Need some technical help

Does anyone know if there is a way to choose which "friends" you want to show up on your actual page? Meaning, I have a list of blogs that are on the right side of my page, but I would like to choose which blogs show up there.

Thanks!

Our Trip To Florida and a Tiger in Louisiana

Well, since I've been promising a post about Florida, I guess I'd better give you one.

Florida was ok.  The trip was long - 2 days there & 2 days back.   David was in meetings from the time we got there until the time we left - literally.   He had a total of 4 hours free time while we were on the beach.  The rest of the time he was sitting in meetings.   That really upset all of us, as we didn't see much of him, except when we were in the car.    

On the way there and on the way back, we stayed the night in Pensacola.   What was interesting was that on Monday the beach just looked like it had some dark brown seaweed on the sand.   But by the time we returned on Thursday evening, the news was showing black gooey stuff all over the beach.   We didn't have a chance to drive down to the beach on Thursday, so I don't have pictures to compare the two days.

This is Pensacola Beach on Monday night. 

That is oil.

You can see where the oil has washed up as the tide comes in.

We found this cute little crab wondering around.

Later that week it was reported that a dolphin had washed ashore, covered in oil.

It later died.

This is the view from our room at Ponte Vedra Beach. 

I am standing in our doorway that walks out onto this "patio".

That is the Atlantic you see.

This is the stairway from the patio, onto the beach.

St. Augustine, Florida

The Oldest City 

The Oldest House

During David's big "4 Free Hours" we drove to St. Augustine (about 30 mi.) to look around.  This city is full of history, as it is the oldest city in America.     When we got there, we drove around to get a feel for what we wanted to do (there were so many things to see) and we came upon a fort, right on the water.   Being the history buffs we are ( the men, more than me) we had to stop and tour the site.  This took about an hour of our free time and it was about 200 degrees, but who's complaining!  After, what seemed like, 400 cannons later, we were done.

Now, if you've been waiting for some monumental (pun intended) event that would compare to our trip last year, here is the closest I can come:

When we were walking to our car,  a "trolley" pulled up in the parking lot of the fort, to let some people off at that site.   Being the adventurous folks that we are, I said "hey, let's get on the trolley!"   Considering we had just walked around for an hour in the 200 degree heat, this sounded like a great idea.   So we hopped on and were so excited to be getting a "sit down" tour of the city.   We saw so many more sites than we would have, had we been on foot.   After about 20 minutes, the trolley came to a stop at a site and we heard the driver say "This is the last stop.  The next trolley will be leaving in 15 minutes."    WHAT?!  We had just travelled about 20 minutes away from our car and we're on a time schedule and we don't know how to get back because the next trolley won't leave for 15 minutes and we don't know how long it will take to get back around to the fort!    AND - you were supposed to have a paid-for ticket to even ride the trolley!  We had just stolen a ride around the  town! 

I have to admit, a little panic was starting to rise up inside of me!  Not because we couldn't have walked back to the car, but because we might have to WALK BACK TO THE CAR!!    I had just walked around an old concrete building looking at 400 cannons and now I might have to trek down the road for miles.   This was shaping up to be a wonderful "4 hours of free time"!

So I approached the nice lady in the ticket booth - this was after the family of five, in line in front of us, finished buying every ticket to every event in the city and the lady finished explaining every detail of every site.      I explained that we had gotten on the trolley without a ticket and now were stuck here and we needed to get back to our car ASAP.   She was very sympathetic and told us that we could get on the next trolley and it would end up at the Fort in about 15 minutes.   WHEW!  

So, a little nervous, we hopped on the next trolley, made it back to the fort, jumped in the car, and headed back to the Lodge (30 mi. down the road), just in time for David to dress for his dinner meeting.

And that, my friends, was the extent of David's "4 free hours".   We spent it in a hot fort and riding on a trolley!   So much for my romantic visions of sitting in a quaint coffee shop,  strolling hand in hand through the little old shops.   Nope!   Didn't happen.  

Overall the trip was uneventful and not that exciting.  I'm glad I can add one more place to my "Places I've Been" folder, but I think we'll fly next time.  4 days in the car is getting old!

But - when I said that to Collin - about flying - his comment was this: "yeah mom, but then we wouldn't have seen the tiger."    What tiger, you say?   Well, it seems that the highlight of the trip was stopping for gas on the way home (I think we were in Louisiana at this point) and seeing a caged-up tiger at the gas station.  

That's probably going to be Collin's best memory from our trip to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida - a tiger in Louisiana!  Oh, well. 

Thanks for enduring another trip to Florida with me.  

Until next time......

Blessings!

Coming soon.....

Hi friends!

I really am home and I really will post pics and an account of our trip ASAP.   I've been doing laundry (over the weekend) and using today to get my house back in order. 

In the meantime........for those of you working on a Control Journal, I found this great stack of papers over at www.notebookingpages.com

Click on "All In One" and look at the Mom's Home Journal.   This is full of amazingly cute pages to stick in your notebooks.

Be back soon!

Debbie

One more day

Just a quick note to say that all is well in Florida this year.   We are leaving Ponte Vedra today and going to Pensacola for the night, then heading home tomorrow.   As soon as I get home I will post pictures of our trip.  

Hope everyone is doing well.

Blessings!

Debbie

Florida, here we come - Again!

Today was a great Father's Day.   We had church, lunch, coffee, and now we are packing!

Yep, it's true!  We are going to Florida again!!  Any of you who have been my "friends" for over a year, know how kind Florida was to us last year.   Let's just take a little stroll down memory lane for a moment:  $90 breakfasts, Gay Days at Disney, Jelly fish in Pensacola..........that's enough to give you the picture. 

Unfortunately, we don't choose the destinations; we just go where they tell us to go (the company, that is). 

So we are heading to the Jacksonville area (actually the Ponte Vedra Beach area).  They are sending us to a beach side resort (uh oh) where all rooms face the Atlantic.   Sounds wonderful.  Better than that shabby old resort in Boca Raton, where we went last year (absolutely JUST KIDDING!)

However, now that I am  resort-food savvy, I will be shoving pop tarts down the kid's throats or high-tailing it down the road to the Denny's for the $2.99 special (grease and all)!   I will NOT be paying for $14 hot dogs this year - no way!

What I AM excited about is being very close to San Augustine, the oldest city in America.  There is so much history to see there, and you know how we homeschooling moms love History!

Poor David won't have but about 4 hours free time while we are at the resort though.  He has meetings during the day and business dinners at night.   We will have Monday night and Thursday night in Pensacola, as that is our 1/2 way point to stop and spend the night on the way to and fro.   Maybe we will collect some tar balls for Science this year.

It seems unbelievable that it was a year ago that I was sitting in the room in Boca Raton, updating my blog each day, keeping everyone up-to-date on the latest food sagas.    My how time flies!

Well, I am packed and ready.  Now to just get a good night's sleep.  You know how that is on the night before a trip.   

Have an awesome week!  I'm sure you'll be hearing from me soon:)

Blessings......
Debbie

FLYBABY update

I realize that I haven't written anything about my FlyBaby routines lately, so I wanted to update my progress today.

I am still going strong on getting up at 6am, going straight into the bathroom, getting dressed to the shoes, and being completely "ready" by 6:30.   This is still amazing me;  how changing this one aspect of my routine has made such a difference. 

Making sure my sink is clean every night is an amazing trick, as well.  What this has done for me, is inspired me, not only at night, but also during the day.   All day long I find myself cleaning out the sink and making sure it looks nice.  Not that I'm constantly shining it, but that I am not leaving dishes in there for any length of time.  If we use something, I put it in the dishwasher, instead of letting it sit there until the next meal.   I used to clean up about 3 times (after each meal) per day, which meant that in between meals, you might find my sink less than pretty.    I'm not obsessing over it; just keeping up with it.

My Control Journal is working wonders for my peace of mind.   No matter what else is going on, I can go to my "Routine" pages and see what needs to be done for that day.   For instance, I have had alot going on this week such as getting ready to go on vacation,  having a friend over to rearrange furniture, Bible Study, shopping for vacation, etc.    So.....I haven't stayed exactly on my cleaning schedule this week.   However,  I have been able to follow my basic weekly schedule, because it's written down and I don't have to think about what needs to be done.    

I haven't officially started on the ZONES yet, but have accidentally stumbled across some zones and cleaned them up, while on my way to something else!   Example: because I had a friend, who is a professional "stager" for realators in this area, come over and "stage" my livingroom and diningroom this week, I was able to see alot of problem areas that needed cleaning.  So...while she was moving furniture, I was going behind her with the dust wand, cleaning all the places I (apparently) never dust.   So, I was in the "ZONE" unofficially!

Overall, the FlyLady routines and methods continue to make a huge impact on my life, my peace of mind, and my energy level.   I am truly thankful and amazed that God brought this into my life.   It's exactly what I needed and didn't know how to get it.     Prayer did the trick!   Thank you Lord!

If you have been looking for a way to change your routines or get yourself and your house back into shape, please give this a try.   What do you have to lose?

Have a wonderfully awesome weekend!

Blessings.....
Debbie

A Not So Funny "Funny"

Well, I thought everyone could enjoy some laughter today (me included), so I'm going to share a little story about something that happened to one of the gift baskets I made up on Tuesday. 

If you read my previous post, you know that I baked all afternoon on Tuesday, in order to fix a few gift baskets for some friends.   The baskets turned out wonderful, full of goodies, and I was really excited to give them to the recipients. 

One of the baskets was going with me to Bible Study that night, as a gift for the hostess.  The other two were left behind to be delivered the next day. 

For obvious reasons, before I left for Bible Study that night, I put a sticky note on one of the baskets ("Do Not Eat"), and left it on the counter.    I took the other basket, which was the one I made for my friend who just had surgery, into the dining room and put it on a chair with some other items I wanted her to have.  The basket was out of the way, so I knew the family wouldn't eat out of it, therefore, thinking it was "safe". 

You know this is heading down a not-so-good-path, don't you?  You're right!

When I walked in through the back door that night, right into the kitchen, the first sight I lay my eyes on was the contents of the "safe" basket (from the dining room), spread out all over the counter! Well, let me correct that - a small fraction of the contents - only 3 muffins  to be exact - were layed on the counter.  No cookies, no mini muffins; just 3 lone, (thankfully) wrapped muffins.

"What happened to my basket!!!????"  I turned to my husband (who was waiting for this) with daggers in my eyes, ready to declare one of my kids homeless,  when David calmly asks me why I left the basket on the chair.  "I thought it would be safe!!"  Then he lets me in on the fact that while he and Collin were outside, the dog decided to help herself to the entire basket.  

He came in and found the remains of the basket on the floor, all over the card and magazines I had stacked on top of the basket, to take to my friend.     The only thing she didn't eat were the 3 lemon poppy seed muffins that I had wrapped in plastic wrap, because of the icing.   That's all that was left!
So, not only did David have a mess to clean up, but he had to salvage the magazines and the card, which were covered in crumbs.

Ask me if I've ever hated a dog so much in my whole life.   The answer is NO!   All I could think about was how long it had taken me to bake (all afternoon) all of those treats, and how happy I was to have such a nice gift for my friend.   

At that moment, I could have sent that dog packing and not felt one ounce of regret.   Fortunately, I'm not totally insane (yet) and I restrained myself.  But it was tempting. 

So, I had to replenish the basket with the cookies and muffins that were left over for our family, and thankfully, I had plenty.  

I'm sure I will laugh about this one day.  But for now - I'm still not speaking to the dog. 

Hope you have a great day!

Until next time.......

Keep Flying:)

Muffins and muffins and muffins - Oh MY!

Today was spent baking muffins (hence the title).   It's funny the things you lay in bed and think about at odd hours.  

I knew I wanted to bake cookies today for a friend that is coming to visit Wednesday morning.  I've been wanting to try this delicious looking recipe for Grandma's Oatmeal Cookies, which also contained walnuts, raisins, and chocolate chips.   The picture looked so inviting and I've been craving a good oatmeal cookie, so today was the day.   Only one problem.....I've grown to dislike baking cookies.
Too time consuming!

So....in the wee hours of the morning, when my teeenager was up roaming around (?), I came up with an alternative to my cookie idea and decided on muffins.    You see, I was planning on making a few gift baskets - one for my friend coming to visit, one for a friend who just had surgery, and one for the hostess of the Bible study I'm going to on Tuesday nights. 

So when the idea of muffins and bread came to mind in the middle of the night, I was laying there trying to will myself not to forget the idea by morning.   Thankfully, it was still there - only 3 hours later when the alarm went off.  (I've since threatened the guilty teen for waking me up, although I wouldn't have had the muffin idea, had he not.    Hmmm.      Hadn't thought of that.  Oh well!)

Anyway, after all my FlyLady duties today (still going strong!),  I had plenty of time to get into the kitchen and bake.   I baked Lemon-Poppy seed Muffins, Blueberry Muffins, Banana Nut Muffins, and YES - couldn't resist - the Oatmeal cookies with walnuts, raisins, and chocolate chips.   And, boy .......am I tired!    But, the baskets came out really cute and I even have muffins and cookies to spare, which will be breakfast for the rest of the week.


Until next time......

Blessings!

Great and Busy Weekend

I had a great weekend with my mom.  She arrived on Friday afternoon about 4:00pm and just left today at 1:00.  She has a 5 hour drive back home and she wanted to be home before dark.

We kept her busy this weekend.  My mom and her husband are living on a ranch down in South Texas, and work as gate guards.   The ranch has oil rigs on it  and has a constant flow of workers coming in and out, so they place a guard at the gate who has to keep a log of all incoming visitors.   This kind of work can get tedious because you are at the gate 24/7.   They live in a nice trailer with all the comforts of home, but as far as entertainment, it's the tv or computer. 

So.....we kept her entertained this weekend.   Friday night we took her to Gator Country.  The season finale was airing that night and the cast and crew had a "thank you" party for all the fans that have kept up with them this first season.    They had several tv's stationed throughout the restaurant, so everyone could watch the last episode together. 

My mom got to hold "Chubs", a baby gator,  for the first time.  Collin did too.  I opted out of that one.  When the guy said "don't let him go, he can run 500 mph" I said "no thanks!"

Saturday we had coffee on the front porch, then had a big breakfast.   It was nice to have a relaxing morning, with no schedule knocking at my brain.    Later we took my mom out to see the horses.  We hadn't been there in a few weeks.   The horses were doing great but it was so hot, our visit didn't last long.    We then stopped by Starbucks on the way home and all had a Double Chocolaty Chip Frappacino, which hit the spot.

Later Saturday night we took my mom to see Britt and Bubba and Co., (Tracy Byrd's old band).  They play classic country, which I knew my mom would love.  She had a great time and said she was hearing songs she hadn't heard in years.  

This morning we had coffee, breakfast, then sat on the couch and watched tv and talked.   It was nice to relax after being so busy. 

We took a few pictures before she left, then we all hugged and kissed and off she went.   It was short but sweet and I'm so glad she came.   It had actually been almost a year since I've seen my mom.   That's too long!

For the rest of today, I will be "Renewing my spirit" as the FlyLady says, by relaxing with things that make me happy.   I hope to catch up on my Bible study, watch some movies I rented but never got to, eat what sounds good, and just have a slow day. 

Blessings to all of you!  I hope your weekend was a good one too.

Debbie

My "Control Journal"

Today started off a little different, as we are getting ready for my mom to come into town.  David took the next two days off to work on the yard and various things around here that need attention.   We are doing the first, full-blown mowing job since the winter.  This takes time when you're talking acres of grass. 

So, I deviated from my routine a little this morning, in that I didn't want to get fully ready (hair & make-up) knowing that we would all be working around the yard.   Plus, when David's off and he doesn't have to get up early, it's a treat for us to wake up without the alarm.  As a result - I was up at 6:30 instead of 6:00 (big deal!)

But, I will testify to this: that even though I didn't get up and ready for the day, I was still so thrilled that I could go to my Control Journal, flip open to my Morning Routine page, and know what came next on the list!   This has brought alot of peace to my mind the last 4 days!

So.....I want to share with you my Control Journal contents, just in  case you're interested in making one of your own.

Here are the basics:

I chose a 1 1/2 inch 3-ring notebook (I picked Lime green just for fun) with the cover that you can slip a paper into (front and back)

10 dividers (they have great florals and designs now)
1 pack of pockets
1 pack of multi-colored copy paper
Page protectors

The first things I typed up and put into the journal were my Morning Routine & Before Bed Routine.  Besides shining my sink, I knew these routines were the most important things to get started.
These are pages 1 & 2.

Next, I worked on my Basic Weekly Plan.  This is the plan that tells me what things I need to work on, on certain days of the week.   Here is where you decide what day you will do laundry, pay bills, etc.  For instance: I do laundry on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday,  make the menu on Thursday, shop on Friday, etc.  

The 4th page in my "Routine" section is a "Zones" page.  This shows the chart that is on the FlyLady site, showing what ZONE happens -  when.   

From there, I just started adding my own personal elements, based on what I've read in the book.
I have tabs for:

Calendar - I actually found a notebook sized calendar with holes punched at Office Depot!

To do - I used lined paper and each day I add what needs to be done that day (these are things that are not on the routine lists. )

To get - I list things that I need to buy eventually (not groceries) (b-day gift, extra things, etc.)

Projects - I list projects I want to work on.  As of now I have about 6-7 pages with a project on each one.  I write the name of the project at the top of the page (like KITCHEN) then list all the things I want to do there, such as clean cabinets, get picture for the wall, make curtains, etc. 

Menu - I chose my favorite menu form, made several copies, dated them

Grocery List -again, chose my favorite list form, made several copies

Phone numbers - This is where I've listed frequently used numbers, such as pizza, pet shop, etc. I didn't put an address section here because I have a separate address book that needs to be in the house at all times for the family.  These are just quick references for me.

"ME"  -  here I made some forms on the computer for personal goals such as "Exercise 4 days a week, drink water, blah, blah, blah. They are check lists that I will eventually start using.    I also made a Book Wish List to keep track of future books I want.

Then at the back of the journal, I placed the pocket folders.  They are clear, so I can easily see what's in them.  In one I put pictures of things I have cut out from magazines, such as flower beds, pretty sheds, porch ideas, etc.    I labeled this one "DREAMS".

I have one labeled "FAMILY FUN" with brochures of things I want to do one day.

Then I labeled one Vacation.  Here I have our hotel info, and trip info for any upcoming trips we are taking. 

In the last one I have some notes I've written from the book Sink Reflections.  These are just reminders to myself on some of the high points of the book.

In the back inside pocket I have my original menu/grocery lists.

And slipped into the back cover I have some notecards with scriptures I found on diligence and planning.   (Proverbs 21:5,   21:20,   6: 6  & 8)

Also a saying by Edward Young which reads:
                                                "Procrastination is the thief of time."

So there you have it:   my Control Journal.

 A little tool that has made a HUGE difference!

Blessings:)
Debbie

Day 3 - Still Flying

For the third morning in a row, I'm up and ready by 6:30 a.m!  Let me tell you ladies - it's makes a world of difference!

Yesterday was a great day with my new routine.   As I said, I was up and ready for my day by the time I was drinking my coffee.  I was able to actually concentrate on my Bible Study and my prayer time with the Lord.   No more half-thoughts as I prayed, because my brain was actually functioning.

I followed my "Morning Routine" which is written out and placed in my "Control Journal", so all I had to do was look at the list and mark off as I went along.   Pretty soon I was ready to move on with the rest of my day.  

As the FlyLady has her system set up, today's "ZONE" was the kitchen.   Since my morning list was done, I was able to go into my kitchen and work on cleaning out about 3 cabinets - all within an hour.
It is suggested in her book, not to pull out more than you can put up - within a hour.   I can see where this is important because it keeps you working in a small section, rather than tearing the entire room apart and not being able to function in that room for a while.   You don't want to do that because it will become overwhelming and you might just walk away and leave it!    

So, after working in the kitchen for an hour, I was able to work on a few other "Hot Spots" as she calls them.  These are places that collect clutter - usually flat surfaces where things get piled up.   I still have several of these to work on, but my desk is not one of them (anymore)!

Last night I attended a Bible Study with some friends, on the book of Revelation.   We are doing a study by Irvin Baxter, dealing with the prophesies.   We had some great discussion and will continue to meet for the next 11 weeks.

The next few days I will be getting ready for my mom to come stay for the weekend.  I'm really excited about this because she hasn't been here in 4 years!  The house will look much different than when she saw it last.   

Well, I'm off to check the list and see what's next.  I hope you all have a wonderfully productive day.
I would love to have some partners on this "FlyBaby" journey - if anyone's interested.

Blessings....
Debbie

A New Routine

I laughed as I typed this title because those of you who read my blog often, know that I'm always on the lookout for a new method, routine, etc.   It's what I do; it's what drives me.

My wonderful friend, Michelle, who equals me in passion for organizing and such, made a profound observation to me the other day.  She said that if we ever "arrived" at this stuff, we'd be bored because this is what gives us pleasure.   That is such a true statement!   However.........
I'm going to step out on a limb here and say that this "FlyBaby" stuff feels different.

Yesterday was my first day as a FlyBaby.  I was just starting out, so, as the FlyLady tells us, "go slow, so you don't crash and burn."   So, I only implemented a few aspects of the routine and I used the rest of the day to create my Control Journal.   Ok - this was so much fun!!!  I know!  I'm weird!  But bear with me.....I bet you're weird too. :)

The first thing that I did differently, really made a HUGE difference in my day, and that was changing my morning routine.   Normally, I get up at 6:00, head straight to the already-made-coffee, sit at my desk, and flip open my Bible, which I'm too sleepy to read.   It takes me to at least 1/2 a cup before my eyes are sort-of functioning (but not the brain) and I attempt to read or do some Bible study.     I then would attempt to pray (still half asleep) and then turn to the computer for some non-productive time.

Well, the past two mornings have been totally different - in a major way.   The new routine has me:
up at 6:00, straight into the bathroom to get dressed; complete with shoes, make-up,  and hair.  Since my bath is at night, this only takes me about 25 minutes and when I walk out of the bathroom - I'm completely ready for my day!! 

This is awesome on several levels:

#1 I prayed for a way to change my routine and God (once again) came through and handed me a new method.

#2  By 6:30am I'm up and ready for whatever the day holds.

#3  When I sit down at my desk - I'm awake!  My prayers were said with energy this morning and I'll be able to actually remember what I read today!


So...I'm excited that I'm finally on my way to a new routine.  Sometimes we have the desire, but the know-how is just not happening.   I think we get stuck in a rut and really don't know how to get out.   I encourage you, if you are stuck in some sort of rut or routine that just isn't working anymore, go to FlyLady.net and read over some of her suggestions.   What do you have to lose?   Who knows?  You may learn to FLYYYYYYY!!

Have a blessed day!
Debbie

"Fly Baby" Beginnings

Today is my first day as a "FlyBaby" which is a wannabe "Fly Lady".  

I think everyone has heard of the Fly Lady, although some of you may not know who or what she is.
Fly Lady is a woman who has made it her goal in life, to help other women get organized.  She starts by telling you to "shine your sink".   Her book is called "Sink Reflections".

So, today is my first day using my "Morning Routine" that I created for this new challenge (and yes, blogging is actually in the schedule!).

The first thing on my schedule today was to get up, get ready and play some music while doing my morning "beauty" routine.     Last night, in preparation for my morning, I grabbed a CD out of the kitchen and put it in the bathroom, as my morning music.   So this morning, right before I started washing my face, I hit the "play" button and the music started and  what do ya know - the first song on the CD was "I'll Fly Away", an old gospel tune! (Get it?  I'll FLY away? Like "Fly baby"?)
I found this to be hilarious and kind of cool, at the same time!

So, I'm off to check my calendar for the day and go over my "to-do" list.

This week I'll be putting together my "Control Journal" which is like a central command center in a notebook.

I'll continue to post about my journey over the next few weeks.

If you have any questions about this or are interested in how it all works, let me know.

Until next time............
Blessings!
Debbie

New books and other Tid Bits

This week I had one thing on my mind.........getting my new "Fly Lady" book!    I was sweating it there toward the end of the week, because I was going to Tyler for Thursday and Friday with David, and I REALLY wanted to have the books I ordered, with me.  Thankfully, they came in on Wednesday!

Most of Wednesday was spent getting everything in order, so that I could take off for 2 days with my hubby.   I had to line up the Grandma, who would be the caretaker, line up the play date for Collin, so he wouldn't be here for 2 days playing video games (he wouldn't have minded), line up food, and instructions for Ted.   All for a 2-day-1-night trip!  But I got it all done and we headed out Thursday morning - just the two of us.

It's always nice to get away from home as a couple.  It's kind of a feeling of being able to let go of the household/work place responsibilities, and just be a couple again.  We had a great time on our three hour drive.  The countryside just gets prettier the farther north you go; flat land with pines turns into rolling hills with pines.  Made me miss Tennessee!

When we got into Tyler we went straight to one of our favorite restaurants - El Mercado's.  Mexican - of course!  After stuffing ourselves, we headed to David's office, which is in an old (former) train depot.  It's a beautiful old building that has been renovated to hold new offices.   The interior walls are brick and there are huge beams running through the building.   It's very rustic looking and nice. 

I left him there and had about 3 hours to kill - JUST ME!  I envisioned myself strolling in and out of antique shops, having coffee, reading........But I got sidetracked!   As I drove down the road I came upon a Stein Mart, which I never shop in back home, so I decided to go in there for a "quick" look around.    About an hour and a half later (!) I came out with some new clothes!  This was NOT on the agenda!  I actually went into the store hoping they would have some unique items in their home section.  Somehow I ended up in the clothing section!  I must of blacked out when I saw the "sale" signs! 

So, by the time I got out of there it was 4:00 and David was meeting me back at the hotel a little after 5:00.   I made a quick stop at CVS to get a new spiral notebook for all my note taking I was planning on doing (with my Fly Lady book) and headed back to the hotel.    I got back to the hotel and had a little bit of time to read before David came in and it was dinner time.

The next morning I was ready to dig into my books!  David took the car back to the office and I was at the hotel room, very content to read for about 3 hours while he was gone.       This was one of the things I was looking forward to - having uninterrupted time to just read and organize my thoughts about getting organized!   So....I got comfortable on the bed with my book, notebook, pen, glasses, etc. and began to study..............until the phone rang.  

Within my "3 hour window" I had 4 phone calls!  I wasn't even at home!  Are you serious?!
I guess my vision about being "away from it all" was just that - a vision - because I was still needed (not that that's a bad thing), even though I was 3 hours away.

Oh well.   I think I got about 3-4 pages of notes written that day before David came back and it was time to go.   That's probably a few pages more than if I had been at home. 

So.....our little trip was coming to an end as we drove back down the hill, into SOUTH east Texas.   It was a great little (emphasis on "little") get-a-way, but I could use a few more of those.  

Overall, it was a great weekend.  But I'm looking forward to reading the rest of my book so I can begin my new journey with the "Fly Lady".    Hopefully, today I can find time for a little reading and note taking.   That is - if the phone doesn't ring!

Have a great Sunday and remember to give HIM praise!  He's the one that gave you this day:)

Debbie

A Little Project

We were able to get the antique piece that we wanted for our livingroom.   It was once a kitchen accessory, but now it's a tv armoire.

Here are the pics:

This is a picture with the doors closed.   This is a picture of it with the doors opened and the tv exposed.

I guess this is what's known as "repurposing"?