Sunday, May 27, 2007

Follow the Rules People!!!

May 27, 2007
I'm a rules girl. Always have been-that's why I was such a "good" Baptist...I followed the rules.(You know, the listed and sometimes unlisted do's and don'ts).
Well, we're at the beach having a great time when we find out there's going to be Reggae Night by the pool with a limbo contest. Abby's all about the limbo ever since she won 1st place in Girl Scouts. We get ready, head to the pool, and find a chair. And the waiting begins...6:30 no limbo,
...7:00 no limbo, (still sitting by the pool-hungry mind you), 7:30 no limbo, 8:00 no limbo, 8:15 the band takes a break and we hear: "Limbo contest" (Praise the Lord-finally what we came for). When I saw the 2 beach employees holding a broken broom stick I knew it wasn't going to be a good night. (I knew that Abby was going to follow the rules that Mrs. Kent and Mrs. Kim established at Girl Scouts...and that most of the other children probably were not). It started out ok because the stick was really high. (Keep in mind there are 1,000 kids in line(not really, but it sure seemed like it) all breaking in line, ducking under the stick, totally NOT doing the limbo!) Well, about the 4th time around, the stick (in Abby's words) was not level and she bumped her bow (I always make her wear a bow when we "go out".) The beach employee said "Ah, your out". I wish you could have seen the look on Abby's face...total devastation and anger to boot. I made my way through the crowd to find her and that's when the tears started. "They didn't follow the rules", Abby said. I then begin to comfort her and explain that it was just for fun, there were no rules, it didn't really matter...yada yada yada! Then her daddy, Aunt Angie, Uncle Tim, Aubri all began to try to make her feel better, make her laugh, etc. We talked about being a gracious winner and a gracious loser, you can't win all the time, you must have a good attitude...(all true, but I must honestly say I felt the same way Abby did!) What is it that makes us want everyone to play fair? I gotta tell you at this point we wanted to go back and tell the guy he cheated and spoiled our fun!!! Instead we headed back to the room and ordered a pizza! Turned out to be a good night anyway. But for all you readers, here's a little advice from Wendy's World: "FOLLOW THE RULES PEOPLE!!!"

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Skinny chic's gotta move!

May 24, 2007
OK, so on April 30 I had to start a diet. I could not deny my fat rolls any longer. I seriously lowered my calories and totally cut out sweets. (Now, this is huge...I eat 3 or 4 desserts a day!)
I started exercising and was really determined to lose weight. I was doing really well until one Sunday afternoon when the "skinny chic" ran by my window. (New neighbor, sweet as pie, but seriously fit). I was having a pity me party because I couldnt' (or wouldn't) eat my chocolate chip cookies (and cookie dough). She runs by my window (pushing a stroller) not once, not twice, but at least 3 times! I looked at Scott and said "Oh, now she's just mocking me!" On the fourth trip by, her husband had joined her. That got Scott interested..."Oh now her husband's with her". So I made up my mind to perservere, endure, stick with it. So the next Sunday I'm out for my afternoon walk/run when who should pass me RUNNING up the hill???? Skinny chic!!! What is she doing running up the hill on Sunday? Seriously, I can not deal with the "competition". I began walking faster than I have ever walked! (She's gonna be the death of me!) I came home and told Scott that the skinny chic had to move. I couldn't keep up. He said skinny people need love too! Nope, I said, you can't be skinny and be loved...you can have one or the other! Then I remember..."Love your neighbor as yourself"...Lord, even the skinny ones???

PS...I have now lost 7 pounds..(.oh how I hope I don't find them anytime soon)...I really do love the "skinny chic"...she's my inspiration not to give up, but Lord I do hope there will be chocolate chip cookies in heaven!!!!

I've been tagged!

May 24, 2007
Are you kidding me??? Thanks Penny!

1. I don't know how to cut and paste the rules so I'm not listing them!
2. I don't like chain letters....(isn't being tagged like an e-mail chain letter???ha)
3. I listed all my crazy facts under "Rules for Wendy's World"
4. I'm a tv junkie!
5. I crack my knuckles too Penny!
6.I love to read celebrity magazines (I know it's terrible and a waste of money, but I wouldn't be so tempted if I didn't have to wait in the Wal-mart line for what seems like hours!)
7.I don't drink soft drinks...hate them!
8.When I was in fifth grade, I played the part of Ngana in South Pacific. (Ngana was a Polynesian child ...dark skin, dark hair...I was fair skinned with blonde hair...my mother died my hair black for the play...it turned green for several days..NOT FUN!)

There is noboby left to tag!!!!

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Wendy and the Japanese Restaurant!

May 15, 2007
Let me begin this story by saying God Bless America!!!! (Now for all you people who like what I call "weird food", you just keep your comments and judgments to yourself!) You've seen those bumper stickers that say "Buy American". Well, that's my philosophy when it comes to food. Paula Dean, butter, cornbread, homemade biscuits, hotdogs, apple pie, chocolate cake, milkshakes, you get the picture. This is what I eat. This is what I've always eaten. So it comes as no surprise that I needed to lose a few pounds. I started my "diet" a couple of weeks ago. I was on day 10 when I got the invite for a girls night out. Patton Creek (I was told) is where we are headed. Now, I'm visualizing Flat Rock Grill, Johnny Carrina's, etc....in my mind I'm going to have a little cheat night! Can't wait! Saving my calories (literally...I ate 200 calories before dinner that day AND exercised for 50 minutes on the treadmill...I was ready for some serious food!) Then I get the news that we are going to "Sumo". (What?) Oh, it's a Japanese Restaurant, you'll love it. (How can anywhere that is named after a fat, naked sumo wrestler be any good?)
(Ok, right then and there can you imagine what I'm thinking? I don't think they are going to serve french fries!) No problem. I'm branching out. I've experienced all kinds of "new" things in the past few years. Time to try Japanese. It'll be good for my diet. Grilled vegetables, chicken, salad. Plus the fellowship will be great!
We arrive and are seated. This will be fun (although I'm still a little skeptical). Of course everyone around me lets the chef know it's my first time at a Japanese Restaurant so he's going to be generous with the food and give me extra. THANKS! Do you think he was happy when I ordered my chicken "plain"? I believe his comment was "there's a Chic-Fil-A around the corner." (Now we're talking my kind of food!) Anyway, I was very impressed with the cooking antics. Very fun to watch. (But I have to tell you when he cracked that egg and began to fry it for the "rice", all I could think of was biscuits, jelly, and bacon!) So, I try the "soup" (you know, watered down chicken broth???) I was asked how I liked it. "It's ok" I responded. (Let me explain "ok". ..that means it's not that great, wouldn't eat it again, wouldn't choose it if I didn't have to, and definitely wouldn't pay for it!!!) That became the theme of the night. Everytime I was served a dish, I tried it and responded..."It's ok". (Keep in mind that I have basically starved myself to prepare for this night out!) So, the meal is over and I have drunk about 27 glasses of water (maybe not 27, but alot!) to fill my hungry stomach. I really have to go to the bathroom. Wouldn't it be my luck that a very unpleasant odor was coming from the restroom.
I mean...BAD! I absolutely couldn't hold it . I'm in the restroom alone when my friends come in.
I think they managed to hold their nose and say oh my gosh before they ran out! Now I have to go out and explain that the odor was there BEFORE I went in and that I wasn't the cause of it!!!
(The night just got better and better). After several laughs we all departed, but not before it was decided that I could pick the next restaurant. (Thank you Lord). I'll tell you right now- it's going to be somewhere like Johnny Rockets where the supply of salt, ketchup, and fat runs plentiful!
(I did hear mention that some of the gang wanted to try a Thai restaurant sometime. I'm pretty sure I'll be "busy" that night!) The best part of the story...the next morning I woke up 2 pounds lighter! Not such a bad night after all!!!!

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Interview with a Blogger

May 10, 2007
I was interviewed by Andrea (The Bullock Blog). Here are the questions and my responses:

1. Who do you admire most in the world (non-family member) and why?

Historically speaking, I admire Helen Keller. The obstacles she overcame and the spirit with which she overcame them is amazing. You can learn so much from reading her story. On a local level...I so admire Nancy Kitts! I've only known her for a short time, but I've never met anyone
like her. She is gentle, kind, self-less, dedicated servant of God. Knowing the trials she too has had to overcome is inspiring. She has taught me much about faith and trusting God. She is a great friend and mentor.

2. What would you do with the money if you won $20,000 in a lottery?
Well, first I would have to explain to my daddy why I bought a lottery ticket (ha ha). He is very anti gambling including raffle tickets!!!! Anyway, part of me would love to do something totally frivilous like travel or buy a little sports convertible. But the practical side of me would use the money to have our basement finished. (My hubby would be sooo proud!)

3. What is your dream job? Explain
Honestly, I have a dream job! I "work" (minister) with the best group of people ever. I absolutely love teaching (and was called to teach at a young age). I can't imagine working anywhere else...but if I did...I could picture myself booking tours at a beautiful hotel in Hawaii!

4. If you could have dinner with someone from history, who would it be and why?
This is hard! Obviously who wouldn't love to dine with Jesus? Can you imagine the conversation? Maybe on a historical note, Corrie Tin Boom. For my brother-in-law's sake, I would say Elvis (then I would invite him because he is a huge Elvis freak!) I'm sure as soon as I post this I will think of a really good answer!

5. Tell about how and when you became a Christian.
I grew up in a Christian home with wonderful parents. I had a VERY sheltered life. My mom and I were visiting my aunt's church one Wednesday night when an "invitation" was given. I have never felt such a tugging on my heart. (not emotional mind you...but very real!) I knelt and prayed to receive Christ. I will never forget feeling as though someone was hugging me (only no one was touching me.) I truly believe that was God "scooping" me up in His wonderful arms and welcoming me into His family. (When Abby prayed to receive Christ, she said she felt like God was hugging her!I was amazed because I knew exactly what she meant! God is so sweet like that.) God has been working on me ever since that night (and will continue to). He has shown me such love and grace especially in the past 4 years. Everyday I am learning how much He really loves me, and I am so thankful!

Friday, May 4, 2007

Reformed Grits Wins!

May 4, 2007
Ok, the war of the words is over...I surrender!

*My writings I gladly would share
a bad poem was extremely rare
but along came Mrs. Grits-
her limericks were a hit
With her I just can't compare!!!!

NO comments Kim!!! (Just kidding...)

Thursday, May 3, 2007

The Broccoli Story

May 2, 2007
"So is this a new frozen casserole?" Scott asked as he sat down (at the table mind you...you know we are "snackers" and usually eat in front of the TV...quit judging me!!!) With my mouth wide open and a totally insulted expression, I began to share how I had cooked that casserole. I saw the recipe on the side of a Campbell's soup can. It sounded good so I added the ingredients to my grocery list. (Keep in mind that I have never, I repeat NEVER bought or cooked broccoli). Imagine my delight when the broccoli was only $.59!!! (Now if that is too much for broccoli, don't bust (burst for all you grammar fanatics) my bubble). $59...I'll buy it whether I like it or not because I'm cheap! With the broccoli in the refrigerator, I began the next step...How do you cook broccoli? I'm pretty sure you just boil it, but I have no idea how long. I call my mother . She's not at home. I'll call Alison...she cooks! No answer. Erica! Ring Ring... I began to explain how I am trying to exercise and eat healthy (summer is 3 weeks away and you do NOT want to see me in a bathing suit yet). She's all excited..."Good for you" she says. So I bought this broccoli...what do I do with it? "Are you serious?" Yes, I say...help me!!! So after some simple instructions, I boil the broccoli, cook the chicken, and get the other ingredients ready. I ask Abby if she wants to help me cook. She was sooo excited! So we make this casserole (proud as peacocks) and wait for Daddy to get home. We are literally beaming from ear to ear that we have made something from scratch. We waited while he took the first bite. "Do you like it?"
I asked. "It's really good" he said. " So is this a new frozen casserole?"

Anybody know a good frozen broccoli casserole? Why should I go to that much trouble if he can't even tell the difference!!! The only reason I would make another is because I'm sure a bought casserole would be more expensive...and you know I'm cheap!!!