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Monday, June 30, 2008

The Simple Woman's Daybook

I am thinking...about a new friend from church.

I am thankful for...getting to go to Laura's bridal shower yesterday, what an amazing group of people she has in her life!

From the kitchen...nothing too exciting, hoping that some of my tomatoes ripen this week!

I am creating...a peaceful place in my Spirit

I am going...to the gym, as usual.

I am wearing...gym clothes for my first class, then another set of clothes for my second class.

I am reading...Come Away My Beloved

I am hoping...that my follow-up appointment with the oral surgeon goes well today

I am hearing...the hum of the central air, Look Alike squirming

Around the house...the Music Man is holding down the fort while I get in some workouts and a little fun time.

One of my favorite things...accomplishing a goal

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...gym, oral surgeon, gym, gym, gym, gym, Hogn and Ginger's for the fourth, gym, then REST!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... the picture thing isn't working right now, I'll try to get a picture of the new hair up soon.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

facestat.com

Is not a particularly nice site. I figured, what the heck, I have a fairly thick skin, I don't mind to be judged by strangers based solely on a head shot.

There are several different questions, but most say something like, "describe me in one word", and gauge you on an attractiveness scale of "hot stuff" to "repulsive". Now, you see my handy-dandy photo up there. I'm average looking in my estimation, "cute" on a really good day. However, on facestat.com I was overwhelmingly labeled "repulsive", with a few "not bad". Not a single "good lookin'" or "hot stuff".

Everything else wasn't bad. Age averaged in at 26 (I'm nearing 29--woohoo), intelligence as "bright", most people thought I was caucasian, though I got about 25% Asian (weird, eh?). 100% pegged me as female, that's a relief. Most people described me as "chunky", which I can totally live with.

Now on to the descriptors, these are the best part. "don't match shirt to eye shadow". Um, yeah. That's my territory, so step off. By the way, I look FANTASTIC in a purple sweater with purple shadow; I have hazel eyes and it comes off beautifully. "Overweight", fair enough. "Middle America"--ok, I'm from Ohio. "Backwoods" yikes! There is a stained glass window my grandfather made in the background, could be that. "Nice, Happy, Content", those are all good. "Mom" was probably meant negatively, but it's my favorite of all them.

So in the end, I thumb my nose at this high-school "experiment" and remember that I live in the South, where we're taught, "If you can't say something nice, say something nice"!

More to come, I uploaded a different, more recent picture today.

Monday, June 23, 2008

The Simple Woman's Daybook




FOR TODAY

Outside my Window...is a beautiful morning before I head out to kickboxing, and looooots of weeds! It's going to be a hot week here in the ATL.

I am thinking...that it's going to be a crazy week at the gym, but I'm in the home stretch before this wedding! I'm also thinking that I'm seriously failing at being simple. Yikes.

I am thankful for...my stitches healing pretty well, my dress fitting for the wedding.

From the kitchen...baked tilapia with artichoke hearts, quinoa, fresh pineapple and rep pepper slices

I am creating...nothing really these days. I've pretty much got a one-track mind; working out.

I am going...to work out for 13 hours this week, 7 hours cardio, 3 hours flexibility, 3 hours weights

I am wearing...gym clothes, with my pink sneaks, what a bargain!

I am reading...The Jesus I Never Knew, Son of A Witch

I am hoping...to drop another 5 lbs before the wedding in three weeks, to figure out what in the world God wants me to say to bless my friend's marriage,

I am hearing...my oldest eating her Cheerios, talking about her visit to the dentist last Friday.

Around the house...I need to check my tomatoes and peppers, be sure that my protein intake is high, make some bread.

Two of my favorite things...anticipation of the Olympics, planning for our
Disney trip in October

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...gym, hair cut tomorrow (help, see below
), no Bible study (boo)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... It's how I feel spiritually, dead, and surrounded by the inexplicable beauty of God.



Go see Peggy for more daybooks!

Rude Awakening

This morning I had the worst dream I've ever had. Ever. I lost my entire family (MM and the three kids) in a car accident when I wasn't with them, and had to be told, then tell my mother-in-law. It was horrifying, I just wept when I woke up. Then kept weeping while MM tried to hold on to me. I know, without a doubt, that this dream was God speaking to my current spiritual state.

Without going into all the gory details, I've been one of those dreaded lukewarm Christians for a long time. Mind you, I've only BEEN a Christian for three years. I can sometimes "catch the wave", so to speak, but mostly I'm in the ebb rather than the flow of joy, of love, of devotion, of all that stuff.

Again, without uncovering the situation, something happened when I was newly pregnant with the CCM that robbed me of trust and security in my home life. I've forgiven, tried to get over it, etc, but I've never gotten back to the place of rejoicing in the Lord. I thought that after lots of pastoral counseling I was mostly over it and indeed still think that I am, though that may just be wishful thinking.

Yesterday my pastor preached a sermon about how even those people who have experienced past victory in Christ could now be lukewarm. It was one of those messages where everyone squirms. He challenged us to think about what our "cardboard testimony" would be if we were to hold a sign up in the "from" and "to" sides. For example, mind might say something like, "Aborted my first baby" to "Mother of three hoping for more". Many people carried their signs in such VICTORY, and it was amazing to see what things people have triumphed over.

At the alter call, did I go? Did I make my own confession of what He has done in my life, and where I still struggle? I'm sure you know that I didn't. So I guess my wake-up call came in the form of the most terrible dream of my life, the most horrifying thing I could ever imagine happening.

All I know right now is that I'll hold my babies close upon rising, but that I need to learn to hold my Jesus closest of all, and I just don't know how to do that.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Hair Help (now, please)!

OK folks, I need your help. You see the most recent picture of yours truly up in the right hand corner. I need a hair cut desperately, and I made an appointment for Tuesday. Help me pick a style. My hair is currenty shoulder-length with long-ish bangs. I plan to get some highlights to help me look more, erm, alive and less, uh, homely (as a total aside, I had someone get all on my case this week when I mentioned being somewhat homely--what's wrong with that?!).

I'd love to do something bob-ish, but my stylist says my face is too full (and I'm sure she's right). I also need something I can get out of the way since I do go to the gym almost every day. I'm not opposed to short or medium, I've had it all. I don't have a ton of time to make things work, and I only know how to use a blow dryer and a flat iron. I'm pathetic when it comes to hair, I know! I sort of like this (but obviously staying in the reddish tones for me, blonde is not my thing):



In any case, I would love ideas, pictures, etc. Help me with this hair dilemma!

Friday, June 20, 2008

Those Funny Keyword Searches

I've seen people do this before, but never thought I'd have enough keyword searches to post my own. Looks like I do now. Hopefully people will search again so they can see what I have to say about what they're looking for (now isn't THAT narcissistic??).

*makeup shades to wear with a turquoise dress:
Depends on your coloring. Golds are lovely, are as smoky purples. Turquoise, in small doses, is gorgeous as a liner. I'll post pictures of what I did (if I can force myself into photographs, ick) after the wedding July 12

*green monster smoothie recipe
Let me know when you find one, sounds delish

*sheri carr fearless now
Love, still listen to the CD almost every day

*lipstick color over 40
Just wear some, generally in only slightly more muted tones than you wore before. Remember, getitng older doesn't mean you change COLORS, just intensity.

*green smoothie recipe
Click the green smoothie link on the sidebar

*what happens when you wash blush brush
It gets clean. But seriously, remember not to get water up n the neck or the bristles will rot. Please wash your brushes often, but carefully.

shery carr - fearless now (2008)
*See above. Sheri is the correct spelling

has anyone tried pedegg?
*Yep, and it's fan-freaking-tastic.

*gorgeous brown eyeshadow
*Lancome makes a color called Click that's purpley-brown and good on most people

*urban dictionary - daisy - the name
In the late 19th century "daisy" was a common slang term for "the best in it's class." So for "daisy" just substitute "the best" and you'll have it. It was a short-lived idiom and doesn't seem to be popular much after 1890.
"Now ain't that a daisy!"
Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday - Tombstone

*tilapia loaves and fishes
No idea what you were looking for, though I did title a post with a tilapia recipe "loaves and fishes". Gotta love Jesus references.

*dentist 4 root canals
I had them done over 5 weeks in 2005. Really, they weren't bad at all and I took no pain meds except the motrin they give you before you leave the office. Much preferable to the stitches in my mouth at present.

*makeup to match turquoise dress
Popular search, eh? See above.

*finding a bronzer that's brown
As opposed to red? You generally want a balance. Too much brown can leave you looking rather unnatural!

*pink and red undertones should use blush
You're right about that! Everyone should use a little blush, really. Just go with something apricot-y.

*self conscious of my big lips
Seriously? Because full lips are so beautiful. If you want to make them look a bit smaller, line just on the inside of your lip line. Not in a geisha sort of way, but just inside the boundaries; this will help some.

*is white flour ok for cats
No. White flour isn't OK for anyone.

*green smoothie recipes
Check out the ones I've posted, or greensmoothiegirl.com or happyfoody.com

*pedegg look alike
Haven't seen one, couldn't turn one up in a (cursory) Google search. I'm a fan of the name brand, and for $10, it's not a huge splurge.

*becoming a simple woman
Please go see Peggy for this one. Much as I fancy myself at least trying, I'm far too "of the world" to qualify for that one. Or my new friend arkimi1

*green smoothies for work
Take your regular green smoothie, fill up a Sigg or Kleen Kanteen, shake, and enjoy.

*who has sang the song simple gifts?
I don't rightly know, except for my third grade classmates and myself with Mrs. Rojano.

*make up for evening
See my post on Evening Makeup

*what makeup can i use instead of bronzer
Nothing really. Bronzer is sort of a unitasker. While I know Alton Brown doesn't like them in the kitchen (except the fire extingtuisher), they work in the makeup room. Invest, and use. Repeat.

*30 min equal .5
Indeed it does.

*pedegg
I tell you, this thing's popularity is growing by leaps and bounds.

*lancome mocha havana review
Loved it before, love it now. Try it, it's a really great blush for medium skin tones.

*pick skin off lips
Not such a good idea. First, it's unsightly. Second, it makes your lips bleed. Better to exfoliate them regularly with an old, wet toothbrush.

Now go see Fussy and the other non-frumpists!

Thursday, June 19, 2008

A Few Pictures to Share

CCM is mom's shades:



Firecracker "learning to yoyo":



FP with the Look Alike (see how much they DO look alike?):



CCM in the firefighter raincoat my mom got him:

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

I survived!

Thanks so much for everyone's prayers. I got there as directed at 10:45. It was finally my turn around noon (which was just fine with me, no reason to rush it). I am super sensitive to drugs, so it was no surprise to me that I could barely speak after only the nitrous. Everything sounded like it was going through a fan, and I could see the room spinning behind my closed eyes.

Then she got the IV in. I remember the doctor coming in asking me to breathe deeply three times, then the lights went out. A whole 45 minutes later, I felt my mouth packed with gauze and someone walked me out to the car. I don't remember the ride home, or anything after the Music Man getting me upstairs. I know the I nursed the Look Alike twice before 6 when I got up. The MM made dinner, and I didn't know quite how hungry I was having not eaten for 15 hours. Excepting the stitches and grogginess, I feel relativly good.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Dental Implant

Tomorrow I'm going to the oral surgeon to have #30 extracted, a mini bone graft at the site, and the hole drilled for the implant, as well as pulling #16, my only wisdom tooth. I'm unnaturally afraid of this.

I had 4 root canals in 5 weeks in 2005, and I wasn't at all afraid. This requires general anesthesia, and I don't like the idea of that. I'm also somewhat afraid of the recovery. And the fact that the bone graft is coming from the "bone bank". Um, weird.

So pray for me, I'm freaking out. I had that moment today when I told the Music Man to remarry if I don't make it and love my children.

Surgery is at 10:45; I'll report back on how it went (God willing).

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Urban Dictionary

Have you ever used this site? It's a favorite of mine (though use your judgment, there are some not nice words on there), and here's a survey a friend posted. Why not.

1) Your name?

heather:

Beatiful, creative,smart, spontaneous, girl who would be a good catch to bring home to mother. Who is down right sublime.

2) How old are you?
28:

1) Answer to any number-related question.
2) Answer to any word-related question.
3) Answer to any food-related question.
4) Answer to any awkward silences.
5) Answer to anything.
1) Daisy - What time is it?
Emma - 28.
2) Daisy - What colour paint shall I use?
Emma - 28.
3) Daisy - What's for dinner?
Emma - 28.
4) Daisy - I don't believe in Jesus.
Emma - Err.. 28?


3) One of your friends?
Lisa:

A very attractive kind of the female gender who has a sultry gaze and a great figure. Lisas are usually attracted to common types of carbohydrates and will devour them vigorously if let loose without caution. Extremely attractive.



4) What Should You Be Doing?
Working:

* A place where people have to go everyday to get paid. Also known as "hell".


5) Favorite Food?
Italian:

*A really smart, good-looking Mediterranean person with kick-ass food, families, and values

6) Hometown?
Dayton

A city in southwestern Ohio with a metropolitan population of around 1.0 million. Dayton is nicknamed the "Gem City" and is also the birthplace of aviation. Dayton is the home of the Wright Brothers, the University of Dayton, Wright State University, the Dayton Bombers, the Dayton Dragons, the Dayton Fangs, The Gem City Rollergirls, Wright Patterson Airforce Base, The United States Air Force Museum, the Dayton Air Show, NCR, Electric Street Buses, the Dayton Art Museum, the Oregon District, and Malfunction Junction (RT4 - I75). Also known for the wild college parties down in the Ghetto and the Darkside, both of which are located on the campus of the University of Dayton. A very nice city to live in if you avoid the bad parts.


7) Word to describe yourself (my husband chose this one)?
Knowledgeable, witty, or intelligent. Not a popular thing to be in America these days.


8) Car you drive?
sonata

noun, countable
a series of loud sounds from Hyundai car owners expressing a strong emotion such as pain, fear, or displeasure


9) Last person you talked to on the phone?
Patton

A fairly common last name with Scotch-Irish origins literally meaning "the superior family." People with this last name were revered endlessly and praised as "the smartest, most attractive, and most popular" in any group.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Update

Our trip to Ohio was good, and it was good to see family when it's warm outside (we typically go home only for Thanksgiving).

OK, so my three hour glucose tolerance test only took 2 hours because my numbers were, in my doctor's words, "stone cold perfect". Woohoo. My B12 and vit D levels were low, so I'm going to try and find some bioavailable supplements to bring the levels up.

In other news, the dress for the wedding fits. I zipped it up by myself this afternoon, and that was a real victory. I'm pretty proud of this, because two weeks ago I was sure it wouldn't fit. I'd still like to drop a few inches to make it perfect, but I have to say that between the dress and the shoes, I look kinda fly.

I'm still hitting the workouts hard. Yesterday I did an hour of kickboxing, then an hour of circuit training. Could barely walk last night. Today was water aerobics, and I have to say I actually enjoyed it. It didn't feel like much of a workout until I got out of the pool and then, well, I felt like a wet noodle. I'll for sure go back.

Sorry to be so brief lately, I'm just working really hard getting to the gym every day, sometimes twice, along with work and trying to spend some time with my kids. But my dress fits, hallelujah!

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

The Dentist

Anyone ever have a debridement? Yeah. If you haven't, don't. They take an electronic scaler thing and go to it, but I have bloody gums to prove that the thing isn't fun.

In any case, I needed it done so I can go see the oral surgeon about extractions and a dental implant on #30. I'm actually pretty excited; I feel like this is my year to get myself into great shape. An abscess of fifteen-twenty years doesn't exactly scream "picture of health", and it isn't good for your heart.

On that note, I'm headed to bed for my three hour GTT. No, I don't believe I'm pregnant, but my doctor wants to see why my fasting glucose level was 134. I'll report back soon!

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

A Brief Haitus

OK, so I know I haven't blogged yet this month, forgive me.  Things are a little crazy, between being at the gym (sometimes twice a day) and trying to get this protein thing going (my trainer wants me at 110 grams a day.  Any idea how hard that is for a former vegetarian?!), not to mention The Job Which Must Not Be Named and the kids.   

Tomorrow we're going to Ohio for a few days to celebrate my gradparents' 50th anniversary.  Isn't that sweet?  They're not mushy people, and really, some days I'm not sure they like each other much, but heck, they made it to 50 years.  Here's hoping they make it to 60.  

In any case, I'll also get to see my bestest friend ElleBee, whom I haven't seen since the Firecracker Princess was  was 8 or 9 mos old.  Since she's 3 1/2, that's been quite a while.  Stupid geography.

I wasn't planned enough to have posts ready, so I'll be back with you the middle of next week.  Then you can hear all about my first physical since high school and my lovely (gag) 3 hour glucose tolerance test.  No, I'm not pregnant again (yet, and God willing) and yes, it kinda sucks.

Until then, blessings to all!