Day One…New Job

Day one…6:45 AM….IT’S STILL SOMEWHAT DARK OUT! 

 

I survived. I didn’t sleep the night before and I had the shakes real bad, but I survived! In fact, I had a really good time! 

It was only orientation day, what could go wrong? 

 

Well…

 

Nothing major… Before I left the house, I had checked the documents list of the forms of ID I needed to bring: CHECK, they are in my wallet! When I was asked for them; they are not in there, I should have checked my wallet, however, I wasn’t alone in this faux pas, I company. That was the end of MY issues for the day! 

 

When you get hired for a job, no matter what kind of job it is, they have these things called policies. 

 

Websters Dictionary 

Definition of policy

plural policies

1a : prudence or wisdom in the management of affairs

b : management or procedure based primarily on material interest

2a : a definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives and in light of given conditions to guide and determine present and future decisions

b : a high-level overall plan embracing the general goals and acceptable procedures especially of a governmental body

Things that make you go hmmm…

• Employees may not have facial jewelry…sitting across from a gentleman with two nose piercings. More than five other employees had some kind of facial jewelry as well. Spacers may only be used for a tongue piercing and band aids my not be used to cover up piercings.
• Undergarments must be warn…um…this needs to be said????
• Personal cell phones must not be warn or used during work time…I don’t think there was an employee who DIDN’T have their cell phone ON them.
• Personal pages may be worn…do they still make these?
• Employee name tag…employees are not required to use their legal name & may use any name they are normally addressed by which is not offensive, disrespectful or inappropriate… I wonder…Can I use Grumpy on mine?

 

I get these, I do…but I have to say, if you are going to put these in the policies, they should be enforced. Just a rant I have. 

“The code is more what you’d call ‘guidelines’ than actual rules.” – Hector Barbossa

I just like this quote and it seemed to fit! 

In order to get familiar with the store, we were given tasks and a scavenger hunt, my thoughts on this BRILLIANT! Except when you have your name tag on and customers want to ask you questions and you have no answers. But, the three of us newbies, made it work though. Until we got to a spill. I never realized just how long 10 minutes were, until you are waiting on a cranky maintenance gentleman to come clean it up and you have to stand guard. Then to hear him tell you, “it’s not my job”…Like fingernails on a chalkboard for me. YES!!! Safety IS your job!!! It’s EVERYONE’S job!

We also got to see some great videos, including one for Active Shooters. Now, I KNOW this is something you have to be aware of and don’t deny people need to be aware of this, but it’s a sad sad day when it has to be taught at work, but more so schools! What has this world come to? 

Finished the day with our new schedules and a gift card for lunch. Can’t beat that! I am totally stoked about this job! I am really looking forward to it. And on the one of the many plus sides, I slept like a baby last night!!! I tired myself out for sure yesterday. 

Tomorrow I take on the cash register. Wish me luck and hopefully, I will have shenanigans to report. 

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I will remember this word,” he said. “Shenanigans. It is a good word.
John Flanagan

*this post may contain photos which are not mine, no copyright infringement meant* Disclaimer

DK

 

 

 

 

 

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New Job

Well, now…I went and screwed up my leisurely days of sitting at home, staring at the computer, wondering if I should get dressed or just spend the day in my pj’s. I got a job. Yup, went out for the interview and they were either really needing people or I am just that good! I am going to go with the later. 

 

I had a couple of choices…this box store, that craft store, this supermarket or that home health care. OK, the home health care, not so much. I am totally not good at things like that! I am, however, extremely happy with my decision on which I went with and just as nervous as what my body will think. We will need to have a sit down and talk about this body throwing fits and monkey wrenches into my plans. It HAS to behave, this time! As I am sitting here with pain in the back which feels like kidney stones revolting. GET OUT GET OUT GET OUT!  This WILL NOT happen!!! 

 

So tomorrow, I start my day at the crack of dawn (not sure if it will be light yet or not, I haven’t seen this time of the morning in a very long time), get myself ready and then drive myself across town for a five hour orientation! I am hoping I will have new friends there with me, I don’t want to spend five hours with just myself, I can do that at home! 

 

I start at just part time, which is great! I will have money to pay more of the bills, instead of just scraping by AND maybe even start saving for a great vacation or a place for hubby and I! 

 

So, wish me luck, hopefully, I will be back tomorrow evening to share my fun filled day! 

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Starting a new job can be nerve-racking , but it’s also exciting. You’re embarking on a new future, positioning yourself to write a fresh story on a clean slate.
Adena Friedman

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DK

Fall Bucket List

WOW! It’s September 1st, where does the time go? Where did summer go? Oh, I remember, it was hot and smokey and I stayed inside most of the summer. With only one pool day under my belt this summer, I am totally bummed. But, I did learn a new craft, got poked, prodded and evaluated most of the summer for this chronic cough, nobody seems to be able to give me a definite answer or solution.

So, let’s start fall off with a BANG! I love fall, love the colors, the cooler temps and the smells.

I am not sure whether the cleaning out the closet, dusting and washing windows would be on MY bucket list, but I suppose they need to be done.

Moist Pumpkin Bread

Servings: 1 loaf

Author: Kitchen Nostalgia

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (dark or light)
• 1 cup + 1 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon*
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice*
• 1 large egg or 2 small ones
• 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/3 cup oil
• 1/3 cup water

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine both sugars, flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices.
2. In another bowl, combine egg, pumpkin puree, oil and water. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Mix until combined.
3. Grease one 9×4 (6 cups or 1.4 liters volume) loaf pan and pour the batter into it.
4. Bake at 350 F (175 C) for 45-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let cool for about 5 minutes. Then take out of the pan and wrap in aluminum foil. Let it cool off completely.

Recipe Notes

*This Moist Pumpkin Bread is mildly spiced. If you like it spicier, increase the amount of cinnamon and pumpkin spice to your taste.

DIY Fleece Blankets would be great to tie in with the Random Acts of Kindness!

Leaf Crafts!   OK! I am gonna totally do a few of these and post! Show me your crafts!  Here is a link to more fall crafts!

Random Acts of Kindness 

Mosaic Tiles 

I hope you find some great things to do, I, of course, will be checking in with my items checked off my bucket list!

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By all these lovely tokens September days are here, With summer’s best of weather And autumn’s best of cheer.
Helen Hunt Jackson

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DK

The Top Five Places to Visit in Colorado

I have lived in Colorado my entire life. I have only skied once, won’t ever do it again. I have been to the top of Pikes Peak five times and I have never been to the Stanley Hotel (yet). Let’s check out what experts say is the top five places to visit in Colorado!

Sit back and relax! If you have visited and want to share your experiences, please comment below. 

1. Black Canyon of the Gunnison – I’ve been here and can’t wait to go back!

What: The Gunnison River formed the Black Canyon over 2 million years, cutting its way through the canyon forming sharp cliffs and steep spires. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience raw nature like you’ve never seen it before.

The Black Canyon was designated as an International Dark Sky Park in September 2015. These National Parks preserve some of the darkest skies in the country and In some areas it’s possible to see more than 15,000 stars throughout the night! Great for meteoroid showers!  Love camping? Come and sleep under those 15,000 + stars, look for the Milky Way, planets and shooting stars!

Entrance Fee? $20 per vehicle and valid for seven calendar days!

2. Rocky Mountain National Park – Never been, on my bucket list!

Where: Located in north-central Colorado between Estes Park and Grand Lake. Neither of which I have been to.

What: Rocky Mountain National Park and is one of the most popular national parks in the U.S. The headwaters of the Colorado River are in the northwestern part of the park. AND!!! it is considered a World Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations.

With the high mountain peaks, blue alpine lakes, meadows, forests, and abundant wildlife (there is even an Elk fest in September) this is nature at its best. Included in the park: more than 100 peaks over 10,000 feet, including Longs Peak, the highest in the park, at 14,259 feet. But is it the highest peak in Colorado? Stay tuned

 

3. Mesa Verde – Never been, sort of on my bucket list

Where: Southwestern Colorado, located near the towns of Cortez and Manco

Mesa Verde (which means green table in Spanish)
Deemed a national park in 1906 by Theodore Roosevelt. It is a national park and World Heritage site which preserves ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and is great for history fans and nature lovers!

Cliff Palace

Here you’ll find the park has been inhabited since 7500 BC by nomadic tribes and experts estimate that the first pueblos were built in 650 AD. Come see the impressive Cliff Dwellings which were built in 1200 AD.

Cost: $5 per person for guided tours of some of the dwellings, however you are free to explore the rest of the Mesa Verde National Park

4. Garden of the Gods – been several times, however, don’t remember it.

Where:  Colorado Springs, Colorado.

This is a designated National Natural Landmark, which sometimes overflows with visitors from all over the world! When the sandstone formations were discovered by surveyors, they decided the rocks had merged the Great Plains’ grasslands with the woodlands of the Southwest and mountain forests of Pike Peak and were then declared it resembled a garden fit for the gods.

5. Vail – been through several times, not on my bucket list

Where: Nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the tiny town is at the foot of the Vail Mountains and nestled in the White River National Forest.

Vail is one of the top ski resorts in Colorado and draws huge crowds in the winter, however, it is pleasant place to visit any time of the year. You can find chalet-style restaurants, shop and hotels which make you feel you are in the heart of the Alps. Vail doesn’t fit in everyone’s budget, especially during high season (winter), however there are several small towns that are more affordable.

Just a “fun” fact. Many celebrities have lived or live in Aspen.

Final answer…Mt. Elbert is the highest mountain in Colorado

This vast mountain rises just 14,440-foot (4401.2 m) above sea level is one of the fourteeners (a mountain peak with an elevation of at least 14,000 ft) and is the highest peak in the Sawatch Range and the second-highest summit in the contiguous United States after Mount Whitney. Mount Elbert is located in San Isabel National Forest, just southwest  of the City of Leadville in Lake County, Colorado.

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DK

 

Wild Flowers & Butterflies

Summer….Where did you go? Oh, I know we have several more weeks, what with surgeries, extreme heat, dangerous air quality and hubby working, wait…I think I found where summer went.

In Colorado, we have had no less than four and up to 13 wildfires burning around us (and 17 total in the state right now), plus the fires from California, Utah and Idaho, if you have any kind of breathing issues, you are in deep trouble. Even if you don’t have any health issues at all, the smoke here in the valley is so thick on days, you can’t see more than 5 miles ahead of you. So, that counts me out of going outside and with over 39 days over 90 degrees, no one wants to go outside! Unless it’s to the community pool and that’s just too many people for me. Luckily, my sister has a pool, but we always seem to miss out on getting it, we divert to arts and crafts!

Any how…Back to the adventure

If you have never experienced the Grand Mesa: Click HERE for more information or check my blog from last year HERE or HERE

We love the Grand Mesa here in western Colorado; from the snow in the winter to the color changing of the trees in the fall, it’s one place cool to go, in fact, it was 100 degrees in GJ and just a cool 69 degrees on top of the Mesa yesterday. The Mesa has tons to offer! I’m pretty sure, you could go up the Mesa every day of the year and not do the same two things twice. There is everything from: skiing, to hiking, to rock climbing, fishing, hunting, moose watching, star watching and much much more!! Being that we are not in tip top condition, we usually opt for the short walk or the drive.

 

Around this time, maybe just a bit earlier in the season, the moose come out on the Mesa and it’s a great time (I guess, I’ve never been), so we headed up the road to see if we could find any moose. Don’t worry, we wouldn’t be the ones getting out of the car and harassing any wild animal! I was hoping for moose, bear, elk, hawk or eagle, and some really pretty wildflowers. Instead we got; deer, squirrels, a dead raccoon, porcupine and skunk (sure could have done without that one), pretty wildflowers and LOTS of butterflies!!! I went to find the name of the butterflies I saw, and found this.

“To some Native American tribes, the yellow butterfly brings guidance and is a sign of hope.

A flying yellow butterfly also symbolizes a sunny and bright summer is ahead.

A yellow butterfly represents joy and creativity. It reminds us to have fun. A yellow butterfly flying around you brings happiness and prosperity. Seeing one also means that something fun and exciting is on its way.

Yellow butterflies represent new life in many cultures…” (1)

 

 

Due to the dry weather, many of the lakes up on the Mesa are really really down. Like scary down. The Colorado and Gunnison rivers are also way down. I mean when you can stand in the middle of a main river, that’s not good!

 

Anyway, it was a nice Sunday drive and we got some good pictures and cooled off for a bit. Some of the leaves seem to be starting to turn, so another trip up there this year is on the agenda!

Beloved Wildflower
A marsh mallow the butterflies dipping and sipping—
© Dane Ann Smith-Johnsen
February 14, 2010

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(1) – Butterfly Insight

Exploring Salt Lake City: The Cathedral of the Madeleine.

There were so many things we wanted to do in Salt Lake City while there, however, there just wasn’t enough time. We did get Temple Square and Capitol Hill checked off our bucket list, the Cemetery was closed, the Family History Library was also closed, however we were able to make a brief stop on our way out at the Cathedral of the Madeleine. 

History: The Cathedral began construction in 1900 and completed in 1909, under the first bishop of Salt Lake City, the Right Reverend Lawrence Scanlan. The cathedral combines its Romanesque exterior with a Gothic interior at a cost of $379,000 (that’s a lot in 1890 for the grounds and the construction back in 1900). Between 1975 – 1980, the cathedral was given a face lift, including a tympanum (not sure what that is…so, let’s check the dictionary.. “a : the recessed usually triangular face of a pediment within the frame made by the upper and lower cornices b : the space within an arch and above a lintel or a subordinate arch“ *1* Now we all know), a copper roof, a double flight of stairs leading to the main entrance, and restoring the gargoyles. Who knew gargoyles went on cathedrals? Between 1991 – 1993 the cathedral was once again renovated; costing a mere $9.7 million, the restoration included every aspect of the inside as they were needed to bring the building into conformity with the reforms which followed the Second Vatican Council. This included a new altar in a prominent location within the congregation, giving the bishop’s chair new centrality, adding a separate Blessed Sacrament Chapel, and adding more baptismal font. It also included seismic retrofit to strengthen the cathedral against earthquakes, , rebuilding the lower level, including Scanlan Hall, a new annex entrance to the cathedral and the construction of a cathedral plaza.

A few of my favorite photos

The Confessional

Pews

Lumin Christi

Lumin Christi random page

Stained Glass, front of the Cathedral

Stained Glass, rear of the cathedral

Fun Fact: “The chapel holds the casket of Lawrence Scanlan, the first bishop of Salt Lake City, Utah.  Sitting on top of the casket is a reliquary containing a small piece of Saint Mary Madeline. The cathedral in Salt Lake City and a Cathedral in France are the only cathedrals in the whole world that contain first class relics of the saint and are both named after the saint.”*2*

That all being said, I find the cathedral extremely beautiful. I have never been in a cathedral of any kind, so this is all new to me and I guess we need to go back to see the casket (if possible).

Our time here was much too short, we will be back! I have lots more I want to see! The Great Salt Lake, the Salt Lake Cemetery and BYU. Of course, In- N- Out will be on the trip itinerary!

Fun Fact: “The cathedral is under the patronage of St. Mary Magdalene
Regarded as the patron saint of penitents in the Catholic Church, Mary Magdalene is known in the New Testament for being a faithful and honorable disciple of Jesus Christ, who witnessed his life, crucifixion and resurrection. For Catholics, the patron saints are divine people who can intercede for them with God.” *3*

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DK

*1* Dictionary 
*2* Wiki
*3* Temple Square

Exploring: Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah

I have been talking for awhile, I would like to take photos of Churches, Cathedrals, Temples, and Castles all over the world. However, right now, budget says, stay local. So that’s what hubby and I did this past weekend. I booked a hotel and since I have used Expedia a lot, I got a nice discount and was less than a mile from Temple Square, where I wanted to explore and take pictures. Great walking distance, or so I thought. We loaded up the car early Sunday morning and hit the road! Count down to SLC, 4.5 hours plus any pit stops or food stops! We weren’t in a hurry, but we wanted to get there.
Hubby is a big fan of In-N-Out Burger and hasn’t had it in awhile, so first stop Provo In-N-Out Burger. We got there right in time, we had no wait line and our food came pretty fast. By the time we were done eating, there was a line out the door!

 

Orem, Utah location Restaurant Details Directions On University W of State St.; SW of University Mall Normal Hours of Operation Sunday – Thursday 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. Friday – Saturday 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 a.m.

That is a Double Double, a hamburger, 1 milkshake, 1 soda and cheese fries (not on the menu, but you can ask for them)

For those of you who don’t know about this hamburger place, they have ONLY three burgers on their menus; double double, hamburger and cheese burger. Each hamburger patty is made from fresh, never frozen 100% USDA ground chuck. They have no fillers, additives or even preservatives. One size of fries and of course they are fresh, hand cut (in store) and cooked in 100% Sunflower Oil.  Milkshakes in just chocolate, vanilla and strawberry are made with real ice cream. Coke products and a Not – So – Secret – Menu…

Back in the car, AC blowing full blast, cause it’s HOT out there!

We find our hotel, great people work there, nice room, up high (facing the wrong way, but it’s all good)! So friendly and willing to help! Throw some sunscreen on and out we go. Hubby wants to walk it, I don’t. We find a train that will take you to Temple Square for FREE!!! Hot dang! Jump on that, ride two blocks (yes, just two blocks!), jump off and head for an open gate.

I have a confession here, I know very little about the Mormon faith. I was kind of nervous to go, as I didn’t know what to expect. What I found was an experience I will never forget. I truly had a spiritual experience.

We started out with Assembly Hall, just the outside at this point.

Built from August 1877 to 1882 at the cost of $90,000.

Then headed over to the Tabernacle. We missed the organ practice by two hours. Guess we shouldn’t have stopped at In-N-Out. This is the home of the infamous Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Built from 1864 to 1867 to house meetings for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), and the location of the church’s  general conferences for 132 years.

The Tabernacle Organ features, 11.623 – pipe prominent, golden pipes, made of round wood staves which were hand carved from Utah time. Just 10 pipes, from the original organ, still work. This organ is one of the largest (and best sounding) organs in the WORLD!

Next was the North Visitors Center.

Lots of Biblical information and paintings, a really cool light up information diorama of Jerusalem, statues and a magnificent statue of Jesus with the Universe featured in the dome of the building.

 

There were beautiful flowers and trees everywhere! Hubby became the area photographer for family pictures. There were water features, statues, and a lot of different buildings. We covered the Assembly Hall, the Tabernacle, the North Visitors Center, now we circle back to the Assembly Hall for it’s interior! Another HUGE Pipe Organ!!! Another beautiful building.

Unfortunately, The Salt Lake Temple it is considered sacred by the church and its members and a temple recommend is required to enter, so there are no public tours inside the temple as there are for other adjacent buildings on Temple Square. However, the Temple is 253,015 square feet and is the largest LDS temple by floor area. Requiring 40 years to complete, the Temple is the 6th temple completed by the church and the 4th Temple built after the Mormon exited Nauvoo, Illinois in 1846.

We decided to forgo the train ride back and walk. It was a hot walk back, but a very quiet one. We passed the home of the Utah Jazz – Vivint Smart Home Arena, the former Union Pacific building and the Devereaux House: also known as the Staines-Jennings Mansion, was built in 1857 for William Staines. The Mansion was expanded by William Jennings, mayor of Salt Lake City from 1882 to 1885.  Devereaux was a social center for the Salt Lake City area, hosting distinguished visitors.

 

I hope you enjoyed these little tidbits of history and photos! Join us next time for Exploring: Cathedral of Madeline, Salt Lake City, Utah

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Joseph Smith (1805–1844) was an American religious leader and the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, which gave rise to Mormonism.

DK