Happy Wednesday, friends! I'm here today with Joyce for the weekly Wednesday hodgepodge. I'll jump right in!
1. Do you complete your own taxes? Besides actual taxes, what is something you've found taxing lately? I've never done my own taxes and then this year happened. I did them back in February, because I figured I'd need all the extra time I could get since it seemed like something that would be hard or confusing. I'm glad to say that I didn't think it was hard or confusing, although it was time consuming. I'm proud of myself for doing things I've never had to do; this will always make me feel like a strong, capable woman. And I am!
Sometimes I still find my life taxing. I was cleaning up the front porch on Monday afternoon and using a broom to clear off cobwebs and dried dirt/leaves that had blown onto the house and/or front porch, and before I knew it, I was irritated. I never set out to be divorced, and sometimes I get mad that it's my life circumstance. It was an unwritten rule in my marriage that I took care of the inside while he did the outside, and while I was working on this Monday, I just got really pissed off. I'm sorry to curse, but sometimes there are no other words that are adequate. I try not to wallow too much, in spite of how I feel sometimes, so after letting out my frustration by praying, I sucked it up and moved on.
2. What are three values you treasure most in friendship? There are so many things that I value in my friends, but my here are my top three:
- their willingness to answer my phone call no matter the time of day or the frequency with which it happens
- their availability to hang out or talk often
- their sense of humor and whether or not it matches mine (which is often dark)
3. Do you meal plan, or do you mostly wing it? Share your dinner menu this week. I used to meal plan all the time, but these days I mostly wing it, when I'm here to cook/eat at home. Here's what I'm eating this week, starting with last night:
Monday: Pyro's pizza, since it was book club night.
Tuesday: I had dinner with Marilyn at our favorite, The Salad Station.
Wednesday: I didn't finish my pizza from Pyro's, so I'll eat that before I go to work that night.
Thursday: I'll eat leftovers that I have again.
Friday: I'll eat something quick and light, because I have a Good Friday service I'm attending and will be singing in choir. I can't sing on a full stomach!
Saturday: I'll be eating dinner with a friend in Sikeston, Missouri (or Cape Girardeau, Missouri). This will be a daytrip that I'm taking on Saturday; I'm excited about doing this with my friend! Stay tuned.
See what I mean about not being home or stretching my meals? I don't eat a lot anymore; because of that, when I do eat out, I only eat half so that I can have it for two meals. It's economical to do this, and my grocery bill is very inexpensive each week, unless I'm making a big family dinner.
4. Thomas Sowell is credited as saying, "There are no solutions, only trade-offs." Do you agree or disagree? Explain. Well, since life and this blog is now forever categorized in two sections (B.D. and A.D. ((Before Divorce and After Divorce)), I'll expound with life since my divorce was finalized. I do agree somewhat with this statement, because though my marriage was not perfect, there were issues that obviously needed work. Since I wasn't given the chance to work on those things with my ex, the trade-off was that he started over with someone new (who I'm sure he thought would do better at everything), and I'm living my best divorced life.
On the other hand, I do think there are solutions to every problem, if people work at it and put forth the effort. You can't convince someone to do something they don't want to do, though, no matter how hard you want to try. What's the saying about not being able to drag a horse to water?
5. What's the best perk you've enjoyed at a job? Without a doubt, the best perk of my job right now is the free counseling I get from my pastor almost every time I see him. He prays for me, and he encourages me to memorize Scripture or to read a certain passage. I'm so grateful for this! Another huge perk are my work besties.
I love these people so much!
6. Insert your own random thought here.
I have a new song for you that I love! I came across this last week; it's Exchange by Sons of Sunday.
I'm excited to read your answers to these questions today. Thanks for reading my blog each day, friends! Love to all.
Jenn ❤️🩷
I'm sorry that you are feeling discouraged at times- of course that is normal. I plan to copy and paste the paragraph about sweeping outside and feeling irritated about the changes in your life that you were thrust into with no say so to a friend who is going through something similar. She has mentioned very similar emotions and I think she'd like to know that she's not alone. Your pastor seems awesome (I loved that sermon you recommended to me!!); how wonderful to know him and get his advice/counsel. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteI do also think it's normal; I try to go with the emotions that pop up, because my counselor said that I need to feel them in the moment. I just try not to stay stuck there for too long, otherwise I start to wallow. Feel free to share my blog with your friend, and even my email if you want! She is always welcome to call me if she needs someone to listen and vent to. I'll text you with this same thought when I'm finished writing this comment. I love my Pastor! I am so thankful for him. I hope you have a happy Wednesday, my friend! xoxo
DeleteI'm sorry for the frustration and I'm sure anger that surfaces from time to time. That's normal I think and hopefully lessens as time goes on. I'm so glad you're singing in the choir! And a supportive encouraging pastor is such a gift. Enjoy your day trip which sounds like a lot of fun. Happy Easter!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for that! It does surface on occasion, but thankfully it seems to pass pretty quickly. It also does get easier with each passing day! My Pastor is such a wonderful shepherd to the church body has given him. I'll talk about my day trip next week! I'm really excited about it, because I love having something to look forward to. Happy Wednesday and Easter to you as well!
DeleteI am thankful to be your friend and Salad Station was so fun!
ReplyDeleteRight back at you, Babe! Yes to all the dinners at The Salad Station!
DeleteI used to do my own taxes and still help both our older two fill out their forms; I don't find it hard so much as anxiety building and nerve wracking because I'm always afraid I might be doing it wrong. That is so very smart to eat 1/2 and save 1/2 for another meal when eating out!
ReplyDeleteI totally get this! It's so nerve-wracking! I had the same thoughts as I did mine in February. Thanks for that! Marilyn taught me this.
DeleteSuch an amazing and beautiful exchange our Savior made for us! Beautiful song. Sorry that you have to suffer the consequences of a divorce. I'm glad you have support and good counsel. Have a glorious Easter!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that a great song? Thank you for your kind words; I'm grateful for the support system I have in place through family, work, and friends. I'm so fortunate!
DeleteOh wow I sure know your pain and frustration after divorce. The good news is there is life after divorce. I found during those years, God was attentive to my needs by providing for me in ways I would have never imagined. It’s good you have a support system. God bless you during this time of self- awareness and growth.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words. I am starting to see this now as I move more firmly into my new life and look forward to my future. I can see how He is already providing for me in every way! I love that and never want to forget this sweet time in life.
DeleteThat is so smart to eat out and save half for later. We do that a lot here too. Love the song!
ReplyDeleteI think so too! Marilyn taught me this. It's the best idea!
DeleteOh I love your photo with your work friends - so fun! Sorry about those irritating little jobs piling up on you, but good for you handling it and moving on with a positive attitude - I do think that sometimes it's best to just be honest about how we feel about the disappointments and frustrations getting to us when life sucks and we're angry about it. Better to just blurt it out to God and/or a trusted friend and then we can start to heal, y'know? Hope you have a blessed Resurrection Day!
ReplyDeleteIt was such a fun day! The lights had gone out, so we sat around playing a game. Thank you for your kind words! I haven't always been kind and gracious regarding my ex and life circumstances, but I'm a constant work in progress. You are absolutely right about only telling the Lord!
DeleteDoing taxes here in the UK is not a thing unless you are self employed and run your own business. It's something that I have never thought about. Good on you for doing yours! That is so real of you to share you were irritated about being divorced and your life. Sending love and hugs.
ReplyDeleteI love your meal plan and that you wing it.
That is a really good perk with your job having your pastor being a fantastic support.
That's interesting! Thanks for that, friend. I hope you're having a great week!
DeleteThese have been fun to read this week! I'm sorry about the frustrating things that come with being alone - it is so much better to have a partner in most things, right? Not your choice, of course, but the path you're on and you are allowed to be angry (I think many people have told you that). I count on restaurant meals making two meals - when we were younger I would just count on my date (who became my husband) to eat the other half. . .now I have a son at home who is always looking for the leftovers - ha! Glad you work in such a supportive environment - that's so important. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI think so too! Thank you, friend. Each day is a work in progress and gets a little better. I love that your son is always looking for leftovers! I have one like that too, but he doesn't live here. When he's here and he finds some, it makes him (and ME) so happy!
DeleteI think it's healthy and normal to have those thoughts and feelings, it sounds like you are coping really well with processing them.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have great friends and support at work, that is a fantatsic perk.
Thank you! I am so fortunate to be able to work at my church for this season!
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