Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. It’s time to try and squeeze in any last bits of summer fun before school starts again. Take advantage of the upcoming tax-free weekend, July 28-30.
Quote of the Week: “Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure.” –Theodore Roosevelt
Song of the Week: For this week’s song, I’m going to recommend one of my favorite boy bands, the Backstreet Boys. “Show ’Em What You’re Made Of” is from their 2013 CD In a World Like This. I came across this song two years ago when I compiled a Backstreet Boys playlist to write my novel Then I Found You. The main female character had experienced many traumatic situations that caused her to retreat into herself. The song is an excellent reminder that we are stronger than we think. When you listen to this song, I hope you will be as uplifted as I am.
Fortune (Cookie) of the Week: You have the attitude of a winner. Attitude involves a person’s mindset, outlook, and feelings and is normally reflected in that individual’s behavior.
Someone with a bad attitude, who emits negative vibes and feels uncomfortable, is hard to be around. The flip side of that is someone who has a positive attitude. Not an unrealistic one, where a person never acknowledges the way things really are, but an attitude that sees possibilities and strives to improve both self and others.
In case you haven’t realized it, I am typically an optimist. I take the position of having a can-do attitude. I aim to do whatever it takes to get through the day successfully, even if that means covering a class when no substitute was found—or doing lunch duty. Don’t get me wrong; I still have preferences, and I make mistakes. Also, let’s face it, sometimes there isn’t enough positivity to get through certain work situations. Am I right?
To quote Oddball, a character from the 1970 war movie Kelley’s Heroes, “Don’t hit me with them negative waves so early in the morning.” I have found it much easier to work with someone who may not have advanced skills but who has a positive attitude than to work with a highly skilled person who has a poor attitude. Let’s lift up each other and think happy thoughts!
Recipe of the Week: In keeping with the “less heat in the kitchen” idea, here is a recipe for Crockpot Chili.
What you’ll need:
3 lbs. ground turkey
2 packets Au Jus gravy seasoning
I packet onion soup mix
2 jars of salsa (your favorite kind)
3 tbsp. chili seasoning
1 can black beans (undrained)
Put all ingredients in the crockpot, but don’t mix them yet. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. About 2 hours in, remove the lid and stir to thoroughly mix all of the seasonings. The moisture from the turkey meat will make the juices flow for the contents of the gravy seasoning packets. Recover and cook for the remaining time. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and corn chips.
Shout Out of the Week: This week, I want to shout out to those who are struggling with issues that make them feel defeated. I do not know the details of your circumstances, but you can do it. You are strong and have friends who can help you. Keep your chin up. You’ve got this!
Have a great weekend. Remember, you are most awesome, and YOU ROCK!Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.
