Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
A Christmas pause...
1. Do you believe in miracles?
Oh absolutely!! I've seen miracles first hand - my sister-in-law, falling 75 feet off of a cliff, into cactus, and being found by an angel hiker (she was nowhere near a trail). A miracle. A friend's co-worker being told she had stage 4 cancer throughout her entire body... and two rounds of chemo later, they can't find a single tumor... can't find any trace of cancer anywhere in her. A miracle. Miracles happen every day... in big ways, and in small ways. You just have to look for them harder sometimes!
Rainbow looms. These things are so popular... it just shows that I have no business sense whatsoever... at $5 a bag for little rubber bands... I don't even want to THINK about how much these people have made. (And apparently they were invented by a dad, who created them for his kids... which is kinda cool)
3. Peppermint-are you a fan? If so, what's your favorite food or beverage containing peppermint?
Yes. And these are more addictive than oreos... and that's saying something... Go buy a few boxes today... you'll thank me.
4. Break the ice, on thin ice, as cold as ice (emotionally, not literally)...which phrase have you run into most recently? Explain.
I would have to say "Break the ice" - as I have two jobs that are new to me, and I'm having to find my way... introduce myself to parents and teachers at the school, and connect with customers in the store. Luckily I'm pretty good at connecting with people...
The only thing that comes to mind is during one of my first times at my friend Jenny's house. I was learning how to be a rubber stamping demonstrator, and I was at her kitchen table, using a bumble bee roller wheel. When all of a sudden I realized I had gone off the paper, onto her table, with Stazon ink - the permanent ink. She just looked at me with wide eyes and said "That's where my husband sits... he's going to kill me!" Uh oh... many many applications of ink remover later, and it was mostly off. And yes, we don't talk as much as we used to - time and geographical distance will do that - but yes, we are still friends!
6. 'Tis the week before Christmas...are you feeling more like Buddy the Elf or theGrinch before his heart grew?
Definitely Buddy the Elf! I do love this season... the music, the lights, the smiles... even with the crazy mall, the insane work schedule, the peppermint Joe-Joes always tempting me... :-)
7. Share a favorite quote relating to Christmas.
"Christmas! The very word brings joy to our hearts. No matter how we may dread the rush, the long Christmas lists for gifts and cards to be bought and given--when Christmas Day comes there is still the same warm feeling we had as children, the same warmth that enfolds our hearts and our homes.”
― Joan Winmill Brown
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Tonight I was supposed to go to a Christmas party. New friends. yummy food. Ornament exchange. A welcome break from working late nights at the mall... but then... today I was worn out. Call it hormones... life catching up with me... the fact that I've worked the last 5 days straight in two jobs. But this afternoon I got a reminder that the most important things in life are those that are right around you... and for me, that's my husband and kids... yes, I still want to foster my new friendships... but for tonight, I needed to just walk hand in hand with my husband on the pier, enjoy a glass of wine and dinner with my family, and drive around looking at the amazing Christmas lights in a ritzy neighborhood. (Even if it felt a bit strange, running the AIR CONDITIONING in the car as we drove! I'm not kidding!) But still...So, so good. There's always next year for the ornament exchange... and I know my friends understand. Merry Christmas, friends.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Calm in the midst of the Storm...
Hello friends! Welcome back to our weekly Hodgepodge... I realize it has been a long time since I've actually written any other blog fodder than the Hodgepodge, not that that's a bad thing, but I've got another blog post brewing in my mind... so stay tuned... perhaps one will come sooner than later! In the meantime, lets Hodgepodge!
oops - accidentally hit "publish" there instead of "save"... oh boy, this might be a fun morning...
Away to the Hodgepodge we go!
1. Are you doing anything special to mark this season of Advent? If so please share.
Other than reading the daily Advent devotions that our pastor puts out (which are wonderful!), I'm not really doing anything this year... I wish I were... right now I feel like life is so full and complicated, and really, that's when I SHOULD be taking a break from it all and resting in the comfort that Jesus came into our world... read that, OUR world, the messy complicated world - not in a palace set apart from everyone, but in a common yucky dirty stable... God with us, indeed.
2. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen...and of course you recall, the most famous reindeer of all...so, which reindeer name best describes you this week?
Donner... without a doubt... Donner. As I "don" the many hats I wear right now - Mom, check. Wife, check. Teacher, check. Retail associate, check. Daycare worker, check. Daughter (my dad is in the hospital, and their kitchen is being remodeled).
Check, check, check... don, don, donner.
3. What's worse-too quiet or too loud? Which have you had more of lately?
Too loud is, generally, worse. Because it drowns out what is truly important and just adds to the chaos. However, any mom of toddlers knows that too quiet usually means trouble! :-)
4. This question comes to you from Zoanna over at A Penchant for Pens-thanks Zo!
When you are administratively gifted, how often do you find yourself not trusting less gifted people to do what they've committed to do? If you are not so gifted that way, but are reliable, how do you feel when the stronger person (in that area) goes ahead and covers it before giving you a chance to come through?
Ooh, deep question Zo! (and for the record, I have NO idea why my font just changed... ugh... see, I TOLD you it was going to be a bizarre post today) In answer to your question, Zoanna, yes, when I am in an administrative position and find that others aren't as capable, I have a hard time "handing over the reigns" - I struggle to let go of my high standards and deal with the frustration when things are not done to completion or are left with more questions than answers in the end. When I am not the stronger person, I don't have a hard time letting others lead, however if they go over my head after asking me to do a task, then I feel demeaned and frustrated. A difficult position for sure!
5. What is your most dreaded task relating to the holidays? Your most looked forward to holiday task?
Most dreaded (see, there goes my font, changing on its own again)... I don't really have one! I love finding things for people - although this year our budget is much tighter, so I'm not able to give as much as I would like to.
6. Facebook has released its list of the 'most talked about' topics of 2013. Pope Francis took the number one spot. Does that surprise you? He was followed by election, royal baby, typhoon, and Harlem Shake. Your thoughts? What was your most talked about topic in 2013? (Facebook, around the kitchen table, or wherever it is you talk)
I think Pope Francis has taken the world, not to mention the Catholic church, by storm and refocused on what is truly the mission of Christ. While I may not agree with everything he says, I have great respect for his leadership style. And seeing that our family has indeed talked about him, it doesn't surprise me at all that he was right up there on the Facebook chatter list! In 2013 our most talked about topic was our budget, and making priorities as a family.
7. What's something you consider a necessity that others might view as a luxury?
My immediate thoughts go to a warm bed, water, clothing, electricity - all things we take for granted and have an absolute fit if anything disrupts those things for a nanosecond. All things that other people all over the world do not have.
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Right now my dad is facing open heart surgery. Their house is torn apart with the kitchen remodel. My kids have Christmas concerts, church and scout activities, and every other email is a request for donations or help. I'm working nights and weekends in the mall, and teaching a couple of days each week during the day. Things are chaotic. Not still. Not silent. Loud. Donning a new hat every hour. And so, in the midst of this... I pause... I force stillness on my soul... I lift up my eyes to the skies... and thank God for never ever leaving me... for always being here... just a breath away... in all ways, and for always.
This is my all time favorite version of Silent Night. Sit back, and let it wash over you... just for 5 minutes... the last image made me cry... this, this is what it is all about. Peace in the midst of the storm.
oops - accidentally hit "publish" there instead of "save"... oh boy, this might be a fun morning...
Away to the Hodgepodge we go!
1. Are you doing anything special to mark this season of Advent? If so please share.
Other than reading the daily Advent devotions that our pastor puts out (which are wonderful!), I'm not really doing anything this year... I wish I were... right now I feel like life is so full and complicated, and really, that's when I SHOULD be taking a break from it all and resting in the comfort that Jesus came into our world... read that, OUR world, the messy complicated world - not in a palace set apart from everyone, but in a common yucky dirty stable... God with us, indeed.
2. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen...and of course you recall, the most famous reindeer of all...so, which reindeer name best describes you this week?
Donner... without a doubt... Donner. As I "don" the many hats I wear right now - Mom, check. Wife, check. Teacher, check. Retail associate, check. Daycare worker, check. Daughter (my dad is in the hospital, and their kitchen is being remodeled).
Check, check, check... don, don, donner.
3. What's worse-too quiet or too loud? Which have you had more of lately?
Too loud is, generally, worse. Because it drowns out what is truly important and just adds to the chaos. However, any mom of toddlers knows that too quiet usually means trouble! :-)
4. This question comes to you from Zoanna over at A Penchant for Pens-thanks Zo!
When you are administratively gifted, how often do you find yourself not trusting less gifted people to do what they've committed to do? If you are not so gifted that way, but are reliable, how do you feel when the stronger person (in that area) goes ahead and covers it before giving you a chance to come through?
Ooh, deep question Zo! (and for the record, I have NO idea why my font just changed... ugh... see, I TOLD you it was going to be a bizarre post today) In answer to your question, Zoanna, yes, when I am in an administrative position and find that others aren't as capable, I have a hard time "handing over the reigns" - I struggle to let go of my high standards and deal with the frustration when things are not done to completion or are left with more questions than answers in the end. When I am not the stronger person, I don't have a hard time letting others lead, however if they go over my head after asking me to do a task, then I feel demeaned and frustrated. A difficult position for sure!
5. What is your most dreaded task relating to the holidays? Your most looked forward to holiday task?
Most dreaded (see, there goes my font, changing on its own again)... I don't really have one! I love finding things for people - although this year our budget is much tighter, so I'm not able to give as much as I would like to.
6. Facebook has released its list of the 'most talked about' topics of 2013. Pope Francis took the number one spot. Does that surprise you? He was followed by election, royal baby, typhoon, and Harlem Shake. Your thoughts? What was your most talked about topic in 2013? (Facebook, around the kitchen table, or wherever it is you talk)
I think Pope Francis has taken the world, not to mention the Catholic church, by storm and refocused on what is truly the mission of Christ. While I may not agree with everything he says, I have great respect for his leadership style. And seeing that our family has indeed talked about him, it doesn't surprise me at all that he was right up there on the Facebook chatter list! In 2013 our most talked about topic was our budget, and making priorities as a family.
7. What's something you consider a necessity that others might view as a luxury?
My immediate thoughts go to a warm bed, water, clothing, electricity - all things we take for granted and have an absolute fit if anything disrupts those things for a nanosecond. All things that other people all over the world do not have.
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Right now my dad is facing open heart surgery. Their house is torn apart with the kitchen remodel. My kids have Christmas concerts, church and scout activities, and every other email is a request for donations or help. I'm working nights and weekends in the mall, and teaching a couple of days each week during the day. Things are chaotic. Not still. Not silent. Loud. Donning a new hat every hour. And so, in the midst of this... I pause... I force stillness on my soul... I lift up my eyes to the skies... and thank God for never ever leaving me... for always being here... just a breath away... in all ways, and for always.
This is my all time favorite version of Silent Night. Sit back, and let it wash over you... just for 5 minutes... the last image made me cry... this, this is what it is all about. Peace in the midst of the storm.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
An exploration in Hodgepodge!
I don't know about you, but I feel like I'm still trying to digest all of the awesome Thanksgiving food... oh my goodness... so good... and I need a solid carrot stick diet for the next month! :-) I hope you all had a wonderful holiday - onto the Hodgepodge to get us back into the groove of the week!
1. According to Oxford Dictionaries, the 2013 word of the year is 'selfie'. Your thoughts? When did you last take a selfie? Do you post them online somewhere? Do you prefer to be in front of the camera or behind the lens?
Oh good grief - I can't believe that "selfie" is actually an acceptable word, much less the "word of the year" - I mean, seriously? Even my spellcheck has "selfie" underlined for me to correct... my spellcheck is smarter than Oxford Dictionaries, apparently.
That being said, here is the latest "selfie" I took - on Monday, wishing my cousin a happy birthday - my Big C and I snapped this shot as we sat in the carpool lane at the high school!
I don't generally post them online, and I don't mind being behind the lens, as long as at SOME point I'm in a picture so people know that I, too, was present for Christmas 2005, 2006, 2007...
2. Will you send out Christmas cards this year? If so, are they ready to go? If not, are you glad or sad about leaving that tradition behind?
Yes! I LOVE sending and receiving Christmas cards - I'm waiting for our picture to be sent to us so I can create our Christmas cards... (we had professional photos taken last week)... I love getting cards in the mail, getting caught up with friends and family. I know that with Facebook, it may seem redundant... but what can I say... I still love it...
3. Do you trust easily?
Yes. Except when the cable guy comes to install a new cable box and doesn't introduce himself, doesn't give a business card, doesn't even have a cable company logo on his van... and I'm left wondering, "who the heck did I just let into my house?" hmmm...
4. Pine-cinnamon-peppermint-vanilla (as in sugar cookie)...of those listed, which one is your favorite December scent?
It's got to be pine!
5. Did you do more talking or more listening yesterday? Was that by choice or necessity?
Yesterday, I did more listening. My friend was "venting" about her Thanksgiving weekend, and my hubby was unloading some business stuff... and later that day, I felt God speaking to me... telling me to just listen... so yes, definitely more listening. It's not always a bad thing.
6. What's the last song that got stuck in your head? Sorry if it's back there now : )
This song... "Taylor the Latte Boy" which I performed at our Family Talent Show on Saturday night... it was kinda funny... (and, btw, this is NOT me... this is Kristen Chenoweth, who is much more talented than I am!)
7. Which world explorer (in the whole history of the world) would you most like to have traveled with, and why?
I'm going to say Neil Armstrong - oh, to see the outer limits of space, which are still unknown... to go where, literally, no man had ever gone before...
Second in line would be Jacques Cousteau - what an amazing man he was, and how much we still have to learn about the deep recesses of our oceans!
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Forget Girl Scout cookies... I am now a firm believer that Trader Joes Peppermint Jo-Jos are most certainly laced with crack cocaine. Because, seriously... I can't get enough... YUM. Nom nom nom nom... Good night.
PS - speaking of christmas cards, I'd love to send you one, if you would like! Just give me your address! i love having friends all over the world, and honestly, some of you who I've met through the Hodgepodge feel like lifelong friends to me already! :-) Have a great week!!!
1. According to Oxford Dictionaries, the 2013 word of the year is 'selfie'. Your thoughts? When did you last take a selfie? Do you post them online somewhere? Do you prefer to be in front of the camera or behind the lens?
Oh good grief - I can't believe that "selfie" is actually an acceptable word, much less the "word of the year" - I mean, seriously? Even my spellcheck has "selfie" underlined for me to correct... my spellcheck is smarter than Oxford Dictionaries, apparently.
That being said, here is the latest "selfie" I took - on Monday, wishing my cousin a happy birthday - my Big C and I snapped this shot as we sat in the carpool lane at the high school!
I don't generally post them online, and I don't mind being behind the lens, as long as at SOME point I'm in a picture so people know that I, too, was present for Christmas 2005, 2006, 2007...
2. Will you send out Christmas cards this year? If so, are they ready to go? If not, are you glad or sad about leaving that tradition behind?
Yes! I LOVE sending and receiving Christmas cards - I'm waiting for our picture to be sent to us so I can create our Christmas cards... (we had professional photos taken last week)... I love getting cards in the mail, getting caught up with friends and family. I know that with Facebook, it may seem redundant... but what can I say... I still love it...
3. Do you trust easily?
Yes. Except when the cable guy comes to install a new cable box and doesn't introduce himself, doesn't give a business card, doesn't even have a cable company logo on his van... and I'm left wondering, "who the heck did I just let into my house?" hmmm...
4. Pine-cinnamon-peppermint-vanilla (as in sugar cookie)...of those listed, which one is your favorite December scent?
It's got to be pine!
5. Did you do more talking or more listening yesterday? Was that by choice or necessity?
Yesterday, I did more listening. My friend was "venting" about her Thanksgiving weekend, and my hubby was unloading some business stuff... and later that day, I felt God speaking to me... telling me to just listen... so yes, definitely more listening. It's not always a bad thing.
6. What's the last song that got stuck in your head? Sorry if it's back there now : )
This song... "Taylor the Latte Boy" which I performed at our Family Talent Show on Saturday night... it was kinda funny... (and, btw, this is NOT me... this is Kristen Chenoweth, who is much more talented than I am!)
And then my Big C sang the rebuttal...
The whole family talent show was pretty darn hilarious... but yeah, that song has been IN MY BRAIN!
7. Which world explorer (in the whole history of the world) would you most like to have traveled with, and why?
I'm going to say Neil Armstrong - oh, to see the outer limits of space, which are still unknown... to go where, literally, no man had ever gone before...
Second in line would be Jacques Cousteau - what an amazing man he was, and how much we still have to learn about the deep recesses of our oceans!
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Forget Girl Scout cookies... I am now a firm believer that Trader Joes Peppermint Jo-Jos are most certainly laced with crack cocaine. Because, seriously... I can't get enough... YUM. Nom nom nom nom... Good night.
PS - speaking of christmas cards, I'd love to send you one, if you would like! Just give me your address! i love having friends all over the world, and honestly, some of you who I've met through the Hodgepodge feel like lifelong friends to me already! :-) Have a great week!!!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Simply thankful...
Oh, so much to be thankful for - not just this week, but every day. I truly am thankful for this holiday, however, that reminds us to pause and simply give thanks for all that we have - how sad is it that we have to be reminded! But one of the things I am thankful for, among many, is this weekly Hodgepodge and all of my friends who stop by each week! Have a wonderful thanksgiving!
1. Are you settling for something?
I think in life you are always "settling" for something... accepting things for how they are and learning to be content, even in the midst of discomfort. When we were in the military, we had to "settle" for being away from family during the holidays. Living here now, we have to "settle" for a lot of uncertainty in my husband's job and in our financial situation, trusting that God will provide... and if that's the lesson I learn through it all, to trust God more, then I'll settle for whatever I have to... because that's a lesson worth learning.
2. It wasn't that long ago almost every store in the US locked doors and turned out lights on Thanksgiving Day. This year many will be open all day Thursday, giving shoppers a jump start on 'Black Friday'. In your opinion is this a good thing or a not so good thing? Will you be shopping on Thanksgiving Day?
Ugh - I am SO disgusted by the love of money - the endless competitiveness of who will have the best deals, who will get more shoppers in their stores. Last week my manager told me I could call on Thursday to get my schedule for the following week, and I looked at her in disbelief that they were open on Thanksgiving. But oh yes, they are. Sigh. Seriously, what is wrong with this country taking a day or two off to allow EVERYONE to spend time with their families and loved ones? I will NOT be shopping on Thanksgiving... nor will I call for my schedule. It can wait.
3. Speaking of shopping... I saw a recent article on the twelve best shopping cities in the world. In order they are-
New York, Tokyo, London, Kuala Lumpur, Paris, Hong Kong, Buenos Aires, Vienna, Dubai, Madrid, Milan, and Seoul.
Ever shopped in any of the cities listed? In which city would you most like to pull out the plastic or cold hard cash?
I have shopped in New York, but haven't been to any of the other cities. My husband has shopped in Dubai and brought home a gorgeous oriental rug! I would love to visit any of those other cities, and yes, shopping would commence. If I had to choose just one, though, I think I would choose either Madrid or Milan... I love the pottery I have seen from there!
4. When did you last dine by candlelight?
I can't remember the last time... hmmm... I think I shall have to rectify that, pronto! (Fun memory just came to mind, of every Thanksgiving at my grandmothers house, we would always have lit taper candles on the dining room table. And after the meal us cousins would always have to take turns "snuffing" out the candles with my grandma's candle snuffer. We would have to relight those candles a dozen times so we would all get equal turns! As the eldest grandchild, I kindly requested the candle snuffer when my grandfather passed away and my grandmother moved into a senior living facility!) :-)
5. What do you have too much of?
Opportunities to not be anxious about anything. However, the upside of that is that I have equal opportunities to pray without ceasing, to give thanks, and to submit to God in everything.
6. The Hunger Games...are you a fan? Did you read the book(s)? Will you/have you seen the movie? Will you/have you seen Catching Fire? No spoilers please!
Yes - loved the books! And I thought the first movie was really well done - and I've heard that the second is even better! My teen son went and saw it the other day and said it was fantastic! Hopefully my hubs and I will get to see it soon...
7. Share your plans for Thanksgiving Day. The who, the where, the what...especially the what! As in what's for dinner? If you're one of my International visitors, whose homeland doesn't celebrate American Thanksgiving (the whole world doesn't ya know!), then still tell us your plans for Thursday.
We are driving up today to the family beach house in Cayucos, CA where we will all gather with my hubs parents, brother/sis-in-law, sister/bro-in-law, and niece and nephews! It is so rare that we are all together at one time - it will be fantastic! We are even having family pictures taken on Saturday down on the beach! Tomorrow (Thanksgiving Day) we will all drive into Fresno, where we will share Thanksgiving meal with ALL of the aunts/uncles/cousins - tons of new babies, spouses my husband has never met (he was deployed for the past family gatherings), the kids will get to reconnect with cousins they don't get to see hardly ever... it will be chaotic, but SO much fun! And the food... oh, the food... I just gained 5 pounds thinking about it all! :-)
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Last week my dad was in the hospital for what they originally thought was a stroke, but now turns out to be a heart condition. Serious, but treatable. And it's at times like these that I really am thankful that we live just an hour away, so I could go up and be at the doctor's appointment with them. Transitioning into this role is hard, on many levels - seeing my parents need more help, understanding what the doctor is saying and what the options are, and making sure that my parents have all the legal documents in order that hopefully won't be needed, but have to be in place just in case (A DNR, living will, health care directive, etc.)
But... I am thankful... that God has given me the experiences needed to deal with these issues... for a husband who is relentlessly supportive and loving... and for our technology today that can so quickly help us understand medical conditions and treatment options... and I'm thankful that my dad is still here!
1. Are you settling for something?
I think in life you are always "settling" for something... accepting things for how they are and learning to be content, even in the midst of discomfort. When we were in the military, we had to "settle" for being away from family during the holidays. Living here now, we have to "settle" for a lot of uncertainty in my husband's job and in our financial situation, trusting that God will provide... and if that's the lesson I learn through it all, to trust God more, then I'll settle for whatever I have to... because that's a lesson worth learning.
2. It wasn't that long ago almost every store in the US locked doors and turned out lights on Thanksgiving Day. This year many will be open all day Thursday, giving shoppers a jump start on 'Black Friday'. In your opinion is this a good thing or a not so good thing? Will you be shopping on Thanksgiving Day?
Ugh - I am SO disgusted by the love of money - the endless competitiveness of who will have the best deals, who will get more shoppers in their stores. Last week my manager told me I could call on Thursday to get my schedule for the following week, and I looked at her in disbelief that they were open on Thanksgiving. But oh yes, they are. Sigh. Seriously, what is wrong with this country taking a day or two off to allow EVERYONE to spend time with their families and loved ones? I will NOT be shopping on Thanksgiving... nor will I call for my schedule. It can wait.
3. Speaking of shopping... I saw a recent article on the twelve best shopping cities in the world. In order they are-
New York, Tokyo, London, Kuala Lumpur, Paris, Hong Kong, Buenos Aires, Vienna, Dubai, Madrid, Milan, and Seoul.
Ever shopped in any of the cities listed? In which city would you most like to pull out the plastic or cold hard cash?
I have shopped in New York, but haven't been to any of the other cities. My husband has shopped in Dubai and brought home a gorgeous oriental rug! I would love to visit any of those other cities, and yes, shopping would commence. If I had to choose just one, though, I think I would choose either Madrid or Milan... I love the pottery I have seen from there!
4. When did you last dine by candlelight?
I can't remember the last time... hmmm... I think I shall have to rectify that, pronto! (Fun memory just came to mind, of every Thanksgiving at my grandmothers house, we would always have lit taper candles on the dining room table. And after the meal us cousins would always have to take turns "snuffing" out the candles with my grandma's candle snuffer. We would have to relight those candles a dozen times so we would all get equal turns! As the eldest grandchild, I kindly requested the candle snuffer when my grandfather passed away and my grandmother moved into a senior living facility!) :-)
5. What do you have too much of?
Opportunities to not be anxious about anything. However, the upside of that is that I have equal opportunities to pray without ceasing, to give thanks, and to submit to God in everything.
6. The Hunger Games...are you a fan? Did you read the book(s)? Will you/have you seen the movie? Will you/have you seen Catching Fire? No spoilers please!
Yes - loved the books! And I thought the first movie was really well done - and I've heard that the second is even better! My teen son went and saw it the other day and said it was fantastic! Hopefully my hubs and I will get to see it soon...
7. Share your plans for Thanksgiving Day. The who, the where, the what...especially the what! As in what's for dinner? If you're one of my International visitors, whose homeland doesn't celebrate American Thanksgiving (the whole world doesn't ya know!), then still tell us your plans for Thursday.
We are driving up today to the family beach house in Cayucos, CA where we will all gather with my hubs parents, brother/sis-in-law, sister/bro-in-law, and niece and nephews! It is so rare that we are all together at one time - it will be fantastic! We are even having family pictures taken on Saturday down on the beach! Tomorrow (Thanksgiving Day) we will all drive into Fresno, where we will share Thanksgiving meal with ALL of the aunts/uncles/cousins - tons of new babies, spouses my husband has never met (he was deployed for the past family gatherings), the kids will get to reconnect with cousins they don't get to see hardly ever... it will be chaotic, but SO much fun! And the food... oh, the food... I just gained 5 pounds thinking about it all! :-)
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Last week my dad was in the hospital for what they originally thought was a stroke, but now turns out to be a heart condition. Serious, but treatable. And it's at times like these that I really am thankful that we live just an hour away, so I could go up and be at the doctor's appointment with them. Transitioning into this role is hard, on many levels - seeing my parents need more help, understanding what the doctor is saying and what the options are, and making sure that my parents have all the legal documents in order that hopefully won't be needed, but have to be in place just in case (A DNR, living will, health care directive, etc.)
But... I am thankful... that God has given me the experiences needed to deal with these issues... for a husband who is relentlessly supportive and loving... and for our technology today that can so quickly help us understand medical conditions and treatment options... and I'm thankful that my dad is still here!
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Whatever!!!
Oh what a whirlwind these weeks are! Seems like just yesterday I was posting the Hodgepodge... but then i blinked, and here we are a week later! I love it... a fun little pause in our week... thanks to Joyce for putting up with all of us!
3. I've been a little bit surprised to see fully lit and decorated Christmas trees popping up for the past several weeks in friend's Instagram feeds. So tell the truth-is your tree up and decorated, and if so when did that happen? If not, when will you be decking the halls?
1. What lesson has failure taught you?
That sometimes failure isn't really failure... it's just the way a door opens to another path. But it sure does hurt to go through those failing times...
2. What decision are you glad you made?
To go to counseling in my college years, to transfer to an out of state to college, to marry my husband, ... so many things!
3. I've been a little bit surprised to see fully lit and decorated Christmas trees popping up for the past several weeks in friend's Instagram feeds. So tell the truth-is your tree up and decorated, and if so when did that happen? If not, when will you be decking the halls?
No way!! In my mind it has just turned fall! We never decorate for Christmas until after Thanksgiving - normally the weekend of, but this year we'll probably wait another week or so. This is our first year in this house for Christmas, so I'm having fun imagining how to decorate! (And we ALWAYS watch National Lampoons Christmas Vacation and eat Pizza Hut pizza while we decorate... although we may choose another pizza company this year....more about that later)
4. Solitaire-Poker-Rummy-Hearts-Go Fish-Old Maid...which game of cards would you most like to join?
Umm, can I say neither and vote for PINOCHLE all the way!!! Go Veeh Family tradition! :-)
5. This question comes to you courtesy of a Facebook friend, who once upon a time had a blog...When you're feeling stressed do you snack a lot or are you more the 'can't eat' type?
I snack a lot. On carbs particularly. But also chocolate.
6. Have you ever reviewed a product or service on line? Was your review favorable or less than favorable?
OK, so here goes my Pizza Hut complaint. Suffice it to say, our family really likes their pizza. But the one in town here has NEVER given us good service, and two weeks ago they made me so mad that I went out to my car, in their parking lot, and posted a blistering negative Yelp review. Backstory: I had called them, was on hold for 15 minutes as I DROVE TO THEIR STORE, pulled up, walked in (STILL on hold) to find no one on the phone, no one at the front desk, only the guys in the back cooking pizzas. I informed them that I was STILL on hold, even as I stood there - no response. So I sighed and said, fine, let me place my order. But no, the offer I received was an online offer, so I had to place the order online. So I sat there, in front of the lady, and PLACED MY ORDER ONLINE ON MY PHONE! Ridiculous. After I got the order confirmation, I confirmed with her "this says it will be done in 25 minutes - is that accurate? yes? Ok, I'll be back." So I took my 3 children and we walked around the other stores in the area. Returned 30 minutes later... my pizzas weren't even made! I asked her for my order, and I saw her walk back and assemble my pizzas! 10 minutes later, she brings me my pizzas (I have been there, with my 3 starving children, for an HOUR now) and they aren't what I ordered. When I questioned her, she said "Oh the internet should have told you we were out of that." Blank stare... nope, they didn't. No response. No offer to make it better. By this point I was SO mad, but didn't want to scream in front of my children, I simply took the pizzas, steered my children out of the store, turned around and said "If you are trying to get return service, you just failed miserably. In no way did you make tonight's order successful from the first minute on. I will never order from you again." And that is when I sat in my car and raked them over the coals on Yelp! (And when I did so, I also noticed that every single review on that store was awful. Guess I'm not alone... sadly...)
7. What was the best conversation you had yesterday?
Oh, it's a 3-way-tie between my besties Marcie, Martha, and Erika... I was having somewhat of a breakdown yesterday and called each one of them in tears... those are true friends who will (Marcie) text me scripture and meet me for a beach walk, and (Martha and Erika) sympathize and pray and encourage and love... you guys are SUCH blessings to me...
8. Insert your own random thought here.
So yes, I have started all three jobs... Working for Crazy 8 in the mall (holiday only... just need them to give me some more hours please!), subbing at a local Christian preschool, and teaching the 2-year-olds at church on Friday mornings. It has been difficult adjusting from what I thought would be me working one job to working three, just trying to piece together enough hours and wages to help us out right now... but I got a sharp reminder yesterday that, as much as I feel out of sync sometimes, like the confused rat at the back of the rat race, this is God's plan, and I need to be ok with that, even when I don't understand. I don't need to understand. I just need to trust. And believe. And pray.
This song came on yesterday as I was driving home... think God was trying to tell me something? ;-)
Have a great week, friends!!
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Talking turkey...
I don't really remember Sundays being anything out of the ordinary - we'd all get up, go to church, come home. Sometimes we would have dinner with my grandparents.
2. How comfortable are you with uncertainty? Explain.
I don't mind a certain amount of uncertainty - I mean, really, the only thing in this life that IS 100% certain, is God's love! Being in the military taught me to be flexible with a life of uncertainty... not that I loved that part of it, but it was just part of the job.
3. What have you accomplished recently that might be described as crafty, as in 'arts and crafts' crafty? If crafty doesn't work for you, how about handy? Or both?
I made some Christmas cards that my friend Jackie sent me from her latest Stamp-a-Stack (she lives in Florida, I'm in California... but we still manage to "stamp together" across the miles this way!)
My very first job was at the Blue Chip Cookie Company in the mall. I worked there for 7 weeks (then they closed the store down) - the only thing I, and the rest of my family, took away from that job were about 6 extra pounds! :-)
5. Cold turkey, talk turkey, what a turkey...in recent days, which turkey phrase or idiom best applies to you and why? Click on the word turkey if you need to read more about the meaning behind each phrase.
Definitely "Talk turkey" - as I have started two new jobs this past week. Figuring out the new workplaces, the jobs and responsibilities, plus the family schedules and meals and... oy... a lot of talking turkey around here!
6. If you could have any one guest join your Thanksgiving dinner table, who would it be?
While I'd love to see dear ones who have passed away, I've honestly got to say that our Thanksgiving will be filled with relatives we have not seen in years, new babies we haven't ever met... can't think of anything better!
7. What is one thing you must accomplish today?
Beat this cold I"m fighting!!!
8. Insert your own random thought here.
This has been all over the Internet and news this past week, but in case you haven't seen it, sit back and enjoy... Ohio State's marching band, one of the coolest field shows I've ever seen!
Be sure to waddle over here tomorrow and add your link to the party!
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Siblings, Sculpting, and Dollar Store Blessings...
My younger brother and I don't have a lot in common, when you look at the surface - we have led very different lives and had very different experiences that have taken us in completely different directions. But as we get older, I am finding that, at the very least, we have the bonds of our childhood memories - of camping trips, of playing in our backyard playhouse together, of the sugar high we would get from making sugar water "tea"
2. What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of yourself at age eighteen?
Completely self absorbed. As are most 18-year-olds... oh, if only I could go back in time and have a heart-to-heart with that 18 year old self!
3. Sculptor-actor-painter-dancer...if you could excel in one of these arts, which would you choose and why?
Sculptor! I would love to be able to see something in clay and bring out the beauty. I have tried... and believe me, it's not beautiful... my talents lie elsewhere.
4. What's a scent that takes you back in time, and where does it take you?
The smell of fresh lumber in a hardware store - takes me back to the numerous trips I made with my dad to Arcadia Lumber, getting supplies for the addition they were building on our house. There are other smells that are nostalgic as well - Paris perfume reminds me of Kathy Kimball, my sweet neighbor that I babysat for after school every day. The smell of geranium leaves reminds me of my grandparents' garden, and the smell of gardenias reminds me of the walkway up to the house I grew up in.
5. November is for Peanut Butter Lovers (National Peanut Butter Lovers Month). Are you a lover or a hater? What's your favorite dish/recipe that calls for peanut butter?
I love peanut butter! Crunchy, please! Peanut butter chocolate chip cookies are the best of both worlds. :-)
6. What do people thank you personally for most often?
Probably just for small acts of kindness.
7. What event this year are you most thankful for?
Even though this move from the Air Force back into the civilian world has been challenging in all ways possible, when I see my children growing closer to their dad, and I find myself being stretched in new directions (even though, ouch, it hurts sometimes) - it makes it all worth it.
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Lately I have been thinking about what it means to be Blessed to be a Blessing. Searching for ways to bless others, and in return you are blessed... Today I pulled up to our local dollar store, and right in front of my parking space was a shopping cart with someone's purse in the seat part. It was dark out, there were people around, and yet no one had taken the purse or turned it in. So my kids and I took it into the store and gave it to the manager. We finished our shopping, and as we stood in the checkout line, I noticed that the lady in front of me was counting out change in her purse, paying for her items. She began taking other items out, searching for more coins, as the cashier just stood there watching her. Finally, I said "Ma'am, how much are you short? Can I help?" To which the cashier replied that she was short 19 cents. Seriously? Only 19 cents? I quickly took out a quarter and paid it for her. She looked at me gratefully and said thank you... I replied it wasn't any problem, that we have all been there at one time or another, and simply asked that she pay it forward to someone else some time. As we left the store, we saw a lady frantically walking into the store and my daughter said "Mommy, I'll bet she is looking for her purse!" And she was right - as we pulled out of our parking spot, she came out smiling with her purse on her arm!
Being blessed by being a blessing... I love that my kids are learning that...
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
A Dark and Stormy Hodgepodge!
I'm trying to find a job. We, for the first time in a long time, really need for me to be working. A job that I have been really praying would work out, didn't. So I'm back to the drawing board... and it's hard. Really hard. So many companies do their application process online... which I understand, it helps weed out the applicants. But, for me, who has moved every 3 years for the last 15 years, and has stayed home while my husband served our country and I raised our little ones... when the applications ask for your most recent employment... its really tricky to phrase volunteer experience (even if it was heavy responsibility, grueling at times, and used more of your faculties than you knew existed) into sounding as applicable as an actual "job". And so I went to the mall today, thinking perhaps the face-to-face meeting with store managers would help me. And boy, did I have serious deja' vue' as I walked through the mall... I felt I was 16 again, begging for a job! (I did get an on-the-spot interview, though! So not bad) But... Even though it's tricky right now, in this down economy with the unemployment so high... He is bigger.... God is bigger. He is bigger than this. He knows the needs of our family, and the needs of my heart... and He will provide.
2. What's your treat of choice?
Glass of Chardonnay. Chocolate. Yum.
3. Did you/will you carve a jack-o-lantern this month? Which real (living or dead) or fictional 'Jack' would you most like to meet in person? Why?
Oh yes, we will be carving our pumpkins, most likely on Thursday - since we are all too dang busy to do it as a family before hand!
I would love to meet C.S. Lewis, who was called "Jack" by his friends... what an amazing man!
4. In your opinion, what's the grossest sounding word in the English language?
phlegm
5. When did your heart last skip a beat?
Last Friday, when my teenager didn't come home from school. He takes the city bus home from school, and when he was late, and didn't pick up his phone... well, you know how it is... I've read too many Readers Digest stories - my mind immediately jumped to the worst scenarios. So I retraced his route - and found him at school... at a marching practice he had forgotten to tell me about. I take that back - he SAYS he reminded me of it. I have no recollection. I stand by my motto - if it's not on the calendar... it's not happening! So yeah... my heart skipped a few beats there for a while.
6. Monster Mash by Bobby 'Boris' Picket, Michael Jackson's Thriller, Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon, or Ray Parker Jr.'s Ghostbusters...your favorite 'scary' tune?
As a child of the 80's, I've got to go with Thriller!
7. It was a dark and stormy night when______________________________.
the shots rang out across the hills. As firefight lit up the mountainside, the roar of engines came in from behind... a reassuring rumble of protection... big brother coming in like an eagle, dropping its flares of admonishment... its strafing bullets chasing the cowards back into their caves, providing the cover we need, their thunder reminding us that we are protected... we are in this fight together, and they have our back... we are all safe.
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Please Join me for our Hodgepodge... Thank you!
Happy Wednesday, friends! Thanks for joining me for this week's Hodgepodge... I enjoy having this weekly "pause" to stop and chat about nothing and everything all at the same time... feel free to hop on over to Joyce's blog to join in on the fun, or just see what others have answered... it's a neat little community!
1. When it comes to good manners, what two top your list of most important?
Saying "Please/Thank You" and, for Pete's sake, putting down the blasted smart phone and NOT texting in the middle of our conversation! Good grief...
2. Let's open a proverbial can of worms...Common Core. Are you familiar with the term (talking education reform in the USA)? If so, care to share your thoughts? In your opinion, what is one of the biggest issues schools (in your home country) face today?
Having moved our children 4 times during their school years, I do applaud the Common Core, if only to have a clear concise bottom line for what is taught, and a greater understanding across the board with both teachers and parents. I have seen the English common core tests and have been impressed with what I have seen... much deeper level thinking, which is an excellent goal.
As for what our biggest issues are... oh my, so many! One that came up today in our Moms In Prayer group though (Awesome organization, by the way... find one in your home town!) was the behavior at school dances. These are supposed to be chaperoned dances... and yet students are dressing and dancing in manners that I used to think were reserved for Las Vegas! And no one stops them... for Pete's sake... why NOT?? If my child were there, I would hope that someone would step in and tell them to knock it off!! WHY is it not ok anymore to tell our children "NO!" and that there are appropriate times, places, and ages to behavior in such a manner. I can't believe it. Where is the innocence? The excitement for what comes later in adulthood, when they can appreciate it more, because they have waited... Sigh...
3. Name a celebrity whose fashion sense you admire and share why.
Kate Middleton. She is so classy, well put together, and down-to-earth. I love her look.
4. How are you affected by the changing seasons?
I enjoy the changing of the seasons. Winter is probably my least favorite, but now that we live in a more temperate zone, I don't think I'll mind it so much.
5. Scariest book you've ever read?
This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti. Amazing story about the battle that goes on in the spiritual world of angels vs demons... I couldn't put it down, and yet it scared the bejeebees out of me, knowing that this very thing does indeed go on all around us. Changed my entire outlook on what it means to be a Christian.
6. What time of day are you most hungry? What's your go-to snack?
Late evening, around 9:00 or so. I'll usually have goldfish crackers, or better crackers with Havarti cheese (yum!). But then I want something sweet. So that's why, really, the best snack in the world is Ben & Jerry's Late Night Snack ice cream... potato chips, chocolate, salty caramel... yum.
7. Do you lean more towards being too needy or too independent? Which do you find harder to deal with in others?
Before we were in the military, I would have definitely been more needy. Since joining the military though, I have become fiercely independent (you have to, in order to survive the spouse's crazy work hours, constant trips away from home, etc.) But I also learned the value of asking for help when needed, and knowing when to just let things go. I find extreme neediness quite annoying and harder to deal with.
8. Insert your own random thought here
So last week I mentioned that we were going to go apple picking. As a family. Up in Oak Glen. Where I used to go with my parents. What a way to share a part of my childhood with my kids... frolicking in the apple groves, petting an alpaca at the alpaca farm, the five of us posing for cute Christmas-card-worthy pics in our jeans and flannel shirts, coming home with bushels of apples, teaching my children how to make apple pie... I had a whole Anne of Green Gables scenario going through my head... AND, I had been working on my husband for 20 years - count them - 20 YEARS - to get him to concede that this would be a worthy event for our Saturday. So I was excited!!
Come Saturday morning, I rounded up the troops, dragged the exhausted teen out of bed, roused my sick hubby, convinced the younger two that this would be worthwhile and memory-building and they would thank me later... and we drove up to Oak Glen. And drove. And drove. And 2 hours later arrived at our destination - along with everyone else in southern California, who apparently have discovered "our" secret little outing from my childhood! So we found parking, and hiked up the hills, only to be told that they were out of apples. Not just that farm... the entire community of Oak Glen. Totally picked out. I can't repeat what went through my mind, but it went somewhere along the lines of "Oh my husband is NEVER going to let me live this one down..." along with a few other choice phrases and roll of my eyes to the heavens with a "REALLY??!!" expression. So we trudged up the hill to pick pumpkins (not on the vine, already picked and tossed out into a field), fought the crowds, waited an hour in line for lunch, and then drove the 2 hours home, arriving home 15 minutes before Middle C's soccer game, ordered a pizza for dinner, and collapsed.
No apples. No Christmas card photos. No apple pie. No alpaca. No Anne of Green Gables. But... we did get some great pumpkins, we did get to see some beautiful fall colors, we did have a rare day together as a family... and, if nothing else, the kids now have another "Remember that time when mom..." stories to never let me live down. And maybe, just maybe, I'll get my hubby up there to pick apples again... it just may take another 20 years of convincing!
1. When it comes to good manners, what two top your list of most important?
Saying "Please/Thank You" and, for Pete's sake, putting down the blasted smart phone and NOT texting in the middle of our conversation! Good grief...
2. Let's open a proverbial can of worms...Common Core. Are you familiar with the term (talking education reform in the USA)? If so, care to share your thoughts? In your opinion, what is one of the biggest issues schools (in your home country) face today?
Having moved our children 4 times during their school years, I do applaud the Common Core, if only to have a clear concise bottom line for what is taught, and a greater understanding across the board with both teachers and parents. I have seen the English common core tests and have been impressed with what I have seen... much deeper level thinking, which is an excellent goal.
As for what our biggest issues are... oh my, so many! One that came up today in our Moms In Prayer group though (Awesome organization, by the way... find one in your home town!) was the behavior at school dances. These are supposed to be chaperoned dances... and yet students are dressing and dancing in manners that I used to think were reserved for Las Vegas! And no one stops them... for Pete's sake... why NOT?? If my child were there, I would hope that someone would step in and tell them to knock it off!! WHY is it not ok anymore to tell our children "NO!" and that there are appropriate times, places, and ages to behavior in such a manner. I can't believe it. Where is the innocence? The excitement for what comes later in adulthood, when they can appreciate it more, because they have waited... Sigh...
3. Name a celebrity whose fashion sense you admire and share why.
Kate Middleton. She is so classy, well put together, and down-to-earth. I love her look.
4. How are you affected by the changing seasons?
I enjoy the changing of the seasons. Winter is probably my least favorite, but now that we live in a more temperate zone, I don't think I'll mind it so much.
5. Scariest book you've ever read?
This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti. Amazing story about the battle that goes on in the spiritual world of angels vs demons... I couldn't put it down, and yet it scared the bejeebees out of me, knowing that this very thing does indeed go on all around us. Changed my entire outlook on what it means to be a Christian.
6. What time of day are you most hungry? What's your go-to snack?
Late evening, around 9:00 or so. I'll usually have goldfish crackers, or better crackers with Havarti cheese (yum!). But then I want something sweet. So that's why, really, the best snack in the world is Ben & Jerry's Late Night Snack ice cream... potato chips, chocolate, salty caramel... yum.
7. Do you lean more towards being too needy or too independent? Which do you find harder to deal with in others?
Before we were in the military, I would have definitely been more needy. Since joining the military though, I have become fiercely independent (you have to, in order to survive the spouse's crazy work hours, constant trips away from home, etc.) But I also learned the value of asking for help when needed, and knowing when to just let things go. I find extreme neediness quite annoying and harder to deal with.
8. Insert your own random thought here
So last week I mentioned that we were going to go apple picking. As a family. Up in Oak Glen. Where I used to go with my parents. What a way to share a part of my childhood with my kids... frolicking in the apple groves, petting an alpaca at the alpaca farm, the five of us posing for cute Christmas-card-worthy pics in our jeans and flannel shirts, coming home with bushels of apples, teaching my children how to make apple pie... I had a whole Anne of Green Gables scenario going through my head... AND, I had been working on my husband for 20 years - count them - 20 YEARS - to get him to concede that this would be a worthy event for our Saturday. So I was excited!!
Come Saturday morning, I rounded up the troops, dragged the exhausted teen out of bed, roused my sick hubby, convinced the younger two that this would be worthwhile and memory-building and they would thank me later... and we drove up to Oak Glen. And drove. And drove. And 2 hours later arrived at our destination - along with everyone else in southern California, who apparently have discovered "our" secret little outing from my childhood! So we found parking, and hiked up the hills, only to be told that they were out of apples. Not just that farm... the entire community of Oak Glen. Totally picked out. I can't repeat what went through my mind, but it went somewhere along the lines of "Oh my husband is NEVER going to let me live this one down..." along with a few other choice phrases and roll of my eyes to the heavens with a "REALLY??!!" expression. So we trudged up the hill to pick pumpkins (not on the vine, already picked and tossed out into a field), fought the crowds, waited an hour in line for lunch, and then drove the 2 hours home, arriving home 15 minutes before Middle C's soccer game, ordered a pizza for dinner, and collapsed.
No apples. No Christmas card photos. No apple pie. No alpaca. No Anne of Green Gables. But... we did get some great pumpkins, we did get to see some beautiful fall colors, we did have a rare day together as a family... and, if nothing else, the kids now have another "Remember that time when mom..." stories to never let me live down. And maybe, just maybe, I'll get my hubby up there to pick apples again... it just may take another 20 years of convincing!
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
No Worries Hodgepodge!
Welcome back to the weekly Hodgepodge! I have a confession... I"m sitting here, laptop in, well, my lap... glass of Chardonnay at my side, chocolate chip oatmeal cookie in hand.. hubby on the loveseat playing Minecraft... reruns of Everybody Loves Raymond on the tv... kids sleeping upstairs... and you know what? There's no where else I would rather be. This, my friends, is contentment. Everything that is good and comfortable... and I'm blogging... things are good! May not be the most exciting of lives, but it's good... oh, it's good! On to the Hodgepodge!
1. What was your biggest worry five years ago? Is it still a worry?
Oh geez... in the last 5 years I have moved twice, my hubby has deployed and changed careers... I can hardly remember last WEEK, much less 5 years ago! All I know is... 5 years ago we were living in Pensacola, FL... my best friend had just had her second son (not knowing that 6 months later she would be killed in a car accident)... I had my youngest son in a preschool that, hindsight being 20/20, I now realize was the WORST place for him even though I had fought to get him in there... so yeah, my biggest worries at the time were pretty simple... life changes quickly when you get a chance to glimpse at what really matters.
2. Yesterday (October 15th) was National Grouch Day...what makes you grouchy? What cheers you up when you're feeling grouchy?
What makes me grouchy? Impatient drivers. Poor customer service. Seeing people not listening to children.
What cheers me up? A walk on the beach (especially when the pelicans are dive-bombing the water - hilarious!), laughing with the Lord!, a chick-flick and glass of wine, texting with my friends who lift me up, listening to my kids chatter!
3. In one word, how does it feel to be photographed?
Worthy!
4. Besides your parents, who would you say had the greatest influence on you in choosing your life path? Explain.
My church youth group leaders, definitely. They stood in the gap, encouraged and challenged, endured my innocence and confusion, and saw a future for me that I couldn't always see myself.
5. The crisp days of autumn are here ...what's something you like to eat, but only if it's crisp?
Struesel - crisp and crunchy on the top of a yummy breakfast bread! I make a killer apple coffee cake that is SOOOOOO good and yes, has crunchy struesel on top!
6. What's the most useless object you own?
Some of my sterling silver serving pieces... I know they are heirlooms, but really... anything that I only use once a year and needs to be polished every year... should probably be replaced with a beautiful and practical piece of Polish Pottery, in my honest opinion! ;-)
7. Share a favorite fall memory.
Going apple picking with my parents in Oak Glen, CA. Being city kids, this was a wonderful time to get up in the mountains, smelling the crisp air, picking our own apples, etc. I loved it! I'm trying to convince my country-boy husband that we need to do this with our kids... we'll see if I succeed!
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Thanks to all of your who gave us advice last week! My son's teacher emailed us and it is all taken care of... I may not agree with his methods of communication with the students (ahem... intimidation is NOT always ok...), but in the end, he was fair and adhered to the standards of academic behavior...
I've received several requests for my apple coffee cake recipe today. So here you go - enjoy!
1. What was your biggest worry five years ago? Is it still a worry?
Oh geez... in the last 5 years I have moved twice, my hubby has deployed and changed careers... I can hardly remember last WEEK, much less 5 years ago! All I know is... 5 years ago we were living in Pensacola, FL... my best friend had just had her second son (not knowing that 6 months later she would be killed in a car accident)... I had my youngest son in a preschool that, hindsight being 20/20, I now realize was the WORST place for him even though I had fought to get him in there... so yeah, my biggest worries at the time were pretty simple... life changes quickly when you get a chance to glimpse at what really matters.
2. Yesterday (October 15th) was National Grouch Day...what makes you grouchy? What cheers you up when you're feeling grouchy?
What makes me grouchy? Impatient drivers. Poor customer service. Seeing people not listening to children.
What cheers me up? A walk on the beach (especially when the pelicans are dive-bombing the water - hilarious!), laughing with the Lord!, a chick-flick and glass of wine, texting with my friends who lift me up, listening to my kids chatter!
3. In one word, how does it feel to be photographed?
Worthy!
4. Besides your parents, who would you say had the greatest influence on you in choosing your life path? Explain.
My church youth group leaders, definitely. They stood in the gap, encouraged and challenged, endured my innocence and confusion, and saw a future for me that I couldn't always see myself.
5. The crisp days of autumn are here ...what's something you like to eat, but only if it's crisp?
Struesel - crisp and crunchy on the top of a yummy breakfast bread! I make a killer apple coffee cake that is SOOOOOO good and yes, has crunchy struesel on top!
6. What's the most useless object you own?
Some of my sterling silver serving pieces... I know they are heirlooms, but really... anything that I only use once a year and needs to be polished every year... should probably be replaced with a beautiful and practical piece of Polish Pottery, in my honest opinion! ;-)
7. Share a favorite fall memory.
Going apple picking with my parents in Oak Glen, CA. Being city kids, this was a wonderful time to get up in the mountains, smelling the crisp air, picking our own apples, etc. I loved it! I'm trying to convince my country-boy husband that we need to do this with our kids... we'll see if I succeed!
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Thanks to all of your who gave us advice last week! My son's teacher emailed us and it is all taken care of... I may not agree with his methods of communication with the students (ahem... intimidation is NOT always ok...), but in the end, he was fair and adhered to the standards of academic behavior...
I've received several requests for my apple coffee cake recipe today. So here you go - enjoy!
Apple Coffee Cake
1 c. vegetable oil
2 eggs
2 c. sugar
3 c. flour
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
3 c. apples, peeled and diced
1 c. pecans, chopped (optional)
Preheat oven to 350.
Mix all ingredients together and put in ungreased 9x13 pan for 45 minutes.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
A wickedly fun Hodgepodge!
Oh yay, Oh yay, for Hodgepodge day! Thanks to Joyce for sending these questions our way!
Lets read, lets laugh, lets not delay...
After all, it's Wednesday, it's Hodgepodge Day!
1. The USA will mark Columbus Day this year on Monday, October 14th. What's something you need or want to explore (literally or metaphorically speaking)?
My sis-in-law and I were just talking tonight about exploring the world's snorkeling sites. Since last week we were in Maui with the most amazing snorkeling (and my hip felt GREAT, which was surely from the warm healing waters of Hawaii) I think it's destiny that I spend as much time as possible in warm water swimming with the fishes! My health depends on it! Hehehe...
Unfortunately my budget doesn't support such adventures... yet... ;-)
2. The Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz, Ursula from The Little Mermaid, or Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty...who do you most love to hate?
Ever since I saw Wicked I have had nothing but sympathy for the Wicked Witch of the West from the Wizard of Oz...
(Speaking of which... BEST song ever from Wicked... kind of want it sung at my funeral... a long time from now... just sayin...)
3. Is open-mindedness a virtue?
No, I truly believe open-mindedness is something that must be taught and encouraged... mainly because I see how quickly people are influenced to be otherwise.
However, i do get tired of our society impressing on everyone to be SO "open-minded" that to think opposite of them is viewed as negative, rather than just being different. Hmmm, sounds like that would be considered being open minded! Ha!
4. How often do you weigh yourself?
If you're talking about physically weighing yourself on the scale, not very often - every couple of months or so. Since I had an eating disorder in college, I'm cautious about making the number on the scale what I focus on.
however, I do find that I struggle not to mentally "weigh" myself daily against everyone around me - especially living where I do, in a beach town of southern California, where appearances seem to matter more than they should in every way possible... I tell myself I shouldn't, but it's kind of hard sometimes when everyone is a size 2 driving shiny BMWs... just sayin... it takes the strength of Daniel to overcome.
5. This question comes to you courtesy of Rebecca over at Making Memories, so thanks Rebecca!
Costa Rica was recently named the happiest country in the world on the Happy Planet Index. What's the happiest country in the world to you, and what makes it so?
I've not been to too many other countries, but of the ones I have visited, I would say Guatemala - I'll never forget getting caught in a monsoon in the middle of the rain forest. The kids we were camping with were up this huge hill, safely in a bus. We were stuck at the bottom of this mud hill, rain pouring down, lighting and thunder, the works. So we took shelter in a chicken coop. Let me repeat... A CHICKEN COOP. (Made of aluminum. In a lightning storm.) And, in our smelly misery, we suddenly heard singing. No, not the angels coming for us (like I initially thought), it was the kids! In the bus! Singing! To be happy, in such misery... what a life lesson!
6. Besides The Bible, what is one book you think should be mandatory reading for high school students? Why?
Oh geez... so many to choose from! I loved Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, Son of Hamas by Mosab Hassan Yousef (especially given our current situation in the middle east... enlightening!)
7. I went shopping at some nearby outlets last week, and while I was there, I picked up a couple of Christmas gifts. How about you? Have you started your holiday shopping yet?
Oh my goodness - I was just in Target and thought to myself that I was NOT ready for there to be so many Christmas decorations up yet! I haven't started my holiday shopping yet - ok, I admit I picked up one small thing in the Target clearance section as a stocking stuffer... but I haven't really thought about it much.
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Ok, question for debate here - and my son is eagerly awaiting your opinion...
Today he called me from school very upset. (he's a sophomore in high school) Apparently he was doing an in-class assignment for world history, and at the end he was given a personal opinion question to complete. The student sitting next to him answered the same thing that he did... so the teacher assumed that they were cheating and gave them both Fs on the assignments. My son did not cheat - he answered the question with resources that can be verified, the other student can not verify his statements. My question - how does my son confront his teacher to get his grade rectified? I want him to try and talk with the teacher first before we go talk with the administration... but I don't want him to carry an undeserved F on his grade either... advice please! Thank you friends!!
Lets read, lets laugh, lets not delay...
After all, it's Wednesday, it's Hodgepodge Day!
1. The USA will mark Columbus Day this year on Monday, October 14th. What's something you need or want to explore (literally or metaphorically speaking)?
My sis-in-law and I were just talking tonight about exploring the world's snorkeling sites. Since last week we were in Maui with the most amazing snorkeling (and my hip felt GREAT, which was surely from the warm healing waters of Hawaii) I think it's destiny that I spend as much time as possible in warm water swimming with the fishes! My health depends on it! Hehehe...
Unfortunately my budget doesn't support such adventures... yet... ;-)
2. The Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz, Ursula from The Little Mermaid, or Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty...who do you most love to hate?
Ever since I saw Wicked I have had nothing but sympathy for the Wicked Witch of the West from the Wizard of Oz...
(Speaking of which... BEST song ever from Wicked... kind of want it sung at my funeral... a long time from now... just sayin...)
3. Is open-mindedness a virtue?
No, I truly believe open-mindedness is something that must be taught and encouraged... mainly because I see how quickly people are influenced to be otherwise.
However, i do get tired of our society impressing on everyone to be SO "open-minded" that to think opposite of them is viewed as negative, rather than just being different. Hmmm, sounds like that would be considered being open minded! Ha!
4. How often do you weigh yourself?
If you're talking about physically weighing yourself on the scale, not very often - every couple of months or so. Since I had an eating disorder in college, I'm cautious about making the number on the scale what I focus on.
however, I do find that I struggle not to mentally "weigh" myself daily against everyone around me - especially living where I do, in a beach town of southern California, where appearances seem to matter more than they should in every way possible... I tell myself I shouldn't, but it's kind of hard sometimes when everyone is a size 2 driving shiny BMWs... just sayin... it takes the strength of Daniel to overcome.
5. This question comes to you courtesy of Rebecca over at Making Memories, so thanks Rebecca!
Costa Rica was recently named the happiest country in the world on the Happy Planet Index. What's the happiest country in the world to you, and what makes it so?
I've not been to too many other countries, but of the ones I have visited, I would say Guatemala - I'll never forget getting caught in a monsoon in the middle of the rain forest. The kids we were camping with were up this huge hill, safely in a bus. We were stuck at the bottom of this mud hill, rain pouring down, lighting and thunder, the works. So we took shelter in a chicken coop. Let me repeat... A CHICKEN COOP. (Made of aluminum. In a lightning storm.) And, in our smelly misery, we suddenly heard singing. No, not the angels coming for us (like I initially thought), it was the kids! In the bus! Singing! To be happy, in such misery... what a life lesson!
6. Besides The Bible, what is one book you think should be mandatory reading for high school students? Why?
Oh geez... so many to choose from! I loved Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, Son of Hamas by Mosab Hassan Yousef (especially given our current situation in the middle east... enlightening!)
7. I went shopping at some nearby outlets last week, and while I was there, I picked up a couple of Christmas gifts. How about you? Have you started your holiday shopping yet?
Oh my goodness - I was just in Target and thought to myself that I was NOT ready for there to be so many Christmas decorations up yet! I haven't started my holiday shopping yet - ok, I admit I picked up one small thing in the Target clearance section as a stocking stuffer... but I haven't really thought about it much.
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Ok, question for debate here - and my son is eagerly awaiting your opinion...
Today he called me from school very upset. (he's a sophomore in high school) Apparently he was doing an in-class assignment for world history, and at the end he was given a personal opinion question to complete. The student sitting next to him answered the same thing that he did... so the teacher assumed that they were cheating and gave them both Fs on the assignments. My son did not cheat - he answered the question with resources that can be verified, the other student can not verify his statements. My question - how does my son confront his teacher to get his grade rectified? I want him to try and talk with the teacher first before we go talk with the administration... but I don't want him to carry an undeserved F on his grade either... advice please! Thank you friends!!
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
A bit of jet-lagged Loopiness on the Hodgepodge
Aloha! Oh how I've missed my Hodgepodge blog these past couple of weeks! But this is where I have been for the past week...
Yep... Maui! And that's a real picture, taken from my phone. Not a postcard. Totally unedited. Ahh, Maui... I'm a huge fan!
We flew out there to join my in-laws and my hub's brother, sister, and their spouses. What a celebration, considering all my MIL has been through the past 3 years. The week was not without its difficulties, of course - you can't have 8 people with strong personalities and agendas together without some very strong emotions at times - but we came out stronger for it, enjoyed our time together, and are refreshed!
So, without further ado - here's my jet-lagged attempt at a Hodgepodge... a word of caution, we flew the red eye home last night so I'm running on about 1 1/2 cylinders right now... in fact, I just woke up from a 2 hour nap in which I dreamed I was living in a gorgeous hillside home and was having a fundraiser for chidren's literacy in honor of my best friend (who passed away 4 years ago) when all of a sudden Gordon Ramsey showed up and my hubby had surprised me with a tea party themed episode of Master Chef to be filmed at our house, along with a Hollywood wedding in the back yard. Who says jet lag can't be entertaining? So who knows what will come out of the Hodgepodge today...
(and of course, please let me know you stopped by, and hop on over to Joyce's blog to see what others have contributed to the Hodgepodge! Mahalo!)
1. What's one thing you learned in September?
Stating your expectations early can help prevent misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
2. Acorn squash, butternut squash, spaghetti squash, yellow squash, zucchini squash, or blech! hold the squash... what's your favorite squash? What's your favorite way to prepare your favorite squash?
My favorite squash is butternut squash, and it's prepared in a souper (get it? Soup-er) yummy butternut squash soup. (original name, I know. See, I told you I was punchy today)
3. The older I get the_______________________________.
The older I get the more I realize just how little I know, how wisdom comes through simply living life one day at a time, and you never know when your world will be turned upside down, so let others around you know just how much you love them.
4. What's your favorite television theme song ever?
5. What do you wish you'd spent more time doing five years ago?
Having more coffee dates with my friend Erika (the one I dreamed about today)
6. What item do you most need (or want) to add to your wardrobe this fall?
I need some more basic sweatshirts - I meant to get one in Maui this week, but you know, when it's 85 degrees, you just don't feel like buying sweatshirts! But brrr, it was a little chilly this morning when we flew home!
7. On October 2, 1950 the Peanuts cartoon was introduced to the world. What was your favorite cartoon when you were a kid?
The Bugs Bunny & Road Runner Show! In fact, we just found episodes of this on Amazon Instant Watch and our kids LOVED it! So fun...
8. Insert your own random thought here.
I found this on Facebook today and it made me smile... wouldn't our daily grind be so much better if we were determined to make others smile in this same way? (For some reason it won't let me post the video directly, and I'm too loopy to try and figure it out - so copy and past the link... trust me, it's worth it!)
http://www.godvine.com/One-Man-in-His-Car-Cheers-Up-Everyone-During-a-Traffic-Jam-This-is-Awesome-4020.html
Have a wonderfully blessed day, friends! Aloha!
Yep... Maui! And that's a real picture, taken from my phone. Not a postcard. Totally unedited. Ahh, Maui... I'm a huge fan!
We flew out there to join my in-laws and my hub's brother, sister, and their spouses. What a celebration, considering all my MIL has been through the past 3 years. The week was not without its difficulties, of course - you can't have 8 people with strong personalities and agendas together without some very strong emotions at times - but we came out stronger for it, enjoyed our time together, and are refreshed!
So, without further ado - here's my jet-lagged attempt at a Hodgepodge... a word of caution, we flew the red eye home last night so I'm running on about 1 1/2 cylinders right now... in fact, I just woke up from a 2 hour nap in which I dreamed I was living in a gorgeous hillside home and was having a fundraiser for chidren's literacy in honor of my best friend (who passed away 4 years ago) when all of a sudden Gordon Ramsey showed up and my hubby had surprised me with a tea party themed episode of Master Chef to be filmed at our house, along with a Hollywood wedding in the back yard. Who says jet lag can't be entertaining? So who knows what will come out of the Hodgepodge today...
(and of course, please let me know you stopped by, and hop on over to Joyce's blog to see what others have contributed to the Hodgepodge! Mahalo!)
1. What's one thing you learned in September?
Stating your expectations early can help prevent misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
2. Acorn squash, butternut squash, spaghetti squash, yellow squash, zucchini squash, or blech! hold the squash... what's your favorite squash? What's your favorite way to prepare your favorite squash?
My favorite squash is butternut squash, and it's prepared in a souper (get it? Soup-er) yummy butternut squash soup. (original name, I know. See, I told you I was punchy today)
3. The older I get the_______________________________.
The older I get the more I realize just how little I know, how wisdom comes through simply living life one day at a time, and you never know when your world will be turned upside down, so let others around you know just how much you love them.
4. What's your favorite television theme song ever?
5. What do you wish you'd spent more time doing five years ago?
Having more coffee dates with my friend Erika (the one I dreamed about today)
6. What item do you most need (or want) to add to your wardrobe this fall?
I need some more basic sweatshirts - I meant to get one in Maui this week, but you know, when it's 85 degrees, you just don't feel like buying sweatshirts! But brrr, it was a little chilly this morning when we flew home!
7. On October 2, 1950 the Peanuts cartoon was introduced to the world. What was your favorite cartoon when you were a kid?
The Bugs Bunny & Road Runner Show! In fact, we just found episodes of this on Amazon Instant Watch and our kids LOVED it! So fun...
8. Insert your own random thought here.
I found this on Facebook today and it made me smile... wouldn't our daily grind be so much better if we were determined to make others smile in this same way? (For some reason it won't let me post the video directly, and I'm too loopy to try and figure it out - so copy and past the link... trust me, it's worth it!)
http://www.godvine.com/One-Man-in-His-Car-Cheers-Up-Everyone-During-a-Traffic-Jam-This-is-Awesome-4020.html
Have a wonderfully blessed day, friends! Aloha!
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