Saturday, April 23rd 2011
How fast the time goes! My vacation is over and it's time to go home. At least it's only Saturday and the weekend is still here...
I don't usually like to talk to taxi drivers all that much and figure they tend to take the long routes to make more money off of me, but when I asked the man if he'd take me the short route to the airport, he seemed to be quite nice. When I would typically sit in the back seat and keep quiet just watching the scenery, today I struck up a conversation with the driver.
It was a relief to see we were taking a quick route costing only $12 instead of what has been $27 in the past. I gave him $15 for a $3 tip and he helped get my luggage out of the trunk.
Off to fly home now!
Peace :)
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Bank Receipt
Friday, April 22nd 2011
After walking for about 5 hours yesterday, I found us walking at least another 8 hours today! It's all fun though and there is so much to see. We toured through about 5 hotels and picked our favorites. At one casino, I stopped to play $10 in the Monopoly slot. I came out even in the end, so that was good. It's so tempting to keep going, but when I think of what I could do with that $10, I stop.
When I was cashing out at the ATM-like machine, I found a receipt from what looked like someone's bank account. I'm not sure if it was private information, but just in case, I tore it up and tossed it in the bin.
Peace :)
After walking for about 5 hours yesterday, I found us walking at least another 8 hours today! It's all fun though and there is so much to see. We toured through about 5 hotels and picked our favorites. At one casino, I stopped to play $10 in the Monopoly slot. I came out even in the end, so that was good. It's so tempting to keep going, but when I think of what I could do with that $10, I stop.
When I was cashing out at the ATM-like machine, I found a receipt from what looked like someone's bank account. I'm not sure if it was private information, but just in case, I tore it up and tossed it in the bin.
Peace :)
White Chocolate Flowers
Thursday, April 21st 2011
Ahhh. How nice it feels to be out of the office and in the sun! I'm with my friend Miss K, who I haven't seen in nearly 5 years! We are having lots of fun catching up, telling old stories and walking, walking, walking. With a few stops in the shops and a cocktail here and there ;)
All day, I kept trying to buy her a treat since she was letting me stay with her family this weekend, but she wouldn't let me. I had a feeling this would happen, but if it was me, I would do the same. We are a lot alike in that way, which is why we became such good friends from the beginning.
I am glad, however, that at the airport this morning on my way here, I found a box of cute little white chocolate flowers in pastel colors made in the city I'm from. White chocolate was always Miss K's favorite so I gave her that when I arrived and am planning to buy her dinner one night if she'll let me. We'll see!
Peace :)
Ahhh. How nice it feels to be out of the office and in the sun! I'm with my friend Miss K, who I haven't seen in nearly 5 years! We are having lots of fun catching up, telling old stories and walking, walking, walking. With a few stops in the shops and a cocktail here and there ;)
All day, I kept trying to buy her a treat since she was letting me stay with her family this weekend, but she wouldn't let me. I had a feeling this would happen, but if it was me, I would do the same. We are a lot alike in that way, which is why we became such good friends from the beginning.
I am glad, however, that at the airport this morning on my way here, I found a box of cute little white chocolate flowers in pastel colors made in the city I'm from. White chocolate was always Miss K's favorite so I gave her that when I arrived and am planning to buy her dinner one night if she'll let me. We'll see!
Peace :)
Spa Treatment Tip
Wednesday, April 20th 2011
I'm heading out of town to Las Vegas tomorrow and thought my nails were looking quite shabby so I stopped by the salon down the street. I could get a manicure and pedicure package for a low price so that's what I did. The lady was really nice and did a great job. She also gave me a glass of wine at no cost!
Toward the end of the treatment, she began telling me about her medical issues and the surgery she needed but had to start a 2nd job for health insurance so she could have the surgery. She told me about her prematurely-born baby who she spent all of her money on a few years ago and is still rebuilding her life since...
I don't know if it was all true and the timing seemed too perfect because she was telling me these things only at the end, right before it was time for me to pay and tip.
Well, I like to give her the benefit of the doubt and think the stories are true. I had cash in my wallet for my vacation so I shared some with her. I think she thought so too, because she offered me change. She deserved it for the job she did, regardless of her personal life stories.
Peace :)
I'm heading out of town to Las Vegas tomorrow and thought my nails were looking quite shabby so I stopped by the salon down the street. I could get a manicure and pedicure package for a low price so that's what I did. The lady was really nice and did a great job. She also gave me a glass of wine at no cost!
Toward the end of the treatment, she began telling me about her medical issues and the surgery she needed but had to start a 2nd job for health insurance so she could have the surgery. She told me about her prematurely-born baby who she spent all of her money on a few years ago and is still rebuilding her life since...
I don't know if it was all true and the timing seemed too perfect because she was telling me these things only at the end, right before it was time for me to pay and tip.
Well, I like to give her the benefit of the doubt and think the stories are true. I had cash in my wallet for my vacation so I shared some with her. I think she thought so too, because she offered me change. She deserved it for the job she did, regardless of her personal life stories.
Peace :)
SMART- Improvement
Tuesday, April 19th 2011
Back to the elementary school for the SMART reading hour, I noticed I'm beginning to feel more comfortable. Since I began volunteering in December, I was the "new girl in school" as they say. Or so it felt like I was. But now, I have more confidence, walk right in, grab my folders and say hello to the other readers as we wait for the students to arrive.
First was Mr. JC who I saw was playing peek-a-boo from the classroom door with me. He'd peek in and then when I'd waive back, he'd disappear. This lasted about 10 seconds before the teacher urged him to go pick out a book. I don't know if he's there for the reading because he's a good reader, or if he's there for extra one-on-one attention.
Then there was Mr. J who has become a little fiesty with me. Today, he was more attentive and I noticed his reading has improved tremendously! He did a great job until we neared the end of the half hour. Then, he was ready to get out of there and head back to class.
They went back to class and I went back to work.
Peace :)
Back to the elementary school for the SMART reading hour, I noticed I'm beginning to feel more comfortable. Since I began volunteering in December, I was the "new girl in school" as they say. Or so it felt like I was. But now, I have more confidence, walk right in, grab my folders and say hello to the other readers as we wait for the students to arrive.
First was Mr. JC who I saw was playing peek-a-boo from the classroom door with me. He'd peek in and then when I'd waive back, he'd disappear. This lasted about 10 seconds before the teacher urged him to go pick out a book. I don't know if he's there for the reading because he's a good reader, or if he's there for extra one-on-one attention.
Then there was Mr. J who has become a little fiesty with me. Today, he was more attentive and I noticed his reading has improved tremendously! He did a great job until we neared the end of the half hour. Then, he was ready to get out of there and head back to class.
They went back to class and I went back to work.
Peace :)
Back Massage
Monday, April 18th 2011
At the beginning of my adventure in writing this blog, D always told me if it came down to the end of the day and I hadn't done something remarkably generous for another, I could always give him a back massage. Ha ha ha I would say. Who wants to read about that?
So, here we are almost a year later and I needed an idea at 9pm.
"You can give me a massage." D suggested for the 25th time. (That's an accurate guess)
I thought about it for probably 5 minutes as I was trying to come up with other ideas too. "Ok, I think the time has come." I told him.
Peace :)
At the beginning of my adventure in writing this blog, D always told me if it came down to the end of the day and I hadn't done something remarkably generous for another, I could always give him a back massage. Ha ha ha I would say. Who wants to read about that?
So, here we are almost a year later and I needed an idea at 9pm.
"You can give me a massage." D suggested for the 25th time. (That's an accurate guess)
I thought about it for probably 5 minutes as I was trying to come up with other ideas too. "Ok, I think the time has come." I told him.
Peace :)
Easter Candy
Sunday, April 17th 2011
D's lovely mom (my soon-to-be-mother-in-law!) gave us a giant bag of Easter candy last weekend and we've been snacking on it every single day since! I think if we continue to eat it all, we'll have sugar withdrawals the moment we stop.
Since it was such a nice sunny day today, I decided to take a walk downtown and as I was trying to think of something I could have prepared for the homeless folks I would pass by, my eyes spotted the candy. That's perfect! I thought to myself. I'll prepare a few little bags of Easter candy and hand them out.
I put together 3 bags full of jelly beans, chocolates, pastel peanut butter eggs...and I think that was it.
The first man I saw was carrying a massive plastic sack full of pop cans and as we met face to face, I asked him if he'd like some candy. He answered, "I would love some!" This is going well so far, I thought.
The 2nd and 3rd attempt was just as delightful. It was a man and woman standing together who looked like they were enjoying themselves alright but also looked liked they might enjoy some candy too. I walked up to them and asked them if they'd like some candy (I ask because there have been times when I get turned down and I don't want to assume someone will always take whatever they're given). The white-haired man said, "As long as we get a big smile out of you."
I thought I was already smiling, but perhaps I was slightly shy and forgot. Anyway, with that I gave a big smile and handed him the candy. Then as I handed the girl her candy, she said, "Ahh thanks. Happy Easter!"
I said "Happy Easter to you" in response and kept my big smile as I walked toward home. I couldn't help but feel a couple hot tears come through my eyes at that moment, but the sun quickly dried them.
Peace :)
D's lovely mom (my soon-to-be-mother-in-law!) gave us a giant bag of Easter candy last weekend and we've been snacking on it every single day since! I think if we continue to eat it all, we'll have sugar withdrawals the moment we stop.
Since it was such a nice sunny day today, I decided to take a walk downtown and as I was trying to think of something I could have prepared for the homeless folks I would pass by, my eyes spotted the candy. That's perfect! I thought to myself. I'll prepare a few little bags of Easter candy and hand them out.
I put together 3 bags full of jelly beans, chocolates, pastel peanut butter eggs...and I think that was it.
The first man I saw was carrying a massive plastic sack full of pop cans and as we met face to face, I asked him if he'd like some candy. He answered, "I would love some!" This is going well so far, I thought.
The 2nd and 3rd attempt was just as delightful. It was a man and woman standing together who looked like they were enjoying themselves alright but also looked liked they might enjoy some candy too. I walked up to them and asked them if they'd like some candy (I ask because there have been times when I get turned down and I don't want to assume someone will always take whatever they're given). The white-haired man said, "As long as we get a big smile out of you."
I thought I was already smiling, but perhaps I was slightly shy and forgot. Anyway, with that I gave a big smile and handed him the candy. Then as I handed the girl her candy, she said, "Ahh thanks. Happy Easter!"
I said "Happy Easter to you" in response and kept my big smile as I walked toward home. I couldn't help but feel a couple hot tears come through my eyes at that moment, but the sun quickly dried them.
Peace :)
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Enchiladas & Margaritas
Saturday, April 16th 2011 Last weekend, I invited my brother to come up today and stay with us. I wasn't sure what we should do that would be entertaining, but when we found out the first NBA playoff game was on tonight, the plans were quickly arranged. I figured the sports bars would all be packed and hard to find seating, so why not serve margaritas and enchiladas at our house and watch the game from the comfort of our living room?! I hurried to the store to buy the ingredients this afternoon and started preparing. I invited my friend Miss J over too and once D got home at 8, we had a proper party in process. The dinner turned out tasty, but I think everyone enjoyed the margaritas the most! Now it's time to clean up... Peace :)
Sushi Rolls
Friday, April 15th 2011 I invited 3 of my girlfriends over tonight for snacks and wine. One has recently started a vegan diet so I was trying to think of what to serve that all of us would like... Cucumber and asparagus sushi rolls! I was so tickled with my idea because I know Miss K likes those, it will be easy to pick up an order from the sushi restaurant on my way home and 4 orders of rolls costs less than $12! So I can feed 4 people dinner, avoid cooking, (even though I like to cook, it's stressful to do Friday after work when you have 1 hour before the guests arrive) save a lot of money and the presentation is fantastic! I think they really liked it and I was impressed too ;) Peace :)
Train Tickets
Thursday, April 14th 2011 Tonight is the first professional soccer home game here in town, at the stadium next door to our house! We are so excited and D was lucky enough to get tickets through work so we get to go to the game! Along with the game tickets came 4 free train tickets, valid all day today only. Since traffic will most likely make it impossible to get home on time, I decided to use one of the tickets and take the train to work. I knew we wouldn't use at least 2 of the other train passes so I took them with me and stuck them in the ticket machine on my way to work. I was standing near it and as a man went to put his credit card in the slot, he noticed 2 tickets in the way. "Are these yours ma'am?" He asked me. "Oh no, those are extras I had, so you can have them." I answered. He looked puzzled but pleased at the same time as he took one and left the other for someone else. I love doing that at the train stop! Peace :)
Tip for a Free Sandwich
Wednesday, April 13th 2011 I have a new favorite sandwich joint that I've been going to for lunch nearly 3 times a week! For $4.25 you can get a perfectly sized sandwich on homebaked bread, stuffed with fresh avocado (the best fruit on the planet), cheeses and other veggies. It's delicious and I do have to say, it's the bread that makes the sandwich so good. That, and the fact that you get a stamp for every sandwich you buy, so the 12th one is free! When I realized my punch card was filled up after the last order on Monday, I was back today to redeem it. "You can get any sized sandwich you want." The girl informed me. I'm not sure if it's ok to buy a mini every time, then use the free card to get a medium but that's what I did. I knew I'd be working until 8:30pm tonight, so why not?! They got a nice tip for it at least. Peace :)
15 cents
Tuesday, April 12th 2011 I was especially hungry this morning- don't know why- but I found myself at the snack machine looking for a breakfast bar early in the day. I don't usually eat breakfast, but today I knew I couldn't make it until noon without eating. As the change dropped in the slot, I remembered it had been a while since I left it for the next patron. So 15 cents, not much, was there for the next lucky snack buyer! Peace :)
Letter
Monday, April 11th 2011 My grandparents gave me some cash to cover the cost of the candy I had shipped to their house a couple weeks ago. They gave me more than it actually cost after I wouldn't tell them the total and that I wanted to pay for it myself. They wouldn't take no for an answer so I left their house with the cash in my pocket Saturday. Sometimes it's just easier that way. It has been a long time since I sent a card or letter to them, so today I sent a little thank you note in the mail thanking them for the money and telling them how nice it was to see them the other day. Now, I'd like to try to remember to send letters to them more often. I remember how special it was that my grandma who recently passed away and I had become pen pals-it means so much. Peace :)
www.thebreastcancersite.com
Sunday, April 10th 2011 Once again, it's time to click to give on www.thebreastcancersite.com ! Check out all the tabs across the top of the page and click on each one to find out what is being provided to those in need. It's wonderful! Peace :)
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Mashed Potatoes
Saturday, April 9th 2011 My lovely love, D, has been sick for a few days now. He has hardly eaten a thing and spends all free time sleeping. I felt bad that we were leaving town today with his parents and my parents, but he was well enough to go so we did. It was a long day for him and by dinner time, he decided to go to bed while the rest of us went out for dinner. We thought it would be nice to bring back some food for him and I asked the server if they had mashed potatoes available for take out. He had to check with the main dining area (we were in the lounge), but sure enough, they had mashed potatoes indeed. I took the container back home to D in bed, but he wanted to join us in the living room to have a few bites. As there is "Breakfast in Bed" I guess there is no such thing as "Potatoes in Bed" ;) Peace :)
Happy Birthday Grandma
Friday, April 8th 2011 Today is my late grandmother's birthday. I am thinking about her a lot today... I stopped by a different gas station today since the usual one was packed with cars. We're heading out of town early tomorrow morning, so I want the tank to be full before we get on the road. The guy who filled it up was nice and I gave him $1. Gas prices are so high that $1 seems minimal compared to the total bill, but it is also because the prices are so high that every extra dollar counts. Does everyone else tip the gas station attendants? How much is the average amount? Perhaps I need to step it up. Peace :)
Dark Hair
Thursday, April 7th 2011 After going all year with dark hair, I've decided it's time to change back to blonde! I went to have my hair colored tonight, expecting to come out partly or mostly blonde, however it looks almost exactly the same! I was disappointed, but thinking of all the benefits of keeping my hair dark- it's healthier, easier to style, roots don't show... When she handed me the credit card receipt to add a tip and sign, I filled in the standard amount that I always tip. Even though she didn't do what I requested, she still worked hard and spent a lot of time on me. Next time, I'll take a photo to describe what I'd like it to look like and maybe that will work. Peace :)
Happy Hour
Wednesday, April 6th 2011 I haven't seen my friend Miss J since September so we made plans to meet after work today for happy hour. When she arrived, I asked her how things were going and the first thing that came out of her mouth was that she'd just been laid off from her job. I instantly felt sorry and concerned, so she proceeded to tell me the details. We had a fun time otherwise and when the bill came I didn't hesitate to pick it up. It was surprisingly only $12, so it was manageable and she appreciated it. I know what it's like to be in her shoes, so I thought that would be a nice treat as others have done for me in the past. Peace :)
Man With Empty Bags
Tuesday, April 5th 2011 We were walking out of the grocery store tonight and I noticed a man sitting on the bench inside with bags all around him. As I found myself getting $1 out of my wallet and putting it in my coat pocket-readily available- I thought he doesn't need money because he has bags and bags of groceries all around him. Then, as we approached closer to him, D noticed all the bags around him were empty and asked me if I was going to give him the dollar. By that time we'd already passed him, but it's never too late to go back! I was thankful for the encouragement from D and quickly turned back toward the man and offered him the money. He accepted it graciously and we continued on home... Peace :)
$10
Monday, April 4th 2011 This month is full of birthdays! Today is my two good friends', Miss A, Mr. J, my co-worker Miss T, D's cousin Mr. B, and it's also D's late grandmother's birthday too. So Happy Birthday to all! My co-worker Mr. F asked if he could borrow some money for lunch since he couldn't find his wallet. I gave him $10 cash, in great hopes he'd pay me back soon. And, sure enough, a couple hours later he gave me the $10 back because he found his wallet in his car when he went to pick up lunch! Peace :)
Espresso Machine
Saturday, April 3rd 2011 Happy birthday Miss KC! I sent a message bright and early this morning to my dear friend Miss KC to wish her a wonderful day. I hope I didn't wake her up! My other friend Miss B is getting married this summer and they've just completed their registry. I checked out the gift list online and found the perfect gift- an espresso machine! I don't usually spend this much on gifts, but since this is a really special occasion and it is the first gift off the list they'll receive, months in advance of the wedding, I think she will be absolutely thrilled and surprised! So the thought of her reaction when it arrives on their front porch in the next 5 days is worth every penny! Peace :)
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Homemade Soup & Cornbread
Saturday, April 2nd 2011 I made a vegetable soup the other night and I have to admit it turned out delicious. I wanted to share it with someone who hasn't tried the recipe before and since I was going over to my parents' house to visit, I took a container of it along with my homemade cornbread! I think they'll enjoy it and I'm glad there's one more extra bowl left for my lunch tomorrow :) Peace :)
Pop Can
Friday, April 1st 2011 Today is April Fool's Day, but I think I lucked out and didn't have any tricks played on me. I didn't try pulling any on others either. Although now that I think of it, that's kind of boring. Maybe I should plan ahead next year... On my morning commute, I stopped for coffee (I should mention I've been cutting back and only buying it a couple times a week instead of everyday which is a huge accomplishment!). There was an empty parking spot right in front. As I pulled in, I noticed a pop can right in the middle of it, ready to be crushed. So, I pulled the steering wheel back around quickly and parked next to the perfect spot. I walked around my car and picked up the can with 2 fingers and placed in the bin. Now I need to find a place to wash my hands... Peace :)
How to Set Alarm
Thursday, March 31st 2011 Near the end of the day, my co-worker Miss NA asked if I would be staying at least 20 more minutes until she was ready to go because she didn't want to be the one to set the alarm (she recently started as a full time employee after working as a dedicated temporary employee for a few months). I said I'd be sure to stay until she was ready, plus I had plenty to keep myself busy until then. When 20 minutes was up, I headed over to see if she was ready as she was putting on her coat, walking away from her desk. I showed her how to set the alarm so she'd know for next time and we walked out to the parking lot together. It was surprising and wonderful to see the sun still out. Such a drastic change from a few weeks ago! Peace :)
Expectations
Wednesday, March 30th 2011 I knew I was going to be transitioning into a new position at work, on a new team and with a new manager- all set to take place 2 months from now. So, you can imagine I was surprised when I found out that it had already happened last week! Since there are so many changes happening within the organization at once, I felt I needed to know what is expected of me under my new manager and I cannot wait until it's too late to find out what those expectations are. Though I don't usually have trouble taking responsibility or following rules, I don't want to disappoint anyone, ever. So, I sent my manager an email to ask if I could meet with her and go over her expectations of me. She agreed it was a great idea and the meeting went very well. Now we are on the same page and I know how to stay out of trouble ;) Peace :)
SMART- Back on Schedule
Tuesday, March 29th 2011 Three weeks have gone by since I was able to read with the students for SMART. Two weeks ago, I showed up but the kids were unable to leave class to come read so I went back to work instead. Last week was Spring Break. So this week, we are back on schedule! Mr. JC said he has been sick for a few weeks, so he was coughing and complaining about his physical state all the while doing a great job reading to me. Mr J showed tremendous improvement in his skills so I was impressed. He continued to boss me around as usual followed with a giant giggle, but didn't push his luck too much- luckily for him. Peace :)
Vote for Miss N
Monday, March 28th 2011 One of my dear co-workers, Miss N, told me about a contest she was entering with the city's power company to win a new furnace. This was no "send in your name and hope it's drawn contest". It's a "make your own, creative 2 minute video and send it in contest"! I asked her how it was coming along the other day and she was finishing up her video this past weekend. So today, I followed up again and she gave me the link to her posting on YouTube. Right when I got home I went to the computer to watch it and it was hilarious! She did such a good job and I immediately clicked the "I like this" button. She has a great chance to win and I hope she sure does. Good luck Miss N! Peace :)
Red Wine
Sunday, March 27th 2011 On our way over to D's parents' house, I suggested we stop to pick up a treat for them. I've taken flowers the last couple times, so this time we picked out a nice bottle of red wine. I hope they'll enjoy the variety we chose. Sometimes it gets tough to think of new, creative hostess gifts but I guess wine is always a safe option...and it never goes bad. Peace :)