I use to have a 101 in 1001 days list. You know a list of things I wanted to do in 1001 days. I think I made it a little less than halfway through my list before my 1001 days ticked away. I have continued to occasionally scratch items off the list. One week in March, I scratched off a good one that has loomed over me.
91. Learn the basics about what started World War I.
My dad pulled a book off my husband's bookshelf that I had never noticed before:
A Pictorial History of the World War 1 Years by Edward Jablonski
"Pictorial" called to me. Give me just the basics. Give me pictures. All of the sudden I was engrossed. ENGROSSED and shocked. WOW the more I learned about this war the more I was shocked and appalled with myself for not knowing!
First off, I could never keep straight who was fighting who.
Central Powers: Germany, Austria, Hungary, Turkey, Bulgaria
Allies: France, England, Belgium, Russia, USA, Canada, Australia, Italy, Serbia and many others
Now before I go any further. I have to tell you about another book I read a couple weeks before I read the pictorial history book. Agathe von Trapp: Memories Before and After The Sound of Music by Agathe von Trapp
Agathe was Captain von Trapp's oldest daughter and she was always a little miffed that the movie did not accurately portray her family. She eventually came to terms with the fact that people loved the movie and its message about family and God etc. Regardless of the fact that that they actually took a train out of Austria and into Italy when they left the country. They didn't walk through the mountains to make their escape from the Germans. The Captain was also an Italian citizen so the Austrians couldn't force him into service -yet. There were many other discrepancies.
A proud daughter wrote and praised her father for his important work during World War 1. He manned a submarine. I thought little of this as it was just Agathe's accounting. So as I am reading the pictorial history I realized that the von Trapp was commanding a submarine that was sinking British & French steamers with civilians on them! This is the danger of not knowing history! Her father was an enemy of America and its Allies and I didn't get it. It greatly disturbed me! I wish I had read the books in reverse. Reading about Agathe's account of history with more knowledge of World War 1 would have enabled me to really understand things and not be so easily swayed into how wonderful Austria was.
Now granted Captain von Trapp eventually came to America and he didn't want to fight with the Germans during World War II so obviously there was some change in convictions and loyalties. The point is had I not read the pictorial history, Austria would have continued to be - as it always has been- just this country where the von Trapp Family Singers originated.
When in fact it was they - the Austrians- who really started World War I.
They had wanted to start a war with the Serbians. The Serbians wanted to be their own country or something. So when Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were shot it gave them a perfect reason. The assassination was carried out by Serbian terrorists and not the Serbian government. However, that didn't stop the Austrians from declaring war. The next thing you know Germany is invading Belgium and pushing toward France. It was a war that didn't seem to have a really good reason to be happening and nobody wanted to admit it and no one wanted to end it. They just kept drawing in more countries and sending more young men to die.
There is so much to this war. So much to history we should know.
In the end, which really wasn't an end at all, it was just the ceasing of hostilities aka Armistice Day.
That was another thing that was new to me. I didn't know the war didn't really end. They just stopped fighting.
According to wikipedia over 16 million people died in that war. That's 1.75% of the total population of the earth at that time. That doesn't include the wounded.
On one of the last pages of the book was this quote that really tied it all up for me.
Some German delegate at the Versailles Peace Conference in 1919, asked Georges Clemenceau, the French Prime Minster, "I wonder what history will have to say about all this?" Clemenceau said, “They will not say that Belgium invaded Germany.”
May Americans always know this and so much more.
I just took out from the library The Pictorial History of World War II by the same author...
Friday, June 17, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
'Tis the Season for Savings Bonds
'Tis the Season for savings bonds otherwise know as graduation time.
I couldn't help but be a little disappointed when I opened up my graduation card and found a savings bond. 30 years to full maturity seemed like such an eternity to a 14 year old with a pimple in her ear. Oh, yes one of the memories I have of my 8th grade graduation party is the popping of my ear pimple. But I digress...
So I have 4 savings bonds brewing and bursting forth into almost mature bloom. I can't recall speculating how I would use them if they ever matured without me forgetting where I put them. There was a time about 9-10 years ago I considered cashing them in to help pay my way to Italy. We decided to count every coin in the house instead.
When my baby received a couple savings bonds I really got to thinking, "What will he use these for? A down payment on a car, or an engagement ring, towards a trip to Italy or Sweden." Hopefully he won't have to use it to just pay some bill. I feel that a savings bond ought to go toward something special after all you have waited a long time to use it.
I am leaning toward cashing mine in before they reach full maturity because frankly I am afraid the U.S Government won't have any cash left or will decide to keep more of my earned interest. Seriously for a kid waiting to spend money that isn't quite there to spend yet is hard work! I deserve every penny -interest and all but I know I won't get it all.
So I decided a little while back then when I do cash them in. Something very adult. Something that will go with me through the decades - I hope. I will use the money to buy an appliance. So when I look at I can say to myself, "See what patience will get you!" I can't tell you what I spent the cash gifts on 20 years ago, but I will remember what I bought with my U.S.Savings Bonds.
So I am leaning towards a freezer! With an extra going toward a china cabinet but we'll see.
Much like the Turkey Hill Ice Cream bucket we don't always know how something will be used when it goes forward with us into the decades but it kind of fun to watch and see...
I couldn't help but be a little disappointed when I opened up my graduation card and found a savings bond. 30 years to full maturity seemed like such an eternity to a 14 year old with a pimple in her ear. Oh, yes one of the memories I have of my 8th grade graduation party is the popping of my ear pimple. But I digress...
So I have 4 savings bonds brewing and bursting forth into almost mature bloom. I can't recall speculating how I would use them if they ever matured without me forgetting where I put them. There was a time about 9-10 years ago I considered cashing them in to help pay my way to Italy. We decided to count every coin in the house instead.
When my baby received a couple savings bonds I really got to thinking, "What will he use these for? A down payment on a car, or an engagement ring, towards a trip to Italy or Sweden." Hopefully he won't have to use it to just pay some bill. I feel that a savings bond ought to go toward something special after all you have waited a long time to use it.
I am leaning toward cashing mine in before they reach full maturity because frankly I am afraid the U.S Government won't have any cash left or will decide to keep more of my earned interest. Seriously for a kid waiting to spend money that isn't quite there to spend yet is hard work! I deserve every penny -interest and all but I know I won't get it all.
So I decided a little while back then when I do cash them in. Something very adult. Something that will go with me through the decades - I hope. I will use the money to buy an appliance. So when I look at I can say to myself, "See what patience will get you!" I can't tell you what I spent the cash gifts on 20 years ago, but I will remember what I bought with my U.S.Savings Bonds.
So I am leaning towards a freezer! With an extra going toward a china cabinet but we'll see.
Much like the Turkey Hill Ice Cream bucket we don't always know how something will be used when it goes forward with us into the decades but it kind of fun to watch and see...
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Always Searching
Been on a vacation from rental searching so much so that I forgot I drafted the post below.
The more things change the more they are still the same.
So I am married with a baby and have been on a search. Sure I found my husband or rather he found me but looking for a new rental sure does feel like an online man search. I swear I am having flashbacks to all that craziness...
the frenzy...
the uncertainty...
the looking for a needle in a haystack...
the temptation into something that is not a right fit...
the waiting...
the multiple daily searches on the various websites...
checking again just to see if something new was posted in the last 5 minutes.
It is exhausting.
I ebb and flow from taking it too serious to not serious enough. Though I tend toward the too serious! I need to find that happy medium of looking and putting myself out there through networking and trusting God to bring the right thing along at just the right time. Instead of all the craziness of searching that I am Oh so familiar with and Oh so don't handle well.
When I was single and stuck in the rut of searching like a hamster in a wheel, I knew I had to work hard to keep my brain in order. I had to surrender and be ready at the same time. No woe is me frame of mind allowed! Because I know the right frame of mind is when good things happen. So I am trying...
The more things change the more they are still the same.
So I am married with a baby and have been on a search. Sure I found my husband or rather he found me but looking for a new rental sure does feel like an online man search. I swear I am having flashbacks to all that craziness...
the frenzy...
the uncertainty...
the looking for a needle in a haystack...
the temptation into something that is not a right fit...
the waiting...
the multiple daily searches on the various websites...
checking again just to see if something new was posted in the last 5 minutes.
It is exhausting.
I ebb and flow from taking it too serious to not serious enough. Though I tend toward the too serious! I need to find that happy medium of looking and putting myself out there through networking and trusting God to bring the right thing along at just the right time. Instead of all the craziness of searching that I am Oh so familiar with and Oh so don't handle well.
When I was single and stuck in the rut of searching like a hamster in a wheel, I knew I had to work hard to keep my brain in order. I had to surrender and be ready at the same time. No woe is me frame of mind allowed! Because I know the right frame of mind is when good things happen. So I am trying...
The Ice Cream Bucket
It is kind of interesting to me how objects can take on a new life of their own as they age.
Take for instance this Turkey Hill ice cream bucket.
Turkey Hill put out these special buckets in the mid-90s. I kept it because it had quilts on it and I thought it might be "collectible" someday. It's a nice sized bucket because back then they sold buckets of ice cream and not these tiny itty bitty cartons. It's proof of the fact that food manufacturers keep downsizing the size of the bucket and up-sizing the price of the product. But I digress...
So for the last 15 years or so I have kept my pink sponge curlers in this bucket under my bed... that is until Baby got a hold of the bucket and the curlers. The curlers got a new home and the bucket was actually headed for the recycle bin. But the Baby liked it so much I decided to keep it and give it a new purpose in life.
The Baby likes to put it on his head. He puts stuff in it and takes them back out. Sometimes he tries to put it on his head with stuff in it! He carries it around. He chews on the lid. He takes the lid on and off. He bangs on it like a drum. He loves this bucket! What I find so fascinating is that once upon a time a teenage girl decided to save a simple ice cream tub to keep stuff in it, never thinking that someday her little boy would have so much fun playing with it!
Take for instance this Turkey Hill ice cream bucket.
So for the last 15 years or so I have kept my pink sponge curlers in this bucket under my bed... that is until Baby got a hold of the bucket and the curlers. The curlers got a new home and the bucket was actually headed for the recycle bin. But the Baby liked it so much I decided to keep it and give it a new purpose in life.
The Baby likes to put it on his head. He puts stuff in it and takes them back out. Sometimes he tries to put it on his head with stuff in it! He carries it around. He chews on the lid. He takes the lid on and off. He bangs on it like a drum. He loves this bucket! What I find so fascinating is that once upon a time a teenage girl decided to save a simple ice cream tub to keep stuff in it, never thinking that someday her little boy would have so much fun playing with it!
Friday, May 27, 2011
In Memorial
The unofficial start of summer arrives this weekend. For me Memorial Day is more than hotdogs on the grill and a day off.
In my home town remembering started on Monday, May 23rd when a couple men went around and "renamed" the streets in the center of town.
We remember the men from town who died during WWII and Vietnam by renaming the street closest to their family's home or their home. George Synder's aunt and uncle lived at the end of Oak Street. It is such a special way to keep their sacrifice in the forefront of our minds as we drive down the street during Memorial Day week.
I have my Grandpop to thank for instilling in me the importance of remembering. These fellas were his childhood playmates. He remembers them well and has always taught -by his actions- the importance of remembering those lost. For as long as I can remember, at noon on Memorial Day I have gathered with my parents, neighbors and fellow townspeople at the war memorial outside of the police department and we remember specifically our 17 men who died in World War II and 1 in Vietnam.
I have watched in pride as my Grandpop, also a WWII vet, set up for this VFW Memorial service and made sure everything ran smoothly. I teared up when Taps was echoed by a distant trumpeter. I listen attentively as names are read off of the veterans who have passed during the year and as a bell is rung for each one. Often I knew them. At the end, my aunts and whatever cousins are around get their picture taken with Grandpop and his sisters in front of the memorial. To me this is what Memorial Day is.
This Monday my baby boy will get to attend for the first time. He will probably cry during the "21 gun salute" but I hope over time to instill in him the importance of remembering those who gave their all and also those veterans who have diligently kept memories alive by honoring their fallen comrades.
In my home town remembering started on Monday, May 23rd when a couple men went around and "renamed" the streets in the center of town.
We remember the men from town who died during WWII and Vietnam by renaming the street closest to their family's home or their home. George Synder's aunt and uncle lived at the end of Oak Street. It is such a special way to keep their sacrifice in the forefront of our minds as we drive down the street during Memorial Day week.
I have my Grandpop to thank for instilling in me the importance of remembering. These fellas were his childhood playmates. He remembers them well and has always taught -by his actions- the importance of remembering those lost. For as long as I can remember, at noon on Memorial Day I have gathered with my parents, neighbors and fellow townspeople at the war memorial outside of the police department and we remember specifically our 17 men who died in World War II and 1 in Vietnam.
I have watched in pride as my Grandpop, also a WWII vet, set up for this VFW Memorial service and made sure everything ran smoothly. I teared up when Taps was echoed by a distant trumpeter. I listen attentively as names are read off of the veterans who have passed during the year and as a bell is rung for each one. Often I knew them. At the end, my aunts and whatever cousins are around get their picture taken with Grandpop and his sisters in front of the memorial. To me this is what Memorial Day is.
This Monday my baby boy will get to attend for the first time. He will probably cry during the "21 gun salute" but I hope over time to instill in him the importance of remembering those who gave their all and also those veterans who have diligently kept memories alive by honoring their fallen comrades.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Farmers Market Time
The Amish and local growers are back in town bringing with them produce of the season.
Friday we picked up succulent strawberries and luscious looking lettuce.
I am looking forward to Fridays from now until November. I will eat my way through all those beautiful fruits and veggies of the season! From strawberries to butternut squash ... yum.
Friday we picked up succulent strawberries and luscious looking lettuce.
I am looking forward to Fridays from now until November. I will eat my way through all those beautiful fruits and veggies of the season! From strawberries to butternut squash ... yum.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Fan into Flame
It is decided I am going back to my old Bible.
My good old underlined and highlighted with life and struggle Life Application Bible. I got it in college and it is underlined with intention. I pulled it out this morning and what moved me back then is moving me now. Now, when I feel distant, out of sorts, alone and weak. I have felt like a reoccurring train wreck and I shouldn't feel this way. I have been through worse struggles, situations and emotional states of mind. I made it through God's well thought out lesson plans (with His help!) and learned well enough to ... pass to the next thing... by applying what I read!
I have felt a little like the Bible I have been using the last few years coming apart at the seams on the outside and not doing anything about it on the inside to fix me. There is a shocking lack of underlining and that's not because there has been a lack of trial and struggle or pens but more a lack of leaning, reading and delving into the Word for hope, sustenance and assurance of God's provision.
This morning I read...
(From the old Bible) For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands for God gave not a spirit of fear but of power and love and self control.
The Life Application says "stir up the gift of God" that works too because I have been sedentary.
Thanks 2 Timothy 2:6-7 I really needed a stirring, a good old kick in the pants.
So this is what I need to do.
I need to fan into flame the gift of God. I need Him to stir up the gifts He has put inside me.
Starting with spending less time sedating my worries with Swagbuck games and solitaire. I believe God gave me the gift of writing but I have had nothing to write about because I am not delving into the Word of God. A few paragraphs before bed is not enough to grow or maintain past growth let alone produce anything that might cause reflection or revelation or encouragement for me or anyone else for that matter.
I am weakened by or just too weak to research rentals, face calling a health insurance company or staying home all day with no errands to run because gas is too high to take a daily "field trip". I am not exercising my spiritual muscles, I have laid aside the full armor of God. I am a flabby spiritual couch potato and have no one to blame but myself!
So cue the Rocky Theme Song it is time to get back in shape!
My good old underlined and highlighted with life and struggle Life Application Bible. I got it in college and it is underlined with intention. I pulled it out this morning and what moved me back then is moving me now. Now, when I feel distant, out of sorts, alone and weak. I have felt like a reoccurring train wreck and I shouldn't feel this way. I have been through worse struggles, situations and emotional states of mind. I made it through God's well thought out lesson plans (with His help!) and learned well enough to ... pass to the next thing... by applying what I read!
I have felt a little like the Bible I have been using the last few years coming apart at the seams on the outside and not doing anything about it on the inside to fix me. There is a shocking lack of underlining and that's not because there has been a lack of trial and struggle or pens but more a lack of leaning, reading and delving into the Word for hope, sustenance and assurance of God's provision.
This morning I read...
(From the old Bible) For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands for God gave not a spirit of fear but of power and love and self control.
The Life Application says "stir up the gift of God" that works too because I have been sedentary.
Thanks 2 Timothy 2:6-7 I really needed a stirring, a good old kick in the pants.
So this is what I need to do.
I need to fan into flame the gift of God. I need Him to stir up the gifts He has put inside me.
Starting with spending less time sedating my worries with Swagbuck games and solitaire. I believe God gave me the gift of writing but I have had nothing to write about because I am not delving into the Word of God. A few paragraphs before bed is not enough to grow or maintain past growth let alone produce anything that might cause reflection or revelation or encouragement for me or anyone else for that matter.
I am weakened by or just too weak to research rentals, face calling a health insurance company or staying home all day with no errands to run because gas is too high to take a daily "field trip". I am not exercising my spiritual muscles, I have laid aside the full armor of God. I am a flabby spiritual couch potato and have no one to blame but myself!
So cue the Rocky Theme Song it is time to get back in shape!
Monday, March 28, 2011
2011 Goals Update
So far this year...
DAILY
Drink water - struggling with this one
Take my vitamins - I should be ashamed of myself
Listen to a different CD everyday and purge the ones I don't want anymore - slowly working on this one.
Read to the baby - half and half.
And
Get dressed by 11am - hit or miss
MONTHLY
Blog at least once a week - failing but I have a few ideas brewing. Having ideas help.
Read a book a month - Success - read 2 in one month! Stay tuned
Complete a craft project a month - completed a scarf to be donated to a worthy cause.
Ebay something once a month - sold one item this year.
DAILY
Drink water - struggling with this one
Take my vitamins - I should be ashamed of myself
Listen to a different CD everyday and purge the ones I don't want anymore - slowly working on this one.
Read to the baby - half and half.
And
Get dressed by 11am - hit or miss
MONTHLY
Blog at least once a week - failing but I have a few ideas brewing. Having ideas help.
Read a book a month - Success - read 2 in one month! Stay tuned
Complete a craft project a month - completed a scarf to be donated to a worthy cause.
Ebay something once a month - sold one item this year.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Musical Memory Lane
So I am successfully doing one of the things on my goals list for 2011.
I am playing not one but sometimes two CDs a day. I randomly pick a couple CDs and the Baby and I listen to them throughout the day.
Most of the music is old school Christian music going back to the days when Audio Adrenaline and Out of the Grey were topping the Christian music charts.
Earlier this week it was Mitch McVicker who was in the car accident that killed Rich Mullins - gosh nearly 15 years ago. Can it be that long ago? I remember he died on my brother Louis' birthday and I was thinking of my brother and heard on the radio about the accident... Needless to say listening to music that is 15 years old and practically from another lifetime brings back memories of high school and college and the years following. Followed by googling all these old musicians to see what they are up to now. Because frankly the only group I keep up with is Third Day.
Anyhow, today, it was Eli and his "Things I prayed For" and its funny how I still remember the words to these songs! I can sing right along and my baby must think I am nuts!
Another oldie but goodie by Eli is "That's all the Lumber" in this video its sung by Ceili Rain. (It is a better video than any I could find by Eli.) I remember the words and the same little excited thrill still happens inside me when you get to the end of the song when the guy finally "get's it."
The old songs still have it. They renew and inspire ... thoughts from memory lane and also thoughts of the future as I teach my son to love the old music, learn the words and hope and pray he will live them too.
I am playing not one but sometimes two CDs a day. I randomly pick a couple CDs and the Baby and I listen to them throughout the day.
Most of the music is old school Christian music going back to the days when Audio Adrenaline and Out of the Grey were topping the Christian music charts.
Earlier this week it was Mitch McVicker who was in the car accident that killed Rich Mullins - gosh nearly 15 years ago. Can it be that long ago? I remember he died on my brother Louis' birthday and I was thinking of my brother and heard on the radio about the accident... Needless to say listening to music that is 15 years old and practically from another lifetime brings back memories of high school and college and the years following. Followed by googling all these old musicians to see what they are up to now. Because frankly the only group I keep up with is Third Day.
Anyhow, today, it was Eli and his "Things I prayed For" and its funny how I still remember the words to these songs! I can sing right along and my baby must think I am nuts!
Another oldie but goodie by Eli is "That's all the Lumber" in this video its sung by Ceili Rain. (It is a better video than any I could find by Eli.) I remember the words and the same little excited thrill still happens inside me when you get to the end of the song when the guy finally "get's it."
The old songs still have it. They renew and inspire ... thoughts from memory lane and also thoughts of the future as I teach my son to love the old music, learn the words and hope and pray he will live them too.
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
On the Band Wagon
I was feeling very uninspired to come up with any 2011 Goals or Resolutions like everyone else seems to be doing in the "Blogosphere". The best I could come up with is to be out of my PJs before 11am. Failing already. The bulk of my laundry are pajamas.
One blog I looked at asked all these abstract questions probing into your psyche. I've got no time for that!
Then, I found my inspiration here! Great idea I will use a journal book instead. Anyhow this jump started my idea maker so that now I have a list of Goals. Besides getting dressed by 11am.
I even created a Daily Log to help keep me accountable:
DAILY
Drink water
Take my vitamins
Listen to a different CD everyday and purge the ones I don't want anymore
Read to the baby
And
Get dressed by 11am
MONTHLY
Blog at least once a week
Read a book a month
Complete a craft project a month
Ebay something once a month
Well see how it goes.
One blog I looked at asked all these abstract questions probing into your psyche. I've got no time for that!
Then, I found my inspiration here! Great idea I will use a journal book instead. Anyhow this jump started my idea maker so that now I have a list of Goals. Besides getting dressed by 11am.
I even created a Daily Log to help keep me accountable:
DAILY
Drink water
Take my vitamins
Listen to a different CD everyday and purge the ones I don't want anymore
Read to the baby
And
Get dressed by 11am
MONTHLY
Blog at least once a week
Read a book a month
Complete a craft project a month
Ebay something once a month
Well see how it goes.
Christmas Shells
The last few years we have been doing Christmas dinner differently. Usually we would do a turkey dinner and/or ravioli. Lately, we pick something that's a treat that we don't normal have like veal or prime rib.
This year it was veal cutlets and stuffed shells. I made the stuffed shells because I can't eat regular ravioli neither can my mom or brother. Making stuffed shells seemed a lot easier than making dairy free ravioli.
So this is what I did for my Christmas Stuffed Shells.
Pound+/- of ground meat (I had veal but it smelled funny so I had to pitch it and used turkey)
A Bag of frozen spinach
Onion
garlic
Mashed potatoes
egg
bread crumbs
salt & pepper
I cooked the meat, added all the other stuff to it and then stuffed the cooked shells with the concoction.
It was so easy after I got over the sorrow of the spoiled veal and after my neighbor provided me with more mashed potatoes -because I had less than I thought.
The baby took one of his 2 hour naps (PTL) and I got them all done Christmas Eve.
We smothered it in sauce and called it Christmas Dinner.
I am excited to try them again maybe making them a little bit more like pierogies next time hmm potato, onion and spinach - yum!
This year it was veal cutlets and stuffed shells. I made the stuffed shells because I can't eat regular ravioli neither can my mom or brother. Making stuffed shells seemed a lot easier than making dairy free ravioli.
So this is what I did for my Christmas Stuffed Shells.
Pound+/- of ground meat (I had veal but it smelled funny so I had to pitch it and used turkey)
A Bag of frozen spinach
Onion
garlic
Mashed potatoes
egg
bread crumbs
salt & pepper
I cooked the meat, added all the other stuff to it and then stuffed the cooked shells with the concoction.
It was so easy after I got over the sorrow of the spoiled veal and after my neighbor provided me with more mashed potatoes -because I had less than I thought.
The baby took one of his 2 hour naps (PTL) and I got them all done Christmas Eve.
We smothered it in sauce and called it Christmas Dinner.
I am excited to try them again maybe making them a little bit more like pierogies next time hmm potato, onion and spinach - yum!
Monday, January 03, 2011
Fruit of my Grandparents
I wrote the following for my grandparents for Christmas. My Pop suggested I have it patented... well I don't know about that but I can self publish ;-) and share with the world just how wonderful my grandparents are!
As you near 90, I think of all the years I have been blessed to have you in my life. Now that I have Walter I think of all the things I want him to learn from you, inherit from you, and value like you do. Here are just a few...
I hope he learns the value of a compost pile.
I hope he learns and develops the skill and patience to produce something
whether its tomatoes, honey, wine …
I hope he is generous with his loved ones and those in need.
I hope he can tell a good story and include a song in it too
and appreciate a good story when he hears one.
I hope he works circles around everyone else.
I hope he has a mind for remembering details (names, birthdays, dates, faces) because people feel respected & loved when you remember their name etc...
I hope when people hear his name they only have good things to say.
Changes in Waiting
I saw an e-Harmony commercial today and I thought of the 2 couples I know who got married thanks to e-harmony. I wondered to myself, "Does it still work for people? I have been out of the online dating world for 4 years now. Can you believe it FOUR years!?" It hardly seems possible.
Here I am finally married and the mother of an almost 11 month old and I am still waiting.
I waited for years for it all to happen and now that I have my Walters there are just new things to wait for.
The baby and I went to the laundromat today and along the way I was looking at the houses with for sale signs and wondering what the property taxes are. You see now I am waiting for a house with a washer and dryer, a dishwasher, and a real bedroom for my fairly light sleeping baby. We are just waiting for the right time for us and researching the best places to look. I drive by houses and wonder are you the one? Reminiscent of dinners out with friends wondering whether the new guy might be the one... Now I wonder what will my house be like? Will it be brick or stone or icky 4 inch vinyl siding? Will it be new or old? Rancher? Laundry room on the main floor or the basement? How far will it be from my parents? Will there be a church nearby that we can agree on? Will I like the neighbors? Will there be neighbors?
It must be just a matter of the human condition that we struggle with always wanting more or different. Or maybe it is a woman thing... or maybe just a Lizzy thing. I shutter to think what I will be wanting after we finally do get a house. I am exhausted just thinking about it. Exhausted because of the patience I must exert to not get overly anxious waiting. (Something tells me the next thing will involve some kind of tropical trip.)
On many levels waiting for a house can't compare with waiting for a husband. All the hard work is already done! Having waited so long for him, is helping me to wait more patiently now. Unfortunately, I think my husband thinks I am not being nearly patient enough.
I think on laundromat day my patience is running much thinner. I indulged in a little home searching when I got home but decided blogging was a better use of my time with the baby napping so well. Laundry day gets me down because its such a stinking hassle - loading unloading, quarters, strange clientele... Then, I remind myself it could be worse. I could be washing in a dirty river or bringing water back in a pot balanced on my head to wash my things.
In life there is waiting, there is no way around it. Waiting for husbands, babies, nap time, a house, a day off, a vacation, a new idea the list goes on and its always changing.
Here I am finally married and the mother of an almost 11 month old and I am still waiting.
I waited for years for it all to happen and now that I have my Walters there are just new things to wait for.
The baby and I went to the laundromat today and along the way I was looking at the houses with for sale signs and wondering what the property taxes are. You see now I am waiting for a house with a washer and dryer, a dishwasher, and a real bedroom for my fairly light sleeping baby. We are just waiting for the right time for us and researching the best places to look. I drive by houses and wonder are you the one? Reminiscent of dinners out with friends wondering whether the new guy might be the one... Now I wonder what will my house be like? Will it be brick or stone or icky 4 inch vinyl siding? Will it be new or old? Rancher? Laundry room on the main floor or the basement? How far will it be from my parents? Will there be a church nearby that we can agree on? Will I like the neighbors? Will there be neighbors?
It must be just a matter of the human condition that we struggle with always wanting more or different. Or maybe it is a woman thing... or maybe just a Lizzy thing. I shutter to think what I will be wanting after we finally do get a house. I am exhausted just thinking about it. Exhausted because of the patience I must exert to not get overly anxious waiting. (Something tells me the next thing will involve some kind of tropical trip.)
On many levels waiting for a house can't compare with waiting for a husband. All the hard work is already done! Having waited so long for him, is helping me to wait more patiently now. Unfortunately, I think my husband thinks I am not being nearly patient enough.
I think on laundromat day my patience is running much thinner. I indulged in a little home searching when I got home but decided blogging was a better use of my time with the baby napping so well. Laundry day gets me down because its such a stinking hassle - loading unloading, quarters, strange clientele... Then, I remind myself it could be worse. I could be washing in a dirty river or bringing water back in a pot balanced on my head to wash my things.
In life there is waiting, there is no way around it. Waiting for husbands, babies, nap time, a house, a day off, a vacation, a new idea the list goes on and its always changing.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Cooking What's in Season
Look at this lovely display of display of seasonal vegetables!
Since I was going to the Farmer's Market every week, I wanted to cook my way through the season by cooking what's in season. This meant making things for the first time. Believe it or not I never made applesauce. The last few weeks I made applesauce once a week for the baby.
I also made him a butternut squash and found it to be pretty tasty so I looked for a recipe for hubby and I. Butternut squash soup... It was thick and hearty. It was savory and rich. It was great with croutons sprinkled on top or just with buttered crusty bread.
There was butternut squash risotto with baked tomato topped gourmet mini burgers, fried eggplant and leftover broiled zucchini...
I discovered this recipe last year and it is super yummy, chicken rolled up with turkey bacon, tomato paste and fresh basil from my porch garden. Skewered alongside the chicken is the the aforementioned broiled zucchini.
A slightly different gourmet mini burger with fresh lima beans from my dad's garden. Most of the zucchini and tomatoes we ate this summer came from his garden. Thanks Dad!
I was having a yen for leeks. I just thought leeks and potatoes would go good together and I made this up as I went along.
In October, my in-laws came for a visit as well as hubby's 2 friends so I pulled out all the stops and made - for the first time - Jeanie's Jewish Apple Cake. Yum!
So many lovely yummy concoctions, so fresh from the fields. Not pictured... fresh pumpkin bread - who needs Libbys? Cooking pumpkin is a snap. Acorn squash... sweet potato casserole... roasted cauliflower...
Turnips. I have only had them once while in Ireland 10 years ago, I ate what I was told were turnips but they tasted more liked mashed potatoes smothered in butter and cream. I should have tried making that recipe, instead I tried this caramelized diced nonsense. AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL. No wonder my mom never ever made them. I'll never try turnips again. They are truly dead to me! I tried though and part of cooking my way through the seasons was to try new things.
Now winter is upon us and the Farmer's Market is pretty much done until May. In the meantime, we will enjoy frozen mangoes from Trader Joes, Kiwi from New Zealand, and blueberries from my dad's freezer!
P.S.
I'll get you the recipes I used but only if someone asks!
Since I was going to the Farmer's Market every week, I wanted to cook my way through the season by cooking what's in season. This meant making things for the first time. Believe it or not I never made applesauce. The last few weeks I made applesauce once a week for the baby.I also made him a butternut squash and found it to be pretty tasty so I looked for a recipe for hubby and I. Butternut squash soup... It was thick and hearty. It was savory and rich. It was great with croutons sprinkled on top or just with buttered crusty bread.
There was butternut squash risotto with baked tomato topped gourmet mini burgers, fried eggplant and leftover broiled zucchini...
I discovered this recipe last year and it is super yummy, chicken rolled up with turkey bacon, tomato paste and fresh basil from my porch garden. Skewered alongside the chicken is the the aforementioned broiled zucchini.
A slightly different gourmet mini burger with fresh lima beans from my dad's garden. Most of the zucchini and tomatoes we ate this summer came from his garden. Thanks Dad!
I was having a yen for leeks. I just thought leeks and potatoes would go good together and I made this up as I went along.
In October, my in-laws came for a visit as well as hubby's 2 friends so I pulled out all the stops and made - for the first time - Jeanie's Jewish Apple Cake. Yum!
So many lovely yummy concoctions, so fresh from the fields. Not pictured... fresh pumpkin bread - who needs Libbys? Cooking pumpkin is a snap. Acorn squash... sweet potato casserole... roasted cauliflower...
Turnips. I have only had them once while in Ireland 10 years ago, I ate what I was told were turnips but they tasted more liked mashed potatoes smothered in butter and cream. I should have tried making that recipe, instead I tried this caramelized diced nonsense. AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL. No wonder my mom never ever made them. I'll never try turnips again. They are truly dead to me! I tried though and part of cooking my way through the seasons was to try new things.
Now winter is upon us and the Farmer's Market is pretty much done until May. In the meantime, we will enjoy frozen mangoes from Trader Joes, Kiwi from New Zealand, and blueberries from my dad's freezer!
P.S.
I'll get you the recipes I used but only if someone asks!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Mommy Bloggers
So I just don't get the whole Mommy Blogger sub culture. How do they have time to put together posts, beautiful websites and pictures?!
Do they have bigger play pens than me?
Do their children sleep longer?
Do they have more than one computer? Because I have to fight for this one in the evening...
Or maybe their computer is in the playpen...
Do they have a dishwasher? Seriously I have dishpan hands!
Do they have husbands who don't mind their children's pictures being posted. The most you'll ever see on here is a part of my boy's body.
At this stage in my life, I only have time for money saving tips, but today I came across an "box" for this site for Muthering Heights on Money Saving Mom. I was intrigued because of its play on words with Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte -one of my favorite classics. This Muthering Heights website is just so beautiful. I love the banner and all the graphics, they are just so beautiful. So what does mean? I guess I just like beauty but I am certainly still learning to mother and save money for that matter. And I guess I am just not too inclined (nor is my husband for that matter) to share every jot and tittle of our lives like mommy bloggers.
But I have an idea. Something is brewing and I just need a little time...
Do they have bigger play pens than me?
Do their children sleep longer?
Do they have more than one computer? Because I have to fight for this one in the evening...
Or maybe their computer is in the playpen...
Do they have a dishwasher? Seriously I have dishpan hands!
Do they have husbands who don't mind their children's pictures being posted. The most you'll ever see on here is a part of my boy's body.
At this stage in my life, I only have time for money saving tips, but today I came across an "box" for this site for Muthering Heights on Money Saving Mom. I was intrigued because of its play on words with Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte -one of my favorite classics. This Muthering Heights website is just so beautiful. I love the banner and all the graphics, they are just so beautiful. So what does mean? I guess I just like beauty but I am certainly still learning to mother and save money for that matter. And I guess I am just not too inclined (nor is my husband for that matter) to share every jot and tittle of our lives like mommy bloggers.
But I have an idea. Something is brewing and I just need a little time...
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Nap Time
Everyday I both dread and cherish nap-time. I dread it because unless we are in a car - I get a fight. It is unfortunate for me that my son has inherited my not a good napper-ness. Not only do I get a fight I don't get long for all my efforts at the most40 minutes. Whereas most babies his age are suppose to nap for an hour and half twice a day. I am lucky - really lucky- if I get 2 at 30 minutes.
My mom, who said she would never wish my inability to nap well on me in regards to my baby boy, says I was a cat napper. She said without fail, I would fall asleep at 11:50am and then the noon Dupont lunch whistle would blow and wake me up. I was bright eyed and ready to go again.
So I have come to dread nap-time because of the awful fight. Its either tears and fussing or feeling guilty for rocking him -yet again when he should learn to fall asleep on his own.
I cherish nap-time because there is so much to do that's easier done when he is asleep! So now he is a sleep its been a whole 12 minutes and I chose to blog with my time. Every nap-time though I think to myself ok I have a list of things to do. Do I make calls, do dishes, start dinner, make babyfood, eat something, mindlessly read cnn.com and get miffed at the comments people make on the articles, do I go through emails, blog, write for pleasure or journal or just sit down for a few minutes put my feet up and read without having to retrieve the baby from chewing on a cord or climbing up a bookshelf.
All the while I wonder, "How much time do I really have, if I leave my room and walk passed him will the woosh of my movement be enough to wake him?" "Might he really sleep longer than 45 giving me time to really get into something like a quilting project?"
20 minutes asleep. Blog entry almost done. What next? I think for starters a PB&J sandwich...
My mom, who said she would never wish my inability to nap well on me in regards to my baby boy, says I was a cat napper. She said without fail, I would fall asleep at 11:50am and then the noon Dupont lunch whistle would blow and wake me up. I was bright eyed and ready to go again.
So I have come to dread nap-time because of the awful fight. Its either tears and fussing or feeling guilty for rocking him -yet again when he should learn to fall asleep on his own.
I cherish nap-time because there is so much to do that's easier done when he is asleep! So now he is a sleep its been a whole 12 minutes and I chose to blog with my time. Every nap-time though I think to myself ok I have a list of things to do. Do I make calls, do dishes, start dinner, make babyfood, eat something, mindlessly read cnn.com and get miffed at the comments people make on the articles, do I go through emails, blog, write for pleasure or journal or just sit down for a few minutes put my feet up and read without having to retrieve the baby from chewing on a cord or climbing up a bookshelf.
All the while I wonder, "How much time do I really have, if I leave my room and walk passed him will the woosh of my movement be enough to wake him?" "Might he really sleep longer than 45 giving me time to really get into something like a quilting project?"
20 minutes asleep. Blog entry almost done. What next? I think for starters a PB&J sandwich...
Thursday, September 09, 2010
My Treehouse
The sun dapples on my sofa and casts shadows of leaves. The baby has always been intrigued by this. I chose not to put curtains up on all the windows when I moved in because it would obstruct the view of the tree just outside the windows. Look out any window and you can trees and picturesque-ness. I just love where I live.
So I guess you can call it a revelation or a "Duh!"when I walked into the living room yesterday and realized why I liked the room so much... well our apartment for that matter. The green leaves of the maple amassed against the window swaying in the breeze met me and I said, "It feels like we are living in a treehouse!" My husband said, "Duh!"
I guess this is why on even very fine days when it seems a shame to be inside I don't feel like I am missing out on that much if I stay in. The windows are open the breezes are blowing and the trees shadows are dappling on the sofa and it almost feels like I am outside.
It is funny because I was always envious of my cousins' treehouse and here all along -well at least the last 2+ years- I've kind of been living in one.
My Treehouse views...
So I guess you can call it a revelation or a "Duh!"when I walked into the living room yesterday and realized why I liked the room so much... well our apartment for that matter. The green leaves of the maple amassed against the window swaying in the breeze met me and I said, "It feels like we are living in a treehouse!" My husband said, "Duh!"
I guess this is why on even very fine days when it seems a shame to be inside I don't feel like I am missing out on that much if I stay in. The windows are open the breezes are blowing and the trees shadows are dappling on the sofa and it almost feels like I am outside.
It is funny because I was always envious of my cousins' treehouse and here all along -well at least the last 2+ years- I've kind of been living in one.
My Treehouse views...
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Call Me Nostagic
Once my little boy could sit up I couldn't wait to introduce him to my old Fisher Price Chime Ball.
I went into my parent's hot attic to hunt this old memorable toy down. I think he likes it.
So call me nostalgic but the next thing I wanted for him was the crib activity toy my brother and I used in our crib and playpen. Unfortunately, we couldn't find that in the attic. So I looked to ebay. That was a bit of a saga, I won't go into but after cleaning with a toothbrush my boy has his own 1973 Fisher Price crib toy which he is currently enjoying. They just don't make anything like this these days or at least nothing I could find.
Based on the price these toys were going for on Ebay, I must not be the only nostalgic 30something parent wanting their new baby to play with the same toy they used when they were young.
I went into my parent's hot attic to hunt this old memorable toy down. I think he likes it.
So call me nostalgic but the next thing I wanted for him was the crib activity toy my brother and I used in our crib and playpen. Unfortunately, we couldn't find that in the attic. So I looked to ebay. That was a bit of a saga, I won't go into but after cleaning with a toothbrush my boy has his own 1973 Fisher Price crib toy which he is currently enjoying. They just don't make anything like this these days or at least nothing I could find.
Based on the price these toys were going for on Ebay, I must not be the only nostalgic 30something parent wanting their new baby to play with the same toy they used when they were young.
A Peachy Saga
I have heard,"Its a great year for peaches. They like it hot and dry." We have had both heat and little rain. So of course this baby food making momma wants her boy to have the delight of delicious peaches. However, peaches are on the "Dirty Dozen List*" and so I have been apprehensive about feeding him peaches and unsure if I could really afford organic peaches.
In my comings and goings to different Farmers Markets, I have been inquiring with the farmers about just how chemical free their peaches are. They always say the same thing. "We don't like to spray but it is practically impossible not to." Nevertheless they have convinced me that their peaches are cleaner and safer than any conventional peach from the store. And we have been enjoying them.
The other day I was talking to a neighbor about all things organic and he mentioned he had some peaches from the orchard on the property that we live on. Duh, I look out at these abandoned peach trees every time I do dishes. I don't know why it didn't occur to me to at least inquire about them. Later that night, he gave us a shopping bag full of peaches - about 30 total.
You can't get anymore organic than an abandoned peach tree! And free too!
As I looked out at the orchard peeling peaches through out the week, I just couldn't help but stand in awe over how God provided for me in such a big small way. He saved me money that's for sure but He also provided us with something pure that I can feed my son knowing the only pest control used on these gift peaches were his own created nature.
It is just peachy how God provides for us and sometimes in the most extraordinary and simple ways.
* Dirty Dozen List -Most Contaminated
In my comings and goings to different Farmers Markets, I have been inquiring with the farmers about just how chemical free their peaches are. They always say the same thing. "We don't like to spray but it is practically impossible not to." Nevertheless they have convinced me that their peaches are cleaner and safer than any conventional peach from the store. And we have been enjoying them.
The other day I was talking to a neighbor about all things organic and he mentioned he had some peaches from the orchard on the property that we live on. Duh, I look out at these abandoned peach trees every time I do dishes. I don't know why it didn't occur to me to at least inquire about them. Later that night, he gave us a shopping bag full of peaches - about 30 total.
You can't get anymore organic than an abandoned peach tree! And free too!
Because the weather has been so ideal for peaches this year these untended peaches are beautiful! Certainly not perfect, he did have to pick around for really good ones, but they were sweet and luscious. We made fruit smoothies, ate them fresh, I pureed them for the baby and now have 48 peach cubes in the freezer. I also made a lovely peach bread which I shared with my neighbor.
(I added some unsprayed raspberries for a little extra something. They weren't free..)
(I added some unsprayed raspberries for a little extra something. They weren't free..)As I looked out at the orchard peeling peaches through out the week, I just couldn't help but stand in awe over how God provided for me in such a big small way. He saved me money that's for sure but He also provided us with something pure that I can feed my son knowing the only pest control used on these gift peaches were his own created nature.
It is just peachy how God provides for us and sometimes in the most extraordinary and simple ways.
* Dirty Dozen List -Most Contaminated
- Peaches
- Apples
- Sweet Bell Peppers
- Celery
- Nectarines
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Pears
- Grapes (Imported)
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Potatoes
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Sunday Mornings
It is Sunday morning, the baby is exploring and learning how to sit up on his own. He woke up from his nap cranky and we missed our window to go to church. Instead, he is reaching for things that interest him and then chewing all over them. I have a mix of praise music playing. I have been listening to to it over and over again all morning. It is the best of the best, the ones that drive me to lift up my arms in worship. The ones that make me tear up. Its the music that I listened to when I was pregnant and overwhelmed with thankfulness - or felt I should be more thankful. Some of the music is old and reminds me of Sundays long ago...
Sundays long ago, I rose early and drove 45 minutes to get to my singles only service. Those days were sometimes more frenzied and full of rant than full of worship. The focus more often than not was what new guys were there and why weren't the regular guys ever asking any of us out. Or what to do if one of them had! Sometimes it seems like yesterday and sometimes a lifetime ago.
I do miss the weekly fellowship of the girls. I miss the passionate way Lauren sang (she sang one of the songs on my mix.) But I don't miss the constancy of my guy radar always being on. It was exhausting. The times have changed, so many of us "graduated" from the group and it is as it should be. Many of us are married now and have the babies we longed for. We have changed and grown, drifted and moved.
I hope we will always remember those Sunday mornings and the really important parts of them - the music we worshiped to and the true friends we made and keep all these years later.
Sundays are just different now now, our radar is more for keeping little hands out of places they shouldn't be but the music can still be the same. The music can take us back to the best of those times and how they shaped us and make us all the more thankful to the One who shaped us. One who moved us from one kind of frenzy to another!
Sundays long ago, I rose early and drove 45 minutes to get to my singles only service. Those days were sometimes more frenzied and full of rant than full of worship. The focus more often than not was what new guys were there and why weren't the regular guys ever asking any of us out. Or what to do if one of them had! Sometimes it seems like yesterday and sometimes a lifetime ago.
I do miss the weekly fellowship of the girls. I miss the passionate way Lauren sang (she sang one of the songs on my mix.) But I don't miss the constancy of my guy radar always being on. It was exhausting. The times have changed, so many of us "graduated" from the group and it is as it should be. Many of us are married now and have the babies we longed for. We have changed and grown, drifted and moved.
I hope we will always remember those Sunday mornings and the really important parts of them - the music we worshiped to and the true friends we made and keep all these years later.
Sundays are just different now now, our radar is more for keeping little hands out of places they shouldn't be but the music can still be the same. The music can take us back to the best of those times and how they shaped us and make us all the more thankful to the One who shaped us. One who moved us from one kind of frenzy to another!
Friday, August 13, 2010
The Farmers Market
My baby is 6 months old now. In preparing for him to start solids I have been trying to buy more organic foods -particularly the "Dirty Dozen." I also thought I should get into going to Farmer's Markets because many of the local growers are technically organic just not certified by Uncle Sam. I don't need that costly USDA seal, an Amish Farmer's word is good enough for me.
There are multiple Farmers Markets in the area so I have my pick of the town or the day.
They are quite popular and so is the importance of buying pesticide free produce. So I am not the only one interested in keeping my family's food wholesome and safe!
Being there (I've been to 2 different markets) just felt right and a little daunting as I get the lay of the land. It felt so "Old World" seeing people arrive with their baskets to fill full of lovely tomatoes and green beans. This is the closest a non-grower can get to having a garden overflowing with fresh ripe vegetation.
I just kept thinking this is the way it use to be. And evidently, the way it will continue to be.
I had my mental list of what I wanted: peaches, a cantaloupe and a grass-fed whole chicken. A quart of perfect green beans caught my eye "chemical free" the sign said. Perfect for my baby!
The other really nice thing about being a Farmer's Market shopper you can enjoy the progression of the season as fruits and veggies come in and out of season. The markets will go through November and I am already envisioning piles of acorn and butternut squash coming into season in the coming weeks. Eating what's in season is a satisfying natural way to eat. I am enjoying it more this summer. Last summer, all I wanted was canned peaches and cantaloupe. My first trimester had me swearing off anything green. So I am savoring zucchini, tomato, green beans etc all the more this summer.
Tomorrow morning off to try another Farmer's Market need more peaches, hoping for some raspberries...
I am hooked on Farmer's Markets.
There are multiple Farmers Markets in the area so I have my pick of the town or the day.
They are quite popular and so is the importance of buying pesticide free produce. So I am not the only one interested in keeping my family's food wholesome and safe!
Being there (I've been to 2 different markets) just felt right and a little daunting as I get the lay of the land. It felt so "Old World" seeing people arrive with their baskets to fill full of lovely tomatoes and green beans. This is the closest a non-grower can get to having a garden overflowing with fresh ripe vegetation.
I just kept thinking this is the way it use to be. And evidently, the way it will continue to be.
I had my mental list of what I wanted: peaches, a cantaloupe and a grass-fed whole chicken. A quart of perfect green beans caught my eye "chemical free" the sign said. Perfect for my baby!
The other really nice thing about being a Farmer's Market shopper you can enjoy the progression of the season as fruits and veggies come in and out of season. The markets will go through November and I am already envisioning piles of acorn and butternut squash coming into season in the coming weeks. Eating what's in season is a satisfying natural way to eat. I am enjoying it more this summer. Last summer, all I wanted was canned peaches and cantaloupe. My first trimester had me swearing off anything green. So I am savoring zucchini, tomato, green beans etc all the more this summer.
Tomorrow morning off to try another Farmer's Market need more peaches, hoping for some raspberries...
I am hooked on Farmer's Markets.
This is it
My new design.
I like it because it is both whimsical and real.
Hope, glory and wonder can be both whimsical and real.
We can find hope, glory and wonder in the whimsical and real.
So I think it works.
Now to blog more faithfully. It is important that I write because the writer in me is buried under diapers and dishes.
I like it because it is both whimsical and real.
Hope, glory and wonder can be both whimsical and real.
We can find hope, glory and wonder in the whimsical and real.
So I think it works.
Now to blog more faithfully. It is important that I write because the writer in me is buried under diapers and dishes.
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Update Needed
I decided that I needed a real update. So I am working on a visual update as well as a wordy one.
How do you like this layout?
How do you like this layout?
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
The Times
Driving out to my friend Brandy's a couple weeks ago, I couldn't help but think about how the times have changed. We first met in 1992 during our first days of college. Here we are 18 years later still getting together.
When we were in college email was just starting. At times, I thought it kind of weird to email someone who you would later see at the dining hall and could easily tell them whatever it was that was in the email.
I remember one of my roommates staying up to the wee hours of the morning or however late the computer lab stayed open so she could be in a chat room. Most of us just had word processors in our dorm rooms... not enough to chat with!
In the summer, my little group of friends use to write each other letters - real actual letters on pretty stationary. (I use my stationary for "To Do Lists" now.) One roommate use to get creative and make envelopes out of pretty magazine pages.
Brandy and I often passed around "Pass it on" cards, sometimes enclosed in a letter, or stuck on someone's door or book. This was my favorite one:
This week marks the 14th year since we graduated college both of us Elementary Education majors. Now both of us are Stay at Home Moms putting our education to work on the most important children ever.
What has happened in 14 years for us and our circle of friends? Marriages, babies, lots babies, - some awhile ago some just months ago. Sadly we've witnessed a divorce. We've followed the dreams of friends who have gone on to be a missionary and a IVCF staff worker.
We now use email instead of letters. We can't imagine life without cell phones, yet we had lives without cell phone 14 years ago!
Now we have Facebook. Sometimes I wonder what a difference an animal like Facebook would have made if we graduated and known we could easily keep in touch through that. I do think it would have made a difference.
Still its nice to think back to the summer days when I would write a juicy -hopefully witty- letter to Brandy and others about my day or week. The fact that I was apart of something so bygone-ish is a precious treasure. Those letters held together friendships much the same way that email and Facebook do today.
The times have changed. Technology has changed. Friendship that continues!
When we were in college email was just starting. At times, I thought it kind of weird to email someone who you would later see at the dining hall and could easily tell them whatever it was that was in the email.
I remember one of my roommates staying up to the wee hours of the morning or however late the computer lab stayed open so she could be in a chat room. Most of us just had word processors in our dorm rooms... not enough to chat with!
In the summer, my little group of friends use to write each other letters - real actual letters on pretty stationary. (I use my stationary for "To Do Lists" now.) One roommate use to get creative and make envelopes out of pretty magazine pages.
Brandy and I often passed around "Pass it on" cards, sometimes enclosed in a letter, or stuck on someone's door or book. This was my favorite one:
This week marks the 14th year since we graduated college both of us Elementary Education majors. Now both of us are Stay at Home Moms putting our education to work on the most important children ever.
What has happened in 14 years for us and our circle of friends? Marriages, babies, lots babies, - some awhile ago some just months ago. Sadly we've witnessed a divorce. We've followed the dreams of friends who have gone on to be a missionary and a IVCF staff worker.
We now use email instead of letters. We can't imagine life without cell phones, yet we had lives without cell phone 14 years ago!
Now we have Facebook. Sometimes I wonder what a difference an animal like Facebook would have made if we graduated and known we could easily keep in touch through that. I do think it would have made a difference.
Still its nice to think back to the summer days when I would write a juicy -hopefully witty- letter to Brandy and others about my day or week. The fact that I was apart of something so bygone-ish is a precious treasure. Those letters held together friendships much the same way that email and Facebook do today.
The times have changed. Technology has changed. Friendship that continues!
Saturday, May 08, 2010
The Hula Hoop Plan
Its pretty pathetic how much TV I watch, even though I only really have 3 channels. Sometimes I get a good idea though. Marisa Tomei was on Ellen espousing the wonders of losing weight and toning your muscles with the oh so simple hula hoop.
Well shoot I can do a hula! Seems a brilliant way to work the baby belly, thighs and over all core.
So I went down to my local Wal-mart and picked up a hula hoop.
I am trying to do 10 minutes a day and already I feel like the blubber is melting away. I have sore muscles which mean something is working and its fun. I have discovered that if it is too cold or windy outside -as it has been- I can hula on my bed.
Who knows maybe I will look into breaking a record...
Ok so I just looked into breaking a record. I think I would need a babysitter for several days to pull off a stunt like that. So I think I will just stick with shedding pounds and toning muscles.
I will keep working on it and hopefully by fall I will be able to fit into all the pants that don't currently fit. In the meantime, Thank God for drawstring capris!
Well shoot I can do a hula! Seems a brilliant way to work the baby belly, thighs and over all core.
So I went down to my local Wal-mart and picked up a hula hoop.
I am trying to do 10 minutes a day and already I feel like the blubber is melting away. I have sore muscles which mean something is working and its fun. I have discovered that if it is too cold or windy outside -as it has been- I can hula on my bed.
Who knows maybe I will look into breaking a record...
Ok so I just looked into breaking a record. I think I would need a babysitter for several days to pull off a stunt like that. So I think I will just stick with shedding pounds and toning muscles.
I will keep working on it and hopefully by fall I will be able to fit into all the pants that don't currently fit. In the meantime, Thank God for drawstring capris!
Popping Up
Baby and I were walking around Winterthur toward the end of March. I was catching a look at all the March flowers that waited patiently under 3 two foot blizzards this winter. It fills me with wonder how a sprout on a mission is not stopped by a mound of leaves. Spring just pushes fall out of it's way - as it has every right to do when March rolls around.
Tax Day - Tea Day
Our Little One went to his first tax protest on April 15th. He even carried his own sign.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Drips
I had an amazing domestic revelation this week. Being home all day with my "little" Sumo wrestler has given me time to take stock of well - domestic stuff.
I have come to the conclusion that it is drips that make messes.
Olive juice drips on the counter while making a salad.
Tomato sauce drips to the floor while serving dinner.
A potato peel drips to the floor leaving a brown mark.
A jelly knife drips on the counter while jamming up some toast.
Eating cookies without a plate results in drips of cookie crumbs.
Drips of water make wet socks that require new socks - thus making additional laundry unless I wear wet socks.
Slow diapering results in a loose "fire hydrant" that leads to a new change of clothes and another reason to pull out the Lysol spray cleaner.
Now I see it is the drips that do it, it amazes me that I never noticed this phenomenon for what it is and that a drip can do so much damage to a would be clean kitchen etc. It only takes a crumb or a splatter to mar what was once considered clean. It only takes a tiny drop of a mess to invite the ants in for dinner.
I think if I could harness the drips in my life I would spend less time scrubbing the floor. If I could catch it before it falls, use a plate, place the knife in the sink or use a cutting board instead of the counter I wouldn't be so constantly at war with my countertops.
If I could just get rid of the drips... I might be able to nap when baby naps. Or harken into other areas for domestic revelation like the best way to organize a cabinet ...
I have come to the conclusion that it is drips that make messes.
Olive juice drips on the counter while making a salad.
Tomato sauce drips to the floor while serving dinner.
A potato peel drips to the floor leaving a brown mark.
A jelly knife drips on the counter while jamming up some toast.
Eating cookies without a plate results in drips of cookie crumbs.
Drips of water make wet socks that require new socks - thus making additional laundry unless I wear wet socks.
Slow diapering results in a loose "fire hydrant" that leads to a new change of clothes and another reason to pull out the Lysol spray cleaner.
Now I see it is the drips that do it, it amazes me that I never noticed this phenomenon for what it is and that a drip can do so much damage to a would be clean kitchen etc. It only takes a crumb or a splatter to mar what was once considered clean. It only takes a tiny drop of a mess to invite the ants in for dinner.
I think if I could harness the drips in my life I would spend less time scrubbing the floor. If I could catch it before it falls, use a plate, place the knife in the sink or use a cutting board instead of the counter I wouldn't be so constantly at war with my countertops.
If I could just get rid of the drips... I might be able to nap when baby naps. Or harken into other areas for domestic revelation like the best way to organize a cabinet ...
Like a Good Neighbor
No one can deny I grew up with really great neighbors. Mary and Charlie always had a seat for you on their porch. John F. and Charlie had these great Crab fests, all the kids would watch as they got the crabs in the pot. John G. played his Big Band music that drummed its way into our yard. Jeanie still so sweet always has that missing ingredient. I could go on and on about Sonny & Diana, Lisa & Brian, my aunt and uncle.
There is nothing like a good neighbor who will help you shovel out of the snow with their snowblower, or lend you an egg when the chickens aren't laying, or won't complain about the chickens in the backyard. I sure do miss it. I could use a good neighbor these days.
I have been out of my parent's house for 6 years now, I've yet to come across neighbors like my old neighbors at my 3 different houses. Someday when we are finally settled in our own home I hope we will find neighbors with a welcome mat on their porch. Maybe I will become the Jeanie or Mary that the neighborhood kids will reminisce about when they are in their 30s.
In the meantime, there is an apartment open next to me and downstairs from me and I am praying for something like a good neighbor.
There is nothing like a good neighbor who will help you shovel out of the snow with their snowblower, or lend you an egg when the chickens aren't laying, or won't complain about the chickens in the backyard. I sure do miss it. I could use a good neighbor these days.
I have been out of my parent's house for 6 years now, I've yet to come across neighbors like my old neighbors at my 3 different houses. Someday when we are finally settled in our own home I hope we will find neighbors with a welcome mat on their porch. Maybe I will become the Jeanie or Mary that the neighborhood kids will reminisce about when they are in their 30s.
In the meantime, there is an apartment open next to me and downstairs from me and I am praying for something like a good neighbor.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
That Clever God
I have been thinking how clever God is that he made pregnancy for humans only 9 months.
When you finally get to 9 months pregnant you are so uncomfortable. It takes an earth mover to get you out of bed to pee for the 4th time in 4 hours. Your back hurts and you snore now. Your pelvic bones ache in a way you've never experienced, making crawling into bed or your car really painful. If the table is tall enough, you sit at a table to eat while straddling your legs because your belly is too big for the table -most unladylike... Your maternity clothes are too tight and they all have stains on them from dropping food on your belly. You stand to eat because you can't sit at the table and you can't even sit on the sofa with a lap desk - because your lap is gone... and people keep saying "I didn't think it was possible for you to get any bigger" or "no baby yet?!"
To think at the beginning whenever I thought or read or watched labor I CRIED! Now I pour over the labor chapters hoping to remember everything and consider this "light reading." And I am like bring it on!
I want my ankles back. I want my lap back. I want my baby!
God surely knew what he was doing when he planned a 9 month gestation because much longer and the population might have never grown. He gets you to the point where you are so ready for whatever kind of pain labor will be.
-5 days to due date, ready when you are Baby.
When you finally get to 9 months pregnant you are so uncomfortable. It takes an earth mover to get you out of bed to pee for the 4th time in 4 hours. Your back hurts and you snore now. Your pelvic bones ache in a way you've never experienced, making crawling into bed or your car really painful. If the table is tall enough, you sit at a table to eat while straddling your legs because your belly is too big for the table -most unladylike... Your maternity clothes are too tight and they all have stains on them from dropping food on your belly. You stand to eat because you can't sit at the table and you can't even sit on the sofa with a lap desk - because your lap is gone... and people keep saying "I didn't think it was possible for you to get any bigger" or "no baby yet?!"
To think at the beginning whenever I thought or read or watched labor I CRIED! Now I pour over the labor chapters hoping to remember everything and consider this "light reading." And I am like bring it on!
I want my ankles back. I want my lap back. I want my baby!God surely knew what he was doing when he planned a 9 month gestation because much longer and the population might have never grown. He gets you to the point where you are so ready for whatever kind of pain labor will be.
-5 days to due date, ready when you are Baby.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Spring for a Second
Driving home the sun was setting behind me. It was a giant orange orb settling down in the western sky. The sky was full of reds and oranges and pinks and it reflected on the trees in front of me for just a brief period of time. This reflection of light caused the trees to look as if they were about to burst into their spring red buds. You know that red haze that means soon those little buds will burst forth into a green haze and finally lush green leaves. What a splash of color among the reality of gray middle of winter trees that look like they have no life in them.
And as I made my way down the road, the sun slipped lower and with it the reflecting light on the trees and it was back to the gray of winter. I felt blessed to have caught this glimpse - this reminder that spring is right around the corner.
And as I made my way down the road, the sun slipped lower and with it the reflecting light on the trees and it was back to the gray of winter. I felt blessed to have caught this glimpse - this reminder that spring is right around the corner.
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