Catching the signal from one of her friends, Angela brushed her skirt, took a deep breath and walked towards where he was sitting. He had been alone all night. The solemn look on his face beckoned her to get to know him. Why would a good-looking man be sitting by himself, so depressed?
As she neared where he was sitting, he looked up and caught her eye. Her heart seemed to skip a beat and she couldn't breath. Did he feel that too? She almost wanted to turn around. The strange feelings swirling in her head scared her. Her friends giggling in the background urged her on. I have to do this! He was still looking at her when she finally arrived.
She sat down at the bar stool next to him. They both looked at each other without saying anything. Angela had this strange feeling that she already knew him. He opened his mouth to be the first to talk and nothing came out.
"H-h-h-hi.", he stuttered.
"Hello there. I'm Angela."
"Have we met before? You seem familiar?"
"I felt the same way! I have never met you. What's your name?"
"William. I'm William. Uhh... why are your friends staring at us?"
Angela turned around and, sure enough, her friends were mesmerized by the chemistry between the two. She gave them a look that they immediately understood and they all went back to looking busy. Angela could fill them in later.
"So, I notice you've been alone all night and you looked sad. Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?"
"Actually, Angela, you already have. Keep me company."
"Of course. William, what did you feel when we made eye contact?"
"I couldn't breathe, Angela. Let's get to know each other."
"Yes, Let's do that, William."
Monday, October 12, 2015
Well...
I have nothing to say. I really really do not know what to say anymore. I have been writing these posts for a long time know. Now, I am plumb out of ideas. I used prompts. I used my brain. I have nothing left. I have tried freewriting. Maybe I'll just free write this. That is a really good iea. What do you ugys think? Is it a good idea? What are your thoughts on freewriting?
I am really tired today. It was a long day and I still have lots to do. I babysat this morning for four hours. We went on a crazy walk together around the entire neighborhood. I was exhausted. My legs were so cold and my body was hot that they were painfully itchy. It was such a peaceful walk. I was just listening to the leaves rustle and the grass sway. I also listened to God. I prayed and I talked.
I got home and did a few hours of schoolwork. Since, I'm homeschooled I have a certain amount of work that needs to be done everyday. It was a challenge to stay focused. It is hard to get work done when you don't feel like getting work done. But, I finished. Except for my English homework which I am doing right now by blogging this post.
Soon, I have to make supper for the family. We are having pancakes. I don't remember the last time I have had pancakes for breakfast. We don;t have time to make meals for breakfast. But, for supper, we have time. So, we're having pancakes.
Later, I am going to Panera to lead a bible study. This is our first week so I am really excited to get started and get a feel for how that is going to play out.
That has been my day so far. Time goes fast when you force yourself to stop thinking and just write.
I am really tired today. It was a long day and I still have lots to do. I babysat this morning for four hours. We went on a crazy walk together around the entire neighborhood. I was exhausted. My legs were so cold and my body was hot that they were painfully itchy. It was such a peaceful walk. I was just listening to the leaves rustle and the grass sway. I also listened to God. I prayed and I talked.
I got home and did a few hours of schoolwork. Since, I'm homeschooled I have a certain amount of work that needs to be done everyday. It was a challenge to stay focused. It is hard to get work done when you don't feel like getting work done. But, I finished. Except for my English homework which I am doing right now by blogging this post.
Soon, I have to make supper for the family. We are having pancakes. I don't remember the last time I have had pancakes for breakfast. We don;t have time to make meals for breakfast. But, for supper, we have time. So, we're having pancakes.
Later, I am going to Panera to lead a bible study. This is our first week so I am really excited to get started and get a feel for how that is going to play out.
That has been my day so far. Time goes fast when you force yourself to stop thinking and just write.
Saturday, October 10, 2015
What's Cooking?
Pumpkin Spice Latte Mug Cake
Ingredients:
Directions:
I began by making a homemade Bisquick. (The only time we run out of Bisquick is when we desperately need it, of course!) As I worked on step one, the smell of pumpkin filled my nose. I am not a fan of pumpkin, so it is kind of funny I chose this recipe. The smell is strong and I stretch out my arms to get it as far away from my body as possible. My arm gets tired as I stir the ingredients.
I pour half the mix in one mug, and the other half in another mug. It spills over the edge and drips onto my finger and the counter.
Soon, it is all mixed together. Unlike the recipe states, the batter is not lumpy.
I put the mugs in the microwave for two minutes. As they are cooking, I wash all the measuring cups and bowls I used while baking.
I take the mugs out of the microwave. They are too hot to hold. I guess they weren't microwavable! I quickly set them on the counter. I stick a knife in the middle to make sure it has cooked completely. The cake is spongey against the force of my finger.
I carefully scoop a beautifully-rounded spoon of vanilla ice cream and add a hint of cinnamon.
My pumpkin spiced latte mug cakes are ready to be served. It was a big success. Everyone in my family liked it. Even I had a few bites! With the heat of the cake and the cold of the ice cream, the temperature in my mouth was perfect. I could taste the pumpkin, of course, along with the cinnamon and strong coffee. I will be making this again!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons brewed espresso coffee or very strong coffee, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup Original Bisquick mix
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Pinch of salt
- Whipped cream or ice cream, for serving
- Ground cinnamon, for serving
Directions:
- In a small bowl, beat melted butter, egg, espresso and pumpkin with whisk. Add the sugar, Bisquick mix, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Mix until incorporated; batter may be lumpy.
- Divide batter between 2 microwavable mugs. Microwave uncovered on High for 2 minutes. Cool a few minutes before serving.
- Top with whipped cream and/or ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
I began by making a homemade Bisquick. (The only time we run out of Bisquick is when we desperately need it, of course!) As I worked on step one, the smell of pumpkin filled my nose. I am not a fan of pumpkin, so it is kind of funny I chose this recipe. The smell is strong and I stretch out my arms to get it as far away from my body as possible. My arm gets tired as I stir the ingredients.
I pour half the mix in one mug, and the other half in another mug. It spills over the edge and drips onto my finger and the counter.
Soon, it is all mixed together. Unlike the recipe states, the batter is not lumpy.
I put the mugs in the microwave for two minutes. As they are cooking, I wash all the measuring cups and bowls I used while baking.
I carefully scoop a beautifully-rounded spoon of vanilla ice cream and add a hint of cinnamon.
My pumpkin spiced latte mug cakes are ready to be served. It was a big success. Everyone in my family liked it. Even I had a few bites! With the heat of the cake and the cold of the ice cream, the temperature in my mouth was perfect. I could taste the pumpkin, of course, along with the cinnamon and strong coffee. I will be making this again!
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Some things everyone should have for $20 or less...
1) Screwdrivers
Seriously, do you know how many things we are are built with screws? Lots! So, we need to be prepared for when, not if, they fall apart.
2) Fire extinguisher
These are not all that great for a raging house fire, but when a cooking experiment goes wrong, this will do the job.
3) Jumper cables
If everyone had jumper cables in their car, we would never have to work about needing help. As long as we're around other people, our car will start back up again.
4) Car cellphone charger
We really too much on our cellphones to not have one of these. What happens when you are using your cell's GPS and it dies? You're lost. Good luck!
5) Rechargeable batteries
We never buy the non-rechargeable now. They last so much longer and are totally worth the price.
6) Dry shampoo
Girls, I plan outfits around my use of dry shampoo. When you need more sleep and have no time to shower, dry shampoo takes about 5 seconds to apply and makes your hair look good as new. It also helps give hair texture to perfect a messy bun or increase the volume a tad.
7) The right pillow
The object we lay our heads on play a huge role in how well we sleep. Waking up with a kink in our neck is not pleasant.
8) Lifestraw
For when you are stranded in the middle of nowhere and need clean water to drink. DO NOT drink water without sanitizing it first. This straw does it for you. If you're in for a real adventure, boiling the water would be the way to go.
9) Swiss army knife
There are things daily a knife is needed for. Opening a jar, spreading butter, cutting a box, etc.
Seriously, do you know how many things we are are built with screws? Lots! So, we need to be prepared for when, not if, they fall apart.
2) Fire extinguisher
These are not all that great for a raging house fire, but when a cooking experiment goes wrong, this will do the job.
3) Jumper cables
If everyone had jumper cables in their car, we would never have to work about needing help. As long as we're around other people, our car will start back up again.
4) Car cellphone charger
We really too much on our cellphones to not have one of these. What happens when you are using your cell's GPS and it dies? You're lost. Good luck!
5) Rechargeable batteries
We never buy the non-rechargeable now. They last so much longer and are totally worth the price.
6) Dry shampoo
Girls, I plan outfits around my use of dry shampoo. When you need more sleep and have no time to shower, dry shampoo takes about 5 seconds to apply and makes your hair look good as new. It also helps give hair texture to perfect a messy bun or increase the volume a tad.
7) The right pillow
The object we lay our heads on play a huge role in how well we sleep. Waking up with a kink in our neck is not pleasant.
8) Lifestraw
For when you are stranded in the middle of nowhere and need clean water to drink. DO NOT drink water without sanitizing it first. This straw does it for you. If you're in for a real adventure, boiling the water would be the way to go.
9) Swiss army knife
There are things daily a knife is needed for. Opening a jar, spreading butter, cutting a box, etc.
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Fluency Blog Reflection
This was a little rough for me. There were days that I would do two or three posts in one sitting just to get them out of the way. These were not my best posts. I started out pretty excited to see myself succeed in this task. I was aware of the level of commitment it would take. I knew I would have a hard time coming up with things to write about. I am not the most creative person. My biggest concern was what to write about.
I would start the day digging through my brain, trying to see if anything was heavy on my heart. When nothing would come to mind, I would look up a new post or ask a family member for help. At times I had something on my heart, I would start writing and it would spill out. This was the easiest time for me to write.
I have always been an avid journal-er. It is easier for me to get thoughts out through paper than by mouth. I think I feel less pressure when I write; once it's out of my mouth there is no taking it back. It makes me more cautious. When I write, I know I can always alter it. With this assurance, I don't mess up as often. Thoughts flow more freely.
This writing project has expanded my creativity. I have been able to write about more than just feelings currently on my mind. I have been forced to sit and think and write every day. At times, it was a struggle to get to the 300-word limit. Other times, I had more words than necessary. Those were my favorite.
I really did not like having to worry about posting over the weekend. My weekends are always so full of family time and work schedules, it was hard to find time to complete my assignment. I got behind often, but would make up for it in the next couple of days.
Overall, this project showed me parts of myself I hadn't seen before. I found a touch of creativity hidden inside me. I found how to better balance my writing schedule so I was not writing about nonsense. I struggled. I got upset. I laughed about it. I learned. That's really important to me. No matter how bad my writing turned out, I learned something about myself and it was all worth it.
I would start the day digging through my brain, trying to see if anything was heavy on my heart. When nothing would come to mind, I would look up a new post or ask a family member for help. At times I had something on my heart, I would start writing and it would spill out. This was the easiest time for me to write.
I have always been an avid journal-er. It is easier for me to get thoughts out through paper than by mouth. I think I feel less pressure when I write; once it's out of my mouth there is no taking it back. It makes me more cautious. When I write, I know I can always alter it. With this assurance, I don't mess up as often. Thoughts flow more freely.
This writing project has expanded my creativity. I have been able to write about more than just feelings currently on my mind. I have been forced to sit and think and write every day. At times, it was a struggle to get to the 300-word limit. Other times, I had more words than necessary. Those were my favorite.
I really did not like having to worry about posting over the weekend. My weekends are always so full of family time and work schedules, it was hard to find time to complete my assignment. I got behind often, but would make up for it in the next couple of days.
Overall, this project showed me parts of myself I hadn't seen before. I found a touch of creativity hidden inside me. I found how to better balance my writing schedule so I was not writing about nonsense. I struggled. I got upset. I laughed about it. I learned. That's really important to me. No matter how bad my writing turned out, I learned something about myself and it was all worth it.
Friday, October 2, 2015
Second Chances
The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore
I will quote from discussion board in order to expand on the answer I posted there. Professor Anthony asked the class, "Both Wes's are given warnings (after an encouter with police/advice from Tony) about their behavior and its subsequent path. When do they face second chances? How are these different from last chances?"
My answer was, "Wes gets a second chance when he hears from his friend about the job program. He takes this second chance and thrives. He got to choose whether or not he took his second chance. It was in his control. Looking at the bigger picture, it seems that may have been his second chance AND his last chance. For some reason that was not explained in the book, Wes suddenly throws his whole life away by robbing a jewelry store. So, his last chance was to change his life, he took it and then threw it away.
Wes had his second chance when he was forced into military school. He was not happy about this but soon began to love it. This second chance was out of his hands. His mother took this second chance for Wes. Although he did not get to choose it, he still benefited from it. Because Wes had this second chance, and stuck with it, he did not need another chance. He let his first chance change him.
Second chances are easy to distinguish. Last chances are not. We can see right up front when we are getting another chance. But not until way later will we see that it may have been our last chance."
To expand a little farther, second chances seem to be pretty common. A lot of people talk about when they had their second chance. But, years later, do they realize it was actually their last chance? Do people ever give up their second chance, assuming they will have a third or fourth or fifth? And when those third, firth, and fifth chances never come, what do they do then? Live with regrets? I sure would.
I will quote from discussion board in order to expand on the answer I posted there. Professor Anthony asked the class, "Both Wes's are given warnings (after an encouter with police/advice from Tony) about their behavior and its subsequent path. When do they face second chances? How are these different from last chances?"
My answer was, "Wes gets a second chance when he hears from his friend about the job program. He takes this second chance and thrives. He got to choose whether or not he took his second chance. It was in his control. Looking at the bigger picture, it seems that may have been his second chance AND his last chance. For some reason that was not explained in the book, Wes suddenly throws his whole life away by robbing a jewelry store. So, his last chance was to change his life, he took it and then threw it away.
Wes had his second chance when he was forced into military school. He was not happy about this but soon began to love it. This second chance was out of his hands. His mother took this second chance for Wes. Although he did not get to choose it, he still benefited from it. Because Wes had this second chance, and stuck with it, he did not need another chance. He let his first chance change him.
Second chances are easy to distinguish. Last chances are not. We can see right up front when we are getting another chance. But not until way later will we see that it may have been our last chance."
To expand a little farther, second chances seem to be pretty common. A lot of people talk about when they had their second chance. But, years later, do they realize it was actually their last chance? Do people ever give up their second chance, assuming they will have a third or fourth or fifth? And when those third, firth, and fifth chances never come, what do they do then? Live with regrets? I sure would.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Patience
What is patience? According to Dictionary.com, patience is the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset. How many of us really have the true definition of patience. What is a virtue? Coming from the same source, a virtue is a behavior showing high moral standards. I think it is safe to say that patience is a virtue.
Taking the definition for patience word by word, we can see that not only do we have to tolerate a delay, but it has to be without being upset or angry. Many people have managed to be patient while being impatient. They can tolerate the delay, but not without complaining and showing their irritation.
How do we achieve pure patience? Does it come from experience? Can it be passed down from generation to generation? Can it become a habit? Where does patience begin? Does it have an end?
There are so many aspects of patience. I'm not sure that it is even possible to be patient at all times. Imagine the most patient person, reacting well in every situation, until the day they just lose control. We are not perfect human beings. Only a perfect human could be patient all the time.
This perspective goes for many characteristics. Joy, happiness (there is a difference between the two), kindness, gentleness, love, peace, and so on. We were all created with different characteristics. Those with kindness may not know how to be happy. Those who are gentle may not be peaceful.
For some reason, patience has been on my mind lately. I guess, before I bought my car, I had to have so much patience. I knew when I wanted the car but God had other plans. Boy, am I glad I waited. The car I have now fits all my needs. I just had to be patient.
Taking the definition for patience word by word, we can see that not only do we have to tolerate a delay, but it has to be without being upset or angry. Many people have managed to be patient while being impatient. They can tolerate the delay, but not without complaining and showing their irritation.
How do we achieve pure patience? Does it come from experience? Can it be passed down from generation to generation? Can it become a habit? Where does patience begin? Does it have an end?
There are so many aspects of patience. I'm not sure that it is even possible to be patient at all times. Imagine the most patient person, reacting well in every situation, until the day they just lose control. We are not perfect human beings. Only a perfect human could be patient all the time.
This perspective goes for many characteristics. Joy, happiness (there is a difference between the two), kindness, gentleness, love, peace, and so on. We were all created with different characteristics. Those with kindness may not know how to be happy. Those who are gentle may not be peaceful.
For some reason, patience has been on my mind lately. I guess, before I bought my car, I had to have so much patience. I knew when I wanted the car but God had other plans. Boy, am I glad I waited. The car I have now fits all my needs. I just had to be patient.
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