Recycle..yeah, yea, yeah!!!

In the last week, I have been grocery shopping three different times.  Each time one of my bags busted.  One time country ham spilled all over the parking lot (a Christmas present for Mark's cousin in Florida).  It was so much fun picking up the ham from all over the parking lot...NOT!!!  Then the next trip it was glass jars of pickles that fell in the dirt at the house.  Lovely, new groceries with dirt on them.  Grateful they hit the dirt and not the cement.  Then it was shampoo...thankful for plastic bottles.  I went to three different Food Lion's so I don't think that a store got a bad batch of bags.  I think the recycled bags just aren't strong enough.  Don't get me started on recycled paper that my checks are printed on.  I am all for recycling, but what good is it...if it doesn't protect my groceries...this was a my gripe for today.  LOL

 

One of the many bags that has ripped open on me lately.  The sad part is that there has been nothing heavy in these bags.  Recycled bags are not the best.

Paid too much??? Bazinga,It was a Bargain!!!

I love getting bargains, but then again who doesn't.  I find myself scouring clearance and closeout bins.  The past two weeks have been no different.  I went shopping with my parents last week, and snagged a $119 dress for a mere $14.98...it was an even better bargain since mom was buying....YAY!!!

This week I found two pair of low top cowgirl boots at Kohl's.  If you have been reading my blogs regularly (and I know you have) you will recall that I have a little obsession with cowgirl boots.

 

These are the first boots I got...fell in love with them immediately.

 

Then I saw the red cowgirl boots and feel in love with them.  I should add that mom bought me both pair of these boots...so that is a great bargain.

I got both pair of boots for free.  They had been $69.99 a pair and were marked down to $14.99 and I had $30 Kohl's cash. I just paid the tax.  I love it!!!

Then I went to Food Lion and found Vlasic Stacker Pickles on the closeout shelf for .99 a jar.  I got all 4 and when I checked out they rang up .99, but when I used my MVP card...the were BOGO Free...4 jars of pickles for $1.98.  Can't beat that price.

I am always looking for toys to leave at Peepa and Grammy for the great grands. I found the Fisher Price Little People Noah's Ark.  Complete with Noah and the animals for $1.75 at the thrift store.  Woohoo!!!

Three brand new cow ornaments at the thrift store for .25....I had to remove the original price tag of $3.99 each.  They remind me of the Chick-fil-a cows.

I love my bargains of the week...it just takes time to look and scour through things.

Sad State of Affairs!!!

As I watched the parents of  Newtown, Connecticut race to the school to see if their child made it out alive, my heart broke into pieces.  For the first time in my life I was genuinely glad not to have children, and that broke my heart. It broke my heart that our country is so bad and full of evil that I am glad I don't have a child living in this mess.  The innocence of so many young lives were shattered by this senseless evil act.  To me a self inflecting gun wound was too good for him.  But what kind of justice is there for one who kills 20 children and 6 adults?  As society, I don't think we could have justly punished him to fit the crime he had done. My heart aches for those 20 parents who will go to bed without being able to tuck their child in....or for the 6 families who have one less parent tonight.  I pray no parent has to go through this never again.

There were two pictures today that are etched in my mind forever.

 

The first one was this mother crying and running down the street on her cell phone.  I never saw another picture of her to know if her child made it or not.  I don't think I will ever forget her face.

 

 

UPDATE:  I have now found out that the lady above is Jillian Soto, sister to Victoria Soto...a teacher that was killed while shielding her children.

This is the other picture.  I saw this father on TV.  They told him something and he just crumbled.  I am assuming that it was not good news as I watched people lead him away without a child.  My heart literally broke into a thousand pieces for him.

I will continue to pray for these families and the children all over the world who were effected by this...I am sure a little boy or girl in another state is now afraid to go to school.  May God comfort those who are hurting.

Tis The Season!!!

I love this time of year.  Lots of joy and cheer being spread....unless you are in stores or parking lots.  Why is it that people's worse side comes out during the time we should be so thankful??? We just celebrated Thanksgiving....the time we reflect on what we are thankful for...and now we enter into the Christmas season, the time we celebrate the birth of Christ.  Most people act like it's the most evil time of the year instead of the most joyous time.  This time of the year, we just park down at the end of the lot...I am not fighting over a parking space, plus the exercise will do wonders for me.  I don't let others bad attitude get me down.  I find myself humming Christmas songs during the day....I love this time of year.  I love all the get togethers....the ones that don't include a trip to the funeral home.  Truly that it really the only time we see family...when someone dies.  That is why I like this time of year...we see family and friends and no one had to die.  All the festivities just fills my heart with excitement and joy.  I love the baking, the decorating and all the other things that goes along with Christmas.  This is the time that all disagreements and arguments are put aside....love abounds.  I pray this Christmas that love abounds in your life.

Going Green!!!

This year our SIS team is doing a country Christmas.  I am supplying the Leland Cyprus, as we have about 20 trees in our yard.  I decided why not do the same to the outside of my house.  So I spent yesterday just walking the edge of our property to get all my greenery...I was impressed by the way things turned out.  I also spent yesterday planting pansies.

 

My red pot filled with Cyprus, cedar, holly, pine and magnolia

I love the watering can with all the greenery in it.

 

This shepherds staff was missing something after the humming bird feeder came off.  This old pot fit perfect there.

 

Pansies fill all my pots around the deck now.  I love these cute little flowers.

 

 

Mail Call!!!

I recently sent a lady in our church a thank you note for making some door prizes for our SIS event. She surprised me by saying in today's world of Facebook, email and text, it was nice to go to the mail box and actually take out a hand written note.  This got me thinking about my Christmas cards.  I was still on the fence about whether or not to send any out this year.  I mean do people really read them, or do they just open and say this is from Mark and Tracey and toss them in a basket or place them on a holder wreath?? Do my cards make a difference or is it just another card to fill in the spot on the wreath to make it full???  I spend a lot of time picking out just the right cards for people.  I usually have a church folk card  pile, past members card pile, friends card pile and people we haven't heard from in years but want to touch base with this year card pile.  I pour over lots of boxes of cards and individual cards in the store....just the right one for our Pastor and just the right one for the girls at the bank....regardless of what people think...there has been a lot of thought going into these cards.  I especially like the ones I pick to send to wounded soilders...found some last year with the nativity and a flag.  I thought those where cool.  I try to pick one with just the right scene, wording and verse that I want to convey to that person.  I don't do Santa and all my Chrismas cards have a verse in them and the words "Merry Christmas"...not a Happy Holidays kind of chick.  I especially like combing thrift stores for vintage cards...these are my favorites.  They seemed to have a more meaningful message in them.

I actually found a picture of a card I sent out several years ago.  I got 2 boxes of these cards at a thrift store for a quarter each....they open up to reveal the full nativity scene.

I do believe that I will be sending out cards this year...I mean I already bought them last year, so why not send them out.  I even have them labeled to which folks they go to this year.  So watch your mail...you could be getting a card

I'm A Cowgirl...almost!!!

If you know anything about me, you know that the country way of life is a dream for me, but not a reality.  Mainly because I am not really a country girl at heart.  In some ways I am...well, really I like reading about it...not actually living it.  I may actually be more of visit a farm/ranch for a day kind of girl.  As you see exhibit A below...you have got to realize that farm is not really in my vocabulary.

 

Honestly, do these shoes look like they belong on a farm/ranch??? I think not!!  These are my latest show biz shoes.  I wear them to do my comedy routine or emcee an event.  I have the purse to match as well.  Now, I guess you see why I say that the country life might not be for me....totally!!  Most people wonder how I walk in them, but they are not that hard, and I feel right at home in them.  I am definitely a blingy type person...enter into evidence exhibit B.

 

This is my 20th anniversary present.  I have worn it with things it don't even match because I love it so much.  Not exactly farm wear or something you would pick up at the Big Blue Store.

Now enter into evidence exhibit C...and you will see where the almost part comes into play.

 

I've got cowgirl boots!!!  Now, I will confess that at first the only reason I wanted these was because I was emceeing a Country Christmas event.  I like to dress along with the theme.  Here is the best part....I LOVE THEM!!!  The first day they arrived, I told Mark that I was going to go put on my cowgirl boots, and he said, "no you're not, it's 12 midnight and we are in the bed."  Needless to say, the next morning found me clomping around in my gown with cowgirl boots on (sorry no photo of that).  I wore them shopping with my jeans and the most western shirt I have without wearing the one I will wear to the event.  We went to Longhorn for lunch where I thought my boots made me a little more worthy to be in the western themed restaurant.  Now, don't go saddling up the horse yet....still scared of them....that has not changed, but I LOVE MY BOOTS!!! A little Texas might be in me yet.  My cousin lives in Texas and told me to come on over and be a real cowgirl...I said that I might have to come over a take over as the big oil tycoon since we said good-bye to JR Ewing this week.

Larry Hagman...the best villain on TV!!!

 

Wouldn't you know it, now that I got my cowgirl boots this series will probably be cancelled or it won't be as good.  Now I just need to the hat and I will be set to go to Dallas...LOL

A Little Tree a Little Woman

Almost two years ago, I get a call from my Godmother telling me to come and get whatever I want from her house...she was selling.  I tell her that I will be down one weekend, and she informs me to come now.  I go on a Friday and to be honest it is creepy getting things from somebody's house while they are still living.  She had already put a pile of things aside for me that she wanted me to have.  In that pile was Pinkie and Blue Boy statues, a white cat and her prized ceramic Christmas tree...the reason behind all these items is because she made them all the year I was born.  I was born 7 days before her 50th birthday.  I often kidded her that at 40 if anything happened to my parents, would she still raise me...at 90 years old she answered yes.  You see Nanny Sizemore is someone who has always been there...I have never even thought about her not being around. So imagine my surprise when in early October my cousin called to tell me that they were on their way to Chapel Hill and Nanny Sizemore had been airlifted there.  I am thinking stroke or heart attack....she had fell out of the attic and hit her head on a table.  91 years old and still climbing in an attic to get down her winter clothes.  She died the next day.  A wave of emotions washed over me the next few days...mostly anger for her climbing in the attic in the first place.  But it was just her style to go out of this world doing things for herself.  I couldn't stay mad long because she was finally getting to see her love once again after 23 years.  Nanny Sizemore was 4'10" and every bit of 90 lbs.  She was a kid at heart (never having any of her own) and loved by all...she was the historian of our family and kind of the glue that kept us all connected.  One of 14 children who saw lots of things happen in her life, but always looked to God to guide her.  I miss her, but I will see her again.  I put up her little ceramic tree this year minus the phone call to her to tell her it is up and just as beautiful as the day she made it in 1971.  I treat it with care, and put everything around it that she gave me....the ceramic Mr & Mrs Clause, the 3 vintage elves and the little presents that she wrapped years ago to go around the bottom.

Me and Nanny Sizemore Christmas of 1971...I was 10 months old and she was 50 that year.  Notice how she looks the same at 91...she never changed.

This is Nanny Sizemore on her 91st birthday in February 2012.

 

Her little ceramic tree is up again this year.  Mr. & Mrs. Clause, the 3 vintage elves and the little boxes that she wrapped years ago.  I pray it doesn't get broke...it has made it 41 years so far.  Praying it makes it many more years.

 

Everything and Nothing

I should have known when I started this blog several years ago, that it wouldn't last.  Not really quitting, but I don't blog like I use to....the reason is that I am  ADD and the rest of the alphabet. LOL I get bored very easily with something.  I think that is why I am good at multi-tasking...because it doesn't take long for things to get boring to me.  Right now I am gathering things for a Country Christmas Event, putting together goody bags for our Seniors, making Christmas projects, organizing my crafts and decorating my house.  See I can't just concentrate on one thing.  I am hoping that I will start devoting more time to my blog.  It is kind of like an online journal for me.


Yesterday was Thanksgiving, and I am thankful for being able to spend it with family. We met down at my uncle's barn and feasted on all the food that everyone brought. It was a great time.

Update:  Weight loss is still the same....60 lbs gone in a year.  I have not lost anymore, but I have not gained.  I need to get more disciplined like before.  Got really sick this fall and exercising and diet haven't been in my vocabulary much.

I love all the seasons but I am really missing my beach time.  It was such a relaxing time for me this summer.  I got to just sit and clear my mind of everything.  It is almost like I am lost...I have no place to go.  I have plenty to do....I just don't like to do it. LOL

Christmas is just right around the corner and I am trying my best to get ready, but when you wear capri's and flip flops on Thanksgiving, it is hard to get in the mood.

I will try to blog more about things going on around here or just stupid things that fill my mind sometimes. LOL

The Beach

I decided to write this while at the beach.  I love how the wind is blowing in my face and I can smell the salt air mingled in with the scent of suntan lotion.  For some reason this year a summer day just isn't complete without a little sand on me and my hair completely blown all over the place.  I am loving my summer!!! My hubby told me to take the summer off and enjoy myself.  I have gone to the beach at least 3 times a week and have met friends at my water side home away from home.  It has been one of the best summers for me since high school.  Thanks to my dear husband who has helped make this possible.

Where Have I Been???

I love the beach...it has been where I have spent my summer.  I had forgotten just how much I love living on the coast.  It is so nice to get up and be able to run down to the beach and stay for a few hours.  I have loved this summer.  The beach has been a place where all my worries leaves and happiness fills my heart.



My toes in the sand is my favorite part!!!



Even on a cloudy day...I love the beach!!!

What a Difference a Year Makes!!!!

51 lbs Gone!!!



This is me after losing 51 lbs.  It has taken me 9 months, and I still have a ways to go!!!



The Journey!!!

I started a new page on Facebook called The Journey.  It is a page dedicated to those who are on a weight loss journey or a lifestyle change journey.  You hate to call it a diet now days.  I have struggled with weight for at least the last 20 years.  I would lose 30 lbs and gain 50 lbs back.  My weight was up and down when I went to the doctor.  One time I would have lost 10 lbs the next time I had gained 8 lbs.  Never consistant in my lifestyle of eating.  Being married to a pastor didn't help matters....churches love to eat.  Also, my Southern heritage was a problem...southerns fix every problem with food, every celebration with food, every milestone with food and  "Y'all come over and we'll cook something up good."

So I start Weight Watchers in June of 2011.  To date I have lost 40 lbs.  Not exactly flying off, but it slowly leaves...it didn't jump on all at once.  I am a work in progress, and I have down falls (like cheetos), but I do try to turn bad habits into good.  No more fried foods, lots of veggies and fruits and no more mindless calories (still working on the cheetos part) and I am trying hard to implement dairy into my diet.  I am happy with my weight loss even if another pound didn't come off, and some days I think it just might not. LOL  I feel a hundred times better....I can walk and not give out of breath.  I can bend and squat lots better.  Over all better feeling.

I tell people that I am no expert when it comes to maintaining a weight loss page, but I will cheer you to death.  I did find out early in our ministry that if I don't posses any other gift in the world, I am an encourager.  I am not an eloquent speaker or the best suited to teach, but I will make you feel special and let you know you can accomplish anything you set your mind too. 

The journey continues and will probably never end for me.  I struggle day to day just like everyone else.  I learned at Weight Watchers that when you do mess up you don't need to wait until tomorrow or next week to get back on track...get back on track with your next meal.

If you are on Facebook, and you are walking this journey along come and join our page...we would love to have you.

Wondering!!!!

Why is it that when someone doesn't like the church, they continue to use and abuse their generosity?   We don't like that church, but we will take anything they will give us.  As Christians they should want to give, and we will take all.  Sometimes this is not just the unchurched, but often times it is the very attenders of the church.

Why it is when people are anti Christian and bad mouth Christians, they are the first to ask one to pray for them or their situtation?  But as soon as the crisis is over the bad mouthing continues. God is not a band-aid to just to fix problems and be there only when you need something.

These are a few things I don't understand.  I know that we should give and pray for those who ask.  I am not talking about not giving or praying for them, but what makes people act like this.

Again, why do some Christian act like this?  They don't like this church or church member or pastor, but they will continue to take from them.  I don't understand.  Sounds hypocritical to me.  I am just trying to figure out motive or ideology behind their thinking.  To me if I didn't like someone, I sure wouldn't impose on their generous nature.  This has happened personally as well...I say personally.  My husband was a pastor, and you hear what people say about you, and then they call you wanting you to pray for them or go see someone...after they have talked about you in the most disrespectable fashion.  As a Christian and pastor you pray and go do what they ask...why?  Because you have a heart for people and God has called you to minister....you esssentially are better than they are, in the sense that you are not petty and don't care what people say.  In reality you do care, you are human and have feelings.  The old saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."  That is a big old honking lie...words hurt, and their hurt at times can run deep. 

I know that Jesus was persucuted and we will be as well, but there are times I want to stand and shout, "I am not going to take this abuse anymore."  The church gives and gives and yet it is run down in the ground by some.  Don't people realize that talking about one church hurts the cause of Christ, we are not in competition,but all the body of Christ.  Okay, I am getting into a whole other subject, but it is just irking me right now.  Noone church is better than another.  Size doesn't matter, programs don't matter and the building doesn't matter....what matters is the message.  Jesus died to forgive us of our sins!!!  He came to give us life and give it more abundantly!!!

I guess in this world there will be givers and takers.  It just saddens me to see takers that I feel don't really understand the love of God or His people.

What Does It Mean????

I see the term used so often today, "I am a follower of Christ."  Which to be honest disturbs me.  The reason this disturbs me so much, because most people that use this term don't fully believe the entire bible, disregards miracles in the bible and I have found generally interprets the bible to fit anything in their life at the moment....they also are not faithful to the church or the doctorine of the bible (this has been my observation on some) and some have never accepted the Lord as their Savior (let me just say this is based on some who I have talked to...not all)  It is like they are still searching for something.  Saying that I am a follower of Christ is like saying, "I am following Jennifer Aniston on Twitter or someone you don't know on Pinterest because you like "some" of their ideas."  You don't know Jennifer Aniston or this person on pinterest, but a few of their ideas or their life intrigues you.  Jesus didn't die for you to follow Him around and watch and learn at a distance.  He died to save us from our sins, to have a PERSONAL relationship with us.  I like the phrase that I am a Child Of God (it may sound old fashion to some), but He is my Heavenly Father.  And if someone is your Father, you are not His follower; but rather His child.  I am a Christian!! What is wrong with that phrase...I am a believer in Christ...still a little sketchy to me...I believe in a lot of things, but doesn't mean I have a personal realationship with them.  Myself and all those who have accepted Him as Lord and Savior have be bought with His blood that was shed for you and me.  The term follower is just too loose for me...you might as well say I am following the tides of the ocean or the green van in front of me.  It also sound noncommittle to me.  Like I am following Him and checking Him out to see if that is really the way I want to go.  In general, I am not impressed by the phrase nor does it make me think you more spiritual or closer to God than anyone else.  It does make me think that you use it in a general way as not to offend anyone on what you think about God.  If you have ever watched the Passion of Christ, then you have some idea of what Jesus went through for us.  Don't generalize your beliefs, lay them out in plain english and let people know what Christ did for us, so that we may have eternal life.   Take a bold stand!!! Generalizing where you stand with God is an insult to Him.  Let people know that you a Child of God purchased through the blood He shed for you on Calvary...not just a follower, who is looking to hop on the train at a convenient time (this is how it sounds to me). I am sure lots will disagree.   You will disagree with me and take a stand on why you like that term, and how I am so wrong about you.  But better yet, stand a strong firm stand in the eyes of the world, they are the ones who are living in darkness.  They need a beacon of light...that comes from that personal relationship with Jesus Christ, not someone who just says, "Yes, I am a follower of Christ."  Don't be ashame that you know God in an intimate way. 

Now this is my take on this blog....this writing is my opinion, and you can agree or disagree.  But here is why I shared.  I too try so hard not to offend people, but not anymore as far as where the Lord is concerned.  Time is short, and people are in need of a Savior and I am not doing my duty by tip toe around the situation and not mincing words, and trying so hard not to offend or make them feel uncomfortable.  The truth is sin is sin and you and disguise it, disregard it or ignore it...but it is still there.  The truth is Jesus died for your sins....all you have to do is call upon the name of the Lord and you shall be saved.  America and this whole world needs more Christians to call themselves what they really are...Christian, Children of God and a soul that has been purchased by the precious blood of the Lamb.  He's not ashamed of you, so don't you be ashamed of Him.

New Phone Mishaps!!!

I spent most of Friday afternoon with a wonderful employee of US Cellular named, Ruth Graham....no relation to Rev. Billy Graham or Rev. J. Billy Graham in Moore County (I asked).  I finally took the plunge and got a smart phone.  How ironic that a dummy got a smart phone.  Ruth took time and showed me how to use it, but my ADD/HD kicked in during instruction time....They have a plant that has lots of dead leaves on it and they are falling all over the carpet.  Okay, so that is why I don't know how to use my phone.  I did finally today learn how to answer it...they almost hung up before I figured out how to answer, and I can't promise that I can answer it again.  I can look on Facebook and take a picture with the camera.  It has more features than our van.  The one thing that I did master was the GPS....almost, just read the following story:

Okay, so I got this new phone..and don't know how to use anything but the GPS. Yesterday while at Carolina BBQ, I was showing my dad how it looked just like his Garmin. I popped in my home address to show him...I think he was impressed...I need to add that my knowledge of the GPS is limited. I put my phone in my purse and head to the restroom. To my horror in the restroom my phone starts yelling, "Recalculating, recalculating." Turn left in 200 ft." I have no idea how to stop it, and it keeps repeating. Then I just hear this big old cackle from another stall. At least I gave some a good laugh. I still don't know how to turn the GPS off. LOL

After pushing many buttons...I still don't know how to turn the GPS off, but it went off.  Mark finally asked me today, "Aren't you going to watch the DVD that came with the phone?"  I said yes, but I wanted to try and figure it out by myself first.  I am learning...I can use the camera, pull up WW restaurant guide to see how many points and play word search, but using it for it's intended purpose...to talk to people...not so much.

Fake Church Signs!!!!

As I hear things on the news and read the newspaper, I think to myself a lot...what in the world is going on???  I mean there are so many things that just don't shock me anymore.  They don't shock me, but still I wonder why??? Why people do the things that they do, and where do they get the time.  This really came into play when my husbands boyhood church made national news with their church sign this week.

Someone photo shopped their sign to read as the following:

I am talking about a church that is not on the main road and even though I know where it is located, I still have to follow the signs to get there.  It is a country church!!! Why in the world would someone do this???  Not enough activities to fill their time?  For laughs? Publicity?  There have been many speculations as to why, but it comes down to common decency and respect for God's property (which this world seems to have none).  This is what their sign really read:

Pastor Barbery stands beside the real message that Beulah Hill Baptist Church is sending. The sign is locked and everything.  If you examine the two signs closely, you will notice the fonts are different.  Now this pastor has to spend a lot of his time defending his church and members. On a good side, their church has been packed since this has happened, and maybe a golden opportunity to share the gospel while he is being interviewed by so many.  What satan meant for evil, God turns it around for good.

Publicity has not been a problem.  Just mention a church, pastor or the word Christian and the media comes running.  Papers, such as the Moore County paper, The Pilot, has ran this story.  As well as, The Fayetteville Observer, not to mention a host of websites, and a snippet on Fox News.  This all started with TMZ running this photo shopped picture.  Not just the fact that a church was used, but a person and their baby was mentioned with such disregard to the new life that was just born (and I don't care that it was a celebrities baby, they have feelings and emotions as well).  America is so far down in a pit of filth it is not even funny.  Why say this about an innocent baby plus use God's house to say it?? 

This started out to inform everyone about a fake church sign, but I think the real story here is just how far America has sunk into an abyss of no morals, ethics, conscience or regard to human decency anymore.

Real Food V/S Fake Food!!!

I am watching the 700 Club the other week (I love watching Skinny Wednesday's) when they show this skinny blonde chick on their talking about her latest book.  It is called, "Skinny Chicks Eat Real Food."



Naturally after watching the show, and hearing all these great things that certain foods can do, I bought the book.  I understand where she is coming from in the book, but get real.  The book is basically about processed foods and how harmful they can be.  I understand that, but we are talking about canned food, frozen foods and even meats.  I don't have time or the money to run around and look for grain fed and organic food....I don't have kids, so imagine a mom of 4 trying to fit this into her time frame of all that leisure time that she has. LOL

I make a spinach, grilled chicken pizza, that I think is healthy...only 6 Weight Watcher points in a slice...that is a big slice.  But according to this chick the only thing good on my pizza is the spinach (and only then if is organic).  I buy the grilled chicken already cooked...a no no.  I buy the whole wheat pizza dough....a no no.  Not to mention the canned tomato sauce and the cheese....BIG no no's.

So, according to this book...I should be letting the yeast rise and making my own dough with some kind of flour that I have never heard of....buying fresh tomatoes and making my own tomato sauce.  Plus, getting some organic, free range chicken and grilling it myself to get the full benefits of eating "real food".  WHO HAS THAT KIND OF TIME??????? 

I say give me Sandra Lee with some semi homemade ideas any day.  I want my short cuts to preparing meals.  I want it to look like I have slaved away in the kitchen all day, but it reality I had time to read, go for a swim and still present a fabulous meal.

I am not saying this book isn't right on target, there are lots of extra things in our food at the grocery store.  I am just saying that I would have to become a professional chef to prepare our meals.   I would stay in the kitchen all day prepping for meals, because you can't buy those short cut veggies and fruits that are already cut for you....that is a no no. There are a few things that after reading what goes into them during processing I will give up.  But for now, I will probably be eating more "fake food" than "real food".

Christmas Cheer!! Bah!! Humbug!!!

Mark and I decided to do a little Christmas shopping.  After a nice lunch, we set out to have a great time buying some little gifts for each other.  With my list in my hand, I am humming along with the 12 Days of Christmas and just full of Christmas cheer.  First of all, a lady jumps in front of me and grabbed the buggy I was reaching for....there were lots of others.  Then a lady just about runs me over to reach the dollar bin....which has about nothing in it....ooh, big bargain...NOT!!!  Two people stepped on my foot with no apologizes (we won't even mention the parking lot).  I finally got my gifts and checked out.  I decided to go to the snack bar for a drink and wait for Mark.  One lady almost pushed me out of the way to get in front of me in line....that made her number 2 in line...it wasn't like it was a long line.  Then she pushed the lady in front of her, who turned and they had words.  All this was happening while Christmas carols were playing in the background.  The whole time I am think what in the world happened to spreading Christmas cheer???  I felt like I was in a fast forward world while I was on normal speed.  Maybe some people just wait too late to start their shopping...who knows, but the Grumpy's were out full force.  We got popcorn and left and came home were Christmas cheer is abundant and Scrooge is ban.