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.
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.
I did it. I played wiffle ball.
I wish this was one of those Hollywood stories where I tell you that I hit a home run, scored the winning run, or at least saved myself from acute embarrassment. If that is what you are waiting for, you are about to be sorely disappointed. If that's what you would like to think happened, you have my permission to go ahead and leave with nice happy vision of my success in your head. I need all the help I can get. In actuality, I was pretty awful. You think I'm exaggerating? I have at least 30 witnesses that can attest to the fact that, at one point, I actually batted the ball into my own head. Yep. Absolutely disgraceful. Here's the thing though: I had so much fun! Our team won 13-1 (without my help, obviously, but I still take part in the victory), and it was amazing to simply let go and play a game!
Well, I am done. Done being the "cool" kid on the wall, and ready to be the moron risking personal safety and the good opinion of all to have a little fun, and maybe, just once in awhile, actually score.
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!
Hasta pronto...
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!
Easter!
Hasta pronto...
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Saturday Snipets
1. Well, my computer has pretty much decided to go on strike. Apparently I'm not a very good boss? Anyway, my battery has been off it's game for awhile, but my laptop stayed alive when it was plugged in (which, by the way, totally defeats the purpose of a laptop). Well, then a virus got opened, but I was luckily able to get it to a computer geek friend who fixed it. Then, when I got it home, my charger decided it had enough, rendering my laptop completely useless. Luckily, Bama Man is gracious with his computer, and I can also use my laptop at work, by borrowing another charger. Didn't necessarily want to whine, just to explain why I haven't been my compulsively blogging self. Luckily, Bama Man is a firm believer in Ebay, and my brand new charger is heading this way from Hong Kong.
2. Speaking of work, it is time for you to meet Little Girl. Little Girl is the one and a half-year-old I nanny. Little Girl has blue eyes, and brown hair that grows directly into her face. I try to keep it pulled back in one of her many bows, but that tends to be futile. Interests include electrical outlets, "My Friends Tiger and Pooh," singing, playing with the cords that hang down from the blinds, using the dog as a jungle gym, balls, bubbles, and running down the driveway. Little Girl is not a very good listener. She is, however, cute enough to get away with it. Most importantly, she seems to like me, and does at least one thing a day that makes me smile. That being said, I figured it was time for all of you to meet because I am quite certain she will be making an occasional appearance.
3. I realize this is not an entertainment blog, but I would be remiss to let the eve of the LOST series finale pass without a blip. I don't know if any of you have that love hate relationship that is watching Lost, but I do. Tomorrow, it will all be a distant memory, and I am quite sure I will have something to say about it - so brace yourselves.
4. I went to the grocery store yesterday to buy buns last minute for grilled chicken Bama Man was cookin' up. I had before me two options: I could buy regular, generic hamburger buns for price A, or freshly baked French bread buns from the bakery for price B, which is about a dollar more than price A. despite my better judgement, I went with the latter. I couldn't help myself. Now, I know what you're thinking, "It's just a buck!" and you're right, but it got me lying awake thinking (Listen, we've been through this, I'm a little obsessed with food) about how often, lately, I have chosen the slightly expensive, while seemingly gourmet options at the grocery store. Would the generic buns been as amazing as the french bread? No. But it would have been just fine! It's not really a big deal in and of itself, but I realized that between this blog and all the Barefoot Contessa cookbooks I've been reading at work, that I have somehow begun to think that I have to turn every single meal into a gourmet experience to be a good cook. That isn't even what I started this blog for! I started it to prove that a newlywed could be a domestic diva while dealing with reality, financial or otherwise, even if that means making chicken casserole every night. It's the little things that make seemingly ordinary meals special, and that shouldn't have to mean going out of budget. I could have bought those painfully normal buns and toasted them up with some butter. So I am starting fresh. Shopping sales, planning menus, and finding little ways to make ordinary extraordinary. I'm not sure if this makes sense, and it's not exactly a "snipet," but I am through accidental overspending at the grocery store. Anyone else know what I mean?
Whew!
2. Speaking of work, it is time for you to meet Little Girl. Little Girl is the one and a half-year-old I nanny. Little Girl has blue eyes, and brown hair that grows directly into her face. I try to keep it pulled back in one of her many bows, but that tends to be futile. Interests include electrical outlets, "My Friends Tiger and Pooh," singing, playing with the cords that hang down from the blinds, using the dog as a jungle gym, balls, bubbles, and running down the driveway. Little Girl is not a very good listener. She is, however, cute enough to get away with it. Most importantly, she seems to like me, and does at least one thing a day that makes me smile. That being said, I figured it was time for all of you to meet because I am quite certain she will be making an occasional appearance.
3. I realize this is not an entertainment blog, but I would be remiss to let the eve of the LOST series finale pass without a blip. I don't know if any of you have that love hate relationship that is watching Lost, but I do. Tomorrow, it will all be a distant memory, and I am quite sure I will have something to say about it - so brace yourselves.
4. I went to the grocery store yesterday to buy buns last minute for grilled chicken Bama Man was cookin' up. I had before me two options: I could buy regular, generic hamburger buns for price A, or freshly baked French bread buns from the bakery for price B, which is about a dollar more than price A. despite my better judgement, I went with the latter. I couldn't help myself. Now, I know what you're thinking, "It's just a buck!" and you're right, but it got me lying awake thinking (Listen, we've been through this, I'm a little obsessed with food) about how often, lately, I have chosen the slightly expensive, while seemingly gourmet options at the grocery store. Would the generic buns been as amazing as the french bread? No. But it would have been just fine! It's not really a big deal in and of itself, but I realized that between this blog and all the Barefoot Contessa cookbooks I've been reading at work, that I have somehow begun to think that I have to turn every single meal into a gourmet experience to be a good cook. That isn't even what I started this blog for! I started it to prove that a newlywed could be a domestic diva while dealing with reality, financial or otherwise, even if that means making chicken casserole every night. It's the little things that make seemingly ordinary meals special, and that shouldn't have to mean going out of budget. I could have bought those painfully normal buns and toasted them up with some butter. So I am starting fresh. Shopping sales, planning menus, and finding little ways to make ordinary extraordinary. I'm not sure if this makes sense, and it's not exactly a "snipet," but I am through accidental overspending at the grocery store. Anyone else know what I mean?
Whew!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Wiffle Ball and Other Life Lessons
I did it. I played wiffle ball.
Yes, it IS a big deal. People play wiffle ball everyday - but I don't. In fact, I have managed to get through 21 years of living without subjecting myself that particular game. Actually, I have spent the last 21 years avoiding any game or situation with a large possibility of looking stupid, making mistakes, or general humiliation of any kind. And Wiffle Ball is a game where the primary purpose is to hit a ball a couple inches wide, with a "bat" that has the circumference of about a nickel, and if you actually manage to succeed at this, you then have to run faster than the opposing team can catch.
Insecure? Me? Maybe.
But working with a bunch of teenagers can cause you to do surprising things however, and after spotting the "cool" kids sitting on the wall, refusing to play all for the sake of not looking "stupid" it suddenly occurred to me that I did not want to be a "cool" kid sitting on the edge of life! So, against my better judgement, I played.
I wish this was one of those Hollywood stories where I tell you that I hit a home run, scored the winning run, or at least saved myself from acute embarrassment. If that is what you are waiting for, you are about to be sorely disappointed. If that's what you would like to think happened, you have my permission to go ahead and leave with nice happy vision of my success in your head. I need all the help I can get. In actuality, I was pretty awful. You think I'm exaggerating? I have at least 30 witnesses that can attest to the fact that, at one point, I actually batted the ball into my own head. Yep. Absolutely disgraceful. Here's the thing though: I had so much fun! Our team won 13-1 (without my help, obviously, but I still take part in the victory), and it was amazing to simply let go and play a game!
Now, I realize I'm probably taking this wiffle ball analogy a little deep. It is, after all, just a game. Life is a lot more than a game. But is it really? Beyond the real reasons we're here, our purpose, our mission to live the life God has for us, isn't the rest about getting up every morning and choosing to get out of bed and step up to the plate of life (I know, it's so very very corny), even at the risk of looking like a complete idiot. And isn't that kind of what the big stuff is about too? I know it is to me. I am completely ashamed at how many hours of my day are consumed with thoughts designed to keep me saying the right things, doing the right things, being the right person. And when I say "right" I don't really mean "right." All I really mean is cool.
Well, I am done. Done being the "cool" kid on the wall, and ready to be the moron risking personal safety and the good opinion of all to have a little fun, and maybe, just once in awhile, actually score.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Yes, I Know It's The 12th
Though I'm not a general believer in New Year's resolutions I am a firm believer in self-improvement. Sometimes self-imprvement is like stepping into a vat of ice water, but hey, it's good for you (the improvement, not the ice water) And so, as ambitious as this list has gotten, here are a few thoughts for my new year.....
1. Get my wedding album developed - It's been almost a year for goodness sake
2. Develop an organization/cleaning schedule, and stick to it - No matter how tired I am after work
3. Pick 12 deserving books from my over-crowded shelves and actually read them
4. Write to my Meme every-other Friday
5. Purge my wardrobe and other formerly-beloved things that could use a better home - As well as recirculate and put to god use the things I can't live without
6. Have a Yard Sale - That stuff's got to go somewhere
7. Set up my guestroom and put it to proper use at least once this year - It is currently serving as the scary room full of misplaced junk that you see on shows like "Clean House"
8. Become an expert on Irish history and culture - For a third generation immigrant, obsessed about her roots, I know embarrassingly little about the beautiful county I (partially) came from
9. Cook or Bake one new thing a week - Topping the list are homemade pasta, chocolate mouse, and pork chops
10. Lose 5 pounds - or tone it but it's got to go somewhere, by exercising portion control and..just exercising
11. Put things away when I am done with them - sounds elementary, I know, but when your parents tell you it's an important habit to get into before you grow up, they are not kidding!
12. Master the art of extreme couponing
13. Decrease my sugar intake - Possibly the hardest since I'm such a sweet tooth, but I'm starting small, with my morning coffee
14. Drink more water and start drinking green tea - my skin needs a little more love
15. Become a better student and a better teacher by remaining organized - as well as getting of my you-know-what and getting stuff done
16. Get my rings cleaned once every six months
And possibly the most important...
17. Talk less and listen more!
Sure, I've lost almost two weeks headstart, but better late than never. Wish me luck!
1. Get my wedding album developed - It's been almost a year for goodness sake
2. Develop an organization/cleaning schedule, and stick to it - No matter how tired I am after work
3. Pick 12 deserving books from my over-crowded shelves and actually read them
4. Write to my Meme every-other Friday
5. Purge my wardrobe and other formerly-beloved things that could use a better home - As well as recirculate and put to god use the things I can't live without
6. Have a Yard Sale - That stuff's got to go somewhere
7. Set up my guestroom and put it to proper use at least once this year - It is currently serving as the scary room full of misplaced junk that you see on shows like "Clean House"
8. Become an expert on Irish history and culture - For a third generation immigrant, obsessed about her roots, I know embarrassingly little about the beautiful county I (partially) came from
9. Cook or Bake one new thing a week - Topping the list are homemade pasta, chocolate mouse, and pork chops
10. Lose 5 pounds - or tone it but it's got to go somewhere, by exercising portion control and..just exercising
11. Put things away when I am done with them - sounds elementary, I know, but when your parents tell you it's an important habit to get into before you grow up, they are not kidding!
12. Master the art of extreme couponing
13. Decrease my sugar intake - Possibly the hardest since I'm such a sweet tooth, but I'm starting small, with my morning coffee
14. Drink more water and start drinking green tea - my skin needs a little more love
15. Become a better student and a better teacher by remaining organized - as well as getting of my you-know-what and getting stuff done
16. Get my rings cleaned once every six months
And possibly the most important...
17. Talk less and listen more!
Sure, I've lost almost two weeks headstart, but better late than never. Wish me luck!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
A Writer Writes
Happy January 3rd! The new year is starting to feel just a little less unique even though the faint smell of explosives is still hanging in the air. Due to time off from work, my husband and I have been absolutely gorging ourselves on rest. It's been a wonderful lapse from reality. So, today I spent all morning and 4 cups of coffee (which is less common than most people that know me may think) poring over a delightful married life blog I just accidentally happened upon. It was refreshing, honest, informative, and above all fun. It astounded me how kindred I felt to the blogger as I giggled and winced over so many situations I felt myself personally relating to, all the while thinking to myself, "I could have written this!" Bringing up the now painfully obvious question - "why don't you, ya dingbat!"
It's shocking how much of my life has been filled with me, whining in the shadows of other blogs, columns, and books that I planned on writing, want to write, but just....don't. Now, I'm sure there is some overwhelming psychology that keeps me in this catatonic writer's block. My Dad's solution was attempting to break down the walls by repeating, practically constantly, that "a writer writes." Don't get me wrong Daddy, I'm grateful. It's just weird seeing yourself as such a hypocrite. Of course, this is one hypocrisy that would be easily solved if I was just a little less lazy, and a little less concerned about perfection. My goodness, ego is a powerful force!
Now while I remain intensely cynical of New Year's resolutions in many respects, I do intend on making a comeback in 2010. Here's to rising above hypocrisy and fear, and actually getting something done. What about you? What great fear are you rising above this year?
It's shocking how much of my life has been filled with me, whining in the shadows of other blogs, columns, and books that I planned on writing, want to write, but just....don't. Now, I'm sure there is some overwhelming psychology that keeps me in this catatonic writer's block. My Dad's solution was attempting to break down the walls by repeating, practically constantly, that "a writer writes." Don't get me wrong Daddy, I'm grateful. It's just weird seeing yourself as such a hypocrite. Of course, this is one hypocrisy that would be easily solved if I was just a little less lazy, and a little less concerned about perfection. My goodness, ego is a powerful force!
Now while I remain intensely cynical of New Year's resolutions in many respects, I do intend on making a comeback in 2010. Here's to rising above hypocrisy and fear, and actually getting something done. What about you? What great fear are you rising above this year?
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