Journal entry 237--Your day

Describe your day today. Is it any different than your other days?

Today was not much different than most Thursdays. I went to the gym where I'm slowly getting back into exercise after my shoulder surgery and then headed over to Walgreens. There I bought a bunch of stuff for $.10! Yes, I'm addicted to using coupons. After I went home, I worked in my garden and continued to devise evil plots to destroy the rabbits that eat my garden and finally I went to my daughter's school where I teach music. Once that was over, I took my daughter to piano lessons and then picked up my two boys from middle school. Lastly I drove to Albertson's where I cleaned up on more great deals. I know this is all very boring but how was your day?

Journal entry 236--Dogs

If you could be any animal in the world, what would it be and why?


I think I would need to be a fantasy animal because the idea of flight has always intrigued me and also going anywhere underwater. If I had to choose something I think it would be an eagle. Although, the thought of a mouse diet is very unappealing. Maybe I could be a shark or some creature in the abyss. That way, I could explore the ocean. Probably the best life of an animal is my puppy, Ruthie's. I suppose I could be her and have a life of ease--sleeping on a cozy bed, constant attention and meals on demand!

Journal entry 235--View

Describe a beautiful view.

I could stare at the ocean all day. I love it! To me, it is the most relaxing view to admire. I love watching the waves form, crest and then crash onto the shore. I'm always on the lookout for dolphins and sea lions either jumping through the water or peeking their noses out. Pelicans are also fun to watch as they dive straight down into the water for a snack. I love the sounds and view of the ocean.

Journal entry 234--Earth

With the celebration of Earth day last week, what changes if any have you made to help the environment?

I try to conserve energy by turning off lights and changing all my bulbs to florescent. I have a compost in my backyard and a garden. I would love to put up solar panels and a wind mill in my yard but it cost too much money for the amount we would save. My biggest struggle is the shower. It's so hard to be quick about it! I'm trying!

Journal entry 233--Smile

Write ten things that make you smile.

1. My children and husband
2. My puppy
3. Getting checks in the mail
4. A great yard sale find
5. Winning a card game
6. Chocolate chip cookies
7. Stability
8. Marx Brother's or Mel Brooks movies
9. Watching my garden grow
10. A good book

Journal entry 232--Wind

What does the wind remind you of?

I always think about my bedroom when I was a child. My bed was up against the window, which had curtains. I loved to lie on my bed and let the wind gently blow the curtains outward. I loved the feel of the warm air and the smell of orange blossoms it brought with it. An orange tree was just outside my bedroom window. It was so relaxing to lie there and let the curtains fan my face. Now a days, unfortunately, the wind is too strong where I live to enjoy it!

Journal entry 231--Skills

Describe a skill that you would like to learn.

I am learning how to make cheese. I've always been interested in the cheese making process and last year purchased a cheese making kit. This Thursday, I'm putting it to the test. Ideally I would love to be able to make hard cheeses like cheddar but I'll need a special refrigerator for that. We'll see. I'd hate to spend more money on making cheese than it actually costs to buy it! I'll have to let you all know how my cheese turns out this Thursday!

Journal entry 230--Fathers

Write about something special your father has given you.

I've realized that most of my entries don't involve fathers because of my lack of a father growing up. However, I know a lot of you had or have a very loving father so this entry is for you! The only thing I can think of that my father gave me was a china doll my grandmother made. I loved my grandmother and admired her talent for sewing and handicrafts. Making china dolls was just one of her many talents and I'm thankful I got to keep one of her dolls.

Journal entry 229--Schools

Describe how you feel about your state's current education system. Do you think it's doing enough for your children?

I'm personally fed up with our education system. I'm inches away from homeschooling my three kids and I don't really know what's stopping me. It just seems like everyone's priorities are going different ways and no one realizes that the schools need money to give our kids the education they deserve. My boys had a great fourth grade teacher who recognized what to do with gifted kids and always tried new and innovative things with the kids. She just received her pink slip because she is not tenured and at the same time one of the worst teachers is still teaching because she is tenured. My friend is a tenured teacher and she has fought to end tenure because she agrees that teachers should stay because of their merit and skills. Now I know there are many, many tenured teachers out there who are wonderful but I'm talking about the ones who are not and still stay at a school teaching. Arrgghhh! The whole system drives me nuts!

Journal entry 228--Children

Each day write about one of your children and how they are similar to you.

My daughter, Olivia is very similar to me and the way I acted as a child. Like her, I was the youngest in my family with two siblings much older than I. We both had to fight to keep up with the older kids and always wanted to do what they did. Olivia is precocious and talkative. My grandfather said I was the same way and if he wanted to know everything that was happening in our family, he just needed to get me on the phone and I would spill the beans. One thing about Olivia that is not like I was is her faith in Heavenly Father. I wish I had as much faith as she does. She's an example to me with her simple, straightforward love for Heavenly Father and Jesus.

Journal entry 227--Children

Each day write about one of your children and how they are similar to you.

My son, Chris is very pensive and quiet which is how I was as a child. He's the type that likes to have 1 or 2 good friends around him rather than a large group. Chris is cautious with others and can be shy at times. I was a lot like that growing up. I didn't like to deal with lots a people around me and would rather hang out with my best friend. Chris is not like into sports which is what I was like. He loves reading just like I do and has often gotten into trouble at school for reading a book during class. I did the same thing by hiding my book in front of my textbook when I thought the teacher was boring. Chris has a great sense of wit and I love being around him.

Journal entry 226--Children

For the next few days, depending on how many children you have, describe how each child is similar to you. Make each day entry for each child.

My son, Brad is probably the most like me. He's very passionate about whatever he believes in and has an opinion about everything. I'm a lot like that only I was worse when I was younger. He thinks everything should be equal and fair, especially if it pertains to his well being! I can be like that as well. In games, I hate it when people who know better, cheat. Brad is the same way. He can't even handle it when I let his little sister win. He's such a good and loving child and I love him tremendously.

Journal entry 225-- Easter

Happy Easter everyone! Describe an Easter from your past.

Every Easter, growing up my family would go for dinner to my grandparents house. We'd have an Easter egg hunt with all the cousins and I would always get a big chocolate Easter bunny in my basket. Then I would sit down with a jar of peanut butter and dip broken pieces of chocolate into the peanut butter. My grandmother would always serve ham, potatoes and green beans. Her food was delicious especially her desserts which were pies. She always made a lemon meringue pie with her fresh lemons from her tree. Her lemon pie was the best. Besides missing her, I also miss her wonderful lemon pie.

Journal entry 224--Car trips

Describe a long car trip you've taken as a child.

Growing up we would often take a long car trip from Los Angeles to Provo, Utah. Twelve hours long! If you've ever driven that trek you'll know how dreadfully boring it is going through the desert. Often times our radio would not pick up any music only static and we certainly didn't have Nintendo DS nor DVD players. To pass the time, we would play lots of car games as well as card games. I would also read a lot or sleep. I really hated making those trips although it was fun to see my grandparents. My children now have no idea how easy it is for them! DVD players and hand held games occupy their time now!

Journal entry 223--Losing a tooth

Write about a time when you lost a tooth. How did you lose it? Was it your first tooth?

I have allergies and as a child needed to take medicine. This medicine was disgusting and made me want to throw up whenever I smelled it. One day my sister was asked to give me my medicine, however, she had more important things to do and was pretty annoyed that she had to do this task. She carefully pour the medicine onto a spoon and waited for me to open my mouth. The medicine was nasty, remember, so I wouldn't open up! Finally, I did when I had listened enough to my sister getting mad at me and she jammed the spoon in knocking my front tooth out. The tooth was already loose so I didn't mind that she knocked it out, but she felt bad!

Journal entry 222--Secret

What's something you've never told anyone. If you're brave enough, write it down.

I'm not brave enough to write my secrets down. They're between me and God and nobody else! So maybe you'll have better luck writing yours down!

Journal entry 221--Christmas shopping

Describe one of your most harried Christmas shopping experiences.

Every year growing up Christmas shopping was a crazy time. Most of my mom's shopping was done on Christmas eve! It just seemed like a normal part of the season. Because we waited until Christmas eve to complete our shopping, the stores were busy with long lines and grumpy people. Sometimes we even bought a Christmas present on Christmas day! It wasn't until I married my husband and realized that Christmas shopping is best done early in the season. My mother-in-law starts buying presents the day after Christmas for the following Christmas! That's a little too early for me.

Journal entry 220--Closet

Write about what one would see in your closet right now.

Someone would see a big mess! A pile of clothes ready to iron are sitting on our ironing board and my shoes are in disarray. I try to organize my clothes and it looks great but that only lasts about a month. For the most part my closet isn't too bad. I have seen worse but writing this just reminds me that I need to get busy and organize it again.

Journal entry 219--Impatience

Are you impatient? How impatient are you?

Before I had children I was extremely impatient. I think that childrens' actual inability to move quickly helped teach me patience. One thing I'm not patient about is my own personal healing. As you know I had shoulder surgery 3 weeks ago and I'm getting pretty sick of not being able to do every I normally did. I want to get my garden ready and spring clean my house but I'm so limited that I just end up frustrated. My doctor says I need to rest my arm more and take it easy and I try but I get depressed and impatient being limited. I know I should relish this time when I have an excuse not to do stuff but that can only last so long!

Journal entry 218--Siblings

Describe a memory involving a sibling.

My brother is 10 years older than I am and I always wanted to be around him when I was little. I thought everything he did was clever and fun. He had this remote controlled helicopter that was attached to a long, thick wire and flew in a circle and I loved playing with it. Often we would build a little barrack out of legos with a little military man trapped inside. Then we flew the helicopter around and around bashing it into the lego prison until the man was freed. All the while listening to The Dr. Demento Show on the radio. I loved that my brother played with me even though I was so much younger.