Last Sunday, I sorted through the majority of boxes we brought back with us from Plymouth. We brought back mostly Christmas so on Sunday I blended the items into our decor. I then donated the rest. For some reason, it's a bit easier when I sort the items here in Sterling than it is in Plymouth....perhaps being away from the house helps. This may have to be a strategy as I go forward.
I worked my normal schedule over the week. I was exhausted most of the week whether it be from the trip or the shots I got on Monday. I'm updating my health records because I want to be sure that working with seniors I protect myself and them. Well, I got the 2nd part of Hep B (can you say ouch) and the 2nd shingles shot. I felt every one of the side effects from the Hep B and they lasted most of the week. They did not keep me down, just slowed me down. Out of all the shots I received over the years, this was by far worst as far as reactions.
I completed CPR certification class. As part of the class, I learned CPR, the Heimlich Maneuver and about the AED. It was great as I was the only student so I got to practice and learn at my own pace. I have to admit, my arms and hands were definitely stiff and sore. I'm glad I attended as things had changed a bit since I learned about the process many years ago. The female instructor was wonderful and actually teaches nurses and aids at a senior facility in the area.
I took the bus from the senior center with my BFF to the PA Christmas Show in Harrisburg. It was the biggest craft show I have ever attended. They had hundreds of vendors ranging from local crafters and bakers (both amazing) to some bigger (a little more commercial) sellers. If I go again I'll be prepared as people came with their own shopping carts, bags and plans. I restrained myself a wee bit, but did manage to keep the economy going a little. It was difficult to restrain myself from purchasing holiday decor...LOL! I have to remind myself that I've spent and will be spending more time sorting and donating. It was a very pleasant day overall. I forget how beautiful some of the local countryside is until and how close we are to such beauty.
I started putting together my Christmas cards yesterday. Yes, I'm doing them again. I got away from doing them for a couple of years, but decided I wanted to do them again. It might take a day or two to finish, but they will go in the mail this week. Hopefully, I've tracked address and name changes correctly...LOL! I might not do them for every holiday as I have in the past, but at least the Christmas ones are coming back.
I have been meaning to write about a Today Show segment I saw a few weeks ago. It was a segment about Gratitude with the author Steve Leder. I have not read his books, but will be adding them to my list. He talked about an exercise called the Gratitude Statement - you prepare a written statement for someone about what you are grateful to them for. The statement should not be longer than 300 words. You then make a Gratitude Visit and read the person the statement. It was such a powerful segment and yes I cried as two people read each other statements. I am getting better about letting a person know face-to-face how grateful I am for them (not always easy) so this segment went directly to my core. Just wondering if anyone saw the segment or has tried the exercise?
We had a few carolers come by last evening. A few of our neighbors belong to the same church and decided to stroll the neighborhood. They sounded very nice. I did not invite them in, but was pleasant to them at the door. To me the difference between carolers on TV and real life....carolers on TV sing nicely and move on to the next house; in real life, they want to have a prayer circle and preach a bit...not my style. Sorry, if this sounds cold, but it's the way I am.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
December 8
International Children's Day - Second Sunday in December
National Brownie Day
Take it in the Ear Day
December 9
Christmas Card Day
National Pastry Day
December 10
Human Rights Day
December 11
National Noodle Ring Day
December 12
Gingerbread House Day
National Ding-a-Ling Day
Poinsettia Day
December 13
Ice Cream Day
Violin Day
December 14
International Monkey Day
National Bouillabaisse Day
Roast Chestnuts Day
U.K. National Postal Worker Day
I am going to leave it here for today. I hope you have a good week. Take a moment to breathe and be present. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
“Life is not a dress rehearsal. Every day, you should have at least one exquisite moment. ” — Sally Karioth
"At the end of the day, tell yourself gently: ‘I love you, you did the best you could today, and even if you didn’t accomplish all you had planned, I love you anyway.” – Anonymous
"Christmas is for everyone, adults and children alike. Allow this season fill your heart, and let go of the things you dislike." - Julie Hebert