Friday's Fave Five for March 11, 2011

It's been a while since I've posted an entry to Friday's Fave Five, I've missed it. So I'm taking some time to participate today, and you can too, at Living to Tell The Story

We're in the midst of turning a bedroom into an office. So a lot of my favorites have to do with that this week.

1. Consignment shops!! We found the neatest old bookcase for $60 at a consignment shop near where we live. It's a Spanish style bookcase, and we're really not into Spanish, however, we're going to take off the big brass pulls, paint the whole thing black, and put some modern nickel or glass knobs on it. That should update it a bit. The shelves are really wide, which will be great for my scrapbooks and scrapbook paper. I'd show you a pic - but I don't get it til Saturday, and I forgot the camera when we went shopping.

2. Sunny east windows. I'm SO looking forward to the light that comes into my office space. I currently face west, and there's no window except a southern one that on a sunny day provides great shadows - right over my computer screen.

Nice east window, room in disarray with furniture refinishing projects!

3. Resourcefulness. We decided our original near $2,000 make-over plan was just not the best use of God's money. So we went on a household goods hunt. The current cabinets I use could just be moved into the new office. My old high school desk could be refinished and used for office supplies, a pie safe in need of a few fixes, could be fixed, refinished, and used for scrapbook supplies. Our $60 really tall, Spanish style bookcase can be refinished and updated, and be used for scrapbook supplies and whatever else needs stored. We bought a workspace table from Ikea for around $60, and my current desk will become my scrapbook table. Our one bigger expense was the new area rug - which we splurged on for $240.00. Well worth it, because I love it!

Covers more of the floor then I intended, but the next size down was too small!

4. Crockpots. This has been a handy tool. Hubby works all day, I work most of the day - even though from home, so our only time to work on the room is in the evening. Crockpot gets started with a nice meal first thing in the morning - and voila...supper at 5:30. I love my crockpot.

5. Hubby. He's my favorite person most of the time, but especially these last couple of weeks. He and I both struggle with arthritis...but every night, he's been working away after working all day. He takes his meds, and goes to work. He's so excited about the way things are turning out - which helps him stay motivated, and I am enjoying the outcome.

Well, those are my favorite five things (or person) for the week. What about you?

This has been another busy week. I like busy weeks. I feel more awake and goal oriented, when my week is full.

1. Monday, my hubby was still home from his four day weekend. I worked in the morning, but in the evening, he took me to Olive Garden for dinner. Just the two of us. This ended our four day late celebration of our 32nd anniversary (September 23rd). It was a wonderful weekend, and a great way to end it.

2. Kept busy with my clients this week. I so enjoy doing what I do. I've got a new lead on a third client, and maybe even a fourth. We'll see how that plays out. But I'm learning new things, and taking on new challenges, and that makes it all so much fun. Weird, huh? Who thinks work is fun?

3. One of my favorite things every year, is the changing season from summer to fall. The colors are finally showing up around here, and they are beautiful. I'm not fond of what comes after, and always hope fall will stick around a good long time. God does good work!

4. Last night, my hubby and I went to the church and worked on Data Processing for this year's Thanksgiving Baskets. Our church will provide over 1,000 baskets to the Dayton and surrounding areas. I'm proud to be a part of that, but beyond that, it's a great time to interact with friends - some of which we only run into each year during this season of Thanksgiving Basket preparations.

5. I've lost a total of 25 lbs so far - five in the last week and a half. I'm excited to be heading in the right direction!

Join others in sharing your Friday's Fave Five by clicking here .

Friday's Fave 5 - June 18th

It's hard to believe the week is nearing an end already! It's been so busy, I didn't have time to smell the roses...literally! I didn't get out to my garden all week, and now it's hot and steamy again.

But, the week was filled with nice events and blessings.

1. My parents came back around for a second visit. They were heading to Indiana to see an old friend, and stopped here for a few days, first. We were able to take them out to dinner and celebrate an early Father's Day. My dad had a cold, but otherwise, they are doing well. They still had a drive ahead of them afterward, as they live in Florida.

2. I've been very busy with my business this week. I like that...it's continuing to help pare down debt and give us the money we need to do things we might not otherwise get to do!

3. Carolyn, my cousin, has not been feeling very well on this new experimental chemo they're doing. They thought she might have an ulcer, or some other stomach problem. Well, come to find out, it's due to the chemo, and she's not the only one suffering from the symptoms. Now, that may not sound like good news to you, but to her (and me), it was a relief that it wasn't yet another thing going on. If they can get the symptoms controlled, she will be doing ok. This chemo seems to be working! Praise the Lord.

4. My hubby's place of business is going to be able to hand out raises the first of July. Maybe not great ones, but anything would be wonderful! That was GREAT news, and such a blessing.

5. And then, finally, it's been a blessing to know that I can still learn! Don't laugh, there are days when I'm not so sure. You know those websites where you see Click here. in blue, and you click on it - and it takes you to a sign up page - or more information, or whatever? Well, I didn't know how to make that happen, and I needed to for a client of mine. Well, thanks to Microsoft Word and their easy instructions...I now know how. Goofy, I know. But it's good to know the 'ol brain gerbils are still alive and working that treadmill! I had to figure out where to find instructions, and then how to implement them. I was proud of myself for tackling something new.

Well, that's a bit about my week...how was yours? Share with others at: Living to Tell the Story,
Have a wonderful, blessed weekend.

Friday's Fave 5

Well, this has sure been a busy week. I work from home as a Virtual Assistant - and one of my client's kept me very busy. Hey, that's the whole point!! Busy = income!

Thinking about some of the favorite things that occurred this week, I found myself dwelling on some not-so-favorite things - like the trip to the doctors, or hearing my cousin with Ovarian Cancer is really struggling with the new chemo. But...I refocused, and here's what I thought of.

1. My cousin MAY be suffering bad from the new chemo...but her cancer counts were down by HALF!!! According to her, that's the most since her surgery. Praise the Lord!!

2. I did go to the doctor, the gynocologist to be exact. Not my favorite place. In fact, I usually stretch out the time between visits as LOOONNNNGGGGG as possible. My last gynocologist passed away, just a year or so after her husband died. So, there I was with no doctor. But I found one nearby, that has Nurse Practitioner's...and I met one of them this week for my appointment. I like her a lot. She's a little avant garde, but that's ok with me. It's easier to put up with an uncomfortable situation like visiting the doctor - when you like who you see.

3. I've SO enjoyed working with my client. I've had all kinds of jobs in the past - way too numerous to list, and I've never enjoyed working with anyone, or doing the kind of work I did - as I enjoy what and with whom I work now. It's very challenging, and very different. It never gets stale.

4. I really enjoy opportunities to save money. This week I found out that I could save almost $50.00 a month by going back to one company for a complete bundle on phone, internet and TV. $50.00 a month! That's $600.00 a year - nothing to ignore. I'm one happy camper. Granted, it's on one of those two year specials - but in two years, that's $1200.00. Then I'll just go find another deal.

5. I love, love, love Spring (minus the allergies). I love the new leaves, the new flowers, the "twitter-pated" birds, the sneaky squirrels, watching people walk by the house, the grass greening up, the warmth and the sunshine. Someone asked if I would get tired of days like yesterday if that's all we had (near 80, gentle breezes, lots of sunshine). The answer - NEVER. It's my absolute, favorite kind of day.

It's been fun sharing. If you'd like to participate...hop on over to Suzanne's Living to Tell the Story

Well, there have been a lot of favorites this week. Let me share a few.

1. We had the prettiest Nuthatch come to visit several times this week. I really enjoy watching the birds. I think my favorite, though, is still the Chickadee. What a lot of work they put into eating. They grab one little seed, fly off to a branch of the tree, stick the seed between the bark, peck away at it until it opens, then eat it. The cycle repeats itself until they're full. Amazing to watch.

2. One of our little "Small Group" children had to have his tonsils and adenoids out this week. He is only three - and that seems awfully young for surgery. However, he came through with flying colors...probably better than poor mom and dad did!

3. It's so pretty out. Rainy, but warm. The crocus are up, the daffodils are up - but not budding yet, and even the hyacinth have pushed through the soil. I am SO ready for Spring! It's like artwork on display. And as I see everything greening up, and blooming I'm reminded of the verse in Lamentations that claims "His mercies are new every morning, great is His faithfulness." Sending me pretty flowers and green grass is definitely extending me mercy!! He knows how much I dislike winter.

4. My hubby and I tackled the bookshelves in our bedroom this week. We decided to do some thorough decluttering and gave up what ended up being an entire box-ful of books. Sent them to our library for adding to their shelves or adding to their Book Sale. It's just a small step...but considering how long we've been putting that off, it seemed more like a giant one!

5. I've enjoyed my work as a VA. It seems like every week I get to learn something new. During the last two weeks I've tackled learning to do Fan Pages, and did another Event Page.
It's really interesting and rewarding to learn to do new things. Taking the challenge, and meeting it - feels awesome!

So it's been a good week. How about you? Share your Friday's Fave Five at Living to Tell the Story.

Friday's Fave Five

I like this group over at Susanne's Living to Tell the Story. Here are some of the highlights of my week.

1. Well, it's been slow in coming...and it still has a long way to go - but it's a tad warmer, and there is the great, bright thing in the sky!!! Whoa, where's the sunglasses? I cannot tell you how anxious I am for Spring. I'll take every minute more of daylight, any degree more in temp, and all the sunshine that comes my way.

2. Found out that the terrible fear I was left with after my doctor's appointments last week, are in fact not a benign tumor or cancer - but due to a side effect of medication! TRUST ME, that was the highlight of my week!

3. I went through every folder in my file box, and took out any unnecessary papers, had my daughter shred them, and then filed all papers that needed filing. I haven't done this in six months - and it had really piled up. What a sense of accomplishment! Makes me feel like taking on another project!

4. I'm enjoying the growing responsibility of working with my client. She is beginning to keep me really busy. The busier, the more I make! Good deal. I learned to put together a fan page on Facebook, I've interacted with clients, done some troubleshooting, ordered a gift, sent out letters. The list goes on and on - and....I can do it from home! Yes!!

5. Monopoly Deal! Do you love Monopoly? I do - but face it, it takes forever. Most of my family do not have the patience for that. We bought ourselves a game of Monopoly Deal for Christmas, and it has fast become a popular game not only in OUR household - but in at least 3 other homes that we introduced the game to! Try it!! One hand takes less than 15 minutes, and it's a blast. My hubby and I play it in the evenings, quite often.

If you'd like to read more Friday's Fave 5's, or participate yourself, make sure you visit http://susannesspace.blogspot.com/

Friday's Fave Five

1. Setting up our Christmas tree is always a special time for my hubby and I - each ornament has a tale to tell. We have all kinds, and many are homemade. For example the center one with the stocking on it in the picture below: My mom and I used a red velour type material on the backs, needlepoint fabric with a Christmas design we did ourselves, edged in lace. This stocking one, my mother made - and there are several similarly made ones on our tree. They were made in 1985.

2. Made our favorite Christmas fudge this week. I can see it's not going to last long.

3. I wrote up my Christmas letter in the form of a poem this year. I love the stationary it's printed on. I hope people will enjoy it.

4. I washed up all the afghans this week. They are getting plenty of use in this very cold weather. In fact, we seem to be chasing them down all the time, seems we have a bit of an afghan snatcher in the house!

5. Another one of my favorites is actually yet to come. Tomorrow my hubby and I are going to our annual Christmas concert and then out to dinner. Date night! Yippee!

What are some of YOUR recent favorites? Why not link up at Susanne's Living to Tell the Story and tell us all about it?

Friday's Fave Five

It's time for Friday's Fave Five, a time to think about a "few of our favorite things."


I'm enjoying being a part of this.

1. Favorite Musical - Fiddler on the Roof

2. Favorite Bible Teacher - When I was little, we had a Daily Vacation Bible School every week...and though I don't remember her name, I remember this little, older woman who taught us. She was like a little dynamo. I really liked her, she made things exciting to learn.


3. Favorite translation of the Bible: I still enjoy my New American Standard.


4. Favorite food - It's a toss up...chocolate first, I think...then pizza.


5. Favorite meme - I think this one is becoming my favorite. I am involved in a couple. I enjoy thinking of the answers to this one. Sometimes it brings back some great memories.

Have a good weekend!


To read other favorites, visit Susanne at Living to Tell the Story.

Friday's Fave Five

Wow, it's Friday already! It's time to join Susanne at Living to Tell the Story and reflect on five favorites of our week.

1. The cooler weather has been a nice change...though much cooler than it should be around here. The leaves are changing fast. Fall is SOOOO pretty.
I love watching the leaves change, and the silly squirrels making a mad dash to hide all their cache - and you know they'll never find it again!

2. I've had plenty of work for my client to do this week. I like that. One, it keeps me busy, and two, it helps pay off those bills! By the way, if you're self-employed, an entrepreneur, or a business owner and you're looking for ways to grow your business, check out www.BusinessOptimizationWeek.com! That's what I've been helping my client with. It's getting close!!

3. I made a new recipe this week. It has turned out to be a family favorite! I made a Weight Watcher recipe for beef chimichanga's and they were scrumptious! Made enough to freeze some!

4. My hubby and I got a chance to start helping out in preparation for our church's Thanksgiving Basket 2009 Ministry. We do Data entry...and worked for awhile last night. This is one of our favorite ministries...as they help over 2000 families by giving them an entire Thanksgiving meal for their family. It's exciting to be a part of it, it makes you feel good, and it gives us both pleasure to know that we are giving back in just a small way - what we've been given.

5. Tonight!! Every other Friday is my favorite night because while it's bill day (and that's always INVOLVED), it's also "I don't have to cook" night. I LOVE that!! So tonight, Pizza here we come!

Stop by Living to Tell the Story
and read others favorite things.

Friday's Fave Five

It's Friday!! Yes!
One of my favorite days of the week.

In thinking back this week, I've thought of 5 things about it that were my favorites, and so I'll dig in and share them with you.

Labor Day!
A wonderful day off for my hubby. We played it low key, though we took off and drove south of here to our favorite frozen custard place on Sunday. The weather wasn't the prettiest, but it was still nice and cool. We both got some mini-projects done around the house and by the end of the day - felt quite satisfied.

Avon Calling!
Our 19 year old dd has been struggling to find work - it's just hard to come by around here. So she took the initiative to start Avon, setting up her own web store, and hoofing it around here, passing out her books. She's nervous about it, but she's got stuff to do, instead of sitting around bored. I'm happy for the moment!

Peaches
I do not like canned peaches. I see no resemblance between canned peaches and a fresh peach. So we bought a half-bushel of fresh peaches when they were in, and I had peaches and cereal, peaches and yogurt, plain peaches, and peach cobbler. It's been a couple of weeks, so tonight's going to be one of my fave five's - we're doing peach cobbler or peach crisp tonight.

Petey the Dawg
He is one funny dog. DD decided to take pictures of him while he was in his dog house the other day. I'm not kidding, I actually think he likes his picture taken. He poses! He turns this way and that...as if to say, "this is my best side"! He's hysterical.


Reading
My hubby and are read together in the evenings. Maybe not every night - but often. We've read mysteries, historical novels, Bible studies...and so on. Lately, we've been reading "The Hole in Our Gospel," and you can tell from other posts on my blog that we are being deeply affected by this book. It's written by the President of World Vision and is well worth the reading...but I've already mentioned that! Often!

Well, that's the favorite things in my life this week...what are yours?
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