This is the Life!

Ah, once again The Artistic Pixel Man treated me to a day of not having to do dishes.  I'm afraid I threw a change of plans at him early in the day, but he handled it like a pro.  A friend picked the kids and I up early this morning to go to the Sunday Market down at the waterfront, where I picked up a tasty looking lamb roast.  Brought it back to the apt. where we stuck it in the crock pot for today's dinner.  T.A.P.M. makes a great gravy, which we had over the meat and veggies, and also bread that came from the market.

We had made plans earlier in the week to eat lunch out and then go hiking, but because of my change of menu, we had dinner and a movie at home instead.  So, hopefully we can hike the Mt. Vic trail next weekend.

Upon getting the veggies back to the house, I had the wonderful surprise of seeing another friend - who is actually my landlord.  She was up to photo the outside of the house and was just leaving, but she stayed for a chat, and to pick up something I needed to give her.  I must say that God has brought into my life so many people who are a joy to be with.  I hope that I am one of those kind in return.

Here is to Simplicity...the joy of being with family and friends, near and far away.

It's My Birthday!

It's my birthday, and this one thing I believe...I am loved by family and friends! Especially my children.

I woke up this morning to be held hostage in my room while Miss A and Mr E made my breakfast and decorated the kitchen.  Much thought was put into the decorating because the colors of the lettering matched the streamers hanging from the door, and the 2 flower arrangements were beautifully symmetrical.  I was told that they encountered 4 or 5 bugs during the preparations and that Mr E "smashed one with his shoe!"  (I did hear that particular bit of commotion and was wondering if they would lift the ban on me coming into the kitchen so I could get the grasshopper for them.  I was happy to hear them work it out as I think this means I am off bug duty since they can now catch/kill their own bugs!)

Hugs abounded today, and someone even mentioned a birthday spanking.  Thankfully, we are in New Zealand and spanking is against the law here.  Whew!  Lucky for me!

What did I learn in the past year?  I have many areas of life that need improvement.  I  have many friends and family who love me anyways.  My faith is in God, who never fails, and always forgives - no matter how many times I mess up. 

"Thanks be to God for His unspeakable Gift!"

Acknowledgements

This week is  celebratory week and I am oh so thankful for so many people.  I would like to take a moment in my corner of the cyber-world to say "Thank You" to those who are walking on this journey along side of me.

To the ladies at Table 6, thank you for welcoming me into the circle.  I am honored to be a part of your lives through Mosaic.

To my friends and ABF family from HBC, thank you for your prayers and patience as I grow in your garden.  I may be blooming far away, but my roots are still with you.  I thank God upon every remembrance of you!

To my NSA family, thank you for your contagious enthusiasm.  What an honor to serve with you!

To Tamera and the QE Gals, I miss you.  Save me some chocolate cake!   ;) 

To my mom, thank you for always believing in me.  I cherish your wisdom and strength.

To my dear sister and bro-in law, thank you for your courage.  I am proud of you both.

To the "Tenacious Twosome" words can't say it, but I will try...thank you for the "Bull Dog" approach you use to make sure I am focusing on God's Truth.

To Adelaide, thank you for walking this journey as a sister and friend.  Hope sends her love! 

To Gigi and Poppie, thank you for taking care of things, and for the great gift that your son is to me!

Sam, Dan, Daniel, Jim and others, thank you for loving my kids along with your own.

To my children, thank you for the joy that you bring to my life.  May I be a worthy example for you to follow in your own lives.

Last, and most importantly, I would like to thank The Artistic Pixel Man.  Because of your focus and hard work I am able to do what I do.  I am thankful for your creative spirit, and courage to bring us along on your adventure.  Mahalo Nui Loa.

Be Careful What You Write About

...Just after writing about regrets, I realize a major potential regret in my life.  Big.  A doozey, because of my own procrastination.  The Regret of a Lifetime.  So now, as I wait to see how bad this will be, I need to concentrate on something positive.

Remember folks, as Katherine Lee always says, "A set back is a set up for a come back!"  So, how do I turn this one around??  As per the Communication Continuum from ILiveTheSource, I need to ask some clarifying questions and then move into action.

Now, on to something worthy for this Wednesday!  I did check on the item of last week's procrastination (which brought me to today's regretful realization) and so I do feel good about checking that off.  I now have more things on my "to do" list in that category.  After dinner I hope to tackle the other area of this month's procrastination: curtain lining.  I want to get these finished by Friday, so will be in 5th gear from now until then.

Being Reminded Why

"Make it a rule of life never to regret and never to look back. Regret is an appalling waste of energy; you can't build on it; it's only for wallowing in." 

~ Katherine Mansfield 1888-1923, born in Wellington, New Zealand

This quote came to me in a timely manner today.  Earlier today I had spoken to a friend regarding moving my business forward here in New Zealand, and was regretting the time it too me to speak up and get moving.  With this in mind, I tenaciously move forward!  No turning back for me. 

As Katherine Lee from ILiveTheSource says so very often, "A set back is only a set up for a come back!"  I am thankful that she so willingly shares her knowledge and enthusiasm with others.  I am so thankful that I am part of her class this year, and that I am catching her enthusiasm too!  Katherine, if by chance you are reading this...here's a big hug and smile for you!     :)

Should today's label be changed to thankful instead of tenacious?  No.  I need the tenacity right now and I am holding on by my teeth!  I say let's let today be both, for at the moment I can't be tenacious without the"why".  And I am oh, so thankful for my "why" today.

"No reserves.  No retreats.  No regrets."  

~ William Borden

An Impromptu Thought

Last Friday as the kids and I were leaving Climbing Club we passed what looked like a large magnetic white cube covered with hundreds of little magnetic words.  Wellington is celebrating writers and readers this month, so we took a moment to participate.  Of course I had to give myself a little challenge, so I picked up a bunch of words that were face down on the ground and made my sentence.  The first word I picked up was "vision".  How appropriate for this year.  I suddenly felt inspired and full of strength.  One little word.  Six black letters on a little white tile with a magnet on the back.  One little word that can reach so very far!

"The wind is like a gift that visioned her life with joy."

Another Restful Day

If this pattern keeps going, I might have to say that I am getting spoilt!  The Artistic Pixel Man again made dinner for us - this time it was his "I've Never Made Chili That Isn't Spicy Before!", and it received raving reviews from the kids.  Plus, there was enough to land us some leftovers!  heheh.

I also got to take a nap - again!  Yes.  I could get used to this Sunday afternoon routine.  ;)

So, today is a Simplistic Sunday.  Simply put, I choose to think on truth this week, do the daily things and conquer at least one item of procrastination.  A tall order?  Perhaps.  But if I keep my focus upwards and not inwards, I will make it...for sure!