Day #1,211 - Large Cent

This afternoon I was given an 1845 Large Cent. According to Wikipedia:

The United States large cent was a coin with a face value of 1/100 of a United States dollar. The first official mintage of the large cent was in 1793, and its production continued until 1857, when it was officially replaced by the modern-size one-cent coin (commonly called the penny).

This morning we ran a few errands before going to the Penny Palace. Stopped to get a picture frame repaired. Nickel before going into the shop and a penny when walking back to the van. (Coins #1&2). No stray coins at the bank or post box store. Doc found two pennies at the 99¢ store. (Coins #3&4). Ram board (floor protection), but no coins at Home Depot.

Doc stopped for a coffee. I found a penny outside the store, one inside the store, one dirt penny in a planter, one nearby at the closed car wash (a very shiny, clean one), and Doc found one in a planter. (Coins #5-9)

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At the Penny Palace I washed another section of floor tile and then sealed the grout lines.

Doc graded some student quizzes. He also checked the water flow along the South yard and checked the tackiness of the garage floor epoxy. It still has not fully cured.

Hank (the contractor on the two rental houses) came to visit. It was raining fairly hard at the time and he got drenched when coming in the front door. We need to get additional gutter.

Hank brought me a special gift - an 1845 Large Cent from his coin collection. I didn’t even know Large Cent pieces existed.

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On the drive home, Doc had a Sit-N-Find at an intersection. He opened the van door and reached out (in the rain) to collect his Median Find penny. (Coin #10)

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This evening I was undermotivated to do Anything. Yet I was too awake to do Nothing. I had the thought “Maybe I should call someone and we could have dinner or do something non-house related.” But I was too apathetic and lazy. Just then the phone rang. It was son Stephen asking if we would like to get together with him and his family someplace for dinner! Manifesting.

Total: 10 Coins P (9), N (1), D (0), Q (0) = $0.14

Day #1,150 - Paper Pushing

This morning (as usual on Sundays) Doc asked me to go out for breakfast with him. I told him we played all of last weekend, this weekend we needed to catch up. He was not permitted to even speak with me until I was through with one major Paper Pushing task which I was supposed to have completed by February 2. After several hours of waiting around for me, Doc went out on his own.

It was somewhat good that I had five hours of uninterrupted work time. By noon, though I was tired and hungry for breakfast. I took a break to find Doc’s “love note” on the dining table.

Doc returned early afternoon. He had been out to breakfast, then to Rental #1 to check on it. A stop at a 7-11 store yielded 3 pennies (Doc Coins #1-3). He found 3 quarters in a newspaper rack where he stopped to buy today’s paper. (Doc Coins #4-6). He also made a brief stop at the Penny Palace just to check on things. The upper countertop pieces were delivered yesterday and laying in place.

We had a list of 48 Tasks I hoped to complete this weekend. I switched into serious ‘got to get these done’ mode. Doc retreated to the Man Cave with the dogs and the TV. It was irritating that he was ignoring all those critical items, but it allowed me to continue uninterrupted with the Paper Pushing.

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After 11 hours of paper pushing, I needed a break. At 7:30 we headed out for our weekly grocery shopping. At the post office we mailed the wad of bills I had paid. The first grocery store netted Doc a penny and dime outside, two pennies and a dime for me inside before starting our shopping, then a penny at check out. (Coins #1-6).

The grocery store had quite a nice selection of Valentine’s Cards, so Doc and I spent a few minutes Paper Pushing. We would read and show each other various cards which were appropriate.

At the second store we collected one quarter and two pennies. (Coins #7-9). There were no coins found at Store #3. When entering Store #4, I said out loud “Nickel, Nickel, Nickel …” 50 times. Found four pennies there. (Coins #10-13).

When leaving the store I said, “Look Angels, You were supposed to get me that nickel. It makes for a much better Penny Tale to the readers when you perform as you are supposed to. I don’t plan to go home without that nickel tonight! I will give you one more chance to produce.”

On the way home Doc pulled into a convenience store. I found two pennies in the parking lot. (Coins #14&15) “Angels, thanks for those, but I am serious about wanting a nickel tonight!” I went inside the store. There were no other customers. Unusual. I spotted a penny on the floor by the register, then a second one. As I collected those, I spotted a dime. (Coins #16-18). The cashier asked what I was doing. I told him, “I am hunting for a nickel to complete a ‘Hit for the Cycle’ today.” Since there were no other people in the store, I got down on knees and looked under the counter. There was a nickel!!! (Coin #19) I emerged to show Doc and the cashier. JOY moment. We were all laughing. And suddenly several customers came in and the store was busy again. It was if things had been suspended for those few moments so that I could find that nickel.

An entire day of Paper Pushing. Not fun, but much-needed. By 11 p.m. I was able to see the top of my white table again!

I just realized: Our 19 jointly found coins, plus Doc’s 6 coins, makes 25 for the day! My favorite number. Plus it is Day #1150 which is divisible by 25.

Total: 25 Coins P (17), N (1), D (3), Q (4) = $1.52

Day #1,061 - Pulled

A few stops before getting to the jobsite: the bank to deposit monthly construction funds, the tile store for the bathroom flooring tile, the paint store to select the stain for the Aussie doors, a 7-11 store for a banana (really for the two pennies).

At the jobsite the painters were painting the kitchen and dining rooms.

Tile crew was grouting part of the shower and beginning to lay the bathroom flooring.

Tile Tony and I assembled some shelving in the Dungeon underneath the house and he carried the leftover tiles down there. I couldn’t even lift the heavy boxes, so I was very appreciative of his help. I am sore just from lifting the concrete blocks.

At 3 p.m. I left the jobsite to head for Lowe’s to get the specialty paints mixed. Anxious to paint the fireplace wall. Next it was down the freeway to look at wood flooring for the upstairs library.

This evening I have been trying to finalize the orders for the cabinet pulls. They have gone up in price since I first began researching them last year. Rats. So far I think I have 144 of them ordered. That should be most of them. Each room has a different theme and thus needs different Pulls - that drives Doc nuts!

Also tonight some interfacing with the solar installers, stone veneer sealer, roofer, cabinet installer and more.

Each day there are so many things to do, decide, design. I feel pulled in a dozen directions. I want to do it all - and do it NOW! It is definitely exciting!

Doc was at school until 10 p.m. again. When I arrived home, there was a “love note” on the dining table: “One penny compliments of Sparky and Doc from the floor at Starbucks”.

Total: 3 Pennies

Day #1,033 - Expecting

I was expecting several things today.

The replacement doors were expected at 9 a.m., so I was at the jobsite by 8:45. The truck arrived at 9:30. The molding delivery was expected at 10 a.m., it arrived after 11. I was expecting one crew to be putting the caps on the retaining wall, they did not show up.

I was not expecting the stucco crew to return until Thursday. They arrive today with a full crew and began the color coat. I was expecting the tile samples I ordered 10 days ago to have arrived by now. When I called the tile store, they had no record of my order. Matthew the Finish Carpenter began working today. I was not expecting him until tomorrow.

After leaving the jobsite, I stopped at a 7-11 store expecting to find a coin or two. I found 8 pennies, 3 dimes, and a quarter. Coin Mine! (Coins #1-12)

When I arrived home, I found a Love Note from Doc which I was not expecting:

At the grocery store coin counting machine he found a 10 sen Piece from Malaysia (Foreign Coin). That is 1/10 th of the Malaysian Ringgit (dollar). He also found: 4 pennies, 8 dimes, and 2 quarters! (Coin Mine) (Coins #13-26)

Total: 26 US Coins P (12), N (0), D (11), Q (3) = $1.97 + 10 Malaysian Sen

Double Coin Mine

Day #1,027 - 95%

The fireplace stone was finished today! I’d give it a score of 95%. Just five small things that weren’t as I would have liked them. That’s still a good, solid “A Grade”.

There was one guy from the stucco crew working on the exterior decorative foam. The Finish Carpenters, David and Matthew hung all the available doors. The new front door doesn’t fit the frame so at this point it will not close.

I did all sorts of things today. Transported half a case of stones, swept, cleaned, ordered moldings, dealt with follow up calls, etc.

I locked the gates around 6:30 p.m. (sunset). Just before getting on the freeway, I pulled into the Walgreens parking lot and said, “Dearest Penny Angels, my body can barely move right now. PLEASE, Yes I am Begging You, PLEASE deliver today’s penny easily and quickly”. As I approached the door to the store there was a beautiful, shiny penny in my path. (Coin #1) THANK YOU Angels, you really did make that one quick and easy. Plus it is a pretty penny as well. Sincerely appreciated today.

I turned to go back to my truck, but my tummy growled. Oh yes, lunch! So I went into the store and bought some beef jerky. One more penny at the register as I was paying. (Coin #2). The Angel’s 2¢ Worth.

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I arrived home to find a Love Note from Doc. It has been a very long time since he has left one of those. “Please fill the water in the pond when you get home. I found 8 pennies in a parking spot as I was entering Starbucks this morning and another penny as I exited the place.” (Coins #3-11)

Today’s Guests: Mandy in the morning, Brenda in the afternoon.

Total: 11 Pennies

Day #767 - Little Facets

It is slightly after midnight and my friend, Mandy just left the house. I really want right now to just bask in the glow of this day. The number 25 has been very significant for me and Penny Finders. Today was the 25^th and mere words can not adequately portray the specialness of it. There was not any one particular or major thing which occurred, it was more like hundreds of seemingly tiny little “facets” which made up this incredibly sparkling “diamond” day.

It makes you wonder if every day is a “diamond day”? Perhaps we are just too frantic to take a step back and appreciate the tiny sparkles.

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Let’s get the “business” part of the Penny Tale done. Doc stopped at Starbucks and went inside to get his coffee while I walked the shopping center to search for coins. I found nothing. I finally returned to Doc. He said, “Hold my coffee while I go to the bathroom”. I grudgingly stood there holding his cup - and found a penny right at the register area! (Coin #1).

We had an 8:30 meeting with a cabinet designer. John really captured what I wanted to do in the kitchen - even creating a spot for our African Violets. After about three hours, Doc couldn’t take it any more. He went outside to go Penny Finding. One penny in the parking lot and one penny at the self-serve car wash. (Coins #2&3)

Subtotal: 3 Pennies

I wrote that story and was finished … or so I thought! I now see that Doc has left a Love Note and coins on my computer. Tina: a dime at the grocery store, penny at CVS and quarter at the 99¢ Only Store. (That man has Penny Fever).

Subtotal: 3 more Coins

Total: 6 P (4), N (0), D (1), Q (1) = $0.39

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Now for the Angel part of today.

My friend Mandy and I had been planning for a month to get together. We had planned to attend a workshop in Pasadena. I found out a few days ago that the class was cancelled. Mandy discovered another class elsewhere. I called yesterday to make reservations and it too had been cancelled. By mid-afternoon we still did not have any plans and it was driving me crazy. What would we DO?

I called Mandy and suggested that maybe we could take a walk in her area. (She lives in a nice area for walking compared to where we live with all the busy streets and traffic). She said, no, she would come to my house. After hanging up the phone, I said to Doc, “Great, She is coming over here in an hour. What will we do? Just sit on the sofas and stare at each other?”

I was trying to quickly clean up the house and wash the dirty dishes. The phone rang. I did not want any calls - I was trying to clean house! First it was a call regarding assistance with getting some unexpected donated items to some needy groups. That took a few calls. Then it was an update from our loan officer (stay tuned ….), then it was a realtor with whom we needed to speak, then our surveyor, then the grading guy, then the escrow agent, then….

Note: Had I gone to Mandy’s house AS I HAD PLANNED, (or to those workshops), I would have missed all those calls. I had the distinct impression that Angels were at work here. There was even more that happened, but you get the idea.

Mandy and I decided to go out for dinner, but Mandy had brought some cards along and asked if Doc or I wanted her to do a reading before we left? Doc had never before done something like this, he does not really believe much in it, and he said he was off to watch TV in his Man Cave. Mandy asked if he was sure about that? Doc has a great deal of respect for Mandy, so he courteously said, “OK, if you really want to”. It was a fascinating and eye-opening session.

Next, it was my turn for a reading. I excused Doc to go to his Man Cave, but he wanted to stay! For the next 45 minutes Mandy kept seeing one “vision” after another. Much of the time was in “dialogue” with my Penny Angel (whom she saw as an older, married, overweight, balding gentleman) who had some interesting comments. (I have many pages of notes written). My brain, of course, was full of questions and arguments with this whole situation.

Mandy and I went off to dinner, then returned to the house. We sat on the sofas for several hours not really DOING ANYTHING, but BEING and discussing topics as the “nudgings” led us. This “spiritual workout” was similarly strenuous and challenging to a “physical workout”. It’s supposed to be good for you!

Lesson: It is very challenging to just BE and not DO

There is so much to learn beyond the trivial day-to-day things we perceive as “our reality”.

Day #552 - On Leave

This morning on the way to work, I was “nudged” to stop at the 99¢ Store to look for a coin. I of course argued back as usual. “Look Mr. Nudging, I do not feel like parking the truck and just loitering inside the store, looking for pennies!” I was reminded of the conversation I had yesterday with a co-worker who said she needed some items from that Chain store. She bought some party supplies for an upcoming function, but didn’t have enough and needed to go to another store to get more. So I parked the truck. As I walked in the front door, there was a dime in my path. (Coin #1)

Lesson: There are rewards for doing nice things for others.

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This afternoon I attended a workshop. I was walking to my office and contemplating the concepts presented. I was not even thinking of coins, yet there was a penny in my path. I stopped to retrieve it and there was another, super-shiny penny. (Coins #2&3)

Thought: Blessings are placed in our path every day. Some people won’t be bothered to accept them because they may be ‘trivial’. Accept and be grateful for even the little things.

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This evening when I left work, I hung a sign on my door “Tina is Out of the Office - on a ONE YEAR Leave of Absence!” That was fun. Although the campus is a really good place for Penny Finding. So the Penny Angels will need to find other creative places to plant their Pennies.

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It’s been quite a while since I’ve come home to find a Love Note from Doc because we have been carpooling many of the days this past term. Today there were two roses (a bit droopy after being in his hot car for a while) and a Love Note.

“Found 2 pennies at the base of the Administration building on campus after picking up my Emeritus Parking Permit”

“Found 1¢ at CVS after having coffee with son, Stephen”

“1¢ on the cement cap of a planter bed in the shopping center”

This man has Penny Fever. He is also very detail oriented (in a few things).

He noted that the six pennies today each came from a different decade:

60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s Interesting trivia.

Total: 7 Coins P (6), N (0), D (1), Q (0) = $0.16

P.S. Doc just disclosed from where he got those two roses -- his ex-wife’s front yard. Cute!

Day #514 - Plans Submitted

Today was another major milestone in the New House Project. We submitted our project to the City Planning Department. They now have 30 days in which to respond.

The morning began with three alarm clocks going off consecutively. I knew one would be insufficient to do the job. The third alarm finally got me out of bed.

Doc had received 8 sets of drawings from the architect on Friday, but I wanted one for our records, so at 7:45 AM I stopped at the copy center. By 8:25 AM I was at Mandy’s house to pick her up. Doc could not go with me this morning and I wanted someone with whom to celebrate! Mandy has been integral to this project for the past 10? years.

Mandy and I arrived at the City shortly before 9 AM. Spent the next hour going from one department to the next. At each station we were talking fervently to the Penny Angels to have the transaction run smoothly.

When we arrived at the Cashier window and were ready to pay, I noticed the forms had some family trust listed as the owner!

Lesson: Pay attention to the details!

Back we went to the previous desk for corrections. The clerk there sent us back to square one.

After paying several thousand dollars for our plans to be reviewed, we were given an update of what to expect next.

For starters we need to contact the water district and get a Fire Flow Test. Then we need a full Landscape Plan with irrigation lines, calculations of all water usage, and specific plants and spacing to be used. That will need to be reviewed by Fire Safety as well.

It took a little over an hour, but that is a milestone.

Upon returning to my parked truck, we discovered a love note on the windshield L $50 ticket for parking in an employee lot. There were no signs posted anywhere within the lot, just one sign at the entrance which I failed to see.

Lesson: Pay attention to the details!

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As we were beginning the drive home Mandy and I both felt that the morning would not be complete withhout a Penny Find. So we asked the Penny Angels for a ‘nudging’. We were passing a car wash and both felt inclined to turn in. We needed to get to work, so we asked for a quick find. It was a drizzly morning, so the car wash was deserted. Mandy headed for the vacuuming station, while I headed for the waiting zone. We both pretty much at the same time raised our arms to get each other’s attention and indicate our finds! Synchronized Penny Finding - a new sport! Bruce, an attendant at the Car Wash, took our picture since he was standing there with no customers to worry about. Mandy and I each got our 2¢ worth.

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When I arrived at campus at 11 AM I hopped out of the truck saying, “Thanks Penny Angels for being there today. That’s enough pennies because I don’t want to write so much tonight.” Within 60 seconds I found a penny.

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Doc had a super full day at work but also managed to find a penny. He and Sparky visited the local McDonald’s for coffee and a bite before Doc headed to work.

Total: 6 Pennies

Day #449 - Date Night

Doc and I had planned to spend the day working on our taxes, but I had schoolwork to do.

In the morning we spent an hour having coffee with our son and his finacee. On the way to the coffee shop to meet them, Doc detoured to San Dimas High School to look for coins. He walked the parking lot and found a penny, nickel and two dimes. (Coins #1-4) I didn’t find any coins.

After the coffee break, we drove to the LaVerne High School parking lot so I could find a coin. There was an event underway and all the parking stalls were filled. Too hard to search. But I did hop out and quickly walk through the skateboard park. Just as I was giving up and leaving, there was a penny. (Coin #5). Done for today.

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In the afternoon I went to school to work. It was Saturday and the parking lot was full! Friday it had been deserted. Students are cramming for final exams. I was ‘nudged’ to take the long way to my office and pass through the Starbucks. The store was open and I collected a penny! (Coin #6)

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At 6 p.m. Doc called to check on me. We agreed that if I finished grading a certain amount of reports by 7:30, we would rendezvous for dinner and have a Date Night. We met at a Mexican restaurant, found a dime upon arrival, held hands, and acted like we were dating again. Such fun! J (Coin #7)

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When we got home I did chores for a short time, then made the mistake of sitting on the sofa to pet the dogs. My four guys were all having a great time watching the movie Beverly Hills Chihuahua. I sat down and fell asleep! That’s why this Penny Tale was not written last night. Such an exciting ‘Date’!

This morning I woke up to read Doc’s Love Note from yesterday:

Went to WalMart in the afternoon

1¢ when he entered the store to do an item return

1¢ at the cash register as he was checking out

1¢ plus one dime when exiting the store

Stopped to rent a move: Beverly Hills Chihuahua

1¢ in the doorway when leaving the store

Total: 12 Coins P (7), N (1), D (4), Q (0) = $0.52

Lesson: Love isn’t necessarily found in skyrockets and late nights or expensive dates. It can be found on an old worn out couch with 4 trusty and faithful companions.

Day #448 - Day Off?

I had planned to go into work for just a half day today. (It’s a Furlough Friday and we aren’t supposed to be coming on campus or even working from home). I needed to prepare for final exams and grade papers. After 12 hours of being there, I finally called it quits.

Around 1 p.m. there were two students studying on a table outside my office. I emerged and they asked if I was going to get lunch. I said, “No. I’m going out Penny Finding”. They asked what that was? I explained, gave them each a Penny Card and told them I expected to be back shortly.

When I left the building I said, “OK Penny Angels, let’s make this quick so I can get back to these students quickly and validate this manifestation stuff”.

I headed over to the marketplace to look for today’s coin. The building was shut due to the Furlough day. L One of my students was sitting outside and asked if I wanted a cigarette. (I keep working on him to quit smoking). I replied, “No thanks. I want a coin instead”. I immediately spotted a nickel and was able to have him witness that find. Joy shared.

Then I hurried back to my office to show the nickel to the other students. Again joy was shared.

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When I left my office at 10 pm this evening I was burned out. I needed a Find! I passed through a very dark and deserted Student Study Room. But there was one lonely penny.

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I arrived home to find Doc’s love note on the table. I’m wondering what he did all day?

Let’s see what the note says:

Sparky and I went to breakfast. One penny at Johnnie’s Famous burger drive through.

This afternoon went to CPP and walked the upper parking lot to put some steps on the pedometer. Found 7 pennies, 1 nickel and 1 dime.

Stopped for dinner at KFC on the way home and collected 3 pennies and a dime

Total: 16 Coins P (12), N (2), D (2), Q (0) = $0.42

Day #439 - Fishing

Doc is such a brat! He called me at 8:15 this evening. I was in my office grading exams. He said, “There is a movie of one of your favorite books (Little Women) on TV right now. You should come home and watch it”. Yeah sure! Today was crazy busy and I haven’t even begun to think seriously about the event for several hundred people on Saturday morning!

Today I gave midterms in my classes, but I did squeeze in 15 minutes to talk about attitude and I gave them the Paradoxical Commandments. It’s a challenge to me to “package” these life lessons within the engineering curriculum. Newton’s law and other principles are looked at a little differently in this class! J

I suddenly realized I had not found today’s penny! I scrambled to shut down by 9 pm and go penny hunting. I stopped to say “Good night” to the kids in the study room. I was hugging one of them when I spied a penny next to him. J Then there was another penny over by the sofa. I laughed and shouted “God’s 2¢ Worth for today”. Joy Shared.

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Yes, technically that was today’s coins, but I’m not sure those are “strong” finds. I headed out to the parking lot. The lighting is fairly good along the pathway, so I have never been nervous about it. Tonight there was a gang of 5 guys walking in front of me. I realized I could keep my pace and stay moderately behind them. Slow down and keep a “safe” distance from them, or speed up and walk with them! That was a weird thought!

I increased my pace and started a conversation with the 5 guys. They all had huge backpacks and fishing tackle boxes (electrical parts inside). I had seen the guys in one of the electrical engineering labs as I was leaving tonight, so I knew they were engineering students. I jokingly asked them if they were going night fishing. I told them I was fishing too - for pennies. We had a great conversation on the long walk to the cars. Such fun! Joy shared.

Thought: How blessed I felt to be able to share that time with them. There are parts of the world (or the US) where a lone female would not be able to just tag along with five young male strangers and have a really fun experience. Counting my blessings.

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I was still seeking a “real” find today. So I stopped at a gas station on the route home. I walked through all of the gas pump bays and found nothing. Thankfully there was a penny inside the convenience store by the register. Thank You Angels. Then another penny outside as I returned to my truck. 2¢ worth there too.

I arrived home with dreams of dinner waiting on the dining table…

The dogs were watching TV on the sofa downstairs and Doc was watching TV on the sofa upstairs. There was a found dime on the dining table - not even a love note tonight!

I guess that means less to write about!

Total: 5 Coins P (4), N (0), D (1), Q (0) = $0.14

Day #437 - Book Rescue

We saw in the Olympic competitions, the synergy and effectiveness of winning teams. Tonight I was a part of such a team. At one time I paused for a few seconds just to watch the “dance”. We had 85 boxes of textbooks which needed to be opened, processed, scanned, sorted, boxed and palletized. There were 30 strangers who came together for that moment in time to rescue several thousand pounds of books from going to a landfill.

It was such fun to see piles of books precariously perched and students shuttling them back and forth. Envision Charlie and the Chocolate factory with umpa lumpas carting books. Hope you are laughing!

Penny Finding:

I had meetings and classes from 11 AM until 10 PM - except for one 15 minute window of time. I ran to the campus marketplace. Found a penny #1 near the salad bar. Penny #2 was under the table where 4 guys were sitting … “Excuse me, Here’s my Penny Card…” Penny #3 was at the Carl’s Jr line. I left the building, but paused to pick up a large chunk of broken glass. There were two pennies near it. (Coins #4&5). Rewards. (See the lesson from yesterday). I was back in my office within 10 minutes and had 5 coins plus 5 remaining minutes for lunch!

Doc managed to collect two coins and a flat tire today. This morning before work, he found a nickel under the check out counter at the 99¢ store. After work he emerged to find a ‘love note’ on his windshield. It read, “You have a flat rear tire on the passenger side. Love, Concerned CPP student J”. Doc would most likely not have noticed that when he got in the car. How nice when people go out of their way. Definitely an ARK - Act of Random Kindness.

Doc called the Auto club for service. While waiting he went through one of the labs and collected a dime.

Total: 7 Coins P (5), N (1), D (1), Q (0) = $0.20

Day #432 - Endurance

As I was leaving the office at 10:30 tonight, I passed by the Student Study Room. It was deserted except for one student and a half dozen backpacks and laptop computers scattered about the room. Hmmmm… which model computer would I like? I thought maybe the rapture had just occurred and the one student and I were left behind.

It turns out the other students had gone to play broomball for a few hours and would be returning after midnight to continue working. Wouldn’t it be nice to be young again and have that kind of endurance? (Although I think some of them sleep through the late morning).

Back to Penny Finding … On the way into work I asked the Penny Angels what they had planned for today since penny searching was not on my agenda. Within a few minutes I found a penny under the vending machine, then when I kneeled to retrieve it, there was a second penny hidden from my original view. 2¢ worth.

Doc has gone to bed so let’s see what his Love Note says:

“Went to the bank to get some cash. Teller machines were gone due to remodeling. Found a dime in the parking lot”.

Whew! No lengthy findings on his part today.

Total: 3 Coins P (2), N (0), D (1), Q (0) = $0.12

Lesson: You come up with something. I’m pooped tonight.

The dictionary describes Endurance as:

…..the ability or strength to continue or last, esp. despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions; stamina

Day #430 - Dancing with the Angels

One of the Olympic ice skating commentators said, “The objective with each performance is to give it your all. Be prepared, go out to win, know that you gave it your best, and then have no regrets.” That’s a pretty good way to look at every day.

Today my attitude was “just get the job (Penny Finding) done”. I had 10-12 minutes before needing to get to class, so I ran over to the Marketplace. Singsong as I walked in the door. “Penny Angels, Penny Angels, what d’ ya say? Can we get the job done quickly today?” Within 60 seconds I found a coin at the Taco Bell area. It was essentially between the feet of a lady awaiting her order. I did not feel like “sharing and giving” today, so I merely said, “Excuse me. You are standing over a penny which I would like to retrieve in order to write about it in today’s Penny Tale”. I handed her a Penny Card, got a nod of approval, grabbed the penny, picked up two more nearby, smiled and was outta there! (Coins #1-3).

I quickly walked through the rest of the Marketplace and found Coin #4 at the Carl’s Jr. line. I rarely find coins at Panda Express because the floors there are white tile and coins would be so obvious. I almost did not search there. I noticed a spot. Could it be? Right smack dab in the middle of the room with people walking over it? Yes! And then another one a little further. Wow! (Coins #5&6).

I lectured in my first class and “gave it my all”. I was pretty worn out. I set up things by the entry door to greet my second class. I then returned to the front of the class to get my notes in order for the next lecture. There was a penny under the table. Mushroom penny or planted penny? I’m not sure. But I held it up, showed the class and said, “OK. Now we can get started”. (Coin #7) Good number.

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I arrived home around 9 pm just hungry for dinner and hoping that Doc hadn’t found any coins. (Not wanting to write much tonight). I still had my purse and briefcase in hand as I notice a lengthy Love Note on the dining table and Doc saying from the other room “Hi, let’s work on tax stuff tonight”. Not what I wanted to hear. He’s watching the Olympics right now. Let’s see what his note says:

Sparky & I went for coffee and then to CVS to check my blood pressure and log some steps on the pedometer. Found 1¢ at the coin counter, 1¢ under a chair by the BP machine, and 1¢ in an aisle.

Next we discovered a new foot massage place. Grand Opening. $20/hour. Must get back there and try it out.

At the 99¢ Store I had seen a shiny under the carousel the last time I was there. Got down to see underneath - 2 pennies and one dime. I walked the store for more steps and thought I needed one more coin to make it 7. I found a penny in one of the aisles. Note: Doc is really learning this manifesting stuff too!

I guess Doc finally did make it to school this afternoon for a meeting.

His note says, “Stopped at the grocery store on the way home from CPP. Got muffins and 4 pennies”.

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Lesson: Give it your all every day, so that each night you have no regrets.

Total: 18 Coins P (17), N (0), D (1), Q (0) = $0.27

Day #427 - Compulsory Routine

Tonight’s Olympic coverage is focusing on the Ice Dancing Compulsory Routine.

I did my Compulsory Routine early in the day.

As I approached the building where I work, I said to the Penny Angels, “This might be pushing it a bit, but would you consider another easy find today? Maybe like you did two days ago?” Within two minutes I found a penny at the entry to the building. “THANKS! This will be fun to share with the Penny Finders team”.

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I had back-to-back-to-back-to-back meetings with various faculty, staff and students most of the day. Finally by 6 p.m. they all went home and I could then focus on my work. Took action on some of the items from the meetings, then graded papers. Didn’t even make a dent. Gave up around 9 p.m. to go home for dinner.

Arrived home to find Doc watching the Olympic skating and his Love Note on the table:

“Went to the office supply store for some new tax software. Found penny, penny + dime. Went to CVS store to get more steps on the pedometer and check my blood pressure. Found 3 pennies as I walked the floor”.

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Thought: I can hear the broadcaster on the TV in the other room saying: Nice skating performance, clean, no-nonsense. Same with today’s Penny Find.

Total: 7 Coins P (6), N (0), D (1), Q (0) = $0.16

Day #416 - Personality Types

This week’s homework assignment for my engineering students was to take an on-line test which determined their personality type. I KNEW some of them would see it as just a “time waster” or “busy work”. For two days I had been wondering how to make this exercise “practical” for them. This morning while eating breakfast I noticed my incoming mail pile (which keeps growing) on the sofa. On top was the American Society of Mechanical Engineering February magazine with several really good articles on how engineering companies are using Personality Profiles to make their engineering teams more effective! Talk about Timing and the Laws of Manifestation! Perfect!

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This afternoon before class I quickly ran to the Marketplace to look for today’s coin(s).

At the Carl’s Jr. line I saw what looked like a piece of ice, but it turned out to be a dime! As I retrieved it, there was a quarter peeking out from under the edge of the floor mat. (Coins #1&2) Thanks Penny Angels.

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When I got home at 10 pm, Doc was still out at a meeting. So I opened a can of soup and read his Love Note:

This morning after getting my coffee at Starbucks, I went to the bank and found 1¢ next door at the grocery store. Then I went to the mailbox center where Sparky and I walked the parking lot. There was 1¢ under the newspaper racks. Sparky made a stop a few feet further along and discovered 1¢ among a pile of cigarette butts. (Coins #3-5)

Doc arrived home around 10:30pm with a penny he found at Carl’s Jr. (Coin #6). He had told me he had a business meeting at Starbucks at 8:30pm so I asked him why the change of venue? His reply: “We met at Starbucks and had coffee as planned. That store closes at 9:30 so we continued our meeting (with a second coffee) at Carl’s Jr.” This man is seriously addicted to coffee.

Total: 6 Coins P (4), N (0), D (1), Q (1) = $0.39