Go back to work to 'rest up'?

 Yes, I am 'back to work' today and in fact, will be covering for another EA who is taking the rest of the week off.  Her people are usually quiet so it's a win-win.  But- my morning, once I get off here, will be getting dressed and heading over to the gym - I have Morgan at 8a for a HIIT workout.  NOT looking forward to it today; I'm still tired from yesterday.  It was a l-o-n-g day.  And yet, I didn't do anything.

Hubby's surgery went well.  We got there by 7a and didn't get out until about 10:30a.  We stopped at Black Bear for lunch- and I got the worst Rueben sandwich I think I have ever had.  I ate a few bites and kept wondering why it felt so dry.  I finally opened it up and they forgot to put the thousand island dressing on it!  So I asked for the dressing and put it on myself.  I continued to eat it, but it just wasn't quite the Rueben yet.  On the 2nd half of the sandwich I opened it again.... sigh.  There were only about 3 strands of sauerkraut.  Now you know that the thousand island dressing and the sauerkraut really make the sandwich ai Rueben, right?  I didn't say anything; I was getting full anyway.  After lunch we headed home and I jumped on the work computer because I had some things I did need to take care of, even though I had the day off.  Took care of those; sat down for about 15 minutes, then headed over to see Joe, my hairdresser.

I've gone 'blond'.  Well, not a 'true blond', but he tried to put a lot of blond where the white was... and although I see the white, and to me it is still obvious, well, I just have to deal with it.  We are going to try to work it back to a lighter shade so that when my white comes in, it's not so obvious and I don't have to keep going back to Joe sooner than I had planned.  I get home and hubby says he likes the color..... but why didn't I go shorter because it is so hot?  Well, because I want to let my hair grow out again ... but I just remained silent.  It's the same nagging.... he likes short hair, I want to do my hair the way I want. So there!

Hubby text'd while I was getting my hair done that he had head pain (from the surgery) so I needed to stop at Walgreens to get a pain prescription that was waiting for him.  Went there and got that and headed home - and then had to fix dinner. He told me he wasn't very hungry.... but he ate every bit of the salmon and risotto that I fixed for him.  By then it was nearly 6:30p and late for us to eat.  But after we ate I did some exercises that I have to do in Hinge Health, and then we headed off to bed.  I didn't sleep real well, but hubby must have; he didn't get up until nearly 6a to bring me my coffee.  And I'm keeping an eye on the clock; got to get dressed for the gym and still get on the work computer.

Today hubby has a cardiologist and a dentist appointment.  I'm hoping I don't have to go to the cardiologist; he doesn't think I need to, and I may not with taking off yesterday. There are no tests; it's just a 'check-up'; you know, the hi, how are you doing? any pain? ok you are great! and out the door.  He doesn't even know why he has to go.  I may drop him off at the dentist and go back to get him - he gets his two front teeth crowned today.  

So there... I think you are caught up on my 'life'. Such as it is.  I'm pretty tired this morning still, and am not quite as excited about doing HIIT as I usually am.  I have got to get myself 'pumped up' for it. LOL I do what I can do.  And, with stopping the Fosamax, I have to prove to Dr. Mark that I can strengthen my bones (glad he works out - you should see his muscles!!) and don't need medication.  But I am tired, and I think it is just from sitting so much yesterday. Well, every day, with work.  I've got to get my body moving, even just doing little things.  I want to live life as I age, if you know what I mean.

James 3:13 (ESV):  Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.

There is a dramatic contrast between worldly wisdom and heavenly wisdom.  Our lives reflect the source of our wisdom.  Those of us who live for Jesus will have understanding and be wise and concerned for others.  That is the wisdom of knowing Jesus and having the wisdom of heaven.  Those who are not wise, do not care about others in true fashion; they don't care what their actions cause or inflict on others.  They are estranged from God and will be sensual and selfish, reflecting only the wisdom of Satan.

So who do you choose to have wisdom in?  I choose to live for Jesus and let my conduct be like Him. Yes, I'm not perfect, and I fail more frequently in words and actions that I care to admit.  BUT, when I confess my sins, He is faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.   And He will do that for you as well.  

Be wise and understanding.  You might even help yourself!  Always give yourself grace, as you give it to others.

Have an amazing day!

Blessings!

It was stitch removal day

 I turned on my computer yesterday morning - and sigh, still the issue with Teams and Outlook was there.  I debated and took a chance.  Praise God! I called the Help Desk and I got someone who knew what I was talking about and gave me a workaround the issue I was having!  And, she had me do it myself, so that I could write down the steps should it happen again.  I have my Teams back on Outlook and am able to schedule meetings from the boss's Outlook calendar.  Major glitch with Microsoft so be careful if you do schedule like I do and need Teams numbers on your Outlook meetings!  It made the rest of the day go easy since I was behind on scheduling meetings by then. And still am.  Boss gave me 3 difficult ones to schedule before January 27th - but he isn't cutting me any leeway on time; everyone is busy and some are still taking PTO in the middle of January!  

Saw my dermatologist yesterday and he removed my stitches and then asked, "is there anything else we need to look at?"  Well, I had noticed after I had been there a couple months ago a spot on my head.... he grabbed his freezing can, found it and sprayed.  He said he'd rather spray spots than end up having to cut them out. I'm in agreement with him.  The freezing only hurts while it is being done.  I just hope my hair doesn't fall out where he froze the spot - I've noticed my hair is getting thinner as I've aged.  But I'm all good for now and he said come back in six months and he will do another thorough check.  After that I can go a year.  I usually go once a year anyway - which is how he found this one.

The orders are in for my labs so I need to run to the doctor's office to get them done. I love that the SQL that is in that building is ONLY for patients of those doctors.  I can't schedule an appointment as it isn't listed in the SQL location list, but I can drive over and my PCP will get the results right away. The next step is getting an appointment with her - that will be the tough one. I was planning on doing it sometime in January - BUT - I found out yesterday that I have met my deductible (thanks to Dr. Mackey and the Urgent Care) so I'm hoping I can get in before the end of the year. If not - no biggie - start on my deductible for next year.  I've got to get these bug bites looked at - seriously, they are still giving me pin pricks so as weird as this sounds, I keep wondering if the bumps are not eggs that were laid under my skin and they are coming to life!  Am I being weird and stretching it out there?  It was October 12th that I was 'bitten' - why are they still there, and why are they still hurting?  Bug bites don't last that long - do they? Urgent care doc said scorpion bites; dermatologist didn't say what he thought it was, just took photos of it and gave me antibiotics.  Wonder what my medical doctor will say about them.  Where else can I go to get it checked out? Who is left?

My daughter and I finished up my advent puzzle last night - yes, we completed it - and then tore it apart and put away as I will need the table come Saturday when they come over for our Christmas gathering. I'm getting off easy this year - she agreed to lunchmeat sandwiches, chips, and potato salad since it is lunch.  I'll run to the store on Friday and pick it all up.  Well, I will make the potato salad; that's a given. For my girl.

And I do it for my oldest son too, as he loves it.  I would be more than happy to fix whatever they would want to eat.   I will definitely have tea made for him.  I may even pick up some soda for the others - afterall, it IS Christmas time.   I read his blog this morning and see they are looking at the 28th - which will work out fine.  He needs to confirm and give me a time and we will go from there.  Doesn't matter - breakfast, lunch, or dinner - and give me an idea of what they would like to eat.  

I think I now have dates for all three - 21st for the daughter, 28th for the oldest son, and 30th for the youngest son.  It does make it easier on all of us, I feel.  I can enjoy each one and relax throughout the day.  It's a win-win for everyone - for they don't have to rush around to get here.  Sadly, we are several minutes away from everyone now.  I want to move, but hubby resists me.  We both have our reasons.

My oldest son knows more about me than anyone else - and I think that is our 'little secret'. LOL The others could read here if they wanted, but they don't.  Sometimes when my son shares something I can tell that he read my blog, I wait to see if hubby picks up on 'how does he know that?'. lol  Especially since I am asked every day 'did you talk to any of the kids today?' and then he asks by name.  He is so afraid I won't tell him I talked to one of them and he won't know what is going on.  EVERY day.  Ok - most days.  To me, it's not a big deal.  He just wants to be included.  I wish all my children wrote in a blog so I'd know what they were up to.  Me, I probably share too much.

Matthew 22:35-40 (NKJV):  Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?"   Jesus said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

And then one asked, "but who is my neighbor?" and Jesus began to tell the story of The Good Samaritan.  You remember that story, don't you?  (Look it up if you don't; I'm not going to tell you!"  So who are you?  The Levi, the Priest, or the Samaritan?   If we are beaten and robbed, we need someone to step up and help us and it doesn't matter what religion, what race, or what culture they are from.  And we need to be that Good Samaritan to others regardless of religion, race, or culture.  Sometimes it is hard to determine what is needed.  Sometimes situations are because of their choices.   Choose wisely on how to help so that you don't enable.

I say that because I would like to help a family member in another state that I have sent a small gift to and when they sent me a text to thank me, also shared some really bad financial issues going on. (erase) Enough of that - you don't need to know what she shared; I am not sure if I need to do something or just keep in touch and keep praying for them.  Her son has shared stories in the past - his opinion, of course,  that makes me a bit leery of becoming involved of the family - don't want to enable them.... ok, enough about that.  I enable my sister enough at times so I don't want to get involved with another family member.  

Christmas seems to always be the time of giving to others, doesn't it.  I think it is instilled in us as we grow up and get our own gifts, that we should also give to others.  We don't have much, but if I can help someone, I want to - year round.  There are a lot of things we haven't done this year, but we have been able to bless others.  We get so many requests for money from different charities, as you do.  And every time hubby will ask me what do I want to do - I usually say 'trash it'.  I prefer donating when I want to and the amount I want to.  Just because it is Christmas doesn't mean our financial status has grown bigger.  We may donate to one this year, but not next year.  It depends on what I see and hear about what they do.  I prefer to give as I hear people have a need.  And if it is someone I know whom I can give anonymously to, that makes me happy.  I try to be 'my brother's keeper'.  Just have to be careful on who needs because of life, and who has been unwise with what they did have.  Make sense?

And with that, I am going to shut up for today.  Lucky you.  God is good, and He is faithful.  I love Christmas - not for the giving and receiving of gifts - but because it causes me to pause and remember that Jesus came as a baby, born in a stable, laid in a manger.... for me, and for you.  He could have been born in a palace and people would have thought He was just for the rich; but He came as a poor child would, and He came for you and me.  What a great God we have!  

Christmas is one week from today - how are you doing with this season?  Let go and let God handle any stress.  Sometimes we just have to say 'enough' and stop shopping.  It's not about the gift; it's about love. And that's why Jesus came.  He came for Love.

Blessings!

And we have a birthday boy!

 Yep - today is my middle child's birthday.  I can easily remember the day he was born.  Uncle Dennis had come to spend the weekend with us and my husband and he were planning on going squirrel hunting the morning of Labor Day.  Yes, he was a Labor Day baby.  He now gets to share that honor with his nephew, who was born yesterday, on Labor Day.  Anyway.... they went hunting after dropping me off at my mother's house.  After all, I was already a bit late on delivering this child (and at that time, we had no clue until they came out what they were! First words out are "what is it?")  so didn't want to be left at home alone with our oldest child of 2 in case something happened.  Good thing.

Something DID happen at my mother's.  She tried to teach me how to crochet and I actually was able to create a small doily,.... and I had to go to the bathroom.  I came back and told my mother that my water had broke - so she told my stepfather to get the car ready.  So what does he THEN decide to do?  Go get gas in the car.  I'm sitting on a towel in the chair, trying to crochet and focus, when the pains start.   Thank goodness, my husband and his brother arrived about then and instead of waiting for my stepfather to return, I got in to the VW with the 'guys' and off we headed to the hospital - about a 45 minute drive, if I recall at that time.  The pains were starting to get harder and faster, and hubby was driving as fast as he dared.  

We made it.  But, of course, my doctor was out of town so his 'cover' had to be called.  I never did like that doctor.  And because he made me wait until he had a cup of coffee before they put me out, I liked him less. (by then I was making a lot of noise - to the point the nurse told me to shut up!  How dare she!!)  Daggone it, it hurt!  My first pregnancy/delivery was so easy, I was expecting this one to be.  Nope, it wasn't.  

But the result was well worth it when this beautiful baby boy was laid in my arms.   We were so happy with a boy, making him my husband's namesake.  And today is this 'baby boy's birthday.  Happy birthday, son.  I am so proud to be your mama.

Just text'd my son Happy Birthday.... I waited so I wouldn't wake him in case he could sleep - but he responded he had been at work since 5AM.  Reminds me he had said he could work 10 hours today if he wanted to.  He's usually awake so it's a good thing he can start early.

For my son on his special day.... 

Numbers 6:24-26 (NKJV):  "May the Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face towards you and give you peace."

Yesterday was a good day off work - cookout at the daughter's, then off to the hospital to see our new Labor Day great-grandson.  Mom and baby are doing well.  It was nice to be able to relax and do a little reading before heading on to bed.  And here we are, another day, and I have to work.  I was wishing yesterday, and again today, that I had taken today off.  But I did not.  But I will take off work early as I have a new doctor's appointment today.  Still unsure if I should change doctors - especially since I had forgotten and discovered the other day - in 'My Portal'..... any doctor I see can see what the other doctors are doing... which means, my current doctor can see I am going to a new doctor... and here he is prescribing for my mammogram and bone density... well, I still need to get them done.... I don't need to see him at all... they will call me with the results of the tests - plus I can read the notes in My Portal.  As can any other doctor I have.  (squirm squirm)  I'm a private person for the most part.  Not sure I like everyone seeing who I go to and what is done.  But I get it - saves transferring notes - which they never did get from my doctor of 30+ years.  Its' almost like starting over - but going into the notes, it isn't.  I'll be taking off work a bit early to get to this doctor's appointment - and will see how it goes.  At least I can get established and can gradually move over to her this year.  First time I've ever had a female doctor - this may be a good thing.  Females don't look at you like you are nuts when you tell them something.  Men just don't always understand.  And some things you just can't tell a man - even if he is your doctor!

Now to hit the shower and get dressed and ready for the day.  Need to quit procrastinating on the minutes and get them done - today!

Blessings!