Say what?!

If you glance at the news recently then you can see a multitude of celebrities have been chastised for something they said.  Could it be things that we have said?  Only we are not under the spotlight.

I think that someone famous offering advice should be treating with caution.  The person is famous for one thing.  Because the person is famous we think everything is well thought out.  I know from personal experience that I do not always say the smartest or correct thing at the proper moment.

Should a famous person loses the career he or she has been building for many years because of a five second soundbite?  Then again several five second soundbites make up a lifetime.  The person must move on.  However, the audience must move on as well. 

Serving says

It is amazing to me the actual serving size of food.  Sometimes I read the label and think it is only that limited amount.  Other times when I measure it out, I think that is more than I probably want to eat.

A lot of restaurants have placed the calorie count on the menu with the item.  I wonder how many people second guess what they are going to get.  I would think that a person would know what he likes and order it.

I have glanced through some diet books lately.  Not as much cutting back food, but looking at what to eat.  I hear food plays a major impact on lifestyle.  The book I glanced at talked about how food can improve mood.  It makes sense to me.

Nutrition can be confusing.  It seems the "experts" are changing their mind constantly.  This food is good for you and then it is bad.  Eat several small meals, now only eat two.  I think it is a matter of finding out what works for you.

Just a little food for thought.

Bookmarks

Not sure how many of you are readers of the written page and have to turn the physical page.  I still read books, if you call what I do reading.  Instead of a real bookmark, I will use a scrap piece of paper to mark my stopping point.  I am sure I have some real bookmarks somewhere.  My girls love to pull out the paper I had in  the book.  I guess because it sticks out.  One of these is not like the other.

Do people still do bookmarking electronically?  Like when they find a favorite website?  I find a website I like once and want to go back, but then have no idea how to get back to it.  I should mark it at the time, but how do I know I want to go back?  Sometimes I have success, other times not.  Speaking of searches, I guess when one clicks on a result it goes to an updated version of the webpage.  However, in the search results it shows what I am looking for, but then the link takes me to the updated page.  I wish it would narrow in on what I wanted to see.  That is probably too much to ask for, plus would require reading my mind.

It is important to mark things, either mentally or physically, so you can go back to them.

Burnt offering

The other day I was warming up some sweet potato fries in our toaster oven.  After several minutes I see that they are close to be done.  Then I get the brilliant idea to have biscuits for supper as well.  So I open the door to put in the biscuits and slide over the fries so they can cook at the same time.  Apparently, I did not open the wide enough.  The bottom of my arm, below my wrist, touched the metal frame of the door.  Which caused a burn on my arm.

It was one of those things that did not hurt at the moment.  Then starts hurting later.  I know several times that night I said to myself, that really hurts.  It does not help that yesterday I kept hitting it on objects.

So note of the day, make sure you have proper clearance.  Especially dealing with heat.

Hey Ya'll Watch This

With Wendy's recent promotion it is a good idea for her to wear a watch.  She would need to keep up with the time and she does not have access to her cell phone.  Like the new majority we do not usually wear watches.

So the other day she goes to the cabinet where her watch has sat.  Of course the battery is dead.  I also have a watch or two that the battery is dead.  Also one with a cracked face plate.  Some reasons why I do not wear a watch anymore.  Anyway, she asks if I think I could replace the battery.  I say maybe.

I look at the back and notice several notches.  I first try to pry up the notches.  Nothing.  I get online and see if there are any hints to opening the back.  It says to turn the notches counterclockwise.  Also that a special case wrench may be needed.  Of course I do not have this tool.  However, I try anyway with a small screwdriver.  I do not get anyway.  After a lengthy amount of time and no results, I tell Wendy I am going to have to take it to get the watch battery replaced.  She says good idea, so I do not break her watch.

Yesterday, on my lunch break I go over to the mall to kiosk that works on watches.  I walk up and ask can the person replace the battery.  He says yes and to give him ten minutes.  I watch (pun intended?) to see if I can determine how to get into the watch.  He has a special tool that looks like a socket wrench but with two prongs.  Then it looks like he takes tweezers to move the back.  Then uses tweezers to put out a small battery.

While he is doing this another perspective customer comes up to ask a question.  The service person handles the question.  I guess he thought that customer's watch was of greater value than mine.  I am not sure what they were talking about, but I heard $600.  The guy looked like the type who would have a $600 watch.  After five to ten minutes, the service person said the guy should try another place to get help.

Then the service person finished my watch.  The amount of time on my watch was probably four to five minutes.  The good news is the cost.  I was surprised it was only $14.  That was the labor, tools, and battery.  Plus it has taken me two hours, while it only took him five minutes.

Knowledge does pay.  Especially when there are people like me having to pay for it.

Proof positive

I have read that you do not actually have to be happy.  Of course you have to act happy.  If you act happy, then it will not be too long before you are happy.

I know that I feed off other's peoples moods.  I enjoy being around people who are having a good time.  It is  draining to be around people who are in a bad mood.  Just ask Wendy!

I am guilty of not having a smile on my face often.  Then it is harder to feel happy.  When I smile it is easier to be positive.

So act happy!  What can you lose?  Nothing, besides the bad attitude.

Do you notice that people who are SUCCESSFUL use exclamation points!! when they write?  Or words like ROCKSTAR?  They put EMPHASIS on words!  At first glance, to me anyway, it is bizarre.  However, I know that they are LAUGHING TO THE BANK!!!  It is because they are proving they are happy and the  prove is that they are happy.

Accidents happen

I suppose after thinking about it I could have entitled this "Letting Go."  Like most, if not all, parents Wendy and I are in the transition stage.  I guess parenthood is a transition stage because one day is never the same.  The current transition is to get Joy from diapers to using the potty...successfully.

We have been talking for months about hoping the last diaper purchase would be the last diaper purchase.  Joy for awhile has enjoyed wearing underwear over her diaper.  Recently she will walk around the house in just underwear.  For awhile she wanted nothing to do with the potty.  Now at least she sits on it.  That is about it.  She has not made the transition to using it.  She has one or twice put items in the potty.

Most of the time Joy will not make it to the potty.  I know three times this week when I have been distracted by something, only to look up and see a soaking outfit.  I think why did I notice earlier and rush her to the bathroom?  A frustrating part is that she will sit on the potty and nothing happens.  Five minutes after getting up, she goes.

People have recommended resources and techniques.  The hard thing is not to compare my child to another child.  Or to want it done now.  Everyday is a day closer.

Apart of the group

I saw an article about atheists wanting to remove references to God in the Boy Scouts.  Is it me or have the Boy Scouts been hit hard with people outside wanting to change them?

Which leads to my thought.  Why would you fight so hard to join a group whose ideals you do not believe?  Maybe I am naive in my thinking.  It could be a principle of this group does not include me, I want in.  In my reasoning, that particular group does not agree with my principles, I will not participate with them.

Instead our culture today is of the mindset that the  organization needs to change to fit the person.  Values do not matter.  It is about the need for everyone to be included.

There is of course bad exclusion and good exclusion.  Throughout history groups have banned others for discriminatory reasons.  Those should be addressed.  However, our society today is going after values of groups. 

What kind of change would make you leave a group?

Teachable moments

Recently for a couple of Sundays I have been asked to sub for Sunday School Teachers.  The powers that be assume since I went to Divinity School that I might know what I am doing.  Ha!  I know that there are plenty of people traditionally unschooled who know more than me.  I try to help out with my limited ability.

I will be honest in that teaching is not my strong suit.  Of course, reading this blog shows that I am not the greatest in getting a point across.  I know that I do not prepare as much as I should.  I have a hard time in getting all the notes ready.  I probably "wing it" more than I should.  I wish I was one of those teachers who uses the illustrations or other props.  I know that I am boring.  From the front I can see the blank stares and trips to oblivion land.  Which I have been guilty of as well.  It is interesting to see the people whose facial expression change.  For example, a person will have a neutral expression and when he sees me glance that way, will smile and nod head.

So far everyone has been gracious in sitting through my spiel.  I guess I will continue as asked until I am not asked anymore.  I think it will take the experience of the preparation of the teacher and the number of experiences to make a good teacher.

Cost of living

I admit I am pretty cheap.  It pains me when I feel like I pay too much.  The thing that really irks me is when I purchase something and see it less expensive the next day.  It is amazing to see the high cost of things.  There are several items that I see and think to myself, was that not a little cheaper a bit ago?  There are several items I would love to have if the price was cheaper.  I do not understand how items that are so prevalent in our society are so expensive.

What item(s) are you willing to pay for?

Out-spoken

I do not understand the gay marriage debate.  It seems like the gay debate is becoming the civil rights movement of our generation.  I know that this week a NBA player come out publicly that he was gay.  My basic reaction is who cares?  Just that he has bad taste in men?  Zing!  Only kidding.  Statistically speaking in a league of that number there are bound to more players who are gay.

Then I see comments about people applauding his decision and saying he is showing courage.  You also have people who are using this for propaganda and exploitation. It is all about marketing.  Are we taking this to the extreme?  What about reverse discrimination? We focus so much on the fringe that we disrupt everyone.

I do not have the answers for gay marriage or rights or whatever they want to accomplish.  I believe marriage is one man and one woman.  Has our society disrupted that model enough?  Absolutely.  In my naivete, if it is about insurance then there should be insurance or benefits, if willing to pay.  I believe a person should be able to do what he or she wants with money.  Is it about  being recognized?  It is not a trait that earns respect, it is what is done with it.

I admit we in traditional marriages need to do a lot better job.  God knows what would happen then.

Ava, You are number one

Ava,

You made it to a year.  With some crying, smiling at your sister, and eating crackers.  Happy Birthday!

Love,

Daddy

Love the person

I have heard the phrase "love the person, hate the sin."  During the pastor's sermon a new spin was put on the phrase.  Or something I had never thought about.   The pastor said it is easier to love everyone than someone.

At first this sounds backward, but it is true.  We do a good job in showing love to people as a whole.  Or we at least find it easier to say we love them.  However, try to love your neighbor, fellow church member, spouse, or children.  I can be guilty of not showing them love.

The pastor had a good analogy.  At church when a new visitor arrives, he is made to feel welcome.  Then I might get to know him.  I learn more about him, maybe something I do not like.  It gets hard to be near him.  All the time forgetting that he is learning things about me that he does not like.

As Christians we are called to one another.  That is one of the basics.  Out of love other things will come.  It is how we are recognized as Christians.  Although we do a good job of forgetting that.

Store bought

A lot of my shopping has to do with what is cheap.  Or at least looks like what I want and is cheap.  I love it when things are on sale.

The other day Wendy, the girls, and I were in the grocery store.  We passed the discount items.  In the cart was a container of flaxseed.  I had heard about it, but never had it.  It was half off in price.  I debated whether to make the purchase.  I did not.

The next morning I could not get the notion of trying the flaxseed.  The more I thought about the more I thought why not.  So after my workout, I rode by the grocery store.  I must have wanted it because I do not like to go out of my way.  I walk in, debating my decision and wondering if the item was still going to be  there.  It was and I made the purchase.

I had to look up what to do with the flaxseed.  Apparently you sprinkle some in smoothies, yogurt, cereal, and other things.  It is supposed to be beneficial to health.  I tried it in my cereal this morning.  I did not notice to much of a difference.  Perhaps my body does.

Wendy and I did pass up a humongous peanut butter pie on sale.  We thought about getting it and it was still there the morning I went.  I picked it up and put down a few times.  However, I decided not to get it.

Believe it or not

I have heard the term "radical" a lot in the past days.  The two brothers involved with the act in Boston were considered to be radicalized.  On a positive note this past Sunday was youth Sunday at our church.  The term was radical faith.

Most people question why does a person change.  What makes a somewhat normal person do something different?  Could it be the promise of notoriety?  Or money?  Sense of belonging?  Everyone has different reasons.  We can only speculate.

It goes to show that everyone wants to believe in something.  A few may live it out, but all want to make a difference.  The choice is what influence will be made.  Our responsibility is to provide the best options.  If what is right is not taught, then how can we expect the future generation to live it.

Proof is in the pudding

That is a phrase I have heard before.  I looked it up and saw the original phrase had "in the eating" added to it.  The phrase is to mean we have to experience something to understand it.

I know it is after Easter and many, if not all, pastors focused on the resurrection of  Jesus and His encounters with the disciples.  One story is that of Thomas.  We always hear doubting Thomas.  My thought is that he was not there at the right time.  All the disciples were gathered together, except Thomas, and Jesus is suddenly there.  So they have a chance to see Jesus.  Then Thomas returns and the disciples say they saw Jesus alive.  Thomas comes back with his now famous retort unless he sees Jesus he will not believe.  A week later Thomas is with the disciples and Jesus appears encouraging Thomas to feel the wounds.  Then  Thomas believes.

Most of the faith stories in the Bible have Jesus revealing Himself.  At the tomb to Mary, the disciples in the room, the two disciples on the road.  Jesus offers proof.  God knows what we need.  Is it better to belief unseen?  Perhaps.  With our belief, God uses that and makes Himself known.  It takes a willingness to believe.  We can have the faith of a mustard seed.

Or we need to want to eat the pudding and then once we eat it we have truly experienced it.

I originally thought about focusing the post on Thomas and how we only remember him for doubting at first.  Then leaving with the question, how will you be remembered?

Tear it up

All parents will recognize the stage we are entering.  Joy will suddenly throw a tantrum and burst into tears.  It can be when she is frustrated by not being able to do something, not getting her way, or sometimes it appears just because.  It is hard to find out what is wrong because in the midst of crying will not answer.

I wonder where she got that from?

Oh yeah.  Probably me.  I see the frustration I exhibit when things do not go my way.

I will have to recognize that I have people watching.  Sometimes my first instinct is not the greatest.  I have to remember, just as we tell Joy, "Calm down and tell us what you want."

Speaking with competence

I am sure that you know people who even when they are wrong seem right.  Or people who even when they are right seem wrong.

It comes down to confidence.  The ability to promote an idea and stand behind it.  I am not so great at that.  Is it because I do not want to share my opinion in fear of offending someone or being wrong?  Is it general competence?

Most of the time as I talk I feel that I  ramble.  I might say the same thing multiple times.  It is not one and done with me.  Or my voice sounds like I am raising a question when making a statement so I am not being clear.  I will look back on a conversation I had and think to myself, "That person things I am incompetent."

It comes to a matter of belief in what is being said.  If something said is wrong, then the person will be corrected.  Most of the time people will listen to what is being said.  They want to hear it or they would not have asked.  Remember I said most of the time.

It is okay to speak out.  To have confidence in what is said.  You know what you are talking about, hopefully?

Trying to do the right thing

Yesterday, I had one of those days when I would try and do something, but it would not turn out quite right. It seems those days happen.

I had been thinking about depositing some cash we received into the bank for several days.  I would forget until I was at home.  So yesterday was going to be the day.  I was going to do it before I worked out in  the morning.  I forgot.  So I had to do it before work.  I drive to the ATM,  but there was no deposit envelope.  Fortunately, Wendy had shown me an ATM on the other side of the bank a few months earlier.  It pays to be married to someone smarter.  Thankfully there were envelopes there.  Money deposited.

I tried to figure out how to print the return and delivery address on an envelope from a printer I have at work.  It would never put in the right place.  After the fifth attempt, success.

I wanted to, well could, go to BJs to pick up a few things.  I thought I would see what in club coupons they had.  Tried to print some.  First they had the wrong account associated with e-mail, so it look like my membership expired.  I had to set up new account.  Then the coupons printed, but without telling me what they are.  Fortunately, the coupons were in a coupon book mailed to us.  I get to BJs and think I am buying a good deal.  Wendy informs me my large purchase is not here favorite, but it will work.

Everything was accomplished, however it turned out.

Quiet times

Have you noticed than when you are trying to be quiet, it seems that is when the most noise is made.  Everyone is asleep and you ease your way into a room, then wham! something falls.  Or that container makes the loud noise.

Sometimes in the midst of quiet you wish that something would happen.  It is too quiet.

Or like me, my body just shuts down.

Goosed

We have had an increase of goose population around our neighborhood.  It is like a natural traffic snarl with all the honking.  At work, my supervisor has many times run geese off the property.

Behind our house it a goose nest.  With three eggs.  I was going to run a goose off our deck.  I went around the back way and saw a goose squatting down.  As I tried to run that goose off I saw it sitting on some eggs.  So most mornings, maybe all, the geese are engaged in a turf war right behind our house.  Chasing one another and making noise.

Next year I will be more diligent in running them off.  No wonder I am so pooped.

Things I learned from my children

I wonder what  I will teach my children.  I have seen the quick to jump  to be fussy.  I wonder if that is learned from me or part of their personality.

Here are some things I learned from my children:
1)  It helps to have a little comfort.
2)  A little affirmation goes a long way.  Joy has to say often, "It fine, Daddy."
3) I have to remember that not everyone wants to do what I want to  do, when I want to do it.
4)  Sometimes a nap is in order.
5)  Things taste better when eaten with hands.

I am sure there are several more things that we will learn from one another.

Down the toilet

A couple of weeks ago I did some plumbing.  Sort of by choice, but more than I wanted.

Wendy's parents were in town and noticed that our toilet would not stop running after being flushed.  Our toilet has always been slow to stop.  Wendy's dad did not want to see out water bill  run up.  Neither do I.  When I get home from work, I hear about this exchange.  I tell Wendy let us see what can  be done about the toilet.  Joy was spending the weekend with Mimi and Papa.

So we go to the hardware store chain and get a toilet repair kit.  The flapper and flush valve.  After all I  have seen  my supervisor replace these things at work.  How difficult could it be?

We return home with the purchase around 8 pm Friday night.  I get the flapper positioned.  However, I cannot get the older flush valve out.  It will  not unscrew.  The whole unit turns, when  I only want the release to turn.  I separate the tank from the bowl to get better leverage.  It still takes me hours to get it off.  Finally around midnight I get it to come out.  I put in the new flush valve.  Now the supply line leaks.

So Saturday morning I have to get a new one.  Back to Lowes.  I  put in  the new supply line.  Once I could not water to flow to the tank.  That gets resolved.  The toilet stops like it supposed to.  Now the bolts leak where I separated the tank and bowl.  Back to Lowes.

I get the kit.  I try to save time and put the new bolts in without taking the tank off.  Mistake.  Water is just pouring out.  My supervisor comes over and  we realize that with that kit, it requires a nut to be seated against the tank and then put on the bowl to  be sealed.  Once we do that, it does not leak.

The only thing is that the handle now is a little difficult to flush.  You have to push it down with more force to get it to flush.  I think I can live with that for now.

It was a little more complicated than I thought.  3 trips to Lowes.  3 calls to people with more knowledge than me.  Into 2 days.  Multiple frustrations.  It was one thing that led to another.  Like a chain reaction, this affected that.

On Sunday, I asked Wendy what happened to the weekend.  She responded it went down the toilet...

Friday freeze

Well if you have been paying attention to the weather, then you know that there was the threat of wintry mix.  It did not really happen, which is good.  Yet the schools are still delayed.  It did cancel Joy's preschool, which is sort of a bummer because Joy enjoys going.  It is different when you actually want to go somewhere and circumstances delay you.

I have noticed that we are in a weather pattern.  It seems we have been getting wintry mix or the threat on Friday.  I think God is telling us to have a four day week.  Our bosses are not though.

Well anyway it is Friday.  Some of you may have a late start.  So can the rest of us have an early start to the weekend?

Just in time

I have never been one to really wait.  If I have a gift for someone, on the rare occasion I give a gift, I like to hand it  to the person right then.  I enjoy things on a timetable.  If it lasts longer than I think it should, I get frustrated.

I have learned that God has a sense of timing.  In 2 Peter, the verse makes reference to "a day to the LORD is like a thousand years."  So even though  I like to hurry, God has his timetable.

Just a few things struck me.
-Was not sure if going to be married?  Married to a wonderful woman.
-Not sure about children?  Two great girls.
-Needed a bigger vehicle?  A van was provided.
-What to do with my life?  Still being revealed.

I think that the answers to prayers are "Ok" and "Not right now."  Both if you think about it are pretty good when there is someone who really cares about you and knows all your needs.

The Heart of the Matter

Well it is that time.  Time for me to post another item that will not get read.  Especially by me.

It is Valentine's Day.  Or prepare to pay more for anything that you want to give as a gift.  Or for the unromantic, a day where the significant other will routinely sign throughout the day and drop oblivious hints.  However, they will not be received until after.  Timing is, well, everything.

It is a day when we take special care of those we love.  A card, phone call, flowers, candy, even a Facebook message.  Maybe even an extra grunt in the person's general direction.

The heart will be seen a lot today.  I wonder how that was chosen.  Or at least how the shape was developed.  Maybe an internet search is needed.  I remember Christian comedian/performer Mark Lowry talking about how the bowels used to be the center of emotion.  One of his comments was "You move me, Baby!"

In looking at the shape of a heart it does lead to symbolizing relationship.  The top looks like two items coming together.  Which could be romantic.  There is space to fill.  Which could mean new memories to make together.  Then there is the point.  Which helps it to stand.   Maybe in the long run could mean the two merge into one.

Well, I hope you have a sweet day, get carded, and are flowered with compliments.  Then take heart that if you are paid bi-weekly tomorrow should be payday.

Shooting off at the mouth

Now I must warn  you.  I have no idea what I am talking about, so the errors are mine.

I am not sure about you, but I am tired of hearing about the gun control legislation.  In my low level knowledge opinion, I compare it to the Left bringing up women's birth control.  People for guns attach themselves to the second amendment.

I know there have been some horrible incidents involving the use of firearms, especially lately.  I guess that is the reason for the push.  People talk about the type of gun or the number of bullets it can hold.

I am not a gun owner.  Mainly because I do not think about guns.  I have been shooting with some family who have guns.  I doubt I hit the target.

Can guns be of benefit?  Ask the people that have them.  Can guns be dangerous?  Ask the people who have seen the "business end" of one.

Both sides are fighting hard on this one.  I guess we will have to see what comes down the barrel after the trigger is pulled.