Meth Awareness Day

I'm really scraping the bottom of the barrel with this one, but here goes. I'm aware of meth and its effects thanks to being a middle school teacher. In Heber Springs we had some frightening presentations during Red Ribbon Week every year complete with photos. The saddest time was when the presenter asked for questions and one of the students asked what to do if your parent is using. And I have to admit, judging from some of the parents I saw, that child was only one of many. Meth is a serious problem in Arkansas as well as all over the country, but thankfully, not in Katy. And I have no clue what can be done about it. Maybe the kids who live with meth users will realize what a horrible drug it is. Time will tell.

My day was busy... yoga, Costco run, mentoring,  tutoring, and two dog walks. And I'm happy we're back to fall weather so I can at least wear long pants and closed shoes for a while. I was in short pants and sandals yesterday. This is crazy weather!

National Day of Giving

I should read ahead... didn't know that the national day was only two days later than the world day. But I generally make a donation to Krause House in December so just did it a little early. And there's certainly nothing wrong with that.

And now for a funny story. I went to the elementary school to mentor Aiden, the second grader, today and as usual, we read a Captain Underpants book. This series is actually intended for a little older audience, just judging by the vocabulary, but Aiden loves them and I do most of the reading, so I think it's good for him. In our current book, there's a reoccurring theme about Uranus and the boys in the book snicker every time it's mentioned. So I asked Aiden if he knew anything about Uranus. When he said no, I decided to be the one to explain it to him. Once I started, I realized it was going to be a little more difficult than I initially anticipated. So the first thing I had to teach him was the anus. At first I hesitated and then just jumped right in. I said it's the hole in your butt that the poop comes out of and so Uranus sounds like "your anus." I'm proud to say he thought that was the funniest thing he's ever heard. So he got all the jokes after that and I was so proud! And I realized at that minute that's the kind of grandma I'd have been. Teach them all the nasty stuff... what a hoot!

Cyber Monday

I had no desire to participate in this one due to my upcoming travel plans, but when Kay and I learned we can get deals on hotel rooms and show tickets today, I changed my mind. We haven't really resolved anything yet due to exercise class, volunteer work, and tutoring. We haven't been at home at the same times all day, but plan on getting it done tonight. Who knew these things would be included in Cyber Monday? But I'm damn glad about it!

Gratitude Month

This one is practically a miracle! Yesterday afternoon I was thinking that I really didn't have anything to look forward to now. Of course Rob is coming for Christmas and that will be fun, but it's not major. Then, out of the blue, Kay called me last night and said that since I'd been such a fun travel buddy when we went to New Orleans, she and Jack were inviting me to go to New York with them in February. I asked, as one would, why New York in February? She said it's because she loves cold weather. Silly girl! But naturally I said yes and so we now have a trip booked from Feb 19-24, staying in the Times Square area, and plan to see several Broadway shows. How cool is that?

Then this afternoon I went to have burgers with three Katy friends and we all planned a trip to Panama in September. And now I have two major things to look forward to and I'm very grateful!

World Day of Giving

I made a donation today to the Fort Bend County Child Advocates. My work with CASA in Arkansas was difficult but probably one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. I don't have the stamina or the courage to continue that work here in Texas, so next best thing is to donate money. The girls I work with at Krause House are all in the foster care system and sadly, it is horribly underfunded. So every little bit helps.

I visited with Brianna this afternoon and she was so excited because her grandpa had called this morning to tell her she'll be spending a week with her grandma and him at Christmas. And that makes be so happy!

Tonight I got together with four neighbor ladies and we ordered pizzas from a new place called Papa Murphy's. They make the pizzas, we picked them up and cooked them at home. I'm not really a big pizza person but these were some of the best I've ever had. Everyone agreed so we'll definitely be doing this again sometime. You just can't have too many good places to eat in your immediate neighborhood if you ask me.

Buy Nothing Day

This one was easier because it was a travel day, but I did it! Normally, I'd have been online looking for deals, but not today. I'm happy to report that it was an uneventful travel day for me as well as Joe and Mary Jane (at least I think it was for them because they made it home safely). I picked up my little pups and then we went for a long walk because I'm waaaay behind in my daily steps. It's a good way to ease back into the routine. I'm so appreciative for Mary Jane's fantastic dinner and Rob's hosting. At our Thanksgiving meal we thought about if Mom and Dad ever wondered whether or not we'd continue to get together once we were left to our own devices. Actually before they were gone, I was doubtful myself and yet now I'm so grateful that we've become so close. I'm certain that their deaths contributed to our need to continue old traditions as best we could (even though Charles and Karen are far away, they're always in our hearts and conversation).  So thank you Frank and Boots!

Thanksgiving Day

It was a perfect day in Germantown, TN (maybe not sunny, but okay temp wise). We watched the parade this morning, which I love, during which we got ready for an early dinner at noon. Mary Jane brought a turkey roll wrapped in bacon plus all the sides and I made mashed cauliflower with horseradish. Maybe mine was frozen and easy to make, but at least I contributed a tiny bit. Afterwards we watched the Cowboys, who played a great game and we spoke of Dad many times. And then we ate again which was the plan all along so I could get some leftovers (I'm leaving in the morning). I love my family, even those far away!

Cashew Day

How lucky can you be? Rob keeps nuts in his pantry, including cashews, so he and I shared a small bag and I celebrated the day!

Actually the whole day was fun and worthy of celebration. We went to lunch at his favorite burger place and I was worried because he regularly posts pics on Facebook of their decadently artery clogging, high calorie burgers. But I didn't complain because I ordered a grilled salmon burger with soup and it was amazing! Can't wait to go back during my next visit.

Joe and Mary Jane came in mid-afternoon and we immediately melted back into our routine of visiting, reminiscing, laughing, and just catching up. But tomorrow's a new day and another big eating day... love it!

Go For a Ride Day

On this day we are to celebrate the freedom that the development of transportation has afforded us. I was afraid it meant I had to ride a bike, but was happy to learn that any mode of transportation would do. So I took a ride to the airport for my flight to Memphis. And then as Rob and I were headed to the grocery store from the airport, he took a route he wasn't sure of and said we would just go see where it took us (sounded a lot like Dad).

For dinner we went to his friends, Brian and Christina's house for their Thanksgiving dinner with other family and friends. Christina is quite the cook and served turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato soufflé, mac and cheese, and green beans for a little color. Then for dessert she'd made a chocolate cream pie, coconut cream pie, and Oreo cheesecake. Oh my goodness, she is amazing! Everything that I had was delicious although I did limit myself to just one dessert. Can't say the same for others, but who's counting?

World Hello Day

This day is to emphasize that conflicts should be resolved through communication rather than the use of force. Participants verbally greet ten people or more as an expression of the importance of personal communication in preserving peace. So this isn't really something that's a problem in my world, but I made a point of saying hello to more than 10 people. Most were at my exercise class or while walking the dogs, but I did actually speak to more than I normally would have because I was conscious of it. And I'm going to try harder every day from now on. Sometimes I get involved in my own little world and fail to notice others. And today was a good kick in the pants for me.

I also tutored Thomas this afternoon and his dad was home which is out of the ordinary. He pitched a fit, crying and saying he was just too tired, but his dad eventually got him to sit down for 30 minutes. We only played math games on the iPad and he got involved, but I find it interesting that he has never done that when dad wasn't home. Fortunately this is a rare occurrence.

I'm leaving for Memphis in the morning and may be a little lax in my blogging, but I promise to do my best.

Universal Children's Day

I visited one of my children today... Brianna at Krause House. During our discussion about the election and other subjects she said that she's afraid to be an adult (she's 15). At first I laughed, but then realized she was very serious. When I asked why, she replied that she's afraid of driving, getting a job, living on her own, etc. I explained that she didn't have to worry about all those things now and with each passing year she'll be less afraid. I also told her that she doesn't have to drive until she's ready and that many kids today are putting it off. I also stressed the importance of establishing a good relationship with her grandpa so that he and his wife can be her support system. That way she won't have to shoulder all those burdens on her own and she'll have someone to turn to when she faces an obstacle. I think she's worried about aging out of the foster care system and hopefully I gave her some insight to press on with less fear. At least I hope so.

Family Volunteer Day

This afternoon I went to Krause House with some women in my Heritage Grand family. The girls made cards for our servicemen and I have to admit, I was quite impressed with their thoughtfulness. It was also sad as some girls wrote about being in foster care and never seeing their families again. I only hope that the girls who wrote the cards and the men and women who receive them both benefit from this activity.

On another note, the results of the election for our Board of Directors were released this afternoon and of the two friends I had running, one made it and one didn't. Both are in the Winettes and I'm a little glad that we don't meet again until the Thursday after Thanksgiving. I love them both and feel that they will both be generous to the other, but I hate how it turned out. What can you do?

Mickey Mouse Day

Today we commemorate the birth of that ever lovable mouse that was once a rabbit called Oswald. It was back in 1927 while under contract to Universal Studios that Walt Disney first sketched a floppy eared bunny that later became Mickey Mouse. So how many of you knew about Oswald? Certainly not me!

The beginnings of winter finally crept in this afternoon. Don't know how long it will last, but at least I can put the shorts away for a while. And I got to wear a jacket to dinner! We went to a Benihana-like restaurant with our dinner group and had a great time. They always give us the party room and let us order from the lunch menu which really only means lower prices. We love that place!

World Kindness Week

This seemed like a pretty positive thing to celebrate and I actually did it before even knowing what I was going to celebrate today. I was in line at Trader Joe's this morning and noticed a young girl in the next checkout line with only two items. She had on a uniform of some sort so I assumed she was on her way to work. I asked her if she'd like to go in front of me and I couldn't believe how relieved she looked. She thanked me profusely and then explained that the muffins she was buying were for her coworkers because this was her last day. I really thought she was about to cry, leading me to believe she'd been asked to leave. The checker asked what her plans were and she responded that she had a second interview today with some place I'd never heard of and was also considering Carrabba's. I told her that Carrabba's was my favorite restaurant and I hoped she landed there. Between the checker, who also offered words of encouragement, and me, I think we made her day a little brighter. And before she left, she thanked me again for letting her go in front of me. Sometimes we just never realize how much a small favor can brighten the life of another person. I need to be more aware of the people around me and do what I can to make their day a little better.

Button Day

I wore a shirt with buttons today and still have a button box (although I've rarely ever needed one). The major day today is Fast Food Day, but after my New Orleans trip, I didn't dare even walk into a fast food restaurant. Even their healthy choices aren't as good as what I can make at home.  So Button Day was a lame second best.

I mentored my fifth grader and tutored Thomas this afternoon. And I have to admit, although I don't really understand why, he's memorizing his multiplication facts much easier than he mastered addition. And believe you me, he has yet to master it. But he is improving. I gave him a mixed worksheet today and was pretty surprised at what he was able to do. His initial reaction is to say he doesn't know, but if I coax him just a tiny bit, he's got it. Example: 15 divided by 3 equals what? All I have to say is 3 times what is 15 and he gets it. Maybe one day he'll do that on his own. In the meantime, I'm earning my pay!

America Recycles Day

What a coinkydink! Today was my recycling day and I love that we can do this. I'm an avid recycler and I don't really understand why anyone who has curbside pickup is not. I mean, how hard is it to put something into the recycle bin instead of the trash? Here we don't even have to separate it, although I would gladly. Lazy people are one of my pet peeves.

Today was actually kids' day for me. First I mentored Aidan, my second grader. We finished another book in the Captain Underpants series and I'm getting to be quite the expert on the guy. Home for an hour, then off again for Promise to Read, the once a year program during which adults in the community read to elementary classes. I was assigned to a different school and read to two different classes. In the second grade class there was a character named D.W. I pronounced W as dubya and was immediately corrected by one of the children. "It's double-u," he said. The teacher quickly jumped in and said that I had a Texas accent and that was fine. But believe you me, I didn't do it again. Home again for another hour and then off to tutor Thomas because I missed yesterday. I really enjoyed today although I would have really loved a day of rest first. Thursday will be my slow day... yay!

Birthday Celebration #3, The End

Well, I think I can safely say a good time was had by all. None of us see each other on a regular basis anymore, so the best part was reconnecting and catching up with old friends. There's already talk of a repeat performance next year. First I'll have to get rid of all this excess poundage I packed on. Until today I'm pretty sure I didn't have one bite of fruit or vegetables, so I'm looking forward to getting back on track. Kay and I gambled every night and I'm happy to report I broke even and Kay came home with extra cash.

As much fun as it was, I'm happy to be home with my little family. We will definitely sleep well tonight!

Birthday Celebration #3, Part 2

We didn't really do anything significant yesterday other than  eat, drink, and laugh. Fortunately I learned my drinking lesson on Friday, so got most of my calories from food. Everyone is leaving this afternoon except Kay, Jack, and me. So Kay and I will probably spend a good bit of time at the casino. I'm up $60 and Kay has won over $200 (she's a big better and I'm not). So looking forward to more fun today. We're all meeting for brunch now so the high caloric day begins again and I'm not complaining.

Birthday Celebration #3

I tried to post last night, but the connection was so slow, I gave up. We all arrived safe and sound yesterday afternoon and met up in the hotel bar. I presented everyone with their party favor... a purple insulated glass imprinted with "Penny's 29th Annual 40th Birthday" along with the date and New Orleans. Then we all moved to dinner at a little craft brewery, after which we split into smaller groups. My group went to Harrah's for a little gambling. I lost $21, but since that was $1 over my limit, I was done. So proud of myself!

And now we're off to greet the day. Not sure what's in store because we're just going to wing it, but I'm sure the fun will continue. And I probably won't post again until tomorrow morning. So have a great day everyone!

Vanilla Cupcake Day

I couldn't pass this one up, so stopped in at my favorite bakery for a quickie cupcake. Although I shouldn't be using up calories today because tomorrow we begin birthday celebration #3. I'm going to New Orleans with 14 of my closest friends to relive the past. We went on my 40th birthday and the next three or four years as well. As soon as I got back to town I started hearing rumblings of a reunion trip, so here we go!

I can't promise that I'll stay on course with the blog, but I'll try. And I'll be home on Monday so can get back in the groove then. I'm so excited!

My Birthday

This was one of the best birthdays I've had in years! I wanted to jump out of a plane on my 50th, but all the friends I recruited petered out before the day and I didn't want to do it alone. When I hit 60, I didn't care about it anymore. But I guess it's been nagging at me ever since and this was just as good. A little scary, but so exhilarating! Four friends went with me  (with seven cheerleaders), but I had to go first. We each flew two flights of one minute each, which doesn't seem like much, but believe me... it was. Actually the first was too long and the second was too short. But I'm so glad I did it and don't feel the need to ever do it again.

And then the Winetttes met again for happy hour and dinner. This is such a great group of women and I am so grateful that they are my friends. Moving to Arkansas to take care of Mom and Dad was the best decision I ever made, but moving to Katy is definitely second best.  I used to fret about what was going to happen to me in my old age, but here we all take care of each other. I love my life, my family, and my friends and I thank God daily for all of them.

Election Day

This is the first presidential election day that I voted early and by mail. I have always loved going to the polls on the real day, but I was just afraid it would be too crowded, so took the easy way out. I hope it will be a while before I do it again. However, when I went to visit my second grader, Aiden, this was set up outside the second grade classrooms. I'm so impressed. And when he came out, I asked him if he'd already voted. He said yes and his first question to me was who did I vote for. I explained that voting is private and you don't have to tell anyone who you vote for. But I did ask him and he replied, "Hilary Clinton." When I asked why I was surprised by his response. He said he saw on a commercial that the man was going to explode America.  Not trying to defend Trump, I told him that TV commercials aren't always true and I feel certain that the one he saw is not (don't want kids living in fear). He was pretty skeptical, but at least he listened. And I don't know what else to say except, God bless America!

Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day

I didn't have anything with this combination, but did have almonds and chocolate, so I just ate them together. Yum!

My stomach has been in knots all day and I know it's election related. And this is extremely selfish, but one of my biggest fears is about the stock market. So I voted for the candidate that I feel will have the least impact. I just had to narrow it all down to a reason that affected me, and I hope I'm right. My prayers are strictly for God to bless America and for us to avoid conflict.

Daylight Saving Time Ends

Why, oh why is this so hard every single year? Personally I'd love to see Daylight Saving Time go away permanently. And if you ask me, the only people keeping it going are lobbyists. If it wasn't about money we wouldn't even have it. Although truth be told, I'm not sure who's winning on this one. I've just figured out in my old age that everything is about money... slow learner.

Three friends and I were going to see Jack Reacher this afternoon, but the only seats left were on the front row... NOT! Then tried another movie with the same results. Could have something to do with the facts that the Texans had a bye this week and it was raining. So we went back to one lady's house and drank wine while playing Rummikub. Personally, I think I enjoyed the game more than I would have the movie.

And now it's dark and rainy and I can't get the dogs to go pee or poop. But I won't give up till bedtime and we still have a couple of hours. Oh, the trials of motherhood!

Bank Transfer Day

I bet you're excited to hear about this one! Bank Transfer Day encourages bank customers to transfer their cash out of big banks to credit unions. When I moved to Katy I asked Sharon's son-in-law, Sam, who was Chairman of the Board of the local Chamber of Commerce, where to put my money. I explained that I absolutely did not want a megabank and was interested in more of a neighborhood bank. He suggested a particular credit union and I joined up immediately. And more than two years later, I'm still delighted with his recommendation. So although I didn't actually make the transfer today, I did reconcile my online checkbook.

And I was remiss in not recognizing Gretchen's birthday yesterday. Happy birthday, dear friend!

Candy Day

What luck! Remember the candy corn and peanuts I had for Halloween? And remember how I said I had to put it away until today so I could give it all to my cleaning lady? Well, I never put it out of sight and therefore have eaten some every day. So imagine my surprise when today was Candy Day! I'm really not a candy eater, but I had more candy corn as well as a peanut butter cup. And my cleaning lady got a very small bag of candy corn. It was a good week!

Sandwich Day

Thanks to Peanut Butter and Jelly Day way back in April, I now have a favorite sandwich. And to think, I never would have known this had it not been for this silly blog idea I had. It's all been worth if for that, if nothing else. So obviously, that was my lunch.

I learned something this morning... when I walk the dogs, I should wear my bifocals. We came across two loose dogs this morning having the time of their lives. They both had tags on and of course, came to say hello to my pack, so I reached down to get a tag and couldn't read anything on it! What to do, what to do? We were on a busy street and I thought about it for awhile before realizing that there was nothing I could do. So reluctantly, we slowly started walking away when a pickup truck stopped and a man got out. I asked if the dogs were his and, through his anger, he said yes. Problem was, he couldn't catch them. They both acted just like Glory when she's loose. Chase is the best game in town. The man only sent them running through traffic to the other side of the street, but they were just too curious about my guys, so came running right back. The man still couldn't get them, but as they came up to Glory and Simon, I grabbed both of their collars. He dragged them back to the truck but realized he couldn't put one in without letting go of the other. I asked to help, so held one while he tossed the other into the bed of the truck. He did the same with the buddy and then finally offered a weak "thank you" before driving off in a huff.  But I'm glad I was able to help. The dogs deserved it even if he didn't.

All Souls Day

I had to do a little research on this one to distinguish it from All Saints Day which was yesterday.  And what I learned is this... On All Saints' Day there's a call to live as saints, to remind us how we're supposed to live. On All Souls' Day, we're talking about all souls and asking God's mercy for them. In Catholicism, one involves souls in Purgatory, but I'm confused as to which one. Suffice it to say that I celebrate the lives of Mom and Dad today, as well as all other relatives who have passed on.

And here is what I learned in my yoga class this morning. The wind releasing pose which I've giggled about earlier is actually to help our digestive systems. When lying on your back and pulling the right knee to your chest, you're stretching the ascending colon. And the left leg stretches the descending colon. And when you pull in both knees, the transverse colon is being stretched. Thankfully I've never released any wind during these poses, but I'm glad to learn they have a healthful purpose. Good information, right?     

Cook for You Pets Day

Another easy one... I cook for myself almost every day, thereby cooking for the dogs as well. That's because they always get a little tidbit from what I ate for an appetizer before their dinner. I never gave any of my dogs people food until Mom moved in with me and then it was a lost cause. She would feed them from the table and more than once I caught her putting her dinner plate on the floor for them. What's a dog mom to do? So I broke them from expecting food from the table and still give them a bite at the end. So shoot me.

I woke up this morning with a knot in my stomach because it's finally hit me that I'm not going to like our next president. And it matters not who wins... I find them equally despicable. I can't even imagine listening to either of their voices for the next four years. I'm not happy with who I voted for, but neither would I have been happy had I voted for the other. It almost made me sick to mark that box. And to make matters worse... my birthday is the day after the election. So I'm planning a party which will begin at 11 AM so I don't have to think about it for at least one day. God bless America!