curling up with a wonderful book and escaping to another world for a while.  That is an upcoming goal for me.

But I am going through things again and getting rid of what I need to.  There's a definite donation pile and a trash pile and then there's everything else.  Going through things brings back such wonderful memories and gives me hope for the creation of new memories.  We shall see how that goes!  

That is all

Career Lattice Program

 Due to some unexpected circumstances, my vocational goals have changed temporarily.  I work for a very good company, and I really do enjoy my job. I had thought about looking for work elsewhere just to get some experience in other areas and build my skill set.  However, I realized that my last class for my degree, which won't take place until next summer, is either going to require me to be away from my job for about 7 weeks, or it is going to have to be incorporated into my current job.  With that in mind, I realized that I want to stay where I am until I can work all through that. 

On the plus side, Heritage Greens has begun a career lattice program.  That is a program for associates to work and get experience in all of the departments within our community.  That is definitely something I am interested in. I was actually in this program years ago.  But, after our first welcome meeting, the pandemic happened and that was it for the program.  When they decided to do this program, I put in my application and was one of six people chosen.  I am very excited about this.  It will eventually include an increase in pay, but having this experience is going to be great for my career.  

I am excited about being able to grow professionally within where I am now!

Daily Challenge - Cleaning out the office

 

Well, we are a week into September already and it's past time for this month's daily challenge.  This month, my daily challenge is to clean out my office.  Why?  Because I have a roommate moving in next month and I need to clear out the space.  It is definitely going to be a challenge because, like all of my rooms, there is more stuff than I think there is.  Who knew?  haha!

Now, while I have been working to clean out my garage, I will probably be putting some things back out there.  I do not see this as a setback because I have actually created more room out there.  But there are some things that cannot go out into the elements of the garage.  My record collection, which is in the office, is going to have to find a home somewhere else inside.  This is all manageable, so I'm not worried.  It really is a matter of getting it done.  I do not have a choice since Jason will be moving in soon, I just do not want to wait til the last minute.  We all know that won't be pretty.  Wish me luck!  I can do it!

Student Adventures - rounding out week 3 of class

 

I'm in my last year of graduate school, which in itself is pretty amazing to me, and I am finishing up week three of my current class. After this, I will only have my capstone project to tackle and then I will have a masters in gerontology.  Very excited for this!

The class I am currently taking is on elder law.  I have always been fascinated with wills, so I was looking forward to this. My fascination with wills is what got me into doing household inventories, by the way.  Still, I wanted to take this class my first semester of graduate school, but I realized that three classes were going to be a bit much my first time back, especially with working full time.  So, I decided to put it off until later.  Well, later is now!

So far, we have really focused on the importance of estate planning.  This includes wills and trusts and POA's both durable and healthcare.  I have found it most interesting.  I have these documents in place, personally, but taking this class has reminded me that it is probably time to go over them again and alter them where needed.  Actually, I don't have a trust, only a will and the POA's. I don't have enough to warrant a trust LOL But it's interesting to learn about. But even if I did have a lot of money, I think I prefer a will over a trust.

Anyway, I really am enjoying this class and am looking forward to it offers next.  I have to begin work on a research paper, so I am working on picking a topic right now.  So far, so good!  Wish me luck!!

Three Wooden Crosses - Randy Travis

 I've been listening to a "Best of Randy Travis" cd throughout the day today.  I really do enjoy his music and not just because we're from the same home county LOL  But Three Wooden Crosses is the last track on this cd and it always just gets me emotional (in a good way) and gives me chills.  Enjoy!

Thought of the day - Dealing with Change

 It seems that some things in my life are changing at a quicker pace than I am used to.  My journey in life is far from over, but right now I am going through some changes, and I don't always deal well with them. So, I was looking around for some inspiration and comfort and came across this.  I like what it says and am going to try and live each day this way.  See you on the other side! 

Prayer for faith and trust during illness

 It's been a long week, and I needed this today!

The Dining Room Table

 

I have always loved my dining room table.  It's a beautiful piece made by Henredon, I believe.  At least that's what I've always been told.  Grandmother purchased this in the early 60's.  She'd had a darker wood, Duncan Phyfe style table before.  She got a good deal on this table because it is flawed.  Without the leaf in place, the table is flush.  But when you add the leaf to it, the table is slightly skewed.  So, with that flaw, it could not be sold retail, and she got a very good price for it.  

She found the chairs that matched at Belk's in Charlotte.  She and Mom did the red needlepoint seat covers for them.  Grandmother also had the buffet and china cabinet refinished to match.  I have so many memories of this table.  Wonderful Sunday meals, birthday dinners, holiday meals and then just Grandmother and I together at the table.  It's one of my cherished pieces and I look forward to creating many more memories around this table.  Just let me know if you want to join!