Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah. For those celebrating I offer the following blessing for the first night of lighting the candles:
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, asher kid'shanu b-mitzvotav, v-tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Hanukkah. Translation: Blessed are you, Our God, Ruler of the Universe, who makes us holy through Your commandments, and commands us to light the Hanukkah lights.
Today is also the first Sunday of Advent for Catholics. I only remember one year growing up we had an Advent wreath set up in our house and actually lit the candles (my mom was afraid of fire). The tradition for the first Sunday of Advent includes lighting the candle of hope. This candle of hope symbolizes promises delivered through the prophets from God as well as the hope we have in Christ.
It was a short week for me as I my client's family came to town for the holiday and gave me the time off. My client was so excited and it was nice getting to meet them (some of the time I don't get to meet the family). With the time off, I was able to get a few errands done and worked with my BFF to decorate for Xmas. We even cleaned out a few of old worn out/broken items, Minimum time spent on ladder or step stool. We did not do as much as previous years, but it looks pretty. We used to be one of the first to decorate in the neighborhood, but this year I noticed many houses already done.
This past week I finished reading: "E.R. NURSES" by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann - real life stories of E.R. nurses. I watched several Xmas movies (Hallmark, UP and Lifetime have kept the DVR busy). I also watched: "THE HUMANS" (depressing); "SENIOR MOMENTS" and "QUEEN BEES" (both funny); "FIELD OF DREAMS" (seen before, but had a different perspective after visiting the field in Iowa); and "ELF" (seen before, but it's Xmas).
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
November 28
Advent Begins - date varies
Chanukah begins - date varies
French Toast Day
Make Your Own Head Day
Red Planet Day
November 29
Chia Pet Day
Square Dance Day
November 30
National Mason Jar Day
Stay At Home Because You Are Well Day
Month: DECEMBER
- Bingo Month
- Safe Toys and Gifts Month
- World Food Service Safety Month
- Write a Friend Month
Eat a Red Apple Day
World Aids Awareness Day
December 2
National Fritters Day
December 3
National Roof over Your Head Day
December 4
Santa's' List Day - we hope you are on the "Nice" list
Wear Brown Shoes Day
I am leaving it here for today. I hope you have a good week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen." – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." – Eleanor Roosevelt
"Your mind is a powerful thing. When you fill it with positive thoughts, your life will start to change." - Author Unknown