I'm thankful for my job. It's been just over six months now that I've been with this company, and every day I count my blessings. Oscar Wilde's words really resonate with me, “The best way to appreciate your job is to imagine yourself without one.”
I've been unemployed before. I've been fired, laid off, quit. My husband has also gone through unemployment. It's not pretty for the majority of working class America. And, since the housing bust in 2008 (and the subsequent bailout), employment has been extremely hard to come by for many, many Americans across the nation. The Dallas metroplex is one of the places that has been least affected by the "recession". While it hasn't been ideal, it has been SO VERY MUCH better than what many others face elsewhere.
Every day I get up and say a simple prayer of gratitude for a job to go to. For that means I have money to pay my bills, a home to live in, food to eat, medical care, and even fun money. Not ONLY this, but I actually LOVE my job. I've spent the first 10 years of my career in jobs that weren't that great. There was a lot of stress, little pay, and a lack of fulfillment. Not only that, but I've encountered a myriad of unscrupulous business persons and employees. There have been times when it's all I could do to MAKE myself go to work.
But now, after so much hardship, Heavenly Father has blessed me abundantly. I work less than 3 miles from home (which is practically unheard of in the metroplex), I get to have near-total autonomy in my work (I work alone a lot, which I enjoy), I excel at what I do as an office manager and bookkeeper (I like to do everything and be in the details), my work hours are flexible and in addition to Saturday and Sunday, I also have Fridays off. But best of all, I really really LIKE my bosses. They've treated me so well. They value me. They appreciate me. They've shown they really care about me as a person.
For years I believed that I would always be stuck in crummy jobs. I figured that's just the way life is. When I quit my horrible job a year ago April, I was scared and worried. It took many months to find the new job, the RIGHT job. But, I just chose to keep believing that Heavenly Father would work out the best plan for me. I couldn't understand why I wasn't finding the right job, though I had many successful interviews.
Now, I understand. He was saving me for this place, at this time. He had a plan all along. I'm so thankful for my job.
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Autumn Joy
Did I ever mention how much I dearly love Autumn? It's my favorite season. Which, if you think about it, is kind of strange for a person who has struggled with Depression her whole life. But, I just can't help it. No other season SMELLS and FEELS the way Autumn does. PLUS, Autumn is really just a segue way into the Holidays. I've noticed that I'm happiest when I have something to look forward to.
In the past, I used to think the GETTING of or the ARRIVAL of a thing or event was IT. But, now that I'm older (and clearly much wiser), I've realized that it's the ANTICIPATION that I enjoy most. That's part of the reason I'm a "planner". Don't get me wrong, I can spontane as much as, or better than the next gal. But I like to plan things because then I get to savor the anticipation.
As a kid growing up, we didn't have much money. In fact, it's amazing that we had Christmas gifts at all. But, not HAVING never stopped me from DREAMING. What Christian child hasn't spent hours in contemplation over the all-important Christmas Wish List? Just as it was then, I relish the time spent dreaming more than the actual THING itself.
That's one of the main reasons I think I love Autumn so much. When the leaves start to fall, and the wind turns cool, it's a signal that the Holidays (filled with parties, shopping, gifts, family time, and a general increase in human decency) are just around the corner. Who couldn't love that?
I'm also appreciative of Autumn because for Americans, the Thanksgiving holiday is celebrated. As we take time to reflect on the many blessings that have been afforded us as a nation, as families, and individuals, our hearts can't help but expand. It often appears that nowadays many tend toward building up a personal armor to avoid showing any inkling of vulnerability (convinced that being open will result in being taken advantage of, financial ruin, or lack of respect). However, with the onset of Autumn, and the ensuing Holiday Season, people's hearts seem to soften and grow warmer. Friendships are rekindled and family bonds are renewed. There is nothing more important in life than this.
With that being said, I'm thankful for my family. My dad passed away in September. It's not that I was especially close to my dad. I loved him. He was my dad. I understood him, because I am like him. More than anything, I was happy to see him go because I understand the certain misery that comes from being stuck in a sick body. He was sick for a long time. The upcoming winter weather would have been even harder on him. I'm glad he was freed from his mortal prison and no longer has to face the sickness, sadness, pain, and loneliness that often come with being elderly and alone.
With my dad's passing, our family was reunited twice within 2 months: once in September at his passing and again in October, for his simple, yet beautiful memorial at the lake. As a family of highly independent thinkers, in the past, we've often had disagreements. It could be said that we argue simply for the sake of arguing. We all enjoy a good debate. Sometimes, however, those debates have been taken a little too far and feelings have inevitably been hurt.
As my mother and siblings gathered to discuss the business of death (because, with all the decisions to be made, it DOES feel that way sometimes), I was worried that there would be contention -- too many varying opinions. To my wonder, we all genuinely got along. Everyone behaved kindly, respectfully, and even maturely in deciding the WHAT and WHEN and HOW. While there were a few diverging thoughts, it seemed that all were on their best behavior to be accommodating; to get along as best as possible.
I've heard of families being torn apart by death. If anything, I think my family became closer and stronger going through this together. I have new-found respect for my siblings, even my "littlest" brother. At 25, my baby brother amazes me with his strength of character and gentle heart. He understands things in a way that most men never do. He speaks few words, but when he does, they are gems. I regard and respect him, as with many other of my siblings. My mom continues to be a pillar of strength and admiration.
I'm thankful for a strong, opinionated, passionate, caring family. I love when we are together. I get to behold amazing qualities in those around me. Though it's not ALWAYS rainbows, unicorns, and sunshine, I am filled with gratitude for their love, support, and strength of character.
In the past, I used to think the GETTING of or the ARRIVAL of a thing or event was IT. But, now that I'm older (and clearly much wiser), I've realized that it's the ANTICIPATION that I enjoy most. That's part of the reason I'm a "planner". Don't get me wrong, I can spontane as much as, or better than the next gal. But I like to plan things because then I get to savor the anticipation.
As a kid growing up, we didn't have much money. In fact, it's amazing that we had Christmas gifts at all. But, not HAVING never stopped me from DREAMING. What Christian child hasn't spent hours in contemplation over the all-important Christmas Wish List? Just as it was then, I relish the time spent dreaming more than the actual THING itself.
That's one of the main reasons I think I love Autumn so much. When the leaves start to fall, and the wind turns cool, it's a signal that the Holidays (filled with parties, shopping, gifts, family time, and a general increase in human decency) are just around the corner. Who couldn't love that?
I'm also appreciative of Autumn because for Americans, the Thanksgiving holiday is celebrated. As we take time to reflect on the many blessings that have been afforded us as a nation, as families, and individuals, our hearts can't help but expand. It often appears that nowadays many tend toward building up a personal armor to avoid showing any inkling of vulnerability (convinced that being open will result in being taken advantage of, financial ruin, or lack of respect). However, with the onset of Autumn, and the ensuing Holiday Season, people's hearts seem to soften and grow warmer. Friendships are rekindled and family bonds are renewed. There is nothing more important in life than this.
With that being said, I'm thankful for my family. My dad passed away in September. It's not that I was especially close to my dad. I loved him. He was my dad. I understood him, because I am like him. More than anything, I was happy to see him go because I understand the certain misery that comes from being stuck in a sick body. He was sick for a long time. The upcoming winter weather would have been even harder on him. I'm glad he was freed from his mortal prison and no longer has to face the sickness, sadness, pain, and loneliness that often come with being elderly and alone.
With my dad's passing, our family was reunited twice within 2 months: once in September at his passing and again in October, for his simple, yet beautiful memorial at the lake. As a family of highly independent thinkers, in the past, we've often had disagreements. It could be said that we argue simply for the sake of arguing. We all enjoy a good debate. Sometimes, however, those debates have been taken a little too far and feelings have inevitably been hurt.
As my mother and siblings gathered to discuss the business of death (because, with all the decisions to be made, it DOES feel that way sometimes), I was worried that there would be contention -- too many varying opinions. To my wonder, we all genuinely got along. Everyone behaved kindly, respectfully, and even maturely in deciding the WHAT and WHEN and HOW. While there were a few diverging thoughts, it seemed that all were on their best behavior to be accommodating; to get along as best as possible.
I've heard of families being torn apart by death. If anything, I think my family became closer and stronger going through this together. I have new-found respect for my siblings, even my "littlest" brother. At 25, my baby brother amazes me with his strength of character and gentle heart. He understands things in a way that most men never do. He speaks few words, but when he does, they are gems. I regard and respect him, as with many other of my siblings. My mom continues to be a pillar of strength and admiration.
I'm thankful for a strong, opinionated, passionate, caring family. I love when we are together. I get to behold amazing qualities in those around me. Though it's not ALWAYS rainbows, unicorns, and sunshine, I am filled with gratitude for their love, support, and strength of character.
Friday, April 15, 2011
It's Lovely to Have Sisters
Been so busy and it's been so long. Wanted to check in, though.
A) My depression has gotten WAY better since I finally got in to see a new psychiatrist (a month wait list for new patients). I'm so thankful, as the last 2 years have been really really tough for me. Not that everyone else doesn't have their problems, too. We've all got some. I'm just so grateful for some relief so I can be more like ME again.
B) My older sister, Carla, finally moved here from Oregon! I say, "FINALLY", because I've been working on her for literally years to try to get her to move here. Of my 6 siblings, she was the only one that was fairly inaccessible to me. I think she quite liked it that way, to be honest. (Can't say as how I blamed her for moving back then when she did--crazy people in the family can make wanting to "stay close" less-appealing.) But, now we're all older and I'm glad she's close. I love both my sisters (1 older, Carla, and 1 younger, Casey) so much. Even though I was the "middle child" both in the family and in between sisters, and I was a rotten, mean, bossy child, I've gotten somewhat better. I'm glad my sisters and I are so close. No one can make me laugh the silliest laughs like they do. It's a special wacky kind of humor that only a certain amount of history and genetic resemblance can induce.
However, that being said, I also feel so blessed that I have so many, many wonderful girlfriends in my life. You know that saying that goes something like, "When one door closes, another one will open"? Life really is kind of like that. I had a VERY rough time of it in 5th and 6th grade. The girls in my class were so mean and catty. If you remember being that age, or have female children who've been that age, undoubtedly you'll recall the ridiculosity (cool word I just invented) of those "friendships". For me, as I was really smart, my "girlfriends" would always ask me for the answers to the homework they failed to complete. I used to give it to them because I sooooo wanted to "fit in". But somewhere around age 11 or 12, I not only began to grow boobs, but a sense of self, as well. When I began turning them down for their requests, they HATED me. Not only did they ignore me and make fun of me, one girl even SPAT on me walking home from school one day! Can you believe that?! By the time I moved on to Jr. High School (7th grade), I was determined that I would NEVER let myself be hurt by "friends" like that again.
At first, I was a little wary of making "friends" all over again. I kind of figured all girls were like that. But, as I focused more on being the ME I wanted to be and less on what I thought others wanted me to be, I found some really great people who liked me just as I was. I was funny, charismatic, smart and interesting (I don't know what's happened since....but that's another story. :) From that point forward, I became increasingly skilled at making friends. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't just like I decided it would be so and viola, it was. No, no, no. As with anything worthwhile, it has taken YEARS and YEARS of practice. Occassionally I still get "burned" by not so good people, but it hurts a lot less because I know I will always find other/better friends. They're the ones who are missing out!
So back to the point at hand, I am so grateful for wonderful genetic sisters, as well as my "sisters" that are my close friends. Some I've had for decades, while others have been with me for just a few short months. All are treasured in my heart (as cheesy as that sounds). They love me for me and that is one of the best feelings in the world, wouldn't you agree? As the last 2 years have been a daily depression battle, I've often said prayers of gratitude to a Heavenly Father who loves me enough to bless with me with amazing, talented, caring friends who help get me through the rough patches. Just knowing there was someone who I could go to lunch with, or share a craft with, or even exchange emails (detailing the many gorgeous items we've found on the internet that we would "buy" for each other), always gave me hope and something to look forward to.
The past few weeks have been especially full of love and friendship. I hope the rest of the year continues to be as bright and warm as this Spring is proving to be.
Though this is probably the WRONG thing to do (inevitably I'll forget someone and hurt her feelings), I'd still like to give a shout out to some of my favorite girlfriends. We may not talk often, or we may see each other every day. No matter what, though, these are those that mean a lot to me at this point in my life (just as others have played important roles at different periods of my life). I thank you all for your loving kindness, constancy and loyalty in our relationships:
Carla--my older sister
Casey--my younger sister
Mom--my really older sister :)
Dee Dee--my BFF for life--who makes me laugh just as hard as my sisters.
Rebecca--my HS BF who builds me up better than anyone.
Alisa--who's opened up my world to the past and my future to creativity.
Nina--who understands my heart better than most because she KNOWS.
Julie--for sending that first email and being so open and honest.
Lori--my kindred spirit in all things crafty, decor, food, etc.
Jenn O.--we clicked from day one and I so love our discussions.
Kirsten--the model of perfect mothering and food storage reliance!
I'm sure I've missed a few, and if you are someone I missed--please forgive me. I'm a crazy old bat with a poor memory!
Love to all!
p.s. Today my sister, Carla, and I did a "photo-shoot". How fun is that? Sisters are the few who will actually tell you when you look fat in a picture and to re-pose. Her pictures turned out great, I think.
A) My depression has gotten WAY better since I finally got in to see a new psychiatrist (a month wait list for new patients). I'm so thankful, as the last 2 years have been really really tough for me. Not that everyone else doesn't have their problems, too. We've all got some. I'm just so grateful for some relief so I can be more like ME again.
B) My older sister, Carla, finally moved here from Oregon! I say, "FINALLY", because I've been working on her for literally years to try to get her to move here. Of my 6 siblings, she was the only one that was fairly inaccessible to me. I think she quite liked it that way, to be honest. (Can't say as how I blamed her for moving back then when she did--crazy people in the family can make wanting to "stay close" less-appealing.) But, now we're all older and I'm glad she's close. I love both my sisters (1 older, Carla, and 1 younger, Casey) so much. Even though I was the "middle child" both in the family and in between sisters, and I was a rotten, mean, bossy child, I've gotten somewhat better. I'm glad my sisters and I are so close. No one can make me laugh the silliest laughs like they do. It's a special wacky kind of humor that only a certain amount of history and genetic resemblance can induce.
However, that being said, I also feel so blessed that I have so many, many wonderful girlfriends in my life. You know that saying that goes something like, "When one door closes, another one will open"? Life really is kind of like that. I had a VERY rough time of it in 5th and 6th grade. The girls in my class were so mean and catty. If you remember being that age, or have female children who've been that age, undoubtedly you'll recall the ridiculosity (cool word I just invented) of those "friendships". For me, as I was really smart, my "girlfriends" would always ask me for the answers to the homework they failed to complete. I used to give it to them because I sooooo wanted to "fit in". But somewhere around age 11 or 12, I not only began to grow boobs, but a sense of self, as well. When I began turning them down for their requests, they HATED me. Not only did they ignore me and make fun of me, one girl even SPAT on me walking home from school one day! Can you believe that?! By the time I moved on to Jr. High School (7th grade), I was determined that I would NEVER let myself be hurt by "friends" like that again.
At first, I was a little wary of making "friends" all over again. I kind of figured all girls were like that. But, as I focused more on being the ME I wanted to be and less on what I thought others wanted me to be, I found some really great people who liked me just as I was. I was funny, charismatic, smart and interesting (I don't know what's happened since....but that's another story. :) From that point forward, I became increasingly skilled at making friends. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't just like I decided it would be so and viola, it was. No, no, no. As with anything worthwhile, it has taken YEARS and YEARS of practice. Occassionally I still get "burned" by not so good people, but it hurts a lot less because I know I will always find other/better friends. They're the ones who are missing out!
So back to the point at hand, I am so grateful for wonderful genetic sisters, as well as my "sisters" that are my close friends. Some I've had for decades, while others have been with me for just a few short months. All are treasured in my heart (as cheesy as that sounds). They love me for me and that is one of the best feelings in the world, wouldn't you agree? As the last 2 years have been a daily depression battle, I've often said prayers of gratitude to a Heavenly Father who loves me enough to bless with me with amazing, talented, caring friends who help get me through the rough patches. Just knowing there was someone who I could go to lunch with, or share a craft with, or even exchange emails (detailing the many gorgeous items we've found on the internet that we would "buy" for each other), always gave me hope and something to look forward to.
The past few weeks have been especially full of love and friendship. I hope the rest of the year continues to be as bright and warm as this Spring is proving to be.
Though this is probably the WRONG thing to do (inevitably I'll forget someone and hurt her feelings), I'd still like to give a shout out to some of my favorite girlfriends. We may not talk often, or we may see each other every day. No matter what, though, these are those that mean a lot to me at this point in my life (just as others have played important roles at different periods of my life). I thank you all for your loving kindness, constancy and loyalty in our relationships:
Carla--my older sister
Casey--my younger sister
Mom--my really older sister :)
Dee Dee--my BFF for life--who makes me laugh just as hard as my sisters.
Rebecca--my HS BF who builds me up better than anyone.
Alisa--who's opened up my world to the past and my future to creativity.
Nina--who understands my heart better than most because she KNOWS.
Julie--for sending that first email and being so open and honest.
Lori--my kindred spirit in all things crafty, decor, food, etc.
Jenn O.--we clicked from day one and I so love our discussions.
Kirsten--the model of perfect mothering and food storage reliance!
I'm sure I've missed a few, and if you are someone I missed--please forgive me. I'm a crazy old bat with a poor memory!
Love to all!
p.s. Today my sister, Carla, and I did a "photo-shoot". How fun is that? Sisters are the few who will actually tell you when you look fat in a picture and to re-pose. Her pictures turned out great, I think.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Coin Wrapper Tag Swap
I haven't had anything particular to blog about lately. I am excited for spring, though. Spring always makes me happier. Too bad it's too short-lived here in TX before we go right into the 90s! Oh well, I'd rather be hot than cold. I'm usually cold in the summertime, though, because by dear sweet husband thinks it's appropriate to keep the A/C turned down to 66. Ridiculous, I KNOW! But, I can't put layers on...
Not having much interesting going on right now, I thought it'd be nice if I shared one of the past swaps I participated in with two of my closest friends. We did a "coin wrapper" tag swap. We each used Quarter coin wrappers as the base of our tag. We decided on a theme of favorite quotes. We each did 3, and then Alisa kindly put them together in a sort of mini-book format. She even added lettered circle tags at the bottom to spell out "Wise Words". Isn't she clever?!
Not having much interesting going on right now, I thought it'd be nice if I shared one of the past swaps I participated in with two of my closest friends. We did a "coin wrapper" tag swap. We each used Quarter coin wrappers as the base of our tag. We decided on a theme of favorite quotes. We each did 3, and then Alisa kindly put them together in a sort of mini-book format. She even added lettered circle tags at the bottom to spell out "Wise Words". Isn't she clever?!
This is the cool cover tag she made. I'm totally diggin' the old rusty key!
"You Reap What You Sow"
This one is SO cool because you unwrap it! How neat-o is that for a coin "wrapper"?
One of us has a big ol' "girl crush" on Rebecca Sower. I'll not mention any names....yet.
This treasure has a really cool coating of beeswax on top of the tattered muslin and the hand-colored angel. I also love the calming wisdom in these words. That's straight from the Source.
"A Large Wife and a Large Farm Never Did a Man Any Harm."
Those are tea-stained cupcake liners there. You can't see it very well here,
but they also have tiny little pink flowers on them.
"Don't Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch."
Now, can you guess who created which ones?
Saturday, February 19, 2011
2011 Desktop Calendars
As promised, here are the links to your 2011 Desktop Calendar Backgrounds. At the end of this post are some help/instructions for setting each picture as your background (in case anyone needs a hint).
February 2011
Resolution Size 1280x1024
Resolution Size 1152x864
Resolution Size 1024x768
March 2011
Resolution Size 1280x1024
February 2011
Resolution Size 1280x1024
Resolution Size 1152x864
Resolution Size 1024x768
March 2011
Resolution Size 1280x1024
April 2011
May 2011
So far, May is my favorite. I'll get the rest of the 2011 months to you soon!
INSTRUCTIONS / HINTS for SETTING BACKGROUND IMAGE:
INSTRUCTIONS / HINTS for SETTING BACKGROUND IMAGE:
These are the first five months of 2011 Desktop Calendars I made. Now, they're not perfect or anything, but I personally, prefer to have a desktop background that has a calendar on it. Makes my life sooooo much easier! So I put these together for you. (Sorry February is already halfway over!)
THE FOLLOWING IS ABOUT HOW TO CHECK/CHANGE YOUR SCREEN RESOLUTION. IF YOU ALREADY KNOW HOW TO DO THIS, SKIP TO THE IMAGE LINKS BELOW.
If you don't know how to save an item as your desktop background, just select an image and right click on it. It should give you the option to save as wallpaper/background. Also, you may need to be aware of your screen resolution. I know, I know, "Cheryl, don't give me a bunch of that techy talk. I don't got time for that! You're lucky that I'm even on here reading your blog entry." But, for those who might not know, but would like to, you can check your screen resolution by doing the following:
- Click the START button at the bottom left of your screen
- Select CONTROL PANEL
- Select DISPLAY
- Click on the SETTINGS tab
- You will then see a little left to right slider bar in the middle. Notice where your pointer is on that bar. Is it far to the right, the middle, far to the left? Remember.
- Try sliding the bar back and forth left and right a little bit slowly. You may notice your screen change. If you slide it all the way to the right. You will select 1280x1024 (pixels) resolution. That's what I prefer to use because it means I can see the most stuff possible at a time on my computer screen. It also makes things more crisp for viewing, though smaller (which you can also change the size of your screen text if you desire, but that is another topic--email me if you need help). If you slide your bar to the left, there are 3 other "notches" of resolution you can choose: 1152x864, 1024x768, and 800x600. Most people use the "standard" 1024x768 resolution. But, you can decide whichever one you prefer. If you increase your resolution, you'll see a whole new world on some of your web pages. For example, most people have a "background" pattern on their blog. If you go to someone's blog, you may see very little of this "background" on the left and right sides of your screen. However, if you increase your screen resolution to 1280x1024 you will likely see a
- Choose your resolution size and click APPLY
- After your screen is altered, click OK
- Close everything up
Now you are ready to go grab one of my desktop background images and save it as your background/wallpaper. I made the images in 3 resolution sizes (1280x1024, 1152x864, and 1024x768) so it would work for you with whichever screen resolution you've chosen. (Except for the lowest resolution because no one really uses that one.) Be sure to select the image with the same resolution you selected in the DISPLAY SETTINGS. If you don't, it will still work, but it won't fit your screen just right.
- After you’ve determined which picture you are going to download as your background, click the link and go to the image. When you see the image at Image Shack.com, right click it. Select “Save Image As”. Save the image somewhere on your computer (desktop?) where you will know where to go back to get it. If you’re forgetful (like me), you may even want to write down which folder you filed it in!
- Once you have saved the image to your computer, go back to where you saved it. Open it. Right click on the image. Select “Set as Background”. Viola! There you have it!
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