Common Ground Coffee House #110

[I Am Blessed 24]

Good morning all,

It is coolish here today, but that is to be expected for the fall season. It is rather nice not having to run the AC or the furnace.

I have some kind of 'bug' and have not done any work for a couple of days and I'm not doing any today! I have not been eating (which is not going to hurt me) and I have been sleeping a lot. It feels kind of good. I think maybe my 'bug' has a name..."burn out". As Helen pointed out, I'm not 25 anymore and we've been going at a pretty good pace on this house since early spring.

I have never had a real vacation, but if I could afford it, I think I would love to go to Wisconsin for a few days, stay in a motel, and see the sights (and of course visit with my son). It would feel so good to sleep when I wanted, eat when (and what) I wanted and not have to watch the time or answer to anyone.

Don't get me wrong. I love my home. And it's a good thing because I am in it 24/7 except when I'm playing 'taxi driver'. I just feel like it would be refreshing to have some time by myself. No cooking, no cleaning, no painting, no hammering, no delivering papers, no school crossing, no taxi service, no eBay packing, no Freecycle editing posts, just have time for ME. Yep, I think I've got 'burn out'.

I'm sure we all feel that way at times in this busy world, but I don't usually get this feeling. Must be getting old...

When I was younger, and got this feeling, a trip to the park with a good book would do it. No cell phone either!!! I don't think that's gonna work this time. :laugh:

What does everyone else do when they get 'burn out'?

Y'all have a great day...I'm going to relax.

 

[Jim1999]

Every Monday was deemed to be a pastor's day off. That didn't aways work, especially when the parsonage was next to the church. Invariably I found myself working at something. It didn't take many years for me to find the golf course. No, I never did take up golf, but I paid my green fees, carried three clubs and walked the 18 holes. Every now and then Iwould actually bang a ball, or even throw it as far as I could. I found this a solitary place. I didn't have to think about church work, study or do any real work. It was a shelter from the storm. It was an oasis in the desert. This was my burnout prevention program, and it worked over many years.

Do take that time, Sue. Our minds and bodies nead this break from the rigors of daily life.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[Friend of God]

Sue we don't usually take trips like this, however; if I left it up to to my Wife we wouldn't take trips at all. After everything she went through with her Mother being in the hospital I thought it would be a nice change of pace for her.

This is where we went. www.treetops.com No. We are not "made of money", but I make sure that when she needs a break to recharge that she gets one. Sometimes I just have to be sneaky about it thats all.

 

[menageriekeeper]

Didn't I check in today? Hmmmm, I really must be behind!

Good Day Everyone!

I've been having exchange day here at the house. Well, at least I planned out the exchange though I haven't actually paid all the bills. Then Chris and I spent two hours helping Walmart make their payroll and replacing my pyrex dish(which may not have been pyrex after all. It was 20 years old, so I can't be sure). Found a nifty one that came with a lid. My old one got covered in foil when it went somewhere. Found another set of 3 that were quite lovely, but were odd sizes, so I'm still considering those. Might pick them up next weekend.

Now, I have housefinding to do. It was soooo clean on Friday that the kids were afraid to mess it up so that shouldn't take to long. Then I am going to attempt to wrestle my stove into making chicken and dumplings. My luck, I'll blow the safety valve on the pressure cooker. If not, we'll have supper.

I am still not feeling good. But when I'm up moving, I don't really feel that bad. I'd go to the doc, but what am I going to tell her? There's nothing that bad wrong with me but I'm sick? Eventually this has to go away or get worse enough so I can tell what is making me feel so bad, right? This weekend I had about decided to get myself checked, but today I'm better again. So back to waiting it out.

This will be a busy, busy week. Chris has a B'ham appointment Wednesday, and school pics on Friday(nearly in B'ham). Tuesday and Thursday are church days. Next Monday Chris and Cass have dentist appointments. Never ending cycle.

Sue, when I get burned out, I sit and do nothing constructive for a day or two. Read a book or two. Watch TV. Play video games (there's a nice fishing game for the x-box 360 that I can consume great deals of time with. ). Surf the internet or play mindless games on MSN. Irritate my kids by telling them I'm simply to tired to get up and they get to cook dinner. That sort of thing. It usually doesn't take very long until I'm bored with it and back to moving around. I've discovered that boredom is my friend when I'm trying to recover from doing to much. I don't like to be bored! So then I can take smaller steps, with much sitting around in between, until I get myself back to a normal activity level. Oh yeah, I EAT while I sit. I've found that if I let myself get too busy and my body is rebelling, half the time its because I haven't been eating properly.

Rob, I believe you and your wife deserved a nice weekend. Ya'll have had a busy, busy time here lately. Now about that cleaning. You merely want your piles moved from one spot to another so they can be vacuumed under right? Cause that and throwing away stuff T might use twenty years from now is about the only cleaning I know how to do! :laugh:

Oh my goodness, I don't even have karate uniforms clean for tonight. I gotta go!

 

[palagislandgirl]

Good evening all,
I am just dropping in for a mountain dew to go with my supper. I am warming up leftovers. If you all want any roast you are welcome to join me. Tonight is one of those times that unless the food can be put in the microwave it isn't going to be eaten!
Y'all take care and have a good day!
:godisgood:

 

[annsni]

Coming in late too. I did homeschooling today and then went riding - which was interesting with a migraine. But it worked. Hey - speaking of migraines - I think my migraines might make it into a book! A friend of mine just finished writing a book on back pain and she's making another one on migraines and she asked me to write up my description and history. Pretty cool!! I'll be famous - just look for "A" in the book. LOL!!

If you guys could pray for me tomorrow. I had my physical 2 weeks ago and my EKG showed something that could be something or might not be anything. I go tomorrow for a stress test to see if it is something to worry about. Also, I'm still waiting on the test results from my physical - I should hopefully hear from him tomorrow. I'm concerned because I'm showing some signs of an autoimmune disease and I'd like to know how my tests came out. Thanks!

So - Rob - you did TOTALLY the right thing. I wish Bob would do the same but all of his wonderful relaxing ideas revolve around the boat - the place where I still have to cook, clean and do it all in a place that has constant movement. LOL!! NOT my idea of a vacation.

Sue - What do I do when I get burned out??? Well, that usually ends up with a migraine so then I just lay around in the dark and sleep. If it doesn't end up with a migraine, I may still just lay around and watch batches of the Waltons. LOL! Horseback riding helps too - I get some frustrations out that way and I feel pretty happy most of the time (unless Whirl decides to be a jerk).

 

[AVL1984]

Good VERY early morning all:

Viv's schedule is quite a mess at Dell, but, that is fine right now. For us, it is still a blessing that she has a job, has the benefits and is working full time. At times it's hard not to get frustrated with all of the changes that are going on there, but, it is HER job, and she needs it to support us both as my disability will not cover living in the home we have. I look around and see all the blessings, the house, the car, the things we have that people elsewhere don't have like the computer I'm typing on now, the internet and friends here. God helps put all things in perspective. :godisgood:


I just heard the alarm clock go off, yet, I'm still going to take a few short minutes to type, as I'm not here very often lately. I was mowing yesterday, and on the two last rows or so that I had to finish with the riding lawn mower, the belt started to whine and burn. It's not grass in the belts, so, I don't know what it is. I made it back to the garage with the mower, and today I'm going to have to see if the belts are slipping or if a piece of wire or something is up in there. It's been a great mower (MTD/YardMachines) and we've had it for about 11 or 12 years. It's had it share of wear and tear, and then some. I'm having to do the yard as my health allows and as Vivian's time allows her to help. Most of it I've been able to get done by myself, but, sometimes I need help. Yet, I still find myself afraid to ask people. Please pray I get over this. I guess it's just a "guy" thing.

Well, the coffee is in the cup and on the coffee table in the front room, and Viv's at the kitchen table, so, guess it's time to go. God bless y 'all. Have a great day, and remember to count those blessings you sometimes think are a pain. It's all in the perspective.

Bro. T:thumbs:
:type:

 

[I Am Blessed 24]

Good morning all and thanks for all the suggestions on 'burn out'!

I slept very soundly last night, maybe just getting that out of my system helped some...

I remembered this morning that my daughter gave me a gift certificate for a FREE manicure and pedicure for Mother's Day and I haven't had time to use it. Think I'll take time this week!

I think I will choose a day, put make-up on (which I rarely do anymore-no time), get my mani and pedi, and spend the rest of the day crusing the thrift shops and eating lunch in the park with a good book (I will put something in the crock pot for supper). I may even get my hair cut (it needs it badly).

Today, my plan is to clean my desk off and move it to a better location and fry chicken for supper. If neither of them get done...I'm not gonna worry about it.

Have a blessed day all!

 

[Friend of God]

Good Morning Everybody,

It is 59 and overcast, headed for a high of 75 today.

Cuz I agree with your type of "cleaning. Sometimes I even move the piles into different rooms. I call this "deep" cleaning because the Gkids have to look deep into each pile to see where it is and who it belongs to. :laugh:


Today my MIL has a follow-up with her Cardiologist. My family has developed a "habit" when they go to a Doctor's appt. Seems like following such an experience they develop an undeniable urge for fast food, so we usually stop for something to eat.

Funny, I learned to cook more than scrambled eggs and hamburgers when I was single so I didn't have to rely on fast food. My cooking skills [such as they are] just gradually developed over time. Then I got married at 34 and discovered that kids don't always like my type of cooking. Oh well, I've adapted and so have they.

I brought in Omlettes, Biscuits, and Sausage Gravy. Enjoy.

The Grandmother of some good friends of ours has been brought home under hospice care. This has understandibly overwhelmed the family, so I'm taking meals to them so they have one less thing to worry about. I'm not able to do much, but at least I can do that.

Time to run.

 

[menageriekeeper]

Good Morning Everyone!

I actually feel somewhat better this morning! Yay! Even with the muscle that's tryng to pull out of place in my back, I feel better this morning than I have in two weeks. I broke down and took a muscle relaxer and some advil for the back. I don't want to get really down in it again and have to miss another testing in karate. I'm sure the problem has been caused by too much laying in the bed.

I'm not going to push myself today. The house is nearly clean. I've already run through one load of dishes and a load of clothes and picked up my bed/sewing/computer room. About all I need to do now is vacuum the livingroom and foyer. Where all the dust on my hardwood has come from in 3 days time is beyond me. I just cleaned the stuff Friday!

The deep cleaning is down to just needing to wash walls, rearrange the library and clean T's corner of the livingroom. None of which are going to happen this week! I might set the kids to washing walls this weekend. Usually they think this is great fun. The library has to wait until my back feels better and I just don't have the courage or the motivation to play in T's corner right now! As soon as I toss one of his magazines, he's sure come looking for it!

I think today, I'm actually going to sew. I haven't felt like turning the machine on here lately and things are starting to stack up. Poor Jenna is going to run out of jeans if I don't get her some fixed! And I have an outfit she is in need of, cut out and ready to sew. And I could go on. Projects are stacking up around my ears!

I'm going to try for lasagna for supper again. I plan on putting it together this morning and sticking it in the fridge til tonight. Cass and Chris both have place to be during my usual cooking time and this way I won't have to buy takeout.

Ya'll have a good day!

 

[annsni]

Hey all! Well, today should be around 73 degrees and a little cloudy and I'm migrainy. I can't have any caffeine today because of my stress test so I'll be downing some motrin and having a nice big Dunkin Donuts coffee on the ride home. Bleck!

I hope this test shows nothing - never thought of having heart issues before but my EKG showed something wrong. It could be just a wrongly placed lead - I guess we'll find out today.

Other than my test, I'm just doing homeschooling and cleaning today. Should be a quiet day.

 

[Friend of God]

Ann Praying that your EKG is normal and the coffee is good. raying:

 

[Helen]

You're getting the hang of it, Sue -- now if I can just talk you into crawling into bed during the day for a very extended nap.....

I've been up since before 5. We could not find my lecture notes for this coming weekend. We are both speaking down at Chuck Smith's Calvary Chapel creation group on Saturday. Four presentations spanning from 2:30 in the afternoon to ten at night. That's too much for Barry alone, so I will give one presentation myself and we will both contribute for the last one. That keeps us both sane...

But I lost my notes! Not on the computer that we could find and where was the printed copy?

Once before I lost notes for a speech and ended up re-writing a much better version. That is exactly what happened this time. I woke up about 4:30 with the thoughts running through my head. I had started the new version yesterday and gotten fried brain after about half way through. So I finished this morning. I like it ever so much better. But I'm brain dead again....but it's done.

We're leaving Thursday and will not be back until Monday. Thursday night we'll spend with our son and daughter-in-law half-way to LA and make the rest of the trip on Friday. Should arrive in LA about 3, but then we will have almost a full 24 hours to kick back with no Chris, no horses, no housework, no anything, in a hotel room to sleep and just be quiet together. That's just short of heaven, folks!

Speak Saturday and leave Sunday after church. Stay with same son and dil and then finish the trip home on Monday. Gina and Pastor Ken will be holding the fort on the home front.

So now it's almost 8 in the morning here, foggy, with sunshine for the last time today for at least a week. Take the car in later for oil, lube, and trip check. Pick up birthday gifts and a care package for a friend. Come home and type up directions for animals and Chris while we're gone. Make a set of speaking notes (I typed out fifteen pages in essay form first and I make notes from that), get dinner, feed beasts, and finally kick back for bedtime.

Tomorrow is Bible study in the evening so I'll clean the house and make snacks and make sure laundry is caught up for packing for the trip, which we do right before we leave. It's just easier that way and we know what we want and need to take.

For anyone who has read this far, if you will, please hold us in prayer Saturday. We need the stamina and clear minds to present the material clearly and concisely and then answer questions after each presentation.

Thank you and God bless.

 

[chica3382]

I'm FINALLY going to get to see Transformers this afternoon at the dollar theater. I saw it was coming out on video and I was like, ew, big screen only or I'll pass. Yay. I thought I had missed it. I miss a lot of things, but this wasn't one of them.

Does the Common Ground have some popcorn around that I could take with me? That theater popcorn is so expensive.

 

[I Am Blessed 24]

Here ya go, Chica.

Be sure to carry a large purse!

When my kids were small, I would carry a diaper bag and smuggle in a quart of sun tea and a large bag of popcorn. :thumbs:

 

[chica3382]

Here ya go, Chica.

Be sure to carry a large purse!

When my kids were small, I would carry a diaper bag and smuggle in a quart of sun tea and a large bag of popcorn. :thumbs:

Haha! A woman after my own heart! Once, I smuggled 5 beef 'n cheddars from Arbys into a theater....one for me and one for each of my brothers. Boy were they surprised!

Unfortunately for me, I was looking at the Saturday movie listing. The movie doesn't show until tonight. argh.

So now I'm sitting at my favorite hotel coffee shop, drinking a double-shot latte on an empty stomach. heheh

 

[annsni]

Well, the stress test (actually, I got an echocardiogram with the stress test) showed that I had an absolutely normal heart. My only problem is that my cholesterol is a little high but with some diet change (I do NOT eat well), I should be good for a while. The cardiologist said that there doesn't even need to be any follow-up unless anything new develops. Whew! I feel MUCH better!

 

[tjfkbrawny]

I have never had chest pain, but last week, I began having some, and it comes and goes. I know I should see a Dr., but I really do not have the time.

 

[Gayla]

I have never had chest pain, but last week, I began having some, and it comes and goes. I know I should see a Dr., but I really do not have the time.

Maybe you should make the time? That could be a warning sign of something serious.

 

[Helen]

That's wonderful, Ann. I was waiting to hear....:godisgood: