another tender mercy

I got home today from work and had the thought: I should put the garbage out right now, instead of waiting until tomorrow morning.  The trash gets picked up on Friday's and when I leave it to do in the mornings sometimes I'm running late, or I will forget to put it out all together.  So, I gathered up the trash in the house, took it out to the garbage can, then wheeled the can out to the street.  As I was walking back up the driveway I saw that my back passenger-side tire was almost all the way flat.  Had I waited to take the trash out in the morning it would have been too dark for me to see this and I would have been in trouble.  So, I went back inside, gathered my purse back up and drove over to the Discount Tire store that is just down the street from me--praying the whole time that I made it there without a problem from the tire and before they closed for the day.  I made it in time!  They got the flat fixed and rotated my tires for me and the best part of all: it was all free because it was covered on the warranty on the tires from when I bought them almost 18 months ago.

I am so grateful for the Lord's hand in my life and that I followed what I thought was just an insignificant thought to take out the trash.

cavity free

Just got back from the dentist for my 6 month cleaning/check-up.  Guess what?  No cavities!  30 years and counting...

quilting itch

I'm getting the itch to start another quilt.  I found a couple pics of what I want my next design to be...

I just can't decide between the flowers or the diamonds between the stars.  Thoughts?

forming good habits

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, or Civil Rights day.  As such, I have the day off work.  Something exciting happened this morning though, and I wanted to share!   I woke up and, even though I would be perfectly validated in sleeping in, drove the 20 miles over to Curves by my office (the one I'm a member of) to get my 30 minute workout in this morning and I feel great!  It's evidence that these changes I'm making are starting to stick and are turning into good habits.

poppy seed chicken salad

Just tried a new recipe and I'm in love!


2 c. cooked chicken, cubed
1/2 c. slivered almonds
1/4 c. celery, finely chopped
1 T poppy seeds
1/3 c. dried cranberries (I used the reduced sugar ones)
1/4 c. plain, non-fat, greek yogurt (I used Chobani brand)
1/3 c. reduced fat mayo
1 t. lemon juice
Pinch of sugar
Salt to taste

Stir all ingredients together in a bowl until combined.  Chill.  Makes 4 servings.


I ate it over a bed of spinach for dinner with a honeycrisp apple.  So good!

i'm afraid

I've developed a new fear/phobia.  It's started a couple months ago.  What is it?  I don't like having the shower curtain closed all the way (except for when I'm actually IN the shower, of course).  I'm afraid someone may be hiding in there and may jump out when I'm peeing and least expect it to kidnap and/or seriously hurt me.

I'm not sure where this fear came from but it is starting to become a problem.

strange cravings

So I've been doing this whole eating healthy and exercising more thing for almost three weeks now.  Here is something I've noticed:  I no longer crave sugar/chocolate

I haven't had pop/soda for a week now and I don't miss it.

Also, I've suddenly started craving some salmon.  For those of you who know me, know this is a strange and unusual craving.  I hate seafood.  Yet, all I can think about the last couple days is getting a really nice piece of salmon with some steamed broccoli.  I don't want to cook it.  I don't want my house to smell like fish.  I want to go somewhere and get some.

If I didn't know better I might start to wonder if I was pregnant...