Hello world ;)

Its been 2 weeks since my last post and I'm doing well. Enjoyed a relatively quiet spring break that was filled with lots of sleep, knitting, making new friends and simply doing nothing. Had plans to take a trip, to go shopping and all that but ended up staying home. It turns out that it was one of the best decisions I'd made in a long time.

No new progress on my move since I've been taking everything a little slower than before. I have been spending time with friends and myself contemplating what it is I want along with doing my school work. I've managed to get school under control and feel a little more confident about finishing up this semester. Started a new class ~ American Government and Politics, not really liking the textbook but it is rather interesting. Voice lessons improved a little since I rested my vocal cords but still need to learn how to do breathing and warm up techniques. No worries, I'll get a handle on it in time. Its only been 8 years since I last sang lol.

On the knitting front, I've planned 6 new projects and started on the socks but unfortunately had to frog them. The pattern I'd chosen was Yarn Harlot's Earl Grey Socks which has a lovely cable down both sides but the yarn I've chosen is too busy. So tonight I'll cast on for a simple pair of men socks that will compliment the varigation of blacks/greys. I'm making birthday gifts ~ pair of men socks, a hat, a pr of hand warmers, dishcloth & towel set. I'll be keeping busy for the next few weeks along w/homework.

Well back to work for me. Hope you all are doing well and enjoying the first weeks of spring. ;D

Been a long time

Well, I've been through some mess that only I can get myself into. I've strayed far from God's perfect will and now starting to see what is so not right about my life. However, the good news is, God is forgiving, loving and more than able and willing to help me get my act together.

There are so many wonderful things He's doing in my life right now. There are amazing people He has allowed to be a part of and there are those He has seen fit to remove. I'm on an adventure and I can't wait to see what's next. I know its going to be awesome because I serve an awesome God.

Now to apply for jobs and school where He has seen fit to move me. I was scared but now I'm excited. Let the adventure begin. ;D

Jan 2nd

Its been a great weekend. I've been housesitting and have taken the time to rejuvenate. The art of simply being is marvelous. I've birdwatched, spent time gazing at the lake and reading. I've even gotten in some knitting and watched several of my favorite tv shows.

In preparation for returning to work and school, I've started working on a daily schedule and trying to figure out a menu plan for 1 or maybe 2 so I've leftovers for lunch. Its harder than it appears for I'm so use to making dinner for 5+. I'm almost completely registered for school which is going to be a heavy load this year being that I will be attending 2 schools while working 2 pt jobs. I've decided that my social life must cease for now and focus on moving forward w/my career. I can't wait to return to the classroom and it would give me the freedom to travel and have a decent social life. So the sacrifice now is worth it. Also by cutting back my social side, I can spend time on developing me so I can be all that I'm designed to be.

Knitting...my Stashalong group has started up for the new year. I've posted updates and I've planned our first kal within a kal. Its called "not just for socks," which uses sock yarn to create whatever you desire. Though sock yarn is not consider stash, it still deserves to be reduced so we can buy more. lol

That's all for now. Going to continue to relax, listening to music and playing online games. May start listening to my audio book "Eyre Affair," which I've read but want to refresh before reading the remainder of the series. Looking forward to an awesome week w/my new plans. I'm excited and can't wait.

Be blessed!

~ Menu Plan Monday 6/22 ~

So I've not participated in this for a very long time but I need to get my life back in order and this is a great way to start. My plans are simple and meager, using whats already in the pantry. I really need to clean out the fridge and freezer so the next few menus will reflect such. I will be taking a look a some of the great websites that Organized Junkie has posted, because I need to simplify my kitchen and get some fresh veggies in the house. I would love to try my hand at canning too but just don't seem to have the time. I think freezing will be part of my weekly plan soon, more on that as I learn.

Got to go to work now, so here is my Menu for this week.

Mon ~ Leftovers
Tues ~ Tuna & rice
Wed ~ Pancakes & sausage
Thu ~ Veggie nite: cornbread, greens & rice
Fri ~ Burgers & fries
Sat ~ Tuna salad
Sun ~ Baked Chicken, steamed veggies & rolls

Won't you join us, click here, and tell us what you are planning for this week!

Living Outta Boxes pt 4

Ok so there hasn't been much to report since I've not been successful at emptying these here boxes. ;). Though its increasingly difficult to find needed documents (birth certificates), personal items (socks), and just simple things like a checkbook. Thanksgiving wasn't a challenge to my surprise. Everything I needed, I found without a problem especially the new rubbermaid which was still in its original box. Lol

Life is moving along for us. I've been reminded and accept that I can only do so much and that I need to fully rely "lean in, rest on" God for everything. I know this but sometimes you forget because you get so focused on what's in front of you. ;) We did manage to do some school work today and took a field trip on Mon ~ yeah me!

On the knitting front:
Da Boy's socks ~ really bad 2nd sock syndrome around here but now that's over discovered an error and will have to rip it back ~ ouch!

CPH ~ found all missing pieces need to get to work.

B2S ~ still missing yarn ;(

Socks ~ have at least 3pr lined up when da boy's are done

Swaps ~ joined one "ISE7" looking forward to making another scarf

Gifts ~ planning 1 pr of socks, 5 scarves and 1 pr of gloves for me *yes very modest doable list ;)

Well my thumbs are tired ~ posting from mobile. More later. Nite!

~ Menu Plan Monday ~

This week's menu plan is courtesy of Sk8Chick :D I asked her to put one together for me since I wasn't feeling well and here it is. (for those of you who don't know ~ she is my oldest (19yo) dd and she is one of the greatest dd in the whole wide world. ;D)

Menu based on the culinary goods found in our cupboards and fridge:

Monday ~ Hot dogs and chips

Tuesday ~ Veggie meal (cornbread, veggies and noodles)

Wednesday ~ Tuna and rice

Thursday ~ Breakfast meal (pancakes and eggs)

Friday ~ Spaghetti casserole

Saturday ~ Leftovers

Sunday ~ Salmon and rice

There you have it ladies and gentleman ~ the Simplified Life meal plan for the week! So what are you planning?

~ Menu Plan Monday ~

I've not menu planned in quite sometime, but I was inspired this weekend to make the most of my budget to do so. I've been purchasing food and cooking what I buy, which has greatly reduced my stress. However, I think its time to shake things up abit so that I can get more organized. I know we need to eat better, that we've been too busy to really focus on eating well, but if you plan to do something ~ you usually get it done. The Org Junkie, hostess for Menu Plan Monday, says she likes summer salads and I believe we do too but we haven't been eating any. So, I will plan a couple this week and add more in the weeks to come.

Here is my plan for the week:
Breakfast ~ cold cereal, egg & toast or muffins
Lunch ~ pbj, tuna sandwich, cold cut sandwich or leftovers

Monday ~ dinner out of town ;D
Tuesday ~ Creamy chicken over noodles w/green leaf salad and french bread
Wednesday ~ Chicken burritos, white rice and veggies
Thursday ~ Egg Salad, crackers and fruit
Friday ~ Tuna Salad, crackers and fruit
Saturday ~ Leftovers
Sunday ~ Birthday Dinner for Riley *chicken tenders, fries, chips and snacks

This should work out nicely especially since its so hot lately. I'll use the crockpot for the chicken which will cut some heat down around here. What are you all planning this week? You can view others plans here.

Project Plans

I finished up a couple more washcloths including the knitted windowpane in blue & white. I will post pics tomorrow. I've been thinking, ooohing and aaahing over the Loop D Loop books. Oh there is so many different things I'd love to make but my favorite is this:

Cabled Riding Jacket ~ isn't it gorgeous.

So besides wanting to make this lovely, here are my wishlist items:

LDL Knitting
Corrugated asymmetrical v-neck ~ child size first
Irregular rib raglan with toggle
Fair Isle Hooded Capelet
Child's Geek Spiral Pullover

LDL Crochet
Knotwork Socks
Girl's Bolero
Medallion Hat
Marguerite Jacket
*really like but don't want to make one ~ Lazy Wheels Coat

I think my first project will be the Knotwork Socks. They will be challenging yet its crochet so I will be able to do them fairly quickly. ;D I will be going thru my stash to see if there is anything available for these projects before buying any yarn. I think I will buy some though, at least for the Cabled Riding Jacket ~ I'd like it is a rich chocolate color ~ and the socks. Off to research the cost of lace weight yarn ~ this I don't have in stash. LOL

Have a great evening!