Inspiration

amigurumi

2009-12-29T05:58:27Z

amigurumi
Originally uploaded by laurina

While I watch Star Trek Voyager on DVD with Lukas, I also like to crochet or knit. Here is the amigurumi I made tonight. And we're on season 3 now of Voyager.

Friday Fill-ins

2009-12-26T03:17:22Z

I found this weekly meme on fridayfillins.blogspot.com/ Here are my answers for today. Not as easy as I thought it would be.

1. My boots were donated to the thrift store.
2. Technology is the tool of this century.
3. Imitation is the quickest way to learn something.
4. Do you have time to have lunch with me and talk?
5. I'd like to find a newer car to buy.
6. If we talk about it, maybe we can get over it?
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to knitting and watching Star Trek Voyager, tomorrow my plans include more Star Trek Voyager and Sunday, I want to start cleaning the house!

killing cockroaches

2009-12-20T22:27:28Z

We've found some cockroaches in our storage room and yesterday I got out a "recipe" for killing cockroaches. My teenage son and his friend are in charge of building at least 2 traps today. They needed 2L bottles and found a deal at the grocery store for 6 bottles of mountain Dew. I paid for those and contributed bread and duct tape. Next the 2 teenagers walked to the neighbors and asked for vaseline and a can of beer, which they were given with a laugh. Our family are teetotallers, so we don't even want to ask for it. Obviously, it was easier for the teenagers to ask for it. The 2 boys are busy guzzling the mountain dew now. The beer and vaseline are for the roaches. Can't wait to see if this "science experiment" works or not.

Introducing... my interviewee!!!

2009-12-11T21:53:42Z

For The Great Interview Experiment 2009, I sent questions to Jennifer of http://nutcase101.com/. Here are her wonderful answers! Thanks, Jennifer for playing!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Physical location is unknown because my husband and I are up for changes but I see myself as being a mom to a couple of beautiful children, be it our biological children or through adoption. I can’t wait to be a parent because I know that both my husband and I will cherish the gift of parenthood.

What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever seen?

I was entranced by Jamaica by the beauty of land and people. Especially since the natives of the island have to face very adverse living conditions and live on such a small income. Houses are made of tin hidden amongst tropical foliage but subjected to severe weather changes. And the people were so kind and giving with their hospitality and time. I hope that I have that kind of heart to others, one that allows me to give no matter what is going on in life. And that made Jamaica paradise in my eyes.

What life experience has strengthened you the most?

My father becoming physically disabled while I was in middle school. My parents always taught me that I could do anything and after the accident occurred, I knew that I had to get out of the blue collar cycle that my family (and extended family) had been living in. I no longer could rest on academic laurels to get into college but had to excel so that I could get scholarships to college and be the first one in my family with a college diploma. And in the end, I ended up with five: three undergraduate degrees and two masters. The end result was exactly what was expected, I have a great job that I love where I don’t have to worry about my body wearing out or being injured.

What makes you laugh the hardest?

My husband. He tends to say the craziest things and bring humor into situations when I’m in a very serious mood and he wants to get me out of it. I love him so much for that.

What’s the last thing you cried about?
My grandmother’s passing and my mother not being able to get out of her depression about her mother passing away. My mother lives in Florida and Grandma lived in upstate New York. Grandma was deteriorating in health but not to the point we’d thought she’d pass. And in the winters, Grandma would live with my parents in Florida. So, Mom flew up to see Grandma on a Tuesday, got to Grandma’s house that evening and they had a lovely evening together. The next day, when Grandma hadn’t gotten up, Mom went to check on her but unfortunately during the night Grandma had passed away. Mom can’t get that scene out of her head. And to see your mom in that much pain, day after day, it’s heart breaking.

What’s the most significant problem facing the world?
Everyone is entitlement whores, “ I want this and I want that and I don’t care what you want. And if you don’t like what I want or do, stuff it.” This attitude bleeds into politics, social interactions and the lack of concern for others. I think if people could stop looking past themselves, they could solve the big issues such as Health Care, Economy, etc.
Now if you were expecting me to state one of the huge social issues, then the Economy. I think once that people feel more secure in their ability to pay bills, a lot of other soci-political issues will be resolved.

If you could do something dangerous just once with no risk, what would you do?

SKYDIVING!! I’d love to feel what It’s like to fall through the air at break-neck speeds hurtling towards the earth and then to have that parachute explode so that I could make a safe descent. Unfortunately, with my spine issues, I couldn’t if I wanted to because there is this whole “Could be paralyzed for life” thing could happen. But really, who needs to walk?

What do you complain about more than anything else?
My back. I have this lovely spinal issue blessed upon me with the genetics and was made worse by a nice man who decided that he needed to play golf before it rained. So he ran a stop sign and I plowed into him at 40 mph when I was 19. Yeah, good times. So, at the ripe age of almost 31, I take three meds three times a day that allow me to walk, sit, stand – bottom line, to function.

Who’s the most unusual member of your family?
Ummmm have you met my family?? I grew up in the South so there are quite a few interesting people in my family and then there is the whole family that I inherited with marriage.

Which vice would you like to indulge in if it had no side effects?
FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD. I’m a foodie to the 100th degree. I have a ton of kitchen equipment, so much that it has it’s own corner in the guest room. In 2003, I lost 80lbs to improve my overall health and the pain that the excess weight was causing my back. But, I still loved food. To indulge, I walked about 5 miles a day and sampled instead of gorging. Unfortunately, in the last few years, I’ve indulged more than I should and gained back 25lbs. So, if food could be delighted in without worry of the caloric effect, I’d be elated. (And don’t ask about the pie that’s currently in our oven.)

Tis the season...

2009-12-08T04:23:27Z

...to volunteer more. Even though I volunteer all year long, we seem to volunteer even more in December. My youngest son and I just signed up for bell ringing next week, and my teenage son and I will be selling See's chocolate for the Optimist Club of Yuma at their trailer in town. Then the following week there's the Crossroads Mission and Salvation Army, together with my teenage son.

The Great Interview Experiment 2009

2009-12-05T23:37:28Z

I'm so glad that I get to be part of The Great Interview Experiment 2009. Here's how it works:
First you sign up at: www.citizenofthemonth.com/2009/11/08/the-great-interview-experiment-returns/

He will send you an email confirming who you should interview, along with the contact information.

Contact that person and say hello.

Read that person’s blog.

Come up with five to ten creative questions and email it to them.

When you receive the answers back, post the interview on your own blog, introducing your readers to a new blogger.

Email to say that the post is up so I can add this interview to the list.

Answer the questions you receive from the next commenter, your interviewer, and email it back.

I have now sent my questions to my interviewee, and I have received my first question to answer. How fun!

laurinab @ 2009-12-02T21:47:00

2009-12-03T05:47:07Z

I just found another photo of my oldest son as he danced at the Tower Lighting last Saturday. Here it is: www.yumasun.com/sections/slideshow/?pic=7&id=1651847

The Nutcracker Prince

2009-12-01T00:45:09Z

Today my oldest son has his photo in the local newspaper as he is rehearsing for the upcoming Nutcracker performance.

www.yumasun.com/sections/article/gallery/

costumes

2009-11-30T02:44:23Z

It feels like I've been sewing all day, as I've finished costumes for the play on Tuesday. 3 wise men and 6 angel costumes. Tomorrow promises to be an extremely busy day as we get ready for the play. Lots of details to take care of and organize with my son. We have one last rehearsal tomorrow afternoon, too. Dress rehearsal will be at noon on Tuesday. Then the doors will open at the theater at 6 pm on Tuesday. Everything will need to be ready... the silent auction, helpers, refreshments, scenery, props, and actors. He needs to double check which of the sponsors who will attending so he can reserve seats for them in the front section. He needs to practice his opening remarks again. I know the two boys have a few more donations to pick up for the silent auction. Whew! And in the midst of all this, my oldest son is busy with rehearsals for The Nutcracker, which is being performed on Friday and Saturday.

annual Tower Lighting

2009-11-28T23:12:44Z

Tonight is the annual Tower Lighting in Yuma, and our whole family is going to watch the performances there. The singing and dance performances there are to "open the Christmas season". My oldest son will be dancing with one dance company tonight, and he's very excited because this is the first time he's been asked to dance at the annual Tower Lighting. That's why all of our family wants to go watch tonight.

newspaper article

2009-11-28T07:19:48Z

The local newspaper already has the article on its website, even though it doesn't come out in print until tomorrow morning. Here it is, with photos: www.yumasun.com/articles/play-54500-bergqvist-scout.html

Phone call from a stranger

2009-11-27T19:56:17Z

A local woman named Pam (a stranger) called me this morning to read me a bible verse for the day: Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Nice sentiment, but she seemed quite surprised that I listened and didn't hang up on her.

dead duck

2009-11-26T19:15:59Z

dead duck
Originally uploaded by laurina

My youngest son went with me this morning on my daily walk, and we took our cameras with us. He got interested in this "dead duck" when he found it and wondered if we should take it home and try to fix it. The answer was NO. Instead we both took photos of this poor duck lying alone alongside the street.

U is for Undertow

2009-11-26T05:22:52Z

www.amazon.com/U-Undertow-Kinsey-Millhone-Mystery/dp/039915597X/ref=sr_1_1

I was in the grocery store this evening after another busy day, and I saw this new book out. I got so excited and ran over to buy it. Can't wait to read the next in the Kinsey Millhone series by Sue Grafton. Just wondering when I'll find time to read between now and the play performance on Tuesday.

Sleeping

2009-11-25T03:48:49Z

Here is what I'm hoping for tomorrow... a quiet day...

sleeping
Originally uploaded by laurina

Newspaper Photos

2009-11-24T05:51:28Z

Today three of my sons were phtographed for the local newspaper. First my teenage son met the photographer for the article about his eagle scout project. In the background for his photos, we had 4 of the kids in the play he's producing, including my youngest son. Later in the evening, my oldest son went to dance rehearsal and was asked to stay for newspaper photographs. The photographer recognized our unusual (for the US) last name and asked if he was related to my tenage son. Those photographs are to promote The Nutcracker, which my oldest son will be performing in as the Nutcracker Prince in less than 2 weeks. I'll obviously need to buy the newspaper for the next week to watch for those 2 articles and photos.

Wordle

2009-11-22T06:46:23Z

Just playing around I made a wordle of the Optmist Creed. That was fun!

Trainer's Edge

2009-11-22T05:09:04Z

Today I went to an all-day training for scout leader trainers. Mainly it felt worthwhile to me to connect with other district scout leaders and help create goodwill for our troop.

In the evening I took 3 of my sons to dance rehearsal. They're practicing for the Dec. 18 Winter show.

Homeschool Talent Show

2009-11-21T05:01:08Z

The homeschool event that I organized tonight went well. We had 16 performances, including piano, song, violin, magic tricks, jokes and a puppet show. My assistant coordinator was fabulous! She ran the refreshments afterwards and did the best job ever! We had plenty of refreshments and people stayed to chat for a while. I was so pleased with the location we got to use, and for free! My sons were great at helping, too, as they set up the chairs and carried stuff for us all. The only thing my sons complained about was that people showed very little gratitude to me for organizing this event. I got one official "Thanks to Laurina for organizing this." That was all. They think the group should be more appreciative, since our family does so much to help out the group and most others do so little. Otherwise, a job well done.

Family Fun Night

2009-11-20T04:44:58Z

I really did enjoy myself tonight at the college Family Fun Night! Our whole family was there to help out. My oldest son and teenage son were with the scout troop, building something out of wood and ropes. My second son was working at the automotive table. My youngest son and I sat at the Toastmasters table. Although my youngest son did manage to run to the other booths around us to win candy and prizes. I had 2 other Toastmasters helping me, and they were both delightful! So glad I offered to do this, even though I am currently swamped because of my son's eagle scout project.

puppet

2009-11-19T05:34:43Z

puppet
Originally uploaded by laurina

Here is one of the hand puppets we made last night. The boys were practicing their puppet skit this morning and had a great time. When we got home my teenage son made a "puppet theater" out of PVC pipe and fabric.

Puppets

2009-11-18T07:25:07Z

Tonight I sat with two of my sons and sewed three more puppets. These plus the two that I already made are for the boys to use in their short puppet show they're doing at the annual homeschool talent show on Friday night. The boys are going to do the story of the Little Red Hen. One of my favorite folk tales. Tomorrow I shall take my sons to practice with the other boy who will be doing the puppet skit together.

crocheted Santa

2009-11-16T02:12:39Z

crocheted Santa
Originally uploaded by laurina

I had a quiet morning until I picked up 2 of my sons from their scout campout. That gave me time to crochet this little Santa for a swap.

My sons had a great time at their campout at the lake, as they swam and canoed. When they woke up this morning, their food had been eaten by a raccoon. The raccoon actually opened my oldest son's cooler bag and took out a burrito and ate it. As for my teenage son's food bag, the raccoon took the whole bag over under a tree and ate all the baked potatoes before leaving the bag there and going to the lake to wash up. Since the raccoon didn't touch anyone else's food, the boys are convinced it is a vegetarian raccoon. Burritos and baked potatoes.

Optimist Creed

2009-11-15T07:06:28Z

I've decided to exercise my brain cells some more and memorize the Optimist Creed. I've memorized the first 3 lines so far, and I love what it says.Here it is:

Promise Yourself-
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit
the presence of trouble.

laurinab @ 2009-11-13T22:13:00

2009-11-14T05:13:41Z

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