"The Full Life"

Tuesday, May 2nd.

2011-05-03T17:52:00.003-04:00

So I had a pretty productive day today. It started off with accidentally cleaning my room. I swear I didn't mean to, but it was just so bad (like mental health bad), that before I knew what I was doing, I was full-on cleaning my room. Like throwing stuff away, and sorting papers, and (gasp!) VACUUMING! It was soooooooo bad. As in, a path to the bed and closet, and you still have to climb over something to get there. But now, it's lovely. Lovelier. By most standards, it would probably not seem so great, but I have slightly skewed ideas regarding housework.

After I finished cleaning (read: got tired of it), I visited my Sobrina Favorita to see her beautiful fairy necklaces. I wish you could see them, but since I lost my thumb drive, I can't put pictures up because poor little Izma doesn't have enought brains. Upon completing my Sobrina visit, I headed out to the great city with several errands in mind:

The Bread Store (where I bought bread and sampled a delcious slice of white chocolate cherry bread)

The Institute of Higher Learning (where I changed my registry to summer instead of fall, and chatted with a financial aid lady and discovered that my aid has to be validated)

The Used Grocery Store (where I purchased used groceries)

The Library HK (where I now sit, doing important things like a career assessment, facebooking, chatting with my Favorite Barista, renewing my car tags online, consuming espresso beverages, chatting idly with other coffee consumers, and waiting for Quittin' Time so that Favorite Barista can accompany me to The New Grocery Store*)

I also dedicated some time to pondering my future, my past, and my ever fleeting present. What do I want to be when I grow up? Where will I live in 6 months? Why must I take a sucky Life Skills class at a mediocre community college? Am I unwittingly one of those people who really does need that Life Skills class? And just what the hell am I gonna do when Favorite Barista goes away to college?

*The New Grocery Store is a store which sells new groceries, not a new store that sells groceries.

Disappointment

2011-04-17T09:34:00.002-04:00

How much disappointment is one young person intended to handle. How much disappointment did she set herself up for? It just seems unfair that someone so awesome shouldn't acheive all that she aspires to. And while I know that she is not defined by her college, shouldn't she at least get something she wants? Does she have to settle for the bottom of the barrell? It isn't that she's not good enough.

Hello, again

2011-04-10T09:27:00.002-04:00

It's been awhile. Things have changed. Things have stayed the same. I've moved 3 times, and gotten 2 different jobs, and working on a third. Kate is graduating and going to college. I am divorced. (well, almost) I'm starting college this summer, hopefully. And I don't know if I'm coming, which is the one thing that definitely has not changed! It's been a strange and uncomfortable mix of growing and regressing, but I think that now I'm ready to face the world and move forward. There are things about the way my life used to be that I really miss, and want to try to revive. Blogging is one of those things - not because I was particularly good at it, but more because I just enjoyed it. And some of my cheerleaders claim to have missed it. I also used to make things. And taking pictures of things. Those were fun. And so I just took a picture to document the writing of this bloggage at the newest Hobknobb in the Library. Did you know that Kate works at Hobknobb? She's been there about a year. Before that she was at Destinations Booksellers, and the Culbertson Mansion before that. She's pretty cool. She's been accepted at Hanover College in Indiana and Shimer College in Chicagoland. Shimer is her preference, but it's going to depend on their financial aid package. Hanover is really treating her nicely. I think that's all there is to say right now. Thanks for tuning in.

TCTC downtime

2009-01-10T14:53:00.003-05:00

sitting on the bed in a motor lodge, with the balcony door open, listening to Pandora on a borrowed laptop, and the sound of passing cars on wet pavement, and the occasional little cheepy sound from a bird out by the street. my group of teens is still wandering about town before coming back to my room to play spoons, so i'm taking a few minutes of downtime to sip a quiet cup of coffee and just be still. There are no lights on in the room; the only light is through the open window and balcony door, and even that is from a mostly overcast sky. it's not an unpleasant sort of dimness, though. on the contrary is vaguely familiar and and promotes a reflective, pondering sort of mood. i think i'll go ponder.

got some whack back

2009-01-03T07:34:00.002-05:00

Good Mornng!
I've been finding little bits of whack and stuffing them in my pocket, so things have been better. It is kind of funny all the places you can find whack. Friends with extra have been really good about sharing, and I found a little bit here and there about town (lying on the sidewalk, mixed in with grocery change, etc)

Speaking of groceries, Used Grocery has an enormous stock of canned artichoke hearts for .69. I got two cans yesterday to try it out, and made a yummy dish of chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and artichoke, all tossed in an italian dressing. It was pretty freakin' tasty, and I got the idea from my pal Tara. We went to her house for NYE and played some great games with some of our favorite teenagers.

So... the standard topic and conversation starter these days seems to be resolutions. did you make any? Originally I'd planned something I felt would be acheivable and settled for becoming more cynical and drinking more alcohol. Eventually, though, I settled on the resolution of setting myself weekly goals, like not eating fast food, or washing the dishes, or remembering to take out the garbage.
Have any yourself?

got any spare whack?

2008-12-19T09:57:00.002-05:00

why does it go so quickly? my cousin ryan asked if i meant money, time, life, youth, cookies, or what, and i guess the answer is all that and the rest, too. i feel so overwhelmed and unmotivated, in both the large areas (kate is already planning for college) and the small (i didn't make a single gift for anyone for christmas, i cook about 3 meals a week, and i still haven't put away the laundry from 3 weeks ago.) it was like this last year and the year before and the year before, unto reverse perpetuity, but this year i feel so overwhelmed that i just have not one iota of motivation to do ANYthing. i don't want to do anything but be at home. no offense, friends, but i don't even want to hang out with you, and that is NOT LIKE ME. my favorite thing to do is hang out with you, and i don't even want to do that? wierd.

now, don't get me wrong - i am not feeling sorry for myself or ungrateful; to the contrary i don't think i've ever felt more grateful. i'm just... out of whack.

Your soul is an appalling dump heap

2008-12-02T07:18:00.005-05:00

So who watched the Grinch last night? Hands down, it's my favorite of all Christmas movies, followed closely by Rudolph and Charlie Brown. But let me just tell you - nay, let me count the ways that I despise Frosty the Snowman. He is a wuss. oooh, I don't like red thermometers...

psh. what a freakin wimp.
I hate that movie. But I digress...

Another REALLY good one that I highly reccommend is Nightmare Before Christmas. Maybe not for your toddlers, possibly for your tweens, but perfect for teens and adults. (clarification: adults who aren't entirely too serious all the time)

So what's your favorite? Or your least favorite? Let's argue some video tradition!!!

sloppy monday

2008-12-01T07:38:00.002-05:00

It's just one of those gross days. Shameful that December 1st should choose to be like this, but it is gray, dark, wet, cold, and gross. Perhaps I should send some advice to the person in charge of weather. That would help, I'm sure.

So have you gotten started on your shopping? I have a small start, and plan to finish by the 25th. I think that's reasonable.
Hey, I was skimming the radio the other day and heard Dr Dobson telling that of the 30 businesses that he approached about saying "Merry Christmas", 19 of them have chosen to at least add that back to their advertising along with "Happy Holidays". This is a big deal. I'm trying to find the list of stores for you, and also the ones who still won't. Of "Merry Christmas" group, I can only remember Target and BassPro, but of course there were 17 others. Unfortunately, Borders, Waldenbooks, and Barnes & Noble remained in the "Happy Holidays" only group.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T20:15:00.002-05:00

Hope you all had a good time and got to spend it with people you like, eating too much yummy food. Boy, I did.

This evening I'm on my couch watching Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving. I think next year I'll makes toast, popcorn, and jelly beans for dinner. :-) I especially like the scene with Snoopy and Woodstock dressed as pilgrims. It reminds me of Doug and Paula!

So as tradition dictates, Kate is spending the night at Sarah's house, and they will be joining the throngs of shoppers at 4am, along with Maureen and James. I'll be at work tomorrow, so if you find yourself on Hurstbourne, swing by and visit me.

By the way, do any of you want to give someone a kitten for Christmas? Mippen has 7.

sausage balls

2008-11-26T10:28:00.002-05:00

This morning I slept in til 8:47 because I have Day Off Work (tm). You ever get one of those? Actually, my entire little pod is home today from their various jobs, schools, and activities, and we have planned a lovely day of putting things away, painting random objects for fun, and eating of Amanda's homemade sausage balls. Yum.

I love waking up in the morning and having my girls here. :-)

Shopping with Amanda

2008-11-24T22:01:00.002-05:00

Ever notice how she makes even StuffMart seem like more fun?
We had our first grocery shopping trip yesterday, and ended up making cookies tonight as a result. We also ate Klondike bars in the checkout line, and then Travis stalked us and found us and took us to dinner at La Rosita. A lovely first day of roommate-iness!

Oh, and then Grant brought a half dozen teenagers over to take our picture (!) and he also came over and brought us cookies!

The Morning After

2008-11-23T07:20:00.002-05:00

I have a new Roomie!!!
Yesterday we spent the day welcoming Amanda 1/2 into our little dolphin pod, and I just can't tell you how exciting it is to have her here with us! She has already added a new dynamic here on Market Street, and we're looking forward to encouraging one another and enjoying each other's company.

To celebrate, we are going to Sojourn with Amanda and Vanover this morning, and Vanover has promised to buy me a cup of coffee at Highland. How could I pass that up? I think (hope) that even Roebin would approve. ;-)
Travis was torn... he didn't know if he wanted to go with us and pretend we were as young as Kate and Amanda and Vanover, or sleep in a little and go to second service at GCC. It's a tough decision, and I don't envy him having to choose.

growing feathers

2008-11-22T20:35:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I'm back online, and figured I might as well post something as not, since I haven't been here since July somethingth. I don't have any profound wisdom to share with you, but I guess it's hoping for a lot that there is still anyone out there checking this blog! It would be really nice to get back into the swing of writing here again, though. See you later

Hatching Hurts.

2008-07-29T09:42:00.002-04:00

Did you know that in order for a caterpillar to turn into a butterfly, it has to go through a painful, difficult stage of hatching from a chrysalis? A chrysalis is very much like a cocoon, and the newborn butterfly has to struggle and fight to break open the shell, resting periodically, slowly working it's way out. It seems like a brutal way to enter the world, but apparently the extreme difficulty of the 'birth' is what gives the butterfly the strength to live.

I have to wonder; does the butterfly know that all this pain and struggle is actually good for it? Does the butterfly look back fondly on it's emergence and think, "ah, thank goodness for that. Without it, I would not have the strength of character that I now possess."? Ok, so realistically, the butterfly doesn't really think at all; it just operates on nervous impulses from it's primitive little bug brain. But metaphorically speaking, one has to wonder if the butterfly knows what's good for it, just as we have to wonder about people.

I want so very much to look at current situations and think that I can rest assured that it's all for my own good, pre-ordained by a loving God, and that this period of life will help develope the person He wants me to be. But does it really have to be like this? I mean, come on - I am a very good book-learner.

stolen quote

2008-04-04T07:01:00.002-04:00

"It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad."
-C.S. Lewis-

Perhaps it's time to hatch.

The Full Life will be in a brief hiatus. Not that it wasn't already, but this one will be intentional.

Happy 2nd Birthday!!!

2008-03-30T06:57:00.002-04:00

Can you believe that it is time for my little buddy Jake's second birthday?!? It seems like it's gone so quickly, yet it seems he's always been part of our family of friends. It seems strange to think there was ever a time without Jake.

So buddy, I hope you have a great birthday, with paper to tear and maybe some cake to smash, and if you get icing on your fingers, I be Parker and Bear would help you clean it up. I thought of you first thing this morning when I 'cooked coffee'. Everyone here at Mippen's House is sending up birthday cheers for you!

sorry i'm late

2008-03-25T20:38:00.003-04:00

ok, first of all, I just want to tell you that today I baked bread for the first time in my life. It was tasty, too. But we ate it all before I remembered to take a picture. So just think of bread for a minute.

Ok.

So, we found out on Easter Sunday that a friend from a while back died in his sleep at my sister Paula's house. My grandma and I used to sit and talk about ways to die (it really wasn't as morbid as that sounds), and we agreed that it would be best to die in your sleep. So anyway, Paula called and said that Wes had died at her house, and she found him Sunday morning. Maureen and I went down to spend the day with her yesterday, and we had a really good visit. Paula told us that Wes had fallen asleep in the living room chair after they'd watched a movie and hung out for a while. She left him there, and in the morning he just never woke up. Can you imagine finding your friend like that? and in your own chair? yeah, lot o' wierd.

On the upside, his feet were warm, he'd had a great day working outside on his piece of land, he'd enjoyed a good meal and a nice evening in the house of a friend. What a way to go.

Shame he wasn't saved.

roadtrippin

2008-03-14T21:37:00.002-04:00

I love hotel rooms. Most of my friends say that they never rest well in a hotel; that they dread that part of any trip. I just love the hotel experience! To me, the hotel room is as much a part of the trip as the destination, and each one is a new adventure. First, I try out the beds, and see which one is mine. Then I play with the pillows. Tonight we're staying at a Hampton (one of my favorites) and the beds are equipped with 4 standard pillows, a lumbar pillow, a lap desk, and an overstuffed duvet. Now how can you not enjoy that??? After checking out the bedding, I explore the bathroom, which is where they usually have the coffeepot, and I make certain we've got the cute little shampoos and soaps, and plenty of fluffy towels. While I'm working on that, Kate investigates the drawers to be certain there is a Gideons Bible. Last, or sometimes first, depending, we set the thermostat. One of the best things about a hotel stay is you can set the thermostat for your room as warm or cool as you like; your electricity usage was included in the room price. ;-) Another thing to look forward to is the continental breakfast in the morning, and Hampton and Holiday seem to have the best ones, hands down.

Another great thing about a road trip is all the eating out you are 'forced' to do. This evening has to have been one of our all time greatest eating-out experiences ever. I had a gift card for TGIFriday's that a veryveryveryvery cool person gave me for my birthday last May, and I've been saving it for the right opportunity. This was it! In preparation for the trip, last week I went to Friday's website and located the restaurant nearest our hotel. While there, I learned that I could sign up for the eFriday club and get a coupon good for a free appetizer up to $8. there were several to choose from, and we chose to split a most delicious spinach dip with tortilla chips. We had a bit of humor when I gave the waitress my coupon, and explained to her that I had printed on the back of all my driving directions to save on paper. The manager very graciously made a copy of the directions for me, so that they would not be lost with the coupon! =) Within a few minutes of finishing off the spinach dip, our meals arrived. If we thought the dip was good, we were blown away by the entrees. I had the Peruvian Chicken with sweet potato fries (one of the new recipes, btw), Kate had the Portabello Melt with pepperpot soup, and Trav had the Jack Daniels chicken and shrimp platter. There was not a single thing on anyone's plate that was less than excellent, but we still forced ourselves to eat only half, so that we could still split a piece of Vanilla Bean Cheesecake with White Chocolate Mousse. Yes, you read that right. Yes, it was absolutely heaven. I mean, it was so good that if you told that we'd have it in heaven all we wanted, I would just go out there and lay down in front of a car right now. Ok, well not right now, but later, after I'm not so overstuffed.

Since we got back to the hotel around 830, and we've been just hanging out here in the room. I'm playing with the courtesy wireless, drinking courtesy hot tea, and chatting with you all. Kate is reading, and Trav is watching tv. It's quiet, warm, comfy, and just after 10 now. I think we'll all turn in for the night, and hopefully Kate can rest tonight and be fresh of brain in the morning.
That's all the news that's fit to print.

Thinking of spring

2008-03-12T18:26:00.002-04:00

I hope that each of you, all my tens of readers, got to spend some time outside on this amazing, beautiful day. This is the day that the Lord has made!!! (not that he didn't make the others, I'm just sayin')

As we speak, I am sitting outside at the picnic table, listening to the rush of the creek at the back of the 1/4 acre, the occasional interruption of a crow squawk, and crack and ping of wooden and aluminum bats at the park next door. Every now and then, there's a comment from some little birdie or another, but no sign of a robin yet. However, my chives are coming up and are a good 2 inches tall!

The sunlight has a special slant at this time of evening and this time of year. It's a perfectly golden glow that you only find between 6:30 and 7:30pm, at the beginning of spring or the beginning of fall. You probably know what I mean; when the light comes in at angle that creates the longest shadows, and the very air itself seems to shimmer with gold highlights.

When I was a kid and we lived on this property but in a different house, I remember playing in this very yard, and this very time of year. There were trees in different places, and the yard was bigger then (both in my mind because I was small, and because the creek has eroded about 10 feet of it). There were different dogs running with me, and different friends, but many of the early spring flowers that I watched for then are still coming up even now.
If I think back to 25 years ago, when I romped around on my imaginary horse, and consider how much it has changed, (and of course stayed the same), I can't help but wonder what will be different in another 25 years. Will I still be living here? Which trees will still be standing? What about the lilac bush that is almost 100 years old? And the daffodils that are at least that? Will there still be pieces of coal working up out of the ground, leftover from the days of coal cook stoves?

I'm certain, though, that the children who wade into the creek at the park, and follow it downstream just a bit will still discover the miniature waterfall, and of course they will each be the first to find it. Just like I was.

Just the news of the day

2008-03-11T20:59:00.002-04:00

So, I'm starting finally to slow down on the bookmaking binge, and hopefully some balance will come next. It's more of the 'creative seizure', really, and I'm glad to have them. But I'm always equally glad when the seizure passes and a routine can be established. Hopefully soon there will be billfolds, objects, etc rolling off the press in addition to the journals. And now that there's a name and logo in place, hopefully the website will be up and running soon.

I've found an excellent source of paper for the books, by the way, and it's been right under my nose all this time. Community Montessori has a recycling program, and I've been able to scavenge oodles and scads of excellent copy paper from the blue bins in each studio. Even the ladies at the front desk are keeping an eye out for good paper for me!

In other news, things are just not looking very good on the fundraising front. Kate is struggling to understand that just because Costa Rica and (especially) Peru are 'good' pursuits, they may not be the pursuits that God wants her to focus on this year. Maybe 'understand' is not the right word... she does understand it just fine... but dang, it sure is hard to like it. One of the hardest things about being a parent is to watch your child suffer disappointment. Oh, not like "But I wanted the blue one" type of disappointment. This is pretty big. It was for a purpose. I'm not trying to say that at this point God can't make it happen, but it's looking like maybe He will choose not to. We have to choose to be ok with that. It's hard for me; I can only try to imagine how hard it is for her. BUT.... we know that all things work together for good for those who love Him. She definitely loves Him. So if not CR and Peru, what might He have planned for her? Maybe he just wants her to take a break this summer. Lord know she could use that.

The King hath Bloggedth.

2008-03-11T20:53:00.002-04:00

Still a little short of a year, but he did it anyway! TWICE, even! Go here to see what he had to say.And it's true, every word.

live, on location... again!

2008-03-11T12:47:00.002-04:00

This message is brought to you courtesy of the wireless network at Community Montessori! (and the letter G)

I'm taking a break in the 'grown-up' room, and thought this would be a fun spot to jot a line. So, there it is.
__________________________________________

a line. =)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2008-03-10T06:56:00.002-04:00

Laura,
I haven't been giving you much time and attention lately, but you always

forgive me for that. You deserve the best that a friend can give! You have often been a mentor and confidante, and you are the one I would most want to share a jail cell with! Thanks for loving coffee and yarn, and not trying to hide it when you have doubts and questions about 'life, the universe, and everything'.

Happy 36th Birthday!!! ;-)

Results are in!

2008-03-10T06:30:00.000-04:00

According to the sweeping poll at the right, all 10 of my readers voted, and Mama Llama has come out the clear winner! Thanks to everyone who voted, left comments, and sent emails. You guys have been very encouraging!

thanks, brandon and saqib

2008-03-09T16:51:00.002-04:00

Since my last couple of posts focused on the fact that I am now wireless, I wanted to share a little experience I had in retail-land. It was a good one, by the way.

I went to Office Depot on State Street in search of a wireless card, without really knowing at all what I should get. All I knew was that this wonderful little card thingy would just pop into the side of the laptop and the internet would magically appear. Yes, that is pretty much how I imagined it.
When we arrived at the Depot, the lady at the counter directed us to the right department, and a young man named Brandon came back to assist me. We turned on the laptop, he did a quick investigation, and showed me right away what I needed. I thought he would show me the most expensive, grandiose thing possible, but he actually took to one that was on sale! We headed home with the card, and I quickly wnet to work installing it.
It didn't work.
Let me rephrase that -
It worked just find, but I had no idea how to answer some of it's questions. I researched and restarted and repulled my hair, but alas, I just did not know what to do. The only thing I could think of was to call the store and tell them what the software wanted and ask them what I should do. Lo and behold! dear Brandon answered the phone, remembered me, and after just a moment of trying to help over the phone, he suggested that since it was a slow day at the store, I could just bring it in and he'd take a look at it. (and this was not a service call, either)
We went back to the store, and in between customers, he and another employee name Saqib completely installed the card, found the reason for the bizarre questions it was asking, and showed me how to produce the magical, yet elusive internet! These guys were so helpful and courteous, far beyond what one might expect. How many office stores can you go into and get such personal, friendly help? Office Depot has won me over.

couch potato

2008-03-09T08:48:00.003-04:00

As if blogging from a coffee shop (albeit a closed coffee shop) wasn't cool enough, I think it's even cooler that i'm now blogging from my COUCH!!! TEE HEE!!!

Craig and Daryn, I am having a blast with this wonderful toy. I got it outfitted with a wireless card this weekend, and now i'm unstoppable! or unstable, you pick. Thanks again.

Laura says that perhaps this will inspire me to blog more, and i'm sure it will until the novelty wears off. I can post updates to you, my dear readers, from anywhere I can carry a laptop. and pick up a signal.

snow surfin'

2008-03-08T16:41:00.001-05:00

Reporting to you live fromjust outside Bean Street in Floyds Knobs...
Outside because everyfreakinthing is closed do to the snow...
But that is not the news!
The news is that I'm bringin it to you live, on location, from the spankin' awesome laptop which is sporting it's new WIRELESS CARD!!!!!

I'll be unstoppable.

sing with me!

2008-03-03T08:03:00.002-05:00

Oh what a beautiful morning...
Oh what a beautiful day....

Well, things might not necessarily be going all my way, but it's looking pretty good at the Frakeshire lately.

Yesterday was gloriously spring-like, for the second of March, and not only did we have a really encouraging and uplifting church encounter, but we topped it off by breaking bread with the Huntleys and Frenches. An after-dinner Goodwill spree produced another weeks worth of bookfodder, which is quite fortunate since I missed last Saturday's library book sale. That has proven to be my most economical source.

By the time we got home, it was nearly 70degrees, and the windows were thrown open wide. The cats LOVE it when the windows are open, maybe even more than the people. They sit in sill and just watch the world happen from a safe distance away. Artemis had his first open-window experience since he was big enough to remember, and really enjoyed sitting on the cedar chest in the bedroom and watching the world. However, he does NOT approve of his people being out there! Apparently it is very scary to see the people on the wrong side of the window, instead of in here in the safety where they belong.

The only down side to having the windows open here are that, if the trains weren't already loud enough, they are positively ear-splitting with the windows open. But waking up this morning and hearing all the little birdies more than made up for it.

Marching into March

2008-03-02T08:34:00.002-05:00

What a beautiful March 1st it was, too!
The sun shone all day, the birds were twittering, and the very first dandelion was spotted. Time was spent outside enjoying the air, cans were picked up, discoveries were made. Mittens were lost, mittens were found, and guardrails were walked on. Naps were taken, bagels were eaten, and sprouts of plants were observed. Trees were budding, dogs were frolicking, and softball practice was heard.

Praise God, we survived February again!
Praise God, March is here!

Help me select a name...

2008-03-01T07:48:00.003-05:00

Ok, so there are three names I'm currently considering for 'the business', and I really need some feedback. I've set up an anonymous poll on the sidebar.

Mama Llama
this is something Kate has called me for eons, and it just kind of came naturally to consider it as a personalization of a business name. Plus, it's pretty darn cute! And I really like the logo. But... is it too cute? It really doesn't say anything at all about the business.

EcoAlchemy
This pretty much sums up the purpose behind what I do when I try to create something. Much like the ancient 'scientists' who tried to turn common substances into precious gold, I am trying to take everyday items that seem to be beyond use, and turn them into something useful or valuable. However, is it too generic, or run-of-the-mill?

Good Riddance
I really like this one, as it's kind of sneaky. When you say good riddance, it's usually to something that is bad or worthless, like garbage. I'm taking the 'riddance' part turning it into something 'good'.

Mama Llama has a workable logo, and I've got an idea for one for EcoAlchemy, but I can't think of anything for Good Riddance. I would really like your ideas and opinions. A name needs to be established before I can start to move forward with a website. Any thoughts?

14,998

2008-02-29T13:41:00.003-05:00

So Allison brought it to my notice a few days ago that 15,000 was creeping up on me, and I just checked to see where the matter stood. Apparently my click was 14,998. so who will it be??? Scroll down to see which number you are!

a logo, perhaps?

2008-02-29T13:31:00.002-05:00

Maureen and I spent an evening making rubberstamps for our cool new hobby, and then after a little tweaking, I ended up with this...

Perhaps a little more tweaking, it could be logo-worthy? I was thinking of something to put on the inside cover of the journals, and possibly to use on other products as well. When I get famous it would go on my business cards and letterhead, of course.

seriously, though... What are your thoughts on Mama Llama as a business name? ( That's what Kate has called me for years)

I'm thinking something like "Eco-friendly items crafted for you by Mama Llama" or something like that.

I covet your feedback (+/-).

random pix

2008-02-20T08:03:00.002-05:00

Each time I let Buddy outside to go potty, the cats take the opportunity to stand at the storm door and gaze at the outside world. They don't really want to be in it, they just like to look at it. They sit on their haunches with their hands on the window, looking for all the world like little meerkats. During the cold spell last week, our storm door was consistently iced up, and the little prints left by their warm paws looked almost like artwork. Once their toes were sufficiently chilled, they'd come hop into my lap and find some of my bare skin to stand on and warm back up.

This is from the side of a box of Annie's mac-n-cheese. I think it is absolutely self-explanatory, and so darn cute and funny that I had to take a picture.

ear wax

2008-02-20T07:57:00.003-05:00

In the intereste of health, science, fun, and ... well ok, wierdness, a group of us got together Sunday afternoon for an ear candling-fest. We all were quite skeptical as to what the results might be, but suffice it to say that it really does work. Very well. Even if you fancy yourself a very clean person.

And yes, I think my hearing is a little improved. Kate might disagree, though.

Product Testers Wanted

2008-02-19T12:53:00.001-05:00

If you would be interested in testing and critiquing one of my handmade journals, please get in touch with me! I need people who will promise to use them frequently, and then report any problems they may have or suggestions for improvements.
Vist HERE if you're interested!

surprise!!!

2008-02-19T11:39:00.002-05:00

Don't you just love getting a surprise in the mail??? My pal Laura has to be the sweetest person I know. Here she is, having surgery and feeling all miserable and yucky, and yet she sends me a present! And what a cool present, too! I've seen these crochet hooks with the lighted tip before, and thought they were just the neatest gizmos ever, especially given my affinity for crocheting in dark places (movie theaters, while playing sardines, etc) She know me pretty well, I'd say. =)

good weekend so far

2008-02-16T05:50:00.003-05:00

So I was lieing awake in the wee hours, suffering a dreadful case of the hiccups, and decided that it was close enough to 6 to just go ahead and get up. Not that 6 is a magical number, but maybe it is. It is a relatively respectable hour to rise in most cultures, early enough to get a grip on the day, but I also reasoned with myself that since it's Saturday, I could actually go back to bed around 7 and sleep another hour or so if my brain would have it.

Now given that I'm up and you're not, nor is much of anyone else but the cats, I have nothing to do but blog about what a good weekend I'm having. It started Thursday evening, since there was no school Friday. Sarah came down to spend the night with Kate, and we stayed up til almost 2 watching the made-for-tv version of Stephen King's "The Shining". Good book, terrible movie. We had such a blast making fun of it, and the jokes lasted all of Friday. It was really that bad.

We slept in Friday morning, and had some really great conversations about spiritual stuff and how to get along as parents and kids, and what we all want to do when we grow up. Sarah is really good company, and I've found that when she is here, Kate and I communicate better. Not that we do poorly other times, but just having another angle of an issue is helpful.

We went to Kate's school conference yesterday, and they confirmed our suspicions that Kate is just wonderful in sense of the word. In spite of the fact that she thinks she's constantly behind with no hope of graduating, she really is doing an outstanding job and really accomplishing alot. We had a feeling she would. She is such a good kid. I wish I could have taught her better stress management techniques!

After conferences, we stopped at Hobknobb for a cuppa warm, and visited with my old pal Roy. Roy was one of the first people I met when I started working at McJob, and had a very cynical, open, emo kind of personality that immediately made him interesting. By the way, he's a kid. I just realized I should point that out, before you thought .. you know. yeah. Anyway, he's now a Baristo at Hobknobb, and we discovered that he's had a very good interview in a local paper for his music and art interests. And on top of that, he makes one heck of a dandy Knobs Caramel, easy on the sweet! Trav had a hot chocolate, and Kate and Sarah enjoyed their lattes; peppermint and hazelnut respectively.

On the way home, we stopped at GW on a whim, where I managed to procure a newinthepackage MP3 player, for $2.50.
Let that soak in.
TWO FIFTY.
two dollars and fifty cents.
Sure, it's a generic, but it's a 1 gig shuffle-style, and really, why would I need to carry around more than 500 songs? Any more would start to get heavy.

We had a yummy dinner (blackened tilapia, mac and cheese, and steamed asparagus) and wound up heading for bed around 10. Of course I wanted to try sleeping with the mp3 player (which isn't named yet, incidentally), and I've found that while that might have been a good idea when I was 15, it doesn't work so well at 35. I kept waking up to see which song I was listening to. Eventually, Mippen and Artemis quit their calisthenics for the night and curled up on me for naps; Mippen on my tummy and Artemis nesting on the figure 4. That lasted an hour or so, and here I am now. But the horrible hiccups are gone!

I may try going back to sleep now, but even if I don't it won't ruin the prospects of the day. First I'm going to check in on my pal Warwa, who had a successful surgery and stayed overnight last night. Tahnks for all your nice comments and your prayers for her!
Also, this day is the biweekly library book sale, and I plan to procure some more raw materials to deconstruct and reconstruct. Course, I might have to read them first.

Hope you're having a good weekend, too!

Granny Laura

2008-02-15T10:03:00.003-05:00

Today, my really really good friend Laura is having surgery. ( gall-bladder-ectomy)
If you think about it, please drop a prayer for her.

She is probably one of my closest friends, and I think she was actually supposed to have been my mother, but maybe I was switched at birth. But that can't be right, because then I wouldn't have my current family. But her daughters were definitely supposed to be my little sisters. And Kate calls her Granny Laura. So I don't know how our families got seperated. Anyway, she's pretty cool, and she loves coffee and yarn and being a cynical christian. She's really cool.

February 14, 1938

2008-02-14T09:50:00.002-05:00

Happy 70th Birthday, DAD!!!

Can you believe this is the only picture of my dad that is already on the computer? But, it's a good one, so we'll use it. Dad was born on February 14th, 1938, and that was so awesome that his birthday got turned into a holiday. That is the reason we now celebrate Valentine's Day.

My dad has been responsible for a lot of really cool things that I've learned over the years, like:

how properly butcher rabbits,
how to blow on a blade of grass to make that loud squeaky noise,
how to figure compound interest,
The story of Bill, the storytelling cowboy
how to use a blade of grass to test a fence
how to plant a garden
how to tie a slipknot and a square knot
how to rebuild a carburetor
how to drywall
how to load cattle or horses into a trailer without getting smashed
how to calculate distances, miles per hour, time, and gas mileage all together to assume a very accurate eta, etc
how not to bake potatoes in the microwave
how to measure a room or area without a ruler or tape measure
how to draw a picture of two chain links hooked together
how to braid
The story of the two dead boys on the dark and stormy night
how to keep an accurate health record of any animal
how to estimate the number of objects in any 3d arrangement
how to split firewood (i never really got the hang of that, though)
how to learn from my mistakes (still working on that one)
how to miter a corner on wood trim
how to enjoy almost any kind of music, based on who you are with
how to drive ( still working on that one, too)
how to tie a tie
how to recognize a variety of common ailments in cattle
how to dehorn goats
how to know when the train is almost over by the sounds it makes
how to castrate goats (properly, and in a hurry)
how to milk a goat
how to draw a diagram of anything
how to make do with what you have
how to mix up your cereal before you eat it
how to pick a good apple, watermelon, or cantaloupe
how to spell Mississippi and encylclopedia
how to change a tire
how to install a valve cover gasket
how to catch a mouse with a coffee can
how to locate a wall stud with a hammer
how to wax a car
how to stay still during really long talks and services ( you have to twiddle your thumbs and think about stuff)
the rhyme about Fuzzy Wuzzy, the bear who had no hair
And lots of other things, too, but this is just the shortlist.

Snow Day numero dos

2008-02-13T06:59:00.003-05:00

I am just pickled tink that we are having another snow day today! I get another day of hanging out with my really cool kid!

So blogging has just about dried up for me. I can't think of anything at all to write about, other than just 'this is what I did today', and that gets old. But, I still have Katie all day today, so that is very good.

And that's all I've got to say about that.

Maggie for President! or something.

2008-02-07T20:25:00.001-05:00

Hey, voters, get your ballot on! Head over to SpayDayUSA and VOTE for my 'neice' Maggie! You vote by putting in your email address, and I have never gotten spammed from this organization. You may get their newsletter, but it's easy to unsubscribe. And if you are willing to put up with one newsletter, you can enjoy the privelege of voting for this little ball of cute! (and my brother's chin)

(And frankly, I like her better than any of the presidential nominees that we could be voting for!)

Deathly Hallows

2008-02-07T08:24:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I finished the last Harry Potter book over the weekend, and I'm just now to a point of mentioning it. And even though I've now mentioned it, I still have no idea what to say. Granted, that's partly because Kate is still in the middle of Order of the Phoenix, but even if I didn't want to be a spoiler, there would still be nothing I could actually say. If you've read the books, you understand. If you haven't, I can't convey. I may get slaughtered for saying this, but I think I liked this series even better than the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Granted, there are some themes and substance that I am having a struggle with, but as a story - in my opinion it is unrivaled.

And I entered this story with great suspicion and skepticism. Oh, and trepidation. Don't forget the trepidation.

As a side note, I wouldn't recommend it for everyone. The themes of magic are very strong, and both subtly and obviously seductive. I can not recommend this series for anyone who struggles with any kind of weakness in the areas of the occult, magic, and mysticism. If you've never struggled with any of that, then you just completely won't understand how could be a big deal at all. It's kind of like if a guy is struggling with lustful thoughts, then even watching many commercials can be struggle for him.

Anyway, the story was more than just well-crafted, and I was amazed at how invested I've become in the characters. 'Good' just doesn't say it.

And many many thanks to The Brothers Fanning for the use of their lovely hardcovers

paid blog shortage and the choices we make...

2008-02-07T08:06:00.000-05:00

So there's been a shortage of paid blog posts in the last month or so, and on the occasions when there was an opportunity for which I qualified, many times it was not something that I wanted to advertise. (Dating sites, for instance)
Then, in the middle of this dry spell, when I'm just getting desperate, it might seem there is a golden opportunity!!!! And to make it even better, it's not just one of those little $5 posts; this one is a payout of $25!!! And all I have to do is post a video of myself dancing like a chicken and shouting the name of a chain of Mexican style fast food restaurants.

No biggie. Who wouldn't want to do that, right? And post it on their blog? for all the cyberworld to see? It's one thing to do that at a jr high fun night, but another thing completely to do on one's blog. But it's twenty five dollars.

To dance or not to dance. That is the question.

wh- where am i...?

2008-02-05T07:54:00.000-05:00

This place seems so familiar... Almost like I've been here before. Perhaps in a dream...

Ok, 'nuff o' that. Sorry I've neglected you, dear blog and dear readers.

So, clearly the "I'm going to blog every single day" plan has not been a good one. How about switching to the "I'm going to blog every single time I feel like it" plan?

WARNING: ABRUPT SUBJECT CHANGE
Today is Fat Tuesday, and although I'm neither Catholic nor animist, I've been to New Orleans once, and therefore choose to observe this auspicious occasion by serving red beans and rice for supper. The beans they are a soakin.
It's doubtful that the red beans and rice that I prepare will hold a candle to the ones I was treated to in Nawlins, but since Travis has never experienced those and he loves beans any old way, I think he'll like it. Tanner, I'm really sorry that you don't like beans. You're a weirdo. If you did like beans, you'd be invited over to partake this evening in commemoration of Fat Tuesday and our lovely experiences in New Orleans. In fact, it crossed my mind to have a reunion of all of us who were part of that mission experience, but again, I think Kate and I were the only ones who liked the beans! So yeah, that wouldn't be much fun for anyone else.

Egads. there is lightning abundant. I must log off. Adieu!

I'm back

2008-01-29T06:36:00.001-05:00

Aw, y'all missed me! I missed you, too. =)

It was not an especially productive week, even without the internet to distract me. Actually, I think that came as a hindrance in productivity. It was surprising to see how much we actually use the internet, not just play with it.

Kate didn't have a very productive week, either, spending only one day at school. She was not feeling well Monday, a snow day on Tuesday, sick still on Wednesday, attended Thursday, and Friday was a scheduled In-service day.

But anyway, I'm back.

greetings from the library

2008-01-23T16:35:00.000-05:00

just popping in to let you know that our internet at home is down, and will continue to be until mid-next week. All else is well, but it truly cranks not having our lifeline at home! If you've emailed me since Saturday, I am not ignoring you. I can't check my email from the library for some reason. :-P
Have a loverly day!!!

paper and paint and spiritual gifts

2008-01-16T21:39:00.000-05:00

Abby; Loft Spokesmodel, Interior Designer, and Jones Soda drinker

What a good day! I didn't get a lick of housework done, aside from making soup, but it was still a very productive time in the 'shop', as well as a good visit with some of my church fam this evening as we worked on the Loft. (That's the high school youth room, for you non-GCCers) Abby, who I believe is a senior this year, has done an A-freakin-Mazing job revamping the Loft, with new colors, new furniture, new kitchen configuration, new style, and all staying under $500. It's a whole new room! She has some really unique, original, creative ideas that add detail to the whole atmosphere - and what do I always tell you - "pics coming soon!"

Got a nice stash of scrap paper from church today, too (thanks, Robin!) that will be recycled into books tomorrow. Actually, there's enough there to keep me going for a couple of days. Man, what a blast sorting it all out this evening! If there's anything that can hold my attention for a little while, it's sorting things. Sorting beans, sorting buttons, sorting paper, sorting canned goods, - It's just my spiritual gift.

Hey, since it was at church that Robin gave me all that paper, does that make it a spiritual gift???

ha. I crack me up.

just checking in

2008-01-16T08:18:00.000-05:00

ok, so yesterday I bought something new.
I am ashamed to have already caved, but I couldn't find this used ANYWHERE. I bought pva bookbinding glue and exacto blades. I checked ebay, too, in case you were going to suggest it. However, I did buy it locally, so that helps a little. I could have purchased it online cheaper, but after shipping it would have cost the same, and I like to support local businesses like Preston Arts Center.

We had a rare opportunity to visit the library yesterday, and I found three instructive books on bookbinding. I think this might become my new passion. I also found a cookbook for slow-cooker meals, and I picked up Great Expectations for the Dangerously Challenge. Oh, and the library is getting some awesome new carpetting. We visited yesteray, but I didn't have my camera to take a picture for you, so why am I even telling you? It's really cool, though. I would definitely put it in my house.

And for the record, I did indeed wash my dishes yesterday, but I only cleaned the kitchen floor. Didn't write anything, but got 10 projects finished instead of two. Oh, and I didn't read a darn thing! But I did cook supper. We had green beans and new potatoes, seasoned with a li'l bit o' bacon. 'Twas yummy.

I need a haircut.

life in the slow lane

2008-01-15T07:28:00.000-05:00

For me personally, I feel like I've finally been able to put the brakes on the homeplace since leaving McJob. I'm lovin' it.
There haven't yet been a lot of outward changes to show for it, but at least on the inside I'm getting that peaceful, easy feelin'. Hopefully, there will be something tangible to show for it in the atmosphere, and Trav and Kate will be able to feel it soon. If the home is happier, maybe Trav will be, too. If the home is less hectic, maybe Kate will be, too. At least that's what I'm hoping.

So here are my goals for today:
Dishes, of course
Routine straightening of the rooms
All floors
Writing
Finish two half-done projects
Read a chapter in the current book

Reach for the stars.

2008-01-14T21:21:00.000-05:00

in recent events...

2008-01-14T13:38:00.001-05:00

I washed my dishes today! (That comment was directed at Laura, the scoffer)

So far in my other resolutions, I have done fairly well. The only truly new items I've bought are the heat tape and pipe insulation required in a cold snap just after the first of the year, some glue sticks and some thread.

It bears mentioning that I have been to Goodwill a few times, and come home with jeans for Kate, books for rebuilding, and a few other crafty and useful odds and ends. Everything we got, though, was filling an immediate need.

Oh, I think I've come up with another idea for recycled notebooks... little ones that you'd tuck in your pocket or purse. If it works, I'll show you a picture later.

Oh, again! I made some really cute fruit-themed bracelets out of recycled beads and wire as a Costa Rica fundraiser. I'm going to be auctioning them soon, if anyone is interested. (probably on ebay) I'm really excited about the recyclishness of them... the best part is the 'beading' wire, which is a spiral from a notebook! The beads themselves were from someone else's project that had been donated to goodwill, along with several more packages of the beads.

By the way, have you guys ever read or watched The Odyssey?

REcircle in the Tribune

2008-01-12T09:24:00.001-05:00

head over here to see the brief (very brief) article the Tribune ran about REcircle this week! Oh, and keep your eye out for a video of their first public presentation, posted here later today.

delayed resolutions

2008-01-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

I don't know why I've put off posting my resolutions this long, or revolutions, as Kate calls them. Perhaps it's just laziness in getting them typed out (cause that is just such hard work), or maybe it's that writing them down and posting them here for all the world to see makes me accountable to actually do the things I say I'm going to do. Either way, let's just throw caution to the wind and get this over with.

Revolution #1:
Buy nothing new.
(with a few exceptions)
(posting more on this later)

Revolution #2:
Wash the dishes daily
(yes, that one is still on there, as it has been the last 11 years)
(no, I still haven't accomplished it, after 11 years.)
(line item 34)

Revolution #3:
Build a successful online business, possibly even offline
( and I think this one might even qualify for line items 3, 11, & 12)
(also qualifies as a God-sized resolution, methinks)

super travis does it again

2008-01-11T17:59:00.000-05:00

He fixed my sewing machine again. I don't understand how he does it. There is this one weird thing that my machine does every now and again, and it just kills the entire operation. There is this little metal contraption where the bobbin fits in, and every now and then the whole thing just comes out! Travis is the only person who can fit it back in properly, and he does it every time. Even the times that I think the machine is dead for sure.

What would i do without him?

making a spectacle

2008-01-11T17:37:00.001-05:00

In the last few months, I've been noticing that my vision is changing a bit. When I gave it a little thought, I realized that my current glasses are probably about 8 years old, give or take a day or two. My first response was to panic a little! Glasses are expensive! I thought it over and didn't say anything to Travis for a while, and then finally realized that we would be getting a tax return in a month or so! It would be perfect timing! I broached the subject with my dear husband, and asked him what he thought of my selfishly using a portion of the tax return for my glasses. He just looked at me funny for a minute, and then said, "But with our insurance, your glasses would only be $25. I think we can squeeze that out without waiting for the tax check."

Boy, did I feel silly! And relieved! I had actually forgotten that we even had vision coverage now! I've never had it before! I can't wait! I'm thinking of some of those kind of squarish, black frames, sort of like these:

Now, before those of you who still don't have vision coverage get jealous, I found a possible solution for you, too. I just learned that there is an online store with glasses starting at $8. Eight dollars. That's for single vision, but they do all the others too, and very reasonably. I read on thier site that the reason they can sell them so cheaply is because they manufacture all their own frames and lenses, as opposed to offering designer lines. Now, the downside is that you can't actually be there and try them on to see what you like. Of course, usually when I'm trying frames on, they've dilated my pupils and I can't see a dern thing anyway. So here is my Great Discovery: www.ZenniOptical.com

LIVE! on location

2008-01-11T11:16:00.000-05:00

In my lap!!!
Can you believe this??? I'm BLOGGING on my awesome amazing flippin cool LAPTOP!!!!

Daryn, looky!!! See me??? Isn't this just sweeeeeeet!?!?
oh yeah,
uh huh,
oh yeah,
uh huh

psssshhhhhh..... i am a little excited.

no title is good enough.

2008-01-10T14:34:00.000-05:00

bare walls

2008-01-10T14:31:00.000-05:00

So I've been admiring the art of Alfred Gockel for a long time, after discovering him at art.com when i was looking for something inspiring a few years ago. He has collection of paintings of abstract musical instruments and images that I just adore. I just found out that there is a place called Park West Art Gallery where you can bid on the original art of almost any current North American artist. Original. I don't think I'll be bidding, but definitely drooling.

and so it begins...

2008-01-07T09:04:00.001-05:00

...the first day of the rest of my life.

About two weeks ago, Travis said something to me that just may change the course of my life. Isn't that a nice, melodramatic way to entice you, gentle reader? In a sense, though, it is entirely true.

One evening while I was preparing dinner in the kitchen, and Trav was here dinking around on the computer, I started sharing with him another idea for a book. He approved of it. Then I shared with him another idea for a crafty-type thing. He approved of that, too. Then what he said will float eternally through my mind; "What I would like for you to do is to leave McJob and stay here and start writing your books and making and selling your stuff. Don't go to work everyday, stay here and do stuff and make your things. Clean a house and now and then if you need to, but make your stuff!"

Ok, that's a loose paraphrase, but you get the idea. My husband wants me to be home! And he thinks my ideas are good enough to sell! I don't know which part is better! The fact that I have real, husbandly approval to stay home (which is where I believe I'm supposed to be. Not all of you. That's not a blanket statement for wives. Don't get your panties in a bunch=) ) or the fact that my husband believes in my, in my ideas.

So, I'm officially opening a small, home-based business, which primarily creates (hopefully) useful, aesthetically pleasing items from recycled/rescued/repurposed items doomed to the rubbish bin. In time, there will be a real name, an official website, and paypal links to make purchases.

I will also be working on those book and article ideas, trying turn them into final drafts, and eventually submitting them here and there for publication.

And perhaps even greater (in my mind), I'll be here at home, working to preserve the coolest thing that God has ever loaned to me - my family and our home.
I can't tell you how excited I am, but also extremely nervous. Will we go bankrupt before anything sells? Will anything even sell, anyway? Will people think we are irresponsible for doing this? Will I have the motivation to accomplish my plans?

I believe that for us, this is the right track. But can we be frugal and resourceful enough to stay on it?

I hope you guys don't think I'm a melodramatic, flighty, irresponsible cotton headed ninnymuggins. But for me, it's pretty big news.

sick, sack,... yuck

2008-01-03T21:14:00.000-05:00

ok, that title could easily have continued on it's theme and been completely accurate, but I will spare my gentle readers from the lovely verbage.

So, I've been sick, stayed in the sack, and it sucked.

Things I discovered while being sick:

watching video of tobymac on a digital camera is NOT a good substitute for missing the real thing.
it feels really good to have people put hands on you and pray when you're sick.
you know that people love you when they will leave their group and drive around a strange town in search of medicine and tea bags for you.
french fries will absorb the horrible flavor imparted by liquid tylenol cold remedy.
if you take tylenol cold remedy for several days, you actually start to get used to the taste. not crave it, but get used to it.
sick people snot is different from well people snot. i don't think it's the same substance at all.
that Lisbon, Portugal claims to have the best espresso in all of Europe. (travel channel)
the designer way to make the bed (hgtv)

So anyway, on the mend, and hoping to embark on some new adventures in 2008, some of which are already in the works and I may be sharing with you soon.

inky, pinky, winky, and clyde

2008-01-03T21:03:00.000-05:00

(those were the ghosts on the Atari version of PacMan)

You know, I'm always trying to find a way to save a buck. Somtimes my ideas work perfectly, and other times... not so much.

Last summer, I thought I'd be smart and start refilling our inkjet cartridges at home. I bought a couple of refills of ink and went to work. I quickly and easily refilled both our black cartridge and multi cartridge, and then popped them into the printer and began to print the things that had been waiting for more ink.

Lo and behold the new pages looked... TERRIBLE! There were lines and streaks and skips all over. I tried adding a little more ink, with the same results. After printing a few more pages with the same results, I gave up for a few weeks.

After several more attempts, all I have to show for my efforts are some terrible documents, some empty refills, and ink splatters all over the inside of the printer. I'm now on the lookout for someplace to find inexpensive, compatible replacement ink cartridges. My favorite office supplies stores are not exactly affordable, so maybe an online store like that one would be good.

Toby, here we come!

2007-12-29T06:49:00.000-05:00

Well, I am off to Pigeon Forge to help chaperone our church youth group at the Extreme Winter Conference. This year it's taking the place of TCTC for us, and should be lots of fun. Most anything with this group of kids is fun, and when you add Toby Mac to the mix, it just gets better. That's right, TOBY freakin MAC.
So, Jenna and French, I thumb my nose at you!
Jenna, do you think I can get on stage with him? I'll be on the lookout for empty front row seats.

Also in the lineup are Skillet, Chris Tomlin, Sanctus Real, and some other bands that I don't remember now. Skillet is pretty flippin sweet. But man... TOBY. He's like the Mic Jagger of Christian music! Only younger. and prettier. and without the flappy arms.

simply having a wonderful christmastime

2007-12-26T19:59:00.000-05:00

Happy Boxing Day! (whatever that is) We are now on Day 2 of the 12 days of Christmas, and in observance of this most auspicious occasion, one of Kate's gifts from me and Trav arrived in today's mail. I guess when you're traveling from Hong Kong, one day off target isn't really that bad. And in case you're curious, it was a solar ipod charger.

Today was a wonderful day of doing very little aside from playing with our new toys and nibbling our wonderful treats. This afternoon, we went to town to make an exchange and let Kate use some of her Christmas money. Most if it is going on her Costa Rica/Peru account, but she did splurge and buy some henna hair dye and a book. Trav bought a case of water and some power steering fluid and I got two red bell peppers, but that had nothing to do with gift money. That's just what we needed to buy.

So for the last few days, we've been thinking about New Year's Revolutions. We have to be careful about that, because the last time we had any resolutions made in this household, it resulted in Kate winding up in Peru! (NOT that that's a bad thing! It definitely isn't!)

One idea that we've been kicking around for quite some time is the "buy nothing new" plan, or at least not retail. Something new but handmade is much different from new at StuffMart. Of course, we feel there are some things that should be exempted, like underwear and toothbrushes, but really, is there any need for a reasonably thrifty, reasonably resourceful family of three to buy as much as we do? Granted, we already get most of our clothing and housewares from Goodwill, but what if we made it more intentional? It would certainly have a significant financial impact, as well as just being a fun challenge for us as a family and as individuals. One can't help but consider that the idea is beneficial in terms of stewardship, as well. (stewardship of income, resources, planet, time, etc)

As mentioned before, there are a few things that we realize should or must be purchased new, but even that could be often purchased locally or at a steep discount if you know where to look (like the used grocery)

Here's a partial list of what we are willing to buy new if needed:

seeds, plants, and starts (if no one has them to trade or give away)
medical care/medicines/personal hygiene
utilities, of course
gasoline (not much choice there!)
most shoes (feet are important and must be cared for)
some car parts
food (except for homegrown or local foods when possible)
pet care products
household products (detergents, cleaners, etc)
ink and printer paper
guitar strings

Now, I do want to clarify that most of those things will turn up at some point at Goodwill or Used Grocery, but not often enough to be counted on. And of course, there will be an occasion in which we simply can't find xyz second hand, homemade, or locally and therefore must buy retail or perish. That disclaimer said, I think we are up to the challenge. We'd love to hear your feedback, positive or negative.

christmas hours

2007-12-24T22:32:00.000-05:00

This blog will be temporarily closed in observance of Christmas. Instead of writing a post, I am opening presents and watching my peeps open theirs, playing with my new toys, drinking egg nog, and filling stockings. We already went to church this evening, and it was wodnerfu as always. I hope you are doing the same and having as good a time as we are.
Merry Christmas, and heaps of blessings and good things upon you.
Love,
the Full Lifers
Travis, Jonna, Kate
Buddy, Jessica, Shannon, Mippen, and Artemis

christmas cookies

2007-12-23T23:00:00.000-05:00

One of the things that my sisters and I try to do every year is get together to make cookies for Christmas. We aren't able to do it every year, but a good part of the time we can. This evening, most of us were able to get together at Maureen's house, and we did get a few cookies turned out, eventually. Mostly we just talked and drank homemade wine. Oh, and we talked. And ate chili. By the time we finally got around to icing the cookies... well... you'll just have to see for yourself. If you have small children in the room, you may want to send them away.

This is my Christmas Alien and Christmas Ghost. They started out as a gingerbread man and an angel, but somehow between the chili and wine, things went awry. Unfortunately, the picture of Cathy's Christmas Vampire Angel didn't turn out. Sorry you missed that.

Oh, and for the record, I am completely ignoring all accusations that I missed a day of blogging. Someone just has a little too much time on her hands. ;)

But I'd better not poke too much fun at her, or she won't come over and help me clean up my craft room at midnight!

good helpis hard to find

2007-12-22T17:55:00.000-05:00

Last night we took turns wrapping presents in the living room. Travis and I wrapped Kate's, Kate and Trav wrapped mine, and Kate and I wrapped Trav's. We had a little help, as you can see. We discovered Artemis to be quite a tunneler when I comes to wrapping paper, and even though he has the size of a full grown cat, he definitely has the brain of a kitten. I mean, he's not exactly ADD, but .. wait, did something just move????

We also discovered Buddy to be quite the connoisseur of wrappings and trappings. He was very interested in what was going on, as well, and sniffed and inspected every package. Perhaps he was acting as quality control. Maybe he was making sure no hamburgers were trying to stow away in a gift bag.

just click the link, m'kay?

2007-12-20T22:58:00.000-05:00

right here. click this.

da voo doray, and other awkward moments.

2007-12-20T22:31:00.000-05:00

This evening, Kate and I braved the cold wet yuckiness and did a little Christmas shopping. We found quite a few things we were looking for, or at least good substitutes. AND we did not encounter any mean people! That was a real treat!
I did have one slightly embarassing moment, though, at Target. I was in such high spirits over finding something, and just feeling so Christmassy, that I was kind of humming Christmas songs under my breath. On the way out of the store, I detoured to the restroom. It wasn't until I got comfortable in a stall and looked over to see a pair of feet next door that I realized I was singing the Who Christmas song outloud! (you know, 'da voo doray, fa who foray, welcome Christmas...')

Yeah.

The silence was a bit awkward. So what was I do to do but break the silence? (brilliant idea) So I said, "well, that must have been a bit wierd, to be in here and have someone come in singing Who Christmas Carols."

cricket, cricket.

"So, just wanted you to know I'm not really a wierdo or anything. Just singing. In the bathroom. And then explaining myself. Um, sorry."

cricket, cricket.

Then finally, a reply! "Well, at least you are a cheerful, Christmassy wierdo."

Needless to say, I waited until I heard the flush, the sink, the towels, and the door before I left my comfortable little cubicle.

projects and cats

2007-12-19T20:49:00.000-05:00

I got two gifts finished this week, and two more are half-done. If you'd like to see one of the finished projects, it's posted over at Oh, the Yarnage. It's an organizer for knitting supplies, etc., and it's about 80% made from thrifted, recycled, and repurposed materials. It's also done freestyle, so I can't really hook you up with a pattern, but it would be pretty easy to talk you through it.

Artemis came in and 'napped' with me for a few minutes this afternoon. He has some really funny ideas about napping. His version doesn't actually involve any sleep, but it's more of an opportunity to experiment with every possible sleeping position. The more parts of my face he can cover, the better. Good thing he purrs while he's doing it, or he'd just have to leave. But how can you run off a purring cat? You just can't. Especially when they start rubbing their cheeks on yours.

Mippen, however, is all about the cuddly sleepage. She still comes to me every night and waits to be let into the blankies. She curls up against my tummy and purrs and cuddles until she's just to sleepy to purr anymore, and then she lays her head down on my hand and snoozes. Sometimes she'll only sleep a little while, but other times she stays for hours. She has a routine approach, too, by the way. She jumps up onto the foot of the bed, finds me feet, and trots up the length of me, all the way to my head. Thats where she hops off and asks me to lift the blankies up for her. Now, sometimes she forgets herself and jumps up on Travis's side and trots up him. When that happens, she doesn't usually make all the way to my head. ;-)

So, how do your pets play into your sleeping habits?

in case you're not a financial guru

2007-12-19T20:40:00.000-05:00

So everyone is a little strapped financially these days, especially when it gets this close to Christmas. There are some people who just have really amazing financial skills, and I really admire them. Most of the rest of us could use a little help. There is so much more to finances than a budget. You have to know about stuff like insurance and warranties, mortgages and interest rates, and what is that esgrow thing anyway? How does the average person know whether he should just buy the car with the regular auto warranty, or should he pay extra for the Extended Auto Warranty? Is it better to get a long mortgage at a low rate, or a short mortgage at a slightly higher rate? And what's the deal with consolidation loans? Perhaps FinancialGenious.com's claim to be able to help is worth looking into.

How do you spell renig?

2007-12-18T21:42:00.001-05:00

I just realized that I haven't blogged yet today! I certainly don't want to go back on my word already. That would be...um... that word that you say when you're playing euchre and you say that you don't have any trumps and so you throw an off-suit, but then later you throw a trump. How do spell that darn word? It's not spelled like it sounds. Stupid french word.

This evening, Kate and I finally got to watch Nightmare Before Christmas! We'd never seen it before, and I confess it will become a Frakes Family Favorite. It wasn't quite as good as I'd hoped, but probably after all these years it was built up in my mind to be something unachievable. It was still good, though, and worth establishing as a traditional Christmas movie. (even if I don't 'do' halloween)

We had the prettiest sunrise this morning. The sky was beautiful shades of pinks and peaches, reflecting on the heavy frost all over everything. The tree branches were all covered and sparkly, just like in a postcard, and you could see every little twig. As we drove past our favorite spot just outside Podunkville (Kate calls it The Shire), we pondered the possibility of whether or not it was ever winter in the real Shire. I think it must have been. It was particularly a magical land, even if it was inhabited by hobbits and elves. It was obviously a wonderful land for farming, and that does require some winter.

And on that note, it must be bedtime. It's getting a bit sleepy in here.

2007-12-17T21:31:00.000-05:00

Ok, so the car is back home again, and it was 'only' the starter. It could have been a lot worse, I know, but still - $440 on December 17th isn't exactly what we planned for the budget. But you just gotta have wheels.

Huge, enormous thank-yous to Laura, Kat, and Daryn for their offers of assistance and transport, and to James for commiseration and speculation, and Darren for taking Travis to pick up the car.

We still have to get the Jeep fixed (the car wouldn't go, and the Jeep won't stop!), but in the meantime I'm going to catch a ride to work with Maureen when she takes the girls to school, and Trav will pick me up on his way home. By the way, Maureen, can you drop me off at work in the morning? ;-)

So how is God working in all of this? It would be so easy to despair, or allow myself only to focus on what He 'allowed' to happen, but I can't when I see how he takes care of us in ways that I could choose to overlook. Like the fact that the cars both broke on Sunday, with Travis's bi-weekly paycheck arriving on Monday. At least there was money in the bank, even if it had been earmarked for something else. coughlike utilities;)cough
Or how about how last night after caroling, Robin sent us home with soup, veggies, ham, and rolls leftover from the dinner. Enough tasties that we don't have to run out and buy any groceries for a few days, and that money can go toward the car repair. (not to mention the fact that we weren't going anywhere for groceries today anyway! lol)

As ever, we'll get by. We always do. He makes sure of it.

yes, both.

2007-12-16T22:40:00.000-05:00

How does it happen that both vehicles break down in the same day? And why right at Christmas? I am awestruck by the sheer impossibility of this situation. Anyone got any brilliant ideas?

...update...

So, we're going to fix the car first, as it's the one we use the most. We have no freaking idea what is wrong with, but it's really wierd and potentially the computer. Cars should not have computers.
Anyway, I called a tow truck to come get it and take it to the shop. We had to call our second-choice shop, too, because the first choice shop won't be able to see it until later this week. But at least it's going.

Why now? and even worse, why both at the same freakin time???

oops.

2007-12-15T13:49:00.000-05:00

So the post just below was a bit of a mistake. However, as it already has merited a comment (I don't even have to actually write and you guys will still comment!) I think that instead of deleting it I shall leave there as an artistic statement on the futility of creativity! So there. ;-)

2007-12-14T21:58:00.001-05:00

What are you waiting for?

2007-12-14T21:38:00.000-05:00

How would you answer that question? How would I? Would there be more positive things or negative things?

Is it negative to be waiting for positive things? Maybe it's in the attitude. If I only focus on the fact that the positive isn't yet obtained; that it's elusive or evasive, then that is negative. But if, when I think of the as-of-yet unobtained positive, I am aware of the progress that I've made and have goals and a plan of acheivement, then that is negative. So I guess that, like so many other things, it's all about the attitude.

But the question remains: what am I waiting for?

I'm waiting for bedtime.
I'm waiting for Christmas.
I'm waiting for personal perfection. (and waiting. and waiting.)
I'm waiting for motivation.
I'm waiting for Jesus to come get me.
I'm waiting for the floor to mop itself.
I'm waiting for my tea to steep.
I'm waiting for inspiration.
I'm waiting for payday.
I'm waiting for ideas.
I'm waiting for a market.

What are you waiting for?

mcjob, mcministry,...mcscammed?

2007-12-13T21:24:00.000-05:00

There's a guy that comes to McDonald's pretty regularly, and it wouldn't take a genious to figure out that he's homeless. He is definitely disturbed, probably a user or alcoholic, and has a very hard time communicating. He usually comes up to the counter and waits until there is absolutely no one else waiting to order, even if they keep coming in one after another. I've seen him wait 45 minutes. Then, you have to make sure there is nothing laying on the counter; no reciepts, no napkins, no tray. He always orders the same food, and you can NOT put it in a bag or on a tray. He also wants to communicate with you without talking. He will not speak unless you absolutely can not figure out what he wants.

Since I've been at mcjob, I've waited on him a dozen or so times; always the same, until today.
Today, he walked right up to the counter, got in line, and started talking. He told me how he was traveling through the area, hitchiking and walking, and stopped to see if there was any work he could do for a meal. Knowing the answer, I went to ask the manager, and of course she said there was not anything like that to give him. I felt a little tug of conscience and told her that I would buy him a couple of $1 cheeseburgers. She replied that the guy was in here all the time, and that it probably would not be a good idea to get that started. Now I was torn. I knew she was right, but I also know that whatever I do for the least, I do for the Son. hmm... shrewd as a serpeant, gentle as a dove.... And then before I had time to react ( a whole 3 seconds may have passed), another mcployee was buying him hamburgers. I guess that kind of let me off the hook.
But wait... what is this? He doesn't want hamburgers? He only wants a Big Mac? Ok, um... I thought he said he was hungry.

Folks, I'm really confused and torn. Was it just his mental illness? He always gets a big mac - maybe he just has to stick to a routine, and can't handle a change in it. Or was he just not as hungry as maybe he thought?
Mental illness and addiction can affect people in some terrible ways, and it's often really difficult for the rest of us to understand the motives and reasons behind some of their actions. This is what one half of my conscience believes.
The other half of my conscience keeps insisting that the guy just wanted a free big mac, and if he really was hungry, he would eat what he could get.

How do the rest of you reconcile treating others like Christ, and being a good steward? When does it cease to be my business how others will use my help, and I just help because it's right? When does it quit being right to help? I've wondered these things for eons, and would really love some input.

a new kindred spirit

2007-12-12T22:07:00.000-05:00

So seriously, what do you guys think of the new colors? I'm not so sure. I think it's nice to have a change, but it just doesn't look very finished, you know? I wish I could figure out how to put one my pictures up for the header, but it's just not working right.

So, I made another of nifty junky journals today, and the second one turned out much neater. The pages fit in the cover better, and I covered the cover (snicker) with fabric, which neatly hid my messy stitchery. I showed them to the girls in Kate's bible study, and they were satisfactorily enamoured of them. Even the really really ugly first one. Sarah said they were 'very interesting' (which she actually did mean as a compliment, not just as something to say), and Jazmin (my new favorite) said they were like looking at... ART!!! she said it!!! :D she said ART!!! I love her :-) :-) :-)

things you never knew you needed

2007-12-12T21:58:00.000-05:00

So how many times a day have you been out and just thought to yourself, "Dang! If only I had a scanner with me!"
...
...
...
ok, so me neither really. And I've been trying to think of when I might wish for one. Especially a portable scanner that is designed specifically for things like business cards, checks, ids, and passports. When would I need that?
Well, basically I wouldn't, but it's not too hard to imagine a scenario in which someone might. Think of the high profile networker, traveling about from office to business, to business luncheon.
Or how about at conventions? It would be very handy for a vendor to be able to scan an id to go with the check someone just wrote to cover that new set of encyclopedias or the matching tshirts for the whole group.
How about the human resources agent who travels from location to location to perform orientation and paper shuffling for the new hires?

If I ever find myself in one of these positions, I will definitely be shopping for a portable scanner.

world's ugliest journal

2007-12-11T22:30:00.000-05:00

You heard it here first! Now head over to Oh, the Yarnage to see what I'm talking about. Here's a preview:

nighty night

2007-12-11T22:23:00.000-05:00

I am soooo tired tonight. Last night I took a Claritin 24, and I always regret that. They are really excellent decongestants, but they keep me awake most of the night, and when I do sleep I have really wierd dreams. (Like Harry Potter being stressed out of O.W.L.S. and buying a quarter bag to relax, which caused him to fall asleep in the bathtub and he ended up catching Hogwarts on fire. Yeah) And if that isn't enough, then I have a cold medicine hangover all the next day. I think that's what Kate called it.

Too bad I don't have one of those sleep number beds that are all the rage. Or how about one of those Temperpedic memory foam doodads? That looks really comfy to me. I wonder if they really are as great as the commercials say? It would be really good if you could try that kind of stuff out first. Lieing on a mattress in a showroom just doesn't quite do it for me. Got any tips on finding a good night's sleep? (Besides getting off the Claritin, that is!)

package envy

2007-12-11T13:44:00.000-05:00

DANG IT! The ups man just came by here with a package. I've been waiting on 5 or 6 different packages, all due this week. I just knew it would be one of them! It wasn't. It was for Travis. siiigh...

Ok, wait a minute. If it's addressed to Travis, then that means it's actually for me!!! yee haw! I don't feel so disappointed anymore. =)

decisions, decisions.

2007-12-11T07:21:00.000-05:00

I'm thinking about making some changes to my blog. I'd like to add some kind of picture or image at the top, and maybe switch the background color. I'm thinking of either brown or white. Doesn't sound like a very exciting color, I know, but the background is only supposed to support the posts, not overshadow them. It crossed my mind to switch the template around seasonally, but knowing me, I'd still have snowflakes for easter, and hearts and cupids for 4th of July. Also, I still just love the three column templates that are on some other blogs, but blogspot doesn't have any. You've got to get them someplace else, and know stuff about computers to make those work. Also, I'm thinking of changing the name of the blog. The address would have to stay the same, but "The Full Life" just seems a bit cliche; kind of a "last week" sort of title.

AND... one decision has been made for certain:

I will now solemnly swear that there will be a new post every day. It might only be a picture, or just a brief paragraph, but it will be there. How else will I become a better blogger unless I blog?

And maybe while I'm at it, I should commit to a weekly post on the 1/4 acre and Yarnage?

reindeer coffee and christmas cat

2007-12-10T06:42:00.000-05:00

This morning's coffee is brought to you by the reindeer mug. (purchased 3 years ago at Goodwill - where else?)

I've been experimenting with whole bean coffee, since I can get it at Used Groceries for $1.50 per pound (starbucks, seattle, etc). It does seem to have a fresher flavor, but I'm not getting the beans ground up very throughly.

Yesterday we worked on getting some more decorations up, and Mippen was a huge help. She kept that piece of greenery from running off and wrapping itself around things. Boy, that was a lifesaver.

Mostly, we just hung out at home again yesterday, with one quick trip to family dollar for tree lights. Ordinarily we always gone somewhere on the weekend; the grocery, visiting, the library... This weekend we just didn't go anywhere. It was actually really nice to home, even though we really should have been out Christmas shopping. We really didn't even get ginormous amounts of housework done, but it was so good to just be home and unhurried.

We finally decorated!

2007-12-09T16:32:00.001-05:00

Saturday... blessed Saturday

2007-12-08T10:20:00.000-05:00

This morning I slept until ten minutes til 10!!!

What to write, what to write....

Last evening, Kate made some coffee and put it in thermal cups, and we all went for an evening stroll. I think it was a great way for us to all unwind, especially for Kate after the excitement of the Recircle presentation. About halfway through our walk it started to become dusky and blue, and houses started turning on their Christmas lights. It was a very pretty walk up Main Street. (For those of you who haven't lived in Podunkville all your lives, the state road that runs through town used to be Main Street, and some of the old timers still call it that. I insist on calling it Main Street, too) By the end of the walk, we had found 13 cans, and Buddy had tried to pee on about as many objects.

My house is FILTHY. There are 4 days worth of coffee cups and mixing bowls piled on every surface. The desk is covered in scraps of paper, bills, and cookie crumbs. The floor is an inch deep with pet hair and dirt. And this is just in the kitchen!!!

We still haven't put up the Christmas tree, although we do have our Advent candles out and in use. And, I haven't done any amount of Christmas shopping yet. It's not that I don't want to, I just haven't done it yet. How many of you have finished your shopping yet? Do you have your decorations up?

Kate Katalyst strikes again

2007-12-07T18:58:00.000-05:00

With a little help from her friends...

Before Communist Montessori, I had never heard of "Youth Venture" before, so I'm going to assume that you haven't either. Youth Venture is a program of Metro United Way. You may have mixed feelings about them, as I do, but this is a good story.

Youth Venture is a contest/grant program offered to student entrepeneurs. The grant is in the amount of $1,000 to start the winning business idea, and is open to students in Floyd County. The business plans must be presented to a panel of judges of MUW, who then determine the most worthy idea based on it's originality, how it fills a niche, and how 'doable' it is. The kids have really got to have their stuff together, just like in the business world.

Anyway, Kate and five of her friends at CMS heard about this opportunity, and over the last month or two have been working up their business plan. The end result is "Recircle", an original line of accessories handmade of 100% recycled and recognizable materials! The goal of Recircle is to rescue the garbage, and promote responsible stewardship of our resources. It's something that all six girls feel strongly about, but for varying reasons. Their debut products include 'wrapper rings', 'coke can jewelry', and shopping bags made from discarded plastic grocery bags. I wish I had some pictures to show you, because I just can't describe and do justice to how cute and original these items are! They are not your 'macaroni necklace' type items at all - these are things that the eclectic would enjoy wearing.

Well, apparently they are very clever and well presented, because Metro United Way agrees, and after their business presentation at school today, Recircle has won the grant! Kate and friends Kala, Kaitlyn, Kat, Jade, and Sarah G. are now business partners in a real live business! They have to file for their permits and all kinds of official stuff.

Now, there is some further information you should know. The competition this year was not exactly fierce; in fact, Recircle was the only business idea presented. Now, I don't want to take away from their thunder and make you think they were a shoo-in. Like any other grant or scholarship, it's given based on merit. Apparently there have been some years when they simply didn't award the grant, no matter how many applicants, because they didn't find one that met their qualifications. Recircle didn't win by default.

Second, MUW had considered discontinuing the Youth Venture program because they felt they were not getting the quality of applicants in recent years that they wanted to represent. This year they were so pleased with the organization, planning, and originality that the girls showed that they are not only going to continue the program, but open to other counties! So even though they haven't sold a single wrapper ring, their endeavour has already positively impacted other students.

gothic revenge for Christmas?

2007-12-07T18:37:00.000-05:00

Who doesn't like a good revenge plot in a story? Admit, we all want to see justice done, and sometimes we don't want to wait for natural consequences. Now, I'm NOT saying that is a benificial, healthy attitude, but from time to time, we all assume it. But next time you do, just remember what they say about assuming things, 'k?

Now, for purposes of this post, I'm gonna just tell you about what I think is a perfect revenge scene or plot - It's the Count of Monte Cristo.
Edmond D'antes is a young man of humble means who wishes only to marry his beloved. His best friend, Count Mondego, is jealous of D'antes and secretly plots to have him thrown into prison, where he remains for 16 years. As if that's not enough, Mondego then marries the beloved! (who, we later learn, had no choice but to marry...)
The revenge comes later, when through his own cunning and planning, D'antes is able to not only become even more than Mondego, but he reduces Mondego to the same pitiful circumstances that Mondego had once inflicted on D'antes. The plot is excellently detailed, the characters have depth and personality, and the anger and betrayal are palpable. It's not often you come across a story that is so identifiable.

I have high hopes for the dark despair of Sweeney Todd, the new Tim Burton Film! It's dark! It's gothic! It's got Johnny Depp, for pete's sake!!! I'm not completely clear on the plot, because I've only seen the trailer, but from the looks of it it's a classic revenge plot. Here's what I think I understand: Johnny Depp is a guy who is happily married with an adorable baby daughter and an enviable gothic lifestyle. (Gothic in the original, 19th Century definition) Suddenly, it all goes terribly, predictably wrong when he is imprisoned on false accusations!!!! When he is finally released, he has become so vengeful that he can think of nothing but assuming a new identity and murdering his accusers, and apparently a handful of other guys. and how does he accomplish this task? By becoming a throat slicing barber, of course! How else?!? And if that isn't enough, it's a musical!!!! You've got to go visit the official Sweeney Todd movie site right stinkin' now! After that, visit Sweeney Todd on MySpace if you're so inclined.

Judy update!

2007-12-06T20:47:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to give you an update on Judy. She's had multiple scans and tests and things, and the official word from the neurologist is that she definitely has had a stroke. The good news is that she is not experiencing ANY physical deficits as a result! Praise God!!!!! She is still a little 'addled' for lack of a better word, but the neurologist seems to think this will pass. We are now waiting for information on what the next steps will be, both to treat this stroke and to prevent further ones.
Thank you soooo much for all the prayers and kind thoughts, and the encouraging emails and visits.
I will update you again if there is any change or further news.
Thankyouthankyouthankyou,
Jonna

admirable

2007-12-06T20:39:00.000-05:00

So, somehow or another, we got on the subject of weight loss surgery last night when we were taking a break at the little coffee shop in the hospital. There have been a number of different procedures invented over the years, and it seems that some of them have bordered on barbaric. All of them require a significant life commitment. One of the newer, safer, more successful procedures is the lapband surgery, and one of my close people is in the process of getting this scheduled in the coming year. She is definitely going into it with the right attitude; she doesn't want to be model-skinny, she just wants to be healthy. What an awesome goal for anybody!

prayers, please?

2007-12-05T23:10:00.000-05:00

Hey friends of the blogosphere,

One day this past weekend, Travis and I were in town and as we went past the hospital, I commented absently, "you know, it's been just over a year since we've had anyone in there".

Shoulda' knowed better.

This afternoon Judy went to the hospital with a very irregular heartbeat and just 'not feeling right'. She has also been kind of 'not herself' lately, and that is getting progressively more noticeable. They think she may have had a light stroke, and are running the appropriate tests tonight and tomorrow. We'll be playing the waiting game tomorrow, and I'll try to let you know what's going on.

Specific prayer requests would be:
-A good night's rest for Dad and Judy
-Judy's cooperation for the tests (she's been a bit agitated)
-God's guidance for the doctors to recognize the problem and begin appropriate treatment.
-For the confusion Judy's experiencing to pass

And a praise!

- The doctor on call tonight is Judy's regular physician! He already knows her whole history and all her medicines and everything!

Thanks in abundance!

making endsmeat

2007-12-05T23:05:00.000-05:00

When I was little and heard the phrase 'making ends meet', I wonder what kind of an animal that came from and how did you eat it. If you're like most folks, there are times you've looked around for some of that endsmeat, perhaps for supper!
Some folks choose to get their ends met by way of selling stuff, offering their services, and working overtime. Then again, why do all that when you can just apply for Faxless Payday Loans??? Now, I'm not sure what a fax-full payday loan would be like, but with a faxless one, apparently they loan you the amount you need, charge you interest starting at 10% and rising, and you pay it back on the agreed upon day. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal, except rumor has that the interest is compounded... daily.

a day off?

2007-12-04T14:50:00.000-05:00

I can hardly believe it, but here I am at home... alone... on a Tuesday. What's a girl to do, but to wash up the dishes, straighten the living room, and start a batch of cookies? This time it's a batch of Ginger Susans. They're a spicy, gingerbready type of cookie that comes from the recipe vault of Susan over at FarmgirlFare. She didn't really have a name for the cookie (she'd made up the recipe last fall), so I thought she needed a cookie named after her. By the way, both the recipe and the picture of the cookies is from her website.

Ginger Susans

3 sticks butter
2 C sugar
2 eggs
1/2 C molasses
4 C flour
4 t baking soda
1 t salt
3 t cinnamon
4 t ginger
3 t cloves
1 t nutmeg
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Cream butter, vegetable oil sticks, and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on high speed for about 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs and molasses. Reduce speed and mix in dry ingredients until well combined (you can mix the dry ingredients together first, but I never do).Batter will be very soft. Chill or partially freeze it. (Very cold dough will take a minute or two longer to bake.) Place scoops of dough on a heavy baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake 10 to 14 minutes for 2-inch cookies, depending on desired consistency. Let cool for a few minutes on baking sheet (cookies will continue to bake and crisp up). In my oven, baking half-frozen, 2-teaspoon dough scoops for 14 minutes gives me 2-inch crunchy cookies. Bake longer for larger cookies. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely. Store in an airtight container for several days or freeze.

perfect for christmas

2007-12-04T14:39:00.000-05:00

Everyone is running willy-nilly, hither and yon these days with work, school, kids, and the festivities of the season. One of the popular gifts, especially for women, seems to be bath products designed supposedly to promote relaxation. But I reckon that if you really, really wanted to spoil and relax someone, you'd probably possibly be interested in these pretty amazing massage chairs!

sigh of relief

2007-12-03T21:13:00.000-05:00

Things were looking pretty hairy for Kate, up until this morning. She still needed $150 to make the installment for Costa Rica. Yesterday we took 4 paper grocery bags of books to BookLore, and they took all but about 1/2 bag and gave her $30 for them!
Today, we took a few other interesting items to a pawn shop, and managed $138!!!
Then off we went to Plato's Closet and after a laundry basket of clothing was considerably lightened, she walked out with another check for $20! Talk about a relief. Last night we were really worried that she might be able to make this deadline for the payment, and that was after it had been extended for her already.

Truthfully, we had full faith that if it was where God wanted her in June, that the funds would come. The question was "Did God want her there, really?"
I guess He just wanted to show us a couple of things.

1) If He wants her there, it will come.
2) We might have to work our tails off for it, and determine where our priorities really lie.

So... now she's been asking me to go to Peru as a chaperone...

say cheese.

2007-12-03T20:53:00.001-05:00

Have I ever mentioned just how much I love my digital camera? Mine is a Nikon Coolpix, and it's just the coolest, but you might like the Nikon D40x just as well. I got it for Christmas last year, and it's got to be one of those few, rare gifts that I use nearly every day. There is always something to snap a picture of, even if it's just my dinner. ( And you'd be surprised how frequently that happens!)

I've been able to get some of my favorite pictures with the digital, because digital makes it so easy to snap as many shots as you want, then go back and review them and keep the really good ones. When I was still using the 35mm, there were a lot of occasions that went unsnapped, and although that isn't always a bad thing, there are so many things that are missing in the photo albums - all because of the cost of developing, film, and batteries.

And does anyone remember flash cubes??? Thank goodness those are a thing of the past!

I'll leave you with a smattering of today's photography, brought to you by digital.

My Mippen is so dern cute! And she loves Christmas!

Our buddy Noah hung out with us today, and had lunch at Chi-nee Buffet!

(but he had Noah food, not General Tso's Chicken)

And as I mentioned before... my dinner.

December 1st???

2007-12-01T06:20:00.000-05:00

How can it be???
Everywhere you turn, people are talking about how quickly time seems to pass. Has it always done this, or am I noticing because I'm 'getting older'?

We have not even gotten our decorations out of the shed yet, let alone put up the tree. I was completely ready to do it all in one fell swoop a month ago, but now... just a mood, I guess.

I have great ideas for gifts for some friends and family; things that I want to make at home for them, but where is the time? Some of the things in progress are handwoven bookmarks, crochet notion organizers, and aprons made from recycled clothing. Yes, a bit bizarre sounding, but I promise they're cute.

For the first year EVER, I think I have a really awesome gift for Travis, and I came up with it on my very own! Sooo proud =) He is usually kind of hard to select for.

But ... What does one give to one's 20 and 15 year old nephews??? Whether it's homemade or purchased, I am just at a loss on these guys.

Egads, I now have 10 minutes to get ready for McJob!!! See what I do for you guys???
I just love ya.

a'right, a'ready!

2007-11-30T17:28:00.000-05:00

I'm still here, just haven't had much to say.
Ok, that's totally not true at all. There've been tons of things to talk about, but this working-for-a-living crap is getting in the way of important stuff, like laundry, blogs and volunteering at school. How am I supposed to get my books written when half my day is eaten up by drawing a dang paycheck???

But you know what? I love it that you guys missed me! Thanks =)

Costa Rican Adventure

2007-11-06T16:58:00.000-05:00

Well, the last fundraiser turned out to be a flop, BUT we aren't despairing yet. Our next fundraiser is coming up this Saturday!
The Costa Rica travelers are gathering at their Teacher's house for a knit-a-thon!
(yes, you read that right)

The students will all be knitting from 1-9pm, and will be making simple items like scarves and hats, which will then be donated to Haven House, and other local shelters. You can sponsor Kate and/or Sarah by pledging a flat amount or by pledging an hourly amount, which will be placed in their travel fund. By sponsoring, you'll help Kate acheive the $2200 for the trip, AND help warm up kids and families in crisis.

So, here's a blatant plea - would you consider sponsoring? Whether it's $1 an hour or whatever you choose, we will be so blessed that you would help Kate pursue one of her goals.

What you should know:
The Costa Rica trip is not billed as a mission trip. It is designed to be purely an educational/experiential opportunity in which the students will be researching environmental issues and experiencing the latin american culture.
What Kate and I think:
While this trip is not billed as a mission trip like Peru (which she'll also be attending next year), neither is McJob, until you make it one. While she will not likely have an opportunity for open ministry in the form of sharing Christ or washing hair, every day with her classmates and aquaintances is an opportunity to share the faith that leads her.

thanks, google!!!

2007-10-31T23:30:00.000-04:00

OH MY GOSH!!!!
I just realized that The Full Life has a Google page rank of 1!!!!
I actually have a rank!!!!
Can you believe it????

I rank!
I rank!
I rank!!!!!