Let's Read January: Jesus The One and Only

Beth Moore takes the reader on the journey of Jesus' life in the book Jesus The One and Only. Many of these are well loved stories of mine that I've grown up with. I was reminded of a book I had when I was younger about Elizabeth, Zachariah and John. It was a favorite of mine. I wondered as I read the story whatever happened to this book. Likely it was lost in my parent's basement flood. This is where my mind goes sometimes when I read to finish a book. Then I am thinking about my mom and wondering if the coat she bought was pink or purple. I wonder how long my parents are going to be in Palm Springs this year and if they are going to stop in here on their way back to the farm in the spring.  I would have given up reading but I couldn't give up on the story of Jesus or Beth Moore so I toiled on. 

Generally I am a big Beth Moore fan. I like her bible studies. Even if there is lots of homework I would pick her studies over many others because I always learn something new. I feel like her studies are worthwhile. Last year I received a link to download for free several of Beth Moore's books. Here is the first one I have finished. It was labour some. 53 chapters. In the back of the book is a excerpt sample of the lesson that this book would have accompanied and I recalled again how much I love her studies. Reading the book without the participant guide not so much. With the studies there is always the promise of the video at the end of the week and getting together with other women on a similar journey. In this book Beth refers several times to videoing the lessons in Isreal and each time I thought I wish I could see the video she is referring to. I wonder where she was when she filmed this video or that video for each section. You may recall I'd love to travel to Egypt and Israel.  

Maybe it was labour some because I read the book on an iPad. At any rate I missed seeing and hearing Beth and doodling in the margins of my lessons. I think the lessons come alive also when your with other women who have an insight or can relate to a passage. Then it is real. 

Oh I think I have forgotten to mention this was my choice for a book with a number in the title. I really had a difficult time looking for a book with a number in the title that I wanted to read. All I could find was 50 Shades of Grey. 50 Shades or Jesus the One and Only. Oh gee! My sister in law said that 50 Shades was not worth it after reading and watching the movie so I took her recommendation and went with Beth Moore.

Winter Weather?

Can this be winter? It is January 24th today. I had to go for a walk today to enjoy the unseasonally warm weather of 12 degrees Celsius.

Oh...I also got a new camera and lightroom5 which could account for the vibrant editing.  L bought me a Canon Rebel EOS SL1 for my birthday. I love it! It is so much fun! I have been trying to learn all of the features and so far have only really figured out where some of the nobs and buttons are.

For instance...there were these three greyhounds that were racing. It was fascinating to watch...but I had the settings all wrong and they are only small little dots. Someday I will be able to capture unexpected moments like this and they will actually look like greyhounds racing.

This is also the off leash dog park. Sometimes it makes me nervous. I wish I was not as nervous around big dogs.  Then there was this dog. Such a lovely dog.  I was hurrying along the path to get a good shot of him but in the end he turned. My sky is a funny shade of turquoise near the tree line. 

Here are a few more fun shots. I love to go for walks.

I think I was thinking it was such a beautiful day that I gave my photos quite the vibrant glow in lightroom. I want to learn lightroom also. For now I am trying things but not really knowing why or how they do what they do. 

The sun was setting by the time I made it back up the hill.

Women & Infertility in the Workforce

Yesterday my local CUPE union president informed me that HR had implemented the policy that prevents women undergoing IVF from using banked sick time. Rather they must request permission from their supervisor and use their vacation time for any medical procedures. I have to travel for IVF related medical procedures. As I am only allowed 3 weeks of vacation a year it would be a long time before I accumulated any vacation time for further IVF cycles. In November I received an email from HR that explained infertility treatment is an elective procedures similar to breast augmentation and laser eye surgery. At that time I had already signed all the paperwork and paid for treatment. The union met with HR threatening a grievance if I was denied leave. I was informed by HR I would need a letter from a doctor that IVF was medically necessary and to provide a timeline. I provided the necessary doctor notes for every appointment. Unfortunately our cycle resulted in a BFN. In the mean time a policy was drafted and is now in effect. I feel like this is discrimination against women in the workforce and women with infertility. Some of the other girls I work with think I should fight this and maybe force a lawsuit. I thought about it and found legal precedent but after much thought decided I did not want to take on the extra stress. 

Valentine Favorites

Here are a few of my Valentine favorites that I'm thinking about.

1. Oh darling... - I want to make a sign wall hanging of this. I have bought the wood and it is standing in my garage. Hopefully to finish before Valentines.

2. PINK DRUZY- I currently love pink druzy.  Druzy is the glittering effect of tiny crystals over top a colorful mineral. It is beautiful when used in making jewelry.

3.  XOXO-  love this pink top. I think I may have to buy it. 

4. JACKIE O- beautiful. I love her style. 

5. FOR LIKE EVER- I think I'll make some fun print and put up for Valentines.  

6. ESSIE- I love nail polish. I bought Forever Yummy for Valentines. eternally gorgeous, positively delicious creamy tango red lacquer is always ready for action. appetites will run wild in this hot red polish.

7. PINK DRESS- ok why is there never any great dresses like this in the shops locally! 

8 & 9 NAIL ART- inspiration for painting Valentine nails.

10. I think I may have my hair cut like this when I go to the big city in February two days before Valentines.

 11. BEE MINE- how fun are these Valentines! I think I'll make a few and send to friends. 

12. RUSTIC RASPBERRY LEMON CHEESECAKE TART- oh yum! 

13. FONDUE DATE- I might not be able to convince my man to do this with me but it looks like fun!

14. HEART PIZZA- I think this is on the menu for Valentines at our place. Now to find a great recipe! 

15. ETCHED BEER GLASSES- I wanted to get my man something special for Valentines. I overthought it though and couldn't persuade myself to pay $98 for 4 etched beer mugs. I think I might try to make some myself.

16. BEST HUSBAND EVER- I ordered this for my man on Etsy. Here's to hoping it's the right size and that it comes in time! 

17. HEART FRUIT- I heart fruit. Maybe I'll have some fruit with my pizza Valentines dinner.