Friday, May 28, 2010

I'll Be Back!

After all the celebrations yesterday, I didn't plan something for today.  I will be back writing next week, as we are heading out for Family Camp (without the kids) this evening, and I have a 1 day job today.

More later, and have a wonderful weekend!

Cheers!

Dawn

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Thankful Thursday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIM!!!

Well, now I know someone actually read Tuesday's write-up.  My MIL asked me why I wrote in my blog that Tim's birthday was yesterday (when she knew, for a matter-of-fact, that she gave birth to him 47 years ago today).  MY BAD!

Here are my FIVE GOOD THINGS (about TIM)

1.  PATIENT - I have never seen a man with more patience than him.  Thank you!
2.  HARD WORKING - When Tim has a task to do, there will never be anyone who can do it with more gumption than him.
3.  FOCUSED - If there's something that catches his eye, he will stay focused on it... right to the end...usually in the woodworking department, but in the past it was running.
4.  LOVING - Always!
5.  HONEST - In the good times and in the bad.

Tim, thanks for being you!  I love you very much.

D

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Wonderful Wednesday

Today I had to thank someone for going through everything she has in her life and for being willing and able to guide me through similar events!  It's one thing to go through life and blaming God or people for things that have happened, and a completely different thing to try to figure out how to turn it all around to make oneself better.  This, I believe, she has done.

I hope that some day someone will take my daughter aside and teach her from their life experiences, rather than her going to a peer and just trying to make it through, without the knowledge and understanding of why we are the way we are.

I know that I am not the only person here who has been dealt a lot of "stuff" in their lives.  I am just learning, however, that there are different ways the same "stuff" can be used to make us a better person.

For those of you who are going through your own "stuff", hold on to the fact that God will bring you through it... persevere... hold on to those helping and willing hands of those who are offering... and by all means, if you need to "dump", I'm willing to listen... not here, but let me know, and we can touch base.

My Five Good Things today are:

1.  A gentle breeze
2.  The sound of neighbors mowing their lawns (we don't have to... horses are our friends)
3.  I don't have to make dinner (dear daughter is doing it)
4.  We have food for dinner
5.  Tea - gotta love it

Cheers,
D

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Tuesday's Treats

Here are my Five Good Things for today:

1.  PAINT - Yesterday afternoon, hubby decided to prime the bedroom ceiling, as my excuse for not painting the walls was that he hadn't done the ceiling.  I've never seen him work so fast!  He was like a speed demon.  Doing the painting was to be our birthday gift for each other.  My birthday has passed long ago (3 weeks) and his is tomorrow,.. but maybe it will be done in time for our anniversary!

2.  RAIN PUDDLES - a farm just doesn't feel like a farm without some puddles.

3.  BUSHES IN BLOOM - The last 2 days of rain has been enough to boost our Saskatoon berry bushes into birthing little white fleurs... so pretty!

4.  QUIET MORNINGS - Plain and simple, I'm not a morning person, so the quieter I can have it in the am, the more pleasant I am...

5.  GRANOLA - the past couple of weeks I have experimented with making granola.  It's been different each time, but so good!

I hope you're enjoying good things in your life!  Take time to recognize them, as it makes going through life a little easier.

Cheers,
D

Monday, May 24, 2010

Memories on Mondays

I'm the person who freaks out when I know someone is coming to visit.  It's not like I can't do it, but my family has come to the understanding that if I have at least a 10 minute warning that someone's coming, I'll do my usual freak and then get on with it fine.  Yesterday was a perfect example.

My daughter had gone on a hike with friends, but her and one of the others got delayed.  The parents decided that when they were ready, the kids would text for them to pick them up.  So, they chose to pop over for a visit.  With the alarm system in place in our yard, they weren't even in the driveway before the siren went off (the dog).  I looked, saw them opening the gate to the yard (we have horses to keep in), and I panicked!  I didn't know what to do.  It was nearly dinner time, and I don't make dinner on Sundays.  Nothing was thawed, and I didn't have anything quick to make.

By the time they were down the drive, I figured I'd just offer coffee or juice.  We visited a while, the kids were picked up, and then they said they should go.  I then proceeded to open my big mouth and say I'd go to the store, pick up some hamburger and buns and we could have a bar-b-cue.  It sounded great!  Then they asked if we wanted to have it at their place.  I questioned whose b-b-q was working best, knowing ours didn''t, and we proceeded to have dinner at their place (PAYBACK!!!).

It worked out great!  Both families got some supplies, I made the burgers, and they had paper plates for our food.  No dishes, and two families fed up!

I don't know why I panic and get anxious.  I've been that way for decades now.  But I'm learning to try to break through it, even when it isn't comfortable.  These friends are special to us.  They're going through a restructuring of families.  Even when I don't think I have anything to offer people, I need to realize that sometimes just being there is enough.

Do you struggle with anxiety?  Are you able to work it out?  I hope that you ask for God's strength to rid you of this debilitating way of thinking.  You're not alone... and God does care!

Five Good Things:

1.  Friends who are willing to come to my door unannounced... they don't know what shape I'll be in, yet they are willing to "chance" a visit.
2.  A b-b-q that works well.
3.  An opportunity to laugh with people.
4.  My hubby's health.  It's soooooo much better!
5.  You!

Cheers,
D

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Super Sunday

I'm sitting at the computer, pondering what to write about as I look out the window, I see a palette of various Green tones.  It's in the various grasses (weeds) that are growing in our field, in the trees (of which I do not know their names-much to the chagrin of my husband), and it's beginning to  peak out on the Saskatoon bushes.

The sky is a light blue, with an array of fluffy clouds, and up above is the moon. 

The sun is still shining down it's rays on most of the yard, as it's only 9 pm on Saturday.  We've got over an hour left of daylight for today.  

And what do you think gets more of my attention than all of these?  The sight of a measly little mosquito!

I do not understand why, on God's green earth (honestly), He would see fit to have these pesky little creatures exist!

I still think that Sunday will be SUPER!  What's grabbed your attention?

Cheers,
D

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Saturday's Savor

Surprise!  I hope you like my new look.  I saw someone else with another cute layout, which led me to Leelou Blogs! , where I found this.  Hope you like it!

Lately I've been focusing on Five Good Things, and although I don't intend to only do this kind of "writing", it's been helping me keep my head above water.  I've noticed that the past two days my postings started with "Well,..."  That's a good thing, eh?  Today was another day of pleasantness.  Here's my list:

1.  I didn't have to make supper or do the dishes today.  It was great!  Waffles and blueberries (don't forget the whipped cream) were made by Tim... thanks!
2.  I found a great deal on window blinds.  Just the cheapies, but they'll work fine.
3.  Tim has finally joined the ranks of needing spectacles to read!  It's too cute.  ClearlyContacts.ca is where we ordered them.  You can try them out, and pay within 15 days.  They have great coupon codes online too!
4.  My kittie's meow.  I know I get annoyed with her, but she still makes me smile!

5.  Long Weekends - Here's a little write-up for those not up-to-snuff on Canadian History:

"Victoria Day celebrates Queen Victoria's birthday (May 24th). Canada is still a member of the    Commonwealth of Nations, of which the Queen is head.

Victoria Day is always on a Monday, and thus the holiday is part of a long weekend, which is commonly referred to as the Victoria Day Weekend, the May Long Weekend, the May Long, or the May Two-Four (a case of beer there is called a "two-four" and many of these are consumed over the holiday). The weekend is also called the May 24th weekend, although it does not necessarily fall on May 24th.

The Victoria Day Weekend always falls on the weekend before Memorial Day in the U.S."  -information found at: http://gocanada.about.com/od/eventsandfestivals/a/victoria_day.htm

Enjoy your weekend!

Cheers,
D

Friday, May 21, 2010

Friday Festival

Well, it's been a week since I started the Five Good Things... and, strangely enough, I've been way more positive the whole week! That's not to say that there haven't been bumps and bruises this week, but I have noticed I am able to deal with them and problem solve again (which is something I have been unable to do for the past couple of months or so). I feel good. And for me, good is enough for now!

Here are today's Good Things:

1. Job opportunities - Yesterday I got a call to work for one day! It's doing inventory, so I won't have to help customers or anything like that. I'm excited... except for the fact that I have to show up at 6:45 am.... WHOA! Apparently I forgot to inform them that I am usually unconscious for another 2 hours... I've also found a couple positions I am interested in! We'll see how it turns out.
2. Enthusiasm -

3.  Clean laundry!
4.  The weekend - it really is pretty much a continual weekend for me, but I know that other people really look forward to weekends, so this is for you!
5.  Payday.

Do you have any good things to share?

Thank you for checking my site out today! 

Cheers,
D

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Thankful Thursday

Well, this is my Day 7 of sharing my Five Good Things. I'm feeling good! I'm more positive. I'm more calm... and I've been more daring!

My Five Good Things for today (which I am thankful for) are:

1. Two new job positions that have intrigued me. I haven't applied for them yet, but am making a plan.
2. The laundry is caught up! Yay!
3. Dinner with friends. It's my turn to cook, so it's under way. Sure hope it turns out.
4. Telephones. There's nothing like a good phone call to/from my sista. We don't use them often enough with each other, but it's more personal than Facebook chat!
5. A good hair cut! This is week 3 or 4 with the same cut, and I'm still good with it. Sometimes this is when I get fed up, yet haven't been able to budget in a trim... so when I get more mileage from a cut I am happy!

So what about you? Is there anything today that you've found made you particularly thankful? I'd love to hear what it is.

Cheers,
D

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Wonderful Wednesday

 I can hardly believe it, but I've been feeling better "in my head" for almost a week now.  The prayers of friends, combination of meds, shoveling horse crap, counseling, trying to be more positive, and visiting with people is my complex plan of action... I really can't say it's one thing that is doing it all... but whatever it takes, I want to feel better and be a better person.

Today's Five Good Things are:

1.  Rain - Honest to goodness, our field is trying to go green, but the horses will be in trouble without God's  blessing of a good downpour (which we had yesterday and last night)!  I know those crummy little yellow dandelions also gloat when it rains, but they'll eat those too.
2.  Sunshine after the Rain - warms my heart.
3.  Birds singing - gives me pleasure
4.  Sleeping in - yeah, I'm known to be lazy... but oh, last night's sleep felt soooooooo goooooooood!
5.  Friends - this wonderful invention of the interweb, that you and I have obviously taken to, has provided me opportunities to reacquaint with people from my past.  It is healing.  Thank you, my friends!

What warms your heart today?

Cheers,
D

Monday, May 17, 2010

Treat Myself Tuesdays

Okay, this one's easy!

1.  Tweezing and Waxing - This past winter I decided to make every third Tuesday a treat, by getting my brows done.  Oh, for some of you that might be TMI, but it's just my brows!  Makes me feel good, and guarantees a smile on my face at least once a month!

2.   Counselling - Okay, so I didn't get it to start with a "T", but it happens on Tuesdays, so there.  This has got to be one of the highlights of my week.  Godly counsel from someone who's already "been there".  MdW, thank you so very much!

3.  Television - I love watching TV!  Although my son has graciously let our household use his huge, I MEAN HUGE, TV, we do not receive any channels.   This has caused me much trouble, as my movie rentals are my biggest personal expense.  I do, however, take advantage of the great deal on older movies, but usually just have to check out the new releases at least once a week too.  And now that Survivor's over for the season...........  oh yeah, that was on Thursdays........ I'll probably end up watching more videos.  Or perhaps, I should go outside?

4.  Baths - Yes, I love to pamper myself!  This has always been my "Me Time" since the kids were born.  I usually have one more often than on Tuesdays, but since this one's about Treating Myself, I had to include it.

5.  TRACY - yup, I fit 'er in again!  That'd be my lil sista!  She's up to her eyeballs with packing and cleaning up her house, in preparation for a big move.  Hang in there girl!  It'll be worth all the effort.  Love ya!

Not sure if I like preparing this list before I've had a good sleep.

What do you do to treat yourself?

Cheers,
D

Memories on Mondays

Today my 5 Good Things are (in no particular order):

1.  The Good Food Box.  Every month, since I've started purchasing from Smithers Community  Services, I look forward to what surprise I'm going to get.  Today was a very nice mixture of fruits and veggies.  Way to go!
2.  My SISTA!  We've never lived close to each other in decades, but I love her to bits!  More on her another time.3.  Paint Stripper... 3 1/2 hours of work, but man, those doors look SO much better!
4.  Blue sky with clouds... so purtiful!
5.  Google Reader... organizes my 100+  blogs that I check out each day, without overwhelming me with remembering who I want to follow.

I appreciate everyone's additions to the lists!  I've even noticed some people do this on Facebook... let's keep lifting each other up with Good Things!

Cheers!

D

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Super Sunday

My Five Good Things for today are:

1. A great church service.
2. Kids back at home (after house sitting for a week-&-a-half). ***Did I really just type that?
3. Friends.
4. Rain... our horses really need more green grass to eat.
5. Survivor Finale and Chinese Food party!!!!!!!!! Who are you hoping to win?

Cheers!

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Saturday's Savor

1. Watching the production of "Guys and Dolls" last night was filled with so much laughter and good music. I love going to musicals, and this one was not what I originally thought it would be like at all! It was terrific!
2. A good sleep. Nothing like it.
3. My kids are back today. They've been house sitting for over a week, and although I am totally okay with them being gone, it's nice to ave them back too.
4. My cats... what can I say? I love them. I take pleasure in knowing that as soon as I'm up, Mittens (the elder) will be close by me (silently, I might add), waiting for me to get up and feed her some wet food. Only in the mornings though, and she knows this.
5. Getting a job done... like as in never having to do it again...

Thanks for the comments peoples... Keep looking up!

D

Friday, May 14, 2010

Asking

I wrote this back in March, and never posted it... so here it is. D

I don't know why, but asking for help is very hard for me to do.  Unfortunately it has been brought to my attention that it is something I have to learn to do.  I began by asking God for help in everything!

After looking into possible job and schooling options for about a month I found myself very low again.  Thankfully I was able to quickly get into the Dr. and begin med adjustments.  She also told me to forget about looking for work right now, as I'm not ready for it, giving me another couple of months to get better.  I am so thankful!

At church on Sunday someone came and prayed for me.  She stayed with me for quite a while, and just kept asking God to touch me in specific ways (which she didn't know about).  Today she mentioned that I had been on her mind all of last week, and that she had been praying.  Thank you Jesus!

I don't know how other people deal with daily things in life, but I'm the type of person who gets done what needs to be done, no matter what... up until the last few months, that is.  Now I'm learning that's not necessarily what God has desired for me... not that I can just expect other people to hand over money to provide for my lifestyle, or that I don't have to do anything to help my family (I'm just not that type of person anyways), but I can only do so much, and I need to fully rely on God for the rest.

I'm not even sure where I'm going with this, but I just have to be true to myself and say that although things have been tough, are still tough, may always be tough, that does not have to define who I am in Christ.  If He thinks I'm "OK", then why should I be so hard on myself?  So what, if I can't work yet?  Maybe other things are happening inside me and my family that needs to be happening.

Five Good Things

My Clinician has given me homework!  So I think I'm going to begin doing it here.  I hope it makes a difference in your day.

Five Good Things

1.  My husband.  He is soooooooooooo patient with me!
2.  Listening to Amy Grant's "Better Than A Hallelujah".  It soothes my soul!  Have a listen.
3.  Sunshine.  There have been many years when I couldn't care less whether it was pouring rain, windy, or sunny outside.  Today I am thankful for the sun!
4.   My cats.  I love watching them as Mittens teaches Pickle to play or fight... and as Pickle shows off her copy cat skills while stalking the  birds outside.
5.  Horses.  I am pleased when I see Rollie and Wrigley running in the field, or when they're rolling on their backs.  They are so gentle when they come up to me.  I love it!

Have you found 5 good things in your day?  I'd love to hear what  they are.

Thanks for reading!  It's good to be back.

D