Daily Challenge for March

 

Now that we're halfway through March, I have finally chosen my daily challenge LOL The challenge for March will be letter writing.  Like I posted the other day, I feel much more connected to other people when I write a letter as opposed to an email or a text.  I'm old fashioned (no kidding) and letter writing is a part of that for me.  I have been writing letters for most of my life. And people remember that. They don't usually remember emails or texts, but they will remember getting a letter. And I am including into this birthday cards, thank you notes and condolences.  It's my way of reaching out to people who are not in my immediate vicinity.  Even then, someone close by might receive a letter LOL  It brings me joy so it is something I would love to incorporate into my everyday life.

Recipe of the Week - Oriental Slaw

 I found this recipe on YouTube several months ago and tucked it away for later usage.  Several weeks ago, I decided to try it.  I'm so glad that I did because I absolutely love this recipe.  It's a great salad.  It's tastes fresh and crisp.  And it lasts for a good bit in the fridge. I ate on it for a week and at the end of the week, it was still delicious.  It can be a great side dish for you, or you can use it as an entree salad.  I had it both ways.  I have since learned that there are many different versions of this salad, but this particular one is going to be the keeper for me!  Enjoy!

Oriental Slaw

1 bunch green onions

2 bags of broccoli slaw mix

2 packages of Beef ramen noodles, crushed

1/2 cup slivered almonds

1 cup sunflower seeds

Dressing

2 ramen flavor packs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup white vinegar

Combine slaw ingredients in a large bowl and set aside. Whisk together dressing ingredients until sugar is dissolved. Pour over slaw and serve.  I chilled my slaw mix for a few hours before adding the dressing right before serving but go ahead and add it sooner if you wish.

I had the slaw topped with soy garlic shrimp as an entree salad.  Yum!

The Soldier Tin Music Box

 One of the things that I collected from childhood through my teenage years were music boxes.  My love for them began in Mrs. Richmond's first grade class.  She would bring in music boxes from her collection to share with us about once a month.  I was absolutely fascinated with them.  I have loved them ever since.  Oddly enough, this is one collection that I have not added to in decades but if I ever see one that strikes my fancy, I will make the addition gladly. 

Several Christmases I received a music box from my Uncle Bill and Aunt Jan.  Aunt Jan also collected music boxes, and I learned that when she would buy one for herself, she often picked up one for me to save until Christmas.  This music box is one of those.  It is a tin for candy and decorated with soldiers and crayons.  It plays "March of the Wooden Soldiers".  I remember it was filled with the sweetest jellybeans I think I'd ever had.  This is technically not a Christmas music box, but I do like to have it out over the holidays.  

Most of my music boxes don't play like they used to. I need to find someone who repairs such things, but I would not even begin to know where to look.  Ah, well.  I will figure that out.  Until then, I will enjoy this fun piece.  

Quote of the Week

 

This one just speaks to me this week.  Not to be a downer, but I have spent most of my life believing I was not worth the effort....my own or other people's.  That all stops now.  First with myself, then hopefully others will follow.  That is all. 

Things I would like to incorporate into my daily routine

 In alignment with my daily challenge entries, I am really looking to incorporate some things that are good for me into my daily routine.  Beit physical or mental, anything I can do to better myself and take good care of myself will be of value.  Here are a few things I am thinking of.

1. Letter writing

I would love to write a letter/note/birthday card every day.  I am definitely old fashioned that way and love to get mail that isn't junk or bills.  I know most people appreciate it.  It's much more personal for me and makes me feel a lot more connected with someone than sending an email or a text or a dm.  But that's just me!

2. Exercise

Here's that broken record.  I really need to incorporate some kind of exercise every day.  It will definitely help with my physical goals but it will make me feel better mentally.  I always feel better inside after I've exercised.  It clears my mind and helps me focus.  So, there's that.

3. Get outside

Whether it be exercise or sitting out on the porch or doing yardwork, I need to get outside more.  In my gerontology studies, I have learned the importance of green spaces and being in nature is to the aging process.  That will help me to age gracefully!

4. Go to bed with a clean kitchen

I don't mean mop my kitchen floor every night or anything that intense but I absolutely hate to get up in the morning and seeing my kitchen in disarray.  Making sure the dishes are put away, making the counters are wiped down, etc.  Just making sure that the kitchen is in order before turning out the lights. 

5. Devotion and meditation

While these are technically two separate things, I would like to combine them into something I do every day.  For me, a devotion is something that I read that is inspirational and makes me think in a positive way.  Meditation is something that comes from within me and can be sitting in silence, just being still, etc.  I think they go hand in hand so I want more of that.  It calms me and helps me to focus.

What are some things you have recently incorporated into your daily life?  I'm always open to suggestions!

Sacrifice - Sinead O'Connor

 I was listening to an album of Sinead O'Connor's the other day and was reminded how beautiful her voice is. I have several of her albums that I enjoy.  This particular track is from a tribute album called "Two Rooms".  It's the music of Elton John and Bernie Taupin.  The entire album is fantastic, but this is my favorite track.  It's probably my favorite cover version of any song.  I hope you enjoy!

I want to start playing the piano again

 I heard something yesterday that inspired me.  I honestly cannot remember where I heard it but it was while I was at work so there's no telling.  Anyway, the person speaking was talking about passions and said the make sure that you make time for your passions.  I thought that was a great thing and something that I need to incorporate into my life.  I found a similar quote about that and posted it on FB this morning as my morning greeting.  I have not made time in my life for some of my passions, and it is time for me to start doing so. 

Having said that, I want to start playing the piano again.  I don't have a piano anymore and don't really have room for one right now.  And that sucks because there are so many good pianos being offered for free.  I'd only have to pay moving costs.  Still, no room currently for a big piece like that.  So, I need to find a piano to start practicing on.  I'm thinking that I may go to work really early some mornings and play the piano in our life enrichment room.  There are no apartments that butt up against is, so I wouldn't be making noise people could really hear unless they were walking down the halls at that time of morning.  By early morning, I mean like 6 a.m. LOL

I am wondering, though, if it will be like riding a bike.  Will it just come back to me naturally?  Of course, I will be rusty and definitely need practice, but will it be as easy and relaxing as it once was. One of the many ways that I am like Mom is through piano playing.  Whenever Mom was upset or stressed or just needed to think things through by herself, she would sit down at the piano and play.  When I had a piano, that's what I used to do.  It was almost an immediate physical sensation for me. I would just relax as my fingers melted into whatever melody I was playing.  It was good for my soul.  

I don't feel as if my soul is in danger right now, but playing the piano again certainly couldn't hurt!