Christmas

What is one thing I can do to prepare for Christmas today?  Today is August 5.  I haven't given Christmas a thought.  I guess I could do a list of people I need to start thinking of this Christmas.  Going to have a grandbaby this year.  Maybe.  Due on the 26th.  Probably need to start thinking of that this year. 

Top Priority

What is the one thing I can do to improve my number one priority?  Well, number one is health.  My worst problem is eating too much.   I am still eating a lot of the points.  More than I should.  Stress has been getting to me.  Maybe pick up on stress relieving activities and laying it all to God?  That's what the me would tell me.  Now, that it easier said than done.  I am taking the next three days off of work.  That will probably help.  My husband is too; if he is less stressed, we are all less stressed.  I will visit this idea again in a week and see if taking some time off helps.

Top Three

What are the top three priorities in my life right now?  Well, currently, I would say it is my health.  I've been working on several different aspects of my health and it is very important to me.  During this journey it has become clear that my health only matters to me.  It is a bit disappointing that I seem to be the only one that cares; but I guess it's time I did.  At least someone should.  The second would be my children.  My youngest has had a really rough summer with injuries, surgeries, and depression.  Keeping her going has been a very trying time.  Third I would say work. It is how we make our living, but it has become apparent that my husband needs me more.  He hasn't been doing well with my attention placed on other things than him. I need to give him more, I guess.  I just don't really want to.  I feel he's had enough.  He disagrees. 

Prayer Life

What is one thing I need to do to improve my Prayer Life?  Honestly, it is to remember to do it.  I do challenges a lot and prayer before eating comes up a lot.  I forget almost every time.  Prayer first thing in the morning also comes up.  Forget to do that too.  Seems I can't remember unless there is something major going on.  Which is probably why there is always something major going on.  I need to set up something that will remind me.  I pray when it is included in my readings and devotions.  You would think that would remind me to have a conversation; but no.  That is the one thing I need to do.

Delegation

Where in my life do I need to delegate more?  That would be housework.  I live with a husband, a 22 year old daughter and a 13 year old daughter.  I should not be doing all that I am doing.  I have been reading Faith, Fitness, and something; I can't remember.  Anyway, it said I need to give my teens more responsibility and decision making.  I have started doing a lot more of that.  The 22 year old should be doing some shopping and more decision making.  I have been having her do that.  She still isn't thinking of it on her own, but I think that will come with time. I've also been giving her some cooking duties.  I enjoy cooking, so it's not that I want her to take over, but I have her doing some marinating and side dishes.  The 13 year old has been getting more such as deciding and doing her own laundry.  She also has been deciding things for meals such as type of fruit or whatever.  These are small things, but decisions I have been making and it would be good if they did some of that.  More than just the chores I leave for one or the other to do daily and their own stuff.  I deserve a break today!

The Loop

What is going to attempt to throw me for a loop this month?  Well that's easy.  Vacation.  Four days of traveling, B&Bs, gas stations, fast food, my worst nightmare!!!!!  I want to go badly, need to go.  I am on a light cleanse right now to prepare (get ahead of the game?) and plan to go on a major one when we get back.  But those 4 days are going to be doozies.  i went to Abilene, Ks on a weekend during Spring Break and I don't think I came close to keeping within my points.  And I was very careful.  Stayed with water, tea, and diet soda for drinks.  Tried to stay in the realm of poultry and fish for entrees.  But man, being on the road is murder for the ol' point system.  That cleanse when I get back is going to be severe!

Kinder, Gentler, me

What is one thing I could do today that would make a quieter and gentler me?  Well, I would need plenty of time alone.  When I get busy and stressed, when people keep demanding from me is when I get mean and loud.  I tend to be quiet when I get some quiet.  I can be gentle when I have time to step away from the demands.  My job, however, is taking calls from people whose ACs are broken and placing a technician to see them.  Which means I get all of the hot and mad people calling me and if things don't work out perfectly, they call again.  Hotter and Madder.  It can be a pretty stressful job.  Luckily, it has been cool (low 90s) lately.  But, the other office woman is on vacation and it is Monday.  So today might be a doozy.  I plan to meditate now and at lunch take a walk around the block.  I also plan to eat outside, away from the phone.  These little breaks should, hopefully, keep me calm.