On the move and loving it........

I sat here day after day, not very happy with what was going on in my life and didn't do anything about it for a very long time. Then one day I realized no one was going to change anything for me. I needed to do that myself. Getting this new job has put a new twist on life. Coupled with joining the YMCA and the travel that is required with the job, I can tell you, I've been on the move a lot lately.

It seems like this new job has put a new lease on life.

Actually, that's only partly true. Vacation had nothing to do with the job other than the requested time off before accepting it.

The day trip to King's Domain has much to do with the job. It was a lovely way to get to know my management team members at work without the usual daily stress the job brings. We spent the day playing games and learning how to work together as a team. Then went out for a refreshment and laughed and joked for another hour and a half. Pretty cool.

The trip to Columbus earlier this week for three days did. The business conference was a true learning experience, if only I could process it all. Twelve mini modules in two days is almost too much, but at least you do come away with most of it.

The trip to Put in Bay this past weekend was to die for. The quality family time. Relaxing. Strengthening family relationships. The beauty of the Island. We camped. We cooked out of doors. We even managed to find a park that almost no one else spent any time in to spend our days. The guys dropped a line in the water and fished. The women socialize and kept a keen eye on the munchkins. I like to watch the kids, even when the oldest one gets frustrated because she can't keep up with the men when baiting a hook. The little guy was a treat from start to finish. I love to hear him sing and watch him dance. And in the tent at night, I even got a taste of the funky chicken. You ask, what's that? Believe me, you don't want to know.

Then there is the business trip at the beginning of next week. I will be gone one day short of a week. That's a lot of cloths and stuff to pack! I almost wish it were in a town I was familiar with. And if not that, closer to home. But then again, I may find another new friend or vacation spot.

I get to spend the day mentoring with someone who holds the same job I have. It should be really interesting. The evening will be spent in a hotel, for a week. Who knows, I may need the time to myself. I'm a little worried about flying but I know God will be with me.

What's up after that, I have no idea. Hopeful, more of the same.

Quote: Life is a picnic and we are the ants! Celebrate.

God Bless. Good Night.

Catching up........

Life has been way too busy. It seems like forever since I have been in the blog world (even thought it has only been nine days). With the new job and a vacation all in the past month I have a lot of bloggers and blogging to catch up on.

Before talking the job I told them I already had plans to go out of town over the Memorial Day holiday. All total, I was gone six days. It seemed like a lot longer than that. I visited my dear, dear friends Pam and Frank in South Carolina. Actually, she lives right on the border of North and South Carolina, near Charlotte. I relaxed, swam, shopped, socialized and spent a lot of time on the front porch reading. All the key elements required for a great vacation.

And no matter how long or how great a vacation is, it's interesting how quickly we jump right back into our work and the daily things that make our lives what they are.

The new job is coming along nicely. Makes me wonder why it took me almost a year to make the change. There is always a lot going on, which is the way I like it. If you are a planner and want the day to go just as planned, this is definitely not the job for you. Me, I just go with the flow. Take it as it comes. It's a lot more interesting that way.

The in town training is finished, for now, I continue to learn the ins and outs of the job and continue to become more familiar with the computer programs required for the job. Later this month I have two more trainings scheduled out of town.

My boss continues to be a real sweetheart, as do all the other management staff I have come in contact with. Any thing I need, they try really hard to assist me.

As for my staff of about 22, I think they think I just fell off a pumpkin truck or something. I know they have had the opportunity to pretty much do what the wanted (within reason, of course) for a really long time because the girl in my position was promoted from within and wasn't a very strong leader, which is why she stepped down and they hired me. The team found it hard to respect her in the ways she needed to get the job done. She was relieved to have someone else take the reins.

Don't get me wrong, they are a GREAT team and they work hard and care very much for those residents. But why not try the water with a new manager on board. See how deep it is or what the temperature of the water is. Even the lead person that held the position before me, tried. I love it!

I now look forward to going to work and have been spending way too many hours there, but the residents and staff make it all worth it.

So.... If your having a hard time in your job and you think there isn't a way out, there is. Sometimes change is good. Sometimes we stay in jobs that offer nothing when we could be getting great rewards from our jobs. Besides, we spend the greater part of out waking hours at work. It might as well be something we enjoy doing.

Quote for the day: Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Embrace it.

Change is good.....

I can't believe that it has been almost 10 days since my last post.

I have been really busy making some well deserved changes in my life. "It's about time." I used to hate change. I used to have to take time to move slowly into change but I think if we don't embrace change, we can really find ourselves getting into a rut. Even getting depressed if we're not careful.

I really like my new job. I have been spending a lot of my blogging hours at work, learning the job and sitting in training. The days have been really long and busy, packed full of new beginnings and lots of information. So much so, I can hardly contain it all at times.

I spent the first week and two days in training and I am told I am not finished yet. I have never taken a job before that they did such complete training. Most of the time it's a couple days and they throw you out to the wolfs. I bet more people would hold jobs longer if they knew what they were getting into at the get-go. I know I would have turned my last job down flat if I knew just what I was getting my self into.

My boss is really super. In my job, I am the director of one of the "neighborhoods. I have a really good team of 18-20 staff members in place, 24-7. They are starved for attention and direction but most of all appreciation. For the most part, they do a really good job working with the residents.

Weather I want to admit it or not, I really like working in the nursing home setting. Even though they call this place an assisted living community, it's basically a nursing home. I feel I am back in my element again. There is something to be said for that.

Most of the job consist of keeping the paper work in order, (and there is a LOT of paperwork) and managing the staff, or the lack there of. Again, nothing I am afraid of and haven't done before.

I worked the weekend and was scheduled off today but went in anyway. It's employee appreciation week and my staff needed appreciated. Besides, I am scheduled of later in the week and am going on a long over visit to see my dear friend Pam over the Memorial Day Holiday.

And while I am in the mood for change, I joined the YMCA. Something else I have thought about doing for a very long time. I decided it was time to get off my butt and do it. I may never hit the exercise room but I love swimming and that is excellent exercise.

Besides, my daughter and family joined too. That means I know someone going n. I think that's the hardest part about joining a new club. You feel all alone at first.

I went the other night by my self. I enjoyed the swim but it was really lonesome. I spoke to several people but it was a quick hi, beginning and end of conversation. I went tonight and that same swim was just delightful because my daughter and the grandchildren there. With them there I was motivated to swim more. And the interaction with the family was priceless. Besides, my daughter was able to get some swimming laps in without worrying about the kids. Wow, those kids are really good in the water! I thought the little guy would be a little afraid. Not him. It's nice to know they aren't afraid of the water. That may come in handy some day.

When my daughter was growing up, we spent a lot of time in the pool. At least 4 or 5 days out of 7. We both grew to love the water. I have missed it. I have missed the valued exercise this old body needs and swimming can provide.

Quote for the day:

In a time of change, it is the learner who inherits the future.

God Bless.

Happy Mother's Day to all.

I had a most delightful day with my family today, coming together here at my house for a family picnic. Everyone pitched in to make the day a special one to remember. We played corn hole, baseball and had a great time visiting with one another. There is no replacing quality family time. Cherish your family. Your Mom's. Your Grandma's. Life is too short not to. And not just on Mother's Day, but everyday.

I love this description of a mom's job given at a County Clerk's office. And they think moms don't have the most important jobs ever.

JUST A MOM?

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office

Was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

"What I mean is," explained the recorder,

"do you have a job or are you just a......?"

"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman.

"I'm a Mom."

"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it,"

Said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the

Same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.

The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,

Efficient and possessed of a high sounding title like,

"Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"What is your occupation?" she probed.

What made me say it?

I do not know.

The words simply popped out.

"I'm a Research Associate in the field of

Child Development and Human Relations."

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and

Looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words.

Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,

In bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest,

"just what you do in your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,

I heard myself reply,

"I have a continuing program of research,

[what mother doesn't)

In the laboratory and in the field,

(normally I would have said indoors and out).

I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family)

And already have four credits (all daughters).

Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,

(any mother care to disagree?)

And I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).

But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers

and the rewards are More of a satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she

Completed the form, stood up and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,

I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.

Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,

(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,

Testing out a new vocal pattern.

I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!

And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished

and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mom."

Motherhood!

What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers

"Senior Research associates in the field of

Child Development and Human Relations"

And great grandmothers

"Executive Senior Research Associates"?

I think so!!!

I also think it makes Aunts

"Associate Research Assistants".

Quote of the day: May your troubles be less, Your blessings be more And nothing but happiness come through your door!

My dear friend Ona and her children

Interesting how the mind works. We often blame someone or something else when things don't goes as we planned for them to or as we think they should. But life is about choices. Sure there are plenty of things that happen that we have no control over at all. But a lot happens that we do have control over and do nothing about it. Sometimes, we even make it worse.

I'm off on this tan gin because I sad, mad and very disappointed with my friend's family members. My friend of 31 years died on Tuesday. She was the greatest lady. She lived and breathed her children, sometimes giving away what she didn't have to please them. In return, her children used her without mercy, net even thinking twice. They fought over things she had or conned her out of them, even when she needed to keep it for herself. Some even stole from her.

I was talking to her daughter last night. She was going on and on about her mom and how much see did for her. She didn't know I knew "The Rest of the Story." This daughter caused her mother great grief, even a nervous break down. She worked in a bank. Her mother trusted her to invest her money wisely. The daughter over a period of three years stole 75,000 dollars from her mother.

Her mother didn't press charges, voicing she must have needed it for her children. But the daughter did pay. Because it was a bank, they pressed charges. The daughter was arrest and served 18 months. She didn't learn anything. She continues to be verbally abusive and would take things without asking, justifying she deserved them. Amazing.

You pile up enough tomorrows, and you'll

find you've collected a lot of empty yesterdays.

- Professor Harold Hill (The Music Man)

When she was sick and still living at home, her children wouldn't even take her to the doctor, or offer to go to the grocery, or even offer to pick up her medication. Their idea of taking care of mom was putting her in a nursing home.

Her middle son stepped in and tried to do what was right by mom. The youngest son fought with this son until he moved out. The youngest son over dosed on drugs three to four weeks after placing mom in a nursing home. Luckily the middle son stepped back in and stayed true to mom. Of course the other siblings had nothing good to say about their brother. You go Donny!

The daughter visited mom five times while she was in the nursing home. All of which were in the last two weeks of her life. The older son visited 6-7 times, same scenario. Not a very good showing for all she did for them.

My friend can't speak for herself anymore, nor would she, but I have a hard time feeling sorry for her children when they chose to make choices that didn't include a healthy relationship with their mom when she was putting forth such a strong effort, even when she was sick.

I was so blessed to have her as my friend for 31 years. I hold great comfort in knowing she isn't suffering anymore.

A poem worth remembering:

People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered. Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.

Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.

Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.. Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest person with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest person with the smallest mind. Think big anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack if you help them. Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you might get kicked in the teeth. ................Give the world the best you've got anyway. - Anonymous

God Bless

Before I was a Mom

Mother's Day is fast approaching. My friend is South Carolina sent this to me. This is what true love is all about.......wouldn't you agree?

Before I was a Mom
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom
I had never been puked on. Pooped on. Chewed on. Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts. I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put them down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom

I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so
important and happy.

Before I was a Mom
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

First day on the new job.....

I had a very good first day at my new job. The day went by rather quickly as I knew it would. A lot of information to digest but everyone couldn't have been kinder. I like that about being a humanitarian. The people in the job chose to help people therefore seem to have a kinder disposition.

This week will be mostly trainings, orientation and getting to know people as would be in any new job.

I'm thankful for a new beginning. A fresh start. Another chance to be happy in my job. A chance to serve the growing number of seniors that need what I have to offer. The opportunity again, to enrich the quality of another persons' life on a daily basis.

Quote for the day: God is so good. Stop and count your blessings.

God Bless.

Lots of good reading.......

Interesting, I have been in the blog world every night this week but haven't taken the time to blog. I have been busy reading blogs. There seems to be a blog on just about every subject you can think of. Writing a book, it's there. Knitting, it's there, Crocheting, there, Stamping, yep, Crafts, there. You name it, it's there.

I stumbled onto a bunch of blogs about crafting and crocheting. I thought I died and went to heaven. It seemed the more I read, the more I found. I can't say I totally loved every one but that's the good thing about blogs. There is a lots to choose from. After a while, you just have to cut yourself off and go to bed.

If this is something you are interested in, I added several to my side bar. Some may not be your cup of tea but you can find a lot of links on their blogs that could be something of interest to you. And, if you still don't find what your looking for, google it. It's amazing what your find.

I'm off to read some more blogs. After I start my new job, I'm not so sure I will have the time or energy to spend so much time in the blogging world for a while.

Quote for the day: May you always have Love to Share, Health to Spare , and Friends that Care.

God Bless and Good Night.

Putting this eye thing behind me.......

Well, I'm about to put my eye nightmare behind me. My friend picked me up a 9:00 this morning to go for the long awaited laser surgery. With a friend along the morning and the surgery went by really quickly and without a hitch.

It was all over so quick and the results were immediate. I put on my sunglasses and was on my way in under 90 minutes. My friend dropped me off at home and was off to complete her busy schedule.

After she was gone, I picked up the phone to call and schedule the appointment to complete the exam. I was expecting to be scheduled in a few day, maybe even a week. The reception said the doctor had an opening this afternoon. I hesitated, but only for a moment, then accepted the appointment for 2:30. I was in and out in 20 minutes. Again things could not have gone better.

I went home for a while. Had some dinner. Got on the computer. The colors are great. It looked like the typing was all bold ed. I didn't realize just how much I wasn't seeing. I also noticed my kitchen floor could sure use my attention.

I decided the day was going so well, I might as well top it off with going to the mall and order the glasses and put all this behind me.

I went in to Lens crafters and was greeted by an overly enthusiastic sails lady. I tried to keep my cool but told her I wanted to look around on my own and would come to her when I found what I was looking for. It took telling her that three times before she moved away. I know, she was only doing her job.

We were in the eye glass place about 45 minutes and the glasses are ordered and done. Amen. No more posting about glasses. No more eye appointments for a long, long time.

Besides, it will be a nice thing entering a new job without having to worry about my glasses. With a new job, I will have too many other things to worry about.

I'm off this week. I start my new job next Monday. I'm using the week to tie up loose ends, watch the little guy and take care of business. I might even get outside to work in the yard a while tomorrow while the little guy is here, (if the rain hold out).

Earth Day a little late....

In honor of Earth day (a couple days late) I found this "How green is your life quiz. I'm 76% green. I think that's pretty good. It could be better, but it could be worse too. How Green Are You?

Your Life is 76% Green

You live a very green life, and you're aware of how your actions help the earth. Of course, it's hard to be totally green. But when you make a tradeoff, you know why you're making it.

http://www.blogthings.com/howgreenisyourlifequiz
How Green Is Your Life?

On Saturday I visited my local recycle center. I've had a couple rubbermaid containers with pop tops in them for a really long time. I kept telling myself they needed to get to the recycle center to do any good. Well, I decided to take them on Saturday. I know it was the day before Earth Day but I didn't know they would be celebrating there. When I got hter they food and drinks and balloons to hand out for bring things to the recycle center. And the price to recycle was up in honor of Earth Day. My two caontainer of pop tops yielded $63 and some change. I thought the lady made a mistake in the amount she game me. I was expecting about $20 dollars. I stood around for a minute, just to make sure she knew how much money she gave me.

When the lady didn't say anything I decided it was my duty to tell the lady she may have given me too much money. So I started by telling her that I didn't realize the price paid to recycle was as much money as it was. She said the price was up due to Earth Day. I still wasn't convenced that she had not made a mistake, so I tried another approach. Before I could say anything she ask if anything was wrong. I then told her she may have given me too much money. She thanked me for my honesty but reasured me that the $63 was the correct amount. I have to tell you, I almost ran to my car at this point. And those pop tops have been sitting in the garage for over 5 years, FIVE years. Amazing.

So, clean out that garage or spare room. You never know what kind of treasure your going to come upon.

Quote for the day: Each day comes bearing many gifts, untie the ribbons.

So many blogs, so little time.......

I came to my blog tonight after reading my email. I found a couple comments from Barb and Judith and wanted to thank them for being a regular reader on my blog. Thanks ladies.

I've been here reading blogs for about three and a half hours. I clicked on my daughter's blog to catch up on what's happening with the grand kids. I find an interesting blog on her site so I click on it and read a while. Then another interesting blog and off I go reading. Pretty soon a couple hours have gone by and the laundry still isn't folded. But it really is more important to visit with friends, isn't it? I visited Andrea, Judith, Barb, Debra, Mitch, Chelsea, Carolyn, Beth, and a host of other one.

This stuff is better than any novel I could ever read................

Work

The last week at this job is just beginning but I think it's going to be a very LONG week. My boss was on the war path today. The only consolation was I was out for an eye apt today for three hours. I couldn't wait to get out of there today.

My work is up for re certification. You'd think no one ever did anything but sit around with their thumbs in their mouths, the way they are running around. My motto it simple.......If you are doing it right all the time and not just when someone is coming to "Watch", you shouldn't need to do anything but DO WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING ANYWAY, ALL THE TIME.

My company is known for it's over doing it on the training end, to meet the MRDD standards, so we're are told. But the last couple weeks have been over the top. Sometimes going to trainings two to three times a day, just for documentation sake.

I valled to stay with this mess and see them through their inspection but I will be glad when it's done. The inspectors will be here Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Those are the days I want to hide under a rock. The bosses will be berserk. The good thing is on Friday when they leave, I leave too. No more Lois, Yippee!!!!

Wow! It's just past midnight and it is raining cat and dogs out there. The lights flashed a couple minutes ago. I guess that's a sigh I need to get of of her and go to bed.

Thanks for listening. Love reading all the blogs. Come back and visit.

Quote for the day: Make the most of the best and the least of the worse.

God Bless

The saga continues with the glasses........

Well it's Sunday night and I would like to say I have a nice, beautiful pair of glasses but that hasn't happened. I went to the eye doctor last Tuesday. And rather than him completing and eye exam so I could be on my way to get another pair of glasses and put this whole nightmare behind me..........the saga continues.

About half way through the eye eye exam, the doctor ask, "have you been having any problems lately. I could have said no, but...........One good look at my glasses and you could plainly see I was having problems. He ask if my vision was clear. I had to be honest and so no, for more reasons than I can mention.

The doctor was unable to complete the exam because he found that there was a film on the outside of each of my eyes. He said it was as a result of the surgery I had in 2005. All I could say is great................. the saga continues...........Then I ask "you mean I need more surgery before you can complete this eye exam. His answer was, no, just lazier. Then he said it was an office procedure.

The exam pretty much stopped at this point. He called and scheduled a consult for lazier. The appointment was scheduled for last Thursday. They called on Tuesday. The "new" nurse scheduled the wrong kind of evaluation. The regular nurse "Cindy" wanted me to call right away and reschedule. What she didn't say was that she was off on Wednesday. After 5 calls to schedule I find that she was off. Does it ever end?

After 5-6 calls on Thursday, I Finlay reach "Cindy". She was nice enough but she had nothing to offer me, they were booked and the only time she can get me in is at the end of May.....that's right MAY.

Let's see ...... My old job ends on the 27th, Insurance will have a major gap (three months befor the new insurance starts) .......My glasses are about to crumble at any moment and I need them for close work..........and she ask if this was an emergency? ...............Did I give her an ear full.

I have an appointment tomorrow at 11:30 am. I'd like to say it is for the procedure but it isn't. It's for a consult for laizer.

All I want is my glasses. I'm way to busy for all these details. I would like to enter my new job with this behind me.



Quote for the day: The cost of living is high, but it's worth it

God Bless.

A little of this and that....including a NEW JOB

It's spring, Yippee!!
Wow! You can sure tell it's spring. I have been really busy inside and out. The weather was warm for about a week and it made me want to get outside and get some yard work done. I love the look of a freshly mower lawn. Then it got cold but there was plenty to do inside. I hope the mood stays with me for a while. I would like to get some closets cleaned as well as some work done in the basement. And I still have another shelving unit to build in the garage.

The tree removal was interesting.........
I had a tree removed in the backyard. It was a real leaner. I was worried that it would fall on someone. It was leaning into the neighbors yard and had lost a few limbs. . Turns out they didn't remove the whole tree, just the leaning parts and a few branches from a couple other trees. And Wow, is it expensive!! I can tell you the two men that did the work really earned their money. The one guy used a rope and climbed that tree like he was a squirrel or something. The other guy was the muscle of the operation. He moved most of the tree into the wooded part of the yard. Nice to have the tree taken care of. One less thing to worry about.

My only pair of glasses......
And then there is the nice big crack I have in the only pair of glasses I own. I have been wearing glasses for more years than I would care to mention but I have never had any crack like these have. I just know the reason for the crack is because I hurtled them over the fence the other week. At the time there were no visible damage. I picked them up this past Sunday and noticed a big crack in the bottom right lens. It has been all down hill from there. I have since found two more cracks. I went to the eye doctor thinking I could just get an eye exam and a new pair of glasses. Not so fast. They found a problem with the eyes. I have another appointment and another eye doctor and I am still wearing the cracked lenses, praying they don't fall apart before I can get them replaced.

Having said that about the glasses I can also share the I Have Accepted A New JOB. I will be more excited about it once my new problem with the glasses fixed. My insurance is only good for as long as the old job is....two more weeks. I have to give it to the doctors. They are doing their part and moving the appointment along and that's a blessing.

I have a new job........Yippee!!!
The new job is a welcoming blessing. I haven't liked my current job for a long time. I could have lived with the job, it was the boss I didn't like. Unfortunately we all have to work for a living. And you can't let one job go with out a replacement if you are the only one bring any money into the house. I think this job is a better match with my experience. I'm looking forward to a new beginning. I'll keep you posted on the progress.

Foster Parenting classes......
As for the foster care classes I have been doing. I have finally finished the classes. I haven't followed up on the rest of the process yet, (I've been too busy working on getting my new job and working in the yard) but I do plan on continuing with it. Time will tell what will come out of it. I'm not sure where I want to go with it. I have to wait and see what happens with the new job first.

Isn't it interesting how life can be slow and somewhat boring sometimes and then you start getting involved in something and all of a sudden life is crazy. Truth be told, I would rather life be too busy and crazy than slow and boring.

Quote for the day: Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living, the other helps you make a life.

God Bless.

New Friends

As you can see Charlie has some new friends. I didn't know just how he would take to the m but he seems to be doing alright. He sits and watches them for hours. Even gets a little exercise trying to catch them with his paws.
The other night I watched him get really close. It was too cute. When I turned out the light I thought he would go on about his business. It did make him jump down but then a hour later I saw him up on top of the tank. He was looking for a place to get his paws inside. When that didn't happen he just sat on top of the tank.
I was a little concerned about this for a while, but he didn't seem to be hurting anything.

I got the fish because I thought my grandson and granddaughter would enjoy them. My grandson noticed them but didn't seem to care. My granddaughter noticed them and was glad I had fish.But the cat seems to be getting the most enjoyment out of my new friends, even with the lights off.

Quote for the day:

Learn to pause or nothing worthwhile will ever catch up with you.

God Bless.

Happy Easter

I am looking forward to Easter. Starting the day going to church with the family is an awesome way to begin the day.

And because it is a holiday, the family will spend the entire day together. I love spending the day with family. Surrounded by people who accept you for who you are, the way God does. Wouldn't this world be a better place if we could all do that?

Both sides of the family come together as one big happy family. I like that part too. Not having to split the day. Not having to worry about how much time with this one or that one. A better day for all.

I hope everyone reading this has a blessed holiday. Don't forget the reason for the holiday.

Quote for the day: A happy family is but an early heaven. God Bless.

Just checking in with this and that......

What a beautiful weekend!

I came to the blog to talk about what a beautiful weekend it was. And in being beautiful, that doesn't always mean all sunshine. We came to the weekend with the threat of rain for both days. Saturday was the only day that really produced much rain, and even that wasn't bad.

Our church sponsored our annual Easter egg hunt for the kids in the neighborhood. Considering there are only 4-5 children who attend our church regularly, there were 65 kids that showed up for the hunt, rain and all. A nice lunch. A craft. A story telling the reason for the season, while the eggs were being hidden outside. The egg hut was a big hit. A good time had by all.

After the egg hunt, I got to spend the rest of the day with my grandson. What a joy he is to be around. He and I don't always get a lot of one on one time together. Big sister, however sweet and quite the little helper, sometimes pushes for more of the attention. It was a day of give and take. Sometimes his temper tried to get the best of the situation but grandma was too experienced for that to work. All he candy he ate (found in all the plastic eggs) didn't help but a two hour nap improved the situation immensely.

We wen t out side for a while. I even managed to get some of the garage cleaned. (I was going to take pictures and do that step by step clean up meme but I just attacked it and got it done. Besides he really enjoyed himself riding the new big wheel and playing baseball with a stick and a couple plastic baseballs. He's too cute. I love to watch him.

I'm off tomorrow to be in the opening day parade. My first. N0t my choice. I have been chosen to be one of the drivers so some of out consumers can march in the parade. It should be a really fun day. Better than being at work.

As most of you know when I first started blogging I was fairly new in my job. Well, recently I interviewed for another job. Probable better suited for me. More working with the elderly rather than adult MRDD. I have been struggling with what to do. Then I found this story on the Internet. I think the last two quotes say it all.......

The story of the five balls.
Imagine life is a game in which you are juggling five balls. The balls are called work, family, health, friends, and integrity. And you're keeping all of them in the air. But one day you finally come to understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other balls ---- family, health, friends, integrity ---- are made of glass. If you drop one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed, niked, perhaps even shattered. And once you truly understand the lesson of the five balls, you will have the beginnings of balance in your life.

God doesn't send you patience. He just sends you moments that make you practice being patient, over and over again.


Memories don't rest in our brains, which are apt to record the details wrong anyway,
but in our hearts.

My daughter and I don't recall her childhood in exactly the same as it was, but we do share the one thing that did matter. We both remembered the love.

Our relationship revolved around superficial issues, too bad we dealt with them like children. Bickering, nitpicking, judging and competing. Never in all those years did the thought occur to me ----and I'm sure it didn't occur to my sister of mom, either---that a time was approaching when we would be forced to cast aside our differences and respond to one another with mutual respect and to demonstrate the love undeniably ingrained deep in our hearts.

Don't wait for a tradigy to come to realize it is the future that is sacrificed. Our children are the ones who suffer. Aren't we the ones responsible for the change, the ones to break the pattern.

Is is possible to change the hearts of your sibling who have hurt so much themselves? Why is in that everyone takes the easy way out? Why not agree to disagree? Family is important. Is it too late for ours?

I believe we were a victom. But that was when we were children. Shouldn't we be mature adult and want change?

To be without love is to be without grace, what matters most in life. We is so much better than I.

Folks get discouraged because God doesn't make them saints overnight. They don't understand all the years of God-work that go into making one's life a thing of beauty--a lot of shaping, a lot of smoothing, a lot of finishing. aind if we rush the process, the flaws will surely show.

If you have to choose between following money or following your heart, go with your heart.

There are a lot of things that can't be correted. Squandering your life in a job that shrivels your soul is one of them.

And last but not least: Remember the ice storm that damaged so many trees. Well, I'm still fighting that battle. I had some one here looking at what it would take to bring down a tree that is leaning a bit too much. I guess I can take restitution in that it is only one tree. What a pain........ and not cheap either!

And the quote for the day: The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.

A Woman's Beauty

I usually wash my hair in the moning then blow it dry. I have a 50-50 chance that it will look good. I don't usually do much to it other than using the blow dryer. It was raining outside and I knew even blowing it dry was a waste of time. Too much moisture in the air. It was going to be a bad hair day.

I found this really nice devotional about women. I liked it so much, I wanted to share. Even the scripture and prayer at the end are uplifting. .

A Woman's Beauty

Contrary to what we get told by our culture and the media, the beauty of a woman is not in the outer appearance. We are forever bombarded with products that are supposed to make us more beautiful – as if we are not beautiful the way we are. Creams to either hide or eliminate wrinkles, hairstyles and dyes to color our hair to hide the ‘grey’. Make up that masks our real faces, and jewelry & clothing to make us more attractive.

None of these really matter. They’re not wrong in themselves, but our attitude behind it should not be in the need of these things to make us more attractive. If we are concerned with the way we look, and care more about grooming our outward, it may be that we are discontented with who we really are. God wants us to be concerned with the inside – the real us. This is where the real beauty is. Having a pretty face, a perfect figure and all the accessories that go along with it, means nothing in the light of eternity. It only reflects the culture we live in, and I think that culture needs to be challenged. After having my daughter (after 3 boys), I noticed the kinds of toys available to ‘girls’. A lot have to do with ‘Beauty’ & ‘Glamour’. I had to ask myself, what kind of message is this sending?

I believe we need to get passed being overly concerned with our outward appearance, and concentrate more on what’s inside. Allow the Holy Spirit to beautify the inside. For when we have God’s beauty inside, it reflects on the outside – and then we won’t need the creams and make-up to make ourselves beautiful. We will have the natural beauty of a Godly woman, and that beauty is eternal

.-M.S.Lowndes

Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain , but a woman who reverently and worship fully fears the Lord, she shall be praised!

Proverbs 31: 30

Lord may I reflect your beauty

The beauty of a Godly life

And to care not about what’s on the outside

But rather on what’s inside-

M.S.Lowndes

The Nephew

I got a phone call last night from what I though was a very late telemarketer. It was long distance and usually when I get a call I don't recognize I simply don't answer it. Something told me to pick it up this time. Boy, am I glad I did. It was the nephew. I was tickled pink. He's in Iraq serving our country.

The best part of this is he has tried to call "his Aunt Dee before and I wasn't home but he kept trying until he got me. He's really thoughtful like that.

He sounded really tired. Their eight hours later than we are so when he called it was about five in the morning. I felt special.

I ask him if he got a package that was sent and his answer was, You me the 131 boxes of Girl's Scout cookies. Nooooooooo, but I'm glad you got enough cookies to share. He said they receive approximately 3-5 hundred packages a day. My answer was, there should be a couple more from us.

I know he believed he was doing the right thing by joining the service but last night he was hard pressed in believing. He sounded different. He said he was really tired. I can't even wrap my mind around want he is going through on a daily basic.

I tried to life his spirits. He wasn't buying it. His wife is expecting their first child and he won't be hope until it is three months old. The baby is due in May. He won't be home for a visit until August. My heart goes out to him.

Everyone who reads this, please take a moment and pray for the wonderful young men and women, and my nephew, who are fighting this war to ensure our freedom.

A Prayer from Ps. 17

Almighty Father, show our servicemen and women

Your unfailing love in wonderful ways.

Save them with your strength

Guard out troops as the apple of Your eye

And hide them in the shadow of your wings

Amen.

----Psalm 17:7-8

The Search Was On........

I came home to my blog tonight to vent my frestrations about what a tuff day I had. My frame of mind was not where it should have been to make a positive post so I decided to go visit my regular reads before posting. By the time I got back to my blog I had a renewed look on my day. Is that anything like counting to ten before you say something you will regret? Hmmmm.

I've always been told that working in the kind of job I have takes a special person. Most days, I don't feel that way. Today wasn't one of them. The day was just plan nuts! Lots of thorns. Was it a full moon, again? I didn't think so. Part of the problem could have been we were down two staff members and up five consumers, bringing the totals to about 10 to 1, when it should have been 5-6 to 1. I was glad to put the work day behind me.

Besides, it was a beautiful day and I didn't have to go to class and was looking forward to getting outside to work in the yard. Boy, does my yard need some TLC. I still had lots of tree limbs and the like littering the yard and was looking forward to get them cleaned up. I spent about an hour and a half working outside. I felt I was making some real progress. Then It Happened. Something really stupid. Are you ready?......

I was trimming the tree behind the shed when I through a limb over the fence into the compost pile. Now I had done this what, a hundred time this even alone. But.....the last limb, while throwing it, brushed my face and took my glasses with it, OVER THE FENCE. I froze. My mind was buzzing. I didn't want to step in any direction, just in case the glasses didn't go over the fence, but were laying at my feet. I looked but, needed my glasses to find my glasses.

I stood there looking over the fence for what seemed like 30 minutes but was probable about 10 minutes. I started to worry about what I would do if I didn't find them. And how much a new pair would cost. And the trouble of finding time for an eye exam........and on and on.

I decided I wasn't going to get upset about this. What were my options. My daughter and granddaughter were at a bible study. They were out. My son in law would just be getting home. If he didn't have anything else planned, he would come if I called. I called but got no answer. My mind continued to be a buzz worrying about what I couldn't do without those glasses. I called my daughter's cell, (she still had 10 minutes before her bible study started) who ensured me my son in law was home, try again.

After explaining my situation and how stupid I felt, he promised to come ASAP. I was worried that the day light wouldn't last. I continued to look, hoping I would find the glasses before he got here, but that didn't happen. He came and within five minutes he was able to locate them in the rubble, on the other side of the fence. The blessing was that they were found quickly and without a scratch on them. It could have been much harder. I was so relieved. What a great son in law. So patient. Always willing to help. I think I thanked him too many times but I was never so glad to see those glasses.

My grandson and I kicked a ball around while my son in law adjusted the seat on a big wheel for the little guy. When they left, there was still some day light left, but I was done outside for the day.

I came in and made some really good Chicken and Rice Soup. Nothing like Chicken Soup to make it all better.

I don't have a recipe for the soup. I just added until I thought I had enough. The ingredients I used were:

Chicken Rice Soup
Two cut up, stewed chicken breasts, (I cooked the other day)
The broth from the chicken plus 2 cups of water
1/2 a pack of frozen mixed vegetables, (I used oriental)
3/4 cup of rice
parsley, salt, pepper, sage. celery seed. touch of garlic.

I simmered about 30-40 minutes. Yummy!

The soup was a good way to end a ruff day. I froze a couple servings for when I am too busy to cook. I might even take some for lunch tomorrow.


Closing Quote: If your day is hemmed with prayer, it is less likely to unravel.

Cherry Cobbler Recipe

I posted the other day and said I would be back with more recipes. I found this recipe on the Internet a couple months ago and have made it several times with different cake mixes. It turns out really well and easy. You can't get any easier. If you like cherries, and are limited on time, you'll love this. There's only 4 ingredients.

I call it cobbler, they call it dump cake...........you decide.

Cherry Cobbler aka Tropical Dump Cake

1 -21 ounce can cherry pie filling
1-20 ounce can crushed pineapple in juice
1-18 ounce of box yellow cake mix (I like white cake better)
1/4 cup butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup melted butter

Grease 9x13x2 baking dish

Dump into baking dish and spread or smooth in this order" cherry pie filling, undrained pineapple, dry cake mix. Arrange pieces of butter (1/4 cup) on top

Pour 1/2 cup melted butter over cake mix.

That's it! Bake for 35-40 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Let me know what you think.