Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
Ha, no, I'm not talking about that book that everyone has read...I'm talking about my drive home from work on Thursday. How many shades of green did I see? Seems like at least 50!
I tell you, it was like I had been asleep in a cave or something. As I started home, even in the drizzling rain, I was amazed at the various shades of green popping out everywhere. It was absolutely beautiful. Green to my right, to my left, up, down, in the trees, oh, it was everywhere and I loved it! Green has always been one of my three favorite colors and seeing all of it the other night just made me smile. And it was even raining.
Usually if it's cloudy and/or rainy, I'm not in the mood to smile. But that night I was beaming because of all the verde. I was thanking God for the warmer temps and even praising him for any rain coming our way because we know what happened last year...which got me thinking...really, we haven't seen much green around here since about June of last year because of the drought. Maybe that is why those luscious green colors jumped out at me.
Just looking across a field, I noticed about four different shades of green. There was a soft, wispy green that kind of frosted the more vibrant green that was lying underneath. It was almost like I was looking at a painting. And when you think about it, it really is, with God as the artist behind this masterpiece.
That night right before bed, Jay and I were talking and he mentioned how everything seemed to have brightened up in about 24 hours. Yes, I am not crazy, I wasn't the only one who seemed to think all this green literally appeared out of nowhere. Earlier that morning, Madolyn and I were looking out the living room window and we both were shocked at the site of the Bradford Pear tree. Where did all those blooms come from? They weren't here yesterday, were they?
I can't help but think of the verse I noted above. I'm so glad the new creation has come. I'm so happy the old, dried-up, dead grass is gone and the new vibrant, healthy grass is here. And I'm thankful to the Lord for the many beautiful shades of green!
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Friday, April 12, 2013
Then do something
Today in the truck, I was reflecting on a conversation I just recently had with a couple of people about a group that is working so very hard in our community to better our town. It got me thinking...
I guess there are a few in our little town that think certain projects being pursued are not necessary, ridiculous and/or a waste of money. That's fine. You are entitled to your opinions. And some of those people don't want to support any type of fundraiser where the proceeds may go to a particular project because they don't like the idea. Okay, you have that right. Save your money.
And regardless of how I feel about the project(s) that are being pursued, here is my argument on the subject matter...just in case anyone cares or wants to know :) If you think we need X or Y to improve our community, then do something. Form a committee, draw up the plans, get the fundraising together and go for it.
It is only natural that not everyone will agree on the same ideas, but just seeing the community come together and try to make our little town a better place is worth it to me. And you never know what one project might lead to down the road, once the momentum gets going. Maybe it's not what you think needs to be done, but don't badmouth the effort and hard work of those trying to improve the community. I believe great things are in store for Martinsville and it will take many people to make those things happen. Support the overall cause and do something.
I guess there are a few in our little town that think certain projects being pursued are not necessary, ridiculous and/or a waste of money. That's fine. You are entitled to your opinions. And some of those people don't want to support any type of fundraiser where the proceeds may go to a particular project because they don't like the idea. Okay, you have that right. Save your money.
And regardless of how I feel about the project(s) that are being pursued, here is my argument on the subject matter...just in case anyone cares or wants to know :) If you think we need X or Y to improve our community, then do something. Form a committee, draw up the plans, get the fundraising together and go for it.
It is only natural that not everyone will agree on the same ideas, but just seeing the community come together and try to make our little town a better place is worth it to me. And you never know what one project might lead to down the road, once the momentum gets going. Maybe it's not what you think needs to be done, but don't badmouth the effort and hard work of those trying to improve the community. I believe great things are in store for Martinsville and it will take many people to make those things happen. Support the overall cause and do something.
**And just to be clear, I'm not on any of the committees associated with Martinsville on the Move. I simply support their efforts and applaud them for their devotion to our community.**
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Sweet Kitty
Naughty Kitty is what this should be titled. The Outlaw Josie Wilhoit is a stinker. But we love her. It's kind of like your children. You know, they drive you absolutely crazy, sometimes you want to hurt them...and then they get sick or something and are lovey...Ha. No, seriously, Josie is so dern ornery and so lovable all at the same time.
She can scratch, bite and attack my hand with a vengeance, I will give her atoss nudge and she'll return to give me kisses. What in the world? Sometimes we think she's bipolar or something.
I've mentioned before how much she dearly loves heat. Meepie did too. She sprawls out on the furnace vent as soon as she walks by and realizes it's on. I'm not sure if she has figured out yet the sounds it makes, but she seems to make a beeline for it. Her new craze is the dryer. And I do think she has figured out the sound the door makes when it opens because no sooner have I opened the dryer door and she has nestled herself among the very hot clothes. She is so silly.
Josie and Hank have become quite the pair. They roll around and lick and love on each other. Of course, Josie is really attacking Hank, but because Josie is about one-twentieth the size of Hank, I'm sure it only feels like a tickle to him...and he just nuzzles and licks her. She doesn't seem to mind the extra bath.
Josie has taken a liking to artificial flowers and it's driving me crazy. My spring bouquet hadn't been out more than 48 hours and she had located it...and it's on what I call our half-wall in the kitchen, which means she has to jump up on the table and then jump up on the wall...and in this cute little box (from Accents). She gets inside and she will relax and then chew on a fake bloom. Of course, I had to take a picture.
I went to Accent's Spring Fling and bought this cute little vase that looks like a pair of rubber boots...it's adorable...anyway, I bought some little flowers to put in it thinking that she wouldn't bother them... yeah, right. She likes those bright little flowers in the boots also. Every evening, I have to straighten them back up because she has pulled all the blooms down and they look saggy. What a dirty rat...but a cute one.
There is nothing she won't attempt to climb or a wall she won't try to scale. We have seen her sitting in the window and hanging from the window sill. We have seen her nearing the top of the curtains on the sliding doors and there are several small holes in the shower curtain up high. She's like a monkey.
We're still forced to keep our bedroom doors shut at night. If not, about 1:00 a.m. she will hop up on the bed and sit on my face. I'm not exaggerating either. If, if, I can get her to move, she still hogs the pillow and will occasionally lean over and lick my chin or cheek. She's relentless and adorable, but mama needs her sleep. Sometimes I am weak and think, oh, tonight she will sleep all night and be a good little kitty...nope. Out she goes.
Funny thing, when I get mad at Josie, for example, in the middle of the night, I catch myself yelling, "MEEPIE." I don't know why, but I guess it's out of habit.
Now that the weather is perking up, we are letting her explore outdoors. She is loving every minute of it and we can hardly get her to return back inside. I see something that may come in very handy soon...Josie's ability to catch flies. She has been chasing and attacking flies for the past couple of days. It's hilarious to see her fly through the air. So maybe she will be good for something, other than just a sweet kitty...
She can scratch, bite and attack my hand with a vengeance, I will give her a
 |
| Cozy kitty |
 |
| Playful kitty |
 |
| Naughty kitty |
I went to Accent's Spring Fling and bought this cute little vase that looks like a pair of rubber boots...it's adorable...anyway, I bought some little flowers to put in it thinking that she wouldn't bother them... yeah, right. She likes those bright little flowers in the boots also. Every evening, I have to straighten them back up because she has pulled all the blooms down and they look saggy. What a dirty rat...but a cute one.
There is nothing she won't attempt to climb or a wall she won't try to scale. We have seen her sitting in the window and hanging from the window sill. We have seen her nearing the top of the curtains on the sliding doors and there are several small holes in the shower curtain up high. She's like a monkey.
 |
| Snuggly kitty |
Funny thing, when I get mad at Josie, for example, in the middle of the night, I catch myself yelling, "MEEPIE." I don't know why, but I guess it's out of habit.
 |
| Sweet kitty |
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
the American dream
We enjoyed our first campfire/wienie roast of the season last Friday night with some family and family-like friends. The weather was perfect, and although it was a very last-minute decision, things turned out pretty good.
There were about a dozen kiddos there and one little gal who had never been to our house before. Right off the bat, she was introduced to the pigs. It was funny because the first one she saw was Ruby Sue, the very big, although dog-like, sow in the outside pen. I could hear her over there giggling with her older cousin as they watched big 'ole Ruby Sue.
When they came back over to the fire, I had the two girls follow me into the barn to see the big baby pigs. There are five of them and she thought they were pretty funny too. Then I sent them in the direction of the garage (yes, the garage) for the next showing...12 baby Duroc piglets.
Later on that evening, 'Jay' (no, not my Jay, but our childhood friend) asked me from across the fire, "Sarah, when you and Jay were dating in high school, did you ever imagine you would have baby pigs in your garage?" Hmm, actually, no, I did not.
However, thus far, in our attached garage, we have bottle-fed calves, had a litter of pups born, observed hens laying eggs on the freezer and trunk of my car, had a birthing center for goats, seen the aftereffects of a horrific cat fight on the top of my Mountaineer (something akin to an MMA fighting match between a Tomcat and our Meepie) and we've had two different pens of baby pigs. Someone mentioned horses in this conversation...and although I can't recall a time when I know a horse has been in the garage, I wouldn't say it hasn't happened. Woody used to roam around the yard with pretty free reign a couple years ago. I wouldn't put it past him at all.
In our senior year book prophecy (that someone else wrote), it says something close to this: "Jay and Sarah live on a ranch in Martinsville and Sarah is the court reporter at the Clark County Courthouse." Funny to read that now because it's not too far-fetched.
No, I never thought I would have 12 baby pigs in my garage, but I've learned when you're married to Jay, nothing is out of the question. He keeps me on my toes and life here is definitely not boring. I never know what's going to happen next. I wouldn't be surprised if we weren't raising zebras some time in the future. Ahh, the American dream.
There were about a dozen kiddos there and one little gal who had never been to our house before. Right off the bat, she was introduced to the pigs. It was funny because the first one she saw was Ruby Sue, the very big, although dog-like, sow in the outside pen. I could hear her over there giggling with her older cousin as they watched big 'ole Ruby Sue.
When they came back over to the fire, I had the two girls follow me into the barn to see the big baby pigs. There are five of them and she thought they were pretty funny too. Then I sent them in the direction of the garage (yes, the garage) for the next showing...12 baby Duroc piglets.
 |
| 12 very strange-behaving Duroc babies. Won't look at you, they'd rather freeze & stare at the wall. |
However, thus far, in our attached garage, we have bottle-fed calves, had a litter of pups born, observed hens laying eggs on the freezer and trunk of my car, had a birthing center for goats, seen the aftereffects of a horrific cat fight on the top of my Mountaineer (something akin to an MMA fighting match between a Tomcat and our Meepie) and we've had two different pens of baby pigs. Someone mentioned horses in this conversation...and although I can't recall a time when I know a horse has been in the garage, I wouldn't say it hasn't happened. Woody used to roam around the yard with pretty free reign a couple years ago. I wouldn't put it past him at all.
In our senior year book prophecy (that someone else wrote), it says something close to this: "Jay and Sarah live on a ranch in Martinsville and Sarah is the court reporter at the Clark County Courthouse." Funny to read that now because it's not too far-fetched.
No, I never thought I would have 12 baby pigs in my garage, but I've learned when you're married to Jay, nothing is out of the question. He keeps me on my toes and life here is definitely not boring. I never know what's going to happen next. I wouldn't be surprised if we weren't raising zebras some time in the future. Ahh, the American dream.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Moderation and Self Control
A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.
Proverbs 25:28 (NLT)
Moderaton: 1. the quality of being moderate; restraint; avoidance of extremes or excesses; temperance. 2. the act of moderating.
I've been thinking a lot lately about technology: the good and the bad. I depend on it, I love it (most of the time) and wonder if I could really do without it. Oh, I know I could do without it, but it wouldn't be pretty. I also sometimes wish that I had to do without it and had no choice in the matter.
It's like that with several things though...they can become controlling and addicting and take over our lives. I'm a big believer in the "everything in moderation" mantra and the need for self control, although I fail miserably when it comes to these all the time.
Food is a good thing, a necessity; however, if we let it, food can destroy us. I like sweets and chocolate as much as the next person. A little chocolate here and there isn't a problem. Eating large amounts of it long-term will most certainly cause problems. For me, it can cause many that I better not even share here. Food is necessary for our life though, God intended it to be. He didn't intend for us to gorge ourselves and become sick and unhealthy from too much food. We've got to put the fork down.
Alcohol. I'm not a drinker, never have been. But I'm also not an anti-drinker either. I just choose not to partake most of the time. Alcohol isn't bad. Too much alcohol is bad. Too much alcohol impairs thinking and judgment and can be dangerous and also damaging to organs in the body. And if you drink and drive, well, that's another blog...
Television. I like to watch television, I'm not going to lie. But I'm telling you there are times when I wish it didn't exist because there are LOTS of things I could be doing at home in my idle time, but instead, if I find a good movie or crime show on, I don't hesitate to sit down and waste the next two hours of my life. Television can be educational and informative...but it can also consume every spare minute and be detrimental to our thoughts. We've got to click the power button on the remote to "Off."
Shopping and Overspending. Oh, man, who doesn't love to go shopping? Ahh, before Dave Ramsey came into my life, I could blow so much money on junk, silly stupid stuff, without batting an eye. Madolyn had so many clothes and shoes it was absolutely ridiculous. I love shoes because they always fit, you know. I could buy a pair of shoes every month if I let myself. I have cut way, way back on my shoe purchases. (Having kids will do that to you...because they need shoes and clothes constantly!) But shoes are a necessity. Having 25 pair of shoes is not. (Unfortunately, my son has my love for shoes too!) We've got to stop buying so much stuff.
Texting/Cellular phones. I'm thankful for the phone in case of emergency and for quick communication. Love the idea that I can text someone anytime anywhere, and if they're available, they can respond in seconds. Love it. Don't love that there are people (myself at times) who are glued to their cell phones. As of yet, we do not have 'smart' phones. I'm not against them, I'm not mad at people who have them, but my fear is that if I get one, I will become one of those people who is constantly looking down at that phone, reviewing email, perusing Facebook, texting, searching, etc. I do not want to be that person. But remember, phones are not the problem. We need to put the phone on silent or vibrant and stick it in our purse or pocket.
Someone in our Sunday School Class said that her daughter said she didn't want children who don't look up when someone is speaking to them. YES. Me Too! And I'm afraid I'm not doing a very good job at that right now. How many times am I trying to get my kids to converse and they won't even look up because they are either looking at an i-Pod or a cell phone. Ahhh. Whose fault is that? Yeah, I know.
I'm not against technology, food, alcohol, cell phones, shoes, clothes, television, movies, games, etc. The problem is with me. I have to be able to say no, I have to be able to set boundaries and follow them. A couple weeks ago, we tried to implement a 30-minute policy in our household. It went pretty well for the first week and then I kind of forgot about it. It includes Jay and I. We are not to spend more than 30 minutes on the computer, on the I-pod, Kindle, Wii, Nintendo DS, or whatever. We haven't included TV into this 30-minute time limit just yet, but we are in the process of turning off our Dish and going to local channels only, along with utilizing Netflix and streaming shows like Duck Dynasty on our laptops through the TV. We ALL watch too much junk and it's been eating at Jay and I for about a year now. We are finally going through with it. Baby steps. And right now, with the weather getting nice, we will hardly be in the house at all if it's daylight anyway.
So my point of all of this is that too much of anything is not good for us. I just went through a few areas, but there are many, many more out there. Moderation is the key. And we are in control of that. We can gripe and complain all we want about technology, but we can turn it off when it gets out of hand. It is up to us. And if we don't teach moderation and self-control to the future generations, our children will have carpal tunnel of the wrists, crooked necks, be broke and morbidly obese for the rest of their lives...and then who will take care of us?
Proverbs 25:28 (NLT)
Moderaton: 1. the quality of being moderate; restraint; avoidance of extremes or excesses; temperance. 2. the act of moderating.
I've been thinking a lot lately about technology: the good and the bad. I depend on it, I love it (most of the time) and wonder if I could really do without it. Oh, I know I could do without it, but it wouldn't be pretty. I also sometimes wish that I had to do without it and had no choice in the matter.
It's like that with several things though...they can become controlling and addicting and take over our lives. I'm a big believer in the "everything in moderation" mantra and the need for self control, although I fail miserably when it comes to these all the time.
Food is a good thing, a necessity; however, if we let it, food can destroy us. I like sweets and chocolate as much as the next person. A little chocolate here and there isn't a problem. Eating large amounts of it long-term will most certainly cause problems. For me, it can cause many that I better not even share here. Food is necessary for our life though, God intended it to be. He didn't intend for us to gorge ourselves and become sick and unhealthy from too much food. We've got to put the fork down.
Alcohol. I'm not a drinker, never have been. But I'm also not an anti-drinker either. I just choose not to partake most of the time. Alcohol isn't bad. Too much alcohol is bad. Too much alcohol impairs thinking and judgment and can be dangerous and also damaging to organs in the body. And if you drink and drive, well, that's another blog...
Television. I like to watch television, I'm not going to lie. But I'm telling you there are times when I wish it didn't exist because there are LOTS of things I could be doing at home in my idle time, but instead, if I find a good movie or crime show on, I don't hesitate to sit down and waste the next two hours of my life. Television can be educational and informative...but it can also consume every spare minute and be detrimental to our thoughts. We've got to click the power button on the remote to "Off."
Shopping and Overspending. Oh, man, who doesn't love to go shopping? Ahh, before Dave Ramsey came into my life, I could blow so much money on junk, silly stupid stuff, without batting an eye. Madolyn had so many clothes and shoes it was absolutely ridiculous. I love shoes because they always fit, you know. I could buy a pair of shoes every month if I let myself. I have cut way, way back on my shoe purchases. (Having kids will do that to you...because they need shoes and clothes constantly!) But shoes are a necessity. Having 25 pair of shoes is not. (Unfortunately, my son has my love for shoes too!) We've got to stop buying so much stuff.
Texting/Cellular phones. I'm thankful for the phone in case of emergency and for quick communication. Love the idea that I can text someone anytime anywhere, and if they're available, they can respond in seconds. Love it. Don't love that there are people (myself at times) who are glued to their cell phones. As of yet, we do not have 'smart' phones. I'm not against them, I'm not mad at people who have them, but my fear is that if I get one, I will become one of those people who is constantly looking down at that phone, reviewing email, perusing Facebook, texting, searching, etc. I do not want to be that person. But remember, phones are not the problem. We need to put the phone on silent or vibrant and stick it in our purse or pocket.
Someone in our Sunday School Class said that her daughter said she didn't want children who don't look up when someone is speaking to them. YES. Me Too! And I'm afraid I'm not doing a very good job at that right now. How many times am I trying to get my kids to converse and they won't even look up because they are either looking at an i-Pod or a cell phone. Ahhh. Whose fault is that? Yeah, I know.
I'm not against technology, food, alcohol, cell phones, shoes, clothes, television, movies, games, etc. The problem is with me. I have to be able to say no, I have to be able to set boundaries and follow them. A couple weeks ago, we tried to implement a 30-minute policy in our household. It went pretty well for the first week and then I kind of forgot about it. It includes Jay and I. We are not to spend more than 30 minutes on the computer, on the I-pod, Kindle, Wii, Nintendo DS, or whatever. We haven't included TV into this 30-minute time limit just yet, but we are in the process of turning off our Dish and going to local channels only, along with utilizing Netflix and streaming shows like Duck Dynasty on our laptops through the TV. We ALL watch too much junk and it's been eating at Jay and I for about a year now. We are finally going through with it. Baby steps. And right now, with the weather getting nice, we will hardly be in the house at all if it's daylight anyway.
So my point of all of this is that too much of anything is not good for us. I just went through a few areas, but there are many, many more out there. Moderation is the key. And we are in control of that. We can gripe and complain all we want about technology, but we can turn it off when it gets out of hand. It is up to us. And if we don't teach moderation and self-control to the future generations, our children will have carpal tunnel of the wrists, crooked necks, be broke and morbidly obese for the rest of their lives...and then who will take care of us?
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Cutting the cheese
I know, I know, I can hardly say that without thinking of what 'cutting the cheese' meant when I was a child. Today I speak not of gas. I'm really talking about cutting the cheese, seriously, using a knife and slicing a block of cheese.
We love cheese. Grandma Great loves cheese. I have eaten lots and lots of cheese with Grandma Great. We eat too much cheese; therefore, I no longer buy a bunch of it. About ten days ago, Grandma Great asked me to buy some cheese, slice it and bring it to the nursing home for her. So I bought two blocks of Kraft cheese, sharp and medium cheddar, her favorites, and then forgot to cut them up and take them to her.
In the meantime, my family discovered I had finally bought them some yummy cheese and cut it. We all enjoyed the sharp cheddar one evening, with crackers, of course. Yes, it is nothing for us to eat an entire block or two of cheese in one sitting. We simply love cheese.
I warned the family that we needed to save the medium cheddar for Grandma Great because I really was going to cut it up and take it to her. And then I didn't. So the medium cheddar was cut into and half of it quickly devoured. I claimed the remaining chunk, sliced it and delivered it to Grandma Great on Monday.
I took it in, she saw it, asked for a slice. I gave her one (although she had just eaten lunch), she ate it and asked for another. I gave her another piece and she gobbled it down. She then gave me that look and pointed to the Ziploc baggy, "Give me another and close up that bag!" Simple pleasures, you know.
On Monday I purchased another block of sharp cheddar for Grandma Great, secretly knowing we would eat at least half of it again. (Shame, shame) Last night I was working at the baseball concession stand, Jay was running six miles, Lane was at basketball practice and Madolyn and two friends were at home. Madolyn decided she wanted to cut some cheese. And she did.
She said she even joked a minute before saying, "Guys, I about cut my finger on that one." The very next slice of the knife was into her first finger on her left hand. I get a call. I'm cooking porkburgers. I cannot tell how serious this is, but I know Jay is out running around so I tell her to call Grandma. The next call I get is from my mom telling me Madolyn needs stitches. Good grief.
Thankfully, she had two friends with her and they all had a first aid course last year in sixth grade. My mom (and Madolyn) said that "Shi" followed the correct procedures and took care of the patient like a pro. I'm thinking that maybe "Shi" has a future in the medical field...
Off we go to the emergency room. When we got back in the exam room, Madolyn was checking out the posters and things on the wall and saw the pain chart. She knows what one is as we've had to use it a few times. She says to me, "My pain is about a 7." (Uhh, seriously?) "No, only kidding, really that's just my favorite number." Oh my. I knew at that point that she was definitely 'okay.' After the nurse examined it, Madolyn says, "This is going pretty good, I think." Ha, yeah, right. The nurse thought they would use a numbing gel and there wouldn't be any need a for a shot. The doctor had a different train of thought. I told Madolyn she spoke way too soon.
She received six stitches and was a trooper through it all, as she usually is. She takes after her father, she's going to be the child that is always doing something crazy and getting herself hurt. (Although I realize cutting cheese isn't exactly crazy.) She says Lane is just a wienie. I say, no, Lane is just a little more cautious.
It was one of the best ER experiences ever as we were in and out in less than an hour. Loved the ER doctor who was very serious (but all decked out in Illini gear which was a plus) and asked Madolyn to tell her what happened. I know they hear just about everything under the sun, but to hear, "Well, I was cutting some cheese..." has to be pretty far out there. He told her to keep talking (as a distraction) and she went on to tell him about her other ER visits and incidents. On his way out, he thanked her for the good stories.
In 12 days the stitches can come out. She can still practice/play volleyball, which was a major concern, so all is well. It is possible she will have some minor nerve damage, but we'll just wait and see. We hit the Taco Bell drive-thru on the way home, and she told me that was really why she cut her finger...so she could get her favorite fast food. Funny, haha, you stinker.
Oh, by the way, the Rada cutlery that the Booster Club sells in town at Mustard Seeds is really, really sharp, and the brand new block of cheese had to be thrown away...So now Grandma needs more cheese.
We love cheese. Grandma Great loves cheese. I have eaten lots and lots of cheese with Grandma Great. We eat too much cheese; therefore, I no longer buy a bunch of it. About ten days ago, Grandma Great asked me to buy some cheese, slice it and bring it to the nursing home for her. So I bought two blocks of Kraft cheese, sharp and medium cheddar, her favorites, and then forgot to cut them up and take them to her.
In the meantime, my family discovered I had finally bought them some yummy cheese and cut it. We all enjoyed the sharp cheddar one evening, with crackers, of course. Yes, it is nothing for us to eat an entire block or two of cheese in one sitting. We simply love cheese.
I warned the family that we needed to save the medium cheddar for Grandma Great because I really was going to cut it up and take it to her. And then I didn't. So the medium cheddar was cut into and half of it quickly devoured. I claimed the remaining chunk, sliced it and delivered it to Grandma Great on Monday.
I took it in, she saw it, asked for a slice. I gave her one (although she had just eaten lunch), she ate it and asked for another. I gave her another piece and she gobbled it down. She then gave me that look and pointed to the Ziploc baggy, "Give me another and close up that bag!" Simple pleasures, you know.
On Monday I purchased another block of sharp cheddar for Grandma Great, secretly knowing we would eat at least half of it again. (Shame, shame) Last night I was working at the baseball concession stand, Jay was running six miles, Lane was at basketball practice and Madolyn and two friends were at home. Madolyn decided she wanted to cut some cheese. And she did.
She said she even joked a minute before saying, "Guys, I about cut my finger on that one." The very next slice of the knife was into her first finger on her left hand. I get a call. I'm cooking porkburgers. I cannot tell how serious this is, but I know Jay is out running around so I tell her to call Grandma. The next call I get is from my mom telling me Madolyn needs stitches. Good grief.
Thankfully, she had two friends with her and they all had a first aid course last year in sixth grade. My mom (and Madolyn) said that "Shi" followed the correct procedures and took care of the patient like a pro. I'm thinking that maybe "Shi" has a future in the medical field...
Off we go to the emergency room. When we got back in the exam room, Madolyn was checking out the posters and things on the wall and saw the pain chart. She knows what one is as we've had to use it a few times. She says to me, "My pain is about a 7." (Uhh, seriously?) "No, only kidding, really that's just my favorite number." Oh my. I knew at that point that she was definitely 'okay.' After the nurse examined it, Madolyn says, "This is going pretty good, I think." Ha, yeah, right. The nurse thought they would use a numbing gel and there wouldn't be any need a for a shot. The doctor had a different train of thought. I told Madolyn she spoke way too soon.
She received six stitches and was a trooper through it all, as she usually is. She takes after her father, she's going to be the child that is always doing something crazy and getting herself hurt. (Although I realize cutting cheese isn't exactly crazy.) She says Lane is just a wienie. I say, no, Lane is just a little more cautious.
It was one of the best ER experiences ever as we were in and out in less than an hour. Loved the ER doctor who was very serious (but all decked out in Illini gear which was a plus) and asked Madolyn to tell her what happened. I know they hear just about everything under the sun, but to hear, "Well, I was cutting some cheese..." has to be pretty far out there. He told her to keep talking (as a distraction) and she went on to tell him about her other ER visits and incidents. On his way out, he thanked her for the good stories.
In 12 days the stitches can come out. She can still practice/play volleyball, which was a major concern, so all is well. It is possible she will have some minor nerve damage, but we'll just wait and see. We hit the Taco Bell drive-thru on the way home, and she told me that was really why she cut her finger...so she could get her favorite fast food. Funny, haha, you stinker.
Oh, by the way, the Rada cutlery that the Booster Club sells in town at Mustard Seeds is really, really sharp, and the brand new block of cheese had to be thrown away...So now Grandma needs more cheese.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Never Runners
I've talked about the Skit Guys before several times. I love their stuff. This happens to be a favorite among the youth over the past several years. It does have a point that goes along with it for purposes of teaching, but right now I'm going to use it as a metaphor for how I feel about running. (Take the time to watch it because it really is hilarious and I can so relate.)
http://skitguys.com/videos/item/never-runners
Yeah, that basically sums it up for me. I have tried since January 2 to do this running thing. I feel like I have given it an honest, determined effort. And although I'm not completely ready to throw in the towel, I'm getting fairly close. I kind of like the idea of being on a golf cart, racing up next to a runner and giving them a swift kick...okay, just kidding, I would never do that...most likely.
I read blogs, I talk to people, and I don't get it. How can all of these people love running so much and I hate it so much? I have come to the conclusion (brace yourselves for this one) that it's okay that I don't love running even though so many others seems to. It is okay that Jay loves to run, run, run and that I would rather walk, walk, walk...or ride. It is okay that I see friends running 5k's and talking about how great it feels to accomplish that goal and I would rather cheer them on at the finish line or walk it instead. It is okay that I do not enjoy running.
Because I do enjoy walking. In fact, I love walking. I realize that runners may say this is an excuse for laziness. I disagree. If I said I hated running and did nothing, maybe. But I don't. I have walked pretty faithfully since 1997 when I started working in Lawrenceville. There have been only a handful of times since then that I fell off my walking wagon, but they have been very few and far between.
I made this serious attempt at running because I had never really tried. I really, really hoped I would come to love it. I don't. And it has made me feel like a failure or that people will think less of me, or think I'm a quitter. Last night I decided that is silly. Why am I doing this to myself? For others? That is ridiculous. The point of exercise is for health and mind...in my opinion. I have never dreaded taking a big walk...ever. I look forward to it. I love the peace. I love being out in the air, feeling the sun, smelling the outdoors. I love talking to God on the walk. I love how it makes me feel.
The only high points for me on the running so far: it burns more calories and occasionally I do feel good when I'm done (but only in the early part when I was running in five minute increments).
I began this silliness on the treadmill in the basement since it was winter, and I could read, which is about the only way I can stand to be on a treadmill. Not even watching the television keeps me distracted enough on that thing. I thought that when it was nice enough to run outside, that would be the thing that pushed me over the edge...where I finally would gain that strong liking to this whole running experience, but my first attempt nearly resulted in me passing out. I cannot figure out the breathing pattern (which I know sounds completely ridiculous), and I was pretty sure I might hyperventilate the entire time. Jay said I was blue and he asked me if I was dying. Nope, not yet. (I'm starting to wonder if that is his plan.)
I tried again last week and it was okay, but again, there wasn't that "Oh, this is such a great feeling" realization washing over me. I did a little interval training and felt decent afterwards. I've read that is good for you. I may try and stick with something like walking five minutes, running five and repeating that a couple times. That way I'm burning more calories and also not in complete and total misery (or feeling the intense desire to trip Jay...only kidding, of course).
Jay and I are signed up for a 5k in late April. I have been told this particular 5k is a fun, very laid-back event. Although I'm still unsure about my ability to run/jog the entire 3.1 miles, at this point I'm going to try it. Jay will just have to wait for me at the finish line...with a stretcher.
http://skitguys.com/videos/item/never-runners
Yeah, that basically sums it up for me. I have tried since January 2 to do this running thing. I feel like I have given it an honest, determined effort. And although I'm not completely ready to throw in the towel, I'm getting fairly close. I kind of like the idea of being on a golf cart, racing up next to a runner and giving them a swift kick...okay, just kidding, I would never do that...most likely.
I read blogs, I talk to people, and I don't get it. How can all of these people love running so much and I hate it so much? I have come to the conclusion (brace yourselves for this one) that it's okay that I don't love running even though so many others seems to. It is okay that Jay loves to run, run, run and that I would rather walk, walk, walk...or ride. It is okay that I see friends running 5k's and talking about how great it feels to accomplish that goal and I would rather cheer them on at the finish line or walk it instead. It is okay that I do not enjoy running.
Because I do enjoy walking. In fact, I love walking. I realize that runners may say this is an excuse for laziness. I disagree. If I said I hated running and did nothing, maybe. But I don't. I have walked pretty faithfully since 1997 when I started working in Lawrenceville. There have been only a handful of times since then that I fell off my walking wagon, but they have been very few and far between.
I made this serious attempt at running because I had never really tried. I really, really hoped I would come to love it. I don't. And it has made me feel like a failure or that people will think less of me, or think I'm a quitter. Last night I decided that is silly. Why am I doing this to myself? For others? That is ridiculous. The point of exercise is for health and mind...in my opinion. I have never dreaded taking a big walk...ever. I look forward to it. I love the peace. I love being out in the air, feeling the sun, smelling the outdoors. I love talking to God on the walk. I love how it makes me feel.
The only high points for me on the running so far: it burns more calories and occasionally I do feel good when I'm done (but only in the early part when I was running in five minute increments).
I began this silliness on the treadmill in the basement since it was winter, and I could read, which is about the only way I can stand to be on a treadmill. Not even watching the television keeps me distracted enough on that thing. I thought that when it was nice enough to run outside, that would be the thing that pushed me over the edge...where I finally would gain that strong liking to this whole running experience, but my first attempt nearly resulted in me passing out. I cannot figure out the breathing pattern (which I know sounds completely ridiculous), and I was pretty sure I might hyperventilate the entire time. Jay said I was blue and he asked me if I was dying. Nope, not yet. (I'm starting to wonder if that is his plan.)
I tried again last week and it was okay, but again, there wasn't that "Oh, this is such a great feeling" realization washing over me. I did a little interval training and felt decent afterwards. I've read that is good for you. I may try and stick with something like walking five minutes, running five and repeating that a couple times. That way I'm burning more calories and also not in complete and total misery (or feeling the intense desire to trip Jay...only kidding, of course).
Jay and I are signed up for a 5k in late April. I have been told this particular 5k is a fun, very laid-back event. Although I'm still unsure about my ability to run/jog the entire 3.1 miles, at this point I'm going to try it. Jay will just have to wait for me at the finish line...with a stretcher.
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