Want to get even?

I usually don't listen to the radio on my way in to work, but this morning I decided to turn it on. As the people were talking, they said something that made sense.

If someone has hurt you, or made you angry, or did something to you or someone you love, get even with them. How? By forgiving them.

Yeah, that doesn't make sense, does it? You hurt me, I should get to hurt you back. Isn't that what people do? You say something that offended me, so I'm going to say something offensive back to you. You did something that made me feel guilty, so I need to lash out at you and say something cruel so that my guilt doesn't feel so bad.

Oh trust me, that has been my year, I think. But, I learned a long time ago that even though I can't trust some people, I can forgive them. They can not control my life by the things they say or the things they do. I forgive them.

And by forgiving them, I not only get even, I get set free. The more I withhold forgiveness, the more in bondage I am to them. When I forgive them, they have nothing to hold on me. I am free.

Want to get even? Forgive them. Let it go. Love them.

I read in a book recently that when we don't like someone (because of behavior or things said, or whatever reason), we should ask God to bless them. And be sincere about it. Jesus said that we are to 'Bless.... see Matthew 5 below.... NLT version.

The Beatitudes
3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
4 God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth.
6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,[b]
for they will be satisfied.
7 God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
9 God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

I am choosing to forgive, and I am choosing to bless. What about you?

Have a great day!

Blessings!

Enough!

I was thinking about that word this morning as I (once again) beat myself up and say "enough"! I'm so tired of being heavy - and I keep saying I'm going to do something about it.... and start off good.... but then 'fall off the wagon'. I have good intentions, truly I do. I just haven't stuck with them. Lots of things get in the way. People who entice you with chocolate, rich, fattening foods that you know you shouldn't have, but do.

Or what about healthy foods that are smothered in cream sauces.... along with a salad, of course. We have food here at the office all the time. Leftovers from breakfasts, lunches, etc. are nearly daily in the lunchroom for anyone who wants. I try to stay away from that side of the building, but once I hear food is there, I'm like an addict. I love food.

I love good food. I love chocolate. I love to eat. And sometimes I don't know when to stop. Or won't. Rarely is it 'can't'. I always can. I don't always choose to.

Last night, for example, we met friends at Sizzlers for dinner. You know, Sizzlers with the salad bar. Yeah, that one. And I got the salad bar. And I don't go for all that yecky potato salads, macaroni salads, crab salads, etc. I'm really good at getting rommaine lettuce, spinach, and then just a little of toppings, and very little dressing. Then I go to the other part of the salad bar. Where they have the little fried chicken wings. That's all I'm interestedin on that side. They are sooooo good. I usually have 3 to start, then I go back for 2-3 more. And after all that -we have to finish up with ice cream, of course. By the time I leave, I am so full. And I ask myself the same question.... why did I do that?

I have learned to take LESS salad, so I'm not totally miserable. Seriously, I used to fix TWO plates of salad fixings when we went to a salad buffet. The past few months I have dropped it down to about 1/2-3/4 size of the plate. Then if I want other things added, I can. And I'm ok. It's that stupid chicken at Sizzler that I really like. The fried wings. Good thing we don't go there but about every two months!

And I guess it really isn't about overeating last night - cause I overate all weekend - and we werent even home! I think I've already shared what we had then.

And once again. Today is a new day. A fresh beginning. I'm starting the day with my protein shake (which I've cut in half - years ago I used to drink 32 ounces - now it's only about 10) as usual, and fixed a pint jar of salad with a bit of chicken (no, not fried). Let's see how far that gets me! Got to focus on drinking my water more - yesterday I was so busy I only got 1 32 ounce glass of water down! I usually drink 4-5 of those a day.

And I gotta get to work - it's that time. So - what about you? Do you need a new beginning? A new day to start fresh? Well, this is it! Yeah, it's only a Tuesday, not a Monday, but that's ok. Who says we have to conform to everyone else and start on the first day of the week? I want to start today.

At least I start out well. It doesn't help that everyone around me has Snickers sitting in candy dishes (and other chocolate candies) open and begging me to take them. Snickers keep calling my name - I just need to learn to say 'no'.

Maybe that's what we all need to learn - the word 'no'. I'm taking care of me today, what about you?

Blessings!

I'm Back!

It's been a busy time since I last wrote. Not counting work, for sure. I worked from home for four hours on Thursday, then from that moment on until this morning, I was on paid time off (PTO). On the way in I reflected about what I did over the weekend, and realized how rested I felt. At least for that moment. I'm back at work, have already sent out two reports, and now trying to write this. And it's only 7:20AM. I still have six meetings to plan for this week - wait! I just looked at my calendar - wow - down to three meetings this week! Would be nice if we can delete another one or two. The one Thursday morning I know is NOT delete-able.... it is one of our 'biggies' and I've ordered a delicious hot breakfast for it. Yeah - it's a two hour morning meeting. Outside docs coming in and everything - about 20 people. (probably because of the food 20 people). But for today, it is preparing for the 'big' meeting and getting the minutes done that I have already to do.

Thursday was a good day. Marley went to the Pet Hotel and we packed up and headed south to Mesa, where we checked into a room at the country club. Nice. Had it for two nights. Small, but suitable for a short stay. We went grocery shopping as we had a refrigerator and a microwave so may as well use them, getting things for two days breakfasts. We knew our dinners would be taken care of with the rehearsal dinner and the wedding dinner.

Yeah, this was the weekend of my friend's son's wedding. Speaking of the rehearsal dinner - oh yum. After the rehearsal we went to my friend's house and she had fried chicken, huge baked potato bar and salad. It was so good. Hubby and I had to split the potato it was so big. She had us take some chicken and another potato and trimmings with us when we left, so we had some for lunch the next day. It was still good. Rehearsal went well and the day of the wedding was to ourselves as it didn't start until 5PM.

So what do we do? We go shopping at the mall! I had a black suit to wear to the wedding, but with it being outside, and the sun beating right on us - I wanted to find something lighter to wear. We went to Macy's and I found two dresses that were on sale, and then I got discounts on top of that so made out quite well. Still wasn't too sure about wearing them, but hubby was pleased I bought something. Then we went to Penneys. I found a gorgeous black dress that would work for the wedding - and ended up getting it as well - and got it for about 50% off too after discounts were applied. I don't even know what the discounts were, but they were willing to give them to me so I just kept saying ok. I've ended up with three nice black dresses that I can wear for most any occasion - with sleeves and sleevless. I did wear the one I got from Penneys to the wedding and it worked perfectly.

The wedding was beautiful. I think the groom has his hands full - but with 'going together' for five years, I'm sure he is quite aware of what is in store for him. I don't know the bride very well, but from overheard comments and actions, it was 'oh my.' I have a feeling who is going to be in control of 'that family'. VERY strong willed. And not afraid to speak her mind. Good at times, but .... rude at others. Very disrespectful to her parents, I felt, and she is old enough to know better. It was beautiful and warm outside for the wedding. It was just outside the fancy golf club 'ball room' - a fountain was in the background and it was very nice. The sun was totally in my eyes until the last sentence. The wedding started at 5PM so I couldn't see the groom at all when I looked at him - just a black blob with light all around his head. Being short was not to my advantage either, except when he stood at a certain angle and blocked some of the sun.

I have to laugh at brides nowadays. Well, some of them. I've officiated at a couple weddings of friends lately and the girls are already tall - and what do they do? Wear 5 inch heels with an inch platform. When this bride came in for rehearsal wearing those shoes I kid you not - she was a good 12 inches (or more) taller than me - and I'm 5'3"! It's like - on the day you will be on your feet so much, and will be dancing, etc., WHY would you wear those kind of shoes? Why not be comfortable with ballet slippers? I saw photos of a recent wedding where a couple used good sense and wore tennis shoes!

My son's renewing of vows comes up in a couple weeks. Then they are planning a reception a week later. I do hope they won't be too disappointed if not many show up - I think only about 1/4 have responded, and it is concerning as they want to buy food to have and they aren't sure how much to make - plus wedding favors. They have put a lot of money - and time - in preparing the renewal and reception, and I truly hope they will be happy how it turns out. They realize things happen and some people can't come, but it would be nice if most would respond one way or the other. (and no, I'm not pointing fingers, I think both of you have responded).

I got to thinking yesterday, when I officiate a wedding I generally try to wear something black and simple (like a suit, or now, like my new dress). At the reception, since it is a week later, I get to play the role of 'mom of the groom' so I can wear a color if I want - something fun and different. So I want to go shopping and buy a long dress (hubby asked if I was going to get a black one!LOL) to wear to the reception. Whatever I get, I can also wear to our office Christmas party. It will be nice to have a long, fun dress to wear. Haven't had one in years and I love long dresses.

I am reminded, with thinking of weddings, of how the bride prepares herself for her groom, and the groom prepares himself for his bride, how we are to be the Bride of Christ and are to always be ready and available to Him. When He comes, we are to be ready, pure and spotless as a lamb, for when the Lamb of God comes to claim His precious Bride - it's all over. I am so ready. Come, Lord Jesus, come.

Blessings!

It's ok if I don't remember everything.....

my Princess says so, and if she says so, it must be true! Of course she ended our conversation with the "I love you more than you will ever remember" statement.

My granddaughter and I were texting this morning and I was trying to share some recipes. I kept trying to tell her a couple recipes I have made recently that were really good - but couldn't remember all the ingredients. To which she just said 'it's ok not to remember'. And it is - afterall, it has been a week or more since I made those specific recipes I was referring to - and I just couldn't remember the specific ingredients.

Which makes me pause and think about how glad I am that God doesn't remember my sins when I confess them to Him. His Word says that once we confess them, He doesn't remember them anymore. They are cast as far as the east is from the west. I'm grateful for that! We have too many people in our lives who like to constantly remind us of our mistakes. I'm glad God choose to forget it all. Yes, I still need to live with the consequences of my sin(s), but He forgives me.

Do you need to confess some sins but don't want them brought up time and time again? Then confess them to God and ask for His forgiveness. He won't remember (but that doesn't give you permission to do them again and again) the sin. He will love you with forgiveness.

When you think you are beyond forgiveness, by anyone, by God, just remember what I am sure He would say.... "I love you more than you will ever remember". Just saying.

Blessings!

Party time!

Well, not really. The boss is out of the office until next Tuesday - so most people would think 'party time' - but for me, it's another busy work day. I have twenty binders to put together for a meeting that isn't scheduled until the 30th, but I plan to work from home until 11AM on Thursday and then I will be on "vacation" until Monday. My boss's son is getting married this weekend and we are going to it. The rehearsal is Thursday at 5PM so we need to be there. I told my boss they can't start without me..... either day! Yeah, I get to officiate the wedding. I told her that I feel I'm her personal minister. I did her oldest son's wedding about 7-8 years ago. I did her daughter's wedding last March. And now I have her youngest son's wedding this week. Not everyone has this honor for officiating all three weddings in one family. I will miss my boss being here at work, but I have a lot to get done before I'm off - and I need her office to spread out the binders in - it's a win-win.

This morning the article I typed out for the report groups I send to was really interesting. In retrospect I know that I have done it, and I'm sure you have too. It's about listening. Yeah, of course you have listened, right?

But how many times are we listening, but only for the break to grab a breath so that we can input our own thoughts? See how different that is? We can be told something really good - and really very interesting - and our minds pick up one word and we "patiently" wait while the other person gets it 'out' and then we add our comment. And in the process we may have missed some vital information, some good stuff, just because we are in a hurry to talk.

I see it happen all the time in meetings. The manager I have mentioned frequently that drives me crazy because she doesn't know how to be a manager - does it all the time. She will talk OVER the person talking - and she keeps going on and on and on.... I'm not the only one who notices it, but I sure wish someone would pull her aside and tell her to stop it!

Edgar Watson Howe once joked, “No man would listen to you talk if he didn’t know it was his turn next.” When Lyndon B. Johnson was a junior senator from Texas, he kept a sign on his office wall that read, “You ain’t learnin’ nothin’ when you’re doin’ all the talkin’.”

Listening shows respect. Psychologist Dr. Joyce Brothers said, “Listening, not imitation, may be the sincerest form of flattery.” Whenever you don’t pay attention to what others have to say, you send them the message that you don’t value them. But when you listen to others, you communicate that you respect them. Even more, you show them that you care. German-born philosopher-theologian Paul Tillich commented, “The first duty of love is to listen.”

A mistake that people often make in communicating is trying very hard to impress the other person. They try to make themselves appear smart, witty, or entertaining. But if you want to relate well to others, you have to be willing to focus on what they have to offer. Be impressed and interested, not impressive and interesting. Poet-philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson acknowledged, “Every man I meet is in some way my superior, and I can learn of him.” Remember that and listen, and the lines of communication will really open up.

Hmmmm.... are you listening?

Have a great Tuesday!

Blessings!

Feeling Melancholy....

It's been one of those days. My middle child has been on my mind and in my prayers today-that he has to say 'so long' to another dear friend of his. Death is never enjoyable, and although I don't think I ever met this friend, my son has spoken of him frequently. I know that this was a good man, and he was a good friend to my son. My heart aches for my son. No parent likes their children to be hurt, but we can't always protect them. This is one of those times. It's life. I believe in the Lion King they called it the 'Circle of Life'.

It still hurts.

I guess I knew the end was near - even without knowing it. I was awake most of the night before, with the friend constantly on my mind, and I was constantly praying for him, actually praying for a miraculous healing. God could have done it, but chose not to. It was between 2AM and 4AM that I began to doze off and on - and finally falling asleep. It seems when I have someone on my mind, and there are serious things going on, I end up not sleeping a lot. Once they are gone, or turn for the better, I seem to be able to fall asleep.

I remember when my mother died. I was on the airplane heading back to Indiana. Although I don't remember the time right now, I remember a 'check' in my spirit and I glanced at my watch to note the time. Sure enough, it was about that time she passed away. Other times I've discovered that if I burst into tears for a very small or unrelated reason, something is about to happen.

Is God alerting me that something is going to happen? I don't know. When He brings someone's name to mind, I know I am to pray for them - even when I don't know how to pray or what to pray. I need to be more bold in doing what I'm led to say and do.

One friend I knew had been crippled for awhile. One day I took his hand and the thought came to me to tell him to 'In the Name of Jesus, stand up and walk~!' and I actually hesitated and started to say it, but not wanting to 'assume' anything and wasn't sure if it was just my heart-cry or God telling me to say it. I mean, I've heard God speak to me before. I KNOW His voice.

But, it was a thought, and I don't know if I was just wanting to wish it so. But I remained silent. And prayed as I left, that if I should have said it, for God to tell me to go back - but He didn't. I wish now I had said it and made a fool of myself. But what if. What if it had made a difference. I regret that I didn't do what the thought said for me to do. If nothing happened, I only looked like a fool. If God was behind it...anything could have happened.

Sometimes we want friends - and family - to all be well and healthy. To be alive. But sometimes, we just have to 'let go'. Not because we know best, but because God does. Going quickly they are removed from their pain. God knew exactly how long my son's friend would live. He knew it before He created him. All this was in His plan for this friend. There was nothing anyone could have done. The friend lived, and died. Just like we all will.

These times always remind me of the 'dash' in our years. What are we doing with that dash. I am sure I have written it out before - and I will have to look for it - but perhaps it is time to write it again.

This friend of my sons had many friends and was well loved. It sounds to me like he lived his dash well. His friends and family will grieve and mourn, but it is their loss of one they loved. The friend has no more cares, no more sorrow, no more pain. He is where he chose to be at the end of his life. I wish I had been able to see him and ask if he knew Jesus. I had even prayed for that opportunity. It would have been awesome to know for sure where he was going. But I didn't know him, and I wasn't asked. I can only hope he thought about it, and made that decision before the end.

Hope you have a good evening. Don't forget to tell those you love how much you care for them. It may be your last opportunity.

Blessings!

Looking ahead to tomorrow....

What's on tap for tomorrow? Nothing that I know of offhand - but it is a day off work.

We had so much food yesterday at our Boss's Day breakfast and then we had a catered lunch for our medical case management team meeting. I was so sick of food last night I wanted nothing for breakfast. Hubby fixed us salad and green tea. I was barely able to get it down. I was exhausted from all the walking around to get things set up and taken down - I walked nearly 15,000 steps yesterday. Looks good on our challenge here at work. I'm supposed to get 8,000 steps a day for two weeks, then it jumps to 9,000 a day for two weeks, then 10,000 steps a day for two weeks - then the contest is over. I know I've gotten extra steps in here and there this week and it is catching up to me. I need to keep the pace, though, I need to lose this weight!

Not doing too well in this weight loss challenge. I mean, weight wise, not bad - I've lost 5 pounds in 5 weigh-ins - not good, but not bad, still a loss. But they are basing it on body fat percentages and if I lose weight, my body fat goes up. If I gain weight, my body fat goes down. Not just for me - but it seems for the others as well. One guy here has lost 10 pounds and he is still at the same body fat he was. I told him that I am looking at it as if I lose weight, I am still a winner. Would really like to win the contest but am going to have to really apply myself to exercise to do so.

Eating yesterday was not good. Home made cinnamon rolls. A couple egg casserole dishes. Sausage gravy and biscuits. Ham. Fruit roll-ups homemade. and so much more. I didn't eat everything, but I did probably eat more than I should have. Need to recooperate today.

Traffic was horrible this morning - my exit was closed off and traffic was backed up quite a ways - so I jumped off and took side streets to work. It only took me about 20 minutes longer and I mark that up to having to sit in traffic for awhile before I could get off.

And I need to get busy - have a meeting at 10AM and I haven't started putting the packets together yet. Maybe this weekend things will calm down.

Have a great day.

Blessings!

What to write, what to write...

I actually started writing something yesterday, but since I didn't get it completed, left it in draft form. Yeah, it's still there, and maybe some day I will go back to it. Just don't have time to process what I was wanting to say nor the thoughts to write.

So here I am again this morning, with only about 13 minutes left before needing to start on my daily work. Yesterday wasn't bad at all - no meetings, and was able to get a lot done, and in a calm, slow, way. Today, I still have no meetings, but I have 3 within the next two days plus a breakfast for Boss's day (10/16) that I'm coordinating. My meeting tomorrow is at 7AM so I know I won't be adding anything tomorrow. Today will be spent mainly getting things copied and ready for that meeting. At least I get breakfast. Always a good thing.

The breakfast is on Thusrday morning, then we have a nice lunch meeting - which are always good. That food is coming from Paradise Bakery - sandwiches and salads. Yum. I love the Fiji Apple salad at Paradise Bakery. Friday I have another meeting but, although important, I don't have as much to prepare for it, but I do need to work on the agenda for today. Yeah, can you believe it, I get to create and prepare the agendas and packets for these meetings. I do that, then give to whomever is doing the meeting and see if it covers everything they want to talk about. They may - or may not - revise it. And we go from there.

Next week is a very empty week as far as work. No meetings at all. Thursday morning I will be working from home as I am taking PTO Thursday afternoon and Friday. My boss's son is getting married Friday - and we will be going to the wedding. We'll be heading down Thursday afternoon - going to the rehearsal then the wedding is Friday evening. It will be a nice getaway. Being with my boss and her family is always fun. Pizza at her house after the rehearsal - yum. My boss is on PTO Tuesday - Friday next week so it's going to be a very quiet week.

Today is a grandson's birthday. I asked my son last night if they were going to be home tonight and he said yes, so I'm thinking I may drive up and wish him happy birthday. Since this family has usually lived so far away we haven't celebrated many birthdays with any of them. Now that they are a bit closer, and hubby is busy tonight with his men's group, thought I might drive over for a piece of cake. Beats having to sit out in my room... of course I don't really mind that either. I get to watch a movie or read - or whatever I want!

Actually I probably won't be gone long for I need to get back home and on the treadmill. In another challenge in which I am to walk 7,000 steps a day - I've done more than that since we started, and the last two days have been able to get in over 10,000 steps a day. Today may be a little tougher, but will at least get 7000 in.

Sounds like most everyone is here around me today (except for my boss, she's at a conference this morning) so need to get off here and get some things done. Hope that you have a good day - enjoy the cooler weather.

Blessings!

Thinking in the past..... but living in the today....

This date always brings back memories of 28 years ago. I wrote a story about it a few years back to share at a walk I was participating in. There was a man who was to speak after me, and he chose not to. This story struck his heart and he couldn't talk. I tear up most times when I read it - just remembering the pain and sorrow, the lives that were changed by this tragedy. I asked HR yesterday if I could share what I call 'Buddy's story' - and sent it to her. As expected, she didn't respond. I'll go see her this morning and ask again. Everyone needs this reminder. Including you......

Buddy's Story..... October 10, 1986
I wrote this brief true story a few years ago when I participated in a smoke alarm walk. Today is the 28th anniversary of Amy Renee, Kara Jean, and Irvin Hankins III (aka Little Buddy) death due to an apartment fire.

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October 10, 1986. It started out as a typical work day here in Phoenix, and also in Indianapolis, Indiana, where my siblings and parents lived. It was all but a typical day as a short time after I arrived at work I received a telephone call from Indiana.

My youngest brother, Buddy, had gotten up early and left his wife and three young children in bed to go to work. Within minutes after he left, a wire in an extension cord shorted out and a fire started in the apartment. The apartment, being old and framed in wood, didn’t take long for smoke, fire, and heat to spread throughout the small rooms and awaken Lori, his wife. She was able to feel the walls to get to the door of the bedroom, but could not find the children – Amy, age 4, Kara, age 3, and Little Buddy, age 1. Lori stumbled out of the apartment, hands and face burned, screaming for help to save the children, but to no avail. The heat was so intense and the building so engulfed in flames, even the fire department could not reach them. Amy and Kara were last seen standing next to the upper window and their bodies were found next to it. Little Buddy was found in his bed. All three died of smoke inhalation and burns.

There was no smoke alarm in that building. There were four apartments and not a one had a smoke alarm. Had there been one, it could have made all the difference. Our family has never been the same since that date. Please do not let tragedy such as this change your family, when you could prevent it.


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I hope this reminder of how precious life is will cause you to check out the smoke alarm in your home or apartment. It can make the difference between life and death. Don't put it off.

Buddy never got over losing his three children. He divorced. Many years later he was seen in a Hardees restaurant and had the three little photos he always carried in his wallet of the children laid out on the table. And he was sobbing over his loss. I truly believe he died of a broken heart. Nothing he did could replace losing his three little ones.

If you have a smoke alarm at home – check the battery on it every month to ensure it is working. If it is old, replace it. Just because you have a smoke alarm in the house, doesn't mean it is operational. Push the button, replace the battery, make sure it is active. If you don’t have one, get one. The lives you save may be your very own children.

Blessings!

A New Challenge!

Healthy Pathways, which is our 'health program' here at work has started a new challenge today. I'm excited about it. I like to be pushed in areas that I choose to be. I don't want to be TOLD I have to do something, but if I CHOOSE to do it - well, there is a big difference! Starting today our challenge is called "Healthy Pathways Race the States challenge". The challenge is from today, October 8 through November 18. It is a 'steps' challenge, meaning, walking. We "depart" today from Bedford, NH and on October 14th we are to have walked enough steps to arrive at Waltham, MA. They have averaged it out to 49,000 steps a week.

Now I usually get around 6,000 - 8,000 a day, depending on what I do. If I get on my treadmill, I can get 11,000+. I think I am going to have to do the treadmill to make sure I get my steps in, for there are some days I don't get 6,000 - days when I'm really lazy and just sit all day. Or if I'm at work, am at my desk all day. That part is out of my control, but to make up for it, I will need to use the treadmill - which I need to do anyway.

So for 49,000 steps a week that equals 7,000 steps a day. For some people that isn't a problem at all - just at work they walk over 10,000. But for me, having a desk job, it is harder to reach that number on a daily basis. But I have decided to accept this challenge - for one thing, it is good for me. For another, it's fun, and I'm only answerable to myself. If I make it - great. If not - I still have succeeded cause I have made myself walk a bit more.

What is the prize? Well, it all comes under getting healthy - and walking more - but the company puts these challenges out so that we can earn points to get a lower insurance rate. If one is healthy, they don't use the medical benefits as much, so their rate gets lowered. Win-win. I have already reached goal for 2015 and earned my $250 benefit deduction, but I still like to do the challenges. I'm pumped - at least for now. I can check every day and see how far I've gotten. I'm not sure if the program will show daily how far we got (state-wise), but at least I will know by October 14th (or before) I should be in Waltham, MA.

All this is about getting healthy - physically. We also need to be healthy - spiritually.

Think about that - are you getting healthy physically - and spiritually? If not - why not? Surely you can do one or the other - or both!

Life is too short to spend your later years of life struggling to breathe, or to walk, because you haven't taken care of yourself. Life is way too short to not live with knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Where are you in your life?

Blessings!

FINALLY! They FINALLY said it!

I think I have shared that I joined a weight loss challenge recently. It hasn't gone too well thus far. It's based on body fat reduction - not weight loss. And it's really weird. I lose a couple pounds and the body fat has gone up. I gain a pound and it drops. Really weird. Anyway, every week we get on the scale, they record our weight, then they ask our height, and our age, and we hold this gauge in our hands until a figure pops up - which supposedly has measured our body fat.

I've gone both ways - up and down - on both the scale and the body fat measurement thingy. THIS week, I gained 1.4 pounds, and lost .9 in body fat. BUT, what I'm wanting to share is that they FINALLY said it!

When they asked my age, and I gave it, both turned to look at me. They do this every week, but have never said anything. FINALLY, this week, both of them say, "I have to stop and look at you every time you give your age for I can not believe it is correct. We think you are in your early 50's! (and I'm 65!!) YES!! YES!! YES!!

See, it doesn't take much to make someone feel good. Guys - be sure and tell your wife how young they look. Gals - be sure and tell your hubby how young they look. It will make their day! Guaranteed!! Of course you MUST tell the truth!

My boss is in St. Louis until Thursday and I still have plenty to keep me busy. At least I'm not having to rush to meetings - and the one biggie I had on Friday, I just got a call from the Director and she wants to move it to the following week - which is ok with me. In fact, she asked me to change a couple meetings. Need to do that first thing this morning.

And it's about time to get busy and I need to run down the hall to see one of the managers about changing the meeting date. She was to be at this meeting on Friday - but she asked off - and it's her department (hello?). I need to make sure she will be back the following week so that I can move it.

Make someone's day today - give them a compliment - and mean it!

Blessings!

It's Monday again.....

I had a good weekend. I took an aspirin for my shoulder and it quit hurting and the pain didn't come back. I got some things done Friday I hadn't planned to (work-wise) and still was able to get my personal things completed - at least most of them. Then it seemed I got lazy for we didn't do much the rest of Friday. Saturday we had a meeting most of the day, then Saturday afternoon we went to a son's house for a little while. Then on up to church for the evening. Sunday started with church again, then a meeting/lunch at church, then over to a friend's house - then home to watch the Cardinals lose their game. Over to my daughter's to have a grandson fix the screen on my phone that had broken - and we ended up staying for dinner. Yum. So good. Chili Verde and chicken enchiladas, spanish rice. I ate way too much.

And now it's Monday and I'm back at work. Obviously I didn't get anything done at home. Except screwing up hubby's phone. He isn't in a very good mood. He wanted an app downloaded - and as it was downloading, I noticed he had several that needed updated - so I hit them to update. On my phone it goes quickly and as one updates the other starts. Well, I think I jammed his phone for it has frozen and won't work. We shut it off with the hopes of it releasing - but it didn't - and now it won't come off the apple icon. He will have to make a run first to Verizon to see if they can unlock it - or to the Apple store. I was thinking about it this morning if he couldn't just go into Itunes and delete those apps (that I remember) and if that would break the freeze. I don't know. Needless to say he is pretty uptight this morning. Sigh.....

Planning a Boss's Day (October 16th) potluck here at work. My boss is out of town today through Wednesday and I don't have any meetings scheduled until Friday so I hope to be able to work on getting it pulled together and a few other things while I have the time. The latter part of the month I have several meetings to prepare for.

Ugh. I get weighed in today for our challenge. See above where I had dinner at my daughter's last night. I also had cookies given to me from a friend. I got on my scale at home and saw instantly it was NOT going to be a good weigh in. But, I need to suck it up and just do something about it.

Kind of like our walk. A lot of things have been revealed to me this past week, things I hadn't thought of, but have been spoken to me this past week. One thing, issues that have arisen and things that have come about the past year or so haven't necessarily been about me. Yep. It wasn't about me, personally. It was about other people getting their lives straightened out and more focused on God and not on other things. For some, it worked. Others it hasn't. I needed to learn some things, obviously, and learn I did. I saw things I didn't like, but yet, see things that I do. Changes made, changes not made - not my call. Everyone responds differently to life.

I am only responsible to how I respond to life and those things that do happen - or don't happen - to me. Words spoken to me in love - or in anger - how I receive them, what I do with them - that is what counts. I am learning, yes, still learning, that sometimes people don't know how to deal with life. I have difficulty with it, so how can I expect others to be perfect in it? Will things said still hurt? Yes. Will being ignored hurt? Yes. Will being loved make me fill loved? Yes. It's all emotions.

I need to be more kind. I need to listen more. I need to not form opinions based on what others say. I need to keep my eyes on the One who created me, and not on situations and people. My life IS all about ME. It's also about how I live it.

What about you? Is your life what you thought it would be twenty years ago? Mine isn't. But it 'is what it is' and what I make of it will either bring joy or sorrow. Life happens, as they say.

And now it is time for me to get to work - I am blessed with a good job and I want to keep it. Have a great Monday!

Blessings!

It's a 'Half and Half' day....

I'm working from home this morning - but only for 4 hours. Then I'm taking 4 hours as "vacation time". I have some personal things I want to get accomplished and decided to take the time off. Didn't want to drive 20+ miles two ways for work for four hours so asked to stay home.

It would have been better if I had slept all night. I got my flu shot yesterday at work. The pharmacist from Walgreens (assuming that is who it was), gave me the shot too close to my shoulder. I heard from the nurses he should have given it 2 inches down from the shoulder bone. Anyway, He only went about an inch. Interestingly, I didn't feel it too much going in, but for some reason he pressed (I felt the pressure) on the spot before he pulled the needle out, so that I had a red circle around the area. Anyway, for a few hours I felt fine, then the soreness creeped in.

And that was weird for usually I do not have any soreness in my shoulder after a flu shot. Within minutes several people were complaining of the location and the soreness in their shoulders. One person said that a nerve had been hit for she had tingling when he gave the shot. Anyway, about 2:30AM I woke up with the soreness. I should have gotten up to take an aspirin or something, but didn't. Instead I chose to doze off and on until around 6-ish (hey, I'm working from home, didn't have to get up at 4AM!!). Hubby fixed breakfast and here I am. Reports are already sent out and I'm getting ready to work on other reports.

I'm already watching for 11AM to get here for that is when I'm through working and can "play". Don't really mean 'play' but get personal things done. My hair done for one thing!

Tomorrow morning we have an early meeting at the church - it is just the location for the meeting, not the reason for. Anyway - have that tomorrow then an errand to do later in the afternoon. Busy enough day, I guess.

Hope that you can take some time for yourself this weekend - life is too short to work all the time. But I do need to get busy on it!

Blessings!

It makes sense.....

I have been posting at work from a book about influence. It's an incredible book with lots of insight. This morning I came across something that really makes sense. In each of our lives, there is someone we can influence - our spouse, our children, our grandchildren, co-workers, relatives, friends, etc. The list goes on. But there was one thing I read this morning that really made sense. Think about it.

Most People Will Do Anything To Live Up to Your Faith in Them. People rise or fall to meet your level of expectations for them.

Isn't that a true statement? My children will probably never admit to it, but I have always tried to encourage them, to let them know that I believe in them. I think my grandchildren pretty much know it. But I do try to encourage others and let them know I believe in them, that they do have the ability to do things, to create, to organize, to become someone better than they are, to do things greater than they can every imagine.

However, when you express skepticism and doubt in others, they will return your lack of confidence with mediocrity. But if you believe in them and expect them to do well, they will go the extra mile trying to do their best. And in the process, they and you benefit. John H. Spalding expressed the thought this way: “Those who believe in our ability do more than stimulate us. They create for us an atmosphere in which it becomes easier to succeed.”

If you’ve never been one to trust people and put your faith in them, chance your way of thinking and begin believing in others. Your life will quickly improve. When you have faith in others, you give them an incredible gift. Give others money, and it’s soon spent. Give resources, and they may not be used to their best advantage. Give help, and people will often find themselves back where they started in a short period of time.

But give them your faith, and they become confident, energized, and self-reliant. They become motivated to acquire what they need to succeed on their own. And then later if you share money, resources, and help, they’re better able to use them to build a better future.

I just see how that has played out in my own life. I have had a former boss who believed in me, encouraged me, and helped me to believe in myself. My current boss does the same thing - not only with me - but with others as well. She is positive and encouraging and truly wants you to succeed.

If you wanted to start a project today - who would you share that with? Someone who would say 'you can't do that' or 'why are you bothering with that?' - or would you share with someone who would say "Good for you! Go for it! That's awesome! How exciting for you to be able to do that! I believe in you!"

When someone believes in you - whether or not you have the true ability to complete a task, but will cheer you to the end - you will do everything in your power to complete the task ahead of you. Even if you struggle, you won't give up, because you are encouraged to succeed.

I like to surround myself with people who build up - and not tear down. It's a good way to live.

Blessings!

It's my Boss's birthday!

Yep - today, October l, is my boss's birthday. Yesterday I looked at her calendar around lunchtime, and it was open for about an hour and a half. I checked today, and the rest of the week, and that timeframe was full of meetings. So what did I do with her open time? Talked her into going to get our toes done! Yep! For MY birthday she took me to get my toes done - and lunch. So for her birthday, well, the day before, I took her and got her toes (and mine!) done. We didn't do lunch but at least our toes are pretty! Today is her actual birthday and unbeknownst to her, I let a few people know. I do know she is getting a big bouquet of flowers from one department delivered today. The CFO just stopped by and brought flowers for her. I have a small gift for her. Not sure if anyone else will or not, but assume they will. They kept asking me if I was going to make her a cake. I told them 'no'. Normally I would have thought about it, but I know that she is trying really hard to lose weight - and birthday or no birthday - I need to help her stay focused. If I made her a cake - or if anyone else does - she would feel obligated to eat a piece. As I would. :-) Yesterday the company celebrated the September birthdays with two gorgeous cakes - I mean really gorgeous and delicious. A 4" high chocolate and a 4" high lemon/raspberry (I think). I didn't eat either, but sure did think about that chocolate one. My boss and I did a 'high-five' yesterday cause neither of us had a piece of cake. YAY!!

Looking at October ahead of me, I have ten meetings scheduled throughout the month. At least my first one isn't until Thursday - tomorrow. It's not a biggie but is on the calendar every other week. I still have two sets of minutes I need to complete - and have a few days to get them done. I have other things to get done as well, but at least the pressure is off at the moment. The end of this month is one of the real biggies so will spend about two weeks getting ready for it - binders and all.

God has blessed my life in many ways, and my boss is one of the ways. We met probably close to 25 years ago at my former company. She was there 20 years before she left - and as I have probably shared the story a few times, she is now my boss here.

It is always fun to celebrate others special day - and when it is someone you love and care about - it is always extra special.

Who has a special day that YOU can celebrate with them? No one? Then create a special day and make them feel valued. It's a win-win.

Blessings!