Atomic Habits - Book Review

For the last couple of months, I have been reading Atomic Habits by James Clear whenever I get the chance. (Let's face it. I am a full-time employee, part-time student, mother, and wife. It takes me a while to read books sometimes.) I love this book. It has given me a clearer direction on how to create habits that will help me become the person I want to be. I will definitely be refining my process as I try to improve myself day by day. 

At the beginning of the book, it talks about the importance of improving one percent at a time rather than going from 0 to 100 all at once. By improving one percent at a time, we are breaking everything down into manageable bites. If the habits are too hard, we are more likely to give up. Also, making too many changes at once is less effective than making small, intentional changes little by little.

This book breaks down how to create new habits by using stories to show the importance of four different steps to creating lifelong habits as it emphasizes the importance of making small steps. First, make it obvious. Then, make it attractive. Next, make it easy. Finally, make it satisfying. 

There are so many great quotes from this book! I wouldn't even know where to start. I highly recommend anyone who wants to make improvements in any area of their life. It is an amazing book!

Day 25 (Christmas Day)

 

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

Day 24

 

“ Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1: 22-23

I am thankful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave to ultimate sacrifice so give us the opportunity to live with Him and our Heavenly Father again. 

Day 23

“During the holiday season, we celebrate the light and truth Jesus Christ brought into this world. 

Our quest in life is to seek for light and truth and receive the magnificent blessing of having Him walk with us, despite the darkness that exists in the world today. Throughout this wonderful time and the rest of the year as well, we should consider how light and truth help us walk with the Savior. Walking with Him is always the road best traveled.” Ulisses Soares

Day 22

 

“ Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the ​​​light​ of the world: he that followeth me shall not ​​​walk​ in ​​​darkness​, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

I am thankful for my sister. We may drive each other crazy at times, but we have a bond that is very special. No one knows me like she does. 

Day 21

 

“And they began to know that the Son of God must shortly appear; yea, in fine, all the people upon the face of the whole earth from the west to the east, both in the land north and in the land south, were so exceedingly astonished that they fell to the earth.

For they knew that the prophets had testified of these things for many years, and that the sign which had been given was already at hand; and they began to fear because of their iniquity and their unbelief.” 3 Nephi 1:17 & 18

I am thankful for doctors that listen. I have dealt with bad doctors for myself and my daughter. Last year, it took three visits over several months to be finally told my daughter had strep. The office we go to now diagnosed her right away last month. I dealt with similar issues for my own health issues. We both go to the same office now where they listen and send us (mostly her) to specialists when needed. We may need to go to more visits as we rule out a few things, but we are not being treated like our concerns are invalid. 

Day 20

 

“Christmas means giving. The Father gave his Son, and the Son gave his life. Without giving there is no true Christmas, and without sacrifice there is no true worship.” Gordon B. Hinckley 

I am thankful for modern technology. With it I can talk to my family, attend school online, and work from home. I can still be the mom my kids need while continuing to improve myself and contributing to the household income. Is it hard to be home so much? Yes, but I know that is what is needed right now, and I am glad the technology exists for me to do so. 

Day 19

 “How will we worship him this season? Endlessly shopping? Hustling about and adorning our homes? Will that be our tribute to our Savior? Or will we bring peace to troubled hearts, goodwill to those in need of higher purpose, glory to God in our willingness to do his bidding?” Ronald A. Rasband

I am thankful for my heater. A few years ago, our heater went out, and we had to live with space heaters for about a week while we waited for it to be replaced. It was not as warm in the house as it is when we have a working furnace. I am so glad we do not have to worry about that as we go into an extremely cold week. 

Day 18

 

“How is Christmas regarded today? The legend of Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, the decorations of tinsel and mistletoe, and the giving of gifts all express to us the spirit of the day we celebrate; but the true spirit of Christmas lies much deeper than these. It is found in the life of the Savior, in the principles He taught, in His atoning sacrifice–which become our great heritage.” Howard W. Hunter 

I am thankful for my brother. He was the best brother in the world. He was one of my best friends and my protector. Today, his birthday, I miss him more than other days. I am thankful that families are forever. 

Day 17

 

“Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus!” Neal A. Maxwell

I am thankful to live in such a beautiful state! I love that I am just an hour or two from the mountains. 

Day 16

 

“When we see shepherds, may we remember to be humble. When we see wise men, may we remember to be generous. When we see the star, may we remember the Light of Christ, which gives life and light to all things. When we see a tiny baby, may we remember to love unconditionally, with tenderness and compassion.” Bonnie L. Oscarson

I am thankful for my dogs. They are so sweet! My little Sophie is a small bundle of love. Aqua is a bundle of energy with the best doggie smile. Dexter is our protector who would do anything to make Chad happy. There are days when they drive me crazy (usually while I’m working), but the love they share makes it more than worth it. 

Day 15

 

“The birth of Christ is the central event in the history of earth — the very thing the whole story has been about.” CS Lewis

I am thankful for my stepmother. There was a time when I would never have thought I would say that, but our relationship has grown over the last 10ish years. She has let me call and cry to her without judgment. She supports me in my craziness. Most of all, she loves my children in the best way. She is an amazing woman with incredible strength. 

Day14

 

“ And when we find Him, will we be prepared as were the wise men of old to provide gifts from our many treasures? They presented gold, frankincense and myrrh. These are not the gifts Jesus asks of us. From the treasure of our hearts Jesus asks that we give of ourselves.” Thomas S. Monson

I am thankful for my car. It has its quirks, but it has been getting us all over for almost seven years. Chad and I have had a lot of bad luck with cars, but so far, this little Kia has kept us going. 

Day 13

 

“ It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” Dr. Seuss 

I am thankful for my dad. I have looked up to him most of my life. He is a spiritual giant. I love hearing the story of how he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He continues to work hard to make sure his wife has everything she needs. He may not express it as freely as I would like, but I know he loves us and is excited when we visit. I love my daddy and feel blessed to still have him in my life. 

Day 12

 

“When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation, which President Thomas S. Monson just taught us, and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy. We feel it at Christmastime when we sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.” And we can feel it all year round.” Russell M. Nelson

I am thankful to be given the opportunity to continue my education. I love learning! I am so lucky to have a husband who encourages me in my pursuit to better myself. 

Day 11

 

“And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the ​​​testimony​, last of all, which we give of him: That he ​​​lives​!” Doctrine and Covenants 76:22

I am thankful for my talents. When I was younger, I was a bit embarrassed to know how to knit and didn’t work on further development. As I became an adult and had children I started knitting more. Over the past ten years, I have grown exponentially in this area. I love sitting and knitting. I love the peace and calm it gives me. I love seeing the progress as I go. I just love knitting!

Day 10

“There would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter. The babe Jesus of Bethlehem would be but another baby without the redeeming Christ of Gethsemane and Calvary, and the triumphant fact of the Resurrection.” Gordon B. Hinckley

I am thankful for my body. I still have the ability to walk and run. I can enjoy tasty food. I get to experience this life on earth as a daughter of God. With the knowledge that He loves me. 

Day 9

“For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the ​​​Lord​ ​​​Omnipotent​ who ​​​reigneth​, who was, and is from all ​​​eternity​ to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the ​​children of men, and shall dwell in a ​​​tabernacle​ of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty ​​​miracles​, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the ​​​blind​ to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases.” Mosiah 3:5

Day 8

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11

I am thankful for my friends. I have a few friends that are very special to me. They have seen me at my worst and helped me become the person I am today. Some, I have lost contact with over the years but still have a special place in my heart. Some have continued to be my friend even when I was not a good friend to them. Some I have known for a long time, and I am still getting to know others. To any of my friends who my read then, I love you. 

Day 7

“When we have the spirit of Christmas, we remember Him whose birth we commemorate at this season of the year: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).” Thomas S. Monson

I am thankful for my Sean. He often sits in the background and gets overlooked, but I see him. He is funny, smart, and sensitive. He has been my magic baby since the day he was born! 

Day 6

“Therefore, there shall be one ​​​day​ and a night and a day, as if it were one day and there were no night; and this shall be unto you for a sign; for ye shall know of the rising of the sun and also of its setting; therefore they shall know of a surety that there shall be two days and a night; nevertheless the night shall not be darkened; and it shall be the night before he is ​​​born​.“

I am thankful for my sister. We have been through a lot together. She is my rock. Happy birthday, Marleah!

Day 5

“One of the most beautiful symbols of the birth of Jesus Christ into this world is light. The appearance of the long-promised Messiah brought light to a darkened world.“ Henry B. Eyring

I am thankful for my Eric. All I wanted out of life was to be a mom, and he had the honor of being the one to give me that title. He is an amazing kid with a big heart, and I am so blessed to benefit from that. 

Day 4

“Christmas is a time to remember that we are all children of a Father in Heaven, who gave his Only Begotten Son that all would be redeemed from death, and who has offered the blessings of salvation and exaltation to all mankind on the same conditions." - President Dallin H. Oaks

I am thankful for my calling. I love working with the girls. I pray about them and think about them constantly. I am truly blessed to be able to serve these girls as they navigate their way through middle school. 

Day 3

“Born in a stable, cradled in a manger, He came forth from heaven to live on earth as mortal man and to establish the kingdom of God. During His earthly ministry, He taught men the higher law. His glorious gospel reshaped the thinking of the world. He blessed the sick. He caused the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear. He even raised the dead to life. To us He has said, 'Come, follow me.'” Thomas S. Monson

I am thankful for my husband. He has taught me that I deserve to be loved. He was the miracle I needed when we met. I could not imagine my life without him. He is my lobster!

Day 2

 

“ And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

I am thankful for the Atonement. Jesus came to earth and lived a perfect life knowing he would suffer and die for us. Because of Him, I am never alone. Because of Him, I can be forgiven for my sins. Because of Him, I can see my mom and brother again. 

Day 1

 

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.” Matthew 1:18

I love this time of year. I didn’t used to feel that way. It was a time of stress, but it has become a time of celebration. This amazing girl has taught me so much this past year and a half. I am so thankful for her! 

***side note: She picked out these amazing matching Christmas jammies!

Doing it Again

Last year, I went to the thrift store and bought a Christmas sweater for everyday from December 1 through Christmas and posted a picture everyday along with a quote on social media. I am so excited to be doing it again this year. I didn’t keep all of the sweaters, and some of them are too small, so I will have to make another trip to the thrift store to make sure I have enough. I’m not quite sure how it will look on the blog, but I am SO excited to get out the sweaters again. 

Girls’ Trip

 

Sunday after church, I went to Breckenridge with three other ladies. A few weeks ago, a new friend invited a group on a trip to a resort. I was quick to get the time off and accept the invitation to get away for a few days. While there, we sat in a outdoor hot tub, watched movies in a private theater, perused the shops in town, visited the troll, rode in the gondola, laughed, and had fun. Even though we had to come back early because of the weather, it was wonderful to get away for a while and relax with good company. 

A Night Out

Last weekend, I was invited to see My Fair Lady with some friends. It was such a fun night out! We met at my house, went to dinner, and headed downtown for the play. We talked, we laughed, we reminisced. Best of all, the play was wonderful! I love live entertainment! I am so thankful for the people who invite me to these kind of events.

Mommy Comparison

When Eric was a few weeks old, I was told I was not a good mom because I was giving him a bottle (he was both bottle and breastfed). 

A few months later, I was told I didn’t really give birth because he was bitten by c-section. 

A few months later, I was told I was nothing more than a glorified babysitter. 

Comments like this have continued for most of my adult life. They often play in the back of my head. 

Whenever I see a post on social media where a mom is bragging about her mom abilities, I take it as a personal attack. Is someone saying I’m a bad mom if I made Thanksgiving dinner with only the help that was offered (Noel made the mashed potatoes)? Am I inferior if my family doesn’t have matching jammies for Christmas? Is there something wrong about a family that doesn’t have themed costumes for Halloween? The answer to all of these questions is no. 

My children love me. They want to be around me. I must have done something right…

The Day After

 

The dishes from Thanksgiving Dinner are not as exciting. Most days I have about two loads, this is going to be at least three is not four loads in the dishwasher. That doesn’t even count the roasting pan (not pictured) that will need to be hand washed. It’s a small price to pay to have everyone under one roof for a few hours. 

Happy Thanksgiving

 

I love when the kids are home on holidays. I love spending time with them. I love cooking for them. I love having my home filled with laughter and love. 

My Baby's Birthday

Today, my baby girl turned 17. Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday she was my beautiful little baby. Now, she is a beautiful young lady. What did this 17 year-old want to do for her birthday? Put up the Christmas tree. To accommodate her request, we bought a new tree yesterday while Eric was with us. This is going to be such a wonderful Christmas season! 

Dreaming of Him

As I was falling asleep, I started dreaming. I was driving down I70 with my sister and daughter. Then we saw Eric’s Toyota driving in the other direction. As we watched it pass, Marleah pointed out the driver. “Hey! Look! It’s Anthony!” It was so startling that it woke me up. 

I miss my brother. 

Emotionally Difficult

When I decided to major in Marriage and Family studies, I didn't think about how it could affect me personally. I only tough about the help I could give others. I'm not sure what kind of classes I though I would take, but I did not realize I would take classes that would bring up emotional issues I have yet to work on. 

At the beginning, I took a class called Family Relations. This was hard because it pointed out exactly how toxic my first marriage was. I learned from the texted book methods of abuse I didn't know existed as I realized that was how I was treated. I had to come to terms with that. As I worked through those emotions, I became more aware of how lucky I was to find Chad when I did. 

A few years ago, I took a parenting class. There was a project in which I was supposed to interview my parents or grandparents as well as a sibling. The week before this was assigned, my grandfather, my last grandparent on this earth, passed away. That meant that I would not be able to acquire two interviews between my parents and grandparents. It highlighted the fact that all of my grandparents and one of my parents were gone. I had no problem interviewing my sister and my dad, but I had to think outside the box and get special permission for the final interview. I was able to get the permission to interview my mother-in-law. 

This semester, I am taking Family Stress and Coping. Every week I read several exerts from various books to learn about ways of coping and models that can be followed when dealing with stress. There have been assignments asking how the readings relate to our family of origin or creation. Most of the time, I sit thinking about how I wish we had these tools growing up or that I had known about them when my children were younger. I worry that I haven't taught my kids the right way to cope with everyday stress as well as the big stressors of life. 

There have been other classes that have been hard, but these are the three that have affected me the most so far. I am sure there will be more. 

Feeling Special

 

I often feel like the awkward invisible person off to the side. I have felt this way most of my life. At church, I wonder if anything I do gets noticed. I am in a ward with a lot of young families. I don't fit that demographic. My children are way past the potty-training, preschool going, going to the park stage. Also, I am not a stay-at-home mom who is available to meet during the day on a whim. I am just me. The mother to two grown children and one in high school. A full-time, work-from-home mom who goes to school part-time online. I don't have the time to socialize as much as I would like because of my commitments and obligations, and when I do have the time, I often forget or back out because of anxiety. 

In the last few days, ladies from church have made me feel special. Sunday, we had Stake Conference, and I went alone. I sat in the chairs set up in the gym almost back to the stage thinking as long as I was out of everyone's way, I was fine. After a few minutes, the Brother and Sister Lewis showed up and sat behind me and talked to me for a bit. Then, Amber Ogden and her daughter, Zoey, sat in front of me and chit-chatted for a bit. That was followed by Kim Shafer sliding in next to me just as things were getting started. I sat there during conference knitting and feeling the love of these ward members who could have sat anywhere in that gym but chose to sit by me. 

Yesterday was the Relief Society activity for the month. They were putting baskets together for ladies in the ward they felt needed a bit of a pick-me-up. I thought about going but had too much homework including a paper due that night. As I sat doing homework with the TV on (it is how I spend time with Chad when I am bogged down with work), there was a knock at the door. Four ladies from the ward who I love talking to when I get the chance were standing there with one of these baskets. It made me feel so special. Of all of the women in the ward, they chose to come visit me and give me a basket of self-care items. 

I have been praying daily for my children. I rarely pray for myself. My Heavenly Father knows me enough to know that I still need to be supported even if I don't ask for it. He sent me that support when I really needed it. He showed me the love that I needed when I didn't even know that was what I needed. I am so thankful for the love and support I have been shown over the last few days. 

Confirmation

I got my test results back already. I got confirmation that I was right about my body. I thought my thyroid was off, and it is. I was told when trying to donate blood that my iron was off, and I had them test it again because my symptoms matched that idea. After about six months of being tested every other month, I was finally not blamed for my thyroid test results. Also, they finally tested my ferritin level instead of just my iron saturation levels. 

My ferritin levels need to be at 12.5 or higher. It was at 12. That is higher than they were getting when I tried to donate blood. I think it is higher because I have been taking over the counter iron supplements and multivitamins that also have iron in them. Apparently, that was not enough though. I was prescribed a stronger supplement.  Hopefully, this will help. 

Ideally, my TSH would be fairly low. This would indicate it was working properly. When the thyroid is not working properly, it creates more TSH to try to kick it into gear. Two months ago, it was registering at about 20. Now, after taking my meds at the same time everyday thanks to a timer on my phone, it is down to 14. This is still way to high. They are increasing my dosage to 200 mcg. 

I am glad that I listened to when I went in this time. My hope is that I will start to feel better in the next couple of weeks. I know my hair will get thinner as it always does when my dosage is increased, but I am willing to live with that if the tradeoff is my body and brain feeling better. 

 I really like the office I go to, but it can be hard to see the right provider when mine is out of the office. (A few months ago, I saw a PA that was more dismissive than any of the others that I have seen at this office.) It may be time to change my primary care to someone else in the office that is actually there more often. 
 

Thyroid Testing

I went in to the doctor's office today for thyroid testing. (That's right, Noel is no the only one that doctor in this house. Who knew?) This is usually not a big issue. I go in, tell them if any of my symptoms have changed, and give them some blood for the lab to check my TSH and free T4 levels. This time was different. 

Today, I saw a different doctor because mine will not be in the office this week. As I was brought back to the room, the medical assistant took my vital and verified my reason for coming in. Then, she started asking me questions as if I was trying to find out if I had hypothyroidism. She asked if I had sensitivity to hot and cold, quickening or slowing of the heart, excessive weight gain or weight loss. I understand that the questions are to determine hypo- or hyperthyroid. I stopped her after the third question. I just told her that I have been dealing with this for almost 25 years. I know the diagnosis. I just need to make sure my meds are tweaked if needed. Once the doctor came in, it was obvious that she knew that was not new to this. She just asked a few questions and sent me to the lab for my blood draw. I am honestly hoping they will raise my dosage. I have been feeling like my thyroid levels have been off for a while. 

The last four or five years have been frustrating with this disorder. I have been accused of being a drug seeker by doctors and pharmacists because I am on a high dosage for my age. This literally a life saving drug. If I don't take my meds, it can cause heart and kidney problems as well as other issues. I do not want to have to take medication everyday for the rest of my life, but I will. I know there is more that I can do to be healthy, but without this, I have no hope. 

Temple Attendance

I have not been going to the temple as much as I would like lately. I love the peace I feel when I am there. It is truly a refuge from the world. 

Ayla the beginning of 2020, I made the goal of going every month. Well, we all know that became impossible when they were all closed in March. I think a part of me has been a bit afraid of making that goal again. What’s to say something won’t cause an almost complete shutdown  of the world again? I can’t let this stop me from doing things and making goals. 

Once a month, the Relief Society does a temple trip. I went a few months ago. I really enjoyed going with friends. (Chad’s work schedule makes it hard for us to go together.) I am hoping to take advantage of this invitation again. My plan is to join them as often as possible. Hopefully, these trips continue so I can have something to help me get there in a regular basis. 

My Hope

I hope that some day people will say this about me. I have failed at things and learned from them. I have doubted myself and still do. Do I quit? For the most part, no. (There are, of course, exceptions to this.) what will I never give up on? My children. My education. My husband. My faith. 

Life is hard. I have lost friends and family members in tragic ways. I have overcome a horrible marriage. I have been mocked and ridiculed for my beliefs. I will not let these things define me. Hopefully, one day I will be seen as a strong resilient woman. 

Made Me Sick

I watch Dr. Phil a couple of days a week. This season, he has had open conversations about controversial subjects most of the time with two or three people on each side of the topic represented on stage. (It kind of feels like Geraldo did in the early 1990s.) Today was not one of those episodes. 

As the show started today, they introduced the topic. They were two families and one child from the Uvalde shooting. (I will not go into detail about which child they were interviewing because that was the part that made me the most angry.) As they showed clips from the upcoming episode, I literally felt sick to my stomach and changed the channel right away. 

This was not the first time they have had survivors and families of victims on this show. It angers me that they would exploit this tragedy for ratings. I would think that a trained mental health professional would have more sense than to have a child who went through the most horrific event of their life relive it in front of the world. 

Am I Nerdy Enough?

 Last night as I was reading and underlining, my husband stated to laugh at me and called me a nerd. He said could tell I was a student and that I always would be. The funny thing is that since most of what I have been reading lately is in PDF form, I rarely highlight, underline, or note pages as I read for school. As I thought back on my reading life, I realized that I have been marking books for a long time. 

When I was in 5th or 6th grade, my favorite book was Just as Long as We're Together by Judy Blume. I read it so many times that it was starting to fall apart. At some point as I was reading, I underlined the parts that I loved the most. That's right. I am THAT girl. 

Do I love reading all of the time? Not really. I do love learning, though. I no longer underline or note fiction, but I will probably always do it in nonfiction, paper copy books. 

I Missed It

I am loving working on the shawl I started last week. I didn't realize how much I missed knitting something simple. It is so nice sitting back and relaxing as I go. I like that I don't have to look at the pattern for every row. I can knit while I read, watch TV, and participate in conference calls. This should get me through the next few weeks at least. I am enjoying the simplicity so much that I may make socks next. I know the knitted on border will be a bit more difficult, but I am excited to work on cables again. I'm glad I picked this pattern and this yarn!

Longer Than Expected

Reading my book is taking longer than expected. The reading required for my classes has been getting more intense each week. When I am done reading that, I am having a hard time convincing myself to read more nonfiction. I will finish this book, though. I will read some of it each day that I don’t need to read for school. I’m ok with taking a bit longer so I can pass my classes. 

New Classes

I signed up for next semester last night. Since I am getting closer to being done, I don't have a lot of choices of classes left. The two classes I will be taking are Family Theories and Dynamics, a 400 level class, and Family and Community Relationships, another 400 level class. 

I am a bit nervous about Family Theories and Dynamics. In the Facebook group I am in for online BYU-I students, it is described as being as intense as Research Methods which was the hardest class I have taken so far. I am hoping that the people who said this were exaggerating the difficulty at least a little, but I have a feeling they weren't. 

I am determined to not fail another class. I have failed and retaken classes along the way. I am not ashamed to admit it. Life circumstances have made it hard to study at times. I am hoping my determination will get me through the last four semesters without having to retake any more classes.  

AC Put Away

Even though they haven't been used in over a month, two of the three window AC units were still in windows. As the temperature dropped, the main part of the house was getting cod as well (those window units are a bit drafty). It was not hard to convince Sean to help me with the one in the kitchen. Once it was out of the window, he carried it to the back porch ,and I brought it in before the snow started. Then, Noel steadied the one in her window while I pulled it out and took it into the hall. The house warmed up quickly. Now, they are safely stored in the garage until next summer. I am thankful for the comfort they provided on the hot days. I will long for the day we need them again. (I like hot days more than cold days.) 

New Knitting Project

 

Yep! I'm starting a new knitting project! Have I finished the mittens yet? Nope. The thumbs intimidate me for some reason. I will finish them when I take the time to sit down and watch the video again. Then, I will do the other mitten without having to watch the videos. (It will go a lot faster then the first one.) Does any of that matter when it comes to starting a new project? No. I can work on more than one thing at a time, and I want to make a shawl. I am excited to be starting this and can't wait until it is done and ready to wear!

Love My Space Heater

Because of my health issues, I get cold very easy, and it hard for me to warm up once I am cold. I have been told by my family that I make the house too hot. This was not an issue last year because I was the only one home most days. This year has been different. The kids are always home, and Noel's room is the first to warm up meaning it is often too warm in there before the rest of the house has the chance to catch up. Also, my room and bathroom are the last rooms to heat up, and the wall that my desk is on seems to be even worse. That all means that I have my space heater going in the morning while I wait for it to warm up outside. I will probably run even longer as it gets colder. 

Inflation is not a new concept

"This present era seems very similar in many ways to those turbulent war years. Today we face many perplexing issues. In addition to significant international political problems, we are experiencing one of the most difficult economic periods we have faced in many decades—the problem of inflation and personal financial management." 

I love reading older talks that are still applicable today. This talk was from 1979. I was a year old, so I don't particularly remember the economic and political temperature of the day. If it was anything like today, I could imagine that the inflation rate and looming recession were not fun at all. This talk gives guideline that, if followed consistently, could help people reach their economic goals. Some of these ideas, such as being more diciplined with our spending, are lessons that I have learned the hard way during my twenties and thirties. I am still working to dig myself out of a few holes because of out of control spending on my part as well as others. 

Jack-o-Lantern

 

Noel designed a jack-o-lantern, and someone else carved it last night. I think it is cute. Of course, all she seems to see are the teeth the fell off. I wish she could see what I see. 

I am Malala: Young Readers Edition

A little over a week ago, I finished I am Malala: Young Readers Edition. I started this book 3 or 4 years ago when I was taking a class about Pakistan. I didn’t finish it because I realized I did not have the right edition. I was supposed to have the regular version. I ended up borrowing the audiobook on the Libby app to make it through the class work, and I am glad I did. The book I read is good, but it does not have the details the original book has. The good thing about both books is that it inspires people to stand up for what the believe in and shows how many freedoms we take advantage of in this country. 

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone trying to teach middle school students about differences in cultures, the affects of oppression, and resilience. Malala did amazing things at such a young age! 

I Voted Today

 

I have not voted at a polling place since moving here, and I am not ashamed of that. When I moved here, it was considered a rural area. (With all of the growth over the past few years, I am not totally sure that is still true.) When I registered at this address, I was asked if I wanted to vote by mail, and I checked that box because I really didn’t know where I would vote otherwise. 

I can’t say I have voted every year. There were times I missed the deadline because I am a procrastinator. However, I can say I have voted in most elections that I have felt passionate about including in 2020 and this one.

For the most part, I will not tell people who or what I voted for because I don’t feel it is any of their business, and I have received hate from people on both side when I have let it slip. I vote according to my convictions. I study candidates and issues and decide what I feel is best. I refuse to vote party lines because I believe one of the big problems with this country is the predominantly two party system. 

It is important to vote. It is important to follow your heart when doing so. The elections are becoming more and more important. We can’t leave it up to just a few people to determine our fate. 

October Dinners

 Have you ever looked at your dinner menu and thought, “It looks like a bunch of little kids planned most of our dinners!” The youngest person in our house will be 17 next month.