Stress

Stress is a terrible thing. This week has been unusually stressful at work; consequently, I have been breaking out in hives for two days. This has happened to me before--last year and earlier this year--when craziness reigned. Tuesday morning when my A.P. saw my neck, he prayed for me. My science comrade happened to have Benedryl, so that helped. I had to buy some on the way home from work, though, because I broke out again after a parent conference about my son. Today at work, they were back with a vengeance. God tells us not to have a spirit of fear and that fear is not of Him. It is so hard, though, to remain optimistic where I work.

Burdened

I don't sleep well at night. There are several reasons for that. Work is unnecessarily stressful, but more than that, I am burdened. My mind is constantly thinking of/worried over my unsaved son, parents, friends. I am so inadequate at sharing the Gospel. I see people in my path as saved or unsaved; yet, I feel powerless to do anything.

CVS Deals

I paid $6.47 out-of-pocket for all this because I picked up a few non-ECB items that I needed. I had over $51.00 in ECBs and coupons, and I earned $20 ECBs.

Here is what I got:

4 12 packs of Pepsi

2 Tostito Scoops

2 Mineral makeup

2 Dawn dish liquid

1 Tide

4 Sobo water

PLUS, there is a $15 Pepsi/Lays rebate when you send in the rebate form and proof-of-purchases.

Menu for the Week

Here is what I have planned for this week:

1. Monday: White Lightening Chicken Chili (Rachael Ray recipe)



2. Tuesday: Mushroom Chicken leftovers from Sunday



3. Wednesday: Salisbury Steak with mashed potatoes



4. Thursday: Leftover of White Lightening Chicken Chili



5. Friday: Hamburgers and French Fries

I know some people don't like leftovers, but I believe in re-using them where possible. I will wait a few days to serve them again.

Turkey Tetrazzini

I had two ziploc quart bags of leftover, chopped turkey from Christmas.  I am the type of person who wants turkey for Thanksgiving AND Christmas because that is the only time of year I buy it.  Tonight, in keeping with my theme of "Eating from the Pantry," I made this recipe.  It came from my former church's cookbook from 1996. 

1 8 oz. can sliced mushrooms
2 Tblsp. melted butter
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 cups cooked diced turkey or chicken
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 c. sour cream
1 8 oz. package of spaghetti noodles
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Cook mushrooms in butter in skillet for 1 minute over low heat.  Add salt, pepper, turkey, soup, and sour cream, mix well.  Cook spaghetti according to box directions.  Drain.  Alternately layer spaghetti and turkey mixtuyre in a 13x9 inch baking dish  Sprinkle with cheese.  Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.  6 servings.

Menu Planning

Does anyone menu plan for the week? I have never done that, and my son will ask in the morning, "What's for dinner?" I usually respond, "I don't know." I think that since I work and sometimes we are after 5 getting home, it would behoove me to start planning a menu for each weeknight. This should be interesting. Here goes for the upcoming week:

• Monday: Penne with meat sauce (recipe modified from Rachael Ray) and salad


• Tuesday: Chicken fajitas


• Wednesday: Chicken tenders with broccoli rice and salad


• Thursday: Chili and cornbread (hope it's cold)


• Friday: leftovers--clean out the fridge

I'd like to hear from any of you who menu plan.

Blessings

Ok, so this is January 3; perhaps this is too late, but I don't think it's ever too late to count blessings. As I was driving over to pick up my son yesterday from his week-long visit with my parents, I had the chance to slow down and think. Part of the drive over there is construction on a scenic highway and the speed limit is 45. It gave my mind a chance to slow down as well and ponder my blessings for 2008.

1. My health recovery
2. My son's and parents' health
3. Financial blessing in the area of extra work in light of health bills
4. My home's protection (remember the burglar I caught?)

God is good, indeed!