Lent, Day 2, A mild headache and a craving

February 23, 2023February 25, 2023Anna--The Adventurer Leave a comment

I gave up Dr. Pepper and fast food for lent, not a secret, but the lack of fizzy caffeine and sweetness is already greatly “missed” by my body.The fast food craving and hankerings haven’t kicked in, which I am thankful. A full glass of water and a little nap have helped to curb the headache but the craving remains.

The challenge, though, will come this evening when I return to work after a couple of routine days off. Why a challenge? There is a soda fountain and each employee gets unlimited free sodas from the fountain as a perk of the job, Dr. Pepper included. I really like Dr. Pepper. While there isn’t anything wrong with Dr. Pepper, it’s a fabulous product, I gave it up for Lent as I feel like I had become “dependent” on the product, drinking more of it than I would anything else, despite having lots of other options at home and other places, including healthier choices like herbal hot or iced tea, water, milk, or something different.

I have often packed my lunch for work before and now will continue to pack a lunch for myself each shift I work, using a cute Jurrassic World tin square lunch box I received as a Christmas gift. A bit of preperation and effort, meals at work will be delicious and as easy as fast food, but better for the mind and body, giving the proper nutrition for myself and time to focus on better things and spiritual growth.

A friend of mine is in support of giving up Dr. Pepper but inquired as to why do it for Lent;

Here’s a basic description of why we do it;

Fasting, or giving something up, is a very common practice during Lent. The idea is that giving up something that’s a regular part of life, like eating dessert or scrolling through Facebook, can be a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice. That time can also be replaced with more time connecting with God.
https://www.bing.com/search?q=why+give+up+something+for+lent&cvid=2e812f426dac45039e29a85a92e36e7c&aqs=edge.0.0j69i57j0l4.4471j0j1&pglt=43&FORM=ANNTA1&PC=NMTS

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Fat Tuesday, Celebrating before Lent

February 21, 2023Anna--The Adventurer 1 Comment

Celebrations are running rampant today around the world and while I am not attending a celebration of Mardi Gras/Carnival/Fat Tuesday myself today, I participated in the past by attending Carnival in Ettlingen, Germany (where these photos were snapped in 2017).

Mardi Gras is a time of celebration and indulgence, of many things. Parties and street fairs and performances are loud, joyous and colorful. Hoops, hollering, music and dancing are everywhere, people wiggling and jiggling to all sorts of festivities, before Lent starts tomorrow; celebrating before the 40 days of Lent bring changes to their lives.

This year, my celebrations for Mardi Gras are cleaning house and catching up on things that need to be done, exciting? Not really but it still feels good to get stuff knocked out!

Merry Christmas! Yes, I believe in Santa.

December 25, 2022February 16, 2023Anna--The Adventurer Leave a comment

While having to work on Christmas morning, I decked myself out in Jingle Wear as the Elves are always around! One never knows who might be watching to put you on the naughty or nice list, too.

Yes, I am at work in some of the photos, and because I work with the public, wishing the customers a Merry Christmas is essential to me. I always find it interesting who comes through, especailly during the holiday seasons as travelers and locals alike mix together and create quite a fun variety. In truth, too, I don’t mind if someone wishes me a Happy Hannukah in exchange, to each may celebrate as they enjoy while me and my loved ones celebrate Christmas.

Later on today, I am super stoked and excited the birth of our Saviour with my sister, brother-in-law, my Sweetness, my Papa, and my Godson, always exciting and, of course, all the pets will be included in the festivities as well, playing their reindeer games!

Merry Christmas!

Bring on the Sauce, Homemade Cranberry Sauce

December 14, 2022January 6, 2023Anna--The Adventurer 3 Comments

Creating the family’s recipe of homemade, chunky cranberry sauce is a favorite activity of mine; my mother was also willing to offer up her kitchen while I was on vacation in Colorado to make it happen. Of course, we had to add a healthy dose of orange Triple Sec to each jar we made, otherwise, it wouldn’t have that extra zing we all love! While I think the recipe is pretty common, it’s the special one we use at home becuase it turns out the best.

Naturally, Mom took the lead and I assisted, being the elf to Mrs. Claus, of course.

The homemade cranberry sauce is great on any poultry, with prime rib, and of, course, with leg of lamb.

Egyptian Food, next door–meeting the neighbor

October 16, 2022November 2, 2022Anna--The Adventurer Leave a comment

Meeting new people can be tricky, especially in this technology based world but when a neighbor introduces themselves and ask where they can easily get internet service, a connection is made! My new neighbor is from Alexandria, Egypt and she invited me over for a wonderful, homemade Egyptian meal, which was a new, spiced delight for me!

While I can’t even begin to spell the names of the dishes, they were fabulous!

Colorado Country Side–burning barrels are so much fun!

September 21, 2022November 17, 2022Anna--The Adventurer Leave a comment

Yes, burning barrels still exist and I love to use them! Of course, I used it responsably but oh, the joy of the crackle and flame!

No, it’s not my property but that of a dear friend whom allowed me to play with fire! woohoo!

What did I burn? Some yard waste (sticks, leaves, etc) and some card board boxes and such, very exciting!

Chimney Rock, Nebraska

September 5, 2022September 13, 2022Anna--The Adventurer Leave a comment

Our road trip back to Colorado included going through the beautiful, quiet state of Nebraska.

The rolling praries and grasslands, scattered amongst the grain fields and ranches, was quite stunning and we stumbled upon Chimney Rock, quite a stunning view as it just “pops” out of seemingling no where!

We stopped in Scottsbluff for a meal, Subway, and enjoyed the scenery of the quaint town (and found more postcards, which was a pleasant surprise in the small town).

In full truth, Chimney Rock is very pretty but the praries are something unique to behold, a hidden treasure of America’s bread basket country (which I have heard many people call a “fly over” area, which I believe is a true mistake, as it’s breath taking). If given the chance, drive and stay in Nebraska, it has lots of charm and the people are very warm and welcoming.

New Local friends, they know the good places

July 20, 2022August 12, 2022Anna--The Adventurer Leave a comment

A new friend showed me a walking trail along the lake in Clemson, South Carolina, tucked away and out of sight unless you know where it is! The friends, being local, showed me the way and the easy access entry point, tucked away on a side street, one wouldn’t know it was there unless shown!

Rawrrrrr!!!!!

July 10, 2022August 29, 2022Anna--The Adventurer Leave a comment

There it is, I am an admitted Jurassic Park Franchise Junkie, and it adds happy to my heart. As an early birthday gift, my Sweetness treated us out on a date night to see the newest addition the series, Jurassic World Dominion.

Yes, I am even wearing a dinosaur dress with velicoraptor earrings on our date night. I just can’t help myself!!!

The local critters and joys of my neighborhood

June 14, 2022August 12, 2022Anna--The Adventurer Leave a comment

Living near a watershed and Lake Hartwell and Seneca River provides ample opprotunity for critters and the like to wonder into my neighborhood, which is an absolute delight. The flora and fauna is also quite stunning!

Some of these items were seen as I enjoyed a walk around the neighborhood and some things ended up on my porch, willingly to hang out with me! Life is always interesting.