And so the meetings start!

At least this early meeting does! I was able to skip it last month as they made it a Christmas - oh, excuse me - a "holiday" party for their department, and I didn't have to attend. You would think that since I was in that department prior to this position, and because I have to be in their meeting every month taking minutes, that I would be included in their "holiday" party. But I wasn't. Interesting. Oh well. Today we have a real meeting and I will be there. I'm even bringing in the left-over store-bought cookies that hubby had left over from his meeting last night. Not many - but enough we don't want at home.

Work has been fairly busy the past couple weeks. Our printers (6 of them) are still giving us fits in different areas. Last Monday the one by me had a full toner cartridge. It doesn't take much to replace it, and inventory showed we had 7 in stock. Guess what. There are none to be found. So for two days I have had to print my items at a printer clear across the room - no kidding! It is nearly a straight line from my desk to the corner of the building - and I have to go all the way there to pick up my printing. A waste of my valuable time, for sure.

I am not liking - and liking - the time clock. This morning I clocked in when I got here (6:21 AM) as I need to prep for this meeting. Now I can do one of two things. I can count out my 8 hours (minus a 1/2 hour lunch) and then go home, or I can clock stay until I have been going home lately and get over time. No biggie. Anyway - I've been leaving about 3:45PM - 4:00PM because my boss has been gone for late meetings. I would stay if I had a meeting or if she needed me. I told her that I would make my hours 7-3:30PM - and I do enjoy getting out earlier cause that makes me home between 4:30 and 5:00PM. It just feels awkward - but I'm sure I'll get over that soon enough.

Well I need to get busy and pull my things together - that's what I'm here early for.

I prayed on the way in that God would not only protect me on the way in - but that He would open the lanes for me that I can move into them quickly, and that I would have safe travels. I love how He always answers. I can look in the rearview mirror to move into the next lane - and usually all the cars are about 20 car lengths back - which gives me plenty of time to move over. I love it when God determines my path! Ask Him to help you maneuver in traffic - He will!!

Blessings!

Back to Work!

Ugh. Had to get up at my 4AM time this morning for the first time in a week and head to work this morning. I awoke to hearing rain pouring down, but by the time I left at 6AM, the rain had stopped and the drive in wasn't too bad. A lot more traffic than the past couple of weeks, but it still wasn't too bad. I actually don't mind coming back to work - I was really getting lazy at home. And bored. I did get started on a Christmas present for next year, but still have a ways to go on it. And that's ok.

Hubby and I are doing our annual 21 day fast at the first of the year - and although I was enthusiastic about starting it, it has been difficult at times to maintain what I wanted to do. I have finally given in that I will eat chicken. I was going to stick to fruits and vegetables, but ... well, it has just worked out that way. I have been tempted to just give in and do chocolate - but I have resisted. I have my prayer list and am focusing on specific things - but of course God's thoughts are much better than mine, and He knows what will happen in the future so I just pray my prayers and leave the results to Him.

I had a fun time on Saturday with my daughter and granddaughter. We went to return an item, then had lunch and as we headed to the mall, my granddaughter mentioned we should do an 'adventure' together. She reminded me that two years or so ago I was willing for us to get our ears pierced (again) together. We talked about it and as we walked around the mall, there was a place that had a brief opening time, so the three of us got our ears pierced. It was funny taking photos of our faces when we got them done! My granddaughter and I laughed and just said "bonding time"! My daughter was not as amused. But it was fun.

Yesterday we headed up to Prescott Valley for church and visit with friends. It was a good time and we had fun just sitting around talking. It wasn't as much fun watching the Cardinals get slaughtered on TV. We turned it off when it was 36-6. Seriously? They have had a great season - and then blow off this game? Disheartening for sure.

And today I am getting my focus back on my fast and back on work. My boss is still off today, but I see I have 55 messages in my inbox so need to figure out how in missing one day of work that I could get so many emails. Job security?

Hope that you are doing well from the holidays and are ready to start the new year with a fresh outlook. I know I am. I'm focusing on those things that are important to me. God being #1.

Blessings!

and then, 'poof'! It's over....

What a ride these past few days have been! And it has been so much fun! At least for me. The build-up during the week of Christmas was almost as much fun as Christmas day itself. I had grandchildren over on Sunday, Wednesday, and again on Thursday. Love having them all around and we had so much fun baking cookies and making Christmas mice. That, for me, is what makes Christmas so much fun - getting to spend time with the grandchildren and make Christmas goodies. (and then send them home - the cookies and the grandchildren! Just kidding!)

Christmas eve ended with my daughter and her family over for dinner and opening gifts. It was a nice time, howbeit somewhat strained. Unfortunately there is great tension between the father and the daughter, plus the daughter had to work all day and wasn't feeling well. Those things affect everyone and ruins things for all involved. My own daughter put on a good front, but even she felt the tension and was not able to relax and enjoy the evening. And that is sad that one person is so self-centered and selfish that they would put their control over the happiness of their child. Just my opinion. They have lost their daughter's respect.... and they stand to lose her as well. But that is all for another day, another time. Just my rambling thoughts. All in all, we had a good time over dinner and opening gifts.

Someone brought in homemade 7 layer brownies. I just made myself over the top on a sugar high. Why do I do that? Ick! Drink coffee and make myself come down!!

Christmas morning started early as usual for hubby and I. We have our own traditions of getting up early, getting a fire started in the fireplace, getting a cup of hot coffee, and settling down in our chairs to open our stockings and see what's in there. Then we go back and forth opening our gifts. We both made out quite well this year. We even had a gift from "Santa" - a back massager.

After a little while the youngest son and his family came over to open their gifts. He was already in belligerent spirits... with the recent unexpected death of a solder friend of his, he has taken to drama in expressing his grief. Unfortunately, this display of "grief" and of previous displays of behavior, may be the very thing that will keep him from getting a transfer he wants. Instead of stepping up and being a leader, he is behaving like an immature child. And he won't listen. Sigh, again, my thoughts have wandered. Christmas with his family was good. We had cinnamon rolls afterwards - and I felt guilty for just serving that. I have promised that next year we will have pancakes or French toast and scrambled eggs, at least. I couldn't believe how tall his oldest son has gotten - the hoodie I bought him was too short! And I love the fact that he actually talked with me; usually he shies away. It was a good time of giving and receiving gifts.

And a short time later my middle child and his family made their appearance. As we were asked to wait until our granddaughter arrived from another city, we ate lunch first. Again I sorta screwed it up. I had already put the ham on, but because I wasn't planning on us eating for at least another hour, it wasn't hot through and through. But we managed. Again I looked at lunch and wished I had done it differently. In fact, I have already started writing down my thoughts for December next year for dinner, breakfast, and lunch. I love to cook - and I let my opportunity get by me. Never again. Had a great time with everyone and I loved the surprised looks on their faces at some of the gifts bought specifically with them in mind. This son's very last gift arrived yesterday. I was so disappointed it wasn't here in time for Christmas, but I hope he will like it. I'm disappointed in how it turned out - not quite like the photo, but it's ok.

All the grandchildren seemed to like their quilts I made them this year. I have two I have in mind to make for next Christmas and am ready to start on the first one. Get them made and then put away is my plan. I've already ordered one thing I found online to put back for one person for next year. Maybe I can do that through out the year - if I can keep from giving to them.

It was a good Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It was here, and now 'poof' it's gone and we are looking New Years Eve in the face. I'm working today, then I have five days off work. Going to be tough going back to work next Monday! But I'm hoping to get a lot done while I'm off. Cleaned the closets, pantry, and the refrigerator the day after Christmas. Now to focus on other things. Purging a lot of 'stuff' would be a good way to start the new year.

In all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas activities, I did remember to quiet myself and think of the reason we celebrate Christmas. It isn't about the giving and receiving of gifts, which is a lot of fun and is good. It is remembering the Christ child who came to earth. True, we don't know WHEN He was born specifically. We don't know WHERE specifically He was born. But the good news is that He WAS born, and that God sent His Son to redeem us from a fallen world.

And He still redeems us. Our world has truly fallen and if one would allow themselves to fear of the future, it could cause great fear. But my Hope is in Him, the One who loves us unconditionally. He gives us so many chances to turn to Him, to humble ourselves and pray, and seek His face. When we do that, He will turn to us, He will listen to us, and He will heal our lands (and our homes). Glory to God.

Blessings!

Do you know HIM?

We attended a service at another church recently in which the pastor talked about the movie ELF. Have you seen it? It's a funny movie about a human who became an elf for awhile. I don't want to ruin the story for you so won't tell you more about that. But I will tell you one part that the pastor emphasized that changed my thinking.

There is a scene in which Buddy, the elf, is in a department store. He hears that Santa is coming to the store and he gets sooooo excited! He starts telling everyone, "Santa is coming!" and "I know him!", "I know him!". And Buddy DID known him. He knew Santa. He had lived with Santa in his life.

But let's take it a step further. Do you know HIM? Do you know the ONE of whom we celebrate this season? Do you know HIM who's birth we celebrate on the 25th? Do you get excited about Santa Claus coming to your house - or do you get excited about celebrating HIM?

For the past several years I have taken to reading the story of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. I love reading about how God sent Him to earth, just for me and you. I imagine the angels coming to the shepherds who were guarding their flocks by night and telling the good news of a Savior being born and placed in a manger, wrapped in swaddling cloths. I think about the startled fear the shepherds must have felt when the angels started praising God in the highest. And when it was all over, the overwhelming joy that would flood over the shepherds, wanting to leave their flocks and rush to Bethlehem, to see the Christ child, the King of Kings, Jesus Messiah. And they ran to where the star was overhead, went in, and bowed down and worshipped.

What would you do if the angels came and told you Christ was here? The Savior of the world, the One and Only.....Jesus? Would you run to Him, bow down, and worship? Would you fall on your face and cry out for joy? Would you dance before Him, praising His name and glorifying Him?

The first step in doing anything is knowing HIM. Do you know HIM? Can you whisper with excitement, "I KNOW HIM!"?

I tell you today, that He knows you, and He loves you more than life itself. In fact, He gave up His life for you. And He gave it up for me. Such a sacrifice, for such sinful people. He took our sins - known and unknown, before we were even born or thought of - and allowed Himself to died on the wooden, rugged cross.

I John 1:9 says "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." No big fanfare, just a whispered prayer, "Lord, please forgive me all my sins. Help me to live according to Your Word."

Do you know HIM? Think about it. It's the perfect season to find Him.

Blessings!

It's getting closer!!

and I'm done. I mean, seriously, all the shopping and wrapping is done. Well, I still have one more item to wrap, but that's it. I've been done for over a week - first time ever, I think. Now I still need to make salsa and pickles for different ones, but they know they will get when I get it done. Right now I am concentrating on getting my grandchildren over to bake cookies and make Christmas mice. I love this time of year. Last night I had three of the grandsons over and I think they had fun - I know I did. I love having them over. I even teased the oldest one if he would make it next year.... he was trying to determine if he would....

Tonight we are going to visit a former neighbor and take her some goodies, tomorrow night hubby has his men's group at the house - and I have a massage scheduled! Then Wednesday the next "batch" of grandchildren will be over to bake and make mice - and finally on Thursday, the remaining two will be over and then their parents will come for dinner and we will do our Christmas exchange then. Then Christmas morning my boys come over at different times and we do the exchange game with them. :-)

I need to go to grocery to pick up things I want to make. I guess I need to be thinking about what I'm having for meals. Usually ham sandwiches and potato chips... but wanted to fix a couple other things as well... I know I have two desserts I can't wait to make! I'm hoping they will be a big hit!

I have already signed out of the computer since I have my 8 hours in. My boss left early to go get her hair cut. When you are a boss and salaried, you can do that. My 8 hours are in so I'm going to mosey on out of here too. If they would make me salaried, it wouldn't be such a big deal. But since I have to clock out - it is more obvious that I have my 8 hours in. Otherwise, I never look. When my boss stays, I will probably stay as well. She did give me 5 hours overtime I earned last week - that will help. But I can't do that every week. :)

Hope that you are planning good things with your loved ones this season. I know I am.

Blessings!

Where has the time gone?

Here we are already nearing the end of December.... Christmas is next Friday and the following Friday is New Years Day. Wow. I saw I hadn't put anything on here since December 1 - and today is the 18th - doesn't seem like it has been that long, but geez, it sure has been busy!

Our office did get moved; I worked for two days, then took the next five work days off. I got a lot done, I think, during that time - at least all my shopping and wrapping completed. Still have some things I want to finish up, but it will be worked in this remaining week before Christmas.

Oh yeah, the BIG yard sale was this past week. We talked my aunt into having it only Thursday and Friday - and she still made some money - but oh the stuff left over!! We bagged (5 big black bags) clothes and boxed (numerous) up all the remaining items. Salvation Army is to pick it up today. She called me on Saturday last week and asked for her car back - I told her I'd bring it over Sunday. Now mind you, I told her NOT to get into the bags or boxes as Salvation Army is to pick up. When I opened the garage door she had opened every bag and had clothes on the floor of the garage. She had gone through the boxes. When I inquired what for - her response was she was looking to see if a certain tablecloth had been sold. Without even asking which one, I told her it had. (What hadn't sold I bought at a reduced price - better than giving to Salvation Army for nothing, right?) So I packed everything back up and told her to stay out of it. She was sneaking things back into the house. She called the other night about something else - then commented she would see me on Saturday. Sigh. I was hoping to stretch out my visits some now that the yard sale was over. I will go see her tomorrow but only for a couple hours. I need grandma time with the grandchildren.

Which brings me to another topic. It's time for baking with the grandchildren! I'm already behind schedule. No more time off before Christmas - well, other than Christmas Eve. Since my shopping is completed and wrapping is done, I am hoping to have some over to bake soon. Will have to see what fits the parent's schedule as well. I think I have everything for the grandchildren - the main thing they want to do is make Christmas mice anyway and I have all that "stuff" for those.

As we are getting closer to Christmas my thoughts have turned more and more to the reason we have Christmas. Some times I just shake my head at the politically correct "happy holidays" statement. Where do they think Christmas comes from? Without the birth of Christ (Christ-mas - get it?) there wouldn't be a holiday. I always make a point to say Merry Christmas in spite of what we are told. In fact, I brought some of my gifts in to the office today so I won't have so much next week (lots of people get my cranberry pumpkin nut bread and/or pickles and/or salsa) and I took some bread to our HR person and looked at her and said, "I say Merry Christmas". She just laughed.

And I need to get to work - still behind from being off 5 days. But it is worth it. Plus the clocking in and out now is a bear - so when my 8 hours is up - I have the option to stay and continue what I'm doing until I'm ready to leave - or I tell them my 8 hours is in and I go home. Yesterday I left at 3:45.

Hope you are getting everything completed that you want to - and keeping a good spirit while doing it.

Blessings!

It's going to happen......so they say....

We finally got approval yesterday. YEP, we are now scheduled to move our offices this Friday and over the weekend. Monday morning we will be reporting to the new building location. It's finally 'over' - well, not over until the fat lady sings, but the approvals for occupancy are in - and that is a good thing. We've been living out of bins for the past two weeks and I have no idea where things are.

Today has been a crazy day. I worked from home yesterday because I can.... and got a little bit done. As I have mentioned before, they have changed us to a time clock situation where we have to go into ADP in the computer to hit "time stamp" so that we clock in and out. We have not been given a "grace period" where you can clock in five minutes before or after - we were told it has to be exact or it will be 'noted' that we didn't clock in at the right time. (Seriously?) It is such a pain. Already.

It interrupted me yesterday while I was trying to work. It has interrupted me today as well. I clocked out for the lunch I never take, ate at my desk, worked, and did errands for the bosses around the office. Then it came time for me to clock back in. It was 12:55 and I had to clock back in at 1:11. I was asked to come remove food from the conference room across the way at 1PM. I couldn't leave, I had to wait so that I could clock back in. If I clocked in before, it would be "noted".... so I didn't want to clock in late - it would take me 20-30 minutes to clear out the food, take to kitchen, clean things up and then come back to my desk. So I sat here until 1:11 so that I could clock in - then went to clean the food up. I've complained already to HR - they said they would bring it up at the next HR meeting. I suggested Admins be exempt from the time clock. If I have to go to 8-5PM that would be the pits. But I'm trying to cooperate. I send the big report out at 6:30-7:00AM - depending on when I get to the office. If they make me wait until 8AM to clock in - many people will get a late start on their day, waiting on the report to come through. Catch 22 I guess. I figure I will do what I need to - clock out when I should, and just hang around until my usual time to leave - unless my boss isn't here, then I could leave if I wanted to.

Thanksgiving was a good day. I enjoyed one of my granddaughters coming to help me bake and get things ready for the Thanksgiving meal. It was a good weekend cause I had both Thursday and Friday off. The month of December is going to be crazy for me. I worked from home yesterday (which was nice cause it was cold outside), and Friday I'm taking a 'sick day'. Need to get results from some lab work I had done on Monday. Next week I'm off Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to help Aunt Sue with her yard sale (which is already proving to be a nightmare. We had things in stacks.... and she has gone through them and moved things around to where I have no idea where things are). Then I'm off the following Monday and Tuesday to finish up my shopping and baking. Then the week of Christmas, I'm off Christmas Eve AND Christmas Day. And then I'm off the day before New Years Eve, New Years Eve, and New Years Day.

2016 is going to kill me in January when I have to go every day. Oh wait - we DO have one day off that month! I just have six vacation days I need to use - or lose by the end of the year. I didn't realize I had held on to that many. I try to reserve 2 or 3 days for December - but hadn't planned well, I guess. And that's ok! I want to make sure I have everything done by Christmas and this gives me that opportunity.

Our Christmas tree is up and decorated. The ornaments are out for the grandchildren to select - whenever we see them. The back bedroom is loaded down with all the shopping I did this weekend - heaven help me with all the packages start arriving cause I did a lot online as well. Sure beats going out shopping. It may take me longer to select something, but it also limits me picking up 'one more thing' for someone. I'm hoping everyone will like what I selected. This year seems more difficult for some reason.

Most of all, I want to remember the REASON for this time of year. A fellow Admin and I were discussing this today. The REASON is much more important than doing all the gift stuff. Unless children go to church, I find it rare that a parent will remind them what the reason is for Christmas. It isn't all about the gifts - it's about the GIFT that was given to us. How are you sharing the GIFT this year?

Blessings!