May 29

I was grateful for an unexpected day off.  This allowed me to hook up with a couple of friends this morning and join in their exercise routine.  It's nice to be able to come together on the spur of the moment. :)

Memorial Day May 28

Happy Memorial Day.  Even though we had intermittant rain bands and winds today from TS Beryl, it didn't put a damper on our celebrating with the boys. (Valerie was with her parents, and Amber is in Seattle on Nat'l Reserve Duty).

We put out our American Flag.  We are grateful for those men and women who serve our country.  Their sacrifices made are truly appreciated.  The flag did have to come down during a torrential downpour. :(

Michael smoked chicken breasts on the smoker.  They were almost finished before another torrential rain band came through and snuffed out his fire.  He finished cooking them in the microwave.  At least he had a good two hours of little rain.  They turned out very tender and juicy.  YUM. :)

 Clif and Stephen had time to build a train base for Stephen.  He has been working on the plans for a few months now, and it's nice to see his efforts coming to fruition.  He will be putting it in his spare bedroom in his apartment.

        
After dinner, we enjoyed playing Ticket To Ride.  Now Clif and I are just enjoying a little quiet time before the start of our new work week.  It has been a very relaxing weekend. For that I am grateful. :)

May 20

I am grateful today to have had Michael and Valerie come over for a visit.  Michael made stuffed smoked jalepeno peppers (peppers of course from the garden), and Valerie made a patriotic layered cake she found a recipe for online.  Both were very tasty.

While in the garden, Michael noticed a black racer had managed to entangle itself within the netting for the cucumber plants.  I had noticed the "black tubing" yesterday, and thought to myself, "what kind of contraption is Clif making now?"  It didn't occur to me to take a closer look!

The snake is now free to roam about the neighborhood and eat whatever rats and mice that are scampering about.

May 19

I haven't blogged for almost a week now, and it isn't without reason.  I have to admit that I have fallen off the wagon of "being grateful" for something everyday.  Monday was a horrible day at work.  After much reflection in the evening, I came up with a game plan as to not have a repeat on Tuesday as I was in the same class.

I was grateful Tuesday that the day was a stark contrast, much much better!  However, I do have to admit I was blindsided as I was asked to fill out a "witness" report of something which took place on Monday.  I won't go into specifics other than, I admit I made a mistake, apologized to the students on Monday of such said mistake, and released it.  There are always consequences for behavior whether desirable or not.  This one was not to be desirable.  Anyway, long and short of it is...I won't be going back to that school.  The 4 day job assignment for next week is cancelled, and life goes on.

On Wednesday, I happened to have taken myself out of the system so I could go to my doctor.  I had been feeling an abnormal amount of anxiety for over a week, blood pressure had been elevated, I had been bitten by a tick Apr 29, etc.  The doctor had asked, "do you know the source of your anxiety?"  I stated he wouldn't believe me if I told him, but he coaxed it out of me.  I told him it is "Spiritual Warfare".  Within myself, I always become uneasy when a premonition is coming down the pike of the unknown.  When it is such an unsettled feeling, all I know is I have to fervently pray for God's protection that He will bring me through whatever it is.  With that being said, after the appointment when I got home is when the situation from Monday's job came to its climax.  I felt such peace after it happened.  My only explanation (because I felt very remorseful of the situation) is that God is protecting me from a much more grave situation that would have happened next week in the 4 day assignment.

The only thing that is left for me to do is overcome the "negative" thoughts that Satan likes to run through my head, and read constantly God's Word of redemption and love.  Truth be told it's easier said than done.  But, I have faith that this too shall pass, and with God's help, I will be able to walk in His fullness of Grace, and regain my confidence that I "can do all things in Christ who strengthens me"  Phillipians.

May 13

Happy Mother's Day!

 I was saying the rosary this morning when it occurred to me our Blessed Mother visited the children in Fatima on this date back in 1917.  I wished her a Happy Mother's Day also.  She is the best role model we will ever have.

In our church bulletin this morning was this beautiful prayer...

A Mother's Love

There are times when only a mother's love can understand our tears,
can soothe our disppoints, and calm all of our fears.
There are times when only a monther's love can share the joy we feel,
when something we've dreamed about quite suddenly is real.
There are times when only a mother's faith can help us on life's way,
and inspire in us the confidence we need from day to day.
For a mother's heart and a mother's faith, and a mother's steadfast love,
were fashioned by the angels and sent from God above.
(Author Unknown)

I am grateful both yesterday and today for having a 2 day celebration for Mother's Day.  Yesterday,
Stephen and Amber came and spent time with us.  We fixed stuffed green peppers for dinner as I was able to pick 8 peppers from the garden.  YUM!  Then we played a new trivia game they bought me which was fun, and then continued with other games we had on hand.  We were up until 1:30 this morning playing and enjoying each other's company.

Today, Clif and I went shopping so he could get smaller clothes.  He has lost 35 pounds since January.  Who knew bike riding would lead to such a huge reduction of weight loss!  He is now in a size he was wearing in high school.  I obviously should join on his 20+ mile rides.  Maybe I'd get thin too.

Anyway, after their work, Michael and Valerie came over.  She had made some yummy treats to share. :)  We too spent time playing the new game before we had to turn in for the night.  We all have to work tomorrow so no staying up until wee hours in the morning.

Hope everyone had a safe and blessed Mother's Day.  :)

May 10

It's nice to have an unexpected day off in the middle of the week.  The much needed cleaning that I intended to do last weekend finally was tackled today.

I am thankful for the time available.  I am also grateful to have been able to go out for lunch with 2 dear friends.  We developed our friendship on the PTA when our kids were in elementary school, and have remained friends ever since.  As a matter of fact, one friend's daughter graduated college last week (went to the Grad Party), and the other one's daughter went to Prom (her picture is on my Kodak Pulse).

Then it was off to Planet Fitness for an hour and a half workout.  Came home to harvest the garden.  I got a nice eggplant, along with more green beans, green peppers, mint, and carrots.  I was able to make a nice salad to go along with dinner.  Michael and Valerie popped in for a nice visit so we had them stay for dinner. 

All in all, it was a great day!

May 8

Today I was at a school I haven't been to since the Fall.  It has been under construction, and I was amazed with how much progress they've made.  I was thankful the class was well behaved because the teacher gave me a heads up that they have felt school is done for a few weeks now.  I was glad they were all in a learning mood for me!

I was also grateful that the prayer group was cancelled tonight.  Too many members weren't able to attend.  It was supposed to be here, but since I didn't feel well over the weekend, I didn't get things cleaned and organized as I would have like to.  I am very relaxed and tired, and I am looking forward to a good night's sleep. :)

May 7

Today I was grateful to make it through a relatively quiet day.  I had to laugh though because I haven't been watching much news since I gave it up for Lent.  I have enjoyed the "blissfulness" of not knowing what is going on.  Well... it would be helpful to at least watch the weather!  I decided to walk to work today being I was at the school in the neighborhood.  At dismissal time, and for 2 hours after, the rain came...lightning, thunder, hail.  I am thankful one of the teachers gave me a ride home. But now that I think about it, even more so that the car was in the garage and didn't get hail damage!

In between the rain bands, I headed off to the gym.  Lightning had struck the woods behind the plaza and set the forest ablaze.  The fire department did a good job containing the fire, and business went on as usual. It was productive, a good workout, and grocery shopping when done. :)

May 6

Today was a restful day as I had woke up with a sore throat and minimal sound.  I had contacted the teacher I was to be subbing for tomorrow in hopes of cancelling out, especially since she hadn't put in the job yet.  Long story short, no one was available to take the job, so I guess God has other plans.  After taking a 2 1/2 hour nap, and spending 35 minutes of an intense cardio workout, I feel much better. Thanks God for such quick healing!

Yesterday, I was grateful to have been able to get a 2 hour message with aroma therapy for anxiety relief.  It was exactly what I needed. :) Then on my way home, I people were on the side of the road taking pictures of the beautiful full moon.  I came home to share the news with Clif.  He did some research on NASA's website and found there were several celestial events happening. I was so excited  when Clif and I used the spotting scope to see Saturn and its rings.   Who knew it would be so clearly visible?  God is so magnificent with His creations!

May 2

I am glad I had choir tonight.  Nothing sooths the soul like good music, especially when it's praising the Lord. :)

May 1

I am back in a classroom I have already subbed in for 9 days.  This is the teacher they can't figure out
what is wrong with her.  Anyway, yesterday was challenging.  I wasn't able to be in the class last week because of a different assignment.  But, I am back this week.  With that being said, I am grateful today that the students decided to get back on track.  I had asked them at day's end yesterday why they thought they could be "wild".  Their reply is that they were able to get away with that behavior for the past week!  I let them know it was unacceptable, and they responded favorably today. 


Oh, and I just realized I forgot to blog yesterday.  I was grateful first that the school day had ended.  Then I was grateful to be able to exercise with a friend at the Y.  We decided to do a STEP class.  What a trip, literally.  I am just glad I didn't land on my butt!  I must have benefited from it as I was sore today. :)