My teacher friend recently told me about an incident at her school. The school cheerleaders were interested in using the new Soulja Boy song "Crank That" as part of their routine. What you may not know about this song is that it has camoflaged sexually explicit lyrics and is completely inappropriate. The students are arguing for the song because they say they don't think of it in that way...
You be the judge. Here is an excerpt of my friend's email to me which was forwarded to her from another teacher:
"The senior cheerleaders would like to use the song "Crank That" by Souldja Boy for part of their routine. I told them that the song was totally inappropriate for school and that they could not use it. They said they would play the edited version which only changes the word "hoe" to "oh". I told them that wasn't enough because the entire song is inappropriate. They didn't understand why and I believe that they don't understand what the lyrics are saying so I am sending you an email with the "translation" of certain phrases from urbandictionary.com (a site that you can also learn about the shocker on). I am informing you of this because they want to fight me on it and will most likely be coming to one if not all of you. Please let me know your decision on whether or not they can use the song in their routine.
The lyrics and translation from urbandictionary.com are below.
Chorus: x2]Soulja Boy Off In This Hoe (hoe will be changed to Oh.
Pretty sure "Soulja Boy is meant to mean penis)
Watch Me Crank It (crank it - A quick form of masturbation in which one does not have ample time to properly pleasure themselves. Also can refer to repeated masturbation.)
Watch Me RollWatch Me Crank Dat Soulja Boy (watch him masturbate)
Then Super Man Dat Hoe (Superman - When you are mad at your girl for not having sex with you. So when she falls asleep you masturbate and ejaculate on her back. After that, stick the bed sheet on to her back and when she wakes up it's stuck to the ejaculate and she has a cape like Superman.)
Now Watch Me Do (Do - to engage in sexual intercourse)(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now Watch Me yua!(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now Watch Me yua!(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now Watch Me yua!(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
"Part of the students' argument was that no one either knew what the lyrics were to begin with, that they didn't understand it or that they didn't think it was sexual. While I understand that children listen to music without understanding or trying to understand the lyrics I do not feel that should be a reason to let them use such an inappropriate song."
Sound off! What do YOU think?
Our adventurous life after successful infertility treatment...
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Down With "The Golden Compass"
You may already know about the kids movie coming out in December starring Nicole Kidman. It's called The Golden Compass, and while it will be a watered down version, it is based on a series of children's books about killing God (It is the anti-Narnia). Please follow this link and then pass it on. From what I understand, the hope is to get a lot of kids to see the movie - which won't seem too bad - and then get the parents to buy the books for their kids for Christmas. The quotes from the author sum it all up. I hope it totally bombs because we were all paying attention!
http://snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp
http://snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp
Monday, October 29, 2007
When it Rains it Pours
Hello My Friends!!!!
I was in a fender bender on the way home from work on Jeff's b-day a week ago today. A big, black, pick-up truck rear ended a four door sedan that rear ended me. I thought I was OK, and then one day later...neck pain. I'm still dealing with it and the insurance companies. Not fun.
This weekend, Jeff and my father-in-law worked to replace our entire breaker box in the basement. This was an unexpected repair :) When Jeff was plugging in my heating pad for my neck, the outlet blew. When Jeff went to do the repair, he shut the power off in the house, did his thang...and then when he turned the main power to the house back on...it wouldn't STAY on. He dialed up his Dad and they set to work redoing the entire box. That project took most of the weekend. PTL I didn't have too much to throw out in the fridge.
Today, I go to see the chiropracter and Wed. I have an appointment to fix up the car, but I'm still dealing with the insurance companies and trying to figure out who's paying for what, and when. I request prayer for patience and discernment.
Thanks guys!
I was in a fender bender on the way home from work on Jeff's b-day a week ago today. A big, black, pick-up truck rear ended a four door sedan that rear ended me. I thought I was OK, and then one day later...neck pain. I'm still dealing with it and the insurance companies. Not fun.
This weekend, Jeff and my father-in-law worked to replace our entire breaker box in the basement. This was an unexpected repair :) When Jeff was plugging in my heating pad for my neck, the outlet blew. When Jeff went to do the repair, he shut the power off in the house, did his thang...and then when he turned the main power to the house back on...it wouldn't STAY on. He dialed up his Dad and they set to work redoing the entire box. That project took most of the weekend. PTL I didn't have too much to throw out in the fridge.
Today, I go to see the chiropracter and Wed. I have an appointment to fix up the car, but I'm still dealing with the insurance companies and trying to figure out who's paying for what, and when. I request prayer for patience and discernment.
Thanks guys!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Getting Back on the Wagon
I've been very very bad lately. I had chocalate cake this weekend, and more cake and a dark chocalate truffle. I was raggin' it and caved to my chocoholic cravings, but it was homemade cake (Jeff's birthday cake, I made it...) and there were delicious left-overs. You don't throw those away, and everyone else was on diets so they wouldn't take the left overs either.
It was good "bad food" and you just don't pass that up when it's offered "few and far between." So I ate it.
Do you think that's sort of what happened in the Garden of Eden? Sin, justification and all that rot! I'd do it again. MMMMMmmmm. Yummy.
Like the character Chunk on the 80's cult classic The Goonies.... "Choc-a-late! MMMMMmmm(insert a high pitch squeal of delight), CHOC-a-LATE!"
It was good "bad food" and you just don't pass that up when it's offered "few and far between." So I ate it.
Do you think that's sort of what happened in the Garden of Eden? Sin, justification and all that rot! I'd do it again. MMMMMmmmm. Yummy.
Like the character Chunk on the 80's cult classic The Goonies.... "Choc-a-late! MMMMMmmm(insert a high pitch squeal of delight), CHOC-a-LATE!"
The "F" List
Do you ever get the feeling your on the outs with somebody in your life? Without being specific...have you ever just known you are on someone's fecal list? You can just tell when you're in the same room with them, the way they avoid eye contact, or cut you off in mid-speech, or the way they dismissively blow you off? Yah...it hurts.
Whether deservedly or undeservedly you have made "The List." You may be at the bottom or the top of someone's "most undesireable people to be around" list ...so how do you get off?
#1. If an apology is in order, apologize, but only after an appropriate amount of cool off time has past. And remember, forgiveness is a process.
#2. Law low. Try hard not to step on their toes again quickly.
#3. Give the other person space. They really don't want to see your ugly mug unless absolutely necessary...at least until the initial "murder, death, kill" feelings have passed.
#4. Maintain allies. When you're on someone's list, make sure you cater favor with an ally should the need arise to jump ship and seek safe harbor elsewhere.
#5. In case of unforeseen retribution on part of the list keeper, have 911 on speed dial. Hey, you never know.
#6. Be on your best behavior (AKA "kiss up"). When you've teed somebody off, try really hard to be proactive and do everything well that you normally do in relationship to the person who has The List.
#7. Stow that cheesy, apologetic smile. When someone is disgusted with you the last thing they need coming from you is insincere, cheesy vibes.
#8. Bring your "A" game. Be extra nice to everyone around you, and maybe they might say nice things about you to the person you've managed to tick off.
#9. Be professional. Don't escalate the situation by taking offense at the other person's reaction to you. Take the high road.
#10. Don't be a hostage. When all else fails and you have apologized and the person still won't forgive you after a reasonable amount of time, it may be time to move on and cut your losses. Nobody likes to be somebody else's beeach.
Whether deservedly or undeservedly you have made "The List." You may be at the bottom or the top of someone's "most undesireable people to be around" list ...so how do you get off?
#1. If an apology is in order, apologize, but only after an appropriate amount of cool off time has past. And remember, forgiveness is a process.
#2. Law low. Try hard not to step on their toes again quickly.
#3. Give the other person space. They really don't want to see your ugly mug unless absolutely necessary...at least until the initial "murder, death, kill" feelings have passed.
#4. Maintain allies. When you're on someone's list, make sure you cater favor with an ally should the need arise to jump ship and seek safe harbor elsewhere.
#5. In case of unforeseen retribution on part of the list keeper, have 911 on speed dial. Hey, you never know.
#6. Be on your best behavior (AKA "kiss up"). When you've teed somebody off, try really hard to be proactive and do everything well that you normally do in relationship to the person who has The List.
#7. Stow that cheesy, apologetic smile. When someone is disgusted with you the last thing they need coming from you is insincere, cheesy vibes.
#8. Bring your "A" game. Be extra nice to everyone around you, and maybe they might say nice things about you to the person you've managed to tick off.
#9. Be professional. Don't escalate the situation by taking offense at the other person's reaction to you. Take the high road.
#10. Don't be a hostage. When all else fails and you have apologized and the person still won't forgive you after a reasonable amount of time, it may be time to move on and cut your losses. Nobody likes to be somebody else's beeach.
Monday, October 22, 2007
31
31. That's how many years old Jeff turns today!
12. That's how many years I have been blessed to know him.
Until I die...that's how long I'm going to love him.
Until I die...that's how long I'm going to love him.
We met when he was 18 and when I was "16" at least that's what I told him when he asked me my age the first or second time I met him. I hadn't been asked that question in at least two years :) I was 18 at the time. The rest is history!
We've been married 6 plus years now! I can hardly believe it.
Happy Birthday Dearest! I love you so much! I look forward to many more years together.
Love,
Your Adoring Wife!
Draggin' the Bag
Ahhh! There's nothing like the smell of a cinder track and wet grass in pre-dawn air! Today I spent my early-morning hours towing a 100-pound sea bag filled with corn kernels, back and forth between the 50 yard and the goal lines of a football field. In two-man teams we alternated who got to tow and who got to trot alongside cheering encouragement to the exercising teammate. What a way to start the day!
Between last week (dubbed "Exercise Week") and this week (dubbed "WOW Week") my body is the sorest it's been during boot camp. That's a good thing. It means I'm working hard. I'll say it now and I've said it before...This is one of the best things I have ever done for myself!
My strength is coming back, I'm wearing jeans I haven't fit into in many moons and I'm eating a healthier diet and saving money by not eating out all the time. At home, I'm getting more things done around the house and my husband has even started noticing the changes in my body. That's all I'll say about that. Moving on...
So, on November 17th, we have our graduation day (still talking about bootcamp) and we'll be running or walking in a 5K race called "The Turkey Trot." I've never done a 5K before, so it should be interesting. My goals are #1 to finish (which I can do of course) and #2 to at least jog the entire thing, and do it in 32 minutes or less (does that count as #3?).
At age 30, I'm still learning new things, setting new goals and interested in improving my life, not just letting the days go by unchallenged or unexplored. It really is like waking up from a mind fog. Possibilities! An awakening!
Between last week (dubbed "Exercise Week") and this week (dubbed "WOW Week") my body is the sorest it's been during boot camp. That's a good thing. It means I'm working hard. I'll say it now and I've said it before...This is one of the best things I have ever done for myself!
My strength is coming back, I'm wearing jeans I haven't fit into in many moons and I'm eating a healthier diet and saving money by not eating out all the time. At home, I'm getting more things done around the house and my husband has even started noticing the changes in my body. That's all I'll say about that. Moving on...
So, on November 17th, we have our graduation day (still talking about bootcamp) and we'll be running or walking in a 5K race called "The Turkey Trot." I've never done a 5K before, so it should be interesting. My goals are #1 to finish (which I can do of course) and #2 to at least jog the entire thing, and do it in 32 minutes or less (does that count as #3?).
At age 30, I'm still learning new things, setting new goals and interested in improving my life, not just letting the days go by unchallenged or unexplored. It really is like waking up from a mind fog. Possibilities! An awakening!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Jesus Loves Me
I sit here at the computer and hear the chimes from the church down the street chiming "Jesus Loves Me." The weather is gorgeous (again) and I feel organized and on top of things. It's unbelievable!!!
There is always something that could still be done, but right now, I'm enjoying the moment.
That's what life is for me...moments of remembrance. Those frames of time that remain etched in the reserves of your mind that you can call upon for hope, joy or strength in times of need. They may not be the actual truth in time, but they are representations never-the-less of what happened as you remember it having happened.
I think God gives us memories so that we remember what He has done for us...the storms and valleys he has brought us through, the times of want and plenty, the many blessings He gives us as a lasting reminder of His eternal love...all these things that are testimonies to His love for you and me.
Thank you God for sending Jesus as the sacrifice for our sins. Thanks for loving me despite of my ongoing sinfulness: my sometimes unlovable, troublesome and hypocritical nature. What did you ever see in me?
There is always something that could still be done, but right now, I'm enjoying the moment.
That's what life is for me...moments of remembrance. Those frames of time that remain etched in the reserves of your mind that you can call upon for hope, joy or strength in times of need. They may not be the actual truth in time, but they are representations never-the-less of what happened as you remember it having happened.
I think God gives us memories so that we remember what He has done for us...the storms and valleys he has brought us through, the times of want and plenty, the many blessings He gives us as a lasting reminder of His eternal love...all these things that are testimonies to His love for you and me.
Thank you God for sending Jesus as the sacrifice for our sins. Thanks for loving me despite of my ongoing sinfulness: my sometimes unlovable, troublesome and hypocritical nature. What did you ever see in me?
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
The Financial Whipping Post
My father and I were chatting today about household expenses...you know, the ones you can't avoid, like these:
New roof
Cars
Clogged sewer pipes
Broken Appliances
Windows
Etc.
We also discussed the inevitable free fall of the U.S. dollar and the financial implications: Doomsday for the U.S. economy...you know....cheery subjects...(that's sarcasm....). We also talked about my husband's and my inability to complete the patio reconstruction project in our back yard due to the fact that we can't afford it, and the fact that we will continue to pay interest on our home loans for years to come before our hard earned dollars touch our principal payments.
Did you know that it costs a minimum of $8,000 to replace a smallish concrete slab? It costs $10,500 to construct a TREX deck of approximately the same size. We would have to have 70% of the cost of that project down before a contractor would start working on it. Can you say "Home Equity Loan?" We just can't afford a project of that size. It's unbelievable!
So here we remain, tied to the whipping post...for the rest of our natural lives! (insert Evil Laugh here)
Unless we're Bill Gates or some other wealthy individual, we're all tied to the financial whipping post until death. With almost no hope of ever having a real job that makes real money...what's a girl to do?
New roof
Cars
Clogged sewer pipes
Broken Appliances
Windows
Etc.
We also discussed the inevitable free fall of the U.S. dollar and the financial implications: Doomsday for the U.S. economy...you know....cheery subjects...(that's sarcasm....). We also talked about my husband's and my inability to complete the patio reconstruction project in our back yard due to the fact that we can't afford it, and the fact that we will continue to pay interest on our home loans for years to come before our hard earned dollars touch our principal payments.
Did you know that it costs a minimum of $8,000 to replace a smallish concrete slab? It costs $10,500 to construct a TREX deck of approximately the same size. We would have to have 70% of the cost of that project down before a contractor would start working on it. Can you say "Home Equity Loan?" We just can't afford a project of that size. It's unbelievable!
So here we remain, tied to the whipping post...for the rest of our natural lives! (insert Evil Laugh here)
Unless we're Bill Gates or some other wealthy individual, we're all tied to the financial whipping post until death. With almost no hope of ever having a real job that makes real money...what's a girl to do?
Monday, October 15, 2007
How to Get Off the Merry-Go-Round Without Leaving the Park
In the midst of the business of life, have you ever asked yourself the question, "How do I get off this merry-go-round?" It's not that you want to totally quit the park and go home, but you do want to get out of the crazy cycle and into something that preferably allows you to keep in closer proximity with the ground, for longer periods of time.So what do you do to put things in perspective for yourself? How do you continue to live an organized life in the midst of a fast-paced world when you have to wear multiple hats just to get by?
What do you do to find balance in YOUR life?
I usually talk to a friend to get perspective on things, or I go for a walk to clear my thoughts. Alone time is a necessity sometimes. Hey, Jesus did that. He'd go off alone to pray. Prayer. That's a really good way to center yourself, but you have to take the time to do it!
People say that you have to "take time for yourself" or "refuel your own vessel" if you're ever going to ever be any good for anybody else. I find this to be especially true for women or people that minister to others on a daily basis. You need down time to re-energize yourself.
Take a hot bath
Put on some jazzy music when you're doing dishes.
Go to a local bookstore and veg out with a latte and a good book
Go for an energizing walk in the woods with a friend
Take a nap
Sing karaoke and go out with the boys/girls
Draw or color
Spend some time petting your cat/dog
Vigorous exercise
Bake something with chocolate in it. Eat some. Share some. But mostly "eat some."
Scream into your pillow
Write in your journal (start a journal).
Write a letter to a friend. (snail mail)
Go to your local Christian bookstore and browse.
Watch a movie (veggie tales recommended).
Come on! What else?
Thursday, October 11, 2007
She was kicked out of a ladies' room
She dresses like a man, her voice sounds masculine, etc. She says "I don't want anyone to be under the misconception of me being something that I'm not." Look at her, listen to her, ask her which role she plays in her partnership with her lover, and tell me she does not want to be perceived as masculine.
Don't get me wrong... I do NOT agree with the treatment she received by the restaurant, but I do think her behavior contributed to the misunderstanding. This lawsuit is putting cultural traditions on trial. What's the next thing on the agenda? Unisex bathrooms for all so we can tactfully avoid these cases of mistaken identity in the future? How do we solve this problem?
Check it out:
She was kicked out of a ladies’ roomOct. 11: Khadijah Farmer was tossed out by a bouncer because he thought she was a man. She spoke with TODAY’s Meredith Vieira.
Don't get me wrong... I do NOT agree with the treatment she received by the restaurant, but I do think her behavior contributed to the misunderstanding. This lawsuit is putting cultural traditions on trial. What's the next thing on the agenda? Unisex bathrooms for all so we can tactfully avoid these cases of mistaken identity in the future? How do we solve this problem?
Check it out:
She was kicked out of a ladies’ roomOct. 11: Khadijah Farmer was tossed out by a bouncer because he thought she was a man. She spoke with TODAY’s Meredith Vieira.
Williams and Sonoma...How Do I Love Thee?
Let me count the ways:
Your textiles,
Your cookware,
Your gift ideas,
Your turkey platter,
Your food stuff,
Your christmas candy (poundage),
Your seasonal entertaining,
Your candle gourds,
blah, blah, blah....
Turkey.
Williams-sonoma.com
Expensive, yet VEEERRRRRY Nice. Don't you just enjoy fall decorating? I decorate in my mind, because I can't afford everything I'd LIKE to have. (Sigh)
Your textiles,
Your cookware,
Your gift ideas,
Your turkey platter,
Your food stuff,
Your christmas candy (poundage),
Your seasonal entertaining,
Your candle gourds,
blah, blah, blah....
Turkey.
Williams-sonoma.com
Expensive, yet VEEERRRRRY Nice. Don't you just enjoy fall decorating? I decorate in my mind, because I can't afford everything I'd LIKE to have. (Sigh)
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
I May be Crazy But....
Friends,
I ask you to pray with me as next week I add another 3 days with Dr. Drill to my exercise regiment. That's right...6 days a week, getting up at 4:30 a.m. to work out from 5:15 ish to 6:30 a.m.
Yes, I'm still in school and still working full time. May the good Lord give me strength! I'm anticipating feeling extra tired, and as a result, I will be open to irritability, mood swings etc. Pray for my husband for extra grace and love when dealing with me, and pray that I would respect him as I should.
I'll be at the Lansdale YMCA M,W,F and at the Hatfield Athletic Club T,Th, Sat. If you are in the area and interested in signing up contact Dr. Drill through his website at http://www.drdrillinstructor.com/ . This program is the best thing I have done for myself in years.
Have a great day!
I ask you to pray with me as next week I add another 3 days with Dr. Drill to my exercise regiment. That's right...6 days a week, getting up at 4:30 a.m. to work out from 5:15 ish to 6:30 a.m.
Yes, I'm still in school and still working full time. May the good Lord give me strength! I'm anticipating feeling extra tired, and as a result, I will be open to irritability, mood swings etc. Pray for my husband for extra grace and love when dealing with me, and pray that I would respect him as I should.
I'll be at the Lansdale YMCA M,W,F and at the Hatfield Athletic Club T,Th, Sat. If you are in the area and interested in signing up contact Dr. Drill through his website at http://www.drdrillinstructor.com/ . This program is the best thing I have done for myself in years.
Have a great day!
Monday, October 8, 2007
One Heck of a Weekend
This weekend was interesting all right. Friday night we went out to the Iron Hill Brewrey with good friends and their one-year-old. Auntie R and Uncle J got to occupy Miss M while her mom and dad tried to quickly get some food down during Oktoberfest at the IHB. Good food!
Next we went to Michael's craft store, followed by a run on Border's Bookstore. Thanks for the 20% off coupon Nate! I love bookstores. I could spend hours in them...in fact, I do!
Saturday was girlfriend time in the morning. I hit the Saucon Valley Promenade (Mall) with my sister-in-law Ruthie. Nice mall! Made a run on Barnes and Noble and got a Marshmallow Mocha (veerrrrrrry good) at Starbucks and picked up a copy of The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. We had fun chatting and sitting in the sun on a little terrace during lunch and exploring cool little shops.
That night we came back to the mall with our husbands and took in "dinner and a movie" at Red Robin and The Rave movie theatre. It's a good deal, you pay about $30 a couple for food and movie ticket vouchers which you then turn into the theatre for tickets. You have to ask your server for the "dinner and a movie" promotion when you go to that Red Robin. It's right next to the movie theatre.
"The Kingdom" was a good flick. It's "R" rating is for violence. It was a good portrayl of tensions between the Saudis, their terrorists, and the USA.
Only one "bad" thing happened this weekend. On the way to the mall that Sat. morning, we can across a yearling buck that had just been hit by a car, and it wasn't dead yet. The people that had hit it had pulled over and it looked like they were waiting for the cops to show up to dispatch the poor little thing. It just stood their with a broken leg with blood pouring out of its mouth, wide-eyed and scared.
I wondered about the sovreignty of God in that situation. What possible meaning/lesson could we all take away from that ghastly scene? Interestingly enough, on Sunday morning during Sunday School, we were taught about pre-destination and the sovreignty of God and what the reformed church says about those topics. I didn't leave with many answers, and the questions remain. Perhaps we will get an answer next week when the class at church continues.
Next we went to Michael's craft store, followed by a run on Border's Bookstore. Thanks for the 20% off coupon Nate! I love bookstores. I could spend hours in them...in fact, I do!
Saturday was girlfriend time in the morning. I hit the Saucon Valley Promenade (Mall) with my sister-in-law Ruthie. Nice mall! Made a run on Barnes and Noble and got a Marshmallow Mocha (veerrrrrrry good) at Starbucks and picked up a copy of The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. We had fun chatting and sitting in the sun on a little terrace during lunch and exploring cool little shops.
That night we came back to the mall with our husbands and took in "dinner and a movie" at Red Robin and The Rave movie theatre. It's a good deal, you pay about $30 a couple for food and movie ticket vouchers which you then turn into the theatre for tickets. You have to ask your server for the "dinner and a movie" promotion when you go to that Red Robin. It's right next to the movie theatre.
"The Kingdom" was a good flick. It's "R" rating is for violence. It was a good portrayl of tensions between the Saudis, their terrorists, and the USA.
Only one "bad" thing happened this weekend. On the way to the mall that Sat. morning, we can across a yearling buck that had just been hit by a car, and it wasn't dead yet. The people that had hit it had pulled over and it looked like they were waiting for the cops to show up to dispatch the poor little thing. It just stood their with a broken leg with blood pouring out of its mouth, wide-eyed and scared.
I wondered about the sovreignty of God in that situation. What possible meaning/lesson could we all take away from that ghastly scene? Interestingly enough, on Sunday morning during Sunday School, we were taught about pre-destination and the sovreignty of God and what the reformed church says about those topics. I didn't leave with many answers, and the questions remain. Perhaps we will get an answer next week when the class at church continues.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Tempted and Kicking Temptation in the Butt
There are times when I just get so frustrated in life, that I'm ready to "throw in the towel." No, not commit suicide, just have a...to quote Victoria Beckham, "MAJOR" hissy fit.
When I'm dieting and I see amazing food that I "can't" eat...
When I'm frustrated trying to get pregnant and it's not happening...
When I'm taking classes and the end doesn't seem in sight...
I just want to explode and give up, all at the same time (is that possible? And if it was, it might be messy...)!
I'm tired of dieting, tired of trying to work things out when I have relationship issues, tired of sacrificing and compromising and going the second mile... and sometimes I lose little battles. But you know what? When I give in, I'm the first one to suffer.
That's why I have to suck it up and keep on, keepin' on....#1 because it's the RIGHT thing to do and #2 it's probably best for everyone else that I do. :)
So how do I deal with stress?
I'm tired of dieting, tired of trying to work things out when I have relationship issues, tired of sacrificing and compromising and going the second mile... and sometimes I lose little battles. But you know what? When I give in, I'm the first one to suffer.
That's why I have to suck it up and keep on, keepin' on....#1 because it's the RIGHT thing to do and #2 it's probably best for everyone else that I do. :)
So how do I deal with stress?
- Go for a run or a walk (exercise boosts good feelings and gets out aggression)
- Watch a movie that makes me cry or gives me warm fuzzies (also promotes good feelings and cries out the bad ones)
- Call a friend that will listen and encourage me (not one that will gossip and add fuel to the fire, but a mentor, one that will offer perspective and pray with me)
- Try and take a nap (get enough rest)
- Step back and examine the situation (after the emotional storm subsides and I can view something logically)
- Check my diet and make sure I'm getting enough protein and good food to eat.
Those are the biggies.
What do you do when you are ready to burst?
Congrats to Greg and Katya!
Greg and Katya had their baby yesterday at 12:30 pm after a hard, 13 hour labor. They are affectionately calling him "Buddy" while they pick a name.
Congratulations guys!!!!! 7 lbs. 3 oz. 19 inches long.
Congratulations guys!!!!! 7 lbs. 3 oz. 19 inches long.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
From One Perspective to Another
I was having a chat yesterday afternoon with my friend Dorothy R. I needed some advice and a perspective check. She shared with me about her missions trip to India. She told me about how she used to complain about her feet, but when she went to India, there were people there, without feet.
Everything is relative.
I talked to my friend T about his situation. He's got 6 mouths to feed, and a salary that can't allow his wife to stay home with the kids any longer. She has to go back to work to make extra income.
And everyone has different priorities. I choose to spend $300 on bootcamp (and I plan on signing up again in January 2008, oohrah!), but I don't own a cell phone. We have internet, but no cable TV. These are our (my husband's and my) priorities and part of our perspective on life.
My husband just swapped his old truck for a smaller, more fuel-efficient car with a guy he found on Craig's List. Sure, the car has some dings in it, but it runs well and it was already inspected. (Incidentally, my car is leaking oil and my husband had to put 4 quarts of oil in it this morning. Dang.)
It's good to get a perspective check every once in awhile. What are the things God is blessing you with right now? It helps cut back on the list of things you complain about when you think of all the good things you have going for you. And don't wait for good things to happen to you, make good things happen. You're not getting any younger.
Everything is relative.
I talked to my friend T about his situation. He's got 6 mouths to feed, and a salary that can't allow his wife to stay home with the kids any longer. She has to go back to work to make extra income.
And everyone has different priorities. I choose to spend $300 on bootcamp (and I plan on signing up again in January 2008, oohrah!), but I don't own a cell phone. We have internet, but no cable TV. These are our (my husband's and my) priorities and part of our perspective on life.
My husband just swapped his old truck for a smaller, more fuel-efficient car with a guy he found on Craig's List. Sure, the car has some dings in it, but it runs well and it was already inspected. (Incidentally, my car is leaking oil and my husband had to put 4 quarts of oil in it this morning. Dang.)
It's good to get a perspective check every once in awhile. What are the things God is blessing you with right now? It helps cut back on the list of things you complain about when you think of all the good things you have going for you. And don't wait for good things to happen to you, make good things happen. You're not getting any younger.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Finding Your Happy Place
Do you remember that part in that movie where the guy curls up into the fetal position and repeats over and over to himself, "Find a happy place!" Sometimes, when life gets tough, that's exactly what I tell myself...
But in all sincerity, I think that too many of us go through life not knowing what are talents, preferences and abilities are...we don't know until we've stepped in #2, or gotten in over our heads, how we could have avoided it in the first place, and been on our way sooner to finding that "happy place."
I'm an advocate for personality testing. My friend Heather was a Psych major in undergrad and now she's getting her MA in Counseling. She ran the gamut of self-testing in this one class she was taking, and let me tell you, she came out knowing a lot about herself. I told her I was going to call up her professor (an acquaintance of mine) and tell him I'd pay him to let me take those tests. It's THAT great getting to know all the stuff about yourself. Sure you could discover some of the same stuff through life experience but WITH testing you can discover those things and more, sooner!
Why waste years of your life slogging through professions that make you unhappy when you could be in a job that works with your talents and abilities? Why pay thousands of dollars in school loans for a degree you won't ever use? Get your butt to the school guidance counselor and ask for advice. Visit your college career center and take some tests. And good gracious, do the internship. You have everything to gain by taking the time to find out who you are and a glimpse at who you can be.
These self-evaluations tell you who you work better with, and with whom you are most likely to have conflicts, based on your strengths and weaknesses (a lot like your Chinese horoscope, except more accurate). They show you areas where you could stand to grow! Imagine that!
Go. Learn. Grow and get a better job! Do things right the first time, and save yourselves the time, money and energy you'll have to expend to reinvent yourself in your late 20's or 30's.
Take this free assessment to find out if your current job is a fit for you: Run with the Bulls Assessment
Other personality and career tests
But in all sincerity, I think that too many of us go through life not knowing what are talents, preferences and abilities are...we don't know until we've stepped in #2, or gotten in over our heads, how we could have avoided it in the first place, and been on our way sooner to finding that "happy place."
I'm an advocate for personality testing. My friend Heather was a Psych major in undergrad and now she's getting her MA in Counseling. She ran the gamut of self-testing in this one class she was taking, and let me tell you, she came out knowing a lot about herself. I told her I was going to call up her professor (an acquaintance of mine) and tell him I'd pay him to let me take those tests. It's THAT great getting to know all the stuff about yourself. Sure you could discover some of the same stuff through life experience but WITH testing you can discover those things and more, sooner!
Why waste years of your life slogging through professions that make you unhappy when you could be in a job that works with your talents and abilities? Why pay thousands of dollars in school loans for a degree you won't ever use? Get your butt to the school guidance counselor and ask for advice. Visit your college career center and take some tests. And good gracious, do the internship. You have everything to gain by taking the time to find out who you are and a glimpse at who you can be.
These self-evaluations tell you who you work better with, and with whom you are most likely to have conflicts, based on your strengths and weaknesses (a lot like your Chinese horoscope, except more accurate). They show you areas where you could stand to grow! Imagine that!
Go. Learn. Grow and get a better job! Do things right the first time, and save yourselves the time, money and energy you'll have to expend to reinvent yourself in your late 20's or 30's.
Take this free assessment to find out if your current job is a fit for you: Run with the Bulls Assessment
Other personality and career tests
Waaaz Ahhhhhhhhp?!
You know you had one of these necklaces!!!! I did, in third grade, or was it fourth...
I have a challenge for you. How long has it been since you contacted your best friend from High School or your roommate from college? How about that neighbor kid you used to play with back home or that kid from youth group that moved away to another church? If you have good memories of those people (and some people don't), you may be wondering, "What ever happened to (insert name here)?"
Loosing touch with old friends is a common occurrence. Sometimes you drift apart over time, being absorbed into new circles of friends...sometimes a friend moves away and you don't stay in touch, maybe you don't like to talk on the phone, or write or email....OK maybe you don't have a GOOD excuse but you have managed to lose touch with someone to whom you were once close.
My challenge is this...pick up the phone and call them, get their email address and shoot them an email. Find out what's happening in their lives and ENCOURAGE them with a note. You never know how God can use you to brighten someone's day. Who knows, you might just rekindle a flame of friendship! Pass it on.
I have a challenge for you. How long has it been since you contacted your best friend from High School or your roommate from college? How about that neighbor kid you used to play with back home or that kid from youth group that moved away to another church? If you have good memories of those people (and some people don't), you may be wondering, "What ever happened to (insert name here)?"
Loosing touch with old friends is a common occurrence. Sometimes you drift apart over time, being absorbed into new circles of friends...sometimes a friend moves away and you don't stay in touch, maybe you don't like to talk on the phone, or write or email....OK maybe you don't have a GOOD excuse but you have managed to lose touch with someone to whom you were once close.
My challenge is this...pick up the phone and call them, get their email address and shoot them an email. Find out what's happening in their lives and ENCOURAGE them with a note. You never know how God can use you to brighten someone's day. Who knows, you might just rekindle a flame of friendship! Pass it on.
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