Monday September 6 2016  REVERSE OF A HOUSECOAT DAY!

Today was the exact opposite of my yesterday.  I accomplished a lot at home yesterday; today absolutely nothing.  But…today was a successful and meaningful day as well.  It was errand day.  I had lists of where to go, what to buy, food packed in my ice bag for lunch, and no time limits!  It started out with the gym and from then on I was on my own.  And to refresh your memory, remember what I have said previously in regards to the fact that I lose track of time.  It is so wonderful on the days when I actually give myself permission to not be aware of the clock.  My stomach lets me know when to eat and other than that I have no constraints.  I’ve learned to pack my lunch when I know I am going to be out because I enjoy the freedom of not being fearful of needing to eat.  I would rather eat my own food than anything I can buy in a restaurant. 

The first Tuesday of each month is Senior Citizen discount day at Walgreen’s drug store.  So I keep a list of the items I need to buy and shop on the first Tuesday of each month.  Of course I do a bit of sleuth work beforehand to find out how much things cost elsewhere to see if Walgreen’s 20% discount will be lower than the prices of other markets.  Today I had a long list but I only bought a couple of things from Walgreen’s because I could get better prices elsewhere WITHOUT a percentage off discount.  Don’t just shop because there is a sale, but rather be astute and know the prices elsewhere before you go.  My iPhone is my companion when I shop.  I take pictures in other stores of the products I need and make certain the price is showing.  It must be recent pricing to make an educated decision.  As you know, prices change from one day to the next.

It rained while I was shopping but I went ahead and headed over to the KIA showroom and sales floor for a free car wash.  When I bought my car I was informed that I would have free car-washes for as long as I owned the vehicle.  Believe me; it has saved me a bundle.  Dave has the same perk with his KIA but he seldom uses it.  He is just not out and about as often as I am.  

If you read the last few blogs you know I am working on a scrapbook album for my sister’s family and it takes a lot of paper to do what I am doing.  I’m limited in some colors so I felt I was being drawn to Jo Ann’s Fabrics to check out the art supplies.  How convenient; since my travels took me right by the store.  I felt a prompting that I was supposed to stop at that destination; and boy, did I hit the jackpot.  Sheets of paper that were normally 79 cents to $1.79 were on sale 10 sheets for $2.00, or 20 cents each.  Great buy!  Another shopper told me if I went online there was a coupon for an additional 20% off.  I’m not a phone coupon user so I went up to the clerk and she pulled up the coupon, and the other shopper was right.  And…right there online was another coupon for all paper products and related paper crafting tools, priced at 50% off of items that were not on sale.  Oh man!  I was able to make my dollars go even further.  Every single item was scanned and by the time I received my receipt, it was over 5 feet long; I kid you not.

I will use some of this design paper in my sister’s albums, and then what is leftover will be used to create our family albums.  I knew I was going to need more paper products and double sided tape before this project is finished.  These stock-up prices were great to come across.  I’ve learned to listen to the promptings of my heart.  When I hear that still small inner voice I believe it is God’s directive.  Now I am chomping at the bit until I can get back into my craft room and resume my project.

After buying the paper I still had two more grocery store stops on my agenda.  All went well and I arrived home with a car full of supplies BEFORE MY HUNGER FOR DINNER KICKED IN.  I had long ago eaten my meager lunch.  I left the house this morning about 9:30 a.m. and didn’t arrive home until after 4:00 p.m.  I ate some watermelon for a snack and then had everything put away, dinner made, and kitchen cleaned up by 7:00 p.m.  And now I am in my housecoat once again.  Ahhh…it feels so good.  A day well accomplished.

NO TIME CONSTRAINTS

By Kathleen Martens

September 6, 2016

To not be in a hurry

Is what I love best.

When the clock is ticking

The day seems such a quest.

So I choose to clear my head.

To not even think of time,

And just do what must be done,

And the day goes oh, so fine.

With nothing on my calendar

While out and on my runs,

It seems the hours are gentler

And it is always much more fun.

So when I shop I plan accordingly

To allow this day of pleasure.

Having absolutely, no time constraints,

To me is such a treasure.

Thank You God for directing me to such an awesome sale of the items I needed.

Thank You for a day unencumbered by time constraints.

Thank You Lord that this blog was quick to write.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!

P.S.  Since I am a bit of hurry to get to bed this blog has not been proofed!