tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29489735985386897392024-03-14T13:08:21.809-05:00ThankfulKimI'm a regular gal blessed by God to be living this life. It's not super exciting, but it's mine. Join me as I share some thoughts about quilting, insights I'm learning about goal setting and habits, little snippets of the sub life and just plain stuff.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948973598538689739.post-8776101436431685722020-02-26T09:21:00.001-06:002020-02-26T09:21:42.690-06:00Write a Word<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This morning I was sewing on a baby quilt and listening to a podcast. It's the <a href="https://dreambigframework.com/podcast" target="_blank">Dream Big podcast</a> by Bob Goff. He's an awesome guy with a great message - a message of encouragement and freedom. It's obvious that Bob loves God and loves people. He doesn't feel the need to couch everything in bible verses. His love is contagious, because God's love is contagious. Bob inspires me. His courageous love motivates me to be willing to try new ways to love others, ways that may be outside my comfort zone.<br />
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His guest on this particular show is a gal named Bianca Olthoff. I've never before heard of her, but she is like Bob in her genuine enthusiasm for life. She is talking about how much good writing is coming out of prisons, jails and detention centers and the impact it is having. It inspired me, on this day after renewing my domain name Thankful Kim, to get to the laptop. In their conversation, they encouraged the listener to write just a sentence or even a word. So here I am.<br />
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I am Thankful Kim. There is so much to be thankful for ... all the time. It is so easy to get into a funk and focus on the stuff that I think are problems. My daughter would call them first world problems and she'd be right. My problems would be blessings to a lot of other people in the world. I love the saying, "Obstacles are opportunities". This puts the little irritations of life into perspective.<br />
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I've adopted a practice of writing a few things I'm grateful for every morning in my make-shift journal. It's funny how mundane I get sometimes. I look back at the previous day and pick a few things that went well or blessed me in some way. Today I wrote... I paid the bills. Yep, that's a highlight. I had money in the bank and the budget isn't too far out of whack, so it's a good thing. This daily practice has really helps me start my day on the right note and keeps me on the lookout for a positive spin on even the worst days. It may take a little energy and creative looking at things, but there is always something to for which I can be thankful.<br />
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So, that's my word, or words. Okay, it's a lot of words. I've been told I have a lot of words. I'm embracing it. You're welcome.<br />
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948973598538689739.post-38993563611800679182019-04-25T06:37:00.002-05:002019-04-25T06:37:35.332-05:00Quote from a Guru<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Gretchin Rubin is a self-proclaimed Happiness Bully. And I'm so glad she is. I have learned a lot listening to her podcast Happier. Together, she and her sister, Elizabeth Craft share about ways you make your life happier. Their practical insights are refreshing and thought provoking, with a little levity thrown in the mix. Because of my commute I am fortunate enough to get to listen to most episodes and learn from their sage wisdom. This nugget speaks so much truth for me - truth I need to be reminded of over and over and over.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948973598538689739.post-72368647407636971812019-02-12T06:44:00.001-06:002019-02-12T06:45:20.393-06:00Verse of the Week - February 11, 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So much practical wisdom is packed into these 3 short verses. The doing - rejoice, pray and give thanks. The reason - it's God's will. It seems so simple, right? But in practice, it is quite challenging to rejoice <i style="font-weight: bold;">always, </i>pray <b><i>continually</i></b>, and give thanks <b style="font-style: italic;">in all circumstances, </b>yet that is what we are called to do...<b style="font-style: italic;">in Christ Jesus. </b>We have his power, his perspective, his encouragement. It is because we are <b><i>in Christ Jesus</i></b> that we can do those things. Sometimes I brush right past those words and think that I can do the things all by myself, but that just isn't true. It is only <i><b>in him</b></i> that I can do these things the way God wants me to do these things - always, continually and in all circumstances. </div>
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948973598538689739.post-33255567912657545862019-02-03T21:25:00.000-06:002019-02-03T21:25:26.838-06:00Verse of the Week - February 3, 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vaJFm4YZWg5Oh0kmA7kzXTm4x7XKmPJrhNskYWTUcw0bf8jtmLhURrPC-F8kc1KermGa2IIz15uF7OzUnPDI3yrvdxsfd6EMC21Gtbn2DFtwNQN3cqi9EGukXofDa-ZcaW2GiNSacTKc/s1600/Psalm+104+33+peach+teal+red.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vaJFm4YZWg5Oh0kmA7kzXTm4x7XKmPJrhNskYWTUcw0bf8jtmLhURrPC-F8kc1KermGa2IIz15uF7OzUnPDI3yrvdxsfd6EMC21Gtbn2DFtwNQN3cqi9EGukXofDa-ZcaW2GiNSacTKc/s320/Psalm+104+33+peach+teal+red.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Because God is worthy of my praise, I will give it to him - today and as long as I live. </div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948973598538689739.post-80825856187971569502019-02-01T06:53:00.000-06:002019-02-01T06:53:13.128-06:00On My Design Wall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is Moda Love.</div>
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I just couldn't help myself. As soon as I heard about the <a href="http://blog.modafabrics.com/2019/01/moda-love-in/" target="_blank">Moda Love Sew-Along</a> I was hooked. I even started encouraging all my co-workers and students at the quilt shop to join me. I was so transfixed that I thought I could get this "quick quilt" done in a single evening.</div>
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It's done, as in done being laid out. It only took me about an hour and a half to cut and sew the individual squares (I'm loving my new Bloc-Loc rulers). It was the placement of those squares that took me f-o-r-e-v-e-r. By then I was tired. I just love looking at the picture though. This is a bit out of my wheelhouse, but I'm enjoying the stretch. I've got my eyes open for just the right border. I think I've found it. More on that later. </div>
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Tomorrow is the weekend. My goal is to get this baby sewn together by Sunday night. </div>
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948973598538689739.post-61903510899611371032019-01-30T08:53:00.002-06:002019-01-30T08:53:42.912-06:00A Little Spring in the Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A trip to the local nursery's greenhouse yielded these lovely pictures. My soul was craving some color, so I went there to find it and I wasn't disappointed. I tried to find the color in my neighborhood, but could only find brown. Brown is fine, but...I wanted color - natural, fresh color. It is tough to find color in Wintery Texas, but not impossible. I just had to go out of the way a bit and there it was in abundance. I'm so thankful that I live in place where all is not white for months on end. That is NOT my thing! </div>
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948973598538689739.post-87894757106518564392017-03-22T16:07:00.000-05:002017-03-22T16:07:22.637-05:00Trying Hand Quilting AgainIt's been a few years since my last hand quilting project. And that project took a few years to complete. So why did I embark on another? Because there really is something soothing about hand work. I also need something to do while I watch T.V. or I'll fall asleep. Plus, I really wanted to f-i-n-i-s-h <i>something</i> and the prospect of quilting the top on the machine just wasn't exciting me.<br />
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I completed this top as part of <a href="http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2015/07/2015-leader-ender-challenge-tumblers.html" target="_blank">Bonnie Hunter's leader-ender challenge</a> a year or so ago. My scraps seemed to have a plethora of pastels so this is one of two quilt tops that I completed.<br />
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Since this is a fairly small quilt, I figured it wouldn't take too long. I've been at it for about two and half months now and this is what I've got to show for that time.<br />
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I just stitched the tumblers down the middle. Not super creative - oh well. The inner border has some quilting next to the seam. I think I'll stitch on the outside of the inner border in a similar fashion. I've still got to come up with a simple design for the outer border (I think I've almost got that worked out). Then I'll trim it up and add a binding. I'm hoping to have this completed for a silent auction coming up in a couple of months. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSADf5HxxhrOW6RZRw8RBCsx_O_cWP9mY6Mz0muUuHEkA8_pXgpKulfdXgJ5EbnHSoxeSHCbE34wQP_AdkYYSwrg5k6OUXC_Cywp52ee51yrIBzXWzkppQOrnp_kDOzI_K7vATTc7KHGp/s1600/baby-tumbler-close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSADf5HxxhrOW6RZRw8RBCsx_O_cWP9mY6Mz0muUuHEkA8_pXgpKulfdXgJ5EbnHSoxeSHCbE34wQP_AdkYYSwrg5k6OUXC_Cywp52ee51yrIBzXWzkppQOrnp_kDOzI_K7vATTc7KHGp/s400/baby-tumbler-close-up.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Overall, I'm pretty happy with it. đ</div>
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948973598538689739.post-58877845420887776172017-03-12T22:34:00.000-05:002017-03-12T22:34:19.114-05:00Snapshot Sunday - March 12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A peak at this past week reveals these gems - <br />
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A cool star in Arlington near Mission Arlington, where I spent much of my week. </div>
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Surely, there must be a better name for this product.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieO68Y0Jgoke1uYRAD33WbDdRmE-T6OXl7k7QGq8oWondL_uYGhaYFjjoskPLfEF5ciOTqbT2At4xCggOnF9F7WZvh2PoZNUPD9knxdS8RXVtcJLdXR140dDykzbZt6WcbzSWGWFY9fK0I/s1600/pear-tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieO68Y0Jgoke1uYRAD33WbDdRmE-T6OXl7k7QGq8oWondL_uYGhaYFjjoskPLfEF5ciOTqbT2At4xCggOnF9F7WZvh2PoZNUPD9knxdS8RXVtcJLdXR140dDykzbZt6WcbzSWGWFY9fK0I/s320/pear-tree.jpg" width="294" /></a></div>
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That Bradford pear tree is leafing out.</div>
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I don't think I've ever seen such pretty trash receptacles. These are awesome!</div>
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948973598538689739.post-54730955010246332017-03-11T16:44:00.000-06:002017-03-11T16:44:09.195-06:00Quilt In ProgressOn the design wall right now is this scrappy darling -<br />
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I called it Scrappy Moroccan Tiles. I've finished enough blocks to make two and half rows. I need enough blocks for 5 rows. My plan is to make a block a day until I have what I need. So in about a week and a half I hope to start sewing blocks together. To allow for a little fudge factor, I'm going to shoot for Monday, March 27th as the target.</div>
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This is to be a replacement for my Dad, whose current quilt is so tattered that the binding has come completely undone in one corner. He uses it every day, which makes me so happy. His birthday is in June. This quilt would make a great birthday present. </div>
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948973598538689739.post-62126316873937171962017-03-09T16:33:00.003-06:002017-03-09T16:33:51.978-06:00Goals ReviewLast week I set some 10 goals for myself. I did pretty well in meeting those goals. However, it became clear to me that my goals weren't well written. They lacked detail and clarity. Saying I will eat healthy snacks isn't a well written goal.<br />
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Now I don't want to be overly zealous about all this, but I do need to consider some parameters. There is a common acronym for goal setting that says your goals need to be S.M.A.R.T. I like <a href="https://michaelhyatt.com/goal-setting.html" target="_blank">Michael Hyatt's definitions</a>, so let's take a look at how he makes goals smart.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
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<b>Specific</b>âyour goals must identify exactly what you want to accomplish in as much specificity as you can muster.<br />
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<b>Measurable</b>âas the old adage says, âyou canât manage what you canât measure.â If possible, try to quantify the result. You want to know absolutely, positively whether or not you hit the goal.<br />
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<b>Actionable</b>âevery goal should start with an action verb (e.g., âquit,â ârun,â âfinish,â âeliminate,â etc.) rather than a to-be verb (e.g., âam,â âbe,â âhave,â etc.)<br />
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<b>Realistic</b>âyou have to be careful here. A good goal should stretch you, but you have to add a dose of common sense. I go right up to the edge of my comfort zone and then step over it. (If I am not out of my comfort zone, Iâm not thinking big enough.)<br />
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<b>Time-bound</b>âevery goal needs a date associated with it. When do you plan to deliver on that goal? It could be by year-end (December 31) or it could be more near-term (September 30). A goal without a date is just a dream. Make sure that every goal ends with a by when date.<br />
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Another (simpler way) to look at goals is to answer the question ... what do I want to do? After answering that question, the next step is to plan a strategy to do that. For example - What do I want to do? Eat low calorie foods or fruit for my snacks every day this week. The plan for doing that then becomes a recurring task on my to-do list. It may look something like this Every night after dinner I will prepare 2 healthy snacks for the next day. This may include checking the store-bought stash of snacks, peeling or slicing fruit, or measuring out and packaging items in portion controlled containers.<br />
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Either approach takes time and planning. I like to think it's worth it because I'm aligning my actions with my values and the living the life I want to live, which is pretty darn nice. Time to go plan some goals.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948973598538689739.post-69929504094540244212017-03-05T19:36:00.000-06:002017-03-05T19:36:32.620-06:00Snapshot Sunday - March 5Just a few pics from my camera roll this past week -<br />
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Shamrocks from the local nursery...because it's March.</div>
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That Bradford pear tree from last Sunday with a little bit of green showing.</div>
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Sunday night spaghetti dinner. Yum! Love me some Prego!</div>
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I'm calling this string stars (inspired by my favorite quilter <a href="http://quiltville.com/index.html" target="_blank">Bonnie Hunter</a>). <br />I'm going to make them in a variety of colors - 1 each month. </div>
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948973598538689739.post-81401402154252815302017-03-01T19:29:00.001-06:002017-03-01T19:29:43.089-06:00Substitute Teacher Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At first I thought being a substitute teacher was going to be a transitional thing. My last job had ended and I wasn't finding anything that I felt was a good fit. I'd been interested in working as a paraprofessional in the local school district and preferred the office-oriented jobs to those actually working with children.<br />
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God had other plans. And I'm thankful that He did. Once I found out how easy it was to work as a substitute teacher for that same school district I applied immediately. The hiring process is fairly straight forward, so I was hired quickly. After a very brief orientation, I was ready to start working. Mostly, I planned to use this opportunity to scope out which schools I preferred and to get the inside scoop about upcoming job openings.<br />
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Since I'd been a preschool teacher before I became a mom, I felt like I had a grasp on what I was getting involved with as I began my new occupation. (More on that another time.) A family member at one of the schools put in a good word for me and I was working...at least a couple days a week. I've been at it for a year and a half now, in school years. Nowadays, I usually work 4-5 days a week.<br />
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Here are some of my best substitute teacher tips -<br />
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1. Ask questions. While all the schools in the district are similar, they are also very different. Arrival and dismissal procedures vary. Different principals have different approaches to discipline. Sometimes children can be helpful, but usually its best not to ask them your questions. When possible go to an adult. Generally the staff in the grade where you're working are more than happy to help you out.<br />
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2. Take notes. No, I mean it. I used a 2 page per month calendar and wrote down a few words to help me recall what that class, grade level or school was like. It was very helpful later when other sub jobs came up in the system.<br />
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3. Give the teachers feedback. I have found that most teachers want to know how the day went while they were out of the classroom. This isn't the time to lay it on thick about the children who gave you a hard time. Believe me, they are well aware of them. Just a short note about any significant issues is sufficient. On the flip side, it's best to focus on the positive components of the day. And if the day went spectacularly, be sure to be very complimentary. Everyone likes to get be encouraged.<br />
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4. Make business cards with your contact information on them. Teachers want these. They keep these. Sometimes I leave a few - one for them to keep at school and one for home. One for themselves and one to share with another teacher. At first I made mine on the computer with card stock and cut them with my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-scrapbooking-trimmer-swing-out-inches/dp/B00019DTRQ" target="_blank">Fiskars slide cutter</a>. But after a while that got old, so I ordered some very basic cards from <a href="http://www.vistaprint.com/" target="_blank">VistaPrint</a>. They have my name, email address, phone number, the grade levels I typically work with and the time of day that is best to text or call me. <br />
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I no longer think of subbing as transitional. It's my gig. And I love it!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948973598538689739.post-65614263646515946922017-02-27T20:30:00.005-06:002017-02-27T20:31:49.283-06:00I Think I'll Try This Goal Setting Stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm going to set a few goals for myself. There are tons of awesome books and internet articles on the topic. There are so many approaches to goal setting that sometimes finding the best fit can be overwhelming. But for this attempt I'm going to use Evernote to help remind me of my goals. According to Evernote Scott in his terrific Youtube video, looking at your goals every day helps improve your success rate. </div>
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Scott's approach is very thorough and maybe just a tad bit too involved, so I culled several of his ideas that I think will be helpful to me right now. (I have finally gotten to a place in life where I feel free to take what I need from a resource without following every single suggestion.) The Daily Morning Ritual page is a must have. This check-list type page is a great step-by-step guide for the morning. I hope that the items on the list become habits so that I can someday remove the page. I liked that page so much I made an Daily Afternoon Ritual page for when I get home from work. I kept the Journal page and the Vision Board page (although there isn't much there yet). His pages titled My Why's and My Motto are similar to a page I have called My Mission Statement and Core Values. I turned Daily Reminders into Weekly Goals. I added a Prayer page and a Quarterly Goal page. </div>
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While I'm not going to share my specific goals here, I am going to say that I've broken my goals down into 5 main categories - spiritual, family, physical health, home, personal and social. These are areas that I've previously identified as important to me. I have a total of 10 goals for the next week. When it comes to writing goals I don't get super formal about the structure. I can easily spend so much time concocting goals following a specific formula that I don't have time to work on the actions required to achieve them. I'll check in next Monday and give an update on my success. </div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948973598538689739.post-71021616401532239682017-02-26T16:45:00.000-06:002017-02-26T16:45:33.822-06:00Snapshot SundayThis post shows a little slice of my day as seen through snapshots.<br />
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First up is a building under construction at my church. There is so much hope in this building. It will be used mostly for children and youth. I can't wait until May, when it's slated to be complete.<br />
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Next up are flowers from my daughter's wedding that were hung to dry back in November. There are a sweet reminder of that special day.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Bradford pear tree in the neighborhood are on the cusp of bursting out in blooms.</span></div>
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Here's one that got a head start.</div>
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There's beauty in the simple things.</div>
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948973598538689739.post-30040958114751269452017-02-25T07:21:00.001-06:002017-02-25T12:55:55.425-06:00Slow Saturday ChoicesI love Saturdays that have minimal to no time slots committed. Today is such a day. It's like a freebie. I don't HAVE to do anything. Sure I have a To-Do list a mile long, but that's all weekday stuff (wink, wink). Today will be for sewing and Pinterest. The only question is...What to sew? Well, there is plenty to choose from in my plethora o'projects storage unit.<br />
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Let's see, there's a block of the month from 2011. It's a Marti Michell quilt in blue and yellow called <a href="https://frommarti.com/Show_BOM_TRC.shtml" target="_blank">Romance Continues</a>.<br />
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSvB9iZyVzFqNvKpTt7bsu0hAqvHsInWC5JEtzOLXZf2P3YqzSG_PI83tgaR3RjaYJt4CmOBo1fhyphenhyphenfxKbF-JyHdzXwmQMGEv2WDR1r0Nw105bNjRzEVPhfrhcf7wMDQYeeirhcLTmintJ/s320/Romance+Continues.jpg" width="284" /></div>
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I could also select this sweetie - Summer in the Park. It was begun a few years back when I was leading a scrap club at the quilt shop where I worked. The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5WgTyqB8Pc" target="_blank">pattern </a>is from Missouri Star Quilt Company.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_TDeXDxLyQa_Yzf_md-06qwZ1GyLg4pzMZ4SFl3jKyKTlby6jQPIH8wJbsJ9SCBKXcV12f6CQ4EfdAxFMTi68pcXC9b4_538sv_ybWJJzdrw1qi0inn7FKplnmryLsTrs23fktbW0GiT/s1600/Summer-in-the-Park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_TDeXDxLyQa_Yzf_md-06qwZ1GyLg4pzMZ4SFl3jKyKTlby6jQPIH8wJbsJ9SCBKXcV12f6CQ4EfdAxFMTi68pcXC9b4_538sv_ybWJJzdrw1qi0inn7FKplnmryLsTrs23fktbW0GiT/s320/Summer-in-the-Park.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
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That's no really grabbing me. What else is there to choose from? <a href="http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2005/06/cathedral-stars.html" target="_blank">Cathedral Stars</a> from a Bonnie Hunter workshop. I love this quilt. It's so bright and colorful. And has sooo many pieces. Ugh. No. Not today.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWtd2Ka78kYZPuV3ar_9RgoZjQqsGnkaiNxIEuFGrcpt6lPSCJ7dcGN8IJGjzS92C-vNQyyaecv2_8F9W7lebkjjw8daricQZHF9glHHmOIYLV61ItbqmKMy146D3kWCr2Y-wk_vmMlRa/s1600/Cathedral-Stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWtd2Ka78kYZPuV3ar_9RgoZjQqsGnkaiNxIEuFGrcpt6lPSCJ7dcGN8IJGjzS92C-vNQyyaecv2_8F9W7lebkjjw8daricQZHF9glHHmOIYLV61ItbqmKMy146D3kWCr2Y-wk_vmMlRa/s320/Cathedral-Stars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This one would be easy. It's almost done. I just need to sew the blocks together and add a border or two. It's a blue and white Disappearing Four-Patch. Another project from the scrap club. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0uAplVD0Npoba4WuAoR66wFQXwugVE26qzzXHuUuJoTzYWKVryTHWtIvWoQI3jtFx6yKfi1fgniIJ9RPEenZNOD78a8jjAsDe4C3FMB06KA6j4KQxxE9LWydSTJBhhdzNhHFwqvlZcFP/s1600/20150618_135929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0uAplVD0Npoba4WuAoR66wFQXwugVE26qzzXHuUuJoTzYWKVryTHWtIvWoQI3jtFx6yKfi1fgniIJ9RPEenZNOD78a8jjAsDe4C3FMB06KA6j4KQxxE9LWydSTJBhhdzNhHFwqvlZcFP/s320/20150618_135929.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I could go on and on. But I think it's pretty clear that I've got more than enough choices. In fact, according to my Evernote notebook I have over 50 projects, in various stages, from which to make a selection. Sheesh! I think I'll just close my eyes and pick. As long as I move something along today I'll be a happy camper. </div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948973598538689739.post-81725140821207295672016-04-21T07:23:00.000-05:002016-04-21T07:29:48.040-05:00Reading is Fun!I had forgotten how much fun reading can be. So why did I stop? I suppose because it's slow. I'm a very impatient person. Why read an entire book (which takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for me) when I can read a bunch of blog posts or catch up on Facebook? That's been my philosophy for the last decade for so.<br />
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For some crazy reason, I made it a priority to read a book a month this year. This seemed "doable." I didn't want to overwhelm myself by setting too lofty a goal. It kind of sounds wimpy now that I see it written out like that. Oh well, I'm not going to judge myself too harshly on this. It's more than I was previously reading. Now that I've set my mind to reading it seems I'm never lacking books to peruse. That's just it - I have the opposite problem. I can't determine which book I want to read next. Instead of only reading an occasional book, now I want to read all..the..time, to the exclusion of sewing, cleaning, coloring, watching TV and just about anything else.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dear-Mr-Knightley-A-Novel/dp/140168968X" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/Dear-Mr-Knightley-A-Novel/dp/140168968X" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiF05jZuXRQsToXSy68cP_BhtgfmykGmNGG0owAObXGCL0OPZbVB21JGaTb9JGiYNYTKDZ7KrN92qaBuF1pgrFoX2dTfbVKTOTFyFm-VT4Wjg6Ss0809fpAVK8LMSpmGJ2mA1l5-KEbf_/s320/dear+mr.+knightly.jpg" title="Dear Mr. Knightly" width="212" /></a></div>
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My current obsession is Dear Mr. Knightly by Katherine Reay. It's an engaging book about a young woman named Samantha Moore who suffered greatly as a child and turned to books to cope with her life. She uses the characters in the books she's read to help her process and articulate life, especially relationships. As an adult, she's discovering that she needs to find her own voice. All of this takes place as she sends letters to a generous benefactor in her life. It's clever, funny and touching. I'm totally engrossed in Samantha's life. I want her to succeed in her career, her friendships and in love. In my mind, this is how a good book works. A good book transports you out of your world and into the life of someone else. Since I'm in the middle of the book, I don't yet know how it ends. Dang!<br />
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I really must get some things done around the house. I think a terrific reward would be to finish reading Dear Mr. Knightly. Suddenly I'm motivated.<br />
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I think I see a trip to the library in my future. Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948973598538689739.post-83555181522085555842015-12-30T22:47:00.003-06:002015-12-30T22:50:15.553-06:00A Page from My Coloring Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I received a couple of coloring books as Christmas gifts. I have really enjoyed playing with my colored pencils and filling in the flowers of this page. I was actually rather engrossed in this project the day after Christmas. I was going to "undecorate", but when I woke up with a killer headache I just wanted to relax. So I was thankful when I found this delightful and time-consuming distraction. By time-consuming I mean hours. It took me probably 4-5 hours spread over 2 days to complete this page, but I love it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJqLTkYFXwcQTOawKX9cF4ZqSpPmune-VHvmNZHI3mIBFcUDeVTdCBRSQAg_hAct2L2xhC1f-DRaOUVCPWmDzYWVgGTh563a0ymKVHmQKJsmNu6VCZZ01kOZODi5Zb-o-0WSfdMgDgeJq/s1600/Coloring+page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJqLTkYFXwcQTOawKX9cF4ZqSpPmune-VHvmNZHI3mIBFcUDeVTdCBRSQAg_hAct2L2xhC1f-DRaOUVCPWmDzYWVgGTh563a0ymKVHmQKJsmNu6VCZZ01kOZODi5Zb-o-0WSfdMgDgeJq/s320/Coloring+page.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
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This page is from the book</div>
Today is going to be a Great Day!<br />
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I may have a hard time getting back to my sewing machine. But then again, maybe not. I'm going to a quilting retreat this weekend. Yay!</div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948973598538689739.post-56744011129144822362015-12-29T05:17:00.003-06:002015-12-29T05:24:01.813-06:00Starting the Year with James<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm thankful for the opportunity to study the <br />book of James with this book as my guide...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RFCrD1SFuQYzIFGcJLsOmct6GExOIPFpjbotHbo8NNOgShEsj7EKo3q0yqozp3M2M7SoD8lnNybEGQ92jIaqYa49r7gkekCHbYukjduFOIXdIzkeKSeD1vqaEmVLWKgik-Ec_0u2p0W2/s1600/20151229_045916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RFCrD1SFuQYzIFGcJLsOmct6GExOIPFpjbotHbo8NNOgShEsj7EKo3q0yqozp3M2M7SoD8lnNybEGQ92jIaqYa49r7gkekCHbYukjduFOIXdIzkeKSeD1vqaEmVLWKgik-Ec_0u2p0W2/s200/20151229_045916.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
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Our small group at church is going to be studying James. I just happen to have this book I got received last Christmas on the book of James, Growing in Wisdom & Faith, by one of my favorite bible study authors, Elizabeth George. She has a great way of breaking the passages down into bite size chunks and then posing thoughtful questions to help you see what the writer of the passage is trying to say. I need help in this department, because it's not always clear to me. By studying before our group meetings, I hope to be a better participant. Gotta go...it's time to study.</div>
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948973598538689739.post-83944873768535764842015-12-02T07:16:00.001-06:002015-12-02T07:16:35.483-06:00The Names of GodI'm going through a study created by <a href="http://www.lovegodgreatly.com/" target="_blank">Loving God Greatly</a> about the names of God. I've always wanted to do a study like this. Just to focus on God, his character, his names and to really get to know Him better. This study came up as part of my church's womens ministry opportunities. It started before Thanksgiving and goes through Christmas. Perfect timing, right?<br />
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So far I have learned about Jehovah Jireh (the Lord who provides), Jehovah Rohi (the Lord is my Sheperd) and this week we're learning about Wonderful Counselor. I've been saturated in the bible daily. Meditating over these verses and trying to find obersvations, applications and finally prayers using the selected verses. In this process I'm being reminded so much about things I already knew about God. It is helping draw my mind to him more often. I've discovered that the things I so wanted to know, I already new. But now I'm seeing them in new ways. Isn't that how God works?<br />
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In the last few days I've had a song by Amy Grant running through my head. It's and oldie, for sure. The name of the song is Emmanuel. It's from one of her earlier records. What a great reminder of the names of God. I know we'll be talking about Emmanuel in an upcoming week. But this song is running through my brain now.<br />
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Last night at our small group bible study, we were discussing prayer. We defined prayer as communion with God. Once someone said that as the definition, no one else really wanted to say anything, because that summed up what everyone was thinking. Different words could be used instead of communion like talking, communication, or fellowship. But ultimately it is time with God. Where I was moved to think differenly after this discussion was in the area of adoring God as part of my prayer time. This isn't something I do nearly enough. I tend to have the Santa approach to prayer and focus on how he can meet my material and spiritual needs. I need to make a point to choose to focus on him. So this is my goal moving forward. To not allow myself or Satan to distract me from worshipping and praising and focusing on God in my prayer times.<br />
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948973598538689739.post-44341999754319194932015-08-27T11:08:00.001-05:002015-08-27T11:08:16.596-05:00Keeping Busy <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRsjc_ZWecvXMnqFsNZTnwmqd3e1mLZPfF2w1Um0F49E4OBJ9Foz_4AfFFnbf7BXgSNYQoAVCjYux3SDEjknSlB9_jNIDAOcpOgTySbT2II3r26LsetgeebdH6nLWUAfPGhr1UpX1p0M-/s1600/stones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRsjc_ZWecvXMnqFsNZTnwmqd3e1mLZPfF2w1Um0F49E4OBJ9Foz_4AfFFnbf7BXgSNYQoAVCjYux3SDEjknSlB9_jNIDAOcpOgTySbT2II3r26LsetgeebdH6nLWUAfPGhr1UpX1p0M-/s320/stones.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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For the last few days I've been dealing with a mild case of shingles. Even though it's mild, it still hurts. To keep my mind off my discomfort, I decided to get to work on this little project. This one is on the smaller side. It measures 46"x 52". I can't wait to try some quilting on it. I'm thinking of borrowing a friends pounce.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948973598538689739.post-38180591701548776512015-08-19T07:04:00.001-05:002015-08-19T07:04:49.346-05:00Today I'm Thankful For ...<p dir="ltr">1. Grace and peace from God.<br>
2. The local public library.<br>
3. My treadmill.<br>
4. Weight watchers.<br>
5. Kids who've made it to adulthood without drama.</p>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948973598538689739.post-51629638194970513812015-08-14T08:05:00.000-05:002015-08-14T08:05:01.762-05:00Today I'm Thankful For ...<br />
<ol>
<li>My best friend Judy.</li>
<li>Pinterest - where I can collect tons of great recipes and quilt ideas.</li>
<li>Half-Price Books - where I can buy children's books to give to our youth pastor at a fraction of the cost of new books.</li>
<li>My son had a good review at work and is being slated for a promotion.</li>
<li>My daughter is done with college and has a job she enjoys.</li>
</ol>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948973598538689739.post-17044567293631035742015-08-13T06:55:00.001-05:002015-08-13T06:59:57.521-05:00Today I'm Thankful For ...<p dir="ltr">1. Tea ( especially Trader Joe's Irish Breakfast tea).<br>
2. The apostle Paul, who wrote many of the letters found in the bible.<br>
3. Time to season of life.<br>
4. Living in a place where I don't have hide my faith in Jesus Christ.<br>
5. One Simple Act, a book by Debbie Macomber.</p>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948973598538689739.post-75085070461095663232015-08-12T06:38:00.001-05:002015-08-12T06:42:34.693-05:00Today I'm Thankful For ...<p dir="ltr">1. Elizabeth George - who wrote the book Unserstand Your Blessings in Christ.</p>
<p dir="ltr">2. A new gas stove.</p>
<p dir="ltr">3. My morning cup of tea.</p>
<p dir="ltr">4. Time to sew.</p>
<p dir="ltr">5. My friends at Sit and Sew.</p>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948973598538689739.post-84764290955461997802015-08-11T12:14:00.001-05:002015-08-11T12:14:20.721-05:00Playing the Drug Store GameBy the looks of the title, you'd think this blog post is about drugs, but it's not. It's about saving money! When you use coupons to save money at the chain pharmacy stores, it's called the Drug Store Game. That's what I did today... and it was fun!<br />
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<b>Where I went - </b><br />
<b>CVS</b><br />
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<b>What I got -</b><br />
2 cans of Blue Diamond Almonds<br />
2 Maybelline Full and Soft Mascaras<br />
2 3-packs of toothbrushes<br />
2 90-count flossers<br />
1 roll of Scotch packing tape<br />
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Retail price for all those items -<br />
$42.33<br />
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How much I spent in cash -<br />
$13.60<br />
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How much I spent in Extra Bucks -<br />
$14.00<br />
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How much I have in CVS Extra Bucks -<br />
$6.00<br />
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This is how it went down -<br />
<b>Transaction #1 - </b><br />
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-insideh: none; mso-border-insidev: none; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-table-layout-alt: fixed; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 252.9pt;" valign="top" width="337"><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 3-packs of toothbrushes @
$3.19 each = <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .75in;" valign="top" width="72"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">$6.28<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 252.9pt;" valign="top" width="337"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 90-count flossers @
$2.50 each = </span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .75in;" valign="top" width="72"><div align="right" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>$5.00</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 252.9pt;" valign="top" width="337"><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Total<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .75in;" valign="top" width="72"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">$11.28</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 252.9pt;" valign="top" width="337"><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Minus 30% CVS Red Box
coupon <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .75in;" valign="top" width="72"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-$3.36</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 252.9pt;" valign="top" width="337"><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Minus Extra Bucks (from last
week) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .75in;" valign="top" width="72"><div align="right" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-$5.00<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 252.9pt;" valign="top" width="337"><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Minus Extra Bucks (downloaded
app) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .75in;" valign="top" width="72"><div align="right" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>-$3.00</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 252.9pt;" valign="top" width="337"><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .75in;" valign="top" width="72"><div align="right" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
.86<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Earned back $6.00 in Extra Bucks<br />
Savings 93% - Woohoo!<br />
<br />
<b>Transaction #2 - </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xA3noQ18z3w/VcogNO5V3FI/AAAAAAAALWE/PB0me7PR5Ec/s1600/Copy%2Bof%2B20150811_103654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xA3noQ18z3w/VcogNO5V3FI/AAAAAAAALWE/PB0me7PR5Ec/s320/Copy%2Bof%2B20150811_103654.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-color: #FFFFFF; border-width: 0; mso-border-insideh: none; mso-border-insidev: none; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="style3" style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 cans of Blue Diamond Almonds @ 5.49 each
(BOGO free) = <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td class="style2" style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" width="66">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">$5.49<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="style3" style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 Maybelline Full and Soft Mascaras @ 8.99
each =<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td class="style2" style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" width="66">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>$17.98</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="style3" style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Total
</span></div>
</td>
<td class="style2" style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" width="66">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">$23.47<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="style3" style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Minus manufacturer coupon
(Maybelline) <o:p></o:p>
</span></div>
</td>
<td class="style2" style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" width="66">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-$1.00<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="style3" style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Minus manufacturer coupon
(Blue Diamond Nuts)</span></div>
</td>
<td class="style2" style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" width="66">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-$1.50<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="style3" style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Minus Extra Bucks from transaction #1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td class="style2" style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" width="66">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-$6.00<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="style3" style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Minus $3.00 off Make-up CVS Red Box Coupon
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td class="style2" style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" width="66">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-$3.00<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="style3" style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Minus $1.50 off Nuts CVS Red Box Coupon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td class="style2" style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" width="66">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>-$1.50</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="style3" style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Subtotal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td class="style2" style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" width="66">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">$10.47<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="style3" style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tax
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td class="style2" style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" width="66">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u> .78</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="style3" style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Total <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td class="style2" style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" width="66">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">$11.25</span><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-insideh: none; mso-border-insidev: none; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 3.6in;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
</td><td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.5pt;" valign="top" width="66"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Earned back $5.00 in Extra Bucks<br />
Savings 64%.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<b>Transaction #3 </b><b>- </b><br />
<b></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDJ3Sb71aJ_0FW21oNHoqIAhg1ITljlnYSUUB3gogW32dMc6cvKwv8NjfKSqGyLKcK4IOxQ9rUJCYZK6G8o6Xth2xzurbMxYNWyZGNQvtSokOCVPziRPVfFfMqX5IESYsxvCx3L500Fm0/s1600/20150811_103741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDJ3Sb71aJ_0FW21oNHoqIAhg1ITljlnYSUUB3gogW32dMc6cvKwv8NjfKSqGyLKcK4IOxQ9rUJCYZK6G8o6Xth2xzurbMxYNWyZGNQvtSokOCVPziRPVfFfMqX5IESYsxvCx3L500Fm0/s320/20150811_103741.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="style5" style="float: none; width: 187px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
Packing Tape</span></td>
<td class="style6" style="float: none; width: 53px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> $1.99</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="style5" style="float: none; width: 187px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
Minus manufacturer coupon</span></td>
<td class="style1" style="width: 53px;">
<u class="style4"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> -.50</span></u></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="style2" style="width: 187px;">
<div class="style2">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Total</span></div>
</td>
<td class="style3" style="width: 53px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">$1.49</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Earned back $1.00 in Extra Bucks<br />
Savings 63%.<br />
<br />
Prep time - about an hour.<br />
Shopping time about 15 minutes.<br />
<br />
I think I'll try it again next week. My goal is to only buy things I know I'll use. I don't want to have a closet of body wash that no one in the house will use. I want to get to the point where I have a modest stockpile and then can score great deals in order to be generous with others. We'll see what that looks like when I get there.<br />
<br />
In order to get better at this game, I need to spend a little time finding the best online resources, getting myself organized and planning the order of my transactions better. I'm sure there was probably a better order to do these purchases, but I still feel pretty good about what I accomplished. It makes being "on sabbatical" worth it.<br />
<br />
Until next time ...<br />
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00028992461032556622noreply@blogger.com0