Sept. 13--Positive Thinking Day

I have tried to always be a positive thinker. I used to be the first person to say, "There's a reason for this. You'll see." I thought that was a positive outlook, always seeking the silver lining. Then a nut-bag of an ex-BOYfriend told me that I was a fatalist because of this outlook. So which is it? Am I forever looking for the silver lining or just resigned to having no control? Whatever the outcome, I'll keep looking for the positive each day, especially today.

By the way...silver lining explanation. When dark or darker clouds block the sun, a bright outline appears around the cloud. I see this as even in the dark times, there is always a sun just waiting to brighten the day. Be blessed!

Sept. 12--Chocolate Milk-shake Day

PHOTO SOURCE

In honor of today being Chocolate Milkshake Day, I have a joke for you that only a select few will give a chuckle.

There are two penguins on an iceberg. 

The iceberg breaks apart sending one penguin one way and the other penguin in the opposite direction. 

The first penguin screams, "Bye, my love! I will miss you and love you forever!!!"

The second penguin yells back, "CHOCOLATE MILK!"

If you aren't laughing, I won't hold it against you. Just know that for those in my life that have a hard time saying, "I Love You," I always know what they mean when they say, "CHOCOLATE MILK!"

NOTE: Send all your prayers for my beloved Daddy who is having back surgery today. I am a nervous wreck and can't focus for squat!

Sept. 11--Hero Day, Patriot Day, Rememberance Day

I love being back in the school system teaching once again. I especially love that my school has deemed today Hero Day. Students and faculty were encouraged to dress up as their hero with the understanding that superheroes were not included in the activity. I won't dress up as my hero because I have too many to pick just one. 

First, myGayla was my life-long hero. From the time I was old enough to say GA-LA and toddle after my older sister imitating everything she did, she was my hero. I spent 36 years following in her footsteps and listening to her wise words whenever I would fall down and she would pick me back up. If I had to pick one lesson that she taught me over any other, it would be to love myself and see myself they way she did. Each day living without my sister is a lesson in getting back up when life knocks you down. Some days I bounce back pretty quickly. Most days, I just have to internally yell at myself to get up and get moving because Gayla expects it of me.

The next heroes on my list are Hubby Dearest and Darling Daughter. Bless their hearts. On those days where I am stuck at neither bouncing up nor moving forward, they are there with hugs, compassion, and loving words of encouragement. HD has held me while I scream in agony, held my hand when I had to be brave despite my fear and anxiety, and held my heart protectively close to his own. DD has reminded me to be kind to myself and told me in no uncertain terms that she is "happy you are part of our lives because you know Daddy and I would never make it anywhere on time without you."

MeMaw and PapaJames are next on this long list of heroes. They are my parents and, in my eyes, have always been the infallible, just, and compassionate hearts that have made me who I am today. They taught me how to love my fellow man and instilled in my heart a desire to "save the world." Because of their love for one another and their love for our family (both blood kin and those of our choosing), I am able to give my whole heart to those I love and fight the good fight for what I believe.

This blog post could go on and on with all the heroes with whom I have been blessed. Little Rascals, you've picked up the broken parts of me and helped in putting them back together. You've brought me uncontrollable laughter at some pretty inappropriate times. Your unconditional love and support have made all the difference in my life. 

Finally, to my former and current students, you give me a purpose each day. To my fans, you read my tra-la-la and my boo-hoo-hoo, and you still continue to follow this little bit of crazy each day. I thank you all and send you my most heartfelt hugs today. You are my heroes!

Sept. 10--TV Dinner Day

There really is a day for everything! Besides being Sewing Machine Day, today is TV Dinner Day! Swanson brought us the first frozen meal way back when it was served in a metal sectioned tin pan that was warmed in the oven. Now we nuke most TV Dinners in the microwave, with a few companies making some that are still cooked in the oven. For a full history, check out Wikipedia (don't judge...I was in a hurry).

I am not ashamed to tell the world, I feed my family frozen dinners! I would rather spend what little time we have together in the evening crafting with darling daughter, crocheting while we watch television TOGETHER, and being a family. Plus, we have a few standards like lasagna and enchiladas that everyone can agree upon, something that is sometimes difficult with picky eaters. I do have dreams of cooking big on weekends and freezing but that still hasn't come to be a reality even after my extensive research and hours of cooking show know-how.

What shortcuts do you take to give yourself more time with your kin and kindred?

Sept. 9--Teddy Bear Day

I don't remember having a teddy bear as a child. I do have a recollection of my Bubba having a Pooh Bear that was toted everywhere until the fateful day that Pooh took a dive out of an open car window and was run over by the back tires. You would think the little man would cry, demand Pooh have a bath in the washing machine, and then go on with his three-year-old life as if no harm had come to the little bear. My memory is that we had to have a funeral for the toy bear, prayers and all. I think we may have buried him too but that part is fuzzy. I'll have to ask Packer if there is an old, beat-up Pooh bear in the Nephews' (Thing1 and Thing2) inherited toy collection.

Nevertheless, today is Teddy Bear Day! In 1902, US President Teddy Roosevelt's refusal to shoot a bear that had been caught and tied to a tree by his shooting party, stating they had been less than sportsman-like in their pursuit, garnered some attention from the media. Morris Michtom of the Ideal Novelty and Toy Co. also paid homage to the President's act of humanity and created a toy bear cub. He called it Teddy's Bear. That's how we come to call our stuffed friends Teddy Bears. Who feels like they learned something? I DO! I DO!

Check out this amigurumi teddy I crocheted for Thing2! I have no pattern because I wasn't using one. I just kept crocheting in the round until I had the trunk of the bear. Then I made two arms and two legs. I stuffed the little guy with a corrugated yarn that I would never have used for anything because that stuff is ridiculously difficult to work with. It's not pretty, but I like it...so did Thing2.