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

Wonderful Wednesday

Yesterday ended up being filled to overflowing, so I didn't even have an opportunity to write.  It was all good.  I'll fill you in right now.

First of all, our Anniversary dinner (on Monday) was terrific!  We went to Zoers and were treated royally by the servers there.  I tried the Provencale Panini and Tim had the Surf & Turf (I think).  They treated us to a warm apple fritter topped with ice cream.  It was delic! 

Yesterday, my friend called me on the phone, asking if I wanted to go out for tea.  Since I didn't have anything planned till later, I jumped at the opportunity.  By the time we got to town it was 11:30, and she ended up taking me out for lunch at The Riverhouse.  It was delicious!  We enjoyed a good visit.

After that I went back to town for the afternoon, where I found out that I was able to decline the offer for the 1 hour a week job because I will be employed at Extra Foods at the end of August (if not sooner).  This made me do a happy dance in my heart!  It isn't a full-time position, but I will be able to work a variety of shifts with differing duties, then still have enough time to build up a bookkeeping business.  I'm very excited!  Somebody wants me!

I saw my counsellor after that, then went to the grocery store to shop.  It seems  that my daughter is rubbing off on me because I found that I spent most of the time in the fruit and vegetable section, and only made it through 1/2 of the store before I decided we'll have to make do with what I'd picked out.  It was all within my budget, thankfully!  My job today is to cut up all the fruit and veggies, so they're easy to grab to eat.  That seems to be the best way for us... plus, it doesn't fit in my fridge properly any other way.  I did realize I missed getting garbage bags and a few other necessities, so we'll have to pick those up later.

Candle received her last High School report card, and in the past we have celebrated by going to Dairy Queen for Blizzards.

Tim and I spent the evening at counselling, then arrived home late (and tired).


It was a good day! 


Today I need to make myself get the junk hidden from sight.   I think I'm going to go with an old box, and when I don't know where "someone" thinks it belongs, I will chuck it in the box.  We'll see how that goes, anyways.


My Five Good Things today are:


1.  Spur of the moment ideas
2.  Friends who want to visit with me
3.  A promise of a new job
4.  Three paydays in a row - bills are able to be paid
5.  Pictures are up in our bedroom... almost done!


What was good for you today?  I love reading about these things!


Cheers,
D

Memories on Mondays

From this: 

(TWENTY-FOUR YEARS ago)

don'tcha love those glasses?

To this:

 HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TIM!!!

I've never written down "our story" before, and most people probably wouldn't believe it, but for posterity (whoever she is), I will share my side of the story:

It all began before I knew it did, but I've been told that while I was on tour with Dayspring (our college travelling singing group) during the summer of 1985 we stopped at a place I had been at before, this little hick town in the middle of nowhere, British Columbia.  Mind you, there were many more smaller hick towns, so this was nothing new.  

Anyways, we performed at one of the churches just out of town,  (I happened to share a small testimony) and carried on our way.  It was that night, after the performance, that Tim said to his Dad, "I'd like to marry a girl like that some day."   

About six weeks later, I returned to my final year of college (at least, I thought it would be!), and low and behold this cute young fellow walked by.  I asked his name and he told me.  A few days later I was in the library (studying!  - after all, it was the first week of school, and I wanted to make a  good impression), and I noticed this cute guy (I didn't remember him) sitting on the floor reading a book.  The words, "How old are you?"  popped out of my mouth... TRULY!, and I found out then and there that I was 1 month older than him, to the day.  

My next question was, "What are you reading?"  He responded with a Missionary story.  I informed him I was a missionary kid...   from then it went to asking him if he'd like to see a movie being shown at another college in town.  He said yes, then sat beside me... (I later found out he'd seen the movie about 5 times before).  We went out for snackage at The Keg with my friends, and that night, as I was staying in a friend's bedroom, I told her, "You can have him if you like him."  (As if he were mine to give).  rom then on we were pretty much inseperable at meals and after studying.  I even went to breakfasts, and stayed to have tea after each meal.  

About 3 weeks later I informed him that I planned on getting married the next summer, and if he didn't have any intentions of that, then he better just move along so I could find out who I would be marrying... I AM NOT JOKING ABOUT THIS!!!  (*** And I would never advise anyone to do such a stupid thing, either***)  I also said that the next guy I kissed would be the one I was going to marry.

Anyways, time went on, and we still hung out.  Before Christmas vacation I had written him daily letters, and planned to use my gift money to buy a bus ticket to visit him in Smithers.  I arrived there December 31, 1985 and he greeted me with the question, "May I kiss you?"  He also started callling me "hon" that day.  That evening was a New Year's Eve party at the church and many people asked if I was Wendy (the last girl he had dated ). That didn't go over too well.  Anyways, we left to go to his parent's place and stayed up all night smooching.  Can't say that I'd ever done that before then or after.  But it was a good memory.

In March Tim planned to ask me to marry him.  He called my Dad, in Kenya, and asked if it would be okay.  I had warned him not to ask for my hand in marriage, as my Dad would likely to reply with, "You've got to take all of her!".  Unfortunately, I have a tendency to ruin good things, and I made a mess of the evening, but we did get engaged and set a date - June 28th - that year!  We chose that day because it was a long weekend in Canada and the Vancouver Expo was on too, so people from all over Canada could/would come.

So, that's my side of the story.  Parts of it have been briefly brought up in the last year or two, to our kids... and I think they really don't believe it... but it's true... I was a bit manipulative and bossy... but I'm better now!!! hahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I LOVE YOU, TIMMER!

What's your story?  I'd love to hear it.  Marriage hasn't been easy, but it's getting easier!  

Five Good Things:

1.  Tim - he's the best part of me!

2.  We haven't quit!

3.  We won't quit!

4.  Memories!

5.  Future!

Enjoy your day... we're out to dinner tonight.

Cheers,

D

Friday Festival

Well, I want to pat myself on my back, but don't want to break my arm doing it... but I've gone to the gym two days in a row!  Yesterday I only went on the bike machine, and I wasn't sore or anything today.  Today I went on this thing that really made parts of me hurt, but it quit when I was finished (thank you Jesus!).  After that brief trip I went on the treadmill.  Now I don't know about anyone else, but I felt like I was pushing on the handles to keep going... then I was told to make it speed up and things were hunky dory... until 9 minutes later, when I had to quit.  H & I figure that even if we only burned enough calories that 1/2 a cookie would be, it was better than sitting on the couch... so we'll go again 2 times next week.

Nothing much planned for me this weekend (not that that's surprising).  Monday is Tim's and my  24th Anniversary.  We don't really do much for things like that... maybe next year though.  

So, my Five Good Things for today are:

1.  The chore chart is working - not perfectly, and I haven't made ANY money on it yet, but it is working!

2.  Candle passed her driver's test!  Good job girl!
3.  My business cards are printed!
4.  A God who has met all my needs... and even thrown in a few perks too.
5.  Itch relief - the bottoms of my feet haven't itched in about an hour.  Don't know what did it... maybe the "workout sweat".

Enjoy your weekend!

Cheers,
D

Thankful Thursday

I'm not going to start off being thankful... does anyone else out there suffer from the fact that mosquitoes love their blood?  I have the most itchy bottoms of my feet than I can ever remember... and I'm the scratchy kind of person!  Now the bites are big and swollen, and my feet are burning.  I've even put an ice pack on them to relieve the itch, but all it does is make the ice melt!  Any advice? 

When I was 8 months pregnant with Candle (a LONG TIME AGO) we had a bad year for grass fleas... well, actually a Good Year for Grass Fleas... except it was a bad year for me.  My cousin was supposed to come from Alberta to help out with Nathan, but she took one look at my legs and decided to stay with my Aunt and Uncle in Surrey, rather than help me.  She was young, mind you, but she said to me, "I don't want my legs to look like yours!"  I use to want to wear flea collars on my ankles when we lived in that basement suite.  I literally would pull the covers off our bed in the middle of the night, and find those stupid things jumping around in our bed... not touching so much as a hair on Tim!

Now that you know my pain, I guess I still have things to be thankful for:

Five Good Things:

1.  Nate's soccer team won their game last night.  This is the 2nd year I haven't gone to any of his games, as he's in the adult league.  Tim still tries to go.  I want to, but really feel I need to give him some space of his own.  When he asks, I'll go watch and cheer with pleasure.

2.  Candle's taking her driver's test today.  I really know she is capable of doing well.  Here's hoping!

3.  We slept in our room last night!  Finally!  It was so cozy when I turned on the bedside lamp, all dark and clean... loved it.  Now if I can just get the blinds put up, it'll be even better.

4.  It's Gym Day!  I'm going... at 3 pm... to meet my friend H... with runners... and shorts... and I'm going to sit on one of those machines and work away... even if it's only for 15 minutes to start.  Have I ever told you how much I hate the "E" word?  (Excercise is Evil)

5.  Someone commented on my post yesterday:  "see also how your list of thankfuls are more than just a few words? they're now paragraphs....very cool!"... that is a good thing, isn't it?

How's your day turning out?  Anything special (or not) to share?  I'd love to hear from you.  Please remember that I do try to respond to every comment posted, so if you've left me a message, check back there the next day or so.

Enjoying the clouds today.  Oh, that's SIX!

Cheers,

D

Wonderful Wednesday

Is it Wednesday already?  That seems so strange to me!  We've been having the warmest weather and it's just beautiful.  The last 2 days the forecast has been for rain, but none has hit our home yet.

Today I think I'll share my list of things and leave it at that, so here it is

Five Good Things:

1.  Kal Tire - One of Nate's tires has been clicking for about a week... you know, the annoying "tick tick tick" you hear when you are driving, and you think to yourself, I'll just take the rock out when I stop... and you forget...  Well, today I borrowed his car, and thought to check for the "rock", when I saw it was a screw.  Kal Tire was only a couple of blocks away, so I popped in, and they popped out the screw in about 1/2 an hour, and away I went... No Charge!  (The benefits of buying all your tires at one place). 

2.  A good dog - Candle's American Eskimo, Piko (pronounced like "Pekoe", as in tea) was with me.  The car was too warm to leave him in, and I didn't have a leash or collar for him.  I tried to remind him of all his 4-H training, and walked him to where Candle was working (A & W) and treated him with a doggie bone and a bowl of ice cream.  He behaved himself quite well.

3.  I got a job!!! - About a week ago I had received a phone call, saying that the position I had applied for had been filled.  Yesterday I received another call, saying that that hadn't worked out, so it was being offered to me.  It's only for about 1/2 an hour to 1 hour of work a week (anytime on the weekends) and I'll get paid for a 3 hour shift.  Not much, but the extra $$ is going to allow me to treat Tim to some regular woodworking money...  I don't have anything else that we are in dire need of, and winters are long here, so having something for him to be able to do is very important!

4.  Tim - What can I say?  Yesterday he surprised me with finishing the screen inserts for our bedroom windows.  He even put up the baseboards and window moldings.  I am amazed how classy it looks in there!  Better than I imagined.  Pictures will follow sometime, but not till I've got everything the way I want it.  Thanks Tim!  I know it's not something you wanted to do, but wow!

5.  Healing - Over the past 10 months I have noticed how I am being touched by God's hands, healing me emotionally and it's affecting other areas in my life.  Many of you have stood for me in prayer, and I want to thank you all for any part you've had or are having in my healing.  I realize this will be ongoing, and that we are not guaranteed an easy life, but without friends who have held me up in prayer, I would not be where I am today. 

I want you to know that even though I may not know you're reading my entries into my blog,  God does!  I pray that He would use me to speak to someone else, through the things I've experienced, gone through, dealt with, am dealing with... I want to be used by God to help others, as He has helped me through others.  It's sort of like a Pay It Forward plan.

Be blessed today.  He wants you to be blessed!

Cheers,

D

Memories on Mondays

My day began with a surprise... a  blessing actually!  Someone from church had left a box of chicken breasts in the freezer for us.  I certainly don't know who it was, but if you do... please tell them "Thanks" from us!

It only got better from there!  I had one of the most embarrassing moments of my life take place without me even realizing it.  I won't include any details... everything's hunky dory now.

Today was the Good Food Box again.  I think I mentioned it here last month.  What a variety of food:  pears, carrots, cauliflower, green onions, radishes, celery, broccoli, potatoes, and apples.  Mmmmmmmm... now, who's going to make something with them?

Dear Daughter (DD) was asked to be a grad escort this coming week.  I think it's pretty cool.  Now to find a dress to use.  She'd prefer wearing a tux (because it is a girl - who is a friend, but I don't know anyone who has one in her size).

Last night the kids took us out for Father's Day.  I don't know how I managed to get invited... but it was definitely an awesome meal!  Thanks Nate and Candle... you're two fantastic offspring.

I think I've admitted to myself that I really still want to get back into bookkeeping for employment.  Back to what I was doing up until 3 years ago... working in smaller businesses, posting entries, and making order of chaos.  If you want something to pray about, I would appreciate prayer regarding networking for this... I need to meet the right people who know someone who needs a bookkeeper, or needs one themselves.  I really enjoyed  the flexibility and getting satisfaction from completing a specific task (whether it be a month-end, quarter-end, or year-end).  There may need to be some upgrading to take too, which I would enjoy as well.

Here are my Five Good Things:

1.  Clothing sales when you have something specific in mind.

2.  The blessings from God... every one of them!

3.  People who are nudged by God and follow through.

4.  The "perfect dress" for Candle to wear for the grad.

5.  That I want to learn and grow again.

So, that's it for me today.  I hope you all enjoyed your weekend and are ready to  face this week.  I also hope you like my new "summer look".  Gotta keep current.  Oh, does anyone know how I can make my labels on the side show up in larger sizes (and darker font) the more common I use them?  Something to do with an HTML code... HELP?!?!?!

Cheers,

D

Saturday's Savor - A Trip Down Memory Lane

Yesterday spurred on a comment made by my Sista.  She wrote:  "Ok...I get being thankful for paint brushes...but maybe I should sent my three year old your way for a bit...refresh your memory of how good finger painting can be...lol..."

Well here's proof of how artistic Nathan was when he was a little over 2 1/2:

Tim was having a nap in bed and I fell asleep on the couch.  Nathan wanted to help us out and make a pie for desert.  This was what we woke up to.  Now, let me tell you how impossible it is to get shortening/lard out of the little holes in a tv speaker!

Anyways, that's my finger painting story... and now you know why I am thankful for paint brushes!

Five Good Things:

1.  Green grass on the other side of the fence - Tim and I sat just outside the property with the horses on lead ropes, so they could get some food.  Lord, please send us more rain... they like to eat lots!
2.  Tim Horton steeped tea with milk and sugar
3.  Cash - Tim was able to work a bit to help pay for his woodworking addiction
4.  Friends and family (and people whom I haven't even met) who send me little notes
5.  Dumps - that take all the stuff we've stored for no real reason

Hope you're enjoying today.
Cheers,
D

Friday Festival

It's a beautiful Friday here, in Smithers, BC Canada.  I couldn't really ask for much more.  I've already taken a course on Goal Setting and Time Management this morning.  Next on my To Do List is paint the baseboards for our room.  I'm going for velvet black.  As I've been cleaning up the junk that's been piled up in our room, I found some old pictures I want to put up.  I'll have to paint the frames on them too. 

I think it's weird, that blogging and reading the Bible (1 chapter a day) have pretty much been the only things I've been able to discipline myself to do lately... it's a good thing!  My concentration ability is improving (slowly, yes, very slowly).  I guess it's about time I really try to make myself more determined to be productive with my time.  Another strange thing is that I want to get a job, but without knowing the right people, it's very hard to find out about most of the positions that are available.  At least that's how it goes in this town.

This weekend is Father's Day.  I know my Dad won't read this, but I still hope he has a terrific day on Sunday.  The last time we were together for it was seven years ago, just after my Mom died.  My sister and her family, and our family were all there and we went out for lunch.  I think we figured it out that it was the first time the three of us (Tracy, Dad, and me) were together with Dad on Father's Day in about 18 years... so you can tell, we're not big on those kinds of things.  I don't know what my kids are planning for Tim (if anything), but being together is good too.


I'm thinking of just doing my Five Good Things list 5 times a week... not sure if I will switch or not... I don't want it to be a chore.  But anyways, here's my list for today"

1.  Paint rollers and paint brushes! - beats finger painting any day
2.  Air conditioners
3.  Dads
4.  Goals
5.  Space - gotta have my space!

What kinds of things are you thankful for?  Go ahead and share them with me... it'll be like a Friday Festival!!!

Enjoy your weekend.
Cheers,
D

Thankful Thursday

I've missed a couple of days, but thankfully it's not because I was down and out.  Can't say I've really done much, except a lot of driving back and forth to town, but that's okay.

I finally made it to the gym today.  A friend and I planned to meet up today, to start getting more fit.  Whoo hoo!  I arrived 10 minutes late & didn't have any running shoes, so couldn't do anything but chat, while she rode the bike.  Next time I'll do better.  Thanks for being patient with me, H.

Another beautiful day in the north.  There's a bit of a breeze, so it's not too hot. 

Last night we went to a restaurant to hear the band Nate plays in.  We had a long wait... it's Jam Night, so they didn't start to play till 10 pm.  What a treat.  They played three new songs (to them), and really were good!

We finally got the original files for our pictures, so I had fun choosing which ones to reprint.  I made up a small album for Candle, as she had a sitting and then had another one with her cousin.  I'm including the one we got blown up of Candle.

Maybe I've even shown it before, but I'm proud of my girl, so here it is (again).

Guess it's time for my list:

1.  Vacuum cleaners
2.  Patient friends (especially when it comes to excercising)
3.  Deep freezers - that actually have food in them
4.  Pictures - to capture memories
5.  Wind

I hope your week has gone well up till now.  Take time to smell the roses!

Cheers,
D

Tuesday's Treats

Well folks, the bedroom's all painted (stripes and all)!  The last bit of work to do isn't mine (well, maybe a bit).  I've asked Tim to make some inserts for the windows (they're 30 + years), screens for summer, plastic for winter.  I've also pushed my luck to ask him to put up baseboards and wainscotting, which he's agreed to.  I'm going to paint them all black once they're ready.  Now, I'm not expecting miracles here, so this could take a while, but they're coming!  Hopefully we can move back in tonight or tomorrow... give the paint smell a chance to go away.

I'm already looking forward to Wednesday evening.  Nathan is playing with the band at the Blue Fin Sushi Bar again.  These guys just keep getting better and better.  I've also invited a close friend to come too.  We'll see what she thinks of it all.

Last night, Tim treated us all to banana splits.  Well, he bought the stuff and the kids made the splits.  They were great!

Does anybody out there have a special vacation planned for this year?  We've nixed the idea for this summer, but might get a  day trip to Prince Rupert some time.  It's a beautiful drive on a sunny day, and we love this little shop in Cow Bay, called Cowpuccino's. Has anyone been there, or have other recommendations?

I will be playing taxi driver for most of the day, as we are down 1 car in this family.  Appointments, appointments, appointments.

Here's my list for today - Five Good Things:

1.  Pay Day!
2.  Walls are painted.
3.  Life is good. (Did I write that? - WOW!!!)
4.  Counsellors.
5.  Goals.

Have a wonderful day, folks!

Cheers,
D

Memories on Mondays

Well I had the most awkward sleep last night!  For some reason, getting up at 2:30 in the morning to puke isn't my cup of tea!  I do feel much better now though.  Anyways, you don't really want to hear about that, so I'll move on.

There is the most gorgeous puffs of clouds appearing out my window!  The sky is blue, yet it is cool outside.  Not sure what I'm going to accomplish today, besides getting stripes set up for my final wall... it's a slow process with me in charge, but then, I have nothing better to do with my time.

Our family has been following the chore chart pretty well, I must say (except for the week I digressed after we went to camp).  If you're wondering what the heck I am talking about, head over to my friend's blog, Just A Thought, where I recently guest blogged for him and told readers of my problem-solving plan.  We began this almost a month ago, and I am happy to say that everyone is pulling their weight.  Unfortunately for me, no one owes me any money!  Oh well, at least I didn't have to do all the work. 

My Five Good Things list for today is:

1.  Blogging (reading and writing)... I love it!
2.  A warm cup of Chai.
3.  A reliable car.  Living out of town, this is a necessity!
4.  A man who loves me!  When I told him I was sick last night, you could hear the love and concern in his voice.
5.  A bucket near the toilet!  Not kidding!  I wasn't sure what was happening, so I took a seat and up it came... right into the perfectly sized bucket!

I've noticed a lot of friends mentioning those kinds of things about their kids, but since my kids are grown up, all I can share about is me.

Enjoy your day everyone!  Drop me a note... I love hearing from you.

Cheers,
D

Super Sunday

It's 3:15 in the afternoon, and so far I have lazed my entire day - doing absolutely N.O.T.H.I.N.G.  I do have plans though, BIG PLANS - NOT!  Except that I want to begin getting my painter's tape going to make stripes on my accent wall.

So, not much to report today.   I'll give a list though, cause there has to be some good in all this.

Five Good Things:

1.  I was able to be lazy, and not have to feel guilty about it.
2.  My new light fixtures are up in the bedroom!  They are great!
3.  Even though it rained for most of yesterday, I still was able to rake a friend's yard and some more of the horse doodoo in our yard.
4.  Tim's sister came over and went hiking with Tim... thanks M!
5.  Popcorn!

I should be over this "funk" in the morning... today is the actual 7th anniversary of my Mom dying, although it was the night before that my sister and I found out (she was in England when she died, and we were in Canada).  I miss her, yet am happy to know who she's with!

Cheers,
D

Saturday's Savor

This will be short and sweet, as I've been busier than normal today, helping out for a friend's son's birthday party.

Five Good Things:

1.  The smiles and laughter of a boy turning 5, when on a rainy day, his friends come to celebrate.
2.  Seeing the tension of my friend melt away, when she's planned so much for a party.
3.  Hearing the birthday boy say:  "I'm a WINNER!" when he receives a medal for attending the party.
4.  Breaks in the rain.
5.  I'm not the mother of a boy turning 5 any more!

Enjoy your day!
Cheers,
D

Friday Festival

I can hardly believe it, but thanks to all of you who have checked this site out, I've had over 1,000 hits!  To many of you, it probably means nothing, but to me it's pretty cool!  THANK YOU ALL!

Today I am hopefully going to put on the 2nd coat of paint in our bedroom.  I have never painted my own room before, so it's been a big deal for me.  It's also taken FOREVER!  From the first day we took out the mattress and put it on the living room floor till now has been almost 4 weeks.  It's only 3 walls, for crying out loud!  One excuse after another, and finally we got the ball rolling.  After tomorrow, I still want to paint one of the walls a deeper colour (it's eggplant), as the first 2 coats are 1/2 tinted.  Then I want to make wide stripes and put a clear shiny glaze on.  I've done it in one of the kid's rooms and it was great.  Ya, this is big for me, so bear with me.

Anyways, here's my Five Good Things list for today:

1.  A can of paint (or two, or three)
2.  My friend told me today that she got a job!  I'm so very happy for her.
3.  Tea with a friend - it's embarrassing, but true- we worked together 9 years ago, then she had a baby, and another one, and another one, and another one... and she came up for air and asked me over... NO, I could not have asked her and her 5 children over in my messy house with no room to turn around in !!!    Thank you M, for having me over.
4.  My Mama's in no pain! - Tomorrow will be 7 years since she died.  It was actually June 13th (in England), but when Dad phoned to tell me she was  gone it was still the 12th in Canada.  I miss her, but am so glad she has no more pain.
5.  My Sista! - I know that if she's read my #4 today, she'll be in tears... so I gotta tell her one more time- I LOVE YOU TRACY!

I've enjoyed reading the comments some of you are adding.  I try to respond to each one, so please check back to see.

Have a terrific weekend!

Cheers,
D