SteamyDreamer

Spiritual Sunday - Patience

2009-11-08T14:41:00.004-06:00

Patience saves you money. Patience saves time, reduces stress, and improves your relationships. With patience, you have the ability to achieve things that are simply not possible without it. Using patience, you can more fully understand and be understood.

Looking at life with patience, you can uncover and experience rich treasures that you otherwise never would have known about. Living with patience, you develop the persistence to create great and valuable things.

Patience does not mean sitting back and doing nothing. On the contrary, patience means always doing the very best you can do, while understanding that the results you seek will not come immediately.

Patience is the acknowledgement that the quality of life is much more important than the quantity of things with which you fill it. Patience is the willingness to accept what is, for right now, while putting all you have into creating the best that can be.

Make the most of the many opportunities life provides for you to practice patience. With patience is your life fully and richly lived.

-- Ralph Marston

Wow....pretty powerful words. I love Ralph Marston's website and his daily posts.

"Patience is a Virtue" - any mother, any employee, any owner of a new kitten or puppy, any father, any child who thinks they want something......we all learn about patience. It isn't a habit, or something to be learned. Instead patience is a state of balance that rises simply out of understanding - a gift that comes after a period of time, struggle, perspective, judgement, and a peacefulness of the mind. Wikipedia defined it as "the state of endurance under difficult circumstances, which can mean persevering in the face of delay or provocation without becoming annoyed or upset; or exhibiting forbearance when under strain, especially when faced with longer-term difficulties. It is also used to refer to the character trait of being steadfast." For a Christian, it is one of the seven virtues that goes with chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, kindness, and humility.

I am still learning it. Somehow it pops up every single day in some way, shape, or form.

Garbage

2009-11-07T22:39:00.004-06:00

It has come to my attention that there is a certain male-specific deficit as related to a very specific household task (note that my male specimens are actually quite adept at some household chores and these are very very appreciated. Very appreciated). I’m going to go ahead and assume it’s the genes contained in that extra arm of the X chromosome that breaks off to become a Y in the male species that causes this deficit. Both of the male specimens in my house have this deficit.

Taking out the garbage is undoubtedly the greatest threat to the harmony of any household. Especially with those male specimens who have problems with when or how frequently this should be done.

I am sure there are others in this same dilemma so I have complied some simple easy to follow instructions:

Before we start, you have to IDENTIFY and RECOGNIZE and SEE the problem. Don't wait to be reminded or nagged. Therefore if you try to put some garbage into the garbage can and it falls right out because the trash is already piled higher than the rim, do not see how high it can go. Do not ignore the garbage that is now lying on the floor. Also, this house is not a basketball court. There are no baskets here for you to try to toss your garbage into. There is no other person who is going after your missed shot. If the garbage can is filled all the way past the top, you may not throw your garbage on the counter or floor or sink instead. This should be an indication to you to take it out. Do not ever say to the female chromosome person any of the following: "I don't even use that garbage can." "It's not my turn." "I didn't see it." Instead you should be kissing the butt of the female chromosome person and saying: "Why yes, my beautiful wife/mother, I will joyfully empty the garbage can." or "My beautiful wife/mother, I took it upon myself to change the garbage when I noticed it was on the full side. Is there anything else I can do to help you to make your life easier?" Oh and if you put something really stinky in the garbage, like old food or your garlicy spicy take out dinner, please tie up the bag immediately and take it outside — even if the bag is not filled to its breaking point yet.

Okay let's get started with the instructions:

1. In order to take out your garbage, one must locate one's garbage. There is a saying: "One man's trash is another man's treasure." For the purposes of this analysis, we assume that trash is easily identifiable and stored in a centralized location in the primary living quarters. Trash that is widely distributed or not contained in a standardized refuse vessel is not considered in this list.

2. Verify garbage eligibility - in general, garbage should fill or nearly fill the primary garbage container before taking out the trash is a viable alternative. Special conditions such as excessively smelly trash or an imminent vacation should also be taken into consideration.

3. Verify that taking out the trash is a viable option - A crushing-down process could reduce the volume of garbage to the extent that taking out might be put off for a few days but that option is not allowed in this house.

4. Remove the garbage bag from the inner rigid container and seal it by tying the two red ends together tightly in a double knot. One can use their Boy Scout knotting abilities to accomplish this.

5. Transfer the garbage bag to the garage-based vessel located in the garage - the big green can with the words GARBAGE CONTAINER on its side. It is very easy to locate as it does not hide under anything. Even the chromosome deficient can easily locate it. Note this does not mean placing the plastic garbage bag next to the green container. You actually have to use your chromosome deficient arms to heft the garbage bag into the inside of the green garbage container. Please note the green garbage container has a lid. I understand this hampers you but deal with it and lift it up before placing the bag into the container and remember to close it after. Please believe me that placing this garbage bag into the container will not affect the garbage that is already in there - they will become friends.

6. Come back into the house and replace the white garbage bag in the inner rigid container and place the rigid container back into the outside silver rigid container.

7. Repeat all steps as necessary. This might mean this has to be done on a daily basis. Get used to it and stop whining.

AND NEVER EVER EVER SAY TO ME THAT IS NOT MY JOB!

Chronically Late People

2009-11-06T21:50:00.003-06:00

My husband and I have been feuding about this for a while. I am always ready to leave the house in plenty of time to be at a certain place, leaving 15 minutes to spare for those things that come up (getting caught by a train, traffic, etc). My husband, on the other hand, is a chronically late person. Ironically enough, he was on time for our wedding and I was the one who was late - but in my defense, I was already in the car at my parent's house when his parents and grandmother showed up at our house to take pictures (they had not been invited - just showed up). So I got back out of the car and took pictures with them but I ended up being 15 minutes late then to the church.

Yesterday I told my husband what my plans were and what time I wanted to leave the house. At that exact time I was ready and had already packed the car. He hadn't even gotten into the shower. So I left and met one of my office girls for lunch. She asked how long did I think he would notice I had left. I said probably not for 30 minutes when he was finally ready. Sure enough, 30 minutes later I get a phone call from him trying to find out where I was.

It's a pet peeve of mine. I hate walking into somewhere late. I decided to do some research to get into my husband's head into reasons why he is so chronically late.

I found it is more than poor time management. Late people tend to be one of the following:
1. The rationalizer has a hard time acknowledging responsibility for lateness and tends to blame outside circumstances. Yep, sounds like my husband.

2. The producer wants to squeeze as much into every minute as possible; they are always busy. Also sounds like my husband.

3. The deadliner subconsciously enjoys the last-minute sprint to the finish line; they feel more alive when running out of time. Maybe this is it - he gets off on rushing around.

4. The indulger exercises less self-control; tends to procrastinate. This also describes him.

5. The rebel resists authority and everyday rules; might run late as a form of control. Also sounds like him.

6. The absent-minded professor is easily distracted, forgetful and caught up in their own introspection. This is one excuse he gives - the office can't run without him so they can wait for him.

7. The evader feels anxiety about his or her environment and tries to control it; their own needs or routine come before being on time. Also is my husband.

One website gave some tips on how to handle the chronically late:
1. Don't take it personally. Most aren't trying to be inconsiderate. Wrong - this is saying what I feel isn't important as what he is feeling.

2. Discuss the problem openly and honestly before too much resentment builds. Let him or her know that the lateness bothers you, but keep it constructive. Been there done that got nowhere.

3. Set parameters. Let Ms. or Mr. Late know you'll leave after 15 minutes of waiting, or ask them to call if they're running late. Just started doing this. Didn't faze him at all.

4. Be encouraging and patient. It may take time to see improvement. Offer compliments when you see a change. Don't think I will live long enough for this to happen.

5. If the late person is your doctor, dentist, hairdresser, etc., you may want to call ahead to see if they're running late. What if it is the doctor who is doing it? Plus in my eyes, not an excuse and I won't go to doctors who don't run on time.

6. You can try fudging it from time to time by telling the person to be somewhere at 7:30 if you really mean 8. Again a been there done that didn't work.

7. Keep it in perspective. Don't forget the person's great traits. This is one of the reasons why we are still married. But the lateness is really really starting to bug me.

Anyone have any other tips?

Not a Green Thumb

2009-11-05T21:44:00.002-06:00

I was drawn to an article on cnn.com:

Houseplants So Low Maintenance Even You (Probably) Won't Kill Them
Posted by Brad Tuttle Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Who needs a high-maintenance houseplant? If you're going through the trouble of decorating your home with some greenery, it makes sense to buy something that'll last—even if your home is as dark as a basement, your ability to remember to water is nearly nonexistent, and your thumbs aren't remotely green.
Among some suggestions for "No-Fail Houseplants" are Pothos and Spath:

- Pothos: This leafy, versatile houseplant can endure two of the biggest plant maintenance no-nos for extended periods of time: Low light and low water levels.

- Spath: This hardy, leafy dark green plant has long skinny stems with a spike of itsy-bitsy white micro flower at its tips. It thrives in low light and it actually hangs onto water for weeks before drooping leaves signal that it's time for a swig.

Tried both. Killed both. Chia pets don't even grow under my care.

My idea of inside greenery: fake. The kind you buy and never have to water and throw them out when they collect too much dust.

Outside: no mess - no bother - no planting - they come up all on their own every year - things like tulips, hostas, flowering bushes, etc. Husband plants a vegetable garden every year filled with the things we like and I use for cooking. He is in charge of it - I don't even look at anything but the produce for fear of killing it. Oh and I leave the watering to my husband. The outside looks nice. The inside looks nice too - just nothing live except the animals and humans.

Wednesday Websites

2009-11-04T22:05:00.002-06:00

I figured I would do these on Wednesday's since - well, it's my blog and I can do what I want :)

Here is an interesting website that is called photoshop of horrors - travel forward in time to a frightening future where the miracle of computer graphics lets you see what our fresh-faced celebrities will look like in 2034. http://www.eatnineghost.com/how-hollywood-celebrities-looks-like-in-2034

Here is another funny site: http://faceyourpockets.com/index1.html
You are to find a scanner, empty your pockets onto its surface, press your face against the scanner, then post the resulting (and sure to be entertaining) image on that site. Check the gallery to see what everyone else is lugging around in their pockets.

And the last website is called Max Dirt Bike - you take off down the obstacle course but don't rev too hard because if you lose your balance you have to return to the starting point. Much harder than it looks but highly addicting: http://www.addictinggames.com/maxdirtbike.html

Recipe Tuesday - 20 Garlic Chicken Crock Pot Dinner

2009-11-03T20:33:00.002-06:00

3 ½ pound chicken, whole
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
1 medium garlic bulb (with about 20 cloves)

Remove giblets from chicken; remove as much fat as possible. Rinse and drain chicken and pat dry inside and out with paper towels. In small bowl, combine salt, pepper, paprika and oil; mix to form paste. Spread evenly over chicken.

Place onion in 3 ½ to 4 qt Crock-pot. Place chicken, breast side up over chicken. Separate garlic into cloves (do not peel). Place garlic cloves in and around chicken.

Cover and cook on low setting for at least 7 hours or until chicken is fork tender and juices run clear.

This is one of my sisters' families favorite recipes. They serve this with salad, corn, and mashed potatoes, (squeezing 3-4 cooked garlic cloves into the mashed potatoes, mixing well). You can also save the other cooked garlics to be spread on bread or vegetables for a roasted garlic flavor.

(I cannot attest to the taste of this since garlic and I don't get along but my son and husband love it - hence the picture above - to them the more garlic the better!).

More Full Moon Craziness

2009-11-03T13:13:00.005-06:00

Last night I got a call from my daughter asking what happened to my brother - seemed all the cousins were talking on Facebook about my brother (the only one I have that is still living) and that he was lucky to be alive but no one said if he was hurt or what happened. I picked up the phone and called.

Note: brother works almost 2 hours away from his house - long long story of that reason. But the story was that on the way home from work while driving on the interstate, he had a close encounter with a deer at about 80 mph. (Knowing my brother it was more than that). Airbags did not deploy but his car was destroyed. He said he only pulled over because the engine was smoking. As soon as he got out of the car and went to the front end to see how much damage there was, he saw fire and backed away. The car caught on fire. He told me he felt God's presence the entire time. After looking at the pictures, I agree - he walked away from this without even a scratch. Thanks God!

Pics in order: 1st the front end of his Rav4, 2nd the driver side, 3rd the middle of the car.

Happy Full Moon!

2009-11-02T21:36:00.003-06:00

Actually it's Happy Harvest Moon today! Lots of nutty thing happening around our house starting with last night.

It was a dark and cold night....oh yeah - back to the story - I was coming out of the laundry room and happened on Trouble trying to tip over a grocery bag that had handles on it. He achieved getting the bag tipped over. He then proceeded cautiously to climb into said bag - not through the bag but through the handles. He realized once he was almost in that his leg was caught on the handle so he tried backing out. Didn't work so he freaked, further twisting himself into the bag and then he and the bag took off running through the house. I was in tears laughing. Hubs and son were in the family room watching Slumdog Millionaire when they see a bag go flying through their room. I catch my breath long enough to say get him - the cat is caught on the handles of the bag and freaking out.

Took 3 grown adults to get ahold of said bag with kitten twisted inside. Took another 5 minutes and a pair of gloves and winter coat to extract said kitten from the bag (he had really twisted himself around those handles). He wouldn't go near the bag the rest of the day.

This morning hubs decided to leave the bathroom door open. So instead of getting to sleep in, resting up after being diagnosed with a sinus infection and pneumonia on Friday on top of the swine flu, Trouble decided to crawl in bed with me and go under the covers. Would have been no problem but Trouble crawled in to get to my feet and bite my toes. Woke me up really fast. Got no rest.

Tonight - Trouble and the bag played games again. I wonder if he will ever learn about the rules of kittens sleeping 16 hours a day?

Spiritual Sunday - Judging Others

2009-11-01T14:36:00.005-06:00

Most of my blog topics come from things that either happen to me or things I see. This one is no different.

I have never ever said in any post or anything that I am either a Republican or a Democrat. I actually hate both words. There are parts of both parties that just make me so angry that I can't even speak. The part I can't stand? The people that sit in judgement on what they THINK you are and then determine WHAT they think you should think and then bombard you with that judgement.

In three words, blunt and absolute, Jesus commanded us, "Do not judge" (Matt. 7:1). But did he really mean that we should never judge others? He goes on to suggest that it's not the act of judging but the attitude with which we do it that God is most concerned about - "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged" (7:2).

Common sense tells us that if no one ever judged other people, there would be no real human community. In a sinful world, no community can exist for long where nobody is ever held accountable: no teacher would grade a student's performance; no citizen would sit on a jury or call a failed leader to account. And, when you come to think of it, nobody would ever forgive anyone for wrongs they had done; we only forgive people for what we blame them, and we blame them only after we have judged them.

When a person judges, they also form an opinion. But an opinion is not necessarily the same as a judgment. Opinions are often framed by our fears, pride, or ignorance. If all we had were human opinions, we might agree with those who say we should never judge. But opinions can be just as bad as judgements.

People ask me how as a devoted Christian can I allow another to say, have an abortion, or kill someone, or deny anyone who loves another a marriage license even if they are of the same gender. I say that I live my life with God in it. Would I do any of these things? No. But I can't speak for another. I say that before I can judge another I must not have any unconfessed sin in my life. If I have unconfessed sin in my life then I cannot judge. What is important is me. When I come before God at the end of time, it is not others God is judging, it is me - what I have done and not what others have done and it is me who is asking God for forgiveness of MY sins. Anyone else has to go before their own God to ask for forgiveness for their sins. It is not in my power to give supreme forgiveness to them.

Yet, as a person we can forgive others for things they have done to us. "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged" (7:2). So yes, while I can grant them forgiveness for what they have done to me, I cannot judge what they have done. That is for God to do. Jesus tells us plainly that if we judge others, we too will be judged. We are to leave judgment up to God alone.

I leave you with a few quotes:

"We evaluate others with a Godlike justice, but we want them to evaluate us with a Godlike compassion."
- Sydney J. Harris

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them."
- Mother Teresa

"Remember that I’m Human. Before you judge me or decide how you’ll deal with me, walk awhile in my shoes. If you do, I think you’ll find with more understanding we can meet in the middle and walk the rest of the way together."
- Eric Harvey and Steve Ventura: 'Walk Awhile in My Shoes'

"When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself."
- Wayne Dyer (Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker)

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T12:56:00.006-06:00

Another of those nifty websites that calendar provided is this one: http://www.tulane.edu/~wc/months/

Today is not just any old day - it is also considered the "Festival of Sleep Day" (where here in the US we move our clocks back an hour and get an extra hour of sleep tonight - unless you live in Hawaii or most parts of Arizona). It is also considered
Halloween, Samhain, National Magic Day, Increase Your Psychic Powers Day, UNICEF Day, and St. Quentin's Day.

I knew of all but Samhain so I looked it up. It is one of the 8 annual festivals on the Wiccan calendar and is considered to be the most important of the 4 'greater Sabbats'. It is a time to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on and it often involves paying respect to ancestors, family members, elders of the faith, friends, pets, and other loved ones who have died.

See? You learn something new every day here!

But it wouldn't just be me without posting this year's costumes for my precious granddoggies and daughter did a good job picking them out as they are sooooo appropriate!

Here is Bella the Bee (ironic since Bella hates bees after she got bitten on her hiney over 20 times after trying to play with a beehive and all one has to do is say the word buzz buzz and she runs and hides):

This is Brittany the Chicken (ironic since although Brittany is the larger of the 2 dogs, she is scared of anything - boxes - grocery bags - loud music or TV shows). Brit has a tendency to be OCD and even take the same path to go potty or poop or walk in a room.

TGIF - Wacky Weird Websites

2009-10-30T19:18:00.004-06:00

Did a whole bunch of office work most of the day and a whole bunch of yelling at Trouble for getting into things. He has a new fascination with our HD flat screen TV's and wants to put his wee front claws on them to chase the pictures. Can't use squirt bottle on him so am trying time outs right now (he goes into his cat carrier for 10 minutes). Made for a long morning. I was back to the doctor this afternoon and along with the remnants of the swine flu, I now have a sinus infection, pneumonia, and an ear infection. Back on Levaquin. Doctor had escribed my medicine (sent it electronically to the pharmacy) so hubs took me home and Trouble and I napped for 3 hours. Hubs ran the end of the month errands, picked up my new medicine, and then made dinner.

A few days ago, I ran across some 2009 calendars that were just going to be thrown out. One was all about shoes and one of the office girls took it and is going to make pictures for us for the walls of the 3 offices. Another calendar was "How to Bring Out the Inner Bitch in You" which is a hoot. But another one was on Wacky Web Sites, so on Friday's I will give you a few interesting ones.

The first today is http://www.fourmilab.ch/documents/calendar/ This is a neat website in that you can put any date into it and see how it translates in other systems (Julian, Hebrew, Muslim, Mayan, and Unix Universal Time). It also gives you detailed explanations of how each calendar evolved and operates.

The next is an addicting time waster game. http://www.ninjakiwi.com/Games/Bloons-Games/Bloons.html It took me a bit to catch the hang of it but I now have it bookmarked in my mindless game area. Hint: You need to hold down the mouse button to gain arrow-strength and aim high to burst enough balloons to get to the next level. I refuse to answer how much time passed before I figured that one out.

So have fun!

The Latest Hippest Word - Mantrum

2009-10-29T19:53:00.004-06:00

When this popped up as I went to sign into Yahoo, I went "HUH? Mantrum? What the h is that?"

I guess it is the latest hippest word (yes I dated myself using those terms). Mantrum is when a grown man throws a tantrum when he can't have his way or being irrational and angry for no reason, and throwing a male tantrum...as only a man can. And here I thought it meant he's in the doghouse or not getting any or as the sign above says - it's male pms aka piss and moan syndrome. Males actually go through as many if not more PMS days than a woman does - it's a statistic!

Here is an interesting website: http://www.urbandictionary.com/

You can educate yourself so you don't talk like you are an old person. Looking through the words of the day I came across this one: bullshine which means it is a work-safe and broadcast-safe synonym of bullshit. Oh yeah - can use that one.

Very educational site! **eyeroll**

Who works at work?

2009-10-28T18:32:00.003-06:00

Obviously not these people.

I have been averaging 50 hits per day at my website. I look at how people found me and have blogged on some of the interesting ones. But I found a new button today - the IP places where they came from. Interestingly enough I took a look at where said IP addresses were registered to for just the past 2 days - 103 hits. At least 40 of you came to my website from your workplace - there are probably more but I can't really tell if the IP address is registered to say SBCglobal or Ameritech or Optonline or Comcast - it doesn't give me the names of those parties. It could though and I just don't know how to access that information or I haven't found the right button yet.

Heads up to the employers of the 40 who decided to access my website and for the following pages: book reviews, quotes, images, dirtiest places, pranks, and doodling. Interesting jobs they have at
Associated Newspapers, Ltd
Uslec Corp
Embarq Corporation
Ideal Technology Solutions US Inc
The Pennsylvania State University
Msc Industrial Supply
Rhode Island College
Blue Shield of California
University of Rochester
Temple University
University of Wisconsin - Stout
Iona College
Hanaro Corporation
Insurance Services Office
American Express
Department of Fisheries and Oceans
Northwestern University
University of Kansas
The Noor Group
University of Windsor
United Airlines
Rochester Institute of Technology
University of Ioannina
Midamerican Energy Holdings Company
The George Washington University
Midland-news-association
I-deal Merrill Lynch
Indiana Higher Education Telecommunication System
General Atomic Fusion User Service Center
Southern Counties Oil
IBM Canada Ltd
Francis Marion University
U of Ks Center for Research
Smithsonian Institution
Massachusetts Higher Education Computer Network
Consumers Energy
Tyco Healthcare
Southern Methodist University
Austin Independent School District
Lexology Ltd

Maybe I should get a boss like they have!

Recipe Tuesday - Cornbread

2009-10-27T20:52:00.003-06:00

Today's recipe is by request from another of my bestest girls since I talked about it in last week's recipe.

My recipe has been handed down generations. In my opinion, there is only 1 way to make true Southern Cornbread and that is in a cast iron skillet. Mine was given to me when my grandmother passed away but I had already found my own at an antique store. Buying a new one just takes way too long to season but it can be done. First check out antique places or farm estate sales.

For those of you who want to just bake it in a pyrex square pan you can but you just don't know what you are missing by not using a well seasoned cast iron skillet - the bestest part which is the really crispy crust.

There is also a difference in cornbread recipes - Northern recipes and Southern recipes. How one tells the difference is the ingredients. A Southern Cornbread is not sweet and does not ever use sugar in it. You are allowed to drizzle honey on the finished product but never evah put sugar in your cornbread if you are serving it to a Southerner! Cornbread is for dinner, not dessert.

So here's my family cornbread handed down lots of generations:

Ingredients:
2 cups of cornmeal (yellow or white)
½ cup sifted flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg lightly beaten
2 cups buttermilk
2 tablespoons bacon drippings or vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Put the drippings or oil in a cast iron skillet and place it in the oven for a few minutes until it’s sizzling. Mix together dry ingredients. Set aside. Whisk egg and buttermilk. Mix with dry ingredients. (Note here: make sure your cast iron skillet is good and hot because that is what sears the batter and makes for a crispy, crunchy crust which is what makes it a true cornbread). Take cast iron skillet out of oven, and pour hot oil into batter, and mix. Pour batter immediately into cast iron skillet (you don't want the skillet to cool that much). Bake in oven for 20 minutes. Cornbread should be brown on top and pulling away from the sides of the skillet when done. Take out of the oven and cut in pie-like pieces. Serve!

This recipe makes 8 pie slices. I usually double the recipe since I love leftovers. I will zap it in the microwave for 5 seconds in a brown paper bag and voila - my cornbread is warm again. Drizzle with honey and it is a perfect breakfast food!

As a side addition, you can also use this recipe to make hush puppies! I usually add chop a quarter of an onion and mix in the batter and sometimes add fresh corn kernels I have canned to it too. Take the batter then and form it into balls and fry them in the cast iron skillet with oil, turning them frequently. I will also deep fry them in my Fry Baby.

Surviving Facebook

2009-10-26T18:11:00.002-06:00

When I first joined Facebook, I had a steadfast rule of close friends only and definitely no relatives. In fact, I repeatedly turned down 'friend requests' from my relatives. I gave them no reason - just flat out denied them and when I would get request after request week after week, they were then blocked from even seeing me.

As I learned more on Facebook and its privacy settings, I allowed more on my Facebook as friends - co-workers who I viewed as friends, and even 2 of my nieces. I found a few people I went to college with and even grade school with and friended them. I had no problems.

That is until my father went to the OK family reunion and mentioned I was on Facebook (how he knew I have no clue unless it was a family discussion on how I won't allow anyone to be my friend on there - believe me - they definitely had this conversation without me around or there would have been a major earthquake in Chicago as I would have erupted).

I reluctantly added a few cousins I got along with or cared what their opinion was.

Then I learned how to set even more privacy so I didn't have to even see them and they couldn't read anymore than what I wanted thanks to my wonderful techie girl who even teaches me how to work my cell phone (okay okay - I admit I am technicallogically challenged).

How did I do it? I organized my friends into lists like relatives, peeps, yuckies, etc. I think it's nifty neato that they can't see my lists so I can name them anything I want to. I have a couple more lists I am going to start - the yakkers (you know them - they have to tell you when they pluck a hair), the gamers who are the ones who play games -like Farmville or Mafia Wars).

Then you just go into your privacy tab and check off who can see what. If you choose that customize button, you can be more a whole lot more specific.

This website is where I learned a whole lot: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-complete-guide-to-facebook-privacy/

So if you are my friend on Facebook, are you a wee bit curious what category you fall in?

Spiritual Sunday - Using New Eyes

2009-10-25T13:23:00.003-06:00

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.
~Marcel Proust

I ran across this quote some time ago, loved it, and saved it in my favorites file (which happens to be pretty huge now). I was scanning that file yesterday for something spiritual to say today and for some reason I kept coming back to this quote.

Does that ever happen to you? It does to me all the time. If I am aware enough, I stop and find out why my brain keeps going back and why it means something to me. I find things like this 'speak' to me when I need them the most.

After re-reading the quote a few times, I couldn't figure out why it meant so much. Then I went to bed. We have had the granddoggies this weekend. Since Trouble (our new male kitten) is still considered snack food to the granddoggies, we have kept them separate. However, yesterday I allowed Trouble full access to our bedroom.

Seeing the bedroom through my eyes is one thing. Seeing the bedroom via Trouble's eyes is another. I had to search for my rosary. Every Kleenex (not used) was out of its box and shredded. The garbage was knocked over. Trouble obviously also learned how to jump high enough to reach the bathroom counters and everything was on the floor. My nice clean bedroom went from clean to chaos in a mere 2 hours.

So to my eyes, there was no hesitation in allowing Trouble access. To Trouble's eyes, it was a whole new playground. As I was cleaning up the mess last night, I looked around at my bedroom with different eyes - eyes from a mischievous kitten but more important, eyes from possible grandchildren. It has been a long long time since I have needed to child proof or kitten proof my house. I have at least a year or two to child proof my house for any grandchildren to come (no - no news yet).

But Trouble - he gets locked up now - in his cage because even the bathroom isn't kitten proofed.

Optical illusions allow us to see things we might not see right away. What do you see in the picture above? A sax player or a young woman?

Swine Flu

2009-10-24T11:13:00.004-06:00

Well, I don't know if I have it or not. Here in the burbs of Chicagoland, it is rampant - of course before the first doses of vaccine are available. I wouldn't have gotten the vaccine anyway but it is always ironic how medicine is 2 steps behind.

I have been working all week short-handed and then one of my bestest girls got sick. I sent her home Thursday (part of the reason why I haven't been around). I have been pretty pooped by the time I get home that I was heading to bed and sleeping 12 hours at a time. I knew that was a sign I was getting sick so I upped my vitamins.

I woke up Thursday morning with a slight sore throat - figured it was just from running the fans and is pretty typical for me. But by Thursday night I was totally exhausted. Friday morning I woke up with a slight cold and by yesterday afternoon I was in a full blown head cold. Since everyone and their neighbor around me has been sick with the swine flu, I am not surprised - just that I held out this long from getting it. So far hubs is fighting it.

I called the doctor who does not want to see anyone unless you are on your deathbed and can't breathe or can't keep fluids down. We are to assume we have the swine flu and treat accordingly - Tamiflu if you can find it, plenty of fluids, plenty of rest. So although I have done the fluids and rest, I haven't taken any Tamiflu - there is none in this area to be found. My aunt in Oklahoma said she would send me some but I told her to keep it as the CDC map shows it is coming her way.

So oink oink with me. I will post when I am feel like being up.

Husband in the Doghouse

2009-10-21T19:53:00.003-06:00

It’s easy to fire your employer if you aren't married to him. Did you know that more employees fire their employer than employers fire employees? Yep it is a statistic. The reasons why vary from quitting for better pay, better working conditions, to better opportunities. There is also a statistic that an employee will fire 7 or more employers in their working life.

But what can one do if they want to fire your boss that happens to be your husband? I hate Wednesdays during golf season. He gets up at the ass crack of dawn (making sure all are awake if he has to be up) and then goes and walks the 18 hole golf course chasing a stupid white ball around. He then comes home pissed about something he was doing wrong and thus sets the mood for the rest of the day.

When he is tired, he is the crabbiest man alive. Top that with crappy weather or a crappy golf score and the day just goes downhill. Then try to go to work with him.

Is he nasty to the patients? Nope - he's as sweet as syrup. To me? I have learned to just not talk to him at all on Wednesdays because there is nothing that will come out of his mouth that is usually worth my getting upset over. I chalk it up to no sleep. Today he was PMS'ing along with no sleep along with playing golf in a light rain along with getting a crappy score. Yep - he had oodles of nasty permeating his pores just looking around to piss me off.

Today he pushed the right buttons and accomplished his mission to exude the nastiness onto me. I quit and told him to stuff the job you know where. The other girls told him that if I go they go.

He knows he has to apologize. He knows he was in the wrong. He knows he was crabby. And he knows that the crabbiness and nastiness on me was undeserved. We shall see how long he remains in the doghouse. He reminds me of 'The Fonz' - the words "I am sorry...." never erupt from his mouth. Instead, he will go out of his way to do things for me. Tonight I got taken out to eat. Wonder what tomorrow will bring?

Recipe Tuesday - Super Easy Corn Chowder

2009-10-20T20:34:00.003-06:00

Easy Corn Chowder

8-10 medium sized red potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cans evaporated milk
2 cans sweet corn with juice
1 can cream style corn
Salt and pepper

Boil the diced potato for 20 minutes. Rinse them and put them back into a large soup pot. Add the cans of milk, corn with juice, and creamed corn. Salt and pepper to taste.

Set to simmer for a couple of hours. Now you need to make sure you stir this every 10-15 minutes as it is very easy to burn the bottom.

For a change of pace, I have added left over crab or lobster pieces and have also added 1/4 cup chopped green onions, and cooked pieces of bacon, 1/2 cup of chopped celery, and 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (for a kick).

I usually serve this with cornbread cooked in a cast iron pan although I have been known to just bake it too.

Now to me this is a full dinner (the chowder and cornbread). To my husband, this is the appetizer and he wants a full meal after.

RANT - Nasty Rude People

2009-10-19T20:43:00.006-06:00

......can go take a flying leap off the nearest cliff!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are missing an employee due to the death of her father (see Sunday's tribute to Charlie). I changed the answering machine message to state that if you get this machine, to call one office between 9a to 2p and another office from 2p to 7p. Hey - I figured at least I informed them where to reach us.

Want to know how many hangups I got? 15
Want to know how many left obnoxious rude messages? 5

One of the 5 wanted me to pay for her to call the other number. I reminded her she had the option to leave a message and that we would call her back. She didn't appreciate that. Said she was going to report me to the doctor and get me fired. I smiled.......and gave her an appointment.

Another one stated that we should be open. I think her words were: "Awww...come on" (Mind you this same patient missed her last appointment). Thank goodness another girl got her phone call to the other office. This is the same lady who bugged me every hour for 7 hours on the emergency line no less, to remind the doctor to call her. When he did get home that day and called her - it was about an appointment to which he told her to call the office on Monday - that he doesn't make appointments. I think at one point she also was going to report me because I wouldn't let her talk to the doctor.

Then on top of that - I finally friended my relatives to my facebook account. I had mixed feelings. We have a family run web site to which we can post to our hearts content. Does anyone but my one sister and I use it? No. I think we are dropping paying for it next year. So the comment one of my sisters had for me: "Well, you finally decided to friend us - how nice (insert very sarcastic tone) - I know it's because you probably have nasty friends." Guess who got unfriended today?

Is it a full moon?

/end rant

Goodby Charlie Until We Meet Again

2009-10-18T14:24:00.003-06:00

Goodby our dear friend! You have always been in our thoughts and prayers. You were brave in the Vietnam War and have been for the past 5 years since you have been battling the effects of being exposed to Agent Orange. We am glad you are now at peace.

"Those we love never go away,
They're within our hearts everyday,
Always loved and always dear,
Walking with Angels,
always near."
~Author Unknown

Why Do Women Shave Their Legs?

2009-10-17T23:47:00.008-06:00

This actually was the topic of conversation at a fancy smancy dinner dance hubs and I went to tonight. Of course, the men had their opinions too and a few were excited that because of the 'special event' and their wives 'dressing up' had indeed shaved their legs so in their minds that meant they were getting lucky tonight.

I actually shaved too today - not because I had to or even wanted to. I hate shaving my legs and underarms. It's nice when one lives in the Midwest and thus never has to don a bathing suit and always wears pants. It's easier to get by with it then.

I remember eons ago when I was young, all I wanted was an electric razor and would be allowed to finally shave. It was a rite of passage. However, I was blond and very light skinned thus any hairs you find on me you usually have to use a magnifying glass to see. Of course when I was 12, I swore everyone could see every hair I had and I was the absolute last person allowed to shave. It was a big deal when I finally got my own electric razor for my 8th grade graduation. I was in heaven.

Then I grew up. Shaving became a chore and a royal pain in the you know what. I would shave maybe once to twice a week. Soon those weeks slid into months. Now even though I don't have much hair (never actually did), I shave when I feel like it. But men? Let them hear a woman has shaved - they become sex addicts. I swear it is an aphrodisiac for them!

Since it was such an interesting conversation, I thought I would do some research on it. It is a very common practice amongst us women in the Western countries and actually also done by some men (bodybuilders, cyclists, swimmers, and today's culture who thinks any upper body hair on a guy needs to be removed).

Shaving is the removal of hair by either razor or other bladed item down to the level of the skin. Some people use waxing (OUCH). Waxing is semi-permanent which removes the hair from the root. New hairs are slower to grow back (usually 2-8 weeks). There are also other methods like sugaring (a method of epilation that has been in use since 1900BC when a hairless and smooth body was considered the standard of youth, beauty, and innocence for women in Egypt). There is also depilatories, depilatory devices, and now laser hair removal.

During my research, I found this article which was pretty interesting:
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/625/who-decided-women-should-shave-their-legs-and-underarms

I knew if I procrastinated long enough on this often-asked question somebody would eventually do the legwork for me. Sure enough, Pete Cook of Chicago has sent me a 1982 article from the Journal of American Culture by Christine Hope bearing the grand title "Caucasian Female Body Hair and American Culture."

The gist of the article is that U.S. women were browbeaten into shaving underarm hair by a sustained marketing assault that began in 1915. (Leg hair came later.) The aim of what Hope calls the Great Underarm Campaign was to inform American womanhood of a problem that till then it didn't know it had, namely unsightly underarm hair.

I strongly encourage you to read the whole article as it was that interesting.

But depending on the amount of hair or your own patience, some women only shave the hair below the knee while others shave their entire leg. The frequency actually depends not on hair growth but interestingly enough, on your age. Some shave as often as every day, and others may not bother to shave at all during winter months when their legs aren't visible to the public. In general, younger women tend to shave more frequently than older women.

I loved this line I found:

Research also suggests that women who do not shave their body hair are "characterized by higher global self-esteem." Scholars suggest that this is because women with lower levels of self-esteem are less likely to be satisfied with their natural bodies, and thus more likely to alter them.

Yeah I have a high self esteem. That is why I don't shave often. It's not because I am lazy or old. It's because I have a high self esteem (VBG)

I also agree with the cartoon I found above:

shaving your underarms is maintenance shaving your legs is dating

No Brain

2009-10-15T20:48:00.004-06:00

Usually I have no problems doing things on the spur of the moment. My brain functions that way. I think some of it is the way I was trained as a nurse. We react without thinking. Maybe it's also the mother in me. Dunno why - just do it although it has gotten me into trouble some times when I open mouth insert foot.

It's those times I have to think about what I need to do that I have a huge brain fart. Take for instance tonight. I needed to change the message on our office's answering machine. My son and husband love whenever I do it. They somehow always seem to know when I do it too and come from opposite ends of the house or another room just to watch me do it. It's like they have radar. Husband and son will then take bets on how many times I will re-record the message because I will always flub it up. My usual is 5-10 times according to them. Tonight neither husband or son won. It took me 22 times. I finally had to write it down in order to just read it.

Why can my brain just react without thinking yet I can't compose a simple 1 minute message without flucking it up??????

I Love Fall

2009-10-14T20:14:00.003-06:00

I love the colors, the crispness to the air, the scent of wood burning in a fireplace, and I especially love the colder temperatures.

The picture above is a tree outside an office near me. I am fascinated by its leaves and how it changes colors. Does anyone know what tree it is?

**sigh** I can't wait for the snow!

Recipe Tuesday - Apple Crisp

2009-10-13T20:20:00.003-06:00

I have over 6 bushels of apples waiting for me to can this weekend. They can wait until I have time Friday, Saturday, and Sunday since the temps are down to the 20's at night and highs of upper 40's so they will keep without rotting. When my daughter heard I picked up the apples, she asked me when I was going to make this recipe. It is one of her favorites.

Ingredients:

6 Apples thinly sliced and cut into bite size pieces
2 Cups Flour
2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
1 ½ Teaspoons Salt
2 Cups Sugar
2 Beaten Eggs
2/3 Cup Melted Butter
1 ½ Teaspoon Cinnamon

Preheat Oven to 375 degrees
Grease 9 x 13 Inch Baking Dish. Place sliced apples in bottom of dish. In separate bowl, mix together Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Sugar and Egg (Mixture will be crumbly). Sprinkle mixture evenly over apples. Pour melted butter on top of everything. Sprinkle with Cinnamon.
Bake for 30-40 Minutes until the crumbly coating is lightly browned and the apples are bubbling.

Cool slightly. We use plain yogurt in place of ice cream over the top.