The Day I Found Out I Was Fat

I believe that we are all born with a God-given sense of special purpose.  Every baby believes that he is special, wanted, and loved.  Psalm 139:14 says that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" by our Creator.  Every girl is a beautiful princess, and every boy an awesome warrior of some sort.  Depending on how we grew up will determine how long this joyful innocence lasts. 



If only that 11 year old girl had
known that 171 pounds wasn't
such a bad place to be, she might
have stayed that size.

Somewhere along the line "reality" sets in and all hell breaks loose.  Something happens and we begin to believe that we are fat, ugly, and worthless.  People we love and trust come along to help cement that thought in our minds.  Madison Avenue and the Abercrombe and Fitch's of the world perpetuate a gaunt, lifeless image and taut it as "cool."  Then, who we are doesn't matter to anyone; only what we look like gets us anywhere. 
 
Well, my "reality" set in when I was about four years old.  I was in Anniston's Stringfellow Memorial Hospital, having had my first eye surgery.  The hospital had a lovely play area for the recovering young patients.  I remember that I was being pulled around the room and hallway in a little red wagon.  I don't remember who was pulling it--could have been my mom, one of my siblings, a nurse, or even the doctor.  I do remember looking down at myself.  I was wearing a nightgown, and because I was four years old, AND because all kids that age would rather be naked than wear clothes or shoes, I looked down and saw my legs.  Wow, my legs look like the big fried chicken legs mama makes.  Wait, that ain't right.  Then, like a bolt of lightning, all the snickers and comments from my family and other children made perfect sense.  I'm fat.  I'm not like other children.  That's why I'm in the wagon and not on the floor with the other kids. I'm the one they're laughing at.  I'm not special, wanted, or loved.  So, along with why I had to have the eye surgery in the first place, I had something else to be ashamed of.

That memory fueled more than 30 years of debilitating self loathing, poor health, and a life of mere survival.  That memory continues to put a huge wedge between what is and what should be, what I am and what I should (and want) to be.

To this day, I still look down at my legs.  Although I am still far from my goal, I have a better outlook.  I see strength in those legs.  I see miles ran and miles to run.  I see a future of winter boots and summer heels that accent and show off the definition in the muscles of those legs (nothing provocative, relax).  I see legs that may learn to dance someday. I see legs that bounce babies as they laugh.  I see legs that sometimes recline on my desk when I'm reading a book.

I am looking forward to the day my innocence is returned.  I look forward to the occasions where I can feel like a special, wanted, and loved beautiful princess again.  It's coming.  I don't know when, but it's coming...

SIDE NOTE:  This video is several years old, but it so aptly describes what media images have done to our psyches.  Enjoy!

Five Minute Friday: "Worship"

Thanks to Lisa-Jo Baker at Five Minute Friday for the prompts.

 

 

GO!

I've been a part of a worship team for more than 25 years as both a drummer
and a bass guitarist (I sing a little too).  I've done both "traditional" and "contemporary" services.  I've seen how I can worship no matter what the style of service is going on.  Admittedly, some are harder than others for me, but I love worship.

What has happened to worship?  What happened to "coming back to the heart of worship"?  BTW-- I never get tired of hearing that song.  What happened to really letting go and giving God our all?  What happened to acknowledging God in all that we do?  Before anyone gets their shorts in a bunch, I'm not talking about a particular style of worship.  As I said, I've had some awesome worship times with all kinds and am really enjoying being a part of a church that has both a "traditional" and "contemporary" service.  BUT who drew the line in the sand?  Who said that only certain types of people will only worship to certain styles?  Whoever it was never met me.  I can get on my knees and love my Jesus to a hymn just as well as I can a Hillsongs worship song. 

Let's just please really get back to the heart of worship.  Please?

BTW--it's not any easier for me because I play an instrument for the services.

TIMES UP!

ABracadABra Crunch Challenge: Day 30

Today's challenge:

Beginners:  39 + 1 to grow on
Intermediate:  44 + 1 to grow on
Advanced:  54 + 1 to grow on

GO!

YAY!  You did it.  Now let's dance!

Back to School: Thursday Thirteen.

I've talked a little about it before, but one of my favorite jobs was when I taught preschool at Jacksonville Christian Child Development Center (the preschool ministry of Jacksonville Christian Academy).  I taught there for seven years and substituted for a while after I "retired."  Every new school year, I get a little nostalgic...and a little shell shocked!  My first class of students are now in their senior year of high school!  Lord, have mercy.  So with that, I'll give you 13 things I miss about being a teacher:

1. Crayons - I don't color in the lines either.
2. Lunch - where we drove the other teachers crazy because we sang a song for our prayer over our meals.  Hey, no generic "God is great" prayer for my babies.  We were going to worship and enjoy what God had given us.
3. Music time - When I hear certain songs now, awesome memories with my "Thunderbabies" flood me with joy. 
4. New units and challenges - need to tell a story here.  One of the units I did was on the seven Hebrew words for praise.  Of course, my kids can't read, so I used pictures to describe each word.  Pictures for kneeling, playing musical instruments and such was easy.  When I got to the word Hallal, which means clamorous praise and exhortation, the only clipart I could find was a girl rocking out on a guitar.  So, when I asked the kids what the girl was doing and what Hallal means, they said, "It means to ROCK AND ROLL!"  Close enough for me.
5. The playground - as heavy as I was, the equipment was sturdy enough for me to play with the children.  We had a blast!  The school had this huge jungle gym with slides, climbing walls, monkey bars; the whole kit and caboodle.  Whenever the weather was nice, we went outside for as long as we could, as many times as we could.
6. The "All About Me" books - The first week or so, I would get to know each child by helping them build an all about me book complete with pictures, drawings, scriptures, and a questionnaire.  The parents loved these. I had no idea so many kids want to be Batman when they grow up...the boys too.  (See what I did there?)
7. Summer Fun -  Summers were the best because I had fewer students and we had more fun days of activities and field trips.  My last summer there, we went to a farm.  This was the first time that some of those babies had seen a live chicken or cow.
8. Laughter, laughter, and more laughter.
9. Singing our ABC's - No, I didn't sing them like everyone else...well eventually I did.  Not until I'd sang the letters out of order and had the kids correct me at least a half dozen times.  See, they were learning and didn't even know it.  BTW--works for singing the wrong animal sounds on "Old McDonald" too.
10. Reading Time - I not only read with different voices, but I also used puppets.  Their favorites were "Critter" - a alligator/crocodile (think Craig Ferguson's Wavy Rancheros puppet before I even knew there was a Wavy, or a Craig Ferguson for that matter), "Matilda" - the duck who was a proper English lady, and "Tony"; a rabbit who talked like Emeril Legase.  BAM! 
11. Art time - I'd use any excuse to get out the glue and glitter.
12. Multiple daily hugs - ain't nothing like a baby's hug.
13. Having someone tell you every day that they love you.  I love you too, my sweet babies, forever.

ABracadABra Crunch Challenge: Day 29

Today's challenge:

Beginners:  38 crunches
Intermediate:  43 crunches
Advanced:  53 crunches

GO!

ABracadABra Crunch Challenge: Day 28

Today's challenge:

Beginners:  37 crunches
Intermediate:  42 crunches
Advanced:  52 crunches

GO!

Laboring Over the Weekly Hodgepodge.

Hodgepodge questions provided by From This Side of the Pond.

Labor Day weekend (in the US of A) is approaching...what's something you've labored over this year?

I continue to labor over getting my body in shape.  I'm currently laboring over a crochet pattern that seems to never end.  I've labored over my finances and finding gainful employment.  I've labored over decisions I need to make.

What is one word to describe your 'job' or career?

Searching.

What was your worst or least favorite job ever? Why?

I plead the fifth.

How do you measure contentment?

I am content when I experience the peace of knowing that I am in God's will.

Pickles-like or dislike? What is something you eat that requires a pickle? Dill, bread and butter, sweet gherkins...what's your favorite kind of pickle?

Pickles are a take it or leave it food.  I like pickles, but I don't eat them very often.  The only thing I need pickles for is putting relish in my chicken salad or potato salad.

In your current house-town-state, what is it you like living close to?

I like living close to the Chief Ladiga Trail.

What is one thing on your 'want-to-do' list before summer draws to an official close?

Go out somewhere and actually enjoy it.

Insert your own random thought here:

ROLL TIDE! 

 

 

Fall is in the Air: The Simple Woman's Daybook for Tuesday, Auugst 27, 2013

Outside my window …  the whirr of the box fan bringing in cool night air.

I am thinking...  about the next month. 

I am thankful... for a new battery and keyboard for my laptop.

In the kitchen...  Nothing.

I am wearing... bed clothes (yawn).

I am creating... I’m in the home stretch of the crocheted top.  Got a painting or two in my mind to prep for.

I am going... Straight back to bed.  I’ve been sick with something and I’m trying to get well.

I am wondering... about myself (again). 

I am reading... nothing today.

I am hoping... that I can get back to working out.  This illness (whatever it is) has left me weak as old dishwater. 

I am looking forward to... the weekend. 

I am learning… that I still have some more major changes to make if I’m ever to get where I’m supposed to be.

Around the house... Nothing today.

I am pondering...   on shame and how to deal with it.

A favorite quote for today... “Laughter separates us from despair and gives us a chance at love.” - Craig Ferguson

“Times were not simpler when were younger; we were just BROKE!” - me

One of my favorite things... Academy oil paint.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  All the stuff I didn’t get to do last week.

A peek into my day...  Ugh…that is all. 

If you would like to join in and post your own Daybook, please head on over to visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook (http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/) . Thanks for stopping by. Y'all come back now, ya' hear. :)

ABracadABra Crunch Challenge: Day 27

Today's challenge:

Beginners:  36 crunches
Intermediate:  41 crunches
Advanced:  51 crunches

GO!

ABracadABra Crunch Challenge: Day 26

Today's challenge:

Beginners:  35 crunches
Intermediate:  40 crunches
Advanced:  50 crunches

GO!

ABracadABra Crunch Challenge: Day 25

Rest, my lovelies.  We're almost done.

ABracadABra Crunch Challenge: Day 24

Today's challenge:

Beginners:  34 crunches
Intermediate:  39 crunches
Advanced:  49 crunches

GO!

ABracadABra Crunch Challenge: Day 23

Today's challenge:

Beginners:  33 crunches
Intermediate:  38 crunches
Advanced:  48 crunches

GO!

Five Minute Friday: "Last"

GO!

Last; it seems to be my middle name.  I was born last in my family.  If I ever get married and have kids, I'll be the last one to give my mom grandchildren.  I was usually the last one picked for teams at school.  I seem to always be behind everyone else, even now.  I just can't seem to catch up.

How much "last" should one person take?  How ruthless should I be?  How much caution should I throw to the wind?  How much reckless abandon should I be living in to escape the "last"?  How do I escape without compromising my principles?  Everyone seems to be there.  How did they get there so quickly?  Why am I still last?

Are there any good "lasts" in my life?

I lasted, or persevered, and marched in the band, graduated from high school and college.  For most people, those are ordinary things, but not for me.

I keep lasting through hardships, crappy jobs, unemployment, emotional problems, loneliness, emptiness, setbacks, and other people's nuttiness.

I have a lasting hope in my God and my future.  I have a lasting sense of humor that I hope never dies (it may also be my ticket out of JackVegas).  May the laughter last.

TIMES UP!

Five minute Friday prompts here:  http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/

ABracadABra Crunch Challenge: Day 22

Today's challenge:

Beginners:  32 crunches
Intermediate:  37 crunches
Advanced:  47 crunches

GO!

Overrated Reality: The Weekly Hodgepodge

Hodgepodge questions provided by From This Side of the Pond.

What's your worst food memory?  How about one of your best?

I wrote about my worst food memory here.  My most recent best food moment happened here.  It was great mainly because the food was secondary (or even tertiary) to the fun time we had.  No, this post isn't going to be full of links...I don't think.  :)

Do you appreciate people telling it like it is, or would you rather a person temper his/her words, and maybe beat around the bush a little?  How about when you're the one communicating...which type are you?

Ephesians 4:15 says to speak the truth in love.  I don't want people to sugar coat the truth or hem and haw about it.  Quit fiddle farting around and get it said.  However, there is a way to say things that gets it said, yet doesn't pierce someone to their very soul.  As far as my technique of communication:  after living from childhood to my late 30's not being able to communicate my feelings, I try to be open and honest with a slight twist of humor sarcasm.  ;)  

What's your favorite place to hang out?

My office/make mess room. 

 When do you most feel like you're a slave to time?

At church.  I want to fellowship with and get to know my new church family but with worship practice, rushing out of Sunday school to get ready to play, and everyone else rushing off with their families as soon as the last "amen" is said, I become a slave to their time.  Sorry, but a quick, "Hey, how are you?  How's ya' mama 'nem?" isn't cutting it.

What was the last concert you attended?  Who'd you go with?  Was it any good? 

My friend Karen and I went to a benefit concert put on by Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band.  The musicianship and performance were excellent. They just didn't do many songs that I knew.  It did give me some inspiration that I, unfortunately, can't do anything with.

Reality TV...harmful or harmless?  What's your guilty pleasure when it comes to reality TV?

The level of harm depends on the show and the type of person who watches.  For example, a person with OCD tendencies should NOT watch Hoarders.  People also need to realize that much of this "reality" isn't real at all.  My favorite reality type show is The Biggest Loser.  I'm well aware that the contestants' speed of weight loss is unattainable for someone with a life outside of the gym, but their stories and triumphs inspire me.  I would like to go back and watch past seasons, but Hulu.com being what it is wants to charge for it.  Not paying for cable is why I watch it online in the first place! 

 What's something you think is overrated?

•  Starbucks.
• Twitter - I use it, but I like Facebook much better.
• Dark chocolate
• Low-carb diets
• Sex (not from experience of course)
• Jay Leno's late night show.
• Designer clothes
• European football (what we in the states call soccer)
• Apple products (except the I-pod)
• Smoothies - I think I'm going to donate my blender to the thrift store.  I can't make a good smoothie for anything.
• "Smart" cars.  I would write Craig Ferguson's joke here about smart cars, but it's not appropriate for children...or adults...but he's right.
• Cell phones that do everything EXCEPT make a decent phone call.
• I guess that's enough.

Insert your own random thought here.

Had this song on my mind today.  I'm in a silly mood and with school starting around here, was thinking of my preschool class.

ABracadABra Crunch Challenge: Day 21

Today's challenge:

Beginners:  31 crunches
ntermediate:  36 crunches
Advanced:  46 crunches

GO!

ABracadABra Crunch Challenge: Day 20

Enjoy a rest day.  We're nearly there.

ABracadABra Crunch Challenge: Day 19

Today's challenge:

Beginners:  30 crunches
ntermediate:  35 crunches
Advanced:  45 crunches

GO!

ABracadABra Crunch Challenge: Day 18

Today's challenge:

Beginners:  29 crunches
Intermediate:  34 crunches
Advanced:  44 crunches

GO!

ABracadABra Crunch Challenge: Day 17

Today's challenge:

Beginners:  28 crunches
Intermediate:  33 crunches
Advanced:  43 crunches

GO!

Off the Wall: 30-Day Blog Chalenge, Day 30

What do you love about life right now?

[Blog Challenge:  Day 30]

Oh great.  On the last day of the challenge, they give me a question I really don't want to answer.  As I try to remain honest about myself, I find it difficult not to write down all that I do not love about my life right now.  There are so many places I should already be in life that I have not begun to reach and I'm working hard not to doubt that I'll reach them.  I look at my friends and they have wonderful jobs and families.  They are going to all these great places, meeting all these great people and having all these glorious adventures.  Then I look at my life, and, well...I'm sure you know the rest.  If you don't know, it's boring anyway, so you don't want to hear it.

To me, a life to love would be a life that others would like to take part in without feeling guilted or coerced into it.  No matter how hard I try, it seems that my life is turning more and more solitary, and not because I'm isolating myself.  Quite the opposite actually.  But I'm still the wallflower watching others dance.  I'm working on improving myself enough to be dance worthy. 

Sorry I couldn't end this on a more positive note.  I'm just glad you stuck with me through 77 days of a 30 day challenge.

Zig Zaggy Nastalgia: The Weekly Hodgepodge.

My daughter earned her Master's Degree this past weekend....what's something you've 'mastered' in recent weeks or months?

I'm trying to think...let me see...mastered...well, nothing lately I guess.

What song most reminds you of your childhood?

The song I Wish by Stevie Wonder reminds me of good things in my childhood. 

 



As far as the not-so-good childhood memories, the song (I'm Not Your) Stepping Stone by the Monkees. 

In the midst of it all, Trains Up in the Sky by Mylon Lefevre & Broken Heart reminded me that no matter what, I served a big God who could love me through the good, the bad, and the hot messes.

What do you think of single gender groups and/or events? Should every group/event be open to both genders?  If not, what sort of exceptions do you think are appropriate?

I think single gender groups/events are great.  The Bible speaks highly of these types of fellowships where we grow and learn from each other.  The only problem I personally have had with them lately is the guys get together to do stuff I would like to do (bowl, bike or run on the trail) and the ladies don't get together to do anything (or it's all married ladies).

What's your favorite spice? Your favorite dish containing your favorite spice?

Is garlic considered a spice or a vegetable, or both?  Anyway, I cook several chicken dishes with garlic.  I actually prefer it over garlic powder--a new thing for me.

Chevron patterns are everywhere!  Do you like it or think it's a little too much?  Do you own anything 'chevron'?

The only place I've seen the pattern is in crocheted ripple afghans.  I've made a few.



Bumble bee ripple afghan and accessories



What's something you disliked as a child, but can fully appreciate now?

Writing in longhand.  As much as I love to type, as an adult there's just something about putting an actual pen to actual paper.  I hated handwriting as a kid.  Of course, I have handwriting only a doctor could love.

What can irritate you very quickly?

Two things.  One, when someone treats me like I'm stupid. And B, when someone engages me in conversation by asking me something, then ignoring my answer to talk to someone else.  Nothing burns my grits more than those two things.  If I weren't a polite Southern Belle, there would be a lot of people running around with throat injuries from where I'd punched them.  Just sayin'.

 Insert your own random thought here.

The song Too Legit to Quit has been swilling around in my mind for a couple of days.  Lord help, I've started thinking about Christmas and felling the blues already!  We've had California weather here in Alabama for a few days.  Hmm...California.  College football season starts in two weeks (ROLL TIDE).  My teacher friends have been posting about the new school year.  It's makes me reminisce over my teacher years.  I miss the kids.  I don't miss the low pay (taught in a private school), and some of the BS from adults I had to put up with.  Man, I need to do my nails...

I'm joining with From Across the Pond for the Hodgepodge questions.



Five Minute Friday: "Small"

Thanks to Lisa-Jo Baker at Five Minute Friday for the prompts.

 

  

GO!

Song of Solomon says that the "little foxes spoil the vine."  I've certainly let little things spoil my health vine lately:  Little compromises here, little bouts of tired and/or lazy there.  I want to pick up and do better.

I'm thinking about a couple of my recovery heroes; my mentor, Jim, and my "celebrity hero," comedian Craig Ferguson.  Both are recovering alcoholics and addicts who been off the "stuff" for more than two decades (Jim, more than THREE!).  I just keep wondering "How do they do it?  How do they never drink the stuff again?"  I strive to handle my addiction the same way.  I just haven't been able to see my self do this yet.   How?  How do I never eat something for emotional reasons again?  How do I say no to something I know can kill me?  How do I do this?  How?

TIMES UP!

ABracadABra Crunch Challenge: Day 16

Today's challenge:

Beginners:  27 crunches
Intermediate:  32 crunches
Advanced:  42 crunches

GO!

 

ABracadABra Crunch Challenge: Day 15

...and rest.  Have a great rest day.

ABracadABra Crunch Challenge: Day 14

Today's challenge:

Beginners:  26 crunches
Intermediate:  31 crunches
Advanced:  41 crunches

GO!

ABrabadABra Crunch Challenge: Day 13

Today's challenge:

Beginners:  25 crunches
Intermediate:  30 crunches
Advanced:  40 crunches

Remember, if you've missed a day or two, don't worry.  Just pick up where you are and keep going.

GO!

Blog Challenge Quickies. 30-Day Blog Challenge, Days 27-29

Here's a few quickies from the blog challenge since these answers are short:

Day 27 - Your Pets

Don't have any. 

Day 28 - What's in your handbag?

My University of Alabama wallet (Roll Tide).  I have a wallet because I don't normally carry a purse and the wallet stays in my pockets better than the little clutch purses they make for us ladies.  A pen (when I remember it).  A pill bottle with aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamins, and my (soon to be gone) BP meds in it and my eye drops.  Occasionally, I'll have tissues or a hanky.  One of these days I'll learn how to be girlie-girl enough to carry a proper purse more often.

Day 29 - Favorite show or concert you've been to.

Comedian Mike Warnke's concert I went to in the early 90's.  I nearly peed myself laughing.

{I'm linking up with So, Funny Story http://ktslifeisfunny.blogspot.com for this 30 day blog challenge.}

 

 

The Well Laid Plans of Mice and Aunties: 30-Day Blog Challenge, Day 26

Plans for the weekend ahead.

[Blog Challenge:  Day 26] 
 

1. Go to the thrift store and find me some black pants and shorts.
2. Clean out my car.
3. Try out my new toy if it arrives before the weekend.
4. Try out a couple of new workout DVDs.
5. Clean my apartment.
6. Church and music practice on Sunday.
7. Read
8. Crochet
9. Paint
10. Do my hair and nails (time for a session at Jacked Up Nails).
11. Write blog posts.
12. Figure out why a couple of the keys on my laptop have stopped working and fix them.
13. Other mischief I can get into.  :)

{I'm linking up with So, Funny Story http://ktslifeisfunny.blogspot.com for this 30 day blog challenge.}

ABracadABra Crunch Challenge: Day 12

Today's challenge:

Beginners:  24 crunches
Intermediate:  29 crunches
Advanced:  39 crunches

GO!

The Good Kind of Crazy: The Simple Woman's Daybook for Sunday, August 11, 2013

Outside my window …  hot, humid, but beautifully sunny and bright.

I am thinking...  about football season. 

I am thankful... for the blood of Christ. I'm thankful that my nephew, George, turned 30 today.

In the kitchen...  Nothing.

I am wearing... black pants and a tank top.

I am creating... Really trying to finish this crochet top.  The person who wrote the pattern was smoking Extra Strength Crack.  Geez.
 
I am going... Nowhere today.  I’ve been out of the cave already today.

I am wondering... about whether my skin is going to bounce back after all this weight is finally gone, or am I going to have to set up a 5k race fundraiser to pay to surgically put stuff back where it goes (or where it never was in the first place). 

I am reading... if I ever finish this crochet project, I’m going to read The Art of Prayer by Kenneth Hagin.

I am hoping... that I can get back to running 5k’s soon. 

I am looking forward to... a good week. 

I am learning… strategies for how to fight depression.  It’s not easy, but it’s working.

Around the house... Finishing up a few things.

I am pondering...   on the coming fall and winter and how to handle them.  Since the weather will be cooler, I want to find ways of getting out of the house more and getting fresh air.  Again, I’ll have the frustration of people telling me I shouldn’t do things alone, but then being totally unavailable to do anything, or worse, be downright bouge'.  I’ll just have to take care of myself and take the risk.  I’m also thinking of taking my solo ride on the interstate the first Saturday of September, but I’ll let you know.

A favorite quote for today... "[Margaret] Thatcher was famous for saying, 'If you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman.' Now that's true, but I would like to add; if you want absolutely nothing said or done, ask a CAT." – Craig Ferguson

 

One of my favorite things... good comedians.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Not really sure.  I’m just going to take it one day at a time.

A peek into my day...  It’s been one of those days. 

If you would like to join in and post your own Daybook, please head on over to visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook (http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/) . Thanks for stopping by. Y'all come back now, ya' hear. :)

ABracadABra Crunch Challenge: Day 11

Today's challenge:

Beginners:  23 crunches
Intermediate:  28 crunches
Advanced:  38 crunches

GO!

ABracadABra Crunch Challenge: Day 10

Alright, y'all take a break today.  You've earned it.

How's it going?  Give me a little feedback here.  :)

ABracadABra Crunch Challenge: Day 09

Today's challenge:

Beginners:  22 crunches
Intermediate:  27 crunches
Advanced:  37 crunches

GO!

ABracadABra Crunch Challenge: Day 08

Today's challenge:

Beginners:  21 crunches
Intermediate:  26 crunches
Advanced:  36 crunches

GO!

Mopping Up Peaches in the Sunset: The Weekly Hodgepodge.

The first week of August is National Simplify Your Life Week...what's one thing you could do this week to qualify as a participant?

Learn to do things from start to finish, one thing at a time.  I joke about having A.D.D. tendencies, but I do tend to start more than one book and more than one craft project at a time.  This leaves me feeling overwhelmed and in a hurry.  Or, if I don't finish in a reasonable amount of time, I feel like a lazy failure.

It is also National Peach Month...peach pie, peach cobbler, or please pour me a Bellini? What's your pleasure?

Actually, I like nectarines more than peaches.  BTW--what the heck is Bellini?

Eleanor Roosevelt once wrote, "Do one thing every day that scares you." Agree or disagree, explain.

It depends.  Does she mean something dangerously frightening?  Then no.  Does she mean something I've never done before (that won't get me or someone else killed)?  Sure.

What's your favorite household chore?  Yes, you have to pick one.

Mopping (when I do it).

Fodor's recently listed(what they've dubbed) the ten most beautiful sunset spots in America.  Click here to read more or see pretty pictures, but this is their list:

Butterfly Beach in Santa Barbara, CA;  Mount Haleakala in Maui, HI;  Old Fort Marcy in Santa Fe, NM;  Laguna Beach, CA;  Hopi Point in Grand Canyon, AZ;  Four Seasons in Miami, FL;  Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, CA;  Gay Head in Martha's Vineyard, MA; Ensign Peak in Salt Lake City, UT;  and Mallory Square in Key West, FL.

Have you seen the sunset from any of these spots?  If you could choose to watch the sunset from one of the spots on Fodor's list, which would you choose?  Where is the prettiest sunset you've ever seen?

I haven't traveled much, so no.  Wait, I forgot I'd been to Laguna Beach, but it wasn't at sunset.  Of course, I'd love to see the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier in California.  I've never just sat and watched a sunrise or a sunset.  Maybe I should start doing that.

What's your favorite or most used app?  If you don't use apps, how about your favorite or most visited website?

I don't use apps.  My most visited websites are Facebook and YouTube.

We've recently passed the halfway mark for 2013...write a seven word sentence that sums up your year thus far.

I'll be glad when this is over.

Insert your own random thought.

I've been thinking about possible blog posts:

• Does this need to be said?  - Things not so PC that have been swilling around in my mind.
• My recovery heroes. 
• The darkness and the light. - Kicking depression in the nuts!
• Why Rick and Bubba may be bad for my health.
• The "information" superhighway?  Who writes this crap?
• A book review of 9 things you simply must do by Dr. Henry Cloud.
• Party of one. - Why I think the Church in general needs to rethink it's view of single adults. Why I think motherhood out of wedlock is more honored than purity and why this sends the message of "shacking up for Jesus."

Weekly hodgepodge questions provided by http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com

ABracadABra Crunch Challenge: Day 07

Today's challenge:

Beginners:  20 crunches
Intermediate:  25 crunches
Advanced:  35 crunches

GO!

We Be Jammin'!: 30-Day Blog Challenge, Day 25

Put your i-pod/i-tunes on shuffle what are the first ten songs?

[Blog Challenge:  Day 25]
 

If you didn't think I was weird before, you will now.  I'm not even going to explain them.  Just listen and enjoy (or shake your head and pray for me). 

• Theme from The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson.

 

• That Kinda Girl by D.C. Talk

 

• Sweeter - Israel Haughton and Lakewood Church's Praise Band

• R.I.O.T (Righteous Invasion of Truth) - Carman

 

• I Like To Move It - From the Movie Madagascar







• Grano De Mostaza - by Ricardo Sanchez

• Slam - by Carman

• Awesome In This Place - Hillsongs

• Addicted To Jesus - Carman

• God is Exalted - by Carman (I guess the shuffle was in a Carman mood??)

Hmmm... didn't come out as weird as I thought.  No 80's music, no Monkees, no kids songs (unless you count the Move It song); not even Scottish Rite Temple Stomp.  The shuffle was merciful.  :)

[I'm linking up with So, Funny Story http://ktslifeisfunny.blogspot.com for this 30 day  blog challenge.]