Making a Comeback

 In my quest to simplify and attempt to become a sort-of minimalist, I have let go of quite a lot of “stuff.” I dropped off another bag at the Goodwill yesterday. I am a sentimental hoarder and therefore I have lots of photos, a few treasures from my parents, cards from loved ones, and some clothes with strong memories attached. 

I need to let go of the mother of the bride and groom dresses that I’ll never wear again. I will probably take them to the “Brides for a Cause” shop. Last year I donated my wedding dress to our high school’s theater department and I got rid of almost all my “formals.” Back in the day, Mike and I would attend hospital gala fundraisers about once a year. I did hang onto one simple, but pretty long back dress.

When I found out that my firstborn is getting married next month I started hunting online for an appropriate mother of the groom dress for Vegas. I was getting frustrated and remembered I had a dress bag in our guest room. I found the dress mentioned above and imagine my delight when I discovered the dress fits (15 years later-yay!) and will totally work for the celebration. It’s making a comeback!…

It’s sometimes hard to decide what clothes or items should be “keepers.”

Is it classic? Would it work 40 years ago or 10 years from now? Is it well made? Marie Kondo would have us ask if it “sparks joy.”

Joy is what I feel whenever I look at the stroller I purchased over the summer at a consignment shop for 25 cents. Yep, one quarter. Each Friday when our weather cooperates, I take my youngest granddaughter on a stroller ride in my old-school black and white checked Graco stroller that has been given a second chance. It’s making a comeback…

My husband’s body is also beginning to make a comeback after his cancer battle. Sunday he was able to attend church with me for the first time since September. He is back to work part time and trying bites of soup and yogurt. It will take time but he’s been given a second chance by God’s grace.

As the fires rage in LA and I see images of so many that have lost ALL their belongings, I am praying for the firefighters, first responders and grieving families. It will take a long time and never be the same, but with grit and God’s Grace  I hope that the beautiful area can recover, rebuild and make its own comeback. 

“To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.”

Isaiah 61:3 NLT

My favorite comeback of all time is Jesus. 

In His Grip, Jane

This is the Week! Please...

I might have missed posting on "National Pet Day" but my pets are happy and spoiled. I also missed having a Margarita on "National Margarita Day" but made up for it last night when my husband whipped us up yummy drinks made with the muddled juices of grapefruit, lemon, and lime, Gold Tequila, Triple Sec and a splash of Cranberry juice.

OK, Winter is almost over. That means my husband has almost gone an entire Season without a job. Ugh. We are saying that THIS will be the week we hear good news! We've waited before; for two of our homes to be built, for 9 months times four pregnancies, for homes to sell, and for many other countdowns. This waiting has seemed so long. We are trying to keep our spirits up and our trust strong. Our unexpected time together has been sweet, but it would have been sweeter if we were on a sunny beach somewhere and we weren't paying bills with our savings. We are thankful for so many things despite our impatience, and it's actually been snowing in Gig Harbor!

Here are some of my favorite things that have been going on around here as the wait continues:

Delighted to be chosen! 
As I mentioned before, I am thrilled to be part of the launch team for Maria Furlough's new book, Breaking the Fear Cycle. I'm on chapter seven of eleven, and have learned SO MUCH! You will want to purchase this book, which releases on March 6th!

I LOVE my new job! 
I've been on-the-job as a part-time nanny for two weeks now. Getting to spend time with a baby girl is so much fun! We're getting into a rhythm and I spend time at her home and my house. It's been 24 years since I've been responsible for a baby but just like riding a bike, it comes back! When my daughters were tiny I think we had just one or two hair accessories. Hazel has a collection and you can bet I put one on her cute little head each day! I will share some of my favorite baby items soon. Look at this cutie!

No wine? Score! 
When I flew home from Indianapolis last month, my husband had upgraded my seat so I was in the "free cocktail" Zone. It was a long flight and I kinda/sorta was looking forward to a free glass of Red Blend while I flew across two time zones. My flight attendant kept forgetting my glass of wine. I didn't want to make a big deal out of it since safety trumps beverages, and the flight was full, but the crew just wasn't as friendly as usual, and their service just wasn't up to par. I have quite a few girlfriends who work for Alaska and they have set my service expectation high!

When I received a follow-up email from Alaska Airlines asking how my flight service was, I was truthful; it wasn't the best experience I've had. Alaska public relations responded by apologizing and gifting me a $50 credit for my next flight! What a lovely surprise! I wasn't expecting anything, I just shared my experience. IF good news about a new job for my husband comes this week, we have points on Alaska plus that credit, and an invitation to join some of our best friends in a beach house for a week in Florida mid-March. Fingers crossed!!

Old Navy has good sales!
With football season being over, I actually convinced my husband to accompany me to Old Navy after church. Their 50% off all jeans sale was worth the trip to the dreaded Mall. I had Christmas money from my sweet Mom that I've been saving. I decided to join the floral embroidered trend, and having them be on sale for $20 (this weekend only!) was a score. Quick! Check out the Old Navy website tonight if you're on the hunt for jeans. I really like the Rockstar line. I was reminded that "it's all relative." As I wished I was still a size 6 but knowing I'm an 8 and at the same time, the woman across from me was asking the clerk for a size 18. I was convicted that we shouldn't get wrapped up in numbers.

I got to be a "Good Samaritan" today!
OK, so my walk with Sydney was cut short today, but that's alright. I was walking down a hill to downtown, wishing I'd worn a hat on this blustery day, and listening to a good Beth Moore podcast when I noticed some items in the middle of the street. Thankfully it was a light traffic day. I spotted a cell phone and wallet. Someone was about to have a rotten evening. Thankfully their license was current and my husband drove over to their home. I guess the items had been put on the back of his truck and forgotten. So glad I spotted them and we could return them!

Thanks for reading "See Jane Learn." What have you been up to? Remember, Easter is coming!...

In His Grip,
xo Jane

Enough

Happy Weekend! I had an unexpected day off from my new, very-fun job as a Nanny yesterday, and so I finally got a chance to head over the bridge to go to one of my favorite groceries. 

My original plan was to head to IKEA and research some items for my daughter's wedding reception, but I realized it would be quite tempting to only look and not buy. Enter plan B. I invited a friend to join me for a trip to Trader Joe's.  I had my list of go-to items and I finished my menu-planning as I took notice of some healthy, easy dinner products. (My friend appreciated the gluten-free options.) 

I'm a list maker. I always have an ongoing grocery list on the kitchen counter, and on my phone, I type in lists for Target and IKEA, so I don't forget things. Some of these things are "needs" but many are just "wants.

I seem to have developed a pattern of going clothes shopping only when I'm on vacation. It's fun to go to stores out of state, and I like to find unique items. Last month I mentioned a few stores I planned to pop into while I was in Indiana visiting my family. I found a striped top I loved at the "Restyled" boutique in my childhood town, and my oldest sister treated me to a Fixer-Upper style plant pot from "Amanda's" consignment shop. I realized I cannot afford to shop at "Evereve." Even though I appreciate their mission, which is to provide a positive shopping experience for Moms, it's just not in the budget for this empty-nester- mom whose husband hasn't received a paycheck for a month. 

As we lean into lean times, I realize how easy it is to get sucked into the world-view that we don't have enough. That we need the latest, newest, trendy fashion or decor item. Really though, I have ENOUGH. 

How often do I feel entitled to more things, Just like the little girl in Charlie in the Chocolate Factory?

Veruca Salt: Daddy, I want a squirrel. Get me one of those squirrels, I want one!

Mr. Salt: Veruca dear, you have many marvelous pets.

Veruca Salt: All I’ve got at home is one pony and two dogs and four cats and six bunny rabbits and two parakeets and three canaries and a green parrot and a turtle, and a silly old hamster! I WANT a SQUIRREL!

I am blessed with clothes, food, cars and a home. And so, I remind myself...shopping is not a hobby! Knitting, hiking, writing, reading, gardening, cooking; those are hobbies.

 I have so much to be grateful for.

Knowing that gift-giving is one of my "Love Languages" doesn't mean I always need to put emphasis on THINGS. I can give the gift of my time, and I can also give the gift of prayer. 

I love using the ECHO app. It allows me to keep track of prayer requests, and also gives me the option of a notification. At certain times of the day my phone chimes and reminds me to pray for my Mom or my husband. In the morning during my quiet time I swipe and pray for all the needs of friends and family members. The ECHO app also makes it easy to send and share prayer requests to others. 

What is your attitude about shopping? Is it a chore or a pleasure? Do you make lists or wander aisles? Are you good at sticking to your budget? Have you become best friends with the UPS driver since you order most things from Amazon Prime? 

During this Lent season will you join me in the quest to be content and thankful for all we have, to live within our means, and develop a healthy attitude toward shopping. 

If you're not familiar with the Veggie Tales Children's video called "Madame Blueberry" you can watch it here. It's about a depressed, materialistic berry who always wants more STUFF.

Enjoy your weekend! Easter is coming...

In His Grip,

xo Jane

photo sources: veggie tales/YouTube

"Daddy, I Want a Squirrel." photo credit www.alicia-logic. “

Favorite Lessons From Florida

Florida used to be the destination-of-choice when we lived in the Midwest and could drive down. Now the distance from my hometown in the Pacific Northwest is 3,251 miles and a full day of flying. Last week I was able to accompany my husband on a business trip to Naples. (We actually had layovers in Chicago and Dallas but the distance maps don't show that.)

Here are some favorite things about our trip, and lessons learned:

Comfy-wear for travel:

I love my black M Rena leggings. I bought two pair (capri and regular length) at a boutique in Carmel, Indiana. They are described as "tummy tuck" always a good thing, and they're perfect to wear under a tunic or long sweater. When you can't avoid that trip to the tiny jet restroom, not having to deal with zippers is also a win! I aways bring a blanket with me too, since plane rides can get chilly.

What to pack for wintertime in Florida:

I actually looked on Pinterest for ideas, and still wish I'd packed a bit differently... Basically I just needed my swimsuit, a cuter cover-up, one outfit to wear when I went shopping, and dresses and jackets for cooler evenings. I brought work-out clothes but only wore them on one walk. The weather was cool for Naples (70's) which is basically typical summer weather for where I live. I'm SO glad I packed a zip-up hoody sweatshirt for the windy afternoons!

My footwear needs an upgrade:

As I was choosing shoes for the cocktail party evening, I pulled out my nude heels to try on and realized they hadn't been worn since October of 2015 when my son got married. 

See that mud? It was an outdoor wedding and I helped aerate the lawn. I chose to bring my patent leather wedges instead. They were easy to walk in at the beginning of the evening~we had to run to the shuttle bus since we got confused on departure time. By the end of the evening I had blisters. As I looked around the room at all the other women's shoes I realized that my pair purchased YEARS ago at the junior section of Nordstrom was a tad out of date. One pretty wife had hot pink heels with her black dress~very cute. ALL seemed to be able to walk in heels. You'd think I would have learned by now since I'm over 50!

When riding with UBER, double check your driver:

I hopped in an Uber car and we headed off. It wasn't until five minutes into our ride that the driver realized he'd picked up the wrong person. That meant MY driver was waiting for me and HIS passenger was still waiting... It all worked out, but it was a good reminder to verify your name with the location you requested. EVERYTHING costs more in Naples, even Uber rides. I did have a nice time at the outdoor mall called Mercato. It had a Nordstrom Rack, Ulta, JCrew and Tommy Bahama. 

The saying calories don't count in a different zip code is a lie:

Before the trip I'd had a bit of self-control; I'd cut WAY back on bread, sweets and alchohol. I totally went off my diet once we arrived at the resort. I'd have coffee for breakfast (I refused to pay the exorbitant prices for yogurt), but over the course of four days I managed to pig out on truffle fries, chips and guacamole, frozen drinks by the pool and champagne during the Veuve Cliquot Happy Hour. Four days=four extra pounds...

Simple Pleasures:

We didn't rent a car and my husband was busy in meetings, so other than one shopping expedition I basically just walked to the beach, read by the pool, and got totally spoiled by a massage. Our big world sometimes seems small ...my masseur grew up in a town near my childhood home in Indiana. I was happy as a clam to be in beautiful surroundings with warmth and sunshine. My hats and sunscreen almost worked too well! I returned with barely a freckle...

I did NOT want to take the Everglade boat ride Saturday morning and risk running into these guys, so instead we chose to sleep in and go to the beach!

photo source:https://maryloudriedger2.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_8690.jpg

We walked the half-mile boardwalk to the shore.

The weather was perfect as we lounged by the ocean. The colors of the sky and sea were spectacular; I wish my phone camera could do it justice! God's masterpiece was glorious! 

The last two nights were spent at fun dinner events with all the Polymedco employees and their significant others. Saturday night's menu of Filet Mignon, asparagus and Key Lime Pie made this girl very happy! Our last morning we headed to 5th Ave for brunch before we had to leave for our flight home. Sitting outside in the sunshine watching expensive cars drive by was quite entertaining.

Because of the long day of travel and changing time zones, it was 3:00 a.m. to our bodies when we finally pulled into our driveway. Our pets were excited to see us! (They really did hop off the couch.)

Getting hacked is no fun:
I woke up Monday with a headache and that was before I realized my Instagram account had been hacked the day before. After four days of emails to the "help center" and a username change, I was finally able to retrieve my account. Read the fine print if you get an alert. Here is my post-vacation recovery kit...

I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to see another beautiful spot in our Country with my amazing husband, and hoping it won't be too long until our next adventure. 

Have you been anywhere warm lately?

In His Grip,
xo Jane