D - Could be for...

Daughter, dog-lover, and a diva, that is dynamic, dazzling, and domestic. But, mostly I am determined.
I am determined to live up to Luke 12:48 “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.”

My determination has allowed me to, raise an awesome group of young adults, serve in the U.S. Army, run a free health clinic, rescue some amazing animals, earn multiple degrees and be a contributing part of the community.

My determination is sometimes based on previous failures -

As a child if you told me I could not do something I would say ok – I was raised to not talk back, to accept what I was told.

I wanted to run track in high school; my mother told me I did not have a runner’s body.  I tried out, made the team, but during a track meet I passed out. I tried again and developed shin splints. Once again everyone told me - it is ok to quit, your not a runner.  I never finished a race. 

As an adult it had always bothered me that I couldn’t be a runner. So, I started training and guess what, I finished a 5K and went on to teach other women how to run. 

As John Bingham, The Penguin, says:

"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."

I can’t wait to see what Luke12:48 and my determination get me into next.

~ Connie ~

Turning 50

Well today is my last day to be 40 something.  Tomorrow I turn the big 50.  Yes, I will be 50 years old.  Oh, my gosh – I will be 50 years old when I wake up. Now I will have to answer the question “how old are you?” with “50ish”

I never thought I would turn 50.  It seems like just yesterday I was turning 25, 30, 35, 40 – I guess it is natural for 50 to come next.

I am not sure how I feel about turning 50 – I think I am in disbelief.

It is hard to believe half of my life is over – It is hard to believe I only have 50 years to go.

I have achieved much:

2 marriages (found the love of my life and made peace with my ex-husband)
6 kids (3 weddings – sent a son to war)

5 grandchildren
Buried my mother, brother, and grandmother
Rescued more than 20 dogs
Earned an Associate Degree
Earned a Bachelor Degree
Earned a Master’s Degree
Completed all but, dissertation for my doctorate
Completed all but, clincials for my nurse practitioner
Opened a free health clinic
Taught the Big Man to love to Trout Fish

Spent 16 years as a police officer’s wife (experienced retirement with the Big Man)
Ran a 5 K

Hiked in the Smokey Mountains
Took the Big Man Deep Sea Fishing
I have been to Las Vegas
Learned to Kayak
Been Appointed by the Governor and served on a State Committee
Served in the U.S. Army

Opened a red cross shelter
Taught myself to knit
Created a family scrapbook (or two, or three…)

Wow – and I still don’t feel 50.  Maybe 50 is just a number.  Maybe it is true you are as young as you feel.  

Good-bye 40 something – Hello 50ish
Happy Birthday to Me ~Connie ~

C ~ coffee loving, caring, comfortable, cautious, controlling, and courageous, crafter

I spent a couple of days this week thinking about the letter “C”.  Some of the words I thought about include: Coffee, caring, comfortable, cautious, control, courageous, and crafty.
The hardest part of this project is deciding on one word. 

I love coffee – I run on coffee.  I can drink it all day long.  I like almost any blend of coffee.  I like it black, with sugar or with cream.  Simply I like coffee.

I am caring.  I often worry about others. I want to fix or take care of things.

I am comfortable.  Comfortable – cozy, snug, restful, that is my life and who I am.   

Cautious – I am cautious.  I have been hurt in my life. Because I have been hurt I sometimes find myself being cautious about new relationships and friendships.

Control – this is one of my greatest weaknesses.  I feel the need to control most aspects of my life.  I struggle everyday to allow God to work through me.  To give him control.

Courageous – I am courageous.  I am not afraid to jump in to situations that need fixing.  A couple of weeks ago I broke up a fight in the ER where I work.  I did not think twice before jumping between two men, both over 6 foot tall.   My children laugh at me because at 5 foot 2 inches I will not back up when right is right and wrong is wrong.

Each week during this project I have asked the Big Man how he would describe me – this week the word is crafty. When I asked the Big Man why he sees me as crafty, he pointed to my craft studio.   I do love crafts.  I like to scrapbook and knit. I do love to take objects that have little meaning and make things that have meaning.  So yes, I am crafty.

I am a coffee loving, caring, comfortable, cautious, controlling, and courageous, crafter.





~ Connie ~



Tasty Tuesday - Egg Casserole

Yea Tuesday is almost over and I am one day nearer to the weekend. 

I had Zumba tonight followed by a swim with the Big Man and discussion questions to grade.  The Big Man fixed dinner tonight - grilled chicken, green beans, and tomatoes.  I love fresh green beans and tomatoes.

I have a confession - I am a magazine junkie - today I received the newest edition of Taste of Home (Thank you boys for the great Christmas Gift). I couldn't wait to browse all the pages -

After looking through the magazine I think this weekend I will fix a couple of egg casseroles for the Big Man. He has been watching his carbohydrate intake.   Limiting his carbohydrates has helped stabilize his blood sugar and he has lost some weight. 
 

Have any great egg casserole recipes - send them my way.

Happy Tuesday

~ Connie ~



Monday Madness

Monday Madness – Today I started a Zumba class.  

The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities. -Stephen R Covey

Exercise is a priority for me, so when a few ladies at work said they wanted to host a group exercise class, I decided to help out.    I have taught step aerobics in the past – but the ladies wanted to try Zumba.  Well….I have Zumba videos.   So today, we used the Zumba videos.

Wow – Zumba is a different kind of work out.  We laughed, sweated, and laughed some more.  But we did it, an hour long Zumba video.

Cooked dinner, replied to student discussion questions, played with the four-legged babies, now headed to the pool for a few laps. 

Monday Madness is going to end – with me sleeping like a baby.

~ Connie ~

A-Z All About Me - Bold, Beautiful, Blessing Looking for Balance

Me and the Big Man

B – Again this week I asked the Big Man, “What word beginning with the letter B would he use to describe me?”

The words he used are Bold, Beautiful, and Blessing.    I didn’t know what to say at first.  I thought about what he said and I have to agree –

The definition of bold is: “Showing an ability to take risks; confident and courageous.”

I am bold.  I like to wear red, drive fast, play hard, and think outside of the box.  I am not fashion model beautiful, but I am ok for someone turning fifty this year.  Yes, 50.

The Great River Charitable Clinic

He went on to tell me that I am a blessing to many – him, the kids, our four-legged babies, and the patients at the free health clinic. 

I spent some time today sitting in the swing thinking about what he said – how he sees me.  What he does not see – is how blessed I am. 

The word I want to describe me is balance – I want to find balance in my life.  I want to find more time to spend with my family, to fish, to watch the sun set or the hummingbirds fly. 

Most days I feel like I am in control but I put my obligations on my schedule before “me” time.
So this bold, beautiful, blessing is going to work on finding balance in my blessed life

~  Connie ~

Training Thursday - Keeping it simple

Wow – it is hard to believe that today is Thursday.  This morning as I was getting ready for work the Big Man was outlining plans for this weekend.  I had to ask him what day of the week it is.  This has been a really busy week at work - I have worked till 6 or 7 every night.  

I had planned a run today – the weather is great.  But, by the time I got home and worked with my online students it is 10 PM.  No running for me, the mosquitoes are out in full force tonight.

Run rescheduled for Saturday morning, followed by a few laps in the pool.  Sounds simple – but I tend to let life make my life complicated.

So, for the next few days I am going to focus on the following quote to help me refocus:

Simplicity is truly the mother of invention. Try to keep it simple and begin to understand that all you want is within your grasp. Invent a life that makes you smile and brings you the kind of happiness you once thought out of your reach.
~Gigi Galluzzo~

~ Connie ~

Tasty Tuesday - No Meat for Me

Today is my 18th Wedding Anniversary - It is hard to believe that I have been married to my best friend for 18 years.  We are very opposite - I am short, he is tall.  I love to run, he hates to run. I love animals, he likes animals. I am quick to anger, he never gets mad.  I could argue with a rock, he will not argue. I like vegetables and he likes meat. 

Tonight the Big Man cooked dinner (I had a late medical staff meeting).  Steaks, green beans, and corn on the cob.  The steaks were cooked to perfection - the problem is..... I couldn't hardly stand to eat my steak after seeing calves headed to slaughter yesterday.

We were driving home from Gulf Shores, Alabama when we pulled up beside a cattle trailer with four little black calves - they looked like this little fellow. 

I got to thinking about how they would end up on someones table and started to cry - The Big Man knows how I am, he doesn't say a word, simple squeezes my hand and shakes his head. 

So, what do I do know????  Quit eating meat?  Live on Vegetables? Some people do.  Oh! why did I look those little fellows in the eye...

Now to spend time with the love of my life - the Big Man
~ Connie ~

A-Z All About Me - Week A

Vacation trip over – I had 10 hours in the car to think about the challenge of describing my life with a letter of the alphabet each week.  I asked my husband for how he would describe me using the letter “A”.  

He said – academic.  I laughed.  See I have been in school for 15 years of the eighteen years we have been married.  I have finished bachelor’s degree, master’s (X2) degree and all but a dissertation for my doctorate.  I disagreed with him – academic makes me sound like a nerd.  He laughed and asked how many books did I read on our vacation?  Ok, two but does that make me – academic or a nerd?

He then suggested my word should be accommodating.  When I asked him why, he said I can’t say no to anyone.  I had to laugh – he is correct.  I do say yes when frequently asked to lend a hand. 

I believe: from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked (Luke 12:48). 

I have been given and entrusted with much.  Sixth healthy, not always perfect kids, four perfect-grandsons and a an awesome granddaughter, a loving husband, a great career, the ability to provide a safe and loving home for thirteen-four-legged babies. 
I love being a nurse and my full-time money making job is awesome. I am part of the administrative team for a rural health system.  I average 50 hours a week –

But, I still find time to volunteer.  I am the volunteer director of a free health clinic we serve approximately 650 residents in our county with free health care.  The clinic is open Monday and Wednesday 9 AM to Noon and every other Thursday 5 PM to 10 PM.  We provide medical, dental, optometry, and medications free to those who have no insurance or access to healthcare. 

I volunteer with the Red Cross, the humane society, the National Wild Turkey Federation, various Running activities, and my church. 

I do have a hard time saying no – so, yes I am accommodating.  But, from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked (Luke 12:48).

~ Connie ~

A - Z Challenge All About Me- Recharging My Creative Side



Me and the Big Man

Welcome to my blog Scrapbookwife Running in Arkansas.  For those of you who are new to my blog I like to introduce me.  My name is Connie.  I am married to the love of my life (retired police officer turned city building inspector).

We have six adult children (mine, his and other peoples, I will explain this later).  Our children have blessed us with four grandsons and one granddaughter.  We are the proud parents to 13 four-legged babies.

All of our four-legged children are rescues.  The picture in the bottom right corner is our miracle baby.  She wasn’t supposed to live after I found her; she had chemical burns over 90% of her body.  But today she is 50 lbs of love and joy.

I have accepted the challenge posted on By Kate to use one word a week to describe me. 

This week is the letter A – Hummmm since I decided to play today, I think I will post my description using the letter A on Sunday.  Stop back by to see how I describe myself.

~ Connie ~

Monday Memories - Using Studio J

Monday Memories ~
Simplicity (2011) and Balance (2012) are my “one little word(s)”.  These are the words I use to make decisions, to ground me, to help me be a better person.   They are also how I try to live my life.

I blogged a few weeks ago about using Studio J, today I want to share Studio J artwork with you. There are endless possibilities for creating scrapbook pages with Studio J.  Below is a sample from the Studio J Artwork Page

Someone asked me once why I scrapbook -

The answer is simple.  When my mother died, my sisters and I had shoe-boxes full of pictures.  Some we could guess at but others we had no way of knowing who the people in the pictures were or where they were taken.  -

I scrapbook so that my children and my grandchildren do not have boxes of pictures without memories

Happy Monday

~ Connie ~




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.