Kind of different, and kind of nice....just different

For my side of the family, I have two siblings and my mother that live in close proximity.  I also have siblings that live down South, whom we rarely see.  

This year, my sisters and I opted out of the whole getting together for Christmas dinner thing.  My mother was not happy about it, but she finally accepted it.  She is not a person that adapts well to change.  Mom is very set in her ways over some things.  For instance, I remember years back we took the wrong turn and missed our exit.  She about came undone because she could not comprehend that there might be another way to get to our destination.  This has happened more than once, and normally to calm her fears we cave and will go out our way just so we can go her way, lol.   So that kind of sets the stage of what a big deal this was for our family.  Despite Mom's protests, I received feed back from my sisters that they had a good time.  Mom went with my eldest sister for part of the day, and my daughters ended up going to her home afterward for a short visit.  While it was different, I think it ended up being kind of nice.  The highlight was that my grandson did love the small ukulele (his first stringed instrument)  and would not let it go, lol.  She finally had to hide it or it would have went to bed with him.  I'm glad he liked it.  Oh, he's not quite two yet.

Today, the sky is overcast and grey.  I was hoping for some sunshine.  Today is also my husband's birthday.  I know its hard on him, not just because it lands after Christmas but also because he misses his children and grandboys that live in the midwest.  I am hoping he will have a blessed day.  Quiet is okay, too.  Kind of nice, but different.

Does Blogger Need to Go Away?v

I remember when I was first introduced to Blogger and the interaction between writers and readers was great.  It seems like anymore that the followers have become ghosts and no one really wants to take the time to "read" what someone else has to say.

Think back that the world of "texting" broke loose and has replaced real conversations between people.  I saw the pattern forming when bloggers started to migrate over to other social media forums like "MySpace" or "Facebook," etc.

I don't even know who is following my blog these days (if anyone) because I rarely receive feedback on my posts, even when I posted them to my facebook account.  I had previously created a blog for the sole purpose of posting a personal bible devotional.  I received very few comments on FB, too.

So, why am I still writing?

Right now, I feel a bit lost in my writing adventures.  I have a lot inside but have withdrawn for my own reasons.  I've experienced loss over the past years and I presented strength in those times for family members but I think the realization has caught up with me.  We all have to take a turn in coping with loss and not everyone reacts the same.  I put down my writing pen during that time and had my focus in other places, but I would like to get onto healing and writing again.

Soon.

Writing Challenge -- Day #10 FINAL DAY

Leslie has decided to limit her writing challenge to ten days, so this will be the last post on this challenge.  I am hoping to continue writing since I have gotten kick started again, and want to thank her for allowing me to participate.  Her posts can be found at:  http://lesliepjackson.blogspot.com/

Writing Challenge: What are your goals for 2017?

I have not committed to "New Year Goals" in a long time, but maybe its past time that I get with it.

My goals for 2017 in no order of importance....

- Pay off all bills with exception of the top three

- Improve health (weight, spiritual, mental, etc.)

- Come up with a plan to work from home

- Write a snail mail letter or send card to someone once-a-month

- Commit to a bible study program

- Move to a one-level home and closer to work

- Participate or host the "Family Once-A-Month" game night

- Strengthen relationships (God, Marriage, Family, Friends)

Lots of goals....always work towards something.

Writing Challenge -- Day #9

Today's Challenge: "What's on your Christmas wish list?"

Well we typically never seem to have enough money to exchange gifts, lol.  BUT if we did have money to burn, my 2017 wish items might be...

#1 - Our own home.  We rent right now, since becoming a casualty of the housing crisis back in 2008.  I would like a home to be on one level (including laundry area).  I would not mind having the guest bedrooms on a separate floor, but with recent knee issues have found the one level living is best for me.

#2 - Classic NINTENDO.  I have never gotten into the "new" games.  I think I stopped playing with the first mario, lol.  Just got busy with life and other things, but I used to enjoy some of the old games and it would be fun to play them again.  

#3 - A personal trainer and chef for a year.  I want to get in shape and healthy!

I think I will stop right there....lol.

Writing Challenge -- Day #8

Today's Challenge: "Make a list of 10 things for which you are thankful."

Love this challenge,

#1 - Thankful for my Mom.  Mom is one of my best friends.  We have always had a wonderful relationship, not that we always see eye-to-eye.  She laid a firm foundation of beliefs and faith.  She has shown strength and perseverance over the years and I have always admired her.  She is "Mom" to many and always loved.  She is beautiful inside and out, and I feel so blessed to have her in my life.

#2 - Thankful for my Children.  

#3 - Thankful for my Grandchildren.  

#4 - Thankful for my Church.  

#5 - Thankful for our men and women that wear the uniform.  Not just our military, but also police, fire and rescue!  My daughters, niece and son-in-law are in the medical field.

#6 - Thankful for living in USA.  

#7 - Thankful for my job. 

#8 - Thankful for my siblings. 

#9 - Thankful for my in-laws - brothers and sisters, and also the opportunity to have had a wonderful MIL.  She was a wonderful lady and is missed everyday.

#10 -  Thankful for New Opportunities.  Each day is a blessing....
  

Writing Challenge -- Day #7

Today's Challenge: "Do you prefer to be behind the camera or in front of it?"

Definitely behind it.  I am an identical twin, so there were quite a few "baby" pictures back in the day and in practically everyone I was either crying or had a fussy face.  My poor sister always looked like she had a headache, lol.  I can imagine her saying "Oh great, she's crying again!"  

This has carried with me through life and I have never particularly liked being front and center.  I'm more of a laid back, back pew kinda person, lol.

Writing Challenge -- Day #6

Today's Challenge--"Do you have any strange phobias?"

Hmmm, most people probably do not think about this so much because it is their "normal."  

At first, I was going to write that I do not have any, but then decided to do a bit of research on this question.  I found the following website that actually provides a list of them, lol.  At this particular site, they've listed 100!  Wow, I did not realize there were so many!

http://www.nursingdegreeguide.org/2010/100-weird-phobias-that-really-exist/

I do not feel it is particularly a strange phobia, but I do fear heights.  It has worsened with age, and am not sure if it has something to do more with vision than anything else.  I experienced it when we when up the tower in Canada.  I had to stand behind my husband and close my eyes going up the elevator to the top and then had to walk very slowly backwards and not look out so he could take a photo of me.  I started to actually feel panic.  

Writing Challenge -- Day #5

So, I have been out of town and then coming back home have not quite gotten caught up.  I did not realize how far behind I have been on the "writing challenge" but I'm not going to give up and will get caught up! :-)

Today's Challenge: "What does your last text message from someone else say?"

Today, I took a day of leave because I have not been feeling my best since my return trip home from the holidays.  I was actually falling asleep at the wheel on the drive home last evening and it ...well scared me.  Feeling dizzy and I have a sinus issue along side of no energy and feel sick.  So, earlier this AM, I sent a note into the office and received the following response:  "Rest up...feel better."

I hope today will do the trick....