Random Stuff and Things

Today we re-enter the work force after being off for nine of the last ten days. It feels strange to come back...like we have to relearn everything all over again. But we are grateful for the village who came in to watch over the building while we were gone. It took an extended team, as we were not the only ones on bereavement leave during this time. When it rains, it pours, right? 

So as I find my footing with work, I bring you a cluster of randomness for today's post. 

* I made a rookie mistake and placed a flower pot directly on a wooden table. It made a mark on the table, which made me sick to my stomach. Can't have nothin' nice around here! (And it was all my fault!) Pinterest to the rescue, though. A linen towel and literally three swipes of an iron....

* Yesterday was our 99th monthiversary, and we got carryout ice cream at a place we've never been to in Fort Wayne. It's called Sweet Monster Ice Cream, and it's rolled ice cream. Have you ever had rolled ice cream before? Fascinating. Just fascinating. And delicious. 

* A PSA for memory-preservation...the last couple of weeks drove us to look back through our pictures and photo files, reliving moments we enjoyed with Allen. With Nita being the photo aficionado that she was, we didn't really have a shortage of pictures to choose from, you know. Ryan's brother mentioned that while he sometimes found the endless photo shoots annoying in the moment, he's sure glad now that the pictures exist, because from them, he learned a lot about the relationship his own kids had with Allen. I know there are many who push for putting away cameras to be more present in the moment, and certainly there is a fine line there for that, but I will always be an advocate for preserving the memories. You never know when the last picture will be the last picture. 

* I may talk about this more later in another post, but I've started using Mineral Fusion skin care products and makeup, and I'm really liking them. I did some research on lines that were better for you - and this one seemed to be one of the more comprehensive and affordable options. As my previous things started running out, I began replacing them with Mineral Fusion, and so far, I haven't found anything I don't like. (Moisturizer, eye makeup remover, eyeliner pencil, and mascara were the first ones I purchased, and the cleanser just arrived this week.) 

* You might remember that I wrote Allen's obituary, and I was surprised at how many people reached out to say kind things about it. I messaged one of my friends from college, Amy, who writes beautiful obituaries. (Is that even a phrase?) I've read several of hers even if I don't know the person who died, simply because I want to read the beautiful stories of their lives. Amy sent me links to books about how to write obituaries. I definitely did not know that was a thing. I can't imagine writing enough of them to end up writing a series of books about how to do it, but people have! 

I feel like I had at least one more thing I was going to share, but I can't think of it now, so I guess that is it for today! Happy Wednesday, my friends!