Reorganization

I spent most of the day digging through boxes of things I had stored and deciding what to keep and what to toss. I've been going through parts of the house, little by little and reorganizing everything, and since I somehow twisted my knee and it has been giving me a little pain, I figured no time like the present to tackle a few projects in organization.

Four hours later I was finished with what I started, and everything is organized. I even found myself with much more space than when I started, because there were some things that found their way to the garbage. Some things I actually wondered how on earth they hadn't already made it to the trash- but I guess at the time I kept them for some reason or another. Since I've forgotten what that reason was, they are now part of this weeks garbage.

I was looking through a 'to do' book that I used last year to keep up with my daily work outs, when I first changed my lifestyle and I came across the following quote that I'd written in the margins of the book.

"In Order to learn the important lessons in life, one must each day summount fear." - Emerson

Those few words speak volumes, and I'm grateful that I came across it again today.


My Gratitude List for February 28, 2009

Today I'm Grateful For:

1- The sense of accomplishment I feel when I tackle a major task on my 'to do' list.

2- Finding little words of 'wiz'dom that encourage and inspire.

3- Quiet evenings, home alone.

4- Appreciation.

5- Warm slippers when my feet are cold.


Oh and does anyone know why I'm having to 're' follow people I was already following? It seems like all the people I was following, I suddenly need to add and/or follow again. (Insert Twilight Zone Theme Song here)

That's My Guy

I mentioned yesterday about something that happened that I thought was just adorable. Unfortunately, I ran out of time before I could get back on here and tell y'all about it.

Let me begin with a little background. A few weeks ago when Bobbi and I were on the train on our way to Bible Study, we noticed that our train conductor was cute. In fact, I'd go as far as saying he was deliciously hot, and we both noticed. It was one of those things you couldn't help BUT notice. (Yes, I'm married, but not dead, so I do notice these things.)

So, this past Tuesday, once again we were on our way to Bible Study and once again, said conductor was working. He took our tickets, stamped them, made small talk and then winked at me as he walked off. I don't think he was flirting, but being friendly, but I told Bobbi and we talked about it for a few.

When we arrived at our station. We opened the doors to our section of the train and stepped off. Low-and-behold said train conductor was standing outside OUR doors and wished us a great day.

He's very cute and we noticed.. After all, nothing against the train conductors that we generally have, but they aren't always the best in terms of eye candy.

When I got home, I was joking around with Marcel and told him about it. He started laughing and teasing me saying that I had a new 'boyfriend' - the train conductor. We both laughed about it.

Yesterday I went out shopping in Utrecht with some friends and when I got home, I called to let him know I made it home.

He said.. "You should check your email, because I noticed you had an email from someone".

My response was that I probably have many emails from many someones, but I promised to check the email.

When I checked email- I found the following message:


2009/2/26 Marcel

he ik wou even zeggen dat ik veel van je hou..

kusje de treinconducteur


Translated into English it says...

Hey, I just wanted to say that I love you very much.

Kisses, the train conductor.



I couldn't help but crack up laughing, and wrote him a little response. He called later to see if I'd received the email from 'the train conductor'.

I thought it was hilarious. He's so funny. That's my guy.

Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda

I 'should' be cooking right now, or folding and putting away clothes, or even vacuuming. I have a list of things I 'should' be doing, but instead, I'd rather be sitting here typing this, so as you can see, that's exactly what I'm doing.

I spent the morning/afternoon with a group of friends (both old and new) in a city about an hour from here called Utrecht. We did what most women do when they get together- we talked, laughed, shopped, and ate. I had a GREAT time.

Since I arrived home early enough to get a few things done, I do plan to actually do them, but I wanted to check emails and such first, and the rest will come. I'm assured by the fact that the domestic goddess fairy isn't going to pop in and do it all for me, so it definitely isn't going anywhere.

I do have a cute (at least I think it's cute) story to share, but I probably should get a few things done first.

The weekend is on the horizon, along with March 1st, and I'm curious how you're going to spend your weekend?

Marcel is free tomorrow, and aside from a trip to the grocery store and to run a few other errands, we don't have any major plans at the moment. He's working Saturday night, so I'll be 'home alone'- which I have a feeling will become movie night for me.

More from me a little later.

On Choices and Consequences

In spite of it being yet another dreary day here in Neverland, and the promise to myself to stay in today and get everything done that was on my 'to do' list, I decided to go on a quick shopping outing with Desere. An outing which proved fruitful, since I was able to find some new kitchen towels, something that I was in need of. I also found a few things that I didn't need, but isn't that always the case?

This morning over breakfast, Marcel and I (more me than Marcel), were listening to Anderson Cooper 360 that I'd DVR'd last night. They were playing President Obama's speech and when he began discussing the closure of Guantanimo Bay 'Gitmo' and how there would be no torture and abuse of terrorists, Marcel gave a quick, "He's Right".

Since it was something that we've never discussed, I asked him why he felt that way, and he responded with the fact that no one should be beaten and abused, terrorist or not, because after all, 'they are people too'. (His words.)

That actually sparked a debate between the two of us, because I feel quite the opposite, at least where terrorists are concerned.

I believe that ALL people should be treated with respect and dignity, BUT, I believe when you make the choice to cause terrorist acts that can ultimately be responsible for hundreds if not thousands of lives, you give up that right to be treated with dignity and respect.

Marcel disagrees, and we stand at the point that we agree to disagree.

Marcel says that beating them to get information is pointless, because they've been trained not to break. In that respect, he's probably right, but I believe it's worth a try.

I'm a very non-violent person, but this is actually something I feel pretty strongly about.

To some, it may seem like a contradiction in terms, but it's clear in my eyes.

I see it along the same lines as those who are sexual predators and who have been convicted of sex crimes.

Many, if not all of them feel that after they've served their time in prison that they should be afforded the same right to privacy as anyone else, where I feel that they gave up that right the moment they chose such a crime against another human being. I personally want to know where the child sex offenders are in my neighborhood. Wouldn't you?

So tell me, how do you feel? I'm curious.


My Gratitude List for February 25, 2009.

Today I'm Grateful For:

1- Orange Cranberry Compote from Williams-Sonoma, which is the best I've ever eaten.

2- My friend D., who I've been out of contact with for many years, made contact with me through Facebook.

3- Flannel sheets on those cold, dreary days.

4- My friends, my 'true blues', whom I love dearly.

5- Getting coupons in the mail- out of the blue. I love, love, love myself a bargain.

Glitches and Such

I've tried to visit and leave comments on several blogs in the past little while, but any blog that requires a word verification isn't working. (Sorry Bobby and Charmie) I was able to leave a comment without problem on Forest's, but she doesn't require the captcha, but the others would say that the captcha was loading and it never loaded. I tried again and again, but no dice. I'll have to try again tomorrow since I need to spend a little time with Marcel before he heads off to bed for the evening.

He should have his laptop back tomorrow, since UPS tried to deliver it today and I didn't hear the bell. They left us a note in our mailbox saying that they'd come back tomorrow, and since neither of us will be home, he called and asked them to deliever it to his moms, which they happily agreed to do. We're both curious about what the exact problem was with his laptop, but at least he should have it in-house tomorrow. I have a feeling that the next couple of days will find me reinstalling programs on his computer.

Marcel and I were talking over dinner about an article I read regarding the top 10 European countries with the most overweight people. The first country he nailed without a problem, and he didn't guess one of the other 9.

Do you know?

Top 10 Fattest European Countries

1- Germany
2- United Kingdom
3- Cyprus
4- Czech Republic
5- Austria
6- Finland
7- Malta
8- Slovakia
9- Letland
10- Hungary

Coming in at number 21 was the Netherlands, and the least overweight of the European countries was a surprising Italy.

Having been to Prague this past spring and seeing how the Czech people eat, I'm actually surprised that they weren't higher up on the list than 4. We indulged in one traditional Czech meal while we were there, and it was obvious it was not for those watching their calorie or fat count. With that being said, it was delicious, but once was enough- I couldn't imagine eating that way daily.

Tomorrow afternoon I have an appointment with my stylist and not a moment too soon. My hair is a mess, and I'm hoping she can work her magic and have me looking human again.

My Gratitude List for February 23, 2009.

Today I'm Grateful For:

1- Sunshine- even though the visit was a short one.

2- Leftovers, which meant I didn't have to cook today, and that left time for other things- such as an afternoon walk with my favorite guy.

3- Security, in a world which seems so unstable at the moment.

4- Marcel's computer being back from the repair center.

5- Little things that bring great joy.

How I Spent the Weekend

I didn't get much of a chance to write this weekend because Marcel was home, and we were busy spending time with each other.

Saturday we wanted to get out for a while, and ended up heading to Ikea, where even though it wasn't our intention when we set out, we ended up doing our part to help stimulate the economy. We bought something new for the computer room, to set our printer on, plus to allow for more storage space in here, so that it will look better, and not be so cluttered. We'd both been wanting something for a while, but it was one of those things we really didn't 'need', and in fact had discussed something entirely different, but when we saw this, we both knew it was something that would work well, PLUS it was on sale for $50.00 off the original price, so we couldn't pass it up. I'll have to try to get a photo and share it with y'all sometime or another.

Yesterday, I slept in and while Marcel was watching the soccer game, I worked out and then went into a cleaning spree. There were a couple of things that I got busy working on and the time flew away. After that, a little vacuuming here, and dusting there, and everything is in order again.

This morning I had an email from mom that she couldn't see my journal, and sure enough when I visited the website link, the page was blank. I'm not sure why, or how that happened, but I reinstalled the template, and added a few different things, and hopefully it will stay the way it's suppose to- but when dealing with technology, it tends to have a mind of its own from time-to-time.

Since I have quite a bit to do before Marcel gets home from work- I'd better bring this entry to a close, otherwise I'll never finish.

You'll hear more from me later probably, since I have so much that I'd love to say.

Happy Monday!

Focusing on What IS...

I have a very unhappy Mister M. (Mister M. is short for Mister Mistoffelees and is my very spoiled, but very beautiful kitty) crying out to me from the living room, and wanting one of two things- 1- He wants to play, and expects me to be his playdate, or 2- He's wondering WHY he's in there, and I'm here- without him. Either way you slice it, he's going to continue to be disruptive until I give in and either let him in here, or go in there with him.

This couldn't in any way-shape-or-form be part of the reason that he's spoiled rotten- no siree, not at all.

But, I digress. The reason I stopped back in here was to share a bit of something that I received via email earlier today. It's one of those things that I try to live daily, but being human and all that, I don't always succeed. I paused, and thought about my own life, and just how grateful I am for the life I have- far above and beyond the gratitude lists that I've shared on my other blog almost daily for more than a year.

"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass... it's about learning how to dance in the rain!"

We all face adversity in our life. However, it's not the adversity, but how we react to it that will determine the joy and happiness in our life.

During tough times, do we spend too much time feeling sorry for ourselves, or, can we, with gratitude...learn how to dance in the rain?

It almost sounds too simple to feel important, but one word...gratitude, can change your attitude, thus, your life, forever.

Sarah Breathnack said it best...
"When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present....we experience heaven on earth."

This message was a part of an email from Mac Anderson, founder of Simple Truths.

I challenge each of you who stop by this space, to take a moment and not think about what 'isn't' but what 'IS' in our lives. We often spend so much time focusing on all the negative, that we forget to recognize the wonderous, the beautiful, the blessings right under our nose. - The friend who cheers us up when we are feeling blue, The person who holds the door open for us when we are going inside of a building, The neighbor who collects our mail when we are on vacation, The supermarket clerk who checks the back of the store for an item that you simply 'must have', The husband who folds and puts away the laundry- just because, The wife who cooks, cleans, and manages the household day in and out. The list is endless.

What are YOU grateful for today? If you can't start rattling off things without even thinking, then maybe it's time to slow down long enough to stop and notice.

My Gratitude List for February 20, 2008.

Today I'm Grateful For:

1- Recognizing and being grateful for all the wonderful people in my life.

2- Marcel having a job to go to each and every day.

3- Dancing in the rain.

4- My brother- who is far more amazing than anyone ever gives him credit for being.

5- Little things that happen that cause me to pause and examine my own life.

Fireproof

My dearly beloved worked all night last night, so this morning I made sure that when he joined me in bed, that again his side was toasty warm. I turned on the electric blanket on his side, and left it on to keep the bed warm until he came in. I knew he'd appreciate it, and as I mentioned yesterday- it's the little things.

Unfortunately, he obviously didn't sleep well, as he woke up on the wrong side of the bed with his Grumpy Pants on. It didn't take me long to bail out of the living room and head for the hills- otherwise known as the computer room, so at the moment, he's on his side of the house, and I'm on mine. Choosing my battles wisely is one of those things that is an ongoing process for me, and since I know his problem is nothing more than the fact that he didn't sleep long enough, and is still tired, I'm leaving him alone with his grumpiness, and am spending my time doing laundry and a few other little things that need to be done.

This kind of brings me to the subject of the movie Fireproof. Have you seen it? If not, I'd highly suggest you do.

I'll be the first to say that the acting is not the best, and even a bit cheesy at times, but the message in this movie is one that EVERY married couple should experience.

When I sat down to watch it a few weeks ago, I asked Marcel if he wanted to watch it with me. Since it isn't your typical 'action' film, I really didn't expect him to say yes, but he did, and what surprised me even more than that- is that he actually really enjoyed it.

The story line is about a couple who are on the brink of divorce, and how they deal with what they are feeling. It's powerful, and I cried buckets (and I do mean buckets) of tears.

Even though Marcel and I have a great marriage, I know that there is always room for improvement, and I saw myself in several places in the movie- small things that I didn't realize until that moment, and knew that I could change.

Perspective really IS everything, and this movie gives a bit of insight to how men and women think, plus what is needed to make the relationship work.

One sure way to fail is to give up-

When I think about all the relationships that fail these days, and I think about how so many people search outside of their relationships to find someone who can give them what they need, I wonder if they invested the time in their current relationship that they did in the extra curricular one, how different their lives would be.

I KNOW that in bad relationships that it also takes TWO people working towards a common goal to make things work, and sometimes that isn't the case, but I wonder just how many relastionships and marriages fail because we stop listening to each other, respecting each other, and really caring what the other thinks and feels?

Something to think about-

Day Gone..

This morning I slept sinfully late. Even though I knew I had quite a bit to do today, I decided that I would get up whenever I woke up and not worry with the alarm. It was wonderful. Marcel worked all night, so didn't come to bed until a little after six this morning, and it was great to fall asleep for several more hours with him there beside me.

Before I went to sleep, I turned on the electric blanket for him, so that his side of the bed would be toasty when he crawled in it this morning. It's one of those little things that I like to do for him, that make his day a little easier. Since I only grunted and turned over in the bed when he crawled in this morning, he thanked me for it later when he got up.

It has been one of those run, run, run kind of days. I worked out this morning, then jumped in the bath, got ready, ran to the store (not literally) to pick up a plant for his mom. She'd specifically requested a plant for her birthday, so we found one to go along with her birthday gift.

We spent the afternoon and early evening there- and came home in time for Marcel to catch two hours of snooze time before he has to get up (15 minutes from now) and head out the door for his last night shift. Since he only works two of each shift, it makes it much easier for him.

Desere is also home alone this evening, so she's invited me to come over and spend a few hours with her. So, when Marcel goes to work, he'll drop me off there, and Hein will bring me home later.

I do have so much I want to talk about, but it does seem that every time I sit here and begin to write, it's when my time is limited- just like now- I need to get the coffee brewing and Marcel's lunch made, plus change out of the clothes I have on and put on something more comfy to wear to Desere's.

Tomorrow morning Bobbi is coming over for a visit and staying for lunch, but tomorrow afternoon, I hope to find some time to write.

I watched the movie Fireproof a week or so ago, and I'd really like to talk about it. Have any of you seen it? If not, and you can get your hands on a copy (it's out on DVD now), I highly suggest you watch it.

More on that later...

In the meantime, before I head off-

My Gratitude List for February 19, 2009

Today I'm Grateful For:

1- Small gestures which mean so much.

2- The DVR, which allows me to tape almost everything.

3- Being back on the Elliptical and feeling the 'burn'.

4- People who notice.

5- Cuddle time with Mister M.

Focusing

I believe that all things happen for a reason, so I paid special attention to the following when I received it in my email earlier this week.

I've had quite a bit on my mind lately, nothing bad- just many things going on in many places with many people that I love, and I've found that often when I should have a clear mind that my thoughts continue on for hours, jumping from one subject to the next.

Below the email I received from SparkPeople, which is filled with 'wiz'dom that I could relate to. I hope that it will inspire and encourage you the same way it has me.


Concentration is the ability to think of absolutely nothing when it is absolutely necessary. - Ray Knight


Are you able to focus on your goals?

Calm your mind. Quiet all of the distractions surrounding you. Concentrate on the one task at hand. Often a naysayer can cloud our minds and break our focus. What in your life distracts you? In the moment of need, silence your brain and allow yourself to stay focused. Save your worries about tomorrow and guilt over yesterday's failures for another time. Maybe you need to meditate, pray, or simply spend a few moments quietly gathering yourself before tackling the project at hand. Now is the time for just one thing--reaching your goal. Today, focus your energy, clear your head, and achieve!

Sounds of Silence

Since my two favorite guys are both sleeping at the moment, I'm actually enjoying the sound of pure silence. Ok, technically it isn't PURE silence, because obviously the sound of me tapping out these words on the keyboard makes a sound, and the coffee brewing in the kitchen is a faint sound in my ears, but when I say silence, I mean no meowing kitties, no television, no music, no chatter- but silence. I really do understand why they say that silence is golden, because there are times when I feel that it's music to my ears to simply hear nothing. (Oddly, as I typed those words, my cell phone rang with a very LOUD Nickelback playing "Rockstar" as the ringtone.) Since it was in the other room, I didn't answer it, but it definitely broke the 'silence' I was just raving about.

I guess that's just as well, since according to my clock on the lower right hand side of the screen, I have exactly one minute until I have to wake Marcel, which means one minute to actually finish this entry.

I may be back later so that I can actually write about some of the things that have been on my mind, plus to discuss some of Time Magazine's top 50 websites for 2008. I've actually gone through them all- bookmarked them (in their own folder marked Time's top 50 for 08), and plan to spend more time exploring them all when I have time. Some I've heard of, and some I haven't, but already love from first peek. More on that later..... right now I have a husband that needs waking.

Finding Balance

Don't you just love tax time? Marcel and I sent our taxes off to our accountant about two weeks ago, and he's finished them, but for some reason hasn't sent them in yet. What he's waiting on, we're unsure. I'm happy to have them out of the way early though, and now just waiting to get them sent, so that I can check that off the 'to do' list permanently for this year.

I am still finding a struggle trying to balance my time, and I'm still unsure how to find a balance that I'm going to be comfortable with. I've also added my work outs back into the mix, which take priority, so again, I'm searching for balance.

I kept asking myself why it was that before I seemed to have enough time to get things done and now I am lacking, and I finally figured it out- Facebook. Yes, it seems like Facebook is getting the blame for many things these days, so I may as well add it to my list as well.

Seriously- I love it. In the last few weeks, my facebook has been an explosion of 'blast from the past' friends from high school, and it's turned into a mini-reunion and lots of messages back and forth as to what we've been doing with ourselves the last 20+ years since we graduated.

Balance- there has to be a way- but right now it seems to be fleeting. I'll find it though- I just need to find what works and what doesn't.

How do you balance your time? Do you also have struggles from time to time where it seems like everything is a balancing act?

Where Has The Day Gone?

I just had a glance at the clock and realized that it's 6:30 p.m. and I'm wondering where the day has gone. I was up this morning a little before 9, and pretty much hit the ground running. Marcel called the company in regards to his laptop (which is now on it's way to Germany for repairs), while I made breakfast and updated my grocery shopping list.

I then printed out the Fed-Ex label while Marcel called Fed-Ex to schedule a pick up. The time frame they gave us was between noon and six, which gave us two hours to get the grocery shopping done. We made it with about 15 minutes to spare, and Fed-Ex arrived about 10 minutes after 12. Hopefully the turn-around time won't be too long on his laptop, because I think the poor guy is going into withdrawls. I can't blame him though, I would be too. He's been using my computer some, but it isn't the same as your own..

In other news around the homestead- I began my relationship again with the elliptical today. I was expecting serious problems, after neglecting it for so long, but surprisingly, it wasn't as bad as I expected. I did have a case of 'wobbly leg syndrome', but that's the only real thing that was out of the ordinary.

After a two month vacation, and a few weeks of adjustment period at home, I knew it was time to start using it again. I want to get the rest of this excess weight off this year, and I know I will.

Marcel is working today, so I've been able to spend the afternoon doing exactly what I wanted to do, which is always fun. My dinner is in the oven, and I'm thinking a hot bath is in order soon, but I'm slowly but surely getting back into the swing of blogging and catching up with blogs..

I just need to get everyone added to my blogroll and that will make it much easier to keep up with everyone. One step at a time. I have to keep reminding myself.

Before my dinner burns, I'd better put an end to this entry and get moving.

My Gratitude List for February 16, 2009.

Today I'm Grateful For:

1- An afternoon to spend doing exactly what I want.

2- Marcel's laptop still being under warranty.

3- My elliptical.

4- The show The Biggest Loser, which encourages and inspires me each time I watch it.

5- Play time with Mister Mistoffelees, who always makes me giggle.

New Spaces

My bath water is running so unless I make this short, I'll end up with a huge mess to clean up.

Marcel and I are spending the evening with Hein and Desere tonight, but I wanted to stop in and wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day.

I do believe that we should express our love every day, and not just on 'special holidays', but I do think it's fun to celebrate the holiday as well.

I've definitely decided that this is going to be the place where I write, and probably even after I get my site going, I'll probably still write here.

In the next couple of days, I'll have some extra time to spend on the computer, so I'm hoping to be able to get everyone added to my blogroll, which should allow me to keep up with what's happening in everyones lives a little more.

I've decided that I will still write on JS, but the personal things you can find here. Not everyone knows about this place, and it's not a secret, but I am looking forward to this space.

Right now, as much as I'd like to sit and chat, I'd better dash before I end up having a HUGE mess to clean up.

Happy Weekend!

Slowly But Surely

Well, since I haven't had much time to write, I also haven't had much time to consider the layout- but since I had a little time this afternoon while working on Marcels computer (which is in serious need of something), I decided to have a look at my layout and see if I could find something that would seem at least slightly more homey to me. I was able to find something that was a little better- hence, the new layout.

It still isn't what I want- I don't think, but I like it much better than what I had, so I'm going to stick with it for now, or at least until I have more time to play around with layouts.

For those of you who stop by here to read what I've been up to and have noticed that I haven't been by your journals in a while, know that it isn't intentional, or from lack of interest in what's happening in your lives, but my time on the computer has been limited, and I'm finding it difficult to balance the time that I have had on here with getting everything done that I'd like to do.

I've had to prioritize, and unfortunately blogging has fallen low on the priority list. It isn't that I don't want to blog, or even that I don't want to read other blogs, but by the time I finish doing the other things, my time is generally gone, and it's time to head off and do other life things that keep my schedule full. I'm determined to find more balance though, so don't give up on me yet.

I've missed out on a few major events in some of your lives, and for that I'm sorry, but it hasn't been intentional.

I mentioned Marcel's computer issues in the beginning of this entry- I thought it was a virus, and I'm still not convinced that it's not a virus, but we'll have to wait and see. His computer was operating slow today and he tried to reboot but the computer wouldn't shut down. He did a manual shut down and when he restarted it tried to run a scan disk and found errors. The errors were unable to be repaired, and for whatever reason- be it a hard drive failure, a virus, or other issue, the computer doesn't even recognize that there is a hard drive on the computer. It's asking for a boot disk, and of course I don't have one. The recovery disk didn't work, because it said there is no hard drive to recover. Oyyyy! Can you say frustration?

Marcel has limited knowledge about computers, so I've been trying to sort it out myself, to no avail. Thankfully it is still under warranty, so we'll be sending it back and letting them deal with the headache of sorting out whatever it is.

Tomorrow is the big "Valentine's Day". We have plans to go out for dinner and a movie with Hein and Desere. It's the first time the four of us have been out in a while, and I'm really looking forward to it.

The first part of next week is fairly quiet, and with the latter part of the week being busy I think it will balance out. I have quite a bit to catch up with around here, so hopefully that will afford me the time to do so.

In the meantime- I wish you all a very happy Friday the 13th, and an even better weekend and Valentine's Day. Make sure you take the time to express to those around you just how special they are- but do it year round, don't just wait for a special day to do it- after all EVERY day is special.

My Gratitude List for February 13, 2009.

Today I'm Grateful For:

1- Marcel still having a warranty on his computer, so that we can send it back and let them repair the issues.

2- Fresh cherries- 1.00 a pound.

3- A morning spent with Desere-

4- Those who understand without explaination.

5- Reconnecting.

On Appreciation and Assumption (Repost from JS)

For those of you who took the time out of your day yesterday to send up a prayer for Marcel and his family, I thank you- it means more than you realize.
On the whole, the day went well. I’m very proud at the way Marcel handled a few curveballs that were tossed our way, and surprised at another.
It was a difficult day- the fourth anniversary of his brothers death, but we spend our time in reflection, and we try to move forward. It’s really the only way to really LIVE, and we want to make the absolute best of the life we have together. It’s a great one, and we’re blessed in many, many ways.
Since yesterday was also the first day that we’d been out to do anything since he’d been sick, he couldn’t wait to buy me some roses for our anniversary, plus he bought me a beautiful charm for my T.S. bracelet. I explained to him that I don’t ‘need’ gifts to know that he loves me, but this was something he wanted to do, so I couldn’t rob him of that.
I haven’t talked much about my goals for this year, but one of them is to be more unassuming. Not that I really think that I’m very assuming to begin with, but I am guilty from time to time for ‘assuming’ that things are a certain way, when often times, I find myself being wrong in that assumption. So one of my goals is to not assume that ANYONE thinks or feels a certain way, or that any one thing is this way or that way without having the facts to support that feeling. Í know it will help me on this journey to be a better person, and live my own life to the best of it’s potential.
I have a feeling that’s a little life lesson that many of us could benefit from.
Marcel is back to work today, and I’m enjoying some time alone. I’ve had several things that I’ve been wanting to accomplish, and I’ve been able to get those done today. Tomorrow I’m hoping to get caught up on a few hand-written letters and get them sent out before Monday. I love writing so much.
Tonight, Desere is coming over for coffee, company and some girl talk. We spent some time catching up this morning, and we have MUCH to talk about tonight. You’d never guess that we’d just been over there yesterday, but we never run out of things to say.
Yesterday- Marcel and I were chatting with one of our neighbors and she invited us in since it was cold out and none of us wanted to stand in the cold. She and her husband have a lovely place, and she has the most whimsical cat I’ve ever seen in my life. I’ll have to write more about it later- and I’m even going to see if she’ll let me photograph him, but his name is Geno and he’s sleek, brown and simply comical. Of course, he’s not as amazing as Mister M, but he definitely runs a close second, and you know that’s saying something if I say that about a cat I’ve only met for about 45 minutes or so. More on Mr. Geno later.
Right now, I need to take care of a few more things around the house, and see if I have any work that I need to take care of.
More from me later if I get everything finished.

Gratitude

Since I haven’t written one in a while, I decided that I’d take a moment to write a list of the things I’m grateful for today. Even though I haven’t been sharing the list, I am grateful each and every day for all things in my life, even the not-so-pleasant ones, as they serve to teach me about myself and others.
Since I’d rather be spending my time with Marcel, I will keep this short, but expect to hear more from me tomorrow.
Marcel is going back to work Thursday, which will afford me some time to play ‘catch up’ in a major way. I’m completely caught up with all my household chores (with the exception of that dreaded closet revamping that I “STILL” haven’t done), so I should have some time to spend doing what “I” want to do.
My Gratitude List for February 2, 2009.
Today I’m Grateful For:
1- Marcel, whom I love more with each passing year.
2- The flowers, cards and well wishes that we received today in celebration of ‘our’ day.
3- Leftovers, which meant I didn’t have to cook today.
4- Snow- even though it was just a little, it made me smile.
5- Saying “I DO” five years ago today.

Happy 5 Years- (Repost from JS)

Today is February 2nd, which may seem like nothing more to some of you than the second day of the second month of the year 2009, but to Marcel and I it’s much, much more. Today is the five year anniversary of the day we said “We Do”- the day we committed to each other through thick and thin.
I’m definitely blessed to have him as my husband. He’s a great guy, far from perfect, but he’s perfect for me. I love him dearly, even in those moments such as the past week when he’s been home sick and far from fun to be around, I still adore him and know that he feels the same about me.
It’s been a great five years, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the next five brings us. I’d love to say that those five years have been without any sort of trials or tribulations, but I’d be lying. In fact, there have been probably more than enough, but through each of those we’ve managed to learn not only about ourselves, but about the way we feel about each other and our commitment to this relationship, which only brings us closer together.
Marcel, if you happen to read this- I love you, and look forward to waking up beside you for the next 50 + years. Thank you for being who you are.
*kisses*

Stayed Home

The entry below is a mirror of the entry I wrote today at JS. I'm still trying to get in the swing of things, but I'm getting there, and today seems like I'm getting there at a faster pace. I'm strongly considering making this my main blog, for the simple fact that I can change layouts, and Sunny has made a tutorial which helps make the process easier. Now to find the time to work on something. I am not in any hurry, but I have a feeling that it will make this place feel a little more like home- which will reflect the title of this blog appropriately.

I do have many things to talk about, including some new information on the fire in early 2007 that destroyed our other car. If you read my other journal, then you know that we returned from our vacation to find that two days prior our car, along with five others had burned to the ground in what we then thought was a wire short in a company mini van, but what ultimately was the beginning of many tricks of an arsonist in our area. We'd given up on ever finding out who was responsible, not to mention collecting on the fire, but new information has come to light that I'll share soon when I know a little more. Marcel will be calling the police tomorrow morning, and we are praying for good news.

Below- my entry from JS

"If you’ve been reading this journal for any length of time, you know that our Sunday’s always include having dinner at Marcel’s mom with the family. I enjoy it for the most part, and the only time that I usually am not there is when Marcel is working that afternoon.
This week though, I decided that rather than going to my mom in laws, that I could really use the time to myself, as I haven’t had ANY as of late, so I decided to stay home. Marcel brought me some salad and a piece of chicken breast, which I’ll eat along with my broccoli in a little while.
There really is some truth to the old addage that “Silence is Golden” because I am basking in every single second of silence. No television, no i Tunes, stereos, or video games- just pure silence, with the exception of the dryer, but I don’t really count that.
Last night I actually slept until 5:30 this morning without waking. Since I’ve been waking every hour or couple of hours since we got back home, this was so refreshing. I rolled over and went back to sleep and didn’t drag myself out of bed until much later, when I was greeted with a light snowfall.
As the day has worn on, the flakes have stopped falling, but the skies promise more, and I’m hoping they deliver.
I’m sure to those buried in the fluffy white stuff, the thought of more of it makes them groan, but I adore snow and it always brings a smile to my face, so bring it on!"

A question to my fellow ex- JSer's. What is your blogging home of choice at the moment? I'm still deciding, but I do know that the new JS owners show alot of potential, but things will take time. Even when I start blogging at my own space, I am sure that I'll still blog here somewhere- but where is the question. Something tells me I won't 'keep up three blogs though in addition to the new ones. I don't see enough time in the day for that.