Sad Times

Normally I'm a glass half full kinda girl, but in wake of the Arizona shooting over the weekend, I'm beginning to wonder if there is hope for our country. I know there are always going to be crazies out there who hate and want to hurt good, innocent people.  I know there are going to be political extremists spewing rhetoric that some people will latch onto.  But it seems this deranged individual and the cancerous rhetoric heard on FOX News and tea party politicians were a perfect recipe for disaster.  And now a congresswoman is fighting for her life and her future, an innocent nine year old is dead, and four other individuals just stopping by are dead.  Maybe if there were no Sarah Palin's, Glenn Becks, or Rush Limbaugh's out there this tragedy still would have happened.  But it does seem like the top was about to blow on this country's pressure cooker.  Now in the wake of such tragedy comes our real test as Americans.  Can the debate on the direction of our country finally result in civilized discourse?  Can we put aside some of our political posturing and look into the eyes of all Americans- young, old, poor, middle class, gay, straight, whatever, and just agree to not to be so hateful.  I think there is a growing restlessness in this country that is fed up of the hate, the incivility, and the lack of humility plaguing our country.

I weigh what??

As I do every week, I stepped on the scales this morning and much to my horror I was up 4 pounds.  I can't say much to my surprise.  I mean when you graze on cheese ball, wings, sweets, etc you're certainly not going to lose any weight.  I guess being uncomfortably close to the 200's (gulp) rally suprised me.  Five months ago I had an excuse, I was nine months pregnant. And then I was all baby.  No excuse this time.
So today as is my habit, I began planning.  S and I discussed beginning our weigh loss plan for the the new year, but I'm not sure I can wait.  I do plan on doing the Yoplait challenge.  Eating yogurt and cereal two meals a day is no problem.  Late night eating is my problem and making time for exercise. 

In the midst of everything

In the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle, busy Christmas schedule of get togethers, and on and on.  I still keep clinging to the hope and joy of Christmas.  Everyday, usually in my quiet time/devotional time I listen for that small voice of the Holy Spirit revealing in me what God would have me learn.  I keep being reminded that it's not about stuff.  "Jesus told them , "Watch out and be on guard against all greed because one's life in the abundance of his possessions." Luke 12:15  It's about the joy of children full of innocence and wonder.  It's in the embrace of those who love you.  It's caring and sharing. "Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to people he favors!" Luke 2:14  I also am reminded to have patience and wait on the Lord.  That our faith is grown in perseverence.  "As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered.  You have heard of Job' perseverence and have seen what the Lord finally brought about The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." James 5:11
 I'm always ready to start a new year...new possibilities, and fresh starts.  We all need a do over.
 My 2011 do over list is evolving but here's what I got so far:
1. Read my Bible everyday.  It's amazing how your mood will improve when your in His Word and He is revealing His will to you.
2.  Be more present everyday.  That may not help my blogging.
3.  Cut our credit card debit at least in half.
4.  Embrace a frugal lifestyle.
5. Cut grocery bill to $200.00 not including formula.
6. Less TV and internet.
7. Health goals:  Lose 4-5 lbs a month.  By Q's birthday: 167, by my birthday 150

Getting on the Frugal Train

Ugh...debt.  It's the pink elephant sitting in the middle of my room.  I know it's there.  I know it has to be dealt with.  But I have yet to be willing to take the pain and sacrifice necessary to move forward.  Then I went to my great Aunt Cappie's funeral today. 
There is really no direct correlation between her death and my debt, other than the fact that life is short.  Life is shorter for some than others.  These may be the lean years when you have small children, but aren't they also supposed to be the best years? Whenever I've talked with people who now have adult children, they undoubtedly will remind me how fast time flies.  That it was just yesterday their so-and-so was a baby. I don't want those wonder years to be stolen by the stress of debt.  Imagine if you will the cartoon image of the baby grand piano ten stories above and the rope holding the piano is quickly unraveling.  I am a master of denial.  I've always jokingly said we don't have to pay off our debt if Jesus comes back first.  And he may...but as said in Oh Brother, Where art thou, "That may be true, but the state of Mississippi is a little more hard nosed." 
But you get tired of it.  And you want to free yourself from the shackles of debt.   So, to help me to walk the line, I'll chronicle my efforts at eliminating our debt.

Back to Blogging...with a cold.

As I write this first entry in a couple of months, I do so with a stuffy nose and a scratchy throat.  Little violins anyone?  Since I last blogged, I turned the page on another year of marriage (7 lovely years), enjoyed Halloween with my motley crew,  celebrated another year of life (34 is it?), and just keep on counting my blessings!

It's a little acorn, My Melody, and Robot

3 of my greatest achievements

Happy Anniversary Hon!

Our anniversary is the 27th of September.  For a gift, I asked my husband to convert our underutilized hall closet into an activities pantry.  This will be where I will store office supplies, crafting supplies, some holiday decorations, etc.  I am sooo excited!  My lack of storage and organization has stiffled my creativity and made it difficult to begin crafting and sewing projects (that's my story and I'm sticking to it!). I know that sounds like a weak excuse, but until things are orderly, I feel paralyzed.  Look forward to viewing my creative endeavors.