Monday, October 31, 2011
I Shouldn't
Last week I posted about a job assignment opportunity I had received. After much thought, discussion, and prayer, I have decided not to take the assignment. It's hard to pass up the money. But, this is just an impossible time of year for me to do any extra activities. For me, my family has to come first. And doing this job would cause me to have to make daily choices whether to work on the assignment or take care of very specific family needs. I don't want to have the stress of making those kinds of decisions, and then feel guilt regardless of which choice I make. Sometimes you have to give up something good to do what's best.
So, I have turned down the job. I am hoping that I will be contacted for another opportunity in the future, after the holidays, when my life slows considerably.
Two hours later ......
After I sent the e-mail turning down the job, I received a reply asking me if I would take the job if I didn't have to start until January. Since my busy season ends at the first of the year, I accepted. I should have a revised contract today. The great part is that I can still work on it a bit here and there until then, if I want. Should I or shouldn't I?
So, I have turned down the job. I am hoping that I will be contacted for another opportunity in the future, after the holidays, when my life slows considerably.
Two hours later ......
After I sent the e-mail turning down the job, I received a reply asking me if I would take the job if I didn't have to start until January. Since my busy season ends at the first of the year, I accepted. I should have a revised contract today. The great part is that I can still work on it a bit here and there until then, if I want. Should I or shouldn't I?
Saturday, October 29, 2011
What did you do last night?
I put together two Halloween costumes. This is always entertaining because I do not sew. But I refuse to buy store-bought costumes. I probably end up spending twice as much. But hearing Dawson tell his friend last night about his "Ash" from "Pokemon" costume I made when he was seven made me remember why I put in the (typically last-minute) blood, sweat, and (usually) tears. He told her, "My mom can make some great costumes." This year involved lots of colored duck tape, t-shirts, buttons, felt, and hot glue. Check back soon for the great reveal!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Countdown to Canton
In one week, I will be starting a two-day shopping spree in Canton, Texas, at First Monday Trade Days with my mom and aunt. I am so excited! I have wanted to go do this for many years. When my husband suggested that I take a weekend away for myself, this is the first thing I thought of.
My mom and I love to shop, browse more than anything. We love a good bargain. The cool thing about this is that we will be away .. without kids .. for two nights .. eating good food .. shopping .. browsing through antique stores in nearby Forney .. and just getting rejuvenated. I am also looking so forward to spending some quality time with my mom. We rarely get to do this.
I cannot tell you how grateful I am to my husband for letting me do this, and for footing the bill.
Can't wait!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
My Fitness Pal
The world has gotten so virtual, hasn't it? Back in the day, a fitness pal would have been someone I walked with every evening. My mom has a fitness pal. They ride their bikes to the park every day and then walk a few miles. I had fitness pals when I wanted to get up at 4:30 a.m. and drive 20 minutes into town to go to a class at the Y at 5:30 in the morning. I don't want to do that anymore. Rick and I aren't even fitness pals because I prefer to work out in the mornings and he prefers to work out in the evenings. I guess I do kind of have a walking fitness pal in Crusoe, but I spend more time pulling him away from things he needs to smell than engaging in encouraging conversation. What's a girl to do?
My friend Elizabeth had a beautiful baby girl a few months ago. She has four children ages 7 and under. As usually happens, she has put on a few pounds with each baby and now is ready to get rid of it for good. She has a goal to lose 15 pounds by Christmas. My weight loss goal is slightly smaller. I'd like to lose 8 pounds by Christmas so I can eat lots and lots and lots when we go to Florida.
Elizabeth is using the MyFitnessPal app on her iPhone. I don't have (nor want) an iPhone, but I do have a computer. So, I signed on to MyFitnessPal and "she" is going to help me lose those 8 pounds and get in shape. It is one of those basic websites that has you log the foods you eat, the exercise you do, and the water you drink. After inputting your information and desired pounds to lose, it tells you how many calories to eat each day, including the total number of carbs, fat, and protein grams.
But here is the part I really like. It tells you how many extra calories you have earned by exercising. For instance, this morning I did the elliptical for 10 minutes and earned 88 extra calories. I like that the initial total calories you can eat for the day do not assume a specific amount of exercise. Instead you earn extra calories. I like the idea of working ahead of time for a future reward. It makes me want to run back out later today and do 10 more minutes on the elliptical to earn another 88 calories so that I can have a bowl of cereal before I go to bed tonight. That's my favorite bedtime snack.
I have also devised a workout plan based on an anti-diabetes workout schedule (I do not have diabetes) I got out of Prevention magazine and a simple strength and stretching schedule I pulled out of another magazine.
I want to lose these pounds by Christmas, so I can thoroughly enjoy Christmas guilt-free, then do the schedule again to get myself ready for Spring. (I keep looking at those pictures of me from 2010 when we were in Hawaii. Wow! I looked good!)
Do you have any pre-holiday weight loss or fitness goals?
My friend Elizabeth had a beautiful baby girl a few months ago. She has four children ages 7 and under. As usually happens, she has put on a few pounds with each baby and now is ready to get rid of it for good. She has a goal to lose 15 pounds by Christmas. My weight loss goal is slightly smaller. I'd like to lose 8 pounds by Christmas so I can eat lots and lots and lots when we go to Florida.
Elizabeth is using the MyFitnessPal app on her iPhone. I don't have (nor want) an iPhone, but I do have a computer. So, I signed on to MyFitnessPal and "she" is going to help me lose those 8 pounds and get in shape. It is one of those basic websites that has you log the foods you eat, the exercise you do, and the water you drink. After inputting your information and desired pounds to lose, it tells you how many calories to eat each day, including the total number of carbs, fat, and protein grams.
But here is the part I really like. It tells you how many extra calories you have earned by exercising. For instance, this morning I did the elliptical for 10 minutes and earned 88 extra calories. I like that the initial total calories you can eat for the day do not assume a specific amount of exercise. Instead you earn extra calories. I like the idea of working ahead of time for a future reward. It makes me want to run back out later today and do 10 more minutes on the elliptical to earn another 88 calories so that I can have a bowl of cereal before I go to bed tonight. That's my favorite bedtime snack.
I have also devised a workout plan based on an anti-diabetes workout schedule (I do not have diabetes) I got out of Prevention magazine and a simple strength and stretching schedule I pulled out of another magazine.
I want to lose these pounds by Christmas, so I can thoroughly enjoy Christmas guilt-free, then do the schedule again to get myself ready for Spring. (I keep looking at those pictures of me from 2010 when we were in Hawaii. Wow! I looked good!)
Do you have any pre-holiday weight loss or fitness goals?
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Should I, or Shouldn't I?
Okay, so I fell off my 31 Days of Enjoying the Busy Season posts. It most certainly has been a busy season, as is the custom around here, and I have enjoyed it much more than I typically do. I think that has everything to do with being intentional .... looking every day for those things that have made my day enjoyable.
As usually happens with me, I have been presented with a couple of opportunities during this busy season (that is only going to get busier over the next couple of months).
I was asked by our Interim Pastor to work for him a few hours a week doing some administrative duties. Our little church is going through some transition and everybody needs to pitch in where they can during this time. I have not given him an answer yet because I need to make sure that I can meet his true needs, and that it will fit into our very busy schedule without taking me away from my family. I have a couple of ideas that should allow me to do this job without much schedule-tweaking.
And then there is the big one. Last winter I had the opportunity to write a Course Description and Weekly Lesson plans for a Master's-level Business Law course for a Christian University. I loved doing it! I was contacted by the consulting firm a couple of days ago about writing another curriculum. The pay is almost three times the last assignment. I was so excited about getting to do this again!
But, when I got the contract I realized that it will require me to do much more than just plan the Course Description, Weekly Objectives and Weekly Lesson plans. It will also require me to plan the specific class assignments, lectures, and all. And I froze.
I don't know if I am smart enough to do this. I am not a college professor. And it's been a coupletwenty years since I have been in a college class. I guarantee you today's students are smarter than me. I am a stay-at-home homeschooling mom. Sure, I have a law degree, and I practiced law for a few years. But that was a looooooong time ago!
My initial thought is that I don't want to do it because I am afraid that I will look like an idiot to the project manager of my assignment. I have lots of questions and need lots of guidance. And they are paying me, so I assume they want me to know what I am doing.
But then I think of Dawson. How many times has he refused to do something out of fear that someone will notice that he's not perfect at it the first time he tries it. What kind of example will I be if I turn down the job for that reason alone. But what kind of example will I be if I have him share in this journey with me and see me accomplish something, even when I feel inadequate.
I am kind of looking at this like a book deal. I am a writer who just has ideas. It's up to the editor to take my planning, my words, my ideas, and help me put them into a publishable product.
I am still thinking about this. It is the busy season and I will require some time from me. I want to talk with Rick about it some more, and the kids.
I want to do it. But I am afraid.
As usually happens with me, I have been presented with a couple of opportunities during this busy season (that is only going to get busier over the next couple of months).
I was asked by our Interim Pastor to work for him a few hours a week doing some administrative duties. Our little church is going through some transition and everybody needs to pitch in where they can during this time. I have not given him an answer yet because I need to make sure that I can meet his true needs, and that it will fit into our very busy schedule without taking me away from my family. I have a couple of ideas that should allow me to do this job without much schedule-tweaking.
And then there is the big one. Last winter I had the opportunity to write a Course Description and Weekly Lesson plans for a Master's-level Business Law course for a Christian University. I loved doing it! I was contacted by the consulting firm a couple of days ago about writing another curriculum. The pay is almost three times the last assignment. I was so excited about getting to do this again!
But, when I got the contract I realized that it will require me to do much more than just plan the Course Description, Weekly Objectives and Weekly Lesson plans. It will also require me to plan the specific class assignments, lectures, and all. And I froze.
I don't know if I am smart enough to do this. I am not a college professor. And it's been a couple
My initial thought is that I don't want to do it because I am afraid that I will look like an idiot to the project manager of my assignment. I have lots of questions and need lots of guidance. And they are paying me, so I assume they want me to know what I am doing.
But then I think of Dawson. How many times has he refused to do something out of fear that someone will notice that he's not perfect at it the first time he tries it. What kind of example will I be if I turn down the job for that reason alone. But what kind of example will I be if I have him share in this journey with me and see me accomplish something, even when I feel inadequate.
I am kind of looking at this like a book deal. I am a writer who just has ideas. It's up to the editor to take my planning, my words, my ideas, and help me put them into a publishable product.
I am still thinking about this. It is the busy season and I will require some time from me. I want to talk with Rick about it some more, and the kids.
I want to do it. But I am afraid.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Nicole's Daybook
Outside my window... It's a nice, cool, breezy fall day.
I am thinking... about how overwhelmed I feel today, with so much going on and so many responsibilities.
I am thankful ... that I was contacted to write another Business Law course for a university and that this one pays really great!
I am wearing... skinny denim jeans, army green boots, a black t-shirt and army green/black/white sleeveless vest.
I am planning... a field trip for our Homeschool Co-op to learn about The Trail of Tears at the Cherokee Heritage Center, and the Co-op Couples Ugly Christmas Sweater Christmas party.
I am creating... a homemade Captain America costume for Eli for Halloween, and a cow costume for Kyndal.
I am going... to finish this post and then unload the dishwasher and do Brynne's spelling assignment with her.
I am reading... Back to reading The Hunger Games.
I am hoping... that extra expenses (car, dental, etc.) stop adding up during this most expensive time of year! Guess I know what my salary from the course writing assignment is going toward.
From the learning rooms... First and foremost: Eli met his AR (Accelerated Reader) goal last week! We were so proud of him! After a fun birthday week for Dawson, and Fall Break, we are back at it today. I plan for us to work really, really hard for the next four weeks so we can take a relaxing Thanksgiving Break and feel good about it!
Noticing that ... peace still resides in our home right now.
From the kitchen... Gonna make some easy canned soup and grilled cheese sandwiches tonight. I just feel really behind.
Around the house... I have started going through closets and drawers doing some purging, pitching, donating, and organizing.
One of my favorite things... Are old things of my grandma's. I got some great jewelry from her house this weekend, some of her old flatware, two cast-iron skillets, some crystal snack sets (fun!) and her very old recipe box with all of her secret recipes. I am so glad no one else in my family is sentimental! I get some great stuff to pass down to my children.
A few plans for the rest of the week... After we go to Girls and Boys Club this evening, we will have a few slow days until the weekend. Then it's Halloween and Fall Festival fun!
I am hoping... that extra expenses (car, dental, etc.) stop adding up during this most expensive time of year! Guess I know what my salary from the course writing assignment is going toward.
From the learning rooms... First and foremost: Eli met his AR (Accelerated Reader) goal last week! We were so proud of him! After a fun birthday week for Dawson, and Fall Break, we are back at it today. I plan for us to work really, really hard for the next four weeks so we can take a relaxing Thanksgiving Break and feel good about it!
Noticing that ... peace still resides in our home right now.
From the kitchen... Gonna make some easy canned soup and grilled cheese sandwiches tonight. I just feel really behind.
Around the house... I have started going through closets and drawers doing some purging, pitching, donating, and organizing.
One of my favorite things... Are old things of my grandma's. I got some great jewelry from her house this weekend, some of her old flatware, two cast-iron skillets, some crystal snack sets (fun!) and her very old recipe box with all of her secret recipes. I am so glad no one else in my family is sentimental! I get some great stuff to pass down to my children.
A few plans for the rest of the week... After we go to Girls and Boys Club this evening, we will have a few slow days until the weekend. Then it's Halloween and Fall Festival fun!
From my picture journal.
Mmmmm .... a plate of pumpkin cookies and a cup of coffee.
Lots of women Daybook. See what they have to say at The Simple Woman's Daybook.
Monday, October 24, 2011
31 Days of Enjoying the Busy Season {Days 18-24}
I'm back. I have been thoroughly enjoying a much needed break! I have specific things to post about, but need to find the time to do it.
This past weekend, the kids and I headed to Missouri to spend some time with my parents. We enjoyed some downtime, an 80th birthday party for my grandma, and I had a rare night out with just my mom and sister for dinner and a movie (Footloose ... Excellent!)
One way that I always feel when I come home from an extended stay at my parents' is INSPIRED.
My mom and dad have embraced their upcoming retirement years. They are only 62 and 60, but have decided to switch some things up so as to enjoy themselves more. They sold their big house in the country for a small house right on Main Street in the town where I grew up. They bought a small house in Florida. And they have their little lakehouse in the Ozarks. Life for them has gotten simple, and they are so much happier!
Being in a small town has it's advantages (and disadvantages). But it is kind of nice to walk to the bank, and Dollar General, and the post office, and the hair salon, and the grocery store, and the Dairy Queen. We did a lot of that. I didn't start my car from the day I got there until the day we left.
My mom has always taken good care of herself, so she inspires me to do the same. She eats healthy and exercises, always has and always will. She makes me want to be better at it.
My mom is also an excellent housekeeper. Her home is always clean and tidy and inviting. She always makes me want to come home and start decluttering, organizing, and purging. In fact, last night we got home around 5:30 p.m. and I immediately went upstairs and steam cleaned the carpets. I am ready to tackle some bedrooms and closets to get rid of some stuff! The less you have, the less you have to keep up with and clean!
Anyway. We had a great weekend that allowed me to recharge. I plan to hit a couple of things really hard between now and Thanksgiving: Eating well and exercising, going through all of our closets and dressers and the kids' toys, and blasting through lots of school work. Then I will feel so good about a relaxing Thanksgiving holiday.
Glad to be back!
This past weekend, the kids and I headed to Missouri to spend some time with my parents. We enjoyed some downtime, an 80th birthday party for my grandma, and I had a rare night out with just my mom and sister for dinner and a movie (Footloose ... Excellent!)
One way that I always feel when I come home from an extended stay at my parents' is INSPIRED.
My mom and dad have embraced their upcoming retirement years. They are only 62 and 60, but have decided to switch some things up so as to enjoy themselves more. They sold their big house in the country for a small house right on Main Street in the town where I grew up. They bought a small house in Florida. And they have their little lakehouse in the Ozarks. Life for them has gotten simple, and they are so much happier!
Being in a small town has it's advantages (and disadvantages). But it is kind of nice to walk to the bank, and Dollar General, and the post office, and the hair salon, and the grocery store, and the Dairy Queen. We did a lot of that. I didn't start my car from the day I got there until the day we left.
My mom has always taken good care of herself, so she inspires me to do the same. She eats healthy and exercises, always has and always will. She makes me want to be better at it.
My mom is also an excellent housekeeper. Her home is always clean and tidy and inviting. She always makes me want to come home and start decluttering, organizing, and purging. In fact, last night we got home around 5:30 p.m. and I immediately went upstairs and steam cleaned the carpets. I am ready to tackle some bedrooms and closets to get rid of some stuff! The less you have, the less you have to keep up with and clean!
Anyway. We had a great weekend that allowed me to recharge. I plan to hit a couple of things really hard between now and Thanksgiving: Eating well and exercising, going through all of our closets and dressers and the kids' toys, and blasting through lots of school work. Then I will feel so good about a relaxing Thanksgiving holiday.
Glad to be back!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
We have had a lot to celebrate at our house the past couple of days: Dawson had his 15th birthday. Eli worked hard (even though he didn't have to) to meet his Accelerated Reader goal at school. Kyndal participated in her Tech campus' Breast Cancer Awareness program called "Pink Out Peoria". Brynne helped me foster a lost doggie until she could be returned to her owner.
We are on a much-needed break from the norm, spending a few days at my mom and dad's. The goal is to hit school HARD when we return on Monday until Thanksgiving Break. We all have work to do. But in the meantime we are exhausted and are in need of a physical and mental break.
I forgot my camera cord, so I think I will suspend postings until I get back home next week.
In the meantime, when you think of me, please stop and say a prayer for the Goldstein Family. They live in our subdivision and on Monday their 4 year old son, Colby, was tragically killed when his grandfather accidentally ran over him in their driveway. The community is in shock and it makes you stop and consider all that you have.
Have a wonderful weekend. We'll be back next week.
We are on a much-needed break from the norm, spending a few days at my mom and dad's. The goal is to hit school HARD when we return on Monday until Thanksgiving Break. We all have work to do. But in the meantime we are exhausted and are in need of a physical and mental break.
I forgot my camera cord, so I think I will suspend postings until I get back home next week.
In the meantime, when you think of me, please stop and say a prayer for the Goldstein Family. They live in our subdivision and on Monday their 4 year old son, Colby, was tragically killed when his grandfather accidentally ran over him in their driveway. The community is in shock and it makes you stop and consider all that you have.
Have a wonderful weekend. We'll be back next week.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Nicole's Daybook
Outside my window... The temperature between yesterday and today will be at least a 20 degree difference! It's Fall, y'all! A cold front came in and we are going to have highs in the 60's today. Yaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy!!!!!!!
I am thinking... about how 15 years ago today, I was going through one of the most difficult and scary days of my life. More on that later today.
I am thankful ... that Trixie's, aka Lilly's, family read on their neighborhood website that we had her and that they were reunited last night. I am glad we decided to pick her up and take care of her, because her family was gone all last weekend and there is no telling where she might have ended up.
I am wearing... WARM pj bottoms and a big hoodie.
I am planning... to spend the day playing Halo with Dawson. It was his birthday request.
I am creating... a surprise of pizza and friends for Dawson's birthday dinner tonight.
I am going... to veg out with my birthday boy all day today.
I am reading... You know, I'm just not reading anything right now. Hoping to read some this weekend while relaxing at my parents'.
I am hoping... to have a great weekend back in my hometown this weekend. Looking forward to some relaxation.
From the learning rooms... Fall Break starts on Thursday, so this week is pretty laid back. We had a makeup day for Co-op yesterday, so no book school. Today is Dawson's birthday and for 'school' he is going to spend the day showing me all of the educational aspects of playing his xbox. Tomorrow, we are going to concentrate on writing and finishing our history read-a-loud. Then we are off for a few days! I am ready! Kyndal has an algebra test tomorrow. (Please pray for her!) And Eli has to read and test on four books before the end of the day tomorrow to reach his reading goal for the quarter. His teacher said this quarter's goal was completely arbitrary and no one really has to meet it. Eli REALLY, REALLY, REALLY wants to, though. He said, "I know I can do it!" So, we are trying our hardest.
Noticing that ... peace resides in our home right now.
From the kitchen... Pizza tonight!
Around the house... Are tubs of winter clothes ready to be put into dressers and closets.
One of my favorite things... Watching dvr'd shows with my husband after all the kids go to bed.
A few plans for the rest of the week... Heading to Missouri to attend my grandma's 80th birthday party. Rick and Dawson are staying home. Kyndal is going to her dad's. The little guys and I are spending the weekend in Missouri with my parents. This is Fall Break, so we have some time off. We have to come back on Sunday night, though, because Kyndal has Tech on Monday and Dawson has an appointment with the oral surgeon about the cyst under his tooth.
I am hoping... to have a great weekend back in my hometown this weekend. Looking forward to some relaxation.
From the learning rooms... Fall Break starts on Thursday, so this week is pretty laid back. We had a makeup day for Co-op yesterday, so no book school. Today is Dawson's birthday and for 'school' he is going to spend the day showing me all of the educational aspects of playing his xbox. Tomorrow, we are going to concentrate on writing and finishing our history read-a-loud. Then we are off for a few days! I am ready! Kyndal has an algebra test tomorrow. (Please pray for her!) And Eli has to read and test on four books before the end of the day tomorrow to reach his reading goal for the quarter. His teacher said this quarter's goal was completely arbitrary and no one really has to meet it. Eli REALLY, REALLY, REALLY wants to, though. He said, "I know I can do it!" So, we are trying our hardest.
Noticing that ... peace resides in our home right now.
From the kitchen... Pizza tonight!
Around the house... Are tubs of winter clothes ready to be put into dressers and closets.
One of my favorite things... Watching dvr'd shows with my husband after all the kids go to bed.
A few plans for the rest of the week... Heading to Missouri to attend my grandma's 80th birthday party. Rick and Dawson are staying home. Kyndal is going to her dad's. The little guys and I are spending the weekend in Missouri with my parents. This is Fall Break, so we have some time off. We have to come back on Sunday night, though, because Kyndal has Tech on Monday and Dawson has an appointment with the oral surgeon about the cyst under his tooth.
From my picture journal.
Our storybook character inspired pumpkin we created for Eli's school library. It's "Fly Guy" from the series by Tedd Arnold, Eli's favorite book series.
Lots of women Daybook. See what they have to say at The Simple Woman's Daybook.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)