Stephen Burckhardt's Blog: My Blog Ramblings, page 58

Friday Funnies: Mother's Day Edition

My mom and Granny (her mother) 

Hello Posse!

With Mother's Day coming up, I thought today would be a great day to focus on Mothers. I know I would likely not be here today if I had not had my mother supporting me through all my brain surgeries. At one point, she even took time off of work to live in the hospital with me to help take care of me. How do you ever repay something like that? 

(Love you, Mom  a.k.a. Sharon Stephens) 

A good start for Mother's Day would be to make mom laugh. So here are a few jokes I hope all your mothers will enjoy! Happy Mother's Day to you all! 

Best wishes!

Stephen

Here are the jokes . . . some are even funny. 

Dad has never been very tech savy so mom has been trying to help him. Dad recently started texting with the family but he doesn't understand all the acronyms.

Dad texting mom . . .

Dad: Hon, your great-uncle, Tom, texted. Your great-aunt Doris just died. I'm so sorry. LOL 

Mom: What? That's not funny!

Dad: Funny? What do you mean?

Mom: LOL = Laugh Out Loud!

Dad: Oh NO! I thought it meant Lots of Love. I need to call Tom! 

Dad: What do IDK, LY, and TTYL mean?

Mom: I don't know, love you, talk to you later. 

Dad: Okay, Ill go ask Stephen.  

In an attempt to improve the families health, mom started studying nutrition and was excited to share what she had been learning with the family. At dinner one night, she pointed out the variety of colors in the food. 

"You always want a variety of colors on your food. The more colors you have the more variety you will have in your nutrients." mom explained.  

Pointing to her daughters plate, mom asked, "How many different colors do you see?"

"Seven!" her daughter happily answered. 

After a short pause she added, "But only six if you don't count the burnt part." 

Son: Why are a computers so smart?

Mom: Because they listens to their motherboards.

Son: Dad, what's the difference between a pack of wolves and a pack of cookies?

Dad: I don't know, what?

Son: If you don't know, I'm glad Mom does the grocery shopping!

Sister Mary Margret: Tell me, Sally. Do you always say a prayer before you eat?

Sally: No, Sister, I don’t have to do that. My mom is a very good cook.

A former martial arts champion decided to join the local police force. 

On the last day of training, the instructor was giving them all their final exam. 

The officer steps up to this 6'6", heavily tattooed, martial arts champion and begins to question him.

Officer: Recruit, what would you do if you had to arrest your own father?

Recruit: I would do my duty and arrest him, sir.

Officer: And what would you do if you had to arrest your own brother?

Recruit: I would do my duty and arrest him, sir. 

Officer: And what would you do if you had to arrest your own mother?

Recruit: Call for backup!

You know you’re a mom when…

. . . picking up another human to smell their butt is not only normal but totally necessary.

. . . when you catch yourself spelling words in adult conversations.

. . . going to the bathroom is usually a group event.

. . . there are more snack foods on the floor of your car than in a snack machine.

. . . you have a reminder set for "take a shower". 

. . . you fantasize more about a full nights sleep than anything else. 

. . . you understand why momma bear's porridge was cold. 

In case you can't get out to pick up a card for mom, here are some great homemade card ideas for Mother's day you can make with things around the house. 

https://youtu.be/ZcCRJfxTJY4

Quarantine Boredom Buster!

 

I thought today I would share some great craft ideas for Mother's Day gifts. Not only will it give the family something fun to do but it will give you some great gifts for mom you will not have to go shopping for during this time. I personally love the painted rock and vintage bookmark ideas. Enjoy!

Mother's Day Crafts!

Check out Personal Creations' website for 44 Mother's Day Craft Ideas (

#Fridaymood #fridaymotivation #mothersday #mothersday2020 #covid19 #covid #fridayfunnies #jokes #blog #blogging #mom #funnies #StephenBurckhardt

Wednesday Whatever: Setting Boundaries!

Hello Posse!

I thought with all the increasing stress levels people are dealing with, now would be a good time to talk about setting boundaries. Family and friends can be our greatest sources of strength and our greatest sources of stress. It is very important to know how to set boundaries, especially now, so we can manage our lives in these unusually stressful times.

Seeing as how I am not an expert on this topic, I would like to direct you to Dr. Rachel Zoffness' article on

Here are some other great suggestions for dealing with stress. Please, keep in mind I am not a doctor and this is not to be taken as medical advice. For actual medical advice, please seek out qualified, trained medical professionals.

Helpful Tips for dealing with stress:

1. Journaling

The University of Rochester Medical School has some great tips to get you started with
journaling for mental health.

2. Art Activities for Mental Health

Shelley Klammer is a therapist, an artist, and an expressive art educator who has 100 art therapy exercises available on her website. She also offers E-courses and online therapy sessions.

3. Exercise!

Yoga is a great practice for stress relief. Try this

4. Eat Healthy

Having good nutrition can greatly improve a person's mood. Avoid things like excessive sugar and caffeine can impact your mood.

5. SLEEP!

Harvard Health Publishing with Harvard Medical School has

6. Last but not least . . . BREATHE!

,This 4-7-8 breathing technique helps to quickly reduce tension and allowing the body to relax. The method, developed by Harvard-trained Dr Andrew Weill, ,,said to be a "natural tranquilliser".

https://youtu.be/gz4G31LGyog

Take good care of yourselves and be healthy my friends.

DianneQuarantine Boredom Buster

"HOT" WATER BALLOON TOSS

With the weather warming up, in some parts of the world at least, how about a game to help you cool down and get outside? This game is much like the kids game "hot potato" but played with water balloons. No actual hot water is used.

What you need:

Dish soap
Water balloons --
DO NOT

fill with hot water
--
At least two players

Instructions: Bring the players into a circle and have everyone soap up their hands (a very good thing right now). Everyone needs to get their hands good and slippery before the game starts. The goal is to catch the water balloon and throw it to another player without dropping it. With soapy hands, this will be a lot harder than you might think. A player earns one point for every dropped ballon. When the game is over, the person with the lowest score wins.

Have fun!

Wednesday Whatever: Setting Boundaries!

Hello Posse! 

I thought with all the increasing stress levels people are dealing with, now would be a good time to talk about setting boundaries. Family and friends can be our greatest sources of strength and our greatest sources of stress. It is very important to know how to set boundaries, especially now, so we can manage our lives in these unusually stressful times. 

Seeing as how I am not an expert on this topic, I would like to direct you to Dr. Rachel Zoffness' article on PsychologyToday.com (

Here are some other great suggestions for dealing with stress. Please, keep in mind I am not a doctor and this is not to be taken as medical advice. For actual medical advice, please seek out qualified, trained medical professionals.

Helpful Tips for dealing with stress:

1. Journaling

The University of Rochester Medical School has some great tips to get you started with

journaling for mental health. (Click here)

2. Art Activities for Mental Health

Shelley Klammer is a therapist, an artist, and an expressive art educator who has 100 art therapy exercises available on her website. She also offers E-courses and online therapy sessions. (Click here)

3. Exercise! 

Yoga is a great practice for stress relief. Try this 15 minute yoga video (

4. Eat Healthy

Having good nutrition can greatly improve a person's mood. Avoid things like excessive sugar and caffeine can impact your mood. FamilyDoctor.org (

5. SLEEP! 

Harvard Health Publishing with Harvard Medical School has a great article (

6. Last but not least . . . BREATE!

This 4-7-8 breathing technique helps to quickly reduce tension and allowing the body to relax. The method, developed by Harvard-trained Dr Andrew Weill, said to be a "natural tranquilliser".

https://youtu.be/gz4G31LGyog

Take good care of yourselves and be healthy my friends. 

Dianne

Quarantine Boredom Buster


"HOT" WATER BALLOON TOSS

With the weather warming up, in some parts of the world at least, how about a game to help you cool down and get outside? This game is much like the kids game "hot potato" but played with water balloons. No actual hot water is used.  

What you need: 

Dish soap
Water balloons -- DO NOT fill with hot water --
At least two players

Instructions: Bring the players into a circle and have everyone soap up their hands (a very good thing right now). Everyone needs to get their hands good and slippery before the game starts. The goal is to catch the water balloon and throw it to another player without dropping it. With soapy hands, this will be a lot harder than you might think. A player earns one point for every dropped ballon. When the game is over, the person with the lowest score wins. 

Have fun!  

Monday Movie Madness: May the 4th Be With You!

Hello Posse!

Today we are doing something a bit different. Instead of sharing a tradition western, I want to look at Star Wars (Star Wars® is a registered trademark and all rights are protected by law) a western set in space. It seems rather fitting that May the 4th, Star WarsDay comes soon after National Space Day. For Geeks around the world this day is filled with puns, games, and of course, watching Star Wars.  

I have long thought that Star Wars was basically a traditional western set in space and I am not alone in that. We can find all kinds of articles online that compare Star Wars to the spaghetti westerns that brought us talents like Clint Eastwood and to great films like The Searchers. While cinephiles might disagree which westerns had the most likely influence on George Lucas' work, they can all agree there is a decidedly classic western influence at work. 

Just check out these articles and the linked podcast by The Ringer:

The Influences of Star Wars: Once Upon a Time in the West by Jesse Percival

'Star Wars' a Western? by DENIS PINZARIU 

Star Wars’ and the Western Explained | Binge Mode Star Wars – Jedi Temple | The Ringer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EI-IAUHsEyI

Whether you agree that there are obvious western influences in Star Wars or not. It is a fantastic film and May the 4th is a perfect time to watch it. Check out my Facebook page for the movie snack suggestion for today's film, chocolate covered lightsabers will go great with popcorn and a cold drink. 

So, get your snacks, sit back, and relax. it's time for a great movie!

Enjoy,

Stephen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g3_CFmnU7k

Quarantine Boredom Buster

This week with the weather turning warmer, at least in some parts of the world (sorry New York) we wanted to share some great water balloon games to get out out of the house and cooled off. For a full list of great games using water balloons, check out Playtivities.com

Balloon Basket Bombers!

This is a great game to cool off with because balloon always end up popping when you least expect it. I always think of this like a reverse dunk tank. 

You need: 

A basket with holes so water can easily run through cheap strainers from a dollar store work well. 
Several water balloons
At least two players

How to play: Divide into teams if you have enough players to do so. One person places the basket on their head. Each teammate takes turns tossing balloons in the basket. When all teammates have tossed a water balloon in the basket, the next player takes the basket and places it on their head and everyone take another toss. This rotation continues until 10 unbroken balloons are in the basket. The first team to get 10 water balloons in their basket, wins.  

If you are playing with just two players, each player holds a basket on their head with one hand while they try to toss balloons into the basket on their opponents head with the other. Players take turns tossing or you can go for a speed round that gets crazy as it is a free for all toss-fest with players throwing at the same time trying to reach 10 first. You get a lot more wet this way but it is also a lot funnier. 

Enjoy!  

#mondaythoughts #MondayMood #MondayMovieMadness #movies #movie #MayThe4th #MayDay #StarWarsDay #blog #blogging #Read

Friday Funnies: National Space Day!

Hello Posse, I hope you have had a wonderful week and have something to look forward to this weekend. Since the weather has finally turned nice here, we are cooking out on the weekends to give us something to look forward to and break us out of the routine we have fallen into. This weekend we are going to try making pizza on the grill. If it works out, Dianne will share our pics and recipes in the next Wednesday Whatever blog. But as for today, it is National Space Day! Sit back and get ready for some top class "Dad Jokes" that promise to put a smile on your face, or at least a grin . . . okay, most are real groaners but you try finding hilarious kid friendly jokes every week, the struggle is real! Enjoy! Stephen Q: What is a astronaut's favorite dessert?
A: A Moon Pie! Q: What’s a light-year?
A: The same as a regular year, but with fewer calories. Q: Why did Mickey Mouse go to outer space?
A: He was looking for Pluto. Q: Why did the alien need a bigger apartment?
A: He was outa space! Q: How would the alien get her child to sleep? A: She'd Rocket! Q: Who was the most famous deer in outer space? A: Buck Rogers! Q. What to you use to build a house on the moon?
A. Moon beams! Q. How do you organize a space party?
A. You planet! There were three astronauts having dinner and all were bragging about their country's space program. The first astronaut says, "We were the first in space!" And the second astronaut replies, "Well, we were first on the moon! Beat that!" So the third astronaut, says, "That's nothing! My crew and I are scheduled to go to the sun!" The other two astronaut were shocked and asked, "How are you gonna do that?" The third astronaut smiled and said, "Well, duh! We are gonna go at night!" Einstein developed a theory about space, and about time too! Q. Why didn't The Sun go to college? A. Because it already had a million degrees! Q. Why didn’t the Dog Star laugh at the joke? A. It was Sirius. And last but not least . . . I was up all night wondering where The Sun had gone, but then it dawned on me . . . For your Quarantine Boredom Buster I give you John Krasinski and Some Good News! #FridayFeeling #FridayThoughts #FridayFun #blog #blogging #blogger #NationalSpaceDay #SpaceShip #Jokes #SomeGoodNews #SGN

Whatever Wednesday: HER-oes!

Hello Posse! Sorry I dropped the ball last week. I had planned to do a great blog about Earth Day and a recognition award I want to start this year to spotlight the great women in our lives. While I missed out on Earth Day we can still talk about giving recognition to some special people. Things are tough for everyone right now and I wanted to do something to try to help lift some spirits and get some positive gratitude flowing. So I an putting together an award just for the great women in our lives. This new recognition award is called HER-oes. This award is just for HER, that woman in your life who makes things a little better just for being there for you. That woman who goes out of her way to help others even when she is not always getting the help she needs. I want to start hearing from all of you. Who are the HER-oes in your life? Please go to https://www.dianneburckhardt.com/my-h... and submit the short form to nominate your HER-oes. I also recognize that sometimes we do not get recognition from others for our contributions to their lives so there is an option to nominate yourself as well as others. Tell us what you have done for other people that you may not have been recognized for doing. We care! We want to know! We will be choosing one woman a month to honor on www.DianneBurckhardt.com and at the end of the year we will chose one HER-o of the Year from the monthly winners. So please, nominate your HER-oes now! With gratitude, Dianne Quarantine Boredom Buster: More Minute to Win It! Not long ago I shared a video with Minute to Win It games. Recently I found a site with loads of Minute to Win It party games and ideas. Check out the treasure trove of ideas at Play Party Plan. You will not be sorry! Have fun! #WednesdayMood #WednesdayMotivation #WednesdayMorning #WednesdayThoughts #blog #indiebooks #indieauthor #books #writer #author #writing #writers #book #BookBuzz #Reading #mustread #minutetowinit #QuarantineBoredomBuster #Quarantine #BoredomBuster

Monday Movie Madness: Son of Paleface

Hello Posse! I just realized today as I came online to write this blog, that we totally missed posting the Whatever Wednesday and Friday Funnies posts last week. I am so very sorry. I have been so much better keeping up with everything since I started the regular three day a week blogs and found software to post my regular social media things for me so I don't have to keep up with it all every day. But I have found even the software doesn't do much good if you forget to schedule the posts. At least I am doing much better than I used to with all of this social media engagement stuff. But let's not focus on the mistakes of last week and forge on with this weeks Monday Movie Madness blog feature another sequel. A few weeks back I introduced you to a great Bob Hope/ Jane Russell western comedy, The Paleface (1948). This week we take a look at the sequel, also staring Bob Hope and Jane Russell, Son of Paleface. This sequel brings in well-known wester actor/singer Roy Rogers and his equally well-know horse, Trigger. This sequel was released in 1952 by Paramount Pictures. This story follows recent Harvard graduate Peter "Junior" Potter as he heads into the west to the town of Sawbuck Pass in search of his inheritance from his father. Junior is very out of place as he drives into this western town wearing an outlandish plaid suit and driving a jalopy. Things do not get off to a good start when he recklessly splashes mud all over a group of townspeople upon his arrival. When Junior lets it be known he is there seeking his father's fortune, just about every person in town makes a claim with him for debits his father owned them. Unfortunately for Junior, it seems his father left no treasure for him, or has he? While Junior tries to stall the townsfolk and find the lost fortune, he makes friends with a singing cowboy (Rogers) and becomes infatuated with the local sexy saloon girl named Mike (Russell). As with The Paleface, there is a lot more going on in the story than one might suspect. While Junior searches for his father's lost treasure with the help of a local character, a shadowy figure known as The Torch is making night raids. Junior has no idea that he is in the middle of a criminal investigation. It seems his love interest, the beautiful Mike, is in fact The Torch and the friendly singing cowboy is in fact a government agent on the trail to capture her. Will the agent get his "man"? Will Junior get the girl? The only way o find out is to pop your corn and settle in for another great western comedy! Enjoy! Stephen Quarantine Boredom Buster: Story Time! Settle in for a great children's book series read by the author himself. Check out John R. Erickson's YouTube channel where you can watch this Texas-based author of the popular Hank the Cowdog series read his books while his own cowdogs run around in the background. #Quarantine #BoredomBuster #QuarantineBoredomBuster #JohnRErickson #YouTube #HanktheCowdog #Storytime #Monday #MondayMovieMadness #Movie #Movies #blog #blogger #blogging #COVID19 #Covid_19 #covidsafe #COVID #MondayMotivation #MondayMotivaton #mondaythoughts #MondayMood #book #BobHope #JaneRussell #sonfopaleface

Monday Movie Madness: The Sons of Katie Elder

Howdy Posse! I am more than willing to admit that I am getting a little punchy. P.R. and I have been sequestered with both of us working from home for more than a month now. While I am thoroughly impressed at how well we have gotten along during the virtually constant time together with practically no other in person human interactions, I am more than ready to just have one day out of this house, in the sun, without worrying that some stranger may cough or sneeze near me. P.R. has taken over almost all of the cooking duties as it is a source of relaxation for P.R. where, while I enjoy cooking too, I am also enjoying having a break from it. I have been spending my time going back and forth between writing and playing Fortnite. P.R. introduced me to this game two weeks ago and I became obsessed. I am already on level 94 and have upgraded all of the agents to ghost team except for Midas and I need to finish three challenges for Maya. I definitely need a day in a park. But none of that really matters right now as we are gathered here for Monday Movie Madness!! Don't forget to check out the movie snack idea on my Facebook page (s time to go get your snacks and settle in for a classic western movie. Enjoy, Stephen Quarantine Boredom Buster: Minute to Win It Challenge #movies #Movie #JohnWayne #DeanMartin #MondayMotivaton #COVID #coronavirus #MondayVibes #COVID19 #athometogether #420day #blog #QuarentineLife #blog #blogger #Cooking #snacks #BoredomBusters #Qurantine #QuarantineLife

Friday Funnies: Some Good News

Hello Posse! I am sorry to say, the good news is not that I have finally finished part four in my Into the West Saga Serial, you're surprised, I know. I will give you a moment to deal with the shock. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. Okay, if you need more time, feel free to just step away from the blog and come back and finish reading it later, it will be here for you when you are ready. In the mean time, for those who are ready to go on, I wanted to share a fantastic online venture brought to you from the self-isolation induced imagination of John Krasinski. You might recognize that name if you were a fan of US version of The Office. Krasinski played lovable Jim Halpert in 201 episodes and was also a produced and directed occasionally for the show. Most recently, you should recognize him as the man who traumatized audiences and his real life wife, Emily Blunt, in the amazing sci-fi thriller A Quiet Place (A Quiet Place II is slated for a September release). Not only was Krasinski one of the stars but he directed and co-wrote the screenplay with Bryan Woods and Scott Beck. I would love to list more of the man's fantastic body of work, but I do not have that kind of time, even being in self-isolation. Check out his Wikipedia page for more information. The one thing I do want to share with you now is a YouTube channel Krasinski has started called Some Good News (SGN). So far, Krasinski is just three episodes in and I personally love his videos. Just some highlights of things he has done. When a young girl was coming home from receiving her last chemo therapy treatment after social distancing had began, neighbors lined the streets to have a safe welcome home party for her. Krasinski video chatted with her on SGN and congratulated her on reaching the end of her treatments after showing clips of her welcome home. When another young girl was devastated about Broadway cancelling all the shows, forcing her family to cancel their trip to see Hamilton, Krasinski video chatted with her and promised to fly her to see the show when Broadway reopened for audiences. But that wasn't the only surprise he had for her. A surprise video conference spread throughout the original Broadway cast of Hamilton as more and more actors joined the feed to sing Alexander Hamilton to the girl. While his shows have featured amazing celebrity guests, Krasinski mainly focuses on everyday heroes who are making a real difference for their loved ones and in their communities during this pandemic. He shines a wonderfully bright and cheerful spotlight on healthcare workers risking everything to take care of infected patients, a kind citizen showing appreciation for delivery drivers in the form of free hand sanitizer and toilet paper, a husband standing outside of his wife's window where she lives in an alzheimer care facility to sing to her just so she knows she is loved and not alone, factories that have stopped producing their normal products to start making personal protective equipment for health care workers and others in need, a math teacher who came to his students home with a white board and helped her with her homework through the safety of her glass storm door, and so, so, so much more! If you can come away from watching one of his episodes without a tear in your eye and a little hope in your heart, well . . . you just might be a curmudgeon. Sorry, but it had to be said. However, if you have been searching for something unique to bring joy to your day, take a moment to watch SGN and don't forget to click subscribe! While you are at it, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook too. You will not regret it! Or you might, if you're a curmudgeon. So now, in honor of Mr. Krasinski's time on The Office, how about a few office jokes. Q: Why did the can crusher quit his job? A: Because it was soda pressing. HR to a new hire: In case of emergency, who would you like us to contact. New hire: A good doctor! Q: Why did you quit your job at the helium gas factory? A: I refused to be talked to in that tone of voice! Q: What does a mathematician say when things go wrong at work? A: Figures! Q: Did you hear the inventor of the throat lozenge died? A: Yes, I heard he's being cremated, there will be no coffin at his funeral. Q: Why did you get fired from the calendar factory? A: I took a day off. Boss: Your annual performance review was not great. Management feels you lack passion and intensity. Employee: Management has obviously never seen me alone with a Big Mac. Q: Did you know your road worker father was stealing from his job? A: I didn't have a clue but until I got home, all the signs were there. Q: I heard all your computers went down at work today, what did you do? A: It was awful! We had to do everything manually. It took me 20 minutes just to shuffle the cards for Solitaire. Yesterday, my daughter told me she wants to be a secret agent. Just based on that, I don’t think she’d be a good one. And finally, your Quarantine Boredom Buster: Indoor Bowling You will need: Ten empty plastic water bottles. Fill them with a few inches of water for stability. A ball Paper and a pen or pencil to keep score Trophy for the winner The rules: Set them up in the triangle used at bowling alleys. Use a medium sized ball to knock the pins down. Smaller balls will work if they are a heavy material. Take turns attempting to knock all the pins down. Each person gets two rolls per turn. Count one point for each pin knocked down. At the end of 10 rounds, the person with the highest score wins. Have a trophy for the winner. This can just be a paper trophy they can tape to the bedroom door. Printable trophy. Just click to picture to go to a PDF file. (Not sure why but I till not let me load the file in here.) #John Krasinski #Emily Blunt #SomeGoodNews (SGN) #Broadway #Hamilton #Cancer #Bowling #FridayFunnies #Jokes #work #SafeAtHome #COVID2019 #COVID19 #COVID #TheOffice #SGN #SGNGlobalCorrespondents @johnkrasinski @somegoodnews #FridayThoughts #FridayMotivation #FridayVibes #fridayfun #fridayFunnies #AQuietPlacePart2

Whatever Wednesday: Mental Health Edition

Hello Posse! I hope everyone is doing well today and have been finding things to keep busy and entertained if you are #SafeAtHome right now. If you are an essential worker, God bless you, you are in my prayers! I thought now would be a good time to discuss mental health and self care. If you are like my husband and I, you have been in home isolation for at least a few weeks now and could be starting to really feel the stress. No matter how much you love your family, being in a confined area with them for extended periods of time can be stressful. I love my husband. I always say, he may not be perfect but he's perfect for me. Even though we are very compatible, being together practically 24/7 gets annoying. No matter what, we are human and when you put two humans together there are going to be moments when you do not agree on everything. Some things that are helping us get through this is personal spaces. My husband likes to organize things when he is bored and I have obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and like things to always stay in the same places. I hate change especially when I am not the one making the changes. To compromise, we agreed that he would not reorganize the kitchen or my half of the extra bedroom. Those are MY spaces. He can reorganize anything else in the apartment and I agree not to complain about it. This way, we are both happy. Times like this can be very stressful especially if you have had mental health issue in the past. As I mentioned, I have OCD. When I was in college in my twenties I was extremely OCD. Let me repeat that, I was extremely OCD! If you have ever seen the TV show Monk, I was not that bad, but close. I was so bad, I began having regular anxiety attacks, panic attacks, and even began to have suicidal thoughts. That was when I knew it was time to get help, and I did. While I still deal with some aspects of OCD, I have had it under control for years and even now when we are dealing with a pandemic, I have not reverted to constantly washing my hands or spraying everything down with disinfectant. I know first hand how hard it can be to take that first step to reach out and ask for help so I wanted to share some resources in case you are finding yourself in need of help coping with all the stress in the world right now. There are several apps you can download that will help you if you are not ready to talk to another person about how you are feeling. The above apps are available on many platforms. I personally use Calm. It is a great guided meditation that I find very calming so it is well named. I tend to have trouble focusing my thoughts when I try to meditate so a guided meditation is very helpful. These are just a few suggestions of where you can find help. There are numerous places available online and new helplines are becoming available all the time. There are even texting mental health services now. A quick Google search can help you find one in your area and most are free of charge. Please keep in mind, no matter how you are feeling, you are not truly alone in your isolation. It is an oxymoron, I know. However, millions (possibly even billions) of people around the world are in the same position you are and feeling the same stress because of it. If it gets to be too much for you, please reach out and ask for help. Even if it is just to ask a friend to Skype with you. It is amazing how much better you can feel just being able to see a friend's smiling face and talking with them about mundane things, even if they are on the other side of the world. I hope this helps! Peace be with you all! Dianne Quarantine Boredom Buster: Cootie Bug Contest This is a great drawing game for two or more players of any age. You just need pencils or pens, paper and a die to roll for your numbers. The object is to be the first player to draw a completed cootie bug. Each player takes a piece of paper and pen or pencil. Players roll a die to see who goes first. High roll gets to start. Players take turns rolling the die and trying to complete their bug. You must roll the numbers for the head and body first. If a players rolls and does not get the number the number needed to draw the head or the body, they lose the turn and play moves to the next player. Once a player has the head and body, they can add any of the other body parts as they desire. If a player rolls the number of a body part they have already completed, they lose the turn and play moves to next player. If you roll and get a body part you need, you get to roll again. After second roll play moves to the next player. 1 = body 2 = head 3 = antennae (you need two), hat or bow 4 = eye (you need two) 5 = tongue, teeth (at least two) or lips (you need two) 6 = a leg (you need six) The winner of the game is the first to finish their cootie. Here is a photo of a Giant Cootie Bug Statue to help you have an idea of what to draw. The statue is located outside of Shenandoah Caverns, VA. Photo by Michelle Moyers ©