Distractions

A little distraction every once in a while can be a nice blessing. It may be a book, a tv show, a vacation, or just a day dream but a "change of brain," as I like to call it is healthy and helpful. It sure helps me regain focus!

Good Souls

I have 2 very important blessings to talk about tonight, both about good souls. 

First, and I know I've said it before but I'm going to say it again, I'm very blessed to have my little Charlie girl in my life, and today is her birthday!!  She had a big day too. We went to the pond to see the ducks, she had her little party with toys and cupcakes, and some serious bubble chasing. Mom got them some special dog food that Charlie just loves and she got a few bites of our Ribeyes too of course.  She has one of the sweetest souls I've ever come across. We are so lucky God blessed us with her and her wiggle waggling tail!

Second, I was blessed to come across a post from a lovely soul I went to school with on Facebook today that really moved me. 

People like them are a blessing to us all. It's a shame that more people in this world don't possess the heart and the conscience she has. It's terrible that our veterans, and anyone else that shares this great planet with us, has to live behind a dumpster.  Later, I found out her sister was going to offer him her spare room. What an amazing family. How many times in our lives do we pass people that need help and turn our eyes away from them and to the sidewalk?  I hope I remember the lesson she taught me today the next time I see someone who needs a chance and a little compassion. 

Cloudy Day

I think the entire neighborhood cut their grass today. Normally, I probably wouldn't say this but, we were blessed to have a cloudy day today. That made it just cool enough to spend several hours working in the yard. My new obsession is Lantana so while at Lowes we picked up 2 more plants in 2 new colors. I'm going to be a nerd and try to cross the colors ;). Very exciting. 

During this cloudy day I was also able to lay tile under one of the water spigots in place of the old plastic flower pots that were in a hole underneath it growing plants and housing earthworms. It's much cleaner for Molly to drink out of the spigot now.

Thanks to the blessing of a cloudy day the yard is in better shape and we got good excercise and fresh air!   

Ole Timey

Not 5 miles down the street is a little building with a great blessing. It's the Ole Timey Meat Market. They have fabulous cuts of meat and the best crab cakes I've ever had. We are really lucky to have a place like this where we can support local farmers, local businesses, and get fresh food.  Makes for good family meal time too!  

The Blower

We got a Black and Decker blower for the yard yesterday. Today, I was blessed to confirm that it will, in fact, blow the pinecones into piles. This may not seem like much but it is. This will save lots of pricked fingers and constant bending. We have so, so many pinecones in these big, beautiful trees but they aren't ideal when they fall. It's hard for the girls to get around them sometimes. Now we can get them up quicker and easier and it's much more fun!

Tomatoes and Peppers!!!!

We were outside watering the flowers and mom said "there's a tomato!" I looked and sure enough, there were actually three!!!  Finally!  Veggies are growing in the yard!  So I walk down and sure enough there is a pepper!  Ahhhh!! So excited!  Such a blessing to see God's gardening!  I've been anxious for months to see these and finally, blessed with tomatoes and a pepper.  ;)

Sports

Did you see that soccer player that bit the other soccer player today?  Really?  What was that?  

Even behavior like that can't ruin the blessing of sports. Some people say team sports are too violent.  I don't see it that way. Sure, some tool that bites may come about and ruin it for the majority but most organized sporting events are kosher. I myself am very competitive, but I can act like a lady for the sake of the game..and my dignity.  Sports actually bring people together. I'm not just talking spectators, I'm talking players too. A team is a great place to forge lasting friendships. Some of my closest friends I have met playing sports.  The comradery spectators and players feel is deep. 

Sports teach commitment, determination, supportiveness, and responsibility.  Seem like good qualities to have to me!  Certainly characteristics in look for in people.  Carrying those traits to the workplace and in relationships helps people succeed. 

Playing sports gets the blood flowing and the heart pumping. Getting that exercise and staying fit to play is good for your health!

Personally, the sense of accomplishment and feeling of being a part of something is great for me.  It's not always about the game either. Just a week and a half ago we were playing flag football for charity. That game raised over $20,000 for Alzheimer's research and support. I made some new friendships as a result of that game too. 

So my point is, the games and the athletics are blessings, but what comes as a result of the sport is a blessing as well. 

Laid back

It was not a tough work day at all and as a result I was able to relax a little. Actually, the whole office was. We even went out for lunch. I think days like that are important to have once in a while. To be blessed with a more laid back day after a stretch of hard work helps me decompress and get ready to work hard again.  Seems like a brief period of de-motivation actually turns out to be motivating. 

I also want to add that I had a meeting at a retirement community later in the day and was blessed to meet a very nice Social Director that is going to be a great connection. Plus, I really enjoyed her personality!  

Happy Charlie Girl

Today started off early because Molly was ready to get up shortly after 6 am. She's a morning fur-person. I? Am not. But I'm glad she can get my attention. Especially at that hour of the morning. Normally, Charlie comes up too, but this morning she was waiting downstairs.  I let them out and like normal gave them some bones when they came in. Charlie was abnormally grouchy and was having a hard time swallowing them. I knew what that meant - ear infection. Poor girl gets ear infections with allergies. So it was time to clean them out real good and start her medicine again. Thanks to the medicine we are blessed to be able to get for her, she is feeling much better tonight, another blessing!  She's a happy baby again!  

Children's Chance

Today I was blessed to help with a wonderful charity, Children's Chance. Children's Chance is a South Carolina based charity that helps children and families dealing with pediatric cancer. To raise funds they held a poker run on the lake. My friend and I were in charge of raffle tickets at one of the stops. I really enjoyed helping out a great organization and spending the day with such caring people.  If you would like more information on Children's Chance please visit http://www.childrenschancesc.org

Look out

How blessed we are to live in a neighborhood where people look out for each other. There have been concerns about damage from the recent hail storm to the roofs around. Several neighbors have been nice enough to ask us if we have had ours checked and to recommend doing so. It's not like they were being busy bodies, just helpful. It's comforting knowing there are caring people around. 

Appreciation

To show and to receive appreciation is a blessing. There are so many things that I can never show enough appreciation for and many times I've been shown appreciation that I won't forget. It may be something as simple as a thank you but aside from the fact that it's good manners it also makes people feel good. It makes me feel good to show others I appreciate them, it's good for the soul. It's kinda selfish if you don't show appreciation sometimes. I know I miss things all the time that I should say thanks or show gratitude for in some way. I hope to get better at this and let others know when I appreciate them and also appreciate the things God has blessed me with more. 

2 sides

I had a nice reminder today that there are two sides to every story. I always try and see both sides (mentioned that when I talked about perspective) but sometimes, in an intense situation, it's easy to forget to take a look from the other side. I think this reminder is a blessing because it made me realize by not seeing the other side sometimes people can get hurt.  It's like not taking into account all the variables in an experiment, the result may be unexpected. 

"Every truth has two sides; it is as well to look at both, before we commit ourselves to either."

-Aesop

> acquaintance after all

It was a long but productive Tuesday. Got to see some clients I hadn't seen in a while too. It's funny the relationships you make throughout life that you don't even realize.  Of course close friends and family are obvious relationships but sometimes there are people we only see for a few minutes once or twice a year and they become an important part of our lives. Those clients I saw today, I very rarely see, but I'm always happy to see them and even get excited when they are on the schedule. I would actually say it makes my day when they come in. There are several people that bring a smile to my face when I think about them that I would normally just call acquaintances but that doesn't seem like a strong enough word now, guess they are really much more than that. Now that I realize it, maybe I can appreciate these relationships more and realize what a blessing they are. 

Rx

Today was a pretty routine day. Not that this is bad, I like routines. Although random fun and exciting events are welcome. But I digress. Today was a pretty routine day. Now that school is out and traffic isn't so bad I get a few extra minutes at home in the mornings. Work was, well, routine. Typical day but today on the way home I needed to stop at a new pharmacy to get a prescription.  I finally changed it to this side of town. I thought it was being called into one pharmacy location but it actually went to a different one. I thought I would just give it a try. So glad I did!  Turned out to be a blessing that I went to that particular location. The staff was super nice, there was no confusion, and I think I may have found a short cut home!  It doesn't seem like much, but sometimes the little blessings are the ones that make a big difference. 

Frogs!

We are blessed to have some young frogs in our backyard.  Molly and Charlie had seen some larger ones before and were very curious but today I saw some super tiny ones. Even picked one up!  I like having God's creatures around, starting to see butterflies around the lantana plants too. Still need the snakes and ants to stay away though, but the lizards are welcome :)

2 types of contacts:

I didn't stop till well after midnight last night so it was a little late to blog, technically would've been two entries for today anyway so...two tonight!  

Yesterday was eye appointment day. Dilation and exams and all the stuff that helps keep eyeballs healthy.  I can't see very far in front if me without glasses or contacts but overall my eyes aren't nearly as bad as some.  I sure appreciate having a great ophthalmologist to help me keep them healthy. His staff and especially his optician are awesome as well.  It's always a blessing to be able to get good care, I've certainly said that before, but yesterday I received an added blessing. My vision actually improved slightly in one eye and didn't change in the other!!  I believe that was the first time since I started wearing corrective lenses that the my distance prescription got better.  Very exciting and I'm very thankful!  So, the first type of contact?...the kind that go in my eyes!

The second type is totally different.  For months I have been talking about the Blondes vs. Brunettes flag football game to benefit the Alzheimer's association. Well today was GAMEDAY!  While the experience has indeed been a blessing, the fact that combined, both teams were able to raise almost $20,000 for care, support, and research is the biggest blessing that came out if this. It's a great cause and a awesome non-profit that does so much good, I'm so glad we were able to contribute. Not a bad amount for a first year event either!!  Second type of contact?...the kind that comes from football plays! (This girl "tackled" 3 flags :D ). 

Help!

I like planning. I like projects and spreadsheets. Lists - they are amazing.  Last minute event?  Bring it on. But. I'm terrible at admitting when I need help.   I'm stubborn and OCD and want to do it all on my own. Even when I will admit I need help it's still only to a few people. Sometimes this attitude will turn around to bite me in the rear when I get super busy. Then sometimes, before the water gets over my head, a helping hand pulls me out of the deep.  Friends are good at this. Moms are great at this. Just as that hmmm, maybe my list is too long feeling crept up on me I was blessed to have my mom help me cross off some items. Now I'm back on track and ready to rest for tomorrow!  Nothing wrong with a little help, it's a blessing!  Don't forget to pay it forward!

Two for Tuesday

Two for Tuesday- I went to bed last night. 

Yesterday was full of work and play. It was my last football practice before our flag football game Saturday because I won't be able to make the scrimmage Thursday. Even though it was incredibly hot and muggy we were blessed with a good practice and no rain. This has been a new and fun experience that supports a great cause. I'm looking forward to the game on Saturday!

With the tragedy in Oregan today adding to the growing list of school shootings and other violence I realize how blessed I was to grow up in a time and at a school where this wasn't an issue. My parents didn't have to worry about whether or not I would be gunned down in class or not. My prayers go out to all the victims and families involved, God be with them. I am blessed to not have been involved in anything like has been taking place in schools and other places people gather. I am blessed to not have been a victim of a violent crime. I pray that I, those I love, or anyone else never has to suffer these tragedies again.  That respect and compassion for each other replaces the hate. This "random act of kindness" movement that is becoming more and more prevailent couldn't have come at a better time.  Showing people, strangers, love and kindness is just what we all need.   

The price of hating other human beings is loving oneself less.

-Eldridge Cleaver

Settling In

Rainy day again. This made for a good chance to hang pictures on the walls!  There are still lots of empty walls but it looks much better even with the few we do have pictures on. We also have some more mystery plants blooming along with the ones we did recognize. We've been settling in for a few months now and the whole process has been a blessing. I've heard it takes about a year to really get unpacked and acquainted with new homes. I really like it though.  Finding and buying new stuff and rediscovery the old; it's very enjoyable and in ways very relaxing.  Just look at these beauties: ;)

Comforters and Canvas

The new bedding for the guest rooms arrived (yes, there is a Gamecock room) and today we got them all together. Charlie and Molly approved them and Lexi seemed to like them as well. Also did a bunch of other stuff around the house including tidying up the studio.  I was also blessed to have a chance to work on a painting. As much fun as my little business and painting glasses is, it's nice to have some time to paint on canvas, it's a good outlet and great relaxation. Not much to it yet, mostly sketching, but that's okay. ;). 

From the pond to the lake

I got up this morning and, after messing around and having a bowl of cereal, decided to take the girls for a walk. Now, normally I won't try to take them both at the same time by myself but I decided this morning to do it. There is a pond in our neighborhood with fish, ducks, and turtles surrounded by a sidewalk. There's benches and stuff too. I've been wanting to take the girls down there so that was our mission: get to the pond. Just as I thought, they LOVED it!  It's was a pretty long walk for them by the time we walked back but they had such a good time. Charlie was all about the ducks and Molly was enjoying looking around. It was a beautiful pond too.  When we got back the girls got a good nap in! 

This evening, I had to work. However, it was at an event we had on the lake!  The lake is always so pretty, especially at sunset.  

I was blessed today with all these fabulous bodies of water God has given us. Aside from being a necessity of life water is fun and beautiful.  Have you played in the water lately?

Air!

On days like today, especially in the South, it's important to realize what a blessing air conditioning is!  Whether it be in the car or in the house it's a wonderful gift!  While it is a luxury that many people in the world do not have, it also keeps us healthy during some of the super high temps it can reach in the summer.  Please remember to keep your pets cool as well!  

Some veggies and a bump at the light

I zonked out on yesterday's post, but I won't today. Yesterday, we were blessed to find a little farmers market up the street with some awesome vendors. I'm loving all these fresh potatoes and corn!  Peaches are always a plus too!  Local produce is always so good and I like supporting farmers. 

It hasn't been too long that I was talking about hectic traffic and how I was blessed to avoid being hit. This morning I was the one that caused the hit. I thought the person in front of me had already gone at a light on an off ramp and I was looking behind me for other cars and hit the gas and slammed into him. We were blessed that no one was hurt and the damage was very minimal. The guy basically told be not to worry about it, these things happen. He really was awesome about the whole thing. It could have been so much worse.  God was watching over us for sure. 

Finally made the calendar

Mondays. The most stressful day of the week. I've read that more heart attacks occur on Monday mornings than any other time throughout the week. This Monday wasn't that kind of Monday though (yay!). 

It was a productive day at work and I was blessed to schedule a presentation for work that I've been patiently trying to land. It's a great place to get involved with and very exciting!  It's also hard to get on their calendar so in a way kinda exclusive I guess. I'm learning patience and a positive attitude make things a little easier... Who'da thunk it?

 

Furry Family

Everyday I am blessed by my furry family members. Pets come into our lives in different ways, quickly become family, love us unconditionally, and are always there for us. I have said how my individual fur babies are blessings to me.  Tonight, I'm saying they are all blessings, to each of us. For all but about three weeks of my life I have been blessed with at least one companion in the house. They have all been a great source of comfort and continue to be.  They always seem to know just what to do. Just like this: 

It's been a great weekend but tonight I'm crashing early and very happy to have some company!