Frugality, Part Three

Well -

After that last post drew an enormous response (!) I thought I'd offer the thoughts of a few people besides me.

"Frugality is about getting the maximum value for your dollar while living squarely withing your means." Trent at www.thesimpledollar.com

"Practice thrift and frugality." Elder James E. Faust

"God recognizes only one justification for seeking wealth, and that is with the express intent of helping the poor." Hugh Nibley

"It has seemed that one of the inevitable side effects that occurs as people apply gospel principles in their lives is that their material circumstances also improve...The Lord has made it clear, however, that when his people are obedient, he desires to bless them with the necessities and comforts of life so that none should live in want...Historically, the abundance with which the Lord has blessed his people has proved to be one of their greatest tests." Elder Dean L. Larsen

"Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments...Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth forever." Psalms 112

Frugality, Part Two

"I am a Protestant Baptist. I believe that frugality is the only way of life that the Lord meant for us to live."

I found the above comment on a frugality website. The lady who said this is 38 years old. Her husband serves in the military, and she is a foster mom to six children. She sells Avon on the side.

Do you think her statement is correct? IS frugality the only way God wants us to live?

Comments are welcome!

Message Board

Here, finally, is the long-awaited (by whom, again?) picture of the message board I made. I borrowed the idea from another blog, but chose everything from the pan to the quote myself. It was actually easy and inexpensive to make.



If you can believe it - it's hard, but try! - I think I'm going to attend the Needlework Night at church! Yep. I'll learn from the experts.

And what of this banking/economic mess? It's had very little effect on me so far, but will that last? Where exactly is the bailout money coming from? Is my food storage extremely well-stocked?

Have you listened to Amy Winehouse yet? I admit, she looks a fright, and acts even worse. Hard to deny her musical talent, though...if you're a fan of Motown, you'll go for this. It's modern, but with classical Detroit touches (from a British girl?!). Skip anything with naughtiness, obviously...discretion needed!

Additionally, if you haven't watched "Rat Race" yet, rush to your local VideoMart and pick it up! Be prepared to laugh hard enough that you may snort food or beverages out of your nose. Maybe just avoid snacks altogether while viewing.

"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science." - Albert Einstein

Let the Good Times Roll!

Another busy week at the Big Blue House!

Helena started preschool. This is her first year, and it will be her last, as she will enter (full-day!) kindergarten next year. She has fallen in love with school and found a new school friend named Lola. We have a play date for Friday! I'm excited to see them play together and to meet Lola's mom, who sounds like a really neat person. Here's your mandatory First Day of School photograph.



Hunter's also had a fairly good week, except for Monday - he had to have his blood drawn to test for anemia and lead poisoning. (I was supposed to have this done months ago...yet another Mother of the Year award lost.) Poor thing. Here's how he looked later that day.



So, no lasting trauma.

We're all trembling with excitement over this Thursday's "The Office" season premiere. I've missed it, especially since last season was so short with the writers' strike interruption. I'm making (or buying?) a cake to celebrate. This is a nod to the "E.R." parties we used to have in college.

Dan's starting to lose his sanity over "The Wiggles." The thing is, Hunter wakes up early every morning and neither Dan nor I are really ready, so "The Wiggles" help make up the difference. Unfortunately, Dan finds the "Where's Jeff?" song echoing through his brain at home, at work, in the car...anywhere he's alive and breathing. (My favorite thing was hearing him sing the song. Good money can't buy that kind of humor).

I love my YW calling. There are some serious problems right now, but I'm overcome by the love, maturity, spirituality, and friendliness of the young women I now refer to as "my girls." I'm also fortunate to have six of the ward's best women serving with and supporting me (the ward's other best women are busy staffing the Primary and Relief Society!). I thought that this would overwhelm me, particularly in terms of how much time it takes, but so far I've been blessed to just appreciate this call.

More random stuff: We had a turtle visit our house about two weeks ago! This was no ordinary turtle. I saw it through the kitchen window while washing dishes. It had been very rainy for several days, and I guess he was out hunting for worms.




He was lovely, as you can see, although Bennie was a little too interested for my tastes. Not for long, though - he quickly retreated to the plants and bushes separating our yard from our neighbors' yard.



This week I took my copy of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" off the shelf to find a reference that I couldn't remember, and I read the funny, sweet, brilliant inscription on the inside cover that Rachel wrote to me. This book has a history: Rachel and I had discussed how and where we would purchase the book the day it was released. She had planned to go to a store (can't remember which one!) and agreed to purchase a copy for me. I was so excited about the book release that I couldn't sleep, and when I heard her put the book in my mudroom at 1:00am, I ran downstairs and read the whole book through that night and into the next day. And I cried a little at the inscription, particularly because I knew she would be leaving MI soon. It means so much to me, Rachel, and I wanted you to know that.

One last thing: I noticed that my early posts - 2005 and 2006 especially - seem to have so much more meaning and feeling than my posts do now. I wonder why that is. Perhaps it's because I know more people are reading my blog, and I'm more conscious of what I write. Maybe my kids are sapping my creativity, and I have nothing good to say (or can't say it with an appreciably unique turn of phrase). However, I am thrilled that they exist. It's the only journal I have.


"I have learned to love the fallow way." - Judy Collins

My First Time

This lovely photograph is from my first trip to Walt Disney World.

I'm guessing here, but I think this was circa 1980, and I was less than a year old. I'm the one in the baby carrier.

Also featured are my dad and Andrea. This is in the Magic Kingdom (it would have to be, Epcot wasn't open yet), near Liberty Square, I think.

Touring Commandments

I'm certain that some (many!) of you are tiring of all these Disney-focused posts. However, I thought that this information was of too much value for those of you who will soon, or someday, travel to Walt Disney World.

These "Touring Commandments" are taken from the WDW Today podcast, available through iTunes for free subscription. It's not my most beloved podcast but it's usually well-presented and has plenty of good information. (I'm eliminating the ones I think aren't relevant, or are inside jokes related to the podcast).


1. Thou shall not covet they neighbor's "Ears." (This refers to the crazy outfits that some people wear around the parks. Might be okay while in the Magic Kingdom; definitely not so cool when you're back in Michigan.)

2. Thou shall take naps. (This is just as important for you as it might be for your kids).

3. Thou shall leave when thou art not having fun. (When everyone's crabby, go back to the resort. No one gets happier being dragged around when they're too tired).

4. Thou shall not be ignorant. (With the preponderance of guidebooks and internet websites devoted to Walt Disney World, there is no reason you shouldn't be able to find whatever information you need and thus enjoy a much better vacation.)

5. Thou shall not pay "rack rates." (There is really no reason to pay full price. There are so many discounts available - it pays to look).

6. Thou shall make a touring plan. (When you walk into that park, you'll be overwhelmed and excited and...it saves time, energy, and frustration to have a plan.)

7. Thou shall be considerate to others. (Basic courtesy - watch where you're going, be polite, etc.)

8. Thou shall make ADRs early. (ADR stands for Advanced Dining Reservation.http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif DO NOT WAIT to make these, as they're harder to get because of the Dining Plan.)

9. Thous shall make use of Extra Magic Hours. (This isn't always good advice. Occasionally, during busy times especially, crowds can be overwhelming.)

10. Thou shall use Fastpass. (This is a miracle of modern engineering. Use it as much as you can.)

11. Thou shall write a journal or trip report. (Writing down what worked, what didn't, and what you'd like to try next time is so valuable.)

12. Thou shall be flexible. (If something goes wrong, be ready to enjoy Plan B.)

13. Thou shall not bite off more than thou canst chew. (Don't try to do it all, even though you'll want to. Remember - you'll want a "next time.")

If you'd like to listen to the podcast with this topic, visit http://www.wdwtoday.com

YAY!

Even though I'm mathematically a grown-up, this video describes EXACTLY how I feel when I get to the Magic Kingdom...



(And I love that Dan was able to figure out how to add video to my blog in 4.2 seconds. Thanks, honey!)

What a Week!

I've been holding off on writing a new post, because I haven't gotten all of my pictures on to the computer and readied for this. BUT - there's so much to tell! I'll have to post the pictures later.

Lame as it might be, I'm going to number the highlights of this last week.

1. Our toilet in our main floor bathroom overflowed, thanks to Helena's generous use of toilet paper. (Can I ask - who puts CARPET in a bathroom? Previous owners???) Thank goodness we got roped into buying that Rainbow vacuum.

2. I had a troublesome mole removed from my chest. (Yes, you can see the before picture now, and after pictures next time. It's in a decent place, don't worry). Helena said it looked like a raisin. Fortunately, it was tested and found benign (non-cancerous).



This photo is from when I was pregnant with Helena, and Dan thought it was hilarious that the keyhole in this neckline framed my big, ugly, witch-like mole. I suppose I'm glad to at least have a picture of it to put on this blog. How forward-thinking of him!

3. My sweet and nearly perfect husband agreed to add one extra day to our Disney trip. (I got him on the numbers. It's only $4 more in terms of ticket prices for us to stay the extra day; including hotel and meals it was STILL a great deal.) Incidentally, I'm listening to the soundtrack of one of my favorite rides - "Soarin'" at Epcot's Future World. Lovely.

4. I received GOOD MAIL FROM NIKKI! One of the best parts of the week. I'd been having a "Jonah Day," where everything seemed to be wrong. I'd just finished putting the kids in the van and I was up to my ears in frustration when I ran out to check the mail and - there it was! I'm all set to pay it forward, so look for good stuff, everyone! THANKS Nikki! Your sweet and encouraging note (and fabulous labels!) turned my day around completely.

5. Inspired by the bloggers I was previously envying, I decided to get down with my crafty self - it took some doing to find her - and I made a magnetic message board. Wouldn't it be nice if I had a photo? :) I will, I promise. Doesn't look half bad, either. Just doing it gave me the belief that I can do new things successfully.

6. Two wonderful people passed away. This was not a good thing for those of us left behind, but for those that have gone on - there is one happy party in heaven right now! It's up to us who are left behind to fill the vacancy of goodness and righteousness that they created by moving on.

7. On another depressing day (hello, call the doctor! time for better living through chemicals!), I received the most beautiful picture from a good friend who was in Zermatt, Switzerland. I actually have that photo, too.



It was so inspiring; again, it changed my outlook.

8. We enjoyed a fun block party here in the "Ruddimere" development. The party itself was held mostly across the street from us, and included a bike parade (which Helena and Hunter were both in), a pinata, caricatures (we had ours done), barbecue, and the kids' favorite - foam! It was up to Hunter's chin, but he kept wading through it, and Helena eventually just sat down and let it cover her up. It was nice getting to know some of the neighbors who are newer to the neighborhood, as well as the ones we just plain never got around to meeting (outside of the "honk and the wave" common in these parts). It's an annual party connected with Labor Day. I think it's gone on for over 75 years.

9. Miracle of miracles, we grew tomatoes and green peppers! They were finally ripe and ready for eating. It seems like our tomatoes have been green for months. I wonder - what were they waiting for?

10. We attended a birthday party for my aunt Christina, where we all played hide and seek - even Hunter, who leaned his head against a tree, closed his eyes, and whispered "shush-a-shush-a-shush-a" and then would start running. He was getting into it, let me tell you.

11. Our ward has a new bishop! The rest of the bishopric remained the same - same counselors and everything - and Bishop Wilson seemed, well, a little overwhelmed, but I bet he's excited deep, deep down, right? I'm looking forward to working with him and wish him the best.

12. I started a new BYU class - the second half of the D&C. I know, I know - I do feel like I'm cheating a little, by taking a religion course, but these BYU professors know how to "take it to the next level." I need a few more credits and this is a fulfilling way to complete them. Honestly - what other schools could I take this class at? Certainly not GVSU, that's for sure. Little by little, I'll complete this degree if it takes every cell in my body (or at least my brain).

13. And now for a humorous story: Yesterday Helena was digging around in a pile of "Friend" magazines I had for pictures of President Hinckley and President Monson. She kept coming in to where I was, saying "Here's ANOTHER picture of President Monson!" After a few minutes, she came in with a picture of President Hinckley and said,"I know how sad you are he passed away. (Long sigh). I just don't know when all these guys will come back." It was like she'd really considered this...and I don't know when we'll see "all these guys" again either! It's like watching Hunter "pray" - he bows his head and squeezes his wee eyes shut and whispers nonsense, and we laugh, even though prayer is supposed to be spiritual and everything. I love those two.

Blog Envy - Life Envy

It's a busy Saturday, and here I am at 10:34am posting on my blog. What gives?

I've been blurking on many blogs, mostly those of LDS women, and I am amazed and flabbergasted at two things:

1. That they have the time to create and maintain such lovely, creative, inspired blogs

2. That their lives are such that they can post about such interesting and amazing things: travel, hobbies, crafting (lots of this, and not my area of expertise), family, photography, etc.

I have a wonderful life, granted, but I must be a profligate time-waster. I know I'm not the only one with kids, spouse, chores, church callings and the like.

In the spirit of NOT wasting time, I'm off to finish the aforementioned chores.

Clothes shopping is NOT for me!

I don't enjoy shopping for clothes. I attribute part of this to the fact that I am not a size 4...or any single digit size, for that matter. Besides that, I don't have much of a sense of style, and I'd prefer to remain in jeans and a t-shirt (with appropriate seasonal variation to capris, or sweatshirts, or whatever). Still, I find enough items to prevent me from being naked, at least, and hopefully I'm at least clean and presentable, most of the time.

But even worse than shopping for me is shopping for Helena. When she was just a wee babe, I loved this. So many cute things are available for baby girls that I still want to buy them, with no reason.

Now, of course, Helena's nowhere near a baby. She wears anything from a 6X (they're mostly too small now) to an 8, depending on the garment and the manufacturer. I've mentioned before that she usually goes through about two sizes a year - her "beginning of summer" clothes don't fit now, at the end of August. Compared to other girls her age, I've purchased twice as many clothes. Additionally, I'm trying to be sure she has not only her school/fall clothes, but also a few summery things for our January trip to Florida (last time it was in the 80s in Feb.).

She just keeps getting bigger, and in different ways! One week, she's bigger around, and the next week, she's two inches taller. At her recent 4 year visit, her pediatrician said she's off the charts for height, but - and how does THIS happen - many times I'll buy some jeans or pants, and they're inches too long, but tight at the waist.

And all of you can relate to the joys of shopping with a preschooler. "Let's go to the changing room really quick." "Again? I don't want to." "Helena, please. We'll be fast." "Can I get a treat?" "No! Why do you ALWAYS think you deserve a treat for exhibiting polite human behavior?"

Anyway, besides the inevitable frustration and gazillions of clothing returns we've been through, this whole endeavor isn't cheap. At least Hunter's clothes are purchased and ready to go for at least another year (store sales and yard sales.)

Shopping is beastly. Hunter's much easier to dress.

I Just Don't Get It

I just don't get it.

Now, I understand that Elvis was a cultural phenomenon, marrying the music of the white and black cultures, giving teenagers their own music, etc. But I can never listen to his music and enjoy it. In fact, the only time I listen to him is when I hear "Blue Christmas" in December on the radio and think of my mom, who does a spot-on imitation of this song. (Take a minute and imagine that!)



This I DO get. I think that we're all born with the Beatles' music in our DNA. Their music changed so much over the years that it's entirely possible to like something from 1962 but could do without the 1969 stuff. Plus, I have a funny Beatles story, that again features my mom.

When the Beatles first came to the U.S., my mom would have been about 16 years old. She grew up, of course, in a conservative LDS family. There was to be no "Summer of Love" or Woodstock for the Nelson family. BUT - she and her cousin Stephanie were CRAZY for the Beatles (because what teenage girl wasn't at this point) and the Beatles were coming to DETROIT! That's so CLOSE! We SO have to go! Amazingly, my grandparents allowed Mom to go along with Stephanie and her dad - who had a lovely limo to drive them in. As they arrived at the concert venue, their car was mobbed (everyone thought Diana, Stephanie and Chuck were John, Paul, George and Ringo). When they finally started to watch the show, Mom didn't have a very good view, so an obliging police officer hoisted her onto his shoulders to get a better view. (Yeah, sure, Officer. I bet.) It was probably the most exciting moment of her life, even including having her two daughters.

I'm just saying...I don't understand Elvis. Go ahead, enlighten me.

PLAY!

I finally figured it out. The answer to Holly's question of more than a year ago about why I'm in love with Walt Disney World. I go there to PLAY.

The answer came to me while I was reading a book by John Hench, one of the original (and greatest) Imagineers. He discusses in his book that one of the reasons they created Disneyland and the other parks was to encourage whole families - not just children - to PLAY. They created a safe, magical, other-worldly experience that all but begs you to relax and enjoy. People take care of you, other guests are as excited as you are...it's something that I don't usually feel with a bunch of strangers, you know? And it's at least as much for the adults as the children.

In other news: Last night we had a youth fireside at the church. Our Bishop showed a DVD of a John Bytheway performance called "What's In Your Backpack?" I thought this might be hokey, but it was hilarious, and the adults enjoyed it as much as the youth. John Bytheway made a great point about time: He gave some statistics regarding television viewing versus reading books, and shared a personal experience about his own most unproductive time of day (10pm and after). Then he said, "What if you took the most unproductive times of your day - the time you're on MySpace or watching TV or whatever - and spent 2 hours instead on your dreams, your talents, your passion?" This really hit me. I'm not much of a television viewer, but I can burn some time on the computer, or reading, that I could be using for my dreams and passions (whatever they are).

This led me to two questions: What are my dreams? and Can I possibly stand to get up any earlier to do this?

I'll keep you posted.

How do I change?
If I feel depressed I will sing.
If I feel sad I will laugh.
If I feel ill I will double my labour.
If I feel fear I will plunge ahead.
If I feel inferior I will wear new garments.
If I feel uncertain I will raise my voice.
If I feel poverty I will think of wealth to come.
If I feel incompetent I will think of past success.
If I feel insignificant I will remember my goals.
Today I will be the master of my emotions.

-Og Mandino, “The Greatest Salesman in the World”

Thank Goodness for the Girls

Before you get concerned, I'm NOT going to discuss any parts of the human anatomy. :)

I am so grateful for my calling with the Young Women. I knew it would be challenging and time-consuming, but I had no idea that it would be the overwhelming blessing it's already proven to be! I told them about a challenge I'm experiencing right now, and we discussed it a little during our class. They are a great example, and they remind me of the Better Beth I used to be, when I was their age. Best of all, I think I'm melting the facades of some of the YW who I wasn't initially as close to.

Another flashback:



On the way to church, I was trying to find a CD that I could use for "prelude music" for our YW opening exercises. While sifting through my "church CDs" I came across this little gem. The first song is basically Sky and Beth's Theme Song: "Do you think that it's possible that strangers like us could be friends, in just a moment or two?" I used to listen to this music, and other LDS classics from the 80s and 90s, when I was in high school, and while this might be embarrassing in retrospect, I derived a lot of joy, comfort, and spiritual strength from hearing them. Over the last few years I've stayed away from popular LDS music, in part because I don't think I'll like it, and also because I find the popularized, "rock and roll" versions of hymns and children's songs aren't very appealing to me. Oh, and I'm also an Old Fogey, as I've mentioned before. It was nice. I can't put it any other way.

Lastly, in an attempt to be more personal (this is for you, Nikki!!!), I thought I'd tell you all what I've been up to lately. Besides the running thing, which is sort of happening, I spend most of my time with my kids, cleaning the endless dishes in our kitchen, working on lessons and activities for YW, sneaking in time on the DISBoards, and sleeping not enough. I've also been a long-time fan of an author named Miss Read, and I'm working my way through her books chronologically. (It's almost the only fiction that I read.)

The only trouble is, I don't spend much time on me. This is true for the superficial - my hair - to the more eternal things, like scripture study or meditation (yes, I've done it.) I get depressed sometimes, and I haven't spent any time on deciding what I want from life; it seems like some days I'm just spending my time getting THROUGH it. I understand that having children means I've devoted most of my time and energy to them, but occasionally (other than Girls' Nights Out) it feels like I've given up my life for them! They ARE worth it. In the not-too-distant-future, when they're more self-sufficient, what will I be? When considering my list of talents and interests, both sides appear pretty short to me. As the scriptures (and the Byrds) tell us, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven." Maybe this is my season for unselfishness. Don't get me wrong: I'm not upset about this. Occasionally I just wonder..."Do I still have the ability to carry on a decent conversation?" (Incidentally, this came up this weekend when I had dinner with an old friend, and three of her friends that I didn't know. Did I sound reasonably intelligent? It SEEMED to go well, unless they were just being nice.)

Oh, and I need some ideas for Hot Topics. They can be as Hot, or not, as you want.

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." - Albert Schweitzer

Paula Deen

I have to add this one thing: Helena is OBSESSED with Paula Deen. She watches her cooking shows at my mom's house (Ga-ga has extended basic cable, which includes Food Network; we just have basic cable, which doesn't). When she sees a magazine at the store with Paula Deen (we always say her full name!), she wants to buy it. I found a bunch of Paula Deen clips on YouTube and she watched maybe 15 minutes, completely enthralled.

I'm not sure why she feels this way. Maybe because Paula Deen resembles the Fairy Godmother from "Cinderella." Maybe because she likes the idea of real cooking happening (doesn't go on all that much at home!).

Paula, thanks for being Helena's first hero.

July 29

So, I couldn't think of a clever title for this very small, random post.

I did the first leg of my Couch to 5K week 4. It required running for 5 MINUTES IN A ROW. This is very difficult for the slightly (or even more than slightly!?) overweight person who's two children and a couple of gimpy feet past running. Still, I was able to do it without being taken to the emergency room. That's something.

A couple of weeks ago, we had an informal Young Women's party here at the house. I asked the girls what movie they'd like to watch. I included "Steel Magnolias," of course, as it's a classic girl movie and an essential to every woman's film experience. They each looked at me as if I were from Mars and when we voted, NO HANDS went up for this excellent film. Clearly, my work is cut out for me. :) Actually, if I went back and watched the thing, I'm sure I'd realize it was totally inappropriate for me to show the YW, and hence not appropriate for me, either! I love it too much to give it up now.

I haven't posted anything about the kids lately, so here's my chance. Hunter is absolutely the cutest human being I've ever encountered. He has SO MUCH personality (as does Helena, although they're very different), which he augments with many different funny faces. He rarely puts his head on my shoulder but when he does, my heart melts utterly. He can say a handful of random words, including "Pooh," "cow," and "go?" (always said as a question, as in, "Can we go?"). He still likes baths, and is a fast little runner - especially when headed down the driveway into the street. He's aware of what's going on and seems pretty bright. So's Helena - maybe a little too smart!? - but she can also be sweet and compassionate. She's always worried about Sis. Nash from church. "Mommy, why is that lady sitting alone? Won't she be lonely? Will someone sit with her?" Then, when Ashley comes in and sits by Sis. Nash, Helena will say, "Mommy, that girl is sitting by the lady. Is she lonely now?" Helena and Hunter have started playing with each other now. In fact, Helena woke Hunter up from his nap today because she wanted to play with him on our new moon bounce thingy. I was upset by this, since it was WAY too early for Hunter to wake up, but I appreciated that at least they love each other. Later this evening, they were running around the house, screaming with laughter, and somehow Hunter hurt his little baby foot. He wouldn't put weight on it for about an hour. I naturally wanted to rush to the E.R. but Dan advised that we wait until the morning since nothing was swollen and the only time Hunter complained was when he tried to walk. After about an hour, he seemed to be back to normal. I'm still on Mommy Watch, though.

I don't know. I guess I'm in love with them.

My Dichotomy

I finished Week 3 of the running plan I've been working on yesterday.

I also made these for dinner:


(It's the bread-looking things on the left; I borrowed this picture from someone else!)

Puffed French Toast (Crystal Palace Restaurant - Magic Kingdom)

Serving Size 6

Ingredients:

4 teaspoons cinnamon
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 each eggs
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 slices bread
oil -- for frying

Method:

1. Combine 3/4 cup sugar with cinnamon and set aside.

2. Mix egg, 2 1/2 tablespoons of sugar, salt, vanilla and milk until well blended.

3. Slowly add flour and baking powder and mix until smooth.

4. Cut bread diagonally into triangles.

5. Dip bread triangles in batter, allowing excess to drip off. Fry in hot oil until golden brown on both sides. Drain on absorbent paper towel. While toast is still warm, roll in sugar/cinnamon mixture.

I didn't do a calorie analysis, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out that the sweaty effort of one was canceled out by the delicious sweetness of the other.

Anyone else see a pattern here? :)

Running Down a Dream

Tonight I did something major: I finished week two of the Couch to 5K running plan. I think I've started this thing twice before, but this time - I've done two weeks! That's a big deal to me. This evening I ran on the treadmill, which helped my sore shins. It felt like less of a painful ordeal - yes, it's even getting easier! Not easy, yet, but better.

I've had some troubling health...well, symptoms, not really "problems," yet. But I'm scared into behaving in the food/exercise department! Hey, whatever it takes. I just want to do all I can to be available and healthy for my kids, as long as possible.

For all of you who were wondering what an "elephant ear" is, here's a photo, hastily taken - my first food porn!



It's really just fried bread dough, sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. Somehow, it's the most amazing thing - it almost melts in your mouth.

"Shame does not produce change."

Hot Topic: The Secret

I was reading back over some early posts, and they were all very introspective. My recent posts are much more interactive. Thanks for participating!

Some of you may have already heard of "The Secret," the book and movie of the same name which teach about the Law of Attraction. For more information click below.

The Secret

Today's question is, do you believe in The Secret? Is the Law of Attraction a real thing? Has it worked in your life? Or is it just a lot of hype?

On some levels, I can see that the Law of Attraction works. The example I usually give is Dan - he makes "Five Year Plans" (like the Soviets) and details what he wants to have happen during that time. So far, all of the things he's put into his plans have materialized (mission, marriage, job, freelance work, kids, etc.). Something about the act of intention in writing it has produced real results. Of course, he started doing this way before he watched "The Secret."

Many religious leaders of various faiths would say that the Law of Attraction is not only false, it's almost evil. I don't think that.

Today in sacrament meeting one of the speakers mentioned "a book" that, after he got going, was clearly "The Secret." He was using it loosely in connection with a general conference talk, and it did fit; I just thought it was funny that he was even familiar with it and funnier still that he worked it into his talk. (I do the same thing with Disney).

And the greatest question of all: will it work in MY life?

"Many individuals preoccupied by the cares of the world are not necessarily in transgression. But they certainly are in diversion and thus waste the 'days of their probation.'" - Neal A. Maxwell

Do you...

recognize anyone in this video?

Called2Create

This new project is sort of a combination of "The Secret" and reality TV. It actually sounds incredible.

On to a new topic: Sudoku. What's the deal with this? Is it a puzzle? Is it mathematical? Should I try it? It seems so HOT right now.

Summer Celebration started this week. I took a nice walk last night - very nice, really. The weather was humid but not hot. Lots of people were out walking, running, working in their yards, sitting and visiting. And across the lake I could see the Midway Festival (riding those things is taking your life into your hands) and I could easily hear the Steve Miller Band playing "Take the Money and Run." We don't go to the concerts much, but it's nice somehow, just knowing there are lots of people over there having a good time. Plus, I can go to the Art Fair and eat elephant ears, which helps to increase my cholesterol. Good thing that's only once a year!

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Another meme! Rachel gave me the idea - when you're without any ideas for a blog, do a meme. Here we go:

1. A movie you were surprised you liked: "To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar." Besides having a weird title, this movie is about a trio of drag queens. So it doesn't, at first blush, look like anything I'd want to watch. But thanks to my good friend Tom, I DID watch and then loved it. It's clearly about so much more than drag queens, and it's filled with one-liners that come in SO handy. Like, "Approval neither desired nor required." Or, "I think tomorrow is a Say Something hat day."

2. A song that makes you emotional: "This Woman's Work" by Kate Bush. I haven't found anything else by her that I like, but this one hits pretty close to home.

3. One thing you have always loved: Having my back scratched. Sorry if that's too personal. It's just so relaxing.

4. Something you collect: Mugs from Walt Disney World. Face it, everything ELSE there is too expensive! My collection is hidden in a cupboard, but is available for display on private tours. Call to schedule an appointment.

5. The concert you wish you'd been at: The Concert in Central Park with Simon and Garfunkel. I was absolutely meant to be there. Unfortunately, I wouldn't have appreciated even if my parents had brought me because I was two years old at the time. Thank goodness for video recordings.

6. A place you never need to visit: Latin America. And Antarctica. Just watch: Dan and I will serve a mission in Latin America somewhere when we're a doddering old couple.

7. A person you miss: My friend Sky. He lives in N.Y. and we almost never see each other, and while we email and talk on the phone, it's just not the same thing. He hates Muskegon and I can't just leave for N.Y. tomorrow, so this will probably go on for a while.

I'm not going to tag anyone, but I'd love to see everybody's responses to these questions.

"No one say anything frivolous for the next few moments. I am having a Significant Experience." - Vida Boheme