Simple Woman's Daybook ~ Week of February 23, 2009

For Today:

Outside my window: the sun is shining high in the sky but Brrrr the temperature is chilly (14 degrees but it feels like -6).

I am thinking: how lovely it is to be inside when the temperature is that cold outside!

From the learning rooms: I am learning to be more intentional and focused in life. Time is running at lightening speed and there are more demands on my life than I have time for so focus is needed, priorities reorganized and purpose more defined.

I am thankful for: my health. Last Tuesday was the worst sick day I think I've ever had since we got married. Even strep throat at Christmas was better than the flu I had. Man... we really take our health for granted, don't we? At least I do!

From the kitchen: the dishwasher is on and my floor is crying out for a little attention from the broom.

I am wearing: Okay... believe it or not... I actually got dressed before I came down to write in my blog this morning - hee hee. I am wearing blue sweat pants, pink long sleeve T and a green hoodie. I have on fuzzy grey socks too.

I am reading: my Bible (just finished Leviticus this morning) I'm also reading Behind the Stories, a book where Christian novelists talk about what inspired them to write. (Some good tidbits in there!)

I am hoping: to figure out what my inspiration is for writing and get down to the business of producing something.

I am creating: the same as last week: a baby blanket still for one of my 2 pregnant friends. It's a slow go because my wrist and back can't take too many rows at one time so it's a very long process it seems. Perhaps only 1 of my friends will end up with a homemade knitted something. :-(

I am hearing: the dishwasher in the kitchen.

Around the house: is a whole whack of things for me to do, having been waylaid last week sick. Gotta get a move on that I guess!

One of my favorite things: is being able to spend copious amounts of time with my hubby and never get sick of being together! Even sick, we still enjoyed spending time together (albeit nowhere near as close as we normally are ;-))

A few plans for the rest of the week: clean my house, write my next assignment, knit, read, Abide,... oooh... and a Marriage Seminar (Live Simulcast) on Saturday!

Here is a picture thought to share with you:

How much longer 'til Summer?

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Simple Woman's Daybook ~ Week of February 16, 2009

For Today:

Outside my window: is bright sunshine, melting the last remnants of the hard, crusty snow.

I am thinking: about how nice it will be later this week when hubby is home on 3 days vacation Wednesday thru Friday!

From the learning rooms: I am learning to trust God when He asks us to take risks and speak truth into someone's life. Even when it feels scary and like it's all going to backfire in our face, we need to trust that God will protect us.

I am thankful for: my Valentine! He is so good to me and I love him more and more each passing day. I'm also thankful for the wonderful treat this Valentine's Day weekend of going with my Sweetheart and our friends to see Brad Paisley live!

From the kitchen: I have taken out the Light Philadelphia Cream Cheese to soften so I can make the salsa dip to take with us this afternoon to "Family Day" with the in-laws.

I am wearing: Okay... this is REALLY embarrasing. I am wearing the same thing as last week AND the week before: Snoopy pj pants, a long sleeve t-shirt and a warm wool hoodie. I honestly do have other p.j's. I guess these are just my favorites ;-)

I am reading: my Bible in Leviticus and I'm only a couple of days behind in my "Bible in a Year" reading!! I'm also reading our Book Club selection for this month: Skid by Renee Gutteridge.

I am hoping: that I can discipline myself to start working out daily and lose the tubby tummy that is developing in my "middle age".

I am creating: a baby blanket still for one of my 2 pregnant friends. It's a slow go because my wrist and back can't take too many rows at one time so it's a very long process it seems. Perhaps only 1 of my friends will end up with a homemade knitted something. :-(

I am hearing: hubby moving around upstairs as he gets out of bed. Today is a holiday here called "Family Day" so almost everything is closed which is why we're headed to the in-laws later.

Around the house: it really could use a clean. I've been so focused on getting caught up on my Bible reading and ladies' group studies that my house has been a little neglected. Thankfully neither of us are real "messy" so it's not too bad.

One of my favorite things: is country music. Who knew? I dabbled a little in it a couple years ago when I first heard the group "Sugarland" but then we went to Nashville a year ago and BAM... I was hooked on it BIG time!

A few plans for the rest of the week: to FINALLY catch up on my Bible reading; Ladies' group Thursday a.m.; watch reality tv (Bachelor, American Idol, Survivor) and spend time with my honey while he's home on his vacation days!

Here is a picture thought to share with you:

Highlight of the Week: Valentine's Eve @ the Brad Paisley Concert!

You can have a Woman's Simple Daybook too by going to The Simple Woman's Daybook blog!

Simple Woman's Daybook ~ Week of February 9, 2009

For Today:

Outside my window: the sky has beautiful wisps of red and pink as the sun makes it welcome appearance.

I am thinking: that I really need to get some focus in my life. The days are wiping by at what feels like record speed and I am not getting all I want accomplished... or even half of what I want!

From the learning rooms: Our pastor gave a good sermon yesterday about risk-taking... not like bungee jumping or sky-diving, although for some that might be what God is calling them to do. For me, I felt God was teaching me that I need to take a risk and not let fear stop me from doing the things He's asking me to do. It might be confronting a friend in love, or it may be actually getting up the nerve to send an article in to an editor for publication.

I am thankful for: my husband! Walking with a friend through a difficult marriage only makes me love and adore my precious hubby all the more! I feel SO blessed to have him in my life and to love me back.

From the kitchen: My Vanilla Bean tea is steeping, just waiting for me to enjoy a hot cup.

I am wearing: Okay... this is embarrasing. I am wearing the same thing as last week at this time: Snoopy pj pants, a pink long sleeve t-shirt and a warm wool hoodie, along with my pink slipper boots. Creature of habit perhaps?

I am reading: my Bible as I still try to catch up in my Bible-in-a-Year reading where I am almost 2 weeks behind :-(. I guess if I wasn't journalling as I read it would be quicker to catch up. I'm also reading our Book Club selection for this month: Skid by Renee Gutteridge.

I am hoping: that Doug's back spasm works itself out quickly so he can feel comfort in his lower back.

I am creating: a baby blanket for one of 2 pregnant friends from small group. I have knit half already but need to find the time and energy to finish and get started on either another blanket or perhaps a sweater, although they grow out of them so fast it's hardly worth the work.

I am hearing: the clicking of the laptop keys as my overgrown fingernails "tap tap tap" which each movement of my fingers. I can also hear the clock in the kitchen ticking my life away and the hum of the refrigerator.

Around the house: it is quiet except the sounds mentioned above. I got up early this morning while Doug sleeps in so I could enjoy this early morning quiet.

One of my favorite things: is the early morning peace which I hate to admit, I rarely see, except on days like this when I am awake enough when Doug first gets up to get up myself and start my day.

A few plans for the rest of the week: are to catch up more on my Bible reading; Ladies' group Thursday a.m.; watch reality tv (Bachelor, American Idol, Survivor) AND... go to the Brad Paisley concert on Friday night with friends!!!

Here is a picture thought to share with you:

Sunrise this morning when I started my Daybook Journal entry!

You can have a Woman's Simple Daybook too by going to The Simple Woman's Daybook blog!

Simple Woman's Daybook ~ Week of February 2, 2009

For Today:

Outside my window: the sun is shining and the icicles are dripping from the mini-thaw in the temperature.

I am thinking: that the past week went by so fast. It feels like it was a minute ago I wrote last week's entries into my Daybook.

From the learning rooms: I am learning about obedience and what God desires from us as I read the book of Genesis where Abraham was actually willing to kill his long-awaited son in obedience to God's request. I can't even imagine that to be honest! I have a lot to learn about obedience if that is my example!

I am thankful for: my life. I have a new found appreciation and gratefulness after last week. Although I would have loved children, I am thankful for the contentment God has given me with my life just as it is... in it's simplicity! I only hope I am pleasing God in the midst of it!

From the kitchen: I am sipping a glass of ginger ale to aid my upset tummy that I have today.

I am wearing: Snoopy pj pants, a pink long sleeve t-shirt and a warm wool hoodie, along with my pink slipper boots.

I am reading: my Bible as I try to catch up in my Bible-in-a-Year reading where I am almost 2 weeks behind :-(. I guess if I wasn't journalling as I read it would be quicker to catch up.

I am hoping: that the snow tomorrow isn't bad as I have to drive to book club 30 minutes or so from home.

I am creating: nice clean laundry for my hubby and me.

I am hearing: the sound of clothes tumbling around in the dryer and water rushing out of the washer. Gotta love laundry day! I can't help but think how easy we have it. My grandma had a wringer washer. You had to physically put each piece through the wringer to squeeze out the extra water before you had to manually hang the wash out on the line. I remember helping her often in that! We truly are blessed with the modern day conveniences!!

Around the house: it is quiet except the sounds coming from the laundry room. Things are fairly tidy and I am enjoying the peace and quiet.

One of my favorite things: is chatting with my friends online while I do household chores... like laundry (Are you seeing a theme in my "simple" mind today?)

A few plans for the rest of the week: are to catch up more on my Bible reading; go to Book Club tomorrow night, Ladies' group Thursday a.m.; host our small group after toboganning Wed night; watch reality tv (Bachelor, American Idol).

Here is a picture thought to share with you:

Congratulations to my Hubby's favorite team on winning the Super Bowl last night. The "boys" wanted to join in on the celebration!

Simple Woman's Daybook ~ Week of January 26, 2009

For Today:

Outside my Window: the sun is shining as the afternoon sun swings around in the cold winter sky.

I am thinking: it is going to be a long few days babysitting my best friend's toddler.

From the learning rooms: I am learning what a huge sacrifice mothering is and thinking that perhaps God knew what He was doing when He left me out of this "club"!

I am thankful for: this opportunity to help my friend out while her daycare person is away on vacation.

From the kitchen: there is silence and order as I have tidied up for Pen so she won't have to when she gets home from work.

I am wearing: green sweat pants, a green hoodie and long sleeve white tee... and huge bags under my eyes from a fitful night's sleep.

I am reading: my Bible although I don't seem to be getting anywhere. I am SO far behind in my Bible reading in a year that it isn't funny. I am beginning to wonder if I'll ever get caught up.

I am hoping: that my 3 days with Hillary don't tucker me out too much for Ladies' Group Thursday morning. I am supposed to be facilitating my small group again and I just hope I'm awake long enough to do it.

I am creating: a lasting bond with my little "god-daughter" Hillary this week!

I am hearing: the calming sound of worship music from the satellite tv, and the noisy houseguest of Pennie's upstairs doing laundry.

Around the house: are signs of a busy toddler, although she is the tidiest toddler I have ever had the pleasure of sitting for!

One of my favorite things: is hearing Hillary laugh and watching her explore her world.

A few plans for the rest of the week: are making sure Hillary is well taken care of, facilitating my small group on Thursday morning and SLEEPING!!!

Here is a picture thought to share with you:

Hillary, showing her baby doll the tv show she was watching

Simple Woman's Daybook ~ Week of January 19

For Today:

Outside my window... I am looking out over the Monterey Bay with the morning sun shining brightly making the water a beautiful bright blue. The mountains behind Santa Cruz are seen in the distance.


I am thinking... that I want to soak up every last ray of the California sunshine before I have to head back to the cold winter of Toronto on Friday.


From the learning rooms... I have learned about wine this week after visiting the Beringer winery in Napa Valley. It is the oldest, continuously operating winery in America and a favorite wine of ours for years. I even learned that I like some red wine... who knew?


I am thankful for... this incredible opportunity to get away with Doug on this trip and have these incredible "record breaking" warm temperatures.


From the kitchen... of the hotel, came a delicious breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon with cranberry juice and vanilla bean tea.


I am wearing... jeans and a short sleeve white t-shirt, running shoes and white ankle socks. For now, until I get outside, I also have on a green cotton hoodie.


I am reading... The Other Daughter by Miralee Ferrell for my book club and my Bible (although this past week I have already fallen behind in my reading through in a year reading)


I am hoping... that my minds eye can capture all the wonderous beauty I am seeing here on the central coast of California.


I am creating... more memories with my precious hubby as we travel.


I am hearing... the women of the View yaking in the background as we let breakfast settle before we head out on the road exploring.


Around the house... I'm sure my cat (at home) is wondering what happened to us and if we're ever coming home.


One of my favorite things... is to be at the ocean. Doesn't matter if it's the Atlantic or Pacific (or Carribean)... just as long as there is sand and waves my soul is happy. I do prefer a west facing coast (Gulf Coast or Pacific Coast) because there is nothing like watching the sun set over the water!


A few plans for the rest of the week... are exploring Monterey, Pacific Grove, 17 Mile Drive and Carmel-by-the-Sea, and then laundry at the hotel in Milpitas and packing for home Friday :-(


Here is a picture thought to share with you:

The look of shock on our faces is the surprise of the cold surf on our bare feet

Simple Woman's Daybook ~ Week of January 12

For Today...

Outside my window... I watch the sun rise over the San Francisco Bay while planes land at the SFO airport.


I am thinking... that I really need to buckle down and do my assignment for my writing course that is due on Thursday.


From the learning rooms... I am learning the ins and outs of writing a "Childrens' Book".


I am thankful for... the opportunity to travel with my hubby on business trips where I get to enjoy and explore other parts of North America.


From the kitchen... is a made-to-order breakfast in the hotel kitchen.


I am wearing... my pink plaid pj bottoms, blue cotton camisole and warm angora hoodie and slippers, but not for long as I'll need to change to go down to breakfast.


I am reading... the book of Job from my Bible, Writing for Children and Young Adults, and will be starting my book club selection for January, The Other Daughter.


I am hoping... this incredible weather in California holds on so hubby doesn't miss it all while he works like a dog.


I am creating... more memories of my time in one of my favorite cities in North America, San Francisco.


I am hearing... the voices of Diane Sawyer and Robin Roberts on Good Morning America.


Around the house... or in this case, the hotel room... my books are scattered about the sofa, the bed is unmade and it looks "lived in" until housekeeping comes to tidy up :-)


One of my favorite things... is wandering around the streets of downtown San Francisco and riding the cable cars!


A few plans for the rest of the week... enjoying the California sunshine, finishing my assignment, swimming in the hotel pool and sitting in the hot tub and maybe taking the subway back downtown to spend more time in my beloved SF!


Here is the picture thought to share with you:

Walking along the paths of Muir Woods Redwood Forest