tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90971376586099957232024-03-19T15:36:41.634-07:00Keeping Up With The Keyser'sHighlights of our travels and experiences!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097137658609995723.post-35058952039938854912012-01-02T22:39:00.000-08:002012-01-02T22:39:42.133-08:00December 31 On Word (2012's Word)December 31 <span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 150%;">Earlier this month, we wrote
about our one word to describe 2011. Today, let's write about our one word for
2012. What word do you want to use to describe how you will approach 2012?</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Excellence- </span></span><span id="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small; position: static; text-align: left;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; position: static;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; position: static;">fact</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; position: static;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #0055bb; cursor: pointer; position: static;">state</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; position: static;">of</span> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;"><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/excel" style="color: #333333;">excelling</a></span><br />
<br />
My personality does not naturally lend itself to being a perfectionist. It really just likes order and symmetry. To set the word of excellence as the word to dwell on this 2012 is to stretch me to be better and to pay closer attention to the details of things.<br />
<br />
I admire a home that I walk into that is completely put in order. That all the window tracks and wood casings are clean, that everything has a place and is in it's place. I am attempting better order in my home. I spent all last year attempting to thin things out and to have a labeled place for everything. So many things I have are unnecessary. I so like a stark environment, it makes me feel restful and at peace. But I am doomed to have too many things because I always think what if we need it for this or that. Furniture seems to be in abundance but, I may need places for people to sit when we have company. So I am striving for excellence in order.<br />
<br />
In my business it is so easy to just stuff papers into a file, and try and remember all the tiny details of the things that need to happen in a transaction. It is so important to not overlook any of the minor details. I have made check lists trying to make sure I do not forget anything. So I need to strive for excellence in the details, and not put it off the details.<br />
<br />
I think of the mundane things like washing the dishes, cleaning the counters, getting ready in the morning and getting ready at night. I slop through all of those wonderful events of my day. I do it just to get by, just to get through it. But for this year, (and after 21 days it will be a routine), I will pursue excellence in everything I do.<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097137658609995723.post-15041609952883674842012-01-02T21:44:00.000-08:002012-01-02T21:45:14.704-08:00December 30 Future SelfDecember 30<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">write
a letter to yourself to read on 12/30/12. Write about what you have
accomplished. Write about who you are and who you have become. Write a
wishlist.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">
<br />
</span>Dear Beth,<br />
Hope you have been well and doing all the things that you enjoy. I really hope that you have found a hobby that you find fascinating and that involves both Edik and Brian.<br />
<br />
I bet you are still loving being a grandmother. You certainly delighted in that the last time we talked. I remember all you could talk about was the last time you saw Malachi and Eli. You were so excited to know if your next grand baby was a boy or a girl. So what was it? Have you got to spend more time with your favorite little men?<br />
<br />
I really have enjoyed watching you as you have been making your transition from women to middle age women. It has not been quite as horrible as so many of your friends have made it out to be has it? You are doing it with grace and keeping in style. You were lucky you found the light therapy and acid peals, I think that has really helped you.<br />
<br />
How has your retirement went? Are you doing the travel and the ministry that you talked about doing last year? It was so cool that you were able to get back into doing the AWANA program again. I bet that has opened a lot of doors for ministry for you.<br />
<br />
I remember when you helped the family that had been robbed, did they ever start coming to church, and AWANA, I wonder if any of them accepted the Lord. Please let me now if you have been able to help any other people.<br />
<br />
I was wondering if you were able to make any friends, I know you were very lonely for the last few years. I am sure you have been having fun with your friends Doug and Carol you were telling me about. What was the last trip you went on with Bruce,Lori, Steve and Tracey?<br />
<br />
Well take it easy on yourself, you are an amazing women. I love the way you share the Lord with people and how you are always looking for ways to help people. Keep your eyes on the Lord and He will make your path straight, I know you are a delight in your Fathers eyes, and I love you very much!<br />
<br />
Love BethUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097137658609995723.post-67596985468974514062012-01-02T21:16:00.000-08:002012-01-02T21:16:12.429-08:00December 29 Let Go<span style="font-size: large;">December 29</span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #505050; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">What did you let go of
in 2011? What was the experience like? How is your life different today? Do you
ever regret it?</span><span style="font-size: 8.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #505050; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #505050; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I let go of Malachi's hand for a moment and it broke my heart, but a simple smile and another hug fixed me right up again.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #505050; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #505050;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">I let go of hoping for change in Edik and it came in waves, and it has made life more simple, and </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">pleasant</span><span style="line-height: 150%;">.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #505050;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #505050;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">I let go of being a super busy Realtor, and basked in and enjoyed the freedom it brought. I am holding on tight to the future of retirement. June 6 will be 10 years of Sales, for this none salesman. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #505050;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #505050;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">I let go of my obsessive compulsive behavior towards </span><span style="line-height: 36px;">exercise</span><span style="line-height: 150%;"> and food. It has brought me 10 additional pounds around my rib cage and to be honest I am not at all pleased with it. I am going to have to let go of my relaxed efforts and grab onto my compulsion again.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #505050;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #505050;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">The only time I regret letting go of anything is when it results in a loss that breaks my heart.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #505050;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #505050;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #505050; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097137658609995723.post-73806050897387904242011-12-28T23:48:00.000-08:002011-12-28T23:48:09.787-08:00December 28 Five Memories<br />
<h4>
Prompt 28:<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h1>
Five Things<o:p></o:p></h1>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Take today to jot down five
memories that you would like to never forget about 2011. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">1. February 4th the birth of my grandson Eli. A traumatic, pre-mature birth wrapped with an ambulance ride to St. Vincents. But the day I held him was so wonderful. I had never held any body that small before, he was so fragile and tiny, peering up at me with Peters eyes. I fell in love instantly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">2. Celebrating Malachi's birthday in April. A one year old, so adorable and lovely! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">3. Getting Andy graduated from College, a collective sigh, no more college tuition payments, I say selfishly. But the thrill of him getting a degree in something that he loves and is excited about does my heart good.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">4. Being sick, sick, sick and having to delay our trip to Alaska for one stinking day. But the trip to Alaska was spectacular. Being there, with the family and friends and Ambo's wedding! Great fun.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">5. Since its the last one I will lump sever things into one number. The exciting news that we are going to have yet another grand baby. Our trip to Sacramento, Ca. to be with our friends and just enjoy being us and being together. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">I celebrate the little things and like to remember them too. I remember every time the family gets together, weather it is building a fence, celebrating a birthday, or playing in the inflatable pool or just sitting and visiting. I remember the holidays, Christmas, New Year and 4th of July at Grama Keysers house. I remember all the little trips we take trying to be apart of our families lives. Life is memorable and good.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097137658609995723.post-3118879003572749222011-12-27T20:05:00.000-08:002011-12-27T20:05:07.653-08:00December 27 Everything is going to be Ok in 2012<br />
<h1>
Everything Is Going
to Be OK<o:p></o:p></h1>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">What is one thing, a sign if you will, that has shown you that
things will be just fine in 2012?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;">Every year is the year that we are given. I believe that we are to make the most of what we are given. So I rest assured everyday that everything is going to be OK.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;">Sometimes we think about the bad things that might happen to us, and will we be OK? But do we ever think about the good things that happen to us that could radically change our lives and make them difficult or different. Look at my kids, having another baby, quickly after having two others, it is a blessing, a joy and a gift from God. They are going to be just fine, they are going to make adjustments and more sacrifices but they are going to nurture the beautiful gift that God is giving them.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;">I might get more work and be busier next year. It will create a need for adjustment and creativity and sacrifice, but I will make the best of it. It will afford us things that we would not be able to have otherwise. Some see being busy as a burden and a problem but I see it as an opportunity to be financially successful, and be a blessing in someone else life.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;">Maybe I will be even less busy this coming year and not make as little money as I did this year. I will make the most of it, I will spend more concentrated teaching time with Edik and i will get my scrap books finished. Heck I might even start a new business.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;">I can't imagine my optimism leaving me for very long, it took a sabbatical a year ago, but it returned even in the midst of a very difficult transition. Heck m</span><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;">ost days I believe I can make a rainbow out of a pile of shit!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;">With God directing each step it will be OK!</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097137658609995723.post-9106849758375340502011-12-27T19:28:00.000-08:002011-12-27T19:28:07.812-08:00December 26th Going Out SongDecember 26th Out Going Song<br />
<br />
I think this song sums up what each year should be for all of Gods people. I could choose any one of a million songs that bring glory to the Father, but being his hands, feet and His heart towards others is the best I can do in the time that I have.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuAxzEuzNGg">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuAxzEuzNGg</a> Click on this link to hear my song!<br />
<br />
Love them Like Jesus by Casting CrownsUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097137658609995723.post-22239937902245588842011-12-27T19:11:00.000-08:002011-12-27T19:12:31.584-08:00December 25 Unconditional Love<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 140%;">
<span class="apple-style-span"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 140%;">December 25th<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #9900cc; font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Who do you love unconditionally? </span><br />
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #9900cc; font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 140%;">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #9900cc; font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I stole this from Amy because she said exactly what I would say!!</span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #9900cc; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 140%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #9900cc; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 140%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 140%;">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #9900cc; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 140%;">In the short time I
have been a mother, I have learned something incredibly valuable from my
children. I have learned what unconditional love is. There is nothing that my
children could do or say to make it possible for me to stop loving them. I
think there are very few relationships we have on this earth that truly hold
unconditional love. Even the deep love I have for my husband, has conditions to
it. Our love for one another could be broken if those conditions are not met or
a commitment is broken. </span></span><span style="color: #9900cc; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 140%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 140%;">
<br /></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #9900cc; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 140%;">With my children I
can't imagine a single thing they could do to make me stop loving them. They
could steal, hurt, murder and I would still love them even if I had extreme
disappointment in their actions. Of course I could never imagine one of my
little angels doing anything like that, but they will disappoint me from time
to time and that will not affect my love for them one little bit! </span></span><span style="color: #9900cc; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 140%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 140%;">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #9900cc; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 140%;">Having children has
given me a completely new understanding of how God's love for us works. I can
understand it now! We are His children and there is nothing we can do to make
him stop loving us. I never got that before. I never understood how he could
love me enough to let His pride and joy die for me. I continually disappoint
Him, but He still loves! That does not mean, He is never disappointed in the
things I do or that there are not consequences for my actions - but He loves me
just the same. It is pretty incredible to think about, and amazing how much I
have learned about my own salvation through my little ones.</span></span><span style="color: #9900cc; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 140%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097137658609995723.post-1798666036173524342011-12-23T23:30:00.000-08:002011-12-23T23:30:33.643-08:00December 24 Try<br />
<h4>
December 24:<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h1>
Try<o:p></o:p></h1>
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">What
is one thing (activity, food, career, event, travel, etc.) that you'd like to
try in 2012? Why haven't you tried it yet? What makes 2012 the year to try it?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif;">I would love to drive a race car, in a race. But I don't think this is the year for that. I would love to drive a speed boat, maybe 2014. This year, I think I would like to start studying to be come an </span><span style="font-family: Times, serif; line-height: 115%;">Aesthetician.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif; line-height: 115%;">I think that it would be fun to know what they know and unlock some of the secrets that help our skin stay healthy and young looking. I suppose it would be self serving and feeding into my vanity, but it might be profitable as well. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif;">Don't hold me to it! </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097137658609995723.post-69753091422649796882011-12-23T23:09:00.000-08:002011-12-23T23:09:55.063-08:00December 23 Today is all you have<br />
<h1>
December 23 Today Is All You
Have<o:p></o:p></h1>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Describe your perfect day,
one that you've had this year or one that you'd like to have next year. What
makes it perfect for you?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;">Getting up early say 6am, working out, while watching Designing women. After my work out trucking off to Massage envy for a Shiatsu massage for a lovely hour. While driving up I would talk (hands free) with my mom and see how she is. After I am relaxed I would head back home for a shower and to get dressed. I would not be responsible for anyone else, everyone in my life would take care of themselves and think for themselves and I would be left to only be loving and creative.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;">Breakfast would be eating a ham, cheese, broccoli quiche with a good cup of hot coffee, while sitting at my table in the sun, reading the Bible. The grand babies would come over and play for a few hours then I would retreat to my office.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;">I would sit down to a well organized room, with Lori and Tracey, all my scrap booking stuff arranged in color and chronological order. </span><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;">I would have all the supplies and colored paper and stickers, and my computer and printer talking to each other. I would complete my remaining books. I know reality would be that it is going to take a month of perfect days to finish this task, but it would be the perfect day to do that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;">In the evening, I would dine on prime rib, with baked potatoes and an ice cold salad with ranch dressing. Brian, Lori, Bruce, Tracey, Steve and I would go to a good movie. After the movie we would go and get a yummy chocolate dessert. We would laugh and carry on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;">A variation on that day might be taking the grand babies to the zoo all day and eating at Fudrucker's and coming home and playing in the back yard, and going for a walk. But just to have those babies in my life makes everyday a perfect day!</span>
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097137658609995723.post-15102318988045733652011-12-23T22:23:00.000-08:002011-12-23T22:23:46.769-08:00December 22 Identify the Problem<br />
<h4>
December 22, 2011
Prompt:<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h1>
Identify the
Problem<o:p></o:p></h1>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Identify the problem.</span></b><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> That is,
when you’re annoyed, angered, or frustrated, ask yourself, “What <i>exactly</i> is
the problem here?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Today, take a few minutes
to ponder that one little, nagging issue that, if solved or eliminated, would
make your life better. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;">I solved my issue this year. I have always operated with rather high expectation, not just for myself, but for others. I know I am suppose to be ashamed of that statement, but to be honest I am not. I think having expectations, keeps life interesting, changing and it keeps me striving for success. Having expectations towards others, was usually just what they we capable of or promised to do already. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;">Having someone in my life who could not meet even basic expectations, grew to be a huge stress and it created conflict. But June 2, 2011 I gave up. There is a country song that the young lady singing about her cheating, lying boyfriend who wanted her back, she sings right out loud, "my give a damn is busted". So I had that reaction on June 2nd. I just decided I could not continue to have any expectations. I had a friend who kept telling me lower your expectations. So my give a damn busted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;">So with giving up, it freed me to be myself again. I no longer had any expectations. If I thought something needed to be done, I gave an instruction and waited for execution. I no longer felt frustrated when a basic behavior was expected and in no way executed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium;">There was finally relief for me and peace again in my heart and life. Lowering my exceptions has made all the difference in the world. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097137658609995723.post-36326365650307084962011-12-23T06:53:00.000-08:002011-12-23T06:53:41.899-08:00December 21<br />
<h4>
December 21, 2011
Prompt:<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h1>
Embrace - <o:p></o:p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;">What
guilty pleasure have you embraced this year?</span></h1>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I start each one of these posts perplexed as to what I should write. I suppose I should start off naming my pleasures and then I should see if I feel any guilt with them.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love to get my nails done, I love to sit and visit with Tammy, and chat with the other patron. I love to see my nails transform into lovely little tips on the end of my fingers. This is a costly luxury but one that I have enjoyed for 9 and a half years. Ok after reviewing my post, I do feel guilty about this, but it has become a necessity!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Being a voyeur is another thing that I have began to enjoy. I think that Facebook is one of the best places to watch other people. Most of the time I do feel like I am just staring in through a frosted window. But I love to see what other people do, think and who they are friends with. I think its a great way to stay connected. A simple comment can lead to another and another and we are connected once again.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I simply have had the pleasure this year of not worrying every time I put something in my mouth. I use to calculate and fret and tit for tat everything I ate. I use to be obsessed with exercising and now, I eat and don't worry, I exercise and enjoy it. Probably not good for my waist line but there is a lot more peace in my heart about food and indulgences! I might have to go back to my ridged thinking again but I had a year of indulgence!</span></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097137658609995723.post-40354043252488154272011-12-20T21:56:00.000-08:002011-12-20T21:56:19.687-08:00December 20 Elevator Speech<br />
<h4>
December 20, 2011
Prompt:<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h1>
Elevator Speech<o:p></o:p></h1>
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you had 30-90 seconds to describe yourself. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hi I am Beth Keyser. I am a Realtor for a Prudential NW Properties a locally </span></span><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">owned Real Estate Company. I specialize in residential re-sale and investment property. I have a very successful business that is based on referrals from satisfied clients. Over caring for my clients is what has made me so successful. They enjoy the specialized attention, and detail I spend with them and for them on their transactions. I find great joy in educating and helping the wonderful people I work with.</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I enjoy exploring Portland and love to do short walking tours of the different neighborhoods to know it better. I enjoy getting coffee and enjoying the urban experience of Portland. </span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My poodles are another enjoyable part of my life, training them and grooming them are two of my favorite things. I think they are one of the smartest breeds around.</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I jump into the political arena sometimes, at the local level such as on the Citizen Rate Review Committee for our local water. It has been a good experience to understand the way local government works. I usually give the conservative voice when I share.</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love to help children at all levels, I adopted my son from Russia and I work with children at my churches AWANA program, helping them learn to play and learn about Gods. These are the things that really get me excited.</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My family is important to me and I love being with them and have a good balance of my church life, family and work.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097137658609995723.post-45208053468004577512011-12-20T21:06:00.000-08:002011-12-20T21:06:03.926-08:00December 19th Then and Now<br />
<h4>
December 19, 2011
Prompt:<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h1>
Then and Now<o:p></o:p></h1>
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What was your life like a decade ago?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">About a decade ago in September our country experienced the </span></span><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">tragedy of September 11th. That has truly changed our country forever. The day was devastating and excrusiating. The fear of a childhood threatened by the Vietnam war and its possible encroaching to Alaska, always felt real and terrifying. With the vents of 9/11 and the invading of Iraq the threat of a war in my country felt so real. The sorrow I felt for all the families of the people who were killed in the bombings and such sorrow for those hurt stayed with me for half the year.</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was 39 years old, Brian was 41 years old, Peter was 15, Andy was 12 and Edik was 4 years old. </span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am really struggling to remember. I did not sell real estate. We were singles group leaders. We went to all of Peters athletic events. I stayed home with Andy and home schooled him, while running Peter to orchestra at Newberg high from Chehalem Valley Academy. </span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hung out with Kelly Hagglund and helped her clean her rooms out. I was also friends with Debbie Holton, Paula Sprunger, Sheri Smithwick and of course Carrie McNeal.</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It really was an unremarkable year. Then next year was far more interesting. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097137658609995723.post-61027432000232002482011-12-20T12:41:00.000-08:002011-12-20T21:13:16.935-08:00December 18th Traditions<br />
<h4>
December 18, 2011
Prompt:<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h1>
Traditions<o:p></o:p></h1>
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">This is the time of year when families are
upholding decades old traditions and working to create new ones. It doesn't
matter what you celebrate (or don't) ... please share with us your December
traditions: how they got started, why you continue them, and why they are
special to you.</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christmas is Lefsa. Lefsa is Norwegian,it is made with flour, cream, butter and the all important ingredient, riced potatoes. My grandfather was Norwegian and his mom-ma would make he and his sibling Lefsa. Grama Dot would make it Christmas morning for him. Then my mom always made it for us Christmas morning. I make it for my family now.</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Not everyone appreciates the flavor of Lefsa, those who do not have Goodman or Peterson blood in their veins are not huge fans of these flat butter soaked potato cakes, but they appear to curiously participate in our tradition for no other reason than to be apart of it</span><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">.</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lefsa always reminds me of my father. There has not been a Christmas since he died that I don't shed a tear while listing to the Statlers Brother Christmas album and rolling out Lefsa with my family, wishing for nothing more than for him to still be with us. Because he loved Lefsa, the cooking of it and the eating of it. One year he even whittled a Lefsa stick, so two people could cook at once, for those high production years. His stick and the commercial stick hang side by side in my linen closet all year long, then they emerge like Santa every Christmas morning, and after breakfast is over secretly disappear for another year.</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is how it plays out. When we first get up Brian, Andy and Edik will peal the potatoes and cube them and put them in my two largest pots to boil while we open our presents. Once we are finished with the gifts the men clean up the mess, as I start to make the Lefsa. </span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The recipe is 10 pounds of potatoes, they must be put through a potatoe ricer. This takes great strength, so one of the men in the family does that. One cup of butter tossed in with the hot riced potatoes, so that it melts and runs through them like lava. A pint of cream is drizzled over all the steaming potato and butter mixture, they delicately combine. The mixing is done by hand, lightly lifting and folding the ingredients. The flour is then added. It can take up to 2 pounds of flour, gently folding together, reducing the moisture so that the small golf ball size globs will not stick to the granite counters as they are rolled thin, like tortillas. When the small balls are divided off the large dough blob in the huge stainless steel bowl, they are kneaded with more flour to make the perfect consistency as to move slightly above the floured surface and turn and flatten and expand with the unique rolling pin.</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Lefsa rolling pin is a large rolling pin, with the rolling portion being ribbed. The ribs are the perfect replica of someone gouging the rolling pin with a fork and dragging it the length of the pin. The ribs create a texture in the dough to help it not stick. I was fortunate to find such a pin in an antique store. We had no idea there was such an item for our tradition.</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">While cooking the family come in to hang out while I roll these thin tortilla type wonders out on the counter, lightly toss them onto one of my two electric griddles. Brian keeps an eye on them as they cook on both sides. He uses the Lefsa sticks to turn them so both sides are toasted, but not brown.</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">By the end of the process of rolling and cooking up to ten pounds of potatoes into lefsa the kitchen is a floury mess. The joke is to wear black pants and at some point someone puts a white flour hand print on someones butt.</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Peter and Andy have the Lefsa eat off. I think 14 is the max that anyone has done, but I could be wrong, it is their secret war to determine who is the the champion. Edik still can not hold a candle to them. They put butter on them, then sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on them. Sometimes, they put butter and raspberry pie filling on them with whip cream. Everyone has their own recipe for delighting in this tasty temptation.</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Its funny that Lefsa was the binding tool that brought Mark and Cheri my brother and sister-in-law together. Cheri's family has the same tradition. Its also the binding agent that brings my family all together around my big granite counter to celebrate Christs birth and our heart filled Christmas tradition.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097137658609995723.post-40979106626458871012011-12-17T22:11:00.000-08:002011-12-17T22:11:32.497-08:00December 17 Appreciate<br />
<h4>
December 17, 2011
Prompt:<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h1>
Appreciate<o:p></o:p></h1>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #373737; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">What’s the one thing you have come to appreciate most in the past
year?</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #373737; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #373737; font-size: large;">Brian. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #373737; font-size: large;">What an amazing man. He completed his masters degree. Promptly went out and and got a new job. A job he enjoys and that has room for advancement. And one that provides better for his family.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #373737; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #373737; font-size: large;">The thing that I appreciate about him is that he continues to provide for our family, even as it grows. He never grumbles or complains about the money we spend and the generosity that we share. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #373737; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #373737; font-size: large;">I think about how he has stayed so steady at his jobs and how he goes in early and stays late. He works so hard to be indispensable and to do things right and above board. He has to do hard things like fire people, he doesn't like doing this but he does it anyhow.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #373737; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #373737; font-size: large;">He has always allowed me my folly. If I want us to go on a vacation he finds a way. If I want to adopt from Russia, he finds a way. If I want to do some creative new decorative thing, he is right along side providing and helping me along. When I said I want to become a Realtor he said me too! He has supported me in everything I have ever wanted to do.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #373737; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #373737; font-size: large;">I never hear this man complain about a thing. He just asks when and where and what can I do? </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #373737; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #373737; font-size: large;">His support with Edik has been amazing. Just helping me keep my sanity and stay grounded has meant the world to me. He has been willing to spend any amount of money to help him. He has fallen in love with Edik and is an amazing dad to him.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #373737; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #373737; font-size: large;">He is an adorer of his two grandsons, his heart is so beautiful towards them, the delight he has in them is so heart warming. He thinks so highly of his sons. He cherishes every minute he has with them and wants to know them and be with them. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #373737; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #373737; font-size: large;">Family is everything to him and he make it his priority. If we get a call from one of the kids and they want to do something or go somewhere he is ready willing an able, no matter how tired or short of notice it is. Which is so out of his character, but he will sacrifice for them.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #373737; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #373737; font-size: large;">Loving me can be difficult because I am neurotic, insecure and flighty and maybe possibly a little high maintenance. But he loves me perfectly. He finds me to be attractive and exactly what he likes. How did I luck out to be loved by such a magnificent man. I appreciate his sacrifices for me and our family. If there were ever a definitions of the perfect husband it would simply say; Brian Keyser.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097137658609995723.post-57737148337601876452011-12-17T08:28:00.000-08:002011-12-17T08:28:50.077-08:00December 16 Ordinary Extraordinary<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<h4>
December 16, 2011
Prompt:<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h1>
Ordinary
Extraordinary<o:p></o:p></h1>
<br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What was one of your most
extraordinary ordinary moments this year? </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Have you ever heard the
expression "</span><a href="http://jaemie.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=e388e00988e8a4c421772b144&id=877e19ff56&e=13ff167314" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #336699;">God is in the details</span></a><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">?"</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> </span><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A year ago, we started seeing a herbalist. She is not an old, small shriveled up Chinese man but she is an experienced herbalist. Initially we were going to see her to have Edik treated. We figured with his poor nutrition and his bad living environment, it couldn't hurt, and maybe it would help his brain to heal. We had seen a friends daughter totally transformed by herbal medicine.</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As she met with us and asked about our symptoms, it was mainly just foggy head and fatigue for me. Then she would ask do you get up to go to the bathroom? What time is that? If it was 2 am that would be your kidneys having issues and if it were 3 to 4 am it would be your liver. Brian has liver issues and I have had kidney issues all my life.</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Herbalist, use to be in the same quack-a-gory as chiropractors. I thought it was just a way to separate a fool and their money. I was also hesitant to be included and involved in the Eastern belief system, because of my Christian belief system. I am not a fan of the ying and the yang. I want to honor my God and stay faithful to His teachings.</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I decided, be it right or wrong, that if God created the heavens and the earth and everything in it and we are to subdue it. Then those whom He has gifted to understand the small plants and herbs of His creation must have been given that knowledge for the good of Gods creation. I listened to the explanations of Hayley our herbalist. It made sense to me about needing heat down in your belly so that the energy is there to digest and burn up waste. It made sense that our heads should be cooler than our hands and our feet, because then all the energy our body is producing is not just racing out our head and not going down to do the digesting and waste removal.</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We take about a tablespoon of a special mixture of tiny herbs that trigger our organs to start working better. The greatest thing I have experienced is that my head feel hot fewer and fewer times. This has lifted a fog that had been over my brain, and the nervous feeling that had me feel I was always on the verge of passing out. It has given me more energy as well. I no longer spend all my time being emotionally afraid. </span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Chinese medicine believes that the Kidneys hold the emotion of fear. I spent all my emotional time being afraid of this and that and everything in between, it is an exhausting way to live. I feel so much more aware of what is happening around me. My mind seems keen and clear. The clarity I have had when discussing a contract with a client has been so wonderful. I use to struggle to remember and put in order all the things that were important when discussing things with clients. Now it is all there bright and clear.</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">God is in the details. He has created plants that He intended for His children to eat, so they could be healthy. Our Western diet has corrupted Gods system. Now we spend our time trying to get it to work correctly again. </span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The extraordinary ability to feel calm, clear headed, well organized mentally is an ordinary experience that I now have on a regular basis. Praise the Lord!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097137658609995723.post-53498426766300494832011-12-15T23:19:00.000-08:002011-12-15T23:19:24.628-08:00December 15 Discovery<br />
<h4>
December 15, 2011
Prompt:<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h1>
Discovery<o:p></o:p></h1>
<br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />
What discovery did you make in 2011? What kind of impact did it have on
how you view the world today?</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This is something that I wrote for one of my writing assignment, I learned about Fetal Alcohol.</span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Struggling Through
Life</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Struggling, unaware through his life, the young boy tries to
make his way. He wears a plane expression on his face. Neither interested,
curious, distracted or angry, just plane. His dark brown eyes dance in their
sockets not fully and smoothly tracking. But he is handsome, clean cut and has
a sprinkle of acne to honestly confirm his age of 14 years.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">His eyes do not really say anything. But if you ask his
chiropractic Neurologist they say everything. The doctor can see the missing
connections of his weak and confounded brain. Using a special pair of ridged
square goggles that resemble enclosed jewelers magnifying glasses, with special
video cameras focused inward towards his eyes, we can all see the crazy dance
of his eyes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The doctor spins him in an office chair, not fast and wild
as a child might do but, quicker than a slow turn you might do if someone
walked up behind you when you are seated at your desk. He stops the spinning
boy who has his feet tucked up under him. He asks, “are you still spinning?” The
boy answers, “yes.” He is not. His eyes
dance in an erratic fashion on the computer monitor. The left eye looks like it
is following the line of a rapid heartbeat on a heart monitor. The right eye
bounces from up and to the left to center repeatedly. This is showing us unhealthy
saccades. Saccades are the movements of the eyes that allow it to take in a
situation and develop it in the brain so that give understanding of their
placement and of the situation. Healthy functioning brain activity would allow
the eyes or the saccades to be even and level and smooth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">When a woman consumes alcohol during fetal development it is
called prenatal alcohol exposure. This is possibly and arguably one of the
worst exposures to a developing fetus. Exposure to drugs such as cocaine,
heroin, marijuana will pass into the fetal blood supply leaving the child with
the temporary high or dependency. We have all heard about the difficulty and
trauma of babies being born as heroin or cocaine addicts, because of the
pro-longed use by the mother. These infants have a tough start in life, they
are born addicts, who will go through the physical withdrawals of these
dependency drugs and have all the physical pain and internal trauma but they maybe
free of the affects.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Fetuses exposed to alcohol have had the mitochondrial sheath
damaged by the alcohol. Upon cell division a damaged cell will divide,
repeatedly. If something is ill formed
and divides several times the wrong design is imbedded in the cells. The
results are cell imperfection and then organ or system imperfection.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The brain is one of the first organs to be developing in the
human construction and when there are imperfect cells compiling it due to a
woman’s consumption of alcohol, damage is going to occur. The effects are
called Fetal Alcohol Affected Disorder (FAAD) or Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).
There is not a lot of differences in the two diagnosis other than FAAD is
accompanied with facial abnormalities.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The facial abnormalities are wide set eyes, flat bridge of
the nose between the eyes and a flat smooth upper lip. The facial anomalies
occur during a fetus development on days 18 thru 21. They are tell tale signs
of alcohol use by the mother. However, if the alcohol was consumed at any time before
or after those days the effects would be less outwardly obvious and only
detected in behavior and learning abilities and the admission of the mother’s
prenatal use of alcohol. It is a social stigma to admit to alcohol use during
pregnancy. Often times a child’s difficulties are not correctly labeled because
of the mother’s unwillingness to confess to use. This results in ineffective
ways of trying to help their children and the children being labeled with a
variety of behavior issues.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The consumption of alcohol does not have to be great, it is
a lot like Russian roulette, you put one bullet in a chamber and see if it
blows your brains out when you put the gun to your head and pull the trigger. A
woman has no idea which drinks if any will forever damage her fetus’s brain by
leaving lesions or rather holes in the brain. But it could be a forever issue
for her, the child and the family.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The lesions in the boy’s brain are in his left <span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">cerebellum </span></b></span>and
right frontal lobe. The cerebellum, controls body movement, emotion, it helps
people pay attention and has to do with language. And this part of the brain is
not talking to the frontal lobe, which is the executive function or the boss of
the brain. It makes the decisions, it uses logic and it is our compass and
allows us to understand space and time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Imagine for a minute never knowing the proper boundary you should
be to your friend vs your lover. Never knowing your proper position or
placement in your surroundings. Imagine not being able to decide what is
pleasurable to you, chocolate milk vs coffee and never being able to decide. Or
maybe sitting in a room full of toys and not being able to decide what to play
with so you do nothing. Imagine when you are asked a question, not being able
to find the right combination of words to say to answer the questions. You cannot
judge how long it’s going to take yourself or your friend to do something, when
given an instruction you only hear every third word and then you cannot help
yourself, you do the opposite of the instruction, because everything is jumbled
in your mind and you have no way to logically sort it out. Imagine walking
through life with a misfiring frontal lobe, a life without logic. The only
thing you can do to make it through life is to learn the proper sequence or
pattern of expected behaviors and when it is altered you are confused and
confounded. You need an external brain to help you navigate your life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">This boy is our boy. He is a love; he can barely put a
sentence together. We so want to know him, we so want him to know us. He
pantomimes or mirrors normal, everything I have ever told him is parroted back
to me, sometimes appropriately, like when we meet in the kitchen after we get
ready for our days, “it is good morning, and did you sleep well?” I respond and
regardless of the response his next inquiry is “did you have any dreams?” We
had practiced those questions for 2 years before he could automatically provide
them without coaching, but change the surroundings and I get nothing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">He is our prize from Russia. He is the answer to my calling.
My calling came 16 years earlier while in Alaska. I fell in love with Russia
and I was called by God to love the children and to one day adopt one. I had no
idea it would take that long to prepare us/me for him. So a blind faith and
calling did not lead me to research the ills of the Russian orphan’s plight.
The ills of a country so lost in sorrow, and in the inability for most to care
for themselves. In their sorrow, they resort to the abundant use of alcohol. It
is a cultural standard to consume alcohol particularly Vodka, in social, family
and business situations. It has been my experience if you do not participate it
offends those around you. Our son was affected by his mother’s use of alcohol.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">As we sit in the room with the 5<sup>th</sup> specialist we
have looked to as we seek answers and methods to help our little boy, to be
more like us, neurotypical, or normal brained. The doctor promises us that his
methods have helped many Russian adoptees, because it is very typical for
Russian adoptees to be affected by the alcohol consumption of their mothers.
His methods seem like quackery, spin your son in a chair clock wise three
times, three times a day. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">We will try anything. The next visit, The doctor grabs those
zit speckled cheeks and quickly twists his face from one shoulder to the other,
watching his eyes. He sees a small improvement. I sit skeptically watching. The
next exercise is looking at a diagonal line drawn on the paper with dots on it.
He is to look from the bottom to the top then, let his eyes jump down from dot
to dot. He must exercise his left arm because that side of his body is
abnormally weak and unbalanced.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The ultimate treatment is the interactive metronome guaranteed
to turn your misfiring brain into a sharp and well functioning organ. By
keeping rhythm with the cow bell chiming in his headphone covered ears and
clapping his censor clad hands in rhythm with the bells. This exercise is to
create new neuro path ways in place of those that ran into holes previously. My
fear was that it would just allow him to make bad decisions faster. The doctor
promises that it will enable him to make decisions because his cerebellum will
correctly fire to his frontal lobe.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">It’s a lot of hope to hang on two cow bells clanging in his
ears. But hope is all we have. We never dreamed we would be faced with forever
being another human beings external brain. 10/2011</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097137658609995723.post-39360917534654971732011-12-15T22:39:00.000-08:002011-12-15T22:39:19.409-08:00December 14 Home<br />
<h4>
December 14, 2011
Prompt:<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h1>
Home is ...<o:p></o:p></h1>
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">When did you feel
most at home this year: </span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It always feels so good to go to Anchorage Alaska, it is home and will always be my heart is. I am so familiar with it. I can find my way around blind folded. I can still give directions using street names and businesses. </span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The summer weather feels familiar, always in the 50's 60's so I can wear a sweater or jacket. I can always count on the rain and the dark clouds over the mountains or the inlet.The views are so familiar, they feel so comfortable. I can pick out a memory from every mountain I can see. Every road I ride on and most businesses evoke some sort of recollection, I have a story for everything.</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Friends and my family make me feels so at home. I could call any friend and just go hang out and enjoy their company and we would relate as though no time had passed between us. I can go to most well populated business or events and see at least 2 or 3 people I know, and I have not lived there in 16 years. Lori and Bruce are the most familiar and dearest friends. Getting together with my brothers and their families is like never having left them, loving them and learning about them is a continual endeavor, and most enjoyable.</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Its a place that never changes for me, my memories and the good feelings remain in my mind and heart. </span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My home in Oregon is only my home because of the peace that it brings because of the shelter from outside stress. I love my family being around me and joining with me, in the comfort of my personalized surroundings. I love everything I have done to my house to make it a home. I love the feelings of the colors and furniture and the pictures on the wall. Everything I have created and done to make it a place for my grandsons makes it feel even more like home. </span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So I have two homes the one I left and long to be back at. And the one that I live in with the ones that I love.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097137658609995723.post-78722230153298601162011-12-13T19:47:00.000-08:002011-12-13T19:47:51.171-08:00December 13 Best Gift<div>
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><div style="font-size: 8.5pt;">
<h4>
December 13, 2011
Prompt:<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h1>
Best Gift<o:p></o:p></h1>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 8.5pt;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What
was the best gift you gave yourself this year? </span></span><div>
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I guess the secret would be out if I told what the best gift I gave myself is. Not sure I can divulge this. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I often times think the best gifts I give myself is when I please someone else. It is a rare thing and something that I set myself up for failure in doing. But I still do it.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I always like to come up with a great gift for people I care about. I loved the fused glass plate I made for Amy, with the cut out of Africa and a heart where Ethiopia is. I loved giving Andy his IPad, I was thrilled to give him something that he really wanted. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But taking care of myself, I think I do a pretty good job at that. Gifting myself massages this spring pretty darn good. Working out every morning is a wonderful gift. Choosing to be loved and to love others is a really good feeling as well.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But the best gift I gave me last year was going to the (I can not spell the word and can't find the correct spelling but here it is....Es-ta-ti-tion). So when I went, I paid very close attention to what she was doing. Then I went out and bought all the stuff she used so I could do it at home. So now I have the acid peal that she used to remove age spots, and lines. I also have the special UV light she used to regenerate collagen. So probably more secret than I should have shared but I think its fun. I also do acid peals on Edik to try and clear up the acne. I just started doing this. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If I had the freedom to be retrained in a career, I would choose caring for skin. I think it would be fun to help people feel better about themselves and to slow down the aging process. There, two of my big secrets are out.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097137658609995723.post-74800970493596788312011-12-13T19:00:00.000-08:002011-12-13T19:00:34.182-08:00December 12 12/12<br />
<h4>
December 12, 2011
Prompt:<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h1>
12 in 12<o:p></o:p></h1>
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Take today to talk
about 12 things you would like to accomplish in 2012. </span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">1.Learn Russian</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">2.loose 12 lb.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">3. Exercise 6 days a week for an hour</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">4.Take the dogs to the field 3X week</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">5. Go on a date once a week with my husband</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">6. Go to Italy</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">7. Go to Alaska</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">8. Go to Hawaii</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">9. Retire from Real Estate</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">10. Find some friends</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">11. Make sure every one I love hears it often</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">12. Finish the back yard</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097137658609995723.post-15431924651403334832011-12-13T18:53:00.000-08:002011-12-13T18:53:32.546-08:00December 11 Best Meal<br />
<h4>
December 11, 2011
Prompt:<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h1>
Best Meal<o:p></o:p></h1>
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">What is the best meal
or best food that you have eaten all year? </span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
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A story about my favorite sandwich;</div>
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<br /></div>
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Good food and a gracious cook can lead to being
unceremoniously removed from a perfect living situation if you are not careful.
One thoughtless comment about a fabulous dining creation is a dangerous
utterance. When you are a freeloader who is clueless to all socially acceptable
behavior and you are living among civilized people there is bound to be
misunderstandings, and questionable behavior. Regardless of your unique
inability to live with others, when a culinary sensation is being raved about
by your host you should be in agreement.</div>
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Let me set the table so to speak. We heard of a young man who attended OIT and was doing an internship at ADEC the local
largest employer here in our home town, of Newberg, Or. He was from Greshem Or. and felt it would be
a rather lengthy and costly commute to Newberg daily. He was looking for a
place to stay free or cheap. He came from a rather large family and money was
tight so, we were feeling generous, we had a nice home and room to spare so why
not help out a kid who is trying to get a head, we would want someone to extend
that generosity to our kids.</div>
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The agreement was he could live here for free if he would
take care of our two, beautiful, like one of the family, standard poodles, when we went to
Spokane for a week for our sons college
graduation. Turns out he is afraid of the dogs, hates the dogs, refused to let
them in the house, and could not bring himself to touch the raw chicken that
they are fed. I brought in another house sitter for that week, much to our
house guests surprise at a bonus cost to me of two hundred dollars.</div>
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We made numerous accommodations for him; cleared out space
in the garage for his bike, finished a guest house in the back yard, which he
promptly told me he would not have painted it the soft yellow color I had
chosen, nor would he have put an entire wall of dry erase board in the
structure. Ok opinions are good to have. We left our back door unlocked for him
to gain access to our home. He used my sewing machines, no one is ever allowed
to touch my sewing machines or my sewing scissors, but I graciously granted him
permission. He was making jeans. He made jeans no bigger than a 34 inch waste
but they were custom designed and he had a target market in mind. Skinny ass
boys if you ask me but that did not matter to me. No one in our family has worn
smaller than a 36 in the past 7 year. </div>
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There were other things, he wanted; an air conditioner for
the guest house, no problem we can accommodate, if we were lucky we could find
a narrow one that would fit the window. No such luck we would have to buy a
free standing one. They run about $300. He was ok contributing half if we were
to purchase a $100 unit, but he was not interested in contributing toward the
expensive one. Mind you he is making $10 an hour working 40 hr a weeks and not
paying any kind of room and board. You might think out of a sense of gratitude
he might want to contribute. We chalk it up to immaturity; we are willing to
accommodate him.</div>
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He loved to sing, he would bring out his guitar and sing
beautifully, it was calming, much like when David played for King Saul, I truly
enjoyed it during waking hours. But he also sang at the top of his lungs, at
7am as he was getting ready to leave for work, he had a beautiful voice, but it
was 7 am. We politely asked him to take into consideration those still sleeping
in the house. He came home at 11 pm and did the same vocalization; once again,
we had to ask in to refrain from singing. </div>
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The La- Z- Boy chairs are focused directly in front of our
big screen HD TV. These are “mom and dad’s” chairs, yes we have the best seats
in the house, we own the house and we bought the chairs so why shouldn’t they
be there? We ask you to respect that they are our chairs and not sit in them.
This was the discussion that we had prior to his moving in. There are two
couches and a plush glider rock in the same room as our chairs. Either of those
sitting arrangement are comfortable and not ours, so make yourself comfortable,
enjoy! But where did I find our house guest every time I came home? His size 32
plunked in my chair, with my purple La-Z-boy pulled forward 3 feet and a plate
of food, that I had cooked earlier, placed in his lap. No one eats in my chair
but me! But I was willing to tolerate I mean accommodate.</div>
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Food preparation was something I worked hard at, two months
of being a contentious cook and preparing meals that were balanced per the
government standards I was really getting in the groove. For the first time in
years, there was a meal on the table, or served up buffet style every night.
Always including a lean meat, two vegetables, a starch be it a grain or flour
product, it was there. Several times our guest requested or hinted could you
maybe make some more vegetables, you might want to add some spinach to this, or
you might want to have some broccoli with that. There was an aggressive attempt to make a fare
that had plenty vegetables and was sumptuous and low calorie so as to enable
that 32 inch waste to remain, who knows maybe we could benefit too, I was
willing to accommodate. </div>
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But the meal in reference was a wonderful night of creation.
Winco grocery in Tigard, sells a fantastic roasted garlic deli turkey. The rich
savory flavor was something I had never experienced, so flavorful, distinct in
all flavors, salty turkey, pepper, and garlic, so tender and juicy, it made
your mouth water. They also sell a wonderful, firm, pink Italian roast beef
deli meat. The mingling flavors of rosemary and basil is exciting. With the
desire to be creative and blend the flavors of some of my favor things I
created a sandwich that I felt was outstanding. Fresh tender Cibatta bread,
sliced through the middle horizontally opened up to show its tender holy sides,
so butter could be bathed over it, then pushed in the oven to warm up so it
would be ready to receive the meat. Then there was a succulent layer of garlic
turkey, an aromatic layer of Italian roast beef. Caprazia inspired alternation
of thin sliced fresh vine ripe tomato, sliced fresh tender, water packed,
mozzarella and fresh from the plant, basil leaves. Gently placing the side’s
together completing the sandwich. </div>
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Our house guest was not home once again, at dinner time to
receive my heart filled creation. So there was a selfish debate in my mind that
then it slipped out my mouth. Should I cut this loaf in fourths or thirds? It
looks and smelled so fresh and good, I was leaning to the thirds. But in an
effort to accommodate, I cut it in fourths. We sat down in our respective
chairs in front of the TV, and sunk our teeth into my creation. Spilling out of
the corners of our mouths were raves of how incredible, delicious, amazing and
wonderful this tasted. It truly was a new creation that would make a repeat
visit to my kitchen. I had made a hit and that did not happen often.</div>
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Upon our guest late return, he sheepishly and rather effeminately
asked if the remaining sandwich was for him. In my cheeriest June Cleaver voice
I chimed, “yes it is, I think you are going to enjoy this, it is really out of
this world”. He made his plate and
joined us, we were still raving about how amazing this sandwich tasted. A
simple inquiry of his opinion on the sandwich invoked a sense of indignation in
me. His response was, it is ok, but I think it needs some sort of crunch, I
think I will add some cucumber.” He stood up to walk in to the kitchen. </div>
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This was the last straw, I had run out of accommodation. I
could not imagine trying to please this ungrateful person for a minute longer.
I told my husband he must go, tonight! The notice was given for him to be gone
by 4pm Saturday. He had the nerve to ask if he could stay until Sunday evening.
He had no idea what he had done, and I think that was pretty much the problem
for the past 2 months and I could not stomach another minute of it.</div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097137658609995723.post-3715418691994008972011-12-12T12:29:00.000-08:002011-12-12T12:29:06.142-08:00<br />
<h4>
December 10, 2011
Prompt:<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h1>
High/Low<o:p></o:p></h1>
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Today is a bit of a
choose your own adventure: write (paint, draw, photograph, record, etc.) about
your best experience this year.</span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Best experience that's easy; it's having a second grandchild come into my world. Having that adorable little man in our family is an incredibly wonderful event.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The day I held Eli for the first time, when he was so tiny, the tiniest baby I had ever held, and to see him looking back at me with Peters little face was one of those once in a lifetime, full circle events. I saw that little face and thought how did my little baby, grow up and give me one of these!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So the best events that took place this year were the times my grand children came to visit me and the times I got to visit them at their home. Any day with those two little jewels in my life is heart warming.The day at the Oregon Zoo, sitting on the green lawn watching Mal play and enjoy his freedom, then the surprise arms wide open hug that he gave me was somehow the punctuation of knowing he loved me, now every hug I get from him seems to fill me up with that sense of being so innocently loved and it makes all the difficulties of everyday life feel meaningless.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097137658609995723.post-14886853918332137812011-12-09T08:08:00.001-08:002011-12-09T08:20:15.947-08:00December 9 Best Photo<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<h4>
December 9, 2011
Prompt:<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h1>
Best Photo<o:p></o:p></h1>
<br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Today,
please post your best photo of the year. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik86pNbxqoXRvmdlF1MHTabJaqPYYwhPCTBOX3I3okb_smZtHPvHd0KZGPjx19HFABacHh77MJmjUuUdllU3tRBXIDMm9cO3MkPcw8n1nWUSTBJJpmSk3SXKrKaWc9p79CoryY26rCBMmh/s1600/P1020008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik86pNbxqoXRvmdlF1MHTabJaqPYYwhPCTBOX3I3okb_smZtHPvHd0KZGPjx19HFABacHh77MJmjUuUdllU3tRBXIDMm9cO3MkPcw8n1nWUSTBJJpmSk3SXKrKaWc9p79CoryY26rCBMmh/s320/P1020008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijS_keuCiYv6r8MeeMJcmFZAO79R-r38yLXC7OI3HMiesYQUzrlIo10ujRtV7UvB4plLTjeYWSscfAK1nw2G4i_WnpkQBIpH4vD6Eor1UaF6UZzb3m3j3P4bNRAbOEMAKpEo2lMrjDz_4R/s1600/IMG_3356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijS_keuCiYv6r8MeeMJcmFZAO79R-r38yLXC7OI3HMiesYQUzrlIo10ujRtV7UvB4plLTjeYWSscfAK1nw2G4i_WnpkQBIpH4vD6Eor1UaF6UZzb3m3j3P4bNRAbOEMAKpEo2lMrjDz_4R/s320/IMG_3356.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I really do not need to say anything. I think I am the luckiest person in the world to be loved by Malachi. To have him run up to me and willingly with open arms hug me was such a big thrill for me. Grandkids are the best gift I have ever gotten. They thrill me more than anything I have ever experienced in my life. </div>
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097137658609995723.post-66677722721762189112011-12-09T07:59:00.001-08:002011-12-09T08:06:12.421-08:00December 8 Catch Prase<br />
<h4>
December 8, 2011
Prompt:<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h1>
Catch Phrase<o:p></o:p></h1>
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">What's your trademark
phrase? </span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"What's that mean?" I can hear myself saying that everyday. There are so many things that I don't understand. Often times they are associated with Edik because I get so confused by what he says and what he means or how is behavior translates. Or someone will do something and my response has to be "what's that mean?"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Trying to understand all the lives going on around me and associated with mine, is a complicated thing. Knowing where and how I fit in and if I even do fit in, leaves the words "what's that mean?" hanging in the air and circling my head.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097137658609995723.post-64833631422590041372011-12-09T07:47:00.001-08:002011-12-09T07:57:59.636-08:00December 6th Thelma and Louise<br />
<h4>
December 6, 2011
Prompt:<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h1>
Thelma & Louise<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px;">..</span></h1>
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Who is the Thelma to
your Louise? Who is your partner in crime? </span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 8.5pt;">In Alaska my Thelma and Louise would have been Lori and Tracey without a doubt. But down here in Oregon for the last 16 years there has been no girl friend to enjoy the everyday events of life with. Feels kind of lonely. Brian is my Thelma, (because I am Beth Louise). He goes along with every </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">hair brained</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 8.5pt;"> idea I can come up with, he supports me as I jump head long over the cliff into a new project. He is sitting in the get away car waiting as I finish up some new deal I am working on. He is the strong support I need.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">But if I look at my daily adventures Edik is the one by my side, my silent partner in crime, is is my </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">accomplice. Safe by my side, watching for any mistake I may make. Tagging along on every misadventure in shopping and real estate. He would absolutely hate to be known as Thelma because anything girly just makes him squeamish! </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1