Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Music Monday
Interesting comments on my earlier post. I may have more to say about that at a later time, but for now...it's Music Monday.
I'm not going to pretend that I have ever been asked out by an arrogant, vain, rich, popular, pompous, good looking guy who only wanted to have some fun and break my heart. It just hasn't happened folks. But, I like to imagine that if it had happened, I would have turned him down flat. I've got my pride after all! (The truth is, until my 30's when I suddenly made major growth in the backbone and self-worth department, I probably would have accepted gladly, desperate for any attention. But thankfully I've been married to the sweetest guy on earth for almost 10 years now so I haven't even had to worry about it.)
In middle school and high school, one of my favorite songs was a funky 70's song called "Mr. Big Stuff" by Jean Knight. It's a song of ultra confidence. In the song, she does turn down the no-good player and she does it with style. Take that, arrogant jerk. It's a feminist anthem that declares we aren't going to settle for attention from a guy who doesn't love us. We're holding out for a true, kind man. This song makes me want to put on some bell bottoms, pick my hair out into a fro, and hit the dance floor. What about you?
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
666
This particular post is number 666 for me. I just happened to see that before I started to write. What is unusual about this is that I had a topic in mind that I had decided against blogging about because I thought it was sort of controversial. But when I saw that this was my 666th post, I changed my mind about the topic. So controversy, here we come!
Often, I hear people attribute trials or temptations in their lives to "the work of Satan." And they mean that Satan is personally bothering them or causing problems for them, or trying to get them to sin. And that just doesn't jive with what I believe about Satan. See, I don't think he is omnipresent, or omnipotent like God. I believe God can be all places at once, but I think Satan is limited to one place at a time. And basically, I don't think I am important enough for Satan to personally attack me. I figure he's busy with world leaders, and church leaders. I think there are other dark powers besides Satan, and there may be one or two or more (!) demons assigned to me. Who knows. But I really don't think Satan himself is interacting with me. And while I am stirring up controversy, I might as well add that I don't like to attribute my sinful thoughts and ideas to Satan or any demon either. No, I am quite able to come up with those evil thoughts on my own due to my own selfishness and impurity. Maybe some of my sinful thoughts are spurred on by outside forces, but I am willing to bet most of them come from within my own heart.
I know many disagree with this opinion of mine. And that's fine. Maybe there will be some discussion in the comments that supports the idea that Satan can and does personally attack the billions of average Joes on this planet. If so, I'd be interested to hear that side of it.
Sorry I didn't steer clear of controversy. I can make up for it by posting a super Music Monday. I've got a funky song in mind that's sure to bring the 70's to the front of your brain.
Often, I hear people attribute trials or temptations in their lives to "the work of Satan." And they mean that Satan is personally bothering them or causing problems for them, or trying to get them to sin. And that just doesn't jive with what I believe about Satan. See, I don't think he is omnipresent, or omnipotent like God. I believe God can be all places at once, but I think Satan is limited to one place at a time. And basically, I don't think I am important enough for Satan to personally attack me. I figure he's busy with world leaders, and church leaders. I think there are other dark powers besides Satan, and there may be one or two or more (!) demons assigned to me. Who knows. But I really don't think Satan himself is interacting with me. And while I am stirring up controversy, I might as well add that I don't like to attribute my sinful thoughts and ideas to Satan or any demon either. No, I am quite able to come up with those evil thoughts on my own due to my own selfishness and impurity. Maybe some of my sinful thoughts are spurred on by outside forces, but I am willing to bet most of them come from within my own heart.
I know many disagree with this opinion of mine. And that's fine. Maybe there will be some discussion in the comments that supports the idea that Satan can and does personally attack the billions of average Joes on this planet. If so, I'd be interested to hear that side of it.
Sorry I didn't steer clear of controversy. I can make up for it by posting a super Music Monday. I've got a funky song in mind that's sure to bring the 70's to the front of your brain.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
2Cool4U
I read an interesting article about vanity plates this morning at usatoday.com. Within the article was a list of all 50 states (plus the District of Columbia) ranked in order by which has the highest percentage of personalized license plates for registered motor vehicles. I was expecting to see California at the top of the list, but it was halfway down. I thought Texas would be near the top, but surprisingly, Texas was in last place! I figured Texans to be kind of vain, but apparently, we are the least vain of any state when it comes to making up wacky sayings for our license plates. Maybe we're too busy wrangling steers and choosing ten gallon hats to be bothered with it.
So want to know which state has the most crazy personalized license plates? Here are the top 6:
I find it shocking that in Virginia, of all places, 1 of 6 cars has a personal message on the plate. It makes me want to go there just to scan all the cars around me. Sometimes those personalized plates are clever. Other times, I just don't get them. I would never get one for myself. But that's probably just because I live in Texas.
So want to know which state has the most crazy personalized license plates? Here are the top 6:
| 1 | Virginia | 16.2% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 14.0% |
| 3 | Illinois | 13.4% |
| 4 | Nevada | 12.7% |
| 5 | Montana | 9.8% |
| 6 | Maine* | 9.8% |
I find it shocking that in Virginia, of all places, 1 of 6 cars has a personal message on the plate. It makes me want to go there just to scan all the cars around me. Sometimes those personalized plates are clever. Other times, I just don't get them. I would never get one for myself. But that's probably just because I live in Texas.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Lucas Walks
Lucas has been taking one or two steps every once and a while for the past couple of weeks. Finally today he decided to throw caution to the wind and branch out for a longer walk. If you listen carefully, you can hear him giggle as he takes off. He's pleased as punch with his new walking skills. And so are we!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Music Monday
One of the most popular bands in the world, for over two decades, has been U2.
I am not a die hard fan, but I do appreciate their music. It has one of the most distinct sounds I have ever heard. If I had to sum it up in one phrase, I would choose "constant motion." It's almost impossible to listen to most U2 music and stay still. The rhythm just pulses in, invited or not. Although its rhythmic pulse makes it okay for dancing, it is more perfect as work-out music. The constant motion underlying Bono's soaring voice is good for motivating feet to keep on running. That same motion makes for a great laser light show, too. I saw an amazing laser light show set to U2 music while on a rather strange date back in my college days. We won't go down that path now. Another intriguing aspect of their music is the way Christian themes are often tied into the lyrics. There are many different interpretations for the lyrics of their songs, but one view of the song I showcase today is that Bono is singing about the Holy Spirit. Who knows what his intentions were, but it's interesting to think about.
Mysterious Ways
I am not a die hard fan, but I do appreciate their music. It has one of the most distinct sounds I have ever heard. If I had to sum it up in one phrase, I would choose "constant motion." It's almost impossible to listen to most U2 music and stay still. The rhythm just pulses in, invited or not. Although its rhythmic pulse makes it okay for dancing, it is more perfect as work-out music. The constant motion underlying Bono's soaring voice is good for motivating feet to keep on running. That same motion makes for a great laser light show, too. I saw an amazing laser light show set to U2 music while on a rather strange date back in my college days. We won't go down that path now. Another intriguing aspect of their music is the way Christian themes are often tied into the lyrics. There are many different interpretations for the lyrics of their songs, but one view of the song I showcase today is that Bono is singing about the Holy Spirit. Who knows what his intentions were, but it's interesting to think about.
Mysterious Ways
Coming Monday...
Don't forget to tune in Monday for another edition of Music Monday.
This one will have you up dancing. Or at least tapping your toes.
This one will have you up dancing. Or at least tapping your toes.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Why Have Kids?
The majority of people on this planet reproduce. The question is: Why? Why do we desire to have children? I don't think many people have actually sat down and come up for an answer to this question. But we all have our motives, even if they are subconscious.
For example, the emotionally dependent might have kids to create a person to love them and need them. The egocentric may want to reproduce in order to preserve a piece of themselves that will continue even after they are gone. The romantic might think of children as tangible evidence of the love between them and their partner. The scientist may think the drive to reproduce is a biological instinct. The conformist may have kids just because it seems like the thing everyone does.
I am not completely sure what drove me to desire kids, but I do know what they provide for me in my life right now. They are an opportunity to practice sacrifice and unconditional love. They provide a deeper understanding of God as my Father. Their presence widens my experiences with forgiveness and service. And they make me want to be a better person.
For example, the emotionally dependent might have kids to create a person to love them and need them. The egocentric may want to reproduce in order to preserve a piece of themselves that will continue even after they are gone. The romantic might think of children as tangible evidence of the love between them and their partner. The scientist may think the drive to reproduce is a biological instinct. The conformist may have kids just because it seems like the thing everyone does.
I am not completely sure what drove me to desire kids, but I do know what they provide for me in my life right now. They are an opportunity to practice sacrifice and unconditional love. They provide a deeper understanding of God as my Father. Their presence widens my experiences with forgiveness and service. And they make me want to be a better person.
Cat Games
Ava was just explaining to me that we need to have a birthday party for our cat, Jingle.
"Jingle could invite all the cats she knows. They could get on their knees, put up their paws and play Cattypake."
"Jingle could invite all the cats she knows. They could get on their knees, put up their paws and play Cattypake."
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Porn at the Library
There is a debate going on in Dallas about whether library patrons should be able to freely access Internet porn on the library computers. I seem to remember a similar debate in my own little city not too long ago. A staggering amount of porn is viewed according to some studies of library computer use. One side of the debate says that the library computers are not intended to be used for viewing lewd material so filters or some kind of limits should be set. The other side says that the library should not be able to limit a person's freedom of information in any way. Some worry that filters would accidentally block some art or information on breast cancer or something.
To me, the fact that there is a debate about this seems absurd. Since when is a city library required to provide access to pornography on its computers? What right does a person have, when borrowing a government computer that is paid for by tax dollars and intended for constructive use, to demand that they be able to access pornography? If people want to view porn, they can buy their own computer, pay for their own Internet connection, and look until they turn blue. If they want to borrow the library's computer than they should have to respect whatever reasonable limits are in place to protect the family environment and honor the intended use of the computers. The library sets all kinds of limits. Books are due back in 3 weeks. Library cards are required to check out material. I've never tested it, but I am guessing that kids under 18 aren't allowed to check out rated "R" movies without a parent present. Why not put limits on computer use?
To me, the fact that there is a debate about this seems absurd. Since when is a city library required to provide access to pornography on its computers? What right does a person have, when borrowing a government computer that is paid for by tax dollars and intended for constructive use, to demand that they be able to access pornography? If people want to view porn, they can buy their own computer, pay for their own Internet connection, and look until they turn blue. If they want to borrow the library's computer than they should have to respect whatever reasonable limits are in place to protect the family environment and honor the intended use of the computers. The library sets all kinds of limits. Books are due back in 3 weeks. Library cards are required to check out material. I've never tested it, but I am guessing that kids under 18 aren't allowed to check out rated "R" movies without a parent present. Why not put limits on computer use?
Monday, January 14, 2008
Cheap Prints
Every so often, I like to order hard copies of my favorite digital photos. I use all different online photo companies. Today I used a coupon at yorkphoto.com and got prints for only 3 cents each. Quite a deal. So I figured I would pass on the info in case anyone else wants to order prints at a great price.
Use coupon code YK3PRTS and it expires January 22.
The fine print:Discount applies to 1st time orders only on up to 150 4x6 prints ordered online only.
Does not include shipping & handling.
I am not sure if it is a coupon code that can be used multiple times, or not. If not, sorry. If so, then have fun.
Use coupon code YK3PRTS and it expires January 22.
The fine print:Discount applies to 1st time orders only on up to 150 4x6 prints ordered online only.
Does not include shipping & handling.
I am not sure if it is a coupon code that can be used multiple times, or not. If not, sorry. If so, then have fun.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Music Monday
If I hear a snippet of a song that hits me hard in the gut, I search until I find out what it is and who sings it. Thank goodness for google. Over five years ago I heard a song in a Volkswagon commercial, and I immediately set out to find it. I think a lot of people did the same, which resulted in a small surge of popularity for a dead artist by the name of Nick Drake. Drake was an English singer/song-writer who created haunting folk music. Sadly, he died of an overdose at age 26. His music never found a wide audience during his lifetime, but he has steadily grown in popularity since his death. That Volkswagon ad had a lot to do with it. I read this at wikipedia.org:
"In 2000, Volkswagon featured the title track from Pink Moon in a television advertisement, and within one month Drake had sold more records than he had in the previous thirty years."
I was one of those who bought the album Pink Moon and I believe it is one of my favorite CDs I own. I highly recommend it.
"In 2000, Volkswagon featured the title track from Pink Moon in a television advertisement, and within one month Drake had sold more records than he had in the previous thirty years."
I was one of those who bought the album Pink Moon and I believe it is one of my favorite CDs I own. I highly recommend it.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Music
I miss music.
When I was in college, my life was one giant soundtrack. There was music all of the time. One of the reasons for that was because I was a music major. My days were filled with choir practice, voice and piano lessons, and the general cacophony of the music building. (Back in my day, we're talking before HU got a nice new music building, the practice rooms were about 5 by 6 feet large and the walls were made out of paper I think.) Since I was at a Christian school, there was singing in chapel every weekday morning. I sang in church services Sunday and Wednesdays.
There was also the completely different music of my dorm room and car. The classic rock, alternative, classical, jazzy, rock mix that makes my eclectic ears happy. I almost always had music playing.
I liked to soak up music. It was like I could feel it rolling over me, seeping into my body. The better the song, the more acute that feeling. Some songs we sang in choir would give me chills. Some songs I had at full volume in the car as I breezed down a dark two lane highway with the sun roof open resonated within me. One song I loved was "As Long as I Can See the Light" by Creedence Clearwater Revival. Dang that song is good. Here's the thing. Some music just hits me hard, and I can't say exactly why. I know it has something to do with the rhythm, the lyrics, the tone of the singer's voice, the underlying beat...but I can't explain it in words.
These days I don't listen to much music. When I do, it's Kid's Favorite Songs, or Veggie Tales. And while I enjoy those kinds of songs, they don't exactly speak to me the same way. So, I plan on making an effort to listen to more of the music I used to love and enjoy it once again. And because I am a benevolent kind of gal, I'm even going to share my favorite songs with my blog readers. Complete with links so you can hear them for yourselves. Maybe I'll do this once a week or so. Music Monday, anyone? (So what if I start on a Wednesday.) You may not share my taste in music, but you never know what genre I am going to draw from next, so I'm bound to hit one you like eventually. Stay tuned.
When I was in college, my life was one giant soundtrack. There was music all of the time. One of the reasons for that was because I was a music major. My days were filled with choir practice, voice and piano lessons, and the general cacophony of the music building. (Back in my day, we're talking before HU got a nice new music building, the practice rooms were about 5 by 6 feet large and the walls were made out of paper I think.) Since I was at a Christian school, there was singing in chapel every weekday morning. I sang in church services Sunday and Wednesdays.
There was also the completely different music of my dorm room and car. The classic rock, alternative, classical, jazzy, rock mix that makes my eclectic ears happy. I almost always had music playing.
I liked to soak up music. It was like I could feel it rolling over me, seeping into my body. The better the song, the more acute that feeling. Some songs we sang in choir would give me chills. Some songs I had at full volume in the car as I breezed down a dark two lane highway with the sun roof open resonated within me. One song I loved was "As Long as I Can See the Light" by Creedence Clearwater Revival. Dang that song is good. Here's the thing. Some music just hits me hard, and I can't say exactly why. I know it has something to do with the rhythm, the lyrics, the tone of the singer's voice, the underlying beat...but I can't explain it in words.
These days I don't listen to much music. When I do, it's Kid's Favorite Songs, or Veggie Tales. And while I enjoy those kinds of songs, they don't exactly speak to me the same way. So, I plan on making an effort to listen to more of the music I used to love and enjoy it once again. And because I am a benevolent kind of gal, I'm even going to share my favorite songs with my blog readers. Complete with links so you can hear them for yourselves. Maybe I'll do this once a week or so. Music Monday, anyone? (So what if I start on a Wednesday.) You may not share my taste in music, but you never know what genre I am going to draw from next, so I'm bound to hit one you like eventually. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Ava and her Daddy
I don't know why this makes me laugh so hard, it just does!
Ava's conversation with Daddy last night:
Ava: (running to Daddy, holding her stuffed cat up to him.) Daddy, meet my kitty cat!
Daddy: (shaking the cat's hand) Hello there little kitty, my name is Cody. What's your name?
Ava: (shaking her head) Daddy, cats can't talk. Remember?
Ava's conversation with Daddy last night:
Ava: (running to Daddy, holding her stuffed cat up to him.) Daddy, meet my kitty cat!
Daddy: (shaking the cat's hand) Hello there little kitty, my name is Cody. What's your name?
Ava: (shaking her head) Daddy, cats can't talk. Remember?
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Mighty Hunter
I didn't think it would happen at the tender young age of 3, but Cody took Nate on his first hunting trip to the family farm. My eyes teared up a little as I watched Cody load the truck, then buckle in our precious cargo. (I was free to tear up since I had already given Cody the "You better not let anything happen to my son while he is in your care for 2 days on a farm in the middle of nowhere because he is just a 3 year old baby and he has to be watched like a hawk, like a hawk do you understand me, so don't take your eyes off of him for 2 seconds because all kinds of awful things could possibly happen and I must know that you understand how incredibly important this is" speech earlier that day.)
Nate and the "boys" (including Grandad and Uncle Cord) had a great time together. And the "girls" plus baby Lucas (poor baby Lucas had to hang out with the girls this time) had fun here, too. We hit the mall and did some hunting of our own- bargain hunting. Plus we visited Granna and Ava's best friend Hannah.
Cody got a deer. Nate got to feed the cows and ride the four wheeler. And then Nate got sick with fever shortly before returning home. When they puled into the driveway at midnight, Cody carried in a sleepy, hot, miserable boy. Nate was awake as he lay curled in his daddy's arms. He looked up and me and said, "Mama, I have a wever." in the most pathetic voice imaginable. After I picked my heart up off the floor, I helped Cody change him into pjs, gave him medicine and water, and tucked him into bed. I had missed him so much while he was gone.
I love it that Nate got to have a special weekend with his Daddy. I hope he has many many more in the years to come.
Nate and the "boys" (including Grandad and Uncle Cord) had a great time together. And the "girls" plus baby Lucas (poor baby Lucas had to hang out with the girls this time) had fun here, too. We hit the mall and did some hunting of our own- bargain hunting. Plus we visited Granna and Ava's best friend Hannah.
Cody got a deer. Nate got to feed the cows and ride the four wheeler. And then Nate got sick with fever shortly before returning home. When they puled into the driveway at midnight, Cody carried in a sleepy, hot, miserable boy. Nate was awake as he lay curled in his daddy's arms. He looked up and me and said, "Mama, I have a wever." in the most pathetic voice imaginable. After I picked my heart up off the floor, I helped Cody change him into pjs, gave him medicine and water, and tucked him into bed. I had missed him so much while he was gone.
I love it that Nate got to have a special weekend with his Daddy. I hope he has many many more in the years to come.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Ava's Song
I feel like I write about the strange/funny/crazy things Ava says all of the time, but it is such a regular occurrence, and it's so doggone funny that I can't help it.
Tonight as we sat eating dinner, Ava suddenly starting singing a cute catchy tune I had never heard before. As I listened, she sang:
"I'm growing up, I'm growing every day. I'm growing up, I'm growing every day.
And when I'm all grown up, I'll drop dead."
I almost spit out my food at that last line. "Where did you learn that song?" I asked. "Oh, I just made it up." was her reply. I don't doubt it. She's been thinking more about dying recently. She told Cody the other day that our elderly neighbor Ms. Julie was going to die because she had lines in her cheeks. She explained that having lines on your cheeks means you are really old and really old people die. I was glad she told this to Cody and not Ms. Julie.
Tonight as we sat eating dinner, Ava suddenly starting singing a cute catchy tune I had never heard before. As I listened, she sang:
"I'm growing up, I'm growing every day. I'm growing up, I'm growing every day.
And when I'm all grown up, I'll drop dead."
I almost spit out my food at that last line. "Where did you learn that song?" I asked. "Oh, I just made it up." was her reply. I don't doubt it. She's been thinking more about dying recently. She told Cody the other day that our elderly neighbor Ms. Julie was going to die because she had lines in her cheeks. She explained that having lines on your cheeks means you are really old and really old people die. I was glad she told this to Cody and not Ms. Julie.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
2008 Books
It's time to start a new list for 2008. Books are also rated (1= lowest, 10= highest) and if you see something you like feel free to ask me to borrow it. If I own a copy, I am always happy to lend it.
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath 7
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen 7
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini 7
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson 7
The Queen's Fool by Phillipa Gregory 8
The Man Who Was Thursday by G.K. Chesterton 9
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett 5
Joshua by Joseph Girzone 5
Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks 7
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini 10
Atonement by Ian McEwan 9
The Cement Garden by Ian McEwan 4
Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott 7
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert 6
The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar 8
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks 6
Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez 4
Persuasion by Jane Austin 9
The Road by Cormac McCarthy 7
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro 5
A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis 8
Summer by Edith Wharton 9
The Beautiful Fight by Gary Thomas 10
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon 8
Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich 3
Drowning Ruth by Christina Swartz 8
Adrift by Steven Callahan 9
The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd 4
This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti 7
Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison 8
Devil in the White City by Erik Larson 7
Appointment with Death by Agatha Christie 4
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer 8
Desperate Passage by Ethan Rarick 7
The Preservationist by David Maine 8
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith 7
Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons 5
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier 10
Getting the Girl by Markus Zusak 9
The Virgin of Small Plains by Nancy Pickard 3
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood 9
Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton 8
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut 8
The Shack by William Young 7
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult 8
Second Glance by Jodie Picoult 6
The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Edwards 6
My Hitch in Hell by Tenney 8
My Cousin Rachel by Du Maurier 8
A Mercy by Toni Morrison 7
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll 6
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer 6
For the Tough Times by Max Lucado 6
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath 7
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen 7
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini 7
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson 7
The Queen's Fool by Phillipa Gregory 8
The Man Who Was Thursday by G.K. Chesterton 9
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett 5
Joshua by Joseph Girzone 5
Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks 7
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini 10
Atonement by Ian McEwan 9
The Cement Garden by Ian McEwan 4
Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott 7
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert 6
The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar 8
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks 6
Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez 4
Persuasion by Jane Austin 9
The Road by Cormac McCarthy 7
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro 5
A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis 8
Summer by Edith Wharton 9
The Beautiful Fight by Gary Thomas 10
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon 8
Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich 3
Drowning Ruth by Christina Swartz 8
Adrift by Steven Callahan 9
The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd 4
This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti 7
Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison 8
Devil in the White City by Erik Larson 7
Appointment with Death by Agatha Christie 4
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer 8
Desperate Passage by Ethan Rarick 7
The Preservationist by David Maine 8
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith 7
Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons 5
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier 10
Getting the Girl by Markus Zusak 9
The Virgin of Small Plains by Nancy Pickard 3
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood 9
Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton 8
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut 8
The Shack by William Young 7
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult 8
Second Glance by Jodie Picoult 6
The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Edwards 6
My Hitch in Hell by Tenney 8
My Cousin Rachel by Du Maurier 8
A Mercy by Toni Morrison 7
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll 6
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer 6
For the Tough Times by Max Lucado 6
FOUND IT
I found it, I found it, do a dance now, I found it!
(Imagine me chanting that while dancing all over the living room...if you dare.)
See the last post if this leaves you utterly confused.
(Imagine me chanting that while dancing all over the living room...if you dare.)
See the last post if this leaves you utterly confused.
Losing Things
I am one of the many people that HATE losing things. It absolutely drives me crazy to have to search all over the house for something that I must find. It's a waste of time, a stressful feeling, and makes me feel like an idiot for losing it in the first place. This morning, the missing item is a library book. A teeny tiny library book that could be anywhere in our entire house. I have to say that so far my record regarding library books has been exemplary. I have never lost a book, and usually I don't even have to search long to round them all up when we head back to return them. Then something like this happens and messes up my perfect streak. I have not admitted defeat yet. I still have time to find it. But it is going to bug me to death until I do.
This reminds me of another humbling experience I had the other day. I was cooking several dishes, including Cody's favorite- buttermilk pie. I turned to Cody and said, "You know, Honey, not every woman can cook. You sure are lucky to have a wife that can make delicious food for you." And then over the next 2 hours everything I was making was ruined in some way. None of it cooked right. The pie ended up having to be thrown away. Apparently, I belonged in the "women who can't cook" category after all. Pride comes before the fall, I guess.
I am going to make that pie again today, by the way. And dadgummit if I am not going to beat that thing. I don't lose to a pie.
And, I will find that library book.
This reminds me of another humbling experience I had the other day. I was cooking several dishes, including Cody's favorite- buttermilk pie. I turned to Cody and said, "You know, Honey, not every woman can cook. You sure are lucky to have a wife that can make delicious food for you." And then over the next 2 hours everything I was making was ruined in some way. None of it cooked right. The pie ended up having to be thrown away. Apparently, I belonged in the "women who can't cook" category after all. Pride comes before the fall, I guess.
I am going to make that pie again today, by the way. And dadgummit if I am not going to beat that thing. I don't lose to a pie.
And, I will find that library book.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
jjill
My favorite clothing store- JJill is having a huge season ending sale with markdowns of 70%. A friend and I both made a haul there today, so I figured I'd share the good news with anyone looking for a great bargain. Casual pants are $19.99 and there are lots of nice sweaters and shirts for 9.99 or 14.99. These are Target prices at a high quality fashion store. There are several malls around here with JJill stores, or you can shop online. Have fun and get a few good bargains!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Things I did in 2007
Starting last year, I've been copying an idea I first saw on jazz pianist Barry Brake's web site. I enjoyed reading through his lists because they are not comprised of the usual accomplishments one might list when thinking back over the year. Nor are they "brag-fests." Instead he focused on some small and some larger life changes, events, or even states of mind that marked the year and stood out in his memory.
It's good to reflect on life, so here are a few of the things I did in 2007:
1. Went Natural. I'm not going to claim that there are no hydrogenated oils or high fructose corn syrups somewhere in my pantry at this moment. But, I know that they are few and far between now that I am purposefully buying organic and natural foods that lack these ingredients. I am not sure why I waited so long to join this bandwagon, but it makes me feel better to know that our family is eating healthier now.
2. Created a Middle Child. I did this by bearing a third child, of course. Hopefully, Nate won't live up to the negative qualities sometimes associated with middle children. Ava's already embodying the first-born persona quite well as she orders Nate around all day. And Lucas is the "baby." But, he really is a baby so I think that's okay.
3. Read 47 books. Maybe I do this every year, who knows? But this year I kept a running list of books I have read and was surprised to find that the final number was so high. Before you imagine me sitting around reading all day while my children run wild and scavenge for food, let me just say that I read really fast and it is a favorite evening activity of mine.
4. Got TIVO. Ahhhhhhhh, TIVO. Sweet, wonderful, blessed TIVO. I don't even watch that much tv. But, the shows Cody and I do want to see come on right when we're bathing the kids and putting them to bed. Taping them to watch later in the evening was a huge chore and the picture was low quality. Now we don't have to think about it. And we can watch shows faster by skipping commercials. This has to be one of my favorite inventions.
5. Created a Facebook account. I tried Myspace once and didn't like it. Facebook is much more fun and is a great tool for connecting with old college friends and also current friends. I think these "social networking sites" get a bad wrap sometimes. I guess it's possible one might go crazy by withdrawing from reality and focusing only on their "Facebook life." But most normal people probably use it as I do- and enjoy staying in touch with friends.
6. Published my blog. I used the site Lulu.com to turn my blog entires into a real paperback book. I did it when I reached 500 entries. I will pass the book along to my kids one day and give them a glimpse into my thoughts and life during the time when they were preschoolers. Hopefully, they won't be too mortified.
7. Made a gingerbread house. Ava and Nate are old enough to help me, so the three of us created a masterpiece which sat on our table for the month of December. I want to do this every year. We all enjoyed making it together. I am just now starting to form some traditions with my kids that I hope we all cherish for a long time.
8. Taught an adult Bible class at church. It was about the book Living With Less by Mark Tabb. I am pretty sure that was a first for me, unless I am blocking out some horrible memory of a class gone wrong. This class went mostly right and was a big growing experience for me.
That is all I can think of for now. What did you do?
It's good to reflect on life, so here are a few of the things I did in 2007:
1. Went Natural. I'm not going to claim that there are no hydrogenated oils or high fructose corn syrups somewhere in my pantry at this moment. But, I know that they are few and far between now that I am purposefully buying organic and natural foods that lack these ingredients. I am not sure why I waited so long to join this bandwagon, but it makes me feel better to know that our family is eating healthier now.
2. Created a Middle Child. I did this by bearing a third child, of course. Hopefully, Nate won't live up to the negative qualities sometimes associated with middle children. Ava's already embodying the first-born persona quite well as she orders Nate around all day. And Lucas is the "baby." But, he really is a baby so I think that's okay.
3. Read 47 books. Maybe I do this every year, who knows? But this year I kept a running list of books I have read and was surprised to find that the final number was so high. Before you imagine me sitting around reading all day while my children run wild and scavenge for food, let me just say that I read really fast and it is a favorite evening activity of mine.
4. Got TIVO. Ahhhhhhhh, TIVO. Sweet, wonderful, blessed TIVO. I don't even watch that much tv. But, the shows Cody and I do want to see come on right when we're bathing the kids and putting them to bed. Taping them to watch later in the evening was a huge chore and the picture was low quality. Now we don't have to think about it. And we can watch shows faster by skipping commercials. This has to be one of my favorite inventions.
5. Created a Facebook account. I tried Myspace once and didn't like it. Facebook is much more fun and is a great tool for connecting with old college friends and also current friends. I think these "social networking sites" get a bad wrap sometimes. I guess it's possible one might go crazy by withdrawing from reality and focusing only on their "Facebook life." But most normal people probably use it as I do- and enjoy staying in touch with friends.
6. Published my blog. I used the site Lulu.com to turn my blog entires into a real paperback book. I did it when I reached 500 entries. I will pass the book along to my kids one day and give them a glimpse into my thoughts and life during the time when they were preschoolers. Hopefully, they won't be too mortified.
7. Made a gingerbread house. Ava and Nate are old enough to help me, so the three of us created a masterpiece which sat on our table for the month of December. I want to do this every year. We all enjoyed making it together. I am just now starting to form some traditions with my kids that I hope we all cherish for a long time.
8. Taught an adult Bible class at church. It was about the book Living With Less by Mark Tabb. I am pretty sure that was a first for me, unless I am blocking out some horrible memory of a class gone wrong. This class went mostly right and was a big growing experience for me.
That is all I can think of for now. What did you do?
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