Have you ever noticed how many colloquialisms are used each day? (Oh yeah! Snuck the BIG word in on ya!) Truly, how many "catch phrases" do you hear in conversation each day? How many do YOU use? Count them one day - you'll be shocked. Just sayin'.
My current cringe-worthy phrase is "God love her". Duh! Of course, God loves you! I hear it used by a lot of people around me lately and it seems to refer to people who have done idiotic things. No offense, but God has a sense of humor. His love is unconditional but no one escapes his humor. A better phrase would be "Somebody help her get a brain".
In seventh and eighth grade at Friendsville Elementary, my English teacher was Mrs. Lynch. Anyone reading this blog who went to Friendsville knew her well. I wasn't overly fond of her when I was in her class but as an adult, her constant nagging about grammar to make us learn to write properly is priceless. Do I speak properly? Not all the time. Do I write properly all of the time. Nope! Especially not on my blog! However, I can turn it on when necessary.
4-H also was a HUGE influence on my public persona. Public Speaking (yuck!) was the one project that my mother FORCED me to do each year. I thank her for that now because I have to speak to people each day that I have never met, speak to crowds, relate to all types of people from all over the country AND make certain they can understand me. Have you ever spoken to a true Southerner? The hype about the slow drawl is all true!
Now I said all that to say this (see, another one! I'm just full of them today! Ooops, there's another one) It is another pet peeve of mine to receive professional correspondence from people who write JUST LIKE they speak! Please, for cryin' out loud people, learn how to capitalize and use a period! I should not have to read your email 6 times before I mentally insert grammatical corrections & determine what you want! Throw me a bone! I'm not psychic and can read your mind! Argggggggggg...
if you writelike this allthe time no one can really understand what you say. are englisch skills lack eny inteligentce whatsoever and we all seem dumb. maybe we should ALL TAKE TYPING LESONSS AND LERN TO SPEL TWO
That just made me cringe at myself...
Until later!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Another Day in the Neighborhood
Sometimes a day should be classified as mundane. These don't come along very often so I feel the pressing need to write about it.
Today, I feel like a heathen because Bryan & I didn't go to church. We couldn't go because 15 minutes before leaving, his work called and he had to fix something. This seems to happen every Sunday morning but most of the time, he can put it off until later in the day. Today was not one of those days.
So I took the opportunity to watch the service online (our church is cool like that) but NO! I am certain that my spiritual health is quite good because obviously I wasn't meant to hear a bible lesson this morning! Our Internet went down (argggg) and after a 30 minutes wait time with ATT, we were told that it would be 24 hours before the service was restored - bummer!
Since Plan A & Plan B have both fizzled, I moved right along to Plan C - clean the house (gagging right now).
So far, I have burned copious amount of paper that seems to multiply like rabbits at my house, washed clothes, rugs, curtains and more and cleaned the tool area so we have more than a path to walk on when coming in the back door. It looks pretty good so far - I am proud of myself!
Next on the list is the farrier, who should be coming up the drive even as I write this. I went out to the barn a bit ago to get the pony ready. Was he anywhere to be seen? No! He was in the great unknown which is at least half a mile away. But, like the wonderful, handsome guy he is, he came galloping across the field when called. It does my heart good to see him happy & playful!
Today, I feel like a heathen because Bryan & I didn't go to church. We couldn't go because 15 minutes before leaving, his work called and he had to fix something. This seems to happen every Sunday morning but most of the time, he can put it off until later in the day. Today was not one of those days.
So I took the opportunity to watch the service online (our church is cool like that) but NO! I am certain that my spiritual health is quite good because obviously I wasn't meant to hear a bible lesson this morning! Our Internet went down (argggg) and after a 30 minutes wait time with ATT, we were told that it would be 24 hours before the service was restored - bummer!
Since Plan A & Plan B have both fizzled, I moved right along to Plan C - clean the house (gagging right now).
So far, I have burned copious amount of paper that seems to multiply like rabbits at my house, washed clothes, rugs, curtains and more and cleaned the tool area so we have more than a path to walk on when coming in the back door. It looks pretty good so far - I am proud of myself!
Next on the list is the farrier, who should be coming up the drive even as I write this. I went out to the barn a bit ago to get the pony ready. Was he anywhere to be seen? No! He was in the great unknown which is at least half a mile away. But, like the wonderful, handsome guy he is, he came galloping across the field when called. It does my heart good to see him happy & playful!
After all, who doesn't love a blond?
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Time flies when we're havin' fun!
Did you know that it is 13 WEEKS AND 1 DAY UNTIL CHRISTMAS! That's 92 days people! I need to start baking NOW if I am going to get all of the goodies together. Not to mention getting gifts made and purchased... And building a hay barn... And finishing the hay crop... And planting the fall veggies... And working a 40 hour week off the farm... And refencing pastures for the winter rotation... And buying more cows and a new bull... And winterizing the honeybees... I'm tired just thinking about it!
So, please email me with your Christmas order! I need to know NOW what you want if I have a chance of getting it done for you :)
Do you want one of these?
It will be much bigger IF I ever get it done...
Or one of these for the cooks out there - The best Hot Pad / Trivet EVER!
Or maybe a nice scarf or something... This is what I have now (notice the 2 unfinished projects in the background? Yep, that's my MO)
Or you just need yummy goodness from my kitchen? My truest wish in the world is to fatten everyone else up so I look skinnier! I think I will start with Amanda 3 - Nursing School has helped her loose weight & it's not fair... (This is also why I bought her a cake decorating kit for her Birthday!)
I should mention a great big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to ME and AMANDA 3! We both celebrated birthdays this past week. I feel REALLY old though as we are 10 years and 2 days apart... I was in middle school when before she was even thought about by her parents. Oh, my arthritis just flared up again... I think I need some Geritol now...
Let the Holiday Rush begin! That's right, BRING IT!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
A Common Sense Obituary
Todays's posting is stolen from a friends facebook posting. It was really to good to pass up! Please read on & spread this to others who might remember...
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.
He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:-Knowing when to come in out of the rain; - Why the early bird gets the worm;- Life isn't always fair; - And maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies, don't spend more than you can earn and adults, not children, are in charge.
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife Discretion, his daughter Responsibility, and his son, Reason. He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights,I Want It Now,Someone Else Is To Blame,I'm A Victim.Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, do nothing
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.
He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:-Knowing when to come in out of the rain; - Why the early bird gets the worm;- Life isn't always fair; - And maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies, don't spend more than you can earn and adults, not children, are in charge.
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife Discretion, his daughter Responsibility, and his son, Reason. He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights,I Want It Now,Someone Else Is To Blame,I'm A Victim.Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, do nothing
Monday, September 19, 2011
Bed, Bath & The Great Beyond!
I hate to shop. Really, it pains me to present myself in public to search needlessly for things that I may not need.
Yesterday, I had a mission in mind so I headed to BB&B after church with Bryan. I had searched the Internet for the perfect "It". I had consulted with others to make certain that "It" was the one. It should have been so easy!
Alas, we arrived and "It" was not seen. I asked a salesperson. He looked at me as if I had 3 green heads on my shoulders and replied "Huh?". I showed "It" to him on my handy-dandy IPhone to prove that he should have this in stock. He checked is handy-dandy inventory system & informed me that only 123 "It"s were in the country and none within 500 miles... BUT, he could order it, I would pay shipping (of course) and it would be at my home in a week.
This is why I don't even try to shop anymore. If I have to pay shipping when I go to a store, why not stay at home & pay shipping instead? At least at home, I can shop in my PJ's!
Yesterday, I had a mission in mind so I headed to BB&B after church with Bryan. I had searched the Internet for the perfect "It". I had consulted with others to make certain that "It" was the one. It should have been so easy!
Alas, we arrived and "It" was not seen. I asked a salesperson. He looked at me as if I had 3 green heads on my shoulders and replied "Huh?". I showed "It" to him on my handy-dandy IPhone to prove that he should have this in stock. He checked is handy-dandy inventory system & informed me that only 123 "It"s were in the country and none within 500 miles... BUT, he could order it, I would pay shipping (of course) and it would be at my home in a week.
This is why I don't even try to shop anymore. If I have to pay shipping when I go to a store, why not stay at home & pay shipping instead? At least at home, I can shop in my PJ's!
Saturday, September 17, 2011
The Business of Farming & other Dumb Laws
"If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life." - Unknown
Let's face it, who else would happily ride around a field in circles for hours & hours? You have to love what you do & I do love my animals and I love caring for them. Sadly, putting up hay is not my favorite farm chore but a necessary one.
Actually, hay is our most consistent moneymaker on the farm. Especially with the wildfires and flooding and drought this year, we could be charging three times as much for our hay & rolling in dough. We aren't though, because taking advantage of other's misfortunes isn't ethical or Christian. I don't want to go to hell, after all :)
Anywho, we have decided that we NEED and IPAD! OK, so it's a cool toy to have BUT there are lots of awesome apps that can help us farm more efficiently. What!?! Apps for farming you say? YES, apps for farming! Those computer geeks think of everything don't they :) Afterall, how handy would it be for our customers to pay for their hay while still in the field AND pay with a credit card AND have a receipt printed onsite from the truck? Pretty cool, huh?
So Bryan goes to the Verizon store this morning to get the handy-dandy IPAD and was greeted by more rules and regulations than our US Constitution. After, being questioned by the Verizon FBI and being told that he has to produce documentation on our business, credit history, his personal information & more, needless to say, we don't have an IPAD (yet. We are going to ATT after church tomorrow).
So my question is this: why can illegals get a new Cadillac Escalade, open a business, get free healthcare, buy expensive clothing, live in a nice house, close said business, default on payments for said Escalade, still get free healthcare and get government assistance when we (a legitimate business) can't even buy one stinkin' gadget and PAY WITH CASH!!!!!
SOMEONE EXPLAIN THIS TO ME!!!!
BTW, I have disliked Verizon for many years because they are a horrid company to work with. Today reminded me of the depth of my SEVERE dislike.
Arg... I'm going to go finish laundry and cook something yummy - probably bread so I can pulverize it and it will still taste great...
Until later,
Amanda
Let's face it, who else would happily ride around a field in circles for hours & hours? You have to love what you do & I do love my animals and I love caring for them. Sadly, putting up hay is not my favorite farm chore but a necessary one.
Actually, hay is our most consistent moneymaker on the farm. Especially with the wildfires and flooding and drought this year, we could be charging three times as much for our hay & rolling in dough. We aren't though, because taking advantage of other's misfortunes isn't ethical or Christian. I don't want to go to hell, after all :)
Anywho, we have decided that we NEED and IPAD! OK, so it's a cool toy to have BUT there are lots of awesome apps that can help us farm more efficiently. What!?! Apps for farming you say? YES, apps for farming! Those computer geeks think of everything don't they :) Afterall, how handy would it be for our customers to pay for their hay while still in the field AND pay with a credit card AND have a receipt printed onsite from the truck? Pretty cool, huh?
So Bryan goes to the Verizon store this morning to get the handy-dandy IPAD and was greeted by more rules and regulations than our US Constitution. After, being questioned by the Verizon FBI and being told that he has to produce documentation on our business, credit history, his personal information & more, needless to say, we don't have an IPAD (yet. We are going to ATT after church tomorrow).
So my question is this: why can illegals get a new Cadillac Escalade, open a business, get free healthcare, buy expensive clothing, live in a nice house, close said business, default on payments for said Escalade, still get free healthcare and get government assistance when we (a legitimate business) can't even buy one stinkin' gadget and PAY WITH CASH!!!!!
SOMEONE EXPLAIN THIS TO ME!!!!
BTW, I have disliked Verizon for many years because they are a horrid company to work with. Today reminded me of the depth of my SEVERE dislike.
Arg... I'm going to go finish laundry and cook something yummy - probably bread so I can pulverize it and it will still taste great...
Until later,
Amanda
Sunday, September 11, 2011
10 year Retrospective
Yep, it's been 10 years since my generation experienced the most poignant moment in history in our lives to date. 10 Years since I was driving to class at UTK and heard the news come across the radio & thought someone was playing an unfunny joke on the listeners.
What have I learned since then?
I have learned that this country was built on strength an backbone and our President showed that he had both. I think George Bush had a "John Wayne" moment when he declared war and John Wayne was exactly who we needed in the Oval Office at the time.
I have learned that Christians will always be persecuted, no matter how accepting and politically correct we are to others. So why should we try to be nice & make friends with people who want nothing more than to see us eradicated from the planet? I have no idea.
I have learned that I have more respect for those that keep our country safe than I ever thought possible. These people are the most patriotic, fearless and selfless people that I have ever met. We should all strive to be like them instead of the selfish, entitled attitude that many of my generation have adopted.
I have learned that I am proud to be an American and Christian.
I believe Mr. Black says it well.
Proud to be American - Baxter Black
I challenge each of you to thank someone tomorrow - military, police, fireman, first responder, ambulance driver, etc. These people save lives every day & don't take enough credit for their service. Better yet, write an old fashioned "Thank You" note and mail it.
Until later my friends!
I have learned that God is my rock everyday and should be yours too.
What have I learned since then?
I have learned that this country was built on strength an backbone and our President showed that he had both. I think George Bush had a "John Wayne" moment when he declared war and John Wayne was exactly who we needed in the Oval Office at the time.
I have learned that Christians will always be persecuted, no matter how accepting and politically correct we are to others. So why should we try to be nice & make friends with people who want nothing more than to see us eradicated from the planet? I have no idea.
I have learned that I have more respect for those that keep our country safe than I ever thought possible. These people are the most patriotic, fearless and selfless people that I have ever met. We should all strive to be like them instead of the selfish, entitled attitude that many of my generation have adopted.
I have learned that I am proud to be an American and Christian.
I believe Mr. Black says it well.
Proud to be American - Baxter Black
I challenge each of you to thank someone tomorrow - military, police, fireman, first responder, ambulance driver, etc. These people save lives every day & don't take enough credit for their service. Better yet, write an old fashioned "Thank You" note and mail it.
Until later my friends!
I have learned that God is my rock everyday and should be yours too.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Just another day at the office
Today I thought I would try out the Blogger for IPhone App. Let's see how well this turns out, shall we?
So today was dedicated to saddles & their owners. So bright & early today, I had to go visit D at the leather shop. Why? Because I managed to lose a D-ring strap. If you have seen my house, you wouldn't be surprised at this. Nonetheless l am delivering the saddle to it's thrilled owner.
I love making riders and horses happy!
Want to see where I am?
I love my job!!
So today was dedicated to saddles & their owners. So bright & early today, I had to go visit D at the leather shop. Why? Because I managed to lose a D-ring strap. If you have seen my house, you wouldn't be surprised at this. Nonetheless l am delivering the saddle to it's thrilled owner.
I love making riders and horses happy!
Want to see where I am?
I love my job!!
Friday, September 9, 2011
Sleeping & Coon Dogs
So, I haven't posted in a REALLY long time! I feel bad for depriving everyone of my titillating tidbits of wisdom gained through my fabulously weird life.
At this point, I should thank Rachael for guilting me into posting again. Thanks, Rachael! Until today, I didn't realize that anyone ever read my blog except my husband, mom and my crazy stalker from Timbuktu. (I don't really have a stalker but I figured that I needed a bit of intrigue too)
Nonetheless, TONS of stuff has happened since you last heard from me! PREPARE YOURSELF! I'll start with the most recent...
Last night was supposed to be a nice quiet night at home with the husband. I love these nights because almost nothing in our lives is quiet & relaxing. (I shudder to think how nuts I will become once I have kids!)
After work, I met Bryan at his parents, had dinner & home we went. Beckoning me was a hot tub of bath water for soaking all the knots out of my body before the crazy exercise class on Friday morning. Around 9:15, I removed myself from the tub and... the phone rang. Phone calls after 8 p.m. never mean anything good at my house. This was no exception.
The phone call was from M and A3, Bryan's youngest brother & his fiance. THEY LOST THE DOG. No kidding, they lost the dog. You see, M is a budding coon hunter and he decided to go run the dog for training before the hunting season officially begins. Seems reasonable, right? The dog had other ideas. The dog decided that it would be more fun to just stretch his legs & pretend to tree something.
You see, coon hunting is a nocturnal sport done in the woods. So even though the dog has a lighted collar that you should be able to see (in the dark, in the woods, through the underbrush, in the mountains), hunting dogs in top shape can run faster & farther that you & I can dream. And he did.
So Bryan and I, A3 and M walked around in the woods until we found the jokester canine. I WANTED TO SHOOT THE DOG & LEAVE THE COON. Did I mention that I don't find running around the woods in the middle of the night, chasing a dog, fun? I don't. But I do it for family.
I should SO get an awesome Christmas present for this...
BTW, after traipsing through the woods for an hour & logging about 2 to 3 miles at a fast walk - I did not make it to the gym this morning. Grrrrrrr... Guess, I'll have to go tomorrow instead!
At this point, I should thank Rachael for guilting me into posting again. Thanks, Rachael! Until today, I didn't realize that anyone ever read my blog except my husband, mom and my crazy stalker from Timbuktu. (I don't really have a stalker but I figured that I needed a bit of intrigue too)
Nonetheless, TONS of stuff has happened since you last heard from me! PREPARE YOURSELF! I'll start with the most recent...
Last night was supposed to be a nice quiet night at home with the husband. I love these nights because almost nothing in our lives is quiet & relaxing. (I shudder to think how nuts I will become once I have kids!)
After work, I met Bryan at his parents, had dinner & home we went. Beckoning me was a hot tub of bath water for soaking all the knots out of my body before the crazy exercise class on Friday morning. Around 9:15, I removed myself from the tub and... the phone rang. Phone calls after 8 p.m. never mean anything good at my house. This was no exception.
The phone call was from M and A3, Bryan's youngest brother & his fiance. THEY LOST THE DOG. No kidding, they lost the dog. You see, M is a budding coon hunter and he decided to go run the dog for training before the hunting season officially begins. Seems reasonable, right? The dog had other ideas. The dog decided that it would be more fun to just stretch his legs & pretend to tree something.
You see, coon hunting is a nocturnal sport done in the woods. So even though the dog has a lighted collar that you should be able to see (in the dark, in the woods, through the underbrush, in the mountains), hunting dogs in top shape can run faster & farther that you & I can dream. And he did.
So Bryan and I, A3 and M walked around in the woods until we found the jokester canine. I WANTED TO SHOOT THE DOG & LEAVE THE COON. Did I mention that I don't find running around the woods in the middle of the night, chasing a dog, fun? I don't. But I do it for family.
I should SO get an awesome Christmas present for this...
BTW, after traipsing through the woods for an hour & logging about 2 to 3 miles at a fast walk - I did not make it to the gym this morning. Grrrrrrr... Guess, I'll have to go tomorrow instead!
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