January is... Just Breathe

I was going to write about the New Year and resolutions. However, it hasn't exactly been an upbeat month, thus far.

Happy Birthday to all the January babies (and adults)! 

Remember to breathe when you're feeling overwhelmed.

Chinese New Year is on its way!

~STORIES BY SHERYL S.~

Fun Fridays [True Story]

Me, my sister Kathy, and her husband Bob go out on a Friday every once in  a while. 

Last night we went to Chinese buffet down by Target and had a great time. 

The food was delicious. Then we went shopping at Super Meijer. 

The End.

Trip to the Zoo

Shirley and her family were excited. They were going to the zoo today. 

Lions, tigers, and bears enclosed in their caves were a sight to see. 

Shirley and her family gobbled down a cotton candy as they walked around. Shirley's favorite animals were the monkeys. 

What a fun day at the zoo. Nothing like precious memories. 

Life

Life has its ups and downs. Sometimes we struggle. I hope everyone's life is great, and the journey a blast and a half. 

The End.

Gratitude & Bad Days by Julie R.

 20 Things I'm Grateful For - Julie R.

1. Rhonda the Program Manager

2. AFC Home

3. Food

4. Drinks

5. Roommate

6. Boyfriend

7. Renae the Administrator

8. Friends

9. Animals

10. Clean House

11. Bills Paid

12. Running Water

13. Lights

14. Gas

15. Me

16. Respect

17. Staff

18. Group Workshops (Recovery especially)

19. Lori the Manager of a Home

20. Family

Bad Days - Julie R

When I have a bad day, my program manager talks to me and I feel a little better. I also write in my journal. It helps, too. 

Musings of 2019 - Curtis McLeichy

Coldwater, MI *Photography by Alanda McRae*

    I like to talk about the weather and how I know it help's me to walk when it's nice. 

    I bathe in the sunshine and clean clothes more often during sunny weather. Sleeping is easier and I feel better in general. 

    I don't forget to eat, listen to music, enjoy television - I even remember to visit my doctor on time when the weather is positive.  

    Now I get a ride to school and doctor appointments. I save money and time. I now use up very little space and have much more time to understand people and read things for school.  

December Birthdays

 There is an absurdly long list of people born in December. So, because everyone is busy - just wish them the happiness they deserve in our comments.

And for goodness sake, get them an actual birthday card - don't just combine them with the holiday card you send. It's so rude. You wouldn't like it if they combined Easter with your birthday, so try to show some heart. 

This goes for the January birthdays, too. Making myself very clear. 

Shout out to the following folks who were actually loved enough to be sent in on time! (The Tardiness is entirely my fault!)

 2nd: Noel S. & Kami A. 

3rd: Alan F.

4th: Susie S. 

5th: Izabelle W. & Elizabeth J.

8th: Paul H.

9th: Nicole G. 

11th:  Daniel G.

14th: Deanna T.

18th: Erin K.

19th: Kristy Smith & Heidi J.  

24th: Tanya H. & Izzy J. & Norman H. & Kayla N. & Janet S. 

25th: Chris M. & Courtney B. & Carla K. 

27th: Rick Carver & John H. & Ron H. 

29th: Rexi R. 

30th: Kenny T. & Lyn M. & Jeff M. & "Hot Tony at Karaoke" & Mary E. & Ally O. & Francis R. & Jamie M. 

31st: Byron S.

Happy New Year's Eve - Here's hoping 2021 is a better year! 

Holiday Support & Hacks to Help Navigate the Pandemic Crisis 2020

Holidays Are Currently Deciduous? 

Okay, so they aren't a tree and they don't lose their leaves every year. Still, it certainly isn't the same old thing this time around. 

We aren't all going to Head Family Person's house this year and sitting around eating an overstuffed turkey and getting drunk off eggnog. 

The break from tradition may not be helpful during a time of year where so many fall into depression, but it is what we as a society needs. We need to learn to adapt. 

No one is saying you can't have holiday cheer. I'm teaching my children how to make hand-turkeys for November. We'll be making Christmas trees, stars, elves, ornaments, and candle drawings this year and hanging them up around. We're eagerly awaiting cards to make a tree out of. 

We are hoping to find some holiday-related masks, as well. As for the food, more for us. We'll still be calling and maybe even video-chatting with relatives to make it feel "normal" in some sense, but without all the risk of illness. And - best of all - we can just hang up if an argument occurs. A decided improvement over the previous years of invasive and mouthy guests, if you ask me. 

I hope and wish you all a fabulous and happy holiday season, no matter which one you're celebrating. We are all in this together! May 2021 bring better things to come. 

 

Uncertain Times Call For Desperate Comparative Measures!

Uncertainty reigns supreme this season, as always. 

However, this year is obviously extra morose with all these unnecessary deaths. 

The pandemic stemming from Covid19 has yet to subside and is, once again, rising in numbers. 

The United States prides itself on being a leading nation of the world, yet is too stingy and selfish to follow the simplest of protocols. 

The holidays are right around the corner, but hopefully everyone will have an online get-together rather than risk lives by meeting up in person. 

Wear a mask, if not for your own sake then for the sake of others. There's no need to be selfish! 

If you have an STD, you'd wear a condom. You would use a condom if you're partaking in intercourse without knowledge of your partner's past, as well. 

Yes, this is a comparison of sexual diseases and CoVid19. 

No, it is not a joke or even an extreme comparison. 

If anything, this proves how callous everyone refusing to wear a mask and stay home are actually behaving towards their fellow man, woman, and child. 

Stay safe this season, holidays or not, and try to remember to show compassion to others. 

Thank you for your time and consideration.