Three Weeks and Half a Ton Down

Well, we've finished three weeks of Are You a Bigger Loser Than Marko. Can you believe that the group of 176 (I think that's right) has lost over 1100 pounds? I think that's great. If nothing else we have been motivated to make lifestyle changes that hopefully will stick through the rest of our lives.

So far I have lost 9.3 pounds...I have met my first goal and am on my way to my next goal...provided I don't plateau this next week. I went to aerobics again today...feeling a little rough I think my body's trying to get a cold...so not sure what this week will look like. But I am hoping to keep on keeping on.

Wii Fit

On the Are You a Bigger Loser Than Marko site, Marko posted a comment that there is a new Wii game coming out May 19th. It's called Wii Fit and looks really cool! You can do yoga, practice your balance, do aerobics, play a thing that looks kinda like DDR and other activities to help keep you fit. It'll even track your progress.

I'm wanting it now...what a great addition or alternative to going to the Y!!

If you want to see a video of what all it does, go here.

HT Marko.

Very Rare

There have been a few very brilliant people that I have known throughout my life. In high school there was Kristen and Eric...a brother and sister...he was older she was my age...who were the smartest people I know. Both are doctors now. In college was Lara...I remember that when she took the actuarial exam she scored higher than our calculus professor (a thing our Dr. D really never got over).

When I taught I had a few really smart kids in my classes. There was one kid that was taking Algebra II when he was in 8th grade.

I was blessed with three girls in the youth group I counseled...all three are smart as tacks...one's an economist who did her graduate work at Berkley...the middle is a pediatrician and the youngest is a lawyer. WOW!!

Today's newspaper had the story of a member of our current youth group who scored the only perfect score on his ACT during the fall quarter of his junior year. He's one of the smartest, down to earth kids I've ever known.

Yeah, people like this are rare. It's even rarer to find someone so smart who can actually relate to those around them. He does all of that and is president of our youth group. Way to go!!!!

Week Two - Getting Smaller

I weighed myself today and was pleasantly surprised...I had lost weight. I was so excited. I'm down 4% of my weigh right now. Not too shabby considering I hadn't really worked out this week. I didn't get into the top 10 but wound up submitting my weight a little late...so I don't know if I was left out or not. I was upset a tad because I'm working out and really trying...I mean, come on. But at least it's weight and I'm getting more in shape and healthier. If this keeps up, I could be down to my ideal weight by our youngest's second birthday. How cool is that?!

Maybe I should try the method suggested here.

End of Week Two - Big Numbers Just Aren't There

This is the end of our second week of Biggest Loser and my numbers look like my numbers are going to be small. I didn't get to work out at the gym like I like...only went 3 days instead of 5...but I did work out at home on the days I didn't go with the show Bodies in Motion...so that's something. Three days I was under my calorie count...the others I was over. I feel less out of breath but it's still frustrating to see low numbers.

Matthew McNutt, who was on the Biggest Loser when they did the states (he was the guy from Maine), is a support person, guru for our contest...he told us that the numbers the contestants pull on that show are a little misleading...that their weeks are sometimes 10 days instead of 7. That made me feel better. Plus they work out like 6 hours a day...that I can't do. I don't think I could do it even if I didn't work.

I know muscle weighs more than fat and you need that to burn the fat but it's frustrating to see the same number as last week. Sigh.

Weigh in is tomorrow...we'll see.

What Is Going On?

These past few weeks have been a weird and deadly. What could be so wrong in someone's life that they would think of going into a school and shooting people? Is it our culture? Is it that we are living in a more violent society that almost preaches get even first ask questions later? How do we raise our children to share the love and grace of God especially in times of frustration?

The sixth victim of the shootings at Northern Illinois has died. After the Virginia Tech shootings there was talk about making college campuses more secure...Do we add fences and guards to try to ensure that our college students are safe? What about metal detectors at the door of each building?

When I went to Ohio Northern, I loved the openness of the campus...I can't imagine what that beautiful campus would look like if it were "secured". It would be a sad distraction from the welcoming atmosphere of the community there.

There are no answers...there's no way to ensure that we could tell when someone is going to snap. I guess we just need to pay more attention to those we come in contact with. I just hate that the places that should support community and support have become places where people might be afraid and feel isolated.

Happy Valentines Day!!

Happy Valentines Day! Hope your day went well. Today I got a heart of sugar free candy
from my honey along with a stuffed gorilla. They both were WONDERFUL!!

After school when we got home, our oldest grabbed both gifts and said these are from me, J and daddy. He handed me the candy and gorilla. Our youngest grabbed the heart for our oldest and brought it over to me and handed it to me with a big smile. It was so cute!

Other than the fact that I was gone for dinner tonight and missed it with my guys, this Valentine's Day was pretty good indeed.

And, that sugar free chocolate is pretty good. I was amazed.

Snow Day!! Wierd Exercising Continues

Today we woke up to snow and ice...needless to say school was canceled. I don't like the windy usually extremely slick road to take our youngest to childcare, so I worked at home with both of them. Trying to continue losing weight in this Biggest Loser contest, I have been seeking to find alternatives to the Y when I can't make it there. Today we marched around the living room for about 10 minutes...something my youngest thought was great fun. Then later in the afternoon I did aerobics with Bodies in Motion on Fit TV.

According the my spark website, I burnt over 300 calories today. I just hope it's enough. These past two days have killed me as far as cardio exercises go. Tomorrow I'm hoping to go to water aerobics.

Saturday I have an all day meeting so I'm not sure when I'm going to exercise then. Although I did save the Bodies in Motion show on our DVR. We'll see.

Two Hour Delay Tomorrow

We found out earlier this evening there is a two hour delay tomorrow for our oldest. Yea! we get to sleep in. Wondering if there will be school as I sit in the recliner by the window hearing the ping of the sleet outside. Just hoping we keep power if we get the ice they're calling for. Off to bed in case there is school.

First Weigh In...Losing Weight...YEA!!

Today was our first weigh in...I went to the Y every day last week. I worked out in the exercise room twice and did water aerobics three days. There were times when I tried to find excuses not to go...but now that I've seen results, I'm excited and motivated. I've done the diet as recommended on sparkpeople.com and it's working. I had hoped for some weight but didn't expect as much as I got. And, I've lost some on my waist too! My first mini-goal is in sight...I'm excited!

Gentlemen, Start Your Engines

It seems like so long...but it's finally here...NASCAR has begun again. Last year we had a league of fantasy racing...it was kinda a weird way of figuring the points, etc. This year we're going with Yahoo. Next week begins the fantasy league, so if you're interested in joining us, let me know, there's still time.

I'll be looking for a friend from high school in the pits...he's a jack man...used to work for Scott Riggs.

Boogedy, Boogedy, Boogedy.

Here we go!

Week One and Not Too Bad

This is the first official week of Are You A Bigger Loser Than Marko? I have done cardio exercises five days this week...twice in the exercise room and three times at water aerobics. I have used the website sparkpeople.com to track calories burnt, calories taken in and other such things (a site which I highly recommend if you're looking to track that stuff).

I have started eating breakfast again...something that I haven't done since I was pregnant with our youngest. Not too bad...especially if it makes me healthier.

I've been drinking less sweet tea (that's been a little harder) and more water...and eating more healthy snacks.

Today I only did strengthening exercises and the hula exercise...I found out in aerobics this week that if you do the "hula" for a minute one way then for a minute the other way, it'll take an inch off of your waist in a few weeks.

When I weighed myself today, I saw results...we'll see how this continues.

Shrove Tuesday - A Lesson in Gluttony

Today is Shrove Tuesday, the day when a lot of people go hog wild with gluttony before they enter the time of Lent...the dreaded days of fasting of self denial.  As I was exercising this I was listening to what was on the television at the Y.  On the Morning Show (I think that was the name) the topic was prosperity pastors...those folks who preach that God wants each of us to be rich and that if you give more money to the church, you'll be blessed in many ways, including financially.

I found it interesting that on Shrove Tuesday they were paying attention to this topic.  What the pastors said was interesting.  One stated that he needed to have the private jet to get places because he had a family and had many places to be.  When asked what he thought Jesus would say about him flying in a private jet or first class because it was more comfortable for him, he said that he thought Jesus would have a jet too.  I was impressed by the host who must have some church background said he really doubted that as Jesus was very critical of the rich.

Another, who had received a Rolls Royce from a parishioner, said of course he was going to keep it...it would be rude to give back a gift.

One pastor pointed to what all his congregation does to feed and help the homeless to which the host asked, "Well, don't you think it'd be more help to sell your big items or save your money and then donate it to the poor?"

Again the pastors frowned upon the idea of giving up luxury, because they need to be comfortable and they have families, and instead focused on the fact that they had been blessed by God and God will do the same for those who ask and actively seek God.

I just thought it was interesting that on the day when we think of excess and gluttony that this topic would be covered.  Don't we all in some way overextend ourselves to make our lives more comfortable?  Don't we have those times when we splurge on things that are luxury items?   Maybe it's that I don't want to be like these guys...but I think that somehow what I do, what many of us do is different.  Do I think that God will bless us if we seek to do God's work in this world?  Yes, most definitely.  But I think the blessings are in those priceless things in life...not as more pennies in our bank account.

Another topic for the show was the idea of paying for miracles.  A family shared a story about their mother who gave most of her money to be healed from cancer.  They tried to get her to go to the doctor but she refused saying she'd be cheated out of her miracle.  That made me sad.  Throughout his ministry, Jesus reached out to heal people...but he didn't charge them anything to do this...he did get a little hacked when the nine lepers didn't thank him but he didn't hand them a bill for his services.

I don't know how the discussion ended...I had to get back to work.  I realize that there are so many pastors out there doing the right thing...reaching out in the love, grace and peace of God to a world that is hurting and in need.  But for many people these pastors seen on this show this morning are normal clergy...and that makes me sad.

And you probably thought this was going to be about dieting.

Biggest Loser, Day 1 - Temptations All Around

Today officially began the YS Biggest Loser competition. As I was getting up this morning I began to struggle with the idea of going to work out. So many excuses came to mind of why I shouldn't go, but I packed up my gym bag anyway so I'd be ready. Even when I got to work I was still making up in my mind reasons why I shouldn't go, but will power prevailed and I went to my water aerobics class.

When I got to work today one of our preschool teachers had a little container of these candy/cookie things she makes out of Oreos. They are so good. She had three of them...one for me, and two for two others. I did give in to that little taste of chocolate and mint (but it was after I had gone to the Y and worked out for an hour).

The third temptation came when I got home and it was that lull time between dinner and bed time. I was bored, so I tried to find something to eat. With all of the left over Super Bowl treats we had gotten that's not a good thing. A piece of cake that our oldest had picked out was taunting me...but when I looked at the label and saw the abundance of calories in just a little piece of it, I thought OK on to something else. I looked at the Poptarts...still too many calories. So I opted for raisins...a small box which I shared with our youngest.

This is going to be a LONG twelve weeks.

Biggest Loser, Marko Style

Tomorrow begins the contest by Youth Specialties, "Are You a Bigger Loser than Marko?" I have entered into this contest with the hope that I will lose weight and get in shape. Last week I tried to enter into the exercise stuff full force going to the Y three times. That's the most consistent I've been in a LONG time. We'll see how this week works out with Ash Wednesday and all.

Wish me luck!

Pinewood Derby

Today our oldest participated in the Pinewood Derby. He had a lot of fun and wound up coming in second in his age group. His good friend, S, came in first over all. Here are some pics from today.

Best Commercials

I was hoping to get to this before half time to post a few times with my favorite commercials. Here are my favorites so far (these will be ranked later).

--The Budweiser Rocky parody with the dog as the trainer.

-- The Thriller Sobe (?) parody

-- What is Love? Diet Pepsi

-- The First Baby/ETrade

-- The Second Baby ETrade with the clown

What are your favorites?

Today was a Hard Day...Tomorrow Will be Harder

Today was tough as we are preparing for a very difficult funeral. I helped fold the bulletins which have a very nice picture of our friend on the front...very hard. Tomorrow is the day I've been dreading since I got the call on Thursday. We will have to really say goodbye. That's tough. Tomorrow is to be a celebration...I'm happy that Jim is with Jesus. I know he's reunited with those he loves...I know that he is whole. But, I miss him.

I miss the jingle of his keys. I miss the way that he would jump when you'd walk in the room...even if he knew you were there. I miss his voice laughing...telling tales...just in conversation. I miss the way he was always around.

Tomorrow is going to be rough...I'm saying some remarks. I just sat today staring at the screen thinking what can I say? How can I say it? I have to write it down or I'll never get through.

I went to exercise thinking the workout would relax me...release some stress.

Tomorrow we will gather...to share together...to support one another...to cry on each other's shoulders. Tomorrow we will say goodbye to a friend and at the same time celebrate a life that has touched ours. Today was hard, but tomorrow will be harder.

A True Servant Has Gone Home

Today was a more difficult day than most others. A true friend, example, servant has gone on to be with God. My soul is conflicted as I mourn this great man who touched my life and the lives of others in so many different ways. I'm sad...mostly for those of us who are left behind...but I also rejoice because I know today he got to meet Jesus face to face.

He always gave of himself...thinking of everyone first before he ever thought of himself. His faith was strong, unwavering. He was always there to lend a hand whether it was helping out in the kitchen...preparing refreshments for groups gathering...doing the laundry that could have waited just a little longer.

He was known all around town. His heart was a heart of gold. His voice was so very kind and gentle and he would more than willingly share his voice singing his favorite songs.

He had the heart of a Saint and was Grandpa Jim to my boys. He was missed tonight for our Thursday night service and the coffee pot just didn't work quite right to make the drinks. Tears were shed freely as we sought to be about doing what needed to be done for dinner tonight...prayer was difficult, the words stuck in the throat as we were seeking to find the right words. He was definitely missed.

But at the same time there is joy...he is home. But now he is able to rest. Now he has been made whole. Jim has been welcomed home and I have little doubt that he is busy getting rooms and refreshments ready for those who will follow.

We will miss you, Jim. You touched more lives than you'll ever know. And all of us have been blessed to have known you.

Just Like the Wicked Witch

Water is going to ruin me. Yesterday was less than perfect as at about 3:30 we noticed something wrong with the water at the office...I was the first to find this out but I'll spare you the details of how I made this little discovery. Thinking it was a busted pipe somewhere in the church, we went off in search of the leak. I imagined water running down a hallway or wall. We searched but didn't find anything. One interesting discovery we made was that as we descended to check the water on each floor, the water pressure got more and more.

Finally I suggested that maybe there was a water main break somewhere. I was correct. A couple of blocks away there was a gusher. The whole town was without much water pressure...but then things began to change a little. We're now under a boil water advisory.

School was canceled today for both my boys so we stayed around...I worked on work stuff while our little one ran around wildly and our oldest played video games. Recently we have pulled out a rather old game that I got stuck on a year or so ago. We couldn't find the memory card so we worked up to the exact same place. And guess what? We're stuck again.

The ironic thing is that the game is Kingdom Hearts II...it's a Disney game...kinda fun you get to go to different Disney "worlds" like Ariel's world, Pooh, Haloweentown, etc. But the part where we're stuck is where this bad guy says, "Dance, water, dance." and proceeds to throw water at you among other things. We played this a while today and into the evening...and this guy is still beating us. It's frustrating to say the least.

Today there was yet another water main break...so the advisory continues through noon tomorrow...so tomorrow it looks like our oldest will try to defeat the water again since he's out of school. Ironic, huh? The water is winning.

Happy Birthday My Oldest

Wow...has the time flown. It seems like just yesterday we were in the hospital with our young one. We were so excited for him to come and join us...we couldn't wait.

I remember going to the doctor on our due date and we were admitted into the hospital because our vital signs were above normal...but once we were in the hospital, everything calmed down and we were sent home. Three days later we went in for a C-section and our new little one was born.

The years have passed and our little guy has grown into quite a boy. He's active in scouts and has a passel of friends around him. He's a great kid and a WONDERFUL big brother. It's amazing how time has flown quickly by. Here is our big boy...

Happy Birthday!!! We love you!!

Tomorrow's the Day!!

Since I first heard about it I have been excited about it being on. I remember watching it with my grandma when she was in the nursing home after her hip replacement. When I told people I watched it with grandma, they'd just laugh and say, "She must be pretty cool." It was cool.

We'd pick our favorite and then root for them to beat the Gladiators and get to the finish. Every once in a while I'll catch reruns of the old 80's show on ESPN Classics or something, but now I guess because of the writers strike, we get to watch new shows on primetime TV.

I know it probably is weird but each time I see the commercials for it I get a little weepy...I think about grandma and I just really miss her. It's been about 14 years since she passed away but this crazy show makes her feel just a little closer.

What GREAT Football

Congratulations to the Mountaineers on their victory over Oklahoma!!! WAY TO GO GUYS!!!

Thank you for finally quieting the Oklahoma band...I was growing tired of that fight song.

Also congratulations to the Wolverines who won a last bowl game for Coach Carr.

Awesome football!!

Let's Go Blue!!

The Capital One Bowl is ready to begin. I hope that the Wolverines can pull out a win for Lloyd on his last day as coach for the Big Blue. I'm so tired of Tebow...hopefully we can make it so he's not an issue.

Let's Go Blue!!! Let's beat those Gators!!!

Tops of 2007

As 2007 comes to a close, I have been reflecting on the year past, collecting the good times we had...

We had some neat trips...we went to Asheville, NC over Spring Break...discovered the Mellow Mushroom (if you've not had that...it's good pizza with a really funky cool atmosphere). In the summer we went to Disney and our little one got to meet Mickey and friends for the first time. Over Labor Day weekend, we traveled back home and I performed my first interfaith wedding of one of my former youth group members. It was both an honor and a privilege to be a part of her big day. It's hard for me to think of her as a woman now...wow has time passed. This fall I got to attend the Youth Specialties conference in Atlanta. That was a good trip too. I got to meet new people...meet some fellow bloggers and learn about the new and exciting things going on in youth ministry.

This past year was full of firsts for our little one...he had his first step...his first words....his first haircut...his first birthday. Our oldest lost his first tooth and started first grade.

It's been an exciting year...we've served over 5,000 people dinner at our Thursday night service...and each week new people join us.

I hope this next year is as exciting and fun. I look forward to seeing what God has for us.

Happy New Year everyone!

When Santa Came To Visit

Santa came to our house like he usually does on Christmas Eve. Our little one was not real thrilled to see him.

Even though he didn't like seeing Santa, our young one was excited Christmas Day to see the packages from Santa to him.

Maybe next year he'll like Saint Nick better.

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone. We had a good day today...opening presents, eating breakfast casserole, visiting with family in person and on the phone, J cooked dinner tonight and it was very good...we played and sang and just chilled for a while. It was good to be in each other's presence.

One of my favorite presents this year was a wonderful joy and surprise...the boys adopted a Compassion International child for me. They decided I needed a little girl to take care of too. She is so very cute...only three years old.

What a great gift. Thanks guys!

Merry Christmas Eve!!

Merry Christmas Eve! Our tree is finally up...our stockings are hung...and we're finally kinda ready.

We are here having fun, getting ready to start cooking and preparing for the evening church service, tracking Santa's trek over Europe. We're hoping Santa will stop by maybe before the evening service and definitely sometime during the night.

Trying once again this year to figure out how everything's going to get done by tomorrow. Oh well, it'll all work out...it always does!

May you and yours have a very, Merry Christmas!!

Silently Watching

Today I woke up with a voice similar to Mickey Mouse...not exactly what I had planned for today. Our choir was doing selections from Handel's Messiah plus one of my favorite Christmas hymns. I love singing this time of year because I can harmonize better since I already know the songs, their words and their tunes. Because I couldn't sing without coughing or the fear of sounding like some kind of cartoon character, I stood silently listening to the congregation and choir sing. It was WONDERFUL! I loved listening to the sounds of the voices joined together.

I imagined in my mind what it would've been like to be a shepherd hearing the angels sing of the arrival of Jesus.

Although I was disappointed I couldn't join in song, it was nice to have the music wash over me.

Could It Be?

Could it be? Could Rick Rodriguez really be thinking about leaving WVU for Michigan?! How interesting and almost strange. First Beilien now Rodriguez? That might be good.

I hope whoever goes to U of M will do better against the Buckeyes than in recent years.

I guess he wouldn't have to change the color of his duds too much. Although I am a little scared about the yellow uniforms...I really don't want to see the Big Blue running up and down the field in Maize. I like the color, but not that much.

We'll have to wait to see.

Liked the Movie, Didn't Want to Live It

Today was the first day I've gotten to take away from work. After I dropped off the little one I decided to go uptown in the continuing search to find pretty much the only thing our oldest has asked Santa for...a Wii. I don't know if you have been following the hype, but they're pretty much the most sought for commodity this season. They're being sold on Ebay for in the upward of $500 - $900 depending on what you get with it.

So today started my personal hunt. I went to our downtown store...found only 5 people in front of me and the clerk said the truck would soon be arriving. We waited. I hoped. We found out there are only 3 consoles per box. OK, I thought, we need 2 boxes. The guy only delivered one. ARGH!!!

OK...I don't take defeat that easily...I began to call other stores...found one that had just one left....I was on my way...going fast enough I thought but not too fast. I get there...sold 6 minutes before ARGGHHHH!!!!

So, the hunt continues. I couldn't help but think of Arnold Swarchenegger and Sinbad in Jingle All the Way. I always kinda liked the movie...thought it a little far fetched...but now I understand. No underground workshops for me, though. If we can't find it I think Santa's going to have to write a letter of apology to our oldest...and we'll look at that for a birthday gift.

Continuing now to do prep work for Christmas...have lots of energy and I need to expend it somewhere.

ONE BOX???!!!!!!! SIX MINUTES????!!!!!! ARGH!!!!!!!

What Did She Think?

Today one of the movies my oldest and I watched was The Nativity Story. I had wanted to see it when it came out but with our youngest being so small, we didn't see many movies last year. We watched parts of it in youth last Sunday and I really wanted to see the whole movie. It was really good! Very well done.

J asked me questions throughout and that was pretty cool...teaching him the deeper story of Jesus' birth not just that he was born in a manger and people came. We talked about Herod and how mean he was...we talked about the scholars...the wise men who traveled a long way to see Jesus. We talked about the long distance of 100 miles, a two hour trip by car, but how Mary and Joseph did it by foot/donkey...wow.

Having 2 boys of my own, I just wonder what was going through Mary's mind during all of this. It seems as though each year around this time I have these same wonderings. She took a big risk saying yes...she could've been stoned to death. There was the long trip that would have been very difficult at 8-9 months along. The birth in the stable would've been not under the best circumstances especially without a midwife type of person.

I wonder what she thought when Simeon told her her heart would be pierced. Did she look at him as he grew and see unlimited possibilities...the kind I see when I look at my boys? Did she know the heartache that was in store for her son...for herself? It's this time of the year I wonder what she pondered in her heart.

How did she feel? What did she think?

Snow Day!!

Our oldest had a snow day today. It was nice to be able to work at home on my sermon for Sunday...and spend time with the guys. I kept the little one at home today too since the roads were slick and the road to his school is not real fun when it's slick.

A lot of times when we've had snow days I don't get a lot done but today was a wonderful surprise. Sermon first draft is done...which is pretty early for me, but I have a big meeting on Saturday (Conference committee on nominations of which I am chair meets for the first time to begin our work ugh!) so it's good to be pretty well done. Just a few more things to do to prepare for worship this week and I'll be set.

We didn't make any snow angels or snowmen or really venture that much out of the house but it was a good day. Sleeping in a little...playing off and on...and watching some pretty good movies...it's been a good day.

Afraid of Emergence?

I was reading Marko's post about a youth worker whose church seems to be leery of the Emergent church. It reminded me of a post I was going to write last week after watching the NBC news I think it was on Friday.

The story was supposed to be how the emergent congregations were getting to be less conservative...I think...but it took an interesting twist at least in my mind. There was this 20-something preacher who had come out of Jerry Falwell's church and created this emerging congregation in South Carolina.

All of this I thought was cool. But then there was this comment made about how the mega churches are very concerned about the emergent congregations. The megas are seeing their congregations beginning to age and I guess they don't like that the emergent churches are reaching out to gen-xers, milleniums and others. So, what will those mega churches be when these aging persons get too old to come out? Well, the comment made by the new reporter was that they were somehow trying to discourage people from being involved in emergent churches because they wanted them for themselves.

Can't we all work together to share God's love and grace with others? Why is it that some are so competitive for members? I don't get it.

Favorite All Time Christmas Specials

I am so glad that the Family Channel has the 25 days of Christmas...tonight we watched Rudolph's Shiny New Year and we are planning to watch the Year Without a Santa Claus...one of my all time favorites. At the same time we're taping the Charlie Brown Christmas...another good one.

I love sharing these stories with the guys...it helps me to feel young again and makes me happy to see the kids watching them, dancing to the music and liking the shows.

So, what are your favorite holiday shows?

Tin Man...Not Sure What to Think

I watched the first segment of the Sci-Fi miniseries Tin Man...a different take on Frank Baum's Wizard of Oz. I'm not sure exactly what I think about it so far. Parts of it are interesting and make sense...other parts are a little bizarre and confusing.

Perhaps when it gets further in it'll all make sense. It's interesting...in the original movie I love the scarecrow...in this take on the story I like Glitch...the man/person/being who has "lost his marbles".

In this tale we've added an evil sister...robotic parents who raised the Dorothy character instead of her own mother.

Part two is tomorrow...we'll see what happens then.

So Here I Go

OK...couldn't come up with any excuses for why I can't go, so I'm off to get my teeth cleaned tomorrow at 11. I'm hoping I don't have to have an x-ray...and therefore we won't find any cavities if one exists. I guess even if they do...I can always go back later...yeah, way later...maybe next year later.

Prayers would be appreciated about 11 tomorrow morning.

Thanks!

Ugh, It's That Time Again!

I just realized again that I have to go to the dentist for a cleaning Wednesday. YUCK! Have I mentioned lately how much I HATE dentists?! And, I've been grinding my teeth lately so I'll have the wonderful TMJ garbage too. UGH! I hate this stuff. Hopefully, I don't have to have an x-ray I'm afraid of a cavity...not that I've been hurting (other than my TMJ grinding junk) but just afraid. Well, I guess it's better sooner than later.

Did I mention that I often change my appointments at least twice before I actually go? Yeah, I have a feeling that the dentist office takes wagers on whether I'll show or not. I'm out of excuses...I guess I'll go.

Unless....there's some other reason I can't. Hmmm.....any suggestions?

(Side Note: Actually, my dentist and her hygienists are really pretty good and do not resemble the drawing....but in my mind, that's how I see most dentists.)

My Baby's Growing Up

My youngest had his first haircut today. He was such a brave little one...no tears at all...except when Jim held his head so our stylist could cut his hair in the back. Below are some pics from this semi-sacred and milestone-ish day.

He's getting to be such a big boy....he's growing up. GULP

Below is a video from today too.

More Pics from Atlanta

Gavin took this picture of Eli, Marko and myself. Then there's a picture of my friend that showed me around the town.

Twenty Years Later

This evening members of my high school class are gathering at a local (back home) club to share stories of the "Good Ol' Days". We're not going. Why, you ask...or perhaps you really don't care. I'm going to tell you anyway.

1. Thanksgiving is a busy time in our church and household...because of our Thursday night service, Common Grounds, which ministers to over one hundred people each week who are homeless, trying to restart their lives or disenfranchised. When we started this service almost 4 years ago, we thought we'd be reaching students at Marshall University through contemporary music, food offered by donation and a different style of preaching. But God had different ideas...people came and they brought friends. But I digress. We had our 2nd annual Thanksgiving dinner at which we served 137 people. So, that is one reason we didn't travel back home because we wanted to be able to chill without traveling.

2. My senior class was made up of some very non-nice people. These were the folks that made your life miserable if you were smart, went to church, didn't drink, or were different in any way shape or form from them. These were the folks who agreed to be in charge of the reunions from our graduation on. These were the folks who had our 5 year in a woods where they used to party and expected everyone to chip in for the keg. I didn't go to that one either. So, why would I want to spend money to have an indigestion causing dinner with people that I didn't like then and don't really want to spend time with now.

3. For our 10 year reunion, Jim and I had just gotten married...I was skinny, tan....it was good. We had just gotten back from our honeymoon and went. I thought maybe they'd be different (I'd heard that from my cousin) but it was the same ol' same ol'. First of all, my invitation came to Carol Snyder Methesco (the seminary I was attending at the time) McKay. I didn't realize I had married some fictional character named Methesco. Hmm....where was my free tuition. When we got there I thought things were going to be different, but uh no. People were given awards for having the most children. This one chick who used to be a good friend of mine in 6th grade...who didn't graduate with us but left the end of our sophomore year...was "voted" best dressed and most successful. Not rally sure what she did...but there you go. I visited with three good friends while the b-squad still sat in the corner and talked about people. I thought they'd be different but they weren't.

4. This year they "couldn't find me" to send me the invitation. My parents go to one of my classmates who is an optometrist. He asked if I was coming for it. My mom told him I hadn't heard anything about it...this was about 3 weeks ago if that. He said they didn't know how to find me. I don't buy that story. First of all, my parents live in the same house that I had lived in all my life til I left after college. Second, there's the internet...on which you can find so many people just by Googling them. But, somehow mysteriously I got an invitation in the mail. My thought is they invited people only after they found out they didn't have enough money for the club.

5. My real friends won't be there. There is a group of us who really don't want to be around the negative influence of our high school peers. We've talked about having a anti-reunion reunion. One where we can sit and chat and catch up.

It's sad to me that people don't change. I feel as though when I went to college I grew up. I'd love to get together with those folks...we shared lives for four years...we became a part of each other's lives and will remember one another forever. Those I went to seminary with are like family...we experienced so much together...we can get together at alum days and it's like we never left. But these folks...some of which I have known for 34+ years are some of the most distant people I know.

Twenty years...where have they gone? I can't believe it's been that long. But all the same, I'll pass on seeing these folks this year cuz quite frankly, I don't want to go back in time.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I hope all of you have a Wonderful, Happy Thanksgiving. May we all remember with love and gratefulness the blessings that we have received. I share this picture that I got from Jim's mom...I love the Wizard of Oz and thought I'd share this laugh...

Happy Thanksgiving!! Enjoy some turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes and definitely pumpkin pie. Watch the Macy's parade...see Santa arrive...watch some football...take a nap...enjoy the day!!

Thanksgiving Guest?

This morning as I was rinsing off the highchair's tray in our kitchen sink, something in our backyard caught my eye. I looked out and saw this HUGE bird. At first I thought...now don't laugh..."God has sent us a turkey...but how will we kill it?" But then it turned around and looked right at me.

It was a hawk. And it was eating something in our yard. I looked and everything was gone from what I could tell. An unusual Thanksgiving visitor.

Our neighbor's daughter said she thought it may be a baby hawk. She went to grab her camera but by the time she got back it was gone. She said that it's very rare to see a hawk that close (she used to be a park ranger). These are some of the pictures we got.

The Luggage Finally Arrived

Because of my exhaustion from traveling, I didn't blog Monday and yesterday was hectic trying to get stuff together/caught up that I didn't write then either.

It's amazing how things change just a little sometimes. The one thing I was a little wiggy about over this trip was losing my luggage...something that's kinda happened to me before. Before our youngest was born...actually I was 6 months pregnant with him...we went to San Diego. It was Memorial Day weekend and we were on our way back. We were to fly into Chicago because I didn't want to go through DC. Well, it was storming in the Windy City so we sat on the runway waiting to take off. In doing so, we missed our flight back to Huntington. The night before air traffic was jammed too because of similar conditions. So, we were stuck...we were in Chicago...no luggage and stuck for 2 days. Being 6 months pregnant I found no humor in this at all. We were lucky, though, and got hotel rooms (we were traveling with my husband's boss) at a place that was a mile from a huge mall complete with a Motherhood store. So, we were ok.

Anyhoo ever since that happened I've been paranoid that I'm going to lose my luggage. My flight out of Atlanta was delayed just a little. It was in the beginning of the holiday rush. There was fog early in the morning. Some flights were delayed and so the gate where my flight was to take off from was packed. There was talk from the Delta folks that we were close to our weight limit and they needed to know who had kids (not something you really want to hear). We sat on the mat waiting to take off as our fuel level was reduced.

My hour layover in Cincinnati turned into about 20 minutes. Needless to say my luggage didn't make the trek across the airport. We got into Huntington and no luggage.

Normally this would freak me out...and I was upset cuz some of the souvenirs I bought were in that suitcase. But at least I was home. Yesterday my luggage finally showed up. All's really good.

The last day of the National Youth Workers Conference we were encouraged to write the title of the next chapter of our life. The theme of the conference was Storyline...becoming a part of God's bigger story. Looking Forward, Not Looking Back is what I wrote for this next chapter.

Random Thoughts From NYWC - Day Five -There's No Place Like Home

I'm waiting at the airport now after a day of listening, worshiping and preparing to travel. My flight takes off at 6:30...I'm hoping nothing is delayed or anything. I wish I was home already instead of waiting but it won't be long.

It was a good day today...we saw The Skit Guys, Lost and Found and Marco lead the closing seminar. I met a gal from Phoenix and we had a lunch together. Check in here went quicker than I had anticipated and they said they were looking for a major rush later, so I'm glad I came early.

I had an early dinner and have been sitting blogging and waiting for my flight. It's almost time to take my Dramamine...

I wish I could click my heels and say, "There's No Place Like Home."

Lost and Found, Bob and the Kit Guys

Lost and Found - a musical comedic group (left)




Then we heard from Bob Stromberg....




Finally, we heard from The Skit Guys who taught the signers and all the rest of us some very interesting things...including the sign for passing gas. Thanks, guys!

Random Thoughts From NYWC - Day Four

I didn't blog from the conference yesterday because by the time I got back to the hotel, I was exhausted. Plus, I still had to pack to go home. So, let's see if I can remember what I did yesterday.

Worship was wonderful, especially with David Crowder...I just LOVE his music!! This picture's not the greatest cuz I was sitting toward the back and I took this off of the screen. But, he was WONDERFUL!

Oh, yesterday I forgot to mention this CRAZY and I mean CRAZY band called the Family Force 5. I think that many of our youth group kids would just love these guys. They were quite wild, including the lead singer donning a pair of silver gloves/hands on one of the songs.

Anyway, back to Sunday. So we had worship with David Crowder...then Doug Fields from Saddleback talked. The talk was good...it was about envy and Doug talked about the story of Joseph and his brothers. Following that I had lunch with a gal named Paige and her husband, they were from Radford, VA. And then attended some media classes in the afternoon. Some really great stuff was shared there on how to make powerpoint slides...I have a book and hope I can replicate what they did.

Following the tech workshops, I met up with Mary and we went to the Varsity. The largest drivein in America...the drive in was also seen on the movie We Are Marshall. Anyway, after that we went to this mall and looked around and then I made my way back to the conference.

Last night Marqus Loughlin did a dramatic reading about Abraham and Sarah...boy that was powerful. And then Lost and Found, Bob Stromberg and The Skit Guys performed. This was the first time I'd seen any of these.

I found The Skit Guys hilarious. I wanted to hear Bob because he's coming to our church in the spring for JesusQuest a youth rally (more on that later) and Lost and Found is a favorite of a good friend of mine.

After meeting up with Eli and his wife, Jenn I planned to go to the late night comedy time with
these last performers and boy, was it funny. I'll post pictures in the next post.

Random Thoughts From NYWC - Day Three

Today is day three for the NYWC in Atlanta. Today started off really well. I LOVED the talk by Phyllis Tickle...she talked about how the church is in the midst of a change...that every 500 years or so through history, the church has changed in a significant way. Her thought was that the emergent movement is the change that has begun.

I got to catch the Michigan game with some new friends....unfortunately the game didn't turn out so great. Next year, my friends, next year.

I went over to the CNN Center to check out some stuff and picked up a little something for my youngest. Then went over to the conference site to look around again.

Caught up with a few people then went to the evening session in which Louie Giglio talked. He was WONDERFUL...he told us that our anchor in life and in faith should be the cross...I liked that analogy.

Chris Tomlin was our worship leader and Family Force 5 played also.

I'm going to hit the hay cuz early morning tomorrow. Night all!

Random Thoughts From NYWC - Day Two

Today was a day filled with connecting with new friends and seeing a couple of old friends.

Gavin - I finally got to meet Gavin and chat with him over lunch. It was cool to put a face with the blogger name. I did notice his uncanny resemblance in both appearance and sound of his voice to Jack Black. I also met another of Gavin's friends, but right now I can't remember his name. Sorry...I'm really bad with names.

I also met Mark Oestreicher for just a bit. And I really liked his talk today. He told us to waste time with God...I like that term...just hanging out with God. How cool!

There was a lady from Missouri who had a little girl that was so very cute...made me miss my little guy. There were two Taylor students from Ft. Wayne who actually knew where I grew up...that was cool. A dude working one of the booths at the expo who is a Michigan fan...GO BLUE...who told me that we can catch the game at the expo on one of the TVs even though the guy who runs the booth is an OSU fan.

Oh, I forgot to mention seeing my good friend Todd which I went to seminary with. It was good to see him and his family. He's working for Youth Specialties so I hope to see him tomorrow so we can chat a little more.

And I saw the professor I had for youth ministry.

Mark Yaconelli talked about the Dark Night of the Soul as being the time when God works on us in secret to deepen our relationship with God. He also said that it is during this time...the time when we feel as though everything's out of wack and nothing really makes sense...that God is expanding our understanding of God. The boxes that we have placed God into are no longer sufficient.

Following this, I went to dinner and was shown around Decatur by Mary. Now I'm tired and have an early morning tomorrow. And looking at the clock, I think I'll go to sleep.

Night all.

Random Thoughts From NYWC - Day One

I had intended to post yesterday but by the time I tried to log on, our internet here it was down. So now I have two days of conference to catch up on.

Yesterday wasn't really a conference day as I arrived in Atlanta and was trying to get acclimated to the area and see what all was going on. I got into Atlanta at around 3:15 and had to navigate through this airport which I'd never been to before. I finally found my luggage and waited for Mary. We met up and took MARTA to the hotel. I got checked into the hotel...my room is on the 26th floor. Mary and I went over to the YS conference site and I got checked in (after walking a few miles).

Later we went to The Underground and had dinner at a pub there. On our way back, a very helpful individual tried to evangelize to us on the way by the Phillips Center where Bow Wow was playing. Mary told him we were both pastors (which I suspect made him even more sure we were condemned forever) and assured him that God loves him.

From all the walking, traveling, and evangelizing, I was exhausted. So back by 8 to prepare for Friday.

The pictures are views from my room.

Almost Ready

Well, my bags are almost packed and I'm getting ready to go. I'm heading out to the Youth Specialties Conference in Atlanta tomorrow. I'm looking forward to learning some new things and discovering new techniques. There are new connections to make and old friends to see.

I'm looking forward to meeting up with my friend, Mary who's been in seminary for the last 2 and a half years. We're going to check some things out too.

I'm still trying to figure out where to watch the big game on Saturday. I'm hoping Michigan will pull out a win...we'll see what happens.

But I will miss my boys. :::::Tear:::::

I'll be blogging from Atlanta tomorrow if time allows. See you soon!

Why Is It?

Today since school was out, I spent most of the day with my oldest. I told him that we could have some mommy and J time. He's been wanting to see The Bee Movie so we made plans to go see it today. I misread the site and thought the movie started at 12:30 instead of 12:50. Thinking we were running a little late, I hurried my 6 year old so we could get a good seat in case everyone had the same idea we had.

We patiently waited in line for our lunch/snacks...which sometimes is a challenge at our theater...then we made it to our seats.

Now, remember, we're like 40 minutes early thanks to my misreading...so we're the only ones in the theater. We had our choice of seats and wound up 2/3 of the way to the top in the middle.

Now comes my quandary...why is it that even when there aren't that many people in the theater, people insist on sitting almost on top of you? And why do the ones that like to kick the backs of seats or tap their feet incessantly have to sit right behind me?!

There are plenty of seats in the theater...the whole back row was EMPTY...but a grandfather and his 6 grandchildren had to sit butted right up next to us. Then on the other side, there are plenty of seats but the guy insists on sitting right next to me? Why is it that people don't say something when their children are kicking your seat repeatedly? Maybe it's because they're busy almost yelling at each other to be heard cuz they just have to say a few things right now in the midst of everything?

I don't get it. The theater did fill up after the movie actually started, but at the time we were being invaded there were plenty, PLENTY of seats.

It's a Good Day

Today was a pretty good day. I relaxed at home during the day, had a nice dinner with my guys, and after dinner got to watch The Wizard of Oz with the guys. Our youngest didn't seem to have an appreciation for the world's greatest movie yet...but that will come with time. Our oldest kept asking questions about the plot and characters...

"Mom, what happened to that lady that took Toto at the beginning?"

"When did the Wicked Witch of the West turn green?"

"Why didn't everyone fall asleep in the poppies?"

These are the ones I remember. Having a good dinner, chillin' and watching Wizard of Oz...now that's a great way to spend my birthday.

The War Has Begun

Today I finally really got back to it. I'd been planning to go for quite some time but resolved to go today. I started back into my Y routine. I went to my water aerobics class and was surprised how good I feel now. I've been trying to watch a little bit more of what I eat and now I've made that leap again to be more active.

The class was basically the same with many familiar faces. I'm excited to be back to it.

I also found this neat site called How to Lose Weight with a Website and Spreadsheet. I had debated counting calories or looking at weight watchers but this site intrigued me. I also liked the site Calorie King which helps you find out how many calories you are eating a day.

I'll keep you informed as to how this is going. I don't want to have to wind up on Biggest Loser some day.

My New Addiction

I'd like to share my new addiction. My friend Mary introduced it to me last night and I have played it quite a bit since then. The exciting thing is that while I play (and I warn you it is addicting) someone is getting fed. It's a site called freerice.com and can be found at that link.

This site is done by the United Nations who will donate 10 grains of rice for every answer you get right. All of this in an attempt to stop world hunger.

The site is a word game...it'll give you various words and a list of potential meanings. I realize that 10 grains is not a lot...but since it's so addicting, you can find yourself playing for quite a while. I found myself saying if I can just get to 2200...then I'll quit.

What could be better? Playing a game, learning new words, AND most of all, helping to feed people. So cool.

Check it out and let me know what you think.

Jerry and Tori

I have been suffering from an ear worm lately. No, it's no the latest superbug...you know it's one of those songs that gets into your head and just won't go away. I had always liked the chorus but hadn't really listened to the words of the verses until just recently.

Our oldest got a Kid's Bop CD and this song was on it. I listened and listened and then looked at the words more closely.

Listening to the words brought up some memories that I hadn't really thought about in a long time. I was reminded of a few people from my past...Jerry and Tori. I had known Jerry from the time I was in kindergarten. We went through school together...sometimes in the same class others not so much. In high school we were in the same science class...I'll never forget the day that Jerry decided to stick his pencil in a plug of the desk just to see what would happen. When flames came shooting out Jerry was sent to the Principal's office. When he returned back to class, I was granted a new lab partner...and our friendship grew. We worked together in our after school jobs and just hung.

I was in college when I got the call...my friend Della called to let me know that there had been a tragedy. Jerry was dead. He had gotten stoned and had a fight with his girlfriend. She threatened to not let him see their daughter any more...and he couldn't handle it. Between the desperation he felt and the drugs surging through his body he decided to take his own life. I never really got to say goodbye to Jerry...his funeral was during finals week and I couldn't get away. Every once in a while I miss that old friend.

Then there was Tori...a girl who had been one of my students when I taught. She was also a drug tragedy...one day she came into my class asking about drugs and drug abuse and the next day she had died in a car accident. She had been inhaling an aerosol can's fumes while driving and hit another car head on. I still have a picture in my teaching stuff of her with her class.

Jerry's been gone for 17 years now...Tori's been gone for 14. But their memories remain.

With these two in my mind, I read the story about this song. According to The Fray's lead singer and songwriter, Isaac Slade, this song was influenced by his experience while working as a mentor at a camp for troubled teens. There was a boy who was 17 at the camp who was dealing with a lot of issues and no one could figure out what to do to help him. One thing that the young man needed was support from those who cared about him.

The lyrics can be found here.

And here is the video.

Go Cleveland!!!

It may be time to break out the ol' Indians flag.

My friend from college, Jim Vanderpool is most likely beside himself.

GO CLEVELAND!!!

Why Is She Like That?

As I've written before, I've been watching The Biggest Loser. I definitely have my favorite trainers. In prior seasons I was really fond of Bob...he's so supportive and kind in the way he helps his team lose weight.

Jillian was not one of my favorites because I always thought she was mean. But, when I saw a lot of my water aerobics instructor in Jillian, I gained a lot of respect for Jillian...I saw in her "meanness" a caring...when I found out one season that she had struggled with her own weight, I became even more fond of her.

Last season, Jillian was gone...and replaced by Kim. I don't know if it's her Barbie doll appearance or what, I just don't think she's that great of a trainer. I was watching the show and thought...what is her deal?! Then last night Kim tried to influence the vote of her team by encouraging them to vote their only woman off. I don't understand what's up with Kim...I don't really get her workout techniques...nor do I think she is that greatly supportive of her team.

If push came to shove, I'd love to have a trainer again like Jillian...when I was working out with Mary's direction (my aerobics instructor) I lost more weight and inches than I did when I was walking 3 miles and riding the bike 5 miles three times a week. Mary coached you in ways that were tough yet caring...yeah, that's what I'd like. Maybe the trainers should be voted off....

Girls of the 70s and 80s Remember

I got an email today from one of my longest and dearest friends...it was a forwarded email which I usually just glance through and that's about it...but the first picture caught my eye and I had to read more. I called my oldest over to share with him some of these pictures and memories.

I may have forwarded this to some of you, but others of you can enjoy this too.

If you were a girl who grew up in the 70s and 80s, if you just grew up in the 70s or 80s or if you had children who did...these pictures will bring back some memories....enjoy!

If you were a girl in the 70s or 80s you had that Fisher Price Doctor's Kit with a stethoscope that actually worked. I didn't have that but knew some who did.

You owned a bicycle with a banana seat and a plastic basket with flowers on it. Mine was blue with a white daisy basket.

You learned to skate with actual skates (not roller blades) that had metal wheels...the wheels on mine were red.

You thought Gopher from Love Boat was cute (admit it!) OK yeah, maybe.

You had nightmares after watching Fantasy Island. Nope, but I did want to visit it.

You had either a "bowl cut" or "pixie" not to mention the "Dorothy Hamill." People sometimes thought you were a boy. Mine was a pixie.

You had rubber boots for rainy days and moon boots for snowy days. Yeah! You owned a "Slip-N-Slide", on which you injured yourself on a sprinkler head more than once. Nope Mom thought they were too dangerous.

You owned "Klick-Klacks" and smacked yourself in the face more than once! Nope

Your Holly Hobbie sleeping bag was your most prized possession. I didn't have a Holly Hobbie sleeping back but my parents still have my Hollie Hobby sheets that they break out for the twin spare bed when we're in town.

You wore a poncho, gauchos and knickers. I'm ashamed to say yes, yes and yes.

You begged Santa for the electronic game, Simon. Uh, yeah.

You had the Donnie and Marie dolls with those pink and purple satiny shredded outfits, or the Sunshine Family. Was Marie anyone else's villian as they played Barbies? Mine lost an arm so she was the evil lady. I didn't have the Sunshine Family, but knew people who did.

You spent hours in your backyard on your metal swing set with the trapeze. The swing set tipped over at least once. Mine didn't have a trapeze, it had a glider and a slide...my dad dug deep, deep holes for the legs to go into which made the swing set go up and down as you swung higher and higher but it kept it from tipping.

You had homemade ribbon barrettes in every imaginable color. Yeah, with the little dangly bead ribbons.

You had a pair of Doctor Scholl's sandals (the ones with the hard sole & the buckle). Nope. You also had a pair of salt-water sandals.

You wanted to be Laura Ingalls Wilder really bad; you wore that Little House on the Prairie-inspired plaid, ruffle shirt with the high neck in at least one school picture. Go Half-Pint!

...and you despised Nellie Oleson!

You wanted your first kiss to be at the roller rink! All skate!

Pong! ("video tennis") was the most remarkable furturistic game you've ever heard of!

Your hairstyle was described as having "wings" or "feathers" and you kept it pretty with the comb you kept in your back pocket. Mine was a pink tie dye color.

When you walked, the "wings" flapped up and down, it looked like you were gonna "take off".

You know who Strawberry Shortcake is , as well as her friends, Blueberry Muffin and Huckleberry Pie.

You carried a Muppets lunch box to school and it was metal, not plastic. With the thermos inside some were glass inside and broke the first time you dropped them. I had a Holly Hobbie lunch box...it was metal....but it had no thermos.

You are your girlfriends would fight over which of the Dukes of Hazzard was your boyfriend. I was partial to Bo.

YOU had Star Wars action figures, too! No...but I did dress like Princess Leia.

It was a big event in your household each year when the "Wizard of Oz" would come on TV. Your mom would break out the popcorn and sleeping bags! It was a big deal...we wouldn't do the sleeping bag thing. I still love that movie...has to be one of the best!

You often asked your Magic-8 ball the question: "Who will I marry. Shaun Cassidy, Leif Garrett, or David Cassidy?" Oh yeah...Shaun...Da Do Run Run."

You completely wore out your Grease, Saturday Night Fever, and Fame soundtrack record album. Only had Grease...on 8 track.

You tried to do lots of arts and crafts like yarn and popsicle-stick God's eyes, decoupage, or those wierd potholders made on a plastic loom. Yes, yes, and yes. My parents still have some of the potholders I made.

You made Shrinky-Dinks and put iron-on kittens on your t-shirts!

You used to tape record songs off the radio by holding your portable tape player up to the speaker.

You had subscriptions to Dynamite and Tiger Beat. Nope, no subscription...but my dad would buy me a Tiger Beat or comparable each week when he went to the news stand.

You learned everything you needed to know about girl issues from Judy Blume books. Are you there God, It's Me, Margaret. Loved Judy Blume.

You thought Olivia Newton John's song "Physical" was about aerobics. (??It's not??)

You wore friendship pins on your tennis shoes, or shoelaces with heart or rainbow designs. Yeah buddy.

You wanted to be a Solid Gold dancer. Not so much, but I do remember my mom said they were half naked shaking their butts.

You drowned yourself in Love's Baby Soft - which was the first "real" perfume you ever owned. Didn't everybody?

You glopped your lips in Strawberry roll-on lip-gloss till it almost dripped off. I can still taste that nasty strawberry flavor.