Finishing up the Old.... and Beginning the New..... The Challenge of 2014

December 31, 2013. Wow. Where has this year gone? Looking back, I can see a lot of joy, happiness, difficulty, pain, anguish, breakups, reconciliations, disappointment, frustration, bitterness, distance, restoration, love, joy, happiness.... it has come full circle. And here we are getting ready to start 2014. What will this new year hold for each of us? I wonder.

The year has finished up with many emotions. Joy from the Christmas gatherings, sadness from hearing of the death of a friend. Reconciliation with my little sister; healing for someone we love. Happiness for one who is still learning to grow up, and isn't afraid to fall in love. Joy in engagements, sorrow in the goodbyes. I look back over the year and I wonder the ways in which I have grown.

I have been told I have changed for the worse. But that is a viewpoint. As long as my relationship with God hasn't changed, and HE hasn't condemned me, then it is only a viewpoint. It took me awhile to realize that. A viewpoint nearly destroyed me. We humans think only of ourselves. I only needed to keep my eyes on Him. Trust me, HE lets me know when I've done wrong. And HE has never awakened me in the middle of the night to tell me I did something wrong. And HE usually does!

I am looking forward to 2014 because I am once again, for the first 21 days at least, giving up certain things so that I can have a closer walk with Him. I want to give Him back what is already His. This year is HIS, and as I give back to Him the first 21 days, I am confident of His blessings throughout the year. I could have wondered where He was in the middle of this past year. Things were horrible, although I had fasted the first 21 days of 2013. I was broken, defeated, ready to walk away from what I believed - all because of things said to me. But He gently drew me back into His arms and comforted me, and is still working in me to make me whole again. Too often we let words spoken destroy us, regardless of how strong we think we are.

Today I have to work a half day - not bad, really, for we are getting tomorrow off. Back to full days starting on Thursday. I don't mind coming to work. I love my boss and we share a special bond of many years, a special love and respect for each other. She is patient with me and teaches me what I need to know. That makes a world of difference when you work for someone you care for and want to make look good. I got a lot done yesterday, and will finish up on things today. Got a couple stops to make on the way home from work then will begin preparations for tomorrow's lunch.

Yes, tomorrow being New Years Day, we are having the elegant 'poor man's lunch'. What in years past with my parents of pork chops with cooked cabbage, or ham and cooked cabbage, I have moved it into BBQ pork ribs, coleslaw - and of course black-eyed peas. Can't get too many people to eat even a teaspoon of those! I can remember the first time our Princess Bethany ate black eyed peas - at about 2 years of age! And she liked them! And I can't get the adults to even taste them! Mama always said that if you had a poor man's lunch for New Years Day (to remind you of those lean days and those less fortunate than you), then you would have good luck the rest of the year. Old wives tale, for sure, but always something to pass down the family. I wonder if it will be continued after I'm gone. Will anyone remember how I loved to prepare this special meal for them....

Moving on....

The challenge for 2014. I've given this a lot of thought. I have to admit there are several of us within my family group that needs to lose a few pounds. Some more than others, but a few pounds here and there wouldn't hurt any of us. Eat more healthy, get some exercise. That is my goal for 2014. I am determined I am going to get healthy and get back into exercising. I've let the holidays and the busyness of life, and other burdensome issues, take away my joy in exercising. But this year, I'm going to start fresh with a new attitude and shake off the old stuff and bring on the new.

So the challenge for 2014.... Weigh yourself the morning of January 1, 2014. IF you need to lose weight, this challenge is for you. Between January 1 and June 30, 2014, if you lose 5% of your body weight (or more), I will give you $50 on July 1. IF you have met your goal (knowing some only need to lose a small amount) and/or lose 10% and maintained it by December 31, 2014, I will give you $100. Yes, you can earn up to $150 this year. Not by starving yourself. But by eating healthy and maintaining an exercise program that will help you keep the weight off.

Please share this challenge with your family members that could use this challenge and doesn't read this blog. Make this challenge with your own family. I had one granddaughter say to me, "grandma, I would have done it had I known you were doing this!" so I want to make sure that those that are interested, can accept the challenge. In fact, perhaps I will type out the challenge so that whoever wants a copy of it can have it - and keep their record on it of their loss. Will have to create something to that effect by tomorrow morning. This will be fun.

Of course the rewards I offer are for my children, spouses and grandchildren, but I also encourage you to set your own challenge. I'm not doing this challenge just for you - I'm doing this for ME. I want to lose minimum 10% of my body weight this year. I need encouragement and help. If I have other family members doing it as well, we can do more things together - like walking, going for salads, encouraging each other. I've put it 'out there' - I'm in this challenge (hmm, I wonder if I can reward myself with $150 by year's end?) Regardless of who does it and who does not accept the challenge, be encouraging to those who do. It may not be time for you to do it - but be sensitive and encouraging to those who do want to do the challenge. Walk with them. Encourage them in this challenge. Find someone to be accountable to who will encourage you when you lose only one pound and you were hoping for at least two!

I think I do need to know who is serious about losing weight and getting healthy this time - I have a feeling I could lose some serious money this year! Have a blessed day and be thinking how you will achieve your weight loss/get healthy goals in 2014.

Blessings!

Following Up.... 2013 .... as it comes to a close.....

This is the paragraph I put on my blog last March. I think one person will win something - but I am not sure what.

"And since I know my children read my blog on occasion - I will issue a challenge to them. Starting the day you read this - if you will lose 10% of your body weight by Christmas, I will give you $100 by January 1. For 5% I will give you $50. It is on an honor system and I don't need to know if you plan to do it - we will be able to tell by the weight loss. And it isn't just about weight loss, it is about getting healthy. I would hate to have you sick and die because your weight was a factor. And if you are like me, getting some extra cash for eating healthy and feeling better, doing things that are good for my body (like exercising) is a bonus. So - here's to you! No one can do it for you - it has to be your choice, your decision. Good luck!!"

So - if you have succeeded in 5% or 10% or greater weight loss by Christmas, you need to let me know so that I can have your prize money by January 1.


I think one son may have won $50 - and maybe even the $100 - whichever it is, I am waiting for him to let me know. I have the money ready to hand over to him. And, I thinking of issuing a new challenge for 2014. Pretty much the same thing, but of course different time frame. Stay tuned for that one - will post it either tomorrow or January 1 - so be sure to check back.

I have been so busy the past few weeks that I know that I have not posted much on here. Especially the past couple of weeks. Things have been busy at work with changing jobs. And, if I repeat myself, please just ignore it. I'm not going back to see what I have posted and what I haven't. I officially moved into my new position to work it on December 16th. My new boss said she wanted me full time the week of Christmas - and she made it happen! I have been so busy ever since with scheduling meetings for 2014 and minutes of meetings past that I need to complete, and just getting oriented with this new position. When I left my 'old' executive administrative position a few years ago, I never thought I'd get back into that area - and promptly forgot everything I knew. Now I'm having to start over and wow, so much I don't know! And need to know! I'm slowly getting back on track. I need to order 2010 Word,Outlook,Excel, etc book so that I can have a reference on what to do and how to do it.

My biggest obstacle has been that my new boss ordered new drives, programs, etc. to be added to my computer prior to my officially moving over. She was thinking they would be set for me when I actually got moved. Good thinking, but it backfired. As I know I shared before, I had all those programs added - but when my position officially changed, security looks at the drives, etc that I have on my computer at that time and says, oh, she doesn't need these in this new position, it isn't on the 'list' for that position - and they deleted them. All of them. So my boss has had to go back and request them all. SLOWLY they are being added back. Some partially - which means I have to contact security and tell them that I need ALL of that folder, not just part of it. It has created quite the problem in trying to get things completed when I don't have access to the folders I am required to have. In time, I will get everything back - but in the meantime.....

My new boss is on PTO today and tomorrow. She was so funny last week - she came to me about 4:15PM on Friday and said that she was leaving and wanted to know what my hours were, i.e., was I going to work 7:30AM - 4:30PM or just take 1/2 hour lunch - or what. I thought, wow, I can leave at 4:30! It has been AMAZING! Leaving at 4:30PM (granted, traffic has been down due to the holidays) gets me home about 5:15PM! Which is about the time I was leaving work and getting home about 6:15! I've gained nearly an hour of my life back - if this hold out. I love it. Will see beginning this next week - after this holiday week. I asked if I could call in sick today and tomorrow but she laughed at me. I have 4 sick days which I won't be using. Praise God I'm rarely sick, and I refuse to lie and call in sick because I want a day off. Many people will take every day they can. I can't remember the last time I called in sick and in the 26 years I was at MCP, I am sure it was less than ten days total. I just don't believe in being dishonest, even though the company gives us those days for that purpose. Yes, I will "lose" the 4 sick days as January 1, but I have 4 more for 2014. If I should need them. One never knows when you might!

A full day of work today, a half day tomorrow, off on Wednesday and then the real world of work starts again on Thursday - back full time for a few weeks. I think we get "civil rights day" or whatever it is they call it, off. Yeah, that's January 20th. Then the birthdays start on on January 21 with my daughter's 45th - wow - is that right? Now I really feel old!

Well, my time to start work is quickly approaching and I have many sets of minutes to get done so need to get off here so that I can get started. Hope that you are setting goals for 2014 and will get them finalized by midnight tomorrow night. Plan positive things to accomplish in 2014.

Blessings!

I thought I did.....

well now, I just spent 30 minutes typing a nice message on here - and it deleted. Guess I'm not to share today.

It's too late to start over. and I'm too sleepy. Guess it is close to bedtime.

Until later - hope you have a safe, restful sleep.

Blessings!

System dragging ..... are you?

Wow - I'm at work this morning and trying to get my system up and running today has become quite the task. It started up just fine - but trying to bring up my son's blog to see if he had posted yet (he hadn't) and getting this one started - I had to try two-three times on each one! I sure hope that isn't the way today is going to go. I have a lot to accomplish today and I need to be quick about it. Sure don't need a dragging system.

So how is your system doing this morning? No, I'm not talking computer stuff. I'm asking about you! Sit back and think about it. How was your day yesterday? Was it a day of bickering and fighting and resentment - or was it a day full of good and wonderful memories?

In reflection of our day - I feel I had a blessed day with those I love so much and love to be with. As mentioned yesterday, hubby and I get up early and do our Christmas together before any one else arrives. I wasn't sure how the rest of the schedules were going to intertwine with ours - but it worked out. I expected one son at 9AM and the other at 10AM - and they both arrived within five mintues of each other around 11AM. Which was fine. It almost felt like old times when all the family would gather together as one and open gifts together. It was so fun watching the grandchildren open their gifts and see their faces. True, some only got clothes so it was like 'oh, thanks' - which is to be expected. I told them last year, and again this year, if you don't give grandma a list of what you want, you will end up with what I find for you. For the most part, I think they were ok with it.

I received some really nice - and fun gifts. Took lots of photos (and wish I had gotten more, but I was busy with other things) and had a wonderful time with the two boys and their families. After we opened gifts one of the boys left. We had lunch with the rest that remained and just sat around and talked. This is what family Christmas is to me - joyful times of sharing a gift and having a meal together. After awhile my other son left with his family and we cleaned things up and headed out the door to our daughter's. That was also a fun time and afternoon. It was so fun getting to watch gifts being opened, surprised looks on faces, and just having fun.

Princess Tricia had told me that all she wanted for Christmas was my cheese ball and my cranberry pumpkin nut bread. So what do I do? I made a 'baby cheeseball' (about the size of a small child's fist) and a small loaf of the bread - and put in a bag for her. Of course I had a bigger cheeseball that I took for everyone to have. It was fun to see her face when she opened it. We sat around the table most of the afternoon and snacked/ate (again) and just talked. Good times. The youngest son came over with his fiancee while we were there and we got to visit with her more and get to know her a little better.

All in all, it was a good day and I feel truly blessed to have been a part of it. I loved being with family and my precious grandchildren. I loved the hugs and I love yous that were said. It was a good day. Relaxed after we got home and went to bed early.

And back at work this morning. And it's time to get to work.

Hope you have a great day after Christmas! Take time to think about goals for 2014. That blog will come up soon.

Blessings!

Christmas and all its trimmings....

Merry Christmas everyone! We started the morning off early - like in 5AM - just because we can. Although we could sleep in on Christmas morning, we choose to get up early. Hubby lights the fire (yes, it is a 'no burn' day in Phoenix, but we have a gas log, which is nice for days like this), makes my coffee, and we settle down to open gifts.

First of all we go through our stockings. Yeah, it is a big stocking too. My mommy didn't raise no dummy here. I have a big stocking. :-) Anyway, Santa fills up my stocking so I go through it. Then we start opening our gifts from each other. I was very good again this year and got lots of nice things. As did hubby, of course. After our gift opening I cooked breakfast. Marley even got bacon and eggs with some dog food this morning. Not that she is spoiled or anything. She could use a bath though.

Now we are kind of just sitting around waiting on the first round of grandchildren to arrive with the parent(s). I have some things I should finish up on, but have already put in a box so won't get out for now. It won't get finished in time anyway.

It's been a few days since I've been able to write on here. I thought I started something yesterday - but not sure what happened other than my boss came in about an hour earlier than usual and I got distracted. Now to keep from repeating myself, I feel like I need to go back to see when was the last time I added something! Life has kept me very busy, for sure! Changing jobs and having to learn new things, baking/playing with the grandchildren, trying to get my own baking done (didn't succeed much on this one), making things (didn't get all this done either), and other things that I need to complete. Just didn't get it done. Oh well. It is the thought that counts, not the gift. Right?

Today is the day we tend to contact those we haven't seen or spoken to for awhile and wish Merry Christmas. I have received many such greetings on facebook this morning. It is always nice to feel loved. I have gotten so bad at sending out Christmas cards - I keep telling myself I am going to address the cards in October, and then I can be done and be ready to get them in the mail by the first of December. Yeah, I'm going to do that. We will see. If you get a Christmas card from me next year, you will know I succeeded with my goal.

Goals - oh yeah - New Years is right around the corner. My son commented one year that he doesn't believe in resolutions - they only get broken anyway. Instead, choose goals. I like that - a lot - and I am already pondering my goals for 2014. I know one for sure - hubby bought me some new clothes in the size I told him. Well, they just don't make sizes like they used to - and they ain't running larger! Guess what one of my goals are going to be!

Which reminds me - I will have a new coach for 2014. In case I haven't already mentioned it in a previous post. His name will be "coach Jeffrey" and he is an exercise coach. Dang! Why did they have to set me up with someone who pushes exercise? He just might make me do it! LOL I did enjoy speaking with Coach Olivia this past year. We only talk one time a quarter - but I get points for the coaching and for other participation in 5Ks, etc. I won a $100 Fitbit (exercise tool) and $350 off on my medical insurance based on what I did last year. I thought that was pretty good. Want to do it again this year. The Color Run is January 25, I think. I haven't signed us up yet - and it may be too late. Need to check and see how much it is - probably full cost by now.

Not much to share today - and I'm back to work tomorrow. Perhaps I will have something to share from the rest of the day. I am praying for a good day with those I love. Sometimes Christmas can bring out the worst - and the best - in people.

May you and yours have a blessed day - and not only today - but throughout the rest of your life. Merry Christmas.

Blessings!

Closer, Closer.....

YEA! After today I'm off until Monday! Ok, so it is only ONE day off work - but I have so much to accomplish in that one day! I'm hoping I can get it all done - but if not - will work it in. I have a half day Christmas Eve so that will really help too. I can finish up all the wrapping if I don't have it done. And any baking I need to finish up. Still need to fix up a basket for my neighbors and take over to them - perhaps I can do that this weekend as well. Then again - I'm all scheduled for the next three evenings with the grandchildren coming over to bake - and I am so excited!! You have no idea how much I love being with the grandchildren! Even if I have to bribe them over with baking! I'm grateful they (I think) enjoy being with their grandma as much as grandma enjoys being with them. I hope we are making precious memories.

This will be the very first 'before' Christmas that my oldest Princess will not be here for baking as she is moving this weekend. Perhaps we can get together the weekend after Christmas and do some baking - or an evening after I get home from work. Bake and watch a movie - sounds like fun! But will see what her schedule is - she may need to get back to her new home.

I received this morning a very, very, nice note from a couple of women from Corporate with whom I have had email contact over the past few months in this position (I move, literally, later this morning to my new desk and position). We've joked, and chatted, about other things besides work. I really think we could be great friends if they were here in Phoenix. Elsewhere too, but I will NOT move to Missouri where they are - it gets too cold!! Last week, after the ice storm, one told me she went out to her car and had so much ice on the driveway she couldn't get out of the garage and down it! She was afraid she'd slide right into the house, so she worked from home. Anyway, it really makes me feel good to receive such nice notes. AND, my NEW boss sent me an IM this morning saying how happy she was that I was finally going to be working with her again because I keep her 'stable' (?? HUH? ME??? STABLE??) and we make such a great team. See what I like this person so much?!

Thinking this morning on the way in about how blessed I am and how good God has been to me. He gives me what I need -just when I need it. Not necessarily when I want it. And these little additional surprises/blessings along the way are such a delight. I try to 'pass it on' when I can. Do something for someone that I wouldn't normally think of. Especially in this season, give a card and a loaf of my cranberry pumpkin bread (which I pass out to my friends here at work) to those that aren't very well liked. When they send a thank you email - you KNOW they appreciate it. And I love doing those things. I'd love to bake for everyone here - but, well, time and money can be an issue here. Today is a good day to bring those things in - next week will be crazy - although I do plan to bring in about ten more packages on Monday. Need to pull my bread and butter pickles and get salsa made to give to these people. They have come to expect those from me at Christmas - I've known these people for several years - and worked with all but one at my last company. I am so blessed to work with those I have known for so long. And the best part? We LIKE each other!

Our department Christmas party was nice. I had to laugh for everyone wanted my snowman lamp from the white elephant gift exchange! I can't tell you what I ended up with - I may re-gift. :-) The food was great - and I was able to grab some to take home for hubby to have for lunch today. He's so spoiled. I had to laugh to myself last night - two of the people who had the lap band surgery about two months ago now - well, their plate was probably as full as mine was - if not more. Gotta change their habits if they plan to keep the weight off. I can tell both are losing - both over 20 pounds now. Still, I'd rather cut down on what I'm eating than have invasive surgery on my body. It's the exercise part (which they are not doing yet) that I have to work on. The eating I can handle. It is getting up off my butt and moving the body.

That is my GOAL for next year - exercise more. Which reminds me - I have a new coach - and I will talk with him for the first time January 2nd. Yes, it is a him. And I was told he is an exercise coach. Yipes. Does that mean he will really push me into actually doing exercise? YEA! I really do want to lose my belly this time - and if being accountable causes me to exercise - so be it! I have a wedding in March so I really do want to get rid of the extra hanging around.

Which reminds me..... I wonder whether I will be giving out $50 or $100 come January 1 from the challenge. I think I will throw out another challenge after the first of the year - will have to think on how to present it. Make it a challenge for myself as well.

Uh Oh! Time to get on the phones - time to get to work! Hope you have a great day!

Blessings!

Christmas Blessings already started.....

We received a Christmas blessing early last night. We have a new microwave. No, not from Sears, although I am feeling pretty confident they will either credit or replace the one we had recently purchased from them. Now I will ask for the credit, and hopefully won't have to tell them we received another brand as a gift. It was a real surprise and I'm grateful for it. Hubby is obviously very happy. He fixed an egg in it for Marley this morning - and cooked it at 50% and he said it came out perfect. Always good to keep hubby and Marley happy. I appreciate the giver's thoughtfulness in meeting our needs. It's always nice to have a need fulfilled, rather than just something to give.

That's why I try to find out what is needed, or wanted, versus just buying something to give to someone. Yeah, sometimes I just have to get 'something' and hope that it is what they can use, but overall, I prefer to supply the need or want. I try to write things down throughout the year whenever I hear of someone needing or wanting something, so that I can try to meet that need or want come Christmas time. Unfortunately, we all seem to have all we want or need this year so I'm basically at a loss. But, I think most will like what I have selected specifically for them.

Tonight is our department Christmas party. We are to have a $5 white elephant gift. Although I could have picked most anything for a white elephant gift about the $5 amount, I instead chose a snowman lamp I have had for several years - and have never taken out of the box, I don't think. Yes, it is worth more than the $5, but every year I drag it out of storage, and every year I put it back in storage. So - doesn't that make it a 'white elephant'? I decided it was time to get rid of it. So I wrapped it up, stuck a bow on it, and it is now sitting under the department tree. If I remain silent, perhaps no one will know where it came from. No one will be in for another half hour anyway. I love this time alone in the department. It will be the same when I move up the hall - sorta. Only one person comes in early as I do, but she is in her office working each morning when I wallk down the hall.

Speaking of moving to my new desk - it will happen probably tomorrow. My new boss put in the move request for Thursday - so I guess that is it. OH YEAH!! I finally got one of the crucial programs back that I had lost and was able to actually WORK yesterday! Still don't have the drives and other programs yet that I lost - and I'm getting phone calls from Corporate wanting to add adobe and other programs to my computer. Heck, I don't even know what the programs are for (adobe, etc) so am kind of (yipes!) uncertain why I need them. This job may prove very challenging for me.

I have been thinking the past few days about the many blessings I have received this past year. However, I will save that for another day to share. I am thinking about what I am going to do the first of January. What am I going to give up for 21 days. I have seen the results of what I have done the past two years. It just keeps getting better and better. More on this topic towards the end of the year.

I think all the Christmas programs are done and the grandchildren are looking forward to getting out of school for a couple weeks. Our temperature here in Phoenix is a bit higher than normal for this time - I believe someone said it hit 82 degrees either yesterday or the day before. I know it is cool in the mornings and cool when I leave. Don't get out much during the day.

This weekend will be spent baking and being with the grandchildren - and I can't wait! I am waiting for an answer from one of my boys to see if I can have his children Friday evening. Then my daughter's children on Saturday and my middle child's three boys on Sunday. I will probably be sick of baking by then, although they will be doing the work. I need to pick up more chocolate, I think, to melt - but have most of the items to make our Christmas mice. I want to get marshmellows - I saw a darling photo of snowmen I want us to do. Providing I get them picked up. Always looking for new things for the grandchildren to do.

Planning to finish up my shopping on my last day off this year - Friday. I figure if I can work on my shopping Friday morning and early afternoon, I should be able to complete all I wanted to get. I went online the other day and ordered a few things and they have started coming in. I received two of the gifts last night - and I just ordered them Saturday evening. I was surprised - but glad they got here.

Need to address a couple Christmas cards this morning and get them in the mail so need to get off here. Hope your day is full of surprise blessings! Plan to be a blessing to someone today.

Blessings!

I did start writing yesterday....

But ended up getting so many interruptions that I had to quit and just save it. It's still saved, maybe I will use it sometime when I can't think of anything to say. Except that it won't make any sense then. Then again, does any of this ever make any sense......

Friday was absolutely crazy around here (work) and yesterday was totally boring. Let me explain. About 11AM on Friday the computer program that we use for authorizations - well, right in the middle of what I was doing, it shut down and disappeared. Literally. In checking other folders, other things disappeared - some that I had gotten added only recently, due to my new position. I would turn the computer off - and back on. Numerous times. Trying to figure out what happened. After numerous emails and questions, it was finally determined that SECURITY had deleted me from the having any access to these programs. Why? Because I had the security clearance as a referral specialist, but security's listing for an administrative assistant has no need for this program. So they deleted it. Mind you that in this postiion I am required to have that program, I'm not just an administrative assistant now, I am for the department in which we do the authorizations, and I am the back-up. Friday my coworker was still on vacation. I was the only other one doing these type of authorizations. Until 11AM that is.

Long story short, my new boss had requested a few weeks ago access to new programs for me, intending to get a 'jump' on my actually moving to that area, and I could do minutes, review, etc. Well, everything she got me access for, disappeared as well. Security had lumped everything under the referral specialist position. Now my new boss has had to request everything, plus some, to get my programs back so that I can do my work for her.

My administrative assistant role went into effect the Monday before. Security waited 5 days before deleting me from everything. I could do nothing. I had to use other people to print things for me. Yesterday I started moving my things to my new area - which is about all I could do. I couldn't get into the drives to work on my minutes - and the drives I do have access to - restrict me into what areas I can go. I kept getting 'access denied' on the departments in which I will be serving. I had 2 hours personal time left so I requested to leave at 3PM yesterday to use them up. Might as well, there was nothing I could do. This is crazy.

Nearly everything is now moved into my new area. I still do not have access to anything that I should have. (Why am I here?) I may review the notes on the recorder (thank God I haven't deleted them yet although I have downloaded to the computer!) and just type the important stuff out so that I can add to the minutes when I can get to them. I don't know what else to do.

It can prove to be a long, boring, day.

But on the positive side, I'm getting things moved and I can work on clearing notebooks, etc that will need emptied before the next meeting. My new boss goes out of town for Wednesday and Thursday this week so I'm hoping my system will be back up by then. Currently Security has it scheduled for Saturday, December 21, to be back up and running. In the meantime....

I do have a meeting today with one of the directors on setting up meetings for the coming year for her area. That will be a learning experience. I haven't scheduled meetings for three years - and this system is different than what I used before. I will need to be open minded and pay attention on how to do them - and ask questions!

A topic to share more towards the end of the year, but on the way in this morning I was thinking about how things have changed this year. Some good, some not so good. I have had a lot of learning to do at this company this year - changes in my referral specialist postion a few times, and now into an administrative assistant position. It's been a year.

Hope that you are getting things together for Christmas and are ready for it. I have a few shipments that will be arriving between now and Christmas Eve.... sure hope everything arrives in time. Still have my baking to do - with the grandchildren and myself. It's going to be a busy 8 days before Christmas!!

Blessings!

What a week!

Today is finally Friday and the last day I am flying 'solo' on the phones and on this job. Whew. I have accomplished much, but still, it has been a very busy week. I've come in early and stayed late, trying to keep up on the job. I must admit that I am glad it is coming to an end. I'm in the office early as usual, but decided I was NOT going to start work just yet - I haven't written for a few days and decided it was time.

Lack of communication is a sore spot for me. I have a real issue when it affects me and communication does not get put out to myself, and those it affects. I have worked through breaks and lunch Monday through Wednesday because I believed I was the only one on this call line to take these specific calls. That is what we had been told in the beginning and there had been no communication since. Yesterday about 12:30PM the trainer comes flying over here and asks me if I have been taking lunches and breaks this week. I told her no. She asked why and I told her. She THEN informs me that the call tree has been opened up that those who are also (supposedly, but are not because they know I'm on) on the phones can take my calls as they should roll to them. I asked when that happened - she said two weeks ago. I just looked at her and said, 'well, it would have been nice had it been communicated down to those of us who are on the phones'. She walked away. So I got off the phones and took a hour lunch! There was leftover Mexican food in the lunchroom from a meeting and I helped myself. Yum, did it ever taste good!

I read Tuesday on my son's blog of a grandson's band concert last night. I had hopes of making it, even though I had not been 'formally' told about it - but ended up working late and not getting home due to traffic until after 6:30. Not sure what time it started, but judging from my daughter-in-law's posts on facebook about the rude parents, it may be good I didn't go. My daughter-in-law has the patience of Job and the love of Christ, and I wish I was more like her. I could tell she was frustrated, to say the least, about the example these parents were showing by talking during the concert and getting up and leaving as their group finished, rather than being polite and staying to the end. I know tonight (which I almost forgot but saw on facebook last night) is the children's play at church. Tonight at 7PM and tomorrow at 4PM. Tonight works better for me(I hope), so hubby and I will head over there as soon as I get home. Love to watch the grandchildren in their performances.

I'm hoping this weekend to start getting the grandchildren over to do some baking. Tradition is important to me, as I have probably mentioned many times before. I love having the grandchildren over to bake, to play. I don't get to do it near often enough. I keep telling myself that some day I will have that opportunity - but it may be my great-grandchildren - which wouldn't be so bad either. I would have the children and/or grandchildren over every weekend if it was up to me. They keep me young. Unfortunately, I feel like I'm getting older all the time. VERY sad, very depressing, but that is life in my world. Suck it up,lambchop.

The Christmas holiday usually does bring family together - for one reason or another. Usually it's an occasion for the family to gather together and exchange gifts, have a meal together, and just be together. It's all a good thing. With our family getting together at Thanksgiving, and as the busyness of life creeps in, Christmas has gotten to not be the 'gather all together' occasion anymore. And, as much as I love it, I encourage my children more and more to spend this extra time with their children. Now if they are going off to do other things - that is a different matter - however, an extra day to spend with their children is so important and they are making precious memories. Some good, some bad, I'm sure. Regardless, it's family time.

I haven't made the final decision yet as to how Christmas will be at our place. I had thought of having each family over for a meal and just celebrating then - but the thought of being home without anyone stopping by is sad. Maybe I will just leave it as it is. Still pondering, and I still have time.

But I am excited in that I have finished two of the gifts I have been working on - and am involved in the third one. I have one more to go - which may not finish this year. Oh well. No name on it - it's one of those I just love to do and give away. Regardless if I get the grandchildren or not, I will need to get some baking done this weekend and get it in the freezer to have for later. So many yet that I haven't a gift for - and am uncertain what that could be. I like to say that as grandparents we can get them anything cause it is up to their parents to supply their needs and wants. I remember getting coloring book and crayons in my teens from an aunt because that is all she could afford. What is even funnier, is that she got coloring book and crayons for an older brotgher another year and I think he was 16. I hope that our grandchildren will look back over the years with love, fondness, and great memories of special gifts and know how dearly they are loved.

Our microwave has finally quit. We bought it new from Sears about 3 months ago, and did not purchase the warranty. Kenmore is a great brand, right? About a month ago I fixed a roast in it - cooked it for 50 minutes. It quit on me. By yesterday, it will not even heat or cook. Since we didn't get the warranty, we are out not only the microwave, but $150 we paid for it. I'm going to check my Sears bill and see when I purchased it - I think I threw the receipt away since we didn't have a warranty with it. Then throw ourselves on their mercy and see if they will make it right for us. If they won't - I will refuse to buy a Kenmore product ever again - and discourage others from doing so - unless you get the warranty. We shouldn't have to buy a warranty for a product that should be made with excellence. Just another way to make money. Our Magic Chef microwave lasted us 18 years - and the only reason we had to get a new one was that the latch broke and we couldn't get it open - and when we did - we could not use it again.

So now I'm starting to ramble and will close this off. Need to check my Sears activity and see when I bought the microwave. Need to see if I can also do a little shopping without going to the mall.

Hope you have a good day - and a great weekend. Remember, it isn't about he hustle and bustle and the attitudes of all the people at the stores and mall - it's about love and giving and celebration of Jesus' birth. Let's keep our focus on the GIFT and not the gift.

Blessings!

So..... Busy!!

It seems like the last month I have been overly busy. Not that I'm complaining, mind you, but just that I have not had time to do a lot of things. By now I have usually baked up a storm. Literally. However, this year, I have only been able to work on my baking twice. I'm usually canning bread and butter pickles, making salsa, jellies - all to give away for gifts. I haven't even gotten started on that - and am not sure when I can.

I have done some shopping, but I'm sure I'm not even 1/2 way done - but yet, I am. Limiting myself to each gift for each person. Just can't do as I have in the past. Some may get just what they ask for - and I'll leave it at that! Just the price of buying things to bake with has risen so much that it has become costly to bake anymore. But, I still love to make things from scratch and even from package, so will always continue to bake. I love the way the house smells when something is baking in the oven.

I only have one day vacation left this year so have scheduled the 20th off work so that I can finish up the shopping and baking over that weekend. I did stop at one place last night - and may try to stop a couple evenings yet to pick up one or two things - but as the children really have all they need (just like we do) and the grandchildren are older and little toys and dolls and trucks just don't do it anymore - they are harder to buy for. I dislike just buying a gift card (yet I'm ok with receiving them) because I like to pick out something special. Yeah, it's still the 'leave a memory' thing. I want each gift to be a special memory for each child, each grandchild.

At least we have the traditions - and I'm afraid that if I ever miss, they will be disappointed. The daughter and daughter-in-law get their chocolate covered cherries and the two sons usually get summer sausage. Unfortunately, I went out last night in search of summer sausage - and there wasn't any at the location I went to. This could be a problem, but I will keep searching. Problem is now, they have cut the size of the sausage down to about 1/3 of what it was - and charging twice as much for it. Seriously!! They used to be a 'cheap gift' to buy for the boys for $3.98. In September I last saw them and they were $7.00 for 1/3 of the size. I didn't buy any then because I felt it was too early, plus I'm hoping I could find the bigger ones that I used to buy. Although my oldest son told me the other night that he didn't care if he got it or not. However, the youngest grandson made sure I knew his dad needed some summer sausage. LOL

This week I am working solo at the office - meaning my coworker is on vacation this week - therefore I am doing my 'old' job, my 'new' job, and my coworker's job. I'm not even breaking for lunch - only for coffee, water, and going potty! I want to keep us as current as I can - and with having to be on the phones as well, it makes it hard to work. But, I shall persevere!!

Only a couple minuttes left before I need to sign on to the phones so need to get off here and move on. After all, it's a workday!

Hope you have a great day and get a lot accomplished!

Blessings!

God's Protection.... Just in Time....

Do you ever stop, as you are heading out the back door to your car, that you need to stop and do something before you leave? Or maybe make a potty stop 'one more time' before heading out that door? Get a drink of water. Stop to pet the dog. Give your spouse or child an extra hug. Or you remember something you forgot to do. Or get. or decide to grab a bowl of cereal and eat it before heading out the lunch. Or grab an apple to eat in the afternoon. Has a thought to do something stopped you from walking out the door on occasion?

Have you noticed that when those things happen, and you do them, you miss an accident. Or you just make a light. Or the traffic seems just a bit lighter than usual in the spot you are in. Little things. Perhaps you notice a billboard of something you needed a reminder on. Or a cool license plate goes by you that either brings you a chuckle, or reminds you of something or someone.

Most mornings I will grab a bowl of oatmeal and take it to work with me (I make up a batch of overnight oatmeal that we can heat up and eat 3-4 mornings). Some mornings I am ready soon enough that I can heat it up and eat at home, but that is when it is about 5:45AM when I still have time. Otherwise I pack it in a bowl and take it with me, to heat up when I get here at work and enjoy.

This morning it was 5:55AM and I was ready for hubby and I to pray together and I head out the door. I decided to heat up my bowl of oatmeal and eat it. Afterall, I still had at least 5 minutes before I usually leave. Of course by the time I finished eating the oatmeal, had a small glass of milk with it, finished off my coffee, and prayed with hubby, it was probably about 6:10AM or so. I usually leave around 6AM. Ok - so I'm ten minutes "late" heading out to work. I still don't have to start work until 8AM so I have plenty of time - and being a FRIDAY (YEA!!) traffic will be lighter than a M-T workday as a lot of people work from home on Fridays.

So I get in my (cold) car (it was 33 degrees here this morning!!) and head down the freeway to work. I had not gone very far when all four lanes started backing up, coming to a stop. Then slowly, the started moving again. I hadn't been on the freeway but about 5 minutes so wondered what that was about. We went about 1/4 mile and I saw the problem. In the lane to my left (I drive in the center lane to work) was a 4 car pileup. Yep. A big black pickup truck was #1, and it looked like two sedans and then a little white sports car. All scrunched together. Liquid was on the ground around the cars so I will assume it was water from the radiator. It had obviously just happened moments before as the police had not even arrived yet. No one was out of their cars.

As I drove by the accident, I thanked God for keeping me at home an extra 10-15 minutes so that I missed being next to it when it happened. I also prayed for all those involved - there had to be four drivers and perhaps passengers. I am confident that God gave me the thought to eat my oatmeal at home this morning (I brought it to work yesterday) so that my time would be delayed and I would be protected. God does that, you know.

A friend shared recently that she decided years ago that if she remembered something, or had to go potty, or the phone would ring as she started to shut the door to leave - she would always stop and take care of whatever it was that distracted her. She always felt that was God wanting her to wait so that He could protect her from danger.

Similar circumstances have happened to me over the years - i.e., accidents happening right after me or in a lane or two over from me as I drive by. I always thank God for His protection over me and over my vehicle. In fact, that is what we pray every morning for not only ourselves but for those around us. Something like this - "Father, please protect me and my vehicle, and protect those that surround me". We also pray it over our children and grandchildren and believe that even if an accident does occur, that God wlil protect them. An answer to that prayer was given weeks ago when I shared about a granddaughter and grandson who had been t-boned on the way to school in Indiana. The SUV was totaled, but the grandchildren and their friend climbed out the window with bruises and no serious physical consequences.

My children know I pray over them every day. There have been mornings that I would get a call with the question 'did you pray for me today?' and I'm thankful I can tell them 'yes'.

What about you? When you get into your vehicle, do you think about praying for protection as you drive about the city or go to work or on vacation? What about your children, your spouse, your grandchildren? Do you whisper a prayer for them that they will be protected as they go to school (whether driving or not!) and to work or to other activities?

True, your prayers may not prevent an accident from happening and from them being hurt - but that relieves you from responsibility. How's that? I learned a long time ago that when I give each of my loved ones and their care and protection to God, I give HIM the responsibility to take care of them. When He allows something to happen, I know there is a good reason for it - even if I am hurt or crushed by what happens. God is always in control, whether I pray or not. But when I pray, I relinquish MY control, or my thinking I have control, over all things. He is far more able to handle things than I am - and I willingly relinquish all control to Him.

Take some time today and say a prayer for yourself, and your loved ones, that they will be protected, and the vehicle they are in, and even for those that surround them in their vehicle, so that all are protected. You will be glad you did - especially when something does happen.

Blessings!

I think I can, I think I can....

I FINALLY got transferred under my new boss. At least I was told it was to happen last Monday. Which means I should be working my new job now, but am not. Well, not completely. Still doing both jobs - but mainly the job I started with. To my knowledge they haven't even interviewed anyone for the position. I think they plan to hire a temp to do this job so that they don't have the extra expenses of insurance, etc. to pay out. I imagine most companies are going that route now with all the healthcare issues. I have not moved to my new location yet either.

I went to lunch yesterday with my new boss. We had to make a run to Staples to pick up a new recorder for our meetings and grabbed lunch while we were out. I was able to ask some questions (more) about the new position, and found out that I have several more meetings that I will need to attend and take minutes at. And minutes are NOT my favorite thing to do, but one of necessity to complete. Only a couple are REAL important as they are required/reported meetings and the minutes are reviewed and approved by other committees. The others are mainly for information purposes on who is doing what, or should be doing what.

Anyway, my new boss stated yesterday she would like me to be in my new position the week of Christmas. Being a short week, I didn't think it would matter, but since she is the boss, hopefully it can happen! It will be strange. My cubicle is smaller than the one I have now, and I will be removed from being able to glance up and see out the windows. Small price to pay to get to work with this person. I'm so busy where I'm at, doing the "old" job, that I haven't even had time to move any of my things down to the new location. And I'm taking it ALL with me. I don't know when it will be needed so may as well take it all.

It will take a few days/weeks to 'get in the groove' of the new job. I know I already have two sets of minutes I need to get typed - and I COULD be typing them when I first come in mornings - but, I like this time to write my blog, or complete any other task I need to do. I had thought about going online and trying to do some Christmas shopping..... don't see that happening this week. I have other tasks that I need to be doing as well.

And I have a meeting from 9-10:30 that I must attend today for it is a company mandatory meeting. Gotta love those. But still, perhaps I can learn something I need to know. One thing for sure, this new position will place me with people higher up the ladder than I and I will need to be alert and watchful for things I need to be aware of. I need to keep my boss informed on the 'little things' she may not be aware of. Then I have lunch plans with friends from 11-12PM today.

I just tell myself 'I think I can' and determine ways to achieve what I feel I need to on this new position and to be successful at it. It's been a long while since I've done this. One part of me is looking forward to it, another part is getting my confidence up to do it. So I will continue to tell myself 'I think I can'.

Went to a granddaughter's choir concert last night then out for pizza with the family. Hadn't done that in a long while and it was fun to hang out for a little while. Got us home late, then we had to stay up for a little while so that our pizza could settle down before heading to bed. It was worth it though and we had a good time. The concert was nice and we enjoyed it.

Hope to get our Christmas tree and other decorations out this weekend. Plus bake. Plus shop. I keep debating if I will stop at the mall on the way home from work tonight and try to get some shopping done. Part of me is saying "no" for I finally have a night this week with nothing going on - other than I need to run over and visit my neighbor - haven't been over there for about 3-4 weeks. I used to go one night a week - and now it seems it is getting to be once a month. We were to go to dinner with a lot of friends on Friday, but we have cancelled going. I took off at 4:30 last night so that I could attend the concert, but to ask to get off again early I am hesitant to do so. Plus, it's Friday and the place will be busy (we used to do it on a Thursday evening) as it is a popular place to eat. I would much rather chill out at home and maybe get the tree up and get some things done.

Christmas is less than three weeks away and I have so much to do and so little time to do it in. Today is December 5th, in case you haven't noticed. That makes Christmas less than 3 weeks away!! I've usually completed a lot of baking by now and have grandchildren scheduled for baking cookies and other things. Have't even gotten that far yet. Need to start looking at the calendar. This Saturday is out - things to do during the day and my office Christmas party is Saturday evening. And oh joy. It's at the hotel just by the PAC12(?) game. That area is going to be so packed. In fact, we got a map from the "fun committee" this morning about the Christmas party with the schedule. They strongly advise using the valet parking (which we will) instead of trying to park nearby ourselves. Just have to take money to tip with.

I need to start looking at my day and get things ready so am signing off for now. I'm glad it's Thursday. Tomorrow is 'jean day'. No tennis shoes, but we can wear jeans. Works for me. Just more relaxing in jeans. Maybe I will start packing up my things tomorrow and take some down to my new desk down the hall. Then again, not sure when I can get that done. But it will soon.

Hope that you 'think you can' get your job done today and do it to the best of your ability. That's all our employers ask of us - do the best we can. 'I think I can' do that. The Bible says to work as though unto the Lord. In order words, do your best. Be honest in your job. The time you are assigned to work - that is what the plan is - for you to work. No long lunch hours, no long breaks. And quit complaining about how much you make - you agreed to work for that amount. If you aren't happy with what you make - find another job in which you will be happy with what you make. Just saying.

Regardless, hope that you have a great day and find it full of.....

Blessings!

December already??

Whew - last week was a busy week! I didn't forget to be thankful, but just didn't have any time available to do any writing - or even more than thinking about it! It was a good week. Work was crazy as I had minutes to complete from the previous week - which took my early morning time I use to write the blog - and then on Wednesday morning I had another meeting for which I had to be at to take minutes. Workwise.... although I had a three day week with Thanksgiving and Friday off, which was really, really nice....those three days were extremely busy.

Thanksgiving morning was a fun one with my daughter, a grandson, and hubby and I. We met up for a 4.85 mile walk down by the canal. None of us had walked for awhile so I imagine we all were feeling it after awhile. All but my grandson, who is working out and staying in shape, that is! It was so good he came on this walk for it gave me a chance to hear what is going on in his life. Loved spending time wallking with him. (One granddaughter informed me she hadn't been told about the walk or she would have walked with us! I need to make sure everyone is aware of it next year!) From our walk it was back home to finish up preparation for lunch. Although we were eating at 2PM, I still got behind in my preparations as I would think of something else to prepare. Need to stick to what my instructions are! :-)

Thanksgiving lunch was wonderful, other than my beautiful daughter-in-law had a migraine. I was especially thankful that all my children and grandchildren were together for lunch. We haven't had everyone together at the same time for awhile for various reasons. It was nice having us altogether. There was plenty of food and lots of talking. I even got my fingernails painted with Christmas items by my granddaughter! We hadn't done that for awhile, although I know she doesn't mind doing it when she is in town, but I don't want her to ever think that is the reason I want her to come to town! I enjoy just spending time with her. It was fun spending time with both my granddaughters while our nails were being done.

Saturday I had our ladies' tea at my house. There were 12 women (well, 11 women and 1 child) who attended. I created three soups; we had salads, scones, desserts, turkey salad, tuna salad, and egg salad sandwiches. No, I didn't do it all, but a lot of it. It was fun, yet tiring. I was able to set out my china and teapots and offer different kinds of tea. It was fun having my daughter, daughter-in-law, my youngest son's financee, and three granddaughters attend. Love spending time with my girls.

Now onward to December! Tonight is the first of our Christmas parties/concerts/programs we are to attend. Tonight we have the AACOG Ministerial Assembly Christmas dinner. Wednesday evening this week is a Christmas concert for one of the granddaughters, Friday evening is a Christmas dinner with several friends from over the years (about 40+ people meet up for dinner and catch up on news). Saturday evening is my company Christmas party. It's the farthest away - but I need to go. In two weeks, I think it is, we have the Christmas program at church where I believe two of our grandsons are participating. Throw in shopping, wrapping, decorating, baking, and fun time with each of the grandchildren..... I just hope I can get it all done! I only have one vacation day left for this year so I have been trying to figure out when I can take it. Next week is out as my coworker is on vacation. I'm thinking of trying the following week, but it can't be Monday for I need to be able to tell her what has been going on when she returns. I'm thinking of that Friday so that I can have a long weekend. I will have to finish up everything that weekend as the following week is Christmas! I think we work 1/2 day on Christmas Eve and of course are off on Christmas day - but back to work the next day! It is going to be a busy month!

I was able to get out and do a little shopping after church yesterday. I actually think I did quite well on what I purchased. Even got my daughter-in-law's birthday gift so I'm ahead of the game. With all the grandchildren at different ages; most being teenagers, it is harder to decide what to get them. I may have to inquire of their parents - in case they have any ideas - as to what we can get. If not, then they will get what I can pull together for them. Most are happy with gift cards - even though I am reluctant to give them.

Groan. My phone just dinged. Macy's is calling my name! I should never have given them my email! If I spend $75 today they will ship free!! Really? I haven't been to Macy's in months. No reason, other than I haven't needed anything from there. I meant to do a walk through yesterday while out shopping, but that didn't happen. Maybe next weekend. Then again, maybe not. I won't have time to figure out exactly what I need to get yet until the weekend again so will see. I know I have finished on one grandchild. Instead of waiting until I wrap to write it down, I started writing it down as I shopped. That way I could see what I had already purchased.

And I haven't had a chance to start my baking yet! I suppose I could have baked last night, but I was working on a Christmas project and just didn't. Wish I had done both now. Oh well. It will get done.

I'm thankful....yeah, still that.... that God has gifted me in some areas that I can create things and bake things that other people enjoy. I'm grateful my boys like my salsa. I had to laugh at one of my granddaughters. She told me that if I would make her my cheeseball and my cranberry pumpkin bread, she would be happy with just that for Christmas - as long as she didn't have to share it. Hmmm, sounds like she likes them both - a lot! I won't do that, but will be sure to have when we go over Christmas day - so it will be shared!

I am officially today under my new boss, even though I won't be totally moved until after the first of the year, I imagine. They haven't hired anyone to replace me yet; hopefully soon so that they can be trained. I'm sure the temp they bring in will be grateful to have a job during this time of year. I know I am! I'm grateful for the promotion, for with that comes a raise. Plus the fact I get to work with my favorite boss! God has been good to me.

It's about time for me to get to work so need to hush and get my things out. It's going to be busy today since being off 4 days. It was well worth it. I didn't realize how weary I was from all the training, meetings, minutes, etc. Trying to work two jobs is definitely draining. I was praying on the way in for relationships and other things. People will never agree at all times. Things are taken wrongly by one or the other. Things said that once in the bubble can not be retracted. It seems healing and forgiveness doesn't come as easy as it used to. Why is that, I wonder. Stubbornness? Sometimes stubbornness is good though. I guess it is in how it is used.

And with that, I will close. I hope you continue to think of all that you have - from family, friends - to things - and are thankful. God prepared this day just for you. What you do with it, is your gift back to God.

Blessings!

Day 25 of Thankfulness....

I got in to work about 20 minutes earlier this morning so that I could get some things done before starting on other things - (like in personal things before business things) and I'm truly grateful and thankful traffic was light. Lots of people taking this week off work due to the Thanksgiving holiday and I love the traffic was not quite as heavy. We have a three day work week with the office closing on Thursday AND Friday. I will be available for any expedited requests that come through that I need to process, but other than that, I will have the holiday.

It was a busy, yet recouperative, weekend. We had original plans to go up north, as I shared last week. We did decide not to go up, especially since the weather was rainy and much cooler up north. Some areas had snow even. It was nice to just be home. I did get out to the grocery on Saturday and spent twice as much as I usually do. Although I did get a lot, I am overwhelmed I spent so much. But, obviously, I needed to get the items. Got my 18 pound turkey free. It's sitting in the refrigerator now, thawing out. I did buy things to start my baking season. Now to find time to do the baking. Still didn't get everything as I knew I didn't need it right away; things like chocolate chips, etc. We have finally, I hope, worked through the colds we have had for over a week. With two people taking the meds, it sure does get expensive as we go through them a lot faster. And that's just over the counter stuff!!

I tried to work on some minutes over the weekend that I need to have completed today - yes, today. For one thing, I couldn't find the example in the folders on the computer - which left me at a loss where to start. So I finally gave up. Which is one reason why I am in the office early this morning. After I finish this, I want to get started on the minutes. I finally got the official offer for the new administrative job I had applied for. Of course I accepted. Now the transition begins. I will have to do two jobs until they hire a temp to replace me and get them trained. I look to be dual-position until the first of the year. I am praying I can do a good job with this new position. It looks daunting, and a challenge, but as long as I do my best and keep an open mind about learning it, I'm sure I can get it done the way they want. I just need to find these folders! People label things the way they think makes sense. Obviously it didn't make sense to me for I haven't found them yet.

Came in this morning to find the coffee pot is broken down again. I'm thankful I keep instant packets at my desk. I probably need to look at getting my stash refilled for this seems to be happening frequently anymore. I usually have one cup of coffee at home, then when I get to work, one more cup. Then I switch to my green tea. Now that it's cooler out, I will probably be drinking more hot tea just to keep warm. Although it is warm in this office this morning to the point I have already removed my sweater! (yes, I have a top on under it).

I have our Ladies Tea scheduled for this Saturday. I will be spending Friday getting everything prepared for it. I need to find out how many are coming - last December when I hosted it, I think we had about 12 people show up. Lots of tea, for sure! Need to figure out the final menu as well. I'm making it easy - salads, sandwiches, desserts - and if anyone wants scones, they can bake them or buy them, for I just don't have time! Friday will be clean the house day and get things set up. I don't do the Friday after Thanksgiving madness. Unless I go out late afternoon to see what deals are out there.

For one thing, who has any extra money? And, I have no clue as to what anyone wants that we can afford. So, they get what I find that makes me think of them. Sure, everyone by now has an abundance of sweaters, jackets, etc. that I have probably purchased for them over the years, but unless they give me something specific, I just don't know. And this year financially things are really tough, moreso than before, so they may just get homemade goodies. Guess that is enough on that topic or they will know what I'm doing! Or rather, thinking about! Thank goodness one son loves cookies! LOL

I'm thankful I have a job to come to. I'm really thankful I have this promotion in which God has blessed me with more money (whenever they decide to start the increase; HR had said when I was full time in the other position, which doesn't seem fair, especially since I will be doing two jobs in this time frame). By the first of the year, though, I will be full time, surely, and things will be falling into place. Learning new things again isn't always easy, especially when you don't have anyone here to show you. One of the women who did this new job before is on vacation this week. That's ok - I'll make sure I get her for instructions the following week, unfortunately, it doesn't help me this morning to find where things are. But I will find them.

Ok - I need to quit rambling, again, and get started on the minutes. They aren't going to get completed with me working on my blog. I actually found some interesting things to talk about on this blog over the weekend. Maybe I will use some of them soon.

Hope you have a good day - and continue to be thankful in all things.

Blessings!

Day 22 - Where has this month gone??

Today I am thankful I arrived at work dry, safe and sound. We have rain - and lots of it! It rained all the way in to work this morning - and I had to walk in the rain (thank God for umbrellas and raincoats (yes, I have one of those))!! Still, it took a little longer than usual to get to work - for no other reason that everyone is a bit more cautious... well, most of us anyway, let's say. I saw two police cars with flashing lights at two accident scenes on my way in.

I survived yesterday. I sat in on a big management meeting for which I had to take minutes on. Thank God for tape recorders! I did tape the meeting as well, and I need to transcribe the notes sometime today or this weekend. I would prefer doing it on company time, but don't know that can happen. And I can't ask my current 'boss' for overtime, for it isn't even her stuff, although she did attend the meeting. I haven't gotten the offer yet, so I'm doing the double work, but am still in limbo. Surely I will hear from HR sometime today! It would be nice going into the weekend to have time to think about it and process it. Regardless of if and when - I have another huge management meeting I am to attend next Wednesday - and that one is going to be tough. It's hard when I don't know the people IN the meeting, let alone exactly what they want in their minutes. Yes, I've taken minutes for years for different organizations. However, this mone seems to be the most detailed and focused. But how do I know what is the most important? Guess I will learn over time. I've already told the ones in charge of the meeting, that when I get the minutes completed, they need to review before it is finalized. Hopefully I can catch on quickly as to how and what they want.

This week has been a tough one as I also haven't been feeling real good. I have "caught" hubby's cold and been doctoring it all week. Last night I didn't take anything before I went to bed, hoping that I have gotten over the worse of it - but it has hit me hard this morning. Made sure I took everything before I left for work, which left me nauseated somewhat as I hadn't eaten yet. But now my oatmeal is in my belly so my body should start settling down. I have my green tea and water as well. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate - got to so that I can flush this out. But now I have the sneezing and runny nose.... Need to get some more musinex DM - that seemed to help a lot to clear that up - but we are out of it right now.

I am so looking forward to the weekend. Our original plans had been to go to Prescott Valley tomorrow morning and help with the community Thanksgiving dinner they are preparing. We have been so looking forward to going up and helping - but this morning I'm not so sure we should attempt it. With both of us sneezing and coughing and blowing our noses, they may not appreciate our coming up and infecting not only them, but the community as well. I have a feeling we will be staying home and trying to recouperate. Especially as bad as I feel this morning. But, being able to rest this weekend after such a tough few weeks here at work is going to be rewarding.

I need to figure out some good soup recipes to make this weekend. Maybe I will make up some beef stew. We had our last Thursday evening group last night until after the first of the year and and our hostess prepared a hamburger type stew - lots of peas, corn and green beans, potatoes, and ground turkey, I imagine it was. It was really good with fresh warm cornbread. I ate like a pig. Sigh.

Need to stop eating so much processed food - that could be part of my problem (getting sick) too. I usually am a healthy eater, but the past few months I have gotten really bad on eating processed stuff. If I can get myself back on track and eat more like I need to, I know that I will feel more energy and much healthier.

My time is gone and the others are arriving for work so guess I need to quit rambling and prepare for my day. Who knows what the day may bring me. Hopefully some good news. Hope you have a blessed day!

Blessings!

Day 20 of being Thankful.....

So how's it been going for you? Have you remembered to think of something each day this month to be thankful for? My youngest son did it all in one swoop. He, on facebook, named all those he wanted to name and was thankful for them. He should have done it 30 times to get through the month - but the fact he did it once - is good enough for me.:-)

It has been interesting to read, on occasion, the different things people are thankful for as they post it on facebook. I know, you are surprised I have not been posting it on facebook. But, who has time. And, I don't always post everything on facebook. Some things I'm sure people would rather I didn't post on facebook (but what that would be escapes me). I post funny things (on occasion). I post (in the past) places I'm at. I post an occasional statement. Sometimes I will post a photo - but NEVER have I posted a photo to be degrading - in spite of what some people may think it is. Photos are what they are (does that go along with 'it is what it is?'. Trust me, my daughter has shown some photos of me that I don't care for, but, it is still me at that time of my life. I just shrug and go on with life. Most people won't remember anyway.

Sitting here this morning eating my crockpot oatmeal. It sure is good, especially when I add walnuts to it. Gives it more of a crunch. Soooo good. I think I will create my own recipe for it (much of what I'm doing now), but I want to experiment and maybe then I'll post the recipe for you. I'm improvising from another recipe, but it is so nice to put it in the crockpot the night before and come morning my oatmeal is ready for me to eat. Already hot and cooked. We put the rest in a container in the refrigerator and then the next morning just take out what we want to eat, heat it up, add what we want to it, and there's breakfast with little preparation - and it's healthy for you!

Tonight is our last Wednesday evening class at church. And I'm thankful for that. I'm ready for a break for the holidays. And tomorrow night will be our last Thursday evening class. Since I've been facilitating both, I'm really looking forward to some 'time off' until after the holidays. I still need to decide what I am going to do come January on Wednesdays. Thursdays - well, it's a 'co-lead group' so I don't need to be the facilitator always. And I'm happy to sit back and let others teach. It doesn't always have to be me.

In two weeks on Wednesday there will be a joining of all the classes for a speaker, who is also a dear friend of ours. However, our granddaughter has a choir concert that night - and especially since we missed the last one, we will be going to this one. I will need to ask to leave a little early to ensure that I can get up there in time for it. Then it is focusing on Christmas after that. This has been a tough year financially for everyone so now need to be creative. Thank goodness one of my boys is happy with my salsa. :-) The other, alas, has decided he likes ghost peppers in his salsa so now makes his own. I should never have given him the recipe!

So to be creative this Christmas I've had to put my 'thinking' cap on. Yeah, I do that once in awhile! It will all work out - it always does. Have already started baking (if I don't give them away) and am looking forward to baking with the grandchildren. Been looking for different things we could make. I think the Christmas Mice are still a favorite - and have found a variation to use with them. Still, they are awfully sweet, though good.

Think I will jump off here and google Christmas cookies while I have some time left. So much for that thought! Started getting emails from Corporate and then a co-worker is passing off her expedite request off on me because she will be in a meeting all morning. Well, no one will review it until late afternoon anyway - she still could have done it. I've noticed she willingly passes things off. Wait until I leave.... then she will HAVE to do it herself...

Ok - time to get to work - hope you have a Thankful Day!!

Blessings!!

Do I write a short post - or work on my lesson....

Tough to decide. The completion of my post is for my pleasure, the completion of my lesson is for class on Wednesday evening. Surely I can work on both! But, alas, I don't have that much time before work time so will have to see how much I ramble this morning.

Day 18 of thankfulness - I'm thankful I got to work on time!

It is going to be a beautiful day. I've loving the beauty of the sky that I can see from my office window. Oh yes, I'm already at work, as usual. Although I must admit, I wasn't sure how quickly I would get here. I have alternate routes I can take to work. Some days I can take the "long way" (which really isn't, but it just seems that way). Some day I can take what I call the "short way" which is jumping on/off different "freeways" (for lack of another term to call them). Or I can even take what would be called an even longer way by taking side streets - depending on where I jump off and on at.

Today I had to take one of the alternate routes. As I was nearly the "curve" to where I take the I-10, the sign above the road flashed "Crash in tunnel, use alternate route". Well, that route would take me straight to the tunnel and since traffic was already backing up on the curve, I decided to go 'straight' and go around the road curve and merge into I-10 several miles down the road, long past the tunnel. But, as I rounded the curve and saw the signs 7th Avenue and 7th Street, I started thinking. Traffic really gets crazy and heavy right around the airport (after these two exits) and that is where I come into I-10 at. Hmmm. I decided to get off at 7th Street. I'm glad I did. I got off just north of University, the next light was Broadway. Turned left and took it all the way to my turnoff to the office. Traffic was light, and although I did have to stop at a couple signal lights, was at work right close to my usual time. In fact, I'm seriously thinking of changing my route! It was so much easier and a lot less stress than people changing lanes all around me and not being real wise in how they do it.

Changing routes are like changing things in our lives. My dear friend, mentor and former pastor, Steve, used to always say "If you do what you've always done, you will always get what you always got". There is a lot of truth in that statement. If you keep overeating, and gaining weight, you will never lose the weight you say you are "dieting' to lose. If you are continuously late for work, but don't leave earlier or change your route, you will always be late for work. And like me today, if I keep going the same way to work, regardless of the 'warning signs' ahead of me telling me to choose an alternate route, I will not get to work on time.

Change is most always good. Quitting smoking is good. Obeying your parents is good. Being nice is good. Getting to work on time is good. Being faithful is good. The key is to make your change a good one and one that you will stick with (watch those warning signs!).

I got to work in good time even though I took an alternate route because I had a 'warning sign' to do so. If I had ignored it, thinking it could have happened hours ago and they hadn't changed the sign yet, I could still be sitting on the freeway. (Memories of taking an hour and 40 minutes to get to work still weighs on me). I would much rather keep moving and take an alterate route, than sit and wait or stop and go.

Ok - guess I've written my post and can now look at my lesson plan for Wednesday and decide how to proceed with it. I CAN get two things accomplished this morning!

Hope that you have a blessed day - and that you will choose your alternate routes carefully - no matter what they are.

Blessings!

Day 16 of Thankfulness.....

And I have to once again just be thankful for LIFE. I woke up this morning. I took a deep breath. I felt the goodness and faithfulness of God. And I'm thankful to be alive.

It has been a crazy week - work and otherwise. I wasn't home much in the evenings this week. Monday I got to spend an evening with my beautiful Princess who was up from Tucson. Just dinner and a movie, but it was such a blessing for me. Precious memories. Tuesday night we had dinner with friends. Wednesday evening had class at church. Thursday evening another class at our group leader's house. Last night had a leadership connection meeting at church. I THINK we are home tonight. I've already gotten a few things done this morning, and am having lunch with one of the boys - actually I was just invited today to join... hubby had already set it up. He doesn't really want me to go.... but, is allowing it. :-D

I moved my tea party originally scheduled for today to November 30th as so many people had to cancel out for today. I'm grateful, for that gives me two weeks to plan it better. If it had been today, I would have been a mess for it does take a lot of preparation just for my part of it. I do enjoy doing it and it is such fun, especially when my daughter, daughter-in-law and my two princesses are able to attend as well as several women from church. I haven't been to one of the monthly tea parties for several months just due to work and other busyness. Hopefully I can jump back into it now.

My interview Friday went very well, I think. I have not been told I didn't make it, nor have I received the official offer. I'm just trusting that if this is the position that I am to move in to, God will provide all that I need and I just need to wait on Him. I don't mind what I am doing currently, but I have been trained to do what I have applied for. In fact, I can see God's hand in all of this. Years ago when I was asked to become an Admin, I never thought that I could do it. But I took the job, and eventually, as many of you know from reading my posts, I was moved into an Executive Assistant position for two years. In that position I had to arrange meetings, send invites, create binders, agendas, get information together,take minutes, send the minutes out to attendees, in fact, learn a lot of things I didn't know how to do. This new position, if I get it, will be taking all that training and allow me to use it on a daily basis, versus sitting at my desk all day answering the phone and inputting the information, which I am fine with doing. I believe that God took me out of my comfort zone many years ago to teach me these things, because He saw down the road that I would need this experience. If I don't get the new position, I still have a job, and I don't mind doing it. If I get it, then I am doubly blessed by God who loves me so much.

Yesterday was a sad day. Had to say 'so long' to two of my coworkers and friends whose positions were deleted. Really kind of sad, for even though we kind of expected something to happen, it happened to them. I am not one who does the initial 'keep in touch' thing even though emails and phone numbers are supplied. Sometimes that is just as a courtesy. I allow them to gather their emotions and thoughts together and make the first move. Not that we weren't friends, or that we still aren't friends, I would rather hear the good things going on in their lives versus being sad because they haven't found anything yet. I guess you could call that 'licking their wounds' for awhile? I don't know. I know that when I left my last job - and I was willing to do that - although I kept in touch with some - and many I exchanged telephone numbers and emails with - I haven't made a big effort to keep in touch. Not because I can't - I just haven't. In fact, I can only think of a few people I have kept in touch with since leaving.

Hubby has had a bad cold all week but is doing better today, I think. I've been taking my Olive Leaf Extract and my Black Elderberry Syrup and other vitamins to keep my body healthy and strong and my immune system up to fight off the germs. The last two nights I have slept in the back bedroom. It's hard to sleep on a different mattress after sleeping on one for so long. Probably need to get that mattress changed out. Some time. Some day.

The younger son and his fiancee did an item on her bucket list today and did the hot air balloon ride breakfast early this morning. No thank you. I am such a wimp and I laugh that even my son was afraid. At least he said he was. That might have been for his fiancee's sake. LOL Judging from the posted photos on facebook, it looks like they had a wonderful time. Maybe someday.... NOT. I'm glad they had a good time though.

I can remember my daughter and her husband - or was it just her - that did a bungie jump somewhere. In fact, I remember watching her video of it and hearing her scream "Oh SH--!!!" Memories of fun stuff. When I did fun stuff (I'm sure I did sometime, just don't have videos and photos of it) it wasn't quite so dramatic. I guess I am more reserved. Or at least I have become more reserve over the years. Surely it isn't because I am getting older.

I'm still YOUNG and I still want to have FUN and do FUN THINGS!! And that has to do with living LIFE. I don't want to grow old sitting in my chair watching television until I die. Financially it is tough, as I am sure it is with you, to do very many things, but some things just need to be done.

I remember us doing a breakfast horseback ride years ago. Oh My Goodness! That WAS a long time ago! I was terrified because I am a bit afraid of horses (due to falling off a mule when a child) and it was a very long ride to me. But I remember getting to the campfire and we had a nice breakfast. That was a fun memory. I wonder if they do those anymore. It was here in Phoenix somewhere. I'll have to think on it.

I am sure there are many things I could put on a bucket list to do. Things that are not expensive and are just fun to do. I need to google some things and come up with them. Right now my favorite things are just being with the grandchildren and baking cookies - which we will be doing in the month of December. So looking forward to spending time with each group of grandchildren. Wish I could afford for all of us to do crafts like when most were younger. Some of the very young ones have never had that experience. Of course we also do not put up a 'grandchildren's tree' like we did before. Yeah, we used to have two or more trees up during the Christmas holiday.

Will have to dig up old memories another time as I need to jump off here and get cleaned up. It's cool enough I just may wear a sweatshirt today! Isn't 70+ degrees cold? LOL It is to me!

Hope you are still continuing to remember things you are thankful for. Being thankful for life is always a good place to start. Thank God that He has allowed you to still breathe. That you are able to be with those you love. That you are (hopefully) healthy and able to do things. Spend time with those you love today. Make today count.

Blessings!

It's going to be a good day!

Why? Just because I want to believe it is going to be a good day! Sure, things are not always perfect in my world, but you know what, each day is what I make of it. I can make it a bad day for myself - and for others - just by my attitude, my pity parties, my work - or whatever I do. I can make it a good day by determining I want it to be a good day. And today is going to be a good day.

I refuse to let the happenings of life weigh me down. I will not let the attitude of others reflect in me, my attitude, or my life. I am better than that. God created me to be me - not someone else. That means I do not own other people's issues or problems. They alone are responsible for how they grow from them. They can either wallow in pity parties or rise above the past and choose to live free.

I read in my devotional this morning about 'No Plan B'. If plan 'A' doesn't work, there isn't a plan 'B' in place to use. So many times we are told to make alternate plans if the first one does not work. Sometimes, I must admit, it is good to have a plan 'B', for such times. Especially travel. Last night it took me over an hour to get to where I was going. It took me 50 minutes to get to where it normally takes me only 20. I finally got off the freeway and took side streets - which I'm not sure if that was a good move or not because then I got caught up in construction. But I did get to where I was going eventually. Tonight I think I will start with the side streets and head up north to where I'm going. Don't like freeway driving anyway with all the people switching lanes thinking they can get there quicker. They are idiots most times. (Did I say that out loud?) I find myself often saying 'are you kidding me? Did you just cut that guy off?' Plan A versus Plan B is a topic to pursue another time.

Anyway - I don't have a plan 'B' for today because plan 'A' is to believe it is going to be a good day and determine I will live like it is a good day today. No special reason. I still have to work. Hubby has a terrible cold and I'm taking my olive leaf extract and drinking my green tea so that I don't get it. I'm still broke as usual. Two employees are still out of jobs as of tomorrow (thank God I'm not one of them!). I'm alive, I'm breathing on my own, and I'm at peace with the world.

I like the scripture I have for today - "I will be your God throughout your lifetime.... I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you." Isaiah 46:4 NLT. I know on Whom I depend for my good days - and Who gets me through the bad ones. God has seen me through a very dysfunctional and difficult childhood, and many, many, life situations which have been difficult. He has walked me through all of them, each day. He has never left me alone. Yeah, my childhood was rough, but I trust in the ONE who made me, that although He allowed things to happen, He has a purpose for my life and will use it for my good. And He has, over and over. What has happened has made me more sensitive to issues, and I am stronger because of it. I know "life happens" and isn't always perfect.

A good day today is in store for me, because I choose to make it one. I'm not going to allow things or people to get me down. I have a job, for which I'm thankful for. I have a family who loves me and cares for me. I know I can call any one of them - even my grouchy son (on occasion) and although he may not be able to do anything, he will listen to me and will love me. He may even choose to give me good advice.

Whoo hoo! I TOLD you it was going to be a good day! I applied for another job within the company yesterday - and just got the interview for tomorrow afternoon!! This can be a good thing! I am thankful for the opportunity to move into another area and learn more. Will tell you more after I have the interview.

I am feeling loved by my faithful God. When I give Him the glory and honor and praise, when I acknowledge my life is in His hands and He takes care of me, through the bad stuff, and the good stuff, He always provides. And He will for you as well. Give it all to Him, and trust Him, that in all things He works for your good.

Blessings!

Day 12 of being Thankful....

As I was driving in to work this morning I was thinking of how good God has been to me. I am healthy, I have a job, I have a running vehicle, I have a husband who loves me, I have children and grandchildren who bless me, friends that accept me warts and all, freedom to worship God, abilities to do things I never thought I could do, been places I never thought I would go..... and so much more. I am truly blessed, and for that, I am thankful.

Work is not always 'fun' (as if work could ever be 'fun', unless you have your dream job)but I am able, by the grace of God, to get up out of bed every morning and come to work. We have two employees whose jobs have been 'done away with', therefore, Friday is their last day. It is a difficult time as I am friends with both. But I am grateful my job is still intact. However, I know that God provided this job when I needed one, and He can take it away whenever He wants. Whether it would be to move me to another place or to enhance my growth in Him, He is able to do all things. I know that His provision is better than anything I could receive.

My hubby fixed me breakfast this morning, as he does a lot of mornings. I don't mean a bowl of cereal or a bagel. He actually cooks me breakfast. I had bacon and a scrambled egg/jalapeno mixture, toast, coffee and milk. A nice rounded breakfast to start my day. I'm thankful for the preparation so that I didn't have to think about it, and it's enough to get me through the day. We have dinner plans with friends tonight so don't have to worry about dinner either.

I had dinner with one of my beautiful Princess granddaughters last night and then back to our house to watch a movie she wanted me to see. I didn't even ask her to do my nails - although she was more than willing to do so. I just love being with her and enjoyed her spending time with me. Treasured memories. Still have two other Princess granddaughters I need to arrange time with. Time is getting so precious anymore - with working I just don't have time to play.

Ironically, when I wasn't working, we didn't spend that much time together. Not that we couldn't, we just didn't. And now, since it is much, much, harder for me to get off work - plus I'm down to just one vacation day for the year -trying to work in my Christmas plans and get everything done - I'm not sure how that is going to work. I need to schedule time with the grandchildren to bake cookies - and whatever else I can figure out for us to make - whether it be Christmas mice or something else. I do know Christmas will be much smaller than in years past. But, it will all be from the heart, and that is what matters. When God blesses our finances, then we can bless others.

And yet again, my thoughts have started to ramble on so think I wlil close this off. Got a lot going on right now and need to sort out my thoughts for today.

Hope that you have a good day - and stop to think about the things you are thankful for.

Blessings!

Thankfulness Day 11

Today is a great day to be thankful - it's Veteran's Day! And I am grateful to the men and women who have served in the military in this great nation of ours - the United States of America! I'm especially grateful for my son, Stuart Franklin Smith, who is currently serving in the US Army, in the Reserves. It takes a great man to put his country first. There have been several great men and women in my family background who have served. I'm grateful to each of them.

I know in the past I have listed several family members who served in the military, and my older sister had corrected me with others - but I don't have a clue what I did with that information. (Sorry Sis!) In fact, I just took a moment to skim past previous posts in November of 2011 and 2012 - and didn't see the list. So, J, if you are reading this - please send me the list of everyone again. :-)

Had a great weekend with it beginning on Friday and us going to Tucson to watch our beautiful Princess granddaughter walk across the stage and receive her diploma for her Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy. We are so proud of her! It was a beautiful day in Tucson and was so good to spend time with her and with family. We got back not too late Friday night.

I can't even remember what we did on Saturday.... it was a busy weekend. My little sister and I did make up..... at least we have gotten past the 'I'm sorry' and are moving on. I'm sure there will be things discussed for awhile.... I don't really want to bring things up - it's done, it's over, move on. Dredging up bad memories isn't something I like to do. God doesn't tell us to remember the bad stuff, but to learn from it and apply it to the future. In fact, in Dan Allendar's book, The Wounded Heart, he talks about taking the bad past stuff and look at how God can use it for good. Some people like to waller in it and never move from it, using it to manipulate others to get attention. I'm not one of those. I just as soon believe I am healed of the past memories and not denying things happened, but believe that they were allowed by God for some reason, and my part is to learn and grow from it.

Yesterday we went to church up in Pioneer Village and then ended our day with dinner out with one of our sons and his family. Always a fun time.

Today, although a 'holiday' for some, is back to a work day for me. With being off Friday I have a lot to catch up on. One coworker is still on vacation this week so I have extra work to do. I have only one vacation day left for the year - need to figure out when I'm going to take it. Definitely in December so that I can finish up my shopping/baking, etc. Although I have no idea how I can accomplish it all in one day! I have started my shopping so that is a plus. Unfortunately, I also got things I need to work on. That takes time, of which I am running out of! Oh well, will do what I can!

And now it is time to sign on for work and get busy. At least I have a job and am working! For that I am thankful!

Hope you have a good day - whether you have the day off - or get to work as well. My bro is heading to Vegas today - he's planning on a lot of fun - lucky him!

Blessings!