Happiness

 " We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have." ~ frederick koenig

   I just finished reading a book giving to my Hubby for his birthday. happy: Simple Steps to Get the Most Out of Life, it is a good read. So thinking on some of the ideas in this book I have a few insights. What is it that makes me happy? Well, spending time with my family, I love night time snuggled in my husbands arms, working together with all the household maintenance, fitness workouts, reading a good book, going to church, spending time with my friends, eating good food, just hanging out, hiking, beach, being creative, there is just so much. I want to live a life of wholeness instead of a life that is expected of me or a reflection of  "success". What is the real meaning or purpose of what I do??
  Unfortunately, I spend most of my time at work, not that I don't have a satisfying job. I have the job that I wanted from the start. I work in an Emergency room and it is quite satisfying, especially when I help ease someones distress. It can be really stressful, life is so uncertain when one is sick. Most of the time, I work with a great group of people that work together. The politics can be really stressful, and I need to make a point of staying out of any gossip circle. I thoroughly enjoy patient care, it is making sure everything is charted that can be a-bit overwhelming. It is harder than a person thinks to keep up with charts that grow legs and walks around. My primary purpose of work is to help provide for my family. Money isn't everything, but it sure is nice to be able to pay bills on time, buy groceries, and all the modern conveniences of living.
  Optimist live longer. With that thought, I have always tried to hope, believe, wish, and fantasize about life being better. As I have gotten older, I have learned that you are the deciding factor if life is good or not. Of course, there is gonna be events in life that are out of your control. You can chose to live or just exist. I guess I have always been a fighter, set a goal and persevered to the best of my ability. I believe that I am a blessed woman with a wonderful Husband and  family, good health, good job and a satisfying life.
   I love the quote "Reduce the complexity of life by eliminating the needless wants of life, and the labors of life reduce themselves."~Edwin Way Teale.  De cluttering one's life is a thought I really desire. I really want balance of all the important things in my life, I just don't know if I have the organizational skills to apply all aspects of life. Recently, I have read and trying to apply  The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. That is just one example of how I am trying to achieve balance in an area of my life. Together my husband and I are doing the P90X fitness regimen for our health, soon we will be training for the 2011 Covenant Marathon. I am trying to be the best mother I can be to two beautiful,smart young ladies. Life is a full plate!! However, I have been blessed.

Weekly Random Rambles

I have decided that on Mondays, I will try to post a weekly update. The key to everything is balance and life is very far from that. Part of life is work, children, marriage, home life and all mundane things that compile that. With only 24 hrs in 7 days, seriously how are we to pack it all in without going nuts. Simplify and prioritize is such a fine balance. Ergo my normal routine: (on a work day) Up at 0530, dress, eating breakfast,get girls up,  0630 drive, work @ 0653, 0700 report, lunch somewhere between 1100~1500, report 1900, drive 1915~ HOME 1930, 5 mins for the girls, P90X(with them sometimes) 2040 done, dinner, shower, bed: Just to do it all over again. Luckily we are in week 8 of P90X, leaving 5 weeks left. Then it starts with the marathon training for Covenant 2011 run. I am sure glad that I can do all things through my Savior Jesus Christ. For I need all the strength he delivers!!
   Then there is the process of cooking and planning for this fitness routine. Trying to stay under 80 carbs a day. It is bloody impossible!! I so love pasta and Italian dishes. Not to mention sweets, chocolates, Breads!! O my goodness. For the most part, I have done fairly well I think. I am used to burning more cals with cardio, ie my running, but soon enough I will get back to that. So I am not sure what the trick is, I have been eating more meat and fish, less breads, pastas and sweet stuff. I haven't had a regular coke in over 2 months now. Every once in a while I will drink a diet pop. Have increased H2O and decreased juices(more carbs). Still eating veggies though!! And still my weight is staying consistent!! I am just trying to use up my fat stores and polish my muscle tone!!
   I was off this past weekend, saturday, we got up early and P90X'd it- Legs and back! We cleaned some around the house, got laundry caught up, doggy bathed and ultimate chili cooked for company. Jim's co-worker and spouse came over. We had a very delightful evening. Lots of laughs and conversation until 2230. After they left, we cleaned up the kitchen together and ran the dishwasher. Quickly followed with a trip to nighty night!!
   Sunday was our off day, so to speak. Back to the low carb high protein diet. The girls and I went to church at Faith Promise and Jimmy had his service to go to. The spirit was alive at FPC!! It was miracle weekend and I hope God above hears my pleading heart. I am expecting an explosion of miracles in my family and my life, my friends, finances and work!!

Getting Started!

I have never attempted a blog before, technology seems daunting sometimes. However, I thought I would give it a try.
Today is a Beautiful day  in Tennessee. I had the day off, so I got to sleep in a little. It felt so good to veg! The girls went to school and Jimmy went to work. It was just Buddy and me ambling around the house today. He is a good little dog. He was giving to us and has proven to be a well behaved little man. The only dog I know that doesn't mind showers. Tolerates them rather well. The girls took to him right away. They have been wanting a dog for some time. It is all good.