I found out my car was not as prepared as I thought. I forgot I had removed my brushes and such. I know an angel was looking over me because just as I thought I would be using my arm and the long umbrella to knock some snow off the car, a scraper suddenly fell out the door pocket. Although I usually try to clear the entire car off, I got most of it and was able to drive home from work safely. You know my car has been restocked with appropriate items. Don't forget to check yours.
Overall, the week went well for me. It was fun tracking packages as they were delivered whether via the post office or from private companies. I ordered from a couple of different places this year and everything appears to have arrived. When I order items I try to make the delivery dates the week before Xmas so they don't get bogged down at the last minute. I tried to be vigilant this year with all the delays and I was successful. How about you?
One thing I have noticed in reading different FB groups and pages; is how many people truly wait until the last minute to do or request anything. I understand emergency repairs, but these requests are not those types. I guess many people like the adrenaline rush of last minute, or just expect people to be available for them. I would be so stressed out it would not be worth it. I like to plan, perhaps not every detail, but enough to think about worst case scenarios and have a possible plan b. I know we can't plan everything so I try to be flexible enough. What about you?
My work week went well. With the weather and cold my client was not too interested in doing too much. He was somewhat cooperative although not too interested in chores. We listened to Christmas music and I was able to get him to tell me a story or two from childhood as we watched the snow fall. I know weather impacts dementia patients so those overcast days can be a little challenging. My client turns 80 today so tomorrow I'm bringing him some chocolate chip cookies and brownies to nibble on. (Thank you to my BFF for baking.) His spouse will be able to dole them out so he does not eat all at once.
As I waited outside yesterday at the acupuncture office, a fox trotted in front of my car. The fox stopped for a second looked around and then trotted off. You know I had to look up the spiritual meaning of the fox. It is so interesting to research all the different cultural meanings. I'll stick to this one: Primarily, fox symbolism teaches you that every problem has a solution at hand, and you can reach for it. The only unique approach of the fox’s meaning is to guide you to silence and solitude until you reach the solution. (There is so much more, but I'll stop here. From: World of Birds by Garth C. Clifford)
This past week I finished reading: "ANA'S STORY" by Jenna Bush - based on her work with Unicef it's inspired by people she met. "RAISE YOUR RESILIENCY" by Kris Coleman - Tips and information for building resilience personally and professionally. It's easy to read and has good information anyone can use. The author is a former colleague and as CEO of his own company, has good information to pass on from his own experiences.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
December 20
Go Caroling Day
December 21
Crossword Puzzle Day
Forefather's Day
Humbug Day
Look on the Bright Side Day
National Flashlight Day
Winter Solstice - the shortest day of the year, date varies
December 22
National Date Nut Bread Day - or September 8!?
December 23
Festivus - for the rest of us
Roots Day
December 24
National Chocolate Day
National Egg Nog Day
December 25
Christmas Day
National Pumpkin Pie Day for recipes see Pumpkin Nook 's Cookbook
December 26
Boxing Day celebrated in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries
December 27
Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day
National Fruitcake Day
A gigantic shout out to my niece Melanie as she turns 21 on the 23rd! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! With this crazy virus we will not be together, but sending lots of love and hugs virtually. We will celebrate together hopefully at some point in 2021.
I am going to leave it here for today. It's five AM so may head back to bed for a little while. Although this holiday season is different for many, I hope you are spending time with someone you love or at least like. Sending blessings to those on the front lines at home and abroad. Stay safe. Chat soon. Wear the damn mask! Marie
"I truly believe that if we keep telling the Christmas story, singing the Christmas songs, and living the Christmas spirit, we can bring joy and happiness and peace to this world." -Norman Vincent Peale
"Some Christmas tree ornaments do more than glitter and glow, they represent a gift of love given a long time ago." - Tom Baker
"Probably the reason we all go so haywire at Christmas time with the endless unrestrained and often silly buying of gifts is that we don’t quite know how to put our love into words." - Harlan Miller