Just got home from having a 2 1/2 hour lunch with 'old' friends. Not that they are old, but because they have been friends for a long time. They have been on a 6 week vacation thus far and have been traveling from Arizona to Colorado to California to Arizona. It was fun having lunch with them and hearing about their travel and the too close for comfort fire in Colorado stay, their trials with the 'invasion of the ants' at the RV park, and other incidents.
Personally, I can not imagine waking up to find ant crawling on my head or on my pillow and bed. Ick! I don't think I would do very well with all that. They are just hoping they got rid of them all - trying all kinds of remedies and wishing it would get rid of all of them - including buying a vacuum sweeper to sweep them up as well. No thank you!!
They still had a great trip and it was fun hearing about all about their travels. We are grateful they wanted to spend some time with us while in Phoenix and had lunch with us. It was a fun 2 1/2 hours.
Here it is already 3:30PM and not sure what to start on. Is it too late to start on something? I suppose it would depend on what that is. I started a new book this morning - and have a couple I'm already into - I could go read - but that means I need to go into the back room so that I can read without noise as hubby already has the tv on. He DID ask if he could watch the race/game or whatever - but what I'm hearing now is not either one of those so he's into his shows. I wish I had ear plugs that would block out any noise. He bought me ear plugs last Christmas - and paid a lot for them - but it doesn't block out the noise like I wanted it to. Oh well. I suppose I could listen to music through them while I read. I did get to finish a book last night after he went to bed.
It's another 'hot' day in Phoenix - and will continue to be for awhile. It's only the end of July, after all. Our pool is finally clean and it would be fun to have family over to get into it, however..... I think I can get out of fixing dinner tonight since we had a big lunch. We had my crockpot oatmeal for breakfast. I love that I can put it in the crockpot at night and come morning it is ready to eat. Maybe we can get by with a protein shake for lunch.
Church was good this morning and the Children's Director Kathy Cole did an awesome job of sharing thoughts about the movie 'Here Comes The Boon'. I enjoyed the way she shared her testimony with the story - a story of being a complacent Christian to getting involved. From a complacent teacher to ?? we didn't get to see the end of the movie - but I think it is one we would enjoy. May need to go to Redbox and check it out. It was fun having our daughter-in-law join us along with three of the grandsons for church. I wonder if the bag I gave her made it home......
Don't have much to talk about today.... I need to get my thoughts together and start sharing things that mean something instead of my mindless drabble. I think that is the right word. Somedays it is just hard to come up with something.
Wondering if the temp I was training last Friday will show up tomorrow at work. She sat with me until noon; went to lunch and never returned. Hmmm. I took a shower that morning. I brushed my teeth. Was it something I said? I checked two hours later and they said she had to go home and see about her father. I've heard that story from other temps we have had - I wonder if it is a standard story. Guess I will see when and if she shows up. She didn't make any brownie points with me. This job is too important for her not to show up. If she doesn't come to work in the morning - they can put her somewhere else. I go on vacation in a couple weeks and I expect whoever is going to do my job to actually be there to do it.
Hope you are having a good Sunday. Will see what the rest of this day brings.
Blessings!
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Friday, July 26, 2013
Praying for Favor....
It's always good to ask God for favor. It doesn't matter whether it is for a job, for a special engagement, for each day, for life in general. He loves to show us His favor, and I'm willing to receive it.
I've prayed for favor in my job before, and He answered and moved me into this area. I'm praying again for favor - not only to remember all the things that I need to do, and do it correctly, but to learn new things and let go of some things. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy what I do, but now that I'm training someone to help me, I'm ready to move on to something else. I keep thinking of what else is here that I can do, and can't think of anything, but who knows - God moves in mysterious ways. Right now isn't the time to move on anyway, but it will be nice to look around and see what's out there.
I don't mind work at all - anything to keep me busy, and pay the bills. But some times, when you know the work will be completed, it's always good to have something else to do.
Enjoyed our dinner out last night - I was good - and I was bad. I had the cranberry apple chicken salad. Mmmmm very good. Then I finished it off with a banana split!!~ And, no, I couldn't eat it all. I shouldn't have ordered it, but did. Oh well, back on track with my oatmeal this morning and a salad for lunch.
I'm looking forward to this weekend. No, have nothing planned, but looking forward to NOT coming in to the office and having the stress and pressure of getting these things done. It is harder when you are training someone for I know I am missing some things; I didn't get all my work completed yesterday because I wanted to get out of here in good time and I was training someone. It's better when I can focus and just do my work. Yesterday was kind of crazy what with phone calls to make changes that I didn't know how to make and showing someone how to do what I do, trying to get the work done, and having constant interruptions. I was tired when I left.
We went to bed a little earlier than usual last night, I think, but I was up twice during the night having to walk up and down the hall - my calves and feet were cramping pretty bad. Made sure I grabbed some potassium this morning to take - although I did eat most of a banana last night. These leg cramps can get pretty painful. I've scheduled my physical for next Wednesday morning - I'll have to ask about them.
Well, I need to start getting busy and get done what I didn't complete yesterday. Hope that you have great plans for today and for the weekend. Enjoy each day - and ask for His favor. He loves to give it.
Blessings!
I've prayed for favor in my job before, and He answered and moved me into this area. I'm praying again for favor - not only to remember all the things that I need to do, and do it correctly, but to learn new things and let go of some things. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy what I do, but now that I'm training someone to help me, I'm ready to move on to something else. I keep thinking of what else is here that I can do, and can't think of anything, but who knows - God moves in mysterious ways. Right now isn't the time to move on anyway, but it will be nice to look around and see what's out there.
I don't mind work at all - anything to keep me busy, and pay the bills. But some times, when you know the work will be completed, it's always good to have something else to do.
Enjoyed our dinner out last night - I was good - and I was bad. I had the cranberry apple chicken salad. Mmmmm very good. Then I finished it off with a banana split!!~ And, no, I couldn't eat it all. I shouldn't have ordered it, but did. Oh well, back on track with my oatmeal this morning and a salad for lunch.
I'm looking forward to this weekend. No, have nothing planned, but looking forward to NOT coming in to the office and having the stress and pressure of getting these things done. It is harder when you are training someone for I know I am missing some things; I didn't get all my work completed yesterday because I wanted to get out of here in good time and I was training someone. It's better when I can focus and just do my work. Yesterday was kind of crazy what with phone calls to make changes that I didn't know how to make and showing someone how to do what I do, trying to get the work done, and having constant interruptions. I was tired when I left.
We went to bed a little earlier than usual last night, I think, but I was up twice during the night having to walk up and down the hall - my calves and feet were cramping pretty bad. Made sure I grabbed some potassium this morning to take - although I did eat most of a banana last night. These leg cramps can get pretty painful. I've scheduled my physical for next Wednesday morning - I'll have to ask about them.
Well, I need to start getting busy and get done what I didn't complete yesterday. Hope that you have great plans for today and for the weekend. Enjoy each day - and ask for His favor. He loves to give it.
Blessings!
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Wish I was on vacation......
I love the rain. I don't even mind walking in it when it is a light rain. But, when it is a heavy rain, I want to be inside, looking out the window!
It wasn't raining when I left home this morning to head to work - but only got a block away when it started coming down. It was a soft rain to start. As I went down the freeway, it would stop for a mile or so, then it would start again. Made me think like there were lines drawn for rain and lines that were free of rain. I eventually made it to work; within a couple miles of the office the rain became a downpour.
I pulled into the parking lot and parked in my usual place. Yes, I had my umbrella with me. But I decided I would wait out the rain. No hurry to get into the office; I still had over an hour before I had to officially start work. Then came the thunder and lightening. Uh, no. I don't sit in my car when there is thundering and lightening.
So, I got my things together, put my umbrella up, and walked the block or so to get inside the building. All that got wet was my legs and shoes with wearing a skirt (glad I didn't wear slacks!!) so I just had to get a paper towel and dry them off. And here I sit. Just have a little time left before I need to get to work. Got the coffee made and got a cup. Haven't looked at my work yet for today - but when I left last night I had everything completed. Shouldn't be much of anything to start with.
So why my heading 'wish I was on vacation'? Because I love to curl up with a good book on a rainy day. And my blankie. Or maybe bake cookies. Yeah - all of that. Take naps. All that lazy, calming, comforting things one can do when they are home and it's raining.
My director sent out an email yesterday that concerned me. It concerned me enough I forwarded it to our Vice President. The email was ragging on everyone about getting their work done and doing it correctly. Then she added, 'If you are afraid, you should be'. Now I'm not concerned about my job. I was looking for a job when I found this one and I believe that if it is time for me to leave, God will make it happen, not anyone else. But that comment concerned me. Why? Because it makes for a hostile environment here. She was ragging on the one or two (unnamed of course) who are lazy and are slackers. Of course she had to include everyone in the conversation so that she didn't name anyone. But she did say she would be bringing everyone - one at a time - into her office to discuss work ethics. I think she is a little late to address this issue; it has been going on for a long time.
I guess my mama taught me that when you have a job, you work at that job. You don't surf the internet, you don't take long breaks, you don't extend your lunch hour. You put in the 8 hours (or more if required). Well, mama and God. God says we are to work as if we are working for the Lord. And the Lord knows we don't want to mess with Him!
So it's raining outside, it's quiet in here as people are pondering the email (I heard one who was out yesterday gasp and go 'what?' - I didn't say anything but figured she just read the email.) I reckon I need to get my things out and prepare to work.
Going to dinner tonight with my youngest son - hubby and I are. He had a coupon and asked us to go. Hey - I don't care - coupon or not, I'll go!! Love connecting with the kids.
Hope that the rain doesn't take you down, but that you will keep your eyes on the One who brings it.
Blessings!
It wasn't raining when I left home this morning to head to work - but only got a block away when it started coming down. It was a soft rain to start. As I went down the freeway, it would stop for a mile or so, then it would start again. Made me think like there were lines drawn for rain and lines that were free of rain. I eventually made it to work; within a couple miles of the office the rain became a downpour.
I pulled into the parking lot and parked in my usual place. Yes, I had my umbrella with me. But I decided I would wait out the rain. No hurry to get into the office; I still had over an hour before I had to officially start work. Then came the thunder and lightening. Uh, no. I don't sit in my car when there is thundering and lightening.
So, I got my things together, put my umbrella up, and walked the block or so to get inside the building. All that got wet was my legs and shoes with wearing a skirt (glad I didn't wear slacks!!) so I just had to get a paper towel and dry them off. And here I sit. Just have a little time left before I need to get to work. Got the coffee made and got a cup. Haven't looked at my work yet for today - but when I left last night I had everything completed. Shouldn't be much of anything to start with.
So why my heading 'wish I was on vacation'? Because I love to curl up with a good book on a rainy day. And my blankie. Or maybe bake cookies. Yeah - all of that. Take naps. All that lazy, calming, comforting things one can do when they are home and it's raining.
My director sent out an email yesterday that concerned me. It concerned me enough I forwarded it to our Vice President. The email was ragging on everyone about getting their work done and doing it correctly. Then she added, 'If you are afraid, you should be'. Now I'm not concerned about my job. I was looking for a job when I found this one and I believe that if it is time for me to leave, God will make it happen, not anyone else. But that comment concerned me. Why? Because it makes for a hostile environment here. She was ragging on the one or two (unnamed of course) who are lazy and are slackers. Of course she had to include everyone in the conversation so that she didn't name anyone. But she did say she would be bringing everyone - one at a time - into her office to discuss work ethics. I think she is a little late to address this issue; it has been going on for a long time.
I guess my mama taught me that when you have a job, you work at that job. You don't surf the internet, you don't take long breaks, you don't extend your lunch hour. You put in the 8 hours (or more if required). Well, mama and God. God says we are to work as if we are working for the Lord. And the Lord knows we don't want to mess with Him!
So it's raining outside, it's quiet in here as people are pondering the email (I heard one who was out yesterday gasp and go 'what?' - I didn't say anything but figured she just read the email.) I reckon I need to get my things out and prepare to work.
Going to dinner tonight with my youngest son - hubby and I are. He had a coupon and asked us to go. Hey - I don't care - coupon or not, I'll go!! Love connecting with the kids.
Hope that the rain doesn't take you down, but that you will keep your eyes on the One who brings it.
Blessings!
Monday, July 22, 2013
Feeling downhearted this morning.....
Not sure why I am feeling kind of down. Mellow. Just life happening, I guess. I think things are going well, and then something happens that takes me down. But I will get back up. It is all life stuff. And people.
I did have a wonderful quiet weekend. I was able to finish a book I had started. I relaxed, a lot. I went to church. Spent some time with one of my boys and his kids for a couple hours. Made salsa. Showed my son how to make his ghost pepper salsa. Apparently it affects him..... his girlfriend 'thanked' me last night for showing him how to make it... and did admit she was being sarcastic. I guess for Christmas we all need to buy air refresher for him.
I also got to have a long breakfast with a friend. We hadn't met for breakfast for a long time, so it was nice to be able to talk and catch up. I always walk away thinking I have either shared too much or I talked too much. We were there for about an hour and a half, so we did a lot of talking!
Today is Monday and I'm back at work. I've already checked my folder and there are a lot of things for me to work on. I've been having trouble with another folder that I need to pull my work from - things disappear! Last week I struggled with it for nearly an hour before the things I needed to do finally appeared in it. I took a print of it so that I could show IT and sent in a request for them to check it out, but haven't heard anything from them yet. I just checked and I have about 6 in there to work on first thing this morning. It's better than waiting for work to appear. I have other things I can do, but it is always nice to not have to find things to do.
I sent an email to our Office Manager at church to see if there would be a room available that I could facilitate a class this fall. If there is, then it gives me something to look forward to. I love reading and studying and learning - but I don't apply myself anymore if I don't have to. Perhaps that is part of my mood. I miss that studying. But when I have no goal, it's like why bother. I'll find out soon if there is a room, then I will know what I will do. It will be on Wednesday nights and now that I'm getting caught up in my work, and I have been guaranteed that I will be getting help, I will be able to get out at 4:30 on Wednesdays so that I can get to church on time. If there is no room, then I'll have to think what I'm going to do. I've thought about having a class at our house one night a week, but hubby already has his men's group one night a week and we have our group on Thursday nights starting this fall. I don't want to fill up most of the evenings.
I'm already planning my birthday celebration. I was reminded yesterday my birthday is on a Friday this year. Since my Princess Bethany was up from Tucson, I asked if she could come up that date and come to my "party". Where we had it last year was nice, and I may check it out again. My only fear is that it is on a Friday night and they may not save us a long table. But, I will call and ask that week, before I let everyone know for sure where it will be. We may end at Old Country where everyone can get what they want. But, this is what I want. This is my birthday present to myself, and I look forward to it. My best present is time spent with my children and grandchildren. No, I'm not neglecting you, hubby, but we spend all the time together. The grandchildren keep me young and I love being a part of their lives.
It's time for me to close this off and get to work. I'm sorta rambling this morning anyway. Monday. The beginning of a new work week. Hope yours is a good one.
Blessings!
I did have a wonderful quiet weekend. I was able to finish a book I had started. I relaxed, a lot. I went to church. Spent some time with one of my boys and his kids for a couple hours. Made salsa. Showed my son how to make his ghost pepper salsa. Apparently it affects him..... his girlfriend 'thanked' me last night for showing him how to make it... and did admit she was being sarcastic. I guess for Christmas we all need to buy air refresher for him.
I also got to have a long breakfast with a friend. We hadn't met for breakfast for a long time, so it was nice to be able to talk and catch up. I always walk away thinking I have either shared too much or I talked too much. We were there for about an hour and a half, so we did a lot of talking!
Today is Monday and I'm back at work. I've already checked my folder and there are a lot of things for me to work on. I've been having trouble with another folder that I need to pull my work from - things disappear! Last week I struggled with it for nearly an hour before the things I needed to do finally appeared in it. I took a print of it so that I could show IT and sent in a request for them to check it out, but haven't heard anything from them yet. I just checked and I have about 6 in there to work on first thing this morning. It's better than waiting for work to appear. I have other things I can do, but it is always nice to not have to find things to do.
I sent an email to our Office Manager at church to see if there would be a room available that I could facilitate a class this fall. If there is, then it gives me something to look forward to. I love reading and studying and learning - but I don't apply myself anymore if I don't have to. Perhaps that is part of my mood. I miss that studying. But when I have no goal, it's like why bother. I'll find out soon if there is a room, then I will know what I will do. It will be on Wednesday nights and now that I'm getting caught up in my work, and I have been guaranteed that I will be getting help, I will be able to get out at 4:30 on Wednesdays so that I can get to church on time. If there is no room, then I'll have to think what I'm going to do. I've thought about having a class at our house one night a week, but hubby already has his men's group one night a week and we have our group on Thursday nights starting this fall. I don't want to fill up most of the evenings.
I'm already planning my birthday celebration. I was reminded yesterday my birthday is on a Friday this year. Since my Princess Bethany was up from Tucson, I asked if she could come up that date and come to my "party". Where we had it last year was nice, and I may check it out again. My only fear is that it is on a Friday night and they may not save us a long table. But, I will call and ask that week, before I let everyone know for sure where it will be. We may end at Old Country where everyone can get what they want. But, this is what I want. This is my birthday present to myself, and I look forward to it. My best present is time spent with my children and grandchildren. No, I'm not neglecting you, hubby, but we spend all the time together. The grandchildren keep me young and I love being a part of their lives.
It's time for me to close this off and get to work. I'm sorta rambling this morning anyway. Monday. The beginning of a new work week. Hope yours is a good one.
Blessings!
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Go Ahead....
My son and best reader of my blogs checked out songs for me on 'If you are going through hell' by Rodney Atkins - but it isn't the one I was referring to. So I did some checking and here it is - It's by Ron Kenoly!
http://www.turnbacktogod.com/go-ahead-song-ron-kenoly/
It's actually called 'Go Ahead' - Love this song for it tells us that when we catch hell, don't hold it, if you are going through hell, don't stop!! I hadn't listened to it for a long time. We used to sing it at church a long, long time ago.
Went to church this morning - we're doing a movie series and how they related to us today - or rather, what the Christian values are in it. Or something like that.
Today we watched bits of Lincoln. I have not seen the movie yet, in its entirety, however, my hubby and one of my sons watched it a few weeks ago. I wonder what they would have thought about what was pulled out for the service. Parts included conversation between Mary Todd and Abe Lincoln, President Lincoln's conversation with a black woman (I forget her name), another was the actual vote for the Amendment, and the cheering for what had occurred. I wonder if the men at that time realized what history was being made.
Being a woman born in the south, I love my southern roots. My mama used to tell me about her Mammy - yes, she had one. With six girls and one boy, Granny needed someone to help her. Mama used to tell me how her Mammy would help with things, and they never treated her like a slave, but like family. I mean she did the work around the house and all, but so did my Granny and the children. It wasn't a plantation, but a large farm. Mama used to tell how after she married and moved from Tennessee how when they went back to visit family, she always went to her Mammy's home to visit her. She loved her.
And it wasn't a matter of black and white, like people make it today. There was respect and love. To so many people color is the issue. No one is superior over the other. God is One and He created us all in His image. So how can color matter? White is the absence of any color, and Black is all color. And when we match up clothes, it seems we always tend to think - or say - anything goes with white or with black. Color just doesn't matter.
I have friends who are white and I have friends who are black. I don't look at them and what color they are - or aren't - I look inside and see if I want to be friends with them. Some whites can be horribly mean and cruel, and blacks as well. It isn't limited to one race or another. I respect them not based on color, but on who they are. I think I will stop there - my opinions are just that - mine.
That was really weird. I was in the middle of typing this blog and my computer just shut down on me. I was in Chrome, too. Everything came back up - in Chrome again. I mean it totally shut down, did a bunch of updates, and then restarted - all on it's own. Maybe I'm to hush and God took that way to do it. Hmmm.
It rained today. Long and hard, it looks like. Big and deep puddles on the edges of the church parking lot. I was able to miss it going in. I was also smart enough to take my umbrella into church with me. But I didn't need it for by the time we got out, the rain had stopped. It was soothing to hear it hit the tin roof during the service. I love the rain. I love going walking in it. I love being home in it, when I can curl up with a good book and read. I love the relaxing feeling a good steady rain gives.
And, since hubby isn't home yet, I think I will get off here and go curl up with one of my books. Marley is asleep on the floor next to my feet. It is so quiet I can hear the clock ticking, my fingers hitting the keys on the computer. Silence.
Some say silence is golden - and it truly is. Not only when the kids grow up, but when we have those moments in time when there is silence. Pure, sweet, unadulterated silence. No music, no television. No talking. Just Marley's steady breathing as she sleeps. And quiet.
I'm off with a good book. Hope you can grab one too.
Blessings!
http://www.turnbacktogod.com/go-ahead-song-ron-kenoly/
It's actually called 'Go Ahead' - Love this song for it tells us that when we catch hell, don't hold it, if you are going through hell, don't stop!! I hadn't listened to it for a long time. We used to sing it at church a long, long time ago.
Went to church this morning - we're doing a movie series and how they related to us today - or rather, what the Christian values are in it. Or something like that.
Today we watched bits of Lincoln. I have not seen the movie yet, in its entirety, however, my hubby and one of my sons watched it a few weeks ago. I wonder what they would have thought about what was pulled out for the service. Parts included conversation between Mary Todd and Abe Lincoln, President Lincoln's conversation with a black woman (I forget her name), another was the actual vote for the Amendment, and the cheering for what had occurred. I wonder if the men at that time realized what history was being made.
Being a woman born in the south, I love my southern roots. My mama used to tell me about her Mammy - yes, she had one. With six girls and one boy, Granny needed someone to help her. Mama used to tell me how her Mammy would help with things, and they never treated her like a slave, but like family. I mean she did the work around the house and all, but so did my Granny and the children. It wasn't a plantation, but a large farm. Mama used to tell how after she married and moved from Tennessee how when they went back to visit family, she always went to her Mammy's home to visit her. She loved her.
And it wasn't a matter of black and white, like people make it today. There was respect and love. To so many people color is the issue. No one is superior over the other. God is One and He created us all in His image. So how can color matter? White is the absence of any color, and Black is all color. And when we match up clothes, it seems we always tend to think - or say - anything goes with white or with black. Color just doesn't matter.
I have friends who are white and I have friends who are black. I don't look at them and what color they are - or aren't - I look inside and see if I want to be friends with them. Some whites can be horribly mean and cruel, and blacks as well. It isn't limited to one race or another. I respect them not based on color, but on who they are. I think I will stop there - my opinions are just that - mine.
That was really weird. I was in the middle of typing this blog and my computer just shut down on me. I was in Chrome, too. Everything came back up - in Chrome again. I mean it totally shut down, did a bunch of updates, and then restarted - all on it's own. Maybe I'm to hush and God took that way to do it. Hmmm.
It rained today. Long and hard, it looks like. Big and deep puddles on the edges of the church parking lot. I was able to miss it going in. I was also smart enough to take my umbrella into church with me. But I didn't need it for by the time we got out, the rain had stopped. It was soothing to hear it hit the tin roof during the service. I love the rain. I love going walking in it. I love being home in it, when I can curl up with a good book and read. I love the relaxing feeling a good steady rain gives.
And, since hubby isn't home yet, I think I will get off here and go curl up with one of my books. Marley is asleep on the floor next to my feet. It is so quiet I can hear the clock ticking, my fingers hitting the keys on the computer. Silence.
Some say silence is golden - and it truly is. Not only when the kids grow up, but when we have those moments in time when there is silence. Pure, sweet, unadulterated silence. No music, no television. No talking. Just Marley's steady breathing as she sleeps. And quiet.
I'm off with a good book. Hope you can grab one too.
Blessings!
Thursday, July 18, 2013
God's Mercy equals God's Blessings
Ever have something come pressing down on you to the point you feel you just can't go on? That the pressure of it all is so overwhelming that you don't know how to even breathe through it?
Then, like a breath of fresh air, the pressure lifts, and you feel (somewhat) normal again.
That is sometimes what God's mercy feels like.
We put pressure on ourselves by getting ourselves in debt. We do it by our lifestyle choices. We create havoc by what we allow to happen. And, sometimes, life just happens with us not doing anything. Pressure that builds up, and unfortunately, sometimes explodes on the innocent.
Those times when you feel so overwhelmed that you don't know what to do - there is One you can run to who will clear your head, help you to see above and past all your problems, and show you that He is walking you through each and every step.
There is a song that says 'when you are going through hell, don't stop!!' And that is the truth. So many times we allow the pressure to take us to depths of despair and brokenness. The choice is yours whether to stay there in the pits or to claw your way to the top and get above it.
Beth Moore wrote a book called 'Get Out of the Pit'. Several years ago I was going through a deep, dark, heavy period in my life. I was struggling just to stay above it. The book had just come out and a friend told me about this book. I read it. I realized I had set up a nice room in my pit.
It's easy to do, you know. Something happens that knocks you down. You start digging a hole. Then something else happens, so you dig down a little deeper. People say things. Dig deeper to escape. Before you know it, you have a nice room dug and you have even furnished it with a sofa or bed to lay on, and even a rug on the floor. Eventually you get it completely furnished because that is where you have chosen to live.
In a dark, gloomy, sad and depressing place.
But wait! There is LIGHT above! It's God's mercy showing through. He is waiting for you to take the first step to reach up, to achieve and to receive all that He has for you.
Are you willing to climb out of the pit to receive God's mercy and God's blessings?
Are you willing to breathe again? Will you trust Him enough to believe He is walking with you in this journey called LIFE?
God has never said that if we choose to follow Him that He will provide everything for us. He did say He will walk with us through any journey, we will never be alone. He may give you all that you need, just when you need it - whether it be strength, money, health boost, unexpected blessings. He may give it to you Himself, or use others to be the Blessing to you.
Whatever you are going through right now, don't dig a pit. Determine to be faithful to His promises that He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God".
Trust in Him, Seek Him. He knows your name; it is carved in the palm of His hand.
Blessings!
Then, like a breath of fresh air, the pressure lifts, and you feel (somewhat) normal again.
That is sometimes what God's mercy feels like.
We put pressure on ourselves by getting ourselves in debt. We do it by our lifestyle choices. We create havoc by what we allow to happen. And, sometimes, life just happens with us not doing anything. Pressure that builds up, and unfortunately, sometimes explodes on the innocent.
Those times when you feel so overwhelmed that you don't know what to do - there is One you can run to who will clear your head, help you to see above and past all your problems, and show you that He is walking you through each and every step.
There is a song that says 'when you are going through hell, don't stop!!' And that is the truth. So many times we allow the pressure to take us to depths of despair and brokenness. The choice is yours whether to stay there in the pits or to claw your way to the top and get above it.
Beth Moore wrote a book called 'Get Out of the Pit'. Several years ago I was going through a deep, dark, heavy period in my life. I was struggling just to stay above it. The book had just come out and a friend told me about this book. I read it. I realized I had set up a nice room in my pit.
It's easy to do, you know. Something happens that knocks you down. You start digging a hole. Then something else happens, so you dig down a little deeper. People say things. Dig deeper to escape. Before you know it, you have a nice room dug and you have even furnished it with a sofa or bed to lay on, and even a rug on the floor. Eventually you get it completely furnished because that is where you have chosen to live.
In a dark, gloomy, sad and depressing place.
But wait! There is LIGHT above! It's God's mercy showing through. He is waiting for you to take the first step to reach up, to achieve and to receive all that He has for you.
Are you willing to climb out of the pit to receive God's mercy and God's blessings?
Are you willing to breathe again? Will you trust Him enough to believe He is walking with you in this journey called LIFE?
God has never said that if we choose to follow Him that He will provide everything for us. He did say He will walk with us through any journey, we will never be alone. He may give you all that you need, just when you need it - whether it be strength, money, health boost, unexpected blessings. He may give it to you Himself, or use others to be the Blessing to you.
Whatever you are going through right now, don't dig a pit. Determine to be faithful to His promises that He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God".
Trust in Him, Seek Him. He knows your name; it is carved in the palm of His hand.
Blessings!
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Mr. Holland's Opus....
We watched Mr. Holland's Opus again the other night. I love the ending, when Mr. Holland finally gets to direct/hear his Opus for the very first time. But what always grabs me is the comment of "Mr. Holland, we are your Opus". Every life that he touched, consciously or unconsciously, were a part of his Opus.
And that is the same for us.
Our spouses are our Opus. Our children are our Opus. Our friends are our Opus. Those whose lives we interact with, those whose lives we touch - they are our Opus.
Webster's Dictionary says:
And that is the same for us.
Our spouses are our Opus. Our children are our Opus. Our friends are our Opus. Those whose lives we interact with, those whose lives we touch - they are our Opus.
Webster's Dictionary says:
Definition of OPUS
: work; especially : a musical composition or set of compositions usually numbered in the order of its issue.
Interesting. It's definition is of music alone. But think about it - isn't our lives "music", if you will? How we live our lives is the clarinet, the drum, the tuba, the trumpet - it just depends on where we are at that moment.
I'm sitting here thinking of where the music would be right now for me. I feel at peace, serene. Of course it is before my day begins here at work. The feeling of peace and serenity will change, I'm very sure! So if I am living a soft clarinet piece, what will happen?
The clarinet may change to the tuba - LOL thinking about jaws right now - but that wouldn't be tuba... What made that da dum da dum sound? I know my son will know! Anticipation of what the day will bring.
Today, though, should be a good day. We have caught up at work and I don't stress like I have been (quick pitches of music, bongo drums?) but just take each day as it comes.
It has become so much easier to get through each day that I am able to leave by 5:30-6:00 versus the 7-8PM that I had been leaving for a few weeks. I hear I am still going to get someone else to help me so that I can get out of here by 5PM. Not sure if I want to drive in traffic at that hour, but it will allow me to have a life. Somewhat.
So where are you at this morning in YOUR Opus? The music of your life? Those who have been trained in music know more instruments than I do so will be able to articulate the styles and transitions of music notes. I think soft and mellow, to intense and stormy.
I do love the classicals though I haven't listened to them for awhile. Sometimes it is good just to sit back and listen to the 'great ones'. The Opus of their lives. Their creations.
Where do you want your Opus to go? I mean, how do you want the Opus of your life to be seen? Somewhat stormy and hard? Gentle and smooth? You can use whatever adjective you desire for the type you like.
If you could write out a score of what your life is like musically, what would it be like? What would it sound like? That is a challenge for those of you who know music!
For me, I think a little classical is in order to listen to. Don't think I have any on my IPOD though, so may have to resort to something else. Something quiet, something peaceful. After all, my day hasn't started yet.
Hope that your day is played exactly as you want it to be. Live your Opus to the fullest.
Blessings!
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Really, I did have some thoughts.....
I did. From Tuesday through Friday this past week I was unable to get online. I mean, I could get online, and I could put the title in, but after that - the computer would not allow me to put my cursor in the body of the note to write. I tried every morning, without success. I finally sent a note on Thursday to blogger, and they did reply, but I couldn't answer their question of who was the internet server for the company - I don't know. But, in reading further in a q&a section, I see many people were having these issues and they had answered that it was something to do with explorer, that if we used chrome (isn't that google's?) then we can still use it. I'm using Chrome now - but then, I'm at home on my computer too. Oh well, at least I'm able to get in and type.
Only I forget what I was going to write about. I know I had some good thoughts. I bet they would probably have been the best I've written for awhile. I'm sure they would have been. Maybe next time I should create it in Word, email to myself, and post it online when I get home. That would probably work. Maybe.
Work has gotten better in that I am finally able to keep up on the workload and am usually out of the office between 5:30 and 6:00PM. Haven't had to do a 7-8PM for a couple weeks now. Of course part of that is due to the two nurses usually do not work past 5PM, and they tend to take their time during the day as they are both still learning how to review and approve. It is a lot of work, from beginning to end. I had begged for temp to help me. Now I don't need one, except for when I need to take time off work.
I have a week scheduled off in August. I have 3 vacation days - and decided to take 2 personal days as I have meetings on one of those days. Why go to work for one day that week. Might as well take the entire week off - so that is what I'm doing. We've changed our plans for getting away that week; cancelled the rental for now. I told hubby that perhaps we can get away one or two days; will have to just wait and see how things are at that time.
We had a temp start last week to help my coworker get the authorization requests started. Give her a few weeks doing that and then train her to do my job just before I take off. I think that is all we need. I still get very frustrated at our "trainer". She tries to run the department and the director lets her. A whole nother story. I have caught her trying to cover her xxx and lying and changing things she should not be changing. I have finally reached the conclusion nothing is going to be done until others stand up and speak up. In the meantime the 'what goes around, comes around' theory is going to have to work. That and 'Oh the web that we weave, when we practice to deceive." The morale in our department is hitting bottom and this person is the cause of it.
Enough about work.
Life is what it is. It's too hot to take Marley for walks so she is restless with being so big and unable to get outside for any length of time. She follows me around when I'm home like a sick puppy. I'm at the kitchen table now and she is laying at my feet. If I go to the front room, she follows me. Shoot, if I go potty she follows me in there! Reminds me of when the kids were smaller. And yes, one time she did put her paws under the door, trying to get in.
When I'm not home, she follows hubby around, laying at his feet, etc. It is like she has to be near one of us. All the time. I'm a bit more tolerant though. It's not only hot out, it is humid, which makes it muggy. We both worked at Market on the Move at church yesterday. I am sore in my shoulders and back today some - nearly 4 hours of steadily bagging cherry tomatoes shows I haven't done this for awhile! It was a good day and I heard this morning that we served over 844 paying people - and that doesn't include those who brought family members in with them to help get food. I think this is the first time hubby helped; he was impressed, I think. He said he doesn't want to see another cherry tomato for awhile.
I think hubby is bored. He came in to see what I was doing (and of course it is my blog) and to see if there is anything I want to do. He is telling ME that I look bored (???) and as he has asked me twice already today, and asked yesterday as well if I was bored, I asked him was there something he wanted to do. No, he says, but that I look bored. Bored, no. I have plenty of things to do. I work all week; I'm grateful for quiet time unless I choose otherwise.
If it was left up to me - I'd have the grandchildren over swimming this afternoon. I would have had them over yesterday. I would be playing games with them, cooking new recipes with them. I wouldn't be on the computer or watching television, that's for sure! So I responded back to hubby's question that if there was something I wanted to do, I'd get up and make plans to do it. So now he's offended because I wasn't including him in my comment. Sigh.....
Ok, I'm starting to type and delete so guess it is time to sign off for today. Perhaps I can type tomorrow and make sense. If not, perhaps I will try the Word route and not make sense. Or make sense. Whatever.
I have things to do, but I'm thinking a nap might be in order for today. After all, hubby says I'm bored so what else is there to do?
Hope you have an un-boring day.
Blessings!
Only I forget what I was going to write about. I know I had some good thoughts. I bet they would probably have been the best I've written for awhile. I'm sure they would have been. Maybe next time I should create it in Word, email to myself, and post it online when I get home. That would probably work. Maybe.
Work has gotten better in that I am finally able to keep up on the workload and am usually out of the office between 5:30 and 6:00PM. Haven't had to do a 7-8PM for a couple weeks now. Of course part of that is due to the two nurses usually do not work past 5PM, and they tend to take their time during the day as they are both still learning how to review and approve. It is a lot of work, from beginning to end. I had begged for temp to help me. Now I don't need one, except for when I need to take time off work.
I have a week scheduled off in August. I have 3 vacation days - and decided to take 2 personal days as I have meetings on one of those days. Why go to work for one day that week. Might as well take the entire week off - so that is what I'm doing. We've changed our plans for getting away that week; cancelled the rental for now. I told hubby that perhaps we can get away one or two days; will have to just wait and see how things are at that time.
We had a temp start last week to help my coworker get the authorization requests started. Give her a few weeks doing that and then train her to do my job just before I take off. I think that is all we need. I still get very frustrated at our "trainer". She tries to run the department and the director lets her. A whole nother story. I have caught her trying to cover her xxx and lying and changing things she should not be changing. I have finally reached the conclusion nothing is going to be done until others stand up and speak up. In the meantime the 'what goes around, comes around' theory is going to have to work. That and 'Oh the web that we weave, when we practice to deceive." The morale in our department is hitting bottom and this person is the cause of it.
Enough about work.
Life is what it is. It's too hot to take Marley for walks so she is restless with being so big and unable to get outside for any length of time. She follows me around when I'm home like a sick puppy. I'm at the kitchen table now and she is laying at my feet. If I go to the front room, she follows me. Shoot, if I go potty she follows me in there! Reminds me of when the kids were smaller. And yes, one time she did put her paws under the door, trying to get in.
When I'm not home, she follows hubby around, laying at his feet, etc. It is like she has to be near one of us. All the time. I'm a bit more tolerant though. It's not only hot out, it is humid, which makes it muggy. We both worked at Market on the Move at church yesterday. I am sore in my shoulders and back today some - nearly 4 hours of steadily bagging cherry tomatoes shows I haven't done this for awhile! It was a good day and I heard this morning that we served over 844 paying people - and that doesn't include those who brought family members in with them to help get food. I think this is the first time hubby helped; he was impressed, I think. He said he doesn't want to see another cherry tomato for awhile.
I think hubby is bored. He came in to see what I was doing (and of course it is my blog) and to see if there is anything I want to do. He is telling ME that I look bored (???) and as he has asked me twice already today, and asked yesterday as well if I was bored, I asked him was there something he wanted to do. No, he says, but that I look bored. Bored, no. I have plenty of things to do. I work all week; I'm grateful for quiet time unless I choose otherwise.
If it was left up to me - I'd have the grandchildren over swimming this afternoon. I would have had them over yesterday. I would be playing games with them, cooking new recipes with them. I wouldn't be on the computer or watching television, that's for sure! So I responded back to hubby's question that if there was something I wanted to do, I'd get up and make plans to do it. So now he's offended because I wasn't including him in my comment. Sigh.....
Ok, I'm starting to type and delete so guess it is time to sign off for today. Perhaps I can type tomorrow and make sense. If not, perhaps I will try the Word route and not make sense. Or make sense. Whatever.
I have things to do, but I'm thinking a nap might be in order for today. After all, hubby says I'm bored so what else is there to do?
Hope you have an un-boring day.
Blessings!
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Reading again... do I dare to believe.....
I'm having troubles with the blog this morning.... It doesn't seem to want to let me type. I keep getting these 'error on page' and now 'javascript:void(9); - whatever that means. Maybe I'm not supposed to write. Maybe I'm not to share my thoughts this morning.
I wanted to yesterday, but when I got to work, I had so much to do that I had to jump right in and get started. But today, I want to take some time out for me.
As my title implies, I finally was able to do some reading over the weekend. Not much, mind you, but at least able to start reading again. It is difficult to read when the TV is on. Hubby has a habit of asking if he can just watch the game to get the score...... and then will keep the TV on and flip through his TV shows and watch them.
He did it to me again last night when I told him I wanted to read. He had had his meeting with his friends and I was in my back room with the dog. I started reading a book, and when they left, I wanted to read some more. So I came out and sat in the front room. Then he wanted to see the score of the game. He ended up watching Lonestar or whatever that show is. I did finish reading what I wanted to, but had to read some parts twice.
No, I'm not complaining. He DID say the other night that Friday evenings will be our 'reading' night. Big deal. What if I'm too tired to read after a long week at work? What if we have other plans? He is such a stickler for sticking to plans. I'd rather do whatever the mood decides to do.
But anyway - back to my title, I was able to read a book last night. It was called 'The Lamp' and it was by the man who wrote 'The Ultimate Gift', which is a movie. It's a good movie and I enjoy watching it. The book was a little disappointing, but it had some good points.
It's the story of a genie-like lamp. There isn't a 'genie', but a man mysteriously appears and he gives his name, and during the course of conversation there is a discussion from the skeptical husband to get three wishes. But there are rules.
1) You can't wish for something you can do for yourself.
2) You can't wish for money.
3) .... I can't remember what this one is...
Anyway - you get the picture. The key words in the entire story is 'Just Believe'.
Just Believe. Believe in what? Perhaps it is believing in yourself. Perhaps it is believing that God never gives up on you. Perhaps it is believing you CAN change, you CAN make a difference in life. Perhaps it is believing you can build relationships, you can find a job, you can be a model employee, you can earn enough to survive on.
Perhaps it is to believe you CAN write a book and someone will buy it.
Perhaps it is believing you can be healed of whatever ails you.
It can be anything.... you only need to believe.
More than anything, believe in yourself and that you can make a difference in someone's life. Give a smile. Write a note. Make that phone call.
Just believe.
Blessings!
I wanted to yesterday, but when I got to work, I had so much to do that I had to jump right in and get started. But today, I want to take some time out for me.
As my title implies, I finally was able to do some reading over the weekend. Not much, mind you, but at least able to start reading again. It is difficult to read when the TV is on. Hubby has a habit of asking if he can just watch the game to get the score...... and then will keep the TV on and flip through his TV shows and watch them.
He did it to me again last night when I told him I wanted to read. He had had his meeting with his friends and I was in my back room with the dog. I started reading a book, and when they left, I wanted to read some more. So I came out and sat in the front room. Then he wanted to see the score of the game. He ended up watching Lonestar or whatever that show is. I did finish reading what I wanted to, but had to read some parts twice.
No, I'm not complaining. He DID say the other night that Friday evenings will be our 'reading' night. Big deal. What if I'm too tired to read after a long week at work? What if we have other plans? He is such a stickler for sticking to plans. I'd rather do whatever the mood decides to do.
But anyway - back to my title, I was able to read a book last night. It was called 'The Lamp' and it was by the man who wrote 'The Ultimate Gift', which is a movie. It's a good movie and I enjoy watching it. The book was a little disappointing, but it had some good points.
It's the story of a genie-like lamp. There isn't a 'genie', but a man mysteriously appears and he gives his name, and during the course of conversation there is a discussion from the skeptical husband to get three wishes. But there are rules.
1) You can't wish for something you can do for yourself.
2) You can't wish for money.
3) .... I can't remember what this one is...
Anyway - you get the picture. The key words in the entire story is 'Just Believe'.
Just Believe. Believe in what? Perhaps it is believing in yourself. Perhaps it is believing that God never gives up on you. Perhaps it is believing you CAN change, you CAN make a difference in life. Perhaps it is believing you can build relationships, you can find a job, you can be a model employee, you can earn enough to survive on.
Perhaps it is to believe you CAN write a book and someone will buy it.
Perhaps it is believing you can be healed of whatever ails you.
It can be anything.... you only need to believe.
More than anything, believe in yourself and that you can make a difference in someone's life. Give a smile. Write a note. Make that phone call.
Just believe.
Blessings!
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Shaking things up....
I have decided that I need to shake some things up in my life. I have become 'old', in my terms. I have become 'set' in my ways. I have become 'more irritable' - or is that 'less tolerable' about things. That's what old people do - and I don't want to be old! Ok, getting older is something I can't stop - short of death - but I can keep from acting old and being like we have always envisioned 'grouchy old people'.
So how do I do that? I have no idea. Well, it helps if you aren't in that environment all the time, but sometimes you can't help but be. Life happens. I think the first step is don't allow 'outside' influences to make me do things or become someone I don't want to be. For some people it is natural. For others, like me, who doesn't like to cause waves, it is harder. To not become an old grouch, I have to focus on positive things. I need to do things that create a positive environment, a positive influence.
I want to laugh, I want to have fun, I want to live life.
Sometimes I want to sit down and cry for no reason. Sometimes I cry and there is no stopping the flow of tears; it's out of my control. That used to happen years ago, then I was able to suppress them. A few years ago it started up again. I couldn't understand why during one church service I couldn't stop crying. I finally remembered that I had been praying that God would break my heart for the things that break His.
I haven't stopped crying since. And when I cry, I remember my prayer, and I have learned to stop worrying about how it looks. I have learned to ignore the looks I get. Sometimes I have to pause in talking just to get my voice under control so that I can talk. Some people politely pause and give me time to compose myself. Others look at me like I'm nuts - especially since it is sometimes over nothing.
Or over something exciting. I am so proud of my children and grandchildren, and of others, that when they do something that draws my attention, I tend to choke up. They are tears of joy.
Or over something painful. Recently we had 19 firefighters killed in a firefight. And I cried. And I'm sure God's heart was breaking too. I didn't know these men. I have no connection with them. I think it is possibly more that my heart was breaking for their families, their loved ones, for the pain they were having to endure. Before that it was the children killed in Connecticut. No connection to me, yet my tears fell for their families.
Or just hugging someone who has lost a loved one or is going through difficult times, I find my heart grieved, and my eyes full of tears. It is as though their pain is transferred to my heart, and I hurt for them. I don't know how else to explain it.
Or over something stupid. I get choked up over meaningful comments, endearing stories. I can watch the same movie over and over, and KNOW that person isn't coming back or something has happened, and I cry. It used to be a joke that I always had to have a Kleenex box handy whenever I watched a movie. Guess what, that hasn't changed.
Little things that would probably have no meaning to anyone; yet, for me, can bring tears. I read a story in the paper about a child being hurt. The tears fall.
Wow - my first paragraph took a journey down a road I hadn't meant to write about! Rabbit Trails. Did someone say 'Squirrel'?
Shaking things up. Well, obviously, my first thoughts on that have taken a turn. I stopped to fix lunch and now that I'm back to the computer, I'm not sure what I wanted to say. So guess with that I will get my butt off this chair and go actually do something. I still need to iron, same as I have 3 months now. Same clothes. Just haven't done it. Need to clean my bathroom. Yes, I have done that within the past month, but it does need it again. Need to clean my room(s) - but it's hard for me to do when I'm not alone. Then when I'm alone I don't want to waste my time doing it. Is that considered a 'catch 22'?
I started experimenting with food again the past few days. I'm having a blast with it. I fixed a chicken dish yesterday that was really good. I put a can of beans in the bottom of the crockpot, added some chicken tenders (uncooked), added diced tomatoes, added onions, spices, and I forget what else - and let it cook all day on medium. I fixed brown rice for dinner and we put this on top of it. Oh yum.
Then last night I put a mixture of oatmeal, different 5 grains, and put some in the crock pot with water. Added raisins. Cooked on low overnight. Turned it up this morning to get hot. We had it for breakfast. I added cinnamon and walnuts to my bowl. It was so good. I made enough that I can take for breakfast for a couple days next week. Tomorrow is Sunday and I usually cook bacon and eggs for breakfast.
Just something easy for you all to think about - make it easy on everyone. Put something in your crockpot and let it do the work for you! I'm looking at a recipe for stew now - using short ribs. Thinking how Marley would love the bones!
Ok - there it goes again - 'squirrel'! So I'm going to hush and get busy. Hope you have a great day - and a good weekend. Don't sit around and get 'old'! DO SOMETHING!!
Blessings!
So how do I do that? I have no idea. Well, it helps if you aren't in that environment all the time, but sometimes you can't help but be. Life happens. I think the first step is don't allow 'outside' influences to make me do things or become someone I don't want to be. For some people it is natural. For others, like me, who doesn't like to cause waves, it is harder. To not become an old grouch, I have to focus on positive things. I need to do things that create a positive environment, a positive influence.
I want to laugh, I want to have fun, I want to live life.
Sometimes I want to sit down and cry for no reason. Sometimes I cry and there is no stopping the flow of tears; it's out of my control. That used to happen years ago, then I was able to suppress them. A few years ago it started up again. I couldn't understand why during one church service I couldn't stop crying. I finally remembered that I had been praying that God would break my heart for the things that break His.
I haven't stopped crying since. And when I cry, I remember my prayer, and I have learned to stop worrying about how it looks. I have learned to ignore the looks I get. Sometimes I have to pause in talking just to get my voice under control so that I can talk. Some people politely pause and give me time to compose myself. Others look at me like I'm nuts - especially since it is sometimes over nothing.
Or over something exciting. I am so proud of my children and grandchildren, and of others, that when they do something that draws my attention, I tend to choke up. They are tears of joy.
Or over something painful. Recently we had 19 firefighters killed in a firefight. And I cried. And I'm sure God's heart was breaking too. I didn't know these men. I have no connection with them. I think it is possibly more that my heart was breaking for their families, their loved ones, for the pain they were having to endure. Before that it was the children killed in Connecticut. No connection to me, yet my tears fell for their families.
Or just hugging someone who has lost a loved one or is going through difficult times, I find my heart grieved, and my eyes full of tears. It is as though their pain is transferred to my heart, and I hurt for them. I don't know how else to explain it.
Or over something stupid. I get choked up over meaningful comments, endearing stories. I can watch the same movie over and over, and KNOW that person isn't coming back or something has happened, and I cry. It used to be a joke that I always had to have a Kleenex box handy whenever I watched a movie. Guess what, that hasn't changed.
Little things that would probably have no meaning to anyone; yet, for me, can bring tears. I read a story in the paper about a child being hurt. The tears fall.
Wow - my first paragraph took a journey down a road I hadn't meant to write about! Rabbit Trails. Did someone say 'Squirrel'?
Shaking things up. Well, obviously, my first thoughts on that have taken a turn. I stopped to fix lunch and now that I'm back to the computer, I'm not sure what I wanted to say. So guess with that I will get my butt off this chair and go actually do something. I still need to iron, same as I have 3 months now. Same clothes. Just haven't done it. Need to clean my bathroom. Yes, I have done that within the past month, but it does need it again. Need to clean my room(s) - but it's hard for me to do when I'm not alone. Then when I'm alone I don't want to waste my time doing it. Is that considered a 'catch 22'?
I started experimenting with food again the past few days. I'm having a blast with it. I fixed a chicken dish yesterday that was really good. I put a can of beans in the bottom of the crockpot, added some chicken tenders (uncooked), added diced tomatoes, added onions, spices, and I forget what else - and let it cook all day on medium. I fixed brown rice for dinner and we put this on top of it. Oh yum.
Then last night I put a mixture of oatmeal, different 5 grains, and put some in the crock pot with water. Added raisins. Cooked on low overnight. Turned it up this morning to get hot. We had it for breakfast. I added cinnamon and walnuts to my bowl. It was so good. I made enough that I can take for breakfast for a couple days next week. Tomorrow is Sunday and I usually cook bacon and eggs for breakfast.
Just something easy for you all to think about - make it easy on everyone. Put something in your crockpot and let it do the work for you! I'm looking at a recipe for stew now - using short ribs. Thinking how Marley would love the bones!
Ok - there it goes again - 'squirrel'! So I'm going to hush and get busy. Hope you have a great day - and a good weekend. Don't sit around and get 'old'! DO SOMETHING!!
Blessings!
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
I WON!!!! Sorta....
Well, as I mentioned yesterday, I created a dessert and brought to work. I didn't make it to first place. I didn't come in second. HOWEVER, I did win third place.
Does it matter that there were only three desserts in the contest?
Oh well, it was all in fun and I would do it again. I just didn't get creative as the others did. First place was a dessert similar to mine, however, she made hers sugar free, fat free (yech) and made blueberries and strawberries as a flag across the top of the dish. Mine was fully loaded with strawberries and blueberries throughout the entire dish. I still think mine was the best. :-)
I was in a creative mood last night - made salsa and made banana pudding. I had pudding left over from the contest so finished it up last night in banana pudding to bring to work. I made a double batch of salsa - and notified my boys that there is salsa at the house for them if they want it. It is HOT this time. I probably overdid it. I kept putting jalapenos in it and and couldn't understand why it wasn't getting hot. After putting near a full jar of sliced peppers in the sauce, I discovered why. These are "tamed" jalapenos. How do you "tame" jalapenos? Never heard of them - don't want to! Why eat them if you aren't wanting the heat? Anyway - switched to the hot chili peppers I have and it immediately heated up. Almost too much I'm afraid. But, if you can taste the flavor, it should be good. Nevertheless, it's salsa.
Today will be a busy day at work - we are on 'holiday' tomorrow (July 4th, for those of you who can't figure it out) and most are even off on Friday. Technically we all are, but I have volunteered to work for if I don't, we will miss deadlines and it is crucial for our medicare contract we don't miss deadlines. I don't have to work all day, though. I spoke to my director yesterday and she suggested coming in at noon. The nurse who is working said she would be working all day. I'm going to try to talk her into stopping around 3PM. I figure 10-2PM might be good - but when she said noon, I thought that sounded even better. I don't care if I stay until 5, but not necessarily until 6-7 like usual. Afterall, it IS a holiday weekend. Although we have nothing planned.
I'm looking forward to waking up on my own tomorrow. I'm looking forward to enjoying a good cup of coffee and having the time to do it. It's too hot to go walking outside, but hopefully can get some exercise. Probably not though.
Exercise. I have fallen off the wagon since our challenge is over. Got to get refocused and this weekend is a good time to do it. Maybe. Will see. After I get through the ice cream in the freezer maybe. Or after I do a mass cooking and getting it out of my system. Maybe. Oh well. I just need to get on it.
And right now I just need to get on it and get to work. It's that time again. And that's ok. It pays the bills.
Hope that you have a fantastic July 4th weekend and enjoy being with family.
Blessings!!
Does it matter that there were only three desserts in the contest?
Oh well, it was all in fun and I would do it again. I just didn't get creative as the others did. First place was a dessert similar to mine, however, she made hers sugar free, fat free (yech) and made blueberries and strawberries as a flag across the top of the dish. Mine was fully loaded with strawberries and blueberries throughout the entire dish. I still think mine was the best. :-)
I was in a creative mood last night - made salsa and made banana pudding. I had pudding left over from the contest so finished it up last night in banana pudding to bring to work. I made a double batch of salsa - and notified my boys that there is salsa at the house for them if they want it. It is HOT this time. I probably overdid it. I kept putting jalapenos in it and and couldn't understand why it wasn't getting hot. After putting near a full jar of sliced peppers in the sauce, I discovered why. These are "tamed" jalapenos. How do you "tame" jalapenos? Never heard of them - don't want to! Why eat them if you aren't wanting the heat? Anyway - switched to the hot chili peppers I have and it immediately heated up. Almost too much I'm afraid. But, if you can taste the flavor, it should be good. Nevertheless, it's salsa.
Today will be a busy day at work - we are on 'holiday' tomorrow (July 4th, for those of you who can't figure it out) and most are even off on Friday. Technically we all are, but I have volunteered to work for if I don't, we will miss deadlines and it is crucial for our medicare contract we don't miss deadlines. I don't have to work all day, though. I spoke to my director yesterday and she suggested coming in at noon. The nurse who is working said she would be working all day. I'm going to try to talk her into stopping around 3PM. I figure 10-2PM might be good - but when she said noon, I thought that sounded even better. I don't care if I stay until 5, but not necessarily until 6-7 like usual. Afterall, it IS a holiday weekend. Although we have nothing planned.
I'm looking forward to waking up on my own tomorrow. I'm looking forward to enjoying a good cup of coffee and having the time to do it. It's too hot to go walking outside, but hopefully can get some exercise. Probably not though.
Exercise. I have fallen off the wagon since our challenge is over. Got to get refocused and this weekend is a good time to do it. Maybe. Will see. After I get through the ice cream in the freezer maybe. Or after I do a mass cooking and getting it out of my system. Maybe. Oh well. I just need to get on it.
And right now I just need to get on it and get to work. It's that time again. And that's ok. It pays the bills.
Hope that you have a fantastic July 4th weekend and enjoy being with family.
Blessings!!
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
I made a dessert....
We are having a contest today. In honor of the July 4th holiday, the company is having a BBQ place deliver BBQ for our lunch today. Don't now what else comes with it - coleslaw at least, I hope. Anyway, dessert is 'on the employees'. They are having a contest to see which red/white/blue dessert is the best.
And I think I should win. Well, I think I should always win, but that doesn't always happen. Just because I think my creations are the best, doesn't mean everyone else thinks they are.
Today I 'created' something I hadn't done before. Well, not in this way. Trying to work in the red/white/blue theme, I used angel food cake (white), vanilla pudding, strawberries (red) and blueberries (blue) and layered them in a bowl. It does sound creative, doesn't it? I screwed up though. I bought a big tub of cool whip and forgot to use it on the top. Then I would have placed an accent of strawberries and blueberries on it. Can't believe I forgot - and the bowl was too full to add after I discovered it. I had a lid on it - otherwise it wouldn't have mattered. But, bringing in to work I needed something over the top. The contest is around 11 or so, I think. Here's hoping. Don't know what the prize is, but hey, it's recognition!
I love to create new dishes and I just don't do that much anymore. In fact, with working like I have been, I haven't been cooking at all like I used to. We don't eat a lot of food at all - well, perhaps at family gatherings because there is such a variety (or my daughter's white girl salsa), but at home, we perhaps have a small salad and/or a piece of meat. That's it. Rarely dessert. I still have pudding left over, and I bought bananas and vanilla wafers... think I may make some banana pudding with the rest.
I think I should win. Isn't that what we usually think whenever there is a contest of any kind? It could be cooking. It could be singing. It could be creating something. No matter what it is, we think we should win. Hopefully we learn from our mistakes and create even better things. Like when the cake goes flat we try to figure out what caused it and not do that next time.
I think I should win. After all, who doesn't like angel food cake, vanilla pudding, strawberries and blueberries?
Even if the bowl tilted and now everything is out of layer. Well, not entirely, but just enough. That shouldn't make a difference, should it?
Kind of like our lives. We think we should win the prize at the end of our life journey. We think that we deserve to go to heaven just because of all the good things that we do - that far outweighs the bad, correct? We think we deserve the prize of heaven when we die. But our lives don't often reflect what it takes to get to heaven. That doesn't mean we won't make it, we just may need to make some adjustments in our thinking, in our living, in our professing, in our witness.
Life is hard sometimes and we can be tested continually. The question is, will we pass the test? Will we be 'good enough'?
Yes, I have known people who have lived a life that from what I've observed, there is no reason they wouldn't go to heaven. But only God knows the heart. No matter what I think of someone - perhaps I remember a time they failed and think there is no way God will allow them in to heaven. He knows them better than I do; He knows their heart. They passed the test.
I think I should win. I think I should go to heaven. In either case, I am required to do my best. That is all that is asked of me. Do my best to create something yummy. Do my best, after asking Jesus into my heart, to live a life as a follower, and not a fan. To be the woman that God created me to be.
I don't always win. I fall on my face a lot. You'd think I'd have scratch marks it is so often. Words said, actions done, making a mess out of things. Getting beat up in various words. Sometimes I just fail.
But for today, I'm going to think I have a chance to win the dessert prize. I'm even going to do better than that. I'm declaring myself the winner!
Now to see if the judges agree. :-) Stay tuned!
Plan today to be a winner!
Blessings!
And I think I should win. Well, I think I should always win, but that doesn't always happen. Just because I think my creations are the best, doesn't mean everyone else thinks they are.
Today I 'created' something I hadn't done before. Well, not in this way. Trying to work in the red/white/blue theme, I used angel food cake (white), vanilla pudding, strawberries (red) and blueberries (blue) and layered them in a bowl. It does sound creative, doesn't it? I screwed up though. I bought a big tub of cool whip and forgot to use it on the top. Then I would have placed an accent of strawberries and blueberries on it. Can't believe I forgot - and the bowl was too full to add after I discovered it. I had a lid on it - otherwise it wouldn't have mattered. But, bringing in to work I needed something over the top. The contest is around 11 or so, I think. Here's hoping. Don't know what the prize is, but hey, it's recognition!
I love to create new dishes and I just don't do that much anymore. In fact, with working like I have been, I haven't been cooking at all like I used to. We don't eat a lot of food at all - well, perhaps at family gatherings because there is such a variety (or my daughter's white girl salsa), but at home, we perhaps have a small salad and/or a piece of meat. That's it. Rarely dessert. I still have pudding left over, and I bought bananas and vanilla wafers... think I may make some banana pudding with the rest.
I think I should win. Isn't that what we usually think whenever there is a contest of any kind? It could be cooking. It could be singing. It could be creating something. No matter what it is, we think we should win. Hopefully we learn from our mistakes and create even better things. Like when the cake goes flat we try to figure out what caused it and not do that next time.
I think I should win. After all, who doesn't like angel food cake, vanilla pudding, strawberries and blueberries?
Even if the bowl tilted and now everything is out of layer. Well, not entirely, but just enough. That shouldn't make a difference, should it?
Kind of like our lives. We think we should win the prize at the end of our life journey. We think that we deserve to go to heaven just because of all the good things that we do - that far outweighs the bad, correct? We think we deserve the prize of heaven when we die. But our lives don't often reflect what it takes to get to heaven. That doesn't mean we won't make it, we just may need to make some adjustments in our thinking, in our living, in our professing, in our witness.
Life is hard sometimes and we can be tested continually. The question is, will we pass the test? Will we be 'good enough'?
Yes, I have known people who have lived a life that from what I've observed, there is no reason they wouldn't go to heaven. But only God knows the heart. No matter what I think of someone - perhaps I remember a time they failed and think there is no way God will allow them in to heaven. He knows them better than I do; He knows their heart. They passed the test.
I think I should win. I think I should go to heaven. In either case, I am required to do my best. That is all that is asked of me. Do my best to create something yummy. Do my best, after asking Jesus into my heart, to live a life as a follower, and not a fan. To be the woman that God created me to be.
I don't always win. I fall on my face a lot. You'd think I'd have scratch marks it is so often. Words said, actions done, making a mess out of things. Getting beat up in various words. Sometimes I just fail.
But for today, I'm going to think I have a chance to win the dessert prize. I'm even going to do better than that. I'm declaring myself the winner!
Now to see if the judges agree. :-) Stay tuned!
Plan today to be a winner!
Blessings!
Monday, July 1, 2013
Lazy weekend time...
Yeah, it was a fun and lazy weekend. Of course I'm kicking myself today because I didn't do the things I wanted to get done over the weekend.
Saturday was so fun. I started off Saturday meeting with my friend Sue and we did our five mile walk and breakfast together. Got a lot of talking done and really enjoyed it. We decided to meet at 6:30AM to get ahead of the heat - but it was already 90 degrees when we started. After I got back home, hubby and I went over to our daughter's for a cookout, swam with some of the grandchildren (yes, I actually did get in the pool this time!!), talked, played, and just had a good time. It is always good to be with family. Missed my youngest son but he had drill duty this weekend - in California no less! Hopefully the temperature there was a little cooler.
Didn't do anything after we got home, just kind of watched tv. Yesterday I had thoughts of doing some things after church - but, hey, when the hubby says 'no, just come read or watch tv', it is so easy to just say "ok" and do it. I did fix a batch of baked ziti yesterday and we did go to the grocery store, so I guess I could say I DID accomplish something. But not what I needed to do.
I was reminded of all I wanted to do and didn't do when I was rushing around this morning to get ready for work. Oh well. I keep telling myself that I need to get rid of a lot of things, clean a lot of things, do all this for life is short. And, I don't want people going through my things when I die. LOL Yeah, it's still all about me. I want to be the one to get rid of it. To throw it away. To give it away. Sound like control issues? Probably. When I'm in the right mood I can really get rid of things, but I find that I need to be alone to do that. No one around to comment on what is being removed; no one to notice how much or how little or even ask what I'm going to do with it. Some things are hard to let go of - and other things so simple. I just ask myself, "would this be of any value after I'm gone? Would anyone even wonder why I hung on to this?" If the answer is no - then I need to do something with it.
Of course I've been trying to work on my 'clutter' for some time. So many things I want to do, can't do, haven't done, probably never will... at least for now. But I tell myself "someday......"
Watched one of my favorite movies last night with Sandra Bullock - 'While you were sleeping...'. It's a good chick movie. Not a tear-breaker but just a good story. We hadn't seen it for awhile. I keep telling myself we need to start watching some of these movies we have on VCR tapes; once we watch it, decide if we want to keep it - if yes, put back in the cabinet. If not, then just go ahead and get rid of it. We could probably wean out some of the videos we didn't really care for but because we had bought them, put back in the cabinet. Don't buy VCR anymore, of course. I need to find a couple DVD videos that we have watched numerous times.... favorites, and have watched so many times I guess, that the video is starting to stop and garble up.
So if anyone is reading this and is wondering which two they are (that we have discovered thus far), one is "Must Love Dogs" with John Cusack and Diane Lane. The other is "Return to Me" and I can't remember who stars in it. Mind is blank. Both are good chick movies. I check the $5 bins everywhere I go. When I didn't know I was going to need them, I saw them all the time. Now I can't find them.
Thinking about things I hold on to. I still have clothes from when my children were babies. I need to pass those on - I'm sure I still have a couple of those. Some things I've held on to because I knew my children would throw them away, and I wanted to pass them on to their children. But one thing I've discovered. The things that mean a lot to me, mean nothing to my children. I think of the things I have that belonged to my mother, or to my real father. Little things. I often wonder who to leave them to. Who would care to have them. Who would treasure them as I have, and pass them on to their children. Whose children would want these things that are years old? These questions I often ponder.
But my pondering is over for now..... need to jump off this and get to work. Lots to get done today and with being off two days, it may be a long day.
Hope that you had a great weekend and kept cool. Did you get anything else done? Did you want to?
There is always this coming weekend!!
Blessings!
Saturday was so fun. I started off Saturday meeting with my friend Sue and we did our five mile walk and breakfast together. Got a lot of talking done and really enjoyed it. We decided to meet at 6:30AM to get ahead of the heat - but it was already 90 degrees when we started. After I got back home, hubby and I went over to our daughter's for a cookout, swam with some of the grandchildren (yes, I actually did get in the pool this time!!), talked, played, and just had a good time. It is always good to be with family. Missed my youngest son but he had drill duty this weekend - in California no less! Hopefully the temperature there was a little cooler.
Didn't do anything after we got home, just kind of watched tv. Yesterday I had thoughts of doing some things after church - but, hey, when the hubby says 'no, just come read or watch tv', it is so easy to just say "ok" and do it. I did fix a batch of baked ziti yesterday and we did go to the grocery store, so I guess I could say I DID accomplish something. But not what I needed to do.
I was reminded of all I wanted to do and didn't do when I was rushing around this morning to get ready for work. Oh well. I keep telling myself that I need to get rid of a lot of things, clean a lot of things, do all this for life is short. And, I don't want people going through my things when I die. LOL Yeah, it's still all about me. I want to be the one to get rid of it. To throw it away. To give it away. Sound like control issues? Probably. When I'm in the right mood I can really get rid of things, but I find that I need to be alone to do that. No one around to comment on what is being removed; no one to notice how much or how little or even ask what I'm going to do with it. Some things are hard to let go of - and other things so simple. I just ask myself, "would this be of any value after I'm gone? Would anyone even wonder why I hung on to this?" If the answer is no - then I need to do something with it.
Of course I've been trying to work on my 'clutter' for some time. So many things I want to do, can't do, haven't done, probably never will... at least for now. But I tell myself "someday......"
Watched one of my favorite movies last night with Sandra Bullock - 'While you were sleeping...'. It's a good chick movie. Not a tear-breaker but just a good story. We hadn't seen it for awhile. I keep telling myself we need to start watching some of these movies we have on VCR tapes; once we watch it, decide if we want to keep it - if yes, put back in the cabinet. If not, then just go ahead and get rid of it. We could probably wean out some of the videos we didn't really care for but because we had bought them, put back in the cabinet. Don't buy VCR anymore, of course. I need to find a couple DVD videos that we have watched numerous times.... favorites, and have watched so many times I guess, that the video is starting to stop and garble up.
So if anyone is reading this and is wondering which two they are (that we have discovered thus far), one is "Must Love Dogs" with John Cusack and Diane Lane. The other is "Return to Me" and I can't remember who stars in it. Mind is blank. Both are good chick movies. I check the $5 bins everywhere I go. When I didn't know I was going to need them, I saw them all the time. Now I can't find them.
Thinking about things I hold on to. I still have clothes from when my children were babies. I need to pass those on - I'm sure I still have a couple of those. Some things I've held on to because I knew my children would throw them away, and I wanted to pass them on to their children. But one thing I've discovered. The things that mean a lot to me, mean nothing to my children. I think of the things I have that belonged to my mother, or to my real father. Little things. I often wonder who to leave them to. Who would care to have them. Who would treasure them as I have, and pass them on to their children. Whose children would want these things that are years old? These questions I often ponder.
But my pondering is over for now..... need to jump off this and get to work. Lots to get done today and with being off two days, it may be a long day.
Hope that you had a great weekend and kept cool. Did you get anything else done? Did you want to?
There is always this coming weekend!!
Blessings!
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