The idea for this post came in an email from Laura Mitchell. She represents cellphonedeal.com, and that’s where I found this link, and this image. She asked if I’d share it with you. My answer . . . with pleasure!             Link: 13 Awesome Uses for Your Old Smartphone (cellphonedeal.com)
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​​                                                                                     Part 1: Four great ways to use your old smartphone. ​
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1.  A Music Player – Who would have thought you could recycle/reuse your phone as a record player or iPod? I didn’t! You can also use it to listen to audio books or podcasts. That way you can save your smartphone battery for something else. 


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2.  ​An e-Reader – If you use your old phone as an e-Reader, you can always have it charged up and ready to go. Best of all, it’s old so no one else will borrow it!

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​3.  A Spare Camera – Who doesn’t need one, that fits in your pocket? I didn’t realize cell phones had better cameras than some of the ones you buy in a camera shop. Another plus – you can buy accessories that will fit your old, recycled camera. If you keep them altogether, you’ll be ready for your next photo-op!

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​4.  A PDA or Digital Calendar – I had to look up PDA . . . it’s like a palm pilot from the 90’s. They worked like a little computer, but you could carry them around. They probably became today’s smartphones. Digital calendar . . . now that one I understood. Who knew an old, outdated phone could be so useful!
 


​                                            Part 2: Four more great ways to reuse/recycle your old smartphone. 
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​​5.  A First Phone for Your Child – Here’s another way to reuse your old phone and save a little money. Kids only need basic features for their first phone. Your old one might be a perfect fit for them. Just do yourself a favor . . .  double check that it’s kid-friendly before you pass it on to them.  

​​ 6.  Backup Storage – Need extra storage that you won’t lose, like a thumb drive? Try using your old phone. You can keep files, videos, or photos on it. It’s a great place to store data, and it’s easy to get to. 

​​7.  A Universal Remote – I didn’t know smartphones could control the TV, but my daughter did. She added an app that put me back in control. Guess what?! Your old phone could do that for you and your family too.

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 8.  A Gaming Device – Have you ever had your phone die because someone was playing games on it . . . Maybe, it was even you! Did you know you could use your old phone as a Gameboy, like back in the day? Try it out, and you’ll have a great new way to play the latest online games. And, your new phone will still have a charge! 



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Part 3:  The last five ways to reuse/recycle your old smartphone.
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​9.  An Alarm Clock – My phone wakes me up. It’s simple, and it works well. It can for you too, whether you use your old phone, or a new one.


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​​10.  A Back-up Phone – Back in April I really wanted that extra phone. I lost mine somewhere in the airport on my way home from Texas. It took 2 days to return and get a new one. I felt lost without any phone. I spent the third day making sure all my apps worked again. Having a back-up would have made everything easier!


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11. Emergency Phone – It sounds just like a back-up phone. The biggest difference between the two – an emergency phone must always be charged; in case you have to make that call.

My husband and I don’t need an emergency/back-up phone. A better idea – to give our old phones to seniors, like parents or relatives. It could be a lifesaver, if they know how to use it properly. 

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​ 12. Donate it – There are some great services out there that will accept your old phone. My local funeral home collects them, then sends them overseas so our troops can phone home to their families. That’s a great cause!
Important Warning – make sure you delete all your information from your phone. If you’re not sure how to do it, check the link from cellphonedeal.com. List item #12 will tell you how to do it.


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13. Donate its Processing Power – I hadn’t heard of this, but the link from cellphonedeal.com had some apps that can and will use the processing power of your phone. It’s wonderful to know that your old phone can help someone in need.

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In 1965 a song came out about Henry VIII. I thought Henry was the king who’d had 6 wives. This Henry, but I was wrong.

I just looked up the song and reread the lyrics. It turns out the song’s Henry married a widow from next door, and she’d married seven other Henry’s. That made him the widow’s eighth Henry.


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Here’s the cover from that 1965 song. It hit #1 on the US charts, and it was the fastest selling song in history, back then.

It’s still one of the shortest songs in chart history. That’s because it only used the chorus. There are actually three verses, but Herman’s Hermits didn’t use any of them. I guess they wanted their song short and snappy.
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The Hermits skipped the verses, but they kept the Cockney accent from the original song. It was written back in 1910. Their Henry is pronounced Enery, with three syllables.
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​Would you like to hear The Hermits?  Click this link.
Link: henry viii i am song - Search (bing.com)

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​Would you like to learn more about the song, Henry VIII? Click this link.
Link: I'm Henery the Eighth, I Am - Wikipedia
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Photo Source: By MGM Records - Stereo Gum, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62053039

School’s out for the summer, and it’s lovely – more time for vacation and family – But it can also make it harder to get things done. If you need a little help, here are four tips from Justin Bennett. (@HealthyFit.info). I hope they’re just what you need.

​Having a baby or toddler makes life exciting and exhausting. However, working from home while managing your children presents an additional layer of challenges. If you are looking for ways to be successful when working remotely while taking care of your kids at the same time, follow these four tips.
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​1. Rely on Others
Having a support system makes a huge difference when it comes to taking care of your kids while working. Your partner, family members, friends, and neighbors are all excellent resources when you need someone to watch your child.
 
Sit down with your husband or wife and make a weekly schedule; it should note who watches your children and when. Do your best to include some child-free work time for yourself.
 
Maybe there are a few days during the week it would be helpful for someone else to watch your child. Perhaps you need someone on standby for extra busy days. Talk to people in your support system, and see if any of them can tend to your kiddos on a regular basis or as needed.
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​2. Reorganize Your Processes
If you are a company employee, over time you have probably gotten into the habit of doing things a certain way. Taking a step back and reevaluating your processes helps you realize there are faster options that save you time.
 
For example, maybe your inbox is a mess, and you have simply gotten used to it being that way. Making a few teaks can make it easier to manage and track emails. Search online for articles and videos with helpful recommendations for reorganizing your inbox.
 
If you are a freelancer, you have more flexibility with revamping your processes. Maybe you need help tracking your income. Instead of sending a generic email to customers as a bill, better track the amount and accuracy of payments using free tools. Check out this invoice maker. This allows you to create professional invoices that feature your logo and brand. Simply select from a variety of pre-built templates, and customize your invoice with your brand colors, business name, logo, and other important information. 
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​3. Stock Up on Toys and Books
Whether your kiddo is stationary, sitting, crawling, or running, having items to play with helps him or her stay busy while you work. Set up a play area in or near your office so you can monitor your child.
 
Fill the area with kid toys, books, and games. Wash the toys on a regular basis to prevent germs from spreading. Stock up on toys without spending lots of money by shopping at thrift stores and garage sales.

4. Make To-Do Lists
Many people find their lives run smoother when utilizing checklists. According to one article, 96% of those surveyed felt their lives were better when they used to-do lists.
 
To prevent personal and professional tasks from slipping through the cracks, make a to-do list at the beginning of each day. Check items off as they are accomplished. Create other to-do lists throughout the month, such as bills or chores lists. As needed, add tasks from these indexes to your daily list. This ensures big-picture items are not overlooked and get tackled during the week. 

While working remotely gives you more freedom, you need to take intentional steps to make sure your job and your little ones are tended to. Following these four tips brings balance to your workday while still loving on your children. Visit Rinda Beach for more.

I spotted this on one of my Private Facebook Groups, and I saved it to share with you. It made sense to me because I’ve done all of these things, tried to quit, and found myself going back there again. Bad habits, they’re hard to break!

​​When I went back, my source had disappeared. I did a reverse picture search and found the original site on Tiny Buddha.com. I’m glad to give them credit.

1.  Trying to please everyone – Have you ever felt like this? Like everyone wants a piece of you, and you just can’t say no? You don’t have to be a doctor to feel this way. It happens to everyone, even kids.

I’m a retired teacher, and I used to feel that way all the time. I had kids at home and at school who needed me, and I tried to help everyone.
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Fear needs to be handled like anything else. I look for opportunities in it. Sometimes what I fear actually makes my life easier. Look at elementary age kids – no diapers. No terrible twos. It was my favorite time with my three kids.
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Losing a job/failing to find a new one – those are hard changes to make. When I’m in the middle of one, I look for silver linings. I wait for them. I know they’ll come, but I have to be patient and wait them out. You can too.

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​3.  Living in the Past – You have no choice. You can’t stay in the past. It will quickly become the present, and eventually the future. Nothing stays the same forever. I’ve been a kid, an adult, a mom, and now a grandma. Each stage had things that were wonderful, and awful.
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​That’s life. It’s interesting that #2 fearing change, and #3 living in the past can be the same. You have to change to move into the future. For me, the trick is to minimize what’s awful. Then I look for silver linings. There are opportunities out there. Sometimes you have to look for them. Sometimes you have to work, and make them happen.
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​4.  Putting Yourself Down – Are you harder on yourself than you are on anyone else? Me too. It’s important to be honest with yourself, but you also need to give yourself a break, the kind you give other people.

​I’m a recovering perfectionist. I’ve learned to forgive myself when I fall short. It’s hard. It’s easier to forgive someone else.
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My advice – Put yourself up. Recognize one thing you’re doing well. You have to believe in yourself to get things done. Put downs can stop your forward progress.

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​5.  Overthinking – Do you examine every angle before you start something new? Thinking through consequences is a good thing . . . unless you freeze and can’t move forward.

​I overthink things, but I’ve learned to balance it by looking for problems, and then coming up with solutions. If they don’t work, I make a new plan. Life is about problem solving, not perfection. I want to enjoy both the journey, and the challenges.

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​1.  Please yourself. If you’re not happy, no one else will be either.
2. Examine change. Look at it closely. Does it fit you and your style? Adjust as needed. You don’t have to change, for change sake alone.
3.  Live in the present. Learn from the past, and plan for the future, but enjoy the here and now. No one is guaranteed tomorrow.
4. Compliment yourself. Celebrate what you do well, and what mistakes can teach you.
5. Make a plan and test-drive it. Correct as needed. Remember detours can be a good thing. 
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My grandkids have given me a couple of book ideas, but I never thought my grandmother, Rinda Hoskins Wilson would inspire one. I never met her, ever. She died when my mom was two. Then I read a book, and my grandma inspired this blog post, and eventually a story, I hope. 

Part 1 – A Mentor Book Gives Me Inspiration: This book is beautiful, inside and out. It’s a grandma story I found for Saturday Reads, but I didn’t read it. Why not? The story wasn’t about my grandmother.

It was about the author’s, or one she’d heard about. Suhalla, the main character, asks her Mama what her Grandma Annie was like. It’s funny, I’ve always wondered about mine too.

Mama answers. She tells Suhalla how Grandma loved the moon. How she’d help anyone who needed a hand. Then the most amazing thing happens . . . Grandma comes down the ladder to Suhalla’s window, and they have an adventure . . . on the moon!

It’s a lovely story, but it doesn’t have my grandmother in it. I tried to find her, but I couldn’t. I was hoping somehow, through the power of story, I’d see a tiny piece of her.

Then a few days later I got an idea. . . . Why not write a grandma story about mine? I don’t know where it’s going, but I have to flesh it out . . . Story magic keeps nudging me to figure it out.

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Part 2 – The Search for Inspiration in Two Old Blog Posts: Inspiration is the spark, but it needs fuel to grow. My only source right now is two old posts I wrote about her, but it’s a start . . .

​When I moved to the lake, I also found three stories my mom had never heard about a switch, a rabid dog, and a handkerchief. If I’ve made you curious, here’s the link to those stories: 
​Link:  http://www.rindabeach.com/blog/a-chair-for-my-grandmother-or-me-and-my-grandmother
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​​One of my cousins sent these two photos after I published the first post. I’d never seen them before. The first one is my grandmother, grandfather, and their four oldest children. My mom and her brother Don aren’t there . . . They weren’t born yet. 
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The second one is my Great Grandfather George’s family. He was a widower with two daughters. He married my Great Grandmother Mary, and they had two little girls and two little boys. They’re in the light-colored clothing. Grandma Rinda’s on the far right. Mom said I looked like her when I was 7.  I think it’s because she fixed my hair that way for school pictures, on purpose.

This post, Tracing Rinda’s Roots, took me backward in time. I followed my grandfather’s family back to 1772 when they left Scotland. Here’s the link: http://www.rindabeach.com/blog/tracing-rindas-roots

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​Part 3 – Finding a Story for Me and My Grandmother: Here are the two of us together. Now my challenge – to find a way to put us into a story together.

It’s funny, the last thing I wrote in my July 2017 post was a bucket list. I said stories have a way of finding me, and that I hoped to find a few from visiting the past. This one came from a Mother’s Day picture book that didn’t make it into Saturday Reads. It feels like Story Magic’s giving me a prompt, again.

​                            To develop the story, I’ll need to ask myself a few key questions.

* What kind of book should this be?  A picture book, chapter book, or middle grade?
It depends on the story and its audience.

*  Who’s the best audience for it? A young child or a teen?

*  How will I find my grandma? Will I see her in the mirror, hear her whisper in the wind, see her in the clouds, or find her in my dreams? Any of these are possible.
Maybe I’ll combine them, or maybe there’s a better idea I haven’t thought of, yet.

*  What’s at stake for me/my main character? What do I get if I find grandma?
What do I lose if I don’t?
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For now . . . I’ll let my ideas marinate . . . until I can find my way into the story.
​I hope it’s soon, for Me and My Grandmother.              

I tried reading Twenty-One Steps like I’ve always done, but reading in a video isn’t the same as reading live. I felt like I was the star, and it should always be the book. Then I remembered eBooks. I can read them on zoom. I’m tiny, and the book is the star. That’s the way it’s supposed to be.

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​​Step 1 – Picking the Book: On Sunday afternoon I post a new vlog. By Sunday night I have the next post picked for the following week. Coming up –  Leaving on a Jet Plane – Surviving the Bumpy Ride. It was about my trip home from Texas. How it took me two days to get back to Ohio, when it was supposed to take one.

Once I pick a post for the vlog, I look for a book that’s on topic in The Ohio Digital Library. Sunday night I searched planes. I didn’t like the fictional picture books, but I found three nonfiction ones. I checked them out, read all three, but kept the one that was just right. 
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​ This is the book I kept. It doesn’t talk down to kids. It has great information about how planes and helicopters work. AND, it shows how they’re alike and different.

Step 2 – Writing a Script: I always use a script when I make a video. I don’t have to read it word for word, but it keeps me on track with what I want to say. I write a single page for Saturday Reads.
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I start with a question about the topic. Add in another sentence or two. Then I introduce myself. I tell you a little about myself, the book I’m reading, and why you should stay tuned. Next I transition into the book itself. After reading, it’s time to say goodbye, time to invite you back for Sunday’s vlog and for next Saturday’s Read.
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​Step 3 – Revision: I revise everything! I use narrator to listen to the script. I make at least three rounds through my words. I want to make sure that I’ve said what I wanted to say, that I said it clearly, and that it sounds good to my ear.
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​Step 4 – Video Taping: I video tape my script and book on zoom. But first, I practice going through the whole thing one time, without hitting record. Even though I’ve gone through the script 3 times, I still practice.
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I can’t tell you how many times I’ve caught a mistake, something I thought was in the script, like a sentence, but I forgot to write it in. Or maybe it was a slide that was in the script, but I forgot to make it.

Practice helps me move from slide to slide, from page to page. It also helps me transition from Zoom to the book, and back out again. Practice doesn’t make perfect, but it sure helps me do my very best Saturday Reads for you.
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​Step 5 – Social Media: The final step! I do 3 rounds on social media. On Thursday afternoon, I put out an announcement on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter with the title of Saturday’s book, plus a little more. Think of it like a tease – something to get your attention so you’ll tune in.
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​On Friday or Saturday depending on my schedule, I tape the video and put it into my business Facebook account. On Fridays, I schedule it for Saturday at 4. On Saturday afternoons when I’m running late, I let it go live as soon as Facebook processes it. Usually it takes at least 30 minutes. If I’m at the lake, I head to McDonald’s to schedule it. The lake is heaven, but the internet stinks.
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Once the video goes live on my business page on Saturday, I post it on my personal Facebook account, Instagram, and Twitter. Then . . . I’m done! Sometime Sunday night I start thinking about my vlog for next week, and a book to match. By Monday . . . my book is checked out.

Summer’s coming! No teachers! No homework! No school rules! It’s a kid’s favorite time of year! For parents, it depends . . . on if your kids can find things to do that don’t get them, or you, in trouble. TV is an option, but there are others. Better ones. If you need some, here are 15. If you’re feeling anxious now, here’s the link for some options, AND their illustrations.

                Link: 15 Things You Could Achieve Tonight Instead Of Watching TV (cablecompare.com)

​ Marci from Cablecompare.com sent me this idea a month ago. My plan – to share their link with you. Then to write about their list with my own unique retired teacher spin. My advice, ask your kids what fits them. Then let the summer flow. Do what fits your family. Change it up when needed. Then you’ll all have a better summer. Blink . . . and it will be over! Summer always goes way too fast.

​​Reading, Writing, and Artwork (#1, 2, 5): You could do these together or separately. With my examples, don’t worry about perfection. With my 2nd graders, if they marked a word, I’d correct the spelling. If they didn’t, I’d let it go. The important thing is that your kids enjoy what they’re doing. You don’t have to do one every day, unless your child wants to. One a week is enough! ​Feel free to switch them up. Variety is the spice of life!

Example 1 – Join a summer reading program – record your books in a journal/calendar/sheet of paper. It doesn’t matter. The journal part can be as simple as writing the title and I love this book/hate it/because. Add an illustration, and you’re done!

Example 2 – You could sign up for something like Storyworth, the one you’ve seen on TV. Let your kids interview you, write it up, revise, and illustrate it with their own artwork or by selecting photos. If they’re not comfortable writing, you could do it, and let them help you revise it. They can listen to it on the computer on an ap like narrator, or they could listen to you read it out loud. They’ll hear the things they want to change, which is what you want them to do. Remember, perfection is over-rated, especially when it comes to kids.
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Example 3 – Write letters to a relative or a friend. If they answer, it’s a bonus. Everyone loves getting mail!

Take a Walk and Get Fit (#3 & 4): If you’re walking, that’s getting fit for me. It doesn’t have to be walking around the block. Example 1 – It could be walking along a beach, through a museum or the mall, even a toy store.

Getting fit doesn’t have to be calisthenics every day. Example 2 – Kids need to play whether it’s a team sport like soccer or baseball. A backyard game counts. So does an afternoon at the pool or swimming classes. I’d even count a playdate at a friend’s house.

Summer is downtime for kids. School pushes them to meet standards, to pass achievement tests. They need a break, and a break that’s fun. Summer’s coming, and the biggest thing I wish for you . . . is FUN!

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              Here are 5 more things you can do instead of watching TV. Thank you, Cablecompare.com!
                Link: 15 Things You Could Achieve Tonight Instead Of Watching TV (cablecompare.com)

​Make Dinner, Learn Something New, Family Time, & Do Chores (#6, 7, 8, 10): Would you believe you can combine these too? Here are a few ideas. Example 1 – Think cooking! Plan a meal and cook it as a family. There are lots of great skills that are new for kids, and chores to be done from setting the table to cleaning up.

Example 2 – Learn something new. Look around your community. Places like libraries and YMCA’s offer classes, especially during the summer. When you’re on vacation, keep your eyes open for new things to try, like boogie boarding or hunting for seashells. When you’re finished, don’t forget to clean up and put things away.

Example 3 – Clean as a family. You could pick one room, or set a time limit like an hour. Let little ones help. It makes them feel big, and they learn real life skills. When you’re done, have fun together. You earned it!
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​Call a Friend (#9): Example 1 – How many kids miss their friends over summer vacation? This is a great way to promote social skills and to arrange playdates.
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Example 2 – Don’t forget your family! They love hearing from you. You can take turns, or put it on speakerphone and let the conversation flow.

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Here are 5 more things you can do instead of watching TV. Thank you, Cablecompare.com!
Link: 15 Things You Could Achieve Tonight Instead Of Watching TV (cablecompare.com)

Make Plans & Work on Them (#14 & 15): In other words, set a goal and work towards it. You could set one for yourself to accomplish by the end of the summer. You could set one as a family. Then, figure out the steps to get you there. Example 1 – If your goal is to read 10 chapter books this summer, try reading a chapter book a week. By the end of the summer you’ll have read 10 – 12 books.  
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Example 2 – If your family goal is to take a vacation together, then you’ll need to figure out how much your family can spend, look at places to go, pick one, make reservations, pack your bags, and go. Every voyage starts with that first step!
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Some Ideas – Redecorate, Expand your Horizons, or Join a Club (#11, 12, 13):  Example 1 – Set a goal to redecorate a room, like maybe the family room. The easiest and cheapest way is to change the paint color. Another small step is to watch yard sales and thrift shops for treasures. If you have a problem, like the toys are everywhere, look for storage. When you finish redecorating, you’ll have a brand-new room that everyone can enjoy.

Example 2 – It reminds me of #7, learn something new. Whatever you call it, look around for ideas. Maybe you want to try photography or crafts. The local library or art store might have something that will fit you or your family.If you go to the Y, look for sports or activities to join. Maybe even a club, like rock climbing. Keep your eyes open for opportunities. Give them a try. Even if you don’t like them, you’ll have tried something new.
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Finally, remember summertime is downtime. Don’t push so hard to set goals and achieve them, that you forget to have fun. Kids grow up. Enjoy your time together. It ends all too soon. Here’s to making the summer of 2022 the best one ever!

​Have you traveled on an airplane since Covid? I hadn’t, not until last week. It was an airline I’ve never flown, but it’s the worst trip I’ve ever taken. Ever! It was that bad!

I was flying to Texas to see family. I had a delay, but I made it to my next flight on time. Thank goodness! But going home to Ohio . . . it was awful! Here’s the story of that flight, and what I learned. ​

​​ Part 1 – Delays, Cancellation, and Falling Apart:  It all started with one delay. It rolled through the whole afternoon. Four hours later we finally boarded the plane. We made it out to the runway, sat there for like 15 minutes, then returned to the airport. It was so depressing. An hour later my flight was cancelled.

I thought I was handling it. I read my kindle all afternoon, snacked on popcorn, and made jokes about sleeping in the airport. It all fell apart when I was waiting in line for fast food that wasn’t. When I finally got mine, there was no place to sit and eat.  
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I was at the end of my rope, close to tears. That’s when my husband texted me some great advice. He said I should get a room for the night. I listened. I’m glad I did. The 6 or 7 hours of sleep helped me get through the next day. Would you believe it was even worse?
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​ Things I Did Right:
1. Bringing my kindle so I’d have something to do.
2. Taking a walk every hour or so. Exercise is always a good thing.
3. I listened when my husband had a better option.

Things I Did Wrong:
1. I ate junk food. It was popcorn, but it didn’t fuel my body. It let me fall apart. Next time – I’ll eat a better lunch and dinner, so my body’s fueled for speed bumps. They’re all over the airport.
2. I planned to sleep there. I’m a diabetic with insulin shots and pills to take. Stress and lack of sleep will increase my blood sugar level. That’s a terrible thing for me. Next time – I’ll look for a hotel as soon as my flight is cancelled. Self-care is important when navigating an airport.

​Part 2 – More Delays, A Missed Flight, and A Lost Phone:  The next day, well, it got even worse. It was a downhill slide that didn’t stop until I got back to Detroit at 10:00PM.

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​It started with an early wake-up call. My alarm got me up at 5:30 so I could be at the airport by 6:00AM. I thought my flight was at 8. I wanted to make sure I had plenty of time. If you know me, you know that I’m not an early bird. My worst nightmare – waking up at 8 and missing my flight.

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​​ By the time I arrived at the airport and grabbed a light breakfast, OK, Chex Mix, my flight time moved back to 10:10AM. I wished they’d told me earlier. I would have slept another 2 hours. But I thought let it go.

Within 10-15 minutes, someone stopped to chat. She remembered me from the night before and asked why I was there so early. Would you believe my flight was delayed the night before, after I left the airport? My airline, whom I won’t identify, and whom I will never fly again EVER, didn’t message me. URGH!

​​So I settled back into my kindle and waited. At 9:30 . . . nothing. At 10 . . . the flight was delayed, again. I kept reading. I tried to remain calm and focused. Thank goodness I got at least 6 hours of sleep! I also picked up some popcorn to get me through. It helped, a little.

At 11:10 . . . nothing. No change, and my plane had been sitting outside since it cancelled the night before. I watched and waited. About 11:30 the airline announced we’d be leaving soon. I wondered when soon would come . . . this afternoon . . . this evening . . . maybe tomorrow?!

​​There was another flight arriving from Dallas, departing again in the gate next door. The airline announced they’d be leaving as soon as their plane arrived, and, prepped for departure again. They also announced anyone who had early connecting flights leaving before 12 should speak to the desk. Mine left at 1:15. I knew it’d be close, but I thought I’d be safe. NOT!

​We finally left at 12:30 after sitting on the runway for 30 minutes. There were 4 planes ahead of us. The flight to Dallas took 1 hour and 30 minutes. TROUBLE AGAIN! My flight left without me!

​​By the time we finally took off, I was hangry. I’d gone through worry over my next flight, plus hunger. Chex Mix and popcorn won’t keep you going when you’re stressed out.
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​Then the airlines did it. They served first class. I was the row behind, and I got nothing. They cancelled my flight and made me pay for a hotel room, but they couldn’t give me a coke and pretzels. URGH! When they finally did, I was the last one served. Surprisingly the first-class flight attendant could take away my trash – even though she couldn’t serve me. URGH again!

The first employee sent me to gate 28. No one was there. Figures! Then I ran into my favorite flight attendant from 1st class. At least she pointed out a gate, and it had someone there. SAVED!
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I went over, got my flight changed, and thought I was on the road to recovery. I found my gate, then stopped to find a place to eat. I lucked out! I had the best waitress, best food . . . but that’s when disaster struck. AGAIN!

​​ I settled in with my drink, food on the way. I had time to text my husband my new flight information. The only problem . . . NO PHONE. I made myself sit still. With my heart pounding and panic gushing through me, I could barely do it once, let alone twice.
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After the 2nd search, my waitress came back. She asked if I was OK. I said no. That my phone was gone. It was all I could do not to cry. I didn’t have my food yet. She offered to let me go look. I thought for 2 seconds, then decided I needed to sit, to eat. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made. I needed food, badly, and I needed to gather my composure.

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​​Part 3 –The Search and My Return Home: After lunch, I began the search for my phone. First up – finding the lost and found. My waitress couldn’t help, but I remembered seeing an airline information room.

I stopped by a gate along the way and asked the attendant to try my phone. It rang, but no one answered. His guess, my phone got turned into a supervisor who locked it away.
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My next stop, the airline information room . . . it was absolutely useless. They couldn’t help with the lost phone or with calling my husband. But at least they gave me the terminal and gate number for the lost and found. 
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​I made it to the right terminal, the right gate, but the wrong room for the lost and found. Would you believe it was next door? They hadn’t gotten in any phones all day either. I asked to make a call but wound up going next door again. Do you ever feel like you’re chasing your tail?
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I finally made my call. My hero made sure I gave my husband the flight number, passed me a couple tissues, and looked up the arrival time for Detroit. She brushed off my thanks, but I repeated it. Kindness means the most when your life is just plain horrible. 

​I fought to keep back tears during the call. Afterwards I took a minute to gather myself together, to figure out what to do next. I had 2 hours before my flight. I decided to take a few minutes to backtrack to see if I could find my phone. Nothing, but walking off anxiety helped. So did a kind supervisor who checked her gates. Kindness makes everything easier. 
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​It was time to head to the gate. I was over an hour early. My flight wasn’t on the screen, so I settled in to wait, and to read. Finally about 30 minutes before my flight, the screen lit up . . . Denver. Not Detroit! I panicked!

I ran to the nearest attendant for help. He said I had time, then sent me on to the right gate. I had another 30 minutes to wait. Another delay, and the gates changed on me. I was beginning to wonder if I’d ever get home.

​When I finally got on that last plane, I was thrilled! I was in the back row of an airbus, but I didn’t care. I was finally going home after 2 days of delays and cancellations. My husband was in Detroit, waiting on me. I got in at 10PM, then home to Wapak at midnight. My trip was finally over! The next one – I’m driving!  

​​Things I Did Right:
1. Eating a good meal, especially after I’d lost my phone.
2. Retracing my steps to find it. Exercise is good for your body and your brain.
3. Repaying kindness with a sincere thank-you.
Things I Did Wrong:
1. I carried my phone in my hand when I got into Dallas. Next time – I’ll keep it in my bag. Losing things is too easy when you’re stressed out.
2. When I left the gate with my new flight, I didn’t double check to see if I’d left anything out. Next time – I’ll make sure I have everything in my bag, before I take a step in any direction.
3. Losing my phone upset me. Next time – I’ll start looking for that silver lining sooner. I got a new phone, and it’s better than my old one.
Scheduling Flights:
1. I will stay away from small airports. They’re having trouble staffing their flights.  Next time – If I’m flying into Hobby, I’ll take Southwest. It’s their Houston hub.

​If you’re like me, you could try this . . . I window-shop with my emails. Looking makes me happy. It’s like a treasure hunt, and the treasure is finding a dog who makes me click on his picture.  

My emails start with a header from Adopt a Pet. Underneath are photos like Mini’s. All you have to do is click, and you can read more about her. Sometimes there are more pictures. Either way it’s fun to look, and it’s free!
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I used to look at poodles and doodles, but now I search for pugs  and bulldogs. I clicked on Mini, but she’s already been adopted, and that  makes me happy. I love looking!
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​Here’s one of the dogs who tempted me. The tilt of her head, the look in her eyes. She seemed curious, like she wanted to know what was going on.

She also reminds me of my dog Leia. She used to lay with her back legs in the same position. It looks like it’d hurt, but it was her favorite way to relax. I always read the information below the picture. It’s fun to look, to imagine her as my dog. 
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​This pair of dogs caught my eye. They’re bonded, like best friends, so they should be adopted together. My favorite part – how they’re alert, but also ready to chill out. Me too!
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Puppies are just plain cute! I love this one’s face and imagining what he’s up to. Plus looking beats adopting. No puddles!
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If you’re like me and you can’t have a dog, looking through emails is the next best thing. You get some of the fun, but none of the work. And who knows where it might lead?!

Part 1 – Me and Storyworth:  Have you seen Storyworth in ads on TV? I have. I almost got it for my mother for Christmas. There were things I wanted to know about her, but my husband and I thought it would be too hard, even if I did the writing. Now I’m glad I didn’t. Mom died in early December, but I wish I’d been able to do this five years ago.

​It turns out someone in our family got Storyworth for Christmas. Me! It was from my daughter, and now every Monday, she gives me new homework . . . every Monday! That’s when I get a new email prompt from Storyworth. I’m 4 behind, and I’ve never been late on homework . . . ever!
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​The first photo was from Storyworth’s Facebook page. This one is from the top of their webpage. I’d never seen it, until I started putting together this post. It’s a treasure! It’s a letter from the founder of Storyworth that tells their story. I’ll let it speak for itself. It’s worth reading!

​You can read the letter, but you can also listen to the video. I didn’t, but you can go to their website and listen. I believe that the young man is one of the founders, Nick Baum, and the older man is his father. I love their story, even though I didn’t listen (I had this blog to write).

​Meet the founders, Nick and Krista Baum. I love mom and pop businesses! I read that Nick’s from Stockholm and grew up in France. I bet he has some stories to pass onto his own family. I hope they find time to write them down. Their kids will love them!

Meet Sarah Christian, the customer care lead. Her team is easy to work with! I’m known for my questions, and someone from Storyworth answered within 24 hours.

Both questions were about formatting pictures. BTW – I learned the best strategy is to put all your photos at the bottom of your answer. If you have 2, 3, or 4 pictures, then take a screenshot. Put it at the bottom.
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Part 2 – My Storyworth Account: This is my homepage for my year-long adventure on Storyworth. Normally I don’t see it. The question I’m answering has a link. I click on it, paste in my answer and a photo or two. Then I click save. But if I’m editing, or want to know where I’m at, this is where I go to check-in.  

​Here are the first five stories I wrote for my daughter. I answered them back in January. That’s when I was able to keep up with my Storyworth homework. 

​Post 9 is about my childhood pets. When I submitted it, Storyworth sent my daughter an email. She’s my editor. She started this project so I want her to be happy with the results, but I also want to make sure my writing is clear to her. And to anyone else who reads it.

She knows some things from my childhood but not everything. I wanted to make sure I wrote enough . . . not too much, or too little. When I wrote about my childhood pets, she wanted to include our dog Leia. I almost added it into post 9, but then I decided question 11 was a better fit.

#11 asked, ‘Who inspires you?’ I answered, ‘The characters in my work in progress (WIP).’ Then I wrote about Leia and her picture book story. It took 11 years to get it agent-ready. That’s super hard!

Then I added in Leia’s history with our family, like how she came to be Leia Millenia Beach. OOPS! I forgot about the name part for Storyworth, but I can’t tell everything! Even here. I don’t want this book to be Harry Potter long. Then my kids wouldn’t read it either!
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​Part 3 – How I Write and Edit My Posts: Here are the basic steps I take to answer a Storyworth question.
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1. I jot down a list of things I want to write about. It’s quick, fast, and dirty. For Leia, I wrote picture book, choosing her, coming home, and best things.

2. Then I start writing, first sentences, then paragraphs, about each idea on the list. I don’t worry. I just put my answers into the computer.

3. Next, I edit. I listen to each paragraph on my computer. (I use narrator.). I don’t move on to a new paragraph until it feels right. I add and delete words. I move sentences around until I’m ready. It’s better, but not perfect.

​4. Then I do another round of revision. It’s never just right on the first round, or the second one either. Every time I make a change, it uncovers something else. When I listen to my writing, I hear my mistakes and change them. I’m done when those mistakes are gone, when I like how the words sound altogether.

5. Next I find photos to fit the post. Usually I pick one or two, and I take a screen shot of them together.

6. Now I’m ready to go into Storyworth. I find the right question, paste in my words, add in the photos, and click submit.
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7. Storyworth emails my daughter, and she checks my work. If she finds an error, I do another round of edits until it’s just right.

​Here’s a finished question. It looks like a chapter book to me, but my daughter likes them this length. I need to go back and edit my early pictures. I couldn’t get them side by side the way I wanted. Now I know how – screenshot them together. 

If you want to remember your family’s history, I’d take a look at Storyworth. Your posts can be as short or as long as you’d like, and you’ll have your family history, plus photos, in one book.