It's no secret that I LOVE to keep my air turned down to 65 or below at night. Since I do not have a programmable thermostat, that means I've also kept the air that low for the whole day sometimes because I can forget to turn it up. As you can imagine, in the winter my power bills are low and in the summer - yeah, not so much. =)
So, I have decided to keep my air at 75 all day and all night - no touchy - for a whole month. I've made it a week now, and it hasn't been that bad. I mean, once again, this is the girl who grew up without central heat or air, so this really shouldn't be so hard. I want to see what the difference in my kwh is on my next bill. Does it make a difference to keep it at 75 all day, or is it about the same as 65 at night and 78 during the day? We shall see.
Needless to say, I had to buy JD new pj's. He's used to wearing long sleeved pajamas all year long. I bought him several new pairs, and he said he was comfortable the whole night. Today was my first day at the house the entire day and it wasn't bad at all. When you think about the fact that we had days in the 90's last week, 75 is still pretty cool.
I'll post back when the month is up.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Tips, Please!
I keep getting these $15 off $15 coupons in the mail and I try to use them - after all, that is like throwing money away. What I do is go to the clearance section, find one or two things on clearance and then use my coupon. Usually, I end up spending about $2 and walk away with clothes that were once priced at $80 or more. Obviously, the more money you spend they give you a great discount, but it's become a game to me to go in and only use the $15 off $15. Anyways, that is not my story...that just got me to the mall. =)
Before I even went to the mall today, I was craving a pretzel. I cannot even remember the last time I had a pretzel, but I'm certain it's been a couple of years - at least. Now, I'm not supposed to have pretzels on P90X, and I'll admit that, but I'm battling my hormones today and obviously losing. ha! So I walk down to Pretzel Time order a small order of pretzel bites and a drink. I pay the girl, and I'm fumbling to get napkins as she walks away. There are three workers present - one sitting on a chair, one just took care of a customer, and the girl who took my order.
As I'm trying to get napkins out of the dispenser, the girl in the chair looks up and says:
"I don't know what the deal is with these people!!! How many tips did y'all get yesterday?"
One girl responds back "Not much, obviously people are cheap."
The girl who waited on me, kind of glances back at me and says "I just waited on that lady and I didn't get tipped anything."
Chair girls says "Wow! Un-freaking-believable".
At this point I did look around for a tip jar, but didn't see one at the register I was at, so I took my napkins and walked away. Who knew you were supposed to tip at the pretzel stand? I certainly didn't. I felt a little bad, but I will be honest to say that I also felt a little like telling those three girls they needed to get up, quit complaining - "If you've got time to lean, you've got time to clean" and realize they work at a pretzel stand - not a sit down restaurant.
At this point I feel the need to defend myself and say I am known as the queen of the over tippers. Yes, I tip in the drive-thru if there is a place for it. Yes, I tip the pizza guy - even if a fee has already been charged. Subway has started asking for tips, and I tip at Subway. If there is a tip jar, I'm going to try and put something in. I was like that before I waitressed, but will admit to being even worse after having waitressed for a living. I can get horrible service and still tip 20% because I realize the server might be having a rough day and they still need to pay their bills. However, I am so confused on when I should and should not tip now. It's like every place you go people are asking for tips. I certainly don't mind paying it, but when I worked at McDonald's in high school, we never go tips. We would've been fired for accepting tips.
So, I guess that is my question. Who gets tipped? Y'all should have been there the time I first realized I was supposed to tip the person who did my hair. Oh wow....I felt horrible. No one ever mentioned I was to tip - I thought they got paid to do my hair and that was all I needed to pay. Any suggestions?
Needless to say, I won't be going to Pretzel Time again anytime soon.
Before I even went to the mall today, I was craving a pretzel. I cannot even remember the last time I had a pretzel, but I'm certain it's been a couple of years - at least. Now, I'm not supposed to have pretzels on P90X, and I'll admit that, but I'm battling my hormones today and obviously losing. ha! So I walk down to Pretzel Time order a small order of pretzel bites and a drink. I pay the girl, and I'm fumbling to get napkins as she walks away. There are three workers present - one sitting on a chair, one just took care of a customer, and the girl who took my order.
As I'm trying to get napkins out of the dispenser, the girl in the chair looks up and says:
"I don't know what the deal is with these people!!! How many tips did y'all get yesterday?"
One girl responds back "Not much, obviously people are cheap."
The girl who waited on me, kind of glances back at me and says "I just waited on that lady and I didn't get tipped anything."
Chair girls says "Wow! Un-freaking-believable".
At this point I did look around for a tip jar, but didn't see one at the register I was at, so I took my napkins and walked away. Who knew you were supposed to tip at the pretzel stand? I certainly didn't. I felt a little bad, but I will be honest to say that I also felt a little like telling those three girls they needed to get up, quit complaining - "If you've got time to lean, you've got time to clean" and realize they work at a pretzel stand - not a sit down restaurant.
At this point I feel the need to defend myself and say I am known as the queen of the over tippers. Yes, I tip in the drive-thru if there is a place for it. Yes, I tip the pizza guy - even if a fee has already been charged. Subway has started asking for tips, and I tip at Subway. If there is a tip jar, I'm going to try and put something in. I was like that before I waitressed, but will admit to being even worse after having waitressed for a living. I can get horrible service and still tip 20% because I realize the server might be having a rough day and they still need to pay their bills. However, I am so confused on when I should and should not tip now. It's like every place you go people are asking for tips. I certainly don't mind paying it, but when I worked at McDonald's in high school, we never go tips. We would've been fired for accepting tips.
So, I guess that is my question. Who gets tipped? Y'all should have been there the time I first realized I was supposed to tip the person who did my hair. Oh wow....I felt horrible. No one ever mentioned I was to tip - I thought they got paid to do my hair and that was all I needed to pay. Any suggestions?
Needless to say, I won't be going to Pretzel Time again anytime soon.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
I Have The Freedom To Stink
Originally Posted January 17, 2009
Yesterday I left work sick. My throat had started hurting and I was very achy and decided that I could be miserable at home instead of at work...that is why we have sick leave. =) So, I left work, went to Wal-Mart to get some medicine, came home and put on my pajamas. My ex-mother in law dropped JD off when he got out of school. Which, was very nice because I didn't have to leave to go get him. I took some liquid Tylenol medicine, drank a large coffee cup of hot water, lemon, and honey and proceeded to fall asleep on the couch.
Needless to say, JD pretty much had a free for all night. He got to eat frozen pizza, play Nintendo for hours, and sleep on the couch. For a kid, that is a great time. I was hurting for real by 8, so I went and got in the bed. Now, if y'all didn't know, I keep my house at about 65-67 degrees all the time. JD wears winter pj's in the summer. In the summer, the power company loves me...in the winter, not so much. Well, last night, I had my heat turned up to 75, my long sleeve, long pant pj's on, and my heating pad plugged in. Oh yeah....nice. JD was in his underwear...once again, thinking that was cool. =) I slept off and on and at midnight wake up to hear the tv still on in the living room. I didn't even have the energy to do anything about it. I woke up about 1 and it was off, so he was asleep by then. I woke up for good about 5:00. I laid in bed until 6:15 when my best friend called to check on me. She is a nurse and was on her way to work. JD gets up and is back to his Nintendo marathon.
Anyways, JD was going back to his dad's this morning, so I told him he needed to go get a shower. No joke...my kid looks at me and says "I have the freedom to stink...I'm pretty certain it is on of the amendments." Huh? I just started laughing. This is the kid who takes showers longer than a teenage girl. He was just being funny. I told him I think he was mistaken and he says "Have you read all the amendments to the Constitution? I pretty certain it is around #100." I responded back with "I'm pretty certain the only freedom you get is what your mom gives you, so you better amend yourself to the shower." He laughed and agreed that in this house, mom is the law. Man, I love being a mom. Someone on this planet has to listen to me! Ah, the power. hehehehehe
I still pretty much feel like crap, but maybe a tad less like crap than last night. I've taken up residence on the couch with my diet ginger ale, Tylenol, and cough drops.
Yesterday I left work sick. My throat had started hurting and I was very achy and decided that I could be miserable at home instead of at work...that is why we have sick leave. =) So, I left work, went to Wal-Mart to get some medicine, came home and put on my pajamas. My ex-mother in law dropped JD off when he got out of school. Which, was very nice because I didn't have to leave to go get him. I took some liquid Tylenol medicine, drank a large coffee cup of hot water, lemon, and honey and proceeded to fall asleep on the couch.
Needless to say, JD pretty much had a free for all night. He got to eat frozen pizza, play Nintendo for hours, and sleep on the couch. For a kid, that is a great time. I was hurting for real by 8, so I went and got in the bed. Now, if y'all didn't know, I keep my house at about 65-67 degrees all the time. JD wears winter pj's in the summer. In the summer, the power company loves me...in the winter, not so much. Well, last night, I had my heat turned up to 75, my long sleeve, long pant pj's on, and my heating pad plugged in. Oh yeah....nice. JD was in his underwear...once again, thinking that was cool. =) I slept off and on and at midnight wake up to hear the tv still on in the living room. I didn't even have the energy to do anything about it. I woke up about 1 and it was off, so he was asleep by then. I woke up for good about 5:00. I laid in bed until 6:15 when my best friend called to check on me. She is a nurse and was on her way to work. JD gets up and is back to his Nintendo marathon.
Anyways, JD was going back to his dad's this morning, so I told him he needed to go get a shower. No joke...my kid looks at me and says "I have the freedom to stink...I'm pretty certain it is on of the amendments." Huh? I just started laughing. This is the kid who takes showers longer than a teenage girl. He was just being funny. I told him I think he was mistaken and he says "Have you read all the amendments to the Constitution? I pretty certain it is around #100." I responded back with "I'm pretty certain the only freedom you get is what your mom gives you, so you better amend yourself to the shower." He laughed and agreed that in this house, mom is the law. Man, I love being a mom. Someone on this planet has to listen to me! Ah, the power. hehehehehe
I still pretty much feel like crap, but maybe a tad less like crap than last night. I've taken up residence on the couch with my diet ginger ale, Tylenol, and cough drops.
Two For One Special...
Originally Posted November 16, 2008
I have two thoughts on my mind, so I thought I'd just blog about both.
First, last night I went to the night air show out at the base. Most of you know that something about Patriotic music and fireworks combine to make me cry. It's odd, but true. I cry every time. Anyways, sure enough, they kicked off the fireworks and suddenly a thought hit me... I suddenly thought about how here I was sitting out at the base, watching the show, while half a world away there were guys and girls protecting me; doing something for me that I hadn't even done for myself. I realize that I am a very Patriotic person. I love this country, and I am very proud to live here. I also have great respect and admiration for our military men - who are willing to leave their families to protect mine. As I looked around last night I saw several young Navy guys in their white uniforms. I don't know the technical name for them, but if you live in this town you know the ones I mean - the uniform that screams "I'm a newbie!". As I looked at the guys, who I would consider babies on a regular day, I was struck by such a sense of overwhelming thankfulness for their sense of duty to this country. These young guys, who don't even look old enough to drive, much less go to war, have willingly decided to sign up for the military.
I also said a quick prayer for all of their mamas. As a mom, your thoughts are turned towards protecting your child from everything. I imagine I would feel great pride, yet great trepidation, if my son came home and said he wanted to go. So, last night, those unknown women were on my heart.
In closing on this subject, I just want to say a great big THANK YOU to all of my friends who have served! Thank you for helping make this country what it is. Let's all remember those who have sacrificed for us!
"It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag."
—Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, Sergeant, USMarineCorps
That poem says it all.
On a different note...HOT CHOCOLATE SEASON HAS ARRIVED!!!
For those of you who don't know - JD and I have "hot chocolate season". Basically, this season runs from the time we put up our decorations until New Year's and we are allowed to have one cup of hot chocolate - with milk - and whip cream - everyday. It might not sound like a big deal to y'all, but it is a tradition at our house. It is just something silly that we do. Anyways, today we decorated.
And before you start - yes, it is before Thanksgiving. Got it. I know perfectly well what the date is. As a matter of fact, I've been planning for a month that this would be our day to decorate. Since we are going out of town, it is better to go ahead and decorate so we can enjoy it. Heck, even if we weren't going out of town we still decorate early.
We added some new things. I now have large, sparkly blue and silver snowflakes suspended from the ceiling. I was about a foot too short for the job, so I spent a lot of time standing in a chair on my tip toes this evening. Nice calf workout. Although, if you could have seen me juggling fishing line, snowflakes, and a hammer while on my tip toes, you probably would've laughed. We also bought another Christmas blanket - which we definitely didn't need - and more candles - which we definitely DEFINITELY didn't need. =) You know what though? We love it!!! We are now sitting here with the tree on, the candles burning, and only one other light on. It is so relaxing. If I had a fireplace, we'd have a fire. ahhhhh
Anyways, I'm going to go. It is time to clean our new Christmas coffee mugs (we get to pick out new ones each year) and make our first cup of hot chocolate. JD picked out the cup shaped like a penguin, and mine is shaped like a snowman. It is time to snuggle down!!!
This is a beautiful - and I mean absolutely amazingly beautiful life!!
I have two thoughts on my mind, so I thought I'd just blog about both.
First, last night I went to the night air show out at the base. Most of you know that something about Patriotic music and fireworks combine to make me cry. It's odd, but true. I cry every time. Anyways, sure enough, they kicked off the fireworks and suddenly a thought hit me... I suddenly thought about how here I was sitting out at the base, watching the show, while half a world away there were guys and girls protecting me; doing something for me that I hadn't even done for myself. I realize that I am a very Patriotic person. I love this country, and I am very proud to live here. I also have great respect and admiration for our military men - who are willing to leave their families to protect mine. As I looked around last night I saw several young Navy guys in their white uniforms. I don't know the technical name for them, but if you live in this town you know the ones I mean - the uniform that screams "I'm a newbie!". As I looked at the guys, who I would consider babies on a regular day, I was struck by such a sense of overwhelming thankfulness for their sense of duty to this country. These young guys, who don't even look old enough to drive, much less go to war, have willingly decided to sign up for the military.
I also said a quick prayer for all of their mamas. As a mom, your thoughts are turned towards protecting your child from everything. I imagine I would feel great pride, yet great trepidation, if my son came home and said he wanted to go. So, last night, those unknown women were on my heart.
In closing on this subject, I just want to say a great big THANK YOU to all of my friends who have served! Thank you for helping make this country what it is. Let's all remember those who have sacrificed for us!
"It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag."
—Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, Sergeant, USMarineCorps
That poem says it all.
On a different note...HOT CHOCOLATE SEASON HAS ARRIVED!!!
For those of you who don't know - JD and I have "hot chocolate season". Basically, this season runs from the time we put up our decorations until New Year's and we are allowed to have one cup of hot chocolate - with milk - and whip cream - everyday. It might not sound like a big deal to y'all, but it is a tradition at our house. It is just something silly that we do. Anyways, today we decorated.
And before you start - yes, it is before Thanksgiving. Got it. I know perfectly well what the date is. As a matter of fact, I've been planning for a month that this would be our day to decorate. Since we are going out of town, it is better to go ahead and decorate so we can enjoy it. Heck, even if we weren't going out of town we still decorate early.
We added some new things. I now have large, sparkly blue and silver snowflakes suspended from the ceiling. I was about a foot too short for the job, so I spent a lot of time standing in a chair on my tip toes this evening. Nice calf workout. Although, if you could have seen me juggling fishing line, snowflakes, and a hammer while on my tip toes, you probably would've laughed. We also bought another Christmas blanket - which we definitely didn't need - and more candles - which we definitely DEFINITELY didn't need. =) You know what though? We love it!!! We are now sitting here with the tree on, the candles burning, and only one other light on. It is so relaxing. If I had a fireplace, we'd have a fire. ahhhhh
Anyways, I'm going to go. It is time to clean our new Christmas coffee mugs (we get to pick out new ones each year) and make our first cup of hot chocolate. JD picked out the cup shaped like a penguin, and mine is shaped like a snowman. It is time to snuggle down!!!
This is a beautiful - and I mean absolutely amazingly beautiful life!!
Lace Up Your Shoes And Start Running...Faster Now
Originally Posted October 20, 2008
Okay, so I know I tend to blog a lot about the same things...however, it is just me. Maybe that means God is trying to tell me something and apparently He feels the need to retell me over and over because I'm a little thick headed. In turn, I share it with y'all.
Tonight, I decided to run down the road for something...not literally, but in the car. It was right before the sun was starting to set, and as I headed out I couldn't help but notice just how beautiful it was outside. It just felt clean. I ran my errand, and headed back west - right into the beautiful sunset. I felt like I could drive forever - and just watch the sun go down. It was a sky filled with colors that really have no names...hard to describe because words like, pink, orange, red, with a hint of blue, just don't seem to describe the majestic painting that was there for all to see. Once again...Fall is here.
This is my probably my favorite time of year to run. The air feels clean and crisp, and after months of feeling like you are breathing under water with all the humidity, you really appreciate the change. It's like one day it is 97 degrees with 98% humidity, and the next it is a nice 80 without humidity.
On my drive tonight I once again began to think about how we are all running. We are either running from something or to something, and sometimes we are doing both.
Sometimes we lace up our shoes and just start running trying to outrun ourselves, or someone else, and we have no destination in mind - just running to get away. We run until we can't breathe, until our legs are jelly, until there is no thought but just putting one foot in front of the other and moving. We run so that we don't have to think. We get up, go to work, go through the motions, compartmentalize, run home, do all of our errands, and run until exhausted, we fall asleep - or not. Even then, we are running to something. However, because we are running blindly, we are not creating our destiny, but desperately just trying to stay out of the pot holes, briers, or ditches that come up. We have our heads down, blinders on, and just can't seem to stop for fear that the stray dog that is chasing us just might catch up. We know that if we stop, we are through. We are running out of desperation.
Then there are the times when we lace up, map out our plan, strap on the iPod, drink some water, open the door to a new day, and begin a run that will put us on the path to fulfilling God's greatness in our life. We say a prayer, we put our faith in Him, and we set out. We start at a nice jog, breathe in the fresh clean air, feel our muscles start to kick in, and realize that this will be a fantastic run. We look at the obstacles around us - the pot holes, briers, ditches, stray dogs - and see them for what they really are - just a test for our strength. We look around and see the wondrous mercies that have been afforded us. We take in the scenery. We pick up the pace, wave to the neighbors, run with our head held high, run until our legs start to feel stronger, until our lungs are filled with praise, until our heart starts to beat with His. We run until we realize that while we might have mapped out a plan, He has a greater one. He has a plan that might not lead us where we thought - as a matter of fact, it probably won't - yet, we look around and can see that you are right where you are supposed to be. We are running out of praise, out of love, out of thankfulness, out of excitement for the future.
I have been in both pairs of shoes...on both paths. I ran out of desperation. I ran until I realized that unless I am running out of love, I'm not going to be able to complete the course. I ran until, exhausted, I finally decided that nothing, not even the pot holes, briers, and dogs, could be worse than that feeling. Nothing could be worse than always trying to run faster - and not being able to outrun the true reason I felt couldn't stop - because no matter how fast I ran, I couldn't outrun myself. I woke up and realized that I was so tangled up in everything, that I was really running in place, like on a treadmill, and it would never end. I took off the blinders, looked around, and promptly broke down.
Then thankfully, I began to run again. I began to move in a new way, with new thoughts, with new beginnings. I stepped off the treadmill, and hit the road. I gave it over, and now I no longer run alone. I always have Him there to guide me. I have Him to run ahead, check out the path, and tell me how to proceed. Now, do I always go with the plan? I would like to say, yes, however, sometimes I forget that I don't have to do it on my own. You know what, though? As soon as I come back to my senses, He is still there waiting. Always waiting for me. Always reminding me that the path ahead will lead to good things. Always telling me that even when it's raining, when the mosquitoes are out, when the sun is so hot it is almost like the pavement is melting, when the path is bumpy, He is right there.
So, tonight, I am thankful. I'm thankful for this beautiful weather, thankful for this beautiful life. I am most thankful for His plan for my life. I am ready to put on my running shoes and continue to run into my destiny. The one that is created just for me - not out of desperation, but out of love. I am thankful that I don't have to do it on my own, because truly I am not that strong.
I hope y'all have a wonderful night! I am so looking forward to literally putting on my running shoes tomorrow, and taking it outside! Woo hoo!
Okay, so I know I tend to blog a lot about the same things...however, it is just me. Maybe that means God is trying to tell me something and apparently He feels the need to retell me over and over because I'm a little thick headed. In turn, I share it with y'all.
Tonight, I decided to run down the road for something...not literally, but in the car. It was right before the sun was starting to set, and as I headed out I couldn't help but notice just how beautiful it was outside. It just felt clean. I ran my errand, and headed back west - right into the beautiful sunset. I felt like I could drive forever - and just watch the sun go down. It was a sky filled with colors that really have no names...hard to describe because words like, pink, orange, red, with a hint of blue, just don't seem to describe the majestic painting that was there for all to see. Once again...Fall is here.
This is my probably my favorite time of year to run. The air feels clean and crisp, and after months of feeling like you are breathing under water with all the humidity, you really appreciate the change. It's like one day it is 97 degrees with 98% humidity, and the next it is a nice 80 without humidity.
On my drive tonight I once again began to think about how we are all running. We are either running from something or to something, and sometimes we are doing both.
Sometimes we lace up our shoes and just start running trying to outrun ourselves, or someone else, and we have no destination in mind - just running to get away. We run until we can't breathe, until our legs are jelly, until there is no thought but just putting one foot in front of the other and moving. We run so that we don't have to think. We get up, go to work, go through the motions, compartmentalize, run home, do all of our errands, and run until exhausted, we fall asleep - or not. Even then, we are running to something. However, because we are running blindly, we are not creating our destiny, but desperately just trying to stay out of the pot holes, briers, or ditches that come up. We have our heads down, blinders on, and just can't seem to stop for fear that the stray dog that is chasing us just might catch up. We know that if we stop, we are through. We are running out of desperation.
Then there are the times when we lace up, map out our plan, strap on the iPod, drink some water, open the door to a new day, and begin a run that will put us on the path to fulfilling God's greatness in our life. We say a prayer, we put our faith in Him, and we set out. We start at a nice jog, breathe in the fresh clean air, feel our muscles start to kick in, and realize that this will be a fantastic run. We look at the obstacles around us - the pot holes, briers, ditches, stray dogs - and see them for what they really are - just a test for our strength. We look around and see the wondrous mercies that have been afforded us. We take in the scenery. We pick up the pace, wave to the neighbors, run with our head held high, run until our legs start to feel stronger, until our lungs are filled with praise, until our heart starts to beat with His. We run until we realize that while we might have mapped out a plan, He has a greater one. He has a plan that might not lead us where we thought - as a matter of fact, it probably won't - yet, we look around and can see that you are right where you are supposed to be. We are running out of praise, out of love, out of thankfulness, out of excitement for the future.
I have been in both pairs of shoes...on both paths. I ran out of desperation. I ran until I realized that unless I am running out of love, I'm not going to be able to complete the course. I ran until, exhausted, I finally decided that nothing, not even the pot holes, briers, and dogs, could be worse than that feeling. Nothing could be worse than always trying to run faster - and not being able to outrun the true reason I felt couldn't stop - because no matter how fast I ran, I couldn't outrun myself. I woke up and realized that I was so tangled up in everything, that I was really running in place, like on a treadmill, and it would never end. I took off the blinders, looked around, and promptly broke down.
Then thankfully, I began to run again. I began to move in a new way, with new thoughts, with new beginnings. I stepped off the treadmill, and hit the road. I gave it over, and now I no longer run alone. I always have Him there to guide me. I have Him to run ahead, check out the path, and tell me how to proceed. Now, do I always go with the plan? I would like to say, yes, however, sometimes I forget that I don't have to do it on my own. You know what, though? As soon as I come back to my senses, He is still there waiting. Always waiting for me. Always reminding me that the path ahead will lead to good things. Always telling me that even when it's raining, when the mosquitoes are out, when the sun is so hot it is almost like the pavement is melting, when the path is bumpy, He is right there.
So, tonight, I am thankful. I'm thankful for this beautiful weather, thankful for this beautiful life. I am most thankful for His plan for my life. I am ready to put on my running shoes and continue to run into my destiny. The one that is created just for me - not out of desperation, but out of love. I am thankful that I don't have to do it on my own, because truly I am not that strong.
I hope y'all have a wonderful night! I am so looking forward to literally putting on my running shoes tomorrow, and taking it outside! Woo hoo!
Grilling Out...Starting Fires?
Originally Posted July 2, 2008
Ok, so I think the exact quote was - "Mama, this is so fun. This is so exciting!! This is the first time we've grilled out that we didn't start a fire!!!". You know...kids don't forget a darn thing, ever! Two times of almost starting fires with a grill and you're forever labeled as a danger. Geez!
Most of y'all know the bad grilling stories, so I won't get back into that now, but needless to say, after 4 years, I decided to try my hand at grilling again. This time I prepared though. I read the "Girls Guide to Grilling" over the weekend, even bought myself a grilling spatula. I bought my grill AND put it together myself. Ok, so it only cooks four or five hamburgers at once, but I still put it together. I got everything else together, grabbed my grill, my new spatula, the long lighter, and went outside to light the grill.
Let me insert here that I'm glad Johnny was coming up at that moment to drop JD off because I had bought the smallest bag of charcoal and it said to use the whole bag and I am a rule follower to fault. However, Johnny took one look at the bag and said it would fill my whole grill up with charcoal, so half a bag was all I needed. Now I have enough for another time. Anyways, off track in this story again...
The grill is lit and HOLY SMOKES some good flames came up, but I was reassured that was right. JD and I sat on the steps and watched the charcoal turn white and talked. He thinks that in the future we will have instagrills that cook burgers in seconds on a charcoal grill. I reminded him that if it only took seconds we wouldn't be able to sit outside talking like we were - and let me tell you, JD and I can do a LOT of talking in an hour outside with no TV, cell phones, Nintendos or other items to distract us from our communication skills. Plus, he was a good runner. I made him get the pans and stuff I needed while I watched our burgers - then hot dogs - then sausage. I might have cooked too much.
Laura, Scott, the kids, and the dog came over to share in our "Kim and JD celebrate the 4th of July Spectacular on July 1st". That is why we were grilling out. JD will be with Johnny and he wanted to celebrate 4th of July with me, too. So, in our unconventional way, we did. I only dropped 2 hot dogs,which Buffy was happy about. I guess I need more utensils than just a spatula. =)
The true test came when we sat down to eat. Holy smokes, it was good. It was really really good. It was good enough that at 5:00 this morning, JD wakes up and says "Mom, those burgers last night were DELICIOUS!!!". That is another thing...diet Sunkist has caffeine in it. I didn't realize that until right before bed last night. Both of us drank enough diet Sunkist to float a boat, so we were awake a LOT! It was worth it.
I'm glad we don't have those insta-grills, yet. If so, I wouldn't have been sitting there minding my own burgers when JD says "Mama, this is so fun. This is so exciting!! This is the first time we've grilled out that we didn't start a fire!!!". I laughed until I almost cried. He was serious, and it was funny. Then I said "Well son, I've still got time. Let's don't count our chickens until all our food is inside and the grill is cool." We both laughed at that.
All in all, I would have to say our cook-out went off pretty good. Heck, who knows? I could become professional grill master. Well...maybe not so much.
This life is a beautiful one!
Ok, so I think the exact quote was - "Mama, this is so fun. This is so exciting!! This is the first time we've grilled out that we didn't start a fire!!!". You know...kids don't forget a darn thing, ever! Two times of almost starting fires with a grill and you're forever labeled as a danger. Geez!
Most of y'all know the bad grilling stories, so I won't get back into that now, but needless to say, after 4 years, I decided to try my hand at grilling again. This time I prepared though. I read the "Girls Guide to Grilling" over the weekend, even bought myself a grilling spatula. I bought my grill AND put it together myself. Ok, so it only cooks four or five hamburgers at once, but I still put it together. I got everything else together, grabbed my grill, my new spatula, the long lighter, and went outside to light the grill.
Let me insert here that I'm glad Johnny was coming up at that moment to drop JD off because I had bought the smallest bag of charcoal and it said to use the whole bag and I am a rule follower to fault. However, Johnny took one look at the bag and said it would fill my whole grill up with charcoal, so half a bag was all I needed. Now I have enough for another time. Anyways, off track in this story again...
The grill is lit and HOLY SMOKES some good flames came up, but I was reassured that was right. JD and I sat on the steps and watched the charcoal turn white and talked. He thinks that in the future we will have instagrills that cook burgers in seconds on a charcoal grill. I reminded him that if it only took seconds we wouldn't be able to sit outside talking like we were - and let me tell you, JD and I can do a LOT of talking in an hour outside with no TV, cell phones, Nintendos or other items to distract us from our communication skills. Plus, he was a good runner. I made him get the pans and stuff I needed while I watched our burgers - then hot dogs - then sausage. I might have cooked too much.
Laura, Scott, the kids, and the dog came over to share in our "Kim and JD celebrate the 4th of July Spectacular on July 1st". That is why we were grilling out. JD will be with Johnny and he wanted to celebrate 4th of July with me, too. So, in our unconventional way, we did. I only dropped 2 hot dogs,which Buffy was happy about. I guess I need more utensils than just a spatula. =)
The true test came when we sat down to eat. Holy smokes, it was good. It was really really good. It was good enough that at 5:00 this morning, JD wakes up and says "Mom, those burgers last night were DELICIOUS!!!". That is another thing...diet Sunkist has caffeine in it. I didn't realize that until right before bed last night. Both of us drank enough diet Sunkist to float a boat, so we were awake a LOT! It was worth it.
I'm glad we don't have those insta-grills, yet. If so, I wouldn't have been sitting there minding my own burgers when JD says "Mama, this is so fun. This is so exciting!! This is the first time we've grilled out that we didn't start a fire!!!". I laughed until I almost cried. He was serious, and it was funny. Then I said "Well son, I've still got time. Let's don't count our chickens until all our food is inside and the grill is cool." We both laughed at that.
All in all, I would have to say our cook-out went off pretty good. Heck, who knows? I could become professional grill master. Well...maybe not so much.
This life is a beautiful one!
Celebrating Life...
Originally Posted December 6, 2007
We all know what tomorrow is for our country, but tomorrow is an important day in my life for another reason. It is on this day 60 years ago that my mother was born. Wow...I can hardly believe that my mom would have been 60 tomorrow. I can't picture her at that age.
In all honesty, how I usually picture her is on this day 10 years ago, when we celebrated her 50th birthday. All of my sisters were in town, which was a very rare occasion. It was cold, much like today. I was 18 and thought I owned the world. I was only a few short months away from being married and believed that everything would work out perfectly. On this night though we went to McGuire's.
I've thought about my mom this evening. It is strange how time can change a memory and what was once so fresh in your mind, is now a fading impression of what used to be. I can't really remember her laugh anymore, yet, I can fully hear her saying "KIMBERLY SUZETTE!!!".
In some ways I am so confident in my role as mother. I realize that no matter what happens in life - whether your mom was Mom of the Year every year your whole life, or if your mom seriously lacked in areas, the bottom line is that no one will ever be your mother. As a woman, it is especially hard sometimes to know that no one on this Earth is supposed to love you like your mom and when that person is gone, who is supposed to fill that spot? Who is the person that was there when you were born, held your hand when you were hurt, took pictures of your first prom, taught you about life - in some good ways and in bad, was supposed to love everything about you inside and out? We learn a lot from our mothers. Sometimes we want to grow up and be exactly who they were, sometimes we want to take their mistakes and not make them ours. No matter what, the bottom line is that you only have one mother.
So tonight, if your mom is still here, maybe you should give her a call. After all, that night 10 years ago, I really had no way of knowing how much life would change - and just how quick. No way of knowing that in just under 2 and a half years later, when I was just 21 and she was just 52, that my mom would no longer be here. And that honestly, what she taught me in the end, is that sometimes things really don't "just work out". Sometimes things are left unresolved and you just have to believe that God is still in control. You just have to believe that God knew how things would end. Then you have to make a promise to yourself to try and live everyday with a fullness of life and a thankful heart. You have to decide to make the past the past and go on.
So, tomorrow, this time 60 years ago, in essence started a life that would ultimately bring me where I am today. And for that, I am thankful beyond what I can even articulate. I am thankful for this opportunity at life. I am thankful that I can be a mom to my son. I thank her, for giving me this chance.
I thank you Lord for making me whole.
~Especially tonight - this life is a beautiful one!~
We all know what tomorrow is for our country, but tomorrow is an important day in my life for another reason. It is on this day 60 years ago that my mother was born. Wow...I can hardly believe that my mom would have been 60 tomorrow. I can't picture her at that age.
In all honesty, how I usually picture her is on this day 10 years ago, when we celebrated her 50th birthday. All of my sisters were in town, which was a very rare occasion. It was cold, much like today. I was 18 and thought I owned the world. I was only a few short months away from being married and believed that everything would work out perfectly. On this night though we went to McGuire's.
I've thought about my mom this evening. It is strange how time can change a memory and what was once so fresh in your mind, is now a fading impression of what used to be. I can't really remember her laugh anymore, yet, I can fully hear her saying "KIMBERLY SUZETTE!!!".
In some ways I am so confident in my role as mother. I realize that no matter what happens in life - whether your mom was Mom of the Year every year your whole life, or if your mom seriously lacked in areas, the bottom line is that no one will ever be your mother. As a woman, it is especially hard sometimes to know that no one on this Earth is supposed to love you like your mom and when that person is gone, who is supposed to fill that spot? Who is the person that was there when you were born, held your hand when you were hurt, took pictures of your first prom, taught you about life - in some good ways and in bad, was supposed to love everything about you inside and out? We learn a lot from our mothers. Sometimes we want to grow up and be exactly who they were, sometimes we want to take their mistakes and not make them ours. No matter what, the bottom line is that you only have one mother.
So tonight, if your mom is still here, maybe you should give her a call. After all, that night 10 years ago, I really had no way of knowing how much life would change - and just how quick. No way of knowing that in just under 2 and a half years later, when I was just 21 and she was just 52, that my mom would no longer be here. And that honestly, what she taught me in the end, is that sometimes things really don't "just work out". Sometimes things are left unresolved and you just have to believe that God is still in control. You just have to believe that God knew how things would end. Then you have to make a promise to yourself to try and live everyday with a fullness of life and a thankful heart. You have to decide to make the past the past and go on.
So, tomorrow, this time 60 years ago, in essence started a life that would ultimately bring me where I am today. And for that, I am thankful beyond what I can even articulate. I am thankful for this opportunity at life. I am thankful that I can be a mom to my son. I thank her, for giving me this chance.
I thank you Lord for making me whole.
~Especially tonight - this life is a beautiful one!~
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