One habit you'd like to break totally: My foul mouth and critical nature
One person you'd like to get to know better: You know, as stupid as it sounds…I’m all good. I suppose if I met someone new I would be okay getting to know them and there are a few close friends that I suppose I could be closer to, but otherwise…I’m good. *smiling*
One random act of kindness that you'd like to make a habit this year: I’d like to send more thank you and happy notes to people. I would love it even more if these were all handmade thank-you notes but I’m not going to cross my fingers of anything about that. :-D
Something that you'd like to own by the end of 2008: a large format printer/scanner, a video camera, a hd tv (have one…we just don’t own it yet!)
Something that you'd like to get rid of by the end of 2008: emotional baggage
One change you'd like to see in your life in 2008: happiness
One thing you'd like to memorize in 2008: Colossians 3
Something that you'd like to improve on: I’d like to improve my scrapbooking skills, continue studying piano and read more.
Something you'd like to learn in 2008: sign language, digital scrapbooking, how to bake, how to make things with wood, how to use PhotoShop, to read minds
Something you're looking forward to this year: my son turns 9 (holy cow!) and Jas and I will celebrate 13 years of wedded bliss.
One thing you're going to make sure does NOT happen in 2008: I will not go negative in the bank.
Will you try to eat healthier?: Always.
Will you take up some form of exercise?: Not a new form, but I’ll do the old ones more.
Will you try to improve your financial situation?: Of course. I would love to be able to rearrange things so that I can work part time or something.
Will there be any lifelong goals you'll try to accomplish?: I hope to knock several things off my life list.
Will you move to a new place?: I will have the opportunity, but I don’t think I’ll be moving.
What new things will you try for fun and adventure?: I want to take one of those strip aerobics classes, go on a FOR REAL vacation and perhaps submit some of my scrapbook layouts to some magazines.
Will you try a new look?: Maybe. I’m open to that right now
Will you try to eat something you've never had before?: Always. New=good.
Will you be getting any tattoo's?: yes.
Will you be getting any piercings: probably not. I may get my top earring wholes re-pierced, but don’t know.
Will you try a new hairstyle or color?: Maybe
Will there be any charities you'll be active in?: I’m not sure.
Top 5 Places to go in 08: Florida, Grand Canyon, Canada, California, sleep
Top 5 Things to do in 08: Help Jason with church, play more with Joey, make time for scrapbooking, watch several tv series that I like on DVD and do things on my life list
Top 5 Ways to improve yourself in 08: pray more, work less, play more, love harder, dance or sing every day
One new years wish to make your 08 truly happy: World PEACE. *giggle* I know this is the right answer! TV tells me so!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Lessons for 2008
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Last Year's Lessons
Okay...so while bored and clicking away I decided to read some of my entries from this time last year. Here's my "looking ahead into 2007 blog" The comments in red are my comments today at the end of 2007.
2007 Looking Ahead
In 2007....
will you try to eat healthier?: always. I lost 7 pounds over the holidays!
I have gained and lost that 7 pounds a few times this year. I have ended up a tiny bit lighter than last year.
will you take up some form of excercise?: well...i may continue to do some of the old kind. I want to swim more often, but that just doesn't seem to work out.
Yeah...I tried to swim more, but my wound from the surgery I had in January took an extremely long time to heal.
what new things will you try to learn?: I'd like to learn sign language and how to build things with wood.
I am not any closer to being able to do either of these things. :-D
will you try to improve your financial situation?: of course, but it does seem hopeless
Praise be to God. My financial situations has dramatically improved!!!! Its not perfect and we have a long road ahead...but really better!
are there any bad habits you hope to break?: my potty mouth needs to go and does my need for outrageous exaggeration and habitual lying damn it.
Hell...I can't even stop lying to myself.
are there any fears you'd like to try and overcome?: sure. They are pretty much still here.
will there be any lifelong goals you'll try to accomplish?: uhm...I'm just going for survival this year.
AND SURVIVE I DID!!! I've also scratched off a few things on my life list! Woot! Woot!
will you move to a new place?: I doubt it, although I may as far as work is concerned.
Well, I didn't change jobs but Jason did and we have and still have an opportunity to move into a rent free parsonage.
what new things will you try for fun and adventure?: I'd like to take a dance class. Maybe ballroom or that strip aerobics thing.
I still would, but being sick for half the year and then my dramatic summer with my dad really cut into this.
will you try a new look?: no. I look hot.
I do look hot, but I did get a perm...that's a new look.
will you try to eat something you've never had before?: Sure. Always like new things.
I've tried a few new restaraunts this year. :-) That counts.
will you be getting any tattoo's?: I doubt it. *sigh* No tattoos, but maybe next year.
will you be getting any piercings: Not likely. Actually....I got my ears pierced...at least I think that was this year.
will you try a new hairstyle or color?: maybe a new style, but not a new color
Permed.
will there be any charities you'll be active in?: probably not. I did some stuff for school, but that's about it.
Holidays and Occasions
Have you made any new years resolutions?: no. a few years ago I resolved NOT to make anymore new years resolutions...so if I DO make some then I'm breaking that one. Uhm....ditto.
Do you have any plans on keeping them?: n/a still n/a
If you fail before the year is up, is that it or you gonna try again?: Always try again! If I have learned anything this year it is that second chances are a good thing...and third chances and fourth chances...
Do you have a Valentine?: yes and still do
If not, do you want one?: Everyone wants a valetine! I will always want one.
What do you want for your birthday in 07?: a large format printer (12 x12) I didn't get this. Dad got sick hours before my birthday. It was probably the crappiest birthday ever.
Will you party for St Patricks day?: not likely. *giggle* define "party"
How about Mardi Gras?: nope and I didn't
What would make Christmas in 07 the best ever?: Money left over when it is done, all my family still here, snow. Aw....we did have a little money left over, no snow and unfortunately not all my family was here. :-(
This Or That
2007; New beginning or Same old shit: unfortunately, S.O.S. and that was more of less correct
See what life brings or Make things happen: both. depends on what "thing" we are talking about I would say I was both proactive and surprised this year. So I was on target with this.
Single life or a serious relationship: Serious. Still pretty serious.
New love or Make a current love stronger: Well...a new love would cause all sorts of complications...so I'm going with the second choice. *giggle* I'm so silly!
Party more or Party less: more Hmmmm....I don't really remember much partying at all. *giggle* I did spend a bit more time with friends just hanging out and watching movies or whatever. That was fun.
New Job or Raise/promotion at the current: new job *sigh* I settled for raise at my old job. But money is good!
Work harder or Relax more: relax more. Yeah...jury is still out on this one.
Save money or Stop being so cheap: save money...there are people who actually do this? LOL...I actually have a savings account now. It has ten bucks in it...but I HAVE ONE!!!
Travel more or stay home more: Travel more. I didn't get to, but still really want to travel more.
Make new friends or Spend more time with current friends: both...maybe and both it was
Top 5's
Top 5 Places to go in 07: Florida, California, Grand Canyon, Japan, England. I think the top places I actually went to were 1. work, 2. the hospital...not as fun as the other places.
Top 5 Famous people to meet in 07: Will Smith, Rachel Ray, Queen Latifah, Oprah and Bill Gates I saw a woman that looked sorta like Rachel Ray in wal-mart but I didn't talk to her. I'm sure she gets that kind of thing all the time.
Top 5 People to see more in 07: Claudia, Jasper, Michelle, Pam and Heather. A little more of the first three.
Top 5 Things to do in 07: recover from surgeries, establish a consistent income online, bask in the joy of motherhood, create a garoffice and declutter.
I have recovered from one surgery (one more to go!), I have established a small, but consistent income online, still basking, and I DO have a garoffice!!!!! woot woot!
Top 5 Ways to improve yourself in 07: Pray more, ignore stupid people, learn to forgive and really forget, sing for fun everyday, and be naked more often
I have prayed more, still working on the stupid people thing...they are EVERYWHERE...everywhere I tell you, the forgive and forget thing comes and goes, I don't know about the singing...but I didn't sing more this year! and yes...I've been naked much more often...and no, I am not going to elaborate. You're welcome.
And Finally
One new years wish to make your 07 truly Happy: I wish for world peace. *giggle* isn't that the right answer? *LOL* I crack me up!
2007 Looking Ahead
In 2007....
will you try to eat healthier?: always. I lost 7 pounds over the holidays!
I have gained and lost that 7 pounds a few times this year. I have ended up a tiny bit lighter than last year.
will you take up some form of excercise?: well...i may continue to do some of the old kind. I want to swim more often, but that just doesn't seem to work out.
Yeah...I tried to swim more, but my wound from the surgery I had in January took an extremely long time to heal.
what new things will you try to learn?: I'd like to learn sign language and how to build things with wood.
I am not any closer to being able to do either of these things. :-D
will you try to improve your financial situation?: of course, but it does seem hopeless
Praise be to God. My financial situations has dramatically improved!!!! Its not perfect and we have a long road ahead...but really better!
are there any bad habits you hope to break?: my potty mouth needs to go and does my need for outrageous exaggeration and habitual lying damn it.
Hell...I can't even stop lying to myself.
are there any fears you'd like to try and overcome?: sure. They are pretty much still here.
will there be any lifelong goals you'll try to accomplish?: uhm...I'm just going for survival this year.
AND SURVIVE I DID!!! I've also scratched off a few things on my life list! Woot! Woot!
will you move to a new place?: I doubt it, although I may as far as work is concerned.
Well, I didn't change jobs but Jason did and we have and still have an opportunity to move into a rent free parsonage.
what new things will you try for fun and adventure?: I'd like to take a dance class. Maybe ballroom or that strip aerobics thing.
I still would, but being sick for half the year and then my dramatic summer with my dad really cut into this.
will you try a new look?: no. I look hot.
I do look hot, but I did get a perm...that's a new look.
will you try to eat something you've never had before?: Sure. Always like new things.
I've tried a few new restaraunts this year. :-) That counts.
will you be getting any tattoo's?: I doubt it. *sigh* No tattoos, but maybe next year.
will you be getting any piercings: Not likely. Actually....I got my ears pierced...at least I think that was this year.
will you try a new hairstyle or color?: maybe a new style, but not a new color
Permed.
will there be any charities you'll be active in?: probably not. I did some stuff for school, but that's about it.
Holidays and Occasions
Have you made any new years resolutions?: no. a few years ago I resolved NOT to make anymore new years resolutions...so if I DO make some then I'm breaking that one. Uhm....ditto.
Do you have any plans on keeping them?: n/a still n/a
If you fail before the year is up, is that it or you gonna try again?: Always try again! If I have learned anything this year it is that second chances are a good thing...and third chances and fourth chances...
Do you have a Valentine?: yes and still do
If not, do you want one?: Everyone wants a valetine! I will always want one.
What do you want for your birthday in 07?: a large format printer (12 x12) I didn't get this. Dad got sick hours before my birthday. It was probably the crappiest birthday ever.
Will you party for St Patricks day?: not likely. *giggle* define "party"
How about Mardi Gras?: nope and I didn't
What would make Christmas in 07 the best ever?: Money left over when it is done, all my family still here, snow. Aw....we did have a little money left over, no snow and unfortunately not all my family was here. :-(
This Or That
2007; New beginning or Same old shit: unfortunately, S.O.S. and that was more of less correct
See what life brings or Make things happen: both. depends on what "thing" we are talking about I would say I was both proactive and surprised this year. So I was on target with this.
Single life or a serious relationship: Serious. Still pretty serious.
New love or Make a current love stronger: Well...a new love would cause all sorts of complications...so I'm going with the second choice. *giggle* I'm so silly!
Party more or Party less: more Hmmmm....I don't really remember much partying at all. *giggle* I did spend a bit more time with friends just hanging out and watching movies or whatever. That was fun.
New Job or Raise/promotion at the current: new job *sigh* I settled for raise at my old job. But money is good!
Work harder or Relax more: relax more. Yeah...jury is still out on this one.
Save money or Stop being so cheap: save money...there are people who actually do this? LOL...I actually have a savings account now. It has ten bucks in it...but I HAVE ONE!!!
Travel more or stay home more: Travel more. I didn't get to, but still really want to travel more.
Make new friends or Spend more time with current friends: both...maybe and both it was
Top 5's
Top 5 Places to go in 07: Florida, California, Grand Canyon, Japan, England. I think the top places I actually went to were 1. work, 2. the hospital...not as fun as the other places.
Top 5 Famous people to meet in 07: Will Smith, Rachel Ray, Queen Latifah, Oprah and Bill Gates I saw a woman that looked sorta like Rachel Ray in wal-mart but I didn't talk to her. I'm sure she gets that kind of thing all the time.
Top 5 People to see more in 07: Claudia, Jasper, Michelle, Pam and Heather. A little more of the first three.
Top 5 Things to do in 07: recover from surgeries, establish a consistent income online, bask in the joy of motherhood, create a garoffice and declutter.
I have recovered from one surgery (one more to go!), I have established a small, but consistent income online, still basking, and I DO have a garoffice!!!!! woot woot!
Top 5 Ways to improve yourself in 07: Pray more, ignore stupid people, learn to forgive and really forget, sing for fun everyday, and be naked more often
I have prayed more, still working on the stupid people thing...they are EVERYWHERE...everywhere I tell you, the forgive and forget thing comes and goes, I don't know about the singing...but I didn't sing more this year! and yes...I've been naked much more often...and no, I am not going to elaborate. You're welcome.
And Finally
One new years wish to make your 07 truly Happy: I wish for world peace. *giggle* isn't that the right answer? *LOL* I crack me up!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Journaling Junkie: Lessons from 2007
Okee dokee boys and girls my challenge is up at Journaling Junkie. Go see! Go do! Come post! :-)
Friday, December 28, 2007
Lessons in Scrapbooking
I don't know that I've really had the time, but I have made the time to scrapbook this last week. It has been delightful! Although some of it was stressful (making calendars for Christmas...down to the very last minute) it was still nice to throw myself whole-heartedly back into this hobby.
I love to get scrapbook magazines and look at the latest trends and styles. I don't know that I follow them very well, but I do enjoy looking at them and marvelling at the creativity. Some scrapbooking trends I've totally hated: quilling, paint on everything, stickers (okay...those geeky stickers of little girls holding sunflowers...i love alphabet stickers!), lace and fabric. Some scrapbooking trends I've liked: grunge, doodling, flowers, using brackets and other # $*~, handwriting on the layouts and chipboard everything.
I love buying new scrapbooking supplies but sometimes it is difficult for me to use them in new ways...kwim? I end up being more creating with just plain old cardstock and taperunners. :-)
Well...whatever...I'm really enjoying my time to scrapbook this week. I love doing stuff for Journaling Junkie. Oh! By the way...I'm the challenge host (check sometime this weekend for the post there.) I'm hoping for LOTS of snow days. :-) That means more time to scrap! *crossing fingers*
Happy Lessons in Pictures
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Joey's gift from Grandma Lord was Rock Band. Here he croons out "Mississippi Queen", a song I had NO idea he knew!.jpg)
Aren't we cute? This was taken at our sunday school "party" aka...eating at Applebees. *smiling* We were squished...kinda like the biggest loser contestants on day 1 all crowded into a Volkswagon Beetle...but it was fun!.jpg)
So, Joey got pjs on Christmas Eve. He actually sleeps completely naked, but promised that he would wear them on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. I mean really...it is seriously difficult to scrapbook pictures where his obvious nakedness distracts from the opening of presents. In the background you can see my door covered with Christmas cards. Actually...I had to start using the wall too. It was a bumper crop year for Christmas cards..jpg)
Joey (who still hasn't decided about this whole "Santa" thing) is tracking Santa using Norad's online Santa Tracker. We are seriously high tech here!.jpg)
Okay...at first this picture doesn't really look Christmasy, but it is! This is me after the first class party that I was able to attend. The little name sticker? That is to assure completely non-concerned teachers and other school staff that I have passed a background check and watched the pervert video. I didn't get to go to the Halloween one because I didn't finish that. The thing is...nobody even checked to make sure I was on a list or what who I said I was or anything. *sigh*.jpg)
Jason and Emily try to figure out the drums part on Rock Band. Drums are seriously the hardest part!!!.jpg)
Tisha singing, Jason drumming and me (in my pin striped pimp pants in the back) playing guitar. Rock ON!!!.jpg)
Phyllis brought her grandson to see us! He is so frickin' adorable. I seriously need another baby. For real! Ashton really likes video games (his mom and dad are gamers) so he and Jason and intently staring at the tv. *giggle*.jpg)
If you were in MY family this is what you would have eaten on Christmas day. And if you were lucky like me you would have finished off the left overs today! :-).jpg)
Grandma seriously needs to rake the leaves! *giggle* Here Joey pulls some of his cousins. Isn't he adorable in his new red shirt? I'm sure it will turn everything in the laundry red by next week..jpg)
Joey (in his new house robe that I hope he wears) opens a gift he is happy about!.jpg)
Merry Christmas from we three Kings! :-)Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Christmas Lessons
An old blog challenge I've been trying to find time to do....
1. Colored lights or white lights on your house or not at all?
Well...I love the look of colored lights with the green garland and red bows, but if I can't see it like that all the time then I prefer the colored lights. Jason loves the colored ones more than the white ones.
2. Hot chocolate or Egg Nog?
Hot chocolate.
3. What's your favorite holiday dish?
Grandma's dressing is my alllllll time favorite. Although I also like hashbrown casserole, broccoli and rice casserole, goody goody cake and...*sigh* I like food. Lots of food.
4. Does Santa wrap the presents or just sit them under the tree?
Santa wraps and wraps and wraps. :-)
5. Do you hang mistletoe?
Sometimes, but not this year.
6. When do you put up your decorations?
Thanksgiving weekend.
7. What's your favorite holiday tradition?
That's a tough questions. There are lots of traditions that I like...parades, pjs on Christmas Eve, caroling (usually), hiding Waldo on the tree, making ornaments with Joey...and even more from my childhood!
8. What's on the top of your tree?
An angel.
9. Do you have a nativity displayed through the holidays?
Yes.
10.Candy Canes, traditional or flavored? Or Chocolate Covered Cherries?
Traditionally flavored candy canes, please. I hate chocolate covered cherries!
11.What's your favorite holiday goodie to make and share?
Uhm...I'm not a great cook so I would have to go with calendars, the Christmas letter or maybe those ornaments Joey and I make.
12.What's your favorite Christmas song?
*ugh* As a music teacher it is hard to say at this point in the year. I am getting pretty darn tired of Christmas songs. I've been up to my butt in them since OCTOBER!
13.When did you learn the truth about the "magic" of Christmas?
What truth?
14.Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Growing up we did. We opened...*drum roll please*......new pajamas! Cause really...you wanted to look good in your Christmas morning pictures!
15.Is there a special ornament or Christmas decoration that you wouldn't feel like Christmas without?
Christmas isn't about objects, so no...there are people whose absence would make Christmas not feel Christmasy, but not an ornament or decoration.
16.Do you take neighbor gifts/treats to anyone, everyone, a select few?
You know we considered that this year, but never got around to it. *giggle*
17.Is your big meal on Christmas Eve, Christmas morning or Christmas afternoon?
Yes.
18.How do you decorate your tree?
colored lights and many ornaments....well...until the cats knock them down.
19.Snow? Love it? Dread it? Tolerate it?
Love it, but only it if gets me out of work. *smiling*
20.Do you remember a favorite gift?
Barbie townhouse, record player with a microphone, a tacky little ring from Joey.
21.Do you have a family get-together during the holidays with extended family?
Yes.
22.What's the most important thing that you must do each Christmas season?
Celebrate the birth of Jesus with thankfulness.
23.Do you bake Christmas cookies?
lol. I eat cookies. Not so much with the baking here.
24.Do you leave cookies and milk for Santa?
This year we left Mt. Dew and popcorn. Really. Santa has to be tired of cookies, dontcha think?
25.What's your favorite Christmas memory?
hmmmmm....so many...I may have to come back to this one.
1. Colored lights or white lights on your house or not at all?
Well...I love the look of colored lights with the green garland and red bows, but if I can't see it like that all the time then I prefer the colored lights. Jason loves the colored ones more than the white ones.
2. Hot chocolate or Egg Nog?
Hot chocolate.
3. What's your favorite holiday dish?
Grandma's dressing is my alllllll time favorite. Although I also like hashbrown casserole, broccoli and rice casserole, goody goody cake and...*sigh* I like food. Lots of food.
4. Does Santa wrap the presents or just sit them under the tree?
Santa wraps and wraps and wraps. :-)
5. Do you hang mistletoe?
Sometimes, but not this year.
6. When do you put up your decorations?
Thanksgiving weekend.
7. What's your favorite holiday tradition?
That's a tough questions. There are lots of traditions that I like...parades, pjs on Christmas Eve, caroling (usually), hiding Waldo on the tree, making ornaments with Joey...and even more from my childhood!
8. What's on the top of your tree?
An angel.
9. Do you have a nativity displayed through the holidays?
Yes.
10.Candy Canes, traditional or flavored? Or Chocolate Covered Cherries?
Traditionally flavored candy canes, please. I hate chocolate covered cherries!
11.What's your favorite holiday goodie to make and share?
Uhm...I'm not a great cook so I would have to go with calendars, the Christmas letter or maybe those ornaments Joey and I make.
12.What's your favorite Christmas song?
*ugh* As a music teacher it is hard to say at this point in the year. I am getting pretty darn tired of Christmas songs. I've been up to my butt in them since OCTOBER!
13.When did you learn the truth about the "magic" of Christmas?
What truth?
14.Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Growing up we did. We opened...*drum roll please*......new pajamas! Cause really...you wanted to look good in your Christmas morning pictures!
15.Is there a special ornament or Christmas decoration that you wouldn't feel like Christmas without?
Christmas isn't about objects, so no...there are people whose absence would make Christmas not feel Christmasy, but not an ornament or decoration.
16.Do you take neighbor gifts/treats to anyone, everyone, a select few?
You know we considered that this year, but never got around to it. *giggle*
17.Is your big meal on Christmas Eve, Christmas morning or Christmas afternoon?
Yes.
18.How do you decorate your tree?
colored lights and many ornaments....well...until the cats knock them down.
19.Snow? Love it? Dread it? Tolerate it?
Love it, but only it if gets me out of work. *smiling*
20.Do you remember a favorite gift?
Barbie townhouse, record player with a microphone, a tacky little ring from Joey.
21.Do you have a family get-together during the holidays with extended family?
Yes.
22.What's the most important thing that you must do each Christmas season?
Celebrate the birth of Jesus with thankfulness.
23.Do you bake Christmas cookies?
lol. I eat cookies. Not so much with the baking here.
24.Do you leave cookies and milk for Santa?
This year we left Mt. Dew and popcorn. Really. Santa has to be tired of cookies, dontcha think?
25.What's your favorite Christmas memory?
hmmmmm....so many...I may have to come back to this one.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
News Lessons
So, its the first night of my Christmas break. So I am staying up late (love love love being a night owl) and browsing the net. So...here's what I've found.
Devlin's New Home? Yes, I teach in Richwoods and was one of Shawn Hornbeck's teachers before the kidnapping. I think it would be great to keep Devlin in Potosi....not that anyone has asked me. *smiling*
Holiday Sex? Uhm..keeping something "special" sound like he doesn't like doing it and needs to be slapped or something.
Finding Lost Family Was a Miracle You know sometimes Jason and I play the "if I were stranded on blah blah blah I would blah blah" game. I can't even imagine it for real!
Sex Education Delays Intercourse Knowledge IS Power.
'Legend' Cements Will Smith as Hollywood's most Bankable Actor This article is way fun. My boyfriend, Will Smith, says that "laughter makes panties fall off". I do like him because he is funny...and cute...and can dance...and seems to be a good dad. But my panties are still on.
Lexington Music Teacher Scores Unusual Donation Hello? I'm a music teacher! I love junk food! COME ON!
*yawn*...okay...good night
Devlin's New Home? Yes, I teach in Richwoods and was one of Shawn Hornbeck's teachers before the kidnapping. I think it would be great to keep Devlin in Potosi....not that anyone has asked me. *smiling*
Holiday Sex? Uhm..keeping something "special" sound like he doesn't like doing it and needs to be slapped or something.
Finding Lost Family Was a Miracle You know sometimes Jason and I play the "if I were stranded on blah blah blah I would blah blah" game. I can't even imagine it for real!
Sex Education Delays Intercourse Knowledge IS Power.
'Legend' Cements Will Smith as Hollywood's most Bankable Actor This article is way fun. My boyfriend, Will Smith, says that "laughter makes panties fall off". I do like him because he is funny...and cute...and can dance...and seems to be a good dad. But my panties are still on.
Lexington Music Teacher Scores Unusual Donation Hello? I'm a music teacher! I love junk food! COME ON!
*yawn*...okay...good night
Lessons in Lovin' It and Hatin' It
Things I LOVE About the Winter Season
1. Christmas Music
2. Staying inside and watching movies and laughing
3. Sexy kisses in the cold. It reminds me of some of my first kisses with my hubby...okay..he wasn't my hubby then. *smiling*
4. The smell of a woodstove with something cooking on top of it.
5. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas
6. SNOW DAYS!!!!
7. Board games.
8. The Missouri Music Educator's Conference in January. This year I'm a presenter.....have I mentioned how totally frickin' freaked out about this I am????
9. Time to scrapbook.
10. Reality television. (I am seriously hooked on Biggest Loser)
11. Cuddling to be warm.
Things I Hate About the Winter Season
1. Christmas Music that has been commericialized SO much that it is seriously crappy....and most of the music I pick for my concerts. I mean, come on...I've been listening to it since OCTOBER! lol.
2. Being trapped inside. *gasp* Let me out!
3. Numb butt from standing out in the cold or sitting out in the cold or just being out in the cold. My butt is disproportionately SMALL compared to the rest of me...it gets chilly quick. *giggle*
4. Cutting wood. Okay...I haven't done that for a long time, but the thing is...I hated doing it as a kid. HATED IT....i think it has scarred me. *smiling* I'm not a physical labor kind of girl.
5. Halloween Candy, stress of Thanksgiving, the super crazy, stressful grumpy month of December
6. Driving to work in the ice and snow only to find out that we get out early and I have to dangerously drive the fifty miles back home. grrrrr.
7. Bored games....you know the kind....where your kid (who owns more toys than Toys R U) complains that they are bored. You, in turn give them a healthy list of things to do, alllllllll of which they find some reason NOT to do and just bug you about being bored all over again. These kinds of "bored games" get on my last butt nerve.
8. Stir crazy kids at work who don't get outside recess and wallow around in their miserable gray days and depress me too.
9. No time to scrapbook because of crazy holiday obligations!
10. Reality television. What ever happened to the good old days of game shows and sitcoms?
11. Cuddling to be warm because the power has gone out due to an ice storm.
1. Christmas Music
2. Staying inside and watching movies and laughing
3. Sexy kisses in the cold. It reminds me of some of my first kisses with my hubby...okay..he wasn't my hubby then. *smiling*
4. The smell of a woodstove with something cooking on top of it.
5. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas
6. SNOW DAYS!!!!
7. Board games.
8. The Missouri Music Educator's Conference in January. This year I'm a presenter.....have I mentioned how totally frickin' freaked out about this I am????
9. Time to scrapbook.
10. Reality television. (I am seriously hooked on Biggest Loser)
11. Cuddling to be warm.
Things I Hate About the Winter Season
1. Christmas Music that has been commericialized SO much that it is seriously crappy....and most of the music I pick for my concerts. I mean, come on...I've been listening to it since OCTOBER! lol.
2. Being trapped inside. *gasp* Let me out!
3. Numb butt from standing out in the cold or sitting out in the cold or just being out in the cold. My butt is disproportionately SMALL compared to the rest of me...it gets chilly quick. *giggle*
4. Cutting wood. Okay...I haven't done that for a long time, but the thing is...I hated doing it as a kid. HATED IT....i think it has scarred me. *smiling* I'm not a physical labor kind of girl.
5. Halloween Candy, stress of Thanksgiving, the super crazy, stressful grumpy month of December
6. Driving to work in the ice and snow only to find out that we get out early and I have to dangerously drive the fifty miles back home. grrrrr.
7. Bored games....you know the kind....where your kid (who owns more toys than Toys R U) complains that they are bored. You, in turn give them a healthy list of things to do, alllllllll of which they find some reason NOT to do and just bug you about being bored all over again. These kinds of "bored games" get on my last butt nerve.
8. Stir crazy kids at work who don't get outside recess and wallow around in their miserable gray days and depress me too.
9. No time to scrapbook because of crazy holiday obligations!
10. Reality television. What ever happened to the good old days of game shows and sitcoms?
11. Cuddling to be warm because the power has gone out due to an ice storm.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Tearful Lessons
Today I cried on the way home from work.
I cried because I'm really tired,
-because my rehearsals were so bad today that I can't imagine the concert tomorrow being "good" and two weeks ago it was amazing,
-because like four times this weekend I had the thought 'I should call Dad and ask him" before I remembered that he was gone
-because there aren't enough hours in the day for me to finish what I need to finish tonight and I HATE not getting my shit done,
-because I miss my kid. I've just been really busy with lots of things going on.
-because Jason isn't going to come to the concert tomorrow and it will be the first one he has ever missed. :-( He could come; he just doesn't want to.
-because my hump (aka hernia) has really hurt the last couple of days and the thought of another surgery is just more than I can handle right now.
-because this December was supposed to be different. I was supposed to finish everything by the 16th and just have some time to enjoy the season. Its just not happening. Christmas is a week a way.
-because my damn period just won't happen. I spotted on Saturday and then again yesterday but I haven't really started. *ugh* I'm sure I'll start tomorrow on the busiest day of the year. *rolling eyes*
-because I want to have a quiet time everyday and I just keep screwing the pooch. I'm glad forgives me better than I forgive myself. *smiling*
-because I was alone. If you're gonna cry, its the best way to be.
I cried because I'm really tired,
-because my rehearsals were so bad today that I can't imagine the concert tomorrow being "good" and two weeks ago it was amazing,
-because like four times this weekend I had the thought 'I should call Dad and ask him" before I remembered that he was gone
-because there aren't enough hours in the day for me to finish what I need to finish tonight and I HATE not getting my shit done,
-because I miss my kid. I've just been really busy with lots of things going on.
-because Jason isn't going to come to the concert tomorrow and it will be the first one he has ever missed. :-( He could come; he just doesn't want to.
-because my hump (aka hernia) has really hurt the last couple of days and the thought of another surgery is just more than I can handle right now.
-because this December was supposed to be different. I was supposed to finish everything by the 16th and just have some time to enjoy the season. Its just not happening. Christmas is a week a way.
-because my damn period just won't happen. I spotted on Saturday and then again yesterday but I haven't really started. *ugh* I'm sure I'll start tomorrow on the busiest day of the year. *rolling eyes*
-because I want to have a quiet time everyday and I just keep screwing the pooch. I'm glad forgives me better than I forgive myself. *smiling*
-because I was alone. If you're gonna cry, its the best way to be.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Lessons from the Animal Kingdom
This is just too sweet. It makes me want to go hold hands with my sweetie too!
Git 'r Done: Lessons for the Last Week Before Christmas
So. I have an unexpected day off today. I need to get almost ALL of my shopping done. For real. I have bought Joey ONE thing for Christmas. I have nothing else for anyone!Now it is true that I have almost started the calendars I am making for people, but seriously I have ONE month on one calendar "finished". I am making five. Okay...I may actually make seven, but need to run to the scrapbook store to make the last two happen. *smiling*
We have gone to Christmas parades, made gingerbread houses, painted ornaments, put up the tree, made a wreath, gone to Joey's concert and tried (unsuccessfully) to go to my concert twice and have a church program.
So really...I have quite a few things to CRAM into this week before Christmas.
Fa la la la la! :-D
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Random Lessons from My Snowy Day
I know you just love these random posts...soooooooo here ya go.
1. It snowed here. Four or five inches. So no church and no church program tonight. Damnit.
2. Just got off the phone and there's no school tomorrow which means no Christmas program at school tomorrow. Tomorrow was the REscheduled date. This frickin' SUCKS!
3. Sometimes being a music teacher and children's director is a bit disappointing.
4. I have a dozen coffee cups. None of them match.
5. I'm using this new shampoo for "beautiful curls" and it reminded me of "Beautiful Girls"...you know that song...anyway I can't stop singing that song but with the wrong lyrics. *giggle" beeeeauuuuuuuuutiful cuuuurrrrrrrrrlz....
6. I LOVE my silhouette!
7. I think that I have a weird addiction to dumb tv. I've watched that Janet Dickinson show and Project Runway A LOT today. I've also watched Little House on the Prairie, Top Chef and a little bit of Clueless and Legally Blonde. *smiling* Jason slept through most of it...probably for the best.
8. Joey and the two girls from next door have been playing in and out of our house allllll day! They are sweet and well mannered. I hope some of it rubs off on him.
9. I haven't really kept up with my "I'm going to start eating Saturday morning and stop when the snow is gone" goal that I set yesterday.
10. My head hurts.
11. We were going to order out for pizza but then decided that what we paid for pizza would buy a couple of gifts. *lol* so now i need to come up with something to eat for supper.
12. Although I have projects to do and projects that I want to do...I'm really not getting very far on ANY of those projects!
13. Showers with my hubby are fun!
14. My cat, Katara, slept on my shoulder for part of the night. That was weird when I woke up and realized she was there. I was laying on my side so she was balanced on my side. weird.
15. I drink a lot. Not like alcohol! Water, soda, tea, lemonade, water. I drink a lot.
16. The news was boring today.
17. I went to see my new boyfriend, Will Smith's, movie yesterday. It was great.
18. Its about a week to Christmas and I have a bunch on things to do. I have ONE present purchased. *ugh*
19. I like that song "Stronger" by Kanye West.
20. I scrapbook a lot more than I post online. In fact...lately I have only posted my DT challenges from Journaling Junkie online. I used to post lots and lots. *shrugging* perhaps the mood will take me again.
1. It snowed here. Four or five inches. So no church and no church program tonight. Damnit.
2. Just got off the phone and there's no school tomorrow which means no Christmas program at school tomorrow. Tomorrow was the REscheduled date. This frickin' SUCKS!
3. Sometimes being a music teacher and children's director is a bit disappointing.
4. I have a dozen coffee cups. None of them match.
5. I'm using this new shampoo for "beautiful curls" and it reminded me of "Beautiful Girls"...you know that song...anyway I can't stop singing that song but with the wrong lyrics. *giggle" beeeeauuuuuuuuutiful cuuuurrrrrrrrrlz....
6. I LOVE my silhouette!
7. I think that I have a weird addiction to dumb tv. I've watched that Janet Dickinson show and Project Runway A LOT today. I've also watched Little House on the Prairie, Top Chef and a little bit of Clueless and Legally Blonde. *smiling* Jason slept through most of it...probably for the best.
8. Joey and the two girls from next door have been playing in and out of our house allllll day! They are sweet and well mannered. I hope some of it rubs off on him.
9. I haven't really kept up with my "I'm going to start eating Saturday morning and stop when the snow is gone" goal that I set yesterday.
10. My head hurts.
11. We were going to order out for pizza but then decided that what we paid for pizza would buy a couple of gifts. *lol* so now i need to come up with something to eat for supper.
12. Although I have projects to do and projects that I want to do...I'm really not getting very far on ANY of those projects!
13. Showers with my hubby are fun!
14. My cat, Katara, slept on my shoulder for part of the night. That was weird when I woke up and realized she was there. I was laying on my side so she was balanced on my side. weird.
15. I drink a lot. Not like alcohol! Water, soda, tea, lemonade, water. I drink a lot.
16. The news was boring today.
17. I went to see my new boyfriend, Will Smith's, movie yesterday. It was great.
18. Its about a week to Christmas and I have a bunch on things to do. I have ONE present purchased. *ugh*
19. I like that song "Stronger" by Kanye West.
20. I scrapbook a lot more than I post online. In fact...lately I have only posted my DT challenges from Journaling Junkie online. I used to post lots and lots. *shrugging* perhaps the mood will take me again.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Joyful Lessons
Ten Things That Bring Me Joy
(in no particular order)
1. Jason
2. Joey and being his Mom
3. crossing off things on my to-do list
4. fun times with friends and family
5. surprises (okay..GOOD surprises)
6. God's grace
7. music
8. great food (think: extra cheese!)
9. creative activities (like scrapbooking, writing, etc...)
10. hot raunchy sex
(in no particular order)
1. Jason
2. Joey and being his Mom
3. crossing off things on my to-do list
4. fun times with friends and family
5. surprises (okay..GOOD surprises)
6. God's grace
7. music
8. great food (think: extra cheese!)
9. creative activities (like scrapbooking, writing, etc...)
10. hot raunchy sex
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Christmas Memories: A Lesson in Not Quite Getting What You Hoped For
This is me. I know, I know...I am seriously cute. I know. And that mythical thing behind me is a REAL Christmas tree! Yup! We had lots of great Christmases growing up. I am proudly holding a spirograph in this picture. LOVE LOVE LOVED me some spirographic art. I seriously wish I had one now.
One of my most vivid Christmas memories is the year that my younger brother Dave ALMOST got what he wanted. You see, Dave, an aspiring rock star...okay...well he wasn't really trying to be a rock start but that just sounded like good storytelling. Anyway...Dave wanted a set of drums.
My parents, like any adult with ear drums, wasn't completely sure that was a great idea. Also like most members of my family, my parents could not spend $300-500 on a huge set of drums for a 5 year old. But for some crazy reason they loved him and bought him a child sized set of drums.
The big day came, the drums were opened and complete and utter madness followed. He screamed and yelled. Cried and pouted. He hated the drums. They weren't real. I think that his temper tantrum and mom and dad's realization that their spoiled brat of a kid was not only ungrateful but pitching a hissy fit made for a very unpleasant morning. Soon enough however we escaped to Grandma's house to eat stuffing and other stuff.
LOL...I know its not a GREAT happy memory...but it is one I will never forget! LOL.
For Real...go look at my layout
Okay...go to Journaling Junkie and look at my layout. I don't care if you've seen it before. Click! Click!
Lessons from Google's Page Rankings
LOL. So...I'm home sick today. In between bouts of running to the bathroom and laying on the couch I've clicked here and there online. I've gone to Journaling Junkie (because I'm seriously frickin' excited about that), read some news, and fixed a couple of things on some of the webpages I take care of.
My fever induced clicking led me to check out my site statistics at Google. It turns out that I am the 470th search result returned to webviewers that type in these words "obey husband spank wife". ROTFLMAO! I can't wait to tell my husband!!!!
Some of the other results were things like "hip hop reindeer" or "Johnny Depp"...things that I have posted either titles in my blog about or have written about in the actually body of an entry. I have spent 25 minutes looking for the "obey husband spank wife" entry...LOL!!!
*wiping eyes* really...could I ever be a SAHM? I would do this stuff all the time... Uhm..not the spanking stuff..uh..no no...I meant the meaningless surfing. Yeah...surfing. :-D
Monday, December 10, 2007
Lessons for the New Year
Its either feast or famine for me! A recent blog challenge asks "What are your plans for New Years?" We've been invited to three different parties. :-) Maybe we'll hit them all. Maybe it will snow and we won't. *shrugging*
Notes to Teen-Aged Tracy
Okay...the new challenge is up at Journaling Junkie. I've also posted my project on TwoPeas...click here.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Faithful Lessons
I suppose that everyone struggles with their faith at some time. I accepted Christ as my savior while still in elementary school. Immediately I felt relieved, peace. It gave me a measuring stick to help me make choices..."would this be pleasing to God?". It gave me HOPE, a connection to something bigger than myself, the joy of knowing that I was intimately important to God...he knew everything about me.
As I grew as an adult and as a Christian I've gone through periods of "walking" closely with God...daily prayers and bible reading, working in the church and the community, offering words of godly advice to friends, etc... I also had periods where I seemed to stray a little bit. I never stopped believing but just got lazy. I stopped working at the relationship.
I guess that some people may have problems believing that, but its true. If I stopped working at my relationship with my husband it would not be pretty...for either of us. I think it works the same way with God.
Lately God has really been speaking to me. Speaking to me in things I'm reading, things I've heard, activities I'm working on and it and for, my friends (even the ones who probably wouldn't voluntarily choose to be a tool for God!) and even via the Internet. I feel like I'm just giving God half of what I should. I really want to be a better helpmate to Jason as he works in the church. I've been really happy to see that God is using the children's ministry and children's leaders to make an impact, but wonder if I shouldn't be doing more.
Could I be playing a bigger role in the development of a senior adult ministry? Could I be organizing a women's ministry? Are there physical needs of people in our community that could seriously use our help? Am I just refusing to be a part of these things because I'm busy at work?
Now, don't misunderstand. I don't feel guilty about NOT doing these things. I am trying NOT to get burned out with this whole "preacher's wife" thing. It happened before. What started out as fun and exciting work for God just turned into work. If God was blessed, great. If not, *shrugging* at least it was done. I hate "just being done" with anything. My friends call me anal. *shrugging* Some things just need to be done correctly! *lol*
I feel like God is pulling me close to him. I really think we are in the right place at the right time. I'm seeking his will in several areas of my life. I just wish he would send me an e-mail with all the details, because that would make it easier! *lol*
One of the most liberating things that I've learned in the past couple of years is to embrace the freedoms that I have in Christ. The bible says there is NOTHING that can separate me from God. Romans 8 says: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I've always been a pleaser. Well...at least mostly a pleaser. There are some people that I have given up on. I don't think they will ever be happy. *lol* I've always guilted myself or accepted the guilt that others dished out if I felt that I had given less than my best or failed in some way (real or imagined). So I guilted myself in to feeling awful about my relationship with God...really...I just wasn't good enough.
In the past few years I've realized (eventhough I really knew it before) that God KNOWS me...my imperfections, my fetishes, my dreams, my heart. I feel much more free to be who I REALLLLY think I am and not just a puppet that follows the rules. I can worship God imperfectly because HE makes me perfect. I can't be so awful that God won't love me. I can't do enough good things to make him love me more.
Sometimes when I'm thinking about this it feels like walking out of a really warm house in to the cold cold night air and taking a super huge deep breath. Cleansing. Refreshing!!! I've always had self-esteem issues, but I've really been trying to "turn that over" to God by praying about it and trying to move on. Somedays...it even works! *smiling*
Anyway I didn't mean to get all preachy. Sometimes, I'm just seriously frickin' excited that I'm in a relationship with the creator of the universe. That is just seriously frickin' amazing. :-)
As I grew as an adult and as a Christian I've gone through periods of "walking" closely with God...daily prayers and bible reading, working in the church and the community, offering words of godly advice to friends, etc... I also had periods where I seemed to stray a little bit. I never stopped believing but just got lazy. I stopped working at the relationship.
I guess that some people may have problems believing that, but its true. If I stopped working at my relationship with my husband it would not be pretty...for either of us. I think it works the same way with God.
Lately God has really been speaking to me. Speaking to me in things I'm reading, things I've heard, activities I'm working on and it and for, my friends (even the ones who probably wouldn't voluntarily choose to be a tool for God!) and even via the Internet. I feel like I'm just giving God half of what I should. I really want to be a better helpmate to Jason as he works in the church. I've been really happy to see that God is using the children's ministry and children's leaders to make an impact, but wonder if I shouldn't be doing more.
Could I be playing a bigger role in the development of a senior adult ministry? Could I be organizing a women's ministry? Are there physical needs of people in our community that could seriously use our help? Am I just refusing to be a part of these things because I'm busy at work?
Now, don't misunderstand. I don't feel guilty about NOT doing these things. I am trying NOT to get burned out with this whole "preacher's wife" thing. It happened before. What started out as fun and exciting work for God just turned into work. If God was blessed, great. If not, *shrugging* at least it was done. I hate "just being done" with anything. My friends call me anal. *shrugging* Some things just need to be done correctly! *lol*
I feel like God is pulling me close to him. I really think we are in the right place at the right time. I'm seeking his will in several areas of my life. I just wish he would send me an e-mail with all the details, because that would make it easier! *lol*
One of the most liberating things that I've learned in the past couple of years is to embrace the freedoms that I have in Christ. The bible says there is NOTHING that can separate me from God. Romans 8 says: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I've always been a pleaser. Well...at least mostly a pleaser. There are some people that I have given up on. I don't think they will ever be happy. *lol* I've always guilted myself or accepted the guilt that others dished out if I felt that I had given less than my best or failed in some way (real or imagined). So I guilted myself in to feeling awful about my relationship with God...really...I just wasn't good enough.
In the past few years I've realized (eventhough I really knew it before) that God KNOWS me...my imperfections, my fetishes, my dreams, my heart. I feel much more free to be who I REALLLLY think I am and not just a puppet that follows the rules. I can worship God imperfectly because HE makes me perfect. I can't be so awful that God won't love me. I can't do enough good things to make him love me more.
Sometimes when I'm thinking about this it feels like walking out of a really warm house in to the cold cold night air and taking a super huge deep breath. Cleansing. Refreshing!!! I've always had self-esteem issues, but I've really been trying to "turn that over" to God by praying about it and trying to move on. Somedays...it even works! *smiling*
Anyway I didn't mean to get all preachy. Sometimes, I'm just seriously frickin' excited that I'm in a relationship with the creator of the universe. That is just seriously frickin' amazing. :-)
Construction Lessons
After battling with the server for a little bit I have FINALLY uploaded the church website. Wooot! Woot! Click HERE to see it. Its' simple, but it is done done done! :-)
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Family Heirlooms: Lessons in Counting Blessings
I can't sew. I mean it. I can barely put buttons back on. Now, I consider myself a crafty person but it just escapes me. I've tried. Most women in my family can sew. My grandmas, aunts, a few cousins...all seamstresses. I envy their skill and perhaps someday I'll get a chance to take some time to try to learn again! lol *envisioning needles in my fingers, blood on the bobbin and generally a grotesque scene from a future movie called "Seastress Slaughter: Giving new meaning to "stickin' it to the man'"*
Anyway...although I can't sew a bit, I have a wonderful collection of quilts that have been made for me. I love love love love love them! Now I'm not one of those "lets hang the pretty quilt on the wall" kind of people. My quilts are literally wearing out...falling apart...and totally loved. I use the quilts every single day. They really are family heirlooms and I suppose I should take better care of them, but I just love looking at them, sleeping under them, etc...
I do have a couple that are keepsake, but its only because I can't wash them. One has all of my students at my old school's name...signed by each student...on several squares. So cool. Another one is too old and fragile (it kind of smells old too...*giggle*) and from a great great grandma or something. All the others...wearing out.
I think its better this way really. Why keep something beautiful and never use it? Its like fine china...sure special occasions are nice but being together every day is nice too. I have dress clothes, but nothing that I won't just pull out and wear because I want to. I really just don't have lots of things that I've put away for "special occasions".
I hope that I never am. If I die tomorrow I don't want people to find a drawer full of sacred things that were too precious to use. If they are precious, I want to use them!
Now...if only I could apply this principal to my scrapbook papers. I have TONS that ...well...darn it...they are just too pretty to use! LOL!!!!
Anyway...although I can't sew a bit, I have a wonderful collection of quilts that have been made for me. I love love love love love them! Now I'm not one of those "lets hang the pretty quilt on the wall" kind of people. My quilts are literally wearing out...falling apart...and totally loved. I use the quilts every single day. They really are family heirlooms and I suppose I should take better care of them, but I just love looking at them, sleeping under them, etc...
I do have a couple that are keepsake, but its only because I can't wash them. One has all of my students at my old school's name...signed by each student...on several squares. So cool. Another one is too old and fragile (it kind of smells old too...*giggle*) and from a great great grandma or something. All the others...wearing out.
I think its better this way really. Why keep something beautiful and never use it? Its like fine china...sure special occasions are nice but being together every day is nice too. I have dress clothes, but nothing that I won't just pull out and wear because I want to. I really just don't have lots of things that I've put away for "special occasions".
I hope that I never am. If I die tomorrow I don't want people to find a drawer full of sacred things that were too precious to use. If they are precious, I want to use them!
Now...if only I could apply this principal to my scrapbook papers. I have TONS that ...well...darn it...they are just too pretty to use! LOL!!!!
Friday, December 07, 2007
Christmas Card Lessons
Okay...I've been trying to get Christmas cards out for over a week now! I have a hodge podge of pictures to send out...some of Joey, some of the three of us, some of Jason and I (a photo developing mishap..*giggle*...but a good picture!), the Christmas letter is copied and ready. I think I even have enough cards!
So now....I just need to get the darn things addressed. So if you are wondering where your card is...uhm...its on my coffee table. :-0 Just hang on! They're coming!
So now....I just need to get the darn things addressed. So if you are wondering where your card is...uhm...its on my coffee table. :-0 Just hang on! They're coming!
Thursday, December 06, 2007
A Pot Calling the Kettles Black: A Lesson in Judging
I try to be a real person. I do fascinating things. I do stupid things. I say appropriate things at just the right moment. I say the worst possible things at just the right moment. I sleep. I eat. I burp. I laugh. I have victories. I make mistakes. I am real.
I have spent a bit of time in self reflection and have discovered that people who self righteously judge others really piss me off. Especially when the basis for their judgement lies solely in preconceived notions about what a certain type of person should be....not on facts, or experience...just an "image" of what it should be.
Now if you are a preacher, I would say you could critique or judge others that do something similar in comparison to yourself. It would be like doctors judging other doctors' techniques or whatever. A scrapbooker could judge another's scrapbook page because they actually know something about scrapbooking.
But what I hate...
"A teacher should know...blah blah blah."
"Christians should do....blah blah blah."
"A good Mom might want to....blah blah blah."
"A preacher's wife should always ....blah blah blah."
Well unless you are a teacher or a Christian or a good Mom or a preacher's wife...I guess you don't know.
That being said I have an idea of what my life should be. Every bitter day reminds me that it isn't what that fanciful image is. I judge myself harshly for even entertaining the idea. I sometimes judge my husband against my "ideal" relationship or life. I am not saying that I am completely void of judging others, what I'm saying is when others do it to me or people I love and don't know what they are talking about...it irks me.
You see, its hard to be "real" when nobody likes the real you...when everybody is swift to give the harsh word or disapproving glance ...when you always know the measuring stick is being held up next to you.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Lessons from Concert Week
So, I teach music. I put on concerts. Whole school concerts because we are a small school. Things have been going FABULOUSLY well this concert season until this week. *ugh* I suppose I spoke too soon when I told a few people last week how smoothly this was going and how close to ready the groups were. *ugh* Rehearsals for the last two days have been not great: kids showing out, speakers broken, microphones working and then not working, glitter everywhere, unenthusiastic choir...UGH.
So...I'm trying NOT to stress out and focus on all the things that are going right. So far... that means that the band conducted themselves yesterday while I was in the office working out an issue. It was such a nice surprise to hear them (on their own) warm up and then begin their holiday music. I have great leaders in band. *smiling*
If I were a rich girl, I might buy them all little presents! *smiling*
So...I'm trying NOT to stress out and focus on all the things that are going right. So far... that means that the band conducted themselves yesterday while I was in the office working out an issue. It was such a nice surprise to hear them (on their own) warm up and then begin their holiday music. I have great leaders in band. *smiling*
If I were a rich girl, I might buy them all little presents! *smiling*
Monday, December 03, 2007
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Memorial Lessons
I went to a very long memorial service today. It was for my Dad. I didn't want to go, but I didn't want to be disrespectful. So I went. If it had just been for my dad it would have been nice. The funeral home was pretty. The music was good. Family was there. But then they read the names of everyone who had died that year there were nearly two hundred names. *sigh* It took forever.
The last thing we did was sing "Silent Night". It was beautiful. The crowd sang each verse a little bit louder and a little bit more sincere. The last verse seemed very emotional for me. The music and voices just seemed to swell and fill every part of the room.
It amazes me sometimes how music still moves me. As a music teacher sometimes I seem to beat the joy out of just listening to music. Although it may just be because concert week is looming and I am so sick of "Hip Hop Reindeer" and "Santa Claus Rock" that I could puke. Really. Anyway...music...it moves me.
I guess after all is said and done that I was glad I went.
I still haven't gone to the grave. Not since the funeral. Everyone else has. I just don't want to. I'm sure I will eventually. We were raised to show respect in that manner. I'm not trying to be disrespectful, I just don't want to go until I can go and not feel anything.
Right now I can't even get through a frickin' day without feeling something. :-)
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Childhood Toys: Lessons in Timeless Fun
Thanks to Stacy I went browsing online for some nostalgic toys. What fun! I should do this more often. It was so nice to spend a few minutes remembering. The one thing I couldn't find a great picture of but I LOVED was a record player with a microphone. I was such a ROCK STAR singing my little kiddy songs. Woot Woot! Anyway...here are some others that I found:
This is Mrs. Beasley. I LOVED HER! I'm not really sure why. She wasn't glamorous and she wasn't brunette (I had a thing for brunettes!) but she was comforting and always happy and I just loved her polka dots. I actually had a couple of Mrs. Beasley dolls since one of mine was destroyed in a house fire. I think that if I were just spending money on myself for Chrismas she just might make my list. *smiling*
Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots. LOL! What's better than knocking your brother's head off? NOTHING! *giggling* Loved it then, love it now...think that Joey may get one of these for Christmas! Although...is it selfish to buy it for him if I'm really the one who wants it? *shrugging* Live and learn.
Wow...I wish I had saved my Spirograph. I would love to have one now for scrapbooking. I spent hours and hours with this thing. I would often dream of putting my amazing designs on t-shirts, shoes, back packs, lunch boxes...*giggle* If I had access to the technologies that i have now I would have been a spirograph QUEEN!...*sigh* I wonder if they sell these anymore.
Yup...it may be considered a boy toy, but I don't care. Perhaps it was my first venture into home decorating. *lol* I played with these all the time at my grandma's house. I bought Joey some a few years ago. Somehow I don't think he got the "magic" of these precious chunks of wood. I liked them and so did Jason and Joey did play with them, but he didn't seem to be totally in love with them. Its okay...I think I'll find them later today and play with them. Now...where are my Barbies?
Chatter Phone: This goofy thing was too cool! Its eyes rolled. It made this quirky little sound when you pulled it. I think my Grandma still has one of these. Too cute!
This was one of those toys that was completely commercial driven. I remember the commercials for this little puppy, called the Snoopy Sniffer. I remember really wanting one. I wasn't a tiny little kid either. I love the way the feet moved and the tail wagged when you pulled him. Simple. Fun.
The website that I browsed was http://www.backtobasicstoys.com/ Do you have any classic toys that you just loved? Do you want to play with my Rock em Sock em Robots? :-)
Thursday, November 29, 2007
She's Got Skillz: A Lesson in Things I Can't Do
Okay...I need to toot my own horn for just a line or two. Brace yourself.
I've been called creative, smart, talented and articuluate. A few times. Okay...more than a few times. Its flattering although at times I feel dumb, useless and tongue-tied. lol.
A blog challenge on Two Peas asks "What skills do you wish you had?" So, here's my list. Feel free to post yours or e-mail it to me. I'd love to read them. :-)
1. I wish I could sew. Everyone in my whole frickin' family can so. I guess I was too busy learning to play Super Mario Brothers because I never learned. Once upon a time I made a couple of pillows. They were horrible. Absolutely horrible.
2. I wish I could read minds. Okay..maybe that's not a "skill"...more like a superpower. *giggle*
3. I wish I could speak another language. Maybe spanish (as it may be more useful) or maybe Italian because its pretty or German because its not. ;-)
4. I wish I could really cook. I dabble now and then but can only make a couple of things well. I suppose that more than the "skill" I need the desire because I am totally fine just eating good food and not making it. *giggle*
5. I wish I could do ballroom dances and such. I am always impressed by dancers.
6. I wish I was better at maintaining our finances and record keeping. Being poor sucks, especially when a smarter person would live better with the money that I waste. *smiling*
7. I would like to sharpen my skills at playing the piano by ear. I can do it some, but would like to be better.
8. I wish I could play a sport. Okay...I don't wish this every day. *giggle*
9. I wish I could memorize things easily. I would love to remember facts, dates, scripture, etc... and they just seem to float in and out of my memory.
10. I wish I had better counseling skills.
11. I wish I could play guitar.
12. I wish I could say the right thing at the right time all of the time. Sometimes (too often) I reeeeeeeeeeeeeally screw things up by saying what I'm thinking instead of what I SHOULD say. *smiling*
I've been called creative, smart, talented and articuluate. A few times. Okay...more than a few times. Its flattering although at times I feel dumb, useless and tongue-tied. lol.
A blog challenge on Two Peas asks "What skills do you wish you had?" So, here's my list. Feel free to post yours or e-mail it to me. I'd love to read them. :-)
1. I wish I could sew. Everyone in my whole frickin' family can so. I guess I was too busy learning to play Super Mario Brothers because I never learned. Once upon a time I made a couple of pillows. They were horrible. Absolutely horrible.
2. I wish I could read minds. Okay..maybe that's not a "skill"...more like a superpower. *giggle*
3. I wish I could speak another language. Maybe spanish (as it may be more useful) or maybe Italian because its pretty or German because its not. ;-)
4. I wish I could really cook. I dabble now and then but can only make a couple of things well. I suppose that more than the "skill" I need the desire because I am totally fine just eating good food and not making it. *giggle*
5. I wish I could do ballroom dances and such. I am always impressed by dancers.
6. I wish I was better at maintaining our finances and record keeping. Being poor sucks, especially when a smarter person would live better with the money that I waste. *smiling*
7. I would like to sharpen my skills at playing the piano by ear. I can do it some, but would like to be better.
8. I wish I could play a sport. Okay...I don't wish this every day. *giggle*
9. I wish I could memorize things easily. I would love to remember facts, dates, scripture, etc... and they just seem to float in and out of my memory.
10. I wish I had better counseling skills.
11. I wish I could play guitar.
12. I wish I could say the right thing at the right time all of the time. Sometimes (too often) I reeeeeeeeeeeeeally screw things up by saying what I'm thinking instead of what I SHOULD say. *smiling*
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Lessons from my 8-year old
Tonight on the way home from church Joey and I were talking about this and that. I told him that we are planning a trip to Florida next summer. He seemed a bit apprehensive because Florida has hurricanes and tornadoes. I tried to convice him that we could have tornadoes here too. He said:
"Farmington is the safest place ever. The people are very very lucky. I bet they pray all the time!"
LOL...I am pleased that he understands there is power in prayer. Now...I just need to convince him to brush his teeth every night.
"Farmington is the safest place ever. The people are very very lucky. I bet they pray all the time!"
LOL...I am pleased that he understands there is power in prayer. Now...I just need to convince him to brush his teeth every night.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Junkie Lessons
Hey! I am on the design team for a scrapbooking blog called Journaling Junkie. So if you can't get enough of my whim and wit here, be sure to drop in there on occasion and see what's up! :-)
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Friendly Lessons
Blog Challenge from TwoPeasinaBucket:
"What is the essential core of friendship for you?"
Hmm...heavy question! I logged on thinking I might get to make a list of reasons why Christmas candy is better than Easter candy (because seriously...it is SO much better) or what scrapbooking thing is going on in my life (which I am going to blog about tomorrow...something FUN!!!). So I've thought about friendship. Sometimes I think about it a lot. Tonight I've given it just a couple of minutes. Here's what I think the "perfect" friend should be like: (and to my loyal friends, just shut up already! think of it as a creative writing excercise that allows me to wade in the puddles of my fantasy life.)
My perfect friend:
-is honest and trustworthy. I have some pretty freakin' hot secrets and they need to STAY secrets. No "tell-all" books allowed.
-would be faithful. Sure it sounds like the first thing I said, but there is a difference. No betrayal.
-would understand that cheese DOES make everything better
-likes movies
-has an ecclectic taste in music and turns me on to new stuff
-thinks I'm funny...cause really me just crackin' myself up is fun...but not "ha ha" fun
-knows my pin number or thinks she does
-has several pictures of my kid on their desk and/or fridge
-knows that concert week is not a time for jokes of any kind
-has probably seen me naked or most parts of me naked at one time or another (don't ask)
-buys me little notebooks to feed my fetish
-sends me just because e-mails just because
-has probably heard me complain about the fact that I have no butt
-thinks Chinese food and Thai food rock
-tells good stories
-is smart (stupid people do not make good friends)
-remembers my relatives by their real names and their story names (Uncle Poacher, My Aunt the Druggie, etc...)
-doesn't forward me crappy e-mails about coupons or saving the world or the next big virus
-knows the names of a couple of my body parts
-shows an appreciation for the arts in some capacity
-lets me show them my cool scars
-loves me even when I crazy.
-
Lessons in Growing Older
Do you ever just FEEL old? I don't mean like your back hurts and you don't poop like you should and your hair has gone gray or simply just gone AWOL. I mean...do you FEEL old? Emotionally?
I am not a person to talk about feeling old. I don't lie about my age. I love my birthday. I was so estactic to actually make it to my 35th year it wasn't funny! *giggle* I roll my eyes at people who claim they are "29" forever. Puh-lease.
Today however I feel old. I've been thinking about my dad a lot this weekend. He would have been 54 yesterday. I haven't gone to his grave since the day of the funeral. I just don't want to. I don't want to have to feel it all over again. I don't want to have to see it. It feels like a burden. Heavy. Its not something I dealt with when I was younger. People just lived forever. That's what happened.
My concert at work is coming up in less than two weeks. Rehearsals are going okay...really. If they weren't I'd be writing about how scary it is, but they are going well. There's tons of stuff to get done for it and this year I don't have Jason to help me. I know that is probably a minor thing, but I really relied on him. I don't know that there's anyone else that can or would give me their time to help. Also heavy.
There are some strange vibes coming from a couple of friends. Nothing bad, just a feeling on intentional distance. I'm not completely sure what to think about that. Maybe its nothing, but its there. Maybe it will go away. Still it keeps popping back in my head. Worry.
I wonder if I'm not doing an injustice to my family by working all day and bringing home work at night. By not being as helpful to them as I could be. By not being as involved... I don't really know how to fix this, but working mom guilt has been hitting me hard lately. Heavy. Not so carefree. Old.
Now, I've been happier in the last week than in a while. I'm not sure what that is worth...*giggle* but it is true. I've had a few really good days. :-) Perhaps this whole "feeling old" thing is due to a lack of sunshine. I drive to and from work in the dark. Today was a gray and gloomy day outside. Maybe I just need a hugo sweet tea from McDonalds. *giggle*
Yeah...that will shake that Geritol feeling right off me. *giggle*
I am not a person to talk about feeling old. I don't lie about my age. I love my birthday. I was so estactic to actually make it to my 35th year it wasn't funny! *giggle* I roll my eyes at people who claim they are "29" forever. Puh-lease.
Today however I feel old. I've been thinking about my dad a lot this weekend. He would have been 54 yesterday. I haven't gone to his grave since the day of the funeral. I just don't want to. I don't want to have to feel it all over again. I don't want to have to see it. It feels like a burden. Heavy. Its not something I dealt with when I was younger. People just lived forever. That's what happened.
My concert at work is coming up in less than two weeks. Rehearsals are going okay...really. If they weren't I'd be writing about how scary it is, but they are going well. There's tons of stuff to get done for it and this year I don't have Jason to help me. I know that is probably a minor thing, but I really relied on him. I don't know that there's anyone else that can or would give me their time to help. Also heavy.
There are some strange vibes coming from a couple of friends. Nothing bad, just a feeling on intentional distance. I'm not completely sure what to think about that. Maybe its nothing, but its there. Maybe it will go away. Still it keeps popping back in my head. Worry.
I wonder if I'm not doing an injustice to my family by working all day and bringing home work at night. By not being as helpful to them as I could be. By not being as involved... I don't really know how to fix this, but working mom guilt has been hitting me hard lately. Heavy. Not so carefree. Old.
Now, I've been happier in the last week than in a while. I'm not sure what that is worth...*giggle* but it is true. I've had a few really good days. :-) Perhaps this whole "feeling old" thing is due to a lack of sunshine. I drive to and from work in the dark. Today was a gray and gloomy day outside. Maybe I just need a hugo sweet tea from McDonalds. *giggle*
Yeah...that will shake that Geritol feeling right off me. *giggle*
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Thanksgiving Lessons
Family shot from our Thanksgiving gathering. It was a little strange this year. A little sad. But it was good to be together. It was good to strengthen connections. It was good to feel at home. It was good.
Thankful Lessons
I am thankful for
-Jesus, who took my place
-Jason
-Joey
-my whacky family
-my closest friends
-my job (well...most days)
-my comfortable not quite clean home
-my health
-days off
-music
-gentle caresses
-funny movies
-hugs
-cheese
-people who get me
-digital cameras
-sausage egg McMuffins
-the Internet
-bicycles
-living in town
-forgiveness
-Jesus, who took my place
-Jason
-Joey
-my whacky family
-my closest friends
-my job (well...most days)
-my comfortable not quite clean home
-my health
-days off
-music
-gentle caresses
-funny movies
-hugs
-cheese
-people who get me
-digital cameras
-sausage egg McMuffins
-the Internet
-bicycles
-living in town
-forgiveness
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Lessons from the Day
Today was Grandparent's Day. I was hot and sweaty all day long. Choir did great on their performance until the last song when they really screwed the pooch. *ugh* Only half a day left...I can do it. I can do it. I can do it.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Lessons I've Given
So, I blog hop a lot. I read the blogs of dozens of people I don't know and a hand full of people that I do know every day. A few of the people I know if real life know that I read their blogs, others I'm still waiting to be allowed to read their blog and still others it seems like I just blog stalk. *giggle*
Tonight while reading the blog of a former student I discovered that a gift I gave him for graduation is being used to strengthen his walk with God. It was nice reading about it and knowing that I am playing a tiny tiny role in his life today. It really made me think about lessons I am teaching right now not just to the kids in my classes, but to Joey, to my friends. I wonder what they will say about me or think about me in years to come.
Will they remember the little things? Will they remember how fricken crazy I am? Will they know how much I love them? Will they smile? Will there be regret?
Spiritually I've been struggling with some things for a few months. Trying to discover what I'm really supposed to be doing...where I should be...if I'm doing anything at all to glorify God. God has shown me areas that I excel in and areas that I suck. I wish that I could be what I know I need to be.
Too often I find myself with a very unChrist-like attitude and in the midst of conversations that demonstrate my bitterness, my envy, my hateful nature. I love God. I am thankful that he loves me...and is working to ease me out of my smart-assed, whiney, weak-minded ways.
It seems that lately I have embraced the freedom I have in Christ. I am encouraged to know that nothing I eat or drink can separate me from God. I am relieved to know that I can't disappoint God so much that he won't love me. It is soothing to know that I belong to Him. I cling to Romans 8:39-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
It comforts me, but at times I wonder if it doesn't make me lazy. Am I doing enough? Is God pleased with my service? Disappointed with my heart? I am thankful that no matter what I FEEL like that God is unchanging. Sometimes I feel far away from him. It helps to know that because I FEEL something doesn't make it so. I can rest that I belong to Him because He says so.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Tagged Lessons
Okay...so I didn't have much to say today so decided I wasn't going to blog. Instead I started blog-hoppin' (which I do pretty often) and realized I had been tagged! lol. So here are a few little things about myself you may or may not know. I seem to overshare A LOT so maybe you already know these...*giggle*
1. I don't have a belly button and I miss it terribly. For real...a few surgeries ago it was totally in the way and now is totally gone. I think when I'm done with this surgery and that surgery that I may just get a tattoo or something there. *scratching head* I just need exactly the right one...
2. If I could go back to college right now and study anything I think I would look into media/graphic design kinds of stuff. I want to sit at my computer, nude, eating strawberries and creating beautiful things on screen. I know..the visual is totally distracting, but try to get through the rest of my list...
3. I have a not quite secret addiction to kinky sex. If you don't know what that is, you probably shouldn't look it up.
4. I have dreams about people in my day to day life. Sometimes I dream them repeatedly for weeks or months. Sometimes they come true.
5. I want another baby.
6. I like flair pens and sharpies. No, I don't sniff them! I just like writing with them. In fact...I think I have a slight addiction to office supplies in general. *shrugging* So, send me some post-its for Christmas.
7. I'd like to celebrate Hanukkah this year, but being the preacher's wife at a southern baptist church makes me feel a bit inhibited about doing that. No special reason for doing this other than the fact that I like the story behind it and candles and days and days of presents!
8. I have a hickie on my neck. My husband is truly an animal. *sexy growl*
1. I don't have a belly button and I miss it terribly. For real...a few surgeries ago it was totally in the way and now is totally gone. I think when I'm done with this surgery and that surgery that I may just get a tattoo or something there. *scratching head* I just need exactly the right one...
2. If I could go back to college right now and study anything I think I would look into media/graphic design kinds of stuff. I want to sit at my computer, nude, eating strawberries and creating beautiful things on screen. I know..the visual is totally distracting, but try to get through the rest of my list...
3. I have a not quite secret addiction to kinky sex. If you don't know what that is, you probably shouldn't look it up.
4. I have dreams about people in my day to day life. Sometimes I dream them repeatedly for weeks or months. Sometimes they come true.
5. I want another baby.
6. I like flair pens and sharpies. No, I don't sniff them! I just like writing with them. In fact...I think I have a slight addiction to office supplies in general. *shrugging* So, send me some post-its for Christmas.
7. I'd like to celebrate Hanukkah this year, but being the preacher's wife at a southern baptist church makes me feel a bit inhibited about doing that. No special reason for doing this other than the fact that I like the story behind it and candles and days and days of presents!
8. I have a hickie on my neck. My husband is truly an animal. *sexy growl*
Friday, November 16, 2007
PayDay Lessons in Getting Stuff Done
Today is payday. I took the day "off" but I didn't really get to rest. Here (in amazingly boring detail) is what I did today...mostly).
-woke up and coughed a lot... i think I'm getting a cold. i HATE being sick.
-showered quickly
-talked firmly to a screaming Joey
-drove the car to the auto body place to get the mirror fixed...set it up for another day
-talked to the owner of the place that totally screwed up my choir shirts. *ugh* but hopefully the plan I've worked out with be successful and keep everybody happy
-filled out forms at the assessor's office
-conferenced with Joey and his teachers. *sigh* the boy has no intrinsic motivation.
-paid our taxes
-dropped off one of the cars to have struts and stuff put on
-set up a savings account AND another checking account in a desperate bid to organize our finances
-took Jason to his Grandma's old folks home thingy
-Big lots....oooooo a big box of mashed potatoes..cheap!
-Hawaiian chicken sandwich at Hardees....yum!
-read more of "Memory Keeper's Daughter"
-shopped at wal-mart with Jason...exhausting
-met joey walking home from school and talked about his day
-drank a Diet Mountain Dew
-White Castle for Joey and then to Grandma's
-met a friend and her kid at Red Lobster only to find out that the never ending shrimp promotion was over. *alas* (my word!)
-bought my mom a camera at Best Buy(with her money)
-walked through a book store
-drank a sweet tea
-cuddled with my sweetie and slept
-woke up and coughed a lot... i think I'm getting a cold. i HATE being sick.
-showered quickly
-talked firmly to a screaming Joey
-drove the car to the auto body place to get the mirror fixed...set it up for another day
-talked to the owner of the place that totally screwed up my choir shirts. *ugh* but hopefully the plan I've worked out with be successful and keep everybody happy
-filled out forms at the assessor's office
-conferenced with Joey and his teachers. *sigh* the boy has no intrinsic motivation.
-paid our taxes
-dropped off one of the cars to have struts and stuff put on
-set up a savings account AND another checking account in a desperate bid to organize our finances
-took Jason to his Grandma's old folks home thingy
-Big lots....oooooo a big box of mashed potatoes..cheap!
-Hawaiian chicken sandwich at Hardees....yum!
-read more of "Memory Keeper's Daughter"
-shopped at wal-mart with Jason...exhausting
-met joey walking home from school and talked about his day
-drank a Diet Mountain Dew
-White Castle for Joey and then to Grandma's
-met a friend and her kid at Red Lobster only to find out that the never ending shrimp promotion was over. *alas* (my word!)
-bought my mom a camera at Best Buy(with her money)
-walked through a book store
-drank a sweet tea
-cuddled with my sweetie and slept
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Lessons in Culture
Today I took 26 5th through 8th graders to hear a concert by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and then on to the St. Louis Art Museum. The concert was titled "The Colors of Music" so I thought a trip to the art museum would be a nice addition. Turns out that only two of my students had ever been to the art museum! Wow...my kid goes a couple of times a year. *smiling* Shut up. I am not a nerd.
Tonight, my friend Phyllis and I hosted "America's Biggest Bedtime Story" at school. Dressed in pajamas there were fun snacks, stories and music. I had a good time and think that the event went really well. This has been a seriously busy day. Good, but busy.
And yes...I'm still pissed about yesterday, but really...I have art museum mints now...they are called "Mona Mints" and have a picture of the Mona Lisa on them. *giggle*
Tonight, my friend Phyllis and I hosted "America's Biggest Bedtime Story" at school. Dressed in pajamas there were fun snacks, stories and music. I had a good time and think that the event went really well. This has been a seriously busy day. Good, but busy.
And yes...I'm still pissed about yesterday, but really...I have art museum mints now...they are called "Mona Mints" and have a picture of the Mona Lisa on them. *giggle*
Monday, November 12, 2007
Lessons from a Spiritual Struggle
My tree. I have pictures of the tree outside of our house during all four seasons. This is one of my favorites. Sometimes a peaceful meditation upon something beautiful that God has made is a good thing.I don't have anything profound to say today. I have had a bad day filled with stupid things. I would bitch about it now, but that would only serve to make me grumpier. Jesus would have me swallow hard and move on. Tracy would have me rant and rave at the irresponsibility and disorganization of others that has conveniently screwed up my week. Jesus would have me love them anyway. Tracy is tired of making allowances. Jesus would use this opportunity to show me that I, too, am a flawed vessel in need of forgiveness. Tracy is not so secretly wishing big throbbing cold sores that shine as bright as the sun to them all. Amen.
lol. I'm sure that Jesus will win this struggle. Just thought you might be amused by the inner dialogue.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Economic Lessons
So we are riding somewhere in the car today and Joey says "Dad, what is six hundred minus four hundred?"
Jason: Four hundred.
Joey: SEE!!! You can by me my scooter and STILL have money for the electric bill!
*rolling eyes* Math makes my head hurt.
Jason: Four hundred.
Joey: SEE!!! You can by me my scooter and STILL have money for the electric bill!
*rolling eyes* Math makes my head hurt.
Friday, November 09, 2007
Lessons From Monty Python
French Soldier: I don't want to talk to you no more, you empty headed animal food trough wiper. I fart in your general direction. Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries.
Soldier: Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?
Black Knight: Tis but a flesh wound!
Dingo: You must spank her well, and after you are done with her, you may deal with her as you like... and then... spank me.
All: And me. And me too. And me.
Dingo: Yes. Yes, you must give us all a good spanking.
Dingo: And after the spanking, the oral sex.
Galahad: Well, I could stay a bit longer...
Guess what movie I watched tonight?
Soldier: Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?
Black Knight: Tis but a flesh wound!
Dingo: You must spank her well, and after you are done with her, you may deal with her as you like... and then... spank me.
All: And me. And me too. And me.
Dingo: Yes. Yes, you must give us all a good spanking.
Dingo: And after the spanking, the oral sex.
Galahad: Well, I could stay a bit longer...
Guess what movie I watched tonight?
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Random Lessons from my Random Life
1. I am eating a bowl of stew made from cute little yummy delicious deer tenderloin. Mmmmmm
2. I have on a necklace that my choir class referred to as my "bling". I'm so frickin' cool! *snorting*
3. I need sex. Now.
4. My winter concert is both fun, exciting and SO stressful...but its coming along.
5. Church business meeting tonight could have gone worse!
6. Some boy at school keeps writing "F**k you" on the bathroom wall with his own feces. Or at least I hope it is his own...because...well...lets not think about it.
7. My husband should have left me years ago.
8. Got a note from principal saying that if my son doesn't stop playing human Frogger and obey the crossing guard that he will have to find another way home from school. Grrrrrr.
9. I'm helping the math teacher (aka Phyllis) do a reading night next week. Sounds weird, but she teaches more than math and it has a musical theme...so who wouldn't want the music teacher involved? *grinning*
10. I think my right breast is smaller than my left one.
11. I have two unfinished bulletin boards at school...that is seriously not like me.
12. I know how to do a dance move called the "bucket of worms".
13. I have introduced middle schoolers to the joy of blogging. I hope they never find this one.
14. Sometimes I wonder where the money goes.
15. My nephew ate a hand full of rocks Monday. His mom and dad are closely examining every poopy experience for evidence that it has passed through him. *giggle*
16. My hair is falling out I think.
17. Today I wore a ring. I never do that. I hope it comes off.
18. My house is cold. My house is always cold.
19. I'm looking forward to the weekend. Lately my weekends have been pretty darn nice.
20. I keep dreaming about a student at school being trapped or kept or living in a very very crowded dimly lit basement.
21. "Reindeer. Working for The Claus. Love their hip hop just because." Is the line from one of the christmas songs I have to hear a million times before December 6th comes along.
22. I'm gonna be in a parade on December 7th.
23. I want to wear a skirt tomorrow, but man it was cold this morning.
24. I need some scrapbooking time soooooon!
25. I also need some work on my websites time.
26. Sometimes I recognize that I am transforming into a selfish, psychotic hag and just can't step out of the quick sand.
27. Jib Jab makes me laugh.
2. I have on a necklace that my choir class referred to as my "bling". I'm so frickin' cool! *snorting*
3. I need sex. Now.
4. My winter concert is both fun, exciting and SO stressful...but its coming along.
5. Church business meeting tonight could have gone worse!
6. Some boy at school keeps writing "F**k you" on the bathroom wall with his own feces. Or at least I hope it is his own...because...well...lets not think about it.
7. My husband should have left me years ago.
8. Got a note from principal saying that if my son doesn't stop playing human Frogger and obey the crossing guard that he will have to find another way home from school. Grrrrrr.
9. I'm helping the math teacher (aka Phyllis) do a reading night next week. Sounds weird, but she teaches more than math and it has a musical theme...so who wouldn't want the music teacher involved? *grinning*
10. I think my right breast is smaller than my left one.
11. I have two unfinished bulletin boards at school...that is seriously not like me.
12. I know how to do a dance move called the "bucket of worms".
13. I have introduced middle schoolers to the joy of blogging. I hope they never find this one.
14. Sometimes I wonder where the money goes.
15. My nephew ate a hand full of rocks Monday. His mom and dad are closely examining every poopy experience for evidence that it has passed through him. *giggle*
16. My hair is falling out I think.
17. Today I wore a ring. I never do that. I hope it comes off.
18. My house is cold. My house is always cold.
19. I'm looking forward to the weekend. Lately my weekends have been pretty darn nice.
20. I keep dreaming about a student at school being trapped or kept or living in a very very crowded dimly lit basement.
21. "Reindeer. Working for The Claus. Love their hip hop just because." Is the line from one of the christmas songs I have to hear a million times before December 6th comes along.
22. I'm gonna be in a parade on December 7th.
23. I want to wear a skirt tomorrow, but man it was cold this morning.
24. I need some scrapbooking time soooooon!
25. I also need some work on my websites time.
26. Sometimes I recognize that I am transforming into a selfish, psychotic hag and just can't step out of the quick sand.
27. Jib Jab makes me laugh.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Smiling Head Lessons
I think I really have a problem. You see I LOVE taking Smiling Head pictures. I'm working on an entire scrapbook of them. Its funny. Okay...maybe not "ha ha" funny, but its charming...well...maybe not charming....its...well...just shut up. You know you like looking at them too. Here are some in my collection.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
McGrumpy Lessons
So, around here the McRib is back. This is the cause for MUCH celebration and rejoicing in my Mchouse. I know they are some strange kind of McMeat. I know they are full of fat and grease. I know. But they are quite possibly the best thing that old Ronald McDonald can slap between a Mcbun and they are available for a LIMITED time only! Eeeeek! Must eat more before they are gone. *giggle*
Anyway last McRib season we had some issues with our orders...like uhm every time. Tonight we stopped after church and got shorted an entire Mighty Kids meal AFTER having waiting FIFTEEN minutes for them to cook the McRibs. *sigh* So getting home and finding out THEN *grrrrrrrrrrrrrr* was a big pain in the McButt. We made it work and I fired off a politely but firmly McBitchy e-mail to the corporate McGoons.
Really....we have to PAY for sauces now? What kind of crazy is that? I knew a long time ago that McD's paid more for the sauces than the acual nuggets, but that's because the sauces are BETTER than the Mcnuggets. Now if you don't order nuggest and ask for sauce you have to pay. Thirty cents? And and...if you ask for too many sauces you have to pay too. So the McCheapies are seriously in need of money SO bad that they have resorted to this? It McPisses me off.
Okay...maybe I am a little overly grumpy about this. *shrugging* They have put a tiny tiny little bit of McTarnish on my day. I would say that I would never go back there...and really I could totally McWalk away from their burgers and salads and yummy McRibs but...have you tried their sweet tea?
I think Jesus makes it. It is that good.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Lessons in Working Mom Guilt
I hate that I am so disconnected from Joey this year. A woman at work told me this week that she is glad about the disconnection from her kids. She said "its good". How can that be? The most important job I have is being a wife and mom. I think I am royally screwing it up somedays.
Joey is having some minor problems at school. His grades are dropping. He is crossing the road without a crossing guard and getting in trouble. He's not bringing his reading home. And today he QUIT his solo in the Christmas Concert. I was so upset I thought I might cry.
I don't care what other working moms say. Not being a part of your kid's life all day sucks. I hate that I am just with him an hour or two a day before its bed time. I hate that I have work to do at home that inhibits us doing stuff together. I hate that I am not more of an influence or a better influence on him.
With the way things work around here, I'm just the bitch that lays down the law. I hate that too.
So my new plan is to be a stay at home mom. Now all I need is about $1800-$2100 a month to make that happen. Anyone?
Joey is having some minor problems at school. His grades are dropping. He is crossing the road without a crossing guard and getting in trouble. He's not bringing his reading home. And today he QUIT his solo in the Christmas Concert. I was so upset I thought I might cry.
I don't care what other working moms say. Not being a part of your kid's life all day sucks. I hate that I am just with him an hour or two a day before its bed time. I hate that I have work to do at home that inhibits us doing stuff together. I hate that I am not more of an influence or a better influence on him.
With the way things work around here, I'm just the bitch that lays down the law. I hate that too.
So my new plan is to be a stay at home mom. Now all I need is about $1800-$2100 a month to make that happen. Anyone?
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Pictures of the Last Week or So
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ah...a picture says a thousand words...so here's twenty thousand words comin' at ya!
Halloweeny Lessons
Things I've learned today:
1. Spending time with my son is good.
2. Sometimes yelling makes people listen.
3. Pizza with people I love is always nice.
4. People DO come to church on Halloween!
5. My boobs looked pointier than usual today.
6. Sometimes people touch your parts without meaning to...or did they mean to? *giggling*
7. Bacon pizza is probably the only kind of pizza that can raise your cholesterol level simply through smelling it.
8. My boss likes my newsletters.
9. My other boss' head was extra shiny today...like...I seriously think he polished it or something.
10. Lasagna...still good after a couple of days.
11. Kicking bad guy butt in City of Heroes is fun. I miss it. A lot.
12. The Green Lantern was a seriously under-rated super hero. I bet boys don't like him because his power comes from jewelry.
13. My Grandma looks so tired. Sometimes I really miss being with her. Living down the road from her. Just being young and having her take care of me.
14. Halloween sex is not spooky.
15. Pumpkin smell is not terribly pleasing to me.
16. God loves me. I am blessed.
1. Spending time with my son is good.
2. Sometimes yelling makes people listen.
3. Pizza with people I love is always nice.
4. People DO come to church on Halloween!
5. My boobs looked pointier than usual today.
6. Sometimes people touch your parts without meaning to...or did they mean to? *giggling*
7. Bacon pizza is probably the only kind of pizza that can raise your cholesterol level simply through smelling it.
8. My boss likes my newsletters.
9. My other boss' head was extra shiny today...like...I seriously think he polished it or something.
10. Lasagna...still good after a couple of days.
11. Kicking bad guy butt in City of Heroes is fun. I miss it. A lot.
12. The Green Lantern was a seriously under-rated super hero. I bet boys don't like him because his power comes from jewelry.
13. My Grandma looks so tired. Sometimes I really miss being with her. Living down the road from her. Just being young and having her take care of me.
14. Halloween sex is not spooky.
15. Pumpkin smell is not terribly pleasing to me.
16. God loves me. I am blessed.
Lessons from the Confessional
| the Ultimate Confessions Have you ever ___ survey. [It's okay, you can confess...mwahaha.] | |
| Have you ever... | |
| failed a test?: | yes |
| gotten an F on your report card?: | no |
| gotten a D on your report card?: | one....ONE and it was in pre-calculus |
| had a crush on a teacher?: | yes. ah...the nerdy Mr. Brame. My high school friends must never know! |
| kissed someone of the opposite sex?: | yes |
| kissed someone of the same sex?: | yes |
| been called hot by a random stranger?: | sort of random |
| been called ugly by a random stranger?: | not the word "ugly" but they made me feel bad :-( |
| been hit on by someone a lot older than you?: | no |
| been felt up?: | yes |
| felt someone else up?: | *blushing* |
| been grounded?: | yes |
| been drunk?: | no |
| been high?: | drugs are for losers |
| dated someone without knowing their name?: | lol...nope |
| given someone a lap dance?: | sort of |
| seen a member of the opposite sex (outside your family) naked?: | yes. duh. |
| slept over someone of the opposite sex's house?: | yes |
| had someone of the opposite sex sleep over your house?: | yes |
| dated two people at the same time?: | yes. Shhhhhh! |
| had a crush on one of your best friends?: | yes |
| dated one of your best friends?: | yes |
| been married?: | yes |
| been proposed to?: | well...generally that's how you GET married |
| talked really badly behind one of your best friend's backs?: | no...but my non-best friends ...maybe. *giggle* |
| been told you look like a celebrity?: | yes. *sigh* Mindy Cohn...I seriously don't see it. |
| cried while watching a reality show?: | yes. shut up. |
| cried while watching a soap opera?: | no |
| been in a play?: | of course |
| had a good part/lead in a play?: | lol. of course |
| flashed someone?: | yes |
| been flashed?: | yes |
| fallen asleep in class?: | no |
| played a full game of Monopoly?: | YES! Although I cheat a lot at Monopoly! |
| had detention?: | yes...too many tardies |
| been suspended?: | no |
| been expelled?: | no |
| attempted to commit suicide?: | does eating too much chocolate count? |
| been hospitalized?: | tooooooo many times |
| kissed in the rain?: | yes |
| had a crush on someone who DID NOT LIKE YOU BACK for over a year?: | yes...it was called "Junior High" |
| been a relationship that lasted more than a year?: | yep |
| thrown up in school?: | yes...bleck! |
| cried in school?: | yes |
| gone to school in your pajamas?: | yes |
| made one of your parents cry?: | probably |
| been sexually harassed?: | only in the good way |
| sexually harassed someone else?: | only in the good way |
| wanted to kill someone?: | welcome to my week |
| told someone you wanted to kill them?: | I don't think so...then you couldn't sneak up on them |
| gotten your period in public and you weren't wearing a tampon/pad?: | yes |
| had a stalker?: | lol. unofficially, sure. |
| stalked someone else?: | not seriously. |
| avoided someone?: | all the time...I call it "keeping the peace" |
| worn a band shirt without even knowing anything about the band?: | lol...no! |
| kissed someone way older than you?: | define "way older" |
| kissed someone way younger than you?: | no |
| sang loudly in public?: | ALWAYS |
| been called a slut to your face?: | yes. *grinning* |
| called someone else a slut to their face?: | definitely. |
| felt better after confessing all your secrets to this survey? :P: | this is not even close to all my secrets |
| Take this survey Find more surveys Bzoink - The Original Survey Site | |
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