Month: September 2015

I’m known for my smile. I smile a lot, even when I don’t feel like it. Sometimes smiling makes me feel better, so I’ll fake one until it feels real.

I am late to the party for  Susannah Conway’s August Break 2015, but I intend to follow the prompts through September. I’ll tag them #SeptemberBreak2015 — because I’m not quite ready to return to my self-directed schedules just yet. Additionally, I’ll be writing my responses as my camera lens has decided to malfunction after 4.5+ years of use. *Unless, of course, I find an old favorite to share.

I’m listening for cues. I’m listening to the quiet thoughts on the inside. I’m listening to the meaning in others’ words. I’m listening carefully to everything.

I am late to the party for  Susannah Conway’s August Break 2015, but I intend to follow the prompts through September. I’ll tag them #SeptemberBreak2015 — because I’m not quite ready to return to my self-directed schedules just yet. Additionally, I’ll be writing my responses as my camera lens has decided to malfunction after 4.5+ years of use. *Unless, of course, I find an old favorite to share.

Whenever I leave for work, I always have my bag. I carry more than just my wallet. I have a brush and comb to keep my hair detangled. I have my planner, notebook, and pencil case to write my lists and page and keep up with my schedule. I stash snacks because I know I’ll get hungry. I keep a supply of tylenol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and ginseng for those “just in case” situations. I have chapstick and lotion because growing old comes with changing skin. I pack my bag for convenience and emergencies, and that’s how I like it.

I am late to the party for  Susannah Conway’s August Break 2015, but I intend to follow the prompts through September. I’ll tag them #SeptemberBreak2015 — because I’m not quite ready to return to my self-directed schedules just yet. Additionally, I’ll be writing my responses as my camera lens has decided to malfunction after 4.5+ years of use. *Unless, of course, I find an old favorite to share.

My chocolate chip cookie recipe is rather simple, being based off an old copy of a Better Homes and Gardens cookbook (likely circa the 1970s). Ready? Here we go:

2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup of room temperature butter
1/2 cup oil or shortening
1 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsps pure vanilla extract
1 12-oz bag of chocolate chips (preferably semi-sweet)

Whisk together dry ingredients and set aside. (Pro-tip: add 1 tsp baking powder for extra fluff, especially if using a gluten free flour mixture.) Cream together butter and brown sugar. Add oil and granulated sugar, and cream together. Beat in one egg at a time. Add the vanilla. Mix in the dry ingredients slowly until fully combine. Stir in the chocolate chips. Chill for 5-10 minutes in the fridge while preheating the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a cookie sheet (and line with parchment paper if you’re so inclined). Form cookie dough balls and place about an inch apart. Baking for 8-10 minutes until golden brown, gooey, and delicious. Let cool on the baking sheet for a minute before transferring to a wire rack. Let cool for a minute or two — or risk burnt fingers and taste buds. Eat straight or with a beverage of your choosing.

I am late to the party for  Susannah Conway’s August Break 2015, but I intend to follow the prompts through September. I’ll tag them #SeptemberBreak2015 — because I’m not quite ready to return to my self-directed schedules just yet. Additionally, I’ll be writing my responses as my camera lens has decided to malfunction after 4.5+ years of use. *Unless, of course, I find an old favorite to share.

A door has opened over the last two months. Behind this door lies a new path for me to follow. I don’t know where it’s leading me to just yet, but I’ve found my voice once again. The light is shining through with hope and encouragement.

I am late to the party for  Susannah Conway’s August Break 2015, but I intend to follow the prompts through September. I’ll tag them #SeptemberBreak2015 — because I’m not quite ready to return to my self-directed schedules just yet. Additionally, I’ll be writing my responses as my camera lens has decided to malfunction after 4.5+ years of use. *Unless, of course, I find an old favorite to share.

I am late to the party for  Susannah Conway’s August Break 2015, but I intend to follow the prompts through September. I’ll tag them #SeptemberBreak2015 — because I’m not quite ready to return to my self-directed schedules just yet. Additionally, I’ll be writing my responses as my camera lens has decided to malfunction after 4.5+ years of use. *Unless, of course, I find an old favorite to share.

Everything seems to be in the distance. I keep squinting my eyes off into the distance, hoping to discover something that might help in the moment. I’m trying to wait until I arrive at that point in the distance, but so many things seem hinged on that glimmering ray of hope off in the distance.

I am late to the party for  Susannah Conway’s August Break 2015, but I intend to follow the prompts through September. I’ll tag them #SeptemberBreak2015 — because I’m not quite ready to return to my self-directed schedules just yet. Additionally, I’ll be writing my responses as my camera lens has decided to malfunction after 4.5+ years of use. *Unless, of course, I find an old favorite to share.

I am late to the party for  Susannah Conway’s August Break 2015, but I intend to follow the prompts through September. I’ll tag them #SeptemberBreak2015 — because I’m not quite ready to return to my self-directed schedules just yet. Additionally, I’ll be writing my responses as my camera lens has decided to malfunction after 4.5+ years of use. *Unless, of course, I find an old favorite to share.

The curves in my spine beg for chiropractic manipulation. The curves in my midsection beg me to back off of sugar and reform my walking habit. The curves in the road still lead me to my destination. The figurative curves in life cause me to reflect more on the journey and less on the destination. The upward curve of my lips on a day to day basis still form, whether forced or natural.

I am late to the party for  Susannah Conway’s August Break 2015, but I intend to follow the prompts through September. I’ll tag them #SeptemberBreak2015 — because I’m not quite ready to return to my self-directed schedules just yet. Additionally, I’ll be writing my responses as my camera lens has decided to malfunction after 4.5+ years of use. *Unless, of course, I find an old favorite to share.

Real life isn’t as glamorous and fun as I’d like. Real life gets in the way of my dreams and happiness at times — realizing that there’s so much pain and suffering in the world kind of saddens a person, honestly. But real life is all we have. I make the most of it on a daily basis, taking it one day at a time as a good friend has recommended to me time and again. Life is much easier when you take it one day at a time, anyway.

I am late to the party for  Susannah Conway’s August Break 2015, but I intend to follow the prompts through September. I’ll tag them #SeptemberBreak2015 — because I’m not quite ready to return to my self-directed schedules just yet. Additionally, I’ll be writing my responses as my camera lens has decided to malfunction after 4.5+ years of use. *Unless, of course, I find an old favorite to share.