Why?

Why does this Blog Site's spelling checker not recognize Blog?

Out of Hand

I am in BLOG HEAVEN. Got the POSC Blog going and I think it is Fab. I hope the rest of the group agrees. I don't think anyone will mind it, it just might not appeal to others in the group as a place to go to and find updates so we'll still use email for details and time sensitive stuff.

So anyway, I LOVE the look, the pictures, the idea of communicating to everyone in a "whenever you want to look at this" way. I hope they get into it. I need to remember to tell everyone not to use last names. I think we're all good on the privacy issue if we don't use last names. And if there is ANY reason for concern- we'll remove the blog. Easy.

The kid one is my fav. I LOVE to show off our AMAZING kiddos. I'm too excited about this huh?

Peer Pressure

Okay, so peer pressure is probably not a good thing (in most cases). This I get. But why does it work so well on me and yet I can't seem to use the same powers in return on others? I mean it is probably for the best, but my persuasive techniques probably are seemingly lacking.

Yeah Ducks, I'm talking to you. I get it... don't put yourself into a situation where your kiddo would be unhappy- and thus making you unhappy. Look ahead and make sure you are making wise decisions. It is smart and I guess we could learn from ya but... Oh well, it is okay to say no- so why haven't I mastered that?

Goin' Down the Toilet...

Gross. Why the toilet?

Out of all the things you have to "play" with...

1 step forward, 2 steps back. Happy to say I got lots done today but man was it a fight.

Now the toilet appears to be backed up. Sounds like a job for the Captain. This Queen must lack the gene for this type of talent. I've got the plunger thing and I'm trying to get whatever it is out but...

ANCHORMAN- Clever?

Okay so I thought Anchor Man as okay but I keep thinking about different parts and they crack me up. Like here I am cleaning and thinkin' about...

Ron Burgundy: I wanna say something. I'm gonna put it out there; if you like it, you can take it, if you don't, send it right back. I want to be on you. [Veronica turns and walks away] Ron Burgundy: Wait. Wait, wait, wait, wait. I... I wanna be on you.

Hee hee. Why is that so funny to me?

I looked this up on IBDB and found the rest of the quotes- too too funny. Some of the best lines are in average movies.

Read... Enjoy : )

Bartender: You know, times are changing. Ladies can do stuff now and you're going to learn how to deal with it. Ron Burgundy: What? Were you saying something? Look, I don't speak Spanish.

Brian Fantana: Ron, I know it sounds harsh, but God does not want her to live.

Ron Burgundy: [after jumping into the grizzly bear pit at the San Diego Zoo] I immediately regret this decision.

I love so much of this movie and didn't even know it. Thank you IBDB- you're the best!

Better Again

Well at last, well at last, hey everyone I'm well at last.

Isn't it funny how when you're sick it feels like you'll never get better and when you're well, you wonder how it is possible that you were ever that sick. I use to be think being healthy was a choice. For me the sick people I knew were always the same people that found reasons to be be unhappy. So somewhere along the line I came to the conclusion that a positive frame of mind could keep you from getting sick- to some degree I still believe that does have an impact but it has taken time after time of getting sicker than I imagined possible in situations I didn't expect to make me realize that life doesn't always work out the way we want it to just because.

And thank God for it, had I not experienced my own "weak" moments- I'd be right down impossible, callous and judgmental. Everytime in my life that I've had to deal with situations I had not planned, I have learned more than I ever would have had things gone "right". It has helped mold me into a person that better understands her fellow human beings (I hope- hey I know I'm a work in progress). So anyway, when it comes down to it- if feels good to not feel bad (or at least as bad). Knowing how it feels to feel less than ideal is GREAT because it allows me to cherish these times.

Hey that reminds of a the Madonna song- Cherish. I LOVE that song (and that video). It came out at the same time Rush Rush from Paula Abdul (sp?)- Man I LOVED those songs and I loved those times. It takes me back. For those of you that don't know me (yeah right), I often associate song lyrics with topics of conversation. Not that I'm totally up on music (I'm not) or that I'm all that creative with it- most of the songs I refer to are super old or really obvious but I love the background that music can provide. It is such a great accent to a moment. Maybe the best accent.

Pulling Teeth

Getting your wisdom teeth pulled is not fun...

Imagine that I thought otherwise? Always being one for a good value- I was Happy Happy Happy to hear that the price was only going to be around $150 (which actually ended up being only $98) when I thought it could run me as much as $1500. So here I've been suffering for years with these teeth when for less than $100 bucks I could be pain-free (so I thought).

So here I am "recovering" and it isn't going so well. I keep getting sick to my stomach (and all that that implies) and generally feeling like I'm going to die. It isn't all bad though- the boys (all three) have been amazing. Feeling loved for sure overrides feeling sick.

Pain is bad but being Loved is AMAZING.

Moving Day

In a few days we'll be moving Mom out of our childhood home. I thought it wouldn't be a problem, seemed like a logical thing to do so why worry about it- just do it. But now as it is approaching... it is stirring up some unexpected emotions.

This house is not impressive, they've been renting it for years and what can I say- there was a time when admittingly I found it embarrassing. But that was before, before I became a Mother and realized what my parent's sacrificed for us. That house with its bright pink walls and 70's laminate floor was more full of love and comforts than any place I will likely visit again.

The memories... all the gatherings for Holidays and special events. I guess the time that stands out most to me is when we got the whole family together to announce that I was pregnant. No one knew we were really trying (shoot we weren't even sure but that's beside the point) . Then there were the typical moments you'd expect- the place we met up to go to Homecoming, Prom, getting ready for our Dance Recitals, all the parties- man there were alot of parties. That was where I met Captain Happenstance and where my childhood friends grew up with us.

It was the smallest house of everyone we knew, it was often not the cleanest house compared to the people we knew, but it was always the house everyone wanted to be at- even if I didn't. Funny how sometimes "we" are the last people to appreciate our blessings.

But mostly that was where my memories of my Dad are and I hate to feel like we're moving on. Dad got hurt and now is recovering at a long-term care facility. I don't know where his path to recovery will end and the uncertainty is hard to deal with- even more so for my Mom who has already lost so much.

One thing I know is that you can't take it with you, invest in your family and friends because the rest can be taken at any time. And if it is- that should be okay. The memories are yours forever anyway. Well I say that but my memory isn't the greatest- maybe it was all the drinking. Oh all the drinking- more memories from the house...

You can never go home never rang so true but I can say, at least we still have each other. It probably sounds like I'm sad but surprisingly things are starting to make sense to me in ways they hadn't in a long time. I know we'll get through this and so I won't get bogged down in saddness- I will do what I have to do, feel what I feel and I will enjoy all the good things in my life.

Busted

Just when you think you're getting away with something.... you're busted (kids take note).

My posting regarding the whole pretending like you know what you're doing.... well I may have been wrong. IE: I got busted.

Didn't practice my Karate (like the week before) but this time it showed. Nevermind that I wasn't feeling good (what's new)- I also just knew I couldn't keep up the charade. So while faking it isn't the worst thing- investing yourself in something and really getting good at it is better.

Politics

Change is Possible...
My brother and I have continued our parent’s legacy of having and discussing our political views (we’re so blessed to have such amazing and loving/insightful parents).

Combined below are some comments we sent to Mr. John Kerry in response to some of his emails about the new nominee for Supreme Court Justice.

My thoughts (though I agree with my brother 100%)
Mr. Kerry I voted for you but your reference to Roe vs. Wade in such an attack dog type way makes me question whether or not I did the right thing. After watching the debates and looking into the abortion issue I was convinced that the Republicans were not interested in overturning Roe vs. Wade anyway, so voting for you on the other issues was something I could live with. But please don’t take your heart out of the matter, our hearts (the hearts of Democrats) are often the thing that separates us from the Republicans. Doing what’s right because it’s right, even if it is at a cost to the rich and a benefit to the poor- versus doing what pleases the powerful.

My Brother's thoughts.... I too voted for you, but I disagree with your stance on Roe vs. Wade. There are many Democrats that are Pro Life, including the minority leader of the senate D-Harry Reid of Nevada. I have seen Democrats work on legislation to reduce the number of abortions and want to educate people about birth control to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Republicans have done little to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies. I think it's good to let people like yourself know that there are Democrats that are Pro Life and would love to see abortion made illegal again. We also want unwanted pregnancies reduced buy teaching people the real Choice: 1) The Choice to have sex in the first place2) The Choice to use birth control3) The Choice to keep your baby or put it up for adoption Those should be the only choices a person should make, and our government should educate people on these choices. Let's change the official position of the Democratic Party to "Abortion should be rare". Abortion is not a choice, its murder.

I hope Republicans will back up their stance on respect for life. Put God first then country. If your appointee manages to get Abortion to be considered illegal on the Federal level- to me President Bush will be one of the most AMAZING Christians in history. We’ll see…

Be Careful, Don't Dismiss...

I get the gist of the whole…
I would rather live my life as if there is a God, and die to find out there isn't, than live my life as if there isn't, and die to find out there is.
But I have to add that your belief system should mean more to you than just covering your bases. I’ve heard this saying before and on the surface it sounds fine, but the implications are concerning. Something to think about- I mean, doesn’t it really put an indifference spin on/about God? Like He really isn’t the point, the point is to live like God exists and receive the benefits (don’t you think this offends him?)- living like that just enforces the fact that you probably deep down don’t actually believe his does. That is worse than straight out not believing because you are satisfied you’ve met the requirements and you might not be. Wouldn’t that be a tragedy?

IE: Live life knowing God, be certain.

Because I know this thought process has been better put- I did some searches on Google and believe it or not this saying is used almost primarily by Atheists to prove that God’s existence is not a reality.

Something to think about...

Terrorist Are Pirates

NPR was just talking about the idea of treating Terrorist as enemies of humanity. Isn't that awesome? I can't imagine a more logical assertion; they are not against any one country (America or England) but are in fact against a thought-process of free people. They should not be treated at political combatants but as pirates. Yeah that's right- pirates. Pirates are lawless individuals that would do anything to advance their own cause. They answer to no one and they can't be fought against as one nation would fight another. There should be international law and a pirate should be able to be tracked down and destroyed wherever they go. The thought-process goes on and on and it's good. Look into it. It may just do the world some good.

How can anyone look at a sleeping child and not see the glory of God?

Speaking of... I have received this email before (see below) and at one time related to it BIG TIME. Read it, below each line of theirs you'll see my comments. I’m happy to say I don’t relate to it as much anymore and I’m so grateful to be able to say that. Isn’t it funny how we let ourselves off the hook because we say that everyone does the same thing- comparing ourselves to other people instead of to Christ.

Ref Email (with my comments)…
IT'S STRANGE ISN'T IT

Isn't it strange how a 20 dollar bill seems like such a large amount when you donate it to church, but such a small amount when you go shopping?
I’ve definitely reevaluated the way I see money. All be it I’m not tithing my full 10%, I’ve got a plan and not having a plan that makes that a priority is the reason I’m not. A friend talked about how his Pastor said “if you’re not tithing, you need to reevaluate your priorities” and went on to say “maybe your house is too big”. That isn’t something we often hear- maybe what we have is more than we need. Interesting. It is in our nature to want more and more, that’s ambition and ambition in and of itself is good- but what is it based on- your need to get ahead and indulge in the things of this world or to return to God what is already his (because isn’t it true that we can’t out give him- thanks Doug for that insight)? Now I didn't get so self indulged over night so I'm giving myself some time to undo the decisions (financial ones) knowing most changes that keep, takes focus and time.

Isn't it strange how 2 hours seem so long when you're at church, and how short they seem when you're watching a good movie?
Yeah, one’s attention span should not be contingent on our entertainment “needs”- but on our growing needs as individuals in our Christian walk.

Isn't it strange that you can't find a word to say when you're praying, but you have no trouble thinking what to talk about with a friend? That’s where that daily dialogue with God needs to come in. He shouldn’t be in a box reserved for your time before sleep and eating.

Isn't it strange how difficult and boring it is to read one chapter of the Bible, but how easy it is to read 100 pages of a popular novel? Reading a study bible has helped me out greatly in this regard. To me it is important to learn about your faith, how can you believe in something you are not aware of all the details on?

Isn't it strange how everyone wants front-row-tickets to concerts or games, but they do whatever is possible to sit at the last row in Church? Well not sure if where you sit directly correlates to your feelings of the moment, but if it does think about sitting closer (and then sit closer).

Isn't it strange how we need to know about an event for Church 2-3 weeks before the day so we can include it in our agenda, but we can adjust it for other events at the last minute? I have going to Church on my schedule. I plan on going every Sunday. When I use to try to fit it in as an afterthought almost anything else came before it (sleeping in, going shopping, whatever). Not that anyone is perfect.

Isn't it strange how difficult it is to learn a fact about God to share it with others, but how easy it is to learn, understand, extend and repeat gossip? Gossip is dangerous. I do think talking about concerns are important and can be used as learning opportunities- I guess intent is the key factor here. Talking about God is hard because it is important that you get it right and that you do your best to not turn people off of the Word but still be true to your beliefs.

Isn't it strange how we believe everything that magazines and newspapers say, but we question the words in the Bible? Questioning things is fine as long as you seek the answers. Any questions you have related the Bible has answers in the Bible.

Isn't it strange how everyone wants a place in heaven, but they don't want to believe, do, or say anything to get there? I think we know we can’t earn our place in heaven, but through the grace of God we are given the opportunity to enter the gates. Then as a result of being Christians, our lives are enriched and we become his- as his we reap the rewards (if not now at least in the end and those rewards are different to our Christian selves than our worldly selves).

Isn't it strange how we send jokes in e-mails and they are forwarded right away, but when we are going to send messages about God, we think about it twice before we share it with others? Maybe but sharing messages about God through email isn’t good enough- it is nice but doesn’t get you off the hook in regards to living a full Christian life (which is an awesome goal).

My thoughts…
What are yours?

IT'S STRANGE ISN'T IT?

Lookin' like you know what you're doing is such a good thing. People find comfort in it. Even if people know you don't know what you're doing but think you're doing a good job of attempting to give that impression, they're generally happy.

I say that because I'm generally surrounded by nice people.

In Karate for example, I'm probably going to be testing for my Orange Belt this month. Am I ready? Nope. Do they know that? Obviously not. Life is good. But then again, the main instructor said she'd have the final say... there's always someone that sees through you I guess.

That's okay, it makes thing interesting I suppose.
Kritter

Maybe I'll surprise myself? That would be great. Another good thing about faking it, sometimes you learn something or even rise to the occasion.

So I will answer my question (just to get things flowing)....
I got out of bed this morning because my lil' Jack Jack wouldn't let me sleep. Boy did I need some, but he wasn't concerned. He tickled me, and kicked me, dug at my eyes until I gave in. The boy was hungry (what's new). So I did what any good Mommy would do, I gave him what he wanted....
chocolate bars. What can I say, I was feeling sick and not wanting to fight. So I took the path of least resistance. Of course I tried to give him a banana but today that wasn't going to fly.