Concerning Thanksgiving

I've been contemplating what I should write concerning Thanksgiving.

I could go through some memories of past Thanksgiving Days. I would tell you about the one where my parents left me to go to San Antonio. I would tell you about the ones where I end up sick before we even eat the food. I could tell you about the one where we ran a 5K in 15 degree weather. Or, maybe I would tell you about the one where Richard met my family - that's a good story.

I could tell you what I am thankful for this year. I am thankful for my job, for my warm apartment, for the last year of dental school. I am thankful for our cars and that we were able to make repairs on them this year. I am thankful for God's direction in decisions made and the ones still coming. I am thankful for my salvation. I am thankful for my friends that have encouraged and challenged me this year. I am thankful for my family, both near and far away, and that my love for them keeps on going no matter how far we apart we are.

I could tell you about our plans this year. About how we are going to visit Hubs's family tomorrow and that I'm making a special pie just for his grandpa. About how I can't wait for leftover turkey and how I am hoping to get great shopping deals on Friday.

But instead, I'm just going to wish you a very relaxing and happy Thanksgiving Day and weekend. I hope we can get refreshed and energized for the rest of the year!

Connect, Reconnect, Stay Connected

Staying connected is hard. In the last few years, I've realized that people move. I've always wanted to be the one moving, but everyone else needs to stay put! I've moved around a few times in my life. Each time, no matter what, it is hard to stay connected with friends. I find that as I have gotten older, it becomes easier because friends seem to move more often and I realize I don't want to give up those friendships.

How do you stay connected? I remember writing letters to my friends when I moved to Kansas. Long distance was still expensive back then. I talk to my family on the phone mostly. But, I stay connected to most of my friends through email, my preferred form of communication.

I started this blog to stay connected to friends and family. However, it has become much more.

Connect. I have connected with people I never would have known before. I've met some great people and learn so much from reading their blogs. It has been great to connect with really wonderful people through similar hobbies, opinions, beliefs, interests, and lives.

Reconnect. Just today I found a cousin's blog. I haven't talked to her for many, many years since she was quite older than I, but it is so fun to read through her blog and see what is going on in her life. I reconnected with another familiar face from just a few years' back and some old high school friends, too. I really love accidentally finding these old friends and reconnecting through our blogs.

Stay Connected. Since God takes our life and your lives many places, I love having blogs that never move. No matter what, I can not only stay connected through my friends' blogs; but you can stay connected with me because my blog isn't going away anytime soon.

What a great communication tool blogging is (plus it makes as a great hobby). Whether you have a business blog, a family blog, a topical blog, or make it whatever you want - I'm sure you will find ways to connect, reconnect, and stay connected.

Ups and Downs

As has become tradition, I will re-cap my ever-so-boring weekend to you in ups and downs in an attempt to make it more interesting.

Up: Chinese food and movie date with Hubs on Friday night.

Up: Worked out everyday.
Down: Hubs studied.

Up: Got new shampoo.
Down: Hubs continued to study.

Up: Took down all the fall decorations.
Down: Hubs studied (and mentioned that I was making a lot of noise).

Up: Covertly worked on some Christmas presents.
Down: Did I mention that Hubs was studying?

Up: Attempted to play piano for the first time in, I dunno, 5 years!
Down: Fingers cramped up from playing piano (for like 5 minutes) - let's just say it doesn't come back quickly.

Up: Bought the most beautiful ****** I've ever seen for someone's birthday (you know who you are)
Down: Richard studied some more.

Up: Hubs will be done with 2 finals at noon today.
Down: My coffee tastes like hot water today.

(The picture is old. I just thought this post needed something besides words.)

Favorite Friday Fun

What is your favorite thing to do on Friday night? Relax? Party? Veg? Work?

Sometimes, I like to go home and change into comfies, get take-out, curl up on the couch and watch a movie.

Sometimes, I like to go to friends' houses and play games and laugh all night long.

Sometimes, I like to go out to eat with just my Hubs. Then, just walk around and catch up on the week.

Sometimes, I like to have a girl's night out and catch up with my friends.

Sometimes, I like to go away for the weekend.

What kind of Friday night will you have?

Tips for healthy living this holiday season

These tips are not for you, they are for me. If I write down what I plan to do, I am more likely to go through with it. Plus, if I write it down for you all to see, maybe we all can help each other.

How many of us decide we are going to eat all the yummy holiday food for the next 6 weeks and worry about our health later? I found myself contemplating what I was going to do next week at Thanksgiving dinner. Do I just forget about how much I love the food because I am being "health concious?" Or, do I forget about my health and stuff as much good food down my throat as possible? What about all the parties and get-togethers coming up - how do we handle resisting all those delicious baked goodies?

Well, my overall suggestion would be to not resist them all (enjoy the food), but not eat them all either (don't stuff yourself). Easier said than done, right? Here are 10 tips for doing just that. Some came from a couple of articles I read, and some are just from me. I don't believe in setting goals you can't reach, so hopefully this are practical enough.

1. We seem to hang out around the table on Thanksgiving day, even after the meal. As soon as everyone is done eating, take the food off the table and put the dirty plates away. I find myself eating more simply because my plate is in front of me - not because I am hungry.

2. Make lower-fat substitutions when it comes to oil (canola or olive) and butter. Do mashed potatoes really need butter? If so, let each individual put it on their serving themselves so they can determine how much is right for them. Oh, and use non-fat evaporated milk for your pumpkin pie. Nobody has ever said anything bad about my pies and I've never used the real stuff.

3. Continue your normal eating habits each day. Skipping meals or snacks will just make you hungrier and mess with your body's schedule.

4. Take smaller helpings. If you are still hungry, I am sure more will be available. But, don't just get seconds because you feel like you have to. Have leftovers the next day instead.

5. Don't stand and talk next to the food at parties and dinners. Make a point to stand farther away so that you have to make a concious effort to get more treats.

6. Get moving! Instead of sitting around all day, go for a walk or play football or some other game outside. Even go to the mall and walk around. Don't stop your normal work-out schedule either. Continue to make time to take care of yourself throughout the busy season. You might find that you have more energy.

7. Drink iced tea and water instead of drinks with sugar.

8. If your office is anything like mine, you'll start to receive Christmas gifts from various vendors and clients. Which for us, means 20+ boxes of Godiva chocolates - oh my, sweet goodness - sittin on MY desk. Don't even tell yourself you aren't going to have ANY this year - let's be realistic, people! Instead, bring your own snacks to work and eat those so that you don't fill up on the sweets. Eat 1 a day at the most; and don't just take one because they are there. Actually, be hungry for it and enjoy it more. (Like I said, I'm telling myself these tips too!)

9. Don't keep a lot of baked items and sweets around the house. Make them for others, or for get-togethers. You will eat enough treats at parties that you don't need to have them around you all the time. Take leftovers to the office so you can get rid of them.

10. Don't plan on losing weight. Just plan on being healthy and maintaining your current weight. Eat moderately, don't gorge. Enjoy the time with family and friends MORE than enjoying the food.

Do you have any tips for staying healthy throughout the holidays while still enjoying them? What works for you?

PS - Can you tell this is what I want to do with my life someday?

One down. Four more to go.

Arby's roast beef sandwiches and curly fries is how we celebrated that Hubs passed his mannequin board exams! Phew.

Then, it was back to the books. He takes his last finals EVER over the next two weeks. It is sentimental and exciting. A long road is about to turn off onto a new road.

But, there are a few more obstacles in the way:
December 19: Computer board exams

December 22: Computer board exams

December 23: Computer board exams

January: Pretend/practice/mock patient board exams

February: Patient board exams

Yes, there are 3 full days of computerized exams; yes they are right before Christmas; and yes I would love to hang out with you anytime throughout the next month.

There were moments that I absolutely hated dental school. There were moments when I loved the life of a student. There were moments that I thought it would never end. There were moments that time flew by. These four years will be sweet memories in our adventures to come.

Congrats, Babe, on passing this first series of exams. I'll be praying, encouraging, and helping you as we head into the next ones.

Because I am just ready this year

First of all, you MUST read this: Here's the squishy (click the different colored words). Warning: do not take a drink while reading because you may spit it up, or choke, from laughing so hard.

I am ready for Christmastime. I know-it's still November, and usually I am the loudest voice reminding people that "Thanksgiving isn't even here yet." But, for some reason I am impatiently anticipating the Christmas music, movies, decorations, smells, treats, and traditions. So, those of you who are still anti-Christmas until November 28th, you should stop reading now.

Hubs and I recently talked about our favorite family tradition. Traditions are especially prevelant at Christmastime, and there are so many that I can think of that I love. However, my favorite tradition that Hubs and I are sure to continue throughout our lives is caroling.

It's not a very popular thing anymore, which is partly why I enjoy it so much. Even so, throughout the years we have continued to go caroling on Christmas Eve.

After the Christmas Eve service, we would bundle up and pile into one van (my aunt/uncle/cousins would come, too). We had our "usuals" that expected us to stop by, but we would also pick other people that we thought would enjoy our visit. Since people might be celebrating, we would sing 3 quick songs and then quickly say "Merry Christmas," and be on our way. Some sang off-key (on purpose or accidently), some sang completely different words as the family member next to us; but it was not a concert - it was for fun and for those we visited. Of course, there would be the occasional snowball thrown as we climbed back into the van, but every single memory of caroling has been a great one.

So, do we still carol? Yup.

Will we carol this year? Absolutely. Can't wait.

I think I am going to continue writing posts about favorite past tradtions and new traditions that we have. What is one of your favorite Christmas traditions?

Who knew Santa Claus coming to town would win me $98?

At 11:10, I put on my radio headphones at work. Why? To listen for the "cue to call" in for a radio contest.

I heard it and started dialing. Then, in a momentary lapse of brain power, I couldn't get my fingers to work the phone in my normal speedy, efficient fashion. Hello! This is part of my job. So, after wasting a whole bunch of time trying to use the "redial" and "release" buttons, I just dialed the phone number again in the old-fashioned way. To my utter astonishment, it was ringing and I was the magical 7th caller.

Usually, the contests I play are taped, but they did this one live. It was the longest minute and a half waiting for the song to end. The contest is: they play a part of a Christmas song, when it stops play, you have to finish singing the phrase. My Christmas song was "Santa Claus is Coming to Town;" I finished the phrase and won a $98 gift card to the local mall!

I was recently asked how I win this stuff. My answer is that I just try to win. I drop my business card in fish bowls all around town. I call into the radio station if I want to win something. How many people, though, hear about a a contest and just never enter or call? If you want to start winning, just start trying. You won't win them all, but you'll definitely increase your chances!

Ups and Downs

Up: Peppermint coffee beans and cinnamon orange spice tea in my new canisters. Both decorative and functional.

Up: Hubs loves the cinnamon orange spice tea.

Up: Holiday sample party at Hy-Vee. Grocery shopping has never been so fun.

Down: Did not make a grocery list and have to go back to get all the stuff we really need.

Up: Husker game. Yummy football food. Warm fire.

Up: Watched Kung-Fu Panda. You should too.

Down: Wasted time worrying about things I can't control.

Hand-eye coordination, please

Remember this hobby? I had high hopes of using it to make a few Christmas presents. Since those hopes were smashed in the realization that the skill did not just "come" to me naturally, I'm free to tell you about learning to crochet.

I thought learning to knit or crochet would be great for making scarves, blankets, etc. First things first, though; I had to buy the supplies. Michaels should have a huge sign that says, "Beginners: buy this stuff" so that one would not get overwhelmed by the floor-to-ceiling baskets of yarn and numerous different needles and hooks. As a true beginner, I chose the softest yarn I could find and medium sized needles and hook.

With the first stitch, I learned that hand-eye coordination is a must. However, as I watch my teachers with their hooks, I realize my hands cannot put in action what my eyes are seeing. Not to mention, I am not good with right and left directions. Wow - frustration at the max. Twenty minutes later, I completed my first row of 20 stitches - a whopping 17 minutes after everyone else at the table. At least I kept the others amused with my outbursts of frustration.

I didn't help that I picked the coziest yarn out there. That stuff is for the pros. It frays and strings apart really easily.

The second row was not any easier. Actually, the second row took another hour to complete. Hands-cramped and eyes-crossed, I completed 2 more rows before leaving. I learned only 1 type of stitch and my crocheting at this point is very uneven. And as for the knitting, if I am having trouble with just 1 hook, we can just imagine how using 2 needles would go. Thus, no handmade gifts this year. Bummer...I guess I'll just have to go shopping!

When I got home, I practiced for two more rows and it seemed to be easier with every stitch. I don't think it is a lost cause, and I will keep practicing. I at least have the basics and hopefully I can learn some different kinds of stitching so that it isn't such a boring product. Don't laugh at it, but I took a picture of my progress:

Yup, that is all I got accomplished in 2.5 hours of HARD work. Big sigh.

Under Construction

Please excuse my disorganized blog as I slowly try to update its look (again). Any helpful hints on how to fix the problems would be appreciated. I am learning as I go!

Crock pot Crap or Crock pot Cuisine?

Friends introduced me to the phrase "Crock pot Crap" years ago. After church, if we found out our moms were making any food in the crock pot, we would search for a friend to take us in for lunch. Anything other than eating the dreaded mystery, soggy, bland, food from the crock pot.

Since I have been married, many women have encouraged me to cook with the crock pot. They say it is convenient, easy, and good. I've tried it 3 times now.

The first time - the noodles soaked up all the liquid and were mush. Crock pot Crap
The second time - burned the chicken. Crock pot Crap
The third time - the roast was tender, the veggies seasoned and good. Still not "oh my, delicious," but edible.

This final time, however, I began to like my crock pot *gasp* and I realized why wives and mothers use the crock pot habitually.

1. It's made in the morning so that when you get home exhausted with 30 minutes before you have to leave for the next activity, meal preparation is minimal. Some nights it is either a warm meal from the crock pot or a cold sandwich. Take your pick.

2. Crock pot liners. The thought of cleaning the crock pot is enough to deter me away from using it. With these liners, after meal clean-up is literally 5 minutes. For a busy woman, that is key.

So, who cares what it tastes like: It's simple. It's fast. It's easy.

The weekend ups and downs

It was a boring weekend so this will be short and sweet.

Up: Used my crockpot for the 3rd time, ever. More on this tomorrow.

Up: I had 19 new messages in my inbox this morning! Yippee.

Up: Caribou Coffee gives $1.00 off a drink between 6 and 8.
Down: Caribou Coffee give $1.00 off a drink between 6 and 8. Hard to resist the temptation.

Up: Went shopping alone on Saturday for Christmas stuff.
Down: Went shopping alone on Saturday for Christmas stuff.

Down: Read this blog in your spare time. Wow.

Up: I found someone to teach me the hobby.

Has anyone seen the remote control?

Our TV is a magnavox with wood panelling on the sides. It works perfectly for what we need, but about a year ago the remote control died. We bought a $5 replacement, which also broke. Since then we have just been getting up off our lazy duffs to change the channels and volume.

Sounds like a pain, right? Well, our bunny ear antenna can only receive about 3 channels, so it wasn't that big of a deal until recently. For some reason, the local stations have made some changes and channels. For instance, Fox used to be channel 18. Now, it is channel 69. It takes a long time to go from 8 to 69 but just holding down the channel up button on the TV. We also now receive channel 6, 8, 10, 89 and 106.

I mentioned our TV situation to a co-worker months back, who was appalled at the idea of 1) not having cable; 2) the wood paneling; and 3) the lack of a remote. So, the next day I had a brand new remote sitting on my desk. It was not just any remote - it was an over-sized, bright pink remote. Loud, flashy, and obnoxious. Hubs was horrified and said we were NOT, under any circumstances, going to use it.


This is Hubs, programming the giant, hot pink remote last night.

I think even Hubs will admit that it is so nice to just punch in the channel number. I don't think we will never ask the question, "Has anyone seen the remote control?"

It's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas

Hubs laughs, but it smells like Christmas outside. It's cold and windy - typical for November in Nebraska. I wouldn't mind the cold, however, if there was some snow! You all think I am crazy, but I love snow until about mid-January. Then I, like the rest of the normal people out there, am ready for it to go away.


I talked to my Gram last week and she said that Findley Lake already has snow (see picture above). Memories of my birthday as a kid came back. Without fail, we trick-or-treated in blizzard conditions. And then, the grass did not re-appear until April. I would trampse through feet - not inches - of snow to wait for the bus (school was rarely cancelled).

I am not crazy enough to wish for 6 full months of snow, but I am wishing for a white Christmas. I would just love to wake up on Christmas day and see the ground completely white. Soft snowflakes gently falling. And then, when stepping out into the wintery weather, it is just quiet. The only thing heard is the crush of the snow beneath my feet. That, I do miss.

What do you think? Snow, or no snow?

Things for Thursday: weather, hobby, movie, politics

The weather lady kept saying this morning, "It will be extremely cold out today - in the 40s." If the 40s are extremely cold, what will she say when it is in the single digits in January? I thought it was quite nice when I walked outside this morning.

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I am trying to learn a new hobby. I can't say what the hobby is, however, because I hope to make some Christmas present with the new hobby. So, if you know what I am trying to learn and know how to do it, let me know. If you think I may be making the Christmas present for you, don't even ask what the hobby is that I am trying to learn, because I may not be able to learn it in time for Christmas.

Are you wondering why I even brought this up?

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It is rare that I actually laugh out loud during a movie. Last night, Hubs and I watched "Get Smart." I watched this show on a regular basis as a kid and was looking forward to seeing the movie. I was not disappointed. We both laughed out loud during the movie! There are similarities between this movie and the old TV show, but it isn't exactly the same. However, I think you will like this good, clean, fun movie. Now I might have to rent some of the old shows for fun.

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The elections are over and you all know the did not turn out how I hoped. Am I mad? No. Upset? No. Scared? Not really.

It is such a privilege to live somewhere in which we have a say in who our leaders will be. I had my say; as did the rest of America. My hope is not built on the President, in Congress; not even in this country. My hope is built on Christ and God remains on His throne.

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
Romans 13:1-3

Ode to the addiction

O the addiction; O the need;
Has anyone, will anyone, email me today?

Each hour, each minute, I must check and see
Has anyone, will anyone, comment on my blog?

If only I didn’t work on a computer all day long;
If only I could get my mind off of it.

Instead, I frantically push “Send/Receive” and wait…
Will there be a new message? Nope.

Is my email broken? That is it! I’ll send a test email to check.
Yeah! I have a new message. Oh, it’s just the test.

O to not wonder why nobody has emailed.
O to not worry that nobody reads the blog.

It only compels me to write more.
It only compels me to email more.

Hoping I’ll make people think, wonder, laugh;
Hoping I’ll become a better writer, thinker.

But most of all, hoping to get more emails.
Looking forward to a full inbox.

I'm obviously not a poet, nor have I ever understood poetry. Just a gal who is realizing a true addiction to checking her email.

Get rid of the 'tude

As a teen, my parents were always telling me I had an attitude and that I needed to "get rid of it right now." Yeah right. I always thought, Well, I didn't have an attitude, but now that you said that I sure do.

As an adult, that attitude still creeps up sometimes often. I am unkind, I don't like to socialize, I say things I will regret, and "no body understands me." The 'tude can develop anywhere, anytime but usually when something doesn't go as I want or when people don't do what I think they should.

Then, I begin to justify it with popular phrases like: But, this is how I feel, so others can just deal with it. I'm just thinking about what is right for me. I deserve something better. I just don't feel like it today. It doesn't matter how I respond to others; I'm not having a good day.

Wait a minute. Isn't this what the world says is good and right? "Do what is right for yourself." Most talk show hosts will encourage this whether refering to building a career or getting a divorce. That can't be the wrong attitude, can it?

As I was feeling sorry for myself this weekend and developing the 'tude (multiple times, by the way), I realized how self-absorbed I can be. And contrary to the popular advice, it isn't and shouldn't be all about me. And, I'm not just talking about self-pity here; the 'tude mostly presents itself when I am thinking great and wonderful thoughts about me, myself, and I.

Now, there are definitely times that we aren't having a good day, right? That still does not mean we should develope an attitude and not treat others kindly. But guess what? Thinking selfishly about ourselves, and then acting in that manner is super easy because it's natural. It's sinful.

What's the Bible's solution for getting rid of the 'tude? Exactly opposite to the world's advice: to just quit thinking about yourself so much and think of others.

Rom. 12:10, 16 - Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Phil. 2:3-4 - Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Gal. 5:19-21 - Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are...jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions...of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

So, let's all do the thing that doesn't come naturally. Next time you feel the 'tude coming on (because I know I am not the only person out there that suffers this illness), confess your selfishness and conciously think of someone else in a loving, kind manner. Even take the next step and do something for someone else. It won't feel natural at first and you may want to go back to focusing on you, but read these, and other, verses.

Let's get rid of the 'tude!

Tasty Tuesday - Breakfast for Supper

Sorry for 3 posts in one day, but I have the best breakfast pizza (egg casserole) to share with you all. Click the link above for more tasty ideas, or to join the fun!

Breakfast Pizza

Ingredients:
Refrigerated crescent rolls
1 lb ground Sausage
Frozen Shredded Hash browns
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
5 Eggs
1/4 cup milk
Pepper
Grated Parmesan Cheese

Directions:
Brown and drain sausage. Unroll the crescent rolls and line 13x9 inch casserole dish with them. Press them together at the seams to seal. Scatter the sausage on top of the crescent rolls. Cover the sausage with the hash browns (about 1 1/2 cups). I just spread them around evenly. Then scatter the cheese over the hash browns.

Mix the eggs, milk, and pepper together. Pour into pan (I kind of make sure I get it evenly distributed). Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake at 375 for 25-35 minutes, or until it is not runny.

So, those ingredients and directions are pretty vague but the recipe is at home. I usually just estimate it anyway. We just ate this a few nights ago and were reminded of how good it is. Plus, it makes for great leftovers!

Parks I Love - Part 1

One of the best things about the city in which I live: the parks. And, they aren't just the parks with a playground, picnic table and grass. There are some beautiful, large parks with lakes and ponds and trails and more!

Holmes Lake
This past week, I have gone to Holmes Lake 4 times! I never even realized how much I liked this park until this week. It has a small lake (hence the name) with a trail that wraps around it. There are ducks to feed, sand volleyball courts, softball fields, playgrounds, and plenty of picnic tables. PLUS, there are areas that you can just lay out a blanket and chill.

Probably the number one reason I love this park is because I fell in love with a tree (actually 2 trees) this week. The leaves began changing a few weeks ago, which is one of my favorite things in the world and this is the most gorgeous set of trees in all of the city. Since my discovery I have been visiting the trees and on one of my trips I took my camera along. I should have captured more some pictures of the park as a whole, but I really love this tree.

Ups and Downs

Up: When I came home from work on Friday night, Richard had a tub of my favorite ice cream sitting on the counter with candles in it and a birthday card next to it. That was the best part of my birthday.
Down: The Huskers did not play well on Saturday night. AT ALL!

Up: The extra hour of sleep Saturday was well worth it.
Down: I am now wide awake at 5am each morning.

Up: I ate way too much food this weekend.
Down: I did not work out at all this weekend.

Down: The truck died.
Up: It's fixed now.

Up: We have had an incredibly warm week, with sunny skies.
Down: I don't want to turn on my air conditioner, so it is pretty hot in the apartment.

Up: The financial crisis hasn't hit as hard in the midwest.
Down: The banking world is not doing so hot right now. (PS - My company works with banks)

Down: I'm sick of the campaign commercials, etc.
Up: It will all be over today. Happy Election Day!