Hmmm... interesting....

 I noticed yesterday that the pink on my arm was nearly gone, as was the swelling.  As it was disappearing... I noticed a small red mark.  Hmmmm I wonder... could I have had a bug bite that caused my arm to become swollen and pink in that area?  The area that was swollen and pink was about mid-forearm (where the red spot is) up the arm about halfway between my shoulder and elbow, and about 4-5 inches wide.  And it was warm.  I never saw my DIL to check it out - or she would have probably figured it out right away.  But, the pink is nearly gone completely now and the swelling seems to be gone as well.  I did share the info with my trainer this morning and he even said it sounded/looked more like a bite versus pulling a muscle, especially since there was no pain with it.  So - what did we work on this morning?  Shoulders and biceps and triceps.  Yep.  And I can tell I have worked them this morning.  He also told me to use my own weights (cause I only see him for 30 minutes and we can only do so much) and today complete also rows, bench presses, and lateral shoulder lifts - 3 sets of 12.  At least he didn't mention using the heavy weights so I will use what I am comfortable with at this time.  And yes, I wrote it down so I wouldn't forget.  Hubby is meeting is friend for breakfast this morning so I can do it while he is gone.  And because upper body was today - I can 'look forward' to lower body/legs on Thursday.  Oh yay.

Grateful for answered prayers and a grandson was able to come 'home' yesterday.  We haven't been over to see him yet but I am hoping to maybe take my lunch hour and run over for a quick visit.  So much drama in this family and I actually grieve for all their problems.  Some are made by themselves; some are not.  All I can do is pray for them, and that is what I do.

Why is it some people feel like they just have to be in control?  Sigh.  I have commented several times I'd like to have people over for meals... then hubby tells me who I can invite; who he wants invited.... and I just stop. It isn't the people... it is him telling me who.   Yesterday I mentioned having a particular family over and I'd cook breakfast on Saturday... .and he started telling me what HE wanted... and I stopped thinking about it.  Later he asked me if I was having them over and I told him no.  He never asked why.  It isn't that we wouldn't agree on who to invite.... he just wants it to be his decision on how many and who.  I have to do the cooking, shouldn't it also be my decision on how many I want to cook for?  It's easier to cook for several than it is for one or two people.   I was irritated, to say the least.  Sigh.  He always steals my joy in doing things and just doesn't get it.  Ok, I'm grumbling.

But... when I came home from the gym I decided to fix myself a cup of coffee.... I'm a big girl, I can do that.  But no, here comes hubby, insisting he make the coffee (we have a kereig) for me.  sigh.  Can't I just make my coffee and go sit down and enjoy it? All by myself?

Work was kind of slow yeserday and I saw after I signed off that I have over 20 emails to look at this morning - probably will have some work to do with them too.  At least it will make the day go by faster.

I only have a few more minutes and I gotta get on the work computer - that is the disadvantage of going to work out - but it is good for me so I am holding on to that.  Want to get my bones strong and the body in better shape to endure my latter years. 

I read in my bible this morning about the paralytic who was carried by four friends and the roof broken up so that they could lower him down in front of Jesus.  And what did Jesus do?  He looked at the friends, and saw their faith... and He healed the paralytic.  And you know what?  Jesus can do that for me, and for you.

Many of us have allowed 'life', or situations in our life, to paralyze us.  I know I have.  I have grumbled about being in prison long enough so you know that is true.... but we all put ourselvs in situations where we have allowed ourselves to become paralyzed - by letting ourselves go and letting our health deteriorate, by allowing someone to take over our lives and control all we do, by refusing to step out and take that risk of doing something and possibly succeeding.

We don't write the book.  We don't exercise.  We don't eat right.  We don't make that item.  We don't choose to create.  We don't get that education. We don't.... you can fill in the blank.  I'm guilty.  I know I am.  I probably could say I'm guilty of all those.  Yesterday I was in a state of depression.  There, I said it.  I was in my own pity party and no one else was invited.  I wallered for awhile.  Yeah, I got out of it... I refuse to stay there.... but I die inside when those times happen.  Ever feel that way?  Ever feel that your life is meaningless; has no value?

But it does.  Jesus loves me, and He loves you too.  He is always waiting on us to acknowledge Him, to sit and talk with Him for a spell.  And you know what?  He keeps secrets we don't want others to know.  I have found I can tell Jesus everything - and know it won't be repeated.  And He comforts me and loves me and shows me what I need to do.  

Working out is one way I can help myself.  It helps me make better choices with my food; it strengthens my body (my bones),; and it gives me confidence in myself as I see my body change.   And it is all for His glory.  I'm less self-conscious if I feel good about myself.  Yeah, after three workouts I still have a ways to go... before I even see many results... but I'm one step closer with each day I do it.

And with that rambling... I'm going to get off - oops - two minutes to get the work computer up!

Blessings!

Ancestry is facinating....

 I've done both 23andMe and Ancestry.com and it's interesting the reports I've gotten.  It's been awhile since I've actually read through the entire reports, but they can be interesting. Previous reportings said my ancestors came from Great Britain, I think it was... and another report I got said I also cam from Ireland, which I suspected with a great grandmother's maiden name of DeBerry. One of these days I will sit down and really look at my history and see. - just for the fun of it.  I have a timeline of my mother's side of the family - would like to draw out a family tree of just my family line... some day.  I find it interesting.  I may not know all my history in a human sense, but I do know that God is my Heavenly Father, Jesus is my Brother, and the Holy Spirit is my Friend.  

I've often used the excuse that "I don't have time as long as I'm working".... and that is a true statement... but there are other reasons I don't dive into things.  I've gotten lazy.  Yep. I admit it.  My body has settled in the routine of not rushing about getting to where I need to be (work) and being active during the day and then rushing to get back home.  I leave this desk, dress, and go to the 2nd bedroom to turn on the work computer and by 7AM (or before), I am checking emails and calendars to see what is on the agenda for that day.  Some days there is absolutely nothing.  It's nice not to have to drive an hour to work and two hours back home.  I used to get so sleepy coming home; I still remember one time actually falling asleep as I was getting off at my exit.  No amount of singing and pinching and air blowing full blast in the face works when you are exhausted. I am grateful I don't have to travel that daily now... but I miss the activity. Does that make sense?  Sure has saved on gas and wear and tear on the car, for sure!  

Hubby has his gym appointment this morning so will be gone at least an hour.  I go tomorrow morning.  I just checked my arm... I never made it to have my DIL look at it.  It was still swollen and pink yesterday. It still feels swollen, but I've prayed over it so am just going to believe I stretched that muscle in that tricep.  I'll check with the trainer tomorrow morning when I go, if we need to rest it a few more days and just do legs tomorrow or get in to the routine of upper body on Tuesdays and legs on Thursdays.  He did give me some dumbbell exercises to do here at home, but with my arm swollen and pink, I chose not to even do anything.  Maybe it is lactic acid that has built up over the years of nonuse and is rebelling about getting moved out of my muscle?  LOL  Ok, that even sounds dumb.

Yesterday was a fairly quiet day. We went to church, came home and changed clothes, then went to Portofino's for lunch.  2nd time there.  Food isn't bad.  Came home after that and took a nap (both of us) and then I went to Michaels to pick up yarn I was needing, only they were out of what I needed.  Didn't want to go to JoAnns.  Saw Bed Bath and Beyond is closing the store... they were too expensive for me before, but I went in to look at 30-50% off items.  Ended up buying a few little things for Christmas stockings, and some socks for hubby.  Remembered we were out of milk and need for cereal or for shakes, so stopped at the grocery on the way home and picked up a few things.  The rest of the evening was quiet; didn't cook dinner; hubby fixed something for himself, as did I.  We watched a movie. Read for a bit, then went to bed. A nice quiet day.

Psalm 19:1-2 (NLT):  "The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known."

How long has it been since you went outside at night and sat down and just looked at the stars.  Has it been awhile?  Sometimes you can see really unique things if you pause your life long enough to look.  I forget what the app is, but a friend a few years back told me about this app that you can bring up, and it will show you the stars (on the app) that are just above you.  Even if you are in your house.  I did it a few times when I had the app on my phone, but after awhile, who has time for that?  And besides, if I want to look at the stars that God put in place, I want to be outside and looking up and glorifying His handiwork; not looking at my iphone and saying, 'oh look, there's a star'.  Give credit where credit is due - and all things created are by the hand of God. 

Have you noticed though, the beautiful sunrise - or the beautiful sunset, in which God displays His handiwork?  Or His craftmanship, as the NLT suggests.  I am reminded once again of what my mother always said.... "Pink sky at night, sailors delight; pink sky at morning, sailors take warning."  And, if you look, you will see where that saying came from in the Bible. 

Matthew 16: 1-4 (NKJV):  "Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven. He answered and said to them, "When it is evening  you say 'it will be fair weather, for the sky is red;' and in the morning, 'It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.  A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shal be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah." And He left them and departed."

Since my mother lived nowhere near a lake or river or sea while she was growing up, I wonder how she latched on to that saying.  It could have come from her ancestors, I guess.  How many sayings to we pass on to our children, our grandchildren, and on down the line?  I wonder what sayings I have said, that have been passed on to mine?

Sometimes when we sit and be still, God gives us a 'sign'.  Do you miss it?  Do you see it and ask what it is to mean?

Hubby was sitting outside yesterday morning during his prayer time while I finished up in here.  I thought about going and sitting on the back patio... but I wasn't dressed to go outside.  I actually didn't know he had stepped outside, although I had heard him open the door.  I had just thought he was letting fresh air in.  But he had gone outside.

He told me later that as he sat there, praying, he saw a dove land on the stone wall between our duplex and it sat there and would stare at him, then would turn and look out, then would turn and look back at him.  He said it stayed there 45 minutes.  After it flew off, a smaller dove came and did the same thing before taking off shortly after.  I asked him if he asked the Holy Spirit what did it mean.... but he said no.  He just continued to pray and watch the dove watching him.   Interesting.  It was a beautiful cool morning, and I encourage you to go sit outside in the early morning hours for a short while and enjoy the cool breeze and cooler temperature before the day heats up.  It is refreshing, and it is a good time to spend alone with God.  In fact, if I stop now, and get some clothes on, I think I'll go out back and sit for about 10-15 minutes before I have to turn on the work computer.  Sounds like a plan to me.

Have an amazing day.  Spend some time quietly... look up at the sky... and thank God for all His blessings for you and your family.

Blessings!

We did it ........together....

 Yep.  I fixed a nice breakfast yesterday (eggs, bacon, toast, fresh fruit) and while we were drinking our coffee/juice, hubby suggested WE get the furniture moved to where we wanted it.  Okay..... so I took a deep breath and suggested what I had been thinking; try to move some of the chairs through the house versus walking around the side in the rocks.  Surprisingly, he agreed.  So we moved the furniture in front off to the side and proceeded to carry the chairs from the back (which were extremely light) through the house to the front.  The table he insisted we take around the side.  Then we had to take the chairs from the front to the back around the side because they are metal and a lot heavier than the newer chairs.  Then we carried the table back.  Got the umbrellas situated and set up; even opened the umbrellas up for awhile.  I must say it does look nice.  I didn't take the time to 'pound the dust' out of the cushions that are old, but we flipped them over for now.  I may check in to new cushions eventualy, as they feel kind of rough as well.  But it is a nice set, the table is bigger, and now we even have a glider.  Just need to dust the cushions off some way.  They were always in the house but were never dusted and for the last three years, never sat on, so dust has settled.  And hubby commented at a minimum 3 times yesterday that it felt good for us doing it TOGETHER.  (was that a slam because I wanted to do it by myself?)

Went to bed early last night (around 8PM), and woke up about 4:30AM to get up.  Done my Bible reading, and some other things I want to do, and now here I am.  Oh, I did stop about 5AM and fixed us egg/canadian bacon/muffin sandwiches with fresh fruit.  Now I'm really full for I don't usually eat this early.  Oh well,  Or as much.  But it was good.  I've done my reading, prayng, and now am writing here... and once done, will get my shower done and get ready for church.

Psalm 46:10 (NKJV):  "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

Did you know that God is not done with you yet?  Failure is not your destiny.  He's not done with you yet.  He has so many more plans for you; so much more to your story.  Are you willing to receive what He has planned for you?  He is more than able to help you accomplish all that you desire... He is not done with you yet.  You are not too old; you have not gone too far; you have not lost everything; He is not done with you yet... He is not done with you... There is so much more to your story.... He's not done with you yet.  Can you imagine what the Lord can do with all the faith we have?  He's gonna move; anything is possible.  He is the Waymaker.  Anything is possible.  Who am I to deny what the Lord can do for you?  Are you willing to let Him?  He is more than able.... forgive us for doubting you, Lord.  You are more than able to do anything we can hope or ask for.  Hallelujah!

Your name is written in the palm of His hand.  Your heart belongs to Him.  Know why?  Because I have prayed for you.  I have prayed that God will draw you so close to Him, that you will find your passion for Him once again.  That He will become Lord of your life.  You belong to Him, because I have given you to Him.  What you will allow Him to do in your life - well, it's up to you.  You can reject His blessings and favor... but you still belong to Him.  You are not your own person.  You don't belong to your spouse.  You don't even belong to your parents. You belong to God alone.  He is your Father. He loves you so much more than any one else ever could.

Changing the subject... I did go visit Ms. Diane yetserday and lsitened to her grumble about how unhappy she is in this place.  She is confused.  When I called her and first got there, she said she had rolled over in bed during the night and fell out of bed (why is it that they don't have rails on a bed of a person who is there because they fell out of their bed at home... regardless of the sore they have on their foot, she fell out of her bed!) and laid on the floor for an hour before someone came in to check on her.  Before I left, her story had changed to she had slid out of her wheelchair and had laid there two hours before someone came in to help her.  She is so unhappy there.  But, while I was there, two different nurses came in to check on her and talk with her, asking if she was ok and did she need/want anything. Interesting, huh.  I text'd my daughter-in-law and asked where it was she worked and she responded, and yes, they had a long term care area.  I thought I'd just pass that info on to Ms. Diane's family so that they could call and check prices.  Ms. Diane said her children had been calling around and the lowest price they found was $4K a month.  I told her it was worth it; she has a place to live, 3 meals a day, medical care 24x7 and yet have her own space.   I think it is just hard for her - in her own confusion of her medical conditions - to have to relinquish control of her life and allow others to make those decisions.  She says she has to stay there until June 30th as she has to have IV for 30 days...  yesterday when I arrived she had two blankets on and air in her room was so warm... yet her body felt so cool and she said she was so cold.  I wonder when I get old (no, I'm not there yet) if I will be as cranky as she is.  Will I allow others to make decisions on where I will live and where I will go.... will I be of sound mind enough that I can make my own decisions... I want a 'she shed' - with a bathroom.  That's all I need.  I want my own space. I want a place where I can feel 'free'. Ah... I'm rambling again, aren't I!

So if any of my children/grandchldren read this.... when I can no longer care for myself.... I just want my own space, a bed, a chair, and my Bible.  That's all I need.  Add a room on to your house and make it mine.  I'd be happy. 

"Be still and know that I am God...." I think that is one of my favorite verses in the Bible.  Why?  Because it reminds me to be still .... and listen for His voice.  Yes, I've heard God speak to me before. He's even called my name.  Those are the treasures I hold dear.  I love having the alone time with God... where nothing interferes; nothing distracts.   It's just God and me.

Seek Him.... and you will find Him.  Then be still.... and know that He alone is God.

Blessings!

Still trying to figure it out...

 Last Tuesday was the first day I did shoulders, biceps and triceps in my exercise training.  No big deal, right?  I may - or may not - have mentioned that by the time I had gotten to the triceps, my arms didn't even feel anything; they were numb.  No biggie.  Nothing had strained my arms; none of the exercises made me push through.  In fact, I wondered if the weight was heavy enough to do anything, but kept my mouth shut.  By Wednesday I could hardly lift my arms due to tricep pain.  Which was weird.  What is even weirder.... my upper left arm feels swollen and I noticed last night that I had a huge pink-marked skin area on the inside of my left upper arm.  I haven't gotten my eyes open long enough yet to check the mirror to see if the pink is still there, but I imagine it is.  I can move my arms more freely, but the swelling is still in the upper left arm. And it just feels 'tired'. Does that make sense?  Actually, both arms feel tired, but the left one more so.  Did I strain that muscle?  Did I stretch that tendon?  I don't know.  I'm even thinking of trying to get away from hubby some today and running over to my daughter-in-law who is knowledgeable of these things, and see what she thinks.  I haven't said anything to hubby about it.  Why?  Because he would run to the trainer and tell him he 'hurt' me.  Yeah, he is that protective of me.  And that's why I don't tell him a lot of things.

Saturday has finally arrived.  No, I didn't get the patio furniture moved yesterday because hubby decided he wasn't going to his men's Bible study and then on to the doctor's - but only to the doctor's.  Which, by the way, his BP was shown to be 120/56 which is really weird considering it was 100/60 two days before.  I dunno.  I guess a person can have really low blood pressure (tongue in cheek here) when they don't have to work and deal with things like that.  I then had to go to the dentist, where after the cleaning, he did drill down the 'ridge' on the inside of my crown so that it didn't rub against my tongue.  If that hadn't worked, he'd had to replace the 35+ year old crown... which means more than likely my front teeth wouldn't have matched color anymore...as both are crowns... ah... not going there.  That was a painful time, I recall, and I was in tears before they finished that day.  That's what happened in the 'olden days' when you gave a dentist 'full rein' of your mouth.  She replaced 4 teeth with crowns that day.  Only one tooth had a cavity.  

Anyway - hubby tells me last night he is not going to the men's breakfast at church today either.  BUT, he wants us to move the patio furniture around the way I want it.  Which means, he will help me move it, but he has his opinions on how he wants it and wants to give his input.  No big deal.  Yesterday I went out and sat in the front, just to get some fresh cool air before it got hot... and sure enough, here he comes to sit too. And that's ok... but he always wants to talk...and I enjoy the quiet.  I may get dressed soon and go outside with a book and chill... but then, while it is cool, we need to do the patio furniture switch.  I'd rather just bring through the house, but... it would save a lot of steps, in my defense of wanting to do it that way.  And besides, I don't need any neighbors checking out what we are doing.  Yeah, I'm that 'private'.  No one needs to know my business unless I choose to tell them.

Lucky you... I share way too much on here as well.  But... I can 'say it' and get it out of my head when I do ... and later realize it wasn't such a big deal anyway.

Colossians 3:17 (NKJV):  "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Hmmmm what I'm reading in to that scripture today is that no matter what I do (i.e., whatever I do) - whether it be physical work, or mental work, or speaking, everything I do, everything I think, and everything I say, needs to be honoring to God our Father, because I do it in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  I need to think and do good things; I need to look through the eyes of Him who guides me, and allow Him to direct my path.

That isn't always easy, is it?  This morning, for example, about the moving of the patio furniture, is of no big deal, really.  But, I can make it a big deal, cause a disagreement, and make the day miserable for both of us.  Or, I can hold my tongue, my thoughts, my actions, and be obedient to Him in all things, and allow hubby to take the lead, to make the decision on where things are to go, unless he asks my input (which would be a smart move on his part, yes?).  I can always move them around later; no big deal.  The big deal right now is getting them from the back 'porch' to the front courtyard.  Shall I make a suggestion to try to come through the house?  I just might.  But I also may let him 'do it his way'.  That may take some restraint on my part, cause usually his way doesn't seem quite as beneficial.  See, I did say that nicely, didn't I?

But, before I do anything, I need to get out of my jammies and put clothes on to go outside in.  Hope that you have some fun times planned for today - or perhaps fun isn't the word, but enjoyable.  For me, just being quiet and reading or sewing or crocheting or knitting.... to me it is enjoyable.  Being with my children and grandchildren is enjoyable.  See, I'm not hard to please. :-)

Have an amazing day!

Blessings!

Wishing this was an 'off' day....

 meaning a day off work. And it could be, but why?  Nothing would be different, I don't think.  Hubby has his heart doctor's appointment today.  After his regular PCP visit the other day and his  BP was 100/60 (must be nice to be so relaxed, right?), he was told not only to drink gatorade and this LiquidIV, he is to salt everything as much as he wants to get his BP up some.  His PCP is thinking that by the time he gets the report from this doctor, his BP will be up some.  My BP isn't high.... except when I'm stressed, of course.  If I took it when I first get up, which I used to do, it would be like 107/70.  By the time I was up and moving and starting work (providing hubby didn't irritate me this early in the morning), if I took it again it would be like 128/78.  As long as I can keep it below 138/80 it is't bad... I don't think.  I'm generally pretty calm, I think.  Only a couple times, one in particular, that I thought I was going to 'stroke' out because of something hubby did - or rather, didn't - do.  I remember that day cause I was so upset I was not only pacing, I couldn't breathe and I was shaking .... I was so angry.... I really did think I was going to have a stroke.  But God intervened and calmed me down.  Thanking Him!

I am learning that if I buy a prepared tray of mixed vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, celery, carrots, etc) and mixed fruit (watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe, grapes, etc.) that in the long run it is cheaper than my buying a bunch of one or two things.  Seriously.  I usually balk at buying vegetables or fruit this way just for munching... but I find that I can just bring the tray out - already preparedh - and we will eat of all the fruit/veggies... whereas if I just buy a bunch of strawberries, etc., they will end up molding int he refrigerator because no one wants to get them out, wash them, cut them up. Ok, that's me.  Hubby don't do squat when it comes to preparation.  It's me that sometimes gets too lazy to do it.  Last night I grilled chicken thighs and air fried brussel sprouts (believe me, it DOES change how it tastes!!), and brought out the tray of veggies.  And it was enough.  I did, however, start to get hungry before I went to bed.... but instead of eating anything... I popped a Dove chocolate in my mouth that my son had given me for mother's day.  Yeah... I am using them for when I just need a piece of chocolate.  

I was sitting here thinking this morning, as it is getting light out, that perhaps I will start going outside and sit for a bit in the mornings to read before I need to turn on the work computer.  Unfortunately, it would only be about a half hour or so before I had to come in; plus, I'd need to put clothes on, my jammies just won't do going outside.  Ms. Amy's patio set is still sitting on the back 'patio'.  Hubby makes no effort to do anything.  While he's gone today, I'm going to try and at least move the chairs tot he front, and move the set we have to the back.  The tables I will need help with, and perhaps I can get him to push himself to help.  He will fuss at me; he's good at that - but I'm sick of looking out and seeing the table and chairs scattered all over.  It looks a mess.  I can't start it while he is home or he gets angry with me.  I could call my younger son to come up and help, and he would, I think.  He did help us move them from Ms. Amy's house.  I'll see what I can do this morning. The chairs may be too heavy for me.to lift alone.  But I did see hubby carrying one o fthe chairs over so perhaps they aren't that heavy. I hope to get it all moved this weekend, in spite of hubby's whining how hard it is to do.  He prevents me from doing so many things.

I was so frustrated last night and wanting to get away from the house that I am imprisoned in, that I actually looked online at hotels nearby to just get a different view.  Prices have dropped drastically now that there is nothing going on and snowbirds have left.  I seriously considered it for a couple nights, but clicked off of it.  Kind of stupid to end up spending money - and going out for food - when I still will be unable to have space to be alone.  You just don't understand.  Perhaps it is just me.  

Found out this week that our company division that I work in has decided to 'close' for July 3 as well as July 4.  That is totally unusual, but the 3rd is on a Monday and I am guessing the executives want a long weekend - which sounds good too - if you go somewhere and do something.  I was going to work anyway and save the 8 hours PTO, but got word from HR that I can't do that unless I'm working on a project.  There is NOTHING I'm working on so there is no reason for me to work the 'holiday'.  So - we have off July 3 and July 4... lots of people may be traveling... but I would prefer just to relax.  Quietly.  I haven't told hubby yet; don't want him making plans for me.

Matthew 7:13-14 (NKJV):   "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it."

Jesus consistently teaches us that the difficulty in following Him isn't always easy.  The two gates in the above verses represent every person's choice: following Jesus or following any other path.  Only the more difficult, less-chosen gate (the narrow gate), to follow Christ leads to life.

There is a proverb, I think, but I can't word it rightly to find it; nor can I remember it all, but there is one that simply says, "A mother has no greater joy than to know that her children walk with the Lord." I can only pray that my prayers for each one, each child, grandchild, great-grandchild, and for generations to come, that they will turn and follow Jesus.  I want to see each one in heaven with me.  Yeah, I have my hopes and my eyes set that I will see Jesus and live with Him.  I hope to see my generations after me there as well.  No greater joy....  where do you want to see your children?

I need to stop and get moving, I guess.  Not much going on today at work so it will be quiet.  Oh yeah, just remembered, I do have a dentist appointment for a cleaning today at 2PM.  They had a cancellation. Oh joy.  Guess I need to have them look at my front tooth... the crown... on the backside has a hole in it.  Imagine that.  Hopefully they can just fill it, but it will probably require another visit.  Sigh.  I don't like going to the dentist even for a cleaning.  

Hope that you have an amazing day!  Plan something fun for the weekend.

Blessings!

Another day of training down....

 Today was leg day and based on what I felt a week ago, I at least know what I can expect.  For this moment, my legs and 'hip flexors' do not hurt.  I need to stretch throughout the day so that I can keep them FROM hurting like I did last time.  My triceps are still painful from Monday's workout.  My trainer did give me some DB exercises to do here at home - if I so chose.  Since I only go for the training and to the gym (at this time) twice a week for 30 minutes, I need to push myself and do some things here at home.  I did tell him I had a treadmill and I was surprised at something he shared.  Now mind you, I'm not exercise guru, nor do I intend to be... but in the past, we have always been told to 'warm up' before our exercise sessions; to get on the treadmill for at least 10 minutes before working out to warm up. My trainer says 'no'.  Why?  Because when you do warm up exercises (versus stretching, which is different), you are expending some of the strength that you could use for the workout.  Huh. Who would have thought.  I can especially see that on leg day!  But he did encourage to get on the treadmill AFTER the workout to keep loose.  Good plan.  But, I work, so coming home and getting on the treadmill isn't an option.  But I could do it in the evening if I wasn't so lazy.  

Had a great breakfast with my boss yesterday and we had so much to share - both of us - that we stayed a bit longer than we normally do.  But she had a 10:30AM meeting so started heading back shortly before and I picked up some things at the restaurant and stopped by my middle child's to drop them off.  But daggone it!  I had OTHER things to give him; the treats were extra.  But I forgot about the other things and just gave him the treats. Oh well.  It was good to see him and sometime when I'm out that way, I'll swing by again and drop them off.  These won't spoil.

With all the things going on within my family and just life in general... I went to bed at 8PM last night and other than getting up for the 'potty breaks'.... I slept sound all night. Hubby got up and apologized if he kept me awake last night - he thought he had.  Nope.  I crashed and went deep into sleep.  Something that I really needed.  Especially with the workout this morning.  Ouch.

Hubby had a doctor appointment yesterday and he said he has lost 9 pounds since he was there last; probably about 6 months ago.  Why is that?  Why is it that men always lose faster and more than women?  It just isn't fair!  My trainer told me not to watch the scale; I'm building muscle now so it will be normal for the weight to go up; and if I watch my diet, it will also go down.  Sigh.  It's.so.hard.  I don't mind the weight - if I can just get rid of my fat belly and fat butt so that my clothes will look better.  sigh.  That's why I'm putting myself through this pain.  

Now I loved my mama.  But her entire side of the family were large people.  But they didn't care, either.  Oh, mama had joined weight watchers, topps, and some other programs... and just like I do - or don't do - she didn't stick to the diets.  I remember going to a couple topps meetings with her.  But mama's biscuits and gravy and fried chicken were the best... and you could never say 'no'.  Sometimes not even to the second helping.  I loved my mama's fried chicken.

Hubby was also told he needed to drink more water.  This past couple weeks I have been trying to drink at least a gallon a day... but have only emptied my gallon container once, I think.  But I have gotten close a few times!  And yes, I do make more trips down the hall too.  But - with the dryness out here, it helps to drink more fluids (meaning water based fluids).  In fact, hubby's doctor told him to drink gatorade zero, gatorade 2, and another power packet named LiquidIV (which is $18 a box of 15!!)  Maybe I'll tel the kids to put that on his father's day and Christmas list!  LOL  I did get away yesterday afternoon and picked him up some gatorade zero and then went to Safeway and bought the LiquidIV.  He wants the lemon-lime, but they didn't have that so got him pineapple.  I'm hoping he will only drink one of those a day.  It's a packet to mix with water.  Poor baby; doesn't like drinking just water.  

With the training my time has gotten away from me this morning and I need to power up my work computer.  I'm still working on getting a schedule in place since I've changed things up on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  

/So - wish me luck on not getting so sore this time.  I've got to stretch some today and hopefully get on the treadmill to work out the kinks.  I have high hopes of getting rid of this fat and strengthening my core so that as I age, I don't lose my balance.  That is crucial as I get older.  If I lose my balance and fall, I could seriously hurt myself.  Core training keeps me strong, in spite of the rest of my body.

Ok - gotta get off here and move to the 'office'.  

Blessings!

Oh man, that hurts!

 I mentioned yesterday that I was going to a training session.... and I did go.  I was even given a choice on what I wanted to do - upper or lower body. And, based on what I felt with the lower body the other week... I chose upper body.  I'm beginning to think 'neither' is the correct answer.  Just kidding.  We only worked the shoulders and biceps/triceps yesterday... and although I think my arms were numb yesterday, the pain is intense throughout the night and this morning - to the point I took an Ibuprofen to ease it some.  I'm moving much more easily right now, although there is still 'pain'.  But it is a good pain.  I honestly didn't feel anything by the time we got to the triceps, and I told him as I was doing that exercise, I didn't think it was 'working'.  He just nodded and said, "your arms are fluid right now, but you will feel it".  And he was right.  Which means when I go back on Thursday and we do lower body again....  I need to do some things on my own time so that I won't constantly be in pain - upper or lower body.  I told him what equipment I have here and he said he would write up something for me to do at home.  Oh joy.

I'm meeting my boss, Sue, for our usual 'admin meeting' this morning.  Which means we meet for breakfast half way for both of us, and sit and talk for a hour or more, catching up on families and work.  I had actually forgotten and she asked me Monday if we were still on for today - and I said yes!  Looking forward to seeing her.  She is such a positive influence in my life, and a great friend and boss as well.  She has been very good to me.

My daughter and I went dress-hunting for the wedding in July last night and had no luck.  We have been given specific colors to wear, and right now, we aren't finding a simple dress in that color.  We went to so many places up in this area last night, and even went through the mall looking, I put over 9000 steps in for the day.  I usually get 2-3000 with sitting at my desk all day and just walking around a bit.  I was really tired last night - and by then my shoulders and biceps were starting to scream at me.  It was a nice evening; just wish we could have found something and be done with it.  My fat belly is keeping me from finding what I think will look nice. I should have started this exercise stuff in January, not June!  I am not expecting miracles.  If I eat more protein and vegetables, like when we did the Adkins diet.... I can lose some of the fat belly, but I do love my bread and my sweets and my pasta.  Moderations, right?

With all the issues going on in my youngest son's family, I read this scripture this morning:

Romans 12:21 (NKJV):  "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

The verses before that tell us not to do vengence, for "Vengence is mine", saith the Lord.  It is so easy to wish evil upon those who hurt you and take advantage of you.  But God says nope, don't do that. Instead love them.  Do good to them.  Why does He say that?  Because He wants us to be sharing His love, that by our actions we can lead them to Jesus.

How many times have we let our anger get the best of us?  I can, unfortunately, state I have let my anger get control.  But I can also share that, fortunately, there are moments that I have been able to keep my anger and vengence in check and you know what... God DID do vengence on those who hurt me.  God ALWAYS has the last word!  It isn't always in my timing, but I have seen and heard what God has done to those who come against His children.  Yes, a lot of times our issues are from our own stupidity in doing things.... but... nothing escapes God.  He gives and He takes away.  Blessed in the name of the Lord.

So many things are going on in the family right now and in many of them, I want those who are hurting my family to be punished.... but God says.... vengence is His... so I do what I can do - and pray that God will rain down justice in every situation and punish those who are causing it.  Then I have to leave it in His hands.  Shut my mouth and let God handle it.  That's what I am to do.  I gave it to Him; don't take it back. 

I have a few things that I want to get to my middle child and may swing by his place on the way back from my 'admin meeting'.  If I don't forget.  I'll text him if I have the opportunity to swing by.....after all, I will still be on the clock and will need to get home and work.

I just looked up and realized why this back room gets warm in the afternoon.  Duh.  Thevents above this desk are closed, for the most part.  I am pretty sure I had them closed when we moved in as it probably got pretty chilly.  Trying to think what I had back here before we moved the treadmill and weights in this room.  Obviously this desk was here for I have no other place for it to be.  The bookcase was here.  Hmmm.  I'm drawing a blank.  Ah - my sewing machine was by the window.  I have no idea what else was in here. Oh well, no big deal.  I'm thinking I need to get rid of the treadmill.... but don't know anyone who would want it.  I can go to the Rec center and walk the treadmill.  Which means I'd have to leave the house, right?  But then, I have the treadmill here and I still rarely get on it.  Hmmm.  

Ok - the rambling has started so I'm going to hush and close this off.  Have a little bit of time I can read - which I love.  I'm slowing working towards my goal, but am almost there - over halfway - for the year.  Yes, it was a small number, especially in comparison to my son's goal, which he always passes... but it keeps me reading cause I like to see the number go up.  At this rate I will surpass my goal...which means I need to set the bar higher next year.

Hope that you have an amazing day!

Blessings!