So, I exercised for the fifth time this week! I didn't miss a day and twice I ran around 1/2 mile along with my routine. However, the rain has put a damper (no pun intended) on the running. Yesterday, I was at my brother's due to something I'll discuss in a minute so I couldn't work out on my normal equipment, but instead of foregoing my routine I decided to try his eliptical machine. Scary thing that. I made it 21 minutes but barely, it was rough. It was like climbing up a hill with your feet incased in cement or something. I really like my "normal" routine where I do multiple things...Nordic track, step, bouncer, crunches and sometimes running. I think it mixes it up more and keeps me from getting bored.
Anyway, I was at my brothers due to his having to have put his dog to sleep. His dog was an Anatolian Shepard used in Turkey to keep large cats (like Cougars!) away from sheep. So this dog was BIG! And very furry. He had a bark like he had swallowed a bull horn too. But a nicer dog you won't find. The problem was as big as he is, he had trouble with his joints and then had some eye issues that caused them to have to remove one of his eyes and that surgery and/or the medication from it caused issues with his liver and gall bladder that could not be easily corrected. It was a hard decision but based on his level of suffering they decided the best course of action was to put him down. It will be different going there and not seeing the big furry monstrosity. I suggested their next dog might be better suited as a beagle! NOT well received, I'm afraid...having experienced both of mine beagles are not high on their list of possible new dogs! For me, I cannot imagine life without one!
Today, I take the census test to possibly work on the census for a while. I figure it will be a good way to get some extra money while I look for something more permanent (provided I pass the test!). I will also complete and submit the story I'm writing and maybe start another one...I think the more I write the better and easier it will get!!
Thought you'd want to know.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Long time no blog
My first blog in many weeks. Since my last blog I have become unemployed. I lost my banking job due to a referral rate that was below what they thought it should be. Referral rates are basically the amount of times you offer someone a product when they call in to ask about their accounts. I had a referral rate of 19.70 and they wanted 20%. I didn't think I was that far off, however, in watching the Olympics I realized less than a fraction of a second can make a difference evidently not just in ski racing and bob sledding but also in banking, who knew?
Anyway, I've been thinking long and hard about what I want to do when I grow up. Granted I'm over 40 and should already have that covered, but I think anytime a change happens, if it is forced or not, one should re-evaluate. I'm praying about it as well and it seems that God is leading me toward writing again. I'm going to try to do a few children's books and see where that leads.
In the "off" chance that doesn't work out, I am also taking a test to work on the census and have registered for unemployment and on a few sites to get my resume out there!
The one thing, being unemployed opens up my schedule a lot more so I can do some fun stuff I didn't have time for in the past. I went to the Capitol with the District's Legislative Action group. That was eye opening. I learned a lot about spending and how things I wouldn't have thought of effect it.
For instance, one of the legislators who spoke to us said that due to the unemployment rate and the economy being on a downswing people are largely buying only the staples. Those being food and clothing, food and clothing are not taxed. Therefore, there is less tax going into the economy and you follow the rest!
I really hadn't considered that and I sat marveling about it for quite sometime after. Then, I heard on the news someone is proposing taxing clothing. Of course they are! Next they'll be taking part of the stuffing out of the turkey too!
Another representative mentioned how the state is allowed to borrow surplus funds from the school districts. Then they are supposed to give it back with the interest that would have been earned had the districts been allowed to keep the funds. It turns out this is often a losing proposition for the districts as the interest they get back is often less than they would have gotten. And, of course, this is built into the laws of the State so the districts HAVE to give them the money. Our district has not had to do this yet, but it is certainly possible. This makes no sense to me when the schools are struggling so much...why cannot the State keep their hands out of money they have no business in??
That is my political commentary for the day...I'll end with this: Proverbs 21:1
The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.
Thought you'd want to know.
Anyway, I've been thinking long and hard about what I want to do when I grow up. Granted I'm over 40 and should already have that covered, but I think anytime a change happens, if it is forced or not, one should re-evaluate. I'm praying about it as well and it seems that God is leading me toward writing again. I'm going to try to do a few children's books and see where that leads.
In the "off" chance that doesn't work out, I am also taking a test to work on the census and have registered for unemployment and on a few sites to get my resume out there!
The one thing, being unemployed opens up my schedule a lot more so I can do some fun stuff I didn't have time for in the past. I went to the Capitol with the District's Legislative Action group. That was eye opening. I learned a lot about spending and how things I wouldn't have thought of effect it.
For instance, one of the legislators who spoke to us said that due to the unemployment rate and the economy being on a downswing people are largely buying only the staples. Those being food and clothing, food and clothing are not taxed. Therefore, there is less tax going into the economy and you follow the rest!
I really hadn't considered that and I sat marveling about it for quite sometime after. Then, I heard on the news someone is proposing taxing clothing. Of course they are! Next they'll be taking part of the stuffing out of the turkey too!
Another representative mentioned how the state is allowed to borrow surplus funds from the school districts. Then they are supposed to give it back with the interest that would have been earned had the districts been allowed to keep the funds. It turns out this is often a losing proposition for the districts as the interest they get back is often less than they would have gotten. And, of course, this is built into the laws of the State so the districts HAVE to give them the money. Our district has not had to do this yet, but it is certainly possible. This makes no sense to me when the schools are struggling so much...why cannot the State keep their hands out of money they have no business in??
That is my political commentary for the day...I'll end with this: Proverbs 21:1
The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.
Thought you'd want to know.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
2nd day still going
So I worked out two days in a row! I am so thrilled and excited and realize I should never have stopped in the first place. It makes no sense at all that I did and looking back I have no idea why I stopped. The Holidays? But the Holidays cause weight gain so why would I not have worked out during them? Also it relieves stress...I seriously do not know what goes on in my head sometimes!
The good news? The husband is out of the house, I took him over to Blaine in my pajamas this AM and he headed off in his truck to WORK. Therefore, my life is back to normal. I will go get the nephew this AM and then come back and clean up the house until daughter gets home to watch nephew and then can go get other nephew and niece! My life and routine are back! It is amazing how wonderful that is.
I also admitted I am looking for a job today. I didn't realize it before but my current job is not working very well. I struggle each month to meet the sales goals and my heart is truly not in it. I need to do something that I have talent for. I love to write, I love to organize events, I love to coordinate volunteers, I like leading. The problem is my resume reflects experience in insurance and banking which is not what I am good at doing. So I decided I am going to start asking people who I know are in the business and education world to see if they know of anything out there I'd be good at. Then I'm relying on their word of mouth and not my resume.
Well I'm off to enjoy my new-old routine!
Thought you'd want to know.
The good news? The husband is out of the house, I took him over to Blaine in my pajamas this AM and he headed off in his truck to WORK. Therefore, my life is back to normal. I will go get the nephew this AM and then come back and clean up the house until daughter gets home to watch nephew and then can go get other nephew and niece! My life and routine are back! It is amazing how wonderful that is.
I also admitted I am looking for a job today. I didn't realize it before but my current job is not working very well. I struggle each month to meet the sales goals and my heart is truly not in it. I need to do something that I have talent for. I love to write, I love to organize events, I love to coordinate volunteers, I like leading. The problem is my resume reflects experience in insurance and banking which is not what I am good at doing. So I decided I am going to start asking people who I know are in the business and education world to see if they know of anything out there I'd be good at. Then I'm relying on their word of mouth and not my resume.
Well I'm off to enjoy my new-old routine!
Thought you'd want to know.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Husband must leave house!
You know how they say when a husband retires and he is normally not home and then he is home and he begins to drive the wife crazy? Well, mine has had a broken work truck for 3 days now. I normally have off on Tuesday and Wednesday and accomplish numerous tasks during that time. well, he has been here on my couch in my way, tromping in and out of the house with his boots on, making a mess in the kitchen! I could go on but I'd be whining. It is getting to the point that if the truck does not get fixed today, I will be going to the shop myself and standing behind the mechanic in a menacing fashion until he gets it done. It is too much for me to have him around this much.
I plan on working out today, yesterday I did not succeed due to the fact that I tried it when both husband and son were home. No one is home now but the beagle so you'd think it would work out, barring the phone I mean and other unforeseen circumstances!
I WILL have a decent body to take to the pool when it opens in June, I WILL. However, the upside of having him home yesterday is he ran out of things to do i.e. fishing and working out and fixed my car! So the brakes have decided to stay with the car and not seek their fortune elsewhere. It is actually a pleasure to drive the car again and I am okay with driving it again. There is always a silver lining.
Anyway, today my goal is to get rid of my pile of junk generated from the fact that husband decided to bring home some free cedar from somewhere and line our closet. This entailed getting everything out of said closet and I refused to put back the items I had not seen or wanted to see for 10 or more years. So I'll be heading to goodwill. Goodwill has such a wonderful purging effect! It really is awesome coming home to less stuff!
Thought you'd want to know.
I plan on working out today, yesterday I did not succeed due to the fact that I tried it when both husband and son were home. No one is home now but the beagle so you'd think it would work out, barring the phone I mean and other unforeseen circumstances!
I WILL have a decent body to take to the pool when it opens in June, I WILL. However, the upside of having him home yesterday is he ran out of things to do i.e. fishing and working out and fixed my car! So the brakes have decided to stay with the car and not seek their fortune elsewhere. It is actually a pleasure to drive the car again and I am okay with driving it again. There is always a silver lining.
Anyway, today my goal is to get rid of my pile of junk generated from the fact that husband decided to bring home some free cedar from somewhere and line our closet. This entailed getting everything out of said closet and I refused to put back the items I had not seen or wanted to see for 10 or more years. So I'll be heading to goodwill. Goodwill has such a wonderful purging effect! It really is awesome coming home to less stuff!
Thought you'd want to know.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
First blog in a long time!
I haven't been writing lately as I lack a key thing that I need..time. Things have been a bit crazy around here. You can tell this by the condition of my house and the lack of laundry in drawers and availability of spoons. In fact, I gauge my level of insanity by the spoon availability 2 or less and we are in trouble and 0 means serious issues and stay away!
My husband's truck broke down last week. He drives a truck for work and it is old and needs to be put into the big truck graveyard but husband believes it has redeeming qualities and continues to pour money and time into fixing it. Therefore, this entailed me going down to a random auto repair place in the far reaches of Blaine to pick him up one night last week.
As a result of the truck being down husband had a free day. Therefore, I naturally pointed out it would be a lovely time to fix my brakes as they sound like they may leave the car and seek their fortune elsewhere at any time. He said he thought he'd go fishing. That was definitely going to be my other suggestion...NOT!
That night my son woke up at 2:30 am and I got up with him. I wandered into the bathroom sat down and felt immense cold! Freezing cold in fact!! It seems that my husband, in preparation for his upcoming fishing expedition decided to dump his unused FROZEN minnow bucket contents into the toilet!! Yes folks, I SAT ON IT! Quite the wake up call let me tell you. So I lifted up the ice berg and placed it into the sink. My husband awoke the next morning and wanted to know why all his minnows were in the sink. Gee the toilet is such a better place!
Then I went to Wisconsin to visit my aunt and best friend who married my cousin. My friend has a Y membership and took us all to run around and have fun. The kids love the freedom of being able to play raquetball and swim and run free. Plus, I even got to work out on the treadmill for the first time in months. The problem came when I went to change back into my clothes after my work out. I am not entirely familiar with that Y and walked into the locker room to change. But, first I decided I needed some water so went to fill up my cup at the drinking fountain in the back of the locker room. It was then I noticed the balding woman...not entirely bald, just mostly...I looked toward her thinking perhaps chemo? NOT chemo and NOT a woman! I was in the men's locker room!! I quietly made my way out I don't think anyone else noticed, but just in case when I got dressed I put on my coat with the hood up!! I thought of the Southwest commercials that say "Want to get away?" I certainly did at that point.
We drove back without incident although the car sounded like it was less than pleased at having made the long journey lacking break pads and grinding at every stop. My husband said I wouldn't have to stop that much as most of it was freeway so it should be okay. I want a new car, I want a new car! NOT a new-new car just a new-used car/van type thing. Someday...
Anyway, my goal this week is to work-out. I started today but didn't finish as my son decided he needed something in the 5 minutes before he went to school that I HAD to find. I will walk the dog later and try again tomorrow.
Now I have meetings and stuff.
Thought you'd want to know.
My husband's truck broke down last week. He drives a truck for work and it is old and needs to be put into the big truck graveyard but husband believes it has redeeming qualities and continues to pour money and time into fixing it. Therefore, this entailed me going down to a random auto repair place in the far reaches of Blaine to pick him up one night last week.
As a result of the truck being down husband had a free day. Therefore, I naturally pointed out it would be a lovely time to fix my brakes as they sound like they may leave the car and seek their fortune elsewhere at any time. He said he thought he'd go fishing. That was definitely going to be my other suggestion...NOT!
That night my son woke up at 2:30 am and I got up with him. I wandered into the bathroom sat down and felt immense cold! Freezing cold in fact!! It seems that my husband, in preparation for his upcoming fishing expedition decided to dump his unused FROZEN minnow bucket contents into the toilet!! Yes folks, I SAT ON IT! Quite the wake up call let me tell you. So I lifted up the ice berg and placed it into the sink. My husband awoke the next morning and wanted to know why all his minnows were in the sink. Gee the toilet is such a better place!
Then I went to Wisconsin to visit my aunt and best friend who married my cousin. My friend has a Y membership and took us all to run around and have fun. The kids love the freedom of being able to play raquetball and swim and run free. Plus, I even got to work out on the treadmill for the first time in months. The problem came when I went to change back into my clothes after my work out. I am not entirely familiar with that Y and walked into the locker room to change. But, first I decided I needed some water so went to fill up my cup at the drinking fountain in the back of the locker room. It was then I noticed the balding woman...not entirely bald, just mostly...I looked toward her thinking perhaps chemo? NOT chemo and NOT a woman! I was in the men's locker room!! I quietly made my way out I don't think anyone else noticed, but just in case when I got dressed I put on my coat with the hood up!! I thought of the Southwest commercials that say "Want to get away?" I certainly did at that point.
We drove back without incident although the car sounded like it was less than pleased at having made the long journey lacking break pads and grinding at every stop. My husband said I wouldn't have to stop that much as most of it was freeway so it should be okay. I want a new car, I want a new car! NOT a new-new car just a new-used car/van type thing. Someday...
Anyway, my goal this week is to work-out. I started today but didn't finish as my son decided he needed something in the 5 minutes before he went to school that I HAD to find. I will walk the dog later and try again tomorrow.
Now I have meetings and stuff.
Thought you'd want to know.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Phone Books why?
I have a stack of phone books half as tall as I am and I virtually never look at them. When I need a number I either go on line or I call 411 from my cell phone. Yet, my husband insists on collecting these dinasaurs from years past. Back in the day, it made sense to have them as most folks have either internet or a cell phone or both. I think of how much they must spend in just creating the books and how much they would save by not creating as many. People without cell and internet could request one or they could even have a spot on the phone bill to opt in or out of phone books and then they'd know how many to make. I would think saving money on making phone books would bring down phone bills too. It is really a lovely plan. Though as all my lovely plans go, it probably won't go much beyond this blog!
My car is behaving badly again. It's brakes sound as if they may leave the car at any moment and go seek out their fortune somewhere else. Really, I need a different car, but to get one would involve a lot more production than I wish to be a part of at this time. Plus, I don't know that I could afford a car payment on top of other payments. So, it's back to the car repair folks to discuss the most inexpensive way to talk the brakes into staying with the car. The next thing that I'm certain is in process of packing it's bags is the exhaust system, last summer, it was planning on leaving but we managed to tie it to the car for the bargain price of $120.00 and until it breaks the ties life is good! The one good part of this car is it is never boring having it around.
Thought you'd want to know.
My car is behaving badly again. It's brakes sound as if they may leave the car at any moment and go seek out their fortune somewhere else. Really, I need a different car, but to get one would involve a lot more production than I wish to be a part of at this time. Plus, I don't know that I could afford a car payment on top of other payments. So, it's back to the car repair folks to discuss the most inexpensive way to talk the brakes into staying with the car. The next thing that I'm certain is in process of packing it's bags is the exhaust system, last summer, it was planning on leaving but we managed to tie it to the car for the bargain price of $120.00 and until it breaks the ties life is good! The one good part of this car is it is never boring having it around.
Thought you'd want to know.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Speed blogging
I'm blogging fast today, no one knows what that actually means because I'm not able to type any faster really. And I'll probably say about the same amount I always do, but by saying I'm blogging fast, it makes me feel better about spending time blogging when I have a list longer than Shaquille O'Neal's arms to complete today!
Last night, I held a meeting of the 5th grade farewell committee and everything was going fine until the popcorn machine started smoking. You see, my plan was that I would have popcorn at the PTO meeting that was immediately following the 5th grade farewell meeting and that I would heat up the machine ahead of time. The reason for the popcorn is I had found a machine when I was organizing stuff for the fun fair earlier that day and thought we could use it at the fun fair if it worked. The good part about it, is I discovered it DIDN'T work. The bad part was the smoke, however, happily it was removed from the room fast enough to avoid setting off the sprinklers, so mission accomplished!! AND no more cooking by Beth outside her own kitchen anyway where all fires are covered by our insurance.
On another topic entirely, I've been thinking a lot about Prayer lately. This was caused by a verse I ran into during my Bible study, James 1: 5-8 "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does."
This verse made me think about the way I pray and the things I ask for. I ask for financial help a lot, I ask for help with the kids, I ask for help for friends and relatives. But, in all those things I seem to always have a back up plan if God does not come through. This in all frankness, makes me sincerely insane. How can anyone who sincerely believes in God and Jesus Christ feel that there is a back up plan needed? God created the world in 6 days, the ENTIRE world, Jesus died and rose again and also cured countless people, performed astounding miracles, and as a grand finale saved us all from certain death by taking the punishment for our sins. So, based on that, my answer is that I need a back up plan. RIGHT.
That is why this verse said so much to me. It says that a man must ask without doubt. By having a back up plan what I mean is praying for financial help and buying a lottery ticket or going with an option for the kids without first praying about it and knowing in my heart it is right not just in my head.
My term for this is "Praying with a parachute" and I am finding it won't work for me anymore. I am going to throw the parachute out the window and free fall with God.
My mom always told me that God will provide and she was right.
Thought you'd want to know.
Last night, I held a meeting of the 5th grade farewell committee and everything was going fine until the popcorn machine started smoking. You see, my plan was that I would have popcorn at the PTO meeting that was immediately following the 5th grade farewell meeting and that I would heat up the machine ahead of time. The reason for the popcorn is I had found a machine when I was organizing stuff for the fun fair earlier that day and thought we could use it at the fun fair if it worked. The good part about it, is I discovered it DIDN'T work. The bad part was the smoke, however, happily it was removed from the room fast enough to avoid setting off the sprinklers, so mission accomplished!! AND no more cooking by Beth outside her own kitchen anyway where all fires are covered by our insurance.
On another topic entirely, I've been thinking a lot about Prayer lately. This was caused by a verse I ran into during my Bible study, James 1: 5-8 "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does."
This verse made me think about the way I pray and the things I ask for. I ask for financial help a lot, I ask for help with the kids, I ask for help for friends and relatives. But, in all those things I seem to always have a back up plan if God does not come through. This in all frankness, makes me sincerely insane. How can anyone who sincerely believes in God and Jesus Christ feel that there is a back up plan needed? God created the world in 6 days, the ENTIRE world, Jesus died and rose again and also cured countless people, performed astounding miracles, and as a grand finale saved us all from certain death by taking the punishment for our sins. So, based on that, my answer is that I need a back up plan. RIGHT.
That is why this verse said so much to me. It says that a man must ask without doubt. By having a back up plan what I mean is praying for financial help and buying a lottery ticket or going with an option for the kids without first praying about it and knowing in my heart it is right not just in my head.
My term for this is "Praying with a parachute" and I am finding it won't work for me anymore. I am going to throw the parachute out the window and free fall with God.
My mom always told me that God will provide and she was right.
Thought you'd want to know.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
No one is reading but I'm still talking
I keep blogging regardless of who is reading. I think it is therapy for me to write. Last evening I made a turkey breast. I had numerous problems getting started, including the fact that on the outside of the package it stated, "Put turkey breast side down." Well I didn't know which side was the breast because the thing had no legs. So I called a friend. She said what kind he turkey is it, I read the package...it is a TURKEY BREAST. Which explained the lack of legs, I guess. But why would the package say, "Put turkey breast side down." if it is ALL BREAST!! It is clearly designed for experienced cooks and not those, like me who are making their first turkey at age 40+.
Anyway, so I put it on it's side on her advice. It had a gaping hole in it, but I didn't put anything in it as I didn't want to push my skills too far the first time. Then, I had to get the pager system set up. My brother got me a meat thermometer for Christmas that includes a pager so when the meat is done it rings the pager. VERY COOL, but it involved sticking an implement into the turkey and then running a cord outside the oven and attaching it to the receiver and then entering in the correct temperature so the machine knew when to page.
It was like programming a computer, but it turned out great. In fact, I cannot wait until I find some more meat to communicate with...maybe a pork roast or something.
On another topic entirely...There was an article on MSN about the fact that the Catholic Church was upset about the nature worship in Avatar. Truthfully, I thought about that when I watched the film and wondered if it would be an issue. However, the movie was a science fiction film, based on another planet. I have to feel that fantasy, meaning story telling and reality, meaning our actual God are two separate things and a reasonable person should be able to separate the two.
If we start analyzing every film's belief system then how do we feel about "The Force" in Star Wars? Or whatever it is in "Harry Potter" or "The Lord of the Rings." or the whole Vampire thing. It is fantasy, NOT reality. We need to raise our children to understand the difference between reality and fantasy and make a solid ground around them so it is clear. If we do that, then a blue person with a tail who worships a tree seen in a film shouldn't take away their entire belief system and send them off collecting acorns.
Thought you'd want to know.
Anyway, so I put it on it's side on her advice. It had a gaping hole in it, but I didn't put anything in it as I didn't want to push my skills too far the first time. Then, I had to get the pager system set up. My brother got me a meat thermometer for Christmas that includes a pager so when the meat is done it rings the pager. VERY COOL, but it involved sticking an implement into the turkey and then running a cord outside the oven and attaching it to the receiver and then entering in the correct temperature so the machine knew when to page.
It was like programming a computer, but it turned out great. In fact, I cannot wait until I find some more meat to communicate with...maybe a pork roast or something.
On another topic entirely...There was an article on MSN about the fact that the Catholic Church was upset about the nature worship in Avatar. Truthfully, I thought about that when I watched the film and wondered if it would be an issue. However, the movie was a science fiction film, based on another planet. I have to feel that fantasy, meaning story telling and reality, meaning our actual God are two separate things and a reasonable person should be able to separate the two.
If we start analyzing every film's belief system then how do we feel about "The Force" in Star Wars? Or whatever it is in "Harry Potter" or "The Lord of the Rings." or the whole Vampire thing. It is fantasy, NOT reality. We need to raise our children to understand the difference between reality and fantasy and make a solid ground around them so it is clear. If we do that, then a blue person with a tail who worships a tree seen in a film shouldn't take away their entire belief system and send them off collecting acorns.
Thought you'd want to know.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Putting on the brakes!
Sometimes I just need to take a break and write. Maybe just breathe!!
My New Year's resolutions aren't going too well thus far. Remember they were to be on time and to exercise. I've decided exercise starts in February and as to being on time, it is going okay although sometimes I'm still late. I wish I knew how to solve that, maybe if something absolutely unpleasant happened when I was late I would stop, who knows? Maybe it is my nature and I should stop fighting it.
I HAVE taken out the very spoiled beagle for walks even when it was so cold my nose froze into a nosesickle. At least now things have improved on that front and now my feet just get covered in slush when we walk. My car has a leak it its windshield washer fluid container so when I fill it it only lasts about 1 and 1/2 days. This is a problem at this time of year, so I don't know if I should just throw a spray bottle in the car and spray out the window or fill it part way use it for 1 1/2 days and then re-fill again...maybe both. Old cars are definitely a challenge!!
My daughter and I saw Avatar this past weekend. I really enjoyed it. It was a total escape from reality movie the way the Star Wars movies were for me when they first came out. I just thought it was a great plot, not too violent, nor too much vulgar language or other things you do not want kids to see. It WAS really long though and I caught my daughter texting during the film, but then she texts everywhere but the shower these days! I also liked the fact that most of the actors I had not seen before they were new to me. It is possible others have seen them before but I don't get out much. Sigorney Weaver I'd seen but it was nice to see her again as she hasn't been around a lot except doing narration for the Planet Earth series on Discover. Anyway, I'd recommend the film if you want to just watch a movie for the pure fun of it!
Last, the fish house is out of the living room! The room seems so much bigger now without the tree and the fish house...the couch looks so small! Perspective does strange things sometimes! It is really NICE to have my space back and I have been on a get the house in order one part at a time, I cleaned out a cabinet, I mounted a couple of new shelves, I got rid of a bag or two of stuff, one step at a time to a new house order!!
Thought you'd want to know.
My New Year's resolutions aren't going too well thus far. Remember they were to be on time and to exercise. I've decided exercise starts in February and as to being on time, it is going okay although sometimes I'm still late. I wish I knew how to solve that, maybe if something absolutely unpleasant happened when I was late I would stop, who knows? Maybe it is my nature and I should stop fighting it.
I HAVE taken out the very spoiled beagle for walks even when it was so cold my nose froze into a nosesickle. At least now things have improved on that front and now my feet just get covered in slush when we walk. My car has a leak it its windshield washer fluid container so when I fill it it only lasts about 1 and 1/2 days. This is a problem at this time of year, so I don't know if I should just throw a spray bottle in the car and spray out the window or fill it part way use it for 1 1/2 days and then re-fill again...maybe both. Old cars are definitely a challenge!!
My daughter and I saw Avatar this past weekend. I really enjoyed it. It was a total escape from reality movie the way the Star Wars movies were for me when they first came out. I just thought it was a great plot, not too violent, nor too much vulgar language or other things you do not want kids to see. It WAS really long though and I caught my daughter texting during the film, but then she texts everywhere but the shower these days! I also liked the fact that most of the actors I had not seen before they were new to me. It is possible others have seen them before but I don't get out much. Sigorney Weaver I'd seen but it was nice to see her again as she hasn't been around a lot except doing narration for the Planet Earth series on Discover. Anyway, I'd recommend the film if you want to just watch a movie for the pure fun of it!
Last, the fish house is out of the living room! The room seems so much bigger now without the tree and the fish house...the couch looks so small! Perspective does strange things sometimes! It is really NICE to have my space back and I have been on a get the house in order one part at a time, I cleaned out a cabinet, I mounted a couple of new shelves, I got rid of a bag or two of stuff, one step at a time to a new house order!!
Thought you'd want to know.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Motivation
So yesterday I went to the grocery store to get groceries. I managed to come back with $30 worth of items and then went to pack my son's lunch this AM and discovered I bought nothing of use at all. Therefore, I'll be going back to the store again today. There was a story on the news yesterday that said if you shop once per month you can save up to $50 per month if you actually use all the food you buy. I just don't think I could do that...my memory is getting so bad, I'd surely forget something.
I did get Christmas put away yesterday which is a major accomplishment and I got a lamp for a mere $4.95 plus another $4.95 for the shade. The problem is, the shade is too dark, so I may switch it for my existing shade...I'm going to try it out anyway. It is a really nice lamp! I also got a Vikings sweatshirt for $3.00. I figure that investment won't break the bank and it will allow me to root for the team as long as it goes for and then if they crash and burn I won't be out a fortune!
Not that they will, but aside from this past week's game, things didn't look too Rosy.
Last evening my daughter and I went to tour Fair School in Crystal. I was thinking of trying to get my son into it. And it did look great and I think he'd enjoy it. Plus the building was beautiful! The architecture was incredible! The problem is that the way the enrollment is set up it is by district and Robbinsdale has a huge waiting list. I'm sure it has something to do with the school closings causing a massive bail out. But we applied anyway and we'll see. If that doesn't work out, I heard of another school I'm going to look at as well. I really think he needs another year of elementary type classes. I don't think I can send him into a middle school environment it just won't work. Also, he needs a smaller school too. Noise is not his friend nor is chaos!
Thought you'd want to know.
I did get Christmas put away yesterday which is a major accomplishment and I got a lamp for a mere $4.95 plus another $4.95 for the shade. The problem is, the shade is too dark, so I may switch it for my existing shade...I'm going to try it out anyway. It is a really nice lamp! I also got a Vikings sweatshirt for $3.00. I figure that investment won't break the bank and it will allow me to root for the team as long as it goes for and then if they crash and burn I won't be out a fortune!
Not that they will, but aside from this past week's game, things didn't look too Rosy.
Last evening my daughter and I went to tour Fair School in Crystal. I was thinking of trying to get my son into it. And it did look great and I think he'd enjoy it. Plus the building was beautiful! The architecture was incredible! The problem is that the way the enrollment is set up it is by district and Robbinsdale has a huge waiting list. I'm sure it has something to do with the school closings causing a massive bail out. But we applied anyway and we'll see. If that doesn't work out, I heard of another school I'm going to look at as well. I really think he needs another year of elementary type classes. I don't think I can send him into a middle school environment it just won't work. Also, he needs a smaller school too. Noise is not his friend nor is chaos!
Thought you'd want to know.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Writing
So, I've been thinking of trying more writing. Once I told my brother I planned to write a book and he told me before I would get one published he could build a cardboard rocket and fly it to the moon. I don't consider that a confidence boost, but then I look around at what is out there for literature and I think, why could I not write a book? All I'd need is a plot, some words and a publisher, how hard is that?
I already write this blog, granted there isn't a lot of substance to the blog, it basically is rambling, I would just need to ramble more with a purpose.
Today, I have to first put laundry away and finish putting Christmas away and then run errands - get groceries and I'm going to the thrift store to find a lamp. Ours is missing the little thingy that goes on the switch, it is extremely painful to turn it on and off and they have a 25% bonus today so I figure I can get a good deal if I can find a treasure in the rough! I do enjoy bargain hunting!! If not, IKEA is also having a sale, but that means driving to Bloomington and I don't feel very excited by that prospect. Yes, I see the weirdness between a Thrift Store purchase and IKEA but ultimately, who is going to know where I got the lamp?
I've decided to make Shake and Bake porkchops today, I successfully made Shake and Bake chicken last week and I am so fired up! I had no idea I could make chicken but it turns out, all you need to do is follow the directions! I'm 40+ years old and I just clued into this, but better late than never! I also successfully boiled a lobster tail, just the tail, not a live lobster or anything, I could NOT do that!!
Give me a few more days and I'll rival Emeril with my cooking skill, stay tuned. Bam!!
My mission this week aside from cooking and getting laundry finished up is getting the fish house out of my living room! That's right FISH HOUSE! My husband made the decision he needed a fish house and assembled it in the living room. Okay. It is STILL there and granted it folds up but it folds up into a rather large sled device. It isn't small and my room cannot support it. It makes it hard to move around. I just got rid of the enormous Christmas Tree and now I have to deal with the enormous fish house on a sled. My only concern about getting rid of it is what may follow...don't really like to think of it!!
Thought you'd want to know.
I already write this blog, granted there isn't a lot of substance to the blog, it basically is rambling, I would just need to ramble more with a purpose.
Today, I have to first put laundry away and finish putting Christmas away and then run errands - get groceries and I'm going to the thrift store to find a lamp. Ours is missing the little thingy that goes on the switch, it is extremely painful to turn it on and off and they have a 25% bonus today so I figure I can get a good deal if I can find a treasure in the rough! I do enjoy bargain hunting!! If not, IKEA is also having a sale, but that means driving to Bloomington and I don't feel very excited by that prospect. Yes, I see the weirdness between a Thrift Store purchase and IKEA but ultimately, who is going to know where I got the lamp?
I've decided to make Shake and Bake porkchops today, I successfully made Shake and Bake chicken last week and I am so fired up! I had no idea I could make chicken but it turns out, all you need to do is follow the directions! I'm 40+ years old and I just clued into this, but better late than never! I also successfully boiled a lobster tail, just the tail, not a live lobster or anything, I could NOT do that!!
Give me a few more days and I'll rival Emeril with my cooking skill, stay tuned. Bam!!
My mission this week aside from cooking and getting laundry finished up is getting the fish house out of my living room! That's right FISH HOUSE! My husband made the decision he needed a fish house and assembled it in the living room. Okay. It is STILL there and granted it folds up but it folds up into a rather large sled device. It isn't small and my room cannot support it. It makes it hard to move around. I just got rid of the enormous Christmas Tree and now I have to deal with the enormous fish house on a sled. My only concern about getting rid of it is what may follow...don't really like to think of it!!
Thought you'd want to know.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Teenagers why?
Ok, so I have a teenager and I am wondering what God was thinking? NOT that I personally have a teenager but that there are teenagers at all..why could we not go from 10-20 without having to go through all the awkward crazy, I'm not sure I'm an adult or a kid...but I sure don't want to be like my parents mentality! It is nuts.
Every day poses a new challenge! I just thank heavens I've been through it so I understand some of it. The other part, the electronic part is what scares me. I can only chase around following so many text messages and facebook posts. I just need to raise her to understand the dangers out there and hope she understands and when I see something, instantly correct it so she gets the right there message.
It is a small world out there that is actually very large. Meaning we can call someone in China now, but going to China is another thing entirely. We can text someone in the jungles of Brazil, but would we want to live there? I have no idea where I'm going with this...
I worked last night until 11:30 and then drove over to my brothers to watch the countdown with the kids, husband and brother's family. Then, I noticed my gas guage was on empty so that left me getting gas at 11:45 pm and hoping I'd make it there by midnight. I did just get there right on time! But by the time I got up the driveway it was 12:01. Then, we had to visit for a bit so by the time we got home it was 1:15 am and my son couldn't get to sleep so by the time I actually got to bed it was almost 3! I slept until 11:30 but still I'm beat! NOT used to this type of thing anymore. I used to stay up late but now 11:30 is late for me.
Anyway, it is 2010 and my resolutions are to exercise again and also to be on time. That will be enough to keep me busy till 2011!!
Thought you'd want to know.
Every day poses a new challenge! I just thank heavens I've been through it so I understand some of it. The other part, the electronic part is what scares me. I can only chase around following so many text messages and facebook posts. I just need to raise her to understand the dangers out there and hope she understands and when I see something, instantly correct it so she gets the right there message.
It is a small world out there that is actually very large. Meaning we can call someone in China now, but going to China is another thing entirely. We can text someone in the jungles of Brazil, but would we want to live there? I have no idea where I'm going with this...
I worked last night until 11:30 and then drove over to my brothers to watch the countdown with the kids, husband and brother's family. Then, I noticed my gas guage was on empty so that left me getting gas at 11:45 pm and hoping I'd make it there by midnight. I did just get there right on time! But by the time I got up the driveway it was 12:01. Then, we had to visit for a bit so by the time we got home it was 1:15 am and my son couldn't get to sleep so by the time I actually got to bed it was almost 3! I slept until 11:30 but still I'm beat! NOT used to this type of thing anymore. I used to stay up late but now 11:30 is late for me.
Anyway, it is 2010 and my resolutions are to exercise again and also to be on time. That will be enough to keep me busy till 2011!!
Thought you'd want to know.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Herman the Christmas Tree
Here is the story I promised...I hope you enjoy it.
Herman was green, beautifully green and tall too – okay not really tall like his dad, but tall. And he was full too, not because he had just eaten, but full as in broad and not sparse. Not as full as his mom, but full just the same.
What is Herman? Herman is a tree, an evergreen tree to be exact. A Frazier Fir to be really exact.
Herman lived in a forest with his dad and mom. His dad stood about 14 feet tall and his mom stood about 11 feet tall and she was beautiful, really full and wide. In trees it is good to be full and wide!! There was an older tree that stood near them called “Old Jake” Old Jake stood about 40 feet tall and no one knew how old he was exactly he’d been around as long as anyone could remember. For his part, Herman stood about 5 ½ to 6 feet tall.
Standing a few feet away from Herman was his good friend Jimbo. Jimbo was an Oak tree. No one knew how Jimbo wound up in a forest full of Frazier Firs but Herman was glad he was there. Herman and Jimbo spent their days enjoying the passing seasons and watching the forest animals. In the Spring the animals had their babies and often made nests in Herman’s and Jimbo’s branches. In the summer, the animals came to the trees for shelter from the heat of the day.
In the Fall, Jimbo’s leaves changed color and eventually fell off. Herman called him “baldy” and Jimbo didn’t like that much! He got revenge though when his leaves fell off and the wind took them, many of them would land on Herman making him look as if he were wearing an Oak tree disguise!!
Finally Winter. Winter used to be Herman’s favorite season. He loved the beauty of the snow and the feel of it on his branches. He enjoyed feeling the cold through his trunk and the chilly breezes as the wind kicked up during a storm. Trees don’t need scarves or hats, God made them equipped to deal with the seasons just as they are. That all changed when “they” came to the forest.
“They” came just after a light snow had fallen and the forest was coated with about 3 inches. Herman thought it looked beautiful. His mother was glowing with a light dusting of white and his father looked like a white tower. As for “Old Jake” well he was always just BIG!
Then, they heard this incredibly loud growling sound. “Was that a bear?” asked Herman. “No” said Old Jake. “That is man.” Man? What was man? Herman had never heard of an animal called man! Just then something very strange rolled in, that’s right! Rolled on four round feet. It’s sides opened and creatures emerged from it like they’d been hatched. The creatures approached his dad – were they looking for a place to build a nest? Thought Herman.
“This one will be perfect for the Governor’s mansion.” Said one of the creatures. “Perfect.” Said another. With that, the really loud growling noise started again and Herman noticed they put something up to his dad’s trunk. Then, his dad was falling!! Herman, said “Nooooo!” as his dad hit the forest floor. “I love you both!” his dad said as he was loaded onto the rolling creature and tied up with what Herman thought looked like snakes. “Ohhhh!” his mother was saying. Trees don’t cry but she was obviously very sad. But it wasn’t over yet.
“We still need one for inside the mansion.” Said one of the creatures, Herman assumed these must be the “men” Old Jake had talked about. “Yea and its getting cold so let’s decide quickly.” Said another. “How about this one?” said yet another. He was standing beside Herman’s mom! “It is nice and full and the perfect size.” Herman agreed she was full and perfect, but he didn’t like where this was heading. But it headed where he thought it would. The growling thing started up again and his mother fell and was tied with the snakes. “I love you son.” His mother said. “I love you too mom.” Said Herman. It was really a horrible day!! Herman and Jimbo were left to stare at the stumps that had been his parents just a few minutes before! “Why would they do this?” Herman said almost to himself.
“Christmas.” Old Jake said. “They will be Christmas trees.” “What is a Christmas tree?” We are Frazier Firs! Herman thought Old Jake must be going senile. But before Old Jake could answer another rolling animal smaller than the first approached. This time three “men” were hatched. One had long fir on it’s head and the other two were smaller. One of the smaller one’s had long fur too and the other looked like a smaller version of the “men” from earlier.
“Kids.” The tall furry one said, “we need to decide NOW. I’m cold and we need time to decorate it tonight too.” “Okay.” The short furry one said.
“How about this one?” said the mini man. He was standing next to Herman!! He is not too tall and he’d fit good in our house, I think.” “He?” tall furry responded. “Yeah,” said mini man “it seems like a boy tree.” “There are no boy and girl trees.” Short furry said in a superior tone. “Well, I think there are and THIS is a boy tree!” said the mini man. “Whatever.” Tall furry said. “Let’s get it home and get going!!” with that tall furry approached Herman with a growling thing and he felt a cold sensation go through his trunk and he was falling! He hit the forest floor with a thud. “Hermannnn!” He heard Jimbo yelling. “I guess I have to go be a Christmas tree now, Jimbo. Whatever that is.” Said Herman.
And sure enough, they loaded him on top of the rolling creature and trussed him down with what Herman could only determine were dead snakes as they didn’t move at all. As they headed out of the forest, Herman felt the air go through his branches like he normally did, but this time he was lying down and the wind was caused by the moving rolling thing. He was also feeling kind of dizzy as he needed water.
Once they arrived at their destination, they brought him into a building. Then they placed him into something that allowed him to stand up again and filled it with water. He gratefully soaked it up and felt better. “This tree is thirsty.” Tall furry said. “Yes we cut HIM down and took HIM away from his forest, so he is probably dehydrated.” “Robert, it is NOT a boy OR a girl!! IT is a TREE!” So the mini man’s name was Robert thought Herman. “Melissa, just because you are a teenager now, doesn’t mean you know everything!” Melissa was recently 13. So short furry was Melissa! “Well just because you are into the double digits, you don’t either!!” Robert just turned 10. “Kids! Let’s decorate the tree and STOP FIGHTING! For once!” said tall furry. “Sorry mom!” said Robert. “I know it isn’t easy for you without dad.” So tall furry was their mom, thought Herman.
“I’m fine.” Said mom, “But, we really need to get going.” With that, they hung a lot of things from Herman’s branches and placed something on top of him too. He felt kind of good all spiffed up!
The days passed quickly after that. Herman stood in the room while mom and Melissa and Robert went about their days. At night, Robert would sit up and talk to Herman. “Tree.” He would say. “I am sorry we had to take you out of your home. But, mom needed to have a nice Christmas this year. She misses dad so much. You see he is fighting the war in Iraq right now. He won’t be here for Christmas.” Again, this Christmas thing! Thought Herman, What was Christmas?
Finally, a day came when things were a bit more hectic than usual. “Robert, we need to get going! NOW!” said his mom. “I’m coming.” Said Robert. Quietly to Melissa Robert said, “I don’t understand why we need to go. I mean, God allowed dad to go to Iraq to fight during Christmas and that hurt mom. How could he do that?” Melissa responded equally as quietly, “Robert, God did not take dad, the army did. And Mom and I pray for him every night. God is helping us get through this. You should pray and and you’d see.” “Well, I’m leaving the TV on for HIM.” Robert said pointing to Herman. “He’ll be dead soon and should enjoy his last days on the earth.” “You are truly insane.” Said Melissa and headed out of the room toward her mother’s insistent calling. Robert followed after her saying to Herman “Girls!”.
Herman appreciated the “TV” which was a box showing moving pictures. However, he was caught up in the fact that he was going to be “dead soon” according to Robert. Herman had seen trees die before but not until they were old. Herman wasn’t old, he was young! All he needed was water and some nutrients and he could live just fine. Then he noticed something on the TV. A person was standing in front of a tree all decorated. “I am standing in front of the Governor’s mansion, where you can see behind me the tree all lit up beautifully! People are saying it is the most majestic tree they have had in years! It was his dad! Herman was certain. The “men” had said something about the Governor when they took him away. Then the person moved inside a building and he saw an absolutely amazing looking tree all decorated with soft lights. “This is the Governor’s family tree. The Governor’s wife said she had never seen a more full and beautiful tree.” His mom! Herman was so happy and sad too. He knew they were safe, but they were also far away from him.
The family returned. “That was such a beautiful service.” Said mom. “It was.” Said Melissa. “Yeah, it was nice.” Said Robert without much enthusiasm. Then, his mom got an object and sat down on the couch. She patted the seats next to her. “Mom, dad always read that.” Said Robert. “Well this year, we will have a new tradition.” His mother said with a catch in her voice. Melissa stared at him with a pointed glare. “Okay, yeah sure.” Said Robert and sat down.
His mother began speaking, “This is Luke, Chapter 2. In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. So, Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who he was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in clothes and placed him in a manger because there was no room for them at the Inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over there flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified. But the angel said to them. “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you. You will find the baby wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger.
Suddenly a great company of heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
“And who they found there changed the world, kids. As the minister said today, and John said so many years ago, John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
“That child saved the world and he will bring your father home safe too, I’m sure of it. Good night, we need to get up early because we have to get rid of the tree after we open presents we’ll be at Aunt Margaret’s for a week.” With that, Robert began to cry. “I’ll miss him mom! I talk to him and he seems to understand me! First Dad goes and now I lose the tree too!” “Talk to God son, he’ll understand you too and unlike this tree, God can help you.” His mother said. “I’m heading to bed now, I love you!” “Me too.” Said Melissa. “Presents tomorrow!!”
“I’m going to sit up a while and say good bye to the tree.” Well Herman was happy to know what Christmas was all about. It was incredible. This Jesus was a man above all men that was for sure!
“I’m just so sad right now.” Robert said. “Mom said I should pray, but how do I do that?” It sounded to Herman that praying was simply talking to God, but of course, Herman couldn’t communicate that. “Maybe it’s like talking to God.” Said Robert. Maybe he COULD communicate! Thought Herman. I’ll try it. “God, I miss my dad. I want him home and I want him to be safe. I know you can do that over anyone else. Oh, and Amen.” “That wasn’t so hard, I guess.” Robert said to Herman. “I wonder if God heard me? The minister said prayer is like incense to God, that he really likes it.”
“The minister also said that anyone who doesn’t have Jesus in their heart should pray to receive him. I didn’t do it at the time because I was pretty upset, but now I feel so peaceful I wish I’d have done it. Maybe, I could ask now?” Herman didn’t see why not. “Let me see if I can remember how to ask. Jesus, could you come into my heart and be with me? I need to live my life right and I need help to get through until my dad comes home and beyond.”
“Well, I don’t feel much different.” Said Robert “But the minister said once Jesus is in your life it starts to change and so do you.” Herman thought that must be true from what he’d heard Robert’s mom say about Jesus.
“Anyway,” yawned Robert “I need to get to bed.” “You know I bet I’m the only kid in my Sunday school class who will be able to say that their Christmas tree helped them into a relationship with Jesus!” Yeah, thought Herman and I didn’t even know who he was until a few days ago! “I wish I could tell my dad first, he will be so happy! Good night, tree.”
The next day the family exchanged gifts. To Herman, Robert seemed quieter, but he still hadn’t said anything to anyone about accepting Jesus. Then there was a ringing sound. “I’ll get it!” said Melissa “It’s probably Aunt Margaret! …DAD!” They heard her exclaim. “I need to talk to him!” said Robert “I have something VERY IMPORTANT to tell him.” Robert was so excited to be able to tell his dad first, it was as if God knew how much it meant to him! “Okay.” Said his mother, “But hurry! His time is usually short.”
“Dad,” Robert said as soon as he got on the line “I accepted Jesus into my heart last night and the Christmas tree helped!” “WHAT?!” his mother and Melissa said in unison. “That is great, Robert. I’m so excited for you, this is sure to change your life. The tree part will have to wait until I have more time, as I’m sure it’s a long story! I have news for you too, I’ll be home in less than a month!” “WOW! You are kidding! That is the best present ever, dad!” “Give me the phone!” said his mom. “Hi honey,” she said as she headed out of the room. “In less than a month…..”
“Dad is coming home in less than 1 month.” Said Robert to Melissa who was bursting to hear the news.
“Besides asking Jesus into my heart last night, I also prayed and God answered me!” Robert said “Just out of curiousity, is it always this fast?” Melissa laughed “No, Robert. “Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition present your requests to God.” And Peter says in 2Peter 3: 8-9 “With the Lord, a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promises as some understand slowness, but he is patient wanting everyone to come to repentance.”
“What that all means,” Melissa said “is that just because you pray it, doesn’t mean God will Fed-Ex it to you. It is according to God’s will.” Robert thought about that. “Okay, makes sense. But I’m sure glad God’s will is that Dad gets to come home.” Melissa gave Robert an uncharacteristic hug. “Me too, little brother, me too!”
With that, the family took all the decorations off of Herman and he was carried out to the curb and gently placed on the snow covered ground. “I will never forget you!” said Robert. Herman thought, “Me neither, my friend.” Herman’s last thought as he passed away was how glad he was he got to be a Christmas tree!
Herman was green, beautifully green and tall too – okay not really tall like his dad, but tall. And he was full too, not because he had just eaten, but full as in broad and not sparse. Not as full as his mom, but full just the same.
What is Herman? Herman is a tree, an evergreen tree to be exact. A Frazier Fir to be really exact.
Herman lived in a forest with his dad and mom. His dad stood about 14 feet tall and his mom stood about 11 feet tall and she was beautiful, really full and wide. In trees it is good to be full and wide!! There was an older tree that stood near them called “Old Jake” Old Jake stood about 40 feet tall and no one knew how old he was exactly he’d been around as long as anyone could remember. For his part, Herman stood about 5 ½ to 6 feet tall.
Standing a few feet away from Herman was his good friend Jimbo. Jimbo was an Oak tree. No one knew how Jimbo wound up in a forest full of Frazier Firs but Herman was glad he was there. Herman and Jimbo spent their days enjoying the passing seasons and watching the forest animals. In the Spring the animals had their babies and often made nests in Herman’s and Jimbo’s branches. In the summer, the animals came to the trees for shelter from the heat of the day.
In the Fall, Jimbo’s leaves changed color and eventually fell off. Herman called him “baldy” and Jimbo didn’t like that much! He got revenge though when his leaves fell off and the wind took them, many of them would land on Herman making him look as if he were wearing an Oak tree disguise!!
Finally Winter. Winter used to be Herman’s favorite season. He loved the beauty of the snow and the feel of it on his branches. He enjoyed feeling the cold through his trunk and the chilly breezes as the wind kicked up during a storm. Trees don’t need scarves or hats, God made them equipped to deal with the seasons just as they are. That all changed when “they” came to the forest.
“They” came just after a light snow had fallen and the forest was coated with about 3 inches. Herman thought it looked beautiful. His mother was glowing with a light dusting of white and his father looked like a white tower. As for “Old Jake” well he was always just BIG!
Then, they heard this incredibly loud growling sound. “Was that a bear?” asked Herman. “No” said Old Jake. “That is man.” Man? What was man? Herman had never heard of an animal called man! Just then something very strange rolled in, that’s right! Rolled on four round feet. It’s sides opened and creatures emerged from it like they’d been hatched. The creatures approached his dad – were they looking for a place to build a nest? Thought Herman.
“This one will be perfect for the Governor’s mansion.” Said one of the creatures. “Perfect.” Said another. With that, the really loud growling noise started again and Herman noticed they put something up to his dad’s trunk. Then, his dad was falling!! Herman, said “Nooooo!” as his dad hit the forest floor. “I love you both!” his dad said as he was loaded onto the rolling creature and tied up with what Herman thought looked like snakes. “Ohhhh!” his mother was saying. Trees don’t cry but she was obviously very sad. But it wasn’t over yet.
“We still need one for inside the mansion.” Said one of the creatures, Herman assumed these must be the “men” Old Jake had talked about. “Yea and its getting cold so let’s decide quickly.” Said another. “How about this one?” said yet another. He was standing beside Herman’s mom! “It is nice and full and the perfect size.” Herman agreed she was full and perfect, but he didn’t like where this was heading. But it headed where he thought it would. The growling thing started up again and his mother fell and was tied with the snakes. “I love you son.” His mother said. “I love you too mom.” Said Herman. It was really a horrible day!! Herman and Jimbo were left to stare at the stumps that had been his parents just a few minutes before! “Why would they do this?” Herman said almost to himself.
“Christmas.” Old Jake said. “They will be Christmas trees.” “What is a Christmas tree?” We are Frazier Firs! Herman thought Old Jake must be going senile. But before Old Jake could answer another rolling animal smaller than the first approached. This time three “men” were hatched. One had long fir on it’s head and the other two were smaller. One of the smaller one’s had long fur too and the other looked like a smaller version of the “men” from earlier.
“Kids.” The tall furry one said, “we need to decide NOW. I’m cold and we need time to decorate it tonight too.” “Okay.” The short furry one said.
“How about this one?” said the mini man. He was standing next to Herman!! He is not too tall and he’d fit good in our house, I think.” “He?” tall furry responded. “Yeah,” said mini man “it seems like a boy tree.” “There are no boy and girl trees.” Short furry said in a superior tone. “Well, I think there are and THIS is a boy tree!” said the mini man. “Whatever.” Tall furry said. “Let’s get it home and get going!!” with that tall furry approached Herman with a growling thing and he felt a cold sensation go through his trunk and he was falling! He hit the forest floor with a thud. “Hermannnn!” He heard Jimbo yelling. “I guess I have to go be a Christmas tree now, Jimbo. Whatever that is.” Said Herman.
And sure enough, they loaded him on top of the rolling creature and trussed him down with what Herman could only determine were dead snakes as they didn’t move at all. As they headed out of the forest, Herman felt the air go through his branches like he normally did, but this time he was lying down and the wind was caused by the moving rolling thing. He was also feeling kind of dizzy as he needed water.
Once they arrived at their destination, they brought him into a building. Then they placed him into something that allowed him to stand up again and filled it with water. He gratefully soaked it up and felt better. “This tree is thirsty.” Tall furry said. “Yes we cut HIM down and took HIM away from his forest, so he is probably dehydrated.” “Robert, it is NOT a boy OR a girl!! IT is a TREE!” So the mini man’s name was Robert thought Herman. “Melissa, just because you are a teenager now, doesn’t mean you know everything!” Melissa was recently 13. So short furry was Melissa! “Well just because you are into the double digits, you don’t either!!” Robert just turned 10. “Kids! Let’s decorate the tree and STOP FIGHTING! For once!” said tall furry. “Sorry mom!” said Robert. “I know it isn’t easy for you without dad.” So tall furry was their mom, thought Herman.
“I’m fine.” Said mom, “But, we really need to get going.” With that, they hung a lot of things from Herman’s branches and placed something on top of him too. He felt kind of good all spiffed up!
The days passed quickly after that. Herman stood in the room while mom and Melissa and Robert went about their days. At night, Robert would sit up and talk to Herman. “Tree.” He would say. “I am sorry we had to take you out of your home. But, mom needed to have a nice Christmas this year. She misses dad so much. You see he is fighting the war in Iraq right now. He won’t be here for Christmas.” Again, this Christmas thing! Thought Herman, What was Christmas?
Finally, a day came when things were a bit more hectic than usual. “Robert, we need to get going! NOW!” said his mom. “I’m coming.” Said Robert. Quietly to Melissa Robert said, “I don’t understand why we need to go. I mean, God allowed dad to go to Iraq to fight during Christmas and that hurt mom. How could he do that?” Melissa responded equally as quietly, “Robert, God did not take dad, the army did. And Mom and I pray for him every night. God is helping us get through this. You should pray and and you’d see.” “Well, I’m leaving the TV on for HIM.” Robert said pointing to Herman. “He’ll be dead soon and should enjoy his last days on the earth.” “You are truly insane.” Said Melissa and headed out of the room toward her mother’s insistent calling. Robert followed after her saying to Herman “Girls!”.
Herman appreciated the “TV” which was a box showing moving pictures. However, he was caught up in the fact that he was going to be “dead soon” according to Robert. Herman had seen trees die before but not until they were old. Herman wasn’t old, he was young! All he needed was water and some nutrients and he could live just fine. Then he noticed something on the TV. A person was standing in front of a tree all decorated. “I am standing in front of the Governor’s mansion, where you can see behind me the tree all lit up beautifully! People are saying it is the most majestic tree they have had in years! It was his dad! Herman was certain. The “men” had said something about the Governor when they took him away. Then the person moved inside a building and he saw an absolutely amazing looking tree all decorated with soft lights. “This is the Governor’s family tree. The Governor’s wife said she had never seen a more full and beautiful tree.” His mom! Herman was so happy and sad too. He knew they were safe, but they were also far away from him.
The family returned. “That was such a beautiful service.” Said mom. “It was.” Said Melissa. “Yeah, it was nice.” Said Robert without much enthusiasm. Then, his mom got an object and sat down on the couch. She patted the seats next to her. “Mom, dad always read that.” Said Robert. “Well this year, we will have a new tradition.” His mother said with a catch in her voice. Melissa stared at him with a pointed glare. “Okay, yeah sure.” Said Robert and sat down.
His mother began speaking, “This is Luke, Chapter 2. In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. So, Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who he was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in clothes and placed him in a manger because there was no room for them at the Inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over there flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified. But the angel said to them. “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you. You will find the baby wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger.
Suddenly a great company of heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
“And who they found there changed the world, kids. As the minister said today, and John said so many years ago, John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
“That child saved the world and he will bring your father home safe too, I’m sure of it. Good night, we need to get up early because we have to get rid of the tree after we open presents we’ll be at Aunt Margaret’s for a week.” With that, Robert began to cry. “I’ll miss him mom! I talk to him and he seems to understand me! First Dad goes and now I lose the tree too!” “Talk to God son, he’ll understand you too and unlike this tree, God can help you.” His mother said. “I’m heading to bed now, I love you!” “Me too.” Said Melissa. “Presents tomorrow!!”
“I’m going to sit up a while and say good bye to the tree.” Well Herman was happy to know what Christmas was all about. It was incredible. This Jesus was a man above all men that was for sure!
“I’m just so sad right now.” Robert said. “Mom said I should pray, but how do I do that?” It sounded to Herman that praying was simply talking to God, but of course, Herman couldn’t communicate that. “Maybe it’s like talking to God.” Said Robert. Maybe he COULD communicate! Thought Herman. I’ll try it. “God, I miss my dad. I want him home and I want him to be safe. I know you can do that over anyone else. Oh, and Amen.” “That wasn’t so hard, I guess.” Robert said to Herman. “I wonder if God heard me? The minister said prayer is like incense to God, that he really likes it.”
“The minister also said that anyone who doesn’t have Jesus in their heart should pray to receive him. I didn’t do it at the time because I was pretty upset, but now I feel so peaceful I wish I’d have done it. Maybe, I could ask now?” Herman didn’t see why not. “Let me see if I can remember how to ask. Jesus, could you come into my heart and be with me? I need to live my life right and I need help to get through until my dad comes home and beyond.”
“Well, I don’t feel much different.” Said Robert “But the minister said once Jesus is in your life it starts to change and so do you.” Herman thought that must be true from what he’d heard Robert’s mom say about Jesus.
“Anyway,” yawned Robert “I need to get to bed.” “You know I bet I’m the only kid in my Sunday school class who will be able to say that their Christmas tree helped them into a relationship with Jesus!” Yeah, thought Herman and I didn’t even know who he was until a few days ago! “I wish I could tell my dad first, he will be so happy! Good night, tree.”
The next day the family exchanged gifts. To Herman, Robert seemed quieter, but he still hadn’t said anything to anyone about accepting Jesus. Then there was a ringing sound. “I’ll get it!” said Melissa “It’s probably Aunt Margaret! …DAD!” They heard her exclaim. “I need to talk to him!” said Robert “I have something VERY IMPORTANT to tell him.” Robert was so excited to be able to tell his dad first, it was as if God knew how much it meant to him! “Okay.” Said his mother, “But hurry! His time is usually short.”
“Dad,” Robert said as soon as he got on the line “I accepted Jesus into my heart last night and the Christmas tree helped!” “WHAT?!” his mother and Melissa said in unison. “That is great, Robert. I’m so excited for you, this is sure to change your life. The tree part will have to wait until I have more time, as I’m sure it’s a long story! I have news for you too, I’ll be home in less than a month!” “WOW! You are kidding! That is the best present ever, dad!” “Give me the phone!” said his mom. “Hi honey,” she said as she headed out of the room. “In less than a month…..”
“Dad is coming home in less than 1 month.” Said Robert to Melissa who was bursting to hear the news.
“Besides asking Jesus into my heart last night, I also prayed and God answered me!” Robert said “Just out of curiousity, is it always this fast?” Melissa laughed “No, Robert. “Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition present your requests to God.” And Peter says in 2Peter 3: 8-9 “With the Lord, a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promises as some understand slowness, but he is patient wanting everyone to come to repentance.”
“What that all means,” Melissa said “is that just because you pray it, doesn’t mean God will Fed-Ex it to you. It is according to God’s will.” Robert thought about that. “Okay, makes sense. But I’m sure glad God’s will is that Dad gets to come home.” Melissa gave Robert an uncharacteristic hug. “Me too, little brother, me too!”
With that, the family took all the decorations off of Herman and he was carried out to the curb and gently placed on the snow covered ground. “I will never forget you!” said Robert. Herman thought, “Me neither, my friend.” Herman’s last thought as he passed away was how glad he was he got to be a Christmas tree!
Christmas and after
Christmas was really nice! I was supposed to work Christmas Eve and due to the blizzard of 2009 I did not have to do that so I got to spend time with the family and that was nice! I got a very large nutcracker to add to my collection. This nutcracker is twice the size of my others and carries a ladder to boot! It is a firefighter nutcracker. I truthfully think it may scare the other nutcrackers so next year I may have to separate them!
Then, Christmas day we went to my mother-in-laws for brunch that lasted until 8pm. It was very pleasant and low key. The kids got a lot of nice gifts and spent time flying the "ufo's" my husband got them. They are little helicopter like things that glow and fly pretty much up and down but if you blow on them they vere off course. This is bad if there is an older person or toddler about. We had both and almost took them out several times. For some reason every Christmas season my husband feels at least one remote control vehicle is in order. My son was also given a very large car like thing, that goes up to 15 mph. My husband tried to play with it in my living room with the tree still present. That was quickly and loudly discouraged by me! Evidently this thing can go through snow, water and gosh knows what else!
Last night, I finally removed the very dead tree from my living room and I felt so liberated afterward I cannot tell you! I just love the feeling of having my room back to the way it was before the very large bush tree took over! Next year we are back to my subdued fake tree...yay!! That one, I will leave up until New Years! But having something turning my floor green with needles and forcing several pieces of furniture from the room does not allow for a long stay.
Today, is laundry putting away day and I will have 6 kids running about. 3 of my brothers, 2 of mine, and a friend of my daughters. The girls are wanting a mall trip this evening as my daughter got money for Christmas and she loves going from store to store to find the best bargains. I do too, so I understand and will take them. Gone are the days of just either dropping them off or being able to walk up to the mall and hang out on their own. I will be present the whole time although at a non-embarassing distance!
Thought you'd want to know.
Then, Christmas day we went to my mother-in-laws for brunch that lasted until 8pm. It was very pleasant and low key. The kids got a lot of nice gifts and spent time flying the "ufo's" my husband got them. They are little helicopter like things that glow and fly pretty much up and down but if you blow on them they vere off course. This is bad if there is an older person or toddler about. We had both and almost took them out several times. For some reason every Christmas season my husband feels at least one remote control vehicle is in order. My son was also given a very large car like thing, that goes up to 15 mph. My husband tried to play with it in my living room with the tree still present. That was quickly and loudly discouraged by me! Evidently this thing can go through snow, water and gosh knows what else!
Last night, I finally removed the very dead tree from my living room and I felt so liberated afterward I cannot tell you! I just love the feeling of having my room back to the way it was before the very large bush tree took over! Next year we are back to my subdued fake tree...yay!! That one, I will leave up until New Years! But having something turning my floor green with needles and forcing several pieces of furniture from the room does not allow for a long stay.
Today, is laundry putting away day and I will have 6 kids running about. 3 of my brothers, 2 of mine, and a friend of my daughters. The girls are wanting a mall trip this evening as my daughter got money for Christmas and she loves going from store to store to find the best bargains. I do too, so I understand and will take them. Gone are the days of just either dropping them off or being able to walk up to the mall and hang out on their own. I will be present the whole time although at a non-embarassing distance!
Thought you'd want to know.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Comfort and Joy!
I wrote a Christmas Story and I want to share it. It is rather long...but if you like long stories, you'll love it. If you have already heard me read it, you probably won't be interested. I will be posting it tomorrow for Christmas Eve.
I also have to work tomorrow night and had originally been going to call in sick but changed my mind after thinking and praying about it for a VERY long time. I decided God will handle it and if I'm meant to stay home for Christmas Eve, he will create a snow storm and they'll close the center. If I'm not, I'll drive there and hang out and talk to folks. Maybe I can touch someone's life that I wouldn't have been able to touch had I not been there. Christmas can be a rough time for some folks.
On a totally unrelated front, we have our THIRD hamster from the litter we created earlier this summer. Two of three have died. However, this is the first one who is actually acting like a hamster, i.e. making a nest out of paper towels, eating chewing, etc.. So I'm hopeful this one may have gotten the "normal" genes and will make it more than 2 months at a stretch. Evidently there is more to breeding hamsters than just putting them together!
Anyway, look for my story tomorrow.
Thought you'd want to know.
I also have to work tomorrow night and had originally been going to call in sick but changed my mind after thinking and praying about it for a VERY long time. I decided God will handle it and if I'm meant to stay home for Christmas Eve, he will create a snow storm and they'll close the center. If I'm not, I'll drive there and hang out and talk to folks. Maybe I can touch someone's life that I wouldn't have been able to touch had I not been there. Christmas can be a rough time for some folks.
On a totally unrelated front, we have our THIRD hamster from the litter we created earlier this summer. Two of three have died. However, this is the first one who is actually acting like a hamster, i.e. making a nest out of paper towels, eating chewing, etc.. So I'm hopeful this one may have gotten the "normal" genes and will make it more than 2 months at a stretch. Evidently there is more to breeding hamsters than just putting them together!
Anyway, look for my story tomorrow.
Thought you'd want to know.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Need Gas because it is cold
Have you ever noticed when the wind kicks up and the cold gusts roll in you need gas? But if it is nice with a cloudless sky and beautiful soft breezes your tank is full?
I don't understand this quandry but it happens to me all the time.
Today is busy, I have work and then dropping an unwilling 13 year old off for girl scout camp which she will enjoy immensly but is determined to complain right up until she goes. I believe this is some sort of cosmic punishment to me for I don't know giving birth to her or something?
My son has a basketball game which I'll miss. I went last week and was almost done in while trying to figure out where to sit to watch. They don't have stands or anything so everyone crowds around the sides of the gym and then the referees whistle at you if you get to close to the court. It is kind of insane really. I'll need three games at least before I no longer get whistled at and these whistles are NOT flattering. Although flattering whistles haven't come my way much since I turned 35! :)
That is all I have for today as my time is rather short!!
Thought you'd want to know.
I don't understand this quandry but it happens to me all the time.
Today is busy, I have work and then dropping an unwilling 13 year old off for girl scout camp which she will enjoy immensly but is determined to complain right up until she goes. I believe this is some sort of cosmic punishment to me for I don't know giving birth to her or something?
My son has a basketball game which I'll miss. I went last week and was almost done in while trying to figure out where to sit to watch. They don't have stands or anything so everyone crowds around the sides of the gym and then the referees whistle at you if you get to close to the court. It is kind of insane really. I'll need three games at least before I no longer get whistled at and these whistles are NOT flattering. Although flattering whistles haven't come my way much since I turned 35! :)
That is all I have for today as my time is rather short!!
Thought you'd want to know.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
I'm rich (NOT!)
So today I rode around in a limo for 1/2 hour feeling like a rock star or a VIP of some sort. A couple things struck me as I was riding. Number one, the bench seats in this limo were very narrow and it made me think rich people must have small behinds! I guess they do since they can afford personal trainers and liposuction and stuff. I also found it funny that the car was so long and only had one door in the back, so you had to kind of waddle up to where you were sitting once you got in..you'd think they'd have more than one so people could easily find their seats.
I got to go because I co-chaired the Magazine fundraiser and some of the kids won the "limo lunch" so they got to eat lunch in the limo instead of in the cafeteria. They needed adult supervision and at over 40 I qualify! I brought along my 4 year old nephew and he took the whole thing in stride although he did wonder why "no one was driving!" he couldn't see the driver and therefore in his 4 year old mind, there wasn't one. I explained that the driver was behind the screen. He seemed satisfied with that.
I also finally managed to trap a Happenings book. Yes, Happenings books are inanimate objects and should not be hard to trap but if you are asking your 13 year old daughter to trap one for you, it takes a long time. Since it took me as long as it did to get one, however, the price dropped by $10. I know a lot of people tell me they don't use theirs but I really like them, particularly, the Happenings books as they have nicer coupons in them. Plus they have that card thing that gets you additional discounts and any discount these days is a good discount! I'm very fired up about being able to look through it and find deals, it's like a high with me. Sounds kind of crazy but we all have our crazy vices and this one saves money.
Anyway, I'm off to finish mass amounts of laundry..I'm almost done and I can see the finish line. Now if I could just convince my family to wear the same clothes for a week or so I'd stay caught up.
Thought you'd want to know.
I got to go because I co-chaired the Magazine fundraiser and some of the kids won the "limo lunch" so they got to eat lunch in the limo instead of in the cafeteria. They needed adult supervision and at over 40 I qualify! I brought along my 4 year old nephew and he took the whole thing in stride although he did wonder why "no one was driving!" he couldn't see the driver and therefore in his 4 year old mind, there wasn't one. I explained that the driver was behind the screen. He seemed satisfied with that.
I also finally managed to trap a Happenings book. Yes, Happenings books are inanimate objects and should not be hard to trap but if you are asking your 13 year old daughter to trap one for you, it takes a long time. Since it took me as long as it did to get one, however, the price dropped by $10. I know a lot of people tell me they don't use theirs but I really like them, particularly, the Happenings books as they have nicer coupons in them. Plus they have that card thing that gets you additional discounts and any discount these days is a good discount! I'm very fired up about being able to look through it and find deals, it's like a high with me. Sounds kind of crazy but we all have our crazy vices and this one saves money.
Anyway, I'm off to finish mass amounts of laundry..I'm almost done and I can see the finish line. Now if I could just convince my family to wear the same clothes for a week or so I'd stay caught up.
Thought you'd want to know.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Blogging more often
I'm trying to blog on a more regular basis for anyone who may want to read this that way when you log in you will actually see something new. The problem is as with anything if you increase one thing you must decrease another. Okay, I'm referring to exercise!! I'm slowing on that front still and feeling guilty about it. However, I'm hopeful that as of the 1st of the year when things slow down I can get back on my horse.
Yesterday I largely ran errands - got groceries, picked up prescriptions, returned library books, etc.. Also finished about half the laundry, today I need to finish the rest. It is amazing how much easier life is without a large amount of laundry looming over it! I also managed to get my husband to the dentist, yes that is also my job!
We don't know exactly why that is my job...he has a tooth ache and suddenly I have a problem! I think it is because I said that "sickness and health" line when we got married..I knew I'd regret that in the future. Okay, this is tongue and cheek, but still, it DOES seem amazing to me how much men rely on women to do for them. How do single guys without living mothers do it? Maybe they send out their laundry and hire a personal assistant or something?
I have to be somewhere as per usual, so need to go...another thing I'm trying to do.BE ON TIME! This whole late thing isn't working out well and so far I've been on time the majority of times this week and it feels pretty good, so I'm sticking with it.
Thought you'd want to know.
Yesterday I largely ran errands - got groceries, picked up prescriptions, returned library books, etc.. Also finished about half the laundry, today I need to finish the rest. It is amazing how much easier life is without a large amount of laundry looming over it! I also managed to get my husband to the dentist, yes that is also my job!
We don't know exactly why that is my job...he has a tooth ache and suddenly I have a problem! I think it is because I said that "sickness and health" line when we got married..I knew I'd regret that in the future. Okay, this is tongue and cheek, but still, it DOES seem amazing to me how much men rely on women to do for them. How do single guys without living mothers do it? Maybe they send out their laundry and hire a personal assistant or something?
I have to be somewhere as per usual, so need to go...another thing I'm trying to do.BE ON TIME! This whole late thing isn't working out well and so far I've been on time the majority of times this week and it feels pretty good, so I'm sticking with it.
Thought you'd want to know.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Getting crazier by the minute!
I was at church on Sunday AM when my phone rang (or vibrated actually!) and it was my son. He said the dog had taken off with the waffle mix and spread it around the living room. The dog was irritated because she hadn't had a walk that day and was not allowed to go sledding the night before so she was getting revenge.
My son's solution to the problem was to make waffles. If life throws you lemons make lemonade and if the dog throws waffle mix make waffles! Can't fault the kids attitude. So I told him that was fine but NOT to start the waffle iron without either me or his father present. NO of course he won't do that! Right. So, he called three more times for ingredient information and then finally to announce that he had successfully MADE A WAFFLE! How did you do that without turning on the waffle iron? I asked naively! Okay, so he turned it on "for a minute." he said. No burn no foul I guess!! However, I did not hear much of the message at church because I kept leaving to answer the phone! THIS is why I always sit on the end.
I am having trouble accepting the fact that my smallest child is growing up! They are having health class at school lately and when my husband asked my son what he has learned he explained about babies and that they are attached to the mother with an "extension cord". I guess you just plug and go!! :)
Next week should calm down a bit as the kids are off school. We should be able to just go sledding or skating and "put our feet up!".
Last night we had a cookie social at my bible study group and they had chocolate covered cherries. I ALWAYS think I want one of those and then I bite into it and think why did I want one of these? My dad got them every year and absolutely loved them or so I think. Maybe he thought the same thing but was embarrassed to say anything. My grandmother always bought the Whitman's Sampler and I'd inevitably pull either the coconut one or the creepy strawberry filled one that had mystery strawberry filling. I never seemed to remember to look at the "chocolate map" before grabbing one. My brother always got the good solid chocolate one or the gooey chocolate one. Unfair, but then he looked at the map! And we say men never ask directions!
Thought you'd want to know.
My son's solution to the problem was to make waffles. If life throws you lemons make lemonade and if the dog throws waffle mix make waffles! Can't fault the kids attitude. So I told him that was fine but NOT to start the waffle iron without either me or his father present. NO of course he won't do that! Right. So, he called three more times for ingredient information and then finally to announce that he had successfully MADE A WAFFLE! How did you do that without turning on the waffle iron? I asked naively! Okay, so he turned it on "for a minute." he said. No burn no foul I guess!! However, I did not hear much of the message at church because I kept leaving to answer the phone! THIS is why I always sit on the end.
I am having trouble accepting the fact that my smallest child is growing up! They are having health class at school lately and when my husband asked my son what he has learned he explained about babies and that they are attached to the mother with an "extension cord". I guess you just plug and go!! :)
Next week should calm down a bit as the kids are off school. We should be able to just go sledding or skating and "put our feet up!".
Last night we had a cookie social at my bible study group and they had chocolate covered cherries. I ALWAYS think I want one of those and then I bite into it and think why did I want one of these? My dad got them every year and absolutely loved them or so I think. Maybe he thought the same thing but was embarrassed to say anything. My grandmother always bought the Whitman's Sampler and I'd inevitably pull either the coconut one or the creepy strawberry filled one that had mystery strawberry filling. I never seemed to remember to look at the "chocolate map" before grabbing one. My brother always got the good solid chocolate one or the gooey chocolate one. Unfair, but then he looked at the map! And we say men never ask directions!
Thought you'd want to know.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Late...again!
I am always late. I know most people say they are late but I have made a profession out of it. I was 2 weeks late at birth and it hasn't improved much since. No matter how early I seem to start out, I still wind up late.
I remember a few weeks ago, I was 10 minutes late for a meeting and I walked in and was irritated because no one else was there, HOW COULD THEY BE LATER THAN I AM? I thought! Well, in looking at my calendar I realized, I was a week early! So, I was early that time, but too early to wait!
Another time, my best friend threw a wedding shower for me. I had signed up to bike in the iron man bike ride that at that time started and ended in Buffalo, MN. So, I thought I'd do the short ride, 62 miles (I was in shape then) and then I'd make the shower on time. Well, it rained during the race and then hailed! That held me up a bit, plus even though I was in shape, I still was tired at the end and need a bit to rest before getting in my car and heading home. When I got home I looked in the mirror and discovered tire grease all over me. Well, then I had to shower. Long story short I was 45 minutes late for my own shower!
I have decided for my New Year's Resolution I am going to resolve to be on time. I know I need to start planning now on how I'll accomplish that. I also probably have to find a book on being on time and how to do it. There probably is one, there is one on every topic. Yes, I know what you are thinking, JUST LEAVE EARLIER. It is not that simple, it can't be...
Thought you'd want to know.
I remember a few weeks ago, I was 10 minutes late for a meeting and I walked in and was irritated because no one else was there, HOW COULD THEY BE LATER THAN I AM? I thought! Well, in looking at my calendar I realized, I was a week early! So, I was early that time, but too early to wait!
Another time, my best friend threw a wedding shower for me. I had signed up to bike in the iron man bike ride that at that time started and ended in Buffalo, MN. So, I thought I'd do the short ride, 62 miles (I was in shape then) and then I'd make the shower on time. Well, it rained during the race and then hailed! That held me up a bit, plus even though I was in shape, I still was tired at the end and need a bit to rest before getting in my car and heading home. When I got home I looked in the mirror and discovered tire grease all over me. Well, then I had to shower. Long story short I was 45 minutes late for my own shower!
I have decided for my New Year's Resolution I am going to resolve to be on time. I know I need to start planning now on how I'll accomplish that. I also probably have to find a book on being on time and how to do it. There probably is one, there is one on every topic. Yes, I know what you are thinking, JUST LEAVE EARLIER. It is not that simple, it can't be...
Thought you'd want to know.
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