"Me" Time -- Part 2

Several months ago I wrote on "Me" time. I wondered how others integrate "Me" time into their daily or weekly schedules. Ideally I suppose daily "Me" time is perfect, but with our busy lives and families I feel daily is difficult. It is difficult to have time to yourself within your home - others invariably will want you for something!

Here are a few ways I have managed to schedule my "Me" time:

On Fridays I go to Starbucks at the end of my workday and just sit for at least 30 minutes with a cup of coffee; I leave my phone in the car. Sometimes I read, other times I simply close my eyes and listen to the music.

Manicures

Pedicures

Bubble Baths

At least once a week a friend and I get together for breakfast. We talk about anything and everything, complain about anyone and everyone!

As mothers and wives we are so busy caring for others. We always tend to put ourselves last. As mothers and wives we have to realize that we cannot continue to care for others in our family if we do not care for ourselves. It is not selfish to occasionally put ourselves first - it is healthy!

I am discovering how valuable "Me" time is in ones life. It is amazing how refreshed, rejuvenated, and calm you feel after just a short amount of "Me" time. I also am discovering how cheated you can feel when you do not get that "Me" time.

Please try to schedule some "Me" time for yourself. Start out small; plan small little things that are strictly for you and stick to those plans!

Begin taking care of yourself today!

What Will People Remember About You?

People will forget what you said.

People will forget what you did.

People will never forget how you made them feel.

I saw this on a friend's Facebook profile today. The truthfulness behind this really impacted me in a way I had never given thought. What will people remember about you?

The ABC's of Genuine Happiness

I saw this on Pinterest today and really enjoyed reading the thoughts!

One Day At A Time!

Truth

You can say "I'm sorry" a million times.

You can say "I love you" as much as you want.

You can say whatever you want whenever you want.

But if you are not going to prove that the things you say are true,

Then do not say anything at all.

Because if you cannot show it,

Your words do not mean a thing

(Found on Pinterest.com)

Life Is Short

This was part of a signature line in an email I received. What a beautiful sentiment.

Life is short and we do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who travel the way with us. So be swift to love, and make haste to be kind, and may the blessing of God be upon you this day and always.

I am thankful for ......

A good number of my friends on Facebook are doing a "Daily Gratitude" during the month of November. With Thanksgiving being this month it's an excellent time to explore the many things and individuals we are grateful for in our lives. Another reminded me that November is "National Blog Month" where the idea is to blog every day during the month. I have decided to combine the two!

I am thankful for ......

1. ...... all my Pampered Paws's clients. They allow me to be one of the very few people in life who can truthfully say "I love my job!"

2. ...... the morals, values, and lessons my mother shared with me. She passed away 29 years ago today when I was 26 years old. Every day I think of her.

3. ...... my husband. I have a husband who knows exactly how to "handle" me!

4. ...... my son. He has grown to be such an amazing man and brings a great deal of joy to my life. I am so very proud of him.

6. ...... my dearest friend. We truly "get" one another and value each other as individuals.

7. ...... an upcoming trip. I'm truly looking forward to spending time with my cousin.

8. ...... the beauty of nature. I derive so much pleasure from watching the wildlife in my back yard -- ducks, geese, birds. They bring peace to a sometimes hectic existence.

9. ...... pencil and paper. In this world of ALL electronic gadgets I am so thankful that pencil and paper have not become extinct! I have to write it down and have it in my hand to see in order to remember! Sad ...... but true.

10. ...... my little dog, Pepper, and the unconditional love she shows me every day. Our pets are the only living creatures in our lives that overlook our flaws and give us all the love they have and ask absolutely nothing in return.

11. ...... the many veterans who have served our country unselfishly allowing me to live a life in freedom!

12. ...... the many, many hours people have put into my family's lineage so that I am now gaining a better knowledge of 'what I came from.' I'm amazed at how what I thought was such a small family has suddenly grown beyond my wildest imagination.

13. ...... all those who came before me and paved the way for me to be who I am today.

14. ...... rediscovering a wonderful relationship with my cousin. It's wonderful to have my cousin again!

15. ..... the beautiful colors of Fall! Observing the colors painted on the world's canvas makes my daily drive peaceful.

16. ...... for the small things that make my life "comfortable."

17. ...... the opportunity to spend an afternoon with a good friend - chatting, eating, and catching up.

18. ..... my good friend Cindy. Today is her birthday, and I wish her many, many more happy birthdays to come!

19. ...... all the wonderful memories I have of all the good times I spent with my Dad. Today would have been his 87th birthday. I miss him.

20. ...... slow days allowing me to relax and play "catch up."

21. ...... skilled surgeons and prayer as my dear, dear friend's husband undergoes back surgery today.

22. ...... the many pets I see daily as a pet sitter! Their little wagging tails and bright eyes have the ability to change even the worse mood or day.

23. ...... the little bit of time I spent in the kitchen with my Mom when I was a kid. Every once in a while it comes in handy!

24. ...... the friends I have and the part they play in my life. Also for having my cousin in my life again! I'm also very thankful for my family whom I love immensely!

25. ...... my son still inviting me to spend time with him.

26. ...... the fantastic healing my friend's husband is experiencing after his surgery! You would never know he had back surgery just 5 days ago.

27. ...... early morning peace I find with my cup of coffee and ESPN!

28. ...... modern technology. I may curse it from time to time but many aspects of today's technology make life so much easier!

29. ...... radio stations that play Christmas music 24 hours a day! We have two in the area, and they put me in the Christmas spirit!

30. ...... my health! Many deal daily with serious illnesses; I feel blessed to only deal with minor aches and pains.

Waterbeds

Waterbeds are fantastic!

Waterbeds are frustrating.

Waterbeds are wonderful!

Waterbeds are worrisome.

We have a waterbed. In fact, our son has a waterbed. I suppose you could say we're a family of waterbed lovers. When I met my husband, I had what I call a "regular" bed. You know, a bed with a mattress and springs. He had a waterbed and wanted to have another when he moved in with me. So ...... we got a waterbed.

They are, without a doubt, the most comfortable beds around. They are heated. On a cold winter night there isn't anything better than crawling between the sheets of a heated waterbed. There isn't an inch of you that isn't supported. The water envelopes you. When I'm away from home, after several nights of sleeping on a "regular" bed I can't wait to get home to my waterbed.

Now ...... to counteract all the wonderful things about having a waterbed are the several different things that can cause sheer frustration. If the heater should break, there is nothing colder than sleeping in a bed where the water is slowly losing its temperature. That water is cold! If the mattress should develop a leak, there is nothing more frustrating than to realize your hands are a little wet when tucking the sheets in while making the bed.

You can replace a heater by draining the bed partially ...... maneuvering the old heater out from under a partially filled mattress ...... carefully maneuvering the new heater under a partially filled mattress ...... then capping off the full water capacity in the mattress.

You can patch a small leak in a mattress. However, let's say you have a leak at the seam. They're not easily repaired. The seam is weakened ...... and ...... if you have a California King waterbed, you have over 500 gallons of water in a mattress with a weak seam. It's just a matter of time before the seam weakens again. Then the problem starts all over again.

So ...... you spend an entire afternoon searching for another mattress. They're not the easiest things to find any longer. Then ...... you get to drain as much of the water out of the old mattress as possible so you can lift it out of the bed frame. This is easier said than done - the fibers in the mattress which maintain the "waveless" action absorbs the water - the water doesn't drain from the fibers.

Then ...... you begin filling the new mattress - remember we're filling it with over 200+ gallons of water. Do you know how long it takes 200+ gallons of water to heat? It's not done in a day. It's not done in two days. It usually takes about three days.

Waterbeds are fantastic!

Waterbeds are frustrating.

Waterbeds are wonderful!

Waterbeds are worrisome.

Everyone Has A Secret!

“Everyone has a secret they haven’t shared.

Everyone has a past no one’s heard about.

Everyone has talents that people don’t notice.

Everyone has weaknesses hidden inside.

Everyone has a story left untold, so never start judging someone thinking you know them back to front.

Because the truth is, you probably don’t.”

Five Things You Can Never Recover in Life

1. The stone ......

after it's thrown.

2. The word ......

after it's spoken.

3. The occasion ......

after it's missed.

4. The time ......

after it's gone.

5. The person ......

after they've died.

I saw this on Facebook this afternoon and thought it was well worth passing along!

"Me" Time

Recently I was told we should attempt to schedule 30 minutes to 1 hour of "me" time daily. Hmmm .... I thought. This doesn't sound like a bad idea. I was told the best way to always get your "me" time is to schedule it on your daily calendar just as you would any appointment. It should be treated as an appointment!

Last week I relayed this information to my "Sweet Tea Therapy" friend. I've written in the past how this particular friend and I get together once a week (this is our goal) - during this time we discuss anything and everything, complain about everything and everyone. We thoroughly enjoy one another's company and treasure each other's advice and insight. She questioned the "me" time theory by pointing out to me that it could be difficult to schedule this time daily because of our families. She pointed out to me that perhaps we don't get to schedule "me" time daily, but we strive to schedule "me" time weekly - Sweet Tea Therapy! Afterall, our therapy lasts an entire afternoon generally.

Here's my dilemma ...... as soon as I begin "me" time one of these two things will invariably occur!

I think of something around the house that I need to complete or start.

Someone in my family will need me to locate something for them.

Someone in my family will need my help to complete something they're doing.

If you schedule "me" time on a regular basis, how to do handle the outside influences? I'd love to discover the thoughts of others.

My Conundrum

I've loved you forever

I've tried to be helpful

I've always tried to be there

You've asked for advice

You've asked for help

You've asked for opinion

I've always stepped up to the plate

You've always gone with the "well-meaning" advice of others

Look where you are now

Once again it's happened

Once again I've tried

Once again I've been there

Once again I've been "slapped in the face"

I've loved you forever

I'll always be here

I won't be hurt again

Life Is Too Short To Be Anything But Happy

"There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and the people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about those who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy!"

~~ Cindy Jones Evans

WOW! A friend posted this as her status on Facebook today. What powerful words. What powerful thoughts. What truthful sentiments. This friend keeps me grounded.

A couple of years ago I made the conscious decision to do this very thing in my life. There were friends whom I loved dearly but were so full of negativity, bitterness, and jealousy that they were toxic. Being in their very presence was a "downer." Their negativity, bitterness, and jealousy simply continued to pull me down in life. Their drama consumed those in their presence.

Since walking away from those friendships I feel freer.

Since walking away from those friendships I laugh more.

Since walking away from those friendships I find the good in my life.

I'm working hard to deal with another friendship at this point in life. I really don't want to walk away from this friendship, but I desperately want that total sense of freedom, laughter, and goodness.

"Life is too short to be anything but happy!"

Three Kinds of People

There are three kinds of people in the world: the wills, the won'ts, and the can'ts.

The first accomplish everything;

the second oppose everything;

the third fail in everything.

("Eclectic Magazine")

It's Been A Coffee Drinking ......

sitting by the window

watching it SNOW day!

I've written before how in the Tidewater area of Virginia we seldom get SNOW! When I got out of bed this morning at 7am, it was snowing! It has snowed all day! We probably have between 1" and 2" on the ground; for our area of the state that's a lot.

Unless you live in our area of Virginia, you wouldn't understand how exciting it is to have SNOW! For those of us who have not lived in areas of the country where snow is common, there's only one thing to do when it snows - sit by the window with a cup of coffee and watch the snow fall! It's the perfect way to spend the day!

I took some pictures while I was out on my pet sitting runs. I'm simply in awe of the beauty snow produces!

Our version of a snow plow! He was parked on the side of one of the bridges just waiting to get "the call" to spring into action and start spreading the sand.

I love to see the snow clinging to the bare trees as you pass by the woods!

The setting looks so serene and peaceful! The only thing it's missing is ice skaters on the lake to be the perfect winter setting!

It's so beautiful seeing the snow cling to bare tree branches!

Christmastime is Here!

I love Christmas! It's my most favorite time of the year!

Christmas brings such wonderful, warm memories to mind that warm my heart!

I love remembering all the traditions and times shared during Christmas with my Mom and Dad!

I dread Christmas. It's the hardest part of the entire year.

Christmas brings such wonderful, warm memories to mind that make my heart ache.

I dread remembering all the traditions and times shared during Christmas with my Mom and Dad.

Certainly I'm not the only person who has such mixed emotions about the Christmas season.

Certainly I'm not the only person who longs to have things from the past during the Christmas season.

Certainly I'm not the only person who can laugh and cry at the same memory or thought from past Christmas seasons.

Regardless ...... it's Christmastime!

Time to warm our hearts with new memories!

Time to warm our hearts with new thoughts!

Time to warm our hearts with new traditions!

"Merry Christmas!"

Some pictures of our home this Christmas season.

My son is a floral designer.

Having a son that's a floral designer is like having ...... a husband that's a plumber - the faucet still leaks!

Having a son that's a floral designer is like having ...... a husband that's a mechanic - the car still doesn't run properly!

Having a son that's a floral designer is like having ...... a husband that's a shoe cobbler - the children still have no shoes!

Having a son that's a floral designer means ...... Mom does all the decorating!

Mature People Truths

My son was "surfing the net" last night and ran across Truths for Mature Humans. I chuckled the entire time I read! I hope you enjoy!

Truths for Mature Humans

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer's history when you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the **** are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions with #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my own neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection ...... again.

13. I'm always slighted terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this ...... ever.

15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? **** it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voice mail. What did you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

17. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

18. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

19. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

20. I wish Google Maps had an "avoid ghetto" routing option.

21. Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.

22. I would rather try to carry 10 over-loaded plastic bags in each hand than make two trips to bring my groceries in.

23. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.

24. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

25. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

26. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

27. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

28. Is it just me or do high school kids get dumber and dumber every year?

29. There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you're going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

30. As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate bicyclists.

31. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch three consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

32. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and and pinning the tail on the donkey ...... but I'd bet my *** everyone can find and push the snooze button from three feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!

OK! I'm Ready!

Thanksgiving is done

Carols play, joy's in the air

Christmas season's here

Memories

When I was in junior high school and high school (you know it had to be a long time ago - who goes to junior high school anymore), my Dad and I would go to Wilson High School's football games every Friday night. After each game we stopped at Krispee Kreme; the hot sign was always on, and we'd each order 1 hot glazed donut and a hot chocolate. Dad and I sat at the counter and discussed the game and everything else while enjoying our treat. Before leaving my Dad always bought a dozen of hot glazed donuts to take home for breakfast the next morning.

Then, to me, those Friday night football games with my Dad followed by a hot donut and hot chocolate were the grandest things in the world.

Now, to me, it's a memory that warms my heart on the night after what would have been my Dad's 86th birthday.

Germ Trip-Tik

I need to preface this post with the declaration that I have the worst immune system known to man. I am cold-prone; I have always been cold-prone.

Are you familiar with those maps in malls? They have those huge stars on them that indicate "You Are Here."

Are you familiar with AAA Trip-Tiks? Those little "flip" maps that were the thing to have before GPS? They were similar to a steno pad only longer and narrower. You had to be a member of AAA, or "borrow" someone's membership, to get a trip-tik. They highlighted the route you should take, and as you traveled you flipped through the trip-tik to follow the highlighted route.

Well ...... are you aware that illnesses, germs, bacteria have trip-tiks? And guess what! On all those trip-tiks is a HUGE star that indicates "Missy Lives Here."

Because if there's one thing in life I'm certain - if there is an illness, germ, bacteria in the air, it will find my home and visit me personally.