September 1st

Wednesday, September 01, 2010

31 more days until we begin our move at work to our new building. It seems like the past 2 years of preparation and planning have gone by in an instant. We get the keys to our new facility on the 17th, but the actual move begins on the October 1st. This will be a monumental task. Moving an entire library and all that it encompasses to a building that will be twice as big and 2 stories tall. It's exciting, but also overwhelming at the same time.
Our department will be one of the last departments to move over. We are responsible for keeping things running (computer wise) in both locations, as well as receive all deliveries until such time as we are able to begin receiving deliveries at the new location, which we've been told will be Oct 25th. The logistics of all of this will be interesting to say the least.
We have to wait until we actually have access to the building before we can even begin to put together an emergency evacuation plan. A detail that must be in plan before we open to the public on Nov 1st. A detail that falls on my shoulders and the Safety committees shoulders. Yikes! The great thing is that it will be a work in progress for the next couple of years as we continue to refine the plan. Weeding out what doesn't work as well as we would like and altering to make things smoother.

My positives:

A short work week. I have Friday off, plus it is a long weekend in Canada. Yay a 4 day weekend for me!
We had sunshine yesterday, still cooler temperatures, but sunshine none the less.
Farmer's market tonight...just might have to go and buy some tomatoes.
Pay day today! woo hoo.
Being alive....what a blessing to wake up each morning knowing I have been given more time to become all that I'm meant to be.
I am worth it!

Thanks for stopping by for a visit. Take today and make it a day you are proud of.

Hugs,
Wanda

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

YOYONOMORE1 9/1/2010 8:08AM

Wow, Wanda that sounds like quite an undertaking with the move to a new building and getting everything set up and running, you'll have to be sure and get goodnights rest during that time. It doesn't seem possible we are into Sept. We are suppose to get another hot day today, but then we are suppose to be getting some lovely cooler air from Canada, thank you very much, the weather is suppose to sunny, but cooler for this weekend, so should be good for the wedding on Sat. Enjoy your long weekend. Shirl Report Inappropriate Comment

Listening to that still small voice from within...

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Sometimes you just have to stop and listen. What you are committed to do and what your spirit is telling you to do are not always in alignment. What do you do?
Sunday nights for the past couple of weeks, have found me having a great deal of difficulty falling and staying asleep. When I do get up Monday mornings for work at 4:30 am, I'm dragging. I've been struggling all day with overwhelming tiredness. Knowing that I still had to keep going until 9pm when study group is over and I can head home to bed. Then because, I'm over tired, I once again have difficulty relaxing and getting to sleep. Hmmmm. Time to stop and listen to that still small guiding voice from within.
That is what I did finally yesterday when I got home from work. Sunday night had me up and down all night with some very intense and stressful dreams, I was so tired when I got home and really struggling, knowing that I still had a commitment to see to that would have me not going to bed until almost 10pm.
I made the decision to fore go my commitment and once I phoned and let it be known that I was not going to be there, an overwhelming sense of peace decended on me. This was not an easy thing for me to do. I'm the type of person that if I say I will do something or be somewhere, I move mountains to keep my word. Boy talk about an internal struggle. I'm sure glad though that I listened to my spirit. I needed the rest.
Sometimes I get so caught up in living that I forget that I also need to make rest a part of that living. I need to take breaks from always "doing". For me, that involves not just the "not doing anything" breaks, it's more the "mental breaks". I realized that even when I think I'm relaxing (not actually doing physical things), my brain is not relaxing completely. I'm busy turning things over in my mind, examining options, thinking. That's the part of me that I needed to give a rest to. That's the part of me that was screaming "enough already!"

I headed to bed early last night and really focused on listening to my guidance by asking for assistance in mentally shutting down my busy brain and just relaxing into sleep. Ahhhhh.

My positives:

A good night's sleep. Feeling much more rested this morning.
The awakened knowledge that I need to pause before accepting anymore commitments and check in with guidance on whether or not I can accept the commitment at this time. I have a hard time saying "no" to people. I thought I had learned that art...but apparently I haven't!
Listening, a skill that I am learning applies to my inner voice as well as to others
voices.
The knowledge that I am learning....I was able to recognize my need to listen to guidance before having a meltdown! The strength to follow guidance and do what is necessary for me regardless of what others needs are. As moms, we get so used to always putting our needs last that it can be a difficult habit to break.
God, who never gives up on me.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing in my thoughts. Have a wonderful day.

Hugs,
Wanda

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MADAGASGAR 9/4/2010 12:01PM

What an encouraging word for the day!!! Thank you for the reminding us of waiting, listening and obeying from Him who loves us. Report Inappropriate Comment

FOSKED 9/2/2010 3:37AM

Good for you Wanda! Like you, if I say I'll do something, I do it. But it's not always the best thing to do. I really appreciated this post. Report Inappropriate Comment

MYRNACARRIER 8/31/2010 11:01AM

Thanks. Sometimes its hard for us to determine whether or not we should do some things, simply because we have gotten so much in the habit of doing them that it seems normal and right. But God seems to step in and make us aware if we choose to listen. Great blog. I love the way I get so much help and insight from all you Sparkies. Blessings, and take care of yourself because, as JOhn always say, "YOu are worth it" and "YOu deserve to me successful". Report Inappropriate Comment

NJMATTICE 8/31/2010 9:52AM

I'm glad that you had the insight to stop and listen. (my impulse was to say "stop, drop and roll." We reviewed fire safety at school. Now for fun, I am going to stop, drop and roll at least once a day to remind me to LISTEN. That should get me in a positive space, should I happen to stray) A good night's sleep is a remedy for a great many ills in my book. When life gets too hectic, it's a sure sign that Nancy needs her rest. Just like a small child. I recognize the signs. Whining. Complaining. Lashing out at others. Looking for comfort and distractions. Yup. Nancy needs to go to bed. Good job letting the commitment to yourself override the need to be there for others. Have a great day. Thanks for the reminder to "stop, drop and roll." Love, Nancy Report Inappropriate Comment

YOYONOMORE1 8/31/2010 8:26AM

Great blog Wanda, and good advice for all of us, glad you had a restful night. Shirl Report Inappropriate Comment

Motivation Monday...August's last!

Monday, August 30, 2010

We are now into the last couple of days of August...fall is here and winter is just around the corner.brrrrrr!

Garry and I headed into the city yesterday afternoon to th Bulk Barn. Came away with lots of little bags of goodies. I especially love the dried blueberries. They were so yummy in my cream of wheat cereal this morning. Yep...My first hot cereal breakfast of the season! It's only 9 degrees outside this morning...a good morning to have a nice hot breakfast inside of me.

I made a crock pot of chili for dinner yesterday, called the girls and had them come over to help us eat it. Garry had been working outdoors most of the day doing repairs to the storage shed, so he appreciated a nice hot dinner. Almost time to put away the lawn furniture. I've been holding on though, hoping that we are going to get some summer yet in September. Farmers almanac says Sept and Oct are supposed to be nice, so guess we'll see.

My Positives:
A short work week, I have taken Friday off to give myself a nice 4 day long weekend. Hard to believe that labor day weekend is upon us already!
A nice fruit salad lunch today.
Time with Garry and the girls yesterday.
Study group tonight.
Company arriving back on Sunday for overnight and then a 60th wedding anniversary to attend for my aunt and uncle on the holiday Monday. So nice to be able to celebrate such a momentous occasion.
God, my family and friends.

Have a wonderful motivation Monday. Make wise choices, be the master of your life.


hugs,
Wanda

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

VTORIA3 8/30/2010 9:51AM

Yes, do enjoy those last few days of summer. It sure is hard to believe that it is going by so fast! Nice positives for the day. Have a marvelous Monday! PS Love the background pic! Report Inappropriate Comment

Serenity Sunday and being peaceful.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

It is so quiet this morning. The wind has finally stopped blowing and the lack of noise has made things so very quiet! Love it!
Skies are overcast and the temperature is down to the single digits...brrrrrr. I'm resisting turning the furnace back on, it's just not right that I have to have the furnace turned back on before October! It reminds me that we had to turn the furnace on in June and that is just wrong for this time of year! It's extra sweaters for us today in the house. lol

I used my pressure cooker for the first time yesterday to do my beets. Now either it was because I never noticed when I bought my beets at the market that they had already had the leaves trimmed off, there fore they bled alot when pre heating them in order to slip the skins off easily. Or because of my trial and error of using the pressure canner for the first time, caused so much color to come out of the beets that it looks like I have white beets in red juice now! Oh well, I still have 2 pints and 1 quart of beets to use this winter in borcsht. Might have to add some fresh beets to the mixture but that is okay. I did not can my green beans, I've decided that I'm going to cut them up and freeze them instead.

I did get all the laundry done yesterday and then phoned Shyra to see if she wanted to come and help me find a baby gift. Yay, shopping with Shy, always so much fun. We found the cutest little outfit for Jaidyn in 9month size, so she'll be able to wear it for awhile. Kaeli is leaving on Thursday after work to head to Kamloops BC, so she will take it with her.

Shy and I spent the afternoon together and had a great time. I love that my kids like to spend time with Mom. I'm so proud of each of them. They are such unique people and so very interesting to talk with.

My positives:

Got my beets done, took on the challenge of a pressure cooker, it was a little daunting, but the next time will be easier.
Got a baby gift for Jaidyn.
I don't have to worry about mailing it...Kaeli is traveling there next week.
No wind blowing, at least as yet.
Serenity Sunday and Garry is home to spend the day with.
Going to the bulk barn later today to stock up on spices...I love going there. I love experimenting with different spices when I'm cooking.
Being alive.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit. Enjoy your day.

Hugs,
Wanda

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

NJMATTICE 8/29/2010 2:45PM

Sounds nice and serene over there in your neck of the woods. I am trying to get my planning for the week done. I'm a little spent here, so I'm having to push myself a bit. Not too much time to sit at the computer. I'm going to check out your challenge for the week and then get back to work. Enjoy your day and I look forward to another happy week sparking with you. Love, Nancy Report Inappropriate Comment

Saturday and lots to do.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Woke up to see our back gate, which is big and heavy wide open. It's never open, but I guess with all the wind we have been having, it managed to wiggle the gate enough that the latch let loose! Very disconcerning to see the gate standing wide open this morning.
The wind has certainly been a fact in the past couple of days. One of my co-workers was unable to make it to work yesterday due to the fact that the wind had blown a huge tree down over top of her car. Saw some pictures of it on facebook, it was one huge tree!

Today, my list of chores to attempt to get done include, canning of beets and green beans, laundry, housecleaning, and purchasing a gift for Kaeli to take next week on her trip to Kamloops BC to see one of the new babies in our family.
A busy day, but it should be a productive day.

My positives:
Waking up to sunshine this morning...in other words I didn't get up until 7am!
It's the weekend.
I had a really good sleep last night, must have, as I never heard the back gate opening at all!
A new day of life to be creative in.
Having the means to can fresh veggies.
Lunch with Shyra yesterday.
Being able to sit out on my deck during a lull in the wind yesterday and enjoy the sun and the sound of the leaves blowing (gently).
Being alive.

Have a wonderdul Silly Saturday, let your inner child out to play and enjoy the opportunity to live in the moment.

Hugs,
Wanda

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CROBINGO 8/29/2010 9:04AM

I LOVE windy days but it sounds as if it is over the top there right now for you! A gentle breeze is great but... Glad everything else appears to be going well though. You must have an amazing amount of canning done! I remember reading a blog a while ago that you had started it. Enjoy! Report Inappropriate Comment

MOMMA_BEAR_69 8/28/2010 10:49PM

It is a great day to believe alive...you are so right!! Hope your day was productive but also relaxing. Have a wonderful and blessed Sunday!! Report Inappropriate Comment

NJMATTICE 8/28/2010 10:22AM

Good Morning, Wanda. Happy Silly Saturday to you as well. I enjoyed sitting out on the deck with you for a few moments. I'll think of you as I prepare my beets, the prettiest little veggies I know. Enjoy your day and thanks for taking the time to bring me along. Love, Nancy Report Inappropriate Comment