Hello

Just peeking in for a moment. I am enjoying my break, but I miss y'all. I have gotten a lot accomplished, but not nearly all I need to do. It takes longer to get a business going than I expected, especially waiting for government to move. As long as it took me to get my license, etc, I can imagine why it takes so long for Congress to move! Busy weekend ahead, so I can't work on it again until next week. I hope y'all have a blessed weekend.

My Blog

I am enjoying writing on my blog. I do, however, need to do some other things that need to be done in my life. So, I shall take a break for a week and try to get these done! Simplify!

K.I.S.S.

Keep it simple sweetie. I like to teasingly say I am simple-minded, but my husband doesn’t like for me to say that. He thinks I am degrading myself when I do. I do not mean I am ignorant, though. I just mean I like to do things the simple way.
When we started homeschooling, one of the seminars we went to encouraged us to keep it simple and used the KISS acronym. I liked it.

I also like that song the Shakers sang: 'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free’. I only sing the first line, though. Don’t know all the rest, but the music is a sweet little tune.

Henry David Thoreau live lived in the 1800s. I consider him as somewhat of a ‘hippie, in his day. As were a lot of his associates, from what I have read. I am not too sure of his lifestyle, but I like the quote, “Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify.” The last two words are the ones I think of often.

One time, on Captain Kangaroo, they were trying to take a photo of a family, but the family kept trying to make it better by adding things to the scene. The photographer kept saying, “Simple pictures are the best” as the photo got more and more cluttered because they were not listening to him.

Those four things have helped me stop being the perfectionist that I was and take time to pause to make things a little less stressful by not letting life be so cluttered and thinking everything has to be exact. It is a constant struggle, though for our lives are full of ‘clutter’ with so many things we think we need to do, it is hard not to try to do them all. I have to constantly weed things from my life … or house.
And now, with retiring and finally able to unpack all our household goods from over the years, I am trying to find a place for them all. I know eventually, I will toss some things, but I wanted to at least display them for a while. I’m just glad I did not buy many of the things I wanted!
So, as each new day comes, I am thankful for the life God has given me and now and then, I renew my commitment to simplify my life! For I know He does not want me to be stressed.

Poetry

Poetry

Learning poetry is confusing
As I daily sit here musing.
Rhythm and rhymes,
Meter and lines,
I think it’s brain abusing!

© 1993 Belinda Jo Adams

(This poem was published in Housewife Writer's Forum spring 1995.)

I was trying to study poetry and learn it correctly. The more I studied the more I was confused. I had written poetry for years, just not with all the rules!

Coupons

OK, my first day trying again to use coupons went well. I opened the folder up in the child’s seat of the cart and held it in place with 2 clothespins. That way, I could get at them easy. I had them organized by type of aisle and took out each group as we went down that aisle. When I finished, I let my husband put the unused ones back in its place. If I knew I did not want to use it ever, I left it on the shelf for someone else. My best deal was: Quaker oats were on sale for $2 and I had a $1 coupon! I wish I had printed more of them off. I saved $20 total and did not buy things I did not want just to save money.

Terms of Agreement

Does anyone read all those rules before you accept? I have, but not all the time. I usually do at least skim over them and see all the blah-blah-blahs and that they are about the same. Sometimes, when I hit accept, I wonder if I am signing away my first-born or something!
I went to site for a product yesterday, and wanted to ask a question. One of those forms came up where you have to type in your info. I sighed in resignation. “I only wanted to ask a wee little question.’ So, I filled in the dumb form, and then at the bottom, there was a place for you to read their ‘rules’. There were only 3 small ones, so I read them. The last one was:

“Finally, you agree neither to assert nor to cause or encourage others to assert against THAT PRODUCT or its designees any claim based on misappropriation, infringement, confidential relationship, implied contract or otherwise arising out of any use by THAT PRODUCT or its designees of any submitted materials.”

I could not say I would not tell anyone I did not like their product and that is what it meant to me. Well, I could not agree. Their choices were: click either agree or reset. So, I pushed reset and my comment etc were gone! Now, why in the world didn’t they put that at the top before I wasted all my time and effort thinking they really wanted to answer a question of mine? AND, I could not even send them a comment to complain without agreeing so they will never know either of my concerns!
Whew, wasted time!

Grocery List

Speaking of a grocery list, many years ago, I made up a one page list in MS Excel. If anyone wants a copy of it, you can email me and I will send it to you. FREE! :)
You will have a base to custom fit it for you.

Coupons

This morning at 3 a.m. I awoke and I could not sleep so I organized my coupons. I have used coupons for years, but have slacked some because of the aggravation of juggling them in the store, etc. I figured that the amount of money I saved was not worth all the hassle. I just used the ones I picked up in the store while shopping. I don't really use a lot of the stuff coupons are for, anyway. Then, I guess that should make my job easier, huh? Now, I want to use them more for the products I do buy and save money. I guess retirement does that to you. (retirement = half the money, twice the husband. I like twice the husband, just not half the money! :)
I signed up for this site and they send me an email weekly with coupons. I go to their site and choose which ones I want then print them off.
So, now I am all ready for grocery shopping, except for the energy to do so. After this bronchitis is gone and I get some rest from not sleeping, then I can see how my new organization works ... and if I keep using coupons again.


Out with the old and in with the new. I am retiring my faithful coupon holder. Many of the new ones will not fit in it. And with the new one, even my grocery list fits in it!

Speech Therapy

Yolanda said... B.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l.!!!
I saw this on a comment this morning and it reminded me of when our daughter was having trouble pronouncing her words. She could not say beautiful. She blended the first like 'boo'. Over and over we would say it as B-U-T Full, until she could say it correctly.
Later, a ENT doctor told us she could not pronounce her 'r' and needed to go to a speech therapist. We could not afford that. So, I came up with a saying 'Ryan the red racing robot ran around the rosebush in the rain'. We repeated it until she could say her 'r'!
So, with a little common sense we saved a lot of money we did not have in the first place!

Homemade Soap

I have not had the chance to do this, but I have had the opportunity to use a bar my friend made. It is nice and I hope to make some one day. Here is her link.
Homemade Soap

Retirement Quilt

In 2005, I decided to make a biscuit quilt. I saw one somewhere and thought, ‘how neat!’ I began sewing each little pillow, and then connected them into sections. I jokingly called it our retirement quilt, because I thought it would take that long to finish it. I wanted no two squares the same so it did some doing to find the material for all the pillows. It took me 3 years! There are two squares the same but I did that for a game for the grandkids to figure out which two. I also broke about 20 sewing machine needles doing this project. When I ran out of material, and could not get to the store for more, I started going through our closet and eliminating clothing we did not need anymore! I finally got it done and a year later, we retired.

I Am Just Not Dainty

I like to dress casual and tie my hair back in a ponytail when working around the house or writing. I am not good at dressing up and acting ladylike. Sometimes, though, I need to dress up for various occasions. Now they all say ‘clothes make the man’ and I do believe it to some extent, but not always.
For example, when our daughter got married some friends gave her bridal shower. I felt I should dress the part of the ‘mother of the bride’ and donned my nice clothes and tried to act lady like. I did a pretty good job until I decided to stand for some reason or the other. I forgot my cup was on the floor and I stepped to it, splashing punch everywhere ... or so it seemed at the moment.
One of my sisters-in-law is an elegant person and likes to have fancy dinners when we all get together. It is nice to have this time to enjoy all her fineries of life. I refuse to help with the dishes though. Not because I am afraid of work but because I am afraid I will break something! One day, I felt bad because I was not helping so I picked up a stack of plates and headed for the kitchen. Stubbing my toe on the fireplace, I started going down. I regained my balance and set the dishes on the table. After that, I limit did myself to napkin rings, silver and anything else non- breakable.
Once, our refrigerator stopped working. I decided to make a pot of soup out of the freezer contents. I called a senior citizen neighbor to ask if she wanted some. When she opened the door, I entered, only to trip on the threshold. Down I headed. Out of my peripheral vision, I saw a foot stool and turned my body toward it. Landing across it on my stomach I gently set the hot food on the floor only spilling a couple drops.
I guess all this started at three years old of age when I backed up in a store and much to my parents’ dismay, sat in a crate of eggs. I try not to let all these things get to me, but it does become embarrassing sometimes. God created each one of us with our own traits and I guess been dainty just ain’t one of mine!

© Belinda Jo Adams

Just A Housewife

(note from author: read to the end!)

I could be a pediatrician
Caring for children’s aches and diseases.
But, I can’t because I’m just a housewife.

I could be a secretary
Keeping files and other paperwork in order.
But, I can’t because I’m just a housewife.

I could be a laundress
Making sure people’s clothing is kept clean.
But, I can’t because I’m just a housewife.

I could be a dietician
Preparing meals both pleasing and nutritious.
But, I can’t because I’m just a housewife.

I could be a taxi driver
Taking important people to important places.
But, I can’t because I’m just a housewife.

I could have a fabulous career
Earning enough money to make me wealthy.
But, I can’t because I’m just a housewife.

But, I do have a fabulous career
That gives me wealth beyond measure
Just because I am a housewife!


© Belinda Jo Adams

Coupons

A few months ago, I signed up for coupons to be able to print only the ones I want at home. I had trouble getting it to work. I don't know if it was my old computer or what, but this morning I tried it again and it worked like a charm!
I receive email notices showing me which ones are available. Most of them I am not interested in, but now and then there are some I can use. Hope this is helpful.
Here is the site, if you are interested. Actually, it is the site, whether you are interested or not. :)

Where have all the needles gone?

During years of sewing I constantly lost needles. Does that sound familiar? I decided to make a new pin cushion. Since my old tomato pin cushion was looking ratty, I decided to use the stuffing for my new one. When I started pouring the contents from one to the other, needles kept coming out also. I ended up with more than fifty needles of all shapes and sizes! Save a trip to the store. Make a new pin cushion instead!

Next Post

I have been enjoying hitting next post and seeing different sites ... until yesterday. I don't plan to hit it again for I saw one that I REALLY wish I had not see. So, be careful with that button!

My Signature

OK, I did it. Does that mean I have to paste in the code each time?
If you don't know about the signature thing, there is a link at the bottom of my sidebar.
Or you could go to Kristy's and she explains the steps and has a link.

Quiet Moments

I am a pretty busy person. It is hard for me to sit still and have quiet time. I don't know if God or society made me this way, but I am on the go almost constantly. During the years, I have tried to slow myself down, and have tremendously, but I still move from one project to another without taking down time. Sometimes, my husband says it seems to cause me more stress to try to slow down than to go ahead and do all my projects. Recently, due to health issues, I am realizing that I must do so, though.
I like to drink a cup of coffee or herbal tea (really weak) and eat a piece of dark chocolate as a treat. I rarely finish the drink. This morning, I sat and relaxed while finishing the drink, while looking out the window at nature. 1 time of relaxation! Yea. Then, later, I sat at my vanity and rubbed my feet with cream, while taking extra time to massage them a bit instead of hurrying at it. 2 times! yea. Hope I can keep taking those moments of quiet time for my health's sake.
BTW, my health is OK. It is mainly stress and I need to relax!

Names

When our daughters were 1 and 3, our youngest called the older one, Who-Who instead of Crystal. The oldest one called the younger one Ra-rach instead of Rachael. We could understand Ra-rach, so much that it almost became a nickname, before we nipped it in the bud. But, we could not figure out Who-Who.
Years later, when they were teenagers and we lived in a two-story house, I stood on the first floor and called up to Crystal, “Crystal, Woohoo” (or however you spell that call we make) and then stopped in pause. Well, I guess that is where Who-Who had come from!

Brain Games

I have a confession to make. I like to do the picture puzzles in Highlights for Children Magazine. You know those puzzles where they have 2 pictures and one has changes in it? Usually at a doctor’s office, I look for the magazine and do the puzzle. In my head, of course, so the children can enjoy it.
Yesterday, at the grocery store, I saw a magazine on the rack at the cash register. There was only one and looked like it was out of place. I picked it up and then added it to my stack of groceries. Now, I usually resist impulse buying, but as to my confession, this one was picture puzzles! I hesitated at the $3.99 price, but then I was buying 2 dozen eggs for about that much. The book would last us much longer and I could pass it on to my parents to enjoy, and then keep it around for a conversation piece.
We have enjoyed seeing how many differences we could find and are doing pretty good. Of course, we are still in level 1 of 4 levels. They say it gets harder. But, then we are supposed to be exercising our brains, right?!
I just researched the book online. I guess it was a sample or smaller version and the #3.99 is a good deal. Their books are about $12.99 each!

When I Am An Old Lady

I wrote this about 20 years ago when I was in my 30s. Actually, I wrote it because it really happened! I still remember walking through the store and seeing her and praying that and hearing that.

"I saw an elderly white-haired lady in the story today. She had such a sweet disposition that I prayed to God “When I get old, help me to be that way.” He whispered, “Start now.”

Chicken Soup

We had our chicken soup for lunch today. We each ate a bowl and a few minutes later, I was hungry. I could not figure it out, until I realized I had forgot to put the chicken in it! Veggies go through your system faster than veggies and meat, so we laughed, I added the chicken and had another bowl. Now, I feel more satisfied.
I also had put it on low in the crock pot with some raw veggies whle we were at church. They had cooked to just the right consistency and were not mushy. Ummmmmm

Chicken Soup

My husband is sick so I made a pot of chicken soup today. I rarely buy a whole chicken, for I usually buy the white meat because it is ‘supposed to be’ healthier. But, chicken soup is just so much better to me when you start with the whole bird! I cook it in the crock pot so it is tender and falls off the bone easily. Then, I let it sit until it cools, then pluck the meat off the bones to put back into the broth for the foundation of the soup.
I could not help but remember our earlier years when it was us and the two children. We did not have a lot of money and wanted to keep me from going to work. I always bought a whole chicken back then and did what I did today. I got several meals out of that bird. None of it that was edible went into the trash can. Every little crevice was cleaned out! We had chicken and noodles, chicken and rice, etc.
I see so much waste today, it makes me sad. You see, we did not make enough money to have a lot of ‘extras’. But, at the same time, we made ‘too much’ for food stamps or other help. So, we had to not waste anything.
And, you know what?! I am glad. We had to work for what we got and looking back, we know we did it on our own without help from government agencies.
I am not condemning the food stamp program. It is a good thing to help those in need until they can help themselves again, which is what it is for. I’m just glad we were blessed enough not to need it. Praise God.
Now, to go enjoy that yummy chicken soup!

Life Without Plastic?

Plastics are part of our lives and only by difficult means or expense will we stop using it. I would like to boycott it because of it being made from petroleum and because of the possibility of the chemicals leaching into what we eat or drink. But, hey, as some of my friends used to say, "She is the Tupperware queen!" Lots of my plastic I acquired by giving parties and getting free gifts! I have retired some of it for a while, being I am not using the microwave as much, but I have much storage in the containers and I am not throwing them out!

So, I will not stop using it, but I will check the recycle codes first. According to what I researched, 'they' say if it is a #2 HDPE, or a #4 LDPE, or a #5 PP, plastic is ok to use.

Plastic water bottles (and drinking cups) is most often #1. #1 is for one time use. I've started throwing them out ... or as I have read, refill it no more than once. Of course, with the newer, thinner eco bottles, I am using them as “luxury items' when we are out and about and tossing them, because they 'taste plastic' to me the first time.
I am not going to give any links. If you are curious do a search for yourself and satisfy that curiosity. Like most other things, every person does not agree and it can get confusing.

Ask

Movie Reviews

Ever wonder about a movie, whether it is fit to watch? Here is a site that might help.
The Dove Foundation.

Teen Chat Lines

Teen Chat Room Acronyms

I am organizing my favorite links and came across this one. I thought maybe parents would be interested in the codes some teens use for chatting.

Product Grarantees

Today, I picked up our nearly full can of disinfectant spray and it did not spray. I called the toll-free number on the can and talked to them about it. Now, I am getting a coupon in the mail for a new can. He said you are supposed to shake the can a couple times before spraying it. I used it for many years and have never done that. I read the directions and did not see that instruction. The directions are so small (or is it my eyes?) that it is hard to read. I think it is because they have to put so much stuff on the can for warnings, the typing is all squished. Anyway, a few months ago, I called a laundry detergent place because the pour spout was inside the bottle. They sent me a coupon also.
Companies want to hear from you when you have a problem. It is nice that they stand behind their products and will replace a damaged one.

Emotional Perks

We all have our insecurities and quirks
So, instead of giving reprimands or smirks
Flash a smile of understanding
To each person in passing
And hand out emotional perks!

© Belinda Jo Adams

Writing

"Every good writer writes what she is." Belinda Jo Adams

My Best Gift

Hearing my babies’ first words – Helping with their first steps – Enduring the agony as well as enjoying the thrill of them cutting teeth. – Listening to their stories. – Stopping their arguments – Drying their tears and sharing their hugs. – Supporting them during problems ... and victories – Taking time to teach them God’s Word. – Eight and a half years of teaching them at home, both school work and homemaking.
Time with my husband, no matter what schedule he worked. – Taking time for each other as well as the children. – One whole year of him coming home for lunch with us. – Family vacations without the conflict of job schedules.
Serving The Lord through various ministries of our church and helping others in need. – Now, time for fulfilling one of my heart’s desires with my writing; hoping to be a witness and blessing to others.
I know this may sound like a lot of gifts, but my husband and I made a decision more than thirty-seven years ago, that I would stay home and be a full time housewife. Now that the children are grown and I look back over the years, I know making that choice has been my best gift.


© Belinda Jo Adams

Blogging

I can't believe I have been blogging for a month now. Thanks, Bethany, for giving me the boost by showing me that it was not all that mysterious, after all.

magazines

When I posted that last comment, I had an ad on the other side of the screen for a magazine! How much do these people know about us anyway? My dad calls this Internet thing, the beast. Hummmmm ???!!!

magazines

One of my pet peeves is magazine companies. Why can't they leave you alone after you order their mag and just let you enjoy it?! We have not received any in a long time due to moving. So, after we settled, we subscribed to several at good deals. Now, we get requests from many other magazines that we have to toss out, after we shred our address, of course. And the ones we do get keep sending us special rates to extend. We don't even know if we like it yet! Whew, I did not realize what peace we had by not getting them!