May 2008 be filled with little blessings and small joys. Those lovely little things that add sparkle to normal and "boring" days.
...may there be mercy as we look forward to the new year.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
merry christmas to all
Merry Christmas!
May you find something today that feeds your soul and refreshes your spirit.
...may there be mercy as we find joy in the true meaning of Christmas.
May you find something today that feeds your soul and refreshes your spirit.
...may there be mercy as we find joy in the true meaning of Christmas.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
time to rest
Interesting that I'd say it's time to rest when everyone is gearing up for the last harried and hectic time of the holiday season. Stress abounds around me...
... and I'm on vacation!
Right now I could be totally stressed out about the fact that every single one of my family's Christmas gifts still sit in their respective bags. Unwrapped. In my not decorated for Christmas living room.
In Washington.
Not in San Diego where my they should sit, gaily wrapped, under Mama's Christmas tree.
I could be stressed out about that, but I'm not.
Another thing that could stress me out right now is that part about my not yet decorated for Christmas living room. But I'm not stressed about that either.
Have I moved into "Bah! Humbug!" land? Nope!
Have I shopped for the special meal items yet? Nope.
Have I shopped for my sweet husband's Christmas gift yet? Nope.
Have I planned anything special yet? Nope.
Normally this would make my blood pressure rise and my back hurt from the tension. Not this year.
Instead, I'm simply enjoying the Christmas Season vicariously. The herniated disc in my neck makes the actual physical doing of much of the stressful items simply impossible. So I'm enjoying the decorations in the places I go. I'm enjoying watching others do all the stressful things. I'm spending the time resting and enjoying being with my sweet husband.
Yep, we're on vacation together!
Originally we had planned to go away for the entire week. Something about the fact that my precious father-in-law is now 85 is holding us back. We want to spend time with him. We know each day that we have with him is a gift. We're taking time to enjoy each day's gift of him.
So instead of stressing, I'm focused on family and rest... and loving that those are wonderful gifts this Christmas.
...may there be mercy in our non-stressful celebrations.
... and I'm on vacation!
Right now I could be totally stressed out about the fact that every single one of my family's Christmas gifts still sit in their respective bags. Unwrapped. In my not decorated for Christmas living room.
In Washington.
Not in San Diego where my they should sit, gaily wrapped, under Mama's Christmas tree.
I could be stressed out about that, but I'm not.
Another thing that could stress me out right now is that part about my not yet decorated for Christmas living room. But I'm not stressed about that either.
Have I moved into "Bah! Humbug!" land? Nope!
Have I shopped for the special meal items yet? Nope.
Have I shopped for my sweet husband's Christmas gift yet? Nope.
Have I planned anything special yet? Nope.
Normally this would make my blood pressure rise and my back hurt from the tension. Not this year.
Instead, I'm simply enjoying the Christmas Season vicariously. The herniated disc in my neck makes the actual physical doing of much of the stressful items simply impossible. So I'm enjoying the decorations in the places I go. I'm enjoying watching others do all the stressful things. I'm spending the time resting and enjoying being with my sweet husband.
Yep, we're on vacation together!
Originally we had planned to go away for the entire week. Something about the fact that my precious father-in-law is now 85 is holding us back. We want to spend time with him. We know each day that we have with him is a gift. We're taking time to enjoy each day's gift of him.
So instead of stressing, I'm focused on family and rest... and loving that those are wonderful gifts this Christmas.
...may there be mercy in our non-stressful celebrations.
Friday, December 14, 2007
checking in
Just a quick check in so folks don't fret because if I go too long without a post I get emails! Love you guys!
Health: herniated disc in neck... big, major OWIE! To quote my sweet 85 year old father-in-law, it hurts like dammit! You know it's bad if I don't want to even attempt to quilt... and I don't. Had an MRI on Wednesday. Should have gotten results today, but doctor had a family emergency. Will get results next week.
Family: still need to finish writing up my travel log from San Diego, but everyone is okay. Sweet husband and I are looking forward to a week of vacation together over Christmas week!
Work: greatest Board of Directors! Gave us a generous bonus in spite of the fact we are at 1/3 the profits of last year. A lovely vote of confidence for the employees and a wonderful morale booster.
Holidays: yep, they are there! I've got a lot to say about the holidays and the "I got" syndrome. Later post will cover it.
...may there be mercy as we plow through "normal" during the busy-ness of December.
Health: herniated disc in neck... big, major OWIE! To quote my sweet 85 year old father-in-law, it hurts like dammit! You know it's bad if I don't want to even attempt to quilt... and I don't. Had an MRI on Wednesday. Should have gotten results today, but doctor had a family emergency. Will get results next week.
Family: still need to finish writing up my travel log from San Diego, but everyone is okay. Sweet husband and I are looking forward to a week of vacation together over Christmas week!
Work: greatest Board of Directors! Gave us a generous bonus in spite of the fact we are at 1/3 the profits of last year. A lovely vote of confidence for the employees and a wonderful morale booster.
Holidays: yep, they are there! I've got a lot to say about the holidays and the "I got" syndrome. Later post will cover it.
...may there be mercy as we plow through "normal" during the busy-ness of December.
Monday, December 03, 2007
back to routine
While I'm not completely "rested" right now, I am ready to face going back to work because wow... what a trip and vacation I had! Definitely soaked up Mama and my family and am so very glad that I got to go. At the same time, I so very much missed this man in my house! It's good to be home with him, getting back into my normal routine of daily life. Will try to give some highlights of the simple moments that always make for great memories tonight.
...may there be mercy in the normal routine and joy in the memory of family.
...may there be mercy in the normal routine and joy in the memory of family.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
family
Family... wow, the changes and the stuff that is still the same.
Mama. She's an ever constant. At the same time, she's getting older and it shows. I see such changes this visit that tell me those things we don't want to face. Oh her health is still good, surprisingly good for a woman just a few days away from 75. At the same time, visually she looks a lot older this trip. I notice that she has a bit of difficulty walking... the old "hitch in my git-along". Doctor tells her it is probably a pinched nerve and may be there for the rest of her life. She says it just will not be. I notice also that she is a little more forgetful, but that it's not an overly bad amount. She doesn't get confused, her mind is still sharp... thank God.
While I don't like to see her getting older, and when she does go it will rip a portion of my heart out... her aging process is actually normal and I am okay with that.
Big Brother. Wow... now this is the biggest change and the hardest for me to see. He's always been physically the strong one of the family. His body's betrayal in how it has changed makes me fight to hide tears from him. Thank heaven I have some good acting skills here. He has trouble turning his neck, his right arm won't lift past chest height, he walks with some difficulty - especially when tired. And he tires easily, actually taking a nap right now, mid-afternoon on his day off. In spite of it all, he fights hard and last week finally got cleared to go back to work. When he comes home, he is beyond exhausted. We used to have eating contests where we would make ourselves sick... and to see him eat only about 1/4 of what he normally eats (without a contest) is striking. Big brother is only 3 weeks older than my sweet husband... but now looks like he could be my husband's father. It's hard for me to see him this way, but at the same time, I am so very grateful to see him at all.
Brother #2. Haven't seen him yet because he lives in Los Angeles. He will be down tomorrow. Talked to him on the phone... he sounds the same as always and that makes me smile.
Brother #3. Our King of Drama. Yep, some things never change. He is still full of drama and a terrible con man. But his eyes are clear and he is drug free. That's really all I care about.
Little Sister. She turns 45 today. Her body has changed so much since her gastric bypass surgery. Of course the loss of 160 pounds will show dramatic changes on anyone, eh? The changes that concern me for her are the ones of the heart and spirit. Her last husband (divorce was final on 11/5) managed to kill any confidence she had. She gives the public appearance of confidence, but I see where it's an act. growing up in the same bedroom and having all those connections of being sisters will let me see what many will not. But... she is overwhelmed and thrilled with the quilt that I made for her. And we are talking much more than we have in the last 2 years since her now ex-husband is out of the picture.
Those are the difficult changes I see in my family. At the same time, we have been having a blast laughing and talking every moment I have been here. So much is good about this trip. But that is for another post. Mama is waking up from her nap and I am going to go soak up more of her.
...may there be mercy in the soaking up.
Mama. She's an ever constant. At the same time, she's getting older and it shows. I see such changes this visit that tell me those things we don't want to face. Oh her health is still good, surprisingly good for a woman just a few days away from 75. At the same time, visually she looks a lot older this trip. I notice that she has a bit of difficulty walking... the old "hitch in my git-along". Doctor tells her it is probably a pinched nerve and may be there for the rest of her life. She says it just will not be. I notice also that she is a little more forgetful, but that it's not an overly bad amount. She doesn't get confused, her mind is still sharp... thank God.
While I don't like to see her getting older, and when she does go it will rip a portion of my heart out... her aging process is actually normal and I am okay with that.
Big Brother. Wow... now this is the biggest change and the hardest for me to see. He's always been physically the strong one of the family. His body's betrayal in how it has changed makes me fight to hide tears from him. Thank heaven I have some good acting skills here. He has trouble turning his neck, his right arm won't lift past chest height, he walks with some difficulty - especially when tired. And he tires easily, actually taking a nap right now, mid-afternoon on his day off. In spite of it all, he fights hard and last week finally got cleared to go back to work. When he comes home, he is beyond exhausted. We used to have eating contests where we would make ourselves sick... and to see him eat only about 1/4 of what he normally eats (without a contest) is striking. Big brother is only 3 weeks older than my sweet husband... but now looks like he could be my husband's father. It's hard for me to see him this way, but at the same time, I am so very grateful to see him at all.
Brother #2. Haven't seen him yet because he lives in Los Angeles. He will be down tomorrow. Talked to him on the phone... he sounds the same as always and that makes me smile.
Brother #3. Our King of Drama. Yep, some things never change. He is still full of drama and a terrible con man. But his eyes are clear and he is drug free. That's really all I care about.
Little Sister. She turns 45 today. Her body has changed so much since her gastric bypass surgery. Of course the loss of 160 pounds will show dramatic changes on anyone, eh? The changes that concern me for her are the ones of the heart and spirit. Her last husband (divorce was final on 11/5) managed to kill any confidence she had. She gives the public appearance of confidence, but I see where it's an act. growing up in the same bedroom and having all those connections of being sisters will let me see what many will not. But... she is overwhelmed and thrilled with the quilt that I made for her. And we are talking much more than we have in the last 2 years since her now ex-husband is out of the picture.
Those are the difficult changes I see in my family. At the same time, we have been having a blast laughing and talking every moment I have been here. So much is good about this trip. But that is for another post. Mama is waking up from her nap and I am going to go soak up more of her.
...may there be mercy in the soaking up.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
family time
Wow... many changes have happened here. Some great, some harder to accept.
Like big brother's health and what his body allows now. More on that later, it's late.
Soaking up time with Mama.
...may there be mercy as we love up on one another here.
Like big brother's health and what his body allows now. More on that later, it's late.
Soaking up time with Mama.
...may there be mercy as we love up on one another here.
Monday, November 26, 2007
seeing family
I can hardly believe it's been 2 years since I've seen Mama and my family. Way too long!
Tomorrow I head down to San Diego to celebrate Mama's 75th birthday and my sister's 45th birthday. I can hardly wait for that first Mama hug!
If possible, I'll post a bit. If not, see y'all next week after I return.
...may there be mercy as I travel and love up on my family in person.
Tomorrow I head down to San Diego to celebrate Mama's 75th birthday and my sister's 45th birthday. I can hardly wait for that first Mama hug!
If possible, I'll post a bit. If not, see y'all next week after I return.
...may there be mercy as I travel and love up on my family in person.
3BT... the rest of that week!
Well we didn't have internet availability during the actual Thanksgiving weekend while we were in Portland... but I saved up!
Thanksgiving, 11/22:
1. safe travel and making good time while driving.
2. sunrise behind Mt. Rainier.
3. hugs from precious longtime friends and joy around their table with new friends since they invited other "strays" to join us.
Friday, 11/23:
1. laughing with SuziQOregon at our 5th Annual Day After Thanksgiving Breakfast.
2. visiting gorgeous wineries and the fun of winetastings.
3. sitting in a massage chair in the evening while watching a movie.
Saturday, 11/24:
1. watching our men doing guy-type activities and enjoying the simplicity of the fact that they are men.
2. the warmth of the vehicle after being outdoors in 29 degree weather for several hours.
3. barbequed steak for dinner... oh, yum!
Sunday, 11/25:
1. safe journey home without any traffic delays in the midst of many folk heading for home.
2. unpacking and getting the laundry almost completely done by bedtime.
3. holding hands with my sweet husband while we watched a movie and enjoyed a glass of wine together.
...may there be mercy and remembering to be thankful always.
Thanksgiving, 11/22:
1. safe travel and making good time while driving.
2. sunrise behind Mt. Rainier.
3. hugs from precious longtime friends and joy around their table with new friends since they invited other "strays" to join us.
Friday, 11/23:
1. laughing with SuziQOregon at our 5th Annual Day After Thanksgiving Breakfast.
2. visiting gorgeous wineries and the fun of winetastings.
3. sitting in a massage chair in the evening while watching a movie.
Saturday, 11/24:
1. watching our men doing guy-type activities and enjoying the simplicity of the fact that they are men.
2. the warmth of the vehicle after being outdoors in 29 degree weather for several hours.
3. barbequed steak for dinner... oh, yum!
Sunday, 11/25:
1. safe journey home without any traffic delays in the midst of many folk heading for home.
2. unpacking and getting the laundry almost completely done by bedtime.
3. holding hands with my sweet husband while we watched a movie and enjoyed a glass of wine together.
...may there be mercy and remembering to be thankful always.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
3BT night before
1. the surprise of a sunrise that was orange and not pink.
2. getting all my errands done during lunchtime... with time left over to actually eat lunch!
3. laughing with co-workers as we were counting down the hours to my vacation... which started at 5 today!
...may there be mercy as we are thankful.
2. getting all my errands done during lunchtime... with time left over to actually eat lunch!
3. laughing with co-workers as we were counting down the hours to my vacation... which started at 5 today!
...may there be mercy as we are thankful.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
3BT
Continuing to be thankful, appreciative and sharing three "moments" in my day... join me!
1. hearing my sweet husband laugh out loud at a joke.
2. lunch with friends.
3. going to a hair appointment and coming home with a dramatic change.
...may there be mercy as we are thankful.
1. hearing my sweet husband laugh out loud at a joke.
2. lunch with friends.
3. going to a hair appointment and coming home with a dramatic change.
...may there be mercy as we are thankful.
Monday, November 19, 2007
3BT week
One of my chief complaints is that we have stopped being a thankful people. We skip straight from Halloween to Christmas without a pause.
Hey! Wait a minute!
There is a whole 'nother holiday in there. It's called Thanksgiving.
In honor of being thankful, this week is a 3BT week here for me. Yep, 3BT all week. Please join me. I'd love to hear what simple things in your life give you pleasure... and be thankful with you for those things.
1. a heavy handed neck massage during physical therapy.
2. tomato soup and toasted cheese sandwich for lunch, sitting inside warm and snug while watching it rain.
3. a great big hug from a 6-year-old friend.
...may there be mercy as we are thankful.
Hey! Wait a minute!
There is a whole 'nother holiday in there. It's called Thanksgiving.
In honor of being thankful, this week is a 3BT week here for me. Yep, 3BT all week. Please join me. I'd love to hear what simple things in your life give you pleasure... and be thankful with you for those things.
1. a heavy handed neck massage during physical therapy.
2. tomato soup and toasted cheese sandwich for lunch, sitting inside warm and snug while watching it rain.
3. a great big hug from a 6-year-old friend.
...may there be mercy as we are thankful.
Friday, November 16, 2007
random miscellany
A little random miscellany...
--got new glasses yesterday. The new frames appease my way-too-big vanity while the new prescription lets me see again. I like both parts of this equation.
--a co-worker has terminal pancreatic cancer. His wife also is a co-worker. A couple weeks ago I was convicted that he needed a quilt to keep him snuggled and warm during his last few weeks... hoping for a couple months. Raced to get a very simple quilt done that still felt like I put my heart into it to make it a pleasing combination of fabrics. Great for a guy to enjoy while he is still here, but pretty enough that his wife will enjoy it as a memory after he is gone. I called this quilt Simple Comfort because it was made simply, but with many prayers for comfort. Yes, I raced to get it done... and felt peace when I very privately handed it off to my boss for delivery to our other office. (Had the boss deliver to the wife because she is still working.) The sweet note I got from her yesterday telling me that she came down from upstairs to find her husband sleeping in his chair, wrapped in that quilt, moved my heart in ways you cannot imagine.
--my sweet husband gave me a gift of an iPod Nano the other day. It was totally unexpected and actually made me cry. Mostly because of what he had engraved on it... but also because of the tone in his voice when he told me the why of the gift. I love this man so very much and thank God for the lovely gift of him in my life.
--no layoffs at work this week! Business is very slow and many of us are expecting a layoff to happen at any time... and to anyone. It's Friday and we did not have a layoff this week. I'm grateful!
--24 working hours until vacation!!!
--listening to my iPod and hearing Nat King Cole sing "Ramblin' Rose" makes me smile. My sister and I used to sing this at the top of our lungs when we were kids. I get to see my sister in 11 days!
--seeing the completed quilt for my sister. She thinks that I'm coming down to San Diego because we will all be celebrating Mama's 75th birthday. Yep, we will be doing that. But we will also be celebrating my sister's 45th birthday. Everyone knows about the quilt except for my sister. The surprise will be quilt fun for us all!
...may there be mercy in the bitter and the sweet of my miscellany.
--got new glasses yesterday. The new frames appease my way-too-big vanity while the new prescription lets me see again. I like both parts of this equation.
--a co-worker has terminal pancreatic cancer. His wife also is a co-worker. A couple weeks ago I was convicted that he needed a quilt to keep him snuggled and warm during his last few weeks... hoping for a couple months. Raced to get a very simple quilt done that still felt like I put my heart into it to make it a pleasing combination of fabrics. Great for a guy to enjoy while he is still here, but pretty enough that his wife will enjoy it as a memory after he is gone. I called this quilt Simple Comfort because it was made simply, but with many prayers for comfort. Yes, I raced to get it done... and felt peace when I very privately handed it off to my boss for delivery to our other office. (Had the boss deliver to the wife because she is still working.) The sweet note I got from her yesterday telling me that she came down from upstairs to find her husband sleeping in his chair, wrapped in that quilt, moved my heart in ways you cannot imagine.
--my sweet husband gave me a gift of an iPod Nano the other day. It was totally unexpected and actually made me cry. Mostly because of what he had engraved on it... but also because of the tone in his voice when he told me the why of the gift. I love this man so very much and thank God for the lovely gift of him in my life.
--no layoffs at work this week! Business is very slow and many of us are expecting a layoff to happen at any time... and to anyone. It's Friday and we did not have a layoff this week. I'm grateful!
--24 working hours until vacation!!!
--listening to my iPod and hearing Nat King Cole sing "Ramblin' Rose" makes me smile. My sister and I used to sing this at the top of our lungs when we were kids. I get to see my sister in 11 days!
--seeing the completed quilt for my sister. She thinks that I'm coming down to San Diego because we will all be celebrating Mama's 75th birthday. Yep, we will be doing that. But we will also be celebrating my sister's 45th birthday. Everyone knows about the quilt except for my sister. The surprise will be quilt fun for us all!
...may there be mercy in the bitter and the sweet of my miscellany.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
completion
Excitement is the word of the day since I completed my sister's quilt last night. I have to say that I absolutely love this quilt... probably my favorite that I've made so far! It's queen-sized, for her bed and a total surprise. She has no idea that I will be bringing it to give to her when I head to San Diego at the end of the month. A picture will be posted later because I don't have time for that right now... gotta get ready for work.
...may there be mercy as I enjoy the completion of this quilt.
...may there be mercy as I enjoy the completion of this quilt.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
3BT
It's late. Been a very long day with work, a lunch date with my sweet husband, physical therapy, errands and bible study group. I actually have much to say, but am exhausted. 3BT will have to fill in for this night.
1. Compliments on my work from a client.
2. Taking a trip down sweet memory lane at this website: http://www.pastorbutchers90th.org/Site/Welcome.html I sat under this man's teaching at the church where I grew up.
3. A surprise visit from my precious father-in-law just because he wanted to give me a hug.
...may there be mercy as we look for the beautiful things each day.
1. Compliments on my work from a client.
2. Taking a trip down sweet memory lane at this website: http://www.pastorbutchers90th.org/Site/Welcome.html I sat under this man's teaching at the church where I grew up.
3. A surprise visit from my precious father-in-law just because he wanted to give me a hug.
...may there be mercy as we look for the beautiful things each day.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
cooking day!
I love cooking day!
Once a month, during the fall and winter months, my best girlfriend and I spend a Saturday cooking enough meals for a month. It's a boatload of work, but the rewards are so worth it! Having a freezer full of delicious meals that are ready for us to enjoy is such a timesaver, not to mention an energy saver for me. Yep, I love coming home and not having to cook after work when I am always tired then.
Yesterday was cooking day... and today my body tells me that I'm getting older... and the price is a little steeper! But my freezer is full and I don't care! I can rest up today, enjoying some down time and quilting time.
Power cooking is not for the faint of heart. But while it can be overwhelming to consider doing it, if you break it down into organized bits, the overwhelming goes away. At one time, I wrote up a little "how-to" on the process. If one can read through all my notes, one can do it!
We started doing this about 10 years ago. Our beginning was based on the book, Once a Month Cooking. Since then, we have taken it to a whole new level. The book is a great beginning. Some of the recipes in it we still use. But most of the recipes are comfort food styles and times have changed as to our being far more aware of how to eat healthy.
Now when I say we are more aware of eating healthy, many folks think that we've taken the savory flavors out of the good old fashioned comfort foods. Not at all! Oh, we eat healthy all right... but we sure eat well! The recipes we've tweaked and the newer recipes we've discovered all have great flavors. Everyone loves them. No one who eats in our homes has any idea that the meal is "good for you" in addition to being tasty. Fun!
We also save so much money by doing our cooking this way. My grocery budget has dropped dramatically. For example, yesterday we made all of this:
Beef Stroganoff - 2 meals
Asian Beef Stir Fry - 5 meals
Boeff Viognier - 2 meals
Chicken Divan - 3 meals
Las Cruces Chicken - 3 meals
Chicken Enchiladas - 9 meals
Sloppy Joes - 16 individual servings
Tater Tot Cassarole - 1 large = 2 meals, 1 small = 1 meal
(Meals listed above are for us to enjoy together, plus an additional serving for 1 or both of us to take for lunch the next day)
Now I've got the meals listed above in my freezer and my friend has the same stuff... but double the amount because her family is bigger.
We split the cost for all the food at 1/3 for me, 2/3 for her. All that food and my portion was only $115.00! A major savings in cooking this way. When we didn't use wine in some of our meals, the savings was even more. But we like to cook with wine, so it's worth the additional cost for us!
Yep, I'm tired today and need some down time to let my body recoup. But oh, so worth it with all those yummy things to eat!
...may there be mercy in the enjoying the fruits of our labors.
Once a month, during the fall and winter months, my best girlfriend and I spend a Saturday cooking enough meals for a month. It's a boatload of work, but the rewards are so worth it! Having a freezer full of delicious meals that are ready for us to enjoy is such a timesaver, not to mention an energy saver for me. Yep, I love coming home and not having to cook after work when I am always tired then.
Yesterday was cooking day... and today my body tells me that I'm getting older... and the price is a little steeper! But my freezer is full and I don't care! I can rest up today, enjoying some down time and quilting time.
Power cooking is not for the faint of heart. But while it can be overwhelming to consider doing it, if you break it down into organized bits, the overwhelming goes away. At one time, I wrote up a little "how-to" on the process. If one can read through all my notes, one can do it!
We started doing this about 10 years ago. Our beginning was based on the book, Once a Month Cooking. Since then, we have taken it to a whole new level. The book is a great beginning. Some of the recipes in it we still use. But most of the recipes are comfort food styles and times have changed as to our being far more aware of how to eat healthy.
Now when I say we are more aware of eating healthy, many folks think that we've taken the savory flavors out of the good old fashioned comfort foods. Not at all! Oh, we eat healthy all right... but we sure eat well! The recipes we've tweaked and the newer recipes we've discovered all have great flavors. Everyone loves them. No one who eats in our homes has any idea that the meal is "good for you" in addition to being tasty. Fun!
We also save so much money by doing our cooking this way. My grocery budget has dropped dramatically. For example, yesterday we made all of this:
Beef Stroganoff - 2 meals
Asian Beef Stir Fry - 5 meals
Boeff Viognier - 2 meals
Chicken Divan - 3 meals
Las Cruces Chicken - 3 meals
Chicken Enchiladas - 9 meals
Sloppy Joes - 16 individual servings
Tater Tot Cassarole - 1 large = 2 meals, 1 small = 1 meal
(Meals listed above are for us to enjoy together, plus an additional serving for 1 or both of us to take for lunch the next day)
Now I've got the meals listed above in my freezer and my friend has the same stuff... but double the amount because her family is bigger.
We split the cost for all the food at 1/3 for me, 2/3 for her. All that food and my portion was only $115.00! A major savings in cooking this way. When we didn't use wine in some of our meals, the savings was even more. But we like to cook with wine, so it's worth the additional cost for us!
Yep, I'm tired today and need some down time to let my body recoup. But oh, so worth it with all those yummy things to eat!
...may there be mercy in the enjoying the fruits of our labors.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
3BT
1. the simple comfort of making a new quilt and how the fabric feels in my hands.
2. the warmth of my socks as I put them on my cold feet.
3. hearing in a friend's voice that she is happy to hear my voice.
...may there be mercy and beautiful things today.
2. the warmth of my socks as I put them on my cold feet.
3. hearing in a friend's voice that she is happy to hear my voice.
...may there be mercy and beautiful things today.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
another round
I have a pain in the neck.
No, I'm not being a pain in the neck... I have one!
I know some were thinking it and can guess pretty accurately which ones of you that would be!
About 2 months ago, I slept wrong and woke with my neck hurting. It got progressively worse. I paid for a deep tissue massage, which helped for about 24 hours... and then the pain was back, equally bad. After another 2 weeks of trying to get it to settle down by self care, I finally broke down and went to the doctor.
Verdict: arthritis flare up.
Arthritis??? Isn't that for old people? Oh... yeah... guess I am heading toward 50 at a rapid rate!
So they sent me to physical therapy, twice a week for a month. Today is the last treatment and then I go back to the doc next week. Sadly not seeing much progress in pain relief. I'm dreading the doc appointment because I expect to be told that there isn't much to be done, just learn to live with the chronic pain... again.
Battling chronic pain is not a pleasant task. It is exhausting and it can be discouraging. When life is on an “up” cycle, with health going fairly well all around, I forget exactly how exhausting chronic pain can be. Especially since I've done well for several years now.
But battle I will.
...may there be mercy and rest in the battle.
No, I'm not being a pain in the neck... I have one!
I know some were thinking it and can guess pretty accurately which ones of you that would be!
About 2 months ago, I slept wrong and woke with my neck hurting. It got progressively worse. I paid for a deep tissue massage, which helped for about 24 hours... and then the pain was back, equally bad. After another 2 weeks of trying to get it to settle down by self care, I finally broke down and went to the doctor.
Verdict: arthritis flare up.
Arthritis??? Isn't that for old people? Oh... yeah... guess I am heading toward 50 at a rapid rate!
So they sent me to physical therapy, twice a week for a month. Today is the last treatment and then I go back to the doc next week. Sadly not seeing much progress in pain relief. I'm dreading the doc appointment because I expect to be told that there isn't much to be done, just learn to live with the chronic pain... again.
Battling chronic pain is not a pleasant task. It is exhausting and it can be discouraging. When life is on an “up” cycle, with health going fairly well all around, I forget exactly how exhausting chronic pain can be. Especially since I've done well for several years now.
But battle I will.
...may there be mercy and rest in the battle.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
home
Home again, home again, jiggity jig!
Yep, singing because it was such a great time in St. Louis with my amazing friends. We laughed and ate our way around.
Notice I did not mention sleep. Mostly because we didn't do much of it!
Too tired for stories tonight. Will give my 3BT for today and go to a very early bedtime.
1. The look in the eyes of a newlywed couple on my flight home.
2. The gravelly sound of the retired cop's voice as we talked on the shuttle.
3. The welcome home hug from my sweet husband.
...may there be mercy and rest tonight that refreshes.
Yep, singing because it was such a great time in St. Louis with my amazing friends. We laughed and ate our way around.
Notice I did not mention sleep. Mostly because we didn't do much of it!
Too tired for stories tonight. Will give my 3BT for today and go to a very early bedtime.
1. The look in the eyes of a newlywed couple on my flight home.
2. The gravelly sound of the retired cop's voice as we talked on the shuttle.
3. The welcome home hug from my sweet husband.
...may there be mercy and rest tonight that refreshes.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
rock 'n' roll!!!
I've spent the day doing a bit of pampering myself with manicure, pedicure and hair appointments. Feeling pretty good on the spiffy-o-meter.
Now I'm packed and ready to relax with a good night's sleep before I head to St. Louis in the morning. At least I'm supposed to sleep... I'm too excited at this point! Getting to see so many of my friends, in person, at the same time is amazing. The anticipation has been huge. The fun and laughter will most likely be non-stop.
But I need to sleep tonight!
So I'll mention my 3BT for today and go try to bring myself down from the rafters.
1. The joy in my sweet father-in-law's voice when I asked him for a breakfast date for tomorrow, followed by a ride to our airport shuttle. When he feels needed, it's a lovely thing.
2. Red, orange and gold leaves. The colors just popped out at me today and took my breath.
3. Watching an autistic man in his determination to do a good job where he works.
I'm off... in rock 'n' roll mode... and going to bring myself down... until morning!
...may there be mercy as we all travel... and fun!
Now I'm packed and ready to relax with a good night's sleep before I head to St. Louis in the morning. At least I'm supposed to sleep... I'm too excited at this point! Getting to see so many of my friends, in person, at the same time is amazing. The anticipation has been huge. The fun and laughter will most likely be non-stop.
But I need to sleep tonight!
So I'll mention my 3BT for today and go try to bring myself down from the rafters.
1. The joy in my sweet father-in-law's voice when I asked him for a breakfast date for tomorrow, followed by a ride to our airport shuttle. When he feels needed, it's a lovely thing.
2. Red, orange and gold leaves. The colors just popped out at me today and took my breath.
3. Watching an autistic man in his determination to do a good job where he works.
I'm off... in rock 'n' roll mode... and going to bring myself down... until morning!
...may there be mercy as we all travel... and fun!
Monday, October 08, 2007
time for me
In case I haven't mentioned it lately...
... as of 5 p.m. today I am on vacation!!!
Looking forward to a couple days of relaxing and pampering myself followed by that very fun trip to St. Louis to see all my lovely friends.
...may there be mercy and refreshment in time off... and a bunch of fun!
... as of 5 p.m. today I am on vacation!!!
Looking forward to a couple days of relaxing and pampering myself followed by that very fun trip to St. Louis to see all my lovely friends.
...may there be mercy and refreshment in time off... and a bunch of fun!
Saturday, October 06, 2007
3BT
I'm thinkin' this Three Beautiful Things (3BT) may become a frequent "filler" post when I have nothing else to say. It's a good concept.
3BT for today:
1. the smell of coffee.
2. the warmth of the water in my shower.
3. that first yummy taste of boneless pork chops browned quickly, then braised in wine, garlic, onion and rosemary.
Add a couple more that are more of a "big ticket item" than a moment of beauty:
1. Coffee and conversation with my dear friend and almost sister, Kim at our favorite independent coffee shop.
2. A lunch date with my sweet husband, with great ongoing conversations all day... I miss him with his current work schedule being the opposite of mine.
Cool... I've got bigger day than the 3 today!
Okay, if you're up to it, play along with me... what are your 3BT for today? Remember it's about the moments... not necessarily the big stuff!
...may there be mercy as we see the beautiful things given us this day.
3BT for today:
1. the smell of coffee.
2. the warmth of the water in my shower.
3. that first yummy taste of boneless pork chops browned quickly, then braised in wine, garlic, onion and rosemary.
Add a couple more that are more of a "big ticket item" than a moment of beauty:
1. Coffee and conversation with my dear friend and almost sister, Kim at our favorite independent coffee shop.
2. A lunch date with my sweet husband, with great ongoing conversations all day... I miss him with his current work schedule being the opposite of mine.
Cool... I've got bigger day than the 3 today!
Okay, if you're up to it, play along with me... what are your 3BT for today? Remember it's about the moments... not necessarily the big stuff!
...may there be mercy as we see the beautiful things given us this day.
Friday, October 05, 2007
moments
Recently someone gave me a link to a blogger whose entire purpose for the blog is to list three beautiful things that she noticed that day.
It's not quite a gratitude journal, but a noticing of those moments in a day that make your heart smile... those moments that make you laugh... or those really simple little moments that just give you a bit of pleasure in an otherwise mundane day.
My online buddies and I decided that Thursdays would be our 3 beautiful things (3BT) day. Each week on Thursday, during the course of our normal postings to one another, we will include the 3 beautiful things from our day.
Yesterday I was in a ton of pain, so it was kind of hard to play the 3BT game with them. (I've done something to my neck, causing lots of pain and a month's worth of physical therapy... and a diagnosis of probable arthritis already. Ugh! I'm only 47!!!) But I was determined to see those 3BT's and was pleased that I could.
Some days it's so easy to see them. The 3BT turns into an entire day's worth. Yesterday wasn't one of those days! But I did find those moments and thought I'd share them here... because sometimes it's just important to share the simple moments with friends.
Thursday’s 3BT:
1.A moment of sunshine in a very black cloudy day... and the sunshine was warm on my back while I worked at my desk.
2.The sound of excitement in a friend's voice when she heard that I get to meet up with my friends in St. Louis next week.
3.That moment of a first time discovery when I actually figured out what feeling full and not overstuffed was like... way cool.
That third item is a big, big moment for me since I've never been able to figure out the feeling full mechanism in my tummy. I'm taking a class right now on stress/emotional eating issues. One of the things I've figured out about myself is that I actually trained my tummy to never feel full. I did it early in life when I never gained weight and it didn't matter.
But now it matters that I learn how to feel comfortably full. Somehow I managed to work the Weight Watcher's program, lose 50 pounds and never learn the feeling full thing.
Yesterday's moment was one of a great discovery for me!
So today, I'm going to continue watching for my 3BT and see what happens. Sometimes they are big ticket items... sometimes little moments. No matter, they improve my attitude and my spirit.
...may there be mercy as we notice those moments of beauty given to us.
It's not quite a gratitude journal, but a noticing of those moments in a day that make your heart smile... those moments that make you laugh... or those really simple little moments that just give you a bit of pleasure in an otherwise mundane day.
My online buddies and I decided that Thursdays would be our 3 beautiful things (3BT) day. Each week on Thursday, during the course of our normal postings to one another, we will include the 3 beautiful things from our day.
Yesterday I was in a ton of pain, so it was kind of hard to play the 3BT game with them. (I've done something to my neck, causing lots of pain and a month's worth of physical therapy... and a diagnosis of probable arthritis already. Ugh! I'm only 47!!!) But I was determined to see those 3BT's and was pleased that I could.
Some days it's so easy to see them. The 3BT turns into an entire day's worth. Yesterday wasn't one of those days! But I did find those moments and thought I'd share them here... because sometimes it's just important to share the simple moments with friends.
Thursday’s 3BT:
1.A moment of sunshine in a very black cloudy day... and the sunshine was warm on my back while I worked at my desk.
2.The sound of excitement in a friend's voice when she heard that I get to meet up with my friends in St. Louis next week.
3.That moment of a first time discovery when I actually figured out what feeling full and not overstuffed was like... way cool.
That third item is a big, big moment for me since I've never been able to figure out the feeling full mechanism in my tummy. I'm taking a class right now on stress/emotional eating issues. One of the things I've figured out about myself is that I actually trained my tummy to never feel full. I did it early in life when I never gained weight and it didn't matter.
But now it matters that I learn how to feel comfortably full. Somehow I managed to work the Weight Watcher's program, lose 50 pounds and never learn the feeling full thing.
Yesterday's moment was one of a great discovery for me!
So today, I'm going to continue watching for my 3BT and see what happens. Sometimes they are big ticket items... sometimes little moments. No matter, they improve my attitude and my spirit.
...may there be mercy as we notice those moments of beauty given to us.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
more life
Not so crabby, but oh so busy!
Taking a class and also joined a new small group. Between them it will keep my evenings a bit on the busy side.
Being very thankful right now that I'm taking extra days off next week before I travel. So I've only got 3 working days until I am on vacation. Yay!
Can hardly wait for a day to sleep in... and a little time to quilt... and to travel to see my friends!
I've got a great story to tell here, but too tired to write it out right now. Soon. Needing sleep!
...may there be mercy and restful slumber tonight.
Taking a class and also joined a new small group. Between them it will keep my evenings a bit on the busy side.
Being very thankful right now that I'm taking extra days off next week before I travel. So I've only got 3 working days until I am on vacation. Yay!
Can hardly wait for a day to sleep in... and a little time to quilt... and to travel to see my friends!
I've got a great story to tell here, but too tired to write it out right now. Soon. Needing sleep!
...may there be mercy and restful slumber tonight.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
life
too much stress... not enough fun... tired and crabby girl.
Work tomorrow. Ugh, but only because I'm simply not rested enough!
Wishing for more time off now, but waiting for the next trip... soon! Gosh but I'm excited to see my friends.
Did something weird to my neck a couple weeks ago and can't get it to stop hurting. Tired of pain at this point... and yet it isn't really something serious. Just frustrating.
But for now, sleep awaits.
...may there be mercy and rest.
Work tomorrow. Ugh, but only because I'm simply not rested enough!
Wishing for more time off now, but waiting for the next trip... soon! Gosh but I'm excited to see my friends.
Did something weird to my neck a couple weeks ago and can't get it to stop hurting. Tired of pain at this point... and yet it isn't really something serious. Just frustrating.
But for now, sleep awaits.
...may there be mercy and rest.
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