It's been a very good day.

Today is my 71st birthday.  40 years ago this was considered 'old' - and maybe it still is to some of the younger people, but I really don't feel old.  Maybe because it is 'me'?  I know I get tired more easily.  In fact, my daughter and son-in-law, granddaughter and fiance, hubby and I just got back a bit ago from a Mexican Restaurant for lunch.... and when I got home, talked to my little brother and sister - then I needed a nap!

I woke up at my usual 4-4:30AM so got up to go do my quiet time.  Then hubby and I decided to just have cereal for breakfast cause we knew we were going out to a heavy lunch.  So ate cereal then watched Jentezen Franklin preach and then our church with Pastor Paul.   Jentezen was 'on-fire' today, talking about the end times and how Christians need to get out and vote in the upcoming election as the world as we know it may change if certain people are elected - without mentioning any names or political parties.

So other than watching them, going to lunch and eating way too much, talking on the phone or texting - a lot today - and taking a 1/2 hour nap - that's all I have gotten done today.  I didn't even try to unpack boxes yesterday nor today - although I should.  They won't get done if I don't.   Will see if I can get out there some time this week for maybe an hour a night.  It's just so stinking hot in the garage and I leave with a headache.  But I still need to go through boxes.

Upward Foundation came Friday and picked up several boxes that I had packed up for them.  I even took a deep breath and put some of the glass items that were on the table that no one has taken in a box for them to take.  I still have a lot on the table, but I'll work through it.  Hopefully by the end of the month I will have a clean table. 

I've gotten so many texts and facebook postings and it is really cool.  People I haven't talked to in years are sending greetings or friend requests.  It's nice to make contact again.  I'm still trying to figure out why this one person is always posting photos of food - and it looks all healthy and yummy.  I called my little sister and asked her if she knew - she hadn't noticed.  Wow - I didn't see a post where she just posted words - it always has a meal.  I wondered if she was a chef or a health nut or what.  Sure looks yummy.

Then I got up and had a chocolate covered strawberry that my boss had sent me for my birthday.  And it was good.    After my nap, that is.  or was.

I sure hope hubby isn't expecting me to cook dinner tonight.  I want something, but it sure isn't food.  I really didn't eat that much at lunch.  Hubby and I split a meal and I didn't eat all mine.  But I just 'want' something.  Hmmm.  Popcorn doesn't even sound good so guess I really do not want anything - but then, it's only 5;30PM and that can change.

Watched Overcomer again last night - what a great, encouraging, enlightening movie.  I wish all my children/grandchildren would watch it.  It really touches my heart - and encourages me.  Inspires me too.  Can't we all use a little inspiration?

May watch another movie tonight - but a chick flick.  Hubby can watch the fighting movies or intense movies while I'm working.  YAY - this is a four day week as we go on vacation on Friday - and no wifi where we will be at.  I'll take a jetpak but there is no guarantee it will work.  Some of my kids who want to get away and just read or take walks or just chill - this is where to go - no wifi, most things are still shut down - everything is furnished in the house and it's at least 20 degrees cooler than here.  Yeah, I'm looking forward to 5 days out of touch.  Just getting fresh information to share when I return, right?

Going to look for a movie - and keep celebrating me.  My workouts and healthy eating starts up tomorrow - got to get it together! 

So glad God has allowed me to live this long so that I can enjoy my children and grandchildren more.  And great-grandchildren when I can.  So looking forward to COVID restrictions lifting so that I can see them.  I'm tired of staying home - but then I wonder why.  I always stayed home.  Well, Iwent shopping, and I can still do that at some stores, but I just don't want to go.  Maybe that's the difference.

Have a good evening. 

Friday, Friday, what's up today?

Good morning, Sunshine!

It's a beautiful day to be alive!  The coolness of the morning at 6AM when I took Sheeba out for a quick walk was awesome.  Walking at a fast clip and making lots of progress in 15 minutes ..... when I realized I forgot a 'poop bag'.  Sheeba is notorious for pooping on the sidewalk during our walks.  YES, even when we take her out first thing in the morning - and she poops then too!!   Once I realized I didn't have a bag with me, we did an about face and hurried back home.  We made it, but it would have been just like her to get in front of a house nearby and 'let it go'.   

Upward Foundation is coming today to pick up a bunch of things we are getting rid of.  I quickly went through the table and some things no one shows any interest in I put in the box and marked it 'glass' so that they would be careful with it.  I hope.  Otherwise they will have a mess to clean up.

Yeah, it is still hard to let go of some things, but I have to.  I'm still waiting for the boxes with my white china and the rest of the Christmas dishes to be brought over - then I will see just what I can keep.  Those things I just can't let go of will put in a cabinet until I figure out what to do with it.  I'm grateful the kids took some things they wanted, but still have a lot to let go of.  I don't use it, so I need to let go of it.

I must say this morning is a bit different.  Hubby was sitting at the kitchen table when I came back from walking Sheeba, and was there when I came back here to get on the computer.  I haven't heard or seen him OR Sheeba in over an hour.  I don't want to go out of the room in case I find them - or they find me!  Hubby had said he was going out front to sit on the patio to do his quiet time, but he hasn't gotten there yet.  Sheeba will hear me if I come out so am staying put.  I know I didn't wear her out in the short walk.

Middle child and part of his family came over for dinner last night and I think all had a good time.  Got to show our daughter-in-love our new house - and she said she liked it.  Always glad when people like our house - cause we do!  Shared how my daughter and son-in-law are always checking up on us to make sure we are ok and if there is anything we need.  Food turned out good, I think, last night.  Sent the leftovers home with them - but forgot to send the ice cream.  Oh darn.  Oh well.  I did send some frozen pretzels and a couple other things.  

I get on this craving for things - i.e., waffles, pancakes, pretzels, ice cream, etc. - things that aren't good for me, then after eating a few, I'm done.  I should just limit myself to when we go out to eat, get my waffle, or get my pancake, and then I'm done.  Running to Dairy Queen for a blizzard would take care of the ice cream craving, I'm sure.  Running was just a word I used.  I would drive. :-)  I'd probably save money on groceries if I'd quit buying that stuff.

It was nice to sit outside on the front patio this morning in my rocking chair and watch the hummingbirds drink from the container I have hanging up.  Would like to get another one or two for I saw about 5-6 hummingbirds this morning flying around.  They are so quick!  I was surprised how low they will come down.  But as I sat there, in the coolness of the morning and the quietness of the day, I was able to thank God for His goodness to us.  He has provided so much for us, and is taking care of us.  That is always a good thing.

Hubby will probably outlive me - he went to the doctor yesterday and got a totally clean bill of health.   I got to start slowing down and taking better care of myself, for I don't think mine will be that good.  And I'm younger!  I mean, I think I'm healthy, but know with work and home issues, my stress level has been up quite a bit.  I did LifeLine Screening a few weeks ago - said I need to have some things checked out.... and I will... but how do you get a physical if you can't go in to the doctor's office?  I need one next month and it will be 'virtual'.  I did get the papers to get my blood work completed so we could discuss them when I call in.  Got to do that, but want to eat right for a few days at least before I go - hopefully the numbers won't be too bad.   I would probably need a week's vacation on the beach for my blood pressure to get down to where it should be.  And I refuse to take medication.  I do.  I absolutely refuse.  I don't want to take it.  Remove my stress and I'll be just fine.  If I could quit work, I'd be, well, almost fine. :-)

Gotta get back to work - and this is getting lengthy - have a great day!

Wow - this is interesting.....

Blogger has changed their look.  Not sure if I like it or not - will have to try it out - or I can revert back to the old.  I don't like change too much so will see.

Hubby has headed off to the doctor's office and Sheeba is in her crate.  Or, as our trainer called it, "dog cave".  She goes in there pretty frequently all by herself and sleeps.  She feels safe in there.  But, sometimes we have to shut the door and keep her in there.  With hubby gone, now is one of those times cause I need to work - after I finish this, anyway.

Middle child and his family are coming over for dinner tonight.  I asked hubby "permission" prior to sending a text.   Tomorrow is one of the grandson's birthday, and taking out to dinner is hard right now.  I'm not sure that I want to take the chance on one of my grandchildren being exposed to COVID just to have time with them.  Hubby was irritated at me last night because 'I thought we changed the celebrations to us taking the grandchild out for dinner so that we can talk with them and find out what is going on in their lives'.  Nice thought - and yes, that was the original idea.  But right now, COVID has put a damper on that.

Yes, I went out to dinner last night, and hubby goes out to eat frequently.  However, when it comes to a grandchild, I am much more cautious.  

So I'm excited they are coming over tonight and have meat sitting in water thawing out.  Not sure what else I'll fix, and I don't think it really matters - there will always be enough food.   Hubby is concerned about which table as my big table is laden down with glassware - which I said I could move to the smaller table.  But I may just add the leaf in the other table as there will only be six of us and go ahead and use it.  I'll have to do it while he's gone.  

Took Sheeba out for a nice walk this morning - it was cool out and was really nice.  We didn't go too far, a little over a mile maybe.  Hubby fussed he couldn't keep up cause I was walking so fast - but I have to walk fast to keep up with Sheeba and make it worthwhile for a big dog to be taken for a walk.  I told him to just go at his own pace - so he ended up about a 1/2 block behind us.  Which is fine - I'm walking Sheeba and she needs the exercise - and walking fast helps me too.

I got my climbing bear from my friend last night - my nephew in Tennessee sent it to me - and I love it.  I moved a wreath that was left on my 'porch' and was able to use that nail for it.  It is so cool.  Need to send him a thank you note.

Ok - I think I've decided I do not like this new format.  I'm going to try to find a way to kick it back to the old way.  I don't like I have to scroll up to type as it won't move.  I don't like some other features of this.  Wonder what my son thinks about it - if he writes something today.

Need to get busy for work - have a meeting Monday and I haven't done the minutes yet.  UGH.  I'm scheduling meetings AFTER HOURS for two governance committees..... and they are asking each other who is going to take the minutes for these meetings.  I'm trying to disappear from their minds. I don't like doing minutes to start with - and to do them for doctors I don't even know - naw, don't want to .  However, with that being said, if I'm told to, I reckon I don't have much choice.  Crossing fingers they will make a decision to do it themselves.

There - I reverted back to the old way.  Hopefully they will let me keep it, but from the way it sounds, they won't.  August 24th, I think it is, they will move them all to the new way.  I may quit blogging if it annoys me too much.

Have a great day!

It's one of those days....

I'm having a tough time today wanting to do anything work related.  Can't do anything home related because I need to be working.

AWWWW - I just got a birthday card from my boss!   Wish I knew how to link a photo to this page (will have to ask my son I guess!) but the front of the card says MAKE TODAY AWESOME and it looks like one of those signs on a marque.  So cute.  I'm going to put it on my bulletin board.  How fun is that!   I guess I can start celebrating.... when I'm at the office I celebrate all month, but this is much harder to celebrate at home.

Chatted via email with my boss for a moment - we are already making plans to meet up next month - and just catch up.  THEN we will plan our Christmas get-together.  Hopefully SOME-thing will be open by then - if not, we'll wear our masks and go shopping.  Last year she took me to a place called the Christmas Idea House.  It was so fun and you walk through it and purchase items made throughout the year.  I bought several things there last year.  

I'm meeting up with an old friend tonight - old as in I met her when I was pregnant with my oldest child.  My soldier hubby was in VietNam and her hubby was in another unit - can't think what it was.  He was stationed in Korea, I think.  It's been way too long to remember that stuff.   With our current move, we are only 4.6 miles away from her.  She just did a long road trip with her current hubby (of 20+ years) and was able to go through Tennessee and see my nephew.  AND, my nephew sent with her a bear carving he made - so hopefully I will get it tonight!   It will be just us for dinner - not sure why, cause when I suggested it I meant all four of us, but she wants it to be just us - and that's fine with me.

Hubby wasn't too thrilled with that (he loves to eat) but I reminded him that 1) he goes out to eat by himself when I'm busy with something else and 2) he meets his friends periodically for breakfast-lunch-or dinner and I sit at home.  I don't care.  He does though.  Could be he thinks he might miss something?

I finally got my butt moving early this morning and took Sheeba out for a short walk.  Hubby says that tomorrow morning he will get up early and will walk with us.  Wonder if I need to put a leash on him as well.  Not a question, just a statement.  

Speaking of leashes - we had a retractable one we used for Sheeba when we took her to the back yard.  She is so strong.  I had her out last week and had it locked at about 10 ft so she could wander around.  She loves bugs - and she jumped up to catch one - and broke the lock on the leash.  So hubby went and bought a new one.  Last night he had her out - now mind you, he isn't - how do I say this - real thoughtful about keeping Sheeba close.  By that I mean the retractable leash is 16 FT long.  I let her out about 10 so that if she pulls, it will extend out if the lock is broken.  Well, I guess she saw another dog being walked while out in the back yard - and hubby had let her extend it entirely the 16 FT and she decided to jump and run to the dog and the man walking her - it nearly pulled hubby's shoulder out of its socket - and it popped the lever on the leash so now there is no stopping her.   

While on the walk today I made sure I had the controller in my hand so she behaved.  I think it was just getting her out walking again - it's been a month and she may have forgotten a few things, but quickly got back into 'heel' position.   I ordered two 5 ft leashes so that we'd have for walking her, and a 10 ft leash to use in the back yard.  No more retractable leashes.  I want to keep control so she can move out, but she only needs to go out 10 feet.

It was so cool last night that one of my grandsons sent me a text and told me he loved me.  Warmed my heart.  This "little one" will be turning 18 on Friday.  Where have the years gone.  Wish I could have spent more time with him growing up, but things being what they are, it is what it is.  Can't live with regrets.  Hopefully with working from home and not spending hours on the road I can somehow connect once in awhile.

I've done 112.92 miles towards my 500 miles by the end of the year.  I guess that means I'm 1/5 of the way?  June 22 - August 2 = 112.92 miles.  Hmmm thinking out the time frame and I see that I need to kick it into gear a bit or I won't make the 500 miles (oh yes I will!!).  Just need to walk Sheeba more and get those miles in.

Guess I need to get off break and get back to work - only a few hours more to go.

Stay safe!

A new program....

Yeah.... trying something new.  Exercise. Yes, I know that I've 'tried' it numerous times in the past.  And it really isn't 'new' for me.... I found someone who is intense, for sure!  Hubby had complained recently about the gym still being closed - so to shut him up about not being able to exercise, I offered the alternative of using the person I planned to use.  For us to do them "together" - which is what he loves - us doing things 'together'.  Sigh.


After about of week of distractions and excuses, we finally decided to start on the exercises last night.  I asked hubby if he wanted to start before dinner, but he opted for after.  So, waiting an hour after dinner, we got the program up on the computer, and the equipment in front of us.


I am without words.  The exercises are intense.  They are put together by a woman who creates these for women - and she doesn't have an ounce of fat on her - she is all muscle. I don't mean bulk muscle, but firm.  Very firm and solid muscle.  Without even flexing you know she is.  She specifies these exercises are for women.  But, I had seen in some of the videos by other women that sometimes their spouses want to do them too so I thought why not?


I know I am out of shape.  I am the first to admit that.  That's all I'm going to say about that.  This isn't a bashing session.  I'm trying to get  better about that.  Let's just say that hubby had a great deal of difficulty doing even 3 of the exercises and couldn't figure out exactly what to do, even with the video.


I was distracted by trying to get him to use the right color of bands, doing it the right way, and doing the number of sets noted, and just getting through the exercise myself.  I was disappointed in myself that I didn't complete all the sets required because I was frustrated.  I couldn't focus on me.  Hopefully, if he continues, this will change.


The exercises we started with included a lot of squats with bands, doing side steps with bands, and other squats with bands.  That's just getting started.  Eventually we will be using handweights - of which we don't have.  I don't know if hubby gave our son-in-law back the 10 lbs he had loaned us - but I can't even find my 5 pounds.  Hopefully they are in a box somewhere.  We needed them last night but had nothing to use.  Still looking to find some weights to use.  I would like 5 lbs, 10 lbs, and maybe 15 lbs.  I know I am not interested in lifting any more than that.  At least not at this time.


Here in my room this morning, before I came out or started working, I managed to get down on the floor and do a few exercises in my little area.  I'm using two soup cans for weights - hey - it's better than nothing!!  I'll get it pulled together eventually.  My frustration comes from having to take care of hubby too, and listening...….


I must be in better shape than I thought - this morning my legs are barely sore, but hubby seems to be having trouble moving around.  Or so he is acting.  Maybe with the distractions I didn't get to put enough effort in it.  I wanted to, for sure.  Why put any effort into exercise unless you plan for it to be effective?  If he is really sore - good - that means perhaps he put a lot of effort into it.


This program is for six days a week - about an hour a day.  I really want to get my body into shape - I'm always embarrassed about my belly sticking out over my pants.  So, I will continue to do what I can do.   I just hope I don't get discouraged by the distractions.


I can never erase the comment hubby spoke to me shortly after we moved out here.  I maybe weighed 130 lbs then.  We were at Paradise Valley mall, walking around, and we went to the food court cause I needed to use the restroom.  When I walked back to where he was waiting, his first - and only - comment back to me was "your hips are as wide as your shoulders".   I think I have been self-conscious about my weight and size ever since.  I've gone up and down over the years, but have never been consistent in keeping it off.  Hopefully, this time I will.


Blessings!

Shaking my head....more stuff!

I had to make a trip down to my office this morning.  I was a little anxious because I did not know how much time it would take, or even what route Siri would take me.  As I mentioned before, I think I figured out we were now 56 miles from my office.


Siri was very kind to me.  The route she took me on - which isn't the one I thought it would be - took me 45 minutes to get TO the office, leaving the house at 6AM.   I met the person who was to turn in her computer equipment and finished packing up my personal things to bring home.  It was 9:55AM when I finally got started on my return trip.  Again, Siri took me the route in reverse and I wouldn't have thought to go that way.  Again, even at mid-day, it only took me 45 minutes to get home.  But, I'm exhausted from the packing and the drive.  Guess I have just gotten used to staying home and not traveling anywhere.


Bringing stuff home from work is a riot.  Of course all the snacks I have purchased for meetings - have expired.  Or are getting ready to expire.  So I put some in the lunchroom.  I put some on the top of a cabinet in my area.  And I put some in a bag for me to bring home. :-)  Fill up my snack dish.  AND I have two boxes of 'STUFF'.  I'm not even sure what all I brought home.  I cleaned out 3 drawers of my desk, an overhead compartment, 4 large drawers and a compartment in another filing cabinet.  Not bad that I only ended up with two boxes of things to bring home.  Mostly it is things I need for the office, as in supplies.  A ream of printer paper, a box of pens, a tablet or two of paper.  Then a bunch of personal things that I have no idea what to do with - guess they will go in the Upward Foundation box.  Thank goodness they are coming Friday to pick up!  I brought the snacks in, but left everything else out in the back of my car.  Just don't want to deal with it right now.  But I will need to get it out of the car later.  Just not right now.


Wow, I must be more tired than I thought.  I just laid my head down and figured a ten minute break - and I fell into a deep sleep immediately and slept for nearly 25 minutes!  Now to get the foggy head cleared so that I can get back to work!  I must have needed the rest for sure!   And I am entitled to breaks and lunch hour and really haven't taken those today so am glad I snoozed.


We were invited to my daughter's for dinner last night and she asked if I would bring dessert. No problem.  I wanted to make the hot fudge pudding cake, but found a recipe very similar calling it Brownie pudding cake or something like that.  So I made it from scratch.  It must have been pretty good cause my daughter asked that I leave the leftovers at their house - which I had no problem in doing.  I had a piece of it and it was pretty good.  Right from the oven it would. have been better, but it was still good warm.  I love to cook and try new recipes so it was fun for me.


I guess I have rambled on enough for now.  Hope you all are having a good day!


Blessings!

A new idea; perhaps a better plan...

As I sat and did my quiet time this morning I looked over at the bookcase at the stack of old journals that I have found.   I reached over and took one, and since they are in no particular order, I wasn't sure what year I would even get.

It was a time period in 2004.

I started reading and I read of times I cried out to God to help me to be the woman He created me to be.  To get beyond my own feelings and inadequacies, but to fall in love with not only my husband, but also re-fall in love with Jesus to the point that nothing else matters but that I am obedient to Him and Him alone.

I have failed.

It's so easy for the devil to work his way in that it is in the subtle things we do and say that before we know it, what we are doing is "normal" and we don't realize we have changed. 

I have changed.

I've lost the passion I once had for God.  I want it back.  I know He hasn't forgotten me, and He still has heard every cry and seen every tear and has forgiven me.  I know that beyond a doubt.  He knows when I hurt so badly over things that He will wrap me in His loving arms and give me what I need for that moment in time.

I don't want to be whom I am now.  I am void of life; empty; and feel devalued by some and pushed aside by others.  That's ok, if that's in God's plan.  But if it is the devil's plan to bring me down, it isn't going to succeed.

Cause what I am going to do is push harder into God.  I'm going to seek Him more.  I'm going to hold my tongue and wait before speaking. I'm going to wait on Him.

What about you?  Were you at one time wrapped up in Jesus so tightly that nothing mattered but Him?  Did life get in the way and you found your anger, frustrations and just life pushing Jesus further and further out?  I can understand.

Now is the time to change that.  Today.  Right now.  Take a moment and just reach inside and offer everything up to the One who loves you so much.  Lay your burdens down at His feet.  Tell Him you are sorry you walked away, and you may need help in getting back, but you are seeking Him.

And seek Him with all your heart.  NOTHING in this world matters but Jesus.  Our jobs, our finances, our families - they are all under control.  It's not our job to 'fix' things; it is our job to bring to Jesus the delays, the struggles, the hurts, the frustrations - and ask Him to take it over.

And let Him.  Let them go.  Get up and walk away from them.  Let Jesus sort them out.  It may take time, it may not end the way you want it to.  But that isn't your problem.  Your relationship with Jesus is more important than how anything in life ends up.

What are you going to do?

I know what I'm going to do.  I may not change immediately, but I'm trusting God that He will help me find my passion for Him again.  I want to KNOW Him, not just know about Him.

My prayer is that you give it all to Him too.  Join me in this journey.

Blessings!