What I've Been Working On

I have FINALLY gotten my mojo back and am enjoying scrapbooking again. For a while, I was not doing any scrapbook pages, but rather working on quick projects for instant gratification. I determined today that I was going to go downstairs to my "area" and get some pages done. The process is quite different when I'm not working on a gift or themed project - I actually enjoyed creating pages again. I even did a Scripture card! I'm so behind on the 2008 Scripture Challenge that it's not even funny, but I did manage to pick up at week 51 LOL. I'll post pics of that once it's dry.

Following are the pages I completed today. The first two are actually one unit - a two page spread. The next 3 pages are layouts that I did at a class at my local LSS - Right At Home. I took the class with my sis (and scrapping buddy) about six weeks ago and am just now getting them done.

The last page is one I made up all by myself LOL

 

This is totally true...

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Doris!

You are a Doris -- "I must help others."

Dorises are warm, concerned, nurturing, and sensitive to other people's needs.

How to Get Along with Me

• * Tell me that you appreciate me. Be specific.


• * Share fun times with me.


• * Take an interest in my problems, though I will probably try to focus on yours.


• * Let me know that I am important and special to you.


• * Be gentle if you decide to criticize me.

In Intimate Relationships

• * Reassure me that I am interesting to you.


• * Reassure me often that you love me.


• * Tell me I'm attractive and that you're glad to be seen with me.

What I Like About Being a Doris

• * being able to relate easily to people and to make friends


• * knowing what people need and being able to make their lives better


• * being generous, caring, and warm


• * being sensitive to and perceptive about others' feelings


• * being enthusiastic and fun-loving, and having a good sense of humor

What's Hard About Being a Doris

• * not being able to say no


• * having low self-esteem


• * feeling drained from overdoing for others


• * not doing things I really like to do for myself for fear of being selfish


• * criticizing myself for not feeling as loving as I think I should


• * being upset that others don't tune in to me as much as I tume in to them


• * working so hard to be tactful and considerate that I suppress my real feelings

Dorises as Children Often

• * are very sensitive to disapproval and criticism


• * try hard to please their parents by being helpful and understanding


• * are outwardly compliant


• * are popular or try to be popular with other children


• * act coy, precocious, or dramatic in order to get attention


• * are clowns and jokers (the more extroverted Dorises), or quiet and shy (the more introverted Dorises)

Dorises as Parents

• * are good listeners, love their children unconditionally, and are warm and encouraging (or suffer guilt if they aren't)


• * are often playful with their children


• * wonder: "Am I doing it right?" "Am I giving enough?" "Have I caused irreparable damage?"


• * can become fiercely protective

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

It's All About Four

I've got a meme for today - thanks Kay!

Four, Four, Four, Four...

A) Four places that I go to over and over:

Hillside, my office, Morning Star, Daniel & Co (where I get beautified)



B) Four people who e-mail me (regularly):

my clients, Dawn, Rach, ok that's more than four.


C) Four of my favorite places to eat:

Umi Steakhouse, Panera Bread, Wendy's, The Sole Proprietor



D) Four places I would rather be right now:


North Conway, Italy, Victorville, anywhere really that I've never been before


E) Four people I am tagging:

Sharon, Sue, Nancy, Jen


F) Four TV shows I watch:

30 Minute Meals, Barefoot Contessa, Little House, What Not To Wear

Ok, Seriously....

I have to say that walking is not my preferred form of exercise. Something about it just doesn't appeal to me. Mind you, I like walking in general. I am very grateful for the ability to walk in an of itself. But, to walk for exercise...like just randomly walk without a purpose or destination in mind just isn't my idea of a good time.

Until yesterday.

I was NOT in a good mood. I blame it on PMS, though there are other, real issues behind it all, I'm sure. After all, hormones all on their own cannot make a person a raging lunatic can they? I digress.

Anyway, after a long day, most of which I spent being COLD, AND after co-leading a Girl Scout meeting with 15 six and seven year olds, I was ready for some quiet time. Not gonna happen in my house. There are five of us (six if you count my mom who drops in often) in 1500 sq. ft. of single-story space.

I needed peace and quiet desperately. So, I grabbed my trusty ipod, generously passed down to me from my 15-yo who now has the bigger, better ipod thingy that I can't remember the name of, and off I went for a walk. It was walk or bust. So walk I did.

I had, thankfully, figured out how to download music from my current CD collection. IN said colelction was the newest As I Lay Dying CD, chock full of punk/alternative/screamo-type music. Perfect.

So, off I went, screamo music blaring in my head (only in one ear, of course, so I could still hear the sounds of traffic as I walked). Can I just say that screamo music is the perfect tempo for brisk walking? Seriously. You ought to try it. There was actually a very pretty ballad near the end of the CD, just as I finished my walk. Perfect timing. And almost no screaming (in the ballad or from me).

Get thee some screamo music forthwith. It may change your mind about walking (for exercise!).

Query

What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?

I've always gotten a chuckle from this deep, philosophical question.

You?

Fall Is In The Air

My absolute favorite time of year is upon us. I love the crisp clean air of autumn. I love the changing colors on the trees. I love the cool nights and pleasantly warm days. The kids are back in school and life has gone back to its routine. It's all very good.

I have already gotten my autumn scented Yankee Candles out - my faves are Autumn Leaves and McIntosh. YUMMY! I also like anything that smells like baking - cinnamon and pumpkin spice come to mind.

Autumn also means Christmas shopping season. I am NOT only of those people that waits until the very last minute to do her Christmas shopping. And no, I don't holiday shop - I CHRISTMAS shop. But, that's another story altogether.

I have already bought a few small gifts, and have already started on some handmade gifts. The planner in me just thrives this time of year.

Why can't it always be autumn?

Full Circle?

You know, I wonder sometimes why that is. When I was just a little older than my oldest child is now, I was really into LOUD music. Dare I say I even enjoyed the melodic strains of HEAVY METAL screamo music?

I know what you're thinking. Not you, Bet. Surely you're more of a light rock, ballad sort of girl. Uh, no. I still prefer my music LOUD and very upbeat. The adult part of me and the pastor's wife part of me don't mind worship music, light rock, and pop music. Really, I can appreciate and enjoy these genres. I like to think of myself as a well-rounded individual, musically speaking. Really, I do. But, if I had my way, I would be listening to music that is just not acceptable to most of my peers. After all, I AM a grown-up. And respectable, pastor's wives listen to "worship" music, right?

Now mind you, I don't care for the lyrics and messages of secular heavy metal or rock bands. I try to avoid things that are not edifying or just plain vulgar and unnecessary. I do have my limits, you know. But, I am all for listening to the equivalent genre in the Christian music realm, and yes, it is available.

Now the full circle part. My eldest child LOVES music. Guess what kind? Yep. LOUD. ROCK. METAL. SCREAMO. Goodness, I love that child. A child after my own heart.

The challenge is getting him to actually enjoy listening to artists in that genre with a Christian (or at least clean) message. Enter in two of his favorite mainstream, yet Christian, bands -- Underoath and his absolute favorite, As I Lay Dying.

Imagine my glee when I was browsing in our (very) local Christian bookstore. (Can I just say how awesome it is to have a Christian book store right in my town???? I know. I'm easily amused.) Anyway, as I was broswing their now much larger and diverse music section, what do I lay my eyes upon? Yep. An entire section devoted to "Modern Rock" a/k/a metal-but-let's-not-tell-the-adults-that's-really-what-it-is. Not only did they have Underoath and As I Lay Dying, but various other artists that were just clamoring for my son's ears.

To surprise him, I bought him two CDs, which he can now download to his trusty-don't-ever-leave-home-without-it Ipod. I'm so excited to give these to him. I hope he enjoys them as much as I enjoyed buying them for him.

For your listening pleasure, check it out:

Underoath and
As I Lay Dying

Riding Out The Storm

We are being hit with tropical storm Hanna today. The rain started in the wee hours of the morning; I as up at 4 a.m. and it was already coming down hard. We've had to close our windows and it's really warm in the house. But, that's ok. Rain is nothing compared to what lots of others are dealing with right now. I read that the Carolinas got the landfall, together with all wind AND rain.

We've got milk and bread and lots of candles in case we lose power later today. We are under a tropical storm warning, but I'm not quite sure what all that entails. There is absolutely no wind to speak of outside; just rain.

It's been a long time since we've had a hurricane in MA. The last one I remember was back in 2000 maybe? I don't even remember it's name because it wasn't really a big storm. The last BIG storm I remember is Gloria, sometime in the mid 80s, I believe.

My kids have never been through a REAL hurricane. I wonder if this year may change that? The tropics are really active, and it's been a LONG time since a storm has come up the eastern seaboard all the way to us.

Not that I'm wishing for a hurricane....a tropical storm will do just fine.

So tired....

I am so very, very tired. I can't seem to focus on anything, and I just want to close my eyes and take a nap. This is very, very bad, considering I was asleep last night by 9:30 p.m. Usually, after Wednesday night Bible study, I am stoked and can't get to sleep for hours! This is not good. And, yes, I am totally being a whiner the last few days. I know I should post happy, positive things, but my brain feels foggy and I just don't want to divert my mind from its present state of fatigue. It's too much work.

I will try, though. I need to do SOMETHING to wake myself up. This is just awful.

Urgh....

I know that I have no basis to complain about what I am about to complain about, but I'm going to anyway. I understand that a pharmacy can't take medicine back, because goodness knows they have no way of knowing what on earth was done to said medicine once it left the safety of their store. I get that. What I don't like is that I now have a 90-day supply of maintenace medicine that won't do me any good because it's not a large enough dose. To continue taking it means that I will not feel any better, and may in fact start to feel worse. On top of that, I paid for 90 days of medicine that I can't use and now I have to go back and buy the correct medicine, for another 3-month copay.

Can I just say that this ticks me off? Why didn't the doctor double check the dosage I was on in the first place? Why do I have to be the one to check this out? How am I supposed to pay for another 90 days of medicine? I suppose I could get just a 30-day supply, but it is cheaper to buy it in 90 days increments. It's frustrating.

I'll bet that the meds I got cost the store a fraction of the price I paid for it; why can't I just return them and get the right one? What am I suposed to do with 90 useless pills?


Rant over.

Our kitties are famous....

Check out the following youtube link featuring our little kitties, Rosie & Tigerlilly

Back to School Time

I love this time of year. It seriously makes me wish I were back in school. Not as a youngster, though, mind you. I have no desire to return to my childhood and relive my school years. I am, however, a lifelong student, and if I had the time and resources, I'd probably be in college forever, just learning. I love to learn.

I loved being at BU earlier this year. As hard as it was, and as much work as it entailed, I loved every minute of it. Yes, even the dreaded Corporate Law module. I didn't understand much of it, but I was determined to get through it, and get through it well!

I also love back to school time because it gives me an excuse to buy school supplies. I love school supplies - the paper, the pencils, the pens (I'm forever on a quest for the perfect pen!), notebooks (oh, yeah, I'm always on a quest for those too - not just anyone will do), the folders. All of it. I just love that stuff. Ask my family. They'll tell you.

And don't even get me started on Book Sox. Are those not the coolest thing ever in the world of school supplies? Granted, I'm a purist and given the option, I would choose to cover my books in a brown grocery bag so I could decorate it myself. Alas, paper grocery bags have been replaced by the icky plastic shopping bags, which are not conducive to good book covering. Given this horrible state of affairs, Book Sox are the next best thing. And, it only takes a few seconds to cover a book, and dare I say even the youngest child can do it.

Yep, going back to school is very, very cool.

So, in honor of the season, I took a quiz. You knew I would.

What Your Back to School Personality Says About You

You are a lively, ambitious, and passionate person. You are driven to do well in life and aspire to great things. You are most likely to succeed if you follow a proven path to success. You don't mind putting in long hours to achieve your goal. Your greatest skill is your verbal prowess. You have no problem finding words to express yourself, make your point, or win an argument. Your biggest stumbling block in life is worrying about what other people think of you. Their opinions matter even less than you think. You're so thankful for everything in your life. It's hard for you to pick just one thing.

The Back to School Test

Just catching up....

I haven't posted in a while...did anyone notice? No matter, I'll post an update anyway.

School is going to start soon, so I have been doing the back-to-school-shopping-even-though-the-kids-don't-need-anything thing. I haven't done too badly, however....I caught an awesome sale at Aeropostale and the stuffsave event at Old Navy, so financial damage has been minimal. Praise God for that...August has been an expensive month!

I am gearing up to finish our summer Bible study on the names of God. The plan is to finish the Lord our Shepard and wrap up with a study on Jehovah Shammah "The Lord is There." My initial studies on this particular name have been extremely fascinating. We'll see where the Lord leads on it for presentation to the ladies.

Our fall study will be No Other Gods by Kelly Minter. I loosely participated in this study over the summer with the Siestas on Beth Moore's blog, but the summer being what it was (busy) I didn't really give it my full effort or attention. So, I'll be revisiting it while the women go through it for the first time.

I am also keeping my eyes open for paralegal positions. While I certainly don't plan on leaving where I'm at any time soon, the fact of the matter is that my boss is nearing retirement age and inevitably I will need to find somewhere new. I just want to see what's out there and what law firms are looking for. Seems like corporate law and intellectual property law are the hot spots right now, neither of which I have ANY experience in. It figures. Twenty years in the profession and I am still a newbie LOL

I am getting back into scrapbooking after a several month hiatus, and am starting to feel the mojo again. I worked on our vacation album last night...ok, well, I just did the title page but still, it's something, right?

Well, I got my answer

and while it was not necessarily the answer I wanted from God, it was the RIGHT answer for me.

Over the weekend, I listened to some teaching on the tabernacle study I am doing, and it was like God was speaking just to me. A great majority of the lesson helped cement the answer I was seeking, so for now, I am just going to be like Sarah, Elizabeth, and Hannah and wait on God...and NO I AM NOT WANTING TO BE PREGNANT. I am using them as an example of how God answers prayer in HIS time, not mine. Their heart's desire was received, but they had to wait on God for it. God knows my heart's desire and I am believing Him for it.

Thanks to those who were praying for me. It worked!

I got the Blues

Feeling really down today...lots on my mind, wrestling with some things that I need answers to. Even though I'm praying about it, I still don't have an answer and it's kind of bringing me down. Of course, what I need answered is not an earth-shattering issue by any stretch of the imagination and is purely personal, but nonetheless, it's consuming my thoughts.

Prayers on my behalf gladly accepted.

Quirky....who me?

Kay at tagged me with this meme, so here goes.

Six quirky things about me. Lots of people tell me I'm quirky, but it is sure hard to think of specific examples!

The rules:

1) Link to the person who tagged me.
2) Mention the rules.
3) Tell six quirky yet boring, unspectacular details about myself.
4) Tag six other blogger´s by linking to them.
5) Go to each person’s blog and leave a comment that lets them know they’ve been tagged.


1. I think I could live on cereal. In fact, I like to mix different kinds together, like honey nut cheerios and cocoa krispies, for example.

2. I CANNOT cook in a dirty kitchen. If there are dishes in the sink and stuff on the counters and it's time to cook, first I clean it all up. I know, I'm just going to messy it up again, but it's just how it is. My family has learned to deal with it.

3. I CANNOT function with clutter around me or in my general vicinity. I have to clear it out first. I HAVE to. It makes me nutty if I don't.

4. I don't know how to sit still and just chill. Ask my hubby. My hands have to busy all the time, even if it's just with a "fidget." I can't sit still. Can't do it. I've tried.

5. I can't stand for anyone to touch my eyes. Eye doctor included. It's a trip at my annual eye exam, believe me. Don't even get me started about the makeup counter.

6. I cannot miss any episodes of "Who's Going to be the Next Food Network Star." Can't do it. I have stayed up way past my bedtime in order to watch every episode. I even watched it on vacation. Yep. And I made everyone else there watch it too. They said they liked it.


Now, I am to tag 6 people.

I tag:

Enzo
Sharon
Lisa
Jenny
Teresa
Nancy

It's Still True....

This here test said so, and, after reading my test results, I have to say it's spot on. Good thing is, it says I'm "balanced." oooh, ahhh...

Take the test for yourself and let me know what it says about you!

www.mindmedia.com/braintest.html

I tried to set up a direct link, but blogger wouldn't let me. Sorry 'bout that.



Here are my results for your reading pleasure.

Your Brain Usage Profile:

Auditory : 50%
Visual : 50%
Left : 47%
Right : 52%

Betty, you are one of those rare individuals who are perfectly "balanced" in both your hemispheric tendencies and your sensory learning preferences. However, there is both good news and bad news.

A problem with hemispheric balance is that you will tend to feel more conflict than someone who has a clearly established dominance. At times the conflict will be between what you feel and what you think but will also involve how you attack problems and how you perceive information. Details which will seem important to the right hemis- phere will be discounted by the left and vice versa, which can present a hindrance to learning efficiently.

In the same vein, you may have a problem with organization. You might organize your time and/or space only to feel the need to reorganize five to ten weeks later.

On the positive side, you bring resources to problem-solving that others may not have. You can perceive the "big picture" and the essential details simultaneously and maintain the cognitive perspective required. You possess sufficient verbal skills to translate your intuition into a form which can be understood by others while still being able to access ideas and concepts which do not lend themselves to language.

Your balanced nature might lead you to second-guess yourself in artistic endeavors, losing some of the fluidity, spontaneity and creativity that otherwise would be yours.

With your balanced sensory styles, you process data alternately, at times visually and other times auditorially. This usage of separate memories may cause you to require more time to integrate information or re-access it. When presented with situations which force purely visual or purely auditory learning, increased anxiety is likely and your learning efficiency will decrease.

Your greatest benefit is that you can succeed in multiple fields due to the great plasticity and flexibility you possess.

Kindness

I was tagged by Irish Eyes with the following MEME...sorry it's taken me so long to respond. What can I say?

The Five Kind Things Meme works like this:

List five kind things you do for yourself.

1. Take time each morning (or most mornings) to pray and study God's Word.
2. Buy myself a Mocha Madness before work to sip on all morning. Decaf.
3. Get manicures.
4. Keep up with regular haircuts and color.
5. Use the Internet for shopping. I dislike going to the mall immensely. I have to be in the mood for that.

List five kind things you do for your closest friend, partner or child.

1. Listen
2. Do their laundry, even when THEY'RE supposed to be doing it. You know who you are.
3. Babysit.
4. Fix their favorite meals.
5. Be a taxi driver.


List five kind things you have done for a stranger.

1. Cut me in line at the checkout at the grocery store.
2. Hold doors open.
3. Pick up whatever they dropped (particularly with elderly people).
4. Listen (this often happens with new clients at the office - they need to vent)
5. Bring a meal over (like for a new neighbor or someone from church that is sick, etc. Sometimes I don't know them!)


List five kind things you do for fun.

1. Hang out with my BFF Rach.
2. Hang out with my sister (scrapbooking, usually. Shopping occasionally).
3. Hang out with my kids playing board games or going mini golfing or the movies.
4. Go out with my dh for a "date."
5. Surf the Internet.

List five people you are tagging with this meme.

1. Enzo
2. Loop de loops
3. Amy
4. Jenny
5. Danah

We're back....

Well, it was an interesting vacation, but God is good!The weather, once again, was not that great. Last year it rained all week. This year, well, it rained. But not as often as last year. We had one nice day, which I totally believe was God's doing. We went to Santa's village on Saturday, and according to one of the employees, it was raining on his way in to work, but once he got there he noticed that there wasn't a drop of rain in the sky. In fact, the sun was out. God kept the rain away for us, and I am so grateful. We had a great time at SV. Once we got back to the house, though, the heavens opened and rained poured and thunder rumbled, but that's ok... we were safe and sound in our vacation home.
Here are some pics...

One is of the kids at Pirate's Cove Mini Golf; the other is on the roller coaster at SV.

We ended up leaving early because of the weather. Good thing, too. I hear the weather went from bad to worse after we left. Not to mention we had tornado warnings in my town (unbeknownst to us, though) and the heavens opened with rain and incredible thunder and lightning just as the last suitcase was being carried into our home. I danced in the rain that day. Just because.

As a consolation prize to the kids, we went to Canobie Lake Park on Friday. The kids had a blast there. My oldest son is a roller coaster junkie LOL

I now have return-from-vacationitis...you know, when you need a vacation from your vacation!

V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N

We're off on our annual NH vacation! We leave in a couple hours for a week of fun (hopefully!).

This is a pic of the house we rent. This will be our third year, and we just love it! The kids have been looking forward to it for months now. I am praying for good weather, to see a moose (from a distance, not up close or on my car!), and good gas mileage as we will be traveling in our Expedition (a very thirsty beast). I am trusting God for good fuel economy!

We won't have internet access while we are there, but I hope to gets lots of pics and will (hopefully) post some here.

I've Been Tagged!

5 Things you would do if you weren't afraid:


Bungy jump
Undergo liposuction
Learn to ride a bike
Learn to swim
Be totally obedient to God

The perfect pizza - barbeque chicken with bbq sauce and blue cheese. YUM!

Strangest thing you can find on Ebay - I once saw an empty refrigerator box for sale advertised as the "mother-in-law" box or something like that.

Some over used words - "seriously" "apparently" "mad.... (my kids say this all the time to express something that is "out there")


Where does the other sock end up - I think the same aliens that take my teenagers from time to time also take the socks, just to aggravate me.

Laminin

The glue that holds cells together...

Oh To Understand The Cross

Aren't They Cute?

Here's a pic of the latest additions to our family...... four cuddly little kittens courtesy of our newest kitty, Smokey.

Smokey is a stray that adopted my hubby when she met him at a friend's house. Smokey was the runt of a litter, but I think she's a cutey and she has managed to fill out just fine AND gave birth to four of the cutest, cuddliest little kittens I have ever seen.

The two calicos are named Curio and Rosie; the black kitty with the white paws is Scooter, and the black kitty is Tiger. Aren't they cute?

Week 17 - God's Glory

This week's word is GLORY. Since I'm not feeling particularly eloquent today, I'll just post pics of the card.

Week 16 - God's Presence

The back side of my card did not photograph well, but here is what it says:

“God alone is capable of making Himself known as He really is. We search in reasoning and in sciences, as in a poor copy. What we neglect to see is God’s painting Himself in the depth of our soul.” ~ Bro. Lawrence

Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at they right hand there are pleasures forevermore. ~ Ps. 16:11

STAY TUNED......

lots of pictures of my home improvements projects are forthcoming! I cannot believe how much got done this week - I love my FIL!!!

As of today, I have a new bathroom and a redecorated family room (finally, I've only been waiting ten years to do it!). My FIL wants to paint another room before he heads back home, but I can't decide which one of the boys' room to tackle. They are both a wreck (they are teenagers, enough said).

Weeks 12 & 13

I fell a little behind in posting my weekly Scripture challenge card, so here for your viewing pleasure are weeks 12 & 13.

Week 15 - JOY

The word of the week was Joy.

The first verse I thought of was "The joy of the LORD is my strength," but I wanted pick something a little less ordinary. So, after some searching, I came across Ps. 16:11 - I can have JOY in this world because God has given me the JOY of His presence. Just knowing He is with me through whatever might come to pass is a great comfort to me; it is also a source of JOY. I can rejoice in the fact that one day I will be with Him forever.

UGH....I'm sick

It finally hit me. I have thus far managed to escape all the crud out there making people sick. It's been through my house quite a few times since the beginning of the year, but never once did I get afllicted. Until now. It appears that the cruddies have found me. I wish they hadn't.

The one good thing? It isn't strep, which boy #1 had last week and I managed to stay healthy throughout the entire 14 weeks of my online course. Ok, that's two good things. And in case anyone's wondering, yes, I have thanked Him that I am sick NOW, at the completion of the course rather than during. I don't think I could have finished the last assignment with as foggy a brain as I have right now. God is good.

Now, I'm off to pray for a speedy recovery. I am FINALLY getting a vacation AND my in-laws are visiting. I would much prefer to not have to spend my much anticipated time off from work being sick.

Achoo.

Coast to Coast

My inlaws fly in from Victorville, CA today! I'm looking forward to their visit, all 16 days of it. My in-laws are really great people and my FIL has a sense of humor that I can totally relate to.

They will be here during our kids' spring break, which is a real treat for all of us. We are planning a birthday party for all three kids for next weekend in part because their grandparents are here and in part because we are so anxious to get out in the sunshine after such a dreary winter.

WOOHOOOOO!!

I'm done! I have completed my Paralegal Certificate program and will "officially" be a paralegal in two weeks (once grades are finalized and mailed). I can hardly believe it! I have wanted to do this for so many years, but never had the courage to do it - I had lots of excuses- no time, no money, I'm too old, etc.



I am so thrilled to have had this opportunity, and while I'm glad it's done, I'm kind of sad, too. I will miss checking in with my classmates every day. I will miss the challenge of researching and writing and doing my homework. Yep, I'm a geek - I enjoy homework. I will even miss stressing about quizzes, tests, and deadlines. Even though I do all this at work on a daily basis, it's different somehow (no quizzes or tests LOL). I enjoyed "talking" to my classmates about tough legal issues. It's totally different than brainstorming and discussing cases with my boss - I already know what he thinks LOL


But, now that it's done, I can say that I have completed my education and should the need ever arise for me to find another job, I can add my certificate to my experience and with God's help end up right where He wants me to be. That's the best place to be, regardless of credentials, education, or hard work. God gave me the job I have now, and has orchestrated the events of my life to bring me to this point; God gave me this opportunity; God helped me to do well; God will take care of the rest of it from here.


So, even though I say "I" finished the program, what I mean is that because of God, I was able to take this opportunity and totally enjoy it. With His help, I finished and I finished well. Thank you, Lord.

AND, to my sweet husband who lovingly pushed me to "just do it" and assured me that somehow, some way we would find the means to pay for it and make time for me to study, THANK YOU!!!! I love you so very much, for so many reasons. And now I can add your support and encouragement of me through these past 14 weeks to those reasons. You put up with my rantings and concern about my grades, my assignments, whether I was doing enough or too much; the list goes on. You were my voice of reason in the midst of it all. Thank you for following God's leading in encouraging me to do this.

ILYM

Warming Up For My Happy Dance

Well, I did it! I submitted my final assignment on my final module for my Paralegal Certificate. It was pretty complex, but at least I understand litigation. I hope the grades post quickly!

Week 14 - Comfort

Now that the corporate module is over, I can get back to being creative. It feels good to play with all my paper and stuff again! This week's Scripture Challenge word was "Comfort."

I really felt the benefits of this word last week. Between everyone's encouragement, my husband's confidence in me, and the peace I ultimately felt while waiting for my grade was definitely God's way of giving me comfort through that situation.

FINALLY!!!!

the grades are in. I got a "B" and I am thrilled! Normally, I get "A", but in this case, a "B" is just as good if not better.

Phew! That's over.

Nothing Yet............

and the natives are restless. Word from BU is that the grades have not even been entered yet, and that "technically" the instructor has 72 full hours to post the grades, which gives him until midnight tonight. Never mind that every other instructor so far has managed to get the grades posted by midday on Wednesday, but that is not the case here. Being the stinker that he seems to be, my guess is that grades will be released at 11:59 p.m. tonight.

The students are in a frenzy and I fear a cyber-riot. I'll keep you posted!

Countdown

Only 36.5 hours (hopefully) until grades are posted for Corporate Law. Patience is a virtue; patience is a virtue; patience is a virtue; patience is a virtue.....

Uniform Commercial Code or UCC as it is "un" affectionately called

I have just completed two of the most difficult weeks in my educational life to date. I am so glad it's over, though I am still stressing about my grade, which will not be revealed until midweek.



To the right, you can see the UCC in all its hardbound glory. Yep, all those books for one "Code" covering business entities, securities, and secured transactions. Everything from creating a security interest (buy now, no payments for 24 months), collateral, liens on bank accounts secondary to a financing statement, defaults, PMSIs, blah, blah, blah, etc.

These past two weeks, I have been studying a portion of Article 9 of the UCC for my paralegal class. Can I just reiterate how relieved I am it's over? I have never been so confused by legal jargon in my entire career. The class was HARD. There is just so much to learn and only two weeks to learn it. Now, mind you, this class covered only one section of Article 9 - the typical UCC course takes a law student at least six months to cover and sometimes a year, depending on the law school. My brain is confused.

The grading for the class is based on two quizzes, which I did miserably on, BTW. The professor stated that he will also take into account our participation in the discussions. That's all nice and fine, but there was very little discussion because all of us were so overwhelmed we couldn't discuss anything! Seriously, most of the discussions revolved around how confused and overwhelmed we were and could someone please explain the text in English????

I cannot believe how difficult this class was for me. I have been working in the legal field for 21 years and it threw me for a loop. Granted, I don't work in corporate law, but I have dabbled in it a bit. Apparently, it was nowhere near enough dabbling.

At least it's done. I've done my best. I'm praying that I get a passing grade, or else the past 12 weeks have been for nothing as BU requires at least a C in every course to earn the certificate. Time will tell.... only 57.5 hours until grades are posted.

Can You Say "Food Of The Gods?"

I have a household of picky eaters, some more picky than others. Boy #2 calls himself a breadetarian (sort of like a vegetarian, but because he doesn't eat meat or vegetables, he created another name to accurately define his eating preferences).

Said Boy is very, very picky. There are only a few things he will eat: pizza, pasta with sauce (no meat or meatballs unless said meat or meatballs comes from a can and is made by Chef Boy R Dee), bread (no butter, mayo, peanut butter, jelly or other condiment typically placed thereon), mashed potatoes (instant not real), macaroni and cheese (from the box, not homemade), any sort of dessert product so long as it contains chocolate, breadsticks dipped in marinara, PLAIN potato chips, and occasionally chicken nuggets or breaded chicken patty (only on a good day). He also likes ice cream, but it has to be vanilla or cake batter. Nothing with stuff in it. He will eat peanuts and cashews, but only if they are dry roasted and lightly salted. Apples, peeled. Eggs, over-medium or scrambled and pancakes (plain or chocolate chip). That's it. No steak, hamburger, pork, or fish. No veggies, except maybe corn if he's feeling benevolent toward food. No grapes, peaches, strawberries (or any berry for that matter), or oranges.

As you can well imagine, mealtime at my house is quite an adventure, not to mention a huge undertaking, what with trying to create meals that everyone will at least taste. If they actually eat it, it's a plus!


Well, I have FINALLY come across a recipe that EVERYONE, including picky Son #2 will eat. I had to tell you about Son #2 lack of culinary adventure so that you all could appreciate the following recipe. The child who doesn't eat anything and inspects every morsel of food he puts in his mouth, actually asked for seconds today. I nearly fell over!

So, for all you moms with picky eaters, RUN to the store and pick up these ingredients because your child(ren) will eat this. If Son #2 deemed it not only worth of eating, but worthy of a second serving, ANYONE will eat this.

So, without further adieu, the recipe:

CHICKEN WITH 40 CLOVES OF GARLIC:

Copyright 2004, Barefoot in Paris, All Rights Reserved Show: Barefoot Contessa Episode: Dinner and a Movie

3 whole heads garlic, about 40 cloves 2 (3 1/2-pound) chickens, cut into eighths Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 2 tablespoons good olive oil 3 tablespoons Cognac, divided 1 1/2 cups dry white wine 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons heavy creamSeparate the cloves of garlic and drop them into a pot of boiling water for 60 seconds. Drain the garlic and peel. Set aside. Dry the chicken with paper towels. Season liberally with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the butter and oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. In batches, saute the chicken in the fat, skin side down first, until nicely browned, about 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Turn with tongs or a spatula; you don't want to pierce the skin with a fork. If the fat is burning, turn the heat down to medium. When a batch is done, transfer it to a plate and continue to saute all the chicken in batches. Remove the last chicken to the plate and add all of the garlic to the pot. Lower the heat and saute for 5 to 10 minutes, turning often, until evenly browned. Add 2 tablespoons of the Cognac and the wine, return to a boil, and scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the chicken to the pot with the juices and sprinkle with the thyme leaves. Cover and simmer over the lowest heat for about 30 minutes, until all the chicken is done. Remove the chicken to a platter and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of the sauce and the flour and then whisk it back into the sauce in the pot. Raise the heat, add the remaining tablespoon of Cognac and the cream, and boil for 3 minutes. Add salt and pepper, to taste; it should be very flavorful because chicken tends to be bland. Pour the sauce and the garlic over the chicken and serve hot.

My child, who will not eat anything that is not boxed, processed, or stripped of fiber and nutrients, loved this dish and asked is he could have some more for supper tonight.

This recipe is the food of the gods..... go ahead and try it and let me know what you think!

I was tagged by Kay and since I love these sorts of quiz, answers these questions kind of things, here goes:







Meme of Fives

1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post the player than tags 5 people and posts their names, than goes to their blogs and leaves a comment, letting them know they done got tagged and to ask them to play and read your blog.


What was I doing 10 years ago? 1998


1. I filed for divorce
2. I buried my father
3. I rededicated my life to Christ
4. I was a single mom to my sons, ages 3 and 5
   
5. I was working as a full-time office manager/paralegal
   


5 things on my to-do list today


1. Go to work
2. Pick up my middle child from school
3. Visit with my friend, Rach
4. Do homework
5. Workout

Snacks I enjoy



1. Ice cream
2. Hot cocoa
3. Hershey miniatures
4. Bananas
5. dried cranberries & almonds (mixed together)
   

Things I would do if I were a billionaire


1. Tithe on it!
2. Donate enough money to our church to pay for the addition we need
3. Buy a house
4. Put money away for my children's college education and/or downpayment on their first home
5. Travel to Europe, particularly Italy

Five of my bad habits


1. Biting my nails - this is why I have acrylics LOL
   
2. Letting clean laundry pile up - I hate putting it away
3. Not exercising regularly
4. Procrastinating
5. Putting off household chores like dusting so I can do something more fun - like anything else except household chores LOL

Five places I have lived

I've always lived right where I am


Five jobs I've had

1. Bank teller
2. Legal Secretary
3. Office Manager
4. Transcriptionist for a private investigator
5. Paralegal


I Tag ~

1. Sharon
2. Jenny
3. Greg
4. Kelly
5. Amy

Week 11 - LIVE

This word has lots of implications, particularly since it is Resurrection weekend. First, Christ LIVES. Because He LIVEs, I can LIVE, too.
Second, is the question that Patter (www.triplethescraps.blogspot.com) posed which in essence is do you live the Christian life or is it just something you do on Sundays or special occasions?

While I have a long way to go, I can say that I strive to LIVE a life worthy of my calling every day, not just on Sundays. But I still have a long way to go. I will never be fully alive until I am in heaven. Until then, I can LIVE every day just a little more faithfully, a little more passionately, a little more spirit-led than the day before. Until finally I will LIVE with Christ in glory.

Feeling Blah

Ever have one of those days (or weeks) when you're just feeling blah?

I'm tempted to blame my mood on the lack of sunshine and the endless of winter, but honestly that can't be it. I mean, sure, it probably has a little to do with it, but in actuality, this winter has not been that bad. I remember WARM days, and even lots of really sunny days, interspersed with some snow and cold. So, why am I feeling so down in the dumps? Why is it that Gloomius Maximus seems to be overstaying his welcome?

I wish I knew. It's time for him to go.

Week 10 - GRACE

Grace: unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification; disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency

That perfectly described what God has done for us through Jesus - through Christ's sacrificial death, we are now under God's grace - we have UNMERITED divine assistance to be regenerated into the image of Christ. A lifelong pursuit to be sure, but so worth it! God's grace can also describe that aspect of His character. His disposition is to act in kindness towards us and by His grace, we are made new. Old sins are forgiven, present sins are forgiven, future sins are forgiven. ALL sin is forgiven. It's hard to wrap my mind around this concept of grace, but even harder to wrap my mind around the concept of forgiveness. Why would God want to do that for us? Because another of His traits, the very essence of Who He is, is LOVE. He couldn't NOT make a way for us to be restored to relationship with Him. The way is freely offered...salvation, forgiveness, new life in Christ. It's up to us to accept or reject the gift.

Thank God for His grace, for now I am made new.

In The Home Stretch

Well, I have officially started Week 9 of 14 in my Paralegal class at Boston University. I cannot believe how quickly the time has flown! I was so afraid that the workload of an online class would be overwhelming, but my dh convinced me that even if it was, I could do anything for 14 weeks! He was right. Some classes have been harder than others, but my experience in the field has definitely helped. I cannot imagine coming into all this information without any experience. Each module is covered in two weeks' time - that is a LOT of information to absorb and understanding in such a short time!

So, with that said, I am just so very grateful to God for His perfect timing with this coursework. I have wanted to get my certificate for YEARS, but just never did it. God knew that I would be ready NOW. The years of experience, together with my most recent participation in REAL LIFE on some cases that were perfect examples of the fact patterns used in class, have made this course so very enjoyable and manageable.

I am absolutely loving being back in school. My mind is already contemplating what I can study next. Alas, I could be a lifelong student if I let myself be. Maybe some kind of theology or Greek class is in order....hmm, I'll have to pray on that.

Week 9 - Prayer

Prayer


It is truly my lifeline. I find myself talking to God nearly all the time, not out loud mind you because then I would be certifiable.

Yet, I find myself often in dialogue with God about random things throughout my day. Then there's my special prayer time where I lay out specific requests.

Prayer is not just something to do when you have the time - it is absolutely essential to living the life God calls us to.

Words of hope for today's woman

Ok, I know that these lyrics aren't Scripture, but they make a good point. I, for one, often feel inadequate when measured against society's standard of beauty. I am constantly reminidng myself that GOD defines who I am - the standard to meet is HIS, not man's.

Anyhow, as I sit here at work, the song whose lyrics are listed below is playing and I am reminded again that who I am is not defined by what I see in the mirror. I am defined by God, and He tells me that I am precious in His sight, that He is enthralled with my beauty (found in my heart as I truly seek Him), and that He delights over me with singing (Zeph. 3:17). He loved me enough to let His Son die for me, while I was yet a sinner Christ died for me. Before I knew Him, before I was even a fleeting thought in my parents' mind, He knew me (Ps. 139:14-15) and knew the plans He had for me - plans to prosper and not harm me - to give me a future and a hope. (Jer. 29:11)

I am reminded again that beauty to God is found in my heart - a meek and gentle spirit and a life that bears much fruit to HIS glory, not my own. (I Pet. 3: 3-4)

God's standard is high - higher than the world's - yet it is far easily more attainable then man's, ironically enough. He has given me everything I need to live life well and to live life HIS way (II Pet. 1:3-10)

So, here's some inspiration for today:

"Mirror" by Barlow Girl

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, Have I got it?
'Cause Mirror you've always told me who I am
I'm finding it's not easy to be perfect
So sorry you won't define me
Sorry you don't own me

Who are you to tell me
That I'm less than what I should be?
Who are you? Who are you?
I don't need to listen
To the list of things I should do
I won't try, I won't try

Mirror I am seeing a new reflection
I'm looking into the eyes of He who made me
And to Him I have beauty beyond compare
I know He defines me

You don't define me, you don't define me

'Nuff said

I'm a Mazda Miata!

You like to soak up the sun, but your tastes are down to earth. Everyone thinks you're cute. Life is a winding road, and you like to take the curves in stride. Let other people compete in the rat race - you're just here to enjoy the ride.

Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

Week 8 - TRUST

This past week's word was TRUST. Another one of those words we throw around daily with an idea of what it actually means, but do you really?

I didn't, so I looked it up. I told you I love the dictionary. It's a very cool tool!

To TRUST is to be assured of the ability, character, strength, and truth of something or someone. That is quite a shoe to fill - to be so "good" that another person can be assured of your ability, character, and strength. That what you say and what you do are true. Always. And to rest in the fact that person you are putting your trust in will be all these things. All the time.

I for one, am not that "good." I will fail and disappoint those I love, more often than not unintentionally.

God, however, will not. By His very nature, He cannot fail. His ability and strength are all encompassing. His love is beyond measure or comprehension. His character is perfect - He is love, peace, joy, meekness, patience. He is long suffering, slow to anger and rich in mercy and grace. His Word is true. Always.

I can TRUST Him. Always. I can be assured that He is who He says He is and that He will do what He says He will do. I can be assured that when His Word says He loves me and delights in me, that it is so. I can TRUST that I am the apple of His eye and that He loves me with an everlasting love. That He will never leave me or forsake me. That I am forgiven and redeemed and one day, I will see Him face to face.

What or whom do you TRUST?

A Taste of Summer

Today we are going to a pool party. Yes, I know it's raining and cold, and yes, I know that just a few miles north of us, they are getting pounded with more snow. But, today, we are going to bask in a pseudo-summer type of thing. Some friends from church are hosting their kids' birthday party today at another friend's home. This friend happens to have an indoor pool. Very cool! And very generous of the friend to offer her home.

So, I have had the pleasure today of unpacking some swim trucks and a bathing suit for my kids. It was very surreal. My heat is turned up because it's so cold and here I am taking out shorts and a bathing suit and dressing my kids in them. It should be a fun time.

After that, we have plans to drive up to my sister's house for the evening. Her stepsons are visiting this weekend, so we are getting together for some "cousin" time. I think we are going to a place called Cinema Pub. It's a restaurant that serves you dinner while a CURRENT movie plays on the big screen. I believe tonight's choices of movies are "The Bucket List" and "Enchanted." Should be fun; I've never been there. I like doing new things.

Hope you all have a great weekend! Stay tuned for my post on this week's word, TRUST.

Just another Monday

I love Mondays. Yes, I know I'm a freak.

Think about it, though. Mondays are the start of a whole new week! Who knows what adventure lies ahead? Gone is the weekend that, in spite of all good intentions of relaxing and doing something fun, was spent cleaning and cooking and grocery shopping. Now, it's back to work and doing all the fun stuff like talking to clients, filing stuff with the Court, putting out fires, studying my next module in my online class, scrapbooking for the weekly challenge I'm in, checking emails, running kids to and fro, meeting with the tax guy, etc.

Well, gotta dash. Work is waiting.

Love Is In The Air

Here's a pic of a layout I did for my hubby's birthday and Valentine's Day present - he loved it!

Boston University

Well, I finally did it!

I enrolled in Boston University's online paralegal program. I am just approaching the halfway mark and I am so excited and thrilled to be a part of this program. I love being in school. If I could afford it, and had the time to devote to it, I could be a perpetual student. I love learning stuff!

God is so awesome for giving me this opportunity!