A Great Message...

"Love from the center of who you are, don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle....Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with (everybody); don't be the great somebody."

Romans 12:9-10,15-16

Depression Era Wisdom

Here are some wise words from Grandma Signe's recipe book...

(Found in Depression Era Recipes by Patricia R. Wagner)

Her Ten Commandments

I. Remember that I am thy wife, whom thou must cherish all thy life.

II. Thou shalt not stay out late at night when lodges, friends, or clubs invite.

III. Thou shalt not smoke indoor or out, or chew tobacco round about.

IV. Thou shalt with praise receive my pies, nor pastry made by me despise.

V. My mother thou shalt strive to please, and let her live with us in ease.

VI. Remember 'tis thy duty clear to dress me well throughout the year.

VII. Thou shalt not be a drinking man, but live on prohibition plan.

VIII. Thou shalt in manner mild and meek give me thy wages every week.

IX. Thou shalt not flirt, but must allow thy wife such freedom anyhow.

X. Thou shalt get up when baby cries, and try the child to tranquilize.

These my commands from day to day. Implicitly thou shalt obey.

I'm not sure how many marriages would survive all of these commandments, but I just had to smile, and share them! I particularly like #VI.

The book where these came from had some more words of wisdom for Newlyweds. These are great, and my favorite is the one about entertainment...

Some Good Tips for the Newlyweds

Spend less than you earn.

Make a budget.

Keep a record of expenditures.

Have a bank account.

Carry LIFE insurance.

Insure your house and contents.

Own your own home.

Pay your bills promptly.

Share with others.

Avoid waste in every form.

Realize the responsibility of the marriage relationship - bear and forebear.

Wives must cook well if they would keep their husbands.

Husbands should confide in their wives, and the wives should take an interest in their husbands problems.

Wives must be neat. If their husbands like the latest styles, the wives should govern themselves accordingly.

Husbands should see that their wives get plenty of entertainment. They should take them to movies, for auto rides, walks, and swims, or whatever the wife likes.

If there has been a quarrel., kiss and make up before going to sleep. Never let such feelings last overnight.

Don't try to keep up with the Joneses.

Wise words to heed and take to heart!! ~Lisa

Success

Success is dependent upon the glands - sweat glands.

~Zig Ziglar, American Author

I'm Hanging On!

I've done it this time...

I grabbed a hold of Rachel's Dare Rope, and there's no turning back!

And just where is this rope dragging me to?

... A 10K Run!!!

There's only one problem. I have made it a point in my life to avoid running at all costs! So, why on earth would I sign up for this? First of all, I was dared to. Those of you who know me, know that it is hard for me to pass up a dare! Second of all, the treadmill I've told you about, has pushed me farther than I thought I could go, and it's only been a month. I figure that if I could run/walk 3 miles on level 10 today, I can complete a 10K race 13 weeks from now!

I posted a training schedule for novice runners, which would be ME, on my refrigerator. I am now committing to the race in front of all of you. You know what this means, don't you? I cannot possibly back out now!

Time to buy some good running shoes...

The next day...

I've thought about it, and decided that a 10K race just isn't enough of a challenge since I just did that after supper the other night by myself. So, I am challenging myself to the 1/2 marathon. I'll have 6 hours to finish it; I could walk the whole thing if I had to!

Anyone care to grab the rope with me?

Speaking of Courage...

Standing Tall

I stood up for myself today... Never backed down, even when my hands were shaking. It affected my family, not just me, so the Mama Bear in me came out, and I stood tall, and firm, and demanded that men listen to my growl! I will not go into detail, but I just wanted you to know that I did it. I stood tall, and firm, demanding truth and justice. Did I get it? Not as much as I would have liked, but enough to thank God for backing me up with a cup of courage, and a dose of determination.

I feel a dare coming on...

I dare you to stand up for something you truly believe in. It doesn't have to be a big thing; it can be eensy-weensy... No matter. It just needs to be something that is true, and right. It may be scary waters you're treading, but if it is something you truly believe in, it will be worth it. Just remember to be fair, and have all of your facts right, and your ducks in a row.

Go on, Mama Bear... You can do it!

These Character Traits Look Familiar...

I am experiencing my mother's revenge...

I have not one, but THREE out of four children who are just as stubborn as I am, and just as outspoken, not to mention ALWAYS having to have the last word!! This, I cannot blame on my husband's genes; it's all me, and these genes fit me like a glove.

I'm sure, without a doubt, that my mom is laughing herself to sleep each night, relishing in the sweet revenge of her daughter having children JUST LIKE HER!

My satisfaction? The hope of my children having kids that are just like them!

A few moments later after the guilt of what I had typed started to seep in...

I dearly love my children, and am incredibly thankful for them. I'm just having a severe case of crabbiness, and cannot seem to shake it. I have one nerve left, and you know the story.... Everyone is on it!

Okay, now that I have gotten that off of my chest, I can honestly say that I DO hope they have kids just like them... Brave, honest, fun, thoughtful, generous, sweet, lovable, kind, funny... And the list goes on. I know that the stubbornness, outspokenness, and boldness will help them get through life if they channel those qualities towards what is right, true, and good. I just happen to be the one with the file, filing the rough edges. It's a tough job, but I guess God thinks I have what it takes to get the job done.

How about you? What tough jobs does God think you are qualified for? Whatever it is, do it well, fully knowing that He has given you the tools you need. Really, He will... Check your toolbox; everything you'll need is in there.

Need a Rope...

Check out my friend, Rachel's blog; it is very inspiring. Up until now, you may have thought my Dare Chair has been mighty uncomfortable. Well, let me tell you, Rachel doesn't even have a chair. I think she needs a Dare Rope to strap you on, and pull you along for the wild, adventurous ride. Hang on for dear life, my friends!

http://alaskaatlast-rach.blogspot.com/

Scale Smashing

I'm hoping some of you out there decided to join me in the Dare Chair. I am quite surprised to tell you that I am now actually quite comfortable in that scary chair! I am on the exhausting path heading to success. Joining the fitness club was one of the best things I have ever done; the treadmill is now my buddy, challenging me to conquer new heights.

Some of you may be wondering how the whole foods thing is going with my family... Shockingly, good! I have them eating nuts, fruit, fish, and combinations of food that are quite adventurous. They're even surprising themselves at what they are liking! Things like bulgar wheat, couscous, almond butter, and quinoa are now a part of our vocabulary... Who'd have thought?!

As for the evil scale... I have a love-hate relationship with it. At first, I loved it. However, I am now wondering if it is stuck. That could happen, couldn't it? I was ready to throw it out the window since it would not budge, despite two weeks of faithfulness to my healthy eating habits, and 6 days a week of one-hour workouts! How on earth could it just stay put? UGH! I could hear it laughing its' evil little laugh at me.

I decided to take out the pants. You know... the pants that USED to fit. I was doubtful that I could even get them over my hips. That evil scale was putting all sorts of doubt in my mind. Well, I am now the one laughing. Not only could I get the pants over my hips, but I could zip and button them, too!! (Can you see me dancing the "Woo Hoo Dance"?) I can't wear the pants in public yet, but there is now a renewed sense of hope!! So, take THAT, darn scale!!

Remember hearing about the bra burning back in the 1960's? Maybe I should start a scale smashing!!