Lifestyle changes

OK tomorrow starts a new day. Its time to get serious on my weight issues,again! I am so much stronger mentally and emotionally than I use to be, I actually feel pretty good about myself, so now its time to work on the outside. I know I can do it, I did it before,I just let personal problems, and my insecurities after my marriage splitting  up get in the way.Then I get so caught up in doing things I put myself last, that is going to change!I can make smarter food decisions and at least walk each day. Its not really just about the weight,its about feeling better, and being healthier and being around longer with my kids and grand-kids!They say people who are accountable to others when they are trying to lose weight do better, so I figured I would put myself out there. Its not a matter of knowing how to do it, I learned all that last time, its just a matter of doing it!So, tomorrow I make a lifestyle change,better,smarter choices!Anyone want to join me? Wish me luck!

A Fresh Day!

Today is the first day of the rest of your life! Have you ever heard that before? Well, if you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. You cannot go back, you cannot undo things that have happened in the past. However when your wake up to start the new day, it's like a fresh start! If you do not like the way you handled things the day before, or wish you had done something, and didn't, you get a new chance! We are not promised a moment, so remember that when you get upset with someone you care about. If you have a grudge, you can mend it, if there is something you needed to say, then today you can say it! Today starts the rest of your life, to live it like you should,to undo past mistakes and regrets..just make up your mind and do it! Why do we always have to be right? A lot of the disagreements I have had with people were over major difference of opinion. I may not agree with everything the people I care about say and do, but as I have gotten older, I realize I can tell them what I think and move on. They have to make decisions for themselves, I can tell them my opinion, I can pray for them , but then it's up to them. I refuse to let that stress me out! When I wake up every morning, I ask God to lead me, to allow me to make a difference in someones life. As I lay down to go to sleep at night ,I thank God for the day and  ask for forgiveness for the mistakes I made and for Him to watch over my loved ones. Remember when you get started , its a fresh day, live it like you want to,like you should!

New week end plans!

I am so excited, its my last Saturday to work before my sub starts! I cannot believe I will finally have ALL week end off! I have so many great week end ideas running around in my head..the first ..to go camping again! I can't wait to go back up to Morrow Mountain , set up the tent ,build a fire and relax! I love it up there,its so quiet and peaceful, so many times I have awoken to deer right outside my tent, birds chirping, and a nice cooling breeze! There is nothing like cooking out in the open, eating by a fire,or listening to the sounds of the night as you listen to the crackle of the fire! Long hikes in the woods, reading an awesome book in a hammock..Wow! I cannot wait! Nothing renews me faster than a long week end camping!
Then there are all those spring festivals and street fairs that I always miss! I love checking out the booths,looking for something unique, or a bargain buy!Munching on the food at the booths, from funnel cakes to hot dogs! Watching all the different people who go, it's a lot of fun! There's one all over the place ,Lexington, Southern Pines,Carthage,Goldston, and of course Cameron!In the fall all the church bazaars, are very similar, barbecue, canned goods, and all sorts of stuff! They always start early, and I am always at work! Well now, I get to go! Yay!!
Now also I have so many plans for the yard,with Rics bees coming and plans for milking goats next year there is a lot of work to be done!We have started, by planted more fruit trees, and bushes,and flowers and such,but there is still a lot to do, like getting fencing and putting it up,getting the small garden pond in for the bees,finishing my swing for the yard, and maybe getting meat chickens next spring to go along with the layers we have!It is right much work,but its a therapy of sorts too!
Then I also want to volunteer more,can a bunch of stuff this summer, and visit some of my relatives I have not seen in awhile. I also plan on spending a LOT of time with  Shannon,Chris and my grandchildren when they come in for a visit this August! So,yes I am a little excited about  my new work schedule and having all week end off and if I can get a third of this done I will be a happy girl! Have an awesome week end!

Disagreements

Its Friday! Its Friday! I still work Saturday, but you know what..It's Friday.!..lol I like being in a good mood, I like trying to look in the bright side of a situation. Its so much better than always seeing the doom and gloom of things! Sometimes I think some people see me as weak, as someone who does not stand up for themselves, and for a while I guess that may have  had some truth to it, but don't mistake me gathering my thoughts for complacency. I always try to look at every side of a situation. I try to see where the other person is coming from before I fly off the handle. I think it keeps me out of a lot of trouble!  I pick my battles, I weigh how much is it worth the battle, how much is it worth upsetting everyone,how much does it REALLY mean to me, how important it really is!If I can live without the hassle, if I can deal with things not going the way I think they should, then most of the time I let it go.. I may grumble a bit, or use someone close to me as a sounding board, but I will usually let it slide.However, if it pertains to my values or if I have strong beliefs on the subject, I won't! I will think of every approach I can to make my point. to convince you of how I think  things should go! Don't ever mistake someones quieter approach to a disagreement as them giving in, they just fight their battles a little differently! Next time you have a argument with someone,try waiting a moment before you respond. Consider how they feel and what is making them react the way they do, it will help you explain to them your point better , and it may save a relationship!  Just my  ramblings! Have an awesome day!

Mistakes

People make mistakes. We all do, its a way we learn, a way we become who we are, we all know that, we all expect that, but when we see someone we love making a mistake, what do you do? If you push them too hard you push them toward their mistake, if you ignore it, it seems like they take that as an OK..or as well I am getting by with this. So, how do you handle it? Do you sit back, let them work through it themselves? See it as something they have to do on their own? Do you jump in and try to handle it yourself? Its especially hard when others you know are close to them, people who know the right thing to do, are pushing them toward the mistake! It hurts, its like a betrayal of your faith in them. When your loved one knows their mistake, knows its wrong, is struggling with it themselves, then I think you have to have enough faith to let them figure it out, to a point. Talk to them, let them know how you feel, let them realize  it will never affect your love for them. If you know they are smart, that they have the right values, then they have to come to the end conclusion on their own. There truly is only so much you can do, and that is so HARD! You want to protect those you love, to take care of them and keep them safe, but sometimes you can't..its a hard lesson to realize!You just have to be able to wait and be there for them if they need you! Pray for them, for their strength, and wisdom, for Gods protection..that is something we all can do!I do not think we realize those we hurt when we make our mistakes, sometimes even those who are involved, those who are deep in the issue with us, are hurt,even if they don't see it at the time..We have to look at things, at all possible outcomes, at everyone involved and then make our decisions. We all  make mistakes, its a part of life,its what we do with the mistake when we think it through that matters..The right path is not the easy path, but its the path that builds character and  responsibility, These are just random ramblings from someone who has made her share of mistakes,and sometimes had to learn the hard way! Tell me, what do you think?!?!?!

Good moods

I am in a very good mood! The day started with an awesome breakfast of pumpkin pancakes, sausage and coffee. My friend in the hospital is out of ICU  and even though she will have a long road of recovery, she may be home by this week-end! My sub worked today and is working tomorrow, and in 1 week from  Saturday I will begin having my week-ends off again!!  My parents treated me to lunch at one of my favorite childhood places to eat. and Ric fixed our internet, so no more using a slow hot spot ! It is a beautiful day,the weather is great ..and we are going to get some planting done! The evening plans include a nice fire in the fire pit, a glass of red wine and good conversation! God is good!! Its funny how the simple things, like great food, and a fire, and a nice visit with your parents make your day! Its awesome how good it makes you feel knowing your friend is on the road to recovery! Hope your day is going as great as mine is!

Do it now!

I think most people plan,for the next day,the next week,the next year. We seem to put off making that phone call to clear up a misunderstanding,or to visit our parents,siblings,children,grandchildren or friends.We always seem to think we will get to it tomorrow,or next week. If I have learned anything lately I see we should not put off what we want to do or what we need to do.We are not promised a second a hour,a day!One day you are healthy,happy,full of plans ,the next your not.Of course we need to plan and save for the future,because you are right,you never know,but we need to say what we need to and do what we need to without postponing it! How many times have we seen and read in the paper or on television of someone who started their day as usual, but due to circumstances beyond their control didn't make it home? Life is short, its a quick stop  for us, we need to make the most of it! Don't wait til your old, and sitting in a rocking chair on the porch of the old folks home,thinking back over what you wish you said,or what you wish you did or who you wish you had helped!You might not get the chance anyway! If its in your mind,in your heart, and you know you need to do it..then DO IT!!!!!Just some random thoughts from my brain!!!

Troubled Times

Why do bad things happen to good people? No wait, amazing people!I know trials make us stronger,and I know God is always with us, but its a real struggle to understand. I have an amazing friend, who does nothing but help others, even if she herself is struggling.She works with the homeless,helps those who are struggling financially, and those who are going through rough times!  Now she is in ICU at Duke and I am so worried about her and her family! She has small children  at ho me and its a very difficult situation. Her husband is trying hard to hold it together,working,being there for his wife and taking care of the kids. I feel so helpless , its in these circumstances, I want to help, but never know exactly how. We prepare food,send cards, we help with the kids and housework and pray! Sometimes when we think there isn't much we can do, I think we overlook how important and powerful prayer is! When we pray for someone, that IS doing something! Prayer is powerful, not only should we pray for the one who is sick, but the family, who needs strength,faith,and guidance! To let someone know they are not going through the difficult times alone is very important. Let them know there are a lot of people who care. Not only us but God is there ! Next time someone you care about is hurting or sick..send a card, prepare some food, run an errand for them, ..but don't forget to pray!

Prayer request

So much going on, so many thoughts running through my head! I have a good friend who is in the hospital with meningitis. She has small boys at home, and really needs our prayers. She is an amazing person, who I admire and respect a great deal! She has had a bad week before all this, and now in the hospital and really needs a break! Sometimes its tough to understand why bad things happen to good people, but I think we all come out stronger from our trials, and we just need to remember ,we are not alone,God is always with us!

 Then someone else close to me has also been going through some rough times, He has made some bad decisions in the past, but hes headed back on the right track. Lately, he has made some tough decisions, and I know there are more to come for him, but he is headed in the right direction..I am very proud of how he has faced his issues and are working on them. I can only imagine how hard it is,but I am blessed we could talk it over. 

Its funny really, we ALL make mistakes,bad decisions we later look back on and say "what was I thinking?" We all go through trials, some of them harder to face than others, but its through these times  I think we learn the most,grow the most, and realize we just cannot handle everything on our own! If our lives were easy and smooth all the time, how strong would we REALLY be, how would we learn the lessons we need to learn, to become the people we were meant to be? I have to remind myself of that a lot!

 On a happier note, I am getting a sub for my route at work! Its been 2 years , and I cannot wait! He is officially starting on May 4th and I am really looking forward to long week-ends camping,working in the yard and garden and maybe a beach trip or two! I will have Saturdays and Sundays off, so once again I can say..TGIF!!Have a great week-end all , and please say a prayer for my friend!

Listening to that voice..

Have you ever been about to do something,where everything in your brain and everyone around you says.".NO .. that's crazy,don't do it, that would be a huge mistake"?You know odds are they are right, but something in your heart,some voice inside says,"Yes, you know what to do, so go do it!" I have that strong feeling now, and after a horrible day yesterday, and lots of soul searching, I am going to listen to that voice! God leads us to do His bidding , and I think, puts us in situations that make us uncomfortable to see what we will do, and to help us grow and develop. If we turn our backs on someone because its uncomfortable or they have made wrong decisions, what are we teaching them? If we truly want to be an example of Gods love, then we need to do it with actions, not just words! People need to know they are loved, that someone does care!So, here I go, no wait, here we go,this would not be happening if it wasn't for my children!Keep us in your prayers, I pray for strength and guidance. Today, go out and be Gods love to someone who needs it. Give someone a hug,an encouraging word, listen to them ,feed someone hungry.Have a great day and.keep in mind Matthew 25:40 "'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me. "      

What a nice day!

It has really been a nice day. We planted strawberries around the blueberry bushes, and put up a bird bath for the honey bees! We cleared out a spot for a small pond for the bees, and have it ready to go in the ground. We got a few flowers to plant around the porch, and have the poles and wiring ready to go for the grapevines! We also made banana nut muffins, a Hershey cake, and 2  homemade lasagnas! We hung up a curtain rod, moved a bed for someone, and straightened up a bit. We went to the grocery store, and gassed up the jeep! We fed and watered the chickens and gathered the eggs! Now I am ready for a nice relaxing evening with a fire in the fire-pit, a cup of coffee, or a glass of wine and some good conversation! A chance to renew myself a bit before work tomorrow. Its a good feeling to get so much accomplished off my to-do list. If only I didn't keep adding to it! Then I might actually be able to complete it! I can't wait to have Saturday's off as well as Sunday's! I hope that will happen very soon! Then I will have a little more time to get stuff accomplished, or more time to go camping, go to the beach, or to check out all the yard sales and craft fairs! Either way I am really looking forward to the next few months! Fire-pit nights, hammock, and swings in the afternoon. Fresh garden veggies and fruits, fresh eggs from the hen-house, and maybe, by next year fresh honey from the bees, and milk and cheese from the goats! Wow, I really have turned into a country girl..lol  Well the sun is setting, and the fire-pit is calling my name.. Have a great evening and try to relax a bit before the weekend is over!

Thunderstorms and God

Thunderstorms make me nervous,but on the other hand I love them! I never sleep better than when there is a storm outside.The roll of the thunder and the patter of the raindrops,seem to soothe me in a way I really don't understand. The sounds slowly lull me to sleep. On the other  hand, when I am awake and its storming, I am totally nervous. I jump at ever clap of thunder.. Isn't it crazy how that one thing can have two totally different effects? Sometimes I think that's sorta like our relationship with God. On the one hand we fear Him, fear making him angry, fear the wrath of His punishment, but then we love Him, crave His comfort and peace. Gods love is like a parents, I think. When we go through those rough spots, He is always there for us, but maybe not in the way we expect. Looking on my past, I see the lessons I have learned, the stronger I got, was through  the rough spots. God used those times to make me  into the person He  wants me to be, and hopefully into the person He can use! God never gives you more than you can handle,as many times as I have heard this  I believe it. The times I didn't think I could handle one more thing, I always got a break..The more I turned to Him, the more at peace I felt. As I get older, I see that we should not be afraid of God but strive to draw closer to Him. He is the potter we are the clay, next time there is a rough spot of yours pray hard, and keep your faith, then when you get to the other side, take a good look at yourself, see what you have gained from the experience! You might be surprised!0

Pleasing others..

What makes us insecure? Why is the opinion of those "select" few seem so important to so many people? It amazes me to see a smart, outgoing, sweet person follow along, or change who they are to impress those few who only see things their way! I have to admit though, I used to be that person at times. I would try hard to fit in, and for some reason, someone's, heck anyone's, opinion was very important to me. I wanted people to like me, I couldn't stand it if I knew someone didn't! I would try hard to figure out why, then try to fix the problem. It took me years to see not everyone is going to like you, sometimes its in your best interest if they don't! Then, they leave you alone, and  you stay out of trouble! (well sometimes stay out of trouble!)
 We were made unique, we all have qualities that are especially ours. If I could pass one thing on for my children to learn from me its be yourself! Be the person God made you! If you aren't sure who that is yet, that's OK, you WILL figure it out! If someone doesn't like you, that's OK  too, not everyone will. Don't be mean, don't make someone feel stupid or less of a person because they are different, or don't agree with you. Just let them live their life and you live yours!  And you know what I have discovered? I like the person I have become! I still have my issues I need to work on, but I am comfortable in who I am, and I don't have to try to please everyone! If someone doesn't care for me, I am good with that, as long as I am being a good person, and doing what is right. What about you? Have a great day!

Answered prayer

Yesterday was a pretty good day!When I leave on the route, out of the office its my private time with God. I  spend this alone time praying and talking to him. Yesterday as I was praying about a concern ,and asked for an answer, my cell rang and it was pertaining to my problem. It seems it has worked itself out. Then after work Catie,Ric and I were discussing a problem we were facing this week. As we sat there trying to come on with a solution, Catie got a text, that problem was solved too! God is so good to help with what we face, even the small problems  that we think are not important enough to leave with Him! All it takes is turning them over to Him and having a little faith that He will handle it. We may not always get the solution we are looking for , or it may not turn out just the way we want it to, but  all things do work for the greater good , if we just trust in Him and have a little faith! Next time you have an issue,give it to Him and have a little faith, then watch what happens!
 I woke up the other night to my cell ringing, it was 3 o clock in the morning,and I was instantly concerned. No one calls me at that time of the morning! When I picked up the phone, I heard my grandchildren! They were talking and laughing and it truly made my morning! They live in Portugal and  I don't get to see them like I would like, so it was so nice to hear their voices! I didn't get to talk to them, Oli must have hit a redial or speed dial number and then sat down the phone, but it was so funny to be woken up by their laughter ! It was  just the pick me up I needed! I can"t wait to see them this summer!
Well off to work, its a beautiful day, if you have a concern, turn it over to God , and have a little faith, see what happens! Have a great day!

Spring week-ends

  Wow ! Its been a great week-end! Today, what an awesome day! It was absolutely gorgeous!  I love this time of year, and I am  so ready for a camping trip! This is one of those days where it would be crazy to stay inside.Saturday I worked, then we went to Fayetteville and helped with a cook-out for the homeless. It went terrific and they all really seemed to enjoy it, we had a DJ and great food and it was really nice.Then we went to Sweet Frog's had some tasty frozen yogurt with some good friends !Tonight, we cooked out for supper, planted some stuff and helped moved some furniture.!
 On the down side, something got one of our younger chickens, we have 2 that keep escaping the smaller holding coop,the one where we keep them until we put them together with the adult ones. When Ric saw they were out and got his shoes on to put them back,one was gone! We think it was another hawk, they fly around looking for a loose one, and this is the second one they have gotten this year! I think i am going to go on and try to integrate the smaller ones in with the big ones to keep them safe. I hate losing them!
  I wish the week-ends were longer, I have so much I want to do , and try to cram in everything on Saturdays after work and Sundays ,but I never get it all done!Tomorrow will be another busy day at work,but I am thankful I have a job,and I really don't mind it , especially this time of year!Its nice to be out, with the jeep window down, a nice breeze and meeting all sorts of people. Things could be a  lot worse,working with the homeless this week end made me realize how thankful I am for the way things are in my life. When you see people who are homeless, or have no idea where the next meal is coming from because all their money went to bills to keep a roof and electricity..it makes you REALLY appreciate what you have!So remember trials make you stronger, and someone always has a worse situation then you do! Smile and make people wonder what your up too!Night..

Saturday

 Well , I should have had more confidence! When I was ranting here in my blog!  I was so upset,trying to deal with things myself, but then I stepped back and said a prayer and gave the situation to God. Its not solved yet,but it does look like it will be..I should have had more faith and know it was in His hands all along! I will continue to pray about this and wait for the outcome. Therer are people who have stepped up and tried to help me and the situastion and I truly appreciate that..So now we wait!
 On our homesteading plans, Ric planted cherry,2 apple, peach, nectarine and a pear tree. We also are planning on planting 3 grapevines today and 2 blackberry bushes. We also have bee balm to plant in preparation for the bees! We have ordered 2 pecan trees, and a walnut and hazelnut tree and more flowering plants for the arrival of the bees! The bees will get here May 11th, originally it was April 26 but due to the colder temps they did not have the starter hives available, so now we are getting a hive that's already established  with even more bees! Then we began working on the fencing for the dwarf milking goats! I cannot wait for them!Now all we need is to get our garden plowed up , I hope we can get a tiller before too long or at least rent one to get that done before too late . Maybe even find someone to come till it up for us..either way I already have lettuce to plant , and tomatoes in my greenhouse! I love spring! Two of our newest chicks are pulling Houdini tricks, and escaping the small coop, I am afraid they will get out and a hawk will get them , but it won't be long before we put them in with the older ones ,and I think that will take care of it! Well ,off to work.. I am excited about today's plans , and looking forward to a gorgeous day!

Frustration

 I am so frustrated and angry right now, I just have such a hard time understanding why the people who are always in the mindset 'me first' seem to get things their way. I know in my heart we are not to store things up on earth, and I know in the end it won't matter, but its so frustrating to see them sit back and manipulate things to their advantage and leave behind those who try to follow the rules. I was made a promise, it was the way things were suppose to go, the way the rules are set,then someone steps in and destroys it ..I am having a hard time forgiving them, or turning the other cheek, or just letting it go! I have waited 2 years for this and one person who has no trouble twisting things to their advantage comes in and pulls the rug right out from under me!I have never been one to look for an argument, never been the confrontational type ,but sometimes you have to stand up  for yourself! Feeling really aggravated right now so sorry to rant,just hoping it will help me deal better...right now, I just cannot get past it..Say a prayer for me, and lets hope I do the right  thing!

2 and 1/2 scores!

Well today, I am half a century old! The big 50! I don't feel that old, but then again how old does 50 feel? As I do get older, I have come to realize a few key things: One, wisdom does come with age its funny how trivial things seem now that were SO important to me a few years back. Two no one is perfect, we all make mistakes and  no more than we can do everything right, neither can anyone else. Three, family is VERY important, not only those blood relatives but also those you make family! These are people who are always there for you, who you can count on and who you will be there for. And Four, everyone has bad days, don't take everything personal,  give people the benefit of the doubt! If you look for the bad in a situation , or even in people you will find it, but if you look for the good you, will find it!
Well I am off to spend the day with my family, enjoy good company and thank God for reaching the big 50, more later!

Gossip

I think something  society as a whole really needs to work on is gossiping! I know even when I try hard to keep my mouth shut, sometimes I can't seem to help adding my 2 cents,or repeating what I have heard.  Even when what is being said is true,whats the point? If we aren't telling someone in order to help the person being talked about, why do we have to say anything? One of the people I admired most in my life was my grandmother, when I was young and started to complain about someone , she would look at me and say "Julie,if you can't say something nice,don't say anything at all!" Wouldn't  it be awesome , if we all lived by that statement? Think about it,how many times have we been hurt or angry when we found out someone had been talking about us? Then we turn around and repeat what we have heard about someone else! Most of the time we don't even realize the similarities or what we are doing? Each one of us have our problems and faults,it may be physical, or emotional or 100 different things, but just because we don't agree ,or don't approve,does it REALLY help to gossip about it?  I wish we could all just stop and think when we are approached  by someone talking about someone else,how would that makes us feel,? Most of the time we don;t know the whole story, so  ,if its not going to help we should hold off on spreading rumors and gossiping, I mean how does it help? Do we think it makes us look better, do we think it makes us smarter? I think it just makes us less trustworthy , and  also makes someone think twice before sharing with us, after-all if we are talking about others whats going to stop us from talking about the person who just shared a problem with us?I know its something I need to work on , although I am better than  I use to be I have a LONG way to go! I only hope I can strive to be more like my grandmother, and think twice before I repeat something..or just walk away and not listen!   Just some pondering from  someone who thinks to much and remember  " If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all!"   The power of words,build us up or break us down!Have a great day!

Easter week end

 I had a really wonderful Easter ! We got up and went to sunrise service at Saint Andrews church , where my sister and parents go,and we had an amazing breakfast afterwards! Then we came home did some last minute preparations for the cookout .. Even with the weather, on again off again rain, it turned out really well!  The food was great the people were wonderful and I really enjoyed myself. Afterward   Mom got to see her ballgame and we had a fire in the fire pit ,Dad,and Hollie,Catie,Jonathan,Ric,and Ryan were there..it was so nice and relaxing!  Shannon , Chris and the kids were the only thing missing, I cannot wait til we have them all here too! When we all are together,I always love it, its truly the best way for me to spend my time.    I think everyone really enjoyed it. This is the first time I went in to a get together without as much stress.. and it was the best time I have had in a long time, I have proven to myself attitude is everything,lol. Most of the time we get together  I get so stressed trying to make sure everything is clean, the food is just right, and everything's getting done.. I don't have time to focus on  visiting and talking with everyone. This time I made a decision ,to really relax and visit with my family ,even if everything wasn't just right , and I am glad I did, things went better, and I think overall everyone enjoyed it more! After most everyone was gone, I was talking to Mom and she wants to get together, more often than just holiday,just simplify things a bit. I love the idea,I love the fact we are close, and I agree we don't make enough of an effort to see each other unless its a holiday! I hope everyone had a great Easter, and that we all remember what we were celebrating! He is risen!