Well, it's done!

The United States of America has a new president serving the nation. The parades have ended (or have they???), the swearing into office made it official this a.m., and the celebratory balls are taking place. I've kept my thoughts and opinions to myself, for the most part, since I had no dog in this fight other than the political party and policies which I support. While I would dearly have loved to have a truly Constitutional man in this office, going through all the pomp and circumstance, the voters/electors chose differently, despite the best efforts of the media. 

Many in our country, however, do not agree and have taken to the streets to express their displeasure. Windows are being broken in buildings and automobiles, trash and other things being lit on fire in objection to the transfer of power. The media is obsessed with the coverage thereof, showing split screens of the anarchists terrorizing city streets. Much is taking place in DC and New York, with more participants from which to draw, aside from those being bused in, to take to the streets. This is not an organic outcropping of unrest. This has been cultivated since election day, gas being poured on the fire of disappointment. 

When Romney/Ryan lost back in 2012, Justin and I were just so so so sure they were going to win. We were dumbfounded when the election results were coming in. What? How can this be happening? We'd made a celebratory meal and luscious dessert to celebrate the victory. That dessert ended up in the fridge for at least two days before either of us felt like eating it. We were devastated. I wept, not sure if he did or not. It took me months to feel like myself again, the election results being a constant reminder of 4 more years of the same or worse. But not one window was smashed. Not one fire was set. Neither of us marched or chanted. I mourned for my nation and myself in the privacy of my home or with my fellow like-minded folks. We did it differently. It is safe to say that even if the opposing candidate had won this time neither Justin nor I, nor the folks with whom we associate, would have gone on a rampage. Nope. 

An afternoon at the movies

Somehow, in my old age and being discombobulated, I accidentally double booked myself for this day. Nancy and I had made plans to go to the movies today, and she would ask Toni to join us. That was all arranged but then some of her neighbors wanted to have lunch first (but not go to the movie). We were all set up to do just that when I got a text at dinner Monday night from my friend, Stephanie, asking if we were still on for lunch Tuesday. Oops!  

I excused myself from the lunch with Stephanie and Jean, planning for the following week instead. Glad she is forgiving and flexible like that. Then, Nancy let me know that now she has a scheduling problem. A classmate of Toni and hers had their spouse die and their presence was requested for a lunch Tuesday. Of course, I excused them. I still planned to see the movie and one of her neighbors, Janelle, was going with me. But then she also decided to get her iPad repaired instead at St. Johns Town Center. So, then I called Judy C. and made plans with her to see the movie. There, that works!

She offered to pick me up since it's on her way to Fleming Island. I had already told her it was my treat because she shortened a pair of pants for me. We saw "Hidden Figures", a truth-based story about the black women who worked as human computers behind the scenes for NASA. The story told what life was like for them in their workplace, segregated and such, and how eventually they were able to climb up in their jobs, gaining the respect of their peers. At the end of the movie snapshots were shown of the actual women portrayed and told about what they all accomplished in their years at NASA, and after. VERY good movie, I highly recommend seeing it. One I will most assuredly purchase when it comes out on DVD. 

The best thing was that it was 'cheap day' at the theater, discounted tickets and refreshments. We had a good number of folks in the theater with us which was great to see. Most people gasped at the same scenes as those around them, shocked to see how people were treated and how they thought back in the early 60's. These ladies and their co-workers were ambitious and wanted to flourish in their careers. That is always encouraging. 

Justin and I just had leftovers from our 'tailgate' party Sunday, reheating brats and beer cheese soup for our dinner. I wanted to eat earlier tonight because I'd had breakfast with Terri this a.m. and left about half of it, and had only a portion of a bag of popcorn this afternoon. I was plenty hungry for our dinner. And now I'm  tired so sleep well, all!  

Sad January

Last night I read a lovely post from a newer friend of mine who served on the Board with me at The Club. Doris wrote how her door is always open, her sofa is perfect for comforting, and tea is always at the ready in case anyone is hurting and needs to talk. I love that! She went on to say how January is often depressing for many folks, with the third Monday being the day the most suicides take place. To what is this attributed? She didn't say, but my guess is the let down following the build-up of the holidays, putting the decorations away, the bills start to come, tax info arrives in the mail, the weather is grumpy...All that stuff. Yes, it can all be a real downer.

For me January is sad for an additional reason. It was in this month that my world turned upside down, having my son die. The sorrow is now less but flares up as the anniversary draws near. Timmy died on the 14th and his funeral service was the 19th, what would have been his 5th birthday. I am so glad we chose to do that day, it simply had to be that day. When I was in WI recently my mom was talking about how long it takes to get to the airport. My sister, Kerry, had asked and when I answered it was about 30 minutes, Mom corrected me. She was emphatic that it took 45 minutes because she rode back and forth to the airport multiple times during that 'funeral week' as our families traveled. She has forgotten that I live much closer to the freeway now.

Today is also the anniversary of the passing of a dear friend from church, Gordy. I was so mad at myself that day, having intended to stop at the Hospice facility on my ride back from Bible study. I was so deeply engrossed in a radio program that I drove right passed the exit, forgetting about wishing to turn there. I decided to just go back that evening...As it turned out, Gordy had likely died about the time I missed the exit. Michael was there with him, being his long time family friend, as were a couple other church members, plus his family. Remembering this always makes me sad, and mad at myself for forgetting to exit. 

In my e-mails this afternoon came a notice from GroupOn advertising tickets for the Ringling Bros. Circus. For Timmy's birthday, our plans had been for my spouse, Justin, Timmy, and our neighbors/employee's kids to attend the circus. I would not be going due to recovering from surgery. Every year in January I get the notice about tickets for the circus, and every year I remember how they did not get to go. 

Gordy having a nice MGD with Brian at our church picnic

Later I might join my friend, Terri, and some of her family as they gather at Miller's Ale House to drink a MGD as a toast to her daddy. Gordy was a frequent guest at the Ale House and everyone knew his beer of choice. It was served at his funeral meal as well. Cheers, Gordy! 

Hit the town running

Well, not really running, especially on the slippery pavement! Mom, Jill, and I ventured out in the bitter cold to have a late breakfast at Perkin's. Jill has vacation the next two weeks which is just awesome for us, especially for her. I ordered my usual potato pancakes and managed to polish them all off, sharing my applesauce with Mom. My bacon was done to perfection! 

After breakfast Jill dropped me off at Hobby Lobby where I was meeting Linda. She had some last minute shopping to take care of there, and also at Kohl's. Lynn finished up what she was doing that morning so we met her at Kohl's, too. Linda found a cute outfit for her little granddaughter plus was able to pick up a couple things for a person on the church's Sharing Tree. I bought a pair of jeans there, my favorite place to purchase them, and got a new top as well. Also picked up two scented candles, one for me and one for Kerry. 

At some point I lost the bottom button from my coat. Looked in both cars but it was not be found. Nuts! Since it was now beyond lunch time and the other two ladies were hungry, we all went to Culver's for a treat. They had meals while I had an order of fries with my soda. At Culver's I saw my classmate, Rick Habeck, now retired from the police dept. How cool it is to see folks I know!

 

After we were done at Culver's, I went home with Lynn to my mom's house, forgetting my purchases from Kohl's were in Linda's car. No problem, I'll get along fine until I see her again. Lynn went on home with plans in place to dine at The Green Street Tavern for dinner. Yay!  Linda gave me a gift certificate she had been carrying around for almost two years to use there. Since they are on a diet now, she knew we could use it. Every little bit helps! When it was time for dinner, Mom already saying she was staying home, Lynn was still too full from lunch. Jill and I dined alone, and it was nice! While we were eating our perch, I got a text message from my sister-in-law, Barb, asking if I'd like to ride with them to Green Bay to help celebrate their son, my godson's, birthday on Wednesday. NUTS! I have plans that day with Linda but I would have so enjoyed going with them. Kevin is 40 this year---wow!!!

After dinner we found two of my cousins seated at the bar, both of whom having been informed about our plans to dine together as a family next week Monday. I had set things up with Barbie, their sister, the night I arrived in Manty. Hopefully Lori will be able to stay in town long enough to have lunch with us. My cousins assured us we'd see them plus their older brother on Monday. This is going to be fun!

Mom had said to not bring anything home for her but I disobeyed and got her a nice big piece of poppyseed torte, which she loves. Of course, it's not as good as what she gets from a church friend, Larry, but it will do. I put it in the fridge for her to enjoy tomorrow. We watched TV tonight until I was ready to shower and headed to my room. 

Justin had me subscribe to DirectTV on my phone so I can watch some programs in my room including "Law & Order". That helps for falling asleep, if I don't use my "Seinfeld" recordings. For some reason the signal gets interrupted and I wake up to restart the program so that might not work for bedtime. But it is nice for "Fox & Friends" in the mornings when Mom is listening intently to her local radio station. We won't bother each other this way. Pleasant dreams! 

It's freezing up here!!

I have arrived safely and at long last in Manitowoc. My sister, Jill, was able to admit me to the apartment as she had not been feeling well and skipped the boy's Christmas program. Oh, if only Lynn would have had room for my luggage in her car---the shuttle driver could have dropped me off in Howard's Grove instead and I could have seen their program. Nuts!  Anyway, it's -12 here and bitingly cold. 

While going through security, I saw the Kelley family heading back to IL after Fran's funeral service. Later Dennis came looking for me saying his brother, Mike, wanted a picture of us together for him to show around at church later that same day. I loved it! A man in the gate area offered to take it for us.

My original travel plan, once changed to Sunday from Saturday's departure, was to arrive in Manty around noon and have plenty of time to ready myself for the Christmas program. Sadly, the flight was delayed out of JAX which made me miss my connection in Charlotte. At one point Jill had texted me as I waited for hours at Charlotte, asking me if I was bored. Never! There were many people around to talk with, flights being delayed or eventually cancelled entirely all over the place. 

For those who were delayed for a half day already the airline had sandwiches, chips, and water brought in. The nice young man seated next me didn't want the sandwich so he got one for me. That was a blessing because I'd been waiting at the gate for about three hours and there was limited food options on our end. (Why does it seem my gates are always the furthest ones?) 

When it time to baord, mine was the last name called to be seated. The plane was parked on the tarmac rather than at a jetway so we had to walk out to the plane and climb a steep set of steps to get up into the plane. Yikes!  I told the man behind me to go first but he insisted I go ahead of him, saying he'd help me. Not sure how, but he did help me by making me keep going due to not wanting to hold up the show. That was a job!

Once I got to MKE, I made my way to the baggage claim area, fully expecting my bag to have not made it on the stand-by flight. But, it had! Went across the way to the GoShuttle desk and got fixed up with my driver. I was the only passenger going up that direction, and he asked me if I wanted to ride up front. I was shot-gun! It was warmer up front anyway, since it was bitter cold outside. We talked all the way, listened a bit to the post-game show (I missed a VERY exciting Packer game, too!). He is Lutheran, goes to church in Sheboygan, pointed out his family's farmland as we drove past it, had a great visit. 

Jill and I took it upon ourselves to order pizza and garlic knots for dinner which arrived after Mom and Lynn got home. Lynn took hers to-go as she had to leave to help her daughter with something. I just love the Personal Pan Pizzas but was not crazy about the garlic knots. Note to self---stick with Papa Johns for those!  After Jill went home, Mom and I just watched some TV before I came to my room, exhausted from a day of travel and sitting. Imagine that! I am thanking God for the safe travel. Now I'll rest up for tomorrow's activities. 

Change in Plans

Thursday I was talking with my neighbor, Rosemary, regarding my pending trip to WI, planned for today. The way the weather forecasts looked like my arrival and then transport to Manty could be risky so I was getting figurative cold feet about leaving on Saturday. She suggested that I call the airline to see what was going on with the flights for my pending travel.I did just that!

At first I got a recorded answer and I was able to put in my phone number for a call back in 10-15 minutes. That worked great. A nice lady named Julie said that yes, they are changing people's flights for free due to the weather situation so I booked for travel on Sunday rather than Saturday, which is when it was predicted to be the worst for driving. The thing is, I'd arrive in MKE at 10:19 so whoever would come to pick me up would miss Bible study. Of course, I am willing to wait, I am a very good waiter, but Mom insisted on paying the shuttle to take me home. At last, I relented, because she was scared about anyone driving on 'those roads' when they are so elderly. I'm sure Lynn and/or Linda appreciated that!  

Having my travel changed gave me an extra day at home and allowed me to attend a funeral service at church for a very dear lady, Fran Kelley. She put up a valiant battle until she at last succumbed. The hymns we sang were beautifully chosen and I was glad to sit a few rows behind the family to sing out for them. My friend, Carol, told me once how important that is, so I do it. The sermon was good, too, as I mentioned to the pastor. He said such sermons are easy when they are about such folks as Fran, almost write themselves. Of course, it wasn't about Fran but about her Savior, whom she dearly loved and served. 

Tomorrow morning it's up and at 'em early as Justin will deliver me to the airport and then he's off to DisneyWorld with his friend, Jesse. They have the annual passes to use and wants to make sure they get their money's worth right out of the gate. I'm so glad for them getting to do this. Last night, Terri gave Justin a Disney gift card so his costs will be even less now, due to that. He gets food outside the park so he doesn't spend so much inside. That guy loves his theme parks now, which makes me happy for him! 

The Power of Thank You

From my friend and fellow Board Member, Patricia:

In the spirit of Thanksgiving this week I'd love to share with you the benefits and power of two simple words. "THANK YOU."

They are two words that have the power to transform our health, happiness, athletic performance and success. Research shows that grateful people are happier and more likely to maintain good friendships. A state of gratitude, according to research by the Institute of HeartMath, also improves the heart's rhythmic functioning, which helps us to reduce stress, think more clearly under pressure and heal physically. It's actually physiologically impossible to be stressed and thankful at the same time. When you are grateful you flood your body and brain with emotions and endorphins that uplift and energize you rather than the stress hormones that drain you.

Gratitude and appreciation are also essential for a healthy work environment. In fact, the number one reason why people leave their jobs is because they don't feel appreciated. A simple thank you and a show of appreciation can make all the difference.

Gratitude is like muscle. The more we do with it the stronger it gets. In this spirit here are 5 ways to practice Thanksgiving every day of the year.

1. Take a Daily Thank You Walk - I started this practice 15 years ago and it changed my life. Take a simple 10-30 minute walk each day and say out loud what you are thankful for. This will set you up for a positive day. I wrote more about this in The Positive Dog.

2. Meal Time Thank You's - On Thanksgiving, or just at dinner with your friends and family, go around the table and have each person, including the kids at the little table, say what they are thankful for.

3. Gratitude Visit - Martin Seligman, Ph.D., the father of positive psychology, suggests that we write a letter expressing our gratitude to someone. Then we visit this person and read them the letter. His research shows that people who do this are measurably happier and less depressed a month later.

4. Say Thank You at Work - When Doug Conant was the CEO of Campbell Soup he wrote approximately 30,000 thank you notes to his employees and energized the company in the process. Energize and engage your co-workers and team by letting them know you are grateful for them and their work. Organizations spend billions of dollars collectively on recognition programs but the best and cheapest recognition program of all consists of a sincere THANK YOU. And of course don't forget to say thank you to your clients and customers too.

5. Say Thank you and Goodnight – At bedtime reflect on your day, identify and share all that you are thankful for.