Just like Katy Lin, Jason and I am reading through The Love Dare and we had a lot of fun with one of the dares that evaluates your unconditional love for your spouse. Your love has to be no strings attached. "I love you. Period."
I knew Jason was The One as a result of seeing his heart over and over again - who he is as a man, in the way he treated others and how he walked his faith in God on a daily basis. It wasn't a "bam!" hit you over the head moment. I remember from our first date thinking, "This guy is different than other Christian guys I've dated". We were going on a double-date with friends to an outdoor concert of some Christian artists, which was way on the other side of town. I was pushing to meet Jason someplace in-between, so he could save gas and didn't have to drive all the way to the other side of town to pick me up. Jason was insistent on picking me up, because we were, after all, going on a date and he said it would give us a chance to talk since we would spend most of our time listening to music.
What this showed me was that Jason was willing to go out of his way to spend time with me. He was appreciative of my consideration about saving gas, but he was more interested in getting to know each other rather than saving a few bucks. It spoke chivalrous volumes to me, because in the past, I had dated Christian gentleman that didn't quite get that.
The sweet thing that Jason did in our courtship was drive 30 miles out of his way each Sunday to pick me up and drop me off from church. His chivalry really got me! And it hasn't stopped!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
My husband rocks!
What a convicting article that Katy Lin posted for this week's MHR.
Jason and I decided this past Sunday that I would take care of getting the oil changed on my car this week, while he would handle the bumper issue as a result of my - ahem - accident at a Holiday gas station. I called Jason on Monday afternoon just to check in like we usually do each day. He went and changed the oil in my car. Bless my man's heart!!!
He took care of this manly chore....I didn't even beg. I didn't even hint. It's these moments that happen so often that remind me of Jason's servant heart...and how much I want to be more like him.
My best friend and I made a pact a few weeks ago to not insinuate, hint or say anything to our husbands that would elude to us comparing our lives or situations with anyone else's. Sometimes it's hard not to let the comparative thoughts come into your mind. But you can decide if you'll let those thoughts build a nest in your hair and spew it out to your husband. So, the thing I (work hard to) do to show respect to Jason is to resist the temptation to say anything that would elude to me comparing us to another.
Jason and I decided this past Sunday that I would take care of getting the oil changed on my car this week, while he would handle the bumper issue as a result of my - ahem - accident at a Holiday gas station. I called Jason on Monday afternoon just to check in like we usually do each day. He went and changed the oil in my car. Bless my man's heart!!!
He took care of this manly chore....I didn't even beg. I didn't even hint. It's these moments that happen so often that remind me of Jason's servant heart...and how much I want to be more like him.
My best friend and I made a pact a few weeks ago to not insinuate, hint or say anything to our husbands that would elude to us comparing our lives or situations with anyone else's. Sometimes it's hard not to let the comparative thoughts come into your mind. But you can decide if you'll let those thoughts build a nest in your hair and spew it out to your husband. So, the thing I (work hard to) do to show respect to Jason is to resist the temptation to say anything that would elude to me comparing us to another.
Going cold turkey
I got the package last week. It sat on the floor for three days, until I was ready to open it. Better just get it started and over with.
It's the McComb's Plan supplements for the body detoxification plan I foolishly decided to start....and this time finish.
This detox is no gimmick. I don't fall for those. Really. This just plain makes sense. Get rid of the bad bacteria in your body. The bad bacteria just builds a colony in your body, causing it not to work properly. In my case, my digestive system apparently does not work properly....as a result of my poor choice of foods. Ahem.
Flush it out! Help your skin and other organs push the bad toxins out of our body. Yep! That's right - get those suckers!
Then, you build up the good bacteria. Seize the bad bacteria colony. Take it over with the good.
My cousin's wife told me about the McCombs Plan. Year after year, she's battled the same symptoms that I have. She gave it a go. She feels great and found out how her body reacts to certain foods, so she can learn to avoid those things. I became hooked to check it out.
Here I am. Therefore, I pledge:
- to drink a lot of water
- to not eat sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, yeast, wheat....a HUGE list of etc items that includes everything you can think of
- to take long, luxurious hot baths with my favorite bubble bath so I sweat those toxins out
- to eat plenty of veggies, fruits, brown rice, olive oil, meat (except pork because it's a dirty meat)and...and...and....that's all I am supposed to eat.
- to faithfully take my supplements and vitamins
Monday was my first official day of the plan. I'm feeling good. A few headaches now and then, but I know it's just my brain saying, "SUGAR!! I need it. Now!!". Awww...be quiet. I keep telling myself that it will be good for me. It will! It is GOOD to feel good! It is BAD to feel bloated all the time! Eight weeks of this hard-core-military-boot-camp-like-regimen. 15 weeks of no sugar. Oh, mercy!
Therefore, I am officially working on item #21 (detox #1) and item #32 (eat no sweets for a week). Well, #32 is going to turn into 15 long weeks. Hey - can I use those fifteen to count towards 1 week/month for the 1,001 days???
My poor husband.
It's the McComb's Plan supplements for the body detoxification plan I foolishly decided to start....and this time finish.
This detox is no gimmick. I don't fall for those. Really. This just plain makes sense. Get rid of the bad bacteria in your body. The bad bacteria just builds a colony in your body, causing it not to work properly. In my case, my digestive system apparently does not work properly....as a result of my poor choice of foods. Ahem.
Flush it out! Help your skin and other organs push the bad toxins out of our body. Yep! That's right - get those suckers!
Then, you build up the good bacteria. Seize the bad bacteria colony. Take it over with the good.
My cousin's wife told me about the McCombs Plan. Year after year, she's battled the same symptoms that I have. She gave it a go. She feels great and found out how her body reacts to certain foods, so she can learn to avoid those things. I became hooked to check it out.
Here I am. Therefore, I pledge:
- to drink a lot of water
- to not eat sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, yeast, wheat....a HUGE list of etc items that includes everything you can think of
- to take long, luxurious hot baths with my favorite bubble bath so I sweat those toxins out
- to eat plenty of veggies, fruits, brown rice, olive oil, meat (except pork because it's a dirty meat)and...and...and....that's all I am supposed to eat.
- to faithfully take my supplements and vitamins
Monday was my first official day of the plan. I'm feeling good. A few headaches now and then, but I know it's just my brain saying, "SUGAR!! I need it. Now!!". Awww...be quiet. I keep telling myself that it will be good for me. It will! It is GOOD to feel good! It is BAD to feel bloated all the time! Eight weeks of this hard-core-military-boot-camp-like-regimen. 15 weeks of no sugar. Oh, mercy!
Therefore, I am officially working on item #21 (detox #1) and item #32 (eat no sweets for a week). Well, #32 is going to turn into 15 long weeks. Hey - can I use those fifteen to count towards 1 week/month for the 1,001 days???
My poor husband.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Sitting down
...to write out what meals I'm making for the week. I would like to congratulate myself for having the intuition NOT to write out in #63 that I would actually prepare all of the meals I planned for the week. Let's see....last week I made two of the four stated meals. Two for two!
I suppose most people don't care what I'm planning for our family of two to eat this week. It just feels good to say that I'm trying to get in the habit of planning it out ahead of time instead of while I'm driving home from work that day. Whether or not the meals come to fruition is another habit waiting to start. Someday in the next year or two I'll have this meal-making task down like our mothers used to growing up. Hopefully before the kids come along. On the list for this week:
1) Slow-cooker pot roast (Ah, yes. The one on last week's list that didn't make it.)
2) Spaghetti and Parmesan flatbread
3) Soup/Salad/Sandwiches
4) Caribbean Chicken with Pineapple Salsa
5) Enchilada Casserole
Bon appetit!
I suppose most people don't care what I'm planning for our family of two to eat this week. It just feels good to say that I'm trying to get in the habit of planning it out ahead of time instead of while I'm driving home from work that day. Whether or not the meals come to fruition is another habit waiting to start. Someday in the next year or two I'll have this meal-making task down like our mothers used to growing up. Hopefully before the kids come along. On the list for this week:
1) Slow-cooker pot roast (Ah, yes. The one on last week's list that didn't make it.)
2) Spaghetti and Parmesan flatbread
3) Soup/Salad/Sandwiches
4) Caribbean Chicken with Pineapple Salsa
5) Enchilada Casserole
Bon appetit!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
My Husband Rocks
Don't you love stumbling upon great things? MHR - my husband rocks! - did that for me. I fell for it hook, line and sinker. Katy Lin started this MHR thing. Every Friday she posts a prompt, encouraging you to write a post proclaiming to the world why your husband rocks! It's just a neat way to encourage, build up, appreciate that man of yours.
I'm going to be bold and do this, because I love and appreciate my husband SO MUCH. Jason rocked my world this week (when doesn't he?). But, most specifically, because he excitedly grabbed my hands yesterday, did a little dance-jig and said that we made significant progress in our financial situation this week. We give a shout out to the Lord for this progress and His provision. I also give a shout out to Jason for being diligent and a good manager. You rock, honey!
1. Where did you meet? Almost 5 years ago, my new co-worker at the time (and now very good friend!), Kay, told me about her fiancé, Brian’s, best friend, Jason….a very nice, Christian guy. Ears perked up. The three of them, along with some other co-workers, all played on a volleyball team, so Kay suggested I come watch them play and stay after for the pizza gathering so I could be introduced to Jason. Well, this old-fashioned girl said, “Un-uh! I’m not going by myself and I will not throw myself out there like that. He needs to pursue me first”. I grabbed 3 other co-workers, called it a “team-event”, made everyone pinky-swear that they wouldn’t say anything to Jason about who/why I was there and went to the game. Jason and I talked at length over pizza. No numbers exchanged, except a small little thing called chemistry and God’s appointment. Turns out that we both went to the same Christian liberal arts college, Bethel University, years ago and our roommates even went on a date or two. But we never met. A few months later, we fell in love and as they say, “the rest is history”!
2. Who long did you date before you were married? 2 years
3. What does he do that surprises you? Jason surprises me often – with little gifts (and big ones too!) and his helpfulness around the house. I remember early on in our marriage, I was surprised at how much Jason is a clean and picked-up person. I always thought his bachelor-pad was clean because he was trying to impress me. Then after we were married, I found out that my bachelorette-pad was always clean because I was trying to impress him.
4. What is your favorite quality of his? He is a good, loyal friend and a great listener.
5. What is your favorite feature of his? I love his smile and his laugh. He has strong, muscular soccer legs. And his skin is so soft.:)
6. Does he have a nickname for you? Sweetie
7. What is his favorite food? Pizza, chicken parmigian, pizza casserole, among other things!
8. What is his favorite sport? Which sport ISN’T his favorite? Jason loves to play soccer – and he still does with his buddies each week! He loves to watch NFL football, basketball, and hockey.
9. When and where was your first kiss? At my front door on our third date.:)
10. What do you like to do together? We love to play games like Skip-Bo, Phase Ten, etc. We like to play tennis, go for walks, work on the yard (well, maybe “like” isn’t the word, but we’re good teammates), watching movies, and getting together with family and friends
11. Do you have any children? Not yet!
12. Does he have a hidden talent? Yes – he’s a groovy dancer. “Hey – watch this!”
13. Who said "I love you" first? Jason, also at my apartment about five months after we officially started dating.
14. What is his favorite type of music? Jason likes all different kinds of music – except country - but he usually listens to the sports channel, talk radio or the Christian radio station.
15. What do you admire most about him? He relates well to people and he is a good manager. He handles difficult people-situations well. There are so many things that I admire about him – his faith in God, selflessness, ability to look at both sides of the situation objectively, motivation, dedication, entrepreneurship, sensitivity, and his fun-loving nature.
16. Do you think he will read this? Hopefully!
I'm going to be bold and do this, because I love and appreciate my husband SO MUCH. Jason rocked my world this week (when doesn't he?). But, most specifically, because he excitedly grabbed my hands yesterday, did a little dance-jig and said that we made significant progress in our financial situation this week. We give a shout out to the Lord for this progress and His provision. I also give a shout out to Jason for being diligent and a good manager. You rock, honey!
1. Where did you meet? Almost 5 years ago, my new co-worker at the time (and now very good friend!), Kay, told me about her fiancé, Brian’s, best friend, Jason….a very nice, Christian guy. Ears perked up. The three of them, along with some other co-workers, all played on a volleyball team, so Kay suggested I come watch them play and stay after for the pizza gathering so I could be introduced to Jason. Well, this old-fashioned girl said, “Un-uh! I’m not going by myself and I will not throw myself out there like that. He needs to pursue me first”. I grabbed 3 other co-workers, called it a “team-event”, made everyone pinky-swear that they wouldn’t say anything to Jason about who/why I was there and went to the game. Jason and I talked at length over pizza. No numbers exchanged, except a small little thing called chemistry and God’s appointment. Turns out that we both went to the same Christian liberal arts college, Bethel University, years ago and our roommates even went on a date or two. But we never met. A few months later, we fell in love and as they say, “the rest is history”!
2. Who long did you date before you were married? 2 years
3. What does he do that surprises you? Jason surprises me often – with little gifts (and big ones too!) and his helpfulness around the house. I remember early on in our marriage, I was surprised at how much Jason is a clean and picked-up person. I always thought his bachelor-pad was clean because he was trying to impress me. Then after we were married, I found out that my bachelorette-pad was always clean because I was trying to impress him.
4. What is your favorite quality of his? He is a good, loyal friend and a great listener.
5. What is your favorite feature of his? I love his smile and his laugh. He has strong, muscular soccer legs. And his skin is so soft.:)
6. Does he have a nickname for you? Sweetie
7. What is his favorite food? Pizza, chicken parmigian, pizza casserole, among other things!
8. What is his favorite sport? Which sport ISN’T his favorite? Jason loves to play soccer – and he still does with his buddies each week! He loves to watch NFL football, basketball, and hockey.
9. When and where was your first kiss? At my front door on our third date.:)
10. What do you like to do together? We love to play games like Skip-Bo, Phase Ten, etc. We like to play tennis, go for walks, work on the yard (well, maybe “like” isn’t the word, but we’re good teammates), watching movies, and getting together with family and friends
11. Do you have any children? Not yet!
12. Does he have a hidden talent? Yes – he’s a groovy dancer. “Hey – watch this!”
13. Who said "I love you" first? Jason, also at my apartment about five months after we officially started dating.
14. What is his favorite type of music? Jason likes all different kinds of music – except country - but he usually listens to the sports channel, talk radio or the Christian radio station.
15. What do you admire most about him? He relates well to people and he is a good manager. He handles difficult people-situations well. There are so many things that I admire about him – his faith in God, selflessness, ability to look at both sides of the situation objectively, motivation, dedication, entrepreneurship, sensitivity, and his fun-loving nature.
16. Do you think he will read this? Hopefully!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
A Christian Woman's Reading List
Maybe I should have read through this before I put it on my 101 things list. Some of the books don't apply to me. But I was pleasantly surprised to see on the list a book by Wendy Shalit that I read years ago about women and modesty in the twenty-first century. I would highly recommend this book to get an interesting perspective on how many problems young women are up against are directly related to lack of modesty.
Girls watching football
This past Sunday was kind of unexpected for me. I dropped my friend, Jenna, at her parent's house, who live close to my mother-in-law, Joyce, on the other side of town. Being so close, I thought it would be a good time to see if I could spend time with her. There we were....two gals just watching the Minnesota Vikings! Yep, we got all comfy in the family room, chatted some, and then cheered on the Vikings. I'm glad we got to spend some time together! What I loved about the random-ness was that I forgot that I had specifically put spending time with Joyce on my list.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Feeling Sunday
Oh, boy. I'll need to memorize my list. I nearly forgot that there were several key items on my list that I am supposed to do on a regular basis. It's 9:30pm on Sunday evening. I committed to spending time each Sunday putting together a meal plan for the next week (#63). I "got her done" this week, so Jason and I should be eating good. On the menu this week: butternut squash lasagna, orange chicken and brown rice, soup & sandwich/salad night, and a slow-cooker pot roast. Bon appetit!
Friday, January 2, 2009
In the beginning
It is my desire to make the most of my days on earth that has inspired me to take the challenge of creating a "101 Things in 1001 days" list. With my recent graduation in December 2008, I have been bombarded with thoughts, ideas, and visions of how I could spend my new freedom from homework and papers.
After a few weeks of envisioning - "I can do this, I can do that..." - I stumbled across Day Zero, "a unique meme that challenges and inspires you to set and complete realistic goals in life". It helped me reign in these ideas that are near to my heart. It goes a little like this (taken straight from the Day Zero site):
The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part). Why 1001 Days? Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.
Some common goal setting tips:
1. Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.
2. Stay Focussed. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.
3. Welcome Failure. Frequently, very little is learned from a venture that did not experience failure in some form. Failure presents the opportunity to learn and makes the success more worthy.
4. Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.
5. Keep your goals in sight. Review them frequently, and ensure that they are always at the forefront of your thinking.
That being said, this is the beginning of the rest of my 1001 days (Lord-willing). Consider it a journal of my reflections as I aim to nurture my relationships, keep my body healthy, enjoy activities, make my home, grow my faith, and help my community. I am sheepish and humbled to even ask that my friends, family and acquaintances would walk alongside me in this fun journey. But I am bold to ask if you would consider making your own 101 things list so I can walk alongside you in your journey!
I begin this with a lound "Cheers!" to all that could (and hopefully, should) happen in the next 1,001 days!
After a few weeks of envisioning - "I can do this, I can do that..." - I stumbled across Day Zero, "a unique meme that challenges and inspires you to set and complete realistic goals in life". It helped me reign in these ideas that are near to my heart. It goes a little like this (taken straight from the Day Zero site):
The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part). Why 1001 Days? Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.
Some common goal setting tips:
1. Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.
2. Stay Focussed. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.
3. Welcome Failure. Frequently, very little is learned from a venture that did not experience failure in some form. Failure presents the opportunity to learn and makes the success more worthy.
4. Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.
5. Keep your goals in sight. Review them frequently, and ensure that they are always at the forefront of your thinking.
That being said, this is the beginning of the rest of my 1001 days (Lord-willing). Consider it a journal of my reflections as I aim to nurture my relationships, keep my body healthy, enjoy activities, make my home, grow my faith, and help my community. I am sheepish and humbled to even ask that my friends, family and acquaintances would walk alongside me in this fun journey. But I am bold to ask if you would consider making your own 101 things list so I can walk alongside you in your journey!
I begin this with a lound "Cheers!" to all that could (and hopefully, should) happen in the next 1,001 days!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
