Stamped Metal

Oh. My. Stars. I am swooning. Now my angels are always with me! And this way, it's actually quiet...

My New Love and a Messenger Bag

So, I guess my 11 yo is old enough to make her own book lugging decisions. And apparently, it is not cool to use a rolling backpack. Many of the 5th grade crowd, harbingers of taste and cool that they are, carry the ever popular messenger bag. Being the hyper cool mommy that I am, I made her one. It is super cute. My girl loves her new bag and it is actually lighter and easier to use. We are both happy; for now.

Also my metal stamping kit arrived minus a B and a 9, but including two Qs and two 7s. So I could only do my son's name. Let me take a turn around the crazy block and tell you how incredibly happy new craft toys make me. Geeking out right now. Really.

You like?

Hat Juggling

So, here's what I'm thinking about today. I'm just gonna throw this out there because I want to see what you all have to say about this topic.

Sometimes it seems I am the sum of the hats I wear: mom, wife, daughter, sister, business owner, crafter, friend, Christian, reader, consumer, etc. etc. etc. But I rail against that because those are things I do, not who I am (with the exception of Christian because that is a slightly nuanced relationship). There is a disconnect. The sum of those roles does not equal capital M me.

Do you ever feel limited by your definitions of self? Please leave a comment on the blog. You don't even have to have an account; no one needs to know its from you. I just want to hear what you think.

Economic Recovery Legislation; Energy Efficiency Amendment

Below are two sample texts you can use to write your senator about the Energy Efficiency Amendment that is part of President Obama's Economic Recovery Legislation.

Please take the time to find your senator and get the message out there. I know we are all busy and we may not think about stuff like this but it is vital that we participate in our government so it can be by and for the people, as designed.

Now I will step off my soap box. Move along.

Making homes and buildings energy efficient is the quickest and most cost-effective way to help people with their energy bills, reduce foreclosures and create great jobs in every community. I urge you to contact the Senate leadership in support of the Inslee amendment that increases the funding for energy efficiency in the Economic Recovery package. Thank you.

Or

I am writing to encourage Senator X to contact the Senate leadership in support of the proposed Inslee amendment to the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act. As an (insert your energy affiliation), I believe it is critical that the energy efficiency funds in the Recovery Act be increased, not decreased, to meet the immediate needs of Oklahomans. Too many people can not afford their energy bills and are even losing their homes because of the recent rise in expenses. Making homes, businesses and government more energy efficient will help every community and will create at least 100,000 jobs in this state. I know Senator X will see the value of expanding the energy efficiency infrastructure in Oklahoma Thank you for reading this message.

This would also be a good project for students...

You can find your senator by clicking here.

Soundtrack for a Workout

Music gets me through the days I just. don't. want. to. exercise. Today was kinda one of those days; my back hurt, I was running late on some promised activities, it was cold, and well, I just didn't wanna. My dear husband likes to put the ipod on shuffle and just take what he gets. I can't stand that. I want to listen to what I want to listen to. I want to be the DJ; it is a personal musical device, personal being the first word in that phrase. Personal means I get to pick what I hear. Plus he likes weird music.

So, for fun, I thought I'd tell you my perfect 30 minute set.

You have to start with U2's Desire. Just sets the right tone.
Coldplay's Death and All His Friends followed by their
Viva la Vida
King's of Leon Sex on Fire, which I do not understand but like anyway
These are followed by extended versions of two New Order songs, Bizarre Love Triangle and Blue Monday. This will take you nearly to the end.
If you have time, you do Viva la Vida again and then segue into Desire.

I just broke one of my promises, because this has nothing to do with faith, family or craft, but it seemed like a fun thing to do. Remember, I reserved the right to do whatever I want. That's how I roll. (Unless we put it in craft, as in I'm crafting a new body....?)

What is your perfect workout mix?

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Just wanted to pass along a passalong. I really like this idea and I think I will make one...I know just who will get it, too. Check it out; it looks like a great community of thoughtful inspired women.

http://www.shawlministry.com/

The Code

Hi! You're here. Welcome. It has come to my attention that many of you are in fact clicking my obnoxious links and coming here to read what's on my mind today. Blogs are in fact a form of self flattery; clearly I must think I'm all that to open up my magnificent writing skills for all to partake. You're welcome!

One thing I didn't really count on was that you would really click through. And I may have shared a bit or two that was inappropriate, by my standards, so I wanted you to know the ground rules for myself. I don't want you thinking that this is a place where I will be sharing all your deepest and darkest secrets. Just mine...not that I have any.

The Code

• I promise I will never write about you without your permission.
• If that is true for you, then you must assume it is true for all.
• I will avoid all topics concerning a certain private school unless it relates directly to the actual education of our children. Did you know they did that there?
• I will restrict myself to topics that relate to the following headings: family, faith, craft. I reserve the right to change my mind about this, for no apparent reason.
• I cherish my friends and love getting your feedback.

'kay. That's it. Love that you give me a little time in your day. Love seeing your smiling faces. Love knowing some great people. Have a good one.