Tit for Tat

Just a few interesting tidbits for you today (it's actually evening).

PROCESSED FOODS HIT WEST AFRICA
I read it last night on BBC World News. Fufu is a chewy starch that is made from cassava roots and such. It is boiled and then pounded numerous times until it becomes a taffy-like substance that can be served with African stews and soups (not akin to any American stews or soups except maybe split pea soup or such). Now, there is a company in Ghana, West Africa, that is packaging dried, instant fufu. Just add water and stir. Now true African connaisseurs would beg to differ about the taste of the instant fufu tasting anything like real, time-consuming fufu. Probably much like comparing instant mashed potatoes with the real, boiled, smashed, whipped stuff.

But the fact stands that West Africa is coming into the way of western civilization: the fast-paced world of the working woman needing a quick way to prepare supper. Grant it, the majority of women who happen to live in suburban or rural areas of West Africa could never afford or would never dream of preparing the instant fufu, but for some, perhaps it just might work. In a world that knows nothing easy or quick, it's quite certainly a novelty right now.


Read the rest of the article, if you are interested, here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5010070.stm

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I have a beef with convenient stores and gas stations now that the lottery has passed in North Carolina. Twice now I have gone in to buy a Sunday paper and a Sundrop (my favorite soft drink in the whole wide world) and have had to wait at least 5-10 minutes before being able to check out. I'm not exaggerating. Last time was two weeks ago and it took 7 1/2 minutes for me to be waited on. There were two cashiers but both were busy helping people buy lottery tickets. This one woman in front of me was getting a crash course on the different kinds of tickets, the best odds, etc.... I, frankly, could care less! But I find it highly irritating that I, because I do not want a lottery ticket, and might need to check out quicker, would have to wait behind lines of lottery-hungry citizens.

I haven't said anything yet, but when it happens again, I will most likely complain to the cashiers, write a letter to the corporate office of that particular gas station, write an editorial to the paper, and not patronize that particular store anymore. It's infuriating. Have a separate checkout line for lottery purchases. Don't make non-gambling people have to wait for small purchases.

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I think I'm finished for the night. It's time to enjoy the rest of the late spring evening with family and a bowl of popcorn. Yeah.........good stuff.

Doin' the Me Thing

So, it looks like I fell off the face of the earth....perhaps I did. Right into the world of laundry, making birthday cakes, helping to cheer on the daughter with exams, organizing my desk, visiting my mother at her mountain house, planting flowers, herbs, and vegetables, counseling, cooking, and all the other things that are done in the Town of Me.

I actually like Me most of the times these days. I had always heard and read that entering the 40's (I entered a few years ago, believe me) brought a new awakening, a loosening of judgement on self and others, a keen understanding of things that have never made sense before, a calmness of spirit that in your 20's and 30's you could only wish for, and a beauty that far surpasses botox, collagen treatments, and Oil of Olay. I declare that it is true.

I smile more with my family, I laugh more with friends, I listen more than talk, I cook more with pomp and flair, I decorate more with bold color, I sing more with the radio in the car, I think more before I speak, I spend more time looking at the flowers, and I feel more strongly about my faith than ever before!

Before this begins to sound cheesy, I will stop. I do want you to know that "doing the Me thing" --at least for me -- does NOT include: leaving my family to find myself, spending money on things that will put us in debt just because I feel it will somehow satisfy me, speaking my mind to people just because I feel I've lived a while and have the right to, and doing more for myself and less for others because I deserve it. I am weary and quite disturbed by the number of women that are walking away from their families just to find themselves, give themselves more, etc.... Our society (if you listen even with one ear) will tell us that we deserve more than our families can give us.

However, to me, that is not where true satisfaction comes in. Growing older, accepting that fact, and basking in the pure elemental bliss of the blessings that God has given us over the years is just about heaven on earth to me. I may not always come across that way to my family. There are struggles....my changing body, the raging hormones, the added physiological tension that has entered my body and threatens to blow deadly rays of fire to those around me. Oh, yeah, I struggle with all that stuff.

But having been somewhat philosophical and extremely in tune with myself and life around me for most of my life, I have chosen to call a spade a spade and a heart a heart.

My youngest daughter leaves in a week to do some volunteer counseling at a camp in the mountains for seven weeks. She will turn 16 while she is away. I am having trouble with that part. But I'm loving the realization that she just wants to do for others, invest in lives, and learn more about God for herself. Yep, that part, I'm really liking.

I am dedicated to doing some major writing on my book during those seven weeks. But there are also some other obligations and opportunities that I need to be faithful with. Balancing them into the priorities for my summer schedule is going to be the key.

So, I'll just keep "doing the Me thing" -- and thanking God for the blessings and opportunities that come with that!

Mothers and Mustard Seeds

Today I'm feeling a little melancholy. Actually it's more the pain I have had in a tooth for over a week now. I'm trying everything to treat it without going to the dentist. (Way deep inside my head I'm thinking root canal, but I won't say that outloud!) Often when we have pain, it causes us to think deeply about issues under the surface. Even though there's so many other things out there in the world that I want to comment on, my mind refuses to focus on them long enough to put the thoughts together.

So, let's talk about mothers and mustard seeds. I'm referring to the passage in the Bible where Christ is telling his disciples that faith, even as small as a mustard seed (and that's small) can move mountains and see incredible things come to pass! (Matthew 17:20) (I think I'll claim the mustard seed faith for this aching tooth!) Also, back a few chapters is the Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13) describing how the kingdom of heaven will start with just a small seed, but grow large, very large --

Mothering holds the same principle. We start with something very small, a tiny baby helpless and dependent on us, and we begin to nurture them, feed them, teach them, and believe in them. In my case, twenty-two years later, nineteen years later, and fifteen years later I look up and find these incredible, amazing, young ladies that seemingly came out of nowhere! But, I, being one of those things called a "mother" know that it didn't just happen overnight. I was there for almost every living, breathing moment. The metamorphosing (probably not a word, but you know what I mean) of a small, helpless infant into a interdependent, unique young adult is nothing more than amazing!

But it takes a lot of faith just like the principles taught in the book of Matthew about the tiny mustard seed. There are numerous times when I have to admit that I floundered in my faith for what my girls could become. But those feelings never lasted long. Motherhood in itself is a remedy for that. I am, by nature and choice, my daughters number ONE fan!

A mother's faith in a child is not in what we can see (that would be awfully defeating and depressing at times - particularly while they are in the twos and the teens), but in the persons that we believe our children will become. Our love, our prayers, our lives are wrapped up in helping that faith come to fruition!

A mother's love, a mother's faith in a child can make all the difference in the world. It frees a child to actually take those first step into adulthood with a certainty that defies nature and gravity! And it's quite the thing to watch!

Just last week all three of my girls were sitting around the coffee table talking about the days of their childhood. I pressed myself to be still and quiet and just listened. As a mother, it is natural to have doubts about the efficacy of our role and we can't help wondering if it is seen in a positive light by our children as they look back.

I must tell you that it's all I could do not to whoop it up, shout, cry, dance, and generally do a good old "boogie" dance as I was listening to them. Though they talked about some of the things that were hard as we were going through them, it was the lessons, the memories, the principles gained, the love cherished that won out in the end!

So, on the doorsteps of another Mother's Day, I want to tell my children to hold off on the presents and breakfast in bed for me. I am so honored and privileged to have three wonderful daughters that has grown from tiny little mustard seeds into beautiful thriving plants that I have no doubt can storm the testings of this life!

But on second thought, I'll just let them do the breakfast in bed thing 'cause they love doing it (don't they?) and if they want to get me a gift, it's okay, but how do I tell them that it can't measure up to the gift I receive each time I look deep into their eyes!

Keep watering those seeds. Don't give up. Never lose faith. The watering, the tending, the pruning, the plucking, the nurturing is worth it all in the end!

Politically Correct -- So To Speak

I've had it with the victimology thing. It's everywhere. Anything one says, any phrased coined, any opinion shared outside one's own home can be misconstrued, unnecessarily judged, or frowned upon in the most demeaning way. "Victimology" is a term I've known has existed for quite some time now; however, it is bravely and astutely explained and exemplified in a book I recently read. While the book is written by an African American male defying gravitating circumstances and stereotypes of his own people, it is plain to me that victimology runs along the lines of any race, any group of people bound together by a common cause who feel they are not being heard or understood or have been wronged in some way. The book gives me hope for these precious African American college students that I minister to and with on a daily basis. In them I see the desire to shake the "victim mentality" and make their own way in life -- using the talents and gifts that God has truly given them. In them I see hope and determination to be different and to make a difference in this world. This book gives them the momentum and the assurance that they are not alone in their feelings.

Veering back to the word "victimology", I must say that recently I read an article that dumped the oozing slime that makes up the word into the streets! Sea World, in Australia, has decided to change the names of the "fairy penguins" to a more politically correct, possibly less offensive name. Hold your breath -- it's a really original name they came up with! "Little penguins" is now what these unique little species will be called.

What IN the world is that all about? While, the officials at Sea World are quick and repetitive about the fact that the homosexual world has not put any pressure on them to make this change, they just felt it was conducive to being aware of any possible future sensitivities from the gay and lesbian society. To that, I say, I don't believe it for a second. Something has already come down the pipes or this kind of radical change would never have come about. Perhaps there are employees at Sea World that have voiced their concerns about the name - being of the alternative persuasion. Who knows? The article says that "someone" thought it might be offensive and so they decided to change it. "Someone" sure has a lot of pull to change the name of an animal that has had that name for a very long time! What gives anyone the right to do that? To read for yourself this newest victimology outbreak and others from around the world, follow this link. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,193744,00.html

Before I sign off, I need to be heard for what I'm really saying here. I do not believe in prejudice statements, feelings, or actions that cross over the line because of racist sentiments. No group of people should be disrespected in anyway. I am a Christian first, and the Bible is clear that there is no respecter of persons with God. We are all loved by God, but on the other hand, we are all judged by His holy and just nature -- all the same way, because we are sinners. There's no ifs, ands, or buts -- even though there are those who would like to think they can somehow slip past the judgment thing. Accepting the death, burial, and resurrection of God's son, Jesus Christ, is the only way past it! (John 14:6; Romans 3:23; 5:8; 6:23; John 3:16)

I abhor the remembrance and reality of slavery in any manner. I abhor prejudice born from traditions and societal influences. I abhor the demeaning anyone for the sake of hatred or false self-esteem. HOWEVER, "victimology" goes beyond that. Victimology requires that we erase, forget, or cover up history. Victimology requires that we give up our opinions and standards if they do not sooth the defile hearts of those in the grip of sin. Victimology requires that we become tolerant of any belief system put before us. Tolerance, while good for friendships and families and even in working relationships for the sake of unity, only weakens a culture when expanded to be all-inclusive. Psychologically it is impossible to be tolerant of all belief systems and cultural innuendoes and still remain a unique person of value and faith. There are factions in America that cry out for tolerance on all levels. To them I say, visit some of these other countries where tolerance has been put into place or where democracy has never been given the opportunity to shine in its best light. Don't be comfortable to live in this "land of the free and home of the brave" and decry the very principles that make us just that.

Victimology will always be a seed of failure.

On "Teaching Our Children While They're Young" and Other Stuff

While missionaries in West Africa, one of the most somber things that we saw was the Muslim fathers on Fridays taking their little boys by the hands and attending Friday prayers. Most of the little boys were wearing long white robes just like their fathers. They listened to the Imman with the same fury and fascination as did their fathers.

In some ways, these Muslim fathers are just like we Christian parents are (or should be). So much of the teaching that we do is by example, by involving them in the important parts of our lives, and helping them to be exposed to the things that really matter in life. However, that is where the similarities end. In Africa and other countries (I won't speak for American Muslim families since I am not as familar with their routines), Muslim fathers desire that their sons are interjected with the same passion for fulfilling Mohammed's vendetta by fueling hatred for anyone who speaks against or opposes Islam. Believe me, it is taught at a very early age.

The above picture was taken just this week in Palestine during a celebration/memorial service of 10 years since the 100 Palestinian civilians were killed in Qana by Israeli soldiers. As you can see, it is not only grown men involved in these remembrance ceremonies. Boys with intense anger written all over their faces are also included in this. Many of them, as in the picture, dressed just like their fathers.

A sobering thought that Muslim fathers might be more faithful and proactive in helping their children remember things that are important to them more so than we Christians do with our children. If our children are going to be able to live strongly and endure in a world filled with so much passion, intensity, hatred, and complexities, we need to be doing more as parents. We need to actively teach, live, celebrate, and breath our faith, our beliefs, our convictions -- and we need to do it with our children.

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The Vatican has had its hands full for quite some time. Now, there seems to be more dissension on the use of condoms in the case of AIDs patients. While a segment of the cardinals and clergy are sticking with the traditional "anything that prohibits reproduction between a male and female during sexual intercourse is wrong in the sight of God and the Church", there is a growing sect of cardinals and priests that biting at the bit to change this thinking. Instead of me rephrasing the whole article, if you are interested, you can follow this link and read it for yourself. I just find it interesting and disconcerting on many levels. I'll watch the story and perhaps make other comments on it at a later time.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,193040,00.html

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Evolutionists will stop at nothing to attempt to prove their theories. Just recently there was a study done with about a dozen Starlings, a song bird known for its clear, musical quality. In this (in my opinion) needless, wasteful study, the birds were being observed to see if they had the evolving quality of human language by adding "words" to their complex musical discourse. I am an English major, so this article interested me. However, if you are interested in evolution, birds, or grammar, this article might interests you, too.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,193232,00.html

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Jeff is preparing for a missions trip to Brazil - this will be his first trip to South America. He's very excited about seeing what God is doing in that part of the world.

And why is it that soccer (the sport of choice for my youngest daughter) can be played in the mud and the rain and other sports can't? Don't mind me, I'm just a little disgruntled because I'll undoubtedly attend a soccer game this afternoon in just those conditions! But I am Lauren's #1 fan, so gotta do it!!

"The Interpreter"

Every once in a while, there's time for a movie, and every once in a while, we actually watch one that is halfway decent!

"The Interpreter" with Nicole Kidman (2004) is such a movie. Taking in consideration our endearing connection with Africa, it was a film that struck home to us. Even though the country in Africa is fictional, it could be the story of about one in a dozen countries. As a matter of fact, our first place of missionary service, Liberia, is reliving this story right now in some ways. Charles Taylor has been placed in custody of the International Tribunal and is being tried as a war criminal, much like Saddam Hussein.

It tugged at my heart in many ways, but mainly because of the complex loyalty and struggles Nicole Kidman shows in this political drama. She was born, had grown up in this fictitional African country and was now serving as an interpreter in the UN.

There's so many elements to this movie. It's defining and strategic, but it's also emotional and victorious on many levels.

It's one that I recommend if you are so inclined to be challenged to think and feel beyond the American mindframe!

A Near Miss

This weekend I was blessed to be able to go to my parents for a quiet, but very special Easter. My two younger daughters actually went with me which gave me some incredible quality time during the journey! However, because this was the fourth weekend in a row that I have had to go somewhere (mainly ministry opportunities), I almost was too tired to savor the blessings!

When I think of my best friend who lost her mother four years ago, I should be ashamed of myself. My mother is still vibrant and alive, beautiful and so soothing to be around. I cherish the times I am with her and my dad, who is an incredibly interesting, jovial fellow. This weekend, however, everything felt in slow motion, a little defunked, slightly off kilter. But I did try to push through it, look my parents in the eyes, smile, listen, share, and savor them.

In the car, I eavesdropped on a conversation one of my daughter was having with a close "friend" -- who happens to be a male -- and talked with both of them about silly things, random things, trying to praise them, thanked them, just being real with them. Never, ever would I want to be guilty of missing these priceless moments again.

In the past, because of the overwhelming twists and turns of ministry, I know I have missed opportunities. I have fretted and fumed through probably some very very potentially special times. I can't take those back and I don't usually go back and feel guilty about them. I have what I have now and I am going to enjoy it. Any time, any moment spend with those we love are gifts that God gives to us over and over again!

So what if my permitted daughter drove (at night) down Hwy 218 which is very rural and very windy. I survived. (twitch, twitch!) So what if I didn't have a new Easter dress this year. I survived. So what if I am dragging today and can't seem to focus on anything. I'll survive.

But the family times won't -- if we don't breath them, smell them, taste them, enjoy them!

Spring Cleaning

I've got to get this off my chest before I can move on to other things! What is the big deal about spring cleaning? Who started that anyway? I do not believe it is a biblical concept; at least, I don't see it in the Bible. When the pollen starts yellowing our cars, the birds start singing non-stop, and the lawn mowers are taken out of winter storage, somehow people get into the mode that the house must be cleaned from top to bottom!

Actually I've read the stories about how - back in the day (whatever that means) - women would take advantage of airing out quilts and other items that could not really be washed when the weather turned a little warm. Okay, I've got some quilts that I can put out on my clothesline......um....I don't have a clothesline. (When did that happen?) Okay, I could just drape them across our deck and let them "sun".

True confession time: I hate housecleaning whether it is winter, spring, summer, or fall (did that sound like James Taylor singing?). So, to say that I must be pressured by society's norm and turn my house inside out during my favorite season of the year seems cruel.

I would prefer to do this kind of aggressive cleaning in the lazy days of summer when humidity drives us to turn the a/c on and the music up. I could do it then. There's less responsibility for other things at that time. But, oh wait! Summer is to be more carefree and laid back. How can you do that if you are feeling pressured to clean, clean, clean?

Okay, I'll set my PDA for "spring cleaning" in the fall. Just when the cool, crisp winds blow and football and homecomings are sounds in the autumn nights! It's the perfect time. Humidity is down, I could open the windows, let the sunshine in, and turn on the music....and clean. But, oh wait! What about school camp? The opening of classes at the local university where I minister? The promise that I would put the finishing touches on the book I am writing? Fall is a perfect time for all that. How can I do all that and deal with the pressure of cleaning?

Well, that just leaves "old man winter" time. Why didn't I think of that before? When the breezes turn too brisk and we replace sweaters with coats, the sky is gray and the clouds omniously looking like snow (which usually never comes to where I live!). I'll build a fire, turn on upbeat music, and get to work on all those neglected spots that need cleaning. But, oh wait! There's Christmas to contend with. Baking, shopping, spending time with family, and reaching out to the needy. There's so much going on in the winter. Basketball, progressive dinners at the university, and final exams to help my daughter get through. Winter is to be a time of recharging our batteries. Somehow, it doesn't seem right to insert "spring cleaning" into such a special, dormant time!

Hmmm......well, I guess that means I'm pretty much booked up for the whole year. I'll try again next spring! Or maybe I'll just start on it today!

Creative Ministry

There's always those that attempt to shut you down when you are doing something for God. This college campus we minister on is no exception! During the summer, one of the most effective outreaches has been the SOAR program. Organizations take their places in a designated area at least 18-20 times during the summer, being available for freshmen and transfer students to glean from what is available to them on campus when they arrive in the fall. For the past two summers, we have made personal contact with over 400 students. Many of them see us, speak to us, know where they can find us, and have attended Bible studies.

This summer, a certain director of this program has rearranged things so that this will no longer happen. Jeff heard him last summer make the comment that mainly only Christian organizations were taking part in the summer program. And what's with the older people (i.e. Jeff??) sitting at the tables. Where's the students? It was obvious that Mr. Director did not like 1) that Christian organizations were about the only ones taking advantage of this outreach, 2) that older people were manning the tables, and 3) that it seemed to be effective for us for some reason.

Now, I will not judge Mr. Director and his spiritual state because of these new developments, but I can't say that I haven't tried! It's hard to believe that a Christian would want to shut down Christians from getting themselves out to the students. This summer, ONLY students can participate in certain activities during the summer. There will be NO literature tables. ONLY students (have I mentioned that ONLY students can participate?) can represent any student organization!

Okay.........so this is where we get creative. First of all, we will soon be electing officers for next year. We are praying that these will be proactive students (some who will be staying in Charlotte for the summer and can participate in these opportunities). Also, Jeff is looking into seeing if we can just set up literature tables on an independent basis around campus during the summer. We will advertise in the magazine that is mailed out to every potential and registered student during the summer. We will distribute flyers. We will hold Bible studies right on campus in open view of others.

God has given us a job to do on this campus: to shine His marvelous light onto this campus so full of darkness. Pray we'll find creative ways to do this. As Emeril Lagasse so often says, "We'll just kick it up a knotch! BAM!! BAM!!"

Too Tired to Tilt Over??

The numbness that comes with fatigue is actually not a bad thing sometimes. I'm learning that. After a "mountaintop" experience this weekend at a Ladies' retreat in Virginia, I have come home to the realities of my life and all the expectations of me! It must be exactly how Elijah felt after the Mount Carmel experience. He was completely drained, so he tucked his tail, and hid. While in his solitude, his fatigued brain starting playing tricks on him. He felt all alone in his fight to save the world, and it just didn't feel right to him anymore. Jonah had much the same reaction after running from God and then finally doing what he was supposed to do in Nineveh. Afterwards, he just wanted to die.

So, with those two wonderful examples in front of me, I am trying to analyze all my feelings today. I have come home to my wonderful family which involves dishes, laundry, dirty floors, and cooking. There's another major drama going on in one aspect of our ministry (this is not an unusual thing -- it's almost constant!), and another girl who stood me up last week for discipleship now wants to meet again......today, right away! One of my parent's closest friends (he's been like a daddy to me) is in the hospital very sick with his heart.

That's what I mean about being too tired to tilt over. All this is going on and I feel like I'm looking at it all in slow motion. The only thing that seems important to me right now is a nap. Then I struggle with guilt about all this other stuff going on. Then I remember that feeling guilty about doing anything but work is an indicator of an stress-proned person, and I remember that I do have those capabilities of being controlled by stress, which in realizing that stresses me more.

I think I will just lie down and sleep...........and wait for the ravens come and feed me. :)

Just a Word Can Cure Confusion

Talking things out really helps at times. Yesterday was one of those times when I was able to feel connected to someone that is important to Jeff and me, our ministry, and just our lives in general. But differences in personalities often lead to misunderstandings that can affect many facets of life. Even though there may have been other things I would have liked to ask or say, I walked away from that meeting with a much lighter heart in many ways. I do hope that the other person is thinking the same.

I, for one, am a person who has great need for communication in any form. Words of affirmation are important to me as is spending time with people I care about. While life is demanding and overwhelming at times, I know for myself that if someone will tell me that it's okay, will acknowledge parts of my life that have been profitable (or harmful -- I learn so much from those encounters, even though they are not as fun!), and will present the supposition that they are "involved" - even if not directly, it helps me so much.

For others that do not need affirmation or that believes that it is a spiritual defect in my character, I must beg to differ. While I struggle constantly with not doing or ministrying for glory received of man, it is more the fear of not being "understood" that haunts me! I do not care as much if a person agrees with me as much as I am that they have completely taken the time to hear me and attempt to understand.

Another issue I struggle with is my ministry of discernment. Sometimes I really wish that God would take it from me because it oftentimes bogs me down with stark awareness of things gone awry! But, at other times, it is a priceless tool in my counseling and times when people ask for advice or direction. When I see something that is not quite right and it is a situation or person that I care deeply about, I will bow under the weight of it. God has directed me over and over again to allow those times of insight to lead me directly into intercessory prayer -- and I'm working on that.

There's something freeing about being part of a solution or to be able to offer sound counsel to someone willing to receive it. I know distinctly that it is a large part of my calling to use this particular ministry (of discernment) for God's glory -- and use it wisely and biblically.

Talking out misunderstandings, not drawing to premature conclusions, and making the effort to involve myself in the healing or "solution" process are all innate desires of my heart (spiritual and emotional).

Remember: if you're bogged down with miscommunications and there is a rift in a relationship, "just a word could cure confusion". Talk it out with grace, sincerity, and humility!

Makeup Mania

Well, it has finally happened. Perhaps it has happened somewhere else before, but just this morning I was reading my "daily fix" from BBC World News and saw it.

First of all, how many of you ladies out there are guilty of this? (If you are a guy and guilty of this, I don't want to know) You're running late, you dash out of the house, get in your car, and head down the busy streets to wherever.... On the way, you glance in your rearview mirror -- not really to check traffic behind you (smile, you know it's true) -- and you are reminded of what you did not have time to finish in the house. You're following me, aren't you?

You fiddle in your purse or makeup kit, take out the mascara, bend the rearview mirror more to your liking, and you proceed to finish the fine tuning of your face. With quick, absent-minded glances to the road every once in a while, we work until we are satisfied that our face is what we want it to be (at least for now).

How many times have you seen it? Ladies whisking away at their eyebrows or eyelashes while their cars hover omniously on the white lines. Yes, I am guilty, too.

Well, in England, in a small town called "Mold" (I'm not kidding), Ms. Maddock was "busted" for doing just that. Did someone turn her in? Was there a cop sitting beside the street that saw her? No, it was a speed camera. It caught Ms. Maddock with BOTH hands off the wheel (while I have been guilty of driving handless, it's never been for makeup). What looks like a compact in one hand and mascara in the other. The camera follows her through traffic for as long as possible. She was fined 200 pounds for this offense and six points put on her record! Was her license suspended. No, not this time. That had been done just the week before for a DUI!

Check the story out at:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/north_west/4785686.stm

And safe driving, you makeup maniacs!! You never know when someone may be watching!

TV Trivials

Did I actually call television trivial? Well, yep, I did. No one...I repeat no one is going to die if they do not have one (even though the withdrawal pains would be something out of this world for most). Come to think of it, I wouldn't imagine that it would be a pretty sight to watch some people have to wean off their television addictions though. I'll even admit mine: one time a year, I stay constantly glued to the television. March Madness. The Big Dance. HOWEVER, this year my schedule has been ironically arranged so that during both of the big weekends of the NCAA playoffs, I'm either at a counseling conference or at a singles' retreat. Hmm.... what kind of tablet do I take for those withdrawals?

Let me update you on our tv situation. (Refer back to the blog entitled LSD and TVs) We actually lived without a television in our family room for 8 weeks -- and the last time I checked, no one had psychological fallout from it. (That does not mean there were no comments or pity parties, but those roll off my shoulders after raising 3 daughters!! Am I hard or what?)

Finally, after Jeff worked some hours with his dad's business to earn the money for the tv, we were ready to buy. A 34-inch widescreen would give the illusion of being large without paying the $3000 or so price tag. Being married to a thrifty, money-clinched-tightly-in-the-fist (a nicer way to say "tight wad"?) man, I had to do my homework and balance the budget and what would be practical for our large family room, and what was a solid buy. The 34-inch widescreen seemed to be the way to go.

So, we headed down to the closest H.H. Gregg store. Never did it dawn on us that it was six days before the Super Bowl -- and that this might not be the best time to expect them to give us a really good deal. I had been in the store the week before and met C- He was a personable fellow and was so much help with all the questions I had. The tv was on sale that previous week for a price that Jeff could handle without breaking out in hives. :) But, something came up that Saturday, so we didn't get to buy it.

That's how we ended up walking into the store on a Monday night. C- met us in the tv department and we started the negotiations. However, two things worked against us that night. 1) the Super Bowl was coming up and we did not know that there were NO negotiations planned that week for anyone. (*Did you know that most electronic stores charge a 30% restocking fee for televisions brought back within two weeks after the Super Bowl? That's how bad it has gotten with people buying big tvs in order to watch the big game in style and then try to return the tv.)

2) Harder-than-nails managers on duty that night. After an hour of C- going between our demands and the managers on duty (who had to ultimately approve the deal), we knew that it wasn't going to happen that night. C- was exhausted and frustrated, I could tell, but he kept up a good front. He was a great asset to H.H. Gregg that night. (and the reason we eventually went back there) Because, when we left the store, we were disillusioned with H.H. Gregg's platform that says they are willing to make a deal for anything sold in their store. It was only $100 that we were asking off the tv. Only $100. Mere change in the pockets of that company, but those managers that night stood by their Super Bowl vendetta.

Defeated, but still determined, we waited for two weeks. (Don't ask me if it was a patient wait, okay?) I kept looking for sales of this particular television at other stores, but none popped up. Finally, we decided to go back to H.H. Gregg and see if we could get anywhere. C- met us at the door and within 15 minutes, we were loading our new 34-inch widescreen tv in the back of Jeff's truck. The difference? Different managers that day were in charge of the deals and the Super Bowl had passed.

Timing is everything........

Reflections:Musings on a Saturday Morning

Unbelievable, isn't it, that a 37-year old woman could get by with actually marrying a 15-year old? Where was the positive, protective influence of this teenage boy's parents? In several places in the Bible it speaks of the progressive depravation of mankind. This is a great example of those scriptures. This lady (I don't even remember her name -- neither is it important) fell in love with her own 15-year old son's best friend. So, I'm deducing there's some major character flaws and perhaps (no, definitely) instability in her emotional well-being. While all that sounds politically correct and all, what is essentially true is that she has allowed her flesh (and all its kinky and unbalanced desires) to rule her. Beyond the thought of what her son might think, beyond the thought of what this relationship will do to this young teenage boy (for the rest of his life).......and now there is a baby inserted in the middle of it all?

If this seems like a soap opera storyline, you're exactly right, it does. But this is a true story. The lady has had the baby (a boy), but has been put back in jail. The young 15-year old father has run away from home, ended up in another state, and is just obsessed with keeping his new "family" together. This 37-year old teenager wannabe actually had the gall to marry this young boy, using the leverage of a 1962 statute that says a minor may marry if he has fathered a child.

I dare say that it will take intervention from God in a poignant way to salvage anything worthwhile in this situation.

What next?

Parents killing their children, setting fire to their homes, and blaming it on what??

The Dawning of Our Redemption

While I do not portend to be a prophecy scholar or a diplomat, I did live in West Africa for nearly 20 years and do have great discernment of human nature. Over the past ten years I have become more and more convinced that the continent of Africa will, most likely, be the most compliant with the antichrist and his plans to bring peace to the world.

For those of you who are not familar with Eschatology (the study of the End Times), taught explicitly in the Bible in both the Old and New Testaments, after the Rapture of Christians (a sudden disappearance of millions all at one time with no warning -- which, by the way, will cause worldwide confusion, but will be quickly explained away as an alien invasion or such) It will be after this time that one man will step on the scene somewhere in the world and will be of such a charismatic nature and so convincing in his solutions, that the entire world will concede to his suggestions on how to restore world peace. The Bible calls this man the antichrist because, though he will be given great powers by Satan himself and will portray himself as Christ, the Son of God, he is not. For a span of time (approximately 3 1/2 years), he will actually do what no one on this earth has done since the creation of man -- create and maintain world peace. (Don't be fooled that there won't be renegades against this man's philosophies and plans, because there will be) However, the majority of the world will follow him simply because there is just no better solution.

If we look at the majority of African countries today, there is poverty, ravaging diseases, lack of educational opportunities, and stunted economical growth. In a high percentage of these countries, there are wars or the devastating remnants of war. For some countries like Sudan, Rwanda, and Somalia, the future is as bleak as their recent pasts. A perfect setting for a man to appear and make promises that he can and will keep -- at least for a time.

Liberia (the land of our hearts) has just come out of 24 years of political instability and 15 years of civil war. Touting the election of the first woman African president, there are daunting problems to solve. Lots of baggage to unload. Many fences to mend. Do we dare think Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson can completely cleanse this crippled country?

Ivory Coast (the other African nation that has our hearts) is reeling from a major national division that has no viable end. The nation is divided: North vs. South (sound familar?) The president has followers, but not enough to take control of the dominant-Muslim north. It's a lose-lose situation in that country. Even the peacekeepers from France and other countries have been threatened if they do not leave. The consensus: they want to fight it out to the end. Is this a job for Gbagbo or even Outtara if he would win the next election (if the election even happens?)

Nigeria fights its own internal battles from oil pipeline disasters to the attempted ethnic cleansing (a hint of Rwanda, perhaps?) in regions that will not submit to the growing Islamic rule. This country is heading down the same path as Ivory Coast and Sudan, and several others. And the main concern of their president is that he be able to run for a third term?

Sierre Leone remains locked in its own cage; used up by other more dominant countries for its natural resources of diamonds and gold and eager mercenaries. Ghana seems stable right now, how long will that really last? There is great oppression in Guinea, Togo, and Mali (mainly because of geographical location and the governments run for many hundreds of years by a predominant Muslim influence.) South Africa fights apartheid and other internal issues whether they want it known or not. Riots are becoming increasingly a way of life in many of the regions.

It is not really necessary for me to elaborate on the AIDS epidemic. This disease affects all African nations (but is definitely not exclusive to this continent). However, the means to treat those with this disease continue to elude the Africans afflicted by AIDS.

Africa is ripe for a savior. The antichrist would be welcomed with open arms by Africans, some with open pockets. Philosophically, in many parts of Africa, because of the nature of their oppressive cultures, a person can be bought with any currency that will promise a new beginning, a better future.

Knowing that the BBC is liberal and humanistic in nature, it is still one of the best sources for current news about what is happening in various African countries. If this kind of thing interests you, follow the link and find out yourself the state of this continent. http://news.bbc.co.uk/

If the absolutely breathtaking incidents in the Middle East right now do not convince you that you need to get right with your Creator and start looking up, perhaps the awareness of this needy continent at the brink of internal annihilations will make you realize that things are lining up more succintly than the "Age of Aquarius". This is the dawning of our Redemption!

All Eyes on PA

Since 1887, when the first trek to Gobbler's Knob brought the groundhog predicting fever to Pennsylvania, the festivities at Punxsutawney have crescendoed, at times bringing more than 30,000 people to this small town (of about 6500 people).



This morning Phil saw his shadow again which means six more weeks of winter in the old German tradition. The last time that Phil did not see his shadow was in 1999; however, being the skeptic that I am sometimes, I had to go back in some winter archives and see if winter really was short that year. Ask anyone in the northeastern corridor about the March 14-15th winter storms that dumped anywhere between 1 and 9 inches of snow on them. (6 weeks after Phil's prediction? hmmmmm) And, in 2002, when Phil did indeed see his shadow, there was no significant snowfall or winter storms reported after the first of February.

The celebration of Groundhog Day began with Pennsylvania's earliest settlers. They brought with them the legend of Candlemas Day, which states, "For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day, so far will the snow swirl in May..." Well, this morning Punxsutawney reported partly cloudy skies, so perhaps the snow will not "swirl" until May. Though, according to "Ray's Weather Archives", there have been four years since 1993 when April actually saw snow fall in some parts of the eastern seaboard.

I'm really not against Groundhog Day. Actually it's a pretty neat way to celebrate the middle of winter. It's so easy to find ourselves in a winter slump about this time of year, and I think the people in PA have a handle on a way to rise above that!

Of course, the good people of PA have much more than Phil to celebrate this year. I read that when Phil popped his head out of his burrow, Pittsburgh Steelers towels and paraphenalia rained down around him. I'm thinking that probably the people of Pittsburgh would not even notice a huge winter storm this Sunday............

Sunshine on My Shoulders

Every ailment, every syndome, every cause and effect pertaining to our health has a name now. What's the name of that syndrome that plagues people in the winter? I can't remember, but I do remember the first time I read about it. It's not that I don't believe it's real, but I also do not believe it is as simple to just give it a medically-correct name and then just accept it and do nothing to remedy it! Even worse, taking some kind of synthetic drug for it seems overkill (at least to me). Oftentimes, with our health and medical situations, we seem to feel better -- relieved, mind you -- if someone will just name our ailment and give us some colored pills in a bottle. Why is that?

I am a strong advocate for health - healthy eating, healthy lifestyle, healthy thinking... Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with low blood sugar problems. Before the relief of finding out what was ailing me, I was a basket case, believe me! We were in West Africa at the time in a bush village, but there was an American missionary doctor in our town. He concluded that either I was having a nervous breakdown or I was entering early menopause. Neither of those seemed palatable to me for obvious reasons (even though, considering what was going on in our life and ministry at the time and the history of females in my family - either could have been a possiblity), so I kept searching for a more soothing diagnosis.

My father, at the age of 49 or so, contracted type-2 diabetes -- mostly due to poor choices in foods and eating habits during his adult life. The doctor that finally concluded I had reactive hypoglycemia said that it is basically just one short step towards diabetes. That did it! I did NOT want that. If it was a choice, I was choosing hmmm....no! No diabetes. I started doing research on low-blood sugar, high blood sugar, and all the ends and out of both.

It was ten years ago when I chose health -not just for me, but if I was going down that path, obviously my family would go with me. It's no fun alone! Admittedly, the first three years or so were hard as I began weaning my family off some of their comfort foods, unhealthy snacks, and desserts. There was much wailing and gnashing of the teeth, let me tell you! But I prevailed, because I had been given a second chance and a personal conviction from God that healthy eating, a healthy lifestyle, healthy choices, would bring more strength and stamina to my ministry and family. It was just a win-win situation! Now, my family has been reined in pretty well on most things. However, for three of them, there is one thing sacred that I could not wrestle away from them - chocolate. I was smart enough not to try. Now, there is evidence that chocolate (the dark kind with little or not sugar) has great health benefits. But I'll leave that one for another blog.

Another conviction of mine is that traditional medicine and treatments most of the time only put bandaids on the root cause of disease and such. I am NOT against traditional medicine in some cases, but I do believe that especially in these days of rising cost of treatments and insurance, a more practical, economic approach is to take control of your body, understand what's going on inside your body, and how it can best be remedied.

When we were in Africa and had small children, we mainly lived in small bush towns. There were no doctors that I would have dreamed of taking my children to! Someone gave me a copy of the missionary's alternative to healthcare called, Where There is No Doctor". That was the beginning of my passion for learning about what goes on inside our bodies, how to understand symptoms, and how to treat basic and not-so-basic ailments with basic medicines, herbs, timed healing (letting it work its way out), and home remedies. Even here in America, my family doesn't rush to the doctor with the slightest sniffle or fever. In the past ten years, God has allowed me to read, confer, research, and reference so many diseases and such. I am thankful that He has imparted His wisdom and given me the passion to understand how the body works and how best it can be put back on track, sometimes with practical or natural provisions.

There is a time and place for traditional medicine, and that's why I am very excited about the new wave of medical treatment centers using the term, "Integrative medicine". That is simply the use of traditional and alternative (acupuncture, acupressure, herbal, homeopathic, chiropractic, and many others, including nutrition) treatments in the best way possible to heal the body. Finally, it seems that American medical experts are realizing why Europe and other countries have known for decades (and centuries). Our bodies know best.

So, if you feel yourself succumbing to that winter syndrom that I can't remember the name, your body is most likely going to turn towards the sunshine more (open blinds and curtains or buy one of those "Tru-light" lamps and sit under it). Drink orange juice, concentrate on citrus because the color is the color of sunlight (I know that sounds crazy, but it's true!), light happy music, and a warm fire. Add flowers to your table and warm, energetic colors to the rooms you frequent the most! Colors of the sun or nature, anything that displays light of any kind would be beneficial to the body during these short days of winter.

I got off on this rampage today simply because I am home, the sun is shining beautifully in my windows, the cat is basking in the sun rays (he doesn't seemed plagues with that syndrome!), and I am enjoying a warm fire in the hearth.

Anyone join me for a cup of oj??

LSD and TVs

It's enough. I mean, I've had enough. Never in my life did I think that buying a new television would be so complicated. Am I the only one NOT excited about this electronic progressiveness? What happened to just buying a plain old tubed television. Now there are small tubes, big tubes, tubeless, Plasma (isn't that part of red blood cells?), LCD (a derivative of LSD perhaps?), Rear projections (huh??), Conventional (that sounds a little familiar), or Combos. Wouldn't that be easy: I'll take Combo #2. Yeah, well it's not that way.

4:3 and 16:9, though mathematical in their interpretations of aspect ratio and such, are now used to refer to the sizes of the picture on the screen. Oh, and then you have 16:9 enhanced which is basically a squarish TV trying to give the impression of being widescreen (you know, a widescreen wannabe). We have been told many times that 4:3 screens (the squarish-looking tvs that we have been used to for years) are on their way out. Within 1 1/2 years or so, a squarish tv will project a black line on top and bottom of the picture, because most programming is being produced and fed in 16:9 (true widescreen) mode. That's the wave of the future.

I know there are people out there that can just buy a large, widescreen Plasma or LCD TV and not flinch at the price. We're not in that position, but we also do not want to buy a gasping dinosaur of a tv that will be irritating to watch in a matter of 18 months or so. So, we'll keep studying on it, asking questions, gaining electronic knowledge until perhaps we fry our minds!!

On Christmas morning, our 55" large, black, big screen (not wide screen - there IS a difference) gave up the ghost. While listening to Christmas music on one of the music channels, the crisis hit! I was downstairs with the girls cooking breakfast. The aroma of sausage and pancakes was dripping off the end of my nose. However, my husband, who is forever a turbo banshee when it comes to smelling anything wrong electrically (there's a childhood incident that caused this fear in Jeff), came running down the stairs hollering, "Turn everything off. Turn everything OFF! Something 's frying!" (Need I say what I thought was frying at the moment?)

He ran around the room with his nostrils doing types of calisthenics that I didn't know nostrils could do. Finally, he reached the television, and with satisfaction in his eyes, he quickly "pulled the plug" on the old electronic codger. This television actually came with the house when we bought it three years ago. The previous owners were leaving the country and that huge monster of a TV was not something you could put in your carryon, for sure! So they left it. It was already having a few issues, but we were just thankful to use it for this long.

It's not a huge deal that we don't have a television downstairs, except when our married daughter and her husband come, our other daughters decide to watch TV, and invite whoever else knocks at our door. (Our rotating front door is a subject for a future blog!) One night last week, while I was fighting the flu, I counted 8 other people in the room besides me! Hello....I have the flu - does anybody care? Guess not.

Anyway, we really like having our standard ole 27" upstairs, but it just may be that it has to go downstairs before long, even though it is sure to get lost in the mere size of our family room.
A larger screen would be nice when we have college students in, but that is yet to be determined.

HD-capable. HD-ready. Integrated tuner. Digital. S-video cables. All that jazz. It's enough to make my head spin!

Actually, the more I look at TVs, the variety that's out there, and the prices of them, LSD doesn't seem like a bad idea! Perhaps the drug-induced aura will cause our little 27" to seem like a 55"!!

Tired Already?

A new year brings a lot of things to mind. Resolutions, diets, new looks, diets, new jobs, clean closets, and just a general cleaning up of things in one's life.

This year, I've done a couple of those -- and even though the closets DO need cleaning, I don't see it happening this month (no, let's just say, not this year!). But I have rethought some of the things I did in 2005 that were mainly just the useless spinning of my wheels. I desire to become more selective where I put the essence of my efforts and more abandoned in the way I live life with my family. Have you heard the song, "Live Like You Were Dying"? It'll make you think!

Anyway, all that said, in the last couple of days, I have been battling some kind of virus, flu bug, so have been pushed to just let it ride itself out! I am in the minority with that, I realize, because I know many, many people fight, never stop, never give in, push through it -- and then it lasts longer and often there are relapses. Understanding the very mystical sounding saying, listen to your body, I do try to do just that. So, I have searched the web, listened to the radio, and watched way more tv than is normal for me -- because of all that, I have heard too much. Here are three things that I am already tired of!

1. The Golden Globes and all the media attention that comes with it. I watched some of it because so many of the girls that I minister to are into these kind of things, I feel I need to be able to give some kind of "somewhat intelligent" comment about it. It's bad enough that 36 consecutive hours after the event was filled with fashion experts, gawking commentators decked out with their own bling-bling, and more cleavage and strutting than a person can stand just filled the airways. Now, tonight, (gasp!) it was revealed that one of the stars actually was given a gently-worn (USED) dress to wear to the after Globe parties!! Heaven forbid that the dress was not new and that it did not cost thousands and thousands of dollars. Where in the world are we heading with this? And what about the millions of girls that watch these fashion analysts commenting on the horrors of wearing a used dress to something like the Globe Awards. What message is this portraying to our society? One that is already embedded way too deeply, especially into much of this collegiate generation.

2. Racist, bigoted comments from ALL sides of the political and social spectrum. There are days that my traveling wings itch so badly to board a plane and head back to West Africa to live out the rest of my days! While there is prejudices everywhere in the world, the one associated with the color of the skin is falling on intolerant ears - mine! When I was in junior high, integration (the blending of black and white students into one school system) was just happening. My jr and sr high school years were very interesting and very tense at times, but I learned what I believed about some things. I didn't like racism then and I certainly do not like it now. While I could give a thorough dissertation on the moral and spiritual harm of this kind of continual bashing of how we treat each other as blacks and whites, that is not what I desire to do here.

But I do want to point out that Hillary Clinton has shown some (only some) of her true colors in Harlem this week during a MLK celebration. Comparing the runnings of the current government to the runnings of a plantation (and, she reminded the audience, "you know what I mean"). Okay, do we really know what you mean, Ms. Clinton? Perhaps New Orleans' mayor Nagin knows what you mean since he, too, has decided to make his own extremely biased and not-so-smart comment about race. Yes, he did. That's exactly what he meant. Nagin, too, showed some of his true colors when he said that he hoped that NO would be rebuilt again as a chocolate city!! Okay, you can't get more blunt than that! And this is my issue....when high-profile public servants(?), not because they deserve to be, but because people that do not have a clue, vote them into these high-profile positions -- when these people continue (over and over) to feed the fire of racism that burns omniously underneath our feet, it's irresponsible and should be illegal. But, yadeyadeya, freedom of speech and all that! It's sloppy, sad, and should not be acceptable AT ALL!

3. The impatient drivers in my city and the ones that need to go to parking school. Three times in the past week, I have had to find alternative parking spots because of people who were either impatient or incapable (or, most likely, BOTH) of putting their cars in between the two visible white lines, parallel with the others around them. Earlier this week, I could have sworn (and I'm not the swearing type) that I was back in West Africa where the ability to continually blow the horn while in the driver's seat was the most coveted right as a citizen. What in the world has gotten into this city? Are we all so important that our agendas supersede the graciousness of living in the south? There's probably a myriad of answers, but I am so weary of going 28 mph in a 25 mph school zone, and having people riding my bumper and honking their horns because they THINK they are more important than the children that are represented by these speed limits. Could we please re-find the graciousness. I promise you'll live longer without all the unnecessary stress that goes with thinking that your importance is the most important thing in the world.

There, I feel somewhat better (if only my virus-riddled body would agree).

How Do You Burn Fish Sticks?

Okay, so now I know how far I have come in ten years with my cooking and food choices. I just don't know how to cook with processed foods anymore. I don't know if there are a lot of women like me, but there are just times that I'm willing to go on auto-pilot, make "the pots jump up and down" (as my father-in-law says), and wait for a suggestion from one of the other family members who reside with me. However, most of the time, they are just no help at all! None. Today, though, was different. My husband had a suggestion: fish sticks! Fish sticks, like in school cafeteria fishsticks? With garden peas and french fries, a roll and a slice of cake? He looked a little sheepish; probably because of the bewildered look on my face. And then it hit me, I had not cooked nor eaten fishsticks in probably seven or eight years! Did I even remember what kind to buy? How should I best cook them? Did I even really want to cook them? I could not imagine eating them, but fervent love and a reminder of those vows I willingly and mushily chirped out almost 25 years ago took me straight to the frozen food aisle of the grocery store! I'm sure that I remember there being a clause in our vows that went like this: "For better or for worse, for aged ribeye or for crumbly fishstick, I take thee." Yeah, I'm almost certain that's the way it went!

I bought the Gorton's popcorn fish and one small box of breaded white fillets. Now, at no time am I blaming Gorton's for the way those little "pop-in-your-mouth" morsels of fish turned out. It would be nice to do so, but I do have a conscience. Looking for some gourmet twist to the french fry side dish, I decided upon julienne sweet potato strips seasoned with sea salt. That sounded fishsticky enough, but yet had also a cosmepolitan feel enough to satisfy my gourmet side that has really become who I am and how I cook. I chose Leseur extra small garden peas to top off the cafeteria-like menu, deciding on making a mixed green salad instead of cake and rolls (even though my husband was disappointed about the cake part!)

Because of a time constraint, I needed to get everything done by 6:00 p.m., but didn't remember that until 5:40. Never fear, it's just fish sticks and fries. That shouldn't take too long to create, I thought. Wait a minute, I'm not really creating anything! Just heating up something. The gourmet, holistic-foods person that I had become almost jumped out of my skin with that knowledge! However, after looking at the packaging on both the fries and the fish sticks, I realized that they both needed to be cooked at a different temperature. So, I used my faithful brown stones (instead of heeding the instructions and using metal pans for baking), met the temperature in the middle of the two foods, and popped it all in the oven. Everything was fine for the first 12 minutes, then I had to take the sweet potato strips out to stir them. The last 12 minutes did not go so fine. When I came back in the kitchen, following a trail of not-so-aromatic smoke coming from the oven, I knew that supper had taken a turn for the worse. When I opened the oven door, which, hours later, I am still regretting because the house smells like it was burned down and built back up again before the smoke settled.......the fries and the popcorn fish were almost charred.

Because my husband had asked for the fish sticks, he gingerly came into the kitchen, trying hard not to sniff obviously or rub his burning eyes from the smoke, and proceeded to eat my burnt offering! I had bought a good tartar sauce and a malt vinegar for him to enjoy with his nice browned fish sticks. What a trooper he was with the "blackened fish sticks" and dual-colored sweet potato sticks (one side black, the other orange)! Twenty-four years ago I would have run to my run in tears because of the burnt meal. Interestingly enough, I just laughed, apologized, and went about cleaning up the ruins.

I'm almost sure that I will not get another request for fish sticks for at least six more years! By then, maybe the smell will have left the house!