Blessings in the Unexpected

Today, I was required to go and visit the doctor for finalization of my physical for my university. Travelling abroad requires a doctor to sign off that you are fit to go and do not require any further medical care, and are a sane candidate. So, I waited in the office lobby for an hour to see the good doctor, observing things to pass the time and overhearing conversations.

One woman stated to her mother (both were over 60) that a woman they know "is wasting her life away by complaining all the time". That made me stop and think. The gentleman next to me had a box full of bottles of medications and supplements that he takes daily. He has survived FOUR tumors since 1962, one in the throat, kidney, brain, and eye. The Kidney was the only cancerous one. He has a family, two masters, and his bachelors, and is 80 years old. For longer than I have been alive, he has battled this condition and is one of the most positive people I have ever encountered. I was blessed today by our brief but wonderful exchange.

I finally was called into the doctor's office and we went over the form and what its purpose was. I left ready to go, and with my heart full of the knowledge at how blessed I am with every breath I take in life. No complaining folks...onward and upward!

Black Friday Blowout

Oh yes, Black Friday Blowout Sales! Let's all line up now, in the cold and inclement weather for those items we cannot go without. Black Friday is a nightmare, to say the least, if you are attending a mall or outlet store that is popular for their product. WalMart....I don't even want to think about it.

Black Friday was never anything I was raised participating in, and when I was married, my former mother-in-law and her daughter would go out around three in the morning to go shopping. I never saw the appeal. I must admit, I have gone twice, but never to really any great "must have it now" type of sale.

This year, I may go online and search for books I need in my Spring Semester at school since Amazon sent me a coupon, but that will be the extent of any shopping I do tomorrow. The holidays used to be a great deal more fun when I was growing up in the Seattle area. We focused on each other, not a consumer driven season.

Holidays Around the Corner

Well, here we go again. In the United States, we have Thanksgiving in November,and in December,this following list of holidays:



December

5 - Ashura (Islamic, Muslim)

6 - St. Nicholas Day (International)

8 - Bodhi Day - Buddha's Enlightenment (Buddhist)

8-16 - Hanukkah* (Jewish)

12 - Virgin of Guadalupe (Mexico)

13 - Santa Lucia Day (Sweden)

16-25 - Las Posadas (Mexico)

25 - Christmas (Christian, Roman Catholic, International)

26 - Boxing Day (Canada, United Kingdom)

26 - Kwanzaa (African-American)


Gathering with friends and family is traditional, yet I enjoy the silent contemplation that comes along with the lull in the holiday time. I looked around me today and saw how many people were walking in the cold rain with little or no covering, and it made me think at how fortunate I am personally, and remember that I need to give beyond my own family, reaching out to others if they accept the help offered. Also, the help one offers does not need to be what they think is necessary, but what the receiver needs. Being mindful of the circumstance, and the needs within the circumstance are tantamount to offering and disbursing appropriate help and resources.

Letting Go of Your Child

Yes, I am still a student, and now, all three of my children are college students. One by one they have spread their wings after graduating high school, and gone through the growing pains. My oldest is ready to transfer to University next fall, and my son is still knocking out the basics. The youngest, she with the car, is pursuing business related courses and history, along with the general requirements. Each one of us has a different path, personality, and goal in life. Learning to let them make their own errors and not rescue them can be particularly difficult as a parent.

This coming year will bring me closer to graduating with my bachelor's degree, and also close to finishing my Project Management certification. For the first time since my graduation from high school, I will truly have no responsibilities to anyone in school, or under my guardianship, other than myself. I will be there to encourage and listen, yet I fully expect to be applauding a fair amount from the sidelines as my children find their feet, and follow their path in life.

Norwegian and Icelandic Sweaters

I have a love of textiles and intricate design laced with cultural meaning. Every year at my school, we have a "sweater exchange" and people turn out with their sweaters and all things Scandinavian to barter, trade, or sell. Some of the sweaters are simply masterpieces in knitting and craftsmanship. The pewter, the designs, and waterproofing are simply incredible!

I have Helga, Dale of Norway, Norwool, Nordstrikk, and others in my assembled sweaters. I have seen them sold online as "ugly Christmas sweaters" in order to market them to a wider audience. However, in my humble opinion, the word "ugly" does not belong anywhere near one of these sweaters.

When you see ravens or crows, it puts one in mind of Odin's two pet ravens that kept him apprised of the doings of men. Reindeer bring to mind the Saami, as well as Santa. Viking ships, well, I may have to give that some serious thought...not really :) THe snowflakes and other geometrical designs are simply vivid, well executed, and a delight to look at when an entire room of people is wearing their personal favorite, with a candle in front of them. Sweater, or genser, in Norwegian. Christmas and snow just go hand in hand with one, ya know?



Orvis Men's Dale of Norway Anniversary Quarter-Zip Sweater - Red - Medium (Google Affiliate Ad)