Some names have been changed to protect the innocent...although I believe the statute of limitations has probably run out on this...and, just for clarification, I hadn't thought about this story in quite a while, but the perpetrator brought it up last night so now it is fresh in my head...or as fresh as it could be with the devastating injury I suffered.
This story involves someone we'll call "Mike," who just happens to be a close relative and three years older than myself. Mike and I were in a tree house together. The tree house was in the mid stages of construction and still needed a lot of work. Mike was pretty handy with tools and wood and stuff, even though he was only a kid, and he was up in the tree house trying to work.
I was up in the tree house because it was also my tree house regardless of what Mike said...and although Mike wanted me to get down, I refused...because I'm stubborn like that and nobody was going to tell me to get out of my tree house.
Because Mike also happens to be very stubborn, he continued to work. Mike had a hammer, a typical hammer with the claw on one end, and he was pounding away on the wood. You know a tree house, unless it's one of those glamorized ones you see online or something, doesn't have a lot of room to mill around, which means Mike and I were in tight quarters. You can pretty much guess what happened...the hammer went down and back up and the claw found its way into my head.
The best part of this story is what my mom says when describing the scenario. "When they came running in the house, I didn't know who was hurt. They were both crying so hard." Somehow, that makes me feel better, you know...
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Even the little things
I thank you for answering my prayer and giving me victory! Psalm 118:21 (NLT)
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
I got up early today and decided to do workout 1 of week 5 of the Couch to 5k training program. (Did you see that I have made it to week 5 and I'm still alive?!) I have found that before I start a new week, I have to write on a little piece of paper what I'm supposed to do because I get all confused once I get started. For instance, Walk 0-5 minutes, Run 5-10 minutes, Walk 11-14 minutes, Run 14-19 minutes and so on. When I made my notes for this week yesterday, I internally panicked. Three 5-minute running segments! How would I ever survive?
Last week's workout gave me enough trouble that I had to call upon the Lord for strength, and I mean that in every way. Before I even started workout 1 of week 4, I said a prayer that I would get through it. During the workout, as I was pushing through the long running segments (yes, 3 minutes was tough enough for me), I would whisper prayers for strength, asking God to get me through the next 3 minutes. And sure enough, I made it. Awesome. I repeated that process through all three workouts.
This morning when the alarm went off, I thought, no way can I get up and do this. So I laid there and said, "God, if you want me to do this, give me the strength to get out of bed and get through this workout this morning." And sure enough, I got my butt out of bed and went downstairs to the treadmill. And sure enough, even though I didn't think I could muster the strength to get through the three 5-minute running segments, I made it. I did it. And I'm living to tell about it.
I realize to some this may not be a big deal, and I'm certainly not trying to toot my horn, but people, I'm running for five minutes at a time without stopping! Wa-hoo!!! That is unbelievable to pitiful 'ole me...because, you know, I have always hated and feared running.
My sciatic nerve is not enjoying the running so much, but at this point, it's nothing I can't live with. Today it's barely hurting at all. Saturday it was very angry and upset at me. I am hopeful that it won't get out of control. (Although I do enjoy a good massage from my friend Connie and she knows how to tame it down.)
But the reason for my post, other than the unbelief that I'm actually sticking with this, is when I was in the shower this morning after my exercise, I started laughing. I was laughing because God pays attention to even the little things. He answered my silly little prayers about getting through a 5-minute run! Yee-Haw!
I've never been one to be afraid of prayer or of asking God for help, for guidance, etc., but I have hesitated many times when I thought my prayer was petty or too small to bother God with. Such as, thinking of someone else going through something serious or scary and then feeling guilty that I was asking for help to get through 30 minutes of exercise. I realized today that I don't need to feel guilty about asking God for help because even the little things are important to him, and He uses those times when I feel weak to show His awesome power.
When I finished my workout this morning, I raised my hands above my head at the end of the last 5-minute run and said, "Thank you, God. We did it."
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
I got up early today and decided to do workout 1 of week 5 of the Couch to 5k training program. (Did you see that I have made it to week 5 and I'm still alive?!) I have found that before I start a new week, I have to write on a little piece of paper what I'm supposed to do because I get all confused once I get started. For instance, Walk 0-5 minutes, Run 5-10 minutes, Walk 11-14 minutes, Run 14-19 minutes and so on. When I made my notes for this week yesterday, I internally panicked. Three 5-minute running segments! How would I ever survive?
Last week's workout gave me enough trouble that I had to call upon the Lord for strength, and I mean that in every way. Before I even started workout 1 of week 4, I said a prayer that I would get through it. During the workout, as I was pushing through the long running segments (yes, 3 minutes was tough enough for me), I would whisper prayers for strength, asking God to get me through the next 3 minutes. And sure enough, I made it. Awesome. I repeated that process through all three workouts.
This morning when the alarm went off, I thought, no way can I get up and do this. So I laid there and said, "God, if you want me to do this, give me the strength to get out of bed and get through this workout this morning." And sure enough, I got my butt out of bed and went downstairs to the treadmill. And sure enough, even though I didn't think I could muster the strength to get through the three 5-minute running segments, I made it. I did it. And I'm living to tell about it.
I realize to some this may not be a big deal, and I'm certainly not trying to toot my horn, but people, I'm running for five minutes at a time without stopping! Wa-hoo!!! That is unbelievable to pitiful 'ole me...because, you know, I have always hated and feared running.
My sciatic nerve is not enjoying the running so much, but at this point, it's nothing I can't live with. Today it's barely hurting at all. Saturday it was very angry and upset at me. I am hopeful that it won't get out of control. (Although I do enjoy a good massage from my friend Connie and she knows how to tame it down.)
But the reason for my post, other than the unbelief that I'm actually sticking with this, is when I was in the shower this morning after my exercise, I started laughing. I was laughing because God pays attention to even the little things. He answered my silly little prayers about getting through a 5-minute run! Yee-Haw!
I've never been one to be afraid of prayer or of asking God for help, for guidance, etc., but I have hesitated many times when I thought my prayer was petty or too small to bother God with. Such as, thinking of someone else going through something serious or scary and then feeling guilty that I was asking for help to get through 30 minutes of exercise. I realized today that I don't need to feel guilty about asking God for help because even the little things are important to him, and He uses those times when I feel weak to show His awesome power.
When I finished my workout this morning, I raised my hands above my head at the end of the last 5-minute run and said, "Thank you, God. We did it."
Saturday, January 26, 2013
A pepper
Funny how some days I can write two or three posts one right after another and other days I have nothing. That is how I felt today, until I reached into my coat pocket and got out a Brach's Starbrite Peppermint that I snatched from Grandma Great's stash in her room at the nursing home over lunch.
The second I put it in my mouth, I had an instant flashback of my Grandpa K. It's the smell/taste, I think, but immediately I could smell my grandpa...which is kind of funny because my brother and I used to always say he smelled like petroleum products of some kind or another. The man used lighter fluid, diesel, gasoline, oil or grease for just about anything..sort of how a woman uses vinegar or baking soda for several purposes inside the home.
Seriously though, I could have went to him for help with just about anything and his solution would be the same. He would have taken me straight to that white metal cabinet in the basement near the kitchen area and grabbed the lighter fluid, the kind in the blue and yellow metal container. The man had some sort of petroleum product (as I always called it) on him 24/7. He should've worn a label that said, "Flammable. Keep away from flame."
Whenever I would help him outside with the tractor, lawnmower, or whatever, no matter what was involved, he would have grease or fuel all over him. I'm not sure how my grandma tolerated washing his nasty clothes all the time, but I do recall that she always had Borax in her laundry cabinet...and some lighter fluid (because she, too, used lighter fluid for stains).
Back to the peppers, if you knew my grandpa at all, you knew that he always, and I mean always, had a pocketful of peppermints, or "peppers" as he would say. He was known for it. At basketball games he would sit in his chair, along with the other fellas in his 'crew' right inside the door, and as you passed, he would hand you a pepper if you stuck your hand out. It's a wonder he wasn't nicknamed, "Pepper."
In our family, there is no peppermint like the Brach's Starbrite Mint. Do not even bother trying to slip a generic pepper past us. They are not even close to the 'real thing.' We have learned the hard way that there is no comparison and Brach's are worth the extra money.
At my grandpa's funeral many years ago, I slipped a pepper into his hand. My guess is that a lot of people that went through the line that night had a chuckle when they saw that mint in his hand. I think grandpa would've liked that. It just seemed right, you know...
The second I put it in my mouth, I had an instant flashback of my Grandpa K. It's the smell/taste, I think, but immediately I could smell my grandpa...which is kind of funny because my brother and I used to always say he smelled like petroleum products of some kind or another. The man used lighter fluid, diesel, gasoline, oil or grease for just about anything..sort of how a woman uses vinegar or baking soda for several purposes inside the home.
Whenever I would help him outside with the tractor, lawnmower, or whatever, no matter what was involved, he would have grease or fuel all over him. I'm not sure how my grandma tolerated washing his nasty clothes all the time, but I do recall that she always had Borax in her laundry cabinet...and some lighter fluid (because she, too, used lighter fluid for stains).
Back to the peppers, if you knew my grandpa at all, you knew that he always, and I mean always, had a pocketful of peppermints, or "peppers" as he would say. He was known for it. At basketball games he would sit in his chair, along with the other fellas in his 'crew' right inside the door, and as you passed, he would hand you a pepper if you stuck your hand out. It's a wonder he wasn't nicknamed, "Pepper."
At my grandpa's funeral many years ago, I slipped a pepper into his hand. My guess is that a lot of people that went through the line that night had a chuckle when they saw that mint in his hand. I think grandpa would've liked that. It just seemed right, you know...
Friday, January 25, 2013
Kitten fun
The Outlaw Josie Wilhoit is so much fun. How we had forgotten how energetic and ornery little kittens can be! She is relentless and seems to have a constant supply of GO power. I will say that I don't regret getting her for one second, even now as I look at my scratched-up hands, the red spots on my eyelids (she can't seem to resist), the slight scratch across the bridge of my nose and the one on my forehead.
One of the funniest things about Miss Josie is her affection for the furnace. All of us love to turn the furnace up, get a blanket and sit on top of the vent to warm up on a cold day, but she is a kitten, covered in fur...and she loves it too. Every now and then when it comes on, you will see her either sitting on top of the vent or in the kitchen sitting next to the one in the island which blows out and not up. I took a picture because I thought it was adorable.
Our black lab, Abby, is still not too sure about Josie. She cannot resist tracking her down if she's in the house. It's her instinct. We have to be careful never to let them alone together. I do believe Abby would eat Josie in one swift bite. Hank, on the other hand, is a little more accepting of the kitty. He is as curious about her as she is about him. Several times we have caught her sitting with or on Hank the Tank. Thankfully, he's a harmless soul (at least so far).
Josie thinks I'm her mother and wants to be on me, my face preferably, at all times. If she finds me sitting down, she is crawling around my neck and face...and eventually finds that perfect spot and goes to sleep wrapped around my neck. The problem is that when I get in bed and want to go to sleep, this does not seem to be the time that Josie wants to snuggle up for a nap. This is when she decides I am her mother and wants me to lick her, which I draw the line at. I have to cover my face with the sheet or a blanket to keep her from wallowing my nose and mouth. Eventually, I have to toss her out of the bedroom and shut the door because I simply cannot take it. You may think this sounds all cute and adorable until you're the one that is trying to sleep!
Even Madolyn has had to shut her door at night to keep the little lioness from crawling around her face and scratching. Lane thought he was safe from her nighttime shenanigans because he sleeps on the top bunk...ha, she has already figured out how to climb the ladder and get up there with him. She doesn't seem to bother him too much in the middle of the night yet. Lane had his twin friends over a couple weekends ago and one of the boys had tried sleeping on the floor, was attacked by Josie and moved to the bottom bunk with his brother. That didn't reall stop her. I think the boys just gave up. I wish I had known, I would have locked her in the bathroom. Next time, we'll be more prepared.
Josie looks a lot like Meepie did when he was a kitten, and within just a few days of Josie's arrival, she started doing something that Meep did. She drinks water from a glass on my night stand. I don't think Josie has made the choice to refuse water from anywhere else, like Meepie did, but who knows, it could come to that. So I keep refilling that small glass that I used to keep there for Meep. And it gives her another excuse to crawl across my face to get to the nightstand.
Of course, I miss the Meepie every now and then, but we sure are enjoying The Outlaw Josie Wilhoit at our house. She is so much fun and can be very lovey.
One of the funniest things about Miss Josie is her affection for the furnace. All of us love to turn the furnace up, get a blanket and sit on top of the vent to warm up on a cold day, but she is a kitten, covered in fur...and she loves it too. Every now and then when it comes on, you will see her either sitting on top of the vent or in the kitchen sitting next to the one in the island which blows out and not up. I took a picture because I thought it was adorable.
Our black lab, Abby, is still not too sure about Josie. She cannot resist tracking her down if she's in the house. It's her instinct. We have to be careful never to let them alone together. I do believe Abby would eat Josie in one swift bite. Hank, on the other hand, is a little more accepting of the kitty. He is as curious about her as she is about him. Several times we have caught her sitting with or on Hank the Tank. Thankfully, he's a harmless soul (at least so far).
Josie thinks I'm her mother and wants to be on me, my face preferably, at all times. If she finds me sitting down, she is crawling around my neck and face...and eventually finds that perfect spot and goes to sleep wrapped around my neck. The problem is that when I get in bed and want to go to sleep, this does not seem to be the time that Josie wants to snuggle up for a nap. This is when she decides I am her mother and wants me to lick her, which I draw the line at. I have to cover my face with the sheet or a blanket to keep her from wallowing my nose and mouth. Eventually, I have to toss her out of the bedroom and shut the door because I simply cannot take it. You may think this sounds all cute and adorable until you're the one that is trying to sleep!
Even Madolyn has had to shut her door at night to keep the little lioness from crawling around her face and scratching. Lane thought he was safe from her nighttime shenanigans because he sleeps on the top bunk...ha, she has already figured out how to climb the ladder and get up there with him. She doesn't seem to bother him too much in the middle of the night yet. Lane had his twin friends over a couple weekends ago and one of the boys had tried sleeping on the floor, was attacked by Josie and moved to the bottom bunk with his brother. That didn't reall stop her. I think the boys just gave up. I wish I had known, I would have locked her in the bathroom. Next time, we'll be more prepared.
Josie looks a lot like Meepie did when he was a kitten, and within just a few days of Josie's arrival, she started doing something that Meep did. She drinks water from a glass on my night stand. I don't think Josie has made the choice to refuse water from anywhere else, like Meepie did, but who knows, it could come to that. So I keep refilling that small glass that I used to keep there for Meep. And it gives her another excuse to crawl across my face to get to the nightstand.
Of course, I miss the Meepie every now and then, but we sure are enjoying The Outlaw Josie Wilhoit at our house. She is so much fun and can be very lovey.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
How 'bout a little enthusiasm?
Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Ephesians 6:7 (NLT)
I copied the following definitions from the online Merriam-Webster website:
Excitement: 1, something that excites or rouses; 2, the action of exciting: the state of being excited
Enthusiasm: strong excitement of feeling
I cannot help myself at times because I get so excited. For instance, when the Bluestreaks win, I get excited. I'm overwhelmed with enthusiasm. I want to burst...
And then I look around me. I am one of a few standing and clapping. There is very little enthusiasm. In fact, there is almost none. I look down at the volleyball court. The girls are semi-happy. Are they afraid to show excitement and enthusiasm? Are we at a funeral? Did someone just pass and I missed it?
With our cheerleaders at our basketball games, it is sad, but we have to prompt them to show excitement. We have to tell them, "Hey, we just scored, we're winning, ACT excited!" I can't tell you how many times we have said things like, "You are cheerleaders, this is your job." "Cheerleaders, it's okay to yell and be silly about the fact we're winning or that we just won. That is what you're supposed to do." Ahhh, I do not get it.
When our junior high basketball team comes out of the locker room, they don't even run anymore without the coach running up behind them telling them to run out. Why should they? Does anyone even notice? It's silent. No one is standing and clapping. We sit there. Yes, our high school basketball team consists of seven boys in total. Seven out of four grades. Okay, that is sad. So how do we encourage boys to come out and play? When we were in junior high, we went to the state tournament both years in basketball with seven players or less. We don't need huge numbers to play basketball, we need desire, ambition, and a little enthusiasm.
Right now our little school is lacking something major, something that is so vital to growth and the desire to succeed. I believe it is enthusiasm...and some ambition. I'm not sure how we force it back in. Enthusiasm is contagious like a cancer or a forest fire that spreads...so it has to start somewhere.
Our town has this great new group, Martinsville on the Move. They are motivating people, building up community pride, encouraging citizens to work together to make things better. How do we get this to spread throughout our school system? We have to reach the parents and teachers. We must somehow get parents excited and enthused...which will spill over into their children, our future. Teachers need to be encouraged in their roles as well. When was the last time you encouraged your child's teacher?
People, parents, grandparents, citizens, you must come to the ball games and support these kids. They are practicing every night there isn't a game, they are giving up their evenings on game days, they are working to keep their grades up, they are staying out of trouble. Isn't this what we want for them? Show them support. Applaud them for their efforts, win or lose. Be in the crowd. Yes, it gets to be a lot sometimes, I understand that. So go to the home games and then pick the closest away games. Just go. Your television will be there when you return.
I'm not just talking about athletic events either. I'm talking about the desire to do better with schoolwork, the desire to pursue something beyond just getting by, the ambition it takes to define a goal and then go for it. I love my little town and am perfectly happy living here. I was okay with not leaving for bigger and better things. But that is me. Someone has to move on (or we will be a big city, ugh) and go for it. Dream big. Pursue something that may seem out of reach. Encourage a child to work towards their goal.
I hear people say it's just not like the old days, it's no fun anymore. Okay, then do something to get it back there. It's not going to improve on its own. Get excited and show it. You may look a little crazy at the beginning, but it will catch on (and I could use some company).
Those of you working with churches and youth groups, you must have students in your circle. Support their activities. Go to their band concerts, their musicals, their games. Who doesn't like encouragement and support? We all want to do better when people we look up to are supporting us.
Are you showing enthusiasm and excitement today in whatever it is you're doing? To my friends, Bluestreaks or not, work with enthusiasm as if you're working for the Lord today.
If you need a copy of the Martinsville school schedule, go to the school's website http://www.martinsville.k12.il.us/ and click on Unit Office, District Calendar and then pick the month you want to look at. They are pretty good about posting all the school activities.
I copied the following definitions from the online Merriam-Webster website:
Excitement: 1, something that excites or rouses; 2, the action of exciting: the state of being excited
Enthusiasm: strong excitement of feeling
I cannot help myself at times because I get so excited. For instance, when the Bluestreaks win, I get excited. I'm overwhelmed with enthusiasm. I want to burst...
And then I look around me. I am one of a few standing and clapping. There is very little enthusiasm. In fact, there is almost none. I look down at the volleyball court. The girls are semi-happy. Are they afraid to show excitement and enthusiasm? Are we at a funeral? Did someone just pass and I missed it?
With our cheerleaders at our basketball games, it is sad, but we have to prompt them to show excitement. We have to tell them, "Hey, we just scored, we're winning, ACT excited!" I can't tell you how many times we have said things like, "You are cheerleaders, this is your job." "Cheerleaders, it's okay to yell and be silly about the fact we're winning or that we just won. That is what you're supposed to do." Ahhh, I do not get it.
When our junior high basketball team comes out of the locker room, they don't even run anymore without the coach running up behind them telling them to run out. Why should they? Does anyone even notice? It's silent. No one is standing and clapping. We sit there. Yes, our high school basketball team consists of seven boys in total. Seven out of four grades. Okay, that is sad. So how do we encourage boys to come out and play? When we were in junior high, we went to the state tournament both years in basketball with seven players or less. We don't need huge numbers to play basketball, we need desire, ambition, and a little enthusiasm.
Right now our little school is lacking something major, something that is so vital to growth and the desire to succeed. I believe it is enthusiasm...and some ambition. I'm not sure how we force it back in. Enthusiasm is contagious like a cancer or a forest fire that spreads...so it has to start somewhere.
Our town has this great new group, Martinsville on the Move. They are motivating people, building up community pride, encouraging citizens to work together to make things better. How do we get this to spread throughout our school system? We have to reach the parents and teachers. We must somehow get parents excited and enthused...which will spill over into their children, our future. Teachers need to be encouraged in their roles as well. When was the last time you encouraged your child's teacher?
People, parents, grandparents, citizens, you must come to the ball games and support these kids. They are practicing every night there isn't a game, they are giving up their evenings on game days, they are working to keep their grades up, they are staying out of trouble. Isn't this what we want for them? Show them support. Applaud them for their efforts, win or lose. Be in the crowd. Yes, it gets to be a lot sometimes, I understand that. So go to the home games and then pick the closest away games. Just go. Your television will be there when you return.
I'm not just talking about athletic events either. I'm talking about the desire to do better with schoolwork, the desire to pursue something beyond just getting by, the ambition it takes to define a goal and then go for it. I love my little town and am perfectly happy living here. I was okay with not leaving for bigger and better things. But that is me. Someone has to move on (or we will be a big city, ugh) and go for it. Dream big. Pursue something that may seem out of reach. Encourage a child to work towards their goal.
I hear people say it's just not like the old days, it's no fun anymore. Okay, then do something to get it back there. It's not going to improve on its own. Get excited and show it. You may look a little crazy at the beginning, but it will catch on (and I could use some company).
Those of you working with churches and youth groups, you must have students in your circle. Support their activities. Go to their band concerts, their musicals, their games. Who doesn't like encouragement and support? We all want to do better when people we look up to are supporting us.
Are you showing enthusiasm and excitement today in whatever it is you're doing? To my friends, Bluestreaks or not, work with enthusiasm as if you're working for the Lord today.
If you need a copy of the Martinsville school schedule, go to the school's website http://www.martinsville.k12.il.us/ and click on Unit Office, District Calendar and then pick the month you want to look at. They are pretty good about posting all the school activities.
Monday, January 21, 2013
I thought I looked good
Little flashback for you...Anyone out there remember the era of Sally Jesse Raphael and her humongous red glasses?
I certainly do and I thought they were great! So great that in Junior High, I ordered myself not a red pair of Sally Jesse Raphael glasses, but a pearl white pair. Oh yeah, I was awesome. I couldn't find a picture online of a white pair...so just imagine for a moment these large optical enhancers in pearl white. Ahh, yes...
I thought I looked soooo good in those specs. The first pair I had (oh, yes, there were a few) my BFF I call "Susan" sat on them. To this day we tease each other about it being on purpose. Perhaps she was trying to do me a favor...only I didn't get it because, as I said, I thought I looked good and I convinced my mom to order another pair.
I think what really made them shine was my dark hair. Back then the whole idea was the bigger the better. You know how big hair styles got...loved that as well! Glasses went big too. I wish I could figure out how to get a good picture of me wearing my white glasses on here because I wore them in my school picture and it is in the year book. One of those priceless shots, you know.
I should've known maybe they weren't all that cool because usually when things are cool and people really like them, more of them surface. I do not recall anyone, anywhere, ever, sporting a pair of white Sally Jesse Raphael glasses. Hmm. I guess at the time it didn't bother me...because I thought I looked good. I see now that maybe I looked a little silly, but I must admit they were unforgettable.
To this day it is one of those subjects that still comes up, usually prompted by my hubby because he gets a real kick out of making fun of those white glasses. And that is usually when I mention that the Kirk Cameron era of boys with perms was right about that time. He may not have had a full perm (like my bro), but he had one in the back...because he thought he looked good.
Oh, how we were both stylin' back then...
I certainly do and I thought they were great! So great that in Junior High, I ordered myself not a red pair of Sally Jesse Raphael glasses, but a pearl white pair. Oh yeah, I was awesome. I couldn't find a picture online of a white pair...so just imagine for a moment these large optical enhancers in pearl white. Ahh, yes...
I thought I looked soooo good in those specs. The first pair I had (oh, yes, there were a few) my BFF I call "Susan" sat on them. To this day we tease each other about it being on purpose. Perhaps she was trying to do me a favor...only I didn't get it because, as I said, I thought I looked good and I convinced my mom to order another pair.
I think what really made them shine was my dark hair. Back then the whole idea was the bigger the better. You know how big hair styles got...loved that as well! Glasses went big too. I wish I could figure out how to get a good picture of me wearing my white glasses on here because I wore them in my school picture and it is in the year book. One of those priceless shots, you know.
I should've known maybe they weren't all that cool because usually when things are cool and people really like them, more of them surface. I do not recall anyone, anywhere, ever, sporting a pair of white Sally Jesse Raphael glasses. Hmm. I guess at the time it didn't bother me...because I thought I looked good. I see now that maybe I looked a little silly, but I must admit they were unforgettable.
Oh, how we were both stylin' back then...
Friday, January 18, 2013
Told you so
Oh, those three little wonderful words we love to hear. They're so grown-up like, aren't they?
Madolyn has entered junior high and loves everything about it except Pre-Algebra. I get that. I had a strong distaste for Algebra in any form, Pre, I, II, III, etc. I have to be careful about encouraging her in the subject when really I want to say I get that it seems pointless and you may never have to use it. I have given her the speech several times. I begin it with the sentence noted above and then continue with, "But you have to do it because you have no choice. Regardless of how unimportant and stupid you think it is, you have to take it and you must pass it or you will never get out of high school."
I struggled with the subject when I was in school too. I also struggled with the teacher we had for it. Oh man, you talk about butting heads. That was Coach H and I. Oil and water. There was no way I was ever going to agree with anything that man said just because. (Yes, I have somewhat of a stubborn side to me.)
He may have been a better teacher than I give him credit for, but he wasn't too helpful to me, and part of that could have been my attitude :) He was one of those teachers who understood it, didn't understand why you didn't get it and didn't think he should have to explain himself twice...so he usually didn't. He didn't have much patience for me (the feeling was mutual). The first opportunity I had to take a math class (Geometry) with another teacher, I jumped ship on him...and never turned back.
Well, that's not necessarily true. Just to prove my point, (I know, I know) I returned to his class and took one of his tests to show him that I knew the material and could pass it because I had a teacher who actually taught me. (And I did pass.) I realize now that could have been due to the fact that I get Geometry because I can see it and Algebra is something beyond my simple imagination, but at the time I was all about proving my point.
Coach H had this poster in his classroom and it gave all the reasons (professions) why you needed Algebra. He would constantly refer to that poster whenever someone started in on "when am I ever going to use this?" I remember telling him I would find something to do that would not include Algebra in any form.
I returned to the school after graduating and told him, specifically, that Court Reporting hadn't been on that poster and that's what I had pursued. After leaving high school, I have never, ever once used Algebra in my profession or during my schooling. I know it has its purpose, but I took out a route that didn't include it for a reason.
The other night I sat down to help Madolyn with her Pre-Algebra homework and instantly my head was spinning. Sitting there trying to figure out how to do that stuff makes me feel like such an idiot sometimes...but I have been trying. Just the other night when we finished, all I could think about was telling Coach H "told you so" when I told him I'd found something to do in life without using Algebra. And Hallelujah for that.
Madolyn has entered junior high and loves everything about it except Pre-Algebra. I get that. I had a strong distaste for Algebra in any form, Pre, I, II, III, etc. I have to be careful about encouraging her in the subject when really I want to say I get that it seems pointless and you may never have to use it. I have given her the speech several times. I begin it with the sentence noted above and then continue with, "But you have to do it because you have no choice. Regardless of how unimportant and stupid you think it is, you have to take it and you must pass it or you will never get out of high school."
I struggled with the subject when I was in school too. I also struggled with the teacher we had for it. Oh man, you talk about butting heads. That was Coach H and I. Oil and water. There was no way I was ever going to agree with anything that man said just because. (Yes, I have somewhat of a stubborn side to me.)
He may have been a better teacher than I give him credit for, but he wasn't too helpful to me, and part of that could have been my attitude :) He was one of those teachers who understood it, didn't understand why you didn't get it and didn't think he should have to explain himself twice...so he usually didn't. He didn't have much patience for me (the feeling was mutual). The first opportunity I had to take a math class (Geometry) with another teacher, I jumped ship on him...and never turned back.
Well, that's not necessarily true. Just to prove my point, (I know, I know) I returned to his class and took one of his tests to show him that I knew the material and could pass it because I had a teacher who actually taught me. (And I did pass.) I realize now that could have been due to the fact that I get Geometry because I can see it and Algebra is something beyond my simple imagination, but at the time I was all about proving my point.
Coach H had this poster in his classroom and it gave all the reasons (professions) why you needed Algebra. He would constantly refer to that poster whenever someone started in on "when am I ever going to use this?" I remember telling him I would find something to do that would not include Algebra in any form.
I returned to the school after graduating and told him, specifically, that Court Reporting hadn't been on that poster and that's what I had pursued. After leaving high school, I have never, ever once used Algebra in my profession or during my schooling. I know it has its purpose, but I took out a route that didn't include it for a reason.
The other night I sat down to help Madolyn with her Pre-Algebra homework and instantly my head was spinning. Sitting there trying to figure out how to do that stuff makes me feel like such an idiot sometimes...but I have been trying. Just the other night when we finished, all I could think about was telling Coach H "told you so" when I told him I'd found something to do in life without using Algebra. And Hallelujah for that.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
An honest effort
I've said it for years, maybe for my entire life: I hate running and the only reason I would run is if someone was after me with a knife. After all, running from someone with a gun is pointless; a knife, on the other hand... Anyway...
Jay has taken up running again, after a successful reconstruction of his ankle (although now he really needs the other one done), and when I was watching him complete his first 10k last October, it hit me how much he really loved it, and how I wish I would love it too because we could do this together, but there was no way I could because I hated running.
For the past several years I have helped organize a 5k at our local fair and just this December I organized one to be held in conjunction with our Hometown Christmas. I don't know why it took me until the one in December to realize this, but as I was watching people run past me at the start/finish line, in various stages of exertion, I thought, "I can so do this."
So as the new year came upon me, as well as a few extra pounds, and some wardrobe issues, I knew I needed to do something. It dawned on me that I have really never given running an honest effort. I have tried on my walks to run a few poles at a time, didn't like all the jiggling going on, got mad at myself, and decided it wasn't for me...because, after all, I hated running.
A couple years ago, Jay had me doing some program where we had to run sprints down the driveway in a certain pattern or something (ridiculous) and I hated every minute of it so it lasted about a week, maybe. I've always enjoyed walking and still do. I never dread going for a walk (except when there are five dogs with me, circling, tripping me up, crossing in front of me, etc). It is relaxing, soothing and peaceful most of the time.
January 1, 2013, I began the "Couch to 5k" program. It is designed for people just like me. I loved reading at the very beginning how most people get burn out or injured because they push too hard too fast. Hey, I'm all about going slow...so I'm sticking with the program to the T. Even though the first week's workout seemed very simple, I did it and did not run ten seconds further than I was supposed to. I did walk on my off days though but felt like that wasn't detrimental because I already try to walk daily anyway.
I have finished my second week of work-outs and have completed work-out one of week three. I'm still alive. Haven't had any injuries or ill-effects so far. Amazingly, it hasn't been that bad. I can still read on my Nook as I walk/jog in the intervals which makes the time fly by. I suppose once I start longer stretches of the jogging, I may not be able to focus enough to read, but so far so good. And you burn so many more calories (yes, Jay, I know, you've been telling me that for years), which is great for me since I absolutely love food.
The other night when I was on the treadmill jogging, my coach (aka Jay) said I had "good form." I suppose that is a good thing, and I was happy to hear that...(unless he was just trying to think of something nice to say and that was all he came up with.) Oh well, regardless, I accepted it. I guess I'm doing something right. So now when I jog, I think, "Oh yeah, I have good form if I do say so myself." Ha.
I will forge ahead with the program in good form, and no matter what happens down the road with the Couch to 5k and running, this time I can say that I gave it an honest effort.
Jay has taken up running again, after a successful reconstruction of his ankle (although now he really needs the other one done), and when I was watching him complete his first 10k last October, it hit me how much he really loved it, and how I wish I would love it too because we could do this together, but there was no way I could because I hated running.
For the past several years I have helped organize a 5k at our local fair and just this December I organized one to be held in conjunction with our Hometown Christmas. I don't know why it took me until the one in December to realize this, but as I was watching people run past me at the start/finish line, in various stages of exertion, I thought, "I can so do this."
So as the new year came upon me, as well as a few extra pounds, and some wardrobe issues, I knew I needed to do something. It dawned on me that I have really never given running an honest effort. I have tried on my walks to run a few poles at a time, didn't like all the jiggling going on, got mad at myself, and decided it wasn't for me...because, after all, I hated running.
A couple years ago, Jay had me doing some program where we had to run sprints down the driveway in a certain pattern or something (ridiculous) and I hated every minute of it so it lasted about a week, maybe. I've always enjoyed walking and still do. I never dread going for a walk (except when there are five dogs with me, circling, tripping me up, crossing in front of me, etc). It is relaxing, soothing and peaceful most of the time.
January 1, 2013, I began the "Couch to 5k" program. It is designed for people just like me. I loved reading at the very beginning how most people get burn out or injured because they push too hard too fast. Hey, I'm all about going slow...so I'm sticking with the program to the T. Even though the first week's workout seemed very simple, I did it and did not run ten seconds further than I was supposed to. I did walk on my off days though but felt like that wasn't detrimental because I already try to walk daily anyway.
I have finished my second week of work-outs and have completed work-out one of week three. I'm still alive. Haven't had any injuries or ill-effects so far. Amazingly, it hasn't been that bad. I can still read on my Nook as I walk/jog in the intervals which makes the time fly by. I suppose once I start longer stretches of the jogging, I may not be able to focus enough to read, but so far so good. And you burn so many more calories (yes, Jay, I know, you've been telling me that for years), which is great for me since I absolutely love food.
The other night when I was on the treadmill jogging, my coach (aka Jay) said I had "good form." I suppose that is a good thing, and I was happy to hear that...(unless he was just trying to think of something nice to say and that was all he came up with.) Oh well, regardless, I accepted it. I guess I'm doing something right. So now when I jog, I think, "Oh yeah, I have good form if I do say so myself." Ha.
I will forge ahead with the program in good form, and no matter what happens down the road with the Couch to 5k and running, this time I can say that I gave it an honest effort.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Can't shake it
Ever have a time when you hear or read something and you just can't shake it? This is happening to me right now. I cannot get a few things my preacher said this weekend out of my head. (Wouldn't he appreciate knowing this, that I do actually pay attention sometimes...ha!)
Our preacher's mother suffered a stroke and a heart attack a few days ago. The family was told her chances of improving were less than 1%. Less than 1%. That's not a lot to hang your hat on.
Before church on Sunday I checked Facebook and my email to see if there had been updates from him concerning her condition because the night before he filled us in on that bit of information above. I saw his status and it went something like this, "My mother improved around midnight. She went to be with Jesus."
That has to be one of the best Facebook statuses I have ever read, obviously not because his mother passed, but because of the way he looked at it. After all, being with Jesus should be our ultimate goal, and she had achieved hers. Hallelujah!
Then later that morning at church, he told us about the prayer he sent up for his mother the day before, (and I'm paraphrasing), "Jesus, if I can't have her back the way she was, just take her." Wow. I can imagine that being a very difficult prayer to whisper, but what an honest plea.
I have written several times on perspective, looking for the silver lining and choices. To me, this was another example of having the right perspective on something, making the best out of a bad situation, choosing to see the good, etc. I started to think, well, he is a preacher, he would think that way...on the other hand, he is a son who was losing his mother. I don't think it matters who you are, that has to hurt.
I didn't know his mother, but she sounds like she had a great sense of humor. I'm sure that she will be missed here on earth, but won't they be thrilled to have her around in heaven? I hope she finds our Mona from Willow Creek...they will have a ball.
Our preacher's mother suffered a stroke and a heart attack a few days ago. The family was told her chances of improving were less than 1%. Less than 1%. That's not a lot to hang your hat on.
Before church on Sunday I checked Facebook and my email to see if there had been updates from him concerning her condition because the night before he filled us in on that bit of information above. I saw his status and it went something like this, "My mother improved around midnight. She went to be with Jesus."
That has to be one of the best Facebook statuses I have ever read, obviously not because his mother passed, but because of the way he looked at it. After all, being with Jesus should be our ultimate goal, and she had achieved hers. Hallelujah!
Then later that morning at church, he told us about the prayer he sent up for his mother the day before, (and I'm paraphrasing), "Jesus, if I can't have her back the way she was, just take her." Wow. I can imagine that being a very difficult prayer to whisper, but what an honest plea.
I have written several times on perspective, looking for the silver lining and choices. To me, this was another example of having the right perspective on something, making the best out of a bad situation, choosing to see the good, etc. I started to think, well, he is a preacher, he would think that way...on the other hand, he is a son who was losing his mother. I don't think it matters who you are, that has to hurt.
I didn't know his mother, but she sounds like she had a great sense of humor. I'm sure that she will be missed here on earth, but won't they be thrilled to have her around in heaven? I hope she finds our Mona from Willow Creek...they will have a ball.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Bomber jacket
Do you remember that one thing from your childhood you always wished you had but never did? I can. For me, it was a Leather Bomber Jacket. Those were it. Everyone had one. Well, everyone but me. Poor Sarah.
Somehow, I survived not having that leather jacket, although I'm not sure how because did I mention that EVERYONE had one but me? Funny thing, although I remember being like the only one without that jacket, I don't really remember begging for it. (So maybe it wasn't as important to me as it was everyone else or maybe my memory is failing? I'm not sure.)
Madolyn had been begging for a cell phone since about the fifth grade, and maybe even before that. We kept telling her no, using some of these excuses: She needed to be able to pay for it; she needed to be responsible enough to take care of it; she didn't need one yet, if we thought she was in a situation where she needed one, we would let her take mine or her dad's; coaches or school officials should always make a phone available for her to use, etc.
At the end of her sixth grade year, out of her entire class, Madolyn was one of two who did not have cell phones. How did she ever make it through grade school? The earliest I can recall finding out that a classmate of hers had a cell phone was in the second grade. Holy Cow.
We decided that with the transition to the junior high/high school and all the activities she's involved in, it was time to get her a cell phone. We had proved that she would not die from being the "only one without one." She was 12 and going into the 7th grade. I will say that it has come in very handy for her mother at times :) I get annoyed with her texting constantly, but it is a great tool when it comes time for discipline and consequence-type situations.
Lane has started in asking for a cell phone. Ha. You aren't even nine yet, pal, just sit back and relax! Madolyn now wants an I-pad. Ahh, I remember how it was/is. I can be the same way. You finally get that thing you were dying for and then move on to the next best thing...because we are never satisfied.
So often we want what we cannot have. Sometimes we get it and realize it really wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Sometimes we do without it and forget about how important we thought it was. I have a little sign at home that says "The secret to having it all is believing that you do." Love that.
I think I have let go of the fact that I didn't have a leather bomber jacket in high school. And I realize now that although I didn't get that leather jacket, I did get a Letter Jacket that I still have to this day and even wore in our last Homecoming parade with my classmates. If I had gotten a leather bomber jacket twenty-plus years ago, would I even still have it? Hmm, maybe my parents realized what would be more important to me later on...
Somehow, I survived not having that leather jacket, although I'm not sure how because did I mention that EVERYONE had one but me? Funny thing, although I remember being like the only one without that jacket, I don't really remember begging for it. (So maybe it wasn't as important to me as it was everyone else or maybe my memory is failing? I'm not sure.)
Madolyn had been begging for a cell phone since about the fifth grade, and maybe even before that. We kept telling her no, using some of these excuses: She needed to be able to pay for it; she needed to be responsible enough to take care of it; she didn't need one yet, if we thought she was in a situation where she needed one, we would let her take mine or her dad's; coaches or school officials should always make a phone available for her to use, etc.
At the end of her sixth grade year, out of her entire class, Madolyn was one of two who did not have cell phones. How did she ever make it through grade school? The earliest I can recall finding out that a classmate of hers had a cell phone was in the second grade. Holy Cow.
We decided that with the transition to the junior high/high school and all the activities she's involved in, it was time to get her a cell phone. We had proved that she would not die from being the "only one without one." She was 12 and going into the 7th grade. I will say that it has come in very handy for her mother at times :) I get annoyed with her texting constantly, but it is a great tool when it comes time for discipline and consequence-type situations.
Lane has started in asking for a cell phone. Ha. You aren't even nine yet, pal, just sit back and relax! Madolyn now wants an I-pad. Ahh, I remember how it was/is. I can be the same way. You finally get that thing you were dying for and then move on to the next best thing...because we are never satisfied.
So often we want what we cannot have. Sometimes we get it and realize it really wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Sometimes we do without it and forget about how important we thought it was. I have a little sign at home that says "The secret to having it all is believing that you do." Love that.
I think I have let go of the fact that I didn't have a leather bomber jacket in high school. And I realize now that although I didn't get that leather jacket, I did get a Letter Jacket that I still have to this day and even wore in our last Homecoming parade with my classmates. If I had gotten a leather bomber jacket twenty-plus years ago, would I even still have it? Hmm, maybe my parents realized what would be more important to me later on...
Thursday, January 10, 2013
It's a choice
A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. Prov. 15:13 (NIV)
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19 (NIV)
I do not lead a perfect life regardless of what others may see or think about me. I don't try to pretend to lead a perfect life, but I have made the choice to be happy regardless of what life tosses at me. I must admit I have never dealt with anything absolutely horrific or tragic so I understand that I cannot know the loss or sadness others have faced. And really I'm not talking about extreme instances, instances of sudden death of a loved one or serious illness, I'm talking about the every-day stuff.
I have noticed that one particular young person I'm friends with on Facebook (and in real life;) is always unhappy. Very rarely do I see a positive post from her. I have a feeling that she is desperately seeking attention of loved ones, but honestly, it's getting old. I have tried giving her uplifting remarks, I've tried reaching out to her, but I'm kind of sick of it. (Isn't that nice of me?) I really want to comment, "You need to choose to be happy!" And I suppose some day I just might.
I also have several adult friends who are the same way. My goodness, if you're this negative on Facebook, how are you in your own home? And maybe that an unfair assumption on my part. Maybe they're using Facebook to vent instead of being negative around others, I don't know, but it sure brings me down when all they talk about is negativity.
So much of life is attitude, perception, and the choice to be happy. I'm not saying you have to be that she's-always-smiling-and-life-is-grand type of person that people want to slap, but choosing to be happy on a day where nothing is going right and looking for the positive in a situation will make a huge difference in how you walk away from that day/situation.
Even at your lowest moment, there is something positive or joyful in your life. Dig deep if you have to and find it. If you have Jesus in your heart, you don't have to look very far. If you don't, then maybe that's what is missing. Choose to be happy. It's contagious and it feels so good.
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19 (NIV)
So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun. Ecclesiastes 8:15 (NIV)
"The remarkable thing is, we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day." -Chuck Swindoll
I sit in front of a desk most of the day, and because of that I am on Facebook prowling around quite a bit. It's not necessarily an addiction, but it's something to do as I sit here waiting for the phone to ring when we don't have court. While perusing Facebook, I have noticed that there are some people, of all ages, that are unhappy no matter what is going on in their life.I do not lead a perfect life regardless of what others may see or think about me. I don't try to pretend to lead a perfect life, but I have made the choice to be happy regardless of what life tosses at me. I must admit I have never dealt with anything absolutely horrific or tragic so I understand that I cannot know the loss or sadness others have faced. And really I'm not talking about extreme instances, instances of sudden death of a loved one or serious illness, I'm talking about the every-day stuff.
I have noticed that one particular young person I'm friends with on Facebook (and in real life;) is always unhappy. Very rarely do I see a positive post from her. I have a feeling that she is desperately seeking attention of loved ones, but honestly, it's getting old. I have tried giving her uplifting remarks, I've tried reaching out to her, but I'm kind of sick of it. (Isn't that nice of me?) I really want to comment, "You need to choose to be happy!" And I suppose some day I just might.
I also have several adult friends who are the same way. My goodness, if you're this negative on Facebook, how are you in your own home? And maybe that an unfair assumption on my part. Maybe they're using Facebook to vent instead of being negative around others, I don't know, but it sure brings me down when all they talk about is negativity.
So much of life is attitude, perception, and the choice to be happy. I'm not saying you have to be that she's-always-smiling-and-life-is-grand type of person that people want to slap, but choosing to be happy on a day where nothing is going right and looking for the positive in a situation will make a huge difference in how you walk away from that day/situation.
Even at your lowest moment, there is something positive or joyful in your life. Dig deep if you have to and find it. If you have Jesus in your heart, you don't have to look very far. If you don't, then maybe that's what is missing. Choose to be happy. It's contagious and it feels so good.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Well done
I listen to the radio a lot, if you didn't notice. I simply love everything about this song by Moriah Peters, called "Well Done." And she's not talking about steak thankfully...because I want my medium rare;) A n y w a y...
One of my favorite quotes from the bible is the basis for this song and one I sure hope to hear some day, "Well done, my good and faithful servant," found in Matthew 25:21.
Take a listen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-p8T7InfHw
"Well Done"
One of my favorite quotes from the bible is the basis for this song and one I sure hope to hear some day, "Well done, my good and faithful servant," found in Matthew 25:21.
Take a listen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-p8T7InfHw
"Well Done"
I'm headed down this narrow road
Chosen by the few
And all that I know is
You told me to follow You
I'm taking a risk and leaving it all
Not knowing what I'll go through
But I'm not alone
As long as I follow You
So when my life's a leap of faith
I can hear You say
Well done, well done
I'm gonna chase You, Lord
I'm gonna show the world Your love, whoa
I'll run, I'll run
I'm gonna run this race
To hear You say well done
If people walk with me, talk with me, looking for truth
They're gonna find out soon
If they're following me, then they're gonna follow You
So let my life speak loud and clear
Lord, I wanna hear
Chorus
I'm so glad that I get to serve You, Lord
You're the only One I'm living for, whoa
And I'm gonna run straight into Your open arms
I'm gonna follow You with my whole heart, whoa, whoa
Chosen by the few
And all that I know is
You told me to follow You
I'm taking a risk and leaving it all
Not knowing what I'll go through
But I'm not alone
As long as I follow You
So when my life's a leap of faith
I can hear You say
Well done, well done
I'm gonna chase You, Lord
I'm gonna show the world Your love, whoa
I'll run, I'll run
I'm gonna run this race
To hear You say well done
If people walk with me, talk with me, looking for truth
They're gonna find out soon
If they're following me, then they're gonna follow You
So let my life speak loud and clear
Lord, I wanna hear
Chorus
I'm so glad that I get to serve You, Lord
You're the only One I'm living for, whoa
And I'm gonna run straight into Your open arms
I'm gonna follow You with my whole heart, whoa, whoa
Chorus
I'm gonna run this race
To hear You say well done
I'm gonna run this race
To hear You say well done
Well done
I'm gonna run this race
To hear You say well done
I'm gonna run this race
To hear You say well done
Well done
It's a cute, catchy tune, isn't it? I love it. Makes me happy when I hear it. I love the part where she says if people are talking with me, following me, they're gonna follow you. Very good point. I need to live my life so that what others see is God, not Sarah.
I'm looking forward to the day when maybe, as I stand before the pearly gates, I'll hear those famous words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." I better get busy, I've got a lot of work to do...
Happy New Year!
Monday, January 7, 2013
January 7, 1975
What a great day for me...well, I wasn't born quite yet, but my BFF Jay was and I am so thankful for that. I'm thankful that he's a great father to our ornery children and a good provider for our family. I'm thankful that after all these years, he still seems to like me a little ;) I'm thankful that he takes care of himself (because his Grandpa Truman had probably already had his first heart attack by this age) so he'll be around for us.
Happy birthday, JayDog, JayBird, Pooper, JimBert, Jamie, dad and all those other nicknames you have had. We love you!
Happy birthday, JayDog, JayBird, Pooper, JimBert, Jamie, dad and all those other nicknames you have had. We love you!
Friday, January 4, 2013
The Boat a/k/a The Snow-Mobile
Let me tell you about " The Boat" a/k/a "The Snow-Mobile" as we liked to call it. We're Ford Folks. The family likes to buy Fords. Over the years the family has had a lot of different Fords. One of my fondest Ford memories was my grandparents mid-seventies model Ford LTD, white. Here is a picture that is close to what theirs looked like. (I have no clue who the man in the picture is. I got this off of a google search. He does kind of resemble my grandpa from a distance though.)
Their car didn't have the dark-colored top. I think it was all white, but I could be wrong. Anyway, I was fortunate enough (see how I look at things) to have people around me kind enough to let me borrow their automobiles because I didn't have my own when I turned 16. Lucky for me, my brother was a work-horse and owned a car and a truck. Between my brother, my parents and my grandparent's Boat, I didn't suffer too much.
During my senior year of high school, I took to driving The Boat whenever I had to and it became kind of fun(ny). When it snowed, we would call it the Snowmobile because we thought it just blended right into the snow. The interior was all...drumroll...burgundy. The shocks on that thing were amazing. There were times if you slammed on the brakes, you just knew the frame was going to keep on going. There was so much bounce.
It is tradition that at the end of the school year, the senior class goes to Moonshine for lunch. My senior year we took The Boat to Moonshine. We piled in that thing and headed south. (Those were the days when there weren't all of these seatbelt laws.) I know that our senior class sponsors went, but I can't seem to recall if Mrs. C. rode with us or someone else. (Anyone remember?) Others were driving down, our class was small...but not small enough to fit everyone in that enormous battleship of a car.
We took a couple side roads for fun and bounced all over the place. Although I never hit anything with it (amazing) I swear even if I had, you wouldn't notice. The metal on that thing went for miles. It is the perfect car for a teenager. Big and safe.
There were many years I was embarrassed of that car until I decided to embrace it. Remember that, my dear Madolyn. May you embrace whatever you may be allowed to drive when you're 16 ;)
Their car didn't have the dark-colored top. I think it was all white, but I could be wrong. Anyway, I was fortunate enough (see how I look at things) to have people around me kind enough to let me borrow their automobiles because I didn't have my own when I turned 16. Lucky for me, my brother was a work-horse and owned a car and a truck. Between my brother, my parents and my grandparent's Boat, I didn't suffer too much.
During my senior year of high school, I took to driving The Boat whenever I had to and it became kind of fun(ny). When it snowed, we would call it the Snowmobile because we thought it just blended right into the snow. The interior was all...drumroll...burgundy. The shocks on that thing were amazing. There were times if you slammed on the brakes, you just knew the frame was going to keep on going. There was so much bounce.
It is tradition that at the end of the school year, the senior class goes to Moonshine for lunch. My senior year we took The Boat to Moonshine. We piled in that thing and headed south. (Those were the days when there weren't all of these seatbelt laws.) I know that our senior class sponsors went, but I can't seem to recall if Mrs. C. rode with us or someone else. (Anyone remember?) Others were driving down, our class was small...but not small enough to fit everyone in that enormous battleship of a car.
We took a couple side roads for fun and bounced all over the place. Although I never hit anything with it (amazing) I swear even if I had, you wouldn't notice. The metal on that thing went for miles. It is the perfect car for a teenager. Big and safe.
There were many years I was embarrassed of that car until I decided to embrace it. Remember that, my dear Madolyn. May you embrace whatever you may be allowed to drive when you're 16 ;)
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Sorry fun.
During the winter downtime, (yes, we do still have some), it's fun to get out the games and play on the living room floor. Sorry was one of my favorites growing up and still is. I learned early on that just because you're a cute little kid doesn't mean that mom or grandma will let you win. We carry on the tradition and win at all costs! Dad won this round and then Lane...I actually got last. Boo.
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| "I'll be blue." |
As you can see, the precious Hank wanted to join in on the Sorry fun...or something.
He loves to sit on things and people and really has no regard for your personal space.
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| Gee, I could lie on this smooth carpet or someone's legs... |
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| Jay acts like it's a bit uncomfortable. |
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