Have you ever had a load of laundry that you started and forgot about and when you remembered, they had mildewed??
Why has no one ever created an upright washing machine/dryer combo where the washing machine is on top... and has the option of automatically dropping the clothes down into the dryer when they are done washing?
Seriously......
And yes, I am that lazy.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
What is eating Gilbert Grape?
The past few weeks for me have been really hard emotionally for me to get through. Not because of anything personal, but because of the things that my job and my community have exposed me to. I never realized just how lucky I was until these past few weeks.
Working with parents and families in the community, I have a new definition of poverty. There is not having money and then there is flat out being poor in every sense of the word. No money, no food, no transportation, no spiritual beliefs, no support system, no education. There have been times that we’ve been down to pennies in our checking account with just enough gas to make it through the next paycheck… but we have always had some type of food in our cupboards, two cars to get us to work, a God who loves us no matter what and watches out for us and two amazing families who love us dearly and would help as soon as we ask. We have far more than a majority of the families in our communities do. And that is a hard pill for me to swallow. I’m trying to make a difference, but we have so many factors to go up against. There are those parents who work two jobs who don’t have time to be involved. There are the parents who don’t have the transportation to be involved. There are the parents who don’t care enough to be involved. And there are the parents who aren’t educated enough to feel that they are capable of being involved. And because the parents aren’t involved, the students get the message that school really isn’t all that important. ARGH. Our ninth grade class starts out 400 deep and by the time they get to their senior year, they are lucky to graduate with 200. WE LOSE THAT MANY KIDS! There has got to be something that we can do… if we don’t start working on a solution in the community, it is just going to keep going in a downward spiral.
Last night, the mister and I went to bed. Of course as soon as my head hits the pillow, I am dead to the world. But the loving and protective hubby heard sirens and made me aware of them. For about twenty minutes, we heard police and fire trucks going by our house. I knew something was up, but there really isn’t a way to find out since we don’t have a daily newspaper. Well this morning at work, a fellow tells me what happens and it ripped my heart into 100 pieces. Three blocks from our house, there was a drive by shooting that killed three people and injured five others. A family just sitting in their yard playing cards and visiting with each other was shot because someone felt the need to “represent”. A 20 month old girl died. A 21 year old boy… dead. A 45 year old man… dead. Absolutely senseless. It is being reported as gang activity, but I really hope that is not the case. I at least hope there was a motive in this... but I doubt it.
Its not that I am not familiar with gangs – they were in my old community and they are surely in this one. I just don't undersatnd them. People demand respect… and they think they can get it from carrying a gun around and taking other’s lives. They THINK people respect them, but in reality, people are fearful of them because of the gun. Well maybe I’m just way off the rocker, but I’m pretty sure that is where I lose respect for someone. If they have no respect for another person’s life, why would someone respect their life? Ralph Waldo Emerson said that "Men are only respectable as they respect"
Gangs don't appear very often in thriving communities. They usually take root in disadvantaged neighborhoods... communities that are failing. The whole community. Not just the parents who aren't supervising their kids. The community that offers no center for students to spend their free time in. The community that has no appealing jobs for those old enough to work. The churches who look the other way. The school that isn't effectively getting through to these kids. Gang members are usually not students who excel. They aren't successful in school, so they are looking for another outlet that they can fit into. We've got to figure out a better way... help them "fit in".
Okay, so obviously this all bothers me. I am saddened, fearful, and really at a loss. I want to make an impact, but I really don’t even know where to start… It is time to address it. We can't sweep it under the rug. This community is made out to be a sweet little southern community. Let's face our problems... admit that there is a gang problem and do something about it before another tragedy occurs!
Guess I just have to take one day at a time and ask God for the strength and wisdom to make a difference!
Working with parents and families in the community, I have a new definition of poverty. There is not having money and then there is flat out being poor in every sense of the word. No money, no food, no transportation, no spiritual beliefs, no support system, no education. There have been times that we’ve been down to pennies in our checking account with just enough gas to make it through the next paycheck… but we have always had some type of food in our cupboards, two cars to get us to work, a God who loves us no matter what and watches out for us and two amazing families who love us dearly and would help as soon as we ask. We have far more than a majority of the families in our communities do. And that is a hard pill for me to swallow. I’m trying to make a difference, but we have so many factors to go up against. There are those parents who work two jobs who don’t have time to be involved. There are the parents who don’t have the transportation to be involved. There are the parents who don’t care enough to be involved. And there are the parents who aren’t educated enough to feel that they are capable of being involved. And because the parents aren’t involved, the students get the message that school really isn’t all that important. ARGH. Our ninth grade class starts out 400 deep and by the time they get to their senior year, they are lucky to graduate with 200. WE LOSE THAT MANY KIDS! There has got to be something that we can do… if we don’t start working on a solution in the community, it is just going to keep going in a downward spiral.
Last night, the mister and I went to bed. Of course as soon as my head hits the pillow, I am dead to the world. But the loving and protective hubby heard sirens and made me aware of them. For about twenty minutes, we heard police and fire trucks going by our house. I knew something was up, but there really isn’t a way to find out since we don’t have a daily newspaper. Well this morning at work, a fellow tells me what happens and it ripped my heart into 100 pieces. Three blocks from our house, there was a drive by shooting that killed three people and injured five others. A family just sitting in their yard playing cards and visiting with each other was shot because someone felt the need to “represent”. A 20 month old girl died. A 21 year old boy… dead. A 45 year old man… dead. Absolutely senseless. It is being reported as gang activity, but I really hope that is not the case. I at least hope there was a motive in this... but I doubt it.
Its not that I am not familiar with gangs – they were in my old community and they are surely in this one. I just don't undersatnd them. People demand respect… and they think they can get it from carrying a gun around and taking other’s lives. They THINK people respect them, but in reality, people are fearful of them because of the gun. Well maybe I’m just way off the rocker, but I’m pretty sure that is where I lose respect for someone. If they have no respect for another person’s life, why would someone respect their life? Ralph Waldo Emerson said that "Men are only respectable as they respect"
Gangs don't appear very often in thriving communities. They usually take root in disadvantaged neighborhoods... communities that are failing. The whole community. Not just the parents who aren't supervising their kids. The community that offers no center for students to spend their free time in. The community that has no appealing jobs for those old enough to work. The churches who look the other way. The school that isn't effectively getting through to these kids. Gang members are usually not students who excel. They aren't successful in school, so they are looking for another outlet that they can fit into. We've got to figure out a better way... help them "fit in".
Okay, so obviously this all bothers me. I am saddened, fearful, and really at a loss. I want to make an impact, but I really don’t even know where to start… It is time to address it. We can't sweep it under the rug. This community is made out to be a sweet little southern community. Let's face our problems... admit that there is a gang problem and do something about it before another tragedy occurs!
Guess I just have to take one day at a time and ask God for the strength and wisdom to make a difference!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Dee Oh for the Bee Oh
Last night at 9:00, the husband informs me that he is completely out of deodorant and won't have any to use... on the day of a football game. Not good. Although, those boys don't smell like they use it if you get a good whiff of them after the game. Anyway, today I decided I better take a trip to Wally World and drop off some deodorant at his school before practice. So off I go.
I walk into the aisle with deodorant and go to his brand... only to realize that I don't know his particular scent. I never really took notice.... he always takes care of grabbing it when we are in the store and we use different bathrooms, so I never see it. So, I started grabbing, uncapping and sniffing. Hmmm, Fresh...that one smells like him, I think that is it. No wait, maybe it is Pure Sport.. I mean, he is a sporty guy..... well, that one smells like him too. Why do two different scents smell so much alike?? Then I realized there are the deodorants and the clear deodorants. Pretty sure I've never seen deodorant stains on his shirts, so it had to be the clear.. Suddenly, I realize that this is probably close to the feeling men get buying feminine products... or shampoo...or probably just about anything for women. Poor fellows. I finally picked Fresh... I liked it better........ which of course meant... it was the wrong one. Oh well, at least he won't smell of body odor tonight :)
I walk into the aisle with deodorant and go to his brand... only to realize that I don't know his particular scent. I never really took notice.... he always takes care of grabbing it when we are in the store and we use different bathrooms, so I never see it. So, I started grabbing, uncapping and sniffing. Hmmm, Fresh...that one smells like him, I think that is it. No wait, maybe it is Pure Sport.. I mean, he is a sporty guy..... well, that one smells like him too. Why do two different scents smell so much alike?? Then I realized there are the deodorants and the clear deodorants. Pretty sure I've never seen deodorant stains on his shirts, so it had to be the clear.. Suddenly, I realize that this is probably close to the feeling men get buying feminine products... or shampoo...or probably just about anything for women. Poor fellows. I finally picked Fresh... I liked it better........ which of course meant... it was the wrong one. Oh well, at least he won't smell of body odor tonight :)
Friday, October 30, 2009
Apple Schmapple
So the husband recently mentioned how bad he NEEDS a new phone... and how bad he WANTS an MP3 player. So being the loving and devoted to his NEEDS (and WANTS), and because I'm such a resourceful, money saving person, I decided to look at iPhones since they are both. :)
Being the bargain shopper, I found one for a great price... but then I find out it is an extra $30 PER MONTH to have a data plan for this little hot gadget. SERIOUSLY?! That is an extra car payment every year! I have never been a fan of Apple products, and this sure doesn't make me one.
On to check out these Zune players I hear so much about.
Apple - 0
Microsoft - 1
Being the bargain shopper, I found one for a great price... but then I find out it is an extra $30 PER MONTH to have a data plan for this little hot gadget. SERIOUSLY?! That is an extra car payment every year! I have never been a fan of Apple products, and this sure doesn't make me one.
On to check out these Zune players I hear so much about.
Apple - 0
Microsoft - 1
Monday, October 12, 2009
Thankful!
Okay, so I know I've been slacking on the blogging lately and I have some catching up to do. I've made a few dinners that I wanted to post, but they need some revisions. So you'll have to wait on seeing more tasty creations.
But in the meantime, I've got a "life" post. I like to log on to Facebook, particularly in the mornings before I leave for work to check in on my world of friends. If someone is having a bad morning already, I take some time to pray that their day gets better/ less stressful. This morning I woke up and logged on to find that an old friend from when I was in high school had lost his mother. I sat in shock for a few minutes hoping it was a sick joke... but it wasn't. Here is a young man... a few years younger than me who lost the one woman he has known and who has had the most influence in his life. She won't be able to see his wedding or his children. I cannot even imagine what he is going through. Tragedy is good about quickly reminding us to be thankful... to get your priorities straight. t usually takes a tragedy to make us realize what we are thankful for. So today, I've been in a reflective mood... trying not to take things or life for granted because it is so easy to do that when life is going smoothly. So here is my list of what and who I'm thankful for!
1. Many people didn't have a chance at another day today. So today, I am thankful that I woke up to another day in this world... a day I can make a difference
2. Many people don't know the loving, patient, gracious, merciful God that I know. I am thankful for having the opportunity to know Him and share Him. And I am grateful that He has a plan for my life
3. Many people woke up this morning and didn't have a job to go to (and not just because it is a holiday!)... but I am thankful for having a job... and a job that I enjoy doing at that!
4. There are plenty of children, men and women who live in a house where they fear their safety... or they don't even have a house to live in. I am thankful for my house... that is right next to a police station :)
5. Many people will wonder what they will eat today... I am thankful for cupboards with food in them.
6. I am thankful for my loving, caring and supportive husband who reminds me everyday that he loves me. I have so many reasons to be thankful for him... he has helped me in so many ways. He puts up with so much from me... I can be pretty crazy sometimes. :) Even the little things that irritate me... I'm thankful for. Like when he hogs the covers... I'm thankful that he is in the bed with me hogging my covers, not someone else's! And when he doesn't fold the bathroom towel the right way, I'm thankful that he at least uses the towel to try to clean up... or thankful that he washed his hands! ;)
7. Freedom of speech and religion
8. The expensive electric bill because it means that our house is kept cool and I have electricity in my home!
9. My sight, hearing and the ability to walk and function properly
10. Technology that helps me keep in touch with family and friends
11. My car that allows me to get around to places I need or want to go
12. A father who was and is actively involved in my life
13. A brother who is still alive
14. My DVR that allows me to skip all commercials :)
15. The rain that we are currently getting here in SC... we need it!
16. All of my extended family.. grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, nieces, etc who have taught me various life lessons in the past 24 years. I would have never known how to cross stitch, bake, sew, grow a garden, snap green beans, can vegetables or make hay if it weren't for my grandparents. If it weren't for my aunts and uncles I wouldn't have learned how to make quadruple stuffed oreos (which by the way is the only way to eat them!), to drive a stick shift, a go-kart, a boat, a snow mobile or a 4 wheeler, or known how to ski. I wouldn't have had the privilege of hand-me downs such as the Nintendo or Play Station or had fond memories of playing capture the flag or TV tag at family gatherings if it weren't for my cousins. I wouldn't have a wonderful, loving, God-fearing husband if it weren't for my in laws. And I wouldn't have ever enjoyed the peanut butter and jelly time dance or "Walk it Out" if it weren't for my nieces.
17. My mom who has sacrificed a lot the past few years for my sister, brother and me.
18. All the soldiers who risk their lives daily for our freedoms
The list could go on and on... It is amazing how fast you can think of things to be thankful of... you just have to change your perspective. So the next time that you are angry at your teenager for playing video games instead of listening to you... stop and take a moment to be thankful that they are with you at that moment. When your mom starts telling you the same story ten times because she doesn't remember telling you, just smile and be thankful that she still wants to talk to you and that you have the opportunity to listen. When your boss irritate you, be thankful you still have a job.
But in the meantime, I've got a "life" post. I like to log on to Facebook, particularly in the mornings before I leave for work to check in on my world of friends. If someone is having a bad morning already, I take some time to pray that their day gets better/ less stressful. This morning I woke up and logged on to find that an old friend from when I was in high school had lost his mother. I sat in shock for a few minutes hoping it was a sick joke... but it wasn't. Here is a young man... a few years younger than me who lost the one woman he has known and who has had the most influence in his life. She won't be able to see his wedding or his children. I cannot even imagine what he is going through. Tragedy is good about quickly reminding us to be thankful... to get your priorities straight. t usually takes a tragedy to make us realize what we are thankful for. So today, I've been in a reflective mood... trying not to take things or life for granted because it is so easy to do that when life is going smoothly. So here is my list of what and who I'm thankful for!
1. Many people didn't have a chance at another day today. So today, I am thankful that I woke up to another day in this world... a day I can make a difference
2. Many people don't know the loving, patient, gracious, merciful God that I know. I am thankful for having the opportunity to know Him and share Him. And I am grateful that He has a plan for my life
3. Many people woke up this morning and didn't have a job to go to (and not just because it is a holiday!)... but I am thankful for having a job... and a job that I enjoy doing at that!
4. There are plenty of children, men and women who live in a house where they fear their safety... or they don't even have a house to live in. I am thankful for my house... that is right next to a police station :)
5. Many people will wonder what they will eat today... I am thankful for cupboards with food in them.
6. I am thankful for my loving, caring and supportive husband who reminds me everyday that he loves me. I have so many reasons to be thankful for him... he has helped me in so many ways. He puts up with so much from me... I can be pretty crazy sometimes. :) Even the little things that irritate me... I'm thankful for. Like when he hogs the covers... I'm thankful that he is in the bed with me hogging my covers, not someone else's! And when he doesn't fold the bathroom towel the right way, I'm thankful that he at least uses the towel to try to clean up... or thankful that he washed his hands! ;)
7. Freedom of speech and religion
8. The expensive electric bill because it means that our house is kept cool and I have electricity in my home!
9. My sight, hearing and the ability to walk and function properly
10. Technology that helps me keep in touch with family and friends
11. My car that allows me to get around to places I need or want to go
12. A father who was and is actively involved in my life
13. A brother who is still alive
14. My DVR that allows me to skip all commercials :)
15. The rain that we are currently getting here in SC... we need it!
16. All of my extended family.. grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, nieces, etc who have taught me various life lessons in the past 24 years. I would have never known how to cross stitch, bake, sew, grow a garden, snap green beans, can vegetables or make hay if it weren't for my grandparents. If it weren't for my aunts and uncles I wouldn't have learned how to make quadruple stuffed oreos (which by the way is the only way to eat them!), to drive a stick shift, a go-kart, a boat, a snow mobile or a 4 wheeler, or known how to ski. I wouldn't have had the privilege of hand-me downs such as the Nintendo or Play Station or had fond memories of playing capture the flag or TV tag at family gatherings if it weren't for my cousins. I wouldn't have a wonderful, loving, God-fearing husband if it weren't for my in laws. And I wouldn't have ever enjoyed the peanut butter and jelly time dance or "Walk it Out" if it weren't for my nieces.
17. My mom who has sacrificed a lot the past few years for my sister, brother and me.
18. All the soldiers who risk their lives daily for our freedoms
The list could go on and on... It is amazing how fast you can think of things to be thankful of... you just have to change your perspective. So the next time that you are angry at your teenager for playing video games instead of listening to you... stop and take a moment to be thankful that they are with you at that moment. When your mom starts telling you the same story ten times because she doesn't remember telling you, just smile and be thankful that she still wants to talk to you and that you have the opportunity to listen. When your boss irritate you, be thankful you still have a job.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Let the cooking begin!
So, since I've started my new lifestyle of a diet, people think that there is NOTHING that I can eat. Well, some days it does seem like it is easier to say what I can have rather than what I can't, but luckily God blessed me with a love of the kitchen and a creative mind.
My restrictions are: gluten, dairy, eggs, yeast, soy and legumes (beans and peanuts). And, no red meat or pork because of the high fat. So, it does seem like that eliminates a whole lot. But, luckily there are products out there such as gluten free flour that make life a little easier. Anyway I figured since I have a blog, I might occassionally post a recipe or two up here so people can see that I really do eat rather normally.
My first one isn't a meal, but a snack that I cam up with all on my own. I bought this amazing granola at Sam's club about a month ago that had pumpkin seeds in it and I loved the pumpkin seeds. So the other day when we took our monthly trip to town (in our covered wagon...haha), I visited the Whole Foods Bulk section and found...pumpkin seeds! They looked just like the ones in the granola, so they had to be just as good right? Wrong... they were terrible. I figured then that they probably had to be roasted.... so I figured I'd just make my own granola.
Seeing that it is almost fall (although in the South, you'd never know with the 80-90 degree days), I thought I'd do something a little fall-ish.
So here it is:
Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice Granola
1 1/2 cup rolled oats (gluten free of course)
1/4 cup of raisins
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup pecans
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/8 cup sunflower seeds
1 tbsp flax seed
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
In a large mixing bowl, mix these ingredients together.
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup agave nectar
1/4 cup applesauce
1/2 cup pumpkin pie filling
In a small bowl combine these ingredients and whisk until mixed.
Add the wet mixture to the dry and mix well.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, stirring often to prevent from burning. Take out and let dry. Enjoy!
I had every intention of making another pumpkin delight with the rest of the can of pumpkin pie filling, but I pretty much ate the rest right out of the can with a spoon :) (Hey, its got lots of fiber and Vitamin A!)
My restrictions are: gluten, dairy, eggs, yeast, soy and legumes (beans and peanuts). And, no red meat or pork because of the high fat. So, it does seem like that eliminates a whole lot. But, luckily there are products out there such as gluten free flour that make life a little easier. Anyway I figured since I have a blog, I might occassionally post a recipe or two up here so people can see that I really do eat rather normally.
My first one isn't a meal, but a snack that I cam up with all on my own. I bought this amazing granola at Sam's club about a month ago that had pumpkin seeds in it and I loved the pumpkin seeds. So the other day when we took our monthly trip to town (in our covered wagon...haha), I visited the Whole Foods Bulk section and found...pumpkin seeds! They looked just like the ones in the granola, so they had to be just as good right? Wrong... they were terrible. I figured then that they probably had to be roasted.... so I figured I'd just make my own granola.
Seeing that it is almost fall (although in the South, you'd never know with the 80-90 degree days), I thought I'd do something a little fall-ish.
So here it is:
Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice Granola
1 1/2 cup rolled oats (gluten free of course)
1/4 cup of raisins
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup pecans
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/8 cup sunflower seeds
1 tbsp flax seed
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
In a large mixing bowl, mix these ingredients together.
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup agave nectar
1/4 cup applesauce
1/2 cup pumpkin pie filling
In a small bowl combine these ingredients and whisk until mixed.
Add the wet mixture to the dry and mix well.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, stirring often to prevent from burning. Take out and let dry. Enjoy!
I had every intention of making another pumpkin delight with the rest of the can of pumpkin pie filling, but I pretty much ate the rest right out of the can with a spoon :) (Hey, its got lots of fiber and Vitamin A!)
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Ladies and Gentlemen, please fasten your seatbelts
How many of you have flown in an airplane recently? Anyone realized that when the attendants get up and review the safety features, no one really pays attention? I admit, this includes me. I paid REAL close attention the first time I flew.. a little bit the second, but after that, I paid more attention to the guys on the runway putting up luggage... (Hey, someone has to watch them!)
But I was thinking the other day... I wonder if these attendants get angry that people aren't listening to them? I think I would. What if something happens on the plane... then I'm sure everyone is scrambling to find that attendant to ask them what to do. If I were the attendant, I think I'd have to kindly remind everyone that we went over this before takeoff. .. you should've paid attention. Haha, no, of course I would help them.
But what about when there isn't a second chance to help someone? As Christians, it is our job to warn everyone about what to do to prepare themselves for the "crash landing". But there are LOTS of people that just aren't listening. They have better things to do. But I'm willing to bet when those trumpets sound, they'll be scrambling to find a Christian and ask them what to do again. But it will be too late. Time will be up.
Actually, maybe this is our second chance. Genesis tells the story of Noah... who followed God's instruction to build a boat for a flood that was coming. For 120 years Noah kept at it. I'm sure he listened to lots of people tell him he was crazy. He watched plenty of people go about their business as if nothing was going to happen. After all, it wasn't even raining, so what was the big deal? The big deal was that the rain DID come... and those people Noah tried to help? They were no more. The Bible warns us....
"In the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving their children to be married, until the day Noah entered the boat. They knew nothing about what was happening until the flood came and destroyed them. It will be same when the Son of Man comes" - Matthew 24:38-39
This is our second chance. Have you listened to the flight attendants? Are you equipped with the knowledge to exit the plane safely?
But I was thinking the other day... I wonder if these attendants get angry that people aren't listening to them? I think I would. What if something happens on the plane... then I'm sure everyone is scrambling to find that attendant to ask them what to do. If I were the attendant, I think I'd have to kindly remind everyone that we went over this before takeoff. .. you should've paid attention. Haha, no, of course I would help them.
But what about when there isn't a second chance to help someone? As Christians, it is our job to warn everyone about what to do to prepare themselves for the "crash landing". But there are LOTS of people that just aren't listening. They have better things to do. But I'm willing to bet when those trumpets sound, they'll be scrambling to find a Christian and ask them what to do again. But it will be too late. Time will be up.
Actually, maybe this is our second chance. Genesis tells the story of Noah... who followed God's instruction to build a boat for a flood that was coming. For 120 years Noah kept at it. I'm sure he listened to lots of people tell him he was crazy. He watched plenty of people go about their business as if nothing was going to happen. After all, it wasn't even raining, so what was the big deal? The big deal was that the rain DID come... and those people Noah tried to help? They were no more. The Bible warns us....
"In the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving their children to be married, until the day Noah entered the boat. They knew nothing about what was happening until the flood came and destroyed them. It will be same when the Son of Man comes" - Matthew 24:38-39
This is our second chance. Have you listened to the flight attendants? Are you equipped with the knowledge to exit the plane safely?
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