Holy cow, I can scarcely contain my excitement! My best friend is coming to town in a mere matter of hours, and I'm forced to sit still, here, behind my desk, and pray that the minutes fly faster, that the traffic parts ways for me once I start to head home, that I can get the last few things on my to do list done, and that I can be at the airport as soon as humanly possible! Heck, I might even show up early and read a book while I wait!
I am blessed to have really great friends. Unfortunately, many of us are scattered across the country, and rarely get to see each other. I have a few peppered in South Carolina still, one in Alabama, one in Seattle, and a select few reside near me. It's hard being away from friends.
Thank goodness for internet, email, facebook, and free minutes after 7:00pm!
To all my girlfriends out there, I miss you, I love you, I'm so grateful for you, and I'm so glad we're friends!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Forgotten Snow Day
I’m sitting here, in the stark fluorescent light of my office, watching the snow flurry lazily outside. Now, I don’t know what the real definition of the word flurry is…but I feel as if there can be varying levels of flurry, and this would probably constitute a low to moderate…but it’s still a flurry. Pandora, my sanity’s savior while at work, is playing my carefully crafted Christmas music station, aptly named “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” which is one of my favorites.
I’m playing a sort of game at the moment…I wish I had thought of it sooner. I’m keeping a tally of how many people call in to ask if school is either canceled or early release today. Technically, I could have started keeping count on Wednesday, because that’s when I received my first call to see if we’d have school on Friday. I wish that was a joke. Two days before the fact? :sigh: It’s all part of the job. I just received my second call. It’s highly unlikely that we will close early, because the snow isn’t sticking to the roadway, and it’s not super hazardous to drive in…though, really, we Texans don’t see it very often, so rubber-necking might be a hazard. Hadn’t thought of that. As of now, my tally is only up to two. Every time the phone rings, I admit that I cringe a little bit, and try to remind myself that they don’t know that they’re the billionth person to call asking the same question.
Ah, in character for Texas, it’s now sunny outside, with no sign of the blizzard we just experienced.
**********************************************
I wrote that blog a while ago, on our snow day. I don’t even remember what day that was. Ah, it was the 4th of December.
Now, there is no sign of snow, and I can FINALLY see a bit of blue peeking through the dreary clouds. I’m hoping the bright color will energize me. It has been far too gray, rainy, and simply “blah” outside. I’m finding more and more that my energy levels are almost non-existent. All I’d like to do right now is go home, crawl into my warm bed, and sleep until the time I would normally get off from work, and then set about cleaning the house.
I left my to do list on the kitchen counter this morning, but I can assure you it’s still there, and possibly growing…mutating...gaining a life force of its own. This week promises to be insane. It’s the last week of school before the Christmas break, which means work is going to be chaos at the very least. Lindsay is coming to town on Thursday, which is fantastic, but I feel like her arrival approaches slowly, while the time I have to prepare for her visit accelerates into oblivion. It’s really rather disconcerting.
I also have so many things I’m planning on doing this season. My biggest and the one I’m most excited about is “Operation Organization.” I’m going to gut my house, get rid of all the things lurking in attic corners and accumulating in my bay of the garage; organize the things we decide to keep; and then generally beautify the house. I think I might actually take pictures of the worst parts of my closets, my garage, etc. and then post an “after” picture of everything. That could be kind of fun.
I’m playing a sort of game at the moment…I wish I had thought of it sooner. I’m keeping a tally of how many people call in to ask if school is either canceled or early release today. Technically, I could have started keeping count on Wednesday, because that’s when I received my first call to see if we’d have school on Friday. I wish that was a joke. Two days before the fact? :sigh: It’s all part of the job. I just received my second call. It’s highly unlikely that we will close early, because the snow isn’t sticking to the roadway, and it’s not super hazardous to drive in…though, really, we Texans don’t see it very often, so rubber-necking might be a hazard. Hadn’t thought of that. As of now, my tally is only up to two. Every time the phone rings, I admit that I cringe a little bit, and try to remind myself that they don’t know that they’re the billionth person to call asking the same question.
Ah, in character for Texas, it’s now sunny outside, with no sign of the blizzard we just experienced.
**********************************************
I wrote that blog a while ago, on our snow day. I don’t even remember what day that was. Ah, it was the 4th of December.
Now, there is no sign of snow, and I can FINALLY see a bit of blue peeking through the dreary clouds. I’m hoping the bright color will energize me. It has been far too gray, rainy, and simply “blah” outside. I’m finding more and more that my energy levels are almost non-existent. All I’d like to do right now is go home, crawl into my warm bed, and sleep until the time I would normally get off from work, and then set about cleaning the house.
I left my to do list on the kitchen counter this morning, but I can assure you it’s still there, and possibly growing…mutating...gaining a life force of its own. This week promises to be insane. It’s the last week of school before the Christmas break, which means work is going to be chaos at the very least. Lindsay is coming to town on Thursday, which is fantastic, but I feel like her arrival approaches slowly, while the time I have to prepare for her visit accelerates into oblivion. It’s really rather disconcerting.
I also have so many things I’m planning on doing this season. My biggest and the one I’m most excited about is “Operation Organization.” I’m going to gut my house, get rid of all the things lurking in attic corners and accumulating in my bay of the garage; organize the things we decide to keep; and then generally beautify the house. I think I might actually take pictures of the worst parts of my closets, my garage, etc. and then post an “after” picture of everything. That could be kind of fun.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Inspiration Through Incentive
I've been thinking a lot the last few days about many things. I'm pretty much a thinker. I know that would surprise some of you...but I analyze, process, dissect, evaluate, and re-evaluate most everything. Sean preached last Sunday on rethinking thanks. It was time appropriate, of course, what with the recent passing of the Thanksgiving holiday. But something he said has stuck with me, and is kind of making me re-evaluate the way I think about other things. The point he made that struck me most was something along the line of the absence or presence of gratefulness/thankfulness in your life is one of the most accurate indicators of your spiritual health. So, in essence, if you're well balanced spiritually, you ought to be abundantly thankful. I really need to find my notes from that sermon, and give you his actual phrasing -- it was much more concise than that, and probably clearer too. ;)
*edit - actual phrasing* The presence or absence of thanks is one of the most reliable indicators of spiritual health
Anyway, it made me start to think about how many character traits are intertwined with one another, and how usually the absence or presence of one indicates the absence or presence of another character trait or virtue. Does that make sense?
So here's the jump to what specifically I've been pondering the last few days. The pairing of commitment and sacrifice. I went to a free trial class of Krav Maga on Monday, to see if I'd like it, and to see if it was something I thought would help me lose weight and get in shape. I went, I loved it, and (no surprise) I was offered a membership with special perks to joining that very night, as opposed to a few days later. Needless to say, I found myself in the dark, in the cold, in the car, on the phone with my husband, pleading with him to let me join. There's a monthly membership fee that is quite pricey, and it's a one-year contract...which is a long time. And he was asking me what I could tell him that would convince him that I would hold true to my commitment and go a specified number of times a month. As I sat there, in the car, mulling over how much I thought this meant to me, and what I was willing to sacrifice, words clearly formed by the endorphins rushing through me spilled out. Are you ready for this? I said...
...essentially, I said I would give up shopping if I fell through on my part of the bargain. I'm not addicted to shopping; I don't do it excessively...but I do enjoy it thoroughly. I love bargain buys and thrifty finds. I love buying art supplies to make things for around the house, or for my friends. I love buying pretty much anything at Bed Bath & Beyond to try to make our house more like a home. I love to buy clothes (though this is probably my least common purchase right now). I love the freedom in knowing that I can pick up something without having to run it by anyone. And that's what I said I would sacrifice, if I didn't fulfill my end of the deal.
Once the endorphins wore off, panic set in. I wasn't sure why I'd said what I'd said, or why it was so extreme (as a side-note, that DID convince Sean that I meant business, and I joined KM), and yet I think what scared me more is that I was okay with the level of tenacity with which I had just committed myself to this plan.
I can't think of one time in the last 10 years, probably, that I have been satisfied with what I look like physically...possibly longer than that, though some of that was due to being an awkward teenager, as many of us have to be. Some of that was due to being raised in a family where none of the women I spent quality time with had a healthy concept of self-worth or value and, consequently had no self-esteem. Some was due to a distorted concept of my own self-image that I gleaned from negative dating relationships. But some of that was my own dissatisfaction with my appearance because of things I could change...and for some inexplicable reason, didn't.
Here I am, years later, countless fad diets and tactics behind me...nothing having worked because I didn't sacrificially commit to it for one reason or another. And all the while, I've stayed discontent.
Part of me wonders how much this is/was a physical problem and how much it was an awareness of my disappointment in myself for not being willing to sacrifice for what I thought I wanted.
All that to say, while my self-inflicted punishment (should I fail to attend class) is extreme (and scares me a lot!), it's great incentive...and why would that be a bad thing? I think it's clear that commitment and sacrifice go hand in hand. And, while I'm not saying I won't be frustrated, or overwhelmed, or discouraged...something about this has renewed a hope in me that was previously slumbering. The hope that this time, things will be different, because I have actually put something on the line to achieve what I want. It's rather liberating.
I know this is kind of deep, and I feel a little vulnerable in sharing it all...but it has really struck me as poignant.
*edit - actual phrasing* The presence or absence of thanks is one of the most reliable indicators of spiritual health
Anyway, it made me start to think about how many character traits are intertwined with one another, and how usually the absence or presence of one indicates the absence or presence of another character trait or virtue. Does that make sense?
So here's the jump to what specifically I've been pondering the last few days. The pairing of commitment and sacrifice. I went to a free trial class of Krav Maga on Monday, to see if I'd like it, and to see if it was something I thought would help me lose weight and get in shape. I went, I loved it, and (no surprise) I was offered a membership with special perks to joining that very night, as opposed to a few days later. Needless to say, I found myself in the dark, in the cold, in the car, on the phone with my husband, pleading with him to let me join. There's a monthly membership fee that is quite pricey, and it's a one-year contract...which is a long time. And he was asking me what I could tell him that would convince him that I would hold true to my commitment and go a specified number of times a month. As I sat there, in the car, mulling over how much I thought this meant to me, and what I was willing to sacrifice, words clearly formed by the endorphins rushing through me spilled out. Are you ready for this? I said...
...essentially, I said I would give up shopping if I fell through on my part of the bargain. I'm not addicted to shopping; I don't do it excessively...but I do enjoy it thoroughly. I love bargain buys and thrifty finds. I love buying art supplies to make things for around the house, or for my friends. I love buying pretty much anything at Bed Bath & Beyond to try to make our house more like a home. I love to buy clothes (though this is probably my least common purchase right now). I love the freedom in knowing that I can pick up something without having to run it by anyone. And that's what I said I would sacrifice, if I didn't fulfill my end of the deal.
Once the endorphins wore off, panic set in. I wasn't sure why I'd said what I'd said, or why it was so extreme (as a side-note, that DID convince Sean that I meant business, and I joined KM), and yet I think what scared me more is that I was okay with the level of tenacity with which I had just committed myself to this plan.
I can't think of one time in the last 10 years, probably, that I have been satisfied with what I look like physically...possibly longer than that, though some of that was due to being an awkward teenager, as many of us have to be. Some of that was due to being raised in a family where none of the women I spent quality time with had a healthy concept of self-worth or value and, consequently had no self-esteem. Some was due to a distorted concept of my own self-image that I gleaned from negative dating relationships. But some of that was my own dissatisfaction with my appearance because of things I could change...and for some inexplicable reason, didn't.
Here I am, years later, countless fad diets and tactics behind me...nothing having worked because I didn't sacrificially commit to it for one reason or another. And all the while, I've stayed discontent.
Part of me wonders how much this is/was a physical problem and how much it was an awareness of my disappointment in myself for not being willing to sacrifice for what I thought I wanted.
All that to say, while my self-inflicted punishment (should I fail to attend class) is extreme (and scares me a lot!), it's great incentive...and why would that be a bad thing? I think it's clear that commitment and sacrifice go hand in hand. And, while I'm not saying I won't be frustrated, or overwhelmed, or discouraged...something about this has renewed a hope in me that was previously slumbering. The hope that this time, things will be different, because I have actually put something on the line to achieve what I want. It's rather liberating.
I know this is kind of deep, and I feel a little vulnerable in sharing it all...but it has really struck me as poignant.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Postpone
Well, the projects list will have to wait. I had a close friend go into labor tonight, and another one is in the hospital with kidney stones. Maybe tomorrow...
Monday, October 26, 2009
So, I'm really terrible at this updating stuff. I'm hoping to get better at it (I'm sure I've said that several times...but I really want to...for serious!). I'd really like to attempt to document my trial and error in my "art career." I'm going to make a serious effort in the near future to go somewhere and do something with my artistic abilities...we'll see how that goes.
In other news, since I haven't updated much, we did in fact keep Sadie the adorable pit bull, and we now have three dogs. We are insane; no two ways about it. I'll have to put some pictures up soon -- we have some good ones.
Sean and I just had the most amazing weekend -- we just packed up, and went on vacation! It was great. The only thing that would have made it better would be if we were still on vacation. Alas, that is not the case.
Oooh, I just got a phone call from the car mechanic! Sean's car is fixed and ready to go. Hooray! Now, after I get off work, I'll go pay for the repairs, pick up the key, swing by the grocery store to get things to make queso blanco and salsa, then go home and get him, and come back and get the car! Whew! This has the makings of being a productive evening.
I'm hoping to get some laundry done, and your basic chores around the house completed. I definitely want to unpack our suitcases and put them away, or who knows how long they'll sit in a corner in our room.
This upcoming week, I plan on doing a few little crafts for Halloween -- we're going to stay home and pass out candy, and ours is the least festive house on the block. Granted, I don't really want to be the house with fake heads mounted on my fence posts...that weirds me out a bit. I'd prefer not to be the Scrooge of the subdivision, though.
Prior to all the goings on Saturday evening, I'm going to attack the garage, and make three piles, like they do on Cleen Sweep. Only mine will be KEEP, TRASH, and DONATE instead of SELL. I want to park in the garage! If I have time, I really want to get the boxes out of the attic and sift through them as well. Next stop after that will be the closets.
I will get this house organized, and I intend to do so in the very close future! I've got tons of projects to work on. I'm thinking perhaps, if I make a project list and post it on here, I can post before and after pictures, as well as make progress updates. Maybe that would serve as further motivation! I'll work on a list tonight to post tomorrow. For those of you who aren't interested in home decor or DIY craft projects, you might want to avert your eyes!
In other news, since I haven't updated much, we did in fact keep Sadie the adorable pit bull, and we now have three dogs. We are insane; no two ways about it. I'll have to put some pictures up soon -- we have some good ones.
Sean and I just had the most amazing weekend -- we just packed up, and went on vacation! It was great. The only thing that would have made it better would be if we were still on vacation. Alas, that is not the case.
Oooh, I just got a phone call from the car mechanic! Sean's car is fixed and ready to go. Hooray! Now, after I get off work, I'll go pay for the repairs, pick up the key, swing by the grocery store to get things to make queso blanco and salsa, then go home and get him, and come back and get the car! Whew! This has the makings of being a productive evening.
I'm hoping to get some laundry done, and your basic chores around the house completed. I definitely want to unpack our suitcases and put them away, or who knows how long they'll sit in a corner in our room.
This upcoming week, I plan on doing a few little crafts for Halloween -- we're going to stay home and pass out candy, and ours is the least festive house on the block. Granted, I don't really want to be the house with fake heads mounted on my fence posts...that weirds me out a bit. I'd prefer not to be the Scrooge of the subdivision, though.
Prior to all the goings on Saturday evening, I'm going to attack the garage, and make three piles, like they do on Cleen Sweep. Only mine will be KEEP, TRASH, and DONATE instead of SELL. I want to park in the garage! If I have time, I really want to get the boxes out of the attic and sift through them as well. Next stop after that will be the closets.
I will get this house organized, and I intend to do so in the very close future! I've got tons of projects to work on. I'm thinking perhaps, if I make a project list and post it on here, I can post before and after pictures, as well as make progress updates. Maybe that would serve as further motivation! I'll work on a list tonight to post tomorrow. For those of you who aren't interested in home decor or DIY craft projects, you might want to avert your eyes!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
So, I know this is really strange, but I'm absolutely the biggest fan ever of Reid's Cleaners! This is the second time they've come through for me when I thought my most favorite comforter was history. :warm fuzzies:
Now, I'm alternating doing laundry, generally tidying up, and baking a homemade dark chocolate bundt cake! I hope it turns out alright. I really need to go to the store and get some baking powder...I think. I have either baking powder or baking soda, and I need the other one. Perhaps I should do that now. Do they sell that sort of thing at a gas station? Maybe? Maybe not.
This swine flu...H1N1...Mexican flu...whatever it is that they're calling it...is really sad.
That's all I'm going to say.
Alrighty, I'm going to run out and see about finding me some baking powder...I definitely want to finish this cake and see how it turns out!
Now, I'm alternating doing laundry, generally tidying up, and baking a homemade dark chocolate bundt cake! I hope it turns out alright. I really need to go to the store and get some baking powder...I think. I have either baking powder or baking soda, and I need the other one. Perhaps I should do that now. Do they sell that sort of thing at a gas station? Maybe? Maybe not.
This swine flu...H1N1...Mexican flu...whatever it is that they're calling it...is really sad.
That's all I'm going to say.
Alrighty, I'm going to run out and see about finding me some baking powder...I definitely want to finish this cake and see how it turns out!
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Oh my, I am in big trouble. I'm in love with this sweet little puppy that we're watching right now. Her name is Sadie.
She's sleeping next to me right now, wearing her new pink collar I bought her today at PetSmart.
Oh. My. Goodness. Now she's sleep-barking. So cute!
We really don't need a third dog...but I am considering it...little Sadie is so sweet.
Other than that, life has been generically busy. Trying to get the house together, trying to get into a schedule, etc.
I guess that's all for now. I know it's not super interesting, but I'm trying to post anyway :)
She's sleeping next to me right now, wearing her new pink collar I bought her today at PetSmart.
Oh. My. Goodness. Now she's sleep-barking. So cute!
We really don't need a third dog...but I am considering it...little Sadie is so sweet.
Other than that, life has been generically busy. Trying to get the house together, trying to get into a schedule, etc.
I guess that's all for now. I know it's not super interesting, but I'm trying to post anyway :)
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Oh my, what a day.
When I have days like these, where I feel that I've been pushed to my limits...like I've got nothing left to give...
I always try to remember the things that I do have. The things I've been blessed with. The limitless things that I have to be thankful for.
And, most of the time, that helps a lot.
It also helps that I have a fantastic and supportive family , as well as a loving husband who will let me vent, take my side, and give me sound advice and encouragement.
Now I sit here, watching TV, eating one of my favorite meals ever (Freebirds!), spending time with my husband and doggies, and feeling so much better about the day in general.
Lord, please give me strength of spirit, help me to be selfless in my attitude - and remember that others around me are struggling even more and are in need of your love; and that I might miss my opportunity to be that to them if I'm absorbed in my own drama.
When I have days like these, where I feel that I've been pushed to my limits...like I've got nothing left to give...
I always try to remember the things that I do have. The things I've been blessed with. The limitless things that I have to be thankful for.
And, most of the time, that helps a lot.
It also helps that I have a fantastic and supportive family , as well as a loving husband who will let me vent, take my side, and give me sound advice and encouragement.
Now I sit here, watching TV, eating one of my favorite meals ever (Freebirds!), spending time with my husband and doggies, and feeling so much better about the day in general.
Lord, please give me strength of spirit, help me to be selfless in my attitude - and remember that others around me are struggling even more and are in need of your love; and that I might miss my opportunity to be that to them if I'm absorbed in my own drama.
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