Saturday, September 10

Hmm.. a blog? Ok - I got it!!

Today was a full day at work. I began my day at 7am and did a lot of inventory today. I got to the hardest part -- keys. *ugh* It was tedious, but I got it done. What hindered me the most today was being interrupted by customers. Time was flying by so quickly that my head was nearly spinning.

Around mid-way through my key inventory and I heard a jovial & familiar voice! Jerry.. a semi-regular customer with whom I've shared my weight loss success with every so often. He's co-owner of a company that makes dehydrated fruit snacks for active lifestyles. It is called TRYCHIPS. He gave me his business card some time ago, but I had forgotten all about it. It was good to see him! Today - he came bearing gifts. THREE bags of his dehydrated chips. I was making him a copy of a key when another local customer came by and they started to talking. Somehow, Jerry turned the conversation to me & my weight loss. He said, "You should talk to her about it.. she's lost 37 lbs." and I laughed.. "Jerry, it's up to 47 lbs now. ha ha" and his jaw about hit the floor! I walked over to them and luckily I was wearing pants that I used to completely fill out and I stood there PROUDLY showing how my pants are barely hanging on me anymore and the way my thighs no longer FILL out the jeans. It made me feel good.

I ended up taking a brief break shortly after they left & we had finished up our conversation.. My eyes glanced at the bags Jerry brought for me. Curiosity got the best of me. I opened the bag and my nose filled with a delicious aroma of several different delicious fruit smells. The bag I opened is called the ASPIRE bag, including the fruits: apple, apricot, pineapple, banana, and pomegranate. I started to munch. HOLY CRAP! My mouth filled with the most delicious and refreshing snack I've had in a long time! The best thing about these snacks --  ONLY 100 CALORIES PER BAG!  and they are nearly the size of a MiddlesWarth chip bag! YUM YUM!!! I suggest you check them out for yourself! www.trychips.com It's truly amazing! I can't wait to stock up on these yummy LOCAL snacks and include them in my routine diet / workout!

I've recently been in a rut with my diet & exercise. This Thursday's weigh in was a gain of 2.5 lbs. I've been in 'fasting mode' since drinking a lot of water to shed the water weight. I haven't done a lengthy workout in almost a week. The rain dampened my bike rides. I just didn't feel like working out around the children. I did walk and do a minor bike ride last week. I believe it was ... Tuesday? It was only 3 or 4 miles if I remember correctly.

I finished work on a high note! I felt awesome. I knew I had to get back into the swing of my workouts, etc. My calorie intakes have been fine but I haven't been working out with it so I fear that I will lose momentum. I couldn't let it go another day. I hopped on my bike right after work and managed to ride just over 3 miles tonight!! It felt great!!! I just wish I could have gone further and longer.

Shortly after finishing my workout my Mom picked me up to spend some time w/ them in Vicksburg. I did eat 2 small pieces of pizza-which were yummy. I sprinkled them with hot peppers and garlic to aid in digestion. If you put them together they would equal one full slice. I was proud of myself. I didn't pig out and I felt great! If I would have had a flashlight I probably could have walked or jogged home.

I am glad to be back on track. I can't wait for Thursday's weigh in! I hope to see those last 3 lbs gone!!!! That would bring me up to a grand total of 50lbs lost! It's so exciting! Then it's just another 40lb by Christmas! I can do it! I will do it! God will grant me the determination and willpower - like HE has been the last few months! I have faith in HIM. HE has faith in me! I can do it!

I would post a before and after picture, but I think in order to see that best you should go to my friend - and inspiration - www.lifewithlissy.com to see the blog she did on me. She says I'm one of the people that inspire her... when in fact, she inspires me. She never quits. I can't wait to see her this weekend... coming.. at the Milton Harvest Festival! It is going to be AWESOME!

Friday, September 9

No Ambition & Mixed Emotions

Today began with confusion and ended w/ depression, sadness, and confusion.

Walked the kids to school today - even though B98.3 said there wasn't any?! It was confusing. Took Lily to the nurses office and of course she found a few eggs on her head and wouldn't let her back to class. *sigh* So I brought Lily home, picked her head and she & I settled in for tv and relaxation. I called the nurse to see if I could bring her back and she said no. I had spoken to a secretary in the office to see if Lily's teachers could get some work together for her to do over the weekend so she can catch up. That didn't happen and I'm not terribly surprised though.

Good news! Denise was released to go back to her house & nothing was destroyed! That was awesome to hear. Unfortunately I opened my big fat mouth and ended up freaking her mother out (*bawling and screaming at Denise thanks to me*) because their house is gone! everything ruined. They are planning on living in their camper (seasonal home) behind Mifflinburg while the repairs and renovations are being made to their place. I mentioned that the creek back there sometimes floods also and wondered if they checked how bad it got out there. Of course, that set into motion a chain of events that I feel so badly about that I wish I could snap my fingers and take it back. Poor Denise. Her mother apparently bawled and screamed at her for a while. I did my best to find out what was going on there and found that no one said anything was damaged. I just couldn't do it fast enough. It's no wonder the parents of my friends usually hate me. I really wish I had just kept my BIG FAT MOUTH shut. It's a wonder I even have any friends any more w/ the way I stick my foot in my mouth all the time.

So, around 1pm I ended snapping at a friend of mine's post because I thought he was saying "thank you" to my going to bed because he was annoyed with my many posts on Facebook. Another foot in my mouth. He called me and set me straight. Part of me was thinking that he was feeding me that just make me feel bad, but he did make a rational & understandable point.

I couldn't take it anymore. I curled up on the couch and took a nap. Dreamed a strange dream that felt so real. Woke up just in time to go for Daniel at school. We returned home and I went straight back to the couch. I let the kids snack & watch TV while I lay there on my fat, lazy a** feeling sorry, sad, tired, and depressed.

I got up with just enough ambition to put together a quick & easy supper. Boiled some whole wheat egg noodles, drained the water - tossed in some "butter" and a little skim milk - some powdered cheddar cheese and sprinkled with grated parmesan cheese. Kids ate it up like crazy! I ate my serving and stopped. I did indulge in a snack - choc chip cookie dough pop tart and washed down with some skim milk. After supper I couldn't stand it. I was feeling fat, lazy and stupid - - I grabbed the mower and got the lawn mowed. I should have raked up the clippings but I didn't feel like it. Came into the house and logged on Facebook and made a few apologies and deleted a post of two just to be on the safe side not to step on anyone's feelings.

It wasn't long after that my mom sent me a text that she was coming for the kids. I managed to wash & dry a load of sheets & blankets. I have a load of colored wash soaking right now and I will use a lantern - go out back and hang them. You see.. I've been living the super simple life for some time now. My washer and dryer unit broke over two years ago. I've been hand washing the clothes & hanging them to dry in the bathtub. Then I built a clothesline out back (*which I must add needs redone*) and that has been a blessing. It makes it difficult sometimes because I have to depend on the weather and I wait longer for things to dry sometimes.

Oh and I should mention - that lawn mower is a push mower. My push mower with a motor on it quit working on me earlier this year. I had it torn apart several times. A few things were fixed on it but it still remains unused: doesn't start, doesn't work and makes up some of the clutter in my carport.  My new lawn mower is a system of blades, like a combine; and they rotate - - a reel mower. I get a lot of strange looks and even some comments sometimes, but it's all I have and I use it. The lifestyle I've been living here is actually turning 'greener' than I ever imagined. I'm currently plotting where to place my garden I want to plant next year. I don't need something huge, but I do want a raised garden with good soil. I'll plant lettuce, peppers, cucumbers, and green beans and maybe even a little corn. It would be nice to have a watermelon patch & maybe even a small pumpkin & squash patch too. Oh! and eggplant would be great! and beets..We'll see.. I just wish I still lived in the country where I could burn my trash, have a huge compost heap, a few animals, and more room for the lifestyle that I prefer to live. It's so stifling living in town, by myself, without a bedroom of my own etc etc etc.. I don't own a car any more and I really wish that if I had the room & permission - I would buy a horse or at least a pony w/ a cart to get around places. *sigh* I dream of these things and God knows my hearts desire. I ask him for forgiveness for the distraction and for feeling low about not being able to be the person I feel I'm supposed to be..

Another one of my friends got married today. She looked beautiful! Happy! and I pray for her success & the best of years to come! Feel a little bittersweet about it - - As I mowed the yard I heard / started listing all the things about me that I feel keep me from being able to find someone. It's rather disheartening. I pray God forgives me for those thoughts and that he helps take those feelings away. I dislike feeling unwanted. It's a nasty place to be when you're working - alone - Don't get me wrong I don't want to find someone to do things for me - I just want to find someone to share in these things with me. Even if it's just to visit with me while I'm weeding my garden or be in the dining room while I'm canning those lovely veggies etc. I would like to find what I've always wanted: someone to share everything with - like my best friend/ someone I can trust & rely on (if I need to but would not do unless necessary) - someone that would hold a equal (for the most part) relationship that would be interested in my passions and I in his..  that's not too much to ask, is it?!

Wednesday, September 7

Deeds

1 Timothy Chapter 6 verse 18 & 19


"Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for that time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." NKJV

Today began as any other normal day. RAIN. harbored ideas of building an ark. HA HA!! Work was crazy! The computers were down and we had to total every bill / calculate by hand. I'm ok with that sort of thing though - it reminds me of my great-grandparents & the ledgers they used to keep for their store. One customer today said "what a pain in the butt that has to be!" I replied, "I look at it this way, it keeps me grounded in the basics and humble - - thankful for technology when it works." He got a great smile on his face. It was nice in the sea of panicked people rushing in for sump pumps. Heard numerous stories over the course of the day that touched my heart in so many ways it was unreal! People that have NEVER had water in their FINISHED basements were now dealing with (not just inches) but FEET of water - - *sigh* and the sump pumps weren't keeping up with the water coming in. Breaks my heart! A good reason to pray!!!

I was particularly praying for some friends of mine - their house is basically a shell of what a house is supposed to be. They have to collect the water as it runs down the walls, etc.. It's a shame too because the family has been through a lot over the last few years. They deserve better AND they are one of the kindest families you could meet. So.. as I mentioned to a friend to help pray for them a customer overheard and said "are they really in need?!" I replied, "yes, you can't get much more in need than they currently are." He handed me his business card (construction) told me to have them call him, because his church funds repairs / construction for families in need (locally). I almost started to bawl. I hugged him! thanked him over and over and immediately passed the message along. I sincerely pray that this is a worth while avenue for this family! It's amazing how our God works and the possibilities that might be available that we wouldn't think are possible. Simply because I asked a friend to help me pray for their well being during this rainy week.. and people say that God isn't watching or listening?!

Oh! then!!! I got a phone call from a friend & fellow co-worker that the school was closing early. I am glad she called me or else I wouldn't have known! A huge!!! thanks to her or else it could have been a major issue today!!! She's such a dear heart & I know why God has placed her in my life. Luckily my Mom's school had already let out early & she was home to collect Daniel off the bus.

Meanwhile, I was busy running back / forth in the store w/ various tasks and around the corner came my friend Melissa from www.lifewithlissy.com!! It was good to see her! She looked GREAT! This morning was her interview on B98.3FM ! I heard that it went GREAT!!! I'm so proud of her and her blog & the great things she's been doing! God has truly blessed me with a friend like her. Inspiring me in so many ways!!! I pray for her success! Currently, she's collecting blog followers for more giveaways & more! I pray for her everyday and try to help as much as possible. God placed upon my heart to start petitioning / mentioning her name on several radio station pages on Facebook and emails etc.. B98.3 FM was the first (and only) to respond to me to ask her to appear. I'm praying the others will hear how great she did on today's show and will ask her to appear on their stations as well. Anyone with suggestions / ideas & phone numbers, contacts, etc.. I'd be GLAD to pass them along to her!! She's an amazing wife, mother, and friend/sister!

And the day continued....

The computers began to work and the day took a turn towards normal - but very busy - I started back into inventory. I was continuously interrupted by customers & phone calls. It was a bit hectic. One customer in particular needed two sump pumps. He's a disabled man and called ahead and reserved them. He called back, asking for me by name - requesting they be delivered if possible. Believe or not, it was possible. So, time drew closer to when my co-worker (whom gracious agreed to run it out to him) was getting prepared to leave - the customer called again. This time he requested TWO 100 lb filled propane cylinders to be added to his list to be delivered. I didn't hesitate in saying yes. He needed them. I hurriedly set that into motion. I, again, returned to inventory. The customer called again.. this time w/ instructions on where he wanted my co-worker to pull into his driveway, closest to the basement etc etc.. I rushed out to catch my co-worker and explain this to him. Some where in between that & returning to inventory.. it was brought to my attention that I should have obtained permission for the delivery of the tanks in addition to the sump pumps. I agreed, but felt badly because I didn't mean to mess up and got caught up in the NEED of the customer (*and the addition of the tanks meant a $700 order for us today*). I returned to inventory - fuming a little - swallowing my hurt & asking God to help me to clear my mind & focus on the inventory & stop feeling hurt. I later realized with the hectic day we were having that I needed to forgive myself and my co-workers (especially if we were snipping at each other a little) because we were super super busy & it was stressing for all of us. I'm sure my customer was completely satisfied w/ our customer service and will say many good things about our friendly deed. In the end, that's what matters.


A little while later, the phone rang at work again and from behind me (*while doing inventory*) I heard "ohh April. oh buddy oh pal" HA HA I laughed. It was the boss.. and I KNEW what he was going to ask.. My co-worker (night cashier) was due to come in shortly and I had a feeling I was going to be asked to stay. HA HA and that is EXACTLY what it was HA HA It was better / safer that she stay home & since I live next door - it was just logical that I stay. Luckily it was a good night & I could stay. I am glad for her decision to stay safe & NOT try to make it in and I was more than happy to help. Besides, I had just been off for a week and she & the other cashiers covered for me during that time. I wouldn't dare say no.

Had I not stayed - I would not have gotten the inspiration for this blog. I witnessed so many different DEEDS today & the effect they have - - the example they show. I think it shows great character in a person that someone can rely on you for a favor or friendly deed - - and that you act upon it w/out questioning - - especially if that person is one that has hurt you deeply. I witnessed that today also. I felt a little strange at first, but then realized.. how trustworthy this person must be that even though life is taking these two people in different directions - that one can still rely on the other for a favor. WOW!!! I think it also shows that the person that did the hurting could see who to trust. Just as an example.. I truly screwed up during my second marriage. I hurt that man in ways that to SOME would be unforgivable (*just ask his mother LOL*).. Still to this day, I know that if I needed something I could call on him (*or even his wife*) and they would be willing to help. Heck - you should have seen some of the looks I received when I was seen w/ him & his wife & little boy while visiting / talking at the carnival! HA HA The idea that we've both moved on - forgiven each other - and found a friendship that can withstand the pain we caused for ourselves & our family should be an example to others.. I am glad that God enabled us to have peace between each other. It's a mighty AWESOME feeling to know that God is still the healer of ALL kinds of wounds, especially when you're receptive to Him.

The rest of the night went well. We got numerous phone calls asking for sump pumps. Sadly, we ran out! The night went quickly though because the crew was getting along so well and customers were coming / going steadily. It didn't seem like long at all. I got home and called my parents to bring the kids down. It wasn't long before it was bedtime. The kids made it into bed on time and I settled into the quiet of the house to reflect on the day...