For Play For Fun

What was the last thing you did for play or fun?

The last thing we did for play AND fun was a recent trip to Nashville, Tennessee. It was an 800 mile road trip without our precious pups Bailey and Buddy. It was just my husband Brian and me.

We enjoyed the ride listening to our favorite country music artists and also Christmas music as it was ‘Tis the Season!

Nashville holds so many memories for us as we began going there more than 20 years ago. We used to go between Thanksgiving and Christmas with our twin son and daughter. We have been to tapings of music television shows on CMT and live shows of our favorite country music artists.

Today we often go every June and again in December. We take in fun shows and hit our favorite bars and restaurants. We shop there too!

It’s just a city filled with music and fun, polite people with a lovely accent. We love Nashville Tennessee and all the play and fun it consistently affords us.

Merry Christmas and remember ‘Tis the season …

Bernadette on Facebook http://www.Facebook.com/bernadetteamoyer and Instagram @bernadetteamoyer @bernadettesahm

Having A Pet

What is good about having a pet?

We have two beautiful Bichons in Bailey and her brother Buddy. We just can’t imagine life without them. This is our 4th and 5th of this breed.

Bichon Frisé are the best dogs as they are smart, friendly, easy to house break and they don’t shed. They are also known to be hypo-allergenic.

They are great company, keep us active with their multiple walks in a day. We travel with them. These two love their toys and their winter fleece jacket’s. Bailey and Buddy make us smile with their fun unique personalities. Each dog is different. Buddy latches on to a particular toy that he insists are taking outside during his walks. Neighbors love seeing him as he brings a smile to their faces.

I grew up on a farm with large German Sheppard dogs and have always been a “dog” person.

Great companionship and unconditional love make dogs great for anyone considering a pet!

Bernadette on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/bernadetteamoyer and Instagram @bernadetteamoyer @bernadettesahm #dogs #bichons #pets

Most Expensive Personal Item

Name the most expensive personal item you’ve ever purchased (not your home or car).

I read this prompt and thought about it for a few hours. Initially I thought my engagement ring but my husband purchased it.

Then if not a home or a car, it would have to be dental work! I spent over $40,000 out of my own pocket. The results were upper dental implants and perfected original lower teeth. Together this made for my best and happiest smile. I love it!

The dental work created a smile that truly changed my life. I smile all the time and have so much more confidence. As a result I also lost over 20 pounds that I managed to keep off for a few years now.

The best investment and most expensive personal purchase hands down is my new smile!

Bernadette on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/bernadetteamoyer and Instagram @bernadetteamoyer @bernadettesahm

Most Proud …

What are you most proud of in your life?

I am most proud of my marriage of 28 years and 34 years together! It has not always been easy as we surely have had our share of up and down life experiences.

The best and most proud part isn’t just how many years we have been together but rather the fact that we are so happy together. We really like and love one another. We enjoy being together and we like many of the same things.

We grew up in the 1970’s as teenagers and fondly remember the rock and roll music of that time that we still enjoy today.

We share many of the same views on life. Recently while dining with friends, I was told how many couples they know that aren’t happy and yet remain together. Sad.

It takes commitment and the desire to live together happily and I am most proud that we have achieved that in our many years together!

#marriage #longterm #commitment #happiness #pride #proud

Bernadette on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/bernadetteamoyer and @bernadetteamoyer @bernadettesahm on Instagram

Working On

What have you been working on?

What have I been working on, you ask. Myself and my happiness and being the best possible version of myself.

One of the best parts of retirement is the time you have to invest in yourself and in doing what makes you happy.

Finding the balance between alone time and socializing. It never occurred to me just how special this stage of life was going to be … the luxury of working on what you alone want.

I’ve been working on my writings and blog postings. I’ve been working on making yummy and healthy home cooked meals. I’ve been working on being a really good dog mom to our two precious Bichons. And last but most important to me is my marriage and 34 year relationship with my husband Brian.

Each and every day our goal is to maintain our peace and happiness. A large part of that is achieved by living so close to the beach and exercising every day. Enjoying the great outdoors no matter the season, and showing gratitude for all that we have together as a married couple.

Bernadette on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bernadetteamoyer and instagram @bernadetteamoyer @bernadettesahm

A Million Dollar Give-Away

If you had a million dollars to give away, who would you give it to?

When we play the lottery I often think about this question, who would we give a million dollars?

Most probably a well run non profit that feeds people who suffer from food insecurity. In a country as “fat” as ours, I don’t believe we should have a single person who doesn’t have enough food to eat. I already support our local resource community that feeds the people!

The second most important donation would go to my Catholic High School that we donate to several times a year. They continue to do a great job education young people. I also feel that much of the career success I have enjoyed was a direct result of my Catholic education.

On a personal level some part of a million dollars would help an adult child get into purchasing their first home.

We would enjoy having a million dollars to help support and enhance the lives of others who would benefit greatly from a nice financial gift.

Bernadette on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/bernadetteamoyer and instagram @bernadetteamoyer and bernadettesahm

Life Without A Computer

Your life without a computer: what does it look like?

As a writer I like a good desktop and a laptop computer. Getting my writing out there is just easier and more professional using these devices.

However I was late to the computer game for writing and most often still take pen to paper for my first draft.

Computers help with many things like banking and news, learning how to make a certain dish too.

My phone is where I am writing this short bit but when I want to write about a more in depth subject, it’s definitely my lap top that I grab.

The computer whether it’s on my phone, an iPad or stand alone makes life easier. I believe I could function without these devices but maybe not as easily.

There was a time when only a desktop computer would do, yet today my preference is my laptop.

Like so many tools, a good computer can make a big difference in many day-to-day tasks!

Happy computing and happy I won’t have to do without mine …

Bernadette on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/bernadetteamoyer and instagram @bernadettesahm @bernadetteamoyer

No No No

List three jobs you’d consider pursuing if money didn’t matter.

The premise of this question goes in direct opposition to what I believe … my belief is “do what you love, and the money will follow.”

All the jobs I have I enjoyed and in all of them I made money. I was a waitress at a high end restaurant and made good money. I was a real estate agent and consistently was in the top 25% for both sales and listings. I made good money.

Later I worked in nonprofit as a development director and made good money.

Do what you love and the money will follow!

Italian Irish Catholic

What aspects of your cultural heritage are you most proud of or interested in?

With a name like “Bernadette” I wasn’t going to fool anyone about my heritage! My Italian heritage comes from my mother’s side of the family. Her parents, my grandparents migrated here from Italy.

My fathers side was Irish and both parents were Catholic and I was raised in an Italian, Irish Catholic home.

A big part of my heritage is cooking and making food. My Italian grandmother was a huge influence here. She owned and operated a hotel and was always cooking and making food. I love to cook and often make Italian dishes and baked goods.

When I was younger I joked “I am Irish and Italian and have the temper to prove it!” Fortunately age has mellowed me.

My dad was so proud of his Irish heritage. I do celebrate Saint Patrick’s day with Irish drink and foods.

There is nothing more fun than attending an Italian Festival and/or restaurant and pub, same can be said for the Irish celebrations.

My Catholic faith has stayed with me and for many years I worked for Catholic organizations. There were many times through the years that my faith has not only saved me but sustained me.

I don’t even view it as “proud” but matter of factually that I was born and raised Italian, Irish and Catholic that’s just who I am, and has stayed with me for my entire life.

Brand Loyal

What brands do you associate with?

There are certain brands that I like and therefore “brand loyal.” One of them is Marriott properties as I find them to be consistently clean and welcoming. I love that their Residence Inn properties allow me to travel comfortably with my two precious pooches. I love being a “rewards” member and this coming December we have a special holiday trip planned to Nashville that will be completely covered by my rewards points!

Another brand I support is Wegman’s grocery store as I find their name brands to be of good quality and a value price. The stores are clean and show so beautifully too.

I am brand loyal to Trader Joe’s for their coffee that I grind from beans while at the store knowing how freshly ground my coffee is makes me happy.

Over the years we have become “brand loyal” to several Jeep vehicle purchases. We have loved them all. They have worn well, held their value and last.

As far as clothing I love Ann Taylor, Loft and Talbots. I find things I enjoy wearing from these shops.

If I find a business that sells products I like at a fair and reasonable price, generally I am happy to support them.

My husband laughs at me because I carry so many “loyalty” cards where there are benefits for being loyal to them. At the time of this writing I carry three cards for local craft breweries that have many perks like free drink and food, discount prices and one currently has a cash value of $60 that we may use for lunch and dinner when we visit there.

I personally enjoy being brand loyal to places we frequent …

Bernadette A. Sahm

Author Writer and Blogger

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