What I Did
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From Darkness to Light–Fancy Way of Saying We Changed a Closet Light Fixture
My husband loves that I am doing my “Beckie Lives and Learns” blog, etc. “Why?” you may wonder. My husband is very handy and likes to tinker around and fix things. I am now a much more captive and willing audience. He knows that I am now willing to try to understand and learn what he is doing (as opposed to just walking away to do something else). This afternoon, we (term used loosely–I held a flashlight, watched, and listened) changed the light fixture in my bedroom closet because it would no longer stay on. I was ready to learn how to do what I envisioned would be a fairly…
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Million Dollar Quartet
I love musical theater! I love professional musical theater! I love community musical theater! I recently had the experience of seeing musical history come to life before my very eyes and ears! I recently saw a local professional production of “Million Dollar Quartet.” For those who don’t know, this show is inspired by what happened on December 4, 1956–Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley were together at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the best jam sessions ever! (This really happened!) I didn’t just see but rather experienced this performance at the Marriott Theater in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Certainly, some musicals are great…
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A-hem, Part 2
I am glad to say that all worked out well in the saga of my attempt to hem trousers using HeatnBond. I promised an update, so here you go! Because my husband is very handy and wanted to make sure that I did not ruin the iron (I did not take offense to this), he lead the iron cleaning task. As mentioned in my earlier “A-hem” post, we found instructions for cleaning the melted on adhesive off of the iron via the product website. (Thanks, Mom, for the fabric softener sheets that we needed! Mom to the rescue!) Take home point: if you have a problem, check the product website!…
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A-hem
I am writing this as much for the purpose of venting as for sharing. Hopefully my experience will help others remember that when you get frustrated and feel stupid trying to accomplish what seems like a simple task, you are not alone. As perfect as so many things appear on-line, reality can get really annoying and frustrating. My daughter and her friend recently wanted to go “Thrifting” –the treasure hunt to see if they could find something really cool for a low price at a thrift store. (They were successful!) I was happy to take them. While at the thrift store, I decided to look for pants to wear to…
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Bernie’s Book Bank
I am extremely fortunate to have something very special–a close relationship with a group of my best girlfriends from high school. For 30+ years (hard to believe it has really been that long), we have done a Secret Santa gift exchange. This year, one of the group suggested that we do something different together. She suggested that we all volunteer together, and a new plan was set into motion! We chose to volunteer for a local organization called Bernie’s Book Bank. I had heard great things about the place, but I had never volunteered there. Bernie’s Book Bank provides free books to low income children throughout Chicagoland, 12 books per…
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Going Back to My Original Plan…
In the “About Me” section, I described why I started a blog. Well, I have to put my original idea into action. In my head, the idea of reaching out, filling my life with new ideas and experiences, and sharing these adventures was great! In my head, everything comes about so smoothly and easily. Then reality starts to kick in. I admit that I am a little nervous about putting myself out there. Once I post my idea on a Facebook page, what will happen? Will I embarrass myself? Will I be ignored? Will people say, “I love your idea!” but nothing comes of it? (How often do you and…
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Happy Birthday to Me!
Birthdays come each year (stating the obvious). Some approach the date with dread. I choose to make the most of it. I tell people that as I get older, I just get better and use more hair coloring. Saying that, most years I choose to throw myself a party. This is usually a potluck brunch. Chaos is a part of this process each year. Why, then, do I do it? There are several reasons. First of all, having plans for guests is a great way to inspire more housecleaning than what would otherwise take place. I have learned in my house that having a neat house so that it is…
