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QUARANTINED!

Never would I have imagined that this would be my last day at the office!

On Thursday March 26th, we took inventory, boxed up my office equipment and packed it in my car. Two monitors, a “thin client” PC, multiple cables, and a new cell phone.

I drove home from the office that afternoon and I haven’t been back.

I’m all broken up about it.I still can’t believe I have the OPPORTUNITY to do my job from home.

Right away LB moved his belongings out of the home office and I moved mine in.

Quarantine Day ONE

I got up, got dressed, made coffee, walked into my office, and got to work.  At lunch time I sat out by the pool for 20 minutes of vitamin D, then went back to my hot pink office to work.  At 4:30 I logged off and started my weekend.

Friday evening was dedicated to LB and his favorite little pizzas.

Quarantine Week ONE

After spending one full week of  working from home, I’ve found that 1. I sleep more.  2. I eat less 3. I don’t say bad words.  4. I don’t care how I dress.

I never get lonely.He never leaves my side.

I’ve also found that my workload has become heavier.   Just recently my team made an adjustment down from six to four members.  This week there are three of us. Initially I thought it had something to do with the fact that we are one man down.  Now I think that is only part of it.

My theory is that the agents who are escalating issues aren’t concerned with the ridiculousness of their ticket submissions.

Nevertheless, I press on because I am ESSENTIAL.  Anyway that’s what I’ve heard.

 

In my off time I have tried to finish assignments for the class I’m trying to complete, keep up with treadmill time, and keep the house clean.

I’ve done a lot of cooking and experimenting with keto recipes.  Lots of cheese in keto recipes.

Also I’ve done some gardening and painted the laundry room.  Time is well managed and not wasted.

I don’t miss getting up at 5:30 AM and I don’t miss leaving my house an hour early to avoid traffic mishaps and I don’t miss much of anything.  Except shopping.

 

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Hurricane Holiday

It finally passed Jacksonville and was not as bad as we had anticipated.

Today I made my way back to the office after an impromptu holiday starring hurricane Dorian.

It was quite a surprise to learn that the company decided to close the building on the Tuesday and Wednesday following Labor Day.  Fortunately hurricane Dorian moved away from the Florida coast and spared us from the devastation that was anticipated.  Although there have been reports of trees down and beach erosion, it turned out to be merely a breezy day inland.

Everyone is now breathing a sigh of relief, as Northeast Florida has winded down emergency measures and returned to normal.

My daughter-in-law captured the sentiment in this photo of Lydia and Rory which she captioned

“What Hurricane?”#hurricanedorian #muddypuddles #puddlejumping #lydiaruth⭐️ #auroramiriam✨

With nowhere to go for two days, I spent my homebound storm stint working on my customary hurricane pastime:

Scrapbooking

Many Years ago, Mama got me started scrapbooking with a selection of tools and this giant green album from Creative Memories.  Part of the fun was getting together with others (Mama and Gina) to share tools and ideas for crafting a creative page to add to one’s scrapbook.

Back then I would combine photos from various years to create a theme, like these “school days” pages featuring school portraits of Stephanie, Amanda, and Richard spanning from 1991 through 1997:

More recently, I began working on new albums.  I have one for each of my kids:

My newest album is dedicated to My adventures with LB

and Elvis, of course:

I still have a lot of work to do on this scrapbook photo album.  Maybe we’ll have another [uneventful] storm day that I can dedicate to doing just that!

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Friday Favorites

Although there has been no time for blogging this week

Alice In Wonderland Disney GIF

 there’s always time for

Friday Favorites

Favorite # ONE

Carrot Cake Trifle

I first posted this recipe here but thought it would be a good idea to post it again… with a photo this time.

Look at those luscious layers.

I made the Carrot Cake Trifle for Easter Sunday Dinner dessert.

Ingredients:

  • 1 box Carrot Cake Mix & required ingredients
  • 8 oz. softened cream cheese
  • 1 1/2 sticks of softened butter
  • 3 cups of powdered sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. vanilla
  • 16 oz. Cool Whip
  • Chopped walnuts

Easiest dessert recipe ever!

Directions:

  • Prepare the carrot cake according to package directions, allow to cool.
  • Cut cake into cubes.
  • Mix filling by beating together cream cheese and butter.  Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
  • Fold frosting mixture together with Cool Whip.
  • Layer in trifle dish with carrot cake and walnuts.

OMG delicious!

~

Rory was not the least bit interested in dinner and seemed to need a nap.  I was rocking her and noticed that her little legs were cold, so I asked Levi if he would bring her a blanket.  Not only did he bring a blanket, he brought a story book because, before any baby takes a nap, a story is in order.

Favorite # TWO

Everyone enjoys

Story Time

There was no nap.

~

Favorite # THREE

Easter Baskets

for everyoneAs long as I’m able, I’ll make sure these babies have goodies in their Easter baskets!

~

Favorite # FOUR

Family Time

It is good for the extended family to get together for special occasions.

On this occasion we enjoyed Easter Sunday dinner, an Easter egg hunt family photos then two sweet girls got to come home with Glammy to play.

~

Later that evening, LB and I watched the Jacksonville Passion Play presented by First Baptist Church which featured the talents of

Favorite # FIVE

Several special members of my family Thanks for the Jesus selfie, Dillon.  Who else has one of these???

My nephew Dillon played the part of Judas Iscariot (that’s him in the back with the money bag), my brother-in-law Stuart was an angry Pharisee, My Mama, Aunt Linda, niece Sydney, and cousin Sarah all had parts in this program.  I was impressed with the talent that was displayed from my family!

I hope you had a

Flowers GIF by dasherzallerliebste

Special Thanks to LB my personal Photographer

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Friday Favorites

This week my

Friday Favorites

begin with these two fellas

Favorite # ONE

My Nephews

Kyle and Clay

They started out like this:A couple of little cuties!

One of my favorite pictures of Gina’s babies is this Christmas photo that was taken with their cousins, My babies…The original Fab Five!

Kyle and Clay reached the ripe old age of 24 on Saturday.

Happy Birthday Boys!

Birthdays weren’t the only reason to celebrate this week.  On Monday, LB and I headed to Jekyll Island to ring in the new year.

Favorite # TWO

New Years Eve

We enjoyed a stay at the very nice Westin Hotel.

Later that evening we participated in a party at the Jekyll Island Club.  The party was catered by the Jekyll Island Resort and there was more food than I could believe.There was a band, a dance floor, and plenty of strange people.Happy New Year!Its gonna be a good one!

With the New Year comes

Favorite # THREE

New Year’s Resolutions

For me new year’s resolutions happen monthly.  I’m always starting something new.  Recently I have found several schedules that I pinned to my Healthy Me board on Pinterest.  These are helpful to aid in staying on track in an effort to reach goals.  For example, there’s the 30 day De-Clutter Challenge, the 21 day Mental Wellness Challenge, and my favorite…

The 30 Day Brazilian Butt Workout Challenge :

 

I have no idea what a Brazilian Butt is, but I’m pretty sure it is better than an American Butt.

The first few days have been pretty easy.  We’ll see how this goes.

Favorite # FOUR

is this sample of perfume that I just realized that I love…

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black

Gina gave me a perfume sampler a couple of years ago and I’m still discovering all the lovely fragrances.

So far this one is my favorite.

And last but not least

Favorite # FIVE

Another blouse from Classy Crossroads Boutique.

I’ve already worn it twice this year and we’re only one week in!

Blouse // Jeans // Shoes

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

The Bucket List Blog post

A “Bucket list” can be defined as a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime.  Since it is possibly derived from the English idiom – ‘to kick the bucket’ we can also call it a list of things to do before you die (source).

To keep from feeling overwhelmed by such a great list of things to do, accompanied by the feeling that the unchecked items are looming, reminding me of all the things I haven’t done,  I have include items on my list that I have already accomplished.

After reading others’ bucket lists, I realized that there are so many things that I have had the opportunity to do; things that others have not been able to accomplish.  Adding these items is an exercise in gratefulness as it reminds me to

Appreciate the Accomplishments!

Even the little ones.

One blogger calls this The Reverse Bucket List and explains it this way:

“it is a relatively new phenomenon that’s been growing in the past year or so.  It changes your focus and your mindset.  Instead of focusing on the things you haven’t accomplished (yet) it has you focus on the things you have done” (source).

For a lot of people, the reverse bucket list has been embraced as a mindfulness exercise. It’s a way to look at being grateful for all of the things you have done.

If you’re looking for bucket list ideas, some interesting ones can be found here and here.

Achievement

  • Earn an associates (AA) degree
  • Earn a bachelor’s degree
  • Earn a master’s degree
  • Start a business
  • Start a blog
  • Write (and illustrate) a book
  • Create a piece of art (and sell it)
  • Start an herb garden
  • Be on TV
  • Be in a commercial
  • Solve a Rubix Cube
  • Earn a design degree
  • Achieve my ideal weight
  • Run a 7 min mile
  • Run a 5k
  • Run the Gate river run
  • Run a half marathon
  • Run a marathon

Adventure

  • Go parasailing
  • Ride on a Ferris wheel
  • Ride a scary roller coaster
  • Go ice skating
  • Go on a picnic
  • Go snorkeling
  • Go skydiving (preferably indoors)
  • Go zip lining (preferably not over a reptile farm)
  • See the sun rise over the ocean
  • See the sun set over the ocean
  • Drive route 66
  • Tour Biltmore Estates
  • Tour the US capitol
  • See all the Washington DC monuments
  • Go biking on the beach
  • Dance in the moonlight
  • Dance on the beach
  • Swim in the ocean
  • Drive a jetski
  • Pet a dolphin
  • Ski a black diamond trail
  • Go on a cruise
  • Dine in a celebrity owned restaurant
  • Attend a small town festival
  • Climb a lighthouse
  • Go on a spontaneous road trip
  • Ride in a gondola
  • Play racquetball
  • Pitch a game of softball
  • Rollerblade

Education/New Skills

  • Learn how to play the guitar
  • Learn to speak French
  • Learn a line dance
  • Master a video game
  • Learn Archery
  • Learn to play chess
  • Learn Kung-FU
  • Learn how to cook
  • Learn how to bake
  • Learn to change a tire
  • Take a ceramic class
  • Attend a woodworking class
  • Learn how to meditate
  • Take piano lessons

Entertainment and Events

  • Attend a Jazz Festival
  • Attend a Parade
  • Attend a Vegas show (Rod Stewart)
  • Place a bet on a Horse Race
  • Go to a Blues Bar (BB King’s, NY)
  • Go to a dinner theater (Alhambra Theater and Dining)
  • See a pro Football Game (Alltel Stadium)
  • See a Broadway show (Jersey Boys)
  • See a Cirque du Soleil Show (Beatles LOVE)
  • See Barry Manilow in concert
  • Dance in a club  (Ziggy Mahoney’s)
  • See the changing of the guard
  • See a Nascar race (Daytona International Speedway)
  • See a major league baseball game ( Chicago Cubs vs. Atlanta Braves)
  • Attend a Grand Ole Opry show (Ryman Auditorium, TN)
  • See the Backstreet Boys in concert

Life milestones

  • Prepare a will
  • Get a tummy tuck
  • Vote in an election
  • Donate blood
  • Attend a high school reunion
  • Make a cake roll
  • Make a blooming onion
  • Go to the movies by myself
  • Get a bob (hair style)
  • Go blonde
  • Participate in a wine tasting
  • Cook thanksgiving dinner
  • Build with Habitat of Humanity
  • Read the entire bible
  • Learn to snow ski
  • Learn to water ski
  • Take swimming lessons
  • Learn to surf
  • Build a snowman
  • Adopt a pet
  • Stand under a waterfall
  • Witness a solar eclipse
  • Be a bridesmaid
  • Take an art class
  • Take pictures in a photo booth
  • Work on a pottery wheel
  • Sew an item of clothing and wear it
  • Write a poem
  • Audition to be in a play or choir
  • Visit Disney World
  • Visit Universal Studios Orlando
  • Visit an art gallery
  • Have no credit card debt
  • Have my own business cards
  • Learn to use chopsticks
  • Make ice cream
  • Build a sand castle
  • Go canoeing
  • Have a collection
  • Plant a tree and watch it grow
  • Load and shoot a shotgun
  • Drive a tractor
  • Plant a garden
  • Take a dance class

Travel

  • Visit all US states 50 States, 50 Landmarks, 50 States of Bucket List Adventures
  • See Mount Rushmore (South Dakota)
  • See the USS Arizona (Hawaii)
  • Visit Yosemite (California)
  • Visit Branson (Missouri)
  • Visit Denali (a/k/a Mount McKinley in Alaska)
  • Visit Deadwood (South Dakota)
  • See the ALAMO (Texas)
  • Visit Gettysburg (Pennsylvania)
  • See the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (New York)
  • See the Vegas Strip (Nevada)
  • See the Grand Canyon (Arizona)
  • Visit Yellowstone (Wyoming)
  • See Stone Mountain (Georgia)
  • See Glacier National Park (Montana)
  • Stand in the Southernmost Point in the Continental US (Key West, FL)
  • See Ernest Hemingway’s house (Key West, FL)
  • Walk through Grand Central Station (New York)
  • Walk in central park (New York)
  • Climb a tree in Central Park (New York)
  • Stand in Times Square (New York)
  • Be on TV during the Today show (New York)
  • Ride on a subway (Boston, New York, and Washington, DC)
  • See Plymouth Rock (Massachusetts)
  • Walk on pink sand beaches
  • Venture out of the country
  • Visit the Parthenon (Greece)
  • Visit Puerto Rico
  • Go on a Caribbean cruise

I’ll be adding to this list.

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

PARTY TIME

This month The Blended Blog Asks about Party Time.

 

Favorite Birthday Party as a Child?

There is but one memorable childhood party, and I only recall bits and pieces.  I believe it was the year of my 12thbirthday, and it was near the end of the Disco era.  WHAT?

Some of the things I remember about that party are:

  • It was set up in the garage
  • Boys were invited
  • Disco Dynamite was one of the awesome records that were played.

The event must have turned out well, because the vague memory always brings a smile to my face.

 

 

Do you like to Entertain? Yes or No?

I like to have people over and feed them.

 

 

What kind of Parties are your favorite?

Dress up parties are amusing!

One year our family dressed as Batman characters to celebrate Richard’s birthday.  Dressing up for Laurie’s Halloween party every year is a lot of fun too.It is good to have a specific event to plan around, like the Super Bowl Party we had this past January. There will typically be something on the TV like a football game (obviously) or my YouTube party playlist to help provide musical entertainment.

If I host a party with family in mind, it will usually involve the pool.

Big or Small Parties?

Both.

Favorite thing to do at Parties?

Eat.

Party Food Favorites?

Finger foods are good!  Dips are great!  Anything that you can dip a cracker or chip into is usually a big hit!

Favorite Flavor Birthday Cake?

I like a cake with buttercream frosting and ‘Happy Birthday Kim’ decorations from a local grocery store bakery.Yes I’ll do it!

Balloons? Yes or No?

Yes, love balloons!  Especially when they come special delivery in a balloon bouquet!

Best Party Song?

Good Question!  There are so many!  Uptown Funk.  Love Shack.  Anything from the 80’s!

As I mentioned before, I have a YouTube Party Playlist.  Accessing the website on the TV delivers party music as well as video.  A fun song like The Cupid Shuffle will provide dance instruction as well!

Do you like to Dance? Yes or No?

Yes, I do like to dance.

No, I do not dance well.

Luckily my partner helps me look like I know what I’m doing.

 

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Friday Favorites

It is incredible that this is the

Last Friday in July!

Happy No Problem GIF by Jonas Mosesson

We are prancing along through the summer and it will be autumn in no time!

 

 

And now:

Friday Favorites!

Favorite # ONE

Have you tried the Pasta alternative veggie products?

This one is my favoriteThere are several varieties by Birdseye and Green Giant.

I’ve wanted to try the new marinara sauce (that I mentioned in this post) so I made Rigatoni for LB.

Sadly, there are 220 calories in 1 cup of cooked Rigatoni.

Calorie breakdown: 5% fat, 80% carbs, 15% protein.

Since I’m not about to eat real pasta, I sampled my marinara sauce atop these carrot spirals.

Calorie breakdown: 0% fat, 3% carbs, 1 gram protein.

Not bad at all!

 

 

Favorite # TWO

Surprises on Back Order!

LB checked the mail this week and told me that I had a package.  My response: I didn’t order anything!

Apparently I had an item on back-order from a Venus order that I placed in JANUARY!

 Mini Jean Skirt in Indigo Blue

At least THEY remembered!

 

 

 

Favorite # THREE

Natalie Tuman

Health and Fitness Coach

This is a real life Wonder Woman and I follow her on Instagram.

This week I attempted to complete a workout she shared on Instagram.

 

 

Nope.

I couldn’t do it!

Her websites can be found here and here.

 

 

Favorite # FOUR

Good News!

I attended college at FCCJ (now FSCJ) off and on after high school and between babies.  Since achieving success earning an AA degree and an AS in Interior Design Technology several years ago, I have attempted to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Liberty University online.  This week I reached out to the admissions department for advice on wrapping this up!

I’m FINALLY seeing light at the end of the tunnel!  I’m so excited and looking forward to sharing news of a graduation sooner than later!

 

 

 

Favorite # FIVE

Kathy

She who took me under her wing and has looked out for me since I came to her team seven years ago!

Kathy is a dear friend and trusted colleague who is celebrating a milestone this week!

Happy Birthday Kathy!

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog!

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