What's happened to TV?

Is it just me or has television simply gone to hell in a hand basket? (Does that sound like somebody's grandma talking or what? ☺) We recently spent a couple of years living overseas where our TV viewing was minimal and somewhat "tame." We moved back to the States a few months ago and all I can say is... Wow! What a difference a couple of years makes! I'm completely and utterly taken aback by the "in your face" shows we're bombarded with these days. Seemingly nothing is off-limits. The more drama and dirt, the better.

There are some shows that have actually been on the air for several years, which I still find hard to believe. Need an example? Okay, how about The Jerry Springer Show? Who watches this garbage? Show of hands, please. This is seriously the most pathetic form of entertainment ever! They round up these dysfunctional people who seemingly can't wait to air their dirty laundry for the whole world to see and hear. Is it all real? Do people truly stoop this low to in order to be seen on television? I can't watch this show in its entirety. I've tried, for the sheer sake of giving it a chance before I judged it too harshly, but it's impossible. I'm embarrassed for the guests and I want to ask Jerry Springer if he feels good about himself for the role he plays in perpetuating the aggressive, vulgar, totally inappropriate behavior his guests display show after show.

Have you ever watched daytime soap operas? I've been a big fan of the ABC shows... All My Children, One Life to Live and General Hospital. I started thinking about what happens on these shows and have realized that the storylines are full of indecency... people sleeping around, cheating on their significant others, ruining lives, etc. How uplifting is that? I don't want my kids to see any of that nonsense.

Some of the newer shows on TV that make me crazy are these reality shows such as Jersey Shore, The Bachelor, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane, Jerseylicious and Real Housewives of ___________ (You can literally fill in the blank here as there are multiple versions of this show). These shows put fame, fortune and all things fake on a big ol' pedestal. They scream, "Look at me! Look at me!" Everyone wants to be seen, no matter what. Just listen to this (You'll need to turn off the music on the right-hand side of this blog & then click on the video below.).


Now I ask you... have you ever seen as much makeup, big hair, bling and cleavage in your life? OK, maybe you have, but is this something I really care to look at week after week? And that's just the visual! What about the language? This whole scenario may be 100% fake, but my question is ... WHO CARES? What kind of message are they trying to send viewers? I guess I don't understand the point of the show. It's like junior high on steroids with the cat fights, back stabbing and trash talk. There is nothing... I mean NO-THING redeeming about this show.

TV shows aside... What about our news media? Boy, they are over the top with their coverage of negative stories, aren't they? It's like they take great pleasure in exposing the most ugly, sordid details of people's lives and situations. Think about the people you see in the news most often and the reason(s) why. There seems to be a heck of a lot more negative than positive press, wouldn't you agree?

One would have to be deaf and blind not to realize this is actor Charlie Sheen, particularly since his wild, erratic behavior is a very popular topic right now. He's such a talented actor, but his personal life is a hot mess, and his business has become everyone's business because the media makes sure he's everywhere we turn... TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, the internet... you name it, Charlie's there.

It's no secret who this young lady is, especially since the photo happens to include her name. I chose an older photo of Miley Cyrus to post here because this was before all the drama in her life seemingly started. This is a younger, more carefree & innocent Miley. I don't know anything about her other than what the media would have us believe, and how true any of that is... well, it's anybody's guess. Her provocative photos must sell because we certainly see lots of them in the media.

I keep hearing the song Dirty Laundry by Don Henley playing in the back of my mind. Do you know that song? The lyrics ring so true... "People love it when you lose. They love dirty laundry...... Kick 'em when they're up, kick 'em when they're down." As much as we may think it would be cool to be famous, I think celebrity status carries with it a huge burden. Living your life in the spotlight for all to see, being constantly under the microscope and having people who don't even know you judge your every action must be very difficult.

What is it about our society that makes us want to watch and celebrate others make complete messes of their lives? Why are we obsessed with people who are "train wrecks waiting to happen"? We seem to get pleasure out of other people's pain and misfortune. The more they misbehave, the more attention they get... because we give it to them. We watch the shows and read the articles that gossip about others. Why? Does it make us feel better about our own lives?

TV can be fun, entertaining and educational, and I truly enjoy watching sometimes, but I find myself tuning out more than in these days because quite frankly, I'm tired of the negative messages I'm receiving. Whatever happened to shows like The Waltons and Little House on the Prairie?

Pray continually... and have a good attitude about it!

The subject of praying continually has been on my mind and in my heart a lot lately, so much so that I decided to blog about it here.

Sometimes I feel completely overwhelmed with the number of prayer requests I receive every week. Do you know what I'm talking about? The cares and concerns of family members and friends are often enough to make me want to hang my head and cry. There are so many hurting people! I find myself almost wanting to turn a deaf ear to yet one more need, one more sad situation. I often just don't know how to pray effectively, but guess what? We're called to pray. And not just pray, but pray continually.

I've started making a mental list of those I have been asked to pray for lately, and honestly, the number is staggering. I have family and friends who are currently...

coping with divorce,

exhausted caretakers of elderly parents with major physical & emotional issues,

living with life-threatening illnesses,

struggling to help their nearly-grown child, who frequently finds drama and trouble, to learn from past mistakes and to move forward,

on an emergency trip home to visit a sick family member whose prognosis is unknown,

on an emergency trip home to attend a funeral after the unexpected death of a beloved parent,

living with Alzheimer's,

struggling with how to best serve the Lord; they have willing hearts, but unable bodies to serve in the way they had originally planned,

going through yet another military deployment,

dealing with family members' alcohol addiction...

The list could truly go on and on. You may have a similar list of needs and concerns, whether written or in your heart, that you're constantly praying over. It's easy to get depressed when I realize how much suffering there is in our world, just among the people I know personally. How can I possibly help any of these people? I can't. Not alone anyway. But I know someone who can, and hopefully you do too. Our Heavenly Father has the ability. He is mighty and capable, and He knows our deepest needs.

Amazingly enough, this same topic of praying continually came up today in the women's Bible study I attend. Coincidence? Nah, I totally think it was a God thing. I ♥ God things, don't you? Anyway, here's what the Bible tells us about praying continually...

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV, 2011)

How on earth is it possible to rejoice and give thanks while praying over unhappy circumstances? Is God serious? Does He really expect us to be able to have a good attitude in the process? Yes... He really does! Admittedly, that's a huge challenge for me. I don't have what I would call a strong prayer life. I'm selfish with my time and I'm not exactly the most faithful prayer warrior. I'm aware, however, that I'm a work in progress, and God is patient with my inadequacies. I'm trying to be more faithful with my prayer time. And let's face it, our world needs all the prayers we can pray... and then some!

The rejoicing & giving thanks part of prayer... well, I have to work on those aspects too. I don't think God expects me to be "happy" about the sorrow and suffering of others. I think He wants me to find hope & joy in the relationship I'm continually building with Him as I pour out my heart to Him and intercede for others, and that's where I can eventually find that thankful spirit. I can be thankful having the knowledge that God is always with me (and you) and He's not going anywhere. He hears our prayers, mine and yours.

I've often thought that there are certain times when praying is simply all we can do, but it's always the best we can do.

Where's HGTV when I need them?

We're contemplating a few home decorating upgrades. We've had some of our furniture for years, items that were passed down to us from family members, which we were grateful to receive when we were newlyweds. We've purchased several new things over the years, but we also still have many of the hand-me-downs as well. Now that we've been in this house for more than 6 months, we've decided we want to make some changes and replace a few pieces of furniture, as well as add some paint and window treatments in a couple of rooms. Sounds like fun, doesn't it? In theory, yes, but in reality, not so much.

We've moved many times in the past 15 years, and so often I've made the mistake of rushing out to purchase bedding or curtains (just fill in the blank here) to hurry up and make our house a home, one that reflects our personal style. (Luckily my husband and I do have similar tastes, which is a blessing.) I literally jump the gun and end up regretting choices I've made, because I eventually find something I like more. I hate that!

I vow every time we move that I'm not going to do that this time, however, old habits die hard, and I get so excited and anxious to get things in order that I don't allow myself time to mull things over before making final decisions. Life in the military can be so chaotic and uncertain, therefore I figure I can at least organize and decorate our home, an area over which I can actually take control. Am I speaking to anybody?

Now I'm more cautious and consider things for a longer period of time, but I'm starting to lose my focus and have come to a standstill in all projects. I can't make up my mind about anything. I'm afraid I have no style. I see these awesome ideas on TV, in catalogs & magazines, but when it comes to putting those ideas that appeal to me into motion, I draw a blank. I just want a professional to swoop in and do it all... furniture, window treatments, painting... all of it! Please?

I ♥ Bookworm! I'm not kidding. There are days when I could literally sit at my computer for hours on end playing this awesome game. It's a word game, so I'm exercising my brain, which is a good thing, right? It's not like I'm totally wasting my time. Please!

Okay, so I've let the laundry pile up a bit. I'll catch up. The kids can cook their own dinner once in a while. I've been meaning to teach them a little more responsibility lately anyway. Hey, it's okay to go without showering for a few days, right? Everybody does it! What's the big deal? Yes, I know my shoulder, arm and wrist ache, but that's certainly not due to tennis elbow as a result of playing a harmless online computer game. For heaven's sake!

Hi, my name is Marva and I'm a Bookworm addict. There... I've admitted my problem. Isn't that the first step to recovery?

God Will Take Care of You

This is just about the sweetest video ever. I don't even need to add any commentary here. Just check it out.



Told ya so, didn't I?

The Good Napkins

Someone emailed the following story to me and it made me giggle, which I've been needing to do more often lately. I have no idea where it originated, or if it's even true. Does it matter anyway? I think not. I figured I'd share it with you in hopes that it will make you giggle as well... Enjoy!

THE GOOD NAPKINS

My mother taught me to read when I was four years old (her first mistake). One day I was in the bathroom and noticed one of the cabinet doors was ajar. I read the box in the cabinet. I then asked my mother why she was keeping "napkins" in the bathroom. Didn't they belong in the kitchen? Not wanting to burden me with unnecessary facts, she told me that those were for "special occasions" (her second mistake).

Now fast forward a few months .... It's Thanksgiving Day, and my folks are leaving to pick up my uncle and his wife for dinner. Mom had assignments for all of us while they were gone. Mine was to set the table.

When they returned, my uncle came in first and immediately burst into laughter. Next came his wife who gasped, and then began giggling. Next came my father, who roared with laughter. Last came Mom, who almost died of embarrassment when she saw each place setting on the table with a "special occasion" Kotex napkin at each plate, with the fork carefully arranged on top. I had even tucked the little tail in so they didn't hang off the edge!

My mother asked me why I used these and, of course, my response sent the other adults into further fits of laughter. "But, Mom, you said they were for special occasions!"

Pass this on to your girlfriends who need a good laugh.

Life is too short for drama & petty things, so kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly... and for heaven's sake, use the good napkins whenever you can.

Where do I belong?

Do you ever feel like a spectator, seemingly always observing, but never truly participating in anything? That's sort of where I am at this point in my life. I don't say that to garner sympathy, only to perhaps see if anyone else is experiencing a similar feeling, and if so, how you're handling it.

The military lifestyle has called our family to move frequently, which has naturally meant that we've found ourselves in unfamiliar surroundings and situations over the years. We've been the "new family" in the _____________ (Fill in the blank with whatever word happens to be appropriate... squadron, church, school) many, many times. That doesn't normally bother me, as I'm not particularly shy, but I think the tables are turning for me and I'm finding that I'm not as comfortable in these settings as I once was, and I'm growing weary of being that new person everywhere I go.

You're probably familiar with the phrase "Bloom where you're planted." That's been my mantra for years. I know that we're only going to be residing in a place for a short time, and I have a choice of either sitting at home all alone or embracing my new surroundings, which, for me, means exploring the area, meeting new people and getting involved. I end up investing in a group of friends and it's always hard to leave and move on to the next place. I think that's the way it should be.

Leaving Spain to move back to the States was difficult. I had an awesome group of close friends and we did everything together. I think overseas assignments can tend to be very intimidating and isolating, therefore they lend themselves well to these types of tight-knit relationships. While I knew I was blessed to be there and to have these wonderful women in my life, I truly had no idea just how blessed. Don't you hate figuring these things out after the fact? I'd have treasured those people and that time in my life even more if I'd only known then what I know now.

I really thought that moving back to the States would be a fairly easy transition though. I mean, we'd lived in this area of Illinois before, so it was familiar territory. We had a church lined up, a beautiful home we'd purchased and good schools for the boys (That's debatable at times, but that's another post). So why do I feel this way? And what does "this way" mean? I can't verbalize it other than to say that it's unfamiliar to me and not at all what I'd expected.

Our military base is very "rank heavy," meaning there are lots of high-ranking officers stationed here. I have been in several situations over the last 6 months that have left me feeling very unwelcomed and discontented, situations where people are obviously name dropping, I suppose to impress others with the fact that they know "So & So." I've endured conversations where all people can talk about is their husbands' jobs and who's making general. I think it's great that people are being promoted, and they have my respect, especially considering how difficult it can be to make such a high rank, not to mention the time and attention their jobs require. I just know that these folks put on their pants the same way I do every day.

Quite frankly, I'm not interested in superficial relationships at this point in my life because they have no substance. I don't want to get to know someone just because her spouse is a general. Don't people see the insincerity of those who so are so obviously playing the game? I just want to be friends with someone because I enjoy her company and have a common interest. I don't really care what her spouse does. Does rank have to be a prerequisite for friendship?

I'm extremely proud of my husband for his military accomplishments because I know he's worked very hard in his career. I admire his stamina and dedication to being the best he can be, but not just in terms of his military career. I'm even more proud of the person he is, and how blessed the boys and I are that he's my husband and their father. My husband's rank has no real bearing on my feelings for him. Am I proud that he's earned his rank? Yes, of course I am. Does it make him more important/special in my eyes? No, it does not. And more to the point, does/should his rank elevate me as a person? Absolutely not! I could go the rest of my life without hearing "What does your husband do?" and be just fine.

I've always considered myself to be outgoing and hospitable. I'm all about inclusion and have tried to go out of my way over the years to reach out to newcomers, knowing how it feels to be in their shoes, and also knowing how great it is to be on the receiving end of a warm welcome. There's no better feeling!

I don't feel warmth here, not yet anyway. I'm still searching, and trying not to let my own judgmental feelings get in the way. Not everyone is careless and calculating. I know there are other women here who want the same things I do. I'm attempting to surround myself with positive, genuine people. One of the loneliest feelings for me is not having a sense of belonging. I no longer belong to the group of people I just left, and I don't yet belong to a group of people in my new surroundings. In the meantime, I wonder... Where DO I belong? God willing, I will eventually figure that out, hopefully sooner than later.

I'm still kickin'... and cleanin'

It's been several weeks since my last post, and I wonder if I can remember how to do this blogging thing. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's have all come and gone and now it's mid-January. For heaven's sake, I feel like I've lost a huge chunk of my life in the blink of an eye.

To be completely honest, I haven't felt like I had that much to share with anyone. I guess after having lived overseas and traveled to so many incredible places, it doesn't seem particularly exciting to write about my day-to-day life in Illinois.

Then again, maybe, just maybe, you might find my daily adventures amusing, because I manage to do a lot of really goofy things... things that would probably boost your self-esteem by several points. And of course I share all of this with my readers, all 3 of you, because it's like a community service kind of deal. I'm here for YOU!

Need an example of a goofy thing I've done? I'm happy to oblige. Just two days ago, I opened my refrigerator and discovered it reeked of something really strong, but I couldn't quite put my finger on the cause. I started moving items around on the very full shelves (Thank you, Lord, for lots of food to eat!), and finally determined the odor was coming from a jar of pickled beets that had overturned in the back of the refrigerator.

Oh, okay... no problem, I figured. I would just wipe up the mess and be done. That's not how it went down... not even close. This turned out to be a 2-hour ordeal that required the removal of every single jar, bottle, baggie, package and plastic bowl we owned, as well as all of the shelves and drawers themselves. Yep, that reddish pickled beet juice was everywhere. I kid you not. How could that much juice be in one little jar of pickled beets? Enough to drain out and splatter onto (and into) three shelves, three drawers, down the back of the refrigerator, onto the wound up water tubing, and then of course it pooled in the very bottom too. Just a fantastic mess! I can make 'em, I tell ya!

I should have taken a photo, but I was so on the verge of tears that it didn't occur to me at the time. The first 15 minutes of cleaning wasn't that bad, but that's because I hadn't realized to what extent my refrigerator was covered in pickled beet juice. Once I fully understood the serious cleaning job that awaited me, I began to mutter to myself, and eventually laugh, and I don't mean just a chuckle. I mean hysterical laughing, out of control laughing, the kind that could worry others who happen to be in your presence.

Just so you know, this exact scenario happened to me just a year or so ago. Yep, pickled beets and I don't have a good track record together. Maybe that's my cue to stop buying them. In fact, I feel pretty certain God Himself is trying to tell me that I need to cut pickled beets out of my diet altogether. You know what? Message received!

On a positive note, my refrigerator is spotless now. Don't envy.

I'm thankful for...

As a kid, I remember singing these songs, not just in church, but in school as well. Most schools don't allow this type of music anymore, unless they're parochial schools. That truly saddens me. More and more it seems we're pushing God out, doesn't it? We're forgetting where we came from and turning our backs on our Heavenly Father, the One who created us, and loved us so much that He sent His one and only Son to save us all. While I can't begin fathom that kind of love, I do know that I'm thankful for it.

Thanksgiving is upon us, which seems hardly believable, as I think it was July and then I blinked and it became mid-November. Time is flying, which it certainly tends to do the older I get. But let's not talk about my age, okay? I'd rather talk about the blessings, both big and small, for which I'm thankful.

You know a person could go on and on about the blessings in his/her life, which would make for quite a lengthy blog post. What I'm gonna do, in the interest of time, yours and mine, is to think of things I'm thankful for that begin with each letter in the word "thankgiving." Deal?

Let's see... I might have to put my thinking cap on for this. Here is my "thanks" list, in no particular order...

T-H-A-N-K-S-G-I-V-I-N-G

"T" = TELEPHONES (I'm still amazed that I can talk with friends & family who aren't sitting right next to me), TATERS, TURKEY (Wouldn't be Thanksgiving without one... sorry to all you non-turkey eatin' people), TWO-YEAR-OLDS (now that I no longer have any), TRUMPETS (3 people play 'em in my house), TRUST, TENTS (Camping would be so much less enjoyable without them), TURTLES, TOES (It would be kinda hard to stand/walk without 'em), TANGERINES, TELEVISION (sometimes), TRASH TRUCKS (that haul away my trash), TRAVEL, TARGET (the store), TOASTERS, TOAST, TYPEWRITERS (Yeah, I know... how archaic of me!), THOUGHTFULNESS, TEAMWORK, TALENT, TINTO DE VERANO

"H" = HAPPINESS, HORSES (I don't ride, but I am from Kentucky, HANKIES (especially when I really need 'em), HELLOS ('cause that usually means I'm running into a friend), HARMONICAS (Like the way they sound), HOME (It's where I hang my hat & love on my family & they love on me right back), HELPFULNESS, HOLIDAYS, HARRY (CONNICK, JR.), HONESTY, HUMOR, HILARITY, HUMILITY, HEARTS, HAMPERS (the kind you put dirty clothes in), HERSHEY'S, HAIR (Even if it doesn't look great every day, I have some, it keeps my head warm and I'd miss it if I didn't have it), HANGERS (on which to hang my clothes), HAMMOCKS (I don't have one, but aren't they cool?) HGTV, HEROES

"A" = APPLES, ANGELS, AMERICA, AWESOMENESS, AUNTS (I have some good ones!), AORTAS (Can't live without one... literally), AIRPLANES (particulary ones that are in working order and take off & land on time), ALABAMA (I've lived there), ACTIVITY, ARTISTS, AIR

"N" = NIECES (Mine are pretty special), NEPHEWS (I only have one), NICE (people mostly), NINCOMPOOP (Not really... I just think the word is funny), NARNIA (♥ those movies!), NESTLE (as in chocolate), NICKNAMES

"K" = KIDS (particularly my own), KITES, KNEES (that still work), KRISPY KREMES (Hello!), KISSES, KINDNESS, KITCHENS, KIDDING (all in fun)

"S" = SENSES (The five we have are pretty dadgum awesome & I'd sure miss 'em if they ever went away), SISTER SCHUBERT'S (These are yeast rolls that are heavenly... really!), SNACKS, SUNSHINE, SILLINESS, SLEEP, STAMPING (like cards and such), SELFLESSNESS, SNOW, SANFORD & SON, STILLNESS, SUNRISES & SUNSETS, SURPRISES, SINGINGS SONGS, SOAP, SHAMPOO, SANDWICHES, STUFFING (the kind you eat), STARS (the kind in the sky mostly), SPECIAL SKILLS, STARBUCKS, SPAIN (I used to live there), SOLDIERS (for their bravery & sacrifice), SPORTS, SPORTSMANSHIP (the good kind), SACRIFICES (made for my benefit), SWEET TEA (Nectar of the gods), STOVES, SANGRIA

"G" = GOD (He's my Rock and He rocks!), GRAVY ('nuf said), GIRLFRIENDS (I shudder to think what my life would be like without 'em), GRANDPARENTS (They love us like crazy, even when we're brats, & they help make up our DNA, which could possibly get them thrown off my list, so let's just stop there.), GOOFY (You know, Disney's Goofy... ♥ him!), GIRAFFES (I just think they're cool), GIBRALTAR (Think "Rock of Prudential" here. I still can't believe I've actually been there!), GERBER (as in baby food... our boys ate lots of it), GRACE (Need some of it every day), GOODNESS (Strive for it every day), GIFTS (giving & receiving)

"I" = IRISES (the flowers that bloom in the spring, as well as those in my eyes), INDIANA ('cause I have family living there), INVENTIONS, INTUITION, INCOME, ICE (You really appreciate it when you can't get it!), INK, IKEA, INTERNET, IN-LAWS (They made my husband & they're pretty nice to me too.)

"V" = VICTORIES (like when my basketball team wins, or when I overcome a personal struggle... one extreme to another), VACATIONS, VACCINATIONS (What a blessing! Well, after they're over), VASECTOMIES (Just sayin'), VANILLA (ice cream, scented candles...), "V" GIRLS (Sorry, it's a private kinda club, and I really can't elaborate, 'cause not everyone is in the club), VALENTINES (especially mine), VINO, VISITING (family, friends & places)

"I" = "I" again? Geez, this one was hard the first time... let's see... ILLINOIS (where I currently live), INCLUSION (Iso much nicer than "exclusion"), INTELLIGENCE (my own, although sometimes lacking, and that of others), ICE CREAM, IDEAS (especially good ones), INSPIRATION
"N" = NAPS (one of the all-time best things invented), NAPOLEON DYNAMITE (the movie, which is hilarious & often quoted in our home), NATURE (Isn't it wonderfully amazing & beautiful?), NUTELLA (Getcha some!), NEIGHBORS (when they're nice), NOSTALGIA, NEWLYWEDS, NATIVITY

"G" = GRAPES, GUITAR HERO (I like to watch others play... I stink.), GEORGIA (I met my husband there), GARAGES (especially in the winter), GAMES, GIGGLING, GOOGLE (Love looking up info), GRAVITY (It keeps me from floating off Earth's surace), GENTLENESS

Whew! I've had fun making this list, but I'm telling you, I finally just had to make myself stop adding things because it was simply taking over my entire day. Isn't it great to have so many things for which to give thanks? Who knew? I challenge you to come up with your own list. You'll be amazed at the endless number of blessings you have in your life. Happy Thanksgiving and thank YOU for reading my blog!

Sticking Out Like a Sore Thumb

I'm gonna share a few photos with you, and I want to look at each one carefully to see if you notice a particular pattern. Go ahead. Look! I'll wait here...





You're not done yet. Keep looking. I'm still waiting.





Yes, there's a point to this.





Relax. You're almost finished.





Okay, no more pictures. I promise. What did you see?

In each photo there was one person or thing that stood out among all the others. When this occurs in my neck of the woods, you might just hear someone describe that one unique person or thing as "sticking out like a sore thumb." Familiar phrase?

Now let me ask you this... Have you ever felt like you stuck out like a sore thumb? Have you ever found yourself in a place or a situation where you felt like you stood out among all others? How did it make you feel? I was recently put in such a position and at the time it struck me as being the most embarrassing, hilarious event.

Oh, did you want me to share my experience? Sure... why not? Get ready to be entertained.

It was a Saturday afternoon and our boys needed haircuts in the worst way. No kidding. They were shaggy dogs and we'd put off the deed long enough. As luck would have it, my hubby had to go into work for a few hours, so I had to take the boys myself. That wasn't an issue, but the place we'd previously gone for haircuts is closed on Saturdays (I know... can you believe it?), therefore we had to seek out another barber/salon.

My husband told me about a place located relatively close to our house, so the boys and I decided to try it out. We found the salon, noticing the sign outside read "Kingdom Cuts." I'd never heard that name before, but it had a religious ring to it, which was cool with me.

I opened the door to the salon and the place was quite literally jam-packed with people, and all of them were African American men. (I'm getting tickled all over again as I tell the story. ☺) Every head turned and all eyes were on me and my two boys, all of us as white as can be, and clearly sticking out like sore thumbs. My immediate thought was, "I am in the wrong place. They can't cut my kids' hair here." And what was my husband thinking, telling me to come here in the first place? Only these things happen to me! I'm sure of it!

Now I realize that haircutters are trained to cut all different types of hair, but realistically, how often would you say that a haircutter in this particular establishment cuts the hair of shaggy, blond-headed boys? I figured not real often, so I turned around and started to leave, however, this man followed us out to the parking lot and asked us to return. I commented that they looked very crowded inside (And they were!), but he assured me they could fit us in.

Well... what was I to do? I mean, seriously? I didn't want to offend the man and appear to be snooty or racist. I will admit to you that I didn't really want to go inside, but it had everything to do with feeling out of place and in unfamiliar circumstances, nothing more. Well... and the fact that I didn't want anybody to jack up my kids' hair. I have to live with them, you know.

So... we went inside, sat down and waited. And waited. And waited. That's how crowded the place was. I made small talk with a couple of the patrons, who told me they were regulars. One guy said, "I saw you open the door and then turn around to leave." I said, "They looked really busy." He then said, "I figured it was because you thought you were in the wrong place." I said, "Well, that too." He and I had a good laugh over that.

Turns out those boys got the best haircuts they've had in a very long time. I couldn't believe it! When we left, I told the gentleman who cut their hair that he'd done a fabulous job, and he said, "We'll see you next time." Next time? Hmmm... Will I take them back there? I don't know.

I had to return to the salon later the same day, all because my oldest son had left his cell phone sitting in one of the chairs. When I walked in, all eyes were on me once again, and I said, "I was here earlier - " and they looked at me as if to say, "Yes, we remember you." I'm telling you, it was like an SNL skit. They had found my son's phone and returned it to me.

While I was definitely outside my comfort zone, and stuck out like a big ol' sore thumb in Kingdom Cuts, I actually enjoyed the experience and have laughed and laughed about it ever since. I'm considering taking the boys back there for future haircuts.

Homemade Frosted Sugar Cookies... Are they really worth the effort?

I'd planned on baking yesterday in preparation for my younger son's classroom Halloween party. He'd requested sugar cookies (with frosting) in the shape of pumpkins. No sweat. I had it covered, or at least I thought so, until I went to gather ingredients from the pantry and refrigerator. I quickly discovered I had no Crisco, an absolute necessity for my beloved and much-revered sugar cookie recipe, the one my family has been baking for generations. First of all, I ask you, how does any self-respectin' southern woman get by without some form of "shortnin'" (a.k.a. lard) in her cupboard? I seriously need to get my act together.

Mind you, I'd only been to the grocery store at least 3 times this week already, but I'd failed to add Crisco to my list of items to purchase. If it's not on a list, honey, it simply doesn't exist in my world. I will never, ever remember to purchase anything not on the list.

So... I had to go pick up Crisco and decided to go to Dierbergs real quick (By the way, there's no such thing as real quick in Dierbergs because they have way too many tempting goodies.), and I really should never have gone there, except I'd already been to Target, Schnucks and Wal-Mart earlier in the week, and since the commissary is a little out of the way, and all I needed was Crisco, I opted to go to Dierbergs. Let's just say I spent a considerable amount of time there and left approximatley $150 poorer. But I got Crisco!
Before heading home to begin my day of baking, I made a quick stop at the Starbucks drive-thru for a Pumpkin Spice Latte, my all-time favorite beverage at Starbucks. It's a seasonal item too, so I have to take advantage of its availability while I can. Keep in mind that I moved here just 3 months ago from overseas, where the Starbucks on base (which really is sort of Starbucks wannabe) did NOT offer this favorite beverage of mine, so you can understand how excited I am to be back in the Land o' Plenty where such things can be purchased and enjoyed, at least for a couple of months before it goes away until next fall.

I purchased my Venti Pumpkin Spice Latte, even tipped the drive-thru employee, and was about halfway home when I decided it was time to sample my beverage. I took a sip and quickly surmised it was NOT a Pumpkin Spice Latte, but a Skinny Caramel Latte. It wasn't even the right size, but I hadn't noticed in time to do anything about it, and I didn't have time to turn around and go back. I had baking to do... pronto! You know what they say about the drive-thru anyway (Cue Joe Pesci's character, Leo Getz, in "Lethal Weapon 2").

Note to self: Either go inside to order or check my order BEFORE LEAVING the drive-thru. I drank the Skinny Caramel Latte, but it just wasn't the same experience.

I baked cookies all afternoon, but had to wait until they'd cooled before frosting them. My son didn't want them to be jack o'lanterns, thank God! He just wanted orange pumpkins with green stems, certainly saving me from a severe case of carpal tunnel syndrome. I kept having to take breaks to run taxi service for both boys 'cause that's what I do. I'm thinking I have a bright future in taxi driving at some point, since I get to drive all over town and have learned the streets quite well.

I walked inside my oldest son's school at 9pm to retrieve him from the gym after basketball practice and discovered I had cookie dough and frosting all over my shirt and one wrist. Hmmm... I only have like 5 aprons, but for whatever reason I can never remember to put them on when I'm working in the kitchen. I even have a couple hanging on the back of the pantry door, for heaven's sake.By the way, this is not a photo of any of the 5 aprons I own, but I do love bacon. Am I speakin' to anybody here?

I finally finished the cookies around 10pm last night. They were time-consuming, but looked dadgum good and tasted even better.They were a hit at my son's party today and he seemed very pleased. Several kids asked if I'd made them and others commented they looked "awesome." I suppose in this convenient world of ours, where we can drop by the bakery and pick up already-made cookies, it surprises folks when we actually make something ourselves. One little boy asked for seconds and later thirds of our pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies and said, "These cookies are amazing!" Of course he said that about the pizza and everything else served too, but still... I beamed and handed him that third cookie. Yep, homemade frosted sugar cookies are most definitely worth the effort!

Breathe in and breathe out and SLOW DOWN!

I thought I was prepared. I really did. I had volunteered to provide homemade cheesy chicken corn soup for my son's school as they were hosting a staff appreciation luncheon that day. I'd made the soup the night before, so all I'd have to do is reheat in the morning before dropping it off at the school.

I also made these fabulous pumpkin apple streusel muffins for Bible study as we take turns bringing food, and it just so happened to be the day our class was responsible for the grub. (By the way, both the soup and muffin recipes are courtesy of Southern Living. Need I say more?) I made the muffins the night before as well because I wanted to be ahead of the game and avoid rushing the following morning. It was a great idea in theory.

The next morning I got up and heated the soup in the crockpot. Mmmm... it smelled so good! The muffins were packed away in a Tupperware carrying case, but I ate one to be sure they were tasty, and they were, indeed, tasty. All was going according to plan until...

I showed up at my son's school, reported to the office and asked where I should deliver the soup. The office staff looked at me as if I had two, maybe even three heads. "What? What is it?" I wondered. One of the secretaries smiled and said, "We're not having a staff appreciation luncheon today. It's at the junior high." Seriously? I had taken my soup to the wrong dadgum school. I'd have bet good money that I was at the right school. What's wrong with me?

I had to backtrack and drive to my other son's school, driving very slowly because the crockpot was quite full and I didn't want it to spill, all the while realizing I was running behind and my perfectly detailed plan was beginning to unravel, slowly but surely. I dropped off the soup and then began to make my way to the church, stressed that I was going to be late. Of all days too! I hated being late, especially when I had a responsibility to be there on time with my delicious muffins that everyone was surely going to enjoy.

I was wasting no time driving to the church. In fact, I was driving a tad faster than I should have been, and it turns out I wasn't the only one who noticed. Yep, you guessed it... I got pulled over by an officer of the law. Just fabulous! I sat in my vehicle waiting for him to approach, wondering what he was gonna say and if I was gonna get a ticket. I was mortified that he left his lights flashing. Why do they do that anyway? People were driving by and glaring at me like I was a criminal, a fugitive evading the law. Or maybe I just felt embarrassed because I was so busted, although that's probably a poor choice of words. At least he didn't have the siren going too.

The policeman told me I was going 44 mph in a 30 mph speed zone. I searched my mind for a good excuse, but couldn't come up with anything that sounded convincing. He asked for my driver's license and proof of insurance and took both back to the cruiser to do whatever it is policemen do when they pull someone over for speeding. I guess they run a check on your vehicle to see if the person has other violations or something. I also think it's a great intimidation tactic, but again, I was feeling embarrassed and so busted, remember? And by then I was also thinking I was really going to be late for Bible study.

Bible study! Perhaps God will take control here and have the policeman cut me some slack because He knows I was headed to church for Bible study. Shameful, I know, because I was clearly in the wrong, but I had such good intentions that morning. I felt so defeated. I was just trying to be helpful, but I was also trying to do too much. I sat in my vehicle waiting to hear my fate (ticket or no ticket), when the tears began to fall. I kept willing myself not to cry, but just couldn't help myself.

By the time the officer returned to my vehicle, my sunglasses were all fogged up and my nose was running, and I couldn't stop the tears. I know he was probably thinking I was emotionally unstable or something. He gave me a warning only (Thanks be to God!). I told him I was glad he pulled me over because it was my cue to slow down. The officer looked like he was totally thrown off and he told me that sometimes we overextend ourselves and need to take a break. The poor man! I'm sure when he went to work that morning he had no idea he'd be counseling motorists.

I meant what I said about being glad I was pulled over by the police, and it wasn't to gain favor or pity because I'd already gotten off with a warning. I really do need to slow down and stop rushing like there's no tomorrow. So I'm trying to learn from my experience. I'm learning to breathe in and breathe out and SLOW DOWN!

Oh, and for the record, all that rushing around got me nowhere. I was late to Bible study and most people had already eaten by the time I arrived, therefore I had lots of those fabulous muffins left over. One word... humbling.

Motivation, where are you?

People, it's been over a month since I've visited here, and this is MY blog. What's wrong with this picture?

I've been attempting to get my house in order. Yes, I know we moved in more than two months ago. No, I don't have everything squared away yet. This has been the all-time slowest organization job ever for our family! We still have pictures and window treatments to hang, bins to organize and rooms to decorate. I'm so indecisive about everything. I think I need a professional to come in and just make all the decisions for me.

And the longer this process takes, the less motivation I have to deal with it all. I need some want-to-it-tiveness. I need some creativity. I need some know-how. I need some wine. I need some HELP! Anybody?

School has started

School has definitely started.

Wanna know how I know school has started, besides the fact that I have to get up at 6:30am so my kids can leave the house early in the morning and stay away until late in the afternoon? I'll tell ya how I know...

I know school has started because of the MOUNDS of paperwork that I've had to fill out, giving me a severe case of carpal tunnel syndrome in the process. Seriously, do we not live in a technological age when this stuff could (and should) be done electronically rather than by paper and pencil? And think of the number of trees that could be saved!

I also know school has started as a result of the multiple fundraiser information sheets that are currently littering my kitchen countertops, each of them suggesting my kids sell their hearts out so they can score big bucks for their school/Scout program/band program, as well as earn fabulous prizes for themselves if they sell a certain amount.

We just moved here. Who do we ask to buy this junk? And that's pretty much what this stuff is ~ JUNK... overpriced junk at that. Most of these organizations don't offer an online purchase option, therefore we can't send the information to our family and friends in out-of-town locations. I really don't want my neighbors running the other direction every time they see our family approaching. My kids are involved in 3 fundraisers already, with a 4th one beginning today. Who has time to do this fundraising stuff? We have precious little family time as it is, and I prefer to spend it doing something other than peddling cheap merchandise. Let's just cut to the chase here. How much money you want and to whom shall I write my check?

Another indicator that school has started is the numerous organizations that are begging for my involvement. OMG... It's so awesome to be wanted! Wait... I know what that really means. That's code for "Sign up and get sucked in." And if I'm the only person to sign up, that means I've just volunteered to be the coordinator. Go ahead, tell me I'm wrong. I'm more than happy to help in most organizations, but it's completely overwhelming at times. These days I'm very cautious when it comes to volunteering.
I've had it! You hear that, school PTA/band/Scouts? I'm officially stressed out and beyond overwhelmed. UNCLE!

Next stop... Italy!

No, I'm not going to Italy again, but I realized I hadn't finished sharing photos from our cruise in June. The first stop on our trip was Monaco and the second found us docking in Livorno, Italy. Look toward the top left side of the map, and right above where you see "ITALY" in red, you'll notice Florence and the Arno River. That's where we toured, with a brief stop in Pisa as well.

Never having been on a cruise before, we were more than a little clueless about how to do everything. We wanted to make the most of our port stops, particularly those in Italy, so we could see as many sights as possible in the short amount of time the ship would be docked in each location. We'd heard about a reputable private tour company and eventually booked tours with them.

The tours are quite expensive, and whether our van held just the 4 of us or was at full capacity (7 people plus a driver), the cost was going to be the same. We talked to friends who had sailed recently and they recommended checking out this cool website where we were able to correspond with other passengers in hopes of finding 2-3 people interested in joining us on these excursions, thus lowering the cost for each of us. That's exactly what we ended up doing and before we knew it, we had a full van for each tour.

Of course the idea of traveling with total strangers seemed a bit out of our comfort zone. I mean, seriously, we didn't know these people from Adam! What if they were weirdos and it was uncomfortable? It's a chance we decided to take, and we couldn't have been happier with our travel companions.

From the port in Livorno, we traveled to the city of Florence, capital of the Tuscany region, with our driver, Arten, who was seemingly very knowledgeable about the area.

This is a replica of Michelangelo's "David." We would see replicas of this statue many times during our tour in Italy. We saw the real deal at the Accademia Gallery, however, we weren't permitted to take photos, although I saw lots of cameras flashing anyway.


This was a big square located on the top of a hill overlooking the city of Florence. Vendors were there selling various items to tourists.


One of many gorgeous views of the area


The Arno River runs through the center of Florence.


There wasn't a view I didn't find beautiful.


Another beautiful view


It thrilled me for the boys to be seeing places like this at their ages. I'd never even been on an airplane, and had rarely been out of my home state of Kentucky when I was a teenager.


This is a closer view of one of the bridges over the Arno River. The Ponte Vecchio is a unique medieval bridge with shops built along the sides. We walked across, but only window shopped as it's a very expensive area. Arten even told us not to purchase anything there because it's so over-priced.


The cathedral, called the Santa Maria Del Fiore Church is pictured in the background, on the far left. We got a close-up view of this beautiful structure.


Zooming in on the cathedral


Could you get used to seeing sights like this every day? I believe I could.


This is our driver, Arten.


The boys check out the views below.


I've said it before, and I'll say it again... We are easily entertained! We even found the cigarette machines intriguing.


I'm sure people were thinking how we were just silly American tourists, taking photos of photos. I couldn't help it. I'd just ducked into this small restaurant to use the facilities when I saw Rhett and Scarlett. I do love "Gone with the Wind," don't you?


Got Nutella? Nutella is popular where we lived in Spain too, but I didn't know what it was for the longest time. It's a delicious chocolate-hazlenut spread and I understand it originated in Italy, which makes total sense that we should see this big display of it here. Here's a little Nutella trivia for you from Wikipedia (in case you're interested)... "Under Italian law, it cannot be labeled as a chocolate cream, as it does not meet minimum cocoa solids concentration criteria." Oh, and the 5th Annual World Nutella Day is scheduled for February 5, 2011... really! Don't forget to mark your calendars!

Moving on...

I'm such a people watcher. This lady was standing in her high heels, chatting on her cell phone, and I wanted to see if she was really going to get on this motorcycle and ride away. She did! How does one do that in a skirt like hers? You go, girl!


We visited San Miniato (St. Minias on the Mountain) Church, constructed during the 11th century.


A tour group was listening to the gentleman in the long robe speak. I liked his socks and sandals.


The view beyond the San Miniato Church


Inside San Miniato... It was very difficult to get good photos as the lighting is very dim, and I'm not the best photographer.


Very serene


Mesmerizing!


Here we are with our excursion companions. We toured with the same three people for two days.


This is the crowd of people waiting to get inside the Accademia Gallery, where we would see Michelangelo's original statue of "David."


I didn't take this photo, but found it online to show you because it was of personal interest to me. These panels illustrate the biblical story of Esther, an Old Testament heroine. I had just finished a Bible study called "Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman" by Beth Moore. By the way, if you've never had the opportunity to participate in a Beth Moore study, I highly recommend you give one a go. She's awesome!

At some point during the day we stopped and had pizza (Hello! We're in Italy!) for lunch and it was magnifico!

The tall, slender structure is Giotto’s Campanile (Bell Tower), located in the heart of Florence. It's part of a complex of buildings that make up Florence Cathedral on the Piazza del Duomo, one of the most visited places in Europe.


This is the Battistero di San Giovanni (Baptistery of St. John), also located on the Piazza del Duomo. According to what we were told, many notable people were baptized here during the Renaissance period, and until the end of the 19th century, all Catholic Florentines were baptized here.


The Santa Maria Del Fiore Church (also known as the Duomo) was being cleaned and under maintenance during our visit.


The cathedral is quite impressive in size and beauty.


I love the aerial view of the Duomo! I didn't take this photo, but borrowed it from a website, giving credit to Paradoxplace.com.


Gorgeous architecture!


Artists set up camp near the cathedral, trying to sell their work to tourists.


"Pinocchio" is seen everywhere in the area, as the fictional story of the wooden puppet who longed to be a real boy originated in Italy.


Walking across the Ponte Vecchio (Remember the medieval bridge with the expensive shops I told you about?) and doing some heavy-duty window shopping. That's all we could afford to do.


The shops were gorgeous and simply oozed money.


A view of the Arno River taken from the Ponte Vecchio


Mmmm... gelato!


Naturally pizzerias were plentiful, and these two had great curb appeal.


The Palazzo Vecchio serves as the town hall. And guess what stands in front? A replica of the statue of "David," of course. ☺


This is a photo of a photo of Fattoria di San Michele a Torri, the winery we visited, which was unplanned, but we had the time, so we opted to stop. Wine? Oh, alright... twist my arm!


Touring the winery


After the tour we were given the opportunity to sample some of the wine. We weren't driving; Arten was driving. Wine? Don't mind if I do!


These guys aren't in to wine. Never fear! They have hand-held electronic games with which to entertain themselves.


We weren't sure if we'd have time for one more stop (an important one) before returning to the ship. We kept our fingers crossed, and as luck would have it, we had about 5 minutes to spare, so Arten pulled into in this parking lot to see what lies behind this wall.


We literally ran so we could get a view of this. Wondering what you're seeing? Look at the building on the very end.


We're getting closer...


It's the Leaning Tower of Pisa!


We hastily took the photo that everyone takes when in Pisa.


Sure wish we'd had more time for photos here, but when I said we had 5 minutes, I wasn't kidding. We did well to get these photos.


Now the boys will have the memory of being here, and photos to go along with it.

We had a jam-packed, fun-filled day with Arten and our new cruise friends. Our feet ached and we were hot and tired, but it was so worth the time and money invested, as we saw so many wonderful places. Thanks to Arten for his knowledge, safe driving skills and friendly disposition. It was time to rest up for the next day's adventure... Rome!