I'll be tripping soon!

Currently, I'm preparing to visit my son in New Jersey in the coming days.

I am hoping against hope that this time the flight he arranged will come to fruition. I tried to visit him twice before: my first flight was a NO-GO due to a storm pending in the Garden State. The second flight was canceled due to COVID. So, please cross your fingers and toes with me so that I'll get there this time. (I'm not religious, but still superstitious).

My son is turning forty-five years old. I can't believe how old that makes me feel!

What should I bring him to commemorate such an occasion? As clueless as ever, I went shopping online today, exploring Amazon and Etsy. While I did end up getting him something, I'm not sure the gift will reach his address in time.

One item that interested me was a humorous long-sleeved t-shirt. By the time shipping charges were added, the two vendors whose prices were acceptable could not meet my delivery requirements. 

Yes, yes. I realize that I waited until the eleventh hour, but I'm picky, okay? Hopefully, I can come up with a suitable verse, in lieu of a customized garment. 

The worst thing about the number 45 is the very negative connotation of a former president. Believe me, we can do without DJT reminders.

Help me name a chapter

I'm currently working on my next book tentatively entitled Unrealistic Expectations.

Each chapter begins with I wish that ... names a disappointment in my life from having U/E (sounds like an ad for ED, doesn't it)? After discussing a problem I experienced, the narrative changes to In Reality (lesson learned), followed by The Bottom Line.

Believe it or not, I'm considering adding a chapter on flatulence. There were three or four instances where I experienced long-lasting, silent-but-deadly episodes. While I feel badly for the victims affected by my flatulence, I'm hoping my embarrassment can be amusing.  How should I title the chapter about these lengthy foul emissions?

The farting chapter is about the Unrealistic Expectations of other people - 

Should I start with Others wished that...  and end with ...

          ... they could breathe fresh air?

          ... they didn't know it was me?

          ... or something similar....

- OR -

Should I change the naming convention for that unique chapter entirely and call it:

•     Everybody Farts
•     Fart Fests
•     A Breath of Fresh Air

Please give me your opinion.

Something Special

It's not every day that I get state recognition for my volunteer work. North Carolina's Governor, Roy Cooper, signed the certificate. This was given to me last week by the folks at Triangle South Literacy Works. I worked with them from May 2012 to September 2022.

The many hats I wore:

• Administrative Assistant
• Advancement Committee
• Board Member
• Board Secretary
• Certified CASAS Test Administrator

• Certified TABE Test Administrator
• Data Entry Clerk
• Grants Committee
• Procedure and Policy Committee
• Retention Committee
• Tutor, ABE and ESL
• Tutor Trainer

Unique Software Programs Used:

• Canva
• Gibbon  (stand-alone tracking software)
• LACES (state-mandated tracking software)
• MailChimp