NotesFromtheVoices

For me, it has always been the simple things that make me happy. Hearing my son's voice or eating a slice of cheesecake. But today, it was something very simple--a  new pen. Actually four of them.  Good pens always make a writing assignment so much better! After a long day of meetings and other stuff, I wanted to do something for myself. I went to the community college bookstore and spent 15 minutes looking at pens. It was the best 15 minutes of the day. I must have tried out more than 50 of them. I was in heaven. I am on a new medication, which coupled with long work hours and fighting off yet another cold, makes me exhausted. Money is tight but getting those pens were worth it. Happiness is... a  new pen.  DAILY DOSE 1. Being treated to lunch after a two-hour board  meeting. 2. Given a slice of cake to take back to the office! 3. New pens!

Today has pretty much the perfect day. I don't have to work and it is snowing outside. It looks so beautiful outside. There is nothing more nice than standing outside listening to the snow fall. Made some broccoli and cheese soup and added some chicken to it. Today was a good ED free day. Daily Dose 1. Enjoying  a snow day! 2. Broccoli and cheese soup. 3. Being in the moment!

I woke up not wanting to come to work. I was tired and my bed was calling me to stay. It is Valentine’s Day and I didn’t want to deal with it. I am glad I did. When I arrived at work, I found a beautiful vase with roses in it. My boss had given every woman in the newsroom flowers. It included a card that said “To the most reliable journalist I have ever worked with.” It made me feel good. I won the January photo of the month contest with this photo below. The winning photo!!! The second place photo was an awesome sports photo with a student going up for a layup from our Sports editor. I thought he would win. It came in second and he was not happy about. I had a good photo month. My photos came in at 1st, 3rd, and 4th. I am really proud at how far my photography skills have come. And for my hard work, I get $50. Not a bad Thursday. I have also been invited to judge a Dress Like the Cow contest for the local  Chick - fil-A  here. I am looking forward to thi...

For the last few weeks,  I have been staying close to home. Actually, my hobby has been sleeping. I have decided at least once a month that I will try to do some sociable. Well, this past weekend I think I crammed in enough activities to make up for January as well as February. Let's see what I did: Hollister Elementary students with their art. I attended an art exhibit featuring murals from a group of fourth graders on Friday. The exhibit was amazing. I remember when it was just a dream and blank sheets of papers. What was really cool was the students got to see their art for the first time. Next, I had a chance to attend a pre sale for huge yard sale featuring 13 families. I found some great items such as a pair of cool polka dot flats. Me at the Gala! After working all day, I went home to change and get ready for a Valentine Gala. I found a cool dress a year ago and was so glad I had a chance to  wear. And I was there as a person and not a reporter. The F...