Day 16: What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
Ok. This one is going to be tough. I mean, 1 or 2 I could do, but 5? That's tough. I don't like to sound like I'm bragging and I don't know that I've ever done anything "great". Well, here goes.....
- First one is easy. I gave birth 3 times without an epidural. I'm not bragging and I don't care what any other woman does. For me, I wanted to do it without any meds and go as natural as possible. I did it once and knew I could do it again. I did have fast labors. I'm sure if I had had 20+ hour labors like some women, I would have been begging for some relief. Anyway, to me, that was like climbing Mt Everest!
- This one may sound silly, but to my 6 year old self, it was a great accomplishment. It was learning to spell my last name. My maiden name was Rindfleisch. For a little kid, that's a lot of letters. My mother told me I couldn't get my own library card until I could fill out the application card myself. Of course, that included writing my full name, T-h-e-r-e-s-a R-i-n-d-f-l-e-i-s-c-h. I did it! I was so proud to finally be able to check out books all by myself! I was a nerd even back then! LOL
- Home ownership. My parents didn't achieve this until they were in their late-40's. Hubby and I were able to do it (by God's grace) in our mid/late 20's. (I was mid, he was late! ;-) ). I'm so thankful that my kids have this nice, big house and their own yard to grow up in. It's much different that the driveway and the patch of dirt I had. Of course, the apartment we had was on the 2nd floor and it was pretty cool to sit out on the roof in the summer at night and just watch the world go by. That was probably the one thing that place had going for it.
- I homeschooled my kids for 3 years and hope to homeschool the little one through at least kindergarten. I would love to bring the older 2 home again at some point, but I'm not sure it's ever going to happen. Homeschooling is not easy and every day can feel like a huge defeat. One step forward, 2 steps back. Looking back, I think 3 years is a great accomplishment. Side note: If you're reading this and are a homeschooling mom: You're my hero!!
- One more. I don't know. That's all I've got for now. If I think of anything else, I'll come back. At some point in my life I'd like to add learning to cook a good steak (mine never come out well), getting a college degree, and maybe conquering the world to this list, but this will have to do for now. Bye!
Day 15: If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
Day 15! Halfway there!
An animal? I would definitely be a house cat. I love to eat and sleep. I like to be around people, but like my own space, too. I love to play. I can be a bit cranky one minute and turn around and be your best friend the next. I enjoy being pampered. Yes, I think I would make an excellent cat.
I thought about saying a dog, only because I am very loyal, but I think I share more with a cat and I do have a cat who is very loyal, so I went with that.
Day 14: Describe 5 strengths you have.
This one is going to be a little harder than yesterday's weakness post. Let me think....
- I definitely see my sense of humor as a strength. Being able to laugh at things, particularly myself, has gotten me through some really tough times in life.
- Physically, I'm stronger than most people give me credit for. It always amazes people when they see me lifting heavy stuff. It really is funny. I mean, I'm not going to be benching 350 or anything, but I can probably help you move your couch, if you need me to.
- I can remember the most, random, useless facts. I consider it a strength because I read stuff and remember a lot of it. It can make me sound intelligent in most conversations. Of course, I have to be careful not to come across as a "know it all". I don't like "know it alls".
- I care about people. I guess to some this would be a weakness, but I consider it a strength. People need to know they're cared for.
- I would have to say my greatest strength, though, is that I know that, on my own, I have no strength. My strength comes from the Lord. He sustains me. Without Him, I can do nothing.
I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. ~ Psalm 18:1-3
Day 13: Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
This one should be EASY for me! I have a bunch of them.
- Donuts. Well, sweets in general, but donuts in particular. Yum! I have such a hard time saying no. They're just SO good! Sweet bits of fried goodness! And forget it if they're filled. That's just too much to expect. Can't. Turn. Away!!
- Caring too much what others think. I try not to, but I do think a lot about what others are thinking about me. I'm s-l-o-w-l-y getting over it. I mean, I'm not in high school any more. If you want to my friend, great! If not, that's ok, too! If you don't want to be my friend because I don't wear certain clothes, drive a certain car, or live in a certain type of house, really it's your problem, not mine. That's easy to say. A little harder to live, but I'm getting better.
- Vera Bradley purses. I just think they're the coolest things ever. It's a good thing they're not cheap or I'd have to buy a bigger house for all of the ones I would own! LOL I recently acquired this one, thanks to my in-laws and their generous birthday donations.
- Babies. I just love them! I don't want any more of my own, but I love to love on them and kiss them and squeeze them and inhale that amazing new baby scent! Aaah! It's awesome! I love when someone I know has a baby. I even have a hard time in restaurants and grocery stores not going up to complete strangers and offering to hold their babies. I know. It would be totally stalker-creepy, but I still want to do it.
- Pinterest. Love, love, love it! I could spend all day on it. I pin stuff like crazy. I know I'll never actually do half of it, but it's nice to know all the ideas are there if I want them. And some of the stuff on the humor page is just the 2 minute escape I need about 7:30 at night to get me through that last hour and half before all the kids are in bed. ;-)
Day 12: Describe a typical day in your life.
With 3 kids, I don't know what a typical day is. Chaos would be a good description. Lots of laundry, dishes, housework, running around, church activities, school activities, visiting family, finding shoes, kissing boo-boos, reading books, solving math problems, laughter (lots of laughter. We love to be goofy!), some tears, changing diapers, driving the van, cooking the meals, caring for the pets, guiding the hearts, loving the husband, clearing the misunderstandings, brushing the teeth, washing the bodies, some more laughter, some hugs and kisses, thanking God for the blessings, asking for strength for the trials and wisdom for the road ahead, lights out, good night.
I think that covers it. At least until tomorrow, when I get to do it all again!
Stoplight: The Dog Painter
Funny video that makes a good point. Please watch!!
Day 11: Describe a few of your pet peeves.
- People who throw stuff out their car windows, particularly cigarette butts. The world is not your garbage can OR your ash tray!
- People who swear at their kids. I admit I'm not always the most patient with mine and have lost it more times then I care to count, but to use profanity on a child is just awful in my book.
- People who don't clean up after their dogs. I get that your dog has to do its business, but don't just leave it there! No one wants to see it and it's just GROSS!
- People who claim "tolerance", until you disagree with them.
- Any time someone misuses their, there, and they're.
- Or its and it's.
That's 6. I'm sure there are more. I tend to get annoyed a lot. I've learned to just let stuff roll off my back. Most of it is just not worth getting upset over. Like #5 and 6 above. Yes, it's annoying, but not worth very much frustration. Just glad I'm not an English teacher. LOL
