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Across the Fence: Work on Gratitude badge together... |
Tea Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
645 Posts
Lorraine
Morris
IL
USA
645 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2012 : 08:57:31 AM
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Today I am grateful for my new license plate frame. My good friend, Laura, bought it for me from Life Is Good. She knows I am a Life Is Good fan since I have numerous T-shirts - I'm definitely a "glass half full" kind of gal, and these T-shirts echo my philosophy. Besides, they make me smile. Anyhoo, my license plate frame says, "Life is good" on the top and "Spread good vibes" on the bottom. So the other day when I got my oil changed, I asked the mechanic if he would put it on for me. Yesterday, I dropped off cookies for the guys at the garage where I take my car. They're always so cheerful and helpful - the owner is a great guy too. They were so pleased, you'd think I dropped off prime rib for everyone. So let the good vibes continue as I drive "the Teamobile" with my snazzy new license plate frame. Life REALLY is good...
Lorraine (aka Tea Lady) Farmgirl #1819 www.birdsandteas.com |
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Tea Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
645 Posts
Lorraine
Morris
IL
USA
645 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2012 : 09:08:20 AM
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Victoria - that's too bad about the wild dogs in your area. Thankfully, I've always felt safe walking in the prairie.
I love the reading for today. We've all had that momenet - more than once and not necessarily only in HS. Its always comforting and such a relief when you see that friendly face. Ahhhhhh, life is good.
Your gratitude story about your son's illness and subsequent healing is amazing. I believe with all my being that you are right about staying positive and laughter. And you're right again, nothing makes you appreciate being healthy more than dealing with illness. So glad he's well - what a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing.
Debbie - I'm not a coffee drinker, but I feel the same way with my first come of tea. That first cup feels like life-sustaining nectar of the Gods, doesn't it??? Mmmmmmm.... I think I'll go make a cup of tea.
Lorraine (aka Tea Lady) Farmgirl #1819 www.birdsandteas.com |
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Sharon Denise
True Blue Farmgirl
211 Posts
Sharon
Temple
TX
USA
211 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2012 : 09:41:42 AM
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What an absolutely wonderful idea! I've yet to begin a badge. I don't know what it is, but I've found it difficult to know where to start. This is the perfect motivator for me to get going. Thank you. :-)
Today, I'm grateful that my husband is a loving provider. He's helped me heal so much after a long-term, abusive former marriage.
Today's read: Intergenerational dancing. I read the entry from Victoria's first post. This is also so helpful, since my library doesn't have a copy.
Farmgirl Sister #3754 "There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. Yet that will be the beginning." ~Louis L'Amour |
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Tea Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
645 Posts
Lorraine
Morris
IL
USA
645 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2012 : 10:48:44 AM
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Sharon - thanks for making me realize something... I wasn't noting my reading. I was just reading - and enjoying - Victoria's reads. Hmmmm...
Victoria - Do I have to start all over again??? I guess I wasn't paying attention to your first post... :o{
Lorraine (aka Tea Lady) Farmgirl #1819 www.birdsandteas.com |
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Sharon Denise
True Blue Farmgirl
211 Posts
Sharon
Temple
TX
USA
211 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2012 : 11:00:34 AM
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No, Lorraine, you're fine! It's on the honor system, and the readings are there for all to see. If you want to note them from now on, super, but no you absolutely don't have to start over to still earn this badge! That would be horrible. :-(
Farmgirl Sister #3754 "There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. Yet that will be the beginning." ~Louis L'Amour |
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debbies journey
True Blue Farmgirl
635 Posts
debbie
anchorage
ak
USA
635 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2012 : 11:12:24 AM
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Morning, This morning when I woke up I was grateful it was light outside, I could tell it was cloudy and grey, but thats ok, up here where the winters are so DARK! It's nice to know its morning, because it's light, instead of squinting and trying to bring into focus the clock! The last 2 months we had 6 hours of light during the day, now we are gaining over 5 minutes a day and it makes a huge difference! People who work days are seeing the light on the way to work and going home. I work nights so it doesn't bother me so much. It's snowing! todays read: cafeteria I'm picking up the book from the library today. Debbie |
Edited by - debbies journey on Feb 01 2012 11:27:41 AM |
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CountryKim
True Blue Farmgirl
66 Posts
Kim
Pflugerville
Texas
66 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2012 : 5:00:33 PM
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Today I am thankful that my mother in law is having a good day. She still has "hallucinations" but today they were better and she was able to laugh. I hope that it continues through the night and she can get some good rest.
Forever farmgirl
http://throughethelseyes.blogspot.com/ |
Edited by - CountryKim on Feb 01 2012 5:01:03 PM |
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EastTXFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
731 Posts
Victoria
Farmgirl #549
TX
USA
731 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2012 : 6:53:17 PM
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Lorraine, Sharon is so right. I just assumed you were reading along since you commented on them. (we all know what assumption is though don't we) No I am reading outloud to you remember so that is your reading.
Begin each morning with a song in your heart. |
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EastTXFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
731 Posts
Victoria
Farmgirl #549
TX
USA
731 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2012 : 7:10:23 PM
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Debbie I remember those winter days. I moved from Washington state to Texas about 11 years ago but I still remember the all night days. But I'll tell you what I miss are those winter nights when a fresh snow came in and the moon is full. The beauty is unbelievable. It is so bright it looks like day time.
Kim glad to hear your mother-in-law had a better day. You know, I don't know if any one explained this to your family but the hallucinations could be what we call ICU psychosis. Especially if she did not have them previous to her hospital stay. It is very common in elderly. Things that can help is open her curtains in the room and let her see outside. If she can walk take her for a short walk outside. If she can not walk see if the doctor will allow you to take her outside in a wheelchair. If she can walk still push a wheelchair with you she may get tired. Bring something from home, a picture, a candy jar something she will relate to. Try to stay calm about it and remember if she did not have this issue before she came to the hospital it should resolve about 3-5 days after she gets home. She is out of her environment and she needs to reconnect with her home. Remember this is very common. It does not mean she has lost it and it does not mean she will be like this forever. I see family get so upset about the hallucinations and I explain to them what is going on and they seem to calm. I have had them come back to the hospital a couple of weeks later and say "wow you were right within 2 or 3 days of getting home mom or dad was right back to their old self". You and your family are still in my prayers.
Begin each morning with a song in your heart. |
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CountryKim
True Blue Farmgirl
66 Posts
Kim
Pflugerville
Texas
66 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2012 : 7:25:42 PM
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Victoria, She has been having them since August in varying degrees. Abbreviated version: Had all her teeth pulled in July, got super dehydrated in August, sodium levels caved. Hospital, psych ward, hospital, rehab. Seemed pretty good. Came here to rest, thought maybe it was just sporatic. Early Jan, heart rate 154, ER more hallucinations, home, back to ER this past Friday, because she passed out at the doctor, more hallucinations. We are going to a geriatric specialist on Friday. (((Hugs)))
Forever farmgirl
http://throughethelseyes.blogspot.com/ |
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EastTXFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
731 Posts
Victoria
Farmgirl #549
TX
USA
731 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2012 : 05:23:20 AM
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I am grateful for and to my parents. Today is my 50th birthday and without them I would not be saying that. Actually, without them I would not be saying anything. They did a great job in raising me. Even though they are getting up there in years, I still have both and I am grateful for that. Mom is 80 and Dad will be 83 in a few weeks. They will be celebrating their 66th aniversary on March 26. (that's right my mom was 14 when they married). They both still live at home and except slowing down a bit still get around pretty well. They still run their little farm. Thanks Mom and Dad for always being there.
Today's read - Popping Bubble Wrap
Okay, trivia time. What were the two inventors of Bubble Wrap trying to make instead of packaging material back in 1957 at the Sealed Air Corporation? Take a guess and let’s see what you got before we reveal the answer in a just a jiffy. For the patient folks, let’s chat for a moment about different ways to do the deed: 1. Olde Time Classic. Your average pop. Just squeezing it in your hands with a satisfied smile on your face. Nothing flashy here, folks. Just a thumb, some fingers, and lots of satisfying pops. 2. The Big Bang. A trickier move, this one requires delicately wrapping the unpopped Bubble Wrap into a tight ball and then hugging the whole thing against your body really hard. Do this before 10 p.m. so you don’t wake the neighbors. 3. Walk This Way. You’ll need a large piece of Bubble Wrap for this one, likely from a new TV or fridge that got delivered to your house. Just pull the wrap out, lay it down on the floor, take off your socks, and . . . walk all over it. Walk back and forth, walk in circles, just don’t stop the walking, because you can’t stop the popping. When the pops slow down, you may have to inspect the wrap closely for any leftover bubbles and take care of those one by one. 4. The Office Pop. Here’s where you lay it down on the floor of your cubicle and roll over it with your office chair all afternoon. Believe me, your coworkers will love it. 5. The Twister. Roll it up like a carpet and twist your hands in opposite directions really hard. When you’re done, you’ll have a nice well-popped area in the center of your wrap and will have to move on to a new section. 6. Mini-Pops. Sometimes you expect to pull out a big, fat mess of Bubble Wrap and out comes a thin, little sheet of mini-bubbles instead. But sometimes that’s all you get, man. So do a few mini-pops and enjoy it. My friends, loudly popping Bubble Wrap is a great joy in life. It’s a satisfying stress reliever, a fun surprise, and a rare little moment to act like a kid during a boring day at the office or while unpacking after a hectic move. So, aren’t you glad they made Bubble Wrap into packing material and not textured wallpaper instead? AWESOME!
Pasricha, Neil (2011-03-01). The Book of Awesome (pp. 29-30). Penguin Group. Kindle Edition. Begin each morning with a song in your heart. |
Edited by - EastTXFarmgirl on Feb 02 2012 05:24:46 AM |
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Sharon Denise
True Blue Farmgirl
211 Posts
Sharon
Temple
TX
USA
211 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2012 : 07:36:45 AM
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Today, I'm grateful for my job. I don't always like it, and I'm making plans to leave it as soon as I'm able to, but at least I have it now. It has sustained me through a divorce. It has sustained me through a marriage, and it sustained me during my husband's bout with cancer. It was what I needed at the time, and I was able to do some good through it. I need to remind myself of all these things when I get stressed and wish for something else in my life.
Today's read, from Victoria's post: Seeing a cop on the side of the road and realizing you’re going the speed limit anyway Stress level goes up. Stress level goes down. AWESOME!
Haha, this is so true!! This happens to me even when I'm using cruise control to keep from speeding. I always panic and get that cold/hot feeling, only to glance at the speedometer and remember that I'm just fine. Talk about paranoid!
Farmgirl Sister #3754 "There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. Yet that will be the beginning." ~Louis L'Amour |
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Tea Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
645 Posts
Lorraine
Morris
IL
USA
645 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2012 : 11:53:45 AM
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Today I am grateful for my local farmgirls and the meeting we had this morning. We had the best time - we always do. There is such a strong bond between us. I just love them all to pieces. We organized a seed exchange (who is going to buy what and what we will share)and talked about ways of keeping the cost down of starting seedlings (all sorts of good ideas). Then we celebrated my birthday, which was late last month, but since we meet early in the month and we decided to wait. They bought me the cutest light green depression glass kerosene lamp which looks beautiful on my desk AND a lovely scarf... And we had angel food cake with fruit and whipped cream. It was wonderful and so are they... I am truly blessed.
Today's read is from Victoria's post: Popping Bubble Wrap. So fun... I think my favorite is walking on it. :o)
Happy Birthday Victoria! And Happy Candlemas! Hope you have a great day and a wonderful year.
Lorraine (aka Tea Lady) Farmgirl #1819 www.birdsandteas.com |
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debbies journey
True Blue Farmgirl
635 Posts
debbie
anchorage
ak
USA
635 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2012 : 2:37:42 PM
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Happy birthday ladies! Todays read bubble wrap, glad its not wall paper! Today I'm grateful for enough time before work to whip up a batch of muffins I've been wanting to try, the recipe is on the back of a bag of Bob's ground flaxseeds, or oat bran. Yummy and healthy! Debbie |
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Madelena
True Blue Farmgirl
1919 Posts
Mary
Central
TX
USA
1919 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2012 : 3:37:26 PM
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Jumping in with my Day #1- don's always have compute access but will journal in book daily.. Love the readings. Starting with reading #1 today.. Will reread each day.
I am greatful for HOT showers.. Did I mention HOT?? If civilization every crashes I will miss 2 THINGS most - food and a HOT shower -- in that order. mmmm. (of course, that is saying I would still have a roof of somekind over my head and my beloved family and friends).
Victoria, love that you are giving us this opportunity. I have a friend who keeps a gratitude journal on her facebook page daily. It is an inspiration for all who read it.
Thank you... Mary Madelena
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CountryKim
True Blue Farmgirl
66 Posts
Kim
Pflugerville
Texas
66 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2012 : 4:25:19 PM
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I am grateful for the rain we have received. Texas has been SO dry.
I looove bubble wrap! This was an awesome post. I am a one-bubble-at-a-time popper. Occasionally, I'll roll the sheet up a little. like a cigar, and do some multi-popping.
Forever farmgirl
http://throughethelseyes.blogspot.com/ |
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EastTXFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
731 Posts
Victoria
Farmgirl #549
TX
USA
731 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2012 : 02:26:06 AM
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Good morning, its a work day so I have to be early and quick. Today's reading could not have been more fitting. Take a look and you will understand. I promise I did not plan it that way.
I am so grateful for my home. We purchased our farm almost 6 years ago and the house was beautiful but in need of repair. Nobody had lived in it for about 10 years. We could not afford to remodel all at once so it has been a slow process. Last night I was lying in bed thinking to myself "darn I have to go by the bank sometime tomorrow, the mortgage is due" and I was thinking about all the things that still need to be done to the house and a little disgruntled about having to pay so much. "Why didn't I get that little house in town I could have had paid for by now and nothing needed to be done?" About that time a huge storm blew in with thunder, hail, rain the whole nine yards. All of a sudden that old house seemed pretty safe and dry. I love my house. I really do.
Today's read: When someone lands on the hotel you just built in Monopoly
Shelling out for that primo real estate on the corner lot ain’t always easy. Yes, you may have to mortgage Electric Company or dip into that stash of hundreds hidden under the game board. But after you make your big investment, there’s nothing finer than somebody landing right plum on it, right plum on their next turn. And there’s always a new bit of tension on that first roll after a hotel enters the game too. No more superquick circling and buying properties, collecting Get Out of Jail cards, and winning second place in beauty contests. No, now there’s a hotel on the board and you enter Round 2 of Monopoly, where the haves and have-nots are quickly and ruthlessly divided. When someone lands on the hotel you just built, the first thing they do is get real quiet and quickly pass the dice to the next player, sort of hoping you don’t notice that they’re squatting on your joint. But you notice all right. And maybe you’re even all polite and nonchalant about it too. “Oh, Marvin Gardens? Hold on a second, wait. Yeah sorry, uh, let’s see here. That’ll be $1,200, please.” “What, seriously?” “Yeah, sorry. It’s the hotel that does it.” (passing the property card over for inspection) (inspecting property card) “That’s crazy. That’s like all my money. I might have to mortgage Baltic Avenue.” “I’m sorry, man. I’ll take all the railroads instead if you want.” (disgusted) “What, no way! Then I’ll just have Baltic and the blues. Forget it! That’s crazy!” “Fine . . . $1,200, please.” (angrily and slowly counting out and handing you a thick stack of hundreds, twenties, tens, fives, and ones that barely add up to $1,200, leaving them with only a few properties and two ten-dollar bills) AWESOME!
Pasricha, Neil (2011-03-01). The Book of Awesome (pp. 33-34). Penguin Group. Kindle Edition.Begin each morning with a song in your heart. |
Edited by - EastTXFarmgirl on Feb 03 2012 02:29:25 AM |
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Tea Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
645 Posts
Lorraine
Morris
IL
USA
645 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2012 : 05:36:13 AM
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Today I am thankful for a slow day - a day when I can stay home ALL day. Like everyone else, I have a full plate - so when a day like today comes along, it is a true gift for which I am very grateful. Now, don't get me wrong... I have stuff to do and a couple hours of work on a report. But its Friday and I just feel like I'm able to notch it back a bit. And the biggest thing is I can stay home all day - even if I'm working, its still nice to be home. Life is good.
Today's reading - Victoria's Monopoly read... Oh that brought back memories. The hours my brothers and sisters and I would play Monopoly - and then my kids and I... It was always such a triumph to get a hotel and have someone land on it. Oh happy day...
Lorraine (aka Tea Lady) Farmgirl #1819 www.birdsandteas.com |
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Sharon Denise
True Blue Farmgirl
211 Posts
Sharon
Temple
TX
USA
211 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2012 : 10:29:36 AM
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Today I'm thankful for my stepson. He's fifteen and has every reason to be difficult or not to accept me. Instead, he's the same age as my nephews (they all get along). He's into acting and theatre (like me) and has red hair (like my brothers and dad). He loves to read (like me). He's generally just the closest possible thing I could have to a biological son and we have the best time together. It could have been such a hard situation, and I'm beyond grateful that the pieces have fit together the way they have.
Today's read, via Victoria's post: Illegal naps
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the others. Cold popcorn? Napping on a public toilet? Ick, no thanks, haha. I prefer my legal naps on a porch somewhere in the breeze, or in a shaded hammock, or on my parents' couch after a sinfully huge holiday meal. I prefer naps with a beloved pet under each arm and another keeping my feet warm. I prefer an accidental nap with a book on my chest. Illegal naps for me always end up in a stiff neck and a hungover feeling! But, to each her own. :-)
Farmgirl Sister #3754 www.facebook.com/bellcountybelles "There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. Yet that will be the beginning." ~Louis L'Amour |
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Sharon Denise
True Blue Farmgirl
211 Posts
Sharon
Temple
TX
USA
211 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2012 : 10:33:37 AM
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Victoria, I just saw your older post about your son. :-( I'm so sorry for the scare and the horrors that accompany treatment, but I'm so happy for your attitude. That positive attitude undoubtedly helped heal him. I almost lost my hubby to cancer as well and remember the aftermath of each treatment. I think I'll use his story as my gratitude entry for tomorrow. Thanks for sharing your story.
Oh, Lorraine, that sounds just heavenly! Enjoy your day!
Farmgirl Sister #3754 www.facebook.com/bellcountybelles "There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. Yet that will be the beginning." ~Louis L'Amour |
Edited by - Sharon Denise on Feb 03 2012 10:40:34 AM |
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CountryKim
True Blue Farmgirl
66 Posts
Kim
Pflugerville
Texas
66 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2012 : 10:45:08 AM
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Happy Birthday a day late Victoria! Ugh, I am a bit out of it these past few days.
I wish we had purchased the house we looked at years ago in Indiana. $25,000. Yep. Passed it up. Oh well, something will come around. Things have a way of working themselves out.
I am thankful for my job! I really enjoy what I do, I work with really nice people, and we have enough to get what we need to get accomplished. I work two jobs actually. I have a part-time job at a bookstore as well. I am thankful for that one as well. Especially in this economy!
Forever farmgirl
http://throughethelseyes.blogspot.com/ |
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debbies journey
True Blue Farmgirl
635 Posts
debbie
anchorage
ak
USA
635 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2012 : 1:13:42 PM
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Morning, todays read: Monopoly I'm grateful for our bird feeder that attaches to the window and the little black capped chickadees that are here for breakfast! Debbie |
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CountryKim
True Blue Farmgirl
66 Posts
Kim
Pflugerville
Texas
66 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2012 : 4:04:07 PM
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Oh, I forgot to comment on the Monopoly. I used to play with my step dad and he always won. I could never get enough money to buy homes and he always had way more! It stunk having to give him my money all the time!! (I am an only child, no siblings to play games with).
Forever farmgirl
http://midwestmusings-kim.blogspot.com/ http://throughethelseyes.blogspot.com/ |
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EastTXFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
731 Posts
Victoria
Farmgirl #549
TX
USA
731 Posts |
Posted - Feb 04 2012 : 05:55:02 AM
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Kim shame on your step dad. Didn't he know that unwritten rule, kids always win!
I am grateful for being able to hear. I love to set on the back porch drinking that first cup of coffee and listen to the farm wake up. The guineas squawking like someone is trying to chop their heads off, the roosters having their morning crow out, the sound of Pud's (the farm dog) big feet stomping through the wet leaves and the little rustles of wild rabbits scurrying away from Pud’s morning craziness, the birds chirping and in the distance Macy (the jersey) bellowing out wondering why she has not yet gotten her morning bucket of grain. I could not imagine losing all of that. That would be so sad.
Today's Read: Picking the perfect nacho off someone else’s plate
No two nachos were created equal. When somebody offers you a nacho from their appetizer plate at a restaurant or while on the couch at home in front of a movie, you need to move fast: 1. First up, quickly scan their entire plate. At what stage is this offer being made? Are you in the game when the plate is hot and full, or are we dealing with mostly crumbs and surplus jalapenos at this point? Size up the prize and give a quick yes or no. 2. Now if you’re going in, don’t wait too long to make your move. If it’s obvious you’re putting too much thought into it, you’ll come across as selfish. Definitely don’t move any toppings around to build yourself a massive All-In Salad Nacho, but there’s no need to pull out that bland, naked chip at the bottom of the Jenga stack either. You weren’t offered crumbs and you don’t deserve crumbs. Remember that. 3. Next up, locate your prey and dive in. Everyone has their personal preferences, though I’m a big fan of 90-100 percent melted cheese coverage and about 25-50 percent salsa coverage. Any less cheese coverage and it’s just taco shell to me. Any more salsa coverage and I feel like I’m drinking the stuff. And hey, if I grab an olive, green onion, or jalapeno, that’s great too, but I don’t push my luck. Lastly, for my money, you can keep that shredded lettuce. That’s just grated water in my book. Bottom line: Know your tastes, size up the game, and dig in quickly. Mastering that perfect pick is a valuable life skill. Now go grab life by the nachos. AWESOME!
Pasricha, Neil (2011-03-01). The Book of Awesome (pp. 37-38). Penguin Group. Kindle Edition. Begin each morning with a song in your heart. |
Edited by - EastTXFarmgirl on Feb 04 2012 05:56:43 AM |
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Sharon Denise
True Blue Farmgirl
211 Posts
Sharon
Temple
TX
USA
211 Posts |
Posted - Feb 04 2012 : 07:19:02 AM
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Today I'm grateful that my husband recovered from Stage 4 Squameous Cell Carcinoma two and a half years ago. He had a 40% chance of survival. He got so skinny during treatment. All he could eat was Carnation milkshakes at one point because he developed thrush in his mouth and throat. He had a radiation burn on his neck and horrible sores all over. I remember one night--THE night--that would either take him away from me or give him back. He came back. He is my hero and my strength. A couple of years later he's doing P90X and happier than he's ever been both physically and spiritually. He tells people that cancer is the best thing that ever happened to him. I am grateful for his life, his spirit and his amazing attitude.
Today's read: When you get the milk-to-cereal ratio just right
Farmgirl Sister #3754 www.facebook.com/bellcountybelles "There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. Yet that will be the beginning." ~Louis L'Amour |
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Across the Fence: Work on Gratitude badge together... |
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