The Latest Project

What do you think it is?

Hmmm?

Okay, maybe this one gives it away...I've taken up bookbinding!

(Quick backstory here: my brother had a friend from college who made a sketchbook for my brother's fiance, and to be quite honest it wasn't that good. Each section of pages (or signature) was like 20 pages messily folded in half, nothing was glued, etc. I'm not saying mine is fantastic or anything, but seeing that made me think 'well, I could do better than that' so this is my shot at it. *takes a breath* No offense if that friend reads this blog. I know he doesn't, though, so I should be good.)

This is just printer paper, folded in half, torn, and folded in half again to form a quarter-page-sized booklet. Each signature is 4 pages, and I think there's 8 signatures. The thread is normal polyester, two pieces folded in half so there's 4 threads total. I just used Elmer's glue for the binding because I don't have any other glue on hand. 

See the glue on the edge there? That turned out to be a mistake--it dried into a hard edge, and now the spine is wonky. But I think I know how to avoid that next time.

The cover is some scrap fabric over cardboard (the back of an old sketchbook, actually), all glued again with Elmer's. It seeped rather badly through the fabric, so I'll have to figure out a less messy way for the next time. 

I have a TON of old sheet music for craft use lying about, so one sheet became the endpapers.

And the inside is just printer paper. I think next time I'd like to use watercolor paper, or something of a similar heavier stock. 

On a side note, this entire project (including tearing and folding the paper) probably took me around an hour. The use of a hair dryer to speed up the glue drying helped immensely, but it wasn't NEARLY as hard as I thought it would be. I watched the original Planet of the Apes while assembling the pages (and tried very hard not to be shocked by the '70s--they had a fascination with butts back then. I saw more of Charleton Heston's backside within an hour and a half than I ever desired to see in my entire lifetime. *shudders*), and the cover took maybe half an hour to put together. 

You know what this means, right?

MOAR BOOKBINDING (and less Planet of the Apes)

On a random note, church was canceled yesterday due to an ice storm. Hence, no notes from the study. But fear not, we will be up and running by next Sunday, provided there are no more ice storms. 

On another random note, I'm still waiting to hear back from this one dude ranch in Colorado. *bites nails* All the people they called have told me that it's almost a certainty that I'll get the job...BUT THE SUSPENSE. *flails*

Crossfit and Running

This may come as a surprise...but I hate working out.

No, let me rephrase that: I enjoy working out, but hate taking the time to do so. Does that make sense? It's like I have to psych myself up and think 'okay, you're not allowed to do anything else until this is done'. Once I get started, though, I enjoy it...so I guess it's just a discipline issue.

Considering that whole mental hurdle, I think I've done rather well over the past month or two. I'm able to go to the gym every day (or stake out in my room for when it's too cold to go outside to said gym), and while I've said in the past that I hate to run, I'm actually starting to enjoy that too. Having a program to follow helps a LOT. 

In regards to running: on Wednesday, I ran a total of 16 minutes! (This was sprinkled throughout intervals of walking, but still) There's been no shin-splints, no undue soreness (aside from the hip flexors being a bit tight), and I actually feel good after running instead of feeling like I'm going to die. It must be those happy endorphins kicking in.

I haven't lost any weight, though...time to clean up ye olde diet again. Sigh. On the other hand I can do more various exercises more often. So I guess it's a worthy tradeoff. 

In other news, I just finished this book:

(I can't say enough good things about it--I knew little to nothing about the leaders of the Reformation, and it's given me a desire to learn more about these guys)

And I've started re-reading Les Miserables. There was a quote I came across today that reminded me of some stuff a friend of mine has been going through:

"Some people are malicious from the mere necessity of talking. Their conversation, chatter in the drawing room, gossip in the antechamber, is like those fireplaces that rapidly burn up wood; they need a great deal of fuel; the fuel is their neighbor." 

This is in regards to Fantine and her position being exploited by busybodies and her co-workers and neighbors. But in this present situation, the more I consider the people involved and the methods by which they seem to determined to tear each other down, it seems to have some interesting parallels. Do we tear each other down so that we might appear more knowledgeable, holy, righteous, or any other various 'reasons'? Is it for satisfaction? Appearing 'right' about something? Revenge? Who knows? It varies from person to person. But I'm finding that the common denominator is an exercising of the self over others--or, in other words, love of self instead of love for others. 

It's an interesting thought. I may take this idea farther at a later date, but for now I'll just stew over it. 

Sunday Morning Study: Week 3

Week 3 of the Sunday morning ladies' study--this is my last chapter of notes, and then I should be on a more regular schedule of just Sundays.

This chapter is the first in a series of three about types of men. Debi Pearl classifies men within three general categories: the Prophet (Mr. Visionary), the Priest (Mr. Steady), and the King (Mr. Command). This is something of a personality and 'type' sketch--most guys, I've noticed, are a combination of traits but more lean more heavily in one than the other. The idea in these chapters is to get an idea of how a guy 'works' within a type, and then adjusting oneself according to complement his traits. 

(The three categories reflect the triune nature of God, with king=God, priest=Jesus, and prophet=Holy Spirit)

The 'prophet' type is a mover and shaker, desiring to change the status quo, thriving on confrontation and a need to express themselves through some form of creativity. They're always coming up with crazy business ventures and inventions, focusing on random issues, etc. This kind of guy is a huge amount of fun and a huge headache at the same time, to be honest...I know several people who are like this, and I'm always either inspired or frustrated by them (sometimes at the same time!).

The role of the wife if she's married to this type is to watch her conversation (i.e., don't talk badly about people) because her words have a lot of impact, and while she's his #1 cheerleader she also keeps him grounded.

I'd like to interject here that I think the role of the wife is the same no matter who she's married to--but certain characteristics needs to be cultivated more strongly and given more attention depending on the type of man she marries. As for me and the prophet type...like I said earlier, I'm always inspired and frustrated simultaneously by them. If I was married to one, it'd take a lot of adjusting.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Chapter 3: The Prophet

Focus: The prophet-natured man

Conversation: 1. An informal spoken exchange of thoughts and feelings; a familiar talk

2. Social intercourse; close association

3. Manner of life; behavior

Behavior: 1. The manner in which one behaves; deportment; demeanor

2. The actions or reactions of persons or things under specified circumstances

Synonyms: Behavior (actions on specific occasions involving essentially external/sometimes superficial relationships);

Conduct (applies to actions in more significant relationships considered from standpoint of morals and ethics);

Deportment (actions measured by prevailing social code)

Matthew 12:36 -- ^"A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken."

(this is regarding conversation--a wise wife knows when to build up and when to tear down. Plus, if she's saying good things (ideas, compliments, having a realistic optimism) instead of bad (complaining, finding fault, being a wet blanket about life), her husband is far more inclined to enjoy her company)

1 Timothy 4:12 -- "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."

(Start learning while young to have 'chaste conversation'! If a girl is married to a prophet-type her words can stir up his anger against herself or others. This isn't to have a Pollyanna-type look on life. It's to realize that it's not important to 'be right' or 'have the last word' or 'look better than everyone else'; the important thing is to remain flexible, smile when you feel slighted, store up your treasures in heaven, and ignore the things that don't matter)

Ephesians 2:3 -- "All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature [ Or our flesh ] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath."

Ephesians 4:22-32 -- "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption^. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.^"
 

^{(This is a reminder to not let conversation be ruled by the lusts of the flesh)}

^{Philippians 1:27 -- "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel."}

 ^{1 Peter 1:15 --  "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do..."}

^{(Link between our conversation and the gospel)}

^{Hebrews 13:5 -- "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,}

“Never will I leave you;
    never will I forsake you.” "

(This reminds us to be content)

James 3:13-18 -- ^"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ¹⁶ For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.<sup>"

(This is the link between wisdom and conversation)
  
1 Peter 3:1-2 --"Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives."

1 Peter 3:16 -- "But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."

 (Conversation without words)</sup> 
 

^{Some of the traits that the wife of the prophet type needs to have:}

^Flexibility

^Loyalty

^{The ability to go with the flow}

^Supportive

^{Enjoying the trip}

^{Thinking objectively with common sense}

^{Staying positive and grounded}

^{Guarding against idle/negative conversation}

^{Be tough and inoffensive (not easily given to offense)
 Listen and cheerlead}

^{Faithfulness in God and her husband's ability}

^{Purposefulness with own life}

Sunday Morning Study: Week 2

Continuing in the vein of the Sunday Morning Study series, here is week 2! 

This is another chapter that I had a hard time with. It tells the story of a young lady who is approached by a young man she barely knows in order to court her. (I don't care if you say court, date, whatever--it's all semantics to me--but the book says court so that's what I'm going to use for continuities' sake.) She's very hesitant at first, but prayerfully considers it, consults others in her family and that she knows for their advice, and decides to go ahead and go for it. It works out, they get married, and there's an interview in the back going for the guy's perspective.

I had a hard time with this chapter because I don't like some forms of courting, particularly the example found in this chapter. For those who don't know, 'courtship' is like serious dating for Christians. One normally doesn't approach another for a courtship unless they're pretty sure that they want to marry them. It's not a casual approach in the least. 

My main issue with courtship is that it relies very heavily on parental involvement. I'm all over parents being involved and checking out prospective suitors and all that--but I'm a little weirded out by a guy ONLY going to a girl's father and ONLY talking to him for permission and to know about a girl, with very little contact with the girl at all. I know that not all forms of courtship are the same--I mainly have issues with the type I'm spelling out. (My dad has already told me that if someone I didn't know very well were to approach him about me, he'd say 'what does she think about you?' before going any further. A very big thanks, Dad!)

In this chapter, the guy watches the girl for a while to get an idea of her personality and character, talks to people who know her to get an idea of what she's like, and then talks to her father without giving her the slightest hint of friendliness, much less interest. This is just speaking for myself, but if someone was interested in me, I'd prefer it if he got to know me and not just about me from everyone else (and a little friendliness never killed anyone...). It seems like a very hands-off, overly cautious approach. It's nice to get to know someone, in a group setting if nothing else, before they drop a bombshell of 'I'd like to marry you'.

But anyway. That's just my personal opinion. There was still a lot of good stuff in the chapter--and like I said in the previous study post, there's times that I don't agree with the book. This just happens to be one of those times.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Chapter 2: Courtship to Whom?

Focus: Discovering God's Will

Stubborn: 1. Unduly determined to exert one's will; refractory

2. Not easily persuaded; obstinate

3. Resistant, contrary

Obstinate: 1. Stubbornly adhering to an attitude, opinion, or course of action

2. Difficult to manage, control, or subdue

3. Difficult to alleviate or cure

Synonyms: refractory, obstinate, unmanageable, resistant, unresponsive

Antonyms: amenability, flexibility, compliant, willing

Deuteronomy 9:27 (concerning the people of Israel and Moses praying for God to forgive them their stubbornness and the golden calf)

1 Samuel 15:23--"For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry."

Proverbs 7:11--"She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house." (referring to the adulterous woman) 

The following verses are on what a young woman can do to come to a knowledge of God's will.

1 Corinthians 7:34--"An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband." 

(She honors God in her youth.)

Proverbs 11:14--"For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers." 

Proverbs 12:15--"The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.

 (She is open to counsel.)

Proverbs 31:10-31--"A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies. 

 Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value. 

 She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life. 

 She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands. 

 She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar. 

 She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants. 

 She considers a field and buys it;
    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 

 She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks. 

 She sees that her trading is profitable,
    and her lamp does not go out at night. 

 In her hand she holds the distaff
    and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 

 She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy. 

 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 

 She makes coverings for her bed;
    she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 

 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 

 She makes linen garments and sells them,
    and supplies the merchants with sashes. 

 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come. 

 She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 

 She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness. 

 Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her: 

 “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 

 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.^"

^{(She proves herself hardworking and willing to be a good wife.)}

^{James 1:5--"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."}

^{(She prays for wisdom.)}

  ^{1 Timothy 2:2--"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,  for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way."}

^{(She prays for those in authority over her so that they will be watching for any  young man who might be a good match.)}

^{Colossians 1:11--"...being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience..."}

^{Romans 5:3-4--Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope."}

^{Romans 8:25--"But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."}

^{(She waits with patience and joy.)}

^{Galatians 5:13--"Y}ou, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.^"

^{(She looks for ways to serve others.)}

^{Proverbs 19:20-21--"Listen to advice and accept discipline,
    and at the end you will be counted among the wise.}

Many are the plans in a person’s heart,

    but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails^{."
(When a man of honor asks for her, and those who have watched over her feel he is a good man, then she genuinely seeks the Lord for His direction.)}

Sunday Morning Study: Week 1

Today was the third week for a young ladies' study that I've been leading at church. I've been taking copious amounts of notes and steeping my mind in the book and the verses listed in the teacher's study guide each week before teaching a chapter...and just 3 classes have gotten me thinking a LOT.

The book in question is Preparing to Be A Help Meet, by Debi Pearl.

I would like to point out that I don't agree with EVERYTHING the Pearls teach. There's a lot of people out there who are convinced that the Pearls are harsh and rigid and unyielding people because of unfavorable reviews, especially concerning their book To Train Up A Child. However, I can disagree with some things a person says and not totally throw away everything about them. Part of the fun of teaching from these books is researching as I go along, sifting through the information, picking out the gems and throwing away the chaff.

With that said, I do agree with quite a bit of what they say. Most of their knowledge is very down-to-earth, and the abusing of said knowledge comes from taking it out of context or to extremes (funny thing, people do the same thing with the Bible all the time....hmmm....maybe we should start reading the source and stop just going by what people say all the time, yes?).

But I digress. Back to the subject on hand!

Preparing to Be A Help Meet is a book to help girls to get a head start on marriage. Most people will get married someday, and not only does it not hurt to have a head start, it can make the difference between making or breaking a new marriage. 

The book itself is very attractive, easy to read, replete with footnotes throughout from different guys' perspectives, and has a complete teacher's guide in the back. This has proven extremely helpful to me, since I've never taught a class on anything before. *gulp* Fortunately I have a group of girls attending that I know quite well and am good friends with them. Camaraderie covers up a multitude of teaching mistakes.

Without any further ado, here are my notes for week 1. As each Sunday goes by I'll post the corresponding notes from that week, and hopefully I won't get behind like this again. Each chapter has an overall theme, a word study, Bible verses, and questions.

Chapter 1 is really heavy. For a book that looks like it'll just deal with 'relationship stuff', it kicks off with prayer and the command and need for prayer. God doesn't force us to do things, and that includes not forcing us to take the blessings that are available if we just ask for them. Prayer is needed in order to grant God permission to work in our lives. (Poor description, but it's the only way I can think of how to say it)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Week 1, Chapter 1: The Kid

Focus: Prayer

Prayer: 1. A reverent petition made to God

2. The act of making such a petition

3. Any act of communion with God, such as a confession, praise, or thanksgiving

4. Any fervent request

Communion: 1. A possessing or sharing in common; participation

2. A sharing of thoughts or feelings, intimate talk

3a. A religious or spiritual fellowship

3b. A body of Christians with a common religious faith who practice the same rites; denomination

Reverent/Reverence: 1. A feeling of profound awe and respect and often of love; veneration

2. An act of showing respect

Petition: 1. A solemn supplication or request  to a superior authority; an entreaty

Antonyms: answer, command, demand

Synonyms: appeal, implore, entreaty, supplication

A prayer can be as simple as a thought and inward speech to God, or big enough to lead an assembly.

Read aloud: Matthew 9:38, Luke 10:2, John 15:7, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2

"Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." -- Matthew 9:38

"He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." -- Luke 10:2

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." --John 15:7

"As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.  And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith." -- 2 Thess. 3:1-2

Why does God want us to pray? "He tells us to pray that the word they are preaching will have free course. The devils that would otherwise hinder them with sickness, strife, or worldliness will not be able to slow down the gospel message!" -- Preparing To Be A Help Meet

"In summary: One of the most important commands God gives us in His word is to pray for laborers for the fields, men and women who will go forth to give the gospel. Yet who obeys His command to pray for laborers?

~We have a command to pray.

~We have a responsibility to pray.

~Do you pray for laborers to give the gospel?" -- Preparing

 

Job Applications, The Sequel

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that I disliked writing out job applications. But I have put my nose to the grindstone and finished six in that time period...so I guess it doesn't matter if I don't like it, they still had to be done. 

Plus, who knows what crazy awesome opportunities may open up through said jobs? 8D They're all for dude ranches in Colorado, Montana (I think), and a kid's camp in Illinois. I'm really leaning towards a couple of them for sure, but it all depends on who responds. *crosses fingers*

This might seem like a random career change, but really it's not...when I was 18 I applied for a job out West, didn't get it, and haven't had an opportunity to apply since then. Now I can, and I'm really looking forward to whatever comes out of it. 

Tonight, because I was excited about the prospects of getting a job out West (yes, I know, I might not, but I'm still excited), I started looking up Western clothing on Pinterest. None of these things are ones that I would buy...but I'd probably make something inspired from them.

These are all from an Etsty shop called True Rebel Clothing. It's pricey, but definitely an interesting place to get ideas.

I'm getting somewhat obsessed with drapey, twirly skirts. Considering I hardly ever wear skirts, this may be a problem. On the other hand, this may be just what I need to get the sewing machine whipped out and in operation again.

Some Animal Pictures and Randomosity

I was feeling icky earlier today (actually thought I was coming down with the flu for a bit there, but ginger tea, charcoal, and acid water from the Kangen machine have intervened for a happy tummy. I subscribe to the shotgun approach), and as a result haven't really done anything super productive today. So instead I'll post pictures of some various animals and complain a bit. XD

Javert being...Javert. He's one weird dog. 

I think I'm going to request to not work on Saturdays at DQ anymore. I enjoy working during the week, because we only have a few people and actually get stuff done while enjoying each other's company. (For the most part.) But on weekends there are a lot of people (10 just for today) and everyone was chatting, taking their good old time, not tending to the customers, etc. I felt like the only person who was actually trying to work. -.- I'd much rather work more hours during the week than three hours of bumping into idle people on the weekends. 

Javert has broken his tennis ball, finally. He must have had it for a year before it split, but he still plays with it. 

And his rope too.

My root beer that I mentioned earlier was a flop...I let it ferment too long and it was nasty. Next time I'll let it go for 2 days and then strain off the grains, because this way it was disgusting. I had to toss it out. :/

(The Gookster! I've petitioned to change her name from 'Gooky', which is a contraction of 'good kitty', to 'Bakky', which is a contraction of 'bad kitty'. So far no one has taken me up on it.)

Yeah, she's a pretty cat and she knows it. She's currently sprawled out behind my computer because it's warm. -.-

So I've been reading some other reviews for Les Mis, and I'd have to say that the viewing camps have settled into two: the 'I loved it, and appreciate mostly everything about it' camp, and the vitriolic 'this was the worst movie I've ever seen and anyone who liked it was an idiot' camp. 

I would identify somewhere in between, because while I loved it as an adaptation it's still not up to Brick standards. (Nothing ever will, I know, BUT STILL.) I'll probably only watch it once or twice a year in the future because I can only handle so much emotional trauma.

What I don't understand is the people who decide that they hate it, and then spew that hatred and vitriol and attack the actors on a personal level. It's very petty, and shows a huge lack of class. Just because YOU don't like something, doesn't mean that you have to mock everyone who happens to like it, especially when it comes to a story that's impacted people for over 150 years and will still to do so long after the 'hating' opinion is completely forgotten. 

*/rant*

This is a cat from a house that I clean. Both cats find my bag and my boots absolutely fascinating, and I have no idea why.

Okay. I'm done. You may go back to your daily life.

How's the List?

Nobody has asked, but it can't hurt to follow up. XD

1. Finish school. To be specific, I want to do school 3 days a week, minimum.

I've done school two nights this week, and we're off to a poor start. I must have read the latest chapter three times, took several pages of notes, and even took the quizzes at the end, and I didn't retain a thing. This is disturbing and discouraging. On the other hand, I can write 90 wpm at 100% accuracy, which is a step up from 78 wpm a@ 100% accuracy a month ago. Go figure.

2. Get a summer job at a camp or ranch. (Specifically, fill out applications for said job)

I have a stack of envelopes sitting next to my desk right now with applications. All they need is a 'biographical sketch' (*tries not to panic*) and pictures attached, which shall be picked up tomorrow evening.

3. Start and successfully complete high school girls' study on 'Created to Be A Help Meet'.

It's been started, anyway, and the first class was off to a good start. I'm foreseeing lots of good discussion and research over the next 18 weeks.

4. Complete 'Couch to 5K' program and the 90-day Cross-fit challenge (work out 3 days a week to start, perhaps increase as stamina improves)

I've made it through 2 weeks of the Couch to 5K program, and today was the 4th day of the Crossfit challenge. I've only been able to do it three days out of four, and I'll probably be sore the entire time, but I'm giving it a good try! The only downside is that I've been STARVING every day. I have no idea how I'm supposed to lose weight when every time I work out I eat a huge amount of food. Sigh.

5. Become more camera-savvy and proficient by playing with said camera and looking up the manual in order to learn all the functions.

I've been playing with my camera some, but haven't looked up the manual yet. *sigh* 

6. Play piano or guitar at least 2 times a week.

I played guitar tonight...for the first time this week. *hangs head* There's always tomorrow, right?

I haven't ridden the horse at all, because when it's not cold it's raining or icy. Creating has fallen a bit by the wayside while trying to keep on top of everything else (taking pictures is creating, right? Right?).

9. Get a calendar and learn to schedule and budget time and money.

*needs to get a calendar* I've started the $5 saving idea, though--the idea is whenever a $5 bill comes into one's possession, they put it back for something nice or a rainy day. I'm doing $5s and $1s, so that'll be fun to delve into in a few months.

10. Go to the library once a week for books and research ones to order through the library exchange system.

This week's books are The Herbfarm Cookbook and Creative Bookbinding. Because, y'know, one can never read too much about herbs and bookbinding is one of those things I've wanted to learn but haven't taken the time to do so. (My copy has a hideous cover from the 60's that's totally asymmetrical and messes with my sense of patterns and rhythm. *shudders* But the content is good.)

And I bought a book yesterday called God's Generals: The Roaring Reformers. The first chapter is on John Wycliffe, and Mom spoiled it for me by telling me that he gets burned at the stake. D: It turns out he died of a stroke instead, but still! I was getting really attached to the old dude! *ignores the fact that he lived in the 1300s and is very much dead anyway* Sigh.

So that's how the first week has gone...not horrible, but not fantastic either. Hopefully I'll get my footing in the next few days/weeks to come.

Root Beer: Round 2

I attempted to make some 'root beer' a couple of weeks ago using my kefir water (long story there, but I'll try to explain along the way). It sorta worked, and sorta didn't...hopefully this time will be more successful.

For those who are unaware, kefir water is made from kefir granules. Basically, one puts water, sugar, and kefir granules in a jar, lets it sit on the counter for 48 hours, and voila, you have fizzy sugar water. (The link explains it much better than I just did)

Actually, kefir is a lacto-fermented drink. The granules are bacteria and yeast (the good kind) that 'eat' sugar and infuse the water with probiotics and fizzies. I've had this particular jar for about 2 weeks, and the kefir grains are VERY happy.

Every time I walk past I poke the jar to watch them do their happy dance (bubbles rise from the grains and a few rise and fall in the water. It's pretty entertaining). They really like well water (it's filtered, of course) because of the minerals in said water. That said, these are getting a little out of hand. They've tripled in quantity since I got them, and it was time to divide them up.

Last week (or the week before? I lose track of time) I looked up a recipe for making kefir root beer, found that I only had three ingredients and ordered the rest, got impatient and made a modified version...you get the idea. The first batch only had sassafras bark, a cinnamon stick, and a few cloves in it; those were simmered in two quarts of water to make a tea, strained, had some sugar added, and divided into jars. I took one jar, filled it with some of the kefir water and the tea, and set it on the counter. The second jar was the same, but with a couple spoonfuls of kefir grains. The jar with the grains did much better as far as getting a carbonated taste to it; thus, that's what I'm doing this time.

The rest of my ingredients came on Saturday, and I did not take my time getting another batch going this morning. My only mistake was following the recipe where the ginger root was concerned, and it really, REALLY tastes like ginger. My brother didn't like it, but I think it's pretty good. 

I had to modify the recipe a bit, with taking out the juniper berries and hops flowers, but I figured they wouldn't be missed that much.

Yum, boiled bark.

The tea had to sit until it came to room temperature because the grains will die (or something) if they're exposed to heat. So it sat on the counter until we got home from church, and I put them in their jars to ferment for 4-6 days.

Another mistake was using a metal spoon to scoop the grains out. Apparently they don't like metal either, and it's not been fizzing at all. *wrings hands* Hopefully they'll snap out of it though...

I will be back with an update on my attempt in a few days! In other news, my new macro lens came on Saturday too. I haven't had much time to play with it, but it's so cool. Observe:

 

Eyes in focus...

 

 

...nose in focus!

I may or may not be having way too much fun with this. Ahem.

In other other news, tomorrow is the beginning of the 90-day Cross-fit Challenge. *whimpers* I'm going to be so dead...but on the other hand, I took 'before' pictures today and I feel like a tub of lard. Man. I have no definition, no stamina, AND no strength! Great way to start! XD In 90 days I expect to be ripped. If not, I'm lodging an official complaint with...somebody. I don't know who yet. 

I'll probably not be putting my workouts on here, but I'm keeping track at the gym in a notebook. Yes, we've been going back to the gym...but I've worked out  more consistently these past two weeks than I have in almost a year. Time to be back in shape, yo.