The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY March 22, 2010 (yes I am running a day behind!). . .

Outside my window . . . cold but is supposed to be gorgeous later in the day

I am thinking . . . I love my job, I love my job, I love my job -- but man I sure do HATE being in Houston all week and dealing with training!!

I am thankful for . . . a job that pays well and has excellent benefits, I know I am whining about the training but the job itself will be good it's just being stuck in Houston all week for 5 1/2 weeks (yep, until April 7)

I am wearing . . . black slacks, maroon shell with cute colored squares around the neckline, black cover up

I am going . . . to training for 8 hours and then have to go out somewhere to eat, ugh!

I am reading . . . Bible and The Bliss Factor by Penny McCall

On my mind . . . who would have thought the words "I am tired of eating out" would ever have come out of my mouth?!?!?!?!?

Noticing that . . . all the whining in the worls will not get me out of here any sooner and that people who live in big cities all the time HAVE to be a little nuts!! Whew!!

Pondering these words . . . There are alternatives to becoming healthy (other than eat less, exercise more). Laugh more often. Munch on almonds. Take up yoga. Eat more dark chocolate. Go out for Indian food. Floss and brush regularly. Go to the mall. Get enough sleep. Medidate regularly. Try it. -- Anita Renfroe

From the kitchen . . . nothing -- eating out all the darn time while I am stuck in Houston

Around the house . . . things are blooming and I am not there to enjoy them!! The daffodils have already bloomed and gone, the white irises are going strong, and the pear tree has bloomed all the way and is gorgeous!! I mowed the yard for the first time last Sunday and it was glorious!! I LOVE spring!

One of my favorite things . . . home in all its disarray and clutter and things that need to be fixed!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY February 23, 2010 (yes I am running a day behind!). . .

Outside my window . . . sleet, snow, rain, and COLD

I am thinking . . . why do I feel the need to decorate and nest everywhere?!?!

I am thankful for . . . food I don't have to go out in the weather to get

I am wearing . . . black slacks, brown sweater, green jacket, HOSE, brown flats, and amazing brown/green beads which I absolutely LOVE and don't get to wear nearly enough (but I will be wearing them a lot more with the new job where I have to look prefessional!!)

I am going . . . to help Will make and bag sausage this afternoon after I get home

I am reading . . . Bible and Now and Then by Robert Parker (a Spenser noverl!)

On my mind . . . I actually like dressing nice everyday and having to put on makeup and fix my hair. I know it's only been a week and a half but it makes me feel more profesional and smarter. I think that sounds weird but oh well!

Noticing that . . . bad weather seems to bring out the crazy in people who are driving. What's up with that?

Pondering these words . . . There are alternatives to becoming healthy (other than eat less, exercise more). Laugh more often. Munch on almonds. Take up yoga. Eat more dark chocolate. Go out for Indian food. Floss and brush regularly. Go to the mall. Get enough sleep. Medidate regularly. Try it. -- Anita Renfroe

From the kitchen . . . sausage and sausage and sausage! Probably with eggs and toast (if I go to the store and get bread after work!!)

Around the house . . . down to 2 puppies (Thank GOD!!!) and they are staying unless they fail to prove themselves on a hog!

One of my favorite things . . . homemade blackberry jelly

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY February 8, 2010 . . .

Outside my window . . . gorgeous—sunny and warmer and amazing!

I am thinking . . . why do I have so much stinking stuff at work?!?! Why do I feel the need to 'nest' everywhere?!?!?

I am thankful for . . . a new job!

I am wearing . . . denim dress, black shoes

I am going . . . to have to start cleaning more . . . ugh!

I am reading . . . Bible and The Devil's Punchbowl by Greg Iles

On my mind . . . what was I thinking when I applied for a job I have to dress up for?!?!? 

Noticing that . . . people tend to say the appropriate thing instead of what they really want to say

Pondering these words . . . Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes unto us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday. —Inscription on John Wayne's tombstone

And I wonder, have I learned anything? When did tomorrow become something else to worry about? 

From the kitchen . . . made buttermilk pies over the weekend, OMG they were good!

Around the house . . . I gotta start shoveling the stuff out the door!!

One of my favorite things . . . fried chicken

From my picture journal . . . 

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY January 25, 2010 . . .

Outside my window . . . gorgeous!

I am thinking . . . it was great to see Lace and Trent last week

I am thankful for . . . my Daddy

I am wearing . . . brown t, blue jeans, tennies

I am remembering . . . all the you-know-what we used to pull back "in the day"

I am going . . . to make more jelly, ugh!

I am reading . . . Bible and The Husband Tree by Mary Connealy

I am hoping . . . that I do well on my interview on Wednesday, I really want this job (I NEED it too)

On my mind . . . what to wear to a job interview since it's been almost 9 years since my last one 

Noticing that . . . while I do like the church I have been going to, I really loved the song service at another church we visited to hear Lance preach

Pondering these words . . . 

From the kitchen . . . 40, count them, 40 pints of plum jelly on Saturday and that much more juice in the fridge just waiting for me to make jelly in small batches this week. Whew!

Around the house . . . new curtains in the living room, the thick kind that keep out light and temp.—they are freaking awesome!! We should have invested in these years ago!

One of my favorite things . . . true southern sweet tea, nothing better!

From my picture journal . . . from the archives of my youth

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY January 18, 2010 . . .

Outside my window . . . sunny and WARM!! Woo Hoo!!

I am thinking . . . I have tons of stuff to do when I get off work—Lance and Trent are coming for supper

I am thankful for . . . I got to go hear Lance preach his first sermon on Sunday 

I am wearing . . . denim dress, black shoes

I am going . . . to lunch with my dad

I am reading . . . Bible and Allegheny Hopes by Janice A. Thompson

I am hoping . . . that supper turns out well

On my mind . . . Why can't I let go of things/emotions/relationships and give them to God without taking them back?

Noticing that . . . what some people perceive as unfriendly is just shy  

Pondering these words . . . "O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge." Psalm 62:8

From the kitchen . . . Chicken fried deer steak, squash from my garden cooked in the microwave with a little butter, purple hull peas from my garden, corn (from HEB!!), biscuits (homemade hopefully!!), and gravy

Around the house . . . puppies have got to go!!

One of my favorite things . . . Sensual Amber Body Lotion

From my picture journal . . . What do you think—sunrise or sunset?

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY January 4, 2010 . . .

Outside my window . . . gorgeous, glorious day! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, it is freaking COLD!! hehe!

I am thinking . . . I have to start new habits for the new year. You know, habits like actually doing the laundry before Will runs out of underwear, keeping the dishwasher emptied and ready for dirty dishes before the sink overflows with the dishes, dusting the furniture before you can write your name in it and it looked like it is engraved into the surface, stuff like that . . . 

I am thankful for . . . new dish towels, pot holders, and an apron. Mine were from when we got married and that was, well, um, 11 years ago. I tend to hold onto everything then I had a God breeze on my birthday. Why hang on to towels that are stained and icky looking and pot holders that make me cringe and remind me of all the uh-ohs from the last 11 years (like the time the fry daddy overflowed and I used the towels to mop up the grease, or the time I dropped the cast iron skillet with bacon grease on the floor and down into the pot holder drawer, or when I left the pot holder too close to the burner and it was scorched)? Why torture myself like this when I could buy 12 cup towels, 6 pot holders, and an apron for about $20.00? That freed up two, count them, TWO drawers (did I mention I NEVER throw towels away?!?!?) in my kitchen. Now I have pretty dish towels that I like, and cute red pot holders that match my kitchen and this makes me smile while I am cleaning and in the kitchen. 

I am wearing . . . jeans, blue shirt, tennis shoes.

I am going . . . to the library and then to Bealls (gift card!) then to Wal-Mart (another gift card!)

I am reading . . . Bible and Stone Cold by David Baldacci

I am hoping . . . that I can get everything done and home early enough to help Will

On my mind . . . I know you stand in front of your cabinet and do the same thing I do—look for your favorite glass or mug to drink out of. Why do we do that? Like the container changes the contents? Not one iota—just that the experience of drinking from it is greatly enhanced by the container. ——Anite Renfroe  I read this and I think, yeah, I do that and I have a few that I love to drink out of and some that I refuse to drink out of but Will loves those so I can't throw them away. What's up with that?

Noticing that . . . people are still in a hurry and in a bad mood, even thought the holiday season is over.  

Pondering these words . . . Paula Deen said "I think no matter what the occasion may be, you can never go wrong by showing up at the dinner table with a hot plate of fried chicken." And I was wondering, when the tradition of showing up at your neighbor's or friend's house with food went out of style? When did we get so busy that we forgot Southern manners and grace? Or is it that we are just so busy we don't have time to do the things that made our mothers and grandmothers stand out in the neighborhood? I remember when you could actually predict what dish a person was going to bring b/c they always made the same thing!! I wonder if it is a time problem or an 'I don't care' problem? I am guilty of it myself so don't go around saying "She's judging and picking on people!" But, this year, I resolve to have people over more (goes along with the keeping the house clean!!) and giving more. More of my time and more of myself. Maybe that was what made neighbors lifelong friends—fried chicken and green bean casserole!

From the kitchen . . . I got Paula Deen cooking stuff for Christmas!! WooHoo for me!!

Around the house . . . We cleaned the living room, kitchen, and dining room the Sat. after Christmas b/c were having guests over for lunch. Well, I have re-cleaned and kept it clean and all that for over a week!! Yahoo! That is a record for me! I am slowly working in Flylady habits as my resolutions for the new year and praying that God will help me stick with it. He knows that house could use it!!

One of my favorite things . . . pizza, thinking I am gonna have that for lunch today!

From my picture journal . . . what I was hunting for this year

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY December 21, 2009 . . .

Outside my window . . . gorgeous, glorious day! The sun is shining. The wind is slightly blowing. It is warm.

I am thinking . . . it was great going to church with my SIL and her kids and my MIL yesterday and then spending the afternoon with them as the kids opened presents. And that, while Twister was a great idea for the kids, I probably should not be playing it with them. At least my back, neck, and swollen knee this morning is telling me that!!

I am thankful for . . . the Christmas season. This year it is a reminder of the things we should be thankful for and the things that are really important. The people that are really important.

I am wearing . . . denim dress

I am remembering . . . Christmas seasons past.

I am going . . . to finish my Santa Hat toilet paper cover tonight, or at least one of them

I am reading . . . Bible and The Cold Light of Mourning by Elizabeth J. Duncan

I am hoping . . . that Will remembers to NOT check the mail b/c his gift is supposed to come today or tomorrow and he is off both days

On my mind . . . Why are Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah known by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (the Babylonian names the chief eunuch gave them) throughout the book of Daniel but Daniel known as Daniel? When Daniel is mentioned, it is Daniel or, when someone calls him Belteshazzar it goes on to say "Daniel who was called Belteshazzar." I don't know why this jumped out at me when I was studying Daniel but it did. I know, I know, it doesn't matter, I am looking too deep . . . sigh. Oh well.

Noticing that . . . the holiday season is not a joyous one for shoppers. Am I the only one who thinks that the shoppers in the stores are getting ridiculous with their manners, or lack thereof? 

Pondering these words . . . The mirror doesn't lie and you don't walk out the door without looking in the mirror. People are always telling you what is wrong with you and that makes you feel bad about yourself. So, why don't you make God your mirror? He doesn't lie. When you know who you are in Christ, you are confident and strong and you feel love for other people and pity for the very ones that are trying to tear you down b/c you know they don't know how much they are loved and are trying to make themselves feel better by putting others down.

From the kitchen . . . We are going to fry a whole turkey for Christmas. Yeah for Paula Deen!!

Around the house . . . afghan, toilet paper cover, lapghan, hat—all in progress

One of my favorite things . . . the game of 42. I am going to have to see if I can talk the neighbors into playing while I am off next week.

From my picture journal . . . 

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY December 14, 2009 . . .

Outside my window . . . gloomy but it is going to be an awesome day! My attitude determines the type of day I have and I choose to have a great day!

I am thinking . . . I found a great hat crochet pattern and I am making a granny square lapghan for a present to some lady in the nursing home (not sure who will get it, doing it so my MIL can give it to someone whose family failed to provide a gift for the Christmas party this friday)

I am thankful for . . . the fact that I have a talent for crochet so I can make something that will bring someone else comfort and joy

I am wearing . . . brown t, black pants, tennis shoes—but I do have makeup on today!! Woo Hoo for me (and everyone else who will see me today!!!)

I am remembering . . . the parade and Christmas lighting last Saturday night at Kennard. It was great and I got to visit with people I rarely see.

I am going . . . to have to get on the ball to finish a lapghan by Friday, even though I am hoping to get two done just in case they are needed

I am reading . . . Bible and nothing else right now, going to the library today b/c I have finished all the ones I have. I am going through withdrawal symptoms!!

I am hoping . . . that I get all of my projects finished on time, Christmas is right around the corner and I still have a few things to finish

On my mind . . . what to think about a preacher who says "When it comes to the Bible I am really dumb." Was he joking? Was he serious? Am I being too nitpicky about this remark? Sigh. For some reason this is really bothering me. I think I want a preacher to know the Bible, or at least be actively studying it. 

Noticing that . . . the deer population is only moving at night when I am driving home NOT when I am pursuing them!

Pondering these words . . . Faith without works is dead

From the kitchen . . . I made brownies yesterday. yay for me!

Around the house . . . going to rearrange the furniture in the living room—I need space!

One of my favorite things . . . A&W Root Beer, it just seems to make the day better especially when it is poured over Blue Bell old fashioned vanilla!!!

From my picture journal . . . don't ya LOVE deer cams?!?!?!?!?

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY November 30, 2009 . . .

Outside my window . . . cool and humid and sunny, it rained and rained and rained last night!

I am thinking . . . it is going to be great to get home and have time to myself before Will gets home

I am thankful for . . . books

I am wearing . . . blue jean dress with black velvet collar, black shoes, huge spoon ring that gives me a different attitude (and don't think I am the only one who accessorizes according to their mood and then the accessories take over and affect your attitude!!)

I am remembering . . . the smell of Thanksgiving when I was little—chicken boiling, cornbread cooking, ham baking

I am going . . . to do some laundry and get it hung out on the line this afternoon

I am reading . . . Cry in the Night by Colleen Coble and next up is Undead and Unworthy by Mary Janice Davidson (a guilty pleasure to be sure!!)

I am hoping . . . that I remembered to pay all of the bills!!

On my mind . . . why do some married men act as if they are single? If they did not want to get married, why did they?!?!? 

Noticing that . . . there are a lot of odd people out and about and they all seem to want to walk up to me and start a conversation about oranges and home raised vs. store bought meat and the price of cleaning detergent. What's up with that?

Pondering these words . . . If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, your wonderful uniqueness is precisely what brings God pleasure. It gives you "character," and He's smitten with you. So don't just embrace your uniqueness; revel in it. (Anita Renfroe perpetual calendar)

From the kitchen . . . I made candy for Thanksgiving!! I know it is traditionally a Christmas thing but I WANTED some Divinity so I just got busy in the kitchen and made Divinity, Peanut Butter Balls, and chocolate covered pretzels (don't give me more credit than I deserve with this, I just melted the chocolate almond bark in the microwave and dipped the pretzels in it)

Around the house . . . I have started a little decluttering in one corner of the living room and one corner of the bedroom. This is going to be a long, drawn out process b/c it pains me to throw perfectly good stuff away, no matter if I haven't used it in the 11 years I've been married!! I blame my grandmother who lived through the great depression and who, when she died, still had the carbon copy of checks from the 1960s. It was interesting to see how much stuff cost back then but needless to hold onto them. Sigh. I say this as I just threw out my bank statements from my first bank account in 1990 . . .

One of my favorite things . . . DIVINITY!! I think I may be the last person on the face of the Earth who knows what Divinity is and/or likes it but, to me, nothing says holiday like Divinity!!

From my picture journal . . . Taylor's pig Little Red

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY November 23, 2009 . . .

Outside my window . . . is gorgeous!! Sunny, breezy, and warm!!

I am thinking . . . I am so thankful for the holiday season that is coming up—that everyone is healthy and happy

I am thankful for . . . the time I am getting to spend with my Dad. It is frustrating to be down to part time but great to be able to spend more time with my Dad.

I am wearing . . . black slacks, blue shirt, brown flips with blue beads on them, blue/coral necklace/bracelet/earring set that I absolutely love!!

I am remembering . . . the Thanksgiving dinners we used to have when I was a kid and am a little sad that so much has changed since then

I am going . . . to start cleaning/decluttering my house—it is fast becoming a necessity!

I am reading . . . trashy romance novel. Sometimes I need to read something that engages the romantic side of me b/c I fear I have no romance in my soul.

I am hoping . . . that we get to keep Taylor over the holiday weekend so he can hunt with us

On my mind . . . to think of all the new technology that has come about even since I was little 

Noticing that . . . a lot of people forget their manners and lose their tempers around the holidays

Pondering these words . . . Faith without works is dead

From the kitchen . . . breakfast burritos last night . . . wonder if I can get him to eat them again tonight?

Around the house . . . I STILL need to do laundry. Ugh!

One of my favorite things . . . the time of day between daylight and dark when the fog slips in over the fields, the sun is easing it's way to it's resting place behind the trees, the night birds are starting to come out and sing, and you can smell the night coming in.

From my picture journal . . . not a great pic of my favorite time of day, taken with my cell phone from the deer stand last night