TGIF

 It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude

to live after our own; but the great person is one who in the midst of
the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Friday at last.  Whew!!!  5 more days to go.  Unbelievable.  The nightmare is about to come to an end.  It wasn't always like this.  At one time, I loved it, but when CEO's don't believe in security and lock themselves upstairs in their comfy offices, either oblivious or just not caring about what goes on around them, your outlook changes and you want to get out of there as fast as you can.  A disillusioned co-worker still in college to become a social worker said to me, "This social work is not what I thought it would be when I went back to school."  I replied, "Don't give up your dream. There are so many out there who need your help.  This isn't social work.  This is a circus."  And at times we all do feel like circus performers.  This is when our illustrious leader comes strutting through with an entourage of visitors behind him, pointing everything out on the floor as he gives his tour, including us.  We've all found that rather offensive from Day One.

Yesterday I watched the entire series of "The Revolutionary War" on the Military Channel. Knowing that many of your ancestors fought and died in the Revolution sends shivers up your spine. This brings the war home, distant past as it may be.   I was especially awed when I learned that a great uncle, Samuel Prescott, picked up that infamous ride when Paul Revere was captured by the British. Later, I spent almost the entire afternoon on Ancestry, updating my Revolutionary War ancestors. Before closing out, I updated some of my female ancestors.  There is so little information on them, and it takes some real detective work.  

Did you know that we were relics back in those days?  I laughed my butt off the first time I saw that written on a tombstone, "Here lies....., Relic of....", but it is really quite insulting to me.  Perhaps it is the way we look at the word today. We see a relic as something old, albeit something to be treasured, but in those days, the meaning was 'one who survived', meaning the woman outlived her husband.  I still find it offensive. 

Did anyone watch the Macy's fireworks? I don't know about you, but I found it a huge disappointment.  The fireworks themselves were great, but I can't say the same for the music.  I've watched for many years and usually patriotic songs are played during the actual fireworks, but last night we had to listen to the likes of Kanye West, Rhianna, and Usher, who used their partnership in the production to showcase their songs.  Nothing patriotic about it, and I got so disgusted that I turned it off.  

Speaking of the holiday, I just want to let everyone know that yesterday I celebrated my own personal Independence Day as well.  It's been four years since I smoked a cigarette. 

So, moving on, this is my last pay week at work, my last cooking weekend, and it really isn't going to be so bad.  I only have to cook for one week. Then I will be able to cook like a normal person, spending time on my recipes and cooking with love rather than just cooking to get it done.  Other than that, I am just planning to take it easy and prepare myself for my last week of work. It's finally here.

Wishing you all a fantastic Weekend.  See you on Monday.