Reflections and Word of the Year

 Good morning from a warm and cloudy Central Florida. How about some reflections and the 2023 Word of the Year. Yes, Sparky, I am quite enjoying the warmth, although ask me come summer when it's a million degrees humidity, LOL.

New Year's Eve 2022 brings our 34th wedding anniversary. Who knew this time last year we would be living back in Florida, or we would be mourning our sons passing 2 weeks before Christmas (12/11/21). It has been a rollercoaster ride that is for sure. I wish to thank you all for the kind comments, emails, snail mail, prayers etc. Without you, I simply don't think I would have made it. No sense in reliving everything--but I will say for the present, hubby and our neighbor Jose put up our porch/deck yesterday.

He was going to work on the railings today, but alias, he has decided to take a break.

I didn't expect it to be so big, but that is my husband for you, "go big or go home". Eventually it will span the whole front--right now, I am just so happy to have this. Moving along...

Thanks to Ann i.e. Annie over at Cottage by the Sea she provided the perfect word. I also discussed this with other folks and coworkers, and they agree, yep...P-E-R-S-I-ST-E-N-C-E. Thank you Ann, it does fit. 

Perfect thought don't look back which is a reason why I kept this post short. Wishing you a beautiful New Year's Eve, stay safe and happy.

Simple Womans Daybook

 Sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...another day....

Looking out my window: Lightness is coming up. Hubby tells me it has been raining. It's pretty cloudy.

I am thinking: So many things...from government issues to friends.

I am thankful for: Again, so many things...I live in Florida where we are pretty much free from government nonsense, for friends, family and having a job, having a roof over my head and a place to lay my head down.

One of my favorite things: Coffee. These last few mornings, coffee.

I am wearing: still pj's; blue shorts and blue tank that says Vacay.

I am reading: 

It's slow going, I am just too tired.

I am learning: Just because the temp says 30 or so, to dress in layers as it warms up to the 70's by midafternoon.

In the kitchen: I did mention coffee, right? This weekend I will make lasagna, our 34th wedding anniversary is tomorrow: 12/31/1988.

Postscript:

Thank you all for the kind comments

My Christmas cards are still sitting here on my desk/table--which they will be New Year cards, sigh.

No word on those other jobs-I have another interview next week for another position. I think my short time on the job (8 months) is keeping me from the other positions, although I know the other jobs through and through and do all the jobs with my eyes closed, per say. AND I am ok, seriously.

Thinking about the cost of everything has gone up.

Thinking how tired I am--had to do 5 days of work in 3 days. Yesterday was a madhouse--literally. I walked into my office at 7:30 yesterday and my phone was ringing--I am sure they saw me walking--our compound has cameras everywhere. There was a deputy from another county standing down in T & R (Transfer and Receiving) to pick up an inmate for court--anyways-no paperwork was found--that county had forgotten to call it in (I am the one who handles all transfers etc.--it is a major thing as you can imagine). ANYWAYS--30 min. later (usually takes about hour) he was on his way with the inmate-thankful for our USA database and Interpol that was actually working yesterday. And because the state has a no overtime policy, I got to leave at 4:30--only it took me an hour and half to get home-heavy traffic. I was NOT A HAPPY CAMPER...But I was thanking the good Lord for traveling safety etc.

**my dad asked me do I really work inside the prison--yep multiple security/locked gates that slam and lock and it's a very harsh sound too, pat downs that are darn right intrusive and strip downs of all outer clothing, shoes, belts, empty out contents of lunch bags etc. LOL --I can only laugh...now I am use too it. 

On second thought, it's not the job that is wearing me out, it's the drive.

It is supposed to be back in the 80's this weekend. Hurray--I am so over these cooler temps and look forward to warmth. Ask me again come summer, lol.

We will be off shortly:  get the lumber for the front porch, grocery store and pay taxes. I am cringing on the thought how much the lumber is going to cost.

Tuesday Meme

 I am pre-posting this as I will be at work Tuesday. ANYWAYS--doors and such---everything is on backlogged--our doorways are wide-so that means extra width and one just doesn't go to Lowes or wherever and buy a door--oh noooooooooooo mobile home/manufactured doors are different. Thank you for all the kind comments on Mondays post. So, wait we will...until then...enjoy the Tuesday Meme.

Yesterday was the day after Christmas and the final day of Hanukkah. There are only a few days left in 2022... Let's talk about it.

1.  Many stay home and even go to bed early on New Year's Eve. What are your plans, and do you have reasons for what you do?

New Year's Eve is our wedding anniversary. Usually, we go to lunch and wait up until the ball drops. But I think my husband's sister is coming up from Palm Coast. I am all for going to bed early, last year Liam had passed away and honestly, I just wanted to hide...and I pretty much feel the same-it's not the same-my husband could carfeless about staying up late to watch the ball drop. He/Liam was such a hoot to bring in the New Year.

2. Guy Lombardo was a traditional fixture on TV and then Dick Clark and his Rockin' New Year's Eve took over. People ate certain foods; bayberry candles were burned for luck.  It seems that lately tradition and not just for New Year, is being forgotten and lost on so many fronts. What traditions in life are important to you and remain steadfast in your life?

Faith-period. Although, I will say depression was a factor last year, but our FAITH got us through and you, friend(s), you did too.

3. The New Year is often a time to reflect on what has transpired and many make resolutions in an effort to improve their life.  Do you count the cost of time and tradition in your life?  How do you handle good times and bad times, and do you forge ahead or get mired down?

Sometimes, mired down-just keeping it real. But forging ahead is what is needed, and we know our son would not want us to be sad etc. SO onward Christian soldier. Sometimes one has to just put on that brave face and forge ahead.

4.  In ancient Israel, the new liturgical year began in the Spring with Passover... a new beginning.  The Civil year calendar began on Rosh Hashana and 2022-23 is the year 5783 on the Hebrew calendar as of September.  How important is the liturgical calendar in your life?  Do you take notice of religious holidays and times? Are the holidays more religious or secular for you and your family?

Probably a little of both...just keeping it real.  I do have some devotionals that have liturgical calendars or such and I am finding myself looking at it more. It also helps to have friends who email, post or even send snail mail (Darlene, grin) --I truly appreciate those prayers and such. The world doesn't seem so dark after all.

Happy New Year from Tuesday 4!  

The Day after Christmas...and eating crow

 The day after Christmas--how can that be? I hope each of you had a beautiful, safe Christmas.

Christmas day was nice visiting friends Bob and Kim

yes, Kim's kitchen is purple. Which I envy her, grin.

and having a great meal

...and then we visited my parents

Nope, sure isn't (above). So, they have been worried about us...and really don't know how to approach Liam's passing away...we received some very lovely gifts then my dad pulls out a Christmas envelope and in it was a enough money to get two new doors and steps/platform for the house. So, that is where we are going today--get two new doors and the steps/platform. So, yeah...I think we all ate crow yesterday. My dad asked did we have photos of the inside of the house--showed him those and I think he is relieved. I have a feeling they will be visiting soon. Which is fine. He said they remembered me saying I was looking at a front door--the Texas Star--but I am rethinking that and might go with something else. 

Anyways--need to get around as hubby has a busy day planned. I work Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and then another paid 4-day weekend. Have a beautiful day all.

Merry Christmas Sunday Salon

 Wishing each of you a Very Merry Christmas. 

TIME: 7:25 AM

SCENE: 24*, real feel 19* clear. Supposed to be only 45 again today.

DRINKING: Fixin' to get my second cup of Breakfast Blend with Italian Creamer and having a piece of chocolate. My husband surprised me with a box of 

Of course, I burst out in tears. He said, "I'm not that broke where I can't buy you chocolate."

WHAT'S ON TAP FOR THE DAY?

-Breakfast-eggs and sausage

-Going to friends for the afternoon-she is making Ham, ribs, chicken and side orders. I am bringing Key Lime Pie--although she told me not to bring anything. Their adult kids will be there.

---then heading over to visit my folks.

THINKING: We are just breaking all kinds of golden rules...and I am feeling a little uncomfortable doing so...as I/we have spent the last nearly 35 yrs. not breaking the 'unspoken' rules. As nearly 35 yrs. ago we were in a bad accident on Christmas Eve and we both vowed to never travel again during the holiday season.

---yesterday hubby wanted to go out and about. We walked out of 3 stores (long lines) and ended up at Walmart where a lady wanted to fight with me over a place in line. Sigh--folks are def cray cray.

---leaving the house again today.

---I did not make pizza or even order pizza--which has a been a tradition for nearly 35 yrs. We had spiral ham slow baked in the oven. Nor am I making Lasagna (see above).

---Missing Liam...whoever said it would get better, lied. Just saying.

**and I will prob hit whoever today who wants to talk smack about having to cook, gift exchange etc. or complaining about this or that in general. Folks really need to step back and count the blessings. Just saying.

Blessed...

 Thank you all for the kind words yesterday. And no Vee, there was no link. I should have linked it and so here it is: 31 Decrees of Blessings. Ms. B said she got it off Amazon, so there you go.

As we sat watching tv yesterday evening, feeling sort of sad about (in no particular order) Christmas, family, loss of Liam, moving 1,000 miles etc. We challenged each other to list blessings.

(above) went from a near empty house with no living room furniture to new/used furniture in a very short time.

No, it's not new off the showroom floor, but used from various places/sales etc. The only piece of living room furniture we had and bought down with us was my/our son's recliner. But so Blessed we are. Next to nothing costs for furniture and in this case, someone else's junk hand me downs became our treasure.

We are still unpacking and finding treasures such as this Biscotti jar that use to be my mother's-- that my husband hates. It will prob. go back into the tote/box--I really don't need it.

I have no idea where I am going with this post, however, one thing is certain, we are blessed. It has been a wild ride these past 8 months. 

I have probably been a little of both this past year. Stay tuned for my 2023 Word and more adventures from this big head of useless information ((grin)). In the meantime,

Yikes Simple Womans Daybook...

 Yikes...ok, so that folks know, for those of you who have sent cards, mine are going out today...which is the reason for YIKES!!! YIKES!!! How did I ever fall behind? I am extremely ashamed of myself. To tell the truth, I have not felt in the Christmas spirit.

and with that said, I am usually the one who gives, and I wish to thank you for the cards. My heart is truly full of thankfulness.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW: Under a hard freeze warning for tonight; supposed to be in the mid 20's--yep read that right. Temps are supposed to start falling mid-day.

I AM THINKING: So, my mother calls last night and invited us for Christmas dinner--I am thoroughly confused and told her so. I pretty much felt it was a pity invite and although she didn't say so, her tone was spot on. It's a complicated relationship. However, we were invited to spend Christmas with friends--who pretty much didn't invite us and ordered us over, grin. Kim, "Excuse me, but are you bringing your famous Lemon Meringue Pie? (me huh?) 1:00 Linda, 1:00." This was before my mother's call---actually she/Kim said this on Monday at work. She did not know about the issues with my family etc. and she presumed the husbands had discussed Christmas plans, but only they didn't. ANYWAYS--I told my mother we would stop over later. 

I AM THANKFUL FOR: For friends who are more like family. Thankful for so many things...which brings too...

ON MY MIND: Thankful for a roof over our heads, bills paid, full pantry/fridge/freezer, health is good etc.. Since we paid the $675 last week for licensing the word b.r.o.k.e comes to mind. There are no presents under the tree this year and I have to remind myself its ok--which I am a little sad over. 

I AM PONDERING: 

MY 2023 WORD. Stay tuned. 

Also, please keep my supervisor in prayer. I was at a fellow coworker's desk sorting through inmate packets, and I happened to have looked in her office (my desk sits directly in front of her door hence the reason why I am called her gate keeper, grin) and found her slumped back in her chair barely breathing. Locked down procedures proceeded; medical/ambulance called etc. and our direct supervisor (her boss) had me follow the ambulance and sit with her until husband came up from Orlando 2 hrs away (he works at another prison) --it was a scary time. Her supervisor said, "Mrs. Conley, we have a rule in this prison, NO ONE GOES/ LEAVES ALONE! You are to remain with her until her husband gets there and keep me informed." By the time I got in the room, her color was back, her throat looked better, and she was talking. She is home resting, this was Tuesday--she ate something at the Christmas party--and did not know what she ate. Needless to say, it was very scary, and I wish to never ever be put in that position again, just saying. So, now, they all really say I am the gatekeeper. sigh.

Also, please keep a family in prayer that were killed in a horrific interstate accident yesterday that closed down southbound traffic (see below).

FROM THE KITCHEN: Coffee. Coffee, that is a word, right? ((grin))

I AM WEARING: Still in pj's and for once, hubby is not pushing me to get around (I have until Tuesday off due to the state closing down for the holiday).

I AM CREATING: Will be a lemon meringue pie later--have some running around to do.

I AM GOING: We have some running around to do today: Rural King (it's like Tractor Supply), Publix, get gas in the SUV (since I burned a 1/4 of a tank yesterday sitting on the interstate-there was a horrible accident that killed a father and his son (it was in the paper)). Hubby wanted to know if I wanted to use my $20 Ross gift card--we had a white elephant gift Christmas party at work the other day. So, we might go over to Ross as well.

I AM READING: Mrs. B. from work gave me this very nice devotional on Monday:

Wow, I know it's only been a couple of days, but it has changed my overall attitude.

Ok, there are many more prompts, but my thoughts are scattered, and I can't think straight, I need coffee, grin.

Moving Along Sunday Salon...

 Moving along Sunday Salon...thank you all for the kind comments and regarding my family, nearly 40 years ago, my folks said if I chose my husband that I was to never return. They have kept their word, sad really. Hardened hearts and bitterness have taken root, just keeping it real. Nonetheless, we (my husband and I) will keep going. 

TIME: 8:20 AM

SCENE: 46* and mostly cloudy. Wow, did it cool down. We have been wearing jeans and a light jacket. Tonight, it is supposed to be in the low 30's.

DRINKING: My first cup of Italian Blend with Italian Sweet Creamer.

WHAT'S ON TAP FOR THE DAY? Nothing. Prob. will go through the last 20 or totes. I do have some ironing to do as well.  

THINKING: I changed the linens on our bed to reflect more of a wintry thought. 

The linens are a cast off from my mother who grew bored with the blue. Of course, I will take whatever. My mom has impeccable taste and her items often come from Belks (a department store here). I did keep our duvet on the bed. Just to break up the color.

Speaking of cast offs, another cast off--this cookie jar which my mother has had forever and has been passed around between her sister (my aunt) and herself. It went home with me. My husband, "You know, she probably feels sorry, and she thinks were poor. But if she would ever visit our home, she would know you take after her and have beautiful taste as well." It's a strange mother/daughter relationship, it has always been and always will be.

WHATS FOR DINNER? Who knows, we are in talks with that, LOL. More importantly, what's for breakfast, lol.

DOOR HUNTING: Yesterday --we both agree on below:

Texas star front door---yeah, $619. It will have to wait. And for the backdoor:

It's called Rain Glass; my folks have one between the laundry room and their garage. Yeah--I better get another job. LOL--My husband, "You ain't cheap that's for sure." LOLOL---my dad said when they were visiting my brother out in Washington state many years ago-he found theirs 'on the side of the road' and he offered the guy $25. Yeah---that's his luck (on that thought, I never knew they drove to Washington state). But then again, they don't know anything about me/their daughter and vice versa.

LAST THOUGHT: I still don't have a word for the 2023 year yet. Odd.

Another week...

 ...oops...another week and no posts. I even took off yesterday to get things done; $675 later (tag, registration, licenses etc.) we are legal residents of Florida. That was 1/2 my paycheck. So, I will be sending out virtual cards this year and look for New Year cards instead.

How about a meme?

Tuesday Meme

Let's talk about the countdown to Christmas or Chanukah or both!

1. What was the countdown to the holidays like for you as a child?  Special projects at school at home with friend? Was a big deal made of the month in your family or town?  What does your countdown look like now?

I can remember school and home way back then was fun. I was raised here in Florida, parties, activities etc. at school and home. Ocala had the neatest and coolest Christmas Parade down Silver Springs Blvd. We missed it last Saturday and according to You Tube, we missed a great parade. Slow Ocala is def. not slow anymore.

What does your countdown look like now?

It's just us two...so very different now. 

2. As a kid did your family stay home on the holidays or go visiting around 

My mom always had parties...and were not invited to the reindeer games, more on that below.

... what do you do now?

What we always have done; Christmas Eve is pizza, watch tv and Christmas morning/day, its lasagna.

3. What foods did Mom and Grandma make for those days?  What snacks were out?

There always treats and great foods-my late grandma made sure no one went home hungry.

  What is the food situation in your home today?

It's just the two of us now, when our son was alive, I did the same thing as my grandmother--there were always homemade things such as cookies, cakes etc. This year, we cut back...just not feeling up to it.

4.  Did you have a traditional way of spending the day with time to open gifts, visit, special breakfasts, special dinner, guests?

My mom and late grandmother used too... we will prob head over to our friends.

What do you do now?

Well, we stopped and visited my folks yesterday. Honestly, I am just done, I keep saying this but never follow thru. I asked mom what they were doing for Christmas (knowing the answer) and she replied my brothers and their families were coming over and my husband said, "Oh, cool, I would like to meet all the kids, as we have never met them." My mom, "Oh, well, you will have to work that out with them, but for now, it's just them." Ouch did NOT get an invite. NOPE. So that is where we are...I am not feeling very festive towards any family member. It is what it is.

ANYWAYS, hubby and I are going to look at front doors today...price them etc. Have a great day all.

Feeling Sad Sunday Salon...

 It's a feeling sad sort of day...

TIME: 7:20 PM

SCENE: 61* and Cloudy, humidity is 94% and dewpoint is 59*.

Drinking: Second cup of Breakfast Blend with Italian Creamer.

In Memoriam:

Feeling sad. Today marks one year since Liam suddenly passed away. How things have changes so much in this past year...nonetheless, the pain of losing my only child is so great and I truly don't wish this pain on anyone. Our hearts are broken, and the pain is still all too real. We miss you son; your smile, laughter, and "Hey guys!", your bear hugs etc., and I know you wouldn't us to be sad, but we are. I can't help to think back to when you were 6 years old and the dr. came in and told us he could repair your heart, but he could only give us/you like another 10 years. Those 10 years gave us a total of 18 years. You had such a beautiful soul, always happy and, full of passion and life. We miss and love you son...your dad I will be rejoicing when we get to see you again. Until then...

I will try to spread some Christmas cheer and get Christmas cards out, answer emails etc. Notice I said try...I am afraid my sadness is all too real, and I didn't expect it to be so.

P.S. N0, I have not heard about the other job position, it's the State of Fl. so of course, it will be slow going. I do have another interview at another facility tomorrow--stay tuned.

On the 10th Day of Christmas...

 Somewhere along the line I have lost like 8 days...anyways...

and fun memes ((grin))

1. TV has become a part of daily life.  How much TV would you say you watch weekly?

On the weekends I do, not much during the week. BTW time I get home from the daily death-defying interstate drive, I really could care less about tv.

2. What is the earliest TV program you remember enjoying?

Shows like Bonanza, the Munster's, the Partridge Faily, Gunsmoke, Mannix, Bewitch, Tin Tin Tin, Lone Ranger etc.

3.  Everyone seems to like the TV program Yellowstone. Why do you like/dislike it or why have you not tuned in?  Do you recommend something else?

We watch it every Sunday and look forward to it. I have had enough though of a certain character and liked watching her get her tail beat last week, that's all I will say. I am not much for folks who are on a self-destructive path and have this woe is me approach to life. I get it, ex. the emphasis of the show; fight for what you have and keep it, I get it. Sigh---it just gets overwhelming at times.

4.  How many of the western programs and their stars did you watch back when westerns were popular fare on TV?  How many do you recognize? Try not to look at the list below!

See above answers. Some of those shows are on TV Land now.

I meant to do this earlier, and I am afraid time just got away from me. I will be working on Christmas cards tomorrow. If you would like to receive a Christmas card from me/us, please send me an email with your address. And thank you to Darlene (who doesn't have a blog, but visits on a regular basis), Robin, Deb and Sparky for the beautiful cards-yours will be sent out soon.

Sunday Salon

yes, friends, I know I am behind, just go with it, lol

TIME: 8:15 AM 

SCENE: 57*, 94% Humidity, 57* dewpoint and sunny. It is supposed to warm up to 79*.

DRINKING: First cup of Kendra Breakfast Blend with Italian Creamer. 

WHAT'S FOR DINNER? Hubby is making Spaghetti with meat sauce, garlic bread.

PONDERING: The second day of Christmas has bought a beautiful gift from friend/blogging friend Deb:

My husband, "I think it should go by Liam. He would have asked to take it anyways." Which, he would have. Which brings me to the 2023 word--but I think Psalms 46:10 is pretty good. Will continue to pray on it. Although, I have not cried out in anger of the loss of our only son/child, I have trusted God and the knowledge that our son was a born again and never once questioned his Faith on where he would spend eternity. That has given us great comfort.

The second day of Christmas bought our usual Saturday outing to the thrift and antique stores here in Ocala. Where my husband found this lovely Uranium Green Depression stand--pretty unique and it caused quite an argument between us right there in the store. It was quite expensive at $28. He said, "I don't care, it makes you smile." So, it went home with us.

and there it sits with the rest of the Depression glass in the China cabinet with a small glass flower that I had. And then we got a phone call...

The second day of Christmas also bought sad news. Friends of ours in Alabama, lost their only child, Madison yesterday. She was 12 years old (I have lost track of time, as I told fellow friend Sparky she was 10). Madison had a long 10 yr. battle with cancer. What a bittersweet time for her parents and my heart goes out to them. It brings me comfort to know she too believed, and I am certain Liam and many others welcomed her safely into Heaven. Something tells me that kid of mine is on some sort of welcoming committee as he was in church. He was a good mentor to the young kids etc. My heart just breaks for the Arnold family...

WHATS ON TAP FOR THE DAY? Since I personally was so profoundly sad and overcome with grief (just keeping it real), we came home yesterday and never made it to the grocery store. So, today we have to head out to the grocery store and Walmart.

Speaking of which, hubby did decorate a small portion of our fence line for Christmas and no, I have not taken a photo yet, as we have to buy a bow. It seems our neighborhood is full of Christmas spirit, which brings joy to my old weary heart.

P.S. Thank you, Vee for saying I do not have apathy...sometimes though, I will admit, sometimes a thought will enter my mind...just keeping it real.

Welcoming December

 

Hello December, my favorite month. Although, this year it will be very different (for obvious reasons; our sons passing and moving to Florida, nonetheless, it is the most wonderfulness of the season). So, let's get started, shall we?

Hi. Welcome to the continuation of Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.  Just 4 questions to get you thinking, talking and visiting other bloggers.

This week it might be nice to focus on December and its traditions.

1.  The 7th is Pearl Harbor Day when a terrible sneak attack by Japan on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii destroyed many ships in the American fleet and convinced Congress to declare war.    

President Roosevelt said, "Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan."    Yes, it should be infamous forever.    How do you honor the memory of the men who died in this cowardly attack? Do you put out your flag on that day to remember the service men killed?

Our flag is always flying. My husband actually spent time the other day placing the flag out behind our gate coming into the driveway. Nope, haven't taken a photo yet, great idea though, stay tuned.

2. Many people begin baking, buying gifts, decorating for the upcoming holidays of Chanukah and Christmas.  Do you bake or buy? What cookies and cakes are your favorite this time of year?  Got a recipe to share?

I will prob. bake some cookies today and usually I bake from scratch, but the hubby found some box sugar and snickerdoodles from the store, so I will make those. 

3. December 15 is Bill of Rights day. The 18th begins Chanukah the Festival of Lights during which the light was rekindled in the desecrated temple in Jerusalem. The temple was cleansed, and the light reentered it.  The 21st is the Winter Solstice or first day of winter. What traditions, days, etc. have meaning for you in December?

Right now, we are sort of "stuck" on memories...next Sunday will be one year since our son passed away and technically his second Christmas not being here. AND ITS OK. We are getting fed up with the lack of empathy from both sides of the family. We are trying to be careful and not get caught up with "blahs".

How about advent does it hold meaning for you?

Of course, being a born-again Christian, this season means a lot to us etc. 

Jesus is the reason for the Season.

4. Christmas music is being played in stores during these December days. Does it play in your home? How excited are you for the upcoming holidays?

Actually, since I was somewhere other than my office since before Thanksgiving and a couple of days after since--someone has pilfered (lololol) the radio and has put it in the vault and is listening to Christmas music. At first, I was peeved, but, now its ok, she has turned it up so I can hear it. Speaking of work, the other 2 people in my office, and I found decorations in one of the storage closets and decorated our office and the vault yesterday, that other person and I talked, and I am ok with the radio---she didn't want to offend me and make me up upset with the "happiness" of the Season etc... Come to find out, she and I are both Christian and we both got to talk about God's word. ----In our home? No, not right now, but on my laptop, yes. I am always excited of the thought of Jesus being born, this year, it's just different.

P.S. we have a white board where we each of us have to sign in... anyway, so every day I have trivia questions (to break up the monotony of the day)--I have noticed our orderly's/inmates who clean our office(s), Majors, Captains and a certain Colonel are joining in...so, this month I am doing the 12 Days of Christmas. So far, they have been doing great and the majority of them are now singing openinly the 12 Days of Christmas, LOLOLOL. Yeah, you have to be a little nutty to work where we work, LOLOL.

The jails and prisons are full this time of the year...not that I am not full of apathy or empathy for such folks, I am. Working in this environment has def. taught me more about myself than I want to admit. I had an interview yesterday for another position that popped up out of the blue--surprising. Someone pulled my personnel file and called me up to the Administration building. We have a new warden and things are changing. I came highly recommended, and I jokingly told the person/the head supervisor who recommended me for this position a more than 24 hr. heads up might have been nice and his reply was, "No, I wanted you to go in there with a clear head and ace that interview and my understanding is you did. Because I know you can do that job, you are an excellent secretary and know your job well." We shall see...and no I cannot talk about it yet. THANKFULLY I knew the answers to the six questions that were asked (because said people have no idea what we do back in Classification/Identification). I don't know when I will be notified about that position, it was nice meeting the new warden and a little intimidating. I can't believe I have been there for 7 months now.