Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. It has been a good one for the Rhines family. Please keep your fingers crossed and think happy thoughts today, as my husband has a job interview. He retired back in November, but I think he’s ready to go back to work so he can get some rest! Seriously, he’s been fixing and refixing things for the last three months. I can’t believe we are peeking into February next week; 2023 has really come in like a whirlwind. Whatever you are doing this weekend, I hope you’ll have fun and stay warm!
Quote of the week: “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” –Martin Luther King, Jr.
Movie Music of the week: This week, I want to do something different and suggest a movie soundtrack for you to explore. After talking about The Guardians of the Galaxy last Friday, I wanted to tell you about another favorite of mine. When I want to listen to instrumental music, I put on “The Complete Recording of The Lord of the Rings.” It contains the score music for all three movies. The Two Towers, in my opinion, has the best music. In the same vein, The Hobbit has a terrific musical score, as well.
Joke of the week: Where does a snowman get the weather report? The winternet.
Organizational Tip of the week: Last night, I had to do something I absolutely dread: organize the pantry. To keep things from getting out of hand, I suggest you clean out the pantry before you go grocery shopping. That way, you’ll have a chance to place each item where you want it when you take everything out of the bags. Be sure to put the new items in the back and use the older foods before they expire. This is a great time to purge the six stale crackers that get left in the box, or that bit of cereal that isn’t even enough for one person to eat. Also, check any canisters that hold sugar, flour, or spaghetti noodles. And remember to look for that rogue potato that may have slid under the grocery bags and now has very big eyes. It is amazing how much better the kitchen looks when the pantry is tidy…now if it could only stay that way!
Shout-Out of the week: This week I want to give a shout-out to all of the people who do clothing alterations and repairs. I can do many things, but sewing is not one of them. I am so thankful for the person my local Farragut Cleaners uses to hem pants, replace zippers, and the like. I also want to give a shout-out to my friend, Stephenie Walker, who altered my daughter’s prom dresses. It takes a keen eye to do this work. We non-sewers appreciate all of you who keep our clothes looking ship-shape.
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.