Day Nineteen - Where I Slept

So when I first thought of this topic – I was thinking where I slept last night – although looking at it again – that isn’t necessarily the case. And since I have slept in one of the conference rooms at work and at times in my car – I could have taken pictures of those – but I decided to be traditional and take a picture of where I slept last night that is also where I sleep most often.

I wanted to make sure to get the cat in the picture (since she is always there where I sleep) and I really liked how she cast a shadow on the wall behind her – I also included the quilt above my bed – living in earthquake country, I don’t put anything heavy above the bed – but this quilt is very peaceful and calming to me. So here it is… where I slept!

Day Eighteen - In My Bag

I had initially thought about showing something out of my purse – the bag I have with me most of the time – but then I ended up getting lunch early before I ate and brought my lunch bag to work to keep it all cold – so I decided to showcase my cute turtle bag and the sandwich that a friend of mine raves about… you know who you are! Topped it off with orange soda – yummy!

Day Seventeen - On The Shelf

Geez – which shelf – I decided to share some of the fun of my shelf at work. This is only part of the ‘stuff’ that I have all over my desk – not much to say about this one except it was nice to include little Miss Sadie in this picture!

Day Sixteen - How I Nourish Myself

In the morning I had been thinking about what I would be eating that day to nourish myself – knew I would be getting pizza for lunch so that was a thought – but when we went to the pizza place they had an entire wall of quotes – and I just thought it was the coolest thing and thought – reading the Word, Bible Study, church – those are ways that I nourish myself – so I originally thought of taking a picture of a Bible, but had to stop at the church to get a picture of the prayer garden and when I walked by the sanctuary and looked up – there was the cross – thought it was a pretty cool shot with the blue sky and the green trees.

Day Fifteen - Where My Feet Take Me

My feet take me to all sorts of places – but more often than not – at least during the week, they take me to work. And since today is Halloween – they take me to work in a costume that includes wearing flip flops – it’s all about knowing how to work the system! So to represent – work – thought I would capture one of the computers in my classroom with my email displayed because I know how much my friend Jan loves lots of messages in the Inbox! J

Day Fourteen - Flowers

So many opportunities – and one of my favorite subjects – as is evidenced by my nickname of the flora and fauna girl – I like it. This opportunity presented itself pretty quickly in the day, though when Miss Rachel came into a church meeting I was in with this beautiful bouquet of flowers – it’s her 13^th birthday – I just had to snap a shot of them – especially since they include one of my favorites – Gerber daisies!

Day Thirteen - From A Distance

Another topic that could include just about anything – but got the idea for this one since I was going to a Halloween party and knew that the house would be all decked out for the holiday – just wait until Christmas! At Christmas there are so many lights that we joke about it being a landing strip for small planes! Again – I digress… So I stood across the street and took a picture of the house.

Day Twelve - Close-Up

There are so many things that could be close-up – including the toothpaste – or do they still make that toothpaste – I use Colgate, so I wouldn’t know – but I just remember the adds when I was younger of these really attractive couples kissing after they had used the toothpaste. Anywho – back to the picture. I was sitting on the couch and trying to decide what to take and I saw my pink flamingo outside and thought – that’s what I want – and it turned out much better than I though it would – I especially like the unfocused background – just some fun.

Day Eleven - Something Fun

While at work – I kept trying to think of something fun I was doing – but just wasn’t feeling it there. But Thursday night is Bells night and what fun we have playing Bells. My friend Amy has been helping me out down in Heavy Metal with ‘the Big Girls’ and we just have a blast – I probably should have gotten her in this picture – but here I am with my biggest girl – Clara – low C!

Day Ten - Something I Made

Something that I am pretty proud of that I made years ago was this stained glass window… A friend wanted to take the class and invited me along – I’ve picked up quite a few skills this way. This has to be one of my all time favorites – although I use the cake decorating skills more often. I was just so proud of myself for the composition on the tulips and the rain looking glass – of course it would be even better if I were to hang it near the window. For now, though, it sits in the hallway being enjoyed just as much!

Day Nine - Faceless Self Portrait

I had a different idea today from what I ended up with. I originally had thought of not using my body at all in the self portrait – I would somehow show a heart bursting with love – love of God and love of all my friends that have loved and supported me – especially during all the difficult times with my mom. Was struggling a bit with the execution of the idea when I came up with another one.

The fun socks, of course. Because not only do they have hearts – but they also have peace symbols to represent the peace that I feel now that my mom is now celebrating up in heaven. And since they are mismatched – I think it shows off my fun, goofy nature. I was originally going to take a picture of just the socks, but decided to include my Van’s also since they have a bit of sparkle in them (ohhh – bright shiny lights) and they have the Alzheimer’s laces to represent one of my favorite causes. I like it!

Day Eight - Technology

There were multiple pictures of various subjects that were considered for today. The first was the worker’s comp like pile of cords under one of the desks at work connecting the instructor computer to the projector to the sound system! Then there was the back of two of the computers at work. At one point I took a picture of the VHS player we still have for use in one of the classrooms. The winner however was what I found in the stock room… Sitting there in all it’s glory a still wrapped up cassette tape! It made me laugh – and all I could think was – this is it!

Day Seven - Something New

I originally thought that today would be full of potential for something new – especially when we were at Disneyland and we thought we would be riding the Pirate Ship Columbia. That would definitely be new – one of the few – if not only rides I have never been on! But the ship was retiring for the evening so we ended up on the Mark Twain – our original destination. Afternoon led into evening and I still hadn’t found anything – then when we talked about going to Pinkberry for yogurt – though – Pumpkin flavor is new this week – I’ll get a picture of that – but finished before I remembered! Then I’m sitting at home think – new – new – new… hmmm… and think of a new adventure I will starting in January – seminary! So I found my congrats letter and used that… that is my story and I’m sticking to it!

Day Six - childhood memory

So I took the train up to Thousand Oaks today and as I was on the train, I saw Dodger Stadium and thought – what a great memory of going to Dodger Games as a kid – especially with church friends and Arnold – our resident Dodger Fan at church – but didn’t get a pic of that. And then as we continued out of LA – I thought for a moment that we might travel through South Pasadena and that would really give me a childhood memory picture – but that didn’t work out either… finally toward the end of the day, Jan and I ended up at the beach with a playground – and the moment we saw it – I realized what my memory was – the swings – I have such fond memories of swinging at Garfield Park in South Pasadena – so it was a bit of a no brainer!

Day Five - someone I love

Instead of just someone I love – thought I would take a picture representing lots of people I love – with my mom there in the center. Although she is no longer here on earth – her spirit lives on through me. I am amazingly blessed by my friends that support and love me – most of whom have done the Memory Walk with me. And of course most of those peeps that I love have done all these events! And to round out the picture is Little Miss Sadie – I had originally taken the pic without her but wanted her there somehow – so when she started to walk into the picture – it just really worked for me.

Day Four - favorite color

Hopefully it is obvious what my favorite color is – I wore multiple shades of green on this day in anticipation that I would photograph them for this assignment. I was in class and told the class to wear green and I would photograph them but they didn’t. What I enjoy most about this picture is getting my socks in it! All about the fun socks!

Day Three - clouds

Today was quite the foggy day – not a lot of ‘traditional clouds’. So while my screen saver was cycling through at work – I noticed a picture from Hawaii where the clouds were mirrored in my sunglasses – hence this picture was born. It was a bit difficult to get a decent picture without the lines of the refresh rate on the computer showing up – but with a bit of persistence – I got this – palm tree and all.

Day Two - something I do every day

I kinda’ cheated on this one – although I don’t actually pet the cat everyday – I do when I’m home, of course, but on occasion I do have to go out of town… I do think of her every day – and I have a ring to remind me of how much I am loved and not only by God.

30 Days of Photos - Day One

Day One is a self portrait. As I feel it is one of my best features - I wanted to highlight my eyes - green - not that common. My original idea was to highlight my dimple and my eyes - but I just couldn't get it looking the way I wanted - so I came up with this photo.

So the thirty days of photos was suggested by Jan and some of her work folks - take 30 days of photos of particular topics - when I heard about it - I was all in! I added the part for Jan and I to blog about the photo as well - get us back in the habit - by the end of the 30 days - the habit should be in full swing!

Lovely Sparkling View

What a beautiful day and evening for a drive - five of them to be exact. And on one of them was a lovely sparkling view of the ocean and Catalina Island! And Jan - I thought of you when someone passed one of my chickadee's on the right using the exit lane!

Started the morning laying on the couch with the little one - ending the evening doing the same - while watching one of my favorites - NCIS-Los Angeles.

But the best part of the day - not being all that sore from the bike ride yesterday - although I could use a massage - my back and shoulders are a bit sore - maybe Friday! For now, must be getting to bed - have a 5:15am gym call - ugh!

That Little Marathon

Back to Blogging... at least I hope - am trying to do every day in May - although might miss a couple of days when I'm out of town - but every other day!

So today - did a 35 mile 'recreational' bike tour - from the Spectrum to Jamboree, across Santiago Canyon to Bake and back to the Spectrum. As Jan put it - it was challenging - I'm thinking it was HARD!!! Challenging is definitely a good word and I truly wasn't sure whether I could make it - it was a bit of an incline at the beginning and then became even more hilly - which is bad enough - but add in the wind and my allergies and it was almost unbearable - but the payoff was nice - great view and downhill was a lot of fun... and I made it! I'm very proud of myself!

After the event - we had lunch at the Spectrum and as we were

leaving a woman complimented us on our shirts and asked if we had done 'that little marathon!' I found that quite amusing - nothing little about a marathon and no - we did a 35 mile bike ride instead - thank you very much! :)

A Small Truck

So took my car in to the body shop today to have it fixed after it was hit unattended in the parking lot of one of our offices. Of course I had to rent a car and when I got to the rental car place they didn't have many cars left - they gave the car they were holding for me to someone else and asked if I would mind driving a 'small' truck. I expressed a bit of frustration since I have to take my bicycle with me this weekend on my travels and if it is raining all weekend I really didn't want the bike in the bed of a truck getting wet... But then I didn't really have much choice - they mentioned they would have more cars tomorrow so I asked if I could swap the truck out - which they said they would. Well, I get out to the parking lot and the 'small' truck is not quite 'small'. It's pretty much a full size truck! Which is actually quite fun to drive. Guess I'll keep it! Of course who knows what the mileage will be like as I'm gallivanting around Southern California this weekend! And as it turns out the truck has a back seat - so I took the front tire off my bike and fit it in the back - hopefully I'll be able to put the bike back together early on Saturday morning! Ramble... ramble... ramble...

Isn't Like I Don't Have Anything to Write About

I was so good in January! And then fell apart in February! And now here it is - the middle of March - ok - new goal - every day for the rest of March... and then we will go from there. And it isn't like I don't have anything to write about - not only the absurd that happens every day - but an amazing Emmaus weekend - the Safari Park 1/2 Marathon - the wonderful group that is my church LIFE group - the Blessing of the Lenten Devotional - and then coming up is my first Triathlon - and of course there is always my third job - Pampered Chef... So enough said for now - it's getting late and I must be up at 5am to go to the gym. Good night and there WILL be more to come!

My Three Jobs

Goodness it is late - and all three of my jobs come to a head in the next two days... In my 'real' job - or at least the one that pays the bills - I'm finishing up an online recorded course that took way longer than I thought it would - draft is due tomorrow so I can then cram in final edits Monday for a Tuesday roll out... in my second job - as my friend Cindy calls it - that would be church - have a presentation to do on Saturday morning and class to teach on Sunday afternoon - not really worried about Sunday - but we'll see how Saturday goes... and finally - my newest 3rd job is getting started tomorrow night with my first gig and grand opening show... I think I'm ready! Hopefully will get back into the swing of the blog next week... for now - I really must go to bed!

Tough Week

I know it's been several days - but it's been a tough week - that's all I've got tonight...

Yummy Day

Getting in under the wire again... so today was a good day. Church started out a bit rough when I first walked on to the patio - but it got better - and made contact with that I've been meaning to for a while whose dad has Alzheimer's... am glad we were able to talk - people have been so loving and supportive of my that I want to pass that on to others. The message was good - and even better was lunch afterwards for Craig's birthday. Yummy! We went to Maggiano's and the food was excellent! Good company as well.

After lunch it was back to the church for the Network class - which I just LOVE to teach! And then over to Craig's to watch the last half of the Super Bowl - which was fun - I was only one of two Steeler fans - not that really cared at all - but a very dear friend at work is a Steeler fan so I thought I would root for her team. And there were home made beignets with dipping sauce - including a chocolate sauce with rum - even Yummier than lunch. I wasn't all that hungry after lunch bad had to have 2 of the beignets - fresh and hot - and now sitting in my stomach wreaking havoc - oh well - it was good while it lasted!

And still after a wonderful day - on my way home I started thinking about my mom and was just overwhelmed - I miss her so much - but as I looked up into the sky - the moon was rising and he was smiling at me - did anyone see it - it was beautiful! Came home to watch Glee - so glad it is back and do a little more house cleaning - and I'm feeling good about Friday and just feeling good about getting the house back into some order! Must go to bed now if I am going to make it up by 6:00am to go to the gym!

Customer Service Lives!

Had a nice leisurely day today – cleaned house – watched some Pampered Chef videos – ran some errands. And dropped off stuff for Goodwill. I have finally went through the storage area that has been my dining room – donating most of the stuff that belonged to my mom. It was hard at times – and I did safe some stuff – but I’m ok with that. Now I need to figure out what to do with all the paintings my grandmother painted – don’t have the heart to donate them – but don’t really want them. Tonight I made this Pampered Chef recipe for a heart shaped sugar cookie that I’m going to make at next week’s party… for more info on the cookie and how it turned out – see my new blog… www.ebecooks.blogspot.com.

And starting with yesterday – it’s been fabulous customer service days… Started at Stater Bros. yesterday morning – the checker was very friendly – and then to Starbucks where the ladies took such good care of my and there was a customer that was just a treat to chat with while I was waiting. Chick-Fil-A at lunch was wonderful – as always. Today when I was at Goodwill the guy was so helpful and friendly and the guy at Trader Joe’s tonight was just fun! I guess customer service does life in today’s world!

I'm Baaaaack!

I was so excited to get the phone call today - saying that my computer is back and ready to be picked up - so this afternoon - on my way home - I picked up my baby. And it seems that they replaced the entire keyboard interior surface area also - I brought it in because the monitor was flickering - but the 'genius' at the genius bar told me that they would run a full diagnostic and replace anything that is broken. He double checked to make sure that I had backed everything up - which I had and he said about 80% of people don't - crazy! Anywho...

I had been hoping to get a couple of blog posts in from the sanctuary computer at church Wednesday and Thursday - but Wednesday, someone was using the sanctuary and Thursday I decided to go out to dinner with Terrie instead... so I missed two days - but that is ok - I'm still going to have a record blog year - including starting a second blog for my business - although I guess I should read the social media rules first! I think that is going to be it for tonight - was going to write more but am suddenly very tired and still have a couple of things I want to do online before I go to bed... so goodnight for now and check again tomorrow!

What Did We Ever Do Without Them?!

Quick post this morning - must go to work! But my head is splitting - dang - think that cold I've felt was coming on is finally here... anywho... am taking my computer in today - not sure how long it will be gone - but I do know it will have to be sent out - so we'll see how the next several days go without it... wow - what did we ever do without them?! See you on the other side.

Blog Post For Every Day

Here it is - the last day of the month - and I made it - blog post for everyday - well - kinda'... technically I missed last Thursday because I was up so late that I forgot to post before midnight - but I did post before I went to bed - so in my book - I made it! We'll see about February - might be missing a few - have to take my computer in to the computer hospital tomorrow for surgery - not sure when I will get it back - and honestly - part of the reason I made the appointment for tomorrow was to make sure I would be able to post today and not mess up my January streak!

So I had to share this picture... a week ago Sunday after the 1/2 marathon - I met with someone from church at Starbucks - and when we went up to order we were talking about the run and different events that we have both done - the guy taking the order was listening and talking with us and was surprised when he heard about the run I had done in the morning. So we get our drinks - sit down - chat for a while when I turn my cup around and see this... how cute is it?! And this was even at the Bad Starbucks! How fun it was last Sunday though!

PS I talked about making my own uncrustables last week - well I made one and froze it and pulled it out of the freezer this morning for lunch - yummy! Just as good as the real thing - if you are interested in the cut n seal tool from Pampered Chef - I know an amazing new consultant that can host a show for you where you could get it for free with all the host points you would earn :)

Fake Wicker

Just a bunch of random thoughts today...

Bells played at church this morning - and we were good - and had fun! Sermon was great - guest pastor spoke on Passion - and a whole lot of prayer going on!

A couple of bothersome things... since I've gotten back from being out of town the last couple of days - Sadie has been struggling with jumping up on the bed - wonder if she hurt herself while I was gone. And this damn computer - am going to have to take it in and have it shipped out to fix the screen - don't want to do it until after tomorrow though - need to keep up my blogging streak for January!

Had dinner with the boys tonight - I miss them! Great food and company and even a shopping trip to Big Lots - big spenders! My friend Steve was looking for furniture for his beach rentals because someone had told him that he needed more 'beachy' furniture. So we are looking at things on our own and I finally wander over and find him sitting in a brown plastic wicker chair - and he says asks me what I think - that he wants it for the beach - and then he tells me that nothing says beachy than a fake wicker chair! I just found it very amusing!

The BIG news of the day the day though is that I started my own business... kinda'... I became a Pampered Chef Consultant! I am very excited about this - and may have to start an additional blog to chronicle the experience! That is it for tonight! Over and out!

Just Being Home

It has been a long and full day - a very good day - but very full as well - and having spent the last couple of nights out of town - it was nice to relax on the couch with little Miss Sadie and enjoy just being home.

We had another Walk to Emmaus team meeting up in Ventura today - and I gave my practice talk on Discipleship - it went really well - even as nervous as I was and as tough as it was to write it - I got great feedback and once I pray about and make a couple of tweaks - it should be good to go. It is such a treat to be involved with Emmaus again - especially with the wonderful group of ladies from the Channel Islands Community - it truly is a blessing and worth every moment of the drive to go up there and be a part of that amazing fellowship of sisters in Christ!

In my talk, I mention that hope is my word... and someone asked me about why - for me - it's a joyful word and indicates such positive anticipation. In times when life just isn't going right - there is always hope that it will get better - I guess part of it has to do with my outlook on life - glass half full rather than half empty - which isn't always easy for me - but God sure does help!

Anywho - I need to mull that over some more - I still have an entry brewing about Hope... as for now - the Bells will be playing early service tomorrow - call time 7:15am - I know it's not THAT late - but I'm tired and am going to bed! Blessings!

Where in the World is Ebe?

Last night I was in South Pasadena for the night - tonight I am in Thousand Oaks for the night and then home tomorrow night... more later...

Can't Seem To Get Anything Written In The Body Of The Post So This Will Have To Do For Tonight - Dang Blackberry!

What Do I Remember?

So here I am - all snuggled in bed - with the cat snuggled next to me - ready to watch the last half of a Bones episode before I turn off the light - when what do I remember??? I haven't posted yet! Goodness gracious! Almost broke my streak because I forgot!

Had meant to blog when I first got home but decided to tackle a talk on Discipleship that I am giving at a church retreat in March - I have to give the practice talk this Saturday. I've read through the outline several times and have had various thoughts milling around in my head - but now was the time to put the pen to paper (I actually still like to hand write drafts) - and start! I prayed about it first and I was actually led to a different opening than I was first thinking of - but when it comes to talking about myself - that is a bit harder. I know the Lord will lead me and guide me and show me the way - but I'm just struggling a bit... we'll see what tomorrow evening brings as I work to finish it...

Purring Away

Had another day that sucked... not as bad as last week - and in a different way - but still sucked. But as lousy as the day was - Tuesday nights are such a wonderful time - I thank God for the blessing of a BFF that I can get together and enjoy Tuesday nights with. I actually thank God for all of the amazing friends he has blessed me with - each and every one of you are very special to me - I couldn't make this journey without you!

So as bad as the day was - it is ending with a silver lining - the blessing of friends and Little Miss Sadie siting next to me purring away... and staring, of course! And Jan - a side note from a comment of yours a few posts ago about the fabric softener - when Sadie spends the day laying on the fresh out of the dryer laundry - she actually DOES smell like the softener! Good call!

Uncrustables

So dinner last night... it actually started much earlier in the day - with Jan talking about how excited she was to have her Uncrustable sandwiches - I think she had one for breakfast and another during the race. I am a HUGE peanut butter fan - not so much jelly - but I would live off peanut butter if I could - so all this talk about the peanut butter uncrustables gave me a craving - although instead of going out to the store to buy them - I dug out my Pampered Chef cut n seal thingymabober and made them myself! And were they yummy! I might even have to experiment with freezing them and bringing them out on a later date... we'll see!

I have one more story from yesterday at Starbuck's but that will have to wait for later - I haven't downloaded the picture yet and it's way past my bedtime - I must go to bed!

Overlooking the Ocean

It's been a busy day... a blessed day... but a busy day... although not quite as busy as Jan! We were up EARLY this morning to head south for the Carlsbad Half Marathon. And not only was it early - it was cold! But it warmed up pretty quickly and it was a beautiful day for an event! And nothing beats the view - overlooking the ocean. I think I will have to do that one again next year... As I think back on the event - it is such a blessing to be able to enjoy both the camaraderie of the peeps but also some time to just soak it all in and think - since I tend to lag behind a bit - it makes it easier! It was a good morning - and a lovely time!

After the race Kris and I went over to her parents to pick up her pup and then I had an appointment with someone from church. After running a couple other errands it was home for the evening to enjoy one of my Netflix movies... Invictus. It was very good - and made me cry - of course, that doesn't take much! So now it is time for bed - so I can get up early and go to the gym - I think tomorrow is upper body - thank goodness! And stay tuned for a story tomorrow about dinner tonight... along with anything else I might think of!

That Will Be Us One Day

A quick post tonight - must get to bed since I will be up EARLY for the Carlsbad 1/2 Marathon!

Went to the movies with my BFF today and we had such a lovely time - went to see 'The King's Speech' - great movie and Colin Firth certainly deserved the Golden Globe! But what was rather funny is that we must have been the youngest people in the theater by 20 years or so! There were some older ladies sitting in the row in front of us and every once in a while one would turn to the other and ask what was just said in the movie - a little hard of hearing! But they sat through all the credits like B and I do and I leaned over to her and said - that will be us one day - I know it will!

Oh - and great orchestral score also!

Hope

Almost missed out on the blogging today - was puttering around the house tonight and all of a sudden realized that it is almost midnight.

This week has led me to doing some introspection... and today I have been thinking particularly about the word Hope. Hope is my word. And I know that I want to blog about - especially regarding some of the events of this week and especially today - but I'm not completely sure what I want to say about it - so that blog will have to wait for another day - maybe tomorrow. We'll see - I have some work to do on an entry about Hope.

Fabric Softener

Today was better - still upset about yesterday - but life goes on... and it's a funny thing about pets - yesterday and even today - she knows I'm having a tough day - the cat has just been right next to me - even as much as to move from one end of the couch to the other so she could be by my head when I shifted positions - she is such a love! I know I've said it before - but anyone that says cats are independent and aloof all the time and don't care have never had a cat as loving as little Miss Sadie.

So what kind of freak am I that I couldn't wait to get home tonight to do laundry?! I got a hot tip on fabric softener that makes the laundry smell so good (thanks, Jan) - oh... and I think it is supposed to make it soft also! And it DOES smell good - I like it!

PS a couple of fun facts about todays blog post - I have now written more posts in 2011 than in all of 2010 - and this is post number 21 - it should now be a habit - right - I think it is more not wanting to break the goal of posting every day in January that keeps me going - so yesterday I had to say at least something!

Today Sucked

That's all she wrote.

Sleepy and/or Dizzy

I have a splitting headache tonight - so this will probably be short - and might not be very coherent - I just drugged myself with something that might make me sleepy and/or dizzy - I'm hoping for the first. I've had this headache off and on all day - don't know if it has been my allergies with the weather, my hurt finger, all the cardio I did this morning - or that I had to go to the mothership today - but here's hoping it is done with by tomorrow - I have BIG plans for tomorrow night. So it is time for bed... Of course the problem with going to bed so early (especially after just having gotten home) - is the cat gets all crazy and likes to run around and yowl! I hear her yowling in the living room already - oh well - I suspect I will be out soon! Goodnight and pleasant dreams.

PS a fun fact about todays blog post - this is the 300th posting I have made since I started back in 2007 - I hope to get to at least 400 (if not 5 or 6) by the end of the year.

Today By Myself

After spending yesterday in community - I spent today by myself - cleaning house - well - not the entire house - that would take much longer than one day - but I set myself a goal of the living room - and am pretty happy with what I accomplished! Got most of the clutter taken care of - still need to work a bit on the piano - but got the new DVD player installed - it's been sitting for several months now - got the DVD's put away - not in order - but that can come later. And just got 2 bags of clutter and many magazines thrown out! Yeah for me! Next will be the entry way and entry closet - the kitchen - hallway and bathroom - the bedroom and closet - and finally the dining room - which will probably be the toughest - that is all my mom's stuff... so we will see how it all works itself out - I really do want a clean house! I was even able to maneuver my moms rocking chair into the living room - this is the rocking chair that she used to hold me in and sing to me in - it was nice tonight to be able to enjoy sitting in it while watching TV. There's even a bit more room for Sadie's Christmas gift - the wonderful crunchy tunnel - it's fun to watch her run through it - anyway - enough for now - routine starts back up tomorrow with the gym and work - at least I have dinner with B to look forward to - Blessings to everyone!

Community

What a beautiful day it was for a bike ride... We started in San Juan Capistrano and took a trail down to Doheny Beach in Dana Point - then headed down another path toward San Clemente... most of it along the beach - it was wonderful - and even the ride back to the cars was pretty - a gorgeous day with the mountains in the distance! I love Southern California - not many places in the United States that I can be wearing shorts and a Tshirt during the middle of January.

And after a somewhat tough morning - although Chamie's sermon was fantastic - and a tough time with my new bike rack - the ride was just what I needed. As I sit here and think about it - it truly was the community that Chamie talked about that I really enjoyed on the ride - it wasn't just about the ride itself - it was about doing it in a group - being a part of that.

There are times that, being single, I will isolate myself - sometimes to protect myself from potential rejection and sometimes because it was always drilled into me to not be the third wheel - leave couples alone - they want to spend time by themselves. But the sermon today was all about community and looking after each other and taking care of each other - and I just thank God that I have found such a wonderful community of people that love and support me and offer me grace and mercy. Yeah God!

Two More Blessings...

that I had to share about today...

1. I'm half way through my goal of posting every day in January - and 6 entries away from the elusive 21 days make a habit.

2. More importantly - little Miss Sadie and I celebrate our 8 year anniversary today - 8 years ago I brought her home from the Orange County Animal Shelter when she chose me to adopt her - of course that first night I think she spent the entire night under the bed - I expect her to sleep on top of the bed tonight. Although at the moment she is sitting in the hallway staring at me - hoping I'll get up and feed her a bedtime snack! Ohhhh... I was staring back and she just winked at me! God bless her!

It Looked Like I Could Reach Out And Touch Them

It's a little after 9pm - I'm tired and really want to go to bed - but just watched a disturbing episode of Bones and not sure I want to go to sleep with that on my mind. So let me think about my blessings the last 2 days.

A beautiful two days here in Southern California - yesterday I drove up to Thousand Oaks and enjoyed having the sun roof open and the tunes blasting the entire way. And of course, any time I get to spend with my friend Jan and her family is a blessing! Not to mention Parisian hot dogs and the entertainment of 'Eat, Pray, Love.' Which wasn't too bad in movie form - but of course, the book is so much better!

There was a lovely walk last night with Jan and David and the 5 pups - who are just such loves!! And extra shout out to my girl, Shaggy, who became my buddy this morning - can't wait to come back and visit the pups again - oh - and those that walks on two feet also! God Bless You all - and thanks for the wonderful hospitality!

And then today - an early drive from Thousand Oaks to Ventura and what a great view of the Channel Islands - it looked like I could reach out and touch them! And then my first Emmaus team meeting in several years - and the first ever with the Channel Islands community - and what a blessing they were - welcoming me into their midst! I am very excited to serve the Lord with that group of women - what a blessing the weekend will be!

And although the drive was a bit of a pill on the way home - hit some traffic and it is FAR! The sunset was beautiful! Of course, not much beats coming home to the little Sadie kitty! My little love bug - ok - maybe I can go to sleep now... here's hoping for pleasant dreams!

Tough to Remember

An early post today before I head up to spend the afternoon with my friend Jan - can't wait! I was thinking about blessings today - trying to keep my focus on them. It can be hard - life just seems to have a way of kicking us when we are down - but as we learned in Bible Study this week - there will come a time when we are living the life eternal with our Lord and Savior - any personal hell we may experience - any evil and deception that we might encounter - they will be over. And although I do know that - sometimes it is just tough to remember. So today I'm thankful for my blessings of such wonderful friends - who love me and support me no matter what! God bless you all!

Four Day Weekend!

Tonight is my Friday night - I'm off tomorrow and there is a holiday on Monday - four day weekend! I like it! Unfortunately, I left my power cord for my laptop at work today - so I guess one of the errands I'll be doing in the morning will include running by the office - luckily it is the office in RSM - not Costa Mesa! And then I will be heading up to Thousand Oaks to visit the Newton Clan and hopefully see most if not all of the Florida pictures! Saturday is an Emmaus Meeting - Sunday is church and a bike ride and Monday - hmmm... nothing! Think I'll continue to conquer the housework!

Blah

So tonight the cat has been purring and kneading and settling in - maybe because I was home earlier - who knows... maybe because she knew I was having a blah day and didn't feel like dealing with her running around - who knows (but I guess I already said that). I'm tired tonight - it wasn't necessarily a bad day - I did make it to the gym - had a good workout - work was fine - Revelation at Bible Study was complex - but this evening I'm just feeling blah - blah and tired - I think it is time for bed.

Sitting and Staring

The cat is just sitting and staring at me tonight. She usually settles down by now - but hasn't yet - she's been running around the house - I could hear her playing in the living room - and now she is just sitting - staring - meowing every once in a while - maybe she is jealous because I have been laughing out loud looking at Disney World photos - who knows what goes on in the mind of a cat.

So this evening was another wonderful evening out with B - our usual - although she got Corner Bakery instead of Wahoo's - I'm thinking I should have also - it wasn't as good as usual - then we made the customary trip to Target - but on the way we stopped at the French Soap place - and I'm sure it was the same woman as last week that helped us - she was just wonderful! She is the manager and I got her card so I could write a compliment letter for her - I also got a free gift and some samples - all was good. We then wandered down to the swirly goodness yogurt place - I was a bit disappointed though - they have gotten rid of the pumpkin swirly goodness and replaced it with a new flavor of blood orange - which was very refreshing at first - but then there was an aftertaste that I didn't quite like - neither did B - so we opted for pomegranate - oh well - I'm just hopping they will bring back passion fruit - hint - hint, J!

Enough for now - getting to be my bed time - hadn't planned on spending so much time online - but so enjoyed looking at vacation picks of friends in Walt Disney World - and I will be getting up early to go to the gym - yes I will - really!

Mixing Up the Fun Socks

Not much going on today - although I do have a question... where on earth do all those socks go that get 'lost' in the dryer? and why is it only the socks that are my favorite that seem to lose a mate? I already wear fun socks - maybe I'll start mixing up my fun socks when one gets lost - there is an entire store at Downtown Disney devoted to this concept - I might start trying that...

The Kitchen Garland... Finally!

So the de-cluttering continued a while longer last night - and today didn't do as much de-cluttering as putting clothes away... actually spent most of the day napping since I stayed up so late last night - but I did get all my clean clothes put away that have been hanging over the desk, the chair and the dresser... and did a bit of cleaning in the closet - can actually see the floor again...

But what I really want to finally show off is the kitchen garland... I mentioned last week that January is snow. Well, my original idea was to cut out snowflakes - I remember doing that in college and then hanging them from string from the ceiling - it was very cool. But after cutting out one snow flake I decided that would be too much work for my garland so I went with a different idea. I have a bunch of crocheted snow flakes that a former dentist's wife made for my mom and I - so I put those up along with pictures from my recent trip to Idaho - since it did snow enough! And I love it - the pictures are so much fun to look at - which gave me an idea for February - but you will just have to wait and see what that will be. Happy week to everyone!

The Simple Life

Goodness - I was all caught up with doing some de-cluttering and realized that if I am going to make my goal of posting every day in January - I better get something done before midnight - so here it is... past my bedtime and still not going to bed since I'm on a bit of a roll - so will keep it somewhat short.

Haven't done much today - but had a WONDERFUL lunch with a good friend, Wendy, down at the Dana Point harbor - it was a nice day - a bit chilly but not too bad - good food and great conversation - it was a lovely lunch!

That was the biggest excitement for the day - napped a bit in the afternoon and then have been going through paper clutter - trying to throw out everything! The simple life - I think that is what it is all about!

It's Just Like Disneyland

So after Centering Prayer this evening, the ladies and I went to dinner - we ended up at Boneheads in Lake Forest - yummy! As we were leaving the restaurant, someone had parked a stroller outside - and I had to mention - look - it's just like Disneyland!

So before Jan left - she and I went to Peet's Coffee to get something warm to drink - it was cold and she had to drive FAR! I got hot chocolate and it was so artistically done that I had to get a picture of it - the only problem - the reason the barista was able to make it so pretty is she put whipped cream on it - which I didn't want and don't like - but she was so nice and friendly (unlike some of the barista's at that other coffee chain) that I just took the drink and mixed the whipped cream in.

And I know I haven't been talking about being significant the last couple of days - maybe because I have been struggling with feeling like I've been significant - actually - if I am completely honest - I have just been struggling. Any who... time to turn off the alarm and go to bed - plan on sleeping in tomorrow - am also going down to the Dana Point Harbor for lunch with a friend - will have to bring my camera and we'll see if I get my act together to post those pics and eventually the kitchen garland! Enough random thoughts and ramblings for now...

A Cute Picture... Just Because

A couple of updates, a random thought and a cute picture...

First - the cute picture... just because...

The workout gloves - tried them out this morning - really like them - helped quite a bit! And the French Soap - FABULOUS! I love it - will be buying some more on Tuesday when I have dinner again with my BFF. And if I ever get my act in gear - I will download the kitchen garland photos from my camera and post them - I'm excited about February - I'm already working on what I'm going to do!

And finally - a random thought... when you go to the gym - please don't bathe in perfume before going -I was happily running on the treadmill this morning when this woman got on a treadmill three down from me - and I first I could smell it and then I could taste the perfume she had on - ick!

Complete Love

Just a quick post tonight - it's bed time! I ended up having to pay to go to work today aka taking the toll road... which I hate to do - but this morning I hit the snooze button a few too many times and took longer at the gym... and I had to be in Costa Mesa for a meeting - anyway... I took the toll road and it was worth every penny I spent! The view was amazing this morning - although I couldn't see much of the ocean and Catalina - I felt like I could reach out and touch Palos Verdes Peninsula - and downtown LA was there in the distance - and all I could think about was how Awesome our God is - all the beauty He has created - including us - I felt a bit unworthy and overwhelmed thinking about His amazing and complete love for us - and I'm girl enough to admit that I got a bit teary eyed! God is SO good - ALL the time!

Bargain Day!

So I was quite successful today... at least shopping wise... took care of everything on my to do list and then some. Started out with an exchange at Bath & Body - simple - easy... then on to Big 5 to get workout gloves - or whatever they are called - my delicate baby hands hurt after using the equipment at the gym ;) - and the gloves were on sale! Looking forward to trying them out tomorrow - and the Petco in the shopping center I was at is closing so I was able to get Sadie a new collar and treats at a discount! And that was all just at lunch.

Then came dinner at the usual place - Spectrum - with my BFF! On our way to Target we went by a French soap place - Ms. T brought back soap from Paris when she was there a couple of months ago and I just loved it - so I went into this French soap place and bought a bar - and the salesperson was amazingly friendly and helpful! At Target I found fingerless gloves for a friend at work in the $1 bin and on our way to get yogurt I found a calendar for half off! But the best find was at Old Navy... I had been eyeing a pair of really cute flannel snowflake pattern pajama bottoms but didn't want to pay full price - well B found a pair for me in the back of a bunch of bottoms and there was one left on clearance in my size! And to top off the day - I got a free yogurt at Pinkberry with my loyalty card! It certainly was bargain day today!

So I was certainly successful today - but significant... had to think a little more about that... I'd like to think that my friendly attitude when I greet people is significant - and I know the time I spend with my best friend is definitely significant! I'm thinking it isn't just the big grandiose things that count as significant but all the little things also - that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

January is Snow

I was doing a bit of undecking the halls this evening and had to post how the garland was decorated that I put up around my kitchen... because... I have so enjoyed the lights being up and the mood it creates that I am going to leave the garland up all year long and decorate it differently for each season. January is snow (although I guess it really should be rain) which I decorated this evening - stay tuned for the story of the decorations and a picture!

And about being significant - not sure exactly how significant I was today - but I tried to help a friend at lunch with some insight that I was recently helped with... So we'll see what happens tomorrow...

Being Significant

Today in church, Craig asked us about what we would be doing this week to make a difference in the Kingdom of God - he talked about not being successful but being significant and to be open to our calling. This is sometimes difficult for me - thinking that what I do is significant in the eyes of the Lord or trying to figure out exactly what my calling is (I still feel like I'm looking for my burning bush). It is also difficult for me to write about - to be so vulnerable in such an open environment. But I do have a lot to offer and although I become narrow minded at times and won't let things go (especially when there is no seating at an eating establish that will remain nameless) - for the most part I am worth it - and I'm working on it... trying to listen and know those places that the Lord is taking me... So with His help I will look even closer this week for those opportunities to be significant and to make a Kingdom difference... and after this week is over - I hope to continue the following week and the week after that and the week after that one! Happy New Year one and all and may we all make a Kingdom difference and be significant!

A New Year

My first thought... I sure hope 2011 doesn't suck as much as 2010... but in hindsight - as hard as this year was - and it was tough... there were still so many moments that came out of the year that were good and fun and such a blessing! Life goes on - no matter how bad you are feeling... kinda' like today...

You would think that being a somewhat responsible adult - I would know better - yeah... and I do - but I just wanted to let my hair down in a safe environment and enjoy the evening - lesson learned though... never let someone else mix your drinks! I swear the last drink had to be pure alcohol - but my own fault - I drank it anyway... it was still a good evening with friends - until 2am came around and thus began the multiple trips to the bathroom - and then this morning when I was driving home from my friends house I broke the golden rule of my vehicle - no puking in my car. It was not pleasant - but as I stated earlier - even as bad as you are feeling - life still goes on - usually with a little help from your friends and the amazing Grace of God! And life did need to go on - I had promised the boys that I would drive them up to the LA Harbor for their 2 week cruise. Which as hard as it was to get my tush over to their house to pick them up - it was a Beautiful day! And I certainly enjoyed being out it for a couple of hours - before I came back home to sleep off the rest of the day :)

On our way up to the cruise port - my friend Chris commented that he hoped they would have good fish on the cruise because he wanted to eat healthy... then continued to comment on all the candy, brownies and chips they had packed in their bags! God Bless them both!

Looking back though - I have been blessed with amazing people in my life that love and support me - lend me a shoulder to cry on or enjoy a good laugh with me - God is so good - all the time and here's to a Blessed 2011 - no matter what happens.

PS - The background picture is from the Sea of Galilee - it was so peaceful there... and thanks Jan for the inspiration to change things up on the blog layout - and welcome back to the blogging world - I've missed reading about the adventures!