Simple Woman's Daybook 7.20.10

Outside my window...is a warm summer night, with the a hint of rain on the horizon.

I am thinking...about how the vote is going to go tomorrow night at church. We are voting for a new Sr. Pastor.

I am thankful for...the gift of a computer - so that I can be electronically connected again at home. I've missed blogging!! In addition, I'm so thankful with how well things are going with my new job!

From the learning rooms...well this week I'm looking into some classes at local craft stores. Classes I might take this Fall/Winter...as my evenings will be a little less hectic and there are some things I want to learn to do: complete the cake decorating course I started a few years ago; sewing using a sewing machine and possibly crocheting. In addition to a refresh course in candy making.

From the kitchen...during my recent "vacation" from work - I wanted to make sure that I was finding ways to stay active in my meal ministry, but also stay below my budget (since I was on a "fixed" income)...so I wasn't able to make meals - but I was able to bake little yummy treats during those four weeks - like cupcakes for my brother's family when they were all having a rough week; brownies the end of the year Ensemble dinner (Ayana was able to help with this project - and she told me I was the best cooker she knew!); Cherry and Apple Dump Cakes for Hayden's graduation party - only to find out that my Grandma Emma (who I completely resemble in more ways than one and who I would love to name my daughter after) used to make this same dessert, and my Aunt hadn't had it since Grandma died 34 year's ago. So while they weren't full blown meals - I was still able to bring some yumminess to the lives of those around me. I also plan to make a pan of Pumpkin Bars with Homemade Whipped Cream - as a thank you to the person who provided me with my computer - they won't let me pay them.

I am wearing...comfy attire

I am creating...a list of names of children to follow-up with from VBS this year - and names of people at IBC who could help with this process...SS teachers, Youth Workers, etc.!!

I am going...to a wedding this weekend!! :)

I am reading..."Ever After" by Karen Kingsbury. I've been reading it for several years now - but I've not found the time to just sit and read it the way I would like. However, since I ride the bus now - I have 35-40 min. one way to sit back and read. During my bus ride I've also been reading a chapter of Proverbs for what ever day it is - like today I read Proverbs 20.

I am hoping...for something to arrive in the mail, that is LONG overdue.

I am hearing...the quietness of my house. Which is often very nice - but at night time, I don't like it...it makes me realize that I am alone. Don't get me wrong - I know God is here with me - but in terms of a tangible someone...I'm alone. Singleness has been heavy on my heart in recent weeks.

Around the house...I've been crossing many different projects off my list. This past weekend it was gutter cleaning, carport painting and shrub trimming. Along with talking to a friend about some improvements to the front walk and front porch. This coming weekend it will be Air Duct cleaning. All of these are services I've had to "hire-out" - and honestly last weekend I had a hard time with that. I hated that I had to spend money to have someone come do basic home up keep types of things I couldn't do - and it made my singleness even more "there". I realize that just because someone is married doesn't mean they won't have to "hire-out" projects...but more than likely some of these things could be done...if I weren't so mechanically disadvantaged or if I had a handy husband around. On top of those projects I had two smoke detectors that started chirping due to low batteries - thankfully I was able to fix those. But the one project that I can't fix is the light bulb in my upstairs hallway blew - and I can't reach it to change it - nor can I stand on a ladder to fix it, because the fixture is above the stairs...so I'm currently without a hall light...until I can get a tall friend over to help me change it. And I need to replace my garbage disposal - but I'm hoping maybe I can have someone replace it (with me purchasing the parts) in exchange for a home cooked meal - menu of their choice!

One of my favorite things...watching Hayden play baseball. I watched him play this evening for the last time this season. Seems hard to believe that 13 Summers ago - we started out on this journey...who would of thought then how much I would fall in love with watching him play baseball. I knew I'd love the boy playing the game - but had no clue I'd love the game itself.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Special Business Meeting at IBC tomorrow night; attending the first meeting I've planned for my new job; going to a wedding; projects around the house; dinner and a movie; and listening to stories of the Knisley's experience at Family Camp!


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