Flip Flops Anyone?

I received an interesting email this week from a friend. It's a "Flip Flop Exchange". I thought about sending it to my email address book, and I still may. I also thought, however, that I'd invite my blogging friends to participate. So---here's the deal. I'll send you the names via email if you want to participate. It will mean giving your address to people who email you to send you flip flops. You'll buy ONE pair and send it then you'll send it out to ten more people to continue it on.

Just email me (or leave a comment) if you want to play. I'll send it out to the first ten people.


SPRING FLIP FLOP EXCHANGE
It's finally time to get out and show off those pretty manicured toes!!
You've been invited to participate in the annual flip flop exchange.
1. Person 1
2. Person 2

First, please shop for a fun, inexpensive pair of flip flops and send them to the person in the number 1 position (even if you do not know them).
**You'll need to e-mail the person directly to get their mailing address and shoe size since not everyone is comfortable with their address floating
around that freely.
Second, copy this letter into a new email, move my name and e-mail address
to the number 1 position and put your name and e-mail address in the number
2 position. Only your name and my name should appear in this list when you
send out your email. Send this to 10 friends.

If you cannot do this within 5 days, please let me know so it will be fair
to those participating. You should receive 36 pairs of flip flops. It will
be fun to see where these flip flops come from! Seldom does anyone drop out
because we all need (or want) new flip flops. The turn-around is fairly
quick because there are only 2 names on the list

Can You Feel the Love?

Wow! I am blown away this week! As we have gone through the week of losing a loved one, the funeral and the travel, I have been so blessed by the comments of the blogging community. It truly IS a connection that is so SPECIAL. I don't think it's something that can be described to those on the "outside"...you have to experience it to really know.

As I drove home (really, I rode) over the past two days, I found myself thinking of many of you as we passed your "neck of the woods". I really hope I get to meet more of you in real life in the near future.

If you've left me a comment this week, know that you've blessed me! I pray that you are as blessed by this community as I am!

Hugs to All!!

Friday Feast

Appetizer: How fast can you type?

I am pretty fast. I have no idea what the words per minute is, though. I do know that whenever my boss wants to type something in a meeting (and his secretary isn't present) he'll ask me to do it.

Soup: What is your favorite online game?

Right now, I've been playing Bedazzled 2 on pogo. I go through phases. I just reached the top level on one of the Diner Dashes...so this one is my latest.

Salad: On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 as highest), how intelligent do you think you are?
Hmmmm...depends on who else is in the room and WHAT the topic of conversation is. There are days I feel like an 8 or 9 and days I feel like a 1 or 2.

Main Course: Name three of your best teachers from your school years.

I did this a few weeks ago for my Thursday Thirteen. Here is a snippet from that:

1. Mrs. Hudson: She was my first grade teacher and the person who taught me to love reading. 2. Mr. Acosta: He was not my "teacher by day", but was the band director at my school. He taught us self-discipline...to seek excellence...to believe in ourselves among MANY other lessons. 3. Dr. Little: She was my first Education professor in college. I took Intro. to Ed with her as I sought a major and found my life's passion as a result.

Dessert: What are your plans for this upcoming weekend?

I'm going home to see my family today and tomorrow. On Sunday, church. Love on my husband and kids. Then prepare for the next weeks of work before I head off to Toronto on the 13th.

Thursday Thirteen #48

Thirteen Things SUSAN Has Done or Thought This Week

1. If, "when your time comes", you've left good stories in the lives of those with whom your path has crossed, then you've "done good". This was evident with the steady stream of people who came to pay their last respects to my Uncle and story after story told the goodness, kindness, and compassion of this man.

2. I love that people going the OPPOSITE way stop to let the funeral procession pass. What respect!

3. The next time my Dad asks me, "Why would you read a stranger's blog?" I'm going to answer...."Because they just might become a special friend." My Uncle was connected to the pogo.com community. The email and messages sent by his "online friends" were unbelievable! Again, there were stories of compassion, love and care beyond what any of us ever knew.

4. I keep thinking about the song, "For Good" from the musical "Wicked". My favorite line comes to mind when I think about my Uncle:

It well may be / That we will never meet again / In this lifetime / So
let me say before we part / So much of me is made of what I learned from you /You'll be with meLike a handprint on my heart

5. I miss my boys.

6. I miss my DH. He was traveling before I left. I got to see him for about 2 hours then I had to leave. He leaves again Monday. I'll get home on Saturday...I'm looking forward to that time.

7. I am enjoying the visits with extended family; I just wish the circumstances were different.

8. My Uncle's life was a shining example of the marriage vows that we take "For better or worse, In sickness and in health." Over the past few years, he has had to endure the illness of my Aunt...and he did it with grace and dignity.

9. Even though my family is "close", there are branches that are very distant. I wonder how and why that happens.

10. A friend of my other Uncle's paid my DH a huge compliment and I was so proud. I love when you find out just how far the seeds you plant reach.

11. They played a CD of Alan Jackson singing old hymns at the funeral home...it was beautiful. My Uncle LOVED country music.

12. I also loved how the funeral home made it so personal. They had photo boards set up and created a CD of photos for the family. They ran that in the corner of the room throughout the night. It was very touching.

13. We start our drive home tomorrow and I'm ready to go. I'm going to be riding with my two brothers and my Mother. Now, if you knew us IRL, you'd know it probably will be a trip filled with laughter and retelling of family stories. In a strange way, I'm looking forward to it.

Wordless Wednesday---In Memory Of...

Uncle R with his wife, and my Aunt, E.

He WILL be missed!

Thoughts...

We flew to Ohio last night for my Uncle's funeral. We'll ride back with my brother at the end of this week. Our whole family is here. I am so glad to be a part of a family that supports each other in time of need. It's a blessing for sure.

As we visited with my Grandmother (who is almost 87) and my Uncle's Mother briefly this morning, I was again reminded how precious life is. She is a constant reminder just how important family and memories are.

I called the local flower shop today to have flowers delivered and was blown away when the lady said "Is this for R's funeral?" Now, you have to understand my last name and his are different. And, yes, this is a small town...but still.

I drive around and look at farms and beautiful land and experience the friendliness of the "locals" and it blows me away. Not that there aren't nice people in Florida...because there are. I just forget to notice sometimes.

The truth is, I get caught up in the frenetic pace that is my life and I forget to STOP and notice people and things around me. And, yes, sometimes that means that I neglect even my immediate and extended family.

So, as I ponder life today...I want to make sure that I take the time to do as the old song says:

STOP and smell the roses....

Hey Mister
Where you going in such a hurry
Don't you think it's time you realized
There's a whole lot more to life than work and worry
The sweetest things in life are free
And they're right before your eyes
You got to Stop and Smell the roses
You've got to count your many blessings everyday
You're gonna find your way to heaven is a rough and rocky road
If you don't Stop and Smell the roses along the way
Before you went to work this morning in the city
Did you spent some time with your family
Did you kiss your wife and tell her that she's pretty
Did you take your children to your breast and love them tenderly
You got to Stop and Smell the roses
You've got to count your many blessings everyday
You're gonna find your way to heaven is a rough and rocky road
If you don't Stop and Smell the roses along the way
Did you ever take a walk through the forest
Stop and dream a while among the trees
Well you can look up through the leaves right straight to heaven
You can almost hear the voice of God
In each and every breeze
You got to Stop and Smell the Roses
You've got to count your many blessings everyday
You're gonna find your way to heaven is a rough and rocky road
If you don't Stop and Smell the Roses along the way
You got to Stop and Smell the roses
You've got to count your many blessings everyday
You're gonna find your way to heaven is a rough and rocky road
If you don't Stop and Smell the roses along the way

I'm Drowning in Testosterone and There's NO Estrogen in SIGHT!

If you've read my blog for any time at all, then you know that I am totally engulfed in a testosterone-laced world. I have four boys and my DH. Even our pet bunny is a male.

Most of the time I love this. I am, after all, the "Queen" of the castle. I know that God called us to raise boys and I am totally OK with that. The boys all know the "Mama Rules"...you know:

If Mama ain't happy, ain't NOBODY happy! AND
What Mama says, goes! AND
Mom's votes outnumber all males in the house....combined!

My DH has done a fantastic job of establishing and reinforcing these rules in our home. And my boys, for the most part, abide by and honor them.

As you may also recall, DH is out of town this week. The boys are usually on extra good behavior during these stints. For that, I'm so grateful.

So, a few days ago, DS 1 says, "Mom, do you mind of some of the guys come over Saturday night for UFC?" I feel so proud that I KNOW that UFC stands for "Ultimate Fighting Championships" I also know that when I was out of town not long ago, DH helped the boys "host" one of these nights at our house. So, I thought, "If HE can do it, I can too!" And I said, "Yes."
These pictures show my DSs 1, 2, and 3 and five of their friends---that's EIGHT teenagers. Right now, they are chowing down on pizza and wings and sitting around our television watching the fights. I am pretty sure I hear grunting and snorting every once in a while. And there's occasional physical contact happening in that small space.

Now, I also have to tell you where DS 4 is...cause it only ADDS to this current testosterone-laden state of my house. He went to a birthday party with a neighbor friend tonight. They called around 7:30 to see if he could go to dinner with them. Because I was enjoying the peace and quiet, I said, "Sure!"

At 9:40, he knocked on the door with the Mother of his friend. He had a bag in his hand. I thought it might be leftover cheeseburgers...but NO...it said, "Petsmart". I smiled as the Mother frantically started explaining the bag (I'm pretty sure she was backstroking). Before she could get too many words out, however, DS 4 shouted, "I got a shark!" I'm thinking, "Certainly he doesn't mean a "real" shark..." The Mother confirmed that he did, indeed, get a fresh water shark for his aquarium at Petsmart. It seems while she and another Mother sat and visited with "the girls" at the hamburger place...the "guys" walked next door to the pet store. And a friend of her family (A MALE) bought all the kids a small shark (it's about 1 and 1/2 inches long). (You can read about his previous fish aquisition here.)

I'm sorry for any guys that are reading this...but I thought, "Only a guyboy would buy them all sharks. If the "girls" were there, he'd have come home with a cute little Neon Tetra or a new Angel Fish"....RIGHT???

So, while the UFC (Ultimate Fights) are happening on the TV, and occasionally the throw rug, in my family room the Ultimate Fish Fight (UFF?)just might be happening in HIS bedroom. I don't know if they eat goldfish or not. I had to explain to DS 4 that if it DID eat his fish, that it's just "part of the food chain"....He seems OK with this...I actually think he's grabbed a front row seat and kind of waiting for it to happen (which HAS to be directly correlated to testosterone levels).

As I said, I'm really fine with all this. Except, sometimes, I WAN'T to (as Heather says) "do girlie things" in my house and not have to go out to FIND other "girls". I can only hope that someday I'll have Grandaughters and Daughters-in-law to sit and gab with in times like these.

Who knows? Maybe we could start the USC (Ultimate Shopping Championship), the UCC (Ultimate Cropping Championship) or the UMPC (Ultimate Manicure and Pedicure Championship)...

Anybody wanna' join me??

A Sad Day

Last night I received a call that left me in shock. My uncle had suddenly died yesterday afternoon. He was 66 years old. Uncle R is my Dad's older brother and my cousin, Lynn's Dad. Lynn's brother, M, was here in Florida with MY Dad, golfing. The phone call frenzy started and didn't stop until almost 10:30 last night as we made preparations to go to Ohio next week.

When I told my kids, we shared some Uncle R stories of fishing together and remembering just how much he loved NASCAR. We even wondered if there might be some races in heaven today just for him! I sat and recalled one of the last conversations I had with him via IM. He sent me pictures of the snow outside his house and a robin (that I can't get to upload for some reason).

Please pray for our family and especially for my Aunt E (his wife), my Cousins, his Grandchildren, my Grandmother (his Mother) and my Uncle R's three siblings. And pray for traveling mercies as we all make our way to Ohio to celebrate his life.

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
What is your favorite kind of bread?

I love honey wheat bread when I am at home. If I'm at the deli, I love croissant roll.

Soup
When was the last time you bought a new pillow?

About three or four months ago. I don't buy them often enough, and I'd like to "splurge" and get one of those very expensive ones...but I'm afraid I won't like it and be sorry I spent my money on it.

Salad
Approximately how many hours per week do you spend surfing the ‘net?

TOOOO many! I probably surf (if you count blogging and work) about 2 - 4 hours/day. Most days it's at the lower end of this scale that's still too high!

Main Course
What’s the highest you remember your temperature being?

Well, I remember one summer in Kentucky when it hit 107. But I also know I was in Arizona during one of their hottest summers. I think it topped out over 112 one day while I was there....I kept thinking, "Dry heat my foot! I'd rather stick my head in a convection oven!!!" I really don't like it even when it's "DRY"!

Dessert
Fill in the blanks: When I ____________, I _____________.

When I am mad, I sometimes laugh.
{I know that sounds really strange...but sometimes I am just so angry that I start laughing. The problem is I AM "really mad" and my kids think I'm laughing like a funny laugh....and they start laughing and I laugh harder as I get madder inside. I think my "wires" are off!!}

Thursday Thirteen #47

Thirteen things SUSAN is thinking today:

1. He's gone....it's about time!

I certainly admire his chutzpah, but it was getting to be a bit tiring.

2. I really am liking Jordin Sparks. She did an amazing job Tuesday.

3. I still think Melinda can outsing them all.

4. I love what Idol is doing next week.

5. I totally missed Simon's face thing from Tuesday when people thought he was disrespecting the VT community.

6. I thought it was good that he addressed it last night.

7. I still didn't think Lakesha deserved to be in the bottom two.

8. Florida was very heavy for Phil Stacy votes. I think he did an amazing job on Tuesday. Country is definitely his genre.

9. I am excited to see all those performers on next week's show.

10. My favorite "star" coach this season has surprisingly been Lulu. She really coached them and I liked that.

11. I think Tony Bennett and Diana Ross seemed "tired" on the show.

12. I'd like to go to the summer tour if they come to our area. I wanted to go last year and never got myself in gear to buy tickets.

13. I wonder where Sanjaya will show up next? I'm not thinking that TV producers are going to let him fade into total obscurity.

Some Books Are Like This...

This is a book that our local radio station DJs started talking about back in December. I've listened to their powerful testimony about just how the book moved them. I immediately put it on my "must read" list. But, I didn't get to it until two weeks ago. Here's a description from the Internet:

A modern-day slave and an international art dealer are bound together by a dying woman's faith. Will Ron, the art dealer, be able to embrace Denver, who's been homeless for almost 20 years? Will Denver learn to trust a white man? There's pain and laughter, doubt and tears, and in the end a triumphal story.

This book is amazing! It really tells the story of the unlikely intersection of these two lives. It makes the reader step inside her head and see just what beliefs, profiles, and maybe even prejudices still reside there. I haven't quite finished it...but I am close.

Yesterday, these two men who have developed a unique and authentic friendship were here in our city. They did a book signing. I had the pleasure of meeting them both there. They are delightful people. And the truth is, they, and their story have tugged my heartstrings. I've always had a passion for the "underdogs" of the world. Their story, though, has helped me see that you sometimes have to "roll up your sleeves and get dirty" with those in need. We can't just give cursory service at holidays or other times to feed our own need to SAY we helped.

Yet, I wonder just how often this happens for me. I give a bag of clothes and am satisfied with myself...yet, I've never offered to go down to the shelter and comb hair or help someone pick out their clothes or paint fingernails or anything else. I see the men standing on the street corner in our less desirable section of town and I check to make sure my doors are locked.

The beauty of this story is that Ron Hall was the same. He knew he could write a check for the homeless shelter that could make a difference. Instead, his wife, who KNEW we were supposed to be the hands and feet of Jesus, wanted to go there and interact with the people. She knew they needed to sit and listen and just BE with them. She knew that they needed to offer hope and help to those in need. And you can't do that, in the truest sense, from the "donation vantage point". You have to be willing to get in there and take action.

If you have not read this book, I suggest you think about it. Read the words of the International Art Dealer, Ron Hall, as he learns to reach out and offer hope to the hopeless. Read the words of Denver Moore, a "modern-day" slave, who spent his life as a Louisiana share-cropper and homeless man. Marinate in their words as their lives and their mission intersects with each other.

I'm not quite finished, but the truth is, I couldn't wait to finish to be able to share the beauty of the story.

May we all find ways to interact with those who are "the least". Blessings.

You Like?

Here's my new blog design. I have to thank Susie...at Blue Bird Blogs. Isn't she amazing??? I've got a blog entry coming...I just have to stop looking at Susie's handiwork and compose. See you soon.

Monday Meandering....

These are just some RANDOM Monday thoughts and questions in my brain:

• A couple of years ago, I was able to post a Thursday Thirteen or something like it with the smiley face you get on Word when you do this: :-) and I also had hearts in that post...I HAVE NO IDEA HOW I did that. Can somebody help me here?

• I tried to add Blogger for Word and it won't work...

• I also want to know how to do "strike-through" font...you know when something looks crossed out.

• Yesterday I hit return between each of my seven points and they kept going single spaced when I published...it made me CRAZY!

• Susie has me waiting in great suspense to preview my new blog design. I can't wait to see it and share it with you.

• The weekend made me TIRED and a bit CRANKY. I'm so tired right now, I just want to slip into a corner somewhere and SLEEP!

• Because I was tired, I didn't even get to see WHO Trump fired last night!

• DH left today for a week out...maybe that's another reason I'm a bit CRANKY...I miss him so when he's gone.

• For those of you praying for Heather...pray for increased White Blood Cells...they are steadily moving up which is good...but she will be in the hospital for another three to four days.

• DH had a church he works with send a prayer shawl for my colleague, C, who is fighting cancer. C is kind of a "New Age" person. She really is very eclectic in her faith and doesn't espouse Christianity at all. I am sending her the prayer shawl in hopes that she is blessed by the Christian community that she doesn't even know reaching out to her. Will you pray that she receives it as a blessing and that it helps her see God's love in a new way?

• I forgot my watch today. I HATE being without a watch...it makes me feel....naked! I keep looking at my empty wrist. UGH!

• I hope you all have a marvelous Monday....I promise I'll be less tired and cranky later on. I'm hoping that some of you more experienced "htmlers" and bloggers can answer some of my blogging questions at the top of this post...

HUGS!!

:-) Susan

Sunday Seven

A weekly meme for giving thanks and/or for noting important things in our lives.

1. I am so glad that my boys live their lives to the fullest. Each one is busy in his own way and "going for the gusto" (as my Dad used to say) in each of their lives. Sometimes it leaves my head spinning, but it's a pleasure to watch none-the-less.

2. I was able to reconnect with a friend this week in a very special way. She and I were college roommates and have kept up with each other through Christmas cards over the years. This week, though, we had the opportunity to speak via phone and I was so blessed. We will speak again next week as we share where God has taken each of us and catch up on our families.

3. I had the pleasure of spending Saturday with my extended family at Sea World. It was hot, but fun. I think the kids had a great time as did the grown-ups.

4. My Sister-in-Law, Heather, is back in the hospital. Will you please add her to your prayer lists? I'm thankful that there is this extended Christian community of bloggers that can and do pray for one another. And I am so glad to know that God is healing her day by day.

5. I'm thankful for the privilege of attending the church of my choice on Sunday mornings. Reading the journey of Melli and Baba as they've reconnected with the church, I am reminded of the fact that we all find meaning in different places. Also, Danielle had some very thought-provoking posts about this type of thing this week.

6. I am grateful for resources and blessings that allow us to give our children a wide variety of experiences. I loved taking DS 4 to Sea World yesterday...but I also loved spending time there the night before just enjoying each other and the state in which we live.

7. I am thankful for a job that is a blessing to me. It allows me to live out my passion every single day. I have the pleasure of working with children and adults and helping them discover the joy of reading and teaching about reading. I can think of no greater privilege than teaching others...and I'm so thankful that God placed me in this profession.

P.S. I chose this header because this is kind of what it looked like outside this morning. We were definitely so thankful for much needed rain!!

What a Girl Needs....

She's at it again! Linda picked up this meme from Roxanne who picked it up from Joshilyn called "[Insert Your Name] Needs." You Google the phrase "[Name] Needs" and then pick out your favorites to post. I COULDN'T RESIST (and I had a few minutes to kill before my family arrived in Orlando)----Here are mine:

Susan needs to understand that she needs to be building up her language production ... I'm so sure my co-workers will love this! As if they don't get to hear me enough already.

Susan needs opportunities to practice literate speech --Hmm, with these first two I'm thinking the family's going to be real happy, too!!

Susan needs a set of t-shirts graced with silly cliches that, nevertheless, exemplify her willingness to step off the cliff of safety -- I TOLD you wanted to answer Linda's first question about something I've always wanted to do but haven't, to swing on a zip-line. Zip-line...cliff diving..think I'll take SAFETY!!

Susan needs to grow a brain and work things out ---Duh....I'm TRYING...

Susan needs to understand that each employee should be supervised according to his or her own needs.--Well...I'll file this away for the day when I really DO supervise people..right now, I just "wish" I supervised people.

Susan needs not respond --NOT if Susan read her own "blogging rule":....If thou readeth, thou should commenteth!!

Susan needs all your love and money Gee...I HOPE DH is reading this!! :-)

Susan needs to ask herself this : Is my goal realistic? OUCH!!

Susan needs to slow down to increase her quality of eye hand foot control I'm kind of PROUD of my clutzy side!!

Susan needs to put laundry in the washing machine as soon as she gets home ---TRUE....and another OUCH...except that my wonderful DH did most of it yesterday!!

OK this is my favorite:

Susan needs to succeed in the face of and despite this madness. Well...AMEN to THAT, and I'm TRYING, folks, I really am!!

Checking In...

I'll be at Sea World today. DS 4 and I are going with my family to Sea World to celebrate my niece's fifth birthday. DS 4 and I are enjoying some time with just the two of us before we go. We spent time together last night shopping, eating and having fun.

DH, DS 2, and DS 3 are in Miami for a soccer tournament.

DS 1 is going to the prom tonight with his GF.

We'll check in when at least some of us are back in the "nest" later tonight.

Feeling Randomized???

As I stated in my post below, Linda had this randomization meme on her blog. I answered her questions on my blog two days ago and some of my readers stepped up to the challenge for MY random questions. I am NOT as adept at Linda at question writing, but I AM a bit competitive (OK, maybe A LOT) and tried to come up with unique questions. So, Leigh Ann, Carrie, Melli, Jill, Tammy, Susan,and anyone else who cares to answer, put your "thinking caps" on and start answering these questions:

1. What's your worst pet peeve?

2. (For Susan, who thought I should extend my Thursday Thirteen to others.)
What are five things you would do if "money were no object"?

3. If you could be an inanimate object, what would you be and why?

4. OK, fess up, some people have eaten crayons or tasted glue. What's the strangest thing you've ever taste-tested? Where were you and why did you do it?


5. And because I LOVE music and Linda used music: If you were standing before all of your friends and family and they asked you to summarize yourself in one to two songs, what would you sing and why?

Thursday Thirteen #46

I often dream of what I'd do if MONEY were no object. In "celebration" of "tax week"...I thought I'd share my dreams as part of my Thursday Thirteen. So, here is what SUSAN would do if she had "extra" money (in no particular order):

1. Be a philanthropist. This is a huge dream of mine. I'd love to have a pot of money that I could just use to grant other people's dreams. I love the thought that "ordinary hard-working" people could have their wishes met.

2. Adopt an inner city child (or children) in a mentoring relationship. I'd like to fund their college and extra-curricular activities.

3. Hop in an RV and travel America by back roads. I'd love to visit all the nooks and crannies of our great country over the course of a year or two.

4. Travel the world.

5. Provide more grants for teachers. DH and I have been blessed to be able to fund two small grants yearly for teachers...I'd start a foundation, though, that would give classroom grants for things teachers are spending their own hard-earned money for.

6. Fund school for children in a third-world country. I saw Simon Cowell show the "School in a Box" last night for the African children and I couldn't believe it! $180 funds school for an entire year for (I think) 8 children.

7. Set up a "nest egg" for each one of our children.

8. Support more long and short term missions projects. (We already are blessed to be able to do this for our boys and a couple of friends' children.)

9. Go to more theater productions and concerts.

10. Buy a new luxury car...sorry...I know it's a bit materialistic, but I DO like the "rides" in a couple of them.

11. Fund a uniform closet and classroom libraries in every classroom of a school with limited resources. Our kids get ONE shirt (in some cases) and wear it until it's thread-bare sometimes. And classroom libraries are limited or non-existent. I hate that.

12. Celebrate a renewal of our Wedding Vows with an entire soiree...dinner and dancing with family and friends.

13. Build my dream house in the Mountains.

Wordless Wednesday---Here We Are!!

I Asked For It...

"Isn't-she-so-funny?"- Linda posted this fun meme on her blog this week. It came from Deena who got it from Shalee who got it from....

Well, you get the idea! I should have KNOWN better than to volunteer to be "randomized" on Linda's first day back on COFFEE after her Lenten fast, but alas, the thought of answering five random questions intrigued and got the better of me. NOW, I urge you to compare the questions LINDA had to answer with the ones she is asking her visitors!

Here are Linda's questions and my answers. If you'd like to be "randomized" leave me a note in my comments and I'll send you MY five questions for you to "chew on" and answer.

1. What is one thing you'd like to do but do not have the courage to do? And why don't you do it? What's the worst that could happen, anyway??
I so wanted to just say ride the zipline down a mountain incline, but I can't say that. Instead, it has to be that I'd like to be unafraid to try out for a community theater play. I love the theater and actually have done it as a child, but haven't felt comfortable singing in front of people since I was a teen. Besides not having time, I don't know if I could "handle" being judged these days.
The worst thing that could happen is that I would open my mouth and nothing would come out and I'd faint of embarassment.

2. Describe your worst date. Did your poor fellow know it was your worst date? What did you learn about yourself from this experience?

My worst date was when I was in College and several of my "guy friends" from a particular fraternity, talked me into going on a "date" with a Japanese Exchange Student. He was a wonderful guy, but so new to the country, that he spoke about 9 words of English! Throughout the night, we smiled, we bowed and nodded to each other over and over, we danced, and then we went home. I thought it would NEVER end...and I'll bet he did too!

3. You are at a nationally televised Presidential White House press conference as part of the press corps. President Bush calls on you because you are waving your hand around like a wild woman. You stand, but suddenly, your heart races, your mouth dries, and you're seeing stars. You can't remember your brilliant question or utter a single syllable. The only thing you are able to do is sing. Remaining silent is not an option. What will you sing and why?

Call Me Irresponsible ----Frank Sinatra

Call me irresponsible - call me unreliable
Throw in undependable too
Do my foolish alibis bore you
Well I'm not too clever - I just adore you

Call me unpredictable - tell me I'm impractical
Rainbows I'm inclined to pursue
Call me irresponsible - yes I'm unreliable
But it's undeniably true - I'm irresponsibly mad for you

Why? Because it's the FIRST thing that came to my mind!!!!!

4. If you were named "Supreme Blogging Commander of the Official World Wide Webbings of Intranets" or some such other prestigious title, what is the first rule you would lay down as non-negotiable?

If thou readeth, thou shall commenteth!

5. What's your favorite color? NOT!!! Instead: You are hiring someone for a position in your company. Nevermind which position. It's just your job to hire the best candidate and then tell your superior why you chose that person. If you choose unwisely, you get fired. The pressure is on. Which one will you choose?

A. Candidate A brought her Ipod and said she could listen to you and the music at the same time.
B. Candidate B challenged you to an arm wrestling match.
C. Candidate C threw up on your desk and immediately started asking questions about the job, like nothing had happened.
D. Candidate D stated that if he were hired, he would demonstrate his loyalty by having your corporate logo tattooed on his forearm.

So which one is it? Why?

I'd say "Candidate A...because she's probably MY long lost Sister. You see, little did she know that she was talking with the Reigning QUEEN of Multi-tasking!"

I PROMISE I am not caffeinated by Linda, and the odds of me EVER thinking of five such...uh...RANDOM caffeine-induced questions...is pretty slim. Let me know if you want to play.

New Blogger

My son, DS 1, has started a blog Music and Training. I told him I'd send all my blogging friends and family over to visit. So, hopefully, you'll have the chance to run over there and welcome him to the bloggng world.

:-) Susan

Monday Thinking....

Do you notice other cars? How about dirty ones? I don't really watch cars. I've decided that men and boys are "wired" to know makes and models without much thought. Even my 8 year old can tell me makes and models that I haven't a clue about! I often hear one of them say, "That's a SWEET car!" Now, I do KNOW a Lexus or a BMW or Mercedes when I see one. It could be because I live in a town that is FULL of them. But, most of the time, I really pay little or no attention. Saturday, though, I noticed cars.

Mine (a Honda Odyssey) needed a wash in the worst way. It was dusted with pollen that is so prevalent in our area at this time of year. It was nearing the point where someone might have written "WASH ME" on a window or two. I forgot to ask for the car wash with my last fill-up, so I thought I'd wait until the next time I gassed up. With my tank almost full, I started thinking of all the places I needed to go. I admit that I was thinking about "just taking another one to church on Sunday" so no one would see my dusty car.

Contemplating this in the Target parking lot on Saturday, I looked around at all the Lexus's, BMWs, and Mercedes' that bordered my car. And many of them were also DIRTY. Then I thought, "You know, dirt is dirt. It simply doesn't 'look good' on any car--regardless of price." And I doubt any of my kids would have deemed any of the dirty ones "sweet cars".

And then I thought...everything (and everyone) gets "dirty" sometimes. Whether its tangible property, or with our own lives, everything gets smudged. Usually, though, it's nothing a good wash won't fix. We just have to take the TIME to do it.

Yesterday was Easter. Many of us were in church learning about the ultimate "washing of our souls". And while I sat inside enjoying another Sunday worship, my car, freshly washed, sat in the parking lot. Dare I say, we were BOTH satisfied!?! OR SWEET!?!?!

Happy Monday!!

An "Oldie but Goodie"...

I published this last year on Easter, but think it really says everything I need or want to:

Of Foam and Small Stuff...

This morning, I went for a much-needed nail appointment (it's an indulgence, I know...but so nice). My friend, M, who does my nails is now doing them at home. We sat on her porch and had a lovely conversation as usual. While I was there, my friend E called. She is working quite odd hours lately, so we haven't been able to have our small group Bible Study or just visiting time. She had some time, and wanted to meet for brunch.

I called home to make sure everything was OK. DSs 2, 3, and 4 were home alone. DS 2 was still sleeping. DSs 3 and 4 were up. Now I should tell you that these two are occasionally like oil and water. DS 3 is a rule follower and letter-of-the-law kind of guy. DS 4 is a risk-taker...I'm-going-to-test-the-boundaries guy. You can see why the two of them don't mix. But all seemed well, so I went to meet my friend.

Shortly after my arrival at the restaurant, I got a phone call from DS 4 asking me if his friend J could come over. Knowing that BOTH my older two sons were there, and thinking it would keep DS 4 out of DS 3's hair, I said, "Yes!" This was followed shortly by a call from DS 3 who said, "WHY are you letting him do that? You NEVER let me do that at his age? Why have the rules changed?" I THOUGHT I was doing him a favor. After trying unsuccessfully to convince him it was OK, I announced, "I like him better than you." DS 3 was not amused, but let it go and hung up.

Not long into my lovely conversation and brunch with E, the phone rang. It was DS 3 who sounded a bit alarmed..."MOM, the boys put shaving cream ALL OVER our front yard!" I admit, it caught me off guard. But I think I caught him off guard when I said, "OK, it will be fine...have them squirt it down." He said, "But, MOM it's everywhere." I talked to DS 4 and told him that they had to clean it up. DS 4 explained, "It's not shaving cream...it's my foamy shampoo." Regardless, I told them to CLEAN IT UP! I tried to assure DS 3 that it would soak into the yard and be fine...but he was not convinced.

As I drove home, I asked myself, "Why don't I get as upset as I might have when the older boys were younger?" I think as you age, you realize just how many things are not huge end-of-the-world deals. Not only that, I remembered playing with my friend Susan when I was about the same age, and we discovered discarded paint cans in her alley. We opened them up...and thought they were dried up...and poked them with sticks. Somehow we unearthed the paint that was not dried and had latex paint up to our elbows. When we tried to clean it up before her Mother found out...we ruined the bathroom sink and a few towels. We got the "If you have a question about something, and you want to learn about it, ask....don't just do it on your own." lecture that DH and I have given our own children.

Really, it's about perspective, in many ways, something that I'm grateful I get more of every single day...and something I'm sure even DS 3 will get, too, in time. So, Son, you might not understand now...but these words are true:

Don't sweat the small stuff, and it's almost ALL small stuff!

Is This Thing Working?

DS 4 was given one of these glow sticks today after school by a friend. I thought it was "dead"...but he held it like it was a treasure even in broad daylight. On the way home, he shook it and shook it and pondered it. He was deep in thought and I didn't pay too much attention to it or to him. I just drove in silence.

He left it in the car, because it seemed to lose it's "thrill factor"--especially in broad daylight. We went inside for a while. About an hour later, we went out to get him some dinner (no one else was home and THIS Mom is TIRED). I told him we'd have to go get gas first.

As I pulled into the gas station, he shouted, "Oh my gosh, Mom, my stick is leaking!" I looked down in time to see him pick up the oozing stick. Everything the "ooze" touched was neon yellow, including DS 4's hands, a CD case, napkins that it were sitting near and spots of the interior upholstery of my car.

There I sat in broad daylight, cleaning up the mess and noticing how suddenly EVERYTHING seemed to be "touched" by the neon yellow. It seemed that it seeped into small crevices and in places that were hard to reach. I don't know if it's because I'm a bit melancholy today or because its Holy Week or because I needed to think about this object lesson, but I suddenly found my thoughts shifting to my faith.

I couldn't help but think that my life, and yours, is sometimes not so different than the glow stick (Disclaimer: I do NOT advocate emptying the ooze out of a true glow stick--but our spiritual one might be different):

• In the "right setting" (the dark for the glow stick and spiritual settings for us), it's EASY to be seen and be visible to those around us. We can let our light shine and share our faith without reservation.


• Other situations, though (like the bright sunshine for the glow stick and secular social settings for us) sometimes leave the "glow" locked inside a neat little container. It's at these times that we have the glow...but it isn't touching anything or anyone.


• If we let the ooze out of the glow stick, it's evident that it colors everything around it differently--even if it's only a little bit. We need to let our Spiritual Glow stick do exactly the SAME thing...let it "trickle" out until it touches the people and situations around us and starts to color them differently...and helps them want the same type of glow.
• It's important that we get out of our "comfort zone"...the confines of our own space...otherwise, we may never make a difference in the world around us.


• It is our responsibility to not only be Christ's light in the "easy" settings, but also in the "more difficult" ones.

So, tonight I am wondering about my own

Spiritual "Glow Stick"...Is this thing on???

Thursday Thirteen #46

Since I was singing at the top of my lungs this week, and I was revisiting all my old entries as I labeled them, I decided I'd resurrect an old idea and put a new spin on it. I love music. I always have. I decided, in honor of Easter, to list 13 of my favorite hymns/choruses. But I am not listing them by title. I thought it'd be fun to let you guess the titles by listing some of the lyrics. So, without further adieu, here's my list of 13 of my favorite hymns/choruses.

How many can you name? {Edited to add: I have posted answers at the bottom of this list.}

1. "And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing; Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,He bled and died to take away my sin."

2. "Beautiful Lord, Wonderful savior, I know for sure all of my days are held in your hands, Crafted into your perfect plans. You gently called me into your presence, Guiding me by Your Holy Spirit, Teach me dear Lord to live all of my life Through your eyes"

3. "O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,has a wondrous attraction for me; for the dear Lamb of God left his glory aboveto bear it to dark Calvary."

4. "Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth. Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide. Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside."

5. "I'll bring You more than a song, For a song in itself is not what you have required. You search much deeper within Through the way things appear, You're looking into my heart."

6. "I, the Lord of snow and rainI have borne my people's painI have wept for love of themThey turn awayI will break their hearts of stoneGive them hearts of love aloneI will speak my word to them,Whom Shall I send?"

7. "Well the bear will be gentle, And the wolves will be tame, And the lion shall lay down by the lamb, oh yes. And the beasts from the wild, Shall be lit by a child, And I'll be changed, changed from this creature that I am, oh yes."

8. "God sent His son, they called Him JesusHe came to love, heal, and forgive.He lived and died to buy my pardon,An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives."

9. "T'was Grace that taught...my heart to fear.And Grace, my fears relieved.How precious did that Grace appear...the hour I first believed."

10. "I'm forgiven, because You were forsaken I'm accepted, You were condemned I'm alive and well, Your Spirit is within me Because you died and rose again"

11. "I want to see You -- To see you high and lifted up, Shining in the light of Your glory Pour out Your power and love As we sing holy, holy, holy"

12. "I shall forever lift mine eyes to Calvary, To view the cross where Jesus died for me.How marvelous the grace that caught my falling soul, He looked beyond my fault and saw my need."

13. "O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,To every believer the promise of God;The vilest offender who truly believes,That moment from Jesus a pardon receives."

OK, I'll post answers later. Have fun!!

Answers: 1. How Great Thou Art; 2. Potter's Hands; 3. The Old Rugged Cross; 4. Great is Thy Faithfulness; 5. Heart of Worship; 6. Here I Am, Lord; 7. Peace in the Valley; 8. Because He Lives; 9. Amazing Grace; 10. Amazing Love; 11. Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord; 12. He Looked Beyond My Fault and Saw My Need; 13. To God Be The Glory

Tuesday

(Scroll down for Wordless Wednesday)
I was so touched when Tammy over at Family Doinsnominated me for this award! I met Tammy through the Ultimate Blog Party. This award is given to those bloggers who put "thought and heart" into their posts. So...the award suggests that you in turn nominate five bloggers to receive it. I agree with Tammy, it's hard to narrow down to only five, but here goes:

1. My "oldest" cyber-friendand dear blogging buddy , Mary who has just recently re-entered the blogging world more regularly. Mary always has great things to share about her faith journey. I've grown to love and respect her as I read her posts.


2. I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge my blogging friend, Melli for her post on Palm Sunday. She's just rejoining church and it's such a blessing to read each and every post about her authentic journey of faith. Maybe it's "cheating" to put two next to one number, but Sandy over at Flip Flop Floozie also continues to share her heart and mind each time she posts. She is unashamed of her faith and regularly testifies to God's work in her life.

3. My Sister-in-law, Heather continues to write amazing posts as she chronicles her battle with cancer. Although her posts aren't as frequent as they once were (for good reason), they are often reflective and testify to her faith in God.

4. Danielle, at The BiPolar Diaries has some very thoughtful and insightful posts. I am glad to have acquainted myself with this Florida blogging neighbor! As I've noted she's really made me rethink my attitude about the world in which I live.

5. Lauren at Baseballs and Bows. I met Lauren during the Ultimate Blog Party and have loved visiting her place ever since. She's very candid. I was struck by this post where she openly shared her fears. There are several others over there as well that are just nuggets of blessings!

OK, for other "Thoughtful Bloggers" just look over at my blogroll. There are many many people in there who are quite qualified for such an honor. Thank you to each of you for enriching my life via this crazy little "tool" called The Internet! I am blessed!!

Wordless Wednesday--Water Fun

Opinions Please....

I know of a young man who is in a bit of a quandry. Let me see if I can generically lay out a scenerio...then ask for your feedback to share...

Boy and girl have been "best friends" for years...and started dating not long ago. Boy and girl have dated steadily and only each other for several months. Girl breaks up with boy two weeks prior to the High School prom. Regrets her decision and wants boy to still take her to the prom as friends.

Does he take her knowing that he is not planning to reunite with her? Does he go as "friends"? Does he not take her to make sure there are no mixed messages? Will she (because of the "female" in her) believe that there's a glimmer of hope for reconciliation when there may be none? Is it possible for a girl to not "hope" in such a situation?

I may delete this post later on...so I'm hoping that some of you read it and share your opinions before its gone.

And I Think to Myself....

I am out of town tonight as I have to present a workshop tomorrow. While driving here (almost 3 hours), I watched the most gorgeous sunset over country fields filled with birds and cows. I had a great talk with my wonderful husband who continues to amaze me as he prepares, plans and dreams for our present and our future with such grace and style. I marveled at the full moon as it seemed to peek up over the horizon. It was huge and orange and made me want to sing..."When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie...THAT'S AMORE!" Speaking of singing and music, I sang love songs to some of MY favorite CDs at the top of my lungs while I drove. And I couldn't help but think to myself...

WHAT a WONDERFUL WORLD!!

I hope you find all the wonderful things in your world this week!

Sunday Seven

Sunday Seven is a weekly meme to give thanks and/or for noting important events in our lives. For the code, go to the Sunday Seven site.

This has been a busy week with Spring Break. I have taken the time, however, to think about those things for which I am grateful:

1. I am grateful that we have raised our children in the church and that now they are living out their faith through music, relationships, and other activities. I am realizing that church is going to be very different for them as they grow...but knowing that they are sure of their faith is powerful to me.

2. I am thankful for my husband who continues his travels and comes home and still gives so much to his family. And I am thankful for the love we share. I read of a friend's marriage troubles this week and it broke my heart. It's not that we don't have our days like every couple (although they are fewer and farther between the older we get)...but I know our promise is solid...and that's beautiful!

3. I am thankful for the fact that I am free to live and work and breathe and be where I want in this world. And, yes, I am glad that it's HERE in this city at this time. I know I sometimes get a bit melancholy about being somewhere else...but as some wise blogger reminded me this week---we need to "Bloom where we are planted." I am glad to be planted where I am for this season of my life.

4. I have been reminded of the children's church song I used to sing with the kids: "He's still working on me. Making me what I ought to be. It took Him just a week to hang the moon and the stars, the sun and the earth, and jupiter and mars. How loving and patient He must be. He's still working on me!" I am so thankful that He continues to shape me into the woman that I want to be and more importantly that HE wants me to be!

5. I am thankful that I know how to read. As I read books this week, I was reminded that there are many people who cannot. It's a gift and it unlocks so many doors.

6. I am grateful for the resources that God has given us. We continue to be blessed and that enables us to be able to reach out and spread His love to others.

7. I was able to go through EVERY post (out of 467) yesterday and put labels on all of them. It was fun going back and seeing His steady hand guiding our lives. I love that! And I LOVE that I have a record of it here.