Friday, August 20, 2010

Life in Texas

We've settled in ... sort of. The house is under control. Furniture is purchased, decorating is in process and we're feeling pretty comfortable in our new space.

With the kids starting college next week schedules will be solidifying. Hopefully, jobs will be on the horizon for them as well. I have a part-time job now and will be working regularly scheduled times for the unforeseeable future. My husband is still job-hunting so there will be more adjusting when he begins working. It's a good thing this process is gradual. I'm not sure we would have survived the transition intact if everything had slammed together at once.

We are facing the tough reality that the cost of living isn't quite as inexpensive as we first thought. This is a bit of a hurdle and will prove challenging for us since only one of us is employed right now. We'll be living off our savings. So for the time being we will be pinching the pennies pretty tightly. Now, I'm no stranger to coupons and frugal living, but it has been a while since we've needed to live this lean. I'll need to draw on the resources that I have gathered to creatively stretch our budget.

I have to keep reminding myself that God is the blessed controller of all things and our circumstances aren't a surprise to him. While reminding myself of this I need to focus also on utilizing the skills and talents he's given me to make the best of my resources. I know this part of life's journey will probably not be easy, but who said life was easy. I'm going to make the choice to remain thankful in my circumstances and rely on the promises of God to see me through.

I hope to share what I learn - whether practical or philosophical - in this blog. Join me on the journey.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Change



A move is on our horizon. We are going to leave California and go to Texas. But first there are some doors to close. In the next month our daughter turns 18 and graduates from high-school. My job will come to an end. My son will complete his first year of college. Escrow will close. My husband will be house-hunting (without me). There will be a good-bye event and life will generally turn into complete and utter chaos. And yet in the midst of all this I am not finding it particularly difficult to be thankful. In fact it's just the opposite. I've embraced this new journey and am looking forward (with a teeny-tiny bit of fear/curiosity) to what the future holds. It's going to be an adventure. I'll keep you posted.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

HGTV Puts Home In Perspective



With a move on the horizon, I find that I'm glued to the little TV in my kitchen, watching the HGTV channel pretty much all the time. Property Virgins - even though I'm not one. Holmes on Homes - what a great guy! House Hunters - Which house will they choose?

These shows are intriguing because the viewer gets to go into peoples' homes and see how "creative" they are. I've seen some pretty interesting color combinations along with window coverings, flooring options and house layouts. Some houses are luxurious and have all the latest amenities such as fancy stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and lovely cherry cabinets. Some are tiny and simple with loft refrigerators and mini cooktops.Exteriors range from crafstman to fugly and everything in between. It's pretty amazing how ingenious home design can be.

I come away from these shows with a sense of thankfulness. I'm thankful that I can decorate my home to my liking and make it mine. I can choose the paint coverings, which type of curtains and what theme (Americana is a recent favorite) to go with.

Sure I'm leaving my home behind soon, but I'll adopt a new home. I'll paint, decorate, get new furniture and plant some plants. With a little time, sweat and inspiration from books and magazines I'll leave my fingerprint on the home or homes in my future.

A house does not make a home. It's the people who live there, learning to appreciate what they've got, that make a house home. Whether here or there...I'm thankful that I have a place to call home.