Late December Adoption Update

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Christmas is over, and was definitely a difficult one for me.  This was the second Christmas without my mother, and the second Christmas that family won't have anything to do with me.  Last Christmas I was bracing myself for yet *another* funeral.  That was for a friend from high school and just two days after Christmas.  This year there was no funeral to brace for (thankfully) and it was just getting through Christmas.

"Back" from Staycation.

We are "back" from staycation.  As much as you can be back without going anywhere.  My husband had five days off and we planned on visiting family.  We had made plans a month ago to stay with a family member, but we were the *last* to know that family member's plans changed, and there was still no resolution less than 48 hours before we were to leave, so we declared a Staycation.

I sat down and made a list of everything we might want to do.  The things we didn't get to do were in Pittsburgh as well as watching the new Star Wars movie.  (Not that I cared about that but my husband does!)

The Five Favorite Christmas Gifts I ever Gave

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I have always loved giving.  My husband has been all amused with me this advent season because I am so excited about the things I have picked out for him, I talk him into opening a gift -- or two -- or three early.  (Last night he opened a set of 48 Prismacolor Pencils.  He took a number of art classes in high school and wants to get back into being creative.  Prismacolor pencils were the only brand that his art teacher allowed the students to use.)  I wanted to give him something to encourage his art, and that's what I decided on.

Weight Loss Resolutions and Wireless Weight Loss

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U.S. Cellular offers a FREE PRINTABLE Parent Child agreement to help you discuss safety of the Internet, cell phone usage, limits, and courtesy with your teen or tween.  You don't even need to be a U.S. Cellular customer to access this, although I have been for 10 years and highly recommend them. 


Long time readers of my blog will remember in May 2013 I attended a fitness camp for people to help them integrate faith into their fitness routine.  All of us were overweight, and it was physically the most demanding five days of my life.  But I'm glad I went.  I made friends, gained two pounds (it was likely muscle as we were doing weight training!  The next week I lost seven pounds) and learned so much.

The Facebook Follow Hack EVERYONE Should Know.

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The other day I received a number of e-mails that said "following".  There were also several that said, "." -- now I don't know about you, but for me, this is just annoying.  I only make a thoughtful comment on a post and my e-mail gets slammed with posts of a punctuation mark?  Personally, I have better things to do than read e-mails that contain as they call it in England, a "full stop".   Usually when I get these, I am excited because it's something I would like to know more about, and I added my two cents and am waiting on others to share their knowledge of the subject.

7 Quick Takes: Planning, Claw Machines, and a Master Illusionist #7QT

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So it's time for the Friday wrap up of my week.   Here's what has happened.

1.  I was at the fruit market last night and got my guinea pig some not so good celery.  The very center inside leaves were still good, and that is his favorite part.  There were three of them for less than the price of one good stalk of celery.  I gave him one last night and he devoured it.  I haven't seen him so happy in a long time.  He was especially bonded with my mother who passed away in February 2014, so it was nice to see him so happy.  I think for the moment he forgot about her and enjoyed his treat.

5 Favorite Rain Memories

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I'm once again linking up at The Big White Farmhouse to participate in Five Faves.

It's been raining almost non-stop the last few days and I thought I would share my 5 favorite rain memories.  (In no particular order)

1.   Camping circa 1987.  My youth group went camping.  Thankfully there was a pop up trailer we used.  It down poured.  As I recall, everyone (boys and girls) ended up sleeping in the pop up trailer.  We listened to a Tiffany cassette so much that I can't hear I Think We're Alone Now without thinking of my high school youth group leader belting it out at the top of her lungs.

Great Gift Ideas: Toys fromYour Childhood Updated for Today

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I have been looking around at gift ideas, and darn it, but I wish I had kids (we are trying to adopt), and one of the many reasons is I want an excuse to play with some of these great toys from the past.  I didn't even realize some of these were still made.

Celebrate Small Business Saturday by Shopping Online

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I love the whole idea of Small Business Saturday.   My parents owned two small businesses when I was growing up, and I love the more recent push to "Shop Small".  I own three home businesses myself.   My blog, I sell on eBay, and I sell $5 Paparazzi jewelry.  What happens when you buy from a small business?  Your money goes to someone who is going to use the profit to go directly towards new winter tires, adoption, the heat bill, groceries, etc.  (I've used my profits in the last few months for all of the above.)

Tips for Holiday Shipping #Zitriom

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I sell online.  Full time.   It's important I always have good, reliable packing tape on hand at all times. There have been times I have sent my husband to the store at nearly 11 at night because I realized that I was out of packing tape.

It's important, too. that I have quality packing tape.  I need to be sure the tape sticks to the package and it won't come off until the recipient takes it off.