She has arrived....

 but I have no information.   We received the news early yesterday morning that our granddaughter in law was in labor.  Well, it appears she labored long and hard all day - literally.  We stayed up until 10PM then went to bed, but my mind was constantly praying for this new little one that would hopefully be born soon.  I dozed, but shortly after midnight checked my phone in case I missed a text - and at 12:04AM my daughter had sent a text that to pray as there were complications.  Little did she know that I had already been praying.  This labor lasted too long, in my opinion, and the doctor should have done a c-section.  But then, I am not a doctor.  I sent my daughter back a text 'have been praying, all ok?' and she later responded something and then 'I hear a baby crying with good lungs. Talk tomorrow.' and that was it.  Haven't heard anymore and I will assume all are in a deep sleep this morning as both sets of grandparents - and the new dad - had been up over 24 hours.  I am hoping to hear all the details soon.  Congratulations to the new mom and dad.

Hubby has headed off to the gym for his training this morning.  I mentioned to him when I came back from training on Monday that I had told Morgan I wanted this body more toned in two months. IF we go to NM to visit this new mom and dad and baby, I want to be in shape.  He told me then - and I am pretty confident he hasn't forgotten - that he was going to tell Morgan this morning the same thing.  Well, he is definitely going to have to change his eating habits if he wants to be toned - and I'm not saying that in a mean way.  In fact, we had a discussion about eating the other day.  We were discussing what people call 'respectable sins' - and gluttony was one of them.  Yes, gluttony is a sin.  One should not overeat.  Yet, we all do it.  And I mentioned to hubby about how full he always fills his plate when he likes something and then goes back for more.  But then, don't we all do that when we like something?  I love good fried chicken.  I can eat 3-4 pieces of it easily.  Does that make me a glutton?  

The spot on my leg where the dermatologist took a biopsy has turned red and is tender.  I've had two other biopsies and it never did that.  Guess I need to keep an eye on it.  I should hear back in a week on the biopsy.  I wonder if it is red because it is a 'bug bite'.  I have learned that scorpions CAN sting/bite you many times.  I thought they only did it once.  I am now thinking it wasn't bug bites but scorpion bites as I had my open suitcase next to the fireplace next to a window at the hotel back in October.  Could a scorpion have fallen into my jammies?  But then - why did it take until 2AM for it to 'wake up' and bite me/sting me numerous times?  

It looks like a beautiful day outside.  My computer is showing 62 degrees at the moment.  I see people out walking.  But - this is a work day so I will need to  - oh my goodness!  There is a coyote crossing the street!!  

Today should be an easy work day - and I'm grateful.  ALL of my bosses are in a leadership meeting and they have been told specifically NO LAPTOPS ALLOWED.  They want people engaged in the meeting, not multi-tasking.  Which means I should not hear from any of them,  YAY.  Which is good, for I have agreed to watch our great-granddaughter for a few hours this afternoon.  So excited to do so.  I still need to keep an eye on the computer and work, but if it remains quiet, maybe she and I can bake some brownies for her to take home when she gets picked up. :-)  

My coach at Virta has been amazing.  We had several interactions yesterday and even this morning he has sent me an encouraging note.  If I didn't get these little bits of encouragement, I think I would have given up a long time ago.  In fact, I was starting to give up the other day (i.e., I dived into chocolate I got for Christmas that I still have in my drawer) but this morning I feel like I'm back on track.  He agreed I need to eat more than 30 grams of carbs - especially when I am working out as I get so very tired at times.  He even gave me some examples of what to eat for snacks during the day when I work out.  I still have difficulty getting my ketones where they want them, to do so I have to fast all day - and he said I shouldn't have to do that.  He wants me to eat!  A man after my own heart, right? LOL  I love food and I love to eat!  I need to look at the quality of the food, and not just the quantity.  I leave out, thinking I will be better off, when I should be eating and moving on.  Make sense?  Time will tell, but I am encouraged. I told him one more month and then I'll quit if things don't change.  And they won't change, unless I do.  It's all in my hands, for sure.  I've lost about 10 pounds in the two months and have lost inches.  Working out really helps.  This plan hasn't cost me anything; the company pays for it and also all my supplies are free.  It's up to me to make it work.

Well, I have lost a lot of time this morning because I've been so sleepy - and now it's 7:03 and I do need to get on the work computer.  Maybe tomorrow I can be more alert in time to write more. :-)

Hope you have a blessed day!

Blessings!

At least it is started....

 The SIL and daughter came over yesterday and started the painting on the courtyard.  They ran out of paint and was planning on picking more up today.... but they got 'the call' to head to another state for the delivery of a new grandchild.  And that's ok.  It will get finished soon.  In the meantime, I have time to look for an indoor/outdoor carpet I'm thinking of putting under the patio furniture.  Make it look a little nicer.  Will see.  I'm thinking about colors.  I know the furniture picked up was gray, although I had thought what we looked at was beige.  Which is why I requested the beige umbrella.  So we have a beige umbrella and gray furniture.  Still pondering whether to return the umbrella and get a blue (which is the only other color they had) which doesn't match the green on the house.  I may just keep what we have for now and I may move the umbrella to the back patio and get a couple chairs put out there... I don't know what I'll do at this point.  Trying to get rid of clutter and I buy more?  What's up with that?

Yesterday was a very busy day at work and I got the majority of things completed but had to leave a couple meetings to schedule today because I just couldn't find the time on the calendars.  Today is a new day and I'll be looking again.  I actually have decided to work as long as I can mentally manage it.  Why?  Because it has dawned on me that if I'm working, I have more money to tithe.  I love giving to God and helping others in need.  If I'm not working, a lot of that will come to a halt, and my tithing would be a lot less.  God will always provide for us, of that I'm not worried.  We've gotten by on a lot less than I make now. But I also want to be watchful on what I spend.  This furniture took a big chunk (in my opinion) and I need to be watchful and not overdo it.  

Besides, Christmas will be here before we know it, right?  LOL  I've already gotten a start, which is a good thing.  But I am determined to make it smaller.  No one needs anything anyway.  Which is why I always have to search everywhere to find something.  I am always blessed by what I receive - many times it has been much more than I could have ever expected!  (I'm still loving my 'biscuits and gravy' dish towels I got from son and wife last year.  Always reminds me of my mama.)  I suppose I ought to start dropping comments in here on occasion of things I'd 'like' to have.  Or should I make everyone guess as I have to? 

My Virta coach contacted me yesterday and asked how he could help me with this process of trying to lose weight and get my numbers steady.  I responded back to him that the glucose isn't a problem for me; I'm not diabetic.  But Virta says to be in 'nutritional ketosis' my ketones need to be at .5 minimum.  The only way I can get to ,5, I have discovered, is to fast all day.  The ketones measure the carbs in your body, I think. Not sure on that.  But if I eat 1 egg and sprinkle cheese on it and eat it early, and don't eat anything the rest of the day, and take my ketone 'test' between 3-4PM, I can sometimes get the results at .5.  But if I eat lunch or nibble on anything - even my pork rinds - it drops to .1 or 2.  I finally told Kaleb (my coach) that I was going to give Virta one more month.  I need to eat more carbs because I work out and many times with drastically reducing my carbs and trying to work out, I feel weak.  So I need to eat carbs (just don't overdo).  Kaleb responded and agreed.  He suggested bumping my carbs from 30 to 50 a day (does he really think I have been counting carbs? I did in the beginning, but haven't in ages - why? - cause I'm not even eating most days!!)  and suggested we take a call to discuss how I can eat healthy carbs and build my energy.  I haven't responded yet, but will this morning.  Interestingly, after a very tough leg workout last night, and cause I hadn't eaten since a shake for breakfast, we stopped at Sardella's on the way home and yes, I ate 3 pieces of Sardella's supreme pizza and enjoyed every bite!!  And my scales dropped .7 from yesterday.  I'm not watching the weight loss.  I have inches dropping and that is more important - muscles weigh more and I'm happy with muscles rather than fat hanging on me.  One day at a time.  It is the little things that I choose to do that will keep me here long enough to perhaps enjoy even great-great grandchildren.  

Job 19:25-27 (NKJV):  For I know that my Redeemer lives,  And He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my [g]heart yearns within me!

I love this verse from Job 19.  For I know that my Redeemer lives.  There is a song by Nicole Mullins that I want played at my funeral.  I have her CD around here somewhere; I need to find it.  She sings this song and it is amazing.  I know that my Redeemer lives.  He lives all around me.  He lives within me.  He is my Guide. He is my strength. (You should hear the many, many times that I will, during a tough exercise, comment "Lord, please help me complete this rep!!".  I do, many, many times!  But in all things, He is always there for me and He always is available to me.  I love that about our God.  He never leaves us nor forsakes us.  

Even though you may not believe in Him, He loves you.  He cares for you. He provides for you.  You may think that you are doing the providing for yourself, but it isn't you.  It's not even about you.  It's our God answering prayers spoken before you were born, that He would take care of you.  Yes, bad things happen to good people.  We don't always get our way.  Sometimes God says 'Wait' and we jump ahead and do things our way.  (Remember Abraham, Sarah and Hagar?)  We may eventually get what we wanted even though we did things out of sync, but our choices affect those we love the most.  It is always better to wait on God's timing and let Him bring things together.

I am talking from experience.  There are many stories I will never tell.  Many words that don't need to be brought into the light.  I have entrusted the past into God's hands and have asked Him to help me through the past mistakes when I made my own choices, and help me make amends, and help me draw closer to Him.

There is no greater feeling that knowing you are in our Father's arms.  Safe and secure. I will always choose to lean into Him, to allow Him to guide me and direct my path.  Yes, I still make mistakes.  I don't always pray about choices I make.  But when I do, and allow Him to take the lead, I know that I am safe.

When was the last time you asked God for help through a tough decision?  I am troubled about something but I am putting it in God's hands to handle.  All I can say is sometimes there are too many 'hands' in the pot.  No, not telling you what is troubling me. Enough of that.

Gotta go - about time to get on the work computer!  Do something amazing today - ask God to help you get through it and make the right choices!

Blessings!

I guess he has made a decision

 As hubby brought in my coffee this morning, he gave me the news.  He plans to resign from the HOA.  He's the President and has been for the past 3-4 years.  He has brought it up a few times in the last month and I once gave my opinion, which isn't worth much, but I told him to hang in there and wait until November when the elections are again.  He can get through the summer and fall and then be done.  I don't know what is troubling him right now about it as it could be just about anything.  You've read my complaints about the HOA and how I long for our own house at which we can do whatever we want.  Sigh. But he came in this morning, carrying my coffee, and announced that he was resigning from the HOA and that we would talk about his decision once he gets back from the gym (he has a 7AM training).  Ultimately, it is his decision. I've been against it from day one.  He says it is now keeping him awake at night.  Not sure why; there are some things he (and the board) can do and much they cannot.  I wonder if part of it is that the community manager (from the management company) is no longer 'allowed' to attend the board meetings as it is taking up too much of their time.  This last week there was such a meeting, and he stressed two days over it that he had to put together an agenda and had to go through things without her input.  It's his choice, and I just pray he makes the right decision.

It's back to work for me today.  I had an entire week off and enjoyed it.  I really didn't do much of anything on Thursday or Friday - or over the weekend for that matter - but I did finish the diamond art project I was working on last night.  I'll check it over sometime today and make sure I filled in every spot before applying the glue on top of it.  Then I'll put it away and start on something else.  I still have the bookmarks and coasters my granddaughter gave me for Christmas; I need to 'play' with those now. :-) Of course I also need to get back on my reading as I have fallen way behind with working on other things.  I think I finished 3 baby blankets this week to donate as well.

I have a dermatologist appointment this morning to see how the 'bug bites' are coming along. I've used the medication I was given but there are still a couple bumps and I still feel the pin pricks ever so often.  It's also like having a burning sensation once in awhile; you know when you get a steam burn, and yet it isn't a bad burn, but just enough for the skin to be painful?  Yeah, it feels like that.  He had said if they were still there he would take a biopsy upon my next visit.  Will see.  Most of the spots have disappeared, but there is one that refuses to go away.  Also, that area of skin appears to be gray under the skin.  I hope he does take a biopsy and finds out what is going on.  Since October 12th till now - it's long enough to deal with these bites.  Still don't know whether scorpion or bed bugs or what - but it has been a journey dealing with it.

Ephesians 2:4 (NKJV):  But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved). 

I am so thankful for God's grace, aren't you?  I have made many wrong choices over the years and God, in His mercy and grace, redeemed even me.  So thankful, so grateful.  And He has redeemed you as well, if you would just choose to turn your hearts and eyes to Him and seek Him.  He is the only way to our Heavenly Father, and I'm so glad He turned His eyes to look upon me and draw me to Him.  

In all things, give Him praise.

Blessings!

We went some place new

 for church this morning.  I know of the wife, because I have gone to conferences that she has put together.  I have seen and heard her husband.  Both are pastors.  I had heard of this church at a couple of the conferences I have gone to.  We listened to a service last Sunday online to hear what it was about.  Long story short, we attended in person this morning.  It is about 3 miles away from us.  Maybe 4.  We went to the early service at 9AM.  Which meant I had to cut back on my quiet time this morning.  And we overslept as well.  They also have a service at 10:30 and 12PM starting today.  9AM works perfectly for us. 

It was a good service.  Church is small; maybe 150 people in one service.  Music seemed loud but that is because of the small space.  Good worship time though.  Message was great.  Pastor John is starting on a new 3 week series titled 'Mental Health'.  Today was very good and very interesting.  

I had prayed before we went that we would feel warmth and love and welcomed.  And we both felt all three.  It really was amazing.  We had people introducing themselves to us as we went in, another introducing herself as we got inside the door, another two or three inside.  (and they have a coffee/donut area!! But we didn't indulge.  Today.)  I must admit that I haven't felt that much warmth and welcome and love to have us there - in a long, long time.  Ages range from 20's up to 80's, I'd say.  They have 60 youth every week!!  

And, before the service started Pastor John came in, greeted a few people around him, and then walked our way and stood and chatted with us for several minutes.  Not the usual 'Hi, how are you?  Welcome! Glad you are here' and move on.  No, he talked to us about where we are from, and a few other topics. He's from Michigan, his wife from Indiana.  Imagine that.  Midwest folks.  They've been out here a bit.  They may be in their 30's, but I'm a bad judge of age.  Overall, we even felt welcomed by the lead pastor and people we sat around were friendly to us as well.  I think we both agree we will go back.  First time we have felt really welcomed in a long time.

We had to make a run over to Bosa donuts after church.  No, not for donuts, although it was very tempting. We both got an egg sandwich and a cup of coffee.  They have decent coffee there.  We've now gotten back home and after I jump off here will get back on one of my projects.  Hubby says he plans to read and hopefully finish another book.  I need to get back in my reading as well; I seem to have 'slacked off' a bit.

Other than that - nothing on the agenda for today.  UGH I don't like it when hubby pops in the room and wants to know what I'm doing!  I'm hoping this week our courtyard will be completed and our new patio furniture can be brought over and put up.   Today would have been a good morning to sit out in it as it is cool out today.

And with all that news, I reckon I need to get off here and back in the other room.  It's harder to write once we are up and moving - always have things to get done.  I may be able to finish the diamond art project today.  Maybe.  Not planning on working on it until completion, but will for awhile, then I have a couple books I want to get started on.  

When you have a vision, and when God shows it, prepare to get it done. 

Habakkuk 2:1-3 (NKJV):   I will stand my watch, And set myself on the rampart, And watch to see what He will say to me,  And what I will answer when I am corrected. Then the Lord answered me and said:  “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it.  For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.

Will you stand your watch and see what God will say to you?  And when He speaks, will you act on what He says?  It will surely come.  It will not tarry.  Write down the vision God gives you, and prepare to complete it.  It will come sooner than you think.

Blessings!

And.... it's Saturday all over again

 We slept late this morning.  We also stayed up a bit later last night watching movies.  Rather, I did. Hubby fell asleep in the second one.  No biggie. We've seen them before.  Although I woke up a time or two, and I'm sure hubby did as well, we both stayed in bed and slept until almost 6AM this morning!  I can't remember staying in bed that long!  I'm on my - technically - 3rd cup of coffee this morning.  Hubby made a pot.  And it's only 8AM.  I've done some reading this morning, thought I'd get this written before moving on with the day.

'We' did a thing yesterday.  The SIL and daughter came over yesterday and trimmed back our lemon tree, and a few other things, and also power-washed the courtyard.  Hubby and I went to Lowe's.  Maybe we should have stayed home?  The patio conversation sets that I saw online had to be ordered online, so we walked around at the large display they had of patio furniture and decided on a nice 5 piece conversation set.  What is a conversation set?  Chairs only, no table to set around with an umbrella in the center of it. It just clutters our small courtyard.  So I came up with this amazing idea of the conversation set.  We have a love seat, and two chairs, and a small table to put in the middle.  AND, I wanted one of those huge side umbrellas.  Yep - spent way too much money.  But I got what I wanted.  Not so much in the color I wanted, but all is in beige.  The SIL will pick it up today and store it at their house until we get the courtyard painted again.  Although I am thinking about putting an indoor/outdoor rug down under the furniture.... that may come at a later date.  For now, just the furniture and umbrella.  Wishing we had it this morning for I would get dressed and go sit outside and read.  In time, though, in time.

Hubby really irritated me while at Lowe's.  While the lady was putting our order together on the computer, I walked around the grills.  Now to make it clear, hubby does not like to grill - for whatever reason.  I think it is because he doesn't know how, really, although he has grilled in the past.  He turns the flame up way too high and ends up burning whatever is out there.  I've bought him grills and they just sit.  The last time I bought a grill - I told him it was for ME - and that made him angry.  I used it a few times, but then he took it over for a very few times because 'it's too hot to stand out there and grill'.  Sigh.  Anyway, I have been thinking about those blackstone grills. I think that is what they are called.  They have a flat surface versus a grill surface.  You can cook bacon and eggs on them!  LOL  Anyway, I'd been thinking it would be nice to get a small one to keep outside and cook on. (yes, it cooks steaks and other things as well)  Long story short, I'm glancing over at the grills with no intention of purchasing one (that day) and hubby tells me "no, you are not buying a grill."  And I will erase the rest of the conversation, but you can imagine how it went.  By the time we got in the car, you wouldn't have known we exchanged words. He will not tell me what I can do and what I can't do.  All I was doing was looking.... and after I do some more research, I will go get myself one.  So there!  He doesn't pay for anything I purchase.  And I don't buy anything I can't pay for.

I don't think we have anything on the calendar to do today. Hubby has said twice he needs to do his laundry today (yes, he does all the laundry; I get yelled at when I do mine).  There are lots of little things that can be big projects that I 'need' to do, but I'm working on another diamond art project so there is that - and it's a lot more fun.  I've put several hours on it already and another week or so it should be done. Then I have a Christmas tree I want to do.  I'm making my own 'paintings' to put on my walls at Christmas time for decorations.  My The Last Supper diamond art looks so nice above the couch.  Sigh. I still have the huge oil painting to do.  If I liked the photo, I wouldn't be so reluctant to pant it. But this one makes me look like a barn and once it is painted, I will NOT hang it up.  Does that make sense?  So I've barely touched it and although I've told hubby he can paint it as well, he hasn't even tried.

Hebrews 7:25 (NKJV):  Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

I am grateful that Jesus always intercedes for me when I screw up and do things that I shouldn't.  When I go to Him and confess my sins, He is faithful and just to forgive my sins, and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.  One must come in all sincerity to ask for forgiveness.  They aren't just words.  They are life when you confess to Jesus.  Then when the devil brings those 'sins' back up and throws them in your face as to how you have failed time and again, we can tell that wicked devil that he can go back to where he belongs cause Jesus has forgiven us our sins and He will stand before our Heavenly Father and tell Him that our sins are no more, because He not only interceded for us, He went to the cross and carried all our sins to the cross.  They are no more.  But one needs to confess and repent - which means to turn away from those sins and do them no more.

Sometimes that is hard though. There are some things that I catch myself doing even after I have confessed them and asked forgiveness.  So, yes, I have to confess and repent AGAIN... and soon I will remember NOT to do it BEFORE I do it, and will shut my mouth.  

For example, most women, and men, have this gossip thing.  You know, you do it too.  We like to share information about other people, i.e., 'sharing prayer requests' so that we know how to pray for it, right?  Well, we went to dinner with another couple last night and we were just chatting, and they said something and I started to put in some words that I had 'heard' - although I didn't know it as fact.  Which always takes us to....

Philippians 4:8 (NKJV):  Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.

We need to pause and ask ourselves first of all, is it true?  Is it of good report? Is it something that needs to be shared?  Does it build up or tear down?

I paused as that verse came to my mind and looked at this couple and said, "No, I can't say what I was going to say, because it is gossip.  I don't know if it is true, and I don't know it for a fact. I heard it. And I am not going to repeat it.  And we moved on to another subject.  I will admit, there are times that I push right on through because I need to 'share that prayer request'.  But is it really a 'prayer request'?  If something isn't true and doesn't build up and is only hearsay, we need to close our mouths and not repeat it.  Whoever hears what we say, will themselves repeat it in words that they 'heard'.  Sort of like telephone tag - remember that?  It's better not to say anything than to have the tag on 'well, so and so said.....'.

And with that, I'm going to close this off and go fix breakfast.  Bacon and eggs for breakfast this morning.  I may do my scrambled egg 'thing'.  You know, chopped potatoes, onions and fry them up, then pour over them eggs, green peppers, and jalapeno peppers for taste.  Makes a great dish and easy to fix.  Yum.

Hope you have an amazing day!

Blessings!

what will today bring

 My last day of 'vacation'.  Kind of hanging in limbo here.  I needed this week off work.  I don't want to go back to work.  Of course, by Monday, I may be ready.  

Yesterday was somewhat quiet.  Hubby fussed at me enough about going shopping - that I went shopping. The 'problem' is, there is nothing I need nor want.  But he did need duct tape so I did purchase that for him.  I walked around home depot for awhile and looked at patio sets.  Found one I have interest in.  Not the table and chairs with an umbrella type, but a 'conversation type' - where there are seats and a table. And I'd like to get one of the huge umbrellas that hang out from the side versus in the middle of the table. But, until the courtyard gets painted and the flowers in, no place to put it. I wonder if my daughter has room in her backyard to store it until it is completed.  I'll have to ask.

Anyway - from Home Depot I stopped at Kohls; walked around, saw nothing I wanted or needed, and left there. Went to Sam's Club and bought some things I had on my list (and yes, I remembered to look at the list while I was there).  Then came home.  Hubby left for a HOA meeting, I worked on a diamond art project, and when he got back home we met up with our granddaughter and her family for really, really good ice cream.  I admit it; I was a piggie.  I got something called Turtle Turtle.  You know I love the pecan turtles.  And it was so good.  Two scoops of ice cream, drizzled with the chocolate and caramel syrups, and pecan pieces, and whipped cream and a cherry on top.  Yeah... so good.  Fun time enjoying the great-granddaughter for a bit too.  Sometimes there are a few weeks in between times of seeing her and she just grows so fast.  

Our 'new' neighbors have turned out to be interesting.  They haven't done anything to us - but they seem to be quite 'demanding' to the HOA.  The HOA manager said they are the type of people who should have their own home, not live in a condo.  Everyone - including me - complains about the landscaping.  It really is bad.  I've been complaining about it since we moved in.  I think the landscapers they have - though cheap - you get what you pay for.  I think they are finally looking at another company.  What brought up my comments about our new neighbors?  He was out in front talking to the trash pickup and the guy was telling him he couldn't take some things.  I don't know what they have put out but guess they will need to find another way to get rid of it.  They have made the house on the inside absolutely beautiful with all the remodeling and opening it up.  And they have completely redone their courtyard.  And now have approval to add pavers to the back area behind their house that is 'theirs'.  They have the money and are really fixing the place up.  Me.... I want to move.  I want my own place.  Sigh.

Hubby has gone to his bible study this morning so I have a couple hours alone.  And I'm not on the work computer.  Been going through some things here on mine.  Remember when I commented back in January that someone had been trying to use my account?  I had changed my password and thought that would take care of it.  Well, I signed on - or tried to - my account yesterday and it's locked.  Still is today. I went to account help and need to send a copy of my drivers license to ensure I am who I say I am.  Which is weird, really.  But I've tried to make a copy and send to my email and it won't go through. Not sure what the problem is.  I may just call Southwest and see if I can do it online.  Not that we are going anywhere, but I wanted to check the cost on some flights.  I did take a photo of the person's email who had been trying to use my account back last January and will send that to Southwest as well.  I know they haven't been able to use my account as it is hooked into my SW credit card and I watch my cards like a hawk and nothing has been charged on it.  I keep them at zero as much as possible so I know when something is off.   I may just go ahead and close that account altogether.  I don't need the credit card.  I was doing it for points - and those points got spent a year or so ago so I think I'll just close it out.  Oh wait - I do have a monthly charge that hits against it for a warranty. Hmmm I may need to change that first before I cancel it.

I mentioned yesterday to hubby about the patio set I'm interested in.  I went online at Lowes yesterday and saw they had a lot more sets than Home Depot does.  And I found the set I liked for about $200 less.  AND the umbrella I want for $100 less.  Yeah, I think we may go to Lowes to get the patio set. They are on sale so need to see if the SIL can pick them up and store them for us until the patio gets done.  We don't need anything big as we rarely go out there.  But it would be nice to have something when it is cool out.  Hubby has it in his head that WE need to go look at patio sets this afternoon.  So much for me having a day of my own.  

Philippians 4:10-12 (NKJV):  10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your[a] care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to [b]be abased, and I know how to [c]abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

In all things I am content.  There is nothing I need.  I do not have a longing for anything material. Not even a new patio set.  But maybe I do, at that... I'm longing for our own independent home.  Hubby doesn't want the responsibility, and I get it.  He never did manual labor; he doesn't get 'into that' - unless I am getting into it and then he... well, not putting him down. I know other men who do not do manual labor.  I enjoy mowing the grass.  I enjoy planting flowers.  I enjoy being outside and doing things - even when it's hot.  (be realistic - too hot? stay inside until cooler!)  This place has never been mine, although I have had hopes it being somewhat mine. Yes, I have things on the wall and my little area.  But try to move anything?  Heaven help me!  So I shall be content and behave. Or try to. Sigh.

And with that - I'm going to get off here.  I'm not even dressed yet and it's after 8AM!  I have about an hour before hubby gets home.  Maybe another cup of coffee and work on my diamond art in the quiet of the morning.

So much I want to do.  So much I can't. I am so weary of holding it in. Can I just run away......

Blessings!

Home alone, at least for a few more minutes

Hubby has gone to the gym this morning and I finished up my quiet time and jumped on here.  Cleared out some emails, checked the bank, now sitting here watching a pigeon walk on the ledge between the condos.  Boring, right?  Hubby should be home in about ten minutes.

The only firm plans for today is meeting the granddaughter and family for ice cream at 4PM.  At least for me. I recall that hubby was fussing about having a 2PM HOA meeting and he was fretting he wouldn't be out in time to go - but I told him he is the President and he can end the meeting and leave.  He has been thinking about resigning, but against my better judgement, I suggested he wait until November when the elections are again and do not put his name in for election.  I've been against it and told him no from the time we moved in - and he ignored me and did it anyway.  He has been stressing a lot over things going on and the issues within the properties and no monies to pay for them.  You have one board member who wants to buy new mailboxes for everyone (20-22 households) so that they will all look the same. Then there is this one place that has underage people living in it - like teenagers to early 20's - and no responses to letters - they wonder what happen to the adult who bought the property.  Stress not my concern, but hubby is carrying it around.

And then he has been commenting the past couple days of lower back pain and last night abdomen pain.  He did go to the gym this morning.  I suggested he call his surgeon who placed the coils in his abdomen if it doesn't go away and see if he can take a look (another u/s? ct scan?) to see if something is wrong. Don't know whether he strained himself somehow or what.  I told him to remember that he has been doing a lot of sitting and doing nothing for the past few days; maybe he moved the wrong way.  He's now stressing about that.  He did have leg day with Morgan this morning and he went, and I told him to be sure and tell her what is going on.  

I got a nice e-card from my favorite boss yesterday for admin professional day.  She will buy my lunch (and probably bring a small gift, at least she usually does) when we meet up on May 8th.  I was surprised to get a physical card with a note AND a gift card from my male boss yesterday.  And another boss sent me a e-gift card from Amazon; the other one I support sent me an MVP card through the company.  It's all about the recognition, right?  I think I will go shopping this afternoon, though.  I have a giftcard. :-)

I still haven't gotten over the hurt of the tit for tat comment, but I've been praying that I can let it go.  It changes things.

Dallas Theological Seminary has been offering some free classes.  I have taken one a year or so ago, and really enjoyed it and learned from it.  This time I have gotten a personal invitation to sign up for a new class starting on Genesis.  Complete with lectures, papers, tests, etc.  I haven't gotten into it all yet, but I may check further into it.  Always wanting to learn. They are also offering a free class on John via Facebook.  I did the one on James.  My problem, other than I don't like tests (but I did pass the one on James 100%), the lectures are generally when I am working.  Which is logical.  I need to see if it is recorded and I can watch in the evening.  Just haven't done that yet.

I did get online for a short while yesterday and cleared about 150 messages.  Still have several to go through - and then some.  I'm thinking about getting on it for a short while this morning and clearing out more.  Two of my bosses (favorite and male) have both taken today and tomorrow off, so I just need to catch up on what they sent before they left.  No biggie.

And, I'm going to jump off here. I tried to think of a scripture to share, but nothing specific is coming to mind.  Other than studying - and I couldn't find it when I went through I Timothy and II Timothy.  Maybe tomorrow.

Have a blessed day

Blessings!

Home again but still off work

 I slept in this morning.  I was awake a bit throughout the night so didn't climb out of bed until 5:30AM.  Hubby was already up.  Once he heard me up he brought my coffee.... and all is well with the world.  BTW - the packages were still on the front porch next to the door when we got home.  As they should have been.  The SIL had been over and removed the patio set and had already started power-washing the concrete.  I may start looking at patio furniture while I'm off work.  Nothing fancy; just something that we will use.  In the early summer morning it is nice to sit outside with a cup of coffee (when I can) and enjoy the cool air.

We were able to meet up with the granddaughter and the little one for about an hour before we headed back to town yesterday.  It was good seeing them again.  She always makes us feel loved.  We went back to many years ago when she and I would 'hang out'.  I'm glad she remembers those times.  Special memories for my heart, for sure.  I miss those times.

Had a nice dinner out last night with the daughter and granddaughter and family.  Hubby got his birthday ice cream - even with a candle!  Love when the great granddaughter comes running to us.  They have no clue how much that means.   I can remember when the grandchildren used to do it.  Always a heart-warmer.

Tit for Tat.  Have you ever played that 'game'?  I don't like it.  I heard it one time at a friend's house.  The husband had mentioned he was going to do something - and the wife came back with 'tit for tat'?  You do that and I'm going to.....   Whatever it was.  It was like you get to go play golf with your friends, so I get to choose something to do with my friends.  I don't know if I explained it right, but I got hit with something last night that sure sounded like 'tit for tat' and I don't like it at all.  It hurt, first of all. And then I just wanted to die and remove myself from any of it.  I wanted to move out of state and be away from it all. I didn't want to be here.   No, I'm not going to share what that was about. Just sharing that even I get hurt over comments.

Today is Administrative Professional Day.  Whoopee.  I like being appreciated EVERY day - and my favorite boss DOES show me appreciation frequently.  Yesterday morning I get a text from my favorite boss who asked "are you going to be home tomorrow (today)?"  I laughed, and text'd her back that yes, I will be home for the rest of the week, but she doesn't need to send me flowers for admin professional day; we meet up on May 8th and I'll let her buy my lunch.  She laughed and came back with 'You knew why I was asking' and I responded with 'of course I knew, I'm an executive assistant, of course I knew what you were getting at!"  LOL  Flowers are nice, don't get me wrong.  And I could enjoy them since I'm not stuck in this back room all day.  But they die and then there is nothing.  I'd rather have a gift card so that I could buy something with it. 

A granddaughter shared about a new ice cream place that is really good not too far away and we are going to meet up there tomorrow afternoon.  Like ice cream is on my diet - but I don't care.  I'm on vacation.  Right?  I still have a couple days.  I did get on the scales this morning and I have 'gained' almost two pounds since Sunday morning.  I really haven't done that bad in eating.  Other than the cinnamon roll for breakfast, along with biscuits and gravy.  But I also did another HIIT workout last night (and this one was tough!!) so I worked on some muscles.  Not watching the weight so much.  I'm watching inches fall; that is more important, as well as my health.  Trying ice cream is always good.  Reminded me I have an ice cream maker in a cabinet in the garage cabinet that I haven't used yet.  Wanted to use it for a family gathering - but we don't have those anymore.  I need to figure out a way. I want a bigger place!!

Need to clear off the bed this morning.  Unpacked the suitcase, but haven't put everything away yet.  Need to sort out dirty clothes and get them started.  Recycle truck is here; I wonder if hubby remembered to put the recycle out.  I didn't.  We talked about it last night and I'm sure he did. He really is good at getting it out early in the morning.

I have a hair trim scheduled today about 12:30PM.  I have already told hubby that I will not be coming right back home as I plan to do some 'thrifting'.  So he asked me what did I mean by 'thrifting'.  So I just said, Savers, Goodwill, Salvation Army, wherever I can find a thrift store to walk through.  Its my 'vacation' and I need some time alone and sometimes walking through these stores gives me that mental time.  Does that make sense?  I may - or may not - buy something, but I love looking at the dishes. I love old dishes and sometimes I can find a piece that I really like.  Many times I see dishes that my mama had.  No, I don't buy them for that reason.  There really isn't any need for dishes, I know, but I like the pretty things.  Maybe instead I will just go to a bookstore.  Oh, I don't need books either?  Sigh.

I'm not quite back in sync yet so am going to hush and close this off.  Plan to work on clearing messages sometime today on the work computer.  Should do that on my personal computer as well. You know those emails you want to read, but just don't take the time when you see them.... and I have hundreds of them by now.  I should just take an hour or so and clear out a bunch of them.  

Hope that you have an amazing day.  

Blessings! 

Sleep not as good

Yesterday was a nice day.  We spent most of the time in the room reading - me back here until I got tired of sitting here in this chair, then going to the couch, and hubby at his desk.  Breakfast is served starting at 6:30AM and it's really pretty good.  I have totally gone off my Virta plan.  I'm on 'vacation' - right?  I'm back on track tomorrow.  What did I have that was so bad?  Well, Biscuits and gravy.  And a cinnamon roll.  Yep. Both days.  I will get on the scale in the morning and see how much 'damage' I did. But you know what?  I don't care right now.  

Today is hubby's 88th birthday.  He has told me 'thank you' over and over again these few days.  One, for getting us away for a couple days, and we went shopping yesterday.  He had been complaining about his shorts were too big and he needed to punch another hole in his belt.  He's gone from a 38 to a 36 dress shorts - and we got him 4 pairs of shorts and a black and a brown belt that has a few more holes on it before he has to punch in it.  He's very happy.  It's been about him this weekend.

But that's not a bad thing. Trust me, when my birthday rolls around, it IS about ME.  At least I like to think it is.  Hubby does try to make it so.  As do some of my children.  It's not about gifts - it's about THEM.  As you get older, you will understand that comment.

Didn't sleep as well as I did the night before.  I woke up about midnight and then feel like I just tossed and turned the rest of the evening.  What did I have on my mind?  I received notification we had two packages get delivered yesterday and just got notification from Amazon this morning they have made a delivery.  You can't really see anything from the street so the packages should be ok, but still. It's on my mind they are laying there.  Then my whole thought process is screwy because Sam's club one time laid our order out on the sidewalk just outside our gate!  And we were not home when they delivered it.  Sitting it out in the sun because they were too lazy to open the gate and set it inside. Yes, I did report it!  I don't care if a package isn't brought up to the door, unless it's raining, but don't leave things sitting outside the gate.

Today we are going to do our quiet time and then will check with our granddaughter to see if we can meet up for maybe an early lunch, if she is available.  I do want to see her again before we head back home.  I think check out is at 11AM so we have a few hours.  I'm actually ready to go home (if nothing else, to get my packages!!).

I did get a text from my back-up at work yesterday regarding an order I had put in with IT.  Yay - they missed me!  LOL Not hardly.  I do have about 100 messages, and I may jump online and clear those out when I get home.  If not today, will do it tomorrow.  All I have planned tomorrow is my hair trimmed, and maybe I will go shopping/thrifting thereafter.  It's MY vacation so I should get to play too, right?  No, there is nothing we need.  But, I do need to start looking at patio sets and see what I would like. I know in my mind what I want, but want to keep the $$ down.  I want something that we will use, and when it rains, it won't ruin.  The sun is brutal on fabric and the rain doesn't help.  

I have a workout at 5:30PM tonight. I had told Morgan I could do it as I figured hubby would still be meeting his bible study buddy tonight - but he cancelled.  So he will go to the gym with me and then I'll take him out to eat.  After all, it IS his birthday....

I don't have much to write about today; obviously we haven't done much except go shopping and eat.  Ate at Cracker Barrel for dinner yesterday and then I walked around the store.  Didn't really see anything I 'had to have'.  

Guess I'll close this off and get on my reading.  Maybe I will have news to share tomorrow. Hope that you have an amazing day!

Blessings!

Got me some snuggles

 Yesterday was busy and fun.  We made it over to the daughter's house about 10:30AM and by noon-ish, I'd gu  ess, we were eating lunch.  Great food, plenty of it and we all ate well.  I 'tried' to be good and only had yams over my ham, and green bean casserole. Both full of either sugar or carbs, right?  I did skip the deviled eggs (which would have been protein); just wasn't 'feeling like eggs'. skipped the rolls.  Sigh. But I ate dessert.  We had dump cake and the blueberry cheesecake.  Both full of sweet sugar! Well, the cheesecake doesn't have sugar in it, but the blueberry pie topping sure did!  So good!  I was proud of myself for not over-eating as I usually do.

We headed down the road an hour or so after we ate and got to the hotel.  After checking in hubby said he needed to stretch a bit.  I contacted our granddaughter and we made arrangements to meet at a park near here.  It took a little while for us to connect at the park as we parked the cars in different areas, but they found us.  We got to visit with them for a bit while our 8 year old great-grand played.  I was holding our new little baby, trying to burp her.  I felt her bottom 'buzz' - lol - and knew she was doing some business.  I didn't say anything at the time.  She continued her business - and swoosh!  It came up out of the back and splattering on my jeans as it fell to the ground.  This little one emptied herself!  LOL  Mama cleaned her up and I got to have snuggles again.  By this time hubby was wearing down.  I wanted us to go out to dinner, but hubby said he wasn't hungry (and remembering his plate at lunch, full explanation as to why!). I WAS hungry, but didn't say anything.  We left our granddaughter and her family at the park as the 8 year old was in the... what's it called?  the thing where the water shoots up and they get to run through it. My mind is blank - can't think what it is called.  She was getting wet and having a blast.  If we had suggested dinner, she wouldn't have gotten to play in it and she had been begging to do so - so I guess it is a good thing we didn't go to dinner.  But I pouted. I wanted more time.

I've already worked my way through the majority of the yarn I have brought with me.  I brought several, thinking I would have enough. But I was on my second ball of yarn when we pulled into the hotel lot.  Started another last night.  Gasp!  I may have to tell hubby we need to find a yarn store before we head back home!  I crochet so that I don't watch his driving.  I've decided that when it is my time to go, it doesn't matter if I'm driving or if hubby's driving, it's going to happen.  If I'm crocheting while he is driving, I won't see it happen. LOL  So I've quit fussing with his driving.  Except when I look up and gasp.

(erase)  Yep, back in the erasing mode, I guess.  Some things don't need to be said aloud.

Tomorrow is hubby's birthday and he will be 88.  We saw this morning that the pope has died at age 88.  The news just doesn't report truth all the time, so I wasn't sure.  But hubby saw it on another post.  For example, I saw one post yesterday that JD Vance was in Rome to see the pope and the pope cancelled his appointment and sent a cardinal instead, because of comments JD Vance has made against the Catholic church and their stance on immigration.  BUT, on the news last night, they had a video of JD Vance meeting the Pope and talking with him.  So who is right? Do you ever get sick of the lies? You don't know who to believe anymore.

I slept good last night.  Usually in a hotel bed not so much. But I didn't move from my starting position until I awoke at 4AM.  I was sweaty!  And I was next to the air conditioner!  I got up and walked a few seconds to cool off, and because hubby was still asleep, I went back to bed; didn't want to turn lights on. (That's the reason we get the suites - lots more room, but my books were in here and the couch is in there)  Surprisingly, I feel back to sleep and slept until 5AM when someone was running down the hall.  Then I fell back to sleep and slept until 6AM when we both finally got up.  Breakfast was at 6:30AM so down we went. And it was good too!  Scrambled eggs and potatoes, sausage, biscuits and gravy (and the gravy was good!), oatmeal, hot cinnamon rolls, waffles to make, juices, fruit, yogurt, and a bit more.  We ate the hot food, brought the yogurt up and put in the refrigerator for a snack, along with an apple and an orange.  Maybe I can get hubby to skip lunch and we go to Cracker Barrel for an early dinner, and I get to shop!  That's why I like going to Cracker Barrel; they do have some neat things in there. I saw a couple cast iron pieces I'd like to have... but then, I really don't cook that much anymore.  Sigh. I wish I had more room; I miss my old kitchen and pantry.   Some day things will change.  I hope they change the way I want them to.

Talked with the SIL yesterday and he may be starting on our courtyard this week.  He is going to remove the patio set (I want a new one) and some plants, and take up the rock and power wash it before putting plastic down and replacing the rocks.  Hubby says the lemon tree stays. Personally, I don't care. It's not my home; it's hubby's. Some of you know what I mean by that.  But, we will be staying there until hubby agrees to move.  I long to be closer in location to family.  I know we didn't see each other much even when we were closer, but I had room.  No one understands the heartaches I've had over 'hospitality', and I'll leave that there.

And with that, I need to get off here and start my reading. Usually, I do all my reading first, then type in here, but decided to do this first.  Some of you may have already looked once or twice and nothing was there. Sorry breakfast came first.  But at least I brought the computer with me!  It's a beautiful day down here. Love the sunshine coming in through the window. That brings my heart joy.

We go back home tomorrow.  Plan to touch base with the granddaughter and maybe take her to lunch as we head out. Will see what her schedule is. We didn't make firm plans.  She knows I want to connect again, but I will not interfere with her routine.  Anyway- maybe I will have something to tell you tomorrow... if we do anything today. :)  I still need yarn. cough cough.

Blessings!

For me it was a fun day

 Friday night, after I shut down the computer, I made two key lime pies to hand off to our neighbors yesterday.  I also got caught up in the 'making of desserts' and made two pans of chocolate eclair type desserts, complete with chocolate candy bar sprinkled on top.  Then I found an easy recipe for cheesecake - and made it into a blueberry cheesecake.  Yeah - I got dessert happy.  Oh, and I made a batch of eggs ole', and some salsa.

Yesterday afternoon I headed over to Ms. Vicky's and took her some eggs ole and salsa, plus one of the smaller portions of the eclair dessert.  Visited with her about an hour then headed back home.  Picked up more eggs ole' and a key lime pie and headed over to Ms. Diane's.  FINALLY, I am back on track with visiting them!  They both crave company and most days it appears I am it.  Visited with Ms. Diane for a bit and came back home.

My daughter came up earlier in the day and picked up the blueberry cheesecake (for today's lunch) and some eggs ole' (for their breakfast today).  I took the last key lime pie over to our 'other neighbor' after my visits with Ms. Vicky and Ms. Diane.  I still have a chocolate eclair dessert and although someone else is bringing dessert today (other than the cheesecake I made) - my donation to lunch is deviled eggs - I will take it and maybe someone will take it home with them.   I had just gotten caught up in baking and making and I was in my 'realm of fun'.  Two things I made were new recipes so that was fun and I'm curious how people will like them (the cheesecake was a new recipe and the eclair is a new recipe).  I kept some eggs ole for us and we had it for lunch - and dinner - last night - and will finish it off this morning for breakfast.  

Today we will pack our things for our getaway and head to the daughter's for lunch.  After that we will continue on down the road south.  I know hubby is over the top about getting out of town, and I'm looking forward to it as well.  I know this sounds horrible, but I just want some space.  Definitely won't be getting it, but at least a change of scenery will be nice.  We won't be there long - we return home on Tuesday.  I plan to contact the granddaughter once we are on our way to see if they have any time for us to get together for a short visit.  I really do not want to disrupt their routines and since it is during the week, versus a weekend, I'm more conscious of schedules.  We have school and work and a new baby - all which takes time.  Which reminds me, I need to get the great-granddaughter's birthday gifts together so that I don't forget them - and I did finish the new baby's quilt last night so will be taking it as well.

I am looking forward to this week off work, although I am sure at some point I will be thinking about work and getting back into it.  But both of my top bosses are on PTO Thursday and Friday as well, so I shouldn't have too much work going on to come back to.  

We postponed our Jailbreak Getaway - I think I told you that before - and am glad we did.  Up north got snow - and some areas got nearly a foot of snow this weekend!  I don't want snow on our getaway.  Waiting until the end of May will hopefully provide much nicer weather.  I am definitely looking forward to Jailbreak - we actually DO things while we are gone.

Today is Easter.  Free Chapel / Jentezen Franklin - is having an Easter program and you can find it on You Tube.  It is amazing.  We will watch it at 8AM today.  It is really good, and I would encourage you to go to You Tube and bring up Free Chapel or Jentezen Franklin and watch it for Easter.  You will be glad you did.  Do it for you, for your spouse, for your family.  Let the REASON we celebrate Easter come to you. You won't regret it.

I Corinthians 15:55-57 (NKJV):  O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 28:6 (NKJV):  He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

We celebrate the Risen Christ today.  My prayer is that you will pause in your busyness and take time to reflect on the reason we 'celebrate' Easter.  

Jesus left heaven and came to earth in human form.  He showed us by example on how to live and love others.  He took all our sins upon Himself and went to the cross.... for you, and for me.  All of our sins.  It's hard to imagine anyone taking the bad stuff, the crappy stuff that we do - and going to the cross for us.  But Jesus did.  He took the burden of our sins, so that we could be set free from sin and death - and have eternal life with Him forever.  

It's sometimes hard to imagine the reason why He would do that (because He loves us), and it is hard to watch scenes that show the beatings, the ripping out of His beard, His hair, the metal tips of the whip ripping open His skin - let alone the nails going through his hands/wrists and feet.  I can barely watch it in movies.  But Jesus did it - because He loves us so much - and He gave His life for us, that our sins when confessed, are no more.  

I am so grateful for His forgiveness of all my sins.  And trust me, I've done some things that I am not proud of at all. Grateful for forgiveness, and that He has provided me a way by His stripes, that I am healed and set free.  And you are as well.

Pause for a moment and thank Him.  He is our Risen Saviour.

Blessings!

It's the weekend, but - it's a day off work!

 I slept until my usual 4AM and struggled out of bed about 4:30AM because hubby was starting to stir.  He is never still nor quiet when he starts waking up, so I knew I would not be able to go back to sleep. Into 'my' room I came and snuggled into my chair, but sleep evaded me.  I did sleep good last night, and deep, so all is well.  

I was so frustrated as 4PM approached yesterday.  Someone I do NOT support sent me an IM at 3:50PM (and I get off at 4PM) that she needed me to schedule a meeting with about 8 other people, she wanted it next week, and she wanted it from my male boss' calendar. She also said he and two others were critical. I was annoyed. I was irritated.  I don't support her, she is 'only' a director and admins were told that only SENIOR director and up were supported, the others had to do their own meetings - AND she isn't even in my department!! But she wanted the meeting from my boss' calendar because 'people will make more of an effort to attend if it comes from his calendar."  I was not impressed.  I had one day to work with next week for this boss, and it is back to back meetings.  I sent out requests to the other two 'required/critical' and none were available when I could possibly find 30 minutes.  By 4:30PM I made an 'annoyed' comment to this person along the lines of "if you had waited ten minutes to send this IM, I would not have to work into my PTO time to take care of it."  (Was I wrong? Should I just shut up and do it? Well, I didn't. And she apologized for taking up my time.)  It wasn't so much that I had to 'work over' - that's not a big deal. The big deal is she isn't even from my area; she just wanted to ensure my boss was going to be available.  When I couldn't get the other critical people, I emailed my boss, and text'd his phone and told him to read his email, what was going on.  He said move it out a week or two.  Hello?  THAT I could do and did within five minutes after receiving his text!  It was 4:45PM when I finally sent the meeting, and shut down my computer.  I could have told her to do her own meeting, and the other admins would do that. Not because of the time, but because we don't have to schedule their meetings.  I have about 4 other 'director level' people who do this to me as well.  But, I find it is easier to just do the meeting and be done with it.  And I did. And now that computer is shut off.  Unless I get a text from one of the Sr directors they have a critical meeting. I gave them permission to text me Thursday-Friday next week if they have something. They normally leave me alone.

So as of today, I am officially on PTO. Nothing is planned for today other than going to church at 5PM. We are going to try a 'new' church we have discussed going to.  Rather than watching the service online, we thought we would just go in person. It IS Easter weekend, after all.  Tomorrow morning I will be putting deviled eggs together to head over to my daughter's for Easter brunch and then after we will head to Tucson for a few days, coming back on Tuesday, which is hubby's 88th birthday.

Speaking of, nothing is really planned for his birthday as we come back during the day, and he has his bible study that evening that he doesn't like to miss with his friend. They have missed several lately due to issues going on with his friend.  I am more than willing to give him that night.  Besides, I have a 5:30PM training appointment scheduled.  Since I'm off next week, we can go 'out' anytime.

My daughter and I finished the diamond art project of The Last Supper last Tuesday evening.  It 'only' took us nearly 10 months of Tuesday evenings (although there were some that we didn't get to work on it).  I took it Wednesday to be framed - and Hobby Lobby actually called me yesterday it was ready.  I didn't get the original framing they showed me.  When they told me $308, after choking I said no, it had to come down.  We finally decided on a frame and then the matting - and I got it down to $115 with tax.  It does cost more than you think to have it professionally matted and framed.  I learned that last year when I took something to Michaels (Aaron Brothers) to have framed.  After picking up The Last Supper and bringing it home, I got it hung on our wall and it really looks nice.  I was hoping to send the photo to my email and post on here, but it won't come through - or at least not yet.  Maybe tomorrow.

YAY! I kept trying and here is the photo - ignore all the reflections on the glass.  Didn't we do a great job?

Today is a great-granddaughter's 8th birthday.  Where does the time go!  I have let our granddaughter know we will be in her area tomorrow through Tuesday morning; I'm hoping we will be able to get together. I am almost finished with the new great-grand's quilt, and I have gifts for the birthday girl. Hope I don't forget them!  At least we can take our time going down after lunch tomorrow.

Proverbs 35:6-7 (NKJV):  Trust in the Lord with all your heart.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall guide your path.

I'm taking myself on a new journey.  Well, it's not new, and I have done it before, but I'm going about it a bit differently this time.  I'm wanting to do a 'deep dive' on trusting God for all things.  What does that mean?  I'm not sure.  But I have let go of some things I have held on to.  Things that even though some are good, and some bad, they need to be let go of.  It is in these times I stretch out my hand and turn it palms down and just say, "Lord, I let it go.  Anger, bitterness, frustration, hurt, pain, sorrow, grief, I let go of it all.  I trust You, Lord, and I choose You to meet every need that I have.  Take from me those things that have no value in me, and replace it with Your love and compassion.  In all my ways I will trust You, and let You guide my path. Help me when I fail; pick me up with I fall.  Set my feet on a solid path - straight to Your heart."

Sometimes we all need to pray that prayer.  Not that things are bad, or that we are going through rough patches, although those are times that we seem to turn to Him to help us.  But, sometimes it is good just to sit back and say 'God's got this' and let Him lead us where He wants us to go.

When I pass, I want those that know me best to know that Jesus is first and foremost in my life.  Not by the words I say, but by the way I live my life.  I'm not perfect, and I know I will sometimes fail.  But by the grace of God I live and move and breathe.  To Him be the glory forever.

Blessings!

Changing my mind....again....

 I mentioned yesterday that we had postponed Jailbreak and that I was going to cancel Thursday and Friday off next week so that I could save the days.... well, I didn't cancel them.  I could still cancel them, but I think I will still take them off.  My biggest fear is that I will waste the time off.  You know, not do anything at all.  I COULD clean out some drawers and be productive, right?

This week has been pretty busy with meetings, and I turned off the computer yesterday with three meetings still hanging open - waiting on people to get back with me.  Hopefully they will this morning or I will need to contact them again. I like everything completed when I turn off the computer.

Hubby is getting ready to go to his bible study this morning.  

I'm actually struggling, trying to find something to write about this morning.  

Maybe I need to 'get a life'?

Hubby and I went to the restaurant my youngest son took me to a week or so ago - last night for dinner.  He got his usual - 'liver and onions' and said they were good.  I think he has determined that 'Bobbie's' near us has the best liver and onions.  He is already talking of getting a couple of the guys he has the bible study with to meet him there sometimes for breakfast or lunch.  Two that he has had lunch with for a few years are both out of the picture now - one due to Alzheimers and the other moved to Oregon - and he has to find new 'friends' to have lunch with.  I'm glad he is - he is constantly at home and it is driving me crazy.  

Reading a book by Stormie Omartian in which she shares about praying for your adult children. She has several books out on praying for specific ones, but this one is adult children, so I have been spending time reading and praying through it.  I wonder if they realize I pray for them.  I wonder if they pray for their adult children.  Thoughts going through my mind... we all need prayer, even me.  I struggle with life, just as many of you do.  But my children - I pray over them not only blessings, but that God would hear my prayers for them; that they would turn back to Him completely and trust Him for all that is in their lives.  How do you pray for your adult children?

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV):  Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Do you find your heart at times just longing for 'better times' for your adult child?  Do you find yourself whispering a prayer for them as they struggle with being an adult or growing in to an adult?  I pray the prayers over my grandchildren as well as my adult children.  It's hard to raise children in this world, especially when we made a lot of wrong choices as they were growing up.  I blame myself for so many things.  So I pray for them, praying that my mistakes don't cause them to turn from God. 

And with that - I'm at a loss on what to write.  I feel a heaviness about me this morning and I'm not sure why.

I called my little brother yesterday - he has to walk with a walker, although it is quite painful to put weight on the fibula he broke.  He went the other day to the doctor and got a boot put on his ankle, that he twisted when he felled.  He said they put the boot on his foot and he got 'Touret's Disease'.  He asked if I knew what that was, and I said 'yes'.  Only he said that it wasn't just noises or words that came out - it was 'cuss words' that came out of his mouth when they put the boot on him.  He says it is better now.  Sigh.  He got another infusion yesterday as well.  

Hope that you have an amazing day - perhaps I will have more to share tomorrow.  I need to just be quiet and let God show me what is going on, why do I have this heaviness about me.  Spending time with Jesus is the best way to start my day.  And yours too.  Pause what you are doing, and just take time to sit and listen for Him.

Blessings!

A slight change in plans

 happened yesterday afternoon when a thought entered my mind and I acted on it.  I know that a granddaughter-in-law is expecting with a due date of May 1st.  It's getting close to that time.  We were to go on Jailbreak April 24-27.  My daughter informed me the other night that if the GIL went into labor, she and her hubby would be heading to another state.  And, if she was on Jailbreak, he would drive up to where we were and pick her up, leaving his vehicle for us to use and then head back home as they went on.  Well, the thought occurred to me that I didn't really want my daughter to miss out on Jailbreak.  That was when it was started, for she and I to have some quality time together, along with her daughter and granddaughter.  Well, as I pondered that thought, I text'd my daughter and told her what I was thinking.  I included my granddaughter as she has a voice in this too.  

Long story short, we have cancelled our Jailbreak Getaway for next week and have moved it to May 29-June 1, at the same location.  The plus is that there is a trail that is closed until May, and now we will be able to hike it, and because it is child friendly, our littlest one can also hike it.  Now to decide what I am going to do.  But I think I have come up with a plan.

We will still take off Sunday and head south.  I did send our granddaughter information on our time there and asked her to discuss with hubby and let us know what will work best for them, even if we just stop by and visit for a short while.  My whole purpose in going south is to see her and her little family.  We will still leave after lunch on Easter and head down to the hotel.  We will return home early afternoon on Tuesday.  Just a couple days from home.  

I have Wednesday lined up for me - maybe having lunch with a friend and getting my hair trimmed at 12:30PM.  Thursday we were to leave for Jailbreak.  But now... I think I am going to cancel my two days off.  Part of me says to just go ahead and take it - but why?  So I think I will cancel them and work.  After all, my favorite boss, and my male boss, will both be on PTO Thursday and Friday.  I will be able to get caught up on things with work - and have 'easy peasy' days - providing my other two 'bosses' don't take advantage of them being gone and giving me a lot to do!  So that's what I am currently planning to do. Just take Monday - Wednesday off next week. 

Morgan, my trainer, came up with a workout that I was able to master last night.  It was tough!  But she high-fived me afterwards for she thought I could do it - and I proved I could!  One was this medal bar you step into, with weights on both sides.  25 squats holding this 60 pounds thing up, then walking several feet, turning around, coming back, all the while still carrying it.  Then a weighted bar was put across my shoulders and I had to do walking lunges - about 12 each way.  Then it was the tire.  You've seen them.  The huge tractor tires.  I got to pick it up and flip it down the row and back.  And in the middle of that, stop and do 25 squats.  Three sets of all that - and I did it!  About 2AM my body started reminding me that I did it.

Yeah, I've been awake for awhile. I finally got up about 3AM, I think.  I tried to sleep in here, but could not so got some reading done.  Since I'm way ahead of myself, I have a little extra time this morning.  Hubby didn't get up until around 5AM and brought my coffee.  I may need two cups again today. I know I've been buried in scheduling meetings and I have a couple in my emails this morning to work on.  Oh well. 

I Corinthians 1:18 (NKJV):  For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

For those of you who do not believe in the power of God, I am so sorry.  I pray for you, that you will see His power and His glory, and will turn to Him.  That you will know how loved you are by Him.  That you will see how foolish the things of the world are, and that you will choose Jesus over the world.  These things will pass away, but His love never does.  He loves you so much, He reaches out to you in numerous way.  We often choose not to see them, because we don't want to be challenged in our lives.  We all do it.  But those who don't know Him, or choose not to follow Him, my heart breaks for you.  Do you even realize how much better your life would be if you turned to Jesus?  Not only for yourself, but for your spouse, your family?  Jesus is all you need.  His power will give you all you need.

I will be talking with my little sister sometime this morning, I imagine.  She text'd late last night that they had seen Part 3 of The Chosen.  She was caught up in the emotion of it, as I had been.  I have already pre-ordered the dvd of season 5.  Hubby and I are - at some point - start watching from the beginning again.  I haven't really gotten 'into' The Chosen - mainly because my sister was pushing it on me and I rebelled.  But it is good and does make you think about your life.

And with that, I'm going to get off here and head to the shower.  The week's almost over and then I'll have time off work.  Woo hoo!  Have an amazingly blessed day!

Blessings!

Getting closer

 Three workdays left this week - counting today.  Yes, I have been counting the days.  Hubby is too, cause he will have me 'all to himself' for a few days - as if he doesn't now.  It is kind of funny, really.  Remember all the breakfasts and lunches he 'used' to have?  Well, his Tuesday morning friend has some Alzheimer going on and would constantly repeat himself (so hubby said) and remember clearly 50 years ago, but couldn't remember what he ordered for breakfast.  He was always complaining about the cost of food at the restaurant to the waitress, complaining about the taste of the food, etc.  Hubby would come home and complain about him all the time.  Then this friend, a few weeks ago, sent him a text and just basically said 'we aren't meeting for breakfast anymore'.  And that's it.  Hubby has sent him a few texts and he doesn't respond.  Really, it is a good thing, in my opinion, for obviously neither enjoyed the other's company, just saying.

His other friend whom he met on Wednesdays or Thursdays each week - well, he moved to Oregon a couple weeks ago to be closer to his daughters (single guy).  Although they still touch base by texts, I know hubby does miss them for they were good friends.  But now, there is only one person that will occasionally go to breakfast with hubby, and he has health issues so doesn't want to go very often.  Hubby is missing male companionship, I think.  With us not involved at a church at the moment, he isn't making any new friends either, because he hasn't put himself out there.  He felt he was 'doing enough' with what he had.  Well, now he is lonely and missing having another male to talk with.  Well, he still has his friend he meets for bible study on Tuesday nights - they have been meeting for several years.  Friday mornings he meets with 6-8 other men for another bible study.  But for someone who loves to go out and eat, this is a drastic cut into his lifestyle to which he had become accustomed.

Which means he turns his attention to me - or to other issues.  Last night he noticed his legs were swollen.  He wondered if he should go see his doctor.  His ankle was pretty big, but I told him to cut back on salt a bit and see what happens.  He was told years ago by his doctor that because he worked out one time and got dizzy, that he 'probably needed to add more salt to his diet' - and he definitely has.  He salts everything, even when I have already put salt in it, and it doesn't need any more.  Beside the point, of course.  And, again this morning he was asking if he should call the vascular surgeon in case the shunt in his leg has plugged up (he just had all these tests in January (I think) that showed it was flowing smoothly). I don't know what to tell him.  But please tell me he is not going to focus on every little thing (he was also talking about a bruise last night on his arm) that might be wrong and go into imagining the worst of the worst.  Lord, HELP!!

Of course I do have my chiropractor appointment today - which takes about 5 minutes.  Will see if he thinks I need any more visits - I go once every two weeks now.  If he says I'm done, I'm good with that. He has helped my neck loosen up and my hip as well, so he has done his job.  Just happened to think, I don't believe I've had an ocular migraine int he past two weeks.  Nice.  

Work was another busy day yesterday with numerous meetings to schedule.  I see I have one already in the emails to schedule this morning.  Always something.  But I also had time to breathe, which is good. 

Romans 13:8 (NIV):  Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.

The bible tells us that we should owe no one,  In this modern day, it is really hard to go through life without owing anyone money, isn't it!  (erase, erase)  But we are told that the only debt we should have is to love one another.  That sounds odd, doesn't it, making loving someone a debt owed.  We are called to love others - whether we 'like' them or not.  Sometimes, for me, that is really hard.  Not that I'm not a friendly person and don't like other people, usually I am way too friendly and then they say or do something that causes me to step back.  But that doesn't mean that I don't like them.... but if I don't know them, how can I love them?  Get my drift?  Maybe I'm digging too deep into that verse?  What do you think?

I did write the two couples yesterday and pulled back my invite for dinner on Friday. They are ok with it as they want to go to a Good Friday service.  Too much back and forth discussions regarding the invite for me.  Both couples plan to head back to Wisconsin some time towards the end of next month. Hopefully we can get together for dinner before they do.  We have such a busy life, you know, that we have to get things on our calendars early. HAH.  Hubby is ALWAYS checking my calendar to see what I have to do.  He really 'needs a life' for he is driving me crazy following mine. Sigh.  He needs something to do or someone to go to breakfast with!!

And.... with all that nonsense.... I need to get off here and get ready for the day.  My schedule?  Work, chiropractor about 11:30AM, work, and then workout at 5:30PM tonight.  Yeah... another day in the land of Oz, right?  Hope that you have a good one!

Call a friend - meet them for breakfast or lunch today.  Or at least get it on the calendar.  Which reminds me, I need to call my 'old' friend Mel and get it on the calendar. She was to call me when her sister moved out - it's been a few weeks if that happened.  Guess it's time I check on her.

Have an amazing day!

Blessings!

I am counting the days

 until I am off work for a week.  I am so ready to NOT work for awhile.  Will I be bored at some point? Probably.  But then, hand me a book, or hand me my yarn, and I'll get over it, right?

Yesterday was incredibly busy but with only about 4 meetings that I worked on the entire day.  Yes, about 4 meetings.  From four different people.  It involved outside people. It involved high level people. I think I finally got one completed, one may still be in limbo, and two I sent out holds on.  But that was pretty much my work day yesterday.  Wearing on one's mind.

But I am down to 4 working days this week and I'm hoping it will go smoothly.  Although my male boss, I saw last night as I glanced at the work emails, has already included me in two requests he wants me to schedule meetings with outside people.  They tell me to 'do your magic' and find time for this meeting.  I tell them to clear their calendar and I won't have to 'do my magic'.  Am I getting snippy in my old age?

I've been trying to work out an evening with our friends at the RV park to get together for dinner, and I am going to write them today to just forget it.  We were going to get together on Thursday, but then they couldn't do the foot washing service. No problem, we'd work around it.  Then a grandson's birthday is on Thursday, and they can't attend for they are taking him out to dinner. No problem. Family comes first. The second couple didn't want me to be troubled with me making dinner. (seriously).  So I suggested Friday for all of us.  Yes, it's Good Friday (which I remembered after the invite).  So they are going to a Good Friday service at the SA church. One said it started at 4PM, the 2nd couple said 5PM (do they even know?) and it would be too late to eat dinner if it was after 6PM when they got out.  So, I'm to the point that when it gets a little later, I will text both and just say let's forget my fixing dinner this weekend; perhaps we can still get together another time before they leave the end of May.  It doesn't have to be this weekend.  I was just going to fix soup anyway.

I need to sit down and think about how we are going to start out our 'vacation' when we head to Tucson. I don't want to interrupt - or disrupt - our granddaughter's schedule with her family, but do want to visit them at least once.  I think her parents are going down for the oldest granddaughter's (theirs) birthday, which is Saturday, and they may stay over to Sunday.  We aren't going down until Sunday after lunch, and leaving Tuesday noonish.  Will figure out something and check with my Princess to see how it will work with their schedules.  I just want to spend a little time with her and her little family.

Spending time with those you love is so important.  As I have aged, I am reminded more and more how fragile life is.  I see it in hubby as he ages.  I see it in myself.  Things we could do before, now takes effort. Things that were easy for us to figure out, now takes time to process through it.  It's frustrating for those around it - but it is even more frustrating to us.  Age takes its toll on everyone.  And as you have aged, I believe you are seeing that in yourself, your parents, your grandparents, as well.  We put off doing things as 'not that important' anymore... when in reality, we aren't sure we can do them.  Or even want to do them. We find excuses like 'I'm too busy', or 'I just wasn't feeling like it', or 'why is it important anyway?'  Always excuses of why we cannot do what we once did.  Life has taken its toll on all of us.

Wow - where has my mind gone this morning?  Just erased the last paragraph - you can thank me later. No downers today, right?

I actually slept good last night, but still didn't want to get up this morning, and yet, did not want to lay in bed and doze off and on.  I love with I can just sit still in my chair and think.

Sometimes that thinking gets me in trouble.  Sometimes that sitting thinking can also use up my time to write in here.  As it did this morning.  Time to get on the work computer.  Ooops.

It's going to be a beautiful day - temperatures are down somewhat and the sun is shining.

Thank You, Lord, for this beautiful day.  May each one who reads of my ramblings today feel Your love and blessings upon them today.

Blessings!

It was a good weekend

 Wow - first time we have ever done this!  If you have been reading along, you know that we watched part 1 and part 2 of The Chosen on Saturday, and part 3 on Sunday.  I don't normally go to shows at the theater so this was actually a sort of 'treat' for me.  Although I can't put on 'pause' to run to the potty and definitely don't drink anything - and because of the pricing, I don't buy any food or drink at the movies (not even popcorn, which I love movie popcorn!!).  Part 3 was as good as part 1 and 2 - and although I'm not 'hooked' as some are about watching The Chosen, I have enjoyed watching the movies.  And yes, I have seasons 1-4 on DVD already - and when season 5 comes out, I will purchase it as well.  I told hubby I would like to start with season 1 and take our time and go through each season.  I heard from my sister that season 6 was to be released around June, I think she said.  Sounds like another trip to the movies in June.  It actually was nice to have something to do and not just sit here at home, although we sat in another location.  

After grabbing a bite to eat at a restaurant on the way home, we sat at home.  Got a bit of reading in, and hubby eventually couldn't stand the quiet and asked if I wanted to watch a movie or NCIS.  I really do not care.  He finally turned on NCIS - which is ok.  But after watching a bit of that and doing my reading after he turned it off, I was suddenly exhausted and went to bed about 9PM. Not sure when he came to bed, but he woke me up slamming the foot part of his recliner down.  He tossed and turned during the night for some reason and that kept me awake. I did not want to get up this morning.  

And I am so looking forward to getting past this week because I am off work all next week!  Wahoo!!  Sunday-Monday-Tuesday with hubby, Wednesday I'm getting my hair trimmed and hopefully just get to have some me time, and Thursday-Friday-Saturday-Sunday will be up north on Jailbreak.  Wednesday is Admin Professional Day next week - I don't care if I get anything or not - but I hope they remember I am not working that day!  My male boss is taking Wed-Friday off, and my favorite boss is taking Thurs-Fri off.  She will remember, as she always does.  Him, not so much.  Another person I support will send me an Amazon e-gift card (or usually does for any gift) and the other doesn't even comment.  And it's ok.  Not being in the office just makes it harder to be 'recognized' - and I don't need it once a year, I get more out of the frequent "I appreciate your help with this.".  The company has what they call MVP cards (most valuable person, in case you couldn't figure that out) and they are free to employees to send to each other.  Last year my boss (the one I report up to) said that I got more than any in her department!  She gets a copy of everything that is sent to me.  Pretty cool, huh.  Maybe they will miss me when I finally get to retire?  

My original thought of a retirement date of January 10, 2025 fell through, obviously.  My favorite boss now has given me a date of August 1, 2026 for her retirement date.  Could I go to January 10, 2027?  I would be 78 - surely I could retire then?  Perhaps in my dreams, anyway.  Yeah, financially things would definitely have to change, but I know we could do it.  Even with hubby going to breakfast or lunch every week.  Definitely would have to cut back on Christmas - but you know what?  That's ok too. I'm still working on that, even now!  LOL

Luke 19:41 (NIV):  As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it.

Have you read scriptures over and over again and you just didn't catch it?  The above sentence has been highlighted in my mind.  I saw this scripture, perhaps for the first time, as Jesus rode the donkey into Jerusalem.  I really hadn't thought about it before.  As He got close to Jerusalem, Jesus stopped the donkey colt, and He wept over the city, and over what He knew was going to happen.  He paused, and wept.

I didn't really catch the scripture of it as I watched the movie as I was so caught up in it.  But as my sister and I were discussing pt 1 and pt 2 (she will see 3 on Tuesday), she mentioned Jesus weeping as He approached Jerusalem.  And that made me think about it.  I checked the scripture and it is there. He wept over Jerusalem.

And I think back over my life and when I had difficult things in front of me I had to do, did I weep, and look up, and ask for help?  I can remember one time distinctly that, although I wasn't a Christian then, I was doing something that my heart didn't want to do, and I wept as I waited my turn.  Many thought it was just nerves. But it wasn't that. I didn't want to do what I was about to do.  You don't need to know what it was. It is a distinct memory.  And that is where it will stay.  

Can you think of a time you did something you really didn't want to do, didn't look forward to doing, and yet, you knew that you had to do it, you had to go through with it?  Painful thinking, isn't it.  Some of you are pretty tough and would just shrug it off as 'it is what it is' - and just plow through the emotion you are feeling.  But you find that you revisit that moment time and again and wonder why you couldn't stop it.

I still have a little time in here this morning before work so I'm going to get off here and read a bit. I'm finishing up a couple devotionals I had been reading, and trying to decide on what I will read in here next.  Got a little bit of time to do that.  

Hope that your day is full of special memories and things that you enjoy.

Blessings!