Reading, reading, reading!

I love to read. And having more time to read is another one of my perks from working part time! I belong to "3" book clubs - one that I helped start at my former employer (yep - we still meet after many years, and despite the fact that a few of us no longer work there!), one online through facebook, and one with a girlfriend. I don't always get to participate in each of them, but do as often as I can.

The problem is, I'm a book lover. Ok, excuse the language, but I'm a book whore. I LOVE books. I have shelves of them. I have too many that I want to read! And I don't keep them all after I read them - I only keep the ones that I might want to read again some day, or lend to someone else. Most of the shelves are full of books that I haven't read! And trying to fit those extras in, with three others books going on, well - it can be difficult!

So I am excited about a new winter reading program at our library. Local businesses have provided prizes, for an incentive to read in these cold, Wisconsin winter months. So I am reading! Finished one book this week and last night started another. Very excited to be pushing myself to read some of the books on those shelves. Maybe when I'm done, I can turn them in at the used bookstore in town - to get store credit - and BUY MORE BOOKS!

I have a few vices. Reading is one of them. But one that probably isn't THAT bad for me. :) We do live in the frozen tundra...and it's winter. It's cold outside! No better reason to curl up with a book in front of that fireplace!

The power of positive..

I thrive on positive. This is nothing new. And when I have something positive to look forward to, something in the near future, it makes days go by so easily.

One of my dearest friends in all the world is coming at the end of the month for a girlfriends weekend... a weekend of scrapbooking, coffee, good food, and talking. And I cannot wait. I absolutely love these weekends, which we do not do enough! And this time I get to host, so I'm having fun planning menus, etc.

Only a few days after she leaves, I have a mid-week getaway with the hubby. A concert ticket was my gift from the kids for Christmas - and we are sneaking over to the concert and staying over night!

And then, three weeks from that - is Mardi Gras. It will be my second time there for Mardi Gras, this time taking the kids. Another family vacation, which I know will be dwindling away after my daughter graduates from college and starts her next stage in life. So I will cherish this vacation. With all my heart.

I love having these things in the back of my mind, as they keep me going. They give me a light at the end of the tunnel. And I am very Blessed to have so MUCH to look forward to! 

a Misunderstanding???

We've all seen the posts, the jokes, etc. about the husband not understanding what the wife does all day at home.

Last night we received notice that due to snow, school would be delayed this morning. And with that delay, the field trip for the band off, and with that, my sub job cancelled. I had a TON of things on the plate for this week, and felt immediate relief when I realized that I would have the day to catch up!

Before going to bed last night, my dear husband asked me "what are you going to DO with all day tomorrow??" And while I know his intentions were good, that he was happy I'd have a day "off", I realized that he really doesn't have any idea what it takes to run a household!

Before noon today I had:

• sorted all of the recycleables
• taken garbage and recycling out to curb
• shoveled the massive pile at the end of the driveway left by the plow
• unloaded and loaded the dishwasher
• baked 3 dozen biscuits for my families
• washed dishes and cleaned up the kitchen
• gotten the fireplace going
• cleared the mantel
• washed a load of laundry

by noon

The afternoon will include additional cleaning and laundry.

Wonder what I should do with my day off? ;)

Introducing my new blog!

With all that has happened recently, I've decided that it's time to start a new food blog... Introducing....

Saturday Morning Coffee with Missy

 http://saturdaymorningcoffeewithmissy.blogspot.com/

 Working on the first true post now - and playing with templates. I'd love to have you join me there! 

Getting ready!

This morning I'm up early prepping food! I have baked oatmeal in the oven, with my girlfriend coming over for a healthy breakfast, our first chance since the kids went back to school.

But I'm also prepping for the television spot on Sunday. I've been taking pictures along the way to send them, as they want pictures before the fact. So the Balsamic pork is in the crock pot! I'm pretty darn excited at this point. I hope it goes well. What a fun chance to share not only my passion for cooking, and providing for my family, but a super yummy recipe that I think everyone will LOVE!

I really need to figure out how cooking can become my future. It makes me so happy....

New glasses, new hair, and the photo sample prep underway. Guess I'm getting ready for my big spot! Channel 7 this Sunday - airing around 7:40ish.

God's timing....

So my Faithful readers know that I spent the morning on my knees in prayer. (if not - read the previous post)

I received a phone call this morning from a local news station, asking me to showcase one of my recipes on the Sunday morning news show!

I am beyond excited. Not because I'm getting paid (because I'm not) - but for having something to look forward to! Something positive, and fun. And who knows? God makes everything happen for a reason! He heard my anguish and distress this morning and sent me a gift.

God is so good.

Life's tests...

I help out with our church's youth group. And we have a facebook page - for updates, scriptures, etc. We finished a Bible study just after Thanksgiving, and then had a Christmas party, but have been "off" for the holidays. In order to jump start January, I posted a passage from James on our site the other day - about growing stronger through those tests. James 1:2-I1.

I have felt these last couple of months an incredible strain and stress. There are many factors. So many. And more arose this morning. And I'm not talking tests about housework, or people issues, I'm talking about big life tests. The ones that change you.

So this morning, I closed my bedroom door and fell to my knees. And I prayed. I prayed for strength, and for peace. I prayed prayers of repentance for all I've done wrong. I prayed for guidance and direction. I prayed prayers of thanksgiving for bringing us to where we are today. But mostly, I simply prayed. I prayed, giving all of my worries and stress up to God. Because that's what I do. At least I try. I try to give my worries up, allowing Him to worry for me. To take care of me.

I don't know where I would be without my Faith. It gets me through, and makes me stronger, no matter what the tests and trials. I am so thankful for my God, for His strength.