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1.26.2010
1.19.2010
Wordless Wednesday - Way Too Early
1.15.2010
Hope for Haiti
I know that many people are trying to figure out how/where to help people following the devastating earthquake in Haiti earlier this week. This morning, I came across a blog called Hope for Haiti.
It's an interesting concept. Numerous organizations/site/blogs have donated something for a raffle drawing. All of the proceeds will go either to Compassion or the Red Cross to help with relief efforts in Haiti. One small dollar will buy you one raffle ticket in whichever raffle you choose to sign up for. Or you can sign up for multiple raffles. Many of these raffles have only one ticket purchased thus far and goals are quite reachable. There are some wonderful prizes over there.
Of course, you can also donate directly to reputable relief organizations on your own. Personally, I would donate through World Vision or Compassion International. I also believe that the Red Cross does an excellent job of providing aid. I know the reputation of these groups and would not be worried about where the money was going. World Vision has been established in Haiti for 30 years and will continue to work there long after the media has moved on. I like that. I imagine Compassion has a similar story.
It's an interesting concept. Numerous organizations/site/blogs have donated something for a raffle drawing. All of the proceeds will go either to Compassion or the Red Cross to help with relief efforts in Haiti. One small dollar will buy you one raffle ticket in whichever raffle you choose to sign up for. Or you can sign up for multiple raffles. Many of these raffles have only one ticket purchased thus far and goals are quite reachable. There are some wonderful prizes over there.
Of course, you can also donate directly to reputable relief organizations on your own. Personally, I would donate through World Vision or Compassion International. I also believe that the Red Cross does an excellent job of providing aid. I know the reputation of these groups and would not be worried about where the money was going. World Vision has been established in Haiti for 30 years and will continue to work there long after the media has moved on. I like that. I imagine Compassion has a similar story.
1.12.2010
1.11.2010
Sandals in Snow
The Comedian has never been big on overdressing.
He's a shorts guy, regardless of the season. He owns one pair of jeans, which remain mostly unworn. They only serve a purpose if there's snow to play in and I make him wear them. Or if I'm behind on laundry and there are no shorts to be worn.
As for the feet, it's sandals all the way. Once again, he does own one pair of tennis shoes, and since I'm in the running for Meanest Mom this year, I tell him that if it's below freezing he must wear socks and tennies. Or if there's a lot of snow or rain.
Come to think of it, he might still own a pair of boots. They only see the blinding light of day if there's sledding involved. That's if they still fit him. His feet have grown significantly this past year.
The bridge he's standing on goes over a pond. But being Colorado and winter and all, it's frozen. With snow on top. But it was also a toasty 43 degrees at the park today, so sandals were well within the temperature limits.
I suppose the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I can remember playing in the snow, wearing shorts and a red down coat. I also recall wearing shoes as little as possible. Even once I began to drive, I kept a pair of flip-flops (they were th*ngs back then) under my seat, in case I may need to pop into a store or something. So even though I suffer from colander brain, I still remember being out in the cold, dressed in such attire, so I let my son do the same.
He's a shorts guy, regardless of the season. He owns one pair of jeans, which remain mostly unworn. They only serve a purpose if there's snow to play in and I make him wear them. Or if I'm behind on laundry and there are no shorts to be worn.
As for the feet, it's sandals all the way. Once again, he does own one pair of tennis shoes, and since I'm in the running for Meanest Mom this year, I tell him that if it's below freezing he must wear socks and tennies. Or if there's a lot of snow or rain.
Come to think of it, he might still own a pair of boots. They only see the blinding light of day if there's sledding involved. That's if they still fit him. His feet have grown significantly this past year.
The bridge he's standing on goes over a pond. But being Colorado and winter and all, it's frozen. With snow on top. But it was also a toasty 43 degrees at the park today, so sandals were well within the temperature limits.
I suppose the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I can remember playing in the snow, wearing shorts and a red down coat. I also recall wearing shoes as little as possible. Even once I began to drive, I kept a pair of flip-flops (they were th*ngs back then) under my seat, in case I may need to pop into a store or something. So even though I suffer from colander brain, I still remember being out in the cold, dressed in such attire, so I let my son do the same.
1.10.2010
Flattened
This demonstrates why I never use a blow dryer on my hair. That's just downright scary. All it does is add lots of . . . well, air . . . to my hair. Which is precisely what I do not need. However, I decided that if the professional stylist at the salon could straighten my hair and make it look nice, that perhaps I could, too. Don't ask why I would think that. The reality is that most of us can NEVER replicate the skills of a professional stylist - especially upon our own heads. But I am at times delusional and had to give it a try. So here we have the results of the first step - blow drying.But then, we bring in the most important tool of all for flattening thick, wavy hair like mine - the flat iron. What a remarkable tool. And so much better than a real iron - like the kind one uses for clothes. At least that's what my mom said they used to use. I think I like this one better. And what do you know? I actually was able to do this. And it did NOT take me an hour and a half, like I thought it might.
So I've now had straight hair twice in one week. Of course, that may morph into twice in one year (or longer). Because the bottom line is that I really don't care to spend so much time on my hair. So I took a bunch of pix, posted them on my blog, and can look back fondly at the time I pulled off a professional stylist stunt.
1.08.2010
Irrational Fear and a Hole
Since I didn't grow up in a Christian household, I wasn't aware of this particular verse as a child:
Therefore, when we went to the home of some friends of my parents, I didn't ever want to go into their kitchen. For under the table, against the wall was a hole in the floor. A little, round hole with a diameter of no more than an inch. Glen always told me that was a woolly-booger hole. And I was young enough to believe him. I didn't know what a woolly-booger was, but I was certainly afraid of it.For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
Fortunately, we usually visited in the living room of their home. On those rare occasions we were in the kitchen, I sat with my feet and legs curled up underneath me in the chair. There was no way my feet were going to dangle down there near that woolly-booger hole!
In an ironic twist, we ended up buying that house from those friends. Now the woolly-booger hole was in MY OWN KITCHEN! I did my best to stay away from the hole and suppose I finally got over my irrational fear. At least mostly. Then one glorious day, my dad installed new linoleum in our kitchen. Whew! My fear of that hole was covered up by new green vinyl.
Turns out that the hole existed because a gas line went through it many, many years earlier for a stove that was situated against that wall. Really nothing all that scary about it after all. But isn't that what often happens with fear? It turns out to be nothing. Yet we curl up and hunker down, afraid of what might come out and bite our toes.
Now when I find myself afraid of something, I retrieve that hidden-in-my-heart verse and allow God's word to wash me in truth and peace.
Besides, I know there's no such thing as woolly-boogers.
p.s. - I was over at Photobucket to find a picture for this when I noticed the Fearless book by Max Lucado. If you have any type of fears at all, I highly recommend this book.
1.05.2010
1.04.2010
Who is That?
My 365 Project is being posted at my photo blog, but I just couldn't pass up this opportunity. Because it's a very rare thing to behold. And given the time it takes for this to happen, you may not see it again.
I haven't had straight hair since 6th grade. That was a very, very long time ago.
For the record, it took probably 45-50 minutes for a professional stylist to achieve this look. If I attempted it? Probably an hour and a half. Either that, or I'd bail and put it up in a clip.
I haven't had straight hair since 6th grade. That was a very, very long time ago.
For the record, it took probably 45-50 minutes for a professional stylist to achieve this look. If I attempted it? Probably an hour and a half. Either that, or I'd bail and put it up in a clip.
1.02.2010
Doctor's Advice
Since it's that time of year when many people resolve to lose weight and be healthier, I thought I'd add my contribution.
A Doctor's Advice
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it...don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one , etc.
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! .... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.
For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.
1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
CONCLUSION
Eat and drink what you like.
Speaking English is apparently what kills you.
A Doctor's Advice
Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it...don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one , etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! .... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!
Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.
Q: Is getting in shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.
For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.
1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
CONCLUSION
Eat and drink what you like.
Speaking English is apparently what kills you.
1.01.2010
New Year Thoughts
I had hoped to post a wrap-up, summary of 2009 yesterday, but the day just got away from me. Instead, I thought I might post some profound New Year's thoughts today. With an hour and fourteen minutes left, this day almost got away from me, too.
Besides days that get away, there are far too many thoughts in my head related to last year and this year and what I want to do and what I didn't do and what I did. It's a jumbled mess up there in my head, I tell ya'! I'd like to say I'll be brief, but I'd likely have to come back and delete that. Or risk being called a liar.
2009 - probably one of my favorite years. Hubby starting his business has just been such an incredible adventure. Seeing God's provision in our lives has been such a wonderful blessing. Watching our boys grow up is just amazing. Family and friends are such a joy in our lives.
2010 - As ever, I long to live simpler and lighter. Less stuff & more focus.
I want to love God and people more. I want to bear fruit that glorifies Him.
I want to spend more time with my camera. Learning how to use all the manual controls. Shooting photos that were what I saw when I looked through the lens.
I want to share those photos and preserve the memories for my children through consistent scrapbooking. Not just once or twice a year, but ongoing.
I enjoy writing and want to improve. Whether it's for others to read or merely my own journaling doesn't really matter. I just haven't written much in quite awhile and find that I miss it.
I want to be a more consistent and encouraging homeschool mom. I need to push the boys when they don't want to be pushed. At the same time, I want to give them freedom to pursue their passions, and spur them on in them, as they grow into godly young men.
I am very excited to see what God has in store this year. I pray that I stop and listen to His direction and His thoughts before racing off with my own and that I would live with a heart of loving obedience.
I wish you all a very blessed and fruitful 2010!
Besides days that get away, there are far too many thoughts in my head related to last year and this year and what I want to do and what I didn't do and what I did. It's a jumbled mess up there in my head, I tell ya'! I'd like to say I'll be brief, but I'd likely have to come back and delete that. Or risk being called a liar.
2009 - probably one of my favorite years. Hubby starting his business has just been such an incredible adventure. Seeing God's provision in our lives has been such a wonderful blessing. Watching our boys grow up is just amazing. Family and friends are such a joy in our lives.
2010 - As ever, I long to live simpler and lighter. Less stuff & more focus.
One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach. One can collect only a few, and they are more beautiful if they are few. ~Anne Morrow Lindbergh
I want to love God and people more. I want to bear fruit that glorifies Him.
By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. ~John 15:8
I want to spend more time with my camera. Learning how to use all the manual controls. Shooting photos that were what I saw when I looked through the lens.
Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter. ~Ansel Adams
I want to share those photos and preserve the memories for my children through consistent scrapbooking. Not just once or twice a year, but ongoing.
Scrapbooking isn't about scraps of paper and photos. Scrapbooking is about scraps of life - yours and those special to you. ~Rebecca Sower
I enjoy writing and want to improve. Whether it's for others to read or merely my own journaling doesn't really matter. I just haven't written much in quite awhile and find that I miss it.
Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart." ~William Wordsworth
I want to be a more consistent and encouraging homeschool mom. I need to push the boys when they don't want to be pushed. At the same time, I want to give them freedom to pursue their passions, and spur them on in them, as they grow into godly young men.
And let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. ~Hebrews 12:1
I am very excited to see what God has in store this year. I pray that I stop and listen to His direction and His thoughts before racing off with my own and that I would live with a heart of loving obedience.
I wish you all a very blessed and fruitful 2010!
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