Monday, 10/28/2013

Day 301, 10/28/2013 - Eat, had a Panera cobblestone muffin with a Starbucks pumpkin latte for breakfast. Got the muffin "to go" last evening. It is like having "monkey bread" in muffin size, with cinnamon,  raisin, gooey sweet pull apart bites. Heated it was quite tasty. Had a Starbucks egg salad sandwich for lunch, my sandwich message said, "Enjoy more...worry less!" A message I need to take to heart. With so much to do at work and in volunteer positions it is easy to get bogged down in the worry rather than the joy. Pray, I pray for rest as I enter a very stressful week of work and volunteer work. That I will take moments throughout the busy days to calm my inner thoughts and know that it will all get done. Joy, my joy is in reflecting back on the musical, joyful weekend. My hope is that it will sustain me in the busy days ahead this week.

Sunday, 10/27/2013

Day 300, 10/27/2013 - Eat, again grabbed my brewed coffee on the go and a protein bar. Met son, James, at Rockfish for lunch. I had their Pasta Carbanara and of course, jalapeño corn hush puppies. Was able to get a brief Sunday afternoon nap before the Sunday night concert. Dinner was at Panera, the turkey panini with mac and cheese. Pray, prayers of thanksgiving, James and I made the decision to travel to Minneapolis for Thanksgiving to see daughter, Sarah. Joy, my joy again was in the music. This reformation Sunday was one to remember. We celebrated the Kirking of the Tartans, a celebration of Scottish heritage and culture. Kirking, from the Scottish Gaelic word kirk which means church, in this usage means "blessing." Tartans are the traditional plaid emblems of Scottish clans represented in unevenly spaced colored lines and rectangles on woven wool cloth. There were bagpipes, drums and singing to reach heaven. The morning combined with another great Vox Humana concert, pure joy.

Saturday, 10/26/2013

Day 299, 10/26/2013 - Eat, quick coffee from home on the go as I delivered handbells to the venue for the concert tonight. Stopped at one of my favorite pizza dives, Pizza Villa, for lunch. In the heart of Richardson, I rarely get the chance to go there. Love their pizza, it was better than ever. I had the veggie pizza. I enjoyed the left overs for dinner after the concert. Prayers of thanksgiving, the handbell part of the concert went well. Joy, my joy was in the music today. I had the privilege of ringing with Vox Humana, a 24 voice professional mixed choir. The harmonization, the musicality, professionalism, pure joy. I look forward to being able to do it all again for their Sunday night concert.

Friday, 10/25/2013

Day 298, 10/25/2013 - Eat, birthday breakfast with my sister, at La Madeleine. I had the Parisian Eggs Benedict,  so rich and so good! I got a croissant and chicken salad to go, it made for a great late lunch. TGIF for the the work week, and I was able to get to a better place with regard to my busy "to do" list. I had a brief rehearsal to accompany a vocal group on one piece with handbells. Hopefully it will all come together for the concerts on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Pray, I pray that I will get a good night's sleep. I am extremely over tired mentally and physically this week. Joy, my joy was in celebrating with my sister, Deb this morning for her 60th birthday. We are both so busy in our everyday lives. I am thankful to have her unconditional love and support. Family...priceless!

Thursday, 10/24/2013

Day 297, 10/24/2013 - Eat, started the morning with a jalapeño/cheese Kolache and my own brewed coffee. Lunch was delightful with items from Panera, chicken salad on an Asiago Cheese bagel. Met my mothers of twins moms at On the Border for Happy Hour and dinner. Fresh table side guacamole,  margaritas and endless enchiladas,  delicious! Pray, prayers for my friend, Angie,  who continues to amaze me with her resolve. She is going to nursing school while continuing with weekly treatments. I pray for energy and healing. Joy, my joy was spending the evening with my good friends and mothers of twins. I love those ladies!

Wednesday, 10/23/2013

Day 296, 10/23/2013 - Eat, stopped at Panera and got coffee and a cinnamon scone for breakfast. Had the other half of my Cindi's Deli sandwich for lunch. Dinner was comprised of snacking on Fritos and spinach dip at home after the day's rehearsals. Pray, prayers for my friend, Donna, she remains in my thoughts as she deals with chronic back pain. I learned that she will visit her doctor in Dallas again in November. I am hopeful for some relief for her. Joy, my joy was in experiencing the bagpipes at choir rehearsal tonight. We will sing "Amazing Grace" with bagpipes this coming Sunday. It will be wonderful.

Tuesday, 10/22/2013

 

 Day 295, 10/22/2013 - Eat, got fresh jalapeno Kolaches to go with my brewed coffee from home for breakfast. So busy at work this week so Terry took pity on me and brought me a turkey sandwich back from his lunch at Cindi's Deli. It was huge, enough for two lunches. Met my rehearsal buddies at Chili's for dinner. I had the California Flatbread and margaritas, yes it is that kind of week already! Pray, continued prayers that I will be productive in my work efforts this week. So much to do, so little time! Joy, my joy this week is that I am getting some physical therapy for my recent injuries. I am hopeful that it will help me progress out of the pain cycle that I am currently in.

Monday, 10/21/2013

 

Day 294, 10/21/2013 - Eat, started my work week off with another Panera breakfast,  this time a spinach/bacon soufflé. Even better than the four cheese. I took time to have it there as opposed to taking it "to go." Glad I did, it really makes a difference to have breakfast by yourself with a few quiet moments before beginning the work day. I got a chicken salad sandwich to go for lunch. On my favorite bread, an Asiago cheese bagle. Busy day, didn't eat lunch until 3:30. Just had snacks for dinner and the shortbread cookie from Panera, yum. Pray, I pray that I will be highly productive at work every day this week. There is so much to do in just five days. I pray for targeted focus in my daily tasks. Joy, my joy is once again in the volunteers that give of themselves and their time to reach great goals and accomplish enormous tasks in the church where I work. I must remember that for every item that I cannot get to, there is a volunteer willing to help in some way. Priceless!

Sunday, 10/20/2013

 

Day 293, 10/20/2013 - Eat, crackers, protein bars and eggs were all I could stomach today. I stayed inside all day and slept off and on. Pray, continued prayers that I will soon feel better. Joy, my joy is that as I write this I am feeling better and glad that the culprit medication is hopefully out of my system.

Saturday, 10/19/2013

Day 292, 10/19/2013 - Eat, feeling somewhat better, I decided to go to my choral rehearsal. Box lunches were provided from Jason's Deli. I had ham on white with chips and a cookie. I began to feel ill after eating, so went home. My stomach is still not well. More crackers and peanut butter in an effort to feel better. Nothing else to eat for the rest of the day. Pray, prayed that the pain in my stomach would cease. I have stopped taking a medication that suspect is the culprit. Joy, my joy was in getting much needed rest and in the hope of a better day tomorrow.

Friday, 10/18/2013

 

Day 291, 10/18/2013 - Eat, breakfast of donuts was provided by volunteers. They were so fresh they were still warm. As the day progressed I began to feel ill. I went straight home and rested hoping to feel better. I had crackers and peanut butter in an effort to settle my stomach. I prepared mac and cheese in another effort to feel better. Pray, my prayer is that I will soon feel better. Joy, my joy was in the morning and having volunteers who helped put bookplates in the new hymnals. I am always amazed at how many people give of themselves and their time to help the church.

Thursday, 10/17/2013

 

Day 290, 10/17/2013 - Eat, breakfast was my favorite sausage biscuit breakfast from Whataburger. Had a protein bar for lunch since I met me friend, Val for dinner. We met at Apollonia's Italian Kitchen. I had their renowned Meatballs and Spaghetti. When my friend, Kari had it she was underwhelmed,  so I decided to give it a try. It was good, not dry like it was the night Kari had it. I don't usually have meatballs and spaghetti since I am hard to please. I enjoyed it and would order it again. The owner, once again, came a greeted us. I talked about how was thinking of ordering their homemade Limoncello. He had a glass sent over free of charge. Very nice! Pray, I prayed that I would have the energy to get through dinner since I was so exhausted. Prayers answered. I enjoyed the evening very much and was able to get home at an early hour to get some rest. Joy, my joy was in seeing my friend, Val. We were able to catch up with each other like no time at all has passed. We vowed to get together more often. I hope we will both work to make that happen.

 

Wednesday, 10/16/2013

 

Day 289, 10/16/2013 - Eat, had an early morning doctor appointment and stopped by Panera before going to the office. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I had earned a free soufflé. Free is good and so was the soufflé,  I chose the four cheese one. I also got a chicken salad sandwich for lunch as I have learned that skipping meals is not a good thing. Dinner was on the go after late rehearsals. Pray, prayers of thanksgiving, I made progress on several tasks at the office. Joy, my joy was in accomplishing something at work with regard to computer programs. I have new faith in myself and my abilities.

Tuesday, 10/15/2013

Day 288, 10/15/2013 - Eat, took lunch to the office, a sandwich and chips. I had Bear City fudge from New Bern for dessert. I bring back fudge every year from NC, this year was Pumpkin and Praline,  yum! Dinner was with my Tuesday rehearsal buddies at Texas Roadhouse. I shared the chicken fried chicken with Karen. Something new for both of us and very good. Pray, I pray that I am able to get caught up with my work load this week. While it's fun to get away from work, it is always waiting for you when you get back. Joy, my joy today is that I made it to and through my Tuesday rehearsal even though I was dog tired from the weekend's events.

Monday, 10/14/2013

 

Day 287, 10/14/2013 - Eat, one last breakfast in New Bern, we chose Baker's Kitchen. I had the Suburban, eggs, sausage, Dutch potatoes, and biscuit with gravy. We left New Bern by 11 for the drive to Raleigh for afternoon flights. Had one more crab cake with a beer at the airport. Dinner was with son, James,  who picked me up from the airport. He chose Applebee's and I had the appetizer trio with cheeseburger sliders, buffalo wings and spinach artichoke dip. We shared fudge that I  purchased in New Bern for dessert. Yum! Pray, prayers of thanksgiving that the flight, although delayed a bit, went well. Joy, my joy is in being able to participate in the Distinctly Bronze event each year. I am blessed to be able to work with such talented ringers. As tiring as the rehearsals are, the rewards are many!

Sunday, 10/13/2013

Day 286, 10/13/2013 - Eat, tried the hotel restaurant again for breakfast. It was better, I had the quiche, bacon, and a bagel. Lunch was provide for all ringers. The usual buffet items were offered, chicken, salad, veggies and desserts. Nothing I was particularly hungry for so I didn't eat much. After the concert we went to Captain Ratty's to have dinner and relax on the rooftop. I had the shrimp and crab cake. Yum! Pray,  prayers of thanksgiving that the concert went well. I am so fortunate to be a part of this elite group of ringers. Joy, it was so fun to see Jenny Cauhorn get pink hair. She challenged over 120 ringers to raise $1000 for the Heritage Fund. If so, she would let them dye her hair pink. Needless to say, challenge accepted,  money raised. She never dreamed it would happen. She was a good sport and is was so fun to see the process evolve with postings to Facebook on Saturday night.

Saturday, 10/12/2013

 

Day 285, 10/12/2013 - Eat, made coffee in the room and had a protein bar for breakfast. Some walked around at the Mumfest in New Bern. Lynn and I really preferred sitting as opposed to walking and had lunch again at MJ's. We sat outside and people watched. We shared fried mac & cheese bites and I enjoyed their crab cake sandwich. For dinner we went to The Chelsea again. More great appetizers, drinks and wine. I tried their Risotto. Taverna in Dallas still has the best Risotto in my humble opinion. The music is really starting to come together after hard work and long rehearsals. Pray, I pray for good rest/sleep tonight so I can have a good performance tomorrow for the concert. Joy, my joy is in the rain and cloudy skies easing up a bit.

 

Friday, 10/11/2013

Day 284, 10/11/2013 - Eat, I decided to try the hotel buffet for breakfast. I was a bit underwhelmed but it was relatively quick so I could get to rehearsal. Lynn and I toured the shops of New Bern. I purchased some amazing olive oil and balsamic vinegars. We had an early lunch at MJ's. We both had the shrimp salad sandwich and shared the pecan pie for dessert. We had a group of 9 for dinner at The Chelsea. They have the best blue cheese dip. I chose the grouper Florentine for my entrée. Pray, I pray that I can stay ahead of the aches and pains that come from standing all day in rehearsals. Advil and other drugs are my allies during these events! Joy, my joy was in a full day of music. As tough as it is to stand all day, it is an awesome experience to work with such good musicians and Dr. Payne.

Thursday, 10/10/2013

Day 283, 10/10/2013 - Eat, for breakfast/lunch we went to our favorite New Bern breakfast spot, Baker's Kitchen. I had the Hungry Farmer, eggs, sausage, French toast and grits. They have a fabulous honey butter syrup,  delish! First rehearsal started at 2 and we had an early dinner at Persimmons. Awesome crab dip and Fish & Chips. Pray, I pray that the music will begin to fuse into my brain and that I develop the necessary muscle memory on the challenging malleted piece. Joy, my joy is seeing friends from years past that I only see when I come to Distinctly Bronze East event in New Bern.

 

Wednesday, 10/9/2013

 

Day 282, 10/9/2013 - Eat, my sister, Deb, brought breakfast from Einstein's Bagels. I had a cinnamon/raisin bagel with, (you guessed it!) a Pumpkin Latte. She dropped me at the airport for my morning flight to NC. I am thankful for the ride so I did not have to leave my new car at the airport. Dinner was in New Bern, NC at one of our favorite places, Captain Ratty's. They offer a wine tasting on Wednesdays. We tasted 3 whites and 2 reds. Reds were my favorite, a Malbec and a Borelo. Excellent pricing on bottles and they ship to Texas, score! We shared appetizers, spinach dip and queso. I had the crab cake and grilled shrimp for dinner, delicious, let the seafood feast begin. I usually enjoy lots of seafood while in New Bern. Pray, I prayed for a safe and uneventful flight. Prayers of thanksgiving that I arrived in NC safely. One rant though, about airplanes these days. Seating is so tight in coach! When the person in front of me reclinced her seat as far as it would go, I could not even open my music folder all of the way. You might say, "She needed her rest." No, she did not rest, she leaned forward the entire flight, leaving me to turn pages on a 45 degree angle. Grrr! Ok, rant over. Joy, my joy is in getting out of town for a long weekend of friends, music and handbells.

Tuesday, 10/8/2013

 

Day 281, 10/8/2013 - Eat, one stop shopping again at Starbucks. Enjoyed pumpkin latte & scone for breakfast and egg salad sandwich for lunch. Met my rehearsal buddies at Rosa's Café for Taco Tuesday. Best deal in town for the money! Pray, I prayed today for an individual who has left the church that I work for because of some interpersonal relationships and dynamics. I, for one, know what it is like to leave a church after many years of membership and fellowship. No matter the reason, it is one of the most difficult things I have done in the recent past. Joy, my joy is in getting 5 days of work done in 2 days. I can go on vacation for a few days with peace of mind and not worry about the office.

Monday, 10/7/2013

Day 280, 10/7/2013 - Eat, brewed my own coffee and added seasonal Pumpkin creamer, yum! Took my lunch, sandwich and chips. Have so much work to get done in 2 days time before traveling on Wednesday. Prepared my favorite comfort food, mac & cheese, for dinner. Pray, I pray that I am very productive over the next 2 days. I got all of the Monday things done, so I am in good shape for Tuesday's list. Joy, my joy is in something new on my commute to work each day. There are new colorful scuptures that were added recently to an intersection that I pass daily. I hope to get a better picture in the days to come. It's nice to have something different to look at each morning on the otherwise boring drive to work.