Always live within your income, even if you have to borrow money to do so. - Josh Billings (Henry Wheeler Shaw)
This quote was especially amusing to me today. I have had an interesting week of setting up charts, graphs, and tables while working on my finances. After some changes at work, it was becoming increasingly important that I know where each and every penny goes. And, I've always felt like I've known so little about finances. So, I started simply... and now the process has grown into quite an elaborate tracking system. And, within 4 hours of receiving my paycheck yesterday (my break for lunch), all of my bills that are due within the next 20 days had been paid. It is not a big deal for some. But, for me, that is quite an accomplishment. I try not to put off much, but I seem to struggle in the areas of writing final papers for classes and paying bills. And, I pray that this week's work will help me become better in this area and so many others in this financial realm.
Romans 13: 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another...
I also pray I can be a better steward with the money God gives me, and I have started a plan of attack that I hope will assist me in making huge leaps in my personal savings for the future and in fully owning my home. This plan includes getting rid of what I don't need... especially when items could help others in need. It would be a relief to live more simply, desire less "stuff", and give away more.
A penny saved is a penny earned. - Ben Franklin
So, times might be a little tight compared to periods in the past. And, the limits I've set might make me not be able to go out to dinner as often or even buy something at the dollar store on a whim. But, I pray I will have more time to study on contentment, focus on the many blessings I already have (especially the blessings that are not material), and enjoy the simple pleasures that surround me.
When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other. - Chinese proverb
Friday, March 30, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Onomatopoeia
When anyone asks me what my favorite word is, my reply is always ONOMATOPOEIA. It just sounds fun, doesn't it? (on uh mot uh pee' uh) Not only that, but it stands for words that are fun. Double the fun? Who wants to resist that?
If you'd like to read some detailed information about the term, please check out this site. I don't know which grade it was in which I learned about it. But, just to prove what a big nerd I was (OK, and still am!), I thought I'd share that I used to have a large school notebook in which I'd try to catalog as many onomatopoeias as possible. The hard part was keeping them in some sort of alphabetical order to prevent duplications. (Why did I spend time on these sort of things?!?!)
This came back to me just recently as I was searching through some of my old books in my basement and found my onomatopoeia notebook. That very same evening, the nightly news featured a Chinese farmer who made a sound that he thought was imitating his chickens. It sounded nothing like our "cock-a-doodle doooo." Not even close.
For those of you who have not yet followed the link to understand about what in the world I am writing, here's a quick definition: one or more words that imitates the sound it is describing. Many are animal sounds. Others describe mechanical functions. There are hundreds from which to choose.
So my challenge goes out to anyone and everyone who is reading this blog post. It doesn't matter if you're someone who checks in from time to time or come here daily... if you've never posted or if you post each week... if you're lurking in the shadows or out in plain sight. Please just consider providing 4 or 5 onomatopoeias that you think of. The first that come to mind. It should be fun to read the long string of them aloud. Crazy thoughts for a crazy Thursday.
I'll start us out on the craziness: coo, caw, eeeyaw, tick, beep
If you'd like to read some detailed information about the term, please check out this site. I don't know which grade it was in which I learned about it. But, just to prove what a big nerd I was (OK, and still am!), I thought I'd share that I used to have a large school notebook in which I'd try to catalog as many onomatopoeias as possible. The hard part was keeping them in some sort of alphabetical order to prevent duplications. (Why did I spend time on these sort of things?!?!)
This came back to me just recently as I was searching through some of my old books in my basement and found my onomatopoeia notebook. That very same evening, the nightly news featured a Chinese farmer who made a sound that he thought was imitating his chickens. It sounded nothing like our "cock-a-doodle doooo." Not even close.
For those of you who have not yet followed the link to understand about what in the world I am writing, here's a quick definition: one or more words that imitates the sound it is describing. Many are animal sounds. Others describe mechanical functions. There are hundreds from which to choose.
So my challenge goes out to anyone and everyone who is reading this blog post. It doesn't matter if you're someone who checks in from time to time or come here daily... if you've never posted or if you post each week... if you're lurking in the shadows or out in plain sight. Please just consider providing 4 or 5 onomatopoeias that you think of. The first that come to mind. It should be fun to read the long string of them aloud. Crazy thoughts for a crazy Thursday.
I'll start us out on the craziness: coo, caw, eeeyaw, tick, beep
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Bluebells, Cockle Shells...
The warm weather has delivered delightful sounds, such as the birds and squirrels high in the backyard trees. But, the best addition of all has been the sound of children laughing and playing in our neighborhood. More sunlight. More time to enjoy the outdoors. More fun with friends.
As I was picking up sweet gumballs last night, I was able to chat with two kind young girls who live down the street. Their parents were sitting in their front yard, so it was safe for them to walk the short distance toward my place. My! How times have changed. Aaron and I could be out and about with friends who lived blocks away until the street lights came on each evening. There was no worry that we'd be hurt or taken. Now, parents feel like they must watch their children even if they're walking to a trusted neighbor's house. It makes me sad to think of this change in the world.
As quickly my thoughts settled on this, I was reminded that other parts of life do not change. The sisters were carrying their jump ropes, trying to tie two together to make a long rope while waiting for their neighborhood friend to arrive. They started their chants as they headed toward me and were shocked as I chimed in.
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Turn Around.
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Touch The Ground.
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Turn Out The Light.
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Say Goodnight.
It was an amazement to these young ladies that (carefully worded) "someone like you" (definition: OLD) would know the same jump rope songs that the girls said each day on the blacktop near their school, in their driveways, and on the back patios of the neighborhood. So, as they started a new song, I joined right in. I think I was as excited as they were when they began one I didn't know, so I took the opportunity to try to memorize it. I think the girls will be coming back tonight to test me. And, I will be asking them to recite a few that I taught them. If I had a daughter right now and someone asked me to remember the songs I sang each day at grade school recess, I think I would struggle. But, there was something about the feel of those ropes, the young girls' sing-songy voices, their pigtails, and the thump of the wooden and plastic handles hitting the pavement that caused so many memories to rush back.
So, fellow lasses (and any lads who joined in the fun and are willing to admit it), do you have any favorites from your childhood? How about those hand-clapping patty-cake songs? Or, maybe you sang songs while jumping hopscotch? I found a homeschooling link today with many variations. If you're having trouble thinking of some, maybe a few of these might jog your memory.
As I was picking up sweet gumballs last night, I was able to chat with two kind young girls who live down the street. Their parents were sitting in their front yard, so it was safe for them to walk the short distance toward my place. My! How times have changed. Aaron and I could be out and about with friends who lived blocks away until the street lights came on each evening. There was no worry that we'd be hurt or taken. Now, parents feel like they must watch their children even if they're walking to a trusted neighbor's house. It makes me sad to think of this change in the world.
As quickly my thoughts settled on this, I was reminded that other parts of life do not change. The sisters were carrying their jump ropes, trying to tie two together to make a long rope while waiting for their neighborhood friend to arrive. They started their chants as they headed toward me and were shocked as I chimed in.
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Turn Around.
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Touch The Ground.
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Turn Out The Light.
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Say Goodnight.
It was an amazement to these young ladies that (carefully worded) "someone like you" (definition: OLD) would know the same jump rope songs that the girls said each day on the blacktop near their school, in their driveways, and on the back patios of the neighborhood. So, as they started a new song, I joined right in. I think I was as excited as they were when they began one I didn't know, so I took the opportunity to try to memorize it. I think the girls will be coming back tonight to test me. And, I will be asking them to recite a few that I taught them. If I had a daughter right now and someone asked me to remember the songs I sang each day at grade school recess, I think I would struggle. But, there was something about the feel of those ropes, the young girls' sing-songy voices, their pigtails, and the thump of the wooden and plastic handles hitting the pavement that caused so many memories to rush back.So, fellow lasses (and any lads who joined in the fun and are willing to admit it), do you have any favorites from your childhood? How about those hand-clapping patty-cake songs? Or, maybe you sang songs while jumping hopscotch? I found a homeschooling link today with many variations. If you're having trouble thinking of some, maybe a few of these might jog your memory.
Monday, March 26, 2007
ANTicipation
No matter how sudden or gradual spring's entrance is, I should have learned by now that I need to be ready and well stocked for my fight against my home's spring-time intruders: ANTS! This week has been nerve racking. After spraying each inside window ledge, each window screen, each window's trim, the outside of each window, the inside and outside of each door, and my entire basement, I have fought a hard battle and believe I've finally won the fight. But, tonight's investigation will tell. Plus, I've made a special trip to Home Depot today to find the ant pellets that seemed to do wonders last year. The instructions direct the home owner to walk the perimeter of the house while sprinkling bright colored pellets at its base, and I hope this expensive substance will provide the same cure this year.
I don't know if everyone experiences this. Those teeny tiny little blank ants - the ones that are especially abundant in the kitchen. One of my older neighbors said the ants are seeking water (and food) and that no matter how well the house is built or sealed, the ants in our neighborhood will get in. After talking to more neighbors, I realized everyone on our block is fighting the same battle, so I am trying to do what I can. Since the warm weather came suddenly, I have searched high and low for anything and everything that I thought would attract ants in the rooms. Then, after detailed inspections, I'd find a long trail of the fascinating little creatures climbing toward something that I never expected. A fruity candle. The cat nip. The cat food. "Oh, I never thought of that." I've been so frustrated. I'm now paranoid. (After the slightest tickle: "Is there an ant on me?!?! Is there an ant on me?!?!" After seeing a spot on the floor: "What's that black speck? What IS that black speck?!?! It is moving? Is it an ant?") I've bleached, sprayed, wiped, mopped, swept, bleached most surfaces again... and, yes (in moments of desperation), have even yelled at the insects. But, I admit, I've also been mesmerized by their activities. After many adjustments in the house and too many long conversations with the neighbors while seeking advice, I've been praying - yes, PRAYING - that the battle will soon be over. (I realize this is nothing like skunks, but it has been annoying.)
I am anticipating the (hopefully near) day when I can drop a crumb without the worry of an army coming to retrieve it. Maybe some readers of this blog can suggest a solution... or can ask an older family member if they have an "home remedy" for this particular issue. In the meantime, you can enjoy this amusing poem with me while I live this out in my own home.
Ant
by Winlar
An ant crawled on my leg,
I knocked it halfway to the moon.
It wasn't hurt. It didn't flinch
It didn't even swoon.
It just kept crawling round and round
Few seconds, maybe ten
And then, with bold audacity
Crawled up my leg again!
The ant was so persistant!
I was flummoxed, floxed and floored!
And once again I knocked
The little stinker overboard.
And once again, he fell a distance
Several times his height.
But you can't take the fight out of an ant
By taking said ant out of fight!
He climbed back up my leg again
Back to his early plan
This ant sure had me beat
When it came to attention span!
This time, I just observed him
As he once again did climb.
I'd see what he was up to on this
Third and final time.
He climbed atop my head this time
Spun round and round, and then
To my great shock and horror
Just climbed right back down again!
"Well where's the point in that?" I thought,
Then gave the ant a chase.
(Ant's legs are pretty short, so
I'd no trouble keeping pace.)
I picked that ant right up,
And made it fail it's getaway
Then looked that insect in the eye.
I had to have my say.
"What gives?" I asked it several times
My face all turning red
"What was so important?
Why'd you climb atop my head?"
The ant did not respond.
It paid no heed to all my rants.
'Twas then the sad truth came to me,
I cannot talk to ants...
The ant just stared back
with a look I've never seen before.
Like I was clueless in some game
Where ants were keeping score.
The ant stared at me long and hard
As if to make me see
"Until you understand yourself,
Don't try to think for me!"
And with some great humility,
I set him on the rug
And thought how sad a thing I was,
I couldn't know a bug.
I lack the wisdom even
To predict the smallest thing
Like why an ant crawls on your head
Or why a bee takes wing.
The wisdom that one is not wise
Is best that one can grant
And to think I learned it from
A teeny little ant!!
So, as the ant went scurrying off,
I bid it toodle-oo,
Reflected on what it had taught,
Then crushed it with my shoe.
I don't know if everyone experiences this. Those teeny tiny little blank ants - the ones that are especially abundant in the kitchen. One of my older neighbors said the ants are seeking water (and food) and that no matter how well the house is built or sealed, the ants in our neighborhood will get in. After talking to more neighbors, I realized everyone on our block is fighting the same battle, so I am trying to do what I can. Since the warm weather came suddenly, I have searched high and low for anything and everything that I thought would attract ants in the rooms. Then, after detailed inspections, I'd find a long trail of the fascinating little creatures climbing toward something that I never expected. A fruity candle. The cat nip. The cat food. "Oh, I never thought of that." I've been so frustrated. I'm now paranoid. (After the slightest tickle: "Is there an ant on me?!?! Is there an ant on me?!?!" After seeing a spot on the floor: "What's that black speck? What IS that black speck?!?! It is moving? Is it an ant?") I've bleached, sprayed, wiped, mopped, swept, bleached most surfaces again... and, yes (in moments of desperation), have even yelled at the insects. But, I admit, I've also been mesmerized by their activities. After many adjustments in the house and too many long conversations with the neighbors while seeking advice, I've been praying - yes, PRAYING - that the battle will soon be over. (I realize this is nothing like skunks, but it has been annoying.)I am anticipating the (hopefully near) day when I can drop a crumb without the worry of an army coming to retrieve it. Maybe some readers of this blog can suggest a solution... or can ask an older family member if they have an "home remedy" for this particular issue. In the meantime, you can enjoy this amusing poem with me while I live this out in my own home.
Ant
by Winlar
An ant crawled on my leg,
I knocked it halfway to the moon.
It wasn't hurt. It didn't flinch
It didn't even swoon.
It just kept crawling round and round
Few seconds, maybe ten
And then, with bold audacity
Crawled up my leg again!
The ant was so persistant!
I was flummoxed, floxed and floored!
And once again I knocked
The little stinker overboard.
And once again, he fell a distance
Several times his height.
But you can't take the fight out of an ant
By taking said ant out of fight!
He climbed back up my leg again
Back to his early plan
This ant sure had me beat
When it came to attention span!
This time, I just observed him
As he once again did climb.
I'd see what he was up to on this
Third and final time.
He climbed atop my head this time
Spun round and round, and then
To my great shock and horror
Just climbed right back down again!
"Well where's the point in that?" I thought,
Then gave the ant a chase.
(Ant's legs are pretty short, so
I'd no trouble keeping pace.)
I picked that ant right up,
And made it fail it's getaway
Then looked that insect in the eye.
I had to have my say.
"What gives?" I asked it several times
My face all turning red
"What was so important?
Why'd you climb atop my head?"
The ant did not respond.
It paid no heed to all my rants.
'Twas then the sad truth came to me,
I cannot talk to ants...
The ant just stared back
with a look I've never seen before.
Like I was clueless in some game
Where ants were keeping score.
The ant stared at me long and hard
As if to make me see
"Until you understand yourself,
Don't try to think for me!"
And with some great humility,
I set him on the rug
And thought how sad a thing I was,
I couldn't know a bug.
I lack the wisdom even
To predict the smallest thing
Like why an ant crawls on your head
Or why a bee takes wing.
The wisdom that one is not wise
Is best that one can grant
And to think I learned it from
A teeny little ant!!
So, as the ant went scurrying off,
I bid it toodle-oo,
Reflected on what it had taught,
Then crushed it with my shoe.
Tegan Benjamin
Mr. Tegan Benjamin Vanderploeg Newborn son of cousin, Janelle, and her husband, Ryan. Born Tuesday, March 20.
Welcomed by extremely proud and excited brothers, Braiden (left) and Shai (right).
The Vanderploeg Family. WE LOVE YOU AND HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON! We cannot wait to meet our new cousin in person!
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