Sunday, March 29, 2009

Friday, February 13, 2009

One day and counting!

Tomorrow is a celebration of the sweetest holiday of the year, Valentine's Day. We all have memories of the day, some good, some not so good, and some we do not care to relive. I would like to share some of the good memories I have had (that I can remember)

When I was young, my grandmother once gave me a little brown bag with a few pieces of Brach's nougat candy and some pretzel nuggets. I had not had either of those treats prior to that, and to this day enjoy both of them very much. Thin pretzels just are not the same for me anymore, since I had the pleasure of that thick, crusty, salty little baked dough. I have not been able to find the nougat for years, which is ok, cuase I still can dream about the flavor.

When I was dating my ex-husband, our first Valentine's Day together he gave me a silver colored necklace that had a heart charm which said "St Valentine protect my love" It was so sweet-and I held on to that for many years, even after we were no longer married. I still felt protected.

For my children, I used to play "cupid" and every year they received little gifts from me. I have a tendency to stay away from the commercial candy filled hearts, they received other gifts.

Yesterday, my daughter decided to make cupcakes for her friends and teachers. She said she wanted to make something for those in school that would probably not be receiving gifts from others. She spent the whole evening making the cupcakes, decorating them, and trying to figure out how she was going to carry them around with her throughout the day today. This morning she left with her backpack, shoulder bag and two very large trays carrying those cupcakes.

I'm not sure what my loves will be receiving from me this year, hopefully it will be something they can remember for years to come. After all, gifts are not about what the gift is, rather the memory we associate with that gift.

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

Saturday, January 31, 2009

One day and counting!

Tomorrow is the big day-Super Bowl Sunday. I bet you didn't know that Super Bowl Sunday is the second largest EATING day surpassed only by Thanksgiving. Many of you who aren't particularly interested in football, will be attending parties and watching the game. The commercials in the past have been the highlights, but with the economy in such a downturn, I wonder how spectacular they will be.

My husband and I will be spending the afternoon with friends. Not sure how much of the game I will actually watch.

My torn hamstring is getting better slowly. Can't believe how painful this has been. I went for acupuncture and have been doing my therapy so I can get back to work so I can resume my life.

Enjoy the game tomorrow!

Monday, January 26, 2009

Torn Hamstring

Haven't been able to do much except sleep and watch tv. Last week I slid on some water that was on the floor and ended up doing the spits. Apparently I did quite a good job of getting all the way down.......The result- a great hamstring tear!!!!!

Anyway, our modern pain meds have done a great job keeping the pain decreased- the worst side effects so far are sleeping. I have spent most of the past six days asleep. I wake up only to fall back to sleep within a short period of time.

Hopefully by the end of the week, I will be able to start having a life again. My family have done the cooking, cleaning and laundry for the past 6 days. Today I was able to make the lasagns for dinner! Go me!

Monday, January 19, 2009

What can you do for your Country?

Today we celebrate Martin Luther King day. Tomorrow we will celebrate the inauguration of our next president. There is an air of hope around, as we open this new point in American history.
Barack Obama has asked the American people to step up and volunteer to make this a better place.
I do believe that as we embark on our new journey together, there is hope. Hope for a new nation that can become a community of those who serve.

My family and I have served our church and community in various ways. We will continue to serve and will hopefully find other ways to serve.

My questions for all is, how can you find ways to serve others?

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Musings of the Spirit

Today, we had a meeting at work. Not an unusual event in our lives of employment, But, this one was somewhat different. Rather than being told of all the things we were going to be doing, we were in essence asked, how can we make this better?

I work as an acute care nurse on a med surg unit. One of the questions my boss posed was how can we think of ourselves as professionals? This is the question that seems to have got me thinking, and here are some of my thoughts.

Nursing is a tough job. We work different shifts, holidays and weekends. Most people are aware of this. What people don't think of is what we do in a day. As nurses, we take care of humans most basic need. We feed, walk, bath and toilet those that are in our care. Our wardrobe is not a fancy one, as a matter of fact, many of us can be seen wearing scrubs with cartoon figures. Not very professional, but it can light up someones day.

One of my other thoughts today, was how there are so many people in society who take better care of their animals, then they do other people. Many of us feel bad for the stray dogs that no one wants to take care of, but we turn the other way when we see a homeless person or someone down on their luck.

My goal for this year, is to try to empathize a little more with those less fortunate than myself, and try a little harder just to make someone else's day a little brighter. Also, to see myself as the profesional I am, and to foster that professionalism in those I work with.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

It's a start of a new baking year

Today, I went out to lunch to the chinese restaurant with my husband. Lunch was delicious, followed by that illustrious pastry we have come to call the "Fortune Cookie" In our family, it is customary to pick the cookie closest to you. I picked mine, and it said "now is the time to start a new collection or hobby".

My husband laughed at this and said he thinks I picked the wrong cookie.

I'm wondering, what new collection or hobby should I start? Last year, I was focused on bread baking, cookie baking, knitting, and once again started cake decorating. At this point, I can't imagine whats left.

Maybe focusing on my blog and photography?

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Preparing for Christmas

It's four days until Christmas. Only, this year I do not have the usual hustle and bustle and preparation that usually accompanies this holiday. Instead, my preparations have been on the internal side. Yes, I am still putting up the tree and planning on decorating, but I find I am in a more peaceful place this year.

I look back at the past years, and find that this year has been an especially exceptional year for my spiritual growth. I have had so many angels come into my life and have ahd many,many new experiences.

The world has also had a time of great change- the economy has dropped- we have a new president. Along with us, many other nations have also experienced these challenging times.

My gift for all this Christmas is the true meaning- LOVE.

May we all find a place in our hearts to open up to the love of the universe. To find the peace in one another during these challenging times. Christmas is not about what we can buy for one another, but truly the GIFT of each and every one of us. We are all special, and have come to each other in this word for a reason. A reason, that may only be made known in due time.

May all find the universal peace this season. The world can be a much better place, and it starts in the heart and soul of each and every one of us.