Thanksgiving, Black Friday, or 1 F Jef??

It's Thanksgiving Eve.  Just about ready for tomorrow.  I'm missing one key element, my son from Arizona.  He'll be here.  Can't wait.  The entire family, all 5 of us, for dinner tomorrow, eating turkey and feeling bloated afterwards but happy and content. I want the same for everyone.  Great family time, excellent food, and that tired feeling you get from all the turkey.  Have a great Thanksgiving and count your blessings for what you have.  Not for what you don't have.......all I want will be sitting around the dining room table.  Family.............I'm feeling pretty blessed to have such a wonderful one at that.

I wish all those who are so excited for Friday, all the best in your endeavors to complete all of your Christmas shopping in one day.  Kudos to you.  And, bless you.    Me on the other hand, I will not be joining the craziness of this day.  Being a former retail owner, I know how important Black Friday is.  It was our make it or break it time.  We were a small gift store.  A Mom and Pop so to speak type store.  There were 3 definite holidays that we relied on to help us make it another year in retail.  Valentines Day, Mother's day, and the Holiday season which kicks off technically the day after Thanksgiving AKA Black Friday.  The day that hopefully most retailers will start running in the black instead of the red.  I'm all for this day.  I'm just not for the retailers now opening their doors on Thanksgiving night, or even 12:01 am Friday morning.  For that I feel blessed this season for not having to worry about being there and opening our doors to the mad crowds.  I have been able to stay home now for the last few years and enjoy some very well deserved peace and quiet.  I did get a wild streak one year not long ago, and join the bunches of people pushing and pulling for that grand midnight opening at a local mall here.  I thought it would be fun to say that I at least tried it.  Well I did and it was not for me.  For one thing, the fire marshall would shut doors to shops just before I was to go in.  Too many people inside he would say.  Have to wait until there is a legal limit on bodies.  So for the next few hours, I patiently walked the mall, managed to get into a few, make a some purchases, and then leave, only to crash once I got home and realize that it was not worth it.  Pulling out my laptop, ordering from Amazon, way much easier.  I still like to shop the stores, too and get caught up in the chaos of the season,  I just like to have all my limbs stay intact on my body and not be left lying on the ground. I know first hand how horrible people can be trying to get into a store.  I lived through it with our own store.  For some reason Black Friday brings out the worst in people.  I hate confrontation. 

We now have "tent cities" popping up by some major retailers front doors.  Waiting and anticipating the great deals and bargains to be had on Friday.  I hope you are successful in getting what you want and I really hope that it's worth it.  Memories are fun to make, but I can think of better ways to make a memory and camping out in front of a store is definitely not one of them.  I'll enjoy a leftover turkey sandwich in your honor and salute you with my beverage of choice.  A good warm brandy sounds pretty appealing.   If this is what you really want to do, then go for it.  I won't hold you back.  Have fun.

May you feel the love and not the Scrooges in this world on Friday.  Don't forget to say Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings, Merry Christmas, whichever is more "politically" correct for your vocabulary.  Get your lists together, head out the door with a game plan, and play nice with the other people.  The man in red will be watching over you and checking his list............

I could have written another entire page on 1 F.  Lots of good things came about this week.  I will save it for another time.  He would have been treated as an entree.   Some fine yumminess on a silver platter.  But, the turkey moved him over.  It's Tom Turkey's time to be the center of attention.........1 F...you still have command of the pedestal though........

Thankful for family, friends and 1 F Jef.

Thanksgiving is fast approaching and it's now or never to reflect on what I am thankful for.  I don't mean to wait until this time of the year to be so thankful and grateful, but I do.

I am thankful each and every day that I wake up and I am alive, breathing and ready to face another day head on. I'm not in the obit's yet.  I don't take that for granted at all.  I think what I do take for granted are the little things that happen throughout the day, that maybe I don't notice right away, but should.  The little acts of kindness that I see people give to complete strangers.  A smile, a pat on the back, a hug.  Letting someone in a long grocery line that only has a few things to buy. Little things.  Opening doors for someone, picking up something that has dropped for someone.  Little things that I sometimes find myself waiting to see if someone else is going to do it.   I love paying it forward.......was in a coffee drive through, I paid for my coffee, and bought the next two cars in line..........I did this because someone paid for my coffee a few days before.  Not only did the coffee warm my belly, but that small act of kindness warmed my soul.   I am thankful for those little acts and gestures.  It wakes me up and makes me appreciate not only the small things in life, but the biggest gifts I have received ........my family.

I am thankful for the three fine young men I have been given to raise. Who are on the path of being successful.  It hasn't all been wine and roses with these three or I should say four as my hubby was also a kid at times.  There were definite days that I did not like them.  Loved them, but I didn't like them.    A wonderful husband who gives me the moon to walk on. Who now knows that I am an important part of his life and that he would be lost without me.

I cannot change the world, but I would like to.  I can only do my part in helping others less fortunate.  I am thankful that I can at least help.  This we do all the time.  If it's not monetary, it's the smile, the hugs, the words I say.  At this stage in my life, I don't need much and I don't want much.  Like everyone else, I just want happiness for everyone.  I want the small things in life to be the big things.  The things that I take for granted, to be what I am most thankful for.

I cannot go without saying that I am thankful for 1 F Jef.  He's what everyone person around that has any sense wants bottled and preserved, to open whenever.   I know he's not perfect.  I don't want him to be perfect.  Too boring.....but I don't want anything to knock him off the pedestal he's been so lovingly placed upon.  So 1 F Jef, I am thankful you are on this high horse you are riding. as the white knight of chivalry.  The do-gooder with a smile that warms the cockles of everyones heart.  A voice that is as smooth as...........................silk(?).....so mesmerizing that it makes the young and the old, get glassy and doe eyed.  You, my dear young man, I am thankful for.  You have brought a spark into a lot of peoples lives.  Not only for what you are, who you are, but for what you represent.  Thank you, thank you, thank you....................

For my family, friends and a good turkey waiting to be stuffed, have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Too much to do this week to concentrate on anything but having my family all home this year, sitting around the table, gorging ourselves and enjoying each others company.  I can say that this year has truly been a thankful year.  

Delicious and 1 F Jef

Would it be a sin to put 1 F Jef and Hostess in the same sentence? Just asking..........

It's been announced that a long icon of this world, Hostess, is or has or will be closing their doors.  I'm sad.  Very sad.  I grew up with Twinkies, Cupcakes, Ho Ho's, Sno Balls...........to not have them around anymore is like having no 1 F to see or hear.  Tragedy.   To not have that sweet, goodness, all decked out scrumptiousness,  layered with oodles of good stuff (hmmmm who could I possibly be comparing Hostess too!!!!).........ready to peel the layers off if you so choose, is like taking away my laptop, smartphone, and the internet.  I've grown used to these decadent treats and it's going to be hard  not seeing them around on store shelves.  I have a weakness for Hostess Sno Balls.  Not everyone's favorite, but they are mine. What passes on your lips, goes straight to the hips. Punishment for that fond sweet stuff that is not part of the food group of good things to eat.

 If I have so say so long to the Hostess brand, fine.....it's been a real pleasure to have known you.  My hips will forever be grateful.  But I will be sad.  You brought me happiness in my lunch box growing up.  It was a treat to have you there waiting for me.  You were my craving while pregnant with my first child.  You continued to be there for me so I could teach my children how to peel the Sno Ball and get more out of it's goodness.  How to take apart the Twinkie and run their fingers down the creamy center and lick their fingers.  You were there for me when I discovered everything cost more in Hawaii.  Way back when.............you cost only $.15 (you are reading that right...fifteen cents).  Hawaii, you were $.30.  Double of what I paid for you in the inland states.  I didn't care.  When I needed my fix, I paid the price.  I'm headed out to pick up my last Sno Ball, one last Twinkie.....I will always remember you.

I am now officially making 1 F Jef my Sno Ball, my Twinkie..............He's all the sweet deliciousness that makes my heart smile.  Now, if I could just clone and package him.  I am saying so long to one tasty weakness, and continuing on with another weakness that is equally tasty, and heartwarming.  The biggest bonus, it's fat-free.  So 1 F Jef, keep the smile going, your eyes shining brightly...................you are one sweet treat.

1 F Jef - My Heart Sings

All because of silly obsessions with 1 F Jef, the Bachelorette, and People Water, I had to slap myself in the face last night. A total wake up call.   I dived in to Twitter head first, sent out tweets and had a blast.  Dancing with the Stars was on.   It was a hot and bother kind of night.  Wow........great dancers.

Towards the end of my "tweeting", along came a tweet from Cody Barker, chief water giver of People Water.  This is where the slap in the face came in.  I've been so focused on 1 F Jef, that there is a part 2 of People Water.  His name is Cody Barker.  Cody's tweet was about his nephew Ollie and how his brother Zac wants to fund two wells with donations from his site.  One for Ollie and one for the world. Because of the love I have for this company, I jumped head first and made a donation. But, this donation for Ollie is being made possible by Zac Barker, Cody's younger brother.  He's the brains behind this.  This is his dream, his goal.   He deserves the credit for making this happen.   I wish it could have been enough to fund the two wells now.  I'm impatient and have to wait, but for what it's worth, the donation was made and in Ollie's honor.  This made my heart sing.  If you haven't read Cody's blog from his trip to Haiti and the marble he found, you need to.  If that doesn't make your heart sing, then nothing will.  So not only does People Water have a Jef Holm, they also have a Cody Barker.  Two guys who had a dream and are doing something about it.  Two guys who are far wiser than their stated age.  Water is a crucial part of ones existence.  It does good, but it can also be cruel.  Zac and Cody and let's not forget his sister and family, lost someone so dear to them, all because of water.  A substance that we all need to survive.   For the love of this family and the good of People Water,  I can say that my heart sings loudly today. Cody and Zac, you are the best!!  Shaking hands with you both, and 1 F, is on my bucket list.  You've made another 801 proud.   Check it out. www.mygenerositywater.dntly.com/ollie-kai-hebb

I am writing this blog wishing that a million people will read this.  For those of you who do read it, share it with someone.  Retweet it, Facebook, email, ignore it (no don't do that).  Let's get the word out there.  I'd love to hear the sound of everyone's heart singing...................

1 F Jef - Limelight

For someone who doesn't like being in the spotlight, it seems that 1F Jef is still in the bright lights.  I don't see anything in the foreseeable future of this ever letting up.  What is it about this kid that has everyone  so mesmerized to watch every little thing unfold in his life?  Me, myself, and I are glad he still is.  Mostly because of the good it's doing to spread the word out on his company, People Water.  I consider myself a charitable person, and do my part through the year with good causes, but this is one that can be done year round, everyday of the week, month after month.......and year after year.   I no longer look at water as being just a necessity for me.  I am looking at the bigger picture, we all need clean water to survive.   So 1 F Jef, stay in the limelight.  Be who you are.  Be cool, stay cool, and continue to be that amazing soul.   You've adopted the universal symbol with the Peace sign......I'm adding the rest of it....Love and Happiness...........You made us fall in love with you and your kind spirit, and you have provided us with happiness in our hearts.......never let it diminish.

As a side note, I still need 1 F in the spotlight...I can't go through another withdrawal anytime soon.  Just got over the jitters of no more Real soccer until next spring.   And, I've overdosed on Bachelorette episodes with 1 F and Em (I lied!!! I still watch it from time to time just to hear the voice).  

I don't feel quite so intimidated with writing a silly blog as I do in posting tweets on Twitter.....why is that?  I have a lot in common with many people and I do follow people that interest me.  Hmmmm, it's now listed on a post-it note as a future subject to blog about.  I'm sure there are other people in this world that feel the same way.  Regardless of whether people read these blogs or not doesn't matter.  This is a fun way to express my silly life's obsessions and if it makes someone smile or laugh out loud, then their heart is smiling.  If it pisses someone off.......then they need to get a life.  I live for the right nows in life, not yesterday or tomorrow.

1 F Jef - Finally

Must have been a slow day with the rag mags yesterday except  from the total nerd that thinks 1 F is stalking Em.  What a bunch of Bull S@#t.  It did make me laugh out loud.  What a jerk.  But, someone did picked up on the idea that maybe, just maybe, 1 F is being mistreated by the press and it's time to leave the poor guy alone.  Enough already.  The funny part is, the mag that printed this, is the one and only that has reported most of the garbage flying around.  Like most of the 1 F fans out there, we all know that he's a good guy.  We had his back and we still have it.  1 F has many fans following him.  Tweeter is alive with many people that love him for who he is, a man with brains in his head that he uses wisely, is unassuming, humble, and a true gentleman.  I've got to thank his parents for teaching him these fine qualities.  I see a bit more sparkle and twinkle coming back into his eyes.  I wish only the best for him now and for the future.  I hope someday to shake the lads hand...................my biggest  hope is for the ladies on Tweeter to continue to  post their thoughts and pictures of 1 F.  I for one enjoy them a lot.  

REAL - Adrenaline Rush

Can you feel it in the air?  The static from the electrical excitement is unbelievable.  Tonight cannot come fast enough for this family.  We're ready......scarfs, streamers, confetti, lots and lots of confetti..............I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve waiting for Santa to arrive.  The hours until game time cannot fly fast enough.  The hands on the clock are turning too slowly for me, way too slow...............its make or break for us tonight.  I have faith, and the team has the desire to win.  The crowds tonight will not let up.  The chant will be heard loud and clear............we will be standing on our feet, shouting out REAL.  We do believe in our team, in our players, and the fans........tomorrow, we all may not have a voice to speak with, but for tonight, our vocal cords will be strong, our voices loud, and our pride riding high.........good luck to our team.  We're here for you and we support you.