I am so not-into doing this children's book order right now. I know spending other people's money on children's books? But, its not as fun as it sounds sometimes. So I took a gander around and realized that procrastination is "where its at!" When I'm at work I'll tidy, talk and type. Hence...all this.
At home...I'm trying to aviod the tidying, and typing and occasionally, the talking. While I'm thinking of that....I have a regular job. Why do I come home each night to a roster of people I "need" to call back? Why did they call me when they know I'm AT WORK?
And while I'm ranting, I don't understand why I can't be Ward Cleaver and get a decent interval of resting (slipper, drink and I'll forego the pipe) before joining in the hoopla of my crazy home life once I get home. Half the time I get home and Flash is wild from hunger! Why am I the only one who knows that he is too hungry? I know, because the rest of the family is avoiding making supper!
Oh... so back to avoidance... I snack or cook, socialize with neighbors/friends, make lists, take Flash to the playground, and if something must be tidied...it'll be the kitchen, so I can continue avoiding by cooking or snacking. (I was recapping church with Flash not to long ago and I asked him what we do at church. Apparently, we play with Miss Margaret and have snack...hmmm.)
I do think it says something that our furniture is usually rearranged during Pastor2b's Reading Week.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Accent: Neutral PA, 15 years in the south has given me a decent "y'all".
Booze: cold white wine,
Chore I Hate: I hate ironing the most.
Dog or Cat: Dogs Simba (8) and Max (6)
Essential Electronics: shuffle, crockpot
Favorite Cologne: Happy - clinique
Gold/Silver: Silver but...I mostly wear gold
Hometown: Main Line Philly, PA
Insomnia: not since I was a teenager
Job Title: Children's Librarian
Kids: Two-year-old son
Living Arrangements: I live in messy two bedroom apartment with husband, child and two 50 lb dogs.
Most Admirable Trait: hospitality, I'm told
Number of whoa!...I think I'll change this to tattoos: 0
Overnight hospital stays: two stays, 11 days
Phobias: Used to be blood...
Quote: Let me think about it...
Religion: Presbyterian
Siblings: One sister, two step-sisters
Time I Wake Up: 6:30 or when the boy gets up & yells "Mama I get out of CRIB!"
Unusual Talent or Skill: I can juggle
Vegetable I refuse to eat: Cauliflower
Worst habit: ungratefulness and sweets
X-rays: no, but plenty of ultrasounds
Yummy foods I make: Sweet/sour meatballs, banana pudding, lasagna
Zodiac sign:Leo/Virgo cusp
Booze: cold white wine,
Chore I Hate: I hate ironing the most.
Dog or Cat: Dogs Simba (8) and Max (6)
Essential Electronics: shuffle, crockpot
Favorite Cologne: Happy - clinique
Gold/Silver: Silver but...I mostly wear gold
Hometown: Main Line Philly, PA
Insomnia: not since I was a teenager
Job Title: Children's Librarian
Kids: Two-year-old son
Living Arrangements: I live in messy two bedroom apartment with husband, child and two 50 lb dogs.
Most Admirable Trait: hospitality, I'm told
Number of whoa!...I think I'll change this to tattoos: 0
Overnight hospital stays: two stays, 11 days
Phobias: Used to be blood...
Quote: Let me think about it...
Religion: Presbyterian
Siblings: One sister, two step-sisters
Time I Wake Up: 6:30 or when the boy gets up & yells "Mama I get out of CRIB!"
Unusual Talent or Skill: I can juggle
Vegetable I refuse to eat: Cauliflower
Worst habit: ungratefulness and sweets
X-rays: no, but plenty of ultrasounds
Yummy foods I make: Sweet/sour meatballs, banana pudding, lasagna
Zodiac sign:Leo/Virgo cusp
Haiku for the last few weeks
Got some perspective
Pity-panic party done
Fears given away.
These selfish worries
They are not for me alone
I give them to God.
Pity-panic party done
Fears given away.
These selfish worries
They are not for me alone
I give them to God.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Clergy Spouse fallout (or part 2)
Next year I am leading the Seminary Spouse group.
This group always falters because we are so fragmented...those who work, those without kids, second-career, stay-at-homes, men (yeah, more than you'd think) , city people, country bumpkins, traditionalists, evangelicals, brought-up-christian, and struck-by-the-thunderbolt types. In short, we're everyone you've ever met. Just like church, we are united by God and location. But with a timetable of three years.
After this weekend's brunch, I am more convinced that our group needs mission and permanence. Possibly something supported by the school. Maybe a retreat, a prayer meeting, a speaker? or...I just don't know what. Or maybe I'm wrong and the reason this group falters is because, it isn't as necessary as I think.
This group always falters because we are so fragmented...those who work, those without kids, second-career, stay-at-homes, men (yeah, more than you'd think) , city people, country bumpkins, traditionalists, evangelicals, brought-up-christian, and struck-by-the-thunderbolt types. In short, we're everyone you've ever met. Just like church, we are united by God and location. But with a timetable of three years.
After this weekend's brunch, I am more convinced that our group needs mission and permanence. Possibly something supported by the school. Maybe a retreat, a prayer meeting, a speaker? or...I just don't know what. Or maybe I'm wrong and the reason this group falters is because, it isn't as necessary as I think.
Clergy Spouse Support Group
This past weekend I attended a Clergy Spouse Spring Brunch.
They had invited the our group for which I am very grateful. How wonderful to be able to share our fears with these ladies who have advice and comfort and have made us one of their missions!
Although...on Saturday it was not much comfort. And instead of walking away refreshed and excited, as I had hoped, I came away somewhat worried. Not so much for myself. I was disappointed for some of the ladies who are heading out to their family's first call. They needed support. I am worried for some of the ladies who are new and newly married. They needed a pep talk. We got some advice, some warnings and we heard about some pretty miserable situations.
Clearly a Clergy Spouse group is a very good idea though. If you don't have one...make one. If you are in a small town, call up the other churches and invite the spouses over for tea and tears. Make a support group for yourself of people that get it and that you feel comfortable sharing your warts with.
Figurative warts of course.
I urge everyone that reads this to pray for your pastor's spouse tonight.
They had invited the our group for which I am very grateful. How wonderful to be able to share our fears with these ladies who have advice and comfort and have made us one of their missions!
Although...on Saturday it was not much comfort. And instead of walking away refreshed and excited, as I had hoped, I came away somewhat worried. Not so much for myself. I was disappointed for some of the ladies who are heading out to their family's first call. They needed support. I am worried for some of the ladies who are new and newly married. They needed a pep talk. We got some advice, some warnings and we heard about some pretty miserable situations.
Clearly a Clergy Spouse group is a very good idea though. If you don't have one...make one. If you are in a small town, call up the other churches and invite the spouses over for tea and tears. Make a support group for yourself of people that get it and that you feel comfortable sharing your warts with.
Figurative warts of course.
I urge everyone that reads this to pray for your pastor's spouse tonight.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Of all the things I've lost...
I miss my mind the most.- Unknown but seen on magnets everywhere.
I had a haiku I wanted to post today. Its on my very messy kitchen table, I think. I dropped off Flash without a drink or his clean nap-time things (luckily, I actually did wash them this weekend!). I am quite sure I am missing an entire load of laundry, somewhere. No barrettes anywhere to be found. I have two tubes of mascara for a reason...and they are both missing. My glasses are always missing. I am losing everything!
Once, my mother lost her keys and we turned the house up-side down to find them. They were in the dog food. She'd come in hurriedly and fed the dog before anything else. And left her keys with the Kibbles. Like mother, like daughter. Mine were in the fridge.
I had a haiku I wanted to post today. Its on my very messy kitchen table, I think. I dropped off Flash without a drink or his clean nap-time things (luckily, I actually did wash them this weekend!). I am quite sure I am missing an entire load of laundry, somewhere. No barrettes anywhere to be found. I have two tubes of mascara for a reason...and they are both missing. My glasses are always missing. I am losing everything!
Once, my mother lost her keys and we turned the house up-side down to find them. They were in the dog food. She'd come in hurriedly and fed the dog before anything else. And left her keys with the Kibbles. Like mother, like daughter. Mine were in the fridge.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Cookout!
Why does entertaining, as a hobby, come off as so Martha Stewart?
I just like to have a big potluck cookout. Or even a small one.
Last night's was one for the record books.
Great food, company and conversation...not all in that order.
I brought out tea, chips, pasta salad and burgers.
I am going to share my burger recipe...its really good.
2 lbs. Ground meat
1/2 cup oatmeal
1/4 cup brown sugar (opt. I often leave it out)
2 T minced garlic
2 T soy sauce (I use Ginger soy)
2 T worchest...sauce
2 tsp ground ginger
Makes 8-10 burgers.
I just like to have a big potluck cookout. Or even a small one.
Last night's was one for the record books.
Great food, company and conversation...not all in that order.
I brought out tea, chips, pasta salad and burgers.
I am going to share my burger recipe...its really good.
2 lbs. Ground meat
1/2 cup oatmeal
1/4 cup brown sugar (opt. I often leave it out)
2 T minced garlic
2 T soy sauce (I use Ginger soy)
2 T worchest...sauce
2 tsp ground ginger
Makes 8-10 burgers.
Friday5: Today's Favorites
Today, these are my favorites:
1) fruit: bananas and berries
2) song: I have "Rainbow Connection" by Kermit the Frog stuck in my head at the momment and while its a great song it has become grating. I really like Keith Urban's song "Days Roll By".
3) beverage: I have a Diet Coke next to me but I had a really nice white wine last weekend called Mainsl. Crisp, sweet and apparently made here in the Garden State.
4) shoes: Sandals, no heel. I really like Clark's but I don't have a pair at the moment. I work my shoes hard and those that survive are smelly and in constant threat of being eaten by the dogs.
5) flower: Stargazer Lilies and pale orange roses. Are you reading this sweety?
1) fruit: bananas and berries
2) song: I have "Rainbow Connection" by Kermit the Frog stuck in my head at the momment and while its a great song it has become grating. I really like Keith Urban's song "Days Roll By".
3) beverage: I have a Diet Coke next to me but I had a really nice white wine last weekend called Mainsl. Crisp, sweet and apparently made here in the Garden State.
4) shoes: Sandals, no heel. I really like Clark's but I don't have a pair at the moment. I work my shoes hard and those that survive are smelly and in constant threat of being eaten by the dogs.
5) flower: Stargazer Lilies and pale orange roses. Are you reading this sweety?
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Sign-Up Day
So the Easter Monday after our busy Holy Week was Sign-up Day. Here at the library we sign up for next month's Children's programs on the 15th of the month, every month. Of course, like Tax Day, Sign-up Day lopped over into the 17th. I've done different systems and different ways but this is nerve-wracking and I'm told that the way we're doing it now is so much better than the old way!
At 9:30 the phone started ringing and the people started lining up to sign-up their little darlings for chess and sing-along-time and crafts. Our Tuesday morning sing-along-time was completely full before 1 p.m. There were several grumpy mothers whose 3 year-olds should be allowed in the 4-6 year-old group, whose children who can't read yet should be in the book discussion club. And there was one stupid exception I made...and boy will I regret it.
You know what you get with heart made of marshmallow? Toasted.
At 9:30 the phone started ringing and the people started lining up to sign-up their little darlings for chess and sing-along-time and crafts. Our Tuesday morning sing-along-time was completely full before 1 p.m. There were several grumpy mothers whose 3 year-olds should be allowed in the 4-6 year-old group, whose children who can't read yet should be in the book discussion club. And there was one stupid exception I made...and boy will I regret it.
You know what you get with heart made of marshmallow? Toasted.
Monday's Bible study
My Bible study group met last night. Since many blogs that I read post sermon ideas, outlines and such, I figured I'd share my lesson , especially because I liked it so much. The idea came from Planting trust, knowing peace : trust grows as you embrace the Father's love by Denise George. (Zondervan, c2005.) This devotional study is aimed at women whose imperfect relationships with their imperfect human fathers, makes trusting God the father difficult.
My lesson was about beauty, though. It has been so completely beautiful here in the Northeast in the past few days. Blue Skies, mild weather, flowers blooming and birds chirping.
Even if it hasn't been weather-beautiful in your neck-of-the-woods, think about beauty.
Reread Ecclesiastes 3:9-14, but especially verse 11.
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end".
Reflect on the god-given beauty in your life...not just the world, not just appearances, but relationships too.
My lesson was about beauty, though. It has been so completely beautiful here in the Northeast in the past few days. Blue Skies, mild weather, flowers blooming and birds chirping.
Even if it hasn't been weather-beautiful in your neck-of-the-woods, think about beauty.
Reread Ecclesiastes 3:9-14, but especially verse 11.
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end".
Reflect on the god-given beauty in your life...not just the world, not just appearances, but relationships too.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Aunt Amy's egg hunt
My step-sister Amy has the coolest way of doing an egg hunt. I thought I'd relay it.
She made more than 100 eggs. She dyes real eggs (not sure whether she cooks them or not...I'll find out) and cracks off the tops and emptys them. Then she puts a coin in and seals the top with tissue paper and a little water. Then the Great Egg Hunt!
After the kids have gathered the eggs, they all troop out to the driveway and stomp on their eggs to get the coins out! What fun! Flash made 52 cents, although we had to tell him to pick up the shiny things.
My only worry?
That he'll start stomping on our eggs right out of the fridge.
She made more than 100 eggs. She dyes real eggs (not sure whether she cooks them or not...I'll find out) and cracks off the tops and emptys them. Then she puts a coin in and seals the top with tissue paper and a little water. Then the Great Egg Hunt!
After the kids have gathered the eggs, they all troop out to the driveway and stomp on their eggs to get the coins out! What fun! Flash made 52 cents, although we had to tell him to pick up the shiny things.
My only worry?
That he'll start stomping on our eggs right out of the fridge.
Re: the rabbit
Previously, I wondered how the Easter bunny can fit into a Pastor's family life. What I mean to say is...Can the bunny and Jesus co-exist in my home? Well, Flash doesn't seem to care. We had a wonderful Easter. He and Pastor2b snuck around our apartment building early Easter morning to leave bags of jellybeans at our neighbors' doors.
They were the Easter Bunny.
And we wrote He is Risen Indeed on the bags. Then we went to church and had a wonderful brunch with our church family. Then he went to play in the nursery (with Miss Margaret...truly a saint!). Then lunch, a nap in the car and a visit to Aunt Amy's to see Grammy and hunt eggs.
A special day in so many ways!
They were the Easter Bunny.
And we wrote He is Risen Indeed on the bags. Then we went to church and had a wonderful brunch with our church family. Then he went to play in the nursery (with Miss Margaret...truly a saint!). Then lunch, a nap in the car and a visit to Aunt Amy's to see Grammy and hunt eggs.
A special day in so many ways!
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Here comes Easter...
They had an Easter Party at daycare today. Flash goes to the seminary daycare so the Christian version of Easter is OK. The parents had to sign-up to provide a baked good or treat, etc, etc. They always include a craft idea. I spring for that one everytime, since I can just merge my holiday craft for work with my holiday craft for daycare. They got two today. Bunny ears to wear and a paper lamb to color and glue cotton balls to.
Sadly, my storytime today had to be about EGGS. But at least it wasn't about Spring or something completely unrelated. To be truthful though, Flash has no idea about Easter, even the egg thing is a mystery. But he knows we are having a big party at church and that we've been preparing for it all week.
At 2 years-old, that's really all you need to know.
Sadly, my storytime today had to be about EGGS. But at least it wasn't about Spring or something completely unrelated. To be truthful though, Flash has no idea about Easter, even the egg thing is a mystery. But he knows we are having a big party at church and that we've been preparing for it all week.
At 2 years-old, that's really all you need to know.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Ok, about the geeky haiku
I'm totally into haiku right now.
Not reading them, although Basho is considered "the master" and you can find books about him at the library. You know... the library. Back to the haiku though.
I love them for the pure geeky fun of it.
The first line has 5 syllables, the second has 7 and the last has 5.
Classically, they describe nature. I like to use mine to answer emails and such.
Here is another one I used the other day...
Tonight will not work
He must attend a meeting
Next week at my house
which had to be followed by...
My short, sweet message
Did not confuse you, I hope
It was a haiku
Not reading them, although Basho is considered "the master" and you can find books about him at the library. You know... the library. Back to the haiku though.
I love them for the pure geeky fun of it.
The first line has 5 syllables, the second has 7 and the last has 5.
Classically, they describe nature. I like to use mine to answer emails and such.
Here is another one I used the other day...
Tonight will not work
He must attend a meeting
Next week at my house
which had to be followed by...
My short, sweet message
Did not confuse you, I hope
It was a haiku
Monday, April 10, 2006
The rabbit.
Before Flash was born and before my husband's call to ministry I think I knew where we stood on Easter.
Eggs, candy, Easter Bunny AND church. Together. No conflict.
But I'm not sure how it is now.
Are pastor's kids obligated to forego the Bunny? I know quite a few who are.
But I like Easter, religiously and secularly.
Can we combine them and still be mindful of the season?
Eggs, candy, Easter Bunny AND church. Together. No conflict.
But I'm not sure how it is now.
Are pastor's kids obligated to forego the Bunny? I know quite a few who are.
But I like Easter, religiously and secularly.
Can we combine them and still be mindful of the season?
Just another Manic...Holy Week
Pastor2B has quite a week ahead of him. Church meetings every night, two weeks left in the semester, which means papers and tests are looming over him. I have work, Flash has daycare, and there are two birthdays this week. Laundry (BIG SIGH) is begging to be done, cooking for a new baby in the neighborhood, and our taxes too. Eggs need dying and I'd rather not exist on Pizza and Spaghettios this week. I made a to-do list that only made me stress out a little more.
And yet, this is holy week!
Easter is coming!
And there is something quite thrilling about that.
And yet, this is holy week!
Easter is coming!
And there is something quite thrilling about that.
Passion
Yesterday in worship we heard John's account of the Passion of Jesus.
Passion.
Passion?
Yes, passion!
I remember thinking as a kid, what a horrible word for the march towards a gruesome and horrible death. Passion meant lots of mushy kisses to me then.
Now, my thesaurus gives me both fervor and rage. Hmmm.
Jesus rarely showed anything but gentleness. Must be fervor then, but that seems misplaced too. Fervor denotes energy and, um ...passion. I'm sure someone will patiently explain to me that the word meant something different back-when or that the passion means something else. But I will think that the only way passion can make its way into the story at all, is through God's passion, his love, for us.
Passion.
Passion?
Yes, passion!
I remember thinking as a kid, what a horrible word for the march towards a gruesome and horrible death. Passion meant lots of mushy kisses to me then.
Now, my thesaurus gives me both fervor and rage. Hmmm.
Jesus rarely showed anything but gentleness. Must be fervor then, but that seems misplaced too. Fervor denotes energy and, um ...passion. I'm sure someone will patiently explain to me that the word meant something different back-when or that the passion means something else. But I will think that the only way passion can make its way into the story at all, is through God's passion, his love, for us.
Friday, April 07, 2006
Weekend or weakened?
Here it is 4:30 and I feel like Fred Flintstone waiting for the bird to squawk so I can slide down the dinosaur and pedal my car on home! Yabba Dabba Doo!
But its going to be one of those weekends. Holy week is upon us so there will be lots of church stuff (clean-up, church school, youth group) But also swim lessons, errands and get-togethers. Yikes, taxes to finish!
By Sunday evening, I'll be happy to be coming back to the library so I can slow down a little!
Yabba Dabba Whew!
But its going to be one of those weekends. Holy week is upon us so there will be lots of church stuff (clean-up, church school, youth group) But also swim lessons, errands and get-togethers. Yikes, taxes to finish!
By Sunday evening, I'll be happy to be coming back to the library so I can slow down a little!
Yabba Dabba Whew!
Monday, April 03, 2006
Girl's Night In
One thing about seminary, or maybe children, or both...I have more true female friends here than I've ever had. Please don't say "Awww". I've had friends and I have friends, but not like this...not since high school!
Last night was a friends' birthday and after a dinner-with-everyone-in-the-world, several of us held court and had some frank Girl Talk! It was so nice to just chat like that, over a drink, whatever we wanted to say and the boys and kids were...elsewhere. We talked about doing it again next week. I hope so.
Tonight is my Bible Study night and it is similar... but it will be a little tamer than last night's group...more serious and heartfelt, sharing joys and sorrows. Tea instead of wine. Still nice though.
Last Nights group...I am the only one who will be here next year. Tonight's... 3 are leaving. Great for them, hooray for them! New adventures, yee-hah! But, I'm kinda misty about it.
Last night was a friends' birthday and after a dinner-with-everyone-in-the-world, several of us held court and had some frank Girl Talk! It was so nice to just chat like that, over a drink, whatever we wanted to say and the boys and kids were...elsewhere. We talked about doing it again next week. I hope so.
Tonight is my Bible Study night and it is similar... but it will be a little tamer than last night's group...more serious and heartfelt, sharing joys and sorrows. Tea instead of wine. Still nice though.
Last Nights group...I am the only one who will be here next year. Tonight's... 3 are leaving. Great for them, hooray for them! New adventures, yee-hah! But, I'm kinda misty about it.
April Fools... a little late
I love April Fools Day, don't you?
And I completely botched it this year because I forgot! I made a lame last minute attempt at about 9 p.m. I was taking the dogs out for a walk and walked out the door and then went back in Saying to my husband to come outside quick. And when He got there I gave him a quick April Fools kiss.
Last year, I told him it had snowed! Someone I know swapped her husband's sock drawer for his underwear drawer. An old friend has his family picture right in the middle of his wallet where he can see it. His wife swapped the photo for a picture of a sports player he dislikes. The writer of one of the blogs I read announced on April 1 that he'd converted to Scientology. A little boy I know put plastic bugs in the family shower. What a great, stupid little holiday!
And I completely botched it this year because I forgot! I made a lame last minute attempt at about 9 p.m. I was taking the dogs out for a walk and walked out the door and then went back in Saying to my husband to come outside quick. And when He got there I gave him a quick April Fools kiss.
Last year, I told him it had snowed! Someone I know swapped her husband's sock drawer for his underwear drawer. An old friend has his family picture right in the middle of his wallet where he can see it. His wife swapped the photo for a picture of a sports player he dislikes. The writer of one of the blogs I read announced on April 1 that he'd converted to Scientology. A little boy I know put plastic bugs in the family shower. What a great, stupid little holiday!
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