Does anyone remember Zig Zigler and the Power of Positive Thinking? One of his things was that if you told yourself enough times that it was going to be a good day, it would be a good day. I have been trying for over a week to have a good day. I have honestly had okay days in that week but I was really striving towards a day that I was the person I wanted to be all. day. long.
A week ago last Sunday, I wrote down what I thought a good day would be. It would be one where I got up early enough to do a good Bible study, spend time with God, have a good workout, have my house all straightened before I went to work, got everything on my list done at work, got everything done after work I wanted to, fix a good dinner, relax and be in bed by a decent hour. Yesterday was what I hope to be the first of many more.
I was up at 4:30, did my Bible study, had prayer time, did my C25K, day 1 (yes, again, this is truly the longest I have ever went without a good exercise routine and it showed, big time, yesterday but I did it anyway), had my dishes done and my house straightened, went to the Newton office and fixed a computer, went to work and got everything done on my list, came home and worked on the project I intended to, packed for a business trip today, fixed grilled pork steaks for dinner, watched the 2 hour episode of Amazing Race and took a great relaxing bath, complete with candles, music and a cup of Earl Grey decaf. I was in bed a little later than normal but I still woke up at 4:30 ready to go again. To top it all off, those scales moved 2.6 lbs from yesterday to today! It was my first day post prednisone so that was part of it, but the food and the exercise certainly played a part.
I am doing the Be Wise Bible study by Warren Wiersbe. This morning, one of the things he said was that everyday really is a good day in the life of a Christian because God is molding us into who he wants us to be. So, even if it seems like a bad day, it's a good day. I would rather have good days that seem like good days, but I do get it.
Today, I have had my quiet time and Bible Study, and am getting ready to go downstairs to lift some weights and do some crunches. I will be back in Springfield before the day is over. We are taking the ladies that we took last week, back to tell their stories to more people. Sounds like tomorrow has been declared an advocacy day, so there will be lots of people there telling their stories, it will probably end up being a long day, but hopefully a good one.
I have a list of things to accomplish before we go and I really do think I will get them finished.
Here is to lots and lots of good days!
I am planning on blogging more, it is one of the things that make me realize what is going on in my life and even though it doesn't seem like it to others, I am working on more changes to me. I will probably blog them as a way to hold myself accountable to me and to God.
With that being said, I am probably not going to post of facebook every time I blog. Some of my readers have followed me since way before facebook, but if you count on that post and really want to read my page, follow me, to the right and you should get an email when it updates, or just check back at the actual website every once in a while. If I have something really big, I will probably share it on fb, but a lot of times, I just won't.
Happy Tuesday everyone, hope it's a GOOD day!
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Saturday, April 25, 2015
My First Capsule
So today, I got it in my head to try the latest thing--a clothing capsule. For those who know me well, you know I'm a clothes hoarder so this was a big step. According to what I was reading, I was to skim down to 15 tops, 9 bottoms, 9 pair of shoes (yes, that was the HARDEST part!), 2 dresses, and 2 jackets. I didn't make it all the way to that, but I cleaned out a lot. I found out a few things about myself in the process. I almost always wear a blouse and a jacket as my top, so yes, I allowed myself 15 of each, I ended up with just 11 tanks and blouses, and 11 sweaters. I didn't really think that was too bad. I also ended up with 11 bottoms, because I had 7 pair of slacks, 2 split skirts (which I love this time of year), as well as 2 skirts. Because I almost always wear a skirt or dress to church, I thought I could keep the skirts as well as I have 3 dresses instead of 2. I really do only have 9 pair of shoes out right now. According to what I have read, I am supposed to change out once a season. I really think I will change in a little different schedule. I have, for a long time, changed out my sweaters in the middle of winter, so I am used to this. I also have room under the bed and in the closet of my guest room so it's not like they will be hard to change out. My shoes are actually still in my closet, just in these little cubicles out of the way, Andrew built those for me years ago. My picks though are on the shelves, easy to get to.
Back to the part that I learned about me. Back when I worked at Walmart and the restaurants, my clothing budget was pretty near to zero. I was pickier then about buying things that go with several things I already have. I have lost that somewhere along the way and I realized today that I want to get back to that. People used to complain that I always had new clothes; I didn't, I just put them together differently.
While I was at it, I did a capsule for Andrew as well. Wow, I may actually iron his dress shirts when I wash instead of waiting until the Sunday morning he wants to wear it. My reasoning always was our closet was so jam packed, it didn't do any good to iron until you pulled whatever it was that needed it out of the closet. Not so anymore. Andrew has an entire half of the closet! I also realized that somehow or another, he no longer owns a pair of black dress pants. Hmm....
I also, with a bit of sadness, found out that I totally missed out on wearing a favorite pair of shoes this past winter because, apparently, I had too many pair of shoes and didn't realize they were buried.
And, the worst part of the day, there were many things I put away that I love, but I have gained weight and they don't fit. That gives me a goal for the next 2 months and changing out the capsule.
So, starting on a new adventure, first time in my life I don't think I need a walk-in closet. I had actually thought about, when Robert moved out, moving our family room to the living room, making the current family room our bedroom and making our bedroom into one giant walk-in closet. I'm still not ruling it out, after all, this is not even officially day one of my capsule. We'll see.
Back to the part that I learned about me. Back when I worked at Walmart and the restaurants, my clothing budget was pretty near to zero. I was pickier then about buying things that go with several things I already have. I have lost that somewhere along the way and I realized today that I want to get back to that. People used to complain that I always had new clothes; I didn't, I just put them together differently.
While I was at it, I did a capsule for Andrew as well. Wow, I may actually iron his dress shirts when I wash instead of waiting until the Sunday morning he wants to wear it. My reasoning always was our closet was so jam packed, it didn't do any good to iron until you pulled whatever it was that needed it out of the closet. Not so anymore. Andrew has an entire half of the closet! I also realized that somehow or another, he no longer owns a pair of black dress pants. Hmm....
I also, with a bit of sadness, found out that I totally missed out on wearing a favorite pair of shoes this past winter because, apparently, I had too many pair of shoes and didn't realize they were buried.
And, the worst part of the day, there were many things I put away that I love, but I have gained weight and they don't fit. That gives me a goal for the next 2 months and changing out the capsule.
So, starting on a new adventure, first time in my life I don't think I need a walk-in closet. I had actually thought about, when Robert moved out, moving our family room to the living room, making the current family room our bedroom and making our bedroom into one giant walk-in closet. I'm still not ruling it out, after all, this is not even officially day one of my capsule. We'll see.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Something New
I have said many times, I don't talk about my work as much as I would like to just simply because I think my job is so cool that I feel like I am bragging when I go into too much, somethings though, just have to be shared.
If you live in the State of Illinois and watch any news at all, you have heard that the Governor is trying to take every penny he can find to balance the budget. One of the attacks has been on State LIHEAP funds. Let me just go a little further and let everyone know where 100% of those funds come from. If you are an Ameren, IL Gas, Mt. Carmel PU, Nicor, ComEd, or Peoples Gas (there are a few more, but not as big) client, every month you pay a 48 cent surcharge on your bill. This money has been earmarked, since its inception to go toward utility assistance programs. About 5 years ago, we started a pilot program, through Ameren in our area, called PIPP. PIPP stands for the Percentage of Income Payment Program. I may have explained this before but it is a GREAT program and three years ago, it went from being a pilot to a statewide program. And for all of my friends who think that nobody should get anything for free, you would LOVE this program. Just as the name says, the client pays a percentage of their monthly income to the utility bill. Most middle class families pay between 3-6% of their monthly income to utilities, low-income families have the same bills, (or worse, because their houses are not as energy efficient). On PIPP, the client pays 6% of their monthly income and then we pay the rest of a monthly budget bill up to $150 a month. This program is sustained with 100% state funds. Lose State funds, lose PIPP, it is that simple. We also pay Ameren regular program, as well as Illinois Gas, Mount Carmel PU, and Shelby Electric regular program out of these funds, those are all utility companies that charge the 48 cent surcharge. So, right off the bat, I personally feel, as do many others, this money is not the Governor's to take.
ANYWAY, he tried to sweep funds for this year and right at the moment that has been stopped. There are no LIHEAP funds listed in his 2016 Budget, which for us, would affect us starting this coming July, when the new fiscal starts and we start recertifying most of our agency's almost 1600 PIPP clients.
A little over a week ago, I was contacted by Julie Vahling, one of the Assistant State Directors for AARP. She too, is very concerned about the effects these cuts would have on her clients, the 50+ population. She had been asked by the Speaker of the House to find clients who were willing to come and put a face to these details, I was honored that Julie called me. She had arranged for us to bring our clients to a House of Representatives Appropriations Committee Meeting.
So, yesterday, two of our clients, my Executive Director, and I, went to Springfield. I have to tell you, I was so humbled by our clients stories, and the fact that, because I get to do my job, these clients have a better quality of life.
One of our clients is divorced, and had stepped out of the full time workforce to work with ailing parents, as well as to help a daughter who had recently became a single mom herself. She is now 59, going though job-training with Experience Works, and getting prepared to take on a whole new career....at 59.
Our other client is 58 and has recently been widowed, her life changed drastically with the death of her husband but also through the turmoil of his three year battle with cancer. Of course, that started draining them, and so, as well as adjusting to life without a spouse she had been with for 20+ years, she had to take on a new financial burden as well.
They both got to tell their stories to Julie, as well as Dalitso Sulamoya, our president of IACAA, our community action agency association. Susan Henry, our divorcee, got to tell her story to the appropriations committee as well. Because Susan works through Experience Works in our Tuscola office, she was also able to tell of the many people who have been in our office needing assistance, and how that number has increased over the past year.
We had a good day, I think both ladies thoroughly enjoyed the outing, even on top of the job we went to do. We ate lunch at Boone's, looked up some of our Senators and Representatives, sat in on both chambers as they were voting and explored the Capitol.
Yes, this is one of those days, where I still can't believe the job I get to do. 30 years ago, had you told me I would take clients of mine to an Appropriations Committee meeting, I would have seriously doubted you.
Helping People, Changing Lives, it's our Association's motto, but it is mine too. Yesterday, I seriously believe we took a step towards that.
Here is a picture of all of us (clients names used by permission)
If you live in the State of Illinois and watch any news at all, you have heard that the Governor is trying to take every penny he can find to balance the budget. One of the attacks has been on State LIHEAP funds. Let me just go a little further and let everyone know where 100% of those funds come from. If you are an Ameren, IL Gas, Mt. Carmel PU, Nicor, ComEd, or Peoples Gas (there are a few more, but not as big) client, every month you pay a 48 cent surcharge on your bill. This money has been earmarked, since its inception to go toward utility assistance programs. About 5 years ago, we started a pilot program, through Ameren in our area, called PIPP. PIPP stands for the Percentage of Income Payment Program. I may have explained this before but it is a GREAT program and three years ago, it went from being a pilot to a statewide program. And for all of my friends who think that nobody should get anything for free, you would LOVE this program. Just as the name says, the client pays a percentage of their monthly income to the utility bill. Most middle class families pay between 3-6% of their monthly income to utilities, low-income families have the same bills, (or worse, because their houses are not as energy efficient). On PIPP, the client pays 6% of their monthly income and then we pay the rest of a monthly budget bill up to $150 a month. This program is sustained with 100% state funds. Lose State funds, lose PIPP, it is that simple. We also pay Ameren regular program, as well as Illinois Gas, Mount Carmel PU, and Shelby Electric regular program out of these funds, those are all utility companies that charge the 48 cent surcharge. So, right off the bat, I personally feel, as do many others, this money is not the Governor's to take.
ANYWAY, he tried to sweep funds for this year and right at the moment that has been stopped. There are no LIHEAP funds listed in his 2016 Budget, which for us, would affect us starting this coming July, when the new fiscal starts and we start recertifying most of our agency's almost 1600 PIPP clients.
A little over a week ago, I was contacted by Julie Vahling, one of the Assistant State Directors for AARP. She too, is very concerned about the effects these cuts would have on her clients, the 50+ population. She had been asked by the Speaker of the House to find clients who were willing to come and put a face to these details, I was honored that Julie called me. She had arranged for us to bring our clients to a House of Representatives Appropriations Committee Meeting.
So, yesterday, two of our clients, my Executive Director, and I, went to Springfield. I have to tell you, I was so humbled by our clients stories, and the fact that, because I get to do my job, these clients have a better quality of life.
One of our clients is divorced, and had stepped out of the full time workforce to work with ailing parents, as well as to help a daughter who had recently became a single mom herself. She is now 59, going though job-training with Experience Works, and getting prepared to take on a whole new career....at 59.
Our other client is 58 and has recently been widowed, her life changed drastically with the death of her husband but also through the turmoil of his three year battle with cancer. Of course, that started draining them, and so, as well as adjusting to life without a spouse she had been with for 20+ years, she had to take on a new financial burden as well.
They both got to tell their stories to Julie, as well as Dalitso Sulamoya, our president of IACAA, our community action agency association. Susan Henry, our divorcee, got to tell her story to the appropriations committee as well. Because Susan works through Experience Works in our Tuscola office, she was also able to tell of the many people who have been in our office needing assistance, and how that number has increased over the past year.
We had a good day, I think both ladies thoroughly enjoyed the outing, even on top of the job we went to do. We ate lunch at Boone's, looked up some of our Senators and Representatives, sat in on both chambers as they were voting and explored the Capitol.
Yes, this is one of those days, where I still can't believe the job I get to do. 30 years ago, had you told me I would take clients of mine to an Appropriations Committee meeting, I would have seriously doubted you.
Helping People, Changing Lives, it's our Association's motto, but it is mine too. Yesterday, I seriously believe we took a step towards that.
Here is a picture of all of us (clients names used by permission)
 |
| L-R: Julie Vahling, AARP; me; Jill Kelley, Susan Henry, Marsha Roll, Executive Director, ERBA; Dalitso Sulamoya, President, IACAA. |
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Onward and Upward
Here it is the start of a new month yet again. I can't imagine how life just keeps getting faster.
So, it's April 1 and I am trying to get a feel like it is a new year, not just a new month. After many failed attempts, the prednisone finally kicked in and did its job of tackling the UC. I was pretty sure two weeks ago that today I would be in the hospital and instead I finally got to take my first real walk of the year. My fitbit just told me I have less than 3,000 steps to get in 10,000 today so I probably should try to squeeze a couple of times around the building in before I leave here in a few.
So, with it being my new year, I am starting my very own 30 day challenge. I started a graduated C25K this morning, I only did half of the 1-minute runs, but this sets me up to do that again Friday and then Monday morning hit the 8's. I have gotten so flabby so fast! I don't think I have ever felt as squishy as I do right now. I have always been fat, or at least to some degree, but ever since I was 24 and catching shoplifters, you could normally punch me in the gut and hurt you a lot worse than you hurt me. I MISS THAT!!!! and yes, it all stemmed from taking a royal beating one time, I swore I would never let that happen again and seriously, right at the moment, it could.
I also started back on counting calories, 1400, I hate my metabolism but that is where I have to be to lose and I know it. I was doing great until I decided to stop at 2:00 and get me a grilled chicken sandwich with no mayo at McDonalds only to get on the interstate and find a crispy chicken with mayo. God Bless McDonalds....still put it in the fitness pal and still have about 400 calories left so I should be doable seeing as how it is AWANA night and I really don't need much more since I ate at 2.
April is already looking crazy busy, hopefully fun and productive along the way too though. Today I did a lot of what turned out to be just minor troubleshooting; 5 computers and 5 fixes though, not bad for a day's work. AWANA tonight as well as the next 2 more Wednesday as regular club, then awards night and fun night, once again, time going way too fast. This weekend, I am doing some shopping with my mom, seeing my friend Patty, enjoying the Easter play at Scott Avenue and then having our own Easter Celebration at our church Sunday morning. If you have no place to be Sunday, Sunrise service is at 7, Breakfast at 8 and Morning Worship at 9. We are providing breakfast, so just come and be our guest.
Next week, I have a computer to install, a meeting in Springfield and then taking (gasp) a day off--I need to take 8 before June 30th or I lose them, trying to get started because I know I will plan some and it just won't work. My sis and BIL is coming the 11th and 12th, back to Springfield on the 16th for a meeting and then the AWANA Grand Prix is the 18th. This is the best/worst, most fun/ most nerve racking, crazy day of the year for Andrew, Robert and me. We spend most of our day holding our breath that everything goes well because if it doesn't, we pretty well will be the ones blamed. There have been years we have said never again, but by the time it rolls around, we can't imagine not doing it. Last year was one of the best to date but we met with a wealth of problems before the first car ran down the track. This year there are more changes, hopefully everyone is happy with them.
That is pretty well the major events for April, oh except for another day off scheduled for the 24th. I have a conference to go to the 1st week of May, hence a good reason to drop some pounds and work on getting some healthier vibes going on.
Think I'll hustle out and try to get my steps in!
Happy Wednesday!
So, it's April 1 and I am trying to get a feel like it is a new year, not just a new month. After many failed attempts, the prednisone finally kicked in and did its job of tackling the UC. I was pretty sure two weeks ago that today I would be in the hospital and instead I finally got to take my first real walk of the year. My fitbit just told me I have less than 3,000 steps to get in 10,000 today so I probably should try to squeeze a couple of times around the building in before I leave here in a few.
So, with it being my new year, I am starting my very own 30 day challenge. I started a graduated C25K this morning, I only did half of the 1-minute runs, but this sets me up to do that again Friday and then Monday morning hit the 8's. I have gotten so flabby so fast! I don't think I have ever felt as squishy as I do right now. I have always been fat, or at least to some degree, but ever since I was 24 and catching shoplifters, you could normally punch me in the gut and hurt you a lot worse than you hurt me. I MISS THAT!!!! and yes, it all stemmed from taking a royal beating one time, I swore I would never let that happen again and seriously, right at the moment, it could.
I also started back on counting calories, 1400, I hate my metabolism but that is where I have to be to lose and I know it. I was doing great until I decided to stop at 2:00 and get me a grilled chicken sandwich with no mayo at McDonalds only to get on the interstate and find a crispy chicken with mayo. God Bless McDonalds....still put it in the fitness pal and still have about 400 calories left so I should be doable seeing as how it is AWANA night and I really don't need much more since I ate at 2.
April is already looking crazy busy, hopefully fun and productive along the way too though. Today I did a lot of what turned out to be just minor troubleshooting; 5 computers and 5 fixes though, not bad for a day's work. AWANA tonight as well as the next 2 more Wednesday as regular club, then awards night and fun night, once again, time going way too fast. This weekend, I am doing some shopping with my mom, seeing my friend Patty, enjoying the Easter play at Scott Avenue and then having our own Easter Celebration at our church Sunday morning. If you have no place to be Sunday, Sunrise service is at 7, Breakfast at 8 and Morning Worship at 9. We are providing breakfast, so just come and be our guest.
Next week, I have a computer to install, a meeting in Springfield and then taking (gasp) a day off--I need to take 8 before June 30th or I lose them, trying to get started because I know I will plan some and it just won't work. My sis and BIL is coming the 11th and 12th, back to Springfield on the 16th for a meeting and then the AWANA Grand Prix is the 18th. This is the best/worst, most fun/ most nerve racking, crazy day of the year for Andrew, Robert and me. We spend most of our day holding our breath that everything goes well because if it doesn't, we pretty well will be the ones blamed. There have been years we have said never again, but by the time it rolls around, we can't imagine not doing it. Last year was one of the best to date but we met with a wealth of problems before the first car ran down the track. This year there are more changes, hopefully everyone is happy with them.
That is pretty well the major events for April, oh except for another day off scheduled for the 24th. I have a conference to go to the 1st week of May, hence a good reason to drop some pounds and work on getting some healthier vibes going on.
Think I'll hustle out and try to get my steps in!
Happy Wednesday!
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