Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to y'all!

God works in mysterious ways and besides many blessings He also gives miracles. What seemed an impossible situation up on till yesterday morning, was turned around completely; our youngest daughter called and asked us to keep our grand children for about two weeks.

She had moved to another house and needs to get some things taken care of to make it safer for the kids. At least that is what we are told, but we don't know the real reason and she would not tell us anything more. That's fine. We hope she gets it sorted out.

In the mean time we have our little rascals staying over as well as our new grand daughter. After not having seen the boys for 5 months, it is a treat. A hand full, well... make that two, but a real treat.

God took a bad situation and turned it into gold. Nothing is impossible for Him and our faith has sustained and comforted us throughout this entire trial. He carried us through these trying times and heard our prayers. Words of thanks don't seem to be enough, but God knows. :-)

Praise You and Thank You, God!

Psalm 69:30
I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving.

A Great Place To Live

Our son in law went to military basic training in South Carolina and I don't know why our daughter and the kids did not stay there as well. It is beautiful in that part of the States and all you need and want is close by.

There are lots of gorgeous houses available on Columbia SC Real Estate market and cheap as well. They certainly would not have had any problems finding a home in such a nice environment. It is a great place to live!

Quitting Addictions

Whether I like to admit it or not, I have a smoking addiction. I know from my own experience how difficult it is to quit and I can not even begin to imagine what it must be like trying to quit alcohol or drugs.

I can understand that someone finds relief in alcohol or drugs. Not everyone knows how to make lemonade, when life gives them lemons. Take one of our acquaintances for instance; she has a drinking problem and it is very clear that she just does not know how to cope with difficult or problematic situations.

Several times she has mentioned wanting help to beat her addiction, but when push came to shove, she backed out. I hope she will find the courage sometime soon to take that first step. No one can force her and no one else can take that for her either. It is something she has to do herself.

It is one thing to beat an addiction, but a whole different story being able to face what life throws at you without falling back in to it. That is why it is so important to find an alcohol or drug rehab program which not only assists in overcoming the addiction, but also strengthens the person mentally and emotionally.

It has been proven that a program like that has a much higher success rate and I think it would be ideal for our friend. When she knows she is in control of her life and has learned how to handle situations, she will not need an escape anymore. Her life will take a positive turn and she will be a lot happier for it.

Danger Zone

I have never read the book, but it is not so difficult to understand why 'women are from Venus and man are from Mars'. All you have to do is take a good look at this picture and you will completely understand why and what the difference is. Grin.

BTW, if you are looking for the manual; there is none!


When I first saw this I burst out laughing and told my husband to stay clear from the great red knob. Upon second thought, I would rather advise him not to touch, turn, or press any of these, unless it would be the off switch, haha. Ehhh, where is that switch anyway?

Over the years I have learned that feelings create false believes and are often invalid. It is better to either set them aside or wait until they subside on their own, in order to reason and consider. Not everything is as it seems or as we assume, based upon how we feel.

Feelings often makes a situation worse. That does not mean that we have to ignore them, it only means we should not react to them as soon as they occur. It is always helpful to retreat and spend some time in prayer. God's presence always has a calming and soothing effect. :-)

Proverbs 29:11
A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.

Funny and Cheap

Our oldest was cleaning out her closet a couple of weeks ago and threw out several old T shirts. When I noticed that, I knew it would not take long before she would be going on a 'cheap t shirts' hunt and replace them. She loves wearing them, especially when they have a cute print on them.

Our grand sons used to have some hilarious remarks on their tees as well. I don't know where their mom purchased them, but I found over 400 designs for funny t shirts online. The shirts are environmental friendly as well since they are made from 100% cotton and can be personalized for each gender.

As for the price tag; you won't loose your shirt on this deal!

Energy Boost IV

Okay, one more post with some tips and tricks to empower you kicking fatigue to the curb and then I will no longer bother you with it. At least for now. Grin.

Pressure points.
Acupressure techniques can be natural energy boosters, according to researchers at the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor. Applying pressure to key points on the body stimulates the nerves that regulate attention and alertness. Kornblatt suggests pulling on your ears – a practice touted in acupressure and craniosacral massage. (Start by gently tugging around the ears and lobes, then move up the tops of the ears and back down the sides.)

Research also shows that the acupressure point in the center of the top of your head can have a huge impact on pumping up energy. To find the point, place your thumbs on the tops of your ears, and stretch your hands up until your middle fingertips meet at the top of your head. Tap on this spot lightly for a few minutes while taking deep breaths, and feel the results.

Chug some H20.
Believe it or not, dehydration is a major cause of fatigue. Water makes up about 80 percent of the brain and is an essential element in neurological transmissions. When you're dehydrated, your blood is thicker and travels more slowly to the brain to deliver oxygen.

To avoid feeling sluggish from a lack of fluids, aim for eight glasses of liquid a day. "Water is the best choice because it has no calories, but decaffeinated coffee, natural fruit juice, herbal tea – even zero-calorie sodas – count toward your overall fluid intake," notes Moores. "The most important thing to remember is to avoid liquids that have a lot of sugar, such as smoothies, because the energy gains are only temporary."

Talk to yourself.
Positive self-talk plays a huge role in your energy level. Having a personal mantra, such as "It's going to be a great day!" can put a positive spin on your outlook. Tape an inspirational quote to your refrigerator, or look at yourself in the mirror and admire your favorite facial feature. On the days when you're in pain, repeat the phrase "I'm strong enough to get through this."

Staying positive is the very best thing you can do to boost your energy and promote good health.
~ Source: Arthritis Today.

From experience I know that last is absolutely true. When being under a lot of pressure and/or feeling down, it is good to count all the blessings and have faith. Nothing stays the same and it is all temporary. It will all work out, even if it does not seem like it at the moment.

Find the upside in the downside; yeah, your car may have broken down, but your friend is more then willing to help you out. It is raining and cold outside, but at least you got a roof over your head and can enjoy a hot cup of chocolate. We may not see our children and grandchildren, but at least they are healthy and well.

These are just a few examples and when you look closely, you will find many more blessings. If you don't see them, then remember the greatest one of all: God is always with you. How uplifting is that?!

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you."

A Great Gift

A dear friend of mine asked me yesterday where she could purchase a visa gift card and I am happy to tell her that she can find them online at GiftCardLab.com.

Purchasing a Visa Gift card has been made a lot of fun, now that you can customize and personalize them. Use the promo code "pumpkin" and you will even receive a $2 discount on a card. This offer expires 11/25, so be quick.

I like the idea of gift cards, they allow for anyone to get what they want or need. For more info read the press release at: http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Card-Lab-Inc-920394.html.

It sure eliminates wasting money on an unwanted gift that will disappear mysteriously!

Hire And Hit The Road

Some good friends of ours have been staying in Portugal for a while and from what I heard it seems to be a beautiful country.

I don't think many people take Portugal in consideration when planning for a vacation. That's a shame, because it has some gorgeous scenery to explore. The best way to do that would be by car and taking advantage of this Portugal Car Hire site to make reservations.

You will not only find the best deals concerning a rental car, but the site also gives some great tips and reminders on and about driving abroad. That is excellent service which can save you a lot of grief and disappointment upon arrival in Portugal!

It will definitely save you a long walk!

Energy Boost III

Here are some very simple tricks to beat down your fatigue and muster up some energy. Okay, I admit; the last one may take a little effort on your part, but you will be better off for it.

Wear red.
On days when you're feeling sluggish, try wearing a colorful sweater or scarf for an immediate pick-me-up. Studies indicate that color has a huge impact on energy level. Red, in particular, has been shown to improve mood and alertness.

Pop a peppermint.
The scent of peppermint decreases fatigue by up to 25 percent, according to researchers at Wheeling Jesuit University, in W. Va. Keep a bowl of peppermints on your desk to get you through the late-afternoon slump; or light a peppermint-scented candle, and let the invigorating aroma help you keep from dozing off while finishing those expense reports.

Have a good laugh.
Giggle, guffaw, chuckle, snicker, chortle – no matter what you call it, laughing is good for your health. It reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, elevates mood and boosts the immune system. The next time you need a burst of energy, try reading the comics, watching a funny movie or viewing stand-up comedy clips online. Dr. Orloff also recommends connecting with others who share a zest for life and a great sense of humor.

"Laughter is contagious," she says. "It increases endorphins, our body’s natural painkillers, and reduces our stress hormones. Laughter is good therapy."

Break a sweat.
Regular exercise is good for much more than just losing weight. The National Institutes of Health also promotes exercise as an effective way to gain energy. Aim for 30 minutes a day. Can't spare a half-hour? Research published in the journal Health Psychology found that 10 minutes of exercise can improve mood, increase energy and reduce feelings of fatigue.

The next time you're dragging, walk around the block, go for a short bike ride or swim a few laps in the pool. The energy boost you get from exercise will be far more effective than the short-term effects of caffeine or sugar.

Well, I finally started back on the treadmill again and felt so much better after walking a mile. I intend to keep it up, because I am tired of constantly feeling tired.

When you are physically exercising, it not only increases your stamina, energy and overall feeling of well being, it also enhances your mental and emotional coping skills. Problems do not appear to be so much drama and trauma, as they would seem to be when you are tired. You are more likely to tackle and solve them.

Being able to cope easier will also encourage the desire and willingness to help someone in need. Whether we like to admit and accept it or not, we all need help in some form or another. God always provides; sometimes His help is given through others.

We never know when or how God will use us. Therefore, it is good to walk an extra mile, to be ready to go the extra mile. :-)

Matthew 5:41
And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.

Dark Chocolate Benefits During Pregnancy

Speaking of an energy booster and a great mood enhancer, here is a very tasty one for you: dark chocolate!

This delicious treat has many health benefits of which only a few were know and/or acknowledged, until recently. Dr. Elizabeth Triche of Yale University and her colleagues conducted a study on the positive results of chocolate during pregnancies.

Over the course of several years of study, it so turned out that when consumed by pregnant women during their first and second trimester, dark chocolate for pregnancy was very effective in decreasing the chances for hypertension and fluid retention.

I had already heard that dark chocolate was good for your health. Besides improving the overall feeling of well being, it also decreased stress which leads to improved focus and greater calmness. It also battles fatigue by increasing your energy and with our hectic lifestyle these days, we all can use some more of that.

Don't run to the store now and grab the first dark chocolate you come across. Not all dark chocolate is of the highest quality. Intentional Chocolate is and has an added ingredient that enhances and improves all the great benefits to the consumers of their dark chocolate.

So, let's intentionally experience and share the best of dark chocolate!

Energy Boost II

There are several more things you can do to increase your energy and minimize exhaustion, tiredness and dragging yourself through the day. Some of the following options have been clinically proven to have a positive effect. It sure is worth giving it a try.

Brush out toxins.
According to the ancient Chinese healing art of Qigong, using a dry brush can help your lymphatic system – located just beneath your skin – to drain toxins. Run a long-handled brush with nonsynthetic bristles over your limbs and torso in the direction of your heart, using long, sweeping motions. Brush from the tips of your toes to the tops of your thighs, and the tips of your fingers to the tops of your shoulders.

"It's very stimulating, and such a great way to wake up your senses," says Sondra Kornblatt, co-author with Susannah Seton of 365 Energy Boosters (Conari Press, 2005). "You also can use the brush to tap on each shoulder for a minimassage that releases tension."

Savor a stretch.
A few minutes of stretching can loosen tense muscles and help you feel more alert. Set aside a few minutes to do some simple stretches during the day. In addition to giving you energy, it has the added benefit of decreasing muscle soreness and improving flexibility.

Stock up on snacks.
Eat healthy snacks, such as nuts, cheese, fruit or yogurt. These energy boosters will help keep your blood sugar level even, enabling you to avoid experiencing extreme energy peaks and valleys. "Try to have foods from two to three different food groups on hand for snacking," advises Sue Moores, a St. Paul, Minn.-based registered dietitian. "The combination of fruits and veggies, whole grains and protein will give you more nutritious and lasting energy."

Avoid high-fat and fried foods, as well as those that are high in sugar. According to Moores, these types of foods provide a quick burst of energy, but can leave you feeling hungry and depleted just 30 minutes later.

Get enough sleep.
You know that getting enough sleep is important, but how often do you sacrifice a few hours of shut-eye in favor of crossing one more thing off your to-do list? According to the Better Sleep Council, 26 percent of women have difficulty sleeping, and many admit to losing zzzs due to worrying about family issues and finances. The result: They feel moody, as well as less alert and less energetic.
~Source: Arthritis Today.

If none of the above appealed to you or did not work out as they should have, then don't despair; I have several more tips and recommendations for you that might do the trick. You may have some solutions yourself and I would appreciate it if you would share those; they could be of great help to others.

When things don't work out as we expected then we may find ourselves in the dark and without direction. That is no reason to despair; it is a reason to pray even more and ask for guidance and leadership. Put your trust in God and He will show the way. :-)

Psalm 18:28
For You will light my lamp; The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.

Good Night. Sleep Tight.

Not too long ago we painted and redecorated our bedroom and even though it looks finished, it is not. I am still looking at bedroom furniture, because I would love to have a nice headboard. To me that would be the finishing touch and pull it all together.

It occurred to me how much time we spend on finding bedroom furniture we like, but hardly give any thought to getting a good, comfortable mattress. You may own one of these gorgeous, designer platform beds, but it will not do much good if you wake up with aches and pains.

Those of you suffering from Arthritis know exactly what I mean; you don't sleep well when your joints are hurting and your mattress is aggravating the problem. Broken sleep will only add to your tiredness which already exists due to your condition.

The platform beds are easy to get in and out off and would be a perfect place to rest your aching and weary bones when covered with a supporting mattress that cares for your joints. Wouldn't it be nice for a change to have a good night and sleep tight?

On The Move Again

We learned that our youngest daughter is moving to Florida. She has a friend living close by the newly rented house. She knows the girl for several years now and the girl has been living with our youngest on and off. More off then on; after a couple of months, at times even a few weeks, she ups and leaves. Yeah, just like our youngest.

Upon her sister's question why she moved to Florida, our youngest answered that she was all alone here most of the time anyway. If it was just her I would not mind so much that she moves from one place to the next. However, she is dragging three young children with her now, as well. This is already the 13th or 14th time in their young lives that they are being uprooted.

After this move, she intends to move to West Virgina, where her husband is attending Military School now and after that to New York to be with him the remainder of the time he still will be here before being deployed to Afhanistan. After that? Only God knows. We hope she will settle down and provide our grand children with a steady home.

At least they will always have one here, but the best home is being in God's hands!

John 10:29
My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.

Two Dogs To Treat

Since the weather has turned a lot cooler, we keep the office door open during the day. It is both nice and annoying at that point having a dog running around in the yard. Make that two, because the neighbor's dog decided to make our yard his home as well.

He only goes home to eat and comes right back. So now we have two dogs standing in front of the door and trying to come in and the command: "NO! Out!" is the order of the day.

We make sure Mia, our dog, gets her heart worm and flea treatment at the beginning of each month. We rather buy the cheap pet meds, instead of spending an arm and a leg and have found they are really cheap online.

That is a good thing, because it seems like we have two dogs to treat against fleas and ticks now. I don't mind, I know the neighbor would do the same for our dog and by paying a little attention we can get a Frontline Plus discount. Every little bit helps, huh?

We are not picky when it comes to flea and tick control. We actually buy whatever may be on sale and sometimes that is Frontline and on other times that is Advantage flea control. We have good experiences with both.

I enjoy ordering online and hearing the cute little chimes and sounds when clicking on a product, or the select and buy button. So does Mia; she tries to come in and find out where the sound is coming from.

I hope you will excuse me for just a second.... "Mia, no. Out!" Grin.