S is for Sayings…

 “What cha gonna do? -Karen Zumann

I have a very wise woman in my life named Karen. She is in her early 80s and I truly want to be like her when I grow up. 

Karen is the mom of one of my dear friends, Marla. Marla and I met when we were in middle school. Marla remembers everything including the goofy stuff I said in class back then, and she is still one of my besties!

Karen recently said to Marla when asked how she was doing even with some challenges and Karen responded with our now very quoted inspiration: “what cha gonna do?”

Life hands us lemons sometimes. It can be brutal and sour but realizing that a lot of the hard stuff is out of our control can really free us from unneeded worry. Sometimes we just need to  let  go and  add the sugar of positivity to the mix. I also suggest making time to do what you love…cleansing and diluting water so to speak for the lemons of life.

So…make lemonade and realize…

“What cha gonna do?”

F is for Flowers…

 This little beauty is a late add to my flower collection:

I was checking out the Home Depot outdoor flowers one day hoping for clearance flowers(sad to think the season is almost over) and saw this without flowers, only buds. Price tag: $5. 

I cannot say no to a deal. Glad I didn’t. In bloom ever since, this little pot brightens each day as I pass it on my porch!

T is for True Comfessions

 Here’s my list of true confessions for today:

1. I fixed the bathroom sink drain that wouldn’t open today. It was very satisfying but deep inside I also hate that I have to fix everything that goes wrong in the house now.

2. I drink too much zero soda. And eat too much pizza pretzels from Sam’s Club. Be careful they are so good and so habit forming. 

3.My planner for this school year has quotes only by Christina Koch because she’s my emotional support astronaut and the whole idea makes me happy. 

4. Weddings are a mix of emotion for a recently divorced person.  I’m happy for people but also feel very broken because I have no desire to be married and really hope they can make it but only because I project all the crazy of my marriage onto them  

5. I really like dogs. I see dogs and I have to talk about them as I admire them. I actually prefer dogs to some humans. They don’t talk back and most of them are pretty dang positive. The dogs, not the people. 

Humor me. Share confessions in the comments. 

W is for Wanderlust…

 Wanderlust: the desire to travel the world. 

Our trip to Disneyland was magical. It was the last family trip before the divorce and I am so glad we went. I am also glad R wanted to invite my Disney-loving sister!

We only spent one day in the park and although we could have filled more days, we packed a whole lot into that one day. I’m not much of a ride person but I even enjoyed Rise of the Resistance. My favorites rides were It’s a Small World and Haunted Mansion. Somebody was very sad it wasn’t the OG version…that person was definitely not me. 

I’d have to say The Nightmare Before Christmas is 

my favorite Disney theme. Halloween is my favorite holiday and I am so glad they had just changed to this theme just days before we were there in July 2024. 

I feel I may have more Disney adventures in my future. I would love to go see all of the park in Halloween decor. It would also be really cool to one day be in Halloween and the next Christmas.  Maybe in retirement with my sister!

T is for Timeless…

 (T is also for tired. My first day back at work...) 

Schwinn is a bicycle company that started out in Chicago in 1895. That alone is enough to say this brand is timeless.  You can still buy Schwinn bikes today but they are not even close to the quality and craftsmanship from the company’s origin!

I have owned three classic Schwinns now. Two I restored about six years ago and the one you see in the picture above. I sold the twin Schwinns a couple of years back just because they were not the most comfortable rides. 

This burgundy one though is a sweet ride. This was also a sweet deal because jt was gifted to me by a neighbor and I only had to do a little chrome rubbing to restore shine making it good as new. I love the shocks on the original seat that makes it so smooth to ride. 

These old bikes truly are timeless. I secretly hope to have one from the 1930s or 1940s that is similar to this one my grandma rode as a teen:

This photo: also timeless. Man, I miss my sweet grandma but I also am glad I was able to have her in my life for so long. A true blessing!