Happy New Year's everyone. Ok, so I'm a couple of days early but by the time my life gets back into a normal routine it will be 2006.
Where have I been? I know I managed to post yesterday, but it was only because I made myself sit down at the computer to let ya'll know I was still alive. I've even tried to read a couple around the blogsphere and post a comment here and there. Well, to answer the question on everyone's mind, I've been on a vacation of a sorts this week.
At OCC we have what's refered to as "work lite" this week. Meaning if you have work to do, come and do it. If you don't have any work to do stay home and relax, we'll still pay you. This means that I've slept in all week. Took my time to get ready, went to the office for a couple hours then spent the rest of the day/night with my family. Monday and today I didn't go to the office at all. Not that I spent the whole day sitting at home eating bon bons watching soaps, nope I've been a busy girl and I MIGHT tell you about it next week.
So if you don't hear from me from a couple of days fear not, I'm still here and when I get back to normal I'll catch up on all my friends' lives!
Peace and Blessings!
Friday, December 30, 2005
Thursday, December 29, 2005
A family tradition
A few years ago (before I was married) I started a family tradition of setting a place at the table for the Unexpected Guest. I'm not sure where I had heard it from but at the time it seemed like the thing to do. It's a wonderful symbolism of Christ coming and being ready for Him when He does. However our table barely fits the 6 of us with the kids sitting at a plastic kids table in the kitchen. We've taken this tradition to just having enough stuff to set out for the Unexpected Guest. I make sure there's an extra fork, spoon, knife, plate and napkin set out should the Unexpected Guest arrive.
My mother of course thought, and I bet if truth be known probably still thinks, it's a silly thing to do. To "waste" dishes. Then, a year or so after starting this tradition, when there was still room at the table, my grandfather showed up unexpectedly and was greeted as though we knew he was coming and showed him his place at the table. Every year I'm reminded of our unexpected guest showing up.
My mother of course thought, and I bet if truth be known probably still thinks, it's a silly thing to do. To "waste" dishes. Then, a year or so after starting this tradition, when there was still room at the table, my grandfather showed up unexpectedly and was greeted as though we knew he was coming and showed him his place at the table. Every year I'm reminded of our unexpected guest showing up.
Monday, December 26, 2005
What I Did On My Christmas Break
I feel like I'm in third grade writing my first report of the new semester. My mind is blank. I know I did stuff. Um, we opened presents at Papa Corvette's on Thursday. This worked out well because Peanut was chomping at the bit to open presents. She got a new Barbie carring case that I'll sure to put to use... oh, I mean SHE'LL put to use, yeah, that's what I meant. Promise.
Friday Peanut and I did a quick trip around Enid and the surround country as we had a few errands to run before we could officially hit the road. We went to the farm about thirty minutes outside Enid to Nickel's grandmother's. Shared presents then came back. Peanut's been begging to get her hair cut for weeks now so with her Christmas money in hand I couldn't say no. She's not quite brave enough to let HairDresser wash her hair but after getting a trim and french braids she felt like the prettiest girl in the whole wide world. Before heading off to Tulsy-Town we let her open the presents we had picked up as well as her stocking. Last year we took them to my mother's but it seemed a little silly to pack them in the car only to return with the same things minus the paper. She of course loved opening her presents and wanted to take them all with her but I was too mean and wouldn't let EVERYTHING come.
Friday night we went to Nickel's brother's house where Nickel helped put together a new TV cabinet for their new TV. Because we hadn't been to Tulsy-Town in the last couple of weeks (not since Thanksgiving) I got to hold our new neice, Precious Neice. She's three weeks old and just perfect! No lie. She loves to cuddle and I loved cuddling with her! Peanut played nicely with her big brother making a castle out of the boxes and packing stuff the TV and cabinet came in.
Saturday is our traditional Christmas celebration with Nickel's side of the family. That morning Nickel and I went driving around while Peanut stayed with her grandma to make cookies. My mother's sister also lives in Tulsy-Town and her birthday is December 25th so we took her the little gift I had bought from one of Peanut's school fund raisers. She was so suprised to find us outside her house Saturday morning. Mostly because I've never really been able to find her house on my own without calling and saying 'where you at again' but I wanted it to be a suprise so there would be no phone calls that day. We just passed their drive way when I yelled out that that house was it! After a little Bueno (which I do NOT like) Nickel and I attempted to take naps. My attempt was much better then his because mine was sucessful. He tried to nap on the living room couch, I napped upstairs in the guest room with the door closed. My momma didn't raise no fool! By the time I woke up Precious Niece was there and needed cuddling. A couple hours later all the presents were open and everyone was excited. Peanut got her own laptop, but Barbie doesn't have internet or windows for that matter so she'll be on mine all the time. Yes, she's only 5, but she's going on 15. One of Peanut's favorite gifts came from UncleThat'sAlwaysLate, he got her snow boots that light up when she walks. She entertained everyone by singing "These boots are made for walking, and that's just what they'll do, some of the days these boots are gonna---walk---all---- over you!" She has quite the attitude while singing it. Much fun for those to hear.
We packed up the car and started singing "over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house we go..." because Nana, my mom, does in fact live over the river and in the middle of the woods. Some how Santa always finds it though, even without the city lights. I gave my mom the book I made at My Publisher and she loved it. She read it about 3 times before letting my dad read it once then read it another 3 or 400 times. Peanut went to sleep amazingly easy. My other neice and nephews hadn't shown up yet. The next morning, feeling like a little kid I woke up early. My brother and his wife were still asleep on a pop up bed in the living room but luckily earlier in the year my mother had bought a tv for my old bedroom so I watched Nick Jr until 8. Presents were all open within minutes and I made French Toast for breakfast. We had a wonderful time.
Mid-afternoon Peanut started getting crabby and we knew it was a good time to get on the road so she and I could take our naps--it's a long drive and luckily Nickel prefers for us to sleep. The house was mostly clean when we got home. I had spent the week before getting as much clutter put away so it wouldn't be so bad, but you know how it is when you travel. In the floor everything goes. Peanut was all ready to move her stuff into her room, trouble was you couldn't see her room for all the CRAP she had everywhere. I insisted she start cleaning her room before we moved stuff in. She started while I cooked an easy supper. Later I went in to help her (it really was a two person job) but before too long I insisted she take a nap, which she did, for an hour. I got LOTS done while she was in the bathtub for an hour.
Monday, today, I was able to restore our home to it's original exsistance. The tree is down, toys have been assimulated. The bathroom has been cleaned from top to bottom, my Monday chore and the laundry is right where it's suppose to be... in the laundry baskets waiting for me to put them up. Which I'll do. Just not today. Perhaps tomorrow, the bedroom is Tuesday's chore. I've skipped ahead and did Wednesday's chore of cleaning the living room, but I'm sure there will be a handful of toys that escaped from Peanut's room waiting for me then.
Ok, well, I lost count of how many words this is, but I hope it's long enough to get a A on my paper! Oh wait, this isn't third grade! Dang it.
Friday Peanut and I did a quick trip around Enid and the surround country as we had a few errands to run before we could officially hit the road. We went to the farm about thirty minutes outside Enid to Nickel's grandmother's. Shared presents then came back. Peanut's been begging to get her hair cut for weeks now so with her Christmas money in hand I couldn't say no. She's not quite brave enough to let HairDresser wash her hair but after getting a trim and french braids she felt like the prettiest girl in the whole wide world. Before heading off to Tulsy-Town we let her open the presents we had picked up as well as her stocking. Last year we took them to my mother's but it seemed a little silly to pack them in the car only to return with the same things minus the paper. She of course loved opening her presents and wanted to take them all with her but I was too mean and wouldn't let EVERYTHING come.
Friday night we went to Nickel's brother's house where Nickel helped put together a new TV cabinet for their new TV. Because we hadn't been to Tulsy-Town in the last couple of weeks (not since Thanksgiving) I got to hold our new neice, Precious Neice. She's three weeks old and just perfect! No lie. She loves to cuddle and I loved cuddling with her! Peanut played nicely with her big brother making a castle out of the boxes and packing stuff the TV and cabinet came in.
Saturday is our traditional Christmas celebration with Nickel's side of the family. That morning Nickel and I went driving around while Peanut stayed with her grandma to make cookies. My mother's sister also lives in Tulsy-Town and her birthday is December 25th so we took her the little gift I had bought from one of Peanut's school fund raisers. She was so suprised to find us outside her house Saturday morning. Mostly because I've never really been able to find her house on my own without calling and saying 'where you at again' but I wanted it to be a suprise so there would be no phone calls that day. We just passed their drive way when I yelled out that that house was it! After a little Bueno (which I do NOT like) Nickel and I attempted to take naps. My attempt was much better then his because mine was sucessful. He tried to nap on the living room couch, I napped upstairs in the guest room with the door closed. My momma didn't raise no fool! By the time I woke up Precious Niece was there and needed cuddling. A couple hours later all the presents were open and everyone was excited. Peanut got her own laptop, but Barbie doesn't have internet or windows for that matter so she'll be on mine all the time. Yes, she's only 5, but she's going on 15. One of Peanut's favorite gifts came from UncleThat'sAlwaysLate, he got her snow boots that light up when she walks. She entertained everyone by singing "These boots are made for walking, and that's just what they'll do, some of the days these boots are gonna---walk---all---- over you!" She has quite the attitude while singing it. Much fun for those to hear.
We packed up the car and started singing "over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house we go..." because Nana, my mom, does in fact live over the river and in the middle of the woods. Some how Santa always finds it though, even without the city lights. I gave my mom the book I made at My Publisher and she loved it. She read it about 3 times before letting my dad read it once then read it another 3 or 400 times. Peanut went to sleep amazingly easy. My other neice and nephews hadn't shown up yet. The next morning, feeling like a little kid I woke up early. My brother and his wife were still asleep on a pop up bed in the living room but luckily earlier in the year my mother had bought a tv for my old bedroom so I watched Nick Jr until 8. Presents were all open within minutes and I made French Toast for breakfast. We had a wonderful time.
Mid-afternoon Peanut started getting crabby and we knew it was a good time to get on the road so she and I could take our naps--it's a long drive and luckily Nickel prefers for us to sleep. The house was mostly clean when we got home. I had spent the week before getting as much clutter put away so it wouldn't be so bad, but you know how it is when you travel. In the floor everything goes. Peanut was all ready to move her stuff into her room, trouble was you couldn't see her room for all the CRAP she had everywhere. I insisted she start cleaning her room before we moved stuff in. She started while I cooked an easy supper. Later I went in to help her (it really was a two person job) but before too long I insisted she take a nap, which she did, for an hour. I got LOTS done while she was in the bathtub for an hour.
Monday, today, I was able to restore our home to it's original exsistance. The tree is down, toys have been assimulated. The bathroom has been cleaned from top to bottom, my Monday chore and the laundry is right where it's suppose to be... in the laundry baskets waiting for me to put them up. Which I'll do. Just not today. Perhaps tomorrow, the bedroom is Tuesday's chore. I've skipped ahead and did Wednesday's chore of cleaning the living room, but I'm sure there will be a handful of toys that escaped from Peanut's room waiting for me then.
Ok, well, I lost count of how many words this is, but I hope it's long enough to get a A on my paper! Oh wait, this isn't third grade! Dang it.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Merry Christmas
Not much time for a post, got too much to do, but I wanted to take the time to wish ALL my friends a very
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Baking
Tonight I am baking cookies. I've tasted one and it was wonderful! But with all this cooking and cleaning to do I have no real time to sit and think of something clever to write.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Wanting cookies
Hmm... well, blogger won't let me upload a picture, but if I could I would have a picture of chocolate chip cookies on a shiney new cookie sheet as they were coming out of the oven all perfect and looking good enough to eat.....
It's almost Christmas and I'm in the mood for cookies. I like chocolate chip the best. But I also like a good soft sugar cookie and peanut butter cookie oh and of course no bake cookies. But I also like those white chocolate dipped pretzels, I know they're not in the cookie family, but they are Christmas-y if they have red and green sprinkles on them! So tell me, blogger fans, what kind of cookies and treats do you like to eat around the holidays?
Oh, and if you wanted to post a great recipie I would be tempted to make some and tell you what I think of your cookies.
No really, it's ok. Go ahead, post your secret family recipe. I won't tell anyone! I promise!
I'll need something to do with Peanut while she's out of school and begging every five seconds to open presents.
It's almost Christmas and I'm in the mood for cookies. I like chocolate chip the best. But I also like a good soft sugar cookie and peanut butter cookie oh and of course no bake cookies. But I also like those white chocolate dipped pretzels, I know they're not in the cookie family, but they are Christmas-y if they have red and green sprinkles on them! So tell me, blogger fans, what kind of cookies and treats do you like to eat around the holidays?
Oh, and if you wanted to post a great recipie I would be tempted to make some and tell you what I think of your cookies.
No really, it's ok. Go ahead, post your secret family recipe. I won't tell anyone! I promise!
I'll need something to do with Peanut while she's out of school and begging every five seconds to open presents.
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Things to do
Oh, I have a list and I've been putting it off for days now. The dishes have been washed in like a week, but that's ok because I haven't cooked in a week either so there aren't a ton of dirty dishes. I have three baskets of clothes I need to put away and about 7 left to wash and dry. I want some icecream but I don't have any in my house and it's almost 9 and I'm my pajamas so I don't want to get out. I'm whining and I know it, but there's nothing I can really do about it. Somehow doing some stretches last night I've pulled both my calve muscles which was expecially fun since I spent 6 hours in heels and panty hose doing a wedding. The bride about drove me crazy telling me what my job was but not to cause her any stress I didn't tell her where she could stick it, instead I just ignored her and didn't do what she told me. The things got handled, and on time so I'm not going to stress out over it. I did manage to get all the Christmas presents wrapped and under the tree! That's one gold star for me! However I've lost track of who I have left to buy for so I'm going to have to stop and actually think here before too long. But all I want to think about right now is the icecream I don't have and the bed that's covered with laundry baskets...
Oh, and Peanut's friend Cashew is spending the night. They're hyper and I'm ready for them to go to bed. Hmm... I really wish I had some icecream.
Oh, and Peanut's friend Cashew is spending the night. They're hyper and I'm ready for them to go to bed. Hmm... I really wish I had some icecream.
Some more snow
First she say go out. Now she says come in.
Dad: Eggplant casserole tonight?
Mom: Why...Yes!
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
We now resume with the regularly scheduled program
Mom and Dad don't value hard work and originality as much as they say they do.
Hobbes: Snow sharks?Calvin: That guys a goner
The proposal
I interrupt this Calvin and Hobbes fest (which will probably continue either later today or tomorrow) to tell you a new Peanut story.
One of the benifits I enjoy about the church I work at is my daughter gets to attend the morning preschool for free then they take her to her afternoon kindergarten in the public school system. Peanut enjoys coming to work with me and really like going to preschool which is focused on Jesus.
Yesterday the lady who takes her to her afternoon school came up to me. She usually has a silly story to tell me about Peanut and Poke's Fan's conversation. They think they are so grown up. They act like brother and sister and have often talked about living together as brother and sister. But yesterday, Poke's Fan asked Peanut to marry him. She immediatly told him no. She wasn't ready to settle down and he didn't have a job to support her lavish spending habits. Ok, that last part I added, but I'm sure she was thinking it!
Of course by the time I was her age I had already married to Deuce. It was a lovely ceremony. I walked down the hall with my blanket over my head and he walked down the hall with my sand bucket over his. Then my brother (who later married me for real to Nickel) married us. We didn't kiss, I didn't like kissing boys, I just wanted to be married to Deuce because that's what people did when they liked each other.
I'm glad that Peanut has her priorities set. I'm sure she's thinking she needs to finish her education, become sucessful, and travel before she settles down. Besides, I'm kinda booked up right now with church weddings (7 on the books now between now and July including one this weekend) so I don't have time to plan hers as well. I hope she didn't break Poke's Fan's heart too bad, they still have a semester of school left of preschool.
One of the benifits I enjoy about the church I work at is my daughter gets to attend the morning preschool for free then they take her to her afternoon kindergarten in the public school system. Peanut enjoys coming to work with me and really like going to preschool which is focused on Jesus.
Yesterday the lady who takes her to her afternoon school came up to me. She usually has a silly story to tell me about Peanut and Poke's Fan's conversation. They think they are so grown up. They act like brother and sister and have often talked about living together as brother and sister. But yesterday, Poke's Fan asked Peanut to marry him. She immediatly told him no. She wasn't ready to settle down and he didn't have a job to support her lavish spending habits. Ok, that last part I added, but I'm sure she was thinking it!
Of course by the time I was her age I had already married to Deuce. It was a lovely ceremony. I walked down the hall with my blanket over my head and he walked down the hall with my sand bucket over his. Then my brother (who later married me for real to Nickel) married us. We didn't kiss, I didn't like kissing boys, I just wanted to be married to Deuce because that's what people did when they liked each other.
I'm glad that Peanut has her priorities set. I'm sure she's thinking she needs to finish her education, become sucessful, and travel before she settles down. Besides, I'm kinda booked up right now with church weddings (7 on the books now between now and July including one this weekend) so I don't have time to plan hers as well. I hope she didn't break Poke's Fan's heart too bad, they still have a semester of school left of preschool.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Snowmen
I think we'd better get that kid to a psycholigist
You don't like my snowman house of horror do you?!
You have to admit it's slowed down the traffic on our road
Friday, December 09, 2005
RevGal Friday Five: Snow Day
1) Snow: love it or hate it?
2) First snow memory
3) Best Snow Day ever (actual or imagined)
4) Best use of snow in a movie, song, book or poem
5) What you are planning to do today, with or without snow
2) First snow memory
3) Best Snow Day ever (actual or imagined)
4) Best use of snow in a movie, song, book or poem
5) What you are planning to do today, with or without snow
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Phone call to God
Hello God, this is Leslee. ....
Oh, you already knew that? Ok, well, I was calling to see if you could turn the AC up a little bit. I'm a bit cold down here...
Yes.......
You're right, I should stop complaining..........
You're right I'll gripe even louder if the mosquitos aren't killed off this year and we have double next year.
Yes Sirthat's true too...
Yes Sir you have always taken great care of me....
Thank you Sir.....
Have a good day....
Yes Sir.....
I love you too.....
Bye.
There you have it folks, I tried and got turned down. Winter's here to stay.
Oh, you already knew that? Ok, well, I was calling to see if you could turn the AC up a little bit. I'm a bit cold down here...
Yes.......
You're right, I should stop complaining..........
You're right I'll gripe even louder if the mosquitos aren't killed off this year and we have double next year.
Yes Sirthat's true too...
Yes Sir you have always taken great care of me....
Thank you Sir.....
Have a good day....
Yes Sir.....
I love you too.....
Bye.
There you have it folks, I tried and got turned down. Winter's here to stay.
Monday, December 05, 2005
If you read this, if your eyes are passing over this right now, even if we don't speak often, please post a comment with a COMPLETELY MADE UP AND FICTIONAL MEMORY OF YOU AND ME.
It can be anything you want--good or bad--BUT IT HAS TO BE FAKE.
When you're finished, post this paragraph on your blog and be surprised (or mortified) about what people DON'T ACTUALLY remember about you. I got this from Jules "Faith or Fiction" all the entries were hysterical, she might have peed in her pants on some of them!
So, what do you NOT remember about me?
It can be anything you want--good or bad--BUT IT HAS TO BE FAKE.
When you're finished, post this paragraph on your blog and be surprised (or mortified) about what people DON'T ACTUALLY remember about you. I got this from Jules "Faith or Fiction" all the entries were hysterical, she might have peed in her pants on some of them!
So, what do you NOT remember about me?
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Christmas Shopping
When I was little we would get these free (I THINK they were free because they weren't stuff my mom would actually buy) Christmas church plays. We never had anywhere the amount of kids that would be required to do the production but I loved to play the tape that usually accompanied the play book with all the songs in it. I got to imagine the scenes in my mind and I really enjoyed this. One of the songs have stayed with me all these years. Some of the words went something like this:
So many people pushing and a shoving
Looking for something they'll never find.
Jackie want some ice skates,
Johnny wants a radio.
I want a meal and warm place to sleep.
If that's what Christmas is then who needs Christmas?
If that's what Christmas is then who needs Christmas?
I don't, do you? No! I don't, do you? No! I don't need Christmas!
The play was about homeless children and how they learned the meaning of Christmas from a Christian who came to help them. He told the Christmas story and they acted it out with what they had around them. But these words are so true. Christmas is a time of year when we should be loving on each other but instead we get attitudes and show impatience. I was driving through the parking lot at my local grocery store the other day, actually staying in the line unlike most people. But, because of a truck blocking my path I had to move over a little bit-in "on coming" traffic. This large redheaded woman coming towards us, but still far enough away for me to go around the truck safely, threw her hands up as though to say "What the heck(probably not the word she was actually using) are you people doing" and threw me a NASTY look! It's not like the truck or myself caused a wreck of any kind. Nor did we cause her to do more then tap on her brakes (because as soon as she saw me going around the truck she sped up as though to say, look you made me use my brakes!). Why does Christmas stress people out so that they can't show some common courtesy? Maybe this woman wasn't suffering from Christmas stress, maybe she's like that all the time because she hasn't found Jesus, but it just seems that a lot of people get mean this time of year. I'd rather not have Christmas at all just to have people actually be nice to each other!
So many people pushing and a shoving
Looking for something they'll never find.
Jackie want some ice skates,
Johnny wants a radio.
I want a meal and warm place to sleep.
If that's what Christmas is then who needs Christmas?
If that's what Christmas is then who needs Christmas?
I don't, do you? No! I don't, do you? No! I don't need Christmas!
The play was about homeless children and how they learned the meaning of Christmas from a Christian who came to help them. He told the Christmas story and they acted it out with what they had around them. But these words are so true. Christmas is a time of year when we should be loving on each other but instead we get attitudes and show impatience. I was driving through the parking lot at my local grocery store the other day, actually staying in the line unlike most people. But, because of a truck blocking my path I had to move over a little bit-in "on coming" traffic. This large redheaded woman coming towards us, but still far enough away for me to go around the truck safely, threw her hands up as though to say "What the heck(probably not the word she was actually using) are you people doing" and threw me a NASTY look! It's not like the truck or myself caused a wreck of any kind. Nor did we cause her to do more then tap on her brakes (because as soon as she saw me going around the truck she sped up as though to say, look you made me use my brakes!). Why does Christmas stress people out so that they can't show some common courtesy? Maybe this woman wasn't suffering from Christmas stress, maybe she's like that all the time because she hasn't found Jesus, but it just seems that a lot of people get mean this time of year. I'd rather not have Christmas at all just to have people actually be nice to each other!
Friday, December 02, 2005
I need your help
Ok you computer HTML savvy people. I've tried to put snowflakes on my webpage. I followed the directions to a T and now all you see is little Xs floating down. How can I fix this?
Oh hey, look! None of you were fast enough so God sent an angel who specializes in HTML to help me! Enjoy the snow!
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
On Love
Just because someone doesn't love you the way you wish they would, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
I began this week long journey feeling bitter, angry, and hurt towards a grandfather that I thought didn't love me but along the way I've learned that he just didn't show it in ways that I understood. The first instance of this was driving with my mother Thanksgiving night and finding out my grandfather gave my mother flowers when I was born. As you may have guessed, flowers mean a lot to me and to find out that he not only spent money on flowers but took the time to deliver them to my mother just floors me, amazes me, and touches me. Then in my last post my friend Faith gave me words that I really needed to read. It hit home with me today. Now I grieve for the man who may not have loved me like I wanted to be loved but loved me with what he had.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Goodbyes
My grandfather wasn't your typical grandfather. When my dad was about two he divorced my grandmother and joined the army. Dad doesn't really talk about spending any time with his dad. I don't know that he actually did. I never really got to know my grandfather. I knew he was alive. I'd see him from time to time, but not regularly enough know him. I had no desire to visit him in the nursing home he's lived in for the last two years. I did go with my parents last summer. I sat there and looked at a stranger. Actually, I know most strangers better then I knew my own grandfather. I remember one time when I started getting interested in family history we went and visited him. I asked him a lot of questions. Most of them he ignored or would respond without answering my questions. Others he would answer and contradict himself. My grandfather was a habitual liar. I don't know that he even knew what was truth.
I wanted a grandfather when I was little. I remember being SO jealous of my daughter because she had TWO grandfathers that thought she hung the moon as well as FIVE grandmothers (two greatgrandmothers). Growing up I had one grandmother that loved me very very much and one absent grandfather. I was so mad at him for this! Reaching out to him was like trying to hug a barbed wire fence. But I know there were times when he showed his love. My mother has a picture him holding me when I was a tiny baby. On occasion we'd get a Christmas card from him with $40 bucks in it. Most of the time my parents would give my brother and I each a $20 sometimes, when times were especially rough we'd only get $10 a piece. I took the money, probably spent it on myself too, but I still resented the fact that he didn't know me well enough to buy me a present and give it to me himself. But for these rare moments of .... love? I wanted to show my respect to him and honor his passing.
Monday came and I hadn't shed a single tear. Not until I pulled into the cemetery. He had arranged to be buried at the National cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. From the road we could see the rows and rows of white headstones marking all the brave soldiers who had at one time or another served this nation. Pulling up to the pavilion I could see 7 men in their uniforms standing at attention. They were there to honor my grandfather as well. This made me cry. They were all total stranger, none I'm sure knew my grandfather. And my grandfather probably was never as respected as he was on that day the whole time he was alive. Then, I watched as these young men as they removed him from the hearse and carried him to the stand. The service was short and sweet (which was a blessing because it was 30 degrees and the wind was blowing violently from the north-this was an outside service afterall). Grandfather didn't like music (so I'm told but I wouldn't have known that otherwise) so the only song played was taps after the gun solute. There were no memories shared, no one really had any. The seven men came back to fold up the flag, which in itself was a much longer ordeal then I expected.
I cried for my grandfather yesterday. A man that I didn't really know, and never really will. I hope he has a peaceful rest. I'd like to say he'll be missed, but truthfully, I don't know that he will.
I wanted a grandfather when I was little. I remember being SO jealous of my daughter because she had TWO grandfathers that thought she hung the moon as well as FIVE grandmothers (two greatgrandmothers). Growing up I had one grandmother that loved me very very much and one absent grandfather. I was so mad at him for this! Reaching out to him was like trying to hug a barbed wire fence. But I know there were times when he showed his love. My mother has a picture him holding me when I was a tiny baby. On occasion we'd get a Christmas card from him with $40 bucks in it. Most of the time my parents would give my brother and I each a $20 sometimes, when times were especially rough we'd only get $10 a piece. I took the money, probably spent it on myself too, but I still resented the fact that he didn't know me well enough to buy me a present and give it to me himself. But for these rare moments of .... love? I wanted to show my respect to him and honor his passing.
Monday came and I hadn't shed a single tear. Not until I pulled into the cemetery. He had arranged to be buried at the National cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. From the road we could see the rows and rows of white headstones marking all the brave soldiers who had at one time or another served this nation. Pulling up to the pavilion I could see 7 men in their uniforms standing at attention. They were there to honor my grandfather as well. This made me cry. They were all total stranger, none I'm sure knew my grandfather. And my grandfather probably was never as respected as he was on that day the whole time he was alive. Then, I watched as these young men as they removed him from the hearse and carried him to the stand. The service was short and sweet (which was a blessing because it was 30 degrees and the wind was blowing violently from the north-this was an outside service afterall). Grandfather didn't like music (so I'm told but I wouldn't have known that otherwise) so the only song played was taps after the gun solute. There were no memories shared, no one really had any. The seven men came back to fold up the flag, which in itself was a much longer ordeal then I expected.
I cried for my grandfather yesterday. A man that I didn't really know, and never really will. I hope he has a peaceful rest. I'd like to say he'll be missed, but truthfully, I don't know that he will.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Hello Old Friend
Oddest thing happened today, and I'm trying to figure out what exactly God is saying to me. You see, a long time ago I was totally in love with Jimmy, or at least that's what I thought when I was 13. Jimmy was my friend, but he had his flaws. About 7 years ago Jimmy fell off the face of the Earth. We had different friends, his were druggies mostly, mine where college kids. Our lives took different paths and we did not remain in conact. I often thought of Jimmy. Not a I wish I had done something different or questioning if I had married the right man. No, I just wondering where he was, if he was still alive or did he fall into the addiction that so many do. Not a month went by in the last 7 years that I didn't have a thought, even a brief one, about Jimmy.
Then today, out of the blue there he was. Peanut and I were on our way back to Tahlequah to my grandfather's funeral when I stopped for gas. Usually I just pay at the pump so I don't have to go in and be tempted to buy something I don't need. But today Peanut needed to go to the bathroom. So we went in, I paid for my gas got some change for a newspaper and as we were walking out the door I saw...nope, the newspapers. I grabbed it and turned back to the counter to pay. I paid little attention to the guy who was standing there paying for his stuff. Then he turned around. I recognized him right away even though he looked different. He'd put on some weight, as it seems we all do, but he looked healthy. I was in shock. I rarely run into anyone I know when I go back home (and it's not THAT big of a town). He asked if I remembered him. Well, yes of course. I introduced him to Peanut, who was probably wondering if I knew EVERYONE. And stupid me I said, I didn't know if you were alive or dead, you fell off the earth. Well, he didn't fall off the earth. He just took some time to grow up. He's married, has three beautiful children (he showed me a picture). So maybe now I won't have to think about him every month wondering if he's alive or not. I can be satisfied knowing there's another woman out there worring about him.
One down, two to go... lol
I thank my God upon every rememberance of you!
Then today, out of the blue there he was. Peanut and I were on our way back to Tahlequah to my grandfather's funeral when I stopped for gas. Usually I just pay at the pump so I don't have to go in and be tempted to buy something I don't need. But today Peanut needed to go to the bathroom. So we went in, I paid for my gas got some change for a newspaper and as we were walking out the door I saw...nope, the newspapers. I grabbed it and turned back to the counter to pay. I paid little attention to the guy who was standing there paying for his stuff. Then he turned around. I recognized him right away even though he looked different. He'd put on some weight, as it seems we all do, but he looked healthy. I was in shock. I rarely run into anyone I know when I go back home (and it's not THAT big of a town). He asked if I remembered him. Well, yes of course. I introduced him to Peanut, who was probably wondering if I knew EVERYONE. And stupid me I said, I didn't know if you were alive or dead, you fell off the earth. Well, he didn't fall off the earth. He just took some time to grow up. He's married, has three beautiful children (he showed me a picture). So maybe now I won't have to think about him every month wondering if he's alive or not. I can be satisfied knowing there's another woman out there worring about him.
One down, two to go... lol
I thank my God upon every rememberance of you!
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Irish Blessing
I know many of you are sitting there feeling a little bloated from eating WAY too much today, so I'll take it easy on you tonight and just recite my favorite blessing.
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind blow at your back,
May the sun shine warmly on your face,
May the rain fall softly on your fields,
And until we meet again,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of your hand.
Amen
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind blow at your back,
May the sun shine warmly on your face,
May the rain fall softly on your fields,
And until we meet again,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of your hand.
Amen
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Coffee Beans
(Please note that I received this in an email today and did not verify the facts)
Find the man between the coffee beans.
Doctors have concluded that if you find the man in 3 seconds that your right half of your brain is better developed than most people. If you find the man between 3 seconds and one minute, then your right half of the brain is developed normally. If you find the man between one minute and 3 minutes, then the right half of your brain is functioning slowly and you need to eat more protein. If you have not found the man after 3 minutes your right half of your brain is a mess, and the only advice is to look more for these types of exercises to make that part of the brain stronger. The man really is there. In fact, once you find him, you cannot miss him afterwards.
Find the man between the coffee beans.
Doctors have concluded that if you find the man in 3 seconds that your right half of your brain is better developed than most people. If you find the man between 3 seconds and one minute, then your right half of the brain is developed normally. If you find the man between one minute and 3 minutes, then the right half of your brain is functioning slowly and you need to eat more protein. If you have not found the man after 3 minutes your right half of your brain is a mess, and the only advice is to look more for these types of exercises to make that part of the brain stronger. The man really is there. In fact, once you find him, you cannot miss him afterwards.
Monday, November 21, 2005
The Four Wives
Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives. He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best. He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another. He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confident and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times. The King's 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her! One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of his luxurious life and wondered, I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone."
Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I have loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No way!", replied the 4th wife, and she walked away without another word. Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart. The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, "I have loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No!", replied the 3rd wife. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!" His heart sank and turned cold. He then asked the 2nd wife, "I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?" "I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!" replied the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave." Her answer struck him like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated. Then a voice called out: "I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go." The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was very skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the King said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!"
In truth, we all have the 4 wives in our lives:
Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it will leave us when we die.
Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others.
Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.
And our 1st wife is our Soul. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us that will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout Eternity.
Thought for the day: Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray.
Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I have loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No way!", replied the 4th wife, and she walked away without another word. Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart. The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, "I have loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No!", replied the 3rd wife. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!" His heart sank and turned cold. He then asked the 2nd wife, "I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?" "I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!" replied the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave." Her answer struck him like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated. Then a voice called out: "I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go." The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was very skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the King said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!"
In truth, we all have the 4 wives in our lives:
Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it will leave us when we die.
Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others.
Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.
And our 1st wife is our Soul. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us that will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout Eternity.
Thought for the day: Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray.
Seven
Sobah My Soul tagged me to do this, it's cute and wanted to do it.
Seven things I want to do before I die:
Live in Italy for a year
See Peanut grow up into the nice young lady I know she can be
Pay off my house and other bills
Send my parents on a trip
Commit as much Bible to memory as possible
Bungee Jump
Hold my great grandbabies
Seven things I cannot do:
Slam dunk
run as fast as the wind
do the splits
think about the deep things of life
hold my breath for five minutes
swim underwater
not talk for 24 hours
Seven things that attract me to hubby:
His honesty
His compassion
His mind
His devotion to his family
His devotion to MY family
His ability to make me laugh
His abilty to fix my car
Seven things I say most often:
I love you
Bless you
How can I help you
I can try
I have an answer
Howdy
Thank you
Seven books or authors you love:
Skipping Christmas by John Grisham and thought I haven't read any of his recent stuff I'd like to some day.
Jane Austen-Pride and Prejudice
Max Allan Collins- all the CSI books
The Charmed Series- several different authors
Hemingway
Shakespear- EVERYTHING
F Scott Fitzgerald- Great Gastby
Seven movies you watch over and over again:
Much Ado About Nothing
Princess Diaries (both of them)
Sleepless in Seattle
My Best Friend's Wedding
Sweet Home Alabama
13 Going on 30
And that one movie with that one guy that was in that one movie who's name I can't think of right now....yeah, that one.
Seven people I want to join in, too:
MadCap Mum
Cindy
Jo(e)
Girl
Mugsy
Dr. Mike
You-who ever's not listed but reading this.
Seven things I want to do before I die:
Live in Italy for a year
See Peanut grow up into the nice young lady I know she can be
Pay off my house and other bills
Send my parents on a trip
Commit as much Bible to memory as possible
Bungee Jump
Hold my great grandbabies
Seven things I cannot do:
Slam dunk
run as fast as the wind
do the splits
think about the deep things of life
hold my breath for five minutes
swim underwater
not talk for 24 hours
Seven things that attract me to hubby:
His honesty
His compassion
His mind
His devotion to his family
His devotion to MY family
His ability to make me laugh
His abilty to fix my car
Seven things I say most often:
I love you
Bless you
How can I help you
I can try
I have an answer
Howdy
Thank you
Seven books or authors you love:
Skipping Christmas by John Grisham and thought I haven't read any of his recent stuff I'd like to some day.
Jane Austen-Pride and Prejudice
Max Allan Collins- all the CSI books
The Charmed Series- several different authors
Hemingway
Shakespear- EVERYTHING
F Scott Fitzgerald- Great Gastby
Seven movies you watch over and over again:
Much Ado About Nothing
Princess Diaries (both of them)
Sleepless in Seattle
My Best Friend's Wedding
Sweet Home Alabama
13 Going on 30
And that one movie with that one guy that was in that one movie who's name I can't think of right now....yeah, that one.
Seven people I want to join in, too:
MadCap Mum
Cindy
Jo(e)
Girl
Mugsy
Dr. Mike
You-who ever's not listed but reading this.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
I didn't cry!
You should be proud of me. I didn't cry. I just knew I was going to, but I didn't, but not by anything I did!
Background: I moved to Enid a little over 6 years ago after getting married. For several weeks I didn't go to church because I was so homesick for the little church I grew up in and didn't know where to go. Not one single person I met in this new, completely different town invited me to go to church with them. My husband doesn't go to church so I'd have to go by myself and being in a new town that kind of scared me. I wanted desperately to know SOMEONE! Then we found out we were going to have a baby and I knew I had best get myself into a church if not for me for this baby on the way. I tried a couple of churches both big and small. None quite feeling like home. One day I stumbled into Cornerstone Baptist Church about 15 minutes late (which was just fine with me) and sat down next to the sound system because the last several rows on both sides were full. It was a nice service. They sang songs I didn't really know, but they were pretty. These people seemed nice and friendly. There was lots of laughing and smiling a good feeling. The next week I came back, even showed up on time. I tried to sit next to the sound system again, but this friendly lady named Cathy came and grabbed me and told me to come sit with her on the back row. And I did. She was my first friend.
Fast forward to about three (maybe two or maybe one...I really can't remember now) years ago: Pastor had called me during the week and asked me to read Matthew 25:31-46. I agreed and thought nothing else about it until that day. I've read before a congregation before. Heck, I did a three minute monologue in front of 10,000 people when I was 18 and loved every minute of it! Being in front of a crowd doesn't scare me. Sunday came and I was homesick again. I never joined Cornerstone even though I attended faithfully for a couple of years because that would mean I was no longer a part of my church that I had grown up in and that thought crushed me. But that day I realized and accepted that as much as I loved that place I grew up in, Cornerstone was now my home. I told the congregation this and then I started to read. But I didn't make it very far for I saw just what I was about to read:
I was hungered and you gave me meat:
I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink:
I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Naked and you clothed me:
I was sick, and ye visited me:
I was in prison, and ye came to me.
These were just the thoughts I had about Cornerstone and I started to cry. I stood there for what seemed an eternity trying to regain my composure, but it wasn't working. I tried to get a lady in the front row to come help me but she just sat there smiling at me. I couldn't stop crying. Every time I tried to read through it I would cry all the harder. Finally, Pastor and someone one else... who I honestly can't remember now came to my rescue(maybe JD or Gary?). Pastor hugged me and held me there while he finished reading and I cried the whole time.
Fast forward again to this week. Pastor called and asked me to read. I said, 'sure what is it?' 'Matthew 25:31-46' he said. 'You know,' I said to him, 'I'm going to cry.' And I reminded him what happened last time. He insisted that I could do it this time and I knew it would mean so much for me to read it... and NOT cry. So this morning I prayed for extra strength because I knew that I couldn't stand up there on my own. So today, God held me and used my voice to read his word to the people who years ago took me in when I was a stranger, who fed me when my soul was hungry, who quenched my thirst with living water, and visited me when I was in my own person prison. God also held my tears back, it was awesome! So thank you Cornerstone for being good sheep!
Background: I moved to Enid a little over 6 years ago after getting married. For several weeks I didn't go to church because I was so homesick for the little church I grew up in and didn't know where to go. Not one single person I met in this new, completely different town invited me to go to church with them. My husband doesn't go to church so I'd have to go by myself and being in a new town that kind of scared me. I wanted desperately to know SOMEONE! Then we found out we were going to have a baby and I knew I had best get myself into a church if not for me for this baby on the way. I tried a couple of churches both big and small. None quite feeling like home. One day I stumbled into Cornerstone Baptist Church about 15 minutes late (which was just fine with me) and sat down next to the sound system because the last several rows on both sides were full. It was a nice service. They sang songs I didn't really know, but they were pretty. These people seemed nice and friendly. There was lots of laughing and smiling a good feeling. The next week I came back, even showed up on time. I tried to sit next to the sound system again, but this friendly lady named Cathy came and grabbed me and told me to come sit with her on the back row. And I did. She was my first friend.
Fast forward to about three (maybe two or maybe one...I really can't remember now) years ago: Pastor had called me during the week and asked me to read Matthew 25:31-46. I agreed and thought nothing else about it until that day. I've read before a congregation before. Heck, I did a three minute monologue in front of 10,000 people when I was 18 and loved every minute of it! Being in front of a crowd doesn't scare me. Sunday came and I was homesick again. I never joined Cornerstone even though I attended faithfully for a couple of years because that would mean I was no longer a part of my church that I had grown up in and that thought crushed me. But that day I realized and accepted that as much as I loved that place I grew up in, Cornerstone was now my home. I told the congregation this and then I started to read. But I didn't make it very far for I saw just what I was about to read:
I was hungered and you gave me meat:
I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink:
I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Naked and you clothed me:
I was sick, and ye visited me:
I was in prison, and ye came to me.
These were just the thoughts I had about Cornerstone and I started to cry. I stood there for what seemed an eternity trying to regain my composure, but it wasn't working. I tried to get a lady in the front row to come help me but she just sat there smiling at me. I couldn't stop crying. Every time I tried to read through it I would cry all the harder. Finally, Pastor and someone one else... who I honestly can't remember now came to my rescue(maybe JD or Gary?). Pastor hugged me and held me there while he finished reading and I cried the whole time.
Fast forward again to this week. Pastor called and asked me to read. I said, 'sure what is it?' 'Matthew 25:31-46' he said. 'You know,' I said to him, 'I'm going to cry.' And I reminded him what happened last time. He insisted that I could do it this time and I knew it would mean so much for me to read it... and NOT cry. So this morning I prayed for extra strength because I knew that I couldn't stand up there on my own. So today, God held me and used my voice to read his word to the people who years ago took me in when I was a stranger, who fed me when my soul was hungry, who quenched my thirst with living water, and visited me when I was in my own person prison. God also held my tears back, it was awesome! So thank you Cornerstone for being good sheep!
Friday, November 18, 2005
What's going on
Well, things haven't really been busy. But I've not been doing just nothing either. With the great Turkey Day quickly approaching, meaning an extra three days to my weekend I had to get as far ahead at work as possible. Which, this time of year is possible, not fun, but possible. The checks are written, the phone calls and emails returned. All I have to do Monday and Tuesday is the stuff that comes in on those two days.
****************************************
So, I've joined this Flylady.net thing. I get about 30,000,000 emails a day reminding me to go clean something. It's kinda nice and kinda annoying at the same time. But hey, my bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room haven't been this clean since we moved in a couple years ago. They help you declutter your house 15 minutes at a time. Intersting concept. One of the things I do like about it is how they split the house up into Zones. This week the Zone has been the Bathroom and one other room (I chose the laundry room because it's the most neglected and my catch all). Everyday you're suppose to spend 15 minutes in your Zone. So, day one, I set the timer on my cell phone, cleaned the toilet, sink, and bathtub and then my time was up. It was kind of nice. I said, ok, that's enough for one night. The next night I swept and mopped before moving on to the laundry room. Next week the focus is the Master Bedroom. I wonder how many bags of STUFF Hope Outreach will get out that room?
***************************************
And I've been waking up at 6:00 am this week for no reason (I love to sleep in and 6 am really isn't my thing). Since Nickel isn't leaving for work at 6 am he's still in bed asleep when I wake up. I don't want to wake him up by turning lights and such on so I've been getting up and going to the kitchen, on the other side of the house, and cleaning. Every morning I've put away last night's clean dishes and washed whatever we used since I washed them last, mostly cups but a few plates every now and then. Then I clean the cabinets and water the plants. I don't vacuum that early in the morning, but I've thought about it. I get Peanut's lunch ready then I've been doing a little devotional in the morning. Been nice, but it's starting to catch up with me. I wonder how long this will last.
****************************************
Last night I was cleaning the layers of lent and dust that had accumulated on the dryer when Nickel got home from work. Here is the conversation we had:
Nickel: What's wrong?
Me: Nothing, I'm just cleaning.
Nickel: Are you power cleaning? (Sometimes when I get really mad I clean-everything and you better get out of my way while I'm doing it!)
Me:No, just cleaning.
Nickel: But you never clean the laundry room.
Me: (laughing)Well, don't you think it's about time I did?
He walked away satisfied that the world hadn't ended nor was I sick and about to die.
****************************************
So, there you go. Now that I've caught you up on my world as I know it I'll get back to cleaning.
****************************************
So, I've joined this Flylady.net thing. I get about 30,000,000 emails a day reminding me to go clean something. It's kinda nice and kinda annoying at the same time. But hey, my bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room haven't been this clean since we moved in a couple years ago. They help you declutter your house 15 minutes at a time. Intersting concept. One of the things I do like about it is how they split the house up into Zones. This week the Zone has been the Bathroom and one other room (I chose the laundry room because it's the most neglected and my catch all). Everyday you're suppose to spend 15 minutes in your Zone. So, day one, I set the timer on my cell phone, cleaned the toilet, sink, and bathtub and then my time was up. It was kind of nice. I said, ok, that's enough for one night. The next night I swept and mopped before moving on to the laundry room. Next week the focus is the Master Bedroom. I wonder how many bags of STUFF Hope Outreach will get out that room?
***************************************
And I've been waking up at 6:00 am this week for no reason (I love to sleep in and 6 am really isn't my thing). Since Nickel isn't leaving for work at 6 am he's still in bed asleep when I wake up. I don't want to wake him up by turning lights and such on so I've been getting up and going to the kitchen, on the other side of the house, and cleaning. Every morning I've put away last night's clean dishes and washed whatever we used since I washed them last, mostly cups but a few plates every now and then. Then I clean the cabinets and water the plants. I don't vacuum that early in the morning, but I've thought about it. I get Peanut's lunch ready then I've been doing a little devotional in the morning. Been nice, but it's starting to catch up with me. I wonder how long this will last.
****************************************
Last night I was cleaning the layers of lent and dust that had accumulated on the dryer when Nickel got home from work. Here is the conversation we had:
Nickel: What's wrong?
Me: Nothing, I'm just cleaning.
Nickel: Are you power cleaning? (Sometimes when I get really mad I clean-everything and you better get out of my way while I'm doing it!)
Me:No, just cleaning.
Nickel: But you never clean the laundry room.
Me: (laughing)Well, don't you think it's about time I did?
He walked away satisfied that the world hadn't ended nor was I sick and about to die.
****************************************
So, there you go. Now that I've caught you up on my world as I know it I'll get back to cleaning.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Fresh Cut Flowers and other stuff
Someone needs to remind my husband that when the weather gets crappy outside all he needs to do is send me some flowers and I'll be all better.
But since he hasn't, you get to read me whine! Lucky you!
I hate cold weather.
10 reasons why I hate cold weather:
10. My feet get cold
09. My hands get cold
08. My nose gets cold and red and sometimes runny
07. Having to wear extra clothes (more clothes make you look bulky and I look bulky enough)
06. The secretary (who controls the heating and cooling of my office) could go by the name "Flashy" and we're not talking about flashing people....think about it. Ok, you need help... she's getting older.... oh never mind!
05. Wearing socks (you can't see my cool tattoo if I'm wearing socks)
04. Cold wind (it hurts!)
03. Frost or ice covered car windows (takes too long to defrost and I never think about it until I'm heading out the door with Peanut in tow)
02. Dry skin (I have dry skin anyway but it's worse in the winter)
01. It's freakin' COLD! Enough said.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Who Were You In High School
Ok kids, I have nothing intersting to say about today, so how about a fun little quiz?
| Arty Kid |
 You're probably a little less weird these days - but even more talented! |
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Running Away
I remember the first time I ran away from home. Actually I think it was the only time I ran away from home. I don't remember if I had had a fight with my big brother or I just wanted attention. I'm not sure, probably the later. I packed a bag and decided to leave. I didn't know where I was going or how I was going to get there. We lived in the middle of the woods far from town. I made it to the side of the house. There I sat under my brother's window debating on what to do next. Inside I could hear him talking or praying. Maybe he saw me sitting outside his window, he never confessed that he did so I don't know. I don't remember what he said but I decided to go back inside. I didn't talk to him or anything. Instead I went to my room, shut the door and took a nap. No one ever knew I ran away from home. Probably the best decision I ever made.
But there are times, like this weekend, when I really want to run away, all by myself, and get lost-forever. To see just how far my credit cards can take me. You see, my precious Peanut isn't always so precious. She is Jekel and Hyde. Maybe that's what I should've named her... Can 5 year olds suffer from split personality disorder? One moment she can be sweet and loving, we're getting along great and the next she's throwing a fit for all the neighbors to witness. I try to be stern. Not put up with such behavior. But due to the system in America there's not a whole lot I can do except take her toys away from her (which is done on a regular basis I don't even want to know how many dollars worth I throw out with Thursday trash), not let her watch TV, or make her go to bed 30 minutes early which means about a hour before it's time to get up she'll be waking me up.... This weekend I was so scared at what the neighbors might say or do after witnessing her fit in the front yard that I called a friend to come over just to sit with me until Nickel got home. Did I plan on hurting my child? Heavens no, never once crossed my mind! But I don't know that even inside she couldn't be heard half a block away the way she was carrying on! I hate it! I don't use the word hate very often, but I hate the way she acts when she turns into this other person. And it makes me angry that there is a system out there to "protect" our children and they do this by striking fear in the hearts of the parents. I've made mistakes! I've made bad mistakes and was punished for them but now, for the rest of my life I am forced to look over my shoulder to see who's watching and misinturperting what I'm doing. It sucks! I feel so helpless! It suck so bad it makes me want to scream and run away. But will running away really solve anything? I doubt it. That's why I haven't done it. No matter where I go this will forever follow me. I think I need a good night sleep, hey it worked all those years ago when I wanted to run away from hom, maybe it'll work for me now.
Sweet dreams world!
But there are times, like this weekend, when I really want to run away, all by myself, and get lost-forever. To see just how far my credit cards can take me. You see, my precious Peanut isn't always so precious. She is Jekel and Hyde. Maybe that's what I should've named her... Can 5 year olds suffer from split personality disorder? One moment she can be sweet and loving, we're getting along great and the next she's throwing a fit for all the neighbors to witness. I try to be stern. Not put up with such behavior. But due to the system in America there's not a whole lot I can do except take her toys away from her (which is done on a regular basis I don't even want to know how many dollars worth I throw out with Thursday trash), not let her watch TV, or make her go to bed 30 minutes early which means about a hour before it's time to get up she'll be waking me up.... This weekend I was so scared at what the neighbors might say or do after witnessing her fit in the front yard that I called a friend to come over just to sit with me until Nickel got home. Did I plan on hurting my child? Heavens no, never once crossed my mind! But I don't know that even inside she couldn't be heard half a block away the way she was carrying on! I hate it! I don't use the word hate very often, but I hate the way she acts when she turns into this other person. And it makes me angry that there is a system out there to "protect" our children and they do this by striking fear in the hearts of the parents. I've made mistakes! I've made bad mistakes and was punished for them but now, for the rest of my life I am forced to look over my shoulder to see who's watching and misinturperting what I'm doing. It sucks! I feel so helpless! It suck so bad it makes me want to scream and run away. But will running away really solve anything? I doubt it. That's why I haven't done it. No matter where I go this will forever follow me. I think I need a good night sleep, hey it worked all those years ago when I wanted to run away from hom, maybe it'll work for me now.
Sweet dreams world!
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Life Lessons
Well, Peanut had to learn a life lesson today. My husband called me not long after leaving the house this morning to warn me there was a dead cat laying in the road in front of our house. Why he didn't just take care of then I don't know... he's a man. I asked if it was one of ours he said it was gray with a collar. Well, both of ours are gray and they wear collars. I peaked out the kitchen window to confirm it's location and went outside to get a closer look. Sure enough, there lay Sparkle... I'll spare you the gory details but it wasn't pretty. Sparkle was about 6 months old, the last of the litter to live at our house. The others were given away or just ran away. He, (yes he--Peanut named him and insisted he was a she and it just wasn't worth arguing with a five year old about it) was a very sweet cat that just loved to be loved. After seeing my poor baby kitty laying there I called Nickel back to ask him to take care of the cat on his lunch break if he really couldn't come home right now to take care of it now. He agreed even though he didn't like the idea--but come on, that is NOT woman's work! He doesn't like cats so burying one shouldn't be a problem for him, and besides, he has buried two cats in the last year and a half (one was crushed by his momma after a few days and I ran over one in the spring--and I'll never get over it!).
Well, Peanut had seen the two other dead cats, but this one she loved on, on daily and was very attached to. So, after getting off the phone with her daddy she could see that I was upset. I'm not one to lie to my daughter but I will try to soften blows when I can. I looked at her and told her what had happened. Oh, the look in her tiny eyes. She was crushed. First her great-grandma now her cat! Is it the end of the world?!??!?
So, we finished getting ready. There was no way to get her out of the house without her seeing the cat (because daddy wouldn't take the time this morning to take care of it because he wants to be 15-20 minutes early to work since he can't be 2-3 hours early anymore... but that's for another post on another day) and she can't close the back door by herself so I had to let her go out. She immediately spotted the cat. As quickly as I could I walked in front of her and shielded her from seeing much more of the cat. I took great care backing out of the driveway because he was directly in my path but I managed to not hit him again. Peanut sobbed all the way to school and it was all I could do not to cry with her. Poor thing. My heart just melted for her. Once we got there I took her to my office and just held her and loved on her until she was able to go to class. I walked with her to tell her teachers what had happened and to explain the red puffy eyes.
Life lesson #1, Sometimes the things you love most in life go away forever. Check.
Well, Peanut had seen the two other dead cats, but this one she loved on, on daily and was very attached to. So, after getting off the phone with her daddy she could see that I was upset. I'm not one to lie to my daughter but I will try to soften blows when I can. I looked at her and told her what had happened. Oh, the look in her tiny eyes. She was crushed. First her great-grandma now her cat! Is it the end of the world?!??!?
So, we finished getting ready. There was no way to get her out of the house without her seeing the cat (because daddy wouldn't take the time this morning to take care of it because he wants to be 15-20 minutes early to work since he can't be 2-3 hours early anymore... but that's for another post on another day) and she can't close the back door by herself so I had to let her go out. She immediately spotted the cat. As quickly as I could I walked in front of her and shielded her from seeing much more of the cat. I took great care backing out of the driveway because he was directly in my path but I managed to not hit him again. Peanut sobbed all the way to school and it was all I could do not to cry with her. Poor thing. My heart just melted for her. Once we got there I took her to my office and just held her and loved on her until she was able to go to class. I walked with her to tell her teachers what had happened and to explain the red puffy eyes.
Life lesson #1, Sometimes the things you love most in life go away forever. Check.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
I'm so disappointed!
After waiting several weeks for Peanut's school pictures to come in, they finally did today. I've taken her to have her pictures made numerous times at this photography studio MANY times since birth and just knew they were going to be awesome pictures. Boy was I wrong. What ever happened to the days of getting a tiny proof, the size of a yearbook picture, to make sure you WANT the picture? Now a days they make you pay up front and good luck with pictures once you pick them up they're yours! I'm going to complain! I want my money back. I don't want to have to reschedule retakes! I wanted my pictures to be perfect in the first place! The benifits of working the same place my daughter goes to school in the AM is the fact tha I got to be nosey and check out all the other kid's pictures. They're all fine. Of course. It's just my daughter's pictures that look like dog doo! I'm not kidding, the 8X10 looks as though she has a second set of top teeth. My guess is Peanut was laughing when Mandy, yes, I even know her name, took the picture. It was digital, she could've taken a second one and deleted the first. But you'd think being "professional" and all that their cameras could pick up some speed or at least be aware of head movement and take a second one--just in case! I went in today, they were PACKED with people getting pictures made for holiday christmas cards, I'm sure it'll be the same story tomorrow. Mandy gets Wednesdays off, I didn't know this, so I get to go back tomorrow. So, what do you think my chances are of just getting my money back? I wonder what "special deals" they'll try to work out with me.
To tell you the truth, if they gave me my money back I would sing their praises forever. I've NEVER had problems with this studio before. Of course that was back when my friend Jessica worked there and took all of Peanut's pictures. This place would still be where I'd want to take Peanut to get her pictures taken if an event arose. They're reasonably priced to fit my budget (unlike the place we had a free sitting fee for a couple weeks ago who's prices are WAY WAY WAY overprices, but that's another story for another time...). I'm just disappointed. I'll let tomorrow worry about tomorrow.
Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite and if they do, bite them back!
To tell you the truth, if they gave me my money back I would sing their praises forever. I've NEVER had problems with this studio before. Of course that was back when my friend Jessica worked there and took all of Peanut's pictures. This place would still be where I'd want to take Peanut to get her pictures taken if an event arose. They're reasonably priced to fit my budget (unlike the place we had a free sitting fee for a couple weeks ago who's prices are WAY WAY WAY overprices, but that's another story for another time...). I'm just disappointed. I'll let tomorrow worry about tomorrow.
Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite and if they do, bite them back!
Monday, November 07, 2005
Tee hee hee hee hee
I'm laughing a sinister little laugh today because I bought a new Bible! It was more then I really wanted to spend, and my blasted credit card wouldn't work (Mike, I called them and they told me it wasn't activated-you were right. I asked the very Pakastany gentelman why the girl I spoke to two weeks ago said it was-he had to answer), but I'm POSTIVE this investment will be well worth it in the long run.
I grew up in the General Baptist faith tradition. Please don't ask me what the difference is between General Baptist and Sounthern Baptist or Independent Baptist or [insert any other kind] Baptist... because I really don't know. As General Baptist I was pretty much taught that if you even so much as looked at a translation other then King James you were sure to go straight to hell. Well, I guess I'll take my chances. I'm sorry if you are one of those that believe that King James is the ONLY true translation but it's very hard to read. We just don't talk like that anymore and The Message puts it into words that I know, use and understand. I will admit that growing up King James I understood Shakespeare better then some of my classmates, but I don't know if it was because of reading King James or just me being smarter then everyone else.... hee heee heee, the answer is obvious! Today, I bought the Numbered Edition of The Message today! I'm so excited!!!! I think I'll start with the book of Ruth, it's one of my favorites. I don't have to be online when I want to cheat and read something other then Ol' King Jimmy. Don't get me wrong, I'll still have that translation and probably will for the rest of my life. Some verses are much more beautiful in King James, like Psalm 23!
Have a wonderful day and may you understand all the words you hear and read!
I grew up in the General Baptist faith tradition. Please don't ask me what the difference is between General Baptist and Sounthern Baptist or Independent Baptist or [insert any other kind] Baptist... because I really don't know. As General Baptist I was pretty much taught that if you even so much as looked at a translation other then King James you were sure to go straight to hell. Well, I guess I'll take my chances. I'm sorry if you are one of those that believe that King James is the ONLY true translation but it's very hard to read. We just don't talk like that anymore and The Message puts it into words that I know, use and understand. I will admit that growing up King James I understood Shakespeare better then some of my classmates, but I don't know if it was because of reading King James or just me being smarter then everyone else.... hee heee heee, the answer is obvious! Today, I bought the Numbered Edition of The Message today! I'm so excited!!!! I think I'll start with the book of Ruth, it's one of my favorites. I don't have to be online when I want to cheat and read something other then Ol' King Jimmy. Don't get me wrong, I'll still have that translation and probably will for the rest of my life. Some verses are much more beautiful in King James, like Psalm 23!
Have a wonderful day and may you understand all the words you hear and read!
Sunday, November 06, 2005
So far so good!
I've made it through my very first 24 hour water fast. And I did it without killing anyone! Almost a week ago a friend referred me to Setting Captives Free. A website with online courses to help people over come addictions with biblical principles. There are courses for Sexual Impurity, Food Issues, Substance Abuse, and Gambling. As far as I can tell all the courses are free, at least the one I'm taking, The Lord's Table-Phase 1, is. Along with the daily Bible lessons they recommend, but do not insist on, a fasting regiment. The first day is a half fast where you eat what you normally do, only half of it. The second day is liquid, third normal, forth fast, fifth normal, sixth half, and seventh liquid. This repeats each week until the 60 days are accomplished. There are no "thou shalt no eat" foods. There is no punishment for "cheating".
With the course I have an online mentor who encourages me, not as much as I'd like, but we're just getting started and just getting to know each other. I'm sure as she gets to know my personality, and I know hers, we'll feel more connected.
Today I completed my fourth day-the fast- and I'm feeling great! I've tried to go without eating before in the past and have failed miserably every time because I was doing it for my glory and not for God's. Every single lesson so far has be a "duh" moment. Not a sarcastic duh, but a, "why didn't' I get this before" kind of duh. I encourage anyone that has weight issues to go check it out, take it for a test spin and see how you feel. As the next 55 days progress I'll let you know I'm doing. I stepped on the scale today, they discourage daily weigh ins, but I just wanted to know, and I've managed to take off 5 pounds already. God is wonderful and I look forward to seeing what He has in store for me!
Be well my friends, and be full of the holy spirit!
With the course I have an online mentor who encourages me, not as much as I'd like, but we're just getting started and just getting to know each other. I'm sure as she gets to know my personality, and I know hers, we'll feel more connected.
Today I completed my fourth day-the fast- and I'm feeling great! I've tried to go without eating before in the past and have failed miserably every time because I was doing it for my glory and not for God's. Every single lesson so far has be a "duh" moment. Not a sarcastic duh, but a, "why didn't' I get this before" kind of duh. I encourage anyone that has weight issues to go check it out, take it for a test spin and see how you feel. As the next 55 days progress I'll let you know I'm doing. I stepped on the scale today, they discourage daily weigh ins, but I just wanted to know, and I've managed to take off 5 pounds already. God is wonderful and I look forward to seeing what He has in store for me!
Be well my friends, and be full of the holy spirit!
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Missing Thanksgiving
Growing up Thanksgiving was such a big deal to me. I can still picture my grandmother's old grey house, that she paid $1 a year rent for. The house that my mother moved into when she was in 4th grade. The grandkids mostly played in the large back yard. The lot behind my grandmother and it housed a bright red barn that I dreamed about playing in. There was usually a game of football going on. I tried to act like I knew what was going on. I remember sliding down the tin door of my grandma's cellar and walking back up it. I use to play pretend a lot so I'm sure I was talking to myself out there. The spare bedroom, with two full size beds was where the kids played when it was too cold or too dark to play outside. We tried to stay out of the way of the adults. I just tried to stay away from my uncle Willard and uncle Carl, they were mean! They tried to tickle me or would reach out and grab me just to hear my scream! Oh, and I adored my cousins. They were all older then me, the youngest of 8 grandkids. I even had a crush on my cousin Jerry before I knew that you weren't suppose to have crushes on your cousins. Tanya and Sheri would "torture" me. I remember crying once because they were swinging me back and forth by my hands and feet. But I still wanted to hang out with them because they were so beautiful! They got to wear makeup and talked about boys! They lived "far" away in the town called Tulsa that I got to go to once a year for new school clothes.
Each year my grandmother would bake a ham, fix mashed potatoes, corn, rolls, sweet potatoes (with the marshmallows of course) oh and the turkey dressing... my dear mother's dressing comes very close but it's just not the same and I couldn't tell you what the difference would be except that it was my grandmother making it back then. My uncles and aunts would all come down and most of my cousins too. Wayne, the oldest of the grandkids, is close to 15 years older then me so by the time I remember him he was off doing his own thing. My aunt Lorene would make green stuff that I was sure had another name (pistachio pudding) but I didn't know it. To us it was green and actually good. Because my grandmother's table would only seat 8 we had to eat in shifts. The men always went first and everyone else after that depending on how hungry you were and how fast you got to the table. The women ate last. Sometimes if I was especially starved I would get to eat mine on a TV tray in the living room.
Because of the condition of the house and my grandmother's health she had to move to a smaller house a few years before she died. That's what I miss most. The house usually got hot because there were around 25 people crammed into this tiny house, but we didn't mind, and usually dressed for it! I loved it! I loved the closeness of the family. The hugs and laughter filled my heart.
My grandmother died in the Spring of 1998. Just a few days after my 19th birthday. With her death came a separation of the family. Oh, we still love each other very much and see each other from time to time, but my grandmother was the glue that held us together. Now each of her four children have Thanksgiving with their own children and grandchildren and even a great grand child here and there. I've often wished that we could all get together again. To be filled up with the love that was shared in that one bedroom house that amazingly held over 25 people each Thanksgiving (and Christmas Eve-story second verse), to catch up and laugh, but our lives have taken on new courses. We are more scattered now. I'm now 3 hours away from that little house in Tahlequah.
But, perhaps we're not suppose to have a Thanksgiving celebration without my grandmother. In that case, we'll have to wait until the rapture, and oh, will we have something to be thankful then!
Each year my grandmother would bake a ham, fix mashed potatoes, corn, rolls, sweet potatoes (with the marshmallows of course) oh and the turkey dressing... my dear mother's dressing comes very close but it's just not the same and I couldn't tell you what the difference would be except that it was my grandmother making it back then. My uncles and aunts would all come down and most of my cousins too. Wayne, the oldest of the grandkids, is close to 15 years older then me so by the time I remember him he was off doing his own thing. My aunt Lorene would make green stuff that I was sure had another name (pistachio pudding) but I didn't know it. To us it was green and actually good. Because my grandmother's table would only seat 8 we had to eat in shifts. The men always went first and everyone else after that depending on how hungry you were and how fast you got to the table. The women ate last. Sometimes if I was especially starved I would get to eat mine on a TV tray in the living room.
Because of the condition of the house and my grandmother's health she had to move to a smaller house a few years before she died. That's what I miss most. The house usually got hot because there were around 25 people crammed into this tiny house, but we didn't mind, and usually dressed for it! I loved it! I loved the closeness of the family. The hugs and laughter filled my heart.
My grandmother died in the Spring of 1998. Just a few days after my 19th birthday. With her death came a separation of the family. Oh, we still love each other very much and see each other from time to time, but my grandmother was the glue that held us together. Now each of her four children have Thanksgiving with their own children and grandchildren and even a great grand child here and there. I've often wished that we could all get together again. To be filled up with the love that was shared in that one bedroom house that amazingly held over 25 people each Thanksgiving (and Christmas Eve-story second verse), to catch up and laugh, but our lives have taken on new courses. We are more scattered now. I'm now 3 hours away from that little house in Tahlequah.
But, perhaps we're not suppose to have a Thanksgiving celebration without my grandmother. In that case, we'll have to wait until the rapture, and oh, will we have something to be thankful then!
Friday, November 04, 2005
The Perfect Relaxation Room
My friend Cindy over at the Emmaus Theory (great blog go check it out if you haven't already) post the Friday Feast. It's made up of a Appetizer, Soup, Salad, Main Course, and of course Dessert. It's always fun to see what questions pop up there on the Friday Feast and to read everyone's responses. Today's Dessert had me thinking ALL day. "Describe your idea of the perfect relaxation room."
Well, if you want to read what I wrote click the link above and read the comments. I found this picture of the Jerash Ruins, in Jordan and thought this picture looked somewhat of the one I described. But the totally amazing website where I found this picture had such beautiful pictures I thought I must tell you all about them. Every single picture looked so serine! I could picture myself relaxed in every single one of these places, except maybe with the cows... but they looked pretty relaxed so maybe...and the koala's... I could just snuggle with them...oh, and don't get me started on the pictures of Italy, Scotland, Spain, Greek Islands, Syria....... go check them out! You won't be disappointed!
So tell me, what is your idea of the perfect relaxation room (or place).
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Copy, Paste, Answer - From Will Smama
1. smoked a cigar - NO
2. crashed a friend's car - no
3. stolen a car - no
4. been in love - yes
5. been dumped - yes
6. dumped someone - yes
7. taken shots of alcohol - yes
8. been fired – yes
9. been in a fist fight - no
10. snuck out of your house - no
11. had feelings for someone who didn't have them back- yes
12. been arrested - no comment
13. made out with a stranger - no
14. gone on a blind date - no
15. lied to a friend - yes
16. had a crush on a teacher- a sub maybe
18. seen someone die - yes
19. been on a plane - no
20. thrown up in a bar - no
22. miss someone right now - yes
23. laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by - yes
24. made a snow angel - yes
25. played dress up - yes
26. cheated while playing a game - yes
27. been lonely - yes
28. fallen asleep at work/school - yes
29. used a fake id - no
30. felt an earthquake - no
31. touched a snake - yes
32. run a red light - yes
33. had detention - not that I remember
34. been in a car accident - yes
35. hated the way you look - yes
37. been lost - yes
38. been to the opposite side of the country - kinda
39. felt like dying - yes
40. cried yourself to sleep - yes
41. played cops and robbers - yes
42. karaoke - no
43. done something you told yourself you wouldn't - yes
44. laughed till some kind of beverage came out of your nose- yes
45. caught a snowflake on your tongue - yes
46. kissed in the rain - unfortuntanly not that I remember, kissed in a pool, does that count?
47. sang in the shower - yes all the time
48. made love in a park - no
49. had a dream that you married someone - no
50. glued your hand to something - yes
51. got your tongue stuck to a flag pole - no
52. worn the opposite sex's clothes - yes
53. Been a cheerleader – no
54. sat on a roof top - no
55. talked on the phone all night - yes, long distance too... very expensive
56. ever too scared to watch scary movies alone – yes (ALWAYS too scared, is more appropriate)
57. played chicken fight - yes
58. been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on - yes
59. been told you're hot by a complete stranger - hot, no but beautiful yes
60. broken a bone - no
61. had a 3-some? - no
62. dipped snuff? - no
63. lived overseas - no
64. Ever passed out/fainted? - yes
65. blown bubbles in the wintertime - not that I remember, my my memeory isn't all that good
2. crashed a friend's car - no
3. stolen a car - no
4. been in love - yes
5. been dumped - yes
6. dumped someone - yes
7. taken shots of alcohol - yes
8. been fired – yes
9. been in a fist fight - no
10. snuck out of your house - no
11. had feelings for someone who didn't have them back- yes
12. been arrested - no comment
13. made out with a stranger - no
14. gone on a blind date - no
15. lied to a friend - yes
16. had a crush on a teacher- a sub maybe
18. seen someone die - yes
19. been on a plane - no
20. thrown up in a bar - no
22. miss someone right now - yes
23. laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by - yes
24. made a snow angel - yes
25. played dress up - yes
26. cheated while playing a game - yes
27. been lonely - yes
28. fallen asleep at work/school - yes
29. used a fake id - no
30. felt an earthquake - no
31. touched a snake - yes
32. run a red light - yes
33. had detention - not that I remember
34. been in a car accident - yes
35. hated the way you look - yes
37. been lost - yes
38. been to the opposite side of the country - kinda
39. felt like dying - yes
40. cried yourself to sleep - yes
41. played cops and robbers - yes
42. karaoke - no
43. done something you told yourself you wouldn't - yes
44. laughed till some kind of beverage came out of your nose- yes
45. caught a snowflake on your tongue - yes
46. kissed in the rain - unfortuntanly not that I remember, kissed in a pool, does that count?
47. sang in the shower - yes all the time
48. made love in a park - no
49. had a dream that you married someone - no
50. glued your hand to something - yes
51. got your tongue stuck to a flag pole - no
52. worn the opposite sex's clothes - yes
53. Been a cheerleader – no
54. sat on a roof top - no
55. talked on the phone all night - yes, long distance too... very expensive
56. ever too scared to watch scary movies alone – yes (ALWAYS too scared, is more appropriate)
57. played chicken fight - yes
58. been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on - yes
59. been told you're hot by a complete stranger - hot, no but beautiful yes
60. broken a bone - no
61. had a 3-some? - no
62. dipped snuff? - no
63. lived overseas - no
64. Ever passed out/fainted? - yes
65. blown bubbles in the wintertime - not that I remember, my my memeory isn't all that good
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
November
November is finally here! I thought October was going to kill me it was so full of stuff to do! It's really hard to work in one whole day in my pajamas not going ANYWHERE when you always have SOMEWHERE to go! Why does it seem that October is always the busiest month of the year? Now granted November is beginning to look a little crazy for me too with the traveling for Turkey Day, but there are no weddings this month which will make me feel better. Peanut has one soccer game left for this season. I'm entertaining the thought of dropping my jazz class for an easier lifestyle. And my mother-in-law wants to come get Peanut on the 19th and we can pick her up on Thanksgiving... I'm not so sure how I feel about this. Peanut would miss two days of school (and a ballet lesson and maybe a tap lesson), granted it's Kindergarten but do I really want her to start off her school years skipping two days around Thanksgiving just because Grandma wants her to? Will she learn that it's ok to skip school if you have a good reason? I NEVER got to skip school, although I was sick enough that I managed to miss my fair share of days. And I'm not saying that a break for us wouldn't be nice. A couple of days of peace and quite to clean house or watch my TV shows or just hang out with Nickel would be nice. We might even be able to finish a conversation in less then 20 minutes without the umtenth million interuptions! Of course Nickel offers no input on this situation. I don't know if he thinks I'll be mean and not listen to what he has to say or if he is just as clueless to it as I am. Hmmm... the things I must ponder on in November. But it's Tuesday morning and despite the fact that everyone else is still asleep I really must get out of this chair and hit the shower and go to work. At least I have nothing to do tonight, that's a good thing.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Slowing down a bit
I love this time of year. If I had to have a favorite, I think this would be it. In the fall things start slowing down, even just a little bit. The maples and oaks give forth thier last effort to be beautiful before they take their time off to rest. I love the colors of fall. The oranges, yellows, greens, reds and burgandys. So beautiful. This time of year it's good to take nice long walks, or sit in the backyard and read a book. It's not too hot and it's not too cold. The sky turns a rich cobalt before the grey skies of winter take over.
Inside, the windows start fogging up when I do the dishes at night. Comfort foods like homemade stew and roast begin to sound so good. Sometimes I think I can smell the yeast of fresh made bread as it cooks in the oven.
Yes, I love this time of year. I love that we, or maybe it's just me, can slow down. No more rushing to soccer games, no more weekend trips to where ever the wind may blow. This time of year it's nice to just be home. Just be with family. Just slow down, even just a bit.
Inside, the windows start fogging up when I do the dishes at night. Comfort foods like homemade stew and roast begin to sound so good. Sometimes I think I can smell the yeast of fresh made bread as it cooks in the oven.
Yes, I love this time of year. I love that we, or maybe it's just me, can slow down. No more rushing to soccer games, no more weekend trips to where ever the wind may blow. This time of year it's nice to just be home. Just be with family. Just slow down, even just a bit.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Lunch Date
I have a lunch date today. I realized yesterday that Peanut had am school, but not pm school so I said to her, "I guess I'll just take you out to eat."
Her eyes got really big and she said, "REALLY?"
I just started laughing. "Yes, where would you like to go on our lunch date?" I asked. "Applebees!" she exclaimed. I'm SO glad she didn't say McDonalds, but I would have obliged.
So,I guess if you need me around 11:30 today I'll be Applebees. But then I'll have to take on to daycare and it'll be back to work for me. Sometimes being a working mom sucks. I don't have the patience to be a stay at home mom, but there are days, like when she's out of school for just a day or two that I wouldn't mind having the same days off. Hmm.... maybe in my next life.
Peace and Love!
Her eyes got really big and she said, "REALLY?"
I just started laughing. "Yes, where would you like to go on our lunch date?" I asked. "Applebees!" she exclaimed. I'm SO glad she didn't say McDonalds, but I would have obliged.
So,I guess if you need me around 11:30 today I'll be Applebees. But then I'll have to take on to daycare and it'll be back to work for me. Sometimes being a working mom sucks. I don't have the patience to be a stay at home mom, but there are days, like when she's out of school for just a day or two that I wouldn't mind having the same days off. Hmm.... maybe in my next life.
Peace and Love!
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Things to do while your co-workers are on vacation
Joanna sent me another priceless email today. I just HAD to share these pictures with you. Hope you get some good ideas.....
One Roll of Tape -$4.00
Massive amounts of packing foam-Stolen
Friends with WAY too much time on their hands on April Fools day- Priceless!
Chia-Office!
Monday, October 24, 2005
While I'm on the topic...
I grew up in the sticks, literally. I never understood why people wanted to go camping because I lived in the woods. It made much more sense to just come inside at bedtime and get a good night of restfull sleep. Part of growing up in the sticks is being bored. Afterschool I would get off the bus somewhere between 5 and 5:30. In the fall and winter months that didn't leave too much daylight hours to play. Not that I actually wanted to play when it was cold anyway. Well, I always looked forward to Halloween because I would get to use my creative skills and carve the family jack-o-lantern. As I got older I got more creative, I started carving skulls
and cats and other stuff besides the scary face. So the other day when I got an email from my friend Joanna I was excited to see it was about pumpkins. Little did I know before opening the email just how cool it was going to be. Here are two of the examples of the pumpkins I found in my email. My creativity never matched this guy! So, I thought I'd share with you. Here's the link to his website and check the other pumpkins out. Hope ya'll enjoy them too. I think I'll try to do somthing like this--->this year.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Halloween
I have this same post here, but I wanted to see what the rest of you had to share. So for those of you who read both sites, sorry this is a re-run for you.
Ok, I know there are people out there that don't celebrate Halloween because it's an evil holiday and for those people, I say :-p "ptttttttthhhhhhhh! WHATEVER!"
Growing up Halloween was so fun. When else did you get to get all dressed up, have a party at school, and get so much candy your teeth hurt until Christmas! Some of my favorite costumes I remember were the clown, witches, oh then I was a punk-rocker--where I wore my mom's really really blue eyeshadow and red lipstick and my hair in a pony tail on the side of my head! Then towards the end of my dressing up years I started dressing up as the grim reaper. I made my own costume out of my older-taller brother's graduation robe (black of course) and I had a short black slip that had a slit in it so I wore this over my head and tucked it into the graduation robe. I pulled my long hair back into a pony tail so no one could see it. I painted my face white and outlined my lips and eyes in black eyeliner. I was around 16 or so at the time so I handed out candy dressed like this. It was so fun!What are your favorite halloween memories?
Ok, I know there are people out there that don't celebrate Halloween because it's an evil holiday and for those people, I say :-p "ptttttttthhhhhhhh! WHATEVER!"
Growing up Halloween was so fun. When else did you get to get all dressed up, have a party at school, and get so much candy your teeth hurt until Christmas! Some of my favorite costumes I remember were the clown, witches, oh then I was a punk-rocker--where I wore my mom's really really blue eyeshadow and red lipstick and my hair in a pony tail on the side of my head! Then towards the end of my dressing up years I started dressing up as the grim reaper. I made my own costume out of my older-taller brother's graduation robe (black of course) and I had a short black slip that had a slit in it so I wore this over my head and tucked it into the graduation robe. I pulled my long hair back into a pony tail so no one could see it. I painted my face white and outlined my lips and eyes in black eyeliner. I was around 16 or so at the time so I handed out candy dressed like this. It was so fun!What are your favorite halloween memories?
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Leslee needs...
This is fun! My new friend Jennifer did this on her blog, and it's a great game. Here are the rules:Type "(your name) needs" (with the quotes) into a Google search; cut-and-paste the first 10 responses that work. Just pull the answers right out of the excerpt Google shows you, don't click the link and search around. The only rule is that each one has to start with "(your name) needs."
Ok, so there just aren’t enough people with the spelling I use to need stuff, but here’s what I got anyway, #2 is really really mean!
Leslee needs the names and phone numbers of Reflection chairpersons from theseschools: Leota, Eastridge, Kokanee, and Woodin. ...
Leslee needs to eat something already. her bad breath is over-powering the wholeroom.
Leslee needs to get a Medicare supplement and wants to know if anyone in ourgroup can recommend a company. If you can help her, please e-mail Leslee at...
Ok, so there just aren’t enough people with the spelling I use to need stuff, but here’s what I got anyway, #2 is really really mean!
Leslee needs the names and phone numbers of Reflection chairpersons from theseschools: Leota, Eastridge, Kokanee, and Woodin. ...
Leslee needs to eat something already. her bad breath is over-powering the wholeroom.
Leslee needs to get a Medicare supplement and wants to know if anyone in ourgroup can recommend a company. If you can help her, please e-mail Leslee at...
Singin' and Prayin'
Sometimes I pray in the shower. Sometimes I sing in the shower. I find it relaxing, and you know I'm all about relaxing. With so many things on my mind I took the peaceful moment to have a conversation with God. I think I must not have been doing a good job conveying my early morning thoughts because my spirit had to take over. Or perhaps my spirit tries to help me out all the time and I push it out of the way. Or maybe not. I don't know. I'll add that to my list of questions to ask God when I get to Heaven. Back to the story--while praying this morning a song, that our choir sings, came to my mind and took over my prayer because it fit so well with what I was trying to say. Anyway, here are the words to the song-prayer.
Hear my words, oh Lord I pray. For my strength has gone away. Give me patience now to see that your goodness covers me. I must know that you still care. That in times of deep despair I can reach my hand to you, and you'll be there.
Guide my steps when I can't see. Help me learn to trust in thee. Be my shelter on the way as I struggle toward that day. For the strength of your good hand will direct me toward the land. And the promise you have made will lead me there.
Abide with me, fast, falls the evenin' tide. The darkness deepens, Lord, with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee. Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
Guide my steps when I can't see. Help me learn to trust in thee. Be my shelter on the way, as I struggle toward the day. For the strength of your good hand will direct me toward the land. And the promise you have made will lead me home. And the promise you have made will lead me home.
Hear my words, oh Lord I pray. For my strength has gone away. Give me patience now to see that your goodness covers me. I must know that you still care. That in times of deep despair I can reach my hand to you, and you'll be there.
Guide my steps when I can't see. Help me learn to trust in thee. Be my shelter on the way as I struggle toward that day. For the strength of your good hand will direct me toward the land. And the promise you have made will lead me there.
Abide with me, fast, falls the evenin' tide. The darkness deepens, Lord, with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee. Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
Guide my steps when I can't see. Help me learn to trust in thee. Be my shelter on the way, as I struggle toward the day. For the strength of your good hand will direct me toward the land. And the promise you have made will lead me home. And the promise you have made will lead me home.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
In a funk
Sorry if I haven't been my normal chipper silly sarcastic self the last few days. I'm in a bit of a funk. Decisions to make and all that. I'll try to find the real me. But if I should show up before I get back keep me here!
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Doing the dishes
I have a crazy kind of quirk. Well, I have many, but this one I'll share with you. I don't like to do the dishes unless I can sing while doing the dishes. I don't know when it started, but I find it very relaxing. My kitchen is pretty much set off from the rest of the house and the sink is at the end of the kitchen and to wash the dishes I have to turn my back to the rest of the world. We have a dishwasher, but it doesn't work, but I don't really like them anyway-it takes too long to do the dishes! I don't hear very well, so with the position of the sink I tune everything out.
But for the last week or so I've been sick, sounding like a frog with a frog in it's throat. I couldn't even go to choir practice last week because about everytime I opened my mouth out came a coughing fit. But tonight I just couldn't stand not having any silverware (we've been eating lots of sandwiches on paper plates so just the silverware gets used--Oh, and the picture isn't of my sink either, I found it in a Yahoo search) so I put the soap and water in the sink. I started singing a song, and to my suprise, it was decent. I'm not quite up to my Saprano voice, maybe somewhere between Alto and Saprano, but I managed to sing the whole song without coughing!
It's nice to get back to normalcy!
Negativity
Proverbs 10:11 (The Message)
The mouth of a good person is a deep, life--giving well,
but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse
Is your mouth a well of life?
This was the question posed by Brian Houston of Hillsong at the Joyce Meyer Conference in OKC this last weekend. For months or even years, I forget how long, I've been a firm believer that what you speak is what you get. If you're constantly griping about something you'll be miserable weither it be in marriage, friendship, homelife, and even the job. Here are a few other points Brian made that night. (side note, he had scripture to back all this up, but I was listening so hard that I forgot to write most of them down, but he was preaching from Proverbs so you can go search if you choose.)
#1. Negativity is the verbalizing of inner defeat and expectation for the worst.
#2. Negativity always justifies itself.
#3. Negativity chooses your friends for you (Proverbs 13:20-Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.)
#4. Negativity magnifies and distorts the truth.
#5. Negativity is sweeping statements and harsh judgements
#6. Negativity nullifies the work of the Spirit.
The mouth of a good person is a deep, life--giving well,
but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse
Is your mouth a well of life?
This was the question posed by Brian Houston of Hillsong at the Joyce Meyer Conference in OKC this last weekend. For months or even years, I forget how long, I've been a firm believer that what you speak is what you get. If you're constantly griping about something you'll be miserable weither it be in marriage, friendship, homelife, and even the job. Here are a few other points Brian made that night. (side note, he had scripture to back all this up, but I was listening so hard that I forgot to write most of them down, but he was preaching from Proverbs so you can go search if you choose.)
#1. Negativity is the verbalizing of inner defeat and expectation for the worst.
#2. Negativity always justifies itself.
#3. Negativity chooses your friends for you (Proverbs 13:20-Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.)
#4. Negativity magnifies and distorts the truth.
#5. Negativity is sweeping statements and harsh judgements
#6. Negativity nullifies the work of the Spirit.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Should I stay or should I go now?
Question. If you had a chance to get a job that offered about $8000 more a year then your current job and offered benifits such as medical, dental, vision, and 401k, would you go for it?
Background information. Let me start off saying that I'm a very loyal person. I don't just up and quit anything. I've been a member of two churches my whole life and the only reason for the second one was because my first church is now 4 hours away and that's a bit much to commute. I have never just up and quit a job on the spur of the moment. I even stick with the same kind of icecream for years and years. For me to even be considering another job while I currently have one is difficult for me. My current job is a good job with people that I mostly like. However, they do not offer ANY form of health insurance to woman (which I am, obviously). They don't have any retirement options such as a 401k. I was told a year ago that I wasn't eligible for a raise because I hadn't been there long enough-less then a year- and told this year because of recent additions to staff and the cost of all the raises given last year I probably will not be getting a raise this year-maybe next year a cost of living increase---MAYBE. Gosh, this job sounds like the pits. It's not really. My current job is very laid back, if I'm sick no problem, if my kid's sick no problem, if I'm occasionally late, no problem, if I want to come in on the weekends to finish something up, no problem. When I need to leave at 3:00 on Wednesdays no problem as long as the work is done. This job allows my child to attend the preschool program for free, they take her to kindergarten at the public school and pay for the afterschool care which picks her up from kindergarten. These are my ONLY benifits. These benifits amount to about $4000 a year. We're not strapped for money, but I haven't had health insurance for me or Peanut for about two years. Thank GOD, He has blessed us to be pretty healthy these last two years and when I needed to go to the doctor I just paid for the visits and the medicine. I'm not trying to make you feel sorry for me... I'm just pretty much thinking out loud trying to decide what I want to do. I have until the end of the week to submit a resume if I want to go for the job.
Background information. Let me start off saying that I'm a very loyal person. I don't just up and quit anything. I've been a member of two churches my whole life and the only reason for the second one was because my first church is now 4 hours away and that's a bit much to commute. I have never just up and quit a job on the spur of the moment. I even stick with the same kind of icecream for years and years. For me to even be considering another job while I currently have one is difficult for me. My current job is a good job with people that I mostly like. However, they do not offer ANY form of health insurance to woman (which I am, obviously). They don't have any retirement options such as a 401k. I was told a year ago that I wasn't eligible for a raise because I hadn't been there long enough-less then a year- and told this year because of recent additions to staff and the cost of all the raises given last year I probably will not be getting a raise this year-maybe next year a cost of living increase---MAYBE. Gosh, this job sounds like the pits. It's not really. My current job is very laid back, if I'm sick no problem, if my kid's sick no problem, if I'm occasionally late, no problem, if I want to come in on the weekends to finish something up, no problem. When I need to leave at 3:00 on Wednesdays no problem as long as the work is done. This job allows my child to attend the preschool program for free, they take her to kindergarten at the public school and pay for the afterschool care which picks her up from kindergarten. These are my ONLY benifits. These benifits amount to about $4000 a year. We're not strapped for money, but I haven't had health insurance for me or Peanut for about two years. Thank GOD, He has blessed us to be pretty healthy these last two years and when I needed to go to the doctor I just paid for the visits and the medicine. I'm not trying to make you feel sorry for me... I'm just pretty much thinking out loud trying to decide what I want to do. I have until the end of the week to submit a resume if I want to go for the job.
Vacations
I feel like I haven't been at work for a week. It's probably because I really haven't. Except for last Wednesday when I worked until about 3:15. I kinda wish I could take tomorrow off and just relax for a moment and do all the house cleaning chores that I haven't had the energy to do. The house isn't pitted out or anything. I've got a new vacuum so of course I had to try it out, and it sucks-which is a good thing where vacuums are concerned. I just haven't got to tackel all those other things I would like to, like the bathtub, it needs a good cleaning. And the sheets and comfortor on my bed could use a bath.... I've been going and going non-stop for days now I'm looking forward to normalcy of work. With Nickel's grandma dying our house became Grand Centeral Station for about 4 days with last Sunday as a day of rest(ie cleaning for me). Then as soon as that ended my mom showed up and away we went for our long planned vacation. Our vacation was a lot of fun! I always enjoy spending time with my mommy, however, I've been sick since they day Grandmother died. I cough and I cough and I cough some more. It was to the point where everytime I had a deep chest cough I had pain in my chest and upper arms for a couple of seconds, just pulled muscles I'm sure since the pain is gone with most of my coughs. Can you call in sick the first day after your vacation when you're actually starting to feel better? LOL, I guess I better not, there's a LOT for me to do when I get back I'm sure. Well, I guess I've talked myself into going to work and if I'm going to be worth anything tomorrow I had better get back to bed. 2 am isn't really the best time to blog when you have to go to work in a few hours.
Good night, good morning, have a great day!
Good night, good morning, have a great day!
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Waiting on Dr Pontious
"Are you waiting on Dr. Pontious" the girl said.
"Yes, is he in?" asked the woman holding two babies.
"Let me check for you....."
Tonight we're just chilling out in the living room, watching TV when in wheeled the doctor. I think she must work for Dr. Pontious. She fixes the naked babies up by washing their heads with Windex (well, until I noticed and made her put it up!).
Doc, if you're reading this, I think Peanut has forgiven you for making her take all those shots!
"Yes, is he in?" asked the woman holding two babies.
"Let me check for you....."
Tonight we're just chilling out in the living room, watching TV when in wheeled the doctor. I think she must work for Dr. Pontious. She fixes the naked babies up by washing their heads with Windex (well, until I noticed and made her put it up!).
Doc, if you're reading this, I think Peanut has forgiven you for making her take all those shots!
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Getting Away
Well, it's finally here! My vacation starts TODAY!!! I'll probably not be able to post for a couple of days so, miss me! I'll be back later this weekend with LOTS to tell you about.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
It HURTS
*the following is an actual conversation between Peanut and Daddy tonight*
PEANUT: WAAHHHHH!!!! It hurts!
DADDY: It's bedtime, be quite, lay still in your bed with your eyes closed and maybe it will stop hurting.
PEANUT: I need medicine!
DADDY: I already gave you the only medicine we have for that. We don't have any other medicine that will help.
PEANUT: WAAAHHHHH!!! It hurts!
DADDY: You have to go to school tomorrow, try to lay still and go to sleep
PEANUT: WAAHHHH!!! IT HURTS!
DADDY TO MOMMY: Will this medicine help? *holding the tube of triple antibiotic ointment*
MOMMY: Nope, but you could try it. It won't hurt anything and maybe she'll go to sleep.
DADDY TO PEANUT: Ok, we can use this. It MIGHT make you feel better or it MIGHT sting.
PEANUT: I think it feels better when I'm quite and I lay still with my eyes closed.
PEANUT: WAAHHHHH!!!! It hurts!
DADDY: It's bedtime, be quite, lay still in your bed with your eyes closed and maybe it will stop hurting.
PEANUT: I need medicine!
DADDY: I already gave you the only medicine we have for that. We don't have any other medicine that will help.
PEANUT: WAAAHHHHH!!! It hurts!
DADDY: You have to go to school tomorrow, try to lay still and go to sleep
PEANUT: WAAHHHH!!! IT HURTS!
DADDY TO MOMMY: Will this medicine help? *holding the tube of triple antibiotic ointment*
MOMMY: Nope, but you could try it. It won't hurt anything and maybe she'll go to sleep.
DADDY TO PEANUT: Ok, we can use this. It MIGHT make you feel better or it MIGHT sting.
PEANUT: I think it feels better when I'm quite and I lay still with my eyes closed.
It's a good thing
We have two blind guys that go to our church every Sunday. One uses a walking stick and people's elbow's to get around. The other uses a seeing eye dog. Recently Peanut has become very facinated with the seeing eye dog. Her doggy wags his tail and on occasion barks and pretty much asks to be petted all the time. This doggy however stands ver still when his owner is still and walks when his owner walks and never wags his tail. I've tried to tell Peanut that he's working and he acts just like her doggy when he's home and off work.
Sunday Peanut watched as the master and dog walked out to their car. "It's a good thing that lady, what's her name?" "Mary" I responded. "Yeah, it's a good thing Mary's here to drive them home."
Yes, Peanut, it's a very good thing!
Sunday Peanut watched as the master and dog walked out to their car. "It's a good thing that lady, what's her name?" "Mary" I responded. "Yeah, it's a good thing Mary's here to drive them home."
Yes, Peanut, it's a very good thing!
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Tears
Months ago I learned a few things about tears. I think now is a good time to share this information. I don't remember where I saw this, but I copied it down and saved it to my computer. I find it's fitting for a day such as this.
Angry tears spill forth from the outside corner of the eye, making them easier to wipe away as they come at unexpected moments and inappropriate times. They originate in the ego - the part of our being that presents to the world that we think we are. Angry tears create heat and stiffness in the body, because when we are angry, we usually don't know how to express what we feel. We definitely don't want anyone to know when we are angry, because anger is not acceptable or polite. Rather than display anger, we hold back, and the tears rage forth, shattering our self-image. More important, angry tears reveal to those around us our vulnerabilities. This, we believe, is not a wise thing to do.
Sad tears spill forth from the inside corner of the eye, finding their way across our nose, cheeks, and lips. For some reason we always lick sad tears. We know that they are salty, and the things that bring them forth are usually the bitter experiences in life. Sad tears come from the heart. They usually bring a bending of the shoulders and a drooping of the head.
Frightened tears take up the entire eye, clouding our vision, as fear will do. When we are frightened, we cannot see or think. Frightened tears are usually big tears that well up in the eye. They spill over the whole face. Frightened tears come from the soles of the feet. They shoot through the body and create trembling or shaking.
Then there are shame-filled tears, which fall when we are alone with our thoughts and feelings. Shame-filled tears come when we're judging ourselves, criticizing ourselves, or beating up on ourselves for something purely human that we have done yet can't explain to ourselves or to others. Shame-filled tears come from the pit of the stomach and usually cause us to bend over - not in pain, but in anguish.
Combination tears are the worst tears of all. They are filled with anger and sadness, with fear and shame. They have a devastating effect on the body, bringing the stiffness of anger, the drooping of sadness, the trembling of fear, and the bending of shame. They make you cold when you are hot. They make you tremble when you are trying to keep still. Most of all, they make you nauseated.
Many of us have been able to float on our tears to a new and better understanding of ourselves and the things we have experienced in life. Through our tears, we get in touch with those experiences that we have forgotten, hidden, or buried away in the pit of our souls. These tears have brought us to a deeper realization of ourselves and of the constant mercy and grace of God.
Angry tears spill forth from the outside corner of the eye, making them easier to wipe away as they come at unexpected moments and inappropriate times. They originate in the ego - the part of our being that presents to the world that we think we are. Angry tears create heat and stiffness in the body, because when we are angry, we usually don't know how to express what we feel. We definitely don't want anyone to know when we are angry, because anger is not acceptable or polite. Rather than display anger, we hold back, and the tears rage forth, shattering our self-image. More important, angry tears reveal to those around us our vulnerabilities. This, we believe, is not a wise thing to do.
Sad tears spill forth from the inside corner of the eye, finding their way across our nose, cheeks, and lips. For some reason we always lick sad tears. We know that they are salty, and the things that bring them forth are usually the bitter experiences in life. Sad tears come from the heart. They usually bring a bending of the shoulders and a drooping of the head.
Frightened tears take up the entire eye, clouding our vision, as fear will do. When we are frightened, we cannot see or think. Frightened tears are usually big tears that well up in the eye. They spill over the whole face. Frightened tears come from the soles of the feet. They shoot through the body and create trembling or shaking.
Then there are shame-filled tears, which fall when we are alone with our thoughts and feelings. Shame-filled tears come when we're judging ourselves, criticizing ourselves, or beating up on ourselves for something purely human that we have done yet can't explain to ourselves or to others. Shame-filled tears come from the pit of the stomach and usually cause us to bend over - not in pain, but in anguish.
Combination tears are the worst tears of all. They are filled with anger and sadness, with fear and shame. They have a devastating effect on the body, bringing the stiffness of anger, the drooping of sadness, the trembling of fear, and the bending of shame. They make you cold when you are hot. They make you tremble when you are trying to keep still. Most of all, they make you nauseated.
Many of us have been able to float on our tears to a new and better understanding of ourselves and the things we have experienced in life. Through our tears, we get in touch with those experiences that we have forgotten, hidden, or buried away in the pit of our souls. These tears have brought us to a deeper realization of ourselves and of the constant mercy and grace of God.
Friday, October 07, 2005
Goodbyes
Goodbyes are never easy, even when you know they're coming. Today my husband called to tell me that they were rushing his grandmother to the ER, and she wasn't expected to live. Upon seeing me cry, I told Peanut that her great-grandmother was very sick and dropped her off at school and soon joined my husband at the hospital. We are the only family in town so we were the first ones there. Grandmother had been revived after her heart stopped, but she had internal bleeding from taking asprin for so long, her blood pressure was very low, and she couldn't breath on her own, but she was hanging on. I think she was waiting on us to be there. No one should have to die alone. I know, I know, we're not really alone because Jesus or the angels are there, but I'm talking about family. The family soon showed up and we waited in the ICU waiting room for a few hours. We talked, we laughed, we enjoyed each other's company. We each got to see the shell of the woman we had loved for so long. Her heart may have been beating but she had already left to be with her friend, Jesus. It was so hard looking at this woman who has loved her family so much just lay there with a tube in her mouth her eyes glazed over. I don't know if she heard us or knew we were there, but we told her it was ok for her to go. I think that's what made it so hard. Just being able to say, 'we'll be ok. you go see heaven!' Grandmother passed from this life at 4:30 this afternoon with her family close by.
I picked Peanut up after she passed and being the mommy I had to tell her. It was so hard. How do you get across to a 5 year old that she won't get to play with her great-grandmother ever again. I picked up a couple of tissues on the way out the door and she asked why. As soon as we got to the car I asked her if she remembered me telling her about Great Grandma being sick this morning. She said she did. So I knelt down and told her that Great Grandma had died and went to be with Jesus. Oh the tears fell from both of us. I think mine were mostly because I had to tell my little girl about it. But I think she understood. About 10 mintues later she was right back to her normal happy self. I'm sure from time to time she'll tell me how she misses Great-Grandma, she tells me all the time how she misses her grandma's dog. Oh, how I wish we were able to release our sadness as quickly as children do.
I know that Grandmother is in a much sweeter place now. She is home with the angels that she loved so much. Her friend Jesus is probably having coffee with her right now. Grandmother never met a stranger and her love for life was expressed through her sparkling eyes and bright smile. She will be missed.
I picked Peanut up after she passed and being the mommy I had to tell her. It was so hard. How do you get across to a 5 year old that she won't get to play with her great-grandmother ever again. I picked up a couple of tissues on the way out the door and she asked why. As soon as we got to the car I asked her if she remembered me telling her about Great Grandma being sick this morning. She said she did. So I knelt down and told her that Great Grandma had died and went to be with Jesus. Oh the tears fell from both of us. I think mine were mostly because I had to tell my little girl about it. But I think she understood. About 10 mintues later she was right back to her normal happy self. I'm sure from time to time she'll tell me how she misses Great-Grandma, she tells me all the time how she misses her grandma's dog. Oh, how I wish we were able to release our sadness as quickly as children do.
I know that Grandmother is in a much sweeter place now. She is home with the angels that she loved so much. Her friend Jesus is probably having coffee with her right now. Grandmother never met a stranger and her love for life was expressed through her sparkling eyes and bright smile. She will be missed.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
This time next week
I'm actually taking a couple of days of vacation and going somewhere!!! That so rarely happens to me. Usually when I take time off I stay home and put my house back in order from lack of enthusiasm when I get home. But next Wednesday Momma will be coming over to the flat side of the state to stay the night with us. Then Thursday after dropping Peanut off at school she and I will head down to Oklahoma City for a weekend!!! Joyce Meyer will be in OKC Thursday-Saturday and we are really looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to having Mommy time! With gas prices as they are and weekends growing shorter (or so it seems) it's hard for me to make the 3 1/2 hour drive back home to my hometown. And every time I go, I'm required to bring Peanut along so guess who gets most of the attention? But I expect it. When I do make it back home it's usually for holidays and my brother, his wife, and four children show up too. Not that I'm complaining! I love my nieces and nephews very much, but sometimes a three-bedroom house gets a little small when you have 5 children, 6 adults, and a cat.
Momma and I get to do things that Daddy and Nickel would NEVER do. You know, like go to a couple of museums and the flower gardens (I think the orchids are in bloom inside the greenhouse). There are a couple of restaurants that we must eat at. And who knows, depending on time we MIGHT go see a chick-flick! There’s a lot that we want to do in our weekend.
The first message will be Thursday night at 7:00 pm so we have MOST of the day Thursday to play. There are two messages Friday, one at 10:00 am and the other at 7:00 pm. Then there are two messages on Saturday one at 10:00 and the other at 2:00. Brian Houston, from Hillsong will be preaching the Thursday evening and Saturday morning messages and Joyce the other three. I'm not 100% sure if we'll stay for the Saturday messages. Peanut has a soccer game at 1:00 back here so me might just play in the City in the morning and come home. I guess it'll all depend on how good Brian Houston is and if we want to listen to him again!
So, next week, when I'm out of pocket (oh yeah, probably won't have time to even check my email next weekend so forget about me blogging) don't worry about me. I'll be back either Saturday night or Sunday with LOTS AND LOTS to tell you about I'm sure! I'll probably even have a few pictures!
But of course, this is all NEXT week. :-(
I don't like waiting.....
Momma and I get to do things that Daddy and Nickel would NEVER do. You know, like go to a couple of museums and the flower gardens (I think the orchids are in bloom inside the greenhouse). There are a couple of restaurants that we must eat at. And who knows, depending on time we MIGHT go see a chick-flick! There’s a lot that we want to do in our weekend.
The first message will be Thursday night at 7:00 pm so we have MOST of the day Thursday to play. There are two messages Friday, one at 10:00 am and the other at 7:00 pm. Then there are two messages on Saturday one at 10:00 and the other at 2:00. Brian Houston, from Hillsong will be preaching the Thursday evening and Saturday morning messages and Joyce the other three. I'm not 100% sure if we'll stay for the Saturday messages. Peanut has a soccer game at 1:00 back here so me might just play in the City in the morning and come home. I guess it'll all depend on how good Brian Houston is and if we want to listen to him again!
So, next week, when I'm out of pocket (oh yeah, probably won't have time to even check my email next weekend so forget about me blogging) don't worry about me. I'll be back either Saturday night or Sunday with LOTS AND LOTS to tell you about I'm sure! I'll probably even have a few pictures!
But of course, this is all NEXT week. :-(
I don't like waiting.....
Scrambled Eggs
Peanut has decided that her new favorite breakfast is scrambled eggs. This is probably because I actually let her cook them. She's so funny! She cracks the eggs without getting them over EVERYTHING somehow. Then she stirs them up. I tried to show her to wisk them, but you know 5 year olds. But I wisk them real good before putting them in the skillet. Then she stirs. And stirs. And stirs. By the time she's done the eggs are in tiny little pieces but that's ok, they taste the same. Peanut is really looking forward to cooking them for her Nana when she comes over next week!
Have a sunny-side up day!
Monday, October 03, 2005
Elvis
I use to make fun of those people who claimed to see Elvis alive after all these years, but from this day forward not one single jest, jab, or joke will be made at those people's expenses. Because I too, have seen Elvis. Yes, it's true. Here is my story. Tonight I went into the local Piggly Wiggly (for those of you in northern USA and Canada, that's a grocery store we have here in the back woods of the South)--
- ok ok, so we don't actually have a Piggly Wiggly, gee, I can't finish my story if you keep interuptin' like that!
Anyway, back at the Piggly Wiggly, I was buying some spinich and 'maters (also known at tomatoes) when in he walked. His sideburns were down to his chin. He wore a black button down-Johhny Cash kind of shirt. He had on jeans and a black cowboy hat. I bet you didn't know that Elvis was an OU football fan. Well, he is. I saw the crimson OU pin in the middle of his hat! Elvis bought a few things. I couldn't really see what he had because he was holding it all pretty close. But I think he got a 'mater and some Cheetos.
I saw him get into a long black limo and drive away. He was drivin'. Hmm... didn't Elvis sing about a Long Black Limousine? Hmm.... intersting... very intersting.
- ok ok, so we don't actually have a Piggly Wiggly, gee, I can't finish my story if you keep interuptin' like that!
Anyway, back at the Piggly Wiggly, I was buying some spinich and 'maters (also known at tomatoes) when in he walked. His sideburns were down to his chin. He wore a black button down-Johhny Cash kind of shirt. He had on jeans and a black cowboy hat. I bet you didn't know that Elvis was an OU football fan. Well, he is. I saw the crimson OU pin in the middle of his hat! Elvis bought a few things. I couldn't really see what he had because he was holding it all pretty close. But I think he got a 'mater and some Cheetos.
I saw him get into a long black limo and drive away. He was drivin'. Hmm... didn't Elvis sing about a Long Black Limousine? Hmm.... intersting... very intersting.
I belong in Paris
You Belong in ParisStylish and a little sassy, you were meant for Paris.The art, the fashion, the wine, the men! Whether you're enjoying the cafe life or a beautiful park... You'll love living in the most chic place on earth What City Do You Belong in? Take This Quiz :-) |
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Weddings Galore
Well as much pain as my legs are in today, yesterday was a really good day! Nickel was smashing in his tux and Peanut was adorable (as always) in her "wedding dress". No more weddings for a while.... oh, wait. Nickel's step-bro is getting married in two weeks... Do you think I can get away with wearing dressy slacks to that wedding? I think I'll try. No more pantyhose--at least not for a whole day!
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Weddings Galore
So, some of you may not know this, but at the church I work for I also double as the Wedding Coordinator. Today was my second wedding. It was a lot of fun. I don't do the wedding planning I just supervise the rehearsal and wedding ceremony (that is of course after putting it on the church calendar, collecting the fees, notifing staff, custodial, and security of time and date. I'm the one standing on the other side of the door telling the ushers which grandma to take down first, I tell the bridesmaids what order and when they're suppose to go, and of course I send the bride and her father down the aisle too. Then I get to take about a 15 minute break until the pastor sends them back up the aisle as man and wife.
Today, though was a little more hectic then most. I had the wedding at the church today. That wedding started at 2, but the bride and family were there at 10--which means I was there before 10. I don't like pantyhose--I think I'm allergic to them because they become very painful after a few hours and it sometimes takes days for me to recover. The lovely wedding was over at 2:30 and by 2:45 I was in the car. I left the church as is knowing there was still work for me to do. I drove 30 minutes to where Peanut and Nickel were ready for our friend's wedding. I got there just in time! That wedding started at 3:30 and by 4:30 I was back on my way to town to finish up the wedding I had left. Of course there was NO one there to help me put up all the pillers. The bride's mother had moved the heart shaped candel abras so her video camera could get a good shot, but she put them directly under my AC vents which mean my "drippless" candles ending up dripping all down the candles from the air pushing the wax out. Lovely--guess who got to clean that up. I found a ciggarette in a trash can and could smell the smoke. I walked by the men's bathroom and could smell smoke in there too.... what makes people think it's OK to smoke in a church?!?!?!? Come on, have some common sense!
Sorry, if I sound cranky or snippy tonight-- I am! I'm in pain and I hope I can walk tomorrow. If not, those friends I go to church with will read my blog and know that I must be stuck in bed.
But I really do love weddings!
Today, though was a little more hectic then most. I had the wedding at the church today. That wedding started at 2, but the bride and family were there at 10--which means I was there before 10. I don't like pantyhose--I think I'm allergic to them because they become very painful after a few hours and it sometimes takes days for me to recover. The lovely wedding was over at 2:30 and by 2:45 I was in the car. I left the church as is knowing there was still work for me to do. I drove 30 minutes to where Peanut and Nickel were ready for our friend's wedding. I got there just in time! That wedding started at 3:30 and by 4:30 I was back on my way to town to finish up the wedding I had left. Of course there was NO one there to help me put up all the pillers. The bride's mother had moved the heart shaped candel abras so her video camera could get a good shot, but she put them directly under my AC vents which mean my "drippless" candles ending up dripping all down the candles from the air pushing the wax out. Lovely--guess who got to clean that up. I found a ciggarette in a trash can and could smell the smoke. I walked by the men's bathroom and could smell smoke in there too.... what makes people think it's OK to smoke in a church?!?!?!? Come on, have some common sense!
Sorry, if I sound cranky or snippy tonight-- I am! I'm in pain and I hope I can walk tomorrow. If not, those friends I go to church with will read my blog and know that I must be stuck in bed.
But I really do love weddings!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)