I just watched the most recent Grey's Anatomy and let me tell you, I cried like a baby through most of it! I understand the show is fictional and dramatic but there's a lot of truth to the things they show. This episode was about a shooting on a college campus and it hurt my heart. That's not fiction, that happened and still happens. There hasn't been a mass shooting like Columbine or VA Tech recently but just a day or two ago there was a school shooting in Nebraska. This happens way too often. It makes me wonder, what is going on? Really...how lost must these children be to plot these tragedies and then to follow through with them. These are tortured souls and although they turn into monsters, they are victims too. Victims of what, I'm not sure but no one who is in good mental health does something so tragic.
I had a friend say once that these type of news stories make her wonder why any of us have children and my thought was exactly the opposite, the world is a wacky place and I think it's the responsibility of good, christian, moral, loving people to have children and combat the whack jobs. I know that statement will upset some and I am anticipating comments like "you think only Christians should have children?" "do Christians have a lock on good morals?" blah, blah, blah. And, to answer any of those questions, this is my blog!
When I watch these things though, it hurts my heart that my kids are growing up in this world. I remember growing up in church and hearing the quote that we are to be "in the world, but not of the world" and I agree, but right now this is where we are. It's not home, but it's where we live for now and my kids are growing up here and sometimes it scares me to death!
It's days like today that I'm tempted to stick my head in the sand and not watch the news anymore...but then, how would I discuss politics! ;) God Bless!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Carmel Has the BEST Drivers in the World!
Just ask any of them!
I have never seen so many people who are so convinced that everyone on the roads is at fault but them. I'm not one of the best drivers on the road but I'm not originally from Carmel so maybe that's where I fell short! I'm sure after a couple more years I'll be in that elite class of drivers as well.
Every single time I go through the 116 st. round about I get honked at. Seriously, 80% of the time someone blares their horn at me! I honestly don't know if it's a user error or all of the self righteous drivers. I've watched the Carmel "how to" round about videos and I feel like I "get it" but apparently there is a disconnect somewhere on that particular part of the road.
I don't feel so bad after my trip on 106th & Gray yesterday when I saw a person driving through the roundabout when another car nearly tboned her while trying to outrun her to get in the roundabouts. The driver (at fault) who nearly hit the woman in the roundabout promptly slammed on her horn and then flipped her the bird! Self righteous much?!?
The day before that I was was driving down 116th st when a garbage truck I was following turned their blinker on to back into a street. Naturally I stopped and waited for them to go when I heard a horn being held down. I turned around to see what in the world was happening and saw Grandma Perfect Driver waving her hands and yelling...AT ME! I kind of shrugged my shoulders because, honestly, I had no idea why she was honking when she rolls her window down flips me off and starts yelling something at me. She then proceeded down the turning lane until nearly hitting a car who was turning and I am only assuming she then repeated the same behavior she had shown me!
I have said, more than once, that half of these drivers wouldn't make it ten minutes in south Louisiana! They only think they have road rage in Carmel. In Louisiana, I've seen people get out of their trucks in the middle of the road and throw down! These Hoosiers might calm down a little with some cajun driver's education!
Now, if you don't live in Carmel you have no idea where these streets are but Indiana is straight and flat and all of the roads are a grid so just know what we are all driving around in squares all the time, except for where they have added round abouts and we're all driving in circles! If you aren't familiar with round abouts you really should watch that video. I'd never seen the type of round abouts like they have in Carmel. I'm talking multi lane, over pass roundabouts! Just look at the picture below and you'll understand my confusion!
Since the roundabouts are fairly new I believe we're all still learning to use them. In the meantime I think a lot of drivers could use a dash of humility and a heaping scoop of patience!
I have never seen so many people who are so convinced that everyone on the roads is at fault but them. I'm not one of the best drivers on the road but I'm not originally from Carmel so maybe that's where I fell short! I'm sure after a couple more years I'll be in that elite class of drivers as well.
Every single time I go through the 116 st. round about I get honked at. Seriously, 80% of the time someone blares their horn at me! I honestly don't know if it's a user error or all of the self righteous drivers. I've watched the Carmel "how to" round about videos and I feel like I "get it" but apparently there is a disconnect somewhere on that particular part of the road.
I don't feel so bad after my trip on 106th & Gray yesterday when I saw a person driving through the roundabout when another car nearly tboned her while trying to outrun her to get in the roundabouts. The driver (at fault) who nearly hit the woman in the roundabout promptly slammed on her horn and then flipped her the bird! Self righteous much?!?
The day before that I was was driving down 116th st when a garbage truck I was following turned their blinker on to back into a street. Naturally I stopped and waited for them to go when I heard a horn being held down. I turned around to see what in the world was happening and saw Grandma Perfect Driver waving her hands and yelling...AT ME! I kind of shrugged my shoulders because, honestly, I had no idea why she was honking when she rolls her window down flips me off and starts yelling something at me. She then proceeded down the turning lane until nearly hitting a car who was turning and I am only assuming she then repeated the same behavior she had shown me!
I have said, more than once, that half of these drivers wouldn't make it ten minutes in south Louisiana! They only think they have road rage in Carmel. In Louisiana, I've seen people get out of their trucks in the middle of the road and throw down! These Hoosiers might calm down a little with some cajun driver's education!
Now, if you don't live in Carmel you have no idea where these streets are but Indiana is straight and flat and all of the roads are a grid so just know what we are all driving around in squares all the time, except for where they have added round abouts and we're all driving in circles! If you aren't familiar with round abouts you really should watch that video. I'd never seen the type of round abouts like they have in Carmel. I'm talking multi lane, over pass roundabouts! Just look at the picture below and you'll understand my confusion!
Since the roundabouts are fairly new I believe we're all still learning to use them. In the meantime I think a lot of drivers could use a dash of humility and a heaping scoop of patience!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
I'm Really NOT A Jerk
I'm pretty opinionated and not afraid to share those opinions and sometimes I hear things that people say and I wonder what they're thinking but I'm not a jerk.
When it comes to politics, I enjoy a debate. I've mentioned before in my post Why I'm Blogging that I like to get riled up and debate politics but that doesn't mean I think I'm always right. (I think I'm right a lot more than most of our politicians, though!) It also doesn't mean I think whoever I'm debating with is wrong, or stupid, or uninformed, or any of those other things people say when they debate politics. I think we could all learn a lot from each other if we'd listen. Yes, I'm a conservative, republican, christian. No, I'm not close minded, a bigot, full or hate, or self righteous. I'm not a jerk!
As far as parenting goes, I don't think I know anymore than anyone else does about it! I think I try harder than some and probably not as hard as others. I'm successful some days and others are epic failures. I am a stay at home mom, but that doesn't mean I think I love my kids more than moms who choose to work or who work by circumstance. I don't think my job is any harder or easier than a working mom's is. I definitely think there are parts that are harder but there are awesome rewards too and I'm sure there are parts of working mom's day that are much harder than mine. I truly believe we are all (most) trying to do the best we can. None of us had kids to see how bad we could screw them up; inevitably some of you (ha!) will screw up your kids but it wasn't intentional.
Religion plays a big part in both parenting and politics for me, and for everything I do. I truly believe that judgement is in God's hands.
Matthew 7:1-5 Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, Let me take the speck out of your eye, when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
I try not to judge what others do, I don't always succeed, but I do try. I don't believe acceptance means embracing something; I may not be thrilled with other's choices but I will accept them for who they are however that does NOT mean I have to like it! There are things that I think are sinful and just plain wrong and it's my responsibility, as a christian and human, to try to be the best person/christian I can be and to help others do the same. That doesn't mean bashing people, spewing hate, or being a jerk! My religion means that I serve a God who is bigger than me, the creator of all things, king of kings. I study the Bible, I praise God, and I'd like to model my life after Jesus. It doesn't make me better than anyone else.
So, just because I'm opinionated on three very important topics in our lives doesn't mean I'm the only one who can have an opinion. I think everyone should feel strongly about those three topics, open dialogue and less fear would benefit us all. Maybe if our politicians and religious leaders could have open dialog we wouldn't be in the mess we're in today. Everyone has to prove their point and show how right they are but sometimes it's a good idea to hear what other people say too.
My friend Greg and I debate politics a lot; we are about as far apart on the political spectrum as two people can be. We've been friends for 25 years so despite the fact that we've never agreed on anything, it's never come between us. I don't think I've ever changed his stance on anything nor has he changed mine, but I'm pretty sure we've both learned something from each other's opinions. I understand him more when we debate and I think he gets some insight from me as well. We both hear each other out (probably thinking the other is crazy) and debate, but I'm really not a jerk (and neither is Greg)!
When it comes to politics, I enjoy a debate. I've mentioned before in my post Why I'm Blogging that I like to get riled up and debate politics but that doesn't mean I think I'm always right. (I think I'm right a lot more than most of our politicians, though!) It also doesn't mean I think whoever I'm debating with is wrong, or stupid, or uninformed, or any of those other things people say when they debate politics. I think we could all learn a lot from each other if we'd listen. Yes, I'm a conservative, republican, christian. No, I'm not close minded, a bigot, full or hate, or self righteous. I'm not a jerk!
As far as parenting goes, I don't think I know anymore than anyone else does about it! I think I try harder than some and probably not as hard as others. I'm successful some days and others are epic failures. I am a stay at home mom, but that doesn't mean I think I love my kids more than moms who choose to work or who work by circumstance. I don't think my job is any harder or easier than a working mom's is. I definitely think there are parts that are harder but there are awesome rewards too and I'm sure there are parts of working mom's day that are much harder than mine. I truly believe we are all (most) trying to do the best we can. None of us had kids to see how bad we could screw them up; inevitably some of you (ha!) will screw up your kids but it wasn't intentional.
Religion plays a big part in both parenting and politics for me, and for everything I do. I truly believe that judgement is in God's hands.
Matthew 7:1-5 Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, Let me take the speck out of your eye, when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
I try not to judge what others do, I don't always succeed, but I do try. I don't believe acceptance means embracing something; I may not be thrilled with other's choices but I will accept them for who they are however that does NOT mean I have to like it! There are things that I think are sinful and just plain wrong and it's my responsibility, as a christian and human, to try to be the best person/christian I can be and to help others do the same. That doesn't mean bashing people, spewing hate, or being a jerk! My religion means that I serve a God who is bigger than me, the creator of all things, king of kings. I study the Bible, I praise God, and I'd like to model my life after Jesus. It doesn't make me better than anyone else.
So, just because I'm opinionated on three very important topics in our lives doesn't mean I'm the only one who can have an opinion. I think everyone should feel strongly about those three topics, open dialogue and less fear would benefit us all. Maybe if our politicians and religious leaders could have open dialog we wouldn't be in the mess we're in today. Everyone has to prove their point and show how right they are but sometimes it's a good idea to hear what other people say too.
My friend Greg and I debate politics a lot; we are about as far apart on the political spectrum as two people can be. We've been friends for 25 years so despite the fact that we've never agreed on anything, it's never come between us. I don't think I've ever changed his stance on anything nor has he changed mine, but I'm pretty sure we've both learned something from each other's opinions. I understand him more when we debate and I think he gets some insight from me as well. We both hear each other out (probably thinking the other is crazy) and debate, but I'm really not a jerk (and neither is Greg)!
Monday, January 3, 2011
I'm Waiting...
I've been praying about a few things and I'm waiting on answers!
"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1
Oh yeah, then there's that verse! So, turns out that God has a plan and it's not necessarily mine.
On more than one occasion I've looked back at something and said..."oh, that's why that happened..." and I've even been able to look at times that I think were terrible and I can see how God used those to get me where I am, and I'm thankful!
I've been praying on helping to plan our women's retreat for our women's ministry at church but I've been known to jump in over my head on things and I just don't know if I'm supposed to help or not. I've been praying for weeks but I don't feel any closer to an answer than I was when I started.
Originally one of my very dear friends was supposed to be the retreat speaker so I felt drawn into the planning. You can imagine why I might feel "called" into helping. Then God found a perfect person to coordinate it all and I felt a weight off of my shoulders. I'm sure she was an answered prayer.
Now, my friend isn't going to be able to do the event and I got an email asking if I was still interested in helping out and I just don't know. I'm not nearly as excited about it without my friend being the speaker, and I have huge reservations about leaving my kids for a weekend (that's a different blog, hold your judgement!) I love my girl friends at church, but my kids are only going to be small for so long. Is the retreat going to help me grow closer to God?
I thought having my friend do the retreat was my answer from God to buck up, attend, and enjoy the retreat...now I'm not sure. Is God giving me an out? Does God do that?
I try to pray through everything now, and I guess that's why I spend time trying to determine God's plan. I used to plow through, do things my way, hope for the best, then pray out of it! You know the prayer...
God, I've gotten myself in a mess and I need your help...
That prayer was on constant repeat in my life! I'm trying to go in the right way now instead of going in and backing out when I blow it! The retreat is a small thing, really, and I've prayed for much more difficult things (and am currently, but they're not blog material!) This is just an example of the differences in how I try to approach everything in my life now. I'm not the best at letting go of things, but I do go to God first before I pry them out of his hands and clench onto them with a death grip!
Until God sends a bright blinking marquis sign, I'm waiting!
"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1
Oh yeah, then there's that verse! So, turns out that God has a plan and it's not necessarily mine.
On more than one occasion I've looked back at something and said..."oh, that's why that happened..." and I've even been able to look at times that I think were terrible and I can see how God used those to get me where I am, and I'm thankful!
I've been praying on helping to plan our women's retreat for our women's ministry at church but I've been known to jump in over my head on things and I just don't know if I'm supposed to help or not. I've been praying for weeks but I don't feel any closer to an answer than I was when I started.
Originally one of my very dear friends was supposed to be the retreat speaker so I felt drawn into the planning. You can imagine why I might feel "called" into helping. Then God found a perfect person to coordinate it all and I felt a weight off of my shoulders. I'm sure she was an answered prayer.
Now, my friend isn't going to be able to do the event and I got an email asking if I was still interested in helping out and I just don't know. I'm not nearly as excited about it without my friend being the speaker, and I have huge reservations about leaving my kids for a weekend (that's a different blog, hold your judgement!) I love my girl friends at church, but my kids are only going to be small for so long. Is the retreat going to help me grow closer to God?
I thought having my friend do the retreat was my answer from God to buck up, attend, and enjoy the retreat...now I'm not sure. Is God giving me an out? Does God do that?
I try to pray through everything now, and I guess that's why I spend time trying to determine God's plan. I used to plow through, do things my way, hope for the best, then pray out of it! You know the prayer...
God, I've gotten myself in a mess and I need your help...
That prayer was on constant repeat in my life! I'm trying to go in the right way now instead of going in and backing out when I blow it! The retreat is a small thing, really, and I've prayed for much more difficult things (and am currently, but they're not blog material!) This is just an example of the differences in how I try to approach everything in my life now. I'm not the best at letting go of things, but I do go to God first before I pry them out of his hands and clench onto them with a death grip!
Until God sends a bright blinking marquis sign, I'm waiting!
Caramel Corn
This is one my new favorite recipes and EVERY single time I make it for someone they beg me for the recipe like it's an old family secret! The author of this blog is a very dear woman and one of my first friends when I moved to WV. Enjoy the recipe and enjoy her blog!
The Flowering Dogwood: Caramel Corn
The Flowering Dogwood: Caramel Corn
I LOVE This Store and Had to Share!
I've mentioned this store in my blog before, but I wanted to share again. This artist's creations are custom made and beautiful!
ZBET Etsy Store
This one is my favorite, but there are TONS to choose from!
ZBET Etsy Store
This one is my favorite, but there are TONS to choose from!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Parenting-the Doubled Edged Social Sword
Sometimes I feel like being a parent is socially doubled edged sword. It's not as prevalent now as it once was, but it's definitely still a blessing and a curse, socially. Through being a mom, I met my best friend, Nicole, who I cherish and may not have bonded so closely without our children, but at the same time parenting has limited who I have the ability to befriend.
On one hand, parenting has forever bonded me with a large group of women, this elite group of women were basically out of reach for me before having children because moms do tend to keep to their own kind. Always giving me an "ice breaker when meeting new moms and giving me a crutch when I meet other moms. You can open nearly every mom's heart with a compliment about their child!
However, when we moved away from my best friend I endlessly tried to meet new friends and was basically been unsuccessful. I had moved to LA before I was pregnant and had an array of friends ranging from pre-preggers, preggers, and parents. They were very different types of friends, but they were all truly blessings. I had met some through work, some through hobbies and then I started meeting mommy type people. They each added their own spice to my life and to my child's life.
Then, living in WV the only thing I had ever been was a mom and although I am abundantly blessed to be a mom, it's not all I am and it limits the scope of people I meet. The main groups I had to pull from were mom groups, and I only found a couple of people that I liked and that liked me. It's so difficult to meet friends when you're a stay at home mom.
So many moms are competitive or they want to complain about how hard it is to be a stay at home mom or to complain about how their husbands don't help...well, that's not me! I love my children whether they are the first or last to do things, whether they are the "best" or not. I think being a stay at home mom is the best job I've ever had and although I get super stressed, having two little lives depend on me, I have nothing to complain about! And, as far as my husband goes...I cherish him, he helps me so much and is so supportive and understanding! By not being willing to participate in those competitions or complaints it limited my friend options even more!
Once we left WV and moved to IN I had a little more experience making friends as a mom so I felt like it was a bit easier. I have learned that I must first bond with the moms of the group and then branch out and get to know other people. My kids need friends and this is the time in their lives that I get to choose their friends and I need to use it wisely! Hadley is starting to get to the age where she's making her own friends and I'm just getting to know their parents and that's an adjustment.
There are still invisible walls around befriending non parental types but I'm working through those too. Now I'm dealing with the realization that I'm no longer a "young adult" when the heck did that happen?!?
On one hand, parenting has forever bonded me with a large group of women, this elite group of women were basically out of reach for me before having children because moms do tend to keep to their own kind. Always giving me an "ice breaker when meeting new moms and giving me a crutch when I meet other moms. You can open nearly every mom's heart with a compliment about their child!
However, when we moved away from my best friend I endlessly tried to meet new friends and was basically been unsuccessful. I had moved to LA before I was pregnant and had an array of friends ranging from pre-preggers, preggers, and parents. They were very different types of friends, but they were all truly blessings. I had met some through work, some through hobbies and then I started meeting mommy type people. They each added their own spice to my life and to my child's life.
Then, living in WV the only thing I had ever been was a mom and although I am abundantly blessed to be a mom, it's not all I am and it limits the scope of people I meet. The main groups I had to pull from were mom groups, and I only found a couple of people that I liked and that liked me. It's so difficult to meet friends when you're a stay at home mom.
So many moms are competitive or they want to complain about how hard it is to be a stay at home mom or to complain about how their husbands don't help...well, that's not me! I love my children whether they are the first or last to do things, whether they are the "best" or not. I think being a stay at home mom is the best job I've ever had and although I get super stressed, having two little lives depend on me, I have nothing to complain about! And, as far as my husband goes...I cherish him, he helps me so much and is so supportive and understanding! By not being willing to participate in those competitions or complaints it limited my friend options even more!
Once we left WV and moved to IN I had a little more experience making friends as a mom so I felt like it was a bit easier. I have learned that I must first bond with the moms of the group and then branch out and get to know other people. My kids need friends and this is the time in their lives that I get to choose their friends and I need to use it wisely! Hadley is starting to get to the age where she's making her own friends and I'm just getting to know their parents and that's an adjustment.
There are still invisible walls around befriending non parental types but I'm working through those too. Now I'm dealing with the realization that I'm no longer a "young adult" when the heck did that happen?!?
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