The Great Christmas Ornament Exchange

Abby and I thought about this last year and just couldn't get the oomph to actually do it! Now there's a whole passle of people who think that we should exchange Christmas ornaments as gifts this year. This is neat- because it could end up being a pretty inexpensive way to let our Multiply friends know we care.

The rules, as far as I can see it, are this:
1- If you want in on the exchange, send me a pm with your address by October 15. I'll make a blog, only open to those who want to participate, of all the addresses.
2- Include your religious preference and size ornament (whether you have a table-top tree and want smaller items or a large tree and prefer bigger ornaments.)
3- Make, buy, or "recycle" an ornament for everyone who is participating. You can get creative and decoupage, crochet, or hot glue; buy identical ones for everyone or handpick based on the individuals; or choose some from your own stash that you no longer use or just want to share.
4- When you're ready, just mail them out!

I hope you'll all participate- I think it is going to be great to see what we get!

Happy Christmas Ornament Exchanging!

Had to get the boy from college today- fever of 103, body aches, chills... At least he came with his own ($80!) prescription of tamiflu.

Poem Posse Challenge

Well I don't write much poetry. I was actually reminded by someone the other day that I used to write quite a bit! I don't know why I stopped. But this challenge seemed a fun way to begin again.

Go to Poem Posse to read the rules. Ok, Bill pointed out that I didn't have all the rules quite right. I still don't- it is supposed to end on a positive note! (I don't think I'd call this positive, except that is usually the most positive response you get from a teenager who is losing an argument!) Sorry! I'm also not worrying about the voting, but after you read everyone's, if you still like mine send me a pm.

This poem comes from a conversation I had yesterday with my son, who is a freshman in college.

Whatever

I want
I want
I want
I want
A PS 3

You need
You need
You need
You need
New tires on your truck.

I want
I want
I want
I want
To spend money on me.

You need
You need
You need
You need
to learn to be an adult.

I want
I want
I want
I want
Whatever.

I just realized that on my friend's list, I have two people named Bill, two named Sue (plus two Susans!), two Lisa's, and two people named Kat (plus one more on my FB page.) Thankfully, Dai is Dai, or I'd have two Tony's!

OK, I did it.

Alright, enough is enough. I have fought my weight my entire life. Sometimes I win, sometimes my stomach(s) win. Gone through times when I was totally in shape and times when I felt more like the marshmallow man. Today, I'm taking back over!

I lost nearly 50 lbs about 4 years ago (ironically, before the ex left for another woman) but somehow, got distracted from the things I know how to do. (I know, divorce, two kids graduating- I have great excuses!) But, I have put 15 lbs back on. I'm not happy! My clothes don't fit right anymore and I can start to see the appearance of another chin.

I know what to do. Eat right. Exercise. Drink plenty of water. Journal. I've been thinking about doing those things for a good three months. Well, yesterday was the day I decided to start doing what I'd only been talking about doing.

So I got me a cute little journal/notebook. Got my calorie counters out. And- gasp- rejoined the gym! Since softball season was over, I haven't lifted a leg or crunched an ab. That's like 3 months! Feeling ashamed and hopelessly out of shape, I drug myself back to the gym yesterday. I survived 24 minutes on the elliptical machine and was feeling so good about myself, I made an appointment with a trainer for today.

Trainer- torturer- they both start with T! Ouch! The guy was great- complimentary, even. Wanted to know what I'd been doing. Um... sitting at the computer, eating? I used to swim- I used to work out- I used to do a lot of things I haven't been doing. So he did a full assessment. Turns out, I'm not in quite as bad a shape as I thought. I'm still strong. 24 min on the elliptical at a 145 stride per minute pace isn't bad.

I know, I can do this stuff at home. But obviously, I won't.

So he has me on a schedule. I've dutifully written down everything I've eaten- and stayed within my 1200-1400 calorie allotment. The only thing I haven't been real good at is water. 3 out of 4 isn't bad. Just leaves room for improvement.

So if I haven't mentioned the gym for a bit, prod me, ok? I'd like to lose the last 30 lbs left for ever!

If you have my cell number, call me. My phone died and I lost all my contacts!

I've noticed that everyone who is for abortion has already been born. ~attributed to Ronald Reagan on a sign I saw today.

New Constitution- Preamble and Bill of Non-Rights

We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, delusional, and other liberal bed-wetters. We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights."

ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.

ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc.; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.

ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.

ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes .

ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care.

ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair.

ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.

ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to a job. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful. (AMEN!)

ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.

ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country. We don't care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from! (Lastly....)

ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our country's history or heritage. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!

Sometimes "goodbye" is a second chance.

God is.....

This is from my Bible study tonight. An amazing list of all God is by Priscilla Shirer:

God is...
the first and the last
the beginning and the end
the keeper of creation and the creator of all
the architect of the universe and the manager of all time-
always was, always is, always will be:
unmoved, unchanged, undefeated, and never undone.
He was bruised but brought healing;
he was pierced but eased pain;
he was persecuted but brought freedom;
he was dead but brings life;
he was risen to bring power
and he reigns to bring peace.
The world can't understand him;
armies can't defeat him;
schools can't explain him;
leaders, they can't ignore him;
Herod couldn't kill him;
Nero couldn't crush him;
the New Age cannot replace him;
and Oprah cannot explain him away.
He is life, he is love, he is longevity, he is the Lord!
He is goodness, kindness, faithfulness, and He is God!
He is Holy and righteous and powerful and pure.
His ways are right;
His word eternal;
His will unchanging and his mind is on us.
He is our Savior, our guide, our peace, our joy, our comfort, and our Lord,
And he rules our lives.
We serve him because his bond is love,
his yoke is easy,
his burden is light,
and his goal for us is abundant life.
We follow him because he is the wisdom of the wise,
power of the powerful,
the Ancient of Days,
the ruler of rulers,
the leader of all leaders,
and his goal is a relationship with us.
He'll never leave you,
never forsake you,
never mislead you,
never forget you,
never overlook you,
and never cancel your appointment in his appointment book.
When you fall he'll lift you up,
when you fail he'll forgive you.
when you are weak he is strong;
when you're lost he's your way;
when you're afraid, he's your courage;
when you stumble, he will steady you;
when you're hurt, he's going to heal you;
when you're broken, he will mend you;
when you're blind he will lead you;
when you're hungry he will feed you;
when you face trials He's with you;
when you face persecution, he shields you;
when you face problems, he comforts you;
when you face loss, he will provide for you;
and when we face death, he will carry us all home to meet him.
He is everything for everybody, everywhere, every time and in every way.
He is your God, and that is who you belong to!
 

Kathy's Birthday

Start:

Sep 7, '09 09:00a

Happy Birthday my friend! I hope today is wonderful for you!

I've Come to Realize...

I haven't done one of these in awhile... ok, I haven't posted anything for awhile. My muse is silent. Anyway, have fun with this one!

1. I've come to realize that my chest-size ... doesn't matter.

2. I've come to realize that my job ...is awesome!

3. I've come to realize that when I'm driving ... I daydream. Driving is boring. And I try not to talk on the phone or text!

4. I've come to realize that I need ...nothing but God... but I want a lot!

5. I've come to realize that I have lost ... the freedom that youth brought to just pick up and go somewhere.

6. I've come to realize that I hate it when ... I have a free night with nowhere to go, but when I need to go somewhere one night, it isn't free.

7. I've come to realize that if I'm drunk ...I don't know how I got that way!

8. I've come to realize that money ...isn't everything, but it buys a lot.

9. I've come to realize that certain people ... mean a lot to me- like my friends here!

10. I've come to realize that I'll always... have to fight being an enabler.

11. I've come to realize that my sibling(s) ... may be smarter than me, but that isn't necessarily a good thing.  

12. I've come to realize that my mom ... is way totally awesome and I'm lucky to have her for a mom and a friend.

13. I've come to realize that my cell phone ...is permanently attached to me. I'm addicted to it.

14. I've come to realize that when I woke up this morning... Savannah had crawled into bed with me at some point- and I wonder if this is the last time she'll need her mommy like that.

15. I've come to realize that last night before I went to sleep...I didn't take my allergy pill. I'm all stuffy this morning.

16. I've come to realize that right now I am thinking... I have other things I should be doing besides filling this out!

17. I've come to realize that my dad...still shapes who I am, even though he died 25 years ago.

18. I've come to realize that when I get on Multiply... I lose track of time!

19. I've come to realize that today...I really want to get some landscaping done.

20. I've come to realize that tonight...I have no plans.. and that feels good.

21. I've come to realize that tomorrow...I get to spend some time with Scott- our schedules have been so crazy that I haven't see him all week.

22. I've come to realize that I really want to...get back on an exercise program, eat right, and lose this last 20 lbs.

23. I've come to realize that the person who is most likely to re-post this is...probably Kat.

24. I've come to realize that life... is too short to live it grumpy, or sad, or mad. I want to live life happy.

25. I've come to realize that this weekend... may not be much of a holiday, but that extra day off sure is nice.

26. I've realized the best music to listen to when I am upset... is classical.

27. I've come to realize that my friends... are important to me.

28. I've come to realize that this year... is going to be different with the boy at college. I'm already missing that extra taxi driver!

29. I've come to realize that my ex... is never going to pay his child support, and there really isn't that much the courts can do about it. So I'm rich on paper, but will never see a dime of it.

30. I've come to realize that maybe I should... think more about my future and what I want to do when the girl goes to college. I'm going to have a lot of free time!

31. I've come to realize that I love... everyone.

32. I've come to realize that I don't understand... the liberal agenda. What happened to working hard for what you have?

33. I've come to realize my past... is in the past and dwelling on it won't change it.

34. I've come to realize that I'm totally terrified...of nothing. God is with me and together, He and I can face anything.

35. I've come to realize that my life... is pretty good!

Photo Album 2009-09-04