I bite off more than I can chew on a daily basis.
What do you do to keep the to-do list from getting too long?
Everyday Life
The Christmas Haul
Allow me to be the first to affirm that Christmas is NOT all about presents. But I have found myself amazed in recent years by the gifts I’ve received. Not because the gifts were absolutely spectacular in their own right, or because I’m all about getting new things–but because of the way the gifts I’ve received reflect the love and care of my family.
This year, I got…
- A funnel, a filter wrench, and a oil pan from John
The oil pan is probably the coolest thing ever. It’s ginormous, but it collects all the oil INSIDE of it, and can be sealed so it won’t spill while waiting to be disposed of. Then, when it’s time to dispose of the oil? The pan has a convenient spout for disposal. Say goodbye to messy oil changes–I’ve got all the tools to make it easy as pie! - Camelpack
Time to start training for that big bike ride across Nebraska! And for me, hydration is key. Now I can do it in style. - Two puzzles
Payback, I’m sure, for the many years I’ve bought “the fam” puzzles for Christmas. Now it’s time to get some of my own done! - A trash can for my recycling
I’ve had a bucket in my kitchen for collecting recyclables. Now I can upgrade to a trash can thanks to John–who generally ridicules recycling but cares about me enough to get me what I care about. - Double 15 dominoes
Every household should have a set, and since Anna moved out, my household’s been without. Thanks, Mom and Dad! - A utensil tray
I’ve been keeping my silverware in a little cardboard box since Anna moved out. Now I have a proper utensil tray so I can keep everything divided. What’s more, my mom found it at the used store! (I appreciate my mom’s thriftiness and care. While all of us received new gifts from Mom and Dad, we also received gifts Mom found at used stores. The used gifts were far from second-rate. They were exactly what we needed/wanted–and were obtained in a way that doesn’t break my parent’s bank. My dad’s compliment is true: My mother is like a merchant ship, bringing her gifts from afar.) - Shampoo and barrettes
Funny gift, you might think. But for me, not at all. I ask for “practical gifts” every year, and am supremely thankful when somebody takes up the call and gets them. You see, I HATE buying shampoo, deodorant, and the like. They’re necessary, so you don’t want to run out. Yet they’re expensive at the grocery store, so buying them generally means a trip to a different store–a WHOLE separate trip, since I rarely buy anything except food. So shampoo is the PERFECT gift. - A kitchen decorating ideas book
For me books + home = love. Grace knew this and planned ahead to get me a book from the library book sale. - A picture for my walls
Mom found it at a used store. It has a Bible verse on it. My living area walls suffered most when Anna left. She had so many wonderful wall decorations. Now I’m building up my own collection. - A bookshelf
My current two (and a half) are stuffed full, and bowing because of the weight of my books. My “little” box of books that don’t fit in the shelves is currently overflowing. But not for much longer. Soon I shall have a bookshelf in my room. I’m excited to move all my Bible study tools up to my room, where I generally do my Bible study. It’ll be much nicer to have easy access instead of having to run downstairs. - The promise of another bookshelf
Joshua has promised to make me another bookshelf (and was a bit disappointed when I received one under the tree.) But I have PLENTY of use for new bookshelves, and I’m excited to see what Josh comes up with. He’s quite a handy guy, if I do say so myself.
Beyond the physical gifts under the tree, I received a few more intangible gifts.
- A delightful family candle-light service when our church one got canceled
We packed into the “conservatory” while Anna played William and led us in Christmas carols. Dad and John and I had a bit of an out-loud each other contest during one, probably bringing the others’ eardrums almost to a breaking point (in my favor, my part in the “contest” was unintentional–I just don’t have the greatest concept of my volume while singing.) We lit our candles for Silent Night and sung sweetly in the almost dark. - The addition of a fourth girl to the family festivities
Debbie evens us out at four girls and four boys (for the time being). She joined us for our celebration this year, and blushed massively at some of the gifts she received from my brothers. Their goal in their gifts to her this year was “cherry cheeks”–and they succeeded pretty well. Welcome to the family, Debbie–I can’t wait to have you for a sister-in-law. - The boys let me take their pictures
As the family historian, keeper of the family photos, and (more) regular photo snapper, I am somewhat of an annoyance to my family. I insist on chronicling the exciting and the mundane, pulling out my camera at what they consider to be inopportune times (read, anytime). But last night, they (mostly) let me take photos in peace. John even POSED for a few photos. It’s pretty much a miracle. - The girls had patience with my distraction during a game of Mexican train
Timothy announced that I’d missed a text message just as we were about to start our game of Mexican train. I broke my personal rules and texted back during our first few rounds of the game. I enjoyed the text exchange–and I appreciated my family’s tolerance for my somewhat unusual behavior of late ;-).
And the greatest Christmas “haul”?
Yesterday I read these words–an unusual Christmas passage, but an amazing one nonetheless:
“For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“ O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?”
The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
(I Corinthians 15:53-57)
At Christmas, we celebrate Christ the immortal, who put on our mortality. Christ the incorruptible who put on our corruption. Christ, who is life, who submitted Himself to death. And why? He did so in order that we who are corrupt could put on incorruption. He did so in order that we who are mortal could put on immortality. He did so in order that we who are creatures of sin and death could obtain victory over the same THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Now thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
**Okay, so I was planning to upload those Christmas pictures, but my computer’s acting funny about recognizing my camera today. It goes on funks every so often, so I’m not too worried. More later–for now I’m gonna go back over to the folks and (find my Bible and) spend some time with the family.**
Christmas Sweater Confession
Ugly Christmas Sweater parties exist in profusion–a chance for everyone to go to the used store and pick up the most hideous Christmas sweater imaginable and wear it to make fun of those fashion-foolish folks who don’t realize that Christmas sweaters are so totally, like, never.
I do not belong to the fashion-foolish. I understand the ridicule directed towards Christmas sweaters. The critics are correct–Christmas sweaters are kitschy, often tacky, rarely flattering–but I love them nonetheless.
Once upon a time, I owned a dozen or so Christmas sweaters–and you could rarely find me without one in the month of December. They’re warm, they’re festive, and they’re fun–what could be better?
I’ve gotten rid of many of my Christmas sweaters because they were beginning to break down from overuse. Threads were coming free, sequins were coming off, ribbons were fraying. I had done all the repairs I could, and now it was time to let them go.
Now my collection is sparse–one solitary sweater, one sweatshirt, one turtleneck, one cardigan. I wish I had more, but shame and a certain fear that I won’t be thought professional if I wear a Christmas sweater keep me from indulging my inner yearnings.
I long for the day, some fifteen, twenty years from now, when I can channel my inner 40-year-old woman and wear Christmas sweaters without anyone thinking something’s amiss. Someday, I will be old enough that people will peg me as clueless rather than simply fashion-inept.
Except that by the time I’m 40, everyone who’s 40 should be aware of the atrocities that are Christmas sweaters.
So, for now, I wear my Christmas sweaters conservatively, as tastefully as they can be done–and I privately apologize to my favorite sweater as I pull it on for an “ugly sweater party”.
Check out some “Ugly Christmas Sweaters” at these online collections. Or, you can create your very own custom holiday sweater. Personally, though, I recommend the used stores–you can find a nice combination of factory-made and home-crafted articles (and you can get them for much cheaper than at some of these “specialty” stores online.)
No Shave November No Longer
“From the way I’m acting, you’d think I was pulling out my hair by the roots,” I told my sister Tuesday evening.
She only laughed.
Because, actually, that’s exactly what I was doing.
After a month of not shaving my legs, my hair was the requisite 1/4″ to 1/2″ long–and I was ready to wax.
I’ve waxed before, using Nair’s roll-on wax. But at six dollars or so per bottle and needing at LEAST two bottles (I’ve got very long, very hairy legs), Nair can get expensive quickly.
So this time, I decided to sugar instead. I made my own sugaring mix using 2 cups of sugar to 1/8 cup of water and 1/8 cup of lemon juice. I heat it all up on the stove until everything was dissolved and then let it cool down so it wouldn’t burn my skin.
The waxing process is simple, but time consuming. Spread the wax evenly on your skin, in the direction of hair growth, with a wooden popsicle stick. Press a strip of fabric over top the wax (I used ripped strips from an old sheet I got through Freecycle.) Then, grab hold of the strip and rip it off–this time in the direction OPPOSITE hair growth.
And try not to scream.
That’s the hard part.
Why do I do it? Why does anyone do it?
The disadvantages are many, the advantages few. But somehow, I do it anyway. It takes forever, it’s painful, often it leaves little micro-bruises all over. But the lure of being hairless for weeks is enough to keep me trying. And now that I’m making my own sugaring solution, it’s cheap too.
Pain is a small price when beauty’s the gain.
What are some of the most ridiculous sacrifices YOU’VE made in the pursuit of beauty?
No Shave November
I don’t know how long the No Shave November thing has been going on. I first became aware of it five or so years ago when it seemed like all the guys at the University sprouted facial hair overnight.
According to the No Shave November site, there are several advantages of joining the phenomenon:
1. Be part of the “in” crowd by doing what all the cool kids are doing.
2. Real women like real men.
3. Save money on shaving cream, razors and other accoutrement.
4. Save time getting ready in the morning.
Nowhere in this site does it mention the advantages of no-shave November for WOMEN. The question is, can women still be a part of the “in” crowd if they fail to shave their legs? Do real men cringe at the thought of a “real woman” (legs au naturale)? Does not shaving save hassle or create it?
Naturally, I was curious to discover the answers to these questions. So I participated in my own form of No-Shave November by vowing off shaving my legs. I discovered that, as long as my legs are covered, no one knows whether I’ve shaved or not–and who bares their legs on a regular basis in November? Thanks to long skirts, slacks, and tights, I never experienced the ostracism that might otherwise have occurred due to my bristle. But trial runs of exposing part of my legs to friends and family revealed that few are fans of legs au naturale. My dad and brothers were most repulsed–although one brother chose to “play along” and compare leg hair with me.
As far as the hassle saved? Priceless. I saved at least ten minutes daily–leaving ten extra minutes available for reading. No Shave November was probably the one single factor most responsible for keeping me sane throughout the month of November.
Official decision? Not shaving (or shaving less often) is certainly a viable option for women during the winter months when they are unlikely to bare their legs. Doing so may save women time and money, without causing undue social ostracism. (Of course, I speak as an unmarried woman–married ladies might want to take their husband’s opinion into account ;-) ).
But, the best part of No Shave November is that I’ve grown my leg hair long enough that I can participate in that sadomasochistic act of female beautification: waxing. Tune in later for “No Shave November No Longer: on waxing.”
Thankfullest Thursday: Family
Today I’m thankful for the amazing family God has blessed me with–and the fantastic day I was able to spend with them.
I’m thankful for…
- A table full of all my favorite foods
- A dinner-table discussion of the laws of thermodynamics (okay, so we’re all nerds)
- Fun songs on the improvised radio on the way to clean the church
- A quick church cleaning expedition-in which we got all the vacuuming done in record time, to the sounds of rock on the overhead, John singing “Figaro”, and Dad singing “Scrub another toilet, scrub a toilet next to you…”
- A relaxing afternoon reading and watching my brothers “Dance Praise”–da da da, da da-da-da DAH.
- A lesson in internet stalking from my father, the master–although I’m a halfway decent pupil :-)
- More good food with my aunt and uncle and their crew
- A great discussion on the proper place for prophesy, the Biblical definition of prophesy, the state of education in the state of California, fraud in major ministries, the Bible answer man, and the politics of global warming.
- A new name for the Daniel-Debbie phenomenon (still upset that he hasn’t given her a ring yet). We’re calling them “Danby” (a la Support Your Local Sheriff) instead of the earlier “Debuel”.
- A satisfactory conclusion to the question “How are we getting to Aunt Martha’s tomorrow?”
- A family debate over the name for Mom’s new car. Wanna weigh in? Top contenders are the “Maroon Prune” or the “Burgundy Bomb”. Let me know what you think.
For this and so much more, O Lord, I give Thee thanks.
Don’t let me leave the house
Do me a favor please?
Don’t let me EVER leave the house wearing fleece socks again.
I was feeling a bit better, was assured that I’m probably not contagious any longer, and wanted to see my little sister’s musical performance tonight.
I changed into a longer skirt, put on a decently nice sweater. Then I thought, “Why bother changing my socks? It’s just a high school music show. It’s not like anyone I know will be there.”
Famous last words.
“Not anyone I know” turned out to be the president-elect of the Nebraska Dietetic Association, the graduate chair of my department, and the director of the Union College PA Program (for which I act as a professional patient).
I’ve never been so mortified in my life.
Never again.
Friends don’t let friends leave the house wearing fleece socks to ANYTHING!
Please be a pal and remind me if I forget.
Dork Mode
“They” say that form follows function–and I tend to agree. But sometimes functionality is far from “formal”. Sometimes, it’s downright dorky.
I couldn’t decide what to wear this morning. What should I wear when I’m still not sure about seeing people? What should I wear when my stomach is still roiling but I just CAN’T wear pajamas for yet another day?
Warm, I thought. So I put on a pair of leggings. I pulled a dress over top.
Ugh, I thought. But I was too cold to take the dress off. I pulled a skirt over top that.
Oh my, I thought. And I gave up on trying to look nice. Fleece snowflake laden socks complete the ensemble.
It’s not like I’m planning on seeing anyone anyway. Why not go into full dork mode?
One sick clan
When I started throwing up last night, my first thought was to panic. You see, I teach a food lab—and I was afraid somehow I’d managed to have a case of food poisoning in my lab.
This morning, relief (from my anxiety, not from the ickies) came in the form of an e-mail from my aunt. My cousin and another aunt had the throw-ups last night too.
The e-mails just kept pouring in. My cousin Danny has it. A cousin and uncle have it. Penny’s e-mail intimated that Alice, Sarah, Byron, Adam, and Sharon had it before the funeral.
So apparently we all got it at the funeral.
The sick counts keep rising. I added my name to the roll. Then Daniel added his. An addendum reports that Joshua has it too. Martha wrote that she hasn’t thrown up yet but stayed home because she’s feeling icky. Dad wrote in that Tim and Grace both have it. The last report has come from my aunt in Illinois. Her husband and son have it too.
Basically, we’re one sick clan.
If you think of it, pray for us as we recover. And pray for protection for my grandparents and mom (who is currently staying with Grandma and Grandpa). The last thing they need is this nasty little stomach flu.
A Weekend in Review
The Daughter’s of the King ladies retreat was this last weekend, and it was fantastic.
The weekend was themed on Beth Moore’s Get out of that Pit. We watched some of Beth’s videos, heard from the book, heard teaching from the book, had small group times discussing the concepts found within, and had some personal time with God.
I’d already read the book, but the retreat was still pretty powerful. Especially the personal time with God. We had several questions to think through and pray through–but the great part was when God started talking. He told me what my pit is: self-PITy. He said, “You’re so busy longing for something different, something else, that you aren’t seeing what I’ve already given you. And, paradoxically, this has kept you from attaining your deepest desires. Wallowing in self-pity over how things HAVEN’T turned out as you expected is keeping you from enjoying the abundant life I have for you now and from anticipating the abundant life I have for your future.”
Yikes! But it’s so true. Knowing is half of the battle. Now, I’m daily practicing the steps Moore discussed for getting out of the pit: Cry out, Confess, Consent. And by God’s grace, I’m on my way out of the pit.
Apart from the wonderful time with God, I had a fantastic time with my girls. We swam Friday night–and stood in the shallow end of the pool singing all our favorite kiddie songs: “He’s a Peach of a Savior”, “I’m in the Lord’s Army”, and “The Hippo Song.” We cracked ourselves up with each different version–and decided that we were having so much fun that we NEEDED to share it with others. So we sang for everyone at our break Saturday morning.
On Saturday, we made leaf door hangers–one for each of us and some extras for the Thanksgiving baskets we’ll give out last month. I painted quite a few. I took pictures of quite a few really good ones–but somewhere between the ride home and Sunday morning, I lost my camera. So, I don’t have any pictures for now. (Hopefully I’ll find the camera soon.)
After we returned Saturday night, we had cheesecake at my Mom and Dad’s house for Mary’s birthday. I found a trivia question book that I’d given the family for Christmas years ago. At first I just threw the questions out to a couple of people, but by the end of the night, there were a dozen of us draped around the living room, trying to figure out which of the listed first ladies didn’t have “Smith” as their maiden name.
Sunday morning, I slept in–and then worked in the church nursery during the service. That’s when I really missed my camera. I only had three little kiddos in the nursery, but boy were they CUTE!
We closed the weekend with the movie “New in Town” (which I thoroughly enjoyed.)