During the Summer months I have all my skeins of yarn staring at me from various places in my house. They're hanging out of baskets, or my knitting bin and even the guest room closet....just sitting there softly whispering to me....knit with me, knit with me, knit with me.....but I have excuses. "It's Summer, my yarn friends. It's too hot and I have vacations to do and friends to see."
Well, now it's the Fall and very soon to be Winter (as they are even predicting snow this week), UGH!!! But, now here I sit, staring back at the yarn. I had so many plans to knit. Knit hats, scarves, lap blankets, prayer shawls for Christmas gifts and now it is almost 2 months until Christmas and I'm not that fast at knitting. I don't even think Wonder Woman could knit fast enough to finish all the projects I wanted to accomplish before Christmas. I do this to myself every year. It's like a broken New Year's resolution. Every single year, I say, "If I start projects in January and knit until Spring, I'd be done. But I don't. I feel like a Christmas shopper on Christmas Eve. If only I fly to Australia during our Summer (because it's Winter there) and knit all Summer and then fly back and finish up the knitting on time. Then I won't have yarn whispering to me during the heated Summer months and I won't be looking at the skeins guilt ridden because I haven't paid them any attention.
So, the solutions are as follows: 1. Knit like a mad woman. Night and day and get them all done. 2. Pick only a couple of the projects and knit. 3. Knit all the easy ones and see where I end up on time or 4. Knit nothing and start the "New Year's resolution" syndrome all over again. I think I will end up working with a combination of 1 and 3 and go from there.
I love to knit and I want to knit more but I just make up all these excuses not too. Sometimes knitting is intimidating. It might be crooked. I might skip a stitch and look like it has a whole in it. The colors I pick might not match and it looks more like a 70's blanket. Sure, there are many excuses, but I have to suck it up and knit. Just pick up the needles and knit. Just pick a project and not be afraid of it and knit. Knit! Knit! Knit! We'll see how this little pep talk of mine does, but it is, indeed, my knitting conundrum. Happy Knitting to all of my fellow knitters and may your needles work with ease and your yarn keep untangled!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
The Amazing Race
The new season of the reality show "The Amazing Race" started tonight and I'm really excited that the show is back on. I wouldn't say that I'm a reality show junkie (although 2 out of 4 of my blogs are about reality shows) but there are a few that I wouldn't touch with a 10 ft. pole, but this is, by far, my very favorite. Yes, there is some greed involved (what reality show doesn't revolve around that?) and some bickering and arguing (mostly within the teams of two) but the Amazing Race, in my opinion, brings something different to the table. This game takes us around the world where we get a glimpse of cultures, traditions, world history, eclectic music, ethnic foods and the power of teamwork, family and perseverance. We watch teams of two overcome fears, stereotypes, family dynamics, frustrations and games of strength, wits and endurance and when a team is eliminated from the race they share their experience of a lifetime, their reactions of how the race has changed their lives and what truly matters in this life. Funny how a reality show that is aired for one hour each week is a conduit to remind people of what is really important. How navigating through other countries, getting out of your comfort zones, teamwork, patience, calm attitudes and the ability to follow the rules can change someone's life. But it does. Sure, they show the frustrations, the arguments, the temper tantrums, the back biting, but the Amazing Race has a good way to not dwell on that as some of the other reality shows might do (because of ratings, etc.).
I always imagine myself on the amazing race. Kind of like a "what if" scenario. It would be so cool to travel to this place or that place, or I might say, there would've been no way I could have accomplished that challenge. But I'm still able to pull some of the valuable lessons from the Amazing Race and use it for my own "Amazing Race" aka: Life. I can still use many of those traits that I see on the show within my daily life; at work, at home, at church. We can make our daily lives "Amazing", so to speak. I know that might sound corny, but it's true. Most of us won't be able to compete on a show like "The Amazing Race", but we can take all of what we see and apply it right now.
At work, you have teamwork and problem solving that can be used. At home, you have those around you who you love and appreciate and should cherish each moment and make memories and you don't have to travel around the world to do it. Stop and take a look around you and wonder in the gifts and and the abundance that you have right now. At church or any other avenue of faith, religion and spirituality, there is the test of comfort zones, from sitting somewhere different, (I know that's a stretch, huh?) to introducing yourself to someone, to singing a new song that you're unfamiliar with, to enjoying the community you currently visit each week. We can recognize the strengths, gifts and talents of each person and appreciate all of that abundance right in front of our noses and use those to bring good to each other.
While it would be wonderful to have that opportunity to race around the world and experience all that is "The Amazing Race", we can experience some of that right now and create a life that can be truly "Amazing". Just stop a moment, take a look around, love those around you, make memories now (don't wait) and know that you are capable of amazing things in your life, right here and right now. I love this quote from Mother Teresa "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." If we could concentrate on that concept at home, work, church, community and every where we may go, what an wonderful world this could be (just like the song). That would truly be "Amazing"!! So, go out and live your Amazing Race!
I always imagine myself on the amazing race. Kind of like a "what if" scenario. It would be so cool to travel to this place or that place, or I might say, there would've been no way I could have accomplished that challenge. But I'm still able to pull some of the valuable lessons from the Amazing Race and use it for my own "Amazing Race" aka: Life. I can still use many of those traits that I see on the show within my daily life; at work, at home, at church. We can make our daily lives "Amazing", so to speak. I know that might sound corny, but it's true. Most of us won't be able to compete on a show like "The Amazing Race", but we can take all of what we see and apply it right now.
At work, you have teamwork and problem solving that can be used. At home, you have those around you who you love and appreciate and should cherish each moment and make memories and you don't have to travel around the world to do it. Stop and take a look around you and wonder in the gifts and and the abundance that you have right now. At church or any other avenue of faith, religion and spirituality, there is the test of comfort zones, from sitting somewhere different, (I know that's a stretch, huh?) to introducing yourself to someone, to singing a new song that you're unfamiliar with, to enjoying the community you currently visit each week. We can recognize the strengths, gifts and talents of each person and appreciate all of that abundance right in front of our noses and use those to bring good to each other.
While it would be wonderful to have that opportunity to race around the world and experience all that is "The Amazing Race", we can experience some of that right now and create a life that can be truly "Amazing". Just stop a moment, take a look around, love those around you, make memories now (don't wait) and know that you are capable of amazing things in your life, right here and right now. I love this quote from Mother Teresa "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." If we could concentrate on that concept at home, work, church, community and every where we may go, what an wonderful world this could be (just like the song). That would truly be "Amazing"!! So, go out and live your Amazing Race!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
The Crockpot Connection
I think I've gone wild with my slow cooker this weekend. I've cooked two meals and I have enough leftovers for a week or more. What is it about the slow cooker that I'm attracted to? Is it the fact that I love comfort foods simmering away all day and dinner is ready when I come home? Is it that I love finding new ways to cook different dishes but I don't have to worry too much because I dump it all in the slow cooker and let it cook all day? Do I fall in love with my crockpot all over again when the weather gets chilly and crisp? The answer is Yes, Yes, and Yes!!! I'm a sucker for easy recipes, and to have a "fairly" no fail recipe to prepare and all I have to do is to cut up or plop in some frozen meats or veggies and spices and herbs and put the lid on the slow cooker and set it to low, I will have the satisfaction in knowing that what I'm going to make is going to be delicious. It's one pot to clean and there is most always leftovers for lunch. I'm not a huge leftover fan, but the crockpot dishes.... I LOVE the leftovers. I even have recipes to make breads and desserts in the crockpot and while I haven't tried those recipes yet, I'm not far off. I have recipes for appetizers, drinks and side dishes too.
I have to admit, I'm not a great cook. I can't create dishes on the top of my head and I don't really know what flavors go with what and I'm notorious for burning or forgetting an ingredient. With the slow cooker, the recipes and directions are fairly easy and we end up eating a delicious meal. I feel good that I can cook something. Plus with our busy schedules, I load up the slow cooker in the morning and when I come home I switch it to warm and it's ready when we're ready to eat.
So, I sound like I should be on QVC trying to sell you a slow cooker (and if they were to call me up and pay me, I'd do it) but I was just so happy to eat yummy, healthy and delicious meals this weekend that I wanted to share my accomplishments, however small they might be. If you are looking for some good recipes for your slow cooker as the Fall and Winter seasons approach, Betty Crocker has a lot of great recipes. Also, Stephanie O'Dea author of the book "Make It Fast, Cook It Slow: The Big Book of Everyday Slow Cooking" has some fabulous ideas that are healthy, east to make, gluten free (although you can use the regular ingredients if you are not gluten resistant) and the recipes are some what inexpensive. She will be coming out with a new cookbook in late December and I can't wait. She also has a blog where you can get some of her recipes: crockpot365.blogspot.com . McCormick's also has a slow cooker packet/recipe line and the packets I've tried have been great. There are easy ways to make dinner now a days, but with the slow cooker, you can have the best of both worlds. You can use healthy ingredients, herbs, spices, frozen, fresh or canned veggies, frozen or fresh meats, low maintenance preparation and directions and a tasty meal that has been simmering all day and when it's done the meal fills our bellies with warmth and nourishment and comfort. We can all use that from time to time. Oh, and a slow cooker recipe is great when you have family or company over. You will be able to spend more time with family and company and you won't have to be stuck in the kitchen all day, or you won't have to spend a lot of money going out all the time either.
Anyway, I just wanted to share my slow cooker experience and I'll be posting about my great kitchen buddy, the crockpot, from time to time. It makes me happy and confident in my not so great cooking skills. I'm not afraid of my slow cooker anymore. Dare to slow cook. Connect with your slow cooker, connect with your inner chef (though simple it may be, like mine), connect to friends and family through comfort food, and you can even connect with your healthy side. It's all in the Crockpot Connection.. the Lovers (of good food) the dreamers (of cooking a decent meal) and me (a Crockpot chef).
I have to admit, I'm not a great cook. I can't create dishes on the top of my head and I don't really know what flavors go with what and I'm notorious for burning or forgetting an ingredient. With the slow cooker, the recipes and directions are fairly easy and we end up eating a delicious meal. I feel good that I can cook something. Plus with our busy schedules, I load up the slow cooker in the morning and when I come home I switch it to warm and it's ready when we're ready to eat.
So, I sound like I should be on QVC trying to sell you a slow cooker (and if they were to call me up and pay me, I'd do it) but I was just so happy to eat yummy, healthy and delicious meals this weekend that I wanted to share my accomplishments, however small they might be. If you are looking for some good recipes for your slow cooker as the Fall and Winter seasons approach, Betty Crocker has a lot of great recipes. Also, Stephanie O'Dea author of the book "Make It Fast, Cook It Slow: The Big Book of Everyday Slow Cooking" has some fabulous ideas that are healthy, east to make, gluten free (although you can use the regular ingredients if you are not gluten resistant) and the recipes are some what inexpensive. She will be coming out with a new cookbook in late December and I can't wait. She also has a blog where you can get some of her recipes: crockpot365.blogspot.com . McCormick's also has a slow cooker packet/recipe line and the packets I've tried have been great. There are easy ways to make dinner now a days, but with the slow cooker, you can have the best of both worlds. You can use healthy ingredients, herbs, spices, frozen, fresh or canned veggies, frozen or fresh meats, low maintenance preparation and directions and a tasty meal that has been simmering all day and when it's done the meal fills our bellies with warmth and nourishment and comfort. We can all use that from time to time. Oh, and a slow cooker recipe is great when you have family or company over. You will be able to spend more time with family and company and you won't have to be stuck in the kitchen all day, or you won't have to spend a lot of money going out all the time either.
Anyway, I just wanted to share my slow cooker experience and I'll be posting about my great kitchen buddy, the crockpot, from time to time. It makes me happy and confident in my not so great cooking skills. I'm not afraid of my slow cooker anymore. Dare to slow cook. Connect with your slow cooker, connect with your inner chef (though simple it may be, like mine), connect to friends and family through comfort food, and you can even connect with your healthy side. It's all in the Crockpot Connection.. the Lovers (of good food) the dreamers (of cooking a decent meal) and me (a Crockpot chef).
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Mindless tv show that has me hooked
I love tv. I grew up watching tv. A lot of my childhood memories are linked to movies and television. I remember Summers where my best friend, Jamie, my sister, Missy and I roller skated around our garage to Xanadu or how we formed our Fraggle Rock Club "Down in Fraggle Rock!", how we danced and danced to the music of Grease and Grease 2. Our Saturday mornings consisted of singing to School House Rock, having the "smurfiest of days" with the Smurfs and saving the world with the Hall of Justice. Oh there were days and days that the tv was never turned on. We played and played on our bikes, through the sprinklers, and roller skated in the sunset, played bored games until our eyes were cross-eyed, but television was still a big part of my childhood. My husband says I have a gift when it comes to tv viewing: That no matter what day or time, if the tv is on, I am able to find something on to watch. While sometimes I believe when he says that that he is poking fun at me, but I chalk it up to the training I received growing up. Nowadays I have it on sometimes to keep me company and I do have my favorite shows that I love to watch, but the one show that has completely sucked me in is America's Got Talent.
I don't ever call in and vote, but I'm completely sucked in to some of the absurdity, some of the magic, some of the music and some of the stories of these real down to earth people. I thoroughly enjoyed tonight's airing especially when Prince Poppycock and Jackie Evancho came out. It's pure grandiose entertainment verses a heavenly voice. Those two are my absolute favorites and out of the 10 acts they showed this evening, only 4 will get to move on to the finals. I will have to tape tomorrow evening's show when they announce those that will get to move on as I will be out tomorrow evening. We don't have a DVR although I'm considering obtaining one, but we can still record with our trusty VCR player. I'll be anxious to know who is voted through.
Now I'm not mentioning AGT to get you to watch it or anything, but to remind you that it's ok to indulge a bit, even when it comes to television. It's ok to watch mindless tv once in awhile. We need to give our brains a break and sometimes zone out and if you happen to be watching a "reality" based show, then so be it. Everything in moderation, right? It's good to turn the tv off and take a walk, or meet up with friends or attend a social function, but sometimes mindless tv is the solution for the day.
However, if you use You Tube or if you can see her clips from AGT on Hulu or NBC.com, I do recommend watching Jackie Evancho as she is just darling and fabulous all rolled up in one. She has a 30 year old voice wrapped in a 10 year old body. She's amazing! I'm rooting for her.
So, celebrate in mindless tv shows. Relax and have fun! Many memories can still be created even if you indulge in reality tv, cooking shows, comedy or drama series and yes....I'll say it...even sports, and it's ok to get sucked in a bit. I don't believe TV has ever rotted my brain (ok, well, maybe a little LOL!). Just don't sit too close to the television. You'll ruin your eye-sight!
I don't ever call in and vote, but I'm completely sucked in to some of the absurdity, some of the magic, some of the music and some of the stories of these real down to earth people. I thoroughly enjoyed tonight's airing especially when Prince Poppycock and Jackie Evancho came out. It's pure grandiose entertainment verses a heavenly voice. Those two are my absolute favorites and out of the 10 acts they showed this evening, only 4 will get to move on to the finals. I will have to tape tomorrow evening's show when they announce those that will get to move on as I will be out tomorrow evening. We don't have a DVR although I'm considering obtaining one, but we can still record with our trusty VCR player. I'll be anxious to know who is voted through.
Now I'm not mentioning AGT to get you to watch it or anything, but to remind you that it's ok to indulge a bit, even when it comes to television. It's ok to watch mindless tv once in awhile. We need to give our brains a break and sometimes zone out and if you happen to be watching a "reality" based show, then so be it. Everything in moderation, right? It's good to turn the tv off and take a walk, or meet up with friends or attend a social function, but sometimes mindless tv is the solution for the day.
However, if you use You Tube or if you can see her clips from AGT on Hulu or NBC.com, I do recommend watching Jackie Evancho as she is just darling and fabulous all rolled up in one. She has a 30 year old voice wrapped in a 10 year old body. She's amazing! I'm rooting for her.
So, celebrate in mindless tv shows. Relax and have fun! Many memories can still be created even if you indulge in reality tv, cooking shows, comedy or drama series and yes....I'll say it...even sports, and it's ok to get sucked in a bit. I don't believe TV has ever rotted my brain (ok, well, maybe a little LOL!). Just don't sit too close to the television. You'll ruin your eye-sight!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Pardon me, if I ramble on and on and on....
Sheesh, I put so much pressure on myself trying to think of clever things to talk about but I have so much running through my head that I can't really narrow it all down. I'm sitting here drinking one of my favorite coffee blends (Starbucks Anniversary blend, which only comes out in Aug./Sept.) with one of my favorite chai blends (Orca Spice Chai- Sugar Free) and drinking it out of my favorite mug (a pink mug with Snow White and all the princesses and she is highlighted with the saying "You're the Fairest of the All"). I love anything Snow White and my trip to Disneyland this Summer just enhanced my sick Disney obsession even further. But, I digress.
What I wanted to say about all the "favorites" is that it is a good thing to "play favorites", so to speak. It warms the heart, the mind and the body. The coffee brings me back to my Starbucks days, which sometimes I miss a lot. The chai brings back the taste of fall and warms my body with its spices and my favorite mugs brings back memories of my friends and family, all the memories of Disneyland visits..... all in my mug. It's amazing all that is really contained in a cup of coffee. I truly believe in the saying (how does it go?)," what you get out of things is what you put into it". Or something like that, I think. But you get the idea. I put in my favorite things in my coffee that remind me of things in my life and I've created wonderful memories in a cup. Not only does the coffee warm me, but the memories, the feelings of family and friendship warms my heart, too. I love how it really becomes "the little things in life" that sometimes mean the most. Now sure, I can take this and say this also can go the opposite way. The littlest thing that someone does or says can hurt the most and cause a lot of pain and I've also had my share of those memories too. I used to be able to dwell on that for the longest time and I had more unhappy memories I could dwell on but I choose now to find the "good" little things in life.
Just yesterday, someone came up to me and asked me if I was pregnant. I had to chuckle because of many reasons and while I could dwell on the fact that it would almost be impossible (I say "almost" because you never know) but according to the Dr. it will be unlikely that I will be able to physically have children. So, I said to her "No, I think it's just a combination of my belly fat and the drape-like top I am wearing". I chuckled because I knew it embarrassed her a little and I wanted her to know I wasn't offended. I chuckled because I never thought someone would boldly say that to someone anymore, cuz you just never know. I chuckled because I'm officially reminded that a diet is next on the agenda. So many chuckles over one little comment. I can choose to dwell on the negative (and there can be a lot of negative if I wanted to live in that) but I am choosing to create happiness within the one little comment. I chose to chuckle. I chose to admire and laugh at my belly that looks a little like a baby belly (Matt has one too, but no one ever asks him if he's pregnant! Sheesh! LOL). I just say it's my food baby and in the voice of Mike Myers as the evil chubby character in Austin Powers: Goldmember movie, I say "Food, GET EN MEH BELLEH! (It's a scottish like accent).
So, I warned you that I will ramble. I guess the point is that it truly is all small stuff. The book "Don't sweat the small stuff, and it's all small stuff" is true. I haven't read that book, but maybe I should. I agree with the title, anyway. Enjoy the small things, laugh at the little things, smile at the little quirks, choose to live in the positive little memories. All in a cup of coffee. Maybe I should just switch to decaf. NAH!!!
What I wanted to say about all the "favorites" is that it is a good thing to "play favorites", so to speak. It warms the heart, the mind and the body. The coffee brings me back to my Starbucks days, which sometimes I miss a lot. The chai brings back the taste of fall and warms my body with its spices and my favorite mugs brings back memories of my friends and family, all the memories of Disneyland visits..... all in my mug. It's amazing all that is really contained in a cup of coffee. I truly believe in the saying (how does it go?)," what you get out of things is what you put into it". Or something like that, I think. But you get the idea. I put in my favorite things in my coffee that remind me of things in my life and I've created wonderful memories in a cup. Not only does the coffee warm me, but the memories, the feelings of family and friendship warms my heart, too. I love how it really becomes "the little things in life" that sometimes mean the most. Now sure, I can take this and say this also can go the opposite way. The littlest thing that someone does or says can hurt the most and cause a lot of pain and I've also had my share of those memories too. I used to be able to dwell on that for the longest time and I had more unhappy memories I could dwell on but I choose now to find the "good" little things in life.
Just yesterday, someone came up to me and asked me if I was pregnant. I had to chuckle because of many reasons and while I could dwell on the fact that it would almost be impossible (I say "almost" because you never know) but according to the Dr. it will be unlikely that I will be able to physically have children. So, I said to her "No, I think it's just a combination of my belly fat and the drape-like top I am wearing". I chuckled because I knew it embarrassed her a little and I wanted her to know I wasn't offended. I chuckled because I never thought someone would boldly say that to someone anymore, cuz you just never know. I chuckled because I'm officially reminded that a diet is next on the agenda. So many chuckles over one little comment. I can choose to dwell on the negative (and there can be a lot of negative if I wanted to live in that) but I am choosing to create happiness within the one little comment. I chose to chuckle. I chose to admire and laugh at my belly that looks a little like a baby belly (Matt has one too, but no one ever asks him if he's pregnant! Sheesh! LOL). I just say it's my food baby and in the voice of Mike Myers as the evil chubby character in Austin Powers: Goldmember movie, I say "Food, GET EN MEH BELLEH! (It's a scottish like accent).
So, I warned you that I will ramble. I guess the point is that it truly is all small stuff. The book "Don't sweat the small stuff, and it's all small stuff" is true. I haven't read that book, but maybe I should. I agree with the title, anyway. Enjoy the small things, laugh at the little things, smile at the little quirks, choose to live in the positive little memories. All in a cup of coffee. Maybe I should just switch to decaf. NAH!!!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
So why a blog?
My very first blog. I never thought I would be doing this, but I just decided... why not? With all the stuff going on in my life, I wanted an outlet to sort out my thoughts and to share and maybe even help and encourage someone. My title of the blog "A day in the life of a pastor's spouse" doesn't necessarily mean that each blog will be about being a pastor's spouse, because there is more about me than just that. But I needed a title. So, there it is. Not all my blogs will be funny or witty, or maybe none of them will be that. I just think I've had things to say for awhile now and this could be one of the solutions to get the opportunity to say some of it. I plan to blog about people in my life,work, singing, childhood memories, politics, religion, feelings, health and wellness, food and recipes, things that and people who inspire me, likes and dislikes and even my current and favorite TV show or movie I've recently seen. I don't know how often I will be able to update but I'm hoping I will have time to update it often.
So, I hope you will enjoy this blog (whoever is out there reading this). I will write again soon, maybe even later this evening. But for now, be blessed and happy.
So, I hope you will enjoy this blog (whoever is out there reading this). I will write again soon, maybe even later this evening. But for now, be blessed and happy.
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