Queenies Little Kingdom

I spent the weekend sick.  I never want to waste a weekend doing something like that so you know it must've been a doozy.  I tried to do housework and carry on as if I was perfectly fine but thanks to the elephant sitting on my chest….breathing was optional!

So, I sat around in between all cleaning jobs and watched the TLC channel.  Don't ask me why because I can't figure the reason out myself.  All I can say is that I was under the influence of some sort of death wish illness that kept me glued to a whole days worth of Hoarding: Buried Alive!

Oh My Gosh!

I literally sat there mesmerized!  I couldn't believe the horror of what these houses looked like.  Who can live like that?  I whine and I complain every single time stuff accumulates in our middle room and garage.  Which, is often.  The mess drives me crazy!  My family is busy.  Each of us are constantly on the go and stuff just gets set down (always with a plan to come back later and deal with it).  Watching back to back episodes may have been a bad idea.  I made a vow to myself….

Everything must go!

I'm not keeping junk anymore.  I don't want the world to see my face on Hoarders!  Everytime I have to kick an empty coke case out of my way to get to my car in the garage I'm going to flashback to the show!

Seriously!  That's probably how it all got started for these people.

One more thing.  What is it about this channel anyway?  Every commercial advertised more dysfunction going on in the world.  Honey Boo Boo, Gypsy Sisters, My Strange Addiction and a list of other wacky shows.  Do they pay these people?  Isn't there something good to share and celebrate?  Like, families trying to make good choices?

TV is a wreck!  TLC is a tv wrecker!  (maybe I'll thank them later when my garage is all cleaned out!)

I've been thinking a lot lately about change.  Not because it's a topic I love but because change pops up in our lives when we least expect it.  It sneaks up on us and oftentimes totally wrecks us.  A few years ago, I stepped into work to find myself in a major job change.  One that I wasn't interested in nor ready for.  The worst part?  Was that it was my only choice, if I wanted to have a job!

It is only fair for me to say….I still struggle with that change 3 1/2 years later.  Never in my whole life did I feel called to the job I'm doing right now.  But, I march on because that's what God gently reminds me to do.  Change makes us uncomfortable.  It takes away our security and all that we know as normal.

Have you ever had a change of course in your life that tossed you for a loop?

This new year has brought with it some change for my hubby.  To say it was unexpected is an understatement.  There were no signs, there were no warnings and there certainly wasn't a "heads up"!  Don't you think life should come with some ALERTS every once in a while?  Like, HEY, YOUR JOB IS ABOUT TO MAKE A MAJOR CHANGE… GET READY, DUDE!!

Sadly, that's not how it works.  God tells us, "The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly." John 10:10  Which reminds me when life makes a U-turn that there isn't anything God doesn't control.  Even the stuff I try to cling to — He has a plan and He has my best interest at heart.

I can't let change knock me off my game.  Satan wants to keep me off kilter….but that's not God's plan.  He wants me to live victorious even in the midst of change.  Same for you.  Is there something threatening to steer you off course?  Is there a change you're dreading?  God wants you to stick it out. (talking to me here) 

Besides, change can be good too….right?

Somedays, I feel sorry for myself.  Chalk it up to not feeling well physically and then throw in a little situation that seems unfair and it's a perfect combo for me to whine like a baby.  Usually, I don't even realize how far down in the pit I've fallen until I've let the whole world around me know…just how pathetic I feel!

Lame!

I wish I knew ahead of time so that I could ward off any outbursts or sassy comments that might spin off my lips.  But, oh…no way Jose'!  I'm all about the living outloud in the flesh thing!  Oh my wicked flesh!

Is it just me….or does God have to remind you to be humble too?

I went to bed with a sick headache and sore throat then woke up feeling even worse (on a fun day at school).  I let that icky-ness infect my attitude and now I'm regretting it.  Who wants to be miserable on a jeans day (that I didn't know about!)?

It's no fun!

I'm taking this for what it's worth.  A lesson.  I recognize my need to make the best of every situation, every day.  I can't let silly things invade my heart and rule my actions/attitude.  Plus, feeling sorry for myself is so unattractive, right?

In case you've ever wondered…..  I am human!  Please remember that when I goof up and fall short.   Like today.  I'm a work in progress.

God,

I'm a poster-child for ONE WHO NEEDS MERCY!  No one can top my ability to fall into the pity pit.  Help me when I'm down & out and feeling sorry for myself!  Thank you for reminding me that you love me, accept me, believe in me and you find me precious!  I love you and your mercy.

Amen

BE NICE.  LOVE OTHERS.  SHOW MERCY.  GIVE GRACE.  ENJOY LIFE.

I've heard the talk…

I chalked it up to –> you've shopped at one grocery store you've shopped at them all.  I mean, seriously….how awesome can WHOLE FOODS be?

While I was in Chicago, the Hotel Felix was right down the street from one so hubby & I made a dash in to check it out for ourselves.  Oh my darlin'!  I am officially making all my future moving decisions based on where in the world is a Whole Foods Market!

I want to shop there, all the ding-dang-dong time!  The variety of fruits & veggies nearly blew my mind.  Fresh, fresh and more fresh. Everywhere I looked, something else begging me to purchase it and take it back to the hotel.

If I had only brought a gigantic cooler.

The store is packed with amazing choices….meats, specialty foods that you just don't find at SuperWalmart!  I know the rule is never grocery shop hungry…but we were just looking, remember?  The hot foods buffet was out of this world.  Who cooks all that great stuff?

I can't stop thinking about this grocery store.  I think it's clear….I have a grocery store obsession!  The only problem?  The closest store to me is in Louisville or Indy.  Dang it!

Mark my word.  I will live close to one of these grocery stores, one of these days!

1 — The week is finally coming to a close!  Time to party!

2 — People have better attitudes.  Being friendly all the day long!

3 — Paychecks roll into bank accounts on Friday's.  $$ 

4 — Date nights.  Who cooks on Friday night?

5 — Energy booster.  Somehow, even being tired…you get pumped!

6 — Fun with family begins.

7 — Jeans days.  Not every Friday….but occasionally!  Yahoo!

8 — 2-hour delays.  If you live in snowy Indiana….it can happen!

9 — Anticipation of time with family all weekend long.  And pets!

10 — Well earned break!  God loves his children and planned rest time!

I'm dog tired and cannot wait to hang out at home with my people and watch football!  It's been a long few weeks and I'm all about regrouping with my darlin's!  I don't even mind that my TEAM isn't playing in the Super Bowl.  I plan to yell and get crazy anyway!

Happy weekend, y'all!