Amanda's Adventures and New Product Reviews

What happens when you turn to the Bible....

Stay In and Go All Out •Now you can make restaurant-style food at home in about 20 minutes — just add chicken! •Try all four delicious flavors inspired by the chefs at Romano’s Macaroni Grill®. I really love trying new products and telling people about them. General Mills asked me to do just that, so here I go!

Poof! It's gone! Labor Day is Monday and September is arriving. Oh joy! What did I do this month? Worked, read a whole bunch: When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris Conservatize Me: How I Tried to Become a Righty with the Help of Richard Nixon, Sean Hannity, Toby Keith, and Beef Jerky by John Moe The Fruit Hunters: A Story of Nature, Adventure, Commerce, and Obsession by Adam Leith Gollner The Man Who Made Lists: Love, Death, Madness, and the Creation of "Roget's Thesaurus" by Joshua Kendall Why We Read What We Read: A Delightfully Opinionated Journey Through Bestsellers by Lisa Adams Comedy at the Edge: How Stand-up in the 1970s Changed America by Richard Zoglin Maps & Legends by Michael Chabon And I finished Girl Meets God by Lauren Winner Leap Over a Wall by Eugene Peterson Julie & Julia by Julie Powell If we're counting, I read 7 books in whole and finished three. 10 books in a month sounds pretty good to me. I also saw three movies in eight ...

I realize I'm not living up to my purpose of the blog. I am not describing my wanderings. Earlier this month, I went to Green Bay. Why Green Bay? It was another chapter on this adventure we call tagging along with Dad while he is a part of the National Bible Quiz finals. Well, this trip sucked...to be blunt. Money was tight, tensions were high, and I was a mess health-wise. My knee was bad, really bad, so I could hardly walk or get around. There was nothing to do, it was hot, and my Mom made me sew. My dad barely paid any attention to me...I didn't end up seeing my best friend when I was in the same state...should I go on? I don't really want to! I've attached a few photos: The hotel exterior, a dinosaur with a cheesehead (where else but Green Bay by Lambeau field?), and a nice shot of Lake Michigan from up in the UP.

Well, on Friday, I was nervous about being stuck at home all weekend, and Saturday, I whined about it. But on Sunday I relish it. What is up with that? I adore my quiet Sundays and never feel guilty about it. Now here's the truth...no one gives a flying fig what I do the weekends. I should stop feeling guilty when I don't do a lot. I am entitled to getting some rest...and I am not the type who likes to go out any way. It's okay to stay in. Really, it is.

I will be the first to admit that I don't like to stay home. It's lonely there, in need of some serious cleaning attention, and generally stifling to me. And I don't really have any nice toys. But I have slept in hotel beds for 12 nights of the last three weeks. It's time to deal with it, suck it up, and spend some serious time at home. I'm not sure what I think about it. I'm not really excited per se, but I'm looking forward to tackling some of those small projects and just dawdling. Too bad I don't get to sleep in either day this weekend, but I have plenty of time nap. And these guys need me:

Besides headachey SeeqPod - Playable Search I followed a link to Rufus singing "Careless Whisper" with Ben Fold Five, which reminded how much I love his voice. His lifestyle/ Not so much.

Why has it taken so long for me to write a real post? I'm not sure I know the answer, so moving on... Yesterday was one of those rare days when I had a lot of energy. That happens so infrequently. But I've really been off since Memorial Day when I killed my knee. I finally am walking better. It doesn't hurt as much and now I can walk a lot better. I am not sure the doctor did anything, but I know that I'm better; it's a load off my mind knowing that I don't need to have surgery yet. And then it was not fun to be sick on vacation. I guess if you're going to have a huge fever and spend lots of time feeling horrible, it's best to do it in a hotel when you don't have to do anything. But I felt terrible when I got home too. I had tons of work to do and I was gearing up for the Girls Night In meet-up. But I'm home and things are getting back to normal. I don't regret all my travels this month, but I sure am tired. Until yesterday. Once in a while, ...

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1659866173 I'm a nerd...Ever since Michael Ausiello jumped ship from TV Guide to EW, I've been waiting for new stuff. He's still answering questions and he's even got a great little TV show. yes, I am a nerd.

Did you ever have one of those stretches where you're reminders it's not all about you? Seemingly annoying things make sense rather quickly and it all seems to work for a reason. So yesterday, I had a crummy day. I didn't have any work to do ... nice, but it makes me worry ... and I had tons and tons of laundry to do. With this silly knee, carrying things down the stairs is real hard. I managed to get a dozen loads down the stairs and some we clothes back up. I still have some dry clothes in the car, but that's just the way it is. Any who, I had some chicken cooking in the crock pot, or so I thought. I plugged it in and forgot to turn it on. I cleaned it up real good and brought the yucky chicken down to the trash and noticed.... a scared raccoon in the corner of the dumpster. Poor little guy must have been dumpster diving and fallen in. While I was at the car, a neighbor tossed a plastic bag on top of him. So I was able to get it off of him. I called maintenance and th...

This is great!

I'm not much of an artist. I can doodle, but mainly it consists of squares and circles. But I was in a meeting a week or so ago and this came out: I wanted to draw a picture of Godzilla taking over Tokyo. And I ended up with a giant rabbit taking over the town. Now, I'm the sort of person that turns everything into a lesson. There's hidden meanings under every rock, a greater truth behind ever breath...so of course, I start thinking about this means. The answer is pretty simple, I feel trampled upon. I do not feel like Godzilla (why does a lizard look like a bunny? Well, mainly because I can't draw lizzards. Really; it's that simple.) I do not feel like the stomper, but the stompee; maybe that's because lots of things have been out of my hands. But it's more like I'm learning to be more disciplined, which frankly, is a pretty suckey process. I'm not that bad as a whole. I'm kind, caring, thoughtful, conservative, patient, etc... but I can aways d...

It's cool to make lists, right? I was talking about this the other day with my mom and thought it was worthy of a blog post. Here's the list 1. Baby Ducks 2. Baby Polar Bears 3. Baby Seals 4. Marmalade Kittens and the dark horse...it's actually a water horse 5. Baby hippos

I am looking forward to the Sex and the City movie. I'm not sure I'll be able to handle the unedited moments, but I want to see how the story works out!

So, the big thing right now is reusable shopping bags; this is a wonderful way to conserve and care for the environment. I've picked a couple up at various places. I didn't realize it was possible to fall in love with a bag. Now I know it is luducrous to even be blogging about a reusable shopping bag...but man, I just adore this bag. It's sturdy, but if something happens to it, that's no big deal. It's deep and easy to sling over my shoulders. But more importantly, it helps take some of the weight away from my arms when I've carrying things. I have tendinitis is my elbows (well, the opposite side) and it's hard to lug boxes around. But this bag takes the weight and transfers it to my back. Now, this problem with carrying boxes has affected my ability to do laundry. I'm behind. I mean behind...a dozen loads, I'm washing scarves in May behind. I sorted it all last night and it took over the living room. I've filled two bags three times...and I'...

My brain is mush...so I am doing this instead of work: Your Psyche is Green You radiate love, empathy, and acceptance. You are able to relax almost everyone you meet. You are naturally comforting. Balanced and flexible, you only seem perfect! When you are too green: you are jealous, manipulative, and deceptive When you don't have enough green: you feel sluggish and out of sorts What Color Is Your Psyche? You are 80% Capricorn How Capricorn Are You? You Are More Yin Feminine Devoted Forgiving Fall Winter Afternoon Moon Time Passive Metal Honey Are You More Yin or Yang?

In some ways, this process of focusing our lives on the mind and work of Jesus involves distancing ourselves from the world around us in an effort to break away from our dysfunctions and addictions. To them we appear foolish and misguided. Thus this kind of focus cannot happen without a daily--even hourly--decision to surrender to the sway of the Spirit. Quote From: The Importance of Being Foolish How to Think Like Jesus by Brennan Manning Last night was a real treat! I drove to the north side of Grand Rapids ... to watch a live event at a movie theater... to watch a radio host work. Well, it was This American Life Live....a lecture, preview of the TV show, wonderful evening. Here's an article explaining it: http://www.courant.com/entertainment/tv/hc-amlife.artmay01,0,3954325.story I have to admit I was feeling claustrophobic last night. I moved my seat three times...finally settling in the front row in the corner. I also bolted out the side door when it was over. That happens at t...

I couldn't resist adding these photos to my blog. Sunday evening was so quiet and restful. The kitties were snuggled up in their chairs. I couldn't resist taking these photos! It's not quiet now. I totally was blessed by that time of rest.

Why oh why do I love this so? It's because it's funny!

In case you were wondering: Your Power Color Is Magenta At Your Highest: You energize yourself and push others to succeed. At Your Lowest: You feel frustrated and totally overwhelmed. In Love: You are surprised by who you attract. You're a love magnet. How You're Attractive: Open and free spirited, people want to explore the world with you. Your Eternal Question: "What is my next source of inspiration?" What's Your Power Color?

(This is a picture of Ted from the day I got him. Thank God there is not snow out now.) Ted, ah, Ted. He had an expensive trip to the mechanics today. I noticed last weekend that the tire was bald in the front. And then the brake light was flashing on...and then, well, yesterday was scary. It was shaking really bad when I tried to brake hard on M6. So this morning, I went to Belle tire, because I had a coupon. A $10 coupon for a $750 brake job. Here’s what my loan from the bank of Dad bought: Two new tires with roadside warranty, nitrogen, alignment, two rotors, brake hardware kits, brake shoes, a brake fluid flush, and lots and lots of labor. But now my car stops. That’s a good thing!

“He who has set his heart exclusively upon the pursuit of worldly welfare is always in a hurry, for he has but a limited time at his disposal to reach, to grasp, and to enjoy it.” Alexis de Tocqueville Today, I have started reading “In Praise of Slowness” by Carl Honore. It all started with a quote. Each day, I get a mail from Harper Collins’ inspirational line of books and found this little gem: “ This book is not a declaration of war against speed. Speed has helped to remake our world in ways that are wonderful and liberating. Who wants to live without the Internet or jet travel? The problem is that our love of speed, our obsession with doing more and more in less and less time, has gone too far; it has turned into an addiction, a kind of idolatry. [...] When you accelerate things that should not be accelerated, when you forget how to slow down, there is a price to pay. ” I posted it to the Lent blog (now the accountability blog) and Ker...

I reached the final page of A Free Life last Wednesday. I have finished the book club! I went to the library, turned in my card, and got some new things to read. What an accomplishment. Here's what I read:  Travel or International Fiction No Reservations from Anthony Bourdain Romance or Inspirational Weight of Glory from C.S. Lewis Biographical Fiction or Memoir The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid from Bill Bryson Your Choice The New Kings of Nonfictio n from Ira Glass Mystery or Thriller Wheel of Darkness from Preston & Child Your Choice The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2007 edited by Dave Eggers An audiobook Digging for the Truth from Josh Berstein Political or Historical Shakespeare by Bill Bryson Your Choice Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert NY Times Bestseller Award Winner The World is Flat by Steven Friedman Tropical Fiction Mr. Pip from Lloyd Jones Staff Picks Loving Frank by Nancy Horan Michigan Author or Setting The Muskegon: The Majesty and Tra...

Easter is coming in only a week. I saw a commercial today for some store full of kids and sun and family merriment. I will not be celebrating Easter like that. But I am thankful for what I do have!

Look at how little Henry looks...This was only last Memorial Day. He was so gross and ill-mannered. But he's turned into the sweetest most wonderful cat. They really get along well...I was worried that Charlie would not like a new baby brother. But he does! 

Why am I admitting this? Henry hates when I sing this to him. I don't know why. It's fun!

I'm almost through with the reading club! What a challenge! Since I've last posted, I have finished a few more titles: http://msupress.msu.edu/bookTemplate.php?bookID=3039 The Muskegon The Majesty and Tragedy of Michigan’s Rarest River I also read my classic, A Wrinkle in Time from Madeline L'Engle. A cheat? Perhaps. It is a Young Adult book that I've read six or eight times. But I enjoyed it so much and really did read it. I've also knocked off most of Eat, Pray, Love. That just leaves A Free Life from Ha Jin, the One Book One County title. I've just ordered it, so I hope it comes in soon.

That Henry and Charlie are getting along!

Frick! Another snow day...another blast of Arctic air. For the third week in a row, it's warmed up, been really wet, dropped around 30 degrees, and rendered it icy. I was just about the brush my teeth at 7:45 this morning when Michelle Wagner called...no nursey...they cancelled the first service. They've since cancelled the second. I have some errands to run today. We'll see if I get to them. Spring???? Please come!

I heard a podcast that talked about happiness...we know that has less to do with our circumstances than our attitudes. One of the suggestions was to journal three good things that happened to you each day. Why not? I need a reason to blog. Sunday, 2/3 1. Heard an awesome sermon 3X while running image computer (about praying & confessing) 2. Henry snuggled up to me when I got home from church 3. Took a break from work for a nap

I'm making progress! I have completed two rows...I now have my travel mugs. Here's what I've finished.... NY Times Bestseller Award Winner The World is Flat by Steven Friedman Tropical Fiction Mr. Pip from Lloyd Jones Staff Picks Loving Frank by Nancy Horan Now I'm reading Talk to the Hand by Lyne Truss (Your choice) And some tome about the Muskegon River (a Michigan setting). I'm getting there!!!!!

Generous Visionary

http://www.digthewig08.com/ No seriously, Michigan held it's primary last night. The Democrats are punishing Michigan by pulling their delgates. The Republicans' are halved. But Michigan got some attention. It needed it. We have a state that is very different than Iowa or New Hampshire. So, I had no idea how to vote. I literally didn't know until I was standing at the podium. I voted for Romney. For some reason, his business experience popped into my head, so I voted for him. Plus, I love his voice. He sounds awesome. That's not a reason to vote for the man...but I do love his voice. So, I went to the doctor this morning. I am sick. It's bronchitis and ear infections. I hope the antibiotics do the trick. Good luck white blood cells!

Well, my dream of joining a book club never seems to come true, but I am working on a challenge from the Kent District Library: The Let it Snow winter book club. While I'm not meeting with others, I am challenged to read 16 books of varying genres.  I'm getting there! I just completed my first row of four and am close to another.  Here's what I've read already: Travel or International Fiction No Reservations from Anthony Bourdain Romance or Inspirational Weight of Glory from C.S. Lewis Biographical Fiction or Memoir The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid from Bill Bryson Your Choice T he New Kings of Nonfiction from Ira Glass Mystery or Thriller Wheel of Darkness from Preston & Child Your Choice The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2007 edited by Dave Eggers An audiobook Digging for the Truth from Josh Berstein Political or Historical Shakespeare by Bill Bryson Here's what I'm working on, but I'm not done Your Choice Eat, Pray, Love by...

This was one of those mornings when I woke up late and I never really recovered from that. I left 20 minutes late, but I only ended up being 10 minutes late. I guess the traffic must have been lighter. I had one of those mornings where I cry all the way to work. It’s beyond me why I feel like blogging about this. It’s the same old problem...there’s not enough money and I don’t really have what I want in my life. Will it change? It never does. Is it worthy of hope? Can I expect it to get better? Only 28 more payments until my credit cards are paid off. I’ll get there. That will make things better. Really, it would. Well, there’s more on my mind than I’m willing to write about. Maybe I’ll get to it later. We’ll see.

Henry just loves chasing "Rocky" through the window. 

Henry just loves chasing "Rocky" through the window. 

This poor little blog was neglected when I was so busy in December. But I made it through the holiday. I’ll have to post some of the pictures from the Christmas trip soon. What will this year bring? We’ll see!

This poor little blog was neglected when I was so busy in December. But I made it through the holiday. I’ll have to post some of the pictures from the Christmas trip soon. What will this year bring? We’ll see!