Saturday's Savor - Prayers Answered!

After my desperate plea for sanity last night I woke up to be taunted by Rollie, our miniature horse.  He and Wriggley have been quite fiesty at mealtimes, and have literally been giving me a run for no money each time for about a week.  Today Rollie decided to toodle out onto the road, where a kindly neighbour tried to help me out to catch him, but we were unsuccessful.  Eventually the stupid thing went up the road and into our landlord's field, where I chased him for a while, then left him to get some fresh greens.  When I was calmed down, and him too, I begrudgingly offered him some oats, and lured him back into our field again... 

Once I was settled down from that, I did a bit of office work for Tim.  He's taking a few woodworking items to Prince Rupert to try to sell on consignment, with a touring business there.  We had been to their office/showroom last week and heard they took local work on consignment.  Tim left shortly afterwards, and should be home later this evening.

It was after this that I got a phone call from our friend, Rick Apperson, who is in charge of the Smithers and Houston Salvation Army, and he also authors one of my favorite blogs-Just A Thought.  It was a barely audible cell phone conversation, but from what I understood he was offering me a position at the Thrift Store.  After another conversation with him, finding out some details, I quickly called my manager at Extra Foods, who was unable to match the wages I was being offered at the Thrift Store, and so I gave her a week's notice.

This was totally unforseen by me, but I believe that someone's prayers were answered!  I begin my Tuesday through Friday (12:30 - 4:30) shifts and Saturday (9:30 - 4:30) shift on Tuesday, August 2nd!  Unreal!  No more evenings, no early mornings, 2 days off together, no stats, and no Sundays... I am indeed blessed.

Thank you all, for being with me (virtually or in real life) through my journey.  I couldn't have done it without you.

So, I've pretty much given you my FIVE GOOD THINGS (listed above).

Hope your day goes well too.

Cheers,

D

Not good!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There were 20 good things yesterday... 20 hours of no problems, but come 8pm I couldn't hack it!  From then until 11:30 it was nothing but trouble... so, we'll see if I bother to continue after that.

Anyways, I thought I'd fill you in.  One more night shift, and apparently Saturday's are the hardest... and then next week it's all morning shifts, which I am totally afraid I won't be able to handle, as my noggin' doesn't usually kick in until around 11am.

Prayers appreciated.  Hope you're doing okay.

Cheers?

D

Wonderful Wednesday

Hey there Dudes and Dudettes,

I figure I should inform you that today is a special day!  It's a day that was created specifically for you to enjoy.  I'm planning on enjoying some pampering (can never get enough!)... gonna get my hair done, after I head back to the gym (that way I can get it washed and made purtiful for my evening shift).

While I'm on that subject, last night's shift wasn't too bad... but if you're from around here, you may want to verify that with S.  He is my trainer, and a pretty good one too.  I'm sure he wouldn't like me mentioning him here on the blogosphere, so this should be the last time that I do.  It's a privilege for me to be able to work with kids/young adults my kids' ages.  Hopefully we will be good for each other.  Anyways, I was able to complete the things I needed to do without going overtime, so felt pretty stinkin' good about that.

I'm thinking of doing some write-ups on some of my favourite blogs I check out.  If any of you actually read what I write, and have anything special planned for your site, please let me know, and maybe I can feature you here at the same time.  I don't really think that many of you do read mine, but the numbers have really been adding up on my bean counter lately, and some very unusual locations have been showing up on my  sitemeter (which is very exciting).  

For those of you who don't blog, but have been checking mine out, please drop me a note to say "Hi".  I'd love to find out how you came upon my site.

I actually think I'm still in shock about Tim going back to work!  I'm so happy for him, and that he'll get to work with people that love and appreciate him again.  

I just realized that when I wrote yesterday, I never posted my FIVE GOOD THINGS, so here are TEN!!!

1.  Tim is able to return to work

2.  Tim's boss said he'd find him work (unfortunately some people may need to be bumped, as it is a Union position)

3.  I'm okay with this!!!  (when he got sick a year-and-a-half ago, I never thought he'd be able to return to work)

4.  I made it through more training

5.  Timing is everything (God's, in particular)

6.  I get my hair cut

7.  I'm looking forward to going to the gym tomorrow (finally feeling good enough to, after being sick)... and my partner is on vacation, so it's all up to me

8.  My kids are healthy

9.  My husband's healthy

10.  Did I mention that my husband is going back to work?   

I'm doing a happy dance in my chair.  I just am in awe... Just last week we were told that Tim's long-term disability was being cut-off, but they were giving him a 3 month adjustment period... it's extra money in our pockets!  Oh, and he will get full benefits again!!!  And vacation time!!!  And a 4 day week!!!  God is soooooooooooooooooo gooooooooooooooooood!

Cheers,

D

Tuesday's Treats

Well, in 2 1/2 hours I begin my 5 day stint at work.  I hope I make it through the training!  Thankfully I haven't made  any appointments earlier than noon, so will be able to sleep in afterwords.  My plan for when I'm finished writing this is to take a cool bath, relax, then grab a quick bite before I make my appearance at the store.

In other good news, today Tim was officially cleared to go back to work.  He went to his previous employer and told him, which he replied, "so when would you like to start?"  He's going back 4 days a week, and has set a few boundaries for himself.  I'm very excited for him!  Please pray for a smooth transition, as he will most likely only be working one-on-one with the adults with developmental disabilities.  I also hope he will be able to still continue woodworking in his "off-time", as that really helps him to relax.

So, that's my news for today.  I'm still trying to figure out how to not worry or be anxious.  Will this be a lifelong course I am taking?

What kinds of things are you dealing with in your walk of life?  My counsellor has to keep telling me I am not wasting her time.  There is a reason for everything.  Oh, I want to have my life all neat and tidy, yet wonder if I ever will.

Cheers,

D

Memories on Mondays

We did it!  Tim and I took the plunge and drove to Prince Rupert on Saturday (which I slept for most of the way there), spent a couple of hours browsing the shops, having a nice dinner, and then heading home.  It was a good time to get away.  And again, for a port city that usually rains, we had beautiful weather again!

Yesterday we were invited to some friends' place for lunch.  It was so good.  We were treated with being able to pet and hold a young fawn that had been left at the side of the road a couple of weeks ago.  Our friends have been nurturing it back to health, and it was just so special to be so close to a deer.  Mostly it slept on their deck, but they said it often goes into the bush to rest too.

I'm getting healthier, finally.  When I head to bed at night, I still have bad coughing fits.  But this morning was a lot better.  The weather is still quite muggy here though, and being that I'm asthmatic, I tend to feel tight in my chest from that.

The horses have been giving me a run for my money, when I take them out to the larger field to eat, or when I bring them back to our yard.   They're getting sneaky, and I get so angry.  I'm not sure if we'll be able to keep the Arabian much longer, unless he gets gelded.  I love having them both, but when they are stronger than me and want to get their own way, I really don't like it.

I'm enjoying the last of my 3 day weekend.  Today I should be quite busy for the remainder of the day, as there are a few things I need to tend to.  Tomorrow evening starts a row of working 5 days straight.  I sure hope I won't have to do that often.  Just thinking of it tuckers me out.  Most of my shifts this week are 6:30 - 10:45 pm.  Should be interesting.

Well, I guess I've stalled enough for today, in doing what I need to accomplish.  I think I'll start with  putting a loaf of bread on in the bread maker.  Then at least it will smell like I've done something good all day.

Does your week look busy this week?  How are you planning on accomplishing all you need to do?  Do you have enough time left over for doing the things you want to do?  

Enjoy your week!

Cheers,
D

FIVE GOOD THINGS:

1.  Getting to cuddle with the fawn
2.  Wind on a sunny day
3.  Another day off
4.  A good day trip
5.  A loaf of homemade bread 

Saturday's Savor

I have 3 days off in a row!  Whoo hoo!  I'm doubting that will be a typical thing  for me from now on, but I'm glad for it now... still feeling under the weather, as I'm barking like a dog all night, waking myself up and probably everyone else.

Candle came home for a night and day.  We thought we would be taking her back to camp tomorrow, but a friend from a previous year at camp came up, so she left home early.  She's just beaming to be there!  Here's a link to where she's working, check it out, it's a wonderful place!  Rough Acres Bible Camp

Next week I begin working evenings, till around 10:45 pm... they're mostly 4.25 hour shifts, but it is a tad later than I'm usually using my pea-sized brain.  Hopefully it will all be good.  The week following I'm scheduled to work mornings... hahahaha

I'm tempted to see if Tim wants to drive us to Prince Rupert and back tomorrow.  It's a little port city  in Northern British Columbia, about a 4 hour drive from here, but the scenery is spectacular!  I'll have to see if we can fit that into the budget.

So, my FIVE GOOD THINGS are:

1.  Second work week is done
2.  Candle's looking good
3.  Nate played soccer tonight 
4.  A possible trip tomorrow
5.  Three day weekend


Anything you're looking forward to today?

Cheers,
D

Wonderful Wednesday

It was a wonderful Wednesday!  I have been having a problem sleeping for more than an hour or so without waking up, ever since I finished the last of these miracle pills which I didn't want to have to pay for any more.  So for the last week or two, I've not felt very rested.  Unplanned, I was wide awake at about 5:30 this morning, so I decided to read.  It was then that Tim and I were trying to figure out when I needed the car, and what our plans were.  He told me I had an appointment at 10 am, which I could have swore was for tomorrow, but I listened to him, and got to my appointment in the nick of time... 24 hours too early!

Since I had cancelled our gym time for today, as I'm still not feeling great, I could have slept for another 5 hours (or got groceries).  But I decided to hop over to the video store and rent a couple of movies, and chillax until I had to go to work at 4pm.

After my shift, I quickly went over to the Blue Fin Sushi Bar, where the band that Nathan (my son) plays with was going to play.  I had originally reserved a table for 3 of us, then my SIL said she'd come with her girls, so Tim upped the reservation to 6.  By that time, I realized I would be late, because of work.  In the end, we had 8 at the table, the restaurant was PACKED  (great job Cindy and staff!), and I walked in on Nate's last song (but didn't realize it was his  band playing. As I'm not a fan of sushi, I ordered my regular Cappachino Pie... it was DELIC! 

Anyways, it was a good day!  I know that tomorrow I do not have to work, although there's a 10 am appointment that I should be at, as well as another one at 3:30.  I still have the 2nd movie to watch, and I think I'm going to do that right now... since I don't have to get up at the crack of Dawn (ewwwwwwww, that doesn't sound good, does it?).

So folks, I hope you have a terrific day tomorrow (as I'm sure you won't be reading this until Thursday), and hopefully someday soon I'll have the energy to write this in the mornings, so they're not a day late.

Got any big plans for the weekend?  Fill me in on the juice!  I'm always up to hear what's going on.

Oh, again, I almost forgot... FIVE GOOD THINGS:

1.  I wasn't late for my appointment!
2.  I know more than 3 codes at work now!
3.  Fabulous mingling at the Blue Fin Sushi Bar!
4.  Cappachino Pie.... mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
5.  You!

Cheers,
D

Tuesday's Treats

Well, it's been a long week, full of change, and unwellness too.  Things have been busy (at work... learning takes a lot of energy).   Adjusting to setting an alarm clock again also takes some getting use to.  I've been going to the gym faithfully though (began 3 times a week now) and have been regularly doing 20 - 35 minutes of the dreaded "E" word.  

Last week, about this time, Tim got a call to see if someone from camp could take her to Emergency, as she was coughing non-stop, and had been vomiting as well.  He said he'd go and pick her up, and then I took her to the hospital.  The Dr. wasn't able to pinpoint what was going on, but gave a prescription for medicine that did stop the cough, giving Candle her first experience of a hangover (without the alcohol).  She slept for about 12 hours, hung out at home on the bed, then slept another night, with hardly any coughing.  We were able to take her back to camp that day.

By this time, my work schedule had changed and I had 2 unexpected days off, which I was ready for.  Now, I'm not complaining about my job, but I can't for the life of me figure out how I worked full-time before, and did whatever else I did, because the first two 4 hour shifts had me dizzier than I've been since I got my first pair of progressive lenses.  I think I've done okay there, but since they are short-staffed I was thrown out to the wolves (which are very kind) and am pretty much on my own at the till now.  After the first 2 days I still only knew the code for bananas (4011).

Saturday came along, and I was called in to work early, putting in an 8 hour shift, rather than the scheduled 4 hour shift.  I made it through, but by the end of that night I was barking like only I can do. Oh, and by this time, I knew a total of 3 codes!  Good thing most of the produce has little stickies with the numbers on them!  My problem is with the progressive lenses again... the print is soooooooooooo small, and I have so much trouble adjusting distances.  

While at work on Saturday, my friend Renee, whom we get our hay from every year, came through my till.  We both looked at each other and knew it was meant to be that she was there.  I had been planning to give her a call, to find out when it would be ready.  She said it was ready, and that we should pick it up Sunday.

On Saturday I was also informed that this week will probably be doing more cashier stuff, but I will begin the training for the Cash Operator (still not sure if that's the "title"), with next week being evening shifts, and the following week being openings.  If you want to beg God for His Mercy on me, please let it be for that week, as I seem to be allergic to mornings as well.

Sunday morning rolls along and Tim informs me that he overdid some lifting the day before, and that he can barely move, as his back is out of whack.  I help look after 2 kids in Children's Church, then head home to get ready to load bales of hay.  Nathan was kind enough to do the driving and we both loaded 50 bales (square ones) onto the truck and into the hay covering.  This took about 2 hours per trip, and we had to make 3 trips.  

Needless to say, I have pretty much spent yesterday and today in bed, trying not to move or talk, so I can get to my shift today at 3:30.  Hopefully I don't scare away any customers.

Other than that, things are okay.  Tim's back is much better too.

How has your week been?  We've had beautiful sunny (and hot) days, as well as overcast and cooler days, a tad bit of rain, and a wind storm too.  Life is good.

Please remember to drop me a line.  I love hearing from you.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Oh yeah, here's my Five Good Things:

1.  Hay's all ready for the Fall.  Horses will be happy.

2.  Candle is feeling much better, and says that camp is going really well.  It's teen camp this week.

3.  I'm feeling better than I did last night.

4.  It's pay day!

5.  I know 3 codes!

Cheers,

D

Tuesday's Treats

Hey there,

How are you doing today?  I hope your day was full of wonderful ways to treat yourself.  My treats today are my FIVE GOOD THINGS:

1.  New job - heck, there are a lot of produce items I haven't got a clue as to what they are, let alone know their codes!  Patience, patience... here's where I get really hard on myself.
2.  I did go to the gym - now I know in my heart that this really isn't what I would consider a TREAT, but something is niggling in my head that it really is... so I'll continue.  I did cut back my time by 10 minutes, but with standing up at work the whole time, my feet got a handy dandy workout too.
3.  Sunshine!!!  It's been hiding for a few days, and it's so nice to see again.
4.  A cool drink - even water is what I'll drink more often than not now.  Three years ago, I drank a can of Coke a day... not very often do I do that any more.
5.  I found out we get paid every week!  That is so exciting for me!  We use to have jobs where we were paid every 2 weeks, and they didn't coincide, so basically we got paid every week.  Now, the majority of our money has been coming once a month, and that's been tricky for me to budget... I am SO happy for having it this way now!


So, this is short and sweet (actually it's still probably longer than what I use to write when I  began this blog... can you believe it, 11 months ago) and I suspect that for the rest of this week I'll be pretty brief, till I get my system all in place of these changes.


Let me know what you're up to.  You can comment below, or email me directly at:  bcsmithereens @ gmail dot com


Enjoy the weather!


Cheers,
D

Memories on Mondays

Hear Ye, Hear Ye,... I am pleased to announce that I met my goals for last weekend!  

1.  I did go to the gym (ON MY OWN), and actually increased my workout from 15 minutes (a week ago) to 33 minutes:  travelling 7 miles on a bike that went no where (18 minutes), and walking on a treadmill for 8 minutes, as well as going on the eliptical trainer for 7 minutes.  YAHOO!  I was a tad sore the next day, but I was okay.  (I'm not sure if it was because of the workout or because our 2 year old horse bowled me over as I was walking down a hill, trying to take him to a field to eat)... needless to say, he didn't get away with that again!
2.  My house got clean!  Not spotless, but it was thoroughly vacuumed, and we could sit at the table again!

Some other news is that I was told that I will be starting my part-time position at Extra Foods, after they did some kind of check on me, and I was to meet with my manager tomorrow.  Today she called and asked if I could work tomorrow instead... and that I'm scheduled to work Tuesday through Saturday so far. Please pray I don't freak out with the learning curve of all the codes.  That will probably be my biggest challenge.  (BESIDES HAVING TO USE AN ALARM CLOCK AGAIN, after going 7 months without one).

I guess my evening will be filled with hemming the black pants that I will now need to wear for work.  Thankfully, I only had black pants, so didn't have to purchase any more.  I was able to find a few white collared tops this weekend, for the job, as well as some work shoes, so I should be set up pretty good.

This doesn't mean I don't want to pursue bookkeeping work!  Hopefully I will be able to find some work in that field before my EI (Employment Insurance) runs out at the end of November.

Candle is off to camp!   This is her 4th year working there.  She is considered a "summer missionary" this year.  Her prayer card reads:  

"Please pray for good health, financial support, relationships with campers as well as staff, safety for all, a great summer program, and the overall spiritual impact and growth for everyone involved at Rough Acres Bible Camp."

This year she is working there for 8 weeks.  This week is set aside for the team to train and prepare for camp.  It should be a good time.   

This afternoon I am heading to a friend's place for a visit and some tea.  Then I head back to the gym for a workout.  Hopefully I'll not be too bagged when I'm working, to keep this up... DID I JUST WRITE THAT?  Help!  Some strange thoughts are taking up residence in my pea-sized brain!!!  Whoo Hoo!

I think I'm going to try my hand at FAJITAS tonight.  I just saw this recipe in my inbox today, from 

I don't have Portobello Mushrooms, but will use what I have.  I had overdone the grocery shop last week on peppers... so will have plenty to use.

Not sure if I'll have enough time (or energy) to paint the remaining things for our room, so the blinds and shears can go up in our room.  Once it's all ready I'll take a picture or two for you.  It's so much more relaxing in there... except when the daylight appears earlier than I'd like.


Anywhoo, I think that's it for today, except for my list.  I hope you enjoy your week.  I'd love to hear from you!  Drop me a line and fill me in on your day.  If you'd prefer not to have it published here, you can always email me at:  bcsmithereens at gmail dot com

FIVE GOOD THINGS:

1.   Realizing that feeding the horses 2 times a day makes them easier to handle.
2.  Getting a job, where I will be stretched... learning codes, standing on my feet for 4 hours a day.
3.  My daughter is SO VERY EXCITED to be at camp!
4.  My house is clean - STILL!
5.  I was able to purchase things for my work outfit!

Cheers,
D 
 

Friday Festival

Today is a test for me.  My gym partner is not well, and she asked if we could "skip today".  I think I'll go anyways.  I'll let you know if I actually do.

I also told Tim that I would try to have the house cleaned up by the end of the week, and guess what... it's not done yet.  I've still got today and tomorrow.  To spur me on, I invited Tim's sister and her family over for dinner on Sunday, so I've GOT TO GET IT DONE!  No more videos until I do.

And because of this, here's my FIVE GOOD THINGS for today:

1.  I'm going to the gym ON MY OWN

2.  I will have a clean house

3.  Company's coming

4.  I'm going to talk with my new boss today

5.  God loves ME  (and you too!)

Enjoy your weekend everyone!  (And Happy Fourth of July to my American friends)

Cheers,
D

CANADA DAY - Thankful Thursday

Happy CANADA DAY

For any readers who are not Canadian, and want to know a bit more about this day, please click on the link above.

Not sure if I've mentioned that I've begun going to the gym twice a week.  But my friend and I have made an effort to go, switching up our days as needed.  It definitely helps to have someone go with me!  The first day I could barely finish 15 minutes on the bike.  My heart was pounding like a drum in a marching band.  The next day we went I was able to go on a couple of machines, with my heart racing faster, but I wasn't as tired.  The last time I went, I was able to finish 20 minutes, and dared to say (out loud) that I couldn't wait until I actually wanted to be there.  Have I mentioned that since I've known Tim I've told him I was allergic to the "E" Word (excercise)?  

Last night my sister's friend came through town and dropped off a box for me.  In it had some of the cutest baby clothes we had lent to Tracy, that our parents had given us.  I had fun calling Nathan into the room, asking if he thought he'd fit these clothes that came... To my delight, Tracy had also included a "little" gift for me to do what I like with.  I think I will be browsing Zeller's for bedding and shears for our room!  Soooo excited!

I woke up at 3 am this morning, unable to sleep (until 6) with the realization that I forgot my Sister-in-Law Melodie's birthday!  She is always so good with special days and celebrations.  My apologies, Mel... hopefully Sunday's dinner will make up for it... and our trip to the Movie Theatre, once you find a show you want us to see.


So, that's about it for me right now.  Here's my FIVE GOOD THINGS for today:


1.  Little clothes and their memories!  As Mom and Dad lived in Africa when my kids were born, their little gifts of clothes and books meant a lot to me.  Seeing them again made me remember my Mom and how much she loved my kids and wished she could be with us.
2.  Little gifts!  Actually, it is a BIG GIFT to me.  Thanks Tracy!  You are so very thoughtful!
3.  A beautiful Country!
4.  A peaceful place to live!
5.  Readers, like you! - Thank you.


Cheers,
D