Week Ten 2014

Wow! Where does the time go? For reasons I can't explain (not that I don't want to), I have neglected keeping this blog up to date. I do maintain my Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter accounts, but have several family members that choose not to participate in social media vehicles which require them to sign up for an account. Ironically, I am picking this up in week 10, which would have been the next post.... in 2011. I won't bore you with all of the details of the past three years, but suffice it to say a lot has happened.

The week has flown by, the same as it seems to every week making it that much more important to remember to slow down and savor every moment. Both Robert and I were a bit under the weather during the week, as was the 'actual weather'. Luckily Robert, I and the weather rebounded this weekend and took some time to enjoy the gifts of Mother Nature.

I found myself trying a new activity this week, and found that much like riding a bike, one doesn't forget how to read... LOL! Seriously, I do so much of it at work that my recreational reading is photography tutorials. (Which, by the way, I thoroughly enjoy) As it turns out, a friend of ours just published murder mystery novel, Brilliant Disguise, which I acquired an autographed copy of at her book signing last weekend. One chapter the first evening, then a couple more the next until by the third evening I couldn't put it down until I finished it. OK, Mary Anne Edwards, you have me anxiously awaiting the next in the series.... Another first for me, writing a review on Amazon. You should really check this one out, I think you'll like it!

Networking is so important to both our professional and personal lives, and even though I think that I do a decent job at it, I know I could and should do more. I did meet a wonderful lady at one of our Lunch n' Learn events at work and chatted briefly before the panel discussion began. I was so flattered when she tracked me down with just my first name, the fact that I work in the Learning Department and have been at THD for 27+ years. I am looking forward to getting to know Janece better and learning from her too. There are no chance encounters.

Friday is always a happy day, a time to rest and enjoy the fruits of your labor. We chose to stay in and enjoy Hawaii in the ATL. Hmmmm..... sounds pretty far-fetched, huh? Well, Robert picked up lunch from one of our favorite lunch stops, Ronnie John's Beach Café for dinner. Chicken Katsu and rice, with a side of mac salad. Yum! We settled in that evening to watch Elvis's Blue Hawaii, with Robert giving me a personal 'director's cut' about the actors, venues and beaches in the movie. After that, we watched the latest episode of Hawaii 50. A virtual Hawaii tour right from the ATL with my very favorite Hawaiian ever!

I mentioned that I love to read and watch photography tutorials, and was quite delighted when I received an email from Katrina Kennedy, founder of Capture Your 365 about an all day long free seminar on a variety of topics. I joined on and off during the morning/afternoon as I cleaned around the house, ran errands and went junkin' by signing on with my iPhone/using earphones. Some of my favorite topics were Phone Photography Tips, Tricks, Apps & More, Photo Composition for Real Life, The Art of Everyday and the CY365 Scavenger Hunt. The scavenger hunt included 6 topics and ~ 20 minutes to complete, and upload with the hashtag #CY365party to their website, FB page or Instagram. Here's one of mine which included 'something green' and 'hands'. If you've ever wanted to embark on a 365 day photo project, try out this site for inspiration, learning and a supportive community.

An action packed Saturday evening included dinner at Michael and Angela's place (son/DIL) with his boxing friends and students who were gathered to watch the Angulo vs. Canelo match. (More to come about a new adventure for Lugo Boxing in future posts). I would be remiss if I didn't mention that our grandson Nathan is the current US Silver Gloves Champion for his weight group. (Yep, he's really that good....) From there, we went to a new venue, Locals, to see our friends 'Loose Shoes' play, and finished the evening watching Power Plant (starring Lefty Williams) play at Abbey Road. It was great to see and listen to friends we hadn't seen in a few months.

God's sunlight shining through the draperies in our bedroom gave us a glimplse of the glorious Sunday ahead of us. Even though we lost an hour of time, we gain so much every day here on Gods' big blue & green beach ball. We started our day off with a fabulous service at Marietta Vineyard Church praising our Lord, and learning about the Jewish celebration of Purim.  You can check out Marietta Vineyard Church on their website, as well as watch the services on UStream. We'd love to have you join us!

The day was so wonderful, I convinced Robert to spend it at the park.  So this afternoon, we explored the East Cobb Park (OK, maybe not the first time, but it was the first time this year...) and had a BYOS (Bring Your Own Sandwich) picnic. We hung out with Chelle and Becca, Lilly took a swim and I shot some photos before heading over to Brewsters for a well deserved ice cream. (It was Chelle and Becca's first time!)

So, a quick recap:
- Explore new place - check
- Meet new people - check
- Try new activity - check
- Learn something new - check

..... My Favorite Picture of the Week is proof that Spring is on it's way!