Idle Hands, Fourth of July Style

Because when you have a star-spangled bandana, two dogs and 20 minutes to kill, what else are you going to do?

Here we see Cody modeling this years fantastic doggy summer gear! A must have for all your July 4th Celebration Needs.

Have you seen my diginity? I believe it went that way.

I see you. I expect a treats to make up for this.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY EVERYONE!

Introducing

…the newest member of our household: Molly (nee Rhombus), lately of Sonnetjoy and Penn’s house. Joy and Penn honored us greatly by trusting Molly to us. We are so grateful and blessed to have her in our home. Particularly because she tolerates us and our OMGNEWDOGPARENTS shenanigans.

Are you taking pictures again?


I haven’t time for your photography nonsense. There are noodles about!

I’m surrounded by idiots.

Sigh.

Esprit de l’escalier: The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too." - Samuel Butler

Theading Roughts: I bought this because, well, when I want to learn something, I buy a book about it. Shocker, I know. Anyhow, I’ve found it easy to read, easy to apply and the pictures are shiny too. My only qualm is that it’s waaayyy more in depth then I will ever use. Seriously, I am not teaching Molly to pick a hankie out of my pocket. But, it’s nice to know I could because, hey, the book will show me how.

Currently 101 Dog Tricks: Step by Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Dog By Kyra Sundance, Chalcy see related

A Scoop-ful of Thoughts

1.  Remember these Moon Balance Hopper things?

Remember how using it was an exhausting combination of balance and constant jumping? Remember how you had to lean on something to start or rest?
This is the perfect object lesson for my life – a balancing act in perpetual motion. Praise God there is Christ Jesus to lean on, or I’d spend my time falling and breaking. I’m certain many of you can relate.

2.  I recently read The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite by David Kessler. The best book I have ever read about health. Seriously. If you struggle you’re your weight, overeating, or food obsession, go read this now.

3. I leave Saturday for Louisville, KY to attend my step-grandfather’s funeral. While sad about the circumstances, I am, nevertheless, excited about spending time with my family.

4. Why can’t I forgive? Why do I hold angry and jealousy so tight? Why do I resent? Why do I concern myself with other’s wrong instead of working to change my own behavior? Why can’t I love?

5. I have piles of books waiting, begging, pleading to be read. And most were free!

Esprit de l’escalier: “The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it.” ~ James Bryce

Theading Roughts: I have a lengthy, rambling, fanatical, long-winded post reviewing this book. If I can crop it to a readable length, I shall post. For now, enjoy a Summary: Go Read This Book Now.

Currently The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite By David Kessler see related

The BeDazzler: Now with New Spiritual Applications!

I have three bosses: Boss #2 can always be counted on to assign me….ah….unique tasks.

Like today, for example. She requested I spend the afternoon mastering a BeDazzler and using my new skill set to decorate sailor hats with assorted names.

This is not in my job description. Not. At. All.

First Reaction: Hell, no! I am a college-educated trained professional with extensive experience. Bedazzling is demeaning and not an effective use of my talents, education and skills. (Pride)

Second Reaction: Who does she think she is asking me to do that? Boss or not, this is disrespectful. I don’t want too! Why do I have too? (Grumbling)

Third Reaction: Well, she can make me, but I’m going make sure she knows I think it’s stupid, ugly, and a bad idea (Revenge and Pettiness)

As I was stalking back to my office after complaining to a co-worker, something I read yesterday popped into my head. I was reading Foster’s Celebration of Discipline, and the current topic is the Discipline of Submission. In particular, the bit about submitting with quietness and humility to our earthy authorities.

Then, woven into those thoughts was this part in Colossian 3 (possibly my most favorite chapter in the Bible), quote: “obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men”

And then I remebered the bit somewhere about doing “everything with complaining or grumbling”

God was talking to me. And He was right. So I heavied a sigh, repented and have spent the rest of the afternoon praying for a good attitude.

As I thought about it, I had to laugh – once again, God used the silly and mundane to remind me of how I should live.

And I don’t care what people say: Only a God with a sense of humor would use a blooming BeDazzler to teach a lesson in humility!

Esprit de l’escalier: “I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble” ~ Helen Keller

Theading Roughts: Highly Recommend.

Currently Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth By Richard J. Foster see related

Spring Reading Report and Additional Booky Goodness

Spring Reading:

I read 32 books, more then my goal. However, towards the end, I abandoned my list, and read whatever I wanted. This means, I read more young adult fiction then anything else. I shan’t bore you with a list here, but should you desire, I track my completed reading on this website.

Additional Booky Goodness:

The Great Library Adventure is fantastic. I have several books on hold, but since I have the memory of a goldfish, I have no idea which ones I ordered. It will be a mini-surprise party when I go pick them up today.

Overall Reading Goal has been adjusted. I am not making a Summer Reading List. I realized by concentrating on how many books I read, I often read so fast I don’t retain much. Therefore, summer is for focusing on quality, not quantity.

Reading Goal One has been formalized: to read every work by C. S. Lewis before I die. Considering the propensity for women in my family to live 90-plus years, chances are I have about 60 years to accomplish this goal. That’s enough time, right? I’m tracking my progress here.

Reading Goal Two has also been formalized: to read all Newbery Medal Winners and Honor Award Books before I die. This list is more problematic, as A. it’s be around for 70-some years, and B. they add to it each year. I’m quite behind. I was pleased to discover I've read more then I thought, however, and several favorites were on the list. I’m also tracking my progress here.

Recent Book Purchases: The book ban is over! I’m pleased to report I’ve purchase 3 books total:

1. The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite by David Kessler
2. Islam: A Short History by Karen Armstrong ($1 Table at B&N)
3. The Eye of the Heron by Ursula K. Le Guin ($1 Table at B&N)

I’ve filled several carts on Amazon and B&N, only to log out before purchasing. Three months was long enough to solidify a habit of thinking before clicking. It’s harder, but I like it. I plan to continue reinforcing the habit.

Esprit de l’escalier: “If we discover a desire within us that nothing in this world can satisfy, also we should begin to wonder if perhaps we were created for another world.” ~ C. S. Lewis,

Theading Roughts: I heard about this book on NPR. Holy Schmoly! The author talks about why we “crave” certain foods, and how our own brains make us want unhealthy foods. He uses a combination of psychology, economics, anatomy, biochemistry and marketing to make his point. Amazing stuff. I highly recommend for everyone, but particularly for those who struggles with food obsession or overeating (like me).

Currently The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite By David Kessler see related