Monday Meanderings... June 13, 2011

Verse of SUMMER 2011... Psalm 29:11 (NLT)
"The LORD gives his people strength.
The LORD blesses them with peace."

My job is hard in the summer. This verse was pointed out to me by a friend during a prayer time, and I regret to say it, but I let it go and didn't follow up. Then God pointed me to it again in my morning bible reading time. I have been claiming it ever since, and as I pray to be one of "His people" and ask him to give me strength and bless me with peace, He has been providing both. I plan to keep this verse through the end of the Summer Library Program.

Bible Study...
* Reading through Exodus.

Husband Encouragement...
* Pray for him at least 3 times daily; first thing in the morning, at lunch time, and on the way home from work. If things come up, could pray more often, but pray for sure at these set times.
* Bake him brownies.
* Greet him with a smile, hug, and kiss each morning and at the end of each work day.
* Look for ways to make him feel like "king" of our home.

Personal Goals...
* Prayer run every day before going to work (5 days a week).
* Swim 4 afternoons after work... weather permitting.
* Set proper boundaries for work and home. Pray for God to help me do this.

Work Goals...
* Meet with each staff person.
* Work on evaluations for personal board.
* Call Child Care Centers and get lists of names, schools, and ages.
* Read at MRBC Child Development Center.
* Prepare for storytime.
* Change the configuration of the Meeting Room daily for programs.
* Keep up with count of registrations and prizes.
* Give each staff member credit for the proper number students they register.

New Habit of the Month...
* Iron the night before. - I did this one before, but I feel away from it. I need to do it again. I just don't have time in the morning, and I end up being late for work when I try to make it happen in the morning.

Seven in 2011 Plan...
(My Love ask me to put this on hold for the duration of the Summer Library Program. I am honoring him by doing as he asked.)

Zone... Kitchen
(This also was put on hold for the duration of the Summer Reading Program at the request of My Love.)

Menu...
M = Moe's (eat out)
Tu = Ollie's (take out)
W = fried appetizer platter (zucchini, yellow squash, onion rings, green tomatoes, and chicken) with rice and copper penny carrots
Th = grilled chicken, onion, bell pepper kabobs, rice, & asparagus
F = tuna steaks, sweet potatoes, & broccoli with cheese
Sa = sesame chicken strips, white cheddar mac-n-cheese, a tossed salad
Su = Father's Day

Must Do...
* Mail care package to nieces.
* Give CopperMan his meds.

Fun...
* Bath time Reading. - I have a really good book, and I plan to take time to read in the tub. Great way to relax.

* Swimming
* Relax time in the evenings with My Love.

Things I'm Thankful for This Week...
* My Love, my dear husband.
* CopperMan, my lovable dog.
* Good books and bath time.
* Gym membership with a pool.
* Air Conditioning - We have been reaching 101 during the day with heat indexes around 120. I thank God for the invention of air conditioning and that, so far, My Love and I are able to afford the comfort.

Monday Meandering for May 9, 2011

Verse of the Week...
Romans 8:1-2 - "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death."

Bible Study...
* Reading through Exodus.
* In the Eye of the Storm by Max Lucado

Husband Encouragement...
* Pray for him at least 3 times daily; first thing in the morning, at lunch time, and on the way home from work. If things come up, could pray more often, but pray for sure at these set times.
* Bake him chocolate chip cookies.
* Greet him with a smile, hug, and kiss each morning and at the end of each work day.

Personal Goals...
* Exercise daily.
* Blog eating goals and stick to them.
* Set aside some time to relax this week.

Work Goals...
* Write Monthly Reports.
* Prepare for speaking part at orientation.
* Inspect all 500 prizes.
* Schedule registration desk.
* Call volunteers.
* Attend volunteer reception.
* Type up directions for kick-off crafts.
* Meet with each staff person.
* Get to working on evaluations for personal board.

New Habit of the Month...
* Moving in May
M = run (30 min.)
Tu = weights (upper & lower body)
W = run (30 min.)
Th = weights (upper & lower body)
F = Date Night
Sa = swim (30 min.)
Su = bike, swim, or walk

Seven in 2011 Plan...
M = dust
Tu = vac
W = quick mop
Th = bathrooms
F = Date Night
Sa = declutter for 1 hour
Su = rest, trash

Zone... Kitchen
M = scrub stove top
Tu = wipe down the doors to all cabinets with a hot, soapy rag
W = clean out the fig and wipe it down
Th = wipe down all small appliances with a hot, soapy rag

Menu...
M = beans & rice, salad, and cornbread
Tu = eat out (I have to work 8:00 AM - 8:30 PM, and My Love needs to go to his sister's play.)
W = chicken spaghetti with spinach and garlic bread
Th = eat out (I have bible study right after work and will have no time to cook.)
F = Date Night
Sa = lentil soup, rice, and cornbread
Su = homemade pizza for lunch and breakfast for dinner

Must Do...
* Wash CopperMan's ears twice a day and put medicine in.
* Give CopperMan his monthly meds.
* Upload pics from our WI vacation.
* Mail shell and pics to niece.
* Call out of town friends. I miss them and really need to make the effort to keep in touch and catch up.

Fun...
* Calling out of town friends.
* Date Night
* Bath time Reading. - I have a really good book, and I plan to take time to read in the tub. Great way to relax.

Things I'm Thankful for This Week...
* My Love, my dear husband.
* CopperMan, my lovable dog.
* Good books and bath time.
* My mom.

Verse of the Week...
“and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” - 2 Chronicles 7:14

Bible Study...
* One Year Bible/ Old Testament Portion (currently reading in Exodus)

Husband Encouragement...
* Work on staying calm and being calmly assured that God has things under control.
* Work on the budget and find designated spending money for each of us.
* Don't be so quick to say no to his suggestions. Consider saying yes more often and in so doing show him my trust and affirm him as leader in our home.
* Pray for him at three designated times of the day - first thing in the morning, at lunch, and on the way home from work. And, be specific.
* Take "things" to God first and My Love second.
* Start changing out pictures and interior decor to make the house look more like "us" and less like "me".

Personal Goals...
* Walk CopCop each night.
* Exercise/run or walk at least every other day.
* Lift weights at least one day.
* Relax and "smell the flowers" or "be childish" in small doses at least a little everyday.

Work Goals...
* Work on Registration Desk schedule
* Finish calling volunteers (need 25)
* Complete scheduling daycares
* Start cutting for SLP Kick-Off
* Make games for kick-off

New Habit of the Month...
* Declutter for four 15 minute sessions on my day off.

Seven in 2011 Plan/Goal...
M - vacuum
Tu - dust
W - quick mop
Th - bathrooms/ bible study
F - Date Night
Sa - four 15 minute declutter sessions
Su - rest/trash

Must Do...
* Pay Bills
* Record receipts
* Make appointment with allergist
* Make appointment with dentist for My Love
* Make eye appointment

Zone... Living Room & spare bedrooms
Th - empty picture frames & order new pictures to go in them
F - declutter - Put everything into three categories... keep, give away, & trash.
Sa - Date Night
Su - rest

Menu...
M - quinoa & bean salad, steamed broccoli topped with cheese & skillet chicken
Tu - bbq pork tenderloin, brown rice, whole wheat biscuits, grilled zucchini, steamed carrots
W - grilled steak, field peas, brown rice, with a romaine & arugula salad
Th - Mellow Mushroom
F - TBD
Sa - Date Night
Su - leftovers

Fun Things...
* Date Night

Things I'm Thankful for This Week...
1. My Love
2. CopperMan
3. Home
4. My Bed
5. My couch
6. My pillows
7. My Mom

Monday Meanderings... April 25, 2011

Verse of the Week...
* Luke 19:10, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."

Bible Study...
* One Year Bible/ Old Testament Portion (currently reading in Exodus)

Husband Encouragement...
* Work on staying calm and being calmly assured that God has things under control.
* Work on the budget and find designated spending money for each of us.
* Don't be so quick to say no to his suggestions. Consider saying yes more often and in so doing show him my trust and affirm him as leader in our home.
* Pray for him at three designated times of the day - first thing in the morning, at lunch, and on the way home from work. And, be specific.
* Take "things" to God first and My Love second.
* Start changing out pictures and interior decor to make the house look more like "us" and less like "me".

Personal Goals...
* Walk CopCop each night.
* Exercise/run at least every other day.
* Lift weights at least one day.
* Relax and "smell the flowers" or "be childish" in small doses at least a little everyday.

Work Goals...
* Go through the mail from being off Thursday - Tuesday.
* Finish May schedules (staffing & desk)
* Schedule shopping trip
* Start calling volunteers
* Complete scheduling daycares
* Complete shopping list
* Start cutting for SLP Kick-Off
* Complete scheduling school visits

New Habit of the Month...
* Declutter for four 15 minute sessions on my day off.

Seven in 2011 Plan/Goal...
M - vacuum
Tu - dust
W - quick mop
Th - bathrooms/ bible study
F - Date Night
Sa - four 15 minute declutter sessions
Su - rest/trash

Must Do...
* Pay Bills
* Bake a treat for dog sitter from last week.
* Unpack from trip

Zone... Living Room & spare bedrooms
M - off - out of town family
Tu - off - out of town family
W - discuss plan to start making these rooms functional
Th - empty picture frames & order new pictures to go in them
F - Date Night - Dream of how we want the rooms to be eventually. Come to an agreement that is good for both of us... not a compromise that is hard for both of us to swallow.
Sa - declutter - Put everything into three categories... keep, give away, & trash. Put out trash, and form a plan for the give away stuff.
Su - rest

Menu...
M - out of town family
Tu - traveling
W - shopping - BuyOne/GetOne coupon for Ruby Tuesdays
Th - Salmon Salad over arugula, spinach and romaine with garlic bread & corn on the cob
F - Date night (need leftovers)
Sa - Linguine with bacon, onions, & asparagus, garlic bread & salad
Su - grilled chicken with quinoa & bean salad and garlic bread

Fun Things...
* Playing with neices on Monday and Tuesday
* Shopping MaryKay with my SIL
* Traveling with My Love
* Coming home to CopperMan
* Movie night with my brother

Things I'm Thankful for This Week...
1. My Love & our relationship... We have far that we can go. God is still working on us. But, this week I looked back, and I see how each of us have gown closer to each other and God and in our relationships with each other and with God... and I'm thankful for this gift from God.
2. CopperMan... greatest dog in the world. Oh, how I missed him when we were gone!
3. Neices and the chance to spend a few days with them again... each stage of their life is special, unique, and fleeting. It was such a special gift to get to spend time with them.
4. Great SILs. I have four, and I'm thankful for them all, but 2 of them have really touched and inspired me this week. God has really blessed me in this area.
5. Home... it's good to travel, and it's good to be home.

Monday Meanderings... April 18, 2011

Verse of Week...
Romans 10:9-10 - "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."

Bible Study...
* One Year Bible: Old Testament

Husband Encouragement...
* Work on being soft and calmly assured that God has things under control.
* Pray for him at least three times daily.
* Take time for needed rest so that I am not too tired to enjoy being with him. This means... pace myself, and let things go when I can so that I can spend time with him and not be too tired to enjoy it.

Personal Goals...
* Press on with "7 in 2011" plan.
* Take it slow. Don't overdo it and get too tired.

Work Goals...
* Register child care centers for the summer reading program.
* Call volunteers for kick-off.
* Prepare shopping list for SLP.
* Schedule shopping trip for SLP.
* Lead attitude change with a good attitude from me.
* Write procedures for opening on Thursdays. [This day is different because there are special reports that have to be sent to ADM.]
* Prepare staff and branch for me to be off Thursday - Tuesday.

New Habit of the Month...
* April - De-clutter in at least four 15 minute increments on my day off.
* March - Schedule my evenings. Make it a point to get my "chores" and bedtime routine completed by 9:00 PM. Be sure to include walking CopCop.
* January & February - 7 in 2011 plan

** "Let's Go for Seven in 2011!"**
(JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH and continuing)
M - Vacuum
Tu - Dust
W - Quick Mop
Th - Enjoy family time
F - Enjoy family time
Sa - Enjoy family time
Su - Enjoy family time

Must Do...
* Make appointment with allergist.
* Make appointment with eye doctor.
* Make appointment for My Love with dentist.
* Shop for niece's birthday present.
* Prepare for family time. Don't forget scrapbook stuff, birthday and Easter presents, and typing special Easter Breakfast recipe so it can be shared.

Zone:
M - Prepare for special family time.
Tu - Prepare for special family time.
W - Prepare for special family time.
Th - Enjoy family time.
F - Enjoy family time.
Sa - Enjoy family time.

Menu ... Snack - Peanut Butter Oat Bites
M - Moe's (grocery shop)
Tu - eat out with my parents
W - eat out
Th - TBD
F - TBD
Sa - TBD
Su - Special Easter Breakfast Recipe: Southern Living Lemon Muffins

FUN THINGS!
* Spending time with out of town family.
* Neice's birthday party Thursday night.
* Six days in a row off work!

Things I'm Thankful for Today...
* God's love & provision.
* My Love.
* CopperMan.
* Friends and Family

Monday Meanderings... April 11, 2011

Verse of Week...
1 Peter 2:24 - “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

Bible Study...
* One Year Bible: Old Testament
* What Makes a Man Feel Loved/ Barnes, Bob
* In the Eye of the Storm/ Lucado, Max (Chapter 17)

Husband Encouragement...
* Work on being soft and calmly assured that God has things under control.
* Pray for him at least three times daily.
* Relax and spend time talking and snuggling with him each evening.
* Work on how I tell him what's bothering me. Tell him in such a way that lets him know I know he loves me and wants to help me and do good by me and that I don't think he would ever do anything to hurt me.

Personal Goals...
* Press on with "7 in 2011" plan.
* Add a "Zone" routine.
* Do at least one thing that will feel like pampering to me.
* Exercise 5 days this week.

Work Goals...
* Start registering child care centers for the summer reading program.
* Start calling volunteers for kick-off.
* Prepare shopping list for SLP.
* Schedule shopping trip for SLP.
* Lead attitude change with a good attitude from me.

New Habit of the Month...
* April - De-clutter in at least four 15 minute increments on my day off.
* March - Schedule my evenings. Make it a point to get my "chores" and bedtime routine completed by 9:00 PM. Be sure to include walking CopCop.
* January & February - 7 in 2011 plan

** "Let's Go for Seven in 2011!"**
(JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH and continuing)
M - Vacuum
Tu - Dust
W - Quick Mop
Th - Scrub Bathrooms (Ladies Bible Study)
F - change the sheets
Sa - Date Night!
Su - trash, rest

Must Do...
* Mail scrapbook stuff to SIL!
* Give CopperMan his meds.
* Pay water bill.
* Shop for nieces.

Zone: Bathrooms & Laundry Room
M - Scrub down the base of the toilet (from the bowl down) and behind the toilet.
Tu - Wash bathroom trash cans
W - clean out medicine cabinet
Th - wipe down the top and lids of the washer and drier
F - get ALL laundry folded for My Love/Hang happy pic (pic of CopperMan maybe?) in laundry room
Sa - Mop bathrooms

Menu ...
Snack - Peanut Butter Oat Bites
M - Moe's (grocery shop)
Tu - Spinach-Stuffed Steaks with Sauteed onions, potatoes and green beans or early peas
W - Seared Tuna Steaks on white beans with grape tomatoes and garlic chips
Th - ham & cheese mini frittatas, biscuits, and peaches
F - Date Night
Sa - Korean BBQ Flank Steak on Hot & Sour Slaw Salad
Su - leftovers from freezer

FUN THINGS!
* Date Night!
* Ladies bible study
* 3 day weekend

Things I'm Thankful for Today...
* God's love & provision.
* My Love.
* CopperMan.
* Bible Study Ladies... precious gifts & lights in my life from God.
* Comp. Time which is enabling me to take a much needed three day weekend.

Monday Meanderings... April 4, 2011

Verse of Week...

Ephesians 1:7 - "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace"

Bible Study...

* One Year Bible: Old Testament

* What Makes a Man Feel Loved/ Barnes, Bob

* In the Eye of the Storm/ Lucado, Max (Chapter 16)

Husband Encouragement...

* Work on being soft and calmly assured that God has things under control.

* Pray for him at least three times daily.

* Relax and spend time talking and snuggling with him each evening.

* Make him a yummy snack.

* Don't accuse him when I tell him what is bothering me. Learn to tell him what is wrong in a new way.

Personal Goals...

* Press on with "7 in 2011" plan.

* Add a "Zone" routine.

* Spend some time enjoying reading. I miss reading. I have been too busy to do it for fun lately. * Work out 5 days this week.

Work Goals...

* Start school visits.

* Start calling volunteers for kick-off.

* Prepare shopping list for SLP.

* Lead attitude change with a good attitude from me.

New Habit of the Month...

April - De-clutter in at least four 15 minute increments on my day off.

March - Schedule my evenings. Make it a point to get my "chores" and bedtime routine completed by 9:00 PM. Be sure to include walking

CopCop. January & February - 7 in 2011 plan

** "Let's Go for Seven in 2011!"**

(JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH and continuing)

M - Vacuum

Tu - Dust

W - Quick Mop

Th - Scrub Bathrooms (Ladies Bible Study)

F - change the sheets

Sa - Date Night!

Su - trash, rest

Must Do...

* Mail scrapbook stuff to SIL.

* Pay bills.

* Tweak our budget.

* CopperMan's monthly meds. (buy & give)

* Get CopperMan some more food.

Zone: Kitchen

M - scrub down the counter tops- hot soapy water wipe down the counters from front to back and side to side. Tu - kitchen trash can - use a soapy rag and wipe down the sides and the bottom. W - scrub kitchen sink faucets

Th - surfaces of big appliances, doors, handles, and surfaces.

F - four 15 minute declutter sessions in the back bedrooms and living room

Menu ...

Snack - Peanut Butter Oat Bites

M - leftovers

Tu - Moe's (grocery shop)

W - London Broil with Onion Vinaigrette, brown rice and carrots

Th - spaghetti, salad, & garlic bread

F - Spinach-Stuffed Steaks with Sauteed Onions, baked potatoes and green beans

Sa - Date Night

Su - eat from freezer

FUN THINGS!

* Date Night!

* Ladies bible study

* Possibly having some friends over for dinner Friday night

Things I'm Thankful for Today...

* God's love & provision. A God who helps me daily. I couldn't face the day without him.

* My Love. He chose me and made me feel really special this weekend. He is a true gift from God.

* CopperMan. The best, most loving dog a girl could have.

* Books (Christmas gifts) with no "due dates"!

* Bible Study Ladies... precious gifts & lights in my life from God.

* Gym Membership with swimming pool!

* TV/Netflix - mental/emotional escape without packing!

* Leftovers = nights without cooking! We usually only have enough to cover lunch the next day. This weekend we had enough to give me an extra night off. I'm thanking God for that.