Category Archives: Daniel

7 Quick Takes: Crowdsourced Content

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7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

What I’m doing and why I’m doing it. Daniel is off school for the next month and now that we’re back from my parents’ house, I’ve got him pretty much all day. My mother-in-law has stepped up and helped *A LOT* this week because I’m fighting stomach issues (which is meaning that I’m feeling more run down than usual and am napping a lot) but today, I had him pretty much all day so writing this post with insightful Quick Takes was just not going to happen.

So… I decided to take a page from Kelly of This Ain’t The Lyceum and crowdsource some content. I had three people give me questions that I’ll answer (and I’ll put one person’s two part question into two Quick Takes) and then I’ll give you two things I saw online that amused me. Sound like a plan?

— 2 —

From Kelly of This Ain’t The Lyceum: Your feelings on Klondike bars? Absolutely neutral. I don’t think I’ve eaten one in years so I honestly can’t say what I would or wouldn’t do for one.

— 3 —

From Beth Anne of Beth Anne’s Best: In honor of your 15 years of blogging, what site did you start blogging on? I started out hand-coding a web journal on Peacefulwaters.Org, my own domain, in July 2000 and used Microsoft Front Page to generate some of it. (I’ve been doing website stuff for 18 years so this wasn’t that weird.)

— 4 —

From Beth Anne of Beth Anne’s Best: What sites have you used over the years? This is actually the second part of the question and I split it up because her question could honestly have been a post of its own. I did the hand-coding for a year and then did Livejournal for a bit, tried Grey Matter a few times, used Moveable Type for a few months, and then switched to WordPress’ predecessor b2. I fully switched over to WordPress in 2004.

::Meditatio:: itself has existed in pretty much unbroken form since 2003 when I switched to b2 and has been hosted on Grace-Filled.Net since 2005. I’ve imported all of the hand-coded stuff, the Livejournal entries, and one of the Grey Matter sections. I still need to import about 6 months or so of Grey Matter and Moveable Type which unfortunately has to be done by hand and it requires a working CD-ROM… which I currently do not have. (Laptops don’t like falling on hardwood floors. It’s under warranty but that would involve sending it to HP for weeks at a time.)

— 5 —

From Jen (@Jentoinfinity): How many people have you met IRL from blogging? You can name them if you want or just a number. This is kind of a weird question because I’ve known some of my blogging friends since before they had blogs, as in the case of my BFF Rebecca who was my maid-of honor, is Daniel’s godmother, and whom I have known for 20+ years. As far as fellow people I’ve met because of my blog, I’d say 3? I met Ellen of Stranger in a Strange Land in 2002, Dawn of ladydusk in 2003, and Chris of Father Christopher (and formerly of SomethingUnderstood.Org) in 2004.

Related to this, I think one of the stranger things that has happened was standing in the receiving line at a church in Ponoka, Alberta where Jon was interviewing for an associate pastor position in 2009 and having someone come up to me and tell me that they love my blog. It turns out that they were talking about my Blogathon site but it gave me a shock for a few days because I keep pretty quiet about my real name on here.

**UPDATE** I also met Kym back in 2011. Sorry for missing you in my count!

— 6 —

Something for which I really respect Sen. Lindsey Graham. So some of you might have seen the news about this yesterday:

This was Senator Graham’s response:

Stay classy, Senator!

— 7 —

Finally, some lovely music. Here’s one of my favorite videos from The Piano Guys:

For more Quick Takes, visit Kelly at This Ain’t The Lyceum.

#5Faves: Miscellanea (XLI)

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#5Faves

One

Schick Intuition. I ended up using a sample of this while visiting my parents in San Jose last month and got hooked. It has the razor imbedded in the shaving cream which saves some money (no need to buy shaving cream) and it saves time because I don’t have to lather up.

Two

Trader Joe’s Mini Mint Ice Cream Mouthfuls. Mint chip ice cream is one of my kryptonites. These are ice cream sandwiches with the mint ice cream in between two chocolate Joe-Joe’s (think Oreos). They are sinfully delicious. Yet again, Trader Joe’s nails it!

Three

Ceiling fans. It’s hot and seriously humid here (84%!!!!!) and the various ceiling fans in the house are helping to keep me from completely liquifying. By the way, the storms this last weekend set records and confounded meteorologists.

Four

Viperkeeper. I have a strange fascination with his snakes even though I am terrified of them. The weird thing: this is what I watch before I go to bed.

Here’s his FAQ (no snakes involved):

Then there’s Elvis (a king cobra):

Five

My local Trader Joe’s. Amber, the assistant manager, let Daniel ring the bell today and the various checkers and employees always greet him by name. I don’t think I would have had half the conversations I’ve had with people there if it wasn’t for Daniel and their efforts to make him feel special. They seriously go out of their way to interact with him and it’s a great help to me in getting him socialized and more chill in public.

Go love up Jenna and the others.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook + Answer Me This: July 19, 2015

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY July 19, 2015

Outside my window… dark and probably still raining. It’s the second time this summer I’ve been greeted by serious rain between Pasadena and home on 210 when I’ve been coming back from visiting my parents. Given the fact that California is seriously short on water and that little brush fire in San Bernadino County almost prevented Jon from getting to church this morning, I’m completely content to let it rain and rain and rain.

I am thinking… about the things that await phone calls and efforts tomorrow. Argh. Social Security is *STILL* a mess and I’m hoping that my worker actually follows through and untangles this mess.

I am thankful… for a good week with my parents, time with Rebecca, and being able to attend my church back home.

In the kitchen… I microwaved some frozen pizza for dinner.

I am wearing… black v-neck shirt and navy/white striped pajama bottoms.

I am praying for… a call for Jon, Daniel to retain skills over the summer, patience as I work with Daniel in these coming weeks (not something I possess in large quantities), the marriages of some friends, and some special intentions.

I am going… to watch some Viperkeeper videos when I’m done with this.

I am reading… Vanishing Grace by Philip Yancey. I’ve picked it up again and I’m enjoying it.

I am hoping… Daniel sleeps in tomorrow.

I am looking forward to… seeing how far my minion and I can walk tomorrow morning on our death march.

I am hearing… Viperkeeper talking on one of his FAQ videos.

Crocheting… same old same old — amigurumi stuffie and Daniel’s big boy blankie.

Around the house… quiet as almost everyone is asleep.

A favorite quote for today… “I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.” — Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul

One of my favorite things… Coca-Cola. I missed it this last week.

A few plans for the rest of the week: dealing with Social Security, errands, and whatever comes up.

Post Script…

After you’re done reading all of this, go see Kendra and some other superheroes.

Answer Me This

1. What’s currently on your To Do list? Speaking firmly with Social Security, calling to get a radiology referral for x-rays before we see the peds orthopedist, finding ways to help Daniel keep up his skills, and cleaning off my desk/sorting my mail from being gone for 9 days.

2. Better type of superhero: magic/radioactive powers? Or trauma/gadgets/hard work? Hard work and gadgets. I’m the daughter of an engineer and I love figuring out how things work.

3. Finding out if baby is a boy or a girl before birth: Good idea? Bad idea? We chose to with Daniel and I don’t regret it — I don’t think I could have waited to find out. Given that I was in no shape to give them the potential names at Daniel’s birth, I’m glad that I knew ahead of time so that I could give them the name before I was too far gone.

4. Have you ever appeared on a stadium jumbotron? Nope. Never been to a professional sporting event. This will change in September when Jon and I go to the Episcopal Dodgers Night. I have been informed by my priest that I may wear my Giants socks (note to self: acquire some!) but that I am not allowed to boo Clayton Kershaw or Yasiel Puig. Whatever!

5. Are you more book smart or more street smart? I’m actually both, depending on the topic. If there’s something I want to do, I’ll read on it or do some trial and error to figure it out.

Hosted by The Simple Woman.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: Answer Me This Edition

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY July 13, 2015

Outside my window… dark. When I opened this window to start writing, it was probably in the 70’s. I’m up in San Jose with my family so it’s about 10 degrees cooler than it is in southern California.

I am thinking… about the Social Security mess that is waiting for me when I get home.

I am thankful… for church and coffee with Rebecca yesterday and a Kohl’s trip with my mom today to get more shorts for me.

In the kitchen… Dad made spaghetti and sauce from scratch tonight.

I am wearing… a black v-neck and capri sweats right now. Earlier, I was wearing a navy blue “perfect tee” from Old Navy and khaki capris from Kohl’s.

I am praying for… a call for Jon and a bunch of special intentions.

I am going… to get a lot of walking done this week because a lot of places we go are within walking distance here.

I am wondering… about a lot of things in my life these days.

I am reading… The Truth According to Us by Annie Barrows and listening to Killer Pancake by Diane Mott Davidson on my long drives.

I am hoping… to have as relaxing a week as possible.

I am looking forward to… the Bay Area Promise Walk on Saturday. I did the virtual one for my birthday in May because I didn’t think I’d be up here for this one. It will be the 5th straight year that Daniel, Mom, and I have done this particular one.

I am hearing… crickets chirping outside.

Crocheting… Daniel’s big boy blankie — it’s the only project I brought up with me this trip.

Around the house… quiet. Mom and Dad are in bed or headed to bed shortly, their cats are curled up with Mom, and Daniel is asleep beside me.

A favorite quote for today… “Reading mysteries: the recreation of intelligent minds.” — Donna Andrews

One of my favorite things… a decent iced vanilla latté.

A few plans for the rest of the week: playground time with Mom and Daniel, assorted errands, and the Bay Area Promise Walk on Saturday.

Post Script…

Answer Me This

Go see Kendra and the others when you’re done seeing my answers to these questions.

1. At what temperature do you keep the thermostat set? Summer, winter, day, night?

Good question. I can’t remember what the settings have been in our parsonages. I know that my in-laws have their A/C set to 75 in the summer and I can’t remember what it is in the winter because I never touch it and I haven’t paid much attention.

2. What is your favorite frozen beverage?

Probably a smoothie. I can’t drink so anything alcoholic is out. I haven’t had an Icee or Slurpie in years so those are out as well.

3. Where do you keep your keys?

In my pocket or on my desk. I have to be able to physically feel them so most of the time, they’re on me along with hand sanitizer and my cell phone.

4. Have you ever really been lost?

The only time I’ve been really super lost was when I was in London 17 years ago and I was with my twin brother and our friend Eric. We were trying to get from the Underground to our hotel and we got super turned around. This was, of course, before cell phones were common and we were almost too late to meet our parents to catch a taxi to the airport to make our flight to Dublin.

5. What is the last movie you saw in the theaters?

A live taping of Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me which was broadcast live to movie theaters around the country. The last actual *MOVIE* I saw in a theater was The Expendables and that was 5 years ago. (I’m really not a movie person.)

Hosted by The Simple Woman.

Answer Me This: 4th of July Edition

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Answer Me This

Once you’re done here, go see Kendra and the other lovelies that have answered the questions!

1. How did you celebrate the 4th of July?

My in-laws had some neighbors over for lunch in our lovely air-conditioned living room. Lots of food and lots of fabulous conversation. Later, we went to go see Jon and Daniel march in the Claremont Fourth of July Parade. (Anyone that wants to can march in it so you end up with some pretty interesting groups… including the local Buddhist monastery. It’s also a *VERY* heavily Democratic town so the local Democratic royalty get convertibles.) That night after Daniel and Jon fell asleep, we sat out on the cul-de-sac and watched the firework display from one of the local high schools.

2. Do you sunburn easily?

Oh yes. It’s pretty normal for me to turn into a tomato with hair if I’m out for a long period during the summer. Thankfully, my daily moisturizer has SPF 15 sunscreen in it which helps keep me from burning too badly while I’m out doing errands.

3. Hot dogs. Yay or nay?

Yay! If I want them, I have to cook them myself and as my George Forman grill is in storage, I don’t have them all that often these days.

4. Have you ever personally set off fireworks?

Yep, we got them from out-of-state a couple times growing up and then, I lived in places where they weren’t illegal… though they probably should have been in Montana considering how fire-prone the prairie was! Nine years ago, we and the other people in town were sitting on a parishioner’s porch (because this was a town of 12 people); and while they were setting them off, they set off some old ones that didn’t get enough height before exploding. Lo didst sparks come raining down from the sky and people start scrambling for cover!

I think the last time people set them off where I was physically present was in Jon’s last parish when the drug users living across the street decided to launch them at our tree. They got a bit pissy when I called 911 about it.

5. Have you ever jumped off the high dive?

Yeah, no. Serious fear of heights here.

6. Do you do anything weird in your sleep?

I talk in my sleep and I’m pretty sure one of my college roommate and I had some interesting conversations some nights when we were both asleep and talking to each other.

#FiveFaves: Vacation Bible School Edition

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#5Faves

One

Getting to help with VBS. I seriously love Vacation Bible School and am super excited that I get to help with it this week! We have a Lego theme this year and are creating the whole curriculum from scratch. I’m a music person and have enjoyed being silly with my kids. The first two songs they asked for today (the Hippo Song and the Penguin Song) are the two most likely to cause me vertigo. Oh well!

Two

Robitussin. I’m dealing with serious allergy issues and have been taking shots of Robitussin to deal with the crud in my throat and chest. Today I was contending with my voice being almost gone from all the junk dripping out of my sinuses.

Three

My parish. They found someone to go one-on-one with Daniel for VBS and they’ve been telling me how happy they are to finally meet him. *melts* They also *REALLY* love their kids, so much so that they put youth ministry as a priority and fundraise for their young adults to make voyages to the Holy Land.

Four

Our VBS chef. She had no idea that she was signing up for dinner + snack every night and she has managed to make some of the most interesting and creative things for us. We’ve had taco bags (I know them as “walking tacos”), build-your-own salads (there were kids actually eating their vegetables!), jello lego bricks, and build-your-own trail mix. I’ve heard about kids asking their parents to make them the food that she’s putting together for VBS and I think that’s definitely a good sign.

Five

My music team. I’m working with three other people on music (I’m not the lead person) and it has been absolutely wonderful to get to collaborate with all of them. All of them are creative people, which is good considering that we’ve had to improvise on a lot this week as two of us (the two who are doing most of the teaching) have less of our normal voices than we’d like. The kiddos are responding well and we’re all playing off each other in good ways.

Go love up Jenna and the others.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: June 29, 2015

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY June 29, 2015

Outside my window… dark. It was hot and humid today, humid enough that we were getting drops of water from condensation. I haven’t been in humidity like this since I lived in Ohio!

I am thinking… about plans for tomorrow and everything going on, especially getting my rental car if I can.

I am thankful… that we had a good first night of VBS and that Daniel gets to come with me tomorrow.

In the kitchen… we had pizza and build-your-own salad tonight at VBS. Tomorrow will be walking tacos and fruit kebabs.

I am wearing… my Momcat shirt and capri sweats.

I am praying for… a call for Jon, for my friend Krystin’s baby to be released from the NICU, for Krystin’s healing after emergency surgery, and for a bunch of special intentions. Oh yes… also for VBS to go well for Daniel.

I am going… to physical therapy tomorrow.

I am wondering… if I’ll have my rental car by tomorrow. (I kind of need it PDQ for VBS.)

I am reading… Ming Tea Murder by Laura Childs. I just finished up the Classic Diner Mystery Series by Jessica Beck.

I am hoping… I sleep OK tonight with all the congestion in my face!

I am looking forward to… singing with the kiddos at VBS.

I am hearing… various silly songs I’m checking out for VBS tomorrow.

Crocheting… Daniel’s big boy blankie and the amigurumi stuffed animal for my friend.

Around the house… silence. I’m loving it.

A favorite quote for today… “”When I pray for another person, I am praying for God to open my eyes so that I can see that person as God does, and then enter into the stream of love that God already directs toward that person.” — Philip Yancey

One of my favorite things… my kids laughing and getting silly.

A few plans for the rest of the week: VBS every night, PT tomorrow morning, and a special lunch on Saturday.

A peek into my day… One of the songs we did with the kids!

Hosted by The Simple Woman.