Let It Go ... week 1

So Thursday will be turning into a Blog Hop for me...
I always do love a good Blog Hop

I actually signed up to do an online Bible Study with Proverbs 31 Ministries & the book we're looking at is "Let it Go" by Karen Ehman.

Source: goodreads.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

So far -I'm loving it.  We've got access to the video that goes with the study, as well as the awesome social media to connect with each other & the plan we're going to do each week.  Even a Pinterest board with scripture all pretty & ready to be repinned to boards...
See - Social Media CAN be a good thing...

But every Thursday will be a blog hop so we can jump around (not literally... if you dont want to... if you do, feel free) & touch on a few questions that we can pick from off of our awesome leader's website.
www.melissataylor.org

I'm not sure how I even fell into this book... its not a topic that I feel like I need to study up on.
I guess God has something else to tell me
The topic?  Control

The book says on the front "how to stop running the show & start walking in faith"

Maybe I got swayed by the words "running" & "walking"... I dont know
But Control it is

& its funny because I never really thought I was a 'control' person.

Afterall, I'm the one who when someone says, "where do you want to eat?" - I'm the first one to say, "I dont care"...
but I guess that voice inside that is saying "Please dont go to White Castle" is a part of control?

Where I found out I may have an issue with control came in the first chapter.

We had to take a test, "finding your control quotient"...
One of the questions was "Let's be truthful - I like to get my own way"... I answered "Always" & wrote to the side "Who doesnt?"
...come on... we all know its true... right?
am I the only one?

But then I added up the answer... I ended up with a 33

that put me in the category with the 31-40
& I didnt like the category that put me in!!!

I didnt like it so much, I'm not even going to say what it said about me!
For the record, there was one worse that was with the total of 41-50 Control Freak Alert!!!

I wanted to be in the one below that was with the total of 21-30 (You vacillate between being agreeable & easygoing at times, & in some situations, wanting to take charge)... see - I relate to that... that's GOTTA be me...

This is where the bells go off, because know what I did?
I wanted to go back & change my answers to shave off 3 points.

Seriously....I wanted to do that....
...I'm hanging my head in shame....

That's when it hit me & I realized that maybe I do have an issue with control.

I get it Lord
I need to start looking at things & about not having it my way all the time
... but looking at how God would want things...

This is going to be an eye opening few weeks

Source: melissataylor.org via Rebecca on Pinterest

So I'm excited to jump around (Yes, I'll actually do it literally sometime today, I'm sure) & see some of my other lady friends who are learning to Let it Go...


(This post is in answer to Question #2 WIReD)

Hodgepodge

 

1. Chinese New Year will be celebrated on February 10th, and 2013 is the year of the snake. When did you last see a snake? Are you okay around snakes or do they give you the shivers?

Snakes.... egads!

The last one I saw was one on our drive way.
Now I'm freaked out by snakes... have reoccurring nightmares about them actually.... I think I had a nightmare last night actually...
But I'm OK with a snake if I know its there.
My fear is coming up on it.
Running & BAM - there's a snake
Or walking the grass & BOOYAH - step on a snake
Pulling weeds & ZAP - a snake

They should wear alarms around their neck & I'd be perfectly fine with them.



2. The color red in Chinese culture usually means good luck. Do you believe in luck?

Sure... though we always say "I believe in God, not luck".... but I also think I jinx myself... so if "jinx" is in the world, "luck" has to be too - right?

Let's just say I'm going to name my Guardian Angel "Luck" - that way I can say Luck is on my side! :)
OH YEAHHHHH!!!!



3.  sledding-ice skating-building a snowman...if given a choice, which activity would you choose?Which of the three have you done most recently?

My answer - d. None of the above
Try - "Sitting inside & waiting for Spring to arrive"



4.  Ralph Waldo Emerson is credited as saying, "The years teach much which the days never knew." Where have you seen this quote played out in your own life?

I'll need a few days to even comprehend that quote.... me's is stupid



5.  When was the last time you ate a cupcake?

I dont even remember!!!!  GASP!!.... that's tragic....
this is a problem that needs to have a remedy ASAP!!!



6. What is something you can't say no to?

A York Peppermint Patty... every time the Hubs picks them up & brings them home - I'll eat it.  Doesnt matter if I wanted it or not.

That minty goodness has a hold on me


7.  Are you a doodler?

Yes... I'm a constant doodler.
Sort of the same stuff over & over though - but yep... doodle, I do.

One of my students in youth always doodled (she's an artist) & the Youth Minister at the time always got so aggravated by it because he said she wasnt listening.  Though, she was the one who could answer any question about what you just said.
Come to find out - I read a study about how when you listen to something & doodle at the same time, you actually comprehend it better.
Who knew?


8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Did anyone watch New Girl last night?.... I literally laughed till I had tears coming down my face.
Nick would do a "Panic Moonwalk" every time things got uncomfortable...
Here's one of them


But it was so funny because they kept showing awkward situations he was in & he'd do that same moonwalk.

I even said I'm not going to incorporate it in my life...
How awesome would it be to Panic Moonwalk out of an office in a meeting?  Or out of the kitchen in the middle of an argument with a spouse?
I think I just found my new favorite thing!


 

Quinoa Patties

I'm not sure when/if this will post - I've had computer problems all morning - but we'll keep trying.

So - this weekend, I ventured into my own trying of making a veggie burger.  There's so many to make.
I do like the black bean burgers I've made in the past, & I want to try the chickpea burger, but I was happy when my eMeals plan had a Quinoa Patty recipe.

For the record, I love my eMeals plans... I may have talked about them before.  I registered for the Vegetarian plan & they've even incorporated Vegan in there.  This past week had actually 4 Vegan dinners out of 7.  Love that.

But it was so delish... & so easy, I had to share this one.

Here's the ingredients:

1 c quinoa (uncoooked)
5 eggs
1 t salt
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 cup firmly chopped kale (firmly packed)
4 cloves garlic, minced .... (I actually omitted this & it was fine without)
1 c bread crumbs
1 t baking powder
1 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack Cheese .... ( I used cheddar & it was just fine)

...option - Sprinkling of cayenne
...option - Pesto, horseradish sauce, or marinara sauce.... (we used different, I'll explain in the recipe)

So I started out making the quinoa.
I'm learning it takes a good 20 minutes to make it decent & just right.
So got it cooking & let it set to cool.  While that was all going on, we went onto chopping the kale & onions

Ricky was good at chopping the onions for me

Beat the eggs in a big bowl.  Once they are beat together, throw in all of the quinoa & add in the salt.
Mix it all together.

Toss in the onions & kale & garlic (if you use it)
Mix it all together

Then throw in the breadcrumbs & the baking powder & stir.
Fold in the cheese if you use it.

Let it stand for a few minutes to absorb the liquid.

This can form 12 1" thick patties.  I made mine pretty large & still got 8 patties out of it

Place on a greased cookie sheet. .... this baby is STICKYYYYYY!!!!!! But it forms patties pretty well

Bake 20 minutes at 400 degrees  - turn & bake an additional 5 minutes.
They browned perfectly on both sides this way.

Then you can serve it with any sauce you like.
They recommend the above - but we tried out a few different ones.
We preferred mustard or BBQ sauce on it... Ricky did like the hot sauce on it, but I dont go for hot sauce.
For me, I'm always good with a natural ketchup too.

I will say, they aren't filling like a hamburger, so you'll probably want to have at least two for yourself.

(Dont judge... I like a lot of pepper on my sweet potato)

But if you have extra, mine stored great & I took some to work the next day.  Warmed up quick (if you warm up too much, they get hard - so dont over heat)

Enjoy!

Let me know if you try them... & if you have any other easy veggie burger ideas.

Weekend Wrapup

Friday

* Went to the grocery after work... it was a LOAD to haul in & put up.  But I was pretty proud of myself that about 80% of it was healthy food - fruits, veggies, all natural products!  My frig looks like a colorful place with all the red, orange, green colors.  If Bob Harper wanted to surprise me & raid my fridge, he'd be proud.

* DVR catch up time... Real Housewives of Atlanta (Kenya is INSANE), Arrow, Dance Moms, The Sisterhood. ... anyone else watching that on TLC about Pastor's wives?  Just kinda shows everyone is crazy - no matter if you're a leader in church or not :)

Saturday

* SLEEP!!!  I slept in till 7:30 - that felt awesome.

* It was snowy & cold... I stayed home all day long.... this is a rarity & one I fully enjoyed.

* Spent WAY too long in iTunes... but ended up with 2 new albums

Source: amazon.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Source: musicourt.blogspot.gr via Rebecca on Pinterest

Chris Tomlin "Burning Lights" & Colton Dixon "A Messenger" ... Very happy with both of them.
But we also found songs for 69 cents a piece so Ricky & I were sitting in the kitchen with both of our computers checking them all out.

I will say, I'm the proud owner of Wilson Phillips "Hold On" once again (I dont know what happened to my Wilson Phillips CD... probably wore it out)

* Found out that my love for "My Fair Wedding" must die... its not on our cable's On Demand anymore to watch past episodes.  I'll admit, it made my Saturday a tad bit sadder.

* RUN!! Time to get in 4 miles... it was too dang cold to hit the road so I stuck to the treadmill.  The TV down there doesn't get all the channels the other TV's get, so I plan my run around what's on the 2 channels I do get.  Watched "Dirty Dancing" while running - but my gosh - the SAME stupid Lunchables commercial came on 12 times in the span of an hour.  NO JOKE.  Literally would play twice on each commercial break - sometimes, back to back.

* I was ready for a nap after that run... & have dreams of Lunchables

* Made something new... Quinoa patties!!!  Came out like a veggie burger... OH.MY.GOSH!  They were great.  Ricky even ate 2 & a half... I'm going to post the recipe tomorrow because it was healthy & easy.  If I can do it, anyone can do it!

Chopped Kale for the Quinoa patties

* End the night with a game with Ricky... Sequence... we are addicted to this game

Sunday

* Church time!  I didn't think anyone would show up because it had snowed more & the road were pretty covered.  I was wrong.  Full house in the youth group

* Our friends sat next to us at church & it was so sweet... A mom with two of her girls... they are both adults, but she still put her arms around her girls & they both just sank into her.  So precious... Ricky had my phone so I elbowed him & told him to sneak a picture of it... you're never too old to have your mom's arms around you.

Ricky did good sneaking, except he forgot to move his finger out of the way

* Headed back to the running store.  My shoes when I got them were too big.  The guy that fitted me said they needed to be for swelling.  Well, these still felt too big - like clown shoes.  They honestly felt like they would trip me up being so long.  We went in & the guy had me put them on & immediately said, "Yep - those are entirely too big" - THANK GOODNESS someone agreed.  He switched them out for me & I have another brand new pair of shoes!  Ricky even got fitted for some inserts & new shoes for his Plantar Faciitis - so hoping today is a good foot day for him at work.

Just like Cinderella, I need ones that fit just right

* We had an Outback gift card from Christmas so went there for lunch.  So proud of my hubby - in this massive steakhouse - & he got shrimp - no red meat!  ... but it drove me nuts!  We had to wait 20 minutes & when we got seated, there were at least (that I counted) 6 empty tables!  Then the waitress forgot our salads & then she got our order mixed up & half of my food was on the Hubs plate... & then she kept forgetting hot sauce ... & no refills...good thing they had the most amazing broccoli EVER or I'd be mad.

* Headed to Sam's Club for even MORE veggies & fruit.  I'm going to be putting my NutriBullet to work for breakfast & see how it works for me.  More veggies & fruit is a good thing.

(This is actually my Nutribullet drink this morning)

* Stopped by to see my parents... walked in the house & my mom said "I'm sick - throwing up, both ends" .... I don't think Ricky & I moved as fast in our lives.  OUT THE DOOR we went.  Love you mom, but we came this far & not got sick.  So much for a family visit.

* SUPERBOWL TIME... Ricky asked me, "Why are you watching this?" - my answer, "only for the commercials & the Halftime show".  Can I say, I was disgusted by the Go Daddy commercials - still gagging at the after thought.  & I for one loved the Halftime show.  I thought Beyonce was amazing!  How she kept up the energy with all the dancing & STILL sung live - I was impressed.  Destiny's Child Reunion - I LOVED IT!!!!!
But shows how much I cared for the Superbowl - as soon as the Halftime show was over, I turned the station.  Bummed to see Real Housewives of Atlanta wasn't on.

Now, back to the grind... another week lays ahead - hoping its a fantastic one for us all!

Friday Fragments

Friday! What a wacky week its been!

_____________

The week started off warm... I'm talking WARM!

It was in the high 60's

Look - I even ran in SHORTS!... in January!!!!

& now?  Its snowy, icy & schools are closed!

WHAT?

I swear - I think Jesus is coming soon the way this weather is

Him or polar bears

whoever gets here first

_______________

Another coworker bites the dust....

Got a phone call this morning that she's been in the bathroom all night long with the trots

(I love that she cares enough to give me details)

(... not really...)

So I've gone on my usual Lysol-the-office-spree this morning

I have my usual Lysol High right now

So if my fragments dont make sense - that's the reason

_______________

I hate my new car in snow & ice

I've always had a 4-wheel drive

& its needed where we live

Country, HILLY, CURVY roads

why didnt I get a 4-wheel drive?

I slide everywhere in it

lesson learned

________________

So we now have a "deer jinx" going on....

The Hubs said the other day, "I havent seen any deer lately"

I told him to bite his tongue & I cant believe he just said that

I knew the jinx had started

Literally, the next day, a baby deer runs out in front of our car

we stop in time... to see another baby deer flirting with the idea of running out into the road

we ended up stopping & flashing lights to cars coming the other way

... he made it across the street & it was very Animal Planet Nature Show seeing the two babies meet back up.... the one was waiting for his brother on the other side of the road

...they trotted off in happiness together...

I'm sure singing a Disney song

& then Thursday, 

what happens to me driving into work?

A whole FAMILY of deer shooting across the HIGHWAY... in the pitch dark

The deer jinx is in full force

I'm on full alert

_______________

So all the Les Miserables 25th Anniversary videos have been removed off of YouTube!!!!

I am so sad about that!!!

I literally would watch/listen to them every day!

Apparently word is they started removing them when the movie was nominated for all the awards

& word is, its because they didnt want anyone comparing the singers from the movie to the 25th anniversary singers... who are A-MAZ-ING!!!!

Alfie Boe... the best Jean VanJean EVER!!!

They dont even have the 25th Anniversary soundtrack :( ... tears....

but they do sell the video

Guess I'm going to have to buy the video to watch it over & over

& no disrespect to my boyfriend Hugh Jackman - who is awesome

but I know better singing when I hear it

(& of course, I'll be buying the movie Les Miserables as soon as it comes out too)

_______________

Got my oil changed this week (on my slick sliding car)

& was totally surprised when the person doing it was a young lady

I mean YOUNGGGGGG

Probably 18 or 19

I've never seen a lady work in an oil changing place

.... I was impressed....

Woman's lib still moves on :)

_______________

All you So You Think You Can Dance fans...

did you hear?  

Allison & Twitch are engaged!!!

Perfect dancing couple... going to have amazing dancing babies

But if you watch Bunheads, you'll see some good SYTYCD alumni

Kent & Jeanine!!!

2 of my favorites!

Source: homorazzi.com via Layne on Pinterest

& another SYTYCD alum?
Mandy Moore in a flash mob breast feeding mom in "The New Normal"
They're popping up everywhere!

_______________


Funny of the day:

Anyone else relate with this?

Source: themetapicture.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

_______________

TV Time:

The Carrie Diaries:  I'm really liking this show!  All the 80's flashbacks & Carrie Bradshaw!
30 Rock:  Cant believe this & the Office are leaving... its up to Park & Recreation to keep the funny going
New Girl:  Did anyone else freak out at 'the kiss'... Nick is awesome!!!
The Bachelor:  Tierra is the new Courtney..... insane-ness at its finest
The Mindy Project:  The more I watch, the more I like this show.  Love seeing old Office peeps
Private Practice: (Yeah this is a week old) - but loved the series finale.  Happy endings all around
The Following: Never thought I'd love a Kevin Bacon show.  This is a cross between hating & loving it.  It freaks me out, but so I cant turn away
Vampire Diaries:  Anyone else feel bad for Klaus & Rebecca?... vampires need love too

_____________

Hope everyone has a Fabulous Flu-free Friday full of Lysol! :)

Hodgepodge

1.  In the USA this coming Sunday millions will be watching the Baltimore Ravens take on the San Francisco 49er's in the Superbowl. What was the last event you attended that could be described as super?

No brainer... Les Miserables movie :)
Which I'd love to go see again while the Super bowl is playing... could care less about the game


2.  Share something you're a fan of these days?

My new iPod Nano ... the new 7th generation ones.
First of all - its pink
Second of all - its got the Nike app on it which has a pedometer & keeps track of the distance I go.  (It makes me want to get a Nike GPS watch)
Third - I love it has a radio on it
Fourth - its tiny... a lot smaller then the iPod Touch that I used before.  Lighter.
Yep - I'm a fan

Source: engadget.com via Jeanne on Pinterest

3.  How do you feel about wings? In case anyone is confused, I'm talking about the edible appetizer kind. What's your preferred seasoning-hot, mild, teryiaki, sweet and sour, other? Do you make your own or is there a favorite place you like to go for wings?

I've never eaten one in my life...
& now that I dont eat meat, I never will

There's something disturbing about them to me



4.  As long as we're talking sports today, have you been following the Lance Armstrong story? Did you watch his interview with Oprah and if so what was your reaction to his confession and subsequent remarks?

I've talked about this before here...
But I feel sorry for the guy.
Don't agree with what he did, but think he must have lived a tortured life to hold that kind of secret in, especially when people starting telling the truth.
I do think he's got an ego going & believes in himself a lot - but I think he's going to need that ego even more to get through this - to prove who he is.

I do think he did a lot for cancer research & started an organization that got HUGE & support in such a short time.  There are still struggling organizations that are out there that try to raise a smidgen of the money LIVESTRONG has... so on that side, you still have to give the guy props for that.

In the end - I think its what everything is about - forgiveness

Source: cagle.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

5. What's a question you hate to be asked?

I hate when someone asks, "How many kids do you have?".... they see a married woman & just assume you have children.
It always just gets awkward



6.  The coaches in this Sunday's big match up happen to be real life brothers. Jim Harbaugh coaches the 49er's and his older brother John Harbaugh coaches the Baltimore Ravens. Were you and your sibling(s) competitive? In what way? Are you still? If you're an only child how did you handle competition growing up?

My brother & I have 6 years between us, so we were never competitive with each other.  Plus, we never really had the same kind of interests.  We're total opposites.  So I'll always root him on in whatever he does - since I can never do what he does.  I think he would do the same for me.



7.  What's your favorite game involving a ball, and when did you last play?

I'm a tennis gal... love to play it, love to watch it

with my Bicep Tendinitis, I cant even swing a racket anymore (I'm telling you, this BT is KILLING me mentally)... I miss playing though.



8.   Insert your own random thought here.

We survived!
Last night, we had a storm roll through.

It actually started early with the wind.  I mean WINNNNNDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!!!
It was so warm out, which you know for January, isn't a good sign.
I went running - in shorts!!!! - & the wind had started.  I think at one point, I was at a 45 degree angle.

But we slept with the TV on so we could wake up if something was going on.
Needless to say, I've been up since 3:30 am ... I think the whole town has been awake.
So here's my Facebook status this morning...


Rebecca Jo Vincent

39 minutes ago ·

• Its going to be interesting to see how grumpy everyone is today... Starbucks, or any place with mega doses of caffeine, is probably going to make a killing around here today.

... & its already getting "likes" ... everyone understands

Slow steps... slow progress

I dont think I ever posted what my #2 verse is for the #SSMT ... or other wise known as Siesta Scripture Memory Team.

Here's what I chose...or more what God chose for me...

Source: pinstamatic.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

James 1:19-20

Hot dang... what a verse that has already taken a hold of my life....

Let me start off by saying my mother's side of the family is Italian... so yes, the Italian blood is in me.

& I think the Mafia side of that blood has killed off any other blood that was in my body, because I'm hot headed like most Italians... & that also answers for my love of all things pasta.

But take note... No "Snookie" or Jersey tan for me.

With that Italian side comes the effect of having a quick mouth..... Slow to speak?  Ha - I don't even know what that is.

Tap into that Italian side & the other part of that verse - Slow to anger? An even bigger HA! .... Remember my Italian blood, but my dad is a red head... so I have a quick lit temper.

Ask Ricky... I guarantee he's somewhere reading this shaking his head & giving an AMEN!!!

I've heard the verse before, but this time, its been the center of my days.  I've memorized it - I repeat it - I'm FOCUSING on it (shout out to my One word for 2013)... this verse has become a part of my life.

... & I've failed at it...

Italian blood or not...just plain human

I still have gotten angry, I still have spoken before I thought what was coming out of my mouth would hurt someone, I have cut off people before they finished their thoughts because I wasn't quick to LISTEN...

...but guess what?  I HAVE improved on it...

slow steps
slow progress

but steps & progress in the right direction

This verse will definitely be a part of my life from now on.

Because I want that righteous life that God desires for me... I don't want to mess that up...
& I want people to know they are being heard, & my words don't hurt them in return...

I want people to see God in me when they talk to me & I enter into a conversation with them

slow steps
slow progress

What's hardest for you?  Quick to listen - Slow to speak - slow to become angry?

Weekend Wrapup

Friday

* we have had a tradition for a long time to get pizza & watch a movie or show together (Lately, its been watching Arrow... awesome show)... so we get our pizza & I take a bite & think, that doesnt taste right.  Ricky ate a bit & then said, something tastes funny.  I thought it was me.  Something was awful on the pizza. I was so nauseated the rest of the night too.  That was a shame.  We ended up throwing away 2 big pizzas... & its turned my stomach even at the thought of pizza.  Papa John's - you just lost our Friday business for awhile.

Saturday

* Easy morning... but got my run in early.  At first I was grumbling about it, but then I was so glad that it was early & I got my miles in for the day.

* Watched Jack Hanna while I was running on my treadmill & learned all about crocodiles.  Did you know in Africa, they are becoming endangered because witch doctors kill them for internal organs for their medicines they make?  Ewwwwww!!!!

* Best after run snack now?  PB2 Chocolate with banana... so good with protein & the benefits of potassium of the banana... & low in calories!  I am a big convert to this PB2 stuff!

* Headed off to meet a client to deliver pictures.  I got to order a canvas with a collage on it for a Senior Picture session.  I was in love with it.  Glad to see the client happy too.

* We met at a coffee shop so I had to of course order a drink... it was the WORST iced mocha I've ever had.  What is the deal with me & bad tasting stuff this weekend?

* Met up with some friends to see... Les Miserables... AGAIN!!!!! :)  When we went before, all the husbands went to see another movie, leaving all the ladies to go see it.  This time, the guys went to see it.
It was JUST as good as before.  Chasity & I both actually cried HARDER this time around.  I didnt think that was possible.  Ricky stayed awake the whole time!  Success!  He even said he really liked the story - that it just got a little 'too much in the singing department' about half way through.  I can understand that.  We figured out why they put intermissions in plays though.  Makes sense.

* We went out to dinner afterwards & I ordered nachos with NO MEAT... it came with Chicken on it.  The waiter said, "I put down Chicken with no meat... I didnt know chicken was a meat"... honestly, he said that.  I even saw our receipt & it actually had exactly what he said.  Wow... just wow....

* How do I spend 6 hours with friends & not take any pictures of the night?

Sunday

* We got up to go to church, but started working in uploading Ricky's new iPod on his computer & somehow got it all messed up... we lost a lot of his music.  I would freak out too... so needless to say, we missed first service...

* made it to youth group... it was MAC (Merge After Church).... it's just a time to hang out for an hour after church & eat pizza & play games & hang.  It went by so fast.  But those kids are awesome!  Up for anything & ready to have a good time.

(In line for pizza... look at all the hands flying everywhere)

* Since I was nauseated at the thought of pizza, Ricky & I went out afterwards for lunch.  We ended up at a sports-place & the IU game was on.  WOW... people really get into their basketball around here.  It was funny to just sit & hear all the hootin' & hollering!

* Had to get my weekend Target run in.... is it on anyone else's schedule to always go to Target once a week?

* Stopped at Feeders Supply for more dog stuff.  We have actually incorporated Vegetarian/Vegan food into the dog's diet...I have to say, both Buffy & Bruno (the heaviest dogs) have slimmed down & looking fantastic!  We've even been giving them holistic treats that are full of vitamins & good stuff.  They love them.  & poor Bruno has had some rash on his belly (which we think is from the dog food they used to eat) & he keeps rubbing it making his skin just a mess.  I got some All Natural spray & it seemed to give him instant relief.  & this morning?  The skin looks 100% better - in just one spray of it!!!!    The more natural/holistic stuff I use, for me & Ricky & now my dogs - I love!

* Ended my weekend listening to the Les Miserables soundtrack... I'm ate up

Hope this week is full of fast work days, slow evenings & health & happiness!

Friday Fragments

Friday... FriDAY.... FRIDAYYYYYY!!!!!

******

Everyone still frozen?

Its been a miserable cold here...

but then I hear temperatures up north & think our 'teen' temps sound tropical to them

But its snowing today.... & will be in the 60's next week...

& in the teens again next weekend

This is so true for our area

*****

Anyone watching "The Carrie Diaries"?

I think I'm a sucker for it

...Carrie Bradshaw & 80's style & memories?...

yes please

*****

Speaking of TV 

I have to say... kids today don't stand a chance

I was so surprised when 3 of my shows in one night had a "warning" for "mature audiences"

WHAT?

Regular TV now has to have ratings?

& the shows even had things that embarrassed me

New Girl

Raising Hope

The New Normal

Not to mention that the new show "The Following" was so violent, I kept thinking,

"This is on regular TV?"

& then I couldn't wait for my guilty pleasure of Vampire Diaries where everyone's necks get ripped out 

:)

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I LOVE THIS!!!!

Source: Uploaded by user via Rebecca on Pinterest

& can totally see Ricky teaching his grandchildren to do exactly this!  :)

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So its always a fun time having dinner when you hear that North Korea has a nuclear bomb headed at you
... & plans to fire it...

Jesus come today please

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I heard on the radio this morning about a lady in South Carolina
that was charged for attempted murder because she was strangling her boyfriend
Why? you may ask....
Because he kept hogging the blankets in the middle of the night

I think this is teaching every man in America a valuable lesson


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OH MY GOSH...
I love my tea
& saw this in Target the other day & thought I'd give it a try

I made the Wild Berry tea last night
.... my eyes actually popped open...
it's fantastic

Its probably got something in it worse then Diet Coke

Source: celestialseasonings.com via Heather on Pinterest

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Hope everyone has a Fantastic Friday!!!!

Me, the pilot?

(Used this example in my lesson from Sunday's Youth Lesson)

Its no secret about my relationship with flying & airplanes....

Let's just say, its not pretty.

Anything that can cause instant nausea & stomach cramps & the need for Imodium isn't a pretty relationship.

There's just something about being on a plane that gets to me.

Is it that you're MILLIONS of miles above the earth?
....yeah, I know its not millions... but if you drop out the sky, does hundreds, thousands or millions really make a difference at that point?....

Well, I said something to Ricky the other day that he totally didnt believe.
I told him I wouldnt mind learning how to fly a plane.

WH WH WHAT?!?!?!?!? was kind of his reaction.

It makes perfect sense to me.

If I know how to fly a plane, then I'm in control of what happens.

When I sit in the back of a plane, I have to trust that person flying it.
If there is a problem - do I know that person knows enough about the plane to fix it?
Do they know how to handle something under a stressful situation?
If the controls go out, does that person know how to get us down safely?  Do they know how to get us to our location?  Do they know what the heck they are doing?

& I know they went through training to handle these things... but I dont know that personally.

But if I went to a flying school, I would know I learned it... I would feel safer... more in control.
I would know that no matter what happened, it would be in MY hands... & even if it all went bad, well, at least, it was in my control.

& that's exactly what happens in life trusting God.

We have to sit in the back of the plane sometimes & trust Him up front, driving that plane, taking us to our next location... & we have to just sit back & relax in knowing He's in control & knows what He's doing.

.... not always easy...

Does He know what He's doing?
Does He know where He's going?
Does He know how to get me there safely?

Trust
Trust
Trust

.... not always easy....

So many times in life, we want to take the controls, tell God what is best for us - even go as far as telling Him the best way to make it happen.
....I wonder how often God laughs at me....

We tell God to scoot on over because we've got this under control
...again, I know He's totally got a stitch in His side from the laughter....

There was a big bumper sticker thing when I was a teenager that said, "God is my co-pilot"... which actually is messed up, because if He's the co-pilot, then we've taken that control thing over again.

Time to step aside & let Him take the controls

My job is just trying to get to the next location without Imodium :)

A little funny for the day

Source: Uploaded by user via Night on Pinterest

Hodgepodge

1. The popular saying 'All is fair in love and war' is originally credited to English writer John Lyly. Is he right?

I don't know if I'd say "fair"... sometimes its more like a "circus" .... ba, da, dummm....



2.  Are you a cereal eater? What's your favorite kind?

OH.MY.GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Did someone put this question in just because they hate me?

I'm totally gagging right now because I can smell it now....

yes - I have a LOATHING, DESPISING, HATRED when it comes to the c-word.  I dont even like to say it.  Its known in my house as 'the c-word' ...

Always have hated it.

I can think about it & honestly, I can smell it... & it gags me.  Instant nausea.
My poor husband has to sneak to eat it... & if I know he's eaten it, I wont even kiss him or even let him kiss me on the cheek until he's brushed his teeth & used mouth wash to kill all c-germs.  .... I'm serious....

& how do I know he's sneaking it?  I found one of those little individual size cups with that horrid stuff in it down in his man-cave.  You would have thought I found another woman's picture or love note.  I gasped & said, "WHAT IS THIS?"

When we were down at Nashville this past time, Julie pulled out the 'stuff' to feed the boys breakfast.  I thought, I'm going to be a good Nanny & handle it.  Nope... I had to run to the bedroom & read to get my mind off of it, or I was going to throw up.

So needless to say, I've got to get to the next question or I'm going to start doing some dry heaving noises



3.  A five year old in Pennsylvania was recently given a ten day school suspension for talking with a friend about shooting one another with a Hello Kitty Bubble gun (the toy blows bubbles). She did not have the gun with her at school.
A psychological evaluation was also ordered and the incident was recorded on her permanent record. The suspension was later reduced to two days and her parents are suing to have the incident removed from her file. Your thoughts? (If you missed the story, click here for details)

People are CRAAAZZZZYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The world is turning CRRAAZZZZYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We sure know how to take things to extremes, don't we?

I wonder what kind of trouble I would have gotten in for always carrying my rubber-band gun my dad made me & my brother.  It was awesome.  Had clothes pins to hold the rubber bands & you just hit the clothes pin & ZOOM - that rubber band was fierce firing power.  We'd have rubber band gun fights all the time down the hallways.

Would I be in jail for that today?
Let a psychological evaluation show I haven't shot anyone since... & I'm not THAT crazy now :)

Source: etsy.com via Hoku on Pinterest

4. Whatever happened to_______________________?

Ms. Garrett!!!!

Source: Uploaded by user via Amanda on Pinterest

I saw a tweet from Mo Rocca the other day that said:

Which Mrs. Garrett will show up at Mr. Drummond's funeral: Former housekeeper? Headmistress of Eastland? Proprietress of Edna's Edibles?!
— Mo Rocca (@MoRocca) January 16, 2013

That made me laugh.... & then I was surprised that she was still alive... & then wondered what ever happened to her...



5. January 23rd is National Handwriting Day, billed as a day to reacquaint yourself with a pen and pencil. Do you like your handwriting? Do you prefer to print or write in cursive? This date was chosen because its the birth date of John Hancock. What's the last thing you signed your name to?

I sign my name all the time to documents at work... so I'm a pro at it.

My handwriting changes daily.  I honestly have "good" or "bad" handwriting days... I think I must have a split personality or something



6. Speaking of John Hancock, ever been to Philadelphia? Do you have any desire to visit the city of Brotherly Love?

Never been there... probably never will.... unless I have to travel through to get to New York in which I DO want to visit one day




7. Share something funny you've heard a child say.

I work in youth ministry... I hear things every week funny that kids say
but I think one of the cutest ones was at Christmas from my own grand-baby...

Isaac was telling me about the Christmas pageant he was in.

"There was Baby Jesus up front & we had to go by him & kneel next to him.... but he wasn't the REAL Baby Jesus.  Just a pretend one"

I thought that was so cute.



8. Insert your own random thought here.

I'm in a bad mood this morning...

Been logging my food every day for 21 days now in My Fitness Pal ... started my training for the next half marathon, so working out 4-5 days a week... & for the past 2 weeks, I've lost not one pound

I thought today would be the day....

Know what happened?  I freaking gained 2 lbs....I GAINED 2 POUNDS!!!!!!

How is that even possible?

I'm going to go eat something to cheer me up....
(kidding.... kinda)

Enjoy the joy

Yesterday was the big inauguration day....

While I'm not the top person to come to for things political, I do know to watch something when its a historical moment.

So I had my computer on & watched all the hoopla of the swearing in... & watched as the Presidential box was filling up with pop stars.... Katy Perry, John Meyer, Beyonce & Jay-Z, Kelly Clarkson... how did James Taylor fit in there?  Groovy.

I will say, this picture going around made me laugh though.

(Some people never change... haha)

The thing that strikes me are the Inaugural Balls...

All the beauty & glamour & celebration...

I love seeing these men, who are just men, thrown into these huge roles as leader of the country... but for that moment, they are happy & enjoying this time.

Look at the smiles

Source: huffingtonpost.com via wet on Pinterest

... for Obama, this was before a school of kindergarden children were shot for no reason
... for Bush, this was before planes crashed into the World Trade Towers
... for Clinton, this was before he knew a young lady named Monica
... for Regan, this was before an attempted assassination was made on his life

Big events all happen to each of these men... but in this moment, dancing with their wives, they have no idea what lies ahead for them & for the country they are in charge of....

So when I saw The President & his wife dancing last night, I just wondered what lays ahead for them in the next 4 years....

But you see them enjoying the moment & it just reminded me to do the same....

live in today
dont worry about tomorrow

if happiness or joy comes to you today, smile & take it in

Give your entire attention to what God is doing RIGHT NOW & don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.  God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

-Matthew 6:34

Weekend Wraup

Friday

* Went to get in my corner spot to catch up on some DVR goodness... but got booted by Buffy.  She curled up on the couch & was sound asleep with my pillow.  How can I make her move?  So I ended up in my computer chair.... the things you do for your fur babies.

* We watched Betty White's "Off Their Rocker" for the first time... some of the reactions are pretty funny

Saturday

* Ricky had to work, but no sleeping in for me... we had an electrician coming.  I got up early to straighten up & was happily surprised that Ricky had cleaned the bathroom for me.  SEE!!! I knew he knew how to do it.  Now I'm going to make him do it more often ;)

* Lights EVERYWHERE!! YIPEE!!!  We got new lights put in our foyer, recess lights in our kitchen... dimmers installed in places, light switches added.... it was an electrical haven happening.

* Disney Day on ABC Family... makes me happy

* I forgot how much I loved Mary Poppins.  Julie Andrews & Dick Van Dyke were so young looking!!!

* With Ricky off at work, I got to get my hammer & nails out... he hates when I put holes in the wall.  But I got to hang this beautiful creation a friend made for us for Christmas.  Y'all know I love Scrabble tiles - so its perfect.  This wasn't an added nail, but I had a cross hanging there & added it to our cross wall... one cross makes me have to arrange all my crosses.  I love our wall.

* Headed to a Send off Party for my buddy Joe.  He's been like my little bro for years.  We've taught in youth ministry together, he was my pal who would help me get through boring days with emails back & forth,  he's just been a great friend through the years... & now, he's heading off to the Navy! I cant believe it.  But Ricky & I are cheering him on & excited for him & his family.

* They sent me home with sweets for Ricky (Ricky had to stay at home with the electrician).... dang it!  I ended up taking a small piece of cake to see what it tasted like... not expecting it to taste like sugar straight from God himself.  It was amazing... so I ended up eating the biggest piece of cake I've ever had.  Drats!  More time on the treadmill needed.

* Ricky & I turned on & off lights all night long looking at the beautiful new look in our home

* Watched all the Casey Anthony stuff on Lifetime.... still blows my mind how our legal system works.

Sunday

* I was up to teach... loved the message I was able to deliver on TRUST... even had a fun 'trust fall' in there.
Closed the message with a fun video of people doing "surprise trust falls" ... & then at the end of class, everyone going "TRUST FALL" (I'd show the video but it wont let me embed)

* Ricky & I headed out to lunch.  We get the veggie plates & they were out of potatoes. WHAT?  How do you run out of potatoes that early in the day... but they said they could have them ready in 25 minutes if we wanted to wait... we actually enjoyed the wait.  We were in the corner of the place, it was quite, relaxed - we had an order of onion rings to pass the time... it was a great lunch

* STARBUCKS!!!!

* Headed to see my parents... & got to see a family friend.  It was nice chatting the evening away

* Ended up missing the women's ministry first night... but wouldn't have traded it spending time with my parents & our friend

* Once Upon a Time... poor Chip.... I screamed

Time to start our week.... our COLD week... hope everyone has a great one!!