What's Up Wednesday/Hodgepodge ~ October 30, 2024

 Where did October go?  I feel like these months get shorter and shorter as we approach the end of the year.!

What I'm eating this month

I had some grilled chicken and topped it with salsa, onions and peppers and shredded cheese.

Steak and broccoli in the air fryer

Dinner out - kale salad with zuchinni noodles & veggies

Pumpkin Chocolate Bread

Egg Bites

I made these for breakfast one morning and froze some to warm up later.

Chicken Chili

What I'm loving

I am loving fall colors on every drive, even to work and everyday errands.  I am also enjoying cooler temperatures, even if October has been a little warmer than usual.  It is still so nice to not be sweltering hot and have cooler mornings and evenings.

What I've been up to

I have been busy with work this month and having an event almost every night.  Nights I have been free, I have enjoyed the down time at home to watch tv. 

What I'm dreading

I may have a few things on this list, but I'm really not trying to dwell on those things right now.

What I'm working on

I am working still on going through a few more areas of my house to clean out some things.  It felt good to have 4 garbage bags picked up this week of clothes and household items to donate.

What I'm excited about

I am excited about celebrating my birthday next month at a party with friends!  

What I'm watching/reading

I am watching lots of Christmas movies on Hallmark and Great American Family.  I am also getting caught up on Only Murders in the Building season 4.  

What I'm listening to

I am listening to podcasts every day and have been throwing back to some of my favorite 80's music band, Duran Duran.  Were you a Duran Duran fan?  I had a huge crush on Simon LeBon back in 8th grade. 

What I'm wearing

I am wearing this new brown nail polish.  I have let my nails been natural the past few months, but decided to try this polish and top coat.  The first time I used it, it stayed 4-5 days without chipping.  The 2nd time, it only stayed a day before some chipping.  It is still a pretty fall color I think.

What I'm doing this weekend

I have a work event and hope to see some fall colors too!

What I'm looking forward to next month

November is my favorite month!  Things I am looking forward to are a girls trip, both girls being home for Thanksgiving, my brother and family coming to town for Thanksgiving and my birthday!

Now I am happy to join in with Joyce with this week's Hodgepodge!

1. What are your current priorities in this season of life? Elaborate as much or as little as you like. 

Oh boy.  So many thoughts here.  My priorities are to get up each day and put one foot in front of the other.  The days I can't, I am okay with just laying on the couch. I have experienced Trauma that no one should go through but too many do.  Life is full of little t traumas and sometimes, we experience the capital T Traumas.  I have experienced betrayal Trauma the past 3 years that I may talk about more another day on this platform.  There is not an area of my life untouched.  I am thankful for the healing that has happened more these last 6 months within me thanks to support of friends, love of my family and promises from Jesus. My priorites are to care for my daughters as best I can, to have a bright future ahead of me, and enjoy each day God gives me.

2. What's one thing you wish you had more of? 

Hugs, sleep, a neck massage, oh, and money.  :)

3. Do you celebrate Halloween? If so, what are your Halloween traditions? Any special plans for Halloween this year?

When the girls were little, I would go trick or treating with them and it was always a favorite night.  I make chili that night and we ate candy!  In the past few years, we have gone to a friend's house and last year stayed home for a porch fire pit and handed out candy.  This year, I am thankful to be doing something different.

4. Last thing you ate that contained chocolate? Last thing you made that called for chocolate? 

I made my pumpkin chocolate chip bread last weekend (see pictures above).  I also eat a built chocolate protein bar daily.

5. Do you prefer laid back weekends or do you like to have a lot of plans? Thinking back to this past weekend... which was it? 

I like a little of both.  I like having plans with friends or family, but I also enjoy a Saturday morning at home to not have to get up and go to work.  My last Saturday was spent with family, but Sunday was spent mostly alone.  I am being pro-active to make plans for future Sundays.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Please Yankees, win a game of the World Series.

Talking About it Tuesday ~ Halloween Yards/October 28, 2024

 I have enjoyed looking at Halloween yard decorations almost as much as I enjoy looking at Christmas lights in yards!  This year has been so fun to see so many as I drive/walk around town.  I am sharing a few I have seen on my recent walks.  What is the craziest thing you've seen?  

Enjoy your day!

Hello Monday ~ October 28, 2025

 Good morning! I hope y'all had a good weekend.  

Friday, I wore my Amazon outfit with my favorite flats. I bought these leather/cloth shoes in Bogota', Colombia. A quick back story.... I had gone downtown with friends after church one Sunday wearing my black heels.  They were so uncomfotable that I could barely walk in them (the trip downtown was unplanned as I got ready for church that day).  I specifically remember taking off my shoes and buying these on the street from a local vendor.  Two things....I had wanted some original, homemade leather shoes from the country and there are people selling items of any kind imaginable on the streets, usually just spread out on a blanket on the street. I probably paid no more than $10 USD for these shoes.  I have loved them ever since!

I worked from home Friday morning, subbed in the afternoon and then went to the square to help hand out candy at our church booth for this huge event.  It was fun to be with friends and oh, I love seeing kids in Halloween costumes!  They were just precious.

I woke up too early Saturday morning and watched the movie "Holiday Crashers", one of the new Hallmark Christmas movies. Side note, I also watched "Vintage Christmas"  and " Scouting for Christmas" this weekend.  

Later Saturday morning, I drove to watch my great nice play soccer.  As cute as she looked, she had no desire to get on the field and play.

2 of my other great nieces asked to come to Aunt Marilyn's house for the afternoon.  I decided anything else I had planned could wait.  They came home with me and we played, went to the park, painted nails and went to a friend's house.  I drove  3 hours Saturday with all the back and forth, but it was worth it to spend time with them!

After church Sunday, my afternoon and evening plans both were cancelled, so I was free and by myself for the day.  Sundays are often family days and I have realized they are hard for me.  I knew I needed a plan other than just sitting at home by myself all day.  I drove to a state park about 45 minutes away and took a short hike.  It was good to get some exercise and be outside.  I stopped by the grocery store on the way home and was in bed at 7pm.  

Now I am off to work this morning.  What was a highlight of your weekend?

Have a good day!

Friday Favorites ~ October 25, 2024

Happy Friday friends!  I am thankful to say it has been a better week and I am always thankful for the kind comments in this blog community of friends!  I am joining with a few simple favorites of the week. 

Monday 

I worked at the office in the morning, subbed for 2 hours that afternoon, then met a friend for a 4 mile walk at our park.  That was a favorite to get in a good walk and spend time with a friend!

Tuesday

I attended my great-nephew's 8th birthday party & it was such a joy to be there!

And a favorite from that night was hugs from all the kids & crying happy tears for the first time in yeaars!

Wednesday

I have been thinking about how Christmas will look different this year for me and I decided to get a new Christmas tree.  When I looked at Hobby Lobby, it looked like the majority of trees are flocked.  I do like a flocked tree, but I wanted my main tree to be a regular green tree.

I decided on this one from Wal-Mart & it arrived Wednesday.  This gets me excited for the season!

I went on another walk with a friend Wednesday afternoon and went to my support group that night.  I came home and lit this new vanilla pumpkin candle.  It smelled so good and I watched Golden Bachelorette, my Wednesday night TV!

Seeing this verse on my Bible app was an encouragement to me this week.

Thursday

I was able to serve dinner at the children's hospital and that is always a favorite to serve and give back.  Afterwards, I went to a gala with my boss and co-worker.  There was lots of food, drinks and a band.  I went out on the dance floor by myself and joined people out there and did some line dances.  I did not see that in my day when I woke up Thursday morning, but it was fun! 

I have plans for the weekend and during my down time at home, I have a to-do list, so I am looking forward to the weekend.

I hope you all find encouragement and enjoy your people and time alone this weekend!

Hodgepodge ~ October 23, 2024

 Happy Wednesday!  I am joining in for this week's fun Hodgepodge!

1. Monday was National Apple Day...did you eat an apple or enjoy something made with apples on Monday? Do you like apples? Do you prefer your apples raw, baked, or in cider? Do you have a favorite variety of apple? 

I did not on Monday, but apples are often in my fridge and part of my snack rotation.  I usually buy Gala apples.  I prefer to eat them whole or sliced, but don't like them baked or in cider.

2. Do you think there's any truth to the saying 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away'. Of the following healthy habits which do you find easiest to incorporate into your life and which is the most difficult for you to adopt-

adequate sleep, a balanced diet, plenty of water, eat breakfast, don't smoke, exercise, limit alcohol,  include fruits and vegetables in your diet, manage stress, limit screen time

The easier ones for me are eating breakfast, limiting alcohol and not smoking.  The harder ones are adequate sleep (usually due to stress), I don't drink plenty of water & don't exercise on a consistent basis.  I do walk a lot more with the fall temperatures though!

3. Who taught you how to drive? Do you enjoy driving? Would you rather be the driver or the passenger?  Do you have a favorite scenic drive near you? 

I took a driver's education class in high school and I'm sure my parents helped me as well.  I don't mind driving alone on a road trip, but when I am with someone, I am okay either way.  I like to be a passenger sometimes, but don't mind to share the role of driving.  I love driving anywhere in the fall where I can see the fall colors! I actually saw a big stretch of fall colors last evening as I was driving.

4. What small habit has had a big impact on your life? 

Listening to worship music has had a huge impact on my life by bringing me calmness and reminders that I am going to be okay and the God who created the universe cares for me.  Some of my favorite songs:

Goodness of God - Jenn Johnson

You Say - Lauren Daigle

Even In - The Elm

Fear is Not my Future - Maverick City Music

Way Maker - Bethel

Reason to Praise - Bethel 

Trust in You - Lauren Daigle

Rest - Toby Mac

I Am - Eddie James

First Love - Hannah Nall

You're Not Done - Leeland   

5. Tell us about something nice that happened to you recently.

A friend has reserved a space to host a birthday party for me next month!  I am looking forward to that!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I was out of the house for 13 1/2 hours yesterday as I went to work, ran 2 errands and then I went to my great nephew's 8th birthday party last night.  I know that sounds like a simple, family night, but let me tell you, it meant the world to me.  As the great aunt, I usually just attend the 1st birthday parties.  The family is so big, it is hard to invite everyone.  However, this year, I was able to go to the party.  Before leaving my niece's house last night, we stood in the driveway and I just broke down in tears.  These were joyful tears as I expressed to her how greatful I was for being invited and how much it meant to me.  I love her and her kids so, so much.  I just love pulling up and having kids run to my car for a hug.  It just is the best! 

Talking About It Tuesday ~ Greats/October 22, 2024

If you have followed for any amount of time here at Memphis Bridges, you know that I am a fan of frozen yogurt, Huey Lewis and the News, and my greats!  Plus, a few other topics/people too!  

Today, I am highlighting some of my greats.  As much as I adore these little people with everything in me, I don't actually spend too much money on them.  I do little things for them throughout the year by bringing a snack or little something that I am given or have, but rarely buy much for them.  I don't typically even buy birthday gifts or Christmas gifts for them because I have so many of them!  I buy 1 year old gifts for birthday or 1st Christmas, but that's about it.  

This year, I am starting a new tradtition where I will take them out one on one for a lunch date and to the store to pick out a gift.  I started with my oldest great nephew who turns 8 tomorrow!  I picked him up for lunch last week.  He wanted chips and dip, so we headed to a local Mexican restaurant.  

After lunch, we headed to Wal-Mart and he picked out a Harry Potter Lego set.

When we got to their house, he worked on the Lego set and I played with his sisters.  The youngest was taking her nap during these pictures.

My heart was full of hugs and overflowing when I left.  It was a good thing because I needed that since I got a hard phone call in the car as I left their house.  In the midst of so much hard, heavy news, I am thankful I have these little people to love on me and for me to love!

Hope you have some little or big people to hug today in your life!