As I mentioned this weekend is General Conference for my church. In between the 2 separate 2 hour sessions the local PBS plays news reports involving members of my church. I am so honored to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Members all over the world are doing such incredible things. Just a few of the stories mentioned involved a group who travel from impoverished country to impoverished country. They visit the hospitals and offer their program, a service provided by my church. The program is a training school of sorts to train individuals in the birthing of babies. Previous to the training the infant deaths in the countries were very high. Now, with individuals properly trained mothers and their new born infants return home, alive and well.
Another situation involves a wheel chair program. Wheel chairs are provided to individuals in impoverished countries who have spent their life time crawling or scooting on the ground or being carried by a family member. These disabled individuals were never able to attend school or get jobs. The Church goes in and provides wheel chairs and opens doors of opportunity to these individuals who have never known any different. The smiles and tears of joy on the people's faces brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart. To be associated with such an organization, such a church is an honor and I all I hope for is to be worthy to call myself a saint and to be counted among such individuals as those mentioned.
My thought following the warmth of the spirit testifying to me the power of Christ's church was this..."How could this work not be the work of God?"
Another experience this morning involved me reading with my girls from my church's children's magazine called the Friend. Inside was an article about a man from Nigeria. He was recalling his youth and a lesson he learned from his father. He recalled a tradition when a gift is given to a family it is the Father's role to say when the gift will be enjoyed. A particular gift of food had been given his family and the young boy could not wait for his father's return home so they could enjoy the food as a family. The young boy begged and pleaded until the mother gave in to the boys pleas. The sweet mother did not want to offend the father by not respecting his role, but also did not want the boy to go on in hunger. When the father returned home and learned of the incident. He took the boy aside and taught him a valuable lesson that not only stayed with him all his life but he has also passed onto me and I too have learned a valuable lesson. "My father was disappointed that I had not shown contentment for what I already had. He taught me that peace of mind and a good life are only for those who are content with what they have." This wise father's counsel swelled within my heart. I had a wonderful discussion with my own children about what this meant. We each promised to be more happy with what we have and not show discontentment with life and what we have been given.
I am thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am thankful for individuals within Christ's true church who have taught me by their examples of hard work and service. I am thankful to be a member of this true church, Christ's only true church upon the earth. I know it is true. There is a prophet on the earth today, who leads and guides us. We have not been left alone on this earth to walk blindly. We have scripture, continuing revelation, that lights the way to eternity.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Man Pregnant
Can you believe this head line? I can't either. A co-worker told me about it in passing. I didn't believe it at first, so I had to Google it for myself. I will fore warn you, I may get offensive to some people out there with the thoughts I have in regards to this Pregnant Man.
First, this man was born a woman. She is now a he. Every single ounce of Suzanna screams, this is wrong. I am all for people have individuality, but I believe that ethically can only go so far. I am not a supporter of gay rights. I am a firm believer that God created Man and Woman and we have very unique and individual roles. One cannot be the other.
Second, when this person made the decision to become a man I believe he gave up all rights of womanhood. I heard a woman on a news report in regards to this man saying something about him not being selfish. Err! Wrong answer. I don't think a human being could be more selfish. He/She said something to the effect of "I wanted to keep my female organs so I could one day experience child birth." Then stay a woman! What about the child that this person is bringing into the world. Has He/She not thought of her (the baby is a girl)? The woman who was shouting all over the news being for the pregnant man gave me a head ache. I thought her to be a horrible example of a woman. I am young and obviously too behind the times to think that yelling at another man is womanly, you should see the clip. I am all for woman's rights, but once again, God created female and male and we are two totally different creations. There is no comparing the two.
My religious views play a huge role in my opinion here. It isn't just how I was raised. As an adult I have my own thoughts, views, and ideas on life. I believe that some things are good...and some things are just completely wrong. And this is one of those things that is completely and utterly wrong. It is not God's way. And that makes me sad. I don't think he intended for his children to come to a world that has become a world where his creations, men and women, no longer what to be what He created them. This world has become complete and utter chaos.
That is all I will say about this.
First, this man was born a woman. She is now a he. Every single ounce of Suzanna screams, this is wrong. I am all for people have individuality, but I believe that ethically can only go so far. I am not a supporter of gay rights. I am a firm believer that God created Man and Woman and we have very unique and individual roles. One cannot be the other.
Second, when this person made the decision to become a man I believe he gave up all rights of womanhood. I heard a woman on a news report in regards to this man saying something about him not being selfish. Err! Wrong answer. I don't think a human being could be more selfish. He/She said something to the effect of "I wanted to keep my female organs so I could one day experience child birth." Then stay a woman! What about the child that this person is bringing into the world. Has He/She not thought of her (the baby is a girl)? The woman who was shouting all over the news being for the pregnant man gave me a head ache. I thought her to be a horrible example of a woman. I am young and obviously too behind the times to think that yelling at another man is womanly, you should see the clip. I am all for woman's rights, but once again, God created female and male and we are two totally different creations. There is no comparing the two.
My religious views play a huge role in my opinion here. It isn't just how I was raised. As an adult I have my own thoughts, views, and ideas on life. I believe that some things are good...and some things are just completely wrong. And this is one of those things that is completely and utterly wrong. It is not God's way. And that makes me sad. I don't think he intended for his children to come to a world that has become a world where his creations, men and women, no longer what to be what He created them. This world has become complete and utter chaos.
That is all I will say about this.
Waste
My daughters and I were watching a show called Beeker's World this morning on PBS. First, I'd like to say how much I appreciate public television. The shows offered are so educational and clean (no pun intended in regards to my current topic!). I wish I could donate to programs such as these. That is something else I'd do with a million! Support wonderful organizations. There are so many out there. Do you ever feel there is too much of the things you would love to do and not enough MONEY to do it with? I feel that every day. And it isn't just STUFF that I'd spend the money on. It would all go to good causes! AUGH! "If I were a rich man!" (I am feeling the need to watch Fiddler on the Roof.)
So, on the show Beeker's World they were teaching children (and obviously one adult) where sewage goes. It was quite discusting but also fascinating. The point I want to mention though is that he said that the water that goes down the street drain and gutters is never treated, "it goes right into the local oceans, rivers, and lakes". I was discusted! My seven year old daughter said, "that's discusting! I am never swimming in the ocean again!"
That really got us talking about all the trash and litter that we see on a regular basis. I know that there are some many things harming our environment and there is really only so much one person can do. But if we all did just little bit better at how much waste we have we would be making a huge difference.
Just after the last major snow melted away our apartment's parking lot and gutters were filled with all sorts of debri. I went out and with frozen fingers dug out of the gutters 2 garbage bags full of trash! Some of it I couldn't even get up because it was embedded and frozen into the drain cover. I was so upset at the residents in the area for their lack of concern for our little community within the apartments. Just imagine what it is like in bigger communities. When I learned where that nasty polluted gutter water goes I was shocked!
I hope I have inspired at least one more person to not litter and if they do see litter to pick it up.
So, on the show Beeker's World they were teaching children (and obviously one adult) where sewage goes. It was quite discusting but also fascinating. The point I want to mention though is that he said that the water that goes down the street drain and gutters is never treated, "it goes right into the local oceans, rivers, and lakes". I was discusted! My seven year old daughter said, "that's discusting! I am never swimming in the ocean again!"
That really got us talking about all the trash and litter that we see on a regular basis. I know that there are some many things harming our environment and there is really only so much one person can do. But if we all did just little bit better at how much waste we have we would be making a huge difference.
Just after the last major snow melted away our apartment's parking lot and gutters were filled with all sorts of debri. I went out and with frozen fingers dug out of the gutters 2 garbage bags full of trash! Some of it I couldn't even get up because it was embedded and frozen into the drain cover. I was so upset at the residents in the area for their lack of concern for our little community within the apartments. Just imagine what it is like in bigger communities. When I learned where that nasty polluted gutter water goes I was shocked!
I hope I have inspired at least one more person to not litter and if they do see litter to pick it up.
Tradition vs. Habit
Today, as others of my faith know, was a special day to listen to the leaders of my church speak to us as a whole and enlighten and encourage us. One sister in particular sparked some thoughts. Her name is Cheryl C Lant and she is the General President over the children's organization called the Primary. She spoke on traditions. When I think of traditions I usually think of holiday traditions. All the other "stuff" I do I just think of as being habit or routine. But after listening to her talk I realized that all the "stuff" I do on a regular basis is tradition. And upon realizing this it brought a whole new meaning to me about what I do as a homemaker. This realization has made the day to day "stuff" that I do as a mother have such a deeper meaning, it has encouraged me and lifted me. I feel like those things I do have meaning beyond just taking care of my kids. I cannot fully explain what a magnificent feeling came over me. I have always felt what I do as a mother, and what all women in the world do as mothers, is the most important of all "callings" in life. But to realize that something I thought basic, such as having a "tradition" of respect for one's self and others is not so basic but deep and profound, WOW! This is how I was raised. I thought it common. I never thought such things that come naturally to me to be thought of as tradition, I really thought of it as being "stuff". Now, let me explain this "stuff" that I continue to refer to. To me, when I say "stuff", I am referring to the fact that I am a strict, firm, and organized parent. The things I do others might think of as "uptight", "controlled", "mean", and "too routine".
Here are some examples...I don't tolerate disrespect for authority, such as teachers, or adults or disrepect to others property, God's creations, or one's self. Also, my children have had the same bed time and bed time routine since they were babies, now don't get me wrong, there are times when bed time fluctuates, but for the most part this "tradition" has not changed. And now that they are getting older that bed time will gradually move back. But, I can be a selfish parent and bed time is Mom and Dad time, so that means that even though they are getting older I will still send them to their rooms at the same time for their own personal quiet time. Which brings up another point, I have also always been a firm believer in "quiet time". Kids need that down time, whether or not they nap, they need some down time. Play is hard work. Not to mention the parent also needs that quiet time. We also attend church every Sunday and pray and read scripture. I never thought of that as a tradition. I just thought it habit. But tradition sounds so much more heart felt and sincere than "habit". It is habit to brush your teeth, a tradition to eat healthy foods. Doesn't that sound more beautiful and inviting? I'm not going to DIET! I am going to start a tradition of healthy eating and exercise.
Who in their right mind says no to TRADITION! So, I think from now I shall have this mentality...Everything in my life that means something to me is now tradition, out with the old habits and in with the traditions!
Here are some examples...I don't tolerate disrespect for authority, such as teachers, or adults or disrepect to others property, God's creations, or one's self. Also, my children have had the same bed time and bed time routine since they were babies, now don't get me wrong, there are times when bed time fluctuates, but for the most part this "tradition" has not changed. And now that they are getting older that bed time will gradually move back. But, I can be a selfish parent and bed time is Mom and Dad time, so that means that even though they are getting older I will still send them to their rooms at the same time for their own personal quiet time. Which brings up another point, I have also always been a firm believer in "quiet time". Kids need that down time, whether or not they nap, they need some down time. Play is hard work. Not to mention the parent also needs that quiet time. We also attend church every Sunday and pray and read scripture. I never thought of that as a tradition. I just thought it habit. But tradition sounds so much more heart felt and sincere than "habit". It is habit to brush your teeth, a tradition to eat healthy foods. Doesn't that sound more beautiful and inviting? I'm not going to DIET! I am going to start a tradition of healthy eating and exercise.
Who in their right mind says no to TRADITION! So, I think from now I shall have this mentality...Everything in my life that means something to me is now tradition, out with the old habits and in with the traditions!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Another Shoe Update??
If you have been a faithful reader of my blog you may recall my entries called Shoes and also Shoe Update. If you have not read those entries you may want to so you know what I am talking about.
Remember my pair of ugly black shoes that hurt my feet and I dreaded putting them on and hid them in the depths of my closet on weekends? Well that pair of shoes will be donated to a thrift store next week so that some other woman may get more use out of them than I did. The woman who buys them for 3 dollars at the thrift store may find those shoes the greatest blessing she has received in a long time. She may think they are fashionable or cute. She may think they are mighty comfortable and never wants to get out of them again. She just might want them more than I ever did. Not that I am ungrateful for those shoes, for what they meant to me and my family, but I am over joyed and most grateful of all to say that I will no longer be wearing them.
You maybe asking, "what does this mean?". I will tell you. I am no longer required to work full time away from my home. I am no longer required to put on that hideous, green ,polyester, high waisted, front pleated suit; did I mention scratchy and staticy? Through much prayer, fasting, and discussion, Kevin and I have finally concluded that my presence in the home is far more important than the tiny amount of money that I generated each month. Life will not be easier with me be home, I will still have struggles. But I will be home. I will be where I am most happy. I must say I have been home all this week so far (my final, very last day, is Saturday the 5th) and it has been beautiful. Would you like to see what my days look like now and will continue in such a fashion for hopefully EVER! In order for you to see how truly grateful I am for my new schedule I should first share with you my old schedule.
I would wake anywhere from 730 to even as late as 830, feeling tired, soar, achy, crabby, rushed, and lazy. Emily would come and read to me in bed, which I inevitably slept through and got upset at her later for having not read to me (oops, my bad). I would rush the girls through cold cereal and rush them out the door to make it to school, by bike, by 9. And in saying good bye to Emily I would say, "see you tomorrow morning". Then Lydia and I would rush back home so I could go back to bed some mornings and others we would do a little school work for her. Then play friends came on various mornings and I did chores or scrap booked away the time until I rushed around getting ready for work at 2 so I could leave at 230 and be to work from 3-11 or later. I would drive home exhausted and rush through a shower, snuggle each of the girls whispering to them how much I loved and missed them, and then I would go pass out by 12 or later sometimes. I have not only seen Emily for only an hour but also Kevin for an hour and even less some days.
NOW...
I wake around 645 feeling rested, revived, and rejuvenated. I spend about 45 mins reading from Jesus the Christ (a fantastic book) or scriptures. The girls are up by about 730 and I assist them getting ready for the day. At 8 I make some sort of breakfast, today was yummy oatmeal with spices, raisins, walnuts, and wheat germ; and I sit with them talking while we eat. We leave the house happy, no one is crying! After we say good bye to Emily at school Lydia and I go on a lovely leisurely bike ride. We get back home in time for play dates or some school time and even some snuggle time. I do some chores, like today I am organizing my office, which was far past due! And play a game with Lydia or read a story. I do some scrap booking here and there. I get to pick up Emily from school, which we take our time and have a visit on the way home. We sit at the table and all do some school work together. I make some dinner, which is from scratch-no more box meals!, while the girls do their NEW chores. Then we all sit down as a family and have a lovely visit while we eat my lovely meal. Then the girls get ready for bed and I read to them from Narnia or some other too advanced book. Then I tuck the girls in, say good night, and most importantly, "I'll see you in the morning". I spend a little of time with Kevin, go to bed with him around 9 but stay up and read in bed until 10, when I pass out after a beautiful day.
I know it is quite wordy but I was much too excited to leave out any of these fabulous details! I love being a homemaker! It is where I feel most like me. It is where I feel the most rewarded. It is where I belong.
Remember my pair of ugly black shoes that hurt my feet and I dreaded putting them on and hid them in the depths of my closet on weekends? Well that pair of shoes will be donated to a thrift store next week so that some other woman may get more use out of them than I did. The woman who buys them for 3 dollars at the thrift store may find those shoes the greatest blessing she has received in a long time. She may think they are fashionable or cute. She may think they are mighty comfortable and never wants to get out of them again. She just might want them more than I ever did. Not that I am ungrateful for those shoes, for what they meant to me and my family, but I am over joyed and most grateful of all to say that I will no longer be wearing them.
You maybe asking, "what does this mean?". I will tell you. I am no longer required to work full time away from my home. I am no longer required to put on that hideous, green ,polyester, high waisted, front pleated suit; did I mention scratchy and staticy? Through much prayer, fasting, and discussion, Kevin and I have finally concluded that my presence in the home is far more important than the tiny amount of money that I generated each month. Life will not be easier with me be home, I will still have struggles. But I will be home. I will be where I am most happy. I must say I have been home all this week so far (my final, very last day, is Saturday the 5th) and it has been beautiful. Would you like to see what my days look like now and will continue in such a fashion for hopefully EVER! In order for you to see how truly grateful I am for my new schedule I should first share with you my old schedule.
I would wake anywhere from 730 to even as late as 830, feeling tired, soar, achy, crabby, rushed, and lazy. Emily would come and read to me in bed, which I inevitably slept through and got upset at her later for having not read to me (oops, my bad). I would rush the girls through cold cereal and rush them out the door to make it to school, by bike, by 9. And in saying good bye to Emily I would say, "see you tomorrow morning". Then Lydia and I would rush back home so I could go back to bed some mornings and others we would do a little school work for her. Then play friends came on various mornings and I did chores or scrap booked away the time until I rushed around getting ready for work at 2 so I could leave at 230 and be to work from 3-11 or later. I would drive home exhausted and rush through a shower, snuggle each of the girls whispering to them how much I loved and missed them, and then I would go pass out by 12 or later sometimes. I have not only seen Emily for only an hour but also Kevin for an hour and even less some days.
NOW...
I wake around 645 feeling rested, revived, and rejuvenated. I spend about 45 mins reading from Jesus the Christ (a fantastic book) or scriptures. The girls are up by about 730 and I assist them getting ready for the day. At 8 I make some sort of breakfast, today was yummy oatmeal with spices, raisins, walnuts, and wheat germ; and I sit with them talking while we eat. We leave the house happy, no one is crying! After we say good bye to Emily at school Lydia and I go on a lovely leisurely bike ride. We get back home in time for play dates or some school time and even some snuggle time. I do some chores, like today I am organizing my office, which was far past due! And play a game with Lydia or read a story. I do some scrap booking here and there. I get to pick up Emily from school, which we take our time and have a visit on the way home. We sit at the table and all do some school work together. I make some dinner, which is from scratch-no more box meals!, while the girls do their NEW chores. Then we all sit down as a family and have a lovely visit while we eat my lovely meal. Then the girls get ready for bed and I read to them from Narnia or some other too advanced book. Then I tuck the girls in, say good night, and most importantly, "I'll see you in the morning". I spend a little of time with Kevin, go to bed with him around 9 but stay up and read in bed until 10, when I pass out after a beautiful day.
I know it is quite wordy but I was much too excited to leave out any of these fabulous details! I love being a homemaker! It is where I feel most like me. It is where I feel the most rewarded. It is where I belong.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
If I had a million
I am sure I am not alone in pondering the thought of a million dollars and what I'd do with it. It is still a lot of money and you really could do awesome things with it. Well, let me rephrase that, if you manage it well you can do a lot with it.
The first thing I'd do is buy my dream home. My dream home is modest, yet has room for growth and company. It absolutely has to have an amazing yard with plenty of foliage and room for a garden and a game of catch or Frisbee. My home would also absolutely have to have a kitchen with plenty of room to move around with additional cooks and even company to sit near by and visit. This home also has to have built in book cases. If not that will be a wonderful adventure for me to learn to put in. Which brings up another point, my house must be an older home with mature landscaping and also opportunities to explore new possible talents that may lay deep within me. I am totally fascinated with interior design and carpentry. So, a home that will allow me the chance to see if I do have any skills in that area would be most desirable. My family is greatly into entertainment so I also need to have a large rec room to allow for an awesome huge TV, for movie night of course!, and plenty of room for kids, young and old, and games and other funness. I don't require the fanciest of things or newest of things. I ultimately want space and adventure. I have been researching homes and I have found home qualities that I like and dislike but for the most part the size of home I am looking for generally runs in this area at the price of 250 to 350. Mostly because of their location and the size of yard. Like I said I want an older home and they are generally closer to the price of 250, that is if the slump doesn't end and all the prices are jacked way up again!
The next thing I'd do is build my parents a home on their lot of land. First I'd rip down the trailer! I'd build them a home that met their needs. Single level and no stairs in front or back. I'd build them a home that had a large kitchen and even larger dining room. The home would have their master bed room, my Mom would have a craft/hobby room, and my Dad would have his "cave". There would also be at least 2 more rooms simply for visiting children and grand children. Which brings up another point, there would have to be a large family room with a large sectional sofa for when we all get together. My parents have 7 children and 20 grandchildren. The sad part about us getting together is that we all live so far apart that when we do gather there isn't adequate accommodations for us all. So, the home I'd build them would be large enough for us to visit, but not overwhelming for my parents to keep up. I figure that for where they live I could pull this all off for 200.
This leaves me with about $500,000 more. I would divide the money 4 ways, an account for me and my husband (we want to retire at a young age so that we can spend our senior years not only being awesome grandparents but also by serving multiple missions for our church, this has been a goal of ours since our wedding), 2 accounts one for each daughter, this would be for college, mission, or whatever they desire to achieve in life. The last portion would be donated to a few different charities that I have already predetermined, a children's home, abused women and children shelter, and my church's humanitarian relief program.
So, if I were to ever win, inherit, be the recipient of some kind to a million dollars, this is exactly what I would do with every penny!
What would you spend a million on?
The first thing I'd do is buy my dream home. My dream home is modest, yet has room for growth and company. It absolutely has to have an amazing yard with plenty of foliage and room for a garden and a game of catch or Frisbee. My home would also absolutely have to have a kitchen with plenty of room to move around with additional cooks and even company to sit near by and visit. This home also has to have built in book cases. If not that will be a wonderful adventure for me to learn to put in. Which brings up another point, my house must be an older home with mature landscaping and also opportunities to explore new possible talents that may lay deep within me. I am totally fascinated with interior design and carpentry. So, a home that will allow me the chance to see if I do have any skills in that area would be most desirable. My family is greatly into entertainment so I also need to have a large rec room to allow for an awesome huge TV, for movie night of course!, and plenty of room for kids, young and old, and games and other funness. I don't require the fanciest of things or newest of things. I ultimately want space and adventure. I have been researching homes and I have found home qualities that I like and dislike but for the most part the size of home I am looking for generally runs in this area at the price of 250 to 350. Mostly because of their location and the size of yard. Like I said I want an older home and they are generally closer to the price of 250, that is if the slump doesn't end and all the prices are jacked way up again!
The next thing I'd do is build my parents a home on their lot of land. First I'd rip down the trailer! I'd build them a home that met their needs. Single level and no stairs in front or back. I'd build them a home that had a large kitchen and even larger dining room. The home would have their master bed room, my Mom would have a craft/hobby room, and my Dad would have his "cave". There would also be at least 2 more rooms simply for visiting children and grand children. Which brings up another point, there would have to be a large family room with a large sectional sofa for when we all get together. My parents have 7 children and 20 grandchildren. The sad part about us getting together is that we all live so far apart that when we do gather there isn't adequate accommodations for us all. So, the home I'd build them would be large enough for us to visit, but not overwhelming for my parents to keep up. I figure that for where they live I could pull this all off for 200.
This leaves me with about $500,000 more. I would divide the money 4 ways, an account for me and my husband (we want to retire at a young age so that we can spend our senior years not only being awesome grandparents but also by serving multiple missions for our church, this has been a goal of ours since our wedding), 2 accounts one for each daughter, this would be for college, mission, or whatever they desire to achieve in life. The last portion would be donated to a few different charities that I have already predetermined, a children's home, abused women and children shelter, and my church's humanitarian relief program.
So, if I were to ever win, inherit, be the recipient of some kind to a million dollars, this is exactly what I would do with every penny!
What would you spend a million on?
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Road Trip
Who has NOT been on a rode trip? Can you believe the magnitude of planning that goes into a road trip? Packing the suit case(s) and making sure you have clothing for any occassion or weather is a chore all on its own, but let's not forget the road maps (thank heaven for GPS!), adequate funds for emergencies and gas, making sure the vehicle is in proper running order and has all fluids topped off and tire pressure checked, snacks and other food and beverage stapels stored nicely in a cooler, and a quick prayer for safety and good weather. Wow! I am exhausted just from typing the list. Can you imagine how beautiful it would be to go on a road trip with the clothes on your back, someone else's credit card, and just the open road, no planning what so ever? I think that would be beautiful. No need to be anywhere at any particular time in no particular style. That would be fun and relaxing. Kind of makes me think of the movie Joe Verses the Volcanoe with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan (well the part about using someone else's credit card anyway).
While I was thinking on what an awesome road trip that would be I also started to think about how overwhelming real road trips are and thought how wonderful it would be to just hop on your own private jet (paid for of course with someone else's credit card!) and just GO to where ever it is you want to go! No real time required or effort for that matter.
So, after my little fantasy I came back to the real world and began to have real thoughts. Life is absolutely like a road trip. I was thinking about what kind of personality I have. Do I have the type that wants to hop on the helicopter and just skip all the preparation in life and just get to the end result quick and easy? Do I have the personality of the overcompulsive planner who makes a list checking it twice before loading everything and everyone into the vehicle? I concluded that I am neither. I am much more the type that says, "I want to go on road trip. That will be so much fun. Wow, we can go here and here and oh, we just have to stop and see so and so and can we please make sure and save time for this?" And then this is what would come out of my mouth or enter my mind almost immediately following the first reaction of excitement and thrill. "How will we pay for it, what if 20 miles into the trip we blow a tire, and what are we going to do if I get car sick in 3 weeks on the return trip, and what about the people we meet along the way, what if they don't like me or think we are crazy tourists and have no clue how to drive and they just want to run us off the road, and what about....". Exhausting being me sometimes. Can you believe that stuff? That is what I do in life! Unbelievable I know. I realized this sad truth about myself the other day when I was worrying myself to hives over something that is literally 5000 miles down the road in the road trip called life.
I am grateful for the realization of this character flaw of mine. I can't believe it took me this long to get the hint that so many loved ones have been trying to tell me. I suppose it is because, one I am a stubborn person and insist on learning the hard way and two, I am a visual learner, so when I came up with the idea of comparing myself to a road trip I relly saw what I was doing to myself and my family.
So, rather than literally freaking out all the time I am from here on out going to stop worrying about all the stuff that is so far down the road that I have absolutely no control over. I am going to relax, enjoy the present company in "the car", be thrilled about detours and pit stops and look for the positive opportunities in each. Now, if you can imagine what the pit stops and detours would be in life you can imagine what a new challenge this will be for me. But ultimately I believe the key to a happy road trip is loving and being happy with your choices and travel companions.
While I was thinking on what an awesome road trip that would be I also started to think about how overwhelming real road trips are and thought how wonderful it would be to just hop on your own private jet (paid for of course with someone else's credit card!) and just GO to where ever it is you want to go! No real time required or effort for that matter.
So, after my little fantasy I came back to the real world and began to have real thoughts. Life is absolutely like a road trip. I was thinking about what kind of personality I have. Do I have the type that wants to hop on the helicopter and just skip all the preparation in life and just get to the end result quick and easy? Do I have the personality of the overcompulsive planner who makes a list checking it twice before loading everything and everyone into the vehicle? I concluded that I am neither. I am much more the type that says, "I want to go on road trip. That will be so much fun. Wow, we can go here and here and oh, we just have to stop and see so and so and can we please make sure and save time for this?" And then this is what would come out of my mouth or enter my mind almost immediately following the first reaction of excitement and thrill. "How will we pay for it, what if 20 miles into the trip we blow a tire, and what are we going to do if I get car sick in 3 weeks on the return trip, and what about the people we meet along the way, what if they don't like me or think we are crazy tourists and have no clue how to drive and they just want to run us off the road, and what about....". Exhausting being me sometimes. Can you believe that stuff? That is what I do in life! Unbelievable I know. I realized this sad truth about myself the other day when I was worrying myself to hives over something that is literally 5000 miles down the road in the road trip called life.
I am grateful for the realization of this character flaw of mine. I can't believe it took me this long to get the hint that so many loved ones have been trying to tell me. I suppose it is because, one I am a stubborn person and insist on learning the hard way and two, I am a visual learner, so when I came up with the idea of comparing myself to a road trip I relly saw what I was doing to myself and my family.
So, rather than literally freaking out all the time I am from here on out going to stop worrying about all the stuff that is so far down the road that I have absolutely no control over. I am going to relax, enjoy the present company in "the car", be thrilled about detours and pit stops and look for the positive opportunities in each. Now, if you can imagine what the pit stops and detours would be in life you can imagine what a new challenge this will be for me. But ultimately I believe the key to a happy road trip is loving and being happy with your choices and travel companions.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
It's Raining
It's raining; it's pouring.The old man is snoring.
He bumped his head as he went to bed,
And couldn't get up in the morning.
Ah, such wonderful nursery rhymes we tell our children! Another version of this rhyme mentions the old man covering his head. When it is raining I too like to just curl up, cover my head, and never get out of bed; no, not even in the morning!
Figuratively speaking, it's raining; it's pouring...in my life. And once again, all I want to do is go to bed, cover my head, and NOT get up in the morning. I want to just sleep away the rain.
Figuratively speaking, it's raining; it's pouring...in my life. And once again, all I want to do is go to bed, cover my head, and NOT get up in the morning. I want to just sleep away the rain.
I know that when storms come in our lives there truly is an end. And when the storm ends there is sunshine! And what magnificent sunshine there will be! There are rainbows, birds singing, puddles to jump in, and that wonderful fresh and clean scent! Ah, I love a good storm.
I do not care so much for those life storms as much as I do nature, but I do look forward to those end results of the storm. Life seems brighter, cleaner, fresher, more fun and enjoyable; just like jumping in puddles and looking at rainbows.
So, WAKE UP, GET OUT OF BED! Face this storm prepared; with an umbrella, rubber boots, and a bucket; just in case it floods.A big thank you to FreeFoto.com for the beautiful photos.
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