Monday Miscellaneous

Monday Morning...back to school...only 12 days left of the term. I felt a little less stressed at school today, knowing that I had gotten a lot done at home this weekend. I added ribbon and beads to my tree downstairs...is it better?

Tommy has some new batteries and is in place to greet everyone who comes into the foyer. "We're glad you're here"..."Come on in it's warm inside"...

I spent a few hours at the mall and was able to find some gifts. Of course I can't show you, cause that would ruin the surprise.

Meanwhile...at home...my assistants were discussing where to use this new garland.

The traditional garland adorns the stairway.
Come back tomorrow to see where we decided to use the new pieces.

So have you ever tried to obtain a money order in the United States when your banking account is in Norway? Let me tell you it's not easy...

...but between the USPS postmaster, the ATM machine and our bank teller...we are one step closer...

These Christmas Spice cookies were made by my blog friend Robin from Bittersweet Punkin.

They looked so delicious I just had to try them. And they are super easy...please visit her sweet blog to find out her secret.

Then...and Now...

My Personal Development Class…on Thursday, we were discussing High School…and the students asked me if I drank in High School…when I said ‘no’, one Senior boy was quick to say, ‘Liar”…one of my Freshmen girls wondered if I regretted it…cause she said that I didn’t have any fun…I’ve spent a lot of time since…thinking about how my high school experience was so different, just 35 years ago…
COMMUNICATION
Then…we had only one phone in the house, and it was a party line. That means, all the farms south of town shared the same telephone line. Each family had a different ring pattern. Ours was two longs. The neighbors had two shorts and a long, etc. And if you wanted to call someone, you had to pick up the receiver and listen to see if someone else was talking…and you only called someone when it was quite important.

Now…I can’t think of anyone that doesn’t have a phone on them at all times…I wouldn’t buy a purse anymore that doesn’t have a cell phone pouch! Well, High School kids are connected 24/7. “Whaz Up?”... "Whatcha doin?"... “Where you at?”... “Who’s there?”... They can all be together in a snap!


TRANSPORTATION
Then…I rode the school bus through my Junior year of High School; during my senior year, my parents got a new car and I got to drive the old car into town…to go to my activities and events.
Now…a lot of HS kids have their own car…if their parents don’t buy them one, they get a job and buy it for themselves.

SPENDING MONEY
Then…My parents gave me money when I needed it for something specific. I worked on the farm, driving the tractor, hauling grain, making meals, mowing the yard, cleaning the house…no set salary or wage…just part of being a family.
Now…Teenagers are a big part of the work force…fast food restaurants…retail stores…day care centers…fitness centers…nursing homes…they earn their own money and have it to spend on anything they need or want!

I'm not saying it was better...or worse... it's just different. Today, most teenagers are still growing up with solid family values and a strong work ethic. I love teaching High School age students!

"Find a job you like, and you won't have to work a day in your life!"