1. When people slam on their brakes whenever they see a cop on the road.
2. Why The Artist Formerly Known as Prince chose an unpronounceable symbol as his name. What do his friends call him? The? The Artist? Tafkap? Yo dude?
3. Chipotle having 1 person at the register but 5 people shoving food into bowls and burritos and herding customers through until they are all knotted up at the register breathing each other’s CO2.
4. The shows The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. Seriously do people really think they are making quality choices to last a life time under such circumstances?
5. The truck I pass frequently on my way to and from work. It is a big truck loaded with what I assume is a bunch of smashed cars. The cars at the top of the load are just a smushed up rectangle of metal, but they have all four tires sticking straight up. Why don’t they take the tires off before squashing? Better yet, how do they do this without trashing the tires?
6. Rap music….
7. Caviar. Tried it, didn’t like it. Squishy, salty, fishy goo just didn’t do it for me.
8. Why some people need to be nasty and try to make other people look bad to feel good about themselves.
9. Why I felt the need to share this, but there you have it.
Collecting Ebenezers as I travel through life. "Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12
Showing posts with label Randomosity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Randomosity. Show all posts
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
A Saltine by Any Other Name
Is a macaroon!
The truth is I am experiencing some writer's block. I have lots of ideas bouncing around, but I can't seem to get them down on the computer in any coherent manner yet. This seemingly random sentence is my way of an explanation for the fluff posts recently. So, here we go about macaroons!
Saturday nights my local family have the tradition of going to church with Dad and then having dinner. This started out when Mom was still alive and she couldn't get to church. I would stay with her while the others went to church. I would cook dinner while they were gone. Now we rotate so every third Saturday is my night to cook.
This week was my week to cook again and I came up with a menu of chicken-apple salad, caprese pizzas, and coconut macademia macaroons. The surprise is that the macaroon recipe came from the side of a Premium Saltine box and included 30 saltine crackers.
I couldn't resist the idea of an easy macaroon recipe so I gave it a whack....literally! The recipe called for 30 crackers finely crushed. So I got out the rolling pin and beat those crackers to a pulp :-)
The cookies were delicious and definitely something I will make again.
The truth is I am experiencing some writer's block. I have lots of ideas bouncing around, but I can't seem to get them down on the computer in any coherent manner yet. This seemingly random sentence is my way of an explanation for the fluff posts recently. So, here we go about macaroons!
Saturday nights my local family have the tradition of going to church with Dad and then having dinner. This started out when Mom was still alive and she couldn't get to church. I would stay with her while the others went to church. I would cook dinner while they were gone. Now we rotate so every third Saturday is my night to cook.
This week was my week to cook again and I came up with a menu of chicken-apple salad, caprese pizzas, and coconut macademia macaroons. The surprise is that the macaroon recipe came from the side of a Premium Saltine box and included 30 saltine crackers.
I couldn't resist the idea of an easy macaroon recipe so I gave it a whack....literally! The recipe called for 30 crackers finely crushed. So I got out the rolling pin and beat those crackers to a pulp :-)
The cookies were delicious and definitely something I will make again.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
To Ski or Not To Ski
That is the question.....
Because of the fact that I live in a state known for its mountains and the skiing I get asked if I ski. I get asked it A LOT!
But the sad truth is I have never been a ski bunny. Oh, I tried. I hit the slopes several times...usually pretty hard ;-)
I am not terribly graceful on my own two feet. Add skis and poles and slippery snow it makes for a very precarious situation for all the other unsuspecting folks on slopes.
My first time on the slopes my friend and I took a basic lesson. We practiced on the bunny slope. Then we decided to brave the mountain. I promptly knocked her down while getting in the ski lift. We did make it to the top of what was supposed to be a green slope aptly named for those like me who are green and haven't done much skiing. It was pretty steep, I thought, for a green slope and it had a turn in it!
I got to going way too fast and all I could see was the area where my slope merged with another and the trees on the other side. Back in those days we didn't pay as much attention to safety so there was no helmet on my head to protect my precious brains.
I saw a sign in the snow and reached out for it in hopes of slowing down. But, the durn thing was only stuck in the snow so as soon as I grabbed the sign it flew up in the air. No help at all.
Finally I decided to fall down so I wouldn't run into the trees. As I tumbled screaming bloody murder I lost a ski and landed in a heap further down the slope. At that point there was nothing left to do but laugh. So I did.
That is where one very panicky ski patrol lady found me. Based on the curdling scream I let out she was expecting blood and brains all over the slope and all she found was me laughing like a hyena.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes, yes I am. Could you help me up?"
She unhappily helped me up and I asked, "Can you go up there and get my other ski?"
With an exasperated huff she did that funky little sideways ski walk up the hill, grabbed my ski and brought it to me.
As I put it on she admonished me, "You need to be more careful. AND SLOW DOWN."
What could I say; trying to slow down was what got me in that situation in the first place. My ski day ended very quickly after that when I discovered my ski slope affinity was more to the sitting in the lodge sipping hot chocolate than for swooshing down the slopes.
I tried a couple more times, but never really got the hang of it and once my friends hear this story they usually don't want to help me get the hang of it :-)
Because of the fact that I live in a state known for its mountains and the skiing I get asked if I ski. I get asked it A LOT!
But the sad truth is I have never been a ski bunny. Oh, I tried. I hit the slopes several times...usually pretty hard ;-)
I am not terribly graceful on my own two feet. Add skis and poles and slippery snow it makes for a very precarious situation for all the other unsuspecting folks on slopes.
My first time on the slopes my friend and I took a basic lesson. We practiced on the bunny slope. Then we decided to brave the mountain. I promptly knocked her down while getting in the ski lift. We did make it to the top of what was supposed to be a green slope aptly named for those like me who are green and haven't done much skiing. It was pretty steep, I thought, for a green slope and it had a turn in it!
I got to going way too fast and all I could see was the area where my slope merged with another and the trees on the other side. Back in those days we didn't pay as much attention to safety so there was no helmet on my head to protect my precious brains.
I saw a sign in the snow and reached out for it in hopes of slowing down. But, the durn thing was only stuck in the snow so as soon as I grabbed the sign it flew up in the air. No help at all.
Finally I decided to fall down so I wouldn't run into the trees. As I tumbled screaming bloody murder I lost a ski and landed in a heap further down the slope. At that point there was nothing left to do but laugh. So I did.
That is where one very panicky ski patrol lady found me. Based on the curdling scream I let out she was expecting blood and brains all over the slope and all she found was me laughing like a hyena.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes, yes I am. Could you help me up?"
She unhappily helped me up and I asked, "Can you go up there and get my other ski?"
With an exasperated huff she did that funky little sideways ski walk up the hill, grabbed my ski and brought it to me.
As I put it on she admonished me, "You need to be more careful. AND SLOW DOWN."
What could I say; trying to slow down was what got me in that situation in the first place. My ski day ended very quickly after that when I discovered my ski slope affinity was more to the sitting in the lodge sipping hot chocolate than for swooshing down the slopes.
I tried a couple more times, but never really got the hang of it and once my friends hear this story they usually don't want to help me get the hang of it :-)
Circa 1986 - One of the times I was actually on my skis and not on the ground!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Oh My Stars! She Loves Her Cars!
Yesterday was warm, sunny, and beautiful. It was somewhere around 70 degrees out there. I had the pleasure of leaving work at noon and heading 40 minutes north of my office to have lunch with my dear friend. It was lovely as I cranked up the tunes and enjoyed a nice drive in the sunshine.
Today I drove home in heavy, wet snow coming down sideways and making travel very unhappy. It wasn’t lovely at all and there were no tunes that could make it better. Spring time in the Rockies!
But, here’s another little tidbit of Tamara Trivia ‘cause I know you have been waiting patiently for more. I really like to drive. I am not fond of traffic, but I love a good road trip. There is just something about the open road that draws me in.
My sister once told me I should be a truck driver or a race car driver. Couldn’t drive a big truck since they are so cumbersome, but now a racecar would be just about right for me. Not that I drive fast…well, there was that one time when I got a warning. Oh, and the time I got a not so wonderful ticket. Okay, I probably have some lead in my right foot. What’s a girl to do!?!
Honestly, my love affair with cars and the road started as a teenager. Daddy brought home that ugly brown thing and told me it was my new car.
Very seriously I said, “It’s ugly Daddy. I wanted a cute red car.”
“It’s a good car and it’s in my budget.” Dad responded and then without missing a beat, “If you would like something cute and red you can go shopping.”
Woohoo! A girl knows how to work her Daddy!
“Don’t forget to take your checkbook."
Hearing those words (and knowing the checkbook was full of checks, but the bank was bereft of money) I slowly turned and looked at the ugly brown thing. “You know, Daddy, he is kind of cute. I think I love him.”
Thus began my love affair with Harvey. We had three great years of adventures before his age began to show and all too soon it was over. There was nothing special about Harvey. He was your typical beater car that is perfect for a teenager just starting out. Still, he ignited a passion in me that burns to this day.
After Harvey became terminal and had to be put out to pasture there were a stream of cars that just didn’t measure up.
There was Grannyada that garnered much ribbing from my 20 something friends who couldn’t resist harassing me about the plastic on the back seats. It had been the family car and with four kids and a dog the plastic was an upholstery saver.
Charlie came next when my sister bought her first new car and I was given her old car. Charlie was a boat built in the 70s with a V6 engine. Charlie accompanied me on that 90 mph trip to Raton one summer.
The next two mediocre cars didn’t have names and failed to inspire me. Then there was a car to rank right up there with Harvey. Henry Honda drew me to him in 97 and reignited the passion in driving. He was sleek and handsome and caught many an eye as we darted around town.
Sadly his life was cut short one snowy November night in 2000 and my heart grieved for the loss. I thought it might have been the end of my love of the open road.
For months after that night I was unable to look in my rear view mirror for fear that the person behind me wouldn’t stop. Loud back fires caused me to jump. My joy just wasn’t there. In the weeks after the accident I purchased a good dependable family car. It fit the bill for getting me from point A to point B but never elevated my drive time to Henry or Harvey levels. I mourned for the loss of my love of driving.
Thankfully The Sheriff came into my life last year and renewed my driving spirit. The Sheriff is a far cry from either Harvey or Henry. The small size of Harvey and the sleek sportiness of Henry aren’t part of the package. Passion and joy in driving, though, are part of the package. Finally a vehicle that inspires me again; life is good.
So, now you know. I love my cars and I am not ashamed to admit it!
Today I drove home in heavy, wet snow coming down sideways and making travel very unhappy. It wasn’t lovely at all and there were no tunes that could make it better. Spring time in the Rockies!
But, here’s another little tidbit of Tamara Trivia ‘cause I know you have been waiting patiently for more. I really like to drive. I am not fond of traffic, but I love a good road trip. There is just something about the open road that draws me in.
My sister once told me I should be a truck driver or a race car driver. Couldn’t drive a big truck since they are so cumbersome, but now a racecar would be just about right for me. Not that I drive fast…well, there was that one time when I got a warning. Oh, and the time I got a not so wonderful ticket. Okay, I probably have some lead in my right foot. What’s a girl to do!?!
Honestly, my love affair with cars and the road started as a teenager. Daddy brought home that ugly brown thing and told me it was my new car.
Very seriously I said, “It’s ugly Daddy. I wanted a cute red car.”
“It’s a good car and it’s in my budget.” Dad responded and then without missing a beat, “If you would like something cute and red you can go shopping.”
Woohoo! A girl knows how to work her Daddy!
“Don’t forget to take your checkbook."
Hearing those words (and knowing the checkbook was full of checks, but the bank was bereft of money) I slowly turned and looked at the ugly brown thing. “You know, Daddy, he is kind of cute. I think I love him.”
Thus began my love affair with Harvey. We had three great years of adventures before his age began to show and all too soon it was over. There was nothing special about Harvey. He was your typical beater car that is perfect for a teenager just starting out. Still, he ignited a passion in me that burns to this day.
After Harvey became terminal and had to be put out to pasture there were a stream of cars that just didn’t measure up.
There was Grannyada that garnered much ribbing from my 20 something friends who couldn’t resist harassing me about the plastic on the back seats. It had been the family car and with four kids and a dog the plastic was an upholstery saver.
Charlie came next when my sister bought her first new car and I was given her old car. Charlie was a boat built in the 70s with a V6 engine. Charlie accompanied me on that 90 mph trip to Raton one summer.
The next two mediocre cars didn’t have names and failed to inspire me. Then there was a car to rank right up there with Harvey. Henry Honda drew me to him in 97 and reignited the passion in driving. He was sleek and handsome and caught many an eye as we darted around town.
Sadly his life was cut short one snowy November night in 2000 and my heart grieved for the loss. I thought it might have been the end of my love of the open road.
For months after that night I was unable to look in my rear view mirror for fear that the person behind me wouldn’t stop. Loud back fires caused me to jump. My joy just wasn’t there. In the weeks after the accident I purchased a good dependable family car. It fit the bill for getting me from point A to point B but never elevated my drive time to Henry or Harvey levels. I mourned for the loss of my love of driving.
Thankfully The Sheriff came into my life last year and renewed my driving spirit. The Sheriff is a far cry from either Harvey or Henry. The small size of Harvey and the sleek sportiness of Henry aren’t part of the package. Passion and joy in driving, though, are part of the package. Finally a vehicle that inspires me again; life is good.
So, now you know. I love my cars and I am not ashamed to admit it!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Fruit Salad
I couldn’t help but notice something while I was cleaning my bathroom recently. It contains enough fruit to make a fruit salad! I bet if you check it out you might find the same thing in your house…unless, of course, you’re a guy with no females populating your space. I think the fruity stuff is definitely a girl thing.
Seriously, I never really paid attention before, but as I moved things and cleaned, the fruit salad began to take shape. Mango-pomegranate, mint-green tea, banana-coconut, fig-brown sugar, warm vanilla sugar, and that’s just in the shower. On the shelf I found more cucumber-melon, peach, vanilla latte, pomegranate, pink grapefruit. Heck, even my generic, everyday lotion has a “light cherry almond scent.”
I know there has been research done about scents and how we react to them. This really isn’t a post about that. It just kind of amazed me how many different flavors I had going on. More fruit happening in my bathroom than in my kitchen!
So, there you have it. Just what you have been dreaming of reading on this here blog…..a fruity tour of this very important room in my house. Thanks for humoring me :-)
Seriously, I never really paid attention before, but as I moved things and cleaned, the fruit salad began to take shape. Mango-pomegranate, mint-green tea, banana-coconut, fig-brown sugar, warm vanilla sugar, and that’s just in the shower. On the shelf I found more cucumber-melon, peach, vanilla latte, pomegranate, pink grapefruit. Heck, even my generic, everyday lotion has a “light cherry almond scent.”
I know there has been research done about scents and how we react to them. This really isn’t a post about that. It just kind of amazed me how many different flavors I had going on. More fruit happening in my bathroom than in my kitchen!
So, there you have it. Just what you have been dreaming of reading on this here blog…..a fruity tour of this very important room in my house. Thanks for humoring me :-)
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Bugs for Dinner
This was my week to do Family Dinner on Saturday night. Saturday dinner is a tradition that started in the last few years of Mom’s life when she was no longer able to attend Mass with Dad. I would stay with her and fix dinner while Dad, my sister and the kids went to church. In the last few years we have begun rotating houses for dinner.
This week I made a yummy white bean chicken chili from one of my favorite cookbooks....
For dessert I made these adorable Love Bug Cupcakes.
If you squeeze a ladybug it may bite you
Ladybugs chew from side to side
The spots on a Ladybug fade as it gets older
A Ladybug can live until it is 3 years old
This week I made a yummy white bean chicken chili from one of my favorite cookbooks....
Don't you just love crockpots!?! What could be easier than throwing everything in the pot and letting it cook all day. This is my kind of cooking!
For dessert I made these adorable Love Bug Cupcakes.
I found these cute love bugs over at Beth’s The Stories from A to Z blog. Mine didn’t turn out quite the same as Beth’s, but they were cute and the fam enjoyed them :-)
I happened on Beth’s blog quite by accident, but the first thing I saw was the post about the love bugs. I perused her blog for a while and have revisited several times since then. Her blog is a lot of fun to wander through, see all her great ideas of creating beauty out of chaos, and she hosts lots of fun “parties” where other bloggers get to join in! I encourage you to head on over and check it out.
Some facts about ladybugs....
A Ladybug will not fly if the temperature is below 55 Degrees F
If you squeeze a ladybug it may bite you
Ladybugs chew from side to side
The spots on a Ladybug fade as it gets older
A Ladybug can live until it is 3 years old
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Shopping List
Thought I would share a tidbit of my daily life. This was my shopping list today......
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Secret Pal
So, I was working on a more serious post for today, but it's not quite done yet. It needs to percolate a little more before it hits the big time and gets posted.
In its stead I decided to share with you some gifts my secret pal has left for me. I don't know who this pal is or why they have decided to give me gifts so I can only imagine it's because of my sparkling personality, fancy wit, and incredible intelligence.
About two weeks ago I came to work and found this little sand castle tucked back on the shelf on my desk. No note, no explanation. I sent out an email to the department thinking it had to be one of them, but no one will cop to it and if anyone knows who is doing it they are not letting on.
Also today I found this on my desk. It's not from my secret pal since my coworkers were quick to tell me who had put the cupcake there originally and I recognized the handwriting. This note made me laugh out loud!
In its stead I decided to share with you some gifts my secret pal has left for me. I don't know who this pal is or why they have decided to give me gifts so I can only imagine it's because of my sparkling personality, fancy wit, and incredible intelligence.
About two weeks ago I came to work and found this little sand castle tucked back on the shelf on my desk. No note, no explanation. I sent out an email to the department thinking it had to be one of them, but no one will cop to it and if anyone knows who is doing it they are not letting on.
I have made jokes about this one saying it was probably given to me by my boss and that it probably has a "manager cam" in it so he can make sure I am working. Honestly though, I have no idea and it's driving me crazy.
Today, I came back to work after several sick days working from home and I found this handy dandy little foot massager someone left for me. Again, no note, no explanation. I am tempted to call in CSI to see if we can get fingerprints. You all might recall from this previous post that I don't do well with suprises.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Love is in the Air
It was 1970-something and it was Valentine’s Day. My would be Valentine presented me with a sweet card and a bag of cherry sour candies. I ate the candies and cherished the card – right up until the afternoon that we had a fight. Then I ran to my bedroom, removed the card from its safekeeping spot beneath my mattress, ripped it in half, and threw it in the trash basket. Later that evening when we made up I returned to the trash basket, retrieved the card, stapled it back together, and placed it back under my mattress.
Ah, Valentine’s Day brings with it such pressure. The cards, the commercials, the drive to have romantic encounters on this one day of the year have clouded the truth. Valentine’s Day is about celebrating love, but the commercialism of the holiday is all about being in love, not loving.
There is a line in the Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan movie Sleepless in Seattle that I adore (and one of the few movie lines I can quote.) Annie’s boss and friend, Becky (Rosie O’Donnell) says to Annie (Meg Ryan), “The problem is you don’t want to be in love, you want to be in love in a movie.” It’s like that line was written in response to the marketing campaigns that flood us in the weeks leading up to the Big Day. They are more about being in love than loving.
There is a difference you know. Being in love is fun. It’s about first dates and first kisses. It brings butterflies in the stomach and sweaty palms. It can be fleeting and fickle. And, even in the best relationships it often comes and goes.
Love is hard. It’s about accepting people with all their warts. It’s about being there during the tough times and the sad times. It takes work. Love lives on from day to day despite the rough spots.
The romance of being in love fades into love. There are still times of being in love, but the day to day is about the work. Love is hard, but it’s worth it.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t stick around for the work. It showers its glitter and then goes into hiding for the next year. We all have to live through the year. We have to keep on loving and keep on caring.
This Valentine’s Day I wish for you love. And don’t forget to show your love; not just today, but tomorrow and the next day and on through the year.
This Valentine rose was found at Safeway. It was so cute in its lady bug planter that I couldn’t resist. So, I showed myself love on this Valentine’s Day and brought this little guy home.
Ah, Valentine’s Day brings with it such pressure. The cards, the commercials, the drive to have romantic encounters on this one day of the year have clouded the truth. Valentine’s Day is about celebrating love, but the commercialism of the holiday is all about being in love, not loving.
There is a line in the Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan movie Sleepless in Seattle that I adore (and one of the few movie lines I can quote.) Annie’s boss and friend, Becky (Rosie O’Donnell) says to Annie (Meg Ryan), “The problem is you don’t want to be in love, you want to be in love in a movie.” It’s like that line was written in response to the marketing campaigns that flood us in the weeks leading up to the Big Day. They are more about being in love than loving.
There is a difference you know. Being in love is fun. It’s about first dates and first kisses. It brings butterflies in the stomach and sweaty palms. It can be fleeting and fickle. And, even in the best relationships it often comes and goes.
Love is hard. It’s about accepting people with all their warts. It’s about being there during the tough times and the sad times. It takes work. Love lives on from day to day despite the rough spots.
The romance of being in love fades into love. There are still times of being in love, but the day to day is about the work. Love is hard, but it’s worth it.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t stick around for the work. It showers its glitter and then goes into hiding for the next year. We all have to live through the year. We have to keep on loving and keep on caring.
This Valentine’s Day I wish for you love. And don’t forget to show your love; not just today, but tomorrow and the next day and on through the year.
This Valentine rose was found at Safeway. It was so cute in its lady bug planter that I couldn’t resist. So, I showed myself love on this Valentine’s Day and brought this little guy home.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sabbath Nap
"There's nothing better than a sabbath nap." ~Mildred Knuths, my mentor from back in my Plainview days
Monday, January 18, 2010
It's a Dog's Life Part II
Once upon the time a little white doggie named Timmy lived at the Humane Society. Forlornly he sat in the corner of his cage when the couple came to visit.
"We should take him." The woman said to the man. "He needs a good home and we have a good home."
That day Timmy became my parent's retirement child. He was renamed Scamp and he has lived the good life since then.
"We should take him." The woman said to the man. "He needs a good home and we have a good home."
That day Timmy became my parent's retirement child. He was renamed Scamp and he has lived the good life since then.
Chilling on the deck
Dibs, I get the pillow
How much is that doggie in the window?
Dapper Christmas Doggie
You gonna eat that cookie?
Monday, December 14, 2009
Postless
So, here it is Monday and I am sadly, forlornly postless. What can I say? Remember about a month ago when I was stressing out every reader out with my count down to Christmas? Sigh, it is now 10 days to Christmas and in my world there are no cards, no cookies, no wrapped presents. Come to think of it, there is a rudely lacking pile of presents. And, yes, pile is an understatement. How did I get so far behind!?!
Life, that is is how. It happens and sometimes with a venegence. I thought on and off all weekend about what tantalizing bits of intelligence I should post today for you, my dear reader. But, here it is 10:40 pm on Monday night and there is no post. I am brain dead after a busy day and a marathon 2 hour mind numbing meeting followed by a commute that included almost getting rear ended because of some yahoo towing a truck with another truck but not very safely. And then there was the whole man walking ON the very dark highway in dark clothes that almost got run over and very nearly caused this girl to have a heart attack. That was followed by a solid hour of trying to figure out how to create a list of the haves vs the have nots for my very sweet coworker who needs the info but doesn't realize it's not been stored in any format that makes for easy retrieval and analysis.
There you have it, I am postless tonight, but apparently not whineless. I am very sorry; I will go to bed now and come up with something juicy and intriguing for Wednesday's post. Please say you'll forgive me and come back soon....
Life, that is is how. It happens and sometimes with a venegence. I thought on and off all weekend about what tantalizing bits of intelligence I should post today for you, my dear reader. But, here it is 10:40 pm on Monday night and there is no post. I am brain dead after a busy day and a marathon 2 hour mind numbing meeting followed by a commute that included almost getting rear ended because of some yahoo towing a truck with another truck but not very safely. And then there was the whole man walking ON the very dark highway in dark clothes that almost got run over and very nearly caused this girl to have a heart attack. That was followed by a solid hour of trying to figure out how to create a list of the haves vs the have nots for my very sweet coworker who needs the info but doesn't realize it's not been stored in any format that makes for easy retrieval and analysis.
There you have it, I am postless tonight, but apparently not whineless. I am very sorry; I will go to bed now and come up with something juicy and intriguing for Wednesday's post. Please say you'll forgive me and come back soon....
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Baby Its Cold Outside!
The wind is howling around the house. The front glass door is covered in beautiful frosty snowflake designs that look like I have decorated for Christmas. For days now the temperatures have dipped down into single digits and then into negative digits. There is much talk on Facebook about how cold it is and can minus 2 actually be a temperature? Apparently it can because tonight the weatherman very seriously said, “It’s going to be 9 below, but I think these models are running a little warm so it will actually be colder than that.” To which I responded to no one in particular, “How can you use the word warm in the same sentence as 9 below?” Neither the cat nor the weatherman answered me.
With the frigid temperatures and snow the roads have been virtual skating rinks and I have been stranded in my house. Working hard, but stranded nonetheless. You’ve heard of cabin fever? I am pretty sure that if you Google it right now you will see a picture of me.
When I got done working earlier this evening I decided to begin work on a project I am making for a Christmas present. All the TV shows are reruns. I paid some bills. I ran the trash out to the dumpster and checked the mail all the while wearing flip flops…not a smart move since it is still the night the weatherman said 9 below was little warm. It’s okay though, I have feeling in my piggies again.
It’s not like I don’t have anything to do, but again, I have the cabin fever. So I was playing on the Internet tonight and decided to search for interesting words. I love words. I especially like words that tickle my tongue as I say them or sound cool when I throw them into conversations. Words like my co-worker’s favorite word – ironical. It just sounds good coming out of the mouth and causes a feeling of satisfaction. How about conqueror? This is one of those words that sounds like it means business. I love conquering things and being a conqueror.
So, courtesy of Dictionary.com here are some other words to use to describe the current weather state. Frigid, gelid, frozen, freezing. Gelid – very cold, icy. Also arctic, glacial, polar. Baby its cold outside!!
In my search I came upon a web site called World Wide Words and found some great words. Ones we have all heard like bodacious, discombobulate (another fabulous sounding word), and cheapskate. Here’s a few more to whet your curiosity:
Humicubation – lying on the ground, especially in penitence or humiliation. I laughed when I came to this one because the description that goes along with it started “Once again we are in the realm of inconsequential words whose tenuous hold on existence is maintained by people who create lists of obscure words for our enjoyment and edification.” So you see, I am not the only one!
Kerfuffle – commotion or fuss. When out on the lawn there arose such a kerfuffle I sprung from my bed to see…
Lippitude – which sounds to me like something a sassy teenager with an attitude giving his mom a hard time. “I am not pleased with your lippitude, young man.” But alas, it actually means soreness of the eyes. I had lippitude earlier today when I had my new bifocal contacts in for a few hours.
Macaronic – of verse consisting of a mixture of languages. I love the way this one sounds although I can’t think of time when I would ever use it.
Yep, cabin fever is running rampant right now. But now that I am done with my stultiloquy (foolish babble) I will sign off.
With the frigid temperatures and snow the roads have been virtual skating rinks and I have been stranded in my house. Working hard, but stranded nonetheless. You’ve heard of cabin fever? I am pretty sure that if you Google it right now you will see a picture of me.
When I got done working earlier this evening I decided to begin work on a project I am making for a Christmas present. All the TV shows are reruns. I paid some bills. I ran the trash out to the dumpster and checked the mail all the while wearing flip flops…not a smart move since it is still the night the weatherman said 9 below was little warm. It’s okay though, I have feeling in my piggies again.
It’s not like I don’t have anything to do, but again, I have the cabin fever. So I was playing on the Internet tonight and decided to search for interesting words. I love words. I especially like words that tickle my tongue as I say them or sound cool when I throw them into conversations. Words like my co-worker’s favorite word – ironical. It just sounds good coming out of the mouth and causes a feeling of satisfaction. How about conqueror? This is one of those words that sounds like it means business. I love conquering things and being a conqueror.
So, courtesy of Dictionary.com here are some other words to use to describe the current weather state. Frigid, gelid, frozen, freezing. Gelid – very cold, icy. Also arctic, glacial, polar. Baby its cold outside!!
In my search I came upon a web site called World Wide Words and found some great words. Ones we have all heard like bodacious, discombobulate (another fabulous sounding word), and cheapskate. Here’s a few more to whet your curiosity:
Humicubation – lying on the ground, especially in penitence or humiliation. I laughed when I came to this one because the description that goes along with it started “Once again we are in the realm of inconsequential words whose tenuous hold on existence is maintained by people who create lists of obscure words for our enjoyment and edification.” So you see, I am not the only one!
Kerfuffle – commotion or fuss. When out on the lawn there arose such a kerfuffle I sprung from my bed to see…
Lippitude – which sounds to me like something a sassy teenager with an attitude giving his mom a hard time. “I am not pleased with your lippitude, young man.” But alas, it actually means soreness of the eyes. I had lippitude earlier today when I had my new bifocal contacts in for a few hours.
Macaronic – of verse consisting of a mixture of languages. I love the way this one sounds although I can’t think of time when I would ever use it.
Yep, cabin fever is running rampant right now. But now that I am done with my stultiloquy (foolish babble) I will sign off.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Tammy the Turkey
Way back in another century known as the 70s when I was yet a schoolgirl I wrote my first book. It had a printing of one, but I still have the book. It sits among my writing references in the bookshelf on my desk. The program I was in at school took 10 fifth graders through the process of writing a book.
I wrote a delightful story (yes that is a little shameless self aggrandizing) about a poor little turkey who was attempting to avoid becoming someone’s Thanksgiving dinner. The original title was “Tommy Turkey.” When I floated that title at dinner one night a couple of Toms objected and demanded I rename the book. So much for poetic license or creative freedom or whatever you call it. I bowed to the pressure and renamed the book “Timothy Turkey.”
Saturday morning one of the above mentioned Toms gleefully asked me if I had heard the news earlier this week. Not sure I knew which news he was referring to I asked, “Which news?”
“The story about Tammy the turkey.” He replied with what I am pretty sure was the hint of a grin in his voice. If said Tom was a man who giggles I am pretty sure he would have at this moment.
Apparently I was out of the loop last week and missed the breaking news that Tammy the turkey was seen for several days near the tollbooths on the New Jersey Turnpike. Rumor has it she was trying to hitch a ride out of town in search of a safe place to wait out Thanksgiving week.
At the end of the riveting “Timothy Turkey” Timothy meets a cute little girl turkey and lives happily ever after. Maybe Tammy the turkey was just trying to get home to share a Thanksgiving Tofurkey with her boyfriend, Timothy and that is why she was on the Turnkpike.
Regardless of Tammy's reasons for being there, this Thanksgiving I will spend the week trying to live down the glory of having a turkey share my name. Just what my siblings need, more fodder for teasing me!
I wrote a delightful story (yes that is a little shameless self aggrandizing) about a poor little turkey who was attempting to avoid becoming someone’s Thanksgiving dinner. The original title was “Tommy Turkey.” When I floated that title at dinner one night a couple of Toms objected and demanded I rename the book. So much for poetic license or creative freedom or whatever you call it. I bowed to the pressure and renamed the book “Timothy Turkey.”
Saturday morning one of the above mentioned Toms gleefully asked me if I had heard the news earlier this week. Not sure I knew which news he was referring to I asked, “Which news?”
“The story about Tammy the turkey.” He replied with what I am pretty sure was the hint of a grin in his voice. If said Tom was a man who giggles I am pretty sure he would have at this moment.
Apparently I was out of the loop last week and missed the breaking news that Tammy the turkey was seen for several days near the tollbooths on the New Jersey Turnpike. Rumor has it she was trying to hitch a ride out of town in search of a safe place to wait out Thanksgiving week.
At the end of the riveting “Timothy Turkey” Timothy meets a cute little girl turkey and lives happily ever after. Maybe Tammy the turkey was just trying to get home to share a Thanksgiving Tofurkey with her boyfriend, Timothy and that is why she was on the Turnkpike.
Regardless of Tammy's reasons for being there, this Thanksgiving I will spend the week trying to live down the glory of having a turkey share my name. Just what my siblings need, more fodder for teasing me!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Random Thoughts of Triviality
1. This morning the sky over the mountains was dusky gray as I left for work. The not yet set moon cast a silvery back glow and the rosy glow of the sun had yet to make an appearance. It gave me a serene yet eerie feeling.
2. I have a hard time not taking a dare so when I read a blog that started I DARE YOU I knew I had to join the fun. So, this morning I referred to my coworkers as Bob and made one Bob almost choke on her breakfast when she laughed over it :-)
3. I don’t really like chocolate candy unless it has something yummy mixed in like peanut butter, nuts, or caramel.
4. On the corner near my house a Christmas tree lot has sprung up. My own brand new pre lit Christmas tree sits in its box waiting patiently to be put up. And I have pulled out some of my favorite Christmas CDs which will be placed in the CD player in the Sheriff (thus named because I needed a Tom Hanks related name for my car and he became Sheriff Woody, the character Tom voiced in "Toy Story") so I can sing along at the top of my voice as I drive to work.
5. This morning I saw one of those white decals on the back window of an SUV. It was a picture of a viking or barbarian. I was instantly transported back to 11th grade algebra with Mr. Daniels. I sat in the very last seat in the 2nd row to the left of the classroom door. In front of me sat Kevin, the Senior Class President and next to me was Dave, the goofy, adorable football player. Dave called himself “Acid the Barbarian” and drew pictures of himself that looked just like the decal. These two guys laughed and joked with me as if I was a peer. I was a shy, socially awkward teenager and this meant more to me than they will ever know.
6. I met Dave’s older brother two years ago after Mom died. He is the manager of the cemetery where we buried her. There was no way to hide the fact that they are brothers they look so much alike. He told me Dave had turned into a real egghead when he went to college and had graduated with multiple degrees. In the past 26ish years he has become a happily married man with two kids, but according to his brother is still the goofy barbarian :-)
7. Today I lost one of my favorite earrings - one that my brother rescued from the drain pipe in my parents bathroom two years ago - down beside one of the seats in my car. I can see it, I just can't reach it. This frustrates me.
8. These thoughts came to me during the day on Thursday and though I have the urge to come up with an even 10 thoughts I think I will step outside my box and stop here.
Today I am grateful for people in my life who have helped to shape the woman I am today.
2. I have a hard time not taking a dare so when I read a blog that started I DARE YOU I knew I had to join the fun. So, this morning I referred to my coworkers as Bob and made one Bob almost choke on her breakfast when she laughed over it :-)
3. I don’t really like chocolate candy unless it has something yummy mixed in like peanut butter, nuts, or caramel.
4. On the corner near my house a Christmas tree lot has sprung up. My own brand new pre lit Christmas tree sits in its box waiting patiently to be put up. And I have pulled out some of my favorite Christmas CDs which will be placed in the CD player in the Sheriff (thus named because I needed a Tom Hanks related name for my car and he became Sheriff Woody, the character Tom voiced in "Toy Story") so I can sing along at the top of my voice as I drive to work.
5. This morning I saw one of those white decals on the back window of an SUV. It was a picture of a viking or barbarian. I was instantly transported back to 11th grade algebra with Mr. Daniels. I sat in the very last seat in the 2nd row to the left of the classroom door. In front of me sat Kevin, the Senior Class President and next to me was Dave, the goofy, adorable football player. Dave called himself “Acid the Barbarian” and drew pictures of himself that looked just like the decal. These two guys laughed and joked with me as if I was a peer. I was a shy, socially awkward teenager and this meant more to me than they will ever know.
6. I met Dave’s older brother two years ago after Mom died. He is the manager of the cemetery where we buried her. There was no way to hide the fact that they are brothers they look so much alike. He told me Dave had turned into a real egghead when he went to college and had graduated with multiple degrees. In the past 26ish years he has become a happily married man with two kids, but according to his brother is still the goofy barbarian :-)
7. Today I lost one of my favorite earrings - one that my brother rescued from the drain pipe in my parents bathroom two years ago - down beside one of the seats in my car. I can see it, I just can't reach it. This frustrates me.
8. These thoughts came to me during the day on Thursday and though I have the urge to come up with an even 10 thoughts I think I will step outside my box and stop here.
Today I am grateful for people in my life who have helped to shape the woman I am today.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
My Life Has Become a Comedy of Errors
There are many mornings when I wonder about the wisdom of getting up because I just don’t do mornings very well. Last week there was a day when I got up on the wrong side of the bed. I had a niggling feeling I should go back to bed, but honestly I have that feeling a lot and I just can’t give into it every time it happens…I would be unemployed and homeless. So that morning I went about my business, fed the cat, got dressed, and headed to work.
I was deep in thought and cruising along the highway. For once I was going to be early for work and was thinking, “Girl, you rock.” Then I saw them; the dreaded red and blue lights that signal impending doom. As the trooper passed me going the opposite direction I glanced over and saw him signaling me to pull over. So much for being early.
“Where you going in such a hurry?” He casually asked me after introducing himself.
“Um, work.” I said hoping he might be nice to me.
“Why you going so fast? Running late this morning?”
I had the presence of mind to not say, “Well, sheesh, I wasn’t until you decided you wanted to meet me.”
He then kindly explained that anything more than 10 miles over the limit and he HAD to give me a citation. Then he asked me to contribute a large sum of money to the state budget. As much as I was disinclined to give the government any more money than I already do he had a compelling argument that included the words court summons and arrest. I resigned myself to not buying a new Beijou purse at the party that weekend.
I arrived at work, still mostly on time and would have a few minutes before my first meeting. The elevator arrived at the floor, the door opened six inches and the alarm went off. I had to laugh. What else could I do?
With the help of the other person in the elevator we were able to push the doors open and get out. Woohoo! But I forgot that trouble comes in threes. During that meeting an itchy rash developed on my upper arm and itched like crazy. Hives caused by stress maybe?
I managed to make it through the day without any other tragedy. I laughed it off and went along my merry way. Yesterday life struck back at me again.
This time I was late for work when the cat urped his breakfast right in front of me as I walked out the door. I cleaned it up and dashed out the door. A stop at the gas station was in order since I was on E and wouldn’t make it all the way to work. The only problem with this scenario is that my gas door was frozen closed. Not a little, but a thick layer of ice sealed it shut on three sides.
It was then, on a freezing cold morning, jabbing the ice with my key trying to loosen the gas door that I realized that my life had become a comedy of errors. I had fleeting visions of a studio audience hee hawing over my foibles. Have you ever seen the movie “The Truman Show” with Jim Carrey? Truman was a man living in a TV show that was being broadcast around the world. He didn’t know he was living in a fake world or that people watched him as he went about his life. People laughed and cried with him and waited to see each day what would happen as he went unwittingly about his business.
I couldn’t help but think of that movie this week. I could imagine people watching and laughing as I poked at the ice while muttering under my breath.
Okay, so maybe my life isn’t interesting enough to keep people riveted to their TVs to watch the “The Tamara Show.” But, you gotta admit I do seem to have enough interesting things to keep my life exciting and keep me laughing. And when you’re stuck in an elevator or cleaning up cat puke laughing is better than the alternative :-)
Tune in next week to see what happens to Tamara next!
I was deep in thought and cruising along the highway. For once I was going to be early for work and was thinking, “Girl, you rock.” Then I saw them; the dreaded red and blue lights that signal impending doom. As the trooper passed me going the opposite direction I glanced over and saw him signaling me to pull over. So much for being early.
“Where you going in such a hurry?” He casually asked me after introducing himself.
“Um, work.” I said hoping he might be nice to me.
“Why you going so fast? Running late this morning?”
I had the presence of mind to not say, “Well, sheesh, I wasn’t until you decided you wanted to meet me.”
He then kindly explained that anything more than 10 miles over the limit and he HAD to give me a citation. Then he asked me to contribute a large sum of money to the state budget. As much as I was disinclined to give the government any more money than I already do he had a compelling argument that included the words court summons and arrest. I resigned myself to not buying a new Beijou purse at the party that weekend.
I arrived at work, still mostly on time and would have a few minutes before my first meeting. The elevator arrived at the floor, the door opened six inches and the alarm went off. I had to laugh. What else could I do?
With the help of the other person in the elevator we were able to push the doors open and get out. Woohoo! But I forgot that trouble comes in threes. During that meeting an itchy rash developed on my upper arm and itched like crazy. Hives caused by stress maybe?
I managed to make it through the day without any other tragedy. I laughed it off and went along my merry way. Yesterday life struck back at me again.
This time I was late for work when the cat urped his breakfast right in front of me as I walked out the door. I cleaned it up and dashed out the door. A stop at the gas station was in order since I was on E and wouldn’t make it all the way to work. The only problem with this scenario is that my gas door was frozen closed. Not a little, but a thick layer of ice sealed it shut on three sides.
It was then, on a freezing cold morning, jabbing the ice with my key trying to loosen the gas door that I realized that my life had become a comedy of errors. I had fleeting visions of a studio audience hee hawing over my foibles. Have you ever seen the movie “The Truman Show” with Jim Carrey? Truman was a man living in a TV show that was being broadcast around the world. He didn’t know he was living in a fake world or that people watched him as he went about his life. People laughed and cried with him and waited to see each day what would happen as he went unwittingly about his business.
I couldn’t help but think of that movie this week. I could imagine people watching and laughing as I poked at the ice while muttering under my breath.
Okay, so maybe my life isn’t interesting enough to keep people riveted to their TVs to watch the “The Tamara Show.” But, you gotta admit I do seem to have enough interesting things to keep my life exciting and keep me laughing. And when you’re stuck in an elevator or cleaning up cat puke laughing is better than the alternative :-)
Tune in next week to see what happens to Tamara next!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Ft. Hood
I have been thrown off kilter. Yesterday was peppered with minor annoyances and as I left work I was frustrated. Driving out of of the parking lot at work I heard the first talk of things happening at Ft. Hood. My afternoon had been so full I hadn't heard anything prior to that.
As I drove home I gathered bits and pieces and my heart became heavy with grief for the people who were involved in the shooting and their families. Suddenly the drama of my day was revealed for what it was...petty and not worth stewing over.
When something like this happens it is hard to understand and it devastates so many....the people involved, their loved ones, the emergency responders, and indirectly all of us. We grieve and we wonder if anywhere is safe. We try to make sense, but there is no sense in an act like this.
My heart and prayers go out to the injured and the loved ones of everyone involved. As I considered my quest to be more thankful this month I contemplated what I could say today in light of this. There is one thing that I know is true today. I am thankful for the men and women of the Armed Forces who put themselves in harms way every day even as I am saddened that harms way came to what is supposed to be a safe place and at the hands of a fellow soldier.
As I drove home I gathered bits and pieces and my heart became heavy with grief for the people who were involved in the shooting and their families. Suddenly the drama of my day was revealed for what it was...petty and not worth stewing over.
When something like this happens it is hard to understand and it devastates so many....the people involved, their loved ones, the emergency responders, and indirectly all of us. We grieve and we wonder if anywhere is safe. We try to make sense, but there is no sense in an act like this.
My heart and prayers go out to the injured and the loved ones of everyone involved. As I considered my quest to be more thankful this month I contemplated what I could say today in light of this. There is one thing that I know is true today. I am thankful for the men and women of the Armed Forces who put themselves in harms way every day even as I am saddened that harms way came to what is supposed to be a safe place and at the hands of a fellow soldier.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The Great Macaroni War
So, here’s a bit of truth about me – I hate surprises. Not all surprises, just the kind I know are coming. I certainly don’t mind the ones that comes out of the blue. “You’ve done such a great job; here’s a ginormous raise to show our appreciation.” (Phil, Gary are you reading this!?!) I’m quite all right with those unexpected events.
But surprises like Christmas presents under a tree? It drives me absolutely batty. I am not a patient person and all those wonderfully wrapped presents beckon to me and torment me. As a child Christmas time was torture for me.
Yes, every year I would try to find new and clever ways to find out what my presents were. I would scope out all the hiding places in search of unwrapped gifts. Once they were wrapped it became a little more challenging, but I persevered. I soon became quite adept at unwrapping presents and then rewrapping them so no one would know that I had peeked. To this day you can find me shaking gifts as soon as they appear under the tree.
Several years ago my brother had my name in the family gift exchange. My gift came with a warning to open upside down. It was heavy – I had asked for books – and it rattled; an intriguing combination for sure. When I opened the package macaroni spilled out explaining the rattle and marking the start of The Great Macaroni War. My brother may have won that battle, but the war was far from over.
I retaliated the next year with a sweet little box loaded with macaroni. To keep it from rattling I folded a piece of cardboard and stuffed it on top of the pasta. I taped the lid down, tied a blue bow around it and sent it off to my unsuspecting brother. Silly boy had become complacent and had no idea what was about to happen. Cue evil laughter…
Later my brother’s son took up the fight and packed one of my presents with macaroni. You gotta love a kid like that! But, he was no match for me. I fired back on his next birthday with a gift card encased in a CD jewel case, filled with birthday candle confetti, and super glued closed. He vowed his revenge and began plotting.
That Christmas I received a present on which my nephew had very sweetly written, “To my favorite aunt.” I beamed with pride as I pulled the paper off to find a package wrapped in duct tape. Under the duct tape were several layers of plastic grocery bags, more duct tape, and more grocery bags. I laughed as I unwrapped and unwrapped and unwrapped…
I definitely have a formidable opponent, but I am crafty. I am wily. I will not be outdone. Every year around this time darling neph and I begin trading jabs about macaroni. No one knows when the next scrimmage will happen, but the anticipation hangs in the air.
The Great Macaroni War seemingly has become a family tradition. Family traditions are not only fun, they tie us together and strengthen our bonds. Because of our traditions and strong bonds our family has supported each other in tough times. It is comforting to know I can always rely on them. And I don’t even mind not knowing what will happen next in the Great War!
Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:12
But surprises like Christmas presents under a tree? It drives me absolutely batty. I am not a patient person and all those wonderfully wrapped presents beckon to me and torment me. As a child Christmas time was torture for me.
Yes, every year I would try to find new and clever ways to find out what my presents were. I would scope out all the hiding places in search of unwrapped gifts. Once they were wrapped it became a little more challenging, but I persevered. I soon became quite adept at unwrapping presents and then rewrapping them so no one would know that I had peeked. To this day you can find me shaking gifts as soon as they appear under the tree.
Several years ago my brother had my name in the family gift exchange. My gift came with a warning to open upside down. It was heavy – I had asked for books – and it rattled; an intriguing combination for sure. When I opened the package macaroni spilled out explaining the rattle and marking the start of The Great Macaroni War. My brother may have won that battle, but the war was far from over.
I retaliated the next year with a sweet little box loaded with macaroni. To keep it from rattling I folded a piece of cardboard and stuffed it on top of the pasta. I taped the lid down, tied a blue bow around it and sent it off to my unsuspecting brother. Silly boy had become complacent and had no idea what was about to happen. Cue evil laughter…
Later my brother’s son took up the fight and packed one of my presents with macaroni. You gotta love a kid like that! But, he was no match for me. I fired back on his next birthday with a gift card encased in a CD jewel case, filled with birthday candle confetti, and super glued closed. He vowed his revenge and began plotting.
That Christmas I received a present on which my nephew had very sweetly written, “To my favorite aunt.” I beamed with pride as I pulled the paper off to find a package wrapped in duct tape. Under the duct tape were several layers of plastic grocery bags, more duct tape, and more grocery bags. I laughed as I unwrapped and unwrapped and unwrapped…
I definitely have a formidable opponent, but I am crafty. I am wily. I will not be outdone. Every year around this time darling neph and I begin trading jabs about macaroni. No one knows when the next scrimmage will happen, but the anticipation hangs in the air.
The Great Macaroni War seemingly has become a family tradition. Family traditions are not only fun, they tie us together and strengthen our bonds. Because of our traditions and strong bonds our family has supported each other in tough times. It is comforting to know I can always rely on them. And I don’t even mind not knowing what will happen next in the Great War!
Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:12
Friday, October 30, 2009
I'm the Short One
I came around the corner of the grocery store aisle on a mission to find the Diet Pepsi and almost ran over a little lady with my cart. She was standing in the middle of the aisle and when she saw me she smiled.
“Can you help me?” she asked. Then she pointed at some bottles on the very top shelf.
She could barely reach the shelf much less the bottles. All she needed was for someone to get several bottles down for her. For one brief moment I felt tall! I helped her and went about by business.
As I finished my shopping I couldn’t help but be amused by that incident. You see, rumor has it that my siblings got all the height in the family while I got all the brains and beauty. Okay, so it’s not really a rumor, but just something I say. While I am not overly short I am the shortest among my siblings. I am not the one people usually ask to reach things on the top shelf. In fact, in my kitchen I have a little stool that I made in 8th grade wood shop. I use it often so I can reach the top shelf of my cabinets. Nope, I’m usually the one asking for help.
This incident made me think. I view certain aspects of my makeup as weaknesses and other aspects as strengths. After helping the lady in the grocery store I realized that’s not necessarily the case. I am what God created me to be. I never know how He may choose to use me; sometimes it will be in what I consider to be my strengths, but others it will be in what I consider to be my weaknesses.
“Can you help me?” she asked. Then she pointed at some bottles on the very top shelf.
She could barely reach the shelf much less the bottles. All she needed was for someone to get several bottles down for her. For one brief moment I felt tall! I helped her and went about by business.
As I finished my shopping I couldn’t help but be amused by that incident. You see, rumor has it that my siblings got all the height in the family while I got all the brains and beauty. Okay, so it’s not really a rumor, but just something I say. While I am not overly short I am the shortest among my siblings. I am not the one people usually ask to reach things on the top shelf. In fact, in my kitchen I have a little stool that I made in 8th grade wood shop. I use it often so I can reach the top shelf of my cabinets. Nope, I’m usually the one asking for help.
This incident made me think. I view certain aspects of my makeup as weaknesses and other aspects as strengths. After helping the lady in the grocery store I realized that’s not necessarily the case. I am what God created me to be. I never know how He may choose to use me; sometimes it will be in what I consider to be my strengths, but others it will be in what I consider to be my weaknesses.
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