Day 11 – 30 Days of ME!

Posted on September 15, 2018 by DorothyMarie

Hello Readers!

I have got to do better at getting these posts done in a more timely manner.  Once again, I’m so late as technically, it’s now Saturday. It’s after midnight!  I got busy with school assignments.  My class I’m working through is Interviewing & Counseling.  I’m on Week 4 of 5. I can’t believe it’s already almost done.  I have a couple papers to write yet and some chapter assignments too.  Once again, I procrastinated and I had no excuse for it being I haven’t had to go to a job! Instead, I chose to go spend time out at Lake Michigan! Mentally, I needed that though. I’ve come to learn that it’s very important to take time for yourself and spend time with your emotions.  I happen to find the lake very soothing. Nature in general (aside from snakes) is very calming for me.  If I see a snake, you can bet, I’ll probably avoid that area for a long time! I’m SO incredibly afraid of snakes. I HATE them!!

Before I get on to today’s topic, I just want to fill you in on the interview I had.  It was a phone interview with National Heritage Academy.  They’re a charter school and they have 80+ schools in nine states now.  Their headquarters are here in Grand Rapids, MI.  The position I interviewed for is HR Technology Coordinator.  I think it went pretty well.  You have to understand though that I worked for one company for 28 years and have very little interviewing skills…unfortunately.  I continue to look for opportunities.  So please, continue to pray with me that something comes up soon.

Ok – now on to the topic for the challenge… “Another picture of you and your friends…”

I’m posting two pictures. One picture is an older picture of me with my best furry pal Zoey. She is now passed away. She passed in July of 2017.  Zoey got me through an awful lot of heartache. She was there to lick my tears away when my ex cheated on me and my mom was dying.  She has a very special place in my heart and always will.  I miss her!  She was 12 years old when she passed.  Having her put down was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.  The other picture was taken at a Do It Herself event at Home Depot that I went to with my very good friend.  I’m the one with the purple flower address box. My friend has the one with the fairy painted on hers.  Obviously, I’m the odd one out who chose to paint mine a nice bright color, while most others chose to stain theirs.  I still have yet to purchase the numbers for the address. My friend that I went to this event with is a very crafty woman. She has little fairy doors for all of her grand kids and does all kinds of little fairy events and such. It’s so cute.  She also bakes cakes that are awesome and creative!  I am so NOT crafty at all. My gifts lie elsewhere.

Zoey and I (2010)
Do It Herself Event (August 2018)

Wherever you are in this beautiful world, I wish you peace, love and happiness!

Oh! One more thing…my prayers and well wishes to all those affected by Hurricane Florence!

❤ Dottie

 

Posted in 30 Days of ME, life, pets | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Day 10 – 30 Days of ME!

Posted on September 14, 2018 by DorothyMarie

Hello Readers!

I am incredibly late with my post.  Technically, it’s already Friday early a.m.  It’s 1:42 a.m.  I would’ve gotten this done on Thursday, but a friend called and I ended up going out for a while and it got late.  But I am going to do this post before I go to bed!

The topic is “Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped and Mad…”

This is another fun one I think.  I have a very eclectic taste in music in my opinion.  I’m going to list a few songs for each emotion.

Happy –

  • Luke Bryan “Most People Are Good”
  • Florida Georgia Line “Simple”
  • Rachel Platten “Fight Song”

Sad

  • Michael Jackson “Man In The Mirror”
  • Ryan Stevenson “In the Eye of the Storm”
  • Mercy Me “Bring The Rain”

Bored

  • Macklemore & Ryan Lewis “Thriftshop”
  • Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars “Uptown Funk”
  • Andy Grammer “Good to be Alive”

Hyped

  • Fitz & The Tantrums “Handclap”
  • Kenny Loggins “Footloose”
  • LMFAO “Sexy & I Know It”

Mad

  • Twisted Sister “We’re Not Gonna Take It”
  • Journey “Don’t Stop Believin'”
  • GodSmack “Good Times, Bad Times”
  • Disturbed “Down with the Sickness”

There were others that I could think of. I actually struggled a bit with this to be honest because there are so many songs that I like.  I do tend to turn to hard rock when I am upset or frustrated though. I also turn to it when I’m missing my dad because he was a heavy metal fan.  His number one was Ted Nugent. He was a HUGE fan of Ted. He would go see him every New Years Eve if Ted was performing in Detroit.  I think my dad had every Ted T-shirt ever made lol.  Maybe not, but he definitely had a lot of them.  After my dad passed away, his wife had a quilt made with all of my dad’s t-shirts.  I thought that was pretty cool.

So that’s my list.  Please feel free to share some of yours or if you have some in common with me, let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!

I wish you peace, love and happiness.

❤ Dottie

Posted in 30 Days of ME, life, Wellness | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Day 9 – 30 Days of ME!

Posted on September 12, 2018 by DorothyMarie

Hello Readers!

Here we are at Day 9!  Today I went out to the lake again.  I’m not terribly far from Lake Michigan.  I love being by the water. It is so soothing for me.  And aside from gas, it costs nothing.  I drive a Ford C-Max hybrid which is really good on gas too.  The nice weather won’t be here for long so I’m taking advantage of it.  On the way back from the lake, I stopped to visit my mom’s and grandparents graves.  They’re all on one family plot.  I just sat there and cried.  I asked for their guidance.  Tears are exhausting but healing.

Today’s topic is “Something you’re proud of from the past few days…”  Oh my gosh, this is a horrible topic if you ask me.  The past few days have been rather rough considering the job loss.  I guess one thing I can be proud of is the fact that I haven’t let my depression overcome me.  I’m getting out, I’m not isolating or staying in bed all day, which I could very easily do.  Instead, yesterday, I made it to two of my groups.  In the morning, I attended Girl Talk, which is my weekly bible study.  And, last night, I attended GriefShare, which is a grief and loss support group.  I think this is my fourth round of the GriefShare group.  I really enjoy the fellowship, prayer and the friendships I’ve made.  And loss doesn’t have to be the loss of a person. It could be the loss of a pet or the loss of a job or marriage, as in my case.  A loss is a loss and there’s grieving involved.

I’m proud of a few other things as well.  Today, I changed my phone number.  I needed to do this because I feel I needed to do it as part of a fresh start.  Additionally, I was getting so many “No Caller ID” calls.  I also created a new Instagram account and disabled my old one.  I had started my old account back in 2012!  Isn’t that something?!  I was also trying to figure out if there was a way to switch over my YouTube videos to another account, but there really isn’t.  I’d have to download the existing videos and then re-upload them to the new account and I don’t think I want to go through all that hassle.  I think I’ll just leave my YouTube account as it is.

I’m not quite sure why I’m feeling this urge to purge a lot of my online stuff.  But it feels pretty good.

Well, I suppose I should call it a night soon. I have my therapy appointment in the morning at 8 a.m.!  It’ll be interesting to fill her in on my recent job loss.  I just know I’m going to cry.

Wherever you are in this beautiful world, I wish you peace, love and smiles.

❤ Dottie

 

Posted in 30 Days of ME, life, Wellness | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Day 8 – 30 Days of ME!

Posted on September 11, 2018 by DorothyMarie

Hello Readers!

Here we are at Day 8 already.  Is September going fast for you too?  I can’t believe it’s already the 11th.  With that, may we never forget the horrible events of that day in 2001.  God bless all of those affected by the tragic events of 9/11.

Today’s topic is…Short term goals for this month and why?

I have so many ideas for goals.  But right now, what tops my list is finding a job since I lost mine yesterday.  And the why or the reason is because I have to have at least one house payment made by October 9. My house payment is $926 per month.  I’m currently 3 months behind now that it’s September.

Aside from my mortgage, I’m behind on my car payment and utilities too so finding a job is crucial.  I mentioned yesterday I have a phone interview this Friday.  I also have a friend who is the hiring supervisor at a local hospital and she mentioned that there is a position that will be posted in a couple days and she’ll let me know when it is.  At which point, I will apply for it.  She said it pays $20/hour and after training, it’s a work from home position.  That would be incredibly ideal for me!  So I’m hopeful for that as well.

It’s all in God’s hands though.  Speaking of God’s hands.  Today, I had Girl Talk in the morning.  That is the bible study group I attend.  Afterwards, I took a ride out to Lake Michigan as the water always soothes my soul.  While I was out there, I got a call from my pastor.  He offered to help put money towards my mortgage payment!  I cried.  I couldn’t believe it.  Apparently, someone from Girl Talk called him and asked him to give me a call and talk with me because of how emotional I was and that I had lost my job, etc.  I love those ladies so much!  I love my pastor as well.  God is SO good always.  I know I’m not weathering this storm alone!  Praise God.

I went off on a little tangent there. But I just had to share that news.

So, here’s something to chuckle about.  My daughter is watching TV over in the family room which is only several feet away from me and she’s got the air conditioner running. I’m here at my desk and behind me, I have my space heater on because I’m just cold!  How crazy are we?!  I have a sweatshirt on as well.  I told her it was cold and to turn the air off but she doesn’t think so.  Brrr!!  Oh what will I do when the snow flies!?

That’s it for me tonight.

Wherever you are in this beautiful world, I wish you peace, love and smiles.

❤ Dottie

 

Posted in 30 Days of ME, Emotion, life | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Day 7 – 30 Days of ME!

Posted on September 10, 2018 by DorothyMarie

Hello Readers!

Welcome to Day 7 of the 30 Days of ME! challenge.  After some rather sour news earlier, I’m happy to be writing about something much more cheery.  Before I go into today’s topic though, I just want to share a couple other bits of good news.  First, I have a phone interview on Friday with a place called National Heritage Academy.  This is one of the positions I applied for!  So, say a prayer and send some positive thoughts that it goes well. I have no idea what it pays or really what the position entails.  The other bit of good news is I found out I got a 100% on my Interviewing Strengths reflection paper I did in Unit 2 of my class! I was so excited! Finding out I got such a great grade on this paper really boosted my spirits!  For this particular paper, I had to interview or play the part of a counselor and then reflect on it and write about it.  My subject was a friend of mine who is currently serving time in prison.  I still can’t believe I did so well!!  I’m so excited because writing papers is really not my favorite even though I do enjoy writing.  Writing on a blog and writing papers are two very different things.

Okay, onto Day 7. Today’s topic is A picture of someone or something that has the biggest impact on you.  I’m going with someone or in my case, there are two someone’s.  Now, unfortunately, these two are now deceased. However, they still still have a great impact on my life.  They have for a very long time.

Let me introduce you to….my mentors and also great-grandparents, Forrest and Dorothy Laug.  From the time I was a young teenager, I have always wanted to have a life like theirs. They had the privilege of traveling the world!  For as long as I can remember they lived summers in Michigan and winters in Florida or Mexico.  Apparently, there is a street in Mexico named after him?  Although I did some searching and couldn’t find it so I really don’t know for certain.  I would always write them letters to let them know how I was doing in school, etc.  He always had such great, positive words of advice for me.  He started a business here in Michigan called Michigan Bulb Company.  He also owned a golf club called Highlands Country Club.  He was an avid golfer.  His company did very well and was passed on to his son, Ron when he retired.  Unfortunately, my uncle Ron’s son had no interest in taking over the business so the company was sold.  I was so sad to see the company leave the family.

I remember when I landed my first job just before I got out of high school, my grandfather was so proud of me.  He told me that the Meijer family was a great family to work for.  Work hard every day and you will get what you want in life.  I took those words to heart.  I’ve always had a strong work ethic.  My great-grandparents were married until death did they part.  So when my marriage dissolved, I was quite sad.  I took my vows so seriously and I wanted that life-long marriage like my great-grandparents had.  I’ve overcome that now.  I’d love to know what my great-grandfather would have to say to me about my divorce.  What advice he might have for me at this point in my life.  I’m sure he would be proud of my schooling.  I miss my great-grandparents so much!  I still have some of the letters he wrote to me and I love to look back at them on occasion.  I usually cry when reading them, but they’re healing tears.  I’m so grateful to God for such amazing great-grandparents and wonderful memories.

ForrestAndDorothyLaug

Well, there you have it ladies and gentlemen.  These are are the ones who have a great impact on me!  Who has a great impact on you? I’d love to know.

Wherever you are in this beautiful world, I wish you peace, love and smiles!

❤ Dottie

 

Posted in 30 Days of ME, life, Wellness | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Bad News

Posted on September 10, 2018 by DorothyMarie

Hello Readers!

Today you have the pleasure of seeing two posts.  Later I will post my Day 7 of the 30 Days of ME! Right now, however, I have some bad news that I need to share.  Writing is therapeutic so I have come here to not only share, but to unload and hopefully feel a little better.  I don’t know if it’ll help though.

Today at work, my boss called me into her office and proceeded to tell me that they lost one of their large clients and as a result she could no longer afford to keep me. My last day would be today.  So once again, I’m without employment.  I couldn’t stay the remainder of the day because I was just too emotional; so I left.  I couldn’t even bring myself to say goodbye to everyone.  I just cleaned off the computer files and cleared out my email, packed up my desk and walked out.

From there, I went to a local park that had a small pond and some ducks and just sat there.  I posted my news to Facebook asking for some prayers.  I did some more crying and chatted online with some friends, sharing the news with them as well.  I’m so grateful for my friends and family.  I was already in the process of trying to find a different job; one that pays better. However, I was hoping to keep the one I had until I had found something different.

As you may or may not be aware, I’m quite behind in my bills so I have NO idea what I’m going to do right now.  All I can do is pray that something comes up.  In addition to finding another job, I’m also looking into finding paid gigs for writing.  I enjoy writing and I don’t think I do too bad at it so why not try to get paid for it?  Perhaps it could eventually turn into a decent career even; one I could do from home! That would be quite fantastic to be honest.  I would love it!

I’m going to look around the house for things I no longer need and sell them.  I’ve contemplated selling my old wedding ring even. I’m not sure how much I could get for it.  What would I ever do with it anyway?  It’s just sitting collecting dust right now.

Part of me has thought about starting a GoFundMe, but I just can’t bring myself to ask for money from others.

If you’re the praying type, please join me in praying that I find something soon.  If you’re not the praying type, please send me some positive thoughts and energy.  I need to find something soon!

Wherever you are in this beautiful world, I wish you peace, love and smiles!

❤ Dottie

 

Posted in Anxiety/Depression, life | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Day 6 – 30 Days of ME!

Posted on September 10, 2018 by DorothyMarie

Hello Readers!

Welcome to Day 6 of the 30 Days of ME challenge! Today is going to be a fun one. At least I think so.  I apologize for it being such a late update again.  It’s already 11:21 p.m. here in good ole Michigan.  My reason for being late with the update though is because I was busy working on school work. Yes, I was actually working on school stuff the day before it was due!  Everything is done prior to the due date! Go me!!!

Today’s topic is favorite superhero and why?  Those of you that are reading this and know me – do you have any guesses?  Well, I’m about to tell you who it is now, but first I’m going to tell you who my favorites were when I was a kid.

My favorites as a kid were Wonder Twins! I absolutely loved that show! Form of… Shape of….  Here’s a cute little YouTube video I ran across that someone did of the Wonder Twins Wonder Twins Video.  

WonderTwins

Okay, so now on to my favorite super hero of today! Drumroll please….It’s none other than the God of Thunder himself – Thor!!  Oh my gosh! Just look at him. What’s not to love? He’s a natural superhero.  And he cares about doing the right thing and serving as many people as he can. He’s definitely charming. He’s hot too! And, superhero-ism aside, I simply adore Chris Hemsworth! Although I know I’m a little too old for him. He’s 35 and he’s married anyway. Lucky lady!

Thor

So here’s another photo for your enjoyment.  This was taken at a charity walk for Lori’s Voice that took place back in June of this year. It was raining and I was hot from walking around the track so that’s the reason for my red face and wet shirt.  But hey – here I am with my favorite superhero! Too bad it wasn’t Chris Hemsworth huh? Oh my gosh! If it would’ve been, I’m not sure I would’ve been able to stand there for a photo. I would’ve been weak at the knees!  It was a great event none the less. The event took place at Berlin Raceway in Marne, MI.  They have it every year. So if you’re in the area, please consider participating next year.

ThorAndI

Well, there you have it. That concludes Day 6. I hope you’ve enjoyed it. Please, tell me your favorite superhero in the comment box.

Wherever you are in this beautiful world of ours, I wish you peace, love and smiles.

❤ Dottie

 

Posted in 30 Days of ME, life | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Day 5 – 30 Days of ME!

Posted on September 8, 2018 by DorothyMarie

Hello Readers!

Welcome to Day 5!  It’s Saturday already and I’ve enjoyed this quiet day at home.  I haven’t gone anywhere.  Although, I meant to go to see my niece cheer at the first football game of the season at 4 p.m. and I totally lost track of time and missed it! By the time I looked at the clock, it was 10 minutes to 4.  There was no way I would have made it to the game on time.  If it were a home game, I may have had a chance, but it was an away game.  Perhaps next weekend I’ll be able to go.  Our team won the game though 22-6!  Way to go Spartans!!

Today’s topic is A picture of somewhere you’ve been to.  I had a hard time deciding which place I’ve been to.  Not that I’ve traveled the world, or even the country for that matter. But, I have been to a few places.  My favorite is the U.P. right here in Michigan.  However, I’m posting a few pictures from the last vacation I took with my ex-husband.  Not because it was my last vacation with him though, but because I really enjoyed the place we visited.  I’d even go again…with someone else of course…or even alone.  So below are a some pictures I hope you’ll enjoy from Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center.

 

Can you tell from the pictures of me that I’ve lost some weight since then?  This vacation was in late July of 2017.  Not much before my ex wanted to tell me he no longer wanted to be married.  Yeah, that’s when he really wanted to tell me, but felt he couldn’t because my employer was starting to do layoffs.  I really wish he would’ve just told me then.  I had a job then.  I feel I could’ve gotten by better then.  Oh well, that’s a whole different subject and not part of this 30 Days of ME, at least not for today’s post.

Day 6 is going to be a fun one!!

Wherever you are in this beautiful world, I wish you peace, love and smiles!

❤ Dottie

Posted in divorce, life | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Day 4 – 30 Days of ME!

Posted on September 8, 2018 by DorothyMarie

Hello Readers!

Welcome to Day 4 of 30 Days of ME!  I’m so glad to have you here and following along with this challenge.  We aren’t very far along, but so far it’s been fun!  And, I’ve noticed a few more followers which is what I was hoping for!  Welcome!!

Today’s topic is:  A habit that you wish you didn’t have.  Hold on while I ponder this one for a few……..

Okay, I’m not sure that it qualifies as a habit per se, but I’m going with procrastination when it comes to my homework.  My assignments are due each Monday by 11:59 p.m. For those that are not aware, I’m attending Cornerstone University online and am studying Psychology.  Each week starts on Tuesday and ends on the following Monday.  Initial forum post responses are due by the 4th day, which is Friday so that classmates have a few days to respond.  All other assignments are due by Monday night.  Well, I am so good at waiting until the last minute to write that paper!  I usually get everything else done prior to Monday, but for some reason, I procrastinate the hell out of writing my papers.  Then I’m cramming on Monday evening to get it done.  So far, my paper requirements have been 2-4 pages.  But as the classes get tougher, the requirements will get tougher and leaving it until the last minute just will not do.  I really need to break this bad habit!  My time management skills are obviously lacking.  I will be working on those!  Does anyone else procrastinate?  I certainly can’t be alone in this. Can I?

Wherever you are in this beautiful world, I wish you peace, love and smiles!

❤ Dottie

 

Posted in life, School, Wellness | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Day 3 – 30 Days of ME!

Posted on September 7, 2018 by DorothyMarie

Hello Readers!

Welcome to day 3 of the 30 Days of Me! challenge.  Sorry I’m so late in posting today! Today’s topic is A picture of your animals. This will be fun as I (or shall I say we – my daughter and I) have a combined total of five dogs).  Their pictures are below.  I think if you hover over their pictures, you’ll see their names.  I’m still getting used to how inserting images work.  I apologize for my clumsiness.

Only Boy! He’s Ours
Aspen – My Daughters
Kaya – My Daughters
Oaklee – She’s Mine
Xena – She’s Mine Too

Teddy is a Pomeranian, Aspen and Oaklee are Pitbull Terrier sisters, Kaya is a long haired Husky and Xena is a German Shepherd.

Wherever you are in this beautiful world, I wish you peace, love and smiles!

❤ Dottie

 

Posted in life, pets | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment