After reading and hearing about Amy Chua's book, "Battle Hymn of a Tiger Mother" and other commentator's responses, such as: "The Call of the Dolphin Mother" (Erika Christakis), I have formed my own thoughts. However before enlightening you with my style of mothering, let's explore the Tiger Mother and Dolphin Mommy style.
According to Amy Chua, Tiger Mothers, predominately Chinese women, use rote practice, threats, shame and physical punishment to produce successful offspring. There are no sleepovers, computer games or any extracurricular arts other than violin and piano. Tiger Mothers also add extra homework and practice test to ensure their child's success. The book reminisces about her throwing unacceptable home-cards at her daughters making them re-do them and threatening to burn her daughter's stuffed animals if her piano playing didn't improve. While we are cringing and wanting to rescue her children from her, she reveals that she did receive her comeuppance from her thirteen year old daughter who yelled at her and said she hated violin and would rather play tennis. That was the big "hair-raising" rebellious moment. Really. Admittedly her older daughter is good enough at piano to play at Carnegie hall before the age of fifteen. Many of you are imaging a little Asian lady who is brain washed by communism and fear that her daughters will not do well enough in school to get approved by the government for a good job. You are wrong. This woman is an American Yale Law Professor who frequently lectures on democratization and ethnic conflict throughout the world. Her girls, age fifteen and thirteen, rigorously defend her methods of parenting. Of course they are only fifteen and thirteen, lets check back in ten years.
A lovely lady who has read this book, recently responded on CNN Opinion page, she is Special Contributor to CNN, Erika Christakis. Her response was entitled,"The Call of the Dolphin Mother". She emphasizes the playful, energetic mother whose child learns best through play. "We protect our young while we encourage their independence." She is nurturing because she wants to develop the deep bonds that can exists between parent and child.
I have to say I envy the Tiger Mother's apparent complete control over her children and their every breath seems to be golden. My children frequently breathe noxious green fumes and act like....kids. However, I can't even begin to imagine the time and extreme effort a Tiger Mother must put forth eighteen hours a day. Creating practice tests, extra homework and constant badgering for hours of sport/instrument practice. The emotional output to get the required response has to be exhausting alone. Most westernized children would crack under such pressure and treatment. The yelling (not that I havn't done that) threatening and actual slaps to the face, I can't fathom how anyone could justify this.
The Dolphin Mommy seems to swim through life in one huge play date after another. Relying on her pod (support system) to take up any extra slack. It would be great if we all had huge support systems that could help run our kids to practice or to play dates. Maybe they could even run over with an extra meal or two, but I don't know of many people who have such a huge pod like that. It seems as though this a more fly by the seat of your pants type of parenting. All is well as long as it was fun and you love me and your safe. FYI: Dolphin's are fiercely protective of their young. Do not be fooled by the flighty, devil may care mom, she will eat you ALIVE if you come close to her baby.
There are days when I can be quite Tiggerish and days when I am very playful. What type of animal mother is that? Well, I do parent similar to an Ape/Monkey. (Right, no one here is shocked by that!) I teach and train by showing. My kids are visual learners, just like me. Don't tell me, show me! However, we do not do co-sleeping and I do not wear my babies, it's not even up for discussion. No judgment for all the ape mommies out there who do that, it's just not my cup of tea.
Then I realized, I'm not a stinking animal! I am a human mommy who gets to choose what type of parent she wants to be. Some days I yell , because I am tired, stressed or just too distracted to do the right thing. I insist upon best efforts and have been known to say "That is not good enough, you are capable of better. Try again." I do lay down the law and actually stick to said law, most of the time. The very same day I take my kids outside and jump on the trampoline or dance around the living room. I have even allowed my daughter to skip home work at night in favor of game night or even, "gasp" movie night on a school night. I know, I am so permissive, my child will never amount to anything, right.... I also get tired of harassing my son about his room, and let him leave it a mess until I am in danger of breaking an ankle tripping over his toys. I figure, he's three years old, soon enough he will be expected to clean his room daily, but for just a little longer, he's my baby boy. I encourage independence in my children, sometimes too much. I frequently expect more of them than I should. I struggle letting my children fail, I want it to be perfect and squirm when it isn't. I try not to let it show, but sometimes I think I fail there too. I push them out into the world, then I get scared and yank them back again. I hate paying for lessons or team sports! There, I said it, and my husband makes extra money giving music lessons!
So my ideas about parenting who varied and ever changing. We have a few unconditional rules in our house. Disrespect will not be tolerated. Hitting is not tolerated. Screaming or saying ugly words to your sibling/friends is not acceptable. We always give our best. Please, excuse me and thank you are not optional. We will pray every night before bed and we will forgive every night before we go to sleep. Every day we start with a clean slate. Do they get those right every day, NO WAY! Sometimes they don't get any of it right! We will keep working on it though. After that, I have to be honest, it can be a free for all. I don't think children should be seen and not heard. The most beautiful sound is a child's laughter and they really do say the darnedest things.
So if you are a Tiger Mother, great, I am happy you can keep up with that. Please understand though if your child looks longingly at us as we play in the park or run, screaming with laughter, through Target parking lot (mom standing on the buggy rails). I realize your child is being nominated for a Nobel Prize, but mines cuter. pbbttt!!!
If you are a Dolphin Mommy, I promise not to glare at you as your child runs through Target completely unsupervised as you dreamily look through a magazine. I also promise not to be envious when my children speak longingly of your fun filled house and relaxed views of mess making.
For all of my earth mother (ape) friends. I promise to give your child yummy treats at my house, if you promise my kid will leave yours thinking veggie muffins are awesome. I won't think your strange for wearing your child until he's three and nursing for that long, if you promise to withhold your parental abuse thoughts because I only nursed in months, not years and I didn't wear my kid because I looked huge doing so! FYI: Your boobs are not "natural" to me, only mine are, so keep them under the cute nursing cover. Thanks.
Those are my thoughts on animal type parenting. Although for clarity, Amy Chau's book was not about the Tiger as an animal, it was the Tiger as an international symbol of Chinese culture.
Today, I was all me, there was no other parent/animal in the house, unless you count the dog and he's insane!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Quoting the Dearly Departed......
WARNING! Political commentary/satire. You may read only if you have a dry sense of humor or thick skin.
Lately there have been several commentators and politicians "quoting" the dearly departed. (the dead) The problem I have with their quotations is this: they are opinions on things that have happened after the poor folks went on to be with the Lord.
Our late, great president, Ronald Regan has been quoted on the Iraq war, Sarah Palin, Barak Obama and other issues. He has even been second guessed by his own sons on current issues. I have to ask, how do they know? I mean really, The Iraq war was a horse of a different color than the Vietnam war and from all accounts, he "understood" why we were in Vietnam. So would he be for or against it? This is a man who worked very hard for peace in ME and saw much turmoil there during his presidency, so who is to say he would be for or against? I was beginning to think that perhaps his son Ron had an upline to Heaven, but then realized he is an agnostic, so most likely not.
Then, today, our most Right Reverend Jesse Jackson, after quoting (legitimately) the late Reverend Martin Luther King, insists that he, MLK, would be against the war in Iraq as well. Now, having at least known and worked with the Reverend MLK, perhaps he has some insight, but really? Reverend M.L. King was a peace activist, he also died at the very young age of 39. Y'all, people change as they age. He may have, he may not have changed, but again does the Right Reverend Jackson have a personal Telephone to Glory that sits in MLK's mansion over yonder? I have to say, regardless of Jackson's religious title, he is a politician after all, so probably not.
I would like to say that this habit of giving the opinions of those who have "gone on" is limited to politicians and their like. However, having heard bald statements made just today of some poor old lady's thoughts of how her grandchildren were being raised, she had never met them before being called "up yonder", it sadly isn't so. " Mama would not have liked that, Daddy would never have let that happen." I have heard pastor's, who have "gone to be with the Lord", opinions on the new church carpet color. The same Pastor's apparently would never have like the new ushers coats or allowed that new kind of music. That Pastor is probably dancing on streets of gold right now and couldn't have cared a bit what color the church carpet was when he was alive, much less now!
So, my question is: Why do we feel the need to quote these lovely people? Is it because we are afraid our own opinions won't hold enough weight? Perhaps we need their "verbal support" to bolster our weak and dying cause? Or is it, there simply are not enough righteous, respected men and women alive or within our sphere of influence to whom we can turn for encouragement and endorsement? Is it a lack of righteous, upstanding, influential people or is it a lack of moral integrity on our part? A lack of moral integrity would explain a lack of righteous, influential people around us.
So, the next time you want to say, Grandmother would have died if she would have seen/heard/ known.....think twice. Grandmother did die and it wasn't from seeing her Granddaughter's new hair style. Grandmother went to be with Jesus and she is too busy feasting at the table of the Lord to care a whit about Sissy's hair style, the state of the Union or Aunt Marge's hot pink convertible. Furthermore, I feel sure George Washington, Abe Lincoln, Ronald Regan and MLK are not in the least bit concerned about Global Warming, Iraq, Iran, Israel or Gun laws.
If the gentleman above knew they had lived their lives so loud, so well, so bravely only to be misquoted, misrepresented and their names misused, they would...do ....nothing. Well they might take another stroll over heaven or sing more songs around the throne....
Just think y'all, if you live strong enough, loud enough, big enough you might get to be misquoted, misrepresented and your name misused too!
I promise, this is my last political post for a while! As soon as the fast is over, Ill fill my head with prime time TV and become somewhat funny again.
Lately there have been several commentators and politicians "quoting" the dearly departed. (the dead) The problem I have with their quotations is this: they are opinions on things that have happened after the poor folks went on to be with the Lord.
Our late, great president, Ronald Regan has been quoted on the Iraq war, Sarah Palin, Barak Obama and other issues. He has even been second guessed by his own sons on current issues. I have to ask, how do they know? I mean really, The Iraq war was a horse of a different color than the Vietnam war and from all accounts, he "understood" why we were in Vietnam. So would he be for or against it? This is a man who worked very hard for peace in ME and saw much turmoil there during his presidency, so who is to say he would be for or against? I was beginning to think that perhaps his son Ron had an upline to Heaven, but then realized he is an agnostic, so most likely not.
Then, today, our most Right Reverend Jesse Jackson, after quoting (legitimately) the late Reverend Martin Luther King, insists that he, MLK, would be against the war in Iraq as well. Now, having at least known and worked with the Reverend MLK, perhaps he has some insight, but really? Reverend M.L. King was a peace activist, he also died at the very young age of 39. Y'all, people change as they age. He may have, he may not have changed, but again does the Right Reverend Jackson have a personal Telephone to Glory that sits in MLK's mansion over yonder? I have to say, regardless of Jackson's religious title, he is a politician after all, so probably not.
I would like to say that this habit of giving the opinions of those who have "gone on" is limited to politicians and their like. However, having heard bald statements made just today of some poor old lady's thoughts of how her grandchildren were being raised, she had never met them before being called "up yonder", it sadly isn't so. " Mama would not have liked that, Daddy would never have let that happen." I have heard pastor's, who have "gone to be with the Lord", opinions on the new church carpet color. The same Pastor's apparently would never have like the new ushers coats or allowed that new kind of music. That Pastor is probably dancing on streets of gold right now and couldn't have cared a bit what color the church carpet was when he was alive, much less now!
So, my question is: Why do we feel the need to quote these lovely people? Is it because we are afraid our own opinions won't hold enough weight? Perhaps we need their "verbal support" to bolster our weak and dying cause? Or is it, there simply are not enough righteous, respected men and women alive or within our sphere of influence to whom we can turn for encouragement and endorsement? Is it a lack of righteous, upstanding, influential people or is it a lack of moral integrity on our part? A lack of moral integrity would explain a lack of righteous, influential people around us.
So, the next time you want to say, Grandmother would have died if she would have seen/heard/ known.....think twice. Grandmother did die and it wasn't from seeing her Granddaughter's new hair style. Grandmother went to be with Jesus and she is too busy feasting at the table of the Lord to care a whit about Sissy's hair style, the state of the Union or Aunt Marge's hot pink convertible. Furthermore, I feel sure George Washington, Abe Lincoln, Ronald Regan and MLK are not in the least bit concerned about Global Warming, Iraq, Iran, Israel or Gun laws.
If the gentleman above knew they had lived their lives so loud, so well, so bravely only to be misquoted, misrepresented and their names misused, they would...do ....nothing. Well they might take another stroll over heaven or sing more songs around the throne....
Just think y'all, if you live strong enough, loud enough, big enough you might get to be misquoted, misrepresented and your name misused too!
I promise, this is my last political post for a while! As soon as the fast is over, Ill fill my head with prime time TV and become somewhat funny again.
Friday, January 14, 2011
How To Offend People and Still Be A Christian
I thought that Blog Title might grab you. It grabbed me by the throat and I'm the one who wrote it! It seems as though people spend more time these days being offended by someone, at someone,something, some post, some sign, some comment, something that didn't happen (true, it really is) something that wasn't said, etc...
The news is full of offended folks, Sarah Palin is offensive and she is offended. THIS IS NOT A POLITICAL POST! That was just an astute observation, however all the SP lovers out there are now offended. Get my point?
There are many times when on FaceBook or in email or even here I have written something and then deleted it, re-wrote it, deleted it and then said, "Forget it!". No matter how funny the thought was or how poignant, someone was sure to be offended. So, I have to ask myself, "do I frequently think ugly, downgrading, mean thoughts?". Of course not! Really y'all, I am not that way. Do I frequently think in satire? OH, YEAH! People and their idiosyncrasies crack me up. (thank goodness for spell check that last one was a doosie!) People who have no idea how funny they are REALLY crack me up. I may need to look into this "issue" regarding my future career. It simply won't do for me to be snorting with laughter while a patient is bearing their soul to me! More on that in another post, I could write for days on that train of thought.
I have found simply telling the truth, even in a loving way will offend some people. I have also found being funny in a satirical way offends a lot of people. I have managed to offend people by simply being quiet and by just smiling. I have offended people by not standing, by opening my eyes while praying and by praying too quietly. My point is, some people are just looking for a reason to get heir undies in a twist, they live to be offended. I call these people "Drama Divers". (something akin to "Dumpster Diving") They are not satisfied if they do not have drama in their life and so go around diving into it and wallowing in it. They are always complaining, criticizing, gossiping (although they would never call it that, concerned is one of the many names) and snooping (matters for prayer I'm sure).
I had begun to wonder if perhaps sitting in a corner with my nose in a book and a blank beatific look was the safest thing to do. I actually tried that for a while, but it makes for a very dull life and my husband thought I was loosing it! So I thought about all the offensive people I knew, people who really went out of their way to offend others. Most were politicians of some sort, I am certainly not one of those! Then I looked at offensive people in the Bible and guess what! Most of the people in the Bible who offended others were called Prophets, Saints, Disciples and wait for it......JESUS!
Yes, saints and sinners, the person who offended more people in the Bible when not trying to be offensive just tell the truth in His way, was our Savior. Now because he was God in flesh, I am quite sure He was aware before He said anything that there were those who were going to be HIGLY offended, but he said it anyway. He offended the Pharisees and Sadducees so often and so much, they hired a traitor to trap him and then they managed to get Him crucified for it. So be offensive and you will be like Christ. I'm kidding!!! The difference between my offensiveness and HIS.....well a lot, but since I have now justified being offensive to everyone I will just stop here and be happy!
OK, I lied and now everyone's offended. My point is, when telling truth satirically or just simply, people will be offended. Actually more people will be offended by the truth usually than if you lied sweetly to them. So sad, but so true. Many people put more stock in their feelings than they do in being set free by the truth. I find it ironic that when Pastors tell the truth we amen them and when my friend tells me the same thing because she loves me, I get mad at her. Maybe if I gave her a mic, put her on a stage I would accept it better?
The truth is: people are funny (everyone of us!) and we all do stupid funny stuff. Including me! Do I intend for my blogging to be platform of "Setting People Free"? Well, probably not. There are just too many other funny things I think about every day. However, if you are on CNN news because you did something stupid, rest assured I will blog and be sure and poke fun at you! After all the if entire world is laughing at you, I want in on it too. Otherwise, I might be offended.....
The news is full of offended folks, Sarah Palin is offensive and she is offended. THIS IS NOT A POLITICAL POST! That was just an astute observation, however all the SP lovers out there are now offended. Get my point?
There are many times when on FaceBook or in email or even here I have written something and then deleted it, re-wrote it, deleted it and then said, "Forget it!". No matter how funny the thought was or how poignant, someone was sure to be offended. So, I have to ask myself, "do I frequently think ugly, downgrading, mean thoughts?". Of course not! Really y'all, I am not that way. Do I frequently think in satire? OH, YEAH! People and their idiosyncrasies crack me up. (thank goodness for spell check that last one was a doosie!) People who have no idea how funny they are REALLY crack me up. I may need to look into this "issue" regarding my future career. It simply won't do for me to be snorting with laughter while a patient is bearing their soul to me! More on that in another post, I could write for days on that train of thought.
I have found simply telling the truth, even in a loving way will offend some people. I have also found being funny in a satirical way offends a lot of people. I have managed to offend people by simply being quiet and by just smiling. I have offended people by not standing, by opening my eyes while praying and by praying too quietly. My point is, some people are just looking for a reason to get heir undies in a twist, they live to be offended. I call these people "Drama Divers". (something akin to "Dumpster Diving") They are not satisfied if they do not have drama in their life and so go around diving into it and wallowing in it. They are always complaining, criticizing, gossiping (although they would never call it that, concerned is one of the many names) and snooping (matters for prayer I'm sure).
I had begun to wonder if perhaps sitting in a corner with my nose in a book and a blank beatific look was the safest thing to do. I actually tried that for a while, but it makes for a very dull life and my husband thought I was loosing it! So I thought about all the offensive people I knew, people who really went out of their way to offend others. Most were politicians of some sort, I am certainly not one of those! Then I looked at offensive people in the Bible and guess what! Most of the people in the Bible who offended others were called Prophets, Saints, Disciples and wait for it......JESUS!
Yes, saints and sinners, the person who offended more people in the Bible when not trying to be offensive just tell the truth in His way, was our Savior. Now because he was God in flesh, I am quite sure He was aware before He said anything that there were those who were going to be HIGLY offended, but he said it anyway. He offended the Pharisees and Sadducees so often and so much, they hired a traitor to trap him and then they managed to get Him crucified for it. So be offensive and you will be like Christ. I'm kidding!!! The difference between my offensiveness and HIS.....well a lot, but since I have now justified being offensive to everyone I will just stop here and be happy!
OK, I lied and now everyone's offended. My point is, when telling truth satirically or just simply, people will be offended. Actually more people will be offended by the truth usually than if you lied sweetly to them. So sad, but so true. Many people put more stock in their feelings than they do in being set free by the truth. I find it ironic that when Pastors tell the truth we amen them and when my friend tells me the same thing because she loves me, I get mad at her. Maybe if I gave her a mic, put her on a stage I would accept it better?
The truth is: people are funny (everyone of us!) and we all do stupid funny stuff. Including me! Do I intend for my blogging to be platform of "Setting People Free"? Well, probably not. There are just too many other funny things I think about every day. However, if you are on CNN news because you did something stupid, rest assured I will blog and be sure and poke fun at you! After all the if entire world is laughing at you, I want in on it too. Otherwise, I might be offended.....
Monday, January 10, 2011
College...On line...
Yes, Dear Readers, I am going back to school. Actually, I went back to school today. I wanted make sure I used the correct tense in the above sentence. You see apparently to become a wonderful Marriage/Family Counselor you have to have "real good" English. Actually you have to have excellent grasp of Standard English. Standard...as opposed to non-standard?
Non-standard sentences are as follows: Me and Jim r gonna go 2 the store. Helen and Jim was loving going to the store. How lte wl u b?
Yes, readers, there are some high school graduates out there that at some point have turned in papers that have included this type of Non-standard English. They must have, otherwise I would not have had a pre-course quiz on this today that ensures I know how to write a paper using Standard English.
I am now completely off-track. The point of this blog was not to go into the startling lack of proper English current High School graduates are using (proof positive in their campus postings) but to talk about online college education itself.
I just cannot return to my initial posting idea. I was so tickled and irritated that I was taking this hour long test on grammar and punctuation and sentence structure. I mean really, who cares if your subject is active voiced if your patient/client is in the middle of a crisis? Are you going to say, "Excuse me a moment, after you said your Father died of cancer, my notes got a bit confusing. Was that my Father, Ed, died of cancer and that made me feel sad, or was it, Ed, my Father, died of cancer"? Really? Perhaps it is imperative when treating a patient to make sure you say, "Now Susan when you were feeling angry and picked up the knife, what were your intentions?" rather than, "When you felt angry, what were your intentions Susan when you picked up the knife?" I understand the first sentence makes more sense and is proper sentence structure, but does Susan know that? If she did not get her masters in English, then it is doubtful that Susan knows that my English, while standard, is not always structured properly.
I realize that many of my class mates really need this test to determine they have no clue as to what the proper spelling is for determined or questionnaire or that it is improper to say Henry and we are going camping and when referring to others underwear you say their not there underwear. I know that many of my classmates needed this test because we had to read and comment on each others bio posts. So I am sure that Maude from Nowhere, Texas who has three boys with her finance' of four years and works at the dinner and said, and I quote, " im so hapy to be going to scool again. After i quit scool the first time i didnt think i woud go back but here i am! " (the names and locations of individuals have been changed to protect ME!) Maude is going to benefit greatly from the aforementioned Grammar test.
I also had to take a test to ensure that I was capable of doing online study. This test questioned me to determine my learning style, that will be helpful, my grasp of technology, understand that, and then questioned me to make sure I had clear goals and support. I believe my classmate who is currently a stocking clerk in a grocery store will benefit from the clarity of goals and the reality check. He says he wants to be a doctor and is getting his degree in Health Care Management, he also loves to cook and wants to own his own restaurant,in the mean time he is getting a second job at the auto parts store. I think this man would benefit greatly from some one on one with a Guidance Counselor.
OK, having looked at my blog, I've decided I fail at the empathy and caring part of the test! You got to admit though it was definitely humorous! I think I'll read some of those bio post out loud to my hubby for a good laugh, since the T.V.'s off for the Daniel Fast. Maybe I'm missing the point of the Daniel Fast. Perhaps if I had read The Word for four hours today instead of taking Standard English tests I could have been inspiring to you all. As it is, I'm just wasting space laughing at some poor under-educated folks. Woe is me, I am a woman of unclean lips. "Hide the word in your heart folks and it will never leave you without quotations at a moments notice!"
Tomorrow's Daniel Fast Goal:Stay off the computer unless I have words that are: pure, honest, of good report, have virtue and are full of praise.
Non-standard sentences are as follows: Me and Jim r gonna go 2 the store. Helen and Jim was loving going to the store. How lte wl u b?
Yes, readers, there are some high school graduates out there that at some point have turned in papers that have included this type of Non-standard English. They must have, otherwise I would not have had a pre-course quiz on this today that ensures I know how to write a paper using Standard English.
I am now completely off-track. The point of this blog was not to go into the startling lack of proper English current High School graduates are using (proof positive in their campus postings) but to talk about online college education itself.
I just cannot return to my initial posting idea. I was so tickled and irritated that I was taking this hour long test on grammar and punctuation and sentence structure. I mean really, who cares if your subject is active voiced if your patient/client is in the middle of a crisis? Are you going to say, "Excuse me a moment, after you said your Father died of cancer, my notes got a bit confusing. Was that my Father, Ed, died of cancer and that made me feel sad, or was it, Ed, my Father, died of cancer"? Really? Perhaps it is imperative when treating a patient to make sure you say, "Now Susan when you were feeling angry and picked up the knife, what were your intentions?" rather than, "When you felt angry, what were your intentions Susan when you picked up the knife?" I understand the first sentence makes more sense and is proper sentence structure, but does Susan know that? If she did not get her masters in English, then it is doubtful that Susan knows that my English, while standard, is not always structured properly.
I realize that many of my class mates really need this test to determine they have no clue as to what the proper spelling is for determined or questionnaire or that it is improper to say Henry and we are going camping and when referring to others underwear you say their not there underwear. I know that many of my classmates needed this test because we had to read and comment on each others bio posts. So I am sure that Maude from Nowhere, Texas who has three boys with her finance' of four years and works at the dinner and said, and I quote, " im so hapy to be going to scool again. After i quit scool the first time i didnt think i woud go back but here i am! " (the names and locations of individuals have been changed to protect ME!) Maude is going to benefit greatly from the aforementioned Grammar test.
I also had to take a test to ensure that I was capable of doing online study. This test questioned me to determine my learning style, that will be helpful, my grasp of technology, understand that, and then questioned me to make sure I had clear goals and support. I believe my classmate who is currently a stocking clerk in a grocery store will benefit from the clarity of goals and the reality check. He says he wants to be a doctor and is getting his degree in Health Care Management, he also loves to cook and wants to own his own restaurant,in the mean time he is getting a second job at the auto parts store. I think this man would benefit greatly from some one on one with a Guidance Counselor.
OK, having looked at my blog, I've decided I fail at the empathy and caring part of the test! You got to admit though it was definitely humorous! I think I'll read some of those bio post out loud to my hubby for a good laugh, since the T.V.'s off for the Daniel Fast. Maybe I'm missing the point of the Daniel Fast. Perhaps if I had read The Word for four hours today instead of taking Standard English tests I could have been inspiring to you all. As it is, I'm just wasting space laughing at some poor under-educated folks. Woe is me, I am a woman of unclean lips. "Hide the word in your heart folks and it will never leave you without quotations at a moments notice!"
Tomorrow's Daniel Fast Goal:Stay off the computer unless I have words that are: pure, honest, of good report, have virtue and are full of praise.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Daniel Fast and all its complications and a few recipes
Some of you saw this Blog title and thought Daniel is Fast, who is Daniel? It's ok, your not alone, there are a number of people out there who have no idea what a Daniel Fast is.
No problem, I 'll paste a link here for you to peruse at your convenience. I have no intention of explaining what a Daniel Fast is in this post. Daniel Fast Blogger
This post is for those who have a general idea what a fast is and then add lots of beans and greens to that fast. Getting the idea?
Complication #1 I think one of the reasons Daniel was so healthy after his fast is because he got so much exercise....running to the bathroom. Enough said.
Complication #2 The above would have been more appropriate for this number....anyway... the smells emanating from your body...garlic any one? Not really appropriate for public consumption. After showering, putting on smelly lotion, I could still smell dinner on me...pouring from me..wafting around me...not awesome. Apparently part of the fast is fasting from folks not fasting.... did that make sense?
Complication #3 3 days of crankiness! No caffeine, chocolate, sugar, etc... makes Momma mean! Tired, moody, etc... not pretty. All the ugliness comes out for sure. No wonder Daniel prayed three times a day!
I could continue, but since it's really just a diatribe of complaints, it becomes rather unhealthy and very non-fasting thought filled hooraw. (did you know there is no word in spell check for hooraw?)
For those of you looking for something to eat this month, here are some recipes!
Asian flavored soup (made it up and the name)
Ingredients:
EVOO
2 qts broth (chicken or vegetable)
3 tbsp minced ginger (fresh preferably)
2 cloves minced garlic
3 diced green onions
1 thinly sliced leek
2 ribs of celery diced
2 carrots sliced on the round
medium bunch of fresh green beans chopped
several mushrooms diced
generous handful of spinach (fresh)
bunch of cilantro
Lemon or Lime slices (juice works too)
sea salt
black pepper
In soup pot saute ginger, garlic and onions in EVOO
when above turns golden brown add a few splashes of broth and mushrooms, carrots, celery and beans, let sweat
When they turn soft add remainder of broth and sea salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 10 min.
When ready to serve throw in spinach and let wilt.
serve and top with cilantro and lemon or lime juice. (You will get some def, flavors of Pho!)
Black Bean Tacos
Whole wheat Tortillas
2 cans Black Beans
1 Can southwest corn medley
Bunch of Cilantro
Favorite Salsa
Shredded lettuce
I dont think any of y'all really need instructions to make .....right?
Super Yummy Tofu Flat bread sandwich
EVOO
Extra Firm Tofu - If you don't like tofu add extra mushrooms
Curry or Cumin
Fresh Spinach
Red onion
Mushrooms
Hummus
Cube tofu and sautee in EVOO and a few dashes of preferred spice (cumin or curry) until Golden Brown.
Set aside on paper towel to drain.
Throw in thinly sliced red onion, sliced mushrooms and saute until golden. Set aside with tofu. Throw in small handful of spinach and wilt, set aside with above. quickly grill flat bread, spread hummus on and top with all of the fillings. Super yummy!
Enjoy your fast y'all....FYI its easier if your actually praying too.
No problem, I 'll paste a link here for you to peruse at your convenience. I have no intention of explaining what a Daniel Fast is in this post. Daniel Fast Blogger
This post is for those who have a general idea what a fast is and then add lots of beans and greens to that fast. Getting the idea?
Complication #1 I think one of the reasons Daniel was so healthy after his fast is because he got so much exercise....running to the bathroom. Enough said.
Complication #2 The above would have been more appropriate for this number....anyway... the smells emanating from your body...garlic any one? Not really appropriate for public consumption. After showering, putting on smelly lotion, I could still smell dinner on me...pouring from me..wafting around me...not awesome. Apparently part of the fast is fasting from folks not fasting.... did that make sense?
Complication #3 3 days of crankiness! No caffeine, chocolate, sugar, etc... makes Momma mean! Tired, moody, etc... not pretty. All the ugliness comes out for sure. No wonder Daniel prayed three times a day!
I could continue, but since it's really just a diatribe of complaints, it becomes rather unhealthy and very non-fasting thought filled hooraw. (did you know there is no word in spell check for hooraw?)
For those of you looking for something to eat this month, here are some recipes!
Asian flavored soup (made it up and the name)
Ingredients:
EVOO
2 qts broth (chicken or vegetable)
3 tbsp minced ginger (fresh preferably)
2 cloves minced garlic
3 diced green onions
1 thinly sliced leek
2 ribs of celery diced
2 carrots sliced on the round
medium bunch of fresh green beans chopped
several mushrooms diced
generous handful of spinach (fresh)
bunch of cilantro
Lemon or Lime slices (juice works too)
sea salt
black pepper
In soup pot saute ginger, garlic and onions in EVOO
when above turns golden brown add a few splashes of broth and mushrooms, carrots, celery and beans, let sweat
When they turn soft add remainder of broth and sea salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 10 min.
When ready to serve throw in spinach and let wilt.
serve and top with cilantro and lemon or lime juice. (You will get some def, flavors of Pho!)
Black Bean Tacos
Whole wheat Tortillas
2 cans Black Beans
1 Can southwest corn medley
Bunch of Cilantro
Favorite Salsa
Shredded lettuce
I dont think any of y'all really need instructions to make .....right?
Super Yummy Tofu Flat bread sandwich
EVOO
Extra Firm Tofu - If you don't like tofu add extra mushrooms
Curry or Cumin
Fresh Spinach
Red onion
Mushrooms
Hummus
Cube tofu and sautee in EVOO and a few dashes of preferred spice (cumin or curry) until Golden Brown.
Set aside on paper towel to drain.
Throw in thinly sliced red onion, sliced mushrooms and saute until golden. Set aside with tofu. Throw in small handful of spinach and wilt, set aside with above. quickly grill flat bread, spread hummus on and top with all of the fillings. Super yummy!
Enjoy your fast y'all....FYI its easier if your actually praying too.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
30's is it really the new 20?
These quotes just keep confusing me. 50 is the new 40, 40 is the new 30, and so on...If this is true; and it must be,"they" said it, after all; then I am not 30 something, I am 20 something. I have a real problem with this!
I don't want to be 20 something again! I don't even want that body back, much less the insecurities and debt and lack of knowledge that was my early twenties. I like me at 30+ significantly more. I am more settled, calm, witty and dad gummit I look better! I realize that those who are aging against all odds, are loving the "new age" (the new age, I crack myself up) but for those of us who really do believe the older we are the wiser we are, we embrace our older, wiser selves.
Perhaps these folks, "they" really were only speaking of physical age. Everyone is physically fitter and healthier than say their grandparents were at age 60. Ok, I can go for that. But would someone please tell my Dad that 70 is the new 60 so he will stop grousing about "old age"?
Back to my previous point of which I have now lost my train of thought on..... So my 30's are looking good. My kids no longer rely on me for every breath, nor does my husband, well I am still working on that. There are no varicose veins, that I can see. The upper region is still in a holding pattern. Only a few gray strands and I just figured out I will only be 37 when I get my Masters. So I will have a valid career and two degrees before I hit 40. Which in the "new age" means before I'm the new 30! So if 60 is the new 50 do I have to be 70 to retire or just look like the old 62 1/2?
I think most of your are getting the picture that my post are as random as my thoughts!
I don't want to be 20 something again! I don't even want that body back, much less the insecurities and debt and lack of knowledge that was my early twenties. I like me at 30+ significantly more. I am more settled, calm, witty and dad gummit I look better! I realize that those who are aging against all odds, are loving the "new age" (the new age, I crack myself up) but for those of us who really do believe the older we are the wiser we are, we embrace our older, wiser selves.
Perhaps these folks, "they" really were only speaking of physical age. Everyone is physically fitter and healthier than say their grandparents were at age 60. Ok, I can go for that. But would someone please tell my Dad that 70 is the new 60 so he will stop grousing about "old age"?
Back to my previous point of which I have now lost my train of thought on..... So my 30's are looking good. My kids no longer rely on me for every breath, nor does my husband, well I am still working on that. There are no varicose veins, that I can see. The upper region is still in a holding pattern. Only a few gray strands and I just figured out I will only be 37 when I get my Masters. So I will have a valid career and two degrees before I hit 40. Which in the "new age" means before I'm the new 30! So if 60 is the new 50 do I have to be 70 to retire or just look like the old 62 1/2?
I think most of your are getting the picture that my post are as random as my thoughts!
Why Blog?
Having considered this question for a while I feel I have some answers, well perhaps not answers but definitely thoughts. They may not be sound thoughts or even valid thoughts, but they fall under the category of real thoughts.
Blogging can be a catharsis, you know, a step in the healing process. Since I haven't been sick, not really angry with anyone and haven't had my feelings hurt in quite some time, I do not fall in this category. It would actually be somewhat of a relief to have fallen in this category, at least hen I would be sure and have something worthwhile to say!
Blogging can be a money maker. Really, I have heard of quite a number of people getting free items, they have so many followers, companies pay to advertise on their blogs. I cant imagine that happening, but I wouldn't turn down money to ramble and mutter away online!
Blogging can be a creative outlet. Well, maybe. It is possible I could fall into this category, but it really sounds as if some serious thought would have to be put into it and possibly, GASP, work. Hmmm. I will have to take this under consideration.
And finally (although this is not a complete listing of options) Blogging can be fun! A place to write out your thoughts, annoyances, inspirations, experiences, etc.. You know the total sum of who you are online for any and all to peruse. Well that should get me to clean up my thoughts and find some serious goals pretty quickly! I think I must fall into this category.
So here is to a New Year and a new me, wait wrong slogan. Here is to a New Year and a new distraction? Yeah, pretty much.
Blogging can be a catharsis, you know, a step in the healing process. Since I haven't been sick, not really angry with anyone and haven't had my feelings hurt in quite some time, I do not fall in this category. It would actually be somewhat of a relief to have fallen in this category, at least hen I would be sure and have something worthwhile to say!
Blogging can be a money maker. Really, I have heard of quite a number of people getting free items, they have so many followers, companies pay to advertise on their blogs. I cant imagine that happening, but I wouldn't turn down money to ramble and mutter away online!
Blogging can be a creative outlet. Well, maybe. It is possible I could fall into this category, but it really sounds as if some serious thought would have to be put into it and possibly, GASP, work. Hmmm. I will have to take this under consideration.
And finally (although this is not a complete listing of options) Blogging can be fun! A place to write out your thoughts, annoyances, inspirations, experiences, etc.. You know the total sum of who you are online for any and all to peruse. Well that should get me to clean up my thoughts and find some serious goals pretty quickly! I think I must fall into this category.
So here is to a New Year and a new me, wait wrong slogan. Here is to a New Year and a new distraction? Yeah, pretty much.
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