Relax inthe Afternoon

Oh, how I love an afternoon nap in my Ma'am cave! There is nothing like coming home from work and slipping into a short afternoon nap just to reboot for the remainder of the day. Just 20-30 minutes can do my body a lot of good!!

I didn't always nap after work, nor did I think an afternoon nap was even necessary. I even scoffed at my dear friend and mentor, Marguerite who, 25 years ago, told me how she needed her afternoonnaps to recharge each day. She was a teacher and I was completing my student-teaching under her. I thought to myself, "I am way to hyper to ever need an afternoon nap!"  Well, about 10 years into education, I started needing those afternoon naps. Now as a middle school counselor with 25 years in education, I really need my daily afternoon snooze so I can recharge to work out and finish my day.

I know as a woman it is hard for us to let go and pamper ourselves with a time-out, but we all need it! If you want to be on your toes helping your children with their homework, or alert at their after school events, a short snooze may just give you the energy and stamina to actually enjoy the afternoon stress-free.

So,  take care of yourself and relax each afternoon!!!

Relax With Your Favorite Blanket

As children most of us had a comfort blanket or toy that we lugged with us everywhere. IT was our security. IT was home away from home. IT  relieved anxiety, stress and discomfort. IT was dirty, ripped, ugly, old, smelly and sticky. But IT provided the  comfort we needed at the time.

Funny that the same comfort is still needed when we are adults. I still have a blanket in which I love to snuggle. I have had IT for at least 10 years and pull it out even in the summer time. IT provides comfort and warmth, IT relieves tension and stress and IT still takes away the worries of the day. Surprisingly, IT is in much better shape than my "tucky" was after 10 years! 

I have found that my husband also has a favorite blanket with which he snuggles. This blanket has provided him comfort and warmth for a number of years and throughout his illness. Recently, with the addition of our new puppy, Bella Eve, my husband has succumbed to sharing his blanket with her. She pulls the blanket out for the both of them to use and they snuggle together during their daily naps.  Bella even got to take the blanket with her when she stayed at a friend's house while we were out of town. I knew this blanket, and it's familiar smell and feel,  would provide her the security and comfort she would need during her first trip away from home. 

No matter what your age is or whether you are a human or canine, the blanket continues to provide a bit of peacefulness. So, during this hectic holiday season, take time to sit back and relax with your favorite blanket! 

Dream about your best friend

I am grateful to have had many friends in my life, but only two real best friends. The first was my late mother whose 72nd  birthday would have been celebrated this week. She was a very warm and caring person with a big heart. She listened with interest and offered advice only when asked. She was there for me during my turbulent teen age years and supported me despite many poor choices. She was my pillar of strength and the reason I am so resilient today. Her motto was "If this is the worst thing that ever happened to you, boy aren't you lucky!" Nothing could ever get us down. Nothing could break us!

I longed for such a friend in a husband. I longed for a husband who would be my best friend. I dreamt about having a man with the same compassion and love for me that my mother had. I  longed for a man who shared an interest in what I had to say. I dreamt about a man who loved me unconditionally....and thought I was as funny as I thought I was. (what? I really am funny!)

Well, my dreams came true just a month after my mother passed away! Craig was introduced to me by mutual friends. Upon picking me up on our first date (in a limo, none-the-less), he stated, "This is the 2 year anniversary of my mother's death." I responded, "Well, this is the one month anniversary of my mother's passing!" I just knew our mothers in Heaven had schemed getting us together and they were quite successful!

I am so grateful to have my dream of marrying my best friend come true! I am so grateful to have a husband who is my best friend, my confidante, my lover and my companion! Truly, this is a gift as many married people do not have this in their spouse. I am grateful. I do believe that dreams come true. Craig is living proof!