New Job

 New Me.

I don't think I mentioned that I have a new job.  Don't worry, I'm still in retail (and boy do I have the stories for you!).  Instead of a clothing store I have moved on to a grocery store.  Funny thing about this "big move" is that this store is next door to my previous job.  

The next store down is an art store, so if the food industry doesn't work for me, maybe I can have a career in the arts?

Background Check

 Still haven't heard about the details of my background check.  It's only been a month.  I guess I shouldn't worry too much.

Black Friday

  It's Black Friday!  That fun time of year where we exercise our credit cards.  Let's push them to the limit folks!  This is a great day for you to get in your daily workout by trying to snag that big screen TV before someone else grabs it.  Just don't get tackled in the process!

Oh, yea, and it's also time for my world famous usual Black Friday post.  

The day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday and it is the biggest shopping day of the year.  For retailers, it marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. 

For those of us that are out there working on Black Friday, it's a crazy, long and tiring day.  Make sure you take those vitamins, drink lots of water, plaster a smile on your face and, well, just try to have some fun.

If you are out there shopping, it can get crazy, so, try to be safe.  Also, be nice to the store employees.  They don't make the rules or have any control over the amount of inventory the store has of that item you want to purchase.  So, go easy on them!

And now, what everyone has been waiting for, here is my famous Black Friday song playlist for your listening pleasure:

Man in Black - Johnny Cash
Paint it Black - The Rolling Stones
Back in Black - AC/DC
Black Cat - Janet Jackson
Black Magic Woman - Santana
Black or White - Michael Jackson
Black Widow - Iggy Azalea
Black Hole Sun - Soundgarden
Black - Pearl Jam
Blackbird - The Beatles
Black Betty - Ram Jam
Black Gold - Soul Asylum
Men in Black 3 Back in Time - Pitbull
Black Night - Deep Purple
Black Rain - Soundgarden
The Long Black Veil - Johnny Cash
Ebony and Ivory - Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder
Black Dog - Led Zeppelin
Black Velvet - Alannah Miles
Black Water - The Doobie Brothers
Men in Black - Will Smith

Blue on Black - Five Finger Death Punch

Now get out there and have some fun!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Heavenly Father, thank you for all of the blessings you give me.  During this Thanksgiving season, as I look at all that you have done for me, I am overwhelmed.  Bless those who are here and those who are in our hearts and all of those who are not as fortunate on this day.  Amen.

National Espresso Day

  It's finally here.  The day that my brother everyone has patiently been waiting to celebrate.

 Happy National Espresso Day everyone!

What's the difference between espresso and plain coffee?  According to the professionals (the baristas), it doesn't matter what kind of bean you use (or how it was roasted) it's all how the beans are brewed.   How do you make espresso?  By forcing pressurized water through these finely ground coffee beans, it produces a concentrated brew with a delicate foam or crema.

The word espresso in Italian means "quick in time."   In the late 1800's, the espresso was made to order by using freshly ground roasted coffee beans and was freshly brewed right before serving.  The first espresso machine was invented in 1901 by the Italian inventor, Luigi Bezzera.  This machine produced a smaller, more concentrated cup of espresso than the traditional coffee brewing methods.  I'm sure RT is quite thankful for this invention.

Not an espresso or coffee drinker?

How about adding some espresso powder to your next batch of cookies?  The espresso powder can give your baked goods a tasty mocha flavor twist.

How about adding a shot of hot espresso to a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream?   Sounds strange but it's an Italian dessert called affogato.

Maybe you're more into lattes?  Why don't you try adding an espresso shot (or two) to your latte today.

Or, what about eating a chocolate espresso bean?  

Why do we love National Espresso Day?  It's a great way to wake you up!  A single shot of espresso can perk up the slowest morning person.  A few shots of espresso and imagine all of the things you can get done today!?  Just ask RT, who is celebrating today and is probably on his fourth espresso right now.

How to observe the day?  Enjoy a shot of espresso and post it on social media using #NationalEspressoDay on your posts/photos.

Or you can be like me and eat a handful of dark chocolate covered espresso beans and get a lot of things done around the house. 

How will you celebrate today?

National Better Conversation Week

 This year I am celebrating interesting weeks throughout the year.  This week is National Better Conversation Week.

Another great placement for national weeks.  Families getting together means lots of conversations happening.  This week focuses on having more meaningful conversations with the people in our lives.  Some experience anxiety in small and large gatherings of people.  And, well, let's face it, sometimes our family members or conversation topics can cause anxiety.  The week focuses on the awkward silences, odd transitions and topic starters.

Some ways to get the conversation started:

Listen.

Ask a question.

Longer Answers. (More than a "Yes" or "No")

Offer assistance. (help out in the kitchen or set the table)

Share something new. (new job, hobby or vacation are always great conversation starters)

How to observe #BetterConversationWeek

Get your conversation starters ready.  Make a list of topics to talk about with your family.  And, if you have some of "those" family members, you might have to add a list of topics to avoid.

National Game and Puzzle Week

 This year I am celebrating national weeks throughout the year.  This week is National Game and Puzzle Week.  

Families around the country will be gathering together this week to celebrate Thanksgiving.  This is a great time to break out the puzzles and board (or card) games.  Games and puzzles help keep the brain sharp and they also bring families together.  Both young and old can join in on the fun. 

How to observe #GameAndPuzzleWeek:

Contact family and friends before the big day asking them to bring a favorite game/puzzle to dinner.

Grab the cards, puzzle, dice, board games and have fun with your family!

Don't forget to share on social media!