Valentine’s Pillow

I’m on the lookout for a cute Valentine’s Day pillow for my bench. I checked Hobby Lobby, and Walmart the other day, but came up empty. 

Now remember the options are few in my area, but I’m thinking I’ll check TJ Max and Ross later this week when I go to Stephenville. 

I’ve also looked online, but sometimes it’s hard to tell what something is like by the photo. 

Yesterday when I was hanging up my coat I noticed the back of a Christmas pillow I had stored in the closet. It was a red and white stripe. I thought it might work in a pinch. Then I remembered the small Love pillow from the guest room. 

I still think I’ll keep my eyes open, but if push comes to shove I might pick up a Valentine gnome from the Shoppin Baskit in town. I’m obsessed with these gnomes!

Focus on Your Strengths

A study by Gallup based on the work of psychologist, Martin Seligman found the following:

“…employees feel more confident, self-aware, and productive when focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses.”

The  first time I heard about focusing on your strengths vs trying to improve your weaknesses was at a staff development meeting about twenty years ago. It gave me a whole new perspective. 

Prior to hearing that I had focused mainly on trying to improve those things I wasn’t naturally good at, and feeling bad that I wasn’t doing a very good job at it.

Now I’m not saying there isn’t room for improvement, because often times it doesn’t hurt to get better at something. Just ask my husband about how my cooking ability has improved over the years.  

However, putting too much emphasis on your weaknesses is counterproductive to what could be accomplished by focusing on your strengths. Time is a limited resource so use it wisely. 

What do you focus your time and energy on? I truly believe God has gifted us all with natural strengths and abilities. I also believe that sometimes we overlook these gifts because they have always come so easily. We don’t see them as special. 

Don’t discount your natural abilities. Look for ways you can share your strengths with others, and stop focusing on the wrong thing. 

Dollar Tree

One of my stocking stuffers this year was a nut blend from the Dollar Tree. It was really tasty so yesterday I stopped by and picked up three different varieties of the snack. 

Along with being tasty it was the right price at $1.25 each. I ended up getting the Energy, Power, and Protein blend. They also had a Fruit blend as well. 

I also noticed that Dollar Tree had really increased the size of their craft section. I picked up some canvases to use with my grandsons who really enjoy doing painting projects. However, there were all kinds of things that my crafty friends might like. If you haven’t been there recently you might want to check it out. 

I will also point out that they carry Hallmark cards at Dollar Tree as well. Not bad for $1.25. 

Throwback Thursday-False Choices

I thought on Thursday I might share a former post. This one about false choices was posted on February 3, 2015. This was the post that set what was to be the trajectory of my blog. I thought I would share it with you today. 

Something I've recently considered is the idea of false choices.

 I think so often in life we are quick to think that we only have one choice or another when it comes to a situation. Because of that, I think we remain paralyzed in determining which choice is the right or best choice of the two. However, this idea of only one or the other is often times false. 

We actually have many other choices in between.  I have begun challenging myself to look at life this way in many of the small ordinary decisions I make each day.  I have found that in doing so it has pushed me to be more creative and resourceful. 

I do think it is important to not allow false choices to limit ourselves and our accomplishments. I encourage you to consider doing so as well.

Progress

 

“Think progress, not perfection.”

Sometimes my need for perfection gets in the way of me accomplishing my goals. 

I should take the progress vs perfection advice to heart, but I’ve learned that at least initially I need the perfection to motivate me to continue. 

I seem to be wired more “all or nothing” or as author Gretchen Rubin says, I’m more of an “abstainer” than a “moderator.”

It’s much easier for me to decide ahead of time to say no to the chips at the Mexican restaurant than to allow myself to have just a few. Just like that famous Lay’s commercial of the sixties, “Nobody can eat just one.”

I woke up this morning, stepped on the scale, and knew it was time for a course correction. I know I’ll be more successful if I white knuckle it through the next couple of days. 

I’ve found, though, that when I’m in control of my eating I feel more empowered in other areas as well. So I’m making a commitment today to better food choices. 

What works best for you?

Best Made Plans

 

“You don't always control what happens, but you control how you respond.”

This morning I woke up to rain. Now after the drought of last spring I can’t complain about rain, however, I had already made plans for the morning, and I really didn’t look forward to getting out in the rain. Initially I thought cancelling my trip to the gym was the thing to do. I could always go on Thursday and Friday.

I had planned to stop by the grocery store in town to pick up the needed ingredients for my Bible Study Fellowship tonight. Instead I inventoried my pantry trying to figure out what else I could bring. 

I had even wanted to stop by the library to check on a book, I had seen through the window when I had dropped my book off the day before. 

Now to be honest I was a little bummed that my plans had been interrupted by the weather. Remember it’s not just a matter of me getting in the car which is under a carport. I have to get out of my car to unlock, open, close and lock the gate. All of which requires a raincoat and boots to accomplish without getting soaked. 

As I ate breakfast I reluctantly tried to figure out how I would spend the day, not really happy about the changes. I like things to work out the way I plan them, except in life that is not often the case. I don’t have control over the weather, but I do have control over how I respond. 

After breakfast the rain had subsided some. I decided to make a run for it. I arrived at the gym to light rain, and was happy to be there. I met a woman who was relatively new to the area as well, and enjoyed getting to visit with her. I stopped by the store to pick up the things I needed to make tortilla roll ups. I even stopped by the library to check about a book I’d seen through the window the day before.

Yes by the time I returned home the rain had increased. My shoes were wet, but other than that I was no worse for wear. My day had turned out the way I had hoped only a little more damp than I had planned.

How do you respond to things you can’t control?

Eggcellent

When we purchased our chicks last March we had no idea that eggs would become so expensive in less than a year. 

When you purchase baby chicks they require some special care before they are ready to be let out on their own. We raised ours in a large card board box in our library. We used a special heat lamp to keep them warm, and fed them specialty food crumbles for growing chicks. 

When they were ready to be moved outdoors we purchased a large dog kennel and three laying boxes for the eggs. We attached a tarp to help keep off the intense midday sun. The coop was sufficient, but not 100% ideal. 

One day when I returned home I saw a chicken pecking around in the backyard. I scooped her up and returned to the coop wondering how she escaped. It was then that I realized that another chicken was missing. Sadly, I found a pile of feathers at the back corner of the coop. 

I’m not sure who the predator was, but I’m thinking it must have been able to grasp to pull two chickens through a small gap in the kennel. We quickly reinforced the corners with wire netting, and Chuck put up a chicken yard fence around the coop. This way the “girls” as we like to call them, could have an area to roam for a portion of the day. Being city folks we supervised their free time each evening as we sat out in the chicken yard coaxing them to eat scratch from our hands. 

As time went by Chuck decided that he was going to build the girls a new home. He wanted them to have more room to stretch their wings, and a safer place to roost at at night. Over the Christmas holiday he built a really awesome coop. 

The other day I was at Walmart and for the first time I checked out the cost of eggs. Needless to say I was quite shocked. I had been hearing on the news about the outrageous prices, but I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes. I struck up a conversation with a woman who was purchasing eggs, and mentioned that we had chickens. She pointed out the fact that chicken feed had gone up in price, and those eggs were probably going to be costing more as well. 

As I thought about it thinking that having chickens gives you “free” eggs is probably illogical. There definitely is a cost to owning chickens, between shelter and feed. However, we have enjoyed the quality of the delicious eggs our girls have provided us, and we have been happy to share eggs with family and friends. 

Get Clear Assessment

 

I mentioned the other day that I enjoy listening to the Ken Coleman Show on the way to babysit my grandsons. 

Ken offers a tool he calls The Get Clear Assessment to help people narrow down purposeful work they might enjoy.  I was curious what my results would be.

Although, I was not necessarily looking for a second career, when the cost of the assessment went from $30.00 to $10.00 I decided to purchase it.  I’ve always enjoyed personality tests in my constant quest to f understand myself better. 

Ken divides the assessment into three parts: talent, passion, and mission. In the end he combines all three into a purpose statement. 

My Purpose Statement is:

I was created to use my talents of 

Communication, Inspection, Organization,

To perform my passions of

Performing, Leading, Promoting,

To accomplish my mission of

Influence

I must stay I was quite pleased with the results as they related to my career as teacher. I always said I was a frustrated actress, and the classroom was my stage. I literally had a captive audience each day. I do believe my mission of influence was achieved through that profession. 

Today I hope my blog might influence others to take a moment to reflect on their own lives. 

Just curious what you think about my results?

Choose Wisely

“One of the lessons I wish I knew earlier in life is the idea that everything you say yes to is saying no to something else.”

Ryan Holiday

Ryan Holiday has built his life around studying the Stoics from ancient days. He has written several books, and has an interesting Facebook page. Although, I can’t say I agree with him about everything he has given me some food for thought. 

I don’t think I ever really thought about it before when it comes to the trade off between yes and no. I have learned as I’ve gotten older to say no to things I really don’t want to do. 

However, I’m beginning to reevaluate “yes”. Time is the one resource we don’t get back.

 

Fear

I like to listen to the Ken Coleman Show when I head to Comanche to babysit my two younger grandsons each week. 

Ken gives guidance on how to choose purposeful work. He also gives good advice about life in general. 

The other day when he was talking with a man who confessed he was fearful about moving on from his current job, Ken asked this about fear:

“Is fear telling me the truth and protecting me, or is fear lying and holding me back?”

I found this to to be a very helpful perspective. Fear sometimes gets a bad rap. Being brave is a popular trend these days. Except, fear isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially if it provides protection when needed. Learning to listen to that still, small voice might be beneficial at that moment. 

However, if fear is trying to convince you of something that is untrue then it’s best to run from it. Don’t allow the lies of fear to “hold you back” as Ken says. 

If you are contemplating a change in life and are fearful about that change, start by determining if what fear is telling you is the truth or a lie? Then you will be able to make a decision from a better place. 

Day Trip

Chuck had the day off yesterday so we decided to explore our local area a little bit more. It also was a good opportunity to take the Highlander out for a drive. 

We knew that we wanted to be home by the early afternoon to give our dogs an opportunity to stretch their legs, so I began checking out some options close by. The other thing to consider was that it was a Monday, and a lot of places are closed on Monday. 

We began out trip with breakfast at Blackjacks in Dublin. We live just down the road from Dublin so it didn’t take long to get there. I tried their avocado toast with a peppermint mocha coffee, and Chuck had a breakfast burrito. He also picked up a t-shirt while we were there. Breakfast was yummy, and we headed down Hwy 6 toward Hico.

We had been to Wiseman Chocolates before, and knew we wanted to make sure to stop by and pick up one of their sample packs. If you haven’t been it’s definitely worth a trip. From there we headed down to the Hico Mercantile. where we enjoyed checking out the merchandise. 

Before leaving Hico we stopped by The Billy the Kid museum, and made sure to get a picture at the Hico sign. 

From Hico we made our way to Hamilton. We stopped at Dutchman’s Hidden Valley, but knew we were getting ready for lunch so we just did a little window shopping.

 

In Hamilton we ate lunch at Wenzel Lonestar Meat Company where we had some really yummy Ruben sandwiches. If you are ever in Hamilton I definitely recommend this place. Their vinegar based slaw was really tasty too. 

From Hamilton we headed to Comanche, and picked up some Bill’s Season All from PJ’s Market. It was then a quick trip down the road to De Leon where we stopped at Doc’s Drive in for some floats. It was a fun way to end our day. 

So basically we ate our way through our little trip, and Chuck commented that we’d probably gained ten pounds since we’d left. But we did have a fun day together. 

We arrived home around two and enjoyed the rest of the day at the Rocking H which really is our favorite place!

Talent vs Work and Discipline

“It’s easier to believe in talent than in work and discipline.”

David Usher

Let the Elephants Run-Unlock Your Creativity and Change Everything, written by David Usher, is a book that reminds us that although we may be adults that ability to connect with curiosity and the wonder of our childhood still remains. 

Along the way to growing up we leave behind that natural curiosity that came so easily to us as children. I see this every time I’m around my grandsons, and I try to soak it up. 

Usher sadly points out that, “Many people live their lives oblivious to and alienated from their inherent creative nature.”

As I watch my grandsons gravitate to crayons, markers and paint and take on the task of creating I can’t help but be amazed at the worry free way they attack the task. Myself, on the other hand begins to quickly judge how good or bad I am at what I’m doing. Quickly I discount whatever I know I can’t do well. 

Usher also asks the question, “When was the last time you invested in developing your creativity?” Honestly, I spend very little time trying to improve my skill set. If I’m not naturally talented then I just give up.

I can’t help but be reminded about a woman I’ve followed on You Tube. She aspired to be a YA writer, wrote her first book, self-published it and took on the identity of writer. Over a period of a few years the book became a trilogy, she left her high paying corporate job, and began to craft the life she wanted. 

She made You Tube videos, created on-line content, began teaching her writing techniques, and continued writing books. She even weathered the storm of criticism and rejection from the book community. 

Interestingly as I’ve pursued some of her content I can’t say that she is an amazing author, but her willingness to put in the work, and to continually challenge herself is what has brought her success. This is a case of work and discipline taking the front seat over pure talent. 

Usher teaches that we need both freedom and structure. The freedom to imagine, but the discipline to bring our ideas to life. Often the reality is that, “We are all born with built-in imagination. That is, until the organizational efficiencies of the school system drives it out of us.”

I saw this so clearly when I made the move from 2nd grade to 6th. My second graders were so willing to take on any creative task I set before them. By sixth grade they needed my assistance along the way to assure them they were doing things the correct way. 

In order to restart our creativity Usher recommends putting a childhood photo of yourself in your workspace. This will serve as a reminder that your imagination is still a part of you. I’ve actually done this, and I like thinking about the girl who looks back at me in the photo. 

This past year was more of a drought for me when it came to creativity. As I looked back on the year there were so many positive things when it came to certain areas, but I knew that I needed to tap back into my creative self. I knew it was time to Let the Elephants Run. 

What can you do in your life to recapture the magic of childhood? How could this enhance your life as an adult? 

Infestation

 Well it looks like we’ve got a little toy mouse infestation going on around here.

Of course, this is all practice for the real deal if a mouse actually enters the barn. Bluebonnet takes her job seriously, and is in constant training throughout the day. 

Most of the time the mice get batted under an end table that requires me to get down on bended knee with a fly swatter in hand to retrieve them. After my last attempt to get up gracefully I headed for the glucosamine. I can’t neglect taking it if I plan on keeping up with this little girl. 

I need to thank my sister Jean for most of this collection. For Christmas Bluebonnet was the recipient of some higher quality mice than my Walmart could provide. 

Needless to say she is in catnip heaven!

Two ingredient Tomato Soup

 I enjoy watching a You Tube Channel called See Mindy Mom. Mindy is a mom of three school age kids who looks for ways to stretch a dollar when it comes to cooking. 

Recently I purchased her latest e-cookbook, and I’ve been quite pleased with some of the meals I have made. 

One of the easiest, and tastiest is a two ingredient tomato soup. All you need is a 24 oz jar of spaghetti sauce ( My new favorite is the Great Value brand Tomato Basil Garlic Pasta Sauce.), and a half cup of heavy cream. You simply combine the two and heat it up in a saucepan. 

I can’t describe to you how delicious this soup is. I served mine with grilled cheese sandwiches made on Italian style bread. Chuck and I agreed it rivaled something you might get at a place like La Madeline.

Since we are still in the winter season, although you’d never know it with these 80 degree days, you might want to check it out. 

Exercise

 

Well I stared something new yesterday. I went and worked out at our local Wellness Center here in my little town. I didn’t even know it was an option until I spoke with a nurse at my doctor’s office. 

As much as I kept telling myself I would try to walk at home, it just wasn’t happening. Included in your basic monthly membership is access to employees who help determine which exercise choices will work best for you. 

Since my Medicare supplement does not include a Silver Sneakers plan I knew I would have to pay for my membership out of pocket. The cost is only $25.00 a month which I thought was fair, and it’s only about five minutes from my house which is even better!

After working with one of the young women on staff I was able to craft a plan for the next few visits. As time goes by and I get in better shape I’ll have her as a resource as to what to do next. 

My plan is to exercise three mornings a week whenever possible. I’m feeling good about my decision, because after reflecting on last year I knew that in the area of fitness I was definitely lacking. 

Walking on the treadmill today was also a great opponent to try out my new wireless earbuds which I received at Christmas. If the truth be know they were a $5.00 stocking stuffer, but so far seem to be working just fine. LOL!

An Offer I Couldn’t Refuse

Yesterday while babysitting my grandsons, I listened in as the two older boys worked together to create a park for an alien using playdough. They were cooperating quite well, and I was impressed with their ideas. 

A few minutes later my oldest grandson ran over to me and said, “Mimi can we use your talent too?”

Now that was an offer I couldn’t refuse. 

Comfort

“Comfort is the enemy to growth.”

Bronson Wilks

Branson Wilks the creator of the podcast Build the Life You Want points out that “ we become comfortable with the circumstances we are familiar with.”

Interestingly I have found in my recent life that as soon as my circumstances change the first thing I do is try to develop some familiarity in order to feel more comfortable. 

When I moved to the Stephenville area I immediately began grocery shopping at the store I was familiar with. Even though there were other choices it seemed more comfortable to just stick with what I already knew. 

While listening to Wilk’s podcast I learned about a book written by Michael Easter called The Comfort Crisis. My first thought was how could comfort be a problem? Although, I’ve not had an opportunity to read his book yet, it has given me something to think about. 

Easter purposely put himself in uncomfortable circumstances, and found value in allowing some discomfort in his life. 

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m no fan of discomfort. If something is too hard I’m quick to quit. In fact, if I think something is going to be difficult I won’t even consider it. 

I like for everything to run smoothly, and I don’t handle bumps in the road very well. My first inclination when I begin to feel discomfort is to figuratively run away.

However, like Wilks reminds us, “Very little growth actually takes place when we are living within our comfort zone.”

How comfortable are you with discomfort, and how do you handle it?

Progressives

 

Well the time has come. After years of jockeying two different pairs of glasses I’m going today to order my first pair of progressives. 

Now to be honest at first it wasn't too bad because I primarily used my “far away” glasses as I call them to read the menu at Mc Donald’s. Then I donned them when I was driving primarily to sharpen the look of street signs. 

Overtime I used them while watching our smaller tv, and eventually the big screen fell victim as well. I knew something was up when I stopped getting a clear view inside Walmart. I needed my “close up” glasses to read the label information, but the distance between the shelves was falling into my “ far away” range. 

I’ve also noticed with all the new technology on my car that I really need to be able to read the “close up” as well as the “far away.”

Now why have I waited so long to get these glasses? Well it basically boils down to me being a wimp. About ten years ago when they were first suggested to me ( and when my eyes really weren’t that bad) they mentioned that it would take a while to get used to them, and they might give me headaches.

The word headache was all it took to convince me they weren’t for me. During that time period I was suffering from weekly headaches, and sometimes I had back to back headaches. Luckily, those headaches stopped about five years ago (I changed my diet, and got away from so much processed food, and they miraculously stopped.)

So now that headaches aren’t a regular part of my life I’m willing to take the chance on a few headaches in order to see and function at my best. 

If you wear progressives let me know your experience, and any tips I need to know. 

Using What You Have on Hand

 

The other night I made The Pioneer Woman Sour Cream Noodle Bake for dinner. It actually is one of our favorites, but I ended up cooking too many egg noodles. Not wanting to be wasteful I googled what else I could make with egg noodles. 

I found a recipe on Yummly for Broccoli Chicken Casserole with Egg Noodles. As it turned out I had all the ingredients on hand. This was partly due to me cooking chicken breasts in the crockpot and then shredding them, and freezing them for later. 

I’ve found that a large pack of chicken breasts can make enough chicken for several meals. Usually each chicken breast is huge, and shreds easily after being cooked in the crockpot. I season the chicken with salt, pepper and Season All, and then add a little broth (chicken or veggie) to keep it moist. I cook on high for four hours, and shred it in the crockpot with two forks. Then I portion them into quart size freezer bags, and write the date with a Sharpie. This way I’m all set to quickly defrost them when needed. 

This recipe called for shredded chicken, cooked egg noodles( which I pulled out of the freezer, also),a can of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar, milk, onion powder, s & p, and some broccoli which I had in the freezer as well. Even though the broccoli was florets I go ahead and trim off the stalks. ( Those go to the chickens.)

I preheated the oven to 350 degrees, and sprayed a square baking pan. I mixed the egg noodles, chicken, the can of soup and a half a can of milk, with about a quarter cup of sour cream. I sprinkled on the seasoning ( about a tsp of onion powder and the s& p to taste) I added the broccoli and covered the casserole with grated cheddar. 

I cooked it I for around twenty minutes until the cheese was melted. I must say this was absolutely delicious, and I will definitely be making it again. Besides that it looked really pretty coming out of the oven. 

If you try it let me know what you think.