Category Archives: random thoughts
What I’ve Learned (so far) this Week
It’s only Wednesday and already I’ve learned much this week. Here are a few of those morsels.
There is a reason for setting brakes on wheelchairs before folding and carrying them. A very good reason that may cause great pain to anyone who ignores or forgets to follow that advice.
Procrastination can be useful. For example, if you leave bags of old clothes for Salvation Army in the back of your van for weeks, you’ll have a perfectly suitable cover for a wheelchair when the temperatures exceed 90 degrees.
Black wheelchairs get very, very hot in July.
A women’s large tee-shirt fits perfectly over the back of a medium-sized reclining wheelchair. (Short sleeves are best as they leave the grips and levers easily accessible.)
A seven-year-old girl can lose 9 pairs of shoes under her brother’s bed.
My daughter has more than 9 pairs of shoes. (!!) I’m afraid to actually count how many pairs she has, and I trust that some of those don’t actually fit well anymore. Regardless, it seems an early fetish has already taken root and, as the first (paternal) and only granddaughter on the East Coast (paternal and maternal), she is fully supported by all extended family members.
“Irregardless” is in the dictionary and no matter how many times I insist that it should never be used, my husband will still insist that, because it is in the dictionary, it is perfectly acceptable English. It is not. And whoever decided to put it in the dictionary should be severely punished. I recommend a stern beating with a real dictionary. A real thick one.
Binding a child does not prevent them from growing. Also, as evidenced by my son’s tiny tush squishing out the bottom of his cast, some kids grow much faster than the doctors predict.
It is possible to look forward to cutting toenails. Weird, but definitely possible.
A temporary handicapped parking permit costs only $4 in my area. It is good for six months and, after experiencing weeks of stress in parking lots, I can say it is worth every single penny and more. I also learned that I should have applied for one before the distributing official went on vacation.
And finally …
My son is amazing. Okay, so this is not entirely new information, but my understanding of this truth has deepened. I’m pretty sure he’s a better person than me. He has been so patient and simply accepting of this whole situation. While I’ve fumbled and fussed and sweat over all of this, he has been (for the most part) really chipper and positive. I endured bed rest with both my pregnancies and neither “chipper” nor “positive” could ever be applied to me during those times.
At the beginning of this ordeal, we got a two-way monitor for his little man cave. Thanks to that, we can hear him singing each night after we put him to bed. Sweet little ditties of his own. I didn’t catch all the words last night, but the end went something like this: “I love all my family but most of all Mom and Jesus! The end!”
He is rejoicing and I love to hear it. I want to be like that when I grow up.
Notes from a terribly delinquent blogger
I should be doing laundry. Or dishes. Or both. But I miss you people!! Even now I only have a few minutes so prepare yourself for some very disjointed thoughts.
Life is full! That’s a wonderful thing. Lately I’ve been making purses, writing and editing for clients, celebrating spring (complete with migraines and puffy itchy eyes for all!), reading books and tending to all sorts of real life stuff, like planning VBS and finishing the school year. All this has left little time for blogging.
When those few moments arose, niggling insecurities would take over. You know the kind, the toxic whispers that convince me I have nothing important or interesting to say. While that may be true, sometimes you’ve just got to say what’s on your mind. Read the rest of this entry
Spring Happenings
I have absolutely neglected this blog lately. To be honest, I’ve neglected all of my blogs lately, but I have no regrets. Spring just seems to do this to me. After the winter we’ve had, I take delight in relishing every budding leaf and flower, every day of temps above fifty degrees.
So since I haven’t been writing, what have I been doing? I’m glad you asked!
I’ve been hanging with two of my favorite people … outside!
Baseball and softball seasons have begun. That’s been a blast.
I’ve been medicating. Spring is wonderful, but it torments my family with allergies which inevidably transform into infections and all sorts of ickiness.
Oh, and I’ve been creating beautiful things like these:
A very dear friend recently joined me in my little book purse business. She creates custom beaded handles for many of the pieces now. We made 47 handbags in less than three weeks for a conference in Brooklyn. It was a spectacular event! And we sold nearly everything we had. In fact, I’ve spent much of this week working on subsequent custom orders from people we met there. If you like the purses and are on facebook, you should follow our page there! That’s where we post new designs, specials and upcoming events.
So that’s where I’ve been and what I’ve been doing. What about you?
Read with Me: Are you still reading? I’ve been terrible at maintaining our accountability lately. Talk to me. How are you doing?
For the Love of a Good Book
Sometimes I disappear from the blog due to personal or family dramas. Sometimes it’s because of an internal struggle I’m having with God or myself. Sometimes, though, it’s just because a good book has taken over my life. Such is the case this week.
Believe it or not, I actually created a whole schedule for upcoming posts. I wanted to write about a recent parenting dilemma (Yes, I have them frequently.), about my daughter’s birthday (She turned seven yesterday. Can you believe it?!), about some cool insights gathered from our pastor, about our recent trip to Disney (It was awesome!), and a few other things, but … well, I chucked it all for the love of a good book. Okay, maybe “chuck” is a strong word. I’ll get back to my schedule. Eventually. It’s just that I feel like I’ve discovered a new friend!
Everyone loves a good how-did-you-meet story, so let me tell you ours. (She doesn’t know we’ve met yet, or that we’re destined to be best friends, so I guess it’s not “our” story. This is all beside the point.)
This past weekend for our once-a-month date, my friend Lauralin and I got our nails done then headed to a new independent bookstore not too far from here. She had been nudging me for months to check it out. I walked in and it was love at first sight. Fresh coffee and tea, cozy leather armchairs, serene lighting and an entire room filled with books and quiet. *Cue the collective sigh.*
After three hours of talking books and authors and “have you read this?” and “I can’t believe you’ve never heard of her!” and “Oh, you can borrow this one, but you absolutely must buy that one” — After three-plus hours of delight, I realized that I had completely forgotten about my family at home whom I had abandoned without dinner plans (and who were obviously starving, evidenced by the phone call I received shortly thereafter inquiring about sustenance) and dutifully bee-lined it to the register with my final selections. The owners, clearly identifying us as bibliophiles, directed us toward a few shelves we had not yet noticed. They were filled with ARCs — Advanced Reader Copies.
I love ARCs. As uncorrected proofs, they consistently contain errors, but I would much rather find errors with disclaimers, than errors in something I know has gone through several editors’ hands, for which I paid full price, and that possesses no hope of being rectified any time soon. BONUS: ARCs are free, typically offered in exchange for reviews. In this case, for a positive shelf-talker.
And there it was: Dolci di Love by Sarah-Kate Lynch. Okay, actually Lauralin grabbed it first and I grabbed something else, but we quickly decided we had the wrong ones and swapped, to the delight of us both. I expected a heart-wrenching family drama, but received a wondrous story of beauty, mistakes, love and forgiveness, all dappled with an amusing group of meddling Italian widows. If you’re a movie-watcher, imagine touches of IQ and Under the Tuscan Sun but with a more intricate plot; deeper, far more endearing characters; and much better actors. Okay, so maybe it’s not like those movies at all, but parts of the book made me think of those movies. And all of the book made me want to visit Italy.
While I treasure the safety of beloved authors who consistently satisfy, there is nothing quite as exciting as finding a new-to-me author. It’s a thrill coupled with the hope of a fresh new well. I finished Dolci di Love this morning, promptly jumped on the author’s website and wrote her an email. Imagine my wonder to discover she has several other books! I can’t wait to start reading them all. It’s just … well, joyful! Once I get my bookshelf back in order, I’ll post a full review for you all. This, her newest novel, is already available in New Zealand. The US version (which I read) releases March 29th.
If you’re new to me or this site, you may assume that, because I am a Christian, I only read Christian or faith-based books. This would be a false assumption. Yes, I do read many books distributed by Christian publishers, but this is not one of them.
Read with Me: Girls, it is Friday, so it’s time to check-in. I’m still reading. Are you?
The Stress and Starbucks Diet
Last year I hosted 12 Pearls of Christmas and LOVED it. Fortunately, I have the opportunity of doing it again.
If you missed it, here’s the quick low-down. Margaret McSweeney (author and founder of Pearl Girls Charities) heads up twelve wonderful women with devotionals for the twelve days leading up to Christmas. This year she has some of my very favorite writers including Tricia Goyer, Rachel Hauck and Melody Carlson. Last year I was highly encouraged and challenged by these posts. I pray that this year’s collection will do the same for each of you. More details about all of this will come on Monday when we start the tour.
Before that, however, I have a few things to share with you that simply must be shared before this season of gluttony joy gets into full swing.
I have lost 29 pounds since January. (Yes, I realize this seems ridiculously petty in light of my last couple introspective posts, but I really need to celebrate this before I ruin it all with my mother-in-law’s to-die-for pecan pie. I narrowly escaped Thanksgiving without damage.) Let me say that again: I have lost 29 pounds! I only have about a pound-and-a-half to reach my pre-baby weight. Less than a year ago I wore size 14 jeans. Today I am wearing a size 6. (Can anyone guess where I carry my excess weight?) We all know that women will pay for a smaller number on the tags of their jeans, but I can assure you these are the same brand, both Old Navy jeans. Pretty cool – right?
Many people have asked how I have done this. I would like to thank The Stress and Starbucks Diet. If you’re a comfort-eater and a stress-starver, it can work wonders! (This is not yet copyrighted, so feel free to steal it. Also, please note the great sarcasm coating the remainder of this post.)
Here’s what you do:
- Begin by filling your life with uncontrollable circumstances. I recommend anything that leaves you and your family homeless, even if just for a few days. Toss in a few financial instabilities, a couple legal issues and — this is important — serious health issues in one or more family members.
- Eat and sleep as little as possible.
- Drink lots and lots of fully-caffeinated coffee. Caffeine is a natural appetite-suppressant, you know, so this helps with Step #2 on both levels.
- Once the weight starts to fall off, you may slowly begin eating and sleeping again in moderation. The joy of “accidentally” losing weight you never thought you could will motivate you to monitor your eating habits with portion control and limited snacking. (Don’t worry: exercise never enters the mind! At least it hasn’t yet. This diet is still in the testing phases.)
- If you find the urge to return to comfort- and/or boredom-eating, simply add more stress. I recommend traumatizing your children or at least convincing yourself that you have. Anything that dramatically increases “mom guilt” is good for a few pounds.
- Buy some new lingerie. Looking good in jeans and a t-shirt is nice, but looking good for your husband in something lacy … priceless. The look on his face will keep those pounds off for good. (Unless, of course, that pre-baby weight surrenders to new-baby weight. Please note: we have NO PLANS to explore that avenue!)
And that’s the end of this infomercial. Please return to your regularly scheduled, far-more-spiritual blog readings.
Blog Skins, Vegetarian Mosquitoes and Heaven
After weeks of playing with my blog skin, I’m back. It turns out I like this design best after all! My little identity crisis appears to have ended … but don’t be surprised if I sport a new hair color within the next few weeks. 
In the meantime, please be patient with me as I finish getting all my settings righted. You can also weigh in on a heavy theological discussion going on around here lately.
The topic: Mosquitoes, Heaven and the Garden of Eden.
The questions: Will there be mosquitoes in Heaven? If there are mosquitoes in Heaven, will they still bite me? If so, will the bites be pleasurable? Were mosquitoes vegetarians in the Garden of Eden?
Very heavy thoughts, I know. I’d love to hear your pontifications on this intellectual (perhaps eternal) buffet.
I warned you.
What do you think about my new look? I’m totally undecided on which way to go with this, but I warned you I was bored. I have a very calm, notebook-ish look on standby in case I quickly tire of this one. Or if I hear crickets in the comments section.
I actually had planned to write a regular post today, but my brain is not into the thinking thing today. That could be related to the dinosaur puppet that keeps growling in my face. Or the fact that I’ve not yet finished my first cup of coffee (thanks to the owner of the hand inside the dino puppet). Switching blog skins is far easier than actually thinking.
I may actually change the skin several times this week. I have a few back-up designs and just can’t decide how edgy I should be. For now, though, I’m kinda liking this! It’s kinda funky. Rick says the word is “raw.”
I let you pick my hair a while back. Maybe I should let you pick my blog skin, too.
I am happy to say …
I am happy to say that finally, after a horrendous first week of school, yesterday boasted no tears, no screaming and no frantic clinging to Mama’s leg at drop-off. This, of course, resulted in the first day that Mama didn’t cry about school. YAY!
I am happy to say that we no longer have a pool. Yes, yes, I know there are people the world over who would love to have a pool in their backyard. I am not one of them. In fact, I am thrilled that it is gone. So, thank you to Craig’s List for helping us in that task and thank you to the people who purchased the pool for not turning out to be homicidal.
I am happy to say that we’re getting stuff done around the house. A few weeks ago (before vacation) Rick and I (Okay, it was mostly me. I do love me a good spreadsheet.) created an elaborate spreadsheet of all our tasks, all the things we wanted to get done to the new place. There were 103 items. (I agree, that’s ridiculous, but that’s what happens when one buys a ninety-year-old house.) I am happy to say we’re now down to 86! That may still sound like a lot, but it’s a lot less than 103. By the way, I have every intention of showing you before and after pics of our not-so-extreme home makeover. Stay tuned.
I am happy to say that my mom is doing well. A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has inquired about her health! It’s been so encouraging to know that people pray (not just say they’ll pray!) and that they really care.
I am happy to say that life is calming down. This may only be for a season, but it feels really good.
Your turn! Tell me what makes you happy today.
If I could have tweeted …
If you’re wondering at the deafening silence around here, it’s because (1) we were living with my in-laws for two weeks and (2) once we got into our new house, we didn’t have the internet. Oh the things I could have shared with you! You know, if I hadn’t been crazy busy with new house stuff. So, here are a few things I would have tweeted if I could have.
June 28th, 11:37 AM
Our walk-through is scheduled for noon. Why is a moving van still in the driveway?!
June 28th, 12:02 PM
The previous owners are not out. I think I just saw kids shuttling stuff to the neighbors’ garages. This isn’t good.
June 28th, 1:20 PM
Guess who gets to buy a new washer and dryer this week. #alwaysgetitinwriting
June 28th, 1:49 PM
Um … they’re still not out. Guess this means we get to do all the cleaning. 
Lucky for us, they left a tushy-load of cleaning supplies. I wonder when they were last used. (!)
June 28th, 5:02 PM
I know I should be uber-excited to be in our new house, but it feels rather surreal. Are you sure there aren’t any more hoops we must hurdle?
June 28th, 6:50 PM
They took the carpet!! Guess that means “re-finishing hardwood floors” moves to the top of our to-do list.
June 29th, 7:18 AM
I love waking up here. All the windows and surrounding foliage … I feel like I’m in a gorgeous tree house a la Swiss Family Robinson. THANK YOU, GOD!
July 29th, 11:04 AM
ACK!!! I finally found the coffee maker only to discover I have no mugs! Why didn’t I pack those in the same box?!
June 29th, 2:02 PM
Oh, yay. The kids just introduced our family to the neighborhood by screaming for Satan to stop chasing them. That should build normal friendships.
June 30th, 9:08 AM
I have a clothes line. Oh, the mixed feelings …
June 30th, 10:11 AM
Okay, I *think* our stuff will be here next week. Is Monday really a holiday? C’mon. Can’t we have fireworks on Sunday? Oh, well. Camping isn’t so bad.
July 1st, 11:12 AM
My son just flashed the Verizon guy. At what age will he learn to close the bathroom door?
July 1nd, 12:31 PM
My children ate oreos and ice pops for lunch. Where is Peapod when I need them? Oh, right. I need the internet for that … maybe tonight.
July 1st, 1:33 PM
I think my heart has started beating again after the near-death of my children. Who throws throws carpet rolls from a second floor balcony without warning?! Do you not hear my very loud children playing there??
July 2nd, 9:17 AM
I just found a grasshopper in my bedroom. When I said we would be “camping” I only meant sleeping bags — not critters.
July 2nd, 11:29 AM
I feel suddenly short. While putting away groceries I discovered I can’t reach any of the top two shelves in my kitchen. Are these 9′ ceilings? #Ineedacuterstepladder
July 2nd, 2:01 PM
Packing paper takes on a whole new purpose when your daughter is an artist. And the clothesline has found a purpose holding watercolor masterpieces.
July 3rd, 8:20 PM
WOW. Prices have gone up since the last time I used a laundromat! Five bucks per load in the washer. This is CRAZY! Oh, and a quarter for EVERY seven minutes in the dryer?! I’m quickly going broke.
So that’s my recent life in a nutshell. I’ll fill in details on another day. Perhaps when I’m not so exhausted and the kids are calling for my attention. Later, peeps!
Deep Thoughts
A lot of people who strive to be “deep thinkers” try too hard. Instead of being profound, they often come off as pompous and pretentious. These are a few things I’ve been thinking deeply about lately.
Does using organic milk balance out the fact that I’m still making mac-and-cheese from a box?
What is the singular form of Red Sox? Is it Red Sock? That doesn’t seem right. I consistently fall back on “a Sox player.” This is a crucial matter because we are die hard Yankee fans around here. I need to know what to call the villains, be they one or many. And the villains in any and every game around here are the Sox. (Sorry, Doug and Jen! You know we love you, but facts are facts.)
Why is my family always so hot when I’m so cold? Seriously. My husband and kids are in shorts and t-shirts and they’re sweating. I’m in long jeans, knee socks, and layers including a sweatshirt and scarf. I’m still cold. Don’t worry — it’s not my thyroid. My family is just very hot-blooded and I am … well, not. Brrr.
I am thinking LOTS about LOST. I was furious with the ending last night and still rather livid today. What kind of show ends with more questions than answers?! Oh, I could so go on and on and on about this, but I’ll leave that to the real fans who have already flooded the internet with their thoughts and theories. I’ll keep my rants to my own home, thank you very much. (Let me apologize to any and all persons who called me this morning unsuspecting of my vocanic emotional responses to this fictional show. Yes, I do know it’s fictional.)
I’m also thinking about this.
What are you thinking about today?
