Yesterday, I tried to heat up some hardboiled eggs in the microwave. For the record, that was not a good idea. 🙂
As I was cleaning up the egg particles that had exploded all over every nook and cranny of the microwave (I had to use an old toothbrush to get some of it cleaned up from the crevices of the door!), I realized how fitting this egg explosion was — because it has pretty much felt like my whole week was a series of one mess or explosion after another.
I said earlier this week that I was back to regular blogging this week… and I totally expected to be. But I failed to really take into consideration what all was on my plate this week — and then there were some unexpected curveballs thrown in there, too:
- We were out of town all last week, so I came home to piles of emails, work projects, and laundry. (And my assistant was out of town all of this week — we’re so glad she was able to go on vacation, but boy did I realize how much I rely on her help!)
- The first pass of my book was due back to my publisher on Wednesday. Finishing this required a number of hours’ worth of work on Monday and Tuesday. (The first pass is the version where it’s all laid out exactly as it will go to the printers — my mom and I went through it with a fine-toothed comb trying to catch each and every typo or other error).
- A child accidentally spilled a big glass of iced tea on Jesse’s computer causing it to stop working and resulting in a $250 repair bill.
- Our car was in the shop for half of the week… and they were unable to figure out what the issue was.
- I forgot to take my sinus/allergy medication at the end of last week and paid for it this week with a chronic headache that sent me to bed a few times because it was so severe.
- And then, my blog’s server had major issues which resulted in it being down or crawling at a snail’s pace much of Tuesday and Wednesday. When we finally got everything worked out and up and running again, something happened somewhere that locked everyone on my team (including me!) out of my blog. (We are in the process of switching servers to resolve this problem and prevent it from happening again in the future.)
My visions of a quiet, organized, calm week definitely didn’t materialize… but I tried to count my blessings in the middle of the messes:
- I’m grateful we were able to take a vacation as a family — we made many memories and it was a wonderful time away.
- I’m thankful for my assistant and all she does to help relieve my workload — I’d be sunk without her!
- I’m humbled to have the opportunity to write another book and am so thrilled to see it coming together so beautifully!
- I’m thankful we had money set aside to pay for the computer repairs and the car repairs. Both cases could have been worse and more expensive.
- I’m grateful for my sinus/allergy medication — without it, I would be in constant pain.
- And I’m so thankful that it’s been years since we’ve had blog/server issues to the severity that they were this week. I’m also very grateful for Joy from FiveJDesign.com and her technical expertise — there’s no way I could figure out how to fix and resolve these issues on my own!
In reality, these issues this past week were so minor. Yes, they were inconvenient. Some of them were costly. Some of them took a lot of time to deal with. But none of them were life-threatening. None of them were permanent or even long-term.
So in the midst of mess, I’m grateful. So very grateful.
And maybe next week things will be a little more smooth sailing? We’ll see!
MK says
Ugh…Crystal, you and your convicting posts, I tell you…
This week was a smoking microwave, bed bugs, and a giant “we’re educated, we’re decent, we’re good people…why are we still in this basement apartment in the ghetto?” pity party. Oh, followed by a big ugly-cry. Not pretty.
I came around to gratitude (that I don’t always have to go to the laundromat, that my husband was there to help, that God is bigger than even bed bugs, etc.), but I must admit that I didn’t go there first. Thank you for sharing your struggles and your positive outlook–it definitely reminds me to look up rather than just forward.
Nicki says
I so appreciate your heart and your ability to count your blessings in the middle of a chaotic life. I try to do that as well, but it’s weeks like you’ve had where our faith is definitely tested. Living for Him. Loving Him. Even in the insanity of blog issues, life issue, microwave issues. Does it get any better? Praising God for weekends and the ability to just rest and recharge for the upcoming week. Hope you have a stress free weekend. 🙂
Jen says
Such a great encouragement, thanks for being real! I have some physical complaints right now that is related to something VERY good (bet you can guess) and I needed the reminder not to get down about what’s wrong but focus on our great blessing!
On a side note, the egg explosion has happened to me and I just really don’t like the taste to microwaved eggs anyway, and so now I boil water, and put the whole egg in a mug and cover with the water. Takes about 5-10 min, but worth it to me. 🙂
Kalyn Brooke | Creative Savings says
Oh dear! I know exactly what those kinds of weeks feel like. When we first moved to FL {earlier this year} it was actually a few months that went like that. So frustrating during it, but it makes you even more thankful when you have a smooth week or month!
Shelly says
Oh my ,what a week you have had! I sure hope this weekend and next week goes so much better for you.
Rachel Wojnarowski says
I’m so glad you are such a real, everyday mom. Thank you for sharing life with us! 🙂
Marisa says
“In reality, these issues this past week were so minor. Yes, they were inconvenient. Some of them were costly. Some of them took a lot of time to deal with. But none of them were life-threatening. None of them were permanent or even long-term.”
I love how you put it all into perspective! I’m working so hard on keeping things in perspective. I struggle with depression off and on and can feel weighed down by all the things I worry about and feel overburdened by. I recently read a great quote that this reminds me of. “Most of what we worry about is not of eternal significance – and if it is, the Lord will help us. But we must have the faith to look up and the courage to follow His direction.” (Carl B. Cook, http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/it-is-better-to-look-up?lang=eng )
Thanks for sharing about your week. I hope next week is better!
mary says
Life is unpredictable, better to have a good attitude and grateful heart than to literally curse the wind…A grateful appreciative heart makes life possible and really who gets all jacked up over to me minor things?! One has to go with the flow constantly, thank God and others for all they do to help one on this terrestrial..We only get one chance to live on earth, what most people think or crisis are just living experience..Many things happen to people to teach them lessons..I believe in KARMA, what one throws into the wind comes back to either teach you or you have to learn it over and over again!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kelly says
I LOVE this post. Often times it is SO much easier to say “why me!!” when one annoying thing happens after the other. This is a great attitude to have in the midst of our hectic child rearing lives and this behavior must be encouraged!! Keep up the great work! 🙂
Susan says
Crystal, thanks for being real with your readers! Everyone has rough weeks but gratefulness always results in perspective of what is really important.
Molly says
So sorry about your week. I feel like that all the time, for the past three years, we have not been able to get out of the financial hole we are in. Yes, I have found many ways to save money thanks to you especially, but everytime we get situated and have some money to work towards other goals, something always breaks, it’s been that way since 2010, first the septic tank gave out, had to replace it, then the transmission went out in my van (I had warranty and I didn’t have to pay for it!), but, we had to cancel our family vacation, because after that the a/c went out in the van and I did have to pay for that, then it was just one thing after another, a few months ago, the water heater broke, then my other car gave out and I had to get another one, even trade, but payments went up, then we had a gas leak and the gas company had to re-route my lines and we barely got gas like a week ago after being without for a month. I wrote a post about it in my blog. So lately, i have been feeling, like I am just not suppossed to have any money to have or experience anything. But, then, I stop thinking like that, I feel grateful for what I have, my kids, my husband, a roof, a job, transportation, a blog where I can write about my trials and see for myself that these little bumps here and there are not so bad, compared to what other people are going thru. At least I had the money to fix them and get on with things, I have my ups and downs, but I am grateful for the things that I do have. Thanks for the post.
Lora C says
Great post!!! I love how you share your life with us. Showing us all the bumps in the road from the past week and how they helped you to see blessings in your life was awesome. Thanks I needed that!!! Hope your weekend and next week are a little smoother.
April D. says
I had something similar hapen this week-as I was working on my computer it got a virus causing it to crash. At first I was upset. Then I just accepted it and thought that this was God’s way of making me relax, step away from the computer while it was in the hands of IT professionals at work and to spend sometime with my family…to disconnect. I felt peace about it and I’ve really tried to savor the last few days without being consumed with feelling like I’m getting behind in work. This was God’s way of getting me out of the drivers seat:)
Joan says
Thanks for the ‘real’ post! I am feeling like I am getting ready for the explosion. We just bought a house that needed alot of TLC and paint before we could move in. We moved our stuff over but not in. We still have stuff at the rental and need to get or cleaned up so that we can stop the rent. In two weeks is our daughter’s birthday. She would like to have a party at the new house. My husband wants me to pull together a garage sale for the ‘citywide’ that weekend and yesterday my mother in law called. They are are coming to see the new house, that same weekend. Ugh! My explosion is on the horizon!
However, I choose to be thankful for the new house, an excellent helper of a daughter, two great boys, and a husband who works very hard to provide for us all.
Jana @ Jana Says says
That egg is the perfect metaphor for my entire summer. Hopefully the mess will end next week and I’ll be able to clean it up.
In the meantime, I should take a cue from you and make a list of the things that, despite everything, I am still grateful for. Because really, I suppose it could be way, way worse.
Jennifer says
Any one of those things would have been hard – all together? That would be hard for anyone to handle. I hope this weekend is fabulous to make up for the rough week.
Sandra @ The Sensible Mom says
Life definitely feels like it has exploded. We recently found out that my son has a rare disease called aplastic anemia and needs a bone marrow transplant. We were hopeful that one of his four siblings (we have five kids) would be a match and found out today that none of them is a match for David, my four year old. We’re headed back to the doctor tomorrow so that he can receive another transfusion and platelets. I know that God is in control of it all, but I feel like I’m dying inside right now.
In the midst of this, I will be grateful for every day we have with all of our children. This was a timely post. Thanks, Crystal.
Melanie @ carmelmoments.com says
Sandra, how difficult that must feel as a mother. Praying for you for God’s wisdom, strength and super natural peace.
Continue to count your blessings. It makes a difference.
Sandra @ The Sensible Mom says
Thank you, Melanie. I appreciate it, and I’m feeling much better today despite our current circumstances.
L says
So sorry to hear about your son’s medical condition! It is tough to watch our little ones suffer! May God be with you in the days ahead while waiting for your son’s bone marrow transplant!
Sandra @ The Sensible Mom says
Thank you, L. I sincerely appreciate it. We know that God is in control of everything, and we’re trusting Him through this.
Laura Jane @ Super Sweet Life says
Wow, what a week! I was super excited to start my new fall schedule this week, and had a huge to do list, but then I got sick! Needless to say, not everything was accomplished, but I did the best I could. It also makes me really appreciate the good health that I usually do have.
I love how you found so many things to be grateful for. I recently ran across this post on another blog that’s basically about gratitude and reminded me a lot of your post here: http://becomingagodlywife.com/2013/01/07/what-i-love-about-mondays/ Thought you might enjoy it.
Tisha says
Dear Crystal,
Thank you so much for sharing about your week. Believe it or not, it was encouraging to me to hear about it because I’ve had a few weeks like that myself during the past year or two. I was certainly not happy to hear about your trials…not in the least. I am sorry that you had so many challenges to deal with this week. But I was inspired by your sweet decision to praise the Lord and count your blessings during the midst of it all. It’s a good reminder for all of us.
Thank you for all of the time, effort, and energy that you pour into making Money Saving Mom the wonderful place that it is for all of us! I pray that the Lord’s grace will surround you and your family even more as you finish out your week!
Blessings to a sweet lady & her family (and to all of the Money Saving Moms out there)!
The Lord is good! – Nahum 1:7
J in VA says
Crystal,
You might also consider researching (like you really have time:) raw honey, bee pollen, Neti pots and essential oils to reduce or eliminate allergy/sinus symptoms.
I used to take over the course of the year, three different allergy meds– at least one 365 days a year and the other two regularly in Spring and Fall. After trying those more natural alternatives, I have not taken prescription allergy meds for 3 years. Rarely, in the peak of Spring I take a dose or two of Sudafed but nothing else.
I was amazed to realize how much better I felt without all those gorky meds and how happy I was to not have to go to the drug store. Mucinex is a good thing to use with a lot of mucus/congestion until you get things under better control.
Let me know if you want to know more.
Karen says
I agree with everything you said. I used to take so much medication for years and worried about the lasting affects. But ripping out the carpets and replacing with hardwoods, along with using natural remedies you mentioned has really worked! Like you said once in awhile I use Sudafed and that is it. But I use the neti pot EVERYDAY. I will never miss. Dr. Oz said using a neti pot can actually repair damaged sinuses. Hope this helps.
Lisa says
Crystal, I’m sorry to hear you had such a rough week. Surely next week is bound to be better! I know you’ve mentioned your allergies a time or two before, but have you ever considered writing a post about it? I suffer from sinus problems and a newly diagnosed dust mite allergy and my doctor told me to take Claritin-D. I tried, the insomnia nearly did me in and I switched to Zyrtec, which doesn’t feel like it’s doing anything. Doctor said the next stop is allergy shots. We just bought our first house two years ago and it appears that the house is the root of my problems. I’ve emailed you before and I understand you’re super busy but I’d love if you’d think about sharing your experiences. I’m nearly at my wits end…
Crystal says
Going to an allergist and an ENT and having them work out a treatment plan together was what made the difference for me… I use Sinus Rinse, Nasonex, and take Allegra. I’ve also tried Claritin and Zyrtec, but Allegra seems to work best for me. However, the Sinus Rinse and Nasonex are what really made the difference. If you’ve not been to both an allergist and an ENT, I’d highly recommend both — especially if you have allergies and sinus issues.
I’m so sorry that you’re dealing with such debilitating allergies/sinus issues. It is SO hard when you can’t function nearly at all because of the pain and constant discomfort.
Lisa says
I’ve been to both an ENT and an Allergist and even had a CT scan done of my head-of course nothing showed up. The ENT prescribed me Nasonex but said not to use it every day and the Allergist recommended the Claritin-D. I had all of the allergy testing done and came back positive for both varieties of dust mites and cockroaches. No sign of cockroaches but we have a huge problem with moisture and dampness in our house (heavily wooded lot/house on slab foundation) which is the perfect environment for dust mites to thrive. I’ve encased all of the pillows and mattresses with dust mite covers, gotten house plants to help filter the air, have 2 air purifiers and a dehumidifier running 24/7, cleared out the clutter, ripped up carpets, vacuum every day, dust twice a week with a damp rag, etc, etc and still nothing helps–except for being outside which brings some relief.
When we were looking to buy a house two years ago and we found this one, we prayed about it constantly and really felt like God was leading us to buy. Now, I feel a sort of betrayal because this house is the very reason that I’m sick. And, I feel guilty for having these feelings towards God. When we bought, my husband was working a regular job and now that he’s self-employed we won’t qualify for a mortgage for at least 2-5 years, so if we sell we won’t be able to buy again. I guess I’m just frustrated. I do appreciate your response and I will try the Allegra and a sinus rinse combined with the Nasonex and see if it makes a difference.
Anonymous says
I just wanted to comment about sinus and allergy problems. I see a Biochemist/MD who recommended OMG nasal spray. Its more of a natural remedy since he said studies from the Mayo clinic show sinus is caused by Fungus. He said all those other things are not good for you since some of them are steroids. I have more sinus problems and since using this stuff it has helped me so much. I don’t do anything but spray. The problem is it burns going into your nostrils. But I haven’t had to use anything else. I order it from my Dr. for $40 which lasts a long time online its more. By the way, I too have seen an allergist and he kept giving me many nasal sprays but haven’t used anything but OMG nasal spray for the last 8 mos. I thought I would share.
bizzyb says
Dust mites are one of my biggest allergies and I take Zyrtec, but also Singulair. It helps with the breathing moreso than some of the other meds. I started on QNasal too, which I think was helping, but had to switch off it due to a pregnancy. The thing about allergy shots (I’m on them currently) is that you’ll still need to take whatever you’re taking to manage symptoms when you start them, because they can make your allergies act up due to the extra allergens.
Another suggestion, given your concerns about your house, would be air purifiers running all the time.
Bethany M says
Ha! I did that once. Found that you can put them in a bowl and cover with water and then microwave them.
Lea Stormhammer says
Thanks Crystal.
I needed this post today.
It’s been one of THOSE weeks here too – and it has been for quite some time with no sign of letting up. It’s easy to get mired in the muck. Thanks for the inspiration.
Lea
Jen says
I used to be a real Negative Nancy. I started realizing how much energy it takes to be negative a couple of years ago and I began turning things around. Now people constantly comment on how positive I am, and I feel drained when I’m around complainers. I have my moments still occasionally (I’m human!), but even when I start grouching, I immediately feel negative physical symptoms; my heart races, I sweat, I get a knot in my stomach. I’m much more in tune with these feelings now and I end up closing my mouth a heck of a lot faster than I used to. Now I try to keep things in perspective by asking myself two questions-“Is the issue fixable?” and “Will I think about this on my deathbed?” The answers are almost always yes and no, respectively, which forces me to focus on positivity rather than negativity. I love that you focus on the positive, and I’m sure things will get better for you next week!
Marisa says
Thanks for sharing the questions you ask yourself. I’m trying to be more positive and asking myself those questions will help! Focusing on fixing a problem, rather than complaining about it, is always so much better. As is realizing that things are generally not as big of a deal as I think they are :-). Thanks again!
Diane says
Thank you for the reminder to look for the blessings when life is exploding. The past week and a half I had major deadlines at work, projects to complete and all the other things to do in day to day life. Then boom, hubby became deathly sick and has been in the hospital for a week. Through all this I can now see the blessings:
I’m thankful for our adult kids who despite their busy lives have taken care of our pets, and helped with errands and other needs.
For friends who are praying for us, have been a shoulder to cry on and willing to help however they can
Thankful for doctors who’ve found the problem and that it is a treatable/controllable problem. If all continues to go well I get to take him home tomorrow!
Thankful for coworkers and volunteers who stepped up to do my job so I could stay with hubby.
When life explodes, God is still in control. We just have to stop and see the positive side no matter what. And sometimes we just have to be reminded of that.
Hope next week runs a little smoother for you!
Lea Stormhammer says
Praying for your husband Diane. And you too!
Sounds like you could use a calmer week too….
Lea
Christine says
I’m wondering if I can ask what you take for your sinus headaches so I can ask my doctor if it would be right for me. I get debilitating sinus headaches as well and no OTC meds help. 🙂
Cris says
We have been going thru some REALLY hard times for quite a while now but I at least try to think of how much worse it could be. There’s always someone with worse marriage problems, worse financial situation, in worse health, etc.
Rachael says
Wow. That’s a rough week. Its always good to look for the good during such times, as it can be so encouraging. Here’s to hoping that its all up from here!
awmeme says
I feel your pain and in a way its making me feel better reminding me things could be worse. I just got out of the hospital don’t feel any better but they can’t do anything more for me since they don’t know whats wrong. However we are supposed to be packing to move so I’m behind in that. My house is a diaster so I don’t want to ask anyone to come help pack. My husband is laidoff at the moment as well so we don’t even know where we are going to move to. We have family we can stay with for a while if we need to but its still stressful so thanks for the story.
Jamie Rohrbaugh says
What a frustrating week! I’m so sorry! I had noticed you hadn’t posted as much as you thought you would be in your goals… but don’t worry about it! We feel your pain. 😉 Some days are just like that. Tomorrow will be much better. 🙂 It’s the weekend, right?
Connie says
A couple of decades ago, I was new to owning a microwave and thought I could boil eggs in it.
Let’s just say it sounded like a bomb went off in my kitchen, the door of the microwave BLEW open, and egg was pert near everywhere. Thank God I wasn’t standing in front of it!
I can laugh about it now. 😀
Jo Lynn says
Oh wow that is quite a week. Very frustrating but I really like your take away from it. I pray this week coming up is better for you all.
By any chance have you heard of oil pulling for allergies/sinuses? I just recently became aware of it and have started with cold pressed sesame oil (not toasted) in the past few days and have noticed some good drainage as a result. I have read a bunch that among other things sinuses and allergies is one of the things its really supposed to help with. Just curious if you’d ever tried it or came across it?
Charity says
Oi’ what a pain! My mother also had a great perspective on these types of things. She always said “You can’t complain and be grateful at the same time. Choose wisely.” I think you chose well.
Tara H says
What a great quote! Thanks for sharing it; I’m writing it down!
Koren says
Oooo, I love this quote, too. I made it into a little Instagram quote using a picture I took at the beach awhile back – http://instagram.com/p/dJ3wc-R7d8/
Hope you like it! 🙂
Melanie @ carmelmoments.com says
Oh Crystal, I feel your pain. I had a week like not long ago. I wanted to sit down and cry. Well, I actually think I did. But God came through and showed me that He’s still there for me. The same yesterday, today and forever.
I pray your tomorrow goes much better!
Thanks for all you do!
Mel says
I feel your pain, and applaud your spirit of gratitude. This has been a challenging week for me as well, but just today I spent some time in solitude thinking and praying and finding peace. And now I’m going to blog about it. 😀
Crystal says
I’m so sorry you had a challenging week, too. Leave your link here when you finish the post as I’d love to read it!
Amy says
What an amazing attitude in the middle of a hectic week!
I am inspired:)
Crystal says
Thanks so much for your kind encouragement!
Jamie says
Yep when it rains it pours. What a great job of staying positive.
Anne says
Another blessing is your microwave is really clean now! I think I read this idea on FlyLady so whenever something spills on the floor I think, “Hey! What a great time to clean the floor!”
Here’s hoping next week will be better!
Crystal says
It definitely is. I LOVE this additional idea!
Kimber says
Thanks for sharing that insight! With a two-year-old little boy, I am having lots of opportunities to make sure my toilet, and the surrounding area, are clean! 🙂
WilliamB says
Thanks for the laugh!!! And my sympathies to you.
jennifer says
All I can say after reading this is, wow. I don’t want to jinx you but I also don’t think things can continue to break and go wrong at the rate you experienced this week. Keep up the good attitude!
Crystal says
🙂 I realized how many things I take for granted — like working computers, blogs, and cars.