You know Ron Popeel? The guy on the infomercials who makes all those wonderful inventions, like the Ron-co pocket fisherman? Well, thank you dream, I now have something new for him to work on.
Chia pets. I know what's wrong with them, why they're always left over after Christmas. First off, they cost too much--somewhere around $15 to $20 dollars. But even at the 90% off sale, they're still there. Here's my suggestion: instead of some weird looking plant, make those suckers grow chocolate! I'd buy one in a heartbeat. (Here's another idea, Ron, if you're reading: whatever chia is, don't mess with that. We have a cash crop in Kentucky that'd grow and sell a lot better.)
Love to all, and God bless.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Monday, February 04, 2008
Hmmm--any clues?
The latest pun from Pastor Tim at Cybersalt Digest:
Today's CleanPun - "Toilet Theft"
Police in New Zealand were mystified by the apparent theft of a complete toilet bowl from a police station in Auckland.
When a local news reporter asked the police sergeant if they had any leads, he replied, "At present we have nothing to go on."
And while Pastor Tim is making us smile, how about today's oneliner?
| Today's Oneliner "Due to the shape of the North American Elk's esophagus, even if it could speak, it could not pronounce the word lasagna." |
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Chinese movie
Yesterday I went to sleep in front of the tv, watching the British comedies (our usual Saturday night routine). I woke up in time to catch the end of a bluegrass show and then watched the next show, the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival (which was great, by the way. Sometimes I'll have to post on bluegrass music.). David went to bed then (1:00), but I hadn't finished my evening scripture reading, so I stayed up to finish.
The next show was an independent film festival. I'm not a huge fan of things like that, but this one caught my attention, as it was Chinese with subtitles. I have no clue what the name of the movie was, nor do I really know how to describe the plot. I tried to tell David about it this morning. He said, "If it had been a book, you would call that the stream-of-consciousness technique, sort of like Virginia Woolf." It might have been a documentary about a Chinese film maker, who had written a script about a character who went to northern China in search of the Northern Lights. The whole movie centered around this film maker and his creation of his character--I never did figure out whether the film maker was a real person or not.
Anyway, to make a long story short, both characters (the film maker and his character) ended up in a small town called, I think, Mope (Mo-peh). If you're familiar with the area where I live, I could say it is comparable in size to Sadieville or Ballardsville. (I realize that won't be too helpful to those rare birds who happen here that aren't familiar with central Kentucky.) It was a two-store, two-road town, one school, some horse-drawn transport still going on. It was on the Siberian/Chinese border, the two countries being separated by a frozen river--it was the middle of winter, around the time of Chinese New Year (which is this week, by the way). I found the visit to the small village the most interesting part of the film, and this is what especially piqued my interest:
The film maker was staying in the home of a retired Chinese policeman. At one time, he asked the policeman what the folks in the village did at night. The policeman replied, "They all go to the Christian church. I can't go, because I'm Communist." Lo and behold, they had some footage filmed in the church of a Bible study of sorts, with a woman leading the study, and the little room was packed. There were probably 100 or more people in there, mostly folks from the age of about 40 to 60+. They were listening intently to their teacher, looking through their books to find the references she gave. Later, there was a shot of them singing some sort of song, pentatonic scale, of course, and not a recognizable tune. What surprised and delighted me, though, was that there was a church, there were people in attendance, and they appeared to be honestly trying to study the word.
Of course that wasn't the focus of the movie, it wasn't an evangelistic movie by any means, but still...how great to know that God is still working in the Far East. Love to all, and God bless.
The next show was an independent film festival. I'm not a huge fan of things like that, but this one caught my attention, as it was Chinese with subtitles. I have no clue what the name of the movie was, nor do I really know how to describe the plot. I tried to tell David about it this morning. He said, "If it had been a book, you would call that the stream-of-consciousness technique, sort of like Virginia Woolf." It might have been a documentary about a Chinese film maker, who had written a script about a character who went to northern China in search of the Northern Lights. The whole movie centered around this film maker and his creation of his character--I never did figure out whether the film maker was a real person or not.
Anyway, to make a long story short, both characters (the film maker and his character) ended up in a small town called, I think, Mope (Mo-peh). If you're familiar with the area where I live, I could say it is comparable in size to Sadieville or Ballardsville. (I realize that won't be too helpful to those rare birds who happen here that aren't familiar with central Kentucky.) It was a two-store, two-road town, one school, some horse-drawn transport still going on. It was on the Siberian/Chinese border, the two countries being separated by a frozen river--it was the middle of winter, around the time of Chinese New Year (which is this week, by the way). I found the visit to the small village the most interesting part of the film, and this is what especially piqued my interest:
The film maker was staying in the home of a retired Chinese policeman. At one time, he asked the policeman what the folks in the village did at night. The policeman replied, "They all go to the Christian church. I can't go, because I'm Communist." Lo and behold, they had some footage filmed in the church of a Bible study of sorts, with a woman leading the study, and the little room was packed. There were probably 100 or more people in there, mostly folks from the age of about 40 to 60+. They were listening intently to their teacher, looking through their books to find the references she gave. Later, there was a shot of them singing some sort of song, pentatonic scale, of course, and not a recognizable tune. What surprised and delighted me, though, was that there was a church, there were people in attendance, and they appeared to be honestly trying to study the word.
Of course that wasn't the focus of the movie, it wasn't an evangelistic movie by any means, but still...how great to know that God is still working in the Far East. Love to all, and God bless.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Dreams
I don't know about the rest of you, but I enjoy a good dream just as much as the next person. I always have. I remember when I was a child, I had a great dream about my Aunt Elizabeth riding on a merry-go-round. (Sorry, that's all I can remember of the details.) I told my mama about it, and that I woke up before it was over. I wanted to know what happened next. Mama told me that was the end of it, I'd never know, you never had the same dream again. Hah! I proved her wrong, I had the same dream again the next night! Only it ended just like before, so I still haven't found out if I got to ride the merry-go-round.
Speaking of recurring dreams, how many of you have the final-exam dream? It's the end of the semester in college, finals week, and you have just discovered you have a final in a class you never attended! It was too late to withdraw--drop/add week was over a LONG time ago--and now you have to face the music. I've heard that is a very common dream for former college students. Both David and I have that one, usually about the time of finals.
Another recurring dream for teachers is to go to class and find your class has extra students--and no roll to find out who they are! Then there's the class with the elusive schedule--you never know where they are supposed to be at any one time. And the class you didn't know you were teaching, and when you finally locate them, you breathe a sigh of relief that at least there's no blood on the floor! (That was always my reassurance--no blood on the floor, everything must be okay.)
Lately, I've had some good dreams. In a couple, I was teaching again, but things were going right, not like that nightmare that ended my career. I had enough help, I was enjoying the kids, they were learning, they were responding, and I (most important of all) was being respected. Thank you, God, for those dreams.
Last night I had a couple of interesting ones. I always enjoy the ones where my kids are young again. I had fun raising them, and I have fun now being with them in the dreams. Except for that one little booger, who always has different names and was born after Ann. (Ann is my official youngest child.) Of course the fact that last-night's-name Andrew never existed doesn't stop me from trying to be his mama. It's a little difficult at times, since I sometimes can't find him in the house, and when folks ask me when he was born, I'm clueless...
Phase out of the Andrew-dream: This next one woke me up. I was just going into Kroger's in the dream, regular day, probably fall, not too cold, but not hot. One of those days when you can linger outside and chat with folks you know. I met Frances H with another woman and was enjoying the chat, except something was a little off. I knew something wasn't right. Then I realized the woman she was with wasn't Donna, her daughter and usual caretaker. Something was in the back of my mind, but I just couldn't put my dream finger on it. Then another woman joined Frances and her companion, and they got on the bus to go home. Before the second woman got on the bus, she turned to me and said, "By the way, you do know that Donna died, don't you?" Yes. I knew.
That's what woke me up. It was true. Donna did die, yesterday. I am still trying to come to grips with my feelings on this. I'm going to post another entry about Donna, but the time isn't right. I need to grieve.
Dang, dreams. You either enjoy them or you hate them, or they make you cry. Love to all, and God bless.
Speaking of recurring dreams, how many of you have the final-exam dream? It's the end of the semester in college, finals week, and you have just discovered you have a final in a class you never attended! It was too late to withdraw--drop/add week was over a LONG time ago--and now you have to face the music. I've heard that is a very common dream for former college students. Both David and I have that one, usually about the time of finals.
Another recurring dream for teachers is to go to class and find your class has extra students--and no roll to find out who they are! Then there's the class with the elusive schedule--you never know where they are supposed to be at any one time. And the class you didn't know you were teaching, and when you finally locate them, you breathe a sigh of relief that at least there's no blood on the floor! (That was always my reassurance--no blood on the floor, everything must be okay.)
Lately, I've had some good dreams. In a couple, I was teaching again, but things were going right, not like that nightmare that ended my career. I had enough help, I was enjoying the kids, they were learning, they were responding, and I (most important of all) was being respected. Thank you, God, for those dreams.
Last night I had a couple of interesting ones. I always enjoy the ones where my kids are young again. I had fun raising them, and I have fun now being with them in the dreams. Except for that one little booger, who always has different names and was born after Ann. (Ann is my official youngest child.) Of course the fact that last-night's-name Andrew never existed doesn't stop me from trying to be his mama. It's a little difficult at times, since I sometimes can't find him in the house, and when folks ask me when he was born, I'm clueless...
Phase out of the Andrew-dream: This next one woke me up. I was just going into Kroger's in the dream, regular day, probably fall, not too cold, but not hot. One of those days when you can linger outside and chat with folks you know. I met Frances H with another woman and was enjoying the chat, except something was a little off. I knew something wasn't right. Then I realized the woman she was with wasn't Donna, her daughter and usual caretaker. Something was in the back of my mind, but I just couldn't put my dream finger on it. Then another woman joined Frances and her companion, and they got on the bus to go home. Before the second woman got on the bus, she turned to me and said, "By the way, you do know that Donna died, don't you?" Yes. I knew.
That's what woke me up. It was true. Donna did die, yesterday. I am still trying to come to grips with my feelings on this. I'm going to post another entry about Donna, but the time isn't right. I need to grieve.
Dang, dreams. You either enjoy them or you hate them, or they make you cry. Love to all, and God bless.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Oh, how the mighty have fallen...again!
David and I are in to clutzy accidents this week. He came in one afternoon and showed me his elbow, which he had bumped on a car at work. The collision made enough noise that a coworker heard it over the assembly line, so we know it was a mighty wallop. He made a pretense of crying and said, "I need to go home and let Susan kiss this one!"
Not to be outdone, I left the house just a little too confident and too quickly yesterday. I made it down the front steps safely, but hit a slick patch at the foot of the steps. Somehow, I landed on both my knees and my hip--how, I'm still trying to figure out. My co-volunteer at the hospital, Martha, said I must have ricocheted. Anyway, I have a couple of bruises "where the sun don't shine". I haven't asked David to kiss them yet.
And then today, David made the mistake of trying to close his truck door before he got his leg out. I can't say a lot, because I bumped my head in pretty much the same way recently.
Let's just say we're not getting any brighter as we age. Love to all, and God bless.
Not to be outdone, I left the house just a little too confident and too quickly yesterday. I made it down the front steps safely, but hit a slick patch at the foot of the steps. Somehow, I landed on both my knees and my hip--how, I'm still trying to figure out. My co-volunteer at the hospital, Martha, said I must have ricocheted. Anyway, I have a couple of bruises "where the sun don't shine". I haven't asked David to kiss them yet.
And then today, David made the mistake of trying to close his truck door before he got his leg out. I can't say a lot, because I bumped my head in pretty much the same way recently.
Let's just say we're not getting any brighter as we age. Love to all, and God bless.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Snow Pics
For those of you who were wishing to see the snow, all I can say is, "The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away." It was gone noon yesterday. Sorry about that!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Snow Day!
Wonder of winter wonders, we're having a snow day today! I can hear the children next door at Darlene's, playing in the snow, and I start thinking back to my snow day memories.
For some reason, there didn't seem to be many "snow days" when I was a child. If there were, they didn't impact me like they did my own kids, I'm sure. I can remember riding around Greenfield Circle, the loop at the end of our street, on a sled pulled behind a car--there weren't many hills in LaGrange. I know we had a flexible flier, but I don't have many memories of enjoying riding on it. One sledding memory does stand out, though.
I was spending what may have started off as the end of Christmas vacation with my twin friends, Betty and Barbara. They lived over on US 42, about 10 miles or so from my house, and I probably wouldn't have had a chance to ever know them, if we hadn't ended up sitting near each other in high school chorus. They were my very best friends for a while, and like so many high-school very best friends, we have completely lost touch with one another. I learned a lot from the twins--talk about naive, I was the champ. But that "snow day" was one special time, let me tell you.
It was probably in 1964, I know they graduated that year. I had gone to spend a couple of days with them, and while I was there, it SNOWED. I have no clue how much, but enough to close schools in Oldham County, which I guarantee did NOT (and still doesn't) happen very often. The twins' father owned a garage and motel, so there was no shortage of inner tubes around. We inflated them and spent the better part of a day sliding down the hills around their house--no Great North slopes or Aspen, for sure, but still way too much fun! Probably the neatest thing about inner tubing is that you have NO control, so plowing into one another was part of the fun. Mike and I tried to recapture the fun at home, but it just wasn't the same. (Did I mention there were no good hills in LaGrange?)
I will admit that I am thankful I don't have to "car ski" to work today. Winter driving didn't scare me a lot when I was younger. I learned to drive in the summer of 1976, which was followed by the winter of 1977. The snow that year after Christmas left kids out of school until February! Our niece had just come to live with us, and her first day in Scott County schools was Valentine's Day. In order for us to do about anything, I had to drive, since David was out of town almost every daylight hour working. Fortunately, we had a great little snow car, a Chevy Vega with a standard transmission. As long as I was driving here in town, I knew NO FEAR.
Fast forward to 1983. I got a job with an independent school district which shall remain nameless. This independent district was about 20 miles from here over a two-lane road that had a few hills, twists and turns. (Actually there were two routes to work, one of which was over an interstate highway, but I chose not to go that way. Believe it or not, sliding off the road into a ditch is less dangerous to one's health than getting hit by a semi that has lost control.) When snow was predicted, I was up bright and early to see if I would have school that day--at least the first couple of snowfalls, I was looking to see if we were going to have school. After that, I just got ready to leave early, unless someone called me to tell me otherwise. Seems this district NEVER canceled school.
Many a day I drove there over roads that had barely been plowed. I often had the feeling as I crested a hill and looked down to the creek below, that I was skiing in my car. It was beautiful, quiet, and not particular scary...until others would marvel at the fact that I got to work! One day I made a stupid mistake and passed the snow plow--don't ever do that. Yes, I made it that day, too, but playing snow plow with a car just isn't a good idea.
I'm sure you have good snow day memories. I hope this post stirs a few. Love to all, and God bless.
For some reason, there didn't seem to be many "snow days" when I was a child. If there were, they didn't impact me like they did my own kids, I'm sure. I can remember riding around Greenfield Circle, the loop at the end of our street, on a sled pulled behind a car--there weren't many hills in LaGrange. I know we had a flexible flier, but I don't have many memories of enjoying riding on it. One sledding memory does stand out, though.
I was spending what may have started off as the end of Christmas vacation with my twin friends, Betty and Barbara. They lived over on US 42, about 10 miles or so from my house, and I probably wouldn't have had a chance to ever know them, if we hadn't ended up sitting near each other in high school chorus. They were my very best friends for a while, and like so many high-school very best friends, we have completely lost touch with one another. I learned a lot from the twins--talk about naive, I was the champ. But that "snow day" was one special time, let me tell you.
It was probably in 1964, I know they graduated that year. I had gone to spend a couple of days with them, and while I was there, it SNOWED. I have no clue how much, but enough to close schools in Oldham County, which I guarantee did NOT (and still doesn't) happen very often. The twins' father owned a garage and motel, so there was no shortage of inner tubes around. We inflated them and spent the better part of a day sliding down the hills around their house--no Great North slopes or Aspen, for sure, but still way too much fun! Probably the neatest thing about inner tubing is that you have NO control, so plowing into one another was part of the fun. Mike and I tried to recapture the fun at home, but it just wasn't the same. (Did I mention there were no good hills in LaGrange?)
I will admit that I am thankful I don't have to "car ski" to work today. Winter driving didn't scare me a lot when I was younger. I learned to drive in the summer of 1976, which was followed by the winter of 1977. The snow that year after Christmas left kids out of school until February! Our niece had just come to live with us, and her first day in Scott County schools was Valentine's Day. In order for us to do about anything, I had to drive, since David was out of town almost every daylight hour working. Fortunately, we had a great little snow car, a Chevy Vega with a standard transmission. As long as I was driving here in town, I knew NO FEAR.
Fast forward to 1983. I got a job with an independent school district which shall remain nameless. This independent district was about 20 miles from here over a two-lane road that had a few hills, twists and turns. (Actually there were two routes to work, one of which was over an interstate highway, but I chose not to go that way. Believe it or not, sliding off the road into a ditch is less dangerous to one's health than getting hit by a semi that has lost control.) When snow was predicted, I was up bright and early to see if I would have school that day--at least the first couple of snowfalls, I was looking to see if we were going to have school. After that, I just got ready to leave early, unless someone called me to tell me otherwise. Seems this district NEVER canceled school.
Many a day I drove there over roads that had barely been plowed. I often had the feeling as I crested a hill and looked down to the creek below, that I was skiing in my car. It was beautiful, quiet, and not particular scary...until others would marvel at the fact that I got to work! One day I made a stupid mistake and passed the snow plow--don't ever do that. Yes, I made it that day, too, but playing snow plow with a car just isn't a good idea.
I'm sure you have good snow day memories. I hope this post stirs a few. Love to all, and God bless.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Job Hunting
Our good friends Sam and Ting are job hunting. Sam has just graduated from nursing school with an RN degree, and his wife, Ting, has just finished her dissertation for a doctorate in chemical engineering. Sam is very computer proficient (he has a master's degree in computer programming) and has great people skills. Ting's dissertation was something to do with protein markers, ,and she would like to do research (if possible, post-doc) in an academic setting, maybe on Alzheimer's Disease. If you know anyone who can use their skills and would be willing to sponsor them as they work toward getting a "green card", let me know. They would like to live in a community with more Chinese folks around, and we would like to see them living somewhere with a welcoming church.
Let's do what we can to network and get these folks hired! Love to all, and God bless.
Let's do what we can to network and get these folks hired! Love to all, and God bless.
The coming election
I have been watching election news with not a lot of interest, other than to think, like an acquaintance's child, "There's a woman and a Black man running for President! Has that ever happened before?" Part of me says hooray, we've come a long way! while part of me wants to return to the status quo when all the Presidential candidates were white men, Protestant, happily married (at least as far as we knew), and SAFE. I had no idea whom I would be supporting, when push came to shove, until I discovered this website.
Now at least I have a clue. If you're wondering who my candidate will be, I'll admit to this much: the majority of the candidates I supposedly support are Democratic, although there was a Republican in the top 80% as well as one I had only occasionally heard of--
Go and see where you are. Love to all, and God bless.
Now at least I have a clue. If you're wondering who my candidate will be, I'll admit to this much: the majority of the candidates I supposedly support are Democratic, although there was a Republican in the top 80% as well as one I had only occasionally heard of--
Go and see where you are. Love to all, and God bless.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
First Dates
Ever have a bad first date? Heard this story before? I hope not--even if you had, it's worth reading again. Love you all!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Intelligence
Ever wonder if you're smart or stupid? Here's your test. Once you've completed it, go find your own sign.
One of these days I'm going to write a post about smart/stupid. I have too many friends who think they're stupid, often due to bad teaching and circumstances way beyond their control. Just let me say this about that: teachers have a darn lot more influence on young children than they are given.
Love to all, and God bless.
One of these days I'm going to write a post about smart/stupid. I have too many friends who think they're stupid, often due to bad teaching and circumstances way beyond their control. Just let me say this about that: teachers have a darn lot more influence on young children than they are given.
Love to all, and God bless.
Monday, January 14, 2008
News Flash!
Over the weekend, I was given the all-clear to make this official announcement: Geron and Lydia are going to have another baby! We found out the day after Christmas, when we got to see the "walking billboard", Miss Cora Sophia, wearing her "Special Sister" t-shirt. However, we were forbidden to share the news with the rest of the world.
Friday night, on the way to visit Ann and Dan in Nashville, Lydia called to say that they had visited the obstetrician and seen an ultrasound--they were officially pregnant, and were going to post the ultrasound on their website. Soooo, I could tell anyone I wanted. She then asked, "Who have you told?" and I could proudly answer, "No one."
If you go there to view the picture, you'll also see that they have a new header, and you'll get a chance to catch up on the antics of the world's cutest granddaughter.
Love to all, and God bless.
Friday night, on the way to visit Ann and Dan in Nashville, Lydia called to say that they had visited the obstetrician and seen an ultrasound--they were officially pregnant, and were going to post the ultrasound on their website. Soooo, I could tell anyone I wanted. She then asked, "Who have you told?" and I could proudly answer, "No one."
If you go there to view the picture, you'll also see that they have a new header, and you'll get a chance to catch up on the antics of the world's cutest granddaughter.
Love to all, and God bless.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
I think I'll use this line sometime...
A strained voice called out through the darkened theater, "Please, is there a doctor in the house?!"
Several men stood up as the lights came on.
An older lady pulled her daughter to stand next to her, "Good, are any of you doctors single and interested in a date with a nice, girl?"
Of course, I'm going to have to modify it a little...
A strained voice called out through the darkened theater, "Please, is there a doctor in the house?!"
Several men stood up as the lights came on.
The voice continued, "Are there any female doctors in the house?"
When some women were standing, the older lady pulled her son to stand next to her, "Good, are any of you doctors single and interested in a date with a nice young man?"
I love that boy, but sometimes he drives me crazy.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Anyone for geography?
David and I have found a new way to waste our time. I hope you enjoy it as much as we have! By the way, David has made it up to Level 12, I believe. Me? Not nearly so good--after all, one of my two most appalling college grades was in geography. (For those of you who might be interested, the other was in PE.) Have fun, and God bless!
New Year's Resolutions II
Remember a while back when I gave you an example of resolutions that would be oh-so-easy to keep? Well, my good friend Mikey sent me this list today, and I felt called upon to share it with you.
NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS YOU CAN KEEP
Are you sick of making the same resolutions year after year that you never keep? Why not promise to do something you can ACTUALLY accomplish?
Here are some resolutions that you can use as a starting point:
~ Gain weight. At least 30 pounds.
~ Stop exercising. Waste of time.
~ Read less. Makes you think.
~ Watch more TV. I've been missing some good stuff.
~ Procrastinate more. Starting tomorrow.
~ Spend more time at work, surfing the web.
~ Take a vacation to someplace important, like to see the world's largest ball of twine.
~ Don't jump off a cliff just because everyone else did.
~ Stop bringing lunch from home--eat out more.
~ Don't have eight children at once.
~ Get in a whole NEW rut!
~ Start being superstitious.
~ Personal goal: Don't bring back disco.
~ Don't ride in a car driven by Britney Spears.
~ Speak in a monotone voice and only use monosyllabic words.
~ Only wear jeans that are 2 sizes too small and use a chain or rope for a belt.
~ Spend my summer vacation in cyberspace.
~ Create loose ends.
~ Get more toys.
~ Get further in debt.
~ Don't believe politicians.
~ Break at least one traffic law.
~ Don't drive a motorized vehicle across thin ice.
~ Don't swim with piranhas or sharks.
~ Spread out priorities beyond the ability to keep track of them.
~ Wait for opportunity to knock.
~ Focus on the faults of others.
~ Mope about faults.
~ Never make New Year's resolutions again.
today'sTHOT============================
Aim low. Reach your goals. Avoid disappointment.
=======================================
PASS IT ON!
Yeah, you can send this Funny to anybody you want. And, if you're REAL nice, you'll tell them where you got it! www.mikeysFunnies.com
Have a great Monday, and God bless!
NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS YOU CAN KEEP
Are you sick of making the same resolutions year after year that you never keep? Why not promise to do something you can ACTUALLY accomplish?
Here are some resolutions that you can use as a starting point:
~ Gain weight. At least 30 pounds.
~ Stop exercising. Waste of time.
~ Read less. Makes you think.
~ Watch more TV. I've been missing some good stuff.
~ Procrastinate more. Starting tomorrow.
~ Spend more time at work, surfing the web.
~ Take a vacation to someplace important, like to see the world's largest ball of twine.
~ Don't jump off a cliff just because everyone else did.
~ Stop bringing lunch from home--eat out more.
~ Don't have eight children at once.
~ Get in a whole NEW rut!
~ Start being superstitious.
~ Personal goal: Don't bring back disco.
~ Don't ride in a car driven by Britney Spears.
~ Speak in a monotone voice and only use monosyllabic words.
~ Only wear jeans that are 2 sizes too small and use a chain or rope for a belt.
~ Spend my summer vacation in cyberspace.
~ Create loose ends.
~ Get more toys.
~ Get further in debt.
~ Don't believe politicians.
~ Break at least one traffic law.
~ Don't drive a motorized vehicle across thin ice.
~ Don't swim with piranhas or sharks.
~ Spread out priorities beyond the ability to keep track of them.
~ Wait for opportunity to knock.
~ Focus on the faults of others.
~ Mope about faults.
~ Never make New Year's resolutions again.
today'sTHOT============================
Aim low. Reach your goals. Avoid disappointment.
=======================================
PASS IT ON!
Yeah, you can send this Funny to anybody you want. And, if you're REAL nice, you'll tell them where you got it! www.mikeysFunnies.com
Have a great Monday, and God bless!
Sunday, January 06, 2008
I thought I could
Today in Sunday school, our lesson was on "rendering unto Caesar". Yes, I've heard that lesson more than once, so I'll admit my mind wandered to some extent. However, I did come to my senses in time to hear this statement from the teacher: "If you have no control over it, it isn't your responsibility."
How deep. I had to sit there and think about that for a minute. There are some things we obviously have no control over (the weather, for instance), and others that are not as obvious (the actions of our children, spouses, significant others, or bosses). In this modern world, though, we try to assume control of those things. We're like the little engine that could: we think we can, we think we can, we think we can. We think we can change someone else's thinking. We think we can keep someone else from engaging in harmful actions. We think we can make people love us. We think we can make someone happy.
As Shel Silverstein once told us, sometimes thinking you can isn't enough. How true is that! If you're in a situation where something isn't going to suit you and you feel responsible, stop and take a step back. See if you have any control over what is happening. If you do, change what you can. If you don't, stop feeling guilty! It may not be your responsibility!
I had a rotten work situation a couple of years ago. I loved my profession (teaching), but I didn't like my job. It didn't seem that there was anything I could do that was right. I tried to do what I felt professionally was best for my particular students, but folks who supervised me had differing ideas of what should be done. The goals they put in place were impossible to be met with the resources available to me. I realized that and realized, just like Shel Silverstein said, thinking I could wasn't enough. I couldn't. No one could. Long story short, I turned in my resignation, (written in red crayon, by the way--at least addressed that way), and walked out of the job.
I miss teaching terribly at times, but I don't miss trying to attain the impossible. I couldn't do it, I had no control over it, it didn't need to be my responsibility any longer. I feel peace with the decision and joy over being in control of things that I can control.
Take a look at your world. 1. Do you have control over your situation? 2. Is there any way you can get control of the situation? (Here's a hint: if there are other adults involved doing things their way and discussing the matter with them hasn't helped, you probably don't have control.) If the answer to those questions is no, then stop making it be your responsibility. Stop taking the blame for it.
Think it over. You make be woman, you may be able to roar, but there are some things you can't do. You are NOT invincible. Stop discouraging yourself by trying to do the impossible. Give the problem to God--let Him deal with it. Guaranteed, it IS His problem, and He CAN control it. This doesn't mean He will--after all, we don't know what His plan is for the situation. But we DO know that His plan is better than ours.
Good night to all, and God bless.
How deep. I had to sit there and think about that for a minute. There are some things we obviously have no control over (the weather, for instance), and others that are not as obvious (the actions of our children, spouses, significant others, or bosses). In this modern world, though, we try to assume control of those things. We're like the little engine that could: we think we can, we think we can, we think we can. We think we can change someone else's thinking. We think we can keep someone else from engaging in harmful actions. We think we can make people love us. We think we can make someone happy.
As Shel Silverstein once told us, sometimes thinking you can isn't enough. How true is that! If you're in a situation where something isn't going to suit you and you feel responsible, stop and take a step back. See if you have any control over what is happening. If you do, change what you can. If you don't, stop feeling guilty! It may not be your responsibility!
I had a rotten work situation a couple of years ago. I loved my profession (teaching), but I didn't like my job. It didn't seem that there was anything I could do that was right. I tried to do what I felt professionally was best for my particular students, but folks who supervised me had differing ideas of what should be done. The goals they put in place were impossible to be met with the resources available to me. I realized that and realized, just like Shel Silverstein said, thinking I could wasn't enough. I couldn't. No one could. Long story short, I turned in my resignation, (written in red crayon, by the way--at least addressed that way), and walked out of the job.
I miss teaching terribly at times, but I don't miss trying to attain the impossible. I couldn't do it, I had no control over it, it didn't need to be my responsibility any longer. I feel peace with the decision and joy over being in control of things that I can control.
Take a look at your world. 1. Do you have control over your situation? 2. Is there any way you can get control of the situation? (Here's a hint: if there are other adults involved doing things their way and discussing the matter with them hasn't helped, you probably don't have control.) If the answer to those questions is no, then stop making it be your responsibility. Stop taking the blame for it.
Think it over. You make be woman, you may be able to roar, but there are some things you can't do. You are NOT invincible. Stop discouraging yourself by trying to do the impossible. Give the problem to God--let Him deal with it. Guaranteed, it IS His problem, and He CAN control it. This doesn't mean He will--after all, we don't know what His plan is for the situation. But we DO know that His plan is better than ours.
Good night to all, and God bless.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Yes, they are
I have this great friend, Becky, who lives somewhere out west. I won't say where, so that she and the rest of the parties involved can rest in their innocence. Anyway, I rather enjoyed this last post of hers .
Monday, December 31, 2007
Holiday Highlights
I was sitting here wondering what was a highlight of this year's holiday for me. One was getting to have company over for Christmas Eve. This is the first time in years that we've been able to do that (or that I've been willing to do that). I started out with something simple, the Chen's and Lilly, plus Everett, Ann, and Daniel, so it wasn't too intimidating. Still, it was such a great feeling to be able to sit around and chat with folks at our own home.
Another highlight: the candlelight service at our church for Christmas Eve. This has been going on for years, but sharing it with first-time visitors is a treat. David asked to sing "O Holy Night", and we've been told that this was probably the best singing he's done. One woman told us on Sunday that guests she had with her told her, "That man is missing his calling working at Toyota!" I just know we loved hearing it.
Another highlight: Making cookies at Libby's. Going to Libby's is always a treat, especially when the family is gathered there. My cousins, Susie, Martha, and I are learning how to make divinity (or virginity, as it is sometimes known around here). It's always special to learn something that has been a part of family Christmases since a person was a child, especially when that person is as old as I!
Another highlight: Being with our darling granddaughter. Last year she was too little to understand anything about the holidays, but now she is catching on that Christmas is special. Her mama and daddy have a small nativity set up in their living room, and they have been adding to it over the course of the holidays. Lydia said even after they had opened the last box, Cora would go and stand by the nativity and look at them like, isn't there more? She also discovered candy and cookies this Christmas, and Mama and Dada keep a big supply of them in their dining room. She is big into hospitality, so one of the first things she did was run into the dining room and get the box of stick candy to bring to share with us. Fortunately, that time someone rescued it before she dropped it--the next time, we weren't quite as lucky. Now there are no more intact sticks in the box.
On the same line, another highlight (or maybe part of the last one): Seeing the way our daughter and son-in-law have grown as parents. David and I love to watch them interacting with Cora.
Another highlight: Spending time with Annie and Daniel. I am so amazed and pleased with the way my daughter has embraced married life and adulthood. She is so gracious a hostess, and so helpful around here--I really hated to see them leave on Christmas day!
Another highlight: Spending time with Everett. We had the privilege of meeting one of Everett's friends from seminary, which was especially meaningful, since this person has only known Everett as an adult. He told us some great stuff about our son, and seemed to mean what he said. That was special, too.
And probably another highlight: Having the whole house to ourselves for a couple of days, with no need to go anywhere or do anything! Right now, David is kicked back in the recliner watching UK football, which seems to be going well, and I am enjoying communicating with my friends.
I guess that does it...I'm sure there are more, and I may add to the list later, but for now, good night, happy New Year's Eve, and God bless!
Another highlight: the candlelight service at our church for Christmas Eve. This has been going on for years, but sharing it with first-time visitors is a treat. David asked to sing "O Holy Night", and we've been told that this was probably the best singing he's done. One woman told us on Sunday that guests she had with her told her, "That man is missing his calling working at Toyota!" I just know we loved hearing it.
Another highlight: Making cookies at Libby's. Going to Libby's is always a treat, especially when the family is gathered there. My cousins, Susie, Martha, and I are learning how to make divinity (or virginity, as it is sometimes known around here). It's always special to learn something that has been a part of family Christmases since a person was a child, especially when that person is as old as I!
Another highlight: Being with our darling granddaughter. Last year she was too little to understand anything about the holidays, but now she is catching on that Christmas is special. Her mama and daddy have a small nativity set up in their living room, and they have been adding to it over the course of the holidays. Lydia said even after they had opened the last box, Cora would go and stand by the nativity and look at them like, isn't there more? She also discovered candy and cookies this Christmas, and Mama and Dada keep a big supply of them in their dining room. She is big into hospitality, so one of the first things she did was run into the dining room and get the box of stick candy to bring to share with us. Fortunately, that time someone rescued it before she dropped it--the next time, we weren't quite as lucky. Now there are no more intact sticks in the box.
On the same line, another highlight (or maybe part of the last one): Seeing the way our daughter and son-in-law have grown as parents. David and I love to watch them interacting with Cora.
Another highlight: Spending time with Annie and Daniel. I am so amazed and pleased with the way my daughter has embraced married life and adulthood. She is so gracious a hostess, and so helpful around here--I really hated to see them leave on Christmas day!
Another highlight: Spending time with Everett. We had the privilege of meeting one of Everett's friends from seminary, which was especially meaningful, since this person has only known Everett as an adult. He told us some great stuff about our son, and seemed to mean what he said. That was special, too.
And probably another highlight: Having the whole house to ourselves for a couple of days, with no need to go anywhere or do anything! Right now, David is kicked back in the recliner watching UK football, which seems to be going well, and I am enjoying communicating with my friends.
I guess that does it...I'm sure there are more, and I may add to the list later, but for now, good night, happy New Year's Eve, and God bless!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
New Year's Resolutions
The time has come for the making (or not making) of New Year's resolutions. I really am not one who feels bound by the need to keep the darn things once I make them, so this never has been a very big deal with me. About the only resolution I'm fairly consistent with making (and usually keeping) is the one to read the Bible through each year. I'm a little behind this year for various reasons, but I intend to catch up before midnight tomorrow. I'm up to Zachariah, anyway--if there is a Zachariah!, and I've nearly finished Revelations, so I'm getting there.
For those of you who endeavor to make and keep New Year's resolutions, I have a link to a pretty good list, but for some reason, Blogger can't decode it. So much for that. Let's just say, it starts with stuff like "Gain 30 pounds," and goes from there. What would you add to that list?
Happy New Years to all, and God bless.
For those of you who endeavor to make and keep New Year's resolutions, I have a link to a pretty good list, but for some reason, Blogger can't decode it. So much for that. Let's just say, it starts with stuff like "Gain 30 pounds," and goes from there. What would you add to that list?
Happy New Years to all, and God bless.
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