I am a southern girl...born and raised. I know the importance of the little things. You know... saying "please" and "thank you"... using the term "bless her heart" ANY time that you use a deragatory term aimed at another person (because EVEYONE knows that saying "bless her heart" totally erases all the negativity out of your statement)...and the seriousness of writing "thank you" notes. I am not sure at what point I because obsessed with the idea of writing personal thank you notes for all gifts received. Maybe after I was a junior hostess at charity ball? Maybe earlier in life than that? But, I VIVIDLY remember even writing my mom and dad thank you notes for Christmas and bday gifts. I am pretty sure that even my mom found it a bit weird to get a thank you note from her 16 year old daughter...but it was just IN me!
Confession: I have started dropping the ball these past few years on the thank you notes. I still sent them...but with 3 children, I would hover over those old enough to write the notes and dictate (or let them ramble as they wanted) and then throw in a line or two at the end about how "mommy and daddy" loved their gifts as well. So honestly...the truth is...that for the first time in MANY YEARS...I sent no thank you notes for Christmas gifts this year. Yep..that is pretty crappy....being from the South and all...and KNOWING it is the right thing to do.
I mean, really, the biggest slap in the face is that I LIKE writing. I love writing, actually...hence the blog and all. I find writing cathartic...personal...you can say things that you find it harder to say in person...writing is a lost art. And one of my favorite things of all time is getting a handwritten note in the mail. A text, email, or even a phone call is nice...but a handwritten note? That takes time..effort..thought..and postage :) I am NOT proud of myself for dropping the ball on the whole thank you note issue...having small kids is NO excuse.
So, this got me to thinking in general about writing notes. I think it would be awesome to spend some time over the next year writing notes to people in my life -- just notes of thanks, acknowledgement, friendship. Unexpected notes. I think of all the family and friends in my life that deserve to know my love for them... but not just them. I think you have the potential to really to make the day of your children's teachers, janitors at the school, doctors that have helped you, the owners/managers/waiters at your favorite restaurant, anyone who has made your life easier....can you imagine how uplifting and unexpected your note would be? You could literally make someone's day.
Now, don't be sitting around waiting for my note in the mail. This is just a GOAL for me. I would LIKE to try to start writing to more people in my life...I want others to know what they mean to me. It's a goal...just that....a goal for me to start writing notes more often. But, a word to the wise..don't hold your breath. It IS the best laid plans of mice and men and all :-)
Happy Day to you all! Spend just a second to write or speak to others and let them know exactly that they mean to you!
xoxo Jennifer
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Why I HAVE to believe...
I do not care what religion you are...or even if you categorize yourself as belonging to one religion over another. I do not care if you celebrate Christmas with a tree, Hannukah with candles, or Dawali (did I spell that right?) with sparklers and firecrackers. I. Do. Not. Care. I just need a forum today to express why I HAVE to believe that there is, indeed a God.
Again, if you do not like the word "God"...put in whatever word you like. But I am referring to the larger presence in the universe...the reason we are here...the finger that nudged us all into being. Whether you believe we were formed in one day at God's command or evolved over millions and millions of year. I don't care. But, there is one thing you can not talk me out of...and that is that there IS INDEED a greater being (I call Him "God"...you fill in your own blank)...that started this whole roller coaster ride of "life" that we are on.
There are a million things that I think about that point to God being REAL...being PRESENT...having a PURPOSE in my life....our lives. Just even the sounds of my children's voices can set off a domino effect of feeling like I am EXACTLY where God wants me to me. When I hear scientists on the Discovery channel talking about how many stars they are estimating to be in the Milky Way galaxy ALONE...and the number is so staggering that my mind can not even contain it...I just gotta give that over to a higher power. I mean...there are billions and billions of just STARS in our galaxy...that doesn't count planets, moons, etc.... AND that doesn't count the OTHER galaxies that our telescopes haves snapped pictures of... all billions + light years away. The math involved in even figuring ANY of this out should prove there is a God...the fact that my simple mind is just blown away to the point of being unable to even THINK about it CONCRETES the fact for me that God is there. He has a plan...we are not an accident on some cosmic piece of dust floating through space. We are not. We, I truly believe, in the great scheme of things work pretty darn hard on this planet to love one another and live good lives of charity. Do we fail? SURE. Do we disagree? Well, of course, or there would be no war. But, even if you do not believe in Jesus Christ as a savior or even a religious figure...you can not argue with me about the fact that historians have proved he EXISTED. And he rocked the HELL out of the corrupt governments and churches at the time....preaching for us to LOVE one another...and not just the pretty or the wealthy or the clean or the healthy...but love EVERYONE. Even the sinners. Here we are today...2000 years later, and whether you are a Christian or not, I guarantee that you are trying to live SOME sort of this example in your life. Again, we may fail in our pursuit...but Jesus provided a heck of a role model for us...as did his mother Mary. Role models as to how to be humble, helpful, not afraid to stand up for what you believe, to treat others as your brothers and sisters at all times, to be charitable, and models of how to be OPEN to God's word. To be listening...because you never know when YOU may be needed. When something small you could do in your daily life could, literally, change the course of someone else's life. Powerful.
But, that is not it. I believe that God set us in motion as living beings...with free will to choose how to treat others. I believe that he sent Jesus to show us the ultimate form of charity and love....a person willing to lay down his life to change the world...to teach a lesson..to show that God's love is enduring. But....and this is a BIG but...everyone's faith in this system gets tested. When bad things...awful things...totally unexpected, ridiculously UNEXPLAINABLE things happen, it is human nature (or at least in MY human nature) to ask....WTH????? Seriously, God? Could we not time this crap a little better? Is this necessary??? Escpecially when bad things happen to those around us that we love...friends, family, or even ourselves.
I can not and will not EVER come up with an excuse as to WHY God allows a child to suffer cancer. I don't know why God allows miscarriages to happen...or stillbirths...or the death of a child. I have seen how these things affect my friends and family and, nope, I sure do struggle finding the happy spot in that darkness. I don't see the positives in mothers or fathers dieing at an early age and leaving behind young families with babies/children. I don't see God's perspective when mean people, really mean people, stay strong and healthy and live long lives where they make others pretty miserable...and others who dedicate their lives to others are forced to suffer diseases or sicknesses. I hate that soldiers who are fighting for our freedoms and the freedoms for others are killed for simply doing their job...or being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I do not understand why natural disasters take the lives of people every day....why are earthquakes, tsunamnis, floods necessary? I do not understand horrific accidents that take the lives of anyone...because that's what they are...accidents. How should the outcomeof an accident be that someone's life is now gone? I am open about this people. I DO NOT GET IT. I do not see God's hand in these places...in these events...and I am pretty sure I never will...and probably sure that I am not supposed to.
But, my lack of "understanding" does not take away from the fact that I DO believe there is a God. I DO believe he is in charge. We may not LIKE his plan...but I CLING to the fact that he HAS one. If not? Where the hell does that leave us? No. I HAVE to believe. I have to believe that as horrific as the scene is in front of us...or behind us...that God knows we can take it. We can handle it. Maybe it will take family, friends, and even strangers coming together to make things "OK" again... that coming together to lift one another up in prayer...as a community of friends and loved ones...is that not what God showed us with his example of Jesus on earth?
I will be the first to admit that when the horrific happens...my first response is usually tears and prayer...but it can also be followed by an anger like no other (and some inappropriate laughter usually sneaks in as well). There are just some things that DO NOT seem fair. And I can TELL myself that there is a "plan"...but in reality, I want to punch the "plan" in the face. I want to take control of the plan, roll back time, and make things "right" again. I can tell you, rationally, that this is God teaching me patience...to have patience with the plan...patience with my fellow man...and patience with Him. Place my faith in Him. But, it is just hard to do sometimes...no matter how strong a person's faith is.
So today I write to reaffirm to myself, just as much as I want to reaffirm to you, that I DO believe. I don't like it all the time. But, like Mary...like Jesus...I am putting myself out there and going to take what the Lord sends me and try to run with it. Try to learn from it. And most of all, pray like a pray WARRIOR for those in my life that need the strength to trust the plan themselves. I have no doubt that my day will come again...when I will need the prayer warriors in my corner...picking up my pieces and reminding me that I DO believe in the plan. And when that happens...please make me re-read this blog.
Blessings to ALL of those surrounding me today who need God's hand and his love...
xoxo Jennifer
Again, if you do not like the word "God"...put in whatever word you like. But I am referring to the larger presence in the universe...the reason we are here...the finger that nudged us all into being. Whether you believe we were formed in one day at God's command or evolved over millions and millions of year. I don't care. But, there is one thing you can not talk me out of...and that is that there IS INDEED a greater being (I call Him "God"...you fill in your own blank)...that started this whole roller coaster ride of "life" that we are on.
There are a million things that I think about that point to God being REAL...being PRESENT...having a PURPOSE in my life....our lives. Just even the sounds of my children's voices can set off a domino effect of feeling like I am EXACTLY where God wants me to me. When I hear scientists on the Discovery channel talking about how many stars they are estimating to be in the Milky Way galaxy ALONE...and the number is so staggering that my mind can not even contain it...I just gotta give that over to a higher power. I mean...there are billions and billions of just STARS in our galaxy...that doesn't count planets, moons, etc.... AND that doesn't count the OTHER galaxies that our telescopes haves snapped pictures of... all billions + light years away. The math involved in even figuring ANY of this out should prove there is a God...the fact that my simple mind is just blown away to the point of being unable to even THINK about it CONCRETES the fact for me that God is there. He has a plan...we are not an accident on some cosmic piece of dust floating through space. We are not. We, I truly believe, in the great scheme of things work pretty darn hard on this planet to love one another and live good lives of charity. Do we fail? SURE. Do we disagree? Well, of course, or there would be no war. But, even if you do not believe in Jesus Christ as a savior or even a religious figure...you can not argue with me about the fact that historians have proved he EXISTED. And he rocked the HELL out of the corrupt governments and churches at the time....preaching for us to LOVE one another...and not just the pretty or the wealthy or the clean or the healthy...but love EVERYONE. Even the sinners. Here we are today...2000 years later, and whether you are a Christian or not, I guarantee that you are trying to live SOME sort of this example in your life. Again, we may fail in our pursuit...but Jesus provided a heck of a role model for us...as did his mother Mary. Role models as to how to be humble, helpful, not afraid to stand up for what you believe, to treat others as your brothers and sisters at all times, to be charitable, and models of how to be OPEN to God's word. To be listening...because you never know when YOU may be needed. When something small you could do in your daily life could, literally, change the course of someone else's life. Powerful.
But, that is not it. I believe that God set us in motion as living beings...with free will to choose how to treat others. I believe that he sent Jesus to show us the ultimate form of charity and love....a person willing to lay down his life to change the world...to teach a lesson..to show that God's love is enduring. But....and this is a BIG but...everyone's faith in this system gets tested. When bad things...awful things...totally unexpected, ridiculously UNEXPLAINABLE things happen, it is human nature (or at least in MY human nature) to ask....WTH????? Seriously, God? Could we not time this crap a little better? Is this necessary??? Escpecially when bad things happen to those around us that we love...friends, family, or even ourselves.
I can not and will not EVER come up with an excuse as to WHY God allows a child to suffer cancer. I don't know why God allows miscarriages to happen...or stillbirths...or the death of a child. I have seen how these things affect my friends and family and, nope, I sure do struggle finding the happy spot in that darkness. I don't see the positives in mothers or fathers dieing at an early age and leaving behind young families with babies/children. I don't see God's perspective when mean people, really mean people, stay strong and healthy and live long lives where they make others pretty miserable...and others who dedicate their lives to others are forced to suffer diseases or sicknesses. I hate that soldiers who are fighting for our freedoms and the freedoms for others are killed for simply doing their job...or being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I do not understand why natural disasters take the lives of people every day....why are earthquakes, tsunamnis, floods necessary? I do not understand horrific accidents that take the lives of anyone...because that's what they are...accidents. How should the outcomeof an accident be that someone's life is now gone? I am open about this people. I DO NOT GET IT. I do not see God's hand in these places...in these events...and I am pretty sure I never will...and probably sure that I am not supposed to.
But, my lack of "understanding" does not take away from the fact that I DO believe there is a God. I DO believe he is in charge. We may not LIKE his plan...but I CLING to the fact that he HAS one. If not? Where the hell does that leave us? No. I HAVE to believe. I have to believe that as horrific as the scene is in front of us...or behind us...that God knows we can take it. We can handle it. Maybe it will take family, friends, and even strangers coming together to make things "OK" again... that coming together to lift one another up in prayer...as a community of friends and loved ones...is that not what God showed us with his example of Jesus on earth?
I will be the first to admit that when the horrific happens...my first response is usually tears and prayer...but it can also be followed by an anger like no other (and some inappropriate laughter usually sneaks in as well). There are just some things that DO NOT seem fair. And I can TELL myself that there is a "plan"...but in reality, I want to punch the "plan" in the face. I want to take control of the plan, roll back time, and make things "right" again. I can tell you, rationally, that this is God teaching me patience...to have patience with the plan...patience with my fellow man...and patience with Him. Place my faith in Him. But, it is just hard to do sometimes...no matter how strong a person's faith is.
So today I write to reaffirm to myself, just as much as I want to reaffirm to you, that I DO believe. I don't like it all the time. But, like Mary...like Jesus...I am putting myself out there and going to take what the Lord sends me and try to run with it. Try to learn from it. And most of all, pray like a pray WARRIOR for those in my life that need the strength to trust the plan themselves. I have no doubt that my day will come again...when I will need the prayer warriors in my corner...picking up my pieces and reminding me that I DO believe in the plan. And when that happens...please make me re-read this blog.
Blessings to ALL of those surrounding me today who need God's hand and his love...
xoxo Jennifer
Sunday, January 15, 2012
The Truth
The truth is that I "pinned" an item on pinterest called "40 bags in 40 days" -- it is a nice list that makes decluttering your house manageable by breaking it into 40 smaller (much less daunting tasks). I have managed about 4 items on the list...seems my promise of the new year of getting more organized is going to take a bit more time than I had hoped...oh well.
So, in the name on all things truthful, I though it would be fun to just be totally honest and name off the things that are on my counter space. Why not...y'all know a lot about me up to this point anyway. This, however, could get ugly and cause you to organize an intervention:
**disclaimer: I have a LOT of kitchen counter/island/table space....as far as you know...
1. Kitchen table: 1 pen (never mind these are not allowed within my 3 year old's reach) and a notebook of paper (that I threaten my girls to NOT touch because it is MINE....I can never find notebook paper!!!!) On the paper is written something like... "To: Elesa". We do not know anyone named "Elesa"...so this is either one of my girls' imaginary friends OR a foreign penpal that I know nothing about.
2. Top island barstool area:
* my kindle
* a Judy Moody book that my 9 year old finished reading 2 days ago
* a hairbrush (because when you have kids, you keep hairbrushes in strange places as you never know WHAT they are going to look like as you are trying to rush out the door despite ASKING them to brush their hair WAAAAY in advance of departure)
* my cellphone
* the half empty can of diet coke that I am nursing before I hit the sack
* my watch (gets in the way while I am typing)
* the entire Sunday paper....though it appears to have been read by someone, since it is in disarray...that person was NOT me.
* 4 bandanas...you know...like blindfolds? I used these for a Christmas party game in my 9 year old's class...evidentally my kids find them fun to play with and the bandanas migrated OUT of the playroom/dressup area to the kitchen.
* A book: "The Complete Walt Disney World 2008"...a little dated? Yes. But my kids like to get it out of the cabinet (and obviously LEAVE it out)...plus we are planning a surprise trip to Disney before too terribly long...the kids do NOT know. You tell them? I hunt you down! ;-)
* A pad of post it notes -- I am addicted to these boogers -- the one on top reads "Brock" in very 1st grade looking handwriting. Who knows what this is code for?
* A hot pink DSi that will no longer charge and the charger that goes with it...both are waiting on the counter for me to mail them back to the company for repair...mail does not run tomorrow, therefore they will STILL be sitting there tomorrow.
* The shipping label for said DSi
* a book titled "I Survived Hurricane Katrina" -- it originally belonged to my 9 year old -- but somehow my 3 year old commadeered it and carries it EVERYWHERE referring to it as his "homework".... "I need to do my homework, Mom. It is in the book." or "Oh Man! I forgot to do my homework!"
* A PILE of papers...some giving directions to how to access my kids' cafeteria accouts online...some dealing with local charities that I have been meaning to send donations to for MONTHS now. A packet of patient information that I have to fill out for my upcoming dermatologist appt.
* All of said paper are sitting UNDER my daily planner/calendar. Mainly to hide the pile of paper from me. It is exhausting just looking at those things every day!
3. On the barstools:
* a MINIMUM of 4 jackets hanging on the back of one of them...we are waaaaaay too lazy to walk to that hall closet or bedroom closet....plus hall closet cleaning out isn't until like bag #20 on the pinterest list I am following so, pretty sure there is not ROOM for the coats in there. Plus, heck, you wear them every day in the winter! Why put them away!?
*3 year old's backpack (used to be diaper bag)...not we just carry snacks, a change of clothes, emergency undies/pullups, wipes, and all his allergy rescue meds.
4. On the island bar area level with the sink:
*decorations (so these barely count as they are really SUPPOSED to be there) -- a pretty coobook on a book stand, a scented candle, a framed copy of "The Lord's Prayer"
* SEVEN different meds and the temperal thermometer...only 3 of these meds are used daily, but I have a superstition about putting away meds. WHEN I put that Motrin into the cabinet, that WILL be the day that one of the kids spikes a fever. Mother's Murphy's Law....so, it stays out on the counter.
* paper towels and a dishtowel...normal fixtures.
* the most gigantic bottle of handsanitizer you have EVER seen...we are sick a LOT around her.
* hand soap (again, normal fixture)
* two trivots
* my purse
*my 9 year old's rosary from her first communion in a white leather case. Have no idea why it is down here. Maybe church inspired her today??
* two cordless phones (really? neither on them on a charger?? BOTH on the counter next to each other? Can't even get those bad boys into different rooms?)
* my 6 year old's charger for the battery in her digital camera that Santa brought
* a bottle of baby oragel....WHAT? No one has bee teetheing in this house is YEARS. NO idea where it came from, surely it has to be expired, and definitely have NO idea how it made its way to the kitchen!
* a gift that I am sending to a friend who recently had a baby...here's hoping my kids do not touch it with cheeto or chocolate fingers before I get that bad boy shipped. This is probably on the list of things that needs to move QUICKLY off the counter.
5. Counter space beneath cabinets:
* homework necessities for kids: notebook paper, agendas sent home from teachers, spelling lists, crayons, a pencil sharpener, 2 pencils, 1 pen, 1 smencil (because I am sure a teacher reallllly wants to smell "Very Berry" while grading your spelling homework), and 1 highlighter.
* a bottle of apple juice (don't talk to me about how it is full of arsenic!) -- I had no room for it in the fridge -- which could be a WHOLE other scary blog list
* normal knicknacks and neecessities: large decoreative jar, toaster, knife block, 2 bottles of decorative oils, 1 set of decorative ceramic oil/vinegar carafes and salt/pepper shakers, another trivot.
* a bottle of pinor noir that has approx 2 oz left in it...b/c leaving 2 ozs. means that I did NOT, indeed, polish off the WHOLE bottle.
* a ceramic cereal bowl that my hubby's mom brought to our house on Christmas Eve...it had salad dressing in it...which spilled all over her car since, you know, cereal bowls do not have lids. She is getting Tupperware or Gladware for her next birthday.
* a gallon ziploc baggie of rescue meds for 3 yr old's alleriges...had them out last night for the sitter to have easy access and have just not put them away.
* to keep with the "First Communion" theme...my 9 year old's pocket-sized mass and communion book. Again, why is this DOWN here?
* my dear husband's pile: wallet, keys, a handkerchief, pile of bills he is taking to work tomorrow to pay online.
* the empty box that my 9 year old's camera from Santa came in...the instructions have been removed...but I am still wary about throwing away the actual BOX. Weird. I know. But, we all know she will eventually break that sucker!!!
* Hubby's cell is charging...mine will soon follow suit
* a phone book with 9,000 things piled on top...included empty DVDs for burning all of our homevidoes.
* change jar
*bag of little cuties clementines
* IRONY: a black "desk organizer" that actually HAS pens/pencils/scissors, etc. in there in a SEMBLANCE of order...unlike the rest of the kitchen counter.
* IRONY: a docking station where you are supposed to be able to dock/charge all kinds of devices simultaneously. This worked great until we need to move one...then it all went to crap. Nothing stays in the docking station to actually CHARGE. It DOES however hide MOST ipod shuffles, ipods, and chargers for many things.
* a manicure set of my daughter's...it is in a case shaped like a flip flop
* eye drops
* nail trimmers
* a tub of trail mix I made as a dessert for the neighbor's get together tonight...damn them for not eating it all!
* a bag of mini oreos (these were my answer to my 3 year old not beaing able to eat the nut-laden trail mix)
* random tools...wrench...pliers..a screwdriver or two. Do these even HAVE an official place in this house?? Because the counter just does not seems right.
* a glass candy jar filled with mints
*more visible charger cords...like to my kindle
*the box to my new iphone...too scared to get rid of it yet for fear I NEED that box..I could really screw this phone up, people. I have secret powers like that.
* a OLD video camera that we do not use...sitting next to the NEW video camera. REALLY? Yep. My OLD digital camera that I do not use anymore is over there too!????? WHAT?
* a pile of car rider/bus rider notes that I stock up on ahead of time...so any time my kids need to NOT ride the bus home, I jsut yank the proper note and date it.
* an envelope of information I used to write sorority recommendations this supper for Panhellenic....yes...this SUMMER. I am afraid if I put it anywhere that I will forget where it is and will then NEED it.
**Please do not call "Hoarders" on me -- I recognize the problem and that is the first step. Surely one of the days on my "40 bags in 40 days" will list "clear off all kitchen counter tops"..if not? I am screwed.
Love y'all!
Have a great day!
xoxo Jennifer
So, in the name on all things truthful, I though it would be fun to just be totally honest and name off the things that are on my counter space. Why not...y'all know a lot about me up to this point anyway. This, however, could get ugly and cause you to organize an intervention:
**disclaimer: I have a LOT of kitchen counter/island/table space....as far as you know...
1. Kitchen table: 1 pen (never mind these are not allowed within my 3 year old's reach) and a notebook of paper (that I threaten my girls to NOT touch because it is MINE....I can never find notebook paper!!!!) On the paper is written something like... "To: Elesa". We do not know anyone named "Elesa"...so this is either one of my girls' imaginary friends OR a foreign penpal that I know nothing about.
2. Top island barstool area:
* my kindle
* a Judy Moody book that my 9 year old finished reading 2 days ago
* a hairbrush (because when you have kids, you keep hairbrushes in strange places as you never know WHAT they are going to look like as you are trying to rush out the door despite ASKING them to brush their hair WAAAAY in advance of departure)
* my cellphone
* the half empty can of diet coke that I am nursing before I hit the sack
* my watch (gets in the way while I am typing)
* the entire Sunday paper....though it appears to have been read by someone, since it is in disarray...that person was NOT me.
* 4 bandanas...you know...like blindfolds? I used these for a Christmas party game in my 9 year old's class...evidentally my kids find them fun to play with and the bandanas migrated OUT of the playroom/dressup area to the kitchen.
* A book: "The Complete Walt Disney World 2008"...a little dated? Yes. But my kids like to get it out of the cabinet (and obviously LEAVE it out)...plus we are planning a surprise trip to Disney before too terribly long...the kids do NOT know. You tell them? I hunt you down! ;-)
* A pad of post it notes -- I am addicted to these boogers -- the one on top reads "Brock" in very 1st grade looking handwriting. Who knows what this is code for?
* A hot pink DSi that will no longer charge and the charger that goes with it...both are waiting on the counter for me to mail them back to the company for repair...mail does not run tomorrow, therefore they will STILL be sitting there tomorrow.
* The shipping label for said DSi
* a book titled "I Survived Hurricane Katrina" -- it originally belonged to my 9 year old -- but somehow my 3 year old commadeered it and carries it EVERYWHERE referring to it as his "homework".... "I need to do my homework, Mom. It is in the book." or "Oh Man! I forgot to do my homework!"
* A PILE of papers...some giving directions to how to access my kids' cafeteria accouts online...some dealing with local charities that I have been meaning to send donations to for MONTHS now. A packet of patient information that I have to fill out for my upcoming dermatologist appt.
* All of said paper are sitting UNDER my daily planner/calendar. Mainly to hide the pile of paper from me. It is exhausting just looking at those things every day!
3. On the barstools:
* a MINIMUM of 4 jackets hanging on the back of one of them...we are waaaaaay too lazy to walk to that hall closet or bedroom closet....plus hall closet cleaning out isn't until like bag #20 on the pinterest list I am following so, pretty sure there is not ROOM for the coats in there. Plus, heck, you wear them every day in the winter! Why put them away!?
*3 year old's backpack (used to be diaper bag)...not we just carry snacks, a change of clothes, emergency undies/pullups, wipes, and all his allergy rescue meds.
4. On the island bar area level with the sink:
*decorations (so these barely count as they are really SUPPOSED to be there) -- a pretty coobook on a book stand, a scented candle, a framed copy of "The Lord's Prayer"
* SEVEN different meds and the temperal thermometer...only 3 of these meds are used daily, but I have a superstition about putting away meds. WHEN I put that Motrin into the cabinet, that WILL be the day that one of the kids spikes a fever. Mother's Murphy's Law....so, it stays out on the counter.
* paper towels and a dishtowel...normal fixtures.
* the most gigantic bottle of handsanitizer you have EVER seen...we are sick a LOT around her.
* hand soap (again, normal fixture)
* two trivots
* my purse
*my 9 year old's rosary from her first communion in a white leather case. Have no idea why it is down here. Maybe church inspired her today??
* two cordless phones (really? neither on them on a charger?? BOTH on the counter next to each other? Can't even get those bad boys into different rooms?)
* my 6 year old's charger for the battery in her digital camera that Santa brought
* a bottle of baby oragel....WHAT? No one has bee teetheing in this house is YEARS. NO idea where it came from, surely it has to be expired, and definitely have NO idea how it made its way to the kitchen!
* a gift that I am sending to a friend who recently had a baby...here's hoping my kids do not touch it with cheeto or chocolate fingers before I get that bad boy shipped. This is probably on the list of things that needs to move QUICKLY off the counter.
5. Counter space beneath cabinets:
* homework necessities for kids: notebook paper, agendas sent home from teachers, spelling lists, crayons, a pencil sharpener, 2 pencils, 1 pen, 1 smencil (because I am sure a teacher reallllly wants to smell "Very Berry" while grading your spelling homework), and 1 highlighter.
* a bottle of apple juice (don't talk to me about how it is full of arsenic!) -- I had no room for it in the fridge -- which could be a WHOLE other scary blog list
* normal knicknacks and neecessities: large decoreative jar, toaster, knife block, 2 bottles of decorative oils, 1 set of decorative ceramic oil/vinegar carafes and salt/pepper shakers, another trivot.
* a bottle of pinor noir that has approx 2 oz left in it...b/c leaving 2 ozs. means that I did NOT, indeed, polish off the WHOLE bottle.
* a ceramic cereal bowl that my hubby's mom brought to our house on Christmas Eve...it had salad dressing in it...which spilled all over her car since, you know, cereal bowls do not have lids. She is getting Tupperware or Gladware for her next birthday.
* a gallon ziploc baggie of rescue meds for 3 yr old's alleriges...had them out last night for the sitter to have easy access and have just not put them away.
* to keep with the "First Communion" theme...my 9 year old's pocket-sized mass and communion book. Again, why is this DOWN here?
* my dear husband's pile: wallet, keys, a handkerchief, pile of bills he is taking to work tomorrow to pay online.
* the empty box that my 9 year old's camera from Santa came in...the instructions have been removed...but I am still wary about throwing away the actual BOX. Weird. I know. But, we all know she will eventually break that sucker!!!
* Hubby's cell is charging...mine will soon follow suit
* a phone book with 9,000 things piled on top...included empty DVDs for burning all of our homevidoes.
* change jar
*bag of little cuties clementines
* IRONY: a black "desk organizer" that actually HAS pens/pencils/scissors, etc. in there in a SEMBLANCE of order...unlike the rest of the kitchen counter.
* IRONY: a docking station where you are supposed to be able to dock/charge all kinds of devices simultaneously. This worked great until we need to move one...then it all went to crap. Nothing stays in the docking station to actually CHARGE. It DOES however hide MOST ipod shuffles, ipods, and chargers for many things.
* a manicure set of my daughter's...it is in a case shaped like a flip flop
* eye drops
* nail trimmers
* a tub of trail mix I made as a dessert for the neighbor's get together tonight...damn them for not eating it all!
* a bag of mini oreos (these were my answer to my 3 year old not beaing able to eat the nut-laden trail mix)
* random tools...wrench...pliers..a screwdriver or two. Do these even HAVE an official place in this house?? Because the counter just does not seems right.
* a glass candy jar filled with mints
*more visible charger cords...like to my kindle
*the box to my new iphone...too scared to get rid of it yet for fear I NEED that box..I could really screw this phone up, people. I have secret powers like that.
* a OLD video camera that we do not use...sitting next to the NEW video camera. REALLY? Yep. My OLD digital camera that I do not use anymore is over there too!????? WHAT?
* a pile of car rider/bus rider notes that I stock up on ahead of time...so any time my kids need to NOT ride the bus home, I jsut yank the proper note and date it.
* an envelope of information I used to write sorority recommendations this supper for Panhellenic....yes...this SUMMER. I am afraid if I put it anywhere that I will forget where it is and will then NEED it.
**Please do not call "Hoarders" on me -- I recognize the problem and that is the first step. Surely one of the days on my "40 bags in 40 days" will list "clear off all kitchen counter tops"..if not? I am screwed.
Love y'all!
Have a great day!
xoxo Jennifer
Friday, January 13, 2012
Distractions
Last week I read a Yahoo news article (probably from some trashy news outlet like US Weekly...that I secretly love) that PROVED to me that women, in general, are screwed. I am sorry, ladies. But, it is the truth. We are screwed. For YEARS we have moaned and groaned about how the media portrays women...how we are supposed to maintain perfect bodies, hair, skin, smile, be well-spoken, well-dressed, well-accessorized, have a great career, a perfectly clean home, be a dutiful wife, and stay poised all at the same time (DAMN YOU, Duchess Catherine Middleton for fitting all of these categories with EASE!). I mean, I fail in nearly every category (what the hech is an accessory anyway? And I have enough crumbs on the kitchen floor to feed flocks of seagulls for a month. lol) But, it seems Hollywood still buys into this set of ideals, and this article proved that not all is what it seems in Hollywood (shocking....I know).
The article was about newly-single Demi Moore. Now, let's be clear....I am CERTAIN that some if not all of the quotes that I read were taken out of context (or at least I am hoping so). She was giving quotes about how "unhappy" she was with her body...and that she feels like at age 50 it is "failing" her. This is, of course, in response to the media frenzy that she is too SKINNY. It seems that between the stress of being in a helluva rotten marital situation and living a Hollywood life under the glare of a media-microscope, she can't get her body to be what she wants. Holy shitballs. Seriously? THIS is the woman who at age 40 donned a bikini in Charlie's Angels and sported a toned body -- the likes of which I HAVE NEVER and WILL NEVER possess...and HER body is failing HER? Like I said, the rest of us are screwed! She went even further to state that post-break with Ashton What's-his-name, she is feeling like she is "unworthy of love" and is scared of "dying alone without love"...I am really actually paraphasing...but that was the gist. Now....those statements truly scare me.
My first reactions to the article were quite mixed...I mean, am I supposed to feel sorry for a 50 year old who STILL looks rocking in a bikini, has millions of dollars in the bank, has the finances and ability to have a personal chef and trainer in her home daily? A woman who has three BEAUTIFUL, healthy daughters? And that is where I got confused... Demi is a role model (whether she likes it or not) for women everywhere, based solely on the fact that she is a celebrity. But, by CHOICE, she has 3 daughters...who look up to her....who love her...who need her. And here she is expressing, in the national media that SHE is unhappy with her body. Bells and whistles start going off ... because if I were her daughter, all I would be able to think is, "If HER body isn't good enough, how do I ever stand a chance?" Start bringing in the food disorder specialists for me NOW if I am her daughter! So, now....I think I truly fall on the side of feeling sorry for her. I can not imagine that a person who walks down the street and people clamber to get her autograph or picture...a person who has 3 gorgeous daughters...could EVER feel "less than". Could EVER feel "unworthy of love" or that her "body is failing her". People would STILL kill for her rocking body! And herein lies the problem, I think that Demi has lived so very long in the limelight of the Hollywood microscope that she is now tieing her entire self worth into her looks...and how the media SPEAKS about her looks. Dangerous stuff. That stuff she said about feeling unloveable?? Those are the words of a truly, truly depressed person...because even if she FELT that way, having 3 children should prove that not only are you WORTHY of love...you HAVE love. It's there unconditionally everyday...and those kiddos are going to love you whether you are 103 lbs. or 403 lbs. Period.
The distractions of Hollywood...the focus on body...the focus on fashion...the focus on hob-knobbing...they are just that -- DISTRACTIONS. They distract not only the stars...but us average Joes in the world as well. We start to think that these fixations are "healthy"...when indeed, they are not. When ANYTHING, whether it be your body, exercise, food, friendships, your career....when ANYTHING takes your focus from the core of your life -- YOUR FAMILY and YOUR FAITH -- then the rest is going to crumble around you. You can never take your eye off the prize -- your husband (or wife)...your children...your God. THEY are your existence...they are your reason to push through every day and love yourself...because they are giving life and learning life from YOU. When they see that you put THEM first and FAMILY first, you are setting an amazing example for years to come. Does this mean to abandon all exercise? Well, no! That is a prety bad example, too! Take your kids on a family run/walk in the neighborhood, play basketball or freeze tag, let them SEE that exercise and healthy eating is a part of life....but just that - a PART of life.
When fixations and distractions become your central focus...all else is lost. Hollywood has even brainwashed this spectacular bombshell of a woman, Demi Moore, into thinking she is "not worthy". Well, guess what Demi....YOU ARE. We ALL are. It matters not what size we are...it matters not what age we are...it matters the imprints we are making on the lives around us. It matter the examples we are setting for our children and family and friends.
So, a word to the wise. You do not need the flashbulbs of Hollywood to distract you. Everyday rubble in our lives can distract us...the millions of errands, the extracurricular activities of children, even something as simple as a close friendship...they can actually end up being BAD for us. Distractions. And therefore, from time to time, step back. Take a moment to really LOOK at what your focus is. And if it needs adjusting, adjust it. Your family is looking to you as a role model... separate yourself from negative distractions from time to time and stop to focus on family. Does this mean stop running errands, or pull your kids from all dance and music classes, or drop that friendship like a hot potato? No. No, it does not. But, it DOES mean to be MINDFUL that what you place first in your life...is indeed what NEEDS to be placed first. If you need to take a week or two to step back from distractions, do it. Errands, extracurriular activities, and even good friends will all still be there after the fact. My recent decision to put my phone on "silent mode" from the time homework starts until kids are in bed in MY first step in the right direction. I figure those who NEED me...like REALLY need me...have my landline number. They will find me. No text is more important than time with my family from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Simple as that.
Choose your life focuses, your friendships, and your activities well. They can literally build an amazing life for you/with you....or they can ruin an amazing life that you have built. Demi...take note. You can do this. We all can.
Have a great one, all!
xoxo Jennifer
The article was about newly-single Demi Moore. Now, let's be clear....I am CERTAIN that some if not all of the quotes that I read were taken out of context (or at least I am hoping so). She was giving quotes about how "unhappy" she was with her body...and that she feels like at age 50 it is "failing" her. This is, of course, in response to the media frenzy that she is too SKINNY. It seems that between the stress of being in a helluva rotten marital situation and living a Hollywood life under the glare of a media-microscope, she can't get her body to be what she wants. Holy shitballs. Seriously? THIS is the woman who at age 40 donned a bikini in Charlie's Angels and sported a toned body -- the likes of which I HAVE NEVER and WILL NEVER possess...and HER body is failing HER? Like I said, the rest of us are screwed! She went even further to state that post-break with Ashton What's-his-name, she is feeling like she is "unworthy of love" and is scared of "dying alone without love"...I am really actually paraphasing...but that was the gist. Now....those statements truly scare me.
My first reactions to the article were quite mixed...I mean, am I supposed to feel sorry for a 50 year old who STILL looks rocking in a bikini, has millions of dollars in the bank, has the finances and ability to have a personal chef and trainer in her home daily? A woman who has three BEAUTIFUL, healthy daughters? And that is where I got confused... Demi is a role model (whether she likes it or not) for women everywhere, based solely on the fact that she is a celebrity. But, by CHOICE, she has 3 daughters...who look up to her....who love her...who need her. And here she is expressing, in the national media that SHE is unhappy with her body. Bells and whistles start going off ... because if I were her daughter, all I would be able to think is, "If HER body isn't good enough, how do I ever stand a chance?" Start bringing in the food disorder specialists for me NOW if I am her daughter! So, now....I think I truly fall on the side of feeling sorry for her. I can not imagine that a person who walks down the street and people clamber to get her autograph or picture...a person who has 3 gorgeous daughters...could EVER feel "less than". Could EVER feel "unworthy of love" or that her "body is failing her". People would STILL kill for her rocking body! And herein lies the problem, I think that Demi has lived so very long in the limelight of the Hollywood microscope that she is now tieing her entire self worth into her looks...and how the media SPEAKS about her looks. Dangerous stuff. That stuff she said about feeling unloveable?? Those are the words of a truly, truly depressed person...because even if she FELT that way, having 3 children should prove that not only are you WORTHY of love...you HAVE love. It's there unconditionally everyday...and those kiddos are going to love you whether you are 103 lbs. or 403 lbs. Period.
The distractions of Hollywood...the focus on body...the focus on fashion...the focus on hob-knobbing...they are just that -- DISTRACTIONS. They distract not only the stars...but us average Joes in the world as well. We start to think that these fixations are "healthy"...when indeed, they are not. When ANYTHING, whether it be your body, exercise, food, friendships, your career....when ANYTHING takes your focus from the core of your life -- YOUR FAMILY and YOUR FAITH -- then the rest is going to crumble around you. You can never take your eye off the prize -- your husband (or wife)...your children...your God. THEY are your existence...they are your reason to push through every day and love yourself...because they are giving life and learning life from YOU. When they see that you put THEM first and FAMILY first, you are setting an amazing example for years to come. Does this mean to abandon all exercise? Well, no! That is a prety bad example, too! Take your kids on a family run/walk in the neighborhood, play basketball or freeze tag, let them SEE that exercise and healthy eating is a part of life....but just that - a PART of life.
When fixations and distractions become your central focus...all else is lost. Hollywood has even brainwashed this spectacular bombshell of a woman, Demi Moore, into thinking she is "not worthy". Well, guess what Demi....YOU ARE. We ALL are. It matters not what size we are...it matters not what age we are...it matters the imprints we are making on the lives around us. It matter the examples we are setting for our children and family and friends.
So, a word to the wise. You do not need the flashbulbs of Hollywood to distract you. Everyday rubble in our lives can distract us...the millions of errands, the extracurricular activities of children, even something as simple as a close friendship...they can actually end up being BAD for us. Distractions. And therefore, from time to time, step back. Take a moment to really LOOK at what your focus is. And if it needs adjusting, adjust it. Your family is looking to you as a role model... separate yourself from negative distractions from time to time and stop to focus on family. Does this mean stop running errands, or pull your kids from all dance and music classes, or drop that friendship like a hot potato? No. No, it does not. But, it DOES mean to be MINDFUL that what you place first in your life...is indeed what NEEDS to be placed first. If you need to take a week or two to step back from distractions, do it. Errands, extracurriular activities, and even good friends will all still be there after the fact. My recent decision to put my phone on "silent mode" from the time homework starts until kids are in bed in MY first step in the right direction. I figure those who NEED me...like REALLY need me...have my landline number. They will find me. No text is more important than time with my family from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Simple as that.
Choose your life focuses, your friendships, and your activities well. They can literally build an amazing life for you/with you....or they can ruin an amazing life that you have built. Demi...take note. You can do this. We all can.
Have a great one, all!
xoxo Jennifer
Monday, January 2, 2012
Today's lesson
Listen, I may have hung up my teacher hat once my oldest child started preschool....but you know what? You can take the teacher out of the school...but you can not take the school out of the teacher. There is just sooooooo much that people evidentally a) did not LEARN during their first 13 years of education with the English language OR b) they are too lazy (thank you texting messaging) to ever actually USE proper grammar. Now, that said.... I am totally guilty of the lazy text. When I write "K", it totally could mean "Yes, that sounds like a great plan to me!" -- I am just in a hurry and have no time to write that whole sentence while being chased about by my 3 hooligans. AND there are plenty of times that I do not proofread (often I post to this blog without re-reading...and I NEVER proofread emails). So, most certainly you are going to find grammar and spelling mistakes all OVER my writings. There, I said it. BUT.......for you persistant offenders out there...who truly make me wonder if English is your second language, I am going to provide you with a cheat sheet. Print it. Laminate it. Live by it. Mainly because these mistakes annoy the HECK out of me.
1. The words THERE/THEIR/THEY'RE are DIFFERENT, people. They are to be used in different situations. When using "there" -- think of it as a PLACE. "Where did you put my glass of wine?" " I put it over THERE." See....a distinct location. When using "their"-- this is a possessive meaning that an item belongs to THEM. "I don't know whose bottle of wine this is..." "Oh, it's THEIR bottle"....meaning the bottle belongs to those people sitting across the room from you. Finally, when using "they're"....this is a contraction for the two words "they are"....if you are writing a sentence and can take OUT the word "they're" and put IN "they are" and the sentence still makes sense?? Then BINGO! You got it. "I think they're crazy for not finishing off that bottle of wine". Easy enough.
2. Your/You're .... also totally different words. The main stumbling block here is that texting ruined us on this one. Even I will use the lazy man's "ur" to mean both. Well, the two words are, once again, DIFFERENT. When using "your"....this is again a possessive meaning something belongs to "you". "Whose half eaten cookie is on the counter? Oh, it's your cookie." The cookie BELONGS to someone. "You're" is, again, a contraction. It stands for "you are". The test just like with "they're" is to see if when you remove the "you're" and replace it with ""you are" and the sentence still makes sense then BINGO! You got it.
3. I know this is going to come as a HUGE shock to a few of you....but placing the letter "w" in front on the word "hole" actually changes the ENTIRE MEANING OF THE WORD. Yes. It does. I am not making this up.. A "hole" is an empty space in the ground...you dig one to plant trees, etc. The word "whole" means "entire"....like "My whole family came over for dinner"....the entire family. Not your "hole family"....that, my friends, can and WILL be interpreted in many inappropriate ways.
4. I think the hardest to remember...and I have to test myself on this one often is the use of its/it's. It's a tricky little booger...but if English as Second Language students and all of China can learn it, well by golly, so can United States born citizens!!!!! "It's" is a CONTRACTION...it stands for "it is". ONLY use it if you can put the word "it is" into the sentence and have it still make sense. The tricky part? Usually when we show possession we add 's to the end of a word "Jennifer's pencil, Brenda's joke, Marsha's wine..." Well, this is NOT the case you when are talking something belonging to IT. If your tree has a broken limb.... then "its limb is broken". NO apostrophe. It would not make sense to say "it is limb is broken".... see how nice these little checks work out?
5. We were all taught growing up to put others first...open the door for others...think of others before yourself....therefore it is mind boggling to me that when people write they do not carry this simple rule over into written form. THAT IS STILL THE RULE. When writing about yourself and others .... the others ALWAYS come first. Please do not say "Me and Laura went to the store." Barf. "Jack, Jane, Jim, and I all went to the ballgame."..... I comes LAST in that sentence just because it is POLITE to put others before yourself. And if you are confused about whether to use I or me?? Run the test. Take all other names out and see if the sentence make sentence with just the word "I" or "me". For instance: "I went to the ball game." or "Me went to the ballgame." No brainer people.
6. This is my final lesson for the day. It's a big one. And a pet peeve of mine. And extremely timely since I just got a bunch of Christmas cards with this mistake. Don't take offense....just trying to offer a public service here. When you are referring to your family...or another family....for instance we are the "Hayden Family"....there is MORE than one of us in the family, obviously. When you address us in writing, just make the word "Hayden" PLURAL to represent more than one person.....this means....JUST ADD AN S. I promise...there is NO apostrophe needed. Apostrophes serve two purposes...to form contractions for the word "is" OR show possession (Jennifer's bike). When you send a card to my family and write "The Hayden's"....I have to stop and think....hmmmmm.... which ONE of us on the family is THE Hayden? Since this card obviously only belongs to ONE Hayden. Does this make sense?? Correct usage as I understand it (and I am sure if I am wrong that there are a lot of smarter people out there who will tell me) -- address it to "The Haydens"....just add the s and make it plural. Now....if the last name ends with s??? Get out your old English book and look up the rule....or cheat and write "The Swiss family" :-) I do hope that rant didn't just cost me all of my CHristmas cards next year...I really DO like getting them! I swear I thought I was the only person who thought about this issue until I was a a good friend's house. They have a sign that says "The Smiths" (not really....I am trying to use anonimity here)....but I remember looking at the husband and saying, "Do you know what I love MOST about that painting?" .... His immediate response...did NOT flinch...was "Because it doesn't have an apostrophe." I almost peed in my pants. YES! That IS what I loved. The proper use of punctuation.
I write this blog mainly just because these are all things that have bothered me a long time...plus, it REALLY ticks me off that children in other countries have better English grammar and punctuation usage than those of us here in the USA...with free eduation systems at our disposal...for EVERYONE to attend. Please people...start paying attention in class rather than doodling in the margins.
Happy punctuating!
xoxo Jennifer
1. The words THERE/THEIR/THEY'RE are DIFFERENT, people. They are to be used in different situations. When using "there" -- think of it as a PLACE. "Where did you put my glass of wine?" " I put it over THERE." See....a distinct location. When using "their"-- this is a possessive meaning that an item belongs to THEM. "I don't know whose bottle of wine this is..." "Oh, it's THEIR bottle"....meaning the bottle belongs to those people sitting across the room from you. Finally, when using "they're"....this is a contraction for the two words "they are"....if you are writing a sentence and can take OUT the word "they're" and put IN "they are" and the sentence still makes sense?? Then BINGO! You got it. "I think they're crazy for not finishing off that bottle of wine". Easy enough.
2. Your/You're .... also totally different words. The main stumbling block here is that texting ruined us on this one. Even I will use the lazy man's "ur" to mean both. Well, the two words are, once again, DIFFERENT. When using "your"....this is again a possessive meaning something belongs to "you". "Whose half eaten cookie is on the counter? Oh, it's your cookie." The cookie BELONGS to someone. "You're" is, again, a contraction. It stands for "you are". The test just like with "they're" is to see if when you remove the "you're" and replace it with ""you are" and the sentence still makes sense then BINGO! You got it.
3. I know this is going to come as a HUGE shock to a few of you....but placing the letter "w" in front on the word "hole" actually changes the ENTIRE MEANING OF THE WORD. Yes. It does. I am not making this up.. A "hole" is an empty space in the ground...you dig one to plant trees, etc. The word "whole" means "entire"....like "My whole family came over for dinner"....the entire family. Not your "hole family"....that, my friends, can and WILL be interpreted in many inappropriate ways.
4. I think the hardest to remember...and I have to test myself on this one often is the use of its/it's. It's a tricky little booger...but if English as Second Language students and all of China can learn it, well by golly, so can United States born citizens!!!!! "It's" is a CONTRACTION...it stands for "it is". ONLY use it if you can put the word "it is" into the sentence and have it still make sense. The tricky part? Usually when we show possession we add 's to the end of a word "Jennifer's pencil, Brenda's joke, Marsha's wine..." Well, this is NOT the case you when are talking something belonging to IT. If your tree has a broken limb.... then "its limb is broken". NO apostrophe. It would not make sense to say "it is limb is broken".... see how nice these little checks work out?
5. We were all taught growing up to put others first...open the door for others...think of others before yourself....therefore it is mind boggling to me that when people write they do not carry this simple rule over into written form. THAT IS STILL THE RULE. When writing about yourself and others .... the others ALWAYS come first. Please do not say "Me and Laura went to the store." Barf. "Jack, Jane, Jim, and I all went to the ballgame."..... I comes LAST in that sentence just because it is POLITE to put others before yourself. And if you are confused about whether to use I or me?? Run the test. Take all other names out and see if the sentence make sentence with just the word "I" or "me". For instance: "I went to the ball game." or "Me went to the ballgame." No brainer people.
6. This is my final lesson for the day. It's a big one. And a pet peeve of mine. And extremely timely since I just got a bunch of Christmas cards with this mistake. Don't take offense....just trying to offer a public service here. When you are referring to your family...or another family....for instance we are the "Hayden Family"....there is MORE than one of us in the family, obviously. When you address us in writing, just make the word "Hayden" PLURAL to represent more than one person.....this means....JUST ADD AN S. I promise...there is NO apostrophe needed. Apostrophes serve two purposes...to form contractions for the word "is" OR show possession (Jennifer's bike). When you send a card to my family and write "The Hayden's"....I have to stop and think....hmmmmm.... which ONE of us on the family is THE Hayden? Since this card obviously only belongs to ONE Hayden. Does this make sense?? Correct usage as I understand it (and I am sure if I am wrong that there are a lot of smarter people out there who will tell me) -- address it to "The Haydens"....just add the s and make it plural. Now....if the last name ends with s??? Get out your old English book and look up the rule....or cheat and write "The Swiss family" :-) I do hope that rant didn't just cost me all of my CHristmas cards next year...I really DO like getting them! I swear I thought I was the only person who thought about this issue until I was a a good friend's house. They have a sign that says "The Smiths" (not really....I am trying to use anonimity here)....but I remember looking at the husband and saying, "Do you know what I love MOST about that painting?" .... His immediate response...did NOT flinch...was "Because it doesn't have an apostrophe." I almost peed in my pants. YES! That IS what I loved. The proper use of punctuation.
I write this blog mainly just because these are all things that have bothered me a long time...plus, it REALLY ticks me off that children in other countries have better English grammar and punctuation usage than those of us here in the USA...with free eduation systems at our disposal...for EVERYONE to attend. Please people...start paying attention in class rather than doodling in the margins.
Happy punctuating!
xoxo Jennifer
Sunday, January 1, 2012
2011: A Year in Review
There is quite a bit I have discovered about myself this past year -- both good and bad. So, I figure, why not go ahead and spill it? Let's get it all out there -- the good, the bad, and the ugly. I mean, it IS a time for resolutions and all.
So, yeah, I don't really DO resolutions per se. I like to just make a list of things I am going to "do better" with. It's much more attainable. And when I fail (inevitably), it is much easier to just jump back on the bandwagon and "do better". It's not like I need to do something MAJOR like "stop smoking" or my whole "do better" approach would not really work out. But there is plenty for me TO improve on. Just ask my husband and kids...they will happily provide you with an endless list, I am most certain of it! Ha!
First, I will start by stating that 2011 was really a year that I opened my eyes and honestly and truly took stock. I fully recognize the many blessings in my life. I have 3 healthy children (well, they are healthy SOME of the time), a fantastic husband, a great family, and really the most unbelievable circle of friends a person could ever ask for. And no, I do not mean just FB friends (though many of you are great cheerleaders and/or make me laugh DAILY)...I am talking about my friends that acutally help my life RUN on a daily basis. 2011 was the year I recognized without a doubt that I CAN NOT DO IT ALL. And thank goodness, I have family and friends who are willing to help pick up my slack. I have accepted more offers for carpooling, babysitting, and playdates than EVER this year. When a friend calls b/c they know I am home because I am sick or am home with a child who is sick and offers to pick up a smoothie, a meal, or make a grocery run for me.....I have learned to ACCEPT it. I have friends that really ROCK.. Bar none...they are the best. That said, I hope that I am repaying them equally. I want my friends to know that I will do the EXACT same things for them. So, I know for sure that this year (and every year hereafter) I will "do better" at thinking of others first....seeing what I can do to make someone else's life easier on them. It's the small stuff -- the carpool, the playdate, the grocery run -- that can absolutely make someone's day.
I am also eternally grateful for the fact that I have friends who are willing to live with sleep deprivation in order to run with me at the crack of dawn...simply b/c once my day starts with children, I am DONE. There is no daytime exercise with a 3 year old still at home. It is a sacrafice for my friends to drag themselves outta bed at some point during the 5:00 a.m. hour just to run with me. I am forever in their debt. The same with training/running races.....it is so very lovely to have friends who are willing to torture themselves with training and running a half marathon just because I have a bee in my bonnet and want to FINALLY finish one in under 2 hours. (Now, when I finish in like 2 hours and 2 min....I will take a respite and "do better" on the next race b/c by golly I am going to DO THIS!)
I am also on a mission in 2012 to "do better" at parenting. I pretty much wake up every day with this mindset...but I am setting specific goals. I am going to try to yell less...it typically does no good anyway and just puts me in a bad mood. Plus, it is modelling really bad behavior that I do NOT want my kids repeating. I am going to try and say "yes" more often. Now...this does not mean I will be saying "yes" to all the impulse items my kids BEG for in EVERY SINGLE STORE we go to. I am going to try to say "yes" more often to the things that I just typically avoid b/c they are annoying: letting the kids "cook" something on their own (no heat involved), letting them do more crafts, make more fun messes. I think my kids deserve this. I am sure that I will fail along the way...but "do better" is the motto. From now on, I am actually going to THINK before the word "NO!" comes right out of my mouth.
2012 is going to be the year that I try to "do better" with spending $$. My husband is on cloud nine with this one. I just need to be a better shopper...more picky, less impulsive, look for sales. Clarification: I am STILL not an extreme couponer. I am just going to try to be more frugal in my every day endeavors.
UGH....I gotta get organized this year. I am beginning to fear that some of my cabinets (think tupperware cabinet) are spontaneously reproducing. I must do better that just TRY on this one.
Fact about me: I am a bad listener. I acknoledge it. And isn't that the first step, really? Acknowledging the problem. I am going to "do better" -- focus more on listening and less on talking. I think that is what others want -- what they desire and deserve. Just a really good listener. There will be plenty of time for me to talk about the inaneness of my day or life. Patience is a virtue that I was not really blessed with from birth...I am definitely working on it.
I think my final "do better" is a good one. I am going to really try to not talk about someone who is not in the same room as me....as in, if I would not be saying what I was saying TO them, then I should not be saying it at all. This town I live in is TOO SMALL. Everyone knows your business. But, I do not think that give free license to TALK about other people's business. I am guilty of it...but DID get better this year. There were so so so so many times that people asked me questions about other people's business and I could HONESTLY say "I don't have a clue". Part of this has to do with the fact that I have fantastic exercise buddies. We sort of live in a bubble. WHen we run together we literally only chat about OUR lives. I can tell you this -- we do NOT NOT NOT talk about other people. It is simply refreshing. And...it has helped me learn that this is a good thing to carry into all areas of my life. Am I perfect? Heck NO! Inappropriate things slip out of my mouth a lot...and I am GOING to "do better". I just am. I never ever again want to be the person who opens her mouth and hurts another human being. Ever.
OH! And wait one more: I am going to "do better" with this blog. I will try to write more often. Writing is cathartic and I really enjoying imparting the craziness that is my life. I am thankful that there are some people out there that relate and laugh along with me (at me?). :-)
So I write all this down for accountability. I figure if it is in writing, I can look back and remind myself what 2012 is going to really be all about. Here's to a great year...full of blessings, health, and happiness for you all!
xoxo! Jennifer
So, yeah, I don't really DO resolutions per se. I like to just make a list of things I am going to "do better" with. It's much more attainable. And when I fail (inevitably), it is much easier to just jump back on the bandwagon and "do better". It's not like I need to do something MAJOR like "stop smoking" or my whole "do better" approach would not really work out. But there is plenty for me TO improve on. Just ask my husband and kids...they will happily provide you with an endless list, I am most certain of it! Ha!
First, I will start by stating that 2011 was really a year that I opened my eyes and honestly and truly took stock. I fully recognize the many blessings in my life. I have 3 healthy children (well, they are healthy SOME of the time), a fantastic husband, a great family, and really the most unbelievable circle of friends a person could ever ask for. And no, I do not mean just FB friends (though many of you are great cheerleaders and/or make me laugh DAILY)...I am talking about my friends that acutally help my life RUN on a daily basis. 2011 was the year I recognized without a doubt that I CAN NOT DO IT ALL. And thank goodness, I have family and friends who are willing to help pick up my slack. I have accepted more offers for carpooling, babysitting, and playdates than EVER this year. When a friend calls b/c they know I am home because I am sick or am home with a child who is sick and offers to pick up a smoothie, a meal, or make a grocery run for me.....I have learned to ACCEPT it. I have friends that really ROCK.. Bar none...they are the best. That said, I hope that I am repaying them equally. I want my friends to know that I will do the EXACT same things for them. So, I know for sure that this year (and every year hereafter) I will "do better" at thinking of others first....seeing what I can do to make someone else's life easier on them. It's the small stuff -- the carpool, the playdate, the grocery run -- that can absolutely make someone's day.
I am also eternally grateful for the fact that I have friends who are willing to live with sleep deprivation in order to run with me at the crack of dawn...simply b/c once my day starts with children, I am DONE. There is no daytime exercise with a 3 year old still at home. It is a sacrafice for my friends to drag themselves outta bed at some point during the 5:00 a.m. hour just to run with me. I am forever in their debt. The same with training/running races.....it is so very lovely to have friends who are willing to torture themselves with training and running a half marathon just because I have a bee in my bonnet and want to FINALLY finish one in under 2 hours. (Now, when I finish in like 2 hours and 2 min....I will take a respite and "do better" on the next race b/c by golly I am going to DO THIS!)
I am also on a mission in 2012 to "do better" at parenting. I pretty much wake up every day with this mindset...but I am setting specific goals. I am going to try to yell less...it typically does no good anyway and just puts me in a bad mood. Plus, it is modelling really bad behavior that I do NOT want my kids repeating. I am going to try and say "yes" more often. Now...this does not mean I will be saying "yes" to all the impulse items my kids BEG for in EVERY SINGLE STORE we go to. I am going to try to say "yes" more often to the things that I just typically avoid b/c they are annoying: letting the kids "cook" something on their own (no heat involved), letting them do more crafts, make more fun messes. I think my kids deserve this. I am sure that I will fail along the way...but "do better" is the motto. From now on, I am actually going to THINK before the word "NO!" comes right out of my mouth.
2012 is going to be the year that I try to "do better" with spending $$. My husband is on cloud nine with this one. I just need to be a better shopper...more picky, less impulsive, look for sales. Clarification: I am STILL not an extreme couponer. I am just going to try to be more frugal in my every day endeavors.
UGH....I gotta get organized this year. I am beginning to fear that some of my cabinets (think tupperware cabinet) are spontaneously reproducing. I must do better that just TRY on this one.
Fact about me: I am a bad listener. I acknoledge it. And isn't that the first step, really? Acknowledging the problem. I am going to "do better" -- focus more on listening and less on talking. I think that is what others want -- what they desire and deserve. Just a really good listener. There will be plenty of time for me to talk about the inaneness of my day or life. Patience is a virtue that I was not really blessed with from birth...I am definitely working on it.
I think my final "do better" is a good one. I am going to really try to not talk about someone who is not in the same room as me....as in, if I would not be saying what I was saying TO them, then I should not be saying it at all. This town I live in is TOO SMALL. Everyone knows your business. But, I do not think that give free license to TALK about other people's business. I am guilty of it...but DID get better this year. There were so so so so many times that people asked me questions about other people's business and I could HONESTLY say "I don't have a clue". Part of this has to do with the fact that I have fantastic exercise buddies. We sort of live in a bubble. WHen we run together we literally only chat about OUR lives. I can tell you this -- we do NOT NOT NOT talk about other people. It is simply refreshing. And...it has helped me learn that this is a good thing to carry into all areas of my life. Am I perfect? Heck NO! Inappropriate things slip out of my mouth a lot...and I am GOING to "do better". I just am. I never ever again want to be the person who opens her mouth and hurts another human being. Ever.
OH! And wait one more: I am going to "do better" with this blog. I will try to write more often. Writing is cathartic and I really enjoying imparting the craziness that is my life. I am thankful that there are some people out there that relate and laugh along with me (at me?). :-)
So I write all this down for accountability. I figure if it is in writing, I can look back and remind myself what 2012 is going to really be all about. Here's to a great year...full of blessings, health, and happiness for you all!
xoxo! Jennifer
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