We had a great time this past weekend. We had 20 people over for Thanksgiving. We did the Black Friday Freakout--fun and fun! We bummed, napped and watched some movies with friends & family. Ate some good food. Played a little hockey. Hung out with friends again.
Tucked into all the activities was church. I really liked all the things we did. But church was my favorite. We had an open mic testimony knock your socks off sharing time. For 75 minutesX2 the Holy Spirit blessed our socks off. We heard stories of transformation, hope and gratitude.
When something like this is done, you are taking a large leap of FAITH. Knowing that God will provide, but not knowing what exactly it will look like. As a producer, this can be tricky. I am faithful that God will do what God needs to do today, and everyday. But sometimes I just need a reminder of that! ;)
Of course as promised, He delivered.
We heard from people who were healed, had witnessed healing, and firmly believed they were alive today only because of the power of prayer! :)
We heard from folks who had found reconcilliation, sobriety and a home. All through the power of testimony. Glory be to God!
The feelings listening to these stories cannot be described, but must be witnessed. I am not a crier--today, I was a crier. And you know what? I didn't care. I got to witness first hand the strength and mercy of our God. I say our because I am willing to share. Don't miss out on the transformation that God can make on your life. He was at your Thanksgiving this year, and He will be at the next one. Whether you invite Him or not. Why not make a friend out of the deal and extend the invitation to Him?
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
White as Snow
November is usually gross. It is grey and overcast and just plain gross. This November has been different. The sun has shone. 7 days ago, I went to a garage sale. I got a cute lamp, a sweater and 2 dresses.
2 days ago, it was 69 degrees. I turned on the air conditioning in my van.
Today, I woke up to my 3 year old screaming with delight, directly into my face and spitting on me(not intentionally), that there is snow outside, let's go play!
The snow is blowing, swirling, twisting around out there. The temperature is 22 degrees with a windchill. I haven't used the term windchill since February.
Our new floors were scheduled to get installed today. The floor guy cannot make the drive. He drove for 45 minutes and made it 15 miles.
We are supposed to be heading out to a benefit for a close friend--it starts at 4pm. With 3 kids, I am not sure it is worth the risk. I feel bad not attending, but on the other hand, do we as human place so much importance on our own presence that others wouldn't really notice if we weren't there? Or is it ownership? Or would they notice?
The snow has us grounded in a sense.
Remember as a kid, you begged and pleaded with God for a snow day? The kind of day where all of commerce was shut down and you got to go out and throw snowballs and then mom would make hot chocolate while your mittens hung in the foyer dripping over the heat register.
The kind of day where for no other reason, you are excused from all activities other than to just 'be'.
With God, everyday is a snow day.
"Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." Isaiah 1:18
Your sin is gross like the November day--overcast and depressing. God turns it into that beautiful fresh fallen snow, white and clean, with nothing else to do that rejoice in the fact that it is a snow day.
2 days ago, it was 69 degrees. I turned on the air conditioning in my van.
Today, I woke up to my 3 year old screaming with delight, directly into my face and spitting on me(not intentionally), that there is snow outside, let's go play!
The snow is blowing, swirling, twisting around out there. The temperature is 22 degrees with a windchill. I haven't used the term windchill since February.
Our new floors were scheduled to get installed today. The floor guy cannot make the drive. He drove for 45 minutes and made it 15 miles.
We are supposed to be heading out to a benefit for a close friend--it starts at 4pm. With 3 kids, I am not sure it is worth the risk. I feel bad not attending, but on the other hand, do we as human place so much importance on our own presence that others wouldn't really notice if we weren't there? Or is it ownership? Or would they notice?
The snow has us grounded in a sense.
Remember as a kid, you begged and pleaded with God for a snow day? The kind of day where all of commerce was shut down and you got to go out and throw snowballs and then mom would make hot chocolate while your mittens hung in the foyer dripping over the heat register.
The kind of day where for no other reason, you are excused from all activities other than to just 'be'.
With God, everyday is a snow day.
"Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." Isaiah 1:18
Your sin is gross like the November day--overcast and depressing. God turns it into that beautiful fresh fallen snow, white and clean, with nothing else to do that rejoice in the fact that it is a snow day.
Friday, November 12, 2010
God is Always at Work
When you are awake you work. Maybe 8-5 Monday through Friday, or maybe more sporadic like a retail schedule--9-5 one day, 10-2 the next. At some point, though, your body will require rest. Not complete shut-down of systems, but rest.
Your eyes get heavy, your shoulders tense, maybe your muscles get achy, you yawn. Your systems need repair. You get to lay down and shut your eyes--letting all of your worries go--you go to sleep.
When you wake, you likely feel refreshed. Some nights are better than others. Some nights the baby wakes you up, or the furnace kicks on for the first time all season and jolts you awake. Some nights you lay your head on the pillow and the next thing you know the alarm is going off telling you to get up and do it all again. Other nights you wake startled, covered in sweat from a bad dream.
God doesn't rest.
His body doesn't need repair.
His systems don't shut down.
His eyes are never heavy.
His muscles never tense.
He never goes to sleep.
He never wakes in the night.
He is simply always 'on'. Always with you. He doesn't punch out or take a vacation. (short of being a mother, I cannot think of a tougher job, am I right ladies?)
Isn't it wonderful? I cannot think of how many times I have thought to myself, "God, where are you in this situation...why did you? Why didn't you?"
I got a call from a friend today. He has been struggling with his faith--Christianity as a whole. God has revealed Himself to this friend. Without the struggle, the trial, God would just be a mom...always there, but nothing spectacular on a day to day basis(at least to a 5 year old). But we are given the trials, the bad dreams to remind us of how big God is. How amazing. How wonderful.
God never sleeps.
Your eyes get heavy, your shoulders tense, maybe your muscles get achy, you yawn. Your systems need repair. You get to lay down and shut your eyes--letting all of your worries go--you go to sleep.
When you wake, you likely feel refreshed. Some nights are better than others. Some nights the baby wakes you up, or the furnace kicks on for the first time all season and jolts you awake. Some nights you lay your head on the pillow and the next thing you know the alarm is going off telling you to get up and do it all again. Other nights you wake startled, covered in sweat from a bad dream.
God doesn't rest.
His body doesn't need repair.
His systems don't shut down.
His eyes are never heavy.
His muscles never tense.
He never goes to sleep.
He never wakes in the night.
He is simply always 'on'. Always with you. He doesn't punch out or take a vacation. (short of being a mother, I cannot think of a tougher job, am I right ladies?)
Isn't it wonderful? I cannot think of how many times I have thought to myself, "God, where are you in this situation...why did you? Why didn't you?"
I got a call from a friend today. He has been struggling with his faith--Christianity as a whole. God has revealed Himself to this friend. Without the struggle, the trial, God would just be a mom...always there, but nothing spectacular on a day to day basis(at least to a 5 year old). But we are given the trials, the bad dreams to remind us of how big God is. How amazing. How wonderful.
God never sleeps.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
aarggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh
Now I love my kids, don't get me wrong, but you know the kind of day where you get out of bed--and before they are all awake you know it is going to be one of those days?
Yesterday was one of those days. So I was determined to make today great, as only I can. Today was also not great. I have pretty good kids all around. Sure the baby was caught two weeks ago, filling the toilet with clean tp and then plunging it down, but all in all they are good. Ask my sister--she doesn't really like kids--and she says they are good.
Before my shower, I tell the older ones to get dressed and get their teeth brushed...I shower. I return to the upstairs...they are lounging in their pj's. Calmly, I ask them to get ready...I retreat to the basement to finish getting ready. I begin the climb upstairs and hear scattering...they are now moving to get ready. I tell them to brush their teeth--they break down crying that they haven't eaten yet :( This is going nowhere fast. 45 minutes later, we are out the door.
We get in the car. Crying. Fists. Seatbelts flying. Someone steals a 'jewel' from someone else. Not in that order. ARGH! This is where I lose it for the first time today: Idon'tcarewhodidwhattowhojustgetinyourseatsbeforeIbegintoflipout. Begin? That was 40 minutes ago...I am just great (err....ok) kinda ok at disguising it. But nonetheless, sit down!
I go do the one errand in town, and determine that this day is exactly like yesterday. At 6pm yesterday I threw in the towel. It is 10:05 a.m., and I am delightfully throwing in the towel. There is laundry to be washed, dried, folded and put away. There are bills waiting to be mailed. Food waiting to be thawed and cooked. Work to be done on my latop that is dying a miserable death. All these things begging--no crying out--for me to do them. And you know what? I am human. A wife. A mother. A producer. A store owner. A maid, drycleaner, friend, sister, daughter and the list goes on and on.
Today, and maybe tomorrow, I cannot be everything to everyone. So just for today--if it's okay with you--I am throwing in the towel. I am just going to be mom.
Until 3 pm. When. I. Get. To. Leave. And be something else.
And then when I return around 830pm, I will hopefully be human again. The green tentacles will have retreated back to blonde and chestnut lowlights. The fangs will just be teeth. The talons will be short, poorly manicured nails(kinda bitten). And then fur will be replaced with my skinny jeans and cute boots.
Being a mom is great. Turning into a monster while you are a mom is not. Today (and yesterday) I threw in the towel. Because being everything to everyone, isn't as great as being the best thing to your someones.
Yesterday was one of those days. So I was determined to make today great, as only I can. Today was also not great. I have pretty good kids all around. Sure the baby was caught two weeks ago, filling the toilet with clean tp and then plunging it down, but all in all they are good. Ask my sister--she doesn't really like kids--and she says they are good.
Before my shower, I tell the older ones to get dressed and get their teeth brushed...I shower. I return to the upstairs...they are lounging in their pj's. Calmly, I ask them to get ready...I retreat to the basement to finish getting ready. I begin the climb upstairs and hear scattering...they are now moving to get ready. I tell them to brush their teeth--they break down crying that they haven't eaten yet :( This is going nowhere fast. 45 minutes later, we are out the door.
We get in the car. Crying. Fists. Seatbelts flying. Someone steals a 'jewel' from someone else. Not in that order. ARGH! This is where I lose it for the first time today: Idon'tcarewhodidwhattowhojustgetinyourseatsbeforeIbegintoflipout. Begin? That was 40 minutes ago...I am just great (err....ok) kinda ok at disguising it. But nonetheless, sit down!
I go do the one errand in town, and determine that this day is exactly like yesterday. At 6pm yesterday I threw in the towel. It is 10:05 a.m., and I am delightfully throwing in the towel. There is laundry to be washed, dried, folded and put away. There are bills waiting to be mailed. Food waiting to be thawed and cooked. Work to be done on my latop that is dying a miserable death. All these things begging--no crying out--for me to do them. And you know what? I am human. A wife. A mother. A producer. A store owner. A maid, drycleaner, friend, sister, daughter and the list goes on and on.
Today, and maybe tomorrow, I cannot be everything to everyone. So just for today--if it's okay with you--I am throwing in the towel. I am just going to be mom.
Until 3 pm. When. I. Get. To. Leave. And be something else.
And then when I return around 830pm, I will hopefully be human again. The green tentacles will have retreated back to blonde and chestnut lowlights. The fangs will just be teeth. The talons will be short, poorly manicured nails(kinda bitten). And then fur will be replaced with my skinny jeans and cute boots.
Being a mom is great. Turning into a monster while you are a mom is not. Today (and yesterday) I threw in the towel. Because being everything to everyone, isn't as great as being the best thing to your someones.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Faith Like Potatoes
If you haven't seen the movie, "Faith Like Potatoes, please run out and rent it, buy, illegally stream it off the internet--whatever it takes. (and no that wasn't a plug for our store). Just get this movie. It is a true story about a family in Scottish family who moves to Africa. The father, a farmer, becomes a Christian through an Altar Call at a church near the village where they have moved.
This story of ups and downs had me laughing and praising God, and also brought me to my breaking point with tragedy that I didn't know would affect me in the way that it did.
So often we walk by sight and not by faith...Angus shows how true faith can do much more than sight ever could! :)
FYI: The audio was tricky for the first 15 minutes or so, as this is a "B" title, but it is worth the frustration of having the volume on 40+ just to hear it!
This story of ups and downs had me laughing and praising God, and also brought me to my breaking point with tragedy that I didn't know would affect me in the way that it did.
So often we walk by sight and not by faith...Angus shows how true faith can do much more than sight ever could! :)
FYI: The audio was tricky for the first 15 minutes or so, as this is a "B" title, but it is worth the frustration of having the volume on 40+ just to hear it!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Back to school...
As many of you know I have decided to homeschool my kids this year--for a variety of reasons. The first two weeks have gone surprisingly well. Logan and Kjirsten beg to 'do school' at all hours of the day and night, and little chubba bubba, Silas, well he gets into everything that he should not during school hours.
I had every intention of doing the school gig in the basement, away from the real-life chaos of the kitchen, etc. That lasted for less than one day, as Silas made friends with the kitty litter box, XBOX 360, the movie screen, crawl space and downstairs toilet. He is also quite clever at crawling up the stairs when no one is looking. Going down the stairs is another matter entirely...one which should not be discussed because it will tarnish my parental record.
We moved the school room back upstairs into my office, which allows for door-shutting at the end of the day. This also helps to allow little bubba chubba to play in his room, his siblings room or anywhere he pleases, as we are baby proofed on the upper level.
So far I am appreciating my kids--there are many things I never knew they knew--only because I never asked. This deal has required me to plan and think outside the box. I am hoping they are more challenged than I. However, I am sure there will be days when that is not the case!
Anyone out there have a kid who is tall for their age? Kjirsten is. I have to constantly remind myself that she is 3, and only 4 inches shorter than Logan, who is now 5. I have to do a reality check when she loses patience with things more quickly than he does. But also remind myself to rejoice that God knit her together the way she is for a reason.
Next year, when she is taller than me, I am sure we will both be more patient. ;)
I had every intention of doing the school gig in the basement, away from the real-life chaos of the kitchen, etc. That lasted for less than one day, as Silas made friends with the kitty litter box, XBOX 360, the movie screen, crawl space and downstairs toilet. He is also quite clever at crawling up the stairs when no one is looking. Going down the stairs is another matter entirely...one which should not be discussed because it will tarnish my parental record.
We moved the school room back upstairs into my office, which allows for door-shutting at the end of the day. This also helps to allow little bubba chubba to play in his room, his siblings room or anywhere he pleases, as we are baby proofed on the upper level.
So far I am appreciating my kids--there are many things I never knew they knew--only because I never asked. This deal has required me to plan and think outside the box. I am hoping they are more challenged than I. However, I am sure there will be days when that is not the case!
Anyone out there have a kid who is tall for their age? Kjirsten is. I have to constantly remind myself that she is 3, and only 4 inches shorter than Logan, who is now 5. I have to do a reality check when she loses patience with things more quickly than he does. But also remind myself to rejoice that God knit her together the way she is for a reason.
Next year, when she is taller than me, I am sure we will both be more patient. ;)
Friday, August 6, 2010
Skateboarding
Hmmm...my son wants to skateboard. I did what any mother would do--I bought him a skateboard for 50 cents at a garage sale. How can I be sure this is the real deal? I mean it could be a passing fancy like moon sand, Bendaroos or fill in the blank with any of the 'as seen on TV' infommercial garbage for 19.95.
We pull in the driveway. The neighbor kid (going into 7th grade) is standing on his skateboard at the top of our driveway about to go down and pull a sweet jump off his wooden ramp which is positioned in the middle of our quiet street. Logan is in awe. His mouth drops. And he gives me the good ole "ahhh mom!". Then he proceeds to tell me the numerous reasons why he should be skateboarding with the neighbor who would probably rather skate with anyone but the 5 year old across the street kid who has never stood on anything but his own two feet.
We get out of the van--I wrestle grocery bags, baby(now sleeping), blankie, purse, cell phone, keys, mail, and said 5 year old begging me to come out to the middle of the street with him to explain to the 12 year old why the 5 year old should have him as a coach.
I dump off the bags, baby(still sleeping even in spite of 5 year olds begging! Bonus! PTL!), blankie which now covers baby, purse which is full of honey(inside only), keys also covered in honey, mail, and the 5 year old who follows(still whining).
So in order to shut-up the 5 year old...who can handle all the whining? I walk across the street and introduce myself as the old lady who doesn't want to teach her kid how to skateboard because I am old, out of shape, off balance and it may kill me. The 12 year old, who I learn is Jonathan, tells me that "yeah, I can show him some stuff". PTL, again! I leave the 5 year old in the street with Jonathan and take my place on the curb.
After some time, I am told that Logan's board is "kinda junky". A new kid has joined the group and he informs me that they have boards for "ten dollars at Target"...and they are better than the 50 cent one my kid is riding. Jonathan tells me that a pro-board would start at 80 bucks--for a 'kinda junky' one. WT?
Logan's wheel falls off. Ok, I am a believer. I guess if he is serious about this, I probably should at least spring for the $10 board.
Day 2: Logan is sweaty faced and stinky. The sweat dripping off his brow is mixing with the dust in the air to form streams of slimy dirty mud running down his temples. Icky, but boy nonetheless!
The neighborhood 12 year olds have worked miracles and replaced the wheels on 'kinda junky'.
In the meantime, they have loaned Logan a pro-board. He is actually really good. I am told this is because the board is faster. I guess that is the same comparison between a Mustang and a Pinto. Logan's board was the Pinto. Riding the Mustang, he isn't half bad.
He is surpassing some of the older kids who have been riding for the summer months. I am curious to see what my $100+ will buy me. Will it end up collecting dust and lint next to the Bendaroos? or will this actually stick like hockey did? Hmm...
We pull in the driveway. The neighbor kid (going into 7th grade) is standing on his skateboard at the top of our driveway about to go down and pull a sweet jump off his wooden ramp which is positioned in the middle of our quiet street. Logan is in awe. His mouth drops. And he gives me the good ole "ahhh mom!". Then he proceeds to tell me the numerous reasons why he should be skateboarding with the neighbor who would probably rather skate with anyone but the 5 year old across the street kid who has never stood on anything but his own two feet.
We get out of the van--I wrestle grocery bags, baby(now sleeping), blankie, purse, cell phone, keys, mail, and said 5 year old begging me to come out to the middle of the street with him to explain to the 12 year old why the 5 year old should have him as a coach.
I dump off the bags, baby(still sleeping even in spite of 5 year olds begging! Bonus! PTL!), blankie which now covers baby, purse which is full of honey(inside only), keys also covered in honey, mail, and the 5 year old who follows(still whining).
So in order to shut-up the 5 year old...who can handle all the whining? I walk across the street and introduce myself as the old lady who doesn't want to teach her kid how to skateboard because I am old, out of shape, off balance and it may kill me. The 12 year old, who I learn is Jonathan, tells me that "yeah, I can show him some stuff". PTL, again! I leave the 5 year old in the street with Jonathan and take my place on the curb.
After some time, I am told that Logan's board is "kinda junky". A new kid has joined the group and he informs me that they have boards for "ten dollars at Target"...and they are better than the 50 cent one my kid is riding. Jonathan tells me that a pro-board would start at 80 bucks--for a 'kinda junky' one. WT?
Logan's wheel falls off. Ok, I am a believer. I guess if he is serious about this, I probably should at least spring for the $10 board.
Day 2: Logan is sweaty faced and stinky. The sweat dripping off his brow is mixing with the dust in the air to form streams of slimy dirty mud running down his temples. Icky, but boy nonetheless!
The neighborhood 12 year olds have worked miracles and replaced the wheels on 'kinda junky'.
In the meantime, they have loaned Logan a pro-board. He is actually really good. I am told this is because the board is faster. I guess that is the same comparison between a Mustang and a Pinto. Logan's board was the Pinto. Riding the Mustang, he isn't half bad.
He is surpassing some of the older kids who have been riding for the summer months. I am curious to see what my $100+ will buy me. Will it end up collecting dust and lint next to the Bendaroos? or will this actually stick like hockey did? Hmm...
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Intentionality
God takes the time to be with us every minute of every day. Now as a parent, I recognize that I cannot be in a million places at once--and sometimes that means missing things. I am NOT God. But in my walk to be like Jesus, I have met some amazing(and incredibly smart!!) women who have given me some great advice...I'll do my best not to butcher it as I relay it to you.
1.) The _________fill in the blank here_____ will wait. The children will not. My mom said she watched from the kitchen sink while we played baseball after dinner. "Melissa", mom says, "The dishes will wait--sometimes even for days! You don't get redos with backyard baseball. Play all that you can with your kids. If your friends don't like that your house is a little dirty; they weren't really your friends to begin with!" Touche'. To a women whose kids are grown and I gone, I feel I must listen.
2.) I have wanted to homeschool for the last 3 years, and the good Lord has blessed me by putting so many great ladies in my path that have come alongside me to really be the salt and the light. Greta and I have our offices across from each other upstairs at NHCC--they are both tucked under the dormer, if you walk to the back of our offices you will quickly bump your noggin. Greta has experience with homeschooling and with kids in general. She has 4 of her own, and they are all the models you would hope to buy out of the Sears catalog if buying children was an option. Greta says homeschooling comes down to a few things, "teachable moments, creativity, curiosity and reading aloud." She says kids need to be read to so they learn to hear the "voice in their head". (No, we are not talking about the voices of conscience or otherwise) but to learn to hear the pronounciations of the words and the emotion behind them. Teachable moments are the answers to the where, when, why, how, and huh? There are also the "doh" teachable moments where you wish you or your little ones hadn't just done what you did! Doh!
I feel that creativity and curiosity are easily satisfied--especially when your mama is artsy fartsy. It isn't creativity I lack--that is a basic understanding of the Chemical Titrations found in your sophmore year chemistry class.
3) Another amazing mama who never ceases to make me jealous over her ability to remain calm and in the Spirit, is my friend Kristie. This lady has 6 kids ranging in age from almost 4 to 17! Her kids are available for sale on the page opposite of Greta's. Her little ones are friends with my kids and her older ones are fun to work with and most importantly, tease. They are good natured and would give you the shirt off their back in a MN snowstorm. This family is the epitome of MN nice--and not in the condescending way...the real nice way! Love them all! Kristie told me 3 years ago when I met her at a Tupperware party, "I love Saxon Math, but find what curriculum works for you and use it. Don't apologize if it works for you or doesn't. Just do what makes sense." Ooops! If I forgot to mention it, Kristie has homeschooled all 6 kids...for all the years they were in school. Umm, I don't even think I could do the math to figure out how many years that is. In between all those classes, she still makes time for her God, her hubby, kids and her friends. (thank you for your inspiration!)
4) I have some many other fine ladies in my life, don't take offense if you weren't mentioned. I guarantee you have made an impact. My friend just got her first book published (Sleepwalk Society, Kendare Blake)(you can buy on B&N or Amazon)--point being...all the acknowledgments in life would take up more space than the novel. So like I said, if you aren't mentioned, it doesn't mean you aren't still impactful, just that your installment isn't due yet.
What I have taken from all this advice is what I wrote, but so much more. No matter which school you choose, or which activities you pursue: Be Intentional. Show your kids that the dishes can wait. That teachable moments can happen in the grocery store line when your kid inquires as to why the man is in a wheelchair or when you are in a public restroom and they ask(way too loudly)why does the poopy look like that, mama? And if it works for you, it doesn't have to work for anyone else. Don't apologize, just do.
1.) The _________fill in the blank here_____ will wait. The children will not. My mom said she watched from the kitchen sink while we played baseball after dinner. "Melissa", mom says, "The dishes will wait--sometimes even for days! You don't get redos with backyard baseball. Play all that you can with your kids. If your friends don't like that your house is a little dirty; they weren't really your friends to begin with!" Touche'. To a women whose kids are grown and I gone, I feel I must listen.
2.) I have wanted to homeschool for the last 3 years, and the good Lord has blessed me by putting so many great ladies in my path that have come alongside me to really be the salt and the light. Greta and I have our offices across from each other upstairs at NHCC--they are both tucked under the dormer, if you walk to the back of our offices you will quickly bump your noggin. Greta has experience with homeschooling and with kids in general. She has 4 of her own, and they are all the models you would hope to buy out of the Sears catalog if buying children was an option. Greta says homeschooling comes down to a few things, "teachable moments, creativity, curiosity and reading aloud." She says kids need to be read to so they learn to hear the "voice in their head". (No, we are not talking about the voices of conscience or otherwise) but to learn to hear the pronounciations of the words and the emotion behind them. Teachable moments are the answers to the where, when, why, how, and huh? There are also the "doh" teachable moments where you wish you or your little ones hadn't just done what you did! Doh!
I feel that creativity and curiosity are easily satisfied--especially when your mama is artsy fartsy. It isn't creativity I lack--that is a basic understanding of the Chemical Titrations found in your sophmore year chemistry class.
3) Another amazing mama who never ceases to make me jealous over her ability to remain calm and in the Spirit, is my friend Kristie. This lady has 6 kids ranging in age from almost 4 to 17! Her kids are available for sale on the page opposite of Greta's. Her little ones are friends with my kids and her older ones are fun to work with and most importantly, tease. They are good natured and would give you the shirt off their back in a MN snowstorm. This family is the epitome of MN nice--and not in the condescending way...the real nice way! Love them all! Kristie told me 3 years ago when I met her at a Tupperware party, "I love Saxon Math, but find what curriculum works for you and use it. Don't apologize if it works for you or doesn't. Just do what makes sense." Ooops! If I forgot to mention it, Kristie has homeschooled all 6 kids...for all the years they were in school. Umm, I don't even think I could do the math to figure out how many years that is. In between all those classes, she still makes time for her God, her hubby, kids and her friends. (thank you for your inspiration!)
4) I have some many other fine ladies in my life, don't take offense if you weren't mentioned. I guarantee you have made an impact. My friend just got her first book published (Sleepwalk Society, Kendare Blake)(you can buy on B&N or Amazon)--point being...all the acknowledgments in life would take up more space than the novel. So like I said, if you aren't mentioned, it doesn't mean you aren't still impactful, just that your installment isn't due yet.
What I have taken from all this advice is what I wrote, but so much more. No matter which school you choose, or which activities you pursue: Be Intentional. Show your kids that the dishes can wait. That teachable moments can happen in the grocery store line when your kid inquires as to why the man is in a wheelchair or when you are in a public restroom and they ask(way too loudly)why does the poopy look like that, mama? And if it works for you, it doesn't have to work for anyone else. Don't apologize, just do.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wheww! What a week
It has officially been almost 90 days since my last post...not that I haven't wanted to write, but with school and work and babes at times, I will admit, I have been overwhelmed.
This week was especially dynamic as we lost 4 local youth to a tragic car accident on Sunday morning. The accident occurred on my normal route to work--but that day my friend had picked up the church bulletins for me--shortening my route. I am so grateful that she picked them up, as had I encountered that scene, I don't think I would have been able to carry on with my regular work-day. God works in miraculous ways.
As I sit here and wonder 'what possible good can come from this'? I can think of a few things that already have. The local youth who have just today buried their classmates & friends, are reminded just how fragile life is. With prom this Saturday, I believe this may remind people who otherwise would have not had a reminder to slow down, stay sober and think before you act. Did we lose 6 to save 600? Who can say. The tragedy has gotten more media coverage than anything else in our small community in months(perhaps years?).
Yesterday as our teams were prepping for the 'Community Support Service' we received numerous calls(in the 100's) from different venues of media--internet, TV and radio stations--seeking a little 'snippet' of our time, photos, audio feed, the sound guys phone number--you name it--they shamelessly asked for it. At the end of the service, I think we ultimately brought glory to the Lord. Between that and making sure the families' were respected and supported nothing else mattered. Take that to the bank Channel 4, 5, 9 and 11! (I called my Dad mid-day and said "Please, Dad, I am begging you pray for the media's salvation cuz I think I might kill them!" Of course I was kidding, and he laughed...but seriously pray for their salvation, as they have no conscience(at least not one that was demostrated yesterday)) God is miraculous!
I had the pleasure of working with some high-school kids from the Drama department--some of whom I would never met otherwise, and we were able to combine our talents to come up with some sweet ideas for NHCC going forward. We were also able to compromise on some facility challenges--both NHCC and the Drama department rehearse and perform in the PAC at CIHS. They are frustrated with us, and we with them...but because of this devastating tragedy we were able to come together, work together and hopefully going forward stay on friendly terms. God works in miraculous ways!
I am reminded how fragile life is. I need to take time to slow down, take a day off here and there, not feel like 'it all has to get done', and I need to spend more time with my family. My kids will be little only for a short time. Right now besides God, Allen and I are pretty much their heroes...but a time will come when I will be 'old' and 'embarrassing'--so now while I am 'young' and 'cool'...I better take complete advantage! At some point, there is a realization that I am on Earth for but a short time. During that time, I should #1 Walk like Jesus & #2 Raise nice kids.
Because at the end of your life, does anything else really matter?
As of post time, the 4 local funerals are over...however, these families have long healing roads ahead of them. I am begging you to pray for their peace, healing and for God to be revealed in this horrific time.
This week was especially dynamic as we lost 4 local youth to a tragic car accident on Sunday morning. The accident occurred on my normal route to work--but that day my friend had picked up the church bulletins for me--shortening my route. I am so grateful that she picked them up, as had I encountered that scene, I don't think I would have been able to carry on with my regular work-day. God works in miraculous ways.
As I sit here and wonder 'what possible good can come from this'? I can think of a few things that already have. The local youth who have just today buried their classmates & friends, are reminded just how fragile life is. With prom this Saturday, I believe this may remind people who otherwise would have not had a reminder to slow down, stay sober and think before you act. Did we lose 6 to save 600? Who can say. The tragedy has gotten more media coverage than anything else in our small community in months(perhaps years?).
Yesterday as our teams were prepping for the 'Community Support Service' we received numerous calls(in the 100's) from different venues of media--internet, TV and radio stations--seeking a little 'snippet' of our time, photos, audio feed, the sound guys phone number--you name it--they shamelessly asked for it. At the end of the service, I think we ultimately brought glory to the Lord. Between that and making sure the families' were respected and supported nothing else mattered. Take that to the bank Channel 4, 5, 9 and 11! (I called my Dad mid-day and said "Please, Dad, I am begging you pray for the media's salvation cuz I think I might kill them!" Of course I was kidding, and he laughed...but seriously pray for their salvation, as they have no conscience(at least not one that was demostrated yesterday)) God is miraculous!
I had the pleasure of working with some high-school kids from the Drama department--some of whom I would never met otherwise, and we were able to combine our talents to come up with some sweet ideas for NHCC going forward. We were also able to compromise on some facility challenges--both NHCC and the Drama department rehearse and perform in the PAC at CIHS. They are frustrated with us, and we with them...but because of this devastating tragedy we were able to come together, work together and hopefully going forward stay on friendly terms. God works in miraculous ways!
I am reminded how fragile life is. I need to take time to slow down, take a day off here and there, not feel like 'it all has to get done', and I need to spend more time with my family. My kids will be little only for a short time. Right now besides God, Allen and I are pretty much their heroes...but a time will come when I will be 'old' and 'embarrassing'--so now while I am 'young' and 'cool'...I better take complete advantage! At some point, there is a realization that I am on Earth for but a short time. During that time, I should #1 Walk like Jesus & #2 Raise nice kids.
Because at the end of your life, does anything else really matter?
As of post time, the 4 local funerals are over...however, these families have long healing roads ahead of them. I am begging you to pray for their peace, healing and for God to be revealed in this horrific time.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Life is Good!
Our basement bedroom is finally done. This has proven to us a couple of things.
1) For the first time with 3 kids, we need a baby monitor. We cannot hear the kids while we are asleep. This is out of my realm of thinking...I have never needed one before, why now?
2) I have way too many clothes, and way more clothes than Allen does. He assembled the (eek!) Rubbermaid closet organizer last night. I am pretty sure he put this together so he wouldn't have to trip over my piles of stuff in the laundry area to get to his. I have no excuses...I had to put it all away today! In doing so, I came to the realiztion that I have excess clothing, but also, that we need an expanded version of the closet organizer that I bought! Doh!
3) Silas can sleep many consecutive hours. While I slaved away in the closet and then in the upstairs(soon to be playroom) bedroom, he slept, and slept and slept. I finally checked to see if he was breathing! It was well after 10am and he was still snoozing! Man can I get work done with only 2 kids up and at 'em!
4) The rest of the mess in the basement drives me near crazy as I walk by it numerous times each day in attempts to do laundry and life. I have decided that Allen has a 'honey-do' list this week that rivals the Bible in length. (perhaps I will help)
5) Life will only get more busy--not less. So for now, I will keep working little by little, and evenutally(cue polka music and grey hair) it will get done.
I love that all things in life are learning experiences if you let them be ;)
1) For the first time with 3 kids, we need a baby monitor. We cannot hear the kids while we are asleep. This is out of my realm of thinking...I have never needed one before, why now?
2) I have way too many clothes, and way more clothes than Allen does. He assembled the (eek!) Rubbermaid closet organizer last night. I am pretty sure he put this together so he wouldn't have to trip over my piles of stuff in the laundry area to get to his. I have no excuses...I had to put it all away today! In doing so, I came to the realiztion that I have excess clothing, but also, that we need an expanded version of the closet organizer that I bought! Doh!
3) Silas can sleep many consecutive hours. While I slaved away in the closet and then in the upstairs(soon to be playroom) bedroom, he slept, and slept and slept. I finally checked to see if he was breathing! It was well after 10am and he was still snoozing! Man can I get work done with only 2 kids up and at 'em!
4) The rest of the mess in the basement drives me near crazy as I walk by it numerous times each day in attempts to do laundry and life. I have decided that Allen has a 'honey-do' list this week that rivals the Bible in length. (perhaps I will help)
5) Life will only get more busy--not less. So for now, I will keep working little by little, and evenutally(cue polka music and grey hair) it will get done.
I love that all things in life are learning experiences if you let them be ;)
Friday, January 29, 2010
Vacuum "Haircut"
I just gave the vacuum a haircut. No, I am not a hair dresser.
My vacuum took a poop a few months ago. I was going to shampoo my carpets the same day. If you cannot vacuum, you cannot shampoo carpets.
My friend was here. She brought her vacuum over to let me borrow it for the day until I could replace mine. This was October 2nd. It is now January 29th. Am I a bad friend for continuing to borrow the vacuum. In a word, yes. However, I refuse to borrow another disposable $100 vacuum! The one that conked out last was only 5 months old!
I think I redeemed my friend status when I was using the vacuum, again, and I had to give it a hair cut. A haircut? Yep. That's right, a haircut. The roller bar on that brushes the carpet was loaded with long brown hair(not blonde or blue or purple). I got out the scissors and "cut" the hair. I also pulled out a long piece of yarn. Not nearly as gross as the hair, but gross anyway.
My savings account is growing to purchase my own Dyson. In the meantime, Amanda, I will give yours a haircut, anytime. Thanks for lending Violet to me!
(you know you have completely abused your borrowing privledges when you have given someone else's small appliance a pet name!!)
My vacuum took a poop a few months ago. I was going to shampoo my carpets the same day. If you cannot vacuum, you cannot shampoo carpets.
My friend was here. She brought her vacuum over to let me borrow it for the day until I could replace mine. This was October 2nd. It is now January 29th. Am I a bad friend for continuing to borrow the vacuum. In a word, yes. However, I refuse to borrow another disposable $100 vacuum! The one that conked out last was only 5 months old!
I think I redeemed my friend status when I was using the vacuum, again, and I had to give it a hair cut. A haircut? Yep. That's right, a haircut. The roller bar on that brushes the carpet was loaded with long brown hair(not blonde or blue or purple). I got out the scissors and "cut" the hair. I also pulled out a long piece of yarn. Not nearly as gross as the hair, but gross anyway.
My savings account is growing to purchase my own Dyson. In the meantime, Amanda, I will give yours a haircut, anytime. Thanks for lending Violet to me!
(you know you have completely abused your borrowing privledges when you have given someone else's small appliance a pet name!!)
Thursday, January 28, 2010
You can say I told you so
A few weeks ago I wrote about how I despised my online classes.
I have officially had a change of heart. I love them! They are great. Ok, so the work still bites, but the discussion postings are awesome. I initially thought they would be a time suck, but there is nothing better to me, than being able to politely and delicately point out the grammatical errors of an 18 year old! Yahoo!
Also, I just love debates...and the best part about these? I can shut down whenever I want. Meaning instead of nodding and pretending to listen, I can slam my laptop shut in disagreement and walk away.
As many of you know, we are finishing our basement. This is one thing I am unable to walk away from--if anything I walk into it. There is sheetrock dust all over. Silty white powder reminiscent of a cocaine deal gone awry covers knick-knacks, all major and minor surfaces. There are spent nails and screws laying on any surface called the floor, and loose trims pieces in every nook and cranny. But soon there will be carpet and order, in place of chaos and disfunction.
I got the proverbial "wild hair up my you know what" today, and moved the kids' room across the hall to our bigger master bedroom, which will soon be abandoned. We are moving downstairs into the new master. Yay!
I took apart our bed. I lugged it out into the hall. I took apart bunkbeds and put them in the hall. Then I moved them into where they needed to go and re-assembled.
Were the kids with a sitter?? Nope, they helped. Poor things. Call the county if you will. I made my kids do grunt work. They were sweating. Carrying things that weighed more than they did. Gauging walls with metal bedframes and toy boxes. And now. They have collapsed. (did I mention I didn't let them take a nap??) They are snoring in their new room. Praise the Lord!
(did I also mention that I knew if they didn't have a nap they would collapse early and I would be left alone to eat the leftover Triple Chocolate Cheesecake and do pilates in peace??)
I have officially had a change of heart. I love them! They are great. Ok, so the work still bites, but the discussion postings are awesome. I initially thought they would be a time suck, but there is nothing better to me, than being able to politely and delicately point out the grammatical errors of an 18 year old! Yahoo!
Also, I just love debates...and the best part about these? I can shut down whenever I want. Meaning instead of nodding and pretending to listen, I can slam my laptop shut in disagreement and walk away.
As many of you know, we are finishing our basement. This is one thing I am unable to walk away from--if anything I walk into it. There is sheetrock dust all over. Silty white powder reminiscent of a cocaine deal gone awry covers knick-knacks, all major and minor surfaces. There are spent nails and screws laying on any surface called the floor, and loose trims pieces in every nook and cranny. But soon there will be carpet and order, in place of chaos and disfunction.
I got the proverbial "wild hair up my you know what" today, and moved the kids' room across the hall to our bigger master bedroom, which will soon be abandoned. We are moving downstairs into the new master. Yay!
I took apart our bed. I lugged it out into the hall. I took apart bunkbeds and put them in the hall. Then I moved them into where they needed to go and re-assembled.
Were the kids with a sitter?? Nope, they helped. Poor things. Call the county if you will. I made my kids do grunt work. They were sweating. Carrying things that weighed more than they did. Gauging walls with metal bedframes and toy boxes. And now. They have collapsed. (did I mention I didn't let them take a nap??) They are snoring in their new room. Praise the Lord!
(did I also mention that I knew if they didn't have a nap they would collapse early and I would be left alone to eat the leftover Triple Chocolate Cheesecake and do pilates in peace??)
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Nix the Negativity
Ok, so I will admit that my last post was more than negative--which is not my persona. I am (grr..) an optimist. Although more often, I would classify myself as a realist. But an optimist is more fun to be around!
So the week started out kind of gross with the realization that my online classes are not what I expected they would be. However, I ended the week with a few high points.(see list below--I am a list person)
1. NHCC hired a new interim Worship Director. This is a fun and exciting time as we build our music ministry.
2. I taught myself to use a jigsaw--not like a puzzle--the power tool. I used it to cut out a stage decoration for the church. This was as liberating as cutting my hair! I cannot believe the exhilaration caused by the use of loud and grinding power tools to accomplish things. I sense this may be a side of me that I was unaware of. A facet that can only be polished. Yes, power tools have become my friend. The simple drawing and tracing with the blade, followed by the smell of sawdust and the result being the shape that I desired....GOTTA LOVE IT! Lowe's sign me up!
3. My parents took me and the kids out to lunch on Saturday, and let's just say there is something smugly satisfactory in knowing that my kids stress my Dad out. He was present growing up, but not in the way that my stay-at-home mom was. She worked like a dog--and he virtually had no clue that it was stressful for her. Until I came along, dragging 3 kids behind me. It is sweet. For me to know that someday Allen will understand, but also that Dad finally gets it after 28 years!
So although this week was stressful, I know that going forward I have a few options to decompress--A.) Get out the power tools or B.) Go out to a restaurant with my parents and watch Dad squirm ;)
So the week started out kind of gross with the realization that my online classes are not what I expected they would be. However, I ended the week with a few high points.(see list below--I am a list person)
1. NHCC hired a new interim Worship Director. This is a fun and exciting time as we build our music ministry.
2. I taught myself to use a jigsaw--not like a puzzle--the power tool. I used it to cut out a stage decoration for the church. This was as liberating as cutting my hair! I cannot believe the exhilaration caused by the use of loud and grinding power tools to accomplish things. I sense this may be a side of me that I was unaware of. A facet that can only be polished. Yes, power tools have become my friend. The simple drawing and tracing with the blade, followed by the smell of sawdust and the result being the shape that I desired....GOTTA LOVE IT! Lowe's sign me up!
3. My parents took me and the kids out to lunch on Saturday, and let's just say there is something smugly satisfactory in knowing that my kids stress my Dad out. He was present growing up, but not in the way that my stay-at-home mom was. She worked like a dog--and he virtually had no clue that it was stressful for her. Until I came along, dragging 3 kids behind me. It is sweet. For me to know that someday Allen will understand, but also that Dad finally gets it after 28 years!
So although this week was stressful, I know that going forward I have a few options to decompress--A.) Get out the power tools or B.) Go out to a restaurant with my parents and watch Dad squirm ;)
Friday, January 15, 2010
Virtual Classrooms
I signed up for online classes, with the expectation that I would be able to do my own schoolwork. This would mean that I wouldn't have to do "group" projects or interact with other humans. It would also save on daycare expenses.
Am I ever surprised! Seemingly, I have signed up to do the exact opposite. I am required to interact with my online classmates 5 times per week per assignment(times 2 classes=tons of online time). Additionally, I need to do a weekly group assignment, where one of the group members "leads" the discussion, formulates a response from the discussion details and then turns it in to the instructor for grading.
I am also required to follow the class discussions. Ok--I can do this--open email box--104 new messages--since yesterday. WT? Should I determine if T-Mobile can send these via text message? Because there is no way that I can read 104 messages daily and still have time to do all the other things life requires...i.e. use the bathroom, get the mail, have any kind of life, etc.
I thought I signed up for college...not a hand-holding course. I am a big girl now, and my hope was that would be reflected in my coursework--that I would complete by myself. I recognize that in the real world, we are required to work in groups, however, I am uncomfortable with the fact that someone else could largely be responsible for a portion of my GPA.
Maybe I am way off base here(which has happened before), however, if I realized the time investment of taking 2 online classes, I may have quit my job, racked up the student loans and gone back Full-Time, while allowing my kids to sit in a daycare!
Anyone else have similar experiences, or I am just expecting too much?? or maybe you are loving the online gig??
Am I ever surprised! Seemingly, I have signed up to do the exact opposite. I am required to interact with my online classmates 5 times per week per assignment(times 2 classes=tons of online time). Additionally, I need to do a weekly group assignment, where one of the group members "leads" the discussion, formulates a response from the discussion details and then turns it in to the instructor for grading.
I am also required to follow the class discussions. Ok--I can do this--open email box--104 new messages--since yesterday. WT? Should I determine if T-Mobile can send these via text message? Because there is no way that I can read 104 messages daily and still have time to do all the other things life requires...i.e. use the bathroom, get the mail, have any kind of life, etc.
I thought I signed up for college...not a hand-holding course. I am a big girl now, and my hope was that would be reflected in my coursework--that I would complete by myself. I recognize that in the real world, we are required to work in groups, however, I am uncomfortable with the fact that someone else could largely be responsible for a portion of my GPA.
Maybe I am way off base here(which has happened before), however, if I realized the time investment of taking 2 online classes, I may have quit my job, racked up the student loans and gone back Full-Time, while allowing my kids to sit in a daycare!
Anyone else have similar experiences, or I am just expecting too much?? or maybe you are loving the online gig??
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
yraunaJ
January. Isn't it the start of the New Year? Then why does it always leave me overwhelmed and out of time?
I love the idea of fresh starts, however, I have learned to celebrate my "new year" in the fall. When school starts. To paraphrase "You've Got Mail", when there are bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils! And fall just plain seems less busy to me than the beginning of the calendar year.
January always has me feeling upside down and backwards and all topsy-turvy. I try to get it all done, but there just isn't time. You would think after the holidays are over that there would be that big sigh of relief I blogged about a few weeks ago, but nope, not this year or ever for that matter...Of course there is a lull from the 26th of December through January 2nd, but then it all starts back up again.
I have determined(long ago actually) that if I say yes to something, I am saying no to something else. Too often, I find myself saying no to my kids so that I can say yes to make someone else happy. Allen and I just got off a 10-day run of activities, where we had childcare for parts of 9 of the 10 days. I am soooo not ok with this.
So today, as I sit here and write...Dad, sorry but your taxes can wait until the end of January. Laundry--you don't even have feelings--you can wait too. If I run out of socks and have to go barefoot--it wouldn't be the worst thing to happen this week. Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Dinner--you are a friend of mine, and you are better than going through the drive-up line!
Logan is working on phonics, Kjirsten is coloring and the baby just woke up. I am working on school stuff for the first time in 9 years while doing laundry and dusting while wearing X-box pants and a Pineapple Express T-Shirt. It is not one of my finest hours, but for now, it'll do.
Maybe tomorrow I'll take a shower and put on make-up and be human again...but for now it'll do.
P.S. My friend sent me a text message--just a reminder that I hadn't blogged in a week. I said I had nothing to write about, but after reading my blog just now, I think I had too much to write about and couldn't narrow it down.
P.P.S. I know that God never gives more than I can handle, but it would be curious to know what my threshold actually is before I end up cracking up
I love the idea of fresh starts, however, I have learned to celebrate my "new year" in the fall. When school starts. To paraphrase "You've Got Mail", when there are bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils! And fall just plain seems less busy to me than the beginning of the calendar year.
January always has me feeling upside down and backwards and all topsy-turvy. I try to get it all done, but there just isn't time. You would think after the holidays are over that there would be that big sigh of relief I blogged about a few weeks ago, but nope, not this year or ever for that matter...Of course there is a lull from the 26th of December through January 2nd, but then it all starts back up again.
I have determined(long ago actually) that if I say yes to something, I am saying no to something else. Too often, I find myself saying no to my kids so that I can say yes to make someone else happy. Allen and I just got off a 10-day run of activities, where we had childcare for parts of 9 of the 10 days. I am soooo not ok with this.
So today, as I sit here and write...Dad, sorry but your taxes can wait until the end of January. Laundry--you don't even have feelings--you can wait too. If I run out of socks and have to go barefoot--it wouldn't be the worst thing to happen this week. Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Dinner--you are a friend of mine, and you are better than going through the drive-up line!
Logan is working on phonics, Kjirsten is coloring and the baby just woke up. I am working on school stuff for the first time in 9 years while doing laundry and dusting while wearing X-box pants and a Pineapple Express T-Shirt. It is not one of my finest hours, but for now, it'll do.
Maybe tomorrow I'll take a shower and put on make-up and be human again...but for now it'll do.
P.S. My friend sent me a text message--just a reminder that I hadn't blogged in a week. I said I had nothing to write about, but after reading my blog just now, I think I had too much to write about and couldn't narrow it down.
P.P.S. I know that God never gives more than I can handle, but it would be curious to know what my threshold actually is before I end up cracking up
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Fear of the Unknown
I am scared of little in this life, as I know ultimately, that I shall fear no evil. However, when I mention the word "fear" especially in the title of my posting, just know that I am shaking in my boots.
So in previous posts, I said I had this "Lifebetter List for 2K10"...what kind of idiot starts a decade by going back to school at age 28(with three kids, PT Job, various social committments and so on...). This idiot, that's who!
We are finishing our basement, as funds allow. And as the work has progressed, I have been able to dream about what kind of decorations, colors, etc, I want to have. By doing this, I realized that there aren't many things that excite me the way design does. Whether that be on stage or in the basement! I am glad to have finally realized this after all this time wondering what should I (someday) major in?
So back in November, I looked into Interior Design schools--not to leave my current job because I wouldn't(love, love, love it too much), but to "finally" finish school. So I called ARCC and made an appointment to meet with the counselor there. I felt that after meeting, I would know how many classes I needed to finish my 2-year degree. (After looking into 4 year design schools and coming to the realization that said schools wanted $40K per year for tuition, I felt it would be more economically friendly to finish my 2 year and then transfer.)
So as I sat down across from the counselor she looks in the computer and realizes my file is too "old" to be in there. She determines that she needs to go back to the filing area and grab it manually. When she gets down the hall, and finds a co-worker shredding items, she says, "that's the color file I need. I am looking for Melissa Maas". Her coworker responds, "In the nick of time! I was shredding that one next!"
When the counselor reports back to me, I think to myself, "huh, must be a God thing?". I cannot explain it any other way! Also, I just happened to make the appointment 2 days before they opened registration. This was not some genius plotting on my half. It was totally a God thing.
So as I sit in her office going over my file, I come to the realization that I am only 5 classes away from my 2 year degree. Could I do this in one semester? Sure, if I was 10 years younger, 15 pounds thinner and minus 3 kids. So I have registered for 2 online classes--Children's Literature and Sociology. The rest can be done over the summer or in the fall.
I start on Monday.
I am in panic mode. What the heck was I thinking?
The panic mode actually set in about 7 minutes ago when I opened my email inbox to recognize that the intructor(who is likely my age) sent a satan inspired syllabus which highlights all of my potential shortcomings for the next 5 months.
Rules and regulations are the death of me. I live to break the rules. This instructor has zero tolerance for late anything...i.e. if it is late don't bother--you get zero points! I have no issue with tardiness or getting behind on work, but when set as a rule, I feel like I need to break it just to prove a point(can you see why I never joined the military??).
Now when I say that I live to break the rules--I don't do this in a mischievious/naughty way, but I definately try to find ways to do things "my" way.
Ahhh crap! 4 more days of "freedom" and then I live and die by a new set of rules.
Cheer me on as I start this new chapter--one can only hope it is rewarding as "The Shred". Perhaps this schooling will do for my need to break the rules, as the Shred did for my abs??
So in previous posts, I said I had this "Lifebetter List for 2K10"...what kind of idiot starts a decade by going back to school at age 28(with three kids, PT Job, various social committments and so on...). This idiot, that's who!
We are finishing our basement, as funds allow. And as the work has progressed, I have been able to dream about what kind of decorations, colors, etc, I want to have. By doing this, I realized that there aren't many things that excite me the way design does. Whether that be on stage or in the basement! I am glad to have finally realized this after all this time wondering what should I (someday) major in?
So back in November, I looked into Interior Design schools--not to leave my current job because I wouldn't(love, love, love it too much), but to "finally" finish school. So I called ARCC and made an appointment to meet with the counselor there. I felt that after meeting, I would know how many classes I needed to finish my 2-year degree. (After looking into 4 year design schools and coming to the realization that said schools wanted $40K per year for tuition, I felt it would be more economically friendly to finish my 2 year and then transfer.)
So as I sat down across from the counselor she looks in the computer and realizes my file is too "old" to be in there. She determines that she needs to go back to the filing area and grab it manually. When she gets down the hall, and finds a co-worker shredding items, she says, "that's the color file I need. I am looking for Melissa Maas". Her coworker responds, "In the nick of time! I was shredding that one next!"
When the counselor reports back to me, I think to myself, "huh, must be a God thing?". I cannot explain it any other way! Also, I just happened to make the appointment 2 days before they opened registration. This was not some genius plotting on my half. It was totally a God thing.
So as I sit in her office going over my file, I come to the realization that I am only 5 classes away from my 2 year degree. Could I do this in one semester? Sure, if I was 10 years younger, 15 pounds thinner and minus 3 kids. So I have registered for 2 online classes--Children's Literature and Sociology. The rest can be done over the summer or in the fall.
I start on Monday.
I am in panic mode. What the heck was I thinking?
The panic mode actually set in about 7 minutes ago when I opened my email inbox to recognize that the intructor(who is likely my age) sent a satan inspired syllabus which highlights all of my potential shortcomings for the next 5 months.
Rules and regulations are the death of me. I live to break the rules. This instructor has zero tolerance for late anything...i.e. if it is late don't bother--you get zero points! I have no issue with tardiness or getting behind on work, but when set as a rule, I feel like I need to break it just to prove a point(can you see why I never joined the military??).
Now when I say that I live to break the rules--I don't do this in a mischievious/naughty way, but I definately try to find ways to do things "my" way.
Ahhh crap! 4 more days of "freedom" and then I live and die by a new set of rules.
Cheer me on as I start this new chapter--one can only hope it is rewarding as "The Shred". Perhaps this schooling will do for my need to break the rules, as the Shred did for my abs??
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
30 Day Shred=Day 31
So 30 days ago, I started Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred Workout. And 28 Days ago, I whined about how badly it hurt, but I that I thought I could go on.
Now I look forward to working out each day! What a transformation this has been for me. I used to use the excuse "I don't have the time", and now I have decided to make the time because I actually enjoy it.
Here are the main things I have learned(studies have been done that say that the average 30 year old stops learning...sad!)
1.) Wear good shoes. I am nursing an ankle injury from mid-December, and it was because I wasn't wearing footwear while doing jumping jacks. I actually had an x-ray done on it, as the Doctor was certain that it was broken. We were both surprised. He told me to take Advil and sent me home. That was 8 days ago--and the thing still aches all day long.
2.) Don't beat yourself up if there is some portion of the workout that you cannot do. What I couldn't do 3 weeks ago, I can do now. Some days are harder than others, and some days I am just plain tired. But, I have learned to let go and focus on what I did do well in the workout--even if it was just the warmup!
3.) 30 Days flies by! I thought it would drag on and on, but it whizzed by like a dog chasing a Frisbee.
4.) At the beginning of the workout I was unmotivated, but having a workout buddy helped (or rather forced) me to be accountable. However, after 30 days, I am finding myself less groggy at night and more motivated to get things done around the house.
5.) Inches melt away like butter on hot toast! I lost 1.5 inches in my waist, 1 inch in my hips in 20 days! Yay! Plus I ate complete garbage for 2.5 weeks over the holidays!(Imagine what you could do now that you have the season behind you...)
6.) Muscle gain can also be measured in inches. My bicep has stretched 1.5 inches in the last 20 days!
7.) I think about what I eat...at least consider it before I eat it....Then I eat some of it anyway--just not ALL of it.
So the 30 Day Shred continues...just commit to 30 days...after 30 days life can go back to status quo.
Now I look forward to working out each day! What a transformation this has been for me. I used to use the excuse "I don't have the time", and now I have decided to make the time because I actually enjoy it.
Here are the main things I have learned(studies have been done that say that the average 30 year old stops learning...sad!)
1.) Wear good shoes. I am nursing an ankle injury from mid-December, and it was because I wasn't wearing footwear while doing jumping jacks. I actually had an x-ray done on it, as the Doctor was certain that it was broken. We were both surprised. He told me to take Advil and sent me home. That was 8 days ago--and the thing still aches all day long.
2.) Don't beat yourself up if there is some portion of the workout that you cannot do. What I couldn't do 3 weeks ago, I can do now. Some days are harder than others, and some days I am just plain tired. But, I have learned to let go and focus on what I did do well in the workout--even if it was just the warmup!
3.) 30 Days flies by! I thought it would drag on and on, but it whizzed by like a dog chasing a Frisbee.
4.) At the beginning of the workout I was unmotivated, but having a workout buddy helped (or rather forced) me to be accountable. However, after 30 days, I am finding myself less groggy at night and more motivated to get things done around the house.
5.) Inches melt away like butter on hot toast! I lost 1.5 inches in my waist, 1 inch in my hips in 20 days! Yay! Plus I ate complete garbage for 2.5 weeks over the holidays!(Imagine what you could do now that you have the season behind you...)
6.) Muscle gain can also be measured in inches. My bicep has stretched 1.5 inches in the last 20 days!
7.) I think about what I eat...at least consider it before I eat it....Then I eat some of it anyway--just not ALL of it.
So the 30 Day Shred continues...just commit to 30 days...after 30 days life can go back to status quo.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
-18
Ahh yes, Minnesota winter has officially arrived. The thermometer has dipped well below zero.
I am helping to coach Logan's hockey team this year. So far it has been a ton of fun! Today, I got up at 6:30(yes, it's Saturday) and got ready to head out to the arena. I knew it was cold out when I went to start the van--it ran for 15 minutes before I left, and the thermostat hadn't even inched forward at all. The leather seat was crispy--even with the seat heat cranked up on full blast mode.
When I got in the van to head to the rink, the outdoor thermometer read -18/ICE. Duh, ya think? Anything below 32 degrees is "ICE" in my book!
I get into the locker room, and find my skates are frozen. However, there is no gauge that reads "ICE" other than how my foot feels after it has been in there for a minute or so!
We lumber out onto the ice...the 8 or so 5 year olds, 2 other coaches and me. Our teeth are near chattering...you see the temperature in the arena is directly related to the temp on the outside of the arena. If it is 35 degrees outside--it is 50 degrees inside. If it is -30 degrees outside, it is hind-end freezing cold inside the arena. You get the idea.
So after an 55 minutes of conditioning, we give the kids the chance to play "cops and robbers". The kids are the "robbers". The coaches the "cops". We get to send them to jail. Normally, at the end of this game, my blood is pumping and I have to catch my breath. Today, I think I may have actually been a Popsicle when we started, and I was no where near melting when we got done.
I shed my gear. Get into the van, which still reads "ICE". I go home. I have been home for 2 hours, and my internal gauge still reads "ICE".
The funniest thing about this story? Logan wasn't even at practice today. Daddy and he went fishing at Lake of the Woods with Grandpa. Am I crazy to go to practice when my kid isn't even there?
Nah, I just love that game!
I am helping to coach Logan's hockey team this year. So far it has been a ton of fun! Today, I got up at 6:30(yes, it's Saturday) and got ready to head out to the arena. I knew it was cold out when I went to start the van--it ran for 15 minutes before I left, and the thermostat hadn't even inched forward at all. The leather seat was crispy--even with the seat heat cranked up on full blast mode.
When I got in the van to head to the rink, the outdoor thermometer read -18/ICE. Duh, ya think? Anything below 32 degrees is "ICE" in my book!
I get into the locker room, and find my skates are frozen. However, there is no gauge that reads "ICE" other than how my foot feels after it has been in there for a minute or so!
We lumber out onto the ice...the 8 or so 5 year olds, 2 other coaches and me. Our teeth are near chattering...you see the temperature in the arena is directly related to the temp on the outside of the arena. If it is 35 degrees outside--it is 50 degrees inside. If it is -30 degrees outside, it is hind-end freezing cold inside the arena. You get the idea.
So after an 55 minutes of conditioning, we give the kids the chance to play "cops and robbers". The kids are the "robbers". The coaches the "cops". We get to send them to jail. Normally, at the end of this game, my blood is pumping and I have to catch my breath. Today, I think I may have actually been a Popsicle when we started, and I was no where near melting when we got done.
I shed my gear. Get into the van, which still reads "ICE". I go home. I have been home for 2 hours, and my internal gauge still reads "ICE".
The funniest thing about this story? Logan wasn't even at practice today. Daddy and he went fishing at Lake of the Woods with Grandpa. Am I crazy to go to practice when my kid isn't even there?
Nah, I just love that game!
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