Category Archives: Memes and Link-Ups

7 Quick Takes: Writing, Voting, and Interesting Office Supply Products

Posted on by

7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

I VOTED!!!! *cue confetti and balloons* I’m in California so we have all the normal slate of candidates in addition to a bunch of ballot measures so the envelope to mail back the ballots requires extra postage. I also wish that there was an “I voted!” sticker included in my absentee ballot because there might be merchants who give perks for those who voted like free coffee or something. Oh well… Jon just dropped his absentee ballot off at our town hall and they were giving out “I voted!” stickers so I have one on the fridge so that I can get any perks offered by merchants for having one on Election Day.

— 2 —

I’m doing NaNoWriMo again. I *might* actually win given that I do have some more spare time than I’ve had in the last few years with Daniel in school. I’m recycling my characters from last year and altering a few of them. My main character is a pastor’s wife — what can I say? I write about what I know. It’s either that or write about import brokerage stuff and a cross-border murder.

— 3 —

I was taking a drive when I heard this song. Daniel had woken up grumpy and we were driving around when this song came on. After CSI was over tonight, I started looking for it online and was having a heck of a time finding it. It turns out that it’s probably just been released to radio stations and the album isn’t due until January. Still… I found it on YouTube! Boo yah!

— 4 —

Cardinal Dolan said something awesome on his Twitter today. His remark: “If I only sat down with people who agreed with me, and I with them, or with those who were saints, I??d be taking all my meals alone.” I think it’s relevant in our politically-polarized country where one side is claiming that the media is on the side of the other and there is so much back-biting. I have readers on this blog who agree with me politically and readers who think I’ve lost my mind for backing the candidates I back. Somehow, we all manage to find common ground and I’d readily break bread (or a gluten-free alternative) with any of them.

— 5 —

OMG NLCS baseball!!! We swept the Reds *in* Cincinnati and we’re currently playing Game 4 in St. Louis. I’m thinking of Kathleen Basi and Grace Patton as I’m watching. I have no idea if Grace is a Cardinals fan (or if she’s even all that concerned with baseball) but I remember talking about the World Series with Kathleen last year and now our teams are playing each other in the NLCS! As much as I’m a Giants fan, I do like the Cardinals and I’d totally root for them if they prevailed and made it to the World Series to play Detroit.

— 6 —

For those who read all the interesting comments on the BIC for Her pens, there’s now a new office product sensation. Yes, I totally realize that Romney’s “binders full of women” are binders full of women’s resumés. Yes, I would totally be mentioning this if Obama or Biden had said it. No, I didn’t watch the debate — I was too busy being righteously indignant over NCIS being pre-empted. I had also already filled out my ballot on Sunday night so the debate wasn’t going to change anything for me.

— 7 —

My grandma turns 92 tomorrow. She was the first college graduate on my mom’s side of the family. (My grandfather didn’t finish because Pearl Harbor happened.) She and my grandfather just missed making it 63 years when he passed away in 2006. She still lives at home and gardens a little bit. She also plays bridge twice a week. Happy birthday, Grandma! I love you!

For more Quick Takes, visit Jen at ConversionDiary.Com.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: October 15, 2012

Posted on by

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY October 15, 2012

Outside my window… dark. It was sunny and in the 80’s when Daniel and I were out having adventures today. I’d kind of like the 70’s back, please.

I am thinking… that this is one heck of a baseball game! (Giants-Cardinals, Game 2)

I am thankful… to attend the wedding of Jon and Susie this weekend. Not only did I get to see one of my dearest friends (finally!!!!!!) tie the knot (after 13 years), I got to see college friends who I hadn’t seen in 11-12 years, meet the tween daughter of two of them, and meet the girlfriend of another. I got to see and hear one of my favorite professors play organ and I got to experience a lovely Chinese wedding banquet complete with lion dancers.

In the kitchen… ramen.

I am wearing… navy blue maternity shirt and running shorts.

I am creating… NaNoWriMo ideas.

I am going… to hopefully head to the zoo tomorrow with the bear child depending on how I feel. (He has today and tomorrow off of school.)

I am wondering… when we’re actually going to have a real autumn. I miss autumn in the Midwest.

I am reading… A Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling. No, it isn’t as good as the Harry Potter books thus far but I’m not all that far in.

I am hoping… the Giants win Game 3 in St. Louis.

I am looking forward to… my massage on Friday.

Around the house… vacuuming to do.

I am pondering… when/if I should see a doctor about my post-nasal drip.

A favorite quote for today… ??A Christian society is not going to arrive until most of us really want it: and we are not going to want it until we become fully Christian. I may repeat “Do as you would be done by” till I am black in the fact, but I cannot really carry it out till I love my neighbour as myself: and I cannot learn to love my neighbour as myself till I learn to love God: and I cannot learn to love God except by learning to obey Him. And so, as I warned you, we are driven on to something more inward – driven on from social matters to religious matters.?? — C.S. Lewis

One of my favorite things… a good dinner with friends.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Morning Prayer on Wednesday, Daniel’s eye appointment on Thursday, and a massage on Friday. Oh… and watching whatever Giants-Cardinals games are televised locally.

Hosted by The Simple Woman’s Daybook

7 Quick Takes: Twittering Cats and Baseball

Posted on by

7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

My Giants are headed to the NLCS! They came back from 2 games under to win the series over the Reds. We’re waiting to find out if they’re playing the Nationals or the Cardinals. I’m also waiting to find out if the A’s made it in as then there would be the possibility of a Bay Bridge Series. If that happens, I’ll be checking my earthquake insurance policy after what happened the last time… The A’s lost to the Tigers so we’ll be waiting to see who the Tiger’s play. I’m kind of glad not to have the A’s playing the Giants in the World Series — less chance of an earthquake.

— 2 —

There was a debate on tonight or something, right? Just kidding. I didn’t watch it. I watched an hour of syndicated Big Bang Theory reruns instead. I think it was probably a better use of my time.

— 3 —

One of the Cathsorority chicas posted a link to a webcam of a giraffe about to have a baby. We’re all watching it and commenting on it. I’m incredibly amused that our group of women who are located in a number of states between the east and west coast are so fascinated with this. Then again, we’re women — we dig birth.

— 4 —

I get to go to a wedding this weekend. One of my good friends from college is finally (!!!) marrying his girlfriend. My parents are going to baby-sit while Jon and I head to San Francisco for it. I’m looking forward to seeing some of my college friends again, some of them for the first time since graduation and others for the first time since my wedding 10 years ago. Tomorrow morning, I need to go shoe-shopping and pick up some nude pantyhose as well as pack up some laundry to do at my parents’ house. (I don’t think it will get done before we have to leave for San Jose.)

— 5 —

It’s finally cold enough here to need the furnace tonight. A week ago, we were in the 90’s. Today, it was in the 70’s and it’s chilly tonight. I’m hoping this is a trend. I hate hot weather. The only thing that would make it better would be rain.

— 6 —

I created a Twitter for my black cat Edda. Why yes, I have no life. Why yes, I have insomnia. I figured a Twitter was easier than remembering to update her blog daily. She is @eddapuss.

— 7 —

I still haven’t figured out Daniel’s Halloween costume yet. Not having a verbal child, his Halloween costume is up to me. I might go to Goodwill and see if I can’t put one together that I like. The last three years have been bear-related so Paddington might be an option.

For more Quick Takes, visit Jen at ConversionDiary.Com.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: October 9, 2012

Posted on by

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY October 9, 2012

Outside my window… dark and cloudy. It was only 75F today which is glorious. I’m kind of bummed that the temperatures are going back up to normal (80’s) next week.

I am thinking… that I miss fall in the Midwest (Minnesota and Ohio). I loved 4 distinct seasons and seeing the trees looking like they were on fire with color.

I am thankful… for Jessica’s baby being born healthy. Go visit her and show her some love!!!

In the kitchen… failed ravioli with pesto. Let’s just not talk about it again, m’kay?

I am wearing… grey maternity shirt and running shorts.

I am creating… ideas for various things.

I am going… to get some quality time with a friend tomorrow.

I am wondering… how I’m going to make it until the election. The attack ads are wounding my soul. I’m seriously pondering the idea of sending tinfoil hats to the National Republican Congressional Committee based on the conspiracy theory ads they’re running. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is also on my sh*t list.

I am reading… Bossypants by Tina Fey. Hopefully, I’ll be able to finish it this weekend with all the driving going on.

I am hoping… my absentee ballot arrives soon. I can’t wait to vote! I just wish they included an “I voted!” sticker with it.

I am looking forward to… Morning Prayer and hanging out with Anne.

Around the house… *sticks fingers in ear* Lalalalalalala! I can’t hear you!

I am pondering…

A favorite quote for today… “Every man must do two things alone; he must do his own believing and his own dying.” — Martin Luther

One of my favorite things… the quiet time after everyone goes to bed.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Morning Prayer tomorrow, shoe-shopping and finishing paperwork on Thursday, heading to San Jose on Friday, and wedding of a good friend on Saturday.

Hosted by The Simple Woman’s Daybook

7 Quick Takes: Back to Normal This Week

Posted on by

7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

I’m taking part in Run for Courage on Saturday. We’re raising money for organizations that help victims of sex trafficking become whole again. You *know* you want to sponsor me. And no, I’m not running. My philosophy on these things is “I only run when chased” and I have a feeling that if I tell that to the leader of our team, she’ll chase me for 3 miles. (She’s a half-marathonner. I put nothing past her.)

— 2 —

You see that cute little boy on my sidebar? His name is Brett and he needs a mama. Are you possibly his mama? Go check out his profile and show him some love.

— 3 —

We’ve had a pretty interesting discussion on social services going on here since my Quick Takes last week. We’ve talked about problems with various social programs, discussed experiences, talked about solutions, and I hope this series of posts has been a starting place for some conversations about “the 47%”. My offer still stands: if you have experience (life or otherwise) in this area, I’d love a guest post. My email address is jen at grace-filled dot net.

— 4 —

I had a guest post this week over at Life Happens When. Go on over and read how life happens when you have a premature baby. There’s a lovely picture over there of me asleep with Daniel in the NICU.

— 5 —

Holy NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles season premieres, Batman! Those were some amazing season premieres. I like NCIS as a show more than I like the spin-off so I probably enjoyed that one more though I did like the complete twist at the end of NCIS: Los Angeles. On Wednesday morning as I was sleepily putting Daniel’s lunch together for school, it struck me that there are some parallels between ghost in C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce and the villain episodes leading up to the season finale and then the season premiere for this season of NCIS. Both the ghost and the villain lost sons and allowed their grief to cloud their judgement. This clouded judgement resulted in them both making foolish decisions. In the case of the ghost, she gave up heaven. In the case of the villain, he planted bombs on Navy ships, blew up the NCIS building on the Navy yard, killed an FBI team trying to take him down, and ended up losing his life at the end of the episode.

— 6 —

To the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and the National Republican Congressional Committee: you both suck. There were ten straight smear ads on in the three minutes before the NCIS season premiere started. 10 of them. Have I mentioned that they only covered three Congressional races? Yeah, I’m serious. Both of those groups sponsored the ads and it was actually split 50/50 down the middle. To both groups: those ads are bad for our souls. Either find something positive to say about your candidate or accept that a lot of us will be flipping channels. To the DCCC: I want the money I contributed to you back.

— 7 —

I want autumn to come. It’s supposed to be in the high 90’s this weekend. I wish I could magically be transported to New England or the Upper Midwest where the leaves are changing, the nights are cold, and the temperatures during the day aren’t horrific.

For more Quick Takes, visit Jen at ConversionDiary.Com.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: September 24, 2012

Posted on by

We’re taking a break from posting on the 47% today to do my Monday meme. Thomas of Listening for the Shepherd and I are chatting via Twitter so there should likely be a post tomorrow.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY September 24, 2012

Outside my window… sunny and in the low 80’s. I cannot wait for actual fall weather to get here.

I am thinking… about how to reform social services.

I am thankful… for Anna’s liver transplant. It took 2 years and 8 months for the transplant to come but it’s still an awesome thing.

In the kitchen… dishes to be done. I did make orzo this weekend though.

I am wearing… navy blue maternity shirt and Jon’s Left Behind shorts.

I am creating… an entry based on my convo with Thomas (eventually).

I am going… pray that Daniel will hold tight until I’m done with this entry.

I am reading… Bossypants by Tina Fey.

I am hoping… tomorrow is quieter than Tuesdays usually are around here.

I am looking forward to… the NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles season premieres tomorrow night.

I am learning how hard it can be to type with a house panther on one’s wrists. (Yes Edda, I’m talking to you.)

Around the house… vacuuming to do among other things.

I am pondering… the feeling of claws in my flesh. (Edda, please let go of my stomach. Mommy doesn’t like it when you draw blood.)

A favorite quote for today… ??Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person’s ultimate good as far as it can be obtained.?? — C.S. Lewis

One of my favorite things… house panthers. (Edda totally told me to say that.)

A few plans for the rest of the week: Morning Prayer, season premieres on CBS, PECS training for Daniel, massage on Friday, and Run for Courage on Saturday.

Hosted by The Simple Woman’s Daybook

7 Quick Takes: Perks of Being Part of the 47%

Posted on by

7 Quick Takes

Unless you happen to live under a rock, you’ve probably heard about Mitt’s “47%” gaffe. I am a member of that 47% so… I figured that as I’ve not hit my political snark quota this year due to promising not to badmouth any Republican candidate, I’d have some snark time now. 🙂 Here are my “7 perks of being part of the 47%”.

Oh yes… please sponsor me in the Run for Courage and please go love on Brett, my Reece’s Rainbow orphan. Thanks!

**PREREQUISITE WARNING: I am being sarcastic. Leaving me hateful comments and sending me hatemail will result in you being I.P. banned. If you are incapable of being civil or refraining from using my combox as your personal soapbox, you might want to skip this post in favor of something more palatable. — The Management**

Continue reading →