Category Archives: Web Schtuff

7 Quick Takes: Things I Do to Avoid Dealing With My Life

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7 Quick Takes

I’ve got some things going on in my offline life at the moment that are terrifying me (and which I can’t talk about on this blog which is why I’m being vague) so this is how I’m avoiding things related to that.

— 1 —

Facebook. If I played all the games I get invited to play, I’d be attached to my laptop 24/7. I stick mainly to Words with Friends and Scrabble. Still, even on days when I only read certain lists of people, it’s a good way to kill a few hours.

— 2 —

Reading. I’m currently re-reading A Year of Biblical Womanhood when I’m sitting down and eating meals. I don’t read at night because I’d just stay awake doing so and unfortunately, I have a little boy who wakes me up at 7 asking for “mo chee”. (Translation: “more cheese”.) My favorite genre is murder mysteries and I love being transported to another locale that way for a few hours.

— 3 —

Advocating for orphans. It puts my problems into perspective. By the way, Brett (the little boy on my sidebar) needs a mama. If you think you might be his mama, click on his picture with all possible speed. Currently, I’m crocheting a baby blanket to raffle off to raise money for his grant.

— 4 —

Netflix. When the house is quiet, I tend to binge on Netflix. My current addiction is Leverage.

— 5 —

Blogging. If I put down every thought in my head, I would probably max out my server space and annoy all of you. Still, it’s what is keeping me sane at the moment and helping me to avoid thinking about everything going on.

— 6 —

Sleeping. I’m a huge fan of it, especially since I don’t get much of it these days. If I had my way, I’d be able to shift my wake-up time from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. permanently.

— 7 —

Watching TV. I’m a forensics show junkie. I get irritated if people call me between 7 and 9 p.m. on Tuesday nights because it’s NCIS night. I also have other shows that I watch and follow religiously.

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

7 Quick Takes: Dumping Out My Laptop Bag

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7 Quick Takes

I took part in the Purse Dump link-up a few weeks ago and had fun. When one of my cats got sick and nailed my laptop bag, I had to empty it so I could run it through the washer. As I was looking at the laundry basket full of stuff, it occurred to me that I could document this for my Quick Takes.

So..

— 1 —

The bag and pile of stuff. I kept thinking that it was a Swiss gear bag but it turns out that it’s from HP. Huh.

The exterior.
(The orange kitty is Cullen. He is incredibly helpful.)

I emptied everything into a laundry basket and when Daniel was in bed, I emptied the laundry basket onto the coffee table.

A laundry basket full of stuff.
The pile o' stuff on the coffee table.

— 2 —

Papers. We have postcards from Postcrossing, letters, cards for birthdays, and other random pieces of paper.

Mail and things of that nature.

Because I usually bring my laptop with me anytime we head to UCD Medical Center, I also have a boatload of encounter forms, discharge papers, and copies of medical releases that I’ve signed.

My pile o' paperwork.

— 3 —

Computer stuff. Here’s a pile of CD’s and a couple thumb drives that were loose in the second pocket.

CD's and thumb drives.

In the main pocket where my laptop goes, I have assorted cables and cords. In this particular pile are the charging cable for my ancient iPod nano (which is lost somewhere in my closet), an A/C adapter from Rocketfish for my last laptop, chargers for my cell phone, my headphones, and my optical mouse. There’s usually a charger for my NOOK as well.

My mess o' cords.

— 4 —

Office supplies. This would be pens, mechanical pencils, clickable erasers, a notebook, and thank-you notes left over from Christmas. I usually have a bigger spiral notebook as well which is my journal.

Office supplies.

— 5 —

Daniel memorabilia. When Daniel was in the NICU in 2009, I lived out of my laptop bag. The bag I used at that time was a different one but I just transferred items over because I wasn’t home when I got the new one. Here we have cards written to me by all the women on Jon’s side of the family after the birth of Daniel which my mother-in-law sent to me along with the prayer shawl she made me, a card with the 1-800 number for the NICU (so I could call in the middle of the night and get updates), two of Daniel’s preemie diapers, pictures from the first days in the NICU, and the rolled up pictures from my first ultrasound. Oh yes… also locks of hair from Daniel’s first haircut 3 years ago.

Daniel memorabilia.

I should also give you a reference as to the size of those preemie diapers. These would fit on a small baby doll. Here is a diaper with my hand as a reference (and I have tiny hands). These actually had to be folded down because they were too big for Daniel even at that size!

Daniel's preemie diapers.

— 6 —

Personal care items. I get these in my stocking at Christmas and after having spent 3 weeks living at UCD Medical Center in 2011, I started keeping travel-sized shampoo, body wash, and deodorant in my laptop bag. I also have pads, assorted rubber bands, a scrunchie (which needs washing), and two pill boxes (which I usually fill before heading to the ER) as well.

My personal care items.

— 7 —

Books, miscellanea, and trash. I also have assorted books, lens cleaner for my glasses/computer screen, a Target gift card (which is now in my wallet), and a stuffed lion (probably a “good behavior” present for Daniel after an appointment).

Miscellanea.
Books.

I also put together 2 bags of trash which consisted of assorted receipts, scrap paper, and wrappers for things. one bag is paper to shred and the other bag is stuff to actually throw away.

Trash bags.

— Bonus —

Annexation. It’s probably good that I got the laundry basket cleaned out because it was soon occupied.

Freya occupying the laundry basket.

Apparently, Freya needed yet another lair. (This cat has more lairs than Saddam Hussein had palaces.)

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

Five Favorites: Miscellanea (XVII)

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Five Favorites

One

This Guinness commercial. My godmother and her husband have had border collies for about 20 years and said dogs are big on herding people. This totally made me laugh so I had to send it to them.

Two

Fr. James Martin, S.J. His new book, Jesus: A Pilgrimage came out yesterday and there have been some videos put out by his publisher with him talking about it. This is one of them:

Three

Playlist 4 Pontifex The mildly irreverent men at The Jesuit Post created a Spotify playlist in honor of the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ election. It’s 45 songs suggested by their Facebook and Twitter followers. You can find it here.

Four

Lent Madness Think of it as March Madness but between saints and other revered people in the Episcopal Church. The website is incredibly fun and it’s an interesting way to learn about new saints. The website for it is here.

Five

Yoplait Greek yogurt I’ve been living on it for the last few weeks because my stomach has been clenched from stress. I’m a fan of the vanilla-flavored nonfat yogurt.

Go love up Hallie and the others.

7 Posts in 7 Days: Disagreeing with People Online

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I’m wearing my Online Debate Team shirt at the moment and I just had to referee a cat fight in a group on Facebook where I’m one of the admins so this subject seemed appropriate.

I try not to pick fights… too often. (Maybe once every few years and only on subjects where I’m pretty confident that I’m right.) It’s not worth my time (especially these days) and I know I hate it when people pick fights with me. Any comments left on this blog that are nasty go right into the spam folder and the offending party has their I.P. banned.

Last summer, I saw a post on a blog with which I disagreed so I refuted her points. That irritated her and she waged an all-out war on me on her blog and in my comment box where she created new identities and I.P.’s using a proxy server. A pastor’s wife friend of mine dared to defend me so she went after my friend on my friend’s blog and in comment box the same way. After praying about the situation, I decided to be the bigger person and called a truce because sitting back and eating popcorn while watching her self-destruct was not a godly way to handle the situation.

Why am I bringing it up (other than her bringing it up on her blog nastily a few months ago)? Well… I believe there are some rules we should be following in how we disagree online.

[+] Try to remember that the person you disagree with is a human being and not a disembodied voice whose text is appearing on your screen. I try to remind myself of this when I read someone online with whom I disagree and/or find to be an utter twit. As much as I might find what they say to be stupid, they have as much of a right to hold that opinion as I do to hold mine.

[+] If you’re going to refute something that someone has written, do so charitably. You can disagree as much as you want; but if you’re sticking a link to the original post, understand that it might get back to the original poster that you’ve written it and they may not be happy. Also, quote the whole piece in blockquotes so your readers can see the context in which they said things. It’s only fair. Lastly, try not to speak of the poster derisively. You are trying to refute their ideas, not their existence.

[+] If you’re disagreeing with someone on Facebook, remember that your conversation is visible for the entire world to see. I’ve seen people act like jerks on Facebook and I kind of wonder if they’re oblivious to the fact that everyone in that group can see the conversation. Ditto when it’s on someone’s wall.

[+] If you claim to be Christian, remember that you are representing Jesus to non-Christians. Another one of my pet peeves is Christians acting like bullies in places where non-Christians can interact with them. It sends the message that God is OK with people behaving shamefully in His name, regardless of whether God *is* in fact OK with this. (Spoiler: He isn’t.) Are people going to be attracted to Jesus if you call other people names? As a convert, I can tell you the answer is “NO!!!!” If nothing else, it took *longer* for me to come to faith in Christ because of the way I had seen some people act who professed to be Christians.

[+] If you’re going to post something in which you disagree with someone else, pray before you hit the “publish” or “submit” button. It hasn’t stopped me from completely putting my foot in my mouth but it at least gives me to think about it first.

My two cents.

7 Quick Takes: A Smelly Box, Pick My Lenten Discipline, and California Rain

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7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

Pick my Lenten discipline! I’ve decided to take a page from Fr. James Martin, S.J. and allow *someone else* to pick my Lenten discipline for this year. To enter the contest, click here to find the lovely Rafflecopter. The pre-reqs are super easy: leave me a comment and like this blog’s page on Facebook. I suck at updating it so it’s minimal as far as impact to your Facebook wall.

— 2 —

Orphans. Do you see these sweet children?

L-R: Brett and Iris
BrettIris

Brett still needs a mama. Iris finally has a family committed to her and they were supposed to have met her on the 29th.

— 3 —

Rain! I replaced my Old Navy flip-flops a couple days ago and wore them out. It started raining shortly after. You’re welcome, northern California. It’s not stopping me from wearing my flip-flops though. 😉

— 4 —

Sibling rivalry. Daniel climbed into my lap a few minutes ago, wrapped in the afghan my mother-in-law made for my husband when she was pregnant with him 36+ years ago. I sent Jon to go fetch Daniel’s own “mommy blankie” which I made for him when he was a red panda cublet in utero 5 (!!!) years ago. Daniel followed after him, dragging Jon’s afghan like Linus with his blankie. The little monster is back on my lap snuggled up with his own blankie. Edda is sitting on the back of the recliner meowing at me to make Daniel go away because I am *HER* mommy.

— 5 —

Smelly box. One of Daniel’s ABA tutors noticed him smelling his feet and getting excited about me putting alcohol gel on his hands so she suggested a “smelly box” where I put stuff like lip gloss, lotion, and other things he can smell instead of his feet or a pen. (He gets a rather “colorful” face from markers.) Any ideas for things to stick in there or what scents to put in?

And yes, I did get “Smelly Cat” stuck in my head while typing this.

— 6 —

Interesting idea. I was reading Beth Anne’s site and saw this on her sidebar. For those needing a system for keeping track of bills and mail, go check it out!

— 7 —

Special intention. For those praying for my special intention, especially in regard to forgiveness, I wanted to let you know that the prayers for forgiveness are working. Please continue praying for discernment. Thanks from the bottom of my heart.

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

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: February 23, 2014

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY February 23, 2014

Outside my window… dark. As usual, I’m blogging after everyone has gone to bed.

I am thinking… about the wife and kids of a family member who passed away this weekend.

I am thankful… for a good weekend with my parents.

In the kitchen… lots of dishes.

I am wearing… Online Debate Team shirt and black capri sweats.

I am praying for… family members, the ability to forgive.

I am going… to start campaigning for the Promise Walk this week.

I am wondering… what is possessing me to do the 7 posts in 7 days challenge from Jen @ Conversion Diary.

I am reading… The Sinner’s Guide to Natural Family Planning by Simcha Fisher. It’s pretty good.

I am hoping… my counseling appointment goes well tomorrow.

I am looking forward to… my massage on Friday.

I am hearing the space heater in the bedroom.

Around the house… lots to pick up.

A favorite quote for today… “Reality, in fact, is always something you couldn’t have guessed. That’s one of the reasons I believe Christianity. It’s a religion you couldn’t have guessed.” — C.S. Lewis

One of my favorite things… purry black cats, even when they are sitting in front of the keyboard being a pest. (Can you tell that Edda is helping me write?)

A few plans for the rest of the week: counseling appointment tomorrow, ABA for Daniel in the afternoons, Morning Prayer on Tuesday, trying to get devotions compiled, and I have a massage appointment scheduled for Friday. (Lest it sound like I live a spa life, the massage is to help treat my fibromyalgia.)

Hosted by The Simple Woman’s Daybook

7 Quick Takes: Being a Saint, Projecting Grace, and A Call for Postcards

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7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

What makes a saint. Reading Simcha Fisher’s post on “Bathwater Saints”, thoughts on John Dear parting ways with the Jesuits, and the America Magazine article on Pedro Arrupe has made me ponder what it means to be a saint this week. One of the things that has become clear to me is that the saints practice obedience to God in a really radical way, like Pedro Arrupe accepting his removal from leadership and being obedient to Bl. JPII even if it hurt. In the case of John Dear, the dust hasn’t settled yet though it’s seeming (to my uneducated mind) like his work became an idol for him and his vows of obedience were compromised. Being obedient to God and to people in authority over us is hard (and I feel like a total hypocrite saying what comes next) but it’s what separates us from the world.

— 2 —

#first world problems. I saw this article about a women whose doctor refused to give her birth control on my Twitter feed. My first thought: OMG!!! Sassy magazine is now grown up!!! (Those who read Sassy in the good old days will understand this.) My second thought: maybe you need to find another doctor? I’m sorry you were inconvenienced, princess, but maybe this is for your own good. The Pill can cause blood clots, strokes, abnormal bleeding, nausea and a host of other side effects that a doctor needs to be aware of. Going to a walk-in clinic to get it filled is not a good move.

In all seriousness, I’m kind of amazed at how completely unsympathetic I am to this woman. Then again, I’ve had so many adverse reactions to birth control that I’m of the opinion that if you’re going to be on the Pill, you need to be monitored by a doctor. I also have PCOS (one of conditions that the Pill is usually prescribed to treat) and found that the Pill just masked my symptoms and meant that it took 5 years to be diagnosed (OK… to be fair, I was pregnant during a chunk of that time). The info gleaned from NFP (even with my crappy and erratic charting) has been more useful for treating my PCOS than the Pill ever was.

— 3 —

Consider the message you send. A couple of the mommy bloggers I read are obsessing about their sons’ girlfriends (and of course, they’re dating non-Catholics) and how their son is henpecked. Ummm… ladies? Consider that your son will likely date and marry someone very much like you so if you think your future daughter-in-law is a shrew, you might want to take a look in the mirror. The things we tend to despise in other people are the things we despise in ourselves. (Just sayin’.) And really… be thankful your kid is going to *church* on Sunday. If he’s going with his girlfriend, he’s at least hearing the Gospel (yes, the same one being preached at Our Lady of Perpetual Responsibility, the parish you attend) and not drifting away from God.

— 4 —

Seriously y’all, attempt to show some grace. A teacher at a Catholic middle school in Butte, Montana was fired for becoming pregnant out of wedlock. (Story here.) It’s a contractual issue in which the pregnancy violates the stipulation about being faithful to Catholic teaching and she *did* sign that part of the contract so her hands are tied. (This is also Butte which is the hotbed of traditional Catholicism in Montana and it’s in the Diocese of Helena which tends to be a really conservative diocese.)

What I object to: Fr. Jim Martin, S.J. mentioned an article about it on his Facebook page and there are a few people who made really snotty remarks about how maybe the school should hire women who can control themselves. Yeah… y’all are doing a freaking lovely job of representing grace, Jesus, and the Church. How about giving her credit for choosing to keep the baby instead of having an abortion?

— 5 —

A special call for postcards. For those who haven’t heard of it, Postcrossing is a site where you can sign up to send a postcard to a random person internationally; and when that person receives the card, your address will come up so that someone can send one to you. I have an interesting collection of postcards from all over now and I even have an account for Daniel so we can collect them for him for when he gets older.

Anyway, one of the people who runs it is speaking at a conference and is talking about the joy of receiving a postcard in the mail. To sweeten it, she’s trying to collect a bunch of postcards for attendees so they can have THEIR. VERY. OWN. POSTCARD. from around the world. You don’t need to put your address on it but I know that a postcard from wherever you live would be FABULOUS to an attendee. If you’re interested, the details are here.

— 6 —

My special intention. For those praying for me since last week, I still can’t divulge the nature of my special intention but I appreciate all your prayers. If you’d like to know how to pray a bit more specifically, please pray for discernment for us and for the other parties involved. (And yes, Daniel is fine.) Thank you so much!

— 7 —

Orphans. Do you see these darling children?

L-R: Brett and Iris
BrettIris

Brett still needs a mama. Iris finally has a family committed to her and they were supposed to have met her on the 29th.

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