I had lunch with a girl friend the other day. We see each other every few months for lunch, and we pick up right where we left off, catching up on kids, work, relationships, and sharing our hearts.

I cried with Marty when her marriage ended a few years ago. She cried with me when a daughter had a high-risk pregnancy and we weren't sure what was going to happen.

I've learned about how to cope with betrayal and a divorce and single parenting by walking alongside Marty. I watched her focus on her kids and keeping their home together. I got to share her journey when the kids grew up a little and didn't want her help. Instead of whining or being stuck, Marty focused on herself. She spent time alone, reading, studying, praying, and healing. When she felt ready, she began dating.

And now I'm watching her fall in love.

I have daughters. I've seen infatuation. I've seen immature and selfish love.

I'm married. I know a richer love that bears all things and works all things out.

As I listened to Marty talk about her new man, I had to reflect on the differences. She's giddy yes, but not like a teenager. She sees clearly that there will be problems to work out.

But she's found someone who wants the same things she does: a stable relationship with God at the center. A healthy family. A place to come home to, knowing you're loved and anticipated. Someone whose voice lifts when they realize it's you on the other end of the phone.

I rejoiced with Marty that just when she was ready for a relationship, she has one. And I gave thanks for the husband I have. Who always loves me. Always supports me. And whose voice still brings a smile to my lips.

Four days since I last posted. In those 4 days I've:

a) Gone to the doctor and been treated for a sinus infection. I have antibiotics in me, hear me roar, see me clean!

b) Got Christmas and all holiday decorations down and put away. Mostly. When I was vacuuming today, I found the baby Jesus under the recliner. I blame the grand-daughter. And I have wrapping paper, bags, and bows still to put away. But it's baby steps, remember?

c) The house is (mostly) clean, and laundry is still caught up. The kitchen counters are clean.

d) I've written and submitted, reaching my professional goals last week.

All because... I wrote it down. I made a list. I put the ink on the paper. I made mental lists before, but they didn't give me the sense of accomplishment this written one does.

I'm hooked. I'm officially a list maker now.

By the way, I'm making a daily, weekly, and monthly list. On the weekly list: post 2x blog.

Whoo hoo!

Well, it's the 12th. My Christmas decorations are still up. I have a list of phone calls and e mails to make that's longer than Pinocchio's nose. I should feel like a failure. But wait a sec -

I'm posting twice in one week! My laundry is done! The outside Christmas lights are down and wound up! My kitchen floor is mopped! The slime is gone from the bottom of the shower door! All done while recovering from a cold and still feeling crummy.

I still have a ways to go, but I've been taking my own advice.

1) I made a list for every day and every week with what I want to accomplish. I'm on track to finish this week only a little teeny bit behind.

2) I made small and achievable goals. And I did them.

3) I made the lists and goals in order of priority, so the most important things are getting done first. For example, bathroom slime multiplies quickly and needed to be dealt with sooner than Christmas decorations that aren't going anywhere.

4) I didn't beat myself up over what I didn't get done. It'll still be there tomorrow. Or the next day.

Now, to get to the doctor as soon as this cold turns into a sinus infection. Which I can feel happening, but of course it's Friday and not far enough along to warrant antibiotics. I expect that magic moment at 5:02 P.M. So, I'll be suffering until Monday morning. But I'll have a clean shower door while I wait!