My Sister's Magic Fingers

This is the story of a scarf. It's not any ol' scarf either. It is the scarf that, as my brother-in-law says, makes 5 year-old girls everywhere jealous. Here is it's tale.

It all starts with a different scarf. Blue, gray and black, hand knit by my sister. It's wonderful. I wear it all of the time. My friend Sha-nay-nay sees it and LOVES it! She's been looking for one just like it all winter! Where can she get one?!? Being the self-less, considerate, humble person that I am, I give her mine. When I leave Sha-nay-nay's house I call my sister in the car:

"I need a new scarf. I'd like it to be colorful and unique."

Sister with the magic fingers is on the case. She calls me before Christmas to tell me its done. It'll be under the tree. But...it's something she's never done before. In fact, it's kinda wild. Honestly, she's not sure about it, so if I don't like it all I have to do is tell her and she'll pull the stitches and make a new one. Sounds good to me.

Christmas Eve. I open the box. I pull out 7'6" of bold, twisty rainbow scarf. I'm scared. It looks like someone may have taken round pot holders and strung them together. Turquois and red? Raspberry and orange? The colors astound. I look at my sister with the magic fingers.

"I'm not sure about..."

"What?!? You want me to take it apart?? Do you know how long that took me to make?!?!"

"It's perfect."

Mid-January arrives. The scarf has been sitting in my house. Not even the cats go near it. But it's a gift. I must wear it, at least once, even if the spirling yarn exposes my neck to the elements. I put it on and go to the grocery store. My neck is surprisingly warm. The cashier admires my scarf. I decide to try it for a while. By the end of the winter I have received quite a few compliments.

October 2007 I read on-line that long, skinny scarves are out. Chunky, bulky scarves are in. Whatever.

November 2007 I pull out the winter wear. I grab my scarf. I cannot go into public without at least one person asking about my scarf, wondering how I made it or where I bought it. I am running errands and Christmas shopping with my husband. At Wal-mart I see the librarian who assisted me less than an hour before at the library. I say hello. She replies:

"Where's your scarf??" (In the cart, for those of you wondering)

In Target a woman approaches me:

"You were at Wal-mart earlier today, weren't you? I remember the scarf."

My desire in life has been that people would remember me for my love of God, for my humor and for my heart. I fear now that I will be remembered for my scarf.

Sam's Disappointment

I love Sam's Club. Matt and I go there to walk around, sample food and occassionally grab some food at the cafe, which we then eat while sitting on the display furniture (they have some REALLY comfy chairs!!). We like it there.

Unfortunately, not all departments are created equally. Take, for instance, the tire department. They have good prices on tires, decent prices on tire installation, but horrible...HORRIBLE service, at least in Winchestertonfieldville.

Last year Matt & I arrived at 6pm, immediately after he got out of work, to have his snow tires put on. It takes 45 minutes. They're open until 7pm. All is well...we thought. We go to the service counter and are informed that there must be at least two mechanics in the shop to do the work. There are two guys there. However, one guy has to leave at 6:30, so they can't take us. Did they tell us this when we called and asked how late they're open? No. Was there a sign posted anywhere saying they were closing early? No. What did the manager have to say about it? "Welll, they need two guys working, so they can't do it tonight." Apparently not one other mechanic in their entire employment was available to work that day, so they decided to close early, tell no one and the administration was fine with it. Okay...maybe it was a fluke.

Fast forward to Winter 2007: we go in at 5pm to get tires changed. We are informed that they stopped taking new customers at 3pm because they are already booked until 7pm. Completely understandable. The man gives us some hints: first, come when it's not snowing or when the forecast for the next day is clear (people aren't thinking about tires until it's snowing or they predict snow) and second, get in line by 6:30 am. When they expect snow there will be 20 people in line when they open the doors at 7am. Wow! Thanks for the help buddy...that's great to know! So on Saturday, December 1st...our day off, a day of rest, a time to relax...we get up at 5:30 am to be in line at 6:30 am. Matt is the 5th person in line!! The doors open, the man looks up and says, "Do you have a business membership? Anyone with a business membership goes to the front of the line until 8am." WHAT?!? Did anyone tell us that?? No. Is it POSTED anywhere?? No. By 7:15 am Matt is now the 15th person in line!!! The response that we get..."Well, we have to serve business members first". Nice to know. At 7:15 we left Sam's Club...and went to Belle Tire. At Belle Tire they opened the doors early so we could wait inside, out of the cold, and took EVERYONE on a first-come-first-serve basis.

The moral of this story (as I always like to have a moral): Buy yourself an extra set of rims if you are going to change your tires seasonally. You can have the tire shop mount the tires for you and then swap them yourself, in your driveway, whenever you want (because, even though the guys at Belle Tire were patient, helpful and very kind, it still took until after 1pm for them to get the tires done).

Two Years

November 26, 2005 - 10:30 am

Karin Van Buren weds Matt Beery

Wow. Two years. That's it?? I'm trying to remember what I did for the first 27 years of my life. It feels like Matt has always been there. Weird. And cool :)

What a crazy two years...and what a potentially bizarre third year we might experience. Let's look at the timeline of the life of Matt & Karin Beery:

Nov. 05 - Married
Apr. 06 - Both start new jobs
June 06 - Move to Acme
Aug. 06 - K quits job
Aug. 23, 2006 - M diagnosed with cancer
Sept. 06 - M has surgery
Oct. 06 - M body returns to normal
Feb. 07 - M AFP counts go up
Jun. 07 - AFP counts still climbing; consult with Dr. @ IU
Jul. 07 - Schedule M surgery @ IU
Aug. 07 - Surgery cancelled; chemotherapy scheduled
Sept.-Nov. 07 - Chemo
Nov. 26, 2007 - 2nd Anniversary

Our lives have been CONSUMED by Matt's diagnosis. We met and wed in eight months; we spent nine months married before the cancer. We'd only even known each other for 17 months...and have spent the past 14 months dealing with this. So what will year #3 bring??

A life without cancer :)
BOTH of us working regularly, with no hospital bills, and a chance to catch up financially :)
Rest :)
I don't know...

For those of you who've known Matt longer than me, this will be the first time that I will actually live with THE Matt Beery. Not Matt Beery the newly wed, Matt Beery the new-man-to-the-workforce, or Matt Beery the cancer patient. I will get to live with and love the Matt Beery everyone has known for years. I'm looking forward to it all :)

Kitties...

Otay...This is what happens to your cat when you don't clip her claws regularly: she gets them stuck in the webbing on the stereo speaker.


And THIS is what happens when you surprise the kitties with a BIG can of Turkey in Gravy for Thanksgiving...kitty coma:

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is what I woke up to on Thanksgiving...isn't it something??

Re: Pictures

See www.mattsmiracle.blogspot.com to understand why you will never see pictures of us again. I'm frustrated.

The Human Body

It's pretty amazing, isn't it? All of the layers of protection and support, to keep itself safe and healthy. I'm in awe. Like when you sprain an ankle and it instantly swells to protect the joint, or when your cuts bleeds and clot to flush out infection and then seal itself off. Wow. But here's one I don't understand...

So, over the years I've gotten into some bad sitting habits. I'm working on correcting these as I've gotten used to swiveling my hips, which actually causes my left leg to appear 1" shorter than my right. However, by paying attention to my posture (and a few minor adjustments) I've been doing well. Pat myself on the back...way to go!!

This past week I've been subbing in a high school (Winchestertonfieldville High) and walking a TON. I drive to and from work, but nothing big. I rarely find myself sitting until just before I got to bed. My hips should be good, right? Sure, you just keep telling yourself that...

Yesterday Matt and I drove for 1.75 hours to visit my parents. In desperate need of a shower, I waited until we arrived to forgoe the rust-heavy, hair destroying hard water at my place to enjoy the silky, softness of my folks' water. Everything was great. I cleaned, dried, fixed my hair, got dressed...then proceeded down the stairs to the rest of the house. Half-way down (eight steps to be exact) the hip starts up. I try to ignore it. I descend one more flight of stairs to the guy-paradise (50" high-def, plasma flat screen with Bose surround sound) and stop. I'm not in awe of the wonder of HDTV (college game day, after all). I'm in pain. Crazy, tight pain.

My left hip quit. Yep. That's right. I have some ability to move my leg forward and backward, but any side-to-side or swivel action is kaput. Have you ever noticed how much your hips swivel to help you get around each day? Me neither!!! Trust me, its a lot. Anyway, my hip hates me now. It doesn't want to move. It hurts. It's tender. And its uncooperative. Here are some hip-heavy activities that you might now about:

-Getting in and out of a car
-Getting into bed
-Changing directions while walking
-Rolling over in bed
-Adjusting your position while sitting

And I'm sure there's more...I'm trying to move as little as possible today. Hopefully I won't discover any other painful movements.

The lesson for today?? Stop taking showers. It hurts your hip ;)

Yawn and Stretch

Wow...you'd think by my blog that its been a slow couple of months. Quite the opposite actually. With Matt not working I am now the sole provider for the household. Possibly not a bad gig if I worked full time, but trying to bring in a full-time paycheck on a part-time work schedule calls for some creative accounting.

I can't wait for Matt to be able to work again. He's not happy staying at home, and I'm not happy having to work so much. Part of the beauty of me subbing part-time is that I can then take a day off every week to grocery shop, do laundry, clean the bathroom...you know. Plus, since my work day is usually only 6-7 hours I have taken on the role of cook as well. Now I don't mind any of this at all. Its kind of the best of both worlds: being a wife but also a working woman. I like it.

However, with Matt out of commission I find myself working nearly every day (I took today off, but I was working on my book...different job, same problem). With that in mind, I now have to figure out when to grocery shop, do laundry, clean the bathroom...you know. It builds up pretty quickly. And, on top of that, I have Matt. All housework stops for Matt. If you don't like clutter, please don't visit me because I have sacrificed my house to make my husband comfortable. It's the least I can do, and I won't settle for less.

This being said, I'm doing as much as I can as fast as I can. AND...my book is almost done! Woo hoo! Bust out the sparkling cider! I'd give you an update, but you can read that at www.therehastobeabeginning.blogspot.com (I don't like to repeat myself. I don't like to repeat myself.)

In other area news, I found a decomposing mouse trapped in a vase under the sink today. Massive ick.

I think that's it for now. I'm really anxious to get back to my story. I'd like to finish it tomorrow! Yipee!!

Tribute to Matt

My sister created a nice tribute to my cancer-fightin' hubby. You can see it at www.thegabelfamily.blogspot.com

(And check out the 2 foot, 15 month othe cutie while you're at it!)

Can't think of a creative title...

I figure it's time to post something. I haven't actually written anything meaningful in...well, let's be honest: none of my posts are particularly meaningful :) I usually just shoot for entertaining!

Life (as always) is busy. I'm back to school teaching (I'm a sub...and I love it...I really, really do). It's not full-time, but it's helping out financially. I'm also working on my book (chit-lit...Christian romance novel...nothing spectacular, but it's mine). Matt is still hairy (ah yes...see Matt's Miracle blog if you don't understand that statement); my nieces are still adorable (see Growing Up Gabel blog for those money shots); my dad is still bald (you just have to trust me on that one).

I sit a lot. I type a lot. It's giving me writer's butt. I'm not concerned about block...I always have enough junk running through my brain to make up something. This butt, however...I'm pretty sure its trying to spread to cover the ENTIRE chair. I'm re-evaluating my diet (okay...I'm an emotional eater. YES...I ate six Dunkin Donuts one day when Matt was in the hospital...sue me). I've also bought a rebounder (aka mini-trampoline). The idea of bouncing in my living room for 30 minutes is really quite appealing to me...I think that's because I'm pretty sure I can do it while reading a book. ANYTHING I can do while reading a book holds tremendous fascination for me. Plus, the bouncing is good for your lymphatic system and, let's be honest here...who isn't out there trying to stimulate their lymphatic system??

My cats are still crazy (I have proof). My dog...is still nonexistent (but in my head he's a hollow-boned medium sized dog that stands tall, only weighs about ten pounds, only barks when I command using ESP, scoops his own poop and makes blueberry pancakes for me every morning...I LOVE this dog). My house is still about 1,000 sq. ft. too small for the stuff that Matt & I own, but he is working on getting rid of things - whee!!!

Okay, I'm spent. I've been online for 90 min. and need to get to work. Midgie says hello.

Prayers for Randy

Hello dear friends...

Another wonderful name to add to your prayer list...our pastor Randy. Earlier this week after finishing re-roofing the church, his ladder slipped and he fell 25 feet onto the cement. He suffered a broken nose, wrist and kneecap. The doctors have said its a miracle he's alive, as well as not having any internal injuries or head trauma.

He has a 6-8 week road to recovery right now. Please keep him and his wife, Darla, in your prayers. Thanks!

(Matt's doing well! Tired, but well. The hospital staff can even get him to change his undies everyday! Wow!!)

This Is Me

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car)
Pinstripe Cavalier

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)
Strawberry Cheesecake Peanut Butter

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)
K-Bee

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
Blue Kitty

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
Victoria Ludington

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)
Beeka

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)
The Green Milkshake

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)
Walter Russel

9. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy)
Red Skittles

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names )
Marie Albert

11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)
Reed Richmond

12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower)
Christmas Daisy

13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
Banana Hoody

14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)
Cereal Weeping Willow

15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”)
The Reading Rainbow Tour

Peanuts

You are Sally Brown. You may not be the most ambitious person, but life isn't supposed to be hard! You are relaxed and easy-going, but you can hold your ground when you want, too.

Who are you?

In Appetite Only

So I found out that yet another friend of mine is preggers. One more bun, one more oven. Not in mine, thank you very much. However, its been determined that I EAT as if I might pop one out. I've been eating like this since I was in high school, so there really is no baby scare, but it has become obvious that my particular cup of tea is not anyone else's. Here are some examples of my standard fare...sans baby:

1. French fries dipped in ice cream
2. Potato chips dipped in ice cream
3. Tortilla/butterscotch pudding roll-up
4. Carrots dipped in peanut butter
5. Toasted coleslaw sandwich
6. Peanut butter & banana sandwich (not that unusual, but it makes some people cringe)
7. Grilled cheese sandwich...with one thick layer of horseradish
And the most recent meal (DISCLAIMER: After a rough week this was my comfort food binge)...
8. Beer, donuts and Slim Jims

I'm not making this up. I love these foods. I'm willing to try almost anything. (I've tried Miracle Whip and peanut butter cups on white bread...not good). My next experiment is going to be the Stephanie Plum peanut butter and green olive sandwich, with potato chips for extra crunch.

Now, I'm not looking for something disgusting, but if you have a favorite PMS combo, or if you've heard of something odd and don't want to try it yourself, lemme know!!! I'll give it a whirl!! (Except sardines...I don't do sardines)

Time for a Change

Hey folks - I logged on with a heavy heart. Life's been rough. Matt's having surgery next week. I haven't started working yet. It could take years before anyone wants to publish my writings. I'm discovering that I know a lot of people with very low standards of integrity. Okay, I got that out of my system.

I can't actually tell you what's happened in the last ninety seconds, but I've changed my mind. I'm ready for a change...again. I need a change...again. I've been having a pity-party...and I HATE that. I don't like pity-parties...especially when they aren't mine. I know, I'm a hypocrite: let me have my party, but get out of yours!!! So anyway, instead of whining I've decided to get my head out of my butt and get going. Here's what I need to do, because I've always wanted to and have never gotten around to it:

1. Learn to drive a stick (I know...I know...)
2. Learn to shoot a gun
3. Get to a size 12 (realistic goal)
4. Write the book that I want to write...not the one that I think I should write
5. Stop whining...start trying (I know, pretty general, but applicable)
6. Record my music

That's all I can think of right now. I drank 1/2 gallon of water this morning and have to pee so bad that I can hardly concentrate. If I come up with anything else that I want to do I will put it up here so you can keep me accountable (aka harrassing me).

Later!

NO MORE RESEARCH!!

I've finished my first book. Well, I finished the first rough draft. There are still many more hours to commit to this project. I don't want to go about my first effort completely half-cocked. I'm just glad to have the bulk of it on paper and out of my head. Yipee!!

And now...off to the world wide web for some help on getting in published. Wow! What's the hardest part of writing a book? Not much. How about getting it published. My GOD its insane!! I literally have a 3" book at my house filled with publishers of everything you can imagine, plus agent listings and contests to enter. I've started researching a lot of publishing houses, trying to figure out the best route to take. In my journies I've discovered some very important tips:

1) It's best if I have some sort of writing experience. I need to enter some contests. Now I have to start researching contests...
2) Agents & Publishers alone want you to have a basic understanding of what they respresent and what they've done. Best way to do that? Read...and read...and read...and read. I currently have a book list of over fifty books that I need to puruse. I got a few out of the library yesterday. Good thing for me I can read a 250 page novel in about 3 hours :) I can get a couple of books down a day.
3) You need to get your stuff out there...to as many places as possible. So you need to study up on everyone and be prepared to write queries...and write...and write...and write.

At this stage of the game, the story is on the back burner, which is actually really good for me. I'm going to keep researching (I'm even writing book reports for myself so I won't forget what each author/publisher/agent is all about...it's going to be too each to get everything confused!). When I finally get a chance to go back to the book I'll have fresh eyes and, hopefully, a better understanding of the how to develop things.

Until then...I should have posted this on my story blog...but I think it got shut down :( I'll try again later.

Matthew updates

Currently available here: Matt

Continued Personal Growth

Over the past few years I've noticed many changes in my life as I continue to age and mature (notice I list those exclusively...for a reason). You may remember a previous post about my new found love of hot dogs (ew...I know. I'm not proud). As I've had Matt in my life I've been exposed to many new aspects of life too. For instance - Smokey and the Bandit...Seasons 1-4 of the Dukes of Hazard...off roading. Most recently I've found myself fascinated with cars, but not just any cars: muscle cars. I'm all about my Ford Mustang GTs and the Chevy Camaro. Hmmm...sweet. And now...I can't believe I'm about to say this...I find myself intrigued, even remotely enjoying (gulp) NASCAR. Ew. Ick. Oy.

What does Matt have to say about this? "Honey...you're becoming more Christ-like!"

Hmmm. That's a matter of opinion :)

He did it!!

I actually got Matt to post 8 things from being tagged! Mind you he won't tag anyone, because he doesn't know anyone with a blog, but he answered the questions! Take a peek...http://www.mattsmiracle.blogspot.com

Chalk It Up to Experience

There are certain things in this life that we should never have to experience: a third cancer diagnosis or losing someone to a drunk driver. I pray that none of you reading this will undure such tragedies. I also pray that you will never experience what I am about to describe...may God be merciful to you all.

In early June my husband and I took the kids (Midgie and Bucket...cats...see previous posts) to my parents' house with us. We let them free roam the car, as they like to cuddle. On our way home we left at 4:45 am to take Matt straight to work at 6:00 am. As it was early, Matt drove and I leaned back to sleep. Midgie was really having a hard time, but she usually calms down. She was climbing up and down my midsection, not unusual, as I tried to sleep. After a minute or so she farted...something nasty. As I sat up to throw her in the back seat I screamed. Not fart...poop...on my chest.

Matt reacted by shoving her to the floor. She hadn't finished her poo poo yet, so it smeared along the car door and dashboard. I am still screaming. I manage to pull my shirt off and dispose of it along the highway (yes...I littered). Matt held Midgie while I ... wiped her a%# to get the stuff off. Then I wiped my hands...and the door...and the dashboard...and my purse. Needless to say, when I called Matt's boss to tell him why Matt would be late to work, he laughed pretty hard.

Fast forward: July 24th. No more cats pooping on me. This time, the kids are sharing a cage. I put 'em in the back seat and head out. Not twenty minutes from home I smell it...cat fart. Ten minutes later its still lingering. Panicked, I pull over and look into the carrier...where two cats are covered in cat poop. I'll spare you the details...just know that I successfully kept the poo off my clothes and the car fabric (I won't tell you how). I'm contemplating how to transport the cats in the future, since they obviously can't be trusted to wander the car OR travel in a carrier, when I smell it again. This time, the cats are crying. For the second time in one day, the third time in less than two months, I am on the side of the road, repressing my gag reflex as I find myself up to my elbows in feline feces. I am sick of poop.

My cats are still at my parents house now. My folks don't want to keep the cats. I don't think I own enough paper towels to transport them again. I'm considering cutting holes in some Pampers to pull their tails through...I can't do the poop thing again.

And so I pray that you will spared such an experience, that your travels will be easier than mine and your pets far less smelly.

I've been tagged...

and not by the DNR. I was tagged by CCG...my sister. Okay, lemme post the rules and we'll see what I can do:

The Rules: “Each person posts the rules before their list, then they list 8 things about themselves. At the end of the post, that person tags and links to 8 other people and then visits those peoples’ sites and comments letting them know that they have been tagged, and to come read the post, so they know what they have to do.”

Okay, first of all: I don't know how to do the links...I guess I'll give it a whirl. Secondly, I regularly check four blogs...three of which are owned by our very own Camille! I'll do what I can. And now, for eith thing you may not know about me:

1. I'm seriously considering vegetarianism...but I like turkey bacon. I've LOVED the health benefits of cutting out the meat and avoid it now at all costs. Unless its turkey bacon...yum.

2. I want four kids, and I have a gut feeling they will all be boys, but I'm hoping for at least one girl. If I have one girl, I want her to come first. I WILL not raise any momma-sissy girl.

3. Contrary to popular belief (Michelle), I very much enjoy fashion and LOVE clothes. However, I also love not being in debt. I don't wear bad clothing because I don't have any fashion sense...I wear them because I can't afford a new wardrobe each season.

4. I still harbor deep desires to sing the national anthem at a Red Wings game, have a role in at least one major motion picture, appear on Broadway and write a good novel.

5. I still want to get my ph.D...I just don't know what I would study.

6. I want to travel to China and Russia and do God's work.

7. Someday I will pray over people and see blind eyes opened, tumors disappear and the dead raised (that's not desire...I'm declaring that as a fact!)

8. I have an unfounded fear of lifting a toilet seat lid and finding a decapitated head in the bowl (or of forgetting to stand up on a plane and having my butt sucked in).

Okay, so who can I tag?? Dianna, umm...Matt...and I'm going to determine that Beth needs to create a blog to answer this as well...Sorry, don't have anything better than that. And now, since blogger doesn't seem to let me post comments...lemme figure out how I'm going to do this...

This post has no constant theme...

I just finished another book (three books actually, but I'm only commenting on one). It was okay. I finished it because I like to finish things that I start, but it really didn't intrigue me that much. It seemed kinda whiny; I wasn't that into it. By the end I thought I'd blog about the author and how I think she's whiny and don't really care for her writing style.

Then I went to her website.

I could have written her home page...substitute my name in anyplace you see hers. It kinda freaked me out. "I WANT TO WRITE TOO!" I'm screaming inside, but then I think..."I just don't want to write like you do." One part of me was SO excited to find a woman with whom I can relate so well...and the other part of me wonders, if she thinks she's funny (and I don't) then could I also publish books as "humorous" only to find out they...aren't? I guess its a risk that I have to face. Am I up for the challenge? Am I ready for the rejection?

I have to be ready for the rejection. One of my favorite teachers has a saying: "Do it afraid". If I'm scared of being rejected, that's normal...I have to do it anyway. In fact, I thank God for the rejection I have faced in the past, for I believe it has really strengthened me and prepared me for this venture. I spoke with a friend last night who, sadly, is currently swimming in the pain of personal rejection...one that involves her heart. I've been there. It's hard to want to pick up and go on. It's even harder to want to put yourself back into a position where you could be rejected AGAIN. But then I look at my husband :) I've never known such love, patience or adoration...and I could have missed out on all of that by being afraid of the pain of rejection. My friend: hang in there. I pray that you will allow yourself to heal, and try again.

And for me? If my friend is willing to risk her most precious of gifts, her heart, and try again then what's to stop me from worrying about some stupid ol' book?!?

Oh, and for now my "writer's blog" is going to turn into a collection of book reviews, until I have something of my own that I can put up there for reading. Just a reminder, it is: www.therehastobeabeginning.blogspot.com

Visitin' Vegas

Okay, so these are all of the pix you're going to get for right now. I've spent the past 45 min. trying to upload five different pictures, and its just not working...maybe later :( Sorry. But this is what I've got so far! Me and my girls, Sarah Nancy and Ella Grace! I can't help it that they love me...I have that hypnotic effect on kids :) Vegas was blazin' hot, packed full of stuff to do and busy, busy, busy - but it was fun too! I got to stay with the Gabels, so each morning and night for me included the kid-lets. As you'll see by later pix (I hope) there was also a lot of pool time :) And I didn't burn once! Woo hoo!

Okay, I gotta each lunch now...later!

Finally, NYC pictures!

Okay, this picture thing is really bugging me, but I'm trying!To the left, we have the theater where I would've seen Mary Poppins...if Shaina had been with me :) It used to be to the right, but now someplace floating around is a pic of the Chrysler Building dwarfing my cute-as-a-button honey (if he ever reads this he probably won't appreciate the button thing, but I don't even think he knows how to access this blog...hee, hee). Somewhere on this post (I'm not exactly sure where, the pictures just seem to pop in where ever they want to without first clearing it with me) you'll see my experience at, yummy-yummy, Rice to Riches!! And then a few photos of the fam at the wedding! More pix and posts later!

New York, New York!

So, I had my first ever trip to Manhattan last month! My brother-in-law married a peach of a gal on June 16th and the fam headed out for a few days. Though busy with wedding details all day Friday and Saturday, Matt and I did schedule some time to explore on Thursday. It was so much fun! We went everywhere, from Central Park to Wall Street to Times Square...one day is NOT enough time! My sorority sis Jen and her hubby Rob were fabulous hosts and put us up for four nights...in a 450 sq. ft. apartment! It was such a blessing to have a safe place to crash and someone familiar for suggestions and directions.

The two things I really wanted to do were go see a show (which we didn't do, but maybe next time) and go to Rice to Riches. It's a rice pudding shop that I saw in the movie Hitch...and its SOOOOOO good! (It's in Nolita, for those of you interested...North Little Italy). Anyway, here are some photos for your enjoyment!

:( I've tried four times to add pictures...I'll try again tomorrow. Sorry :(

For the record: I tried to title this, but it wouldn't let me. More quirks for blogger to figure out for me :()

Coming soon...

I've been quite the traveler recently! I've got pix to post from NYC and Vegas...but since I'm still in Vegas and my NYC pix are on my laptop in TC, you'll have to wait. But make you come back! There are some good ones :)

Uh, research??

I need to be stopped. And beaten into submission.

I started off strong! I was working on my writings, getting creative, trying to tap into that right have of my brain (which, for the left brainer, will always bug me that it controls the left side of my body).

However, not feeling confident of my skills (despite my AMAZING cheering section in Dundee, Michigan...yes, they have a Cabela's, can we move on??), I decided I needed to look into what publishers want in a book. I needed to do some research. FINE!!! I've been reading novels for the past four days - SUE ME!! I'm averaging one a day right now, and I still have time to make 3 meals a day, do laundry, clean the house, spread mulch and kill the lawn mower (don't tell Matt I said that...he doesn't like it...thinks I'm cursing myself to forever ruin lawn mowers). Seriously, it only takes me about 5 hours to read a 220 page novel...does that make me odd? Do you find me...fruity?!?

FINE!!! I'm a freak...ishly cute girl. I know. Time to pick up the computer and let the creative juices flow...basically because I've already read all of my library books...

To be a writer

First, let me say that I am VERY disappointed in the lack of response to my "Choose-your-own-adventure" episode of the Gilmore Girls. Apparently you all enjoyed the series finale. Sigh. I must continue on...

So, I've known for a while now that I need to get my butt into gear and start writing...I just don't know exactly what it IS that I'm supposed to write. I even started my own blog dedicated to my writings! And nothing has ever been posted to it; I've actually forgotten how to access it. Regardless, it doesn't change the fact that I KNOW I need to start writing for a REASON.

Could someone please give me a reason??

I mean, let's be honest, some of the funniest stuff you'll read today will be on this blog (just being humble here). I've been complimented time and again on my abilities and encouraged to get out there and WRITE about something! Submit something! Make my education start to pay for itself (DISCLAIMER: If it does pay for itself I do not make any promises to any financial contributors that they will be reimbursed for educational funds...sorry dad). But where do I start? Does anyone have any ideas? What do you want to know about??

These are the things about which I have a lot to write:
- Movies
- Life in a 3-daughter family
- Life in a small town (incidentally, Winchestertonfieldville is the largest city I've ever lived in!!)
- Newly-wed status
- God
- Nothing (I could do a pretty decent column along the lines of the TV show Seinfeld - week after week about nothing)

I don't know that there's really much more to discuss. Even though I can write about those things, are any of you really out there biting your nails WAITING to hear my opinion on them?! Yeah, I didn't think so. Yet you endure...you return again and again to read my ramblings (at least my older sister does...for all I know she could be the only person reading - RIGHT ON SISTER!!)

That's my plea - let me know if you have any ideas, k? I'm really pretty good at this typing thing...it only takes me about 2.5 days to finish a post!!! (Kidding...I can usually finish in two)

Gilmore Girls...rewritten

So, late last night I was telling my hubby about the series finale to "Gilmore Girls" (a moment of reverential silence please). I admit, I haven't seen the final episode, but I've heard about it. However, I was hoping for a different ending. I got to wondering - what were YOU hoping would happen in the last show?? Here are our ideas (DISCLAIMER: Matt was slap happy, tired, and wondering where the "kitty titties" were on our male cat)

Karin: I wanted to see Loreli marry ANYONE, be happy...and get pregnant!! Really, the whole point of the series was the mother/daughter relationship. It would've been GREAT to see Rori move away and Loreli start again:)

Matt: He was hoping to see the car wash blow up and level the whole town. When I explained that the town didn't have a car wash, he thought it would be good to have the town build one first and THEN watch it blow up.

What did you want to see?

Referral

Please see the new post at www.mattsmiracle.blogspot.com
:)

Addendums

To Rebuttal:
I like guns for hunting and for the police to protect me. I'm not insinuating that really anyone should have an automatic weapon at home. Really...how fast and how many bullets do you need to kill a deer??

To Mom:
She also gets homemade chocolate truffles!!

My mom's better than your mom!!!

So say the good folks at 101.9 Sunny Country in beautiful Traverse City, MI. These fine folks have declared my mom THE BEST mom of all the entries they received for their "Mother Load" contest. And WHY did they select her?! Primarily because of her AMAZING daughter (that would be me). I mean, if it wasn't for me she wouldn't have been entered, right?? Okay, so maybe she did a few little things that made me consider writing in. In no particular order, here are some of the reasons I detailed:

-raised three daughters AND was legal guardian for her sister AND her mother (who were physically and/or mentally unable to care for themselves)
-never missed a basketball, volleyball or softball game
-never missed a band or choir performance
-never missed a play (even went to the dress rehearsals!!)
-made breakfast for us EVERY MORNING while we were in school (even on tournament days when there were extra kids in the house)
-made sure we were always on time
-volunteered for GOP and Right to Life
-never took a sick day

Wow!! The bar has been set pretty high! And since, for about eight years, she sacrificed her Mother's Day to help strike play sets I figured I would brag on her for a while...and what a pay off! Tell her what she won Bob!

Lorraine, you and one guest will receive a free overnight accommodation at the Holiday Inn on West Bay in spectacular Traverse City, MI. you will also receive a complimentary bottle of champagne at check-in, breakfast in bed the next day, a spa certificate, Mother's Day brunch for four and four movie passes to Carmike Cinemas!!

Thanks Bob.

Love you mom!!!

My rebuttal

Gosh darn that stupid blogger that won't let me respond to anyone else's blog!!!

Okay, my sister has admitted to having liberal tendencies - AND SHE HAS ACCUSED ME AS WELL!! Humphh. I need to respond.

I am a registered Republican. I will ONLY vote for a Democrat if God were to instruct me to do so. I would rather not place a vote than to vote for a Democrat. I am okay with guns (I can hear the sharp intakes and expulsions of air as my faithful readers gasp, sigh and shout profanities). I don't believe everything the government tells me (be it Democratic OR Republican). I eat well.

Here's the deal...I eat well. I don't like chemicals. I don't like additives. I don't like greed. I LOVE God!!! I can't help but look at His word and wonder why there aren't any stories about ADHD, cancer or manic-depressive disorder. There were sick people healed, demon-possessed people delivered...but no such diseases. Now I haven't suffered these ailments, but I've read about those who have. These are the things I tend to see: (EXAGGERATED FOR DRAMATIC EFFECT)

"I received chemo for cancer. I lost all of my hair, was sick for a year and a half, had horrible abdominal cramping, uncontrollable gas, acne, tooth decay and ingrown toe nails. But it was all worth!!! Now the cancer is technically 'in remission', not gone, and even though I'm physically scarred, have had vital organs removed and will never be able to smell or grow toe nails again (not to mention I'll be taking 14 various pills daily for the rest of my life) - I feel GREAT!"

Hmmmm. And then I read:

"I was diagnosed with cancer. I stopped eating humanly-altered foods and went to an organic, all-natural, the-way-God-created-it diet and the cancer is not only gone, but my hair grew back thicker and shinier, my acne cleared up and I got pregnant when the doctor said I never would!"

Does that make me liberal? No...I think 'smart' is the right word. And the true heart of the decision?

God. Yep. Stick with what He put into play and life will always work out.

Now that I think about it, I was offended at being called a liberal, but I have the cure for that. AS SOON AS THE LIBERALS FIND OUT I'M A SPIRIT-FILLED, IN-LOVE, ON-FIRE CHRISTIAN THEY'LL RUN SCREAMING IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!!!

Okay, so I guess its not that bad.

Amazing Me

I'm amazing, and I can't tell you why. I'm the best sister in the world. Can't tell you why. I'm one heck of a friend. Can't tell you why. As I'm writing this I wonder...if I've done all of these great things about which I can't tell you, are they really great? Hmmm...

Michigan: The Tease Me State

I'm considering a petition to my state government to change our state slogan from The Wolverine State to The Tease Me State (hey...the "Show Me" state?!?) This is my reasoning:

Thursday - high 60's
Thursday night/Friday morning - 30's
Saturday - 70's
Saturday night - 60's
Sunday - 80's!!! (woo hoo)
Sunday night - 70's
Monday morning - 70's
Later Monday morning - 60's
Monday - 60's
Tonight's forecast - 30's!!

Okay...I challenge you to prove me wrong...

Here they are - my "adopted" kids!

Ohhhh!!! I spent spring break in Port Huron with all of my "adoptive" kids...my sorority sister's and their kidlets :) It was too much fun!! So, here they are...all my little chi-chis :) Top center we have, slightly hidden, Isabella ("Bella"), Baby Aidan ("Wubie") and Olivia ("Livi"). Yes, they are in pink water :)

Next, we have their cousins...Mr. Lars on the left and big sisters Sage & Jade on the right (go ahead...guess what they do on Friday afternoons??). I even got to go with all three of them to a gymnastics field-trip...do you know how much fun it is to pull 15-20 kids under four out from the big foam pit?! Hee, hee.

So here they are! Finally, someone cute to post on my blog!!! I'd show you their momma's, my dear, dear friends, but one doesn't like photos and the other one got photoed...behind a pile of little tykes :)

Okay...I'm outtie!

Happy...Christmas??

Okay, apparently Michigan weather has the two major Christian mile-stones confused. For Christmas in 2006 we didn't need jackets or even boots. Personally, I enjoyed it :) However, it wasn't quite normal. March was fabulous, starting to warm up and enjoying the jacket-free life-style once again. And then came Spring Break..and our WINTER STORM! What?! Oh yeah, so my little sun baby niece was outside in a short sleeve shirt and shorts...this is what it looked like here this Easter. Woo hoo...yuck.

Happy Easter!!

Easter...what does that really have to do with Christ? HAPPY RESSURRECTION DAY! GLORIOUS SALVATION! Hope y'all get to celebrate life with Christ, enjoying His love and grace toward us all.

:( No good pictures yet...I'll find something good soon! In the meantime, enjoy my baby niece Ella at www.thegabelfamily.blogspot.com

Will I Ever Grow Up?

I hope not, but for right now it might be nice. As an infant I used to go right to sleep, lulled away by the sweet words "Bed Time!". Not anymore. Actually, not for many years. As I've gotten older, I've become more stubborn. Just ask my hubby. When I get really tired I tend to talk...very, very quickly. And very, very incessantly. Even as I write this it's 10:40 pm and I'm tired. I could use a good, solid night sleep, but I'm fighting it. I don't even know why. There's no one to talk to, I've already checked every website that interests me and there's nothing good on TV. Yet here I am, typing my lil' fingers off, just for the sake of typing.

I'm going to eat pizza tomorrow, for the first time in MONTHS. I'm excited. I also get to bond with the Kellerman clan some more...it's gonna be good.

Okay, I'm outtie.

My Babies

Here they are!

My lovely little lady is Midgie...Midgie Moo Moo, or just plain Moomer for those of us who know her more intimately. For quite a while she's suffered an upper respiratory infection; however, she's feeling QUITE lively and frisky these days. In fact, she's feeling SOOOO healthy that Mommy can no longer take naps...at least not without Midgie running up and down and up and down and up and down Mommy's legs, arms, head...you get the picture.

To the right is my big boy. This handsome fellow is Bucket: he enjoys long naps in the window, wrestling with his little sister and annoying his Momma with early morning nibbles on exposed fingers and ears. He's now weighing in at 12 lbs and is hoping to break 15 lbs by his first birthday.

Since we don't have any human kids, these will be my pictures for a while...I'll try to get some other fun stuff too!!

My new camera's here! My new camera's here!

I'm SOMEBODY! (Thanks Steve Martin)

So, I just got my brand new 7.2 mega pixel digital camera!! Whee!! Unfortunately, Matt's out of town and I can't get the cats to sit still long enough to get a good shot, so I don't have anything fun to post yet. However, I may soon introduce you to The Clampets Came to Williamsburg...just not yet. I just wanted to whet your appetite...photos coming soon!

Why do they call them "conveniences"?

Modern conveniences? I think not. As the world rolls on each day we create more and more ways to make life easier...and 400 ways in which that convenience can break down and send us plummetting beyond the dark ages.

In case you haven't met them yet, I have the most ADORABLE nieces! Sarah and Ella (see them both at www.thegabelfamily.blogspot.com). Sarah came into my life when she was four years old; now, she is growing into young womanhood and is quite social and active. I don't get to see her nearly enough, but I try to stay in touch. She is in PA with her mom, stepdad and new baby sister. I have some pictures...I should put them up.

On the other side of the country is Ella. She is the first baby. She is spoiled. She is a boonchkin. As she is the off-spring of my sister, communication is more frequent. As she is the first-born to my sister, pictures are ABOUNDING. As I am on the other side of the country, I DEMAND lots of pictures posted on-line so I can watch her grow from a distance. Did you SEE the swimming pictures?!?! Oooo....

Well, I thought it would be great to finally comment and let my brother-in-law see that people DO look at their family blog and a photo documentary of Ella's first year is more than appreciated by some of us. Yes...that's when modern conveniences stepped in to help out!

Okay...I cannot post a comment annonymously. Sure, not a problem. I'll just put my name. Wait...no name, just your account information. Do I have a blogger account? (FYI - I maintain 497,839 blogs from the same email address. I'm geting to know these people well). Well that shouldn't be a problem, let me just type in my info...verify my login? Hmmm. If I have to, I guess I'll press this icon...what? Where am I now? This account has not been activated? Maybe I messed up, lemme try this again. Ten minutes later: I KNOW THAT LOGIN IS UNAVAILABLE - IT'S MINE! I'M JUST TRYING TO LOG IN!!!

And so, no comment. Frustrated and confused that I have somehow been lost in the vast pit that is cyberspace, I rush frantically to my blog dashboard knowing full well that I posted things earlier this week and hoping I can still get back in! NO problem :) All 400,000 blogs, still up and running. Apparently the folks at google and blogger don't mind my smart-%$# blogs, they just don't want my smart-&%@ comments.

Errr. (If you're a frequent viewer you may remember that I ranted and raved about technology about a year ago too...). I'm too worked up to go on now. Okay, I'm calming down. I'm gonna leave for a while. I don't even wanna get started on the stupid pop can deposit in the state of Michigan and how everyone is more than willing to take your $1.20 per 12 pack, but they can refuse to take your cans back for any of a zillion reasons because the companies (let's call them Cepsi and Poke) can refuse to take the cans, so we're paying all kinds of money that we'll never get back because I guess they can't recycle a can with some dirt, but my husband could tell you otherwise, but I'm just rambling now...(the title all makes sense now, doesn't it?)

Matt's Miracle...take a look

Hey folks, more news on Matt's medical condition. Check it out at www.mattsmiracle.blogpsot.com

Death of a Cat Post

After 12 months of distinguished service it is with great sadness and a humble heart that I announce the untimely departure of the Cat Tree. Originally purchased for Inky and Saber Booy, they self-lessly willed the 8', multi-tiered pole to our baby girl Roo. Though Roo loved the tree, and Inky & Saber tolerated it, it was never as loved as by Midgie & Bucket. More than a scratching post, it served as a bed away from home, an excellent piece of exercise equipment as well as a toy and playmate.

The cat post will be laid to rest in the American Waste garbage tote in Westchestertonfieldville this afternoon. A small reception will follow immediately following.

What a GREAT day!!!

Wow! What a great day!!! FIRST - I JUST got my new laptop. Woo hoo!! (Homer Simpson)

For my birthday I combined birthday money, gift cards and a store credit to put towards a Sony Vaio. I was still short but my WONDERFUL, HANDSOME, COMPASSIONATE husband told me not to worry about it...he pitched in the rest of the money for my birthday!! :) (SOOOO many reasons I married that man).

And then - AS IF THE COMPUTER ISN'T ENOUGH - Matt called today to tell me about some tickets his boss gave him...TO THE RED WINGS GAME THIS SUNDAY!!! Yes, that's right! I will be going to the Wings game in TWO DAYS!! Until then, boy will I learn everything about this beauteous machine :)

I feel so competent

I've never considered myself a great driver. I mean, I drive out of necessity, for no other reason. If I could translate myself daily I would never get into a car again, but I must endure.

HOWEVER! This past week I've realized that, no matter how much I hate driving, I am by no means the worst driver in the world. Lemme tell you about my encounters with Vanity Girl and Time to Retire.

First, Vanity Girl. 2/5/07 - every school from Holland up to Central Lake, from Ludington over to Gaylord, is closed. It's 3 degrees with a wind chill 15-25 below zero; visiblity is sketchy and the roads are sheet ice because its too cold for the salt to work. I'm going to run errands and am stuck behind vanity girl. On the above day she is driving her friend across town, but she feels unpretty. She decides to put on MASCARA while DRIVING on SHEET ICE!!! But it gets better...when she's done, she puts her glasses back on. I maintain a safe 14 car-length distance...

Next, Time to Retire. 2/6/07 (My birthday, thank you very much) - schools are meeting, but its still cold as an iceberg. Pulling out of Do-It-Best hardware on Zimmerman Rd. is a cute couple, granny and gramps driving their 26' long Cadillac-Towncar-Lesabre beast of an automobile. I can barely feel my toes with the heat on in my car. They are driving down the road, single digits mind you, with their back driver side door WIDE OPEN! I took a quick peak...nothing in the backseat. Just a wide open door. I hope someone caught up with them...

It's about that time...

I don't really have anything to post, but I figured I should put something up here. It's been almost a month! On the plus side, no one is puking (yeah!). That's pretty much it...not much else to detail right now. I promise, if anything exciting happens I WILL let you know :)

Merry Christm..HUAHHHH!!!!

Merry Christmas!

I'm at my parents house this year and the place is PACKED!! We've got 8-10 adults at any given time, 2 kids and 5 cats. With only four bedrooms and two full bathrooms, its a tight squeeze. Especially this year...

We've got a few family traditions that I look forward to each year (in detail in one of my previous posts), but just to recap: opening gifts on Christmas Eve, Shrimp & Baby Back ribs...I enjoy them. However, in the recent years we've adopted a new tradition that we'd all like to elminiate as it seems to escalate with each passing year. For the last 4-5 Christmases someone is ALWAYS sick. [Please stop reading if you have a weak constitution] I'm not just talking "take two Tylenol and call me in the morning" sick; I mean crumpled on the couch, rolled in a ball, blowin' it out from both ends kind of sick. And its getting worse.

Lets review the most memorable years. I think it was 2003 and I had to share a room with Cammie. She and my mom both got sick that year. I got to share a room with her as she spent the night rocking on her bed moaning, "Oh God, oh God, oh God. I'm gonna die. Violet (her cat), Violet, I'm gonna die." That was a fun night for me. Got up the next morning and Michelle and my dad tried their hands at the Christmas Roast. Please Mom, don't get sick again.

Last year Cammie was pregnant. For three months she ate and puked up apples...Christmas was no exception.

And now we can add the great epidemic of 2006: the "It-wasn't-the-turkey Outbreak". Once again (I'm seeing a trend here) Cammie got things started; a few hours later she took out my husband, Matt. We thought it was the turkey they'd eaten. No one else had eaten it and no one else was sick - we're safe :) Yeah right. We dropped like flies: Karin, Mom, Sarah, Aunt Linda. Right now we're in a holding pattern, but there are more people coming tonight so we might be able to take a few more out with us!!!

As I thought about ways to commemorate this "happy occassion" I've decided to hand out the 2006 Puke Prizes. Here are our winners:

Fearless Leader: Cammie (thanks for getting it started)
Cutest: Sarah
Loudest: Matt (yeah, the neighbors called to thank us for sending him home)
Most Graceful: Mom
Most Honest: Aunt Linda
Biggest Pain in the A#* and Panic Freak: Michelle [yeah, the only non-sick one worth mentioning]

How your Christmas was far less eventful :)

Almost ready

Okay, it's almost ready! I finally picked a blogspot name, but I don't have anything ready to publish yet. However, you can check in a week or two. The new site, set up to start (gulp) letting people read/critique my writing is:

www.therehastobeabeginning.blogspot.com

I'll see you soon :)

Facing the expectation

Wow. Here I am again, sitting at the computer, easily typing yet another blog for my site. There may be a dozen people who read this, but there may not be any. Regardless, it really is easy for me to write about nothing. I have the been blessed with the gift of bull#@&%. When it doesn't matter, when nothing is at stake I can put together as many useless words as necessary to fill a few pages.

But what if it counted? What if it meant something?

For as long as I can remember I've been writing stories. I have pages and pages of unfinished stories, started as early as the fifth grade. I wrote fantasy, romance, adventure. I even expanded some of my favorite stories, adding a ninth grade flair to Star Wars and The Three Musketeers. However, no matter what I wrote it was only for my eyes only. I've been wondering recently - supposed I let someone else read my ideas.

I don't mind keeping a blog. There's nothing I publish here that I wouldn't tell any of you to your face, but that's just my being honest in light of the current circumstances. I've been honest with my opinions, but am I secure enough to be honest with my desires? This is how my mind processes things: to tell you what I think about you/your situation requires as much courage as going to a beach in a swimsuit. To tell you what my heart and mind have created, to put it out there for your critique and possible rejection...well that's just a nude beach.

And so I wonder why I care so much. If I can be honest in one area, why not all areas? Lots of thought, lots of prayer, and I have my revelation.

I don't care about your opinion, but I'm not about to waste my time on a fruitless venture. If I'm going to let the pen loose and get the keyboard clicking then there had better be a goal, a reason for my writing. I might as well try to publish something. I used to be afraid to fail. That kept me in my room most of my life. Fear is crippling, but I'm past that. What's holding me back? Expectation. It's very liberating to realize that, just past the fear of failure lies the bog of the expectation for failure. That is truly, honestly, an icky, nasty, stinky place. So how do I get out?

I let you read it. Scary thought, but I'd rather move through the fear and allow myself to receive criticism than to stop growing and spend my life wondering.

So, I'll be publishing a new blog soon. No name yet, but I'll let you know soon.

He didn't forget me!!!

Okay, so Matt and I are in Toronto. He's been healed of cancer, we're soaking in the glory, life is good. I feel the urge to look at my engagement ring. Though I haven't cleaned it, it is sparkling. We sit in the same spot each day. Every time I look at my ring, it looks different. First it had a pink hue, then yellow. Then John Arnott explains that, just as some people get gold fillings while at TACF, some women have their costume jewelry become real gems.

Hmmmm...

So, I didn't really go public with this, but Matt didn't buy me a diamond. He bought me Moissanite (which I HIGHLY recommend...it is beautiful!!!). It is EXACTLY the ring I've always wanted and we could afford it. Well, we decided to go to a jeweler just to see if the ring is STILL Moissanite. The only way to tell is a light refraction test, which is done with a digital do-hicky. There is no real room for human error here.

Well, I happened to be in the mall today and decided to have it checked out. Now please read carefully: Matt bought a .86 karat Moissanite ring. The ladies at the store told me that, not only is my ring a DIAMOND...they believe it's a FULL KARAT!!! Oh my, oh my, oh my!!!

This is just about the most wonderful thing. It wasn't anything I asked for, expected or even ever considered, but God never forgot about me. With everything that we went through with Matt, God remembered me :) I can't wait to show y'all my new ring!!! (Honey, I love you!!!)

PLEASE: DON'T ENABLE ME!

Note to everyone: I am NOT allowed to read fiction or get cable...EVER!!! Please, I beg you. In the future I am only allowed non-fiction and televised sporting events - I MEAN IT!! Would you like to know why? Okay, here is the reason why - I GET TOO INVOLVED!!! Here are some examples:

1) I finally decided to read the sixth Harry Potter book. It's a long one. One night Matt & I went to bed and I decided to read just one more chapter (yeah, right). He glanced at the clock at 1:00 am and 2:00 am. When he rolled over at 3:00 am I told him not to look and assured him that it was late and it wouldn't happen again [mostly because I finished the book the next day].
2) 2002, Lakeland, Florida. I decided to read the Lord of the Rings for the first time ever. I started just after my birthday in February and went to Florida the first weekend in March. I stayed up so late each night reading that when I finally got to the end of the series it was about 2:30 am in a hotel room in Lakeland; I was so sleep deprived that it took me an hour to read the last few chapters because I was crying so hard that I couldn't focus on the pages.
3) And the kicker: I came to visit my sister and her new baby in Vegas. There was nothing on TV so we tossed the Gilmore Girls into the DVD player (she has seasons 1-5). Let me repeat - I GET TOO INVOLVED! I watched my first episode sometime on Oct. 25th. Today is Nov. 1st and in the past week I watched ONE HUNDRED AND TEN episodes of the Gilmore Girls! I'd never seen it before...I got sucked in...I had to see what happened...I AVERAGED THREE HOURS OF SLEEP A NIGHT SO I COULD WATCH FIVE SEASONS IN EIGHT DAYS!!! That's 4950 minutes of Gilmore Girls...82.5 hours!!! Oy vay!

This is why I can't do fiction or television. I beg you, please, DON'T LET ME NEAR EITHER OF THESE...I NEED THE REST! I am currently incapable of removing myself from the situation so I need to avoid it all together. It's too late for me in regards to Star Wars, Lord of the Rings and the Gilmore Girls as I will be eternally hooked, but please, I BEG you: if you have read a great new book or are involved in a hot new series, KEEP IT TO YOURSELF! I need to sleep. I need the rest. Besides, with friends like Luke, Han, Aragorn, Arwyn, Sookie, Rory and Michele my social calendar is already booked.

Thank you for not being an enabler.

Pumpkin, pumpkin, pumpkin

(DISCLAIMER: Thursday night Shaina & Beth would not go to Meijer with me...I had to go all by myself. This has nothing to do with my blog.)

Ah, pumpkins. I've always been a fan of pumpkin pie, but I decided to do something different this year. First up: pumpkin soup. It's actually supposed to be pumpkin and shrimp soup, but does anyone else think that sounds icky? Maybe I'll try it yet. But anyway, here are my suggestions:
- my recipe called for sauteed carrots, onions and garlic to be pureed and added to the canned pumpkin & milk. I would sautee twice as many veggies and only puree half. If you don't like shrimp with your soup it lacks substance.
- possible meat alternatives: bacon or pork or ham.
- if you don't have all spice, add extra ginger, some nutmeg and cinammon.
- it's very good with a nice piece of whole grain toast.

And my newest experiment - pumpkin cheesecake! Woo hoo!! Some GENIEUS found a way to combine pumpkin pie and cheesecake! Again, here are my ideas:
- when it calls for cream cheese to be room temperature it really means about 70 degrees. if your house is only 64 (such as mine) the cheese isn't quite soft enough. you may want to nuke it a bit for a nicer consistency (otherwise it looks like there is cottage cheese in the cake, but its still good!!)
- 1 1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs does NOT equal 20 squares (no matter what the recipe says). For the record, 20 squares yields about 2 1/2 cups of crumbs, so you will have too much crust (and no, I didn't put it all in there, but I did forget to add extra butter)
- try not to think about what's in it...it'll just ruin the experience.

If I get any more great pumpking ideas, I'll let you know, k?? (Oh...don't forget the pumpkin pancakes!!!)

We're going to the World Series!!

Woo hoo!! The last time the Tigers saw this dance I was EIGHT years old :) First the Wings, then the Pistons, now the Tigers...if only we could do something about those Pussycats...

This is gonna be a GREAT fall!!

Oooo, this is good...

You want to go visit www.mattsmiracle.blogspot.com, trust me :) Yeah, yeah, I know...I'm the wife, but I still know a good thing when I see it!!

To ramble or not to ramble, that is the question

I've recently began pondering the meaning of the life of my blog. Earlier posts give way to humor and sarcasm...an outlet to my boredom from years at the Acme Anvil Company (see previous post "Where to start?!" for history on that). I enjoy my jibberish and really don't care if anyone else does; this site helps me to feel as if my English BA, four years of my life and $80,000 weren't completely wasted. ["Why yes, my work has been published on-line..."]

However, recent events in my life have made me re-evaluate things. Am I making the best use of my time and talents? Is this the only way for me to make my voice heard, or do I have other options? One must wonder...

After much reflective time and consideration I have come to a definite conclusion: I will continue to ramble. HOWEVER - there will be a combination of ramblings. Some will be my usual serious-less information, but I am going to venture more frequently into the realm of the (dramatic pause) important stuff. Yes I know!!! Karin?? Important stuff?? It may be hard to believe, but I have realized just how much important stuff there is in the world and, after all, I do have opinions on EVERYTHING.

For now, I sign off with a large weight lifted from my chest. I know that I am doing the right thing. I believe that someday, maybe some glorious day, someone will stumble upon one of my ramblings and it will actually MEAN something to them! (sniff, sniff) Until then...

Lower and slower

Okey-dokey folks!!! Thanks for being patient :) WOW! What an awesome trip to Toronto! Matt and I just spent a much need four days soaking in the presence of God and listening for His voice (Reference - scripture tells us to "Be still...and know that [He] is God...that's where soaking comes in. Send me and email and I'll let you know more about it). We listened to some great speakers, participated in some AMAZING worship and have learned THE SECRET to becoming more Christ-like and opening the door to God's miraculous works. Are you ready for this??? Here it is -- LOWER & SLOWER.

Okay, thanks for tuning in - bye!

Just kidding...

This isn't MY message, so I don't have all of the notes and I'll just summarize (you can get resources from Ed Piorek and Heidi Baker for the in depth lessons). What do we mean by lower & slower? Do you have 28 hours worth of work to do in a 24 hour day? Get lower and slower. Are you trying to minister to your spouse, kids, parents, neighbors, friends and co-workers all while trying to maintain your own personal relationship with God? Lower and slower. Are there so many people, groups and churches that are coming to you to fill needs in their lives, while tapping into your own limited resources? Yep, lower and slower.

Have you heard the saying "You don't have time NOT to pray?"...this is it. Lower and slower. You can strive to get all of the above things done in your own time and in your own power, or you can get lower and slower. Lay on your face before your Lord...lower yourself before Him. Don't just do your church time and then bustle about your week...slow down and give Him time everyday. "But I don't have time...you don't know how much I have to do today...you don't know what my week looks like." Hmmm. Shall I tell you my week? Urologist appointment, oncologist appointment, blood work, x-rays, lab results, pharmacy, class, winterize the house, clean up the yard, pay the bills, research 10 deeds, drive to another court house...trust me, I'm as busy as the rest.

But what happens if we get lower and slower? Okay, so I spend an HOUR everyday with you Lord...what about Matt's doctor appointments? "Not a problem my child...he's healed.". Oh! Wow...but what about the house...we have to do insulation and fix the attic and do windows and..."Thank you for the time we spent together...I'm gonna send over one of my children to help you out...he's an insulation specialist." Gee, well, I guess I don't really know what to say! Um, that really gives me a lot more time...what do I do with my free time then? "Spend some more with me :)"

Okay, so you may think this sounds like a crack-head idea, but it works :) Just ask Heidi Baker...who has been healed of blood poisoning, staph, pneumonia and a million other things. She's see blind eyes opened and has had four mosques GIVEN to her because through her God converted all of the Muslims and there was no one left attending!! All because she got lower and slower.

We'll see you on the slow side folks...

Keep up on Matt's Miracle

If you are interested in hearing more about how Matt is doing, please visit:
www.mattsmiracle.blogspot.com

There can only be one...

INTRODUCTION: Please know that, because of our faith and God's gifts, we REALLY are not having a hard time with this news.

Hello there!! It's been just over nine months of wonderful wedded-ness (and for those of you who were hoping, no, there isn't a honeymoon baby here) and Matt and I have already committed first year no-nos: we moved and we both started new jobs. However, we have survived both and are even better for the experiences. As we sat back to revel in the pride and joy we've felt over our momentous achievement we continued in our spiritual walk with God and asked Him to keep growing us in Him and to keep us in the center of His plan.

Apparently there is still more for us to learn as He is allowing us to venture into a new challenge: cancer (DISCLAIMER: I am in no way claiming that God gives cancer. That is for another time. However, I am saying that He is using this unfortunate circumstance to mature us and draw us unto Him. More on that later). I know what I've heard about cancer; I know how it affects people and how they respond. I have to ask myself - is it wrong for me not to be scared? Is it okay for me to be happy? To have joy? To still be unemployed and yet be secure in the midst of God's will? HECK YES!

As I don't want this to turn into another serious, heart-heavy blog I will let you know how we are getting along. By smiling :) (A merry heart does good like a medicine!!)

So here we are - not yet to our first anniversary and I am now married to Supernut (his mild-mannered alter-ego answers to Leftie). This brave little testicle is one lone nut, performing the duty of TWO! He IS SUPERNUT!!! As the Highlander says, "There can only be one". Matt is now a proud founding member of the O.N.C. (One Nut Club) and will have t-shirts and membership cards available to the general public by June 2007. If you are interested in joining, please call 800-ONE-NUTT. Membership priviledges include a free t-shirt, travel coffee mug and your very own super hero handle.

As Matt finalizes the details for the O.N.C. we are going to stay cozy at home and rest up while he heals from his "radical extrat-omy". Any questions or concerns can be posted as comments and we will get back with you as soon as possible. Until then...it's up, up and away!!

Medium: Pink & Warm

Yep, that's me. Okay...I'm not really pink, I'm red. Four hours out on Lake Huron today and I didn't come prepared. Ah well - it's better than no sun at all, right?!

Here I am - a newly-wed for 8.5 months. After five years as an event coordinator I decided to try the 9-5 lifestyle, only to find out that I don't actually like it. So now I am gainfully unemployed (shhh...my dad doesn't know yet) and not feeling the least bit anxious. Why? How does a left-brained perfectionist step away from a sure thing and jump willfully into the unknow?

Faith. That's really it. I've got my faith in God, that He is bigger than me and my problems and He's gonna get me through. Besides, after lots of time praying about it my husband and I both felt a peace to make the jump. So here I am...flying :)

I'm really tired right now and it's not even 10 pm. I was hoping to sit down and be truly entertaining, to captivate you with my wit and intelligence. Instead, I have been sucked into "10 Things I Hate About You" and my brain is slowly shutting down for the night. Perhaps later this week, after my final interview with a company where I will blow them away with my charm and secure my next job (I RECEIVE THAT!) I'll be able to sit down and let you know how things have been.

Until then, this is my tired brain saying...blah, blah, blah.

Location Correction

Upon careful review it is Winchestertonfieldville...please excuse the slip.

Where to start?!

Wow - it's been a while! There's actually been a lot going on, a lot to get sarcastic about, but I'm not even sure where to begin!!

Perhaps the best place to start is with why I've been so hesitant to write: search engines. A while ago I posted a sarcastic little piece about my place of work. I named the company and, unknown to me, on a particular search engine it appeared as the fourth most popular site!!! Now I can name at LEAST a dozen various sites that mention this company much more frequently, yet there I was...and with such bad timing. With the company in a state of flux MANY people were searching the web for some info...and getting my sarcasm. Imagine the shock!

Imagine MY shock to discover the search engine for myself!! I immediately changed the name of the blog, but made a mistake and ended up deleting it completely :( If I can find a copy of it I will repost it...with a new name. However, what has this taught me?

First, I need to be a bit more select when refering to people and places. From now on all men will be referred to as Dick and all women will be Cybil. All cities shall be West Chestertonfieldville and all companies will be the Acme Anvil Company. I believe this will not only protect the topics of my random rants, but also cover my own butt.

Second, most people are looking for something to support their ideas/beliefs while searching on-line and not really looking at the whole picture. [DISCLAIMER: Trying to make a quasi-serious point here] One of my supervisors discovered my blog and brought it to my attention, noting the tongue-in-cheek attitude, and pointing out how that reflects on me. However, I did notice that this person didn't find the humorous blog about work (Blurred Vision), nor was it noticed that basically the ENTIRE SITE is just as it is entitled...Ramblings. I was approached as having made serious comments about serious issues...ME?!?! "I only discuss serious issues on Thursdays, between noon and two." - Lord Goring, "An Ideal Husband"

Third, I don't really have a third. I like the numbers three, five and ten, so I always try to make lists that are one of those. For example, "Ten Ways to Look Busy at Work" took me three days to write. I had about four good ideas, then I came up with two more. Well, I couldn't leave out one and go with five, and six wouldn't work, so I spent the next couple of days finalizing a Top Ten. So you see, I have to stop now so I don't have to try to come up with two or seven more ideas.

And that's that. I'll try to be more careful, but I like to write and I like to be sarcastic. This is the safest place to be both...I think. Until then, I need to prepare myself for work at the Anvil Factory...it's quite the drive from West Chestertonfieldville!

Val, where are you??

I know you check this site :) I've sent two encredibly detailed, heart-bearing emails...and they've both been returned!! Lemme know how I can reach you, k??
Love ya!

I'm in Love

And not just with Matt. I've fallen in love with the Mac. It was nothing I ever wanted to do. It was nothing I tried to do. I've always admired their looks from afar, but I'm not as shallow as that. I know that there's more to a person than what's on the outside, so I've never seriously considered the relationship. Until now. My friends, the "Johnstons" have an iMac G5...and I love it. The sleek design, the effortless handling...excuse me please, I need a minute. Whew. Okay, I'm recomposed.

I think I might be addicted. I've been exploring the Apple website and shopping ebay all night. It's almost 1 a.m. and I just can't pull myself away. Sure, the sound of a keyboard has always excited me, but this is practically...okay, I won't go there. I think you understand my point.

So here is the solution to my dilemma. The most basic version of the iBook is $999 If everyone that I know, everyone who reads this blog, will just send me $1 when they read this blog, then I'll only need to collect an additional $989 to get one!! PLUS, if I put aside the extra money that I have out of every paycheck, then by the end of the month I'll only need $988!!!

I beseech you, please help my cause. Please send your $1 (though 100s are preferred). I promise to email frequently, post more often and THOROUGHLY ENJOY the iBook...when I'm finally able to get it.

Thank you for your contribution...and for helping to support my habit.

Wedded Bliss

Ahhhh :) I am truly enjoying the wedded life. Not only is my husband incredibly handsome, charming, polite and incredibly thoughtful, he's also quite the putz. I just want to state that so people don't become jealous thinking that I've found the perfect man. Trust me, he's far from perfect, but he's perfect for me.

Just to make you jealous and sick at the same time, here are some FABULOUS things about my husband:
- For Christmas he got permission from the landlord for me to get a kitty!!
- New brake pads and rotors, no labor fee
- Lots & LOTS & LOTS of Christmas lights and no work
- 14,398 picture frames hung on the wall in 8.27 seconds
- Never having to make the bed again, because I'm always up before him :)
- Tucking me into bed when I'm too tired to stand, but desperately trying to stay awake
- Two words: Snow-Plow

I am finally getting into the digital world, so I'm going to try posting some pictures. I hope this works!!

Twenty-three Days

I've now been married for twenty-three days. How has my relationship with Matt changed? Now he lives with me and we have sex. That's pretty much it. Honestly. It's refreshing to know that there haven't been any "changes" so-to-speak, but some nice "additions". We have everything that we had before and then some. It's quite nice actually :)

Unfortunately, I'm very tired right now and having a hard time keeping my eyes open. I'd love to write more about wedded bliss, but the brain is screaming "NAP TIME! NAP TIME!" and since I can hear the brain more easily than I can you, I have to check out.

Later.

Fourteen Days

Wow. In fourteens I'm going to be a wife. That hasn't really sunk in yet. In fact, I really, to be honest, have no idea what its going to mean for me. For the past two weeks people have asked if I'm nervous, excited, worried, scarred. No. Ask me again in two months, please.

I mean, honestly, I don't know what kind of demands will be made on my life once I become Mrs. Beery. I can't predict every change, twist, corner or bump. I could play the "what if" game for hours, but why? Why try to prepare myself for every possible situation, knowing full well that more than half of them will never occur. And if they do occur, it could be so far in the future that I my response would change anyway!

What is it going to mean to be a wife? I don't know yet. I appreciate all of the words of encouragement and wisdom - they will all be very helpful. However, the cut-n-dry fact of the matter is this: no one else is me, and no one else is Matt, so how can anyone predict how we'll act in a situation? Just because Sally and Herb were affected in this way by situation A does not mean that Matt & I will be as well. Every situation will be different. The advice is welcome and received, but may not pertain in the end.

This has really been challenging me. How am I going to know what to do? What if I mess up? What if...? Shouldn't I be nervous?!?

No. I shouldn't, not really. My faith is in God. My heart is in His hands. My life is His. If I try to be the perfect wife I will fail, so I've decided not to try. Instead, I'm going to do as God has commanded, as He desires for me to do. I'm going to love Him with all of my heart, soul and mind, and then I'm going to love Matt as I love myself. Those are the greatest commandments. If I can succeed at those, I have no fear for the rest of my life. Even last night, in the midst of a minor break down, God whispered softly, "Do you trust Me? Aren't I the source of your joy? Come talk to Me, spend some time with Me, and it'll be okay."

I'm not trying to over simplfy anything here. I'm going to do the best that I can do, for myself and for Matt AND for our marriage: I'm going to pursue God passionately. I believe His word is truth, and His word says to keep focused on Him. Don't make molehills into mountains - just look at Him and let Him worry about those molehills. When I'm not worrying about those I can focus on God. In so doing I can see that He has chosen to bring Matt into my life to be a compliment and a completion. When I focus on God, He brings Matt into the picture and my heart feels complete: God has woven the chord of three strands. All I had to do was focus on Him and the third piece came in. What else do I have to worry about?

Only fourteen days...

Auggghhh!!! Grrrr....humpffff.

I just spent, like, THIRTY MINUTES spilling my guts and letting the world know about the angst and turmoil I endure before posting a blog. I posted it, I went to read it - POOF! Nothing. Grrrr... (please reference "The World at Your Fingertips, archived Sept. 2004).

Well...TOO BAD!! You don't get to know now. Humpf. "I was going for innocence." - Pain, Hercules (the cartoon)

Okay, fine, I'll summarize:
Blog? What do I write? Funny? Trying to hard? Will anyone like it? Do I care? NO!!

That's it, in a nutshell - NOW GET OFF MY BACK! (Sheesh)

Sorry to keep raising my voice. I'm just frustrated. Sigh. Here's hoping someone else actually gets to see this.

Timing is Everything

(DISCLAIMER: The title has little to do with the blog...I just liked it and couldn't think of anything better).

Every now and then I remember I have a blog, so I like to contribute something to it. However, when I think about that I wonder, "Do I have to be clever again? What if I'm boring this time? Suppose people aren't satisfied and then never come back??" I receive quite a bit of peace in the fact that, other than those to whom I've sent this site, no one really comes to this site anyway. That is mildly reassuring. But I still ask myself, "How can I keep my friends from visiting my knittingdiva sister and still see me?"

Admittedly I don't live a very extraordinary life. These truly are nothing more than ramblings, but they give me something to do in the down time. There are only so many times you can call your best friend and say, "Nothing new here, how about you?" Its in those times that I enjoy listening to the sound of my keyboard as I spew my thoughts. If it was merely for my own benefit the content wouldn't be nearly as important, but everyone once in a while there may be an audience. The pressure builds!!

Don't get me wrong...I don't really care what you think. I mean, to some degree I do, but whether or not you think my blog is coherent, formulaic or random enough for you is of little concern to me. Whether my site is a collection of nonsense or a dedicated, thematic blog I just want the content to be enjoyable. (Yes, I do believe my sister can make her site about [bear with me] knitting entertaining, so long as it is well written).

So I pause: do I write today? I'm not feeling funny. I'm not feeling witty. I'm not feeling saucy. Is it worth it to write today? While I don't write about the same things I DO want to maintain a standard that I've set for myself: humor. I'm not going for gut-busting laughs or Comedy Central chuckles...I just want there to be an air of light-hearted humor...enjoyable humor.

Which leads me to the next dilemma: I don't laugh at the same things everyone else laughs at. If you've only seen Napoleon Dynomite once and don't ever care to see it again, you might not like this sight. Then again, you might. Did you laugh when Napoleon danced? Did you laugh when the paperboy fell off his bike in While You were Sleeping? Maybe we should talk.

Anyway, now I'm ready to post something, but these questions run through my mind. I've finally decided: who the hell cares? I mean, really, if you know me well enough to be reading my blog, you know me well enough not to expect the normal. And if you don't know me, I'm sorry. You're missing out.

I think I can carry on now. Thanks for letting me talk this out.

Special snaps to...

Valerie!! Woo hoo!!! Other than my brother-in-law's brother, she is only person who has ever responded to one of my blogs - whee!!! Two snaps for you baby! :)