I started reading "Bringing up Bebe" the other day.
No, Ben and I are not expecting to hear the pitter-patter of little feet anytime soon. Part of my major in college was Early Childhood Education, and I honestly find the topic fascinating. I like to keep up with things in the child development field. In all honesty, while I may never become a teacher - the things I have learned have really help shape a lot of my beliefs on all things 'child' and I enjoy hearing theories, concepts, and ideas.
Thus, I'm just going to ramble for a few minutes on the topic.
Since my Mom was always working with Children, me and my sister were constantly exposed to the world that is child. Being around kids was a part of every day life - and I honestly thought that it was that way for everyone else. Since I've moved out of my parents house, I have been amazed to find out just how many women can write a 15 page paper on the fall of Communism, but cannot tell you how to change a dirty diaper. There are many women who can figure taxes with ease, but have no clue what that nasal euphoria called "baby smell" is...
*If you are reading this, and YOU have no idea what "baby smell" is... for the love of all that is Holy, grab the nearest baby - any one under the age of 1 will do - and sniff as if your life depends upon it! Preferably, a freshly changed baby. Grabbing and sniffing the wrong end of a dirty baby is just asking for problems.*
I've learned that many people approach children with fear and caution. Some because they don't really understand them - some because dealing with something small as a baby can be rough. Dealing with the hovering adults freaking out that you'll do something wrong - is worse.
Example: My sister (sorry sis - throwing you under the bus here.) and babies aren't exactly like peanut butter and jelly. Small babies tend to not like her... She's uncomfortable and babies can sense fear. When our friend Tabby announced that she was having a baby - Katie was excited beyond belief. In fact, her first words were: "This is great!!! I can hold it and if I drop it it wont matter!!!"
Yeah, that might have come out completely wrong. Thankfully, Tabby and the rest of us at the table understood what it actually meant: "I think babies are cool - but they're tiny and scare the crap out of me. New moms freak me out more. But I'm comfortable with you so I wont be too freaked out to hold this baby!"
Heck, I don't blame her - I myself refuse to hold a baby if certain adults are around. We adults really make things all too complicated.
While I do not have children on my own - I have learned that dealing with children honestly comes down to three basic rules:
1 - No matter how much you plan and prepare, you will still be surprised and feel like you're never prepared. (Thus save you and the kid some stress - don't be too hard on yourself.)
2 - Every child is different. (It doesn't matter if you raise 49 children - the 50th will still surprise you.) But they all require the same basic needs: love, safety, respect, etc.
3 - It's a life-long learning deal. You cannot wrap child care/rearing/teaching up into a neat little box with a pretty little ribbon - you just can't. There will ALWAYS be new things to learn.
Okay, I should probably go face the laundry room that I've been avoiding like the plague. I ran out of clean pants 3 days ago...
- Extra love and baby giggles to all.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Sniffle, sniffle, hack, hack.
I actually don't have any clue what to write about tonight.
Oh, there are many things I COULD write about... Weddings, babies, (neither of which are mine - no worries.) animals, cooking, lack of cleaning (I didn't clean as planned... seriously someone is going to pop in on me... MORT-I-FIED. Oh well, at least I warned myself.) the upcoming Christmas holidays... and what-not. But unfortunately, my mind isn't put together well enough tonight - Thus, we're just going to go for it.
I've been fighting what seems to be a cold since last Friday. Just when I thought it was almost over... I have a super busy day... that is made difficult by the all-day brain-fart I seemed to be living in. You know what I'm talking about? I just wanted to home and crawl up under a thick, cozy blanket... and not think... (and only talk to my husband - he doesn't judge me by the insanities that spew out of my mouth some days. Note: I said insanities - not profanities.)
I did manage to make a healthy, hearty meal of Manwich when I got home! (along with some cookies. Soul food, my friends. Soul. Food.)
Now, watching late night shows (DVR peeps. Great invention.) with the hubs and spying on my facebook friends.
Okay, so this was shorter than I intended.
But really, it's cold.
I'm going to go pop some (cold) pills and sniff some vicks.
Cough Drops and Tissues to all.
(In other words, "peace" and "love" to all.)
Oh, there are many things I COULD write about... Weddings, babies, (neither of which are mine - no worries.) animals, cooking, lack of cleaning (I didn't clean as planned... seriously someone is going to pop in on me... MORT-I-FIED. Oh well, at least I warned myself.) the upcoming Christmas holidays... and what-not. But unfortunately, my mind isn't put together well enough tonight - Thus, we're just going to go for it.
I've been fighting what seems to be a cold since last Friday. Just when I thought it was almost over... I have a super busy day... that is made difficult by the all-day brain-fart I seemed to be living in. You know what I'm talking about? I just wanted to home and crawl up under a thick, cozy blanket... and not think... (and only talk to my husband - he doesn't judge me by the insanities that spew out of my mouth some days. Note: I said insanities - not profanities.)
I did manage to make a healthy, hearty meal of Manwich when I got home! (along with some cookies. Soul food, my friends. Soul. Food.)
Now, watching late night shows (DVR peeps. Great invention.) with the hubs and spying on my facebook friends.
Okay, so this was shorter than I intended.
But really, it's cold.
I'm going to go pop some (cold) pills and sniff some vicks.
Cough Drops and Tissues to all.
(In other words, "peace" and "love" to all.)
Friday, December 7, 2012
Did I never tell you that??
Hello Friday!
I have BIG plans this weekend - to do absolutely NOTHING. (Except for clean my house. That hasn't happened in a while. I know if I don't do something about it soon, someone will pop in unexpected and I will be utterly MORTIFIED.)
The last few weekends have been CRAZY.
Heck, the last few MONTHS have been crazy.
Hmm... where shall I start?
How about Hubby's new job?
That seems like a nice place to begin.
I have to say, for this being a blog about my life as a wife - I have been keeping a rather large factor of my marriage away from my blog.
A month after we got married, Ben got a third shift job.
An hour away from home.
With amazing amounts of overtime.
At one point, Hubs was working 72 hours a week on a regular basis.
Every day, he would come home between 4 and 6am (No, I was not awake - even though sometimes I would talk to him in my sleep.) and head directly to bed. I would get up between 6:30 and 7 and, kiss him goodbye (No, he was not awake - even though sometimes he talked to me in his sleep.) and head off to work. I would come home around 12, wake him up, and eat lunch together. (It was our supper.) Then I would go back to work. He would go to work at 4 and I would not really "see" him again in a conscious state until lunch the next day. We would talk for an hour every night on the phone - which was always nice.
Two weeks ago, we became a first shift family.
That's right - as I type this, he is sitting beside me.
I actually get to see my husband every night.
We eat supper together.
Watch TV together.
Talk about our days.
And go to bed at the same time.
I love it.
It has completely thrown my world askew.
In a good way.
We both really do love it. I'm just having to rearrange and rework my routine. He's having to do the same - and it's much harder for him. I guess it's weird being up only during the day time. He always told me it was an entirely different world.
I believe him.
Now, I kept all of the third shift stuff to myself because, well... I was home alone.
At night.
In a relatively new neighborhood.
It's just me and my older lady neighbor.
And Betsey.
(we stay locked and loaded around this joint.)
Ben always told me that there was nothing scarier than coming home and the bedroom door being locked. At that point, he knew that I had either had a bad dream. (yes, that still happens for me - and yes, I'm a complete baby about it.) or I had heard some unidentifiable noise. (see previous comment in parentheses.) It meant me and Betsey were prepared - and he better identify himself.
Even though I tried to keep the whole being-alone-at-night thing on the down-low, I cannot tell you how many times that women who knew me would talk to people and say how brave I was to stay alone at night - and then to help explain who I was, tell them exactly where I live. Scarily comical.
Now, all of that is but a memory.
I hope it stays that way. :)
Now, if you'll excuse me - I'm going to go eat with my hubby.
I have BIG plans this weekend - to do absolutely NOTHING. (Except for clean my house. That hasn't happened in a while. I know if I don't do something about it soon, someone will pop in unexpected and I will be utterly MORTIFIED.)
The last few weekends have been CRAZY.
Heck, the last few MONTHS have been crazy.
Hmm... where shall I start?
How about Hubby's new job?
That seems like a nice place to begin.
I have to say, for this being a blog about my life as a wife - I have been keeping a rather large factor of my marriage away from my blog.
A month after we got married, Ben got a third shift job.
An hour away from home.
With amazing amounts of overtime.
At one point, Hubs was working 72 hours a week on a regular basis.
Every day, he would come home between 4 and 6am (No, I was not awake - even though sometimes I would talk to him in my sleep.) and head directly to bed. I would get up between 6:30 and 7 and, kiss him goodbye (No, he was not awake - even though sometimes he talked to me in his sleep.) and head off to work. I would come home around 12, wake him up, and eat lunch together. (It was our supper.) Then I would go back to work. He would go to work at 4 and I would not really "see" him again in a conscious state until lunch the next day. We would talk for an hour every night on the phone - which was always nice.
Two weeks ago, we became a first shift family.
That's right - as I type this, he is sitting beside me.
I actually get to see my husband every night.
We eat supper together.
Watch TV together.
Talk about our days.
And go to bed at the same time.
I love it.
It has completely thrown my world askew.
In a good way.
We both really do love it. I'm just having to rearrange and rework my routine. He's having to do the same - and it's much harder for him. I guess it's weird being up only during the day time. He always told me it was an entirely different world.
I believe him.
Now, I kept all of the third shift stuff to myself because, well... I was home alone.
At night.
In a relatively new neighborhood.
It's just me and my older lady neighbor.
And Betsey.
(we stay locked and loaded around this joint.)
Ben always told me that there was nothing scarier than coming home and the bedroom door being locked. At that point, he knew that I had either had a bad dream. (yes, that still happens for me - and yes, I'm a complete baby about it.) or I had heard some unidentifiable noise. (see previous comment in parentheses.) It meant me and Betsey were prepared - and he better identify himself.
Even though I tried to keep the whole being-alone-at-night thing on the down-low, I cannot tell you how many times that women who knew me would talk to people and say how brave I was to stay alone at night - and then to help explain who I was, tell them exactly where I live. Scarily comical.
Now, all of that is but a memory.
I hope it stays that way. :)
Now, if you'll excuse me - I'm going to go eat with my hubby.
Monday, December 3, 2012
It's me again...
This will be a short post, but never fear!
First of all, I would like yo extend my well wishes and congratulations to my dear friends, Will and Kate. congratulations on your little bundle of joy. Also, feel better soon! You're in my prayers, Kate!
*disclaimer: I am sad to say, but I do not know the royals. Ben's aunt and I would refer to them as our dear friends during the time of the royal nuptials. (see, Nikki - I knew I could throw that word in somewhere! Although, I have no idea if I actually spelled that right...) In all seriousness though, I do hope she gets to feeling better and are happy for them and their exciting news.*
On to other things:
In case any of you have noticed, I've walked away from my little blog for a while. Why? Maybe I needed a little time to adjust to new circumstances, maybe I needed a little inspiration - maybe a little of both. I must admit, I don't know if that's what I had intended, but its certainly what I got. I have many stories, rants, and jokes to tell - and there is no way that I can do justice to all of them in a single blog post. (Plus the holidays are upon us!!) thus, you shall be seeing more from me. I really am sorry I've been gone so long little blog. I have missed you.
Get excited.
I'm baaaaackkkk!
First of all, I would like yo extend my well wishes and congratulations to my dear friends, Will and Kate. congratulations on your little bundle of joy. Also, feel better soon! You're in my prayers, Kate!
*disclaimer: I am sad to say, but I do not know the royals. Ben's aunt and I would refer to them as our dear friends during the time of the royal nuptials. (see, Nikki - I knew I could throw that word in somewhere! Although, I have no idea if I actually spelled that right...) In all seriousness though, I do hope she gets to feeling better and are happy for them and their exciting news.*
On to other things:
In case any of you have noticed, I've walked away from my little blog for a while. Why? Maybe I needed a little time to adjust to new circumstances, maybe I needed a little inspiration - maybe a little of both. I must admit, I don't know if that's what I had intended, but its certainly what I got. I have many stories, rants, and jokes to tell - and there is no way that I can do justice to all of them in a single blog post. (Plus the holidays are upon us!!) thus, you shall be seeing more from me. I really am sorry I've been gone so long little blog. I have missed you.
Get excited.
I'm baaaaackkkk!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Poor Mo...
Today was a sad day at our house. I woke up to hear one of my goats, Mary, crying pitifully. I went outside to check on her and knew something was terribly wrong... My normally happy-go-lucky little squirt of a goat was curled up and could barely move...
One of the best parts about working at an animal health and feed store, is the fact that I have quick access to medicines. While a solid conclusion couldn't be reached as to what could possibly be wrong with her, I picked up a bottle of general all-around type meds while at work and took an early lunch break. When I got home, things looked worse than before. I talked to the hubs and my Dad - I knew what I was facing. I've seen it many times before, and I was pretty sure Mary wasn't going to make it... but I wanted to give her any chance I could.. so gave her some medicine anyways and held her for a while.
Before I headed back to work, I took a peek through the cracks between the wood flooring on my porch... (They decided a while back that under the porch was their favorite little hide out.) What I saw completely broke my heart. Mo, my boy goat, had snuggled up against Mary. A few hours after I left, Mary died. Ben said that when he got home from school, Mo was baa-ing at Mary and didn't seem to want to leave her side.
One of the best parts about working at an animal health and feed store, is the fact that I have quick access to medicines. While a solid conclusion couldn't be reached as to what could possibly be wrong with her, I picked up a bottle of general all-around type meds while at work and took an early lunch break. When I got home, things looked worse than before. I talked to the hubs and my Dad - I knew what I was facing. I've seen it many times before, and I was pretty sure Mary wasn't going to make it... but I wanted to give her any chance I could.. so gave her some medicine anyways and held her for a while.
Before I headed back to work, I took a peek through the cracks between the wood flooring on my porch... (They decided a while back that under the porch was their favorite little hide out.) What I saw completely broke my heart. Mo, my boy goat, had snuggled up against Mary. A few hours after I left, Mary died. Ben said that when he got home from school, Mo was baa-ing at Mary and didn't seem to want to leave her side.
(Mary was still hanging in there and"talking" to me in this picture.)
Now, if only I had quick shot of medicine that could mend Mo's broken heart...
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
A weekend filled with joy and congratulations
Man! This past weekend was something else!
First up: A little retail therapy...
I promise, I needed both of these. (For real, no lie. Mah otha ones is UGLY and OLD.) Plus I got them at discount!
First up: A little retail therapy...
I promise, I needed both of these. (For real, no lie. Mah otha ones is UGLY and OLD.) Plus I got them at discount!
Next up: The question we've all been waiting wildly for:
Boy or Girl????
Yes sirree - I'm going to have a nephew! He's beautiful! You can already tell by the ultrasound pictures. I love little boys! They are so sweet and funny! They have the cutest little clothes... And they love to cuddle!
Plus, the smell SO GOOD.
Cannot wait for the baby smell.
Had a talk with the little man while I was hanging out with his Mom... I told him he really needed to hang in there until the whole 40 week mark - but he needed to pop out a day early and be born on my birthday. I think he heard me.
I forgot to tell him to aim for 4:13 ... that way we can be exactly 25 years apart.
After all of that excitement, Ben's best friend got married.
My husband was the best man.
My husband balled his clothes up in a plastic bag.
Wanna see a nightmare?
Married men should never, ever, EVER look like a frumpy, wrinkly, rag-a-muffin' mess. Married men and little boys should ALWAYS look sharp. It's kind of how a woman marks her territory. It shows that she is a capable, loving wife and mother when the men in her life are dressed nicely. (Or at least that's what we all want the rest of the world to think. No one actually needs to know about all of the teeth gritting, hair-pulling, and arm-twisting that it took to get them there...)
Besides, nothing says "Help, marry me and save me from being a lost, lonely, confused, single man." like wrinkled clothing.
Something that I have no talent at: Ironing.
I certainly do not want any woman eyeing my man - thus, I attacked his clothes with the iron on Saturday morning. I ironed for 45 minutes. I even ironed his undershirt.
Yes.
I did that.
(Mother, I am so, so, so incredibly sorry that I never paid attention when you tried to teach me how to iron clothes. I regret that decision any time I pick up and iron. (Well, 98% of the time I am only touching my iron to move it out of my way... but that other 2%... I REALLY REGRET NOT PAYING ATTENTION.)
It all worked out okay though!
The wedding was beautiful!
I know because I wasn't obsessing over his wrinkly clothes.
Because he didn't have any.
Boo-yah.
(well, they look wrinkly-ish in this picture... but this was after it was all said and done. Who cares after it's all over, anyway?)
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
The only hot chocolate Cinderella will drink
Okay, so last night I posted a picture o my hot chocolate on Facebook. I couldn't help myself. I may not be able to cook much, but I can whip up a killer hot chocolate - AND it's pretty.
See?
Anyways... I figured I would share the recipe and maybe make someone's day.
... It's time to take the bland out of hot chocolate, friends...
What you need:
A coffee mug. (Duh) I suggest something pretty.
Milk. (I prefer whole. You can use what you like though.)
Swiss miss - dark chocolate sensation
Vanilla flavoring
Cinnamon
Whipped cream (the kind in the squirt cans make it pretty.)
Fill your mug with milk until its about and inch and a half from the rim. (Gotta leave some room for bubbling and for whipped cream!) stick that baby in he microwave for about 2 minutes. Then add a pack of your Swiss miss and a dash of cinnamon - give it a squirt of vanilla while you're at it. Hit it with a whopping glob of whipped cream and sprinkle a bit more cinnamon on top - VOILA! You have your super tasty and prettier-than-Starbucks hot chocolate.
See?
Anyways... I figured I would share the recipe and maybe make someone's day.
... It's time to take the bland out of hot chocolate, friends...
What you need:
A coffee mug. (Duh) I suggest something pretty.
Milk. (I prefer whole. You can use what you like though.)
Swiss miss - dark chocolate sensation
Vanilla flavoring
Cinnamon
Whipped cream (the kind in the squirt cans make it pretty.)
Fill your mug with milk until its about and inch and a half from the rim. (Gotta leave some room for bubbling and for whipped cream!) stick that baby in he microwave for about 2 minutes. Then add a pack of your Swiss miss and a dash of cinnamon - give it a squirt of vanilla while you're at it. Hit it with a whopping glob of whipped cream and sprinkle a bit more cinnamon on top - VOILA! You have your super tasty and prettier-than-Starbucks hot chocolate.
Peace, love, and extra whipped cream.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
The Rundown
... And so the big shin-dig meeting at work is over - and it went beautifully! (The food was AWESOME! On a side note, if you're ever in the neighborhood... Logan Street HotDogs from Gaffney has REALLY AH-MAZING BBQ. Their TEA is pretty awesome.)
Hopefully, things wont be so crazy now and I'll have other things to think about once I get home. Last week was exhausting! (I'm pretty sure that by the end of the week, coffee and Jesus were the only things keeping me alive.) I slept in yesterday and didn't do JACK until 11am. Then I thought, well... I better wake the hubs up and maybe we should get cracking.
Who am I kidding? We had a wonderful day being lazy!!!
Unfortunately, my house looks like... well, my house is rather unacceptable right now. It's going to take a week to clean it. Normally, I deep clean on the weekends... but for the past month we've been busy every weekend. I spot clean during the week, but honestly, I've been too tired to do anything other than talk to the hubs and go to bed.
I ended up getting some patio and porch furniture for FREE. Oh yeah! So I've been working around that...
In other exciting news...
The other day, as I was just working along... Hubby dear called me at work. He asked if I had seen his motorcycle. He has parked his motorcycle in the same spot every day for the past 2 years. Sometimes it sits there for an entire weekend.
Someone had walked up into our yard and stole our motorcycle - while one or both of us were home and asleep. (The kicker is, I was late for work that morning and my windows were fogged up -- the last thing I was thinking about was checking for the motorcycle.) Either way, they worked fast, because they had like a 45 minute window in which to steal it.
We've called the cops, and the insurance company.
No word on the bike, though.
God is gracious and provides though! We had been needing to change the oil in the bike for a little over a month, and we just hadn't had time to take care of it -- so at least we didn't lose money on that! We also have been able to borrow Papa's truck which is super helpful now that we're down to one vehicle.
I'll leave you with a picture. (I'd love to show you a picture of my fancified re-vamped bedroom, but let's face it... someone just stole one of our vehicles... I don't really feel safe enough put up pictures of my house right now. :( ... )
Apparently, the kitties like the new chairs as much as I do...
Hopefully, things wont be so crazy now and I'll have other things to think about once I get home. Last week was exhausting! (I'm pretty sure that by the end of the week, coffee and Jesus were the only things keeping me alive.) I slept in yesterday and didn't do JACK until 11am. Then I thought, well... I better wake the hubs up and maybe we should get cracking.
Who am I kidding? We had a wonderful day being lazy!!!
Unfortunately, my house looks like... well, my house is rather unacceptable right now. It's going to take a week to clean it. Normally, I deep clean on the weekends... but for the past month we've been busy every weekend. I spot clean during the week, but honestly, I've been too tired to do anything other than talk to the hubs and go to bed.
I ended up getting some patio and porch furniture for FREE. Oh yeah! So I've been working around that...
In other exciting news...
The other day, as I was just working along... Hubby dear called me at work. He asked if I had seen his motorcycle. He has parked his motorcycle in the same spot every day for the past 2 years. Sometimes it sits there for an entire weekend.
Someone had walked up into our yard and stole our motorcycle - while one or both of us were home and asleep. (The kicker is, I was late for work that morning and my windows were fogged up -- the last thing I was thinking about was checking for the motorcycle.) Either way, they worked fast, because they had like a 45 minute window in which to steal it.
We've called the cops, and the insurance company.
No word on the bike, though.
God is gracious and provides though! We had been needing to change the oil in the bike for a little over a month, and we just hadn't had time to take care of it -- so at least we didn't lose money on that! We also have been able to borrow Papa's truck which is super helpful now that we're down to one vehicle.
I'll leave you with a picture. (I'd love to show you a picture of my fancified re-vamped bedroom, but let's face it... someone just stole one of our vehicles... I don't really feel safe enough put up pictures of my house right now. :( ... )
Apparently, the kitties like the new chairs as much as I do...
Thursday, September 20, 2012
The Tale of the Bad, Bad Blogger.
Okay, so it's been a while...
But I've had a lot going on! People have gotten pregnant. People have had babies. People have gotten engaged. People are getting married. There are dresses to be ordered. Presents to be bought. And whole lot of cattle farmers are vaccinating their cows and a whole lot of medicines have had to be shipped.
Okay, so we're going to do a quick recap in pictures: (Because I'm oober tired tonight. Seriously falling asleep at the computer here. It's only 6pm.)
But I've had a lot going on! People have gotten pregnant. People have had babies. People have gotten engaged. People are getting married. There are dresses to be ordered. Presents to be bought. And whole lot of cattle farmers are vaccinating their cows and a whole lot of medicines have had to be shipped.
Okay, so we're going to do a quick recap in pictures: (Because I'm oober tired tonight. Seriously falling asleep at the computer here. It's only 6pm.)
Was doing my regular work thing one day and scored free Clemson tickets. (And they were pretty nice seats too!) Boo-yah! Yes, it was awesome! Yes, I had fun! Yes, it has crossed my mind that being a Clemson fan wouldn't be so bad.
I have learned to make the perfect hot chocolate. The picture doesn't do justice.
Last weekend the sister and the bestie came for a visit. Oh how I miss them!
Right after this we had to run quickly to avoid being hit by a little old lady in a focus. She stopped to pic someone up. While she was stopped, we walked around the back of her car and she sprayed us with her windshield washer-stuff.
I came home last night to Mary bellering her brains out. She decided that she really, really, really wanted the green grass on the outside of their makeshift pen. (We're fixing currently fixing the fence so that no coyotes or dogs come and try to get my babies.) While the whole squeezing her head into that predicament worked magically, the way her horns are, it kinda makes it a mess to squeeze back out. We both sat there freaking out. Dear husband saved the day though... he told us how to fix the problem judging by one picture and a frantic text message!
On that note, I do believe I'm going to hunt some grub, make some hot chocolate, and call it a night.
Hopefully it wont be so long between posts next time.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Holes in my mouth and tables? on my mind.
This week has been a drag.
Well, if I want to be accurate... more like an ER Operating Room. On a full moon. On New Years Eve. Or Saint Patty's Day. With all the Doctors inebriated - or on vacation in Tahiti.
Who knew that taking one day off (one of the slowest days of the week at that!) would throw off an entire week! I have been slammed at work.
Since I spent the weekend sleeping, I was also pretty tired all week.
Weird fact (and something I did not expect for some reason): When they yank our your teeth, you have large, gaping holes in the back of your mouth. This can be frustrating when you try (and after) you eat. I should probably google whether or not they will ever grow over... Lord, I hope so.
Bright side: If I ever want to weird anyone out...
On to other things:
One of the projects that I would like to try to tackle around the house soon:
Well, if I want to be accurate... more like an ER Operating Room. On a full moon. On New Years Eve. Or Saint Patty's Day. With all the Doctors inebriated - or on vacation in Tahiti.
Who knew that taking one day off (one of the slowest days of the week at that!) would throw off an entire week! I have been slammed at work.
Since I spent the weekend sleeping, I was also pretty tired all week.
Weird fact (and something I did not expect for some reason): When they yank our your teeth, you have large, gaping holes in the back of your mouth. This can be frustrating when you try (and after) you eat. I should probably google whether or not they will ever grow over... Lord, I hope so.
Bright side: If I ever want to weird anyone out...
On to other things:
One of the projects that I would like to try to tackle around the house soon:
(Do not fear, the little heater is not plugged up. I just keep it there so that it's easy access during the dead of winter - then it follows me around the house like a dog.)
Say hello to the little table in my living room. (I feel like there is a particular name for this, but for the life of me, I cannot think of what it is.) I kinda want to give it a little re-vamp... mainly because I really, really, really don't like this color wood.
(Yeah, like the glade candle? I've had it for a couple years. I refuse to burn it except on special occasions. It smells SO pretty, but I CANNOT find this exact scent. It's the Glade Holiday Collection: Homemade Gingerbread in case you were wondering. Hit me up if you know where I can find another one.)
My ceiling fans, picture frames, and little entertainment center/TV table... thing... (whatever you call it) are a nice espresso brown, thus I would like to change this table to that color also.
I like things to match.
While I'm at it, I might fix that lamp and lampshade also...
Who knows? You can't ever tell what I might do - I'm wild and crazy like that.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Goodbye wisdom!
Okay, so I'm attempting to do this post from my iPhone since looking at the big computer screen for too long makes me woozy.
Yesterday, first thing bright and early - I took the Valium that I was prescribed by my dentist. Being nervous about what Valium would do to me, I asked people and YouTubed thank junk- along with watching videos of people who had just had their teeth taken out. The conclusion: Valium was going to make me loopy and after they gave me the stuff at the dentist, I was going to be so out of it that I would think I rode a unicorn to Hogwarts. While all of this scared me a little, I also was kind of looking forward to it. Who wouldn't be? I get to go to some magical place and not remember anything.
About 55 minutes later though, I told Ben that I wasn't sure if the meds were working or not. But at least I wasn't breathing into a paper bag because I was freaking out.
They strapped the gas on me and everyone talked for a few minutes. The doc asked me if I felt any different - nope. Nada. Nothing. I was a little panicked. If they started working on my teeth right then, I would be just as awake and alert as any normal person! Thankfully, he told the nurse to turn it up a little and I decided to breathe that junk liked life depended on it. Two breaths in, I started laughing - don't know why, nothing was said and nothing was funny, but laugh I did - and hey laugh with me. So they started their work. (nothing will sober you up faster than hearing the word needle.)
Thank Jesus that Ben was in there. He held my hand the entire time and I was able to talk to everyone the whole time. I know what the doc and nurse probably thought some of the stuff I said had to do with the gas, but thankfully the husband knew I meant every word - he's used to the random lol. He also knows how chatty I get and if I'm nervous even a little bit, I just start saying whatever pops in my head.
Honestly, it really wasn't that bad and it was over really fast. I was able to walk out by myself and my face didn't even swell! Sad day though: because of OSHA regulations, I wasn't allowed to bring my teeth home :( so my loving husband made sure to get some good pictures before we left.
CAUTION: if you don't want to see my teeth, please scroll down to e next picture. Also, no worries - I'm only including one picture of the teeth.)
One I got home the husband gave me some pain meds and tucked me into bed. What a marvelous nap!I had so many wonderful people check in on me and I LOVE my care package from Ben's mom, aunts, and other mama (his grandma).
I was also brought chicken stew and mashed potatoes and gravy from Kentucky Fried Chicken! The Lord has really really blessed me. I'm sorry I don't have a funny video to put up of me after I lost my wisdom teeth, but I can tell those of you who need to have your wisdom removed, it's not as bad as it seems. Also I know an awesome dentist, if you ever need one. :)
Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'm going to go back to bed...
Yesterday, first thing bright and early - I took the Valium that I was prescribed by my dentist. Being nervous about what Valium would do to me, I asked people and YouTubed thank junk- along with watching videos of people who had just had their teeth taken out. The conclusion: Valium was going to make me loopy and after they gave me the stuff at the dentist, I was going to be so out of it that I would think I rode a unicorn to Hogwarts. While all of this scared me a little, I also was kind of looking forward to it. Who wouldn't be? I get to go to some magical place and not remember anything.
About 55 minutes later though, I told Ben that I wasn't sure if the meds were working or not. But at least I wasn't breathing into a paper bag because I was freaking out.
They strapped the gas on me and everyone talked for a few minutes. The doc asked me if I felt any different - nope. Nada. Nothing. I was a little panicked. If they started working on my teeth right then, I would be just as awake and alert as any normal person! Thankfully, he told the nurse to turn it up a little and I decided to breathe that junk liked life depended on it. Two breaths in, I started laughing - don't know why, nothing was said and nothing was funny, but laugh I did - and hey laugh with me. So they started their work. (nothing will sober you up faster than hearing the word needle.)
Thank Jesus that Ben was in there. He held my hand the entire time and I was able to talk to everyone the whole time. I know what the doc and nurse probably thought some of the stuff I said had to do with the gas, but thankfully the husband knew I meant every word - he's used to the random lol. He also knows how chatty I get and if I'm nervous even a little bit, I just start saying whatever pops in my head.
Honestly, it really wasn't that bad and it was over really fast. I was able to walk out by myself and my face didn't even swell! Sad day though: because of OSHA regulations, I wasn't allowed to bring my teeth home :( so my loving husband made sure to get some good pictures before we left.
CAUTION: if you don't want to see my teeth, please scroll down to e next picture. Also, no worries - I'm only including one picture of the teeth.)
One I got home the husband gave me some pain meds and tucked me into bed. What a marvelous nap!I had so many wonderful people check in on me and I LOVE my care package from Ben's mom, aunts, and other mama (his grandma).
My Mother-in-Law knows me so well :)
(yes, those are Grumpy and Dopey socks - I told Sherry those can represent how I'm supposed to feel! lol)
I was also brought chicken stew and mashed potatoes and gravy from Kentucky Fried Chicken! The Lord has really really blessed me. I'm sorry I don't have a funny video to put up of me after I lost my wisdom teeth, but I can tell those of you who need to have your wisdom removed, it's not as bad as it seems. Also I know an awesome dentist, if you ever need one. :)
Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'm going to go back to bed...
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Killin' ya' with cuteness...
I've been spending some time lately going through old pictures with Sherry.
I love getting to see my manly, beardy-faced, grown up husband as a little boy! (Plus, it helps give me an idea of what our kids might look like one day!)
I thought that tonight I would share a couple of the photos with you guys! (He's so stinking cute, I couldn't resist sharing!)
(My word... I had a lot of exclamation points going on there.... Sorry about that...)
I love getting to see my manly, beardy-faced, grown up husband as a little boy! (Plus, it helps give me an idea of what our kids might look like one day!)
I thought that tonight I would share a couple of the photos with you guys! (He's so stinking cute, I couldn't resist sharing!)
(My word... I had a lot of exclamation points going on there.... Sorry about that...)
Oh my goodness... Couldn't you just squeeze those little cheeks?!!! How adorable is he?!! Apparently he was sweet to boot! I was told very helpful and quiet... and VERY protective of his Momma. I was told that once in the grocery store, he kicked the mess out of one of the older men that we went to church with because that man said "shut-up" to his Momma. (In a joking way, of course... but Ben didn't know that - he just knew that was a bad word.)
Sherry said Ben NEVER did anything half way... (That hat and jacket are legit cowboy wear - you can be assured that there was a very nice pair of cowboy boots on his feet.) and he decided at quite a young age that he was a cowboy. (I was told that it was all of the John Wayne and Clint Eastwood films. He once told me that by the age in the above picture he had no question in his mind whether or not he was every bit the bad mama jama that Mr. Eastwood was.)
While me and the Mr. are waiting a little while before we have our passel of cowboys and princesses, these pictures sure give me something to dream about.
I don't worry too much about having ugly babies. :)
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
quick little update thing
I'm a little pooped today, so this will probably be short.
I try to update on Monday's, but I was reading last night and completely forgot about blogging. (I finished my book by the way - and it was great.)
Yesterday was Ben's first day of school! (Yes I made him take 1st day of school pictures and everything! I'd share them, but he said they looked dorky. :)) He enjoyed class and I think he'll have a great semester.
Over the weekend me and Ben decided to join the tech world and we both upgraded to iphones - whoo-hoo! (now, if only I could figure out how to work it... lol) (Hopefully, this will also mean that my little bloggity-blog will contain more pictures! Fingers crossed!)
I'm so ready for fall... it isn't funny. I miss my comfy, soft, warm clothes. I miss perfect temps and beautiful scenery. Which, maybe I'm dreaming of fall so much that I'm seeing things, but a few of the trees on my way to work are already starting to change.
Oh! and PS I almost forgot, I'm having three of my wisdom teeth yanked out first thing Friday morning - pray for me!!! (the other one needs to come out too...but unfortunately, it seems to be BFF's with a nerve and some bone.)
I try to update on Monday's, but I was reading last night and completely forgot about blogging. (I finished my book by the way - and it was great.)
Yesterday was Ben's first day of school! (Yes I made him take 1st day of school pictures and everything! I'd share them, but he said they looked dorky. :)) He enjoyed class and I think he'll have a great semester.
Over the weekend me and Ben decided to join the tech world and we both upgraded to iphones - whoo-hoo! (now, if only I could figure out how to work it... lol) (Hopefully, this will also mean that my little bloggity-blog will contain more pictures! Fingers crossed!)
I'm so ready for fall... it isn't funny. I miss my comfy, soft, warm clothes. I miss perfect temps and beautiful scenery. Which, maybe I'm dreaming of fall so much that I'm seeing things, but a few of the trees on my way to work are already starting to change.
Oh! and PS I almost forgot, I'm having three of my wisdom teeth yanked out first thing Friday morning - pray for me!!! (the other one needs to come out too...but unfortunately, it seems to be BFF's with a nerve and some bone.)
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Let's forget about today...
This afternoon was quite horrid.
(I ate a few flies (got one in my eye), super busy at closing time, almost late for supper, and (my favorite) almost drove into oncoming interstate traffic. Of course all of this was combined with normal, small, daily annoyances.)
Let's not speak of such awful things.... (Judging by my facebook, I'm not the only one who wishes to forget today.)
Instead I shall speak of things that make me happy: (AKA post cool pictures that make my heart smile.)
and who could leave out this:
Why yes, I do think these fabulous pictures have relaxed and made me a little happier - hope they have you as well.
(I ate a few flies (got one in my eye), super busy at closing time, almost late for supper, and (my favorite) almost drove into oncoming interstate traffic. Of course all of this was combined with normal, small, daily annoyances.)
Let's not speak of such awful things.... (Judging by my facebook, I'm not the only one who wishes to forget today.)
Instead I shall speak of things that make me happy: (AKA post cool pictures that make my heart smile.)
and who could leave out this:
Why yes, I do think these fabulous pictures have relaxed and made me a little happier - hope they have you as well.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Scrubbing Toilets
Hello Monday,
And so we meet again...
Random for the day: Toothpaste really does help your scratched up CD's. (Yes, I still own those.) I was a little frustrated that I couldn't listen to my Destiny's Child CD, so I came home and Pinterested that junk. I now have a completely workable CD.
Recap: This weekend was restful. Saturday and Sunday night me and Ben were asleep by 9pm. (He was actually asleep around 7:30... We were watching TV... well, I thought we were - until I looked over and saw that he was watching the back of his eyelids.)
What wasn't filled with sleep was filled with biscuit making - Good biscuit making, might I add.
It was a good weekend.
Today, during one of the lulls at work, I wrote out a "to-do" list. (I really write one at least once a day.) Today's was really long. My house is slowly fading into disaster. I always write out everything that I need to do to fix that fact... but when I come home, I check my facebook, email, pinterest, etc. and never do get around to caring about the fact that my house is a wreck.
Today was different. I started in the Master Bathroom. (I hate cleaning our bathroom. We have one of those jacuzzi tubs. While it's wonderful because it's so large, I HATE IT. It's a nightmare to clean - and you HAVE to keep it clean. Nasty, germy junk gets into those jets... and whether you turn them on or not, it gets into your bath water - YUCK!) I got the whole room cleaned (Even changed that light bulb that has been blown since we bought the house!) and moved on to the bedroom.
I've washed some clothes. (No, that doesn't include folding and putting away. Baby steps.)
Washed a load of dishes.
And watered my plants.
I'm a little happy with myself.
Now, on to a little bit of reading....
And so we meet again...
Random for the day: Toothpaste really does help your scratched up CD's. (Yes, I still own those.) I was a little frustrated that I couldn't listen to my Destiny's Child CD, so I came home and Pinterested that junk. I now have a completely workable CD.
Recap: This weekend was restful. Saturday and Sunday night me and Ben were asleep by 9pm. (He was actually asleep around 7:30... We were watching TV... well, I thought we were - until I looked over and saw that he was watching the back of his eyelids.)
What wasn't filled with sleep was filled with biscuit making - Good biscuit making, might I add.
It was a good weekend.
Today, during one of the lulls at work, I wrote out a "to-do" list. (I really write one at least once a day.) Today's was really long. My house is slowly fading into disaster. I always write out everything that I need to do to fix that fact... but when I come home, I check my facebook, email, pinterest, etc. and never do get around to caring about the fact that my house is a wreck.
Today was different. I started in the Master Bathroom. (I hate cleaning our bathroom. We have one of those jacuzzi tubs. While it's wonderful because it's so large, I HATE IT. It's a nightmare to clean - and you HAVE to keep it clean. Nasty, germy junk gets into those jets... and whether you turn them on or not, it gets into your bath water - YUCK!) I got the whole room cleaned (Even changed that light bulb that has been blown since we bought the house!) and moved on to the bedroom.
I've washed some clothes. (No, that doesn't include folding and putting away. Baby steps.)
Washed a load of dishes.
And watered my plants.
I'm a little happy with myself.
Now, on to a little bit of reading....
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit!
My Momma might kill me for what I'm about to say, but oh well. Sorry Ma.
While I consider my Momma to be the finest cook in the Southeast, there is one thing that has always eluded her in the kitchen: The homemade biscuit. Her battle with biscuits is the equivalent of my battle with Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Anyways, I decided (with no training or any idea what I was doing) to attempt to make homemade biscuits.
I headed out to Bi-Lo and stocked up on the following:
White Lily Self Rising Unbleached Flour
Whole Buttermilk
Salted Butter
I took 2 cups of flour (and a pinch of sugar) and sifted it with a whisk (I don't have one of those fancy sifters) and then cut up cold butter (1/4 cup) and chopped it in with the the flour. I then added 3/4 cup of cold buttermilk - slowly - and constantly stirred it until it became a sort of 'ball'. Then I took it out of the bowl and plopped it on to my floured (and very clean) counter. I kneaded it a few times. I flattened it out to about 3/4 an inch and cut those babies out! I put them on a greased pan (made sure they were touching) and brushed the tops with melted butter. I slung them in the oven on 450 for 10 minutes.
While I consider my Momma to be the finest cook in the Southeast, there is one thing that has always eluded her in the kitchen: The homemade biscuit. Her battle with biscuits is the equivalent of my battle with Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Anyways, I decided (with no training or any idea what I was doing) to attempt to make homemade biscuits.
I headed out to Bi-Lo and stocked up on the following:
White Lily Self Rising Unbleached Flour
Whole Buttermilk
Salted Butter
I took 2 cups of flour (and a pinch of sugar) and sifted it with a whisk (I don't have one of those fancy sifters) and then cut up cold butter (1/4 cup) and chopped it in with the the flour. I then added 3/4 cup of cold buttermilk - slowly - and constantly stirred it until it became a sort of 'ball'. Then I took it out of the bowl and plopped it on to my floured (and very clean) counter. I kneaded it a few times. I flattened it out to about 3/4 an inch and cut those babies out! I put them on a greased pan (made sure they were touching) and brushed the tops with melted butter. I slung them in the oven on 450 for 10 minutes.
(I know, I need to clean my oven.)
While I waited I mixed up some of Ben's favorite gravy and cooked up some ground sausage.
Then the ultimate test: The hubs and Isaac gave them a try... (That's right, I had two test subjects... two that are NOT prone to lying and are very picky.)
They passed the test!
I CAN MAKE GOOD HOMEMADE BISCUITS! (I ate one myself - that's how I know.)
Yes, the finished product... biscuits and sausage gravy.
Hardee's, eat your heart out.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Wednesday's with Katie
I had plans for tonight. Catching up on some reading... starting to price my yard sale items... washing clothes... It's amazing how during the week I ALWAYS have big plans, but as soon as my behind touches the couch, absolutely nothing gets done. Maybe I should stop being so surprised about my foiled plans. Let's face it: my couch is secretly evil and it has plans to take over (my) world.
Monday and Tuesday's are something straight up serious and leave me dragging by Wednesday. I have been ridiculously tired all day today. At one point, I closed my eyes and did not move for 3 minutes. I knew if I just kept them closed a minute or two longer I would be OUT.
On the bright side, tomorrow is Thursday (whoop whoop!) and Thursday and Friday are pretty good days.
Okay, I feel like sharing another sibling story tonight.
I really wanted to share this one particular story, but I have to speak with my sister and get clearance to tell it - it's embarrassing to both of us. While I don't always mind embarrassing myself via world wide web, I'm sure my sister may have opinions of her own.
There was a sign that I saw on Pinterest that said "I don't remember if I'm the good sister or the evil one." Well, I remember. I'm the good one. I have been telling people for years - and yet no one believes me in the slightest.
Oh which evil sister story do I tell first???
How about this one...
I guess this one was back when I was around 10 and Katie was 8... We had two new puppies. One was super calm and gentle. (Only problem with him was the fact that he would get car sick. That drool was no joke.) The calm one we named Pete. He had a sister - we named her Dot. Dot was NOT calm. Dot was WILD. She also liked to scratch.
Well, for a few years something freaky happened and my sister decided to start waking up before me. What's an evil 8 year old supposed to do at the butt crack of dawn? Why grab the crazy puppy and a flashlight and go wake up her sister! She first would shine the flashlight directly into my eyes. When I would roll away and bury my head in the covers, she would stick Dot up under the covers too! I promise, little claws wake you up really quickly. She would then run to the living room where of course I could not retaliate in front of the parentals.
The worst part of the story? They thought it was FUNNY. (You wanna talk about wrong? That was so wrong...) I believe my dear old Dad told me I should just wake up earlier.
Bright side of the story: That whole waking up before me phase did not last long. The parents didn't fuss when I decided to give her a taste of her own medicine... and while I live hours away, I take every chance that presents itself.
Now, I refer to my sister as the evil one, I really love her and she's not actually evil. She's wonderful and I really love her - it's just she can be a butt head.
So glad that there wont be puppies, red headed children, or flashlights waking me up in the morning.
Sleep tight world.
Monday and Tuesday's are something straight up serious and leave me dragging by Wednesday. I have been ridiculously tired all day today. At one point, I closed my eyes and did not move for 3 minutes. I knew if I just kept them closed a minute or two longer I would be OUT.
On the bright side, tomorrow is Thursday (whoop whoop!) and Thursday and Friday are pretty good days.
Okay, I feel like sharing another sibling story tonight.
I really wanted to share this one particular story, but I have to speak with my sister and get clearance to tell it - it's embarrassing to both of us. While I don't always mind embarrassing myself via world wide web, I'm sure my sister may have opinions of her own.
There was a sign that I saw on Pinterest that said "I don't remember if I'm the good sister or the evil one." Well, I remember. I'm the good one. I have been telling people for years - and yet no one believes me in the slightest.
Oh which evil sister story do I tell first???
How about this one...
I guess this one was back when I was around 10 and Katie was 8... We had two new puppies. One was super calm and gentle. (Only problem with him was the fact that he would get car sick. That drool was no joke.) The calm one we named Pete. He had a sister - we named her Dot. Dot was NOT calm. Dot was WILD. She also liked to scratch.
Well, for a few years something freaky happened and my sister decided to start waking up before me. What's an evil 8 year old supposed to do at the butt crack of dawn? Why grab the crazy puppy and a flashlight and go wake up her sister! She first would shine the flashlight directly into my eyes. When I would roll away and bury my head in the covers, she would stick Dot up under the covers too! I promise, little claws wake you up really quickly. She would then run to the living room where of course I could not retaliate in front of the parentals.
The worst part of the story? They thought it was FUNNY. (You wanna talk about wrong? That was so wrong...) I believe my dear old Dad told me I should just wake up earlier.
Bright side of the story: That whole waking up before me phase did not last long. The parents didn't fuss when I decided to give her a taste of her own medicine... and while I live hours away, I take every chance that presents itself.
Now, I refer to my sister as the evil one, I really love her and she's not actually evil. She's wonderful and I really love her - it's just she can be a butt head.
So glad that there wont be puppies, red headed children, or flashlights waking me up in the morning.
Sleep tight world.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Monday, you will not blot out my happiness!
(I'm sorry to say that this entry will be short. I should already be in bed, but I needed to pay bills - and that's never a two minute activity.)
If you hated today, raise your hand!
Today... today, was a Monday. It was quite horrid. But, like everything - there are always bright things to keep you holding on and above the surface.
I think I loathed today because the previous weekend was just FABULOUS! (and maybe because I woke up at 4am...)
One of my favorite parts (and one of those bright, happy moments that kept me going today...): Alanah had her birthday part on Saturday. She turned 3 years old! It was a princess party and she even wore a princess gown. When it came time to open presents, she opened one (a cash register) and said so wistfully... "OH NANA... How did you KNOW???..."
*I so wish you could have heard her... it was so sweet. It was like she'd gotten the most secretly longed-for present of her entire life..."
What's your bright spot? Keep holding on! The week lies ahead! But we WILL weather this storm!
If you hated today, raise your hand!
Today... today, was a Monday. It was quite horrid. But, like everything - there are always bright things to keep you holding on and above the surface.
I think I loathed today because the previous weekend was just FABULOUS! (and maybe because I woke up at 4am...)
One of my favorite parts (and one of those bright, happy moments that kept me going today...): Alanah had her birthday part on Saturday. She turned 3 years old! It was a princess party and she even wore a princess gown. When it came time to open presents, she opened one (a cash register) and said so wistfully... "OH NANA... How did you KNOW???..."
*I so wish you could have heard her... it was so sweet. It was like she'd gotten the most secretly longed-for present of her entire life..."
What's your bright spot? Keep holding on! The week lies ahead! But we WILL weather this storm!
Sunday, August 5, 2012
A new day has come... and what a beautiful day it is!
Have you ever noticed that those moments where your whole life changes, are often little moments?
They're subtle. The creep in a little at a time.
Kind of like a sunrise.
Now, I love sunrises. Sunsets are pretty, don't get me wrong - but it can't beat a sunrise. Nothing like watching and waiting for a new day and new life. So beautiful; so peaceful - and yet so exciting. Too often people want them to hurry along and never do just stop and watch. The beauty is not just at the end of the sunrise, the beauty is in the quiet, slow change.
I'm sorry I've been away, it's been a busy few days!
Quick update: Went to the dentist Friday afternoon. All four wisdom teeth need to go. Going to try and schedule an appointment Monday. Fun stuff.
I'd stay and write more (there's so much I wish I could say!)
But I must go and get ready for the day.
And so I leave you with "Good Morning."
They're subtle. The creep in a little at a time.
Kind of like a sunrise.
Now, I love sunrises. Sunsets are pretty, don't get me wrong - but it can't beat a sunrise. Nothing like watching and waiting for a new day and new life. So beautiful; so peaceful - and yet so exciting. Too often people want them to hurry along and never do just stop and watch. The beauty is not just at the end of the sunrise, the beauty is in the quiet, slow change.
I'm sorry I've been away, it's been a busy few days!
Quick update: Went to the dentist Friday afternoon. All four wisdom teeth need to go. Going to try and schedule an appointment Monday. Fun stuff.
I'd stay and write more (there's so much I wish I could say!)
But I must go and get ready for the day.
And so I leave you with "Good Morning."
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Voices
I really don't need to be blogging right now. In all honesty, I need to get up and wash some laundry. I really would like to have my house clean so that I can have a weekend that is NOT filled with catch-up cleaning. Unfortunately, I'm currently being accosted by a rather annoying headache. So, while I'm waiting on that "fast-acting Aleve" to kick in, I'm chilling out on the couch glued to my heating pad.
*Random Thought: I really wish I had a curtain for my kitchen window.*
As I was driving home the other day, I was thinking about children I know who have rather horrific (and by horrific, I do mean sensational) accents. I thought about how they made me smile.
Which lead me to think about "voices." I have always enjoyed trying out different voices. It was something that my sister and I have enjoyed playing around with. Honestly, with some voices, we can be quite good. Others, not so much - but hey, it's always good for a laugh.
*Once, my sister thought that it would be great fun to walk around WalMart speaking in a Scottish accent. She was pretty good! People did quite a few double takes. It was hilarious.*
Our love of "voices" actually is something of my Mother's doing. Every night, Ma would read to us. (do you remember those golden something-or-other books?) When she read, it was never dull and boring. She wasn't the best at voices, but she didn't let that stop her! She would constantly change her voice. We would laugh... and tell her she sounded silly.
Ma was in the hospital for surgery when I was 5 or 6, putting Katie around 4. While she was in the hospital, Daddy took over. It was an interesting couple of days. I can still hear my sister asking Daddy to read a book ("Bambi" - she loved that book.) He hadn't gotten more than a couple sentences in when she pulled her thumb out of her mouth and interrupted him mid sentence to blatantly tell him: "No Daddy, you're doing it wrong! That's not how Momma does it. Momma uses voices. *sticks thumb back in mouth* Do the funny voice." (My sister was nothing, if not a character.)
Over the years, I've read to many children - and I've always used "voices." Yes, to the adults in the room, I sound silly (and to some children.) But I have found that voices are always appreciated. It's like a smile, it will make your audience and you a little happier. Next time you read (or maybe just speak in general), read with voices... (no matter how ridiculous you think you sound) I promise, you'll smile at least a little.
And while you're at it, make co-ordinating faces and gestures.
I dare you.
*Random Thought: I really wish I had a curtain for my kitchen window.*
As I was driving home the other day, I was thinking about children I know who have rather horrific (and by horrific, I do mean sensational) accents. I thought about how they made me smile.
Which lead me to think about "voices." I have always enjoyed trying out different voices. It was something that my sister and I have enjoyed playing around with. Honestly, with some voices, we can be quite good. Others, not so much - but hey, it's always good for a laugh.
*Once, my sister thought that it would be great fun to walk around WalMart speaking in a Scottish accent. She was pretty good! People did quite a few double takes. It was hilarious.*
Our love of "voices" actually is something of my Mother's doing. Every night, Ma would read to us. (do you remember those golden something-or-other books?) When she read, it was never dull and boring. She wasn't the best at voices, but she didn't let that stop her! She would constantly change her voice. We would laugh... and tell her she sounded silly.
Ma was in the hospital for surgery when I was 5 or 6, putting Katie around 4. While she was in the hospital, Daddy took over. It was an interesting couple of days. I can still hear my sister asking Daddy to read a book ("Bambi" - she loved that book.) He hadn't gotten more than a couple sentences in when she pulled her thumb out of her mouth and interrupted him mid sentence to blatantly tell him: "No Daddy, you're doing it wrong! That's not how Momma does it. Momma uses voices. *sticks thumb back in mouth* Do the funny voice." (My sister was nothing, if not a character.)
Over the years, I've read to many children - and I've always used "voices." Yes, to the adults in the room, I sound silly (and to some children.) But I have found that voices are always appreciated. It's like a smile, it will make your audience and you a little happier. Next time you read (or maybe just speak in general), read with voices... (no matter how ridiculous you think you sound) I promise, you'll smile at least a little.
And while you're at it, make co-ordinating faces and gestures.
I dare you.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Good-bye Ju-ly.
Ending this month on a study note.
Catching up on some of my homework for my Bible Study class. Thought I would take a quick break and wrap the month up.
Got the car fixed today.
It "broked" the other day.
And left me stranded on the side of the interstate.
Twice.
(Granted, it wasn't planned... but hey - at least that part is over, right?)
Killed a bazillion gnat/fly bugs today.
Talked to the hubs, and it sounds like he's getting sick.
That's my day in a nutshell.
July wasn't nearly as random. God is teaching me patience and purposefulness. Neither of which are the most fun lessons to learn, but both are necessary. This month has been about learning a little more about what it means to be "grown up" to "have a plan" and to see how much sense having a plan really, really is. Two things are squatting on my brain land: one is God's perspective. (still trying to think of what He's trying to teach me here...) and the other is about planning and preparing for whatever lies ahead. Suddenly, planning and being prepared for the future and the unexpected has moved a long from packing my favorite pictures, books and stuffed animals in a walmart bag and leaving them by the door for easy access in case of a tornado or house fire. (Yes, I really did that.) Adults really have too much on their brains. "What if I die?" "What if you die?" "What if we have a kid?" "What if I get sick?" "What if you get sick?" "What if one of us loses our job?" "What if both of us lose our jobs?" 'What if something happens to the house?" "What if something happens to the car?" *pause here and raise eyebrow*
I'm learning to say "No." to the pair of shoes that will wear out in a month - and "Yes" to adding a little more to a savings account or to paying a little extra on a bill.
(Just think: bill #1: $$$$$ bill #2: $$$$ bill#3 $$$. Being debt free by thirty: priceless. And for all you skeptics out there: Oh yeah, it's totally do-able. "You can't have no in your heart!!!")
Do you realize that we're over half-way through 2012?!
Wow, time flies. By this time, I always thought that me and Ben would be thinking about babies. I'm just trying to think up a weekly cleaning schedule that works. (Will I ever find one?!!?!)
I'm so glad for God's timing.
Forgive the randomness.
Catching up on some of my homework for my Bible Study class. Thought I would take a quick break and wrap the month up.
Got the car fixed today.
It "broked" the other day.
And left me stranded on the side of the interstate.
Twice.
(Granted, it wasn't planned... but hey - at least that part is over, right?)
Killed a bazillion gnat/fly bugs today.
Talked to the hubs, and it sounds like he's getting sick.
That's my day in a nutshell.
July wasn't nearly as random. God is teaching me patience and purposefulness. Neither of which are the most fun lessons to learn, but both are necessary. This month has been about learning a little more about what it means to be "grown up" to "have a plan" and to see how much sense having a plan really, really is. Two things are squatting on my brain land: one is God's perspective. (still trying to think of what He's trying to teach me here...) and the other is about planning and preparing for whatever lies ahead. Suddenly, planning and being prepared for the future and the unexpected has moved a long from packing my favorite pictures, books and stuffed animals in a walmart bag and leaving them by the door for easy access in case of a tornado or house fire. (Yes, I really did that.) Adults really have too much on their brains. "What if I die?" "What if you die?" "What if we have a kid?" "What if I get sick?" "What if you get sick?" "What if one of us loses our job?" "What if both of us lose our jobs?" 'What if something happens to the house?" "What if something happens to the car?" *pause here and raise eyebrow*
I'm learning to say "No." to the pair of shoes that will wear out in a month - and "Yes" to adding a little more to a savings account or to paying a little extra on a bill.
(Just think: bill #1: $$$$$ bill #2: $$$$ bill#3 $$$. Being debt free by thirty: priceless. And for all you skeptics out there: Oh yeah, it's totally do-able. "You can't have no in your heart!!!")
Do you realize that we're over half-way through 2012?!
Wow, time flies. By this time, I always thought that me and Ben would be thinking about babies. I'm just trying to think up a weekly cleaning schedule that works. (Will I ever find one?!!?!)
I'm so glad for God's timing.
Forgive the randomness.
Monday, July 30, 2012
pushing my way to appreciation
We have a beautiful little white house.
We live on a scenic highway.
Our grass is something to behold.
I know we must get on our neighbors nerves... she cuts grass at least twice a week.
We cut grass maybe twice a month.
and that's a big maybe.
Like most young couples, we're not rolling in money.
When we bought our house, a lawnmower was generously given to us - and we are VERY thankful.
Now, as thankful as we are... this lawnmower is older. It's a push mower and no, it is in no way shape or form self propelled.
It's hard work.
But I know that we're saving money using it.
I'm building muscles using it.
I'm learning some very important lessons from this little mower.
Cutting grass was always my time to think. (It also gives me time to talk to myself where no one can hear. Sometimes talking out loud helps me think better.) So I've never minded cutting grass.
Sadly, some of those times my thinking got rather deep and I didn't pay the best attention.
One particular time, I was letting two trains of thought run through my mind. First train: the boy I liked at the time. Yes, I was daydreaming. Second: I was thinking about how impressed my Dad (and the boy I liked) would be at my grass cutting skills... especially when my Dad came home and saw how close I was able to get to the house with our riding lawnmower.
Unfortunately, I did not take into count the fact that while the grass stopped a foot away from the edge of the house, I still had 2 feet of lawnmower in front of the blades.
To say that I wrecked would be an understatement.
I literally broke a piece of the house. (I never was one for the 'turtle' speed...)
That dream I had of showing my Dad how close I came to the house came true... but not exactly the way I had planned it out.
Today, I got some thinking in.
Luckily the only thing I ran over -or into- was a mouse.
Euw.
Poor mouse.
We live on a scenic highway.
Our grass is something to behold.
I know we must get on our neighbors nerves... she cuts grass at least twice a week.
We cut grass maybe twice a month.
and that's a big maybe.
Like most young couples, we're not rolling in money.
When we bought our house, a lawnmower was generously given to us - and we are VERY thankful.
Now, as thankful as we are... this lawnmower is older. It's a push mower and no, it is in no way shape or form self propelled.
It's hard work.
But I know that we're saving money using it.
I'm building muscles using it.
I'm learning some very important lessons from this little mower.
Cutting grass was always my time to think. (It also gives me time to talk to myself where no one can hear. Sometimes talking out loud helps me think better.) So I've never minded cutting grass.
Sadly, some of those times my thinking got rather deep and I didn't pay the best attention.
One particular time, I was letting two trains of thought run through my mind. First train: the boy I liked at the time. Yes, I was daydreaming. Second: I was thinking about how impressed my Dad (and the boy I liked) would be at my grass cutting skills... especially when my Dad came home and saw how close I was able to get to the house with our riding lawnmower.
Unfortunately, I did not take into count the fact that while the grass stopped a foot away from the edge of the house, I still had 2 feet of lawnmower in front of the blades.
To say that I wrecked would be an understatement.
I literally broke a piece of the house. (I never was one for the 'turtle' speed...)
That dream I had of showing my Dad how close I came to the house came true... but not exactly the way I had planned it out.
Today, I got some thinking in.
Luckily the only thing I ran over -or into- was a mouse.
Euw.
Poor mouse.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
No Boys Allowed!
You know, if God had given us a choice before we were born and laid out all of the pro's and con's of each sex - I wonder how many of 'us females' would have excitedly jumped up and down and said: "Girl, Girl, Girl, Girl Girl! I wanna be a GIRL!!!!" (I'm sorry, but I might have to had to think about it for a minute... lol)
Our hair will always be harder to fix.
When we have to potty, peeing on a bush or off of the front porch is not the easiest option.
We're all familiar with dresses and high heels. (Blessing and a curse...)
We live in a society in which it is encouraged to wear makeup - which, if you still want to look normal while wearing it, you must become some sort of artist... (which I've discovered that boys now think that 'normal' is what we look like when we're wearing makeup... I didn't wear any the other day and I had a guy come in and ask rather worriedly: "Are you okay?!?!)
Then, right in the middle of it all - there's that THING. (Yeah, you know what I'm talking about - we've all got a name for it, I'd tell you mine but for the sake of the fact that I don't know who's reading this, I'm just going to keep it simple and not tell.)
Oh yeah, and I almost forgot! You start to grow "boobs" Either you have too much or you don't have any at all, but at the start they are ALWAYS too big and too awkward. Even much later, they can be a hassle - but on the bright side, they're also convenient carry-around personal hand warmers!
There's the drama with friends, enemies, and the dreaded 'frienemies.'
There's stress brought on my having to face the shame of buying bras, pads and tampons... (Do you remember the first time you had to do it instead of getting your mom to do it for you??? Most of us looked suspiciously like shoplifters - who were horrible at shoplifting.)
There's stress brought on by trying to weigh 105lbs (While having boobs that weigh 40lbs).
Oh then there's stress brought on by boys. (Now, there is a strange creature.) One of the most annoying things is the fact of knowing that sometimes (I didn't say all of the time) they just have it so easy! I get so angry EVERY Sunday morning. From the moment of waking up, I need at least an hour to get ready. The hubs? Oh, I wake him up after I've been getting ready for 30 minutes. He hops up, takes a shower (5 minutes) Dries his hair with a towel (30 seconds) brushes his teeth and puts on his clothes (10 minutes if he can't find the right pair of pants or shirt). Then he grabs a freeze pop, plops down on the couch, turns on the TV and says something that REALLY ticks me off: "I'm ready whenever you are." (He's also the one one everyone walks up to and says: "You know, you have the prettiest eyelashes!" Seriously?? For real though, the man does have some to-die-for lashes.)
Oh, but it doesn't get any easier as you get older. I've heard people say: "Men get better with age..." Who cares if they get a little gray or a wrinkle here or there? It makes them look 'distinguished.' It does not work that way for women. Our clothes will quit being 'hot' and suddenly become un-sexy. Weight goes up - height and boobs go down. Wrinkles and age spots appear. (Our hair changes too, but thank the good Lord that can be taken care of rather easily.)
And all of that is just the basic stuff.
Would I change the fact that I am a girl? Heck no! I love being a girl! Is being a girl difficult? YES. Even though it's difficult, there are also so many blessings and fun things that only a girl can understand. (I mean how wonderful are Grandma's??? Have you ever heard some boys and men talk about how much they love and how wonderful their Mom's are??? What about 'Girl's night?' This list could also go on and on...)
Plus, God loves us. I mean, he created us as a gift for mankind. (Not something to be used - someone to be treasured.)
And in a world dominated by men, God used some very special women to work in big ways in His story! I figure that God must think we're something special if he decided to make us girls. The world just wouldn't function right without us!
Plus, it probably would not be nearly as pretty - or clean.
In order to keep this from being a mile long, I'll continue my ramblings on this subject later. :)
Our hair will always be harder to fix.
When we have to potty, peeing on a bush or off of the front porch is not the easiest option.
We're all familiar with dresses and high heels. (Blessing and a curse...)
We live in a society in which it is encouraged to wear makeup - which, if you still want to look normal while wearing it, you must become some sort of artist... (which I've discovered that boys now think that 'normal' is what we look like when we're wearing makeup... I didn't wear any the other day and I had a guy come in and ask rather worriedly: "Are you okay?!?!)
Then, right in the middle of it all - there's that THING. (Yeah, you know what I'm talking about - we've all got a name for it, I'd tell you mine but for the sake of the fact that I don't know who's reading this, I'm just going to keep it simple and not tell.)
Oh yeah, and I almost forgot! You start to grow "boobs" Either you have too much or you don't have any at all, but at the start they are ALWAYS too big and too awkward. Even much later, they can be a hassle - but on the bright side, they're also convenient carry-around personal hand warmers!
There's the drama with friends, enemies, and the dreaded 'frienemies.'
There's stress brought on my having to face the shame of buying bras, pads and tampons... (Do you remember the first time you had to do it instead of getting your mom to do it for you??? Most of us looked suspiciously like shoplifters - who were horrible at shoplifting.)
There's stress brought on by trying to weigh 105lbs (While having boobs that weigh 40lbs).
Oh then there's stress brought on by boys. (Now, there is a strange creature.) One of the most annoying things is the fact of knowing that sometimes (I didn't say all of the time) they just have it so easy! I get so angry EVERY Sunday morning. From the moment of waking up, I need at least an hour to get ready. The hubs? Oh, I wake him up after I've been getting ready for 30 minutes. He hops up, takes a shower (5 minutes) Dries his hair with a towel (30 seconds) brushes his teeth and puts on his clothes (10 minutes if he can't find the right pair of pants or shirt). Then he grabs a freeze pop, plops down on the couch, turns on the TV and says something that REALLY ticks me off: "I'm ready whenever you are." (He's also the one one everyone walks up to and says: "You know, you have the prettiest eyelashes!" Seriously?? For real though, the man does have some to-die-for lashes.)
Oh, but it doesn't get any easier as you get older. I've heard people say: "Men get better with age..." Who cares if they get a little gray or a wrinkle here or there? It makes them look 'distinguished.' It does not work that way for women. Our clothes will quit being 'hot' and suddenly become un-sexy. Weight goes up - height and boobs go down. Wrinkles and age spots appear. (Our hair changes too, but thank the good Lord that can be taken care of rather easily.)
And all of that is just the basic stuff.
Would I change the fact that I am a girl? Heck no! I love being a girl! Is being a girl difficult? YES. Even though it's difficult, there are also so many blessings and fun things that only a girl can understand. (I mean how wonderful are Grandma's??? Have you ever heard some boys and men talk about how much they love and how wonderful their Mom's are??? What about 'Girl's night?' This list could also go on and on...)
Plus, God loves us. I mean, he created us as a gift for mankind. (Not something to be used - someone to be treasured.)
And in a world dominated by men, God used some very special women to work in big ways in His story! I figure that God must think we're something special if he decided to make us girls. The world just wouldn't function right without us!
Plus, it probably would not be nearly as pretty - or clean.
In order to keep this from being a mile long, I'll continue my ramblings on this subject later. :)
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
And how does that make them related to Elmer?
I started fighting a toothache last night. It has progressively gotten worse. Irritable is not the word that would describe how cranky I am right now. I am almost ready to show up at the dentist unannounced and demand that they rip these teeth out of my head.
Dentures wouldn't be that bad...
Sometimes I'm very aware of how new-to-town I still am. People really take for granted the fact that they know a place forward and backward. They take for granted that they know everyone and their business. I promise, (even after 5 years) you notice when you awkwardly realize you're the only person who doesn't have a clue where the old Ingles used to be or how Larry's mother's brother-in-law is related to Suzie's sister's second cousin who is related to Jimmy by a second marriage and how all of that is supposed to tell you who Laurie is.
In the past week, I can name numerous times when I meant to say something - and it sounded okay in my head - and it came out ALL wrong. Nothing is more embarrassing than... well, embarrassing yourself. I've been working on getting it right all my life. Apparently, I haven't perfected public embarrassment yet, because I'm still practicing. (Nothing like the sensation you get as you're falling face first into a pile of the cow pooh of shame.) What's worse? I'm still at the stage where everyone is still very impressionable as to who I am. During this time, it's a very tricky thing to open your mouth and let words come out. For one: It's very hard for me to do around new people. Seconds? When I get nervous, what I mean to say comes out ALL wrong - and it makes me sound dumb, conceited, jerkish, awkward, etc. etc. Thirds? I am fully aware of the fact that whatever I say will probably be burned into these people's minds forever... which makes first impressions super scary. (Seconds and Thirds scare the crap out of me too.) Who do these people think that I am? The awkward home-school girl? The loud obnoxious one? The ditz? The snob? As people, we try to put each other into these boxes. The fact that you never know who's putting you in which box is extra scary when you're still the new girl. What if someone puts you in a bad box before they even get to know you? What if they convince everyone else that they should put you into that box also? What if they're right? What if you really belong in one of those boxes?
It's difficult to remember, (but remember I must) that I don't belong into ANY box. (And you don't either.) The ONLY one that can define me is God. Who He says that I am is all that matters. And He says that I am HIS. I am LOVED. I am ADORED. I am FREE.
Being the "new girl" has never been easy for me. Making friends? Not my specialty.
But if I can say nothing else, it sure strengthens my friendship with Jesus. He loves me through my awkward moments. And since He actually knows my whole story, He can smile and laugh about those moments with me - even when it seems like there is no one else who can.
*Disclaimer: I am in NO WAY saying that I regret moving. I do NOT wish to move back to where I came from. I am NOT homesick and I still LOVE my husband with all of my heart. I feel that this is where I'm supposed to be. I'm just saying my husband and I work odd shifts and being new is more noticeable when you're in a quiet house with no one but the cats for company. LOL*
Dentures wouldn't be that bad...
Sometimes I'm very aware of how new-to-town I still am. People really take for granted the fact that they know a place forward and backward. They take for granted that they know everyone and their business. I promise, (even after 5 years) you notice when you awkwardly realize you're the only person who doesn't have a clue where the old Ingles used to be or how Larry's mother's brother-in-law is related to Suzie's sister's second cousin who is related to Jimmy by a second marriage and how all of that is supposed to tell you who Laurie is.
In the past week, I can name numerous times when I meant to say something - and it sounded okay in my head - and it came out ALL wrong. Nothing is more embarrassing than... well, embarrassing yourself. I've been working on getting it right all my life. Apparently, I haven't perfected public embarrassment yet, because I'm still practicing. (Nothing like the sensation you get as you're falling face first into a pile of the cow pooh of shame.) What's worse? I'm still at the stage where everyone is still very impressionable as to who I am. During this time, it's a very tricky thing to open your mouth and let words come out. For one: It's very hard for me to do around new people. Seconds? When I get nervous, what I mean to say comes out ALL wrong - and it makes me sound dumb, conceited, jerkish, awkward, etc. etc. Thirds? I am fully aware of the fact that whatever I say will probably be burned into these people's minds forever... which makes first impressions super scary. (Seconds and Thirds scare the crap out of me too.) Who do these people think that I am? The awkward home-school girl? The loud obnoxious one? The ditz? The snob? As people, we try to put each other into these boxes. The fact that you never know who's putting you in which box is extra scary when you're still the new girl. What if someone puts you in a bad box before they even get to know you? What if they convince everyone else that they should put you into that box also? What if they're right? What if you really belong in one of those boxes?
It's difficult to remember, (but remember I must) that I don't belong into ANY box. (And you don't either.) The ONLY one that can define me is God. Who He says that I am is all that matters. And He says that I am HIS. I am LOVED. I am ADORED. I am FREE.
Being the "new girl" has never been easy for me. Making friends? Not my specialty.
But if I can say nothing else, it sure strengthens my friendship with Jesus. He loves me through my awkward moments. And since He actually knows my whole story, He can smile and laugh about those moments with me - even when it seems like there is no one else who can.
*Disclaimer: I am in NO WAY saying that I regret moving. I do NOT wish to move back to where I came from. I am NOT homesick and I still LOVE my husband with all of my heart. I feel that this is where I'm supposed to be. I'm just saying my husband and I work odd shifts and being new is more noticeable when you're in a quiet house with no one but the cats for company. LOL*
Monday, July 23, 2012
I'm too tired to go to bed
I feel like a cooked noodle.
I should probably be heading to bed right now, seeing how tired I am. Unfortunately, I cannot seem to force myself off of the couch. I had big plans for the night. I had a to-do list as long as my arm. I got a good bit of it done, but not nearly as much as I wanted to get done. It always seems to work that way - I get a lot done, but I know I really could have accomplished so much more.
How do some women do it all???
I want to write more... but let's face it: It's Monday.
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| Via Pinterest |
I should probably be heading to bed right now, seeing how tired I am. Unfortunately, I cannot seem to force myself off of the couch. I had big plans for the night. I had a to-do list as long as my arm. I got a good bit of it done, but not nearly as much as I wanted to get done. It always seems to work that way - I get a lot done, but I know I really could have accomplished so much more.
How do some women do it all???
I want to write more... but let's face it: It's Monday.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Bright Spots in Dark Days
I'll be honest, yesterday was no 'Sunshine and Daisy's' day.
I was aggravated - discouraged - down.
I managed to mumb-bumble through it.
I still wasn't feeling it this morning.
Especially when I stumbled my way into the bathroom, squinted through eyes that refused to open all of the way, and spotted a single, bright, shiny gray streak lying right on top of the uber-dark mop I call hair.
My eyes finally finished opening.
There was no denying it.
It wasn't blond. It wasn't a trick of the light. It wasn't even half-gray.
From root to tip, it stood out like a pus filled zit on a supermodel.
I spent some time considering how to fix this problem. But my thoughts moved on from there: now that gray's are starting to rear their heads, I should probably start breaking out the wrinkle creams... (an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, you know.) they could already be starting and I just haven't noticed - and wrinkles and sagging skin are a lot harder to get rid of than a gray hair.
I've only been married a year.
Everyone says I looks 15.
So does this mean I'm going to jump from looking 15 straight to 59 and miss the part where I actually get to look like a woman in my 20's!!?
I'm never even going to get the chance to look sexy for my husband!!!! People will go from thinking that I'm his kid sister to his Mother!!!
I moped my way to work and got everything cranked up and running for the day. While I was sitting there with my Charlie Brown going on, I noticed a truck pulling by slowly.
My thought: "Oh no... a customer already. I'm still recovering from the train wreck that was yesterday; I haven't had any sort of coffee/tea AND I discovered a gray hair. I need to smile. Lord, I can't smile. Help me smile."
When the man came in, I managed a smile (by the grace of God) and said good morning. (It wasn't his fault I wasn't running 100%. I didn't want to ruin anyone else's day by wallering in my mully-grubs.) The first thing out of his mouth was "Wow, now that's a pretty smile first thing in the morning!" (And he wasn't being sarcastic! He was serious - and no, he wasn't hitting on me! He was just giving a compliment.) I chatted with him for a little while and it was the most enjoyable and encouraging conversation! At one point he said "You know, your parents must be very proud, you're a wonderful young woman and you can tell you're a Christian. I mean that as a compliment." and I took it as a compliment. I told him thank you and that it was wonderful to hear that. He said "Well, maybe God wanted me to come here today to tell you that - you never know."
God knew - and He knew I'd understand just the message He was sending.
Perfect timing as always.
Peace, love, and a few extra bright rays of love
I was aggravated - discouraged - down.
I managed to mumb-bumble through it.
I still wasn't feeling it this morning.
Especially when I stumbled my way into the bathroom, squinted through eyes that refused to open all of the way, and spotted a single, bright, shiny gray streak lying right on top of the uber-dark mop I call hair.
My eyes finally finished opening.
There was no denying it.
It wasn't blond. It wasn't a trick of the light. It wasn't even half-gray.
From root to tip, it stood out like a pus filled zit on a supermodel.
I spent some time considering how to fix this problem. But my thoughts moved on from there: now that gray's are starting to rear their heads, I should probably start breaking out the wrinkle creams... (an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, you know.) they could already be starting and I just haven't noticed - and wrinkles and sagging skin are a lot harder to get rid of than a gray hair.
I've only been married a year.
Everyone says I looks 15.
So does this mean I'm going to jump from looking 15 straight to 59 and miss the part where I actually get to look like a woman in my 20's!!?
I'm never even going to get the chance to look sexy for my husband!!!! People will go from thinking that I'm his kid sister to his Mother!!!
I moped my way to work and got everything cranked up and running for the day. While I was sitting there with my Charlie Brown going on, I noticed a truck pulling by slowly.
My thought: "Oh no... a customer already. I'm still recovering from the train wreck that was yesterday; I haven't had any sort of coffee/tea AND I discovered a gray hair. I need to smile. Lord, I can't smile. Help me smile."
When the man came in, I managed a smile (by the grace of God) and said good morning. (It wasn't his fault I wasn't running 100%. I didn't want to ruin anyone else's day by wallering in my mully-grubs.) The first thing out of his mouth was "Wow, now that's a pretty smile first thing in the morning!" (And he wasn't being sarcastic! He was serious - and no, he wasn't hitting on me! He was just giving a compliment.) I chatted with him for a little while and it was the most enjoyable and encouraging conversation! At one point he said "You know, your parents must be very proud, you're a wonderful young woman and you can tell you're a Christian. I mean that as a compliment." and I took it as a compliment. I told him thank you and that it was wonderful to hear that. He said "Well, maybe God wanted me to come here today to tell you that - you never know."
God knew - and He knew I'd understand just the message He was sending.
Perfect timing as always.
Peace, love, and a few extra bright rays of love
Thursday, July 19, 2012
I've grown accustomed to your face...
Tension. Passion. Excitement. Nervousness.
Sound like a bad stomach virus?
Nope.
Most people live their lives for these feelings: Young love.
Nothing like those moments... the first glance, the first steps across the dance floor, the first touch. Those tender moments of conception.
In fact, too many are too enamoured with these feelings... so much so that they miss out on the beautiful gift that was intended.
"Romance" wasn't just intended to be what I wrote about above. No, true romance takes place AFTER all of that.
Don't get me wrong, it's all a part.
But what can compare to what young love will give birth to, if given the time to grow?
Like a tree growing through the years and the weather.
A child learning to walk.
It takes time.
It takes struggles.
It takes understanding.
It takes patience.
It takes determination.
It takes commitment.
Facing it all.
Together.
Standing in front of the building storms.
Together.
Knowing with only a touch and a look: "We have this: Together."
And the beautiful, sacred, and individual language... the tenderness, the looks, and the touches... all that is created after weathering those storms...
Oh! Now THAT... That is Romance.
What a masterpiece.
What a beautiful dance.
What a breathtaking picture.
What a lovely thing to behold.
Sound like a bad stomach virus?
Nope.
Most people live their lives for these feelings: Young love.
Nothing like those moments... the first glance, the first steps across the dance floor, the first touch. Those tender moments of conception.
In fact, too many are too enamoured with these feelings... so much so that they miss out on the beautiful gift that was intended.
"Romance" wasn't just intended to be what I wrote about above. No, true romance takes place AFTER all of that.
Don't get me wrong, it's all a part.
But what can compare to what young love will give birth to, if given the time to grow?
Like a tree growing through the years and the weather.
A child learning to walk.
It takes time.
It takes struggles.
It takes understanding.
It takes patience.
It takes determination.
It takes commitment.
Facing it all.
Together.
Standing in front of the building storms.
Together.
Knowing with only a touch and a look: "We have this: Together."
And the beautiful, sacred, and individual language... the tenderness, the looks, and the touches... all that is created after weathering those storms...
Oh! Now THAT... That is Romance.
What a masterpiece.
What a beautiful dance.
What a breathtaking picture.
What a lovely thing to behold.
Enjoying this song right now. The lyrics are beautiful.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Oh Martha...
I wonder how many of us secretly long to have some of Martha in our lives...
Yes, I do like to keep up with some Martha Stewart. I mean, have you SEEN all the things she does? (Plus, I'm a sucker for cooking shows. As a small child, I found great entrainment in watching Justin Wilson's cooking show. Here's a link to help you understand)
My mother cannot stand Martha. (I wish you could have heard the emphasis in my voice there. One Christmas, I boxed up a years worth of old Martha Stewart Living magazines as a present for her - at least I thought it was funny.) My Dad always said it was because she was jealous.
Maybe my Dad was on to something. I mean, what has Martha tried that she hasn't succeeded at doing extraordinarily well? (She even did prison well. Geeze.)
I love looking at Martha's Home ideas. (And I just love looking at things that give me ideas for my own home.)
Martha can be inspiring!
But for real - this one made me sick: Time to Trim the Terrace Garden
I'm a happy woman if just the grass in my front yard is cut!
Maybe it will help give me the boost I need to also pull the weeds in my front yard.
- Or -
maybe it will drive me into a funk that is only fixable by a tub of chocolate chip cookie dough frozen yogurt and Justin Wilson re-runs.
We shall see.
Yes, I do like to keep up with some Martha Stewart. I mean, have you SEEN all the things she does? (Plus, I'm a sucker for cooking shows. As a small child, I found great entrainment in watching Justin Wilson's cooking show. Here's a link to help you understand)
My mother cannot stand Martha. (I wish you could have heard the emphasis in my voice there. One Christmas, I boxed up a years worth of old Martha Stewart Living magazines as a present for her - at least I thought it was funny.) My Dad always said it was because she was jealous.
Maybe my Dad was on to something. I mean, what has Martha tried that she hasn't succeeded at doing extraordinarily well? (She even did prison well. Geeze.)
I love looking at Martha's Home ideas. (And I just love looking at things that give me ideas for my own home.)
Martha can be inspiring!
But for real - this one made me sick: Time to Trim the Terrace Garden
I'm a happy woman if just the grass in my front yard is cut!
Maybe it will help give me the boost I need to also pull the weeds in my front yard.
- Or -
maybe it will drive me into a funk that is only fixable by a tub of chocolate chip cookie dough frozen yogurt and Justin Wilson re-runs.
We shall see.
Monday, July 16, 2012
...
Guess what I just did?!
Scheduled a dentist appointment! Whoo-hoo!
(I'm trying to be more excited than I am so that I can convince myself that I'm really excited even though I'm really not because I know what they'll say and what they'll want to do.)
It's time for me to face the music that I've been trying to tune out for over 6 months: These wisdom teeth of mine have GOT to go! Apparently, my wisdom teeth aren't that wise (and who wants wisdom teeth that come without wisdom??? Without the bonus wisdom, all you have are more teeth.) one of them is growing completely sideways.
It can't even act like a normal tooth.
Geeze.
Plus, let's face it: I really, really want pretty teeth.
(I wonder if you still get money from the tooth fairy when you're old???)
Random fact: went and bought "Redeeming Love" tonight. (I have been told that I don't know what I've been missing out on. I believe I need to find out. It really must be good - even the lady at the register told me so).
More random than that? I've actually owed that book for 10 years and never cracked the cover.
I know, you're thinking "If she already owns the book, why go buy another one? Because, it's currently packed up with all of the rest of my books at my parents house. I would like to get a hold of all of them, but I have a feeling that since my parents have cleaned out and organized quite a bit since I've been gone, that they are buried quite tightly and quite deeply. *sigh*
Scheduled a dentist appointment! Whoo-hoo!
(I'm trying to be more excited than I am so that I can convince myself that I'm really excited even though I'm really not because I know what they'll say and what they'll want to do.)
It's time for me to face the music that I've been trying to tune out for over 6 months: These wisdom teeth of mine have GOT to go! Apparently, my wisdom teeth aren't that wise (and who wants wisdom teeth that come without wisdom??? Without the bonus wisdom, all you have are more teeth.) one of them is growing completely sideways.
It can't even act like a normal tooth.
Geeze.
Plus, let's face it: I really, really want pretty teeth.
(I wonder if you still get money from the tooth fairy when you're old???)
Random fact: went and bought "Redeeming Love" tonight. (I have been told that I don't know what I've been missing out on. I believe I need to find out. It really must be good - even the lady at the register told me so).
More random than that? I've actually owed that book for 10 years and never cracked the cover.
I know, you're thinking "If she already owns the book, why go buy another one? Because, it's currently packed up with all of the rest of my books at my parents house. I would like to get a hold of all of them, but I have a feeling that since my parents have cleaned out and organized quite a bit since I've been gone, that they are buried quite tightly and quite deeply. *sigh*
Friday, July 13, 2012
Finally Friday!! Whoo - hoo! It's time to... go to bed by 9
That's how I feel. Obviously, I did not go to bed at 9. I'm planning on staying up until 10 at least. :)
Supposedly, people go OUT on Friday nights. You know, celebrating the end of the work week. 'People' must not include me. My desire is to stay IN. I have no idea where people muster enough energy to get dressed up and go outside again! I didn't even really want to go out to eat tonight, but I desired to spend some quality time with people.
Okay, this is going to veer in a completely opposite direction for a minute.
You know those times in life when you hear a noise at night and you CANNOT distinguish what it is? I just had one of those moments. I hate those moments. The ones were you start picturing some creeper peering through the window at you... and the LAST thing you want to do is to walk over to the window and check. Why? Because if you peep out of the window, it'll turn into a horror movie and a scary face will appear out of no-where.
I'll be jumpy for the rest of the night.
Anyways, back to what I was originally saying...
I wanted to spend some time with people. So, I went out to eat with my In-laws. (We went to Fatz - yum! Another plus: this trip, unlike the last, I was lucky enough NOT to be flashed by some man peeing off of his front porch - scarred for life.. you have no idea.) Eating just made me even more sleepy - but I enjoyed myself.
Bright side: I wont have to pray myself out of bed at the butt-crack of dawn tomorrow morning.
No, I'll probably get up at the butt-crack of dawn entirely on my own - just because I DON'T have to be up early. Now THAT is frustrating. It happens every Saturday. It doesn't matter how determined I am to just stay in bed and sleep - KNOWING that it's my only day of the week to sleep in - my body refuses to let me go back to sleep.
But all of that is O.K.
Why?
Because:
The weekends are nap time at Ben and Beth's house! Whoo-hoo!!
Now THAT is what I call a week-end celebration! :)
Peace, Love, and Sweet Dreams.
Supposedly, people go OUT on Friday nights. You know, celebrating the end of the work week. 'People' must not include me. My desire is to stay IN. I have no idea where people muster enough energy to get dressed up and go outside again! I didn't even really want to go out to eat tonight, but I desired to spend some quality time with people.
Okay, this is going to veer in a completely opposite direction for a minute.
You know those times in life when you hear a noise at night and you CANNOT distinguish what it is? I just had one of those moments. I hate those moments. The ones were you start picturing some creeper peering through the window at you... and the LAST thing you want to do is to walk over to the window and check. Why? Because if you peep out of the window, it'll turn into a horror movie and a scary face will appear out of no-where.
I'll be jumpy for the rest of the night.
Anyways, back to what I was originally saying...
I wanted to spend some time with people. So, I went out to eat with my In-laws. (We went to Fatz - yum! Another plus: this trip, unlike the last, I was lucky enough NOT to be flashed by some man peeing off of his front porch - scarred for life.. you have no idea.) Eating just made me even more sleepy - but I enjoyed myself.
Bright side: I wont have to pray myself out of bed at the butt-crack of dawn tomorrow morning.
No, I'll probably get up at the butt-crack of dawn entirely on my own - just because I DON'T have to be up early. Now THAT is frustrating. It happens every Saturday. It doesn't matter how determined I am to just stay in bed and sleep - KNOWING that it's my only day of the week to sleep in - my body refuses to let me go back to sleep.
But all of that is O.K.
Why?
Because:
The weekends are nap time at Ben and Beth's house! Whoo-hoo!!
Now THAT is what I call a week-end celebration! :)
Peace, Love, and Sweet Dreams.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
thoughts for the night
Have you ever just felt like being quiet? Just letting your thoughts bumb-tumble around for a little while?
That's how I feel this afternoon. Sometimes it's nice. The peaceful quiet of it all. Have you ever noticed that God often does amazing work with silence... too often people think that God only (and should only) work in these big, amazingly, flashy ways. But many times, (at least for me) it's the silent moments that he uses to shape us.
Sadly, since my thoughts are all rumbling around in my head, you will get to read a jibber-jabbery blog that will somewhat resemble the beautiful chaos that had currently taken up residence in my mind.
By no means did I start the day off this way. I talked the guys ears off about my cats. I packed boxes, entered information, etc. etc. and all while an ease that only comes from starting the day off with sleep, prayers, happy thoughts, warm tea, and beautiful weather.
After work, I headed off to church to the first meeting of our Bible Study group.
Have you ever heard that one thing you should never, ever do, is to pray for patience?
I have.
I first heard it from my youth leader in high school. Now, in all reality, of COURSE we should pray for patience. There is nothing wrong with praying for patience. But, unfortunately, there are two problems with this: First, (More often than not, sadly.) we misunderstand what we're praying for, who we are, and to whom we're praying. Second, there is only one way to gain patience.
My youth leader prayed for patience and I heard about the aftermath of that fateful prayer.
Of course, being curious - I tried it myself. Of course, God gave me plenty of opportunity to exercise my wimpy, scrawny little patience muscle.
Through the years, I have learned that praying for ANY of those wonderful "fruits of the spirit" is a bad idea. It's a wonderful idea, it just happens to be a lot like exercise. Painful, frustrating exercise. Now, granted, it's very much needed and it's all worth it in the end... but lets face it: I hate exercise.
Tonight, Beth Moore was praying and she pretty much said (and I'm going to paraphrase here) "Hit me with it, God" and all I could think was "Woman, do you KNOW what you're praying for?!?!" I'm sure she does. I'm sure I know what I'm asking for. I'm sure I know what I'll get. The results are always worth it. God has a way of shaking things up, breaking things down, and building things back up in such a drastic way. Going through it can often be painful. Looking back at it can be beyond amazing - the story, picture, and the refined vessel - beyond beautiful.
Yes, I guess that I too, want God to (Lord Jesus, help me as I type these next few words... be gentle... please...) "Hit me with it."
That's how I feel this afternoon. Sometimes it's nice. The peaceful quiet of it all. Have you ever noticed that God often does amazing work with silence... too often people think that God only (and should only) work in these big, amazingly, flashy ways. But many times, (at least for me) it's the silent moments that he uses to shape us.
Sadly, since my thoughts are all rumbling around in my head, you will get to read a jibber-jabbery blog that will somewhat resemble the beautiful chaos that had currently taken up residence in my mind.
By no means did I start the day off this way. I talked the guys ears off about my cats. I packed boxes, entered information, etc. etc. and all while an ease that only comes from starting the day off with sleep, prayers, happy thoughts, warm tea, and beautiful weather.
After work, I headed off to church to the first meeting of our Bible Study group.
Have you ever heard that one thing you should never, ever do, is to pray for patience?
I have.
I first heard it from my youth leader in high school. Now, in all reality, of COURSE we should pray for patience. There is nothing wrong with praying for patience. But, unfortunately, there are two problems with this: First, (More often than not, sadly.) we misunderstand what we're praying for, who we are, and to whom we're praying. Second, there is only one way to gain patience.
My youth leader prayed for patience and I heard about the aftermath of that fateful prayer.
Of course, being curious - I tried it myself. Of course, God gave me plenty of opportunity to exercise my wimpy, scrawny little patience muscle.
Through the years, I have learned that praying for ANY of those wonderful "fruits of the spirit" is a bad idea. It's a wonderful idea, it just happens to be a lot like exercise. Painful, frustrating exercise. Now, granted, it's very much needed and it's all worth it in the end... but lets face it: I hate exercise.
Tonight, Beth Moore was praying and she pretty much said (and I'm going to paraphrase here) "Hit me with it, God" and all I could think was "Woman, do you KNOW what you're praying for?!?!" I'm sure she does. I'm sure I know what I'm asking for. I'm sure I know what I'll get. The results are always worth it. God has a way of shaking things up, breaking things down, and building things back up in such a drastic way. Going through it can often be painful. Looking back at it can be beyond amazing - the story, picture, and the refined vessel - beyond beautiful.
Yes, I guess that I too, want God to (Lord Jesus, help me as I type these next few words... be gentle... please...) "Hit me with it."
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Well that was interesting....
After work today, I went to buy supplies for the office.
First stop: Walmart
I go to Walmart on a regular basis. They always have the essentials - plus some.
A lady once told me that she NEVER went to walmart.
She implied that Walmart was trashy and she was too good to shop there.
How rude.
Question: HOW IN THE WORLD DO YOU MANAGE TO NEVER GO TO WALMART?!
Next up:
Christian Supply. I had a $5 gift certificate. I was not leaving that store without a book.
Unfortunately, I have a problem with decisiveness.
An hour later, I left without a book.
OFFICE DEPOT:
Okay, this is where things get a little strange. I needed to get one of the guys a planner. As I was going through them... I lifted this pretty red planner and stuck to the one behind it was a sticky note that said "Will you marry me?" - Jackson (Last name omitted. You never know who could be reading this.)
I didn't know what to do.
I stared at it.
Then I looked around.
Then I quickly put the book back down.
I looked around again.
I picked the book back up.
I took a picture.
Yes.
Shameful.
I know.
I finally made it back home - still smiling from the strange marriage proposal that I stumbled upon -when low and behold... my little kitty family has grown from 3 to 7!!! Momma Kitty brought her babies to the house!!
First stop: Walmart
I go to Walmart on a regular basis. They always have the essentials - plus some.
A lady once told me that she NEVER went to walmart.
She implied that Walmart was trashy and she was too good to shop there.
How rude.
Question: HOW IN THE WORLD DO YOU MANAGE TO NEVER GO TO WALMART?!
Next up:
Christian Supply. I had a $5 gift certificate. I was not leaving that store without a book.
Unfortunately, I have a problem with decisiveness.
An hour later, I left without a book.
OFFICE DEPOT:
Okay, this is where things get a little strange. I needed to get one of the guys a planner. As I was going through them... I lifted this pretty red planner and stuck to the one behind it was a sticky note that said "Will you marry me?" - Jackson (Last name omitted. You never know who could be reading this.)
I didn't know what to do.
I stared at it.
Then I looked around.
Then I quickly put the book back down.
I looked around again.
I picked the book back up.
I took a picture.
Yes.
Shameful.
I know.
I finally made it back home - still smiling from the strange marriage proposal that I stumbled upon -when low and behold... my little kitty family has grown from 3 to 7!!! Momma Kitty brought her babies to the house!!
They're so little!!!
They're so cute!!!
I held one!!!
(My favorite looks like he stuck his paws into a socket. lol)
Ben is appalled.
He told me a while back that we couldn't have more cats than we had people in the house.
But like I told my friend, Amanda:
Technically it's not MY fault they're here.
God sent them to me.
Besides, who can say "Go away" to a cute little face like the one above?
Peace, love, and soft kitty.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
And my God shall supply for your every need...
That about sums up my day.
But in more detail:
This is my new deodorant. It's the Go Sleeveless - Beauty Finish. To me, it smells like arm pit sweat. Which, I believe, is what I was trying to avoid.
I bought it without smelling it.
Thus, it's my fault and I will use it.
And cake it on thick - so that maybe I'll use it up faster.
... and then I'll get to buy a nice smelling Dove deodorant.
It took me 3 days. I devoured this book. Today, I finished the last 30 or so pages. I cried like a baby through every one of them. (Thank Jesus for Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge Brownies and Ice cold milk. They say laughter is the best medicine. Well, when in an emotional state, brownies are best.)
I cried at the end of both of these books - and for 2 totally different reasons.
Yes, I recommend this book. I really, really, really enjoyed these two books. Yes, you should read them both.
ALSO: Ben got accepted into his Masters program!!! whoo-hoo!!!
After paying bills (*a much less exuberant* "whoo-hoo...") I started looking through course requirements and books that he would need - and I really felt God saying "Chill. I got this." I was able to find all the textbooks that he would need under $50. You think you're amazed? You should have seen me! The bad part? I shouldn't have been so shocked. I asked. I should have expected to receive.
God is good.
...All the time.
Peace, love, and smelly arm pits.
But in more detail:
 |
I bought it without smelling it.
Thus, it's my fault and I will use it.
And cake it on thick - so that maybe I'll use it up faster.
... and then I'll get to buy a nice smelling Dove deodorant.
 |
I finished reading book 2!
It took me 3 days. I devoured this book. Today, I finished the last 30 or so pages. I cried like a baby through every one of them. (Thank Jesus for Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge Brownies and Ice cold milk. They say laughter is the best medicine. Well, when in an emotional state, brownies are best.)
I cried at the end of both of these books - and for 2 totally different reasons.
Yes, I recommend this book. I really, really, really enjoyed these two books. Yes, you should read them both.
ALSO: Ben got accepted into his Masters program!!! whoo-hoo!!!
After paying bills (*a much less exuberant* "whoo-hoo...") I started looking through course requirements and books that he would need - and I really felt God saying "Chill. I got this." I was able to find all the textbooks that he would need under $50. You think you're amazed? You should have seen me! The bad part? I shouldn't have been so shocked. I asked. I should have expected to receive.
God is good.
...All the time.
Peace, love, and smelly arm pits.
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