Simplicity and Balance in Scrapbooking with Studio J

It has been a while since I sat down and wrote about my life.  I ended last year working on simplifying life - I started this year striving to find balance in my life.

So far, not so good - life is busy.  Sometimes the joy from staying busy is being able to share the busy time with The Big Man.

Well tonight the Big Man is away for work - so I took the night off from work or volunteer activities to scrapbook.  I know I have said it before but digital scrapbooking that comes in a box and fits into my traditional scrapbooks is awesome.

I used Studio J from Close To My Heart to create these layouts.

Angel and Oreo - Our Texas Babies

Bobby - a.k.a B.O.B - the Bum of Blytheville

April Ash - Lucky Dog

Paco Joe - Mom's Boy

  Spending time documenting the blessings in my life is about simplicity and balance -  

I have found a new passion - Digital Scrapbooking.  Close to My Heart (CTMH) has an awsome product ~ Studio J.  I created three layouts in 30 minutes. 

Studio J is online design software that allows users to create custom-printed two-page layouts for 12" x 12" albums. There is no software to purchase and install; instead, simply log in to Studio J and start designing your layouts. You can create and immediately purchase your layouts, or you can save them for later completion and purchase.

My life is busy—it is fraught with crazy schedules and demands, but also joy and wonder. I taking more and more digital photos, but preserving their memories less and less. I have the photos; I want the scrapbooks. Ultimately, I needed a solution that brings everything together in real time. Studio J is the answer: It helps me turn my photos into long-lasting memories—more quickly than you could imagine.

If you want to learn more about Studio J - email me (scrapbookwife@yahoo.com) or visit my online CTMH store @ http://scrapbookwife.ctmh.com/

~  Connie ~

Tasty Tuesday Recipe Delayed

I got behind this week posting on my blog so I thought I would share with you something that I have been thinking about.

SAVING ONE DOG WILL NOT CHANGE THE WORLD, BUT SURELY, THE WORLD WILL CHANGE FOR THAT ONE DOG. 

This is true at my house. When I look at my 13  four-legged babies I know that their life is far better and ssfer than their past.   For a couple The Big Man and I are the only reason they are alive to run, jump, play and feel the warmth of the sun.

If you can't adopt, please support your local no kill animal shelter.

Happy Tuesday

~Connie~

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Training Thursday - Adding Yoga

I have been interested in yoga since I took my first class. Living in rural Arkansas presents many obstacles for expanding my understanding of yoga. Yoga is about wellness - it is proactive activity rather than reactive state.

Healing and wellness is more than moving beyond a disease state. Wellness encompasses a spiritual understanding, a sense of purpose, emotional well-being and an excitement at being alive. Yoga is an ancient practice of linking mind, body and spirit through a combination of postures, breathing and conscious relaxation and meditation.

Yoga is a Sanskrit word that can be translated as "union" or "yoking." the union described is the mixture of physical, mental, and spiritual energies to enhance health Yoga is an ancient practice of linking mind, body, and spirit to promote wellness.

This week I have added an online resource to help me understand and grow my skill with yoga.
Yoga Online .    
I would love to hear for others who practice yoga.
~ Connie ~

Tasty Tuesday - Tomato Okra Chicken Gumbo

On Sunday night I cooked for the Big Man -  This is part of my new balanced life.

I used a recipe from Paula Deen "Tomato and Okra Soup" as the base for my gumbo.  I added chicken and creole seasoning to the base to make the dish.

Ingredients
2 Tbs of olive oil
1 Vidalia onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup of celery, chopped
2 gloves of garlic, minced (I used the jar kind)
3 (14.5 oz) cans of vegetable broth
4 cups of chopped tomatoes (I used canned)
3 cups of okra (frozen)
1/4 cup of sliced fresh basal
2 tsp of fresh thyme leaves (I used dried)
1 tsp of ground pepper
1 tsp of sea-salt
4 med sized  cooked chicken breast .

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil, add onion, pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook over medium heat 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the broth and remaining ingredients.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 20 minutes.
The Big Man loved it.
Happy Cooking
~ Connie ~

Stop procrastinating - Eath That Frog

I  have been reading Brian Tracy's book "Eat That Frog" 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time -

I think I have figured out why I can't get everything done (especially at work) - " The fact is you can't do everything that you have to do. You have to procrastinate on something. Therefore, procrastiante on small task. Put off eating the smaller or less ugly frogs. Eat the biggest ugliest frogs before anything else" -

I guess tomorrow I will eat the biggest ugliest frog first

Plans for a Balanced Life

Balance is my “One Little Word” for 2012.

Balance is a feeling or a state of mind. This feeling is derived from peace; it's a sense of harmony. It is essential to maintaining a quality in life.  My life is made up of many areas including your health, family, social, work, spiritual, recreation, personal growth, volunteer work and more.

The issue for me – like many of you reading this blog – is finding time to fit everything in to 24 hours.  I can’t spend time every day in each area of your life in equal amounts; the goal is to spend enough quality time in each area that I feel at peace.

I try to think of my life, like a set of building blocks being arranged in a structure. If one block is smaller or shorter than the other my structure will not be straight.  My structure would be at risk of collapsing.

Finding Balance in Life
A balanced life is about infusing into life what is important to me. I have the power (and so do you) to make choices about what comes first.  Making choices empowers you to live a balanced life.

Steps fof 2012

1.     Focus on my priorities. Spending time and energy on my personal and professional priorities. I am saying "no" to everything else. I am the only person that knows what is valuable in my life.

2.     Get organized.  I am creating a structured plan each day rather than reacting to whatever comes up. I using a modified version of Ashley Lewis “Seven Minute Life” – I am planning to accomplish 5 task before 11.

I am arranging time in my schedule for other activities besides work so that my days are not only balanced, but rewarding. I find running, knitting, scrapbooking and   spending time with my family rewarding.

3.     Be flexible.  I am learning to be flexible without being overrun. I am also learning to accept the fact that I am notperfect – some task will not get completed

4.     Create daily routines. I am working on creating daily healthy habits. I recognize that I need to relax and relieve stress. Journaling, mediation (yoga) and running are my stress management tools.  I am focusing on eating healthy. This is not just for me, but also for the Big Man (aka my husband – the love of my life).

5. Simplify your life.  Simple was my One Word for 2011 – I think this is something I will always struggle with, so I am not letting it go in 2012.

I am working on not over-scheduling or over-committing. I have learned that saying yes and over committing leaves me not time for what is important and makes me angry. When your life is overcomplicated and overfull, there's little space for what truly matters. And there's no room for personal growth, positive energy, love, or even breathing at times

What does you circle look like?  How are you balancing your life? ~ Connie ~

Training Thursday - Finding Motivation

"If you don't have confidence, you'll always find a way not to win."
- Carl Lewis

I have been struggling with wanting to be a runner. 

For several years I have focused on:"I am a runner because I run, not because I run fast, not because I run far.  I am a runner because I say I am and no one can tell me I am not."

I can't run far and I don't run fast.  In high school my coach enjoyed telling me how un-athletic I am.  I played basketball, volleyball, and ran track. I was never great at any of them.   My track experience was horrible. I was disappointed and embarrassed every time I got on the track.

Today when I run I don't want anyone to watch - I still feel like that chunky little girl that could not win  a race. 

So why, did I decide a couple of years ago that my goal is to run a half-marathon before I turn 50???

Is it because I want to be what I wasn't in high school - an athlete?  Is it because I want to prove something to my old coach? 

Can a nonrunner run a half-marathon in 40 days? Probably not.  What a nonrunner can do is be true to herself.  I can run because I want to.  I can run for my health. I can run for my future.
So - off I go to build my confidence and pursue my dream of being a runner.
~ ConnieKay~

Tasty Tuesday - Oven Fried Chicken

My Grandboys love food.  Recently their Mommy (who happens to be a great Mommy) cooked oven-baked fried chicken for the boys.  The boys love it.  The recipe comes from Our Life UnCommon.

   Oven- Fried Chicken

Place thawed chicken breast tenderloin strips in a bowl of milk. Let soak for 20-30 min.

Mix in a Gallon Size Ziploc or Large Bowl:  1/2 tsp. Salt|
1 T Season All
 3/4 tsp Pepper
1 c. Flour

  2 tsp. Paprika

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut 1/2 stick of butter into a few pieces and place in a 9x13 pan. Melt butter in pre-heated oven.

Spread melted butter around the bottom of the pan. Lightly spray the pan, if needed, to make sure that there are no dry spots.

Shake excess milk off of chicken and completely coat each piece with the seasoning mix. You can either shake the chicken in the bag, until coated, or dip each piece in the bowl until coated.

Place each piece of chicken in the pan.

Cook for 20 min. Turn each piece of chicken and continue cooking for 20 more minutes, or until cooked through.

Balance in Everything I Do

Last week I talked about focusing on balance in my life. I have started reading a book by Allyson Lewis - "The 7 Minute Solution".  Lewis talks about "The seven vital signs of life: conscious awareness, motivation, growing & learning, engaging, persevering, living in the flow, and living with faith" 

When assessing my seven vital signs of life - I find that I have a diminished pulse in an important area, motivation. My motivation has been lacking.  Without motivation my time management skills have been off. 

"Time management is not about doing more; it is about doing more of what matters in your life" Allyson Lewis.

                                                             

 What matters in my life:

 Balance

Meaningful Work
Living with Compassion
Integrity
Creativity
Trust
Honesty
Making a Difference

Reaching my Full Potential 

Leaving a Legacy              

  To work on balance this past week I created a couple of recipe cards for a swap.  I love collecting recipes and cooking for the Big Man.  On Tuesdays I will be sharing "Tasty" recipes. Check back tomorrow for the "Tasty Tuesday Recipe."  Till then below is one of the recipe cards I created last week.

~  ConnieKay ~

Balance

Well 2011 has come and gone. 2012 is here for 12 short months.  Every year I make great plans (aka resolutions).  More often than not, I fall short of making all my plans come true. The one thing I did do last year is- Simplify my life. 

No I didn't get rid of anyone or anything.  I decided on what is important and what is not important.
The important things in my life are: The Big Man, our family, the four-legged children, our health and doing things that I enjoy.

This year my one -little word is Balance.  I work hard, I have been known to have three or four jobs and a couple of volunteer activities going on at one time.  So, I have cut out a few "things" - not teaching online, no selling jewelry or purses, not adding any volunteer activities unless they have meaning.

In 2012 - I am going to Balance my Simple life.  This year, I am focusing on completing my Family Nurse Practitioner degree, spending time fishing with The Big Man, cuddling with the four-legged children, listening more to the adult children, scrapbooking, knitting, running - things I want to do.
So, check back frequently see if I can use my one little word to build a simple balanced life.
~ Connie ~

Moving On - Reflexology and Running Plans

Thank be to God, the Thanksgiving holiday is over.  My youngest daughter did a great job of putting the Thanksgiving meal together.  The Grandboys were perfect. 

Today has been a great day - I spent the day working on homework surrounded by the things that mean the most to me - The Big Man (Ricky) and the four-legged babies.  It amazes me how therapeutic it is to have a couple of little dogs laying by your side or a big dog looking over the gate (keeping them in the kitchen) with loving eyes and a happy tail.   Total Peace.

I spent some time today researching Reflexology - I find the concepts interesting. The Big Man is going to be my guinea pig.

My running last week was hit and miss - I have put together a plan to make next week a more productive week, even though, I will be traveling. Stay tuned to see how I do.
Connie

Finding the Courage to Start

Today I made a decision - I want to be a runner.  I have been reading the An Accidental Athlete by John Bingham.  I realize that I can do anything I want to do.  I may have to take a different approach to reaching my goal but I can.

I walk/ran 2 miles yesterday and felt great - I need to remember the feeling.  I need to focus on finding the courage to keep moving.

I rejoined the over 40 forum on the runner's world page - I hope to find motivation from these ladies. There seems to be a wealth of knowledge and support in the group.  ~ Connie ~

First Run of the Half-Marathon Training Plan

Early Morning Sky

Wow - 5:30 AM is early, but I knew if I did not run this morning I would not run today - Great River Charitable Clinic tonight. 

The run was difficult.  I felt sluggish and stiff.  My speed is slow but I have always been slow.  Need to find the motivation to keep moving.
~ Connie ~

Earrings, Miche Bag, Ready to Scrapbook

I haven't had much time to blog - work, charitable clinic, grad school, and family have filled my every waking moment. 

I am so upset with the U.S. Postal service. I finished recipe cards for a swap and got them in the mail at the last minute only for the U.S. Postal service to loose them.   I feel really bad - I am not a slacker.  I am remaking the cards this weekend and resending them along with the November recipe cards.

I am loving having a semi-new space to scrapbook.  I found several Close-to-My-Heart paper and stamp sets I forgot I had.  Don't you love finding something you forgot you had?  It is like Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas, anyone want to make a recipe scrapbook of family recipes for family members? If so, send me an email. I can help you get started.

I am blessed. I can't find the words to explain how I feel.  I have a perfect spouse, wonderful children, the opportunity to be loved by 13 four-legged babies, and perfect grandsons. 

This week I opened my new business as an Independent Consultant for BambooPink.  BambooPink is a new jewelry line. BambooPink has a fun, fresh look! It's classy, elegant and stylish jewelry, but now it's easier than ever to shop online. We are all busy, so shopping online is what I do best. Check out the holiday collection for your favorite rings and earrings, necklaces and bracelets, charms and pendants.

To finish my wardrobe I always want my purse (handbag) to match my shoes and outfit.  I also opened my second business line as an Independent Consultant for Miche Bags.  

Miche Bag solves the problem with how to accessorize your wardrobe. Now it's easy...one purse and magnetic shells to change the look of your purse and match your wardrobe in a matter of seconds! With Miche you can change your handles from short to long to adjustable or chain handles. There are over 30 shells to choose from and NEW ones releasing every month! Email me for information on how you can earn free jewelry or purses - right from the comfort of your home.
~ Connie ~

P.S. Check back tomorrow to see how the first day of a new training plan for a half-marathon goes.

Friday Give-A-Away

I am so excited about my new business.  Simple Accessories and Scrapbooking ~

I love jewelry, purses and scrapbooking.  Simple Accessories and Scrapbooking is all of that  ~ jewelry (BambooPink), purses (Miche), and Scrapbookig (Close-To-My-Heart).  To kick off my new bussiness I am giving away a pair of Vience Hoops from BambooPink ($59.00 Value).

I will continue to post my running and life events on Scrapbookwife Blogspot - so those of you who follow my uneventful running life please keep following. 

I want everyone to have an opportunity to win the Vience Hoops -

To enter:

1. Like Simple Accessories and Scrapbooking facebook page

2. Have a friend like Simple Accessories and Scrapbooking - tell them to leave a post with your name (they earn an entry and so do you).

3. Go to http://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com and become a fan. 

Good Luck - Someone will be the lucky winner of new set of earrings. 

Drawing will be Saturday, Oct 15.

Thanks for following and helping me get my new bussiness of the ground

~ Connie ~

 

 

                                                  

Live, Love, Laugh and Move

Today started with me and the Big Man watching the hummingbirds with coffee.  I wish everyday could start the same way. There is something peaceful about watching these little creatures feeding.

My half-marathon training routine is hit and miss.  I can’t seem to make training a priority.  My motivation and my mental health improve when I run.  My spirit feels healthy when I run. So, why can’t I make training a priority?

I need to be more like the hummingbird - enjoying life.  Live , Love, Laugh and Move.

Accept No Mediocre Life

It has been almost a month since I blogged.  I am not sure where my time goes.  I love reading others' blogs and I enjoy sharing my thoughts with others, so why I am I not consistent. I think blogging might be a little like my running something I put on the back burner and seem to never have enough time to do.  Why?  



I am reading a book "Accept No Mediocre Life: Living Beyond Labels, Libels, and Limitations" by David Foster.  The book focuses on doing your best in everything you do.  This next week I am going to be focusing on doing my best in everything I do. 
I will be working on a weekly schedule for blogging and running.  My schedule will not be daily for blogging or running, but it will be te best that I can do.

Check back later this week to see what and when I will be blogging and running.
Connie

What is your Goliath?

Today has been a stressful day – but after a great dinner with the Big Man I have come to a few thoughts that put a peaceful end to my day.

An attitude can give us an uncommonly positive perspective (according to John Maxwell) -Example: When Goliath came up against the Israelites, the soldiers all thought "He's so big we can never kill him" David looked at the same giant and thought "He's so big I can't miss" - Come on Giant - I think Like David.

Paul in Philippians talks about attitudes – he tells us of five things about the proper Christain attitude:

1. Do things for the right reasons.

2. Regard others as more important than yourself.

3. Look out for the interests of others.

4. Christ recognized His sonship and therefore was willing to serve God and others.

5. Possess the attitude of Christ, who was not power hungry but rather emptied Himself, demonstrated obedience and fulfilled God’s purpose.

I have spent many hours in prayer and meditation– I know God has put me where I am for a purpose.  I know that my heart is right, I have always regarded others as more important than myself, I recognize (an find comfort and joy) in being a child of Christ, I am not power hungry and I work hard every day to be obedient and fulfill God’s purpose – Goliath I am not afraid of you.

What is your Goliath? Do you have a David attitude?

Mid-Year Moving On

I have had some time to think about where I am in life.  I am comfortable, happy, and blessed.  Maybe it is my age, maybe it is the time of year that has me thinking, but thinking is the first step to doing.

I haven't focused on my word for 2011 - Simple.  How do you simplify your life when you want to give back for the many blessings you have received?   Maybe this question will never be answered?
I also find myself missing my creative side.  I miss scrapbooking, creating cards, knitting, and sewing. Over the next few weeks I am going to focus on sparking my creative side.

Ok - off to check out my creative space.  Check back tomorrow for my first steps back to the creative side and an update on my running.

Mid-Year Update

Wow it has been a month since I blogged and I just realized that we are halfway through 2011. 
Now is a good time for me to review my 2011 Goals.Here are the running goals for 2011 posted on RunnersWorld.com

The Little Rock Half-Marathon -Registered for March 2012 half marathon – did not make this one but I haven’t given up.  I am considering running a half marathon in November; this would make my 2011 goal of running a half marathon.
Run 700 Miles - Need to pick-up the miles if I am going to make this one.
Simplify My Life - ?

So what other goals are will guide my simple life in 2011:
Listen more – trying to work on this one.
Enjoy the simple things in life (family, friends, health and faith) – working on this one.

If you notice I did not make a note next to Simplify My Life – how do you know when life is simple?  I haven’t added any new projects. Does that make my life simple? I am trying to carve out time each weekend to spend time with the Big Man. 

What is simple? Am I simple enough?  The next few days I plan to spend some quite time reflecting on simple –what is simple? How can I my life be simpler?

Check back on Sunday for an update ~

Being a Better Person -

Wow – I haven’t blogged since June 7. Almost a month has passed.  Life seems to move fast – faster than I want it to move.   I have been feeling like a hamster on a wheel.  I get up every day and do the same think I did the day before. Work, eat and sleep.  Hummmmmm ~ and yes, I feel guilty.

According to Wikipedia: Guilt is the fact of being responsible for the commission of an offense.  It is also a cognitive or an emotional experience that occurs when a person realizes or believes—accurately or not—that he or she has violated a moral standard, and bears significant responsibility for that violation. It is closely related to the concept of remorse.

So, why do I feel guilty?  Am I being the best person, wife, mother, employee, and friend I can be?  The answer is no.  I am I giving back to the community for all of the blessing I have received? Maybe

I told someone today to stop waiting for the perfect time to chase their dream – none of us are guaranteed the next breath. So – I need to take my own advice.  I need to quit waiting for the time and make the time to be the person I want to be.

Tiny Buddha

I have been reading the tiny buddha  blog – Take a look if you are looking for a daily dose of how to be happier person.

~ Connie ~

What we need everyday

There will never be a day when we won't need dedication, discipline, energy, and the feeling that we can change things for the better.

George Sheehan


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Opportunity

"Pressure is nothing more than the shadow of great opportunity." --Michael Johnson:


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Something to think aobut

I was reading 100 Ways to Simplify Your Life this morning ~ Henery Ford was quoted aa saying "I believe God is managing affairs & that He doesn't need advice from me. With God in charge, I believe everything will work out for the best in the end. So what is there to worry about?"

Katie show what is in my purse

--http://twitter.com/KatieOrse/status/74192153668108289'>Connie Ash (@ConnieKayAsh) has shared a Tweet with you:

"KatieOrse: Check out today's 'What's in your purse' feature! http://bit.ly/doRnpX"
--http://twitter.com/KatieOrse/status/74192153668108289

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Character

~CHARACTER ~

CHARACTER REFERS especially to moral qualities, ethical standards, and principles of a man. We all know about people with Character... You can trust them. They say the right things and they do the right things. They can back up their words with their actions.


Every day I am faced with decisions – in my role as hospital administration, nurse, student and business owner (Simply Organized Accessories), wife and mother. My goal in life is to be that person – you can trust, the one that says and does the right thing.
~ Connie ~

Life is Unpredictable

Life is unpredictable. You never know how your day will begin or end. Plan and perpare - keep things simple. Remember the most improtant tasks are to live, love and laugh according to God's Plan.

Waking Up

A Dream is not something you wake up from, but something that wakes you up - Charlie Hedges / John C.Maxwell


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Starting The Day Off Right

Woke up to a the sun shining and birds singing.

Had a not so good day at work yesterday. Seems like southern politics have become a part in my workplace.

Reading John Maxwell this morning. He quotes Abraham Lincoln as saying "I will do the very best I know how- the very best I can and I mean to keep doing so until the end. This has and is the way I live my life.

John also quotes Anthony Robbins - it's moments of decision that your destiny is shape.

So - I have made a decision, do my best, do what is right.
What decisions will you make today that will affect your future?


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Life Is To Short To Wear Ugly Earrings

My firend Marla says "life is to short to wear ugly earrings" and I agree.

I am all about keeping life simple. Bamboo Pink is simple. Click on the Bamboo Pink link. Shop online. Buy one set of hoop earnings and multiple charms -
How simple is that - one set of hoops (maybe two if you are like me gold one day and silver the next) and then add charms as you budget allows.
All online! Keep it simple!

Our Next Breath is not promised

We never know if today is our last day. Last week was filled with hype about the end of the world. For residents in Joplin, MO. their world did end last night when an F-4 tornado ripped thru the town. My heart goes out to those affected by the tornado. I guess that means I cried for me and you and the residents of Joplin, MO. We are affected - or at the least we should be affected.

I cried last night every time I turned the TV to on check on the news about Joplin. I cried for the people who lost their lives, for the family members left behind, for those who lost everything they had worked for, and for the healthcare workers who selflessly stayed with their patients not knowing if their families and homes had been affected.

St John's Hospital

How do we help? Pray, with God all things are possible and make a donation to the Red Cross. I know from personal experience the Red Cross's assistance in this type of crisis is priceless. Their services do come with a cost, not to the one receiving the service but, to the organization. It cost money to feed, house, and provide medical supplies, counselors and bedding to those who have nothing.

Me - I have prayed several times for those affected by the tornado - and I will continue to pray. I will also make a monetary donation to the Red Cross - only because I can't physically go to assist the Red Cross.
Please consider what you can do - today. Our next breath is not promised.

New Starts - Be Anything You Want To Be

Everyday is an opportunity to start fresh. We are each given a clean slate every morning. For me this is a great concpet. Everyday I find myself wanting more and more out of life.

It is not material things that I want. It is creativity, beauty, peace, grace. Now I know some think you are either born with these things or you are not. I choose to believe that I have the power to find and cultivate all four of these characteristics.

So - I am committing to you my blog followers the following:
More time writing. My friend Katie Orse has some great writing promopts on her website - check out the free stuff on Katie's website.

I am going to take more pictures and scrapbook more (Close to My Heart Studio J)
Ask me how to scrapbook online and get "real" scrapbook pages for you album.

Life is good! I can be anything I want to be!

What Makes Up Your Foundation?

I am the queen of taking on multiple projects.
I am responsible for multiple departments in two hospitals.
I am a full-time student in a nurse practitioner program.
I am the volunteer director for a charitable health clinic.
I am a Red Cross volunteer.

I am the proud mother to six adult children.
I am the proud parent of twelve rescued four-legged children.
I am active in my church and community.
I am training for my first-half marathon.

Then life throws a hurdle to see if I can juggle everything and jump. This week it was a flash flood at my house. Water in two rooms, the garage and the dogs’ room. I could have been angry or frustrated over the water - but after taking a moment to reflect on the water I realize I am blessed. I have a home to flood. I have friends who came to help us clean up the mess.

How do I do everything - with support. A solid support system gives a solid foundation to everything you do.

For me, my husband and children are my support system. My belief in those to whom much is given, much is expected also fuels my soul.

What makes up you foundation?

Making Life Simple using technology

Life is good. I got a new toy today. I am blogging from a samsung galaxy tablet. I can see how this little device is going to make my life simple.

Prep Time Is Important ~ Planning Easter Lunch Today

Good Morning World. I have a busy blessed day ahead. Just like you prep for a good meal we should prep for a good day.
Spend some time every morning reviewing your schedule for the day. Planning makes you feel in control even when an unplanned task shows up.



Today I will prepare for Easter Lunch All of the kids but two will be home for Easter. Lunch for 16 people. Please leave me suggestions for what to cook.
Have a simple organized blessed day ~ ConnieKay

Do- Over For a Non-Runner

Today is the first day of the rest of your life - I have heard that saying throughout my life.  What does "the first day of the rest of you life" really mean to a runner who has become a non-runner.

It means I get a do-over.  I get to start today with a clean slate. I do not have to feel guilty because I did not run  yesterday, or the day before, or last month.

I am rereading Jeff Galloway's "Marathon You Can Do It"  This week's schedule is 30 minutes of walk/jog on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday followed by 3 easy miles on Sunday. 

Some of you are thinking - what that is not marathon training. Yes it is marathon training, when the only real training you have been doing is walking the 11 year-old dog.

Angel is a good dog - but her springy step is short lived. 

Check back tomorrow - hold me accountable.  If I know you are watching maybe I will run.
~ Connie ~