Just 3 Things | # 10

We've had an busy week! Of course, we had a holiday parked right in the center of things but we have been getting things winterized and spruced up a bit around here as well. I haven't had as much down time to sit around and read as I usually like but all is well and I will be back to lolling around some next week, I'm sure!

- What I've Been Reading - 

I guess I am a worry wart. I know that worry is just borrowing unnecessary trouble. So, maybe I should call myself a thinker instead of a worrier. 

When I learned that the US Department of Education was in an upheaval at the beginning of this year and in jeopardy of being cut out altogether, I was astounded. After all, an open, free, and equitable education has always sort of been one of the strengths of our country. I have been doing a lot of worrying thinking about this. Of course, as an educator, that topic is one that is close to my heart as well. But, I also had concerns about the funding cuts to research that are happening at universities, hospitals, and all over our country. So, this week, when I stumbled across an interesting read, I continued by going down a rabbit hole and reading more related to the topic. 

The article that started off this whole rabbit hole visit and train of thought was this one: A Battle With My Blood by Tatiana Schlossberg. She is the daughter of Caroline Kennedy (granddaughter of JFK) and, ironically, I read the article on November 22. What really spoke to me is her raw honesty. Oh, there's also the fact that here is somebody who is far more wealthy than most and her family could probably buy most anything they desired. Yet, all the riches in the world cannot really buy her health and a long life at this point. All throughout my life, ours has been a country that is cutting edge, most knowledgeable, problem solvers, ahead of the curve. I am concerned that all of this is going away. I am deeply disturbed.

- What I'm Loving -

I absolutely love giving gifts at Christmas. Every year I request a Christmas wish list from each member of the family. Some are better list makers than others. For example, the teenagers are great list makers and hey send their list along shortly after I send out an all-call requesting lists. They have shared Google Docs, Amazon lists, and links. They include little notes telling me which colors or what size. Some of the adults provide pretty good lists as well. They generally are not as punctual as the teens but I mark that down to the fact that they have more responsibilities. Some of the littles generally get me some good lists once they have a chance to work with their parents on them. Then, there are others... So, I have to ask spouses for ideas and Mike and I brainstorm and come up with something for them that fits a general interest that they have. Plus, with 18 family members, having lists just makes things so much easier for me!

The beauty of those who send me a good list is that I have lots of choices that way. I truly do love that. Plus, I know exactly what they like and what size they currently need in the way of wearables. Our gifts tend to follow the following rule: 

• Something they want
• Something they need
• Something to wear
• Something to read

My shopping actually started months ago for some of them. I stumbled across a couple of cool items that I thought the girls would like and added them to my virtual cart. They've been delivered and I even think I know where I hid them away! The stocking stuffers for the girls were delivered Tuesday and I am just loving those. So, I'm already getting excited about Christmas and I'm loving the lists I'm getting from family members.

- What I'm Working On -

Since the crew is coming here for the Thanksgiving feast, I've been working on getting the feast ready for us all to eat. I worked on it a bit on Tuesday - making cornbread for the dressing. That's about all I did on Wednesday. I've done a bit of straightening and tidying up and Mike has been helpful - blowing the leaves away from the porches and chopping the leaves in the yard. Since this is set to be published on Friday, I'm sure I will be resting from all the excitement. 

I've taken on a couple of other projects this week but I will share more about that later. Hope black Friday, Shop Small Saturday, and whatever other things that are going on this weekend go well. Plus, I hope to goodness The University of Tennessee can pull out a win on Saturday!