So, this may sound silly, but I think of my blog readers a lot. And I'd like to know what you think about my blog. Do you like seeing my crafts and sewing projects? Do you care that Chris and I went to the beach two weekends ago (cause didn't blog about that one). What things do you enjoy reading about? What would you like to see posted here?
If you have time, would you do one of two things for me -- either fill out the poll to the left of this post (How often should Emily blog?) or give me some feedback in the comments section below this post.
Blogs can have different purposes -- and I'm struggling with what the purpose of my blog should be. Is it a journal open for the public or is it more? I feel like I could tell you so much more than what I have been . . . but should I? I also don't want it to turn into an advice column but I am learning things that I'd like to share.
I'd appreciate hearing anything you have to say.
Thanks!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Excitement in the Kitchen . . . again
I have been working towards being more organized lately. I like being prepared for my week . . . at work and at home. Since I have been married I have been pretty good at planning meals and doing my shopping in one big trip on a weekly basis. My problem more recently is that every week, I feel scatter brained and it takes much longer than I had hoped. This leaves me feeling tired and sometimes frustrated.
So, I've started making a few adjustments:
1) I found myself a calendar with enough space in each square to write down my daily menu. I like using a monthly calendar much better than a weekly one; that way I can plan ahead if I need to and keep track of vacations or special events like potluck. I can also see what I've made the week before so I don't repeat it.
2) I made a little note pad for my weekly grocery list. I used to use a regular notebook but found myself backtracking and double tracking through the aisles of the grocery store. This notepad is divided by the different departments of the store which keeps me more organized while shopping.
3) I found a folder that will hold both of the above along with my weekly grocery circular and any coupons I find . . . I even take this with me to the store--that way I have everything with me.
It's a start. I've been reading about websites that will make your weekly meal plans for you. I've found apps for my iPod that will keep track of my grocery list for me too. But I have found that I don't operate very well with either one of those (and I don't want to pay for services I can do on my own). Plus I like investing myself in my menus and my cooking . . . it is one of the many ways I can actually serve my husband.
There are a few other things that I did today that will help me stay motivated in the kitchen . . . for a little while anyway:
1) I got another America's Test Kitchen cookbook from the library
2) I bought a blender
3) I found a wall-mountable easel that can hold my cookbooks so they don't have to take up counter space anymore!
Now, back to my homemade cinnamon rolls!
So, I've started making a few adjustments:
1) I found myself a calendar with enough space in each square to write down my daily menu. I like using a monthly calendar much better than a weekly one; that way I can plan ahead if I need to and keep track of vacations or special events like potluck. I can also see what I've made the week before so I don't repeat it.
2) I made a little note pad for my weekly grocery list. I used to use a regular notebook but found myself backtracking and double tracking through the aisles of the grocery store. This notepad is divided by the different departments of the store which keeps me more organized while shopping.
3) I found a folder that will hold both of the above along with my weekly grocery circular and any coupons I find . . . I even take this with me to the store--that way I have everything with me.
It's a start. I've been reading about websites that will make your weekly meal plans for you. I've found apps for my iPod that will keep track of my grocery list for me too. But I have found that I don't operate very well with either one of those (and I don't want to pay for services I can do on my own). Plus I like investing myself in my menus and my cooking . . . it is one of the many ways I can actually serve my husband.
There are a few other things that I did today that will help me stay motivated in the kitchen . . . for a little while anyway:
1) I got another America's Test Kitchen cookbook from the library
2) I bought a blender
3) I found a wall-mountable easel that can hold my cookbooks so they don't have to take up counter space anymore!
Now, back to my homemade cinnamon rolls!
 |
| 380 Miles -- and over 30 appointments trying to figure out what is going on with my feet! |
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Lasting Friendship
Last week, my very good friend from college, Katie, came to visit. This was no ordinary visit. And she is no ordinary friend.
First of all, you must know that Katie was living in Australia for the past year and this visit was an on-purpose layover on her way back to the midwest. Secondly, we had not seen each other since my wedding day two years ago!
The reason I say that Katie is no ordinary friend is that she is one of the few people in my life who has never let time zones or distance get in the way of keeping in touch with someone on a regular basis. The longest Katie and I have gone without a conversation in the past six years is probably two months and that was because I was in Africa (we still emailed). I've moved to 4 different states/countries in the past 5 years and Katie has moved to 3 and keeping in touch is not easy. But we still find a way and a time to make it happen. (Skype has been wonderful to us!)
We've been friends since my junior year of college; we met during an orientation to a Campus Crusade for Christ spring break trip. I think the leader who introduced us knew we would hit it off really well. I think we met each other at the point in our lives where we were both really hungry to know God more. Knowing God and keeping each other accountable in walking the Christ-like path has been a priority in our friendship ever since. Asking, "How's it going with God lately?" is not an uncommon question for us to ask each other. I definately need a friend to ask those tough questions!
Katie is a very thoughtful person -- people are her priority. One of my favorite things about her (that I noticed within months of meeting her) is that she loves taking time to write to people. Whether that's an email, a real letter (which I received in abundance while I was overseas) or a little note card--you can be sure it is filled with encouraging words and heart felt prayers just for you. And if you're lucky, there are markers involved and doodling.
She's also a wonderful listener (that goes with making people a priority I suppose). But in all seriousness, Katie has listened to me complain, cry and laugh about everything from stupid hair cuts to crushes. She is very wise and quick to give me a Christ-like perspective. Katie was great at encouraging and praying for me when I met my husband and was going through a plethora of emotions, dreams, and doubts. I'm sure she was the first person to point out to me that I was "in love" too. She said she could tell even over the phone that I had been grinning ear to ear whenever I talked about him.
There is one more thing I want to share with you about my friend Katie. She loves adventure. She loves to travel, to see new places and meet new people. Did I mention she lived in Australia for a year? She's also spent some time in Africa and India. When I think of Katie's love for adventure, I'm reminded of her unwavering trust in the Lord. She's trusted him through so much in life already and I know He's asking her to trust Him even more with the future.
So, back to her visit to San Francisco -- she was only here for two full days, but they were terrific. The first item on our list of things to do was to get my hair cut (I couldn't go by myself) and who better to bring with me than Katie? Then we went to the Golden Gate Bridge and Land's End. It was a bit on the foggy side, but it was still beautiful.
Katie, thanks for spending two days with me in San Francisco! Thank you for your years of friendship. I love you dearly!
First of all, you must know that Katie was living in Australia for the past year and this visit was an on-purpose layover on her way back to the midwest. Secondly, we had not seen each other since my wedding day two years ago!
The reason I say that Katie is no ordinary friend is that she is one of the few people in my life who has never let time zones or distance get in the way of keeping in touch with someone on a regular basis. The longest Katie and I have gone without a conversation in the past six years is probably two months and that was because I was in Africa (we still emailed). I've moved to 4 different states/countries in the past 5 years and Katie has moved to 3 and keeping in touch is not easy. But we still find a way and a time to make it happen. (Skype has been wonderful to us!)
We've been friends since my junior year of college; we met during an orientation to a Campus Crusade for Christ spring break trip. I think the leader who introduced us knew we would hit it off really well. I think we met each other at the point in our lives where we were both really hungry to know God more. Knowing God and keeping each other accountable in walking the Christ-like path has been a priority in our friendship ever since. Asking, "How's it going with God lately?" is not an uncommon question for us to ask each other. I definately need a friend to ask those tough questions!
Katie is a very thoughtful person -- people are her priority. One of my favorite things about her (that I noticed within months of meeting her) is that she loves taking time to write to people. Whether that's an email, a real letter (which I received in abundance while I was overseas) or a little note card--you can be sure it is filled with encouraging words and heart felt prayers just for you. And if you're lucky, there are markers involved and doodling.
She's also a wonderful listener (that goes with making people a priority I suppose). But in all seriousness, Katie has listened to me complain, cry and laugh about everything from stupid hair cuts to crushes. She is very wise and quick to give me a Christ-like perspective. Katie was great at encouraging and praying for me when I met my husband and was going through a plethora of emotions, dreams, and doubts. I'm sure she was the first person to point out to me that I was "in love" too. She said she could tell even over the phone that I had been grinning ear to ear whenever I talked about him.
There is one more thing I want to share with you about my friend Katie. She loves adventure. She loves to travel, to see new places and meet new people. Did I mention she lived in Australia for a year? She's also spent some time in Africa and India. When I think of Katie's love for adventure, I'm reminded of her unwavering trust in the Lord. She's trusted him through so much in life already and I know He's asking her to trust Him even more with the future.
So, back to her visit to San Francisco -- she was only here for two full days, but they were terrific. The first item on our list of things to do was to get my hair cut (I couldn't go by myself) and who better to bring with me than Katie? Then we went to the Golden Gate Bridge and Land's End. It was a bit on the foggy side, but it was still beautiful.
The next day we hung out downtown and then ended up at Fisherman's Wharf for lunch at Boudin Bakery --Yum! Then we headed home for a nap and then we went out for dinner at Cafe Cozzolino.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)