It's a BIG day!

Hubs is, at this very moment, taking his manikin (or mannequin) board exams. This is the first of 3 rounds of testing this year for him to become a dentist. Today he will do a crown and a root canal. This is a big day for him, so I will be praying all day as he takes the exam.


Call me a pumpkin, witch, ghoul, or ghost. I am a quarter of a century old today (25)!

Birthdays are so fun. It is the one day a year that I don't feel guilty about splurging and having a day "all about me." So far, I have had a latte, a piece of homemade pumpkin cheesecake, and a lemon cupcake in the shape of a rose! Plus, I got this super-awesome giant High School Musical birthday card from my favorite people at work!

Often, I get asked whether I like having Halloween on my birthday. When I was younger, it posed some difficulties in that my friends wanted to trick or treat instead of celebrate my birthday. Or, I always had to bring my birthday treats a day before or a day after Halloween because there was already a Halloween party.

But now, I could not imagine having my birthday on a different day. I remember one year that my dad sent me flowers at school. It was the best arrangement with the flowers sitting in a pumpkin. Sticks came out of the arrangement and fake cobwebs hung around the sticks. Now tell me whom else, besides a Halloween Birthday girl, can get that sort of cool arrangement for her birthday?

Ten reasons I love having a Halloween Birthday.
1. Stores start decorating for my birthday in September!
2. Lots of people celebrate on my birthday!
3. It's so cool to say, "Yeah, my birthday is on Halloween."
4. Fall/Halloween decorations are cool.
5. People can remember my birthday really easily.
6. I get cool Halloween Birthday cards.
7. October is the best month of the year.
8. It's a great time to eat chili and caramel apples.
9. It's the perfect holiday for a birthday. Let's face it - Halloween without my birthday, just wouldn't be fun!
10. I get to share my birthday with my grandma-in-law!

The inconvenience of convenience

I have grown up with the convenience of cell phones, the internet, pay-at-the-pump gas stations, 24-hour grocery stores less than 5 minutes away, multiple vehicles per family, and the news immediately as it happens via TV. So, when something isn't working...these conveniences are inconvenient (have I over-used the word "convenient" yet?).

I love that I can have news stories brought to me as they occur (as opposed to waiting for the next day's newspaper), but man do those reporters mess it up sometimes. They get to decide what news to share and how to share it.

I love having my cell phone for emergencies or just to call up a friend whenever I want. But, aren't there times that you just want to ignore its ring or leave it at home? However, it is so frustrating if the person you are calling doesn't have their phone with them at all times!

Or (I had this situation last week), your usual pharmacy (less than a block away) closes early on Saturday. So, you have to drive 3 miles to the 24-hour pharmacy and wait in line because it is the only one in a 20 mile radius!

And, what about when the grocery store is out of something you need? You mean I have to drive 5 minutes down the road to the other grocery store? Talk about inconvenience!

In my quest for continuing my education, I have found that some colleges and universities offer distance education courses. Convenient, right? The major I want to pursue, however, is not offered as a distance education option. How inconvenient!

Ha, I actually found myself getting upset about this.

My goodness, what struggles we 21st century people are faced with today!

Gourds galore and painted coconuts?

Random should be my middle name.

This picture depicts 1/3 the amount of gourds we have in our office. A co-worker has more gourds than he can handle at home and has brought them in for us to take. What do you do with gourds? I have no clue, but that did not stop me from rushing in to pick out the very best ones.

These are my choices. Aren't they amazing? And, they are completely random...just like me. Look how one of them is completely orange, with a perfect circle of green on its butt. And, look at the one that has watermelon coloring, except for a little patch of orange. I haven't seen two that are exactly a like - they are all unique and creative in their own special way. Just like people. Isn't God's awesomeness seen in his creative creation?

Someone found a recipe for gourd chips, but I think they would be cool for decorating. Too bad I am not decorating-savvy. So, right now they are just sitting next to the plant on my desk.

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Now this is hilarious.

Another one of my co-workers sent this painted coconut to us from Hawai'i. It has our names painted on it and it says, "I went nuts in Hawai'i." Now let me ask you: How nice is it that someone was thinking about us while vacationing? We think it just awesome and it sits on my desk, along with the gourds. And if you are doubting the authenticity of the coconut...I shook it and heard the milk inside! I'm definitely getting one of those when we go to Hawai'i again!

How old young do I really look?

Hubs and I went out for dinner Friday night. At the end of our meal, our waitress asked, "Would you like separate checks, or should I combine them?"

Hubs: Well, I should probably pay for my wife, don't you think?
Waitress: You guys are married? You look so young! I'll be right back with your check.

The waitress herself looked pretty young. When she returned...

Hubs: Do you mind if I ask how old you would have guessed us to be?
Waitress: Oh, I thought you were probably 18 or 19.
Hubs: Oh really? So, do you mind if I ask how old you are?
Waitress: Me? I'm 21! (she said this with confidence)
Feath: Oh wow. Well, I'm almost 25 and he is 24.
Waitress: Wow, you guys look really young. You must get carded all the time.

Although this was a new conversation to Hubs, I get this all the time. Sometimes, I stop at Starbucks on my way to work. I usually have to wait at the drive-thru window and the barista's try to make conversation. Their first question, without fail, is, "So, are you headed off to class this morning?" To which I respond, "No. I am headed off to work."

Before you even think of saying it, yes I know this will be wonderful when I am 50. And, yes I am happy that I look younger than my actual age instead of older. But I do wonder: Is it the clothes I wear? The fact that I am super short? Just my facial features in general? My demeanor? Hmmm.

For now, I blame it on the braces. I will be anxious to see if I get fewer remarks when they come off.

Tasty Tuesday - Halloween Theme

Anything with pumpkin has to be good, right? Well, I sure think so. This recipe was introduced to me years ago by a friend's mom. Ever since, my mom has made it every October for me. You'll love it.

Pumpkin Sheet Cake

Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin
2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs (lightly beaten)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt

3 oz cream cheese (i like to add more than this)
5 Tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 3/4 cup confectioner's sugar (i add less of this)
3-4 tsp milk

Directions
Beat pumpkin, sugar & oil until blended. Beat in eggs. Combine flour, soda, cinnamon, & salt; gradually add to pumpkin mixture until well blended.

Pour into greased 15x10x1 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes (until a toothpick comes out clean). Cool on a wire rack.

For frosting, beat cream cheese, butter, & vanilla. Gradually beat in sugar until smooth. Add milk until frosting is the consistency that you want. Frost cake.

I forgot my camera

So many things to take pictures of and I left my camera at home.

1) My laundry room is clean. I did not plan to clean my it last night. It is usually disorganized and messy, but since I am usually the only person who uses it, it is the last thing on my list to clean. Last night, I went to unload the dryer. I thought it was odd that the floor was wet, but proceeded to unload anyways. Then, I realized that all the dirty clothes on the floor awaiting their turn for the washing machine were completely soaked. Not tonight. I don't have the energy for this. Sure enough, water is coming from the washing machine. All the hoses are tight. The drain is not clogged. It's a mystery. Well, the machine finishes spinning and it sounds like water is still pouring into the washing machine. Sure enough, the machine is off but water keeps on pouring in. I'm calling the repair man today.

So, I lay out all the soaked clothes throughout the apartment and stay up drying clothes late. I can't wait to see the water and electricity bill.

2) We finally have a jam-packed week again! I wish you could see our calendar!

3) The Husker game was a fun birthday present. It was a perfect day: clear skies, 63 degrees, light breeze, and we won!

4) We had 49 mph wind gusts yesterday. Laura, her mom, and I still went out for our 5K race. Let me tell ya, this is my kinda race. Girls on the Run of Nebraska is an organization/club to get young girls active. They sponsor a fun 5K 2 times each year. They don't keep track of your times; every body's number is "1;" it is just to get people out and active.

I didn't "train" for this run, because I just wanted to get out there and have fun. There were moments when I felt like I was running in place (against the wind), so I cannot imagine how hard it was for the girls half my size! Still, we finished and, I think, were happy with how we did, especially considering the circumstances. Laura's mom beat her last time by 1.5 minutes and I came in at 27:05. I think the best feeling is afterwards. I felt like I had accomplished something good and even this morning I just feel good. It's hard to explain.

By the way, Hubs did come and I am so glad he did! It was great to look for him to cheer me on. Also, all the encouragement along the way from the entire crowd helped so much to keep us going in the windy, cold weather.

Just have to brag

I got my birthday present from Hubs last night. He's taking me to the Nebraska vs. Baylor football game tomorrow! It's supposed to be sunny, 65 degrees, and I am very excited. A whole afternoon of Husker football, time with Hubs, and fun.

As a side note, this is the 2nd birthday that I have requested and received tickets to a football game. For my 11th (I think) birthday, my parents surprised me with tickets to a Buffalo Bills game vs. Kansas City. It was a big deal to me because my family in Kansas were big time Chiefs fans while we were big time Bills fans. I believe this was the year my grandpa and I started our friendly bet. Each year, we bet on our respective teams to win the game versus each other. The person who lost had to buy the other person something with their team's logo on it. Well, I was not disappointed with this game. My Buffalo Bills won 41-10 (I can still remember who made most of the touchdowns that day)! The cheerleaders were dressed up in costumes (for Halloween) and it was so much fun.

So, tomorrow's game will be another great birthday present and the best part will be spending uninterupted time with Hubs. Thanks Babe!

Five minutes in my brain

While I am at work, I listen to iTunes or pandora radio on my computer. I have Christmas music on my iTunes, so when those songs play, I usually skip right over them. It is, by the way, only October.

Well, today a Christmas song played and I didn't skip it. I enjoyed listening to it. It is, by the way, almost November.

I'm kinda cold. Turning off the fan.

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That led me to think about October (my favorite month). What day is it? I gasp...8 days until I turn 25. Oh man, I thought I was going to stay 24 forever. The last 5 years flew by which means I'll be 30 in no time - nope, don't think about that. Hmmm, what do I want to eat on my birthday?

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Ugh, it's hot in this office. I'm turning on the fan. I wonder if we might finally have snow on Christmas. Oh, I should start a list for Christmas presents I want to buy this year. I am excited to go shopping for them. I need to remember to pick up a paper on Thanksgiving day so I can look at the ads. That was so fun last year when Ruth and I got up early and shopped. Oh man, I thought of a good present for Mom last night and can't remember it now. Grr. That is why you write these things down, Feather! Hopefully it will pop into my head again and I can write it down.

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That apple crisp was good last night. I have got to work out when I get home. Yuck, I hate the treadmill. Oh well, it has to be done. I might as well make it an extra long work out. Then take off Friday and Saturday for the run on Sunday. Oh goodness, don't think about that right now.

I'm getting cold again.

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I should use those Halloween paper plates and cups that I bought 2 years ago. They are so cute. Maybe we should have people over next week; or I should make something for flock on Monday and take them over. Pumpkin sheet cake and apple cider? Perhaps...I'll have to think about that.

Oh, I want to carve that pumpkin we have on our balcony. Hmmm.

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Haha, I should blog about this. People will think I am crazy in my head - oh well. Don't care.

Good grief, it is SO hot in here!

When I grow up, I want to be... Part II

I am not what I wanted to be when I grew up.

God had different plans for me. I've struggled with that at times, but contentment is found being in the will of God and not my own. So, as I continue to align God's plan as my own, my dreams are modified.

Right now, what I want to be as I continue growing up is a college graduate and a great wife. As I continue on, whatever God wants me to be...I want to be that too!

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I am still working towards who I wanted to be when I grew up.

For the most part, these have stayed the same. I still have a lot of growing to do.

Right now, who I want to be as I continue growing up is a godly woman, who depends on the Lord for her strength, who puts others' needs before her own, who is informed and intelligent, kind and fun, passionate and bold.

I think it is great to dream of being something as we are young. I think it is even greater to chase those dreams and make them goals. How fulfilling it is to acheive those goals and make dreams reality. But for those of you that are like me; and we aren't what we planned to be: That is no less of a great thing! Because as long as we are who God wants us to be, and as long as we pursue that high calling, whatever it is, we are right where we should be.

Thus says the LORD:
“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;

But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD.
Jeremiah 9:23-24

Running is Fun? No way!

For the very first time in history, I had an enjoyable, yes even fun, run!

As of April 2008 I disliked despised running. I felt like I was going to die with every other step, my chest hurt, it was boring, my short legs weren't made for it, and I never ever kept at it. And pushing myself beyond the 10 minute per mile pace...no way was that happening. I thought it was a hopeless cause, and set out to "show" my hubs just that. I started off downright slow, but it was amazing to me at how fast I could decrease my time after I just kept at it. Friends and I set a goal to complete a 3k race in June and we did just that!

Instead of proving I couldn't do it, I found that it isn't all bad. And even though I had run for 5 months consistently pretty regularly, I still did not consider it enjoyable until a few days ago. I went out for a run last week. It was 65 degrees so I wore shorts and a long sleeve t-shirt. I ran along a street with quite a few hills, but it is scenic so I prefer it. It was breezy and leaves were falling from the trees all around me. I would hear the leave rustling under my feet. It was the perfect fall day and I had fun running! Imagine that coming from the girl who has hated running all her life!

I am running in a non-competitive race this weekend and am already getting sick to my stomach just thinking about it. It is about now that I don't remember why I sign up for these things. Last time, I was sick during the entire run, so I have decided to prepare myself this time:

1. I am telling myself it is just another workout with hundreds of other people around. So, it should be more fun, right????
2. I am not running competitively and I have no desire to. It is just for fun, with some friends, and for the free t-shirt.
3. Hubs is not going to come. Knowing he is watching makes me even more nervous.
4. Sorry, no pictures. You will not get a documented account of this because it is just a normal, everyday workout!
5. Any other suggestions?

Now that running can be fun, I need races to be fun!

When I grow up, I want to be...

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a missionary, a nurse, a doctor, a pathologist, a lawyer, a politician, a FBI agent, the surgeon general, an author, a musician, a doctor again, a nurse practicioner, a physicians assistant, a scientist, a teacher, a business woman, a public speaker, and a flight attendant.

Are you now what you wanted to be when you grew up?

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Who did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be confident, beautiful, godly, independent, loving, passionate, bold, intelligent, looked-up-to, fun, carefree, motivated, positive, successful, self-controlled, assertive, and friendly.

Are you now who you wanted to be when you grew up?

5 reasons it was a good weekend (plus a bonus)

1. Great weather for a long walk with Hubs.

2. Girl's night and girl's breakfast.

3. Lots of time to read.

4. Play-time with a puppy.

5. All the laundry is done.

Bonus: Hubs loves me.

Anywhere but here.

I want to be here.

Or here.

I definitely want to be here.

Has it really only been 3 months since our last vacation?

Happy Friday!

Wild Kingdom

It's a jungle out there! Well, actually it is a big, open field, with lots of weeds and bugs.

2:00am this morning I wake up to Hubs getting a drink of water. As I wait for him to come back, I hear the screen door open, so I get up to investigate.

There was a noise coming from the open field in front of our apartment complex. A noise so hard to explain and I could never repeat it. It was sort of a squawk, sort of a quack, but also sort of a seagull sound. The noise occured about once every 8 seconds, without fail. We figured it must be some sort of an animal, and it sounded as if it might be hurt. Or, maybe it was a mating call. After listening for a while, I was more than ready to go hop back under my warm covers and go to sleep. Hubs, however, decided to investigate.

A few minutes after he left, I got back out of bed to watch where he went. Hubs was no where in sight. Immediately, my mind took off. I thought, What if there is a bad guy out there who was just making a noise, hoping that someone would come outside to see what was up? I bet they captured Hubs, took his keys and now they are trying the key in each door to find out which apartment I am in. What should I do? Where should I hide? I could go stand outside, on our balcony. Maybe they won't check out there. Finally, I stopped my imagination and told myself to think on true, real things (Phil 4:8). I went to the window again and saw a flashlight beam in the weeds. What a dummy I am for making up that whole story and freaking myself out! So, I returned to my warm bed to calm down.

Hubs came back in about 15 minutes later. He said that the noise would stop as he walked through the weeds, but that the sound was coming from the roof of a house. He pointed the flashlight up at the roof and saw a huge bird. Being 2:15am, I didn't ask how huge, but I am still picturing an ostrich-sized bird on the top of a roof. The bird flew away when the flashlight found him, and the noise stopped for the rest of the night. I did some research this morning and cannot find a bird noise quite like what we heard. It was really a strange noise. Hubs also mentioned that, while walking around in the weeds, he heard some other animal noises and movements.

Well, I was wide awake, now 2:30am, so we talked a little before falling back to sleep. But, how can you sleep knowing Wild Kingdom (or Criminal Minds) is right outside your window?

Vanity of Vanities

I have reached that point in the season that I have the irrestistible desire to shop. It happens every season and usually in the same process.

It really is my fault. It begins with a look online to see where I could get a item of clothing (this time a pair of khaki pants). As I look, I see other clothes. Then, I think Those pants are cute, or That sweater looks so soft. I continue to feed the desire by looking all the other clothes online, thinking that I may need some other items. That leads into My current clothes don't fit like that! And finally, I don't have any jeans. or I don't have anything to wear this fall. I need to go shopping. The worst part is that I suddenly dislike all most of the clothes in my closet and my mind is consumed with what I don't have and why I can't dress like the people on my screen.

Side note: It doesn't help that I somehow got added to joined every mailing list possible to get coupons and birthday rewards. Those marketing people sure know what they are doing!

And so, the idea pops into my head that I could go to the mall over lunch and pick up a few "things" or at least look around. Nevermind that Hubs may need to use the clothes budget this month. Nevermind that my birthday is in 16 days. Nevermind that the clothes online fit the models perfectly and when I actually do go shopping I will get so frustrated because nothing will look the same!

After all of these head spinning thoughts and waste of brain power, for the rest of the day I will correct my thoughts: It's great that I have nice clothes to cover me and keep me warm. Thank you Lord for providing for me and making me as I am.

I don't think it is wrong to want new things and buy new things. But my mindset changed from the beginning of my search to seek out an item that I need, to wishing I could look and dress like other people.

So, I am going to sit outside and read a book over lunch-less stress, less sweating, more enjoyable. I will still go to the mall this weekend, but I will be searching for clothes that fit me and my personality. Not wishing I was someone different.

The Love of Books and the Hate of Untruth

I love books. Fiction & Non-Fiction. Classics & Contemporary. There is just something about a book that lures me.

The most dangerous place for me to be is in a bookstore with no spending limit. I hope I someday have a room in my house that is wall-to-wall, ceiling-to-floor filled with books. The room will have huge picture windows and over-sized furniture for reading pleasure.

However, I do not love all books and I think some people write, well I'll just say it, crap. For instance, if I am reading a novel with a lot of cussing or intimate scenes, I stop reading and if I purchased the book, I put it in the trash.

I also believe books can be deceiving, most especially Christian non-fiction. The cover can look beautiful. It can entice you to buy, make you think its content will be worth the money, and even create a false sense of trust in the author. You may think, "It is in the Christian aisle or bookstore, so it can't be all bad." And, you may be right. But, don't you want the book to be all good so that you don't have to pick out the truths from the half-truths?

More than once I have stood in the local Christian bookstore appalled by what they are selling, but even more appalled by what they are NOT selling. I have been known to tear-up in the aisle in both anger and sadness as I think of how authors are deceiving people and, most of all, offending God. It makes my heart hurt.

I have had the wonderful privilege of growing up in a home that taught me to validate everything I read and hear with what the Bible says because the Bible is the authority and Word of God. Therefore, I have a spectrum of authors and preachers that I feel comfortable reading and here's why: these authors start with the Bible and end with the Bible. They merely explain what it is saying and challenge me to live thus.

There are many authors out there that write good things, but subtly in the text are truths that do not completely align with God's Word. What a scary thing!

And that, my friends, is why I enjoy Elizabeth George (more in a future post). She does not try to appeal to women by using feelings and emotions. She knows how women think; how women struggle; and how women react. She knows what the Bible says about how we are called to live. She takes those truths and challenges women to apply them to their lives and live godly.

All that to say, be careful what you read and hear. Match everything up to what God has written in His word.

The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright—words of truth. The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh.

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.
For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.
Ecclesiastes 12:10-14

And, from the final chapter of the Bible:

For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Revelation 22:18-19

A Rough Road

Friday night I drove to Kansas City to see my family and to attend an Elizabeth George conference (another post).

About 15 minutes from their house, I thought, Wow! I am making great time! I will be there before 9pm. Seconds later, I heard the most horrible sound. I thought, What in the world? and then realizing it was coming from my car, I did the first thing that came to my mind. I pushed the brakes. I was in one of the middle lanes (of 4) going 70mph and the cars around me weren't thrilled with my instintive reaction, so I put my hazards on and safely drove the car to the side of the road and turned her off.

I was pretty sure the horrible noise was a flat tire, but I jumped out to check anyway. I called my mom and soon after, my dad and grandpa were on their way. I described where I was (there were no mile markers or signs ahead of me) and my mom comfortingly says, "You are in one of the worst areas of Kansas City, so I am going to stay on the phone with you."

About 20 minutes later Dad and Gpa arrive ready to change my tire. I became the flashlight holder and only knocked my poor father in the head once! Soon, my donut was on and we were ready to go.

I had noticed that my lights had progressively gotten dimmer while I was waiting for help to arrive. I also thought it strange that I couldn't unlock my doors with my key chain. We get in the car, turn the key and nothing happens. Nobody has ever informed me that I should leave my car running while I have my hazard lights on because they drain the battery! So out come the jumper cables. Soon, we were again back in the car, ready to go, and this time we made it home safely!

Let me sum up the next day for you in a few key points:

As I am leaving for the conference, I can't figure out where the keys are, how to put the garage door down, and forget my Bible...all while trying to call Hubs back and end up being 20 minutes late for my booktable duties. Oh yeah...forgot to eat breakfast in the mad dash to the conference and become shaky and unable to concentrate on anything. Good news: I found Krispy Kreme donuts in an upstairs room.

During the first break, dad decides to take the car to get fixed while I work the booktable. Of course the tire is not fixable as it has a large gash in side of it (see below). He needs to talk to hubs about the road hazard warranty. Meanwhile, mom is calling my name because she needs my help at the booktable. Good news: I teach mom how to use the credit card machine.


What in the world did I hit?

I leave the conference to go with dad out to one of the only stores in town that sells used tires that will get me back home so that I can use the road hazard warranty. Dad gets grease on his new pants, uses my Tide pen to try to clean them, ends up discoloring the pants. We are so happy right now. Good news: The store has a used tire that will work!

We make it back to the conference and I return to my booktable duties. I make it home safely and all is well. Never a dull moment with me!

Running with Hubs

Last night I got home and saw a note on the counter. Hubs had gone for a run. So I changed and headed out for a run myself. Hubs had just gotten home (from 4 miles) when I stepped outside and I, jokingly, said, "Wanna go for another 2?" He said he did and I immediately wished I would have kept my mouth shut.

You may remember, that running with Hubs has had its hard-times. We decided months back that it was much more fun to pass each other and give a friendly high-five than to try to match strides. So, immediately I feared that this would turn out the same. Much to my surprise, it was our best run together.

I like having a little music to keep me going. I think I even run to the beat. I have an armband radio, which looks ancient compared to the new things out there. So, while I am holding out to get one of these for my birthday, I have been running with only the music in my head to keep me going. So, you see, my Hubs has a great ability to talk and run at the same time which made the run very enjoyable. Talking also kept him preoccupied so he didn't realize say anything about how incredibly slow we were going!

Appalling

I am appalled that you have nothing better to do than sit and read my blog! Are you trying to tell me you have a life? Or, are you saying that I should wait more than 5 hours before expecting to see comments come rolling in? Or, maybe it is that my posts have gone a little on the boring side and you simply have nothing to say. (By the way, I am not talking to you Laura!) Or, perhaps it is because I have changed the "look" so much that I am confusing you. Oh, how I needlessly stress about my blog readership.

Let's make a compromise. I'll work on having more interesting posts, as well as not expecting you to respond quickly and to each post. You continue to read, and say, "hi" every time once and a while.

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Has anyone else been watching the Presidential debates (raise your hand)? If so, what have you thought? Hubs and I looked at each other at one point on Tuesday night and said, "Do you have any idea what he just said?"

Now I consider myself a fairly educated individual. I love to learn and try to retain as much as I can; however, some of the answers were a little too detailed for (what I believe) the average United States citizens want and need to hear.

Some of you, I can already hear your responses. "But we need to know exactly what each candidate is going to do in each situation." "You should want to know every detail about their plans, otherwise they can just say anything." "We need to make sure these candidates know what they are talking about."

I agree, but when it comes to all those countries in Asia, I can honestly say that I don't know one from the other. I would just like to know what each candidate's foreign policy stance is and then maybe one example of how it would be put in to effect. Would that suffice for you?

Honestly, that is why I have enjoyed Governor Palin. She has spoke with clarity and plainness. I don't have to translate the words she uses, summarize the endless paragraphs, or wonder if what she said was what she really thinks.

Even still, I am looking forward to the final debate next week. If you are still on the fence with who to vote for, here are my first and final words:

Our country is in a state we have never seen before. We need leadership that will work with both parties to make smart decisions and legislation. There is one candidate who has, throughout his entire career in the US Senate, a proven track record of working to put numerous bipartisan legislation's through. The opposing candidate has spent his years in the US Senate only working to pass legislation that goes along his party line.

Which would you rather have as President?

A picture of Hubs doing what he enjoys

Click the tooth.

Um, yeah, you just called me...

You see that you missed a call on your cell phone. The number is not one that you recognize and the caller did not leave a voicemail. You:

a) quickly call the number back to see who called..
b) figure the caller would have left a voicemail (or will call back) if he/she was trying to contact you. You also realize it may have been a wrong number, so don't worry too much about it

Which one are you?

I answer the company at phone at work. We don't get many calls because most employees have a direct line. This morning, I would say I have answered the phone maybe 6 times in the past 2.5 hours. Three times it was a recorded sales call. One time it was an actual client call. And, 2 times I heard this, "Um, yeah, you just called me."

Me: Actually, this is a multi-line phone and I didn't just call. Do you know anyone that works here.
Caller: Uh, what company is this?
Me: ********* **********
Caller: I don't think so, unless Joe Schmoe works there.
Me: Nope, sorry.
Caller: Well, I guess they'll call back...
Me: Yeah, sorry. Bye.

I receive calls such as this all the time. Sometimes I am patient and kind, but sometimes I am annoyed and frustrated.

What erks me the most is the rude way in which they announce that I called them, as if it is a crime for an unknown number to appear on their caller-id. You wouldn't believe it, but some people get very upset that I cannot tell them who might have called. I wonder if it just eats at them all day long.

So, if you are one of those people that just has to know exactly who and why a person called your phone, keep these things in mind (for the sanity of all phone-answers out there):
1. there are nice ways to phrase the question. Be friendly and inquiring-not rude and demanding.
2. it may have been a wrong number. Be prepared to explain that you were just making sure it wasn't something else.
3. the person who answers the phone, may not have been the individual who called. Be friendly and understanding.

Personally, I never call the phone number back. They will call back if they need to talk to me.

A Not-Busy Week

This is a rare occurance in our house.


Yup, its a pretty boring relaxing week.

I have heard of weeks such as these. Where there are no commitments each night; where people have time to work out; where people can actually catch-up around the house. But, I haven't been witness to one in a long time.

And, already I have seen the benefits of this:

A frame that has been sitting next to our TV since MAY, is now hanging on the wall.

The kitchen counters are, and will remain, clutter free.

The last load of laundry is done in the dryer, ready to be folded and it is only Tuesday (as opposed to the usual Thursday or Friday).

I am trying out one two new recipes for dinner.

It's a good week to have nothing planned because I will be gone for most of the weekend. I hope to use this free time to get ahead with my cleaning and spend some extra time in the Word. Don't worry...next week I will be ready to get back into a normal busy schedule.

Lost in the Corn

This is all we saw for 2 hours Friday night.

Along with friends, we went to the World's Largest Corn Maze - right here in Nebraska. It took us 1 hour and 50 minutes for us to get through one of their 4-mile long mazes. Although frustrating at times, it was fun and worth going.




The group before going through the maze.


Hubs on shoulder-ridin' duty.


Look how tall the corn stalks are!

We were told, before entering the maze, that only 2 people had made it through the entire maze so far this year. We were pretty happy with our accomplishment, depsite many wrong turns along the way.

Not my Night

I'm getting ready to leave work and go home for the evening. Earlier in the afternoon I saw my keys underneath the mound of work on my desk and thought, I should put those in a safe place so I don't have to search for them later. And, I did. The problem came when I couldn't remember where that safe place was. I searched for 15 minutes and could not find them. All I could think was that they were in one of the 20 boxes I packed up for UPS. I just knew that next week a client would call wondering why they received a set of keys.

Finally, as a last resort before calling the Hubs, I checked my purse for the 8th time. There they were - in the safe place.

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I decided to make pumpkin cookies for our flock outing tonight. So, we went to the grocery store to pick up some pumpkin. Hubs says, "Do you need anything else?" To which, I confidently say that I don't. We get home, and I have no butter.

I went back to the grocery store.

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After I used 4 cups of flour for these cookies (we will have cookies for months), the canister was getting low. Recalling that I had some leftover flour in a ziploc bag, I decide to replenish the current supply. As I am pouring the flour in, I realize something is not right.

The ziploc bag I picked up was powdered sugar.

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As I'm measuring out ingredients, I need to add cinnamon. I add one teaspoon and run out. So I crawl onto the counters, digging through the cabinet looking furiously for more cinnamon, while knocking over ever other spice onto the count. Under no circumstance was I going to go back to the grocery store for a 3rd time! After breaking a sweat, there was no cinnamon to be found.

I shook every tiny bit of cinnamon out of the empty container and called it good.

Triggers

I was looking for a certain cd to play yesterday morning while getting ready for work. Unfortunately I couldn't find it, but I stumbled upon an old cd that I hadn't listened to in a while. I put it with my purse so I could listen to it on the way to work.

As I listened to my favorite tracks, I was transported to a certain time in my life. It was the time that I listened to this cd often. The songs that related to me so well then, now vividly remind me of who I was then.

Have you ever smelled something and immediately a memory popped into you mind? It isn't always a certain specific date and time; rather, a period of life, a person, or a tradition. For instance, Bath & Body Works' scent Warm Vanilla Sugar makes me think instantly of Italy. It isn't because Italy smells of Vanilla or Sugar, but when I was in Italy, I wore this lotion everyday.

Our olfactory sense (smell) is the stongest way to bring about memories. Did you know that? The simple explaination is that our olfactory bulb is closely associated with the memory parts of the brain.

But, I am music oriented, and I find that music is also a trigger for me. It not only triggers memories, but emotions and responses that I cannot control. I am instantly brought back to a situation or time in my life. Here are a few examples:

If I hear a Steve Green song, I think of riding in the van as a child when it was dark outside. We traveled at while it was dark outside as kids, and Steve Green tapes were always playing.

Put in the Carpenters Christmas cd and I am taken back back to evenings when we would decorate the Christmas tree as a family.

I guess the unfortunate side is that I can also be transported to times that I don't really want to re-live. And, I've noticed (now that I have listened to this cd for 2 days straight) that the response wears off after awhile. But, I'm sure once I put this cd away for a while, the next time I listen to it the same emotions will flood back.

So, what about you? What triggers vivid memories for you?

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I'm trying out a new layout again. I am figuring out more and more about html as I play with it. I still, however, have yet to find the design that defines, respresents, and encompasses all that I am and that I want my blog to be.

Does anyone know how to get that header from being so ginormous?