Oak Ridge: This Beautiful Place We Call Home
“Trina, come here,” Bret called. I knew instantly from the tone of his voice that we had visitors. I stepped over to the window and sure enough, two fawn were in our backyard. What was different, though, was that they weren’t just passing through or having a bite to eat; no, they were laying down … Read more
Leadership
Over the ages, there have been thousands, perhaps millions, of books written on the topic of leadership. I’ve read a few of them and I’ve listened to my share of speeches on the subject. I wonder, though, is it really that complicated? Are the basic principles of leadership so complex that they require such study … Read more
Rattled
Today, just as I’ve done quite frequently for the last couple of years, I went out for a run. This, though, was to be my longest run of the year in preparation for the half marathon next weekend. Like last year, with the intent of running 10 miles back home, I had my son drop … Read more
Food Filing System
For years, I have prepared and frozen onions, bell peppers & cooked ground beef for quick access when making various recipes. More recently, I’ve added cheeses, beaten eggs, sautéed mushrooms, chopped celery, garlic & carrots and a host of pureed produce to the mix. I got the idea to freeze pureed foods from Jessica Seinfeld’s … Read more
Not So Deep Stuff (Carbs)
I can’t believe I’m about to blog my diet story, but since I’m going at it again for a second time and have had a number of people ask me for details, I might as well. Long story short, two years after having Inch, I was still carrying an extra 20lbs. DH and I took … Read more
Crash Course on Washers
Had to replace our washer today. I wasn’t too happy about it since our dead Kenmore was only 7 years old. That, and I simply don’t enjoy the prudence of researching and haggling as much as I once did. Consumer Reports isn’t so helpful now that models change out more frequently than they make their … Read more
In "Loo" of an Accident
Here’s a tidbit that mothers of small children may find especially helpful. The building inspection codes of most cities and states (TN for sure) require that all business facilities have an operable, handicap-accessible bathroom. Further, if they serve the public, they are not allowed to deny access to anyone requesting to use their facilities. There … Read more
Good Advice
From an email I received entitled “A Great Recipe for a peace-filled life in 2009.” I’m particularly fond of #6. Since he was very young, I’ve tried to encourage TR to do this very thing when I drop him off for school. 1. Take a 10 to 30 minute walk every day. And while you … Read more
Ways To Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity
O.K. I don’t care how many times I’ve seen this one, I crack up every time I read it! 1. At lunch time, sit In your parked car with sunglasses on and point a hair dryer at passing cars. See if they slow down. 2. Page yourself over the intercom. Don’t disguise your voice! 3. … Read more
Fall 2008
My pics don’t do them justice, but I’d swear the fall colors this year are the most vibrant I’ve ever seen! http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf
Clearing Out Clutter
I’ve had this hanging on my desk forever. Time to file it away (electronically). Enjoy! Hugh Gallagher’s ‘College Essay’It seems that Hugh Gallagher wrote this for a national writing contest, and that an Urban Legend has since arisen that he wrote it as an actual application essay. 18 June 1998, update. Hugh Gallagher emailed me(!), … Read more
I Did Not Know That
…a smoked ham is not necessarily cooked. And, as I found out after peeling back the price tag, some hams are actually labeled “Ready to Cook” instead of “Ready to Eat.” These are good things to know before one cuts into a ham and mixes it into a nearly-complete pasta dish.
Ladies Night Out
Last week, I happened to catch in the Observer that Shelby Lynne was coming to town. She’s one of my all-time favorite female vocalists and I jumped at the chance to go see her. Though once considered more of a country artist, she’s never really fit that mold. More than country, more than soul, she … Read more
Tanning Beds Really Do Fry Brain Cells
I’m not a terribly vain person, but I do enjoy having a nice tan some summers. And since I hate to lay out, tanning salons can provide a more palatable alternative. Now, the few times I’ve done this over the years, I have to say that every experience has proven to be just about the … Read more
My Personal Home Selling Tip
With each new season, I appreciate our home’s landscape (and that of our entire town for that matter) more and more. I definitely don’t have a green thumb, but we have been blessed by the efforts of our home’s previous owners. So, here’s my tip: Long before you think of selling your home, be sure … Read more
A Good Sign
I’ve made a decision. I’m now making a concerted effort to avoid patronizing certain businesses in town (they are national chains, not locally owned, BTW). It won’t be easy, but based on a number of principals as well as my growing frustration each time I give them my money, I have to do it. My … Read more
Rotterdam
I’ve had this song stuck in my head off and on for a good 10 years (well, by the date on the video, it’s probably been since it came out which would make that 12 years). It’s just such a fun song and the video is just silly – I can’t stay in a bad … Read more
An Unfortunate Event
I’ve been working our children’s security program at my church for about 4 years now. And most days it’s a pretty easy, fun job. Every now and then I’ll get someone who expresses some resistance or questions what I’m doing. I don’t usually let it bother me because I know that not everyone appreciates the … Read more
Just One More Reason to Love Google
I don’t believe I’ve ever loved another company or their products quite as much as I do Google. Their story is incredible. Their products revolutionary. And with a corporate philosophy like “Don’t be evil,” how could anyone not admire them? I first found Google shortly after its birth when a college professor suggested using it … Read more
iFunny
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2i32NkW0s94&feature=related Inchworm loves the 1-2-3-4 song. Found this while looking for it. So glad I’ve never caved; my 6 GB Mini still works just fine for what I need.
THANKS!
That’s for you – whoever you are. Even though it’s a lot about sharing, writing is somewhat of a selfish endeavor. Most of the time I feel good when I share, but sometimes I feel a little too exposed. And in these last few months, I’ve often felt nearly naked. That, though, can be therapeutic. … Read more
On a More Positive Note
“It’s a wonder I haven’t abandoned all my ideals, they seem so absurd and impractical. Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart. “ – Anne Frank It’s easy to criticize. It’s easy to get caught up in the negatives and overlook the … Read more
First Blog Post Ever
My developing this site will probably seem like a bit of a contradiction to those who’ve heard my opinions on the matter. I’ll explain later. Some of my goals in doing this include: Creating a personal discussion board of sorts for subjects near and dear to me. Potential topics of interest may include politics (local … Read more
"All you can do is to be at every single moment as true as you can with all the power in your being - and then leave it to God to use you, even despite yourself." - Anthony Bloom
