Come Love Come - Rhiannon Giddens

 I was listening to an old episode of Fresh Air this morning with an interview of Rhiannon Giddens.  She's a wonderful musician and extremely talented.  She also happens to be the daughter of a friend of mine, so I decided to listen to her interview.  This was the first thing played and it's incredible.  It's based on a slave narrative, as are all of the songs on this album.  Very powerful!  And I'd suggest going back and listening to her interview!

Quote of the Week

 Each Monday is a new beginning for me.  My life is full of new beginnings.  I don't always see them through, but it's comforting knowing they're there!

Starting to tackle the garage in earnest

 Yesterday afternoon, we started really working on things in the garage.  It's taken a long time to get to this point, but we did finally get started.  And while there are different piles still around the garage, I can tell there is some progress.  Our trash can and recycling bin are full to overflowing now.  Hope they will make it til trash pickup on Tuesday!

It's a process that I just need to do it.  Don't hesitate, just do it.  It's the only way I'll get through this because I'm too sentimental and tend to waffle on stuff.  If I just make myself say "keeping it" or "getting rid of it" without asking any questions, it's a lot easier for me.  And I do feel better after it's done letting go of things.  

Now, I will hopefully get the Goodwill pile loaded into the car today.  That's about all I can do with it today since I have school work to get done.  I wish I could do more, but hopefully I can get out there throughout the week and keep chipping away at it.  We shall see.

Now, time to take some deep breaths and have some coffee.  That is all.

A Prayer for Guidance

 No doubt, I always need guidance.  Don't we all LOL  As I was reading different prayers, I came across this one.  It was not what I was looking for but I connected with it.  With all of my thoughts lately about the people in my life and the people I want to be in my life, this just fit.

Student Life the 3rd Time Around - New classes already?

 Where does the time go?  Whew!  It's going by quickly.  Well, my first class has come and gone.  Happily I can report that I did pretty well in it.  So, maybe I'm smarter than I give myself credit. Who knows!  But any kind of theory does not make for an easy class.  Still, my group projects went well...we had a wonderful group...and my papers got great feedback.  All in all, I am very pleased so far.

We were on fall break at the beginning of this week.  I worked, of course, to celebrate my days off haha!  Now I'm back to it already with not one but two classes.  This is truly going to be an exercise in time management.  I really hope that I do not get overwhelmed but we shall see.  These classes will hopefully not be as difficult as theory.  One is on research methods and the other is on financing longevity.  I have a paper due tomorrow and another one due on Sunday.  Good times!

I am going to take this challenge and run with it.  I have to discipline myself to get this work done and look at the big picture:  graduating as a full time student on time so that I can use this degree (Let's hope!)  I know I can, it's just a question of balance, which has never been my forte'.  I know, in my heart, that it will be fine because I don't give myself enough credit.  I just have to convince my brain of that LOL  As for now, I'm going to finish up my coffee and start working on my first paper of the week.  

That is all.

I Don't Want To Know - Angela Lansbury

 Angela Lansbury had a wonderful voice and gave us many exciting songs both in theatre and in film.  This is one my favorites of hers from Dear World.  She won her 2nd Tony for this short lived show that few people saw.  Jerry Herman's score is wonderful and I think the book is work redoing for a revival.  Enjoy!

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

 This is one of those classic pasta salads that almost everyone has a recipe for.  This is mine!  Even though it's a great side for cookouts and picnics, I enjoy it all year round.  Hope you do too!

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

1 16 oz box of shell pasta

1 cup shredded cheese

1 cup bacon bits

1/2 bag frozen peas

1/2 cup ranch dressing

1/2 cup mayo

Cook pasta according to directions.  Drain and allow to come to room temp.  While the pasta is cooking, rinse frozen peas until they thaw.  Combine the ranch dressing and mayo.  Pour over pasta in a large bowl.  Add cheese, bacon and peas and combine really well.  Chill for several hours before serving.

You can use any short pasta of your choice.  You may need more or less of the dressing/mayo mixture depending on your taste.  I like enough to just coat the pasta.

Enjoy!