Campbell Brown, Really?

What? He's isn't following his campaign promises? Here's to all the change, hope and the renewal of America, he promised. Get ready for a wild and bumpy ride, my friends. (can you tell I'm having a few problems with the some of the appointments and bills that have been signed into legislation recently) I usually don't like to post commentaries (from CNN, no less) but thought I would never hear this sentiment from Campbell Brown.

CNN's Campbell Brown says the new treasury secretary wants to hire a former lobbyist as a top aide.

(CNN) -- Unfortunately, we are again asking the president to explain why exactly he announced, with great fanfare, new ethics rules if he had no intention of abiding by them.

The Obama administration is yet again asking for a waiver to its very own rules about hiring lobbyists.

This time, it is the new treasury secretary, Tim Geithner. He wants a former lobbyist for Goldman Sachs to be his top aide at the Treasury Department.

My view is simple: Mr. President, if you want to hire former lobbyists because you think they are the best people to do the job, then hire former lobbyists. Just don't hold a big news conference first to tell us how your administration is going to be so different from previous administrations in that you won't be hiring lobbyists.

Don't make your disdain for lobbyists and your pledges that they won't wield influence in your administration a centerpiece of your campaign.

It's the hypocrisy and the double-talk that makes so many of us so cynical. Do what you think is best for the country. Just be straight with us about how you're going to do it.

Privacy....where did you go?

I used to consider myself a private person. Yet, somewhere in the midst of the past two years, it is as if my life has become a novel which the world can read, or a movie of sorts for the viewing pleasure of others. I'm not sure how I got to this point in time, but lately it has become a little bizarre. I began my blog over a year and a half ago. At that time, I posted the daily happenings of my life. It then exploded overnight into my soapbox and online journal where I rant & rave, give testimony and try to be uplifting. Now I wonder if I write for myself or my readers.

You then have the little obsession known as Facebook. I joined and have become somewhat addicted to the site. I began to think if I really wanted my high school friends and other random acquaintances to know my every move. Will "so and so" be my friend, or are they just being nice? Why bring that sort of teenage angst into my life again? Do I really care that my high school rival is getting ready to go shopping while I'm stuck at home trying to adhere to my Financial Peace budget?
Which brings me to another privacy issue.

I began Financial Peace last night and I am having anxiety about sharing my wealth(or lack of) and debt with perfect strangers. Do they really need to know how much I spend at Target on junk? Do they really need to know that I have an addiction to Taco Bell and Cokes and put it on the credit card?

I don't even have privacy to take a shower or go to the bathroom without a child in there with me discussing one subject or another. I just revised the "Perry Family Proclamation" which spells out the house rules. I once again emphasized the importance of privacy.

I'm beginning to wonder how this all came to be. I think I have been put in a number of situations or predicaments in the past few years where I have had to lay it all out there, if you will. My life has felt like there was a big stage light shining on it with an eager audience hanging onto every word. I still think I am a private person, although my sisters have said otherwise. Someday soon, I think I will climb back into my little cocoon of anonymity and leave behind this blog, Facebook, and other "unprivate" areas of my life. It may be time to refocus and concentrate on the true attractions of life, rather than the distractions.

Re-Post? Why Not!

I usually don't "re-post", but things have been busy the past few days. I just finished up my current study at church and had a chance to reflect on what part of the study I valued most. As a result, I spoke of the following..."being still". Many of you enjoyed this post and I think it resonated with many of us, therefore I am cheating on today's post and re-posting it. XOXO


Time is the treasure of life. Time IS life.
Time is the willing sacrifice that you offer up to the worship of what you love.
Don't tell me what you love.
Tell me where you spend your TIME and I will tell YOU what you love.-Martha Kilpatrick Adoration

I recently joined a new Bible study at church. It is a study on a wonderful book by Linda Dillow called, Satisfy My Thirsty Soul. I have struggled the past few weeks to get though the reading and lessons. I honestly have struggled with the fact that I haven't been able to find time in my day to devote to any sort of devotion or quiet time. I got to chapter three and instead of flying through the reading, I took time to read each and every word. I read it again and again. The chapter spoke to me in such a way, I felt like it was written specifically for me. I then began to list the names of friends and family members whose lives also apply to the lessons I learned in this chapter. Author Linda Dillow writes, "In this age of constant stimulus, clamor is pervasive and comes from many sources. I am tired, but not from physical labor. My tiredness comes form the frantic pace of life around me. Yours likely does too. As I look at my friends and at myself, I fear we are becoming nervous, anxious, and overactive people who don't know how to be still. We rarely give our full attention to anyone or anything. We're always thinking ahead to the next thing that must be done, the next person we must talk to and check off our list. We do the same with God. We hurry our "Quiet Time", which is anything but quiet. Our bodies sit still, but our minds race. Ready to get on with our day, we hope our moment with God gains his approval." Was she spying on me with the eldest son's spy toy gadget, I thought? This is my current state of mind.
Author Henri Nouwen writes,"Our lives often seem like an over-packed suitcase bursting at the seams. In fact, we are almost always aware of being behind schedule. There is a nagging sense that there are unfinished tasks, unfulfilled promises, unrealized proposals. There is always something else that we should have remembered, said or done."
I ask all of you just like I did myself, where do stand in your quest to find quiet time? Has your soul found stillness? Take a minute and really think about it and be honest with yourself...and then do something about it.
God is waiting.

Today, Much Better!

....and that's because I'll dip mine in mayo!

The Case of the Grumpies

Today was "just one of those days". It seemed that news that made me grumpy was at every turn. I really tried to shake the feeling, but think that it is going to take going to bed and waking up again tomorrow morning to make it work. It all started with the simple routine of reading the news on the internet. Every headline was about Gito Bay and its closing, a push for universal health care, abortion, Blago the narcissistic Illinois governor, the school newsletter that a new sex offender moved in next to the school, the stupid(sorry!) contractor who in my opinion is trying to extort money from me because I'm a girl and don't know any better. Maybe it is a result from inhaling the fumes from the primer in the media room as I tried to redo a decorating mistake that has been ignored for the past six months. Maybe it is the fact that I am out of ice.(the appliance fairy still hasn't shown up). Maybe it is because I am tired of taking Sis to sit on the potty every five minutes. Maybe it is because she called me out when she responded that she couldn't get her juice because she was "too busy".(talk about guilt). Maybe it is because someone responded to one of my Facebook status reports with a statement of disagreement.(thx sis for agreeing). Why can't everyone see things how I see them? Maybe it is because I am trying to plan for the weekend with painting involved, a volunteer luncheon, a talk at church on Sunday, and piles of bills and laundry to do. Maybe because I really need to sign up for Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace but can't come up with the funds or the babysitting money for the 13 weeks. Maybe because I just like being grumpy every once in a while. Tomorrow is a new day...a new day for happiness and to get the grumpies out. Was that a rant or what :)

Headbands & Headaches

This morning I woke up with a headache and decided that Sis and I wouldn't be going to music class. Instead I got a big ole' Coke and sat down to attempt to make some headbands. I'm really supposed to be cleaning out the basement but didn't feel like fighting with Sis over the giveaway toy pile. I was pleased with the results of the smaller headbands. I think the ribbon and flowers went well together and were proportionate in size. While I love the look of the larger flowers, when I tried them on, it looked like a growth coming out of the side of my head. It will take a very chic and daring woman to pull these off. Maybe on an Anthropologie model or hip teenager. The smaller ones are much more stylish and appropriate for the younger girls like my nieces and triplets. My lovely Long Island friend, AML has tried to get me to put headbands on Sis since the day she was born. I tried to explain to her that "southern girls" don't wear headbands until they are older...once they grow out of enormous bows. I think that may be one of my pet peeves. On some of these blogs and photography blogs, these women put these enormous flowers on the heads of these little girls. They look hilarious (sorry but they do). The headband and flower should be in proportion to the size of the child. Their heads aren't gardens..sorry if I offend. Let me know if you are interested in receiving one or two of the headbands and I will pass them along. Now that I got my daily dose of creativity, it's off to purge everything in the dungeon.

Who, Me? The Tale of a Tantrum.

Here it is late Tuesday afternoon. I relented and decided to watch the inauguration before Sis and I left the house to run around. I was going to post about how I am thankful and grateful to former president Bush for his service, how I am hopeful for our new President Obama, how cute the Obama girls looked, how somewhat magical it was to see citizens joining together to be there at that moment in history. How I completely and whole-heatedly support the invocation that was given by Rev. Warren and how I hope America realizes that no "one" person is going to run this country..unless your name is God. That was until.....the temper of a two year old redhead named Sis took me to a place that I have never experienced in my years of motherhood.

Sorry, but it's back to reality here. We ventured out to get a few things to start the headbands and I had one last stop at Target before we headed home. She was in a good mood and asked if we could look at toys. We haven't had a problem doing this before so we headed back to the toy section. The aisle of baby dolls lurked ahead. She ran to them as if angels with trumpets announced her arrival. She began to ask for a baby and then another as I quickly informed her that she had already gotten some new chapstick and she had plenty of babies at home. That's when it began. Now, when I say "began" I mean "BEGAN". It was as if every single wrong that has ever occurred in her 30 months of age had decided to come out in this one moment. You were on bed rest with me and ate dozens of Krispy Kreme. I am the only girl and will never have a sister. I am doomed to live in a gaseous home with three boys. You make me go to a music class with all these other odd children...it could go on and on. The screams were deafening. The body began to flail. The hands began to take swipes at my face. People began to pop out of the aisles to see what all the commotion was about. The stares were sent my way. Some were sympathetic, some were annoyed. "You only have one more year of it." "Can I help you in some way, push the cart for you?" Before I knew it, I was crying due to sheer exhaustion. I could feel the drips of sweat fall from the back of my neck due to the fact my hat and winter coat were still on. The belt from my coat fell off and I picked it up and drug it along as if I was going to give her a whippin'. I couldn't even pick her up...for her little 30 pound body felt as if I was trying to pick up a jelly mold from the church fellowship hall. I never experienced this kind of tantrum with the boys, and was not prepared. I got in the car and called my sis crying. I was spent.
We are back at home now. Sis keeps coming up and announcing her love for me. I have tried to explain to her that her behavior was unacceptable, but just how much does she understand? Have you ever been there with your children?
I think a Coke is in order and maybe a little online retail therapy. In a way, I am grateful to her...she got me out of having to eat my Obama words.

My Mom Always Told Me

The saying goes..."if you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all. Well, in light of tomorrows events I am going to keep busy and make the following. I thought these were a wonderful craft to attempt to keep my attitude in check. My niece Livi even agreed to wear them to school. I love headbands and thought they were the epitome of cute!

American Artist:Andrew Wyeth 1917-2009

Christina's World (1948)
American artist, Andrew Wyeth, just passed away. His work captivated many as he was loved by many in and outside the art world. Known for personifying American life, there will never be another so rich in storytelling in a form of unmistakable realism.

We Have A Winner!

Thank you to all of you who left a comment on my January giveaway post. I hope you found some of the suggestions to be helpful. Who doesn't love hot Krispy Kremes, entertaining others, reading, a hot bath, playing our fave music real loud, lighting candles, enjoying grandkids, yoga & baking? I know I am going to do a couple of the suggested comments. I went over to the nifty site random.org where they will randomize just about anything. Each comment was given a number and then the list was put in random order. Coming up in the #1 spot was comment #4 from....CHERIE! Congratulations! I hope you enjoy your handmade bead earrings from one of my new fave shops in town. The little package will be making its way cross country to Seattle next week. Don't be sad, another giveaway is right around the corner in February...make sure you keep an eye out for it.

Also, just wanted to give a big thank you to everyone who expressed their concern over my last post about bowing your will.(even the hubby called to voice his concern, but was thrilled when he found out that I turned it over to the "Big Man". Gotta love a hubby that would rather not get involved :). I began blogging as an online journal and then invited others to take a look. In turn it has become a fun & sometimes cathartic way for me to express what is going on in my life. I thank everyone for going on this little journey with me. I do know many of you read it and don't leave comments, that's ok. Those who do, I love it. I truly believe that if I can reach even one person with each post then I am successful in my blog writing. One day I may have you laughing and other days I may have you crying or calling me names. Regardless, become a follower if you wish and enjoy the ride.

I Bow My Will

Have you ever been in a situation where as hard as you try, you feel as if you don't have a clue as to how to solve it? Many times I find myself having such anger, resentment, guilt, and confusion as I try and understand why in the world God has put me in the predicament I am in. At this moment I am dealing with a personal situation where I have tried and tried to resolve the issue, but have failed. It wasn't until yesterday that I fully and truly turned it over to God. I bowed my will to him. I am currently studying this subject along with others and found that the answer was right in front of my face. I would scream out, "God, you have to tell me how to handle this." I felt like it was falling on deaf ears..yet, God's ears are never deaf to the cries of his children. God's will doesn't make sense to me right now, but I trust him and know that he loves me and wants what is best for me. The bible is full of examples of those who bowed their will to God. To me, the most powerful one is Abraham. How could a father have such powerful faith as he took his son Isaac to be sacrificed. While he showed great faith he also bowed his own will to that of God's. I am realizing slowly but surely that God is at the helm of my ship. He will in turn resolve these ugly feelings and thoughts I am having..as long as I have faith and bow my will to him. I have prayed this prayer and encourage you to do the same.
You, Holy God, see all the pieces of the puzzle of my life. And you love me. I trust you. I bow my will to you. You are better than I am. You are wiser than I am. You are more than I am. I bow before your plan and purpose.
-Satisfy My Thirsty Soul.

Many blessings to you today!

Class

Regardless of your political views, I beg one to differ with this post. This happens to be one of the classiest women of our time. Her dedication to such causes as education and the plight of Afghan women, make her a American woman that I would love my daughter to admire. Just a little thought for the day.

Bountiful Blessings January Giveaway!

Hey, blog followers! Did anyone notice my last post where I said to stay tuned for February's giveaway? I definitely need a mini vacay..I don't even know what month it is. I meant to say January's giveaway...regardless, I have new giveaway starting right now. All you have to do to be entered to win is to leave a comment on this post telling me what you do for yourself. Remember that in the midst of helping others, it is also important to treat yourself every now and then. Maybe it is some personal quiet time in the early am, or a latte, or even sneaking out to the coffee shop to read a chapter of a book or two. If your comment is chosen at random by the lovely website random.org, you will win a little something from a great little studio here in my town of Holland, Ohio. You can take a sneak peek over here at Copper Moon Studio. You have until Wednesday, Jan. 14th at 12:00am. Good luck!

Can't Say No

I recently overheard someone telling another person that they needed help with something. The person replied, "Ask Eden, she never says no." Is it true? I began to wonder if I do spread myself a little too thin. As women, I think we all have this terrible habit of not being able to say "NO". Can you bring in cupcakes for the class party? Can you teach my class for me this weekend? Can you please call so-and-so about such-and-such? Can you please get this done before the deadline or squeeze this in before you go home today? I think I'm tired. I think I may even be tired from trying to think of a blog post for this past week. We do, cook, entertain & help out until our heads are spinning. It is often at our own expense. I don't want to fall into the "can't say no" trap anymore. I'm kicking back this weekend and hopefully I will be ready to go Monday.
Until then, kick back & relax..enjoy your weekend and feel empowered to say "NO"

btw...check back in early next week for February's edition of the Bountiful Blessing Giveaway.

For The Love Of Bacon!

I love this lady. While we may not share political views, you gotta love a woman who credits her longevity to bacon! BACON!!! I may be a semi-vegetarian, but I can never seem to pass on a piece of bacon now and then. (I even turned my music off for this post!) Nothing takes precedence over bacon! No worries, they even make "nitrate free" bacon for those of us with migraines.

Santa obviously didn't look at my Christmas list this year. If so, this would have been wrapped under the tree.

A reminder of the highlight from my summer vacay. Nothing like a greasy bacon and mayo sandwich hot off the griddle. Enjoying it in 90 plus degree heat is even better.

Over Christmas, my older sis tried to get me to like veggie bacon..ick, yek! Now, put this beauty in front of me and I'm game. Two of my fave things in one..bacon & Krispy Kreme..a little taste of heaven.

Gotta go before my arteries begin to clog just from blogging this post.Sizzle..sizzle..

Not Tonight, Honey...

Thought the post title would catch you attention. Hope I'm not sharing too much info, but I don't want to be mistaken for a frigid woman(hee..hee, lerschfam) This is my life..the life of a migraine sufferer. Not tonight, tomorrow, next week, can't fix you lunch boys, "JWP, please get Sis some juice", cancelling plans, don't touch the wine, get nine or more hours of sleep, dark sunglasses, a close relationship to the pharmacist, walking pharmacy myself, could be rich if sold all my meds on the streets, always have barf bag with you, perfume=sick, it goes on and on and on! I have been suffering since I was 15 years old. I can remember my first attack like it was yesterday. It hit like a semi truck...the pain, the nausea, the room was spinning. From that moment, I have suffered. They say it is hereditary. My grandmother and mom suffer, but none of my three siblings do. I pray my children don't. Doctor after doctor, medication after medication, clinic after clinic...I had finally found some relief four years ago. I drove two hours to see the specialist in NC. Since we moved this past year, things have gotten worse. One of my New Years Resolutions was to find a new neurologist. I think I have! I will soon be traveling up to Ann Arbor to find some relief once again. This is very good news for me.
Let me go through childbirth without a working epidural, put a plate of nothing but fried chix gizzards in front of me, have the muffin mom muffin top remain until the day I die, or make me watch Larry King every night...anything but a migraine. The burn marks that scar my face as a result of a burning hot water bottle may be seen as attractive one day, right?? One word of advice, don't ever tell a migraine sufferer you have a headache. To all other migraine sufferers, I salute you!

A Small Way To Give Back

With the start of the new year, the Hubby and I have taken it upon ourselves to get the kids involved in an effort to give back to others. I think it is so important for kids to get involved in helping others and in turn it will become second nature as they grow into adulthood. Hopefully we can plant the seed of volunteering so that they too will see just how fortunate we are and that we can be of service to others.
Recently, the kids at our church donated goods that could be packed in "convoy kits" for the troops. I often become frustrated with the "out of sight, out of mind" mentality that this country emits. Think about it, unless you have a close relative or friend in the service, do you think of our soldiers? Regardless of how you feel about the war, I truly feel we must show our support to those who are continuing to keep us safe at home. The kids filled a huge box full of goodies and as a family, we volunteered to put together all the kits. Four hours later, over fifty kits were made. The kits will be given to the base chaplain in Kuwait who will "send off" the Troops with a prayer and kit of goodies. Thus, fulfilling both the spiritual and physical needs of the people receiving them, as God's Word says:
"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory for ever and ever." Phillipians 4:19-20

Each bag contained lots of goodies and handwritten letters from the children. Our kids were very humbled at the simplicity of the goodies like toothpaste and crackers. Giving back doesn't cost a lot of money. It just takes a little time and a willing heart to truly teach a lesson to our children. They learned to show God's love while helping those who deserve it.

A New Year..A New You

Why is it that at the beginning of every new year, we make resolutions to make changes in our lives? Why can't we just make changes right when we think of them. A new year doesn't necessarily up the odds of success. This year, I am making a few resolutions. My "old-school" mentality hasn't worked so I thought I would jump on the bandwagon and put forth a good ole' effort. Here is my list:
1) to finally stop my farewell feast. Exercise is now a must.
2) to once again pick up a paintbrush and enjoy being creative
3) to write more letters. The art of letter writing has fallen by the way-side :(
4) to shave my legs everyday
5) to answer my phone...i hate the phone
6) to recapture the joy I find in reading. History books are now my love
7) to spend a little less time on the computer
8) to get sis-margaret out of our bed (i can do it)
9) to continue to limit my caffeine consumption
10) to fully adopt the "want v.s. need" mentality. consumption crackdown
11) to finally realize that I can't change others; only myself
12) to be sincere in all I say and do
13) to get dressed, do my hair & makeup and attempt to look decent
14) to share God's love
15) to criticize and nag less. ugh!
16) to give more of myself and my time to help others in need
17) to make it to Florida to see my big sis..spring break?
18) to become less dependant on mayo, butter, ketchup..etc.
19) to find a new neurologist & dermatologist asap
I could go on and on...maybe I will try and concentrate on a few at a time. Good luck in keeping your resolutions and may you have a wonderful new year.