~~~~
Haiku is stupid
Forcing rhythm so oddly
Hence my revulsion
~~~~
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Vote.
It's your right, and your duty.
Besides, it's such a gorgeous day, you can walk or bike to the polling place, and get triple benefit.
Besides, it's such a gorgeous day, you can walk or bike to the polling place, and get triple benefit.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Walmart. Save Money. Not the Earth
Walmart prides itself on being a company that is committed to helping keep our planet safe and healthy. Google "Walmart environmentally friendly", and you'll get 527,000 results. Their website is filled with green living tips, links to green products, and news about Walmarts efforts to reduce waste and energy usage. It looks good on the website, but how does it translate in real-life shopping at an actual WalMart store? Consider this - my last three trips to Walmart, I took my own shopping bags with me. EVERY time, the cashier reached over my bags for my items and proceeded to use the store's plastic bags. Even after I pointed out my own bags and asked him to please use them, he looked confused and continued to bag as before. When I then rebagged my items, he scooped up the plastic bags and threw them in the trash.
I am asking those of you who wish to make a difference, however small, to take a stand against companies that openly flout "green" practices.
I am asking those of you who wish to make a difference, however small, to take a stand against companies that openly flout "green" practices.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
RUNVS?
Deep breath in... savor that new car smell. Exhale. Repeat.This is Stephen's new car. It's a 2009 Nissan Murano, and seats 5 adults. We traded in my 1997 Dodge Stratus, I will get his Impala, and he is the lucky one who gets to drive this beauty every day.
Unfortunately, he's in Chicago for a few days, so it fell to me to sign all the paperwork and pick it up from the dealer. I've had to break it in for him. Poor me :-)
Monday, August 25, 2008
Lessening My Footprint...
... by taking a few more.
Several things conspired to make today's activity possible. I woke up feeling lethargic, and thinking I needed to get back into my habit of walking each day. Before I said anything, Kira asked if I could please take a walk with her today. So, off to a great start!
But, after a week's vacation, we were low on groceries. I quickly made up a menu and shopping list, and realized I only had 18 items on my list. So, we grabbed a few canvas bags, our softside cooler bag, and walked 6 blocks to the grocery store. We both got some exercise, I only shopped from my list (impulse shopping is curbed when you know you have to carry everything 6 blocks home!), and helped protect the environment a little tiny bit!
Yea! But I still feel lethargic.
Several things conspired to make today's activity possible. I woke up feeling lethargic, and thinking I needed to get back into my habit of walking each day. Before I said anything, Kira asked if I could please take a walk with her today. So, off to a great start!
But, after a week's vacation, we were low on groceries. I quickly made up a menu and shopping list, and realized I only had 18 items on my list. So, we grabbed a few canvas bags, our softside cooler bag, and walked 6 blocks to the grocery store. We both got some exercise, I only shopped from my list (impulse shopping is curbed when you know you have to carry everything 6 blocks home!), and helped protect the environment a little tiny bit!
Yea! But I still feel lethargic.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Check, please!
Last night, I stumbled across a website highlighting examples of passive-aggressive behavior http://www.passiveaggressivenotes.com. One thread focused on customers' approach to tipping poor waitstaff (writing, "We waited 30 minutes, no servic" in ketchup and mustard on the table) Needless to say, this post had a LOT of responses, many from waiters and waitresses trying to justify why they should get 15-20% tips just for living, regardless of how terribly they serve their customers.
We eat out a lot, and we've had our share of bad waiters, but Stephen is usually fairly generous with a tip anyway. There have a been a few exceptions, however, that have caused even him to express displeasure through the lack of a tip.
Here are my two personal favorites:
At Red Lobster, where we usually receive GREAT service, we had a waiter that practically ignored us as he buttered up the two rich elderly women seated behind us. He was not winning any brownie points with us to begin with, but he drove the nail in the coffin as we were preparing to leave. As I wrote on my take-out box the contents and the date, he asked, "What are you doing?" When I told him, he looked at me and said, "Well, that's the dumbest thing I've ever heard of!"
We went to Steak and Shake after church one evening, and the restaurant was slow. We were told to pick a table and someone would be with us soon. After we finally flagged someone down, we ordered drinks. While we were waiting for our drinks, Kira lay down in the booth, saying she didn't feel very well. She suspected she was just really hungry. When we finally got our drinks, she took a few sips, which improved her color, but only briefly. Finally, she just went into the bathroom and tried to relieve her discomfort. As she was sitting there, she started to talk and puked all over the floor instead. I helped clean her off, then went and found an employee, telling her that my daughter just threw up in the restroom. 5 minutes later, we see someone wheel the mop and bucket back to the restrooms. Good! A few minutes later, Kira again needed the restroom. We ran into the employee exiting the MEN's room, who recognized us and said, "Oh, she threw up in the girls' bathroom?!?"
What are some of your dining out horror stories?
We eat out a lot, and we've had our share of bad waiters, but Stephen is usually fairly generous with a tip anyway. There have a been a few exceptions, however, that have caused even him to express displeasure through the lack of a tip.
Here are my two personal favorites:
At Red Lobster, where we usually receive GREAT service, we had a waiter that practically ignored us as he buttered up the two rich elderly women seated behind us. He was not winning any brownie points with us to begin with, but he drove the nail in the coffin as we were preparing to leave. As I wrote on my take-out box the contents and the date, he asked, "What are you doing?" When I told him, he looked at me and said, "Well, that's the dumbest thing I've ever heard of!"
We went to Steak and Shake after church one evening, and the restaurant was slow. We were told to pick a table and someone would be with us soon. After we finally flagged someone down, we ordered drinks. While we were waiting for our drinks, Kira lay down in the booth, saying she didn't feel very well. She suspected she was just really hungry. When we finally got our drinks, she took a few sips, which improved her color, but only briefly. Finally, she just went into the bathroom and tried to relieve her discomfort. As she was sitting there, she started to talk and puked all over the floor instead. I helped clean her off, then went and found an employee, telling her that my daughter just threw up in the restroom. 5 minutes later, we see someone wheel the mop and bucket back to the restrooms. Good! A few minutes later, Kira again needed the restroom. We ran into the employee exiting the MEN's room, who recognized us and said, "Oh, she threw up in the girls' bathroom?!?"
What are some of your dining out horror stories?
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Men vs. Women
The other day I told Stephen, "I love you" and he answered, "I love you more." I agreed with him that that was probably true. Don't get me wrong, I love him more than I can measure, so this is not an indication that my affection is waning (far from it!!) But I do think that while women tend to fall in love more easily (and more often), men fall much harder.
Those of you who are married, would you agree? You may vote in the poll and add your comments here.
Those of you who are married, would you agree? You may vote in the poll and add your comments here.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Hostage Situation
You probably won't hear about this on the news, so here's your insider scoop on a hostage situation that took place today in the city of East Grand Rapids.
A woman in her early thirties was held in her home today, unable to leave the house or place phone calls. An unidentified man, known only as "The Washing Machine Repair Man" was never actually seen on the premises, but the woman claims his promised arrival essentially amounted to a hostage situation. "He said he would call before coming, so I jumped every time the phone rang. I had to quickly get other callers off the line, so I could take his call. I couldn't even go to the office, because what if he called? What if he came to the house, and no one was here? I felt as trapped as if he were standing at the door, blocking my exit."
She finally took a risk, and put an end to her hostage status this afternoon around 4:30. Hoping "TWMRM" wouldn't notice, she drove to work and the grocery store, hurrying back quickly in case the anticipated call had come. Fortunately, the only missed phone call was from her sister.
This isn't the first time such an incident has occurred, but she hopes it will be the last. "The only thing worse than doing laundry is being unable to do it when needed."
A woman in her early thirties was held in her home today, unable to leave the house or place phone calls. An unidentified man, known only as "The Washing Machine Repair Man" was never actually seen on the premises, but the woman claims his promised arrival essentially amounted to a hostage situation. "He said he would call before coming, so I jumped every time the phone rang. I had to quickly get other callers off the line, so I could take his call. I couldn't even go to the office, because what if he called? What if he came to the house, and no one was here? I felt as trapped as if he were standing at the door, blocking my exit."
She finally took a risk, and put an end to her hostage status this afternoon around 4:30. Hoping "TWMRM" wouldn't notice, she drove to work and the grocery store, hurrying back quickly in case the anticipated call had come. Fortunately, the only missed phone call was from her sister.
This isn't the first time such an incident has occurred, but she hopes it will be the last. "The only thing worse than doing laundry is being unable to do it when needed."
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Mother's Day Tribute
Mom was asked to line up 3 generations to give toasts/tributes at the Mother-Daughter banquet at her church, so she enlisted help from Kira and me. The coordinator gave Mom a packet of "really nice" poems that we could look through to pick something to read. We decided to write our own, although I don't know how I thought I could top "Happy Pother's Day." We were also asked to keep the toasts somewhat generic and impersonal so everyone in the room could relate to it. I broke the rules and wrote my own very personal tribute to a definitely not generic mom.
Here it is...
I don’t remember very much about my early childhood. I remember I was happy and not overly concerned about life. I don’t remember very many specific things that you did to make my life safe and happy. But I have since learned to appreciate that maybe, just maybe, your extraordinary love defined our family so much, that I came to see it as a given. It was just part of who you were, and continue to be.
It was there when you took me into your bedroom and helped me pray for Jesus to accept me as His child. It was there when you worked only school hours to be home for us. It was there when you had no-bake cookies and hot chocolate waiting on cold days. It was there when our VBS ride forgot to pick us up and you walked us down to Baskin Robbins and bought us ribbon barrettes, earning you the title of coolest mom to an 8 year old ever!
Your extraordinary love was there when you taught me that it’s better to spend money on people and relational experiences than things. It was there when you let me curl up on your bed and act like your little girl even when I was a teenager. It was there when you hugged me so tight to keep me close, and when you let me go to be myself.
Your love has stayed with me as I’ve grown and has grown to encompass my husband and my daughter. When I pray with her, when I make her cookies, when I curl up Japanese-style with her, and when I let her make her own choices, I’m reminded again of the wonderful mother I have in you.
Thank you for your extraordinary love, always.
Mom forgave me for breaking the rules...
Here it is...
I don’t remember very much about my early childhood. I remember I was happy and not overly concerned about life. I don’t remember very many specific things that you did to make my life safe and happy. But I have since learned to appreciate that maybe, just maybe, your extraordinary love defined our family so much, that I came to see it as a given. It was just part of who you were, and continue to be.
It was there when you took me into your bedroom and helped me pray for Jesus to accept me as His child. It was there when you worked only school hours to be home for us. It was there when you had no-bake cookies and hot chocolate waiting on cold days. It was there when our VBS ride forgot to pick us up and you walked us down to Baskin Robbins and bought us ribbon barrettes, earning you the title of coolest mom to an 8 year old ever!
Your extraordinary love was there when you taught me that it’s better to spend money on people and relational experiences than things. It was there when you let me curl up on your bed and act like your little girl even when I was a teenager. It was there when you hugged me so tight to keep me close, and when you let me go to be myself.
Your love has stayed with me as I’ve grown and has grown to encompass my husband and my daughter. When I pray with her, when I make her cookies, when I curl up Japanese-style with her, and when I let her make her own choices, I’m reminded again of the wonderful mother I have in you.
Thank you for your extraordinary love, always.
Mom forgave me for breaking the rules...
Friday, May 2, 2008
Happy Birthday Jersey!
I can't believe I did this, but I actually bought Jersey a birthday present. Don't worry, I haven't gone so far over the edge that I expect anyone else to acknowledge my dog's birthday.
To commemorate his very big day, we gave him a bath this morning. He actually was pretty good today - he didn't drink the soap or sit as I was trying to wash his behind. And he waited until I closed the shower curtain to shake. So, good dog! But it still took almost an hour to dry him! Fortunately, he stood up while I was drying his fur. He usually sits, and ends up with a funky cowlick on his rear from his fur drying like that. So, pretty dog, too!
He also got to visit the vet today, and have blood drawn to test for heartworm. He kept still (well, his tail was going a mile a minute, but that didn't matter!) He didn't even flinch when the tech had to stick him a second time and a third time. Apparently, he has tough veins, and they still only got about 4 drops of blood. I would say poor guy, but I'm not even sure he noticed.
Here's Jersey at 1 year old, enjoying his new red blanket that is all his own!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
Living in a debt-free world
When we moved 20 months ago, we knew that our budget would be a little tighter than normal, given the higher real estate prices here compared to Jackson. Little did we know how very, very badly the housing decline would hit us personally. After racking up debt to pay two mortgages, fix up both houses, and eventually taking a loss on the Jackson property, we were in a not very enviable position.
We've worked hard the last year and a half to pay all that down. Today, I made the last payment on our last credit card! We now have just the house (which we recently refinanced at a lower rate) and Stephen's car, due to be paid off by August. I am loving the freedom!
We've worked hard the last year and a half to pay all that down. Today, I made the last payment on our last credit card! We now have just the house (which we recently refinanced at a lower rate) and Stephen's car, due to be paid off by August. I am loving the freedom!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
I Like 2nd Graders!
As we were bathing Jersey, Kira said she'd really like to wash the bathtub as well. So, armed with cleaner and a sponge, my very willing helper scrubbed the tub. Granted, she wasn't as cheerful after starting the process (it's a lot harder than it looks!) But I love that she hasn't completely outgrown her wanting to help stage.
Friday, March 14, 2008
The Ottoman Empire
We have been wanting a coffee table in our living room for a very long time. Finally, I went shopping with Mom on Monday, and found the next best thing - ottomans! Actually, Stephen and I both think they're even better, since they can be moved more easily, serve as casual seating (for small people), and won't hurt our shins if we bump into them.
A silk throw on clearance, a couple of pillows, and a mahogany serving tray complete our own little empire. Yea! I love World Market and TJ Maxx!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Health Update
First, thank you all so much for prayers, phone calls, and flowers. Your support has meant so much!
Following the D&C last Thursday, I actually felt okay physically. I was tired, but not really sore. The pain kicked in on Sunday, and kept getting worse. The doctor confirmed yesterday that I have a uterine infection. Fortunately, she didn't see any indication of damage, so antibiotics should take care of everything. I'll go back in a week to make sure everything is healed up the way it's supposed to be, and discuss future options with the doctor. More on this later...
Emotionally, we are amazed at how God has worked this last week. After pretty much withdrawing from life for a few days, we spent all day Sunday together as a family, saw a movie (Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, the BEST movie we could've seen), and took a family photo. We started easing back into our routines Monday. Although we've had a few rough patches, usually in the middle of the night, we are starting to heal. We know this is not over, and we will probably have more relapses, but for now we are thankful for the peace that we do have.
As part of the grieving process, we named our baby Daisy Victoria. It has helped give a sense of reality and closure to our loss.Saturday, March 1, 2008
Published
Several weeks ago, I was asked to submit 4 articles to the Lowell weekly newspaper, beginning the first week of March. My first article was due this Friday, and in typical fashion, I was waiting until the last minute to put down my thoughts on paper. So, come Wednesday, readers in Lowell will be exposed to my rawest emotions, as I struggled to keep my commitment in the midst of grief.
Lowell Reflections article - appearing March 5, 2008
Where do you go in times of need? Where do you turn for safety?
“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” (Psalm 32:7) This verse has been in my mind all week, as I shared it with my ministry team last Monday evening. As God’s people, the church is called to be a safe haven for those in trouble. We are called to show people the One who can deliver them. Because ultimately, He is the only one able to protect, comfort, deliver, and save.
I found that out in a very real way last Wednesday. Nine weeks into a long-awaited and much welcomed pregnancy, I lost my child. I belong to a great church, have a wonderful family, and am surrounded by amazing friends. I have leaned on all of them this week, thankful for their love and support. But they are people just like me, and realistically cannot always be around. In those times, when I can only crawl in bed and hide, God is still there. He is the one whispering words of comfort when I am by myself. He is the one holding me day and night. He is the one giving me words to sing when I cannot find my voice.
Do you have that? When the worst life has to offer comes at you, do you turn to God? Did you know that you can? As David declared in Psalm 34:4, “I sought the Lord, and He answered me.”
Lowell Reflections article - appearing March 5, 2008
Where do you go in times of need? Where do you turn for safety?
“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” (Psalm 32:7) This verse has been in my mind all week, as I shared it with my ministry team last Monday evening. As God’s people, the church is called to be a safe haven for those in trouble. We are called to show people the One who can deliver them. Because ultimately, He is the only one able to protect, comfort, deliver, and save.
I found that out in a very real way last Wednesday. Nine weeks into a long-awaited and much welcomed pregnancy, I lost my child. I belong to a great church, have a wonderful family, and am surrounded by amazing friends. I have leaned on all of them this week, thankful for their love and support. But they are people just like me, and realistically cannot always be around. In those times, when I can only crawl in bed and hide, God is still there. He is the one whispering words of comfort when I am by myself. He is the one holding me day and night. He is the one giving me words to sing when I cannot find my voice.
Do you have that? When the worst life has to offer comes at you, do you turn to God? Did you know that you can? As David declared in Psalm 34:4, “I sought the Lord, and He answered me.”
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
One In A Million
In the last 25 years, according to Fifth Third Bank, only two mortgage payoffs were not properly processed. We have the dubious honor of being one of the two!
We refinanced our house in January, shaving about $90 off our monthly mortgage payment, which of course is especially helpful now. But, we received a notice last Friday (dated the 15th, arriving on the 22nd) that our checking account was overdrawn due to an automatic payment on our OLD mortgage. When we looked up our accounts online, the system showed we had TWO outstanding mortgages! Naturally, we had to wait until Monay until anyone was available to correct the mistake. In the meantime, daily overdraft fees kept hitting our account, and Stephen was down to $10 in his wallet.
Finally, a credit was posted to our account this morning (12 days after the initial overdraft), but for the wrong amount. We've been promised that will be corrected soon, but at least Stephen can use the ATM immediately.
Let this be a lesson to everyone reading this - DO NOT finance through Fifth Third! Argh!
We refinanced our house in January, shaving about $90 off our monthly mortgage payment, which of course is especially helpful now. But, we received a notice last Friday (dated the 15th, arriving on the 22nd) that our checking account was overdrawn due to an automatic payment on our OLD mortgage. When we looked up our accounts online, the system showed we had TWO outstanding mortgages! Naturally, we had to wait until Monay until anyone was available to correct the mistake. In the meantime, daily overdraft fees kept hitting our account, and Stephen was down to $10 in his wallet.
Finally, a credit was posted to our account this morning (12 days after the initial overdraft), but for the wrong amount. We've been promised that will be corrected soon, but at least Stephen can use the ATM immediately.
Let this be a lesson to everyone reading this - DO NOT finance through Fifth Third! Argh!
Friday, February 15, 2008
I Suppose I Should Write Something...
I know, it's been way too long since I've updated my blog. As most of you know, I have had other pressing things on my mind...
I am in school 2 days a week, 4:00-5:15 (can you THINK of a worse schedule for me?), but it is my last class, so that at least motivates me. It's going well, I think. It is helping me view my ministry through different eyes, and helping me clarify what God has called me to do, so I suppose it is worth $2,000.
I am also supposedly working at the church 3 days a week 9-3, but that's flexible. Which is good, considering all the nasty weather we've been having. Forest Hills and Lowell schools have already had 6 snow days and 3 delays, which pretty much tell me to work from home instead of venturing out. Last Wednesday, the storm kind of took me by surprise. It took 55 minutes to get home, instead of the usual 25. Fortunately, church was canceled that evening, the 2nd of 3 times we've canceled services.
Well, that seems to be all my tired, scatter-brained mind is letting me write. But at least it's something!
I am in school 2 days a week, 4:00-5:15 (can you THINK of a worse schedule for me?), but it is my last class, so that at least motivates me. It's going well, I think. It is helping me view my ministry through different eyes, and helping me clarify what God has called me to do, so I suppose it is worth $2,000.
I am also supposedly working at the church 3 days a week 9-3, but that's flexible. Which is good, considering all the nasty weather we've been having. Forest Hills and Lowell schools have already had 6 snow days and 3 delays, which pretty much tell me to work from home instead of venturing out. Last Wednesday, the storm kind of took me by surprise. It took 55 minutes to get home, instead of the usual 25. Fortunately, church was canceled that evening, the 2nd of 3 times we've canceled services.
Well, that seems to be all my tired, scatter-brained mind is letting me write. But at least it's something!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Christmas Loot - Thank you!
A few of my favorite things from Christmas...
The red plates (8) and cups are from Mom.
The red goblets (8) are from Bed, Bath, and Beyond, courtesy of a gift card from Stephen's parents.
The red serving set is from Dad and Nancy.
I would post a picture of me in my new coat(from Kath!), but Stephen never takes pictures of me.
And my prune bread plate (from Ken!) is safely ensconced in the cupboard with my platters.
And my teacups (from who else but Mom?) are still in their lined box awaiting a place to display them.
And my red frying pan (also from Stephen's parents, aka BB&B), still has hamburger grease in it, so would not make a very attractive photo. I can make 4-5 hamburgers at once now!
In Lieu of Webkinz...
Since the Webkinz site is down for very important maintenance, I have time to post to my blog.
Where to start?
Christmas was busy, fun, and relaxing all at the same time. Stephen worked REALLY late on Friday the 21st (I think he got home after midnight), but then he was completely off work until Monday the 7th. It was so nice to have him around for over 2 weeks. And we knew that the main objective of vacation was met when Kira wandered off to play by herself, because she'd had "lots of time with Daddy." So we had a really good mix of time with extended family, just the three of us, just the two of us, and individual time.
The last few days of vacation were crazy as we tried to work quickly to get things ready for our new unit at church. Although we were borrowing from a unit we had done in Jackson, it was our first foray into doing something new at this church, and we wanted it to be great! I don't know how impressed the kids were, though. One of the seven year old boys asked why we put so much work into something that lasted only 5 minutes. But a lot of our efforts were front-loaded and will carry through the entire 12 week unit. So, maybe it really will have been worth it.
Vacation was good to Jersey, as well. He stayed at Stephen's parents' for a week as we traveled to other family. He got to play with their dog, Stephen's brother's dog, the neighbors' dog, and have a great time! But when he came home, he was ready to be with his people again. He seems much more calm and obedient than he was before Christmas; he'll even get in his bed when told!
I will be starting my last class in just a couple of days! When we moved, I applied at Cornerstone for my final two classes. Only one was offered that semester, the other was offered every other spring. So, I tried to register this semester for Middle School Ministry, but that course has been dropped! The alternative class, Philosophy of Youth Ministry, meets my requirements, but doesn't sound nearly as interesting. But at least I will be done with school!
I know there is more going on, but I am tired and starting to ramble. So, until next post...
Where to start?
Christmas was busy, fun, and relaxing all at the same time. Stephen worked REALLY late on Friday the 21st (I think he got home after midnight), but then he was completely off work until Monday the 7th. It was so nice to have him around for over 2 weeks. And we knew that the main objective of vacation was met when Kira wandered off to play by herself, because she'd had "lots of time with Daddy." So we had a really good mix of time with extended family, just the three of us, just the two of us, and individual time.
The last few days of vacation were crazy as we tried to work quickly to get things ready for our new unit at church. Although we were borrowing from a unit we had done in Jackson, it was our first foray into doing something new at this church, and we wanted it to be great! I don't know how impressed the kids were, though. One of the seven year old boys asked why we put so much work into something that lasted only 5 minutes. But a lot of our efforts were front-loaded and will carry through the entire 12 week unit. So, maybe it really will have been worth it.
Vacation was good to Jersey, as well. He stayed at Stephen's parents' for a week as we traveled to other family. He got to play with their dog, Stephen's brother's dog, the neighbors' dog, and have a great time! But when he came home, he was ready to be with his people again. He seems much more calm and obedient than he was before Christmas; he'll even get in his bed when told!
I will be starting my last class in just a couple of days! When we moved, I applied at Cornerstone for my final two classes. Only one was offered that semester, the other was offered every other spring. So, I tried to register this semester for Middle School Ministry, but that course has been dropped! The alternative class, Philosophy of Youth Ministry, meets my requirements, but doesn't sound nearly as interesting. But at least I will be done with school!
I know there is more going on, but I am tired and starting to ramble. So, until next post...
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