Such a Good Feeling...

𝅘𝅥𝅮It's such a good feeling

To know you're alive

It's such a happy feeling...𝅘𝅥𝅮

     Today I went to see the new Tom Hank's movie: A Beautiful Day in The Neighborhood. I loved him as Walt Disney in  Saving Mr Banks, but it was amazing that Tom Hanks could be Mr. Rogers too. I went to the movie alone and found myself sandwiched between two older gentlemen. One fell asleep next to me and started to snore. 

    My nerves have been on the raw this past couple of weeks. My stepmother, Kathy Orr, passed away a week ago after a week in the hospital in a coma. She has been ill a lot the past three years and had a sudden attach after a really good day, Monday Nov. 11th. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled in a few weeks.

   Sitting with my Dad this past two week I was able to do a bit of reflection. I realized that he has been a role model for me of showing unconditional love and respect. His faith has been very strong all my life. He was devoted to my mother for nearly 35 years of marriage until her death in 1986. The past 33 years he has been devoted to Kathy. 

   I have heard over and over and again today in the movie: "Caring for others is what makes us who we are." It isn't who I am that makes me do certain things. I make choices to be kind. I make choices to not show anger and frustration. It is okay that I am a quiet person who can sing loud. It is okay that I need time to recharge my spirit after giving all I have to the people in my life.

   Most of my life I have spent trying to please people. I recently discovers Helen Fisher and her brain based personality test:  

   I am a Negotiator:

"People who are expressive of the estrogen system tend to be intuitive, introspective, holistic, imaginative, trusting, empathetic, and contextual long-term thinkers. They are sensitive to people's feelings, and typically have good verbal and social skills."

   This was a surprisingly good description of me. My problem is keeping a balance between: imagination, empathy,  big-picture thinking and making my mouth work well. What this description does not take into consideration is that I am dyslexic. 

   Being a "dyslexic, overthinking, mouthy, emotional mess" is not a far cry from what I have felt like at times of serious stress. Fortunately I imagined it was always worse than others believed when I would have a melt down. 

    As a mom of four children that were only 4 years apart caused a very stress-filled teenager season. Three years in a row I had to visit the hospital for stressing out during the end of the school year. The graduating child was not the cause of the stress and I felt so worried that me having a melt down would effect their, "Big Day". Now I look back and see that I did pretty well at covering what a "Hot Mess" I was during those years. What I hope my children will remember is that mom was human and loved them through all the ups and downs.

   The Tom Hanks' movie reminded me of the importance for kids to see adults have emotions and deal with them properly. When we are going through tough times, we need to show choosing love. Mr Rogers mentioned that a lot in his program. Loving starts by loving myself. Giving myself grace as God has given me grace.

    This Thanksgiving I am thankful that I have Grace in my life. 

Something to Write Home About

A Four Year University in Redding

     As my son often said, "I think I did a thing yesterday." Yesterday afternoon I had my first appointment in the process of beginning the Aspire Program at Simpson University in Redding.

If all goes according to plan I will have a Bachelor's Degree in Education (Liberal Studies) in about a year from now. Since this is designed to be an adult education program I will only be studying one subject every five or so week for the next year. Concentrating on one subject at a time while I am working two jobs, sounds a lot more "doable" than a normal course load of at least four classes.

A New Season

    It is hard to believe this is Autumn when it is in the mid to high 80's every afternoon. In Redding it does dip down into the 40's at night. Last week one day it was 37 degrees in the morning when I arrived at school and it got all the way up to 91 degrees that afternoon. 

Layering clothes~ does not begin to explain all the problems with this kind of extremes in a day. Our school "Lost and Found" is overflowing with jackets and sweaters. My school is kinda "inner city", it surprises me that these sweaters and jackets are not being expected by the parents of their offspring.

I spoke to a mom today that has two elementary age boys. She has sent them regularly to dig through the Lost and Found for their hoodies. "He is a bright kid in most ways, but he just can't keep track of his jackets." I've heard a lot of parents using "The Tough Love" approach. If little Jonny forgets his coat he will be cold and remember next time. That may seem to be working at 8am when it is 56 degrees, but by lunch time he has completely forgot, so, Tough Love aint workin'. We have the Facebook Page, Parent Memo and even the Sunday evening phone message, all asking the parents to go check the Lost and Found. By Christmas break it is usually overflowing and we donate it all to the local Mission. That is a weird way to give your donation of clothing to the Mission parents, just saying.

My New Normal

  Today I hit day 36 of my French lessons. I took French in High School, and decided after house sitting for two different friends who combined spent Two Months in France that I needed to review the High School French and see if I could improve on my learning skills. Since I will be taking classes in a couple of months, this was an opportunity to get free French Lessons and grease the brain wheels. 

   Another month long habit I have adopted is Morning and Evening Prayer with The Cradle of Prayer. This has got me starting the day off well and being more intentional in my evening routine. Since I don't have kiddos in my household or anyone else to be accountable to...it has been a good way to end my day this past month. 

   The next step is an evening and morning exercise or stretching practice. My stretches are hit and miss in the morning depending on my stiffness. In the evening I have faithfully swam 4 to 6 night a week until the past month. You may be saying, "Duh Deena, it is cold." However, I was swimming in March last year, but this past month has been very hard to get out more than a couple of nights a week.

   My apartment has a lovely pool and spa.  It is clean and safe. The thermometer in the pool assures me that it is 75 degrees, but that just seemed colder than I expected. So, starting this week I will add 10 minutes of stretching morning and evening and see how that goes. 

Grammie's Brag Book

The best picture ever of my Dad and Grandson Judah

Miss Ellie is standing and ready to take off
She will be 1 year old in about a month.

Em is Thankful for Cocoa and Crafts with her sweet Mama

  I'm looking forward to a three day weekend for Veteran's Day. I am very thankful for the Veteran's who have played an important parts in my life and the lives of my children. My Burnham Bunch and I give a special Thank You to all the Veterans who have given their time, lives and service for our country and our family.

So, it is Friday and I am going to hit the Spa and the Pool one more time 😃