It is hard to believe that winter is coming 

with the sun so bright 

and birds singing in my ear.

 At least the air brings a cool breeze

 and kids are still in school.

True, my little one isn’t little,

and no longer in school.

It is nice to listen to the sound

of nature

then the sound 

of kids yelling.

I don’t recall yelling as child?

Then again kids today aren’t

playing the same games

I played years ago.

True there may not 

be enough room for

stick ball

or a wall for

handball,

with three or more

a good game of

double dutch 

can be played.

One day

I can show

these young one

how to have

Fun..

 

The

       End!

 

I was thinking about my friend who just had another child and how well her oldest child was handling being a big sister. I almost imagine the conversation she had with her daughter.

I decided I wanted to have one child and a boy at that. I lost my first child six years before I was told I was expecting my son. I had given up, but God is so good. 

The very day I got my happy news I said I was having a boy and I didn’t care what I was being told. It may have taken a few weeks to come up with a name, because I wanted a strong name for my angel. I actually had two to choose and years later I told him the other choice. He said his name was the best.

I always made sure he had things to do and between family and friends. I say he was good at not having a brother or sister.

I read “Little Miss, Big Sis,” by Amy Krouse & Peter H. Reynolds.” ~ It had pictures of a young girl knowing and understanding she was going to be a big sister. Then wait until that day finally came and how she handled each stage. In the end it showed how big sis & little brother loved each other. The End…

I also read “I Am a Big Sister!,” by Caroline Jayne Church ~ This book starts with the new arrival and the big sister happy. She happily help from bringing baby wipes, playing silly games, and knowing she will be a good big sister forever.  The End….

I watch others with two or more kids. More power to them. I kinda of like having another child without the potty training stage, but since that would never happen. It is a good thing I have only one child. Well, he is now a growing young man now, and I am blessed.

 

                       The

                           End!!

.

 

 

Ever wanted to go on vacation, but the word “but” has stopped you. In other words but –

• I don’t have a lot of money.
• I don’t have any time off.
• No one wants to go where I want to go.
• It’s too much trouble.            

I had all these thoughts too, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me from doing something fun with my son. I had always wanted to take him to Disneyland, and watch you smile. I was (and I am)  a single mother working paycheck to paycheck. I was just barely paying bills, so saving for a big trip I couldn’t see that happening.

Anyway. I realized why do I have to leave the state to have a vacation. I maybe in NC now, but I came from New York. I always talk about going back and a few people wanted to join me. Then their next response would be, “where are we going?” I’m like, “I’m not a tour guide,” because you know I have family and friends. I know someone would be put off with a few tagalongs, all up in family business, and I’m not going there.

It got me thinking.  When I got home I never really thought about all the sights in the city. I didn’t really go to them when I lived there, but love to go when I go and visit. I may go to my favorite places first and add an extra spot to visit as well.

That got me thinking. I may have changed address, but every place should have something to do. Unless you are so far in the country and you may have to go to the closest city to have your vacation. That is a totally different story.

What about having an instate vacation. I can almost see the confused faces. An instate vacation is where you act like a carefree tourist in your hometown. I started with my list:

My son’s point of view.

1. He Loved reading and learning in general.
2. Anime and movies that make you laugh.
3. He was always good for trying new foods.
4. He could play and watch  soccer all day.
5. He likes video games as well.

My (the mother’s) point of view.  

I was about to start a list of my own, but then I realized 4 out of 5 things on my son’s list was the same as mine. I may look at soccer, (because of my son, to spend time with him) but I am not really into the game.

The only thing that  I would add on my list that wouldn’t be the same as my son’s would be taking pictures and walking.

I have told a friend or two about making a short list of what everyone likes and see how many matches and go from there.

Who wants to drive when they are on vacation? Why not take a look at downtown. I walked downtown and had a pretty good idea about where to go, but it’s best to go online to check if there were any deals as well as the amenities of each hotel. 

Some hotels have shuttle busses if you needed a ride in the surrounding area. One could walk or if going to a new place and not waiting to get lost.

You have to make a list of what you are going to need for your stay in the hotel, your everyday needs, and what you are going to do. Example:

1.  disinfectant  whipes for : the door knob, remote control, and every thing you can touch. (Yes you are basically cleaning the room before settling in)
2. disinfectant spray to: for the rug, inside the refrigarator, and the furniture.
3. Clean coffe pot and dishes before using anything.

Then once everything is cleaned unpack and get started on family fun. I made sure we ate a big breakfast, bought a lot of snack, and a cooler (when the hotel didn’t offer a kitchenette, but had a pool) I had prepared one meal we could eat in the hotel as a pinic lunch after doing one or two things on our list.

It was a time to relax and head back out the door. The best thing about being downtown thete is usually something always going on. I remember going to a science museum and then to a 3D movie theather where you can eat your dinner as you watch the movie. Yes, you have to buy the theater food, a little expensive, but still good.

The next day we each went to a new museum we always walked passed. We would talk about anything, silly things, and I just remembered smiling all the time. One as we rode the light rail (NC idea of a train) he saw a new building and wanted to go and check it out. It turned out to be an old time diner something out of the 60’s.

We had our dinner there and back to the hotel for a movie. The next day we ate our free breakfast and watched one more movie before ending our instate vacation.

A long weekend that only cost me one vacation day and no missing school days for my son. For some reason there always seemed to teacher’s work day. So, it was easy for me to choose our instate vacation days.

If anyone says they don’t have time or money for a vacation I just proved them wrong. I may have saved a few weeks, held off on eating out on Friday, or renting a movie to make it happen. I guess if you want something bad enough you will find away. In the end I made a memory with my son and years from now. He will look back and I am hoping he will remember our instate vacation with a smile..

 

             The  End!

 

 

 

Morning James,

 

               The sun is out and the air feels good. Oh why oh why did I listened to the weather man, who said it was going to be cold and wet. I had originally planned on wearing a light sweater and no jacket. I added a tee shirt along with a jacket. Guess who is hot and carrying their jacket.

             I am about to tell you something that’s going to blow your mind? I stepped out of my comfort zone and walked up four flights of stairs. I looked at the elevator and turned away. I walked down those same stairs to go to a homeful job and walked up those stairs to be a better me.

            The only way to improve myself both inside and out. I have to change a little at a time. Example:

• Going two blocks to a bus stop (when not in a hurry).
• Walking up and down stairs.
• Getting a salad when u want fries.
• Drinking water instead of soda

            I know I sound like a broken record, but I do listen to your complete on getting old. Just because we are getting older doesn’t mean we can’t get better. Those who still act like they are in their twenties (even though the date on your driver’s license says you are fifty) may end up hurting themselves, because our bodies change with every passing year.

             I got out early to hunt for my job, while I still have a bus pass, and everywhere I’ve gone they say you have to go online. So homeward bound.

             I saw my bus and was going to call it a day. Then I realized I am not going to find a job that way. I may not want to go back to my old job, but one does what one has to do to keep a roof over their families heads.

             I am about to read my book as I take another bus ride. May you have a safe and blessed day.

 

                LD..

Dear James,

         Its 9:28 in the morning and I know you worked a late night shift last night. I am hoping you are enjoying a restful sleep and nothing to do today other than rest.

         I wasn’t going to tell you this, but you know me. I am not good at holding secrets or admitting I was wrong. Yes, I said “I was wrong.” I can almost see you laughing and hear you screaming, “I told you so.” And, do not call me before you finish reading this, and I’ll allow one “I told you so.”

        You were right I was hiding behind my weight. Twenty years ago I didn’t look thirty years old and stopped working out, because as young as twenty three young ones was trying to talk to me. Fast forward to now at fifty at least the male bodies are in their forties, but still too young for me.

         I am shaking my head at this fool. Yes I gave a friendly greeting and answered a question. For some reason this out of shape old man seemed to believe it was okay to hit on me. He was confused why I wouldn’t go to his house, because he was lonely. I just smiled at him and said, “I’m sorry you feel that way, maybe you should go to a senior group, or find a church to join.” He made a face and walked away from me.

         I don’t know how I am attracting the wrong kind of men. I do know I stopped looking for my Mr. Right and started paying more attention to me. I am always in a clean outfit and every now and then a little more make-up. 

         I will get back to “Lisa” again. I don’t want to see this out of shape okay person anymore. I am happy, I am blessed, but I’m still not me. I have been hiding among everyone and it’s time to be me.

       I am laughing thinking about your words. You keep telling me I don’t have to lose the pound, because I look fine. The problem with those words, I don’t feel fine, and I am the only one who can turn that feeling around. I agree I will Never be a size 130 again, because I looked sick when I was in my twenties. I like a little weight, but under the 200 mark.

       Okay, I am ending here, because it’s time to get ready for service. May you enjoy your day and we will talk, write, or text at a later time

 

                      The

                            End. .