I started housesitting on Saturday, right after getting back in town from working my part time job. I only got a little over 4 hours sleep before driving 2 hours to get back to tend to the animals. While I was so tired, I instantly became refreshed when greeted at the door by 3 dogs and 2 cats just waiting to love on me. OK, it was actually to get treats but I am going to believe it is because they have missed me and just wanted to show me how much.
I did a post a number of years ago about Julie's animals and how they truly see me. The dogs see me as a bag of dog food, the chickens see me as scratch.... They do not see me the person, they see what goodies I bring them.
Added to Julie's menagerie of animals is a new dog. We had severe storms one night and she showed up at Julie's house. Vets were called, notices posted etc, no one claimed Big Girl. She is a Great Pyrenese who is so loving. I would say gentle but when she nudges me as I walk to go feed, she actually pushes me. I have bruises and sore legs where she just wants to play. I just love her.
Julie sold off some of her sheep so there is only about 10 to feed. The catfish in the tank are ready to catch and eat. I have been gathering 4 dozen eggs a day. Nothing beats fresh eggs for breakfast, and these are truly fresh. It takes about 2 hours at night to feed and water the animals, gather the eggs and then clean them. Tonight, I will add watering the plants. Thankfully, the watering should only take about an hour as I only need to do the small plants and the potted plants. Years ago, when I first started housesitting for Julie, the potted and small plants alone took 2 hours. Julie watered the orchard before she left she I will not have to do it and she has not yet planted her garden, which is a HUGE 2 hour time saver for me.
Sadly, since the last time I housesat for Julie, some of the old cats have passed away. Lucy is a cat Julie found abandoned at her ranch in Doss. She was about a week old and had to be bottle fed. I helped bottle feed Lucy, let her sleep on my chest and this once very hyper kitten is sleeping most of the day away. Seriously, this kitty was running and jumping non-stop all day long and part of the night. It breaks my heart that her time on earth is getting shorter. I pray it comes when I am not there.
Julie does not have internet at her home which means when I go home at night, I can't take work with me. I start another housesitting job this Friday night (overlapping with Julie's). I will not have internet there either. It is nice to have a reprieve from the computer.
And speaking of computers, the work I normally do on the weekends is awaiting me. I am ignoring the emails with "where are my reports". They can just deal with it today.
Have a blessed day!
Monday, March 31, 2014
Monday, March 24, 2014
New packaging
Over the last years God has been working to heal me from the inside out. It has been very painful and while there is still healing on the horizon, I am in a much better place. I have gone in and out of depression and found my energy level to be very low. These past few years have also been a time of God growing me in my walk. And no, I am not any taller but silly me thought I had to grow the outside of me to accommodate the inside growth.
But enough is enough. I am 70 lbs overweight and being only 5' tall, that is a BIG problem. My being overworked for 18 months is no excuse for my obesity. So starting Saturday, things are changing. The new inside of me is going to get new packaging. I figured if I blog about it, I will have some accountability to myself to keep me on track. My 2 single friends are single no more and it is harder to find someone to hold me accountable.
I start a housesitting job Saturday, which means I will be getting more exercise while feeding the chickens, sheep, dogs, fish etc. More activity is a very good thing, especially since I have lived at a computer for 18 months. There is no junk food in Julie's house so unless I buy it, I will have no cause to nibble. My mom keeps an abundance of junk food at my house and my willpower is non-existent, especially when I am exhausted. Honestly though, my biggest downfall is Dr. Pepper.
I have tried to start walking at work but the weather has not been that cooperative. We have our first hummingbirds so I think most of the cold weather is behind us.
Now is also a great time to start changing my eating habits. I am a salt-aholic. I have low blood pressure and in my mind, eating all those dill pickle sunflower seeds and vinegar & salt chicharrones is OK. I am going to be 58 this year and procrastinating on taking care of myself is no longer an option.
To ice the cake, I just went through a bad 3 weeks with my anemia. I was barely able to make it through the day and once I got home, all I wanted to do was sleep.
Now that my energy level is improving and I have a good place to start on the new me, it is a go. After I finish at Julie's, I have another housesitting job (no junk food there either) and then I will be back home. Mom leaves on April 3 for a month long vacation. All the junk food will be thrown out while she is away. By the time she returns, I hope to have my energy, as well as my willpower restored.
Pray I stay strong and encouraged. A lifestyle change is very needed and now is the time to do it.
But enough is enough. I am 70 lbs overweight and being only 5' tall, that is a BIG problem. My being overworked for 18 months is no excuse for my obesity. So starting Saturday, things are changing. The new inside of me is going to get new packaging. I figured if I blog about it, I will have some accountability to myself to keep me on track. My 2 single friends are single no more and it is harder to find someone to hold me accountable.
I start a housesitting job Saturday, which means I will be getting more exercise while feeding the chickens, sheep, dogs, fish etc. More activity is a very good thing, especially since I have lived at a computer for 18 months. There is no junk food in Julie's house so unless I buy it, I will have no cause to nibble. My mom keeps an abundance of junk food at my house and my willpower is non-existent, especially when I am exhausted. Honestly though, my biggest downfall is Dr. Pepper.
I have tried to start walking at work but the weather has not been that cooperative. We have our first hummingbirds so I think most of the cold weather is behind us.
Now is also a great time to start changing my eating habits. I am a salt-aholic. I have low blood pressure and in my mind, eating all those dill pickle sunflower seeds and vinegar & salt chicharrones is OK. I am going to be 58 this year and procrastinating on taking care of myself is no longer an option.
To ice the cake, I just went through a bad 3 weeks with my anemia. I was barely able to make it through the day and once I got home, all I wanted to do was sleep.
Now that my energy level is improving and I have a good place to start on the new me, it is a go. After I finish at Julie's, I have another housesitting job (no junk food there either) and then I will be back home. Mom leaves on April 3 for a month long vacation. All the junk food will be thrown out while she is away. By the time she returns, I hope to have my energy, as well as my willpower restored.
Pray I stay strong and encouraged. A lifestyle change is very needed and now is the time to do it.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Everyone needs a Judy
My friend Judy is going through her 3rd time with cancer. Amy, her youngest daughter works for the Bobby Bones show. They talked about Judy's choice to have joy through cancer. The Bobby Bones show shared Cristi's, blog about her mom. Cristi is Amy's sister. When you have the opportunity, please read this. Also, take a listen to Amy share on the audio bit they have on the website.
http://www.bobbybones.com/articles/what-we-talked-about-457650/blog-the-blessing-and-the-mess-12102468/
In the audio bit, they talk about Pimpin for Joy. Here is a Pimpin for Joy video, starring Judy. I hope you enjoy it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tcv-y6ZI2sU&feature=sharecontrol
5 times, the doctors thought I had breast cancer. 5 times, I did not. I am not sure I would have chosen joy. Had I actually had cancer, I pray there would have been a Judy there passing out a good dose of joy along with the chemo.
Judy was my mentor when I first became a Christian. She walked with me as I dealt with a lot of hurt and pain. Judy, being Judy, kept speaking truth into my life, kept pointing me to the cross, kept battling for me on her knees. I am honored to know her and privileged to have been mentored by her.
Everyone needs a Judy in their life.
http://www.bobbybones.com/articles/what-we-talked-about-457650/blog-the-blessing-and-the-mess-12102468/
In the audio bit, they talk about Pimpin for Joy. Here is a Pimpin for Joy video, starring Judy. I hope you enjoy it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tcv-y6ZI2sU&feature=sharecontrol
5 times, the doctors thought I had breast cancer. 5 times, I did not. I am not sure I would have chosen joy. Had I actually had cancer, I pray there would have been a Judy there passing out a good dose of joy along with the chemo.
Judy was my mentor when I first became a Christian. She walked with me as I dealt with a lot of hurt and pain. Judy, being Judy, kept speaking truth into my life, kept pointing me to the cross, kept battling for me on her knees. I am honored to know her and privileged to have been mentored by her.
Everyone needs a Judy in their life.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Updates!
I finally had a weekend off. Almost 1 1/2 years with only one full day off. Yessiree, I enjoyed the weekend. Most of Saturday was spent just piddling around the house, tending to way too many neglected chores, etc. Sunday I had to drive an hour away. Got in my car and started jamming with Jesus! An hour up and an hour back = 2 hours of praise and worship. Sooooooo good and refreshing. Got back home and spent the afternoon reading, watching a movie and dozing.
I did not realize how exhausted I was until I stopped. I pray that soon my energy levels are back up. I have lots of quilts to make.
Out of the Shoebox Bookkeeping is officially open for business. I have 2 clients so far, a handyman service and a lady who owns a cupcake shop. They are small and between the 2 of them, it will take about 2 hours a month to do their books. A CPA from Austin has some clients that I can help. Most of them just don't want to sit at a computer and do the books, which is good for me. I have some time to grow my business before I am without a steady paycheck.
Within the last 2 weeks, 2 of my neighbors have died. Orville was such a precious man of God. His wife of 65 years will miss him, as will so many others. Cleo was single, her Floyd died a few years ago. She had been married 4 times, outliving them all. She was so funny, always cheerful. She will be missed. After informing my boss I had another funeral to attend, my boss tells me I better be careful.
We have had one of the worst winters in about 15 years; weeks of wet weather and freezing temps. I know it was nothing compared to places that got buried under snow but for us, who are not used to this long winter, it was bad. There were days we did not get out of the 20's. We did not get any major rains, just light moisture. Drought conditions are still severe.
Spring has arrived. Temps in the 80's some days or like tomorrow, we will barely get out of the 30's. Bluebonnets are popping up, mom has put in her garden, and we have seen some pregnant does.
So grateful for spring.
I will be getting to spend some time with a friend this Friday. I decided to ask for off part of Friday, head over to Fredericksburg for an annual rummage sale before going to work at Davey's. It will be so good to spend time with Rhonda before she has her knee replacement surgery and can't go places for awhile.
Having a life again is awesome!
I did not realize how exhausted I was until I stopped. I pray that soon my energy levels are back up. I have lots of quilts to make.
Out of the Shoebox Bookkeeping is officially open for business. I have 2 clients so far, a handyman service and a lady who owns a cupcake shop. They are small and between the 2 of them, it will take about 2 hours a month to do their books. A CPA from Austin has some clients that I can help. Most of them just don't want to sit at a computer and do the books, which is good for me. I have some time to grow my business before I am without a steady paycheck.
Within the last 2 weeks, 2 of my neighbors have died. Orville was such a precious man of God. His wife of 65 years will miss him, as will so many others. Cleo was single, her Floyd died a few years ago. She had been married 4 times, outliving them all. She was so funny, always cheerful. She will be missed. After informing my boss I had another funeral to attend, my boss tells me I better be careful.
We have had one of the worst winters in about 15 years; weeks of wet weather and freezing temps. I know it was nothing compared to places that got buried under snow but for us, who are not used to this long winter, it was bad. There were days we did not get out of the 20's. We did not get any major rains, just light moisture. Drought conditions are still severe.
Spring has arrived. Temps in the 80's some days or like tomorrow, we will barely get out of the 30's. Bluebonnets are popping up, mom has put in her garden, and we have seen some pregnant does.
So grateful for spring.
I will be getting to spend some time with a friend this Friday. I decided to ask for off part of Friday, head over to Fredericksburg for an annual rummage sale before going to work at Davey's. It will be so good to spend time with Rhonda before she has her knee replacement surgery and can't go places for awhile.
Having a life again is awesome!
Monday, January 13, 2014
Cedar tree bursting with pollen
For those who are unfamiliar with cedar fever, here is a pic of a cedar tree bursting with pollen, which can cause all kinds of upper respiratory issues.
Over the weekend, the 911 calls were astronomical. People thought there were fires everywhere, when in fact, it was only cedar pollen.
Welcome to Cedar Fever Season in Central Texas.
Over the weekend, the 911 calls were astronomical. People thought there were fires everywhere, when in fact, it was only cedar pollen.
Welcome to Cedar Fever Season in Central Texas.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
The coming year...
This has been a year+ of overworking myself. Thankfully, it will soon be coming to an end as we transition out of our position with Athens Foods, one of our last 2 clients. We will keep Mrs. T's Pierogies until around November. Of course, Gene can always change his mind and resign them earlier. We have been working with Mrs. T's since Gene started his own business in 1996. While I have only met one person from the corporate office in person, I feel like I am a part of their family. Of all of our clients we have had over the years, I can truly say, Mrs. T's is a family oriented business. They take very good care of their employees plus, they are also very community minded. Good to know businesses like them still exist in this bottom dollar world.
I am still looking for another place of employment, knowing God already has something for me. I just need to do my part, which is the looking. With the backing of 2 CPA's and some friends, I will supplement my income with bookkeeping. I do not do taxes and prefer not to do payroll. The CPA's said I should just to the data entry part of bookkeeping. One of the CPA's has some clients that need someone just to come once a week and do data entry into QuickBooks. When I am ready, he will introduce me to them. The downside is that they are a 1-2 hour drive away. I know God will work something out.
I have been on a 2 week vacation; a 2 week working vacation I should say. It has been nice not going into the office but I am looking forward to the time I can actually have a vacation and not have to work during it.
Waylon outdid himself cooking for Christmas. We had brisket, glazed in Dr. Pepper Texas Style BBQ sauce, smoked on the grill. My family likes the outside of the brisket to be blackened and crispy. Talk about yummy!!! We also had grilled corn on the cob with chipotle butter and I made some Green Chili Cheese Bread. We ate until we were, as Waylon put it when he was little, "full as a dog tick".
For New Year's, Waylon is grilling baby back ribs and pork chops. Not sure what sauce he will use or what sides we are going to have this time. So glad we are going to have some good weather tomorrow.
In between office work, I have taken the time to reorganize the office space in my bedroom. I have been using a small closet in my room to hold office supplies and pantry items (no pantry in my kitchen). I bought a nice basket cabinet and now my office supplies have a home of their own and the pantry has room for all the BBQ sauce that is coming.
I made one more quilt, have 3 more to go. At least the last 3 are not rush items. I will try to get one more done before heading back to the office on Monday.
Today I travel to Davey's to do his month end work. I decided to go today instead of tomorrow. I just hope he gets off work early enough that I can make it back home before Austin's New Year's eve traffic hits. Tomorrow, after I download the daily reports and process them, I can have the rest of the day off, as Walmart and our clients offices will be closed. Do I hear a hallelujah?????
Well, I am already well into my day and need to get more done. It was nice stopping by and blogging. I miss it.
Happy New Year to you all. May God continue to bless us that we may be a blessing to others.
I am still looking for another place of employment, knowing God already has something for me. I just need to do my part, which is the looking. With the backing of 2 CPA's and some friends, I will supplement my income with bookkeeping. I do not do taxes and prefer not to do payroll. The CPA's said I should just to the data entry part of bookkeeping. One of the CPA's has some clients that need someone just to come once a week and do data entry into QuickBooks. When I am ready, he will introduce me to them. The downside is that they are a 1-2 hour drive away. I know God will work something out.
I have been on a 2 week vacation; a 2 week working vacation I should say. It has been nice not going into the office but I am looking forward to the time I can actually have a vacation and not have to work during it.
Waylon outdid himself cooking for Christmas. We had brisket, glazed in Dr. Pepper Texas Style BBQ sauce, smoked on the grill. My family likes the outside of the brisket to be blackened and crispy. Talk about yummy!!! We also had grilled corn on the cob with chipotle butter and I made some Green Chili Cheese Bread. We ate until we were, as Waylon put it when he was little, "full as a dog tick".
For New Year's, Waylon is grilling baby back ribs and pork chops. Not sure what sauce he will use or what sides we are going to have this time. So glad we are going to have some good weather tomorrow.
In between office work, I have taken the time to reorganize the office space in my bedroom. I have been using a small closet in my room to hold office supplies and pantry items (no pantry in my kitchen). I bought a nice basket cabinet and now my office supplies have a home of their own and the pantry has room for all the BBQ sauce that is coming.
I made one more quilt, have 3 more to go. At least the last 3 are not rush items. I will try to get one more done before heading back to the office on Monday.
Today I travel to Davey's to do his month end work. I decided to go today instead of tomorrow. I just hope he gets off work early enough that I can make it back home before Austin's New Year's eve traffic hits. Tomorrow, after I download the daily reports and process them, I can have the rest of the day off, as Walmart and our clients offices will be closed. Do I hear a hallelujah?????
Well, I am already well into my day and need to get more done. It was nice stopping by and blogging. I miss it.
Happy New Year to you all. May God continue to bless us that we may be a blessing to others.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Just a little news!
I made 10 Christmas stockings, just need to add the names.
On Sunday, I made 2 loaves of Green Chili Cheese bread and 12 loaves of Hobbit Bread. The GCC is for my boss for Christmas. The Hobbit Bread is for all our friends and neighbors. During our cooking marathon, mom's 1954 Sunbeam Mixmaster died. It will be missed.
Waylon decorated the house today, getting ready for his sister and her 3 kids arrival on Friday night. We will have our Christmas with them this weekend. I bought aprons for the kids to paint and then use on Saturday when they make their own pizzas for lunch. Each kid has a snowman to paint plus we are all making mason jar snow globes. Saturday night we will do our Christmas before they head home on Sunday.
After Friday, I will get to work from home until after New Year. Not much of a vacation but I will take what I can get.
Grateful for the 70 degree weather we are to experience this week. Unless Texas' changes it mind, we will have pleasant and warm weather on Christmas Day. Instead of steak, we are smoking a brisket on the grill for our Christmas day dinner. I will make some Green Chili Cheese bread to go along with the brisket.
Waylon took a 2 week babysitting job (4 kids). At least during the day he will still be able to look for work online, although I doubt there will be much happening until January.
Life has slowed slightly. I actually slept 6 hours the other night. Best night sleep in a while.
Guess I best to get work on those 4 quilts that are begging to be sewed.
On Sunday, I made 2 loaves of Green Chili Cheese bread and 12 loaves of Hobbit Bread. The GCC is for my boss for Christmas. The Hobbit Bread is for all our friends and neighbors. During our cooking marathon, mom's 1954 Sunbeam Mixmaster died. It will be missed.
Waylon decorated the house today, getting ready for his sister and her 3 kids arrival on Friday night. We will have our Christmas with them this weekend. I bought aprons for the kids to paint and then use on Saturday when they make their own pizzas for lunch. Each kid has a snowman to paint plus we are all making mason jar snow globes. Saturday night we will do our Christmas before they head home on Sunday.
After Friday, I will get to work from home until after New Year. Not much of a vacation but I will take what I can get.
Grateful for the 70 degree weather we are to experience this week. Unless Texas' changes it mind, we will have pleasant and warm weather on Christmas Day. Instead of steak, we are smoking a brisket on the grill for our Christmas day dinner. I will make some Green Chili Cheese bread to go along with the brisket.
Waylon took a 2 week babysitting job (4 kids). At least during the day he will still be able to look for work online, although I doubt there will be much happening until January.
Life has slowed slightly. I actually slept 6 hours the other night. Best night sleep in a while.
Guess I best to get work on those 4 quilts that are begging to be sewed.
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