Good morning, world!

 Yeah- that is about the best my energy is this morning!  I had a 7:30AM training with Morgan - we did core - and she had me sweating!  And I only glisten - not sweat!  Even my hair got wet!  She laughed!  I kept asking her if she needed to go pee - so that I could quit.  She made me finish all three sets except the last exercise - and I had dragged out the time so much talking that she only had time to run to the bathroom before her next client.  And you know what - that one minute I didn't have to do that last exercise was well worth stopping for!  I'm hobbling around like an old woman!  My left hip has still been hurting - even with rubbing Voltaren on it - ever since I got bit by those bugs, I've had days of pain in that left hip - and no one will listen to me.  They can't see anything, therefore, what can they do?  At least I get a bone density this year in September so we may be able to see something - although it more than likely will see the bone weakened.  Just call me hop-a-log.  (remember Hop-a-long Cassidy? LOL)

Came home after working out, got back on the work computer.  Hubby headed off for his 9AM training with Morgan and I made a cup of coffee and grabbed 1/2 of a cherry turnover.  Yes, I weakened last night at the grocery store. I bought myself Cherry turnovers (ate half of one last night, put two in the freezer, ate the other half this morning, and have one left for tomorrow) and Apple Fritters for hubby. I think he has forgotten about them - but once I remind him they are in the other refrigerator, he will start eating them. Yes, I like them too, but they have way too much sugar for me.  Well, to eat a big one anyway. :-)

The youngest son is planning on doing a ceremonial swearing in with his youngest son at the VFW at 10:30AM on Saturday.  We plan to attend. He only has the hall for 30 minutes.  His son has decided he needed a break and is driving up north to visit his mom and brother for a days.  He kept telling my son he may have to work on Saturday, and he kept being told "then schedule for 12PM for work" - but give him 10:30-11AM.  I sure hope he does for my son will be so disappointed if he doesn't. My son plans to wear his dress blues.

Afterwards they plan to take the grandchildren (my greats) to the Wildlife Zoo and we were invited to go along. I told him I couldn't as I had a hair appointment - but hubby said he'd still go if he didn't have to drive.  My son said he could fit him in the car.  Ok- that works.  Then, later last night the son calls - having a bit too much beer, I'm sure - and started talking about whether or not I was going cause he wanted to go to the base to get tickets; they are less expensive there.  After us going back and forth a bit, I finally told him I'd go and cancel my hair appointment, to get tickets for both of us.  I really wanted to hang with the great-grandchildren anyway - but had already scheduled my highlighting.  Well, I called Joe this morning and I'm going to take a couple hours off work tomorrow and he is going to work me in to get my hair done before vacation.  I'm going to start getting it highlighted and head back to my grayish hair.... I can't afford to keep the brown, and if I ever retire, doing my hair will be one thing that will come far between trims. If I can't afford the brown while I'm working, then I know I can't afford it when I'm not - right?  So - long story short - I'm getting my hair done tomorrow - and will go to the wildlife zoo with family after the swearing in on Saturday.

Looking at the bulletin board in front of me - I see a few of the quotes I have added over the years.  "Make the Sacrifice.  Take the Risk.  Draw the Circle" (Mark Batterson from The Circle Maker).   "God can't take you to your future if you can't let go of your past".  (Jentezen Franklin).   "Define your Dream.  Claim your Promise. Spell  your Miracle."  (Mark Batterson)   "Most of us don't get what we want because we don't know what we want". (Mark Batterson).

Those are just a few of the notes I have on my wall.  Some scriptures, some work notes. My preaching schedule for next year. I frequently glance up there and read the quotes. They are there to encourage me to not give up.  What I wish for, dream for (retirement, in this case) may not be in MY timeframe, but God will pull it together for me when it is time. I just have to be patient, whether I want to be or not. Look how long it took me to get hubby to even 'agree' (albeit reluctantly) that if I wanted to retire, I could.  Because of his delay, his lack of enthusiasm for my happiness... it has messed up our relationship - but that's on him.  I think he knows I won't be like him, sitting at home day after day.  I will find something to volunteer for - even if it is cleaning the bathrooms at church!  He has never been one for manual labor - ever - so his retirement years of TV, his phone, and his recliner is perfect for him.  Granted, give me a good book and I'm happy, but I still need to get out and do things.  You know that many things that we do together - is because I am doing them and he doesn't want me to have fun without him. LOL  Not putting down, stating facts.  Like going to the zoo.  He doesn't like to walk - so this will be interesting. I will carry the cane, even if he refuses to use it. I'm sure after awhile he will be willing to!  He usually does a lot of sitting and wanting to leave early. At least that happened a few years ago at the Phoenix Zoo.  He does ruin a lot of my fun... just saying.

And this isn't a bashing so I'm going on to another subject.  Just give me a minute to think of one.  Hmmm.  Mama quail is still sitting on her nest. I swear she is huge now - or looks that way when she spreads her body over all the eggs.  I did manage to drop some water on a few of the fringes of the plant while she was away. 

I did manage to get (I think someone is baking brownies - they sure do smell good!  I don't have an oven so it isn't me!!)  - wow, got distracted by the smell. Now what was I going to share that I managed?  Oh yeah - I did manage to get about 4 of the trainings out of the way yesterday for work. Just got notice they have added another.  Have about 16 to do yet, I think.  Sigh.  Gotta do it.  I will definitely NOT miss having to do those!  

And with that - it's time for hubby to be home so I'm getting off here and getting back on my work stuff. Oh- he just sent a text he was heading to Walgreens.  Sue just sent me a meeting to schedule.  Then back to working on the trainings.

Have an amazing day!  Be kind to someone today.

Blessings!

It's cool out this morning....

 I did go out this morning (and yes, mama quail is still sitting on her nest of 12 eggs) and watered some of the plants. Can't water the one mama quail is sitting on. If I find her off the eggs at some point, I will water the edges of the plant so can hopefully keep some of it alive. No biggie if it dies - I have several starts in water - thanks to mama quail breaking the vines to make room for her eggs! I may decide to move that pot as well - to deter any future habitations. Will see about that!

Been thinking more and more about retirement. I am just so tired of working every day. I really just need about a month or two off - I wonder if I could take a sabbatical like that - of course it would be without pay so it would seem like I had retired, right?    Was looking at the calendar again this morning and dreaming.  November 20th is the first date I've thought about.  Then December 19th, then January 1st... so many choices.  I really need to sit down and really focus on what I can do with our finances.  Then set hubby down and see if he would be willing to cut back on some things as well.  One thing for sure, I feel we need to cut out the training.  Yes, it is helping us keep our strength up, but after two years of training, surely we can do our own exercises, right?  I need to quit being so lazy.  But two times a week on the calendar at least gets me to the gym.  But how important is it, really?  I mean - if I go walking every day, and I have a treadmill and rebounder - surely I can keep my core exercises up and do strengthening as well.  I just feel the weight of the world is upon me and I am so weary of it all.

Since Sue has announced her retirement for July 31st - she is so much happier.  I want that happiness too, if you know what I mean!  In talking with my big brother, he shared that my SIL had left for her 6-8 mile walk this morning - one that she takes nearly every morning it is nice out.  And you know how much I love to walk - so I'm extremely jealous she is able to do that.  She's been retired for two-three years now.  I'm the only one of my siblings still working.... can I get hubby convinced that we can do without my salary?

I have a training at 1PM today and 7:30AM tomorrow morning. That means I need to do something on my own the rest of the week.  Dr. Mark said if I want to lose weight, I need to do at least 30 minutes of 'something' 5 days a week.  So what shall I do the remaining 3 of the 5 days?  Does sitting on the couch and changing position every once in a while count?

I stop and think about a chapter in one of the books I have finished recently.  It talked about things that we put our 'trust' and our 'faith' in.  One being a job - and the money received from it.  It is a 'necessary evil' in this life, is it not?  Especially since I have lost my passion for the job since I work from home.  I would not recommend working from home for most people; some it is a necessity, but with hubby here as well 24x7, it has become a depressing factor in my daily life.  I know he is bored (does he really think I can change that?),  And I needed to do a lot of erasing there.  Sigh.  I want to go out and go for a long walk.

Just had a thought - if I 'retire' in September - maybe the week of Labor Day.... I won't have to worry about scheduling all these board meetings, preps, reviews, etc.  It would be for whomever takes my job.  They are so troublesome to create. And I'm tired of them.  Actually, depending on how long it takes for them to replace Brett, and then Sue, we may be able to just eliminate my job.  Maybe I should pray that they will decide to eliminate me... and give me a 'bonus' to retire early.  I would grab it in a heartbeat!  I can dream, can't I?

Wow - I guess this post has been all about me, hasn't it, and my dream of retiring and being free of this sitting in front of a computer all day.  I am so tired..... there has to be more to life, right?

My big brother and I were chatting yesterday morning about reflux. I know - yeck.  But we were discussing it and I shared that if I eat Mexican food in the evening, and then go to bed at my usual time, in the middle of the night I am awaken with reflux in my esophagus and it is burning it away.... well, we also talked about my continued coughing. He said his doctor recommended something and he ordered one for me - it actually was delivered by Amazon after I went to bed last night. Going to start taking it tonight. It's called Reflux Gourmet and is created by a doctor and a chef.  The flavor he sent me is mint chocolate - and you only take 1 teaspoon whenever you feel it will be needed. He takes one in the evening a couple hours before bed.  It has helped with his coughing, his hoarseness (both of which I have been dealing with) and also some of his snoring.  And you know I can snore!  Which is why I can never go on any overnight women's retreats or fall asleep on an airplane - my snoring is horribly loud according to family.  Sigh.  So I will take it with the hopes it will tone down my snoring - and stop my coughing.  Since hubby is wheezing very loudly, he suggested he also take it to see if that will take care of his wheezing.  Seriously, I can sit across the room and hear him wheezing.

Enough of me, it's only Monday and I feel so weary today. What is that all about?   With this cooler weather, I just want to curl up with a good book - a blanket - and a pillow - and perhaps even take a nap.  (See, I have retirement planned out! LOL).  I wish it were that simple.  I'm not 'allowed' to do things now - what makes me think I will be 'allowed' to after I retire?  Lord, please help.  Help me to give grace.

And - with that - I need to get off here and get some of these 'trainings' done for the company. It is mandatory - and we have to the middle of June to complete.  So... if I don't complete, they will 'let me go'?  Naw, I don't want to leave that way.  Anyway - need to get started on them while I have the time.  But then, hubby is getting ready to leave for a doctor's appointment - and since it is for tests, I don't have to take him.  I may have an hour to myself.  Oh my goodness!  What shall I do??!!  LOL

Blessings!

Tongs! That's the word I was looking for!

 I don't know why I couldn't think of the word yesterday in talking about going to the Paris Baguette to get bakery items - it hit me later last night - I even stared at them in the kitchen yesterday before it finally hit me what they were called.  I am NOT calling it 'old age forgetfulness'!  Just couldn't remember what it was called.  And, I will confess, I did split one with hubby after I came out of here yesterday - he had already eaten one and had one left of those he chose. 

It's Sunday and hubby and I have decided to watch service online this morning as we both occasionally still go into a coughing 'fit' at times.  We both are so much better than we were a week ago, for sure!  I did not cough at all during the night last night - at least that I can remember, anyway.  I've coughed some this morning, but overall, I think I am about over it.  I will go ahead and take my olive leaf extract to continue to push it out of my body.  Sambucol as well.  Keep my immune system up.  

I can tell I have gotten out of shape with my lack of exercise the other week. Yep - just took a week this time.  Morgan had me to light leg workout on Thursday - last night I could still barely walk.  My thighs were burning with every step. But, today, I am finally much better. It just tells me I need to work them into my daily routines so that I don't get that sore again. Hubby laughed at me cause I could not walk 'straight'. 

Nothing is on the agenda for today that I am aware of - except I do need to go over and visit Ms. Vicky. I haven't seen Ms. Diane in about two months, but with this slight cough, do not want to go to the group home.  So I will run over and visit Ms. Vicky later this afternoon.  I'd love to bake.... but....

I worked on my diamond art project yesterday for about four hours and still haven't gotten very far. It does take a long time to get through one of these.  But it is well worth it.  While working on it, hubby turned the TV on with the pretense of watching the last of the ball game - haha - it was already over so he started watching Chicago Fire, I think it was.  So I grabbed my headset and my phone and decided to listen to one of my audible books.  A few months ago a step-daughter had posted on facebook about a book and I had a credit on audible so I downloaded it.  Decided to listen to it yesterday.  I am sure I am getting close to the end of it with being in chapter 25 - but the chapters are extremely short.  But I am loving this book. It's not a 'Christian' book like I normally purchase, but I am finding it very interesting and was very reluctant to turn it off last night to make hubby happy to watch a movie with him. He is so addicted to electronics!  It's either a movie on TV or his phone.  I detest them both anymore.  I'll share more about the book once I finish it.

I suppose I should go to the grocery store today.  Yes, I bought some groceries last week, but, the refrigerator still looks empty.  Hubby mentioned last night that he finished off the peach yogurt... he made sure that I knew that, and that the peach yogurt was his favorite.  He mixes it with cottage cheese, as a rule.  Which reminds me, did I tell you that I saw something about mixing dill pickles with cottage cheese and that the person who wrote it said they couldn't stop eating it?  I haven't tried it yet, but I'm thinking about it.  I need to buy another large jar of dill pickles too.  Love just sitting and chowing down on them.

I finished another book this morning - The King is Coming - It's time to prepare for the time of Christ by John Bevere.  One could read it in one setting, but I like taking one chapter a day and pondering it.  It's actually created to be once a day - but in posting to Goodreads that I had finished it, I saw that some had finished it in three days.  I like to read it and think about what I read.

And, with that - I'm going to get off here and jump in the shower.  By the time I'm out and get dressed, and fix breakfast sandwiches, it will be time for church online (it comes on at 10:30AM.  Reclaim Church. It's the one with the black flag flying backwards.  I'm still not sure what that symbolizes. I have never asked. Perhaps I need to.  

Have a blessed day - and enjoy hanging with family - or with a good book!

Blessings!

Saturday blessings.....

 Well, it IS a blessing that it is Saturday and I don't have to jump on the work computer!  Right?  I'm 'hidden away' here in my room and am enjoying listening to the birds chirping outside - but I am also wondering what the woodpecker is pecking on!  It's close and it's loud!

Don't have much on the calendar for today.  Actually, nothing scheduled at all.  I can't bake - no oven.  Need to get hubby to call on it Monday and see what is going on. It's been a month or more.  Clean my closet? I dunno.  I think I'll just read - and I'll get to - for awhile - but hubby can't stand for the TV to be off for long.  I can work on my diamond art project.  I can put my headset on and listen to one of the books I'm listening to.  I can also watch a movie if I choose on my dvd player. Or my kindle.  I just want to do what I want to do - does that make sense? LOL After all, a day off work, with no plans, should be about me, right? hah

I've taken a short break from my reading this morning to write in here - then I'll grab another cup of coffee and perhaps read more.  I wonder if hubby is 'expecting' me to cook breakfast for him.  I haven't done that in a few weeks. We went to Denny's for dinner last night - and then stopped at Paris Baguette and wow - that was fun!  You go in, get a tray, a set of ... can't think of what they are called... but so you get the idea - tweezers... lol.... and you go look at all these bakery items - probably close to 40-50 different kinds! You choose what you want and put it on the tray (hence, the 'tweezers') (why can't I think of what it's called?) Anyway - we went there last night after dinner.  I told hubby to choose something for breakfast.  I went through everything twice to make sure I chose exactly what I wanted.  I decided on the chocolate croissant.  When I turned around, hubby had put 3 (yes THREE) different croissants on the tray!!  So at about $5 each - I decided 4 was enough and we checked out.  I will confess, since I had a salad, I had my chocolate croissant last night for 'dessert'.  Hubby ate one of his too.  I wonder if he has eaten the other two this morning.  I bet he will say he saved one for me. Do I eat it or be stubborn and say I didn't choose it?  LOL  Will see what he has left.  Nice place to pick up really good croissants for a little less than $5 each - but it's a bit pricey as well, but good pastries are.  It was a nice treat.  Lots of men and women were sitting at tables inside and out eating pastries and drinking a coffee or whatever.  Made me want to learn how to bake my own.  Of course that means I need an oven, right?

My youngest son finally got to see his granddaughter yesterday for the first time in at least a year and a half.  She was afraid of them at first, or seemed to be (I hear), but she began to warm up after awhile.  She did get to go with them to the hotel and spend the night. I think they are to return her this afternoon.  He did a facetime chat with me last night so that I could see her as well. She is so cute!  She didn't remember me, but then, she didn't see me much before, so why would she?  LOL Always trying to be prepared, I have purchased a second doll and cradle so that when she comes over and her cousin comes as well, both will have a doll to play with and not fight over.  After all, the one here thinks the baby is hers since she has been the only one playing with it.  So now I have two dolls and two cradles.  Need to work on letting go or moving my weight bench out.... maybe one of the grandsons would be interested - or sons - to build up their strength.  I'm just too self-conscious of hubby watching me when I work out when he's home, so it sits unused most of the time.  I'm trying to figure out if I can move my treadmill, which is small, in here and move out the other desk and ... where would I put it?  Would like to make that back room pretty much a playroom for the great-grandchildren - although I really don't see any of them for months at a time. Why do I do that to myself?  I so long for the little ones to hang around. But right now we can't bake so I'm keeping quiet.

One of my grandsons 'finally' got enlisted yesterday.  Sworn in, I guess is the right term, in the Army. So proud of him wanting to go; it will give him a career.  Originally he was being directed to the Rangers.... but that wasn't what he wanted. He wants to learn mechanics, for that is something he can do after he gets out.  And I will definitely admit, it will be nice - very nice - to have a mechanic in the family when something goes wrong with one of the cars!  Although we have been lucky thus far; not much needs to be done.  But he will learn a career and that is a good thing.

I have a gift for a great-granddaughter who has a birthday coming up next weekend. I need to get it in a bag or wrapped and get it to my son's to take down to her for her birthday.  I quit giving to grandchildren a long time ago.  Don't give to the great-grands very often. I just don't see them. And I do need to cut back on my spending... but some of them have a piece of my heart so I just 'have to' give them something... right?

I've been reading a book on the Sabbath... in which you turn off your phones, all electronic devices, and focus upon family or read or do something that your head and eyes are not into some electronic gadget. I can pretty much stay off my phone, I think. I do play words with friends with my older brother every night. I don't do much texting unless someone sends me a note.  But the purpose is to 'rest'.  After all, God did all the work for 6 days, and on the 7th day, the Sabbath day, He rested.  And He wants us to rest as well.  Reconnect with family. Rest the body (I love taking naps). Spend time with Him. That's the best part. That's why I love coming in here and shutting the door and reading. Most days I can be left alone at least for a few hours.  

Psalm 23:3 (NKJV):  He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. 

Jewish people say today, Saturday, is their Sabbath.  We Christians moved it to Sunday, as that is the day Christ arose from the grave.  Whichever day you choose to honor as your Sabbath, take some time to just sit and be still, and listen for God to speak to you.  You may be surprised at what He may say.  Or not say.  But the key is to listen.

Pause, listen, praise, and worship.  Jesus our Lord is King.

Blessings!

Thinking about it....still....

 Some changes are coming around the corner for work - besides getting two new bosses eventually.  You know how much I don't like doing the boards - not that they are hard; they are not. I just don't like doing them.  But with that thought and comment aside, what is going on?  I think I'm just tired.  NOW I get an email that we have to change our signature lines in our emails (is it really THAT important?) and make them a certain way.  So that we all can be 'one team'.  I'm so sick of that term.  And no, I haven't done anything yet.  I really think the only thing I will need to do is remove my 'handwriting' of my first name.  But I'm not going to fuss with it right now.  Minor things.  I'm tired. Perhaps that is it?  

Sue and I have been chatting about her retirement July 31st.  I'm really happy for her.  She and Paul have plans of things to do.  They just completely remodeled their home last year - all new appliances in the kitchen, new drapes, new flooring, etc.  I couldn't ever do that, but that's ok.  She is starting to get excited about retiring, and I'm excited for her.  Then today, with these silly emails about changes... well, November 20th is looking really good to me right now.  Or even January lst.  I just need to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

But then, sitting at home with hubby now is driving me insane... but then, couldn't I also start taking some classes and getting involved in things without him?  Maybe that would motivate him to do something besides sit and watch TV or play on his phone?  What am I afraid of?   Ok- enough of my mind going chasing the clouds.... I need to focus on today.

Today will be another long day.  Even Sue only has one meeting today. I will start going through my files and deleting some things that I no longer need to keep and send my personal stuff to my personal email. I will stay in here once hubby gets home.  But I have gotten a lot of things completed while he has been gone to his bible study.  I ran both new bedspreads through the dryer to loosen them up - and have made both beds (yes, I actually cleaned this one off!!).  I zipped up my heavy bedspread and have taken it out to the garage.  I broke down some amazon boxes that were overtaking the area.  I even took a few jumps on my rebounder.  Sue & I and Kynda and I have been chatting on Teams this morning about things.  So, yeah, I have been somewhat busy.  I love being alone (at least for now).  I've fixed myself a cup of hot tea and I'm sitting in front of my work computer.  I need to take off this afternoon and run down to the UPS dropoff at Staples - have some things to return to Amazon.   Yeah, may be a long day before too long.

Morgan took it easy on me last night - and even let me choose what I wanted to do.  I told her legs, as that was what I had mentally prepared for.  We only did 3-4 sets of 3 exercises, and they weren't hard ones - squats with weights, squat and pulse with a band at the knees, and one machine - leg extensions.  Seriously, nothing hard.  But I tell you what - my thighs and my butt is telling me another story!  I need to write those down.  I think that if I can write down what I do each time, I can do them on my own. After all, I won't be able to afford training once I retire....  As much as I enjoy the training, and it has helped me gain strength, I have my priorities and paying for training isn't one of them.

Well, I'm at a loss to write about anything of value today.  My mind is racing as to what else can I do before hubby gets home in about 30 minutes.  Maybe start going through my closet?  Naw... that's an all day job.  I could clean off this desk. Naw... I can do that another time.  Maybe I just need to do up a calendar and put something on it every day that I can accomplish without a lot of chatter.  Or not. 

Anyway - hope that you have an amazing day and do something fun - for you and for others.

Blessings!

That was close!

 I'm sitting here in my 'office' this morning and I hear hubby's phone ring.  Unknown caller.  He doesn't answer.  They call again, again Unknown caller.  He answered.  I'm listening to his responses.  No. No. Ok, what do I need to do?  I walk in to 'his' office to listen better.  He's on the computer, bringing up something. They tell him to type in 'quick'; he does.  I'm watching.  Something comes up that says 'quick access'..... I tell him to hang up.  I tell him to shut his computer down. Surprisingly, without any argument, he does.  I asked him what that was about.  He said it was Wells Fargo and they were saying our account got hacked.  First of all, Wells Fargo is not open before 9AM (this was around 8am, I think).  Second, they would not be calling him to ask him to do things on the computer. They would ask him to come in to the office to discuss.  Soooo close.  See why I have to listen in on his phone calls?  I've told him before; never bring up any accounts on the computer or give anyone access to his computer. That is what this call was trying to do - the question was on the screen "will you give access ....".  Absolutely NOT!

On a positive note, we did reserve an Airbnb up in Heber Overgaard for our anniversary getaway this year. I had found a few places and we looked at them last night.  I only had a couple 'requirements' and hubby agreed.  I wanted a covered porch on which we could sit outside and breathe fresh air and just enjoy the cooler weather.  I wanted (as I mentioned before), lots of sofa space in the living room so I can spread out 'my stuff'.  And we need a king bed.  We get all three here.  We spend most of the time reading (and me crocheting as a rule), so it will be nice to sit outside and just relax.  Hubby can't walk far so hiking is out; he will do a little shopping, but not much to do in that area.  I'll need to figure out meals (TV dinners will possibly be part of our meals) while we are there.  I don't get a vacation from cooking, so want to make it as simple as possible.

In 13 days I leave for Jailbreak Getaway - so ready!  My daughter will fly in on the 22nd. Her daughter is picking her up at the airport, but on the Tuesday she will be returning home, she wants me to take her to the airport and drop her off.  THAT I am not looking forward to.  I did manage to find my way back home after dropping the daughter and SIL off a month or so ago, but I haven't been in that area in years.  And it's crazy during the morning and evening hours.  But, guess I will 'suck it up' and do it.  I think I need to have her there around 5:30-ish AM ...  will cross that bridge when we get to it, I guess.

Got word yesterday that we will be able to get our great-granddaughter back into our family later this month!  Answers to prayers, for sure.  And, our grandson will be sworn into the Army Rangers (he hadn't asked for that!) on Friday. Wish we could go watch, but it is downtown and I refuse to drive downtown anymore. I don't have the patience for it.  People are crazy drivers downtown.  My youngest son will be up north visiting the granddaughter for the first time in almost 18 months - so is planning on doing a ceremony at the VFW soon to swear in his son so that we can be in attendance.  So we really have some good things going on within that family right now.  

The doctor visit yesterday for hubby went well.  His cholesterol is way out of whack so that was addressed.  Since I am getting better, Dr. Mark suggested I 'share' my remaining medication with hubby as that is not what he was there to see Dr. Mark about.  I get it.  We should have changed the appt for a medical visit versus review blood work.  So I passed on my Breo this morning; it is an inhaler, and I seem to be breathing much better now.  Already have him on Allegra.  Yeah, I am thinking Dr. Mark thinks a lot of what I had was allergies - but I don't have allergies - but maybe I do and don't know it?  I guess the symptoms are pretty close to the same.  At least my blood work was good; thyroid hormone is back where it should be.  He wants to do another blood workup in June with a visit in July to discuss.  I will have my actual physical in September as usual, when I will get the bone density test, mammogram, EKG, air flow, and whatever else needed.  That's why I like Dr. Mark.... I feel that I am being taken care of.  My other doctors - the last 4-5 - only checked my blood work once a year; only had one visit once a year for the well-check-up.  Dr. Mark checks blood work at least every 4-6 months - things change. That's how he discovered my thyroid medication was too high. He adjusted it; this blood work shows it is where it should be, but let's test it another 3 months to make sure.  

I put in for my vacation in August plus PTO for the holidays up to November (Memorial Day, July 3rd, Labor Day) and Sue has already approved them all.  I told her I'd wait on November..... still trying to make a decision.  I want to - really bad - but I still need to sit down and financially figure it all out.  For one, I need to quit spending like I have.  I had plans to save and do this and that.... and then.... I decided I wanted new bedspreads, new sheets.... and then I need to get another doll for the great granddaughters for when two are here, and I have only one doll, that could be a problem.  So I ordered another. I think I will check Savers or Goodwill and see if I can find a baby bed or cradle for the 2nd doll, rather than order one, although they aren't much.  I may need to let go of my exercise equipment (that I seem to rarely use anymore) to make it into an official playroom for the great-grandchildren.  I can always go to the gym to workout.... I don't need my own equipment.  That I rarely use. Sigh.

I read something today that really 'beat' me up.... I know it; you know it; and yet.... what are we doing about it?  What is it?

Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you want to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it."  Luke 9:23-24.

If we really listen to His words, we cannot call someone a Christian who regularly views pornography, tells off-color jokes, lies, gossips, refuses to forgive, lives sexually immorally, is greedy, lives for pleasure, is self-promoting, self-seeking, or any other behavior that is commonly practiced by unbelievers.

I'm sure that immediately many people came to your mind as you read that last paragraph.  Some came to my mind as well.  Unfortunately, I think I can also see some description of myself in some of it .... and know that I need to change.  Change is never easy, but many times it is beneficial.  If you read the paragraph after the scripture, what do you see that you need to change in yourself - in order to take up the cross of Christ and follow Him?  

I think I will end here... for I know that I have much work I need to do in myself.  I can not point fingers at others; that is not my 'job'.... my 'job'... is to keep my eyes on Jesus and Him alone.... and pick up my own cross and follow Him.  

Blessings!

I was wrrrrooooonnngggg.....

 about Hubby's appointment time for Wednesday.  I just looked at my work calendar and his appointment is at 11AM - which means we need to leave here at 10AM - traffic shouldn't be too bad between 10-11 so I just might not be gone as long as I thought I would be.  Coming back home might be busy - but it's all good.  

Sue notified all her direct reports that she is retiring July 31.  It is going to leave a big gap for me - I will be getting two new bosses over the next few months.  Maybe it is time for me to retire as well?  I wish I could easily say yes to that.  In time, in time.

Things have been really quiet on the work front.  Sue is busy, but she hasn't given me much to do lately.  Yesterday I did have some work to do for contracting, but was done in about an hour. I have started going through emails and deleting folders I don't need to keep for Brett anymore.  Probably a good time to clear out a bunch of emails and folders, right?  

Obviously, I have nothing to talk about this morning... how did that happen?  

Seriously.  I am sitting here trying to think of something to write about.... and there is nothing. 

Two weeks from tomorrow I will be leaving on Jailbreak Getaway XI with my girls.  So looking forward to just relaxing and not doing much.  We will do some shopping, I'm sure, and there are antique stores in that area, but ... I don't need to bring any thing else home, if you know what I mean!  I love the old dishes - and use them at times.  When we moved in here, I had to give up a lot of my dishes that I enjoyed - even though I will admit that I didn't use them enough to keep them. I couldn't even tell you - other than platters, what I had to get rid of.  I prefer giving my dishes to my kids - whichever of them want them.  I really do need to do inventory.  A retirement project, right?

I wonder what I really will do if I ever retire.  Thinking about it, I'd probably say yeah, I'll clean out closets, clean out drawers, get rid of things, etc.  Sounds productive, right? But what will I really do.  Besides withdraw into my shell of protectiveness .... I just want to be me and enjoy life... 

Still working on the same diamond art project... I did this one last year and gave to my son and daughter -in law at Christmas - it is of them. I had forgotten I had a second copy made. I'm working on it so that I will have one to hang up in my house every year.  I'm trying to do a little bit every day - but don't always succeed.  It does take a lot of beads!  I have several diamond art projects I got for Christmas... I do enjoy working on them and being in my own little world.

Our quarterly admin meeting was yesterday and it was decided that we all needed to get together for lunch in September - some live in Tucson, some in Phoenix, and some way out here.  They decided halfway would be Casa Grande.  It's still a long drive for me. Will either carpool or .....  will see. September is a long way off.

And with that - I'm getting off here - need to dry my hair and put a face on to go to doctor's office - will leave in about an hour... hopefully that's enough time to get it done.  HaHa.

I've had this quote on my computer for a number of years.... I honestly can not remember when I read it - nor when I wrote it out and put on the corner of the screen.  I think it was to remind myself that I can do something....

All our dreams can come true, if wee have the courage to pursue them.   ~~ Walt Disney

I've had dreams... but never the courage to pursue... maybe it's time I should dream again... what about you?

Blessings!