Happy Monday!
I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving last week (those that celebrated). Ours had a few hiccups as my daughter Annie was just getting over the flu - so she ate with us but in the room next to us, not right at the table. And my son Aaron had just gotten sick. So he stayed away. And my Mom didn't want to risk germs so she stayed home. So it was just Matt & I with my brother and SIL (& Annie adjacent Lol). Matt's folks live in AZ in the winter. But it was still nice to catch up with family and to share in a wonderful meal and give God thanks for His abundant blessings in our lives. And we even played games that Annie could participate in too, without sitting right at the table. Matt & I brought leftovers to my Mom (masked) and to Aaron. I made yummy turkey noodle soup with leftovers. 😋 It's my favorite meal of the year and the leftovers are the best part!
It was a productive one too. Matt & I got the outdoor Fall decorations put away and put up the winter ones. I'm still working on the inside transformation, but it will get done this week. We ran errands and did our other usual weekend things too.
We also had such a great time with our friends, the C's, last week and watched a dueling piano comedy/music show. All and all a wonderful holiday break and now onto the festivities of this holiday season ahead....
THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS:
ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE THIS MORNING:
half of a an everything bagel, coffee
ON MY TO DO LIST THIS WEEK:
errands, decorate for the holidays, hospice work, Annie's hockey, meet up with some friends, work on some homemade Christmas gifts,
THINKING ABOUT:
The fact that 28 years ago today I was proposed to by my ex. We had been together since we were 16 and I was 23 years old at this point. He did it in a neat way so I didn't suspect anything. I changed majors and so I was on the 5 year plan at college. I was in my senior year and starting an internship. It was a Monday and the weather was really snowy and so he offered to drive me to and pick me up after my shift. He said that we should go out for dinner and celebrate, so he took us to our favorite Vietnamese restaurant. The he drove us to a lookout point where you could see lights all over the city (it was already dark) because it was still snowing so pretty. He was talking to me about how proud he was of me pursuing my career and happy with his job plans for the future. He pulled a bouquet of red roses out of the back of the car (my favorite). And he said that what we had was so wonderful and he wanted us to be together forever. He then pulled a ring out of his pocket and proposed. I was so surprised and of course so happy and said a lot of "shut up's" and then finally, yes.
Sometimes I'm still puzzled how he could change so much after almost 30 years together that really were so wonderful... and created a beautiful family of 4. How I loved and took care of his parents and loved all of his family like my own. Only to have him lose his way and have an affair with a secretary half his age that worked for him - just the total cliche. She lives with him now and still works for him. From everything he's shared years since all of this - he has never expressed being happy. Just that he's made the best out of the choices he made. My heart hurts for him. He is still good to me in how he provides and the kids have a good relationship with him now - which makes me very happy.
I am truly grateful for all that once was. And that I can reminisce on a date like today's and think of it with far less pain and even some positive feelings again. And I'm especially thankful for how I was able to become stronger from all that I went through. I've learned a lot about who I am as an individual and I rebuilt a life that I now love. And I'm in love with the most wonderful man, and best friend, I could have ever hoped to have for a second chapter of life. ♥️
CURRENTLY READING
Enough Already by Valerie Bertinielli
ON THE TV TODAY:
Survivor, The Good Doctor, New Amsterdam, Shark Tank, Ghosts, The Crown, The Patient (netflix), Holiday baking shows, Hallmark movies
ON THE MENU THIS WEEK:
MONDAY - turkey soup, salad, grilled sandwiches
TUESDAY - beef with gouda cheddar fondue and asparagus, apple, fingerling potatoes & baguette (HF meal)
WEDNESDAY - ham & cheese pinwheels, tomato soup, fruit
THURSDAY - prosciutto croque madame sandwiches, pickled shallot salad (Hf meal)
FRIDAY - might be out for dinner?
TO RELAX THIS WEEK I WILL:
go out with gf's, take a bath, listen to Christmas music and decorate
TIPS OR SOMETHING TO SHARE:
* I saw this on pinterest and thought it was a neat idea
FROM THE CAMERA:
My pretty little girl just got a haircut
At one point one of the dueling piano artists left and came back dressed as Elton John and performed some of his songs. It was a great show and both pianists were so talented (& hilarious!)
For Thanksgiving each place setting had a "cracker" that you pulled apart to open and find a funny paper crown, joke, and a little toy or prize. Also, a pumpkin pie made by Deb of It's Always Something blog I had each of us write down something we were thankful for (or things). And put the slips in the pie pieces, along with a little piece of candy. We each took a turn reading what someone wrote. It's a tradition I plan to continue 😊
PRAYER LIST:
For an end to the conflict in the Ukraine and other areas of the world living in war & fear. For peace and unity in this country, especially from hate and anymore shootings! For anyone sick, suffering, in pain or fear... that God bring them comfort and peace. For my step Dad having heart surgery soon. 🙏