First Sentences

I came across an idea today:
Post the first sentence of your first blog post of each month. You can also add a favourite picture from each month

So here we go with the sentences, I might do another post with photos later.

JANUARY
The questions are changing slightly from last year. Here are a set of questions I've seen on a few people's facebook pages.


FEBRUARY
Outside my window...
It's snowing.

MARCH
How about a little diversion? I have been cracking up all morning over this meme that I found over on the Allsorts blog page.

APRIL
Outside my window...
The sun is shining. I think it's probably the warmest day so far this year. I went to town earlier and had to take my jacket off on the way back! I have the back door open!

MAY
I NEED a new bathroom. Seriously!

JUNE
Outside my window...
the sun is shining, the weather is beautiful! The back door is wide open and I am sitting here enjoying the fresh air coming in.

JULY
From "Captivating" by John and Stasi Eldredge

I know I am not alone in this nagging sense of failing to measure up, a feeling of not being good enough AS A WOMAN.

AUGUST
OK, so I've been away from blogging for a while, and strictly speaking the Simple Woman's Daybook is taking the week off, but she has provided for us all to continue through this post.

SEPTEMBER
Right now, as you know, I am using blogger for this blog, but I really want to be able to host my blog on my own site.

OCTOBER
Outside my window...
is a chilly day I will have to venture out into later and my car, minus it's rear windscreen that someone decided to smash on Saturday night. It's being repaired this afternoon.

NOVEMBER
Some time back I wrote a 40 things to do before i am 40 list. The last time I even looked at that list was during the 2007 Blogathon! SCARY!

DECEMBER
Oooooh, this week I learned how to make crochet flowers:

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Thursday 13 - 13 things about my theme for 2010

13 things about my theme for 2010

1. So, last time I participated in Thursday 13 i shared some things about yearly themes. About what they are, how i receive mine, how the last year has gone with its theme and so on. Go read it if you have any questions.
   



2. In that previous post I shared that despite declaring I was not yet ready to even think about a theme for 2010, I did indeed know what it was. SIMPLIFY, or to put it another way SIMPLIFICATION.
   



3. So what does that mean? Well, to an extent it means a variety of things because I believe it is going to affect many areas of my life. But in essence it means working smarter instead of harder, focussing on the things that matter and decluttering.
   



4. I believe I need to SIMPLIFY in terms of health, I need to focus on what matters, losing some weight so I can eventually get off the CPAP and live a normal life without it. This in turn will affect many of my other health issues. Along with that will go exercise. SIMPLIFY that by just getting on with it and doing it rather than making excuses. If it's too cold and wet to walk outside, get on the blasted treadmill and DO IT! It's not complicated, it's not difficult, it's SIMPLE!
   
   There is no easy way out, no quick fix, the only long term way that is going to do this is to eat less and move more, deny yourself some of the time, but not all of the time, and if you believe emotional crap from your past is affecting your ability to do that, do the hard emotional work of working through it, with help if you need it.
   



5. I believe I need to SIMPLIFY in terms of my work. STOP stressing over which schools to send the letters to and which not and just send them to all the schools in our target area. I also believe I need to bring it back before god far more. Pray daily, weekly, monthly and yearly, each in slightly different ways, but with a focus on this work, on the children that need to hear the good news, on the teaching staff that need a break from having to lead assemblies, on the heart and soul of our future - children.
   



6. I believe I need to SIMPLIFY in terms of chores around the house. I am still working my way out of the situation it got into when I had so little energy due to the sleep apnoea. I still don't have the energy levels I would like but they ARE so much better than they had been. Some of the problems are also because with the reduced energy levels I got out of the habit of doing stuff. I need a simple, easy to use and follow schedule that takes into account that my work hours are at different times on different days every week of the year.
   



7. Along with SIMPLIFYING the chores, I think I seriously need to de-clutter, SIMPLIFY what we have. I am not as extreme as some people, but we do have too much stuff, stuff we don't use, don't need and sometimes don't even want. for instance, this morning we have thrown out at least a dozen pairs of old shoes that we were all hanging onto "just in case" or because we hadn't got around to throwing them out yet.
   
   I wouldn't go as far as to say "If you haven't used it or needed it in a year, you need to throw it out", but I do believe we can seriously streamline our belongings. As mentioned above we have begun this process, on a gentle scale, but gradually things are being taken to the charity shop, or if they are not good enough for that, to the local tip.
   



8. There is something in my gut that says we may NEED that de-cluttering. Maybe that is jsut so that if and when we take advantage of our better financial position to refinance with a better deal, the valuer who comes to the house sees a much tidier, in better condition house. Or, maybe there is a move in our future. I don't know, MAYBE there is, maybe there isn't, to be honest it's not something I see, strongly, just that there's enough of a stirring in my stomach that we NEED to do this de-cluttering to make me wonder.
   



9. I need to SIMPLIFY my spiritual life. I try to make things so complicated, looking for this book, or that method. And the truth is, I need to read my bible, pray and journal each day. Anything else comes on top of that, anything else while useful is not vital. The only VITAL thing is KNOWING that God loves me beyond measure and moving towards deeper relationship and walk with Him.
   



10. I need to maintain a SIMPLICITY to my trip to America. there are many many people who want me to make time to see them. I cannot do everything, see everyone or go everywhere. I ONLY have 2 weeks. I have chosen a focus, and will have to practise using the words "I'm sorry, I just can't." I need to keep hold of the reason for this trip. This trip is about friendship first and foremost, about meeting up with a group of crazy women whom I love as if I had known them all my life. But I am coming to understand that it is also about my relationship with God. About getting me out of comfort zone, out of routine and in a position to listen in different ways to what he is speaking to me.
    
    Dana, BTW, I am looking forward to making great use of those chairs out back of your house! heeheee. Journal, chair, beautiful view, good friends, oh YES! hmm, might need a pen to go with that journal!
    
    


11. Church fellowship? Well since it turned out that my theme for last year, AND the scripture God gave me to back it up, was used by the couple who came to speak at our church camp in October, who knows what this could mean for our church this year. We are still in a situation where we could be moving from the building, so it could be to do with that, but it doesn't have to be. How do we as a fellowship need to SIMPLIFY? This is something I need to think about, write about and share with the leaders in the next week or so. I need to LISTEN and share.
    



12. I can SIMPLIFY my online life and time. Each day I need to check emails, facebook, 2 particular message boards and my googlemail. I would also like to add writing a blog post each day but again that is not essential. What I need to cut out is the amount of time I spend sat at this computer desk just looking for something to fill my time. SIMPLIFY, SIMPLIFY, SIMPLIFY!
    



13. And so, we're at number 13. I am not sure if I mentioned in the previous post abotu themes. But one of the things we like to do is find a scripture to focus on during the year to go with our themes. Usually my scripture comes a week or two behind my theme.
    
    I haven't yet discovered what that is for the coming year. This is another thing I need to look into and listen for.
    
    

If you want to read more Thursday 13 posts, head on over to Thursday 13 by clicking on that banner at the top of this post!

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Review on the Year 2009 - Part Five

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
What a question to start the day with. I really have no idea, too tired and cold for a question like that.


How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Comfortable!


What kept you sane?
Faith. I mean, seriously I wonder how people who don't have a belief in and relationship with god ever manage to cope. I KNOW I have somewhere to go, someone to turn to when things get tough, someone to strengthen me, someone to renew me, someone to hold me and give me peace, someone to challenge me to grow and never leave me in the dirt and the dust of life.


Who did you miss?
Another hard question. I think the people I miss the most are people who are here, haven't gone anywhere but just don't communicate. How can you live with someone and keep yourself so closed off to them that they never know what you think or feel about pretty much anything? OK, so not every day is like that, but sometimes at home is the loneliest place to be. This year that is going to change! Breakthrough is NOT over.


Who was the best new person you met?
Not huge numbers of new people this year, and most of the ones I can think of have actually ben around since before the start of the year.
I met some of my son's teachers for the first time this year. They are an interesting bunch. Working in a tough school, with all the issues that entails and yet totally committed to these kids and their futures. Because my son is an incredibly able student we have all sorts of in jokes with some of the teachers and I think they say stuff to me they wouldn't say to some of the other parents.
I'll have to tell you the exam room joke sometime.


Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009:
It's time to stop making excuses, stop blaming other people, stand up and walk through life as an adult inside, not a child. And at the same time as taking up responsibility that I have been trying to avoid, to stop carrying responsibility that is not mine.


Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
I always struggle with this question.
Never heard this song before, but searched for songs with a particular keyword in the lyrics and this is what I found, it's perfect.

You got me
Just in time
I never knew
Just how long it'd take
To get to this place
I can't believe it's been this hard
Now I'm finally moving on
Yeah, it's really coming true

I know it's a breakthrough
To see what you've always wanted me to
I know it's a breakthrough
And I don't have to live like this anymore


Well, we have finally reached the end of the review on the year, and just in time it seems.

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Review on the Year 2009 - Part Four

What was the best book you read?
I haven't done an awful lot of reading this year. But I do have a favourite book. It's called Red Velvet and Chocolate Heartache, by Harry Eastwood (who BTW is a girl). It's a book of gluten free cake recipes that use a lot of vegetable in them and thereby reduces the amount of fat you need to use. They are absolutely amazing. My favourite is the raspberry and white chocolate blondies, although we also enjoy the beetroot brownies.
Most fo the recipes are also dairy free as well.
My copy is a signed copy because I bought it after I watched her do a demonstration at the Ludlow Food Festival earlier this year.


What was your greatest musical discovery of 2009?
I have just spent a fair bit of the this morning loading new artists into my Spotify playlists. I now have SO MANY playlists it's almost scary, but I guess you could say my musical discovery is SPOTIFY. I love it! As long as my internet hasn't gone down I can listen to free music, the tracks I want to listen to, when I want to listen to them with the occasional interruption of a short advert. I love it!
OK so they don't have absolutely everything but they are working all the time to increase the number of artists who agree to them using their music.


What did you want and get?
Deeper friendship relationships with other women. Both with someone I see in real life and also with a group of ladies I know online. I have really been blessed in this area this year.


What did you want and not get?
hmmmmm, I wanted an easy way to lose weight, but truth be told there is no easy way. The ONLY way to do this is to work hard, eat less and move more!


What was your favourite film of this year?
For a lot of people it's going to be either the latest Harry Potter or the very newly released Avatar. For me it's neither. The first film that I enjoyed this year, was just for the sake of it, lots of fun
Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian
and the 2nd one was just recently, and brought to life an old story we have known for years.
A Christmas Carol in 3D.
Neither of them particularly ground breaking movies, neither of them particularly rated by the critics, but I enjoyed them!


What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was 38 on my birthday back in January and I have absolutely no recollection of how I spent the day at all!

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Review on the Year 2009 - Part Three

What song will always remind you of 2009?
I don't think there is ONE song as such. There's nothing I can think of that really sums up this year, no one song that I have played over and over.


Compared to this time last year, are you:
a. happier or sadder?
Much happier! This time last year I was struggling with diagnosed but untreated sleep apnoea, as i was waiting to get my CPAP machine. I was having to take daily naps of 2, 3 even 4 hours and still not able to function normally. being THAT tired really does have an effect on your ability to find the joy even in the small things.
NOW, with CPAP, I rarely need daytime naps, and although I would still like more energy and to be able accomplish more, I have so much more than I did a year ago that I am over the moon.

b. thinner or fatter?
THINNER! Yeeeaaaaahhhhhh! Put a bit of it back on the last 2 and a half months, BUT still thinner than this time last year and raring to go getting back into the swing of things.

c. richer or poorer?
hmmmmmmm, hubby has done a lot of overtime and it has allowed us to get "caught up" so on the whole we wre better off than this time last year.


What do you wish you'd done more of?
hmmmmm. I wish I had walked MORE, I mean I wish I had not let the busyness of life and the colder and wetter weather keep me from my walks towards the end of the year. NEXT year, should not be quite as busy through those particular months, and hopefully with a focus on simplifying things, I should be able to keep on with the things that really matter.


What do you wish you'd done less of?
Wasting time and energy on worrying about things that I could do nothing to change, or even possibilities, things that hadn't even happened yet.


How did you spend Christmas?
Just the 4 of us. We had invited friends, but they couldn't come, so it was just me, hubby, and our two boys, aged 15 and 18. We went to church in the morning and had a generally lazy day. Spoke to family later on, which was nice.


What was your favourite TV program?
I have watched much less tv this year than ever before, spending (or possibly wasting) more time on the computer. There were a number of shows i enjoyed watching but nothing that I worried about if I missed an episode. I still enjoy Doctor Who, but on the whole my favourite shows tend to be the lifestyle stuff, food shows, home decor shows, that kind of thing.
I don't watch the reality tv stuff such as "I'm a Celebrity" or "Big Brother". I also steer clear of X factor and the similar dance shows, BUT do enjoy Strictly Come Dancing, the UK version of Dancing With The Stars.

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Review on the Year 2009 - Part Two

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
WALKING. As I began to lose weight I began to tackle walks I would never have thought of attempting before. The first big achievement one was to reach the top of the "mountain" over the road from the camp we use for church camp. I did that earlier in the day, the same day I scalded myself. The 2nd came about a week or so later when I finally climbed THE WREKIN! We have lived here in Telford for 16 years and this was the first time I had managed to climb that hill! Then life got busier and the weather began to get colder and wetter and I haven't walked much anywhere in the last 3 months. But I WILL BE BACK!


What was your biggest failure?
hmmmmmmm. . . . . . I don't like to think of this in terms of "failure", rather in terms of "areas in which I still need to grow". I still need to grow in being consistent, particularly around the house and in my spiritual life. Also in taking proper care of me.


Did you suffer illness or injury?
What, other than chucking a kettle full of hot water over myself (see the previous post if you missed all that)? I would not call this other situation an "illness" as such, but I do have Sleep Apnoea. I was finally diagnosed at the end of 2008 after many years of knowing that i had but not being able to get doctors to take me seriously. I picked up my CPAP machine in January and have to use that every night as I sleep. It was hard getting used to it, then things settled down into a really good routine. More recently I have struggled with it a bit again, but things are still SO MUCH BETTER than they were before I started.


What was the best thing you bought?
A PLANE TICKET! GRIN!


Where did most of your money go?
Well the biggest cost for a single item was indeed that plane ticket, and the vast majority of the money we have going on the usual bills, but I guess you want to know about things other than that huh? Well, I tried to curtail my spending on craft products towards the end of the year and even though I made 3 scrapbook calendars as Christmas gifts, I did that with NO NEW PAPERS! I had to buy the kits to decorate and needed extra adhesives to complete them, but I managed to complete all 36 pages without adding any extra paper to my stash.


What did you get really, really, really excited about?
errmmmm, let me see, errrmmmm, oh it might be...... you know,...... something that is happening next year.......... that I already bought tickets for.................
yes

I AM GOING TO AMERICA! ME! By myself, without my family to meet a load of crazy women who are very dear friends! Woooohooooooo!

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Review on the Year 2009 - Part One

So here we are, approaching the end of the year. It's time for that long list of questions again.
I think I got these off Angie years ago, THANKS!


What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
I booked a flight to America. For a long time now I have dreamed of making a trip to America to meet all the wonderful women I only know online. Well, not all of them, but some of them, there is only 2 weeks to fit it all in. Just over a year ago I took the step of setting up a separate bank account specifically for this purpose. All birthday and Christmas gifts went in there as did any money I earned from online surveys or paid blogging. A couple of months ago, I realised that with what I had been promised for this year's Christmas I now had enough!

A friend from church asked me something on facebook this morning

"R U not worried about meeting people you have never met except on the net......they could be anyone...."

YES, they COULD be anyone. But these are not people I only met online last month, these are women I have known for years! They are NOT online friends, they are real people and therefore real friends, and I KNOW that for a core group of them, I could call on them day and night if I really needed them and they would do what they could. They have blessed me and caused me to grow in faith and maturity. They have laughed with me and cried with me. I have watched them and learnt from them and I cannot wait to meet them in person.


Did you keep your new years' resolutions and will you make more for next year?
I don't make new years resolutions. I did begin some healthy lifestyle changes in the Spring and although these stalled around the end of September, I had lost 2 stones (a stone is 14 pounds for my American readers) by then. I have possibly put as much as half a stone back on but that is OK, I am ready to knuckle back down and get on with it all again.


Did anyone close to you give birth?
Oooh YES! Dearest Monika gave birth, early, to a darling baby. And hopefully by the time this post makes it to my blog my friend Kate will also have given birth. She was due a few days before Christmas and the hospital will intervene on Tuesday, so one way or the other that baby will be born before the year is out.


Did anyone close to you die?
Not this year, thankfully, although I know other friends who have not been so fortunate.


What countries did you visit?
Wales! That was it this year. The year before included a trip to Belarus via Prague, and next year obviously brings the trip to America, but this year has just been England and Wales.


What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
A smaller body. Seriously! By the end of this year I NEED to have lost some considerable weight for my health. I really am NOT bothered about the way I look, but the effects on my health are taking a toll and causing problems. I can change that. I can get back on track and do what needs to be done. How? The easy answer but the hard way, Eat less, Move more!


What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
It's not so much the date as the event.

At church camp, in October, I managed to spill a kettle full of hot water all down my left side. I leapt up and ran for the showers before the woman who was in the kitchen with me even realised what had happened. We couldn't switch the showers to cold only as they were ones that you just press a button and the water heats up as it goes. So we had a chain of people brining me containers of cold water which I was throwing over myself stood in the shower.

Someone else went and alerted the members of our church in other cabins to pray, yet another person went and found out the route to the nearest hospital minor injuries unit. Then, when we were ready to go, with wet towels wrapped around my arm and blankets thrown on top of that, I made my way out to the car, between lines of cheering people, and headed off to the hospital.

That took a while, it was quite a distance and I was swearing a lot on the way. I am really sorry to the family that was coming out of the hospital as we arrived who probably heard some of that, honestly I am. We were seen immediately, there was no one waiting in front of us and I was given a gel dressing for my arm and side. The nurse told me that would kick in soon and begin to feel cold, which would in turn provide pain relief! HA "soon" was well over 2 hours later! OUCH! My arm healed well and the only remaining evidence is that the freckles (yes I am one of the spotty people!) on the arm that was scalded are paler than on the other arm.


....... to be continued. stay tuned for the other instalments of my review on the year.

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

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FOR TODAY, Monday 28th December (happy 13th birthday Hannah)...

Outside my window... a bit dark and wet. We didn't get much snow the week running up to Christmas, even though other parts of the country were literally snowed in, with over a foot of the stuff. BUT the forecast is for more snow starting tomorrow, so who knows, this time we might get some.

I am thinking... about my "theme" for 2010 and what that will mean, how it will work out.

I am thankful for...

• a wonderful church family
• a fantastic husband who loves me very much
• 2 teen sons who are growing into young men any parent would be proud of
• thank yous for the hand made Christmas gifts I gave this year. It seems the scrapbook calendars went down really well.
• Organising website and websites with online to do list programmes that allow me to access my list no matter where I am

From the learning rooms... It's Christmas, I'm not really learning a lot, other than the fact that I don't keep to a routine well with the whole family around. I get frustrated when they get in the way, and I can't seem to get comfortable in any kind of quiet alone time with me and God when they are around, sigh.

From the kitchen... Well, we had the full works roast turkey on Friday. Saturday was a mashed potato topped turkey pie (I made extra mash for Christmas day on purpose so there was one less job to do). And yesterday we had turkey curry. We also had one round of turkey sandwiches for lunch AND my youngest made delicious turkey samosas. NOW they want to eat the gingerbread house!

I am wearing... black velour trousers, a blue/green top, and trainers on my feet. I have to put my shoes on as soon as I am up because I have fallen arches and walking barefoot (which used to be my norm as much as possible) causes me problems.

I am creating... Well, I did finish the scrapbook calendars for gifts, but I am still participating in Shimelle's Journal Your Christmas project. This is my 4th year and the first time I have managed to be this consistent with it. I truly intend to finish it this year! It continues right up to 12th night.

I am going... to stay home today as it is a public holiday over here. We might head out for a walk at some point, but any shopping trips etc will wait until later in the week.

I am remembering.... the sketch a friend and I did for our church Christmas special. I was archangel Raphael, she was a minor angel. It made me laugh, but it also made me think. I think I often get more out of these sketches than the audience does.

I am reading... Guideposts for the Spirit, Christmas stories of faith.

I am hoping... that a friend from church goes into labour naturally today if she hasn't already. Tomorrow is the day the hospital "intervene" as she was due a few days before Christmas day.

I am praying....

• for various members of our church who are not well at the moment
• for friends who are snowed in at home and likely to start getting cabin fever soon
• for friends dealing with desperate situations this week
• for insight into what my "theme" for next year means, practically.
  

I am hearing... hubby pottering about in the other room, but both boys are still fast asleep.

Around the house... there is just a lot of picking up to do. No major CLEANING, just tidying. But it still needs to be done.

One of my favourite things... this past week has been reading quietly in the living room with just the twinkling lights for company.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

• Sort out a laptop shelf for my treadmill
• Get some pictures hung on the wall in the dining room
• Stop and do some serious journaling abut the last year and how I feel about it
• Maybe even blog some of that
• PARTY at my dad's house on Saturday
  

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

SO, if you want to read more daybook entries or you would like to take part yourself. Click on the image at the top of this post and check it all out.

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Christmas Journal

I've been doing Shimelle's Christmas Journal this year.
Today is the 10th and I'm STILL going. This is not the latest I've ever gone with this but it IS the most consistent I've been. I have done EVERY DAY SO FAR!

And here for your delight are my pages.

1st December

2nd December

3rd December

4th December

5th December

6th December

7th December

8th December

9th December

10th December

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What I Learned this Week

What did I learn this week?
Bullet Points this week, ooh I've been learning lots.

This week I learned

• that if your church leader asks your husband to lead a small group, he assumes that includes you. (GRIN! It's OK, I am truly OK with this, I just think it's funny)
• to make another, different design of crochet flowers.
• that it IS possible to make scrapbook pages quickly when you are up against a deadline.
• that it is usually best to apologise for where you were genuinely wrong, but it is possible to stand up for what you believe to be right at the same time.
• that there is carpet under all that stuff that was on my eldest son's bedroom floor.
  

If you want to participate in What I Learned this Week, head over to the website by clicking on the image at the top of this post.

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Simple Woman's Daybook

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FOR TODAY, Monday 7th December 2009...

Outside my window... There are no more leaves on the tree in my back garden and the rain is coming down steadily. But it is still a beautiful day.

I am thinking... about the teacher I had a quick chat with today after my assembly. She used to teach my boys way back when they were at that school and has had some serious health issues over the years, but is looking SO WELL this morning, better than I have seen her in a long time.

I am thankful for...

• Shimelle's "Journal Your Christmas" project. Loving it this year.
• 2 wonderful teen boys, 1 of whom has just done a couple of chores for me without too much complaining. Thank you Matthew!
• Good reports from teachers of both boys. Matthew has some serious talent in the tech theatre department and Michael apparently should have taken Drama.
• The rain, it washes and brings refreshing.
• My car, it gets me to where I need to be. Hoping it makes it all the way to distant relatives on Sunday.
• The fact that those distant relatives are not as far away as we had guessed. If the journey really is only 2 hours, as the route planner suggests, we should go see them more often.
• Sunday's Cool rotas are done for another 3 months, woohooo!

From the learning rooms... I learnt how to make another design of crochet flowers this week and have been making them whenever I am sat in front of the TV. I also am learning how to make braids using a braiding disk.
The round ones are coming out OK, but the flat ones keep getting kinks in them!

From the kitchen... My menu plan is up on my Food and Fitness Blog.
And I do need to finish up my plans for Christmas meals!

I am wearing... Smart black trousers and an orange and dark brown jersey top. School Assembly outfit!

I am creating...

• Crochet Flowers
• Braids
• A Daily scrapbooked Christmas Journal
• 36 12*12 scrapbook pages to make 3 calendars for Christmas gifts!
  

I am going... to visit some relatives on Sunday. Really looking forward to it.

I am remembering.... To take time out, stop and breath amongst all the stress and chores of Christmas preparation. Choosing to make 61 scrapbook pages before Christmas may have been foolhardy but I am enjoying it so far.

I am reading... not a lot with all this scrapbooking going on. Instructions maybe, or web pages with scrapbook page sketches and layouts on them mainly.

I am hoping... that the one remaining extended family gift is easy to sort out and the my youngest son sorts out what he wants with the rest of his Christmas gift allowance soon!

I am praying.... For this to be the best Christmas ever!

I am hearing... the whir of the fan on the oven. Eldest son has just grilled (broiled) fish fingers and the fan kicks in to cool it down quicker.

Around the house... Plenty to do to prepare for Christmas, but in particular today:

• finish kitchen
• Tidy living room floor
• Tidy living room corners
• Tidy living room coffee table
• Clean living room coffee table
• Vacuum living room floor
• Get hubby to straighten covers on living room sofas (he's better at it than I am)
  

One of my favourite things... at the moment is peace and quiet, and stillness, but I seem to struggle to take advantage of it even when it presents itself to me.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

• Finish at least one scrapbook calendar
• Keep on top of kitchen cleaning
• Sort out living room
• Sort out main food storage cupboard in the kitchen, I have no idea what is in there and what isn't!
• Go to School Christmas Concert tomorrow late afternoon/early evening.
  
• Maybe rush off to church small group after that.
• Outdoor carols at local centre Wednesday afternoon
• Christmas cards written
• One load of gifts wrapped up!
  

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

SO, if you want to read more daybook entries or you would like to take part yourself. Click on the image at the top of this post and check it all out.

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8-year-old Maddox Outstyled Brad and Angelina

Maddox, the youngest son of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie was dressed in a crisp white shirt and black slacks at the premiere of Clint Eastwood's new film, Invictus last Thursday night. He looked classy in a straw hat and well-draped scarf.

While Brad and Angelina looked rather low-key; Brad wore a knit cap, jeans, and his hideous goatee. Whereas, Angelina covered up in a cross between a muumuu

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What I Learned This Week

What did I learn this week?

Oooooh, this week I learned how to make crochet flowers:

I am so happy with these and looking forward to making many more. Trying to figure out who I can give them to as gifts this year.

If you want to participate in What I Learned this Week, head over to the website by clicking on the image at the top of this post.

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

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FOR TODAY, Monday ...

Outside my window... it is probably the coldest say of this season so far. There was frost on the windscreen of my car when I went out this morning and it is set to drop as low as minus 6 tonight (CELSIUS remember, we are metric here)

I am thinking... of all the things I need to get done in the next day or so.

I am thankful for...

• A fantastic day at the Medieval Christmas Fayre yesterday.
• An opportunity this week to work through some things with trusted friends.
• For continued opportunities to speak into the lives of Children in local schools, through assemblies.
• For the fact that I live where I do, when I do and with the people I do!
• For the exciting future that I KNOW God has for the people of my town!
• For my car that is still going.
• For my computer and the connections it has allowed me to make and the relationships it has allowed me to build.
  

From the learning rooms... Yesterday I learnt to make crochet flowers. I think I will be making a lot more of them.

From the kitchen... tonight we will be christening my younger son's birthday gift, a tagine. We're making Moroccan chicken with preserved lemons. I think we'll serve it with couscous and flatbreads.

I am wearing... Black cargo trousers, and a burgundy v-neck top with false shirt collar and cuffs.

I am creating... lots of crochet and knitting loom goodies. Some of which are for gifts so there will be no pictures for the moment at least.

I am going... to AMERICA next Spring. Oh did I already tell you that last week? Hmmmmm, I am going . . . to continue to be overly excited about my trip to America. I have wanted to make this trip for so long now and can't quite believe it is really going to happen!

I am remembering.... That I really must get the book off the shelf and learn this school assembly that I am doing tomorrow morning!

I am reading... not an awful lot at the moment, although I do have a basket full of Christmas gifts that I will be digging into over the next few weeks.

I am hoping... For continued breakthrough in a number of areas, particularly the one we will be addressing with friends later this week. My "theme" for this year was breakthrough and I do NOT for one second believe we are done with that yet, even though the year is nearly over.

I am praying....

• For friends who are struggling with long term illnesses
• For truth
• For the BEST Christmas ever, and not in the physical, practical ways.
  

I am hearing... the electrical hum of my computer and the clicking of the keys as I type, an occasional vehicle outside and not a lot else. Maybe I should put some Christmas music on. Any suggestions?

Around the house...

• Christmas Planning
• Meal Planning
• Shopping List planning
• dishes to wash and put away
• laundry to put away
• Diary to update

One of my favourite things... at the moment is my new knitting loom. I LOVE IT!

A few plans for the rest of the week...

• School assembly tomorrow morning.
• Shoebox Lorry loading tomorrow all day
• Son's Spanish Class and me to friends tomorrow afternoon
• Small Group tomorrow evening
• Talking with friends Wednesday evening
• LOCAL Christmas Fayre on Friday afternoon
• Friend's leaving do on Friday evening
• Possible trip to another Christmas Fayre on Saturday

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

SO, if you want to read more daybook entries or you would like to take part yourself. Click on the image at the top of this post and check it all out.

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Friday Felicities

Years ago, our dear friend Natalie started Friday Felicities. I say “our” because she was a friend to so many women online.
Natalie passed away on June 7, 2007 after a sudden illness. Becky took over hosting Friday Felicities and while she may not manage to post every week, those of us who participate now still consider her the host.
What are felicities you ask? Why they are things that make you happy! So, this is not a hard meme at all! Becky gives permission to use the graphic in this post but please load it to your own site. List your happies and please go over to Becky's to sign the Mr. Linky if she posts and link up with other Friday Felicities participants.
So, my Friday Felicities for Friday 27th November are:

• Walking away from one project that I have been involved in for a few years, KNOWING that God has something more for me to do, but not knowing what and being OK with that.
  
• Sunshine
• Rain
• Friends, good friends
  
• Airlines offering good deals on flights to America!
  
• The whole idea that I WILL be going to America next year and meeting IRL some of those women who knew Natalie in person!
  

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Thursday 13 - 13 things about Themes For the Year

13 things about yearly themes

1. I first came across the idea of themes for the year a few years ago through reading the blogs of friends. Basically the idea is to seek God for an underlying theme for the coming year and then watch how He works that out in your life. Also considering your actions and lifestyle in light of that theme.
   
2. I started doing this myself a few years ago and have noticed more and more people commenting on their themes for the year.
3. Some years this has been a process of taking time out, sitting with God, looking at the previous years theme, how that went, praying, reading, listening, and other times it has just been one word or phrase that dropped into my spirit and I KNEW that that was the theme for that year.
   
4. Some years the theme seems like a really nice one and you approach the year thinking "Yeah, I can DO this, this will be fun." and other years you approach your theme with a little trepidation.
   
5. For instance, I have friends whose recent themes include Patience, and everyone knows if God wants to grow patience in you, He's going to put you in some situations that will require you to grow patience and those might not be fun. I have another friend whose theme for the coming year is Enjoy and I'm really excited to watch and see what God does with her this year.
6. Other years you look at your theme and you think it's going to be one thing and looking back on the year at the end you see it totally fitted with your theme BUT absolutely NOT in the way you had expected that to work out.
7. As an example a few years ago my theme for the year was "Seeking God for myself, not relying on others to speak into me." I thought "yeah, I can do this, lots of time praying, reading my bible, listening for god to speak, yeah, I can do this." What I did not expect was for it to be the most isolating year of my life socially, where a lot of relationships were stretched, broken, and there were fewer and fewer people close enough to be able to speak into my life. I had no choice but to seek out God for myself.
8. Then there was last year. REST! Great, fantastic, slow down, take it easier, REST. HA! God really has a sense of humour.
9. I started 2008 knowing that I was having some medical symptoms that I suspected were sleep apnoea related. I had tried to seek medical advice previously but had been rebuffed by our family doctor who would not refer me to a specialist. As my symptoms began to worsen, and I realised I had less and less energy, needing frequent 3 or 4 hour daytime naps just to get through the day, falling asleep sat up at the computer desk, and even, at times mid conversation with my family, I knew I would have to face the doctor again. And I was prepared for it to be a battle, I was prepared that I would need to FIGHT to be heard.
   Alongside that, hubby and I had been struggling in our role as small group leaders at church. We had taken on what turned out to be an incredibly difficult group, for various reasons. We HAD previously tried to get help in our role, but had not been heard, we had even tried to quit before, but had been persuaded to stay. I was prepared for this, too to be a battle, I was prepared to have to FIGHT for what I knew God was doing in me!
   
   So, here were two situations in which I was totally expecting a battle.
   When I finally got up the courage to approach the doctors again, in the end I got my referral to the sleep clinic! PRAISE GOD. I went to my first appointment and for the first time in relation to these symptoms I felt like I was really HEARD. It truly felt like God had gone before me and prepared the way.
   
   Small group leading? It was awesome. We hold no blame over the couple who led the ministry at that time at all, and they were absolutely fantastic, totally coming to terms with where we were at, apologising for not having realised before and giving us the space to step back with no repercussions.
   
   So, two situations in which I expected battle and found nothing but the way already prepared before me.
   A year in which physically I was forced to take more and more rest as my symptoms grew.
   A year in which I tried to make much more of a focus on getting to "soaking" meetings, where we just sit on a comfy sofa, or lie on the floor and rest while appropriate worship music is played over us. Sometimes someone prays and sometimes they don't, but we just SOAK in God's presence.
   Then, at church family camp 2008 I had the most amazing experience.
   I wasn't sure about how attending camp would affect my sleep, and not being able to nap during the day, etc, but I went anyway, figuring if had to hide out in our unit I would. There was this one meeting, and worship was awesome, and I was singing and dancing, and then the tiredness, slowly began to come over me. And I got to a point, where I could not dance any more, but I still stood and sang, and raised my hands. And as the tiredness grew, my hands came down to hold on to the seat in front, and then I had to sit down and eventually even stop singing. I could not even muster to the energy to do that. I COULD NOT fight the sleep, I could not DO anything for God in that moment, I did not even have the energy to think through the words of the song in my head, it was all I could do to just BE. And in that moment I felt the nearness of God like I have NEVER felt it before, I felt His love and His closeness, and His passion, and it overwhelmed me. I mean, seriously overwhelmed me. I could DO NOTHING, and in that moment He came to me. I could DO NOTHING and in that moment He poured out His love on me. I could DO NOTHING and in that moment he came to dwell with me. I could do NOT ONE THING to make myself acceptable to God, I could not earn it in any way shape or form, I could not even keep my eyes open in the worship service, and in that place, He expressed His passionate love and care for me.
   
10. 2009 began with a theme of Breakthrough but in fact, at first glance, it started with some situations that did not look like breakthrough at all.
    I would not be allowed to drive my car for a few months at least. Due to my diagnosis of Sleep Apnoea, my driving licence had been medically revoked. My precious little gift of a car was put off road for a while!
    I was to receive a local bus pass because of that but that would take 5 or 6 weeks to come through, so in the meantime, and for any journeys after it came through that were not possible by bus, I was reliant on others!
    
    So, NO, this didn't look like breakthrough, and it didn't feel like breakthrough, but I KNEW that I knew that I knew, that God, the Father had His hands completely on this whole process and that He would use this, even this to bring about the breakthrough He intended!
    
    And at the same time, I was heading towards some fantastic moments of breakthrough that I already knew about!
    Hubby and I celebrated 15 years of marriage in February. Something a lot of people never thought we'd do!
    I got my CPAP machine (Sleep apnoea treatment) at the end of January and despite an early struggle to get used to it and moments of absolute despair at the possibility of things never improving I am now able to go about my day without falling asleep and without needing daytime naps and live life more or less normally. Of course there are still bad days, bad nights, and I still don't have the energy to do EVERYTHING, but this is SO much better than things were before I got treated.
    The restoration of day time energy levels meant I could focus once again on losing some weight and increasing my heart health through exercise! And since then I have lost almost 30 pounds. I have taken a break from the effort towards that over the last 3 months but am ready to get re started.
    
    I have also seen breakthrough in other areas of my life, I got my driving licence back at the end of the summer, and God has met me particularly in the struggle and desire for deeper female friendship, with that being met in more than 1 way. God has also spoken to my local church about breakthrough, this October, using the very verses from Joshua that I had used to back up my theme for this year.
    
    2009 is NOT over yet. I do not Believe the year of Breakthrough is over yet! There is much to come, both in the remaining 5 weeks of the actual year, and truly, I believe beyond that! When I seek God for a theme for 2010 it is not denying the breakthrough that will continue, it is merely adding to it!
    
11. So, 2010? Friends have been speaking of their themes for this coming year already, and I was refusing to even acknowledge it, refusing to accept that this was possible. I am still in the middle of my busiest 2 months of the year and refuse to even do Christmas planning until that ends at the end of this week, or possibly as late as the beginning of next week.
    Quite simply, it was not even on my radar and I was fine with that.
    
12. THEN, the other morning, I was lying in bed and a thought dropped into my head, ONE WORD! And I thought after it, "Oh that might be my theme for the year" Then I reminded myself that I was refusing to think about that yet and that anyway was I really sure I wanted a theme like that? Remembering what I said up in points 6 and 7.
    I mentioned to some friends that I thought I MIGHT have my theme and was GRUMP GRUMP GRUMP in response to it.
    The truth is this theme fits in with other things that God has been speaking to me over recent weeks, and was confirmed by a blog post from someone whose writing I trust, this morning.
    
13. One word - or at least one word, that can be put in a number of different ways.
    SIMPLE
    simplify
    simplification
    SIMPLE!
    Not working harder and harder, but working smarter. Not doing things just because "well someone's got to do it" but focusing on those things that I believe God wants ME to do. Not doign things because "Doing A is the only way B is going to happen" but trusting God that what He has promised to do, He WILL do. Simplifying STUFF as well, de-cluttering, getting rid of junk, emotionally, spiritually and physically. NOPE, I don't think this is going to be an EASY theme to live through, but I think it's going to be an adventure, and I am up for that!
    

If you want to read more Thursday 13 posts, head on over to Thursday 13 by clicking on that banner at the top of this post!

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Sexy Short Haircuts

I'm loving the recent trend of short haircuts (above shoulder length) hitting the streets. Here are some of my favorites from the last few months.

Frankie Sandford
Short Back and Side!

Alexandra Burke
Super Sexy Bob with Blunt Fringe

Suzanna Reid
Nice Chin-Length Bob

Jenni Falconer
Blonde Short Haircut

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Wordless Wednesday

If you want to see other Wordless Wednesday photos, go check them out here.
And make sure you come back tomorrow for Tell me Thursday, the story BEHIND the photos I chose this week.

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What i Learned This Week

What did I learn this week?

This week I have learned that just because something is a GOOD thing to be involved in, to be doing, that that does not automatically mean that YOU should be the person doing it. I have been passionately involved in Operation Christmas child and other Samaritan's Purse projects for a long time, been a registered volunteer for 4 years, been involved in the local area committee for 2 years.

When the lorry leaves at the end of this week, taking our boxes to Kyrgzstan, I will be walking away from our area committee. That does NOT mean I will also be walking away from Samaritan's Purse necessarily, that is a decision for a later time. It's STILL something I am keen about and thing is an excellent charity with excellent goals and projects, particularly the newer projects that are beginning to come through. BUT after this year I will not be on area committee, I will not be manning shifts in charge of the warehouse, or involved in the organisation of that.

There are people who are going to be surprised by this, there are people who are going to be disappointed or even angry at this news, but i have to do what is right for me, what I believe god is calling me to, and this is not a running away from something, but a running to a wider future, with other things to be involved in. I am NOT super woman and I cannot DO everything that people would like me to do.

If you want to participate in What I Learned this Week, head over to the website by clicking on the image at the top of this post.

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Tackle It Tuesday

Remember my recent Tackle It about my Kitchen Tool storage:

Well, I decided to do somethign similar with my jewellery storage. Most of the time I don't wear my jewellery, purely because i forget, because it's not stored well, somewhere i can quickly and easily get at it. So I followed the above method and did something similar in the downstairs bathroom. This time I used a tension rod rather than the more complicated method in the kitchen. I put curtain rings onto the pole before putting it up and put curtain hooks onto each ring. Smaller items are on a rotating jewellery display gadget on the shelf below.


If you want to see more tackles, go check out 5minutes for mom by clicking on their banner at the top of this post.

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

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FOR TODAY, Monday 23rd November 2009...

Outside my window... the sun is trying to break through the clouds and turn this dreary day bright.

I am thinking... about re-arranging my plans for the day based on the bad night I just had, and the headache that is trying to convince me it exists.

I am thankful for... the fact that I am not on the rota at the shoebox warehouse today and therefore can take today at my own pace.

From the learning rooms... I am learning how to respond to people and situations based on the new me, the things God has been revealing and speaking.

From the kitchen... There really has not been a lot of creativity coming out of the kitchen over the last few weeks. I've been too busy with the shoebox warehouse.

I am wearing... Black trousers and a brown and orange top. I skip between having a jacket on because I'm too cold and taking it off because I'm too warm. It's that kind of day!

I am creating... a scarf on my new knitting loom. It should be finished in a day or so. It's thick, chunky and will be VERY warm!

I am going... to AMERICA! Oh yes I am! there is now enough money in the bank account and I will be booking a flight at the end of this week!

I am remembering.... the thoughts that dropped into my mind as I woke up this morning about what my theme for next year MIGHT be.

I am reading... Crochet patterns and knitting loom instructions!

I am hoping... That I can do an hour or two at the shoebox warehouse today and walk away at the end of that without anyone trying to put any guilt on me for not staying longer! And if they try I will brush it of, and equally if I do not manage it I have no intention of feeling guilty!

I am praying.... for friends who are on the final day of an intensive prayer time. That God surprises them! (in a good way)

I am hearing... Brian reading the Daily Audio Bible. I'm a bit behind though, so am listening to one from 2 weeks ago.

Around the house... hmmmmmmm

• Plan this weeks menu
• sort, fold and put away the clean, dry laundry
• Cut a fleece blanket into strips to make scarves for shoebox warehouse
• Remember to take CPAP mask back upstairs when it is dry after doing a thorough clean of it this morning. most times I get upstairs and get ready for bed and then notice I have left it downstairs.
  

One of my favourite things... at the moment is CHEESE!

A few plans for the rest of the week...

• Full days at the shoebox warehouse on Wednesday and Thursday
• Youngest to Spanish class tomorrow
• Me to friend's house while youngest is at Spanish
  
• Parents evening for eldest, just 45 minutes after we return from Spanish class, and 15 minutes drive away! hmmmmm . . . . .
• Church small group

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

SO, if you want to read more daybook entries or you would like to take part yourself. Click on the image at the top of this post and check it all out.

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Video of the Week

Here's a short but cute video showcasing an unusual way of keeping your blunt fringe in check.

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Things to do before I am 40, shortened list (only 18 things)

Well, the last post was the list as it stood this morning.
If I stand any chance of completing any of it that will all have to change. These are the items from the original list that I either HAVE completed or still think are viable options. It will be a shorter list, but maybe we can add to it!

1. Get a tattoo
   
2. Visit Scotland
3. Visit Ireland
4. Visit America to meet some of my dear W@h friends.
   
5. Finish that quilt I started years ago!
6. Get a £50 hair cut at least once. We weren't far off this the day before I originally updated the list back in 2007. My sis took me and my dad paid, and it was over £40 each, but not £50. Maybe I should start saving now.
   
7. Read the bible from cover to cover (again).
8. Discover an exercise regime that I actually ENJOY!
9. Eat at a Thai restaurant
   
10. Visit the Eden Project
11. See the Northern Lights (at certain times of the year this could be combined with visiting Scotland)
12. Get a portrait painted or drawn
13. stay up for 24 hours raising money through the Blogathon (Well, I was half way through at this point but I didn't quite make it, I had to give in at 3 hours to go, I just could NOT keep my eyes open any longer.)
    
14. Be financially able to start sponsoring a child again.
    
15. Get a really snazzy mobile phone with video and everything like that!
    
16. Have a card design or scrapbooking layout published in a magazine. Well, let's change this one, to ANYTHING CREATIVE that I have had a hand in!
    
17. Put together a Step by Step photo recipe book suitable for students who have no common sense in the kitchen. Even if it is just self published, give a copy to eldest son when he leaves for University.
    
18. Make a trip with Samaritan's Purse to distribute Christmas Child Shoeboxes.

So, is that reasonable? Do able?
I think so.

Could I add to it? Well, yes, I guess I could!
So, suggestions PLEASE.

I have 434 days until my 40th birthday. 62 weeks, or 14 and a half months.

With that much time left until your 40th birthday, what would you put on your list? Finances are not limitless by any means, so bear that in mind. I really want to hear your suggestions.

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40 things to do before I am 40 - Re visit and shake up the list

Some time back I wrote a 40 things to do before i am 40 list. The last time I even looked at that list was during the 2007 Blogathon! SCARY!
Well today is my husband's 39th Birthday and so we were discussing what he should do before he is 40 in just one years time. Which means I will be 40 in 1.25 years time! And I figured it was time to revisit this list and shake it up a bit, maybe make some changes, etc, maybe shorten it, who knows. Anyway, for this post, here is my list as it was then, with items that have been completed, struck through. My next post will shorten this list down to the things that I still think are achievable in 1 year and 3 months. Then we can think about if i want to add some things back in.

1. Get a tattoo
   
2. Visit Scotland
3. Visit Ireland
4. Visit another country I've never been to before.
   
5. Take a Cruise.
6. Finish that quilt I started years ago!
7. Buy a plant and keep it alive instead of treating plants as if they are disposable (this one is SOOO ME!)
8. Get a £50 hair cut at least once. We weren't far off this yesterday. My sis took me an my dad paid, and it was not over £40 each, but not £50. Maybe I should start saving now.
   
9. Eat in a Jamie Oliver Restaurant
10. Eat in one of the Michelin starred restaurants in Ludlow
11. Read the bible from cover to cover (again).
12. Inductive study of the whole bible (they say a reasonable target is 3 years)
13. Discover an exercise regime that I actually ENJOY!
14. Eat Thai food
15. Eat Lobster
16. Visit the Eden Project
17. Eat Christmas Dinner at a restaurant
18. Go to one of the Cookery Schools at River Cottage with Hugh Fearnly Whitingstall
    
19. See the Northern Lights (at certain times of the year this could be combined with visiting Scotland)
20. Walk Across the glass floor in Blackpool Tower.
21. See Elephants in the wild (OK so this one is unlikely in the next 4 years, but I have to put some things that are way "out there" on the list, and I would LOVE to do this)
22. Get a portrait painted or drawn
23. Take on some serious training of some sort, whether to be a classroom assistant in school, or to teach adults basic literacy ans numeracy.
24. stay up for 24 hours raising money through the Blogathon (Well, I was half way through at this point but I didn't quite make it, I had to give in at 3 hours to go, I just could NOT keep my eyes open any longer.)
    
25. Make out with hubby on a train or plane.
26. Ride in a Limo
    
27. Be financially able to start sponsoring a child again.
    
28. Get a really snazzy mobile phone with video and everything like that!
    
29. Have a card design or scrapbooking layout published in a magazine.
    
30. Learn to Belly Dance or maybe Hula, properly.
    
31. Put together a Step by Step photo recipe book suitable for students who have no common sense in the kitchen. Even if it is just self published, give a copy to eldest son when he leaves for University.
    
32. 
    
33. 
    
34. 
    
35. 
    
36. 
    
37. 
    
38. 
    
39. 
    
40. Make a trip with Samaritan's Purse to distribute Christmas Child Shoeboxes.

So yes I literally have completed only 3 items and almost completed another 2! Hmmmm, time for a rethink!

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What I Learned This Week

What did I learn this week?

I learned that sometimes the best thing to say in a situation is nothing.

This last week I went to do a talk about Clean Water Projects in Africa for a women's group. After I had finished talking, one of the ladies, in fact, the most elderly lady in the room, starting going on about how these African countries should stop relying on us for help and should just build a dam, because then they would have enough water.

I mean, seriously, there are SO MANY THINGS WRONG WITH THAT STATEMENT!
There were all sorts of things running through my head and I couldn't put anything coherent together, so I just let the leader of the group "rescue" me at that point.

Thinking about it afterwards, there were things I could have said, BUT I truly don't think any of them would have made her question her belief at all and that I did the best thing, SAY NOTHING!

If you want to participate in What I Learned this Week, head over to the website by clicking on the image at the top of this post.

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