Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Yard Work
Evan LOVES to work in the yard. Especially if it involves watering the flowers or grass. Basically, if he can get wet and messy, he has a blast. But, at the same time, he's very serious about it. He gets the most adorable look of concentration on his face and works very hard to make sure he does it right. (Okay...his version of right, but nevertheless...) I'm still working with him to get him to understand that the entire yard and all the flowers and bushes need a drink and not just one spot for a half hour. At the present moment, his technique needs work and it is leaving sopping mud holes, but I'm good with it! He's so much fun to watch!!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Listening Skills - Part 2
Seriously. What has gotten into people? I DON'T get it.
If you want to sell something to someone, don't you want to give them the courtesy of LISTENING to what she says about her needs and wants? Don't you want to avoid talking over someone and interrupting so you can HEAR what the person says?
There is this guy from some resort place in Branson (which I love, just for the record) who keeps calling Pat to get him to buy some weekend trip (you know, so many days and nights in a "luxury" hotel, tickets to shows, meal vouchers, coupons, etc.) for a discounted price (which really is pretty discounted) and participation in some tour thing of a resort that takes 90 minutes. He called and called and called Pat. Pat finally told him that his wife has everything and he would need to talk to me. Pat told me what was going on and said that if I wanted to "work him over" and get some good freebies out of him and do the deal to go ahead.
The guy called me - three times in a half hour, which was REALLY annoying - and went into his pitch. I told him three different times what interested me and what didn't, what I had a problem with and what sounded good. He just kept talking and talking and talking...and at one point even said he didn't want to pester me or make me mad. I told him he's already made me mad because he did not listen to what I said three different times.
You know what he said???? He said - get this, "Well, I want to listen now," and then just kept talking and didn't listen to what I said.
IT WAS CRAZY.
Needless to say, I did NOT agree to his package...I'm still not sure what was in it, either!
Just for the record, I was actually very nice when I told him he made me mad...
If you want to sell something to someone, don't you want to give them the courtesy of LISTENING to what she says about her needs and wants? Don't you want to avoid talking over someone and interrupting so you can HEAR what the person says?
There is this guy from some resort place in Branson (which I love, just for the record) who keeps calling Pat to get him to buy some weekend trip (you know, so many days and nights in a "luxury" hotel, tickets to shows, meal vouchers, coupons, etc.) for a discounted price (which really is pretty discounted) and participation in some tour thing of a resort that takes 90 minutes. He called and called and called Pat. Pat finally told him that his wife has everything and he would need to talk to me. Pat told me what was going on and said that if I wanted to "work him over" and get some good freebies out of him and do the deal to go ahead.
The guy called me - three times in a half hour, which was REALLY annoying - and went into his pitch. I told him three different times what interested me and what didn't, what I had a problem with and what sounded good. He just kept talking and talking and talking...and at one point even said he didn't want to pester me or make me mad. I told him he's already made me mad because he did not listen to what I said three different times.
You know what he said???? He said - get this, "Well, I want to listen now," and then just kept talking and didn't listen to what I said.
IT WAS CRAZY.
Needless to say, I did NOT agree to his package...I'm still not sure what was in it, either!
Just for the record, I was actually very nice when I told him he made me mad...
Monday, April 14, 2008
Listening Skills
I have come to the conclusion that the vast majority of people in our society do not have any concept of just how important it is to have listening skills and to actually use them.
On Friday of last week, I went through a drive-thru at a world renowned fast food chain. (I'm kind of embarrassed to admit that, but it's true...I eat fast food. What can I say?) Anyway, I repeated my order THREE times. During the first attempt, the young lady interrupted me twice. I started again...she interrupted again. The third time, she did not interrupt...but when she read it back to me, it was completely wrong. Needless to say, I told her to cancel the order...and asked her if she understood THAT, just to make sure she didn't apply my incorrect order to the people behind me.
I think people get in SUCH a hurry sometimes to do their jobs quickly (as is required in a fast food drive-thru and some other places) that they actually miss steps (like, LISTENING) and then, in the long run, end up taking longer to do their jobs in the first place.
I may not be the world's best listener, but I think my skills are pretty good and it drives me crazy when others don't exhibit the slightest skill or the desire to learn.
On Friday of last week, I went through a drive-thru at a world renowned fast food chain. (I'm kind of embarrassed to admit that, but it's true...I eat fast food. What can I say?) Anyway, I repeated my order THREE times. During the first attempt, the young lady interrupted me twice. I started again...she interrupted again. The third time, she did not interrupt...but when she read it back to me, it was completely wrong. Needless to say, I told her to cancel the order...and asked her if she understood THAT, just to make sure she didn't apply my incorrect order to the people behind me.
I think people get in SUCH a hurry sometimes to do their jobs quickly (as is required in a fast food drive-thru and some other places) that they actually miss steps (like, LISTENING) and then, in the long run, end up taking longer to do their jobs in the first place.
I may not be the world's best listener, but I think my skills are pretty good and it drives me crazy when others don't exhibit the slightest skill or the desire to learn.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Gas
I don't intend to sound like a broken record. Everyone is fed up with gas prices. I'm not going to go into a rant like that's new or anything. I will say that it doesn't seem like that long ago (5 years, at specific memory) that gas was like $1.30 - $1.50/gallon. I remember, too, however, when it was $.85/gallon. Now it's just absurd.
This is what I am going to say: I noticed the other day that gas went up about $.20 between the hours of 8:30 and 3:30. No reason. No refinery exploded. The Middle East did not implode. Well, when I went by gas stations, they were PACKED. P.A.C.K.E.D. I could tell everyone was thinking, "Okay...here comes the big hike to $4.00...better get my "cheap" gas while I still can." (Yes, I stopped and got gas, too.)
By the next morning, it had gone back down by $.10 - $.12/gallon. Now, how much money do you think was made on that one day????
This is what I am going to say: I noticed the other day that gas went up about $.20 between the hours of 8:30 and 3:30. No reason. No refinery exploded. The Middle East did not implode. Well, when I went by gas stations, they were PACKED. P.A.C.K.E.D. I could tell everyone was thinking, "Okay...here comes the big hike to $4.00...better get my "cheap" gas while I still can." (Yes, I stopped and got gas, too.)
By the next morning, it had gone back down by $.10 - $.12/gallon. Now, how much money do you think was made on that one day????
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
I am an AWFUL Blogger
So much for trying to become a real bloggie. I've started to write a million times, and frankly, have nothing to say. Sad, huh?
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Grief
How do you help someone - especially a young someone - work through grief? I am of the opinion there is no right or wrong way to deal with and work through grief. The only "rule" is that you must be considerate of others who are also grieving. You cannot "deal" with your grief in a manner that would be painful/hurtful to others.
The first thing I do for someone is to pray. My first suggestion to anyone is to pray...
What's next???
The first thing I do for someone is to pray. My first suggestion to anyone is to pray...
What's next???
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
FIJI Water...
Two words: Holy Cow!!!
If you haven't done your taste buds the "favor" of trying FIJI, DO IT!!! That is the best tasting, smoothest water EVER!
If you haven't done your taste buds the "favor" of trying FIJI, DO IT!!! That is the best tasting, smoothest water EVER!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Discovering God's Vision
I have no problem admitting I struggle with this. More specifically, I struggle with "hearing" God and what He wants little old me to do with my life to truly glorify Him. I hear bits and pieces...but it's fitting them all together that gives me issues. The common roadblocks certainly contribute to my inability to "hear" Him - complacency, criticism and fear.
I know different things I would like to do, but are those thoughts and desires from Him to put me on the desired path? I like to think that the things that really interest me are things that would glorify Him and give me more ability to reach out to more people.
I am pretty certain that what I'm doing now isn't really part of His vision for me...but I'm trying like crazy to do it to the best of my ability to honor and glorify Him in the meantime!
I know different things I would like to do, but are those thoughts and desires from Him to put me on the desired path? I like to think that the things that really interest me are things that would glorify Him and give me more ability to reach out to more people.
I am pretty certain that what I'm doing now isn't really part of His vision for me...but I'm trying like crazy to do it to the best of my ability to honor and glorify Him in the meantime!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Blogging Blank
I seem to be going through a blank. In fact, judging by other people's blogs...they must be, too.
Hmmm...
I'll have to make a list of interesting topics and start blogging on those!
Hmmm...
I'll have to make a list of interesting topics and start blogging on those!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
So, I guess I'm responding to Liz's "global post" tag and let everyone in on my quirks. As if you didn't know anyway or have your own opinions formed.
So the rules are: (1) Link to the person that tagged you. (2) Post the rules on your blog. (3) Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself. (4) Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs. (5) Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.
I am breaking the rules already, because I don't have six people to tag. Teresa, if you read this, TAG! Michael, I'm sure you've done it already. Oh...wait...maybe not...you don't like fun things like playing tag and blowing bubbles...
Six Quirky Things about me....
1) Stepping on manhole covers and drainage grates and things of that nature scare me. I've always been somewhat paranoid about it, but after I talked to a client (when I worked for an attorney) who actually fell through one (only one leg and went down all the way to her hip - not pretty), I'm REALLY paranoid now. There is a REALLY big service one on the other side of my south-side neighbors and it terrifies me when Evan stands on it. Must get him down almost immediately without showing my fear.
2.) People smacking drives me insane. Mouth noises (weird sounds, clicks, pops, etc.) in general drive me nuts, but people smacking when they eat makes me ridiculously angry. Mad (as in irrational angry) is a better term. And the sound makes me lose my appetite! One time at a place where I used to work, they had pizza delivered so no one had to get out in the weather. I was sitting at the table in the kitchen and this woman sat down next to me and this man sat down across from me. BOTH ARE HORRIBLE SMACKERS. Neither of them, however, knew my peeve. Well, they started eating (and, as you know, pizza is kind of a noisy food anyway) and almost immediately I wanted to vomit. About that time two of my friends walked in, saw what was happening and immediately busted out laughing. I just had to leave my pizza and depart the room...
3.) When I read a book, I see a movie in my head.
4.) When I read something that is grammatically incorrect, I automatically correct it as I read it. It is physically impossible for me to read something aloud the way it was written - if it is incorrect. If something is written...well, as I sit here and try to think of something to write incorrectly, I can't. It's as though my brain won't process things that way. I can tell you that I have heard the following "sentence" numerous times and it has almost made me lose my mind, "That's done been tooken care of." Tooken??? I am NOT exaggerating, either.
5.) When I take a shower, I must follow a particular order for washing. I have tried and tried to deviate from it and while I might manage to wash one body part out of order, I fall right back into the same pattern. OCD, perhaps?
6.) And for the final quirk, I, too, will list the issue with cabinet doors and drawers. It absolutely freaks me out. Many, many, many, many, many, many years ago, Mikel's dad and roommate (pre-marriage and Mikel, obviously) purposely left EVERY SINGLE DOOR AND DRAWER in their apartment open. EVERYTHING except the refrigerator. I have no doubt that if they could have figured out how to do that without wasting food, they would have. My first thought was that they had been burglarized. Then I saw that EVERYTHING was open and it dawned on me. I turned around, shut the door and waited outside until they got home and went in and shut everything.
So the rules are: (1) Link to the person that tagged you. (2) Post the rules on your blog. (3) Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself. (4) Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs. (5) Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.
I am breaking the rules already, because I don't have six people to tag. Teresa, if you read this, TAG! Michael, I'm sure you've done it already. Oh...wait...maybe not...you don't like fun things like playing tag and blowing bubbles...
Six Quirky Things about me....
1) Stepping on manhole covers and drainage grates and things of that nature scare me. I've always been somewhat paranoid about it, but after I talked to a client (when I worked for an attorney) who actually fell through one (only one leg and went down all the way to her hip - not pretty), I'm REALLY paranoid now. There is a REALLY big service one on the other side of my south-side neighbors and it terrifies me when Evan stands on it. Must get him down almost immediately without showing my fear.
2.) People smacking drives me insane. Mouth noises (weird sounds, clicks, pops, etc.) in general drive me nuts, but people smacking when they eat makes me ridiculously angry. Mad (as in irrational angry) is a better term. And the sound makes me lose my appetite! One time at a place where I used to work, they had pizza delivered so no one had to get out in the weather. I was sitting at the table in the kitchen and this woman sat down next to me and this man sat down across from me. BOTH ARE HORRIBLE SMACKERS. Neither of them, however, knew my peeve. Well, they started eating (and, as you know, pizza is kind of a noisy food anyway) and almost immediately I wanted to vomit. About that time two of my friends walked in, saw what was happening and immediately busted out laughing. I just had to leave my pizza and depart the room...
3.) When I read a book, I see a movie in my head.
4.) When I read something that is grammatically incorrect, I automatically correct it as I read it. It is physically impossible for me to read something aloud the way it was written - if it is incorrect. If something is written...well, as I sit here and try to think of something to write incorrectly, I can't. It's as though my brain won't process things that way. I can tell you that I have heard the following "sentence" numerous times and it has almost made me lose my mind, "That's done been tooken care of." Tooken??? I am NOT exaggerating, either.
5.) When I take a shower, I must follow a particular order for washing. I have tried and tried to deviate from it and while I might manage to wash one body part out of order, I fall right back into the same pattern. OCD, perhaps?
6.) And for the final quirk, I, too, will list the issue with cabinet doors and drawers. It absolutely freaks me out. Many, many, many, many, many, many years ago, Mikel's dad and roommate (pre-marriage and Mikel, obviously) purposely left EVERY SINGLE DOOR AND DRAWER in their apartment open. EVERYTHING except the refrigerator. I have no doubt that if they could have figured out how to do that without wasting food, they would have. My first thought was that they had been burglarized. Then I saw that EVERYTHING was open and it dawned on me. I turned around, shut the door and waited outside until they got home and went in and shut everything.
The Park
This weather this past weekend was awesome - especially for being the beginning of February. Since it was so nice, Evan got to go to the park on both Saturday and Sunday. He LOVES the park. That kid can climb up the stairs, crawl through the tunnels and slide millions of times. He has also started being a little more adventurous in that he's testing his limits to see how far he can go without me following him. He'll tell me, "I'm gonna go get drink. Be back in just a minute," and then head to the water fountain, which is 30 or so yards from the playground where I am. (Fortunately, the water fountain isn't operational at the moment!) Then he'll need to go sit on the bench at the picnic table. Or go check out some trees. He never strays too far, but he's working on his independence. It's pretty neat to observe!
We typically go to the park in the neighborhood across the main street, but we went to another one on Sunday that has a different set up. Let me tell you, it was a fight to get him to go to a different park. When I didn't go the direction he thought I should (I turned right instead of going straight ahead where he knew the park was), he raised all kinds of cane. When I got to the "other" park (which is how he now refers to this one), he was very impressed. When we pulled up, I turned around and looked at him and he said, "Ohhhh, Mommy...Look at that slide! I wanna go down slide! I'm gonna climb up stairs and go over bridge and go down slide!" And then he was off! He talked non stop while he climbed and slid (is that a correct grammatical usage?)...
Yesterday was even nicer, so I left my office early to take advantage of the perfect day. When we talked about going to the park, he said, "Mom, I wanna go to the 'other' park." (Yes, my two-year-old calls me "Mom"...)
And did I mention that the first thing he has to do when we get to the park - any park, not just the "other" park - is say hello to the trash cans????
Maybe I should do a post on six quirky things about my child!
We typically go to the park in the neighborhood across the main street, but we went to another one on Sunday that has a different set up. Let me tell you, it was a fight to get him to go to a different park. When I didn't go the direction he thought I should (I turned right instead of going straight ahead where he knew the park was), he raised all kinds of cane. When I got to the "other" park (which is how he now refers to this one), he was very impressed. When we pulled up, I turned around and looked at him and he said, "Ohhhh, Mommy...Look at that slide! I wanna go down slide! I'm gonna climb up stairs and go over bridge and go down slide!" And then he was off! He talked non stop while he climbed and slid (is that a correct grammatical usage?)...
Yesterday was even nicer, so I left my office early to take advantage of the perfect day. When we talked about going to the park, he said, "Mom, I wanna go to the 'other' park." (Yes, my two-year-old calls me "Mom"...)
And did I mention that the first thing he has to do when we get to the park - any park, not just the "other" park - is say hello to the trash cans????
Maybe I should do a post on six quirky things about my child!
Friday, February 1, 2008
Bubbles
Have you ever really stood back and witnessed what kind of joy something as simple as bubbles brings to a small child? Evan LOVES bubbles. Now, granted, he can't really blow them yet (he basically just spits through the wand), but he loves to try and he loves to play with them when I blow them for him.
Just watching his joy and fascination mesmerizes me...and quite frankly, it makes me feel like a little kid myself. Blowing bubbles can be kind of addictive. I catch myself saying, "Okay...last time," and then blowing them a dozen more times...
Just watching his joy and fascination mesmerizes me...and quite frankly, it makes me feel like a little kid myself. Blowing bubbles can be kind of addictive. I catch myself saying, "Okay...last time," and then blowing them a dozen more times...
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Umm...BrrRRR
I really don't mind cold weather. Really, I don't. In fact, I enjoy it. I don't, however, enjoy temperatures that give me the impression I have moved to Barrow, Alaska. (If you don't know about Barrow, Google it. It's quite interesting.) I love snow...just not ice. Yes, I realize that they sometimes go hand in hand - as was proven just today! First off, we got much more snow than the "trace" we were supposed to get. Granted, we didn't get feet or anything. But a trace is just that - a trace. My perception of a trace is a light dusting. You can still see the grass through a trace. Not today! And of course, when people were driving and it started melting the snow, it just immediately turned to ice because it has been so Barrow-like today. (Okay, okay...maybe not that bad, but it was still cold!)
Fortunately, I didn't have too many witnesses to my frustrated attempts to make it up my driveway. (Basically, Michael, I'm feeling pretty fortunate that you weren't there to laugh at me!) My driveway is pretty steep and it's a pretty sharp turn into it from the curve on the street, especially when someone is parked on the street just before my driveway. My first attempt failed...just not enough speed. I didn't realize just how bad it had gotten in the three hours since I left.
My second attempt failed as well...not enough head start or speed.
My third attempt failed (shocker) and kinda scared me as I actually got stuck CROSS WAYS in the street. I was waiting to get broadsided by some idiot flying in off of the main street.
My fourth attempt failed again - but I didn't get stuck in the street.
On my fifth attempt I decided I would drive further into the neighborhood, turn around and get a "running" start so I could gather some speed and make it up the driveway. But of course - seeing as how it was 5:30 - there were a half dozen cars whizzing in from the main street into the neighborhood. Yep...I had to STOP on the street and WAIT. Fortunately, however, I was able to back up (no cars trying to leave at that time) enough to get some speed and make it into the driveway.
I will say that I actually did a pretty good job holding my temper - and my tongue. I was pretty proud of my self-restraint.
I think my husband rolled his eyes (behind my back, of course) because I stocked up on salt/ice melt. Bet he'll be glad when he gets home and tries to make it up the driveway in a pickup truck...
Fortunately, I didn't have too many witnesses to my frustrated attempts to make it up my driveway. (Basically, Michael, I'm feeling pretty fortunate that you weren't there to laugh at me!) My driveway is pretty steep and it's a pretty sharp turn into it from the curve on the street, especially when someone is parked on the street just before my driveway. My first attempt failed...just not enough speed. I didn't realize just how bad it had gotten in the three hours since I left.
My second attempt failed as well...not enough head start or speed.
My third attempt failed (shocker) and kinda scared me as I actually got stuck CROSS WAYS in the street. I was waiting to get broadsided by some idiot flying in off of the main street.
My fourth attempt failed again - but I didn't get stuck in the street.
On my fifth attempt I decided I would drive further into the neighborhood, turn around and get a "running" start so I could gather some speed and make it up the driveway. But of course - seeing as how it was 5:30 - there were a half dozen cars whizzing in from the main street into the neighborhood. Yep...I had to STOP on the street and WAIT. Fortunately, however, I was able to back up (no cars trying to leave at that time) enough to get some speed and make it into the driveway.
I will say that I actually did a pretty good job holding my temper - and my tongue. I was pretty proud of my self-restraint.
I think my husband rolled his eyes (behind my back, of course) because I stocked up on salt/ice melt. Bet he'll be glad when he gets home and tries to make it up the driveway in a pickup truck...
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Stuff About Me
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Nope. I was fighting the urge to say there were millions and millions of people named before me, so of course I was named after someone...
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? About three hours ago.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Sometimes. Depends on the personality that wrote it.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Turkey or ham.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes - 18-year-old son and a 2-year-old son! MY LIGHTS!!
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Absolutely!
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? Who? Me??
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No...too much bouncing/jerking action on the back and neck. Other than that...no.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Lucky Charms (or the big bag version, Marshmallow Mateys) and the bagged cereal that is blueberry muffin top flavor...looks kinda like Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? When they are new...then I gradually slip into the non-untying mode...
12. DO YOU THINK YOU'RE STRONG? Very.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Jamocha Almond Fudge and Daquari Ice from Baskin Robbins.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Eyes, I think.
15. RED OR PINK? Pink.
16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Oh, where to start...probably the fact that there are so many things I dislike about myself!
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Both of my grandmothers (Grandma, who is Dad's mom; Lucy, who is Mom's mom) and my grandfather (Papa, who is Dad's dad). I would love to say I miss my maternal grandpa, but I never knew him. He passed away before I was born. How about I miss knowing him???
18.FAVORITE SMELLS? Rain, New babies, freshly cut grass, vanilla, Angel perfume...crisp, cool, clean mountain air...
19. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Oh boy...it depends. Football, baseball, NASCAR, golf...and definitely gymnastics and cheerleading. Those are about the only "girl" sports I like to watch. (Is that awful?) And to be fair, I don't watch a lot of sports anymore because of time - and conflict in the house!
20. HAIR COLOR? Interestingly unknown at this point.
21.Eye color? Blue/grey.
22. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No, but probably should...
23. FAVORITE FOOD? Don't really have one...
24. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy Endings.
25. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Catch and Release.
26. SUMMER OR WINTER? Both.
27. HUGS OR KISSES? Depends on who from.
28. FAVORITE DESSERT? Man...I don't know.
29. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? An Innocent Man by John Grisham. It's his first true crime book and it's based off of a murder in Ada, Oklahoma in 1982.
30. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LATE LAST NIGHT? Legends of the Fall
31. FAVORITE SOUND? Rain, soft (if that makes sense) thunderstorms, children's laughter, Evan singing Itsy Bitsy Spider (which is now a ringtone on my phone!)
32. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Iran.
33. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Writing scathing letters and editorials.
34. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Oklahoma City, Oklahoma--Baptist hospital
35. IF YOU COULD HAVE (OR HAVE HAD) ANY PROFESSION, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Probably being a teacher. Most likely high school history of some type.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? About three hours ago.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Sometimes. Depends on the personality that wrote it.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Turkey or ham.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes - 18-year-old son and a 2-year-old son! MY LIGHTS!!
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Absolutely!
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? Who? Me??
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No...too much bouncing/jerking action on the back and neck. Other than that...no.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Lucky Charms (or the big bag version, Marshmallow Mateys) and the bagged cereal that is blueberry muffin top flavor...looks kinda like Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? When they are new...then I gradually slip into the non-untying mode...
12. DO YOU THINK YOU'RE STRONG? Very.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Jamocha Almond Fudge and Daquari Ice from Baskin Robbins.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Eyes, I think.
15. RED OR PINK? Pink.
16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Oh, where to start...probably the fact that there are so many things I dislike about myself!
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Both of my grandmothers (Grandma, who is Dad's mom; Lucy, who is Mom's mom) and my grandfather (Papa, who is Dad's dad). I would love to say I miss my maternal grandpa, but I never knew him. He passed away before I was born. How about I miss knowing him???
18.FAVORITE SMELLS? Rain, New babies, freshly cut grass, vanilla, Angel perfume...crisp, cool, clean mountain air...
19. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Oh boy...it depends. Football, baseball, NASCAR, golf...and definitely gymnastics and cheerleading. Those are about the only "girl" sports I like to watch. (Is that awful?) And to be fair, I don't watch a lot of sports anymore because of time - and conflict in the house!
20. HAIR COLOR? Interestingly unknown at this point.
21.Eye color? Blue/grey.
22. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No, but probably should...
23. FAVORITE FOOD? Don't really have one...
24. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy Endings.
25. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Catch and Release.
26. SUMMER OR WINTER? Both.
27. HUGS OR KISSES? Depends on who from.
28. FAVORITE DESSERT? Man...I don't know.
29. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? An Innocent Man by John Grisham. It's his first true crime book and it's based off of a murder in Ada, Oklahoma in 1982.
30. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LATE LAST NIGHT? Legends of the Fall
31. FAVORITE SOUND? Rain, soft (if that makes sense) thunderstorms, children's laughter, Evan singing Itsy Bitsy Spider (which is now a ringtone on my phone!)
32. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Iran.
33. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Writing scathing letters and editorials.
34. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Oklahoma City, Oklahoma--Baptist hospital
35. IF YOU COULD HAVE (OR HAVE HAD) ANY PROFESSION, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Probably being a teacher. Most likely high school history of some type.
Monday, January 28, 2008
The Weekend
Saturday was one of those days when I started off with a big bang - cleaning, doing laundry, throwing away trash (as in, junk I don't need/want), trying to organize - and then sometime that afternoon, I just kind of hit a wall. I think it was about the time Evan went down for a nap. I think my body must have slid into "I need a nap, too" mode.
Anyway, when Evan woke up from his nap, the first thing he said was, "We go to the park, Mom. I go down slide." (Notice he said, "Mom," not, "Mommy" or "Momma." Nice, huh?) So in an effort to appease him (translated into: this way I don't have to listen to him scream at me to go to the park), I took him to the park before we went to go get dog food at PetSmart. It really was a pretty afternoon and we had SUCH a good time. He ran and ran and ran (in circles) and climbed up the stairs to the equipment, crawled through the tunnel and went down the slide about a million times. While we were there, some of our old neighbors actually showed up (as they were at a birthday party at a house next door to the park), so he had a few kids to "play" with (as much as they "play" together at this age). We were there for just shy of an hour and by the time it was time to go, I didn't get an argument out of him at all. He did manage to extract a promise out of me that we would go the next day...
So we went to PetSmart and bought dog food...which turned out to be a bigger mental struggle than I thought it would be. Now that we have two large dogs (thanks to our impulsive decision to rescue a homeless animal that materialized on one of Pat's job sites), I had to think through my dog food purchase. I have been in the habit of buying all holistic dog food for Crash. BUT that is $42 a bag, and, in all honesty, doesn't seem to be doing the job I wanted it to to begin with (which was to REDUCE poopage in the back yard, not create more). After walking in circles in the store for a half hour and carting and un-carting (is that a word?) about six different types of dog food, I FINALLY decided on the same brand I had been using, just a different formula. It is still very high in nutrients and all the things they need, but half as expensive for the same amount, and much easier for my bank account to digest.
After PetSmart, we moseyed on home and had a nice "relaxing" (yeah, with a 2-year-old) evening of some dinner and Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go!
Pat came home with an extremely swollen toe that looked very infected, so I had him soak it in really hot water, after which he thought he would try to "pop" it with a needle. That didn't work out so well...basically he managed to puncture the top layer or two of skin, got out a drop or two of blood, and that was it. That hurt WAY too bad! He didn't sleep well (even the sheet touching the toe hurt), and that's pretty much the way Sunday started off...
A typical Sunday starts with a trip to Journey Church - commonly referred to as "Journey Kids" for Evan. We didn't make the trip this weekend. This Sunday started off making plans to find someone to watch Evan so we could get his foot looked at. (Never again will I try to take Evan someplace like that where I will have to sit for a couple of hours and try to keep him entertained so he doesn't wreak havoc and drive people batty...) Much thanks to Liz and Michael for agreeing to keep him and even take him to church with them, even though I pawned him off on someone else for a couple of hours. I just really didn't want their church time to possibly be interrupted because my kiddo probably would have freaked out at a new church, plus, I had NO idea how long it would take.
We went to the Norman Regional Urgent Care Center on Tecumseh, which is brand new. We sat there for about TWO HOURS before we FINALLY saw a doctor who said it was a cuticle infection and told him to soak it and take antibiotics. He said that if it developed a "head" or what looks like a pus pocket, a surgeon could lance it and drain it. Pat was ready to do that anyway, but for the time being, we settled for the soaking, antibiotics and pain killers.
By the time we got Evan picked up and got home, Evan was on super tired overdrive. MAN, was he something else...either a little tyrant or acting SO FUNNY! It took me forever - and a lot of threats - to get that kid down for a nap. Of course once he went to sleep, he was out cold. I ended up having to gently/gradually wake him up or he would have slept until 8:00 and I never would have gotten him to go to bed for the night.
When I woke him up and started talking to him about going to get Daddy's medicine, he promptly started in on me about going to the park. Now, let's keep in mind that it was after 6:00 p.m. and DARK. It was slightly on the chilly side, too. But, a promise is a promise. Yeah, I took him to the park - in the dark. He didn't put up a fight, though, after about 7-8 minutes of climbing up the stairs, sitting in the tunnel and going down the slide in the dark, when I said it was time to go. He was just happy to play! It's so amazing how just the littlest things make kids happy!!! It certainly puts things into perspective. Even when you're tired - and don't feel like trapesing through the park in the dark - give a few minutes and the world is right for the little ones!
After our little foray into the darkened park and a quick trip to Walgreens, we headed over to Liz & Michael's so Evan could get a proper haircut. (Sometimes moms - okay, that would be me - should leave things to those who are trained to do it...) I can't even tell you how cute he looks. And he was SUCH a grown up baby boy, too! I think he was really proud of his big boy spiky hair. And boy did he ever strut around and want to look in the mirror this morning after I got it all fixed! After his haircut he really had fun playing with Addison and all the daycare toys...but most especially Addy's guitar!
MUCH, MUCH THANKS, LIZ!!!
Anyway, when Evan woke up from his nap, the first thing he said was, "We go to the park, Mom. I go down slide." (Notice he said, "Mom," not, "Mommy" or "Momma." Nice, huh?) So in an effort to appease him (translated into: this way I don't have to listen to him scream at me to go to the park), I took him to the park before we went to go get dog food at PetSmart. It really was a pretty afternoon and we had SUCH a good time. He ran and ran and ran (in circles) and climbed up the stairs to the equipment, crawled through the tunnel and went down the slide about a million times. While we were there, some of our old neighbors actually showed up (as they were at a birthday party at a house next door to the park), so he had a few kids to "play" with (as much as they "play" together at this age). We were there for just shy of an hour and by the time it was time to go, I didn't get an argument out of him at all. He did manage to extract a promise out of me that we would go the next day...
So we went to PetSmart and bought dog food...which turned out to be a bigger mental struggle than I thought it would be. Now that we have two large dogs (thanks to our impulsive decision to rescue a homeless animal that materialized on one of Pat's job sites), I had to think through my dog food purchase. I have been in the habit of buying all holistic dog food for Crash. BUT that is $42 a bag, and, in all honesty, doesn't seem to be doing the job I wanted it to to begin with (which was to REDUCE poopage in the back yard, not create more). After walking in circles in the store for a half hour and carting and un-carting (is that a word?) about six different types of dog food, I FINALLY decided on the same brand I had been using, just a different formula. It is still very high in nutrients and all the things they need, but half as expensive for the same amount, and much easier for my bank account to digest.
After PetSmart, we moseyed on home and had a nice "relaxing" (yeah, with a 2-year-old) evening of some dinner and Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go!
Pat came home with an extremely swollen toe that looked very infected, so I had him soak it in really hot water, after which he thought he would try to "pop" it with a needle. That didn't work out so well...basically he managed to puncture the top layer or two of skin, got out a drop or two of blood, and that was it. That hurt WAY too bad! He didn't sleep well (even the sheet touching the toe hurt), and that's pretty much the way Sunday started off...
A typical Sunday starts with a trip to Journey Church - commonly referred to as "Journey Kids" for Evan. We didn't make the trip this weekend. This Sunday started off making plans to find someone to watch Evan so we could get his foot looked at. (Never again will I try to take Evan someplace like that where I will have to sit for a couple of hours and try to keep him entertained so he doesn't wreak havoc and drive people batty...) Much thanks to Liz and Michael for agreeing to keep him and even take him to church with them, even though I pawned him off on someone else for a couple of hours. I just really didn't want their church time to possibly be interrupted because my kiddo probably would have freaked out at a new church, plus, I had NO idea how long it would take.
We went to the Norman Regional Urgent Care Center on Tecumseh, which is brand new. We sat there for about TWO HOURS before we FINALLY saw a doctor who said it was a cuticle infection and told him to soak it and take antibiotics. He said that if it developed a "head" or what looks like a pus pocket, a surgeon could lance it and drain it. Pat was ready to do that anyway, but for the time being, we settled for the soaking, antibiotics and pain killers.
By the time we got Evan picked up and got home, Evan was on super tired overdrive. MAN, was he something else...either a little tyrant or acting SO FUNNY! It took me forever - and a lot of threats - to get that kid down for a nap. Of course once he went to sleep, he was out cold. I ended up having to gently/gradually wake him up or he would have slept until 8:00 and I never would have gotten him to go to bed for the night.
When I woke him up and started talking to him about going to get Daddy's medicine, he promptly started in on me about going to the park. Now, let's keep in mind that it was after 6:00 p.m. and DARK. It was slightly on the chilly side, too. But, a promise is a promise. Yeah, I took him to the park - in the dark. He didn't put up a fight, though, after about 7-8 minutes of climbing up the stairs, sitting in the tunnel and going down the slide in the dark, when I said it was time to go. He was just happy to play! It's so amazing how just the littlest things make kids happy!!! It certainly puts things into perspective. Even when you're tired - and don't feel like trapesing through the park in the dark - give a few minutes and the world is right for the little ones!
After our little foray into the darkened park and a quick trip to Walgreens, we headed over to Liz & Michael's so Evan could get a proper haircut. (Sometimes moms - okay, that would be me - should leave things to those who are trained to do it...) I can't even tell you how cute he looks. And he was SUCH a grown up baby boy, too! I think he was really proud of his big boy spiky hair. And boy did he ever strut around and want to look in the mirror this morning after I got it all fixed! After his haircut he really had fun playing with Addison and all the daycare toys...but most especially Addy's guitar!
MUCH, MUCH THANKS, LIZ!!!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Attachment
Do you ever get attached to a contact person at a company with which you do business?
My "attachment disorder" is with my insurance agent. I really like my agent. And I don't want to talk to anyone but him. Mainly, I suppose, because I know I can call, ask him a question, and he will remember talking to me about it a few weeks later - even if he doesn't note it in the computer. The pseudo-agents he has working in his office aren't quite as...well, I don't know the term. I don't get follow up calls and they never seem to come up with the same information he did. I hate to seem so sticky, but I think it's just easier to deal with one person on things like that. Now, if it's something like the electric bill, who cares. But things that are or can be altered and make a real difference in how you are protected, give me one person and one person only. Now, if you have staff who can actually get it right, that's one thing...
Am I AWFUL???
My "attachment disorder" is with my insurance agent. I really like my agent. And I don't want to talk to anyone but him. Mainly, I suppose, because I know I can call, ask him a question, and he will remember talking to me about it a few weeks later - even if he doesn't note it in the computer. The pseudo-agents he has working in his office aren't quite as...well, I don't know the term. I don't get follow up calls and they never seem to come up with the same information he did. I hate to seem so sticky, but I think it's just easier to deal with one person on things like that. Now, if it's something like the electric bill, who cares. But things that are or can be altered and make a real difference in how you are protected, give me one person and one person only. Now, if you have staff who can actually get it right, that's one thing...
Am I AWFUL???
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Bible Study...
So here's the question - to one and all:
If you were going to give someone advice on where (as in what Book) and how she should start "re-learning" the Bible, what would it be? Would you tell her to start at the beginning? Middle? End? (Okay, so I'm begging no one says "End." I REALLY don't want to start with that...although, I guess if you think about it, there's probably nothing like reading Revelations to really make a person sit up and take note of things REALLY fast...but still, that's not where I want to start. I get the whole picture of that - don't want to read it now!)
If you were going to give someone advice on where (as in what Book) and how she should start "re-learning" the Bible, what would it be? Would you tell her to start at the beginning? Middle? End? (Okay, so I'm begging no one says "End." I REALLY don't want to start with that...although, I guess if you think about it, there's probably nothing like reading Revelations to really make a person sit up and take note of things REALLY fast...but still, that's not where I want to start. I get the whole picture of that - don't want to read it now!)
Procrastination
Does anyone other than me procrastinate? (Since you can't actually hear the sarcasm in my voice, I'll just let you know it's there...) I don't LIKE to procrastinate; I just do it sometimes. Usually it's over little piddly stuff that wouldn't take me five minutes to finish. The bad thing is that I've probably let 15 little five minute tasks build up and it seems overwhelming. The other time I procrastinate is when I have to do something that will result in an outcome I will have to deal with, but not enjoy. (Like if the outcome results in more stuff to do in an area I don't like to deal with.)
I tell myself all the time I am going to stop procrastinating. Some day I'll stop procrastinating and stop procrastinating.
I tell myself all the time I am going to stop procrastinating. Some day I'll stop procrastinating and stop procrastinating.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Welcome, Teresa
Just want to give a shout out to my fabulous friend, Teresa, who has joined the blogging world. Of course I had to twist her arm, but I think she'll really like it once she gets into it. I think I will like it more once I get it through my head that it really doesn't matter what I write...I just hate sounding stupid!!!
Oh Man....
Too bad I didn't become a major bloggie before now...Pay Per Post rejected my blog!! Only because I had a lag time of 30 days within the past 90 days, though, so I'll just have to keep it up! I can, however, start using the open opportunities and stuff, so I'll get going that way!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Pay Per Post
Thanks, Liz! I'm really glad I've found out about this amazing opportunity. Not only is it a great way to make some extra cash (something everyone can use - well, everyone I know, anyway), it's a great way to learn about different products and services. Now I'm just waiting for my blog to get approved. I plan to become a major bloggie...
Purchasing Vehicles
There was a time in my life that I actually enjoyed shopping for a new car. But it was just one time...
I've had to do this twice within the past year. Well, three times if you count dealing with Mikel's truck, too. I would truly rather eat compost (and we all know what's in that) than car shop. I guess the car part isn't too bad. It's the sales people and dealing with financing - which is a nightmare even if you already have it and don't use the dealership.
With all the eye rolling being done now, I'll say with great pleasure that Pat got a new truck last night. I AM SO HAPPY FOR HIM. He was "due" if you get my meaning. It is a really, really pretty truck. I'll post some pictures later on.
Here's a question: has anyone ever had a pleasant car shopping experience?
I've had to do this twice within the past year. Well, three times if you count dealing with Mikel's truck, too. I would truly rather eat compost (and we all know what's in that) than car shop. I guess the car part isn't too bad. It's the sales people and dealing with financing - which is a nightmare even if you already have it and don't use the dealership.
With all the eye rolling being done now, I'll say with great pleasure that Pat got a new truck last night. I AM SO HAPPY FOR HIM. He was "due" if you get my meaning. It is a really, really pretty truck. I'll post some pictures later on.
Here's a question: has anyone ever had a pleasant car shopping experience?
Teenager-Thinks-He-Knows-Everything-Wanna-Be-Thinks-He-Is-Adult
I'm pretty certain the title says it all, but, I just have to wonder if everyone goes through this with their cherished ones at this age. I find it difficult to fathom that you can love someone so much you would lay down your life for him/her, but then also want to choke him unconscious while beating his head against a wall...
Hmmm...Think that's how Jesus feels? (I would venture to guess, "Yes.") Going through this yourself sure makes one think about how she acts and whether or not He is feeling like he wants to strangle me.
He's selfish, rude, disrespectful, TOTALLY UNGRATEFUL, thinks he knows everything, thinks he's above/beyond mistake, thinks he's IT. But we're also talking about a kid who has to call and ask me directions to get someplace he's been 50 times...or someplace that's two miles from him. He definitely lives in his own little world.
Anyway, for anyone who has advice on overcoming this, PLEASE COMMENT.
Hmmm...Think that's how Jesus feels? (I would venture to guess, "Yes.") Going through this yourself sure makes one think about how she acts and whether or not He is feeling like he wants to strangle me.
He's selfish, rude, disrespectful, TOTALLY UNGRATEFUL, thinks he knows everything, thinks he's above/beyond mistake, thinks he's IT. But we're also talking about a kid who has to call and ask me directions to get someplace he's been 50 times...or someplace that's two miles from him. He definitely lives in his own little world.
Anyway, for anyone who has advice on overcoming this, PLEASE COMMENT.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Target.
Yesterday Evan and I went to Target after I picked him up from daycare. I needed to pick up a few things to make burgers and, I'll admit, I just wanted to browse. I LOVE Target.
I saw some things I liked (a few purses, particularly, and some home items), but the very best thing I got was the world's sweetest kisses and hugs(lots and lots of them) and about a MILLION, "I love you so much, Mommy!" Everyone in the store who heard him just got the biggest smiles on their faces and I heard "That is so sweet!" a lot.
Of course then when we got home he was a little turkey! Doesn't matter, though. I have, "I love you so much, Mommy" running through my head and even when I'm frustrated, I hear that sweet little voice!
I saw some things I liked (a few purses, particularly, and some home items), but the very best thing I got was the world's sweetest kisses and hugs(lots and lots of them) and about a MILLION, "I love you so much, Mommy!" Everyone in the store who heard him just got the biggest smiles on their faces and I heard "That is so sweet!" a lot.
Of course then when we got home he was a little turkey! Doesn't matter, though. I have, "I love you so much, Mommy" running through my head and even when I'm frustrated, I hear that sweet little voice!
Friday, January 4, 2008
Alternate Universe...
I determined today that we must ALL be living in some type of alternate universe. Why? Because I NEVER thought I would witness (in a round about way) ANYONE making the conscious decision that Kevin Federline is a better parent than Brittany Spears. That isn't because I give her credit, but because he's just a "wanna be" stinker.
However, SHE is a $^*%@#)(&$ and totally deserves to have her kids yanked from her. And if he is REALLY being a good parent (but then, who is the alternative? Her mother? HA HA HA HA), then kudos to him. I hope he really is being a stand up man and dad.
I personally think the judge in their custody case should throw her stupid butt in jail for contempt. Lord knows she's defied him (and Him) enough.
Anyone want to take any bets or make any conclusions about the kind of mother her kid sister is going to be???
However, SHE is a $^*%@#)(&$ and totally deserves to have her kids yanked from her. And if he is REALLY being a good parent (but then, who is the alternative? Her mother? HA HA HA HA), then kudos to him. I hope he really is being a stand up man and dad.
I personally think the judge in their custody case should throw her stupid butt in jail for contempt. Lord knows she's defied him (and Him) enough.
Anyone want to take any bets or make any conclusions about the kind of mother her kid sister is going to be???
2008
I guess my "resolution" is to choose to be happy. We had a WONDERFUL series at Journey about what it takes and doesn't take to be happy. I'm going to do my very best to follow those eight steps. If you want to see that particular "talk," go to www.journeychurch.tv and follow the Current Series link. It was AWESOME and it wasn't even done by our Senior Pastor.
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