A Lesson in the Ladies Room

There is an elderly sister member of our congregation who is not able to attend sevices now due to health problems. She has always been a faithful member, with a lively sense of humor and a sweet, humble spirit. She wore hats to church and she wore them well. I used to tease her about carefully going up under her hat to greet her with a kiss. Boy, did that make her laugh! She was one of the earlier members of the congregation; I was a child when we met. She knew and loved my parents, and especially enjoyed talking and laughing with my late father.
One Sunday, I learned a lesson from her in the church ladies room. I noticed that she never left the ladies room without wiping down the sink counter, getting rid of the excess soap that dripped from the dispenser or drops of water that may have splashed from handwashing.
I was curious about this, so I asked, "Sister, why do you always wipe the counter before you leave the ladies room? Here you are, with a cane, and you clean up after someone who left before you."
She smiled and replied, "Gotta do my job, Baby. Cannot leave the place a mess!"
After that encounter, I began to pay more attention and noted that almost every sister over the age of fifty did the same sink counter routine. Whether they made the mess or not, they wiped down the sink counter before leaving the ladies room. They wanted the church ladies room to look good. Now I do the same thing; it began with my teenager. It is my turn to model this behavior for other young sisters at church.
I am thankful for faithful elderly sisters who set the right example with a loving spirit.
Take care,
Sylvia

Gobble, Gobble!

It is time for my annual struggle with a fresh turkey. Who designed those plastic braces that wrap around the base of the turkey legs and lock into the bottom insides? Every year, I have to remember the trick for getting the brace off the bird; it is a pull out and up motion.
Basting the bird with butter feels weird. The turkey skin is pimply in some areas. I am tempted to spray the whole bird with a cooking spray. I have to remember to get the neck out of the cavity of the bird.
Seasoning the turkey with spices is okay. I do not stuff it, but I do toss an onion inside. I use a cooking bag. You are supposed to put a tablespoon of flour inside the cooking bag so it does not burst while cooking. I do not have white flour, so I use wheat flour.
My Mom always makes this look so easy. I must have some of her culinary touch, because my turkey turns out quite tasty.
Yet, turkey is not the focal point of Thanksgiving. It is the gathering of family and friends. Every single day God gives us is a blessing for which to be thankful.
Enjoy!
Sylvia

Closet Purge

I have begun a Closet Purge, because like most of us, I have too many clothes. It would not be so bad if they were clothes that I wear on a regular basis. I have clothes that I have not worn in over two or three years or more.
I heard a recent news report that due to our current national economy, there is a greater need than ever for food and clothing donations this holiday season. I have made and will continue to make food donations, but until last weekend, I had not made clothing donations in months.
When I went to my closet, I found several perfectly good pieces that someone else could use. There were two tops I bought because I like the colors, but the fabric is not comfortable on my skin. There were tops that no longer fit because I got them when I was bigger. I don't plan to get bigger again, so why do I need to keep them? There were a couple of outfits I held onto because I have sentimental attachments to them, but I will probably never wear them again. I am almost ashamed to admit that I found a beautiful blouse that still had the price tags on it; I have never worn it.
I bagged these items and took them to the Donation Center today. This is only part one of my mission, though. I plan to go through my closet two or three more times before this year is over. I pray someone may benefit from this.
Actually, I got a benefit also. My closet is more spacious, and I found a pair of shoes I thought I had lost!
TTYS,
Sylvia

Thanksgiving Parade 2010

I am glad that I attended our local 2010 Thanksgiving Parade. My parents used to take us regularly when we were children. It was one of our family traditions. Back then, the climax of the parade was when Santa Claus arrived on a big red fire truck and climbed up the ladder to the top level of City Hall. Wow! We children would get so giddy.
It was over twenty years ago when I last attended this parade. I was with my Dad and two of my nephews. Even as adults, my siblings and I hung out with my parents, another one of our family traditions. Dad is at his rest now, but we still hang out with Mom. We enjoy being together. This is a blessing.
As in past times at the Thanksgiving Parade, the faces of the children were gleeful. I found myself cheering along with them. We saw drill and step teams, go carts and motorcycles, floats, veteran soldiers, vendors, church processions, politicians, civic group representatives, beauty queens, cultural group representatives, fraternity and sorority youth groups, lodge groups, Mrs. New Jersey, parent groups, a Fife and Drum group, and the high school ROTC. The mayor and his family rode on a float. There was free hot chocolate and popcorn for the children. Santa and his helpers showed up, too. There were also costumed characters from popular childrens' programs; they walked the parade route and interacted with the crowd. The children loved it! My two favorites were the green and yellow Teletubbies, because inside those costumes were my teenager and my spouse. What fun!
Enjoy your day,
Sylvia

Car Dancing

The other day, I caught myself car dancing. That is what I call it when a song comes on the car radio or cassette player or cd player and that song causes you to react to it in an obvious way. You drive your vehicle, but your head bobs to the beat, you may snap your fingers or your fingers may tap the steering wheel. You may wave your hand and point at no object in particular. The best part is when you sing the song lyrics at the top of your voice and think you sound like or better than the artist who recorded the song. I don't pat my feet when car dancing because they are on accelerator and brake pedal duty. I do, however, make passionate facial expressions that make me laugh when I see them in the rear view mirror when I am at a stoplight.
My most recent car dance experience was generated by a song that I think is called FRIDAY NIGHT. The words JUST GOT PAID and MONEY IN MY POCKET are in it. I do not remember the name of the artist; maybe someone will let me know. It is an oldie, and it is lively! It brings to mind a carefree, festive time of life most of us experience before we embrace Grownup Land.
The only awkward thing about car dancing is when another driver or passerby sees me and does not get the idea of uncomplicated joy. It is not awkward for long, though. The song comes to an end or I drive on, smiling to myself.
Have some good, harmless fun today!
Sylvia

Some Days Flow More Easily Than Others

Some days flow more easily than others.
My plan after my morning devotional was to go to the gym and complete the workout I had to cancel yesterday. First, I could not find my workout bra, so I had to wear a regular one. I wonder if that breaks some kind of exercise rule?
Next, my favorite workout pants were in the laundry hamper, so I had to wear the ones that make me look less slim.
I dropped my pierced earring under the armoire; I had to get down on the floor and fish it out.
I dropped the garage remote and the activate button popped off.
While driving to my destination, I got sandwiched in between a car and a truck whose drivers were cursing each other out in English and in another language.
The clothing donation bin near my gym was almost full, so I had to really push my donated shoes in without pinching my fingers.
However, I saw the beauty of God's colors in the turning leaves! By grace, I had the ability to experience this morning and afternoon without getting upset about the little things.
After I completed my workout and a church project task, I treated myself to a macadamia nut cookie from BJ's. It was delicious, and I don't feel guilty about eating that cookie.
Wishing you a day that flows smoothly,
Sylvia

If It Does Not Fit, Why Wear It?

EVERY OUTFIT IS NOT FOR EVERYBODY.
This is what someone once told me. I was young, in my early twenties, so I thought she was just jealous because she was too old to wear the trendy clothes of that era. Now, I am at the age she was then, and I better understand what she meant. I get it about my wardrobe. Some styles look great on my body type. Other styles, not so much. Some styles and cut of fabric make me look ridiculous, even if they are my correct size and I can get into them. They are just not for me. I am grateful that I have learned what type of styles work for me. It helps that I am blessed to have a brother who is a remarkable designer! I am a casual dresser most of the time, but when I do dress up, I like to work the outfit and not have the outfit work me.
It is the same with behaviors. Some behaviors do not fit who I am as a Christian. When I try them on, they do not give me an attractive appearance. Therefore, I prayerfully avoid those behaviors. I am grateful for that also.
Take care,
Sylvia

Toilet Paper

When I have to be out and about, I try to consolidate my tasks. I plan my drive route based on what I need to do and what I need to buy in order to make the most efficient use of my time. I am a list maker. I like to check off tasks on my list when they have been completed. That way, when I get home, I don't have to go back out. This gives me more time to write. In some workshops I attended, there was a title given for this behavior, but I do not remember what it is right now.
I do remember reading a book entitled CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, when I was a teen; it had an impact on me about using time productively. I think the author was an efficiency expert.
It is good to use time well, but not stress when you sometimes take a mind break. Balance is important.
Anyway, I have to go back out to the store, because toilet paper was not on my list, and there is none left in the closet. I should have checked before I left the house this morning.
So much for my personal efficiency rating today!
TTYS,
Sylvia

My iPod Shuffle Experience

Recently, I had the unique experience of having my teenager instruct me on how to purchase and use an iPOD shuffle. Oh joy!
First of all, the seventeen year old knows that she is my "Go To" person when it comes to technology. She was born into the tech age, I am a Baby Boomer. It makes her feel so proud when she gives me instruction. Usually, it is the other way around, and I am pulling an essay out of her. Cool role reversal for her! Mostly I listen attentively, but I do tend to frustrate her when I ask a lot of questions about why something needs to be done in a certain manner. My retired elementary school teacher logic defies her instinct about gadgets. Sometimes, she just says, "I do not know why it works like this, but please just do it this way. Okay? Please?"
She made sure I got the simplest version of this device; it is not much bigger than a postage stamp. Then, she dragged me through the iTunes process. She tried so hard to be repectful and patient when I kept messing up the process where you drag your chosen song to your iPod. She succeeded at patience and respect. We both did a lot of laughing. I finally got it.
After all was said and done, it was a cool experience.
Wait until I tell her that while she was away, I found a song and loaded it on my iPod all by myself!
Make your teenager proud!
TTYS,
Sylvia

Author's Alley Experience

I was blessed to be able to participate in the 2010 New Jersey Education Association Convention's Author's Alley this month! It was exciting! I met so many intriguing people. I got the chance to discuss writing and my novel, BEHIND CHURCH DOORS. There were thirteen authors selected; a fellow author there said we were chosen out of two hundred member authors. I do not know about that number, but I was thrilled to be one of the thirteen. Some of the authors were so friendly and supportive; much conversation was in the spirit of offering helpful advice.
I have been presenting my novel for most of this year, and I have noticed some things about people:

Some people read your promotional material and quickly purchase your book. They do not need nor want a lot of conversation from the author.
Some people want to have lots of conversation with the author before they get a book.
Some people just want conversation from the author and do not wish to get a book.
Some people want a book but do not have the money to buy one.
Some people walk back and forth past you several times before they buy a book, like they are considering if they really want the book enough to buy it.
Some people avoid eye contact because getting a book from you is the last thing they plan to do.
Some people want to pick your brain about writing so they can write their own book.
All people I meet during these events are interesting and have their own personal stories. I enjoy listening to them when they share parts of their stories with me.
I am thankful for this journey.
TTYS,
Sylvia

At The Laundromat

Recently, I had to go to the laundromat because my clothes dryer stopped working. Of course, it stopped working after I had put a load of wet clothes in the night before. When I heard the dryer stop, I went to bed. The next day, I opened the dryer door to get my clothes and they were still damp. It turned out that the dryer basket had stopped turning. No spinning. No dry clothes. Off to the laundromat for me.
Before I had a dryer, I went to the laundromat on a regular basis (when I did not dry my clothes at the home of my parents). I remembered the routine: get your change (usually quarters) ready for the machines, take your own detergent and dryer softener sheets (this saves you money), get there before the crowds, take something to read, take a snack and some water to drink.
This time, I went to a laundromat that was more modern than the ones I used to visit. There were 2 large screen televisions mounted up high. "The View" was on the screens for the time I was there. There was comfortable seating, many folding tables, vending machines for food and drink as well as for laundry products, and there was even an attendant on duty. She was quite pleasant. She opened the door for me as I carried my baskets out to the car. I saw her patiently demonstrate for another customer how to use a washer. There were about 5 other people there, but it was roomy enough that we did not get in each other's way. It was low-key and except for the television, quiet.
I read a sign: "You are to stay with your clothes and get them out of the dryers when dry. We will remove your dry clothes if you are not here and another customer needs the dryer." That seemed fair to me.
It took me less than 30 minutes to dry and fold my 2 baskets of clothes. I am glad I had access to the laundromat that day.
I know one thing, though. I am thankful for my modest home appliances. I should not take these home conveniences for granted. It is so easy to walk downstairs to my home "laundromat", any time of day or night, even in my pajamas, and do laundry. I don't even have to have quarters!
Take care,
Sylvia