It is simply amazing how your life can take a drastic turn when you're least expecting it. You feel secure, safe, ready for anything and then POW! Things change.
I have been pregnant now for 6 months and enjoying every moment. I enjoy telling people that I never got morning sickness. (Sorry to all you moms who did!) I enjoy feeling my baby kick me in the ribs in the middle of the night because it lets me know that he/she is moving and playing. I enjoy telling my midwife that I have been exercising regularly and that I have been keeping a pretty good diet. I enjoyed telling everyone how amazing my pregnancy was going! Until last week.
I started having some mild cramping (a lot like period cramps) around midnight on a Friday. I got up, got a glass of water and a heating pad, and attempted to go back to sleep. An hour later I woke up with them again so I moved into the living room to attempt sleeping in the recliner. Another hour later I was again awakened by the cramps so I moved back into the bedroom....and so on and so forth until I had to get up for work. I was hoping that by moving around and perhaps getting something to eat that the pain would subside. But I couldn't take it anymore and at 7 a.m. I finally called my midwife. She sounded concerned and called me to her office right away.
After a few samples were taken I found out that I was severely dehydrated and that I had a very bad bladder/urinary tract infection. Now, this may not seem like life or death to most, but after some research (and a word with my sister who happens to be a nurse) I found out that infections like this are the primary cause of preterm labor.
I couldn't believe it! Here, I thought I was doing so well and that I was doing everything I could for the health and well-being of my baby. I thought I was sailing through this pregnancy and then this?! How could I let this happen?
Well, after many prayers and apologies to my husband and my baby, I was put on bed rest, antibiotics, and a strict fluid regimen. I was so upset and angry for a while. Having to miss work; not being able to help around the house; not being able to even go for a walk...it gets old after only a couple of days. But I have come to realize that it is the best possible thing I could be doing for our amazing child right now.
I am taking the time to pray and rest. Perhaps something that I have needed to do for 6 months but never realized it because things were going so swimmingly. And I am taking the time to appreciate all the amazing people whom God has placed in my life to help. My husband, my mom, my sisters and brothers, and my in-laws. They have all been so encouraging and caring. Offering to do laundry, make a meal, or even offering their advice has been such a blessing and I now know that it's just what I needed.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Things to do with your husband (that don't include watching T.V.)
I recently saw a blog post of "101 Things To Do With Your Husband" and thought it looked interesting. So I browsed through it and really liked what I saw. Of course, some of the activities listed were particular to couples with children or to couples who lived close to the beach.
In an effort to satisfy my own imagination, I tweaked the list I found online to pertain to myself and my husband (and perhaps younger couples in the Midwest without kids...yet)
And, here they are...
Ride bikes together around the block or around town
Cook together...as long as you can let the other do their part without being critical (I'm terrible at that)Go to the gym together – there is something comforting about looking across the gym and seeing him smile at mePlay backyard games together; ladder ball, corn hole toss, even croquet!Fold clothes together - yes it seems lame, but it makes it go by quicker with someone else and it's a good excuse to sit and chatGo see a play at a local theatreRearrange furniture - just to give your rooms a little something differentGo shopping and pick one thing out for each otherScrabbleGo to a winery and do a wine tasting
Long walk around the blockPicnic in the park or up in the hillsPlay Wii Sports or Mario Kart togetherPlay raquetballPut together a puzzleRead a book togetherSit outside and watch the sunsetTake a cooking class together
Head to a coffee shop and chill outDay trip to a special location nearby - for us it is in Spearfish CanyonFind a band you both like and see if they’re playing anytime soon or nearby. If not, head to a local bar that has live music.Take dance lessonsGo to a baseball game together (whether is is Major league or your local pee-wees)Check out a local breweryGo bowling
Go house huntingGo fishing togetherRent a canoe and go to the lakeRoller blade together - with protective gear if neither of you know what you're doingCreate a vegetable gardenBook a couples massageRun a 5K, 10K, 1/2 marathon, or marathon together - I'd personally prefer walking, but we could motivate each otherVolunteer together somewhere specialMini golfingHave him teach you how to play a sport that you don't play - for me it's golf. He loves it and I've never set foot on a golf course.Play basketball together - just for fun and perhaps not for points :)Go on a hike
Play MonopolyRecreate your very first dateTurn on some music and dance
Head to a flea marketSit by the fireGo campingLearn to play an instrument togetherPlay frisbeeRedo your bedroom together – new sheets, new arrangement of furniture, hang photos, etcWhen it’s raining, run outside and kiss in the rain!Free movies in the parkWalk around the mall hand in handHave a fondue nightKayakingMake chocolate chip cookies from scratch togetherHead to the batting cagesGo-cart racing!Head out on a boat ride (you may need to find a friend who owns a boat for this one as I don't recommend purchasing a boat for this activity)Head to a car dealer and test drive cars you have had your eye onStrawberry/Blueberry/Apple picking – depending on the seasonMovie night outside on an old school projectorSit and watch your wedding video togetherMake a family treeSpend the night at a local B&BHead to a local museumFitness class togetherMake your own sundaesGo ice skatingFind a place where you can do a dinner boat or a dinner train!Make your own sushiLay in your backyard and look up at the starsGo horseback ridingFind a local art exhibitIf you have a hot tub, jump in!Head to an amusement parkGo zip-lining!Make a fort out of furniture cushions and blankets...you know you still love doing that
Bake a cake...or cookies, or brownies...anything!Dress up all fancy and head out to dinner, it doesn’t matter if it’s just for the fun of itCreate a vision board of goals and dreams you both have for your lives aheadClean out and organize the garage, your basement or your atticListen to a podcast together and talk about it - we love Red Rocks Church sermons
Make breakfast and eat it in bedPlant a treeCreate a special space outdoors for the summerGo to a planetariumWatch a fireworks displayCreate a scavenger hunt for each other of clues that only the 2 of you would know and understandVisit a local animal shelter if you’re looking to adopt a new pet or just want to pet and playTake a karate classGo whitewater raftingHead to a water park
Hope that helps at least a little with those mundane moments. I know we have followed a few of these ideas but I hope to attempt all of them at least once in our lifetime!
In an effort to satisfy my own imagination, I tweaked the list I found online to pertain to myself and my husband (and perhaps younger couples in the Midwest without kids...yet)
And, here they are...
Ride bikes together around the block or around town
Cook together...as long as you can let the other do their part without being critical (I'm terrible at that)Go to the gym together – there is something comforting about looking across the gym and seeing him smile at mePlay backyard games together; ladder ball, corn hole toss, even croquet!Fold clothes together - yes it seems lame, but it makes it go by quicker with someone else and it's a good excuse to sit and chatGo see a play at a local theatreRearrange furniture - just to give your rooms a little something differentGo shopping and pick one thing out for each otherScrabbleGo to a winery and do a wine tasting
Long walk around the blockPicnic in the park or up in the hillsPlay Wii Sports or Mario Kart togetherPlay raquetballPut together a puzzleRead a book togetherSit outside and watch the sunsetTake a cooking class together
Head to a coffee shop and chill outDay trip to a special location nearby - for us it is in Spearfish CanyonFind a band you both like and see if they’re playing anytime soon or nearby. If not, head to a local bar that has live music.Take dance lessonsGo to a baseball game together (whether is is Major league or your local pee-wees)Check out a local breweryGo bowling
Go house huntingGo fishing togetherRent a canoe and go to the lakeRoller blade together - with protective gear if neither of you know what you're doingCreate a vegetable gardenBook a couples massageRun a 5K, 10K, 1/2 marathon, or marathon together - I'd personally prefer walking, but we could motivate each otherVolunteer together somewhere specialMini golfingHave him teach you how to play a sport that you don't play - for me it's golf. He loves it and I've never set foot on a golf course.Play basketball together - just for fun and perhaps not for points :)Go on a hike
Play MonopolyRecreate your very first dateTurn on some music and dance
Head to a flea marketSit by the fireGo campingLearn to play an instrument togetherPlay frisbeeRedo your bedroom together – new sheets, new arrangement of furniture, hang photos, etcWhen it’s raining, run outside and kiss in the rain!Free movies in the parkWalk around the mall hand in handHave a fondue nightKayakingMake chocolate chip cookies from scratch togetherHead to the batting cagesGo-cart racing!Head out on a boat ride (you may need to find a friend who owns a boat for this one as I don't recommend purchasing a boat for this activity)Head to a car dealer and test drive cars you have had your eye onStrawberry/Blueberry/Apple picking – depending on the seasonMovie night outside on an old school projectorSit and watch your wedding video togetherMake a family treeSpend the night at a local B&BHead to a local museumFitness class togetherMake your own sundaesGo ice skatingFind a place where you can do a dinner boat or a dinner train!Make your own sushiLay in your backyard and look up at the starsGo horseback ridingFind a local art exhibitIf you have a hot tub, jump in!Head to an amusement parkGo zip-lining!Make a fort out of furniture cushions and blankets...you know you still love doing that
Bake a cake...or cookies, or brownies...anything!Dress up all fancy and head out to dinner, it doesn’t matter if it’s just for the fun of itCreate a vision board of goals and dreams you both have for your lives aheadClean out and organize the garage, your basement or your atticListen to a podcast together and talk about it - we love Red Rocks Church sermons
Make breakfast and eat it in bedPlant a treeCreate a special space outdoors for the summerGo to a planetariumWatch a fireworks displayCreate a scavenger hunt for each other of clues that only the 2 of you would know and understandVisit a local animal shelter if you’re looking to adopt a new pet or just want to pet and playTake a karate classGo whitewater raftingHead to a water park
Hope that helps at least a little with those mundane moments. I know we have followed a few of these ideas but I hope to attempt all of them at least once in our lifetime!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
BBQ Chicken Rolls
My first food blog post! Are you ready? I found this recipe on Pinterest and thought I would give it a go. But instead of just trying to recreate the dish, I thought I would document my efforts and create my own picture book of deliciousness. So here goes everything!
BBQ Chicken Rolls
1 pkg. egg roll wrappers (found in produce section next to hummus or tofu)
1 lb. cooked, shredded chicken
bag of broccoli slaw or coleslaw mix
1 bag shredded cheddar cheese
1 bottle BBQ sauce
Cooking oil spray
The easiest way to cook the chicken is to throw it in the crock pot in the morning, fill the pot with just enough water to cover the chicken, and cook on low for at least 4 hours. At the end of the day, you can take the chicken out and it will fall apart when you shred it. Use two forks and pull apart to shred.
After the chicken is shredded, place it in a bowl with just enough BBQ sauce to cover it. You don't want it sopping with sauce, but you want enough to keep it moist. Mix the two together.
Place the egg roll wrappers on a flat, clean surface. Take a small handful of slaw mix and place in one corner of each wrapper.
Then, simply layer the rest of the ingredients in this order: slaw, BBQ chicken, shredded cheese. You don't want the ingredients piled too high. The wrapper will rip if it is too full.
Next, you roll! Take the corner closest to the ingredients and fold on the center. Then fold the two sides in until the corners touch in the center. Next, roll over once so that you are forming what looks like an envelope. With the top flap that is still exposed, brush a small amount of water on the tip and then fold toward you to "seal the envelope." The water will help the wrapper stick to itself. The following pictures show the steps.
Next, place the sealed rolls into a baking rack that has been sprayed with cooking oil. (I used a cookie drying rack on top of a baking sheet.)
After the rolls have been lined along the baking rack, spray them with cooking oil. This will allow them to brown and crisp up nicely.
Then place them in the oven at 350 degrees for 8-12 minutes or until the rolls start to brown up.
And then, enjoy!!! You can serve them with ranch, blue cheese, or even more BBQ sauce. They are so easy to make and very yummy. They may excellent leftovers as well.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
The end
Twice now I've had dreams where I thought the world was ending. Both were in completely different fashions, but both times by responses were the same.
Let me explain:
In the first instance, I was sitting in church listening to the message when I suddenly realized that God could take any of these people at any moment. It was similar to a film I saw in which there was a loud *BOOM* and a flash of light and then, suddenly, there were only a few people left sitting in the church. All the rest had been taken. And those that were left began sobbing or just curled up into the fetal position to wait for what came next. My first thought was, "I don't want to be left sobbing and wondering what more I could have done!"
In the second instance, Chris and I were driving somewhere in the U.S. I'm not sure where. But it was a dream so does it really matter? We began looking at the clouds and how strange they all looked to us. In a matter of seconds I could spot what I thought was the moon in the daytime. I love it when you can see the moon during the day. But suddenly, it became larger and larger and it didn't look like the moon but a reflection of the earth. It became so big that I thought it would crash and land right where we were. To our surprise it flew right over us and crashed into a nearby neighborhood, exploding into a gigantic cloud of fire and white smoke. I thought it was the end. I turned to Chris and told him I loved him and then closed my eyes. I instantly thought, "I don't want to be left here, God please take me away!" As it turns out, the second dream did not end there, but continued with us 'realizing' that it was a large meteor that had struck the earth and that we were going to be okay. But I still had a nagging feeling that it was the start of something bigger, yet no one seemed to care any more or any less for their salvation. It didn't seem to worry them one bit. I couldn't understand how some could feel so at peace with being left after the world has perished. We may all be dead, yes, but where we will all be going is not the same. I had this weird view that after the meteor hit (and many more expected to after that) that the earth would be left in shambles. That there would be no more water and everything would be dried up and desert-like with a few fires still burning out from the impact sites. In essence I thought I was seeing a literal hell on earth. And it scared me to be there. I didn't want to risk being left to spend eternity there.
I know I am saved because I believe in Jesus and what his death represents for me. He died for my sin so that I would not have to pay that debt upon my own death. I mess up. I make mistakes. I still sin. But I know that I am forgiven. I know that I can call on the name of Jesus and ask for forgiveness 100 thousand times and he will still reach out to me. Because he loves me.
Let me explain:
In the first instance, I was sitting in church listening to the message when I suddenly realized that God could take any of these people at any moment. It was similar to a film I saw in which there was a loud *BOOM* and a flash of light and then, suddenly, there were only a few people left sitting in the church. All the rest had been taken. And those that were left began sobbing or just curled up into the fetal position to wait for what came next. My first thought was, "I don't want to be left sobbing and wondering what more I could have done!"
In the second instance, Chris and I were driving somewhere in the U.S. I'm not sure where. But it was a dream so does it really matter? We began looking at the clouds and how strange they all looked to us. In a matter of seconds I could spot what I thought was the moon in the daytime. I love it when you can see the moon during the day. But suddenly, it became larger and larger and it didn't look like the moon but a reflection of the earth. It became so big that I thought it would crash and land right where we were. To our surprise it flew right over us and crashed into a nearby neighborhood, exploding into a gigantic cloud of fire and white smoke. I thought it was the end. I turned to Chris and told him I loved him and then closed my eyes. I instantly thought, "I don't want to be left here, God please take me away!" As it turns out, the second dream did not end there, but continued with us 'realizing' that it was a large meteor that had struck the earth and that we were going to be okay. But I still had a nagging feeling that it was the start of something bigger, yet no one seemed to care any more or any less for their salvation. It didn't seem to worry them one bit. I couldn't understand how some could feel so at peace with being left after the world has perished. We may all be dead, yes, but where we will all be going is not the same. I had this weird view that after the meteor hit (and many more expected to after that) that the earth would be left in shambles. That there would be no more water and everything would be dried up and desert-like with a few fires still burning out from the impact sites. In essence I thought I was seeing a literal hell on earth. And it scared me to be there. I didn't want to risk being left to spend eternity there.
I know I am saved because I believe in Jesus and what his death represents for me. He died for my sin so that I would not have to pay that debt upon my own death. I mess up. I make mistakes. I still sin. But I know that I am forgiven. I know that I can call on the name of Jesus and ask for forgiveness 100 thousand times and he will still reach out to me. Because he loves me.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Ignoring the Obvious
Luke 24:16 "But their eyes were kept from recognizing him."
On the road to Emmaus, two men were walking from Jerusalem and were talking about all of the events that had happened over the past weekend. There were no big games on television, no bachelors chosen, and no school shootings in the news to speak of. No, something much bigger had taken place and was the talk of the town. Jesus had been crucified. The man who claimed to be the one and only son of God. The one who claimed he could rebuild the city in 3 days. The one who said that the only way to the father in heaven was through him and him alone. Yeah, that Jesus. He had been killed and buried like a criminal.
And yet, when Jesus draws near to these men on their way to Emmaus, they do not recognize him. In fact, when he asks them what they are talking about, they basically say, "Are you an idiot? Have you not been around these last few days to see what's been going on? Where have you been, under a rock?" And yet, while they question him, they do not see that he is the man they are talking about! He was right there, in their faces! But they still didn't see him for who he truly was.
Too often, we get carried away in our troubles and turmoil, or even in our rejoice and celebration, that we don't realize what we have in front of us. We are constantly asking for help, yet we forget that we are never without it.
Isaiah 43:2-4 in The Message says,
"When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you.
When you're in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you're between a rock and a hard place,
it won't be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you:
all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!
That's how much you mean to me!
That's how much I love you!
I'd sell off the whole world to get you back,
trade the creation just for you."
On the road to Emmaus, two men were walking from Jerusalem and were talking about all of the events that had happened over the past weekend. There were no big games on television, no bachelors chosen, and no school shootings in the news to speak of. No, something much bigger had taken place and was the talk of the town. Jesus had been crucified. The man who claimed to be the one and only son of God. The one who claimed he could rebuild the city in 3 days. The one who said that the only way to the father in heaven was through him and him alone. Yeah, that Jesus. He had been killed and buried like a criminal.
And yet, when Jesus draws near to these men on their way to Emmaus, they do not recognize him. In fact, when he asks them what they are talking about, they basically say, "Are you an idiot? Have you not been around these last few days to see what's been going on? Where have you been, under a rock?" And yet, while they question him, they do not see that he is the man they are talking about! He was right there, in their faces! But they still didn't see him for who he truly was.
Too often, we get carried away in our troubles and turmoil, or even in our rejoice and celebration, that we don't realize what we have in front of us. We are constantly asking for help, yet we forget that we are never without it.
Isaiah 43:2-4 in The Message says,
"When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you.
When you're in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you're between a rock and a hard place,
it won't be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you:
all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!
That's how much you mean to me!
That's how much I love you!
I'd sell off the whole world to get you back,
trade the creation just for you."
Is this for real? When I am too scared to move on; when I am stressed beyond belief; when I am read to surrender, God will be with me. Because He loves me so much, that He would even give up the life of his own son to be tortured, whipped, flogged, ridiculed, crushed, killed and buried at the hands of others. All to ensure my eternity with Him.
And after knowing all of that, how could I not recognize the man that gave his life for me when he's standing in my face, asking me about these events that I am talking about? Unfortunately, it's all too easy to be distracted in disbelief or in my own selfish issues. I am too busy looking for Jesus in my troubles that I don't see him, right there beside me. I know when I look in the past I can see that I was never left alone. That I had a companion in him through my own "troubled waters." But my goal is to not forget about that in the future. Because I know I will never be without trouble. And I will never not ask for help. But I can't let myself forget that he is and always will be right there. I just need to know how to recognize him.
Monday, March 26, 2012
I'm Still Hungry
If you haven't finished the Hunger Games Trilogy and don't like spoilers...DON'T READ ON! If you haven't finished the Hunger Games Trilogy and happen to read on out now out of curiosity...sorry for ruining it for you!
Is it just me? Or did the Hunger Games Trilogy leave you depressed too? I mean, what is up with Peeta basically being the default since Gale left the picture completely? There was no magic moment when Katniss realized how much she loved Peeta...they simply "grew together" after living back in District 12 again and there were no hard decisions or realizations to be made. It just...happened. What a let down. I was really expecting more out of Katniss to be honest. I was beginning to identify with her strength and courage and compassion. But I completely lost that when she couldn't make up her mind and just ended up with Peeta, rather than choosing him. He gave his life for her, saved her, loved her, comforted her, fought for her. She gave him what? A kiss here or there, torture for not knowing how she felt about him, children because he begged her for them. Nah, I was left wanting more. I'm still hungry for more of what Peeta (and Gale for that matter) deserved, which would be the choice. I wanted to see Katniss become in love with one of them and then carry out that love, but only with one. No more of that indecisive nonsense.
I just can't believe how trapped I was in the series so quickly. I first heard mention of The Hunger Games about 6 months ago and knew I wanted to read it eventually. Then I see that a movie is getting made and it's all turning into this huge ordeal. I didn't even know it was part of a series! So I buy the first book because it's never available at the library, and I'm sunk, hooked, lined, whatever other fishing analogies you can think of. I couldn't get enough. I finished all 3 books (after borrowing the next 2) in about 24 hours (spread over 3 days...because one has got to sleep and go to school, and professors don't really appreciate you reading during their lecture). So now I'm all caught up in it. Crap.
I didn't know it was going to get that twisted and odd and full of breakdowns and mental incompetent characters. It just adds to my recent depressed mood, which my husband probably doesn't appreciate.
I think the fact that I just had a great weekend with my mom also adds to my sad state. It's amazing how far away she can feel when I know she's only 45 minutes from where I live. But it's a different town, different people, different atmosphere; so she feels much farther away than I know she is. Mom, I love you and miss you and love hanging out with you. I just don't know if I'll ever get used to having to plan to see you. I'm so accustomed to dropping by when I have spare time and bumping into you for lunch. It's different when I have to schedule you in for a day together or pencil you in for a meal or a trip to the mall. Although, I would much rather have it this way than to not see you at all!
So, for those of you who remain sullen after the 3rd book has wrapped up, you're not alone. I'm sure there's a support group somewhere out there for us. Let me know when and where and I'll give you a lift. And for those of you who miss your moms, you're also not alone. Although hitching a ride to go visit your mom would probably be uncomfortable for me since I probably don't know her so you're on your own there... Sorry.
Is it just me? Or did the Hunger Games Trilogy leave you depressed too? I mean, what is up with Peeta basically being the default since Gale left the picture completely? There was no magic moment when Katniss realized how much she loved Peeta...they simply "grew together" after living back in District 12 again and there were no hard decisions or realizations to be made. It just...happened. What a let down. I was really expecting more out of Katniss to be honest. I was beginning to identify with her strength and courage and compassion. But I completely lost that when she couldn't make up her mind and just ended up with Peeta, rather than choosing him. He gave his life for her, saved her, loved her, comforted her, fought for her. She gave him what? A kiss here or there, torture for not knowing how she felt about him, children because he begged her for them. Nah, I was left wanting more. I'm still hungry for more of what Peeta (and Gale for that matter) deserved, which would be the choice. I wanted to see Katniss become in love with one of them and then carry out that love, but only with one. No more of that indecisive nonsense.
I just can't believe how trapped I was in the series so quickly. I first heard mention of The Hunger Games about 6 months ago and knew I wanted to read it eventually. Then I see that a movie is getting made and it's all turning into this huge ordeal. I didn't even know it was part of a series! So I buy the first book because it's never available at the library, and I'm sunk, hooked, lined, whatever other fishing analogies you can think of. I couldn't get enough. I finished all 3 books (after borrowing the next 2) in about 24 hours (spread over 3 days...because one has got to sleep and go to school, and professors don't really appreciate you reading during their lecture). So now I'm all caught up in it. Crap.
I didn't know it was going to get that twisted and odd and full of breakdowns and mental incompetent characters. It just adds to my recent depressed mood, which my husband probably doesn't appreciate.
I think the fact that I just had a great weekend with my mom also adds to my sad state. It's amazing how far away she can feel when I know she's only 45 minutes from where I live. But it's a different town, different people, different atmosphere; so she feels much farther away than I know she is. Mom, I love you and miss you and love hanging out with you. I just don't know if I'll ever get used to having to plan to see you. I'm so accustomed to dropping by when I have spare time and bumping into you for lunch. It's different when I have to schedule you in for a day together or pencil you in for a meal or a trip to the mall. Although, I would much rather have it this way than to not see you at all!
So, for those of you who remain sullen after the 3rd book has wrapped up, you're not alone. I'm sure there's a support group somewhere out there for us. Let me know when and where and I'll give you a lift. And for those of you who miss your moms, you're also not alone. Although hitching a ride to go visit your mom would probably be uncomfortable for me since I probably don't know her so you're on your own there... Sorry.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Life Lessons
These are some life lessons that I came across while stumbling and thought they were worth sharing. Hope you like them as much as I did!
01. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
02. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
03. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
04. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
05. Pay off your credit cards every month.
06. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
07. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
08. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
09. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past, so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness, but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?".
26. Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
32. Believe in miracles.
33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
36. Your children get only one childhood.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
41. The best is yet to come.
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
43. Yield.
44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Mother knows best
I know I should have always listened to my mother. Her words of wisdom just didn't seem to penetrate my brain when they should have, especially when it came to home and cooking tips and tricks. It isn't until I actually am in the middle of a pickle and need to call her up to repeat her advice when I actually do realize that I need to remember this stuff for myself!
I know I will still be calling her up hundreds of times more in the future for her soothing voice and her calm advice on how not to catch the oven on fire, but here are a few "aha" moments for me that I know she suggested back when I was probably 10 years old, but never ever thought I would need to know.
1. Vinegar is the best cleaning product. Ever. Our Rachel Ray pots and pans look like new after 2 years of baked on noodles, burnt skillet dishes, and even a few trips through the dishwasher (which is a no-no apparently)
2. The Crock-Pot is your friend. Forget boiling your chicken and wasting valuable prep time for a meal. Stick your chicken in a lined Crock-Pot in the morning. Fill with water until chicken is covered. Turn on low for 6-8 hours and you will have chicken that FALLS apart when it's done cooking. So now you have plenty of shredded chicken for 2-3 meals (sandwiches, soups, casseroles, and enchiladas even)!
3. Pre-soaking your clothes will save your wardrobe. I use OxiClean just because she uses it. Like Mother, like daughter I suppose.
Mostly, she taught me to have a "no worries" attitude about all chores...and life in general. Hence the term 'Ishkabibbles' for my blog title. It is a slang term for "don't worry" or "no worries." I attempt to live that motto every day. Attempt being the key word. And my mom is a great example of that. Her "can do" attitude is to be admired, and sought out in many a case for me.
Enjoy!
I know I will still be calling her up hundreds of times more in the future for her soothing voice and her calm advice on how not to catch the oven on fire, but here are a few "aha" moments for me that I know she suggested back when I was probably 10 years old, but never ever thought I would need to know.
1. Vinegar is the best cleaning product. Ever. Our Rachel Ray pots and pans look like new after 2 years of baked on noodles, burnt skillet dishes, and even a few trips through the dishwasher (which is a no-no apparently)
2. The Crock-Pot is your friend. Forget boiling your chicken and wasting valuable prep time for a meal. Stick your chicken in a lined Crock-Pot in the morning. Fill with water until chicken is covered. Turn on low for 6-8 hours and you will have chicken that FALLS apart when it's done cooking. So now you have plenty of shredded chicken for 2-3 meals (sandwiches, soups, casseroles, and enchiladas even)!
3. Pre-soaking your clothes will save your wardrobe. I use OxiClean just because she uses it. Like Mother, like daughter I suppose.
Mostly, she taught me to have a "no worries" attitude about all chores...and life in general. Hence the term 'Ishkabibbles' for my blog title. It is a slang term for "don't worry" or "no worries." I attempt to live that motto every day. Attempt being the key word. And my mom is a great example of that. Her "can do" attitude is to be admired, and sought out in many a case for me.
Enjoy!
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