Goals! Attainable Goals, realistic goals. What does it take to accomplish your goals?

Goals, everywhere in the world people set goals for themselves. If you could make two categories which one would you fit in? How do you move from one category that is dissatisfied to one whom is thrilled by his success of accomplishment?

Two categories really? Yes, each category has their own identity. I know which one I am, you decide which one you are. I will only number each one, yet later I will name them .

Group #1. Usually hard working, positive to be around, their home and cars are spotless, they have time to go on trips and can afford it, they read books, they go running or biking most days, their family life seems happy, they can afford what ever they do yet seem a bit frugal. Whatever projects this person has they have no problem seeing it thru almost effortlessly and they are happy.

Group #2. Their brain is hopping, no end to the great ideas they come up with. If you could harness some of what they come up with we would all be rich. They are definately on to new horizons with this weeks ideas. The ones from last week have evaporated, it doesn’t matter they already purchased the supplies for the project because this stuff is pushed to the corner because something new, different, exciting is occupying their mind now. Drawings, lists, and numbers written down, this is a thrill, the best thing they have come up with, everyone gets excited, it looks like a real Go, they buy all they need,then suddenly it all comes to a Stop!. The depression hits, no money for bills, the house and garage are a mess. It is over, time to recover a bit. The money gone, the disappointment, the clutter and the half-dones. In a couple weeks a new charge of energy, sketches, lists, numbers and we are on a new wave. Do not touch my stuff for my other projects, I know what they are and I know where they are and someday I will do them.


Both types of people are fun to be around. You likely know both types. If your a little of both or a lot of one and a little of the other you can imagine the internal struggle it can be.

The Group #1, wins the prize, is #1!! The Doers. Satisfaction guaranteed. They know whom they are, they know what they want, they know how much money they have, they stick to budgets, they know how much time they have.
To be in group one you know it takes consistency to attain all your desires. To be fit you must be consistent w your exercise routine. To have a clean home we must pick up after selves, put things away, wipe surfaces daily, sweep and Vaccume regularly. If we want our car kept nice we cannot keep leaving stuff in the car, keep the car empty and tidy. Do a weekly clean an wash of car, I am working on this.
And if we want money then we don’t just keep buying or keep getting credit. We have a budget and mind our budget. If we want to take trips maybe we don’t eat out for a few months an save money for our trip. (This savings includes not just the travel, food, sights, hotel etc. it includes the amount of lost week of work, plus the amount for bills that would be due for the first couple weeks on return, this way you won’t be knocking on someone’s door because you cannot afford your rent or buy groceries. Keep yourself covered w proper planning).


Group #1 is a group of doers, they consider a project, set up their space, purchase their supplies and have their time planned out to work on the project and if they can work on it a few hours a couple nights a week until done that is how it gets done. Our friend Bob wanted to make a cutting board for his wife using many types of wood. It came out nice. It took a bit. He and his wife loved the finished project.

Group #2, are definately the Dreamers. If they could hire a full time staff to follow the dreamer about to pick up after them, to assist in the projects to finish the projects, to support the dreams it would be a wonderful world. Unless your rich already, we have to stop, focus, plan and be committed to see a project thru. It is a wonderful way to earn self respect by working thru the steps. It is challenging especially when the excitement is gone it is time to exercize commitment, loyalty, and continue even if almost bored. If our minds have already started a new project then we can invest in a project planner an give ourselves a half hour a day to develop our projects yet this does not interfere with our completion of projects we are already on board with. The dedication, follow thru, and daily doing what is required to accomplish the goal. These are qualities like skills that are rewarding. It can get boring, I am working on a tiny necklate scarf. It is boring I want to be working on this an that. Yet each night before bed I do a couple rows, each morning if possible I do a couple rows. Of course I started it with excitement believing it would be wonderful and beautiful. The fact that my mind wants to be knitting a sweater or socks is just normal. I will be so happy when the necklate is done then I can start the sweater knowing at some point I will be perfectly bored ready to be knitting something else. You see, I know this about myself, and I know I have given in to these treacherous feelings before. We know feelings can be misleading. By practicing commitment to our obligations we will be happier in life. If we practice followthru we will have satisfaction from achieving our goals.

For us dreamers, living within our means and not freely purchasing will give us peace of mind and a manageable budget.

It is a good practice to look at half starts of projects, work on them and finish. It makes you feel good and accomplished. It clears clutter and shows self respect.

It takes faith to finish what you start, if your mind is leaping about and leaving a path of half starts how can others take you serious and how can you take yourself serious. I understand, this has been me my whole life. Throughout my life I have started many, discarded many, and it brings grief. Do not allow your children to do this. They need expectations that where if reasonable without pain or degradation that they are encouraged to finish what they start. It builds qualities that will help them their whole life.
There are many projects I started and finished over the years that I was rewarded with joy and satisfaction because it was a worthy project.

By seeing the worth of our project, respecting the investment of time, money, and optimism we initially had we can go from being Just a Dreamer to a Doer! Keep doing, and fulfillment will be your reward! Plan it! Do it! Finish it!

September, All is not at a Loss! Goalsetters, Get Ready!

September, the beginning of fall, where will it take thee’, where can I go…?

September is the fourth to the last month of the year. The ninth month of the year, we still have time. Time is still on our side, if we get busy now.

What goals did you have for 2022? We can still amp it up a bit and get good results. Take time to consider what you thought was important. Are those things still important? Here are a few to improve all aspects of life.

We still have four Fridays and Four Sundays. No, we really only have three Saturdays. Confounding really! This is Monday, September 5th, 2022.

We can put our time to good use. Here are twenty things we can do in September that will help make the next few months go smoother. Make life more enjoyable. We can improve family life and become more satisfied if we just try a few of these or all of them. I would love to hear if someone tries them all consistently til end of the year. Is anyone willing to try all twenty? Yea!!! We can do this!

1. Any outside special cleanup and repairs for our home, property And vehicles. You can make that punch list. Weatherizing before cooler weather. Mulching, glazing, window washing, pressure washing, minor repairs or major. Getting them done will just feel good. It is cool enough to paint the house or trip to improve overall look of the place.

2. Maintenance to lawnmower, bicycles, other equipment. Wash, pump up tires, check the belts, chains, and fluids.

3. Put a check mark on our calendar each day when we get a 20 min or better walk or workout done. A smiley face if you like.


4. Weigh once a week like Tuesday and put that number on your monthly calendar each week. A record to reflect on helps quarterly, or sooner if need be.


5. Plan a trip, a short close by one for a long weekend. Or visit local zoos and museums.

6. Plan a couple Fridays or Mondays off to get some big domestic projects done over a long weekend.

7. Consider a totally new hairstyle, a new refreshing look. Do we still look like we did ten years ago? Can we grow our hair longer or cut it shorter? Go to a stylist and get some professional input. Just nothing high maintenance please. If your hair is already high maintenance can we simplify things and stop doing something that makes it high maintenance? Keep it nice, just try something new.


8. Is there something you can tweak about your diet that could help you feel an look better? A small thing. Cut down on the soda, or increase the water. Have smaller meals and include at least one or two veggie salads per day.


9. A reading goal, read some poetry or even the Bible five minutes a day. Something refreshing each day.

10. Call family weekly, you know the family that you rarely talk to, and you never hear from them. Just call! Say hi! It has been a tough couple years for everyone. Sorry for my neglect., what is going on with you? How is everyone holding up? Then listen. Express care and concern.

11. Time to pull out a hobby or craft, how about finishing that one you started a few years ago. I like doing little quicker projects while I have a bigger project. Keeps it mixed up so I don’t get bored. I do get bored, jump around, get nothing done. You should see all my wonderful drafts of articles I have written and not published. Boo Haw! I will! I really will honor them and finish them.

12. A basketball, tennis ball, or football? Take your pick, they can do nothing without you. Oh, really has it been years…it is not the balls fault. Your not crawling yet. Get busy with it, get active.


13. New recipes please, the food has gotten boring. I will elaborate in a different article. Challenge: Use a real cookbook you own and find a couple recipes to enjoy making.

14. Clean the car, go get it detailed unless your good at detailing it yourself. I am not good at detailing let alone anything else other than keeping gas in the car sometimes. I do respect those w clean cars. Maybe my self respect will improve as I improve. Imagine that equivalent to self esteem. Good decisions, good actions, good results, good esteem.

15. Look at the body, yea, the one in the mirror. Take measurements quarterly and keep track of improvements and the need to improve. I lost 8 inches just w tiny little exercises since last September with no weightloss. Amazing! Don’t obsess! Just do toning exercises. Weightloss, another subject as I have a lot to lose. Always trying, never denying, and one will never lose. Made up by me just now. Some of us could afford to deny less or more.

16. Driving, how is your driving? Do you speed, do you get impatient? Do you get up close to the vehicle in front of you? Do you mess with your phone while driving? We know what we do, distracted driving and accidents are real. Aggressive driving is happening all around us, we do not have an excuse even if the other driver is inconsiderate and rude. We are responsible for what we do. Tickets, accidents, all cost money and time. Keep a good record and you will feel blessed.

17. Gifts anyone? Whom doesn’t like a gift? A gift is nice to give or recieve especially without expectation. A loved one we reside with, can we pick up something not expensive yet meaningful they may like? Or, the gift of time, have they been nagging we get something done that we just almost refuse to do, just do it with a smile and love to bless them and yourself. Don’t make them ask again. They will appreciate what you do even more! Can you arrange with them a long lunch and meet for a light lunch or a coffee? How much does eye contact and a smile cost? Can we try to stop a moment each day and look at each member while they are talking, really see them, really hear them and w a thoughtful response of positivity to validate their concerns or expressions.

18. Board games anyone? I am game, I really love playing cards or a board game w my favorite people. You know whom you are. No phones at table it is rude! Relax, have fun together.


19. It is still early enough in season if you like to go boating or camping or kyacking. It is fun! I do not do those things but my friends whom do are always happy they plan the time.

20. The final Big One! Mathew 5:3 say Happy is the one concerned w their spiritual needs. Include time to Pray to the most High at Psalms 83:18 about all these matters to improve your life in all ways. He really will help you. As you know principles are the backbone of structure. Nothing good can stand without it. As we learn his principles and apply them in daily life we will see the good results.

This is September, we have 17 weeks until the end of the years. Let us finish strong and achieving much so we can gain the esteem that comes with good results. Good results come from consistent efforts.

We can Do It! Finish Well, improve our health, wealth, family life, friendships, environment, spiritual health and esteem. Joy will come, satisfaction will be our gift.


Your Author, Gina Rydin from Fat fit an Fab . Com

fatfitanfab.com

July 2022

July, July, what can I say good about you?

The good news is that July has five three-day weekends. If it is possible to take a Friday and Monday off for a mini-vacation or staycatIon how wonderful would that be!

There are five long weekends either way if one wants to employ them.

If a household has school-age children then it’s a perfect time to go through the children’s room. The closets, drawers, etc. and see if they have age-appropriate things. Our children grow up in front of us yet we do not always see it happening. All too often their drawers an closets have things they can no longer wear. It is time to get rid of some stuff they no longer need or use. It us good to keep in mind that we have to exercise consideration and not get rid of things that might be important to them.

Yet by going through the closets and drawers seeing how many clothes they have that fits. This is the perfect time to make the list and take them shopping. A controlled shopping trip, is it possible? By having a list of what they need we can afford to get a couple things they really would like without blowing the budget. Then this is a good learning experience for them, purposeful fun w structure, control, yet a bit of freedom. Imagine that we can pair down, clean up, and be refreshed.

We can see it’s a good time to go through our closets, drawers and rooms. We can also see what we are no longer interested in or what we might need that’s new. We might need some new white blouses and some clothes have gotten dingy can get tossed or recycled.

Can we make time to clean the windows, baseboards and the doors. The furniture can be wiped down, do we need new bedding and can we change around the room? Time to consider is there any painting that needs to be done in these rooms.

Is there a room in the house that has become blaa? It is time to really look at this room, what do you see? Is there anything in the room that technically should be put away elsewhere? Is the rooms purpose obvious and utilized? Can the room be repurposed?

If you decide to repurpose the room or use it for its original purpose you need to plan an action. The first thing could be start with one corner and just pull everything out of that corner. Three things are handy like a trashcan, a box and a basket. Throw away everything that you just no longer have a use for. To put items in a box for what you can donate or sell. Anything in a basket to put the things that you’re gonna put away later when you leave the room. Set a timer and see how fast you can clear out this corner then proceed to the next one. See how much you can do and without stressing yourself out but feel a measure of accomplishment it may be an afternoon job or a job that may take you all week. I have areas like this and it’s overwhelming I didn’t see it happening at the time I don’t know how messes like that occur.

Although I’m not a big believer in ME time I do feel that getting some R&R is really important. If possible can you can plan a few days to go somewhere nice that’s not far away just to get some quiet time. Consider seeing some beautiful sites without expending a lot of money. Be refreshed!

What if there is a hobby you’ve ever wanted to explore doing. There are many reasons we put off personal interests you didn’t feel you had the room for it. Whether your limited with your time, space or finances. Maybe your life has changed or your circumstances different now. Has some children moved out or you have a little more room than you used to have? Or consider is there a possibility you really don’t need the guestroom and you can turn it into your activity room like your workout area with a desk in there for your office and if you like to maybe a sewing area. Really consider your interests and even if all you can do is make a corner of the room to suit your new interest your life will be enriched. July is a good time to reconsider the goals you had for 2022 that you came up with in January . Are you making headway on those original goals? If those goals were important to you? Is there anything more you can do to progress on the original goals? Are you watching your diet and getting your exercise that you intended? Some people have spiritual goals and wanted to read the Bible daily, are you picking your Bible up even if it’s only for five minutes or three minutes a day ? You can create a variety of things to do that’s different on each weekend to enrich your life you can plan it ahead of time even market on your calendar. The first week can be looking through your drawers and closets the second week can be some deep cleaning of those rooms and any necessary shopping. The third week could be a mini vacation. The fourth week could be repurposing a room or any other project that has been sitting to the side that you have wanted to make headway on. The fifth weekend it can be a joyful weekend having fun with family and friends . So whatever you choose to do with your month, look ahead and see how you can purposely plan it out to be rewarding where you feel accomplished and it makes the next few months a little easier by getting these things done and out-of-the-way. From your author Gina Rydin

2022 Not Just Another Year

Written By: Gina Rydin

Years come an go all the time. Where does time go? History is all about time gone by.

We have an opportunity to look back at the last few years, our family, health, spirituality, domestic, mental and financial health. Are we satisfied or dissatisfied? Can we improve our situation?

We can moan an blame. Life is complicated and we are victims to so much we cannot control. Proverbs 21:4 says If you become discouraged in the day of distress your power will be meager. So true! Sometimes I see a person obsessing about things as they are blind to the good, incapable of seeing past their problems while making more bad choices.

Time is considered a milestone in life, we make goals for a week, month, six weeks etc. We love the optimism of TIME and how we can be benefitted. The opportunity to make adjustments in our schedule, routine, and daily habits can fulfill many desires if we dedicate ourself to the practice.

What kinds of things could be on our shortterm/longterm goal schedule?

  1. Family: Looking at our family situation and thinking about something that might destress the family and bring us closer together.
  2. Could our health be improved by this or that? You know exactly what you need to do. Quit researching and spending, just get started and be consistent.
  3. Spirituality, it is a real need many ignore or replace with other vices. Mathew 5:3 says “Happy is the man conscious of his spiritual needs.” I feel so offtract and off center if I am not consistent. I love the aids, music, videos and talks on jw.org. All free, and it is in over 1000 languages. International I feel better no matter what, try it and see.
  4. Domestic, Why mention domestic? It is not an issue to obsess over, yet, if we can neaten as we go why not make tomorrow better with an environment that is managed. Personally I struggle in this department yet each year I do see improvement. A clean tidy environment I desire and function best in. My mind is fast forward and I am somewhere else before you know it and I do not know where the mess came from. Now as I try to slow down and practice a pattern of behavior it is helping. My friend Vickie moves so fast and takes care of many. Watching her clean a kitchen is pure entertainment as one movement flows into the next at high speed. She doesn’t want your help as you are in the way. Just back up and keep talking with her. She has things to do and places to go, in a micro-minute she will be done. Observing others has really helped me to figure out how I want to be. Do I really have to take forever to make these changes? Hope not! For now I will settle for improvement at a good rate. How about you?
  5. Mental, I am not a psychologist or doctor. Do all these points and see if it doesn’t help some.
  6. Financial, I have no advice. Double check the needs, some spend enough in drivethru each month they could pay all their utility bills. I personally am seeing the need to cut back on that. There are things to check and adjust. Times are tough we have some choices.

There are choices in daily life we can make. I have to pray alot so I can make good choices. I am always adjusting how I do things and I see improvement. Trying to make improvements and I love results.

The Power is all about consistency. Practice it! Do it again!

TIME can be our friend, we can make good use of our time. It is vital to consider our options. Only then can we have a measure of control which should and can improve our overall situation.
Written By Gina Rydin

Disclaimer: I am not a professional, these expressions are meant to be tried at your discretion. If you consider it beneficial then try at your own risk. It is your life not mine. Your choice based on your circumstances. May you be blessed and well.

Time can be our friend.

Pandemic Dip

Pandemic Dip by Gina Rydin

It has been more than 18 months of a pandemic. Things have changed so much. Here are a couple things I have noted.

  1. We are learning to make do with what we have and no longer run out the door for items we may need as often. If I do not have it, My I have been learning to improvise more. This has been leading to a greater creativity.
  2. I am happy learning to make substitutions where reasonable and using what I have available. It is saving money and time.

My Pandemic Dip was created because of improvising. Try it, it is delicious.

1 Roma tomato

1 toe garlic

1 avacado

1/4 cup red onion

lemon an lime squeeze

1 cup Greek yogurt

cilantro

red pepper, parsley garlic spice

salt an pepper

whip up in blender.

Pandemic Deficet:

if I had chickpeas I would have put in

I forgot to put in a shake of soy and Worcester sauce each.

Pandemic Dip by Gina Rydin

Covid-20

Written by Gina Rydin

Covid-20 May be a new epidemic.  This year of 2020 has seen more isolation, social distancing, stress, anxiety, loneliness and economic pressure than previously experienced world wide.

The news daily giving daunting details of an illness most do not understand.  The dangers that affect all countries, people, and ethnic backgrounds.  This virus is bringing about such dread and fear that people are experiencing a stress.  Comfort sought sometimes in unhealthy ways.

Some people are gaining weight due to stress and isolation.  Being home is new for many, the stress is compounded by boredom.  Due to the need for comfort some are eating more, unaware of grazing-like activities.  They nervously grab a handful of cereal, some candy, some chips.  Never quite satisfied wanting more, eating more.  Continually, greedily, stressfully looking for more to eat. Feeling so stressed searching for something as the hand meets the mouth with longed for comfort that eludes… .
The Covid-20 may not be everyone’s reality.  Yet, it will affect many, only time will reveal how mankind has been affected by this epidemic.
Gaining weight is unhealthy for most. It should be noted once the habits that contribute to weight gain go on blindly practiced it just compounds an already unhealthy situation.
Good News!  I am aware of many that are still mindful of making healthy food choices.  People whom are still taking walks or going for bike rides.  Are these people the same ones whom have maintained healthy diet and exercise routines for years?  I am not sure, yet, there are many I know that do not want to gain weight whom do strive to eat a healthful diet and they make an effort to exercise most days.

With many children and young people  being restricted from normal activities they may be potential candidates for weight gain.  As parents we have the responsibility to find ways to get our children out in the fresh air and to get exercise.  For growth, brain health and immunity children need sunshine, fresh air, exercise, and stimulating challenges.  This also helps maintain a healthy esteem despite all the world’s present dangers and circumstances.
Parents, Adults and caregivers with responsibilities are under an inhumane amount of duress.  There is very little time to care for personal needs.  Their situation merits much compassion.  Small choices add up to big dividends. Making good food choices for self, healthy portion sizes and making time for exercize may help maintain a degree of sanity.  As many depend on you a parent or caregiver your not expendable.  Involve others in your exercise and healthy eating.
One trick that helps me in two ways is when I am almost done with my meal I set the timer on my phone for 2 hours and 25 minutes.

1.  This helps me to finish my meal w satisfaction and know that I am done eating. Yes, done eating.

2.  The second way it helps is that my sugar is not apt to go too low by then.  Therefore I can have a healthy snack and reset the timer for 2 hours and 25 minutes.

Breakfast 2:25 min a snack 2:25 min lunch 2:25 min afternoon snack 2:25 min supper and if you choose another 2:25 min a light snack in evening.  Amazingly this trick let’s me know I will not starve to death.  No nervous grazing like a cow.  No nibbling out of boredom, I have things I need to do.  Food should not be an obsession or a compulsion.  This timer method I use helps me not think of food.  It is very freeing.  By the way, I am losing weight and I have a lot of weight to lose.
Remember:  There was a time when hobbies,…clean hands keep the puzzles clean while we could be putting Them together.  Clean hands keep our knitting, crochet, or sewing projects respectfully clean.  Go ahead, make a rug or a quilt or do a woodworking project.
Children thrive with projects to work on why not make some time to get them busy.  Remember coloring books, word find books and crossword puzzles?  The workbooks of a child’s grade curriculum are great to have them do a couple pages each morning. It keeps their mind sharp and ready for school. I would get these workbooks at a bookstore and sometimes at wal mart.  Every summer my sons had these workbooks to do.
We live in historic times, let us not respond like victims. We can be survivors by making healthful choices.
Previously people did not have time to pursue hobbies.  During these uncertain times make time for hobbies.  They can keep our minds and bodies healthy.
A few things I am exploring is of course developing spiritual interests as Mathew 5:3 says Happy are those aware of their spiritual needs.  I read the Bible and look at the jw.org website which is always encouraging.  Another thing I am trying is a new Domestic routine.  Looking at small maintenance things that need done while I try to spring clean a room each month.  I want to make a dress and finish a few small projects. My challenge is always health, energy and stamina.  We all have challenges of sorts. That is why it is imperative that we have interests and goals we strive to practice and achieve.  All this is stimulating and satisfying.  Why not see what you can accomplish with joy!

Disclaimer:  Some people will succumb to Covid 19 and this is a very sad loss.  I am not a physician or healthcare practitioner.
Please consider your own situation because only you know your situation and I hesitate to advise.  Please talk to your physician or other responsible person before you change your situation.  This article is meant for healthful consideration. May you and yours be safe and healthy.
I, Gina Rydin decided to title the article  Covid 20 as we are living in 2020 and 20 may be an unhealthful weightgain for most.  It may be a reality for some.  Let’s work together to be healthful with good choices.

Pattern Hoarding, Oh, My! Sewing patterns, how many hundreds of them do I need?

Vogue, Butterick, McCalls, the time I have spent dreaming through your pattern books an displays. Something I will always enjoy doing.

Yet, I have thousands of patterns.  Do I need more?  When does it stop?
How do I have more control?  How can I actually use my patterns and reuse them? When do you say…I have all I need?

Getting educated is a fine place to start.
We sewist know more than we realize.  It can aid us in our quest to avoid stockpiles of unnecessary hoarding.  Hoarding, something many of us do yet because it might be in just one area we feel it is not hoarding.  It is all part of our craft having materials and tools to work with.

Do you like YouTuber utube educational videos regarding your interests?  Most of us do enjoy them.  I was enjoying them when I realized that the influence was no longer about utilizing what I already owned, instead the influence was about acquiring more patterns and ordering more fabric.  I felt greatly pressured to Spend time I do not have browsing sites shopping for fabrics and patterns.   I felt encouraged to spend money I do not have.      To acquire more of what I do not need.
Time! Money! Things!  No ThAnkyou!!!

I have what I want and need.   If I happen to be in a fabric store I am sure I will browse and purchase.  It is natural really. However, what I long for is to be productive with what I have.   Do you want to be productive with what you already have?  That is the true thrill and satisfaction of any hobby.

A hundred years ago likely acquiring to the degree that we do in the last few decades was unheard of.   People were truly productive and clutter was a rarity.  People planned out their project, acquired necessary supplies and proceeded to produce.  They were more accomplished then than we are now with less stuff and supplies.

I have no intention of paring down my fabric and patterns, however I have made the choice months ago that I no longer care to regularly visit sites to browse merchandise.  I do not need it and do not want it!  Yea!  That is an accomplishment.

Now we hear of hoarding, and clutter etc. some people like a lot around them and some people like the minimalist approach.  I am absolutely ignorant to the minimalist approach however the few I know may be actually more productive than our hoarder friends because they can focus on the project at hand.  They may purchase just what they need for intended project then make the project without all this distracting stuff around.  That is the purpose to a craft to be productive and have something to show for your anticipated dream work.  Not just housing a bunch of supplies like we are a store or junk shop.

Some are so obsessed with this thing called clutter and purging that creative endeavors are put on hold never to be happening.  Cluttering their lives obsessing over new ways to handle all their supposed clutter.  Spending money and time on a bunch of methods and courses to manage stuff instead of living life to the full.  Either way it is sad some still are not gaining meaningful productivity or satisfaction.

Personally I am a stuff kind of person, dreams and projects always floating around in my mind as I work out details to accomplish what I rarely see thru to the finish.  I view myself as an accomplished person.  I make and do many things with the goal of being less a dreamer and more of a producer.  It is satisfying blending the two, for me, I cannot have one without the other and I love it.

Please do not put off your dream like…I do not have the work space…are you kidding where haven’t I cut out fabric and pattern.   Are you punishing yourself like a child?  Are you self imposing that until my work area is cleaned up I cannot do my craft?  You will never get to do your craft!   Until my home is organized I will not gift myself the time…your home will never be organized and you will never get to.   Do not use your art, craft as leverage to get yourself to do something else, that is not decent.  Make the time for your obligations to be fulfilled.  Make the time for your crafts.
Warning: They may conflict at times, yet being balanced is not being obsessed or overly restrictive with one compared to the other.  We must practice good habits so we can make time for those we love and make time to do the things we love to do.  I am striving to be more tidy by practicing better daily habits and routines.  A program helping me is Kathy Roberts “Tidy Tutor”.  Kathy is helping me practice more mindfulness regarding managing my home.  I have a long way to go as I strive to practice routines and habits that create an environment more conducive to my goals of greater creativity.  I also serve Jehovah the God of creation and order. Psalm 83:18.  I desire to please Jehovah by reflecting his standards.  I know he will definitely open the door of creativity with productivity even more so.  This motivation and purpose fuels my efforts more so, something God can bless.

There are many productive ones on utube YouTube that share their Makes videos and I appreciate it so much.   They are motivating.  We must spur each other on to the truly satisfying accomplishment of Making.  Go ahead, think of your craft, prepare, set up your work station, get your supplies for project laid out, set up a reasonable amount of time even in short sessions if you need to. Now get busy and make something!  Make yourself glad and achieve your anticipated project with satisfaction.
The example I end with sounds very hoardish yet the lady was very productive with her crafts and sewing.   She knew how to stow her stash and enjoy it.  However, owning over two hundred cross-stitch kits, thousands of patterns, and everything related to sewing she had it all.  When and how would she do it all?  I cannot say because I may be just like her.

It is just satisfying no longer being in the market for more.  No Hull watching for me, let us be an encouragement to each other to use what we have and treat ourselves to a buy with a greater rarity.   If I buy a pattern or piece of fabric months down the road do not be too disappointed in me.  Instead ask me what have I been making lately😃👍🏾.

Here is an example…we went to an estate sale.  It appeared these people walked out the door with nothing an … how sad.  Upstairs, a finished attic was every sewist dream.  A very productive sewing room. Everything well planned out an organized.  If I had $500.00 I should have offered it for the contents of the room.  I bought a body form which I had been wanting.  Thousands of patterns, organized in bins an drawers.  Fabric stacked so nicely. Shelves an shelves.  Sadly, this is just one of many similar estate sales I have been to.

 

Panic, please do not panic!

It is daunting all the bad news.  People are frightened and people are panicking.  In some ways lives are falling apart.  Times are serious, people are losing their lives, health, employment and so much more.  We are living in seemingly helpless times. There are things we can do.

Please relax a moment and calm your spirits while you consider a few helpful points.

The news helps us to be aware of what is going on.  It can be helpful.

A current virus sounds very threatening and many precautions are in place to keep people safe.  Listen to the governmental authorities.

Some things you can do while there may be some caous such as taking a walk getting fresh air and sunshine. Breathe deep. Use our lungs.

Catch up on some rest or take a nap.  If you have a yard, work in the yard get it looking extra good.

309D8D3B-0FC4-4335-8014-8A194F0BAFFC Go thru last seasons clothes. Give away what did not work for you.

It is a great time to start reading again.  Psalm Chapter 94 is very comforting.

Learn to cook a new ethnic food.

Grow your own vegetables. Growing vegetables is satisfying.

Start doing wood crafts or sewing. You will be happy. Really happy.  Knit a top or take up painting landscapes.  It is time to be refreshed.C5344D09-3B75-444F-AC2B-5D77C1FD8BC4

Practicing good clean up after yourself habits and routines can give us a measure of control.

I actually am trying to get well after pneumonia and everything has fallen behind.  Still working on recovery so the exhaustion  is discouraging.  Thankfully it is not covid. I was under general anesthesia and got pnomonia.  It almost killed me just the same.  A very scary painful ordeal.  Thankfully I have a great doctor whom is helping me get better.

Small jobs done every little bit is making a difference.  I am literally way behind in everything and wonder how I will ever catch up.  Today I went into the smallest room and cleaned the bathroom.  A clean bathroom just makes you feel good.

There is so much we can not control in this world, yet, being safe, following guidelines, practicing habits and routines we can possibly get thru this with our mind in tact.

There is much to be concerned about In this world.  Practical suggestions employed will give you a measure of protection and peace.  What I am suggesting is including joyous activies in your daily life   How much more incontrol you will be and with joy.

written by Gina Rydin

 

Luxurious Living

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Living in the Lap of luxury was a common phrase generations ago.  Is this something people do?  Is this truly prosperous and satisfying?  How can we live in a prosperous and satisfying manner?  We will seek to answer these questions.  The answers may make a positive change in a person’s life.  Please consider…

Throughout history man has been in search of more.  Some whom have a lot want more.  Some whom have little are satisfied and why?  There are always times of plenty and times of famine.

Think of times when food was rationed, could it happen again?  Is it always some far off place?  If a person has plenty, why should they worry about this?

In some places in the world a person can go buy what they want or think they need.    Getting the vehicles, homes, clothes, beauty treatments, vacations, etc…and fritter money here and there without much thought .  Then they do more, buy more, and more is never enough, not recognizing situations change.  The money may not always be there.  Most people do not feel the need to worry about it.  But should we consider our circumstances?

We never expected our situation to change so dramatically.  It can change on a dime is also an old phrase.  I personally know this is true.  Our situation has changed.  I wish I had thought about all this sooner.

Personally I have never been into the beauty treatments and getting nails done. I kinda like being a plain Gina.  It is Good not having to worry about being a diva or beauty queen.  Being ordinary takes the pressure off.  I get my hair trimmed or cut twice a year and trim it the rest of the time myself.  My hair is a blaa blond, and when I am outside it brightens up some.  I dream of cutting it a shoulder length and dying it a dark red.  The only deterrent is being a slave to roots.  I do not do well with chemicals so I just continue as it is anyway.

Doing my own fingernails and eyebrows helps too.  I wouldn’t win any awards for the outcome.

I do not smoke or gamble and rarely have a glass of wine so that really cuts down on expenditure.  Imagine the money that literally goes up in smoke for some.  My mother spent so much money on her cigarettes when I was growing up.  One time when I was a young teenage girl I figured out how much she spent in a month on her cigarettes and I mentioned this to her.  She hauled off and slapped my face.  I never figured out whom was in the wrong with that one.  I just remember her being on the phone saying she needed money for the power bill.

I use to love going to thrift stores and yard sales.  But it really cost me a lot of money and I was dragging stuff in the house.  I had to put a stop on that.

Do you like clothes?  I love clothes and shoes.  I fall in love with clothes all the time and I always see the need.  Yet, my closets are bursting at the seams.  If I got rid of some of the less best garments I might be one of the best dressed women of our generation.  What generation?  This one of luxuriant living is what I refer to.

We love eating out, yet, we have cut back on this.  We still do eat out sometimes.  It costs so much more than it use to.  Like a days wages if you think about it.  Something else to consider: It is just, when I was young, the tips for your server were usually 10%, then later it went up to 15%, then 18%, now it is 20%.  Sometimes the tip is so big it is like paying for another meal, for the invisible person. It is almost painful.  The knowledge that the waiter may be emotionally hurt if they do not get the 20% is something that keeps us pigeonholed into this.  They really rely on this income.   The other problem is that they may not even receive all of their tip if paid w a credit card depending on the establishment.  How can I support this big game when the cost of the meal could really buy a couple bags of groceries or fill a gas tank?  What is balance?  That, each man or woman or family must figure out.  Try looking at a month, compare to another month.  Start keeping track.  This does not mean we cannot go out to eat.  Just, how often…might be considered.

Junk food,  what is that?  It happens to us, going to the store hungry, our cart is always fuller.  A drive thru happy meal would be more economical.

Just the requirements of daily life have snuck up in costs.  And it seems what previously was considered a luxury decades ago, cable tv, Internet, cell phones, not everyone had them.  We always seemed to be the last to get them.  The latest, the greatest, and speed seem to be a factor.

The utility bills have come up and take out a chunk of change.

I feel bad for many children being raised to think that this is normal.  They are unhappy always wanting more, always wanting newer, competing with their peers.  The status symbol, and their esteems are built on a slippery slope.  Parents are begged and bullied into getting their children expensive phones etc.   The assumptions by children that they can expect their parents to provide all this and so much more.  Most cannot afford but quietly, stressfully, helplessly go along which creates unrealistic expectations.

We are truly trapped it seems.  Can we say No!!!.?   Where are the boundaries?  Can adjustments be made?  How can I create satisfying boundaries in my life?

In high school we had an Independant Living class.  We looked at a potential monthly budget based on a basic wage.  Then we subtracted the rent for home, the utilities and insurances, and fuel, then we knew what we had for groceries.  We then could see what was left and we put a percentage of that in a savings account.

The times we live in are really more expensive when we add it up.

Remember a game of chess, or a board game and the fun we had.  How about the woodworking, sewing, knitting, embroidery, cooking and baking?  A hobby was very satisfying and earned you a real esteem.  A child proud of a picture they drew is a real event.  Sadly, many are more proud of their scores playing their games on their phone.

People have many vices in search of something, it breaks up families, and leaves people broke and depleted.

Slow down, calm down, recollect, reconnect, reconsider, appreciate, make new boundaries, stress less, be satisfied sooner, reassess needs.  Save yourself, save your family.  Hebrews 13:5,6 says:  Let your way of life be free of the love of money, while you are content with the present things.  For he has said: “I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.”  So that we may be of good courage and say:”Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid… “  please read the whole chapter of Hebrews 13. It shows us how we can live a better life.

Changing things up here financially is helping. Yet, it has not been soon enough.  We still feel the stress of the heavy load we unwittingly created.  The scriptures admonish us to “live within our means”.  Inflated needs which are built on an imaginary lifestyle.  Needs the world around us makes us believe are normal.  The scriptures talk about us being satisfied with our daily needs being met.  Figuring this out can be a rewarding challenge.  In the last three years I have quit using three department store credit cards.  Three other credit cards I no longer use.  I am down to two credit cards and I am working on using them less.  It really is making me happy.  It still seems our credit/debt/income ratio is off balance.  This makes me really uncomfortable.  When we consider what this really is and how this affects so many aspects of our lives, it is rewarding to make an adjustment.  We still have a long way to go and more adjustments to make.  It seemed we were blind to boundaries we should have had.  And financial situations change in many ways, the world scene, the country we might live in, the income, health,  living expenses, job security, all are temporary.

How often do you say no to yourself?.   I do not say no as often as I like but I do say no more often than I use to.  It feels good.  A small measure of control.

Luxurious living is living within our means while having joyful interactions with those we love.  Cooking together, going to the park, enjoying creation, gardening, building something or sewing a garment are also rewarding activities.  Really living a life with a positive outcome in view.

Written by:  Gina Rydin  (the photo is a dinner my husband and I prepared together, leftover spaghetti baked, sautéed asperity Gus   And avacado)  that was a nice luxurious evening.

Interests Consume Me!

How interesting are you?  Oh, I should say what interests you? Or may I say, what interests do you Pursue?  What interests do you put off?  I have a bad habit of imaging a better time.  It is common to wait for more favorable circumstances.  What do you just dream about?  How do you spend your free time?

You would likely like me to answer my own questions. It is only right that I offer it up and maybe it will bring us all to some worthy conclusions.

I have many interests.  Many seem impossible or difficult to pursue.  To far away, no one to take me, too expensive, no one else wants to go.  A museum or a historic home walk are just a few.

Dealing with Chronic Illness causes me to want more favorable circumstances like, when I feel better or have some energy.  Is that a false positive?  Time and opportunity evade me.

The cost of putting off is that our esteem goes up and away like smoke.  We can feel angry at ourselves and be self critical.  Some days I feel anxious and sad because I did not get near to meeting my own expectations.

Unreasonable expectations are common among all.  Yet, unreasonable or not, striving to meet a goal accomplishes more than if we did not try to meet a goal.  This can elate us if we look at it correctly.

I prayerfully tried to imagine a generic day that included some basic routines practiced daily that could make my life more fulfilling.  It worked overall well.

I want to try it again to see, let’s say, I would like to practice it ten days and see how it goes.

Today, I cannot do a thing on my schedule.  I burned my hands and foot on a lightbox yesterday.  Also, later I had picked up a pot and hundreds of ants came out and got me.  On benydral, and using ice packs which are keeping me in a rather inactive state.  Decided it was a good time to finish this article I started a couple weeks ago.

A couple weeks ago I was so excited when I started this article. My delay in finishing it means I have lost all those thoughts and feelings that fueled my motivation.  Now, I have to contemplate where I wanted to go with this exciting subject.

Too many health problems and complications interphere.  You might understand.  For instance,  they did a heart cath almost a month ago. Two weeks later suffering fevers and fatigue and swelling at the spot of entry on my wrist I showed them at the cardiologist.  They were nice and all, not too concerned to get a culture and were just going to start antibiotics.  I told them my doctor would do the culture and has before, no problem.  They set my appointment up with the physician’s assistant for the next day.  During the night my abscess erupted and I was worried they would not get their culture.  Although fatigued, nautiousness with a fever and in bed til it was time to go to my appointment at 1:00 pm.  I wanted to stay in bed and not get up.  I went to my appointment.  The physician’s assistant refused to examine me and accused me of opening it myself.  I pushed my fingers nearby the area so she could see how swollen my wrist was.  She said “Do not do that and get your nails away from there”. I responded that my nails were not touching me and that I needed her to see I was still swollen and needed a culture done.  And as I expressed to her how sick I have been and the fevers she challenged me and said “are they greater than 101.5”?  I told her “what did I bother coming in here for, your accomplishing embarrassing me and helping me to feel totally stupid wasting my time”.  When my husband picked me up and I told him what happened he immediately took me to urgent care.  They took me right in, a doctor there did not hesitate to culture it and was shocked at how much pus and fluid came out.  He started me on antiobotics and he discovered I also have a urinary tract infection and a yeast infection.  He said you have plenty of reasons for feeling bad.  Get some rest.  I was amazed at how unprofessional and disrespectful the woman was and how professional and human the male doctor was.  Time and expense with running around.  If she had done her job I would not have had to go to the urgent care.   Didn’T I previously write about unnecessary complications in my article “Toil Toil”?

All that happened since I started this article.  Yesterday trying my perfect routine is when I burned my hands doing one of those items and got bit by ants doing the other.  Could be discouraging but it is not because I am happy that I stayed on my list.  Although I cried.

Today, being In this condition is detouring my efforts to accomplish anything.  That is fine.  This is life.  Try, try, and try again.

I have many interests and limiting them helps me to accomplish more in my favorite activities.  I love to design jewelry yet, making the space to do the craft, the expense for the tools and the costs of always being on the lookout for sales etc would clutter my life in more ways than I could feel rewarded by.   If I have the compulsion to design a certain piece for a certain outfit than I buy the materials and lay out the design and ask a friend to assemble it for me and they can keep what is left and have some compensation for their good craftsmanship as well.  They feel validated too.

If you want something to talk about then be involved with something.  A couple of my friends sew and we love discussing our projects and encouraging each other to finish something.  Spurring each other on.  A couple of my friends like to garden and although I am a lousy gardener it is always fun discussing and planning.  Checking with them about what they have growing in their garden.  If I might have something doing well it makes me happy.

I believe conversation comes easy when there are things to talk about.  Good, positive and upbuilding things the Bible encourages.  That is the best thing to talk about of course.  What could be more interesting than learning our creator plans to restore paradise right here on earth with peace worldwide and only those complying can enjoy life without end.  There is a free Bible study course on jw.org.

Despite problems, we can have healthful interests and pursuits that bring joy and satisfaction.  Start now.

Author, Gina Rydin of fatfitanfab.com