Category Archives: Randomness

July 26, 2011 · 5:00 am

What I Quit Doing.

The past few months my stress level has been pretty low. My load is no lighter. As a matter of fact, it’s probably fuller. My secret to controlling the stresses that I actually can control?

I quit dreading.

I quit dreading the commitment I made I wished I had not made.

I quit dreading the thing I have to do whether I want to do it or not.

I quit dreading the fact that pretty soon my alarm is going to go off, and I’m going to have to motivate two little people to get out the door to school.

I quit dreading obligations that take away time I wish I could spend….resting….replenishing.

Dreading makes everything worse. My grandfather used to always say, “It’s worse to dread something you have to do when just doing it is bad enough.” In other words, nothing is going to change that commitment. That thing. Those obligations. And, dreading them makes the doing them that much harder.

So, I quit.

I no longer worry or stress about when I’ll have my next down time. My next reprieve. Instead, I make up my mind to maybe say no to the next request. Unless that request is a life-giving need. Because, it’s in those life-giving times that I remember my life is not my own. And, God is always faithful to make me lie down in green pastures and restore my soul. And, this rain sure does make them even greener. A little drop of a degree or 100 might help, too. But, I digress.

Stop dreading. Remember whose you are. And, how faithful He is to give you exactly what you need when you need it.

Deal?

Deal.

5 Comments

Filed under life, Randomness

Tagged as commitments, dreading, obligations, stress, worry

January 26, 2011 · 5:00 am

Dancing In the Sun with High Blood Pressure. (The Lamest Title Yet.)

Sorry, y’all, I didn’t post yesterday. I thought I might be dying of the high blood pressure. Okay, I really didn’t think I was dying. But, I was like, “What the? I’m only a mere babe!” Rightttt.

I know people who know people who know people, so I got into the doctor ASAP. The doc was like, “That’s high.” Then, he said some other really smart things that doctors say. The good doctor put me on some diuretic that should deplete my body of salt and such…the such being potassium, my nurse cousin has told me. Good news is I may lose a pound or three. Of water. Whatev’. I blame the Reverend and Big Mama for these genetics. Of course, Big Mama is almost 92 and smarter and sweeter than ever. I’ll take the high BP if I can be chillin’ like her 55 years from now.

Other good news is that I can now explain away shopping (a.k.a. retail THERAPY) and frequent massages as stress-reducing, blood pressure lowering necessities. It’s the same as a really expensive prescription. And, I also tend to make jokes with things that may or may not be serious, because, that’s just what I do. With all of you.

It’s my momma I cry to.

For real.

In more exciting news.

I attended the Sundance Film Festival in Park City this past weekend with my foxy pilot. I did feel a wee bit like, well, like crap, while there due to a constant headache that was fueled by…high blood pressure? Anyhoo. I still had fun, nonetheless. Because, I was among the stars, people. And, that’s what you do.

Susan Sarandon was at baggage claim with me. She acted like she didn’t even know me.

Here’s how it plays out. You stand in line for an hour. You enter a theater and the film is usually introduced by the director. After viewing the film, the cast enters the stage for a little Q and A. It’s very cool. I shan’t lie. Our first film of the festival was The Future. A cat narrated parts of the film. It. Was. Odd. I did laugh out loud in some parts. I caught wind of Kris telling a fellow Sundancer that the movie was “artistic.” In other words, it sucked. (Sorry, Mom.)

The next film featured Paul Giamatti. I have always loved him as an actor. The film was called Win Win. Great movie. Paul? I’m not gonna lie. He’s an odd one. I suppose the brilliant ones are? No? Well, he most certainly acted like he didn’t even know me. The nerve.

Absolute favorite movie of the weekend was The Music Never Stopped. J.K. Simmons and Lou Taylor Pucci starred alongside Julia Ormond, who just so happened to wear the most awesome boots ever. So awesome, that even Kris Takle said, “Now those are some really cute boots.” And, yes. I am most certain he said BOOTS. Gah. For the record, I had never heard the name J.K. Simmons. He just happens to be one of those actors that you don’t know his name but recognize his face. He totally acted like he knew me. And everyone else there. Super friendly guy. I like him and shall keep up with his career because of how he embraced his audience.

I have experienced things in life where I thought, “Alright. Been there, done that.” But Sundance? I will go every opportunity I get. Even if I’m not one of those artsy-type people who talked about the “poetic expression” of some movie while standing in line. I, on the other hand, used words like, “that was so freakin’ cool!” I know. I am so sophisticated.

I’ll leave you with a few pics from Sundance. Have a great day, friends.

6 Comments

Filed under Life Experiences, Randomness

Tagged as film, high blood pressure, J.K. Simmons, Julie Ormond, Lou Taylor Pucci, movies, Park City, Paul Giamatti, Sundance Film Festival

November 8, 2010 · 11:22 am

Sweet November.

And, you are still the perfect shoulder to fall on.

Happy Birthday to my keep you laughing all the live long day husband and daughter.

Life without you two wouldn’t be nearly the fun.

I love you both.

6 Comments

Filed under Kid Stuff, life, Randomness

Tagged as birthdays, laughter, pictures

November 5, 2010 · 5:00 am

Ride the Wave.

Annnddd, my favorite pic of the week….

“Eh…I’m pretty much awesomer than Superman.”

And, he is. No doubt.

A big thank ya to Aunt Brenda for taking this pic at the soccer field.

In the disappointment newsroom, I asked my sweet husband yesterday if he read my blog post. His response:

“I think you lost your coat this morning.”

I found it. Quickly. Okay, I found it an hour or so later. I was a much happier momma once I put it back on. Perhaps a better caption for the above photo is:

Jett: “So, women lose their coats a lot?”

Dad: “Yeah, they do son. You just gotta ride the wave.”

Have a great weekend, y’all.

2 Comments

Filed under Kid Stuff, Marriage, Randomness

Tagged as baby stuff, Marriage, pictures, Superman

August 25, 2010 · 6:00 am

Necessary Supplies.

After all that talk yesterday about feeding my spirit, so my flesh will starve, I decided to read the entire New Testament again.

I lie. You see what happens when you don’t soak up God’s word? You lie. Actually, I fed my flesh a little with this new, fun creature.

I love my husband. Not because he gave me this iPad, which he did. But, because he also e-mails me pics like this:

He had a few mosquito bites. He sent me this pic of his “supplies.” I’m just glad he didn’t go overboard. And, I actually do understand the necessity of something such as Lifesavers Gummies.

Anyhoo. I actually waited until the littlest fellow went to bed, so I could give my anniversary gift my full attention. Of course, when you are a mother of little people, it’s rare that anything ever gets your full attention. And, my oldest two made sure it didn’t. They both felt it was unfair that mommy got an iPad and they didn’t.

Cry me a river.

Well, John Henry nearly did. On top of the fact that he doesn’t own an iPad, his sister got to sleep with me, and he didn’t. And, the conversation that ensued is one that he will never, ever forget. And, neither will I.

Come back tomorrow for that one.

5 Comments

Filed under Marriage, Motherhood, parenting, Randomness

Tagged as gifts, iPad, parenting

August 10, 2010 · 5:00 am

Really. Does This Post Warrant A Title?

Whenever I wake up and say, “Today is the day I begin to lose the rest of my baby weight,” I am certain to grab two handfuls of M&M’s right before bedtime. And, I probably forgot about my proclamation by lunch time, too. It’s not even that I struggle with the temptation of certain foods. I JUST SIMPLY FORGET.

I blame the fact that I am busier than ever. Or, I blame Kris. Because, surely, it is his fault for not taking responsibility for my lack of motivation or forgetfulness.

And, I’m behind on my television viewing, AND my toes and hair are clearly in need of ministry. It’s for these reasons I am aware that I need to re-prioritize my life. I felt especially beautiful when my husband saw me yesterday, post shower, wearing my tennis shoes with my bath wrap. I don’t know. Tennis shoes just felt like the first natural step in the getting dressed process. So, imagine my confusion when Kris inquired, “Would you like for me to take a picture of you?”

I’m sure Kris’ exposure to my wrap/tennis shoes pairing only made his odd day odder. He had just returned from a tiny, little town who apparently sells the cheapest cattle feed this side of the….I don’t know what this side of. His feed wasn’t ready when he arrived, so the store owner suggested he go get himself “the finest breakfast in town.”

Kris’ recap of his breakfast: “There were no biscuits. There wasn’t anything really. No tables or chairs. Only a piece of sausage and bacon served on a paper towel. Then, there was the guy in the corner staring at me with one eye, while his other eye looked in the opposite direction.”

The store owner asked him how his breakfast was. Kris commented on the absence of tables and chairs. “Oh, that’s so they don’t have to get inspected.”

I do not lie. And, neither does Kris.

I encouraged Kris that, at least, he was able to skip out on the carbohydrates. And, at least, I didn’t have on knee socks with my tennis shoes.

You see? There is always a bright side.

3 Comments

Filed under life, Marriage, Motherhood, Randomness, Say What?

Tagged as diet, Marriage, Motherhood, nutrition, priorities, Randomness

February 8, 2010 · 5:00 am

This Is Where Coherency & Good Writing Go Out the Window.

It was a crazy, busy, fun weekend, and quite frankly, I’m spent. I’ll write something a little more coherent later. I went to Dallas with ten of the best ladies on the planet. They are my BSers, you see. Ahem, my Bible Study gals. We left early Friday morning and I shopped until I dropped….almost literally. But, that’s another story.

We traveled to Dallas only for food, shopping, and fun together. I’m not sure why Kris thought I might be going to see Beth Moore or someone like her. I told him no such thing. Promise. But, when he called me Friday night, he asked me, “What time is your thing tomorrow?”

“What thing?” I asked him.

“Your conference,” he said.

“Conference? We didn’t come to Dallas for a conference.”

“What did you go there for?” He questioned.

“To shop, eat, and be together.”

“Well, I missed that memo!”

It’s kind of cute that he would automatically think that any girls’ trip I take would be to hear some fabulous preachin’ and all.

But, come on. Sometimes, there is just as much spiritual renewal in being with a bunch of women who love Jesus, a good deal, and chips and salsa.

Okay. I’m out. Back later with something. I’m not sure what. But something.

Love y’all. Mean it.

5 Comments

Filed under Randomness

Tagged as girl trips, Randomness, Shopping, weekends

January 15, 2010 · 6:00 am

The Real Me.

The blogosphere has been filled with people posting pictures and/or videos of themselves in their truest form. As in….

no make-up.

no prepared pose.

just the raw, authentic self.

It’s a campaign launched by People of the Second Chance. I thought I’d end the week showing you Dusty Takle sans make-up – early morning.

I told my dad I was going to post this, and I heard a sound come out of his mouth that I cannot even spell. I could even hear in my husband’s voice a “Are you sure you want to expose yourself like that?” And, I really appreciate the, ahem, support, fellas.

Often times, we try to hide behind an image. We are afraid for people to see who we really are. And, I’m not just talking about our physical appearance. I’m talking about how we live our life. But, I have come to appreciate transparency in others. It’s in our transparency….in our realness, that we surrender. We become accountable. And, subsequently, we become more like Him.

So, in celebration of authenticity, I took this picture of myself yesterday morning not long after getting out of bed.

Even though I didn’t brush my teeth, I, at least, smiled. Then, I probably yelled at my kids to hurry up and finish getting dressed for school. In the name of Jesus, of course.

Are you afraid for people to see the real you? Heart and everything?

12 Comments

Filed under life, Randomness

Tagged as authenticity, people of the second chance, the real me, transparency

January 14, 2010 · 6:00 am

I Kind of Want to Break Out Rocky I-IV. But Not V.

Never Rocky V.

I did refrain from my awesome dance moves, while Anna Takle wasn’t about to give up her microphone.

So, in honor of a new AI season, I give you my two favorite rock stars.

Those lyrics can be tricky.

These lyrics? Even trickier.

And, I have no good explanation as to why it looks like Christmas morning in my family room with all of the pillows, drums, and other paraphernalia lying around. Except, Christmas was only a few mornings ago. Or something.

Whatev’.

13 Comments

Filed under Kid Stuff, Randomness, Uncategorized

Tagged as American Idol, Christmas, Kid Stuff, Rock Band 2, Rocky, Wii

December 1, 2009 · 6:00 am

Return from Snow Mountain.

I wanted to blog yesterday. Really, I did. I just decided to enjoy breathing instead.

We spent Thanksgiving with my father-in-law in Breckenridge, Colorado where we were a gazillion feet above sea level. I’m sure one eventually grows accustomed to the elevation and dry cold. And, it is beautiful enough to stick it out and, at least, give living there a try. In other words, I probably need a month long vacation there next time.

To let my body adjust, you understand.

Everyone skied save me.

The kids spent three days in ski school. Parents were encouraged to not stay and watch; however, we did peek a time or ten. Kris observed the instructor orchestrating a red light/green light game with Anna’s class to develop their stopping skills. He overheard Anna yell, “I don’t want red lights, JUST GIVE ME GREEN!” I know you find this difficult to imagine. She had a great time still.