Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Memorial Day
For those of you who know me in real life, you know that I am not the type to buy DVDs very often. Most of the 15 or so that I own are gifts. However, I have decided to buy a documentary that I watched yesterday. "The Conscientious Objector" a film about a WWII medic, Desmond Doss, who believed it is against his religion to kill, but chose to stay in the army and help the wounded. For his bravery in the Pacific he was awarded the Medal of Honor. (They don't give those out for just anything, most of the time you have to die in order to get it.)
www.desmonddoss.com Take a look around and read his story, although what is on the website is not near the story presented on the film. I have to warn you, I bawled my way through this film.
www.desmonddoss.com Take a look around and read his story, although what is on the website is not near the story presented on the film. I have to warn you, I bawled my way through this film.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Our Home
After a request to see pictures of my home/condo, I have posted these pics. This is after I cleaned the place, so it does not usually/never looks like this.
My kitchen, note the wonderful pink cabinets that don't match anything else. Also note the lack of a dishwasher.
Our living/dining area: the navy blue carpet is NOT my idea.
I love this table, Mr. M got it at an Amish auction several years ago.
My kitchen, note the wonderful pink cabinets that don't match anything else. Also note the lack of a dishwasher.
Our coffee stand/baker's rack, also my kitchen island on wheels.
My Home Part II
View from our deck:
Our bedroom:
Our bathroom (note the candle holder, found at Target for $20,totally a Pottery Barn knockoff.)
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
50 things
A few weeks ago, I was reading an article in Real Simple magazine about going through your house and throwing out 50 things.
I made the decision several years ago that I was going to own my stuff and my stuff is not going to own me. Since I have moved almost every year since turning 18, it helps keep the amount of crap in my life to a minimum. However, I did not move this year and I have plenty of crap, so here is my list so far.
1) Candle-given to me as a gift, I love it, but I can't even light it any more, so out it goes.
2) Issues of alum magazines.
3) Old Sports Illustrated that my husband agreed to get rid of. (I let him keep the ones he really wanted.)
4) My collection of root beer bottles (but I saved my Dr. Pepper bottle collection)
5) Several days of newspapers.
6) An old Bible study that way 100 pages long.
7) Sunday school lessons that we never looked at.
8) Sudoku book (I had filled most of the puzzles out)
9)Women's ministry registration form (I am not signing up to minister this year)
10) A packet of info on my albuerol inhaler.
11) Old Pottery Barn catalog.
12) Half of a bottle of mag citrate.
13) Mr. M's muscle rub (that expired in 2000)
14) Birth control pill wallets (2)
15) Erythromycin oint for an eye infection several months ago.
16) Big Red chewing gum (it was really hard)
17) Used boarding passes.
18) Used post-it notes.
19) Watch links
20) Bed and Breakfast evaluation card.
21) Lots of rubber bands.
22) Old sponges
23) Nursing protocols (they have new ones now.)
24) Old envelopes
25) Best Buy reward zone card
26) Credit card applications
27) Gift registry cards (please don't put them in your wedding invitations, it's tacky!)
28)Coffee pot (we got a better one)
29) Old socks that I don't wear anymore.
30) Old lip pencil
31 & 32) 2 sets of commentaries.
33) Random books we didn't want.
34) Box of tea (the flavor was just bad)
35) Old perfume bottle
36) 5 phone books
37) A pair of shoes.
38, 39, 40 & 41) 4 bags of clothes from my closet to good will.
42) Old movie tickets
43) Old support letters
44) 2 compacts of eye shadow.
45) Box for perfume
46) 4 hair clips
47) Old tea kettle (we got a much nicer one from Heather for our wedding)
And now, I am just stuck, I just can't come up with the last 3 things I should get rid of, any ideas?
I made the decision several years ago that I was going to own my stuff and my stuff is not going to own me. Since I have moved almost every year since turning 18, it helps keep the amount of crap in my life to a minimum. However, I did not move this year and I have plenty of crap, so here is my list so far.
1) Candle-given to me as a gift, I love it, but I can't even light it any more, so out it goes.
2) Issues of alum magazines.
3) Old Sports Illustrated that my husband agreed to get rid of. (I let him keep the ones he really wanted.)
4) My collection of root beer bottles (but I saved my Dr. Pepper bottle collection)
5) Several days of newspapers.
6) An old Bible study that way 100 pages long.
7) Sunday school lessons that we never looked at.
8) Sudoku book (I had filled most of the puzzles out)
9)Women's ministry registration form (I am not signing up to minister this year)
10) A packet of info on my albuerol inhaler.
11) Old Pottery Barn catalog.
12) Half of a bottle of mag citrate.
13) Mr. M's muscle rub (that expired in 2000)
14) Birth control pill wallets (2)
15) Erythromycin oint for an eye infection several months ago.
16) Big Red chewing gum (it was really hard)
17) Used boarding passes.
18) Used post-it notes.
19) Watch links
20) Bed and Breakfast evaluation card.
21) Lots of rubber bands.
22) Old sponges
23) Nursing protocols (they have new ones now.)
24) Old envelopes
25) Best Buy reward zone card
26) Credit card applications
27) Gift registry cards (please don't put them in your wedding invitations, it's tacky!)
28)Coffee pot (we got a better one)
29) Old socks that I don't wear anymore.
30) Old lip pencil
31 & 32) 2 sets of commentaries.
33) Random books we didn't want.
34) Box of tea (the flavor was just bad)
35) Old perfume bottle
36) 5 phone books
37) A pair of shoes.
38, 39, 40 & 41) 4 bags of clothes from my closet to good will.
42) Old movie tickets
43) Old support letters
44) 2 compacts of eye shadow.
45) Box for perfume
46) 4 hair clips
47) Old tea kettle (we got a much nicer one from Heather for our wedding)
And now, I am just stuck, I just can't come up with the last 3 things I should get rid of, any ideas?
Small Town Church
A few weeks ago, my Mr. M and I were sitting in church. (Well, we were really standing because the church was singing a hymn, but you get the idea.) This older couple and their adult children then proceeded to come up to us and tell us, "Excuse us, but we usually sit here." Then they just stood there, waiting for us to move.
If I hadn't been so shocked, I might have said something, but we just got our things and moved down the row, and then they acted a bit miffed that they even had to sit next to us. (Come on, I shower at least once a week.)
But now I am questioning if we did the right thing. (By the way, watching an episode of "King of the Hill" is what reminded me of this incident, I am not quite sure what that says about my life.)
Pros and Cons of moving our seats:
Pros:
1) Don't really want to cause a ruckus in church.
2) Don't really want to be rude to the old people.
3) Don't want to make enemies.
Cons:
1) We gave up aisle seats!
2) We are enabling rudeness
3) By enabling the aforementioned rudeness, we are making it harder for other new people to join the church.
This would be much more funny if it wasn't so true. Any thoughts on what my response should have been?
If I hadn't been so shocked, I might have said something, but we just got our things and moved down the row, and then they acted a bit miffed that they even had to sit next to us. (Come on, I shower at least once a week.)
But now I am questioning if we did the right thing. (By the way, watching an episode of "King of the Hill" is what reminded me of this incident, I am not quite sure what that says about my life.)
Pros and Cons of moving our seats:
Pros:
1) Don't really want to cause a ruckus in church.
2) Don't really want to be rude to the old people.
3) Don't want to make enemies.
Cons:
1) We gave up aisle seats!
2) We are enabling rudeness
3) By enabling the aforementioned rudeness, we are making it harder for other new people to join the church.
This would be much more funny if it wasn't so true. Any thoughts on what my response should have been?
Carter
I don't like to delve into politics that often, but no matter which side of the divide you fall on, you can appreciate this article.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Back in the Frozen Tundra
Got back from Texas on Monday night where I wore shorts, drove on freeways, spent way to much money on clothes and ate cheap ethnic food along with bluebell ice cream.
Here is a picture of Mrs. Juicebox and me:
Here is a picture of Mrs. Juicebox and me:
It was so nice to see everybody and enjoy being with family and friends. We played lots of Settlers of Catan and if you have never played that game, you are missing out. It was so good to see Mr. M with a group of guys just laughing it up.
After going out on a walk with one of my friends, my husband and I were lounging on the couch. He looked me over and said:
Mr: "Your shorts look kind of old."
Me: "They do? I mean I didn't think they were that bad."
Mr: "How old are those shorts?"
Me: "Hmm, about 6 years old I guess."
Mr: "How old is that sweatshirt?"
Me: "About 5 years old, but the shirt on underneath it is only about 3 years old."
Mr: "I have finally found someone who wears clothes longer then me, and it is my wife!"
But back in the frozen tundra the cherry trees are starting to bloom:
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Just because...
it's spring and is is SUPPOSED to warm outside. I SHOULD be wearing flip-flops, capris, and a tank top. But I'm not.
Nope, I wore a coat today and sat next to the fireplace in Starbucks. (I don't go to the Starbucks too often because then I feel as though I am in a metropolitan area and then I feel sad to leave and look at all the wildlife again.)
Nope, I wore a coat today and sat next to the fireplace in Starbucks. (I don't go to the Starbucks too often because then I feel as though I am in a metropolitan area and then I feel sad to leave and look at all the wildlife again.)
Getting organized
It is amazing what I find interesting. A few weeks ago Dooce published some pictures of her attempts at organization. And I really enjoyed looking at the cool ideas she came up with.
I was so inspired that I bought some canvas bins and went to work. Check out my lovely linen closet:
Two bins are for sheets, one bin for table linens and the last one is for towels. Trust me, it looks a lot better somewhat contained.
Next is an attempt to make my closet better organized, see the four blue bins? I once had all that stuff in one giant tub. Not a fun thing to search for your swimsuit top in.
I was so inspired that I bought some canvas bins and went to work. Check out my lovely linen closet:
Two bins are for sheets, one bin for table linens and the last one is for towels. Trust me, it looks a lot better somewhat contained.
Next is an attempt to make my closet better organized, see the four blue bins? I once had all that stuff in one giant tub. Not a fun thing to search for your swimsuit top in.
I also took a gander at my coat closet and my other closet. My husband is wondering how many of those bins we really need. I only have 12, so I am off to a good start. He won't let me but his clothes in them though.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Dallas, here we come
Due to job upsetness in our household, sickness and my wonderful parents visiting, I haven't posted. But I do have some fun things in mind for later.
The big news at the moment is that we are coming to Dallas next Saturday the 21st and will be in town until the 30th. My parents are having a big cookout on the 22nd starting about noon. If you want to come, just let me know so that we can have a head count and you might want to bring a lawn chair. I hope to see you all there!
The big news at the moment is that we are coming to Dallas next Saturday the 21st and will be in town until the 30th. My parents are having a big cookout on the 22nd starting about noon. If you want to come, just let me know so that we can have a head count and you might want to bring a lawn chair. I hope to see you all there!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
True Romance
I received some upsetting news the other day involving a divorce.
So that night as a I lay in bed, Mr. M and I had this conversation:
Me: blowing nose "I know you already promised me when we got married, but promise me again that you will never leave me" Blow nose again.
Mr. M: Putting arms around me : "Don't worry, you would have to scrape me off, kind of like mold on bread"
Me: "Really? That really does make me feel better, even if I throw away moldy bread and I don't scrape anything off it."
The funny thing is, it really did make me feel better.
So that night as a I lay in bed, Mr. M and I had this conversation:
Me: blowing nose "I know you already promised me when we got married, but promise me again that you will never leave me" Blow nose again.
Mr. M: Putting arms around me : "Don't worry, you would have to scrape me off, kind of like mold on bread"
Me: "Really? That really does make me feel better, even if I throw away moldy bread and I don't scrape anything off it."
The funny thing is, it really did make me feel better.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Sick, sick
You know it is bad when you are the admitting nurse for a patient and you are secretly thinking that you are WAY sicker then the patient.
After 2 and a half weeks, I broke down and went to the doctor, and I am now the proud owner of an advair (think steroid inhaler, to the tune of $141) and an albuterol inhaler. I have to rinse my mouth out after I use the advair so it won't rot my teeth out. I also have fun narcotic cough syrup that makes me loopy and not fit to drive, so I can only take that at night before I go to bed.
Turns out that I have a reactive airway disease. I have suspected this for some time, I just never found a doctor that believed me.
I don't really know why I am posting this except that I don't have anything else going on. Just trying to stay on top of all my medications. Oh yes, and after watching the first 2 seasons of "Lost," we are now obsessed with "Firefly." I need to get out more, except every time the cold air hits my lungs, I go into a coughing spasm.
After 2 and a half weeks, I broke down and went to the doctor, and I am now the proud owner of an advair (think steroid inhaler, to the tune of $141) and an albuterol inhaler. I have to rinse my mouth out after I use the advair so it won't rot my teeth out. I also have fun narcotic cough syrup that makes me loopy and not fit to drive, so I can only take that at night before I go to bed.
Turns out that I have a reactive airway disease. I have suspected this for some time, I just never found a doctor that believed me.
I don't really know why I am posting this except that I don't have anything else going on. Just trying to stay on top of all my medications. Oh yes, and after watching the first 2 seasons of "Lost," we are now obsessed with "Firefly." I need to get out more, except every time the cold air hits my lungs, I go into a coughing spasm.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
What happened in February
Not much. Sorry for the lack of posts, but when every single day is dark, cloudy, gray and cold, there just isn't a lot to write about. Two things worth mentioning.
1) We went to Ohio for a weekend for a surprise party for Mr. M's brother. He has been working at a church for 20 years, so they threw him a surprise party and flew us out there.
2) I came down with a case of the shingles. Shingles is usually something old people get, but no, I had to get it too. It is actually chicken pox that goes and lives in your nerves afterwards. All of you have it in your nerves, but mine decided to venture forth. At first I thought that I had been bit by something, then the pain spread and I woke up several times at night thinking I was being stabbed. Don't worry, I got over it.
At the moment I am sicker then a dog with a nasty cough and I won't tell you what my GI system is up to.
Oh yeah, and Mr. M and myself are totally obsessed with the series "Lost". Someone lent us the first 2 seasons and we watch it whenever we can. We just finished the second season last night. I think Michael is a total jerk!!!!!!
1) We went to Ohio for a weekend for a surprise party for Mr. M's brother. He has been working at a church for 20 years, so they threw him a surprise party and flew us out there.
2) I came down with a case of the shingles. Shingles is usually something old people get, but no, I had to get it too. It is actually chicken pox that goes and lives in your nerves afterwards. All of you have it in your nerves, but mine decided to venture forth. At first I thought that I had been bit by something, then the pain spread and I woke up several times at night thinking I was being stabbed. Don't worry, I got over it.
At the moment I am sicker then a dog with a nasty cough and I won't tell you what my GI system is up to.
Oh yeah, and Mr. M and myself are totally obsessed with the series "Lost". Someone lent us the first 2 seasons and we watch it whenever we can. We just finished the second season last night. I think Michael is a total jerk!!!!!!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
100th post
For my 100th post, I was trying to come up with something special, but nothing came to mind. So here is the adventure of the top of my wedding cake. Here is a picture of the cake on that happy day.
I was looking forward to visiting my parents this spring, because I had heard that the lady that did my cakes had a great way of freezing them, so that they still tasted good a year later.
Well, for some reason, my mother thought it would be a good idea to mail me the top of my cake for our anniversary. So she sent it on Jan 15 by priority mail. Yesterday on Feb. 5 it arrived. Here it is in the box.
This is my attempt to unwrap it.
I was looking forward to visiting my parents this spring, because I had heard that the lady that did my cakes had a great way of freezing them, so that they still tasted good a year later.
Well, for some reason, my mother thought it would be a good idea to mail me the top of my cake for our anniversary. So she sent it on Jan 15 by priority mail. Yesterday on Feb. 5 it arrived. Here it is in the box.
This is my attempt to unwrap it.
Lonnie and I just kind of looked at it, but neither one of us was really brave enough to try it. It has probably seen more of the US them me.
So the moral of the story is: don't send a send cake by priority mail.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
5 a day
The other day I thought that I would attempt to eat the five servings of fruit and vegetables recommended by the government. It turned out to be much harder then I thought it would be, because I also stop eating when I am full.
Breakfast: 1 banana, one small orange, a cup of tea, and 1/2 liter of water.
Lunch: 2 pita pockets in which I inserted half of an avocado into each pocket.
Dinner: About one cup mashed sweet potatoes, and about half a pizza that I cooked. Mr. M ate the other half. The toppings were fresh tomatoes and fresh chopped basil. So I had about half a tomato and some basil thrown in.
Note that I didn't even eat any meat that day. So how realistic do you think the 5 a day plan is? I really believe that Americans should eat more fresh produce, but a little overwhelming to someone just starting out. (I eat a lot of fruits and veggies, so this wasn't that hard for me.) Maybe we should start people out on the 3 a day plan, so that they wouldn't feel like failures and continue on the crazy x a day plan.
Breakfast: 1 banana, one small orange, a cup of tea, and 1/2 liter of water.
Lunch: 2 pita pockets in which I inserted half of an avocado into each pocket.
Dinner: About one cup mashed sweet potatoes, and about half a pizza that I cooked. Mr. M ate the other half. The toppings were fresh tomatoes and fresh chopped basil. So I had about half a tomato and some basil thrown in.
Note that I didn't even eat any meat that day. So how realistic do you think the 5 a day plan is? I really believe that Americans should eat more fresh produce, but a little overwhelming to someone just starting out. (I eat a lot of fruits and veggies, so this wasn't that hard for me.) Maybe we should start people out on the 3 a day plan, so that they wouldn't feel like failures and continue on the crazy x a day plan.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Happy Anniversary
Happy anniversary to myself and Mr. M two days ago. We didn't really do much the day of, but two weeks ago, we stayed at this bed and breakfast in this room. Quite nice.
So many people talk us before we got married that the first year is the hardest. We were supposed to fight all the time and drive each other crazy. We had a chat about this a few days ago. Both of us agreed that the hardest part of being married this year, was not the being married part, but the moving and starting over part. Trying to make new friends, work crazy jobs, and just adjusting to a different way of life up here.
Of course, we both have things about us that drive the other one crazy from time to time, but it hasn't resulted in any huge fights. So it turns out that both of us have been pleasantly surprised that the marriage part of this year has been so nice. (My personal opinion is that it helps we married later in life.) And lest anyone is too concerned about our fiances from the last post, we could afford to buy a sound system for our anniversary present to ourselves. We were also very proud of ourselves that over the past year, we have put over 8 grand toward debt repayment (mostly left over from grad school and having to buy a "new" used car.)
So many people talk us before we got married that the first year is the hardest. We were supposed to fight all the time and drive each other crazy. We had a chat about this a few days ago. Both of us agreed that the hardest part of being married this year, was not the being married part, but the moving and starting over part. Trying to make new friends, work crazy jobs, and just adjusting to a different way of life up here.
Of course, we both have things about us that drive the other one crazy from time to time, but it hasn't resulted in any huge fights. So it turns out that both of us have been pleasantly surprised that the marriage part of this year has been so nice. (My personal opinion is that it helps we married later in life.) And lest anyone is too concerned about our fiances from the last post, we could afford to buy a sound system for our anniversary present to ourselves. We were also very proud of ourselves that over the past year, we have put over 8 grand toward debt repayment (mostly left over from grad school and having to buy a "new" used car.)
Thursday, January 18, 2007
$2
After balancing our checkbook the old fashioned way, I have determined that we have $2 in our account. I don't know that our going to Quicken is that much better. Fortunately, I get paid today, and Mr. M gets paid tomorrow.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Merry Christmas
Last shot of Christmas decorations. Here is my $16 nativity set. I like it because the baby Jesus looks like a baby and not some sort of strange creature floating above the manger half naked on a cold night. Because holy people are always walking around half naked (Especially in renaissance paintings). As holy as I am, I should always wear a tube top and mini skirts.
Joseph's hand did fall off as we took him out of the box. But what did I expect with a Wal-mart special? We glued it back on, but we aren't quite sure that it is pointing the right direction.
Just in case we get to wrapped up in ourselves, I posted my favorite video of the season. The color is a bit dark at first, but just enjoy it.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
A REAL tree!!!!
I never had a real Christmas tree before. Most people don't have them in the south and besides my dad is allergic to them. Here you can buy a permit for $5 and go on state land and cut down your own tree!
I had to work, but here is my fearless Mr. M and my fearless brother after going out into the woods and cutting down our tree:
They look so brave, don't they? They are my fearless woodsmen braving the bears for my Christmas tree.
Here is our decorated tree. Note Mr. M's electric train.
And last, but not least, is a little ceramic Starbucks Christmas cup. So cool. Of course this means that my mother is aware of my crazy caffeine habit and celebrates it.
Don't you wish you had one? I know you are secretly jealous.
I had to work, but here is my fearless Mr. M and my fearless brother after going out into the woods and cutting down our tree:
They look so brave, don't they? They are my fearless woodsmen braving the bears for my Christmas tree.
Here is our decorated tree. Note Mr. M's electric train.
Now for a tour of some of my favorite ornaments. Here is one of my favorites, courtesy of Mrs. Juicebox. The umbrella says "A sister is a friend forever," but since we are not biological sisters (what a pity), she nicely drew a double arrow to switch "friend" and "sister".
Courtesy of my mother from Hawaii. Alas I can't wear flip-flops as much up here in the frozen tundra.
Betsy made this snowflake for me. So creative.
Here is my gaudy Elizabethan cross, but I like it.
And last, but not least, is a little ceramic Starbucks Christmas cup. So cool. Of course this means that my mother is aware of my crazy caffeine habit and celebrates it.
Don't you wish you had one? I know you are secretly jealous.How crafty (insert evil laugh here).
Since Mr M and I are not going anywhere for Christmas, I have really gotten into the decorating thing this year. In college I had my fake tree inherited from my parents and I gleefully decorated it in maroon and white. But that was about the extent of my decorating. Since Christmas is actually here at my home for me this year, I was inspired.
Here is my attempt to rip off a Pottery Barn idea in my bedroom:
Here is an ornament that I painted at a pottery party:
My attempt to decorate a bookshelf (since I don't have a mantel) using decorations from my wedding along with some new stocking holders:
Here is my attempt to rip off a Pottery Barn idea in my bedroom:
Here is an ornament that I painted at a pottery party:
My attempt to decorate a bookshelf (since I don't have a mantel) using decorations from my wedding along with some new stocking holders:
Stocking are so expensive! I had no idea. There were a few a the dollar store, but they were just ugly and tacky. So I had the bright idea to make stockings. After figuring out how to use my grandmother's sewing machine, buy a replacement part, buying a pattern in a fit of frustration and taking 2 weeks, here are the results:
I am actually quite pleased, but I am warning you, they are harder to make then I thought they would be!
No longer the ends of the earth
Joy to the world (at least Kalispell), Starbucks has opened! I had mixed emotions about it coming at first. I am a huge supporter of the local coffee shop idea. However, they all freaking close at 5 pm in this town. I guess it never occurred to them that people might want to go to coffee in the evening not during working hours?!?!?!?!?!?! (Do you sense my frustration?)
The one place that did stay open in town had horrible coffee. I have tried to like it. I have in vain ordered almost every drink there in an attempt to find something that tasted good. But no luck, it all sucks. So in celebration of the opening of Starbucks and this happy holiday season, here is my gingerbread latte.
The one place that did stay open in town had horrible coffee. I have tried to like it. I have in vain ordered almost every drink there in an attempt to find something that tasted good. But no luck, it all sucks. So in celebration of the opening of Starbucks and this happy holiday season, here is my gingerbread latte.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
I used to read a Garrison Keller weekly advice column called "Mr. Blue" on salon.com. He doesn't write it anymore, but I found it interesting at the time. About half of the letters had to do with writing and the other half with relationships. I didn't really appreciate the writing ones because it was mostly cloud in the sky kind of stuff.
The relationship ones had a formula. Here is how they went: Dear Mr. Blue, I am a somewhere between 20 to 35 male or female who has been living with or married to someone for somewhere between 2 to 7 years. At first things were great and I could barely function because I was so into this person. Now I don't feel that way. I still really care about them, but I don't feel like I want to throw up when I am around them, so I must not be in love anymore. There is this guy or girl at work that causes me to have butterflies when they are around, so I must be in love with them. Should I dump my faithful spouse and pursue my true love?
The sad thing is I don't think that most of these people were always looking for an escape. I think a lot of them believed that's what love is. Because of their limited view, they are destined to have a shallow love.
_____________________________________________________
I met a man recently who has been married for 63 years. His wife is failing in her mind and he is afraid that she will soon forget who he is. He goes and feeds her every day and can barely talk about her without crying. He recounted how they met, decided to get married and had lived a full life with children and grandchildren. I couldn't help thinking how silly these letters sounded when you look at this old man's relationship. He probably doesn't look at his wife who needs his help to eat and think "What a hottie! I feel all woozy around her; therefore I must be in love."
He is in love, because he does what it takes to love someone. He looks after her best interest, even when she is beyond knowing the difference. He was willing to do the hard and difficult things it takes to make a marriage and love last a lifetime. Real passion is not having butterflies and a wild night every time you see each other, real passion is getting up in the morning and going to work because you love your spouse and want to provide for your family. Real passion is loving your spouse even when you don't feel like it. Real passion is washing the dishes when neither of you feels like doing it.
Don't get me wrong, I am not knocking the butterflies and the fun parts of love, I am just pointing out that true love encompasses so much more.
___________________________________________________
Part of what got me thinking about this is a recent review of "The Nativity" that I read in Slate.com. Now I haven't seen the movie and have no idea how bad or good it might be. What struck me is the reviewer wishing the Mary and Joseph would get in a huge fight on the way to Bethlehem. Now I understand the desire for a little action and I would be the first to say that Bible stories do not usually make for movies. But there is something that the reviewer is missing. She is missing the real passion between Mary and Joseph.
It is generally agreed that Mary was probably widowed fairly early. There is no record of Joseph after Jesus is age 12. Much of the information about Joseph probably comes from Mary, such as when Luke interviewed her for his gospel. In Matthew, Joseph is described as a righteous man. One of the examples of his righteousness is that upon finding out that his fiancée is with child, he doesn't haul her out to the center of town to condemn her. He doesn't pitch a public fit, but plans to end the engagement privately so as to cause her as little embarrassment as possible. (Hmmm, is that still an example of righteousness, but I digress.)
He cares for Mary's well being at the cost of his pride. Joseph marries a pregnant woman at the command of an angel and then doesn't sleep with her until she gives birth. Hard core there. (An interesting contrast to Zacharias in the gospel of Luke, who is told that he will father a child, Zacharias doubts, and then has to spend the next 9 months mute.)
Then to top it all off, Joseph at the command of an angel has to flee his nation, land, home and business to protect some kid that isn't even his. There is no record of Joseph complaining. I am sure that he had his doubts and worries, but the point is what he did in spite of them. He got up in the middle of the night to protect his family. He settled in an out of the way place to protect his family. He got up every morning and worked to provided for his family. He knows what love is and he does it. I think Mary made sure that the world remembered him. Their passion was one of day to day hardship, but that got up and did it all over again every day regardless. I would wish that for all of us.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Overheard at the hospital
Doc 1: Hey, did you get a new jacket?
Doc 2: Yeah! Do you remember this brand?
1: I think so.
2: I got it at ____, it is about 20 years old, but the down is still good. I love it.
1: Cool, what a deal.
Did anyone else catch that? A doctor buying a used jacket? And bragging about it publicly? I like this hospital.
Doc 2: Yeah! Do you remember this brand?
1: I think so.
2: I got it at ____, it is about 20 years old, but the down is still good. I love it.
1: Cool, what a deal.
Did anyone else catch that? A doctor buying a used jacket? And bragging about it publicly? I like this hospital.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Stylen
Due the recent fall of almost a foot of horrid white stuff in the last week, I have implemented some changes in my life. 1) I have been making my husband drive me to work. 2) I have bought a pair of snow boots as you can see here.
Please note the little tag saying that they are good to -25 degrees F. Staying true to my love of pink and love of what is on sale, we have these results. I am sure that Mr. M is secretly horrified although he would never admit to it. They don't look quite so pink when I am wearing them with jeans covering them.
Please note the little tag saying that they are good to -25 degrees F. Staying true to my love of pink and love of what is on sale, we have these results. I am sure that Mr. M is secretly horrified although he would never admit to it. They don't look quite so pink when I am wearing them with jeans covering them.
I love them!
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Every Wish Fulfilled
I am one step closer to checking off all those things I want to do before I die. I am so close to being a complete woman. I am now the proud owner of of a Krups 12 pump espresso machine.
As if you needed any more incentive to come see me! It is our joint early Christmas present to ourselves. It's stainless steal plates sit glistening on my counter. Milk is frothed perfectly. Espresso is not bitter or weak. (And clean up is a snap!) Life is good.
Good, except for the 4 fresh inches of snow sitting outside my door. I measured it with a ruler, so it really is 4 inches. On the other hand I have started sewing more, a nice indoor activity.
As if you needed any more incentive to come see me! It is our joint early Christmas present to ourselves. It's stainless steal plates sit glistening on my counter. Milk is frothed perfectly. Espresso is not bitter or weak. (And clean up is a snap!) Life is good.
Good, except for the 4 fresh inches of snow sitting outside my door. I measured it with a ruler, so it really is 4 inches. On the other hand I have started sewing more, a nice indoor activity.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Turkey Update
Disclaimer: I was informed by my father that he has fixed several whole birds during my lifetime including once when we lived in California and I was about 11 years old. Sorry, Dad, I didn't remember. End of disclaimer.
Several people have asked how the turkey went. Great, and here is the story. First I go with T to the store to help pick out the bird. Turns out that Costco only has one type of turkey. Very LARGE. The smallest one we could find was 20 pounds. So we bought that one. Having been vastly relieved and heartened by this post of T&B, I figured that we could cook it. I looked up various cooking times and temps and gave them all to Miss T. She stuck the turkey in a bag, cooked for several hours and it turned out perfect. Except that we had 19 pounds of turkey left over.
The day before I worked a 12 hour shift, went shopping and cooked until midnight. I made a sweet potato dish related to my mothers with a few changes thrown in. A green bean casserole with a LOT more then 1/8 of a teaspoon of pepper, I also threw in some crushed red pepper. Last, but not least, was my attempt at homemade cranberry sauce which my husband has forebade me to ever make again. The sauce overflowed and it took him an hour to clean the range. The next morning I whipped up some whipped cream with whipping cream, vanilla syrup and cinnamon. And props to my husband for making an apple pie from scratch (even the crust) with a crumb topping.
I used my white tablecloth and napkins that dear Shelly gave me. I then passed out for several hours after dinner on someone else's couch.
Several people have asked how the turkey went. Great, and here is the story. First I go with T to the store to help pick out the bird. Turns out that Costco only has one type of turkey. Very LARGE. The smallest one we could find was 20 pounds. So we bought that one. Having been vastly relieved and heartened by this post of T&B, I figured that we could cook it. I looked up various cooking times and temps and gave them all to Miss T. She stuck the turkey in a bag, cooked for several hours and it turned out perfect. Except that we had 19 pounds of turkey left over.
The day before I worked a 12 hour shift, went shopping and cooked until midnight. I made a sweet potato dish related to my mothers with a few changes thrown in. A green bean casserole with a LOT more then 1/8 of a teaspoon of pepper, I also threw in some crushed red pepper. Last, but not least, was my attempt at homemade cranberry sauce which my husband has forebade me to ever make again. The sauce overflowed and it took him an hour to clean the range. The next morning I whipped up some whipped cream with whipping cream, vanilla syrup and cinnamon. And props to my husband for making an apple pie from scratch (even the crust) with a crumb topping.
I used my white tablecloth and napkins that dear Shelly gave me. I then passed out for several hours after dinner on someone else's couch.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
What the Turkey
So it looks like I am kind of in charge of a turkey this year. As in cooking a whole turkey. Uh-hu. See my family always did the turkey breast thing, because who wants to eat the neck or the dark meat anyway? There were only 7 people who came to Thanksgiving, so we didn't need a huge amount of meat. But now there is going to be a group of about 13 people who don't have family up here in Montana and they expect a real turkey. One with inside parts and the whole shabang. So does anyone have any ideas about cooking a turkey? I have my trusty Betty Crocker, but it's not like I could do a run through practice trial on a 10 lb turkey. So the first time has to be perfect. (Or at least good enough).
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Joy to the WORLD
It's that time of year again when they start playing Christmas music the day after Halloween. When there is a picture of Santa everywhere you go and people think that really tacky anything looks great. ( I mean who ever thought that these are decorative?) But in all truth, I really like Christmas. I love putting up the tree and and setting up an electric train to go around it. I love all the candles that I get to burn. Who doesn't enjoy making gingerbread men with you college roommates or decorating an Aggie tree? Christmas cards are a great chance to catch up with old friends who don't read your blog. And it is fun to be able to pick out a special gift for each person in your family.
Speaking of which, if you are like me and a horrible gift giver and the thought of trying to figure out what you little brother would like who has twice as much money as you makes you break out in a sweat, I have a wonderful solution.
World Vision is a great charity that puts out a gift catalog each year. Have you ever watched the evening news and wondered what you can do? Here is a great way to help the world. There are categories such as: animals, clean water, health care, education, food, and others. Last year I gave my family the gift of a share of a medical clinic in Africa and hope for a girl rescued from the sex trade. My old roommate Betsy always gets me a share of a yurt.
World Vision is a Christian charity, that helps people all over the world regardless of religion or race. One of the things I really appreciate about them is that they attempt to get at the root of poverty and not just give a handout. Here is their main page: www.worldvision.org .
Take a look around and see what they are about. And maybe remember what some of all this Christmas hoopla is about.
Speaking of which, if you are like me and a horrible gift giver and the thought of trying to figure out what you little brother would like who has twice as much money as you makes you break out in a sweat, I have a wonderful solution.
World Vision is a great charity that puts out a gift catalog each year. Have you ever watched the evening news and wondered what you can do? Here is a great way to help the world. There are categories such as: animals, clean water, health care, education, food, and others. Last year I gave my family the gift of a share of a medical clinic in Africa and hope for a girl rescued from the sex trade. My old roommate Betsy always gets me a share of a yurt.
World Vision is a Christian charity, that helps people all over the world regardless of religion or race. One of the things I really appreciate about them is that they attempt to get at the root of poverty and not just give a handout. Here is their main page: www.worldvision.org .
Take a look around and see what they are about. And maybe remember what some of all this Christmas hoopla is about.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Success!
I walk in the room and hand patient her iron pill that she has been taking 3 times a day for a least a week.
She stares strangely at the pill as if she has never seen it before and asks what it is even though I have told her what it is every time I give it to her.
Patient: I have heard that to much iron can be bad for you.
Me: To much of anything is bad for you.
Patient: Well, that is a good point.
Patient takes the pill.
She stares strangely at the pill as if she has never seen it before and asks what it is even though I have told her what it is every time I give it to her.
Patient: I have heard that to much iron can be bad for you.
Me: To much of anything is bad for you.
Patient: Well, that is a good point.
Patient takes the pill.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Please don't
when meeting someone for the first time tell them that they need to get on the kid train.
Story follows: Hubby and I meet a married man with several children today at church. We politely converse for some minutes and then he inquires if we have any children. Mr. M kindly points out that we have not been married that long, only about 9 months. At which point he says, "Well, that's long enough!" My personal theory on the matter is, once you have kids, you can't give them back. So enjoy the time without them while you can.
Story from several months ago:
23 year old mother of 2: So do you have any kids?
Me: No, we have only been married about 6 months.
(At this point, I am thinking that we can talk about something else)
23 yomo2: So are you going to have kids soon?
Me: Umm, well no, we want to pay off some debt first and be married for a couple of years.
End of conversation. Nothing else is said! There is more to me then my ovaries! I swear! Please be my friend!
Story follows: Hubby and I meet a married man with several children today at church. We politely converse for some minutes and then he inquires if we have any children. Mr. M kindly points out that we have not been married that long, only about 9 months. At which point he says, "Well, that's long enough!" My personal theory on the matter is, once you have kids, you can't give them back. So enjoy the time without them while you can.
Story from several months ago:
23 year old mother of 2: So do you have any kids?
Me: No, we have only been married about 6 months.
(At this point, I am thinking that we can talk about something else)
23 yomo2: So are you going to have kids soon?
Me: Umm, well no, we want to pay off some debt first and be married for a couple of years.
End of conversation. Nothing else is said! There is more to me then my ovaries! I swear! Please be my friend!
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Hug me!
An observation about Montana. I have noticed that in church, married couples don't touch each other. They don't hold hands, men don't put their arms around their wives during the service. It's like they are sitting beside each other because they have to. They don't really even talk to each other.
The church I grew up in was not full of PDA. I don't think anyone would ever accuse them of that. Far from it. But you would see husband put their arms around their wives and married couples hold hands. Now that I think about it, dating couples didn't hold hands at church. It was seen as very serious. Not that they didn't hold hands other places, just not at church. I always got the impression that most married couples at church liked each other and enjoyed each others company. Hence one of the reasons that they were married.
Well, I thought that perhaps it is a Southern thing, but when we went to Ohio and visited Lonnie's church, the married couples acted like they liked each other. There were hugs and interaction.
So I am befuddled. I am not saying that people should be making out in the back row, but you married this person and I think that it's OK to show that you like them. My husband and I talk to each other at church and sometimes he puts his arm around me. The pastor made a comment about it once, but I didn't think anything about it until I started watching more couples at church and how they interact. Any thoughts out there?
The church I grew up in was not full of PDA. I don't think anyone would ever accuse them of that. Far from it. But you would see husband put their arms around their wives and married couples hold hands. Now that I think about it, dating couples didn't hold hands at church. It was seen as very serious. Not that they didn't hold hands other places, just not at church. I always got the impression that most married couples at church liked each other and enjoyed each others company. Hence one of the reasons that they were married.
Well, I thought that perhaps it is a Southern thing, but when we went to Ohio and visited Lonnie's church, the married couples acted like they liked each other. There were hugs and interaction.
So I am befuddled. I am not saying that people should be making out in the back row, but you married this person and I think that it's OK to show that you like them. My husband and I talk to each other at church and sometimes he puts his arm around me. The pastor made a comment about it once, but I didn't think anything about it until I started watching more couples at church and how they interact. Any thoughts out there?
I'm back (from Ohio)
Mr. M and I went off to Ohio for a week to see his family and various friends. One small problem was that the weather forecast said 50's. Try the the 30's for real. It was warmer in Montana. And I did not bring 30's kind of clothes, I brought 50's kind. But hey, we got an shopping trip out of it.
I got to see the house that "I" own. Mr. M bought this house about 5 years before we got married. There are renters in the house now. Every time I refer to his house, I get this strange look and am told, "MY house? It's OUR house." OK, fair enough, but I can't say that I have ever felt any possession of it. The house is nice, the bedrooms are a bit on the small side, and most of the carpet is left over from a bad case of the 70's. But it has some good sized living areas and a huge yard. I don't know that I feel any more ownership of it, but at least I know what it looks like.
Also I got to spend the whole week sleeping on a hide-a-bed in the living room. A little lack of privacy, but not to bad. One morning I awoke from a Law and Order type dream, convinced that I should go to law school. I then thought about Jess and T&B and quickly moved on with other things in my life.
I never thought I would say this, but I was so tired of eating out by the time we came home. I mean I like to eat out, but not for every meal. Of course we were trying to see someone with almost every meal, but I just don't digest that fast. By the time we got home all I wanted to eat was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I have been eating oatmeal and fruit since getting back. Please, something not caked in grease!
On the drive back from the airport 4 hours away, we got ourselves in a snowstorm and of course I was driving. I don't like snow, I don't like ice, I don't like sliding on the road. But we got back OK.
I got to see the house that "I" own. Mr. M bought this house about 5 years before we got married. There are renters in the house now. Every time I refer to his house, I get this strange look and am told, "MY house? It's OUR house." OK, fair enough, but I can't say that I have ever felt any possession of it. The house is nice, the bedrooms are a bit on the small side, and most of the carpet is left over from a bad case of the 70's. But it has some good sized living areas and a huge yard. I don't know that I feel any more ownership of it, but at least I know what it looks like.
Also I got to spend the whole week sleeping on a hide-a-bed in the living room. A little lack of privacy, but not to bad. One morning I awoke from a Law and Order type dream, convinced that I should go to law school. I then thought about Jess and T&B and quickly moved on with other things in my life.
I never thought I would say this, but I was so tired of eating out by the time we came home. I mean I like to eat out, but not for every meal. Of course we were trying to see someone with almost every meal, but I just don't digest that fast. By the time we got home all I wanted to eat was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I have been eating oatmeal and fruit since getting back. Please, something not caked in grease!
On the drive back from the airport 4 hours away, we got ourselves in a snowstorm and of course I was driving. I don't like snow, I don't like ice, I don't like sliding on the road. But we got back OK.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Awkward presentation
I bet none of you have done this one. I am doing a presentation Thursday to a bunch of crazy teen girls about birth control and STDs. I knew my human sexuality class would come in handy one day!
I have been finding lots of grotty pictures from my textbooks and I am headed to Wal-mart to buy "examples" of contraception. Wouldn't you just love for me to give this talk to you in high school? Hmmmm? To add to all the fun, I was informed yesterday that what I thought was a one hour presentation is now two hours. So these poor girls have to listen to me talk about sex for 2 hours. The girls have had a chance to submit questions on paper and no one would know who the question came from. I figured that I would have tons of questions, but not one girl submitted a question. So now I have a board audience for 2 hours that apparently have no interest in sex. This should be an episode of Arrested Development.
I have been finding lots of grotty pictures from my textbooks and I am headed to Wal-mart to buy "examples" of contraception. Wouldn't you just love for me to give this talk to you in high school? Hmmmm? To add to all the fun, I was informed yesterday that what I thought was a one hour presentation is now two hours. So these poor girls have to listen to me talk about sex for 2 hours. The girls have had a chance to submit questions on paper and no one would know who the question came from. I figured that I would have tons of questions, but not one girl submitted a question. So now I have a board audience for 2 hours that apparently have no interest in sex. This should be an episode of Arrested Development.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Save the last.... episode
Alas, a horror has descended on my household. We have watched all the episodes of "Arrested Development."
You see my passion for this show started when the now Mrs. Juicebox started dating Mr. Juicebox. He introduced us to the wonder that is this show. I went out and bought the first season about 2 years ago and this spring hubby and I bought the second season. Mr. M trying to cheer me up one day, bought the third season a month ago. The last season is shorter and I tried so hard to space them out. I put off watching the last episode for about 2 weeks because I just could not bear that the show would then be really over. (Insert flowing tears here). I have watched all the deleted scenes, and the bloopers.
The funny thing is that I didn't like any of the character on the show, but they all worked together so well. I loved it. And now there is no more of it. No more wondering if the kissing cousins will kiss, I don't wonder is Tobias will admit he is gay, I don't wish a large rock will fall on Lucile. I can no longer plot Michel's escape from his family for him. I can't wonder if Gob will ever get the pimp slaps he deserves. What will happen if George finds out that Buster is really his brother's son?
A dark cloud hangs over my TV. Granted it is a small cloud since our TV is so small. No more "Arrested Development" to cheer my long cold winter nights in Montana.
You see my passion for this show started when the now Mrs. Juicebox started dating Mr. Juicebox. He introduced us to the wonder that is this show. I went out and bought the first season about 2 years ago and this spring hubby and I bought the second season. Mr. M trying to cheer me up one day, bought the third season a month ago. The last season is shorter and I tried so hard to space them out. I put off watching the last episode for about 2 weeks because I just could not bear that the show would then be really over. (Insert flowing tears here). I have watched all the deleted scenes, and the bloopers.
The funny thing is that I didn't like any of the character on the show, but they all worked together so well. I loved it. And now there is no more of it. No more wondering if the kissing cousins will kiss, I don't wonder is Tobias will admit he is gay, I don't wish a large rock will fall on Lucile. I can no longer plot Michel's escape from his family for him. I can't wonder if Gob will ever get the pimp slaps he deserves. What will happen if George finds out that Buster is really his brother's son?
A dark cloud hangs over my TV. Granted it is a small cloud since our TV is so small. No more "Arrested Development" to cheer my long cold winter nights in Montana.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Catch up
I apologize for my lack of posting the last few weeks. It has been crazy. I was in Dallas for a week, came back on a Tuesday at midnight. My grandmother died Saturday (as I was working the 3rd of 3 days). I was back on a plane Tuesday for the funeral on Wednesday and came back Thursday. So that has been my crazy life.
It has been so fast and crazy that I haven't had a whole lot of time to process it. I think the hardest part of this is watching my grandad. I called him two days ago to see how he is doing. He talked about how lonely the house is, but he can now walk by her picture without crying, so he thought that was some improvement.
They were married for 64 years and really liked each other the whole time. The week I visited my grandmother, she told me that they still danced in the kitchen sometimes, but it was harder to do these days.
Before the funeral my gandad gave me her watch. I remember looking at it ticking away and thinking how wrong it seemed that her life stopped and her watch kept ticking away. The only time life seems offensive is when there is death and it seems wrong that the rest of the world is full of life.
But what is really wrong is that we die. We weren't created to carve out just a few short years, or to die. We were created to live. Really live. I hate it when people say things like "it was his time" or "God needed another angel" or "it was meant to be." Because none of that is true. We are broken, our world we live in is broken. What really happens is that the place we live and the brokenness in us caught up with us.
I have seen a lot of dead bodies and many people die in my profession. Death is a vile and ugly thing. There is nothing graceful, peaceful or beautiful about it. We can sugar coat it, but it is what it is. We pretend that it's the way the world is supposed to work because we don't know anything better. But inside each of us is a reminder that there is supposed to be something different because when we hear of a death we treat it like it is wrong that it happened. When children die in a tragic accident or shooting, it is wrong. And though we accept it more easily, an older person dying is just as wrong.
I think that Bebo Norman's song Rita says it best. I have always liked this song's take on death. It is true, we live on a killing floor. I could not find a video, so I am posting the lyrics. It is a beautiful song, and I am sure you can find it on the web if you look hard enough.
Lay down softly in our sorrow
Lay down sister to die
And cover over, my sweet Father
Cover over her eyes
Your broken body, it cannot weather
The years your youth still longs to spend
So go down graceful, sleep with the angels
And wake up whole again
Cause it was not your time; that's a useless line
A fallen world took your life
But the God that sometimes can't be found
Will wrap Himself around you
So lay down, sister, lay down
Slower passing are the hours
To tell this tale that takes its time
But the finest moment, no man can measure
Is to look your Savior in the eyes
So take her tender to Your table
Take her from this killing floor
To taste the water that is forever
Let her be thirsty no more
It was not her time; that's a useless line
A fallen world took her life
But the God that sometimes can't be found
Will wrap Himself around you
So lay down, sister, lay down
And the God that sometimes can't be found
Will wrap Himself around you
So lay down, Rita, lay down
It has been so fast and crazy that I haven't had a whole lot of time to process it. I think the hardest part of this is watching my grandad. I called him two days ago to see how he is doing. He talked about how lonely the house is, but he can now walk by her picture without crying, so he thought that was some improvement.
They were married for 64 years and really liked each other the whole time. The week I visited my grandmother, she told me that they still danced in the kitchen sometimes, but it was harder to do these days.
Before the funeral my gandad gave me her watch. I remember looking at it ticking away and thinking how wrong it seemed that her life stopped and her watch kept ticking away. The only time life seems offensive is when there is death and it seems wrong that the rest of the world is full of life.
But what is really wrong is that we die. We weren't created to carve out just a few short years, or to die. We were created to live. Really live. I hate it when people say things like "it was his time" or "God needed another angel" or "it was meant to be." Because none of that is true. We are broken, our world we live in is broken. What really happens is that the place we live and the brokenness in us caught up with us.
I have seen a lot of dead bodies and many people die in my profession. Death is a vile and ugly thing. There is nothing graceful, peaceful or beautiful about it. We can sugar coat it, but it is what it is. We pretend that it's the way the world is supposed to work because we don't know anything better. But inside each of us is a reminder that there is supposed to be something different because when we hear of a death we treat it like it is wrong that it happened. When children die in a tragic accident or shooting, it is wrong. And though we accept it more easily, an older person dying is just as wrong.
I think that Bebo Norman's song Rita says it best. I have always liked this song's take on death. It is true, we live on a killing floor. I could not find a video, so I am posting the lyrics. It is a beautiful song, and I am sure you can find it on the web if you look hard enough.
Lay down softly in our sorrow
Lay down sister to die
And cover over, my sweet Father
Cover over her eyes
Your broken body, it cannot weather
The years your youth still longs to spend
So go down graceful, sleep with the angels
And wake up whole again
Cause it was not your time; that's a useless line
A fallen world took your life
But the God that sometimes can't be found
Will wrap Himself around you
So lay down, sister, lay down
Slower passing are the hours
To tell this tale that takes its time
But the finest moment, no man can measure
Is to look your Savior in the eyes
So take her tender to Your table
Take her from this killing floor
To taste the water that is forever
Let her be thirsty no more
It was not her time; that's a useless line
A fallen world took her life
But the God that sometimes can't be found
Will wrap Himself around you
So lay down, sister, lay down
And the God that sometimes can't be found
Will wrap Himself around you
So lay down, Rita, lay down
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Peanut Butter
I have discovered 2 new uses for peanut butter.
1) Try dipping your tortilla chip in peanut butter, then dip in salsa. It sounds bizarre I grant you, but think Asian peanut sauce. Spicy, yet peanut.
2) Next time you are out of bread and are in the mood for some PBJ, toast a pita, insert peanut butter and spear some honey in there. Yum and fewer carbs then bread.
I am in Dallas for the next week, so any one who wants to hang out should call my cell or my parents.
1) Try dipping your tortilla chip in peanut butter, then dip in salsa. It sounds bizarre I grant you, but think Asian peanut sauce. Spicy, yet peanut.
2) Next time you are out of bread and are in the mood for some PBJ, toast a pita, insert peanut butter and spear some honey in there. Yum and fewer carbs then bread.
I am in Dallas for the next week, so any one who wants to hang out should call my cell or my parents.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
How do you
My grandmother is dying. She only has a month or two left to live in this world. She and my granddad have been married for about 64 years. I have no idea what he will do.
My grandmother and I have butted heads over the years, (we are too much alike is the problem) but there are many things that I respect about her. She built a life with my grandfather for over 60 years. There are few people that have been married that long. She has had multiple surgeries over the years, but she always decides that she is going to get through this and not give up.
She keeps up with fashion and style better then me. Once in high school, she took me Christmas shopping at the Gap and talked about how all the magazines said lime green was the color of the season. I just stared at her. We bought a grey cardigan at my request. She redecorates her house every 10 years (and I inherit her cast offs and am glad to have them).
She wasn't too happy with my choice of A&M at first and wanted me to go to UT. I told her burnt orange clashed with my skin tone.
She adores my husband and is so happy for me. She is so glad that I am where I am.
She was raised on a dirt farm in Oklahoma during the depression. She was born into the Polk family and is proud of their heritage and roots. She loves football. My brothers go watch football games with her, and my husband says she know the game better then him.
She loves parties and throwing them. She truly is a Sothern belle.
Here is a picture of her dancing at my wedding with her nephew.
This is before I walked down the aisle.
I love this one.
My grandmother and I have butted heads over the years, (we are too much alike is the problem) but there are many things that I respect about her. She built a life with my grandfather for over 60 years. There are few people that have been married that long. She has had multiple surgeries over the years, but she always decides that she is going to get through this and not give up.
She keeps up with fashion and style better then me. Once in high school, she took me Christmas shopping at the Gap and talked about how all the magazines said lime green was the color of the season. I just stared at her. We bought a grey cardigan at my request. She redecorates her house every 10 years (and I inherit her cast offs and am glad to have them).
She wasn't too happy with my choice of A&M at first and wanted me to go to UT. I told her burnt orange clashed with my skin tone.
She adores my husband and is so happy for me. She is so glad that I am where I am.
She was raised on a dirt farm in Oklahoma during the depression. She was born into the Polk family and is proud of their heritage and roots. She loves football. My brothers go watch football games with her, and my husband says she know the game better then him.
She loves parties and throwing them. She truly is a Sothern belle.
Here is a picture of her dancing at my wedding with her nephew.
This is before I walked down the aisle.
I love this one.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Not on the run
For those of you who are unaware of some thing about my personal life, I have a confession to make. I am always constipated. I have been constipated my whole life. Some people are rushed to the emergency room as a child because of broken bones. Not me! I have never had a broken bone, just abdominal pain which took me to the ER.
But I have finally found a positive side to this problem. I can eat all the cherries I want! It is cherry season up here in the Flathead Valley and most people have to limit their consumption of this sweet, delicious fruit. I can eat a whole bag and go about my daily life in complete comfort. I can eat all the cherry crisp that is in my fridge. I can snack on them throughout the day, since my husband picked a bushel of them a few days ago and I am not motivated to learn to can. In short, it is nice to know that after years of pain and GI distress, along with threatened surgeries when you are 4, that there is something nice that I can get out of the experience. I am not sure it's worth it, but I try to look on the bright side.
But I have finally found a positive side to this problem. I can eat all the cherries I want! It is cherry season up here in the Flathead Valley and most people have to limit their consumption of this sweet, delicious fruit. I can eat a whole bag and go about my daily life in complete comfort. I can eat all the cherry crisp that is in my fridge. I can snack on them throughout the day, since my husband picked a bushel of them a few days ago and I am not motivated to learn to can. In short, it is nice to know that after years of pain and GI distress, along with threatened surgeries when you are 4, that there is something nice that I can get out of the experience. I am not sure it's worth it, but I try to look on the bright side.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Holiday
A few weeks ago, we went to Canada with a couple we know here. (Pictures pending). I had never been to Canada before so I get to add that to the list of exciting places I have visited. And a stamp on my passport.
Apparently it was a holiday weekend for Canada because everyone said it was a holiday, but no one knew what the holiday was. We asked about 10 people and they had no idea. They just knew that they didn't have to go to work on Monday. When pressing for information the National Park employee said that it was some sort of civic holiday. Really answered our curiosity. We had him call the visitor center and the visitor center had no idea what holiday it was. As my husband muttered "Too much land, not enough history."
Finally while waiting in line for a shower (we were camping), I found a lady who knew what holiday it was. Heritage Day. Apparently the national government tells the province's that they have to have a holiday that weekend, but leave it up to each province what holiday they want to have. So each province is running around making up a holiday and the calendar makers just put civic holiday on the day rather then list each province's holiday.
Apparently it was a holiday weekend for Canada because everyone said it was a holiday, but no one knew what the holiday was. We asked about 10 people and they had no idea. They just knew that they didn't have to go to work on Monday. When pressing for information the National Park employee said that it was some sort of civic holiday. Really answered our curiosity. We had him call the visitor center and the visitor center had no idea what holiday it was. As my husband muttered "Too much land, not enough history."
Finally while waiting in line for a shower (we were camping), I found a lady who knew what holiday it was. Heritage Day. Apparently the national government tells the province's that they have to have a holiday that weekend, but leave it up to each province what holiday they want to have. So each province is running around making up a holiday and the calendar makers just put civic holiday on the day rather then list each province's holiday.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Panic Attack
A short story of my own sappiness. We went camping with the aforementioned brother and his family the weekend that they were here. We drove out Friday evening after work and on the way, I fell asleep as I usually do when riding in a car for more then 20 miles.
On Sat, Lonnie drove me back into town and I worked my 4 hour shift. The plan was for me to drive back in my car after work. Well, first I took a shower and grabbed a bite to eat after work. Then I drove out to where I thought the campsite was. After driving the same 3 miles several times and discovering 2 other campsites, I stopped to ask directions. The whole time I am thinking "what will I do if I can't find it? I could go back home, but I would have to sleep by myself! I haven't slept by myself in 6 months. I don't know if I could stand it" Turns out that the site is on the next lake, about 6 miles down the road. At this point it is over 3 hours since I got off of work.
I find the campsite only to discover that my dear hubby and his brother took off to try to call me. I pull out my cell phone thinking that perhaps I will pay the roaming fee this once. Huh! My phone doesn't even roam out there. Just searches and searches. So I use a pay phone and use a calling card number that I used in college that I had memorized at one time and had not used in 5 years. I have no idea how I remembered it. Called Lonnie's brothers cell phone and left several messages and finally got ahold of them. Turns out that they drove all the way back to town in order to get a signal. When they finally come back, my husband admits to me that he missed me and didn't want to sleep by himself either. And the next day, there were several sweet messages on our answering machine from him. So we are a sappy couple, I know.
And just because we are on a David Hasselhoff kick of bad music videos:
David Hasselhoff - Jump In My Car
On Sat, Lonnie drove me back into town and I worked my 4 hour shift. The plan was for me to drive back in my car after work. Well, first I took a shower and grabbed a bite to eat after work. Then I drove out to where I thought the campsite was. After driving the same 3 miles several times and discovering 2 other campsites, I stopped to ask directions. The whole time I am thinking "what will I do if I can't find it? I could go back home, but I would have to sleep by myself! I haven't slept by myself in 6 months. I don't know if I could stand it" Turns out that the site is on the next lake, about 6 miles down the road. At this point it is over 3 hours since I got off of work.
I find the campsite only to discover that my dear hubby and his brother took off to try to call me. I pull out my cell phone thinking that perhaps I will pay the roaming fee this once. Huh! My phone doesn't even roam out there. Just searches and searches. So I use a pay phone and use a calling card number that I used in college that I had memorized at one time and had not used in 5 years. I have no idea how I remembered it. Called Lonnie's brothers cell phone and left several messages and finally got ahold of them. Turns out that they drove all the way back to town in order to get a signal. When they finally come back, my husband admits to me that he missed me and didn't want to sleep by himself either. And the next day, there were several sweet messages on our answering machine from him. So we are a sappy couple, I know.
And just because we are on a David Hasselhoff kick of bad music videos:
David Hasselhoff - Jump In My Car
4 small children and one crazy aunt
I am going to attempt to catch up on what has been going on up here for us. We have had lots of visitors and going places.
First Lonnie's brother, sister-in-law and 4 kids came to visit us for a week. Lots of fun, but those kids can really wear you out! "No, you can't feed the animals in a national park. No, you can't pick the protected wildflowers. You really don't want to see a bear." You get the idea.
Here is a picture of Lonnie and his nephew, Isaac, at Glacier.
Here is a good shot of a gorge we like to visit.
First Lonnie's brother, sister-in-law and 4 kids came to visit us for a week. Lots of fun, but those kids can really wear you out! "No, you can't feed the animals in a national park. No, you can't pick the protected wildflowers. You really don't want to see a bear." You get the idea.
Here is a picture of Lonnie and his nephew, Isaac, at Glacier.
Here is a good shot of a gorge we like to visit.
A shot during our hike to Hidden Lake. Lots more goats, but our camera ran out of batteries.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Home of the strange
So a few days ago I pick up the local newspaper and read this. Now there is a follow up article. What gets me is not so much the fact that there was an alligator in Montana, but the way the situation was handled. Gotta love it.
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