Feel Good Friday, FINALLY!

I had a great day last Saturday! I felt terrific and was uber productive. It was a happy day.


Sunday I woke up feeling as if I hadn't slept well and my eyes were burning. Well, it is ragweed season here. I powered through. All through worship and class, dh kept asking if I was okay. I said I was, just felt a little shaky.


When we got home, I made lunch and sat down to watch our team play Sunday afternoon football. I was cold and achy, but that's what afghans and dogs are for, right?


It was all downhill from there!


It was the virus from HELL!


Pain -- oh the body aches!


Indigestion -- who gets indigestion with a virus?


Burning eyes -- all the usual comforts were out: tv, reading, crocheting


And the FATIGUE -- think the first trimester of pregnancy.


So how does this all fit into Feel Good Friday?


Yesterday I woke up without the headache and backache. I took a shower. I made the bed. I went to the grocery store. I COOKED dinner.


Oh you better believe it's a Feel Good Friday!


catch up with more "Feel Good Friday" at lia sophia tomgirl

More to Feel Good about than Last Friday

Last Friday was NOT a Feel Good Friday. (For more details go here.) Today, however, is a Feel Good Friday. Want to know why? Let me tell you.


:: Yesterday morning I hit (and surpassed) 1000 views on my blog for this month. Now maybe for some of you bloggers out there 1000 views doesn't sound that great, but for me it was pretty exciting. I don't know what I average a month, but I do know that until this month my highest count had been 874. So thank you to everyone who clicked on my blog. Keep coming back, and not to sound ungrateful, but I'd love more comments.
:: Dh and I have been helping with the marriage ministry at our congregation for the last little while. Last Sunday we taught the morning class. It just went really well. So well in fact that later in the week I ran into one of the participants in the grocery store and he HUGGED me. I love feeling as if we are helping others and making a difference!
:: I'm feeling better emotionally than I have in a while. I think my hiatus from home last weekend helped a lot (see yesterday's post).
:: I am really enjoying the study of Daniel I am doing on Thursdays. For whatever  reason this study is really piquing my curiosity. Yesterday we did the in-depth study of chapter 1. There is so much information packed into those 21 verses!
:: Finally, we're supposed to have cooler weather this weekend. I love autumn with cool days, sunshine and crisp evenings. It's shawl weather time and that just makes me smile.

Sweet November Shawl

Wishing everyone a Feel Good Friday and a lovely weekend!


catch up with more "Feel Good Friday" at lia sophia tomgirl

Feel Good Friday -- August 19, 2011

I am 49 years old.

I did something this week

that I have never done before.

something I didn't think

I'd ever do.

my husband encouraged me to do it.

my dd went with me and was

even impressed with my skill.

I wasn't sure I could do it.

wasn't even sure I wanted to do it.

but when push came to shove,

I wanted it badly enough

that I overcame my fear of

possible failure and humiliation.

I went for it.

and what's more I ENJOYED it!

and here's what I got for my willingness

to step out of my comfort zone 

my brand new Honda Fit!

it's true.

I'd never bought a car by myself

before -- not even a used one

and this one is brand new!

I did my research.

I checked on prices.

I haggled.

I was prepared to walk out.

I stood up to all the 

sales ploys

and didn't cave to any 

unnecessary purchases.

I walked away having spent

only $100 more than I had

planned to spend.

I'm pretty darn proud of myself.

and I have a really cute car to show for it.

catch up with more "Feel Good Friday" at lia sophia tomgirl

Feel Good Friday - August 12, 2011

june 17th

that's the last time I participated 

in "Feel Good Friday"

how did that happen?

if I share all of that with you

this may not be a very feel

good friday post!

suffice it to say, things have been

crazy, hectic, rough

(insert word of choice HERE)

the good news is:

I get to buy a new car

(because dd totalled mine, & yes she's fine)

my father in law is doing well in pulmonary rehab

(because he has been diagnosed with sarcoidosis)

I was able to get a doctor's appointment today

(because I've been sick since the first week of July)

I am having lunch with the fun girls

(because LB is our "cruise director" and fine organizer!)

how's your friday shaping up?

catch up with more "Feel Good Friday" at lia sophia tomgirl

Feel Good Friday -- February 25, 2011

So it's Feel Good Friday, but The Girl Next Door Grows Up ISN'T hosting. Bizarre! However a big thank you to lia sophia tomgirl for filling in, because Friday just wouldn't be complete without FGF.

I attend a ladies' Bible study group on Thursday mornings. I've been with this particular group for several years now (I think). It is unusual because I went into this group all by myself. I didn't know ANYONE in it when I started! Those of you know me (or read me regularly) know how out of the ordinary that is in and of itself. It took me a while to feel comfortable and be able to speak my mind. At first I just sat and listened. Then I got to where I'd answer questions or read a scripture. Then I reached the point where I shared the story of my abuse with them. They've helped me deal with some tough family issues. They have become my friends and supporters.

Yesterday we reached a new level. I swear I wasn't on drugs. I swear I hadn't been drinking, but apparently I've reached the point where I'll say pretty much anything to these ladies. We got into a discussion about various religious groups and denominations. I held nothing back.

Now let's be clear here. It's not in my nature to be deliberately cruel or snarky or critical about others, but sometimes it does help to just say what you feel and have the response from others be understanding instead of judgmental. That's what happened yesterday. 

I feel even closer to those ladies now. I wanted to say that I felt like they actually liked me and didn't just put up with me, but I hesitated to word it that way because I didn't want to assume anything. One of those dear sweet ladies interrupted me and said it for me. Bless her heart! She probably has no idea what that did for me!

So my FGF is about finding out I'm genuinely liked for who I really am -- abuse, sarcasm, insecurities and all.

For more Feel Good Friday posts, swing on over to lia sophia tomgirl. Link up and leave a comment : )

Feel Good Friday -- February 4, 2011

It's another FGF! Over at The Girl she was blogging in French! I hope that's not going to become a requirement, as I only speak English. LOL!


Anyway here are my 5 for this Friday:


1. Monday I went to the doctor afraid I might have pleurisy. The feel good part of this is I didn't. I had something with a name so long, I can't even remember it! More good news -- it wasn't serious and a few doses of anti-inflammatory meds have just about cleared it up.


2. Tuesday was spent with 2 of my besties. We talked, we vented, we crafted, we solved all the world issues (if only they would ask us!), and we ate. A pretty much perfect day, except for that ridiculously cold rain.


3. This is may be obsessive, but hugely fun!

I have become a constant crocheter of late. It's fun and productive. 

4. Yesterday after my Bible study class, I went to the library to pick up a couple of books they had on hold for me. Then I just wandered around for a while. It's nice to go to the library and know I won't be asked for help. I kind of like just being a patron!

5. I think (hope) this is/will be a feel good opportunity. This afternoon I meet for my first training session with a personal trainer to help get this somewhat flabby body into a little better shape. Hope I feel good AFTER I meet with the trainer! LOL!

Link up at The Girl Next Door Grows Up for more Feel Good Friday posts.

Feel Good Friday: IKEAland

Two or three snows ago, when we were buried in yet another dose of snow, my dh asked if I'd like to go away for a weekend somewhere. I said that would be wonderful! I'm never going to turn down a weekend away, and it is one of the perks of having quasi-adult children.


Dh asked where I wanted to go, and I said IKEA! Now we don't have an IKEA in Nashville, but there is one in Atlanta just a 4 hour drive away. So last Friday, dh took a half day at work and we drove to Atlanta. 


A nice hotel, dinner at a fun little cafe. Breakfast the next morning followed by a swim at the local Y, and then off to IKEA! It was like Disneyland for shoppers! It was a Saturday after all, so half of Atlanta was there -- with their kids -- in strollers. And did I mention all the PREGNANT women? I've never seen that many pregnant women outside of the OB/GYN office!


Now I thought we were there to buy linens for the remodeled bathroom. I had a mental list and a rough idea of what we'd have to spend. Well, it was like dh had never been in IKEA before! (Actually we'd both only been once -- 2006 in Austria.) He started looking around and found some chairs he really liked. Chairs! 


We wandered through most of the store following the arrows on the floor, and finally queued up to pay. Turnstiles and everything. We checked ourselves out and loaded the car to head home. Two new chairs; two new rugs; new towels and bathmats; and a new stuffed bunny!


The only difference from Disneyland is you have to pay to get out!


Read other Feel Good Fridays this week at 29 and Holding.

The New Bathtub!

I got to christen the new bathtub last night.

Need I say more!?!

Get more Feel Good Friday @ The Girl Next Door Grows Up.

Merry Christmas Eve!

1. It's Christmas Eve!

2. The Christmas blahs have improved as the anesthesia as receded.

3. Snow is predicted for Nashville for tonight and tomorrow.

4. Everyone is relaxed about our lite Christmas 

(i.e., limited decor, food, and wrapping)

5. This never ceases to make me feel good. Enjoy!

For more Feel Good Friday posts go to The Girl Next Door Grows Up.

Feel Good Friday -- December 17th

1. The icky surgery is over!

2. My family rallied around and helped me a lot this week.

3. I got a mini Christmas tree set up in the living room, 

even though the toilet is STILL there.

4. Dd and I set up one of the Nativity sets in the living room.

5. I found out that I'm not alone in the Christmas blahs.

Misery really does love company! LOL!

I don't want people to be miserable, BUT

it is nice to know that I'm not alone which

means I'm not really Scrooge.

For more Feel Good Friday posts go to The Girl Next Door Grows Up.

Feel Good Friday -- December 10th

I have an affinity for fairies.

I have fairies in my bathroom.

I have fairies in my sewing/craft/office.

I even have fairies in my bedroom.

(What a great husband I have!)

It took me a long time to figure out what this fascination with fairies was all about.

One day I figured it out.

It's amazing how good things can come

 out of bad things.

To escape some of the bad stuff I went through as a kid, 

I would "imagine" myself away.

Sometimes I would go to an open field 

behind the barn at my cousin's house.

The grass would be high. 

The sun bright and warm.

Cicadas would be singing.

And I would see little people 

flying above me as I lay in the grass.

I was hidden from the bad stuff,

and the fairies would keep watch over me.

As time has passed I've come to realize

that they weren't fairies that I saw.

Most likely they were dragonflies.

So now I also have an affinity for dragonflies.

For more Feel Good Friday posts go to The Girl Next Door Grows Up.

Feel Good Friday -- November 26th

It's Feel Good Friday! It's Black Friday! It's the first official day of Christmas shopping season! Ugh! I choose to focus on the first of these.


I feel good because . . .

Even though we had lots of duplicate food yesterday,

I didn't let it get to me.

We enjoyed a lovely worship service yesterday

to start our day of Thanksgiving.

Dh and I watched Elf to relax last night and 

start the Christmas season.

I have a plan (loose) for today that includes

NO SHOPPING!

I hope you are all having a Feel Good Friday that includes just what you want!

Visit The Girl Next Door Grows Up for more Feel Good Friday.

Feel Good Friday -- November 19th

It's Feel Good Friday!

The sun is shining.

It's 45 degrees heading up to 63!

Dh and ds have ALL of next week off.

My nasty appointment is behind me!

The new Harry Potter movie opened last night.

I'm having Cranberry Blood Orange Tea!

I'm going to sew today.

And maybe bead!

How's your FGF shaping up?

Blessings!

Feel Good Friday is hosted by The Girl Next Door Grows Up

Feel Good Friday and Brief Hiatus

Well it's been a crazy week around here -- 

not feeling well, dh business trip, 

ds PSAT and tests and Spirit Week. 

It has come to my attention that I'm going 

to be a little busier than usual for 

the next couple of weeks. 

I'm taking a brief hiatus, 

but will hopefully have a VERY good 

FGF post when I get back. 

Until then, I hope everyone has a great 

Friday, weekend, and next couple of weeks!

I'll see you on the 29th!

Feel Good Friday is hosted by The Girl Next Door Grows Up.

Feel Good Friday -- October 8, 2010

How can I not feel good today!?!


The weather is beautiful. Pleasantly cool this morning, with sun and warmer temps in the afternoon. The finches are at my bird feeder now, and earlier it was blue jays and doves. Add to that today I am a guinea pig client for a new cleaning service here in town! Three lovely ladies showed up at my house this morning to deep clean my house at a discounted rate! And oh how my house needs cleaning! Of course I've spent the entire week picking up and putting away, but I did not clean a thing (well, okay, I did dust the desk and the movie cabinet!). I am trying really hard not to worry about what they are saying about me in the back of the house  -- "What a filthy house? Who lives this way?" -- etc.


Anyway once they finish, my house will be picked up and clean -- a rare occurrence in my home! Yes it will cost me some $$$, but I'm betting it will be worth it!


So my FGF is the clean house I'm going to enjoy this afternoon and weekend.






Feel Good Friday is hosted by The Girl Next Door Grows Up.

Meet My Friend Dahlia

This is Dahlia (daylia). She is my first ever Christmas doll. I was about 18 months old when I got her. That same Christmas, Santa brought me a little red rocking chair as well (which I still have).

My mother says that I walked right up to her, picked her up and sat down in the chair and began to rock and sing to her.

She was my constant companion. By the time I'd had her a little more than a year, we had to restuff her body, as I had loved her flat! I remember sitting in my grandparent's living room (we were living with them at the time) with my mother. She explained that she was the doctor and I was the nurse and we were going to operate on Dahlia. It was all very serious. We plumped her up with cotton balls!

For years she was half bald, because I carried her around by her hair.

Once when I was in high school, I came home from some activity to find Dahlia sitting on the mantel in a new dress. My mother had been home alone and made Dahlia some new clothes -- just because.

A few years ago I found a doll repair specialist and turned Dahlia over to her with very specific instructions. 

It was a lot like leaving a child alone at the hospital. What was I thinking? What was SHE thinking?

A couple of weeks later my husband picked her up and I dressed her in the new outfit I had bought for her.

I love her just as much now as I did that first time I saw her. She now sits at the foot of my bed with other beloved folks. She is a treasure!

Feel Good Friday is hosted by The Girl Next Door Grows Up.

Feel Good Friday

Well it's Feel Good Friday and unfortunately I don't feel well. Boo! Tummy troubles. : (


Anyway on to my list:


1. Tuesday night I got to have tea with a friend I hadn't seen in 25 years! And it was just like old times! So lovely to be reconnecting.


2. I finally pin basted my 1st Quilt Ever! Now I just have to get up my nerve to start the actual quilting!


3. Wednesday I got back to the YMCA, after being sick last week. It felt good to get some exercise. I walked 2.7 miles on the treadmill while I watched "Ghost Whisperer". I've been struggling with depression this week, and the exercise is a good antidote. However crying over a tv show while walking on the treadmill at the Y is a little embarrassing. 


4. Yesterday I picked my daughter up at the airport. She's been away for 5 months, and is home for a long weekend visit. We are working on getting things set up for her to move back home and start school in January. Busy times!


5. This week multiple friends checked on me voluntarily. They knew I was having a hard week and were compassionate and non-judgmental. That's the best Feel Good Friday there is!




Feel Good Friday is hosted by The Girl Next Door Grows Up.

Deep and Stretchy Yoga

I love yoga classes. That being said, I sometimes have a hard time getting there. The realization of how much better I'll feel is a good motivator, though. Yesterday I got back to a class I really like, for the first time in nearly a month! The class is called Deep and Stretchy and is offered at my local yoga studio several times a week. I like it because it is relaxed and all about me! Here's the description of the class: Reduce aches and pains, prevent and heal injuries, enhance athletic performance, increase flexibility and range of motion. Restore and rehabilitate joints and muscles, prolong an active lifestyle, relieve tension associated with a busy, stressful lifestyle. Long, passive holds of 3-10 minutes, bringing you inward and helping to open the body. This class is appropriate for men and women of all ages, fitness and flexibility levels. Restore balance with this complement to your active practice, sports or other exercise. Absolute beginners to yoga are also welcome! 
Seriously, how can I NOT want to go to this class!


So for my FGF, I'm going back today! Yes the same class 2 days in a row. Just an added bonus is how much it helps relieve the memory pain I've been dealing with all week.


May you all find a Feel Good Friday that improves your life : )

Fun Project Ideas . . . Now Where's the Motivation?

It's another Feel Good Friday with The Girl Next Door Grows Up. 


My shopping trip to Barnes & Noble yesterday is my FGF. I went to get a book for ds to improve his Shakespeare skills, but of course I had to peruse the sales while I was there. These 2 just jumped into my hands!

The first one is actually a kit with enough supples to make 2 of this adorably ugly creatures. It was only $9.99, which is pretty good.  The second one was the real steal! Originally $24.95, I got it for a mere  $2.00! Even if I never make anything from it, it was worth it for the pretty pictures.

And now, I'm heading off to spend the weekend with dd! I hope everyone has a marvelous weekend!


PS -- Beware . . . Friday the 13th!

Rainy Friday = Feel Good Friday

"It's raining, it's pouring . . . " Now that may not sound like a good start to Feel Good Friday, but we had been without rain for a good while until yesterday afternoon. We have had summer storms off and on since lunch time yesterday. The pollen is settling, plants are looking greener and the temperature has stabilized considerably! So better weather is a big #1 on my Feel Good Friday list.

My dh returned from a business trip last night around midnight. I have a love/hate relationship with my dh's business trips. On the one hand it can feel like a mini vacation. I pick the food, the TV shows, the sleep schedule. On the other hand, he's GONE. I miss hugs, kisses, talking and just knowing he's here. Not to mention I don't sleep well when he's gone. So FGF #2 is dh's return!

School starts this week for ds. This summer has flown by! While I'm sure routine will be good for me, and I wouldn't mind some order to my days, I also dread the return of homework, grades and stress. It's a mixed blessing.

This week a new friend led me to an online support group for abuse survivors. I'm pretty wary of these kinds of things, but I checked it out. The site seems well organized and well policed. I signed up for it, and one of the first things I found was an article that addressed some long standing issues for me. If your interested you can read it here. Information is power!

Finally, I have bananas that need to be used. I see Jamaican Banana Bread in my future and maybe a banana bundt cake as well!

Today's Feel Good Friday is brought to you by The Girl Next Door Grows Up.