A Simple Woman's Daybook

Thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for starting the daybook. For more entries, or to join, go here.

For Today: Monday, April 20, 2009

Outside My Window... Overcast and rainy. Glad to see the rain, though. It means the Spring flowers are getting their needful drink of water!

I am thinking... about my amazing Saturday. I am still stunned that I met so many wonderful people in the Catholic church in one day. It truly was a special day.

I am thankful for... the Holy Eucharist. Also, new friends!

From the kitchen... Grilled Herbed Chicken, green beans, and the leftover homemade macaroni and cheese from last night's dinner.

I am wearing... blue jeans, a pink cotton top, black cardigan, and my white sneakers. Very casual today.

I am creating... still nothing. I'm long overdue for something. Things have just been very busy. I still haven't found a good rhythm for working on my book.

I am going... to be following up with the contacts I made on Saturday.

I am reading... Double Shot by Diane Mott Davidson, Newsflash: My Surprising Journey from Secular Anchor to Media Evangelist by Teresa Tomeo, and my new Envoy magazine issue.

I am hoping... I can start to focus on what I need to do. I see so many needs and opportunities, but only have so much time. Lord, help me!

I am hearing... St. Gabriel Radio. Just finished hearing "The Morning Sonrise Show" with Brian Patrick. Great show!

Around the house... laundry that needs to be folded and put away, Mickey's new guitar case with his new guitar, business cards of people I want to follow-up with, my Catholic Bible that still needs the book tabs applied, an eBook on how to become a full-time writer within a year. (ha!)

One of my favorite things... Attending a Christian women's event.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Being involved with a taste test tomorrow night, visiting St. Gabriel's radio station, writing an article and submitting it to our local Catholic newspaper.

Here is picture thought I am sharing. . . A lovely group of Catholic women, learning how to look to God for their self-worth.

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for starting the daybook. For more entries, or to join, go here.

For Today: Monday, April 13, 2009

Outside My Window... Dark and chilly. I have to say yesterday was one of the most beautiful days, ever. A perfect Spring day for Easter!

I am thinking... about my wonderful weekend. I had Friday off, and then my father came up for a visit for the weekend for Easter, plus, the greatest thing of all - finally being able to receive the Eucharist again!

I am thankful for... God and His provision. Big time.

From the kitchen... For breakfast, Honey Nut cereal, coffee with Sweet Italian Creamer. Dinner will be leftover ham from yesterday's Easter meal and salad.

I am wearing... a pink nightgown with tiny purple roses, slippers. You may think I wear the same gown every week. Actually, I have several of them... (ha!)

I am creating... nothing. This week was busy (again) and I haven't still had the time yet to do much.

I am going... to express my gratitude to those involved with the annulment and celebration of receiving communion again.

I am reading... Double Shot by Diane Mott Davidson. I can't resist a caterer who solves mysteries! (Plus there's some pretty yummy recipes in her book. I've not tried any but I get a kick out of them!) Also still reading Tribes by Seth Godin, and my new Envoy magazine issue.

I am hoping... I can be successful in my job. My boss has ever-changing expectations and my main focus is to be instrumental in bringing in new business.

I am hearing... the soft tweeting of the birds, starting to become a little louder. The heat whooshing through the vent. Other than that, silence for the most part.

Around the house... Cinnamon rolls from yesterday's breakfast, the crock pot that needs to go back into storage (I "slow-cooked" a small ham) The home is still tidy, thanks to the visit with my dad. Nothing like having guests to get one motivated!

One of my favorite things... going to church with my dad, especially on Easter Sunday.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Work and brainstorming different ways to market it, relaxing at home after a busy weekend, attending (hopefully) my first protest rally, the "Teaparty" (!!) and trying to focus on writing my book.

Here is picture thought I am sharing. . . I wish I had a photo from yesterday, but I don't. I was so busy "being in the moment" that I didn't think to take photographs! Dopey me.

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for starting the daybook. For more entries, or to join, go here.

For Today: Monday, April 6, 2009

Outside My Window... Dark and ugh, cold. We're actually supposed to get a "wintry mix" of rain and snow today. Say it ain't so! I thought our cold weather was finally behind us!

I am thinking... about yesterday's Palm Sunday procession and the lovely conversation with a young couple after church at our "Coffee & Doughnuts" hour.

I am thankful for... younger people appreciating tradition.

From the kitchen... For breakfast, Honey Nut cereal, coffee laced with Hazelnut Biscotti creamer. Dinner will be spaghetti with the left-over sauce, garlic bread sticks and salad.

I am wearing... a pink nightgown with tiny fuchsia roses, slippers. Definitely still waking up at 5:38 AM, here.

I am creating... not much. My week blasted by and I've hardly had time to play with my digital scrapbooking program, let alone the mind-mapping or the basic web design program I downloaded. (Yet another project - redesigning my scrapbook website!)

I am going... to enjoy this short week. I took off Good Friday.

I am reading... Dead Heat by Joel Rosenberg, Tribes by Seth Godin, and my new Envoy magazine issue. Rosenberg's book is sooo good! He is a Christian who was raised as a Jew and his entire family became Christians. He is an excellent writer and uses Biblical prophecy to create very taut political thrillers.

I am hoping... lots of things. My boss gets back from his months-long stay at the Caribbean and I'm sure he'll have lots on his mind he wants done. I am also hoping I can start to focus more on my writing. Sometimes it seems everything else takes precedence but I know I need to concentrate on it.

I am hearing... the songs of the birds, welcoming Spring even in the cold.

Around the house... laundry that has air-dried, a new pair of jeans, my laptop which has doubled as a movie viewer. We've been watching lots of "instant view" Netflix movies, lately! (Last night it was "Dan In Real Life." Cute movie although I wanted to strangle the daughters a few times...)

One of my favorite things... meeting younger people and discovering what they love, especially younger people at church.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Connecting with my parish pastor, a "girl's night out" on Tuesday night, working on a bunch of stuff at work, like still re-designing the website.

Here is picture thought I am sharing. . . This is from yesterday's Palm Sunday Procession. It's something Catholics do for special Feast Days and is meant to be a witness to the neighborhood, as well as the parishioners.

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for starting the daybook. For more entries, or to join, go here.

For Today: Monday, March 30, 2009

Outside My Window... The sun is finally peeking out, after hiding all day yesterday. (Appropriate for Passion Sunday, come to think of it...) But it's cold! Eek! I thought we were done with 30 degree weather!

I am thinking... about how much I love my country.

I am thankful for... living in the greatest country in the world, under the greatest Republic ever. I am thankful for freedom, more than ever.

From the kitchen... For breakfast, leftover pancakes and link sausage from yesterday. (Surprisingly, the pancakes tasted better!) For dinner: Baked Zita with meat/Italian sausage sauce, garlic bread and salad.

I am wearing... black pants, a cream mock turtleneck, mauve and black houndstooth jacket, silver necklace, and black flats. We have a guest coming in to work today.

I am creating... more mind maps, my book, and digital scrapbook pages.

I am going... to call our tax lady today. It's terrible. I have been dragging my feet the past two months. Geez.

I am reading... Dead Heat by Joel Rosenberg, Tribes by Seth Godin, and my new Envoy magazine issue. I also finished Davidson's Catering to Nobody and liked it so much, I borrowed another one of her mysteries, Double Shot.

I am hoping... to focus on my book outline this week. I also hope to download a new website design software program and play with it a bit.

I am hearing... The War Room with Quinn and Rose.

Around the house... The NetFlix envelope to return "Crash", new books from the library, my Bible that needs to be "tabbed" with the special tabs I bought from the Catholic bookstore.

One of my favorite things... figuring out a better way to do something. The mind maps is a way to get my ideas out of my head and onto paper so I can plan to make it happen.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Playing with the website design program, meeting with the man from church to discuss how we can update the website for a church ministry (more on that later!) writing, and getting the tax stuff in order.

Here is picture thought I am sharing. . . I don't have one. I wished I had taken some photos of our church with all the statues veiled in purple. I can't remember this tradition when I was younger but I like it. The veiling is a symbolic act to represent Jesus Christ drawing Himself away, being "hidden" as it were. And God's face was about to be hidden from His only Son, which is frightening when you think about it.

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for starting the daybook. For more entries, or to join, go here.

For Today: Monday, March 23, 2009

Outside My Window... Dark. It's 36 degrees but will be warming up to a nice Spring day.

I am thinking... about the great mind mapping tool I discovered recently, Xmind. I might post a separate post about it later. Great productivity tool!

I am thankful for... my weekends! It is always nice to relax and recharge my batteries for the upcoming week.

From the kitchen... For breakfast, a honey-nut with almonds cereal, coffee. Quick-n-Easy Baked Ziti (again!), salad with assorted veggies.

I am wearing... a gray-striped cotton nightshirt with embroidered pink roses, emerald-green night robe, slippers.

I am creating... Mind Maps!

I am going... to finally input the last expenses in my Pampered Chef software so I can create my expense report for taxes. It's going to go to our tax lady, who I admit is worth paying to do this sort of stuff.

I am reading... Catering to Nobody by Diane Mott Davidson and my new Envoy magazine issue. I have a new intellectual crush, by the way. Dr. Peter Kreeft. What a brilliant man!

I am hoping... to take advantage of the outline I created this past weekend for my book and keep writing. It took me some time to finally organize my thoughts, but once I did, I was on a roll. I hope to keep rolling!

I am hearing... the heat coming through the vent.

Around the house... laundry that needs to be finished, Netflix movie that still needs to be returned.

One of my favorite things... cooking for friends and family, especially my stepson and his new wife, who were in for a quick visit on Friday.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Writing, writing, writing. And getting the tax stuff in order.

Here is picture thought I am sharing. . . I need to add one of my stepson and daughter-in-law. Will post later. They really are cute, if I do say so myself!

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for starting the daybook. For more entries, or to join, go here.

For Today: Monday, March 16, 2009

Outside My Window... A nice Spring-like day is shaping up. The sun is peeking from the horizon and a slight breeze is in the air.

I am thinking... about the gorgeous Cathedral Basilica I visited yesterday.

I am thankful for... my church family. They are such a warm, loving, and smart bunch of folks. And proud of their Catholic faith!

From the kitchen... Quick-n-Easy Baked Ziti, salad with assorted veggies, garlic bread.

I am wearing... dark blue jeans, pink thermal shirt, white sneakers, and my favorite black cardigan with the empire waist.

I am creating... not much at the moment. I'm still working on the digital page.

I am going... to get my oil changed today. It's time!

I am reading... Catering to Nobody by Diane Mott Davidson and my new Envoy magazine issue.

I am hoping... to get my 2008 expenses organized in preparation for our tax accountant.

I am hearing... "The War Room" with Quinn & Rose.

Around the house... The Netflix envelope for our latest movie, "Raiders of the Lost Ark ", my husband's guitar case and ukes, two coats I'm giving away to the thrift store.

One of my favorite things... attending Mass in a jaw-droppingly, gorgous cathedral. Nothing elevates my spirit like breathtaking sacred art and architecture.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Writing my introduction for the book, attending a networking event, finishing some digital pages, cleaning for a visit from my stepson and his wife.

Here is picture thought I am sharing. . . Yesterday, I attended the baptism of a friend at St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica in Covington, Kentucky. If you're ever near this area, I highly recommend a visit. It's one of the few Minor Basilicas in the area. (I've read two different numbers of the Minor Basilicas in the United States - St. Mary's website said 35 exist but another site said 62. St. Mary's has the distinction of having the world's largest stained-glass window within it. Below is the photo of it but you really don't get a sense of the immensity unless you were standing before it. It is just amazing!

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for starting the daybook. For more entries, or to join, go here.

For Today: Monday, March 9, 2009

Outside My Window... Noontime, and it's light. Cloudy and a little sun. 

I am thinking... about my husband. He is just a sweetheart and brings a smile to my face whenever I think about him.

I am thankful for... my new tire. It did fix the major wobbling. Just needed alignment and of course, a new tire.

From the kitchen... I have no idea yet what I'll make tonight for dinner. Something with chicken, I'm thinking. Will most likely check AllRecipes before leaving work!

I am wearing... dark blue jeans, white cotton long-sleeve shirt, my favorite black cardigan with the empire waist.

I am creating... a digital scrapbooking page of my husband's 50th birthday (last year! See how behind I am?!!). I am really enjoying my new program, Digital Scrapbooking Artist. Discovering new things about it all the time, like the cool edges to add to an object.

I am going... to visit the library today. It's been awhile since I've been to one. I have two books reserved.

I am reading... Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyers. Slowly but surely getting through it. I'm still annoyed with the story development. The books I have on order are a Diane Mott Davidson mystery (her first one, Catering to Nobody) and a Joel Rosenberg political thriller, Dead Heat.

I am hoping... to start some exercise routine this week. It's time.

I am hearing... Rush Limbaugh. He's absolutely right. There was plenty of criticism for President Bush when he was in office. Doesn't seem to fly when the shoe is on the other foot...

Around the house... The Netflix envelope for our latest movie, "An American Carol", more boxes from the ukes and uke cases, Jake Shimabukuro's latest CD "Live." 

One of my favorite things... Attending a concert with my husband. We saw Jake in concert in Akron on Saturday night. What a great concert! We even got to meet Jake afterward! He is a total sweetheart. More humble than I've ever witnessed in a talented musician. I tell you, this young man has zero attitude (except a good one!).

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Writing more here for the blog, attending a networking event, finishing some digital pages, working out. 

Here is picture thought I am sharing. . . I may add one later but don't have one yet. I'd like to add one of Jake!

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for starting the daybook. For more entries, or to join, go here.


For Today: Monday, March 2, 2009

Outside My Window... Still dark. I've been noticing the sun is rising a little earlier. Next week is Daylight Savings Time. Spring forward!

I am thinking... about my new software programs. I bought Serif's PagePlus X3 this weekend (upgraded) and just am amazed by it's sophistication.

I am thankful for... the fact my tire hasn't blown out. Today I'm getting a new tire since I can finally see my one "old" tire somehow got worn in a lopsided way. I was ordered by hubby to get the new tire today pronto, before heading to work. Definitely!

From the kitchen... Coffee, a bowl of cereal and yogurt. Tonight we'll have the leftover baked ziti I made last night, salad with tomatoes, and garlic bread. Even though I bought "sauce in a jar," I "doctored" it up with onions, ground beef and ground Italian sausage, plus more Italian seasoning, basil, and a few shakes of red pepper flakes! I did it right because Mickey didn't say, "This sauce is spicy! What did you do to it?!!" Ha!

I am wearing... The usual. Nightgown and robe. :-)

I am creating... Ah, this is where I'm excited because I am FINALLY getting back in the saddle with my digital scrapbooking pages! It has been so long. I'm learning more about Digital Scrapbooking Artist and really enjoying the program. I'll be eventually posting some pages on my blog. Also upgraded to the newest version of Serif's PagePlus X3, a professional desktop publishing program. Another fine program!

I am going... to get my tire replaced this morning and then go in to work. It's snowing outside, which I didn't think would happen. I know New York is going to get slammed with a big snow storm today.

I am reading... Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyers. Quite frankly, I am disappointed by the series. I know so many love it but I feel she is exasperating me needlessly as a reader. Why did she wait until the fourth book to allow us a glimpse into the mind of Jacob Black? And the storytelling voice is now interrupted, at least for me. Before it was an intimate sharing of a young girl's secrets. Then, when she is at her greatest crisis, boom - the story shifts from first-person heroine to first-person secondary character. Arrgh! I'm not a novel writer but have read countless novels. It just felt disjointed to me. I also started the new book I "won" on Twitter by Peter Marx, (owner of Antique Mall Books), The Historian. Elizabeth Kostova, the author, has a good strong voice. I can tell already that I'll enjoy it.

I am hoping... to keep my promise to not criticize President Obama nor liberals during Lent. I have already been tested and my gosh, it is hard! But I'm trying to pray, instead, which is what I know I should have been doing all along.

I am hearing... silence. My husband just called me from work to let me know it is snowing outside and to be extra careful when I drive to the tire place, which is just a mile away. Very close but it was still good to hear his voice and know he cares. He's such a sweetheart.

Around the house... My jeans and sweater that were "air-dried," The popcorn bowl that needs to be washed, "Bangkok Dangerous" movie that needs to be returned to the video store.

One of my favorite things... Snuggling with hubby while watching a movie. We watched "Bangkok Dangerous" on Saturday night. We both preferred the alternate ending on the disc. We talked about how the younger generation is more fatalistic than we were at that age and it's sad.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: I may have a business networking event to attend but it looks like a low-key week. I plan on using my evenings to play with my digital scrapbooking stuff and getting started on my autobiographical book. Yes. I am going to eventually have my "True Confessions" in book form! :-)

Here is picture thought I am sharing. . This is Old St. Mary's in Cincinnati, Ohio. It's a historic landmark. My parents were married in this church and I just love it. It is the most gorgeous church I've ever been in. I have such fond memories of it. Growing up, our family would always go to my grandmother's home (my mom's mom) on Christmas Eve. The small row house would be packed full of kids and adults, laughing and eating. The older uncles would sit around the table after dinner, cracking roasted walnuts and filberts with nutcrackers while discussing everything under the sun. After dinner and after opening up our Christmas gifts, we would then attend midnight Mass, which was just a block or so away. I can't imagine what it would have been like to have been able to walk to church everyday, but there you have it. That was the life of many of our family members in the 1940's and 50's. Sometimes I wish we could have that again.

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Better late than never! Today was busy, so I wasn't able to post my daybook until now. Thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for starting the daybook. For more entries, or to join, go here.


For Today: Monday, February 16, 2009

Outside My Window... The sun is still shining, bare trees are backlit with late afternoon light. The sky is layered with dark, gray clouds, which usually would have me thinking rain but maybe not.

I am thinking... about an upcoming retreat. I am getting excited about going on an authentic Catholic retreat. I haven't been on one in years but I always loved them.

I am thankful for... my husband, who still has been able to help me with my computer issues. I am also deeply, deeply grateful to him for accepting my desire to go on a retreat and being so easy-going about everything.

From the kitchen... I was intending on creating a homemade Teriyaki marinade but didn't have the cooking sherry on hand. So, that's for tomorrow night. Tonight might be simple spaghetti and meatballs. I wanted to make Spaghetti Carbonara but I'm pretty tired at the moment from a busy day at work.

I am wearing... dark blue jeans, a pink thermal shirt, a black cardigan with an empire waist, and white sneakers.

I am creating... a digital scrapbook page. Yes, playing with a new program and just love it! I think the program, Serif's "Digital Scrapbook Artist" will finally get me out from my creative funk!

I am going... to take a deep breath and focus on one thing at a time. I'm going to buy the application "Things" from the iTunes store for my iPhone. I have it at work and it has really helped my productivity! I love the simplicity of the program. It's kept me on track, pumping out the many projects my boss has assigned to me.

I am reading... Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyers. I have to admit I've become a little disappointed by some of the plotline. She created a very unlikeable character who seems to not think much of chastity and a noble vampire who wants to wait until their married before becoming intimate. Go figure.

I am hoping... I am able to accomplish everything I need to do at work this week.

I am hearing... the heat through the vent. The distant sounds of children playing outside. You can tell that kids have cabin fever when they'll ride their bikes outside when it's around 40 degrees!

Around the house... Valentine's Day goodies (candy, nuts), laundry, and butter that is softened and needs to be used in a recipe. (I often leave butter out so it softens and then I forget!)

One of my favorite things... waking up on Saturday mornings and talking with my husband about all sorts of topics without feeling like we both need to rush into our work routine.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Okay, I still haven't rejoined the swim club. Need to do that! I also would like to spend more time learning about the new digital scrapbooking program, Digital Scrapbook Artist. I created a review about it here.

Here is picture thought I am sharing. My church, Holy Family. I think it is gorgeous. I just found out that the Traditional Latin Mass on Sundays is the largest attendance out of the four services offered on the weekends. Wow!

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for starting the daybook. For more entries, or to join, go here.


For Today: Monday, February 2, 2009

Outside My Window... Yay! Finally some of the snow melted yesterday. We had so much snow and ice on the roof that it was starting to seep in and damage an area around our bedroom window. We also had icicles about two feet long. I'm glad it melted and the falling icicles didn't hurt anyone.

I am thinking... about chastity and promoting it to our younger people. There is so much in our culture that encourages a young person to get involved sexually with someone before marriage. They really need support and encouragement.

I am thankful for... my iPhone and podcasts! I have really been enjoying listening to the Audio Sancto series and Fr. Roderick's "Daily Breakfast" podcasts.

From the kitchen... It's been busy the past few days, so I've not had much time to plan the menu. For me this morning, cinnamon bagels and coffee laced with Tiramisu Creamer. Tonight I think I'll make chili and spaghetti and perhaps cornbread.

I am wearing... my pink cotton, long-sleeved nightgown and green bathrobe with slippers. I am very grateful that it doesn't feel nearly as cold from window nearby.

I am creating... my first podcast! However, I created it with an Apple laptop and just realized that copying the MP3 on a memory stick and trying to upload to a PC wasn't going to work. Apple puts these weird "._" characters in front of the file name, which messes up a transfer. I still need to figure out how to upload to a hosting site so I can submit it to iTunes.

I am going... to work, another week filled with various projects. I may have a digital scrapbooking class to teach this week, not sure. If I don't have at least 6 students, it will be canceled. (I have 5) This happened last year, too. I had a few but not enough. More students responded after the weather warmed!

I am reading... Eclipse by Stephanie Meyers, and Ayn Rand's Anthem on my iPhone through the eBook program, Stanza. Also trying to read Getting Things Done by David Allen. My boss is really into GTD and I'm trying to adapt to it. For some reason, I read half the book and then stopped. I usually like productivity books, so not sure why I'm hitting a roadblock. Hmm.

I am hoping... I can figure out how to get along with someone at work without offending them. It's an issue of control (and insecurity), so prayers would be appreciated.

I am hearing... the rush of the heat through the vent. Silence, otherwise.

Around the house... are furniture & things that have been moved from the bedroom window. The maintenance guy is going to have to re-plaster the top casing of the window and caulk under the sill. We've had some water damage.

One of my favorite things... listening to solid, Biblical teaching through an audio recording as I'm driving a long distance. Gives me time to think and contemplate.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Lots to do! I still need to join the swim club again. I was waiting for our major snow storm to move out and it has. I may have my digital scrapbooking class later this week. Tuesday night is my father-in-law's birthday and I'll be going over to my brother and sister-in-law's for a dinner celebration. (Not sure if hubby will be there since he usually goes to bed at 8:30 PM, but we'll see.) AND... something special is going on tomorrow morning. I'll post another entry for that one!

Here is picture thought I am sharing... This was from a few years ago, but I was tired of looking at the snow and sharing snow photos! The flowers are from an outside garden at the Franklin Park Conservatory. It was a gorgeous day in August (when it was warm...sigh!) and the garden was still in full bloom. I think we caught the tail end of everything but Mickey and I had a great time snapping away a bunch of pictures! Blue skies, purple flowers, and warm weather. Can't wait to do it again!

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for starting the daybook. For more entries, or to join, go here.


For Today: Monday, January 26, 2008

Outside My Window... Cold, cold! We had a surprise snowfall yesterday. Although it's been cleared for the most part, I'm actually sad that the pieces of grass that were starting to peek out (even though it was brown!) is now covered once again. Oh, well...

I am thinking... about FOCA, Right-To-Life and wondering if it will really make any difference. I am feeling that no matter what those who love life do, we're about ready to get steamrolled.

I am thankful for... Friends and family. Online recipe sites. I realize I have taken after my dear mama by collecting more recipes than I will ever use. Still, I continue!

From the kitchen... last night was Maple Apple Chicken with Ranch and Bacon Red Potatoes. Soooo good! One of my biggest joys is when my husband makes contented sounds when he's eating what I cooked! Tonight I'll probably do something easy like butter noodles with meatballs and salad. Probably should throw in some mixed veggies, too. I meant to make the Chocolate Shortbread yesterday but ran out of time. The butter is still trying to soften in our coolish home!

I am wearing... My hiking boots, dark trouser jeans, a pink long-sleeved shirt and my black, empire waist cardigan sweater. Still a little cold!

I am creating... Well, nothing this weekend. I was too busy reading online articles about the layoffs in traditional publishing houses (and why) and the increase in eBooks and how many authors are now trying self-publishing more than ever.

I am going... to have yet another busy week. I still need to do the Serif review. At work, I also have to figure out why a sound file isn't transferring to the Garage Band program.

I am reading... Eclipse by Stephanie Meyers, still. I also bought Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged. As a conservative, I have yet to read it! Still reading God is No Delusion by Thomas Crean, O.P., and Meatball Sundae by Seth Godin.

I am hoping... the voices of the faithful will not be ignored.

I am hearing... The "Quinn and Rose" show. I love them! Rose just cracks me up with her feistiness. Quinn has made an incredible observation by calling the unborn our "Human Capital." I now refer to myself as a "Human Capitalist." Quinn rightly concluded that when we kill the unborn, we are killing off our future creativity, our human capital. How so, so true.

Around the house... are still boxes from Mickey's ukeleles. And, embarrassing, but true, his son's Christmas gifts for his family. We've been snowed in a great deal already in January but hopefully this week, we'll get them to everyone!

One of my favorite things... enjoying my husband's enjoyment from my cooking. :-)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: I should rejoin the swim club this week. Need to still review the digital scrapbooking program. Catch up on "tweeting" for my husband's uke magazine.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... I don't have a photo for this week. Maybe later today I may add one!

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for starting the idea of a weekly daybook. If you'd like to participate or read more daybook entries, go here. (It's fun!)


For Today, January 19, 2008

Outside My Window... the small rooftop is still covered by a blanket of snow. It is still dark outside.

I am thinking... about my husband and how proud I am that he is working hard on Ukulele Player Magazine and the opportunities that are happening. He has put so much effort toward creating an enjoyable magazine and I can see it is paying off.

I am thankful for...my family and the short visit I was able to have with my father this weekend. It was great to attend Mass together at Sacred Heart. I am thankful I don't live too far away from my family.

From the kitchen... A bowl of honey-nut flake cereal and some toast. Hot coffee with Pumpkin Spice creamer. Tonight I'll make Maple Apple Chicken with roasted new potatoes and salad. Or maybe chili. We have some seriously cold weather right now and chili would hit the spot!

I am wearing... a flannel nightgown and my usual emerald green robe with slippers. In my mind, I'm dressed to the nines! (heh)

I am creating... Nothing! Other than cooking, I've not had too much time to play yet with the program, "Digital Scrapbooking Artist." I need to do this soon, though, for the review. I received word a few days ago that the digital designer I help promote (by being on her creative team), is stepping back from digital scrapbook design and will be focusing on something else. Not sure wha that "else" will be but feel relieved. Because I was creating digital scrapbook pages so rarely, I felt that if I did anything, I had to use her products, which is part of the agreement when you're on someone's creative team. In exchange for free product from the designer, the team member is to design a minimum amount of pages each month and post them to three or four online galleries. If one is "on a roll," it's fairly simple. But if you're like me and juggling a bunch of activities, it can be a challenge to create even one page. Since I've not created anything in awhile, I'm expecting that I'll soon start back up, now free to use other designer kits without worrying if I'm fulfilling a creative team's requirement.

I am going...to rejoin the swim club. My 30-day membership was up on Friday. I realized how much I missed swimming. Although I am older now, there is just something about being in the water that makes me feel like a little kid again! Right now I'm still doing the breast stroke with most of my laps. I hope to move into doing freestyle more consistently, which is a better workout for me.

I am reading... Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer, and will be reading Kevin Trudeau's book, The Weight Loss Cure. (my father is a big believer in Kevin Trudeau's books and is living proof what eating healthy can do for one's body and spirit!)

I am hoping... to see Mickey's magazine take off so well that eventually, he'll be able to work on it full-time. I am also hoping that our new President will not enact FOCA and force many Catholic hospitals to make very difficult choices.

I am hearing...the soft hum of the heated air coming through the floor vent. And I'm listening to classical music: Mozart's Church Sonata No. 1 for 2 violins, bass, and organ in E flat major. (And now, Vivaldi - courtesy of Pandora's online music player!) Nothing like classical violin to easily coax the spirit to life in the early morning!

Around the house... are boxes from all the ukuleles Mickey has been receiving from various ukulele companies. Several will be given away to lucky winners who enter the contest. (If you're interested and want to help clear our home, go to Ukulele Player Magazine, download for free Issue 2 and go to page 25 for details.) Believe it or not, I'm starting to try to learn how to play the ukulele. They are pretty fun!

One of my favorite things... attending Mass with my father and Latin Mass in particular. Watching John Wayne movies. (As I did with my father on Saturday night.) Listening to classical music early in the morning.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: We're going to hear Victora Vox this Tuesday night. She is a gem! I feel that it won't be long until one of her songs makes it into mainstream. So far, I am just grooving to "The Bird Song." I love that song! We'll be getting to interview her for the magazine, which should be great fun. I can tell she's a happy soul and who doesn't love meeting happy souls? Thursday night, I get paid to eat. Yep! I was tapped from a research group to be a part of a group that will "taste test" something from Wendy's! It should be interesting to see what they're 'cooking up' next. Sometime I also hope to look at this digital scrapbooking program more closely.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... The snow from this past week. Yes, it has been COLD! I love looking at the snow on the ground early in the morning, though. It sparkles so beautifully in the moonlight. As long as the roads aren't icy, I'm okay. :-)

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for starting the daybook. For more entries, or to join, go here.


For Today: Monday, January 12, 2008

Outside My Window... feeling the cold and was surprised to see SNOW! I thought we escaped it, but I think not. It doesn't look like much is on the ground, which is good for those of us having to drive in the stuff.

I am thinking... of how proud I am of my husband for starting Ukulele Player Magazine (see post below). I know how much he loves this instrument, plus just loves people, period. The magazine gives him the vehicle to explore both. "Good on him" as our Down Under friends would say!

I am thankful for... a warm home, clothes on my back, food to eat. The simple things that aren't so simple when people are losing jobs. Please provide Lord, for all those who have recently lost their jobs.

From the kitchen... last night was roast chicken with mashed potatoes and corn. Probably leftovers tonight but with steamed veggies instead of the potatoes and salad.

I am wearing... my pink cotton long nightshirt and emerald green bathrobe with slippers.

I am creating... demo scrapbook pages with a new program Serif sent me. I'll be reviewing it on my OTHER blog (yes, I'm insane), ScrapShot Magazine. I'd like to mention this program in my next class but need to figure it out first! (The blog is still being developed, so if you're interested, stay tuned. More on the way!)

I am going... to have a very busy week. Off to work, soon. Tomorrow I'm starting my swimming program again. Unfortunately, I lost two weeks of my membership because I was sick. (swimming with a cold just wasn't appealing...) But it's okay. I'm going to get back in the saddle again! I also will be working on finishing "My Story" on this blog and reviewing the scrapbooking product from Serif.

I am reading... too many books! Eclipse by Stephanie Meyers, God is No Delusion by Thomas Crean, O.P., Meatball Sundae by Seth Godin.

I am hoping... I can feel focused this week. I have so much spinning around my mind!

I am hearing... the rush of the heat coming on. Silence, otherwise.

Around the house... are boxes from Mickey's latest venture with a ukulele maker.

One of my favorite things... listening to my sweet husband play the ukulele. :-)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Swimming, reading, working on the website for work and various projects.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... Yes, I got an iPhone! I am thrilled that I can finally afford one and have been waiting for the right choice for awhile, now. I've not had a cell phone in seven years. After I married, I decided I didn't really need one and no longer lived in a rural location. However, this past summer, my car broke down in of all places, downtown Columbus. Believe it or not, I could not find a pay phone! Even a hotel told me they had just had all their pay phones removed three weeks ago. The maintenance man was nice enough to let me use his cell phone, but it was a huge wake-up call to me. No longer could I count on a pay phone in an emergency.

The 8GB iPhone originally cost $599. Then they dropped it to $399. Then it went to $199. Just a few weeks ago, I discovered AT&T was selling refurbished iPhones online for the amazing price of $99! So, yes, I waited but the wait was certainly worth it. The refurbished model looks brand new to me, no scratches or anything to distinguish it as a refurb. I'm just happy to finally have a phone and the ability to make it my main electronic gadget. (With a calendar, contact list, internet connectivity, etc.) Share with me your favorite apps. I am not into games, but any productivity tool, especially, would be great! (And of course, I'm eyeing iBreviary, which has the Mass readings daily. That's an awesome app!)

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for starting this daybook idea. If you'd like to join in, go here. More entries are there, too!



For Today, December 22, 2008

Outside my window... It is light, but extremely, bitterly cold. It was 1 degrees when I left this morning!

I am thinking... that I am absolutely not ready for Christmas this year. I have done nothing and I think it's because I just miss my mom. No decorations around our home except for my Advent wreath. I need to bake, though. That may put me more in a Christmas spirit! I just can't help but think, though, of so many people right now who are without a job.

I am thankful for... My job. Also thankful for warm clothes and shelter right now!

From the kitchen... Chili dogs! Mickey had a taste for them, so last night we had chili dogs and chips. I wanted to make spaghetti tonight to go along with the left-over chili, but he may want the hot dogs again!

I am wearing... tan chinos and a mauve-colored knit mock turtleneck. And yes, it was the same think I wore last Monday. How funny! But I do really wish I had some long johns on right now. The cotton fabric of the pants are really thin!

I am creating... Sigh. Nothing! I hope to create some baked goods though, as gifts. I did want to create a calendar, still. Just may be able to do it!

I am going... to create that calendar tonight come fire or flood!

I am reading... Still reading Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. Okay. One thing that impressed me was in the back of the book, Stephanie Meyer had questions for discussion. One of the themes of the book (that I didn't pick up on right away) was temptation. How do we handle it? How is the main character handling it? Very nice thought-provoking questions that I do believe is important for everyone, especially young teens.

I am hoping... I can find a way to get something special for my sweet hubby for Christmas. We're keeping it small this year, but I do want to get him something nice.

I am hearing... The rush of the furnace, a car door just slammed outside. People are waking up to frigid weather but battling it to get to work.

Around the house... is still my small Christmas tree, waiting to be put up. I don't know if I'm going to put it up.

One of my favorite things... Drinking hot coffee when it's freezing outside! And yes, tea. (For my dad who keeps telling me to give up the coffee!)

A few plans for the rest of the week: Baking, creating, Christmas eve with my in-laws and Christmas Day with my dad and the rest of the family in Cincinnati. I believe I have to work on Friday so the trip to Cincinnati will have to be short and sweet.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... This is for Adrienne. She sent me these holy cards months ago and I wanted to let her know I had finally found a frame to properly display them. A few in the frame are from my mother's funeral and also her grandfather's. (Back in 1962. Those are the prettier cut cards!)

A SimpleWoman's Daybook

Thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook blog for the great idea. Visit her page today for more entries!

Since I got a little bit of a late start, I completed my entry at work. Just for anyone who is shocked I'm not wearing my emerald green bathrobe and nightgown. ;-)



For Today, December 15, 2008

Outside my window... the light is beginning to peek out from the horizon. It is extremely windy, though.

I am thinking... about Christmas. Can't believe it's next week!

I am thankful for... Online Christian friends who remind me of what is truly important.

From the kitchen... Well, last night we had Chicken Divan, which I love. Tonight I'm toying with fixing Spaghetti Carbonara or picking up Chicken Teriyaki for dh, Kung Pao Chicken for me from our local Asian carry-out.

I am wearing... tan chinos and a mauve-colored knit mock turtleneck. Very comfy. And mauve reminds me of Gaudete Sunday and this week's Advent candle. :-)

I am creating... Goodness. Nothing! I created an appetizer spread for my husband's ukulele group, which met on Saturday at our home. I didn't have time to create my digital scrapbook pages. I'm beginning to wonder if I'll ever get my mojo back!

I am going... to go to Confession tonight in preparation for Christmas. I have become more aware of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and how important it is to my life.

I am reading... (blushing) Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. Yes. A local book club that I belong to (but haven't attended faithfully) decided to read this book as the January book-of-choice. I know the buzz around it but thought it was for young teens only. I'm surprised by how much I'm enjoying it. Meyer actually is fleshing out the character of Bella pretty well.

I am hoping... I can figure out what I'm going to do for Christmas gifts. My husband's brother asked if we could refrain from exchanging gifts but I'll still give a baked good. I'm just not sure what to bake. Suggestions?

I am hearing... Silence. The furnace just stopped blowing. I'm at work at the moment, so this is a little bit of a different environment.

Around the house... is my small Christmas tree, waiting to be put up. I'm feeling a little sad about my mom, so maybe that's why I'm not so much into the Christmas spirit this year.

One of my favorite things... watching "It's A Wonderful Life" with my husband during this time of year. Sometimes I wish I could crawl into Frank Capra's world. I would have loved living in the 1940's and 50's!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Confession tonight, maybe some networking event later in the week for work if available. Figuring out what to get for my sweet husband for Christmas. Maybe decorating. We usually keep the decorating low-key, anyway, so it's just a small tree decorated with a few Christmas things placed around our home. But it is our first Christmas in this place and really, I should finally get the fireplace tools so we can enjoy a fire on Christmas morning!

Here is picture thought I am sharing... last night's dinner. Yummmmm!!!

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for the fun! Check out her site here for more entries!


For Today, December 8, 2008

Outside My Window... It is dark. The snow melted from the rooftop but is still on the ground. Brrr!!

I am thinking... about Twitter. More on that in another blog post.

I am thankful for... My darling husband. Today we celebrate 7 years of wedded bliss!

From the kitchen... a quick and easy meatball-and-noodle recipe with fresh veggies, homemade pumpkin pie for dessert. At the moment I'm drinking good hot coffee with Sweet Italian Cream.

I am wearing... My emerald green bathrobe, long-sleeved pink cotton nightie, and my fuzzy slippers.

I am creating... Logo for work and my background design for Twitter. That's it. I still didn't do any digi scrapping this weekend!

I am going... to be celebrating later our anniversary with my husband. Very special!

I am reading... Meatball Sundae by Seth Godin. It's a marketing book and pretty interesting.

I am hoping... I can make sense of Twitter and not see my weekend "twittered" away like this past weekend!

I am hearing... The very soft hum of the computer and silence. In a few minutes, I'll be taking my shower and listening to talk radio, as usual.

Around the house... Christmas decorations that still need to go up. My advent wreath, which I need to pay more attention to.

One of my favorite things... snuggling with my hubby while watching a movie. We recently rented Star Wars I, II, and III. It was a welcome view compared to some weird movie I rented about Bob Dylan that didn't seem to be about Bob Dylan at all.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: I will be attempting to create digital scrapbooking pages and giving thought to what I will be baking for Christmas. I'm going to be low-key and not bake as much but I do want to bake a few things. I may put up our small Christmas tree!

Here is picture thought I am sharing... Last year, I asked Mickey if he'd set up his photography studio and if we could take some photos of us snuggling. Yes, it was staged, but truly mimics what we usually do many nights, when watching a movie together. I wanted to scrap a page that commemorated our "snuggling." (Yes, I'm a big romantic sap!) So, we took some photos and this was one of them. I am extremely blessed to not only have a husband who loves me like this, but indulges my crazy requests such as "Hey! I've got an idea! Let's turn the couch toward the camera and snuggle while it's self-timed to take photographs!" Yep. I'm a character, alright. :-)

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for this fun daybook. Check out other entries today. If you'd like to join in, visit her page and the instructions are at the top.



For Today, December 1, 2008

Outside My Window... it is dark, but I have the blinds down. I can feel the coldness from the window. Brrrr!

I am thinking... about how much I want an Apple computer. It's not good. I have a perfectly good computer, although it does give me fits at times. I just really like Mac's software. My husband is annoyed by the whole "Mac thing." He thinks they're overpriced. :-)

I am thankful for... my job, food, shelter, friends, family. I am especially thankful for being able to celebrate Advent this year within the Catholic church. It's the first time I can remember really going into this season with an Advent mind and heart.

From the kitchen... Drinking strong coffee laced with Italian Sweet Cream. I so want to make an omelet but I'm still stuffed from last night's dinner! So it will likely be cereal. Later tonight, I want to try a new recipe - Chicken with Bow-Tie Pasta. Since I had some leftover ingredients from the weekend uke get-together, I figured I may as well find good use for them. I found the recipe on Hidden Valley Ranch's site.

I am wearing... my nightgown and my emerald green robe with my soft tan slippers lined with polar fleece. Ahhhh.

I am creating... digital scrapbooking page and created my own Advent wreath yesterday.

I am going... to work. This week will seem long since we had such a short week last week! Still, thank God I have a job. I've been saying this still each day!

I am reading... still reading The Mass of the Early Christians by Mike Aquilina. I am fascinated by the early accounts of historians such as Ignatius, who describe the Eucharist with such reverence and have hard words for those who do not receive it as the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I am hoping... I can plan well for this Christmas. I'll be baking but I want to plan ahead so I'm not running around like a chicken with her head cut off two days before the big day!

I am hearing... the soft hum of the computer, the clicking of the keys. It sounded like someone just left next door.

Around the house... my Advent wreath, a nicely de-cluttered den, thanks to hubby finally putting his stuff away in a box, a less cluttered living room due to me finally putting things away or throwing them out.

One of my favorite things... is early morning prayer. I lit the first candle in the Advent wreath and thanked God for this season. I'll be reading scripture throughout the day.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Nothing special. Work and coming home, fixing dinner, and spending time with husband catching up on his day. I do want to put up our small Christmas tree. My husband isn't really "into" it but as soon as I start to put it up, he's right there tweaking everything I do!

Here is picture thought I am sharing... My advent wreath! I decided to make one. I bought a small wreath on sale from Joann's for $1.80, then the little votives from Hallmark for $2.00 each. I had votive candle holders already. I figured if I was going to have a flame anywhere near a wreath, I'd go with the candle holders. My husband is not familiar at all with this tradition, so I'm hoping this will be a nice way to help him think about this season's meaning, too.

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Thank you, Peggy at Simple Woman's Daybook, for this idea. Check today's entry for more daybooks. Now I created my own - "The Perfect Day" daybook. Scroll below to see it and join, if you'd like!

For Today, November 24, 2008
Outside My Window... it is dark and cold. I can feel the cold a little by the window.

I am thinking... about how I can juggle my new job while still trying to reach my ultimate dream of self-employment. I have lots of ideas - but the time to implement those ideas is what I have to figure out.

I am thankful for... privacy. This may sound strange, but Mickey and I are watching the movie, "The Lives of Others," a foreign movie. I had heard about it from Rush Limbaugh and was curious, since he really doesn't talk about movies that much. It's an amazing story set during East Germany's socialist heyday in 1984, complete with their secret police, the Stasi, bugging people's homes and spying on everyone. If anyone was suspected of "betraying" the government by criticizing or questioning it, they were harshly interrogated and sent away to some prison camp.

It's a heavy topic, but I'd highly recommend seeing it. Afterward, you'll be breathing a sigh of relief that we don't have this level of surveillance in our country - yet.

From the kitchen... is hot coffee, which I'm drinking with the ever-popular, Cinnamon Bun creamer, cereal and a banana. Later will be chicken and veggies, although I haven't planned the chicken recipe, yet. I also have a homemade pumpkin pie I had bought from Kroger's for the super-cheap price of $3.99, which Mickey already devoured 1/4. It's his favorite pie. :-)

I am wearing... a long-sleeved cotton nightshirt and barefoot, which really, I shouldn't be since I found an ugly spider around my desk yesterday. (shiver!)

I am creating... nothing! My weekend was spent putting together the bookcase!

I am going... to be leaving for work soon. I am happy this week is a short one! I won't get vacation time for awhile, so it's nice to have a few "built-in" holidays.

I am reading... Mike Aquilina's The Mass of the Early Christians. I am amazed (although I shouldn't be) that the Mass incorporates elements from the Jewish temple worship. This makes perfect sense since Jesus Christ and the Apostles were Jews. But what's really cool is the understanding of the Eucharist (which is what the gathering of believers was originally called). I really love "patterns" and "types" in the Scripture. Manna was a shadow of what was to come in the form of Jesus Christ giving His body as sustenance to His Church. The Old Testament temple had "showbread." There is just a glorious consistency to God's interactions with man, which is confirmed over and over again in Scripture. Very fascinating stuff!

I am hoping... I can videotape another installment for "Castitas" video. I had an excellent suggestion sent to me via email and I'd like to explore the subject in the video. I'm going to aim for tonight.

I am hearing... the soft whoosh of air from the vent. The heat just kicked on. I can feel it with my feet since the vent is right under my desk. Ahhhhh!

Around the house... Less boxes! Woohoo! I am thrilled to finally have emptied a few boxes of books and place them in their new home. I've cleared the living room a little and now need to go through the remaining boxes to see what I can throw out. I know there is junk in those boxes that I truly don't need! If I can't use it, I'm giving it away!

One of my favorite things... getting together with friends and laughing. See my new "The Perfect Day Book" below. I'm starting my own and Saturday really was a perfect day!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Taping a "Castitas" video, playing more with podcasting, going through those boxes and pitching the junk, hunting for good fireplace tools since we don't have any and I'm itching to have our first fire! Thanksgiving will be with Mickey's parents this year. His mother loves the holidays and will be making the traditional dinner with turkey and all the fixings. It will just be Mickey's one brother and that's it. I will miss my family but look forward to seeing them on Christmas day.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... My bookcase! So happy I finally have one! If you're curious about what's on my shelf, you can click the photo to see a larger version. Some of those books were given to me, or inherited. I'm not a big Danielle Steele fan, but my mother was. The last book she was reading is on my shelf on the top. Many books are about relationships and finding a mate (when I was coaching). It's mostly non-fiction books I read and the subject matter ranges from politics to poetry to religion to finding your passion. I do enjoy fiction, I just seem to have fallen out of reading it over the years. Currently, I'm still wading through Tolkien's "Fellowship of the Ring" series!