Random Notes

Dear Alexa,
     Even though you dont seem to know any sort of real information (Hmmm.. I dont know the answer to that) I do appreciate that you can remind me that in 45 minutes, I need to put the clothes out of the washer & into the dryer because my brain doesn't remember things over a few minutes. Seems like I can't contain a lot of information either.    ... Sincerely, your cant remember anything friend.

Dear Car Salesman,
     Please stop calling.  If you havent heard from me in 2 weeks, you can pretty much assume I am not interested in the car I looked at.  ... Truly Yours, Not your commission

Dear Bananas,
    I just dont get you sometimes.  How can you be so green one day & turn to mush the next?  Who do you think you are - an avocado or something???? Its like I turn my back for one second & you're just on a time lapse of your own.  I'm glad I can freeze you & at least try to make you become something delicious & wonderful but most of the time, I just see gnats everywhere around you & that's it - you're in the trash.  A relationship that can't be salvaged.  Let's try to stick together a little longer, m'kay? .... Your smoothie making friend.

Dear Gray Hair,
     I know you must really love me because you just have a way of popping up on me without any notice.  I know I try to hide you away every 6 weeks & you just wont have any of it, will you.  No keeping you down. You're one tough cookie who WILL be seen.  I admire your persistence, but can you at least give me a little bit longer with the red since I'm forking out some dollar bills?  Can you let me enjoy the fresh look for just a little bit longer than 5 days?  I mean, I know we're going to have a future together down the road.  Just be patient.  Sincerely, You're RED HEAD friend.

Dear Fall TV,
    I'm trying to prepare for you. I'm going through my DVR & getting it all prepped up.  Grey's Anatomy, This is Us, A Million Little Things, Single Parents, The Walking Dead.... I'm preparing for you.  I know there will be once again steam pouring out of my DVR but I'm ready to be entertained on all the cold & dark nights ahead.  I'm counting on you to keep me distracted from the lack of light after 5:30, to keep me busy & let the glow of the light of the TV be my new vitamin D. It works like that, right? ... yeah, I know it doesn't - but maybe if I believe it, it will help make it so.  ... Truly yours, your easily entertained friend.

Dear Perimenopause,
     I still hate you.  Why are you so harsh?  How do you take a body & just blow it up like a balloon, especially around the middle, where I actually had a curved in waist & not a twin of the Michelin Man.  Do you just really hate women? I really think you do.  Why else would you just want someone to constantly be uncomfortable or sweat off any make up or make hair dry or cause all sorts of moods to pop up for no reason?  Isn't getting to a certain age a cause for rewards, not more torture?  Do men have to deal with this? Can't you go bug them instead?  I mean, we deal with how many years of monthly misery of periods. You just want to go out with one last hurrah, huh?... that can last for years.  You're vicious. I'll give you that one..... No Love, your hot flashing slave

Who do you need to write a random note to today?

The weekend I was DIVING IN!

Hello Monday!

& HELLO FALL!!! Can you believe we made it?
I sure cant believe it - because it's still freaking hot!  Well, today, it's actually acting like Fall for the intro of the day, but by the end of the week, apparently we're back in the mid 90's ... SAY WHAT?

I am going to be so mad & jilted because I know we're not going to get a good fall. It's going to go from this hot & miserable weather into freezing cold winter, isn't it?  & Fall is my favorite. I LIVE for fall. As my planner says, its my Happy Season. & I have a feeling I'm going to be on the short end of the stick this year with it.  Maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised & winter will not be harsh & we'll get a fall that lasts into winter, as summer has lasted into fall.  We're all just off.

Speaking of off.... I got to kick off my weekend by going to the hospital.  (Insert my big, loud, moaning sigh)  Nothing is really 'wrong'.. I mean, I am in the hospital getting tests, but I had to go to my family doctor & she wanted more blood work  - because having all your blood taken out every few weeks from a hematologist isn't enough.  Actually, it really isn't enough. This doctor wanted to test thyroid, hormones, Vitamin B12 - which I laughed when she said she's testing that. That's NEVER good on me - but I'll just let her see the results of that.

I also had to get a chest xray - which was quick & painless ... & I still have to schedule a stress test.
Which, I can assure you - YES, I am indeed stressed :)

I picked up some dinner for Ricky & I & like typical Friday's - I was knocked out fairly early. Friday's SLAY me.  Its like my body says, "I cant do any more"

... thank God I dont work on Saturdays.

I did get some good sleep & got up early to watch another sun rise & then worked on my bible study while Ricky worked on staining the inside of our fence.

I even took my Journal Bible outside to cheer on the hubby with all the hard work he was doing.

& then we got the call... my car was ready for me to pick it up! I was pretty excited. Actually, I have not ever bought a car & not drove off with a ton of regret. Did I get the right car?  Did I spend too much? Did I get duped? ... this time, I actually signed the papers & walked away really happy with my car.

Now ask me this when my first payment coupon comes in the mail......

I actually wore my DIVE shirt on purpose (A song by Steven Curtis Chapman).  The lyrics say, "I'm diving in - I'm going deep - in over my head I'm gonna be"... it felt appropriate.

Me excited about my new car
... Ricky bummed out because he wants a new car now

But its funny because with this blue paint, I know its going to show every single scratch & nick in it ... so when I left the car lot, Ricky & I went out to eat to celebrate & I am now one of those people who will park a mile out of the way so no one will bang into my car.

It must be a blue car thing

I always got silver or white or cream cars to hide all the scratches & dirt. This is going to be my new little challenge - to keep clean & scratch free.

I took my car over to show my momma & ended up hanging out with her awhile sitting &chatting on her front porch, rocking away in her rockers, like 2 little country gabbing gals.

Sunday, I woke up early so I could finish 13 Reason Why.  I had taken a few episodes every weekend so I could drag it out. But I had gotten to the last 4 episodes & had to get through to see who killed Bryce!!!  I had all sorts of emotions on this season.  Anyone else watch it?

I had to drive my new Blue Baby... or Dorothy as my mom has taken to calling her - to Starbucks - teach her the new paths that we will venture many times in life.

Also had to test out those cup holders.

Off to HSM on the next route.

I stopped at Target on the way home, found some super cute pumpkins for $1.00 to add to my living room - if I could ever get my fall decorations dug out - & then picked up some lunch & then time to love on some big (& little) white horses.

It was a rough Sunday actually... my heart really felt attacked in some areas of life & I just sort of withdrew from the world the rest of the day.  Just surround myself by my supportive husband & get some doggie love ... & that always makes things better.

We've got a busy week ahead of us - another doctors appointment (one back with my surgeon - ANOTHER big sigh) - vet appointments, lots on the To-Do List & lots of places to be.  Be kind life - please be kind.

How was your weekend?

Do you love fall? - what's your Happy Season?

What color is your vehicle?

Friday Favorites

(Click pics for link)

Favorite Environment Friendly Product

These straws collapse & fold up!

GENIUS!

I got some metal ones & they are hard to get in your purse with that long, hard straight form.

These are silicone & fold right on up in this container for your purse.

I likey!

Favorite Photo Session

Have you seen these pictures where this bride & groom were doing their pictures & this deer came up & started eating the Bride's bouquet. I mean, talk about story book.

Click the pic above to see all the other pictures that was captured.

Favorite File Cabinet

I can always fill up a file cabinet with papers. 

& who wants the old industrial looking one when these cute ones are out now?

Favorite Chopping Helper

I had something similar to this & lost it.

I am wanting to start cooking more & this would be super handy - especially with all the different blades it comes with!

Favorite Hat Organizer

OK - this is kinda genius.

I have nails on the wall of my closet for my caps & they are FOREVER falling into the floor!

Favorite Video

Favorite Trunk Organizer

I have a similar one that sits in the back seat.

I LOVE this - keeps it off the ground so you dont loose any space to load bags there too!

Favorite Picture



Every September 11th... I still just want to cry

Favorite Pillows

Why am I so obscessed with pillow covers lately?

It's the idea of cooler days ahead & snuggling with all the pillows!

mmm... makes me happy thinking about it!

Favorite Funnies

... when the hubs tries to fold towels his way & not the RIGHT way

... when someone else gets all the credit for all the hard work you've done on a project

... when I look at my budget & see how much I spend on coffee a month

.... me at 4:30pm today

Happy Weekend Y'all!!

Cancer, you dont get the final say! {Thankful Thursday #238}

This week I'm Thankful for:

Ernie doing so well
We're half way through our agility training with Ernie & I'm just so excited to see his progress.  & really love that Ricky has seen a lot of it is about how much he puts into it WITH Ernie. Such is life.  But I just love seeing Ernie get so excited when we pull into the drive way of this place. He perks up as soon as we hit the gravel.

He just has the time of his life too with all the animals that hang out there. Chickens, cats, dogs, mini horses. Ernie is friends with them all.

A good pee day
... not for me... for Bruno. His 19 year old little bladder or kidneys must not be what they once were. He's going some days peeing once a day, which I know cant be good. So we're trying to load him up on water - but if he drinks too much, he throws it up & that defeats the point.  But he's had a few good pee days. We take those days & celebrate it.  MORE WATER FOR EVERYONE!!!!


Friend in the clear
My long time friend - & Canadian gal - Jen had a surprise last year when she battled Ovarian cancer.  What a scare. Especially for such a young, vibrant woman.  She went through a big surgery & came back amazingly... & reaching this one year mark, she got the all clear for another year. PRAISE THE LORD!!! & days before she & her family did an Ovarian Cancer walk.  Ummm - these shirts are just awesome! I love this family!!!!

Here she is with her husband & two kiddos
... I gotta get me one of those shirts!!!!

Learning about a new coworker
... well, she's not new. She's been there for over a year.  But she never worked on our floor & she moved to our little homestead in the renovation.  She's not in my department so I was taken back a little when she asked me to go to lunch with her. I always love hearing people's life stories & I knew she was involved in a lot of ministries.  It was so interesting to hear her background & where she came from & how these ministries work & how God is working in them.  More than anything, I just love hearing about her.  You never really know someone until you take time to listen, do you?  Thankful for the opportunity - & looking forward to more lunches.

Ricky on the car hunt for me
We had a call from the saleman for a car he thought I'd be interested in (Spoiler alert - it was the one I got) - but I had Bible study that night & couldnt go after work. Ricky ended up taking the time to go over & check it out for me, taking pictures, test driving it - knowing what I like & dont like... I just appreciated him doing that for me when I know he gets off work, he's exhausted.  He's a good man.

One hour lunch
Speaking of Ricky - most of you all know we do Lunch with My Love every Wednesday. We have met up for YEARSSS every Wednesday - usually at the same place, same Subway, same booth, every week.  But he had been working late a few days so they told him to go ahead & take an hour.  He charged up that scooter of his & ventured further away from his work.  I took him to one of my favorite places that offers the YUMMIEST Veggie Melt.  It's a quinoa, black bean, sweet potato patty - DELISH!  Ricky didnt know what to do with a full hour for lunch. He was chomping at the bit when he was gone for 20 minute & we still didnt have food - (A rest restaurant - not fast food - GASP!) - but by the end, he enjoyed his food, enjoyed slowing down & getting a REAL breather at lunch.  I wish he could have that every week.  Poor guy.

Caught Sunrise
... both Saturday AND Sunday. I'm loving starting each day welcoming the beautiful bright sun!

Author Comment
Call me a geek, but I love when the author of books comment on my IG posts.  & OK - this is embarrassing - I never even put 2 + 2 together to realize she's THE Gilman's wife - from Kelly & Ryan.  But when I saw he liked my pic too - the light bulb came on. How fun is that?  Makes me like the book even more!

NEW CAR!!!
Lots of talk on that Monday - I'm just glad my hunt is over.  Hopefully it'll be ready to pick up by the end of the week - & you can bet I'll be praying over my car for yearsssss of safety & a good, 'healthy' car.  You rely on these babies. I need her to hold up for me.

My Texas Family
.... so this week, our family took a loss.  My Uncle passed away after a battle with cancer.  This is my mom's sister's husband.  They've lived in Texas as long as I can remember - but they are still our family. Lots of visits & trips & connections.  I think I just talked about how my first flight was to Texas to spend a week with them when I was a teenager.  They are a close family & I ADORE my aunt - she is one of the funniest women I know - & I know they are all just heart broken at the loss of their spouse, their father, their grandfather.    It's time like this that I'm thankful that I know he had a professed faith in Jesus & is in Heaven right now. Like his daughter said, we know my dad was there to greet him & welcome him in to his eternal home... right next to Jesus.  Rest in peace Uncle Jack.

This is my cousin with her dad at her wedding.
She's the only daughter & I told her - I feel her pain - the world isn't the same when your daddy isn't in it.
I hate there's a new collection of my cousins that are in this category ... it's a heart breaking place to be.

So many years together
Pray for my aunt please

I just realized that I have 2 different posts here about cancer.  One amazing post where my friend is cancer free after a year... & a post here where it seems like cancer won.  But nope.  Cancer, you dont get the final say here.  My Uncle is now pain free - no more sickness - healthy as a Texas longhorn!  You didn't win Cancer.  You never will!.... Praise the Lord for victory in all things!

Tell me something good about your week

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Learning to use my planner all over again....

I have been wanting to join in with the ADORABLE Alexandra when she does her monthly posts that involve scrapbooking, planning, all beautiful things paper & pictures.... & I'm finally doing it - keep an eye out for her posts - they go LIVE on the 3rd Thursday of the month - but I have my Thankful Thursday - so posting early & will link up with her then.

I've got a renewed love of my planner lately! I know I love spending way too much time scrolling through Instagram for hashtags like #planneraddict or #plannercommunity - add in anything that references Erin Condren & now Plum Paper & I'm in.

Speaking of which, I've made the change this year to Plum Paper. I'm a tad nervous actually. I've been a die-hard Erin Condren fan & user for the past 5 years.  But I end up taking graph paper &  covering up the first few pretty pages of each month to make it more adaptable to what I want.  Well, when I saw that I can add the pages I want in a Plum Paper without me covering anything up & making it a part of the planner? I decided to give it a try.  Especially have I saw my friend Liz got her Plum planner & it's really nice. The paper is super smooth - I always go over to her desk & tell her I'm going to rub her paper.  Most people would think that's weird - she just happily hands it over & says, "Go for it"... get a planner friend in your life planner people.

Speaking of Plum Paper - I have been turned onto their Subscription box of stickers that you can get each month for your planner.  Here's the set that came for September.

They come with such cute little add ons each month - to document fuel, or laundry, or cleaning...

& I really enjoy their functional stickers too - this monthly Habit tracker round wheel one? I really like it - I've been using it for my workouts.  I like coloring in the wheel!

You can see the little weather stickers too & doctor stickers & dinner stickers - has it all

You get all these for $10.00!!! I mean, how can you go wrong? Especially because it helps me color coordinate too.  (if anyone is interested, let me know & I can send you a referral link)

All this is really making me really enjoy using my planner more.

I'll admit, I never was one of those people that decorated my planner. I wanted it to be functional.  But I'm learning to make the best of both worlds.  So its not a beautiful as some people's planners - cue that planner envy that I come across on Instagram - but I like how mine is turning out.  Take a gander of my August spreads....

This is one of the first ones where I started to incorporate a theme of a color for the week.  Leave it to me to start with a Belle yellow :)

But I also started trying to document my water intake... - you can see by the end of the week, I was over drawing the big water drops... I'm learning how to make it work each week.

Only the next week....

I really liked the change of putting the washi tape to be able to document the weather on each day (I'm a big weather nerd...) & I like the way it divides the bottom too.

The next week...

You can see that I made the change on this week to start making my TO DO list & my WORK lists different colors... & left each of the "DONE" circles to color in when it was completed different colors.  I liked that visual.

.... & the next week...

So I used my side list on this one for my packing for my weekend trip for Women of Joy. That was handy.

& I tried to do a different bottom - using it for meal planning - but also using it for like a wardrobe reminder. To keep track of what I wore so I dont wear the same thing in the same week.

Dont judge me for all the eating out for 'dinner' - I was out of town!!

I used to document that in a bullet journal - but I dont think I'm going to keep that up...

& then the last week of August....

I made a cleaning & laundry check list on the side bar - but I didnt really keep up with checking off on that, so dont think I'll keep that up either....

A close up

SO yeah... I'm looking for new ways to just keep my planner fun AND functional AND attractive to the eye.

I've taken a lot of advantage of sales lately & stocked up on all the goodies to help....

Hello beautiful

so I'll be sure to share September's spreads & see if it looks any better.

Anyone else love planners?

Are you an Erin Condren fan or a Plum Paper user?

Do you plan your day & schedule or just go with the flow?