Fruit Kabobs

Ingredients:

Strawberries

Blueberries

Cantaloupe

Pineapple chunks

Bamboo Skewers

Directions:

Cut your selected assortment of fruit into bite size pieces.  Thread on to bamboo skewers.  Serve with dip, chocolate sauce, or caramel if desired.

Enjoy!!!

On Tap

It's the weekend!!!  What do you have planned?

Personally, I can't think of a single thing to do out of the ordinary.  I know...it's sad.  Really, really sad.

I haven't explored much since I've moved.  But then again, I don't know what's here or what's available yet so I don't know where to go.  I know...with the internet that's no excuse...but I haven't even been here two months yet!!  Life is still getting in the way!

Maybe this weekend, I'll hit up the tourist center and see what's what.  At least then I can make a plan and a list of what I want to see and do.

What about you?  What do you have on tap for the weekend?

Delivery

Thank God for food joints that deliver!!  It's one of those simple pleasures we take for granted.

But at the end of a long day of work, whether inside or outside the home...it is a true joy to have someone bring your food to you and you don't have to cook.

A simple thing, but one we take for granted.  There are a lot of these little things in our daily lives that we don't even notice any more.  Like the fact we don't have to reset the clock on the VCR anymore.  That we can do a hundred different things with one cell phone.  That we can see a loved one's face over Skype and it's free!

What little thing are you grateful for?  Share!

Love,
Jerri

Email Hell

Have you been there?  When your emails pile up faster than you can seem to get rid of them? So have I and I've finally come up with a plan!

I set aside one day a week to clean out my email inboxes.  Not the whole day, but it's a set commitment to get it done.

Although I do a half way decent job of getting rid of junk on a daily basis, it seems that the ones I think I need to read pile up by the end of the week.  It's my personal goal to keep each inbox under ten emails.  No matter how good I think I'm doing...by the end of the week, I'm overwhelmed!!

Hence my policy of clean up day!  I go through any remaining emails to see what I need to deal with and what can go away.  It's amazing how many I thought were vital on Wednesday mean diddly by Sunday!

Mark your calendars, set a date, and clear out those inboxes!!  You'll feel so much better, I promise!!

Love,
Jerri

Making Money Online

In the past two weeks, I've added $30 to my Amazon gift card balance.  How?  A couple of ways.
One is Swagbucks.  You can take the daily poll, watch videos, or take surveys to add swagbucks.  If you install the toolbar, you randomly earn while searching.  They also have tasks you can complete or offers to accept that will earn you even more.  Here is my personal referral link if you're interested:  http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/jerrilynn1

The other I use daily is Superpoints.  You click on a button and earn points!!  Yep, that easy!  They also have offers you can complete and videos to watch.  They'll send you emails with free points or survey opportunities to earn more.  While you don't earn as fast as on Swagbucks, it's also not as labor intensive.  After all, how hard is it to click on a button?  Here is my personal referral link if you're interested:  http://superpoints.com/refer/jerrilynn1

So these are the two most used ways I earn pocket change.  I spend less than 30 minutes a day, and the points add up quick!  Join me and earn some Amazon cash!

From Now On

I did a lot of thinking over the past week and I've come to a few conclusions.

From now on:

I will consider myself worthy of love.

I will not ask or beg for affection.

I will not tolerate being belittled.

I will not tolerate being taken for granted.

I will not tolerate being invisible.

I will consider myself valuable.

I have spent a lot of years in a relationship that said I was not worthy and deserved the rest.  No longer.  It is time for me to put more value on myself.  From now on starts now.

Under Construction

Since the unexpected serving of divorce papers a few months ago, everything I knew and believed in was shaken to my very foundation.  To realize that the person I had put my heart and soul into for 16 years and all the words were a lie tore down my walls and left me vulnerable and open to even more attacks.

The divorce is over.  I'm under construction.  It's time to rebuild my walls, my strength, and my spirit.  And just as with a home being built, you can't do it alone.  You need a construction crew to support your efforts and build the walls with you.  Just as in pioneer times, I'm relying on my friends and family for an old-fashioned barn raising.

I'm happy to report my crew is full to the point of overflowing.  I have friends that text, call, or message me every single day to check on me, to tell me they love me, and to support me.  I have a man in my life who tells me all the time that he's my biggest fan.  I have children who check on my well being daily. These are the members of my construction crew and they and their love are the foundation of my new life.  The walls are being rebuilt at a record pace!!!

To all those who would undermine me, who only contact me out of curiosity about my circumstances, who belittle me, or who believe they have any business in MY business...keep moving down the road.  My construction crew is full up and I'm not hiring!!!

A Sad Father's Day

RIP to my stepfather, Kid Curry.

Happy Fathers' Day!!

A New Twist

Did you know even brownies can be done in a crockpot?  Check this out!

Ingredients:

1 box (10.25 oz) fudge brownie mix...DO NOT FOLLOW PACKAGE DIRECTIONS!
2 Tbsp water
1/4 cup applesauce
2 egg whites

Directions:

Preheat crockpot to high and spray with cooking spray.  In a bowl, mix all ingredients together until well combined.  Pour the mixture in to the slow cooker.  Cover and cook on high for 1 hour.  Remove the crock, then remove the lid.  Let cool for 10 minutes.  For best results, use an oblong crockpot.

Enjoy!!

A Rough Week

For some reason, this week seemed to be tougher than most.  I couldn't seem to do anything right, and it felt like the harder I tried...the worse it got.

This was one of those weeks that was two steps forward, three steps back.  Even when it came to basic housekeeping, I couldn't seem to get it together.  I've felt scatterbrained and hyper-emotional all week.

I HATE MENOPAUSE!!!

Okay, I'm not sure if that is truly what's been my problem this week but that's what I choose to blame it on.  I've definitely had the hot flashes this week so I'm going to hold menopause responsible for all of it!

So as I head off to stick my head in the freezer, I want to wish you all a fabulous weekend!!

Love,
Jerri

Book Review: My Love by Joanne Clancy

Wow!!  This book was so not what I expected from the title!  I was expecting some sort of love story but was pleasantly surprised by some of the best love and relationship advice I've ever read.

Having just gone through a divorce, a lot of the book really hit home for me.  It's written in a conversational tone, like a girlfriend telling you what's what.  It's common sense but the kind you don't think of for yourself while you're going through a situation.  Joanne delivers the advice with personal anecdotes from her own life and you immediately remember the same thing happening to you.

The book itself is preceded by essays, including one which literally made me sob out loud.  I won't say any more about that...it's something you have to read for yourself.

My opinion?  Every woman from 15 to 85 should read and take this book to heart.  It probably wouldn't hurt a few men I know to read it either!!

You can find Joanne at Amazon, Goodreads, and Facebook.  Check her out!!


Disclaimer:  I was provided with an e-book edition of My Love to facilitate this review.  All opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Mirror, Mirror

Parenting is a tough job, there is no job tougher.  While we worry about the day to day minutiae, we have to keep in mind what our own actions are teaching.

One area which I feel I've failed in completely is modeling the type of relationship I want my children to have in their future.  So a few words of advice from someone who's done it the wrong way but still has time to get it right.

Moms and Dads:

Are you appreciative to your mate?  Do you say thank you when he/she cooks or helps with chores?  A little thank you goes a long way and shows your children that manners and appreciation are important.

Do you make little digs at your partner in front of the children about his/her weight, dress, or behavior?  When doing so, you are teaching your children that this is how to treat a man or woman and that if someone treats them this way, it's okay.  It makes you stop and think, doesn't it?

Do you show affection in front of your children?  I'm not talking about a full on make-out session...I'm talking about a kiss, holding hands, and showing that you love your mate.  Consider how this will play out in their future.  You want them to be with someone who loves them unconditionally.  Show them what that looks like.

Watch your children.  Do you see your actions reflected in theirs?  While they are young is the time to change what is in the mirror.  While you may say the right words, your actions speak so much louder.  Show them the relationship you pray that they have.

Love, Jerri

Do You See Me?

Ahhh, Facebook.  Yet another wrinkle to work around.

Have you "liked" my fan page?  Are you actually seeing my posts?  There is a reason why may not be.

Facebook has put a new "policy" in place trying to get fan and business pages to pay for their posts to be seen.  As the only money I make from this blog is the few cents I earn when someone clicks on an ad, that definitely isn't an option for me!!  But there is a work-around to avoid paying and making sure everyone can see the posts.

Go to Jerri's Empty Nest on Facebook.  If you haven't done so yet, click the "Like" button.  After you've done so, or if you already like my page, take your cursor and hover over the "Like" button.  A drop-down box will appear.  Make sure the "Show in News Feed" is checked.  Once that has been checked, you'll be able to see my posts!!

Head on over to Jerri's Empty Nest and make sure you don't miss a single thing!

Love,
Jerri

Never Good Enough

Divorce is brutal on the ego and self esteem.  Being told you're unworthy of love, affection, and attention basically rips you to shreds.  Isn't that what a divorce truly is?


Being told that nothing you do is good enough.


Knowing that no matter how hard you try, it's never enough.


Realizing that someone who once was proud to be seen with you now doesn't deem you worthy of public recognition.


Loving someone who doesn't consider you worth the time or effort.


When an unexpected divorce or break up occurs, these thoughts and feelings come down on you like a ton of bricks.  If you're lucky, you'll go on to find that someone who is proud to have you on his arm, who is appreciative of everything you do for him, and loves you just the way you are.  If you're not, these thoughts and feelings linger on and burrow deep in to your soul.   It takes a miracle to rise above them.


Where am I right now?  I'm not sure.  I'm doing my best and I guess that's all I can do.


Love,
Jerri

Chicken Chili

Something you can let sit in the crockpot all day while you enjoy your weekend!

Ingredients:

3 16 oz cans Great Northern Beans
1 can diced green chilis
2 10 oz cans chicken breast, undrained
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 tsp chili powder
1 cup chicken broth

Directions:

Spray crockpot with cooking spray.  In the crockpot, stir together all ingredients until well mixed.  Cover and cook on low for 9 hours.  If in a hurry, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours.  Serve with crackers and top with cheese if desired.

Enjoy!!

Weekend Assignment

Looking over my blog posts for the past week, I've come up with a plan for this weekend.  Want to join me?  Here we go!

1.  Do something you're afraid to do.  It doesn't have to be something huge, it can be just a little something you've never tried.  But do it!

2.  Find something free to do in your town this summer.  A quick internet search should let you knock this one out in just a few seconds.  Don't forget, though, to actually do it!

3.  Sit down at your desk.  Get out your prettiest stationery and your favorite pen.  Turn on your favorite music.  Write a friend.  It doesn't have to be a ten page missive, but even a short note will be appreciated!

4.  Plan something fun for next Thursday.  It doesn't have to cost money but make it something that will re-energize you to get through the rest of the week.  Let's get rid of the Thursday curse!

5.  Today is Friday.  Revel in it.  Prepare what you can today to save your time and energy for fun this weekend.  Enjoy your weekend!

Love,
Jerri

The Worst Day

No, I'm not having a bad day...it's just that Thursday is the worst day of the week!!

Think about it.  You're already tired from everything you've done all week.  You've taken care of the house, your better half, your kids or grandkids, the pets, the laundry, etc., etc., etc..  The problem?  It's still not Friday!!

Thursday far outdistances Monday as the worst day of the week in my book.  At least with Monday, you know what's in store.  You managed to have at least a bit of fun over the weekend and those pleasant feelings carry you through the day.  But Thursday?  By that point of the week you don't have much reserve left.  And the problem with that?  It's still not Friday!!

It may be even worse during the summer.  Everything on TV is in re-runs so you can't even talk about what you watched the night before.  Any decent movies are released around the 4th of July and besides...they don't come out until Friday.  And it's still not Friday!!

I'm thinking that Thursdays should just be wiped off the calendar altogether.  Let's just get rid of it and skip straight to Friday!

And those are my random thoughts this morning...

Writing

Today is the day for a different type of writing.  I have some thank you's to take care of and I've gotten out my favorite notecards.

As much time as I spend on this keyboard, it feels good to pick up a pen and actually write longhand.  This may be one of those lost arts I've been talking about recently.  But I know I still have friends who are thrilled to get actual mail.  There's always a bit of excitement when you reach in to that mailbox and pull out something from a friend.

As I've recently moved, some friends have made sure I've had something in my brand new mailbox.  That has gone a long way to making me feel at home.  These women are thoughtful, kind, and loving.  I am truly blessed to have them as my friends.

It brings on a sort of Zen state to sit at my desk with pen in hand thanking my friends for thinking of me.  Why not sit down today and drop a note to a friend?  I promise it will be a worthwhile endeavor!!

Love,
Jerri

Frugal Summer

Now that the kids are out of school, there are a number of options for summer fun.

1.  Head to your local library.  From DVD's to summer reading programs, there are numerous options for free summer fun.

2.  Check with your local community center.  Many offer free family and kid events during the summer.

3.  Do an internet search for festivals in your community.  Many offer free admission and they're perfect for meeting neighbors and people watching!

4.  Do a search on Facebook for "Free Things in (Your Community)".  Quite a few pages have been created just to provide a heads up on free events in your hometown.

5.  Follow a freebie blogger.  Besides free samples, they also find free downloads for kids including coloring pages and activity sheets.

These are just a few ideas to get you started...have a fabulous, frugal summer!!

Love,
Jerri

The Unknown

Living in fear is not the best way to spend your days.  Since my divorce though, fear seems to be a constant companion.

Every day I wonder if my choices are wrong, if I've made even more mistakes, and if something else bad is coming.  When I was in my twenties, any of these same choices wouldn't have caused me a second thought.  Now that I'm 50, I'm well versed in repercussions, consequences, and what if's.  That has resulted in what feels like a constant state of terror.

It's not that I miss my younger days.  I don't.  I wouldn't revisit all that melodrama for anything!  But I do miss some of the naivete that dissipates with experience.  It is easier to make bold choices when you aren't aware of what can happen.

My latest goal?  To move past this fear.  To feel like I'm worthy, that I'm good enough, that I deserve the gifts that come my way.

Wish me luck!

Love,
Jerri

Easy Peasy Pork

So easy you'll keep it on your go-to menu!

Easy Peasy Pork Chops

Ingredients:

4 to 6 Pork Chops
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup honey

Directions:

Brown pork chops in a skillet and move to a shallow baking pan.  Combine remaining ingredients and pour over pork chops.  Cover and bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes.  That's all there is to it!!

Enjoy!!!

June

June 1st.  How did this happen?  Is it possibly the sixth month of the year already?

This year has been a whirlwind.  I remember being a child and anxiously awaiting June and the end of the school year.  As a middle-aged adult, I want to find some way to slow down the clock as time just seems to slip away.

The truth is...it's not slipping away...I'm racing through it.  As I begin my new life, my to-do list seems to get longer by the moment.  Even as I write this blog, my mind is already racing ahead to what I need to complete next.

Looking down right now, I see Emma napping on the floor at my feet.  I envy her.  But just for a moment as I realize brushing her is one of the duties on my list!!

June.  Wow.  Right here, right now, I vow to take at least one day this month for myself.  No other obligations, no other duties, no other responsibilities.  Ok...I still have to take the dogs out and feed them but that doesn't count!!

Check back with me in July and see if I actually stuck with the plan!!

Love,
Jerri