Quarantine and chill and kindness chatty clubhouse: Jump in and join the conversation! All is welcome!

[PollyannaMom]

...I bought some of those light therapy boxes today...one for my husband and I and one each for our daughters. The weather here is always gray, gloomy, and cool January-April. I thought I’d try them out to see if they make a difference for our mental health. Has anyone used one of them before? I’d love to know your thoughts!

I have one like this:



and I love it! I actually have it clipped on the curtain rod in my family room, aimed up, so the light bounces off the white ceiling and make the room bright when I turn it on. It definitely makes a difference in that I don't get sleepy so early on the days I use it. I highly recommend them and gave two as Christmas gifts this year!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

That's cool, PollyannaMom Glad it works well for you.

The first Winter movie I tried watching on Hallmark was Taking A Shot at Love. I gave it half an hour and it was not engaging me. I'm not a ballet person so maybe that was why? I just didn't feel caught up in either the characters or the story. I do hope any of you who watched this did enjoy. I have two others from last night ready to watch later.

 

[apirateslifeforme]

@OHmomof2,

I've wondered about light boxes for some years. I might have to look into them again

@dazedx3, lots of prayers to you and your DH.

Lazy weekend here. We visited my in-laws on Saturday. DH worked on that digital clock that we gave them for Christmas. My MIL refuses to take down their Christmas tree.

Today I gave DH a haircut, then we took Josh to the outdoor mall to see the last day of the gingerbread house festival. Some people are very creative! While we were there, we went into the LL Bean store, where DH bought a pair of flannel-lined jeans for shoveling and other cold-weather outdoor work. He paid a little less than half-price for them, as he had some Bean Bucks saved up. We also went into the Carters store for Josh, but they didn't have much on clearance in his size. I did find a t-shirt and a pair of shorts that came to about $3 each, plus a cute Valentine's Day shark t-shirt (it says "I Chews You" on it ). Back at home, we finished putting the living room furniture back in place, watched the Patriots game, and DH and Josh put together one of Josh's new robot monster trucks made out of gears. Now Josh is having a bath while I watch Mysteries of the Abandoned on the Science Channel

One of my new calendars, I keep up with four, says that every day is a holiday and that today is National Science Fiction Day. Do you like science fiction? Movies, books?

We are the BIGGEST sci-fi nerds that we know! DH and I both - probably why we get along so well Star Wars (A New Hope) was the first movie I saw in the theatre - I wasn't quite 3 years old when it came out. I got a Princess Leia doll for Christmas that year. I watched Star Trek (in syndication by that point), Battlestar Galactica (the one with Lorne Greene), Buck Rogers...when I had to visit my father for a month every summer, I always loved the repeats of Lost in Space. When I was in 3rd grade, our PBS station started airing Doctor Who every evening and I quickly got into that.

We ALL have "Starfleet Academy" t-shirts - when Josh was a baby, we got one for him that said "Starfleet Academy Cadet." I used to collect Barbie dolls, and I have the Star Trek 30th Anniversary Barbie and Ken set:


A few years ago for Christmas, DH gave me the 50th Anniversary Spock doll:


(I love Leonard Nimoy. When he passed away, it was the first time I ever cried for a celebrity death )

Now DH and I think it's funny how just about EVERY show we watch on Netflix is something sci-fi. I think that's all it recommends to us now

Oh, and how I wish that I really was friends with Wil Wheaton! He's just really a cool person and I would LOVE to really know him! (No ulterior motives...I don't have a crush on him at all...but I just really LIKE him! )

QOTD: ( Question of The Day) is their a charity you get letters in the mail from that you would suggest NOT donating too ?

I usually don't get involved with who people want to give their donations to. I personally have been turned off by a few, specifically the ones with CEOs who make millions. I'm not a fan of incessant mailings either - for example, I think St. Jude is a wonderful charity, but I wish they would stop sending me letters and "gifts" every month! The address labels and notepads are beautiful, yes, but how much does it cost to have them made? I wish they would just use that money to help find the kids!

We unfortunately do not have a great deal of money to donate, but we do donate other things. Whenever there is a food drive, we donate several bags to the food shelf. We also have an organization here in our town called Allied, which does a lot for the mentally and physically differently-abled. Some years back, they started a thrift store and they'll take your stuff to resell in the store (and they actually employ their clients at the store). They'll even come pick up your donations. After we have a tag sale, we usually box up the leftovers and call Allied for a pick up. So while we don't really give a lot of actual money, we try to give stuff that's needed.

My husband is laughing in the sitting room again...no matter how many times he sees it that Progressive commercial about not becoming your parents makes him laugh and laugh! He’s tell the dogs “we all see it, we all see it”!!

I LOVE THAT ONE! I say that so often now as well! DH likes the one where the homeowner is hovering over the plumber working on his sink, and the "coach" comes in to remove him, saying "You hired him, remember?" DH says that's totally his father - hires someone to work on something in the house, but then hovers and wants to help (or make sure what he wants is getting done correctly ).

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Wow that's cool you have Star Wars and Star Trek memories from so many years, Apirateslifeforme. I'm glad your DH got some clothing bargains and Josh's shirt sounds cute

I tried watching One Winter Proposal and admittedly was put off from the get go when the actor came up behind the actress with a party blower near her neck. It just gave me a bad feeling. I did start watching some of Amazing Winter Romance and that (I hope) has more potential! I definitely miss Christmas movies! Hoping some for Valentine's Day are good

 

[Breezy_Carol]

My MIL refuses to take down their Christmas tree.

Ruh roh. Don't come here. Not even thinking of taking ours down until after next weekend.
Still waiting for DS to come home.

 

[sparkle78]

Yeah, i never take the tree down until after January 6th - the Epiphany .usually its Jan 15th- Jan 20th. I just love the soft Christmas lights to type on my iPad or read by. ** but i don’t put it up till Dec 12th or later .

Speaking of lights, i have soft white lights hung on shear curtains in my living room now, that i turn on in the evening. It’s soothing. May have to look into a light therapy box, it is very gloomy in the winter here too,

 

[Kirby]

What a day! What a day! We had our Christmas today and it finally felt like Christmas. I just need another couple of days to get that New Year feeling.

The grandkids were delighted with what Santa bought them. We had scrambled eggs, bacon and pancakes for breakfast. Everyone was happy with what they received. I was given oven mitts, Isotoner gloves, full length mirror, hand soap, candle and a portable external storage drive for all my pictures. We played Pie in the Face (I was hit five times!) and Pickup Pete. My sister and brother in law came by for awhile and gave the kids their gifts. Then my son called and asked if we had seen his fiance's wallet. We've looked everywhere and all through the trash. I don't remember even seeing it. I hope that they find it. UPDATE: They found it! After everyone left we put up all of the Christmas stuff except for the couple of outside lighted animals. Those will go into storage tomorrow. The kids are pleasantly tired, I'm sure they'll go down earlier than normal tonight.

@PollyannaMom, I lean more towards Star Trek but I do like Star Wars too. I faithfully watched Star Trek each week when I was a kid. I used to read more science fiction than I do now, I read more fantasy these days. It's been awhile since I've see a science fiction movie/tv show.

I used to give regularly to St. Jude and DAV. I've let up over the last 5 - 10 years and given more to local charities/organizations. When someone passes away I tend to give to one of their favorite charities in lieu of flowers which results in lots of requests for donations for a couple of years afterward. I take anything we get rid of and is usable to our local thrift store. If they don't want it they pass it along to other thrift stores like the Salvation Army. I can't stand it when people throw away perfectly good stuff that someone else possibly less fortunate could use just because they don't want it anymore.

 

[sparkle78]

Yes, i like to donate to the charity they listed in the obituary. But lately, i have donated books with a note about the deceased connection to the school. Mr. Smith was Susie baker’s grandfather and he loved to read to her. Or i have donated to their high school with a note for the volleyball team or yearbook staff in memory of that individual

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I am so happy, Kirby you enjoyed such a nice belated Christmas, yay

That is so cool and nice of you, Sparkle!

I don't know how "amazing," Amazing Winter Romance was, but it was the best of the first three winter movies I recorded. The actor was very handsome, Marshall Williams (just Googled). The sidekick actress from NY who wanted his attention (and the main actress was semi concerned about losing him, too) was too much for me in an annoying way. I did like the other supporting characters

Have a cozy good night everyone.

 

[AuntieMe3]

For some reason I can't quote tonight so I'm just popping in to say I'm reading and have a few things want to reply to but have a terrible memory so I'll try again in the morning.

Hope you all had a nice weekend for the start of our New Year.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning everyone. Hubby watched football from 1 yesterday afternoon, till half way through Sunday Night Football. I made it through 2 more holiday movies, only 4 left to go. I tried to start a puzzle, but my head was still pounding too much to keep looking at the small pieces so I gave up. Hubby has a virtual meeting with his PCP at 9 this morning, so we don't have to worry about going all the way up to their office and dealing with masks, sanitizer, etc. No other plans for the day yet, I do want to steam clean the kitchen floor and get the muddy prints off from the 2 days of on and off rain we had. Not going to be too warm this week,,temps only a high of 38 for the most part, but no rain/snow in the forecast. House looks boring with no more Christmas stuff up , but I'm glad it's all done and put away for another year
Lets all send a ton of prayers and pixie dust towards @dazedx3 and her husband for his surgery today please!
Have a nice Monday all!

 

[PollyannaMom]

Good morning, all! Last day off here, and it’s raining, but not as bad out as I heard it might be. I’ve taken down a few more Christmas items and piled them in the “staging area” (a.k.a. dining room table) and just need to get them wrapped and into bins. We are still enjoying the tree, though.

 

[easyas123]

Good morning all!
I was up & at em early this morning, albeit not of my own willpower to get the new year started right, rather by the sounds of the dogs rummaging thru the trash. My husband left to get in the shop early, around 4:45, and the dogs took the opportunity to see if they could nose open the trash (it has a magnetic close, but must not have been latched all the way). So I was up, cleaned up the mess, sat down and had a cup of coffee & watched the AM news, did a 30 minute yoga class and fully showered by 6:10 AM. In the office by 7:15. Ta Da! I have awful insomnia, and I'm embarking on a new way of approaching it. Getting up when I wake up, like early this AM instead of laying there and trying to get another 30 minutes of sleep and feeling even worse when I wake up. Trying NOT to turn the TV on in the middle of the night and using my breathing exercises first, staying up until 9 or 9:30 if I can make it, and not putting my pajamas on at 5:30, instead being a bit more active in the evening. I know I'll sleep eventually.

Lets all send a ton of prayers and pixie dust towards @dazedx3 and her husband for his surgery today please!

Thank you for the reminder, dazedx3 I hope this day and the following days go as well and as smoothly as possible, and I hope your husband (and you) come thru better for it on the other end.

Welp, time to get to work, it's been almost 2 weeks since I've been in the office.
But first I need to check on some possible travel at the beginning of Feb. that has just popped up.
My Las Vegas business trip in early March as been canceled, and I'm not terribly torn up about that in the least. Waiting to see if the potential work trip out of the country in late March will be canceled. I'm presuming it will - but who knows - it's same outfit as the LAS trip but a lot more people. That one I was kinda hoping to go to. Oh well, next year. Surely if I keep saying 'next year' it will eventually happen - right?!?!

Leftover soup from the freezer for dinner this evening, or scrambled eggs. I have a late appointment after work, so won't even get home until 7ish, so making it easy on us both.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[lynxstch]

For those of you who have been sending prayers for our granddaughter,they are working! She will be coming home Wednesday, hopefully better than when she went in. She will be seeing a therapist and on medication, probably for a long time , but hopefully that will help her get her depression under control. I appreciate all the kind words and prayers that have been sent on here and through pm's. Thank you!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

What a Blessed morning update, Lynn! Thank you and Praise God! I am so thankful Love the Pooh picture, too. Thank you for the reminder on DazedX3's DH. Please feel better!

DazedX3, many prayers indeed for your DH and you as well! Hugs and we are here.

PollyannaMom, I am glad you are still enjoying your tree

Oh no, sorry you had to get up so early, Easyas123, that's no fun especially when it is cold. Safe travel prayers today and have a cozy, quieter evening tonight!

to all

 

[easyas123]

For those of you who have been sending prayers for our granddaughter,they are working! She will be coming home Wednesday, hopefully better than when she went in.

Wonderful news for her and the rest of you! So glad things worked out for her.

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

QOTD: ( Question of The Day) is their a charity you get letters in the mail from that you would suggest NOT donating too ?

example, years ago I use to donate to the Red Cross, Easter seals, march of dimes, and St. Jude’s hospital like $20 a year when i was first on my own. Later, I got involved in the community I lived in at the time and donated to local groups - foster care, Boy Scouts, church group , etc.

Two summers ago, I donated to the USO who support our men and women in the military . they are a great group and use the money to help plan activities for the kids and spouses too near one of their centers. However, i was not as internet savvy and didn’t clear my browser. thus my friend told me other charities could see I donated to a military one. So, I get 6 times a year big envelopes from Wounded Warriors and Veterans of foreign wars. they send me notepads, socks, coasters, etc. when it would be better for them to help the people they support??
so long story summed up, I now give to charities in my area - habitat for humanity , food bank/ clothing drive at a nearby church, the refugees who relocated to our area - clothing, books, old and new toys, etc.

We are picky about financial donations. We do not do the Red Cross, nor Salvation Army. We do donate to GKTW, Ronald McDonald House, Firehouse Subs firemen charity, St Judes, and Shriners. We also donate to the National Kidney Fund, and the American Kidney Fund. Both of those charities have helped us in the past, when DH was on dialysis; they helped cover the cost of his medications and some of the OOP expenses from his medical bills. Catholic Charities is another group we have donated to; when we were both laid off, and couldn't pay our rent and electric for 2 months, they were there for us. USO and other military groups get our help, as well.

In the give and take donation view, we buy popcorn and camp cards from Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts, and cookies from Girl Scouts.

Goods wise, we will drop our stuff at Goodwill because it's the closest place to us, if it's something they would sell. Otherwise, I just do a FB Marketplace or Craigslist curb alert, and set it out for someone else to take. We used to do the shoebox Christmas donations, for overseas, when DS was in Scouts (his pack would do them in conjunction with the church they were sponsered by; the pack would usually come up with 300 of them, and the church another 2000). We also have done the Salvation Army giving trees at Walmart/Target, but not this year; we did Toys for Tots online this year (and we've donated to them in the past, at the stores). We donate to our local pet shelter and food bank (I am splitting a $200 donation from our stimulus money between them tomorrow, as a matter of fact).

Sometimes, it may be nothing more than pocket change. But my $1 added to a million other peoples $1 = $1M. Even a small donation can make a big difference.

ETA: DH's company does a thing at Christmas, where they have adopted a local boys/girls club, and we donate to that as well.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Sometimes, it may be nothing more than pocket change. But my $1 added to a million other peoples $1 = $1M. Even a small donation can make a big difference.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I love your PollyannaMom to what B&B said and agree wholeheartedly! The same is true for any kind act!

It has warmed my heart extra to read all of your replies. Thank you, friends

Hope each of you are having a good afternoon!

 

[dazedx3]

Thanks for the well wishes everyone, it means so much. It has been hard waiting at the hospital by myself. They only allow one person to wait. I had one meltdown but I am better now. The first part of the surgery is over, it should be about another 2-3 hours, (8 total) Then he will go to the recovery room for 1-2 hours. So far there has only been a few minor glitches.

Again, I can't tell you how much your thoughts and prayers mean to me. Lynxstch, thank you for the reminder about my DH, you're so sweet