Currently- Simple Woman's day book for September 2018

Outside my window:

For the last week or so, I was sure that summer was over and Fall was just around the corner, but I was sadly mistaken.  It has been even more hot and miserable  with a lot of thunderstorms and downpours each afternoon. I am really looking forward to the Fall weather, which is no where in sight.

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I have been neglecting:

Many things including, the roses. They are seriously neglected. I am at the point of asking my husband to run over the bed with a lawnmower and I will just start from scratch with whatever happens to live. Despite having zero attention, I do find a rose every now and again and I'm always surprised.  I credit the fact that I bypassed the Home Depot roses and I drove an hour and a half to a nursery in Lafayette, LA on a David Austin rose shipped over from England. I think these roses really do perform better, even though I have mistreated them. 

I am attempting:

To get back into the Flylady method of home cleaning/organization. I had done it years ago with good results, and now trying to implement it again slowly. I have not committed to a morning routine or an evening routine (or the laundry routine, after dinner routine or the "weekly home blessing"), but I do try to do one load of clothes every morning and the zones each week. I find the daily videos  (here) to be beneficial and also the timer. I typically do not want to do housework after a workday, but I've found I don't have to be in a good mood about it for it to get done. If I can just set the timer and start half-heartedly doing the one little thing I am suppose to do that day, the house looks a lot better.  A few little thing daily really makes a noticeable difference. I think the daily part of it is the key, however, I really am just beginning.


I am also attempting:

Weight watchers. About 16 years ago, I was successful, and kept the weight off for quite some time.  I've half-heartedly started and stopped a few times over the years and here I go again. I discovered I need limits,  boundaries, an  organized, structured program.  Its been  5 weeks and I've lost 3.5 pounds. Slow progress to be sure, but I decided as long as it goes in that direction, I will consider myself successful, no matter how little the drop is. Id like to lose 15 more, but I think, at my age, that may be unrealistic.  My goal is to lose 8 to 10 more pounds.  It has not been terribly difficult,  like everything else, it takes planning and organization. 


I am thankful:

For the time and energy to get things done around the house. It still feels slow, but upstairs closets are being organized, downstairs closets are being organized, a yard sale is being planned, a new rocker came to live on my front porch, my husband's former home, after being on the market for 9 months, has sold and plans for a master closet are in the works. Life has been busy, and projects at home do not go as quickly and easily as you think they should, but I am thankful things are getting done and progress can be seen and felt.

Currently reading:

Each year, I try to read one classic. This year its Emma written by Jane Austen in 1814.  I'm also in the middle of a Bible study, Daniel by Beth Moore.

Looking forward to:

A work trip to Astoria, Oregon in October. I am beside myself excited about this. I LOVE Oregon. The Oregon coast is my favorite place to travel and this will be my third trip and, of course, we are making a little vacation out of it. 

We have been planning a trip to Waco, Texas to the Magnolia Market/Silos/Magnolia Bakery  for quite some time. We tried to go during the Labor day weekend, but two different friends who had been told us it would be too crowded to enjoy. We then said we would go in the middle of September during the week, but its been difficult to plan around two jobs and three houses and all the other commitments and business of life, so it looks like its being rescheduled again. 

Currently- Simple Woman's Day Book- May 14, 2018

Outside my window:

Its hot and I am miserable. That was one of the reasons I had a very difficult reentry to work, that and SO much work. Its going to take months to catch up. But taking two weeks off work was worth it. I honeymooned  (it was in the 60s!) and then spent the last part of it sitting on the couch with multiple cups of coffee looking at the bird feeder   getting a few house projects completed.

Around the house:


Before the flood, what use to be the upper cypress cabinets in the kitchen are now painted white and hanging in the laundry room. I also got  a countertop in the laundry room above the new washer and dryer and I am not exaggerating that I have always-always-always-always wanted one and I absolutely love it. The laundry room suddenly shaped up. Still no floor, but ....

The stairs and upstairs room have carpet and his china cabinet moved in as well, which was very beneficial since I had no furniture at all.
 

What I'm planning:

Hiring my friend's teenage son for more help organizing and moving things. Its incredible how much energy a 16 year old boy has.


Ive been enjoying:

Piddling around the house. I've cooked big breakfast each morning and elaborate dinner each night. China has been added to one of the china cabinets and two TVs are hooked up and for the first time in two years, cable has been installed. I re-arranged and organized the closet and the dressers to fit in the husband's things. I've moved  half of his pantry into my pantry and I've sat on the swing and taken a nap on the couch every afternoon. I've met friends at TJ Maxx and Marshalls in the middle of the day.  I have had some leisurely lunches out while running errands with the new husband. I really enjoyed it all. But real life started again and its all I can do to get home and take a nap. I'm worn out.

What I'm reading:

Everyday I'm Hustling by Vivica A. Fox. This is partially a book about what has happened to her in her life and career and partially an advice book. Its very interesting. She clearly has worked hard and made some smart decisions. She is also a Christian. 

Bare Bones by Bobby Bones. I actually never heard of this guy but my friend told me he had a compelling story and he really does. He is a pretty well known radio personality, grew up really poor with an alcoholic mother. Its just nice to read success stories from people who are very unlikely to be successful in their life. 

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Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window:

Is it going to rain every single day this summer? It appears so. I am not a fan. But it does make for some pretty spectacular sunsets, of which I am a fan.

I am looking forward to:

Living downstairs again. Its been over 11 months and it is really starting to grate on my very.     last.     nerve.

I am looking forward to, part 2:

Four slabs of  white thunder granite with my name on it is making its way to my house now. Its last known location was New Orleans (allegedly). Its suppose to arrive "this week". (which is a special code my contract talks in where time does not mean what you think it means.... I haven't deciphered it yet.... "this week" means maybe next month? who knows? 2 weeks? cross your fingers? I'm beginning to think "New Orleans" is code as well.... it could mean Savannah? Dallas? New Delhi? who really knows....)

 Around the house:

I have to admit. It is starting to  kind of look like a real house again. The progress:

The built in china hutch in the breakfast nook. The carpet choice (last one on second row named Music Center) for the second stairs and upstairs room. The kitchen cabinets are painted (!!) and the view from the kitchen to the living room.

I am listening to:

Peaceful piano playlist on Spotify:  I read (here) that listening to instrumental music helps when you are on your very last nerve while working and increases productivity and focus. I need more of that. So far, I give it a big thumbs up.

I listening to, part 2:

Loyal Books. I just discovered it. Its free classic audio books. I have a goal to read more classics. So far I've read, The Great Gatsby (written in 1922) and Jane Eyre (written in 1847).

I am watching:

Netflix and not much else. I'm both patting myself on the back for having some TV to watch and ashamed of myself for wasting so much time on Netflix.  So far, I've watched every episode of the crown and the tudors and started watching the British Baking Show. My current obsession problem downfall interest is watching 90210, the old show I watched when I was in high school that they made a remake years later...  I am sucked in. I usually watch 2-3 episodes at a time (no commercials so it takes less than 2 hours to watch three shows), but sometimes I slip into a coma and stay up until midnight watching 4 or 5 back to back and then wonder where all my time went and why I'm so sleepy every morning. I've watched more movies in the last month than I have in the last year (like this one). Its pretty convenient to put it on the laptop while I crawl into bed but then, suddenly its two (or five) hours later... and refer to above comment.

I am reading:
 

I try not to start two Bible studies at the same time, but sometimes it just can not be helped.... but it is hard to keep up with. Thursday night Bible study at church, Fervent by Priscilla Shirer  and Saturday morning Bible study at church, 5 habits of a woman who doesn't quit by Nicki Koziarz. I am the one who chose the 5 habits book, so I have no one to blame but myself.  I read very little fiction, but just finished the The Lost Letter and I loved it.

I am cooking:

I am sure I have forgotten how to cook. See the state of the kitchen above.....

Quote to share:

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The Simple Woma's Daybook: April 18, 2017

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Outside my window:

For the most part the weather has been surprisingly pleasant.  Enjoyed a long string of beautiful blue skies and sunny days. But I know the hot weather is around the corner.


I am looking forward to:
One of my yearly goals was to do some travelling this year and I really have. I was in Vermont in February. I'm going to Gulf Shores in May and plan to shop here heavily for the house. I'm going to Maine for a long Memorial Day weekend and planning another trip for a long Labor Day weekend, right now, looks like it will be to Niagara Falls.
 

 



 Around the house:
This is somewhat of a sore subject. A flood update....  The few I know whose house is already fixed complains about the poor workmanship and quality. I try to have patience and not rush the contractor because I'd rather have it done right and avoid years of complaining about the finished product. The progress seems to happen all at once then nothing happens for the next few weeks. Its getting depressing. The wooden front stairs are built and are prettier than ever, the new iron spindles are in, I have electricity downstairs, and the fridge is plugged in (its sitting in the middle of the kitchen, but it is plugged in). I have a washing machine hooked up but no dryer. The master bath tile shower has been started and a new fence is about to go up. But, it is so slow. If I get moved in by August, I'll feel lucky.

I am watching:

I finally came to the realization that living upstairs is not as temporary as I think it is. Its been 8 months since the flood and 6 months since I moved upstairs. There is realistically no end in sight. I've been without cable the entire time. I do have a TV but its more trouble than its worth to move it from window to window and arrange the antenna just so, hoping to get a channel. I broke down and got both Netflix and Sling TV.  Now I'm just moving my laptop from place to place. Its weird to watch TV on the computer, and I wouldn't have chosen this, but I get to watch  HGTV, the Food Network and Lifetime. I just started watching the Crown. Its been a LOOOOOOOOONG time since I watched a series.

I listening to:
Since I've been watching very little TV, I can finish an audio book in 2 to 3 days.  I read about 2 books a week. I decided that I need to make efforts to read more of the classics. Last year I read The Great Gatsby. Now, I'm reading Jane Eyre, (and you cant get much more classic than a book written in 1840s). Some parts of it are vaguely familiar so I think I half-heartedly read it (or probably the cliff notes) in Jr. High like everyone else.


I am reading:

Bible study at church, uninvited by Lisa Terkuerst. Its not the first study I would pick, but its what the women's group at church is doing. Honestly, its not my cup of tea. I'm muddling through it.

 

I am cooking:

I'm trying to cook more, its still not easy. I  can make breakfast and I made Taco Lettuce Wraps this weekend. Having a real fridge downstairs (with a freezer) helps a little.  I can make smoothies now, and put more than 2 bottles of water in the fridge at one time.

 

Simple Woman's Daybook Saturday January 28

Outside my window:

Colder weather has returned and I have been delighted. Its cold enough for an electric blanket at night and sunny and bright in the day and does not get above 60. My favorite kind of weather, and it looks like I have a few more days of this to enjoy.

My current view:
A sunny window from bed.

I am learning:
Constantly re-learning that I can't do everything at once. I simultaneously wanted to go to Bible Study, the grocery store, get some errands done, clean the car, measure for furniture, go to work, and clean the upstairs but I also want to stay in my PJs and lounge around the house. What I did do is Bible Study and grocery store and back in PJs by noon. 

Currently:
I'm sick. The doctor said it is not flu but its flu like symptoms. I missed a day and a half of work, and was trying to make it up today. Instead, this Bible Study and grocery store wore me slap out and I voted for PJs and I stayed in bed, a lot.


Around the house:
Surprisingly, things have really started moving around the house. It was a big week. I picked most of the tile, flooring, tubs, sinks, backsplash and a partridge in a pear tree. The kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and dining room were painted. This fireplace (finally) went in. It was my third choice but the best fit for the space without major re-structuring of the entire house. The scaffolding is half built so the living room and entry can be painted.  Its shocking how much can get done in a week after what feels like months of not much happening. 

I am looking forward to:
Getting a new front door. Its suppose to be in this week. It was ordered in October and scheduled for delivery December 1. Its been almost 2 months delayed. This is the fourth delivery date I've been given, so I don't have high hopes.

I am looking forward to, part 2:

Cable TV.  I'm so tired of watching antenna TV. I miss the Food Network, HGTV, Hallmark movies...

I'm looking forward to, part 3:
Beth Moore Live in June and the two day class prior to the event.

I listening to:
I shocked myself by finishing Outlander book 4 in about two weeks and a half or so. Its quite the accomplishment. It was 44 hours and 54 minutes long. I did not enjoy book 4 as much as I did book 3. I have book 5, but cant jump into it.  I feel I need to rest up before I get so involved again. Although I accidently read a pretty detailed spoiler on book 5 and I'm a little disappointed I already know the major plot lines. This series is so  popular and discussed at such length, that it is almost impossible to avoid all spoilers. I keep saying I'm going to stop getting sucked into this series, but....

I am cooking:

Not much. I'm enjoying home made chicken noodle soup from a friend,  weekly dinner invitations from my neighbor/cousin always with leftovers, meal delivery from a local organic health food service, and the few things from grocery store like peanut butter sandwiches, deli potato salad and ham. I make myself breakfast easier than anything else. Yogurt, eggs, oatmeal, toast, cereal. That's about all the makeshift upstairs kitchen can manage.



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simple woman daybook- November 30, 2016

Outside my (office) window:
Its grey and turning cooler, which makes me happy. (the cooler part, not the grey part.) When the dog woke me up at 1:00a for a potty break, it was raining. She didn't stay out in it long.  Raining and cold this weekend.
 
Around the house:
moving along with the rebuilding slowly. 18 new windows are scheduled to be installed Friday morning. The upgraded nicer and bigger fireplace is scheduled to be installed in the middle of January. I have a meeting scheduled tonight with the carpenter to discuss/chose cabinets in kitchen and bathroom. Sounds like progress, but it is very very slow.

Last weekend:
I spent all weekend going back and forth to Lowes to get paint samples. Finally, colors are chosen. The masterbath is going to be light French grey and the bedroom is babbling brook.  

I am watching:
Having an antenna is limiting. I miss HGTV. I've been watching a lot of the Love Boat, Wonder Woman and the news that continuously replays on one station. Its been quite a while since I watched any series regularly. Looking forward to start of The Great American Baking Show this Thursday.


I am listening to:

• this podcast from Elise Joy on getting your goals down on paper 
• this book on audible

I am cooking:
I manage to cook breakfast in my little makeshift kitchen upstairs, but not much else. I've been heavily relying on sandwiches or chick-fil-a for supper, or the home cooked meals friends randomly drop by.  If I had a real kitchen, I'd be making chicken and dumplings' and peanut butter oatmeal bars this weekend.
  
I am looking forward to:
The 2017 Propel Conference. They have not released the dates or cities yet, but several of us are planning to attend at the most exciting location. I am not so secretly pulling for a return trip to California. When I lived in Nevada, I was three hours away from my favorite spot , and was there about five times a year.  But, its a lot harder to see it from Louisiana.





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The Simple Woman Daybook September 15, 2016

Outside my (office) window:
Its ever so slowly turning into fall. The days are still hot but the mornings and evenings are slightly cooler.


I am:
Recuperating from having five feet of water in my house (from the flood.)


I am planning:

• To join YMCA next door to my office, for many reasons, including walking on treadmill and watching TV
• Start a new Bible study tonight at church (Breathe by Priscilla Shirer)
• Get another contractor to give me a quote to rebuild my downstairs
• Have a new AC installed this weekend

I am watching:
Youtube videos. I don't have a TV at my new living arrangements....

I am reading:
The Skinny Budget Diet It was on clearance at Lifeway and I had a 20% off coupon. It was $6. I couldn't resist.

I am cooking:
Put Taco soup in the crockpot this morning.
  
I am disappointed:
I canceled my vacation plans to Maine. I took too much time off during the flood and don't feel like I can spend the time or the money for vacation right now. As much as I don't like flying into snow, I am hopeful I can get to Boston for a few days at the end of the year.

I am looking forward to:
A new car coming this week.... Its on the way from Georgia.

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Daybook, Wednesday April 26, 2016

Outside my window:
This must be what Spring is like, Its not hot! Hurrah! Each day is pretty mild with a cool breeze in the morning and evening and a little rain. I know its not going to last much longer.

I am:
Recuperating. In the last three weeks, I've had dental surgery and bronchitis, three different antibiotics, two cough medicines, two pain medicines and an asthma inhaler. It has zapped my strength. I am typically asleep on the couch at 8:30 every night and I am ready to be completely over this and get back to my regular every day not sick life.

I am planning:
Second quarter goals. Slowly starting to put up curtain rods in the living room and most of the stuff for the vegetable garden. I now just need to actually start. 


I am Listening to:
"Think like a success. Act like a success", an audiobook by Steve Harvey. I love it. Christian with scriptures included.

I am watching:
The buds in the rose bed. All have made beautiful flowers. Abraham Lincoln was the first to bloom, followed by Abraham Darby and Gold Cup.  Now, all three have small buds again.

I am watching (part two )
Outlander. I said I wasn't going to watch this season. Its ridiculous how hooked on this show I get, but the season premier came on and what did I do? That's right and now I'm hooked again.

I am reading:
Stepping up Bible study by Beth Moore with the women's ministry at church and Kay Arthur's study on Ruth with the older ladies at church. I usually pick one or the other group and I try to avoid doing two studies at once, but ... I didn't want to sit out on either of these. Its been a lot of work.

I am cooking:
Not much cooking has been going on in my house lately, other than breakfast smoothies. I did just get this bread machine and I plan to have fresh bread soon. I also bought a share of the summer season at the Community Supported Agriculture farm, so I'll have to start cooking soon.



I am irritated:

at the blue jays in the yard. They have suddenly become very territorial and dive bomb the dog when she goes outside. Thus far they haven't touched her and the poor thing, she doesn't know enough to know she is being attacked. She is an old thing and just going about her business.  But it is obvious to me and this is her house for crying out loud!  Blue Jays are so aggravating to the point that I have stood outside and told them out loud that their behavior will stop.  I bet they have made a nest nearby.   

I am looking forward to:
 My Stitch Fix! Its suppose to arrive on Friday. it is so nice to find a little surprise at my door after a long week.  I haven't been talking about it much, but I still get the boxes almost every month, and I love them.  I keep at least one item from every box and sometimes, two or three. Its true what they say, the longer you get the boxes the more they get to know you and send you things you like and want, and the pieces build on themselves, in that they match from past boxes.   I do find the pieces to be a little bit pricey- but I also think it balances out when you think of the time, energy, gas money going all over town or the shipping charges ordering something... 

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Simple Woman's Daybook: Monday March 14

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Outside my window:
Its not Winter. Its not Spring. Its that strange in between time where there are a few sunny and cool days and a few warm, grey and humid days and it rains a lot (and it floods). 

I am:
Discombobulated due to the time change. Its nice in the sunny afternoons after work but its not so nice in the dark mornings before work.

I am planning:
to clean the fireplace. I have accepted the fact that my dreams of sitting in front of a roaring fire are over. The fireplace is out of use until sometime in November. It was nice while it lasted, but it didn't last long. 

I am Listening to:
An audiobook, In the Sanctuary of Outcasts By Neil White. Its fascinating. Its about a man who served a one year prison sentence in a federal prison in Carville, Louisiana (about 45 minutes from me) that also houses the only leper colony in the United States. It was established in 1894.

I am watching:
Anxiously awaiting Dancing with the Stars next week.

I am watching (part two )
The rosebed.   Abraham Lincoln has one small bud and Abraham Darby has four tiny buds.  I'm not the only one watching the rosebed. I found a snake sunning himself in it last weekend.

I am watching (part three)
For the UPS man.... I ordered a rug for the bathroom and I am anxiously awaiting its arrival. I am kind of ready to be done with this bathroom re-do.

I am cooking:
I made Vegan no bake Apricot Bars this weekend, and chicken cheese enchiladas and this breakfast smoothie almost every morning.

I am planning:
My second quarter goals. I've decided I'll be focused on the living room and making a vegetable garden. I'll also probably get the front porch put together since I already started by re-painting the front door and, of course, the shutters are next. I'm looking at putting curtains in the living room and that includes  making my own curtain rod. I'm tiring myself out just planning all this.

I am looking forward to:
Completely totally and finally finishing the bathroom! Just a few more tweaks here and there and I will be done.

I am looking forward to, part two:
Priscilla Shirer simulcast in April. My church is deciding if we will host a simulcast. If not, I'll be in my jammies all day streaming it in the breakfast nook.

I am looking forward to, part three:Cancelling cable TV and saving myself some money. There are so many other options. I am thinking of going with sling. Ever tried it?

I am reading:
Just finished What comes next and how to like it.(Did not like it....) and in the middle of a Bible Study at church, The Armor of God 

Quote:
"It always seems impossible until its done"

Simple Woman's Daybook- Sunday Jan. 3, 2016

Outside my window:
Cooler weather arrived and I am pretty over the moon about it, although its been gray and raining too. Its still much more enjoyable than the 80 degree humid Christmas weather.

I am:
Fighting a little fever, sore throat, congestion and generally not feeling energetic. I had the last 3 1/2 days off which I've mostly spent snuggled down on the couch in front of a fire.

I am Listening to:
Currently, the dog snoring on his pet bed  and the burning fireplace. All is quiet.

I am watching:
I just watched War Room movie on Amazon. It was only $5.99 to rent but its 75% off until Monday  (here). So I paid $1.25

I am watching, part 2:
The birds at the feeder in the back yard. There are a lot of them today. The dog has been joining me in the watching, but with more interest.

I am planning:
2016 goals with Lara Casey's goal planning series here and some books I want to read in 2016.

I am planning, part 2:
Because I don't feel good, I've been slow to start putting Christmas away. It also takes extra time to organize by color, so I am deep in the middle of that and the house shows it. I am slowly getting the bins down and going at it, but they are all sitting on my dining room table, making the house look a little chaotic and unorganized.  


I am reading:
I'm between books, which is rare. I'm awaiting The Finishing School to arrive, and after seeing War Room, I'm starting Fervent.

From the Kitchen:
The last of the New Years Day left over blackeye peas, cabbage, ham and cornbread was eaten for lunch. I put beef stew in the crockpot yesterday and packaged up for lunch at work. Since I've been feeling under the weather, a friend brought me some chicken gumbo for dinner.

Quote:
"I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind, some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've brought a big bat and I'm ready you see, now my troubles are going to have trouble with me." Dr. Seuss

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