"Stay-cation" 2010

Steve and I both took a week of vacation time this week from the YWCA.  I had to work a few nights at Sears, but Steve had off from both jobs.  Steve and I decided to use our vacation time to fix up our bathroom.  It's been on our to-do list since we moved in, so we figured we had the money saved up, it was as good a time as any.  The bathtub was chipped and really dirty, so it is being replaced with a Whirlpool tub with tile on the wall around it.  The toilet is being replaced with one that is more water bill-friendly and will not leak.  We are getting a new vanity and sink too.  The cabinet and mirror, we are keeping because we like them.  My dad put in the tile floor new when we moved in, so we are keeping that too.
Steve spent Tuesday, with the help of our friend Stacy, planning the project, taking measurements and ripping out the dry wall.   Stacy helped with the drywall part mostly.  I think they had some fun doing that. The drywall had to be replaced because there was some mold behind the old tub that we have to get rid of.  Wednesday and Today was spent going to Lowe's and Menards way too many times to get everything we need for the project.  Steve is working on the electrical right now, so we can put up the dry wall tomorrow and put everything in where they go. The plan is to have the project completed by the end of our vacation.  I'll post pictures of the finished project when it's done.

Interesting Stats

I was looking at my blog stats for the past 30 days and I thought that is pretty interesting what countries people are coming to my blog from.  I wonder how they are finding it.  I work with numbers and statistics all day, so statistics are fun for me.  It does make you realize just how interconnected we are with the rest of the world.

Counties They Came From United States 528 Netherlands 25 Russia 25 Canada 18 Germany 12 South Korea 8	The Top 5 Visted Blog Posts Currently Reading: Bridges Out of Poverty YWCA Christmas Wish List 2010 April 15, 2010 Biggest Loser and Healthy Snacks: Banana Bread A Must-Try Recipe: Mali Peanut Butter Sauce (Tiga Dege Na)

Six Months to Thirty (30)

Well, I'm sitting here listening to Christmas music and it occurred to me when I looked at the calendar that six months from tommorrow I am going to be 30.  I know to many people 30 doesn't seem like that old, but I remember thinking when I turned 20 of all the things that I wanted to do before I turned 30.  Back then 30 seemed so old, but it's funny how it doesn't seem that old to me now.  When I turned 20 I remember thinking that I wanted to married and at least have a child by the time I'm thirty, but I think that goes back to the fact that I thought 30 was really old.  When I got married at 25, I thought, "I want to be debt free by the time I'm thirty."  Well, we are still working on that.  Maybe by 40, we will be.  :o)
Well, in just six short little months, I will reach to milestone of 30 years old.  As I look back on the last decade, I think I did pretty good.  There may be a few things that I would do differently if I could go back and do them over again, but not many.  I consider myself to be very blessed.  I will be celebrating my half-birthday tommorrow by making Christmas cookies after work.  Yum!

2010 Pitney Family Christmas Weekend



Me with our newest niece, Heiress.

 This weekend was great.  Friday night, Steve went to the YWCA Christmas party and I had to work, so I couldn't go. :o(

Saturday, we both had the day off from Sears because it was the day of Steve's family Christmas.  Steve's family never has Christmas on Christmas and that's nice since my family always have Christmas on Christmas.  It was such a relaxing day of just hanging out with family.  The party was at Steve's brother's house in Bourbon, IN.  He lives out in the country, so he has a lot of space for playing for the kids and the guys had room to shoot guns at targets.  There was only a few minor injuries, so I guess they were successful.  The weather was a little rainy, so we did have to stay inside a lot.  On Steve's side of the family, there are ten kids between all of his brothers, so there were kids playing all over.  The kids range in age from school age to 3 months.  The little cutie in the picture above is our newest niece that was born in August.  It was a great day of family fun and eating really good food.  Steve's brother, Randy and his family stayed the night with us on Saturday night.  When we returned home, it was bedtime for the kiddos.

Sunday, we got up a little early for a normal Sunday.  We woke up and ate some breakfast.  Cheerios with banana was a big hit with the kids.  Steve and I wanted to give his bro and family the gift of Christmas family pictures this year and we were going to have Erin take them.  She had to work on Sunday, so packed up the family and headed to Sears.  Our adorable little nieces and nephew had fun meeting some of our co-workers.  Erin took some great pictures.  Casey kept looking at my funny when I was holding her. I'm not sure she knew what to do with two Aunt Bridget's.  Steve and I even got to get in one with the kids.  They love their Aunt Bridget and Uncle Steve.
They had to leave after we ate lunch in the food court.  It was a great weekend. :o)
We didn't do much else for the rest of the day since mother nature decided to dump tons of tons on us over the weekend.  Steve did rent a movie from Red Box, so we watched G-Force (which is a very cute movie) and ate some popcorn.
Red Box Movies - $1; Kroger Popcorn = $1 for a box; Not having to pay more than $20 for the movie and popcorn at the theater=Priceless. :o)

Reason #5042 I love My Husband!

I got home from work tonight and I noticed that the house looked a little different.  The table was all cleared off.  Then I walked into the bedroom and the bed was made and the floor was clean.  The living room floor was clean too.  My amazing husband hired a cleaning crew to come out today and clean our house for my Christmas present while we were at work.  The cleaners did a spectacular job.  This is the perfect time for this great gift.  I have been feeling so overwhelmed with everything that had to be done before Steve's family came into town this weekend. I had planned to come home from work and start cleaning and hope that I got it all done, but now all I have to do are a few loads of laundry and some dishes.  I love Steve!  I have the greatest husband ever!

1 Peter 5:7: Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Hope Deferred Makes the Heart Sick

I feel a little better than I did yesterday.  I just felt so overwhelmed and stressed yesterday it was making my stomach hurt.  Work has gotten really busy and things just seem so out of control.  I know they aren't but I can't help but feel so disorganized.  I find myself getting angry at the really small stuff that shouldn't matter.  I am so thankful that Steve and I have two jobs, so we are able to make some good headway on our debt, but I'm tired.  I really don't like weeks like this week when I work Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights and Steve works Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights.  We won't see much of eachother this week, except for the at YWCA, in the morning, and at bedtime.
On top of that, Steve and I are trying to get our house organized.  We have lived in the house for two years now and there are projects that were started that aren't done and we still can't use our garage.  The house seems to messy and cluttered.  I know I need to get more discipline to get everything done, especially if we plan to have kids someday.   "How do you eat an Elephant?"  One bite at a time, right.
I know that I have no reason to complain.  I have an amazing husband that is such a hard worker.  I have so many blessings.  I have a job that I love, amazing friends, a great supportive family, and so much more.  I am really looking forward to the Pitney Christmas get together this weekend.  It should be a much needed break with family.  Steve's brother and family are going to be staying us over the weekend.   This means we have to kid-proof the house and do some de-cluttering.  I'm exciting that they are coming though.

Lately everytime I feel overwhelmed and just want to quit and take a break from the two jobs, I just focus on this verse.  We are so close.
"Owe nothing to anyone--except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law." Romans 13:8

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life." Proverbs 13:12

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

I love the first snow of the season.  It looks so beautiful and peaceful when you are looking out the window.  Today is one of the days that I wish my office at work had windows.  I can see outside when I leave my office though.  The picture is the view out of the Admin office window.  It really does look like we are living in a snow globe.

This week is going to be pretty busy for Steve and me, so it is definitely nice to look outside and see such peace.  I'm not sure if I'll feel the same way when I leave work and start driving to Sears.  Let's hope that the people of Michiana remember how to drive in snow.

YWCA North Central Indiana Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are critical to the mission of the YWCA.  Whether the project is small or large, long-term or short-term, many people or just one, volunteers make the YWCA the best it can be. THANK YOU!

Opportunities Available
* Special Group Projects- The YWCA serves over 1400 women and children each year. We are always in need of sprucing up.  Help the YWCA by organizing a clean up day! Cleaning, painting, minor maintenance, sewing, playroom and toy cleaning, restocking and reorganization.
* Supply Drive- Organize a drive for art supplies, baby blankets, children's school uniforms, diapers, toiletries, food etc with your family, friends, office, church group or other group.
* Neat & Tidy - The YWCA receives many donations and can always use help keeping them organized.  Help us sort and organize donated merchandise.
* Love Books? - Help the YWCA pull together a top notch library by volunteering to organize and clean the library/resource room or having a book drive.
* Enjoy the Kitchen - The YWCA serves over 50,000 meals each year. Help restock the cupboards, prepare, and even serve meals. The kitchen is always in need of help on holidays and special occasions.  Join our staff and help us make the holidays special.
* Bi-Lingual? - The YWCA serves women and children of diverse cultures. Your knowledge of other languages could be a wonderful resource in helping us to translate needed materials for our clients.
* Host a Party benefiting the YWCA - Invite you friends to attend an event and bring either monetary contributions or wish list items to donate to the YWCA. The could be done in lieu of birthday presents or could be a party specifically to raise awareness of YWCA program.

These are just a few opportunities available.  For other ways to help, to get more information or to sign up, contact Peggy King at 574-233-9491 X 307.  You can also donate with a monetary gift online at ywcancin.org.

I Do Not Choose to Be a Common Man (or Woman)

The Honorable Dean Alfange was an American statesman born December 2, 1899, in Constantinople (now Istanbul). He was raised in upstate New York. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I and attended Hamilton College, graduating in the class of 1922.

* It is my right to be uncommon—if I can.
* I seek opportunity—not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me.
* I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed.
* I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia.
* I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat.
* It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations and to face the world boldly and say, “This I have done.”

By Dean Alfange
"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Phil 3:14

Give Thanks!

GIVE THANKS

WITH A GRATEFUL HEART

GIVE THANKS

TO THE HOLY ONE

GIVE THANKS

FOR HE'S GIVEN

JESUS CHRIST, HIS SON

AND NOW LET THE WEAK SAY

I AM STRONG

LET THE POOR SAY

I AM RICH

BECAUSE OF WHAT

THE LORD HAS DONE

FOR US

GIVE THANKS...

Thanksgiving is Not About Turkey!

Psalm 100
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands!
Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into God's presence with singing!
Know that the Lord is God! It is he that made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him, bless his name!
For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures for ever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.

Thanksgiving
For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

YWCA Christmas Wish List 2010

Once again the YWCA has had a busy year with a large increase in the amount of women and children we are serving.  We have also recently merged with the YWCA of Elkhart County greatly increasing the number of families we will be serving.
When you are shopping for gifts for your family this year, consider picking up an extra present for a hurting child at the YWCA.
Below is a list of items that would be wonderful gifts for the many women and children that will call the YWCA home this Christmas season.
Note: It will be most appreciated if all gifts are non-violent in nature.
Teenagers:
CD players, MP3 players, watches for male and female, hand held videogames, music CDs, DVDs (G, PG, PG-13 only), young women's toiletry items, young men's toiletry items, hats and scarves, hair accessories, age appropriate art supplies, gift cards, books, footballs/basketballs/soccer balls, make-up
Children (age 4-12)
Legos and other building sets, dolls and accessories, books, trucks, cars, educational games, craft projects, hats, mittens, socks, transformers, zu-zu pets, hand held games, play sets (such as farms, schools, houses for preschool age), nerf balls
Infants and young toddlers
Baby action toys, educational toys, stuffed animals, books, hats, mittens, socks, teething toys, rattles/small hand held toys, baby wipes, baby lotion, baby powder, baby wash/shampoo, and baby monitors
* batteries for toys are always appreciated and needed
Adult Women
Robes, slippers, pajamas, throws, alarm clocks, MP3 players, portable CD players, CDs, cameras, watches, costume jewelry, calendars, organizers/day planners, book bags, perfume, bath/body lotions, hair accessories, hats/gloves and scarves
In order to ensure that all the YWCA have a wonderful Christmas, it would be helpful to have donated gifts by Monday, December 13th.
If you have any questions, plese call Peggy King at 574-233-9491 X 307.

Newlyweds: What Do We Need To Know About Money?

Unity over money will build a strong foundation for your marriage
from daveramsey.com on 12 May 2010
 
If you’re getting ready to tie the knot, then one thing you definitely want to talk about with your honey is money!

You probably have lots going on, and emotions are running high. But believe us: now is the time to get on the same page about money. Money fights and money problems have been the leading cause of divorce for decades—but the good news is that these issues are preventable! Getting on the same page creates a strong foundation for a healthy, lifetime marriage. Plus, you’re stopping money fights before they start!

A lot of couples find that being unified with their money increases their intimacy overall. Like Dave says, “When you can talk about money, you can talk about anything.” Talking about money is easier than you may think—especially if you start before you say, “I do.”

The process of bringing your money together doesn’t have to add stress to a time of pre-wedding bliss. It can actually be fun! Here is a quick five-step checklist to get you started building a solid foundation for your life together:

1. Put It All on the Table
   Transperency is Key!
2. “Marry” Your Accounts
   When you get married, combining your money into joint accounts is a crucial step.
3. Start Budgeting Together
   Get tips for uniting over the budget.
4. Make A Plan
   Set priorities together and make a plan for moving through Dave’s Seven Baby Steps as a team.
5. Put Your Relationship First
   Whatever you do, don’t stress! It’s just money. Your relationship is so much more important.

Financial Peace University (FPU) is Dave’s class that is perfect for newlyweds! Take a break from the hassle of wedding planning for a couple of hours each week to have a great time connecting over money. FPU classes are offered at locations all over the nation. Learn more about this life-changing class and locate one in your area as you prepare to say “I do.”
Source

Join a Special Group of Women!

I love this time of year. The leaves are changing into beautiful colors and there is such a spirit of giving everywhere.  People wake up every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas and seem to realize there are poor and hurting around us.  They will go out of their way and give and I love it.  I sometimes wonder though, if those people realize that the poor and hurting are with us in this community the other ten months of the year, as well.
I would like to suggest that this year be different.  Become a Women of Vision for the YWCA North Central Indiana.  Join a select group of women who are changing the world one family at a time. YWCA Women of Vision help provide the resources needed to care for women and children in need in our community.   You can give a one time lump sum donation or you can spread your pledge monthly throughout the year.  If you can't give much, that's ok because every little bit helps to provide a safe shelter and resources for the 1300 women and children we serve every year.

If you have any questions, please contact Peggy King at 574-231-9491 X307 or email her at pking@ywcancin.org.

You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
2 Corinthians 9:11

Recognizing Domestic Violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month!

Domestic violence crosses all ethnic, racial, age, national origin, sexual orientation, religious, and socioeconomic lines. Domestic violence can happen to anybody. In fact, studies suggest that one-fifth to one-third of all women will be physically assaulted by a partner or ex-partner during their lifetime. In heterosexual relationships, 95 percent of all victims are female; and 95 percent of all perpetrators are male. In same-sex relationships, domestic violence happens with the same statistical frequency as in heterosexual relationships. Find out how to recognize domestic violence by clicking here.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) is always open.

Overcoming Domestic Violence: There is Hope!

Source for video

Amy Grant: Ask Me

I see her as a little girl
Hiding in her room
She takes another bath
And she sprays her mama's perfume

To try to wipe away
The scent he left behind
But it haunts her mind

You see, she's his little rag
Nothing more than just a waif
And he's mopping up his need
She is tired and afraid
Maybe she'll find a way
Through these awful years
To disappear

Ask me if I think there's a God up in the Heaven
Where did He go in the middle of her shame?
Ask me if I think there's a God up in the Heaven
I see no mercy, and no one down here's naming names
Nobody's naming names

Now, she's looking in the mirror
At a lovely woman face
No more frightened little girl
Like she's gone without a trace

Still she leaves the light
Burning in the hall
It's hard to sleep at all

'Til she crawls up in her bed
Acting quiet as a mouse
Deep inside, she's listening
For a creaking in the house
But no one's left to harm her
She's finally safe and sound
There's a peace she has found

Ask her how she knows there's a God up in the Heaven
Where did He go in the middle of her shame
Ask her how she knows there's a God up in the Heaven
She said His mercy is bringing her life again

She's coming to life again

The Cycle of Violence



The cycle can happen hundreds of times in an abusive relationship. Each stage lasts a different amount of time in a relationship. The total cycle can take anywhere from a few hours to a year or more to complete.

It is important to remember that not all domestic violence relationships fit the cycle. Often, as time goes on, the 'making-up' and 'calm' stages disappear.
For more information

Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence. If you are concerned about your relationship, please do not hesitate to call the YWCA's 24 Hour Hotline at 1-866-YES-YWCA.

October is a Month for Celebrating Woman's Issues!

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month!
Did you know:

• Every 2 minutes, someone in the US is sexually assaulted.
• 1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape.
• About 2/3 of rapes are committed by someone known to the victim.
• Domestic Violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States.
• Every 9 seconds in the US a women is beaten, usually by her male partner.
• Between 15 and 25% of pregnant women are battered.
• 50% of homeless women and children in the US are fleeing Domestic Violence.
• 80% of children from homes where partner abuse occurs will become an abuser or a victim as an adult.

October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Did you know:

• Breast Cancer is the number one cause of death in Hispanic women.
• The risk of breast cancer increases as a woman grows older. The risk is especially high for women age 60 and older. Breast cancer is uncommon in women younger than age 35, although it does occur.
• Breast Cancer accounts for 1 in 4 of cancer diagnosis in women.
• The risk of developing breast cancer increases for a woman whose mother, sister, daughter, or two or more close relatives have had the disease. It is important to know how old they were at the time they were diagnosed.

Both of these issues are very important to women.

To find out more information on Domestic Violence go to: http://www.ywcancin.org/.
To find out more information on Breast Cancer go to: http://www.nbcam.org/.

2010 YWCA Walk a Mile

The YWCA Men's March Against Violence Against Women

I think the event was a success.  It's so great to see men standing up against violence.  There were some pretty great men there.  The top pledge raiser raised almost $3000.  Steve had a goal of $300 and as of today, he has raised $248 in pledges.

He even accessorized and dressed in red to match his shoes. It was a pretty cold morning, but I think the men had a good time anyway.

It's not too late to support him if you want.  Every little bit helps.  All the money goes to help women and children escaping domestic violence and sexual assault.  Last year the YWCA served almost 1400 women and children.  Many of the women are young, single mothers who have a high school diploma or some college education with little or no income.  These women come to YWCA with almost nothing and the YWCA helps them get back on their feet, so they can take care of their family in a safe environment.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

To support him follow the link.

Thank you so much to everyone that has supported him and YWCA so far.

Family Biggest Loser

My family is starting a "Family Biggest Loser" contest.  It should be fun.  Steve and I just bought an exercise bike from Sears a few weeks ago, so should really help us.  The bike was on sale, plus our discount, plus Friends and Family Night, so we got a good deal on it.  Steve has actually gotten up early and rode on the bike a little almost every morning since we got it.  We got it mostly because Steve is trying really hard to lower his cholesterol and our doctor wants him to lose about 50 pounds.  This contest should be even more encouragement for us.  We are pretty competive and so we really want to win.  Hopefully Kroger has fruits and veggies on sale this week.  We will be stocking up.  I'm not really a morning person, so I mostly ride it after work in the evening.  We put it in the living room, so we can ride it even while we watch TV.  :o)   
Hopefully all the Aunts, Uncles and cousins will get involved.  I have a pretty great family, so this should be fun.  The contest starts today and ends on December 24th, so I guess that means Thanksgiving will be more healthy this year.