Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. Summer continues for a few more weeks, at least. I hope you are milking every minute of it. Speaking of milking, I have a funny moment to share with you. My husband was off work for the week we had Vacation Bible School. For the blessing at dinner, my husband prayed that we enjoy the time off we have together and “milk” every moment. My 13-year-old, who is VERY literal, said: “That’s silly. We don’t have cows.”
I also want to remind you that early voting is taking place July 12-27 throughout Tennessee, in advance of the August 1 elections. Primary elections will be held for U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, Tennessee Senate (even-numbered districts), and Tennessee House of Representatives. At that same time, general elections will be held for Tennessee State Supreme Court, Intermediate appellate courts, and applicable county and municipal government offices, including school board representatives.
Quote of the Week: “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.” –Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Movie of the Week: Napoleon Dynamite was released in 2004. It starred Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez, Jon Gries, and other comedic actors. The entire movie revolves around the idea that you have something to offer, no matter who you are. Whether quirky or serious, you make a difference in your circle. It has a message that includes showing empathy and compassion when creating relationships/friendships with people who don’t always have the same perspective as you. There are moments of great hilarity, as well as times of utter nonsense.
Joke of the Week: Knock, knock! Who’s there? Al. Al who? Al let you know when I open the door.
Nugget of Wisdom of the Week: This past week, I received a friend request from someone I didn’t know. Upon investigating further, I found out it was a friend of a friend of mine. I didn’t know this person, so I struggled with what to do.
While finding the link between the person I knew and the one who sent me the friend request, I came across lots of people from my past who were on this person’s Facebook page. I knew these people, as well, and the more I looked through the list, the sadder I became to think that none of them had taken time to find me on Facebook and reconnect. Now, remember that I moved from Florida to Georgia at age 13, when my father retired from the Navy. I started a new school and then, two years later, my parents divorced and I moved schools again. That basically cemented the idea that I had not known them long enough to establish solid relationships with most of them. I do have a handful of friends from the two schools in Georgia on my friends list, but no one from the time I lived in Florida.
I’m sure you are asking where I’m going with this. As you age, I want you to make sure that you don’t stake your worth as a person on whether or not the people in your past still keep in touch with you. Focus most on your current circle of friends. Be intentional, and get to know them. Celebrate their successes and share their worries. Just like in Napoleon Dynamite, you are important as you are now, because of who you are now. There is only one you, and the world needs you.
Recipe of the Week: Taco Pie
What you’ll need:
8-ounce package of refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 pound ground beef or turkey (or the meat of your choice)
1 package of taco seasoning mix
8 ounces Mexican cheese, shredded
Toppings, including sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, green onions, olives
Optional sides, such as refried beans, Spanish rice, or chips and salsa
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Using either a square or circular baking pan, cover the bottom with the crescent roll dough. Bake according to package instructions. Cook the meat in a skillet and drain. Add the taco seasoning mix, then stir until thoroughly mixed. Once the crescent-roll pie crust is done, layer the ingredients, starting with the meat and cheese. Next, add the lettuce, the diced tomatoes, and the olives. Garnish with the sour cream and green onions. Enjoy with refried beans, Spanish rice, tortilla chips, and salsa.
Shout-Out of the Week: This week, I want to shout out to everyone who knows that they are important, no matter how many friends are on their social media pages. You are unique, and I’m glad you are here. You’ve got this…
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.