I hear that a lot these days..."It is what it is." So, that's it, whatever situation brings you to the point of saying it, it's over, done with? You have tried all you can and now all that is left to say on the matter is "it is what it is?"
Seems a bit, well, final. We as humans have the capability to do and be whatever we want. There are situations in life that may have you down and out, but, with determination, you can change your situation. When you say "it is what it is", is their no determination? Does it mean you leave the situation in someone else's hands? Now, I believe in the power of prayer and I do tend to leave things in God's hands...I've never said, however, "it is what it is", no matter how long it may take Him to answer me.
There is a reason for every situation you are in. You may not see it at the time, but, one day, when you stop looking for the reasons, you will find them.
Or, is it? If Tony Stewart doesn't win the Chase this year, well, "it is what it is." He can't change it, as much as I am sure he would like to! When it was time for me to get a new car, I knew what I wanted. A Saturn VUE. I bought it new and have had it for almost 8 years now. It has over 100,000 miles on. It's almost time for me to be thinking what new car I may want in the future. I would be perfectly happy with another Saturn. However, they aren't making them any more...it is what it is. No matter how much I wish for another new car from Saturn, it's just not going to happen.
I guess that means you have to decide when something "is what it is." Whether the thing or situation is worth fighting for or, if...it is what it is.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The Quest for the Perfect Purse
A purse is a purse... is a purse is a purse...at least that is what the man in your life might want you to believe. I know mine thinks I collect purses, like I collect Snow-Babies or anything Mary Engelbreit. Little does he know...
In reality, I am on a quest to find the "perfect" purse. I am uncertain, at this time, whether there is such a thing out there. Oh, I am sure some designers would like you to think their purses are perfect, however, it doesn't seem to matter if one spends $5 or $500 on a purse. If it's not what you've been looking for, it isn't the perfect purse. Unfortunately, sometimes you don't know it's not "the one" until after you've purchased it and used it for a while (I wonder where else we could use that analogy in our lives...).
I believe a purse is an extension of who you are; don't laugh, I am completely serious! If you carry a big, bulky (not to mention a heavy) purse, one can assume if they need a kitchen sink, you'd be the one to have it... It is a part of your fashion sense. I have to confess being fascinated and taken in with the floral theme on purses these days; not just a floral print, but, an actual flower on the purse. I know, I know I fell hard and, well, have been disappointed. Yes, they are cute...they just don't meet the criteria I have set for the perfect purse.
What is the criteria? I'm glad you asked (ha). Color really doesn't play a big part in it; well, it does depend on the season...you don't want a white purse in the fall or winter. The purse needs to be able to stand on it's own when it is set down. Not be floppy or fall over constantly (girls you know what I'm talking about). It has to be large enough to fit everything you need; i.e., wallet, cell phone (must have it's own pocket), calendar, checkbook, glasses, keys, lip gloss, etc. Large enough and yet, not too large. It must hang off your shoulder, comfortably--not constantly fall off. It would be nice to have a few zippered pockets to keep items such as coupons (DSW) that you might not use on a daily basis, but, like to have with you...just in case. It has to close all the way--no magnets or snaps that only close in the middle of the purse. The minute you drop it, everything comes out. It has to be eye catching--color, print, you name it. You have to hear, at least once a day, "oh, I love your purse!" Okay, not that last one...but, it does help when you are questioning whether or not it is "the one"...
No, I have not found the perfect purse. I still seem to have one I carry to work, one I take on vacation, one I call my shopping purse, and, one that just holds my money and driver's license...wait, wouldn't that be considered a wallet? You really don't want me to start on wallets...however, purses and wallets do go hand in hand...I digress. No, I don't collect purses, do I enjoy my quest for the perfet purse? What do you think?
Now, if only I could find the perfect pair of shoes...
In reality, I am on a quest to find the "perfect" purse. I am uncertain, at this time, whether there is such a thing out there. Oh, I am sure some designers would like you to think their purses are perfect, however, it doesn't seem to matter if one spends $5 or $500 on a purse. If it's not what you've been looking for, it isn't the perfect purse. Unfortunately, sometimes you don't know it's not "the one" until after you've purchased it and used it for a while (I wonder where else we could use that analogy in our lives...).
I believe a purse is an extension of who you are; don't laugh, I am completely serious! If you carry a big, bulky (not to mention a heavy) purse, one can assume if they need a kitchen sink, you'd be the one to have it... It is a part of your fashion sense. I have to confess being fascinated and taken in with the floral theme on purses these days; not just a floral print, but, an actual flower on the purse. I know, I know I fell hard and, well, have been disappointed. Yes, they are cute...they just don't meet the criteria I have set for the perfect purse.
What is the criteria? I'm glad you asked (ha). Color really doesn't play a big part in it; well, it does depend on the season...you don't want a white purse in the fall or winter. The purse needs to be able to stand on it's own when it is set down. Not be floppy or fall over constantly (girls you know what I'm talking about). It has to be large enough to fit everything you need; i.e., wallet, cell phone (must have it's own pocket), calendar, checkbook, glasses, keys, lip gloss, etc. Large enough and yet, not too large. It must hang off your shoulder, comfortably--not constantly fall off. It would be nice to have a few zippered pockets to keep items such as coupons (DSW) that you might not use on a daily basis, but, like to have with you...just in case. It has to close all the way--no magnets or snaps that only close in the middle of the purse. The minute you drop it, everything comes out. It has to be eye catching--color, print, you name it. You have to hear, at least once a day, "oh, I love your purse!" Okay, not that last one...but, it does help when you are questioning whether or not it is "the one"...
No, I have not found the perfect purse. I still seem to have one I carry to work, one I take on vacation, one I call my shopping purse, and, one that just holds my money and driver's license...wait, wouldn't that be considered a wallet? You really don't want me to start on wallets...however, purses and wallets do go hand in hand...I digress. No, I don't collect purses, do I enjoy my quest for the perfet purse? What do you think?
Now, if only I could find the perfect pair of shoes...
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Thank you for flying Delta...
When was the last time you enjoyed your flight home or to anywhere? I mean REALLY enjoyed it? I had the most pleasant flight from Minneapolis to Omaha on Monday. All thanks to Robert, our lone steward (is that the right terminology?).
Getting into the plane was a nightmare for some, luckily not for me. I was neither re-seated or kicked off the plane due to over booking and down sizing to a smaller plane--they went from 70 seats to only 50. They were frantically offering "Delta Bucks" (I might have considered staying over night in Minneapolis if they had offered DSW Bucks...), vouchers for a hotel and finally, if you weren't in the loading area when they called your name, you were out of luck! As you'd expect, the mood loading the plane was less than pleasant.
Once the doors closed and we were snug as a bug in our seat belts, Robert started his performance. The first unexpected thing he did was come over the PA system and ask how many of us were excited to be going to Omaha, only a few hands went up; then, he asked who was going home? Well, it was infectious and more passengers raised their hands. He said he was "excited" to be going to Omaha that he graduated from Westside and attended UN of Lincoln and, you could tell, it was genuine excitement.
What happened next made me think to myself "this dude should be a comedian". As he was giving the safety talk, he followed along, word for word, with the recorded message done by a female...so, if you can picture it; his mouth moving and her voice coming out. Yes, that did bring a few smiles and giggles through out the cabin.
Once we took off, he got on the PA and told us our flight was not supposed to have beverage service (it is only a 50 minute flight) BUT, since he was so awesome, he was going to serve us! Not only did he serve everyone, he stopped and listened, and laughed with each passenger. He even gave out alcoholic beverages as "his treat". He took the beginning of a hum drum plane trip and turned it into an entertainment adventure. I mean, I kept thinking, "what's he going to come up with next?"
We didn't have to wait long to find out. As he reminded us to make sure we had all our belongings, he said that if we left our IPads,IPods, cell phones or laptops in the pocket on the seat in front of us, that, well, he'd just have to sell them on EBay...
He wasn't done, he had one more zinger for us--he told us if we didn't enjoy our plane trip and wanted to complain, that his name was...Ashton. Yes, this time, all the passengers on the plane laughed--out loud. They just couldn't hold it in any longer. Then he smiled and reminded us his name was Robert and that he enjoyed flying with us today. For the first time ever--I actually believed that to be true.
Some people are made for greatness while some people are great in everything they do. Even though Robert won't be a comedian, he certainly takes pride and enjoyment in his work--being great where he is. Thank you, Robert, for a wonderful trip home.
Getting into the plane was a nightmare for some, luckily not for me. I was neither re-seated or kicked off the plane due to over booking and down sizing to a smaller plane--they went from 70 seats to only 50. They were frantically offering "Delta Bucks" (I might have considered staying over night in Minneapolis if they had offered DSW Bucks...), vouchers for a hotel and finally, if you weren't in the loading area when they called your name, you were out of luck! As you'd expect, the mood loading the plane was less than pleasant.
Once the doors closed and we were snug as a bug in our seat belts, Robert started his performance. The first unexpected thing he did was come over the PA system and ask how many of us were excited to be going to Omaha, only a few hands went up; then, he asked who was going home? Well, it was infectious and more passengers raised their hands. He said he was "excited" to be going to Omaha that he graduated from Westside and attended UN of Lincoln and, you could tell, it was genuine excitement.
What happened next made me think to myself "this dude should be a comedian". As he was giving the safety talk, he followed along, word for word, with the recorded message done by a female...so, if you can picture it; his mouth moving and her voice coming out. Yes, that did bring a few smiles and giggles through out the cabin.
Once we took off, he got on the PA and told us our flight was not supposed to have beverage service (it is only a 50 minute flight) BUT, since he was so awesome, he was going to serve us! Not only did he serve everyone, he stopped and listened, and laughed with each passenger. He even gave out alcoholic beverages as "his treat". He took the beginning of a hum drum plane trip and turned it into an entertainment adventure. I mean, I kept thinking, "what's he going to come up with next?"
We didn't have to wait long to find out. As he reminded us to make sure we had all our belongings, he said that if we left our IPads,IPods, cell phones or laptops in the pocket on the seat in front of us, that, well, he'd just have to sell them on EBay...
He wasn't done, he had one more zinger for us--he told us if we didn't enjoy our plane trip and wanted to complain, that his name was...Ashton. Yes, this time, all the passengers on the plane laughed--out loud. They just couldn't hold it in any longer. Then he smiled and reminded us his name was Robert and that he enjoyed flying with us today. For the first time ever--I actually believed that to be true.
Some people are made for greatness while some people are great in everything they do. Even though Robert won't be a comedian, he certainly takes pride and enjoyment in his work--being great where he is. Thank you, Robert, for a wonderful trip home.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Work
When other aspects of your life seem on a downward spiral, it's nice to have some where to go, some where to place the worries of your life on hold, at least for six hours or so (oh, I know for some of you it's longer...8 to 10 max!).
My new job has proven to be just that, a refuge. Some of you may not know, but, I accepted a part time position as the secretary for Second Baptist Church here in Lincoln. I felt the Lord leading me to that position the moment I saw it in the want ads. He just took some time in giving it to me...I believe He wants to teach me patience! Imagine that...
The job itself is not like any other I have had. There are only two people in the office, myself and the Pastor. I've also never experienced a low stress job before. However, sometimes, the stress at my job in Maryland was of my own doing. Self inflicted if you will. I wanted things done and done right, and, if something happened to change those requirements, I became stressed. I learned a lot in my tenure at Adventist Home Health...
It has also been a "learn as you go" kind of position for me. I did not receive on the job training per say. The previous secretary spent about two hours with me. She does stop in from time to time to see if I have any questions. So, I have learned my job by trial and error. I have also had to learn to trouble shoot my own computer problems--no more IT to call (I don't have a Howard, Kevin or Dave here...). It's interesting, also, that I am by myself quite a bit. A pastor's job is more than just sermons--it's shepherding the congregation, and with a congregation whose median age is probably 65-85...he shepherds a lot--hospital visits, etc. Not to mention Bible studies and an evening of activities during the week.
One thing I knew I had to do was organize the office itself. I threw things away (probably shouldn't have...) that seemed old and out dated. I got my Clorox wipes (my training from Bonnie) out and cleaned all the surfaces. I labeled everything, and, I do mean everything. I got bins to organize things that needed containment, such as office supplies and offering envelopes. I found out, one of the ushers made a point of showing someone all that I had done, how organized not only the office now was, but, even the desk! See, my desk is not just mine. I share it with a lot of people. They use it on Sunday mornings to count the offering and to tally up the attendance sheets. Sometimes, I see the treasurer has been in and has left the calculator on. What is so much fun, is when I come in on Tuesdays (I am lucky to be off on Mondays), my desk is still clean and, for the most part, how I left it at the end of the day on Friday.
One of the retired pastors asked if I had a coffee maker, which I did go and buy. He also told me he too had a jar of candy on his desk. It is something I have always done. I knew my boss, Kristi, liked to come and get a mint every now and again. I could always tell when she did it while I was gone, I would find the wrappers left behind. Those are the little things that make an office feel welcoming. I guess to me, that is what was missing when I first walked in the door. I wanted them to know I was there for them and would enjoy it when they stopped in.
The computer system we currently have is, for lack of a better word, archaic. Old, Old, Old!!! There are so many things we could be doing, better, if we had an updated system. So, the Pastor is submitting a request to get such a system. He told me that is one of the things that stood out to him about not only my resume, but, about me at our interview. He told me he felt I could bring them up to date on technology. I am not a computer geek, I just play one on TV...
In a way, I am making this job my own. Yes, there are duties I have that must be done on a daily, weekly, monthly, etc., schedule. However, I am introducing new ways to do things as well as the old. At first, some people weren't so sure, but, now, they see the progress and are more open to the changes. Believe me, there is more to do. Files to go through, decisions on what needs to stay and what can be thrown out, all the fun things!
Since I have been working at SBC, two of the home care agencies I had sent my resume to have contacted me for interviews, making me wonder if I chose the right job that maybe, just maybe, there was something better out there for me. Well, it's amazing how the Lord knows the makings of your heart. When I got back from lunch on Friday, the Pastor had sent me this e-mail: "Just a note to say how grateful I am to have you as our secretary. You're doing a great job and I'm excited to see what it will be like once we get our office technology up to speed. Thank you for all you do!" In my heart of hearts, I know I am where I am supposed to be. The Lord placed me in this job, it is up to me to continue to have an open heart and let Him take me where He will.
My new job has proven to be just that, a refuge. Some of you may not know, but, I accepted a part time position as the secretary for Second Baptist Church here in Lincoln. I felt the Lord leading me to that position the moment I saw it in the want ads. He just took some time in giving it to me...I believe He wants to teach me patience! Imagine that...
The job itself is not like any other I have had. There are only two people in the office, myself and the Pastor. I've also never experienced a low stress job before. However, sometimes, the stress at my job in Maryland was of my own doing. Self inflicted if you will. I wanted things done and done right, and, if something happened to change those requirements, I became stressed. I learned a lot in my tenure at Adventist Home Health...
It has also been a "learn as you go" kind of position for me. I did not receive on the job training per say. The previous secretary spent about two hours with me. She does stop in from time to time to see if I have any questions. So, I have learned my job by trial and error. I have also had to learn to trouble shoot my own computer problems--no more IT to call (I don't have a Howard, Kevin or Dave here...). It's interesting, also, that I am by myself quite a bit. A pastor's job is more than just sermons--it's shepherding the congregation, and with a congregation whose median age is probably 65-85...he shepherds a lot--hospital visits, etc. Not to mention Bible studies and an evening of activities during the week.
One thing I knew I had to do was organize the office itself. I threw things away (probably shouldn't have...) that seemed old and out dated. I got my Clorox wipes (my training from Bonnie) out and cleaned all the surfaces. I labeled everything, and, I do mean everything. I got bins to organize things that needed containment, such as office supplies and offering envelopes. I found out, one of the ushers made a point of showing someone all that I had done, how organized not only the office now was, but, even the desk! See, my desk is not just mine. I share it with a lot of people. They use it on Sunday mornings to count the offering and to tally up the attendance sheets. Sometimes, I see the treasurer has been in and has left the calculator on. What is so much fun, is when I come in on Tuesdays (I am lucky to be off on Mondays), my desk is still clean and, for the most part, how I left it at the end of the day on Friday.
One of the retired pastors asked if I had a coffee maker, which I did go and buy. He also told me he too had a jar of candy on his desk. It is something I have always done. I knew my boss, Kristi, liked to come and get a mint every now and again. I could always tell when she did it while I was gone, I would find the wrappers left behind. Those are the little things that make an office feel welcoming. I guess to me, that is what was missing when I first walked in the door. I wanted them to know I was there for them and would enjoy it when they stopped in.
The computer system we currently have is, for lack of a better word, archaic. Old, Old, Old!!! There are so many things we could be doing, better, if we had an updated system. So, the Pastor is submitting a request to get such a system. He told me that is one of the things that stood out to him about not only my resume, but, about me at our interview. He told me he felt I could bring them up to date on technology. I am not a computer geek, I just play one on TV...
In a way, I am making this job my own. Yes, there are duties I have that must be done on a daily, weekly, monthly, etc., schedule. However, I am introducing new ways to do things as well as the old. At first, some people weren't so sure, but, now, they see the progress and are more open to the changes. Believe me, there is more to do. Files to go through, decisions on what needs to stay and what can be thrown out, all the fun things!
Since I have been working at SBC, two of the home care agencies I had sent my resume to have contacted me for interviews, making me wonder if I chose the right job that maybe, just maybe, there was something better out there for me. Well, it's amazing how the Lord knows the makings of your heart. When I got back from lunch on Friday, the Pastor had sent me this e-mail: "Just a note to say how grateful I am to have you as our secretary. You're doing a great job and I'm excited to see what it will be like once we get our office technology up to speed. Thank you for all you do!" In my heart of hearts, I know I am where I am supposed to be. The Lord placed me in this job, it is up to me to continue to have an open heart and let Him take me where He will.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Hollywood Romance
The past month, I have seen two movies (rare occurrence) “No Strings Attached” and today, “Just Go With It.” I have to say, I enjoyed them both. Call me a romantic sap…I also, for the first time, appreciated both Ashton Kutcher and Adam Sandler’s roles in their perspective movies. Demi is a lucky, lucky woman…really, it’s his smile…really…
May be I am just a fan of love and romance. The chase, the realization of falling in love, the heart pounding first kiss… I don’t think, however, Hollywood does romance any good deed by continually making these movies – boy meets girl; girl and boy date; fall in/out of love; realize they still love each other; win him/her back; happy ending, the end. They do, however, keep selling tickets and, for the most part, making millions off the same old story.
Why don’t they ever make movies about what happens after the happy ending? Life. That is what happens. Marriage; children; pets, houses; work, etc., etc. Gone are the days of the heart pounding first kiss. The flowers on the table for “no reason”, the hand holding while walking (granted, your walks may be limited to the grocery store or the mall with your kids in tow), and the passionate kiss good night becomes a gentle peck on the cheek.
When you’ve been married for years, I guess it becomes a different kind of romance. Accepting the fact your spouse will never put the toilet lid down; understanding your wife’s mood swings during PMS; cleaning the house for your wife; accepting the fact your husband snores…I could list more. But, I think you get it. I suppose those things are to replace the flowers, cards, gifts. You still want, however, to feel like the most important thing in your spouse’s life. That is what I get from all these Hollywood romance movies.
You want to be like the movies, where the person you love almost falls over themselves proving their love for you. But, in reality, it doesn’t happen that way. The reality is, after you say “I do”, the veil of romance falls away and your eyes are open to what true love really is. It is what you are willing to do with and for your spouse. The one you promised to love and cherish from this day forward.
Sure, it would be nice to have the Hollywood romance, every once in a while, I’m not going to lie. Who wouldn’t want someone proving their love for you once in awhile (be honest now). I think, in small doses, Hollywood romance is good. In reality, no one can live the Hollywood romance. If you are living it, let me know how you are doing it…everyone could use a lesson or two on romance, don’t you think?
May be I am just a fan of love and romance. The chase, the realization of falling in love, the heart pounding first kiss… I don’t think, however, Hollywood does romance any good deed by continually making these movies – boy meets girl; girl and boy date; fall in/out of love; realize they still love each other; win him/her back; happy ending, the end. They do, however, keep selling tickets and, for the most part, making millions off the same old story.
Why don’t they ever make movies about what happens after the happy ending? Life. That is what happens. Marriage; children; pets, houses; work, etc., etc. Gone are the days of the heart pounding first kiss. The flowers on the table for “no reason”, the hand holding while walking (granted, your walks may be limited to the grocery store or the mall with your kids in tow), and the passionate kiss good night becomes a gentle peck on the cheek.
When you’ve been married for years, I guess it becomes a different kind of romance. Accepting the fact your spouse will never put the toilet lid down; understanding your wife’s mood swings during PMS; cleaning the house for your wife; accepting the fact your husband snores…I could list more. But, I think you get it. I suppose those things are to replace the flowers, cards, gifts. You still want, however, to feel like the most important thing in your spouse’s life. That is what I get from all these Hollywood romance movies.
You want to be like the movies, where the person you love almost falls over themselves proving their love for you. But, in reality, it doesn’t happen that way. The reality is, after you say “I do”, the veil of romance falls away and your eyes are open to what true love really is. It is what you are willing to do with and for your spouse. The one you promised to love and cherish from this day forward.
Sure, it would be nice to have the Hollywood romance, every once in a while, I’m not going to lie. Who wouldn’t want someone proving their love for you once in awhile (be honest now). I think, in small doses, Hollywood romance is good. In reality, no one can live the Hollywood romance. If you are living it, let me know how you are doing it…everyone could use a lesson or two on romance, don’t you think?
Monday, January 31, 2011
Ice---Snow---Wind
That is the combination headed our way starting this afternoon. We already have the ice. Just waiting for the rest. It was nice to hear the school was not going to mark anyone tardy today...
A friend pointed out to me that I had not written anything on my blog for a while. She was right. I guess I had writer's block....or, nothing to say!! I know, the last thing is hard to believe! Let's see, what should I write about...
My Kindle is keeping me reading and I still enjoy it (no, I get no compensation for saying that!). I am currently reading "Room" by Emma Donoghue. Let me just say WOW. I can hardly put it down, but must as every day life demands. I even put the Bible on it and took it to Church. I wonder if people thought I was reading something else...
The job search has brought me several interviews. My first interview was a "group" interview. I thought it would be a group of people interviewing me, but, it was one person interviewing about 12 candidates for the position. They say Lincoln has low unemployment...for someone looking for work, I don't see it! I have had a couple more interviews and now, I am just waiting to hear. I asked my husband, "what happens if I get offered two jobs? Which one should I choose?" He said to pick the one that interests me the most, where I wouldn't get bored. I am, after all, a people person...so they tell me. Money is not a high priority on my list, as I know I may never match my salary from Maryland. It's double what one of the jobs was offering. I do, however, wish it to be a challenge and it allows me to use my skills and knowledge.
No, I haven't given up on Treasured Events and Weddings. With my job--whether it's part-time or full-time, I want to be able to put money aside in savings and in an account for just that. Not to mention money for my son's college tuition. I am thinking he'd rather have a car...we'll cross that bridge when it comes...in four, short, years.
There have been some bumps on the path to calling Lincoln home again. I am glad to say, the bumps have smoothed out and the path looks clear. Not that it will be easy, but, the hard part seems to be over, done with, gone. That doesn't mean I don't miss my friends back East. I do, terribly. And, I am afraid I have not been very good at keeping in touch. I guess a part of me had to let go for a little while. It has been such a joy to reconnect with family and friends and, even make some new ones.
Well, the snow is supposed to start soon. My husband and I already went to the grocery store and got some more food for our son. He seems to eat us out of house and home and, if there is no school tomorrow, I wanted to be prepared! My husband will be at the Fremont store (Staples) this week. He is going to leave this afternoon to get a head of the storm. I already planned what my son and I will do tomorrow if school is canceled, we will sit in our jammies and watch "Despicable Me". A Christmas present waiting to be watched. And, of course, he will eat...and eat...and, eat!
A friend pointed out to me that I had not written anything on my blog for a while. She was right. I guess I had writer's block....or, nothing to say!! I know, the last thing is hard to believe! Let's see, what should I write about...
My Kindle is keeping me reading and I still enjoy it (no, I get no compensation for saying that!). I am currently reading "Room" by Emma Donoghue. Let me just say WOW. I can hardly put it down, but must as every day life demands. I even put the Bible on it and took it to Church. I wonder if people thought I was reading something else...
The job search has brought me several interviews. My first interview was a "group" interview. I thought it would be a group of people interviewing me, but, it was one person interviewing about 12 candidates for the position. They say Lincoln has low unemployment...for someone looking for work, I don't see it! I have had a couple more interviews and now, I am just waiting to hear. I asked my husband, "what happens if I get offered two jobs? Which one should I choose?" He said to pick the one that interests me the most, where I wouldn't get bored. I am, after all, a people person...so they tell me. Money is not a high priority on my list, as I know I may never match my salary from Maryland. It's double what one of the jobs was offering. I do, however, wish it to be a challenge and it allows me to use my skills and knowledge.
No, I haven't given up on Treasured Events and Weddings. With my job--whether it's part-time or full-time, I want to be able to put money aside in savings and in an account for just that. Not to mention money for my son's college tuition. I am thinking he'd rather have a car...we'll cross that bridge when it comes...in four, short, years.
There have been some bumps on the path to calling Lincoln home again. I am glad to say, the bumps have smoothed out and the path looks clear. Not that it will be easy, but, the hard part seems to be over, done with, gone. That doesn't mean I don't miss my friends back East. I do, terribly. And, I am afraid I have not been very good at keeping in touch. I guess a part of me had to let go for a little while. It has been such a joy to reconnect with family and friends and, even make some new ones.
Well, the snow is supposed to start soon. My husband and I already went to the grocery store and got some more food for our son. He seems to eat us out of house and home and, if there is no school tomorrow, I wanted to be prepared! My husband will be at the Fremont store (Staples) this week. He is going to leave this afternoon to get a head of the storm. I already planned what my son and I will do tomorrow if school is canceled, we will sit in our jammies and watch "Despicable Me". A Christmas present waiting to be watched. And, of course, he will eat...and eat...and, eat!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monique's Kindle
I haven’t picked up a book to read for a good year. There never seemed enough time for that luxury. For Christmas, Santa brought me a Kindle. Now, I love books, enjoy bookshelves filled with books…my husband, however, sees bookshelves as clutter. I love the feel of a book in my hand, the turning of the pages. So, although I wanted a Kindle, I wasn’t sure how I would relate to it.
So far, I am relating just fine. Once I got it set up, and it now says “Monique’s Kindle”, I purchased about three books and Reader’s Digest. I love reading the “Ask Laskas” column by Jeanne Marie Laskas. She used to write a column in the Washington Post Magazine. I was sad when it ended, but, delighted to find her in the Reader’s Digest. Of course, who can go wrong with the “Humor” sections of the Digest?
The books I purchased were "Rescue" by Anita Shreve, "An Object of Beauty" by Steve Martin, and "Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary “Executive Skills” Approach to Helping…” by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare (this not a typical choice, but, one recommended by my son’s school counselor). I downloaded Rescue on Christmas day and finished it the next day.
Anita Shreve is one of my favorite authors. I was fortunate to see her speak and meet her at the book signing after the event. One of the questions asked of her was how she picks stories. She said that the stories pick her. She said she would sometimes start to write and then put the notebook away and come back to it; weeks, months, even years later to complete it. She credits Oprah for the success of her book "The Pilot’s Wife", as it was picked as one of Oprah’s “must read” books. The first book I read of Anita Shreve was "A Wedding in December".
Just as she did in "Wedding", she instantly captured my attention in Rescue. She starts out telling you the history of Webster, the main male character who is an EMT and how he rescues (hence the title) and falls in love with Sylvia. After she weaves her story of love, addiction and abandonment, she brings you back to the characters in modern day. It is a story she has told before, but, has found a way to hold your interest in a different way. Perhaps it is the characters, Webster, Sylvia and Rowan. When I read her books, I sometimes picture actors or actresses that could play the part…am I the only one that does that? I suppose it is to give a “face” to her characters in my mind. I always feel for the characters in her books, especially this one. The character, Rowan, the daughter of Webster and Sylvia, especially.
I don’t want to give too much away, so, I will stop. I can tell you, I did not miss holding the book or, even turning the pages. The Kindle has actually awakened my love of reading, once again. I am not sure where it will take me, for now it is focused on Steve Martin’s "An Object of Beauty". He has quickly become another of my favorite authors. I wonder, can you have too many favorite authors? No, I didn’t think so.
So far, I am relating just fine. Once I got it set up, and it now says “Monique’s Kindle”, I purchased about three books and Reader’s Digest. I love reading the “Ask Laskas” column by Jeanne Marie Laskas. She used to write a column in the Washington Post Magazine. I was sad when it ended, but, delighted to find her in the Reader’s Digest. Of course, who can go wrong with the “Humor” sections of the Digest?
The books I purchased were "Rescue" by Anita Shreve, "An Object of Beauty" by Steve Martin, and "Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary “Executive Skills” Approach to Helping…” by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare (this not a typical choice, but, one recommended by my son’s school counselor). I downloaded Rescue on Christmas day and finished it the next day.
Anita Shreve is one of my favorite authors. I was fortunate to see her speak and meet her at the book signing after the event. One of the questions asked of her was how she picks stories. She said that the stories pick her. She said she would sometimes start to write and then put the notebook away and come back to it; weeks, months, even years later to complete it. She credits Oprah for the success of her book "The Pilot’s Wife", as it was picked as one of Oprah’s “must read” books. The first book I read of Anita Shreve was "A Wedding in December".
Just as she did in "Wedding", she instantly captured my attention in Rescue. She starts out telling you the history of Webster, the main male character who is an EMT and how he rescues (hence the title) and falls in love with Sylvia. After she weaves her story of love, addiction and abandonment, she brings you back to the characters in modern day. It is a story she has told before, but, has found a way to hold your interest in a different way. Perhaps it is the characters, Webster, Sylvia and Rowan. When I read her books, I sometimes picture actors or actresses that could play the part…am I the only one that does that? I suppose it is to give a “face” to her characters in my mind. I always feel for the characters in her books, especially this one. The character, Rowan, the daughter of Webster and Sylvia, especially.
I don’t want to give too much away, so, I will stop. I can tell you, I did not miss holding the book or, even turning the pages. The Kindle has actually awakened my love of reading, once again. I am not sure where it will take me, for now it is focused on Steve Martin’s "An Object of Beauty". He has quickly become another of my favorite authors. I wonder, can you have too many favorite authors? No, I didn’t think so.
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