Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. Spring Break is almost over in my neck of the woods. If it is still coming up for you, I hope you will have a fun time. I am in Georgia visiting my mom and sister. It has been a treat to have absolutely nothing on my to-do list.
Song of the Week: In 1972, Johnny Nash released a song called “I Can See Clearly Now,” oozing with uplifting messages. I know that last week I already mentioned having a positive attitude, but we can never have too many happy feelings. Sometimes we are so overwhelmed with the “storms” in life that we forget about the silver linings.
Joke of the Week: Why are frogs always happy? Because they eat what bugs them.
Quote of the Week: “Don’t hit me with them negative waves so early in the morning.” –from the 1970 film Kelly’s Heroes
Nugget of Wisdom of the Week: I know what you’re thinking…Why another talk about positivity and happiness? The line in the quote mentioned above—“Don’t hit me with them negative waves so early in the morning”—was delivered by actor Donald Sutherland as he portrayed Oddball, a U.S. Army tank driver in the war movie Kelly’s Heroes. Imagine, if you will, a hippie character in World War 2 who is an accomplished strategist for the Sherman tanks but finds himself surrounded by people with negative attitudes.
I know that none of us are happy all of the time, so I am not saying that any negative feeling is a bad thing. Yet, whenever we spend a lot of time with negative people, we are at risk of taking on those negative feelings. If you find yourself weighed down with dissatisfaction and complaints, take a step back and examine your circle of friends and family, coworkers and acquaintances. Slowly pull back from the people who zap your positivity. I’m not telling you to abandon them entirely, but instead, to limit your time spent in their presence.
Recipe of the Week: Ham and Cheese Sliders
What you’ll need:
1-2 packs of King Hawaiian slider buns
Sliced deli ham of your choice
Swiss cheese slices
On a baking pan, arrange the bottom of the buns on the pan. Layer the ham and cheese to desired taste/thickness and replace the tops of the buns. Bake in an oven heated to 350 degrees until desired toastiness. Add your favorite condiments to taste. This goes well with French fries or chips. Enjoy!
Shout-Out of the Week: This week, I want to give a shout-out to everyone who is traveling for Spring Break. I wish you much fun and happiness, but most of all, safe travels back home.
Have a great weekend. Remember, you are most awesome, and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.
