“Here’s another old saying that deserves a second look: ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’ Is that going to get us anywhere? Here’s what I propose: ‘Don’t hit back at all.’ If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, gift wrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously." Matthew 5:38-40 (The Message)
I get so tired of hearing about bullying. It seems like everywhere we turn, we're hearing about it. I am not saying it doesn't exist and it's not serious, I just wish it would stop. (On the other hand, I also get tired of it being an excuse for bad behavior.)
What I am starting to realize is that bullying doesn't go away at a certain age. I see it now even as an adult. The hard part for me is that adults should really know better.
It is so hard to turn the cheek, as we're commanded to do. It never gets easier. I'm a sassy one, I've been told, and it's really difficult for me not to spout off sometimes when I really want to. (Now where does Madolyn get this nasty trait?)
Many times I think...Oh, it would feel so good to make them hurt like I am (or the way they are making someone else hurt). God says, No, do unto others as you would have done unto you.
I wonder...Don't they understand the hurt they are causing? God says, Forgive them and love them anyway.
I ponder...Oh, if only they would get a little taste of what they're dishing out. God says, Sarah, do not repay evil with evil.
I repeat in my mind the old saying...What comes around goes around. And God whispers, My child, do not wish harm upon another.
Many times, I start to write, text something or start punching numbers to make a call...and God reminds me, take a deep breath, think about what you're doing, and turn that chubby cheek of yours.
Unfortunately, bullying exists whether you're 5, 15 or 45 years old. I know it's easier said than done, but I wish we could all just spread God's love and forgiveness instead of tearing down one another.
Friday, December 26, 2014
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Merry Christmas!
The humans and "naughty"animals at the Wilhoit Ranch wish you
and your loved ones a very
Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year.
(P.S. Make sure to watch Christmas Vacation,
the Elf & the Christmas Story at least once.
It's just not Christmas without Clark, Buddy or Ralphie.)
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
The Mouse Game
My son has a new obsession - trapping. And right now his focus is on something there is plenty of around this time of year - mice. He begged and begged for some mouse traps. I had planned on putting them in his stocking (isn't that what every child wants?), but his dad went ahead and bought two 4-packs for him. Wonderful.
He and his buddies, "Korbin & Gavin" have really gotten into this trapping thing. And they are learning how to skin animals too. Again, wonderful.
The boys were over for a bit on Sunday and went outside to check traps. (Mouse traps, that is.) Lane had placed maybe four of them around, a couple in the shed and a couple in the hunting shack, that morning before church. Lucky boy - he caught a mouse.
Lane came charging in the house and asked for a stapler. "Why do you need a stapler?" "I need to staple the mouse legs to a board while we skin it. It's dead." Um, o-kay.
Later that afternoon, Lane set all 8 traps up in various buildings at our place. What a happy little fella he was yesterday to find that 7 out of 8 traps were victorious. The one lone wolf...we're not sure what happened. The trap is gone. I don't know if that means there is a mouse walking around with a trap attached to it, or there is a raccoon or squirrel with one hanging on. (I was glad to see that neither cat was carrying around a trap - and I haven't seen the rabbit with one either.)
I almost took pictures of the mouse hide, which is attached to a board right next to my door in the garage, but I thought some may not appreciate such a glorious site.
I'm certainly no fan of mice, but I do have a little compassion for them...as long as they're not in my house or camper.
About three weeks ago, Madolyn let Boots in the back patio door. As soon as she let her come in, she yelled "Uh-OH!" I looked over and could see that Boots had a little treasure in her mouth. I told Mad immediately to throw the kitty back outside. She was standing there screaming and flailing her arms and Boots let the mouse go. The mouse headed for the living room. I grabbed a dust pan and broom. (What is it about a dust pan and broom that brings about a sense of security?) Lane ran and grabbed a cowboy boot. I was yelling to catch that mouse, I did NOT want it in my room!
We were all scrambling around trying to trap the mouse and get it in the dust pan. I finally got close and it just scurried on over the side of the dust pan and ran behind the couch. I had Madolyn dig an empty hot chocolate container out of the trash can and I ditched the dust pan. The kids tipped the couch back and I waited. The little stinker was hiding under a throw pillow (not sure why it was back there) and we threw Boots in there as Mad lifted the pillow. Boots did nothing. Pitiful.
The mouse headed towards my bedroom. I slammed the door shut, but know full well a mouse can squeeze throw the tiniest of holes. I'm still yelling that we have to get the mouse. It turns and heads back towards the kitchen, and my sweet lad bopped it over the head with his cowboy boot right there on the kitchen floor. That pretty much took care of the situation...and then Madolyn started crying. She was furious that he had killed it. I was a little taken aback, but delighted that there wasn't a mouse free in my house or bedroom.
I grabbed the motionless varmint and tossed it out from whence it came (ha - Jerry Clower reference). Then got the mop to scrub the kitchen floor. (I did thank Lane for killing it on the kitchen floor and not the carpet.)
Lane was pretty pleased with himself and made sure to mock his sister for crying. I tried to explain to him that I was happy he took care of the situation, but it was a little cruel...and he replied, So is a mouse trap or poison. Okay, you got me there. I suppose I'm okay with that because I'm not standing there when death knocks on their door, you know.
He and his buddies, "Korbin & Gavin" have really gotten into this trapping thing. And they are learning how to skin animals too. Again, wonderful.
The boys were over for a bit on Sunday and went outside to check traps. (Mouse traps, that is.) Lane had placed maybe four of them around, a couple in the shed and a couple in the hunting shack, that morning before church. Lucky boy - he caught a mouse.
Lane came charging in the house and asked for a stapler. "Why do you need a stapler?" "I need to staple the mouse legs to a board while we skin it. It's dead." Um, o-kay.
Later that afternoon, Lane set all 8 traps up in various buildings at our place. What a happy little fella he was yesterday to find that 7 out of 8 traps were victorious. The one lone wolf...we're not sure what happened. The trap is gone. I don't know if that means there is a mouse walking around with a trap attached to it, or there is a raccoon or squirrel with one hanging on. (I was glad to see that neither cat was carrying around a trap - and I haven't seen the rabbit with one either.)
I almost took pictures of the mouse hide, which is attached to a board right next to my door in the garage, but I thought some may not appreciate such a glorious site.
I'm certainly no fan of mice, but I do have a little compassion for them...as long as they're not in my house or camper.
About three weeks ago, Madolyn let Boots in the back patio door. As soon as she let her come in, she yelled "Uh-OH!" I looked over and could see that Boots had a little treasure in her mouth. I told Mad immediately to throw the kitty back outside. She was standing there screaming and flailing her arms and Boots let the mouse go. The mouse headed for the living room. I grabbed a dust pan and broom. (What is it about a dust pan and broom that brings about a sense of security?) Lane ran and grabbed a cowboy boot. I was yelling to catch that mouse, I did NOT want it in my room!
We were all scrambling around trying to trap the mouse and get it in the dust pan. I finally got close and it just scurried on over the side of the dust pan and ran behind the couch. I had Madolyn dig an empty hot chocolate container out of the trash can and I ditched the dust pan. The kids tipped the couch back and I waited. The little stinker was hiding under a throw pillow (not sure why it was back there) and we threw Boots in there as Mad lifted the pillow. Boots did nothing. Pitiful.
The mouse headed towards my bedroom. I slammed the door shut, but know full well a mouse can squeeze throw the tiniest of holes. I'm still yelling that we have to get the mouse. It turns and heads back towards the kitchen, and my sweet lad bopped it over the head with his cowboy boot right there on the kitchen floor. That pretty much took care of the situation...and then Madolyn started crying. She was furious that he had killed it. I was a little taken aback, but delighted that there wasn't a mouse free in my house or bedroom.
I grabbed the motionless varmint and tossed it out from whence it came (ha - Jerry Clower reference). Then got the mop to scrub the kitchen floor. (I did thank Lane for killing it on the kitchen floor and not the carpet.)
Lane was pretty pleased with himself and made sure to mock his sister for crying. I tried to explain to him that I was happy he took care of the situation, but it was a little cruel...and he replied, So is a mouse trap or poison. Okay, you got me there. I suppose I'm okay with that because I'm not standing there when death knocks on their door, you know.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Inside out
For years, I believed that being healthy was about how much I weighed. I had never really had trouble with weight until I had Madolyn. After a child comes along, everything in your selfish world comes crashing down and mom and dad's needs take a back seat to baby. It happens and it is not the end of the world for most people.
But it seems that the struggle to lose weight just never ends. I did well on Weight Watchers a few years ago. It is a great program if you are willing to stick with it, but I wasn't really happy with all the 'diet' food I was ingesting. The past few years, I've kind of had an overhaul on my perspective of good health. As I'm creeping up on 40, I'm figuring out that the numbers on the scale do not determine my health.
When God created the earth, he gave Adam and Eve everything they needed to survive. Food and water. It was freely available, without having to search it out or work for it. Before they sinned by eating the forbidden fruit, there weren't even weeds in the garden. Can you imagine a garden without weeds?! That first sin messed everything up. We now have weeds, painful childbirth and are inclined to wear clothes (okay, maybe that was a good thing) among other things.
Following Adam and Eve's lead, Man came along and decided that the fruit, nuts, plants and meat of the earth wasn't tasty enough and they started adding things to make it yummy and more enticing. Plain water was boring and tasteless, so they had to doctor that as well. And here we are...in a world full of unhealthy, over-processed, artificially-flavored, sugar-rich food. And we are a sickly bunch... overweight, tired, suffering from pain, weakness and other unexplained symptoms.
In my humble opinion, it all ties in to what we put in our bodies.
I'm not a poster child for clean eating or healthy living by any means, but I'm slowly trying to become a step-poster child for it. I would have to say I began a few years back when I kicked the Diet Pepsi addiction to the curb...only to replace it with something not much better, Crystal Lite with Caffeine (and the nasty artificial sweetener). I weaned myself off of several Crystal Lite drinks a day to one first thing in the morning and felt pretty good about it.
I tried hard to like coffee...and I just couldn't. I drank it for a few weeks off and on at work, straight, trying to force myself into that addiction. Why? I don't know except that I wanted another drink option. I was sick of water. That was a few months ago.
Now, I'm loving my water. Weird, I know. I've pushed my artificial sweeteners almost entirely off this mountain. I still enjoy a Diet Pepsi at Monical's with pizza or at a Mexican restaurant (where I know the pop is so good), but that is it.
I never thought it was possible that I would drink water, almost exclusively. Not for me at least. I'm working on getting healthy inside and out. Sure, I'm hoping the scale numbers fall a tad, but that isn't my number one goal anymore.
During this process, I recently stumbled onto Plexus. I will be sharing about my Plexus journey over the next few weeks.
But it seems that the struggle to lose weight just never ends. I did well on Weight Watchers a few years ago. It is a great program if you are willing to stick with it, but I wasn't really happy with all the 'diet' food I was ingesting. The past few years, I've kind of had an overhaul on my perspective of good health. As I'm creeping up on 40, I'm figuring out that the numbers on the scale do not determine my health.
When God created the earth, he gave Adam and Eve everything they needed to survive. Food and water. It was freely available, without having to search it out or work for it. Before they sinned by eating the forbidden fruit, there weren't even weeds in the garden. Can you imagine a garden without weeds?! That first sin messed everything up. We now have weeds, painful childbirth and are inclined to wear clothes (okay, maybe that was a good thing) among other things.
Following Adam and Eve's lead, Man came along and decided that the fruit, nuts, plants and meat of the earth wasn't tasty enough and they started adding things to make it yummy and more enticing. Plain water was boring and tasteless, so they had to doctor that as well. And here we are...in a world full of unhealthy, over-processed, artificially-flavored, sugar-rich food. And we are a sickly bunch... overweight, tired, suffering from pain, weakness and other unexplained symptoms.
In my humble opinion, it all ties in to what we put in our bodies.
I'm not a poster child for clean eating or healthy living by any means, but I'm slowly trying to become a step-poster child for it. I would have to say I began a few years back when I kicked the Diet Pepsi addiction to the curb...only to replace it with something not much better, Crystal Lite with Caffeine (and the nasty artificial sweetener). I weaned myself off of several Crystal Lite drinks a day to one first thing in the morning and felt pretty good about it.
I tried hard to like coffee...and I just couldn't. I drank it for a few weeks off and on at work, straight, trying to force myself into that addiction. Why? I don't know except that I wanted another drink option. I was sick of water. That was a few months ago.
Now, I'm loving my water. Weird, I know. I've pushed my artificial sweeteners almost entirely off this mountain. I still enjoy a Diet Pepsi at Monical's with pizza or at a Mexican restaurant (where I know the pop is so good), but that is it.
I never thought it was possible that I would drink water, almost exclusively. Not for me at least. I'm working on getting healthy inside and out. Sure, I'm hoping the scale numbers fall a tad, but that isn't my number one goal anymore.
During this process, I recently stumbled onto Plexus. I will be sharing about my Plexus journey over the next few weeks.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Sheep and Butterflies
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)
I love yarn. It's a sickness really. The Yarn Studio in Casey is my Happy Place. Just walking in the door makes me feel better. It's weird, I know. How can one be so drawn to yarn? I have no idea, but I am. I love to pick them up and feel them. I love to imagine how they would look as a hat or mittens or a sock (that I would never finish). And that reminds me, sock yarn is sooooo eye-catching. I see the sock yarn table and it's all I can do to walk away empty-handed.
What brought me to this post - I was opening up an e-mail from some Knitting blog or shop or something I've signed up for telling me I could have a free trial subscription to a magazine and the cover this month was a big burly sheep. Ugh, why would you put a big burly sheep on the cover of a magazine that isn't about the farm? I started cracking up because then it hit me. Duh, I love that sheep. THAT ugly sheep is how I get to enjoy beautiful yarn!
Lane has been studying metamorphosis and I was helping him with his homework the other night. Imagine a caterpillar. They're not necessarily ugly, but I don't normally look at a caterpillar and think, wow, that is a beautiful caterpillar. When the caterpillar is full grown and stops eating, it becomes a pupa. There is absolutely nothing cute or pretty about the pupa. This pupa stage in the process can last a few weeks, a month or even longer. It may look like nothing happens during this stage, but major things are going on inside. And then suddenly, a beautiful butterfly appears.
It made me think of how God uses all of us for something. The good, the bad and even the ugly. The Christian band Gungor has a song called, "Beautiful Things" and part of the chorus is 'You make beautiful things, you make beautiful things out of us.'
So often we put too much stock in how someone or something appears on the outside. We like to see pretty, we love to touch soft, nice things...but sometimes even something ugly has the potential to transform into something absolutely beautiful and eye-catching. A transformation or metamorphosis has to occur within us to become that something beautiful. A heart for Jesus - is something beautiful no matter what the outward appearance.
"Beauty is skin deep, but ugliness goes clear to the bone." Ouch. How true that can be. There is a lot of ugliness in this world. It is our job as Christians to let our light shine that beauty He created within us onto the ugliness of this world.
There are times I can be as ugly as a big ole burly sheep, inside and out...but I know that he is still using me for good. I just need a little tune-up on the inside every now and then.
Or maybe I should've been a sheep, created to produce endless skeins of soft, gorgeous yarn. Sing with me now, I just want to be a Sheep, Baa, Baa...
I love yarn. It's a sickness really. The Yarn Studio in Casey is my Happy Place. Just walking in the door makes me feel better. It's weird, I know. How can one be so drawn to yarn? I have no idea, but I am. I love to pick them up and feel them. I love to imagine how they would look as a hat or mittens or a sock (that I would never finish). And that reminds me, sock yarn is sooooo eye-catching. I see the sock yarn table and it's all I can do to walk away empty-handed.
What brought me to this post - I was opening up an e-mail from some Knitting blog or shop or something I've signed up for telling me I could have a free trial subscription to a magazine and the cover this month was a big burly sheep. Ugh, why would you put a big burly sheep on the cover of a magazine that isn't about the farm? I started cracking up because then it hit me. Duh, I love that sheep. THAT ugly sheep is how I get to enjoy beautiful yarn!
Lane has been studying metamorphosis and I was helping him with his homework the other night. Imagine a caterpillar. They're not necessarily ugly, but I don't normally look at a caterpillar and think, wow, that is a beautiful caterpillar. When the caterpillar is full grown and stops eating, it becomes a pupa. There is absolutely nothing cute or pretty about the pupa. This pupa stage in the process can last a few weeks, a month or even longer. It may look like nothing happens during this stage, but major things are going on inside. And then suddenly, a beautiful butterfly appears.
It made me think of how God uses all of us for something. The good, the bad and even the ugly. The Christian band Gungor has a song called, "Beautiful Things" and part of the chorus is 'You make beautiful things, you make beautiful things out of us.'
So often we put too much stock in how someone or something appears on the outside. We like to see pretty, we love to touch soft, nice things...but sometimes even something ugly has the potential to transform into something absolutely beautiful and eye-catching. A transformation or metamorphosis has to occur within us to become that something beautiful. A heart for Jesus - is something beautiful no matter what the outward appearance.
"Beauty is skin deep, but ugliness goes clear to the bone." Ouch. How true that can be. There is a lot of ugliness in this world. It is our job as Christians to let our light shine that beauty He created within us onto the ugliness of this world.
There are times I can be as ugly as a big ole burly sheep, inside and out...but I know that he is still using me for good. I just need a little tune-up on the inside every now and then.
Or maybe I should've been a sheep, created to produce endless skeins of soft, gorgeous yarn. Sing with me now, I just want to be a Sheep, Baa, Baa...
Thursday, December 4, 2014
One lonely sole
In August I took a sock-knitting class. It was great. I jumped right in and finished my sock. It even looks pretty good...don't ya think?
And here is a picture of the second sock to the set...and it is
I was super stoked about knitting socks because everyone needs socks and lots of them...but here is my problem, one single sock takes forever. The yarn is teeny tiny and you use a small needle, which makes you knit and knit and knit for what seems like eternity, only to have half of a sock. I got bored. And still have only one single sock.
I do this a
Don't even get me started on my first blanket. That thing is taking an eternity. (It's a work in progress.) I have, however, finished my first pair of mittens and they were super easy and quick. (That's what I like.) I look forward to starting another pair, but I really must finish something else first...maybe.
I'm still obsessed with the knitting but have to pace myself a little for the sake of my hands, wrists and arms. I have tried to halt yarn purchases the last few months because, if you walk into my office right now (oh, wait, you can't) you would see that I have PLENTY of yarn.
Current problem is that sweet Moxie Mo, the beautiful bloodhound puppy, really, really likes my knitting too. She has ruined two different circular needs so far and will stop at nothing to get a ball of yarn...repeatedly...no matter where I put it. She is worse than the cats when it comes to the yarn!
But she is so sweet and lovable. I'll let it go...and buy another needle...and maybe some more yarn.
The upside to this - there are these brand new needles at the Yarn Studio called Rockets that are awesome. I know what you're thinking, how can a knitting needle be awesome? (I thought the same thing when "Diane" showed them to me.) Just trust me on this one. Maybe I should start leaving my other needles out for Moxie to happen upon.
I will finish that other sock. Some day it will happen. It would be silly to leave that one lonely sole.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Observations from the sideline
Over the course of the ten hours I was waiting on Jay to finish his run, I made a few observations about these people I call 'the crazies' and this race.
First off, other than that initial feeling of discrimination so-to-speak at the packet pick-up, I never once felt like the runners were judgmental or comparing one another. I asked Jay about that and he agreed. He said he never noticed someone acting like they were a better runner than someone else.
At around the 30-mile mark, Jay found a running buddy, an older fella named Keith who was from northern Illinois. They ran the last 20 miles pretty much side-by-side, which was great for Jay when it got dark. He said that having Keith with him made such a huge difference. He really didn't know if he could have gotten through the last 20 without him. Keith had intended to run the 100 miler, but opted to stop at the 50 finish. He, too, thought that Jay had been a great encouragement to him and was glad to be able to run with him.
Jay mentioned this one gal he passed toward the end of his race and she was going the other direction. He said she was running alone and had that look of defeat, like she was about to break. "I could tell she just needed someone to run with her and encourage her." He so wanted to turn around and run with her a couple miles, but he was just trying to finish and battling his own exhaustion. Plus, he was running with Keith, and they also seemed to need each other.
I'm sure there were other stories like that from the race. I heard lots of encouragement and cheering from everyone around. No one was pushing or shoving or being rude at the check stations. You didn't see looks of disgust from other runners if someone was in their way. You saw a bit of exhaustion, lots of determination and encouragement.
The family and friends who were waiting at the check points were friendly and considerate. Again, I didn't see any nastiness from them either. The volunteers did great and the race coordinator, or whatever he is called, did a wonderful job putting together this event. I assumed it was something that had been put on for a few years because of how smooth and professional everything was...nope, this was the first year for it. Even the various businesses around the town of Vienna had words of welcome on their signs.
I found myself feeling guilty when I would need to go use the restroom at these aid stations. I would try to wait until there weren't many runners passing through, but that didn't happen. I would let someone in front of me, then another and then decide, okay, I cannot wait...and would try to hurry. I never considered how everyone would be at a different pace and constantly running by.
There were about 150-175 runners registered for each race. (That is a bunch of crazies.) The winner of the 100 miler was a female from Indiana. In August she set a world record for most miles run indoors by a female in 48 hours...242 miles. She ran this 100 miles in 14 hours and 45 minutes. Amazing, right? Well, she now holds the American record for fastest time EVER run by a female in a 100 mile trail run. She beat the old record by 13 minutes!
There were 27 states represented, along with Great Britain, Japan and Canada. (I guess there are crazies all over the world.) The oldest runners I saw on the registration sheet were two men, 73 and 77...and they were signed up for the 100 miler. Can you imagine?
All in all my observations from the sideline were positive. I really had a sense of respect for every single participant out there, regardless of whether they were running 100 miles or 'just' 50. I can run to the bathroom and maybe to a buffet line, but that's where I draw the line. These folks have a serious passion for running and overall health. I'm glad that Jay is doing enough for both of us...I think I'll just keep observing from the sideline.
First off, other than that initial feeling of discrimination so-to-speak at the packet pick-up, I never once felt like the runners were judgmental or comparing one another. I asked Jay about that and he agreed. He said he never noticed someone acting like they were a better runner than someone else.
At around the 30-mile mark, Jay found a running buddy, an older fella named Keith who was from northern Illinois. They ran the last 20 miles pretty much side-by-side, which was great for Jay when it got dark. He said that having Keith with him made such a huge difference. He really didn't know if he could have gotten through the last 20 without him. Keith had intended to run the 100 miler, but opted to stop at the 50 finish. He, too, thought that Jay had been a great encouragement to him and was glad to be able to run with him.
Jay mentioned this one gal he passed toward the end of his race and she was going the other direction. He said she was running alone and had that look of defeat, like she was about to break. "I could tell she just needed someone to run with her and encourage her." He so wanted to turn around and run with her a couple miles, but he was just trying to finish and battling his own exhaustion. Plus, he was running with Keith, and they also seemed to need each other.
I'm sure there were other stories like that from the race. I heard lots of encouragement and cheering from everyone around. No one was pushing or shoving or being rude at the check stations. You didn't see looks of disgust from other runners if someone was in their way. You saw a bit of exhaustion, lots of determination and encouragement.
The family and friends who were waiting at the check points were friendly and considerate. Again, I didn't see any nastiness from them either. The volunteers did great and the race coordinator, or whatever he is called, did a wonderful job putting together this event. I assumed it was something that had been put on for a few years because of how smooth and professional everything was...nope, this was the first year for it. Even the various businesses around the town of Vienna had words of welcome on their signs.
I found myself feeling guilty when I would need to go use the restroom at these aid stations. I would try to wait until there weren't many runners passing through, but that didn't happen. I would let someone in front of me, then another and then decide, okay, I cannot wait...and would try to hurry. I never considered how everyone would be at a different pace and constantly running by.
There were about 150-175 runners registered for each race. (That is a bunch of crazies.) The winner of the 100 miler was a female from Indiana. In August she set a world record for most miles run indoors by a female in 48 hours...242 miles. She ran this 100 miles in 14 hours and 45 minutes. Amazing, right? Well, she now holds the American record for fastest time EVER run by a female in a 100 mile trail run. She beat the old record by 13 minutes!
There were 27 states represented, along with Great Britain, Japan and Canada. (I guess there are crazies all over the world.) The oldest runners I saw on the registration sheet were two men, 73 and 77...and they were signed up for the 100 miler. Can you imagine?
All in all my observations from the sideline were positive. I really had a sense of respect for every single participant out there, regardless of whether they were running 100 miles or 'just' 50. I can run to the bathroom and maybe to a buffet line, but that's where I draw the line. These folks have a serious passion for running and overall health. I'm glad that Jay is doing enough for both of us...I think I'll just keep observing from the sideline.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
All kinds of CRAZY!
When we arrived at the start/finish line on Saturday morning, we were quite shocked to see that some runners had tent-camped. It was 18 degrees at 7:15 am. I cannot imagine how cold it was during the night. This observation supported my initial theory that these people are all crazy.
Jay got dressed and took a stroll, I waited in the warm car until start time. No need for me to get cold, right? When it was time to begin, I got Jay's cell phone ready and clicked a couple pictures of #364 amongst the rest of the crazies.
I raced down to the 11-mile checkpoint and squeezed into a good spot up close. Jay would pass through this one twice, and then I would return to the Start/Finish line for the halfway point. I thought Jay looked pretty good after 10.9 miles, but he was done with the hat for a while. It was 'too hot.'
 |
| 10.9 miles in. |
Jay's parents arrived in time for him to come back through this checkpoint. He sat down, ate a snack and headed back towards the Start/Finish line. I should have explained that the Tunnel Hill Trail is an old railroad bed they transformed into a really, really nice and beautiful trail for runners and bikers. It is absolutely gorgeous. There are several bridges along the path and some huge rock walls (at least that's what I would call them) and then the super cool tunnel. In the day, they didn't want to build a train track over a very large hill/mountain, so they tunneled through it. Hence the name of the trail :)
 |
| That is a picture of the tunnel along the trail. |
 |
| 26.2 miles in - that marathon he was not interested in running. |
I met him at an in-between checkpoint to see if the change in shoes helped and he gave me the 'thumbs up' signal and away we went. Next stop was the Tunnel Hill.
 |
| 40 miles down, 10 to go. Hat back on. |
Jay's parents and I got out of the car at about the 9 hour 30 minute mark. Jay's goal had been to run the 50 miles in 10 hours, but no more than 12. We had no idea where he would fall in that window, but decided to be safe and get out in the cold and wait at the finish line. Because it was completely dark, it was very hard to tell if that next runner was Jay because he did not have a light. It started sleeting/snowing, which was just fantastic for the spectators...and the runners, of course.
At 9 hours and 58 minutes, we were worried he was running out of time. You just never know what has happened in the last 10 miles, if the darkness was a problem, if his knees finally gave out, etc. And then I saw that runner with the distinguishable swinging of the arms. That is how I could pick him out of the crowd of crazies. His actual finish time was 10:03:01. I wanted to take a picture of him crossing the finish line, so the picture I took of the clock was a little late.
 |
| Just crossing the finish line. |
 |
| I'm 10 seconds off. |
 |
| #364 with his medal. |
As soon as we were on our way back to the car, he says to me, "You know what this means, don't ya? I've got to do the 100 miler next." (I suggested he pick a spring or early fall run for that one.) I really don't get it. I guess it's like an addiction or something, I don't know. But let me tell you, these runners are all kinds of crazy.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
My Very Own Forrest Gump
A few years ago, my BFF started running. He started out like most, running area 5K's but kept rolling his right ankle. Although many years had passed since high school, Jay's ankles had not recovered from the torment they suffered in football, basketball and baseball. He went and had complete ankle reconstruction on his right ankle, and as soon as possible, jumped right back into running.
And like Forrest, he just kept running.
Sometime in the last 12-18 months I recall him telling me, "Sarah, I have no desire to run a marathon." Fine by me. (That makes two of us!)
Fast forward to this past Spring. He tells me he is signing up for this Tunnel Hill Trial 50/100 Mile Run in November. WHAT?! (Did you forget the whole I-have-no-desire-to-run-a-marathon statement?) Last time I checked a marathon was 26.2 miles. This was double that! He thought it would be great because the Tunnel Hill trail is in our favorite corner of the world (Southern Illinois), it was so close geographically-speaking, and he had plenty of time to train. In June, we headed down there to check the trail out. It was beautiful, of course, at least the 6.5 miles the kids and I rode our bikes on while Jay ran.
He decided sometime mid-summer he would run a 30-mile trail run in October to help prepare for the 50-mile.
Every chance he had, he was running. He would take the truck or car to be serviced in Casey and he would run home. He would run into a ball game or home from one. He often ran to church on Wednesday nights. On the weekends, he would have his big runs and if possible, I would go with him on the bike. We did a few long runs/rides at our local state park together. And sometimes he would go out to the Lake north of town and run on their bike trails. He trained pretty hard most of the summer.
Then his silly left foot/ankle/heel started becoming a problem. He tried various methods to ease the pain and stress, went to the foot doctor, let off on the running a bit and finally decided nothing was going to work, he would just have to run through the pain. Makes perfect sense, doesn't it?
He completed the 30-mile trail run in about six hours. It was treacherous, up and down hills, muddy, cold and rained a couple times. I did a lot of praying during those six hours that he would finish in one piece. He finished, we got in the car, drove straight home, showered, packed and headed to St. Louis for a wedding reception. All the while, I think his body was in shock.
His knee, which he had never had problems with, suffered the most after that trail run, although his foot and heel were still causing him pain. He pretty much laid off the training during the four weeks between the 30-mile and the 50-mile runs. He knew that would hurt him on one hand, but on the other, his body needed some rest.
Last Wednesday, we were talking about the heel and I decided to research what the essential oils could do for his plantar fasciitis. I had put a couple oils on his heel a few times, but he didn't seem to notice much relief. I tried again and he was amazed. I showed him the oil combo and told him to oil up every few hours until his big day. (It was only three days, but hey...)
Last Friday mid-afternoon we headed south to Vienna, Illinois to pick up his registration packet and settle into our hotel.
Stay tuned for the rest of the story...
And like Forrest, he just kept running.
 |
| Mville Ag Fair 5k 2012 |
Sometime in the last 12-18 months I recall him telling me, "Sarah, I have no desire to run a marathon." Fine by me. (That makes two of us!)
Fast forward to this past Spring. He tells me he is signing up for this Tunnel Hill Trial 50/100 Mile Run in November. WHAT?! (Did you forget the whole I-have-no-desire-to-run-a-marathon statement?) Last time I checked a marathon was 26.2 miles. This was double that! He thought it would be great because the Tunnel Hill trail is in our favorite corner of the world (Southern Illinois), it was so close geographically-speaking, and he had plenty of time to train. In June, we headed down there to check the trail out. It was beautiful, of course, at least the 6.5 miles the kids and I rode our bikes on while Jay ran.
He decided sometime mid-summer he would run a 30-mile trail run in October to help prepare for the 50-mile.
Every chance he had, he was running. He would take the truck or car to be serviced in Casey and he would run home. He would run into a ball game or home from one. He often ran to church on Wednesday nights. On the weekends, he would have his big runs and if possible, I would go with him on the bike. We did a few long runs/rides at our local state park together. And sometimes he would go out to the Lake north of town and run on their bike trails. He trained pretty hard most of the summer.
Then his silly left foot/ankle/heel started becoming a problem. He tried various methods to ease the pain and stress, went to the foot doctor, let off on the running a bit and finally decided nothing was going to work, he would just have to run through the pain. Makes perfect sense, doesn't it?
He completed the 30-mile trail run in about six hours. It was treacherous, up and down hills, muddy, cold and rained a couple times. I did a lot of praying during those six hours that he would finish in one piece. He finished, we got in the car, drove straight home, showered, packed and headed to St. Louis for a wedding reception. All the while, I think his body was in shock.
His knee, which he had never had problems with, suffered the most after that trail run, although his foot and heel were still causing him pain. He pretty much laid off the training during the four weeks between the 30-mile and the 50-mile runs. He knew that would hurt him on one hand, but on the other, his body needed some rest.
Last Wednesday, we were talking about the heel and I decided to research what the essential oils could do for his plantar fasciitis. I had put a couple oils on his heel a few times, but he didn't seem to notice much relief. I tried again and he was amazed. I showed him the oil combo and told him to oil up every few hours until his big day. (It was only three days, but hey...)
Last Friday mid-afternoon we headed south to Vienna, Illinois to pick up his registration packet and settle into our hotel.
Stay tuned for the rest of the story...
Monday, November 10, 2014
Crazy Cat Lady
This past Friday, the world lost someone who contributed to society, wholeheartedly. My friend, Anna O - double R- E- double L (as her ornery father, my teacher, would say) slipped out of this world leaving a 17 year old son and three beloved cats. Anna was only 41. She had battled cancer, at least twice, was going to be battling it again soon, and had the worst luck when it came to health issues. The fight was constant. Yet, she put up such a good front.
I met Anna back in high school when her father was a teacher and coach at MHS. He was such a stinker. (I wrote about him when he passed away a few years ago.) It was a love/hate relationship with Mr. O, but he has a terrific wife and a wonderful daughter. We weren't close friends by any means, but she was the type of person that you might see only every now and then but have the best conversation when we ran into each other. I never passed up the opportunity to talk to her.
I remembered this picture of Anna and I (the only one that exists probably) from a few years back when our high school sponsored a wrestling match. She had bought her son front-row tickets and they were down there soaking it in. There wasn't anything Anna would not sacrifice for her son, it was evident in every decision she made for him.
Anna was a cat lover, probably the biggest cat lover I know. She had three cats and only one of them, it's my understanding, is friendly to anyone but Anna. So sad. Those kitties, I'm sure, are wondering where their loving mama went. I cannot love on my kitties right now without instantly thinking of my friend, the Crazy Cat Lady.
She got me hooked on Downton Abbey and I loved running into her at the Yarn store (she lived right upstairs). She was a knitter, which goes right along with the cat obsession, huh? She always had a smile on her face and was so loyal to her close friends.
The day before she passed away, her Facebook post was all about finding a child in need to give her son's brand new X-Box to. She and her son had talked and decided there was someone out there who needed more than her son. Again, that was so Anna.
I once sent her a link to the song "Stronger" by Matthew West because when I heard it, I thought of her. This is the opening verse:
The whole song is great, but that first part was so Anna. Thankfully, Anna was a believer. She attended her Catholic church faithfully, and although she had some different views on things, I thought the world of her. Her outlook on life was so positive all the time, even in light of the crud she was facing. Her son meant everything to her (and her cats). She had devoted this year to him as it was his senior year and she was going to do nothing but focus on him and his activities. Then, she would take care of herself. Unfortunately, her plan didn't work out that way.
I met Anna back in high school when her father was a teacher and coach at MHS. He was such a stinker. (I wrote about him when he passed away a few years ago.) It was a love/hate relationship with Mr. O, but he has a terrific wife and a wonderful daughter. We weren't close friends by any means, but she was the type of person that you might see only every now and then but have the best conversation when we ran into each other. I never passed up the opportunity to talk to her.
 |
| Anna & I 'fighting' at the wresting match. |
I remembered this picture of Anna and I (the only one that exists probably) from a few years back when our high school sponsored a wrestling match. She had bought her son front-row tickets and they were down there soaking it in. There wasn't anything Anna would not sacrifice for her son, it was evident in every decision she made for him.
Anna was a cat lover, probably the biggest cat lover I know. She had three cats and only one of them, it's my understanding, is friendly to anyone but Anna. So sad. Those kitties, I'm sure, are wondering where their loving mama went. I cannot love on my kitties right now without instantly thinking of my friend, the Crazy Cat Lady.
She got me hooked on Downton Abbey and I loved running into her at the Yarn store (she lived right upstairs). She was a knitter, which goes right along with the cat obsession, huh? She always had a smile on her face and was so loyal to her close friends.
The day before she passed away, her Facebook post was all about finding a child in need to give her son's brand new X-Box to. She and her son had talked and decided there was someone out there who needed more than her son. Again, that was so Anna.
I once sent her a link to the song "Stronger" by Matthew West because when I heard it, I thought of her. This is the opening verse:
You must think I'm strong
to give me what I'm going through.
Well, forgive me if I'm wrong,
But this looks like more than I can do
On my own.
That's the thing about this life...it's not about our plans, but His. We can have all our ducks in a row, but it doesn't matter. I will really miss her silly Facebook posts, kitty stories and proud mama pictures. See you some day, Anna-Banana.
"We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." Proverbs 16:9
Sunday, November 2, 2014
The bird and the tree frog
My son is such a stinker. He is constantly pulling a fast one on me (as the Quackdaddy would say). He tells some of the tallest tales I have ever heard, and he is so serious, you don't realize he is making it all up...which is why I have such a hard time believing him anymore.
And brings to my story.
Jay was working nights and we were leaving for school one morning not to long ago. We try to be quiet (you know how that is, every little sound is magnified by 100 when you're trying to be quiet) as we get ready for our day and leave...because Jay is just getting home and crawling into bed.
I was herding everyone out the door and had to go back to my bedroom for something. When I came out, I heard Lane yell (quietly), "There's a bird," and then laugh. I questioned what he meant by that, he smiled, like he does when he's pulling my leg, shut the door to the garage and went back out to the car.
I go to grab my jacket off the back of the bar stool (aka coat tree) and a bird flew past my head. He wasn't joking this time. Snap.
The kids are in the car. Jay is in bed. We really need to be leaving for school/work. And whatever I do, I need to be quiet.
I start trying to shoo the bird out and realize there are no doors or windows open. The bird is flying all over the place looking for an escape. It keeps hitting the kitchen window. I run over to open the patio door, grab a broom and start swinging. It sails out the door. Hallelujah. Leaving the bird in the house would not have went over well with two cats in the house and a sleeping giant.
Monday, we are getting ready for school/work and I tell Lane to take a shower. He casually says, "Okay, but I'm not taking one in my bathroom." To which I reply, "Why not?" "Because there is a frog on the toilet."
Yeah, whatever.
He takes his shower in my bathroom, we eat breakfast, get dressed and are gathering our things to leave...when I run in to use his bathroom and there it is, a tree frog hugging the base of the toilet.
I know sometimes it sounds like we live in a cage, you know, with wires for walls and no ceiling, but we don't really, I promise.
I guess you could say we operate under an open door policy...
And brings to my story.
Jay was working nights and we were leaving for school one morning not to long ago. We try to be quiet (you know how that is, every little sound is magnified by 100 when you're trying to be quiet) as we get ready for our day and leave...because Jay is just getting home and crawling into bed.
I was herding everyone out the door and had to go back to my bedroom for something. When I came out, I heard Lane yell (quietly), "There's a bird," and then laugh. I questioned what he meant by that, he smiled, like he does when he's pulling my leg, shut the door to the garage and went back out to the car.
I go to grab my jacket off the back of the bar stool (aka coat tree) and a bird flew past my head. He wasn't joking this time. Snap.
The kids are in the car. Jay is in bed. We really need to be leaving for school/work. And whatever I do, I need to be quiet.
I start trying to shoo the bird out and realize there are no doors or windows open. The bird is flying all over the place looking for an escape. It keeps hitting the kitchen window. I run over to open the patio door, grab a broom and start swinging. It sails out the door. Hallelujah. Leaving the bird in the house would not have went over well with two cats in the house and a sleeping giant.
Monday, we are getting ready for school/work and I tell Lane to take a shower. He casually says, "Okay, but I'm not taking one in my bathroom." To which I reply, "Why not?" "Because there is a frog on the toilet."
Yeah, whatever.
He takes his shower in my bathroom, we eat breakfast, get dressed and are gathering our things to leave...when I run in to use his bathroom and there it is, a tree frog hugging the base of the toilet.
I know sometimes it sounds like we live in a cage, you know, with wires for walls and no ceiling, but we don't really, I promise.
I guess you could say we operate under an open door policy...
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Hand Signals - the Kannmacher way
Last weekend at a volleyball tournament in Fairfield, I looked up at the score table and noticed the score keeper was a girl that attends our church camps and youth things through our denomination. I wondered if Madolyn had noticed, so from across the gym I got her attention and signaled to her (clearly) to look at the score table.
My darling 14-year-old daughter was unable to interpret my hand signals, but not before making comments to her friends, I'm sure, that I was a complete idiot.
Later on, she asked me what I was trying to tell her and I told her. She rolled her eyes and said there was no way that the signals I was giving would have indicated the same to her. She then relayed the story to her dad, who laughed and said, "Madolyn, if you had known your grandpa great, you would understand."
Oh my goodness, that made me laugh. My grandpa only had half of his larynx due to his first bout with cancer back in the early 70s. His loudest voice was a whisper no matter what, and he even carried a whistle with him just in case he needed help and couldn't yell.
To make up for his inability to scream or shout out orders, he used all kinds of hand signals (at least that's my guess) and they were often very confusing. Today, they might even be considered some form of interpretive dance.
Every now and then, my brother will start throwing his hands this way and that way and laugh...he's mimicking our grandpa...and quite possibly the Quackdaddy who learned from the best.
It's funny how little things like a hand signal bring back memories of a man my kids will never know. It is kind of comforting that some traits and quirks live on in others and that we are able to pass on these stories from one generation to the next. Important ones, such as, how to do hand signals - the Kannmacher way.
Thankfully, no one in this clan has been called to work on an air traffic control ground crew...
My darling 14-year-old daughter was unable to interpret my hand signals, but not before making comments to her friends, I'm sure, that I was a complete idiot.
Later on, she asked me what I was trying to tell her and I told her. She rolled her eyes and said there was no way that the signals I was giving would have indicated the same to her. She then relayed the story to her dad, who laughed and said, "Madolyn, if you had known your grandpa great, you would understand."
Oh my goodness, that made me laugh. My grandpa only had half of his larynx due to his first bout with cancer back in the early 70s. His loudest voice was a whisper no matter what, and he even carried a whistle with him just in case he needed help and couldn't yell.
To make up for his inability to scream or shout out orders, he used all kinds of hand signals (at least that's my guess) and they were often very confusing. Today, they might even be considered some form of interpretive dance.
Every now and then, my brother will start throwing his hands this way and that way and laugh...he's mimicking our grandpa...and quite possibly the Quackdaddy who learned from the best.
It's funny how little things like a hand signal bring back memories of a man my kids will never know. It is kind of comforting that some traits and quirks live on in others and that we are able to pass on these stories from one generation to the next. Important ones, such as, how to do hand signals - the Kannmacher way.
Thankfully, no one in this clan has been called to work on an air traffic control ground crew...
Monday, October 27, 2014
Prayer & Persistence
Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: "Suppose you went to a friend's house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, 'A friend of mind has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.' And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, 'Don't bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can't help you.' But I tell you this - though he won't do it for friendship's sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence..." Luke 11:5-8 (NLT)
I've always heard people say that teaching a Sunday School class or youth group is the best way to learn, and I totally agree. Last week it was my turn to do a devotional for our youth group on Wednesday night. We started out this year with a Duck Dynasty devotional with five topics. We were ready for the third session, Ravenous Prayer.
They referred to a parable in Luke that I believe I've read before or skimmed over once or twice because I recognized scripture before it and scripture after it. I do not believe I had ever given much thought to the parable in between. And it was one of those texts that totally confused me. I read it, reread it in a different translation and then read what the Robertson's had to say about it.
It clicked.
Jesus was telling the people to pray ravenously, so-to-speak. The neighbor wasn't going to get up and get the bread because the man was a friend knocking on the door. He was going to get up and get the bread because the man would not quit knocking at his door. Persistence paid off. Jesus tells us, also, to knock on the door over and over and over again. Never give up.
(Hmm, has this parable been downloaded into our children in the form of persistent whining?)
The Robertson's talked in their devo about how they don't just pray for a meal on their table (i.e. killing wild game) and sit on the couch, they go out and do something. I love that. We can't always sit idly by and wait for things to happen, sometimes we have to get out there and go for it. And with prayer, God will help us in that 'hunt.'
Be persistent. Ask for anything and everything. God will listen. He will either answer the prayer or send you out to get it.
I've always heard people say that teaching a Sunday School class or youth group is the best way to learn, and I totally agree. Last week it was my turn to do a devotional for our youth group on Wednesday night. We started out this year with a Duck Dynasty devotional with five topics. We were ready for the third session, Ravenous Prayer.
They referred to a parable in Luke that I believe I've read before or skimmed over once or twice because I recognized scripture before it and scripture after it. I do not believe I had ever given much thought to the parable in between. And it was one of those texts that totally confused me. I read it, reread it in a different translation and then read what the Robertson's had to say about it.
It clicked.
Jesus was telling the people to pray ravenously, so-to-speak. The neighbor wasn't going to get up and get the bread because the man was a friend knocking on the door. He was going to get up and get the bread because the man would not quit knocking at his door. Persistence paid off. Jesus tells us, also, to knock on the door over and over and over again. Never give up.
(Hmm, has this parable been downloaded into our children in the form of persistent whining?)
The Robertson's talked in their devo about how they don't just pray for a meal on their table (i.e. killing wild game) and sit on the couch, they go out and do something. I love that. We can't always sit idly by and wait for things to happen, sometimes we have to get out there and go for it. And with prayer, God will help us in that 'hunt.'
Be persistent. Ask for anything and everything. God will listen. He will either answer the prayer or send you out to get it.
Friday, October 24, 2014
In the middle
Last week on my way to work, I was listening to the local Christian radio station and they said shared this,
When you're down and out, feeling like you're at the end of your rope, really you are in the middle because God is our ending.
When you're down and out, feeling like you're at the end of your rope, really you are in the middle because God is our ending.
I
love
that.
Yeah God.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
'Camping' with my girls
There are a few of us girls who hung out in high school that try to get together every now and then (as in every four years or so) and do something sort of special. Our tradition started out with a meal out the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We've had big groups and little groups. It's always something to look forward and we have a great time. In fact, that will be upon us shortly. There is nothing better than eating and laughing with friends and family, is there?!
This past Saturday three of my girlfriends got together for a night of camping. When this idea was proposed several weeks ago, the response I received was humorous. Camping? Uh, no. In a tent?! Uh, no way. I explained to them that we had just purchased a pretty modern camper and they would survive. At my dad's surprise party, I got the approval from 'Susan' and 'Danielle' after a tour of the camper. They were all about it...especially Danielle. 'Brandi' would just have to trust us on this one.
The day came, and of course, life got in the way a little. (This is what happens when you don't go far enough away from home.) For a couple hours, I ended up at my son's playoff football game in Palestine and Danielle headed to Casey for her nephew's game. Susan and Brandi were left behind in the camper to catch up.
I had warned the girls that I was hoping to be at a playoff game for Lane's football team, but I didn't realize it was also the conference tournament championship game for volleyball. It didn't matter though because Jay was working nights. Lane is 10 years old and in a contact sport. Madolyn is a freshman dressing varsity, and as long as there isn't a major catastrophe, she shouldn't actually play in the Varsity game. Of course, this made Lane and I laugh...(Madolyn is a walking catastrophe). So there was no question that I would skip the volleyball game and go to the football game. (I do believe that is the first volleyball game I have ever missed since Madolyn started playing - eck.) I'm sure it won't be the last!
We didn't plan much of a menu and were going to keep things pretty simple. But great minds think alike...I was baking a batch of Grandma Great brownies in the camper oven when Danielle showed up holding a plate of her delicious cupcakes with homemade icing (they were so yummy), then Brandi waltzed in with a package of Pilsbury Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (oh, just like old times). And later on that night, Deputy Deb (Brandi's sister) brought us some homemade chocolate & peanut butter chip cookies that Brandi's mom had made us. I had forgotten what a good cook Dorothy was. They were soft and mouth-watering. We had the sweets covered.
It was funny, right before I left to go to the game, I asked the girls if they wanted me to start a fire in the fire pit. They laughed, "Uh, no, we aren't going outside. We're going to sit right here." That cracked me up. But I had the furnace on, there were warm brownies, cupcakes, hot cheesy salsa dip, and a working bathroom. Why would you go outside?!
The football team lost (boo) but on the way home, I learned that the volleyball girls had WON. I was so excited, I almost (almost) teared up. I was sooo happy for them! Now I could quit stewing about it and get back to my girls! I arrive at the camper and am filling Susan and Brandi in on the games, when I get a text from a mom that says the fire trucks are escorting the girls' bus through town. I looked up at Susan and Brandi and without hesitation said, "I have to go!"
They wanted to go to Pizza Hut and Danielle was going to be heading back from her game soon, so the plan was for me to drop Susan and Brandi off at Pizza Hut, go to Martinsville and return. Danielle would head over to Marshall from Casey and go straight to the restaurant. Only, I started to panic that I was going to miss the bus and the escort, so what do we do? We all went to Martinsville.
And just like old times, we got in line and escorted the Streaks through town behind the fire trucks with horns blaring and hazard lights flashing. It was great. Honestly, I was glad they came along so I wasn't by myself, and Danielle's car added one more to the fan caravan! We talked and laughed reminiscing about our glory days, when we were the ones going through town with the fire trucks and the sirens.
We made it to Pizza Hut and sat there for almost two hours, talking away, and returned to the warm, cozy camper for more chit-chat. It was a good time, even though it was heavily interrupted. I wouldn't exactly call it a camping trip either. I told them that theoretically, we could have done exactly what we did with my camper sitting in my driveway plugged in. Ha. Danielle got numerous texts and phone calls from family members asking her if she really was camping. They seemed to be in disbelief. I wonder if they realize we weren't really roughing it...ssh, maybe that is a secret.
Soon Brandi will be back home, and hopefully, we can have more nights like this one with our fellas and kids. I think I've made 'campers' out of at least two of these gals, and we're trying to convince Brandi to live in mine temporarily. I'm not sure that's going to fly though. She might have been the least impressed with it all. That's okay, she brought the cookie dough and her mom sent cookies. (By the way, B, I ate that cookie dough the next day:)
Oh, and the exciting news, Danielle and I are planning to rent an RV and travel across the USA some day. Now, doesn't that sound like fun?
This past Saturday three of my girlfriends got together for a night of camping. When this idea was proposed several weeks ago, the response I received was humorous. Camping? Uh, no. In a tent?! Uh, no way. I explained to them that we had just purchased a pretty modern camper and they would survive. At my dad's surprise party, I got the approval from 'Susan' and 'Danielle' after a tour of the camper. They were all about it...especially Danielle. 'Brandi' would just have to trust us on this one.
The day came, and of course, life got in the way a little. (This is what happens when you don't go far enough away from home.) For a couple hours, I ended up at my son's playoff football game in Palestine and Danielle headed to Casey for her nephew's game. Susan and Brandi were left behind in the camper to catch up.
I had warned the girls that I was hoping to be at a playoff game for Lane's football team, but I didn't realize it was also the conference tournament championship game for volleyball. It didn't matter though because Jay was working nights. Lane is 10 years old and in a contact sport. Madolyn is a freshman dressing varsity, and as long as there isn't a major catastrophe, she shouldn't actually play in the Varsity game. Of course, this made Lane and I laugh...(Madolyn is a walking catastrophe). So there was no question that I would skip the volleyball game and go to the football game. (I do believe that is the first volleyball game I have ever missed since Madolyn started playing - eck.) I'm sure it won't be the last!
We didn't plan much of a menu and were going to keep things pretty simple. But great minds think alike...I was baking a batch of Grandma Great brownies in the camper oven when Danielle showed up holding a plate of her delicious cupcakes with homemade icing (they were so yummy), then Brandi waltzed in with a package of Pilsbury Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (oh, just like old times). And later on that night, Deputy Deb (Brandi's sister) brought us some homemade chocolate & peanut butter chip cookies that Brandi's mom had made us. I had forgotten what a good cook Dorothy was. They were soft and mouth-watering. We had the sweets covered.
It was funny, right before I left to go to the game, I asked the girls if they wanted me to start a fire in the fire pit. They laughed, "Uh, no, we aren't going outside. We're going to sit right here." That cracked me up. But I had the furnace on, there were warm brownies, cupcakes, hot cheesy salsa dip, and a working bathroom. Why would you go outside?!
The football team lost (boo) but on the way home, I learned that the volleyball girls had WON. I was so excited, I almost (almost) teared up. I was sooo happy for them! Now I could quit stewing about it and get back to my girls! I arrive at the camper and am filling Susan and Brandi in on the games, when I get a text from a mom that says the fire trucks are escorting the girls' bus through town. I looked up at Susan and Brandi and without hesitation said, "I have to go!"
They wanted to go to Pizza Hut and Danielle was going to be heading back from her game soon, so the plan was for me to drop Susan and Brandi off at Pizza Hut, go to Martinsville and return. Danielle would head over to Marshall from Casey and go straight to the restaurant. Only, I started to panic that I was going to miss the bus and the escort, so what do we do? We all went to Martinsville.
And just like old times, we got in line and escorted the Streaks through town behind the fire trucks with horns blaring and hazard lights flashing. It was great. Honestly, I was glad they came along so I wasn't by myself, and Danielle's car added one more to the fan caravan! We talked and laughed reminiscing about our glory days, when we were the ones going through town with the fire trucks and the sirens.
We made it to Pizza Hut and sat there for almost two hours, talking away, and returned to the warm, cozy camper for more chit-chat. It was a good time, even though it was heavily interrupted. I wouldn't exactly call it a camping trip either. I told them that theoretically, we could have done exactly what we did with my camper sitting in my driveway plugged in. Ha. Danielle got numerous texts and phone calls from family members asking her if she really was camping. They seemed to be in disbelief. I wonder if they realize we weren't really roughing it...ssh, maybe that is a secret.
Soon Brandi will be back home, and hopefully, we can have more nights like this one with our fellas and kids. I think I've made 'campers' out of at least two of these gals, and we're trying to convince Brandi to live in mine temporarily. I'm not sure that's going to fly though. She might have been the least impressed with it all. That's okay, she brought the cookie dough and her mom sent cookies. (By the way, B, I ate that cookie dough the next day:)
Oh, and the exciting news, Danielle and I are planning to rent an RV and travel across the USA some day. Now, doesn't that sound like fun?
Saturday, October 18, 2014
LOVC Champs!
Last week our Varsity volleyball team won the conference tournament championship. It sure was an exciting night, even though I had to miss the game (that is another post).
The fire trucks met the bus and the caravan of fans out at the gas station and paraded us through town with the lights and sirens in full swing. The fan caravan followed with horns blaring and hazard lights flashing. It was just like old times.
As usual, I wonder if some of the girls really 'get it' like I do. Way back when, it was a common occurrence for us to win, win, win. We won conference tournaments, regionals, sectionals, holiday tournaments and play-off games on a regular basis. The Bluestreaks were alive and they were a serious threat to the area rivalries.
Driving through town Saturday night in all the hoopla, I saw the mother of a girl I grew up with standing on her porch in her bath robe, with her hands in the air, cheering and waving. She knew exactly what was going on. I loved it.
In the tournament play leading up to the championship game, our girls had to dig down deep for their victories, but they did it. They didn't self-destruct or get down on one another, which sometimes happens. They pulled together and fought hard. And they won.
Our volleyball program has had successful, winning seasons over the last several years, thanks to a year-round, starting-at-the-grade-school-level, commitment from the coaches and players. It takes hard work, dedication and lots and lots of time and practice to succeed. Not just in volleyball, baseball or basketball, but in life.
Maybe things are cycling around, like we have been hoping they would. A winning spirit is contagious just like a losing one can be. Seems like we've lost for so long, that many Bluestreaks have forgotten how to win. I see that in adults too. They get caught in the rut of 'losing' at life, and they forget to press on.
I sure am proud of our girls, who have made the commitment, over the last four years of their lives, to play like champions. They have worked hard to reach this point and deserve their success. One starting player posted the day after their big win about being a Christian athlete, playing your best for Him and giving Him all the glory, win or lose. Can there be a better lesson learned here?
I hope to post bigger and better things as the season progresses. Regardless of the final win/loss record, these girls are building on their character and integrity through these experiences and they are going to be winners in the game of life.
The fire trucks met the bus and the caravan of fans out at the gas station and paraded us through town with the lights and sirens in full swing. The fan caravan followed with horns blaring and hazard lights flashing. It was just like old times.
As usual, I wonder if some of the girls really 'get it' like I do. Way back when, it was a common occurrence for us to win, win, win. We won conference tournaments, regionals, sectionals, holiday tournaments and play-off games on a regular basis. The Bluestreaks were alive and they were a serious threat to the area rivalries.
Driving through town Saturday night in all the hoopla, I saw the mother of a girl I grew up with standing on her porch in her bath robe, with her hands in the air, cheering and waving. She knew exactly what was going on. I loved it.
In the tournament play leading up to the championship game, our girls had to dig down deep for their victories, but they did it. They didn't self-destruct or get down on one another, which sometimes happens. They pulled together and fought hard. And they won.
Our volleyball program has had successful, winning seasons over the last several years, thanks to a year-round, starting-at-the-grade-school-level, commitment from the coaches and players. It takes hard work, dedication and lots and lots of time and practice to succeed. Not just in volleyball, baseball or basketball, but in life.
Maybe things are cycling around, like we have been hoping they would. A winning spirit is contagious just like a losing one can be. Seems like we've lost for so long, that many Bluestreaks have forgotten how to win. I see that in adults too. They get caught in the rut of 'losing' at life, and they forget to press on.
I sure am proud of our girls, who have made the commitment, over the last four years of their lives, to play like champions. They have worked hard to reach this point and deserve their success. One starting player posted the day after their big win about being a Christian athlete, playing your best for Him and giving Him all the glory, win or lose. Can there be a better lesson learned here?
I hope to post bigger and better things as the season progresses. Regardless of the final win/loss record, these girls are building on their character and integrity through these experiences and they are going to be winners in the game of life.
Friday, October 17, 2014
Celebrating Fall at the new Linn Park & Amphitheater
This Saturday night beginning at 5:30 p.m., the Martinsville on the Move Events Team is hosting a Celebration of Fall at the new Linn Park/Amphitheater in Martinsville.
They will have a pumpkin carving contest with awesome cash prizes. $50 first prize and $25 second prize in each of three age categories: under 10, 10-16 and over 16. You don't have to be present to win. Carved pumpkins must be entered at the amphitheater by 4:30.
Games, hayride, bonfire & wienie roast begin at 5:30. DJ and dancing starts at 7:00. Bring your lawn chairs and a sweatshirt and come out to the beautiful new park and amphitheater. The weather looks to cooperate for a great night celebrating fall.
Food costs at the fall celebration are: $2 hot dog, $.50 chips, $ .50 bottled water or hot chocolate. Marshmallows are free, but chocolate and graham crackers to make a S'more is $1. All activities are free.
A little later on in the evening, if you're looking for a spook, head down to the fairgrounds beef barn and enter the Haunted Barn sponsored by the Fireman's Auxiliary and Fire Department. Cost is $5. Hours are 9:00-12:00.
Our bunch went last year and thought it was fantastic. We usually visit a couple haunted houses in the area and thought that the fire department and ladies auxiliary did an outstanding job. The Haunted Barn will also be open Oct 17, 24 & 25.
Happy Fall Ya'll!
They will have a pumpkin carving contest with awesome cash prizes. $50 first prize and $25 second prize in each of three age categories: under 10, 10-16 and over 16. You don't have to be present to win. Carved pumpkins must be entered at the amphitheater by 4:30.
Games, hayride, bonfire & wienie roast begin at 5:30. DJ and dancing starts at 7:00. Bring your lawn chairs and a sweatshirt and come out to the beautiful new park and amphitheater. The weather looks to cooperate for a great night celebrating fall.
Food costs at the fall celebration are: $2 hot dog, $.50 chips, $ .50 bottled water or hot chocolate. Marshmallows are free, but chocolate and graham crackers to make a S'more is $1. All activities are free.
A little later on in the evening, if you're looking for a spook, head down to the fairgrounds beef barn and enter the Haunted Barn sponsored by the Fireman's Auxiliary and Fire Department. Cost is $5. Hours are 9:00-12:00.
Our bunch went last year and thought it was fantastic. We usually visit a couple haunted houses in the area and thought that the fire department and ladies auxiliary did an outstanding job. The Haunted Barn will also be open Oct 17, 24 & 25.
Happy Fall Ya'll!
Thursday, October 16, 2014
The Fill-It Fairy
Too funny, I could not think of a thing to write and then a coworker popped in my office and a subject surfaced.
We have a 'break room' so-to-speak here at work with a coffee pot, microwave and refrigerator. I think all of those items are hand-me-down's and have seen better days. Regardless, I use them and I'm glad they are here. I have a mini fridge in my office (thanks to Spank), but when I get groceries on my lunch hour, I put the cool stuff in the fridge over there. Unfortunately, the fridge is more like a freezer...but I am aware of this and don't put anything in there I don't want exceptionally cold. It works.
It is nice to have this space, and I utilize the microwave almost every day. Plus, there are napkins, plates, cups, salt and pepper, etc. over there that people bring in to share. Several coworkers use ice from the ice trays in the freezer, which brings me to my point.
On a consistent basis, the ice cube trays are either left on the counter empty in front of the microwave, or they are put back in the freezer empty. Repeatedly. I didn't really get it until my friend "Kathy" departed. You see, her office was right next door to this break room and somehow it became her job to tend to it...or so it seemed anyway.
Every morning she made coffee, first cleaning out the coffee from the day before...although she didn't really drink the coffee very often. She was always filling the ice cube trays, even though she only used a couple here and there. I remember her making comments about the ice cube trays every now and then, but it didn't really sink in. And most likely it didn't sink in because by the time I went over there, Kathy had refilled the empty abandon trays and put them back in the freezer - get this - to make more ice cubes! The trays weren't lying in front of the microwave door...empty...when I was going to heat up lunch.
After Kathy left, I soon realized that, much to my dismay, coffee duty was now on me (even though I don't really drink coffee either), and more importantly, I began noticing the stupid empty ice trays. One day when a gal from another office was over there, I said something about the ice trays. She pointed out the culprit and said she wasn't sure why, but another lady who uses the ice cubes leaves the empty trays for someone else to fill. She will not refill the trays.
Honestly, I do not understand this concept. There is no Fill-It Fairy floating around here, someone has to physically take the trays to a stream of water and fill them, replace them in the freezer to freeze or THERE WON'T BE ANY ICE CUBES the next time you go to get some. Am I missing something?
Do not even get me started on the empty containers of creamer that are left on the counter, with the lid off.
It is akin to leaving an empty roll of toilet paper on the toilet paper holder when there is a full roll readily available. If you are going into a women's restroom to relieve yourself, either way, you will require toilet paper. I can (sort of) get it from a man's standpoint (although it's still ridiculous) because they don't always use toilet paper, but a woman is an entirely different story.
When I worked in the other circuit down south, I don't know who it was, but there was a female at the courthouse upstairs who never, ever replaced an empty roll. She just left the scrap hanging. WHO DOES THAT? It was maddening. We are all adults.
I am very fortunate to have a restroom pretty much to myself, unless we have a jury trial...and unless men get impatient waiting on the men's restroom and use mine (I HATE THAT - it is clearly marked, "Women" on the door). Every now and then another female coworker uses the restroom when she is up here. I had to say something to her one time because I went in after she had been in there and the roll was empty. The process of elimination pin-pointed her as the culprit. Please don't leave me stranded!
There is no Fill-It Fairy around here. If I use it, I will glady refill or replace it, but I am not touching those empty ice cube trays.
We have a 'break room' so-to-speak here at work with a coffee pot, microwave and refrigerator. I think all of those items are hand-me-down's and have seen better days. Regardless, I use them and I'm glad they are here. I have a mini fridge in my office (thanks to Spank), but when I get groceries on my lunch hour, I put the cool stuff in the fridge over there. Unfortunately, the fridge is more like a freezer...but I am aware of this and don't put anything in there I don't want exceptionally cold. It works.
It is nice to have this space, and I utilize the microwave almost every day. Plus, there are napkins, plates, cups, salt and pepper, etc. over there that people bring in to share. Several coworkers use ice from the ice trays in the freezer, which brings me to my point.
On a consistent basis, the ice cube trays are either left on the counter empty in front of the microwave, or they are put back in the freezer empty. Repeatedly. I didn't really get it until my friend "Kathy" departed. You see, her office was right next door to this break room and somehow it became her job to tend to it...or so it seemed anyway.
Every morning she made coffee, first cleaning out the coffee from the day before...although she didn't really drink the coffee very often. She was always filling the ice cube trays, even though she only used a couple here and there. I remember her making comments about the ice cube trays every now and then, but it didn't really sink in. And most likely it didn't sink in because by the time I went over there, Kathy had refilled the empty abandon trays and put them back in the freezer - get this - to make more ice cubes! The trays weren't lying in front of the microwave door...empty...when I was going to heat up lunch.
After Kathy left, I soon realized that, much to my dismay, coffee duty was now on me (even though I don't really drink coffee either), and more importantly, I began noticing the stupid empty ice trays. One day when a gal from another office was over there, I said something about the ice trays. She pointed out the culprit and said she wasn't sure why, but another lady who uses the ice cubes leaves the empty trays for someone else to fill. She will not refill the trays.
Honestly, I do not understand this concept. There is no Fill-It Fairy floating around here, someone has to physically take the trays to a stream of water and fill them, replace them in the freezer to freeze or THERE WON'T BE ANY ICE CUBES the next time you go to get some. Am I missing something?
Do not even get me started on the empty containers of creamer that are left on the counter, with the lid off.
It is akin to leaving an empty roll of toilet paper on the toilet paper holder when there is a full roll readily available. If you are going into a women's restroom to relieve yourself, either way, you will require toilet paper. I can (sort of) get it from a man's standpoint (although it's still ridiculous) because they don't always use toilet paper, but a woman is an entirely different story.
When I worked in the other circuit down south, I don't know who it was, but there was a female at the courthouse upstairs who never, ever replaced an empty roll. She just left the scrap hanging. WHO DOES THAT? It was maddening. We are all adults.
I am very fortunate to have a restroom pretty much to myself, unless we have a jury trial...and unless men get impatient waiting on the men's restroom and use mine (I HATE THAT - it is clearly marked, "Women" on the door). Every now and then another female coworker uses the restroom when she is up here. I had to say something to her one time because I went in after she had been in there and the roll was empty. The process of elimination pin-pointed her as the culprit. Please don't leave me stranded!
There is no Fill-It Fairy around here. If I use it, I will glady refill or replace it, but I am not touching those empty ice cube trays.
Friday, October 10, 2014
Hold it right there, Niagra Falls...
This may be a little TMI for some of you, you have been warned.
As a follow-up to my post about blood draws and drinking all the water, let me move on to test number two - the urine test.
The #1 side effect to drinking water all day long is having to use the restroom all day long.
When the sweet lab tech asked me if I thought I could give a urine sample, I laughed and said, "Anytime, anywhere." And I meant that.
So I take the plastic cup and the little wipe (this is something new in the past few years, I think) into the bathroom. Just looking at a toilet gets things flowing, if you know what I mean, and the pee dance begins.
I do the necessary cleaning and squat down with the tiny cup in hand. I'm busting at the seams anyway and ready to finally let it go. It doesn't take long to fill the cup. (It is at this point I wish I had another one of those wet wipes handy.)
As I sit there, thinking this has to be much easier for a man (i.e. aiming in the cup), I see the instructions on the little trap door. Snap. I probably should have read those before I started this whole process.
I immediately take issue with step #3. "Urinate a small amount into the toilet." Seriously? You're telling me I am supposed to go a little, stop, put the collection cup in the stream and then fill it 1/2 - 3/4 full?! Ha. I would have to shut the spigot off again and that is not happening. I could just about fill a quart jug, I'm tellin' you. And once it starts, there is no stopping it.
I start laughing because it is so ridiculous. Obviously, a female, who is nearing 40, has given birth and consumes large amounts of water was not consulted during the instruction-creating process. I'm also wondering if the lab tech is curious about what in the world is taking me so long?
I gather my thoughts, my britches and the plastic cap for the 'collection' cup and wash my hands/wrists/forearms thoroughly (although really I feel as if a full-blown shower is in order), place the tiny plastic cup behind the little bitty door and exit. I think I was successful in obtaining a sample, although I can't be sure nothing was contaminated.
Next time, I'll be ready. I'll go to the restroom right before I go in to the lab...because there's just no holding it back.
As a follow-up to my post about blood draws and drinking all the water, let me move on to test number two - the urine test.
The #1 side effect to drinking water all day long is having to use the restroom all day long.
When the sweet lab tech asked me if I thought I could give a urine sample, I laughed and said, "Anytime, anywhere." And I meant that.
So I take the plastic cup and the little wipe (this is something new in the past few years, I think) into the bathroom. Just looking at a toilet gets things flowing, if you know what I mean, and the pee dance begins.
I do the necessary cleaning and squat down with the tiny cup in hand. I'm busting at the seams anyway and ready to finally let it go. It doesn't take long to fill the cup. (It is at this point I wish I had another one of those wet wipes handy.)
As I sit there, thinking this has to be much easier for a man (i.e. aiming in the cup), I see the instructions on the little trap door. Snap. I probably should have read those before I started this whole process.
I immediately take issue with step #3. "Urinate a small amount into the toilet." Seriously? You're telling me I am supposed to go a little, stop, put the collection cup in the stream and then fill it 1/2 - 3/4 full?! Ha. I would have to shut the spigot off again and that is not happening. I could just about fill a quart jug, I'm tellin' you. And once it starts, there is no stopping it.
I start laughing because it is so ridiculous. Obviously, a female, who is nearing 40, has given birth and consumes large amounts of water was not consulted during the instruction-creating process. I'm also wondering if the lab tech is curious about what in the world is taking me so long?
I gather my thoughts, my britches and the plastic cap for the 'collection' cup and wash my hands/wrists/forearms thoroughly (although really I feel as if a full-blown shower is in order), place the tiny plastic cup behind the little bitty door and exit. I think I was successful in obtaining a sample, although I can't be sure nothing was contaminated.
Next time, I'll be ready. I'll go to the restroom right before I go in to the lab...because there's just no holding it back.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
The Secret - H20
Last week I went for some routine blood/urine testing. Historically speaking, I'm a horrible blood giver. So is the Quackdaddy and so was my Grandma K. Now I believe I know why.
BC (before children) the water this body consumed was either from brushing my teeth or what it absorbed through a shower. I drank Diet Pepsi (actually, the real stuff back then) and lots of chocolate milk. Occasionally some tea or juice. Never water. Ever. Ugh.
Blood draws for me were excruciating. It was always an ordeal. They would poke and prod one elbow, then ask to try the other one, repeatedly. It was awful. I remember nearly passing out in the OB/GYN's office after probably ten attempts on a simple blood test. I finally told the gal I couldn't take anymore, could I please get someone else to try. She sent me to the hospital lab, where they used a butterfly needle. That was a gift from God. I guess they use them on small children. I didn't care. It worked. I could actually fill a vial without my veins rolling or collapsing or whatever it is they would do.
I have always avoided blood drives because of the troubles and decided it wasn't worth it to me (which is very selfish, I know). My dad has been told never to give blood, after, what I can only guess are, somewhat similar experiences with his veins and my grandma also had trouble with her veins. I chalked it up to the genes. (Neither one of those two drink much, if any, water.)
I haven't had a lick of trouble the past few years. In fact, I used to preempt the dreaded prick by asking for the butterfly needle and explaining the difficulties. Lately, I have stopped giving that info because these days it isn't a problem at all.
I was chatting with the sweet lab tech the other day about this and she said something about the body being hydrated and how that really helps in a blood draw. That is when it clicked. I drink tons of water now and have AC (after children). I don't know what little switch turned inside of me when I had Madolyn, but after she was born, I started drinking water.
I discovered that as long as the water was in a bottle or ice cold at a restaurant, I could drink it. That is when I made the recycling commitment (which is the bane of Jay's existence, he'll tell you). If I was going to drink bottled water, I was going to recycle each and every one of those plastic bottles. Even though it is a pain...and inconvenient.
Right now I'm up to drinking about 70+ ounces of water a day. I have kicked my Crystal Lite to the curb and other than a glass of tea in the evening, or a Diet Pepsi with some pizza, I am mostly drinking water. If nothing else, it makes the blood flow much easier out of my veins...ha! So now you know, H20 is the secret to a smooth blood draw!
BC (before children) the water this body consumed was either from brushing my teeth or what it absorbed through a shower. I drank Diet Pepsi (actually, the real stuff back then) and lots of chocolate milk. Occasionally some tea or juice. Never water. Ever. Ugh.
Blood draws for me were excruciating. It was always an ordeal. They would poke and prod one elbow, then ask to try the other one, repeatedly. It was awful. I remember nearly passing out in the OB/GYN's office after probably ten attempts on a simple blood test. I finally told the gal I couldn't take anymore, could I please get someone else to try. She sent me to the hospital lab, where they used a butterfly needle. That was a gift from God. I guess they use them on small children. I didn't care. It worked. I could actually fill a vial without my veins rolling or collapsing or whatever it is they would do.
I have always avoided blood drives because of the troubles and decided it wasn't worth it to me (which is very selfish, I know). My dad has been told never to give blood, after, what I can only guess are, somewhat similar experiences with his veins and my grandma also had trouble with her veins. I chalked it up to the genes. (Neither one of those two drink much, if any, water.)
I haven't had a lick of trouble the past few years. In fact, I used to preempt the dreaded prick by asking for the butterfly needle and explaining the difficulties. Lately, I have stopped giving that info because these days it isn't a problem at all.
I was chatting with the sweet lab tech the other day about this and she said something about the body being hydrated and how that really helps in a blood draw. That is when it clicked. I drink tons of water now and have AC (after children). I don't know what little switch turned inside of me when I had Madolyn, but after she was born, I started drinking water.
I discovered that as long as the water was in a bottle or ice cold at a restaurant, I could drink it. That is when I made the recycling commitment (which is the bane of Jay's existence, he'll tell you). If I was going to drink bottled water, I was going to recycle each and every one of those plastic bottles. Even though it is a pain...and inconvenient.
Right now I'm up to drinking about 70+ ounces of water a day. I have kicked my Crystal Lite to the curb and other than a glass of tea in the evening, or a Diet Pepsi with some pizza, I am mostly drinking water. If nothing else, it makes the blood flow much easier out of my veins...ha! So now you know, H20 is the secret to a smooth blood draw!
Monday, October 6, 2014
Lucky girl
'Tis the season of Football games and Tp'ing. They go hand-in-hand, almost. Saturday night we were at Lane's playoff football game. Madolyn was in the grandstands with her friends. She bought some M&M's and took out her bottom retainer to eat them. Put it in her hoodie pocket. And then...
Let me digress a moment. Madolyn had retainers in grade school, braces for 18 months (just got them off in August) and is back to wearing the retainers. The bottom ones all the times, the upper only at night. For now. We have been all over her about wearing these retainers because her teeth are beautiful...and it wasn't cheap. We don't want them moving back into their prior position.
Now, back to the story... After the game, Jay had promised Mad he would take her and some friends out tp'ing after the game. They dropped me off at home and away they went.
I was sound asleep when the tribe arrived home, but of course, that didn't last ten seconds. Mad came in and told me all about their adventures, and, uh, that she could not find her bottom retainer. Snap. I was as alarmed as I could be in my stupor, told her to check her pockets, look in the car, etc. She had told me she remembered taking them out when she went to eat the M&M's at the game. I told her we should look in the bleachers, where she was sitting and then went back to sleep.
Sunday morning came, she was still stewing about the missing retainer. Jay and I told her she would be footing the bill on this one. She agreed that was fair. We went to church and then later ate lunch at Jay's parents.
As soon as we were done eating, she asked if I would take her up to the school to search the bleachers. Off we went. As we got out of the car, I whispered the prayer, "God, if we're meant to find them, let us find them." And honestly, I was still pretty skeptical. They had left the game and been all over creation. That tiny clear plastic piece with a wire could be almost anywhere between the bleachers and Neadmore corner.
We forged ahead. Mad took to the top of the bleachers where she was sitting with her friends and I started at the bottom of the steps. She quickly announced it was no use, to which I replied, "You give up way too easy. Keep looking."
All of a sudden, she says in the most matter of fact, calm voice (much like the "big mouse in your bedroom" comment from two weeks ago), "I found it."
Lo' and behold, there it was. She was so relieved. Her first words were, "Why am I so lucky?" I said, "Did you pray about it?" "Yeah, I did, last night." "Well, so did I as soon as we got out of the car."
She told me later it wasn't even about having to pay for this one, she was scared her teeth would shift while waiting for a new one to be made. I am glad she was concerned. Hopefully, she'll be a little more careful with it from now on.
I don't chalk this one up to luck. The power of prayer is awesome. I'm so thankful our god hears even the smallest of cries.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Latest food fad - Smoothies
I didn't realize this about myself until my friend, "Beth" pointed it out to me. We were talking about food (big surprise) and she asked me what my latest "fad" was. I'm not sure fad was the exact word she used, but that works for what she meant, I do believe. Hmm, I had never, ever thought of it that way, but she was exactly right. I find something I like and get fixated on it...for a while anyway.
I know, most of you that know us well might be cracking up at this serious revelation. The Wilhoit's get fixated on something and then move on? WHAT? I know, it's totallyabsurd correct. (Re: goats, chickens, horses, race horses, pigs...)
I suppose that is one reason Jay and I tolerate each other so well, for the most part, ha.
Now, back to our story...
My latest fad in foods is the green smoothie for breakfast. I was on Facebook (goodness, what did we do without it?) and saw where a couple friends, one who has battled cancer and just a lot of crud, started eating/drinking these smoothies for breakfast. They talked about how healthy and filling they were, how delicious they tasted, blah, blah, blah. I inquired of the ingredients and was beyond skeptical.
The gross stuff: Spinach, kale, chia seeds, ground flax, honey, protein powder...
Do any of those ingredients alarm you? They sure did me. Spinach and kale...ugh. That's like, healthy stuff...that only Jay would eat. Gross. I'm supposed to drink that in a smoothie? And it is good? I do not even think it is possible. Honey is semi-tolerable and I'm really trying to use it more instead of sugar (in fairness, maybe it should be on the other list), but I'm not a big fan.
And chia - do you remember Chia pets? Surely, that is not the same little black seed?! Going in my belly to 'fill' me up...eeew. Cha-cha-cha-CHIA sounds a lot like a term we use around our house, "cha, cha, cha," when we are sick...if you get what I'm driving at.
And now the tolerable ingredients: Frozen fruit, a splash of OJ, Almond milk or coconut water (have you tasted that stuff plain? Ugh). These were the only parts of the smoothie that I could even consider ingesting.
After talking with my friends about how good these smoothies were, I figured what doesn't kill us makes us stronger (who even decided that was true?), and I forged ahead with the plan to introduce these healthy green smoothies into my diet.
I acquired the ingredients they had suggested and bought a cheap version of a Ninja (wish I had the Ninja now, but maybe some day...) and gave it a shot.
I was told that freezing the kale and spinach, as well as the fruit, helped drastically with the consistency of the smoothie. (Anything to make it more pleasing to my pallet was worth a try.) So I chopped and bagged up spinach, kale and fruit. With the fruit, I first put the fruit pieces onto wax paper on top of a cookie sheet to freeze. After they are firm, I put the pieces in freezer baggies. It works out well and let me tell you, freezing the fruit and greens is essential. I have tried the smoothie using fresh ingredients and it truly is not the same.
So the verdict: I LOVE THE GREEN SMOOTHIE, even with the eeewy-gooey ingredients in it. It is so delicious and you can't even tell there is spinach or kale in it. The chia seeds get stuck in my teeth, but I figure if they will swell into a fluffy 'fro and cause me to eat less, I'll take it.
The one thing I was worried about was whether the smoothie would hold me over until my 10:30 apple snack. I was delighted to discover it does just as much as my oatmeal and blueberries did (which is now my latest lunch fad because I love it so). I even got Jay hooked on them.
We mix it up every now and then depending on what fruit we have available. I have found that a half a banana is essential (for me) in the flavoring. And adding a fresh banana just does not do it justice. Even nearly rotten bananas -frozen- are good for this. My favorite blend is half a banana, half an apple and the other ingredients. We also use a frozen fruit mix that Walmart sells containing pineapple, strawberries, mango and peaches with half a banana. It is pretty good. Oh, and blueberries are yummy too.
We still can't get the kiddos to try it. And by try, I mean they won't even take a little sip. "It's gross." Hey, I thought it was gross too, until I tried it.
Just in case you're curious, I'll put the so-called recipe in writing for you. You have to kind of tweak the amount of liquids you use to get the consistency you want.
Almond milk, coconut water & orange juice. You can use just almond milk or just coconut water but add either a splash of OJ or a pinch of Tang powder, (that's what I'm using because I couldn't keep orange juice around long enough). We actually use half of each...half almond milk (unsweetened 30 calorie vanilla) with half coconut water (it's supposed to be very good for your skin, among other things, it is just terrible plain), a pinch of Tang, half a scoop of vanilla protein powder (Jay may use a whole scoop), a squirt of honey, a teaspoon of ground flax, teaspoon of chia seeds (I actually mix those up in a little container and just scoop out some), 1/2 banana, 1/2 apple (or handful of other fruit) and a handful of the frozen kale and spinach. Blend well and enjoy.
There are all kinds of different variations out there of a 'green smoothie,' this just happens to be the one I've latched onto. I'm sure there are some that are actually healthier, but maybe not as tasty. I think I'll stick with this one for now...
Let me know if you decide to try it or have any questions. I'm not an expert, but currently I'm all about this latest food fad :)
I know, most of you that know us well might be cracking up at this serious revelation. The Wilhoit's get fixated on something and then move on? WHAT? I know, it's totally
I suppose that is one reason Jay and I tolerate each other so well, for the most part, ha.
Now, back to our story...
My latest fad in foods is the green smoothie for breakfast. I was on Facebook (goodness, what did we do without it?) and saw where a couple friends, one who has battled cancer and just a lot of crud, started eating/drinking these smoothies for breakfast. They talked about how healthy and filling they were, how delicious they tasted, blah, blah, blah. I inquired of the ingredients and was beyond skeptical.
The gross stuff: Spinach, kale, chia seeds, ground flax, honey, protein powder...
Do any of those ingredients alarm you? They sure did me. Spinach and kale...ugh. That's like, healthy stuff...that only Jay would eat. Gross. I'm supposed to drink that in a smoothie? And it is good? I do not even think it is possible. Honey is semi-tolerable and I'm really trying to use it more instead of sugar (in fairness, maybe it should be on the other list), but I'm not a big fan.
And chia - do you remember Chia pets? Surely, that is not the same little black seed?! Going in my belly to 'fill' me up...eeew. Cha-cha-cha-CHIA sounds a lot like a term we use around our house, "cha, cha, cha," when we are sick...if you get what I'm driving at.
And now the tolerable ingredients: Frozen fruit, a splash of OJ, Almond milk or coconut water (have you tasted that stuff plain? Ugh). These were the only parts of the smoothie that I could even consider ingesting.
After talking with my friends about how good these smoothies were, I figured what doesn't kill us makes us stronger (who even decided that was true?), and I forged ahead with the plan to introduce these healthy green smoothies into my diet.
I acquired the ingredients they had suggested and bought a cheap version of a Ninja (wish I had the Ninja now, but maybe some day...) and gave it a shot.
I was told that freezing the kale and spinach, as well as the fruit, helped drastically with the consistency of the smoothie. (Anything to make it more pleasing to my pallet was worth a try.) So I chopped and bagged up spinach, kale and fruit. With the fruit, I first put the fruit pieces onto wax paper on top of a cookie sheet to freeze. After they are firm, I put the pieces in freezer baggies. It works out well and let me tell you, freezing the fruit and greens is essential. I have tried the smoothie using fresh ingredients and it truly is not the same.
So the verdict: I LOVE THE GREEN SMOOTHIE, even with the eeewy-gooey ingredients in it. It is so delicious and you can't even tell there is spinach or kale in it. The chia seeds get stuck in my teeth, but I figure if they will swell into a fluffy 'fro and cause me to eat less, I'll take it.
| Why yes, we garnish our smoothie....not! (Borrowed image) |
We mix it up every now and then depending on what fruit we have available. I have found that a half a banana is essential (for me) in the flavoring. And adding a fresh banana just does not do it justice. Even nearly rotten bananas -frozen- are good for this. My favorite blend is half a banana, half an apple and the other ingredients. We also use a frozen fruit mix that Walmart sells containing pineapple, strawberries, mango and peaches with half a banana. It is pretty good. Oh, and blueberries are yummy too.
We still can't get the kiddos to try it. And by try, I mean they won't even take a little sip. "It's gross." Hey, I thought it was gross too, until I tried it.
Just in case you're curious, I'll put the so-called recipe in writing for you. You have to kind of tweak the amount of liquids you use to get the consistency you want.
Almond milk, coconut water & orange juice. You can use just almond milk or just coconut water but add either a splash of OJ or a pinch of Tang powder, (that's what I'm using because I couldn't keep orange juice around long enough). We actually use half of each...half almond milk (unsweetened 30 calorie vanilla) with half coconut water (it's supposed to be very good for your skin, among other things, it is just terrible plain), a pinch of Tang, half a scoop of vanilla protein powder (Jay may use a whole scoop), a squirt of honey, a teaspoon of ground flax, teaspoon of chia seeds (I actually mix those up in a little container and just scoop out some), 1/2 banana, 1/2 apple (or handful of other fruit) and a handful of the frozen kale and spinach. Blend well and enjoy.
There are all kinds of different variations out there of a 'green smoothie,' this just happens to be the one I've latched onto. I'm sure there are some that are actually healthier, but maybe not as tasty. I think I'll stick with this one for now...
Let me know if you decide to try it or have any questions. I'm not an expert, but currently I'm all about this latest food fad :)
Monday, September 29, 2014
Back in the day
Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth. The fear and dread of you will fall on all the beasts of the earth, and on all the birds in the sky, on every creature that moves along the ground, and on all the fish in the sea; they are given into your hands. Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything. Genesis 9:1-4 (NIV)
This weekend was spent running here and there with our kiddos and their friends. It's exhausting, but we wouldn't have it any other way. It was great family/friend time. As we were dropping one of the extras off and near the area where the old slaughter house used to be, a conversation started.
Jay and I told the kids that when we were in 8th grade and taking the Intro to Ag class, we did a unit on the various cuts of meat and took a field trip to the local slaughter house, where we experienced the entire process. From start to finish.
Like, everything.
Live cow. Dead cow. Skinned cow. Cuts of meat.
I think back on that now and can't even believe that was a school-approved activity...but I'm thinking of it in terms of present day.
Back in the day, it's what we did. There wasn't much discussion about it because, after all, that is the natural process of what goes on between the cow standing in the field and the hamburger or steak we eat. Plain and simple.
We are meat eaters and accept that that is the process.
We are also Christians and believe that animals like a cow, for instance, were created by God to nourish our bodies.
I can only imagine what kind of chaos would ensue if this field trip were suggested today. We must protect our kids from these horrific images - you know, the blood, the guts, the gore. It could cause real psychological damage.
But it's okay if they watch gory movies and play bloody video games because they're only pretend.
Oh, how I wish sometimes we were back in the day...
This weekend was spent running here and there with our kiddos and their friends. It's exhausting, but we wouldn't have it any other way. It was great family/friend time. As we were dropping one of the extras off and near the area where the old slaughter house used to be, a conversation started.
Jay and I told the kids that when we were in 8th grade and taking the Intro to Ag class, we did a unit on the various cuts of meat and took a field trip to the local slaughter house, where we experienced the entire process. From start to finish.
Like, everything.
Live cow. Dead cow. Skinned cow. Cuts of meat.
I think back on that now and can't even believe that was a school-approved activity...but I'm thinking of it in terms of present day.
Back in the day, it's what we did. There wasn't much discussion about it because, after all, that is the natural process of what goes on between the cow standing in the field and the hamburger or steak we eat. Plain and simple.
We are meat eaters and accept that that is the process.
We are also Christians and believe that animals like a cow, for instance, were created by God to nourish our bodies.
I can only imagine what kind of chaos would ensue if this field trip were suggested today. We must protect our kids from these horrific images - you know, the blood, the guts, the gore. It could cause real psychological damage.
But it's okay if they watch gory movies and play bloody video games because they're only pretend.
Oh, how I wish sometimes we were back in the day...
Friday, September 26, 2014
The Dynamic Mouser Duo
Sunday afternoon the kids were in the living room playing a game and I heard Lane scream (he screams like a girl - it's pitiful). I ran out there and he was standing over a very small gray thing on the floor in front of the television. It was so small that I had to bend down to make out what it was. It was a deceased baby mouse that looked like it had been through the wringer (might I suggest repeatedly) at some point in the past few days. It was not a fresh kill. Ugh.
I scooped up the carcass and threw it out the back door. We carried on as usual. And by "usual" I mean, it is not necessarily unusual for us to have dead (or live) creatures brought into the house by the felines.
The weather has been so glorious. It was super silly to be running the air conditioner, so Jay got the screens out and put them in the living room windows. In the past, we have ignored the fact that our windows came with screens and opened them anyway...hence the dead (or live) varmints brought into the house by our vicious kitties.
The screens solved the problem of the kitties and the windows, however, now that we have Moxie and she is in the early stages of potty-training, leaving the sliding patio door open is a must when she's inside. If you miss her split-second stare at the back door to go out, she pees right there. (And I do mean she has a bladder control problem because it's mere seconds.) I've found it's much easier to keep the door open a little.
I can only assume that the nasty, baby mouse carcass was carried in through the back door by one of the sweet kittens.
Sunday evening, Jay, Madolyn & I are sitting on our bed chatting (I know, amazing, but my 14-year-old likes to do that every now and then). All of a sudden, as calm as could be, Madolyn looks down at the floor by our bedroom door and says, "There is a big fat mouse." Her expression was pretty flat, she wasn't overly excited, screaming and carrying on (unlike her brother earlier). Jay and I didn't take her serious at all. She repeated herself and we waited for her to make a joke about it...
And then we both leaned forward and discovered there was a very fat mouse just inside our bedroom door, with a drip of blood coming out of its ear. Jay quickly hopped off the bed, got a dirty sock and threw the wounded mouse outside.
Neither one of us could believe how Madolyn, who is terrified of the tiniest of spiders, was not freaking out over the bloodied mouse staring up at her. She remained surprisingly calm and then started laughing at us. (We weren't quite as calm.)
I know what you're thinking, oh my gosh, what is wrong with you people? I can't say as though I have a decent answer. I guess my personal thoughts are, I'd rather pick up a bloody mouse and toss it outside than clean up a pee puddle.
Here's to hoping Moxie's potty training and patience progress quickly...so we can shut that back door to keep the wounded prey out of our house.
As for the Dynamic Duo there, they need to kill whatever they attack and keep it outside.
I scooped up the carcass and threw it out the back door. We carried on as usual. And by "usual" I mean, it is not necessarily unusual for us to have dead (or live) creatures brought into the house by the felines.
The weather has been so glorious. It was super silly to be running the air conditioner, so Jay got the screens out and put them in the living room windows. In the past, we have ignored the fact that our windows came with screens and opened them anyway...hence the dead (or live) varmints brought into the house by our vicious kitties.
The screens solved the problem of the kitties and the windows, however, now that we have Moxie and she is in the early stages of potty-training, leaving the sliding patio door open is a must when she's inside. If you miss her split-second stare at the back door to go out, she pees right there. (And I do mean she has a bladder control problem because it's mere seconds.) I've found it's much easier to keep the door open a little.
I can only assume that the nasty, baby mouse carcass was carried in through the back door by one of the sweet kittens.
Sunday evening, Jay, Madolyn & I are sitting on our bed chatting (I know, amazing, but my 14-year-old likes to do that every now and then). All of a sudden, as calm as could be, Madolyn looks down at the floor by our bedroom door and says, "There is a big fat mouse." Her expression was pretty flat, she wasn't overly excited, screaming and carrying on (unlike her brother earlier). Jay and I didn't take her serious at all. She repeated herself and we waited for her to make a joke about it...
And then we both leaned forward and discovered there was a very fat mouse just inside our bedroom door, with a drip of blood coming out of its ear. Jay quickly hopped off the bed, got a dirty sock and threw the wounded mouse outside.
Neither one of us could believe how Madolyn, who is terrified of the tiniest of spiders, was not freaking out over the bloodied mouse staring up at her. She remained surprisingly calm and then started laughing at us. (We weren't quite as calm.)
I know what you're thinking, oh my gosh, what is wrong with you people? I can't say as though I have a decent answer. I guess my personal thoughts are, I'd rather pick up a bloody mouse and toss it outside than clean up a pee puddle.
Here's to hoping Moxie's potty training and patience progress quickly...so we can shut that back door to keep the wounded prey out of our house.
 |
| the Dynamic Mouser Duo on break |
As for the Dynamic Duo there, they need to kill whatever they attack and keep it outside.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Bunny fun
After the 4H fair, our neighbor boys gave their 4H rabbits to our kids. As we have been around this block before, Jay told the kids the only way the bunnies were coming home with us if we did not have to cage and take care of them. Sounds perfect, huh? The kids agreed and Marshmallow & Midnight came to live at our farm. Marshmallow was completely white and Midnight was completely black. Go figure.
The rabbits stayed near the barn and occasionally we would see them zipping around through the woods, around the barn, near the pool, darting here and there. Then all of a sudden, Midnight went AWOL. We can only assume he was eaten by a bear...or something.
Early on it was discovered that the rabbits were living in the loft of the barn. Funny imagining them hopping up and down the barn stairs! The kids found the area they would snuggle up in the insulation (sounds cozy, huh?) in the 90+ degree weather. UGH. And then the kitties spotted them.
The daily ritual began. Early in the morning when the kitties went outside to explore, they would meet up with their friend, the white rabbit, and play. No joke. They played together. One morning we saw Moxie, Boo and Marshmallow out there circling one another. It was hysterical. Who would've thought a Bloodhound puppy, kitten and rabbit could play together safely?!
Marshmallow, the all-white rabbit, who simply cannot hide or camouflage itself had not been seen since the Quackdaddy's surprise party and we feared it, too, had succumbed to nature's fury. Alas, Jay texted this morning and said Marshmallow has been spotted!
Now I'm starting to wonder...did this little hiatus involve a litter of baby bunnies? The kids tell me both rabbits were males, but I still wonder why Marshmallow was gone so long. I'm curious to know if our backyard will soon be a bunny-play zone...or perhaps a bunny prey-zone.
Two mice have been slain by our ravenous kitties this week...this could get interesting. Hunger Games, take 2.
The rabbits stayed near the barn and occasionally we would see them zipping around through the woods, around the barn, near the pool, darting here and there. Then all of a sudden, Midnight went AWOL. We can only assume he was eaten by a bear...or something.
Early on it was discovered that the rabbits were living in the loft of the barn. Funny imagining them hopping up and down the barn stairs! The kids found the area they would snuggle up in the insulation (sounds cozy, huh?) in the 90+ degree weather. UGH. And then the kitties spotted them.
 |
| Look close, see Boots by the tire, the all-white rabbit and Josie right next to it. |
Marshmallow, the all-white rabbit, who simply cannot hide or camouflage itself had not been seen since the Quackdaddy's surprise party and we feared it, too, had succumbed to nature's fury. Alas, Jay texted this morning and said Marshmallow has been spotted!
Now I'm starting to wonder...did this little hiatus involve a litter of baby bunnies? The kids tell me both rabbits were males, but I still wonder why Marshmallow was gone so long. I'm curious to know if our backyard will soon be a bunny-play zone...or perhaps a bunny prey-zone.
Two mice have been slain by our ravenous kitties this week...this could get interesting. Hunger Games, take 2.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Paying it forward
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34 (NIV)
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10 (NIV)
I saw on the news there was a pay-it-forward marathon so-to-speak at a Starbucks somewhere in Florida. Around 7:00 a.m. one morning a lady ordering herself a specialty drink paid for hers and the person's behind her, setting off a chain reaction at that Starbucks which lasted until around 6:00 p.m. that evening. 378 people in a row kept paying it forward. (Don't you wonder if the 379th person understood what was going on?)
A friend of mine on FB posted a few days ago something in regards to the Starbucks story, paraphrasing, don't people realize if they want to pay it forward there are people who need more essential things like formula, diapers, food, etc., not a high-dollar latte. I understand where he is coming from sort of. I so wanted to post a reply and decided not to cause a debate on his page, or make him feel bad.
So here goes my thoughts on the subject...
Paying it forward is an act of kindness, hopefully stemming from a loving heart. Whether you're paying it forward through a monetary gift or doing a good deed, the idea behind it is doing something for someone else without expecting anything in return. No strings attached. Here is a gift...just because.
I love the idea of the randomness of paying for someone's order behind you in the drive-thru. In the moment, you make a decision without deep thought, no judgments. Does the person really need it? Are they deserving? It's not about whether the person you're paying it forward to can afford it or deserves it. If that's why you're doing it, then you're missing the point.
Jesus commands us to love one another and put others before us. He doesn't leave much room for interpretation or set out a list of qualification guidelines. I have no doubt Jesus delights in donations made to those in serious need...just as he would if you bought a stranger a cup of coffee. It's all about love.
And you never know when you're entertaining angels... Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Hebrews 13:2 (NKJV)
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10 (NIV)
I saw on the news there was a pay-it-forward marathon so-to-speak at a Starbucks somewhere in Florida. Around 7:00 a.m. one morning a lady ordering herself a specialty drink paid for hers and the person's behind her, setting off a chain reaction at that Starbucks which lasted until around 6:00 p.m. that evening. 378 people in a row kept paying it forward. (Don't you wonder if the 379th person understood what was going on?)
A friend of mine on FB posted a few days ago something in regards to the Starbucks story, paraphrasing, don't people realize if they want to pay it forward there are people who need more essential things like formula, diapers, food, etc., not a high-dollar latte. I understand where he is coming from sort of. I so wanted to post a reply and decided not to cause a debate on his page, or make him feel bad.
So here goes my thoughts on the subject...
Paying it forward is an act of kindness, hopefully stemming from a loving heart. Whether you're paying it forward through a monetary gift or doing a good deed, the idea behind it is doing something for someone else without expecting anything in return. No strings attached. Here is a gift...just because.
I love the idea of the randomness of paying for someone's order behind you in the drive-thru. In the moment, you make a decision without deep thought, no judgments. Does the person really need it? Are they deserving? It's not about whether the person you're paying it forward to can afford it or deserves it. If that's why you're doing it, then you're missing the point.
Jesus commands us to love one another and put others before us. He doesn't leave much room for interpretation or set out a list of qualification guidelines. I have no doubt Jesus delights in donations made to those in serious need...just as he would if you bought a stranger a cup of coffee. It's all about love.
And you never know when you're entertaining angels... Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Hebrews 13:2 (NKJV)
Thursday, September 11, 2014
What were you doing...
thirteen years ago, about 7:45 a.m.? I remember it clearly. I was doing what I always did Monday through Friday, I was driving down Route 1 on my way to work. My mother called me, which was a little unusual because I had just dropped Madolyn off at her house. I was passing through an area where I didn't have great reception, but I was able to answer her call. I heard every word she said, but was perplexed by it. It didn't really click with me the enormity of the situation until I got to work and turned on my computer.
I remained glued to that computer almost all day. Watching the coverage, reading the latest updates, waiting for what was to happen next. Wondering how it would affect me...I mean, really affect me on a personal level. Because isn't that what we are all really worried about when it comes down to a situation like that. How will my life change?
I didn't know anyone that was murdered by the terrorists. I live miles and miles away from New York, Pennsylvania and the Pentagon, it doesn't really affect me. Oh, but it did, and still does.
It's one of those life-changing events. We all have them, whether on a personal level or something like this. You hear the elder generation talking about where they were when they got the news that President Kennedy had been assassinated,when John Lennon was killed, about the attack on Pearl Harbor, when Elvis died, etc. Unfortunately, I'm compiling my own list like that, the Challenger disaster, Princess Diana's death, 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, etc.
On the evening of 9/11 when I left work, I tried to get gas and it was a nightmare. There were lines at every gas station, causing traffic jams (even in little Lawrenceville), the gas prices had been jacked way up, but everyone was still in a panic and determined to get what they could right then..before it wasn't available at all. Because that was the fear, that afternoon for me at least...not knowing what the future would hold, scared the gasoline supply would be shut off. My plan that evening was to top off the tank, no matter what the cost, and get home to watch and wait...wondering if it the attacks were over.
Hearing amazing stories that would come out of the tragedy later brought some sense of light to the darkness caused that day. There were many who became heroes, some lived to tell about it, others did not. I cannot even begin to understand what it would've been like to have received a telephone call from a loved one, who moments later, would be crushed to death. It seems surreal.
I wonder what our kids will think of this history lesson. Will they understand how scary it was that day, waiting to see if there would be more attacks, wondering if there were terrorists planted throughout the United States waiting to set off a chain reaction of destruction and despair? My guess is they will not get it, unfortunately, until they have their own life-changing event like I mentioned before. I know I sure didn't.
I remained glued to that computer almost all day. Watching the coverage, reading the latest updates, waiting for what was to happen next. Wondering how it would affect me...I mean, really affect me on a personal level. Because isn't that what we are all really worried about when it comes down to a situation like that. How will my life change?
I didn't know anyone that was murdered by the terrorists. I live miles and miles away from New York, Pennsylvania and the Pentagon, it doesn't really affect me. Oh, but it did, and still does.
It's one of those life-changing events. We all have them, whether on a personal level or something like this. You hear the elder generation talking about where they were when they got the news that President Kennedy had been assassinated,when John Lennon was killed, about the attack on Pearl Harbor, when Elvis died, etc. Unfortunately, I'm compiling my own list like that, the Challenger disaster, Princess Diana's death, 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, etc.
On the evening of 9/11 when I left work, I tried to get gas and it was a nightmare. There were lines at every gas station, causing traffic jams (even in little Lawrenceville), the gas prices had been jacked way up, but everyone was still in a panic and determined to get what they could right then..before it wasn't available at all. Because that was the fear, that afternoon for me at least...not knowing what the future would hold, scared the gasoline supply would be shut off. My plan that evening was to top off the tank, no matter what the cost, and get home to watch and wait...wondering if it the attacks were over.
Hearing amazing stories that would come out of the tragedy later brought some sense of light to the darkness caused that day. There were many who became heroes, some lived to tell about it, others did not. I cannot even begin to understand what it would've been like to have received a telephone call from a loved one, who moments later, would be crushed to death. It seems surreal.
I wonder what our kids will think of this history lesson. Will they understand how scary it was that day, waiting to see if there would be more attacks, wondering if there were terrorists planted throughout the United States waiting to set off a chain reaction of destruction and despair? My guess is they will not get it, unfortunately, until they have their own life-changing event like I mentioned before. I know I sure didn't.
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