Blue Maiden: totus tuus

Back... but not here

2009-02-09T10:04:00.002-05:00

After a much needed break, I have decided to start blogging again. But not here. I will now be blogging at Life in Your Years. Come visit. :)

Sacred Heart & Strawberries

2008-05-30T10:01:00.005-05:00

Lately I have been reading a lot on the Domestic Church and it's traditions. Unfortunately, every book has a gap between Trinity Sunday to the Assumption/Dormition of Mary. Since today is the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart I have been trying to find celebrations and traditions associated with this holy day. I haven't had a whole lot of luck, sadly. What I have found is several sites I think would readily help me to develop traditions for my own Domestic Church. I blogged about them on Per Christum. One thought was to make something with strawberries, since they are in season and are (sort-of) heart-shaped. With this in mind I just had to post this recipe for Strawberries with Cream Cheese Filling from Southern Foods. I first had them at Carmel's baby shower. They are so good! I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Ingredients:

* 32 fresh whole strawberries, large
* 11 to 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar (or Splenda in our house, lol)
* 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
* 2 tablespoons semisweet or milk chocolate, grated

Preparation:
Cut a thin slice from the stem end of each strawberry, allowing the berries to stand upright on flattened end. Place berries, cut side down, on a serving platter. Cut each berry carefully into 4 wedges, cutting almost to, but not through, bottoms. Fan wedges just slightly, taking care not to break; set berries aside.

In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, and almond extract until light and fluffy. Gently fold in grated chocolate. Using a teaspoon or decorating bag with decorative tip, fill the strawberries. If desired, sprinkle with a little more grated chocolate. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
Makes about 32 filled strawberries.

Embroidery Fun

2008-05-28T06:26:00.007-05:00

Recently I've picked up embroidery, and I love it! Not only is it relaxing, it is faster then say, knitting. I still like to knit. I just knit very slowly. Embroidery, right now, is a quick, crafty fix. I can sew any doodle I might have on the corner of my note paper or any drawing I might come across. So far, I have made a bib, this towel, and a few scrap doodles. I have yet to try any counted stitches, just embroidery stitches. For whatever reason, the counted stitches seem complicated at the moment. Well just not as quick. :)

This baby bath towel is for my newest niece, Grace. When I was younger, I loved these towels. The little "hat" corner was great because it kept the towel from sliding. Great for the imagination. In the second photo you can see the underside of the "hat."
I must (shamefully) admit to knotting several threads as I stitched. I was worried how these knots would rub Grace's little head. To fix this, and be cause the canvas material is so stiff, I cut up a wash clothe and sewed it in as backing. I say shamefully because technically you are not supposed to knot embroidery. The stitches are supposed to support and bind each other. However, the weave on this fabric was not really intended for what I made. It was intended for cross stitch. This caused several threads to pop through if tugged too much. It also caused me headaches with the design in general. The needle preferred to enter the pre-laid holes, however the pattern itself rarely followed them. I think it is most notable in the bubbles. It was frustrating and I had to walk away from it a few times. I'm glad I did because I'm happy with the finished project.

The bib was not on the cross stitch fabric. This made it 100% easier and faster to complete. Of course it had other issues. Like me melting the insides, lol. Originally, it was a quilted bib, but after I ironed on the transfer it became a flat, slightly stiff bib. Oh well it still came out super cute. Since it was no longer quilted, I decided to iron on some water proof backing. This actually made it usable. If left quilted with no backing, it would have merely been decorative.

I thought I took a photo of the bib, but it wasn't in the photos David downloaded. Maybe it is on his external drive. I will look. ***Update: I could not find a photo of it. I uploaded a photo of the pattern. It is a vintage pattern, purchased from Primrose Design.***

I know two posts in two days... my average has been three a month. Lol. I told you I had fun to share. :)

Our Portable Office

2008-05-27T06:19:00.026-05:00

Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie wants to see organizing baskets at work. While it's not quite a basket, I've been dying to show you my crazy, slightly over-ambitious, organizing project. Unfortunately, it has been stuck on my new camera, along with just about everything else I've wanted to post, for the past 4 months. But, I finally remembered to ask David to upload the photos. After long last, I have pictures to show. Woo hoo!

And I must show them. Here is the finished project:

What is it? It is a portable office for David.

I love my husband, but he is a messy person. Mostly, his mess consists of office items which would usually be contained within the walls of his office. But the office has lapsed into a disaster again and, well, it never got used anyways. Besides, he has a laptop so the office goes where ever it goes. This is usually to the floor in front of the TV. Have I mentioned he also eats there? (I am telling such family secrets today.) :) Papers, mail, plates, etc. orbit around his computer at all times. Between upkeep of two websites, two blogs and the occasional online class, plus prep for his students, his computer is attached to his hip...er hands. I am glad he has a laptop, otherwise he'd disappear into the office never to be seen again! But the mess. My biggest worry was that I would trip on some cord and knock a glass of water onto some important paper, or worse, on the computer itself! I'm horribly clumsy like that. Thus, I have been on a quest to contain this portable mess... er "office". But how?

One day, as I was watching Northanger Abbey, I saw this scene:

(I love Austin. I could write a whole post just on her. But I won't bore you when there is organization to be had!) My thoughts ran something like this:

"Ooo Isabella you mor.. Hey! David needs one of those desks!"

Of course, he'll tell you needs is a relative term.

I decided I must find one! I ran to search Wal-mart and Hobby Lobby for something similar. But, with no luck. :( I figured I'd just have to look online. I gave up my search and headed over to Goodwill. I thought since I'm out, I may as well indulge in a rummage. Goodwill is great fun for me. I love to look at treasures from bygone years, but antique stores are so pricey. Anyways, as I was rummaging this caught my eye:

An old silverware chest. (It was fully intact. I took this picture after I started pulling at the lining.)

I had hoped to get one for a wedding gift, and now here one was. But it is really too big to be practical in our tiny apartment. Then I thought it really looks like more of a desk. A DESK!

So I peeled out the insides:
I did save the silverware divider to use as a cord separator, but I tossed the knife divider in the drawer.

Then I papered them with leftover scrapbook paper. (Yes, I matched up the designs. I'm a nerd like that.) :

Drawer

Top Section

Modpodged the insides, to prevent the paper from lifting:

The bubbles went away after it dried.

Use some foam on top, to protect the computer from the hinges:

I doubled the foam where the hinge is.

And TADA!

The top holds the external hard drive, camera dock, headphones and a ruler. The bottom holds remotes, pens and whatever else he wants to stick in it. Those dividers can be moved. The cord separator was probably unnecessary, but it fits so snug it doesn't come out now. Lol. I have a basket for storing papers and magazines. Now everything has a home, and if I trip, the computer will not get wet. Paper on the floor will, but not the computer. I know this because after it was finished I did trip, water did spill, and paper did get wet... sigh.

Let's talk cost.
Silverware Chest: $5
Foam: $0.25
Wood slates: $1 (I forgot to add this in, sorry.)
Original cost of paper packet: $0.99 (It has been around for 2 years though)
Modpoge: used maybe $1 worth It is a high est. since I bought it several years ago)

Total project cost: about $8.25
Budget: $20
:D

I did have to buy sandpaper ($3) and a saw ($6), but since they are not project specific, I do not count them towards the total. Someday, I'd love to repair and re-stain it. There are some dings and stab wounds (above the drawer) that would require fill. I'm guessing a child was playing with it. To refurbish the outside would have cost me $25 for the stripper, stain, and wood putty. It will have to wait for another day. My dad would have had those items on hand but not us, not yet anyways. :)

Hopefully I will never see this items twin on Antiques Roadshow. I don't want to know what it would have been worth if I had not re-purposed it. Besides, the red fabric was gross.

Cat Man Do

2008-05-15T08:06:00.004-05:00

Too funny!! There is a little mitten paw at my MIL's house who uses similar tactics. LOL

Really, she only looks innocent. :)

ADD at its finest

2008-05-13T07:48:00.009-05:00

If for some strange reason you thought I was organized, or "with it", let me clear that up.

Here was yesterday's goals:
Take Library book back.
Organize recipes
Dent stack of paper - I hate paper... it never leaves.
Call Pyrex about glass bowl
Start packing boxes

My day yesterday:

(6:30) Wake up
Usual AM routine
Fill sink
Check blogs, mail, etc. I should email people, but geeze my eyes are bugging me.
Get annoyed with unfinished project - Project which has set happily for 2 months.
Pilates
Set up on kitchen table to work on project
Hey the plants need watered..
Start on project
Boy my eyes.. Oops I forgot to put my contacts in...
Oh geez I didn't make the bed!
I should fold the laundry... (everything but the sheets)
Put kitchen towels away
Oh yeah unfinished project!
Glue some more
(11:30)Gee I'm hungry..
(12:00)Eat check blogs, facebook, net, "why don't people update more"
I should update more.. about what?
Oo Mail!
Hey Martha came.
Read Martha.
(3:15)David's home
Leave to meet house inspector and then go to the Y
Never make it to the Y
Come home cook dinner
Drain sink because water is cold. Yes sink is still full. Gross, I know.
TV and reading time
Leave
Meet with real estate agent to sign more stuff
Stop by library
Home
Hey unfinished project!
Glue more
Bedtime
Hey I need to fold these sheets before we go to bed.
Ok now it's time for bed.

Summery:
I got the laundry folded at put away. Oh and I read Martha.
I did not finish the project or do the dishes (ew).

Goals accomplished: 1

Seriously I need a schedule.

Here is today's goals:
Finish stupid project - I just realized I need sand paper...
~~Dishes (did I mention ew)~~
Develop schedule and post it
Look up appliance stuff
If time finish yesterday's to dos (ha)

Energy Star - HELP!

2008-05-09T06:21:00.006-05:00

Dear Random Passers-by and Frequent Visitors,

David (DH) and I are currently looking at houses. It seems whatever house we get, we will need to buy some new appliances. We figure we will need at least a refrigerator, a washer and a dryer. Obviously we are trying to get the most bang for our buck, but we'd also like to get an Energy Star appliance. We have been looking at Lowe's (it's local) but with little experience to work with. Please HELP... :

What is a good size refrigerator? We are two people. We'd like to be three in a year or two (God willing). Still, it will be ~15 years before we need to feed a perpetually starving teenager, their friends, and potential siblings. How long do fridge's last? I think my parents had one from the late 70's to the early 80's and it died in 1989. I assume technology has improved. I'm not even sure what size we have in our apartment... I should figure that out, because it seems small some days.

Is Energy Star (ES) worth it? My mom is convinced that any ES products result in a tax return. However, on the website I can only find where it says household improvements (i.e. windows, furnace, etc.) qualify. We have been using the ES site's handy spread sheet to help us figure out our yearly savings. The cheapest ES fridge model is about $50 more then the comparable "normal" model. Handy spread sheet says it will result in a $6/year savings. That's almost eight and a half years before we recoup our loss, right? Will a fridge last much longer? With more expensive models the savings was estimated at $8/year and over ten years to recoup the price difference. Maybe I'm using the spread sheet wrong...hmm.

What are your thought's on side loading washers? Stackable washer/dryer units? I know side loaders are supposed to use less water. And that they can be a pain in the back if not lifted by blocks to a proper height. (Sounds redneck...lol) I also realize dryers do not receive ES ratings. I'm not too worried about which one we get, but any advice is welcome.

While we could put off purchasing the washer and dryer for a while, we really need the fridge. My mom firmly believes in never buying the cheapest model of anything. She usually goes for "middle of the road." DH prefers the most frugal path to quality. Any tips and experience you would like to share are greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance. :)

Jennifer

P.S. If you like frugal ideas head over to Frugal Friday on Biblical Womanhood for more.

P.S.S. We also need to think about lawn mowers... the lot is only 120x 170. Most of the neighbors have riding mowers! Just silly, imho. But I'd love to hear thoughts on the reel vs. the gas or electric push.

Suddenly I wish I had more traffic on this blog... :{

Polaris

2008-04-29T09:53:00.003-05:00

I'm feeling down today. I have to take my little kitty friend to the Humane Shelter.

We live in an apartment that does not allow pets. Granted half the complex has them illegally. But even if we wanted to break the rules, it would be way to hard to hide him on a first story apartment. Besides from what I can tell he has fleas, tapeworms, and possibly ear mites. Oh and he hasn't been neutered, at least last I checked.

We live off a busy road and worry he will get hit. I told the neighbor I would help her catch him, in hopes that the shelter could find him a home. I must say it has been nice having him around. I miss having pets and his presence has eased that. He is such a nice cat, and deserves the chance at a real home. If only we had a house lined up... but we don't.

The worst part is the shelter changed their hours, so the little guy has to sit in the carrier for another 3 hours. He has been crying and shaking the door since I put him in it. I can't let him out or he'll run off. I did give him some food and water. He ate like there was no tomorrow, poor little guy. I don't suppose you know anyone in the Central Ohio region that wants a little black cat with a white star on his chest?

Yeah we don't either...

A Green Piece

2008-04-24T07:15:00.004-05:00

My car now has a $40 tank... Yuck! Okay, so I drive a Subaru but still $40! I remember filling up a Ford 250 (a work truck) back in 2005 and thinking $50! I'm glad I'm not paying for one of these!

Sick!

Am I the only person watching these "Go Green ads" thinking these things have been around for years. They act like the CFL light bulbs, green cleaners, and water filters are new things. While Clorox may have new green cleaning products, baking soda has been around forever, lol. I remember in the early 90's when Earth Day had a rebirth. Did anyone else have the recycled lined paper? It was a gray color, my teachers hated it. Then recycling fell by the wayside. Everyone wanted SUVs, big trucks, bottled water, and a myriad of other conveniences. . I can't help but wonder if this will fade away too, at least in the public eye. I imagine this will happen as soon as the current energy crisis has been reduced. Of course if we worried about it before it was a crisis... but well that's a soapbox that needs no explanation. In the end, it's up to us to make sure we continue to live responsibly.

Want ways to enter the Green Scene, go here, here, here or here.

Babushka!

2008-04-04T07:23:00.005-05:00

see more crazy cat pics at LOLCats

I had to post this. I laughed so hard when I saw it. No one ever seems to know what I mean when I say someone or thing looks like a lil' Babushka. So now you do. :D

Proverbs 31: 10-31

2008-03-31T08:50:00.012-05:00

10 Who can find a good wife?
She is far more precious than jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
14 She is like the ships of the merchant,
she brings her food from afar.
15 She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and tasks for her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds her loins with strength
and makes her arms strong.

18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
20 She opens her hand to the poor,
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes herself coverings;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant.

25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household,
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.

Photo Information:
First: Unidentified workshop, Peru, Cuzco,
The Child Mary Spinning,
18th century. Oil on canvas.
Collection of Marilynn and Carl Thoma
Second: The Annunciation by George Blair
Third: Madonna with the Parrot by Martin Schongauer ca. 1474

Etsy

2008-03-19T07:35:00.006-05:00

Much of my blog silence has not been idle. I have been working on several projects for a special little someone. I'll show you in a few weeks, as soon as I figure out how to upload photos from my new camera. I keep wondering if these strange little things are cute only to me, or if other people would like them, too. So I've been toying with the idea of starting an Etsy shop. I'm just not sure if I have a shtick that will sell.

Here's an example of what I mean (not Etsy related):

Aren't they freakishly cute! Not only did CraftyAlien create kitties but every animal you can imagine. They sell the patterns, knitting kits, and artwork inspired by them. I must make one.

See the shtick works ...

Seriously, I hope DH lets me buy a pattern... or maybe a kit as an Easter gift! :p

I get so sidetracked when I look at crafty stuff online. Lol

Back to Etsy. Here is a list of the top Etsy sellers that appeared on The Martha Stewart Show a few weeks ago. I'm amazed at the ingenuity of even the simplest items on this list. Hmm ideas, ideas.

Been Thinking

2008-03-12T09:16:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking about taking my blog in a new direction. Obviously, it has been going that way for awhile. It's not that I don't have deep Catholic-y things to say, when I do there is a better place for them now. At this point I don't feel I have anything unique to offer the blog world. My writing feels weak, my thoughts scattered. So many posts get started and left in limbo. (Like this one.) Obviously, changes in my life are calling for changes in my attention. I need to step back, redirect my focus, reorganize and then move forward.

What does this mean for my blog? Updates will come with more frequency once I develop a direction. Until that time, they will continue to be the current sporadic and themed posts.

Feel free to leave any suggestions.

Now, I have to do my 15 min pick-up.

Make your own TV dinner

2008-02-08T07:59:00.000-05:00

Crystal at Biblical Womanhood is asking for frugal food saving ideas. If you get a great deal on a grocery favorite, double your meal portions and freeze. It's like making your own TV dinner, only tastier.

When I was in High School, my mom would double or triple our family's favorite recipes. After dinner, she would divide the leftovers into single serving Tupperware (or Gladware) and pop them into the freezer. She would make sure to freeze large and small portions, since not everyone ate the same amount. On busy nights, when there just wasn't time to pull out all the pots & pans, we'd pop our favorites in the microwave, eat and be on our way. She would freeze everything from tuna noodle casserole to chicken soup to Thanksgiving leftovers. All of these meals would last a long time in the freezer, not that they had the chance. :)

She also would save carry-out containers from the Chinese restaurant. They were dishwasher and microwave safe. If you have ever received plastic carry-out containers, check the bottom to see if they are reusable. Many restaurants are "going green" and now give you reusable containers.

Disappointing News

2008-01-31T10:13:00.000-05:00

I just received word that the fledgling company I joined in September, is dissolving. The decision has been made to make it a wholesale company, and since I do not live in the area there is no real way for me to be apart of it. This company has a sister company that is very stable and the products are well received. Therefore, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for me to work from home. All in all, I'm very sad this didn't pan out, but I have some beautiful pieces by which to remember it.

Besides this not much else has happened around here. David and I are still sick. My symptoms are similar to his but I'm a few days behind.

Menu Plan Monday- Jan 28th

2008-01-28T09:42:00.001-05:00

Well sometime this week we will be making these yummy foods

Turkey Enchilada Casserole
Turkey Burger and Potato Wedges
Salmon Casserole
Lentil Soup
Blast from the Pasta (it's a one pot turkey dish)
Whole Wheat Pizza
Hearty Veggie Pasta We make several substitutions with this recipe.

We've been trying to cycle in a few new foods, but this week is mostly a repeat of favorites.

I'm also hoping to make more muffins. Even though we were both sick and our taste was severely inhibited, they didn't last at all.

Want more great ideas? Head over to Orgjunkie.com.

Super Saturday: CVS, Hobby Lobby, & Dole

2008-01-26T22:32:00.000-05:00

Crystal over at MoneySavingMom.com is hosting Super Saturday as a way to share your weekly deals. I thought I'd share a few deals we got this past week.

Here's our second CVS deal:
4 Hershey Special Dark 2/$3
4 SoyJoy bars 4/$4
2 double packs Kotex 5.99

Coupons used
CVS $4/$20, $3/$15, $2/$10
2 Kotex coupons for $2/1 found here
ECBs used $8.98

Out of pocket $0.00

:D

I felt almost guilty when the cashier rang me up, but we really didn't need much else.

If you want to get the Kotex coupons, you have to take a short survey. If you say you use Stayfree with wings, they will up the coupon to $2 from $1.25

Other deals this week included a trip to Hobby Lobby. All the leftover Christmas decor is on sale for 90% off. I picked up a few ornaments. Unfortunately, most of the individual glass ornaments were broken, but they had several box sets still in good condition. I found a box of four glass blown angels, for $0.90. They also had several undamaged plastic and wood items in stock. But the best find for us had to be the boxes of Omni all-in-one light clips. I bought 200 for under a $1. Full price is 3.99 for 100. My total spent for clips, angels, and a few other ornaments was $2.75!

We also got in on the Dole salad deal. While we don't have a Target nearby, Meijer is having a BOGO sale on Dole salad. They also have a coupon you can get off their site. Unfortunately, the cashier wouldn't let me use two coupons, one for each bag. I shouldn't complain too much; we did get 2 bags of Romaine lettuce for 1.99, lol.

All in all it has been a great deal week. I can't wait for the February ECB book to come out, so I can figure out more deals. My goal is to one day be as good as Crystal. :) Head on over to MoneySavingMom.com for next weeks deals.

Great Muffins

2008-01-24T16:05:00.000-05:00

I am feeling under the weather today, so I decided to bake. Logical, I know. But I wanted some comfort food and I figured this is only going to get worse before it gets better. Plus, I wanted David to have plenty of left-overs to reheat when he's hungry. Beside making dinner, I am baking herb rolls to go with it. Unfortunately, these may come out horrid. I think I used too much herb mix. I also made some Cranberry Applesauce Muffins. And they came out great! You must try them.

Here's the recipe with my alterations:

INGREDIENTS

* 1 1/4 cups unsweetened applesauce
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup wheat flour
* 1/2 cup Splenda
* 1 tablespoon Honey
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped or 1/2 cup dried
* 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (Optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a muffin pan, or use paper liners.
2. In a small bowl, mix together applesauce, oil, honey and egg. In a large bowl, combine flour, Splenda, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in egg mixture. Stir until just moistened. Fold in cranberries and pecans. Spoon into muffin cups, 2/3 full.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 2 minutes before removing.

Makes 12 at about 146 calories per muffin.

Best. Muffins. EVER.

The rolls turned out fine. I pulled out some of the herb mix from the batter, I could have easily left it in. Either way, they went great with garlic butter.

Are you Modish?

2008-01-23T13:12:00.000-05:00

I'd like to think I'm modish. That is modest and stylish. But then, being modest is fairly easy. Just follow these simple steps: Cut holes for head and arms in burlap bag, place over head, and tie at waste with rope. Extreme, maybe, but simple. Trying to find modest clothing is never that simple. Even though "they" say modest is the new sexy, modest clothing still seems to get a "bag-rap." Or at least a look of confusion from the average sales person. If you are like me, and need to work on the stylish part, check out these sites:

Magazine:
Eliza
Jen an LDS magazine

Blogs:
Dressing with Dignity

Stores:
Christa-Taylor
DownEastBasics My review here.
FunkyFrum
Layer's Clothing
Marabo
Molly's Clothing
Shade Clothing
Shabby Apple
Vintage Hem

Teen Groups:
Pure Fashion
TRENDS

Directory:

Modest Clothing Directory Lists any store that carries a modest outfit.

Menu Plan Monday

2008-01-14T09:01:00.000-05:00

Here is our rough meal plan for the week.

M: Cheese Pizza, homemade :)
T: Leftover Chili

Sometime this week:
Lentil Soup
Pod Thai
Chicken Satay
Salmon Bake

Lately, the meal plan has been altered every night, but that's the general idea.

Check out OrgJunkie.com for more great meal plans.

CVS Magic

2008-01-11T22:19:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in my last post, I am learning the art of shopping at CVS.
"Art of shopping?" you say. "What woman needs to learn that!?"
There is so much more then going in and stuffing your cart. First there are coupons, CVS coupons, and then the extra care bucks (ECBs). An ECB is basically CVS money. You receive them when you buy certain sale items.

Ok so my first try was the Nature Bounty (NB) sale: Buy One Get One free (B1G1) plus $3ECBs

I played it safe and only bought 2 different supplements. I got my $3ECBs and said I have to figure out how to use these.

My second transaction (12/31/07):
2 NB Fish Oil B1G1 12.99 each
2 Melatonin B1G1 9.99 each (we thought it was 6.99)

Coupon's I used:
1 CVS coupon get $2 off $10 ($2/$10)
1 NB coupon for $2 off 1 item ($2/1)
and $3ECBs
We spent 17.24 and saved 29.98
We earned $6ECBs

After looking through the January flier, I was disappointed to find I couldn't roll the ECBs. They expire in a month. To me it seemed that the only way to roll them would be to buy things we didn't need. We buy a lot of generic. Seeing the brand name prices gave me such sticker shock; I didn't know what to do. After asking a few questions on Money Saving Mom, Crystal graciously gave me a few suggestions on how to make the most of the $6 ECBs. (Several others had great ideas, but this one fit our household needs the best. And it's really my first try "CVSing")

Here is my third transaction (today):
6 12pks Diet Pepsi for $20

Coupons used:
1 CVS $4/$20
& $6 ECBs
We spent 10.65 and saved 19.94 (including the original price of the Pepsi)
This brings the Pepsi to $1.78 a case. Aldi's generic diet is $1.99!!
Oh and we earned $10ECBs

My last transaction (today):
8 SoyJoy Bars $1 each (originally 1.29)
1 Cottonelle toilet paper 16pk 9.99
2 Hershey Dark 5oz 2/$3

Coupons used:
1 CVS $5/$15
1 CVS $2/$10
2 Soyjoy $1/4
& $10 ECBs
We spent 1.99 and saved 21.90
We earned $11 ECBs

Yes $1.99 and $11 back!

Seriously, you have to try this! First check out Crystal's CVS 101. And then check out Crystal's weekly deal updates and scenarios. If you get stuck ask away, they are very crafty over there.

Frugal Friday: 5 ways we saved $100

2008-01-11T13:47:00.000-05:00

This is my first Frugal Friday contribution, so I don't have the little icon yet. Crystal over at Biblical Womanhood is asking "What are five painless ways you saved $100 (in 2007)?"

Well, we got married. Yep, so much for saving $100. So, instead, I thought I would share five ways we saved on our wedding.

1.) We had cakes as our centerpieces instead of flowers. We had 14 12" cakes. They came to about $1.50 a person.

2.) We printed our own invites and all of the paper products used at the wedding.

3.) I bought all the ribbon on Ebay. Saved us a ton, trust me.

4.) The cater supplied round tables, and linens for a fraction of the cost to rent them.

5.) I made my girl's earrings, using items from JoAnne's that I purchased with their weekly coupons.

Head over to Biblical Womanhood for more great ideas. If you like what you see there then check out Crystal's other blog Money Saving Mom, where she has $35 menu plans and other great deals listed. Currently, she is teaching me how to "CVS" for deals.

Hide A Way Scrapper

2008-01-10T10:17:00.000-05:00

Check out the Original Scrapbox mini.
I think it is the neatest thing. It is like the adult version of Polly Pocket or Transformers, lol. Watch the little video to see how it works.

Unfortunately, if I owned this nifty item, I would have to clean it off before each use. It seems, any flat surface that enters our house is automatically magnetized toward paper. This is obvious because every one of them is covered with it. I believe there is something in our door that must do it, because at the store the tables are paper free. (Clearly the only logical reason.) ;P

Hopefully by the end of 2008 we will have our first house, and be paper (clutter) free. LOL

Pray for us. :)

New Layout

2008-01-09T16:29:00.000-05:00

As you can see I have a new layout. I think it will be much easier to read then the old one. However it has eaten my widgets... grr. My internet time is up for the day so it will have to stay this way for a bit. Oops. :)

All Done!! Yay!

2007-11-30T19:39:00.001-05:00

Visit the Organizing Junkie to see other contestants. :) For those competing in the whole room category go here, and in the small room category go here.

Before Desk Area

Hmm let me see what was in the room. The blue framed print is now hanging in the living room. That purple bag was full of books. They went back to the school's library. The rest is either still in the room or tossed.

After

The three diamond's behind the computer desk are cork boards. The laptop is now on the keyboard tray leaving the desk open for crafting or writing. Speaking of writing the tin by the desk light is my Christmas card kit. Basically, it is a tin of cards, envelopes and other mailing things. The scanner is now under the desk.

The smaller desk is David's writing desk. The basket on it contains his event calendar, CD-Rs, notepads, and calculator. On top of the bookshelf is a calendar, basket of music CD's, alarm clock, and wood bowl. The alarm clock is not plugged in because we don't use it daily. Anything we don't use daily stays unplugged to conserve electricity. The bowl is for guest items.

Before Guest Area

After

Sorry for the poor quality. It was dark out when I took these, and the camera was being fussy.
Our filing cabinet is only one drawer high and is now tucked under the bed. Also under the bed is a cedar chest with extra yarn in it. I try to do one project at a time and don't want any bugs getting the good stuff.

Before Craft area

All I wanted was shelves, but the apartment says no screws in the wall. And hubby said I couldn't buy any. :(

After

The bag under the table is a cover for the sewing machine. Beside it is our fire safe, and on top is the to-be-filed basket

No shelves, filing baskets instead. :D And there is still space for a guest to hang their clothes. Top shelf has wrapping paper for the scrapbook, box of electrical cords, box of batteries, wedding planner, and a suitcase. The wrapping paper has a toss by date on it (not visible, sorry). We only need batteries for the remotes.
Second shelf has a basket for ebay. The two in the center are wedding memories. The last one is for David to fill.
The new "shelves" have craft items on them. Including my camera and current knitting.
The bottom has my scrap tote, scrapbooking containers, and two drawers for yarn and two for sewing material/patterns.

I'm most proud of my "shelves". I used wire (around the curtain rod) and 3M hooks to hold them up.

Before Door

After Door

The basket is David's current reading and most referenced pile. He prefers the living room for reading, the basket makes it easy to come and go. The very right edge of the photo is our hanging file. (It is hardly visible. I thought I got it in, sorry.)

Clutter Control: Purging!

Before The 4 Boxes

During

The little box the shredder came with could not handle the load, so I had to rig up a trash bag. lol. Also this is our second shredder. The boxes would not go down without a fight. They took the first shredder with them. Actually it just got so worn it stopped cutting parts of the paper. Paper would come out in chunks not strips.

After They are no more!!

I promise the big black bag went out with the Kitchen trash in it, to make it nice and smelly. I try to mix other garbage in so people won't go through it.

Now for the questions:
1. What was the hardest part of the challenge for you and were you able to overcome it?

Getting started by far was the hardest part. Those boxes were overwhelming. Till I opened them and realized most were only 1/3 full. The rest of the space I used to pack stuff. This stuff belongs in other rooms of the apartment. (It is currently being sorted to its new home) I just got so tired of looking at it.

2. Tell us what kind of changes/habits you have put into place in order for your area/room to maintain its new order?

By the large desk is a hanging file with 5 slots. One for out going mail, one for David's stuff, my stuff, receipts and stuff to shred. The shredder is right below it so when it gets full it's gone. The rest must be sorted at the end of each month. Also I labeled everything. It is hard to tell in the photo, but every drawer, box, or bag has a label. This is to help out my DH.

3. What did you do with the “stuff” you were able to purge out of your newly organized space?

I purged gobs of paper and receipts that I have been carrying around with me since college. Yuck. That went in the dump. And my old GRE study books. I am offering them to my sister; otherwise they are going to Goodwill.

4. Now that you have completed the challenge, do you think having and keeping your space organized will make a difference in your life?

Yes, I will finally be able to scrapbook, especially my wedding stuff. I saved one bag of gift-wrap to use in it as soon as it's done the leftovers will be tossed. No more clutter for me! :) We also have enough room to blow up our air mattress so we now can have multiple guests stay.

5. Why do you think you should win the challenge?

I didn't have the most stuff or the biggest room, but I hope I get points for creativity. Trying to make shelves without spending any money and not put large screws in the apartment wall was a tricky problem. I worked hard on this room. I was able to purge paper that has been with me for eight years and start my married life free of paper clutter. In the end, I have a space cozy enough for a guest and functional enough for us. That is a pretty good prize in itself. :)

Total spent: ~$10.00 for four magazine holders.

Well, I hope you enjoyed looking. I can't wait to see everyone's room. I will have to wait till Sunday because I am going out of town tonight.

Special thanks to Laura the Freak for getting all us wanna-be freaks motivated.

Dr. Seuss on Tolkien

2007-11-14T09:34:00.000-05:00

This has been around for several years, but I thought I'd share it again.

Dr. Seuss' LotR - by Blue Wizard

The day when Bilbo left his ring
I did not want to dance or sing
I did not want his ring at all
I did not want it in my hall
I did not want it in my pocket
I did not want it in a locket
I did not want it on a chain
Having it was quite a pain.

Read the whole poem

Menu Plan Monday

2007-11-12T09:43:00.000-05:00

Last week I decided not to do a menu plan since we wouldn't be home more then two nights. We had enough in the pantry to make a quick salmon casserole. And that's all I cooked last week.

This week it is back to the kitchen and another Menu Plan Monday.

Monday: Chilli, David's recipe. It makes enough for a legion, and it is cheap.

Tuesday: Chicken Enchilada Casserole from Crazy Plates (CP). We love this cookbook. Many of my staple dishes come from it.

Wednesday: Glazed Salmon and Broccoli slaw salad (CP) I'm still debating on the side. I will make the salad, it's great for lunch. But it may not go well with the salmon.

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: we will be heading out of town to a lovely cabin.

Baking: The pumpkin muffins came out so well that I am thinking about doing another batch. My experiment with the Splenda was a success but this time I'd like to cut down on the oil. Or I would like to try some blueberry bran muffins from the Crazy Plates cookbook.

Sign me up! Organizational Challenge

2007-11-01T10:03:00.000-05:00

It is finally time for I'm an Organizing Junkie's 30 Day Organizing Challenge. Woohoo!
I'm excited to join in on the organizing fun, because I have the perfect room for it. It is so bad that it is in need of organizing life-support. This room is our spare bedroom. It was intended to be David's office. But I have more ~~junk~~ stuff. Actually, my hope is for it to someday function as a guest-craft-office. Since we just moved in together I've had plenty of cleaning and organizing to do. Unfortunately, while I've been organizing the rest of our apartment it has become the dumping ground for everything without a home. Hopefully with the help of this challenge I will be able to create a new room.

Okay, enough chatter, time for some photos. Oh the disgrace...

The first stop on our tour is one month ago. As we peek in the doorway, we can see the beginnings of the clutter. We moved David's single bed into the office so we could finally get a bed big enough for two. Yes they are called single beds for a reason. This is also when we finally emptied out my old apartment.

The cherry piece of wood is a coffee table my father made for me while I was in college. It has folding legs, making it perfect for dorm life. When not in use, it folded up and slid under my bed. Now it needs to go into the living room. What you can't see is the second desk and a large bookshelf that is taking up the door. The photo I took of them did not come out well. It looks like a large dark monolith. See that lighter piece of wood against the wall? That is the top to my desk.

Let's jump ahead now to one week ago. Here we are, again, standing in the door looking at the guest section of the room. Yes, it does look a bit better. Look, you can even see some of the floor. Sadly, you can't see a floor in there anymore, I spent the past week finishing up the rest of the apartment for the in-laws' visit. Everything without a home is now in this room. Including boxes of clothes that need sorted, Ebay items, and boxes to save. We are planning on buying a house when our lease expires, so I want to save some boxes for this future move. But doesn't that bed look nice all put together (Just don't look under it)? I know it's bare but there are sheets in there somewhere... hmmm.

BTW, I had to take the pictures last week because my laptop and camera have not surfaced from the clutter. I am currently using David's laptop and camera, and I don't know how to load photos from one to the other, yet. Last week was the best time to bug him to help me. :) Besides the room essentially looks the same, but with more stuff (and no floor).

This view is from the corner by the bed. You can see a second book shelf and the ~~only escape from this room~~ door. We have three book shelves, but only two fit in this room. What can I say we love our books. That gray thing is actually the table I use for my sewing machine. Not that I sew much... but I plan on doing it more. As David says I sew in theory. Off to the right side is my desk now with top on. As you can see I'm excellent and shoving things against the wall.

Here is a better view of my desk and the office area of the room. It took me four tries of moving furniture before I came up with this layout. It still looks cramped, but you should have seen the previous three tries. Poor hubby, first he loses his office to my crafty stuff and now I stick his desk in the corner. Maybe if I tell him this arrangement prevents him from looking at my ~~clutter~~ crafty corner, he won't mind so much. If you look close enough, though, you can see he makes his fair share of clutter.

Speaking of crafty corners, this is the craft section of the room. My goal is to be able to put most of it in the closet. This way when it is not in use it won't be in the way. However, this closet is so frustrating. Look at all that room I can't use, gah! I want it to have nice shelves. But buying some is out of the question, as is making them from plywood. Our lease states we are not allowed to use anything but picture hangers in our walls. They are so particular about this that they provide you with your first box of hangers. This guarantees you have no confusion about what you are to use on their walls. Basically, anything that would make a big hole is a big no no. Fortunately, we hope to move within the coming year. Then watch out new walls.

So all in all it doesn't look half as bad as some of the other contestants rooms. But it is still going to be a big pill to swallow.

But wait there's more....

Also part of my goal is to ~~destroy~~ empty what I affectionately call the:

Four Boxes of the Clutter-pocalypse or Clupocalypse

Yes that's right. These four boxes only look like they are keeping clutter at bay. In reality, they are laying in wait ready to burst forth with the clutter they contain. It's not just ordinary clutter, no it is the worst kind of clutter: Paper Clutter!

Bleh! I hate paper. My goal is to empty and file every single thing in those awful boxes. The really sad thing is the Receipts box has spawned three manila folders. At first I was filing the receipts with my bank statements. This worked until about my third year of college, after which I started filing in folders them by year. It made sense to me back then. I thought I had to save everything for seven years. Now I know better. The shredder and I are making plans.

Yes there's still more! Ug! These are the minions of the Four Boxes. They also have to be emptied and put away. Currently, they are serving as a stylish fire hazard in our short hallway. Most of the stuff has to go in the guest-craft-office. At least two of those boxes are full of paper. One, of which, has been following me since college. Yikes!

Well there you go all ~~our~~ my dirty organizational laundry has been aired. Just wait till it's all done then I can show you the before and afters of the whole apartment. Hopefully, there will be afters. Assuming the Four Boxes don't get me first.

All Saint's Day

2007-11-01T07:43:00.000-05:00

Happy Feast of All Saints
Today we celebrate both the canonized saints and the uncanonized saints. We are all called to be saints. A saint is merely someone who has made it to heaven. Some people have very public lives with miracles attributed to their lives or deaths, while others lead simple, often mundane seeming lives. Once gone, they are remembered by their families and friends. These are the lives we celebrate today. We celebrate the many men and women who did great things through the simple things of everyday life.

May we someday join this communion of saints.

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T17:41:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween, I hope everyone gets lots of treats and no tricks.

I can't wait to give out candy and see all the little kids in their cute costumes.

Menu Plan Monday

2007-10-30T07:32:00.000-05:00

I was so excited to participate in my first Menu Plan Monday, and then I became ill. Granted, I hadn't been feeling well the past few days but yesterday was the worst. I feel better today, hopefully it was only a 48 hour bug coupled with lack of sleep. I know it's not Monday but I'm going to post it anyways. So here it is my first menu plan, a day late but hopefully not a dollar short:

Breakfast will be a variety. Lately, DH has been enjoying my fruit oatmeal. We buy the 1 lb bags of frozen fruit and throw about 1/3 cup into the Wal-mart GV brand Old Fashioned Oats. You have to cut your water down by about half, but it tastes great and it's cheap. He says it tastes like a lo-cal cobbler.

Monday: Thai Curry Chicken from Good Carb, Better Carb (GCBC)

Tuesday: Turkey Burgers with French Lentil Salad (salad from GCBC)

Wednesday: Pork Chops with Fiery (Spicy) Angel Hair Pasta from Everyday Pasta

Thursday: BW3s maybe otherwise soup and sandwich, we've been planning this for awhile.

Friday: Leftovers (ha!) We probably won't be home for dinner because we have a mini vacation planned with the IL's, yay!

Baking: Pumpkin Muffins from Martha if I have time. I will be making them without the nuts and with partSplenda instead of the full sugar. Keep your fingers crossed they come out edible.

The best part I had everything but scallions on hand to make the dinners. By evening I did feel well enough to make dinner, so we are on schedule.

Modest Clothing Rave

2007-10-25T08:22:00.000-05:00

A few months ago I went in search of a dress to wear for our rehearsal dinner. My goal was to find an affordable and modest dress that would last me several years. What a nightmare that turned out to be. I'm beginning to think it's just shopping and me. Lol.

Eventually, with the help of my niece, I did find a dress that worked perfect, but still requires the ever present cami. Have I ever mentioned how I hate camis? Maybe once or twice. I must say the cami neckline has gotten higher, but they are still not my favorite clothing item. I still think they are overpriced for the small amount of material they contain. Then again, it is hard to find a great clothing piece at a good price anymore. Modesty may be "in" with the fashion crowd but it's not always "in" with my budget. Fortunately, there are stores like Kohl's and Wal-mart which sell fashionable clothes at prices for the average income. I've even found a tolerable cami at Kohl's. Even JCPenny has several affordable, modest finds, if you hit them on a good sale day.

In my internet search for the perfect rehearsal dress I side stepped over to ModestyZone. As I was poking around I came upon the Rebel of the Month: Summer Bellessa. Summer has created the Eliza Fashion Magazine, dedicated to, that's right, modest fashion. From her magazine I was sent to The Modest List. This site lists most everything in modest online fashion (though they are missing Christa Taylor's line). The excitement welled in me. At long last, clothing stores where I wouldn't have to face ugly necklines, armed with only a cami. And then my hopes fell as I browsed the sites. Not for want of cute, modest clothes, but for the prices, and for the limited availability. (Two words: wedding budget.) This isn't to say you shouldn't check them out. Please do and support them if you can.

Last on the list is DownEast Basics. So I gave it one more go, and my hope came back. They seemed more affordable, especially if you shop their sales section. My hope grew. Then I saw the Wonder Tee. The what? Wonder tee, they say, was created to make all fashions modest and in turn wearable. They even show you how. After viewing the examples, I decided to order one and see for myself. Well, shipping stays the same whether you order one or four, so I ended up ordering four. Hey, the sale price was cheaper then Kohl's.

And I LOVE them that's right LOVE. First off they do what the cami is supposed to do, but better. Second, NO straps and NO built-in bra. Best of all, they are 95% cotton! They breathe! Oh and they are long too. I don't mind layering with them. They feel great under other shirts, not bulky at all. If you want, they can stand alone, and they don't imprint. As I'm sure you have guessed, I would highly recommend this shirt to anyone, especially someone wanting to expand their wardrobe possibilities. As for me, I'm donating all my camis, except the two from Kohls. WooHoo!!!

**Note** If you do choose to buy a Wonder Tee, follow the sizing chart. I fell between small and medium, and was very happy with the medium. Also don't worry, the actual color of the garment is closer to the little color squares then the photos they've taken.

I have no accent

2007-10-24T16:54:00.000-05:00

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Midland "You have a Midland accent" is just another way of saying "you don't have an accent." You probably are from the Midland (Pennsylvania, southern Ohio, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and Missouri) but then for all we know you could be from Florida or Charleston or one of those big southern cities like Atlanta or Dallas. You have a good voice for TV and radio.
The Inland North
The South
The West
The Northeast
Philadelphia
Boston
North Central
What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

layout change

2007-10-19T10:43:00.000-05:00

Yes I'm playing with the layout again. I don't like it as much as I thought I would, but I've got other stuff I need to do. I'm sorry if it is hard to read, I will fix it later.

Study: why males die sooner

2007-10-19T06:16:00.001-05:00

I found this article on why men die before women.
The article states scientists at the University of Cambridge in England have found an apparent correlation between how polygynous a given species is to how soon the males of said species age and die (vs. the females). From this they are concluding that at the peak of humanity's physiological evolution, we must have been a polygynous species.

This is such a bizarre study to me. While I've always enjoyed comparative physiology, I sometimes take issue with how it can limit the effects of evolution within a given species. Why would the peak of humanity's physiological evolution limit ones life span? They place our peak around the Stone Age, but hasn't humanity evolved since then? Of course I don't have the actual study on hand or the years of expertise on the subject, but my questions stem from what I do know. Genetically speaking we've proven fitness, or how well an animal can pass it's genes on to the next generation, to be a factor in species evolution. The more successful you are at passing your genes on the more fit, but they have to survive to reproduce. Therefore it would seem counter to our overall fitness as a species, if our lifespan was limited by the very act which defines our fitness. This study as represented in the news release seems to suggest such a dilemma. Maybe it is a safeguard for genetic diversity(?). Either way, it is a fascinating topic and I hope the Proceedings of the Royal Society B. publishes the study online in full soon. Until then, I'm going to enjoy their available articles. MMMM science....

David just made the point that Real Age deducts years for men in promiscuous or homosexual relationships. Also, the benefits of a monogamous relationship is higher for men then for women.

The take home point seems to be; men stay in those monogamous relationships, for your health!

100 things finished

2007-10-18T15:51:00.000-05:00

I never did finish this drawn out meme, so for the interested or bored here we go:
1. I love to knit
2. My favorite drink is Chai
3. I am Roman Catholic.
4. I love how the church year reflects nature.
5. Yes, the Catechism of the Catholic Church is on my top five favorite books.
6. I think Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II are just what the doctor ordered.
7. Mary is my confirmation saint. My mom picked her for me, because she thought the name I picked was dumb... and it was. That's an embarrassing story for another post.
8. I love water.
9. I was on the swim team in high school.
10. I am SCUBA certified and hope to one day be an instructor.
11. I love otters and dolphins.
12. I wanted to be a Marine Biologist
13. I love pumpkin flavored anything including ice cream.
14. I also like peppermint ice cream, but I usually end up ordering vanilla. Toft's has the best ice cream, imho. I miss it but my hips do not.
15. My birthday falls on the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. This was an important sign to me when my faith was in its infancy.
16. I don't care for Haugen or Haas. Gather Us In is not the only hymn in the book... if you can call it a hymn.
17. I find the Latin Mass beautiful, but then I find any Mass done well beautiful.
18. I can never read just one book at a time.
19. I used to love fiction, especially the Anne McCaffrey's Pern series.
20. I love popcorn, especially day old movie theater popcorn.
21. I graduated from Purdue. Yes that makes me a Boilermaker. :)
22. I graduated with a B.S. in Wildlife Science. (The party joke is old...:P)
23. I didn't like working in the snow.
24. Snow is best viewed through a window, with tea in hand.
25. I like tea, but I have way too many kinds.
26. I could never move too far south for two reasons. a) No killing frost. b) Poisonous spiders, scorpions, and snakes.
27. Politically (and religiously) I would consider myself a conservative, but I don't always agree with the Republicans
28. I enjoy Bill O'Reilly.
29. I believe modesty is important, and that cami's are not the answer to immodest clothing.
30. I don't like much TV. But when I do:
31. I love the Food Network. My favorite chef is Giada De Laurentiis
32. I watch Heroes when I can.
33. I also like Everybody Loves Raymond, Simpsons, Andy Griffith, and I Love Lucy.
34. I enjoy PBS shows like Everyday Food, Simply Ming, and America's Test Kitchen.
35. I like Martha Stewart, even though she tried to cheat the system.
36. I find her magazine Martha Stewart Living helpful, informative, and low on ads.
37. I think it's a waste of money, when the ads in the magazine out-weight the articles. ex. Real Simple.
38. I have always wanted china. My perfect pattern is Noritake Clarenton
39. I consider myself a penny pincher. My husband might disagree.
40. I'm a newly wed.
41. We were engaged in December of 2006.
42. I have a terrible memory.
43. He asked me at the Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation.
44. I love to visit shrines.
45. I was married in the fall.
46. The Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels is one of my favorites. It's a story for another post.
47. I married David
48. Jonathan and Carmel are my in-laws.
49. I have one sister.
50. My father passed away in 2004, on Holy Thursday.
51. My mother is still alive.
52. Fall is my favorite season.
53. I enjoy nature.
54. I have a lot of decor items that have leaf detailing. (see china)
55. I like the Tuscan Country style decor.
56. I love wood furniture.
57. I prefer it stained instead of painted.
58. My dad taught me to use a lathe, scroll saw, and drill.
59. I enjoy taking pictures.
60. I like to scrapbook to show them off.
61. My heritage is German, Polish, and Czechoslovakian.
62. I want to travel.
63. I hope to go to Australia, Japan, and Ireland.
64. I've been to Cozumel, Mexico and Sweden.
65. I want to see the remaining 7 wonders.
66. I want to go shrine and restaurant hopping in Italy
67. I want to see Greece.
68. I love Greco-Roman architecture.
69. I took Latin in high school and Spanish in college.
70. I can't speak either, I'm language defunct.
71. I want to learn Italian.
72. I enjoy wine. Chardonnay and Shiraz are my personal favorites.
73. I enjoy going to local winerys.
74. I firmly believe in supporting local businesses when you can.
75. My favorite comfort foods are ribs, mac n cheese, perogies, and mom's chicken noodle soup. Oh and chocolate, can't forget chocolate. Yum!
76. Barbecue sauce is my favorite condiment.
77. I love foreign food such as sushi and spanakopita. Ok, I love food.
78. Olive Garden, Red Lobster, and Wendy's are my favorite restaurants.
79. I love to cook. It's edible science.
80. Science was my best subject.
81. I hate doing the dishes (and laundry), it's perpetual. ug!
82. I wish I could make everything from scratch.
83. I want a big garden.
84. I'm a procrastinator. I'll finish this later....

kidding.

85. I tend to tease people.
86. But I don't always enjoy getting teased.
87. I'm a terrible speller, and since graduating my grammar skills have gone south, too.
88. I am currently trying out a work from home type job.
89. I used to work for a small town vet.
90. I hope to sponsor an RCIA candidate this year.
91. I can't sing.
92. But I like to pretend I can, when noone is around.
93. Jennifer Garner and Anne Hathaway are my two of my favorite actresses.
94. I don't understand why people get all fussy over celebrities. They are just people and in some cases very pathetic ones.
95. Jane Austen is one of my all time favorite authors.
96. I organize more in theory then in reality. I am trying to get better at this.
97. I have ADD, but I've never taken medication for it.
98. I don't like to exercise, but I do it anyways. Okay it's not that bad.
99. I think people who own exotic animals (like bobcats), need their heads examined.
100. I had a ferret but I had to give her to my mom. No pets allowed... :( Ferrets are not exotic.
101. It takes me forever to get a blog post together.

Well there you have it 100+ things all about me. I tried to keep it organized by topic but I got tired of renumbering things. So, for those of you who stayed with me the whole way, I hope you enjoyed it. Not the deepest thing, but then it's a meme. Now I'm going to go eat, all that talk about food made me hungry.

Organization

2007-10-17T06:45:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I finally moved everything out of MY apartment and into OUR apartment. First lesson of marriage: women have more stuff. Okay, so it really didn't take marriage to know that; it took merging apartments to realize the exact ratio of his:her stuff, especially, when nothing is where it needs to be and everything is game for a good toe-stubben. It has taken about four car trips and one (okay maybe two) large Chevy truck trip, and I still have a few things at my in-laws, bless them.

Monday, I finally got the bedroom (mostly) done. All that is left is a small (men read large) pile of (my) clothes for St. Vincent de Paul. My current debate is: Is it worth it to list everything in that pile for tax purposes or better just to get them out of here? Instead I've moved onto the guest bedroom/office/craftorium. As the name implies, this room is going to have the most stuff in it, but if it doesn't fit in there, it's going out the door. After the office, I will finish the smattering of stuff left in the kitchen and living room, or at least, that is the plan. I've found the kitchen hard to finish because we use it everyday. It's also been hard to finish because it was the first done and every trip since has brought more kitchen stuff. Yes, I love kitchen paraphernalia, especially my new Corningware Traditions cookware, in white (hey they have a platter...). Hopefully the unpacking and organizing will all be done by November 1st (2007).

In my sorting, organizing, and rearranging frenzy I have been checking out some new blogs. I'm an Organizing Junkie, I enjoy her PROCESS post. Unfortunately, I don't think I qualify for her 30 Day Challenge, seeing as how my before and afters will be very extreme and not a true reorganization. I've also headed over to Neat & Simple Living and of course The Nest community boards. All theses sites have helpful tips, and I recommend them to anyone. However, I think I've spent the most hours on Better Homes & Garden's Arrange-a-Room, just for the pure fun of moving things with one finger. It has been helpful in making my room arranging and cleaning faster, though I still had to rearrange the office four times before I liked it. Maybe I'm too fussy or maybe two desks and a bed are a bit much for its small space. Maybe... :D

Well back to work, while nothing has been cleaned in the past 30 minutes I think I've added several words to the English language, lol.

Married!!

2007-10-12T10:31:00.000-05:00

This September 2007 David and I were married with God, family, and friends as our witnesses. The weather was perfect, the food was great, and everyone seemed to have a good time. We had a beautiful wedding Mass, complete with a devotion to the Blessed Mother (and no unity candle). :D

The Mass:
Prelude: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (J.S. Bach)
O, Had I Jubal's Lyre (G.F. Handel)
Panis Angelicus(C. Franck) (sung)

Processional: Canon in D (Pachelbel)

Old Testament Reading: Genesis 2:18-24
New Testament Reading: Romans 8:31b-35, 37-39
Gospel Reading: Mark 10:6-9

Offertory Hymn: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (select verses)
Communion Hymn: Love Divine All Loves Excelling (#429)
Devotion to Blessed Mother: Ave Maria (Schubert)
Recessional: Prelude in Classical Style (G. Young)

Our programs provided some explanation for our guests. We thought this was important because many of our guests were not Catholic. I will be posting a demo copy eventually, but it's on a different computer.

The Reception:
Our theme was fall leaves. Our tables were named after trees and each table card had a brief blurb on the back about the tree. The leaves themselves were cut out of copper sheeting... yes I did do that, and no I'm not nuts, after all there were only 13 tables, lol.

Our centerpieces were cakes. We had 14 total and a small tiered cake for us. I think we ended up with about 8 different flavors, including Italian wedding (w/ cream cheese frosting), pumpkin spice, carrot cake, lemon, German chocolate, white w/raspberry filling, and red velvet. They were a big hit. So were our favors, popcorn balls. Really, all of our food was fantastic. The dinner was buffet style, and our cater out did himself.

David picked out most of the music for both the Mass and the reception. The only thing I requested was that songs like White Wedding or Bootylicious not be played... they might have a beat and be fun but to me they aren't wedding songs. Some of the songs on our DJ's Top 200 were just weird for a wedding. I highly recommend people sit down with the lyrics and listen to some of their favorite songs. I can't understand why anyone would want Jessie's Girl (#96), Promiscuous (#89), or Love Shack (#3) played at their wedding. I can only assume it is not for what the lyrics say. If it is... anyways

Here is a sampling of what we did play:
Entrance: I'm a Believer (Smash Mouth) This one was faster paced then the Monkees version which David would have preferred.
Dinner: Lounge music was played. Frank Sinatra, Norah Jones and the like
Cake Cutting: It's Getting Better (Mama Cass)
First Dance: Bless the Broken Road (Rascal Flatts)
Mother/Daughter Dance: Wind Beneath My Wings (Bette Midler)
Mother/Son Dance: Somewhere Over the Rainbow (can't remember) David's mom loves Wizard of Oz
Anniversary Dance: Unchained Melody We gave the bridal bouquet to the longest married couple and asked for marriage advice, from them. (I loved my bouquet, so pretty.)
End song: The Promise (When In Rome) think Napoleon Dynamite

Well in the end we had a few snags, but we got married and had a great time.

Rules to Dress By

2007-07-16T19:27:00.000-05:00

I think everyone who reads this blog knows how I feel about fashion. However, with the help of groups like Pure Fashion, clothing has taken a more modest turn in the past two years. By turn I mean it is easier to find more stylish clothing with a modest flair, but you still have to dig for it. And do I dig for it. Before I even try a shirt on it has to pass 3 tests:

1.) Can I see my hand through it? I should not be able to pick up a garment and see my hand on the other side. If you can see skin you can see your bra.
2.) How low is the neckline? I hate to try on clothes, if I do it had better be to see if the item is flattering. If you hold the clothing up to yourself and before you even put it on you can tell the neckline is going to bare all, why bother?
3.) How low is the hemline? (See Rule 2) This fortunately hasn't been as much of a problem this year.
For more extensive modesty guidelines check out Pure Fashion's Fashion Show Guidelines.

Now, in the past two years, I've been able to find modest shirts but only with the help of the ever present camisole. Ug, even the cami necklines leave much to be desired, or should I say don't. It's a bad sign when your cami neckline hits the same neckline as your shirts. Yeah I think I might have "higher standards" for my clothes. But I experienced some relief this summer while shopping. Sadly it was not shirt related but better still it was short related. By now I'm betting you can guess how those short shorts rate in my mind. So, after spending the past 4 summers in pants, I was thrilled to walk in and find Bermuda shorts in style (for the masses) again. (No, I don't have the body height for capris. Can we say high-waters?) I say for the masses because any one who watches What Not to Wear knows they've been tauting knee-length shorts for a few seasons now. All in all, I LOVE these shorts! (That's right it's not a like, or even a love, it's a LOVE) I should have bought more, but there's the wedding budget to consider... sigh.

I realize Pure Fashion has been around now for several years but I thought I'd add a little substance to my clothing rant & rave. After all, if it wasn't for Pure Fashion or Modesty Zone, girls and women alike would be stuck in those awful clothes of the recent past.

Baby animals

2007-06-07T09:47:00.000-05:00

Being a vet tech has its ups and downs. Yesterday, we had a little kitty come into the vet's office. The kitty is around a week old at best, and so tiny. No one is sure who its mom is because it was found on a farm that with a lot of cats. Usually a mother cat will hide her litter, and every so often will change hiding spots. It is possible this baby was dropped in transit to a new spot, but it is hard to say. In the end it would seem he's without a mommy. Since today was my day off I got to take him home last night and take care of him. Because he is so young, he needs to be fed every 2 hours. It sounds hard, but waking up in the middle of the night to feed such a tiny little creature is not with out its reward. He is so tiny he fits in my hand with room to spare. Nothing is more amazing to me then life in miniature.

Someone else is now taking care of the kitten, which is good because I will have to work tomorrow and it wouldn't be a good idea to move him around too much. I am worried about him, but I know he will be taken care of very well. However, I'm worried that without a real mommy cat he won't make it. Among other things, the Mommy has antibodies in her milk, and well, it's hard to replace Mom. If you think about it, keep the little guy in your prayers. I know there are so many other people out there in greater need of your prayers, but if you think about him that would be great. Thank you. :)

Update:
The little kitty did not make it. It is so hard on these little guys without their mommy's. There are a million possible reasons why he didn't make it, and unfortunately there's no way to know if it was even preventable. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Men in Church

2007-06-03T13:48:00.000-05:00

This probably won't come as a shock to anyone, but I find David incredibly handsome. Whether he is dressed up, working out, or relaxed, there isn't a look I don't like on him. But of all his "looks" the one I love the most, the one that is most attractive to me is when he is praying especially in church.
Maybe it's the light from the high ceiling lamps, filtering down in a warm glow. Or maybe it's the light that comes from within a devout man as he participates in the sacrifice of the Mass. Or maybe it's just being in God's presence that makes everything more beautiful (or handsome).
Whatever it is, there is something incredibly attractive about a man viewed under church lighting.

Faith is a beautiful thing.

Missing you.

2007-06-01T19:29:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was my Dad's birthday, he would have been 57.
Today, I helped someone jump their van. In high school my Dad had to come rescue me, jumper cables in hand, many times. As I would forget to turn off my lights, oops. Actually, it was something that happened enough, that when we picked out my current car we made sure it turned the lights off with the engine. I admit I was impressed that I remembered how to place the cables, of course I had a cheat sheet to double check myself. After getting my new car Dad went out and bought me a pair of cables lol. Fortunately, they still had the how-to-use tag on them. Later that evening, I couldn't help but think to myself I should call Dad and tell him I remembered how to jump the car. I can almost hear his response in my head...

new layout

2007-05-07T19:36:00.000-05:00

Well it's been a long time since I last posted. Between wedding planning, pre-cana, and life, I haven't had much time. Time, aside, every time I looked at my blog I was so bored with the layout I would get distracted with how to fix it. Then came the great goals to redo the whole thing. After which, I realized how much I had to lose before I could start. But, once I got the hang of it the new layout options, it wasn't so bad. So my big changes are kinda small but it's a start. Enjoy.

Wedding update

2007-02-07T20:50:00.000-05:00

I have been a busy little wedding bee. We now have our church, reception hall, and baker reserved. We will hopefully have our cater, dj, and rehearsal spot reserved in the next 2 weeks. And I found my dress!! Yay! I can honestly say I do not like dress shopping. I don't know how many I tried on maybe 10, but I looked at a ton online. I looked at so many that my eyes are about cross from it and I swore I never wanted to see another one. So when I headed up north to visit my mom a few weeks ago, I never guessed I'd actually find one. We decided to stop in a few local shops, including a David's bridal. Surprisingly, I actually found it at David's and for a good price. It came down to 2, neither one really struck me as great but I tried them on again. (At that point one white dress started to look like another.) But after trying the second one on again, with a little addition to cover my shoulders, I knew I had found it. Mom had started to tear up. I didn't think I'd be able to find it so fast and with my mom! I was much happier she got to share that moment, then I was at finding it.

Next on the list is finding a florist, photographer, and bridesmaids dresses. So far finding an affordable dress in the color that matches the one in my head has been difficult. We also have to do our pre-cana classes. I can't wait for those! But all this has to wait until after V-day I am as I am busily making a gift for David.

100 Things: # 12 Cami Rant

2007-01-08T20:08:00.000-05:00

I hate camisoles or camis. To many people they are the answer to making an immodest fashion modest. I have to disagree. So many times I’ve gone shopping with my mom and to find what seems to be a great shirt. However, once in the fitting room the same disappointed would come in the form of an inadequate neckline. This would be followed by the same familiar response, "You can always wear a cami under it." Yuck! Camis are not the answer to everything! To me camis are the perfect way to make an immodest fashion uncomfortable, hot, and sometimes bulky.

They were okay when they first came out. If you ask me they were central to one big marketing gimmick. How so? You had to buy them. While no one was twisting your arm, if you went into any store you found half the t-shirts were transparent and the other half were to low in the neck to keep things covered. The gimmick was how to produce fast fashion at a cheap price while still making twice the profit. Think about for every one outfit you would be wearing two shirts. Genius! Ridiculous! True, this was mostly confined to the juniors department. But the trend grew and they are now staples in every department.

The worse thing they ever did to the cami was to add in that stupid "bra." If you really think it’s going to support you like a real bra you are nuts or flat. Even if you are flat, I’m sure you’ve noticed that the cami bra does nothing to hide the affect of temperature change. Therefore, you still have to wear a bra under it. This combo is uncomfortable at best, especially since there are now two sets of straps. But you must not forget you are wearing the cami to cover what the shirt does not. That’s right, you are two shirts, and with non-functioning cami bra now in the picture you have almost four layers on you. How is this going to help me have fun in the sun? Oh right girls don’t sweat (teehee), we glisten.

Ok I’m done… I'm gonna climb off of my soapbox now, push publish and go be thankful it's sweater season right now. But thanks for listening. :D

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T21:22:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone!
I hope the Advent and Christmas seasons have been good to you. In the spirit of Advent David and I got engaged. We hope to wed in 07, but for now we are going at it slow so as not to overshadow the Christmas season too much. Lol, well I've been trying to go slow, but it is exciting. I have joined the knot.com and have spent much of the past few weeks exploring the photo galleries getting ideas. The more I'm on there the more I think wedding planning is a girls only club. Of course any guy could have told me that, but it's still kinda funny to see. Either way, for now I'm just having fun daydreaming of decorations and colors.
If anyone has any advice for us feel free to comment.

Tis the season...

2006-12-20T21:22:00.000-05:00

For a Holiday Meme:

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?

Hot chocolate

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?

He wraps them, it's more fun that way.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?

As a child we always had large colored ones on the house and smaller colored ones on our tree. Now I have white lights on two small trees in my apt, mostly because they came with the trees.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?

Nope

5. When do you put your decorations up?

When I was little we would put the tree up on Christmas Eve, but the outside lights would go up a lot earlier. Now I set up my trees and decorate them in pink or purple for Advent. Later on Christmas Eve, I will decorate them for Christmas.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish?

My dad's stuffing and his sweet potatoes.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child?

Cooking with my family.
Playing in the snow. One year we made a pile on the side of the drive and were able to slide the length of it. It was a long drive.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?

I still believe he exists. ;) Honestly, I don't remember.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?

Yes, just one.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?

Small ornaments on top, large on bottom. Mom has a lot of Hallmark ones. My sis was in charge of the silver tinsel, and we'd cape it with a wooden angel.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?

I love it when I can stay home and admire it from my comfy couch. Or anytime I don't have to drive in it.
When every thing is covered in a foot of unbroken snow and the trees glisten with icicles in the morning sun. That is when the snow is all worthwhile.

12. Can you ice skate?

Eh, I sort of can, not well.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?

My engagement ring, yes I agree with Carmel here.

14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you?

Celebrating Jesus birth, the mass, and family, and here.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?

Pumpkin roll! We beg for it. But I must say there isn't a dessert I've met that I haven't enjoyed.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Sharing a meal with my family, opening gifts together, looking at lights, decorating the home.

17. What tops your tree?

Angel on the family tree, star on my tiny tree.

18.Which do you prefer giving or receiving?

I enjoy both.

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?

It's a 3-way tie: Do you Hear what I Hear, All I want for Christmas is a Hippopotamus, and Joy to the World. Oh and I Sing a Maid! Eh, I love them all.

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum?

I like the fruity flavored ones, and the small peppermint ones. The big peppermint ones are good for decorating or stirring one's hot chocolate. Peppermint hot chocolate gets a big YUM from me. But candy canes, I can take or leave, though it just doesn't seem like Christmas with out them.

If you would like to be tagged just be tagged.

Persecution

2006-12-16T17:20:00.000-05:00

"That's why we have the crucifix, you've got to go through Good Friday to get to Easter Sunday." --Dave Hartline

Listening to Dave Hartline's interview for his new book "The Tide is Turning" got me thinking about the history of the Catholic Church. As a whole we are a church that thrives under persecution. Two of the high points in the church's enrollment where under the Roman Empire's persecution and in Mexico under the government's persecution.

It is still acceptable to make fun of and degrade the Catholic Church. After all it is so backward not letting women get ordained and saying abortion is a bad thing. Isn't it? And yet as Dave points out our numbers are growing in the conservative camp.

I can't wait to read my copy.

On my birthday

2006-11-26T11:44:00.000-05:00

The Rules:
1) Go to Wikipedia
2) In the search box, type your birth month and day but not the year.
3) List three events that happened on your birthday
4) List two important birthdays and one death
5) One holiday or observance (if any)

So here we go:

Three events:
1.) 678 - Saint Agatho begins his reign as a Catholic Pope.
2.) 1893 - Crash of the New York Stock Exchange.
3.) 1898 - The first solo circumnavigation of the globe is completed by Joshua Slocum from Briar Island, Nova Scotia.

Two Birthdays:
1.) 1350 - Manuel II Palaeologus, Eastern Roman Emperor
2.) 1991 - Madylin Sweeten, American actress Everybody Loves Raymond

One Death:
1603 - Jan Dymitr Solikowski, Polish archbishop, writer, and diplomat (b. 1539)

Feast (Holiday):
Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Assistance)

Electronic glitches

2006-11-23T20:16:00.000-05:00

The other night I was listening to the radio and suddenly out of my CD player speakers came a voice. I alternated between freaked out and trying to figure out logically what was going on. By the time I turned of the radio the voice was gone. All I can remember was the voice was masculine and asking "where are you now" or something related to that question. These speakers are on the other side of the room from my radio. So I called David and asked him to talk to me on the phone while I checked the apartment. Because when you're by yourself at night the mind can think of crazy things. Mine thought that maybe I was imagining it coming from the speakers and that it was actually a possibly malicious someone outside my apartment. Then David, who was using his head, found this this Q&A on line.

And even though I now logically know how this happens, I still find it rather creepy.

Cute Story

2006-11-11T15:14:00.000-05:00

Today at work I heard a cute kitty story. The story is more of a legend, one of the many that surround the impact of Jesus on the natural world. Most of the stories I've heard revolve around trees, such as why the mulberry has red berries or the dogwood flower looks like a cross. True to form this one seeks to explain why tabby cats have the M on their forehead. When I got home I googled it and found a website that presented it in such a nice way, that rather then reiterate it, I thought I'd just forward you to this site. So if you are curious about how the tabby got its M, go on over to Penmarric: The legend of the tabby M.

Smoke-free

2006-11-08T20:15:00.000-05:00

Ohio is now officially a smoke-free state. This actually upsets a lot of the gals with whom I work. Why? Because it is another government control, telling us what to do. I think this is a bit of an extreme view, seeing as how it is really your neighbors telling you how they'd like to be treated. We live in a democracy and we vote on things as a community. The non-smokers just decided it was time to take back the air. Granted I wouldn't care if bars were still allowed to let people smoke. I take issue with the bars that cater to families and have restaurants as a part of their bar. Like Buffalo Wild Wings, where you can't go in for 5 minutes without coming out smelling like a chimney. Either way, I think if someone can't handle eating a meal without puffing on their cigarette, they need to look at the depth of their addiction.

image is from the American Heart Association's website

Saddam Hussein

2006-11-06T19:26:00.000-05:00

Unless you've been living under a rock you know that Saddam Hussein has been sentenced.

Saddam Hussein, former Iraqi president:

_ Guilty of murder, sentenced to death.

_ Guilty of forced deportation, sentenced to 10 years in prison.

_ Guilty of torture, sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Okay, I know he is a mass murdering, human rights abusing, war monger, but I still feel sad he has been sentenced to death. He is still a person, still a child of God, and whatever poor choices he has made he still deserves some compassion. That doesn't mean I would trust him any farther then I could throw him. And I certainly don't consider myself a bleeding heart; I am just not convinced that sentencing him to death makes us any better then him.
No, I can't say that I'm a big fan of the death penalty.

Either way, he and his family will be in my prayers, as it is still a difficult time for them.

Happy...

2006-11-02T21:02:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day. Hope you enjoyed them all and didn’t eat too much candy. For Halloween I dressed up as the Wicked Witch of the West as fits the Wizard of Oz theme set by David’s mom. She was Glenda the Good Witch and made her own costume which was beautiful. Many of the kids who came up to the porch said "Oo, Look mommy a princess!". Lol.

All Saints Day Mass was very nice. The priest gave a homily on how it’s nice we enjoy the holiday seasons, but we should try and remember the Christian symbolism and celebration within each one. All in all it was a nice homily.

Today, I went and spent some time in Adoration. I’m glad our new priest has implemented Adoration and on Thursdays of all days! This is the only day of the week I have off. I do my best to go every other week. I find it is refreshing and a good addition to one’s spiritual life.

Sorry if this post seems hurried I don’t have as much time this evening.

100 Things: # 11

2006-11-02T20:04:00.000-05:00

I have really gotten into Heroes! It is rare that I like Primetime TV, but I not only actually like it I look forward to it and am willing lose sleep because of its 9pm time slot. Boy, does that make me sound old. Eh, I'm an early riser, not by choice.

My favorite character is hands down Hiro. He has so much hope and innocence. Part of me doesn't want to see him lose it and the rest of me wants to see how his character develops. All in all I hope the show doesn't get to soap operaish. The last show I really enjoyed, Gilmore Girls, seems to be heading that route.

Interweave Knits

2006-10-30T19:25:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited the winter '06 Interweave knits magizine is up for preview. I enjoy the general style of this magazine but as with anything that draws on multiple talents it can be a grab bag of design. The fall issue was one that had a lot of patterns I could take or leave. Nothing really jumped out at me. In this new issue I already see several I love. One is the cover design, the Nantucket Jacket by designer Norah Gaughan. Now all I have to do is finish the 5 other projects I've started, lol.

Interweave is also having a charity drive called The Red Scarf Project. This involves knitting a scarf for a college bound orphan. Check the website for guidelines and more details concerning the project. If you do plan on joining in you must send the scarves during the month of January, and ONLY January. I am thinking about participating, but I have to look at my funds. Alas, the problem with not being independently wealthy is you can't help everyone.

Back

2006-10-29T10:50:00.000-05:00

So after a long break I am finally back in Blogland. I decided to take a small break because of my limited internet access, busy schedule, and feelings that I just didn't have much to contribute. I am feeling settled in and recharged on all fronts and plan on regular posts on both blogs. I hope everyone has a had a good few months, now I need to go catch up on your blogs.

100 things: #10

2006-08-09T20:01:00.000-05:00

I like Bill O'Reilly. I enjoy his wit and ability to tell it like it is.

Ave Maria

2006-08-09T19:40:00.000-05:00

If it wasn't so hot in the summer I would move here in a heartbeat. But I like having 4 distinct seasons, even if I get cold faster then most people.
Why 4 seasons?
Two words: Killing frost!
What can I say, I like insects on the smaller side.

On a side note, today is the feast of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross or Edith Stein, woman who embodied what it means to be Catholic and female. Check out her collected works on Amazon.com

Picture from Mount Angel Abbey's Icon collection

100 things # 9

2006-08-04T21:36:00.000-05:00

I graduated from Purdue University.

Picture from www.pmc.purdue.edu

Life on Trial

2006-08-03T15:36:00.000-05:00

I was reading on the Salem Witch trials today (in of all places, the Bathroom Reader) and thought I'd share.

On August 5, 1692 Elizabeth Proctor, along with 5 other women, were found guilty of witchcraft and sentenced to death. However Elizabeth's life was spared because she was pregnant. The court couldn't justify taking an innocent life.

On a similar note, Argent posted an article from the State News, Michigan University's student newspaper. Shane Krouse, a student writer for the State News, claims an unborn child is nothing more then a freeloading wad of cells, comparable to the parasitic life that is a tapeworm.

Joining the ranks of other commentators, are my thoughts on his poorly constructed arguments.

"During the first trimester of the pregnancy, the fetus is merely a wad of cells. A mere wad of cells doesn't equate to a fully functioning, living human being. ...So why would anyone provide a wad of cells with the outrageous status of a living human being?"

He goes on to state that this "wad" cannot think, eat, or breathe on it's own. I would like to point out that on the genetic level the DNA is human. The cells are taking in nutrients and passing waste, two basic functions of life. Many single cell organisms are considered alive simply on the basis of these two functions. Sheltered in the womb, the cells are allowed to develop from the blueprints of life into the intended shape. At this point the fetus has no real need for advanced cognitive thought, so whether a fetus has cognitive function at this point isn't too important. As a matter of fact, a child's cognitive thought processes are believed to start developing in the toddler years.

"And because mom houses the fetus ...the fetus should be considered property of its mother. ...So why not allow the mother her innate right to decide whether or not this wad of cells will grow into a human?"

Declaring a unborn child property would be a dangerous decision for a court to make. A child is dependent on parents after birth and for similar reasons could be claimed as property and thus treated as such later in life too.

"If anything, a fetus is merely a parasitical creature that uses the mother as its host. Tapeworms are parasites that house themselves in the intestinal tracts of humans, feeding off the food the host consumes. Comparatively, a fetus is little more than a tapeworm. It is quite common for humans to annihilate parasites with medications or toxins, so why not allow for fetuses to suffer the same fate?"

Oddly enough, a tapeworm is considered a living being. By fulfilling it's role as a parasite in nature, it is living to its fullest potential. However, many fetuses are not granted the opportunity to fulfill their fullest potential.

"...according to the National Institutes of Health, 25 percent of conceived embryos perish within the first six weeks due to complications such as failure to implant to the uterus wall? It would appear that the "loving" God of these fundamentalists is many more times guilty of murder than all the human race's abortionists combined."

Christian Theology places the "blame" squarely on original sin, not on God. Besides, what happens in nature is different than what a human does purposely. Many kids do not live past an early age, but this does not mean their lives are useless or unremarkable, or that they were somehow not alive.

Life begins when the baby is passed through the birth canal and exits the womb. At this point, the baby is no longer physically connected to the mother and no longer freeloading its nutrients and oxygen from mommy.

Actually a newborn, while not still connected to the mother via the umbilical cord, cannot walk, talk, or feed him or herself after birth. This child in essence will be freeloading nutrients from mommy and daddy, from breast-feeding until he or she moves out of the house, an event that generally occurs during or after the college years. Even though most parents would say the freeloading never ends! For someone who started out as a "wad of cells," Krouse sure isn't appreciative of all his parents have done for him.

LifeSite has also picked up and commented on the story, and I recommend their thoughts.

Vacation

2006-08-02T16:25:00.000-05:00

This week David, Jonathan, and I have been taking our much needed vacation. We decided to take a simple vacation and headed north to the lake. For me it is a bit like going home since I lived in this area for almost 3 years. As a matter of fact when David and I first met I was living up here. Today we ate at the restaurant we had our first face to face (some of you may not know we met online first). We've also taken Jonathan to several of our favorite spots. Most food related, hey when your by the lake it's all about the fish. I have missed the freshness of the Yellow Perch. And of course we had to take him to the local ice cream chain. For a cultural spin we visited a couple local wineries; and to cool off we headed to the nearby water park. We visited the Catholic bookstore I used to work for and all found some new books, as well as a nearby shrine. Pictures and details will follow when we get home.

I told the boys next time we take a trip down memory lane; it should be Carmel and Jonathan that take us to all their first date favorites. Now we just have to come up with enough money to visit Australia. ;)

Yarn shopping

2006-07-12T22:45:00.000-05:00

I have been searching high and low for affordable yarn that statistically matches yarn used in patterns I have been hoarding. My first choice is to use the recommended yarn but most are expensive. I decided to go on Ebay but many of the sellers I've come across don't include important info like weight and yardage. Yarndex.com has help me a bit with sorting out the specs of the yarns, but it has only been slightly helpful. I can't seem to find all the brands on Yarndex that I've found on Ebay. So in the end I feel like I am searching blind or at least going at this from the wrong angle.

Back to the drawing board: searching knitting advice columns.

100 things: # 8

2006-07-05T18:44:00.000-05:00

I love stale buttered popcorn, especially the movie theater kind. I like fresh popcorn, but there is something yummy about day old.

100 things: #7

2006-06-28T21:28:00.000-05:00

I never start just one book at a time. I love to read but I tend to start the next book without completing the last one. I end up having 7-10 books started at once, lol.

100 things: #6

2006-06-27T19:23:00.000-05:00

Today, 20 some years ago, was the most important day of my life.
Yep, it's my birthday.

:)

Today is also the feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

Chemo

2006-06-26T21:11:00.000-05:00

Today I helped hold a dog while he received a chemo treatment. The dog has lymphoma and the chemo is expected to only lengthen his life, not cure it. This is pretty much all chemo can really do for anyone. After all it is a poison. A poison you hope destroys the cancer before it destroys your body.

Having watched my Dad receive chemo it was so similar and yet obviously different. Here is a poor animal that has little concept of what is going on. He probably knows he's in pain, has issues swallowing, and feels sick when he gets that stuff in his leg (he has vomited after chemo). Does he understand it is supposed to help him? I don’t know. I doubt it. He probably understands our intent more then our goal. Talk about trust.

Lord help us to trust in Your ways.

100 things: #4 & 5

2006-06-26T20:18:00.000-05:00

I love to swim. In high school I was a member of the varsity swim team. While I love being in the water, in college I decided to take a break from constantly smelling like chlorine.

After college I decided to take SCUBA lessons. I have to say, there is nothing more peaceful then floating along with the fish. One of the neat parts is the fish aren't scared of us because they don't recognize us as natural predators. They swim right up to your mask, look at you and move on. Above all being able to breathe under water is just incredible!

In with the NEW

2006-06-24T21:13:00.000-05:00

I am excited to see a group like Network of Enlighten Women developing on campuses. I wish this existed when I was in college, but hey I'm glad they are taking off. In brief they are "dedicated to fostering the education and leadership skills of conservative university women." Check them out.

Hat tip Modestly Yours

100 things in ~100 days # 3

2006-06-21T20:29:00.000-05:00

I love the church year.
Advent
Christmas
Ordinary time
Lent
Easter
Ordinary time

I love how it is augmented by the seasons. For example how Easter focuses on Christs resurrection and represents our spiritual rebirth. Spring provides a great visual aid.
For more on the church year check out www.churchyear.com

Sick

2006-06-21T16:10:00.000-05:00

I have been feeling under the weather lately. I'm hoping it is just a cold and not going to turn into a sinus infection. Fortunately, tomorrow is my day off, now if only I can figure out how to sleep in.

100 things: #2 Chai

2006-06-10T22:48:00.000-05:00

Vanilla Chai tea: In college I would walk down to the Vienna cafe to study into the wee hours of the morning. I was never a coffee person, and until recently couldn't handle the amount of coffee in a cappuccino or mocha. I love tea, but hate paying for it when I know I can get more variety at home. So when a friend introduced me to Chai (not Jason and Brandi's kitty), well it was like drinking liquid Christmas. I said thus, and have ever since explained its taste this way to others (Nutmeg, cinnamon and cardamon are some of the ingredients). Since those days, I have tried a lot of brands and even attempted to make my own a couple of times, but my favorite brand is still Big Train.

David and I headed to Prime Outlets today for some exercise and window shopping. I was happy to see a store carry the Big Train brand, as it is very hard to find, so I try to get a bag whenever I get the chance. They sell one cup samplers, so if you get a chance I recommend the raspberry or vanilla. Really they are all good, but those are my top two.

100 things in ~100 days: #1

2006-06-08T20:34:00.000-05:00

I have decided to take a more personal turn on my blog. It has been heading this way anyways, especially now that Per Christum is up and running. Lately, I have found it difficult to come up with ideas, especially since there are several blogs out there more clearly qualified to address Catholic topics. Plus, my internet time is limited, and my unfinished reading list is only getting longer.

That said I have decided to jump on the 100 things in ~100 days bandwagon. :) So number 1 would be:

I love to knit. I taught myself during my summer with ECASE. I lived in northern IN about 7 hours from home, in a town almost too small to make the average map. Needless to say I had a lot of time on my hands lol.

Currently I am knitting Knitty.com'sCozy. I am not using silk due to the cost. Instead I am using Lyon's Brand Wool ease, which is, sadly, not nearly as pretty.

To date the biggest project I have completed is Knitty's French Market Bag. The rest have all been scarves. Some day I might even make something out of Interweave Knits, if only the good yarn wasn't so expensive.

So why would I list this as my first thing? Well I had knitting on the brain today. I was blog hopping and found this Knitting with Paperclips demo. That is too much for me, lol.

Healthy Lifestyle

2006-06-05T21:18:00.000-05:00

I have been attempting to develop a healthier lifestyle for myself. Previously, my job and extracurricular activities provided all the exercise I needed and my budget helped me to conserve food. Now however my budget has been cut and so have my extracurricular activities. My job no longer consists of me tramping through forest and wetland but standing around a more typical office setting. Also since moving closer to David, we now cook bigger meals. And some days it's just easier to go out for food. One thing, however, I have always needed to improve was my water consumption. Water, especially in the morning, makes my stomach a little sick. Not to mention I've never really knew how much to consume, but I found a handy Hydration Calculator on About.com. My results:

71 ounces of water today, or 2.1 liters.
If you eat a healthy diet, about 20 percent of your water need may come from the foods you eat. If you eat a healthy diet you can drink 56.8 ounces of water today, or 1.7 liters.

Another nice site I found was the USDA's My Pyramid. This site aims to make the new food pyramid more user friendly, by allowing you to personalize your own based on age, weight, and exercise. To compliment this site Harvard School of Public Health has developed it's own food pyramid. Harvard's is more detailed and in some cases based on newer scientific discoveries. Such as eating read meat sparingly, something my father did to extend his life after being diagnosed with cancer. I realize most of this is old news but I really liked the portion guides the sites help define.

While I was on these sites I learned an interesting tid-bit: food portions have doubled in the past 20 years. Next time you head to McDonalds compare your normal super meal (today's average adult portion) with that of the kid’s meal (1980's average adult portion).

I have quite a bit more to explore on all these pages but I wanted to comment on what I'd found so far.

Home Again

2006-05-11T19:08:00.000-05:00

Today was my day off of work, however I did pop in for a free lunch complete with training session. I mean free training session complete with lunch. ;) I love my job; I have learned so much in such a small amount of time, but I'm getting off topic. The training session covered the Home Again ID chip. This nifty invention is a means of giving your pet a recognizable ID all it's own. The chip is smaller then a grain of rice, requires no batteries (it is inert), and is injected under the skin between the shoulder blades. A scanner (at your local vet or animal shelter) sends a radio frequency to the chip and "reads" the ID number on it. The ID is then plugged into a computer database to find the pet’s owner. As I said, the chip itself can’t do anything; it is similar to the bar code on a package of Cheerios. The best part is if you register with the company's recovery database, your pet can be found in any of the 50 states, assuming the finder has access to a scanner.

I could also see this technology being helpful for Alzheimer’s patients.

I didn't get to play with my photos, but I did get some more seeds planted in my starter pots. I have been offered a small amount of land to till, if I wish. I already had intended to do window boxes of herbs and my favorite veggies, but might branch into potatoes, garlic, and onions with this new offer. I'm trying to start with food I use the most in cooking and then expand. Either way, it is going to be an exciting experiment for me, since I've never tried growing my own edibles.

Scrapbooking

2006-05-10T19:44:00.000-05:00

I admit it. I have fallen for the scrapbooking craze. In the beginning I considered it just a silly waste of money, and in some cases still do. But I do like the basic idea of saving your photos in an archival safe and decorative manner. It's great, better then the shoe box method I currently use. It can be simple or fancy, more photos or more journaling...a very individualistic craft. So, I have printed off some of my favorite pictures to play with tomorrow, my day off.

I have also come to enjoy a lot of what PBS has to offer such as Scrapbook Memories and America’s Test Kitchen.

Boycott Da Vinci ?!

2006-04-30T19:49:00.000-05:00

The Vatican secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has called for a boycott of the Da Vinci Code movie.

Technically I've been boycotting overpriced movies for some time, considering there aren't many movies out their I'm willing to pay 7.50 or more to see on a theater-size screen. I almost went to see Narnia in the theater, and that is as close as I've come to going in 2 years.

On the other hand, I have no intention of reading the Da Vinci Code book or seeing the movie. I would like to point out to everyone that it is a work of fiction, and poorly written fiction as I hear. Apparently, Christian issues aside, Brown fails at portraying an accurate street layout of Paris; historical maps would have helped here. I've also heard he has no concept of art inpertetation, which doesn't surprise me considering there is a law-suit alleging he lifted most of his work from 3 main books, one of which is Holy Blood, Holy Grail. Honestly with all the hype and publicity I'd sue too. All these rave reviews make me wish to put all my current reading aside and rush right out to buy the Da Vinci Code. I find it hard to understand how a work of fiction has gotten so much press that National Geographic and other tv stations are putting out documentaries to "figure it all out," concluding nothing in the end.

In the end I guess I'm already boycotting the book and will boycott the movie. After all, I have better things to sink my time into.

If you would like more info, try the blog Da Vinci Hoax.

God or the Girl

2006-04-15T18:33:00.000-05:00

Apparently Catholic Exchange has been apart of a new reality series on A&E titled God or the Girl. The point of the show? To portray the decision and trial process of 4 young men (possibly) joining the priesthood.

Interested?
Here is the full series schedule:

PART I - EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 16, @ 9PM EASTERN/8C MOST IMPORTANT

PART 2 - EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 16, @ 10PM/9C

PART 3 - EASTER MONDAY, APRIL 17, @ 9PM/8C

PART 4 - MONDAY, APRIL 17, @ 10PM/9C

FINALE (PART 5) - SUNDAY, APRIL 23, @ 10PM/9C

To read the USCCB's positive review of the series, click here, complete with a short profile of the 4 chosen men.

I must say I am curious to see at least the first episode.

John Paul the Great

2006-04-02T19:49:00.000-05:00

Today, as so many other Catholic pages will tell you, is the anniversary of the late, great pope's death. Few have anything negative to say of his life, and many have much more eloquent ways to say how positive his live was. I don't have much to say to equal their educated and loving praises, but I will reiterate the sentiments we all feel. I miss knowing he is here. I know that sounds strange. I never met the man, and it wasn't until his death that I took the time to read his biography. Sadly. And yet some how I feel I have grown close to him from afar. In a way he was my father and I miss him in a similar way as I miss my birth father. They both formed my belief structures and worship practices. I look up to both for spiritual and moral guidance. In the end I love them in different ways and am grateful for both.

Today to celebrate his passing into new life, and to see Carmel enroll in the Confraternity of Our Lady of Consolation, David and I went up to Our Lady of Consolation Shrine in Carey Ohio. If you ever get to head to a shrine, go; they are so peaceful, especially Carey's. The shrine seems more beautiful at every visit. For me it was the best way to celebrate the new life of Pope John Paul II.

John Paul II pray for us.

The Boys have it...

2006-02-22T21:07:00.000-05:00

For those of you out there wondering what you can do for lent that would both bring you closer to God and stimulate your mind, might I suggest giving of your time. To read the Church Fathers that is. Jonathan has developed a daily reading list, and with Chad's help, all the articles have been compiled online for easy access. Interested? Go to the Church Fathers Lenten Reading Plan (.pdf) (go here for html version). For the collected texts (.pdf file, 205 pages), go to Church Fathers Lenten Reading Plan: With Texts

By Easter you will have read 10 early Church Fathers and over 15 individual works from the early Church, not to mention gaining new spiritual insights.

Enjoy!

Lipstick and lace

2006-02-16T20:26:00.000-05:00

I have recently stumbled upon a few interesting articles courtesy of Modesty.com.
The first is an older article that made its debut in December 2005 in the Boston Globe. It is titled "Selling an Ideal of Lipstick and Lace" and was written by Lyn Mikel Brown and Sharon Lamb. They take a look at the market's concept of what is appropriate for little girls. Among their points:

So, boys get robotic, transformable, rule-the-world, awesome action figures. Dolls for girls suggest the kind of action they can look forward to as teenagers: hot-tubbing, clubbing, modeling. We await pole-dance Barbie and the revival of her old friend Margarita Midge. More...

Granted it doesn't take a rocket scientist to come up with the conclusions drawn by the article, but I'm happy to see these concerns voiced in a public forum. My hope is with continual exposure we can get rid of some of the junk that currently uses our natural resources.

The second is a book published by the Witherspoon Institute, The Meaning of Marriage: Family, State, Market, and Morals, edited by two senior fellows – Robert P. George and Jean Bethke Elshtain. The book compiles 11 essays by prominent scholars, all pointing to the benefits of a good marriage. The book is available on Amazon.com. I will be adding this to my ever-growing reading list.

Finally, the Winter 2006 issue of In Character is devoted to modesty, complete with survey statistics. I haven't had a chance to read all the articles, but I have enjoyed the ones I have read.

Collection plate

2006-02-05T19:32:00.000-05:00

I have been meaning to highlight some recently discovered pages.
The first being ModestyZone.net and its companion blog Modestly Yours. This site is put together by a group of women from every walk of life, it just goes to show modesty isn't something best left to stuffy church-going old ladies.
Next on the list is Prolife Search. I found this gem on Antoina and Carmel's blogs. It is a site powered by Google but for every search made it donates money to pro-life charities.
Then there is Disciples with Microphones, a lay-run Catholic podcast. The site has a forum where Catholic podcasters meet to talk shop, a great resource when your in the mood to listen to a podcast.

Also here are a few twists on some old favorites:
Per Christum: the Ancient and Future Catholics Blog

Ancient and Future Catholic Podcast These are taking place on paltalk, a multi-room chat device which allows realtime chat.

Ancient and Future Catholic Forum

St. Olympia Prayer

2006-01-22T18:38:00.000-05:00

Father in heaven, we thank you for your goodness and generosity. You give each of us different gifts. We pray that we will be good stewards of the gifts that you have bestowed on us. Like the council that St. John gave to Olympias, we ask for spiritual guidance also, Father, that we will know Your will for us and how to use our gifts in service of others. We pray that we always remember that what we have is to be extended, not hoarded for ourselves, whether it be our riches, our time or our talent; for what you have given to us is not ours alone, but to be shared with others. Amen.

I found this prayer on Catholic Exchange regarding St. Olympia. The site includes a summary of her life as well as a lesson to take away, and is apart of the Today's Saint series.

Plagiarism

2006-01-19T21:37:00.000-05:00

Well here's an interesting tid-bit I found while blog hopping.

A conservative Catholic group is charging that a liberal-leaning University of Notre Dame theologian’s syndicated column recently plagiarized The Boston Globe.

The Cardinal Newman Society, which promotes conservative teachings at Catholic universities, today plans to send Notre Dame President the Rev. John Jenkins a letter calling on the school to probe a column this month by the Rev. Richard McBrien. More...

Hat tip to Heart, Mind, & Strength

In 2006 I was chosen by...

2006-01-19T19:39:00.000-05:00

I have been chosen by St. Olympia for 2006 A.D.
Lately I've been on an ancestral customs kick, i.e. finding out about the customs prevalent to my ethnic background (German-Polish-Slovak). I think it started with JPII's Bio, lol, and I'm sure it has been driving David nuts. ;) But when I found out about this old Polish custom, of having a Saint pick you, through Jonathan's blog, who in turn links to A Catholic life I jumped at the chance.

At first I thought I would be chosen by St. Clare of Assisi, because of certain aspects of my personal life that mirror hers, but then I also hoped that I would get to meet a new unknown Saint. I was pretty surprised nonetheless when I read who has chosen me. After doing some research I found a small bit of info on her and a few pictures, however I could not find any prayers to use during the year.

Here is an excerpt of what I found:

Saint Olympia, the glory of the widows in the Eastern Church, was born of a noble and illustrious family. Left an orphan at a tender age, she was brought up by Theodosia, sister of Saint Amphilochius, a virtuous and prudent woman. At the age of eighteen, Olympias was regarded as a model of Christian virtues. It was then that she was married to Nebridius, a young man worthy of her; the new spouses promised one another to live in perfect continence. After less than two years of this angelic union, Nebridius went to receive in heaven the reward of his virtues.

Nectarius, Archbishop of Constantinople, had a high esteem for the saintly widow and made her a deaconess of his church. The duties of deaconesses were to prepare the altar linens and instruct the catechumens of their sex; they aided the priests in works of charity, and they made a vow of perpetual chastity. When Saint John Chrysostom succeeded Nectarius, he had for Olympias no less respect than his predecessor, and through her aid he built a hospital for the sick and refuges for the elderly and orphans. When he was exiled in the year 404, he continued to encourage her in her good works by his letters, and she assisted him to ransom some of his fellow captives.
More...

It is really a nice custom and I hope to find out more about her as time goes on. Hopefully a prayer or two will pop up along the way. Either way I've already learned something I hadn't known: the purpose of a Deaconess. They sound a bit like modern day Sisters. While discussing it with David, I learned the ancient practice for anointing was to anoint the candidate for Baptism all over. So to keep a female's modesty intact the priest blessed the oil and gave it to the Deaconess to anoint them. Fascinating really. I bet you can only imagine how many feminist sites I had to sift through to get good info on her. Lol. In away I guess that makes her a great choice for me.

If you would like to know more about this Polish custom or perhaps see who has chosen you for this year, please visit this blog entry on A Catholic Life.

We Three Kings

2006-01-08T14:32:00.000-05:00

Happy US Epiphany (showing once again Americans are slow to the point).
However I do enjoy the bonus days of Christmas cheer. Today I’d like to highlight a recent favorite song: We Three Kings by Rev. John Henry Hopkins.
Now my first impression of this song came while watching the A Claymation Christmas with the California Raisin’s, an 80’s Christmas special. Picture three clay camels with deep voices singing the chorus in a bebop a capella style and that’s pretty much what comes to mind when you mention this song to me. Just goes to show what a child will absorb.
However recently I’ve had the chance to really listen to the song and found it very rich (pun intended) symbolically. My favorite part is how the three gifts are shown as representing the three characteristics of the Christ child. As the song suggests incense is used to represent our prayers ascending to heaven and myrrh was a very pricey embalming ointment.
On a side thought I imagine these three gifts where probably quite helpful in funding the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt.
All in all a classic.

We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star

chorus
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect Light

Born a King on Bethlehem's plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to rein

chorus

Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Prayer and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God most high

chorus

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes of life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb

chorus

Glorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice
Alleluia, Alleluia
Earth to heaven replies

chorus

Lessons and Carols

2006-01-04T20:10:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow night on Paltalk, a voice and text chat service. The folks at Ancient Future would like to invite you to our first event.

This event "event" will be a lessons and carols celebration on January 5th, the eve of Epiphany. The event will be in the "Catholics Building Bridges" room, at 9:00 PM EST. This will be a joyous way to end the 12 Days of Christmas. For more information, we have brochure in .pdf

Hope to see you there.

A faith-bit

2005-11-21T19:12:00.000-05:00

So I was flipping through my Catholic Source Book and came upon this interesting tid-bit, and thought I'd share.

As we know the crow is traditionally thought of as bad luck and in cahoots with the devil. Apparently this association finds at least part of its root in the etymology of their call. The call "caw caw" of a crow was likened to cras, cras which is Latin for "tomorrow, tomorrow," in other words the temptation to procrastinate.

If I lived in Middle-Earth I would be...

2005-11-20T14:27:00.000-05:00

Rohirrim

To which race of Middle Earth do you belong?
brought to you by Quizilla

I can see the fit. Actually, one of my favorite characters was Eowyn.

Hat tip to Jack at Idle Mendacity

And your interesting science fact for the day: Cutting Glass or How to ruin a good pair of scissors

Hat tip to Steve at Software and Beer

Can you tell I went blog hopping today?

Alive and well!

2005-11-19T20:58:00.000-05:00

Yes I am alive. The past few months I’ve been occupied packing, moving, and settling into a new job, apartment, and church. In an effort to save money I have foregone purchasing a phone line and internet connection for my new place. Thus I must beg use from my handsome, David, or the library.

I have been blest with finding an apartment right across the street from my work, and subsequently a block down from David. Living in the same town as my boyfriend is such a blessing. I really got used to the idea of a long distance relationship being the only option in this day and age, every once in awhile I still have to pinch myself at my good fortune.

I have also had the opportunity to finish Michael O’Brien’s A Landscape of Dragons. (Amazing the free time I’ve found without continuous access to the internet). I found it to be a rather well balanced look at fantasy and sci-fi literature in the recent century. He makes several good points regarding the difference between an author such as Tolkien and say the authors of Dungeon’s and Dragons. Take for example Tolkien's ideas of magic. Gandolf uses it only as a last resort stressing the dangers it holds, while corrupted characters like Suroman who use it all the time. He had several other good points, but I will blog further on them at a later date. He completes his treatment by providing a list of books by age group as recommended readings.

Since finishing A Landscape of Dragons, I have moved on to the Pope JPII’s Biography, Witness to Hope by George Weigel. If you have ever had the desire to read it but found the 900+ pages intimidating, by all means put it on your Christmas list! It is such a fast read and the setup makes it easy to put down, process, and pick up again. It is very nice for a hectic schedule when you only have a few minutes to read here and there, though it is not so portable, lol.

While I’ve been finding my way around my new surroundings and reading, I’ve also been writing a bit for Jonathan and David’s page. In my first article Marian Apparitions: Truth or Trouble, I discuss the misconceptions of Marian Apparition’s, something actually near to my heart. Marian apparitions had a big place in my re-conversion to Catholicism, but my faith was later strengthened by my studying. Feel free to send me any comments or questions on it.

All in all I have been having a wonderful time, and plan to be blogging more (about 2xs a week). So check in once in a while. I promise to be more regular and responsive… lol.
;)

in my own particular... idiom

2005-10-05T12:26:00.000-05:00

Both David and Jonathan have left an open tag to list ones 5 idiosyncrasies. So here are a few of mine for the curious:

1. I adjust picture frames: Why? I don’t know, probably because if it was my picture I’d want someone to fix it. I usually do it when no one is looking so as not to call attention to my odd habit, or the crooked frame.

2. I love smells: I love to smell a simmering pot or baking bread. I also love candles that simulate these smells. Weirder yet, I love to smell wood. Yes, wood. My father was a woodworker; I used to love watching him in his wood shop. I remember he’d cut a piece of cherry and smell it then pass it to me saying, "smell this J".

3. I hate having dry hands: I use Fruit of the Earth’s Vitamin E skin care cream, so far it’s the only cream that last longer then ten minutes for me. Best part is it comes in a jar so you can get the most for your penny, not to mention its very fairly priced.

4. I don’t shop well: I can spend 2 hours walking around a store just absorbing all they have, pick up a few items, talk myself out of them (3 times), then come back 2 days later to purchase them. If it’s a common store I go to, it may be 3 or 4 trips later that I make the purchase (if at all). This excludes clothes and books. I find my taste in clothes hard to come by, but my taste in books way to easy.

5. Mass: I prefer old styled churches and a Mass that brings out all the "smells and bells." (see 2) I’ve found that it has the effect of focusing my spiritual attention while calming my ADD jitters. Yep, right down to the kneeling.

On a side note I have come into the habit of carrying a small container of cayenne in my purse, I don't suppose anyone would know why...lol. ;)

I leave the tag open on this as it is an old post and most people who read my blog have already done it. ;)

Interesting...

2005-09-12T19:42:00.000-05:00

9/11/01: Mayor Rudolph Giuliani responds to his city's needs, organizing a proper evacuation plan, clean-up and later honors the dead.
President Bush's ratings go up.

Hurricane Katrina: Mayor Ray Nagin does not respond to the needs of his city. He allows school buses to sit unused and then wants to know where the federal government is with aid.
President Bush's ratings go down.

Come again?

Please pray for all the families that they may stay safe and be reunited.

Novena of Consolation, Ninth Day

2005-09-10T20:40:00.000-05:00

Novena in Honor of Our Lady of Consolation
Ninth Day

Dear Mother, I now come before you on the last day of this novena. I know you have heard me, Mary, I believe you have prayed with me each day for my very special intentions.
My heart is filled with so much gratitude as I think of you. I have in you, dear Lady, a Mother of kindness, of gentleness and of consolation. How blessed I am to be your very own child.
In the course of these prayers I have asked for many things. I know deep in my heart Mary, you have given me much more. Oh, dear Queen of Heaven, that I could face you all of my days as you did, and pray that lovely prayer of yours, “Be it done unto me according to thy word…”!
As I end this period of prayer, please continue to pray for these needs of mine, which fill me with concern.
(pause)
Prayer can change anything on earth. I plead with you then, to remember my intentions to your Divine Son.
Gracious Mother of God, as I end this prayer, I ask you to guide me always closer to your Blessed Son, Jesus my Lord. I truly desire to live in His light, to be an example to those around me of his love. Pray with me please to carry in my mind and in my heart, His cross of Salvation and His Gospel of love. Oh Mary, Mother of Consolation, pray for me, now and at the hour of my death.
Amen.

Brother Jeffery Hines, OFM Conv.

Imprimi Potest
V. Rev. Lawrence Mattingly, OM Conv.

Nihil Obstat
Rev. Juniper Cummings, OFM Conv.

Imprimatur
+Most Rev. John A. Donovan, D.D.
Bishop of Toledo
March, 1978

Novena of Consolation, Eighth Day

2005-09-09T21:45:00.000-05:00

Novena in Honor of Our Lady of Consolation
Eighth Day

Holy Mary, Our Lady of Consolation, I come before you today as your pilgrim. My entire life is a journey, a pilgrimage. Constantly do I seek the way of your Son, as I move toward our heavenly home.
I am inspired by you, Mary. I call myself your pilgrim as you are my special Patroness, my gentle and loving Mother, Leading me each and every day closer to your Blessed Son, my Lord and Savior.
Oh Mary, please pray for me as I continue my earthly pilgrimage. Ask our Blessed Lord to strengthen me each day that I may resist the many temptations of this life. Pray for me, Mary, that I may always remember that I was not created for this earthly home, but rather for our heavenly home with my Father.
At this time, dear Mother, please join me in prayer for the particular intentions of this novena.
(pause)
Look kindly on these needs and ask our Blessed Lord to help me.
Always be with me, Mary, as I continue on this pilgrimage home. When that day comes when I shall end this pilgrimage, I pray that you will stand with me as I see, face to face, the Father of all goodness, my God and my all.
Amen.

Maria Bambina

2005-09-08T19:22:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Dear Mother!

In the 18th and 19th century a devotion associated with the Nativity of Mary really took hold in Italy and Mexico. One of the popular devotions is the Maria Bambina. The story has been told:

A Franciscan nun made this statue of the little Virgin out of wax sometime before 1730. She later gave it to others, and after passing as a gift through various hands it was finally given to the Sisters of Charity in Lovere, Italy. In 1876 they brought it to their motherhouse in Milan (where it has stayed ever since). By this time, the statue had become worn and gray.

One of the nuns, Sister Josephine Woinovich, suffered from paralysis in her feet and arms. She could not get out of bed and was confined to the infirmary in great pain. In 1884, on the Feast of Mary's Nativity, Sister Josephine convinced the Mother General to leave the statue of Maria Bambina in her room overnight. The next morning Mother decided to take the little statue on a "tour" of the infirmary, to visit all the ill sisters there.

To continue this story, learn more of the history and find prayers associtated with this feast day go here.

David and Robb have also blogged more extensively on this feast.

Picture of Maria Bambina from here

Novena of Consolation, Seventh Day

2005-09-08T18:57:00.000-05:00

Novena in Honor of Our Lady of Consolation
Seventh Day

Most blessed Mary, kind and loving Mother, receive me, your child into your tender care.
In your life, Mary, you always offered kindness to those around you. Pray with me now to our loving Lord, that in my life I may reflect you through kindness.
There are so many times in this life of ours, Mary, that kindness gives way to harshness. In that rush to "get things done", I become quick and short with those around me. In my own little world, I often think only of my own plans, my own accomplishments, and I forget that I am only one of God's children, only one of your children.
Dear blessed Mother, teach me your ways. Help me to take more time with those who seek my time. I want to be like you, Mary, in every way. In the rush of each day, remind me to be kind.
Pray with me now, Mary, as I place before our Lord the main intentions of this novena.
(pause)
Please ask our loving Savior to help me in these particular needs of mine. Turn your eyes, so filled with kindness, on me, gracious Mother, and help me as I trust so much in you.
I desire always the kingdom of your Son. Help me to finish this day in His love and under your kind and gentle care, Mother of God.
Amen.

Novena of Consolation, Sixth Day

2005-09-07T19:35:00.000-05:00

Novena in Honor of Our Lady of Consolation
Sixth Day

Holy Mother Mary, again I come before you as your child. I pray with all my heart and mind for all of God's pilgrim people.
Pray for me, dear Mother, for a greater understanding of the wonderful gift of Christ in the Eucharist. Help me to see in this most Blessed Sacrament, Christ Himself, the great and unending gift of the Father. Help me, Mary, to feel the nearness of my Lord. Through the celebration of the Eucharist, He truly touches me; He feeds me by His divine sacrifice, His death and resurrection.
So abundant is God's love through this Sacrament. May I ever see this love, this grace, and live as a child of God, a child of light.
At Mass, dear Mary, our entire salvation unfolds before my eyes. Jesus, our Savior, comes to us, as the wonderful sacrifice to the Father is renewed. What a loving Father we have, and how endless is His love and mercy for all of us!
Mary, Mother of God, keep me mindful of this great gift of the Eucharist.
Please pray with me now, dear Mother, for these special needs of mine.
(pause)
Ask our blessed Lord to keep me ever united to Him, and always close in prayer to you.
Amen.

Novena of Consolation, Fifth Day

2005-09-06T19:43:00.000-05:00

Novena in Honor of Our Lady of Consolation
Fifth Day

Dear Lady of Consolation, Queen of Peace, be with me now as I pray. Join your prayers to mine as I bring my needs before our most loving Father and His Divine Son.
Throughout your life, dear Mother, you offered all around you a most perfect example of gentleness and peace. It is for that inner peace, that lovely calm in my own life, that I pray.
Help me to quiet myself in the midst of the activity around me. Guide me in the way of peace that I may seek the time to be still and hear the gentle voice of our Father.
Mary, please pray for me, that I may quiet myself in order to learn more of Jesus, our Lord. Through Him we have the way to the Father. Help me to take more time each day for prayer, for deepening my relationship with Christ. Guide me in the way of opening myself to His peace.
Pray with me now, kind and gentle Mother, for my special intentions.
(pause)
May your gentleness ever be my example and may the peace of Christ fill my heart always.
Amen.

Novena of Consolation, Fourth Day

2005-09-05T17:01:00.000-05:00

Novena in Honor of Our Lady of Consolation
Fourth Day

Mary, Mother of Consolation, again I come before you in prayer. Help me to pray to our most loving Father. Ever guide me to seek in my life His divine will. Help me to hold before my eyes the saving life of your Son.
You are the chosen, Mary, for your magnificent answer to the desire of the Father, the promptings of the Holy Spirit and the request of the angel. Your openness to the Father has given joy to the world. The Son of God, your Son and our Lord and Savior, because man through your answer.
Oh Mary, grant that I might offer myself to the Father as you did. Help me on the true path to holiness; this is the Father's desire for me. Assist me through your prayers that I too might agree to the promptings of the Holy Spirit within me. Help me to offer others around me the example your Son expects me to be.
In a special way, I ask you to pray with me for these, the main intentions of this novena.
(pause)
Holy Mary, I offer my prayers for all of God's people, for the needs of all mankind. We are all pilgrims ever on our way toward our heavenly home. Watch over s and guide us; lead us to our Son, Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
Amen.

Novena of Consolation, Third Day

2005-09-04T07:44:00.000-05:00

Novena in Honor of Our Lady of Consolation
Third Day
Holy Mary, Mother of God, bless me today. Bless me and join me in prayer.
I am so lacking in patience, dear Mary. I grow so weary and unhappy at times. There are days when I even find it difficult to raise my heart and my mind in prayer.
Teach me, most holy Mother, to turn to you as an example of patience, acceptance and love.
How truly you can be called "Mother of Consolation." You knew the ultimate grief of witnessing the earthly death of your loving Son. You saw, as so few mothers do, your own flesh and blood, hurt, bleeding and despised, as He climbed Calvary. This most precious offering of Himself to all mankind, you saw mocked and ridiculed. Through all of this you continued to offer for all time the perfect example of a most patient and compassionate mother.
Holy Mother, I ask you to help me become more accepting and patient. May I ever follow your example and strive to make these virtues of patience and acceptance more real in my own life.
Pray for me, please, dear Mother. Ask our blessed Lord to make me more like you. Ask Him also for my very special intentions.
(pause)
Keep me in your love, Blessed Mary, and guide me always closer to your Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.