[BillSPrestonEsq]

Originally Posted by MtlMom

*big eyes* a catburger?

Run mancat, RUN!!!!

[Ring of a bell]

I can't bear to watch!

*covers eyes*

Ahem. As the local blog mod, expensify your posts people, otherwise I will be forced to remove this blog from the Journals Section, thank you SO MUCH!



THIS IS ALL FAKE!

[Mara's Mom]

Originally Posted by Elizabeth

I am pretty much willing to go anywhere, though I have ruled out Kuwait, Iraq, Iran and a few others.

Why are you wanting to go?

We have a friend who lives in Dubai. She loves it. Then again, she lives in an apartment where all of her grocery shopping, cleaning and laundry are done for her. Not much left to do except work and have fun and those two terms are interchangeable for her.

Yes, ma'am. It can be a bit disjointed at times, but I like having readings from the Psalms, somewhere else in the OT and the NT. I tend to stay in the NT if it's up to me, so I'm glad I'm getting into the OT more.

It took me some years to develop an appreciation for the OT. Now I am partial to it. It's good to spend lots of quality time in both. They each give us an appreciation for the other.

Originally Posted by Small

Oh, dear. That's no good, although it's better than Iowa declaring its governer an official disaster.

The jury is still out on that one. I should be quiet. I'm sure he'll do fine. In fact, I hope so.

Vilsack's bid at the presidency was almost a joke in Iowa. Not in the press, of course, but amongst his actual constituents. How did he expect to win a primary when his home state is largely indifferent toward him? Any reports to the contrary are...not to be taken too seriously. Any poll suggesting his popularity is only because there is no box marked 'Apathetic'. It's a moot point now, though. *shrug*

Is it all painted pink?

It is still wearing the same thing it was the day I pulled it off. What would you call that on eBay?

Perhaps, but that would require those cultures to have an abundance of crushed, and otherwise removed, toenails, which would make them dangerous and quite plausibly unpleasant cultures in which to earn one's bread and set one's bed, as it were.

Of course. As are most tribes that wear any kind of tooth, nail or body part around their neck or on their person.

I bet they gold-plate theirs.

Yeah. Pimp My Toenail.

The main trouble might be figuring out which one of them was nearer sincere.

Hm. Now I'm intrigued.

Will you whisper it into my ear via alternate routes?

Like I said last night. Dory. But I know it will come to me eventually.

Or is it one of those stories where you give me a pertinant question to ask another member of your family?

Dory. *laugh*

One would think that my liberal dose of the Artistic Temperament would in many ways counteract it, but no.

You are going to make a pleasing husband one day for this very reason. *smile*

I'm kind of shocked by it, actually. I don't see myself as an emotionally repressed person, and I don't think it's purposeful, if it is, it's entirely subconscious.

I would not call you emotionally repressed.

I don't think that the best, most low-maintenance and stress-free form of showing affection at any stage of life is to wear hats.

You are very correct and yet people engage in this little dance in its various forms all the time. It's that tension between feelings and logic again. Then again, some people are just dumb.

The infinity of all aspects of God is startling, sometimes, as is the harmony within the seemingly contradictory eternities; last evening at the youth group meeting, we were discussing a few different passages, having to do with some aspects of God/What God has given us, and all of the smaller groups returned to the main body confused and wondering about something. It was lovely to think that, again, there are depths we can't know.

Yes. And the further we plumb, the more we realize how little we truly know and understand. Those moments require a fixed gaze in the right direction because if we are concerned with ourselves and all that we don't know, we become frustrated and confused and quite possibly angered or worse yet embittered, but if we are concentrating on the God who all of it flows from, we can enter into the truest form of worship. That kind of awe that is speechless beyond 'You are holy, You are worthy, You are mighty, You are awesome, You are, You are, You are, You, You, You...'

I like sewing things, although to be frank, I never designed clothes. I think it would be fun to do, at some point. my most ambitious sewing-machine project was a six-foot tall blue puppet.

It is a feminine (please excuse me for saying so) art that I would like to encourage in my home. I was not trained in these things so I find myself floundering a bit in wanting to pass them to my daughters. As well as things like gardening and canning. BUT I CAN'T EVEN KEEP A HOUSEPLANT ALIVE, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD. Sadly, I am really not the most capable of homemakers. But I'm trying. *bites nail*

We converted Smaller's cat when she was struck by a car and acquired a truly massive gash on one leg. Such that it caused her intense pain, but it wouldn't kill her if we simply left it, at least not in any sort of humane time frame, so her surgery recovery time had to be spent indoors, after which it was winter, and she had no winter coat, and so she had to stay on, and has, to this day.

The blizzard has helped in this regard. Not that he wouldn't go out in it given the chance...

I think so, because they have a sort of divergent cuteness. Like, originally, I thought the cuteness might undo the entire thing, because they're both frighteningly cute, but it is a different sort, so I think all is well.

Where does this fit in with your theories on 'cute' from your blog?

Her previous profile photo looked considerably older than does that.

She looks even older now, post haircut. She still looks young at the same time so all is not lost. [/parent]

Note the Paisley dish in the background?

Yes, please note that, Lovers of Paisley and Non-Lovers alike.

I met a young lady several (far too many) times who changed her name from something decent to Davita, which might be an acceptable name, were it not for the fact that she used it to signify a person who was arrogant, and ill-tempered and even looked ill-tempered, a combination which never works together for the best makes the name seem awful, and conversely, the name intensifies all that could be reasonably corrected about the individual.

*blinkblink*

I think that if people can't figure out that I have no friendship with a young lady which isn't platonic, they must be under the impression that I am a playa of the first degree. It really hardly bothers me.

Come on, Small. We all know you're all about the ladies.

Odd. Either way, I only use those pat phrases when it's truly necessary.

I think that is the best way. Though I certainly understand how it can feel necessary to some. History explains why Mara finds some comfort in it.

Oh, dear. Here's to his recovery.

Speaking of which, is coming along splendidly. We have a cat that now walks without a limp.

Originally Posted by MtlMom

I wish I could give you a hamburger and open freeways.

I absolutely believe you. *smile*

Originally Posted by MtlMom

*big eyes* a catburger?

Originally Posted by BillSPrestonEsq

Run mancat, RUN!!!!

Originally Posted by Ring of a bell

I can't bear to watch!

*covers eyes*

HA. If you only knew...[/cryptic]



You are a delightful threesome. *grin*

Ahem. As the local blog mod, expensify your posts people, otherwise I will be forced to remove this blog from the Journals Section, thank you SO MUCH!



THIS IS ALL FAKE!

Ohmygoulash. You are all bark so tough, ToeKnee.

~*~
WEATHER UPDATE:
Iowa is still closed. It's all about food at this point.

I, sitting in my little cocoon, had no idea it was so horrible outside. We know people literally trapped in their homes. Or at least their driveways. Ten foot drifts and such. One news guy was stuck in the town next to us overnight. It was literally not possible for him to make the 45 minute drive to Des Moines.
And we are still under a blizzard warning until six tomorrow morning.

Our next problem will be flooding. Next weeks temps are in the 40s and 50s. We're already under flood warnings.

I wanted to launch a snow war campaign on friends and neighbors. We have friends that attack us during the summer with SuperSoakers and it turns into a war. Well, I wanted to do the same, but with snow. And then give them homemade cookies as some sort of victim's restitution. But the governor is telling us not to drive anywhere. [/whiner]

[Smaller]

Originally Posted by Mara's Mom

I have a Christmas ornament that is exactly as you've described. This is a true story. [/whisper]

Does the hippo ballerina have a name? [/whisper]

Ugh. The dreaded Couch Flop. I hate that move. *kicks couch*

I know. *listless sigh* I have been increasingly exhausted and lethargic over the last few days. And there are these nasty woozy pressure-and-heat-in-the-head spells. *sigh* Our mother has listed low iron and mono as possible causes. Bleah.

We just can't ever seem to get it right, you and I. No. I am not sleeping happily right now. Maybe later? *wishes hard*

Let's try coming at this from the side. [/determined]

The following question is directed to you at 4:12 a.m.: Are you sleeping happily, Mrs. D? [/whisper]

Perfect. It is as it should be.

Dory?

It absolutely does NOT apply at all.

I agree. *laugh* Which is why it makes such a good "Bassist is a Gentleman" story.

Have you given this a lot of thought or does it just ooze out of you the way it oozes out of your brother? *laugh*

I hadn't given it much thought before I was replying to you but I am not oozy with it as Smallboy is.

I like ice cream that's already gunked up. If it's not gunked up, then my ultimate favorite is caramel and roasted, salted almonds. If I'm feeling nostalgic, then it's chocolate with Spanish peanuts. [/dad]

Ooh, yes, the gunky made stuff is best. Except for mint chocolate chip.[/reverance] Caramel syrup is fun and gooey and tasty. I like it muchly.

Mrs. D. What is the difference between regular peanuts and the Spanish type? [/whisper]

Is it a likely match? *wiggles eyebrows*

Harking back to the good things Small said in reply to this I should say DEFINITELY.

She is even cuter in person. And quite a bit older looking actually.

Is she the sort of person who has an aura of cute? There are some people who are cute but have no aura. There are others who have an aura of cute to go with there supercute features.

I tried to peek at her xanga site but she is wise and has a friends lock. *sad* [/whisper]

YES. I posted it for you and stuff. *flop*

THANK YOU. It looks wonderful. I did take note of the paisley dish. The other things as well but I forget what they are at this point. [/quiet]

It was terribly in fashion in the sixth grade to change the spelling of one's name. My friends Kim and Stephanie became Kym and Stefani. They also started calling their parents by their first names. *stare* I would spank Mara if she did that. I'M NOT LYING. *snicker*

Thankfully Mara is not in sixth grade.



I loved the cat picture, Taylorface. It made me giggle.




How are you surviving the weather, Mrs. D? Cozily?

[H.M. Murdock]

I would smile if my child addressed me by my first name. I like the fact that I can call my friends' parents by their first names (Ron, Carla, Jeanine, Chandler...). And when they shoot right back with a friendly salutation. There is something so very human about it.

Not so sure how I'd feel about a small child doing it. But. A 17-year-old? Sure. But I am weird like that.

TODAY I... well, I went to work! I laid down for a bit on the couch because I was kind of ill/tired, and I woke up to Justin on my stomach, Kelsey on my legs and Trent preparing to lick my face. *stare*

[Mara's Mom]

Originally Posted by Smaller

Does the hippo ballerina have a name? [/whisper]

No, but if you wanted to name her I would let you. [/whisper]

I know. *listless sigh* I have been increasingly exhausted and lethargic over the last few days. And there are these nasty woozy pressure-and-heat-in-the-head spells. *sigh* Our mother has listed low iron and mono as possible causes. Bleah.

Ohdear. Mono has been hanging around these parts.

I agree about the iron. Beef and turkey are good sources of iron as are lentils. Broccoli is relatively iron-rich and is also high in vitamin C which aids in the absorption of iron. So from now on we'll refer to broccoli as Double Whammy.

Let's try coming at this from the side. [/determined]

The following question is directed to you at 4:12 a.m.: Are you sleeping happily, Mrs. D? [/whisper]

I was not. I woke up at 3:Something and went back to bed at 4:56. And then I woke up again at 7:40.

Ooh, yes, the gunky made stuff is best. Except for mint chocolate chip.[/reverance] Caramel syrup is fun and gooey and tasty. I like it muchly.

I adore mint chocolate chip. I have gone over this with your brother. In fact, it was one of our first conversations, I do believe.

Mrs. D. What is the difference between regular peanuts and the Spanish type? [/whisper]

Excellent question! Spanish peanuts are more round than oblong and they have thin, red skins on them that are loose and papery. You eat that part. It is my dad's favorite way to eat ice cream. *happyclap*

Is she the sort of person who has an aura of cute? There are some people who are cute but have no aura. There are others who have an aura of cute to go with there supercute features.

Hm. I don't really know. I am probably not the person to ask. I think that others find her to be terribly cute. She has an intriguing wit that I don't always associate with my idea of supercute. I often think of supercute people having a high degree of supersweet and I'm not sure that describes Sophie very well. Not to mislead. She is a very sweet girl, typically thinking of others before herself.

I tried to peek at her xanga site but she is wise and has a friends lock. *sad* [/whisper]

It's okay. She would probably let you in. I don't know how that works.

How are you surviving the weather, Mrs. D? Cozily?

I am! But I haven't been out of the house since...um...Wednesday. We will be fixing that today. Some girls from church have started a band and are playing at a coffeehouse in Ames. We will be going to see them. So we are going to work all day and then play tonight.

Originally Posted by H.M. Murdock

I would smile if my child addressed me by my first name. I like the fact that I can call my friends' parents by their first names (Ron, Carla, Jeanine, Chandler...). And when they shoot right back with a friendly salutation. There is something so very human about it.

All of my children call me Mom. I hope they continue to do so. *laugh* To be perfectly honest, it would hurt my feelings if they started using my first name. I would wonder what I'd done wrong.

Titles imply a certain relationship. Whenever I introduce people to my parents, I always acknowledge that they are my parent even when giving the person their first name. He is not just Charlie, he's my dad. She is not just Delite, she is my mom. Now that I think about it, I typically make some kind of pronouncement of relationship whenever I introduce someone. Not all the time, but usually.

Some kids call me Cinnamon, but most call me Mrs. D. It has never felt formal or stuffy or less human. They seem to say it with an above average degree of familiarity and affection. Some of their parents have even started calling me Mrs. D. Not sure what that means. *flops arms*

TODAY I... well, I went to work! I laid down for a bit on the couch because I was kind of ill/tired, and I woke up to Justin on my stomach, Kelsey on my legs and Trent preparing to lick my face. *stare*

I hope that Justin, Kelsey and Trent are puppies or kittens.

[Smaller]

Originally Posted by Mara's Mom

No, but if you wanted to name her I would let you. [/whisper]

Florence Etheline Razzmatazz? [/whisper]

Ohdear. Mono has been hanging around these parts.

I agree about the iron. Beef and turkey are good sources of iron as are lentils. Broccoli is relatively iron-rich and is also high in vitamin C which aids in the absorption of iron. So from now on we'll refer to broccoli as Double Whammy.

I had broccoli yesterday. *dances* Admittedly it was in the salad but my Dad uses alot of broccoli in his salad. At least I think he does.

I was not. I woke up at 3:Something and went back to bed at 4:56. And then I woke up again at 7:40.

Darnit. We just can't get this right. How about 6:34, which it is, are you sleeping happily now? *crossed fingers*

I adore mint chocolate chip. I have gone over this with your brother. In fact, it was one of our first conversations, I do believe.

Hurrah! There isn't terribly much to go over concerning mint chocolate chip. It is divine. The end.

Excellent question! Spanish peanuts are more round than oblong and they have thin, red skins on them that are loose and papery. You eat that part. It is my dad's favorite way to eat ice cream. *happyclap*

Oh! I think I know what you're talking about. I think I had those last night in that Deluxe Mixed Nuts bag. *wiggle* I've yet to try them on ice cream though.

Hm. I don't really know. I am probably not the person to ask. I think that others find her to be terribly cute. She has an intriguing wit that I don't always associate with my idea of supercute. I often think of supercute people having a high degree of supersweet and I'm not sure that describes Sophie very well. Not to mislead. She is a very sweet girl, typically thinking of others before herself.

Supersweet is sometimes, well kind of annoying. [/confession] Intruiging wit is wonderful. Supercute and witty people are some of the best types.

It's okay. She would probably let you in. I don't know how that works.

I sented her an e-mail. [/whisper] Was that alright, do you think?

I am! But I haven't been out of the house since...um...Wednesday. We will be fixing that today. Some girls from church have started a band and are playing at a coffeehouse in Ames. We will be going to see them. So we are going to work all day and then play tonight.

Wonderful! Maradear said it was lovely.

Some kids call me Cinnamon, but most call me Mrs. D. It has never felt formal or stuffy or less human. They seem to say it with an above average degree of familiarity and affection. Some of their parents have even started calling me Mrs. D. Not sure what that means. *flops arms*

I grew up calling the many of the adults in our church by their first name. Maybe because there tends to be quite alot of last name overlap in our church. *laugh* Anybody new who I'm introduced to is always a Mrs. and will continue to be so unless I am instructed differently. I kind of like Mrs. actually. After awhile it seems almost like an endearment.

[H.M. Murdock]

Originally Posted by Mara's Mom

All of my children call me Mom. I hope they continue to do so. *laugh* To be perfectly honest, it would hurt my feelings if they started using my first name. I would wonder what I'd done wrong.

Titles imply a certain relationship. Whenever I introduce people to my parents, I always acknowledge that they are my parent even when giving the person their first name. He is not just Charlie, he's my dad. She is not just Delite, she is my mom. Now that I think about it, I typically make some kind of pronouncement of relationship whenever I introduce someone. Not all the time, but usually.

Some kids call me Cinnamon, but most call me Mrs. D. It has never felt formal or stuffy or less human. They seem to say it with an above average degree of familiarity and affection. Some of their parents have even started calling me Mrs. D. Not sure what that means. *flops arms*

For the record, I don't call you Cinnamon. I call you CinnamonJoy. One word. Actually, it always tumbles out, so it's really "Ci'monjoi."
And also for the record, I have very odd views on things like titles. I call you Mrs. D and MtlMom Mrs. M because that is simply part of your identities. It would irk me to move to a first-name basis, which is weird, because being able to call someone by their first name is a big part of even liking them. If I don't like a person, I avoid even saying their name. I'll point, or just speak in such a way as to make it clear that I am addressing them.



Or I use their titles.


I hope that Justin, Kelsey and Trent are puppies or kittens.[/QUOTE]

[H.M. Murdock]

Originally Posted by Mara's Mom

All of my children call me Mom. I hope they continue to do so. *laugh* To be perfectly honest, it would hurt my feelings if they started using my first name. I would wonder what I'd done wrong.

Titles imply a certain relationship. Whenever I introduce people to my parents, I always acknowledge that they are my parent even when giving the person their first name. He is not just Charlie, he's my dad. She is not just Delite, she is my mom. Now that I think about it, I typically make some kind of pronouncement of relationship whenever I introduce someone. Not all the time, but usually.

Some kids call me Cinnamon, but most call me Mrs. D. It has never felt formal or stuffy or less human. They seem to say it with an above average degree of familiarity and affection. Some of their parents have even started calling me Mrs. D. Not sure what that means. *flops arms*

For the record, I don't call you Cinnamon. I call you CinnamonJoy. One word. Actually, it always tumbles out, so it's really "Ci'monjoi."
And also for the record, I have very odd views on things like titles. I call you Mrs. D and MtlMom Mrs. M because that is simply part of your identities. It would irk me to move to a first-name basis, which is weird, because being able to call someone by their first name is a big part of even liking them. If I don't like a person, I avoid even saying their name. I'll point, or just speak in such a way as to make it clear that I am addressing them.



Or I use their titles.

I hope that Justin, Kelsey and Trent are puppies or kittens.

Nope. *sad*

Actually, I don't even really know Kelsey. It was more of a weird, hollywood encounter.

Jason: You're... sitting on my legs.
Kelsey: I know! *bubble*
Jason: Oh. Um. Okay.
Kelsey: I'm Kelsey!
Jason: I'm [wheeze] Jason. [sickly cough]
Kelsey: Nice to meet you. You have hairy ankles!
Jason: [wheeze]

[Mara's Mom]

Originally Posted by Smaller

Florence Etheline Razzmatazz? [/whisper]

If you're happy with that then I am happy with that. Just say the word.

I had broccoli yesterday. *dances* Admittedly it was in the salad but my Dad uses alot of broccoli in his salad. At least I think he does.

Yum!

Darnit. We just can't get this right. How about 6:34, which it is, are you sleeping happily now? *crossed fingers*

I wasn't when I first read this. I was awake just before 6:00 that day. How about you? It's 5:30.

I sented her an e-mail. [/whisper] Was that alright, do you think?

Of course! I don't think she's been on the computer for a few days.

I grew up calling the many of the adults in our church by their first name. Maybe because there tends to be quite alot of last name overlap in our church. *laugh* Anybody new who I'm introduced to is always a Mrs. and will continue to be so unless I am instructed differently. I kind of like Mrs. actually. After awhile it seems almost like an endearment.

I agree. I find it very charming for some reason.

Originally Posted by H.M. Murdock

For the record, I don't call you Cinnamon. I call you CinnamonJoy. One word. Actually, it always tumbles out, so it's really "Ci'monjoi."

*grin*

And also for the record, I have very odd views on things like titles. I call you Mrs. D and MtlMom Mrs. M because that is simply part of your identities. It would irk me to move to a first-name basis, which is weird, because being able to call someone by their first name is a big part of even liking them. If I don't like a person, I avoid even saying their name. I'll point, or just speak in such a way as to make it clear that I am addressing them.




Or I use their titles.

The other day I called you Schmason while talking to Mara. I didn't even say Mr.

Actually, I don't even really know Kelsey. It was more of a weird, hollywood encounter.

Jason: You're... sitting on my legs.
Kelsey: I know! *bubble*
Jason: Oh. Um. Okay.
Kelsey: I'm Kelsey!
Jason: I'm [wheeze] Jason. [sickly cough]
Kelsey: Nice to meet you. You have hairy ankles!
Jason: [wheeze]

Do you have hairy ankles?

She kind of sounds like a puppy.

~*~

Weather Update:
Doing well. Mara's radio just mentioned freezing rain.

Mr. D needed to type up a monthly Trustee Team report for church. For tasks completed, he included "$10,000 in free snow removal".

I am going to make Mara some tea. She will be awake soon and she has a cold.

I have been on CGR for two years. *cricket*

[Elizabeth]

Originally Posted by Mara's Mom

Why are you wanting to go?

To get a new perspective on life. Too much time around ethnocentric, materialistic Americans makes me go crazy. Plus, I think other cultures are fascinating.

We have a friend who lives in Dubai. She loves it. Then again, she lives in an apartment where all of her grocery shopping, cleaning and laundry are done for her. Not much left to do except work and have fun and those two terms are interchangeable for her.

That would be handy...and honestly, I think I would get bored of it. I am saying that probably because I have not yet had to keep house for real.

It took me some years to develop an appreciation for the OT. Now I am partial to it. It's good to spend lots of quality time in both. They each give us an appreciation for the other.

I am trying to get a better grasp of the OT. More of a big picture view.

[Ring of a bell]

Hi Mrs. D!

I did my own laundry today. [/independent]

I start my new job tomorrow. This is exciting too. I think. After all is said and done I will have worked 41.5 hours. That is a lot.

I hope you are doing well!

Tony.

[Small]

Originally Posted by Mara's Mom

The jury is still out on that one. I should be quiet. I'm sure he'll do fine. In fact, I hope so.

Oh, dear. I suppose as with most governers/senators/authorities, one must saturate the situation with hope, and sit back with raised eyebrows.

Vilsack's bid at the presidency was almost a joke in Iowa. Not in the press, of course, but amongst his actual constituents. How did he expect to win a primary when his home state is largely indifferent toward him? Any reports to the contrary are...not to be taken too seriously. Any poll suggesting his popularity is only because there is no box marked 'Apathetic'. It's a moot point now, though. *shrug*

He remains in a death-match with Kucinich (If I spelled it wrong, it only proves my point) for the title of Most Irrelevant Candidate of 2008.

May I take a moment to look wild-eyed and horrified at the fact that we are already discussing the election a year and a half before it takes place?

It is still wearing the same thing it was the day I pulled it off. What would you call that on eBay?

Money in your pocket, is what I'd call that. I might even add "Lots of" as a prefix. *grin*

Of course. As are most tribes that wear any kind of tooth, nail or body part around their neck or on their person.

Well, not necessarily. I'm wearing two collarbones around my neck as we speak, covered with actual human skin, and I'd prefer to think my midst isn't all that unpleasant to dwell in.

Yeah. Pimp My Toenail.

As long as it's not one of those stupid spoiler-heavy foreign import toe-nails.

Hm. Now I'm intrigued.

You really ought to read them. *chuckle* You need not be intrigued anymore.

Like I said last night. Dory. But I know it will come to me eventually.


Dory. *laugh*

Such is life. Or rather, to quote my father: "It gives me something to look forward to in my declining years." That, by the way, is a translation from Pennsylvania German, of which language he isn't a native speaker, but is generally thought to be one of the best speakers thereof in this area. It never ceases to amaze the elder generation. [/brag]

You are going to make a pleasing husband one day for this very reason. *smile*

The fact that the Artistic Temperament doesn't preclude my doing distinctly male things such as throwing away a valuable toenail? One would think that a regular habit of washing the dishes would be more valuable, in the long run.

I can do dishes, but I despise it.

I would not call you emotionally repressed.

Hmm, neither would I, most of the time.

You are very correct and yet people engage in this little dance in its various forms all the time. It's that tension between feelings and logic again.

Indeed. I conjecture that the hat was simply a ready articulation for things which, at root, had absolutely nothing to do with hats. Except maybe in metaphor. One can never tell when something is metaphorical.

Then again, some people are just dumb.

Hahahahaha!

Yes, that's probably true.

Yes. And the further we plumb, the more we realize how little we truly know and understand. Those moments require a fixed gaze in the right direction because if we are concerned with ourselves and all that we don't know, we become frustrated and confused and quite possibly angered or worse yet embittered, but if we are concentrating on the God who all of it flows from, we can enter into the truest form of worship. That kind of awe that is speechless beyond 'You are holy, You are worthy, You are mighty, You are awesome, You are, You are, You are, You, You, You...'

Very true. When we pay attention to all the depths we can plumb, we forget about the insufficiency of our minds to plumb them. I also agree, while floundering desperately to give the above paragraph the reply it deserves, that it is the truest form of worship, a wordless mingled gratitude and awe.

It is a feminine (please excuse me for saying so) art that I would like to encourage in my home. I was not trained in these things so I find myself floundering a bit in wanting to pass them to my daughters. As well as things like gardening and canning. BUT I CAN'T EVEN KEEP A HOUSEPLANT ALIVE, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD. Sadly, I am really not the most capable of homemakers. But I'm trying. *bites nail*

There is no reason to ask to be excused; if I were to react unfavorably, it would be purely condemnable insecurity on my part: I can measure things with a tape measure, I can and have painted houses, I can dig and have dug large holes with a shovel, I have operated large saws, I've fixed clogged drains, I can change a flat tire (if memory doesn't fail me on one point or another--I've participated in the ritual often enough.), I have helped build houses, I've operated a tractor in the occupation of farming--in short, having a fondness for an art generally regarded as feminine only makes me more of a complete person, not an effeminate one.

It is the trying that counts. The passing-on of the art of canning has been a trial through every late summer I can remember.

The blizzard has helped in this regard. Not that he wouldn't go out in it given the chance...

Haha. He is both a male and a cat, meaning that he will want to do things that are dangerous and impossible, and he will want to be completely inscrutable to the entire world besides himself. In essence, not letting him out is good; I get the feeling that once out, he'd be so inscrutable that he'd end up dead.

Where does this fit in with your theories on 'cute' from your blog?

It's more articulate than the theories in my blog, and less awkward. Basically, I think people's features often balance those of their spouse. One frequently sees walking definitions of 'cute' linked arm-in-arm and heart-in-heart to faces which are full of crags and sharp edges and lines. You see how it would be disastrous for them to be the same kind of cute? They would look at each other and see nothing interesting, nothing unduly attractive, other people would doubt the authenticity of their union, all would eventually crumble. The difference in features means that they can still find something different, and so can the rest of us when we look at them, instead of simply thinking "Ah, birds of a feather."

She looks even older now, post haircut. She still looks young at the same time so all is not lost. [/parent]

Would all be lost if she didn't still look young?

Yes, please note that, Lovers of Paisley and Non-Lovers alike.

*shudder*

*blinkblink*

I purposely left out the fact that she was the physical incarnation of all that one would hope a person with such a name is spared of.

I hope she had and still has friends.

Come on, Small. We all know you're all about the ladies.

Okay, fine. Yes. I'm going into town tonight with my hair slicked to the side and a Camel trailing out one corner of my mouth. Watch me rawk teh James Dean.

Actually, I'm so much about romance, and so popular with the ladies that I've been thinking of moving to some of the less-populace regions of the Middle East.

I think that is the best way. Though I certainly understand how it can feel necessary to some. History explains why Mara finds some comfort in it.

Indeed. But then, as I explained above *points up* it is irrelevant for me, since so few of my friendships with ladies are platonic. (Unless one of the two parties is married, in which case it goes without saying, so it's still irrelevant.) *chuckle*

I really hope this isn't the first post of mine anyone reads.

Speaking of which, is coming along splendidly. We have a cat that now walks without a limp.

Hallelujah! May he soon frolic o'er spring fields, sans impediment of any sort.

Originally Posted by Mara's Mom

She kind of sounds like a puppy.

I was going to say something terse and simple, such as "I would rather have a puppy than a Kelsey." when I realized that a puppy wouldn't be house-trained, and would require my feeding/bathing it and would be in no way independant for a very long time.

So now, instead of being brusque and certain, I am torn and unsure.

Weather Update:
Doing well. Mara's radio just mentioned freezing rain.

*Ominous*

Mr. D needed to type up a monthly Trustee Team report for church. For tasks completed, he included "$10,000 in free snow removal".

Haha! Captain Awesome never fails to live up to his nickname.

I am going to make Mara some tea. She will be awake soon and she has a cold.

So I hear; I also hear it's something of a particularly un-appetizing one.

I have been on CGR for two years. *cricket*

*hug*
*dance*
*blows trumpet*

CONGRATULATIONS, MRS. D!

*all the above again*

[Mara's Mom]

Originally Posted by Elizabeth

To get a new perspective on life. Too much time around ethnocentric, materialistic Americans makes me go crazy. Plus, I think other cultures are fascinating.

Ah, yes. I have often entertained the thought of selling it all, packing up the family and becoming full time missionaries wherever the Spirit leads wind blows.

That would be handy...and honestly, I think I would get bored of it. I am saying that probably because I have not yet had to keep house for real.

I agree. I think that her life is so full of things that dazzle and drop your jaw, 'keeping house' has no allure. Which is actually quite sad.

I am trying to get a better grasp of the OT. More of a big picture view.

Good for you! The whole thing leads to Jesus so it's good to know the full story. Our former church offered some fairly intense courses on Bible history. I never did enroll in them, but would love to do something like that one day.

Originally Posted by Ring of a bell

Hi Mrs. D!

Hi, Nathan! *grin*

I did my own laundry today. [/independent]

I start my new job tomorrow. This is exciting too. I think. After all is said and done I will have worked 41.5 hours. That is a lot.

Tell us all about it! That is a nice amount of hours. And you are getting paid. YAY!

I hope you are doing well!

I am! Thank you so much. Are you?

Tony.

Blessings,
Mrs. D

Originally Posted by Small

He remains in a death-match with Kucinich (If I spelled it wrong, it only proves my point) for the title of Most Irrelevant Candidate of 2008.

HA. I believe that.

Our new governor's name is Chet. *blink*

Well, not necessarily. I'm wearing two collarbones around my neck as we speak, covered with actual human skin, and I'd prefer to think my midst isn't all that unpleasant to dwell in.

Me: *cricket*
You: EXCUSE ME. IS THIS THING ON? *taptaptap*
Me: *cricket*
*wink*

You really ought to read them. *chuckle* You need not be intrigued anymore.

Okay. Remind Mara to remind me. *passes buck*

Such is life. Or rather, to quote my father: "It gives me something to look forward to in my declining years." That, by the way, is a translation from Pennsylvania German, of which language he isn't a native speaker, but is generally thought to be one of the best speakers thereof in this area. It never ceases to amaze the elder generation. [/brag]

I am impressed. I heard you speaking what I guessed was Pennsylvania German. You were asking for a pen. [/whisper]

The fact that the Artistic Temperament doesn't preclude my doing distinctly male things such as throwing away a valuable toenail? One would think that a regular habit of washing the dishes would be more valuable, in the long run.

I said 'pleasing', not perfect. *grin*

I can do dishes, but I despise it.

You're going to want to find a way to suck it up when you're married. [/sage]

Very true. When we pay attention to all the depths we can plumb, we forget about the insufficiency of our minds to plumb them. I also agree, while floundering desperately to give the above paragraph the reply it deserves, that it is the truest form of worship, a wordless mingled gratitude and awe.

The fact that we will continually plumb for the rest of our lives is awe-inspiring. We are plumbers, you and I.

There is no reason to ask to be excused; if I were to react unfavorably, it would be purely condemnable insecurity on my part: I can measure things with a tape measure, I can and have painted houses, I can dig and have dug large holes with a shovel, I have operated large saws, I've fixed clogged drains, I can change a flat tire (if memory doesn't fail me on one point or another--I've participated in the ritual often enough.), I have helped build houses, I've operated a tractor in the occupation of farming--in short, having a fondness for an art generally regarded as feminine only makes me more of a complete person, not an effeminate one.

I agree wholeheartedly.

I also want to point out that I misspoke. I said that I was floundering in 'wanting' to pass on those skills. That is inaccurate. I meant to say that I flounder in my abilities to do so. I have all the want in the world. I am lacking the skill to pull it off with ease. And flair. It would be fun to pull it off with some flair. And a flourish. I love flourishes. *flounce*

THE REST WILL HAVE TO WAIT. I NEED TO FEED MY FAMILY. AND THEN WATCH WHAT IS LEFT OF AMERICAN IDOL. I like to maintain a nice balance of dutiful and frivolous. *wink*

[Smaller]

Originally Posted by Mara's Mom

If you're happy with that then I am happy with that. Just say the word.

I need input! That is a kind of hateful name except for the Razzmatazz part. *laugh* Hippos ballerinas have a nice habit, though, of pulling off hateful names beautifully.

Yum!

I agree. I also had rice and beans for supper tonight. Those are wonderfully healthy, no?

I wasn't when I first read this. I was awake just before 6:00 that day. How about you? It's 5:30.

I don't know. *frown* I forget what time it was when I was awake and when I wasn't awake. It was a bit funny that night. I am still not ready to give up.

Are you sleeping happily at 1:45 A.M. March 8th?[/whisper]

Of course! I don't think she's been on the computer for a few days.

SHE WAS. You are right, she is a very charming ladygirl. I like her.

I agree. I find it very charming for some reason.

Indeed. I find charm charming unless it is excessive and becomes somewhat sickening. *blink*

Weather Update:
Doing well. Mara's radio just mentioned freezing rain.

Ach. That is no good.

I am going to make Mara some tea. She will be awake soon and she has a cold.

What is her favorite kind of tea? What is your favorite kind of tea?

I have been on CGR for two years. *cricket*

The heavens rejoiced!