Operation Consumption Crackdown

We typically leave the house by 9am walking through stores just to look around...get a little exercise(ha!). TJ Maxx and Target(the lovely lady in snack avenue who gives us our popcorn) will all miss Sarah and me. The crackdown begins today! It helped that I didn't feel well this am, easing us into staying home. This is going to be very difficult folks. I LOVE running around, wasting gas and purchasing junk. We don't need it...I really don't want it(well maybe the cute pair of brown Puma's at the Maxx would lift my spirits). The brakes have been applied. I will keep you updated on my sanity at the end of the week. P.S. Anyone willing or wanting to join "Operation Consumption Crackdown" may apply. I would love some company in my misery.
At the Mercy Me concert this weekend(which was great, wasn't it CVH?) it was sponsored by Worship2Action. They raise money for worldwide causes and they gave an interesting fact during the concert. For all the children in Africa to have mosquito netting for their beds to protect then from disease such as Malaria, it would cost 1.5 billion dollars. Think about it, if one of our children needed protection that was simple as a net to protect them, we could go and purchase one immediately...these children have NO CHOICE! The Pentagon spends that exact amount;1.5 billion EACH AND EVERY DAY!!! I can't get my thoughts around this $700 billion bailout. I don't understand it, I need it put in simple terms. I like to think I am somewhat smart(??) but I just don't understand. So, the Perry Family brakes are being put on. The Appliance Fairy has yet to answer my call(Circle K gas station bagged ice can work for another six months or so) and I do believe there are those out there that have to make critical and life saving decisions everyday as to where their money goes. I throw money around like the oak trees in my yard produce bills not leaves. I MUST SAVE..save..save! My money will be better off given or spent on a greater cause than another Wii game for the boys or another baby doll for Miss Sis. Can you hear the brakes screeching right now? Will you join me?

You Went For Three and are Getting Four!

Oh, my dear friend and college roommate! I got the news today that you are having twins. Twins??? There are the Olsens, the Jolie-Pitts, Ann Landers and Dear Abbey, Barbara and Jenna Bush etc. Whatever it was..whatever you did..it got ya. I can't tell you just how thrilled Trav and I are for your family. Jack and Kate are going to be great siblings to the two new additions. I must tell you thought that my chances for a fourth have now been reduced to less than zero. The look on Trav's face when I told him made him have thoughts of fear that he has never experienced. I can't think of a more wonderful and more capable woman to be a mother to these babies. Indy is looking much more promising these days, huh!
Much Love,
Eden

The Blessings I Hold So Dear

One of my earliest childhood memories happens to be listening to hymns that were sung in church. I can recall listening to the sweet voice of my Bachie as she sang each word so beautifully as if she were alone in that moment with God. The words to one of my favorites goes like this, "count your many blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings see what God has done." I have always loved the word blessings; hence my blog title. When life gives me grief and despair, it is often times difficult to see the blessings in life. My blessings for today are the many friendships I have with so many women. I have made many friends in all of the places I have lived and I truly felt like all of those relationships have been hand picked by God. Today I received some wonderful pictures from my group of gal pals monthly get-together. Love the circle foot pic( XOXO, aml!) Goodness, how I miss that time with friends. I think what I miss the most is the sense of sisterhood and companionship. I am so lucky to be surrounded by so many talented, unique and beautiful friends. I love each and every one of them for so many reasons. Thank you to all of you who have stuck with me the past few months. I truly love and need the phone calls, emails, etc. Just when you think I have fallen off the face of the Earth(remember, I have..I live in Toldedo)don't give up on me just yet. I'm going to go count my many blessings, you should too!

An Afternoon With Sis Margaret

I was beginning to feel a little run down and unfocused, so I decided to take Sis Margaret to go purchase some mums. While we are trying to halt unnecessary consumption, I thought thought mums would help us rally. She loved helping out, but didn't feel like having her pic taken. All it took was a little Fall favorite to lift our spirits.
1)mums...especially burgundy or dark orange
2)laundry in the washer and electric mattress pads on beds(boys will be happy)
3)a great afternoon with Sis Margaret

Crazy Momma...Merry Maid

I'm tired! I'm tired of being a short order cook, laundry queen, transportation executive, soccer snack organizer, appointment keeper. I'm tired of picking up after everyone, including myself. My life is reminiscent of the Everyone Loves Raymond episode where both Ray and Debra are experiencing an "unspoken" battle of wills as they wait for the another to put away the suitcase. Laundry from before Labor Day needing to be ironed is still laundry waiting to be ironed. I'm seriously hoping tomorrow will be a new day and I can return to being just a crazy momma. That title suits me just fine.

Happy Birthday, Trav!

Happy Birthday, Trav! I love you so very much. Hurry home so we can all celebrate this special day. Love you so much, Me- ALWAYS xoxo
"Daddy, Happy Birthday, rubber duckie, spongebob, smelly toots"- Clay & Jack

Kundalini Yoga...bloga, doga, woga??

Suzann,
There are so many things I admire about you. From your flawless complexion, your cute little burps due to the fact that we suffer from the same esophageal disease, to you very bravely moving from a law career to teaching the hip hop youth of this world. My shout-out for the week is for you, Suzi! Not only are you very knowledgeable in yoga, you actually compose and perform music. Friends, she is very talented and I always have a little Suzi music on when I need some time to just relax and chill. Her new album just came out. It is titled, Honey Onyx. It is truly something you should pick up for yourself, a friend or your own crazy momma for the holidays. So, turn it on...enjoy some alone time, stretch in your downward dog position, or just be. Whatever you choose to do, a little Honey Onyx will set the mood.

HSN, the red-headed step-child of QVC

Let me start by saying that there is nothing wrong with having red hair and being a step-child. I endured many late nights working for HSN years ago. I was responsible for bringing customers those life size dolls that decorate their homes. Between dolls, Barbies, live shows, etc, it left little time for anything else. Anthing other than wishing I worked for QVC. You see, QVC was like the popular girl in school. HSN was the girl who was nice but couldn't quite keep up. We had Rustie, they had Marie Osmond. We had Estaban, they had James Taylor. The bearded OxyClean guy was a regular around my cubical. He ended up marrying the Home Goods assistant who sat next to me. I wonder if he yells at her about stains like he does at us through the tv set. Well, all this is brought up because I believe HSN is now really trying to stretch to become "cool". While I never really watched Sex and the City I was always curious about the clothes the characters wore. I wish I had a style to call my own. I think my style is what you find on the secret footage of TLC's What Not To Wear. Tomorrow on HSN they will premier a new exclusive HSN line by Patricia Fields, the costume designer for Sex and the City. In the world of Toledo Eden, dressing like Carrie Bradshaw will get you nothing but a good smack-down at the local Walmart. So I beg HSN to stop trying all of this fancy stuff. Seriously, your loyal customers who have been with you and Tootie from the start are not going to purchase a Patricia Field size 0 dress with a gold flower on the shoulder. Stick with what you do best...Holiday Barbie will be coming out soon!

Welcome Fall

It's my favorite time of year...Welcome Fall

Memory Walk 2008

Imagine not recognizing your own children, your friends, your own spouse. Imagine the fear that would strike you if someone you love tried to hug you and you thought they were trying to hurt you. Imagine living in your mind in another time and place, often that of your childhood. Confused, combative, helpless, sad..these are all words and scenarios that describe an individual living with Alzheimer's. I have witnessed it first hand so many times. My grandaddy suffered with the disease for many years before his death. The hardest part was the fact that it was as if his body was just a shell. His memory had been totally erased. My wonderful and dedicated mom runs numerous support groups for Alzheimer patients and their caregivers. Their group is called, "For Their Sake". This weekend, we will all once again walk to help raise money to support research for this devastating disease. While there have been numerous breakthroughs in the world of science, we still need help. This is one of the causes that I feel very strong about and hope that you will help support my cause this year.

This years walk will be done in loving memory of William Lee Powell and all those from the Community Hospital Anderson Alzheimer's Support Group, Anderson, Indiana.

We Can Work This Out Over Coffee

You are cordially invited to "Diplomacy Hour" next Tuesday. Honorary guests will be Presidential candidate, Barack Obama, President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, President of Iran, Ahmadinejad, former president of Russia, Valadimir Putin and via satellite the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong II. They will be discussing world peace and will be doing so without "preconditions". You will learn that talking can stop nuclear war. Also appearing will be Crazy Momma. She will discuss how blogging makes the world go round and how making the perfect scone can bring about world peace. Coffee Hour is open to the public. The first twenty people will receive their own gas mask to take home as a souvenir.
Needless to say, the economy isn't my main concern this election season.

I've Got An Itch!

No, that that kind! What are you all thinking? I have an itch that I'm needing to do something about. Besides the usual people, places and things that drive me crazy(ie. Madonna,Larry King, rude employees, the new colors for Fall makeup, the salary of actors & pro athletes, the fact that, although it was years ago, that they killed off Vito on The Sopranos). I'm talking about the fact that I live with three people of the male sex. The little miss is even in on the action. This means close to 99.9999% of all conversation revolves around the subject of gas. The jokes, competitions, the very subject matter can make my blood boil. Not petro, but farts, stinkies, toots....whatever you want to call it. No matter its name, it has taken over my house. I have had it...I am standing up to flatulence. Two night ago at the dinner table I announced that if the "tooting" at the diner table didn't stop, I was sending them to cotillion. This was followed by screams and cries so loud, you would have thought we told them that Spongebob was no longer. The oldest looked up from his tear drenched ravioli long enough to ask what exactly cotillion was. I explained that's where to go to learn manners and how to behave in social situations. The wailing began again when he announced that they would probably have to wear "fancy clothes". Hubby shot me a look from across the table that screamed, "way to go"! My sis suggested that I quick fix and I'm tempted to try it out. I welcome any suggestions on how to put an end to our "gas dilemma" and restore proper decorum to our home.

The Locket

The locket. The only thing that remains from someones life. I have the locket now. Inscribed with the word "ALWAYS". Inside a picture of a woman named Sarah Rose, her mother. Another picture of a little girl named Lee Joan kissing her mothers cheek. What a tender moment captured in time. The locket stays in my jewelry box along with her birth certificate, her parents marriage license, and her bible. I see it every morning when I wake and get ready for my day. She is gone...two years this Christmas Eve. She made the promise she wouldn't go on my birthday, the 23rd, or on Christmas day. She kept that promise to me. It was one of many promises that we made to one another. So many of which will remain close to my heart, being played out daily. We were friends, we were family, when so many others turned their back on her. I became her caretaker. Protecting her from the vicious lies. She was not well. The system let her down. Many of those around her let her down. "Why do you continue to help her"? She was one of God's children. Many didn't know her. They didn't take the time. Writing her off as crazy. Though others saw what I saw. Funny, brilliant, inquisitive, she could light up a room telling her stories. Some were true, others just a figment of her imagination. The lines so blurred that she didn't know the difference between reality and the lies. My heart ached for her, so terribly tortured with the games that her mind played on her. If only you had taken the time to get to know her like I knew her. Nothing is left. Nothing remains from her life. No family, no friends, no possessions. Only the locket that I keep remains. I think of her every single day. I thank her for letting her guard down and letting some of us in...in trusting us. Those of you who did know her may not realize it, but she taught us all so many lessons. About tenderness, about compassion, about forgiveness and about the good in people, helping one another. AML took the burden on when I could not go on any longer. I wasn't there the moment she took her last breath. That is the only moment in my life I regret. I hope someday I can forgive myself and move on from that guilt. Her last words to me were labored as she struggled to ask for my forgiveness. She told me to go home to my family. Finally, a "yabba, dabba, do". I know for a fact she was hand picked by God to come into my life, for that I will praise him.

Eden's Weekly Shout-Out

I'm back with this week's edition of Eden's Weekly Shout-Out. What an enthusiastic group you are...many posts, texts, emails from everyone a little disturbed that last weeks list did not go off as planned.

1) Reconnecting with old friends. I heard from one of my dearest high school friends this week, Mik! We actually ran into one another years ago at the Louisville Target. It turned out we lived only minutes from one another and had no idea. Another way to connect with old friends is through the tricky and sometimes troublesome Facebook. I have reconnected with so many friends thanks to this site. (its at least good for a good laugh to view pics of former classmates)
2) My kids and stores just do not mix. This weeks victim was the little miss. We were walking into a store when she slipped and slammed her mouth on the door. I'm not kidding when I say five people walked by us as blood poured from her mouth. Not one person offered their help or just a look of concern. My shout out goes to the lovely lady at the check out who asked if I wanted her to look at sissy's mouth. She worked for a dentist and told me what to look for. Remember, random acts of kindness can mean so much to someone else.
3) My brother....raising kids, especially teenagers, can be difficult if not impossible. Prayers of so many are still coming your way, big bro. Remember that you are not alone.
4) My Grandmother, "Bachie", who called me this week to let me know she had lost her special devotional book that wasgiven to her from a dear friend who has since passed away. She searched all over for it without any luck. I went out and bought her another copy and it is on its way along with pics that the kids drew for her. Do something this week for those who are of an older generation. You won't believe the amount of joy a card of visit can bring to someone who may be a little lonely.
5) Whole Livings body+soul magazine. Both the September and October issue have great vegetarian recipes. I'm always looking!

Until next week, my friends! Remember to give someone a smile or compliment...you might just make their day!

Dear Appliance Fairy,

Dear Appliance Fairy,
We have a problem! You see, I have some serious issues. One of which involves ice, the form, the shape, whether it is filtered, and is the ice maker from which it is created clean and sterilzed. (you may laugh now). I'm not sure when this obsession began, but I can guarantee there are obsessions that are more odd than mine. Long story short, I need a new fridge. I cannot stand purchasing things like appliances, cars, life insurance, cell phones, sofas, etc. I would rather go through with extremely painful Botox injections in my armpits to cease all perspiration...which btw are not covered by insurance :( I digress. The fridge came with the house when me moved and while I am not a fridge snob, I do have a problem with the ice maker. It has stopped working and I have been forced to buy ice at the corner Circle K each week. The 20 pound bag isn't really helping my rotator cuff injury. Plus, the bag is so big it stays open, taking on the odors of the plethora of breakfast items that the kids consume. So, Appliance Fairy, I ask that you work your magic and have a store advertise a "no payments/no interest for 50 year" plan. My other little obsession in life, Coke, needs its buddy back.
Much Love,
Eden(ice lover)Perry

The Day

It all began with a phone call from my sister. I will never forget the sound of her voice. The fear, the concern, the confusion. Everything she was telling me was so sureal. I began to wonder if I was still sleeping. I looked over to the other side of the bed to notice Trav had already left for work and Jack was still sleeping soundly on my pillow. How could it be? What is going on? I felt disoriented & confused. A warm feeling shot through the veins of my body...I didn't know if it was fear or adrenaline. I picked Jack up and ran throughout the house turning on all the form of communication I could find. I knew at that moment, all innocence had been lost. I cried. I cried for the feeling of being out of control. I cried for the fear of the unknown . I cried for all of those innocent people who went to work. I cried for all the children who no longer had parents. I cried for those whose efforts to help were ceased. I cried because at that very moment, I knew the world would never be the same for myself or my children. We were and still are so vulnerable. May God bless those who sacrificed so much that day. May God bless all of us who are left behind. May God continue to protect and hold us close.

A Strong Woman vs A Woman of Strength

My bis sis posted a comment on one of my posts. She said," how about Palin? Who says a feminist has to be defined by any one group or person? Who owns the word "feminist" anyway?" This got me thinking about my four years at a Big Ten university sitting in lecture after lecture to obtain a minor in Women's Studies. Many couldn't understand why this would be of interest to me(much less my major in art history!) I loved each and every one of my classes where we discussed June Cleaver, pornography, feminist politics, and what affect these roles had on women. In these classes I truly began to shape my thoughts and views of what a "feminist" was. I remember one day one of my profs asked a lecture hall of approx 150 women and 3 guys, how many wanted to take on the traditional role of getting married and having babies. I was one of three who bravely lifted their hands. I heard gasps around me as some of the others looked around. I finally understood the point the prof was trying to get across. All women are "feminists". It doesn't matter the role you play in society. It doesn't matter if you work in the corporate world, if you struggle working minimum wage, or if you stay home and try to stay sane as you cart kiddos to and fro. All political rhetoric about who supports who, and the sentiment that one's intelligence has been insulted due to the fact that a woman was chosen to run for VP, need to buck up. Regardless to political views, we should be proud. This paves the way for our daughters, nieces, and future genrations. We are women...that makes you interested in women's issues...if that makes you a "feminist" then so be it. Be proud...women are strong and continue to break "glass ceilings" at work, in the community, and in our homes. So ladies, I applaud all of you..here's to all the strong women I know. Keep up the "feminist" tradition of having your voice heard. It counts!

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape ...
but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape...
A strong woman isn't afraid of anything ...
but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear...

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her ...
but a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone...

A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future...
a woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be God's blessings and capitalizes on them...

A strong woman walks sure footed ...
but a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls...

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face ...
but a woman of strength wears grace...

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey ...
but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong...

I've Been Reduced to Seinfeld Episode 126

Do you remember the Seinfeld episode where Kramer finds all the furniture from the Merv Griffin set? He then begins to treat his life like talk show. He welcomes everyone to his set including George to discuss the fact he has to help heal a squirrel,Jerry's girlfriend who has a vintage toy collection, Elaine and her sidler co-worker who needs Tic-Tacs for noise. He even asks Newman to be his "co-host". In the end, they run out of material and create chaos when they change the format to gain a larger audience. Why am I talking about this?? Well, today I struggled to find a shout-out. Forget four or five...I truly didn't feel like anything/anyone was worthy of it. I discussed this with Trav(my Newman) and he said that while the shout-out is a great idea, there is a lot of pressure to come up with the list if nothing monumental sticks out. I know I have let you down, my friends. I do promise that the shout-out will be back when I deem it an appropriate time. Now remember, hawks and squirrels don't get along. Long live Seinfeld and the many laughs it has given us.

"Trav, I don't think we are in Toledo anymore!"

Trav just got back from his week long adventure and we decided to finally go get our drivers license. We drove around aimlessly trying to find a bureau only to realize we were getting closer and closer to downtown. The problem is, we practically live downtown. First of all, after moving four times in ten years, there is nothing I despise more(other than unfriendly people)than having to go to the license bureau. We found the office in the midst of individuals who we believe were petitioning to get their licenses back for one offense or another. Let's just say it was scary. Not just scary, but Trav mentioned we might just have entered the 9th circle of hell. I didn't even feel sorry for the folks...it wasn't as if they couldn't help their appearance or language, they just didn't care. I did pass my test(thank you)missing only three(all having to do with drunk driving points..hello...I don't really drink). I was very happy to leave the place with a new Ohio license in hand. As we drove away, I smiled politely at the young man with his base turned up all the way and thanked Trav for bringing me to this wonderful town. I then looked down to notice they actually put my weight on my license...I think I may now need a drink, a big one!

Get Well Soon, AML!

To my dear friend AML,
I don't know if it was the efforts of the Holy Rollers or the Itchy Scratchy People, But it proves that God is good. May you begin to heal and may divine intervention happen and the kids will be well behaved. I love and miss you so much!
Your Gucci Boot Wearin' Friend,
Eden

This Time of Year Already!

This time of year, we have to make a lot of decisions. Who will we vote for in the Presidential election, Dancing With The Stars, or which value meal to order? While those questions are very important, I'm talking about where the time honored tradition of the upcoming holidays will be held. Yes, talk of turkey day has already begun in a swarm of emails that are being passed to and fro much like a game of water polo. Where will it be this year, who will host? It is enough to drive certain family members bonkers. I have always said that I am a member of the Zentz family so you don't have to be. That being said, my sis and bro-in-law came up with a witty pro/con list for the three host contenders. I thought it was brilliant. This is one contest I don't care to win.

Lersch Villa

· small kitchen

· no dining room breakfast nook

· two fridges

· concrete slab

· 4 full baths

· 6 beds

· 2 sofas

· y membership

· cute dog

· ping pong

· hot husband with big scar

· DQ Chipotle Starbucks Panera

· Ok, lots of baths and fridge storage but no place to eat…



Perry Palace

· small kitchen

· two large eating areas

· one fridge

· Deck

· 3 full baths

· 5 beds

· 2 sofas

· blogger.com membership

· Battery operated dog

· Pool table

· hot husband with thick hair

· Thai restaurant Chipotle Starbucks Panera

· Ok, lots of places to eat no place to store food or poop…



Zentz Resort

· huge kitchen

· one large dining room

· One and one half fridge (garage one counts as ½ half due to smell & cooling issue)

· Deck and porch

· 2 full baths

· 4 beds

· 3 and one half sofas (brown one counts as ½ due to sliding issue)

· Alzheimer’s membership

· Visiting cute dog and battery dog

· Pool table

· hot husband with thick skin and no hair

· Rickers Starbucks Panera

You are all welcome to join the madness!

You're A Hard Habit to Break

While many of you know about my little vice in life...a large coke, pebble ice, styrofoam cup, there are others lurking right around the corner. I love it when company comes because it is my excuse to obtain a little taste of heaven. While I do love a Starbucks, Caribou has become my best friend...due to the fact that they have a drive-thru and they are right next door to McD's for my Coke(who by the way has ended their $1.00 large sodas..arghhh!) Pulling up to the speaker, I order a large sugar-free vanilla soy latte (aka "a why bother") in honor of crazy momma sr. or their new green tea mango or white tea peach iced drinks. I must say it has hit the wallet a little hard this week, hence my blog pic and fave comic strip. Off to soccer practice and a little detour to the land of the moose for a small treat.

It's Your Birthday, Noah!

Big Birthday wishes go out to my nephew, Noah! I don't believe there is a sweeter or more loving boy out there. Somewhat shy yet very funny, you really see him light up when he is with his cousins. I think turning seven is going to be a great thing for you! We are thinking of you and can't wait to come and party. I'm thinking a dance party with ice cream sundaes and a pinata. We love you so much!