So...yesterday was rough. But the good part about yesterday:
IT'S IN THE PAST!!!!
Praise Jesus!
Today, is Monday. And while Monday's have the reputation for being evil, I'm choosing to see this day as new; fresh; clean; ready for the taking!
We (as in Matthew and I) have some errands to run. Target to meet with a friend of mine, across town for Mary Kay pick up, and then, darling Matty will be going to the sitters so I can go to the gym!
In recent news:
I have been sick! AGAIN!
Last Monday, I picked at my forehead at what I thought was a innocent pimple (TMI for some of you, but it's the truth). All of a sudden, by that evening, my entire forehead was in pain, and swelling. By Tuesday morning, my entire face was so swollen, I could barely open my right eye. I went to the doctor, and he said I also may have strep. He gave me an antibiotic that would "hopefully" kill the bacteria/infection on my face and in my throat. So far, it's working (Thank GOD!), but the antibiotic is KILLING my stomach. I swear, I think it'd just be easier if I rip my stomach out and flush it down the toilet.
It'd save the time, that's for sure!
And Matthew is attempting to get over a stomach bug, so in preparation, I lysoled EVERYTHING.
Thank God for Lysol!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
why being a middle child made today an epic fail.
When Matthew woke us up at 5 this morning, I literally had no idea what was going to happen. I mean, he wakes up at 5 am every couple of days, and it's usually no big deal. But throw into the mix that we had church (which always throws off his nap-times), a family dinner/birthday party 20 minutes away, and an all around grumpy baby, and today was destined since the early morning start to be an epic fail.
For example:
Had I known that Matty's early morning nap would've only been half the usual time and that would've made him a very inconsolable child, I would've skipped church. But since I lost my DeLorean in a bet that I should've known I was going to lose, I had no idea that Matthew's normal "happy-go-lucky" attitude would've been lost after the first diaper change.
Likewise, had I known that church was going to go as long as it did, I again would've skipped, or left early. I don't want to bad-mouth, and I don't think I am. I am expressing a personal opinion. If you do not agree with my opinion, that's fine! But I don't mean any ill-will, and I most certainly do not want to put down people who are amazing men/women of God. However, I [personally] cannot stand when they have alter-time at the beginning of the service. It drags on and on. I understand why they do it (so people don't leave before they have their chance at the alter), but I would benefit more from HEARING the word and then GOING to the alter. Again....PERSONALLY.
I also have a HARD time worshiping with music that was written before my grandparents were born. I LOVE the fact that I grew up in small town America. But, I have the HARDEST time focusing with songs that I've never heard of, and with that "Gospel-twang". I feel like I'm at an outdoor fair (For you locals, like the Bergton Fair). It's not worship music to me. It's a concert. And yes, I do need to pour my heart out to the Audience of One. But, I spend MORE time getting myself into the attitude (because I have to force it on myself) then I do actually worshiping.
Again...PERSONALLY. I know that there are people of the older generations who feel the same way should someone introduce a "new" song. The only thing I can say is...Maybe I need to find somewhere where that's not so much a problem.
[A little side-note: I really have no problem with "old songs of worship". I just can't stand when they are all done the same way....ya know...like at an old gospel concert].
Anyway, after forcing myself into worship for 5 minutes, twiddling my thumbs for almost a half hour while they have "alter-time", and then watching the clock tick....11:45. 12. 12:15. "We need to be at my parents in 15 minutes, and they are 20 minutes away, and we haven't started praying yet..."
Now, take these feelings of frustration from what's supposed to be a refreshing time in fellowship (don't even get me started on "fellowship"), and take that with an argumentative 10 minutes in the car to the ATM (we owed my mom 10 bucks), then home with a hungry child (we were eating lunch at my parents), all before getting back in the car to drive 20 minutes...we got to my parents 45 minutes late.
Finally we arrive at my parents and everyone's starting to chow down without us (which was agreed upon in our first year of marriage; they are not to wait on us). Matthew refused food and drink of all kinds, and started with a tantrum. In front of everyone. I felt the burning sensation of judgement fall on me.
I'm the middle child. Not a "true" middle child, but as middle as they come. I was born number 3 of 4. My sister who is 8.5 years my senior, my brother is 6 years older, and my "baby" brother who is 3 years younger. My sister is married, with 2 kids and one more on the way (YAY!). My brother growing up had so many problems that he will never be able to claim to have "middle-child-syndrome" even if he wanted. He received all the attention and then some. Given, not all of it was positive, but still....attention is attention. And my "baby" brother, he is the baby of the family. Always has been, and always will be.
So, as we sat around the dinner table, I tried telling stories of baby things to my sister at the other end, and to my mom across from her. My mother, later, told me she has no recollection of me trying to talk.
My siblings, on the other hand, all got their stories heard, and shared, even two or three times, but for shear pleasure, not because they didn't hear.
The only time the eyes were on me was when Matthew started acting out.
From there on, it progressed. Downhill. Fast. He screamed. FOR HOURS! We had to leave before my brother opened his gifts and before he blew out his candles to get Matthew home. He screamed the whole way home. Got him home and upstairs, rocked him with a bottle, and he was FINALLY a happy camper. I wanted to cry. I was so drained, emotionally, my throat hurt from trying to make myself heard, and I couldn't even get my own child to be happy for an hour. I felt so inadequate. Correction: FEEL.
What is it about being a middle child that does not go away, even when you're grown and have a family all of your own???
For example:
Had I known that Matty's early morning nap would've only been half the usual time and that would've made him a very inconsolable child, I would've skipped church. But since I lost my DeLorean in a bet that I should've known I was going to lose, I had no idea that Matthew's normal "happy-go-lucky" attitude would've been lost after the first diaper change.
Likewise, had I known that church was going to go as long as it did, I again would've skipped, or left early. I don't want to bad-mouth, and I don't think I am. I am expressing a personal opinion. If you do not agree with my opinion, that's fine! But I don't mean any ill-will, and I most certainly do not want to put down people who are amazing men/women of God. However, I [personally] cannot stand when they have alter-time at the beginning of the service. It drags on and on. I understand why they do it (so people don't leave before they have their chance at the alter), but I would benefit more from HEARING the word and then GOING to the alter. Again....PERSONALLY.
I also have a HARD time worshiping with music that was written before my grandparents were born. I LOVE the fact that I grew up in small town America. But, I have the HARDEST time focusing with songs that I've never heard of, and with that "Gospel-twang". I feel like I'm at an outdoor fair (For you locals, like the Bergton Fair). It's not worship music to me. It's a concert. And yes, I do need to pour my heart out to the Audience of One. But, I spend MORE time getting myself into the attitude (because I have to force it on myself) then I do actually worshiping.
Again...PERSONALLY. I know that there are people of the older generations who feel the same way should someone introduce a "new" song. The only thing I can say is...Maybe I need to find somewhere where that's not so much a problem.
[A little side-note: I really have no problem with "old songs of worship". I just can't stand when they are all done the same way....ya know...like at an old gospel concert].
Anyway, after forcing myself into worship for 5 minutes, twiddling my thumbs for almost a half hour while they have "alter-time", and then watching the clock tick....11:45. 12. 12:15. "We need to be at my parents in 15 minutes, and they are 20 minutes away, and we haven't started praying yet..."
Now, take these feelings of frustration from what's supposed to be a refreshing time in fellowship (don't even get me started on "fellowship"), and take that with an argumentative 10 minutes in the car to the ATM (we owed my mom 10 bucks), then home with a hungry child (we were eating lunch at my parents), all before getting back in the car to drive 20 minutes...we got to my parents 45 minutes late.
Finally we arrive at my parents and everyone's starting to chow down without us (which was agreed upon in our first year of marriage; they are not to wait on us). Matthew refused food and drink of all kinds, and started with a tantrum. In front of everyone. I felt the burning sensation of judgement fall on me.
I'm the middle child. Not a "true" middle child, but as middle as they come. I was born number 3 of 4. My sister who is 8.5 years my senior, my brother is 6 years older, and my "baby" brother who is 3 years younger. My sister is married, with 2 kids and one more on the way (YAY!). My brother growing up had so many problems that he will never be able to claim to have "middle-child-syndrome" even if he wanted. He received all the attention and then some. Given, not all of it was positive, but still....attention is attention. And my "baby" brother, he is the baby of the family. Always has been, and always will be.
So, as we sat around the dinner table, I tried telling stories of baby things to my sister at the other end, and to my mom across from her. My mother, later, told me she has no recollection of me trying to talk.
My siblings, on the other hand, all got their stories heard, and shared, even two or three times, but for shear pleasure, not because they didn't hear.
The only time the eyes were on me was when Matthew started acting out.
From there on, it progressed. Downhill. Fast. He screamed. FOR HOURS! We had to leave before my brother opened his gifts and before he blew out his candles to get Matthew home. He screamed the whole way home. Got him home and upstairs, rocked him with a bottle, and he was FINALLY a happy camper. I wanted to cry. I was so drained, emotionally, my throat hurt from trying to make myself heard, and I couldn't even get my own child to be happy for an hour. I felt so inadequate. Correction: FEEL.
What is it about being a middle child that does not go away, even when you're grown and have a family all of your own???
Sunday, March 27, 2011
a test in customer service by a customer
On Saturday, we were supposed to pick up Matthew's car seat (ya know, the evil forward facing ones that will grow with him).
We ordered it on March 14 from Walmart.com. I received an email confirmation stating that the order would arrive (site-to-store for free shipping) between March 18-March 25.
Sometime in that week, I received an email saying that the package was "delayed in transit".
I don't know what that means....but a few day later i got another email saying that the new expected arrival date was March 26. Yesterday.
at 6:17 am, i got another email (and i got all excited thinking that it was at the store), saying it was AGAIN delayed in transit. This time, it is delayed in transit 20 minutes away from my VERY HOUSE, and the tracking site says it is "in transit to store."
it has been in transit to the store since March 23rd. it is now, March 27. it does NOT take 4 days to go from Mt. crawford to harrisonburg.
Now, i'm very irritated. annoyed. frustrated. i have not received my car seat, and i kinda sorta need it.
BUT....i called the customer service number on the email, and explained the emails to her. after a couple of minutes, she told me that within 24 hours (that time is up, by the way) i would receive a call from the store (which i haven't), explaining where my package is.
she also gave me $10 off my order.
the ironic thing: i did not yell. or scream. or place blame. all i wanted to know was what was the hold-up.....
i still don't know where it is, but, i do know that when i call back, using a calm voice and using facts rather than letting my emotions get the best of me will get me more places, than yelling at someone who is just trying to provide for their family.
Thank you Walmart.com!
We ordered it on March 14 from Walmart.com. I received an email confirmation stating that the order would arrive (site-to-store for free shipping) between March 18-March 25.
Sometime in that week, I received an email saying that the package was "delayed in transit".
I don't know what that means....but a few day later i got another email saying that the new expected arrival date was March 26. Yesterday.
at 6:17 am, i got another email (and i got all excited thinking that it was at the store), saying it was AGAIN delayed in transit. This time, it is delayed in transit 20 minutes away from my VERY HOUSE, and the tracking site says it is "in transit to store."
it has been in transit to the store since March 23rd. it is now, March 27. it does NOT take 4 days to go from Mt. crawford to harrisonburg.
Now, i'm very irritated. annoyed. frustrated. i have not received my car seat, and i kinda sorta need it.
BUT....i called the customer service number on the email, and explained the emails to her. after a couple of minutes, she told me that within 24 hours (that time is up, by the way) i would receive a call from the store (which i haven't), explaining where my package is.
she also gave me $10 off my order.
the ironic thing: i did not yell. or scream. or place blame. all i wanted to know was what was the hold-up.....
i still don't know where it is, but, i do know that when i call back, using a calm voice and using facts rather than letting my emotions get the best of me will get me more places, than yelling at someone who is just trying to provide for their family.
Thank you Walmart.com!
Monday, March 21, 2011
sickness
I strongly dislike sickness.
in fact, i think it's safe to say....i HATE it.
and for this round, i FULLY AND ENTIRELY blame myself.
it involves food, and foods that Matthew probably wasn't ready to eat.
but i hate it when he hurts. :-(
in fact, i think it's safe to say....i HATE it.
and for this round, i FULLY AND ENTIRELY blame myself.
it involves food, and foods that Matthew probably wasn't ready to eat.
but i hate it when he hurts. :-(
Sunday, March 20, 2011
FINALLY!
I FINALLY have gotten the pics uploaded to the computer from the camera. Now if i can just do
the same with my PHONE!!!!!
these are just a few of my favorites!
the same with my PHONE!!!!!
these are just a few of my favorites!
Friday, March 11, 2011
"Spring Sale!"
My inbox is filled with emails from Target, JCPenney, Gap, and other stores where I receive discounts on purchases for simply giving them my email address.
"Spring Sale! Flip flops 2 for $5!"
"Tank Tops 3 for $2!"
"Dresses for the stick figure: $2.50!"
i look outside, and I reach for my nice hot cup of coffee, watch the rain fall and turn to sleet/angry snow, and dream of a day when i can go outside, play with Matty, wear flip flops and have a body where i can wear those STUPID DRESSES THAT LOOK AMAZING ON EVERYONE ELSE!
"Spring Sale! Flip flops 2 for $5!"
"Tank Tops 3 for $2!"
"Dresses for the stick figure: $2.50!"
i look outside, and I reach for my nice hot cup of coffee, watch the rain fall and turn to sleet/angry snow, and dream of a day when i can go outside, play with Matty, wear flip flops and have a body where i can wear those STUPID DRESSES THAT LOOK AMAZING ON EVERYONE ELSE!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
a prayer from a broken heart
today, i received in my inbox a devotional from RelevantMagazine.com.
[ps: thank you my darling husband for signing me up months ago]
Coming from RM, it's usually something theological. I've never been a theological Christian. I don't feel the need to sit around the table and discuss why Jesus may or may not like homosexuals, or drink wine, or where he ministered most. I find these conversations...well...dull. and you always get with people who think differently than you, and reality is: no one is changing their mind b/c of what you (or they) have said. it's pointless conversation.
I'm a full believer that if i'm going to sit around the table and talk about Jesus, I'm going to talk about what is He doing in your life. What is it in your life that makes you think/feel/believe this about Jesus? THAT is the extent of my theological conversations.
Rabbit trail.
Today's devotional is about Luke 7:36-50.
The woman anoints Jesus. Many scholars believe that she was anointing him for death. others believe it was her way of worship.
I believe it was both.
This woman, who those around the table knew as a whore, entered into the house with ONE purpose.
Her LOVE for the Lord.
many scholars believe that Jesus and this woman (who i think is mentioned as Mary in the other gospels), had an affair and produced an offspring.
those scholars also drink kool-aid.
This woman was not attracted to the MAN. she was attracted to the LORD. Elohim. El Shaddai. (PLEASE EXCUSE MY SPELLING. I've never taken a greek/arabic class, and so i'm going on pronunciations...doesn't work so well...lol).
She was in AWE of His Majesty!
There was a time where i felt that love and desire for Him. lately, i haven't. and i want it back!
This is not a time for being reserved. this is not a time for being ashamed!
Lord, you've created me for such a time as this! help me to be BOLD for YOUR Name! Let people talk about me....let them spread their lies and gossip. Set me apart. anoint me! Lord, i break this alabaster jar at your feet, and wash it with my tears! You are my first love! my only true love!
tame my tongue so that it only spreads encouragement! let everything else fall wayside, and only encouragement come forward!
heal my heart, and make it clean. bring peace where there is none.
purify me, O Lord! let your love shine through!
[ps: thank you my darling husband for signing me up months ago]
Coming from RM, it's usually something theological. I've never been a theological Christian. I don't feel the need to sit around the table and discuss why Jesus may or may not like homosexuals, or drink wine, or where he ministered most. I find these conversations...well...dull. and you always get with people who think differently than you, and reality is: no one is changing their mind b/c of what you (or they) have said. it's pointless conversation.
I'm a full believer that if i'm going to sit around the table and talk about Jesus, I'm going to talk about what is He doing in your life. What is it in your life that makes you think/feel/believe this about Jesus? THAT is the extent of my theological conversations.
Rabbit trail.
Today's devotional is about Luke 7:36-50.
The woman anoints Jesus. Many scholars believe that she was anointing him for death. others believe it was her way of worship.
I believe it was both.
This woman, who those around the table knew as a whore, entered into the house with ONE purpose.
Her LOVE for the Lord.
many scholars believe that Jesus and this woman (who i think is mentioned as Mary in the other gospels), had an affair and produced an offspring.
those scholars also drink kool-aid.
This woman was not attracted to the MAN. she was attracted to the LORD. Elohim. El Shaddai. (PLEASE EXCUSE MY SPELLING. I've never taken a greek/arabic class, and so i'm going on pronunciations...doesn't work so well...lol).
She was in AWE of His Majesty!
There was a time where i felt that love and desire for Him. lately, i haven't. and i want it back!
This is not a time for being reserved. this is not a time for being ashamed!
Lord, you've created me for such a time as this! help me to be BOLD for YOUR Name! Let people talk about me....let them spread their lies and gossip. Set me apart. anoint me! Lord, i break this alabaster jar at your feet, and wash it with my tears! You are my first love! my only true love!
tame my tongue so that it only spreads encouragement! let everything else fall wayside, and only encouragement come forward!
heal my heart, and make it clean. bring peace where there is none.
purify me, O Lord! let your love shine through!
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