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Year Two, Day 218: I Do Not Often Get a Day Off for Snow, But When I Do...

...I learn the Ukelele!

Well, I dusted it off and practiced for at least an hour today.  It is so fun to learn something new.

I am thinking about the upcoming New Year.

No, not New Years Resolutions.

New Years Additions.

I decided a few years ago, to not play along with the guilt. I am not setting myself up for failure by focusing on giving up anything.

Instead, I am adding many good things to my life!

One good thing, is regular ukelele practice.  Why? Because I like it!

I love my little uke. Cute, is he not?



I also tried a new morning ritual. Instead of laying in bed worrying and paying Words with Friends on my phone in the wee hours of my insomnia, I popped up early, drank a glass of water, stretched, cleaned the kitchen, put one of my daughters crockpot freezer meals in the crock (Posole!), let the dog out and then went back to bed for a lovely nap.

I woke up a few hours later, at a more reasonable hour. The house smelled divinely of pork posole and the dishes were done.

I may be onto something.

I will add this new morning ritual to my 2017 New Years Additions!

I am fighting a sore throat and cold, so I took it easy today. Happy for a snow day, sad that the musical at the grade school was cancelled. They tentatively rescheduled for Friday, but I just got word that Portland Public Schools and the Community Music center are close tomorrow due to inclement weather.

On a happier note, I made it to the gym.  Did about 15 minutes on the treadmill and some light weights and stretching. I was going to sit in the hot tub, but I forgot my towel. 28 degrees is much too cold a temperature to drip dry!

My son called and asked me to lunch. We went to our favorite pho spot on SE 82nd and Foster: Pho Vietnam. Pho is my little familys comfort food. I started taking my kids out for pho when they were toddlers. When Pho Hung on 48th and Powell was the only pho joint in town. And we were usually the only Caucasians in the restaurant!

But that has changed.  Pho is very hip now. What has not changed at Pho Hung is how the servers treat us like family.  We always get hugs and lively conversation when we meet for lunch there.

Pho Vietnam is nearly as good and the staff are very efficient.  It is closer to home. But Pho Hung will always be our Pho family!

After lunch I felt myself fading. We went home and made hot cocoa and talked with my daughter and her husband.

Honey Dawg was thrilled to go for a walk in the snow with them later. My son took a nap. I wanted another nap, but I am really trying to regulate my sleep.  So I fought the urge.

And took out my uke instead.

We ate the divine posole for dinner.  And I did a load of laundry.

Now I am ready for another episode of "Reign" my new obsessive binge watch series.

I am going to say my prayers and head to bed after this post.

How in the world do I ever have time for real work?

Oh, and speaking of prayers, I told my son-in-law I am feeling more prayerful and close to God lately. I am guilty of turning more to Him when I am weathering a storm and feeling quite helpless.

My son-in-law is very wise. He suggested I spend time everyday also in praise.

That I can do!



On that note, Happy Thursday!

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