Musings of a Grumblebunny

Oh the joys of the monsoon season!

2011-07-06T18:19:00.001-07:00

Aaaarh! I just opened the frig to snag a soda and noticed that the light didn't come on. Opened the freezer and the ice in the trays is melting! The power strip looks okay but come to think of it, my phone wasn't charging this morning. Picked up the power strip and water ran out of it. ??? Where did it leak last night (besides the window next to my bunk)? I plugged the frig directly into the outlet and it's running. If it isn't one thing, it's 10.

The great thing is we are in the middle of our monsoon season. That's when we get the majority of our rain. I need to get chalking so that my son in law can chalk the windows of my rv. Might as well do them all. I learned my lesson last year when one side of the roof was leaking. A friend has enough stuff to patch from the back to the door. First hard rain that summer and the area from the door to the front leaked - a lot. Another friend patched that and it's okay. Well maybe not if water got in the power strip.

Gotta laugh, tho. You have to learn to roll with the punches that life throws at you.

I'm sleeping a little better now...

2011-06-13T19:55:00.001-07:00

I'm sleeping better now. I gave up on my bunk I made covered with pillows and cushions. I bought myself a zero gravity chair. It's like a lounger that you would have in the yard. It reclines way back and is actually comfortable. The only problem is when you want to recline just a little, the locking knobs don't want to work as well as when you recline fully. I just keep tightening them. It doesn't take up too much space so I was able to put it back close to where the air conditioner is located. That's a great thing to be able to do!

Settling in

2011-04-28T23:09:00.001-07:00

I'm am slowly settling in here in my new parking space. The move wasn't too bad on kitty girl as we just moved our housing with us instead of moving to a new house (or apartment). It's quiet and has some trees. It's close to the river. So far, all of the folks I've met are very nice. There's a FastTrip on the corner as I go out where I can get my Diet Dr Pepper every morning - 44 oz for 99 cents!

I still have quite a bit to re-stow as my back was giving me fits. I couldn't bend very well to pick up totes or boxes. But, it is now back to normal and I have hopes of getting the place put back together. I'm going to rearrange some things to fit better.

The only problem now is the "normal" aches and pains from the fibro. I have to pace myself. I should be enjoying some relief as water aerobics is starting up again on Monday, May 2nd! Woohoo! I'm looking forward to it. Not only will it help some with the fibro pain but I'll be getting my tan back. LOL

Moving once again

2011-04-14T21:40:00.001-07:00

Whew! It was tough but my RV got moved tonight to my new parking space. I couldn't have done it without my friends (one of which is a mechanic - I called him a miracle man tonight for getting the RV to run and make it to the new space). Tomorrow I will get my steps and porch. I will need for another friend to cut them down to fit on the concrete patio beside the RV. I'm also hopeful that I will be able to get my little storage shed moved.

I have a big job ahead of me, putting everything back together. I need to get the window covers back up. There is a pull down bed but I use it for storage space. I also need to go find a new (used) refrigerator as the one I have doesn't work that well.

I'm closer to my kids and closer to my job. I should be spending about 1/3 of what I was spending for gas. The park is nice and quiet with lots of trees. I am close to the river. I'm just across the river from the casinos and all of their bright, colorful lights.

It's time for me to try to settle down and get some sleep. I'll try to get some pictures tomorrow.

Oh, listen to the wind blow!

2011-02-01T20:31:00.001-08:00

It's cold tonight. It's not as cold as it is in many other places with their blizzards - snow and ice. But, for where I live, it's cold!

The wind is blowing with gusts of up to 40 mph. It sets my little RV to rocking but I've gotten used to that. I'll just put another blanket on the bed and cuddle with the cat and a warm ricebag at my feet.

It being cold is bad because it makes me hurt. I can stand the heat a lot better than I can the cold. I think the cold was the only thing I was glad to leave behind in Arkansas two years ago.

The cold makes my fibromyalgia flare up. There's more pain than usual and, of course, my RLS wants to join the party. That's just something else to disrupt my sleep. I'm trying to change my diet some to see if cutting out sugar and carbs will help. I know I need to exercise but the fatigue that just won't clear up keeps me from any significant exercise. I try to walk more - like park further out at the grocery store. The bad part is when I come out and have to make it back to the car.

I really shouldn't complain. I have a job, a place to live, clothes to wear and enough food to eat. That's more than too many people in the world can say. I've tried to simplfy my life by ridding myself of a lot of junk and stuff. And I still have some things that I am going to send out the door and off of the property.

Oh yeah. Did I mention it was cold?

Mostly odds and ends

2011-01-22T18:10:00.001-08:00

Oh WOW! I hear the coyotes tonight. Where I live borders on tribal land. I get to see lots of wildlife. (like the tortoise during the summer). There are always lots of rabbits and I sometimes hear owls.

The owls bring back memories of my childhood. We had 5 very old Pecan trees in our yard. Every once in a while it would sound like the owls were having a convention in our trees. They would hoot all night long. When I was small it was scarey but not I would appreciate it.

I had a long week. I was off on Monday due to a holiday. I started losing my voice late that afternoon and it is just now getting better. The doctor called in a prescription after a couple of days playing phone tag. But, the fatigue I've been battling with is just about to do me in. The doctor said that we would take a look at how I feel after this round of medicine. It's not fun to ache all over and be soooooo tired to boot.

It's gonna be a long night

2011-01-16T20:20:00.001-08:00

It's 9pm and I can already tell that it's going to be a rough night. I don't know why the pain is worse tonight. Actually I have been in pain most of the day. I'm trying to pinpoint the cause with little success.

The fatigue is really doing a number on me. Friday night, I went out to eat with friends. Naturally, the restuarant was at the back of the building. I was worn out by the time we got into the restuarant and got seated. As it was a buffet, I sat and rested while my friends went to fill their plates. The food was excellant but I must of eaten something that didn't agree with me (Fibro messes up your digestive system, too) as I was sick later that night. By the time we walked back out to the vehicle, I was past worn out; I was exhausted. Yesterday I didn't feel like doing much of anything. I rested.

I was still tired when I got up this morning. As I said, the fatigue is kicking my hiney. My hands are cramping, my legs ache and I can't find a comfortable position in my chair (which is broken and is going out the door tomorrow). I ache all over and the pain med that the doctor prescribed does very little. I have a tape of sounds that I listen to and try to relax. The problem is I didn't realize the batteries in the cd player are almost out of juice and I don't have enough new one - I'm 1 short.

It should be a interesting night.

The wonderful world of medication side effects. Whee!

2011-01-14T22:59:00.001-08:00

I finally researched a little bit tonight the latest prescription drug the doctor prescribed for my fibro aches and pain. It seems that I have a couple of the known side effects - dry mouth (I have been wondering why all of sudden my mouth is always so dry), fatigue (went out to eat with some friends at a place across the river and was totally worn out by the time we walked back to the truck), some mental fog (I've made a few stupid mistakes lately on things that I always thought I could do in my sleep), and a slight case of tremors in my hands (especially noticable when trying to pick up sushi with chop sticks and get it in my mouth).

Don't get me wrong. The med has helped with the aches and pains. They don't wake me up in the middle of the night like they did before. So...do I want less pain and more fatigue, et al or vice versa. I need to think about that.

Toxic Relationships

2011-01-13T21:55:00.001-08:00

At the moment, I am upset with myself and the fact that I have briefly returned to my "doormat" ways. I am trying to overcome the need to have everyone like me, and of trying to be a "people pleaser".

There are a couple of people in my life that have the need to either question everything I do or to "helpfully" point out my mistakes. I will be the first to admit that I do make mistakes. (I've made some doosys) And, I should know that as a church secretary, there will always be someone right there to point them out.

I am trying to have a healthy outlook on life. I would prefer to think that the glass is half full. I enjoy my job - most of the time. I enjoy helping people, whether at work or when I am out and about. I have spent way too much time having a negative outlook. It's more fun to to smile and be pleasant and helpful to others. But, I have to remember to have healthy boundaries.

I know that I need to have a thicker skin. The two toxic people are unhappy, negative people. I can't change their attitude, but I can change mine. It just isn't easy to do.

It's been too long

2011-01-11T18:50:00.001-08:00

I have been lax in blogging. I am now in my RV (or tortoise shell). A friend has RV hookups on her place and is lettinge rent a space from her. (I call it my tortiose shell as they carry their home with them. I got to see a desert tortiose up close.)

Life has thrown a few curve balls my way since I last blogged. I finally faced up to what has caused me to be depressed, a doormat, and to have a low self esteem for most of my life. I have often reacted in very emotional and inappropriate ways. It all points back to my early childhood when I had things happen to me that should not happen to a child.

A dear friend kept telling me I needed to go to the support group that she had started at our church for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. I kept telling her that I didn't need it, I am ok. But, I wasn't. Once I joined the group, I was able to deal with things that I had stuffed down and didn't want to admit happened. I even stood before our congregation and "outed" myself as a survivor. I hoped to encourage others that had suffered to join us in our journey to recovery.

I have learned in the group how to set up healthy boundaries. I have learned how to identify "triggers" for the old behavior. One thing I have decided is that negative people are toxic for me. I have to walk away from those types of relationships.

I've made some changes. I care a little more about putting on makeup. I don't care as much about what people think about my clothes. I wear shorts and a tank top sometimes during the summer! I've even put on a bathing suit and played in the icy cold Colorado River when it's 120 degrees! I'm having fun! Before I just wanted to be covered up. Now, it's a very rare occasion when I wear a dress. My wardrobe is mostly jeans and t shirts, capris and t shirts, comfortable clothes suited for the climate.

Another curve ball thrown my way is I have been told that I have Fibromyalgia. Fun stuff. I have aches and pains all over my body and am learning that I have to pace myself so that I don't run out of energy. I'm adapting. I trying to change my diet (which is really difficult when you love sweet, chocolate things like I do.). But, I can tell the difference in how I feel when I eat a more healthy meal than when I eat all of the "yummy, bad for me" stuff.

2011 is underway and I am looking forward to what God has in store for me. It may be blessings or hard places. But, I am trying to allow Him to guide me through.

Yahoo! I have my desktop hooked up!

2010-07-11T19:16:00.001-07:00

I finally broke down and hooked up my desktop. I was thinking that I would wait until I got into my RV but the laptop just wasn't cutting it.

I think the laptop is probably on it's last legs. It has been a great little laptop. I have gotten a lot of use out of it. I am thinking I will try to get a netbook or an ipad. It will probably be the netbook as I think those are cheaper.

Anyway, I am glad to get the desktop up and running. I can watch Hulu now! I don't have cable now but can watch pretty much what I want to see online. But my computer has to work better than the laptop. I am waiting tonight for the latest episode of Big Brother to be posted at CBS.com.

I am not a big TV watcher but I do like to watch a few things.

Just another day in BHC

2010-07-10T22:14:00.001-07:00

I have finally gotten all of my stuff out of the loaner RV. It was tough going tho. I was trying to get it done before it got too hot and had to deal with sore knees and legs. I think it got up to 112 and I didn't even look at the gauge in the RV to see how hot it was in there. It wasn't that I had so much stuff in there but it just takes me a while with my bad knees going up and down the steps to the RV.

The soreness in my legs and knees came from yesterday's water aerobic class. We worked on our legs. I was finally able to track down a pair of water shoes. The water and heat are doing a number on my feet. The water shoes (jellies - purple!) should be a big help. I finally found a pair at a local grocery store. Walmart and Payless didn't have any. And the water aerobics class is 3 times a week through October.

I never thought I would see the day...

2010-07-02T22:03:00.001-07:00

I never thought I would see the day where I would be wearing a tank top and shorts out in public. I have started doing that as a way to deal with the heat.

Lately, I have had to deal with the heat a lot. I am out of the borrowed RV since the air con died and am using a room at a friend's house. It shouldn't be too much longer before my "turtle shell" (that's what i am calling my RV now) is done.

The heat can be intense but there are ways to make it bearable. One thing you MUST do is stay hydrated. I carry a bottle of water with me where ever I go. I found a nice aluminum bottle at St Vinny's and keep filling it over and over.

I have been looking at the prices for window tint for most of the windows on the "turtle shell". And, I have found rolls of the silver insulation stuff for the front windshield.

I don't really mind the heat too much. It's a dry heat with very little humidity and frequently feels like it is cooler than it is. The wind blows almost constantly, too.

Anyway, I look like just another resident of BHC in my shorts and tank top.

WooHoo! It's a bit warm today

2010-06-28T18:00:00.001-07:00

Woo! It is warm today. It's 111 today and the air conditioner in the RV I am using keeps tripping the breaker. I have the thermostat as low as I can set it. It's 99 in here. I went to my storage unit to get another fan. I am hoping it doesn't keep doing that tomorrow while I am at work. I don't want it to get too hot in here for my fur baby! I will just make sure both fans are running and make sure she has plenty of water.

I shouldn't have this problem with my RV once they get it done. It just needs to be painted and the floor put down. I hope it's done soon.

Update on the RV

2010-06-25T16:16:00.001-07:00

It looks like it may be a little later than the end of the month for me to move into my home on wheels. I am getting anxious but trying to be patient.

The men working on it for me have done so much more than I expected. I have a tile counter top in the kitchen area that matches the linoleum. They have tiled the shower and it is GORGEOUS!!! Insulation has been added and it is needed here. The window unit ac works great.

They need to finish a few things - like the frame cabinet for the refrigerator, painting the walls (to cover the hideous brown paint the previous owners had slapped on everything in sight) and lay the flooring.

God blessed me more than I knew when I bought a old beat up RV. (I have been told that I am henceforth forbidden to go purchase a car or any other big thing by myself. I don't think they trust me!). God took what could have been a disaster and turned it into a blessing. It gave 4 men, new to our church a chance to work with our pastor and bless someone. I gave me a chance to allow others to bless me. That has been difficult but I am learning.

When you have never been part of a loving family, you don't know how to let others bless you. I have always been pretty self sufficient. If something broke and I couldn't fix it, I found ways to work around it as I didn't want to bother anyone - such as the time (a few years ago in another state) when the light in the bathroom burned out. I couldn't reach it to change the bulbs so I got a lamp and put it in the bathroom. I didn't want to be a burden to anyone - even though we were supposed to have "family" there to help us. It always seemed like it was a bother to them. So, we just quit asking them for help.

When God moved me to the desert, he was blessing me so much. He gave me a church family that welcomed me with open arms - not because of who my mother was or the fact that I was the church secretary (at least, not then). I just fit. He has provided ways for me to work through some old, ancient problems. I am blooming in the desert.

Changes in attitude

2010-06-19T22:43:00.001-07:00

I have always subscribed to the notion that God helps those who help themselves. I know it isn't biblical but always thought I had to be self sufficient. But, now I have had a change in attitude.

I am beginning to believe that God moved me to the desert to teach me some truths. First of all - it is absolutely beautiful. Yes, it's dry and it's hot, but there is no way you can not see God's hand! You can see so far and the view is so magnificent!

Then there is the change God has brought about in my thinking about myself. I have always thought that I was not quite as good as everyone else and why would anyone want to help me? God placed me in a small church in the desert to open my eyes. I have had problems asking for help. I was willing to help others but didn't want to burden anyone else with my problems. I would just make do and carry on somehow.

God blessed me with people who took one look at the old RV I bought and decided to make it livable for me. All I wanted them to do is pull out some framing where a bed was supposed to go and pull up the old carpet. I kept telling them that I had lived in worse and it would be okay. But, that wasn't going to be good enough for them.

First they gutted the inside and have rebuilt the cabinets. The ceiling has been redone and extra insulation put in. The walls have been paneled. The electrical system has been looked over and repaired. A new water heater and a window air conditioner have gone in and a new (used) refrigerator will be installed. The shower and the kitchen area are going to be tiled and new linoleum is going down. A mechanic friend is going to work on the motor. PLUS, I am parking it at a friend's house this summer and paying only a nominal fee for rent and electricity.

All of the work is being done by my friend and 4 men from the church. All 4 have just recently started attending our church. One has let me use his RV until mine is done.

How in the world could I not believe that I am loved? God loves me, warts and all and has sent these men to show me. I have been going to a Bible study with the wives of several of the men and have really enjoyed making new friends. I intend to bloom where God has planted me! Thank you, My Amazing God!

Waiting...

2010-06-12T17:53:00.001-07:00

I am happy to be out of my apartment but waiting to get into my own RV. It should be ready by the end of the month. I hope so. I feel like I am in a holding pattern. I can't go forward but, at least I am not going backwards.

I need to dig a tote out of the storage unit. It's the one with my sewing machine in it. I need to work on making curtains fory RV.

Finally! I am moved!

2010-06-04T19:16:00.001-07:00

I finally got the very last load from the apartment Wednesday night. I had my liitle car packed pretty tight. I had a little room to be able to see out the back window. I was so exhausted. I got the car unloaded Thursday afternoon into the the storage units.

Today I have been to the DMV to change my driver's license. Mara went with me to get her id but I forgot that she would probably need her birth certficate. I will take her back on Monday.

I have spent the rest of the day straightening up the place and vegging, watching shows on Hulu. Tomorrow I will get caught up on laundry.

Basically I just need to get some rest. I am so tired! But, I got moved!!!

I'm so tired, I can't even wiggle!

2010-05-31T20:18:00.000-07:00

That's what my ex-mil used to say and boy, does it fit me tonight! I still have a few things left at the apartment to get out and it seems like I just can't get it done. Of course, it could have something to do with me trying to do it during the hottest part of the day. Duh! The sign at Camp Davis (on the river) said that it was 107 today and I can believe it. It's not that it's so hot, but you do need to really stay hydrated. I have been drinking lots of water since I have been sweating like crazy!.

I will be so glad to get this move completed. Then I will just have to wait until my RV is finished being remodeled inside. It won't be a luxury suite, but it will be home and will be what I want. I am planning on having enough storage space for what I need. That's the key - just what I need.

The cat seems to be settling in well. I got her a new litter box (one with a cover) and I think she is back on the right feeding schedule. She was off just a tad there for a while.

The plan is to get up early in the morning and go load up the car before I go to work. I may have time to take it to the storage unit before I have to go to work. It's a pain loading the car - I have to load up my cart as the parking space isn't very close to the apartment. I will try to do several loads tomorrow evening and will go back on Wednesday morning if I need to. I am supposed to do the walk through with management then.

I have a load of things that I want to take to Goodwill. I usually wait until Wednesday to go make drops as Wednesday is Senior Citizen day and I get a 25% discount. I always like to look and sometimes find things that I need. I found a wok and a food processor there. Since I won't have a cook top, (don't want one cause I need the counter space) I will cook in the microwave, crock pot, wok, and little grill - all which will be stored away when not is use - except for the microwave but it will be built in. Oh yeah! I have a toaster oven to bake in.

Life is changing and I am looking forward to it.

God has blessed me indeed!

2010-05-26T18:16:00.001-07:00

Why in the world do I worry? Didn't Jesus tell us to be anxious for nothing? Why do I disobey Him? Hasn't God always taken care of me even when I was running so hard and so fast away from Him? He never took His hand off of me, keeping me safe even when I was being foolish annd unwise in my actions. I have no idea why He would be so gracious to me other than the fact that He loves me. Why has it taken me so long to fully believe that? What can I ever possibly do to warrant His love? Praise His Name! I don't have to do anything except accept His love.

God truly blessed me this week. I was concerned about getting my RV ready for me to live in by the 31st. Pastor has been working to get it ready but it was taking him longer than he thought it would. That brings me to Tuesday morning this week. Tuesday mornings we have a prayer time to pray over requests that the congregation gives us on Sunday. I go in early so I can take part. This particular Tuesday, one of the newer people who has been worshiping with us was there working on the stove in the kitchen and decided to stay for prayer time. I shared my request about concerns on my housing situation. This man who knows me only by sight as being a part of the church, offered to let me use his motorhome while he helps Pastor finish the remodeling in my RV. Isn't God great?

I have a place to store what I planned to move into my RV. I have people to help me finish packing, moving, and cleaning the apartment. God is showing me that He is in control and I do not NEED to worry. God's got it under control. I just need to fully trust Him!

Packing up to move is hard work!

2010-05-22T14:57:00.001-07:00

Whew! I have made 2 trips to the storage unit today. I can take 3 totes at a time (in the back seat of the car). I have to use my rolly cart to take them from the apartment to the car and then from the car to the storage unit. Poor little cart is getting a workout! I use it to take boxes of stuff to the car for Goodwill. (I made a stop there today, too).

I went to look at the RV this morning. It is gutted inside! The ceiling is being repaired. The passenger side seat has been taken out. The carpet has been ripped up and some of the cabinets taken out.

I am still hopeful that I can move in next weekend.

This is my RV being worked on - I am going to be like a turtle - carrying my home with me wherever I go!

This is my trusty rolly cart! I don't leave home without it! It always goes in the car with me, especially on grocery day. This way I don't have to make so many trips back and forth to the car to unload groceries.

Here it is all loaded up! It sure has been helpful in my move.

Why, yes I am just a little eccentric

2010-05-17T18:17:00.001-07:00

I am well aware that there are some people that may think that I am losing my mind with my newest adventure. Who in their right mind would voluntarily move into a RV to live? That would be me (smile)!

I was explaining to a new friend at church what my plans are and she got a look of horror on her face. Several people have had that reaction.

Life is too short and hard to be unhappy. I am getting out of debt and am ready for a simplier life. For far too long I have had way too much "stuff". Some of it was just junk and some of it belonged to my sweet mother and beloved grannie. I thought I needed to keep their "stuff" so I could hold on to them. But, I realize that I have wonderful memories of them both as well as my step dad. Those memories are really all I need. Stuff is just stuff and I don't need it. I don't need a big, fancy house or lots of expensive things.

I have been well on my way to being a hoarder and I don't want to go there! So, I have been being ruthless and brutal in my sorting and packing. I am passing some of the stuff to my daughter and granddaughter. I am taking a lot of it to Goodwill. I am amazed at just how much junk that is worthless that I had been hanging onto. I feel at peace and am ready to step into the future.

Granted, there is some work that needs to be done on the RV before I can move in. There are some repairs to be made and some remodeling. It may not be done before I have to move out of my apartment on the 31st. But, again I am not stressing. A friend is going to let me stay at their house while he gets the RV ready for me.

I have always had trouble trusting that things would work out. God has continued to work on me to get through to me that I can trust Him and that He will see me through. Sometimes, I have learned, you have to be still and let God work. He doesn't need for me to muddle things up. He takes care of the birds of the fields, why not me?

Anyway, I have no problem with being thought weird or eccentric. It just means that I am unqiue.

The Sorting and Packing continues...

2010-05-15T16:49:00.000-07:00

I had really hope to get a lot accomplished today but have been dealing with a sinus headache. I did manage to get more sorted through and either packed for the storage unit, packed to go to Goodwill or in bags for the trash. My sweet granddaughter came over and took the trash bags to the dumpster and I sent her home with a couple of things - one for her papa and some for her. I got 2 totes in the car to take to the storage unit after church tomorrow morning. I got laundry done and am close to getting ready to close up some of the totes I have been filling. I am trying to be brutal in my sorting and purging. I am also trying to have a system. Instead of throwing things into boxes and totes willy nilly, I am trying to put everything in the tote it belongs in. Some of them will go to the storage unit until I get moved and then I will have them in the RV with me.

I am getting anxious to get there, but there is still work that needs to be done on the RV before I can live in it. I have faith that I will be okay. I have a place to stay until it's ready. Several people offered to let me stay with them, but I wouldn't be able to take the grumblebunny. That isn't an option. She stays with me as she is my baby. We take care of each other.

Getting Ready to Move Isn't Fun

2010-05-13T23:35:00.001-07:00

I am slowly but surely getting things packed up. I have taken some stuff to Goodwill. I took quite a bit of stuff to last weekend's yard sale at the church. (which finished raising enough funds to purchase additional chairs for the sanctuary).

In all of this I am learning that things are just things. They aren't the person that gave them to you. You have the memories and don't really need the stuff. But, still there are some things (just a few) that I am unable to let go of - yet.

Tomorrow I will be making another trip to the storage unit with things I can store. And will probably have more things for Goodwill on Saturday.

I am going to make it and am going to be GREAT! God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good!

What a Weekend!

2010-05-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

Woo! I was hoping to recuperate yesterday from the busy weekend I had, but no such luck. Friday and Saturday, we had a yard sale at the church. We are raising money to buy additional chairs for our sanctuary. Since I am the treasurer, I was in charge of the money.
We didn't do too badly, but I am glad we don't have them very often!

For Mother's Day, my beautiful granddaughter cooked for us. She is a good cook! I got to spend time with her, her mama, and her papa. Good times.

Yesterday was busy, busy. Trying to get packed up to move is not my most favorite thing in the world! LOL

Mother's Day Gift from AT&T and LetsTalk!

2010-05-05T13:14:00.000-07:00

Need to get your mom a Mother's Day Gift? How about a free phone from AT&T

LetsTalk - AT&T Sale. Free phones, Free Activation, plus $40 Bill Credit Starts: 5/1- Ends: 5/31/10

Missing my Mom

2010-05-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

I am dreading Mother's Day this year. It's been 2 and a half years since Mom went home to Glory but sometimes it feels like it was just yesterday. I have been really emotional lately. Packing and moving always does that to me. I am going through things - sorting what to keep and what to bless someone else with and sometimes the memories attached to an item almost overwhelm me.

Actually, I am not only missing Mom, but am also missing my Grannie. She passed on to Glory in January of 2000 but I still have some of her things that I haven't been able (up to now) to let go of. Silly things like the receipt for the wringer washer that she bought in 1955. I still remember that washer! It was great fun to help Grannie with the laundry.

I am trying to get all of the pictures in the same place. My plan is to put them all in albums. And, there are a few things that I just can't let go of. But, I am going to simplify my life and letting go of the "stuff" is part of that. My memories don't depend on things.

God blessed me very much with a sweet, Godly mother and grandmother. Grannie wasn't always sweet, but I knew she loved me! They are my heroes. Strong women who relied on God to see them through whatever troubles came their way. I am trying to do the same.

It's A Beautiful Monday!

2010-05-03T10:05:00.001-07:00

I was up earlier than normal today. There is a blood drive going on and since it had been a few years since I had given last, I decided to do so today. I had made an appointment online for 8 am (What was I thinking?).

The last time I gave blood was right after Katrina. Apparently the techs didn't know what to do as I went home with HUGE bruises on both arms. I was pleasantly surprised this time. I was stuck one time and it left a very small mark.

Today is my day off, so I plan to spend the rest of the day resting. I did get a little light headed when I left to walk out to my car. I think a nap is order!

I "Guess" I am getting things done

2010-05-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

I have managed to get more things ready for the yard sale and more stuff in containers to put in storage. I had a 2nd computer that I needed to wipe the hard drive and am in the process. It is taking a LONG time to do. Sure do wish it would hurry up! I want to put it in the car tonight so I don't have to worry about it in the morning. I will need to drop the computers and monitor off before 2 tomorrow afternoon. So no going out to lunch with the gang tomorrow!

It's Friday!

2010-04-30T08:38:00.000-07:00

Whoot! It is Friday and I have a busy day planned. I am in the middle of wiping the hard drive on an old computer as BHC will be having a hazardous waste collection day on Sunday and I need to get the big chunk of useless metal out the door (along with the monitor).

I am going to a sweet friend's house so she can cut the shaggy mess on my head! It is sticking out in some weird and wacky ways so it is time. I didn't get her to cut it the last time and she gave me fits as I ended up with a super short cut. It doesn't really matter to me - I think I could rock the shaved head look! LOL

Groceries are on the agenda today and then back to get some totes filled so my sweet sil can put them in the car for me to take to the storage unit. I think I don't need the winter clothes right now. I am trying to get some other things together that will go in the storage unit. I am being ruthless and earmarking a lot of stuff for the church yard sale (next weekend).

Who knows what else I might get done today???

The Wednesday Blahs

2010-04-28T15:48:00.000-07:00

I have the Wednesday Blahs today. Just no energy to do things that I should be doing. I need to unhook my monitor and switch it out so my sil can take the current one to my dd. I am just worn out today so I asked for a rain check on him helping me. We will try again Friday.

No news yet on new living arrangements, but I am not going to panic. God has seen me through lots worse than this!

Monday, Monday

2010-04-26T13:43:00.000-07:00

I am really not wanting to do much today, but I do need to get some things done. I must finish the laundry and box up more things for our yard sale at church. We are raising money to buy more chairs for our sanctuary. If we raise enough and have some left over, we also are thinking about putting tile in our fellowship area. There are always places that we can use the money. LOL The Ladies Ministry will be holding a Bake Sale at the same time. It will be a busy weekend (May 6th, 7th, and 8th)

I am also trying to cull out more things that I really don't need. I am moving to a much smaller place and really need to take just necessities. I have too much "stuff". I thought I had thinned it out a lot before I moved out here, but apparently I didn't or else it has multiplied! I just found out (by reading the local paper today) that BHC will have a hazardous waste day on May 2nd where you can drop off computer and other electronic items that no longer work. I do have a computer (or two) that don't work well now. I am passing one of the older monitors on to my daughter and I am finally switching over to a flat screen! WooHoo!

Setbacks

2010-04-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

After 2 of my friends took a good look at the RV yesterday, it was determined that it is going to take MAJOR work for it to be possibly livable. I was lied to about the condition of the RV. I should have taken one of my friends with me to look at it before I paid for it, but I didn't. So, I got took. But, I am trying to stay focused on God and keep remembering that He has a plan.

Last Sunday we had a guest pastor as our pastor was serving the ladies at our annual Women's Retreat in Williams. His sermon was on Walking by Faith, not by Sight. He must have been talking to me! On Thursday, my daily devotional by Streams in the Desert was about how God hates self sufficiency. We are to totally depend on Him! Today, the Streams in the Desert devotional was about When God Says No! I am thinking that maybe God is telling me to BE STILL!

It is just difficult to be still when I "feel" so alone. I am NOT alone. First of all, there is God. Second of all, I have a wonderful church family who love me. I guess I have just felt so alone for so many years. The funny thing is (not really funny) that I can trust complete strangers not to lie to me about the condition of a RV and I have trouble trusting those around me that love me and care about me. It's like I don't want to bother anyone as I know that they really don't want to help - I am causing them an inconvenience. I am finding out just how false that is - FINALLY. It is like God is hitting me over the head saying - BE STILL! LET OTHERS HELP YOU!

God has been so good to take care of me through some really rough and dangerous times in my life. Why in the world would I think He won't do that now?

Today is Earth Day!

2010-04-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

Because it is Earth Day, I would to tell you about one of my new ventures - Clean Green and Natural, one of my newest eShoppes. It is a work in progress as I will continue to add products that are eco friendly and good for the environment.

Trying to get things done!

2010-04-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

I am hoping to get moved into my RV by the end of May. It will depend on just how much work needs to be done inside to get it like I want it. The guys that are going to help me with the remodeling were going to talk it over this weekend.

I went through my closet and was ruthless! If I hadn't worn something in a while and didn't think it was likely that I would ever wear it again, into the GoodWill pile it went! If there was something that I just didn't like, into the GoodWill pile it went. A lot of dresses and skirts went into the pile as I just don't need them here. Life is definitely more casual. I did keep a suit and a dress and a couple of other items, and everything else went bye bye! I also packed up my winter clothes and have them ready to store.

My Saturday

2010-04-17T17:37:00.000-07:00

I had hoped to get some sorting done today. But, I just didn't get as much done as I wanted to. I am having some trouble with my right knee - more pain than usual. So, I have spent much of the day on the computer working on my websites. There is always something to do there. LOL

The Garage Sale at the church is coming up in a couple of weeks, and I need to get what I am taking ready to go. I need to sift through everything to reduce what I am going to take to the RV. I packed up my winter clothes. I doubt that I will need them very soon.

I found a storage unit Friday. There are a few things I would like to keep but can't store in the RV that I will store.

Argh! Tax Day!

2010-04-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

Tax Day is finally here and I guess I am ready. :) I have my returns printed out and almost ready to go.

But, I do have some things to be thankful for:

It isn't going to be a bad hair day (for a change).
It is a beautiful sunshiney day (altho most days in Arizona are)
I have a lovey furry companion (who thinks I should get up at 5 am)
I have a wonderful church family (God really blessed me)
I serve a risen Savior (and that says it all!)

Hope everyone has a beautiful day!

Today was a great day!

2010-04-11T20:02:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day - it was my birthday and the weather was beautiful. Got lots of hugs as soon as I got to church this morning. I love hugs!

After services, the gang went out to eat at OutBack, across the river in Laughlin. We don't go over to Laughlin very often to eat. The food was good, but was very pricey. I had quesadillas (leaving room for dessert) that were very tasty.

Over all, it was a very good day. Been lazy this afternoon, thinking about all that I need to do tomorrow.

Ladies' Luncheon

2010-04-10T16:03:00.000-07:00

We had our monthly Ladies' Luncheon at the church today. Everybody was to bring finger foods, appetizers, or desserts. We had plenty of food! And, Aneta's mom brought a van load of veggies from Kingman for us to share. Tomatoes, potatoes, squash, green beans, apples, bananas! Her little van was packed full! She and Aneta put all of the veggies out on a table just outside the kitchen door as as everyone came in, we told them to go fill up a bag (or two) with veggies!

We had a great luncheon. Ruth gave a talk on Leah. I had never thought about some of the things she told us about her. We had lots of good fellowship and brought up in to pairs at the end to pray together. My partner was one of the newer ladies to the group and I really enjoyed getting to know more about her.

So far, it's been a great day and I get to spend a few minutes with my beautiful granddaughter in just a few. I am taking her to the school for her to get ready for her part in the musical that is being put on tonight.

The decision has been made!

2010-04-09T19:06:00.000-07:00

Today was spent on the road. I headed into town to get groceries after I looked on Craigslist, looking for a RV to buy. I had found two - one at a super low price and one at a low price. I had emailed both and the one with the super low price called me while I was in the grocery store. I went ahead and got the items I already had in my cart and took off to see the RV. Nope, it wouldn't do at all. It was in terrible shape (that's not what he told me on the phone) and just a little bit too small.

I headed on home, intending to get groceries later when I was going to drop my granddaughter off at school. When I got home, I had an email from the other RV. It was in a town about 30 miles away, so I finished my lunch and took off. The RV isn't in the best shape in the world, but it will be large enough (I will have to be super duper at organizing!) and I could afford it. It is just minor things that have to be done. I am going back on Monday to pay for it and drive it home. I need to find a place to park it.

Now for the plan. I do not make enough money at my part time job each month to pay rent and the utilities. The rent on this apartment is way too high. The plan is to find a RV Park and park the RV and live in it. Just me and the cat. Even with the RV space rent and the rent on a storage building to store some things I don't want to give up. I know that some people will think I am nuts, but I am trying to simplify my life. I just have way too much stuff! Plus, my health is getting to where it is very difficult for me to do the clearing chores. I think the RV will be easier.

It's been a while

2010-04-08T21:10:00.000-07:00

I haven't been posting like I intended to do. But, lets try again. :)

Saturday will be our monthly Ladies' Luncheon. I am looking forward to it. We are all bringing appetizers or our favorite snacks. We will have a great time. We have some new ladies that have been coming to our Tuesday afternoon Bible Study. It is a great time to fellowship and get to know each other better.

I am off tomorrow and will have errands to run. I need to get groceries and go to the bank. Then it will be back home to see if I can get some decluttering done.

I really need to continue to sort through things and either give things away (bless others) or just throw the stuff away. I am thinking about moving when my lease is up on my current apartment and am just tired of having so much stuff to carry around

This and That from yesterday

2010-01-13T06:42:00.000-08:00

Boy, was I in trouble when I got home yesterday afternoon! Miz Grumblebunny whined and fussed until past bedtime. How dare her person be gone so long during the day! Plus, I was in her favorite chair which happens to be the one I sit in for my work computer. The computer that I am taking the certification courses on has the "good" chair. It's only good because I'm in it. LOL

My first day on the job at the church was great. I already know everyone since I have been a member of the church for over a year. It was great to be back in a church office. It is a job that I enjoy doing. Yesterday was spent sorting out and organizing. Pastor and I will be tackling the file cabinet as to what can be stored and what can be shredded. I doubt that we will get much done this week on that project due to the Heart Change Crusade. Tonight and tomorrow night are the final services with the one tomorrow night taking place at one of the high schools in the area.

I have only tonight and tomorrow night of classes for phase 1 of my certification course. I had to take an assessment quiz last night and surprised myself with making a 94%! I am excited yet anxious about taking customer calls. But, one of the ladies in the class who has done this before, told me last night that I will be great on the phones. I hope so!

I chose my hours yesterday to work on the phones and my calendar looks really complicated! LOL I made sure to leave an open space for my to pick up my granddaughter after drama club meetings on Friday. I enjoy spending the time with her.

Time to get the day started!

Monday Musings

2010-01-11T08:14:00.000-08:00

I slept later than I thought I would this morning. Miz Grumblebunny did her best to get me up, but I just kept patting her and making her lay down. She worked so hard that she is zonked out right now! I shouldn't make the kitty child work so hard!!!

This is the last morning of sleeping in. I start my job at the church in the morning. What's great is that I will start it on the morning that we have prayer group. I am hoping I can join them for a few minutes. But, I did tell a friend to be there at 9 so she can help me with the deposit. I'll get it worked out. :) I have all of the forms that I will need to fill out bookmarked in Yahoo My Bookmarks. It will be just a matter of opening the links, downloading the files and getting them filled out.

I am excited but anxious as I will be finishing one phase of my training for the call center (working from home) and will be "live" on the phones next week. I will do a week of calls and then will be back in the virtual classroom for another 15 days to complete the 2nd phase.

Lot of changes coming up. I am trying to organize my home office. I have a few things I still want to do. I want to hang some shelves and clear out a bunch of JUNK!

I am also putting together a schedule of meals - things I can make in the crock pot. I plan to make a normal size recipe and freeze the leftovers in meal size portions. I am trying to eat healthier. I need to lose weight as my knees are giving me fits. I found out that I have severe arthritis in my right knee and I know the left knee probably isn't much better. My weight doesn't help.

Enough posting and procrastinating! It's time to get to work!

2010 - ibok!

2010-01-09T08:51:00.000-08:00

2010 is going to be a better year than 2009. And, even if it really isn't - ibok! - (It's gonna be okay!)

I am starting a new part time job at my church and am taking on a couple of new clients - one will be a big one. I have made a resolution to declutter my apartment. I have decided to get out of debt. I don't need so many credit cards! And, generally, I have just decided to trust God to lead me and guide me on my way!

I have made Miz Grumblebunny happy by putting a blanket in the other office chair so she can sleep while I work.