2025 OneThing #1 - Alex's birthday!

I set this as my week one goal not because I was concerned about doing it, but because it was most important to me. Alex was born on January 4, 1990. With his birthday coming so soon after Christmas, it has sometimes been tricky to come up with something special.

For a while when he was a kid, we went out to a movie in a theatre (not something we did often) and had fried chicken for dinner. Sometimes when he was older, we'd get him a more expensive combo Christmas / birthday gift (like a snowboard and the boots, bindings, etc.). As he's gotten older, it has mostly been 3D printer filament and board games.

This year, I just wanted to give him cash. Louie does not like doing that. He thinks it's too easy / tacky. I disagree! Who doesn't like unexpected money to just do whatever you want with it? Anyhow, I didn't think Alex had updated his family wish list in a long time, so I asked him what he'd like. His response was, "You don't have to give me anything, Mom." As if! I told him he is my son and I wanted to get him a gift.

The only thing he suggested was paint for his 3D print projects. So I went to The Forge in Chaska - what a cool game shop! And I bought him a gift card to Luna di Luna in Bloomington - one of his wife's favorite restaurants. Then I texted him if he'd prefer chocolate chip cookies or molasses sugar cookies . . . or any other birthday treat. He said molasses sugar cookies and Chex mix. So I got to work on mixing up dough, buying some ingredients, and making him treats. 

Last of all, I sewed a gift bag. I don't really have tech / geek (or Dungeons and Dragons) type fabric, but he's always liked music, so I went with that theme.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The "Greek Yogurt" container is filled with spicy Chex mix (lots of sriracha) as well as the Ziploc next to it. The feta cheese container and the thing below it are filled with cookies.

 

I know the whole year won't go this well, but it's Saturday and I've achieved my "one thing" AND I've blogged about it. I'll set this to publish at midnight and look toward next week's One Thing. I have a smile on my face and anticipation in my heart!

Sweet Memories and Too Much Stuff

As I was getting out the Christmas decorations this year, I decided to thin the herd a bit. I have some lovely things, some things that are dear to me, and other things that I've just accumulated. This bell makes a pretty sound, but the Santa and reindeer design isn't really my "cup of tea." There was a note inside the box, though, and that made me smile. "To the best Head Speech Coach ever! Carrie Smisek"

Carrie is an adult, an ordained Lutheran pastor, nowadays. But once upon a time, she was one of my "speechies," going to tournaments for New Prague High School and bringing a joyful spirit and a delightful sense of humor with her. I am so thankful to have had Carrie Smisek in my life!

Even so, this bell is moving on to a new home. I just have too much stuff in my life. Slowly, but surely, I'm getting rid of some of the excess.

Focus on the Positive #12

Honestly, I'm just too lazy to take a photo of my white board and add it to this entry . . .

For March 18-24: "Bday gift to Angela!"
I took her to lunch on March 22 (her birthday was the next day, but Louie and I went up to the lake for a long weekend). It was very nice to visit with her and she liked her gift, even though Louie said it needed something "fun" instead of just pragmatic stuff.

For March 25-31: "Wash fabric for Morgan and Angela wedding quilt."
Even though they got married a year and a half ago, I do not spend enough time in my studio! (It's all the puppy's fault.) I was hesitant to do this, because I dislike ironing and there are several yards of fabric! Yesterday (April 3) I finally washed, dried, and carefully folded it all! I may have a One Thing goal of ironing it sometime soon. . . . I know I got this thing done later than planned, but I did spend time last week working on the basement bathroom ceiling.

It is much easier to focus on positives these days. Quitting my job has been tremendous for reducing my stress level and helping me keep a smile on my face. I am so blessed!