God's Blessings are raining upon us...
Last Friday, I posted about God's blessings being upon us. Well, His blessings just keep on coming! I happened to find $60 more in the dryer after I got home! Plus, in the mail on Friday was an Oklahoma state refund check, for over $500! We filed our taxes in February and received our refunds (Well, I guess we didn't receive our FULL refund back then). So it was definitely a welcomed surprise!! Friday was definitely a day full of financial blessings!
We spent Friday night out at Ann's house, since Liz had weddings on both Friday night and all day Saturday. I helped Liz do the candles after the Friday night and Saturday afternoon weddings (she doesn't have to do them after the Saturday evening one. Liz's dad (Jody) came out to the house with me (while Liz was doing that evening wedding) and helped me fix the air conditioning, along with looking at a few other things. I don't know what I would do without him sometimes (other than owe a repair man money). He is certified on anything and everything!!
Today (Sunday) was good! A spent the night on Saturday night with Ann, so they just met Liz and myself at LifeChurch this morning. Another good message, as always! Afterwards, we went to eat lunch at Rib Crib. When we got home, it was work though. I mowed the front and back yards (it was so FREAKIN' hot!), plus Liz straightened up inside because we had a family looking at our in-home daycare. After they left, we let A play in the sprinkler for a little bit....which she had a blast! We actually made it inside for relaxation later this evening though! It is a little after 8pm, A is in bed watching a movie....we are in bed on the laptops....we will probably watch a movie or something...and oh by the way, that family loved the daycare and they will be dropping the baby off around 6am. Yes, that is right....I don't get up until 6:45am, and Liz doesn't get up until around 7:10am. Looks that will change, but it is only on Monday and Friday.
Well, I hope everyone has a good week....I know, I know...back to work!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
God's blessings are upon us...
God is blessing us! I know He is rewarding us! Here is an example:
Last night I put clothes in the washer, and I always check every single pocket before putting the clothes in. I found a couple pieces of paper in my pants, but that was pretty much the extent of my findings. Before going to bed, I put the clothes in the dryer. This morning I woke up, to run the dryer cycle one last time before I got ready. When I went back to the dryer, I opened the dryer door. When I opened the dryer door, right on top were two $20 bills. I immediately grabbed my clothes and went to tell Liz...who was still in bed. There was nothing in the dryer when I put the clothes in, and there was nothing in ANY pocket...definitely a gift of God.
He is definitely taking care of us!
God is blessing us! I know He is rewarding us! Here is an example:
Last night I put clothes in the washer, and I always check every single pocket before putting the clothes in. I found a couple pieces of paper in my pants, but that was pretty much the extent of my findings. Before going to bed, I put the clothes in the dryer. This morning I woke up, to run the dryer cycle one last time before I got ready. When I went back to the dryer, I opened the dryer door. When I opened the dryer door, right on top were two $20 bills. I immediately grabbed my clothes and went to tell Liz...who was still in bed. There was nothing in the dryer when I put the clothes in, and there was nothing in ANY pocket...definitely a gift of God.
He is definitely taking care of us!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
ParentHood - The Parent's Priority
Wow! This series on ParentHood is an absolute must, Must, MUST if you are a parent or planning on kids someday. This is so amazing!!!! There are 3 more videos in this series below, and you'll want to pause the music video playing to the right before watching. Enjoy!
Wow! This series on ParentHood is an absolute must, Must, MUST if you are a parent or planning on kids someday. This is so amazing!!!! There are 3 more videos in this series below, and you'll want to pause the music video playing to the right before watching. Enjoy!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Wordless Wednesday - Confused Store
Please leave me a comment if you're participating in WW so I can visit your site. Also, if you'd like to see other WW participants, go here
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Monday, April 23, 2007
God Is Working...
This is almost identical to what Liz said, but I am sharing in the same excitement that she is. God is blessing us so much!
Liz and I have been planning some exciting things, which will unfold during the next few years. This weekend, we got another amazing offer!!! So we are praying, praying, praying....please pray with us!
We don't feel that it is time to reveal any of the things God is working/blessing us with, but we are so excited about the doors God seems to be opening. We will have to make many sacrifices before we can walk through these doors....with many of those being financially. Make as much as possible, while spending the least possible amount.
I can't believe it has almost been a week since my last blog. It has been a good week, mostly working.
Friday night Liz and I had a date night (it was A's weekend with her daddy), which was very nice! We went to Bahama Breeze for dinner, then our plans were for a movie afterwards. After finally getting out of the restaurant about 9:45, the pooper Liz decided she was too tired for the theater....haha (I was tired, too). We went back to the house and watched a movie in our bedroom instead...awhile back, we moved the big screen to the bedroom and no tv in the living room. Liz and I don't watch much tv...just usually at night before bed.
Liz had two wedding on Saturday, so I spent the day at her parents. I help Liz out at the end of the weddings to clean/replace candles and pickup petals because the sooner she gets out of there, the sooner we go somewhere.
Today was a long one...not only was it Monday, but I had to spend 5 hours on the road. I am looking forward to a nice, peaceful rest this evening....haha!!! Probably planting flowers, mowing, and cleaning house after the daycare kids leave.
This is almost identical to what Liz said, but I am sharing in the same excitement that she is. God is blessing us so much!
Liz and I have been planning some exciting things, which will unfold during the next few years. This weekend, we got another amazing offer!!! So we are praying, praying, praying....please pray with us!
We don't feel that it is time to reveal any of the things God is working/blessing us with, but we are so excited about the doors God seems to be opening. We will have to make many sacrifices before we can walk through these doors....with many of those being financially. Make as much as possible, while spending the least possible amount.
I can't believe it has almost been a week since my last blog. It has been a good week, mostly working.
Friday night Liz and I had a date night (it was A's weekend with her daddy), which was very nice! We went to Bahama Breeze for dinner, then our plans were for a movie afterwards. After finally getting out of the restaurant about 9:45, the pooper Liz decided she was too tired for the theater....haha (I was tired, too). We went back to the house and watched a movie in our bedroom instead...awhile back, we moved the big screen to the bedroom and no tv in the living room. Liz and I don't watch much tv...just usually at night before bed.
Liz had two wedding on Saturday, so I spent the day at her parents. I help Liz out at the end of the weddings to clean/replace candles and pickup petals because the sooner she gets out of there, the sooner we go somewhere.
Today was a long one...not only was it Monday, but I had to spend 5 hours on the road. I am looking forward to a nice, peaceful rest this evening....haha!!! Probably planting flowers, mowing, and cleaning house after the daycare kids leave.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Put your right foot in...
How smart is your right foot? Just try this. It is from an orthopedic surgeon. This will boggle your mind and you will keep trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your foot. While sitting where you are, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.
Now, while doing this, draw the number "6" in the air with your right hand.
Your foot will change direction.
I told you so!!!
How smart is your right foot? Just try this. It is from an orthopedic surgeon. This will boggle your mind and you will keep trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your foot. While sitting where you are, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.
Now, while doing this, draw the number "6" in the air with your right hand.
Your foot will change direction.
I told you so!!!
Monday, April 16, 2007
The church...
I strongly suggest watching the video below! There is a part in Craig's message about the church, that I can't get over because it is so true.
Craig talked about churches in a series called "Remember" which I will post on here soon. In that message, Craig pointed out that Jesus said to "GO into the world"...not build a building and hope they come to you. So true! You have to go into the world and REACH the people.
Again, in this message below he pointed out the church. In his example, Mark chapter 2 verses 1-5:
Jesus entered Capernaum and the people heard he had come. So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the Word to them. Some men came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
What Craig goes on to say is there is this man with a great need, and the people trying to listen to Jesus had their back to the men and they couldn't get inside. Wouldn't you agree that is often the message some churches send today?
"We're doing our little church thing, yep we are here together, we'll do our Experiencing God bible study, and we'll have our pot luck dinner...praise the Lord! We'll sing 'This is the day', and we'll stay away from those people back there because they aren't like us. They go to PG-13 and Rated R movies...they listen to secular music...some of them even have tattoos. We need to do our little Jesus thing over here and just stay away from those people."
While they are doing their little Jesus party of there, they are basically telling (by their actions) all "those" people that they can go to hell. We don't really care about the rest of the world's suffering, hurting, rejection, fighting.
May we, the believers and family of God, please be a people that care!! Pray for a broken heart for all people...just as Jesus loved and died for us all!
I strongly suggest watching the video below! There is a part in Craig's message about the church, that I can't get over because it is so true.
Craig talked about churches in a series called "Remember" which I will post on here soon. In that message, Craig pointed out that Jesus said to "GO into the world"...not build a building and hope they come to you. So true! You have to go into the world and REACH the people.
Again, in this message below he pointed out the church. In his example, Mark chapter 2 verses 1-5:
Jesus entered Capernaum and the people heard he had come. So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the Word to them. Some men came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
What Craig goes on to say is there is this man with a great need, and the people trying to listen to Jesus had their back to the men and they couldn't get inside. Wouldn't you agree that is often the message some churches send today?
"We're doing our little church thing, yep we are here together, we'll do our Experiencing God bible study, and we'll have our pot luck dinner...praise the Lord! We'll sing 'This is the day', and we'll stay away from those people back there because they aren't like us. They go to PG-13 and Rated R movies...they listen to secular music...some of them even have tattoos. We need to do our little Jesus thing over here and just stay away from those people."
While they are doing their little Jesus party of there, they are basically telling (by their actions) all "those" people that they can go to hell. We don't really care about the rest of the world's suffering, hurting, rejection, fighting.
May we, the believers and family of God, please be a people that care!! Pray for a broken heart for all people...just as Jesus loved and died for us all!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
How To Save A Life...
I absolutely loved the sermon today! Please, Please, Please take 30 minutes out of your day and watch this. It is truly a blessing. Turn the tv off, take a shorter lunch break, just whatever it takes. Take the time and watch. What is better for your relationship with God...As The Stomach Turns or a message that hits home.
This is part of a series called Mixtape, where they take today's music and preach a message based upon the lyrics. This particular message is based on a song called "How To Save A Life" by The Fray. First the song, then the message based on the song.
I absolutely loved the sermon today! Please, Please, Please take 30 minutes out of your day and watch this. It is truly a blessing. Turn the tv off, take a shorter lunch break, just whatever it takes. Take the time and watch. What is better for your relationship with God...As The Stomach Turns or a message that hits home.
This is part of a series called Mixtape, where they take today's music and preach a message based upon the lyrics. This particular message is based on a song called "How To Save A Life" by The Fray. First the song, then the message based on the song.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Tips for a happy marriage, even as parents...
How is your married life? Is it everything you hoped it would be? Is it pushed down your list of priorities with kids? I have only been married for 10 months, and I am getting a crash course in marriage and parenthood with a step-daughter. We have our moments when we are exhausted and cranky, just like everyone else. I was just thinking about my married life, and I am so happy that my wife and I have a good relationship. Marriage is the foundation that the entire family is structured upon. If your marriage is strong, the entire family will be strong...your life will be more peaceful, you'll be a better parent, and you'll have more fun in life. Here are a few tips that I think really help keep a happy marriage during the stressful times of parenthood:
1. Go to church - My wife and I attend LifeChurch every week. We love the experience! Not only during the services, but it gives us some conversation topics each week on the sermon subject. I remember this line in church over the years..."if it is right vertically, it is right horizontally". That is so true!! If you have things in your life right with God...then you'll notice that everything going on around you is amazing!
2. Make a commitment - You must be willing to put time, effort, and thought into nurturing your marriage. Keep in mind that your children will really benefit from a healthy marriage, too. Children would feel so much more secure knowing that Mom and Dad are so happy! Especially in today's world when probably half the marriages fail. How cool would it be for the kids if they had daily proof that their family life is stable and predictable. Make a commitment to your marriage, and the children will feel the difference. A simple change in attitude and a committed focus results a stronger marriage.
3. Look for the good, overlook the bad - You married your spouse for good reason....surely they have great qualities about them. Try to ignore the little things like dirty underwear on the floor and dirty glass on the counter...instead search for the good. Things like your husband helping you clean house, your wife fixing you a home-cooked meal, working together on certain tasks, taking care of you when you were sick, etc.
4. Giving two compliments everyday - Now that you are looking for the good, it is time to show your appreciation. This is a golden key to your spouse's heart. When we go to work, don't we love to be acknowledged by our boss/co-workers for our hard work? Same thing goes at the house. It stinks when on a daily basis, the only things pointed out are the negative....how about some positive reinforcement for a change? Compliments make people feel so good about themselves...especially in a negative world. When your spouse says, "You're the best, I'm so glad I married you!". It not only makes you feel loved, it makes you feel more loving. Compliments are easy to give, take little time, they are free...they are so powerful and all it takes is a little effort to say them. Little things like "Dinner was great, thanks for cooking", "thanks for picking up those items from the store, it saved me a trip", "thanks for cleaning the house while I was at work, it looks great". Just a little acknowledgement goes a long way!
5. Play nice - I know that sounds a little funny, but think about it. How often do you see partners in life treating one another impolite? Harsher than they'd even treat a friend. Sometimes we take our loved one's for granted and unintentionally display rudeness or even our frustration from our long day. As the saying goes, if you have a choice of being right or being nice...just choose to be nice. Or the other saying, "if you don't anything nice to say, don't say anything at all".
6. Pick your battles - How often have we all heard this advice in parenting? It is great advice to follow in marriage, too. In any human relationship, there will be disagreement and conflict. The key is deciding which issues are worth pursuing and which one's would be better ignored. Next time you are annoyed, just take a minute and examine the issue at hand. Is it really worth it?
7. The 60 second cuddle - You can often identify a newly married couple by how much they touch each other...except in my marriage. haha! Just kidding, honey! I started reading into affection between married couples. Since this topic is about married couples, I came across this interesting "known fact"....Moms often have less need of physical contact from their spouse because their babies and children provide so much opportunity for touch and cuddling that at day's end finds them "touch fulfilled". So here is a simple reminder...touch your spouse more. A simple hug, kiss, holding hands/arm, etc...the good feeling it produces for both of you far outweighs the effort. Here is the deal: whenever you have been apart for a period of time during the day, make it a rule that you take 60 seconds to cuddle, touch, and connect. This can be addictive! I believe if you do this, you will find yourselves touching more often and increasing the romantic aspect of your marriage!
8. Spend more time talking and listening to your spouse - My wife and I make it a point every single night in bed (after the kid is in bed) to take lots of time to talk and listen about everything going on in our day/life. Get into the habit of talking about something you read that day, something you saw on tv, your hopes/dreams/concerns. Take a special interest in those things your spouse is interested in and ask questions...then listen.
9. Spend time with your spouse - Like I said above, my wife and I share a few hours each night talking, watching shows while cuddling, and a date night almost weekly. It can be very difficult for your marriage to thrive, if you are always being "mommy and daddy" and not spending time being "husband and wife". When you and your spouse regularly connect, you might find a renewed love between you! You also might find that it has given you a refreshment as a parent, which in turn will make you a better parent, more loving parent. You owe it to yourself, your spouse, and your kids to nurture your relationship.
My challenge for you is to apply these items to your marriage for the next month....then get back to me. If you do this, maybe you will watch your marriage take on a whole new glow! If you have more suggestions, I would love for you to comment....I love hearing how people married for umpteen years has made it work. I've just recently been studying on having a happy marriage/parent life...I'm still a newbie!
How is your married life? Is it everything you hoped it would be? Is it pushed down your list of priorities with kids? I have only been married for 10 months, and I am getting a crash course in marriage and parenthood with a step-daughter. We have our moments when we are exhausted and cranky, just like everyone else. I was just thinking about my married life, and I am so happy that my wife and I have a good relationship. Marriage is the foundation that the entire family is structured upon. If your marriage is strong, the entire family will be strong...your life will be more peaceful, you'll be a better parent, and you'll have more fun in life. Here are a few tips that I think really help keep a happy marriage during the stressful times of parenthood:
1. Go to church - My wife and I attend LifeChurch every week. We love the experience! Not only during the services, but it gives us some conversation topics each week on the sermon subject. I remember this line in church over the years..."if it is right vertically, it is right horizontally". That is so true!! If you have things in your life right with God...then you'll notice that everything going on around you is amazing!
2. Make a commitment - You must be willing to put time, effort, and thought into nurturing your marriage. Keep in mind that your children will really benefit from a healthy marriage, too. Children would feel so much more secure knowing that Mom and Dad are so happy! Especially in today's world when probably half the marriages fail. How cool would it be for the kids if they had daily proof that their family life is stable and predictable. Make a commitment to your marriage, and the children will feel the difference. A simple change in attitude and a committed focus results a stronger marriage.
3. Look for the good, overlook the bad - You married your spouse for good reason....surely they have great qualities about them. Try to ignore the little things like dirty underwear on the floor and dirty glass on the counter...instead search for the good. Things like your husband helping you clean house, your wife fixing you a home-cooked meal, working together on certain tasks, taking care of you when you were sick, etc.
4. Giving two compliments everyday - Now that you are looking for the good, it is time to show your appreciation. This is a golden key to your spouse's heart. When we go to work, don't we love to be acknowledged by our boss/co-workers for our hard work? Same thing goes at the house. It stinks when on a daily basis, the only things pointed out are the negative....how about some positive reinforcement for a change? Compliments make people feel so good about themselves...especially in a negative world. When your spouse says, "You're the best, I'm so glad I married you!". It not only makes you feel loved, it makes you feel more loving. Compliments are easy to give, take little time, they are free...they are so powerful and all it takes is a little effort to say them. Little things like "Dinner was great, thanks for cooking", "thanks for picking up those items from the store, it saved me a trip", "thanks for cleaning the house while I was at work, it looks great". Just a little acknowledgement goes a long way!
5. Play nice - I know that sounds a little funny, but think about it. How often do you see partners in life treating one another impolite? Harsher than they'd even treat a friend. Sometimes we take our loved one's for granted and unintentionally display rudeness or even our frustration from our long day. As the saying goes, if you have a choice of being right or being nice...just choose to be nice. Or the other saying, "if you don't anything nice to say, don't say anything at all".
6. Pick your battles - How often have we all heard this advice in parenting? It is great advice to follow in marriage, too. In any human relationship, there will be disagreement and conflict. The key is deciding which issues are worth pursuing and which one's would be better ignored. Next time you are annoyed, just take a minute and examine the issue at hand. Is it really worth it?
7. The 60 second cuddle - You can often identify a newly married couple by how much they touch each other...except in my marriage. haha! Just kidding, honey! I started reading into affection between married couples. Since this topic is about married couples, I came across this interesting "known fact"....Moms often have less need of physical contact from their spouse because their babies and children provide so much opportunity for touch and cuddling that at day's end finds them "touch fulfilled". So here is a simple reminder...touch your spouse more. A simple hug, kiss, holding hands/arm, etc...the good feeling it produces for both of you far outweighs the effort. Here is the deal: whenever you have been apart for a period of time during the day, make it a rule that you take 60 seconds to cuddle, touch, and connect. This can be addictive! I believe if you do this, you will find yourselves touching more often and increasing the romantic aspect of your marriage!
8. Spend more time talking and listening to your spouse - My wife and I make it a point every single night in bed (after the kid is in bed) to take lots of time to talk and listen about everything going on in our day/life. Get into the habit of talking about something you read that day, something you saw on tv, your hopes/dreams/concerns. Take a special interest in those things your spouse is interested in and ask questions...then listen.
9. Spend time with your spouse - Like I said above, my wife and I share a few hours each night talking, watching shows while cuddling, and a date night almost weekly. It can be very difficult for your marriage to thrive, if you are always being "mommy and daddy" and not spending time being "husband and wife". When you and your spouse regularly connect, you might find a renewed love between you! You also might find that it has given you a refreshment as a parent, which in turn will make you a better parent, more loving parent. You owe it to yourself, your spouse, and your kids to nurture your relationship.
My challenge for you is to apply these items to your marriage for the next month....then get back to me. If you do this, maybe you will watch your marriage take on a whole new glow! If you have more suggestions, I would love for you to comment....I love hearing how people married for umpteen years has made it work. I've just recently been studying on having a happy marriage/parent life...I'm still a newbie!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
For those Thursday 13 folks...
I was looking at Thursday 13 posts and came across this one. This is from a 61 year old man on "what men want from women". It was pretty funny, and I thought I would just pass it along.
Disclaimer: In no way do the opinions of this blogger reflect the opinions of oumike23, therefore no punishment should be handed to oumike23. Everything on this post below this line is strictly from this man's page:
http://atavist.blogspot.com/2007/03/thirteen-things-man-wants-from-woman.html
So, without further ado, here is my own list. It is culled from the marriages and relationships that have taken up the adult life of a 61 year old man, plus distillations of conversations I have had with numerous other men on the topic over the years. Also, I am a people watcher. I notice things. In my list, there are both 'do's' and 'don'ts.' In my personal experience, the presence of things that are real irritants is sometimes harder to take than the absence of things that please.
The Atavist's Thirteen Things that men want from women:
1. Respect us: Our opinions and actions count, even if we don’t think quite like you do, and even if we act or react differently than you.
2. Don’t criticize us: Especially, don’t use terms like “you always” or “you never” in a negative way.
3. Don’t dredge up the past: What we said on May 13, 1987 or did on November 22, 1993, is irrelevant today. It’s history. We’re still together aren’t we? Doesn’t that mean that whatever it was that upset you has been forgiven and forgotten?
4. If we are grappling with a personal or work-related issue, please understand that not everything needs to be analyzed to death. If we don’t want to talk about something, leave us alone. We handle our problems more privately than women. If you offer us unsolicited advice, it puts us in a very awkward position of being seen as ignoring or undervaluing your opinion if we choose to address the problem our way. Discussions of things that affect both of us or our children directly are, of course, another matter.
5. Don’t push. Say it once, that’s enough. Harping on anything on your gripe list will guarantee pretty much the opposite of what you would like. You might think that “You never bring me flowers,” is a good way to get us to correct our oversight. Instead, to men, that observation of yours is tantamount to an order to get you some flowers, or else. We don’t follow orders well.
6. Lose the sarcasm. Curb that acid tongue of yours. Do you seriously think that skewering everyone and everything in your path is going to result in harmonious relationships, especially with your mate?
7. Don’t embarrass us in public. If you have a problem with something we do or say, wait until we get home to discuss it, and then bring it up in as neutral a way as possible. Don't raise your voice, don't cry, don't walk around with that 'look' on your face. It's embarrassing to us and should be embarrassing to you too.
8. Let's have a united front in dealing with children. They are our kids too. We are just as likely to be correct as you are in how we handle our kids. Support and enforce our decisions. We'll do the same for you.
9. Women appear to have some sort of secret rule book about what they expect of a mate or lover. If you’re going to use the rule book, you have to give us a copy. Men often have no clue why their spouse is upset about something. If men are to be judged like this, at least let us know what is expected of us. If it is reasonable, we will be happy to comply. If it is unreasonable, at least we will be able to tell you so, and relieve you of any unrealistic expectation that we might ever act the way you wish us to.
10. Don’t tell us how to drive or how to get to where we’re going. We knew how to start the car, get out of the driveway, drive across town and across the country long before we ever met you. Why do we suddenly need detailed instructions?
11. Many of our hobbies, interests, dreams and aspirations are different from yours. So what? We go with you to craft shows and to see chick flics. If it pleases us to have you accompany us to a monster truck rally or an action movie, put on your coat, smile sweetly, and come with us. Be happy that we want to spend time with you.
12. Recognize that we are very visual beings. We like to look. Just because we admire a nice set of boobs or a perfect derriere on another woman doesn't mean that we don't love you. We're with you, aren't we? Don't make an issue of something trivial. Don't point out to us that her breasts are probably plastic and that she is probably as stupid as a stump. It demeans you much more than the woman you are insulting. In return, we will promise to be circumspect and not to embarrass you by being overtly lecherous.
13. Recognize that we are also very physical beings. We need lots and lots of physical attention. We are much more likely to be helpful and co-operative and sympathetic and even-tempered, and to take you to the theatre and buy you flowers and give you the emotional closeness you crave, if we get lots of physical attention, with lots of variety and in a spirit of fun.
There. It's an imperfect list, but all I have time for. And... all my female friends, if you think my list is too harsh and one-sided, please replay in your mind the conversations you have had with your best friend, or sister or mother, about your husband or boyfriend. Still think my comments are harsh? Chances are you used some rather strong language in those conversations and called the offending male some really nasty names. If you are a female who truly and honestly doesn't recognize herself in even a few of the points above, you are one in a million. Your mate should bow down before you and treat you like a queen, or at least run off to the flower store to get you some daisies or something. Tell him I said so.
By the way, I fully expect the women who visit here to be as honest about what they expect from men as I have been about what men expect from women. After all, that's my real name up there on my blog sidebar and I haven't pulled any punches, so tell us what you really think! My wife and I have discussed the male/female dynamic many times and even she doesn't agree with me all of the time. Also, she knows my blog address and visits regularly, so I have to be real careful to get it right.
A reader once commented in response to a post of mine that I sounded bitter. Far from it. I see humour in everything. I treat everything in life as an adventure and try to learn from it. Bad things happen to people sometimes, including me. But, and this is important to remember, unless I specifically say that I experienced something, I might be writing about the travails of a friend or acquaintance. I have seen many examples of truly dreadful behaviour of one sex to the other. Men are as apt to be jerks as are women, just in different ways.The rotten tomatoes are in the big barrel over there. Before you start lobbing them at me, I think I'll go hide until this blows over.
I was looking at Thursday 13 posts and came across this one. This is from a 61 year old man on "what men want from women". It was pretty funny, and I thought I would just pass it along.
Disclaimer: In no way do the opinions of this blogger reflect the opinions of oumike23, therefore no punishment should be handed to oumike23. Everything on this post below this line is strictly from this man's page:
http://atavist.blogspot.com/2007/03/thirteen-things-man-wants-from-woman.html
So, without further ado, here is my own list. It is culled from the marriages and relationships that have taken up the adult life of a 61 year old man, plus distillations of conversations I have had with numerous other men on the topic over the years. Also, I am a people watcher. I notice things. In my list, there are both 'do's' and 'don'ts.' In my personal experience, the presence of things that are real irritants is sometimes harder to take than the absence of things that please.
The Atavist's Thirteen Things that men want from women:
1. Respect us: Our opinions and actions count, even if we don’t think quite like you do, and even if we act or react differently than you.
2. Don’t criticize us: Especially, don’t use terms like “you always” or “you never” in a negative way.
3. Don’t dredge up the past: What we said on May 13, 1987 or did on November 22, 1993, is irrelevant today. It’s history. We’re still together aren’t we? Doesn’t that mean that whatever it was that upset you has been forgiven and forgotten?
4. If we are grappling with a personal or work-related issue, please understand that not everything needs to be analyzed to death. If we don’t want to talk about something, leave us alone. We handle our problems more privately than women. If you offer us unsolicited advice, it puts us in a very awkward position of being seen as ignoring or undervaluing your opinion if we choose to address the problem our way. Discussions of things that affect both of us or our children directly are, of course, another matter.
5. Don’t push. Say it once, that’s enough. Harping on anything on your gripe list will guarantee pretty much the opposite of what you would like. You might think that “You never bring me flowers,” is a good way to get us to correct our oversight. Instead, to men, that observation of yours is tantamount to an order to get you some flowers, or else. We don’t follow orders well.
6. Lose the sarcasm. Curb that acid tongue of yours. Do you seriously think that skewering everyone and everything in your path is going to result in harmonious relationships, especially with your mate?
7. Don’t embarrass us in public. If you have a problem with something we do or say, wait until we get home to discuss it, and then bring it up in as neutral a way as possible. Don't raise your voice, don't cry, don't walk around with that 'look' on your face. It's embarrassing to us and should be embarrassing to you too.
8. Let's have a united front in dealing with children. They are our kids too. We are just as likely to be correct as you are in how we handle our kids. Support and enforce our decisions. We'll do the same for you.
9. Women appear to have some sort of secret rule book about what they expect of a mate or lover. If you’re going to use the rule book, you have to give us a copy. Men often have no clue why their spouse is upset about something. If men are to be judged like this, at least let us know what is expected of us. If it is reasonable, we will be happy to comply. If it is unreasonable, at least we will be able to tell you so, and relieve you of any unrealistic expectation that we might ever act the way you wish us to.
10. Don’t tell us how to drive or how to get to where we’re going. We knew how to start the car, get out of the driveway, drive across town and across the country long before we ever met you. Why do we suddenly need detailed instructions?
11. Many of our hobbies, interests, dreams and aspirations are different from yours. So what? We go with you to craft shows and to see chick flics. If it pleases us to have you accompany us to a monster truck rally or an action movie, put on your coat, smile sweetly, and come with us. Be happy that we want to spend time with you.
12. Recognize that we are very visual beings. We like to look. Just because we admire a nice set of boobs or a perfect derriere on another woman doesn't mean that we don't love you. We're with you, aren't we? Don't make an issue of something trivial. Don't point out to us that her breasts are probably plastic and that she is probably as stupid as a stump. It demeans you much more than the woman you are insulting. In return, we will promise to be circumspect and not to embarrass you by being overtly lecherous.
13. Recognize that we are also very physical beings. We need lots and lots of physical attention. We are much more likely to be helpful and co-operative and sympathetic and even-tempered, and to take you to the theatre and buy you flowers and give you the emotional closeness you crave, if we get lots of physical attention, with lots of variety and in a spirit of fun.
There. It's an imperfect list, but all I have time for. And... all my female friends, if you think my list is too harsh and one-sided, please replay in your mind the conversations you have had with your best friend, or sister or mother, about your husband or boyfriend. Still think my comments are harsh? Chances are you used some rather strong language in those conversations and called the offending male some really nasty names. If you are a female who truly and honestly doesn't recognize herself in even a few of the points above, you are one in a million. Your mate should bow down before you and treat you like a queen, or at least run off to the flower store to get you some daisies or something. Tell him I said so.
By the way, I fully expect the women who visit here to be as honest about what they expect from men as I have been about what men expect from women. After all, that's my real name up there on my blog sidebar and I haven't pulled any punches, so tell us what you really think! My wife and I have discussed the male/female dynamic many times and even she doesn't agree with me all of the time. Also, she knows my blog address and visits regularly, so I have to be real careful to get it right.
A reader once commented in response to a post of mine that I sounded bitter. Far from it. I see humour in everything. I treat everything in life as an adventure and try to learn from it. Bad things happen to people sometimes, including me. But, and this is important to remember, unless I specifically say that I experienced something, I might be writing about the travails of a friend or acquaintance. I have seen many examples of truly dreadful behaviour of one sex to the other. Men are as apt to be jerks as are women, just in different ways.The rotten tomatoes are in the big barrel over there. Before you start lobbing them at me, I think I'll go hide until this blows over.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
On the road again...
I got up about 7am this morning, that is considered sleeping in for me on the weekdays. I was going straight to Porter Schools. Porter is about 10 miles northwest of Muskogee, and it is a 2.5 hour drive (and another 2.5 back home). I left the house at 7:30am and got there at 10am. About 12:15pm, another co-worker showed up which was on his way to Wagoner. He was taking a part up there to yet another two USI employees. Wagoner is only about 10-12 miles away from Porter, so I joined him in taking the part to the other guys before we all went to lunch together.
Speaking of lunch, there were 4 of us USI guys and the tech at Wagoner all going to lunch. We went to this bbq place up there in Wagoner, and it was very good. Not only did we go to lunch, it was on the sales department! I had what was called a Runtwich. It had brisket, bologna, pork tenderloin, and hot link all on texas toast....very good! They had really good onion rings, too!
After lunch, I headed back to Porter to finish up. I finally think I got it fixed about 3pm. I checked out at the Admin office and hit the road. I made it home about 5:30pm. After I got home, a few of the daycare kids were just leaving. After all the kids left, I went to Walmart to get a few key items, then I went to get us dinner (Quizno's) to take home.
Not long after dinner, mom-in-law (Ann) brought A home (she spent last night there) and she brought a visitor for the night...E (A's 4 year old cousin) is spending the night with us. After mom left, I took the flowers outside (we brought some flowers in during the cold weather) and watered them...then not long after that, I gave the puppy a bath.
Finally, it is 10:30pm and I am exhausted. Life as a married man and parent (even better, step-parent...I am still trying to figure out what to always do) is very, very hectic. I just don't think single friends and even some married one's with no kids really understand what it is like...I mean, I never did fully realize until diving in head first. I am not complaining! I love my life, and I am looking forward to the future!
Well, it sounds like tomorrow I will be back in town for work. I'm look forward to a less hectic day, but I love being on the road (more mileage = more $$$ come expense check time).
I got up about 7am this morning, that is considered sleeping in for me on the weekdays. I was going straight to Porter Schools. Porter is about 10 miles northwest of Muskogee, and it is a 2.5 hour drive (and another 2.5 back home). I left the house at 7:30am and got there at 10am. About 12:15pm, another co-worker showed up which was on his way to Wagoner. He was taking a part up there to yet another two USI employees. Wagoner is only about 10-12 miles away from Porter, so I joined him in taking the part to the other guys before we all went to lunch together.
Speaking of lunch, there were 4 of us USI guys and the tech at Wagoner all going to lunch. We went to this bbq place up there in Wagoner, and it was very good. Not only did we go to lunch, it was on the sales department! I had what was called a Runtwich. It had brisket, bologna, pork tenderloin, and hot link all on texas toast....very good! They had really good onion rings, too!
After lunch, I headed back to Porter to finish up. I finally think I got it fixed about 3pm. I checked out at the Admin office and hit the road. I made it home about 5:30pm. After I got home, a few of the daycare kids were just leaving. After all the kids left, I went to Walmart to get a few key items, then I went to get us dinner (Quizno's) to take home.
Not long after dinner, mom-in-law (Ann) brought A home (she spent last night there) and she brought a visitor for the night...E (A's 4 year old cousin) is spending the night with us. After mom left, I took the flowers outside (we brought some flowers in during the cold weather) and watered them...then not long after that, I gave the puppy a bath.
Finally, it is 10:30pm and I am exhausted. Life as a married man and parent (even better, step-parent...I am still trying to figure out what to always do) is very, very hectic. I just don't think single friends and even some married one's with no kids really understand what it is like...I mean, I never did fully realize until diving in head first. I am not complaining! I love my life, and I am looking forward to the future!
Well, it sounds like tomorrow I will be back in town for work. I'm look forward to a less hectic day, but I love being on the road (more mileage = more $$$ come expense check time).
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Spinning my wheels???
I think about what all to say on here, but I feel like I am just spinning my wheels. I have no idea if anyone is reading this thing, or if anyone really cares. I changed the way I was posting...I was posting things I did on a daily basis, which didn't get much response. Instead of posting on my daily work/routine, I thought I would put a little more thought into my posts...I'm getting zero response now. After all, my last 6 posts have resulted in 1 comment...and that comment was from ME. Sometimes I feel like I am just wasting time and doing something that nobody reads. I don't know, I'm just feeling like it isn't worth the effort. Thanks for listening to my little rant (well, those one or two that might be reading).
I think about what all to say on here, but I feel like I am just spinning my wheels. I have no idea if anyone is reading this thing, or if anyone really cares. I changed the way I was posting...I was posting things I did on a daily basis, which didn't get much response. Instead of posting on my daily work/routine, I thought I would put a little more thought into my posts...I'm getting zero response now. After all, my last 6 posts have resulted in 1 comment...and that comment was from ME. Sometimes I feel like I am just wasting time and doing something that nobody reads. I don't know, I'm just feeling like it isn't worth the effort. Thanks for listening to my little rant (well, those one or two that might be reading).
People are watching...
I came across the following story, and I thought I would pass it along.
A man was being tailgated by a stressed out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.
The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup.
As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, finger printed, photographed, and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.
He said, "I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the 'What Would Jesus Do' bumper sticker, the 'Choose Life' License plate holder, the 'Follow Me to Sunday-School' bumper Sticker, And the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk, Naturally...I assumed you had stolen the car."
I think this story sets an example and has a message in it. Just remember that we as christians, should be reminded that people are watching our actions. We need to live a life according to the way God would be pleased. Our life and how we live may be the only "Bible" some non-believers ever read. They should look at us and KNOW something is different. Just something to think about.
I came across the following story, and I thought I would pass it along.
A man was being tailgated by a stressed out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.
The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup.
As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, finger printed, photographed, and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.
He said, "I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the 'What Would Jesus Do' bumper sticker, the 'Choose Life' License plate holder, the 'Follow Me to Sunday-School' bumper Sticker, And the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk, Naturally...I assumed you had stolen the car."
I think this story sets an example and has a message in it. Just remember that we as christians, should be reminded that people are watching our actions. We need to live a life according to the way God would be pleased. Our life and how we live may be the only "Bible" some non-believers ever read. They should look at us and KNOW something is different. Just something to think about.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Easter Sunday
We had an amazing Easter Service yesterday morning. I was hoping my parents would have made it, but it didn't work out. Liz's mom, dad, and brother was able to join us though. Here is the video of the sermon...I post these videos, but it really doesn't do the experience any justice. It is so awesome being there and feeling the Spirit move!
We had an amazing Easter Service yesterday morning. I was hoping my parents would have made it, but it didn't work out. Liz's mom, dad, and brother was able to join us though. Here is the video of the sermon...I post these videos, but it really doesn't do the experience any justice. It is so awesome being there and feeling the Spirit move!
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Have and Want...
1. Car
Have- 00 Mercury Mountaineer and 06 Toyota Corolla
Want- I'm at a point where I don't really care about having the "great". I just want a 0 on the amount I owe.
2. House
Have- It will do for now
Want- A bigger house for when we have more kids.
3. Job-
Have- Computer Tech/Network Admin
Want- IT Director for school district
4. Relationship-
Have - Wife
Want- Got it. She's WONDERFUL
5. Kids-
Have- 1 step-daughter
Want- about 5 more...3 or 4 of our own and adopt an international baby.
6. Money-
Have- We do get some every week
Want- to just get things paid off and out of debt...I am looking forward to being able to be a "giver".
7. Cell Phone-
Have- a company cell phone...Nokia
Want- a razor...but only if the company is paying. It does look like in a couple months I will be getting a Blackberry.
8. Cell Phone Provider-
Have- Cingular
Want- I like them just fine.
9. Parents-
Have- both my parents that I love to death...plus, I have my in-laws.
Want- for them to live long and happy lives...then it is off to the nursing home. haha!
10. Talents-
Have- I don't think I have all these great talents. I haven't really discovered my talent.
Want- Whatever I can do ok (like playing drums and technology things) and whatever I discover down the road...I just want to use them to glorify God. I don't care about being famous or making money off my talent.
1. Computer-
Have- IBM laptop....company's actually.
Want- I want another laptop here for my wife during the day. I have been leaving it for her a lot, but if something came up and I didn't have it. Uh Oh!
12. Internet Service Provider-
Have- Cox
Want- Not changing
13. Hair-
Have- short
Want- I am fine with it....really.
14. Eyes-
Have- Blue-Green
Want- I like my eye color...I just want laser vision correction, so I can see without glasses!!!!
15. Siblings-
Have- 1 sister, then I have a half brother and sister that I never see.
Want- I'm good, thanks. I wished as a kid there were more of us...I guess that is why I want a bunch of kids...I want to be a part of a big family.
16. Credit Cards-
Have- I have 2
Want- I just want to get those two paid off and done with it.
17. Alcohol-
Have- None
Want- None
18. Pets-
Have- 1 Great Pyrenees puppy
Want- No more
19. Collections-
Have- OU memorabilia and a Michael Jordan collection
Want- to sell the Michael Jordan stuff and acquire more OU stuff
20. Friends-
Have- Good friends and my wife is my best friend
Want- I always will take more friends, you can't have enough.
1. Car
Have- 00 Mercury Mountaineer and 06 Toyota Corolla
Want- I'm at a point where I don't really care about having the "great". I just want a 0 on the amount I owe.
2. House
Have- It will do for now
Want- A bigger house for when we have more kids.
3. Job-
Have- Computer Tech/Network Admin
Want- IT Director for school district
4. Relationship-
Have - Wife
Want- Got it. She's WONDERFUL
5. Kids-
Have- 1 step-daughter
Want- about 5 more...3 or 4 of our own and adopt an international baby.
6. Money-
Have- We do get some every week
Want- to just get things paid off and out of debt...I am looking forward to being able to be a "giver".
7. Cell Phone-
Have- a company cell phone...Nokia
Want- a razor...but only if the company is paying. It does look like in a couple months I will be getting a Blackberry.
8. Cell Phone Provider-
Have- Cingular
Want- I like them just fine.
9. Parents-
Have- both my parents that I love to death...plus, I have my in-laws.
Want- for them to live long and happy lives...then it is off to the nursing home. haha!
10. Talents-
Have- I don't think I have all these great talents. I haven't really discovered my talent.
Want- Whatever I can do ok (like playing drums and technology things) and whatever I discover down the road...I just want to use them to glorify God. I don't care about being famous or making money off my talent.
1. Computer-
Have- IBM laptop....company's actually.
Want- I want another laptop here for my wife during the day. I have been leaving it for her a lot, but if something came up and I didn't have it. Uh Oh!
12. Internet Service Provider-
Have- Cox
Want- Not changing
13. Hair-
Have- short
Want- I am fine with it....really.
14. Eyes-
Have- Blue-Green
Want- I like my eye color...I just want laser vision correction, so I can see without glasses!!!!
15. Siblings-
Have- 1 sister, then I have a half brother and sister that I never see.
Want- I'm good, thanks. I wished as a kid there were more of us...I guess that is why I want a bunch of kids...I want to be a part of a big family.
16. Credit Cards-
Have- I have 2
Want- I just want to get those two paid off and done with it.
17. Alcohol-
Have- None
Want- None
18. Pets-
Have- 1 Great Pyrenees puppy
Want- No more
19. Collections-
Have- OU memorabilia and a Michael Jordan collection
Want- to sell the Michael Jordan stuff and acquire more OU stuff
20. Friends-
Have- Good friends and my wife is my best friend
Want- I always will take more friends, you can't have enough.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Food For Thought!!
Global Warming, huh!?!? I have been in a snow storm this afternoon here in OKC....and it is April 6th!!! It was coming down really strong there for a couple hours.
Oh, I have it figured out. The iceburgs are melting in the North Pole and the air picked up some of the dust particles and blew them into Oklahoma today...yes, that must be it!
You must be thinking....with that title, where's the food? I have given you something to think about....snow in April does require much thought. As for the food...I am not quite sure. My wife is working tonight, so I have to figure out what in the world I am gonna do for dinner. She will be home around 9:30 or 10, so I am on my own for dinner and alone for a few hours. What to do?
Global Warming, huh!?!? I have been in a snow storm this afternoon here in OKC....and it is April 6th!!! It was coming down really strong there for a couple hours.
Oh, I have it figured out. The iceburgs are melting in the North Pole and the air picked up some of the dust particles and blew them into Oklahoma today...yes, that must be it!
You must be thinking....with that title, where's the food? I have given you something to think about....snow in April does require much thought. As for the food...I am not quite sure. My wife is working tonight, so I have to figure out what in the world I am gonna do for dinner. She will be home around 9:30 or 10, so I am on my own for dinner and alone for a few hours. What to do?
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