Vacuum in Pearls: April 2011

I'm just reminding myself since it seems

I've been misplacing myself in my week.

Does that ever happen to you? It does to me.

A lot.

For one thing, I've been pretty busy. Not with anything unusual,

just the normal stuff.

Making sure our house is pleasant place to come home to,

keeping the cat alive,

attempting to sculpt some muscle out of this wimpy body via the gym,

bringing home a paycheck.

Just that stuff.

And then there's the fact I've been sublimely happy.

I know it sounds crazy.

I kind of feel like I shouldn't even say (type) that out loud.

There's certainly a combination of factors going on here,

but I'll let you in on a good secret for starting out.

Ask God for stuff.

No, not like the vending machine,

"Can I have a million dollars?" sort of thing.

Stuff you know He already wants you to have...

An overwhelming sense of His presence.

The strength to do what I cannot do by yourself.

The ability to love well.

The assurance that my worth is secure in Him.

The wisdom to conciously make the right choices.

(especially when I don't feel like it)

The power to pray.

Peace.

Joy.

Before we go getting any ideas that I've actually figured any of this out, let's nip it in the bud and say: yeah right.

I've messed up a lot this week (...day...hour)

But I can feel it beginning.

He is gently showing me how I could be, what life could be like,

as I allow Him to cultivate these things in me.

He is so faithful

And I realize I'm not always going to be on the "gentle-mercy lesson plan."

Sometimes His lessons are the tough love sort.

Sometimes things don't "work out."

Okay, let's face it, sometimes our fallen world sucks.

I'm not saying any of that is any less true.

He is quite possibly preparing me for battle.

But He's allowing me to learn in "green pastures" right now,

where blessings are obvious and I know I can feel Him.

And I am loving every minute!

On a lesser note....

Last night I had my first experience with the show, "Extreme Couponing."

Poor Bama Man had to sit there while I

boomeranged from excited to envious to disgusted

and back.

As a "couponer" who tries pretty hard and has some luck

(but no real skill or consistancy -

you know how I am about finishing things)

Part of me wishes I had the time or energy

to be as devoted, and reap the benefits,

that those people do.

Cause let's face it, I am definetely still in the

"You saved $15.60 with us today,

and still spent a ridiculous amount of money" phase.

But then I saw some of the crap that these people are buying

IN HUGE AMOUNTS!

Who really need 100 packages of Airheads candy?
Short of someone opening a candy stand at summer camp.

I'm just sayin'

So, here is my verdict:

Working really hard to provide food for your family at the right price

Good.

Purchasing 150 bags of cat treats because they were on sale

and you had the coupon

but you don't own a cat.

And you still keep them in your stockroom

instead of donating them to a shelter or something.

A little sick.

I think I've made my case.

Even if I'm going to be a complete hypocrite and

watch the show every chance I get.
Just being real.

I hope y'all are having a fabulous Thursday!

The weekend is just two days away.

And not just any weekend, on of the best:
Easter!

Hasta pronto...

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Saturday Snipets

Happy Saturday!

Bama Man and I joined the gym this week.

As the wife of very dedicated man, it should go without

saying that we have been there everyday since

signing up (which I love),

and I think it's finally catching up with me.

That, coupled with a morning of service projects

(with basically the coolest church peeps around),

yard work, and washing the car,

has left this girl pooped.

But proud of her hard work.

Now Bama Man is watching the Masters, leaving

me plenty of time to catch up on my blog reading

and recipe/coupon searching.

There are exactly two things I enjoy about the Masters:

1. Watching Tiger mess up (is that a little bitter?)

2. Hearing Mister say "Called it" when shots

go the way he predicted (which is pretty often)

Other than that it's a bit of yawn.

After living here in Alabama for almost seven years

I shouldn't be at all suprised that Spring

completely passed us by again

and just gave up and surrendered to summer.

Honestly though, I'm not complaining.

It's MUCH better than Winter.

Plus, I vowed to myself

(and now to you which means there's no way out)

that I would be a good sport about the heat this year.

I do not do heat.

I am a Seattle Native.

But, this year, I will be a good sport.

Big news around these parts:

Walker (the cat) actually wounded his very first living thing!

Actually, make that "attacked something not a twisty tie"

for the very first time.

It's just a fly, but it's a big deal.

"Daddy" is very proud.

Made some yummy chicken tacos for lunch.

Getting a little bored with all my recipes.

I remember when Mister and I were engaged

he told me all I really needed to know

was five ways to make a chicken casserole.

It sounded like a good plan to me at the time.

But I think, after two years of marriage

we've both changed our minds.

Don't get me wrong, I've certainly branched out,

but I'm sill in a rut.

Any suggestions?

Well, that's about all I've got.

How are you spending your Saturday?

Hope it's fab!

Monday, April 4, 2011

Life Made Lovely Monday

One of my favorite places in my whole house!

Thanks, Bama Man, for letting me make our kitchen my own

special - lovely - place.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Good Morning April!

Honestly, I expected a little more out of you.

What does it take for a girl to get a little sunshine around here?

Is that too much to ask?

If Spring doesn't come soon then it will be too late

it will be summer

And you know how this chick feels about Alabama summers.

I promised myself that I would be a good sport this year,

but you could a least reward my intentions with some moderate heat!

I'm thinking 75 degrees and sunny oughta do it.

Good, now that we understand each other,

I will look forward to the weekend with hope.

But really, I'm just glad you're here

You know March, she was dragging on there.

P.S. My almost-baby (read:middle) Sister is coming home today!

For those of you lucky enough to know this girl

you understand how freakin' awesome that is!

I will try not best not to think about the fact it is only for a visit

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Coffee Date

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Today is Thursday...