what is? Birthday greetings and freebies. Yep, this is my birthday MONTH. And I like to celebrate all month. Well, I used to be able to. When I was in the office. The past 3-4 years - however long it has been now - it doesn't get celebrated like it used to. When in the office, I was receiving gifts all motnh; taken out to lunch; all the fun stuff. My desk was decorated (no, not by me) and balloons were everywhere. It was 'party-time'! But now... blah. Except for the emails that started arriving yesterday. Buy one get one. Free dessert. Meal 50% off. Come pick up your birthday cheesecake slice (I could, if I was in NY!). The funny thing... I signed up for many of these years ago, and I still get the emails... although they are starting to drop off. Why? Because I don't always claim them. I'm not like some people who spend hours going places to get freebies. I really did mean to go get my free bundt cake last year, but didn't. I wonder if I will get it this year. I have noticed they are no longer at the previous location. But I have noticed that Crumbl cookies has a new location not far from me. Crossing fingers on that one. Like I need cookies.
My birthday month always brings the question... 'what do you want for your birthday?' Guess what? I have no clue. Besides, since when do people ask 'what do you want for your birthday?' or 'what do you want for Christmas?' for that matter. What happened to buying someone a gift because you WANT to, not because you feel OBLIGATED or HAVE to? What happened to looking for something that brings you joy in giving it? Just remember to tell me happy birthday and that I'm loved. That's all I need.
I will be 74 years old this year..... and I am frequently reminded that I have lived longer than I have left to live. Actually, no one really knows how long they will live.... longer or shorter.... so although that is a true statement... it is just for this moment in time. I'm at the stage now that I need (and want) to go through things and downsize my 'stuff' so my kids won't have to. It's just hard to do when hubby questions me ... he is so fearful of losing me first. I think my kids are too. LOL I honestly don't know how he will survive if I do go first... he usually goes into panic mode whenever I bring it up. I had to check with him last night on his next medical doctor appointment... it isn't until sometime in September. He has so many different doctors it is hard to keep them straight. But I've noticed - as others have - the past few weeks he has been breathing really hard when he gets up to do things. Even things such as getting up from the recliner and opening the front door. I've noticed it other times. I brought it to his attention last night. I think it is just at certain times, for he doesn't seem to do it always. He still goes to the gym and our trainer (so hubby says) is still increasing his weights as his strength comes back. And, miracles of miracles... I know I told him but he didn't believe me ... our trainer has worked on his shoulders enough that hubby can now lift his arm without pain - because the muscle growth has caused it to lift the bone off the bone. Imagine that. I was right. And he has done PT and stretching and all these other exercises... even requesting surgery (which the doctor balked at)... and all it took was him getting active and working out. Huh.
I nearly forgot - but I am having breakfast with my boss this morning at our usual location. Before I signed off the computer last night I looked to see what today's calendar looked like for my bosses - so that I could determine how my day would be - and discovered 'Oh! I have breakfast tomorrow morning!' So after I finish this I will be actually putting makeup on and fixing my hair and put on 'going out' clothes and not my (lately) usual shorts and t-shirt and flip flops. These are special times with my boss that I usually look forward to - I've just been so busy that I forgot we were meeting - besides the fact that I had to move it numerous times. She cancellled her day off for today so that we could meet. See how much she loves me? So I leave here about 7:15AM and get there a little after 8AM, depending on traffic... and we eat breakfast and talk .... and I don't get back home until nearly 11AM. And I get paid for it! We call it our 'admin meeting'. Looking forward to seeing her as it has been a couple months.
I've actually determined that I have really gotten lazy over the years. It doesn't have to do with my age as much as it is that I'm at home 24x7 anymore. When I was in the office, I knew that if I didn't get something completed (whether reading a book, completing a lesson, doing a project) in a certain timeframe, I would push on it until it did get done... But, being home all the time has proven that it is so easy to put off until another day any task, no matter what it is. Plus, if I'm wanting to work on something (other than my yarn or sewing projects or reading), hubby feels guilty for 'watching' and not doing something productive and fusses at me to quit and 'rest'... afterall, I have been working.... right? Sigh. I'm lazy, and I hate being that way.
Some friends and I have thrown out challenges this weekend on our Virgin Plus app for the office of walking and getting steps in this weekend. I think I'm involved in three this weekend - I know I will lose one for sure, as Donna is a runner and she runs EVERY morning, no matter what. And I'm talking miles. She has run in the 500 Mini Marathon (the one I have walked in three times) the past two years. She has set a goal for herself to run in all the big races. Good for her! She's got the $$ to fly everywhere and she runs everyday - go for it! I used to push myself on getting steps in when we started doing these challenges years ago, companies ago. I would push myself to get at least 10,000 steps a day. When my little sister and I would challenge each other - years ago - one time we did over 20,000 steps in one day. I don't remember who won on that one. We both have treadmills, but she was able to get outside and walk too, whereas it is just too cotton-picking hot here. I have walked less with working from home than I did at the office as on breaks some of us would go walking outside and go up and down the stairs. Now I just sit on my wide butt all day. But I'm working on it. I'll have to use the treadmill as hubby is terrified for me to go walking alone. The boogey man might kidnap me.
James 1:22 (NKJV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
It is so easy to tell others what they should do... and then not do it outselves. Don't you agree? Do this!~ Don't do that! - it is so easy to tell others... but what right do we have to tell others, when we ourselves do that very thing?
I tell you the truth; we all are to follow the Word of God so that we can live. By that I mean - if we truly follow what God tells us to do (remember the reminder of the 10 commandments yesterday? They aren't 'suggestions', they are commandments) we will live well and live a long life. Some of us think we have lived long enough... but are we not being selfish in that thought? And many times it is because we are 'set' in our ways and don't want to change. I know this from experience. I know I do some things that irritate people, and I try NOT to do it, but I still do it at times. But if we tell someone else they do something that they should try changing within themselves - oh my goodness! You'd think we were telling them to cut off an arm! I know when I suggest hubby change the way he words things to others so that he doesn't come across rude or demanding.... I get HIS look and it isn't always pretty. (Hence my rolling eyes, granddaughter!) Yes, I tend to roll my eyes a lot. I try not to let him see me do it... but I do it nevertheless. It's one of those hopeless situations that I can not comment nor control. No one seems to understand that. I don't want to fight; I don't want to create a scene. It's easier to turn my head and roll my eyes. I react and it doesn't hurt anyone,. :-) My excuse.
But... as Christians we are to follow the Word of God and be obedient, and I really do try... but sometimes I fail, just like you do. I ask forgiveness (daily) and I know that in each circumstance, that God will help me overcome what I do wrong and will help me live a life pleasing to Him.
John 15:4 (NKJV): "Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me."
As we follow Jesus, He abides within us and helps us, by the Holy Spirit, to live a full and complete life. He will abide within us, and we will abide in Him. That should be all of our goals.
Our lives should be 'all about Jesus'. Something to think about.
Blessings!
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