When I was a kid, I never doubted that I was loved...but I understood that certain privileges came with adulthood. Some households fed the children first to get them out of the way and allow the adults to eat...but that wasn't the case with me. I was given a plate and told to fend for myself. And I did.
Over the years, families have become increasingly more and more kid-centered. We've evolved from "children should be seen and not heard" to "you are not going to speak to my Princess like that" over a few generations. All of those Princesses are being unleashed on the world right now, by the way.
Can we all collectively go "O.M.G.!"
Frankly, I am not going to deny the fact that I'm a wee bit guilty. I mean, I used to bring lunch for my daughter at school every Friday for years (she was in high school), and I would have brought it to my son as well except that the school put in a cafeteria and stopped the Mommy Brigade in the foyer of the school halfway through his 9th grade year. I have bought things we didn't need (not at the level at some I've seen...but still...), paid for trips that were probably not fully desired or appreciated as they should have been, and bought cars for both of them and have paid for gas and insurance. I did most of this because it was just what we did. We really didn't think that much about it.
I thought that by not taking them for big vacations and buying everything that they wanted when they wanted that I was somehow exempt from the disdain that I held for others who were giving their 6th graders cell phones. I realize that some people do that now...but it wasn't as common back in 2002 when I was rolling my eyes.
Never mind that some of these kids were extremely involved in activities and had two separate households to keep up with because the parents had divorced. Or that I had no business whatsoever judging what other parents saw fit to do. I don't have to answer for those kids...or those outcomes.
I thought I was holding the line.
Hardly.
As my children have gotten older, I've realized that I did some things right...and some things a little less right than I'd like to admit...but I will. And it's okay. I'm still amazed at how incredibly awesome they both are. Since they are both technically adults at 19 and 22...I feel like I can render a rational assessment.
Here are the ten things that are springing to mind tonight. I'll be honest...#10 is what inspired this blogpost. I'm sure I'll overlook something obvious and include something random...but if you read this blog from time to time...you know that this is pretty much the way I roll.
10. If your child is over the age of four...teach them to get up and let an older person have their seat if an older person is standing. (If they are under four...they should be on your lap.)
Recently, I watched three pre-teen girls take the bench at a restaurant (I was waiting for a to-go order) while their mother and grandmother both stood up.
Excuse me?
I was sitting there, and I was so stunned that I got up and offered the grandmother my seat. I can only hope that the girls were paying attention...but they were probably too busy updating their Facebook timeline on their iPhone to notice.
Yeah, SEE...that whole "judging" thing comes pretty easy to me. Mercy? Not so much.
9. Unless you win a lawsuit (or at the dog track, heaven help us), inherit it, or invest well...money comes from WORK. (Theirs or yours.)
So many parents these days want their children to have plenty of experiences growing up...from amazing trips, to camp, or mission trips. Even churches are now scheduling white water rafting trips that cost $75 for a few hours of fun or a trip to a really good concert to try to hold the kids' interest in church. Christmas is a massive explosion of consumer goods, cash, and gift cards. They live in apartments in college that have all of the amenities of home...and in some cases are even newer and better than what they grew up with because it is in a "safe" location or because that's where they want to live. Cars are purchased because "everybody" gets a new car when they turn 16, right?
Wrong. What we are doing is setting them up for a huge disappointment when they get out of college and they have to live on what they make. Unless, of course, you want them living in your basement or on your dime.
Don't even get me started on those that take longer than four years to finish college unless it is a specialized curriculum like engineering, nursing, or accounting...simply because the major was changed repeatedly. My solution to this is...take some time off...work...and then get yourself back in there and finish up. Co-op? Even better.
Our kids both went to work at age 16 because we knew it wouldn't kill them. And it hasn't. What it has done is made it possible for us to say "no" to something and give them the privilege of saving up for something they want. Shockingly, they tend to take better care of what they buy with their money.
Which is as it should be.
However, if it is money that they are taking from Mom and Dad then Mom and Dad get a chance to have a "say" in how those funds are employed...and pretty much about everything. When they pay their own way...they get to make their own decisions. Hopefully, getting away from this "input" will be one more incentive to get them out of college and gainfully employed.
8. If your Daddy doesn't like a boy you are dating, or if your Mama tells you that something about a friend makes her uncomfortable...that is not a suggestion for your consideration. Move on.
I saw the movie "Courageous" the other night...and the agreement that the Dad makes with his daughter to have input into who she dates is only for her own protection...not to keep her away from "her future husband." Puhleeze. How much baggage do women carry around because they believed a liar, a self-centered jerk or someone unworthy of them? Just because a young man pays attention to them does not mean he's worthy of their attention. Dads have an amazing "idiot radar" that God gives them when they bless them with a daughter.
And just because a girl is really sweet doesn't mean that Mama doesn't know she's trouble with a capital "T". We also know when our daughters are being "used" or if the character of the friend is highly suspect. Word gets around. We just don't always tell them what we know.
7. Just because you live in the house, does not mean that you are free from the responsibilities of running it. Someone has to take out the trash, load and unload the dishwasher and mow the grass. And that someone does not have to always be Mom and Dad.
And no...getting a maid is really not an option for most of us. Plus, if you don't want their roommates to lock them in the bathroom until they clean it because it is their turn (true story...but I'm not saying who...except that it wasn't me)...they may as well practice at home where it will be appreciated. (And probably rewarded.)
6. Dream big. Don't take the easy road.
Many kids graduate from high school and have no idea what they want to major in when they get to college. Others start out with a general idea, but the reality of professors who pick off freshmen for sport, time management problems, and the realization that they really do have to study a lot in certain majors...sends them scattering for alternatives. My thoughts? They should spend time in high school shadowing other people through internships, work, or just following successful people around for a day.
And then when they get to the end of the road of their education...we need to tell them to think big. Don't just consider what they are comfortable with doing...think of all alternatives. Travel. Serve. Go. Enjoy. Before long...a mortgage, significant other, children and other obligations will make those things all but impossible.
5. Date nerds. They will one day rule the world.
Nerds also have less baggage, a deeper appreciation for their relationships, and a better chance of making a good living. They also know how to work for what they get. That will carry over into their relationship with your Precious.
Plus, nerds generally peak late...which is good. Often, the guy or girl who is all the rage in high school or college finds that those really were the best years of their life.
In this way, life really is somewhat fair.
4. God is real and it is possible to know Him.
The Bible can be confusing, people will always disappoint you, and the whole point of it all may not make sense. Tell them to keep seeking. He will meet them where they are. Don't forget to pray for them.
3. For the majority of your life, you are going to have to worry about what you eat.
You may as well not start them out eating chips, cookies, and fast food. You're just making it harder on them later. Better yet...get them in sports and have them join a gym when they are in high school. It will give them an incredible head start.
2. Never take people for granted.
I think that this is pretty universal...but how many kids don't get to really know some of their relatives or their parents' friends? I love that my friend Carrie's girls always come down and sit and listen to our conversation when I am visiting. I like that my other-daughter, Lauren, calls me from time to time just to get my take on something.
I love that Jill has "other-mothers" that love her. She knows it and loves them in return. Had she not gotten to know them...she would have missed an incredible blessing.
1. Love. Just love.
There is no reason for any girl to run down another girl no matter what she may or may not have done. There is no reason for any boy to tease another boy or exclude him because he is not as cool as they think they are. There is no reason for kids to prey on the perceived weaknesses of others.
Sadly, they learn a lot of this by watching their parents.
The kids I've admired the most are those that never say anything unkind about others and treat everyone with value. They don't worry where in the "pecking order" a certain person is...they are going to love that person anyway. They aren't fake...they just believe that everyone deserves favor.
If parents taught their children only one of these things...I'd hope that it would be to love. In fact...it would change the world.
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Thursday, January 26, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
My Favorite Things 91-100
As I've been doing these lists, I have been awed at how many things just pop in my mind and make it onto another sticky note that may or may not eventually be yet another list. Hope you don't mind this going on awhile...
91. L.L. Bean
I realize that "The Preppy Handbook" went out of style in say 1983, but one thing that it did do is introduce me to L.L. Bean. My stepfather, Ralph, was also an avid fan of this company that has been around for some 100 years. Just so you know, their items are guaranteed, and if you are inclined to test this...you'll find that it is true.
After being a customer for (OMGosh!) 30 years and counting...I can say that I probably always will be. I know that I spend most days "styling" in their black big girl stretch pants that are shipped free to me because they give free shipping all of the time. Of course, I got free shipping anyway because I have the L.L. Bean credit card that also gives me free monogramming and $10 coupons from time to time.
As I mentioned, I actually tested the "fully guaranteed" thing about a year ago. We received one bookbag that Jill wore out...but she had also dealt with being a bit defective from the start...so I sent it back. I included two pair of slippers that had also worn out prematurely.
All were replaced. Okay, technically, they gave us a gift card to replace them. But we did. These folks are for real.
I don't know anyone who makes a better bookbag, blanket, or pair of black big girl stretch pants than these people. You can order from them at http://www.llbean.com/.
92. Forgiveness
I realize that this is a big global concept...but it is also one of my favorites. Each of us has things that we've done that we wish we hadn't done in this life...and being forgiven is among the most wonderful things to experience. A few years ago, after a sermon at church, I made a list of people that I needed to apologize to and a list I needed to thank. I went down both of those and tried to be as faithful as I could to it. The only part I made myself promise to do once I was done...was to also forgive myself.
Some of us are carrying around garbage or "baggage" as we like to call it because someone has either dumped on us or we have just been incredibly stupid. While I am not advocating that we should just do whatever and then "let it go"...I will say that sometimes the wisest course is just to say "enough."
Enough.
Forgive those who have hurt you. Accept forgiveness from anyone who asks it of you. And most importantly...leave your baggage at the foot of the cross and forgive yourself. Life is too short to carry any unnecessary baggage. Or to cause anyone else to continue to carry theirs.
93. World's Finest Chocolate
When I was in junior high and high school, I was in the band. To raise money for our many needs...including trips, instruments nobody could afford without selling a kidney, and I'm sure many, many other important things...we sold "band candy" twice a year. It was actually World's Finest Chocolate and the name was totally accurate.
It was very tasty chocolate with almond pieces...and the wrapper always had a coupon on it that was generally worth at least part of the purchase price. Total win-win.
Every once in awhile I will see a bar of World's Finest Chocolate...and if I do...I'll buy some. I mean, I used to buy a lot of what I was selling anyway.
94. Poo-pourri
A lot of you just read that and went...say who?
Okay, Poo-pourri is a product that has the following on its label: "Spritz the bowl before you go and no one else will ever know."
I was introduced to this product while traveling with my aunt, mother, and daughter to New York in December 2008. I have a hard and fast rule when there are a lot of people sharing a hotel room...and it is this..."if you need to GO go...you need to go downstairs to the lobby." I expressed this to my aunt who told me that she'd comply...but it really wasn't necessary. I didn't understand it until I got a bottle of my very own a few weeks later for Christmas.
Want to give a gift that you're fairly certain they won't have? Here you go.
As for me, I carry mine in my purse, and if I am in what can only be referred to as a "situation..." I don't worry. I have my handy spray. Trust me...it works. There are other scents including "No. 2" and a few others that I've seen made by the same company.
95. Will Ferrell Movies
Well, I'll admit that he's made a few that I can do without...but for the most part I love Will Ferrell movies. Granted, I have watched so much "Elf" in my lifetime that it is entirely possible that I may have been brainwashed by now. But I also loved "Talladega Nights" and "Anchorman" as well. I knew I liked Will Ferrell back in the day when he and Cheri Oteri were cheerleaders...for the chess team.
Yes.
Okay...you know that's funny...
But one of my favorite Will Ferrell moments was when he sang "Leather and Lace" with Dave Grohl (of Nirvana and Foo Fighters)...
Awesome. C'mon...you know it is.
96. Orbit Sweetmint Gum
I know it seems a little bit bizarre to pick out a specific gum...but this one seriously is my favorite. It tastes like peppermint...but not that cloying peppermint flavor that Altoids have...more of the kind that Girl Scout Thin Mints do. Yeah. That one.
What I like about this gum is that the flavor lasts for a really long time. I should know. I load up and then will wear out a piece of gum. I can't wear the gum out like Coach Gene Chizik (Auburn) can...but I'm close.
97. Pink
I realize that some of you reading this are thinking I mean the singer...but nope...not really. I'm talking about the color. I love every shade of pink from the palest pink that was once on my First Response pregnancy test telling me that Jill was on the way to pink that is so dark that it is a red wannabe.
I love pink. Which was really fortunate for me since I was a Phi Mu in college.
Ironically, in college, we wore red jerseys and had adopted the ladybug as our "mascot" in addition to the formal "Sir Fidel" that Phi Mu national touted. That has changed as pink has become far more mainstream than it was when I was younger. I suppose we can thank the 80s for that.
In the 70s...where earth tones and psychodelic orange and purple were a close second...pink was pretty much relegated to baby clothes, cotton candy, and Pepto-Bismol. It took MTV to really sell pink as a fashion statement...and by the time I graduated from college...pink was one of THE colors. And it hasn't been thrown from its perch...yet.
Which is, of course, as it should be.
98. People Who See More In You Than You See In Yourself
In my life, there have been people dotted along the landscape of my years drawing breath that have seen more in me than I've ever seen in myself. I had a third grade teacher that I only had half of the year because we moved mid-year from Jackson, Mississippi after my parents divorced. She realized that I was reading at a really high level and that I was blowing through the SRA Reading Labs at an alarming rate. As such, she ended up going to the fourth and then the fifth grades to keep me busy. The funny thing? For years...and I do mean YEARS...she would always remind me how smart I was. Even when I'd quit believing in myself.
Several years later, my friend, Lisa, and I were having lunch one day while we were talking about what we wanted to do that would surely be more fascinating than whatever we were doing at the time...and I told her that I wasn't entirely sure what I wanted to do. She told me that she saw me as a teacher...which was a shock to me at the time.
Of course, a few months later when I was offered the chance to teach banking classes, I remembered her words and thought I'd give it a whirl. That "whirl" turned into ten years of teaching banking classes to over 500 students. It gave me the chance to remind people who had been out of school for awhile that they should go back...and many did. I was also proud that one couple met in my class and ended up getting married. They now have four children (pregnancy two was triplets...with no fertility drugs) and both are still speaking to me...which totally rocks.
Recently I've had people tell me that they like to read what I write and have encouraged me to stay at it.
And so I do...grateful that they care enough to let me know.
99. Tim Hawkins
I don't know if you have ever heard this guy...but he is a Christian comedian that is absolutely hysterical. He came to our church last year and I had the pleasure of laughing uncontrollably. Hope you will as well...
Hilarious, yes?
100. Writing
This one is because it is incredibly obvious that to omit it would be incredibly lame. Plus...it's getting late.
Thanks for reading the first 100 favorites! Check back soon!
91. L.L. Bean
I realize that "The Preppy Handbook" went out of style in say 1983, but one thing that it did do is introduce me to L.L. Bean. My stepfather, Ralph, was also an avid fan of this company that has been around for some 100 years. Just so you know, their items are guaranteed, and if you are inclined to test this...you'll find that it is true.
After being a customer for (OMGosh!) 30 years and counting...I can say that I probably always will be. I know that I spend most days "styling" in their black big girl stretch pants that are shipped free to me because they give free shipping all of the time. Of course, I got free shipping anyway because I have the L.L. Bean credit card that also gives me free monogramming and $10 coupons from time to time.
As I mentioned, I actually tested the "fully guaranteed" thing about a year ago. We received one bookbag that Jill wore out...but she had also dealt with being a bit defective from the start...so I sent it back. I included two pair of slippers that had also worn out prematurely.
All were replaced. Okay, technically, they gave us a gift card to replace them. But we did. These folks are for real.
I don't know anyone who makes a better bookbag, blanket, or pair of black big girl stretch pants than these people. You can order from them at http://www.llbean.com/.
92. Forgiveness
I realize that this is a big global concept...but it is also one of my favorites. Each of us has things that we've done that we wish we hadn't done in this life...and being forgiven is among the most wonderful things to experience. A few years ago, after a sermon at church, I made a list of people that I needed to apologize to and a list I needed to thank. I went down both of those and tried to be as faithful as I could to it. The only part I made myself promise to do once I was done...was to also forgive myself.
Some of us are carrying around garbage or "baggage" as we like to call it because someone has either dumped on us or we have just been incredibly stupid. While I am not advocating that we should just do whatever and then "let it go"...I will say that sometimes the wisest course is just to say "enough."
Enough.
Forgive those who have hurt you. Accept forgiveness from anyone who asks it of you. And most importantly...leave your baggage at the foot of the cross and forgive yourself. Life is too short to carry any unnecessary baggage. Or to cause anyone else to continue to carry theirs.
93. World's Finest Chocolate
When I was in junior high and high school, I was in the band. To raise money for our many needs...including trips, instruments nobody could afford without selling a kidney, and I'm sure many, many other important things...we sold "band candy" twice a year. It was actually World's Finest Chocolate and the name was totally accurate.
It was very tasty chocolate with almond pieces...and the wrapper always had a coupon on it that was generally worth at least part of the purchase price. Total win-win.
| Yes. Just Yes. |
94. Poo-pourri
A lot of you just read that and went...say who?
Okay, Poo-pourri is a product that has the following on its label: "Spritz the bowl before you go and no one else will ever know."
I was introduced to this product while traveling with my aunt, mother, and daughter to New York in December 2008. I have a hard and fast rule when there are a lot of people sharing a hotel room...and it is this..."if you need to GO go...you need to go downstairs to the lobby." I expressed this to my aunt who told me that she'd comply...but it really wasn't necessary. I didn't understand it until I got a bottle of my very own a few weeks later for Christmas.
Want to give a gift that you're fairly certain they won't have? Here you go.
As for me, I carry mine in my purse, and if I am in what can only be referred to as a "situation..." I don't worry. I have my handy spray. Trust me...it works. There are other scents including "No. 2" and a few others that I've seen made by the same company.
95. Will Ferrell Movies
Well, I'll admit that he's made a few that I can do without...but for the most part I love Will Ferrell movies. Granted, I have watched so much "Elf" in my lifetime that it is entirely possible that I may have been brainwashed by now. But I also loved "Talladega Nights" and "Anchorman" as well. I knew I liked Will Ferrell back in the day when he and Cheri Oteri were cheerleaders...for the chess team.
Yes.
Okay...you know that's funny...
But one of my favorite Will Ferrell moments was when he sang "Leather and Lace" with Dave Grohl (of Nirvana and Foo Fighters)...
Awesome. C'mon...you know it is.
96. Orbit Sweetmint Gum
I know it seems a little bit bizarre to pick out a specific gum...but this one seriously is my favorite. It tastes like peppermint...but not that cloying peppermint flavor that Altoids have...more of the kind that Girl Scout Thin Mints do. Yeah. That one.
What I like about this gum is that the flavor lasts for a really long time. I should know. I load up and then will wear out a piece of gum. I can't wear the gum out like Coach Gene Chizik (Auburn) can...but I'm close.
97. Pink
I realize that some of you reading this are thinking I mean the singer...but nope...not really. I'm talking about the color. I love every shade of pink from the palest pink that was once on my First Response pregnancy test telling me that Jill was on the way to pink that is so dark that it is a red wannabe.
I love pink. Which was really fortunate for me since I was a Phi Mu in college.
Ironically, in college, we wore red jerseys and had adopted the ladybug as our "mascot" in addition to the formal "Sir Fidel" that Phi Mu national touted. That has changed as pink has become far more mainstream than it was when I was younger. I suppose we can thank the 80s for that.
In the 70s...where earth tones and psychodelic orange and purple were a close second...pink was pretty much relegated to baby clothes, cotton candy, and Pepto-Bismol. It took MTV to really sell pink as a fashion statement...and by the time I graduated from college...pink was one of THE colors. And it hasn't been thrown from its perch...yet.
Which is, of course, as it should be.
98. People Who See More In You Than You See In Yourself
In my life, there have been people dotted along the landscape of my years drawing breath that have seen more in me than I've ever seen in myself. I had a third grade teacher that I only had half of the year because we moved mid-year from Jackson, Mississippi after my parents divorced. She realized that I was reading at a really high level and that I was blowing through the SRA Reading Labs at an alarming rate. As such, she ended up going to the fourth and then the fifth grades to keep me busy. The funny thing? For years...and I do mean YEARS...she would always remind me how smart I was. Even when I'd quit believing in myself.
Several years later, my friend, Lisa, and I were having lunch one day while we were talking about what we wanted to do that would surely be more fascinating than whatever we were doing at the time...and I told her that I wasn't entirely sure what I wanted to do. She told me that she saw me as a teacher...which was a shock to me at the time.
Of course, a few months later when I was offered the chance to teach banking classes, I remembered her words and thought I'd give it a whirl. That "whirl" turned into ten years of teaching banking classes to over 500 students. It gave me the chance to remind people who had been out of school for awhile that they should go back...and many did. I was also proud that one couple met in my class and ended up getting married. They now have four children (pregnancy two was triplets...with no fertility drugs) and both are still speaking to me...which totally rocks.
Recently I've had people tell me that they like to read what I write and have encouraged me to stay at it.
And so I do...grateful that they care enough to let me know.
99. Tim Hawkins
I don't know if you have ever heard this guy...but he is a Christian comedian that is absolutely hysterical. He came to our church last year and I had the pleasure of laughing uncontrollably. Hope you will as well...
Hilarious, yes?
100. Writing
This one is because it is incredibly obvious that to omit it would be incredibly lame. Plus...it's getting late.
Thanks for reading the first 100 favorites! Check back soon!
Monday, January 23, 2012
My Favorite Things 81-90
Well, today I wanted to write about my daughter and how much I love her as today is her 22nd birthday. But sometimes...if you like to write a lot...you'll get a "not now" message. I've learned over time to listen to those messages and wait. So...looks like it is more lists.
Today was a little bit of a rough day. I had two different friends talk to me about what has been on my heart and I could not feel more blessed to have their counsel. Sometimes when you ask for prayer in one area...the devil goes around poking for another soft spot.
Bingo.
Anyway, here's the next list. This one was one of my favorites. Since I need a wee bit of a boost today...here it is!
81. SEC Football
Every Saturday during football season in the Fall, and any other time that there's a game on...I'm so there. I love SEC Football the way people up north love professional football. Specifically, I am a University of Alabama fan...but I also love Auburn and watch Georgia and at least one other team every year...usually Florida, Arkansas, or South Carolina. I detest LSU (sorry, William) and Tennessee, and I don't get all hyped up about the Mississippi teams or Vanderbilt. Unless, of course, they are playing any team outside the SEC.
Except Penn State. I have family there, and I give them an exemption. (RIP JoePa.)
I mean...even Dixie and Rebel give them an exemption...
So, turn on that TV in the Fall and cheer them on. Enjoy the bands and get to know the players. Just don't go all Harvey Updike and lose your perspective. And don't set up a pool at the beginning of the season to gauge how many of them are going to end up in some kind of shenanigans with the po-po because we all know that is (unfortunately) going to happen.
Sad but true.
82. Skittles
One of my favorite "road trip" foods is Skittles. I love the original (red) and the purple bags the best...although I will scarf down the blue bag and even the chocolate ones.
Yes, I did say "chocolate." The only problem I had with them was that they all tasted the same.
Skittles aren't all one flavor...they are a "rainbow of flavors" and the main bag has red, orange, purple, green and yellow ones. I know this...because I'm OCD enough to empty the bag and then eat them according to color.
I know. I'm a bit of a snob about it, too.
In my hierarchy...red is the king, purple is the queen, and the rest of the them are just...whatever. But in the end...all are "retired" so to speak.
Okay, sorry...because they are like 100% sugar...they are on the "no-fly" list...but I did enjoy dreaming...
83. Third Day
Several years ago, I hopped a bus with the youth group at my church (Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church) and went to hear Third Day with Michael Smith and Max Lucado. Since this was technically a three-fer for me...I had no problem with three hours (or whatever it was) down there and three hours back for a two hour concert. I mean...Big Dave and I have driven 3 1/2 hours to the beach, fried ourselves (okay, just me), and driven 3 1/2 hours back in a day when we were newlyweds.
It was worth it.
Totally worth it.
First of all, Mac Powell, the lead singer for Third Day, can sing. Really sing. Not engineered in a studio...but live...he sounds just as great as he does on the CDs that I listened to on road trips (and sang to...)
See? Acoustic versions don't lie. :)
But this one is my favorite...
Amazing.
84. Christmas Lane
In my hometown of Thomaston, Georgia, each Christmas becomes a lights-fest of sorts. It started years ago when one family started putting out a life-sized Santa (his head even turned) and lit up their yard in a big way.
Soon, the entire neighborhood followed suit, and it became a magical place to drive down and see the sights. In fact, my sister made a trip to Thomaston this year so that her children could ride down Christmas Lane.
Good memories.
85. Snow
I'm sure that my friends who live with this for months every month would beg to differ...but down South we don't see snow very often. Usually at some point in time each winter, there will be talk of snow and we will all take off and buy milk and bread.
The annoying thing with snow in the South is that A) the power inevitably goes out, B) nobody knows whether to show up to work or not and C) we don't know how to drive in it.
But when it snows...and the power actually stays on...it is SO much fun. Of course, it never lasts...but frankly, that's okay too.
86. People Who Give Practical Gifts
Although I strive to be one of these people...sometimes I tend to miss the mark. I'm likely to give something that is more sentimental than practical, and people don't exactly know what to do with it. I've learned through the years to give things that can be consumed...like restaurant gift cards, stationary, or food. And folks seem to appreciate not receiving their eighth Snuggie or a statue of a skating pig that I thought was "cute." Of course, that didn't really happen...me purchasing the skating pig.
I was the RECIPIENT of the skating pig. Dirty Santa. Boo.
My sister-in-law, Melanie (who is technically not my sister-in-law anymore...but I have never been one for technicalities) gives the best gifts. She will find something practical that you can use and will get it for you. Sometimes she can even give you a gift that you didn't even know you wanted until you open it and are delighted. She's that good.
The older I get the less "stuff" I need...and the more I am into "shared experiences" like going out for a movie or dinner with friends. But every so often, I really love it when someone gives me a truly practical gift that just hits the mark...like my friend, Carrie, did last year when she gave me a gallon of Chick-fil-A diet lemonade. Rock on.
87. Calligraphy
Tonight we received a wedding invitation for a sweet couple that is getting married next month. The envelope is vanilla and is hand addressed in beautiful calligraphy. Wow.
When something is done in calligraphy it says "this is special" in a way that few things can. I am in awe of the perfection that this particular calligrapher employed and I'll be back to practicing again very soon.
I love doing calligraphy and I'm continuing to practice to keep getting better. After all...nothing says "this is special..." like a hand lettered envelope, right?
88. East of Eden
In the very earliest days of cable television, Ted Turner's Atlanta cable station WTBS, was available to us in Thomaston. Each Sunday, they would run an old movie and I started watching these intently. It was through this that I was introduced to many classic movies...and I'm not even remotely surprised that Turner Classic Movies (TCM) exists today.
One Sunday, I was watching and "East of Eden" with James Dean came on. I was all into the story...which is a modern interpretation of the Cain and Abel story. It was based on a book written by John Steinbeck of the same name and covered two generations rather than the one that was shown in the movie.
"East of Eden" was James Dean's first movie...before "Rebel Without a Cause" and "Giant." Most people don't realize that he only made three movies before he died in a car accident. But boy, did he make a mark. In "East of Eden" he played Cal...who was the modern version of Cain and Julie Harris played the girl, Abra, who was torn between the two brothers Cal and Aron.
At least Steinbeck kept the names consistent with the whole "C" and "A" theme so it was easy to keep up. That and the fact that the father's name was Adam.
I'm not kidding.
Anyway, I loved the movie...and I went and found the book. I wasn't disappointed at all...and ended up reading it several times through the years. It's thick...but it's good. Several years ago, someone got the idea to do a mini-series and cover the entire book. Jane Seymour was in that one. I saw it too...and loved it.
89. Maya Angelou
Several years ago I was watching Oprah for some inexplicable reason, and I saw Maya Angelou on there reciting her poem "Phenomenal Woman." I remember thinking to myself..."Whoa." I've enjoyed reading the books that she has written about her life and what has inspired her to write. She is my favorite poet...and I even "follow" her on Facebook. Yeah, I'm cool like that.
Here's another favorite...
Here's a little history I found on YouTube...it is only four minutes long...so enjoy...
She is a phenomenal woman. Indeed.
90. British Accents
Call me just-like-everyone-I-know...but I love to hear someone with a British accent speak. I realize that our Southern accents are somewhat charming...but a British accent? Off the charts awesome. Think Jude Law in "The Holiday." Yes. Just Yes.
Told you.
Thanks for reading tonight...as always...and for the support you've given me for the past several weeks as I've tried to keep my mind off of food and on all of the many wonderful things that I love in life. Okay, even if some of them ARE food. I still have a few more lists...stay tuned...
Today was a little bit of a rough day. I had two different friends talk to me about what has been on my heart and I could not feel more blessed to have their counsel. Sometimes when you ask for prayer in one area...the devil goes around poking for another soft spot.
Bingo.
Anyway, here's the next list. This one was one of my favorites. Since I need a wee bit of a boost today...here it is!
81. SEC Football
Every Saturday during football season in the Fall, and any other time that there's a game on...I'm so there. I love SEC Football the way people up north love professional football. Specifically, I am a University of Alabama fan...but I also love Auburn and watch Georgia and at least one other team every year...usually Florida, Arkansas, or South Carolina. I detest LSU (sorry, William) and Tennessee, and I don't get all hyped up about the Mississippi teams or Vanderbilt. Unless, of course, they are playing any team outside the SEC.
Except Penn State. I have family there, and I give them an exemption. (RIP JoePa.)
I mean...even Dixie and Rebel give them an exemption...
 |
| Rebel and Dixie...ROLL TIDE! |
 |
| Jill with JoePa |
 |
| Penn State attire courtesy of my cousin, Jan |
Sad but true.
82. Skittles
One of my favorite "road trip" foods is Skittles. I love the original (red) and the purple bags the best...although I will scarf down the blue bag and even the chocolate ones.
Yes, I did say "chocolate." The only problem I had with them was that they all tasted the same.
Skittles aren't all one flavor...they are a "rainbow of flavors" and the main bag has red, orange, purple, green and yellow ones. I know this...because I'm OCD enough to empty the bag and then eat them according to color.
I know. I'm a bit of a snob about it, too.
In my hierarchy...red is the king, purple is the queen, and the rest of the them are just...whatever. But in the end...all are "retired" so to speak.
Okay, sorry...because they are like 100% sugar...they are on the "no-fly" list...but I did enjoy dreaming...
83. Third Day
Several years ago, I hopped a bus with the youth group at my church (Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church) and went to hear Third Day with Michael Smith and Max Lucado. Since this was technically a three-fer for me...I had no problem with three hours (or whatever it was) down there and three hours back for a two hour concert. I mean...Big Dave and I have driven 3 1/2 hours to the beach, fried ourselves (okay, just me), and driven 3 1/2 hours back in a day when we were newlyweds.
It was worth it.
Totally worth it.
First of all, Mac Powell, the lead singer for Third Day, can sing. Really sing. Not engineered in a studio...but live...he sounds just as great as he does on the CDs that I listened to on road trips (and sang to...)
But this one is my favorite...
Amazing.
84. Christmas Lane
In my hometown of Thomaston, Georgia, each Christmas becomes a lights-fest of sorts. It started years ago when one family started putting out a life-sized Santa (his head even turned) and lit up their yard in a big way.
Soon, the entire neighborhood followed suit, and it became a magical place to drive down and see the sights. In fact, my sister made a trip to Thomaston this year so that her children could ride down Christmas Lane.
Good memories.
85. Snow
I'm sure that my friends who live with this for months every month would beg to differ...but down South we don't see snow very often. Usually at some point in time each winter, there will be talk of snow and we will all take off and buy milk and bread.
The annoying thing with snow in the South is that A) the power inevitably goes out, B) nobody knows whether to show up to work or not and C) we don't know how to drive in it.
But when it snows...and the power actually stays on...it is SO much fun. Of course, it never lasts...but frankly, that's okay too.
86. People Who Give Practical Gifts
Although I strive to be one of these people...sometimes I tend to miss the mark. I'm likely to give something that is more sentimental than practical, and people don't exactly know what to do with it. I've learned through the years to give things that can be consumed...like restaurant gift cards, stationary, or food. And folks seem to appreciate not receiving their eighth Snuggie or a statue of a skating pig that I thought was "cute." Of course, that didn't really happen...me purchasing the skating pig.
I was the RECIPIENT of the skating pig. Dirty Santa. Boo.
My sister-in-law, Melanie (who is technically not my sister-in-law anymore...but I have never been one for technicalities) gives the best gifts. She will find something practical that you can use and will get it for you. Sometimes she can even give you a gift that you didn't even know you wanted until you open it and are delighted. She's that good.
The older I get the less "stuff" I need...and the more I am into "shared experiences" like going out for a movie or dinner with friends. But every so often, I really love it when someone gives me a truly practical gift that just hits the mark...like my friend, Carrie, did last year when she gave me a gallon of Chick-fil-A diet lemonade. Rock on.
87. Calligraphy
Tonight we received a wedding invitation for a sweet couple that is getting married next month. The envelope is vanilla and is hand addressed in beautiful calligraphy. Wow.
When something is done in calligraphy it says "this is special" in a way that few things can. I am in awe of the perfection that this particular calligrapher employed and I'll be back to practicing again very soon.
I love doing calligraphy and I'm continuing to practice to keep getting better. After all...nothing says "this is special..." like a hand lettered envelope, right?
88. East of Eden
In the very earliest days of cable television, Ted Turner's Atlanta cable station WTBS, was available to us in Thomaston. Each Sunday, they would run an old movie and I started watching these intently. It was through this that I was introduced to many classic movies...and I'm not even remotely surprised that Turner Classic Movies (TCM) exists today.
One Sunday, I was watching and "East of Eden" with James Dean came on. I was all into the story...which is a modern interpretation of the Cain and Abel story. It was based on a book written by John Steinbeck of the same name and covered two generations rather than the one that was shown in the movie.
"East of Eden" was James Dean's first movie...before "Rebel Without a Cause" and "Giant." Most people don't realize that he only made three movies before he died in a car accident. But boy, did he make a mark. In "East of Eden" he played Cal...who was the modern version of Cain and Julie Harris played the girl, Abra, who was torn between the two brothers Cal and Aron.
At least Steinbeck kept the names consistent with the whole "C" and "A" theme so it was easy to keep up. That and the fact that the father's name was Adam.
I'm not kidding.
Anyway, I loved the movie...and I went and found the book. I wasn't disappointed at all...and ended up reading it several times through the years. It's thick...but it's good. Several years ago, someone got the idea to do a mini-series and cover the entire book. Jane Seymour was in that one. I saw it too...and loved it.
89. Maya Angelou
Several years ago I was watching Oprah for some inexplicable reason, and I saw Maya Angelou on there reciting her poem "Phenomenal Woman." I remember thinking to myself..."Whoa." I've enjoyed reading the books that she has written about her life and what has inspired her to write. She is my favorite poet...and I even "follow" her on Facebook. Yeah, I'm cool like that.
Here's another favorite...
Here's a little history I found on YouTube...it is only four minutes long...so enjoy...
She is a phenomenal woman. Indeed.
90. British Accents
Call me just-like-everyone-I-know...but I love to hear someone with a British accent speak. I realize that our Southern accents are somewhat charming...but a British accent? Off the charts awesome. Think Jude Law in "The Holiday." Yes. Just Yes.
Told you.
Thanks for reading tonight...as always...and for the support you've given me for the past several weeks as I've tried to keep my mind off of food and on all of the many wonderful things that I love in life. Okay, even if some of them ARE food. I still have a few more lists...stay tuned...
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