Diary of 5 :: Week 2

I am seeing... that I can not control anyone else's situation.  I can not worry myself over making sure that everyone else is happy all the time.  I am seeing that being a "pearl" is not always fun, but it's a part of who I am and that's okay.

I am hearing...chaos in my head right now.  I need to clear my thoughts.  There is so much going on, so much to deal with, to take in... Sometimes life throws you a curve ball - or several - but you can hardly even dodge them.  It's like I'm on a merry-go-round and it won't stop long enough to let me take a break. Dizzying...

I am smelling...the scent of hot glue and mod podge.  I've been feverishly working on several projects.  Thing 1 and Thing 2 stuff for the baby shower tomorrow, Bible Study journals for myself and others and ETSY orders galore.  Thankful that I can DO.

I tasted...blueberry light yogurt to which I added fresh blueberries.  I also had the pleasure of enjoying a creme brulee latte this morning thanks to my thoughtful hubby.

I am feeling...a mix of emotions from all directions.  Still reeling over last weekend's events, thinking and praying over some hurts in my extended family, excited about the growth of our church family, glad that I have friends that have shown themselves true and knew that even when I said I was okay...they knew I was not.  I am feeling very sore in my ham strings thanks to my loving sister.  She sent me three amazing DVD's from the Biggest Loser.  I've done level 1 Cardio Max three days in a row and boy, does that guy "Bob" like to do squats and lunges.  Sheesh.  I know I'll be glad for it, but yikes!!

This is one of the journals I made for our upcoming Bible Study for GMG Ephesians study.  I'm glad that I've  had something to keep me busy.  I have a couple more to make and one for myself as well.

A diary of 5 was created to give your senses a gentle work-out in helping you to become more aware of those little moments around you.  To join in with others that are participating, you can click on the picture link below.

Simple Woman's Daybook :: Week 1

FOR TODAY...

Outside my window... it is a cool 47*.  I have my window opened just slightly and I can feel the cool breeze on my face.  Sadly, my skin feels super tight and dry because the air has been so dry.  We've also been turning the heater on at night once in a while and that hasn't helped my skin.  I need to get some really good moisturizer!

I am thinking...about the new year that we've just started.  I am thinking about all of the possibilities that it holds.  I always hope to make the new year better than the last - but it won't happen on it's own.  I need to plan and set goals for myself and my family!

I am thankful...that God always keeps His promises.  I am thankful that I am a follower of Christ and I am not ashamed to admit it.  

In the kitchen...I need to go grocery shopping SO badly.  Hoping to stick with my plan to eat better...  I can if I plan and purchase with purpose!

I am wearing...a pair of jeans that would probably get Clinton and Stacy all up in a bunch with a gray-ish t-shirt.  Not fashion forward today, but I'm clean and presentable. haha!

I am creating...more items for my etsy shop as well as some things for a Thing 1 and Thing 2 themed twin baby shower!

I am going...to finally put away all of our Christmas decorations - it's usually put away on the first, but we have been super busy away from the house.  I also plan on finally throwing out any outdated or damaged decorations that I keep throwing back in the bin year after year.  I do that and am disappointed every year when I open the bin at Christmas only to find a bunch of "junk".

I am wondering...why  some people are okay with using terms like: fate, karma, light, guidance, affirmation...but they get thrown off a little when Christians choose to use terms like: God's will, blessings, the LIGHT, Holy Spirit, answered prayer, etc...  Why?  I try to be very accepting of others and their beliefs - not meaning that I agree with them, but I believe we all are free to believe what we want.  I don't get offended or turned off when my yoga friend talks about centering herself or karma... I may not agree or understand, but she is my friend and I am interested in her.  I think the key may be to not have a "Know it all" attitude or a condescending tone.  I wonder...

I am reading...The Secret Holocaust Diaries by Nonna Bannister.  I received it as a free book for my Kindle Fire (which I just love) and have just started it.  I think it's still free for Kindle users. I'll let you know if it's worth a read!  

I am hoping...to get the grocery shopping and house cleaning done today!  I better get busy!!

I am looking forward to...sending some late Christmas gifts (practically a tradition for me) to my far away family.  I can't wait to hear about how they liked (hopefully) what I chose for them. 

I am learning...that you have to be true to yourself, before you can be true to anyone else.  I am learning that there is always a consequence for sin, whether it is great or small.  God is just and balanced.  You can't continue to live a lie and expect truth and blessings in your life.  I have seen it in my own life.  It's a learning process, that is for sure.

Around the house...we've already discussed that...but it's a mess.  The Christmas stuff will be put away and the treadmill will be brought in from the garage.  Yes, as big and ugly as it is.  No excuses. haha!

I am pondering...my word for 2012.  DO.  It actually gets me excited as I think of all I need to DO, all I should DO, all I can DO and all I want to DO.  Of course, I'll be sharing those things here with you! 

A favorite quote for today...
I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence. ~Frederick Douglass 

One of my favorite things...is opening my email and seeing that I have an etsy order.  It's been happening more and more often. =)  I've got lots of ideas for this year!!

A few plans for the rest of the week: My main goal this week is to schedule and organize.  I work best with a goal and a plan.  I have plenty of tools to use, but I prefer a day planner (week at a glance) and a good pen.  Black ink, medium point... you get the idea. ;)  Keepin' it old school!   Some things I need to plan: Menu, Blogging schedule, Ministry schedule, 2012 reading list, Fitness plan, De-cluttering/Simplifying plan...  

A peek into my day...

We went to the beach on New Year's Eve day.  We had fun just playing and enjoying each other's company.  Marco and the two older girls even rented bikes and went on a long bike ride.  Perfect prelude to our new year!


If you are interested in keeping a daybook or joining up with other women that do, click on this photo and follow the link to Peggy's blog: The Simple Woman's Daybook

Two Altered Journals...

Both of my older girls needed a regular composition book for school.  So, of course we bought the regular black and white ones when that were on sale at Target and since they are MY daughters (ha-ha), they asked if they were allowed to cover them.  To our delight, both of their teachers said that they could.  They are both no longer in the "pink and glittery" stage.  I told them to go through my paper stash to see what caught their eye.  They both liked the DCWV paper stack called Immortal Love.  I guess it would be an understatement to say that it is Twilight inspired.  Anyway, these are the books after I got done with the paper, mod podge, ribbon, etc. =)  Easy peasy and cheap.  Both girls were happy.

Hannah's book

Taryn's book

And in case you don't know what I started with...here's a picture of what I was working with:

Altered Composition Journals

I had a few of those black and white composition books left over from a previous project, so I decided to alter them to make some fun notebooks/journals.

Moments Like These

Design A Life You Love

A is for Authentic

Just some simple summer projects to keep me motivated. I've got lots more on my list! What are you creating these days? =)