Tuesday, February 28, 2023

National Months - March

 Fun national months for March.  

And away we go...

National Sauce Month

I did a little digging on this one and found that sauces were used by the Romans to mask food that was starting to go bad.  This is definitely going to be something that I use at home with RT (just kidding, honey!).   What kind of sauces will you be using this month?  Pasta sauce, hot sauce, dressing, salsa, ketchup, mustard, sriracha...the list goes on and on.  Don't forget to use #NationalSauceMonth when posting your food pics to Instagram!


National Noodle Month

Well, you can't have National Sauce Month without having National Noodle Month.  They go hand in hand.  And, March 11 is National Meatball Day, so, you can put those on a bed of noodles with some sauce.  #NationalNoodleMonth


National Craft Month    

Something I have been celebrating for the last few months.  Learning a craft has many benefits like, lowering blood pressure.  It also is great at teaching fine motor skills.  Now is a great time to sign up for a class or make a trip to the craft store and pick up some supplies.  By the way, does anyone need a flower bracelet?


National Celery Month

I was confused about this one, too.  This is what I came up with for this day.  Eating a serving of celery (three stalks) is like drinking half a glass of water.  Celery adds a little crunch to your salads and make a great snack (add some peanut butter or hummus).  A single serving of celery has 16 calories and contains fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C.  It makes a great addition to your snack list this month.


National Umbrella Month

The umbrella, developed over 4000 years ago, used for sun and rain protection gets celebrated for an entire month.  They say the average household has 3.8 umbrellas.  I'm sure we have more, but we can never find one when the rain starts to fall.  How to celebrate #NationalUmbrellaMonth you ask?  How about trying to locate those 3.8 umbrellas that are hiding around your house?  Once you find them, put them in a spot where you can find them in a torrential downpour.  I personally like to hide one in my car.  Oh yea, don't forget to celebrate National Open an Umbrella Indoors Day on March 13!


And, it's also

Greek American Heritage Month

Also known as Hellenic Heritage month is set aside to celebrate Greek-American history.  It also coincides with Greece's National Independence Day on March 25.  In the late 1800's, a large number of Greeks immigrated to the United States.  That number increased after World War II, with Greeks leaving because of economic devastation.  It is believed that there are over 2.5 million Americans that are of Greek American heritage.    


Have a great month!

Monday, February 27, 2023

Earbuds

A very small headphone worn inside the ear.

I'm sure everyone knows about earbuds.  Either you own a pair (or six) or know someone who has a pair.  

Earbuds are great to use if you don't want everyone to know about the murder mystery podcast you are addicted to enjoy.  Some people use them on their work calls while others use them when exercising.  And then there are others who like to push the limit and use them for work calls (or podcast catch ups) while they are doing their shopping.

Hey, I'm all for multi-tasking.  If you are able to pay attention to all of the things that you are doing at the same time, like the car that is about to hit you as you cross the street.  The person in the aisle that is trying to get their box of cereal that you are blocking.  Or the cashier who is asking you a life or death question or telling you something important about your order.

Honestly, I don't mind when people are on the phone, as long as they answer any questions that I have, and they pay their bill when prompted.  But, if you have earbuds in both ears and you're staring off into space and I'm giving you the total of your order, then it gets a little irritating.  Especially when I have a long line of customers waiting their turn.

I'm also surprised at the number of people who wear earbuds all of the time (and not just teenagers).  Adults who go about their day with them on.  Watching how they don't pay attention to those around them frightens me when I think that they probably wear them while driving.

Do you own earbuds or headphones?

Do you wear them while out shopping?

Do you wear them while driving a car?

Sunday, February 26, 2023

Background Check

 We are on month four of my background check.  I think it's safe to say that I am all clear and ready to party.  Thanks for standing by me all of these months and hiding all of my craziness.

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Update

RT's hip surgery went well, the nurses had him up and walking when he woke up.  They even had him go up and down stairs (a good thing because we have a lot of stairs in our house).  He is at home, healing and doing his PT (physical therapy) exercises.  

Monday, February 20, 2023

Retail Problems

 I could probably dedicate an entire blog to retail problems.  I hope you are amused by these retail stories.   I know I certainly get a kick out of my customer interactions.

A guy came to my register.  When I gave him the total, he pulled out a plastic bag wallet (probably a follower of RT).  I asked him about it and his reply, "It's where I'm at in life."  

I rang up some items and the customer pointed at some items and said, "I don't need those."  I wasn't sure if that was a confession?  I don't need those, but I'm buying them anyway.  After stating this several times, she finally said, "I don't have enough money for those items."  (Thanks for the clarification)

Then there are the customers that know how to run the store.  A customer approached me and said, "You need to open more registers."  I replied, "We need to hire more people.  We have jobs posted.  It seems no one wants to work these days."

OK, and one of my favorite quotes from a customer at closing time, "They always lock the door at night?"


Saturday, February 18, 2023

Random Acts of Kindness Day - Community 2023

  Today is Community Day for our Random Acts of Kindness.  Time to spread our kindness out into the community that we live in.  

Need a few ideas to get you started?

How about Making a Valentine for a local Senior in the community.  Or make several and drop them off at a local Senior Living Facility.  They will love it!

Write a Thank You card to your postal carrier, fire fighter, police officer, etc.

Bring in canned goods to a local food pantry.

Bring clothing, blankets or socks to a homeless shelter.

Donate some items (food, toys, old towels or bed sheets) to a local animal shelter

Pick up trash in your neighborhood

Leave a generous tip

Leave a surprise in a library book

Help a neighbor with yard work

Let someone go ahead of you in line today

Ask a senior what life was like when they were growing up

Feed a strangers parking meter

Bring reusable bags to stores

Tutor someone

Compliment people today

Pay for someone else's lunch/drink

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Have you been spreading kindness everywhere you go?

The week is almost over!

How many Random Acts of Kindness have you performed this week?

What good deeds have you done?

Friday, February 17, 2023

National Random Acts of Kindness Week - Work and School 2023

 We have been spreading all of this kindness everywhere this week!  How about showing a little kindness at our place of work or where are children are going to school?   Today is also National Random Acts of Kindness so, let's do an extra random act today to celebrate!

You spend quite a bit of time at work, why not do something nice for your co-workers?  What about the teachers at your child's school?  A quick little thank you note goes a long way.  Don't forget the office people, nurse and bus driver!  

What can you do today? 

How about: 

Send an encouraging email
Gift an inspirational book
Write a Thank You letter to your teacher
Find out something new about a co-worker (or friend at school)
Be a good listener
Bring a co-worker or friend a coffee
Tutor someone
Compliment people today
Bring flowers/coffee/tea/cookies or donuts to work/school

Need more ideas?  Check out Sunday's post for more fun!

Thursday, February 16, 2023

National Random Acts of Kindness Week - Neighbor Day 2023

 The week continues for our Random Acts of Kindness.  Today we are focusing on our neighbors.  

What can you do for your neighbor today?

Wheel out (or in) your neighbor's trash and recycling bins
Put a surprise (cookies, Candy, flowers or a note) in your neighbor's mailbox
Bring a meal to a neighbor
Bake cookies for a neighbor
Shovel the driveway for one of your elderly neighbors
Visit with one of your elderly neighbors
Pick up a few extra items from the grocery store for an elderly neighbor

Can you think of any other nice, neighborly things to do today?  Let me know in the comments

How many RAOK's have you done so far this week?

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

National Random Acts Of Kindness Week - Thank You Day 2023

 Our National Random Acts of Kindness Week continues with Thank You Note Day!  

This date was probably added in by my mother, the Queen of Thank You Note writing.  I have to say, Mom was right about those Thank You notes.  Everyone loves receiving a thoughtful note or card in the mail.  When was the last time you sent a handwritten Thank You note to someone? I bet it's probably been a while.

Write a note to someone, thanking them for a gift they sent to you...or kind words that they said to you.  Maybe something reminded you of them or you just want to Thank them for being your friend.

Get out your pen and paper and start writing!  Don't worry if you just have plain paper or if you have bad handwriting.  People love to get handwritten notes!  That's the first thing I go for when I bring in the mail!  

Here are some other ideas for today.

Write a handwritten letter
Send an encouraging email
Mail a thoughtful note to a friend/family member/co-worker
Write a positive review of a local business
Thank someone
Compliment people
Give someone flowers
Give someone a valentine card
Write a letter to your mail carrier thanking them

If you don't know the person's address, maybe you can send them a text or email thanking them?  Handwritten is a lot better, but I understand if a text or email would be a lot better for you.  

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

A moment of your time, please....

Hi everyone!  RT will be having hip replacement surgery on Wednesday.  If you could say a quick little prayer that all goes well that would be greatly appreciated.   Thank you!

National Random Acts of Kindness Week - Friends and Family 2023

 Random Acts of Kindness Week continues with our friends and family!   

Be extra kind to those you love the most today.  Your family.  Bring your parent a cup of coffee, tea or juice,  write a short kindness note to your parents, sibling(s) and spouse.  Offer to do an extra chore today.  Compliment your family members and catch them doing something great.  These tips work great for your friends, too!

Here are some more ideas for today:

Mail a thoughtful note to a friend or family member
Bake some treats for someone special
Send a text message just to say hello or I Love you
Be a good listener
Surprise someone with flowers

Need more ideas?  Check out Sunday's post!

How many kind deeds have you performed this week?

Monday, February 13, 2023

National Random Acts of Kindness Week - Be The Sunshine

  It's Random Acts of Kindness Week!  Time to do as many random acts of kindness that we can each day! 

Today we are going to be the sunshine.  

Things you can do to be the sunshine.

Wear a bright colored shirt today and bring in the sunshine!  
Be sure to smile at someone new today.  
Oh, and remember to be kind to yourself today as well.

Here are some other ideas for today:

Send a text to someone just to say hello
Bake cookies for someone
Bring someone a souvenir
Smile
Compliment people today
Send a care package to a friend or family member
Send someone a handwritten letter
Pay for someone's coffee today

Have a great day!

Sunday, February 12, 2023

National Random Acts of Kindness Week - 2023

This week is National Random Acts of Kindness Week.  The one week out of the year that is dedicated to performing as many Random Acts of Kindness as possible.

If you haven't made a New Year's Resolution, maybe this is it?  This would be an awesome challenge for your Girl Scout Troop!  I'm sure there is a fun patch that the girls can earn, or they can make their own patch!

Are you up for the challenge?

Well, here we go!

Here are some ideas of kind deeds that you can perform this week.

The Challenges:
Smile at 25 people
Slip a nice note in your friend's backpack (child's lunch or spouse's briefcase/purse)
Compliment 5 people
Pick up 10 pieces of garbage on a walk
Make a new friend
Tell a joke and make someone laugh
Be kind to yourself and eat a healthy snack
Learn something new about your friend, co-worker, spouse
Draw a picture and give it to someone
Recycle your trash
Hug your friend
Cut out 10 hearts and give them to friends
Entertain someone with a happy dance
Make a kind poster for cafeteria helpers
Say "Good Morning" to 5 people
Make a wish for a child in another country
Say "Thank you" to a crossing guard
Invite a new friend to hang out with you
Send a Thank You to your Superintendent
Offer to help your custodian
Sit with a new Group of people at lunch
Read a book to a younger child
Give an Apple or note to your Teacher
Step up for someone in need
Make and display a "Kindness Matters" sign
Make a bookmark for a friend
Hold the door open for someone
Thank a bus driver or car pool driver
Write a "Thank you" on a band aid for a Nurse
Whisper "Thank you" to the Librarian
Help someone up if they fall down
Learn to say "Hello" in a different language
Bring a flower to the office staff
Say "Thank you" to a volunteer
Make a friendship gift for someone new to you
Thank a Mail Carrier, Police Officer, Fire Fighter


Add some kind deeds of your own.

I challenge you to perform as many kind deeds as you can this week.  Check off your kind acts as you go.

What a great way to start the week!

How many kind deeds will you do this week?

Super Bowl Snack Ideas

 Touch down!

 It's that time of year!  The Super Bowl!  Great time for lots of snacks and desserts!  Even if you aren't having a Super Bowl party this year you can still make a little something for yourself or family to snack on during the game.  

Even though the Chicago Bears aren't playing today, you can still be the star of the party with one of these blog favorites.

Avocado Jalapeno Hummus

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Valentine's Day Craft Ideas

 It's finally February!  A time for love, hearts and all things red!  Oh, and it's also time for my favorite holiday, Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day, also known in our house as the National Holiday, is coming up and I thought I would put links to some crafts we have done here on A Scary Journey Inside My Life to get you ready for the big day. Some of these crafts are pretty easy and would be great to do with your Girl Scout Troop!  These are also great ideas for an indoor activity on those cold winter days.


Looking for more fun things to do in February?  How about warming up the house (and some hearts) with some baking?  Check out the Recipes page to try something new!