Last night I waited and watched with trepidation the verdict concerning Ferguson, MO. I knew the revelation would not be acceptable by either camp. The plain fact is lives were changed forever that fateful night. The Brown family lost a loved one to violence. The Wilson family had their lives changed forever due to violence. Before hearing the facts, the world had made up its mind. Yes, Brown was shot down dead in cold blood; No, Wilson acted in self-defense. I will not form an opinion. I have not read the evidence like the Grand Jury did. I have not heard eye- witness testimony. I have not seen the autopsy reports. I will admit that statistics show there are more persons of color inhabiting our penal system. I will admit that there is still in the 21st century much racial tension and discrimination. We need to fix that. We need to find solutions and use our minds and our voices and not our weapons and strength. Children are STILL being bullied-- to the point of death. The saying "Why can't we just all get along" is a riddle rather than a statement. Why can't we all get along? We need to fix that.
For now I will grieve with the families of Michael Brown and Darren Wilson. In the blink of an eye, their lives will never be the same and unlike maybe you or I, the whole world is watching them.
Gracious God, why do you love us so? We are flawed people. We have misused and abused the precious gifts you have given us. We would rather fight and bully one another rather than sit at table at talk about what divides us. We would prefer to use our great wealth on ourselves instead of being the solution to hunger and poverty. Forgive us, LORD. In your loving kindness show us the way this Advent season as we wait for the one true perfect example, Christ Jesus.
Comfort the families and friends affected by violence. May we strive to end hunger and poverty in our midst and in the world. Help us to realize Heaven on Earth and seek it daily as we fight for peace, justice, and reconciliation. Amen (May it be so).
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Monday, November 24, 2014
It's a paradox
It's a paradox- plain and simple. I can explain the name of the blog in simple terms: it's a paradox! I tried going against the grain by not eating grains. I try daily to going against the grain when my heart and head tell me to do one thing and I resolved NOT to do that one thing but do it anyway! It's absurd; I know this. So today I am sharing a delicious bread recipe I doctored (I will give you the original one too). YES!!! It's a grain recipe!!!! I HAD to try it before I gave it away. All I can say is YUM!!! I was looking for a nice gift to share at my Thanksgiving table and I have it.
So here goes. Sorry to those of you success stories who have given up bread. I'm not one of them right now. I will admit to going against the grain on this simply because I didn't have or couldn't find the exact ingredients....thus going against the grain with my substitutes. That counts, doesn't it?
Orange Spice Loaves
My recipe:
2 packages (7 oz each) Apple Cinnamon Muffin Mix
1/2 cup golden raisins
2 eggs
1/2 cup orange juice concentrate, thawed
1/2 cup sweet orange marmalade, divided + a little more
4 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup whole milk
1 heaping teaspoon ground allspice
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine muffin mix and raisins. Add eggs, orange juice concentrate, 6 Tbsp orange marmalade, oil, milk and allspice; stir until well-blended. Line mini muffin tins with muffin liners or grease and flour. Bake 20 minutes or until a toothpick (or knife- I couldn't find any toothpicks!) inserted in center comes out clean. (After the 20 min. baking time, I also pressed gently to make sure the loaf bounced back and my finger did not sink into a hot gooey mess.) Remove loaves from pan and place on wire rack. Spread remaining orange marmalade (I scooped more out of the jar...I mean why be chinchy?) evenly over tops of hot loaves. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container. Made 9 mini loaves
The original recipe calls for:
2 packages (7 oz each) bran muffin mix
1/2 cup raisins
2 eggs
1/2 cup orange juice concentrate, thawed
1/2 cup orange marmalade, divided
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons ground allspice
The original said to grease and flour 4 loaf pans measuring 3 1/4 x 5 3/4-inch. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. It yields 4 mini loaves.
Did I mention how wonderful smelling the house is today? I might have to hurry and bag those babies.
Until my next paradoxical post, have a good day, Grainiacs!
So here goes. Sorry to those of you success stories who have given up bread. I'm not one of them right now. I will admit to going against the grain on this simply because I didn't have or couldn't find the exact ingredients....thus going against the grain with my substitutes. That counts, doesn't it?
 |
| The whole house smells divine! |
Orange Spice Loaves
My recipe:
2 packages (7 oz each) Apple Cinnamon Muffin Mix
1/2 cup golden raisins
2 eggs
1/2 cup orange juice concentrate, thawed
1/2 cup sweet orange marmalade, divided + a little more
4 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup whole milk
1 heaping teaspoon ground allspice
 |
| In case you want to see the actual items I used. I do not receive any compensation from these companies...just saying. |
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine muffin mix and raisins. Add eggs, orange juice concentrate, 6 Tbsp orange marmalade, oil, milk and allspice; stir until well-blended. Line mini muffin tins with muffin liners or grease and flour. Bake 20 minutes or until a toothpick (or knife- I couldn't find any toothpicks!) inserted in center comes out clean. (After the 20 min. baking time, I also pressed gently to make sure the loaf bounced back and my finger did not sink into a hot gooey mess.) Remove loaves from pan and place on wire rack. Spread remaining orange marmalade (I scooped more out of the jar...I mean why be chinchy?) evenly over tops of hot loaves. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container. Made 9 mini loaves
The original recipe calls for:
2 packages (7 oz each) bran muffin mix
1/2 cup raisins
2 eggs
1/2 cup orange juice concentrate, thawed
1/2 cup orange marmalade, divided
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons ground allspice
The original said to grease and flour 4 loaf pans measuring 3 1/4 x 5 3/4-inch. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. It yields 4 mini loaves.
Did I mention how wonderful smelling the house is today? I might have to hurry and bag those babies.
Until my next paradoxical post, have a good day, Grainiacs!
Saturday, November 1, 2014
For all the saints
Last night the ghouls and ghosts and walking dead came out to play. Our Trunk or Treat was a huge success. We more than doubled cars AND two neighbors from across the street decorated their cars and joined in the fun (even if they did stay across the street!). Last year about 30 kids came; this year over 150 children stopped by to say "Trick or Treat" and "thank you." Several of our cars just had the candy out in their trunk and told the kids to get some. Every time I looked the children took one piece of candy. I was so impressed with them. I thought for sure some would sweep the whole thing into their bags! Of course I did hear the others' horror stories, but our trick or treaters were sweet little kids.
I want to thank all the saints who have helped mold me into the person I am. No! I'm not blaming you!!!!
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| A Walker!!!! |
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| Cosmos will NOT be left out!!! |
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| note to self: don't dye your hair black! |
I want to thank all the saints who have helped mold me into the person I am. No! I'm not blaming you!!!!
Friday, October 31, 2014
trick or treat- yummy
Greetings, my Grainiacs!
It has been a while since I posted. Shame, shame, Strawberry. What can I say: life happens and it is a happenin' still. I won't bore you with school stuff, but that's the crux of the business! We also attended our church's regional meeting. (Banana, I didn't see you at all!!!) I gave a workshop on Advent Ideas for Small church ministry. My cohort and I thought if we had 10 people we would be dancing in the street. I can gladly say we are dancing on the moon! About 30 people attended and it gave us hope that we are providing a much needed service. Now I just wish a paycheck would come with that!!!! LOL
Tonight our church is hosting a Trunk or Treat for neighborhood children. If you haven't heard of it, this is where you decorate the trunk of your car or bed of your truck and gather with others and pass out candy to children....sort of a one-stop shopping! We first heard of this at seminary. Aren't we cute? All my little scarecrows and one pacifist friend in camo!!!! hahahaha...
I am in charge of decorating and thinking up the costumes. I decided we would go as 2 of the Addams family but it is still hotter-n-hades down here in South Texas so I knew I would not be wearing a long sleeved/ skin tight black dress with a long black wig-- can we say Heat Stroke??? And I would not put my poor hubby in a black pinned-striped suit! He doesn't own one and we are not buying one at this stage of the game. So Wednesday and the little brother (what's his name?) are it. Hubby would get by easy with the striped shirt, shorts, white socks, and black shoes. But Wednesday? I would have to go buy leggings and find a short black dress with a wide white belt. This is sounding like too much work.
Yesterday I went to my wonderful HEB store where you can find anything and ta da!!! We are going as "walkers." Hubby and Boy (who wasn't going to participate till I bought the walker-looking mask) L.O.V.E. Walking Dead. Truth be told I tolerate it. I don't like all the head smashing and blood but I do like watching something that Boy will come in and watch with us.
So, taking a little time out of studying and dressing up to hand out candy to complete strangers---what could be better??/!!!! No, don't go there. Eating said candy myself is a no-no!
I'll post pictures next week.
Happy Halloween, Grainiacs,
Strawberry (41 pounds to go)
It has been a while since I posted. Shame, shame, Strawberry. What can I say: life happens and it is a happenin' still. I won't bore you with school stuff, but that's the crux of the business! We also attended our church's regional meeting. (Banana, I didn't see you at all!!!) I gave a workshop on Advent Ideas for Small church ministry. My cohort and I thought if we had 10 people we would be dancing in the street. I can gladly say we are dancing on the moon! About 30 people attended and it gave us hope that we are providing a much needed service. Now I just wish a paycheck would come with that!!!! LOL
Tonight our church is hosting a Trunk or Treat for neighborhood children. If you haven't heard of it, this is where you decorate the trunk of your car or bed of your truck and gather with others and pass out candy to children....sort of a one-stop shopping! We first heard of this at seminary. Aren't we cute? All my little scarecrows and one pacifist friend in camo!!!! hahahaha...
I am in charge of decorating and thinking up the costumes. I decided we would go as 2 of the Addams family but it is still hotter-n-hades down here in South Texas so I knew I would not be wearing a long sleeved/ skin tight black dress with a long black wig-- can we say Heat Stroke??? And I would not put my poor hubby in a black pinned-striped suit! He doesn't own one and we are not buying one at this stage of the game. So Wednesday and the little brother (what's his name?) are it. Hubby would get by easy with the striped shirt, shorts, white socks, and black shoes. But Wednesday? I would have to go buy leggings and find a short black dress with a wide white belt. This is sounding like too much work.
Yesterday I went to my wonderful HEB store where you can find anything and ta da!!! We are going as "walkers." Hubby and Boy (who wasn't going to participate till I bought the walker-looking mask) L.O.V.E. Walking Dead. Truth be told I tolerate it. I don't like all the head smashing and blood but I do like watching something that Boy will come in and watch with us.
So, taking a little time out of studying and dressing up to hand out candy to complete strangers---what could be better??/!!!! No, don't go there. Eating said candy myself is a no-no!
I'll post pictures next week.
Happy Halloween, Grainiacs,
Strawberry (41 pounds to go)
Friday, October 17, 2014
Press Time!
Yesterday was my annual mammogram and I'm just a nosey person. While the tech was checking the scan and saving, etc. I walked over and looked too. She was telling me what a great job she did (uh, hello? Who's boob was smashed and pictured? You're welcome!) and "Look! You can see the muscle under your arm." AH! proof positive; I do still have muscle in my arm!!! All that rabbit belly flap isn't all rabbit belly flap.
Did I tell you I'm presenting a workshop at my denominational level? Yep. And I've been working on it too. Had to. They wanted my handouts early so they could "approve" them. We do things so "decent and orderly." I appreciate that about my denomination. For a scattered Strawberry, it is refreshing. Hasn't helped ME to become decent and orderly but I'm working on it. As a matter of fact, I have most all my seminary reading done this week and papers already submitted AND it's the first week!!!!
Okay, I can't get cocky; I always do this. Start out with a bang and peter out. I CAN get cocky, though, and show you my goodies--- no, not those goodies. Funny story, while 5 of us robed up women were sitting in the "inner" waiting room with nothing but our flimsy robes between us, Ellen Degeneres' guest was Chelsea Handler. Google them. Chelsea asks Ellen to be on her show in a shower scene. So although body parts are bleeped out, you can tell Chelsea is buck naked in the shower with Ellen!!! hahahahahaha... Chelsea says nobody is gonna sell her nude photos and make money; she'll sell them to ya for free! I don't even know what loving my body is. For as long as I can remember I always found a flaw....even when I weighed 120 pounds. I'm not planning to walk naked (don't worry about that) but I do want to love my body- bumps, bruises, flaps, and all; and I want to love it at whatever stage I'm at. Amen?
So, here's a picture of MY goodies.
I'm exposing these babies all over town AND at my presentation!
Did I tell you I'm presenting a workshop at my denominational level? Yep. And I've been working on it too. Had to. They wanted my handouts early so they could "approve" them. We do things so "decent and orderly." I appreciate that about my denomination. For a scattered Strawberry, it is refreshing. Hasn't helped ME to become decent and orderly but I'm working on it. As a matter of fact, I have most all my seminary reading done this week and papers already submitted AND it's the first week!!!!
Okay, I can't get cocky; I always do this. Start out with a bang and peter out. I CAN get cocky, though, and show you my goodies--- no, not those goodies. Funny story, while 5 of us robed up women were sitting in the "inner" waiting room with nothing but our flimsy robes between us, Ellen Degeneres' guest was Chelsea Handler. Google them. Chelsea asks Ellen to be on her show in a shower scene. So although body parts are bleeped out, you can tell Chelsea is buck naked in the shower with Ellen!!! hahahahahaha... Chelsea says nobody is gonna sell her nude photos and make money; she'll sell them to ya for free! I don't even know what loving my body is. For as long as I can remember I always found a flaw....even when I weighed 120 pounds. I'm not planning to walk naked (don't worry about that) but I do want to love my body- bumps, bruises, flaps, and all; and I want to love it at whatever stage I'm at. Amen?
So, here's a picture of MY goodies.
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| black and pink!!! love it |
I'm exposing these babies all over town AND at my presentation!
Thursday, October 16, 2014
ba bam!
There's something about the early morning and the late evening that sends my furmily into hyper-active mode. I might have to organize a daycare and nightcare room for them. They get W.I.L.D. Running and chasing. Tumbling and fighting. Tuesday night I got caught in the cross-hair of one such chase.
It looked like something out of a Dick Van Dyke movie (I'm Dick in this scenario). Cosmos and Baby Kitty were playing chase and tag. I wasn't. So why was I the one to get tagged? I had an arm-full of papers and the kitten ran in between my legs and the dog followed. Papers flew up and my body vaulted downward...right on my knees. We have tile floors. Let me just say I sat on the ground not knowing whether to laugh or cry. Instead I got mad. Really mad. Poor Cosmos stood by my side as I pulled off my best Nancy Kerrigan cry "Why me???" Baby Kitty was the smartest and hid behind the couch.
I don't need a cane or a walker. I have my broom. I carried that broom around in the morning and in the evening. Anytime I see that kitten, I sweep that broom and she high-tails it in the opposite direction. Cosmos isn't any better in the mornings. He runs and turns and basically gets under foot. My broom is my ba bam sweeper. Think I could market it?
It looked like something out of a Dick Van Dyke movie (I'm Dick in this scenario). Cosmos and Baby Kitty were playing chase and tag. I wasn't. So why was I the one to get tagged? I had an arm-full of papers and the kitten ran in between my legs and the dog followed. Papers flew up and my body vaulted downward...right on my knees. We have tile floors. Let me just say I sat on the ground not knowing whether to laugh or cry. Instead I got mad. Really mad. Poor Cosmos stood by my side as I pulled off my best Nancy Kerrigan cry "Why me???" Baby Kitty was the smartest and hid behind the couch.
I don't need a cane or a walker. I have my broom. I carried that broom around in the morning and in the evening. Anytime I see that kitten, I sweep that broom and she high-tails it in the opposite direction. Cosmos isn't any better in the mornings. He runs and turns and basically gets under foot. My broom is my ba bam sweeper. Think I could market it?
Monday, October 13, 2014
and the beat goes on....
Drummin' in my head! The beat goes on....
Here we go again, Grainiacs!!! School has officially started in the Strawberry Patch and you know what that means-- crazy-eyed Strawberry! This is about the time I decide to look for a job or cut my hair or take up a new hobby....read a new book-- anything to keep my mind off my studies! Or I become so obsessed with studies that I eat, drink, live, talk all things Christian education.
So how about I go against the grain and act like a true senior (who has a horrible case of senioritis) and just say "who cares!" You know that book I mentioned a post or two back? Well it hasn't gotten any better. No redeeming qualities about it and I'm still scratching my head asking "WTH!!!" That's the thing about some of these seminary classes. I like closure. I like movies that conclude; unless it is a good sequel that I know is coming. I don't like movies that leave you hanging-- well is she alive or isn't she? Does the man get the woman? Yuck, don't leave me wondering- tell me already!!! So this book is one of those "horrible doesn't end" type of stories. Phooey; my senioritis is kicking in.
It could be the new semester starting, but I don't think I like my blog anymore. I started out on a weight-loss journey and I'm still walking that beat. And the beat goes on....
Earlier I mentioned a crazy-eyed strawberry and I think that crazy is in my head. Moana is yelling to think of anything other than studying. So I will push her back and not think about re-organizing a blog or taking up a new project (although I do have some Christmas projects to work on) or.... or.....fill in the blanks and you will be inside my head.
I will tell you one radical thing I did- I gave up caffeine and that includes diet coke (I'm drinking Diet Sprite--I'll give up aspartame as soon as I kick the caffeine habit). No coffee...maybe a few little chocolates but not huge amounts of it. Last Wednesday I went on a cleaning frenzy in the kitchen. Thursday I wasn't feeling well and wound up sleeping most of the day (I'm tellin' ya, housework is detrimental to your health!) so I didn't drink any dark drinks nor did I have any caffeinated coffee. Friday my head felt like it would explode....so I slept more. Saturday I wasn't 100% better but I did get out and then back to bed early. Sunday I was fine. Imagine, if I get back on caffeine, I have 3 days of detox if I decide to quit again. I think it will be easier to just stay off the crack and maybe my beat-as in heartbeat- will go on a lot longer.
Happy Monday, Grainiacs. May the Force be with you (and me!).
Strawberry (44 pounds to go)
Here we go again, Grainiacs!!! School has officially started in the Strawberry Patch and you know what that means-- crazy-eyed Strawberry! This is about the time I decide to look for a job or cut my hair or take up a new hobby....read a new book-- anything to keep my mind off my studies! Or I become so obsessed with studies that I eat, drink, live, talk all things Christian education.
So how about I go against the grain and act like a true senior (who has a horrible case of senioritis) and just say "who cares!" You know that book I mentioned a post or two back? Well it hasn't gotten any better. No redeeming qualities about it and I'm still scratching my head asking "WTH!!!" That's the thing about some of these seminary classes. I like closure. I like movies that conclude; unless it is a good sequel that I know is coming. I don't like movies that leave you hanging-- well is she alive or isn't she? Does the man get the woman? Yuck, don't leave me wondering- tell me already!!! So this book is one of those "horrible doesn't end" type of stories. Phooey; my senioritis is kicking in.
It could be the new semester starting, but I don't think I like my blog anymore. I started out on a weight-loss journey and I'm still walking that beat. And the beat goes on....
Earlier I mentioned a crazy-eyed strawberry and I think that crazy is in my head. Moana is yelling to think of anything other than studying. So I will push her back and not think about re-organizing a blog or taking up a new project (although I do have some Christmas projects to work on) or.... or.....fill in the blanks and you will be inside my head.
I will tell you one radical thing I did- I gave up caffeine and that includes diet coke (I'm drinking Diet Sprite--I'll give up aspartame as soon as I kick the caffeine habit). No coffee...maybe a few little chocolates but not huge amounts of it. Last Wednesday I went on a cleaning frenzy in the kitchen. Thursday I wasn't feeling well and wound up sleeping most of the day (I'm tellin' ya, housework is detrimental to your health!) so I didn't drink any dark drinks nor did I have any caffeinated coffee. Friday my head felt like it would explode....so I slept more. Saturday I wasn't 100% better but I did get out and then back to bed early. Sunday I was fine. Imagine, if I get back on caffeine, I have 3 days of detox if I decide to quit again. I think it will be easier to just stay off the crack and maybe my beat-as in heartbeat- will go on a lot longer.
Happy Monday, Grainiacs. May the Force be with you (and me!).
Strawberry (44 pounds to go)
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
read, read, repeat
I really can't believe it is October! Where did my summer go? Why is fall barreling down upon us and pretty soon it will be Christmas.
I know many of you are saying "Quit rushing Christmas, Strawberry!" but it is truly right around the corner.
Guess what else is upon me? My seminary semester! Classes officially start next week but true to form, many of us are already reading. You see, we have lives outside of class and well, our first week's assignment is to read a whole book! The teacher assigned 165 pages and although that doesn't seem like much, the wordage on the pages seem to repeat themselves....over and over. Here's an example taken from The Fall to Violence (Marjorie Hewitt Suchocki) page 34: The transcendent infinity envisioned by Niebuhr was a boundless infinity without number; the still transcendent infinity encountered within finitude is a boundless infinity with number. And so the whole chapter continues with infinity and finitude!!! This book is definitely taking an "infinity" to read with no "finitude" in sight. sheesh. So I tend to reread sentences because my eyes glaze over and the repetition of certain words (infinity and finitude/ posit/ well-being) repeated in each sentence make it harder to focus on just one sentence knowing that those same dang words will be in the next sentence and the next....(whew, deep breath).
Why is it Christmas is around the corner, but the end of this book is ages away?
Sort of like dishes and laundry. Wait, didn't I just wash those shirts? We seem to have more glasses and coffee mugs in the dishwasher than plates and pots; a telling sign we are eating out more. Recently I've noticed more plates and dishes. Good sign!
So, today is an ordinary day with ordinary tasks. I am now on page 82 in my book and only heaven knows what I've read. That's the problem; when an author uses words or phrases ad nauseum I tend to glaze over them. Probably exactly what you are doing with this blog post today!
I know many of you are saying "Quit rushing Christmas, Strawberry!" but it is truly right around the corner.
Guess what else is upon me? My seminary semester! Classes officially start next week but true to form, many of us are already reading. You see, we have lives outside of class and well, our first week's assignment is to read a whole book! The teacher assigned 165 pages and although that doesn't seem like much, the wordage on the pages seem to repeat themselves....over and over. Here's an example taken from The Fall to Violence (Marjorie Hewitt Suchocki) page 34: The transcendent infinity envisioned by Niebuhr was a boundless infinity without number; the still transcendent infinity encountered within finitude is a boundless infinity with number. And so the whole chapter continues with infinity and finitude!!! This book is definitely taking an "infinity" to read with no "finitude" in sight. sheesh. So I tend to reread sentences because my eyes glaze over and the repetition of certain words (infinity and finitude/ posit/ well-being) repeated in each sentence make it harder to focus on just one sentence knowing that those same dang words will be in the next sentence and the next....(whew, deep breath).
Why is it Christmas is around the corner, but the end of this book is ages away?
Sort of like dishes and laundry. Wait, didn't I just wash those shirts? We seem to have more glasses and coffee mugs in the dishwasher than plates and pots; a telling sign we are eating out more. Recently I've noticed more plates and dishes. Good sign!
So, today is an ordinary day with ordinary tasks. I am now on page 82 in my book and only heaven knows what I've read. That's the problem; when an author uses words or phrases ad nauseum I tend to glaze over them. Probably exactly what you are doing with this blog post today!
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Keep the lumps out of your cups
This is another post that will be all over the place. Humor and sadness. No poop!
I'll start with the light stuff.
Soooooo, this made me LOL (laugh out LOUD!!!). In honor of my post yesterday, let me keep it going! Things ya just don't talk about.
On a more serious note. Today is October 1st. For every female that should mean one thing: get your mammogram.....now. Call. Make that appointment. I don't care that it doesn't run in your family. There is always a first! Don't let it be you that is caught off-guard. I love you. Do it for me.
Monday I called and made my annual mammogram appointment. Was it a pain? Yes. Did I have to repeat everything they SHOULD have in their databank? Oh yeah. Did I finally say: don't you already have this information in your computer; after all, I was here one year ago....and one year before that....and before that....and......
Yes. I was getting frustrated. But I got my appointment.
And here's the kicker. The next day I got an email from a friend whose lab report came back: breast cancer. That message took my breath away. Cancer seems to be on the rise....again. Or maybe it is just hitting closer to home. I have many friends who are cancer-free today, but I have said "good-bye" to a great deal of friends too.
Is it just me or should we have cancer beat by now? Some say there is a cure, but curing cancer would put a great many out of work. I can't go down that road. Cancer touches everyone. Many doctors and researchers go in that field for the very reason that they lost a loved one to damn cancer. Why would they hold back? No, I will not believe that.
During October, let's pray or send positive vibes to end cancer once and for all.
I'll start with the light stuff.
Soooooo, this made me LOL (laugh out LOUD!!!). In honor of my post yesterday, let me keep it going! Things ya just don't talk about.
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| don't know the origin of this cartoon, but brilliant!!!! LOL still laughing here |
On a more serious note. Today is October 1st. For every female that should mean one thing: get your mammogram.....now. Call. Make that appointment. I don't care that it doesn't run in your family. There is always a first! Don't let it be you that is caught off-guard. I love you. Do it for me.
Monday I called and made my annual mammogram appointment. Was it a pain? Yes. Did I have to repeat everything they SHOULD have in their databank? Oh yeah. Did I finally say: don't you already have this information in your computer; after all, I was here one year ago....and one year before that....and before that....and......
Yes. I was getting frustrated. But I got my appointment.
And here's the kicker. The next day I got an email from a friend whose lab report came back: breast cancer. That message took my breath away. Cancer seems to be on the rise....again. Or maybe it is just hitting closer to home. I have many friends who are cancer-free today, but I have said "good-bye" to a great deal of friends too.
Is it just me or should we have cancer beat by now? Some say there is a cure, but curing cancer would put a great many out of work. I can't go down that road. Cancer touches everyone. Many doctors and researchers go in that field for the very reason that they lost a loved one to damn cancer. Why would they hold back? No, I will not believe that.
During October, let's pray or send positive vibes to end cancer once and for all.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark
This post will be all over the place; I apologize in advance!
The internet is a wonderful tool or it can be a weapon. Here is where I apologize in advance. This morning I noticed after my morning constitutional that something green had come out of my body (my poop was green!). It's not St. Patrick's Day!!! Why the hell are you celebrating the luck of the Irish, bowel???? Yes, I did read about an Irish menu. So here's where the internet can be a "tool" (I am saying this in a not so nice way). One of my friends shared a video on their Fb page about adolescents in Ireland making fun of American junk food and their reactions to this food. I find this hard to believe. Sure there are health conscious teens in Ireland....heck all over the world, but there are also health conscious teens here in the U.S.A. The internet said "a typical Irish breakfast" or "snack" etc.....quite frankly looked like what the U.S. would say was a "typical" breakfast (pancakes), snacks (fruit). So, back to my poop (hey, I apologized already!!!). One can scare themselves silly reading health statements about different ailments. Green poop, the internet said, is quite common but not talked about because it is.....embarrassing. Challenge accepted! I'll talk about it.
First look at what you've been eating before you become alarmed. Too late. That first swipe and green shows up; yep, you're alarmed!!! Green culprits include iron-packed veggies (spinach, broccoli). Hold the phone. In an attempt to eat healthy I've included broccoli with my meal every night (okay, 2 nights....but it's been in a row!). I'm not taking iron supplements so I can rule that out. Another reason could be your food is traveling too fast through your system. I have no idea if this is the case; how does one know? The internet says to watch your diet and stool. Tonight I will not include broccoli and see if it gets back to a normal color. I know this is not the most exciting post to read, but we have to look out for one another, right? So, Grainiacs, today's lesson is on green stool.
Now aren't you glad you read my post today? You are most welcome.
Tuesdays are for taking care of yourself.
Strawberry
The internet is a wonderful tool or it can be a weapon. Here is where I apologize in advance. This morning I noticed after my morning constitutional that something green had come out of my body (my poop was green!). It's not St. Patrick's Day!!! Why the hell are you celebrating the luck of the Irish, bowel???? Yes, I did read about an Irish menu. So here's where the internet can be a "tool" (I am saying this in a not so nice way). One of my friends shared a video on their Fb page about adolescents in Ireland making fun of American junk food and their reactions to this food. I find this hard to believe. Sure there are health conscious teens in Ireland....heck all over the world, but there are also health conscious teens here in the U.S.A. The internet said "a typical Irish breakfast" or "snack" etc.....quite frankly looked like what the U.S. would say was a "typical" breakfast (pancakes), snacks (fruit). So, back to my poop (hey, I apologized already!!!). One can scare themselves silly reading health statements about different ailments. Green poop, the internet said, is quite common but not talked about because it is.....embarrassing. Challenge accepted! I'll talk about it.
First look at what you've been eating before you become alarmed. Too late. That first swipe and green shows up; yep, you're alarmed!!! Green culprits include iron-packed veggies (spinach, broccoli). Hold the phone. In an attempt to eat healthy I've included broccoli with my meal every night (okay, 2 nights....but it's been in a row!). I'm not taking iron supplements so I can rule that out. Another reason could be your food is traveling too fast through your system. I have no idea if this is the case; how does one know? The internet says to watch your diet and stool. Tonight I will not include broccoli and see if it gets back to a normal color. I know this is not the most exciting post to read, but we have to look out for one another, right? So, Grainiacs, today's lesson is on green stool.
Now aren't you glad you read my post today? You are most welcome.
Tuesdays are for taking care of yourself.
Strawberry
Monday, September 29, 2014
Guess what day it is?
Monday, you say?
Time to hit the books, I say.
My second to last term at seminary is here. Actually the term doesn't start till October 13th but these professors have realized what over-achievers this group has been (no, not me! although I have been known to compete really hard for that "A"-- now if I could only transfer that energy to combatting my fat! ((sigh)) ). We got our Theology reading list and YeeOwZa!!!! Classes haven't even started and we are already behind. A few of us were commiserating and comforting each other over the computer last night.
This morning I was reading Paul's letter to the 2 Corinthians and one of his first verses jumped out at me as I was thinking about my seminary cohorts and Grainiacs and all the events happening around the world: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." (2Cor1:3-4). How comforting to know there are those in your corner.
Be that person to someone today. We all hurt. We all have low times. God works in the world through us.
Have a great Monday, Grainiacs....time for me to read.
Strawberry (46 lbs to go)
Time to hit the books, I say.
 |
| sooooo glad they are in some sort of order now!!! |
My second to last term at seminary is here. Actually the term doesn't start till October 13th but these professors have realized what over-achievers this group has been (no, not me! although I have been known to compete really hard for that "A"-- now if I could only transfer that energy to combatting my fat! ((sigh)) ). We got our Theology reading list and YeeOwZa!!!! Classes haven't even started and we are already behind. A few of us were commiserating and comforting each other over the computer last night.
This morning I was reading Paul's letter to the 2 Corinthians and one of his first verses jumped out at me as I was thinking about my seminary cohorts and Grainiacs and all the events happening around the world: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." (2Cor1:3-4). How comforting to know there are those in your corner.
Be that person to someone today. We all hurt. We all have low times. God works in the world through us.
Have a great Monday, Grainiacs....time for me to read.
Strawberry (46 lbs to go)
Friday, September 26, 2014
TGIF
It's Friday! My pity-party has come and gone. And it's time to get to work: today is CARD DAY!!!! You might remember a post a while back when I posted about my sedentary lifestyle and my hobbies were even sedentary. Well I stood and made a card (I even kicked my legs back and forth for more movement--yep, I looked pretty silly!) and here you go.... one standing up card made while I was standing up!
I was feeling so productive yesterday that I even straightened up my messy shelf. It is next to the computer table so I tend to stack stuff on top of each other thinking "I'll get to it later." Flylady (the home and life organization guru) has a name for it: hot spots. She encourages her flybabies to put away anything that has accumulated on that hot spot BEFORE you go to bed.
Hot Spot BEFORE:
and AFTER:
The best thing is I found a book that might or might not help with the job searching. Score!
So, Grainiacs, there is always a silver-lining in everything. Sometimes you just have to straighten up a bit to find it.... oh and have really supportive friends! Love you.
 |
| notice the clean counter-top? Oh yeah, it's clean! |
I was feeling so productive yesterday that I even straightened up my messy shelf. It is next to the computer table so I tend to stack stuff on top of each other thinking "I'll get to it later." Flylady (the home and life organization guru) has a name for it: hot spots. She encourages her flybabies to put away anything that has accumulated on that hot spot BEFORE you go to bed.
Hot Spot BEFORE:
 |
| Hello???? I'm screaming for attention here!!! |
and AFTER:
 |
| Much better. Whew, I can breathe again. |
The best thing is I found a book that might or might not help with the job searching. Score!
So, Grainiacs, there is always a silver-lining in everything. Sometimes you just have to straighten up a bit to find it.... oh and have really supportive friends! Love you.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Blue, blue, my aura is blue
Last night it hit me....All of my "life" work....all I have studied....all I have committed to becoming a Christian educator in parish ministry is over.
You see I picked a field whose "heyday" is now "Hey! It ain't yer day anymore!" It is "has" day and it "has" me a little blue.
Don't get me wrong; I love studying the Bible. I love teaching the Bible. Even my book shelf screams "STUDY!!!"
I love all things church. It can still be my vocation, but bills are piling and debt is still due and well, I will not be able to commit as much time to those things as before.
Please pray for me. I have submitted resumes. A couple of months ago, I received a "Dear John" letter (via the internet. WHAT??? Have we gotten to the point where you can call on the phone for an interview but the "we are going in a different direction" comes in an email??? Shame on you.)
I AM looking forward to this new chapter in my life, but right now I grieve for the former.
You see I picked a field whose "heyday" is now "Hey! It ain't yer day anymore!" It is "has" day and it "has" me a little blue.
Don't get me wrong; I love studying the Bible. I love teaching the Bible. Even my book shelf screams "STUDY!!!"
 |
| hope my Valley of the Dolls is hidden from view!!! hahaha |
I love all things church. It can still be my vocation, but bills are piling and debt is still due and well, I will not be able to commit as much time to those things as before.
Please pray for me. I have submitted resumes. A couple of months ago, I received a "Dear John" letter (via the internet. WHAT??? Have we gotten to the point where you can call on the phone for an interview but the "we are going in a different direction" comes in an email??? Shame on you.)
I AM looking forward to this new chapter in my life, but right now I grieve for the former.
Friday, September 19, 2014
TGIF!!!
It's Friday! It's Friday!! It's Friday!!! That means card-making night. Whoo hoo. I sure wish I could make cards all day.....but first I have to clean out my card room (aka the junk room). I did it. I didn't mean for it to happen, but I just can't help myself. I HAVE to HAVE a junk room. Period. I got rid of the twin beds in the "guest room"-- guests will have to sleep on the pull out couch if you are a college kid OR Boy will be kicked out of his room for my older, more special guests!
That will be my next project. I just have to say the kitchen counter is still clean!!!! except for those kitty paw prints, but no junk....and no I didn't move it into the junk room! It was tempting, though.
I received a Friday Funny from Pansy and one cartoon in particular caught my attention. I was discussing this with my gal pals at cards one day.
In order to lose some weight and inches, I need to get off my butt.....M.O.V.E., Strawberry! But what hobby did I take up? One where I have to sit on my butt! I thought today (in the privacy of my home) I would try to make a card while walking in place or kicking up my heels or doing something active. I will post the card on Monday and you can tell me if I nailed it or it needs to be nailed to the garbage can as something to never do again!
Till Monday, Grainiacs.
That will be my next project. I just have to say the kitchen counter is still clean!!!! except for those kitty paw prints, but no junk....and no I didn't move it into the junk room! It was tempting, though.
I received a Friday Funny from Pansy and one cartoon in particular caught my attention. I was discussing this with my gal pals at cards one day.
In order to lose some weight and inches, I need to get off my butt.....M.O.V.E., Strawberry! But what hobby did I take up? One where I have to sit on my butt! I thought today (in the privacy of my home) I would try to make a card while walking in place or kicking up my heels or doing something active. I will post the card on Monday and you can tell me if I nailed it or it needs to be nailed to the garbage can as something to never do again!
Till Monday, Grainiacs.
 |
| I don't know who to credit, but you nailed it, dude or dudette! |
Thursday, September 18, 2014
For your eyes only
I live in the heat of South Texas. It is no secret that large....ahem....bosom-ed woman are uncomfortable ......no.....miserable. ---- in hell. Thank you, one side of the Strawberry family! (My father was adopted so I don't really feel comfortable blaming his side; although if I get hot enough --temper-wise, and yes I do believe I could blame HIS side for that-- I just might blame big boobs on them!!!)
And it keeps passing on down... Since the age of 15 one daughter has continuously asked for breast reduction surgery-- every Christmas!
While visiting Working Girl, I chanced upon this baby! It is a pillow with some cooling gel in it. How cool is that?!?!
As I was sopping up the sweat (you know where) yesterday morning after a mere feeding the birds jaunt, I thought "What a cool idea!" I need that cooling gel stuff in my bra! So I decided to look up cooling bras or cool gel bras. Note to Grainiacs: Be vewy, vewy careful what sites you open up when you google search bras or boobs. Just warnin' ya!
I found mostly sports bras that said "keep cool." Okay, I know most big-breasted women do NOT want more substance in their bras, but honestly I do!!! I want some of that pillow cooling gel in mine!!!! Why hasn't someone developed it yet.
I guess until I figure out how to cool down my bra, I'll have to stuff it with Kleenex and hope I don't leave a Hansel and Gretal trail of rolled up Kleenex along my path! Now that would be embarrassing!!
Signing off,
Strawberry (45 pounds to go)
And it keeps passing on down... Since the age of 15 one daughter has continuously asked for breast reduction surgery-- every Christmas!
While visiting Working Girl, I chanced upon this baby! It is a pillow with some cooling gel in it. How cool is that?!?!
As I was sopping up the sweat (you know where) yesterday morning after a mere feeding the birds jaunt, I thought "What a cool idea!" I need that cooling gel stuff in my bra! So I decided to look up cooling bras or cool gel bras. Note to Grainiacs: Be vewy, vewy careful what sites you open up when you google search bras or boobs. Just warnin' ya!
I found mostly sports bras that said "keep cool." Okay, I know most big-breasted women do NOT want more substance in their bras, but honestly I do!!! I want some of that pillow cooling gel in mine!!!! Why hasn't someone developed it yet.
I guess until I figure out how to cool down my bra, I'll have to stuff it with Kleenex and hope I don't leave a Hansel and Gretal trail of rolled up Kleenex along my path! Now that would be embarrassing!!
Signing off,
Strawberry (45 pounds to go)
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
A wrinkle in Un
I can see where my un-list can produce results like the old farmer going out to feed the cow and the cow died.
This morning I looked in my laundry bin and thought: I need to do laundry. Boom! Laundry in the washer. I then went to make coffee and thought: I need to clean off that dang kitchen counter and while I'm at it, I'll clean the sink. Boom! Complete.
This is great! This is wonderful, thought Strawberry!
Coffee made. One cup consumed. Opened the window shades. Oh poor birdies! You are no Francis of Assisi, Strawberry!!! Out to feed the birdies. Okay, this is working. Phew! I stink. Just that little bit of working in the So. TX heat and off to the showers, Stinky!!
Washer done. Into the dryer. Wow. I'm really cocky now. I think I've got it....
Uh oh. Baby Kitty just darted by without her new collar. (Had to take her to the vet yesterday).
Meanwhile the dog is going into spastic restlessness. I think I took too long to give him his flea medicine (something else I thought of today thanks to my un-list). The fleas must really be biting. He is absolutely tearing up anything he can find.
Ding! the dryer stops.
WAIT!!! I'm not ready to take the clothes out yet. Plus I started my blog and I'm afraid I'll lose my thought if I get up now!!!!
Stop scratching, Garbage Gut! Leave the magazine stack alone!!!!
Grrrrrrowl. What's that sound?
I forgot to eat this morning.
Yep, just call me Farmer Strawberry
This morning I looked in my laundry bin and thought: I need to do laundry. Boom! Laundry in the washer. I then went to make coffee and thought: I need to clean off that dang kitchen counter and while I'm at it, I'll clean the sink. Boom! Complete.
This is great! This is wonderful, thought Strawberry!
Coffee made. One cup consumed. Opened the window shades. Oh poor birdies! You are no Francis of Assisi, Strawberry!!! Out to feed the birdies. Okay, this is working. Phew! I stink. Just that little bit of working in the So. TX heat and off to the showers, Stinky!!
Washer done. Into the dryer. Wow. I'm really cocky now. I think I've got it....
Uh oh. Baby Kitty just darted by without her new collar. (Had to take her to the vet yesterday).
 |
| How many ways in CAT can you say "I hate you!!!" |
Meanwhile the dog is going into spastic restlessness. I think I took too long to give him his flea medicine (something else I thought of today thanks to my un-list). The fleas must really be biting. He is absolutely tearing up anything he can find.
Ding! the dryer stops.
WAIT!!! I'm not ready to take the clothes out yet. Plus I started my blog and I'm afraid I'll lose my thought if I get up now!!!!
Stop scratching, Garbage Gut! Leave the magazine stack alone!!!!
Grrrrrrowl. What's that sound?
I forgot to eat this morning.
Yep, just call me Farmer Strawberry
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Who you calling a pig?
I found this little essay in my draft folder. I tried looking back to see if I posted it under a different name or added to a ramble I was already rambling about! I couldn't find it so I'm posting it today.
I'm running a little experiment right now and I am my own guinea pig! The results are not in yet but I wanted to give you, dear Grainiac, a head's up.
Most of you know I'm really spontaneous. Lists scare me and most of the time Ithrow them away (ahem) lose them. For a new year's goal I decided I would NOT make lists. I do, however, make a list for Hubby when he goes grocery shopping, otherwise we'd be out of toilet paper...like always!
I am happy to report that so far my un-list is going along splendidly. Here is the Un-List in a nutshell: when I think of something that needs to be done, I do it immediately. For example, I have been "thinking" about cleaning off the kitchen counter- you know, that hot spot that keeps accumulating junk! In the past I'd put it on the list of things that needed to get done. That blasted list kept getting longer and longer and I was so overwhelming that I chose not to get to it (the list, I mean). Consequently nothing was really getting done. In my new Un-List mentality, the other morning I thought about that kitchen counter and bam....cleaned off (and no, I didn't pick up the junk and move it to a different location--I know you thought that's what I did!!). I took the 10 - 15 minutes to go through all the papers and put away all the knick-knacks that didn't belong.
Do you have a "going against your grain" idea? Send it to me.
So here's the update. I must have started this un-list closer to the new year rather than the end of that year! I always start out gung-ho (you know me!) and life gets busy and things start taking precedence and well, I forget. Yes, as shocking as that may sound (stop laughing!!!), I do start things and don't complete them. Thankfully I have this blog to go back and see what I've been working on or not working on. It is my journal. So in keeping things real, I took a picture of aforementioned counter top!
I'm running a little experiment right now and I am my own guinea pig! The results are not in yet but I wanted to give you, dear Grainiac, a head's up.
Most of you know I'm really spontaneous. Lists scare me and most of the time I
I am happy to report that so far my un-list is going along splendidly. Here is the Un-List in a nutshell: when I think of something that needs to be done, I do it immediately. For example, I have been "thinking" about cleaning off the kitchen counter- you know, that hot spot that keeps accumulating junk! In the past I'd put it on the list of things that needed to get done. That blasted list kept getting longer and longer and I was so overwhelming that I chose not to get to it (the list, I mean). Consequently nothing was really getting done. In my new Un-List mentality, the other morning I thought about that kitchen counter and bam....cleaned off (and no, I didn't pick up the junk and move it to a different location--I know you thought that's what I did!!). I took the 10 - 15 minutes to go through all the papers and put away all the knick-knacks that didn't belong.
Do you have a "going against your grain" idea? Send it to me.
So here's the update. I must have started this un-list closer to the new year rather than the end of that year! I always start out gung-ho (you know me!) and life gets busy and things start taking precedence and well, I forget. Yes, as shocking as that may sound (stop laughing!!!), I do start things and don't complete them. Thankfully I have this blog to go back and see what I've been working on or not working on. It is my journal. So in keeping things real, I took a picture of aforementioned counter top!
 | |
| Don't judge! I'm weak, I tell ya |
Monday, September 15, 2014
Monday, Monday
Monday, Monday, can't trust that day! or can we???
I'm not sure who posted this on FB but credit goes to the cartoonist listed on the picture. If it were only that easy!!! Now I have Monday, Monday stuck in my head.
I love to sing. I grew up listening to Elvis, Peter, Paul, and Mary, Eddie Arnold, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, show tunes, you name it. My parents' LP collection is eclectic and my taste in music has encompassed KISS, Queen, Abba, Glen Campbell, Disney songs, Christian melodies.
My life is pretty eclectic too. The house is decorated from early nothing to late "what the hell is that?"
My eating habits have been the same. I'm giving up Diet Coke but I'm drinking Diet Dr. Pepper instead (so did I really give up the sodas????). Baby-steps, remember, Strawberry.
My commitments are taking baby-steps too. I've over-committed myself. I do that. But I'm being pro-active and little by little, getting the things done. I'm not waiting till the last minute to study, to write, to eat, etc.
I'm feeling in control today; can you tell?
Happy Monday. May your day be as relaxing as Annie's.
Signing off,
Strawberry (46 pounds to go)
I love to sing. I grew up listening to Elvis, Peter, Paul, and Mary, Eddie Arnold, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, show tunes, you name it. My parents' LP collection is eclectic and my taste in music has encompassed KISS, Queen, Abba, Glen Campbell, Disney songs, Christian melodies.
My life is pretty eclectic too. The house is decorated from early nothing to late "what the hell is that?"
My eating habits have been the same. I'm giving up Diet Coke but I'm drinking Diet Dr. Pepper instead (so did I really give up the sodas????). Baby-steps, remember, Strawberry.
My commitments are taking baby-steps too. I've over-committed myself. I do that. But I'm being pro-active and little by little, getting the things done. I'm not waiting till the last minute to study, to write, to eat, etc.
I'm feeling in control today; can you tell?
Happy Monday. May your day be as relaxing as Annie's.
 |
| back off with the camera! |
Signing off,
Strawberry (46 pounds to go)
Friday, September 12, 2014
baby.....steps
I think I know why old married couples choose to start sleeping in separate beds....even separate rooms. It's a little known fact that we ALL need our hibernation time. Of late it has eluded me. I awake bright-eyed and busy-tailed at 1 a.m. (NO, Strawberry, it is not time to wake), 3 a.m. (damn it), 4 a.m. (crap, might as well get up) and thus begins my day!!!I'm a mad bear waddling down the hall kicking anything that gets into my way...usually a squeaky dog toy (yes, my fur-babies know it is not time to get up!). Last night I decided I needed my sleep (thanks to the non-habit forming commercial, I remembered I had some Z-Quil). Slept through the night and I'm lovin' it!
I don't usually watch TV in the afternoons but yesterday I tuned in to the Dr. Oz show. The first part of the episode was about an increase of women having heart attacks before the age of 55. I knew what would be said. Let's face it: we ALL know is going to be said about prevention.
1) eat right
2) exercise
3) get yer sleep
4) handle the stress
5) pay attention to the warning signs
One woman who had a heart attack at 32 said she knew heart disease was in her family yet she didn't exercise (unless it was to cancel out the fact she wanted to eat cake after supper). She loved any food handed to her in a sack and she said she got chills eating anything out of a crinkly sounding paper.
Fast Food. my downfall.
There was another woman who had a heart attack at 27. She DID exercise and eat right.
Each woman's story reminded me how precious we are. Earthly life is not a "given forever"; we have a time table. It's okay to splurge once in a while, but if it is every day, we will reap the consequences at a later time. I'll never forget hearing about a woman who just had a baby. She was manical (my new word of the day! Okay, fine "manic" to all you teachers out there) about losing the baby weight. She finally worked out to grand mal seizures and a life-ending heart attack. Her body needed to recuperate from the stress of child-birth, but all this woman could think of was a hot bod.
Moderation. Baby steps for those of us with addictive personalities.
Yesterday I cut out diet coke. I don't plan to drink anymore but if I do, I will NOT go to the store and buy a 44 oz fountain drink. I have a few cold 12 oz bottles in the frig. I know they are there. I know I can have one. But I have to drink responsibly. My habit can take over in a blink of an eye. I've gone cold turkey before and know I can do it. I also know all it takes is one wrong move and I'm on that Diet Coke truck again and spiraling toward the first convenient store with a soda machine and $1.61 in my hand!
Baby, baby steps.
I'm linking (or hope to link) Dr. Oz's show from yesterday.
Doctor Oz on heart attack.
I hope you can open this file. If not, go to "doctoroz.com" and watch his Thursday's episode.
Happy Friday and Weekend, Grainiacs.
Signing off,
Strawberry (48 lbs to go)
I don't usually watch TV in the afternoons but yesterday I tuned in to the Dr. Oz show. The first part of the episode was about an increase of women having heart attacks before the age of 55. I knew what would be said. Let's face it: we ALL know is going to be said about prevention.
1) eat right
2) exercise
3) get yer sleep
4) handle the stress
5) pay attention to the warning signs
One woman who had a heart attack at 32 said she knew heart disease was in her family yet she didn't exercise (unless it was to cancel out the fact she wanted to eat cake after supper). She loved any food handed to her in a sack and she said she got chills eating anything out of a crinkly sounding paper.
Fast Food. my downfall.
There was another woman who had a heart attack at 27. She DID exercise and eat right.
Each woman's story reminded me how precious we are. Earthly life is not a "given forever"; we have a time table. It's okay to splurge once in a while, but if it is every day, we will reap the consequences at a later time. I'll never forget hearing about a woman who just had a baby. She was manical (my new word of the day! Okay, fine "manic" to all you teachers out there) about losing the baby weight. She finally worked out to grand mal seizures and a life-ending heart attack. Her body needed to recuperate from the stress of child-birth, but all this woman could think of was a hot bod.
Moderation. Baby steps for those of us with addictive personalities.
Yesterday I cut out diet coke. I don't plan to drink anymore but if I do, I will NOT go to the store and buy a 44 oz fountain drink. I have a few cold 12 oz bottles in the frig. I know they are there. I know I can have one. But I have to drink responsibly. My habit can take over in a blink of an eye. I've gone cold turkey before and know I can do it. I also know all it takes is one wrong move and I'm on that Diet Coke truck again and spiraling toward the first convenient store with a soda machine and $1.61 in my hand!
Baby, baby steps.
I'm linking (or hope to link) Dr. Oz's show from yesterday.
Doctor Oz on heart attack.
I hope you can open this file. If not, go to "doctoroz.com" and watch his Thursday's episode.
Happy Friday and Weekend, Grainiacs.
Signing off,
Strawberry (48 lbs to go)
Monday, September 8, 2014
Goooooooooood Morning, Monday!
I can't help but say it like Robin Williams. The initial shock of his death has subsided. I don't know why I took it so personally. I didn't personally know RW. His wife(wives) were not not buddies. I tried (painfully, I might add) watching his recent sitcom. Note to aging actors: if you want a successful sitcom, call Betty White!! She's your girl. I don't care what she does, she is hilarious. My new favorite show is Hot in Cleveland. She makes it. And of course I continue to watch The Golden Girls reruns at night. I remember watching the show a little bit in my younger days but let's face it, now that I AM the age of their characters, it is so much funnier. I'm not ready to join the Red Hat Society, though (they just look silly, but who knows, you might see me walking down the street in a red hat and purple bathing suit....then you'll know it is time to commit me!). But I digress AGAIN!
RW's death hit many of us right between the eyes because he seemed to have his poop together. Of course I didn't "follow" him on Twitter or People magazine. Actually I didn't realize he had a drug problem...or if I did...I forgot. It seems hard to be in Hollywood and NOT have a drug problem. I can't imagine pushing my child into it, but when we hear of child stars "firing" their parents as their business partners,...well, I guess some do.
And RW was a child (relatively) when he broke into the show biz scene. Happy Days. Who doesn't remember Mork from Ork making his appearance and wham....his own show? Those of us in our teens, DID grow up with RW. We watched him grow, mature, and become the caring individual. The pensive RW picture that everyone is showing is definitely NOT the person we are used to seeing. There is sadness behind those eyes....almost as if he was saying "if you only knew me."
In my youth I remember my friends saying to me "Your dad is so funny; is he this way all the time?" Yes, my Dad was an entertainer and loved life, but he was not "on call" 24-7. His job was stressful. He cut loose on weekends and was able to leave his work behind and enjoy his family and friends then.
I guess I bring this up because we all have skeletons we'd prefer not to show. I truly believe we lie to ourselves and others if everything is a party. We all need someone to talk to; to let our hair down and say "this is me." Love me or leave me. God created us to be in community with one another. My prayer is you have a community.
So here's the awful truth. I've been busy taking care of everything else other than my diet plan. What? you ask. HA, I say. This is the reality I call the Strawberry Patch. 2 steps forward....3 steps back. Back and forth. Yes and no. Positive and negative. Well, you get the see-saw idea....up and down. Thank God, I have a new day; a new week; a new month to try, try again.
Unfortunately I must sign off as Strawberry.....50 pounds to go. Just keeping it real.
RW's death hit many of us right between the eyes because he seemed to have his poop together. Of course I didn't "follow" him on Twitter or People magazine. Actually I didn't realize he had a drug problem...or if I did...I forgot. It seems hard to be in Hollywood and NOT have a drug problem. I can't imagine pushing my child into it, but when we hear of child stars "firing" their parents as their business partners,...well, I guess some do.
And RW was a child (relatively) when he broke into the show biz scene. Happy Days. Who doesn't remember Mork from Ork making his appearance and wham....his own show? Those of us in our teens, DID grow up with RW. We watched him grow, mature, and become the caring individual. The pensive RW picture that everyone is showing is definitely NOT the person we are used to seeing. There is sadness behind those eyes....almost as if he was saying "if you only knew me."
In my youth I remember my friends saying to me "Your dad is so funny; is he this way all the time?" Yes, my Dad was an entertainer and loved life, but he was not "on call" 24-7. His job was stressful. He cut loose on weekends and was able to leave his work behind and enjoy his family and friends then.
I guess I bring this up because we all have skeletons we'd prefer not to show. I truly believe we lie to ourselves and others if everything is a party. We all need someone to talk to; to let our hair down and say "this is me." Love me or leave me. God created us to be in community with one another. My prayer is you have a community.
So here's the awful truth. I've been busy taking care of everything else other than my diet plan. What? you ask. HA, I say. This is the reality I call the Strawberry Patch. 2 steps forward....3 steps back. Back and forth. Yes and no. Positive and negative. Well, you get the see-saw idea....up and down. Thank God, I have a new day; a new week; a new month to try, try again.
Unfortunately I must sign off as Strawberry.....50 pounds to go. Just keeping it real.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
The power of....what's that word again?
N __.
I'd like to buy a vowel, Vanna.
Sometimes I feel like I'm on Wheel of Fortune and the answer is staring me right in the face but I don't get it.
That two little word is so powerful and yet so deadly.
Being able to say "no" to someone or something gives us power. It says I choose to do the important things and whatever you just asked is not on my list.
Yes, it does hurt....especially if you have "savior syndrome."
I am the only one who can help.
They need Me, otherwise they would have asked someone else to do it.
But saying "no" is more than giving up control in that instance; it is giving someone else a chance to help...to feel needed. Side note: if no one steps up to the plate, it might be a good idea to just let that project go. "Let it go; let it go" sing along with me!
Here's the danger part of NO.
One does not take time for oneself. The healthy eating plan gets pushed aside to busy-ness and before you know it, you are in line at McDonald's (AGAIN!!!).
Not being able to say "no" robs one of sleep. You find yourself awake at 1:30 a.m. writing letters and thinking about the upcoming event (you know, the one you didn't ask for help and now you are doing it all alone?!?).
2 big stressors--- over eating or not eating the right balance of food AND lack of sleep.
So now that you know what I've been up to, how about you? All well outside the Strawberry Patch?
In brighter news, I heard an amazing health report by one Grainiac. Praise God!!!!!!
Keep working on the power of NO.
Signing off,
Strawberry
48 pounds to go.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Oh What a Night.... or Let's Try This Again!
Career Girl and I went to see Michael Buble in concert and what a concert it was!
I guess my blog from Friday (the "lost" blog) was a bit snarky but really, people shouldn't wear loads of perfume or cologne because when you get together in tight quarters (aka the nose bleed section), it can totally ruin a concert...especially when your nasal passages begin to close and your eyes begin to water and your throat begins to tickle. Let's just say it is not a lot of fun and it interferes with belting out duets!
Also, while I'm on the subject, while in the crow's nest, your normal-sized head blots out pretty much the whole stage when you sit forward in your chair. Sit back, please!
Also, your beer cup was serving more as a screen than a window! I'm such a bitch, right? Let's call this Nose-Bleed Etiquette by Strawberry!
BUT....what a show- the parts I could see! You will not be disappointed from his concert. He is also quite the comedian.
Hilary and I noticed a section closer to us. He has/had a second stage (don't know if he does this at all his concerts). Look! He's singing, yelling, flipping the finger right at me!!!! HI, MICHAEL!!!
I'm sure I had more to write, but I can't remember what it was. I DID have a wonderful time visiting with Career Girl.
Till next time, Grainiacs,
Strawberry signing out (47 pounds to go)
I guess my blog from Friday (the "lost" blog) was a bit snarky but really, people shouldn't wear loads of perfume or cologne because when you get together in tight quarters (aka the nose bleed section), it can totally ruin a concert...especially when your nasal passages begin to close and your eyes begin to water and your throat begins to tickle. Let's just say it is not a lot of fun and it interferes with belting out duets!
Also, while I'm on the subject, while in the crow's nest, your normal-sized head blots out pretty much the whole stage when you sit forward in your chair. Sit back, please!
Also, your beer cup was serving more as a screen than a window! I'm such a bitch, right? Let's call this Nose-Bleed Etiquette by Strawberry!
BUT....what a show- the parts I could see! You will not be disappointed from his concert. He is also quite the comedian.
 |
| Phenomenal Special Effects |
Hilary and I noticed a section closer to us. He has/had a second stage (don't know if he does this at all his concerts). Look! He's singing, yelling, flipping the finger right at me!!!! HI, MICHAEL!!!
 |
| That's him...on the right |
I'm sure I had more to write, but I can't remember what it was. I DID have a wonderful time visiting with Career Girl.
Till next time, Grainiacs,
Strawberry signing out (47 pounds to go)
Monday, August 11, 2014
Oh What a Night....oh what a morning!
I lost my whole frickin' blog this morning! I'm so mad!!!! Really, pissed. I posted all about the wonderful concert Career Girl and I saw and now in the blink of an eye, it is gone. All gone. So I will have to post about that tomorrow. This morning I will post about anger and rage and if my toilet was big enough I'd flush this laptop down it!!!! grrrrrr.....I really mean GRRRRRRR!!!!!
So let's talk about anger. Is it a needed emotion? Do you ever feel like you could totally lose control? I had that feeling once (that I can remember) about a decade ago. I was having little (big) girl problems and the Dr. recommended a certain hormone supplement (can't remember the name and I say "recommended" because after all IT IS our body and we don't have to take whatever the Dr. prescribes, right?). I'm not suggesting going all rogue on our physicians but the internet is a powerful tool to check what others have to say. Another case in point, I was prescribed a certain anti-depressant during a particular time in my life and when I went to ween myself off this drug (with my Dr. help) I experienced "brain zaps." That is the only way I could explain what I was going through. I had a dickens of a time walking, thinking, performing day-to-day duties because all of the sudden I would have these brain zaps. Let's face it, when you take a mind-altering drug there will be some issues. I googled my prescription and sure enough, loads and loads of people wrote about the same thing. Maybe if I had researched this particular drug, I might have asked for a different prescription (or maybe not!). The same with the hormone drug; I wonder how many females were ready to slap the heck out of their husbands. I have never felt so out of control as I did taking that pill. I know I'll get some flack from this sentiment but I still believe we can determine if we want to take something or not, but for heaven's sake, read the label. Research what you are putting into your body. Talk with your Dr. about side effects!
I'm not as much angry as I am perturbed that I AM SICK AGAIN!!! I can't shake this cold/ allergies/ sinus crap/ "who knows what I have." Yesterday I was bragging about how I have gotten over whatever we seem to share in this household because I started using paper towels to dry my hands versus a community towel. Well, guess what? I'm not saying God zapped me with another cold because I was so non-humble in God's House, but darn it, something zapped me again with this runny nose and sinus pressure!!!! I am NOT blaming anyone or anything. I will be humble about it and head out to the store to buy Lysol and more paper towels. The paper towel antidote was not working by itself. Many of us in this strawberry patch sneeze before we can get to a Kleenex (I won't say who but he knows of whom I speak!). So we are still sharing that same damn bug!!! I'll let you know if I can exterminate it! I can tell you this laptop WILL die if I lose another blog post!!! just saying ahead of time.
I will be ending my posts with a little weighty news! I plan to lose 50 pounds. I won't be celebrating little advancements like 5% or 10% goals. It's just there: 50 pounds. When I weigh I'll keep you all informed (you are my "keep it real" Grainiacs) of how close I am to that 50 pound loss. I started writing about this new "weighty" news on Friday (but we all know what happened to that blog draft this morning, grrrr)! So from Friday till today....
Strawberry (47 lbs to go)
So let's talk about anger. Is it a needed emotion? Do you ever feel like you could totally lose control? I had that feeling once (that I can remember) about a decade ago. I was having little (big) girl problems and the Dr. recommended a certain hormone supplement (can't remember the name and I say "recommended" because after all IT IS our body and we don't have to take whatever the Dr. prescribes, right?). I'm not suggesting going all rogue on our physicians but the internet is a powerful tool to check what others have to say. Another case in point, I was prescribed a certain anti-depressant during a particular time in my life and when I went to ween myself off this drug (with my Dr. help) I experienced "brain zaps." That is the only way I could explain what I was going through. I had a dickens of a time walking, thinking, performing day-to-day duties because all of the sudden I would have these brain zaps. Let's face it, when you take a mind-altering drug there will be some issues. I googled my prescription and sure enough, loads and loads of people wrote about the same thing. Maybe if I had researched this particular drug, I might have asked for a different prescription (or maybe not!). The same with the hormone drug; I wonder how many females were ready to slap the heck out of their husbands. I have never felt so out of control as I did taking that pill. I know I'll get some flack from this sentiment but I still believe we can determine if we want to take something or not, but for heaven's sake, read the label. Research what you are putting into your body. Talk with your Dr. about side effects!
I'm not as much angry as I am perturbed that I AM SICK AGAIN!!! I can't shake this cold/ allergies/ sinus crap/ "who knows what I have." Yesterday I was bragging about how I have gotten over whatever we seem to share in this household because I started using paper towels to dry my hands versus a community towel. Well, guess what? I'm not saying God zapped me with another cold because I was so non-humble in God's House, but darn it, something zapped me again with this runny nose and sinus pressure!!!! I am NOT blaming anyone or anything. I will be humble about it and head out to the store to buy Lysol and more paper towels. The paper towel antidote was not working by itself. Many of us in this strawberry patch sneeze before we can get to a Kleenex (I won't say who but he knows of whom I speak!). So we are still sharing that same damn bug!!! I'll let you know if I can exterminate it! I can tell you this laptop WILL die if I lose another blog post!!! just saying ahead of time.
I will be ending my posts with a little weighty news! I plan to lose 50 pounds. I won't be celebrating little advancements like 5% or 10% goals. It's just there: 50 pounds. When I weigh I'll keep you all informed (you are my "keep it real" Grainiacs) of how close I am to that 50 pound loss. I started writing about this new "weighty" news on Friday (but we all know what happened to that blog draft this morning, grrrr)! So from Friday till today....
Strawberry (47 lbs to go)
Friday, August 8, 2014
"Happier than a camel on Wednesday!"
This past week I spent some time with my daughter in Oklahoma.
Career Girl is still working in OK and lovin' it (most of the time!). We went all over the state. We visited friends in Rural OK (the place where this blog began) and traveled down south to an exotic wildlife zoo.
****Interesting fact: you have to sign a waiver agreeing that you might be on MTV. I guess this zoo has its own show. I hesitated and said I do not want to be on national TV. It's hot; we sweat; we look like a mess! Don't worry, she said, just behave and don't do anything like stick your hand in the tiger cage and you should be okay.
You know me....I wouldn't deliberately call attention to myself.
Here I am with the only baby liliger in the world (or so they say!). The story goes that the lion and tiger used to live together in the ice age and the time of the woolly mammoth. The continental shift "shifted" all of that and the lion wound up on one continent and the tiger in another. This zoo is mating lions and tigers (ligers). This little critter is the first lion and liger match up.
It is a frisky little dickens; loved Hilary's hair....although it looks like it is ready to chomp off her ear!!!
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| Is that Suave I smell or a name brand? |
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Wanted
Wanted: Zookeeper
This job entails:
Qualifications: somebody.....anybody!!! oh, and knowing how to declaw a kitten gets you to the top of the list!
Inquire within...look for the woman with crazy eyes and unkempt hair. Actually, you'll recognize her; she'll be the wild-eyed woman running toward you with open arms. Throw chocolate at her and she'll settle down.
This job entails:
- rounding up all crazy, spastic morning animals and getting them out of the Strawberry bed.
- Feeding them.
- Running them till they are tired and no longer a threat to themselves or the Strawberry.
- cleaning their cage aka the house
Qualifications: somebody.....anybody!!! oh, and knowing how to declaw a kitten gets you to the top of the list!
Inquire within...look for the woman with crazy eyes and unkempt hair. Actually, you'll recognize her; she'll be the wild-eyed woman running toward you with open arms. Throw chocolate at her and she'll settle down.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
That's a hot!!!!
Have I mentioned lately how very h.o.t. it is in south tejas? I could literally melt! The other day I swept and mopped the whole house and didn't come close to the meltdown I had when I walked outside to change the insurance cards in the glove compartment. I mean "sheesh!!!" What's with that?! I came inside and had to take a shower. My clothes were sticking to me and it really wasn't the look I was going for that day. Really; How can those builders and street workers, etc do it? There is a special air-conditioned place in heaven for them because they have already lived and worked in hell's climate.
One good thing about this heat is all my fruit consumption. I can't get enough of watermelon and cantaloupe, although my checkbook says "whoa!!!!" Why does cantaloupe have to be so dang expensive? It's not like I'm trying to buy it out of season... or is it out of season? They (just who are "they?") say the body craves whatever nutrients it needs. Mine is craving juicy, sweet stuff. Thankfully it is fruit and not the "you know of what I speak!" I don't want to tempt any Grainiacs out there. I've heard from a few of you and you are having success with some weight loss. Keep up the good work!! I'm proud of y'all!! Now it is time for me to get back on that weight horse. Kaaaa has been tempted to bite me a time or two. I will not let that slithering snake of a scale strike!
One good thing about this heat is all my fruit consumption. I can't get enough of watermelon and cantaloupe, although my checkbook says "whoa!!!!" Why does cantaloupe have to be so dang expensive? It's not like I'm trying to buy it out of season... or is it out of season? They (just who are "they?") say the body craves whatever nutrients it needs. Mine is craving juicy, sweet stuff. Thankfully it is fruit and not the "you know of what I speak!" I don't want to tempt any Grainiacs out there. I've heard from a few of you and you are having success with some weight loss. Keep up the good work!! I'm proud of y'all!! Now it is time for me to get back on that weight horse. Kaaaa has been tempted to bite me a time or two. I will not let that slithering snake of a scale strike!
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Wake me in a Month
Ev'ry day is like survival.
Culture Club's Karma Cameleon
I've been a little reflective the past couple of days. I think it has to do with partying with some high school friends this past weekend. I woke up thinking about a boy in my 8th grade. I'll say it: he liked me and I, well to put it bluntly, was not the least bit interested in him. In my 8th grade book we couldn't be friends because he was always "hitting" on me (translation: I wasn't very nice to him).
I wanted to write about memories and reflections and that sort of sappy stuff today, but instead I thought I'd share my morning.
A.M. Yoga- What a way to start the day- all zen-like and calm...not in my strawberry patch!
I lay down my mat and set up the player. I turn around and Garbage Gut is playing with his slobbery dog toy....on my mat!!!
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| grrrr to these two!!! |
I shoo him off the mat and begin my yoga routine. Calm, surrender.... kak....kak....kak....gag...gag.... Ollie is throwing up a furball near my head.
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| Kitzilla assessing the damage. Yep, that's a fur ball alright |
Kitzilla might have been the culprit, but I doubt it. The culprit usually doesn't return to the crime scene!
I continue with my yoga reverting to my mode of "selective hearing" or my Scarlett O'hara "I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow."
You know, I have enough to do without the critters adding more to my day. After Kitzilla ate, she decided to bring the dish down with her. Garbage Gut says "Gee, thanks! This is my lucky day!!!"
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| Garbage Gut assessing the damage. Yep, that's cat food alright |
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| nom, nom,nom....wonder how much this vet bill will be??? |
I keep the cat food up on the counter in the laundry room so Garbage Gut will NOT get into the cat food. I have plenty of vet bills to prove that!
And lest you think the new baby kitty is an angel, she knocked over the jar with the colorful pipe cleaners and is happily playing and I am unhappily playing "pick up sticks."
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| Yep, that's a lime green pipe cleaner and not Hermie the Wormie |
Do you believe in what goes around, comes around? I'm beginning to believe it. Now I know why I awoke thinking about my dear departed 8th grade friend.
Let's just name my morning "Karma!"
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