Thirteen positive thoughts or actions
1. A new year is around the corner.
2. The after Christmas sales are almost here.
3. Call a friend who lifts your spirit
4. Make a list of 100 things that make you happy
5. Investigate What being good to yourself means
6. Watch a movie that makes you feel good or makes you laugh out loud
7. Be grateful for what you do have
8. Buy something for yourself and do not allow yourself to feel guilty
9. Read a book you found totally absorbing
10. Tell your spouse or significant other you love them
11. Smile and say hello to ten people
12. Send a friendship card to someone special
13. Make a meal that you totally enjoy.
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Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Thursday Thirteen #14
Thirteen Ways to survive the Holidays
1. When I'm feeling financial strain- I have a cup of tea and be thankful that I have a job and know that the bills will eventually get paid. Others don't have jobs, some don't have homes.
2. When feeling lonely because David won't be home for Christmas I try to do something in honor of his service in the military and know he is doing what he can to make someone else's holiday a little better. This year I will read a poem at our office Christmas party about the night before Christmas when Santa visits a lonely soldier's quarters.
3. When feeling sad that David will be in a foreign land serving his country I sent him two boxes of homemade goodies.
4. When feeling nostalgic I wear a holiday pin that David gave me when he was about three years old. It was a plastic Merry Christmas pin with a nurse on it. He only had $1.00 to spend; he went to the clerk and whispered "I want to get my mom a present". She took him over to the case with different pieces of jewelry and holiday pins. When he spotted the nurse pin he told her "I would like that pin, please". I think the pin was a little more than a dollar but the clerk sold it to him for the dollar he had. Back in those days Kay's Family clothing was the small town clothing, sewing supply and country store. Today that store is no longer there but I have fond memories of shopping in Kay's Family Clothing.
5. When thinking of friends and family that I haven't seen for a long time; Phil and I write a Christmas letter with the year's news in hopes we might hear back from them and hope they are doing well.
6. When I stress that I haven't bought everything that I think my loved ones want; I have to remember that Christmas isn't about getting everything on the wish list, but humbly remembering all the wonderful blessings, the simple joys of everyday living and all the good things the past year has bestowed, being ever hopeful for the coming year to be nearly as blessed.
7. Do something fun. Like wear the jingle bell earrings that drive Phil crazy and buy myself fruitcake even though I am the only one who will eat any of it.
8. Try to be sensitive to others that may not be as fortunate as I have been this past year. There is a mother in our office with an inoperable brain tumor that now has ruptured discs in her back facing surgery and i've heard of many workers have been let go due to budget deficits. It is important to try to lift spirits and share the burdens of others even when all we can do is listen.
9. Sending out Christmas cards always seems like one more thing to get done, however I so enjoy getting cards that I find the time to send out cards, that hopefully will lift a friends' spirits.
10. I remember past Christmas' when my dad was alive. He was so generous. If someone asked him for five dollars he would open his wallet; give them ten and never expect to be paid back. I always miss him especially at Christmas even though he has been gone 24 years.
11. I try to watch a children's Christmas program or Christmas carolers. I find them uplifting.
12. I try to stay connected to family and make phone calls to let them know someone is thinking about them.
13. I usually have one glass of eggnog in honor of my grandfather. He celebrated Christmas with what he called a 'white Christmas' eggnog with a shot of bourbon.
Happy Holidays everyone!
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1. When I'm feeling financial strain- I have a cup of tea and be thankful that I have a job and know that the bills will eventually get paid. Others don't have jobs, some don't have homes.
2. When feeling lonely because David won't be home for Christmas I try to do something in honor of his service in the military and know he is doing what he can to make someone else's holiday a little better. This year I will read a poem at our office Christmas party about the night before Christmas when Santa visits a lonely soldier's quarters.
3. When feeling sad that David will be in a foreign land serving his country I sent him two boxes of homemade goodies.
4. When feeling nostalgic I wear a holiday pin that David gave me when he was about three years old. It was a plastic Merry Christmas pin with a nurse on it. He only had $1.00 to spend; he went to the clerk and whispered "I want to get my mom a present". She took him over to the case with different pieces of jewelry and holiday pins. When he spotted the nurse pin he told her "I would like that pin, please". I think the pin was a little more than a dollar but the clerk sold it to him for the dollar he had. Back in those days Kay's Family clothing was the small town clothing, sewing supply and country store. Today that store is no longer there but I have fond memories of shopping in Kay's Family Clothing.
5. When thinking of friends and family that I haven't seen for a long time; Phil and I write a Christmas letter with the year's news in hopes we might hear back from them and hope they are doing well.
6. When I stress that I haven't bought everything that I think my loved ones want; I have to remember that Christmas isn't about getting everything on the wish list, but humbly remembering all the wonderful blessings, the simple joys of everyday living and all the good things the past year has bestowed, being ever hopeful for the coming year to be nearly as blessed.
7. Do something fun. Like wear the jingle bell earrings that drive Phil crazy and buy myself fruitcake even though I am the only one who will eat any of it.
8. Try to be sensitive to others that may not be as fortunate as I have been this past year. There is a mother in our office with an inoperable brain tumor that now has ruptured discs in her back facing surgery and i've heard of many workers have been let go due to budget deficits. It is important to try to lift spirits and share the burdens of others even when all we can do is listen.
9. Sending out Christmas cards always seems like one more thing to get done, however I so enjoy getting cards that I find the time to send out cards, that hopefully will lift a friends' spirits.
10. I remember past Christmas' when my dad was alive. He was so generous. If someone asked him for five dollars he would open his wallet; give them ten and never expect to be paid back. I always miss him especially at Christmas even though he has been gone 24 years.
11. I try to watch a children's Christmas program or Christmas carolers. I find them uplifting.
12. I try to stay connected to family and make phone calls to let them know someone is thinking about them.
13. I usually have one glass of eggnog in honor of my grandfather. He celebrated Christmas with what he called a 'white Christmas' eggnog with a shot of bourbon.
Happy Holidays everyone!
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Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Thursday Thirteen #13
Thirteen preparations for the holidays.
1. Buy a turkey, hopefully one that is on sale.
2. Buy all the ingredients for all the side dishes
3. Bought a new Christmas tree, one that already has lights and decorations. Costco had some real pretty ones that were not too expensive. What a time saver!
4. Clean the house and put up decorations.
5. Buy the Christmas presents.
6. Wrap the Christmas presents.
7. Mail packages to out of town relatives.
8. Complete Christmas baking, cookies, fudge, popcorn balls.
9. Dig out the Christmas music. We have enough CDs with variety that we do not tire of the Christmas music.
10. Write Christmas cards. I enjoy getting the Christmas cards especially the ones with a Christmas letter.
11. Remember to be thankful for all past Christmas holidays that make up wonderful memories.
12. Prepare for the office Christmas party with a white elephant gift and a gift for the gift exchange.
13. Make the traditional oyster stew for Christmas Eve dinner and leftsa for Christmas day dinner.
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Thursday, November 20, 2008
Thursday Thirteen
13 things I will miss this thanksgiving because my son is in Iraq
1. I'll miss making him eggo waffles with butter and syrup in every square.
2. I'll miss reading "Cup of Christmas Tea" with Dave.
3. I'll miss the big bag of laundry to wash before he leaves again.
4. I'll miss him asking for leftsa.
5. I'll miss his teasing and mischief smile.
6. Ill miss him laying stretched out on the floor in front of the TV.
7. I'll miss him at the diner table telling me he is stuffed after I've asked him for the 5th time what else he wants to eat.
8. I'll miss the stories he shares about his skiing and rock climbing.
9. I'll miss reminiscing about what he was like as a little boy.
10. I'll miss his rare surprise kisses on the cheek.
11. I'll miss the sound of his footsteps on the stairs.
12. I'll miss going to a holiday movie with him.
13. I miss my son.
I am grateful for the time I have had with him and that he is healthy in mind and body to pursue what he enjoys in life.
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1. I'll miss making him eggo waffles with butter and syrup in every square.
2. I'll miss reading "Cup of Christmas Tea" with Dave.
3. I'll miss the big bag of laundry to wash before he leaves again.
4. I'll miss him asking for leftsa.
5. I'll miss his teasing and mischief smile.
6. Ill miss him laying stretched out on the floor in front of the TV.
7. I'll miss him at the diner table telling me he is stuffed after I've asked him for the 5th time what else he wants to eat.
8. I'll miss the stories he shares about his skiing and rock climbing.
9. I'll miss reminiscing about what he was like as a little boy.
10. I'll miss his rare surprise kisses on the cheek.
11. I'll miss the sound of his footsteps on the stairs.
12. I'll miss going to a holiday movie with him.
13. I miss my son.
I am grateful for the time I have had with him and that he is healthy in mind and body to pursue what he enjoys in life.
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Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Customer Service
This is my favorite time of year. Even though I feel stressed about how I can afford to pay for Christmas I still enjoy this time of year. I was in a Hunting Goods store this last week and required some assistance from the sales staff to purchase a gift for my husband. The sales person was absolutely phenomenal. I felt like I was his only customer (although there were several waiting at the counter) and that he would have taken the entire day to help me with my purchase if needed. All three staff that I spoke to were delightful, helpful and stated if there was any problem with my purchase or we need assistance to come back and they would be more than happy to help. It has been a long time since I have experienced that level of customer service. You can bet I will be returning to Hammer's for future purchases.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Veterans Day
Veterans Day brought back memories of people I loved that chose to devote a part or all of their careers to the military. My older brother Mike spent 20 years in the Navy. I called him on Veterans Day to let him know I was thinking of him and to say thank you for choosing to serve. My father (who past away in 1984) spent 6 years in the navy and would have stayed longer however he had severe motion sickness that prevented him from serving on a ship. My grandfather (who also past away in 1984) served in the army in WWI. My son started his military career at West Point in 2001 and is currently serving in Iraq as a Captain. I have several cousins that served in the military. So to all Veterans and current Military thank you for what you have done and what you are now doing. Being an American is an honor and a privilege; because of you we have the freedoms we treasure. Thank you all.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
halloween trick or treaters
We had a delightful time watching the little ones come up to the door to trick or treat. We had our usual large number. Our street is a popular route for the children. This is the first year in about three that I actually was able to be at home and pass out candy. The most darling costume was a six year old girl dressed as a bride, whose mother (or someone) had made her a wedding dress. The material looked like it had one been someone's wedding dress and her trick or treat bag was a white matching purse accompanied by a beautiful lace head dress. The most creative costume was a young boy maybe 9 or 10 that carried a cardboard sign that read "Candy needed, anything will do, God Bless thank you. Our city has seen several street corner loiterers with signs over the months that would read "Hungary, will work for food, God bless thank you". All in all it was a delightful evening topped off with a CSI.
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