Listen

Yesterday, I had the chance to catch up with one of my friends. We are usually heading opposite directions on the same road. I had an exchange with someone else that just hit me wrong. I am also highly medicated so I thought maybe my reaction was a little strong. Then, I told my friend and her reaction reminded me of how God puts the right people in your path. Sometimes you will find some extras but the right ones are there if you figure it out. My friend had the same reaction and a little stronger than mine. It just made me feel better. It doens't mean that I will do anything about it but it made me feel a lot better actually.

I had tried to say no to something on my not to do list and my interaction was related to someone just not getting it on a level that I don't have the energy to explain. I try to do too much. I am aware of that. I added up the lines on my latest excel spreadsheet and came up with 22 as of late. When I say I can't do something, you can presume that I have tried to say yes. I have reviewed the calendar and tried to rearrange. I have tried to rationalize yes in my head and work out how maybe I could just do that. When I say no, it is usually with the help of my wise husband or my doctor who help to say no on my behalf. It is not my gift. When I explain that I am immune suppressed and I have to say no, it means no. It doesn't mean I wouldn't like to do that or I don't understand how we need volunteers. It just means that it can't be me.

I spent part of my morning getting to know my treadmill. We had parted ways so to speak. I think she needs a name. (Some of you have met Bertha, my mixer. I made a lot more cookies after I named my mixer.) I have found that I can do an IV, wear some oxygen, talk on the phone, and walk on the treadmill all at the same time. Of course, it is all well and good until my dog decides to jump on but he looks pretty hesitant.

I am especially thankful today for all the people in my life who listen. I appreciate the folks who call and ask me if I need help rather than asking other people. Other people aren't acutally here most of the time unless you talk to my darling daughter and she is not at all afraid to tell you what she thinks. On the way home from school today, she said, "Mom, I like you to wear high heel shoes. You look prettier."

Blessings,

Cindy

Not to do list

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to read Jim Collins' Good to Great with a group of really smart people. We met monthly to discuss different topics from the book and apply them to our work. My favorite concept in the book is the idea of a not to do list. Collins found that really great companies had a list of things that they were not going to do or pursue. It was a lightbulb moment. I have revisited my own not to do list many times. I am a lot better at making to do lists followed by charts and some diagrams.

This week, I am working on my not to do list again. I drafted it last week but a few things keep coming up. I almost waivered today on one of the items. The great thing about the not to do list is that it gives you time for the things that you actually want to do but can never accomplish because your to do list is so long and simply unrealistic. It also helps you say no when you should say no.

The rest of the day finds me digging out of the remaining items for an upcoming kids consignment sale. My wise friend agreed that we were not going to have a garage sale. My goal is to remove 200 items from my house. If we make a little money, it will go on the mortgage. I have a lofty goal of liberating my life from my mortgage. It is a ways off but I like to think about it. It reminds me of my very expensive college education which I still adore but left me in student loan debt. This week finds us having a little extra time due to spring break.

Menu Plan Monday follows:
Monday-leftovers (thanks to Sunday)
Tuesday-sandwiches on the run to deliver our consignment items
Wednesday-hamburger gravy
Thursday-chicken and dumplings (postponed from last week)
Friday-a trip to the Ugly Mug to hear one of my fellow moms and her band

What are you cooking this week? Better yet, what is on your not to do list?

Blessings,

Cindy