At 8:15 this evening, January 29, 2008,
Flash noticed that the Christmas tree was gone.
It has been put away since the day after Epiphany.
He looked in corners of the living room.
"They took our Christmas tree away. AAAHHHH.
They took our Christmas tree to jail. AAAAHHH
Bring it back bring it back!
Big fat rolling tears
rolling on the floor, under the coffee table, wailing.
Having a hard time going to bed tonight...very sad.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
layers
There's a great line from Shrek about ogres having layers, like an onion.
Ever the optimist, Donkey says that "not everyone likes onions,
but parfaits have layers, and "Everybody loves parfaits".
Some talk about the facets of our lives. Facets as in cuts of a jewel.
But Layers are more humble.
Onions, parfaits, cakes,
even our earth is in layers.
The idea, not a new one, really is that we have depth.
Peel us back and you'll find something slightly different, more raw perhaps.
I don't know where this is going but I've been thinking, dreaming about layers
I'm not sure if I'm creating a fresh new layer to myself,
or peeling one back.
Ever the optimist, Donkey says that "not everyone likes onions,
but parfaits have layers, and "Everybody loves parfaits".
Some talk about the facets of our lives. Facets as in cuts of a jewel.
But Layers are more humble.
Onions, parfaits, cakes,
even our earth is in layers.
The idea, not a new one, really is that we have depth.
Peel us back and you'll find something slightly different, more raw perhaps.
I don't know where this is going but I've been thinking, dreaming about layers
I'm not sure if I'm creating a fresh new layer to myself,
or peeling one back.
subday
another day another class!
Found a sports class for Flash. Hooray!
He starts Friday. Kickball!
Hubby has a busy week ahead (as usual)
but the Clothes Closet has scaled back to Monday, Wednesday and Saturday 12-6.
And they've stopped taking donations for the moment.
Cuz we're full!
Found a sports class for Flash. Hooray!
He starts Friday. Kickball!
Hubby has a busy week ahead (as usual)
but the Clothes Closet has scaled back to Monday, Wednesday and Saturday 12-6.
And they've stopped taking donations for the moment.
Cuz we're full!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Dairy Day!
Had a wonderful day at the Dairy.
Saw cows, learned about milk, milking, dairy products,
rode on a bus, ate ice cream
and all with our dear friends from NJ.
Spent about 4 hours there too.
Flash has learned a lot I think,
I don't think we'll be looking for milk seeds to plant in our garden anymore!
And he slept all the way home.
Saw cows, learned about milk, milking, dairy products,
rode on a bus, ate ice cream
and all with our dear friends from NJ.
Spent about 4 hours there too.
Flash has learned a lot I think,
I don't think we'll be looking for milk seeds to plant in our garden anymore!
And he slept all the way home.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Late Friday5: Winter!
1. What is the thermometer reading at your house this morning?
2 below! BRRRR. but strangely gorgeous...blue skies sunshine.
2. Snow—love it or hate it?
Love it. I just can't help loving it.
3. What is winter like where you are?
I am learning that its beautiful, bitter cold
and that the snow is too dry to make any decent snowmen.
4. Do you like winter sports? Any good stories?
I was brought up to be a Philadelphia Flyers fan.
Both my dad and stepdad played ice hockey in school and love the sport.
But after that strike a few years back and no players that I am interested in , I just don't care. But there's college basketball (go Heels) and of course football.
I am really disappointed in the teams for the Superbowl.
Not just that my favorite team, the Eagles,
or my new-hometown team, the Colts didn't make it
...but the Giants and New England makes it an all-northeast game.
Makes it boring for a lot of the country.
In my new town, like many small towns, everyone turns out for the high school basketball games. We'll probably be there tomorrow night.
5. What is your favorite season, and why?
Oh I like Fall. That really seems like the beginning of the year to me.
Crisp air, gorgeous colors, new yarn, football, soups and stews
Bonus: Share a favorite winter pick-me-up. A recipe, an activity, or whatever.
Hmmmm.
Cocoa is always good I think.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
worry
Well,
the interviewer called and offered me a second interview.
I said yes and we scheduled it.
and I hung up the phone and berated myself.
I'm not right for this job and its not right for me either!
Ack!
Why did I agree to another interview?
Since Hubby was in a meeting,
my mother's answer would be predictable (whole other story there),
I called Dad.
Told him his role would be "the voice of reason".
We had a great chat
and he said " If you really think its wrong, don't waste their time and your gas money."
I called and declined the 2nd interview.
They suggested I apply for another opening they have.
Hmmm.
Anyway, a little weight off my shoulder I guess
the interviewer called and offered me a second interview.
I said yes and we scheduled it.
and I hung up the phone and berated myself.
I'm not right for this job and its not right for me either!
Ack!
Why did I agree to another interview?
Since Hubby was in a meeting,
my mother's answer would be predictable (whole other story there),
I called Dad.
Told him his role would be "the voice of reason".
We had a great chat
and he said " If you really think its wrong, don't waste their time and your gas money."
I called and declined the 2nd interview.
They suggested I apply for another opening they have.
Hmmm.
Anyway, a little weight off my shoulder I guess
Am I smarter than a fifth grader?
Yesterday I played the full-day substitute version!
And it went well.
What a day though, I felt like we were running along all day.
Lots of worksheets, reading and two quizzes because thats what you leave for subs.
Did a little long division review, that was the teaching part I guess.
But it was good to jump in and do something!
I think Hubby was worried I might say, I think maybe I'd like to teach.
But no, not really. Let me sub for a while.
Still waiting to hear from the two interviews I've had.
And waiting to hear about something I applied for. We'll see.
Shopping, cleaning and helping out at the church today.
More folks are finding their way to us for clothing and linens. Hubby had a family in yesterday that were worried for their neighbors who were afraid to get help because they may be asked for ID. We are helping anyone who needs it and you don't have to even give your name. I don't care what your immigration stance is, but isn't it sad that they were worried about little old us!
Max, our younger bigger dog has fully recovered, but he was not better the next day.
With the careful administration of baked chicken and sleeping in a sunbeam he's fine again.
Its gorgeous today. Sunny, big blue sky, powdered sugar coating of snow.
and 5 below. Brrrrrrr.
And it went well.
What a day though, I felt like we were running along all day.
Lots of worksheets, reading and two quizzes because thats what you leave for subs.
Did a little long division review, that was the teaching part I guess.
But it was good to jump in and do something!
I think Hubby was worried I might say, I think maybe I'd like to teach.
But no, not really. Let me sub for a while.
Still waiting to hear from the two interviews I've had.
And waiting to hear about something I applied for. We'll see.
Shopping, cleaning and helping out at the church today.
More folks are finding their way to us for clothing and linens. Hubby had a family in yesterday that were worried for their neighbors who were afraid to get help because they may be asked for ID. We are helping anyone who needs it and you don't have to even give your name. I don't care what your immigration stance is, but isn't it sad that they were worried about little old us!
Max, our younger bigger dog has fully recovered, but he was not better the next day.
With the careful administration of baked chicken and sleeping in a sunbeam he's fine again.
Its gorgeous today. Sunny, big blue sky, powdered sugar coating of snow.
and 5 below. Brrrrrrr.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Do you remember
that excitement and slight feeling of sick of the first day of school?
Yup...I'm there.
Visiting the high school tomorrow and
My first substitute job is on Wednesday.
in other news...
Hubby took most of a half day with us today. Woohoo!
Flash is sick with a head cold. Although he says he isn't.
But what does he know. He still can't blow his own nose
...ends up blowing a raspberry when he tries. When do they learn that?
Dogs had their first visit to their new vet
...who has a giant mastiff in his office named Hubert. I am in love.
Max is recovering from the ordeal
of visiting the vet by refusing to eat and sleeping on the couch. He'll be OK tomorrow.
Simba probably remembers going somewhere fun and a the car ride.
He loves going to the vet.
And he's snoring away happily behind me.
Yup...I'm there.
Visiting the high school tomorrow and
My first substitute job is on Wednesday.
in other news...
Hubby took most of a half day with us today. Woohoo!
Flash is sick with a head cold. Although he says he isn't.
But what does he know. He still can't blow his own nose
...ends up blowing a raspberry when he tries. When do they learn that?
Dogs had their first visit to their new vet
...who has a giant mastiff in his office named Hubert. I am in love.
Max is recovering from the ordeal
of visiting the vet by refusing to eat and sleeping on the couch. He'll be OK tomorrow.
Simba probably remembers going somewhere fun and a the car ride.
He loves going to the vet.
And he's snoring away happily behind me.
Friday, January 18, 2008
just a couple of things
Next Day-trip: Dairy!
Because my son believes we should plant milk seeds in our garden this spring.
On the last really nice day he went into the backyard,
and started digging random holes with the snow shovel.
We laid out sticks to mark out the probable location of our garden.
We talked about what we should plant.
Carrots, cucumbers, corn, tomatoes, strawberries, toys and milk.
I am excited about the garden!
My mom is a wonderful flower gardener
and my dad always has a wonderful vegetable garden.
So, as suggested in the paper...I ordered my seed catalog
and Flash and I have been perusing it. More me than him, of course.
But he's not buying the cow and milk thing.
He tells me we won't have to go to the store
and buy the milk from the cows, if we grow it in our garden.
So this week's field trip is to the Dairy! Woohoo!
I'm enjoying planning our trip too.
Because my son believes we should plant milk seeds in our garden this spring.
On the last really nice day he went into the backyard,
and started digging random holes with the snow shovel.
We laid out sticks to mark out the probable location of our garden.
We talked about what we should plant.
Carrots, cucumbers, corn, tomatoes, strawberries, toys and milk.
I am excited about the garden!
My mom is a wonderful flower gardener
and my dad always has a wonderful vegetable garden.
So, as suggested in the paper...I ordered my seed catalog
and Flash and I have been perusing it. More me than him, of course.
But he's not buying the cow and milk thing.
He tells me we won't have to go to the store
and buy the milk from the cows, if we grow it in our garden.
So this week's field trip is to the Dairy! Woohoo!
I'm enjoying planning our trip too.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Weird day
Had a great interview at a geat place with interesting nice people
and reasonable salary and boy oh boy I am not sure about the job.
BIG SIGH.
It was the job for me several years ago. Its the kind of job I want in 7-10 years.
Can I do it now? Yikes.
But I did a great interview, and they said they'll let me know next week.
Hmmmm.
And then I got home and my substitute teacher license was approved!
So... confusing weird day.
as usual right?
and reasonable salary and boy oh boy I am not sure about the job.
BIG SIGH.
It was the job for me several years ago. Its the kind of job I want in 7-10 years.
Can I do it now? Yikes.
But I did a great interview, and they said they'll let me know next week.
Hmmmm.
And then I got home and my substitute teacher license was approved!
So... confusing weird day.
as usual right?
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Blogger Blues
I am frustrated with life as a pastor's wife at the moment.
Here's the problem.
This blog was started to capture my journey as a new pastor's wife.
I mean for it to be truthful.
But sometimes that means complaining...
and I'm not sure some of my quiet readers are interested in reading it.
And hubby reads this, sigh,
and its not meant to be a behind-the-back-rebuke.
My current problem could be the same as a rescue worker's family,
a doctor's family, certainly a military wife would find my complaints laughable.
But Hubby has been at the church too much.
He hasn't taken a day off in two weeks.
And when he's home he's not all here, or he's asleep.
And I know that we had a disaster and that there's a lot going on at church.
I know, I've been helping out too.
But I'm frustrated.
And if I am going to be truthful about my pastor's wife journey
...this is probably the first hurdle
and I am going to blog about it
Here's the problem.
This blog was started to capture my journey as a new pastor's wife.
I mean for it to be truthful.
But sometimes that means complaining...
and I'm not sure some of my quiet readers are interested in reading it.
And hubby reads this, sigh,
and its not meant to be a behind-the-back-rebuke.
My current problem could be the same as a rescue worker's family,
a doctor's family, certainly a military wife would find my complaints laughable.
But Hubby has been at the church too much.
He hasn't taken a day off in two weeks.
And when he's home he's not all here, or he's asleep.
And I know that we had a disaster and that there's a lot going on at church.
I know, I've been helping out too.
But I'm frustrated.
And if I am going to be truthful about my pastor's wife journey
...this is probably the first hurdle
and I am going to blog about it
Monday, January 14, 2008
Not much to say...
Waters receding
lifted up and drying out
soldiering on.
Our church is "playing to its strengths" with the clothes closet.
We may gather a group to do a clean-up day...
but for now the clothes closet has spilled out of its two rooms into the Fellowship Hall.
Hubby and a church member were interviewed on TV news last night
so I imagine it was busy there today.
Flash and I spent the day together doing home things.
I should mention that our home was completely unscathed...we are on high ground here.
Finally got down the horrible border in the back bedroom.
Making applesauce so the house smells wonderful.
lifted up and drying out
soldiering on.
Our church is "playing to its strengths" with the clothes closet.
We may gather a group to do a clean-up day...
but for now the clothes closet has spilled out of its two rooms into the Fellowship Hall.
Hubby and a church member were interviewed on TV news last night
so I imagine it was busy there today.
Flash and I spent the day together doing home things.
I should mention that our home was completely unscathed...we are on high ground here.
Finally got down the horrible border in the back bedroom.
Making applesauce so the house smells wonderful.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Busy busy
The Presbyterian Disaster folks arrived yesterday.
Its been another busy week.
And we're starting another one.
Its been another busy week.
And we're starting another one.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Shelter/Flood Update
The Red Cross shut down the shelter in the church tonight.
Everyone has another place to stay as of tonight.
Red Cross has moved their other operations to the school gym.
Our church made 100 lunches for them today.
And the clothes closet is open for the next few days, before reverting to its regular schedule.
In our county it looks like 330 homes were destroyed (this doesn't mean "washed away")
30-100 have major damage.
Waters are receding.
So, while the shelter is closed, other work is beginning.
Everyone has another place to stay as of tonight.
Red Cross has moved their other operations to the school gym.
Our church made 100 lunches for them today.
And the clothes closet is open for the next few days, before reverting to its regular schedule.
In our county it looks like 330 homes were destroyed (this doesn't mean "washed away")
30-100 have major damage.
Waters are receding.
So, while the shelter is closed, other work is beginning.
Friday5: Birthday Madness
1. When is your birthday? Does anyone else (famous and/or in your own life) share it?
August 22! Ray Bradbury and Norman Schwartzkopf share it. And my best friend from elementary school, Barb!
2. Do you prefer a big party or an intimate celebration for the chosen few?
BIG party or small party. But definitely a party! Having a birthday just before school starts means that usually my parties were sparsely populated. Been trying to make up for it ever since.
3. Describe your most memorable birthday(s)--good, bad, or both.
Oh I don't know. How about my next one!
4. What is your favorite cake and ice cream? (Bonus points if you share the cake recipe). Or would you rather have a different treat altogether?
Cake and ice cream are traditional and thats fine with me. The icing is often terrible on storebought cakes but that is being too picky, right? I love pie and lemon bars and sweets of all kinds. Hubby likes a big chocolate chip cookie cake. You know the ones with icing .
5. Surprise parties: love 'em or hate 'em?
Love them!
Been a crazy week, Hubby has spent far too much time at the church (wife's opinion...may or may not be accurate). Happy weekend!
August 22! Ray Bradbury and Norman Schwartzkopf share it. And my best friend from elementary school, Barb!
2. Do you prefer a big party or an intimate celebration for the chosen few?
BIG party or small party. But definitely a party! Having a birthday just before school starts means that usually my parties were sparsely populated. Been trying to make up for it ever since.
3. Describe your most memorable birthday(s)--good, bad, or both.
Oh I don't know. How about my next one!
4. What is your favorite cake and ice cream? (Bonus points if you share the cake recipe). Or would you rather have a different treat altogether?
Cake and ice cream are traditional and thats fine with me. The icing is often terrible on storebought cakes but that is being too picky, right? I love pie and lemon bars and sweets of all kinds. Hubby likes a big chocolate chip cookie cake. You know the ones with icing .
5. Surprise parties: love 'em or hate 'em?
Love them!
Been a crazy week, Hubby has spent far too much time at the church (wife's opinion...may or may not be accurate). Happy weekend!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Shelter
Spent the day at the shelter...I mean church.
Pictures and stories hit the local media yesterday and we had more guests,
but also a request for clothing went out.
We received so much clothing and it needed to be sorted and such.
Luckily, our church has a monthly clothes closet,
two rooms devoted to it, and folks who are used to working in there.
But my goodness, the donations! One lady came from 25 miles away.
She said that she heard and she and her husband cleaned out their closet
and she came, donated her things and stayed an hour to help sort.
This couple came with two pick-up trucks worth from their church.
A screen printing company in another town brought things they aren't going to use from their warehouse.
Pictures and stories hit the local media yesterday and we had more guests,
but also a request for clothing went out.
We received so much clothing and it needed to be sorted and such.
Luckily, our church has a monthly clothes closet,
two rooms devoted to it, and folks who are used to working in there.
But my goodness, the donations! One lady came from 25 miles away.
She said that she heard and she and her husband cleaned out their closet
and she came, donated her things and stayed an hour to help sort.
This couple came with two pick-up trucks worth from their church.
A screen printing company in another town brought things they aren't going to use from their warehouse.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Flooding
Today the church was opened as a Red Cross shelter for flood evacuees.
Wow, we thought this might be a down week but , not so!
Water is supposed to crest Saturday and its raining.
Ground is just saturated and the water is going over the dam further up.
Our home is not threatened, only neighborhoods along the rivers and creeks.
And many of the homes that are in danger are on the other side of the river, if you understand, so not as many people need help on this side.
For pictures: http://www.carrollcountycomet.com/
click on local news.
Wow, we thought this might be a down week but , not so!
Water is supposed to crest Saturday and its raining.
Ground is just saturated and the water is going over the dam further up.
Our home is not threatened, only neighborhoods along the rivers and creeks.
And many of the homes that are in danger are on the other side of the river, if you understand, so not as many people need help on this side.
For pictures: http://www.carrollcountycomet.com/
click on local news.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Tantrum
Boy oh boy did he throw a major tantrum today. Whew!
I believe it started over pizza. Mainly Dad ate the slice he'd decided on. Sigh.
I remember reading something once about tantrums...
that kids go temporarily crazy
That their brain chemistry goes wacko
and in about 20 minutes their brains and everything settle down.
So, we tried waiting it out...like a thunderstorm.
And he calmed down, we read a story and he' s asleep!
But
Thank you God that it didn't happen between 9-11 or 3-5 when we were at church
I believe it started over pizza. Mainly Dad ate the slice he'd decided on. Sigh.
I remember reading something once about tantrums...
that kids go temporarily crazy
That their brain chemistry goes wacko
and in about 20 minutes their brains and everything settle down.
So, we tried waiting it out...like a thunderstorm.
And he calmed down, we read a story and he' s asleep!
But
Thank you God that it didn't happen between 9-11 or 3-5 when we were at church
Friday, January 04, 2008
Friday5: Resolutions
Well it had to be didn't it, love them or hate them I bet you've been asked about New Year resolutions. So with no more fuss here is this weeks Friday Five;
1. Do you make New Year resolutions?
Sort of. I have been resolving for 4 years now to "trust God". Its going alright.
2. Is this something you take seriously, or is it a bit of fun?
A little bit of both really. Its a good reminder in times of doubt.
3. Share one goal for 2008.
Only one?
Aside from trusting?
Get my house in order: painted, tiled, unpacked, filed away.
Find a friend in my new town.
Plant a garden
Find a job, an easy job
Ride a horse, never have. (perennial)
Sing karaoke.
4. Money is no barrier, share one wild/ impossible dream for 2008!
To dream the impossible dream....
Da Da! Da-duhduhduh Dah!
Not sure I'm up to this today.
But, I have something on my heart, let's say
That seems pretty impossible.
But to share...
My sister and I have been talking about a trip for my birthday in a few years
Just dreaming really. We have an exchange sister in Japan and that would be wonderful to visit.
J is interested in Iceland,
she read somewhere that its a great vacation spot, wild horses and such.
So, I hope that we could dream and plan some more in this coming year.
And maybe include my mom.
5. Someone wants to publish a story of your year in 2008, what will the title of that book be?
The Good, the Great and the Silly: The Unauthorized Tell-all Memoir
1. Do you make New Year resolutions?
Sort of. I have been resolving for 4 years now to "trust God". Its going alright.
2. Is this something you take seriously, or is it a bit of fun?
A little bit of both really. Its a good reminder in times of doubt.
3. Share one goal for 2008.
Only one?
Aside from trusting?
Get my house in order: painted, tiled, unpacked, filed away.
Find a friend in my new town.
Plant a garden
Find a job, an easy job
Ride a horse, never have. (perennial)
Sing karaoke.
4. Money is no barrier, share one wild/ impossible dream for 2008!
To dream the impossible dream....
Da Da! Da-duhduhduh Dah!
Not sure I'm up to this today.
But, I have something on my heart, let's say
That seems pretty impossible.
But to share...
My sister and I have been talking about a trip for my birthday in a few years
Just dreaming really. We have an exchange sister in Japan and that would be wonderful to visit.
J is interested in Iceland,
she read somewhere that its a great vacation spot, wild horses and such.
So, I hope that we could dream and plan some more in this coming year.
And maybe include my mom.
5. Someone wants to publish a story of your year in 2008, what will the title of that book be?
The Good, the Great and the Silly: The Unauthorized Tell-all Memoir
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Interview
It went well. I mean, I did fine.
Not sure that they're looking for me and vice versa but we'll see.
I felt like if they could find someone with more of a reference bent they'd go with them.
And I felt like I might be the "live-wire" at the library if I worked there.
But its hard to tell from a Thursday morning interview I suppose.
Nice place though and directly across from the big Presby church.
Maybe Flash could go to nursery school there?
Eh. Have another interview on Jan 17th and we'll see how that goes
Not sure that they're looking for me and vice versa but we'll see.
I felt like if they could find someone with more of a reference bent they'd go with them.
And I felt like I might be the "live-wire" at the library if I worked there.
But its hard to tell from a Thursday morning interview I suppose.
Nice place though and directly across from the big Presby church.
Maybe Flash could go to nursery school there?
Eh. Have another interview on Jan 17th and we'll see how that goes
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Interview tomorrow
Interview tomorrow!
Gotta pick out what to wear, what to bring and oh yeah, what to say.
Gotta leave early because its cold and snowy
and this place is 30 minutes away on a good day.
Better than the 90 minutes I did all summer.
Cannot believe that I haven't worked in three months.
Its like summer vacation in the winter!
Bitter cold tonight. -1 and windy.
Keeping warm with tea and knitting (and warm laptop on...lap)
Flash is wearing a blanket sleeper tonight
...under the Dash PJs. Sigh.
Gotta pick out what to wear, what to bring and oh yeah, what to say.
Gotta leave early because its cold and snowy
and this place is 30 minutes away on a good day.
Better than the 90 minutes I did all summer.
Cannot believe that I haven't worked in three months.
Its like summer vacation in the winter!
Bitter cold tonight. -1 and windy.
Keeping warm with tea and knitting (and warm laptop on...lap)
Flash is wearing a blanket sleeper tonight
...under the Dash PJs. Sigh.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Snow Party
We had ice, snow and wind last night and today
so that cut back on our visitors at today's open house.
But it went very very well and I for one had a great time.
Maybe 20 folks from church, our neighbors from across the street and our neighbors next door. Three kids to play with Flash in the fabulous playroom.
Tons of food. We'll be having dim sum or tapas lunches and dinners for a while!
So Happy New Year to you and yours. Welcome 2008! Good Night!
so that cut back on our visitors at today's open house.
But it went very very well and I for one had a great time.
Maybe 20 folks from church, our neighbors from across the street and our neighbors next door. Three kids to play with Flash in the fabulous playroom.
Tons of food. We'll be having dim sum or tapas lunches and dinners for a while!
So Happy New Year to you and yours. Welcome 2008! Good Night!
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