Changes ...

The decisions that were made while in Oregon are impacting our lives. Right now, I feel like MY life is impacted more than Dave's, but that's just bec. he's so immersed in work. We are working harder than ever to get out of debt and put a bit of money aside. My contribution to not spending -- being for thoughtful & frugal with our funds. One thing that will definitely be a saving -- I've gotten rid of my artificial nails. Not an easy or pain-free process, but it's done. Since I won't get them done anymore, I'm having the $25 I would have spent on them transferred into our savings account every two weeks (that's how often I got them done -- more or less). That's over $600 a year! So, I'll be doing my nails myself. They are VERY short & thin -- haven't seen the light of day for years. It'll take time for them to get healthy.

Other impacts of our decisions include sorting and cleaning -- getting rid of clothing, books, furniture, etc. that we don't use/need anymore. I have about 8 old suitcases/gym bags with clothing & shoes ready to go. Since we travel so much, the suitcases aren't that trustworthy anymore, but they'll be OK for someone going on a short trip. I also have a dresser, kitchen chairs, etc. that will be taken on Tues. It's amazing how much we have accumulated.

I had planned to clean the garage today. After breakfast & a cup of coffee, I opened the door, was immediately overwhelmed with the enormity of the task, & shut the door. Joe said he'll work with me for a bit on it. So, I worked on laundry, had my car washed, ran a couple of errands, etc. I'd like to think I can do it ALL and all at once. But, the reality is, I can't do either! I can only do SOME and a little at a time. I'm learning to ask others for help and hire people to do things I can't do.

In an effort to prepare for fall & winter, I called to arrange to have someone give me a bid to clean out our gutters. Yeah. We're getting new gutters. He pointed out that the gutters were literally coming off of the house! They must be 20 years old or more (we've been in the house 18 years!) & some of them are rusted through (steel). The job isn't done yet, but should be by Mon. or Tues.

I'm reading a book that was given to my by the author a few years ago. I hadn't read it -- and it seems like the right time. Money, Possessions & Eternity by Randy Alcorn. (Not 10 min. after I started reading it, Dave called to say they had just finished a session and Randy Alcorn was the speaker. "He said to tell you 'hi'." Too funny!) Anyway, I'm doing a lot of underlining & praying as I read it. The book fits right in where my life is right now -- seeking God in a deeper, richer relationship and making changes for the next phase of our lives.

Giles bought Emily's wedding ring today! It is beautiful! Not a typical wedding band -- diamonds & sapphires with filigree on the side. They left a couple of minutes ago to look for a band for him at a different store. He doesn't want any stones in his.

The house is quiet. Everyone is out. Cali is sleeping, but she'll jump up & follow me to the basement when I go to change the laundry around. I love the little bug!

Till next time ...